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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Wednesday, March 4

Will Smith to Start at Catcher for Team USA Against Rockies

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Kansas City Royals catcher Will Smith is scheduled to start for Team USA on Wednesday. He will be behind the plate against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields. This appearance highlights his involvement in international play as teams prepare for the upcoming MLB season. Smith's role with Team USA provides valuable playing time and an opportunity to fine-tune his skills before joining his club for regular season action, demonstrating his readiness for competitive play.

Corbin Carroll Progresses in Hitting Program for Hand Injury

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Corbin Carroll (hand) has progressed from hitting off a tee and soft-toss to taking traditional batting-practice swings. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo indicated Carroll is nearing live BP. His surgically repaired right hand has responded well to lighter swings. While he won't play in the World Baseball Classic and isn't expected back in Cactus League soon, Carroll has a realistic chance to be cleared for Arizona's March 26 season opener.

Merrill Kelly to Throw Bullpen Session After Back Tightness

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Merrill Kelly (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, according to Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. Kelly experienced mid-back tightness shortly after camp opened, ruling him out of Opening Day starts. However, he has a chance to avoid the injured list and make a start in the second series of the season. A return to the mound Thursday is a significant step toward that goal.

Jacob Young Cleared to Resume Hitting After Wrist Contusion

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Jacob Young has not been cleared for hitting due to a right wrist contusion. He has been managing the issue since being hit by a pitch Feb. 18 but it still presents complications. The Nationals are hopeful he will resume hitting after a few more days of rest. Any further setbacks could jeopardize his availability for Opening Day.

Ryan Yarbrough Faces Rockies in Spring Training Matchup

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Ryan Yarbrough, a left-hander for the New York Yankees, will face the Colorado Rockies in a spring training game. Yarbrough made 19 appearances (eight starts) for the Yankees in 2025, posting a 3-1 record with a 4.36 ERA. In his one spring training appearance so far, he pitched two innings, allowing one run on three hits with four strikeouts and a walk.

Kyle Freeland Set for Spring Debut Amidst WBC Preparations

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Kyle Freeland will make his spring debut against the New York Yankees' Ryan Yarbrough. Freeland has been dealing with back spasms but is ready to pitch. This outing will likely feature his new changeup. Manager Warren Schaeffer is looking for one inning of healthy pitching from Freeland as he builds towards the season. Freeland pitched on the 2023 WBC team that lost in the finals.

Skubal Highlighted in 2026 Run Prevention Draft

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Tarik Skubal is mentioned as a key pitcher in the 2026 run prevention draft on Baseball Bar-B-Cast. Hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman drafted all 30 MLB clubs based on their projected pitching and hitting performance for the upcoming season. The discussion also touched upon Jurickson Profar's suspension and World Baseball Classic roster updates.

Dylan Crews Rejoins Spring Lineup After Thumb Injury

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Dylan Crews is set to start in center field and bat sixth for the Washington Nationals in Wednesday's exhibition game against Team Venezuela. Crews had been sidelined with a thumb injury sustained during batting practice but has recovered sufficiently to rejoin the spring lineup. He has gone 1-for-9 with a 1:3 BB:K, two runs, and one RBI in his previous four Grapefruit League games.

Cedric Mullins Scratched Due to Lower-Back Tightness

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Cedric Mullins has been scratched from the Tampa Bay Rays' lineup against Team Netherlands due to lower-back tightness. He is considered day-to-day. Mullins is 3-for-10 with one home run and a 2:1 BB:K this spring. Jacob Melton will take his place in center field.

Cody Bellinger Cleared to Play Thursday After Back Issue

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Cody Bellinger has completed a live batting practice session without issues and is scheduled to return to the New York Yankees' Grapefruit League lineup Thursday against the Twins. Bellinger experienced back discomfort after three spring games but was never shut down. He should be able to serve as a designated hitter.

Liberatore to Start for Cardinals vs. Nicaragua

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Matthew Liberatore is scheduled to start for the St. Louis Cardinals in their upcoming spring training international game against Nicaragua. The Cardinals also shared photos of players and coaches participating in the World Baseball Classic.

Blaze Alexander Starts at Shortstop for Orioles

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Blaze Alexander is starting at shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles in their spring training game against the Houston Astros, filling in for Gunnar Henderson who is with Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. The Orioles are looking to improve their defense after committing four errors in their previous game.

Henderson Joins Team USA for WBC, Alexander Starts at SS

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Gunnar Henderson has joined Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, leading to Blaze Alexander starting at shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles in their spring training game against the Astros. Tyler O'Neill has also departed for the WBC, playing for Canada, which opens up outfield opportunities for players like Heston Kjerstad.

Luis Gil Aims for Consistency in Spring Start Against Red Sox

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New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil will make his third spring start against the Boston Red Sox. Gil is seeking more consistency, with his velocity down slightly from last season. He has allowed two runs and struck out five in five innings over his previous two starts, with only one walk. Manager Aaron Boone is expected to monitor his pitch count.

Myles Straw's Role with Blue Jays Uncertain Amidst Outfield Depth

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Myles Straw, acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays on January 17th, 2025, is a 31-year-old center fielder known for his defense. Last season, he hit .262/.313/.367 with 4 home runs and 12 stolen bases, contributing significantly with his +9 outs above average defense. However, with an abundance of outfielders on the roster, Straw's playing time is uncertain, with Steamer projecting only 40 games played. His contract includes options for the next two seasons, which the Jays are unlikely to pick up.

Roki Sasaki's Spring Struggles Continue, But Rotation Spot Secured

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki has faced difficulties in his initial spring starts, yielding three runs in the first and a grand slam in the second. Despite these early results, the team plans to keep him in the rotation for the March 26th opening series. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Sasaki needs coaching but affirmed the team's view of him as a starter, committed to providing him opportunities for success. Additionally, Sasaki was a player the Toronto Blue Jays hoped to acquire international bonus money for in a trade.

Isaac Paredes Trade Rumors Resurface Between Astros and Red Sox

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Trade discussions between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox regarding Isaac Paredes are reportedly being revisited. The Astros are said to have an 'untenable' infield surplus and are seeking a lefty bat. While contact has paused, 'thorough discussions' occurred earlier in the offseason. The Red Sox, meanwhile, are managing an outfield surplus, with several primary outfielders participating in the World Baseball Classic.

Willi Castro Returns to Fort Myers for Spring Training Game

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Willi Castro is set to play for Team Puerto Rico in a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers. Castro, along with Christian Vazquez, makes his return to the city often called 'the Minneapolis of Florida.' Castro is listed as the second batter and second baseman for Puerto Rico.

Yankees' Cam Schlittler Cleared for Grapefruit League Debut

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New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has been cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut on Friday against the Rays. Schlittler experienced back inflammation early in camp, leading to a slow start to his spring. He is expected to be ready for Opening Day, though his initial pitch count may be limited to 65-80.

Evan Carter Scratched from Exhibition Lineup Due to Illness

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Evan Carter was scratched from the Texas Rangers' lineup for Wednesday's exhibition game versus Team Brazil due to an illness. He had been slated to start in center field but will be replaced by Michael Helman after feeling under the weather. Through his first six Cactus League games, Carter has gone 2-for-12 with a triple, a stolen base, and a 3:5 BB:K.