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Landen Roupp is competing for the fifth spot in the San Francisco Giants' rotation. After spending most of his rookie season as a reliever, he made 22 starts in 2025 and found his groove midsummer. Healthy again, Roupp has looked sharp in Cactus League play with increased velocity.
Colson Montgomery is highlighted as a potential X-factor for the Chicago White Sox in 2026. After a strong finish to 2025, including fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting, his defense at shortstop impressed. Manager Will Venable praised his athleticism and quick adaptation.
Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki struggled in the first inning of his second Cactus League start, allowing a grand slam and multiple walks. However, he settled down significantly in the second and third innings, retiring six consecutive batters. Sasaki cited an adjustment to his upper-body mechanics for the turnaround.
Alek Thomas played against his regular team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, in a World Baseball Classic tune-up game against Mexico. He went 2-for-3 and drove in a run. The D-backs used the game to evaluate young players in the absence of regulars playing for their countries.
Roman Anthony hit a two-run homer for Team USA in their 15-1 exhibition win against the San Francisco Giants. He was a late addition to the roster after Corbin Carroll's injury. Anthony, a former Red Sox teammate of Alex Bregman, fit right in with the star-studded lineup.
Alex Bregman hit a solo home run for Team USA in their 15-1 exhibition win over the San Francisco Giants. He is part of a star-studded lineup aiming for redemption in the World Baseball Classic. Bregman also drove in a run with a two-RBI single.
Paul Skenes is set to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, facing Mexico. He struck out four batters in three innings during an exhibition win against the San Francisco Giants, allowing only one earned run. He joins a strong rotation for Team USA.
Kevin Gausman is scheduled to start for the Toronto Blue Jays in their spring game against Team Canada. He cruised through his two innings, allowing one hit and one walk with two strikeouts. The Jays won the game 10-7.
RHP Eduard Bazardo will start for Team Venezuela against the Houston Astros in an exhibition game. Bazardo has been scoreless through two appearances (1.1 IP) this Spring for the Mariners.
RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his Spring debut for the Houston Astros against Team Venezuela in an exhibition game ahead of the World Baseball Classic. Javier is returning from Tommy John surgery in 2025 and has a career .203 opponent batting average.
MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal suggests the Astros must trade 3B Isaac Paredes for a left-handed hitting outfielder to resolve a roster logjam. GM Dana Brown's attempts to trade Paredes, who earns $9.35M this season, have stalled. If a Paredes deal isn't feasible, the Astros might consider trading Christian Walker.
The Red Sox plan to option Connelly Early to Triple-A Worcester to begin the season if Johan Oviedo wins the final rotation spot. Early pitched well in four regular-season starts last year with a 2.33 ERA, but the team's rotation depth limits his immediate opportunity.
The Red Sox plan to option Johan Oviedo to Triple-A Worcester to begin the season if he does not win the final rotation spot. Oviedo pitched well in limited MLB opportunities last year, but the team's rotation was significantly bolstered.
Devin Williams was dominant in his inning of work for the Mets, striking out the side. He utilized his patented changeup for one strikeout and his developing slider for the other two, showcasing his effective arsenal.
Bo Bichette had a productive day at the plate for the Mets, recording a sacrifice fly, a walk, and a ringing double to left-center field. He also committed a throwing error in the fourth inning from third base; the play was ruled a hit, but the error allowed the runner to advance to second base.
Mets pitcher Jonah Tong made his second Grapefruit League start, focusing on developing his arsenal by throwing more cutters and curveballs. He threw 54 pitches (34 strikes) over 2.2 innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out three and walking none. His four-seam fastball topped out at 95.8 mph.
Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone is experiencing inflammation in his right shoulder and has been shut down from throwing for at least two weeks. This setback impacts his chances for the opening day roster. Stone had previously impressed after recovering from shoulder surgery. The team is managing his timeline carefully.
Josh Naylor has been named captain of Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic, leading a young core of talent. Naylor, 28, embraces the veteran role, aiming to guide players like Bo Naylor and others. He is coming off a strong postseason with the Mariners and takes pride in representing his country, hoping Canada can advance from their pool.
Astros manager Joe Espada indicated that Josh Hader could throw off the mound next week as he recovers from biceps inflammation. Hader has been limited to flat-ground work and is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. He missed the end of last season with a shoulder strain.
Geraldo Perdomo is scheduled to bat ninth for the Dominican Republic in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against the Tigers. He joins Ketel Marte, who is batting second, as Diamondbacks participating in pre-WBC matchups.
