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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Ketel Marte is slated to bat second for the Dominican Republic in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against the Tigers. He is one of several Diamondbacks participating in pre-WBC contests, alongside Geraldo Perdomo.
Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly has increased his throwing distance to 60 feet as he recovers from mid-back tightness. He resumed playing catch over the weekend and could soon return to bullpen sessions, potentially avoiding an IL stint.
Righthander Nick Pivetta will make his second spring start for the Padres against the White Sox. In 2025, Pivetta posted a 2.87 ERA and a 0.985 WHIP in 31 starts, finishing in the top 15 in strikeouts. The Padres' lineup features prospects and new DH Nick Castellanos.
Lefty Sean Newcomb makes his second White Sox start against the Padres, looking to build on his strong 2025 season in the Athletics' bullpen where he posted a 1.75 ERA. He signed a one-year deal in December and is expected to bolster the White Sox's relief staff. The South Side offense has been strong this spring, ranking fourth in batting average and fifth in slugging percentage.
Bryan Woo is set to make his second start of the spring for the Seattle Mariners in a televised game against the Angels. J.P. Crawford returns to the lineup at DH for the first time since the opening game of spring training. Other pitchers scheduled to appear include Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, Domingo González, and Robinson Ortiz.
Kyle Tucker is currently away from Dodgers camp as he and his wife are expecting a child. He is not expected to participate in any spring training games.
Despite retiring after the 2025 season, Clayton Kershaw is participating in the World Baseball Classic with Team USA, calling it a 'one-off' bucket-list item. He expressed a desire not to face Shohei Ohtani, citing 'for our country's sake,' though he'll be ready if needed. Kershaw is at peace with retirement, enjoying a stress-free offseason, and will not return to pitch for the Dodgers full-time. He plans to attend the Dodgers' World Series ring ceremony.
Max Scherzer, 41, has finalized a $3M, one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, including $10M in performance bonuses. He confirmed full recovery from last season's thumb issues and is set for his Grapefruit League debut Saturday, expecting to be a key rotation piece. A significant reason for his return was the team's near World Series win last season and a heartwarming letter from his 8-year-old daughter, Brooke, asking the Blue Jays to re-sign him, which Scherzer called "the cutest thing you can possibly imagine." He wanted to be part of a winning team, having won World Series rings with Washington and Texas.
Nathan Eovaldi, 35, delivered arguably his best season in 2025 for the Texas Rangers, posting an impressive 1.73 ERA. His campaign was unfortunately cut short in late August by a rotator cuff strain, preventing him from qualifying for the ERA title. Despite a career history of injury struggles, Eovaldi was highly reliable when on the mound, completing at least five innings in 19 of his 22 starts and allowing two earned runs or fewer in 19 outings. He demonstrated better performance on the road with a 1.39 ERA.
Ivan Herrera is expected to primarily serve as the designated hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals early in the season, as the team remains uncertain about his full-time catching duties following offseason elbow surgery. While Herrera, 25, made his first spring start at catcher on Sunday, his goal to reclaim the primary catcher role in 2026 will be a gradual process. Pedro Pages is slated as the primary catcher, potentially delaying Herrera's catcher eligibility in fantasy leagues.
Brandon Pfaadt (side) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Wednesday against the Athletics. The Arizona Diamondbacks have been cautious with the right-hander this spring following an offseason side issue. After pitching in a backfields game last week, Pfaadt is now progressing to an official spring training contest and is expected to be fully ready for the start of the regular season.
Triston Casas, 26, faces an uncertain future with the Boston Red Sox after two injury-plagued seasons. Following a promising 2023 campaign (.263/.367/.490, 24 HR), his 2024 season was limited to 63 games by torn rib cartilage, and 2025 to just 32 games (.182/.277/.303, 3 HR) due to a ruptured patella. Red Sox GM Craig Breslow has not committed to Casas as the starting first baseman, acquiring Willson Contreras. Casas is now taking ground balls at third base, potentially signaling a minor league assignment or trade.
Quinn Priester (wrist) may not make his regular-season debut until shortly after Opening Day. The Milwaukee Brewers have been slowly ramping up the right-hander this spring following a wrist issue he dealt with late in the 2025 season. While Priester is considered healthy, his deliberate progression could result in a delayed start to the season, though the Brewers may utilize early-season off days to avoid placing him on the injured list.
Christian Yelich is scheduled to be in the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cubs. This marks his first game action of spring training after a slow ramp-up. Last season, Yelich hit 29 home runs with 103 RBI and a .264/.343/.452 slash line in 150 games.
José Caballero will lead off for Team Panama in their exhibition game against the New York Yankees. Panama's lineup also features former Atlanta teammate Johan Camargo and top prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. The team is described as speedy with limited power.
Reds pitcher Chase Burns is refining his pitch mix, particularly his changeup, and focusing on arm health for the 2026 season after a flexor strain last year. The hard-throwing right-hander, who debuted in 2025, is working on developing a sinker and curveball to complement his slider and fastball.
Sal Stewart hit a mammoth three-run home run and added an RBI double in Monday's Cactus League game against the Cubs. The 410-foot homer was measured at 107.2 mph off the bat. Stewart, the Reds' top prospect, has shown breakout potential with five homers in 18 games last season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have sent outfielder Jack Suwinski outright to the minors after he cleared waivers. Suwinski, claimed from the Pirates on Feb. 21, struggled in 2024-25 with a .169/.271/.297 slash line and is out of options, leaving the Dodgers with 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Nolan McLean's report to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic has been delayed due to "vertigo-like symptoms and a loss of appetite" experienced on Friday. While he has recovered and is no longer symptomatic, the Mets opted to keep him in camp for observation. He is still expected to join Team USA after throwing a side session and playing catch without issue. McLean had a strong 2025 season for the Mets, going 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA.
Ronny Mauricio's role with the New York Mets in 2026 remains uncertain, dependent on Francisco Lindor's health post-surgery. While Mauricio shows potential, persistent flaws in his plate discipline and contact hitting have limited his MLB success, despite strong minor league numbers.
