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

Tuesday, March 3

Arenado Reflects on Rockies Past, Eyes Success with D-backs

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Nolan Arenado, traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, reflects fondly on his time with the Colorado Rockies, recalling strong teammates and offensive units. He expresses excitement about returning to the NL West and has high expectations for his new team and himself in 2026.

Yankees Should Consider Extending Jazz Chisholm Jr.

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The Yankees should consider extending Jazz Chisholm Jr., whose production in New York (.330/.813 with 33 HR, 39 SB over a prorated 140 games) rivals recent signings like Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman. His versatility and consistent performance make him a valuable core piece.

Cubs Add Veteran Reliever Hoby Milner

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The Chicago Cubs signed veteran left-handed reliever Hoby Milner to a one-year, $3.75 million contract. Milner, 35, has a career 3.82 ERA over 341 innings and relies heavily on his sweeper and sinker. He is expected to make the Opening Day roster.

Brandon Marsh Returns to Phillies Lineup

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Brandon Marsh is set to start in right field and bat third for the Philadelphia Phillies in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays. He had been sidelined with a hand issue sustained during sliding practice but is now ready to play.

Royce Lewis Cleared for Action Tuesday

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Royce Lewis will start at third base and bat leadoff for the Minnesota Twins in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays. He returns after dealing with side tightness, which was cleared by an MRI. Managers are advised to monitor his health due to his injury history.

Marte Signing Bolsters Royals Outfield

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The Kansas City Royals have signed Starling Marte, adding versatility and stability to their outfield. The move impacts players like Nick Lofton and Tyler Tolbert, while providing a strong bat against both left and right-handed pitching.

Ohtani Targets Cy Young Award, Teammates Confirm

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has set his sights on winning the Cy Young Award, according to his teammates. This ambition underscores his continuous pursuit of excellence and adds another layer of anticipation to his career.

Webb to Start USA's WBC Opener

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Logan Webb will start Game 1 of the World Baseball Classic for Team USA, followed by Paul Skenes facing Mexico. The rotation also features two Cy Young winners, highlighting a strong pitching staff for the tournament.

Emmet Sheehan Working Back From Illness

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Emmet Sheehan has not yet appeared in a Cactus League game due to an illness contracted at the start of Dodgers camp. While he appears to be over the illness, he is still ramping up after falling behind schedule. It is unclear when the right-hander will make his spring training debut, but he should have enough time to prepare for Opening Day. Sheehan is a strong favorite to open the season in the Dodgers' rotation after posting a 2.82 ERA and 89:22 K:BB over 73.1 regular-season innings in 2025.

Josiah Gray Returns After Tommy John Surgery

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Josiah Gray made his long-awaited return to action after missing most of the last two seasons due to Tommy John Surgery. He pitched 1.2 innings, striking out 3 batters on 38 pitches (25 strikes). Gray leaned heavily on his breaking balls, throwing only 9 fastballs, averaging 92.5 mph and topping out at 94 mph. His secondary pitches were sharp, with his curveball being a weapon against lefties and his slider used heavily against righties. While different models offered mixed reviews on his stuff, the key takeaway is Gray's health and solid performance in his return, positioning him for a rotation spot.

J.P. Crawford Set for Spring Debut

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J.P. Crawford is slated to make his spring training debut Tuesday, starting at designated hitter and batting fifth against the Angels. Crawford has been managed carefully in Mariners camp due to a minor shoulder issue. He will be eased back into action at DH and is expected to return to shortstop soon.

Logan Gilbert Featured in Spring Training Updates

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Logan Gilbert is highlighted in an article on exciting new pitches from Spring Training. This news is part of a broader update that includes Cal Raleigh suiting up for Team USA and Josh Naylor being named captain of Team Canada. The Mariners are preparing for their next game, with Bryan Woo scheduled to start against the Los Angeles Angels.

Cal Raleigh to Play for Team USA

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Cal Raleigh has suited up for Team USA in preparation for their first exhibition game. This update comes as part of week two of Spring Training news, which also includes updates on Logan Gilbert and Josh Naylor, who has been named captain of Team Canada. The Mariners are back in action with Bryan Woo scheduled to start against the Los Angeles Angels.

Mets Acquire Bryan Hudson in Low-Cost Gamble

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The Mets acquired lefty Bryan Hudson from the White Sox for cash considerations. Hudson, originally drafted in 2015, has shown elite extension and an extreme sidearm delivery that batters struggle to square up. After a strong 2024 season with Milwaukee (1.73 ERA), his velocity dipped in 2025, leading to struggles. However, his recent 4.2 innings for the White Sox showed a rebound in velocity and stuff metrics. The Mets are taking a low-cost gamble on his upside, with potential to become a controllable late-inning weapon if he returns to his 2024 form.

Michael King struggles in Spring Training outing but remains healthy

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Michael King experienced a difficult outing against the Athletics, contributing to the Padres' 7-2 loss in Spring Training. While early Spring Training results are often downplayed, King's performance caused some concern. However, despite the on-field struggles, King is confirmed to be healthy and ready to perform for the Padres after a solid offseason. He is expected to be a key pitcher for the team this season, with the organization maintaining confidence in his ability to rebound from this early setback.

Willson Contreras poised to stabilize Red Sox first base, eyes 25-homer season

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The Boston Red Sox acquired Willson Contreras from the Cardinals, expecting him to bring much-needed stability to first base, a position he shifted to last year, playing 120 games there. Contreras has consistently posted an OPS between .791-.848 and 20-22 home runs in full seasons since turning 30. Despite playing only 84 games in 2024 due to a broken arm and finger, he hit 15 homers. At 33, he showed elite Barrel % and Bat Speed last season, along with a +6 Outs Above Average at first base. Projected to hit cleanup, Contreras's power numbers could increase with the Green Monster, potentially reaching 25 home runs this season.

Cam Schlittler aims to build on breakout 2025, refine arsenal for Yankees

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Cam Schlittler is looking to build on an impressive 2025 season where he ascended from Double-A to the Yankees, posting a 2.96 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 73.0 innings over 14 starts, including a stellar playoff performance. His 98-101 mph fastball is a dominant pitch, used 75% of the time. For 2026, ZiPS projects an 8-7 record with a 4.04 ERA over 121.0 innings. A key focus for Schlittler this spring is refining his breaking pitches, such as his curveball and sweeper, to complement his fastball. Workload management will also be crucial after a high-inning count last year. He's anticipated to handle a full MLB season and could become a top-tier arm for the Yankees.

Alex Freeland Shows Maturity, Strong Spring Performance in Dodgers Roster Bid

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Alex Freeland, a switch-hitter, is making a strong case for a Dodgers roster spot this spring. He's recorded three hits, including two doubles, in 14 at-bats, alongside six walks, resulting in a .429 on-base percentage. Freeland has started seven games, primarily at shortstop and second base. Manager Dave Roberts lauded his improved maturity and comfort, stating, "I just like the way he’s playing... He’s had a big offseason." Freeland is competing with Santiago Espinal and Hyeseong Kim for one of the open spots.

Santiago Espinal Impresses, Vies for Dodgers Roster Spot with Strong Spring

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Santiago Espinal continues to impress, recording two hits in three at-bats in the Dodgers' win, boosting his Cactus League OBP to .667 (12-for-18). This spring, he boasts eight hits, two doubles, and four walks. Signed to a minor league deal, Espinal is actively competing for a roster spot, especially after Tommy Edman was ruled out. Manager Dave Roberts noted Espinal is "in the mix," praising him as a "helpful, winning player." He's started six games, primarily at third base, showcasing his versatility and potential role against left-handed pitchers.

Chris Bassitt Joins Orioles Rotation, Projected as Dependable Veteran Arm

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Chris Bassitt has joined the Baltimore Orioles on a one-year, $18.5 million deal, solidifying a rotation that includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, and Zach Eflin. While not considered an "ace," the 37-year-old is projected as a dependable veteran arm. Baseball Reference forecasts a 10-10 record with a 4.06 ERA over 162 innings, while FanGraphs Depth Chart projects an 11-10 record with a 4.18 ERA over 176 innings and 1.9 WAR. Bassitt is expected to start, though a bullpen role isn't ruled out, having posted a 1.04 ERA in relief last postseason.