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MLB News

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

Monday, March 2

Shea Langeliers Blasts First Spring Homer, Drives in Three Runs

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Shea Langeliers went 2-for-2 with a home run, a double, and three RBI in Sunday's Cactus League win. He launched a two-run homer in the first inning and followed with a 111.8 mph RBI double in the third. Through 14 spring plate appearances, the catcher is slashing .333/.429/.750 with two doubles, one homer, and three RBI. Langeliers aims to build on his breakout 2025 season, where he posted an .861 OPS with 32 doubles and 31 homers.

Corbin Carroll Progresses to Two-Handed Swings Post-Hand Surgery

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (hand) has advanced to swinging a bat with both hands, as reported by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. This marks significant progress since his right hand surgery. Carroll had previously started swinging with only his left hand and has also been shagging fly balls, indicating his hand feels good enough to catch. He remains optimistic about being ready for Opening Day.

Yordan Alvarez Set for Spring Debut, Returns to Astros Lineup

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Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez is slated to make his spring debut Monday, starting at designated hitter and batting second against the Nationals. The Astros have eased Alvarez into action after he was limited to just 48 games last year due to hand and ankle injuries. When healthy, Alvarez consistently ranks among the best hitters in the game, making his return to the lineup a significant development for the team.

Sunday, March 1

Zack Wheeler Throws Second Bullpen Session Amidst Recovery

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Zack Wheeler (shoulder) completed his second bullpen session on Sunday as he continues his recovery from venous thoracic outlet surgery. It remains uncertain if the All-Star right-hander will participate in any Grapefruit League games. The Phillies are hopeful Wheeler will not require an extensive injured list stint to start the season, though he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. Fantasy managers should monitor his throwing progression throughout spring training.

Yankees Invite Veteran Randal Grichuk to Spring Training

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The New York Yankees have extended an invitation to veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk to participate in their major league spring training. This move adds depth to the Yankees' outfield options as they prepare for the upcoming season. Grichuk brings experience to the camp.

Michael Busch to Play Regularly, Not Platooned

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Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated that Michael Busch will not be platooned and will play regularly against left-handed pitchers. This decision comes after the Cubs signed Tyler Austin, who is now expected to miss months due to knee surgery. Busch had a strong 2025 season with 34 home runs, but was largely shielded from lefties. Increased at-bats against all pitchers could boost his counting stats.

Merrill Kelly (Back) Optimistic to Avoid IL, Targets Early Season Pitching

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Merrill Kelly (back) expressed optimism Sunday about avoiding the injured list and being available for the Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation early in the regular season. While he won't start the March 26 opener, he aims to pitch in the second series against Detroit. Kelly was sidelined a week ago with mid-back tightness but has responded well to a cortisone shot. He played catch Sunday without issue and plans to increase throwing intensity this week, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

Dylan Cease Fans Three, Shows Velocity in Blue Jays Spring Debut

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Dylan Cease made his Grapefruit League debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out three over 1.2 innings. He allowed one run on one hit and one walk, including a solo homer. Cease's fastball topped 98.9 mph, with 19 of 33 pitches for strikes. The right-hander, who signed a 7-year, $210M deal this winter, is expected to anchor the rotation. He has consistently topped 200 strikeouts in the last five seasons, maintaining a 3.72 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Justin Steele Fully Cleared for Throwing, Targets May/June Return

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Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele (elbow) has received full clearance for throwing after his latest visit with Dr. Keith Meister. The left-hander had been throwing bullpen sessions with limited parameters since mid-January but can now incorporate his full repertoire. Steele is targeting a return to the big-league rotation in May or June, which he appears to be on track for. He will need to significantly build up his throwing program before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment.

Kyle Stowers Suffers Minor Hamstring Strain, Expected Back in 1-2 Weeks

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Marlins OF Kyle Stowers' MRI revealed a 'very minor' right hamstring strain, with manager Clayton McCullough expecting him to return to game action in 1-2 weeks. While avoiding a serious injury, Stowers will miss a significant portion of the Grapefruit League slate. He is anticipated to resume live at-bats on back fields within days to maintain game shape. The 28-year-old is coming off a 2025 season where he slugged 25 HRs and stole 5 bases in 117 games.

Spencer Strider's Fastball Velocity Down in Spring Debut, Remains Unconcerned

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Braves P Spencer Strider allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts over two innings in his spring debut. His fastball averaged 93.1 mph, prompting him to state it 'will take time' to reach desired levels. This follows a downward trend from 98.2 mph in 2022 to 95.5 mph last season post-elbow surgery, where he posted a 4.45 ERA and 9.4 K/9. Strider is currently prioritizing fastball shape improvement over velocity.

Dylan Crews Scratched from Lineup Due to Left Thumb Soreness

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Nationals OF Dylan Crews was scratched from Sunday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Marlins due to left thumb soreness. Christian Franklin replaced him in right field and batting third. The team anticipates Crews will return to the spring lineup within days, assuming the soreness isn't indicative of a more serious injury like a fracture or ligament damage. The 24-year-old has gone 1-for-9 with one walk, two runs, and one RBI in his first four Grapefruit League contests.

Cody Bellinger Progressing from Back Injury, Nearing Return to Play

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Yankees OF Cody Bellinger (back) is showing improvement and is slated to take live batting practice Tuesday. Manager Aaron Boone expects the 30-year-old to potentially rejoin the Grapefruit League lineup by Thursday. Bellinger sustained the injury Saturday and was initially expected back sooner but will get a couple extra days to rest. He is anticipated to be at 100 percent prior to Opening Day in late March, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Chase DeLauter Returns to Action Sunday as Designated Hitter

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Guardians OF Chase DeLauter (lower body) will return to action Sunday, batting second as the designated hitter in the spring game against the Rockies, SI.com reports. The 24-year-old had been sidelined since being scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to a lower-body injury but resumed his running program Saturday. DeLauter, who made his MLB debut in last season's playoffs, is an early favorite to open 2026 as the starter in center field.

Twins' Joe Ryan (Back) Cleared to Face Hitters in Live BP

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Joe Ryan (back) checked out well after his Saturday bullpen session and is slated to face hitters in live batting practice in the coming days. The Twins right-hander was scratched from his Grapefruit League debut due to back inflammation but has been cleared to resume workouts and is progressing as anticipated. While the injury prevents him from pitching for Team USA during WBC pool play, he remains in the player pool and could be available for the second round. He's expected to pitch for the Twins next week.

Samuel Basallo Returns to Action, Starting at Catcher for Orioles

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Samuel Basallo (abdomen) is set to start at catcher and bat cleanup in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox. The 21-year-old Baltimore Orioles prospect had departed Thursday's spring game due to abdominal discomfort but is ready to return after a couple of days off. His immediate return behind the plate, rather than as a DH, suggests the injury was not a serious concern, allowing him to resume full duties for the Orioles.

Pauley Returns as DH for Marlins, Cleared of Major Forearm Issues

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Graham Pauley (forearm) is making his spring debut Sunday, batting sixth as the designated hitter in the Grapefruit League game against the Nationals. The 25-year-old Miami Marlins player has been dealing with tightness in his right forearm early in camp but appears to be clear of any major issues. While he's not yet cleared to play the field, he has ample time to do so before Opening Day.

Jacob Melton Returns to Rays Lineup Sunday After Thumb Injury

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Jacob Melton (thumb) is back in action, starting in center field and batting second for the Tampa Bay Rays in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta. The 25-year-old outfielder was previously scratched from Thursday's lineup due to soreness in his left thumb but has been cleared to play. Melton is competing for a spot on Tampa Bay's Opening Day roster, and his return to the lineup suggests the injury is minor. He's expected to be in the clear barring any aggravation.

Saturday, February 28

Dylan Cease Shines in Blue Jays Spring Debut

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Dylan Cease is set to pitch in the Toronto Blue Jays' spring training game against the Phillies. He recorded three strikeouts and gave up one run in 1 2/3 innings during his spring training debut on Saturday, contributing to a 7-5 win over the Phillies.

Hunter Greene Makes Spring Debut, Reds Beat Brewers 9-7

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Hunter Greene made his 2026 Cactus League debut, allowing 4 ER on 5 H and a walk while fanning nobody in his first outing. He returned for the second inning, which was better, but was ultimately responsible for the runs. Despite the rough start, his velocity hit triple digits, and he looked healthy. The Reds offense, led by Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz, supported Greene in a 9-7 win over the Brewers.