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MLB News

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

Friday, February 27

Spencer Jones Blasts Third Spring Homer, Eyes Strikeout Reduction

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New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones continued his powerful spring, hitting his third home run in four games on Friday with a 427-foot blast in a 17-5 victory over the Twins. All three of Jones' hits this spring have been homers, as he's gone 3-for-8 with four strikeouts and two walks. Notably, his groundout on Friday marked his first non-strikeout out of the spring. The 6-foot-7 slugger is actively working on his swing mechanics to cut down on strikeouts, aiming for improved plate discipline.

Spencer Strider Eyes Ace Form Return After Velocity Dip, UCL Surgery

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Spencer Strider is preparing for his Spring Training debut Saturday against the Orioles, aiming to regain his ace form after a 2024 UCL injury and a challenging 2025 season. His fastball velocity dipped to 95.5 mph, and he experienced reduced movement on his pitches. In 2025, he allowed 1.4 HR/9, saw his pull rate jump to 40.4%, and his K/9 dip to 9.4. Strider is focused on regaining velocity, improving pitch movement, reducing pulled contact, and sharpening his command to rebound in 2026.

Luis Gil Grinds Through Spring Outing, Velocity Still Building

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New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil endured a challenging spring outing, throwing 52 pitches over 2 ⅓ innings. He struggled with long at-bats, which inflated his pitch count, and allowed a home run to Trevor Larnach on a 94.5 mph fastball. While his four-seamer averaged 94.7 mph—a slight increase from his spring debut—it remains below his 2025 and 2024 averages. Gil, who recorded only one strikeout, views this as part of the spring building process, anticipating more consistent velocity by his third or fourth start, a sentiment echoed by manager Aaron Boone.

Yamamoto Finishes Spring Start, Heads to WBC for Japan

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Yoshinobu Yamamoto completed his final spring start for the Dodgers, throwing 52 pitches over three innings against the Giants, allowing two runs and striking out four. He felt physically good, hitting 97 mph on his fastball, despite early command issues. Yamamoto is now with Team Japan for the WBC, scheduled to pitch March 6 against Chinese Taipei with a 65-pitch limit. He aims for a WBC repeat and Dodgers three-peat, having felt mentally fatigued after 211 innings last season, including winning World Series MVP.

Marcelo Mayer Hits Solo Homer in Spring Debut

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Marcelo Mayer made his Grapefruit League debut for the Boston Red Sox on Friday, starting at second base and going 1-for-3 with a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves. The lefty-hitting infielder turned on a changeup for his blast. Mayer is expected to see time at third base as well, splitting duties with Caleb Durbin.

Shohei Ohtani Dazzles Japan with Pre-Game Home Run Barrage

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Shohei Ohtani captivated fans and opponents in Nagoya, Japan, with a spectacular pre-game batting practice session, launching numerous balls over the outfield wall. Rarely taking public BP in Los Angeles, Ohtani's display for his home country's fans drew awe and applause. He is with Team Japan for the WBC, joining the team March 2, and will take the field March 6 against Chinese Taipei. He is not scheduled to pitch in the WBC to preserve his arm for the 2026 MLB season.

Josh Naylor Signs Long-Term Deal with Seattle Mariners

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Josh Naylor has signed a significant long-term contract with the Seattle Mariners, a five-year deal worth $92.5 million. This news comes as the Diamondbacks prepare to face the Mariners in a spring training game, potentially marking a "get-together" with the newly signed player.

MJ Melendez Blasts Two Homers, Bolsters Mets Outfield Bid

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New York Mets player MJ Melendez significantly boosted his case for an outfield spot, hitting two home runs in the team's 14-3 exhibition victory over the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla. Melendez, who joined the Mets on a one-year contract, is actively competing for a roster position this spring. His multi-homer performance provides a strong statement as he vies for playing time in the upcoming season.

Brenton Doyle Diagnosed with Sprained Left Wrist

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Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle was diagnosed with a sprained left wrist on Friday, according to MLB.com. Doyle has been sidelined from Cactus League action since being scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to the injury. The Rockies will continue to monitor his progress and re-evaluate him in a few days.

Dansby Swanson Homers, Drives in Three in Cubs' 8-6 Win

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Dansby Swanson contributed significantly to the Chicago Cubs' 8-6 victory over the Guardians, hitting a two-run homer in the first inning and adding an RBI single in the sixth. Overall, he drove in three runs, showcasing timely hitting for the Cubs.

Edward Cabrera Shines in Cubs Debut, Strikes Out Three

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Edward Cabrera made a successful first outing for the Chicago Cubs, retiring all six Guardians batters he faced and striking out three. He threw 20 strikes in 31 pitches, generating six swings-and-misses, contributing to the Cubs' 8-6 victory.

Shane Drohan Impresses in Brewers Spring Debut with Three Strikeouts

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Shane Drohan, acquired in the Caleb Durbin trade, made an impressive spring debut for the Milwaukee Brewers, pitching two scoreless innings and striking out the side in his first frame. Despite a shakier fifth inning where he allowed a single and hit a batter, he escaped without damage, ultimately earning the win with three strikeouts.

Blake Snell Unlikely for Opening Day Due to Shoulder Injury

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated it will be 'hard' for Blake Snell to be ready for Opening Day due to lingering shoulder issues from last season. Snell is progressing in his throwing program but remains limited to flat-ground work. The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a cautious, long-term approach, planning to hold the two-time Cy Young Award winner back until fully confident in his health and stamina. The team does not expect him to be ready for opening day as he works on coming back from the injury.

Blake Treinen Defends Dodgers' Spending, Challenges Critics

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Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen, entering his seventh season, strongly defended the team's significant spending, telling critics, "Maybe you’re in the wrong business." He argued that complaints stem from media and owners unwilling to invest similarly, emphasizing that teams should do what it takes to win. Treinen also highlighted that success doesn't always require lavish spending, pointing to the Brewers' top record with a lower payroll, but praised the Dodgers' blend of investment and development.

Yuki Matsui Out of WBC with Groin Strain, Opening Day Status Unclear

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Padres reliever Yuki Matsui will miss the World Baseball Classic for Japan due to a left groin strain, and his availability for San Diego's March 26 Opening Day is uncertain. Matsui is progressing with flat-ground throwing but doesn't have a timeline for mound work. The 30-year-old, who signed a five-year, $28 million deal, was replaced on Japan's WBC roster. He previously had a 2.40 career ERA and 236 saves in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Max Scherzer Re-Signs with Blue Jays, Daughter's Letter Influenced Return

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Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer has re-signed with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $3 million deal, with incentives up to $10 million. His return was reportedly influenced by a handwritten letter from his 8-year-old daughter, Brooke, to the team. The 41-year-old, three-time Cy Young winner went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts last season for the Blue Jays and made three postseason starts. He ranks 11th all-time with 3,489 strikeouts.

Freddy Peralta Named Mets' Opening Day Starter, Shines in Spring Debut

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Freddy Peralta has been named the New York Mets' Opening Day starter by manager Carlos Mendoza, set to face the Pirates on March 26. The veteran right-hander, acquired in January, posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts in 2025, leading the NL in wins (17-6). In his first Mets appearance, Peralta threw three perfect innings with three strikeouts against the Cardinals. He is set to make $8 million this season and can become a free agent after the World Series.

Harrison Bader Suffers Thumb Injury in Cactus League Game

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Harrison Bader was removed from Friday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers due to a right thumb contusion. The San Francisco Giants outfielder was injured during his first at-bat. He will undergo evaluation to determine the severity of the injury, with an update expected in the coming days. Bader signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal in January and is slated to be the starting center fielder. An extended absence could lead to increased playing time for Jerar Encarnacion and Will Brennan.

Devers Scratched with Hamstring Tightness in Spring Training

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Rafael Devers was scratched from the San Francisco Giants' Cactus League lineup against the Dodgers due to left hamstring tightness. The team is exercising caution with their first baseman early in spring training. Bryce Eldridge replaced Devers in the lineup. It remains unclear if an MRI will be required to assess a potential strain. Further updates on his condition are expected.

Santiago Espinal Emerges as Strong Dodgers Roster Candidate

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Former All-Star infielder Santiago Espinal is making a strong case for a spot on the Los Angeles Dodgers' Opening Day roster. After signing a minor-league deal, his versatility and early spring performance (4-for-9 with an RBI single) have impressed. Manager Dave Roberts called him a "helpful, winning player," noting his potential to fill a super-utility role due to injuries to Kiké Hernández and Tommy Edman's absence. Espinal is working to resurrect his career after three challenging seasons.