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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman is currently sidelined and will miss the start of the regular season. His absence, along with Kiké Hernández, has opened up the second base position, where Hyeseong Kim is making an early impression this spring, vying for the starting role.
Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow had an impressive first spring start, throwing 33 pitches over two-plus innings, allowing one hit, striking out four, and walking none. His primary goal for the season is to remain healthy, a challenge since his acquisition in late 2023. Glasnow aims to make as many starts as possible, execute each outing, and be healthy for the postseason.
Left-handed pitcher Chris Sale has signed a two-year extension with the Atlanta Braves. The deal includes one guaranteed year and a team option for the second, securing his future with the club. This move solidifies his position within the Braves' pitching staff for the upcoming seasons.
Royals pitcher Stephen Kolek has been diagnosed with a left oblique strain sustained on Wednesday. He will be shut down for at least five to seven days, with further evaluation pending scan results. Manager Matt Quatraro expressed hope the injury isn't serious. Kolek is currently competing for a spot in the Royals' starting rotation, and despite this setback, he remains in the team's plans.
Phillies prospect Andrew Painter is scheduled to make his highly anticipated Spring Training debut this Sunday night. This will be his first appearance of the spring, marking a significant step in his progression with the team.
Pitcher Daniel Robert made the decision to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, despite having other options available. His choice indicates a preference for the Phillies organization, suggesting he sees a strong fit or opportunity within the team.
Veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado, turning 35 in April, has been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the Cardinals covering $31 million of his remaining $42 million contract. After a career-worst 2025 season (.237 AVG, 12 HR, .666 OPS) and a strained shoulder, Arenado seeks a resurgence in his new home. He'll play for Team Puerto Rico in the WBC after not being selected for Team USA. With two years left on his deal, the 10-time Gold Glover is focused on proving he can still be a complete player.
Yankees pitching prospect Elmer Rodríguez made his final spring start on Feb 26, pitching three innings in a 7-3 win over the Braves, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out four. His changeup was effective, and his spring ERA is 3.00. The 22-year-old is now heading to the World Baseball Classic to pitch for Puerto Rico, potentially starting their March 9 game against Cuba in San Juan, marking his first time pitching on home soil since 2021.
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with persistent tennis elbow in both arms since 2024, stating he 'can't open a bag of chips' or a bottle due to the pain, which will affect his career. He faces 'a lot of rest days' in 2026. Despite missing 70 games last year, he hit 24 homers. Stanton is determined to play a full season and is scheduled for his spring debut on March 3. The team is managing his health, and he was seen taking reads in right field during batting practice.
Brent Rooker went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Rangers. He launched his first spring homer off a Cal Quantrill slider in the second inning after driving in a run with a single in his first at-bat. The 31-year-old slugger has tallied 30+ homers and an OPS north of .800 in each of the past three seasons, establishing himself as a premier slugger.
Tyler Soderstrom went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Rangers. He sparked an early offensive surge for the Athletics, ripping a 105.8 mph single to drive in a pair in the second inning. The 24-year-old had a strong 2025 campaign, slashing .276/.346/.474 with 34 doubles, 25 homers, and 93 RBI, earning him a seven-year, $86 million extension in December. He is set to be the club's primary left fielder and a key fixture in the lineup for 2026.
Padres third baseman Manny Machado hit his first two home runs of Spring Training on Feb 26 in an 11-10 loss to the Reds. He launched a two-run shot in the third inning to tie the game 3-3, and later added a grand slam in the sixth inning to tie it again at 9-9. These were his first hits of the spring.
Mets infielder Mark Vientos is 0-for-10 this spring after going hitless on Feb 26, but he showcased his defensive versatility by making a pair of solid plays at first base. Vientos is expected to shift to third base when he leaves to play for Team Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic.
Mets veteran infielder Jorge Polanco is undergoing an experiment at first base, participating in a simulated game on Feb 26 to gain comfort. He described the transition as 'a little different' initially and consulted Carlos Santana for insights on the position's mental and pitch-to-pitch responsibilities. Manager Carlos Mendoza indicated Polanco would also be utilized as a DH, with Mark Vientos and Brett Baty providing backup at first base.
Mets second baseman Marcus Semien, acquired from Texas, hit his first spring home run in a 5-0 win over the Astros on Feb 26, going 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted adjustments to Semien's posture to improve his swing path. Semien is focused on solidifying the revamped infield and returning to his 2023 hitting form, while also building chemistry with Francisco Lindor, who is nearing a return to fielding drills.
Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow delivered an efficient first spring start on Feb 26 against the White Sox, pitching two-plus innings. He retired the first six batters, striking out the side in the first and totaling four strikeouts with a 97 mph fastball. Manager Dave Roberts lauded his 'very efficient' outing. Glasnow, 32, aims for a healthy 2026 season after finishing 2025 strong with a 1.69 ERA in 21.1 postseason innings, including his first career save in Game 6 of the World Series, despite a history of injuries.
Tatsuya Imai, the Houston Astros' new Japanese right-hander, threw a 10-pitch scoreless inning in his spring training debut against the New York Mets. He was struck by a comebacker off the bat of Marcus Semien on his lower right leg but remained in the game after being checked by trainers. Manager Joe Espada noted Imai looked good, throwing up to 95 mph. Imai expressed enjoyment facing hitters from another organization and is working on pitch execution with the MLB baseball. He allowed one hit and finished his scheduled inning, with manager Espada stating he would be sore but that was enough for his debut.
San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui has been ruled out of the World Baseball Classic for Japan due to a left groin strain sustained during batting practice. His status for the Padres' Opening Day on March 26 is also unclear as he continues his recovery. Matsui has resumed playing catch but has not yet thrown off a mound. He was replaced on Japan's roster by Yumeto Kanemaru. Matsui expressed disappointment but is focusing on preparing for the season with the Padres, for whom he has a 3.86 ERA in 125 appearances over two seasons.
Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim is making significant progress with his swing mechanics, working with coaches to improve power and stability, which has bolstered his roster chances. He's batting 6-for-13 in Cactus League games, highlighted by a 384-foot home run on Feb 26. Manager Dave Roberts noted his 'great spring.' Kim, 27, will now join Team South Korea for the World Baseball Classic, making a strong case for a utility role at second base and center field, especially with Tommy Edman on the injured list.
Brewers third baseman Tyler Black extended his impressive spring start on Feb 26, recording three hits, including an RBI triple, in a 5-1 victory over the Rangers. He is now batting an exceptional .727 (8-for-12) this spring, having been just a home run shy of completing the cycle in his latest outing. Black is making a strong case for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
