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MLB News

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

Thursday, February 26

Wheeler Throws First Bullpen Session Post-Surgery, Eyes Late April Return

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Phillies ace Zack Wheeler (shoulder) threw his first bullpen session on Feb 26, making 21 fastballs, since September surgery for venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Manager Rob Thomson reported good velo and ball flight, with Wheeler feeling 'great.' He's not expected for Opening Day, but a late April to early May return is possible after a brief IL stint. Wheeler worked hard this offseason, strengthening his shoulder. In 2025, he posted a 2.71 ERA with 195 strikeouts over 149.2 innings.

Ohtani Joins Team Japan for WBC, Not Expected to Pitch

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Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani officially joined Team Japan on Feb 26 at Vantelin Dome Nagoya for the World Baseball Classic. Although he is not expected to pitch in the tournament, he was observed warming up his throwing arm. Team Japan, a favorite to win, will commence its WBC schedule on March 6 against Chinese Taipei.

Boyd Pitches Three Perfect Innings in Final Spring Start Before WBC

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Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd delivered an outstanding performance on Feb 26 against the Angels, retiring all nine batters he faced over three perfect innings, including three strikeouts. He threw an efficient 34 pitches (23 strikes) and generated seven swings-and-misses. This outing is likely his last before he departs to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

Scherzer Re-signs with Blue Jays for $3M, May Miss Early Rotation

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Max Scherzer, 41, has re-signed with the Blue Jays on a one-year, $3 million deal, influenced by his daughter's wish to stay in Toronto. The team may hold him out of the initial rotation, prioritizing his availability for later in the season, similar to his slow ramp-up last year due to a thumb issue. Scherzer posted a 3.77 ERA in 3 postseason starts and a 5.19 ERA over 85 innings in 2025. He appeared healthier this spring.

Basallo Exits Spring Game With Abdominal Discomfort; Day-to-Day

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Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles was removed from Thursday's spring training game due to right-side abdominal discomfort after a tag play at home plate. Manager Craig Albernaz stated the removal was precautionary, and Basallo is not expected to undergo further testing, now considered day-to-day. The team is not calling it a strain and felt no need to push him early in spring training, avoiding a serious injury.

McLean Dominates in Spring Debut, Pitches Four Scoreless Innings

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Mets pitcher Nolan McLean starred in his first spring training appearance on Feb 26, throwing four scoreless innings in a 5-0 exhibition win over the Astros. He struck out six batters, walked one, and allowed just a single hit, showcasing a dominant performance.

Carrasco Struggles in Spring Start Against Yankees, Early Exit

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Braves pitcher Carlos Carrasco had a challenging exhibition start against the Yankees on Feb 26. He walked Aaron Judge and gave up a home run to Jazz Chisholm Jr., leading to an early exit after allowing multiple runs. He returned to pitch a clean second inning, striking out Judge, but his overall outing was not considered a resurgence, finishing with a 1/1 K/BB ratio.

Musgrove Sharp in Simulated Game, Nearing Cactus League Start

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Joe Musgrove (Padres), recovering from Tommy John surgery, touched 95 mph with his fastball in a three-inning simulated game Thursday, throwing 36 pitches. He expressed feeling "the best I have felt" post-outing. The veteran righty missed all of the 2025 season but expects to make his first Cactus League start next week. While his rehab is day-to-day, he will not have a strict workload limit in 2026, with the Padres' pitching coach stating their approach is "full-go but watch him" for the 33-year-old.

Bader Blasts First Giants Homer, Dents Food Truck, Set for WBC

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Giants' Harrison Bader launched his first three-run, 408-foot home run in a Feb 26 spring game, leaving a dent on a food truck he later autographed. The blast came in a 13-12 loss to the Brewers. Bader, who signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal in January, is expected to be the everyday center fielder and will play for Israel in the World Baseball Classic. He posted a .277 average with 17 homers and 54 RBI in 2025.

King Makes First Spring Start, Pitches 2.2 Innings Post-Injury

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Padres pitcher Michael King made his first spring start on Feb 26 against the Angels, pitching 2.2 innings. His initial two innings were efficient, featuring two strikeouts and three groundouts. However, the third inning saw him allow a leadoff home run and a single before his removal. King threw 37 pitches overall as he progresses back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Pfaadt Slow-Played in Spring Due to Offseason Side Issue

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Brandon Pfaadt (Diamondbacks) is being "slow-played" during spring training due to a side issue that arose over the offseason, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Pfaadt is pitching in a backfield game Thursday, and Lovullo indicated the injury is unlikely to prevent the right-hander from being ready for the start of the season, provided he avoids a setback. Pfaadt is coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign with a 5.25 ERA over 33 starts, but his rotation spot is expected to be secure if healthy.

Merrill Kelly May Avoid Injured List

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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo indicated Merrill Kelly (back) has a chance to avoid the injured list and make a start in the second series if he can ramp up his throwing soon. While a stint on the IL is still likely, his absence may not be long-term. Kelly has not pitched this spring due to intercostal nerve irritation.

Mets' Tidwell to Pitch Against Rockies, Showcases Six-Pitch Mix

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Mets right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell, 24, is scheduled to pitch against the Rockies on Feb 26. He made his MLB debut last season with the Mets, recording a 9.00 ERA over four appearances (two starts) with ten walks and ten strikeouts. Tidwell features a six-pitch mix, highlighted by a four-seam fastball averaging 95.8 MPH.

Bellozo Makes First Spring Start for Rockies Against Giants

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Rockies right-hander Valente Bellozo is set to make his first spring start on Feb 26 against the Giants, marking his second appearance this spring. In his previous outing, he pitched two innings, allowing one earned run on a solo home run, while recording two strikeouts and one walk. Bellozo was signed to a minor league contract with a non-roster invite to spring training.

Royals' Stephen Kolek Sidelined with Oblique Strain

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Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek will be sidelined for at least 5 to 7 days due to a left oblique strain. The duration of his absence may be extended depending on the severity of the injury.

Royce Lewis Scratched with Right-Side Tightness

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Royce Lewis was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to tightness in his right side, an injury that occurred while running bases during pregame warmups. He is considered day-to-day and was pulled out of "abundance of caution." This marks another injury for the third baseman, who played 106 games last season with a .237/.283/.388 slash line.

Miller Makes Spring Debut for Mariners, Focus on Slider Shapes

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Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller is making his spring debut on Feb 26. He has focused on developing slider shapes during the offseason. His outing will be closely monitored for velocity, following an injury-plagued season last year. The start is expected to be a short one as he builds up.

Red Sox Rookie Roman Anthony Shows Elite Power, High Expectations

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Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony, 21, is generating high expectations after a strong showing last season, featuring a league-best 60.3% hard-hit rate and 27 barrels in 71 games, with eight homers. He posted a .326/.427/.530 line in 35 games before a season-ending oblique strain. Despite a 28% strikeout rate, his selective plate approach is noted. Anthony is projected for 25 HR, 76 RBI, 102 R, and a .276 AVG in 2026.

Aaron Judge Ranked No. 1 Fantasy Outfielder for 2026 Season

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Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, 34, is ranked as the No. 1 fantasy baseball outfielder for 2026, projected for 51 HR, 107 RBI, 123 R, and a .291 AVG. He was the league's top hitter at ages 32 and 33, with elite OPS+ figures. Judge continues to show league-best exit velocity and steady bat speed, alongside a career-low strikeout rate for the second consecutive year, defying typical age-related decline.

Munetaka Murakami Scratched From Lineup Due to Fatigue

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Munetaka Murakami was scratched from the Chicago White Sox lineup on Thursday, February 26, 2026, due to general fatigue. The team stated the decision was precautionary ahead of his travel to Japan for the World Baseball Classic. Ryan Galanie replaced Murakami at first base. Murakami is expected to return for the final week of spring training after the WBC.