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

Wednesday, February 25

Brice Turang Blasts Two Homers, Grand Slam in Brewers Win

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Brewers second baseman Brice Turang had a standout performance, slugging two home runs, including a 425-foot grand slam, in Milwaukee's thrilling 13-12 spring victory over the Giants. Turang went 2-for-3 with five RBIs, hitting both homers to the opposite field with impressive exit velocities of 106.5 mph and 108.2 mph. His power display is an encouraging sign, building on his increased production from the second half of last season, as he helped Milwaukee overcome a seven-run deficit.

Francisco Alvarez Makes Spring Debut as DH, Set to Catch

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Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez made his first spring training appearance as a designated hitter, going 0-for-2. He is scheduled to catch in a simulated game on Thursday and will make his spring debut behind the plate for the Mets on Saturday. Alvarez, whose workload has been managed early in camp, had a strong finish to the 2025 season after returning from an injury, posting a .921 OPS in 139 plate appearances after July 21.

Cade Horton Impresses in First Spring Outing for Cubs

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Cubs pitcher Cade Horton made a strong first spring training appearance, striking out two batters and throwing 17 strikes in a 26-pitch outing. After retiring the first five hitters he faced, he issued a two-out walk in the fourth inning. Horton's fastball consistently sat at 96 mph, showcasing promising form despite the Cubs' 14-7 loss to the Rockies, where the bullpen struggled after his departure.

Nolan Arenado Drives in Run Against Sasaki in Spring

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Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado contributed early offense, hitting a line-drive double to left field off Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki in the first inning. The hit scored Geraldo Perdomo, giving Arizona an early lead in their spring training matchup against Los Angeles.

Ildemaro Vargas Doubles, Commits Error in D-backs Loss

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Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas doubled in two runs against Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki in the first inning, contributing to an early lead. However, he later committed a fielding error in the fifth inning, which led to two unearned runs for the Dodgers. Despite Arizona outhitting Los Angeles, errors and walks, including Vargas's miscue, contributed to their 10-7 defeat.

Geraldo Perdomo Scores Early in D-backs' Spring Game

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Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo singled off Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki in the first inning and later scored on a double by Nolan Arenado. Perdomo is recognized as an emergent co-star for the D-backs, forming a terrific young core with Corbin Carroll. His early offensive contribution was a highlight in the D-backs' 10-7 loss to the Dodgers.

Nick Lodolo 'Electric' in Scoreless Cactus League Debut

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Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo delivered an 'incredibly sharp' performance in his first Cactus League outing, fanning four batters and scattering two hits over two scoreless innings. He notably struck out the side in the first inning against the White Sox. Lodolo's electric debut contributed to Cincinnati's 3-2 victory, showcasing strong form as he begins his spring training campaign.

Pete Alonso Invites John Oliver's Son to Orioles Game After Mets Exit

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Baltimore Orioles slugger Pete Alonso, who signed a five-year, $155 million deal with the O's on December 11 after seven seasons with the Mets, is actively trying to convert Mets fans. He extended an invitation to comedian John Oliver and his 8-year-old son, a former Alonso fan heartbroken by his Mets departure, to attend an Orioles game at Camden Yards, offering on-field access for batting practice to entice them to join the Birdland fan base.

Jonathan Cannon Fires Three Clean Innings in Spring Outing

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White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon delivered an impressive performance, tossing three clean innings and retiring nine consecutive batters in his spring training appearance. Cannon's flawless outing, with no blemishes on his record card, was a bright spot for the White Sox despite their 3-2 loss to the Reds, potentially creating difficult decisions for the front office in the coming weeks.

Colson Montgomery Blasts First Cactus League Homer

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White Sox prospect Colson Montgomery crushed his first Cactus League home run, obliterating a 94 mph fastball from Lyon Richardson in the fourth inning. The 421-foot blast to right-center field had an exit velocity of 104.6 mph, marking an offensive highlight for the South Siders despite their 3-2 loss to the Reds. Montgomery's powerful swing signals a promising start to his spring training.

Trey Yesavage Leads AL Rookie of the Year Odds

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Highly-touted rookie Trey Yesavage is currently leading the odds for the 2026 AL Rookie of the Year award. Despite pitching more innings last season than ever before, his strong performance has shortened his price tag. The Blue Jays prospect is a key player to watch as spring training progresses, though some analysts are waiting for better odds before placing bets.

Bubba Chandler Poised for Pirates Rotation Spot

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Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler, who posted a 1.83 ERA in Triple-A in 2024 and a 4.02 ERA with a low walk rate in his initial MLB stint last season, is likely to secure an Opening Day rotation spot. Despite a dip in his numbers, his underlying 2.66 FIP suggests potential for positive regression. Chandler, considered to have ace upside, is a strong contender for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award.

Chase DeLauter Scratched from Game with Lower-Body Soreness

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Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers due to precautionary lower-body soreness. DeLauter, who is projected to start the season in the Cleveland outfield, is considered a dangerous hitter with significant home run potential from the left side. He demonstrated a low 15.8% strikeout rate in 42 minor-league games last year, and the team is monitoring his recovery from the heavy activity.

Andrew Alvarez Starts for Nationals, Yields Early Homer

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Nationals pitcher Andrew Alvarez started against the Yankees, giving up a lead-off home run to Amed Rosario on the first pitch he saw. He also committed an error in the second inning, contributing to the Yankees' early scoring. Alvarez's outing marked his initial appearance in the spring training matchup against New York.

Marcelo Mayer's Spring Debut Delayed Due to Wrist Surgery

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Marcelo Mayer's spring debut has been pushed back as he continues his hitting progression following July 2025 wrist surgery. Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed Mayer is now adding velocity machine and Trajekt work. Caleb Durbin has been covering third base in Mayer's absence. Mayer is expected to make his spring debut Friday on the road against Atlanta. His return to the field will clarify how he and Durbin will fit into the team's infield plans, as both have experience at second and third base.

Matt Waldron Undergoes Surgery, Out Indefinitely for Padres

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Padres pitcher Matt Waldron is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery this week for an 'infection in his rear end,' clarified as a hemorrhoid issue. Manager Craig Stammen stated Waldron could begin the season on the injured list, with his return being 'week-to-week' based on healing. Waldron, who had been showing promising signs in early spring training, has made 36 appearances for the Padres over the last three seasons.

Padres Manager Stammen Reports Waldron's Indefinite Absence

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Padres manager Craig Stammen announced that pitcher Matt Waldron is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for an 'infection in his rear end,' later clarified as a hemorrhoid issue. Stammen expects Waldron to be discharged soon but anticipates a 'week-to-week' recovery depending on healing. He expressed disappointment for Waldron, who had been showing promising signs in early spring training, noting the team will support his rehab process.

Pete Crow-Armstrong Doubles Down on Dodgers Fan Criticism

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Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reiterated his criticism of Los Angeles Dodgers fans, citing 'nasty stuff' he witnessed growing up and referencing the 2011 Bryan Stow attack. In a new interview, he clarified his comments were directed solely at the fanbase, not the players or organization, shifting his argument from fan engagement to issues of violence and ugliness. His remarks have sparked backlash from Dodgers fans, reigniting debate ahead of the Cubs' April series in Los Angeles.

Nolan McLean Set for Mets Start, NL ROY Favorite

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Mets pitcher Nolan McLean, the runaway favorite for the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year award, is scheduled to make a start for the team on Thursday. McLean wowed in his eight-start debut last season and is considered the best 26-and-under pitcher not named Paul Skenes. His potential as an ace is a significant factor in the Mets' strong standing in recent power rankings, highlighting a bright future for the organization.

Gunnar Henderson Poised for MVP Return After 'Underwhelming' 2025

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Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, despite an 'underwhelming' 2025 season that still yielded 5.3 bWAR, is expected to return to MVP finalist form now that he is fully healthy. Ranked among the top young position players in MLB, Henderson is considered a cornerstone for Baltimore's bright future. His anticipated rebound is a key factor in the Orioles' strong position in recent power rankings.