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MLB News

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

Wednesday, February 25

Lindor's Stitches Out, Expected to Resume Impact Activities Soon

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Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor had the stitches removed from his left hand on Tuesday and is anticipated to begin "impact" activities within the next 2-3 days, manager Carlos Mendoza reported. Lindor has experienced no complications since undergoing surgery two weeks ago for a fractured hamate bone and is poised to start a hitting progression shortly. While regaining full power may take time, he is expected to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season, provided he experiences no discomfort.

Justin Verlander's Tigers Contract Payments Extend to 2039

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Justin Verlander will receive the final payments from his new contract with the Detroit Tigers in 2039. The Tigers have deferred $31 million of the total $128 million committed to Verlander and Framber Valdez through their new agreements. This arrangement means a portion of Verlander's earnings from his recent contract will be paid out over an extended period, concluding more than a decade from now.

Framber Valdez's Tigers Contract Deferred Until 2039

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Framber Valdez is set to receive the final payments from his new contract with the Detroit Tigers in 2039. The Tigers have deferred a total of $31 million from the $128 million committed to Valdez and fellow pitcher Justin Verlander through their new agreements. This deferral extends the payment schedule for a significant portion of their earnings well into the future.

Mickey Moniak Makes Cactus League Debut After Oblique Injury

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Mickey Moniak (oblique) is making his Cactus League debut Wednesday, starting at designated hitter and batting leadoff against the Cubs. The Rockies outfielder had been brought along slowly in camp due to right oblique tightness but has now been cleared. The 27-year-old, who hit 24 home runs with a .270/.306/.518 slash line in 2025, is expected to receive regular playing time against right-handed pitching in the 2026 season.

Tuesday, February 24

Ben Rice Aims for Improved Defense and Consistent Lineup Spot

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Ben Rice, a breakout player for the New York Yankees in 2025, is focused on improving his defense in 2026 and securing a regular spot in the lineup. Despite the re-signing of Paul Goldschmidt, Rice remains a significant part of the Yankees' plans, with potential use as a backup catcher also being considered. He hopes to build on his previous campaign.

Goldschmidt Powers Yankees with Homer, 4 RBIs; Preps for WBC

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Paul Goldschmidt delivered a strong offensive performance for the New York Yankees, driving in four runs with his first spring training home run and a two-run double in an 8-7 win. His early success follows a one-year re-signing. Goldschmidt is also preparing for the World Baseball Classic, his third appearance in the tournament, while also looking ahead to his role with the Yankees in 2026.

Paul Skenes, 2025 NL Cy Young, Set for WBC & Pirates Start

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Paul Skenes, the reigning 2025 NL Cy Young winner, is the leading favorite for the 2026 award at +225. He is scheduled to start for the Pirates tomorrow against the Braves. Skenes also confirmed he expects to make multiple starts for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with at least one in pool play and potentially more if the team advances. In 2025, he led MLB with a 1.97 ERA, 2.36 FIP, and an NL-best 0.948 WHIP, showcasing his dominance.

Taylor's Hot Start Puts Him in Padres' Bench Mix

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Samad Taylor is impressing in Cactus League play for the San Diego Padres, hitting .556 with a 1.278 OPS through four games. Despite limited MLB experience, his minor league success and exceptional spring start, particularly his speed, make him a contender for a bench role, potentially as a pinch-runner.

Crow-Armstrong Sparks Debate with Fan Comments

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Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong ignited controversy by contrasting Chicago fans' passion with Dodgers fans' perceived superficiality. The article details his breakout 2025 season, where he became the first MLB player with 25 HR, 25 SB, and 70 RBI in the first half. He also reflects on his own brash on-field demeanor.

Yankees' Clarke Schmidt on IL, Serves as Model for Warren's Development

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Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt, currently on the injured list with a strained lat, is cited as a model for Will Warren's development. Schmidt established himself with 30+ starts in 2023, posting a 4.64 ERA in 32 starts, before significantly improving to a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts in 2025. His experience in overcoming challenges, particularly with left-handed hitters and managing big innings, is being used as a blueprint for Warren's current adjustments and pursuit of consistency.

Will Warren Makes Spring Debut, Adjusts Pitching to Boost Yankees Rotation

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Will Warren made his 2026 spring training debut for the Yankees, throwing 2 2/3 innings of one-run ball with four strikeouts against the Blue Jays. After an inconsistent 2025 season (4.44 ERA in 33 starts, 167 innings), Warren is making adjustments, including moving to the third-base side of the rubber to improve his attack angle against hitters, particularly lefties. With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt on the injured list, the Yankees may rely heavily on Warren to solidify their rotation. Manager Aaron Boone stressed the importance of emotional steadiness for the pitcher.

Kevin Pillar Urges Angels Owner Arte Moreno to Sell Team

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Former MLB outfielder Kevin Pillar has publicly called for Angels owner Arte Moreno to sell the team, stating Moreno "doesn't realize what he has" and "doesn't care about the Angels." Pillar's comments come after Moreno suggested fans prioritize affordability over winning, citing an internal survey. Pillar, who played for the Angels in 2024, believes the team would be a destination for players if ownership truly prioritized winning, criticizing the team's lack of success under Moreno's tenure.

Alvarez, Jr. Replaces Urías on Mexico's WBC Roster

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Atlanta Braves infielder Nacho Alvarez, Jr. has been added to Mexico's World Baseball Classic roster, replacing Ramón Urías. The 22-year-old, who played in 58 games for Atlanta last season after missing much of 2025 due to injury, is considered a roster bubble candidate for the Braves.

Gavin Stone Dominates in Return After Shoulder Surgery

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Gavin Stone made a triumphant return for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching one scoreless inning with two strikeouts in his first appearance since shoulder surgery 542 days ago. He showcased his signature changeup and touched 94-95 mph with his fastball, impressing manager Dave Roberts. Stone, who had a breakout 2024 season before his injury, is aiming for a rotation spot in 2026 after a challenging rehab.

Black Drives in 6 in Brewers' First Spring Win

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Tyler Black was the star of the Milwaukee Brewers' 10-0 rout of the Athletics, driving in six runs with a two-run homer, a bases-loaded three-run single, and an RBI double. This performance is crucial for Black as he aims to make the Brewers' roster after dealing with a hamate injury last year.

Kelly's Homer Lifts Cubs to Second Straight Win

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Cubs catcher Carson Kelly hit a two-run homer and drove in two runs overall, powering the Chicago Cubs to a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres. Shōta Imanaga made his first spring start, showing increased velocity. The Cubs secured their second consecutive win.

Astros' Colton Gordon Seeks Debut Patch Card, Offers Trade

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Astros pitcher Colton Gordon is actively searching for his Topps Rookie Debut Patch Autograph baseball card, which remains unpulled. The 27-year-old left-hander, who made his Major League debut on May 14, 2025, is offering a 'solid trade' for the card, including autographs, tickets, or a meet-and-greet. The patch from his debut jersey was sent to Topps for card insertion, and he hopes to complete his collection from his debut game. He's willing to make a fair deal to acquire the unique collectible.

Bichette Shines at Third Base in Mets' Tie

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Bo Bichette displayed impressive defense at third base for the New York Mets, making a smooth bare-handed play. He also contributed offensively with a single and a sacrifice fly in the Mets' 6-6 tie with the Astros. Bichette is learning the position from veterans Matt Chapman and Nolan Arenado.

Marlins' Martinez Pitches Against Top Prospect Konnor Griffin

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Marlins pitcher Seth Martinez was recently involved in a notable outing where he faced Konnor Griffin, the Pirates' 19-year-old shortstop and consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball. During the game, Griffin showcased his power by hitting home runs off Martinez, who was identified in the report as one of the Red Sox pitchers on the mound, and also off Ranger Suarez. This interaction highlights Martinez's recent game action against high-caliber talent.

De La Cruz, Suarez Homer in Reds' First Spring Win

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Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suarez hit back-to-back home runs, marking their first of spring training, as the Cincinnati Reds secured their first Cactus League win, 5-4, against the Kansas City Royals. The bullpen also delivered five consecutive scoreless frames.