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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. appeared as the cleanup hitter for the second time in three games, recording two hits in two plate appearances during the Padres' 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tatis singled in the first inning and lined another hit in the fourth, showing adjustment to his new lineup spot. The Padres offense struggled overall, managing only three additional hits.
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander José Alvarado announced via social media that insurance issues will prevent him from representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, a situation he described as "beyond my control" and deeply saddening. Alvarado, 30, had hoped to play for his country for the third consecutive time. He posted a 3.81 ERA with seven saves in 28 games for the Phillies last season, which included an 80-game suspension for a PED violation attributed to a weight loss drug.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing, coming off a challenging 2025 rookie season (.204 AVG, 4 HR, 24 RBI in 53 games), is embracing his role as backup behind Will Smith. Manager Dave Roberts plans to use Rushing at first base for Freddie Freeman's days off. Rushing started Saturday's Cactus League opener with an RBI sac fly and is focused on team success, viewing his role as a learning opportunity behind Smith and aiming for 110 regular season wins.
Three-time All-Star catcher Will Smith is set to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers' catching corps, with prospect Dalton Rushing embracing his role as backup and a valuable opportunity to learn from Smith. Smith was also in the starting lineup for the Dodgers' spring training game against the San Diego Padres.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Akil Baddoo hit a 430-foot solo home run in the third inning against the Chicago White Sox, giving the Brewers a brief 2-1 lead during their split-squad spring training loss. Baddoo also drew a walk earlier in the game. The Brewers fell to 0-3 in Cactus League play after a pair of Sunday losses.
Chicago Cubs player Seiya Suzuki hit a bloop single to right field but was involved in a rare 9-3-6-5 triple play. Believing Matt Shaw would score, Suzuki ran to second, while Shaw, who had held up, wandered off third base where Alex Bregman had also advanced. Suzuki was thrown out at second, and Shaw was tagged out, completing the unusual play in the Cubs' 4-2 loss to the Giants.
New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil, aiming to re-establish his rotation spot, made a strong spring debut, allowing one earned run on two hits, striking out four, and walking none over 2.2 innings against the Mets. Despite giving up a solo homer to Jared Young in the second, Gil's command was solid, with his fastball in the mid-90s and a sharp changeup. The former 2024 Rookie of the Year, who had a 3.32 ERA but declining strikeout rate in 2025, needs a strong spring to secure his spot.
New York Mets infielder Mark Vientos is embracing a potential new role at first base following Pete Alonso's departure, starting at the position and batting second in Sunday's spring training game. Vientos, who primarily plays third base, expressed comfort at first and willingness to play wherever needed. After a dip in offensive production in 2025 (.233 AVG, 17 HR, 61 RBI), he is focused on maintaining a consistent routine to improve his hitting.
New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens hit a solo home run to right-center field in the fourth inning, contributing to the Mets' 6-4 spring training victory over the Yankees. Torrens' blast was one of four Mets homers in the game. He is expected to be the Mets' backup catcher behind Francisco Alvarez for Opening Day.
Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper advocated for the team to re-sign Rhys Hoskins, seeking more right-handed power and "swagger" for the lineup. However, team president Dave Dombrowski decided against the reunion, leading to Hoskins signing with the Guardians. This incident highlights an ongoing disagreement between Harper and Dombrowski, with Harper believing the team needs offensive reinforcement and Dombrowski questioning Harper's "nonelite" 2025 season performance. Their relationship is noted as "not on the same page."
Rhys Hoskins finalized a minor-league deal with the Cleveland Guardians, including a spring training invite, worth $1.5M if he makes the roster. This comes after Bryce Harper advocated for a Phillies reunion, which was rejected by Dave Dombrowski. Hoskins, 33, slashed .237/.332/.416 with 12 homers and 43 RBI in 90 games last season, missing time with a thumb sprain. He posted a 109 wRC+ in 2025 and a career 137 wRC+ vs. LHP, showing strong defensive metrics. He'll compete for 1B/DH, providing crucial depth.
Texas Rangers' big lefty offseason acquisition, MacKenzie Gore, made his debut in Texas attire against the Colorado Rockies. The 2017 third overall pick, now in his fifth MLB season, was an All-Star for the Washington Nationals in 2025 before being traded to the Rangers in January. Gore will face a lefty-heavy Rockies lineup in his first spring action with Texas.
Kyle Tucker made his highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting in right field and batting second in the lineup against the San Diego Padres in a spring training matchup. This marks Tucker's first game in a Dodgers uniform.
Non-roster invitee Randy Dobnak made his debut for the Seattle Mariners in their third spring training game against the Reds. The right-hander is scheduled to be followed by several other pitchers as the Mariners continue their Cactus League schedule.
Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever Jimmy Herget, coming off a strong 2025 season with career highs in appearances (59), innings (83.1 IP), and strikeouts (81) with a 2.48 ERA, will get the start in his first spring training action. Herget is currently auditioning for a spot in the Rockies' rotation as he faces Texas Rangers' MacKenzie Gore.
New Mets second baseman Marcus Semien, 35, is approaching spring training with an "everyday mindset," despite the team considering managing his workload. Known for his durability, Semien played all 162 games in 2023, setting an MLB record for plate appearances (835), and won a Gold Glove in 2025. While his offensive OPS has dipped below .700 in the last two seasons, his defensive metrics remain strong. Manager Carlos Mendoza will monitor him, but Semien is focused on playing and building rapport with new teammates.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Taj Bradley is scheduled to start for the team in their spring training game against the Atlanta Braves. Bradley will take the mound for the Twins in the Cactus League contest.
Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Chris Sale is scheduled to make his spring training start against the Minnesota Twins. Sale will be on the mound for the Braves in their Cactus League matchup.
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Coby Mayo is in the starting lineup for today's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. He is one of four players expected to be regular major league players featured in the road lineup.
Baltimore Orioles left fielder Heston Kjerstad is in the starting lineup for today's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers. He is one of four players expected to be regular major league players featured in the road lineup.
