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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte is a prominent name in discussions for the top second baseman in MLB, according to Buster Olney's recent rankings. The debate centers on whether Marte's offensive prowess is enough to secure him the No. 1 spot on the list, contrasting with other players known for elite defense. The article explores how the rankings ultimately shake out.
White Sox minor-leaguer Edgar Quero had an excellent Cactus League opener, collecting four RBIs on two bloops and adding a 98 mph double. He also showcased his defensive skills by throwing out a base thief and successfully challenging a ball-strike call. Despite a minor misplay that led to a run, Quero's performance highlighted his potential and strong start to spring training.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge made a powerful 2026 spring training debut, hitting two two-run home runs against the Detroit Tigers, finishing 2-for-3 with 4 RBIs. The 33-year-old, a three-time MVP, launched a 420-foot shot and a 395-foot drive. Judge is now preparing to play for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, expressing excitement and a desire to address "unfinished business" from last season. His quick ramp-up is due to his WBC commitment.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson made an immediate impact in the Cactus League opener, slugging a two-run home run against his former team, the Cleveland Guardians. Benson, who is battling for an Opening Day roster spot, demonstrated his power and potential, reminding observers of the talent he displayed at times during his 2025 campaign. His homer was a key offensive highlight for the Reds.
Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto will make one more spring training start this Friday against the Giants before joining Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic. In his 2026 debut, Yamamoto struck out three and allowed one earned run over 1 2/3 innings, throwing 30 pitches. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Yamamoto's WBC participation, citing his meticulous preparation and self-care. Yamamoto, who led the Dodgers in 2025 with a 2.49 ERA and won the World Series MVP, aims for a Cy Young Award.
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen secured his first managerial victory as his team defeated the Kansas City Royals 10-3 in a spring training contest. The Padres offense, highlighted by Jose Miranda's strong performance, provided ample support for Stammen's inaugural win.
San Diego Padres infielder Jose Miranda, who signed a minor league deal in December 2025, is making a strong case for a roster spot. In his second spring training game, he went 3-for-3 with a walk, two singles, a double, four RBIs, and a run scored against the Royals. This followed a 2-for-3 performance with a two-run homer and a double against the Mariners, totaling 5-for-6 with 6 RBIs across two games.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Emerson Hancock made his first 2026 spring training start, showcasing 96-97 mph fastballs and recording four strikeouts with nine whiffs. Despite an encouraging start, his velocity dipped slightly, and command was spotty, preventing him from completing his two scheduled innings. This spring is considered "make or break" for Hancock, who is vying for a rotation spot.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan was scratched from his scheduled Grapefruit League start against the Red Sox on Saturday due to lower-back tightness. Following the scratch, Ryan is now slated to undergo an MRI on his lower back later the same day. The team expects to provide further information regarding his condition and potential structural damage on Sunday. This update clarifies the initial report of an unclear reason for his removal from the spring training game.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Suwinski, who was designated for assignment to make room for Marcell Ozuna, spent four years with the Pirates, hitting 45 home runs with a 106 wRC+ in 2022-23 but struggled in 2024-25. Out of options, he provides outfield depth for the Dodgers, who placed Kiké Hernández on the 60-day injured list to clear a roster spot.
Yankees prospect Spencer Jones launched a monster 408-foot home run with a 111.7 mph exit velocity in his spring training debut against the Detroit Tigers, clearing the right field stands. Playing center field, Jones showcased his power potential, though he later struck out twice. This impressive blast highlights his offensive capabilities as he begins Grapefruit League play.
Mets superstar Juan Soto is embracing his role as a clubhouse anchor, arriving visibly more muscular after a comfortable offseason. He's set to lead a new core alongside Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco. Soto is refamiliarizing himself with left field, where he'll play for the Mets and the Dominican Republic in the WBC, aiming to improve defensively after a challenging 2025 season in right field. He successfully fielded a base hit in his four innings at left.
Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer had a sharp outing in his spring training debut, working one inning. He allowed a single but also recorded a strikeout, contributing to the team's strong pitching performance in their 3-0 victory over the Phillies.
Journeyman outfielder Ben Gamel made a strong impression in the Atlanta Braves' Grapefruit League opener, hitting a leadoff home run in the second inning. He further contributed with a looping double, driving in two more runs for a total of three RBIs on the day. Gamel's offensive outburst helped power the Braves to a winning start to their spring training campaign.
Atlanta Braves' newest signing, Mike Yastrzemski, made an immediate impact in his Grapefruit League debut, hitting a home run on the first pitch he saw. He continued his strong performance by adding a hard single and drawing a walk, reaching base three times. Yastrzemski also played solid defense and scored a run, contributing significantly to the Braves' winning start to spring training.
Texas Rangers right-handed rotation hopeful Kumar Rocker is scheduled to make his first start of spring training. He will take the mound against LHP Matthew Boyd of the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Arizona. This outing marks an early opportunity for Rocker to impress as he vies for a spot in the Rangers' rotation.
The St. Louis Cardinals officially signed infielder Ramón Urías to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2027. The 31-year-old, who previously played for the Orioles and Astros, posted a .241/.292/.384 slash line in 112 games last season. With a career .724 OPS and 50 home runs, Urías will provide depth at third and second base. This marks his second stint with the organization, and he is also slated to play for Team Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Merrill Kelly will not throw his scheduled live batting practice session Saturday due to mid-back tightness, as reported by Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The veteran right-hander is set to undergo further testing within the next 24 hours, with a status update expected afterward. Kelly, who has already been named the Arizona Diamondbacks' Opening Day starter, is battling the back issue, which has led to the cancellation of his previously scheduled session.
Shohei Ohtani is slated to play a couple of Cactus League games for the Los Angeles Dodgers before joining Team Japan for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He was in the lineup leading off as the designated hitter for Saturday's spring training opener against the Angels, expected for two or three at-bats. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani is also scheduled to pitch against live hitting Sunday. Roberts noted the 31-year-old two-way star should be in Cy Young Award contention this season. His exact departure date for Team Japan remains unconfirmed by Ohtani.
Left-hander Mitch Bratt, a 22-year-old Canadian, is set to make his spring training debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Merrill Kelly trade after reaching Double-A in 2025, Bratt will take the mound against Tanner Gordon of the Colorado Rockies. This outing marks his first opportunity to showcase his skills with his new team.
