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MLB News

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

Tuesday, February 17

Top Free Agent RHP Lucas Giolito Draws Interest From Athletics, Guardians, Padres

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Former Boston Red Sox RHP Lucas Giolito is considered a top remaining MLB free agent. Coming off a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts for Boston in 2025, Giolito, who missed 2024 due to elbow surgery, is drawing interest from multiple teams. The Athletics, in need of an ace, see him as a potential rotation linchpin. The Cleveland Guardians, known for pitching development, could add him for veteran length. The San Diego Padres also eye Giolito to solidify their 2026 rotation amidst significant injuries and departures, including Yu Darvish's UCL tear. Giolito, an All-Star in 2019, relies on his four-seamer, slider, and changeup.

Gerrit Cole Throws Bullpen, Rehab on Track for May/June Return

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Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday at spring training, indicating his rehab from last March's Tommy John procedure is on track. Cole has been throwing since August and recently progressed to mound work. Manager Aaron Boone noted Cole might pitch in Grapefruit League games, but his regular-season debut is anticipated in late May or early June.

Hurston Waldrep Faces Potential Elbow Surgery, 3-Month Recovery

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Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep faces a potential three-month sideline if Dr. Keith Meister recommends surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. A decision is expected this week; without surgery, he might only need three weeks of rest. Regardless, Waldrep will likely start the season on the injured list, effectively removing him from contention for Atlanta's final rotation spot in the near term.

Riley O'Brien's Calf Soreness Under Evaluation, WBC Status Unclear

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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Riley O'Brien is managing calf soreness, which is currently being evaluated. The injury puts his availability for Team South Korea in the upcoming World Baseball Classic in question. O'Brien, who recorded six saves, six holds, a 2.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 45:22 K:BB over 48 innings last year, is expected to contend for saves with the Cardinals to start the 2026 season. The exact cause of the injury remains unclear.

Kyle Bradish Anticipates Workload Limits in 2026 Season

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Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish anticipates facing some form of innings limit or workload restrictions during the 2026 season. This will be his first full season back after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Despite training this offseason with the goal of pitching a full season, Bradish expects the Orioles to implement limitations, though the specifics are not yet clear. He is not expected to be completely shut down. Bradish performed well after his rehab last season, posting a 2.53 ERA and a 47:10 K:BB over 32 innings across six starts.

Matt Shaw Expected to Start in Right Field vs. Lefties

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Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw is expected to start in right field against left-handed pitchers, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Manager Craig Counsell indicated Shaw will see significant time in the outfield, allowing Seiya Suzuki to move to the designated hitter spot in those matchups. While Shaw has played outfield in college and summer ball, this would mark his professional debut at the position. The 24-year-old is anticipated to fill a super utility role for the Cubs during the upcoming season.

Thompson in Mix for Diamondbacks' Defined Closer Spot

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Ryan Thompson has been named by Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo as a candidate for the team's closer role, alongside Paul Sewald and Kevin Ginkel. Lovullo expressed a desire to establish a defined closer before the start of the season, though the timeline for this decision remains uncertain. Thompson, who possesses experience in crucial game situations, is among the pitchers vying for the high-leverage position with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sewald Among Top Candidates for Diamondbacks Closer Role

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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo identified Paul Sewald, Kevin Ginkel, and Ryan Thompson as primary candidates to fill the team's closer position. Lovullo indicated a preference to name a defined closer before Opening Day, though no decision has been made. Sewald, along with the other candidates, has prior experience in high-leverage situations and is eager to take on the role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ginkel Healthy, Named Closer Candidate for Diamondbacks

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Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo named Kevin Ginkel, Paul Sewald, and Ryan Thompson as candidates for the closer role, expressing a desire to establish a defined closer before Opening Day. Ginkel, now healthy, is looking to rebound after an injury-shortened 2025 season where he posted a 7.36 ERA and 29:13 K:BB over 25.2 innings. He previously recorded a strong 2.86 ERA with 147:38 K:BB across 135.1 regular-season frames from 2023-2024.

Buster Olney Crowns Mason Miller MLB's Undisputed No. 1 Reliever

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San Diego Padres' reliever Mason Miller has been recognized for his undeniable dominance, earning the top spot in Buster Olney's ranking of MLB's elite relievers. Olney's assessment highlights Miller's exceptional performance, solidifying his position as the league's premier closer. The ranking prompts discussion on which other pitchers join Miller among the top 10, underscoring his standout status.

Yankees' Jasson Domínguez Faces Potential Minor League Start

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Yankees' former top prospect Jasson Domínguez faces uncertainty regarding an Opening Day roster spot, with Brian Cashman suggesting a potential minor league start. Despite a league-average batting line as a 22-year-old rookie in 2025 after major injuries, and flashing elite athleticism, the crowded outfield (Bellinger, Grisham, Judge) and his skillset (strong vs. righties, weak vs. lefties) complicate his immediate MLB future. He's considered more talented than backup options like Cabrera, DeJong, or Schuemann, but consistent Triple-A playing time is being weighed.

Pirates Designate Outfielder Jack Suwinski for Assignment

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated outfielder Jack Suwinski for assignment, freeing a 40-man roster spot for newly acquired Marcell Ozuna. Suwinski, acquired in 2021 and recently re-signed to a one-year deal, can now be claimed off waivers or elect free agency if he clears. His Pirates tenure was marked by power, including 26 homers in 2023 (20th NL), but also high strikeout rates (172 K's in 2023, 6th). His production declined, hitting 9 HR in 88 games in 2024 and just 3 HR with a .147/.281/.534 slash line in 59 games in 2025, leading to multiple Triple-A stints. His departure opens opportunities for prospects like Jake Mangum.

Monday, February 16

Walker Buehler Joins Padres on Minor League Deal After Challenging 2025

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Former World Series hero Walker Buehler, 31, has agreed to a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, aiming to revive his MLB career and compete for a spot in their starting rotation. Buehler struggled in 2025 after returning from his second Tommy John surgery, posting a combined 4.94 ERA across stints with the Red Sox and Phillies before being released. A former Dodgers ace, he holds a career 57-29 record with a 3.52 ERA. He will compete with several other pitchers for a backend rotation spot with the Padres.

Trea Turner Not Invited to WBC Despite 2023 Heroics

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Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner revealed that he was not invited to play for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, despite leading the team with five home runs and tying a tournament record in the 2023 event. Turner, who won the National League batting title last season with a .304 average, 15 homers, and 69 RBIs, expressed his desire to participate again. Team USA managers instead selected Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson for shortstop roles, leaving Turner to remain with the Phillies for spring training.

Christian Scott Impresses in Live BP, Nearing Return from Tommy John Surgery

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Mets right-hander Christian Scott, 26, showed positive signs in live batting practice, striking out Juan Soto and Bo Bichette, as he works back from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. Manager Carlos Mendoza was pleased with Scott's performance, noting he threw up to 95 mph and his cutter looked sharp. Scott, who made nine starts in 2024 before his injury, is likely to begin the 2026 season in Triple-A to continue building up, but is considered a potential contributor to the Mets' rotation later in the year.

Blake Snell Yet To Begin Mound Work; Dodgers Taking Slow Approach

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday that Blake Snell has not yet begun any mound work, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. While Snell has been cleared to play catch and start a throwing program, the team won't know if he'll begin the 2026 season on the injured list until he actually steps onto the mound. Snell previously stated he was exhausted after a heavy workload in the 2025 campaign and playoffs. The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to bring the southpaw along slowly, leveraging their pitching depth if he's not ready for the start of the season.

Aaron Judge's Elbow Fully Healed, Eyes Baserunning & WBC Captaincy

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Yankees captain Aaron Judge's right elbow, which suffered a flexor strain last July, is now fully recovered, allowing him to confidently throw to bases. Judge, a two-time AL MVP, expressed frustration with the Yankees' early offseason but is relieved by recent additions. He's focusing on improving his baserunning for 2026, aiming for more stolen bases after swiping 12 last season. Judge will captain Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, departing Feb. 28, and hopes for a rematch with Japan. He recently faced top prospect Carlos Lagrange in live BP, hitting a homer before striking out on a 102.6 mph fastball.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 'Turns the Page' on WS Loss; Blue Jays Star Ready for 2026

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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 'turned the page' on the Blue Jays' Game 7 World Series loss to the Dodgers, moving on as spring training begins. Signed to a $500M, 14-year deal, he's optimistic for 2026. In 2025, he hit .292/23HR/84RBI, earning ALCS MVP with a 1.289 OPS in postseason. Longest-tenured Blue Jay, Guerrero is more vocal and a good teammate. Leadership solidified post-Bo Bichette's departure to the Mets; Jays added Okamoto, Cease, Ponce. Guerrero feels the team is "very capable" and "more happy than last year."

Shohei Ohtani Targets Cy Young, Ready for Full Pitching Workload

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Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani is targeting his first Cy Young Award in 2026, aiming for a full pitching workload following his September 2023 elbow surgery. After record-setting seasons, Ohtani made 14 starts in 2025, throwing 47 innings with a 2.87 ERA, with manager Dave Roberts praising his post-surgery command. He has completed three bullpen sessions and is expected to be ready for Opening Day or soon after. Ohtani will hit for Team Japan in the WBC but will not pitch. He was recently seen working out at spring training.

Dodgers' Tommy Edman Confirmed Out for Opening Day After Ankle Surgery

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Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman is officially ruled out for Opening Day following offseason surgery on his right ankle in November. The injury, which involved repairing a ligament and removing bone spurs, has bothered him for years and limited him to 97 games in 2025. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed a "methodical" and "long view" approach to his recovery, indicating he will miss more than a minimum IL stint. Edman is currently taking swings and doing light jogging, feeling he's on schedule. Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas, and Alex Freeland are expected to compete for playing time at second base in his absence.