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MLB News

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

Friday, February 13

Nathaniel Lowe Inks Minor-League Deal with Reds, Invited to Spring Training

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Veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, 30, signed a minor-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, including a Spring Training invitation. He is set to arrive Saturday for a physical. Lowe batted .228 with 18 HR and 84 RBIs in 153 games last season with the Nationals and Red Sox. He struggled with Washington but improved with Boston, hitting .280 with a .790 OPS in 34 games. The left-handed hitter provides depth at first base for the Reds, complementing Sal Stewart, Spencer Steer, and Eugenio Suárez. Lowe previously won a Silver Slugger in 2022 and a Gold Glove in 2023.

Astros Closer Josh Hader Resumes Catch After Offseason Biceps Tendinitis

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Astros closer Josh Hader, a six-time All-Star left-hander, played catch again Friday. This follows an offseason period where he dealt with biceps tendinitis, which arose while he was throwing bullpen sessions. His return to throwing is a positive step as he progresses from the injury.

Ha-Seong Kim Ahead of Schedule, Could Return by Early May

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Atlanta president Alex Anthopoulos is hopeful Ha-Seong Kim (finger) will be ready for his season debut in early May, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Kim underwent surgery in January to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The initial timeline had him returning by mid- to late-May, but the veteran infielder now appears to be ahead of schedule. Mauricio Dubon is expected to fill in as the primary shortstop while Kim recovers.

Blue Jays Acquire Jesús Sánchez in Trade for Joey Loperfido

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The Toronto Blue Jays acquired outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Houston Astros on Friday, February 13, 2026, in exchange for outfielder Joey Loperfido. Prior to the trade, Sánchez had slashed .199/.269/.342 in 48 games for the Astros. He now joins the Toronto Blue Jays roster.

Blue Jays Trade OF Joey Loperfido to Astros for Jesús Sánchez

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Joey Loperfido was traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the Houston Astros on Friday, February 13, 2026. This transaction saw the Blue Jays acquire outfielder Jesús Sánchez from Houston. Sánchez had previously slashed .199/.269/.342 in 48 games for the Astros. Loperfido's new role with the Houston Astros will be determined following the move.

Corbin Carroll Returns to Camp Post-Surgery, Doing Drills with Hand Cast

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Left-handed outfielder Corbin Carroll returned to camp Thursday, just one day after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. Despite sporting a cast, Carroll was observed performing plyometric throwing drills and is also able to run and execute leg work in the weight room. Both Carroll and the Diamondbacks are optimistic he can make a return to action around Opening Day.

Thursday, February 12

Yankees' Jasson Domínguez Aims for Breakout Amidst Crowded Outfield

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Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez, 23, faces a reserve role in 2026 following the returns of Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger. In 2025, "The Martian" posted a .257/.331/.388 slash line with 10 homers and 47 RBI in 123 games, but struggled with power consistency, a .569 OPS from the right side, and poor defense in left field (-9 OAA). Despite these flaws, he was statistically above-average at the plate. Domínguez, who recently turned 23, has the talent to improve his power and defense, making him a key depth piece and potential breakout candidate if opportunities arise due to injuries.

Yankees Sign Veteran RHP Rafael Montero to Minor League Deal

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The New York Yankees have signed veteran right-hander Rafael Montero, 35, to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league spring training. If he makes the team, Montero will earn $1.85 million. In 2025, he posted a 4.48 ERA across 59 games with the Astros, Braves, and Tigers, though he improved to a 2.86 ERA in 20 appearances with Detroit. Four years removed from a strong 2.37 ERA season with the 2022 World Series champion Astros, Montero will compete for a bullpen spot as the Yankees look to retool their relief corps.

White Sox GM Getz Erroneously Calls Key Acquisition Luisangel Acuña a Switch-Hitter

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Luisangel Acuña, the White Sox's headline acquisition in the Luis Robert Jr. trade, is expected to play a significant role in 2026. However, GM Chris Getz issued a mea culpa after repeatedly and erroneously referring to Acuña as a switch-hitter for a month; the 23-year-old, a former top-100 prospect and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s younger brother, is strictly a right-handed hitter. Getz joked about getting "carried away describing his versatility." Acuña slashed .248/.299/.341 in 233 MLB plate appearances last season.

Mets' New Lefty Reliever Bryan Hudson Impresses in First Bullpen

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Lefty reliever Bryan Hudson, recently acquired by the Mets from the White Sox for cash considerations, made an immediate impression during his first bullpen session. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised his "intensity" and 92 mph velocity. Hudson, who posted a 4.80 ERA in 16 appearances last season with the Brewers and White Sox, fills a crucial need for a second left-handed reliever behind Brooks Raley, especially with A.J. Minter rehabbing until May. The Mets believe the southpaw can be a valuable asset despite his recent ups and downs.

Mets' Bo Bichette Adjusts to Third Base After Big Offseason Move

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Mets third baseman Bo Bichette is actively adjusting to his new position, arriving early to spring training to work with manager Carlos Mendoza on fielding mechanics. The 27-year-old, who signed a three-year, $126 million deal, is transitioning from shortstop and learning the different timing requirements of third base. While he's not yet quantifying his comfort, Bichette acknowledges games will be his biggest test. His offensive prowess, including a .311/.357/.483 slash line with 18 homers and 94 RBIs in 2025, is expected to anchor the Mets' rebuilt infield, with Mendoza considering him for the third spot in the batting order.

Verlander Reflects on Potential Return to Detroit Tigers

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Justin Verlander stated Thursday that he had always known a return to Detroit was possible. He acknowledged the significant journey both he and the Detroit Tigers franchise have undertaken since his last appearance for the team in 2017, reflecting on the long road back to the organization.

Max Fried's ALDS Disappointment Fuels Yankees Offseason Drive

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Yankees left-hander Max Fried's disappointing ALDS start, where he allowed seven runs in just over three innings against the Blue Jays, has served as a major motivator for his offseason training. Despite that outing, his first season in pinstripes was largely successful, featuring a 2.86 ERA over 32 starts and a fourth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting. Fried, who felt strong at the end of his heaviest workload season, believes the Yankees possess the talent to compete for a championship and is using the playoff exit to continuously improve.

Edwin Díaz Arrives at Dodgers Camp, Solidifying Closer Role

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Edwin Díaz has reported to Dodgers spring training, poised to solidify the team's closer role after a dominant 2025 season with the New York Mets. The right-hander posted a 1.63 ERA across 66.1 innings, converting 28 of 31 save opportunities with 98 strikeouts and just 14 walks. His arrival addresses the Dodgers' need for a proven high-leverage reliever, bringing an upper 90s fastball and a wipeout slider to anchor their bullpen as they aim for a three-peat.

Brewers' Contreras Avoids Arbitration, Signs One-Year, $9.4M Deal

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Brewers catcher William Contreras, 28, has avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $9.4 million contract with a $14.5 million club option for 2027. The option becomes mutual if he places top-four in NL MVP voting this season. Contreras, a two-time Silver Slugger and two-time All-Star, batted .260 with 17 homers and 76 RBIs in 150 games last year while playing through a fractured finger. This marks his second consecutive year settling before an arbitration hearing, securing his future with the Brewers through at least 2027.

Diamondbacks Lose Reliever Andrew Saalfrank for Season After Shoulder Surgery

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have lost reliever Andrew Saalfrank for the entire 2026 season following shoulder surgery, a significant blow to their bullpen plans. Saalfrank, who had posted an impressive 1.79 ERA since his September 2023 call-up, including a 1.24 ERA in 28 appearances last year, was considered a lock for a bullpen spot. The team is now exploring internal and external options to replace the left-hander, with A.J. Puk a potential early May return and former D-backs Anthony Banda and Jalen Beeks as free-agent possibilities.

Phillies Release Castellanos; Player Admits Dugout Beer Incident

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Nick Castellanos was released by the Philadelphia Phillies on Feb. 12, becoming a free agent after the team failed to trade him despite his $20M salary for 2026. The 33-year-old struggled in 2025 (.250/.294/.400, 17 HR, 72 RBI). In a sendoff letter, he admitted to being benched last June for bringing a beer into the dugout during a game in Miami and complaining to manager Rob Thomson about team rules after being removed. Teammates intervened before he could drink. The Yankees had inquired about a trade earlier but backed off due to mixed reviews. Adolis Garcia is expected to replace him in right field.

Giants' Ron Washington to Mentor Rafael Devers at First Base

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San Francisco Giants' new infield coach Ron Washington is tasked with developing Rafael Devers at first base, a position that caused "huge controversy" for Devers with the Boston Red Sox last season. The Red Sox traded Devers, 29, to the Giants after he reportedly refused to switch positions midseason, with the Red Sox criticizing his actions. Washington, known for successfully transitioning Scott Hatteberg to first base, will apply similar coaching methods to help Devers, who is already familiar with infield play, adapt to his new role.

Twins Sign Three-Time All-Star Liam Hendriks to Minor League Deal

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The Minnesota Twins have signed three-time All-Star right-hander Liam Hendriks, 37, to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation. Hendriks, who debuted with the Twins in 2011, appeared in just 14 games for the Boston Red Sox last season (6.59 ERA) before missing time with right hip inflammation and undergoing elbow surgery. This follows a challenging period where he battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in early 2023 and had Tommy John surgery, missing the entire 2024 season. The veteran reliever aims to return to form with his original club.

Yankees' Schlittler Sidelined by Back Inflammation, Targets Opening Day

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Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler is experiencing minor mid-back inflammation, also affecting his left lat, causing him to skip mound work for a few days. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the team is exercising caution, though Schlittler, 25, expects to be ready for Opening Day despite a potential delay to his Grapefruit League debut. He's been dealing with the issue for weeks but calls his concern "zero" after "good news" from tests. Schlittler, who posted a 2.96 ERA in 2025 and had a 12-strikeout playoff gem, is anticipated to be a staple in the Yankees' rotation.