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MLB News

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

Thursday, February 12

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.

Dodgers Extend Max Muncy Through 2027 with $10M Guaranteed Deal

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have extended third baseman Max Muncy, guaranteeing him $10 million through 2027, with a $10 million club option for 2028. Muncy, 35, was already under contract for 2026. Despite battling injuries over the past two seasons, he posted strong offensive numbers in 2025 (.243/.376/.470, 19 HR in 100 games) and broke the Dodgers' postseason home run record with 16. The longest-tenured Dodger is expected to remain the primary third baseman in 2026, solidifying his long-term presence with the club.

Paul Sewald Returns to Diamondbacks on One-Year, $1.5M Deal

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Paul Sewald has signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he was the closer during their 2023 World Series run. The 35-year-old right-hander was limited to 19.2 innings in 2025 due to a strained shoulder, posting a 4.58 ERA across stints with the Guardians and Tigers. Despite recent injury history and age, Sewald could still factor into save opportunities for Arizona, though he's not expected to immediately assume high-leverage roles. His $10 million option for 2026 was declined, allowing this cheaper return.

Dodgers Sign Infielder Keston Hiura to Minor League Deal, Invite to Camp

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed infielder Keston Hiura, 29, to a minor league contract, including a non-roster invitation to big league spring training. Hiura has played parts of six MLB seasons, but spent most of the last three in Triple-A with various organizations. In 2025, he posted a .272/.369/.507 slash line with 21 home runs in 100 Triple-A games for Albuquerque. Primarily a second baseman earlier in his career, Hiura has recently gained experience at first and third base, offering versatility for the Dodgers.

Twins Sign Julian Merryweather to Minor League Contract

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The Minnesota Twins have signed right-hander Julian Merryweather to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to spring training. This signing is part of the Twins' recent roster moves, which also saw them acquire left-hander Anthony Banda in a trade with the Dodgers and sign Liam Hendriks to a similar minor league deal.

Twins Acquire Left-Hander Anthony Banda in Trade with Dodgers

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The Minnesota Twins have acquired left-hander Anthony Banda in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This move is part of a series of transactions by the Twins, which also included signing right-handers Liam Hendriks and Julian Merryweather to minor league contracts with spring training invitations. Banda joins the Twins' organization following the trade.

Cardinals' Ivan Herrera Limited Post-Elbow Surgery, Opening Day Safe

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Cardinals president Chaim Bloom reported that Ivan Herrera (elbow) remains limited in throwing and hitting during spring training. Herrera underwent surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow and is being eased back. The rehab prevents him from playing in the World Baseball Classic for Panama due to insurance, but it is not expected to impact his Opening Day availability. Herrera aims to return to catcher in 2026 after his elbow limited him to designated hitter duty for the final months of the 2025 season.

Jackson Holliday Included in Hamate Bone Injury Overview

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Jackson Holliday was included in a discussion about the hamate bone injury, a common issue for baseball players. An orthopedic surgeon explained the causes and prevalence of this hand injury in the sport, citing Holliday as an example of an athlete who has experienced it. The article provided general medical context rather than specific updates on Holliday's current status.

Francisco Lindor Mentioned in Hamate Bone Injury Discussion

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Francisco Lindor was mentioned in an article discussing the hamate bone injury, a common ailment among baseball players. An orthopedic surgeon broke down the cause of the injury and why it's frequently seen in the sport. The article used Lindor as an example of a player who has been affected by this type of hand injury.

Corbin Carroll Undergoes Hand Surgery for Hamate Bone Fracture

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll underwent surgery on his right hand Wednesday to repair a broken hamate bone, sustained a day prior during live batting practice. His exact return timeline is uncertain, but the team hopes he could be back around Opening Day. This injury further strains Arizona's outfield, already short-staffed. The hamate bone injury is common in baseball players, often requiring surgery. Manager Torey Lovullo is considering Alek Thomas for right field and prospect Jordan Lawlar for center.

Matthew Liberatore Tours Cardinals' New $108M Spring Training Facilities

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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore provided a tour of the team's new $108 million Spring Training facilities in Jupiter, Florida, as pitchers and catchers reported. The state-of-the-art complex features 6-7 new covered batting cages, pitching machines, extensive weight rooms, a multi-purpose field, and a performance center with intertwined minor and major league areas. Liberatore highlighted the advanced saunas, hyperbaric chambers, and a new food room stocked with healthy options, showcasing the significant investment in player development and wellness.

Luis Robert Traded; Luisangel Acuña Headlines Return to White Sox

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Luis Robert Jr. was involved in an offseason trade where Luisangel Acuña headlined the return package to the White Sox. While the article focuses on Acuña's acquisition by the White Sox, it confirms Robert's departure, implying he was traded to the New York Mets. The White Sox GM Chris Getz was quoted regarding the acquisition of Acuña, who was the key piece received in the deal for Robert.

Pete Alonso Brings Vocal Leadership, High Energy to Orioles Spring Training Camp

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Pete Alonso has quickly become the most vocal and energetic player at Orioles Spring Training, demonstrating natural leadership by hyping teammates and engaging pitchers during live batting practice. The five-time All-Star, who signed a five-year, $155 million deal, is focused on helping Baltimore return to the postseason. He emphasizes hard work, connection, production, and winning. Fans have eagerly sought his autograph, and manager Craig Albernaz lauded his impactful energy. Alonso is preparing for the Grapefruit League opener on Feb. 20 and Opening Day on March 26.

Aaron Judge Ranks #2 for 2026 WBC Hitters, Continues AL MVP Reign

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New York Yankees' Aaron Judge is ranked the #2 hitter for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The AL MVP in three of the last four seasons, Judge has consistently terrorized opposing pitchers since 2017. He has recorded 50+ home runs in four seasons and 10+ wins above replacement in two seasons. Judge has led the AL in intentional walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, OPS+, and walks in each of the last two seasons, solidifying his place in Yankees' history.

Shohei Ohtani Tops 2026 WBC Hitters, Dominates NL with Dodgers

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani is ranked the #1 hitter for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. A year removed from an MLB-first 50-50 season (50 HR, 50 SB), Ohtani showcases elite strength and power. He has led the NL in slugging percentage, OPS, OPS+, and runs scored in each of the last two seasons, securing four league MVP awards and back-to-back World Series titles with the Dodgers. Ohtani remains a dominant force at the plate, on the mound, and on the basepaths.

Eovaldi Reports Healthy to Camp After Hernia Surgery, Plans Slow Build-Up

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Nathan Eovaldi (hernia) reported to Rangers camp healthy and completed his first bullpen session Tuesday. He underwent offseason surgery for a sports hernia that ended his 2025 season in August. Eovaldi, who turns 36 this spring, stated he'd been managing the hernia since 2024 without it impacting his pitching, posting an impressive 1.73 ERA over 22 starts last year. Manager Skip Schumaker plans a slow build-up for the right-hander, mirroring the approach used for Jacob deGrom in 2025.

Evan Phillips Re-Signs with Dodgers After Tommy John Surgery

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Evan Phillips has re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The right-handed relief pitcher was non-tendered in November, six months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Phillips was dominant before his injury, particularly against right-handed hitters, and boasts a 0.00 ERA across 12 playoff games. He is expected to join the Dodgers sometime this summer, potentially bolstering a revamped bullpen that now features Edwin Diaz as closer, a shift from the team's previous closer-by-committee approach.

Ben Rortvedt DFA'd by Dodgers Again, Offseason Rollercoaster Continues

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Catcher Ben Rortvedt has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second time this offseason, following a brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds. Rortvedt was initially DFA'd by the Dodgers, claimed by the Reds, then DFA'd by Cincinnati before being re-claimed by Los Angeles. The team hopes he clears waivers this time to provide catching depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City, meaning he won't be with the Dodgers for Spring Training.

Yankees Prospect Spencer Jones Nearing Crossroads Amid Deep Outfield

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Yankees' 24-year-old outfield prospect Spencer Jones faces a roster crunch despite a strong 2025 minor league season where he hit 35 HRs and stole 29 bases across Double-A and Triple-A. While his power/speed combo is overwhelming, a 35.4% strikeout rate remains a concern. He showed elite production in Triple-A before a back injury. Turning 25 in May, Jones needs an MLB opportunity, but the Yankees' deep outfield creates a dilemma. The team is reluctant to trade him, and other clubs are wary of his strikeout risk, leaving his path to the majors uncertain.

Tink Hence Ranked #10 Cardinals Prospect Amid Health Concerns

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Tink Hence has been ranked as the #10 prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals on the VEB top prospects list, marking his fourth consecutive season in the top 10. While he previously ranked in the top 5, his current position is influenced by increasing health concerns. Despite this, the article suggests his talent profile would have placed him higher in previous years, indicating a stronger overall Cardinals farm system.