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MLB News

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

Wednesday, February 11

Dodgers reload with Kyle Tucker, drawing Mariners' Rodriguez's attention

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have reloaded their roster by locking in players like Kyle Tucker, a move that has caught the attention of Mariners superstar Julio Rodriguez. While admiring the Dodgers' aggressive free agency approach after winning their second-straight World Series, Rodriguez believes the Mariners "will size up really well" against the "overwhelming 2026 favorite." The Dodgers return nearly all key players from their championship roster, including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, creating a lineup some have called "the best team ever constructed."

D-backs' Corbin Carroll undergoes hand surgery, out for WBC

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Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll broke the hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice Tuesday and underwent surgery Wednesday. This injury rules him out of the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Team USA and makes his Opening Day status doubtful, likely starting the season on the injured list. Carroll, a two-time All-Star and 2023 NL Rookie of the Year, is coming off his first-career 30/30 season, recording 31 HR, 84 RBI, 32 SB, a .259/.343/.541 slash line, and a 140 OPS+ last year. Recovery is typically 4-8 weeks, but power can be hindered, and he will miss significant spring training time.

Royals' Kris Bubic wins arbitration, awarded $6.15M

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Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic successfully won his arbitration case against the team, securing his requested salary of $6.15 million for the upcoming season. Bubic, 28, had a breakout 2025 season, posting a 2.55 ERA in 20 starts with 116 strikeouts over 116.1 innings, earning his first All-Star appearance before a left rotator cuff strain ended his season in July. He previously missed most of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery and returned as an effective reliever in 2024. Bubic is eligible for free agency after the 2026 season.

Blue Jays' Eric Lauer loses arbitration, awarded $4.4M

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Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer lost his arbitration case against the team and will receive a salary of $4.4 million for the upcoming season. The 30-year-old (turning 31 in June) was a minor league signing in December 2024 but had a strong 2025 season after being called up, posting a 9-2 record with a 3.18 ERA over 104.2 innings, including 13 starts where the Jays won 11 games. His role for the 2026 season remains uncertain, with projections seeing him primarily as a reliever, though an opening in the rotation could arise.

Brandon Woodruff Resumes Mound Work After Lat Strain

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Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed Wednesday that Brandon Woodruff (lat) is "in a good spot" physically and has resumed throwing bullpen sessions. Woodruff appears to have avoided setbacks in his recovery from a moderate-grade right lat strain that ended his 2025 season. Due to his injury history, including missing all of 2024 after shoulder surgery, he will be slow-played in spring training. Before his lat strain, he posted a 3.20 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 83:14 K:BB in 64.2 innings, and is now favored for the Opening Day start.

Padres Manager Craig Stammen Confirms Mason Miller as Closer

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Padres manager Craig Stammen confirmed Wednesday that Mason Miller will serve as the team's closer in 2026. This announcement was largely a formality, as Miller was expected to assume the role after Robert Suarez's departure and Stammen's earlier confirmation that Miller would remain in the bullpen.

Padres Officially Name Mason Miller as 2026 Closer

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Mason Miller has been officially named the San Diego Padres' closer for the 2026 season by manager Craig Stammen. Acquired from the A's last summer, Miller excelled in a setup role, posting a 0.77 ERA in 22 appearances with San Diego, striking out 45 of 83 batters. He was even more dominant in the postseason, striking out 8 of 9 Cubs hitters and tying a record with 8 consecutive K's. Ranked No. 2 among MLB's top relievers, Miller is expected to receive the majority of save chances.

Gary Sánchez Returns to Brewers on 1-Year, $1.75M Deal

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Veteran catcher Gary Sánchez, 33, has signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Brewers as a backup to William Contreras. Limited to 29 games in 2025 with the Orioles due to wrist and knee injuries, Sánchez previously hit 19 HR in 72 games for San Diego in 2023 and showed flashes in 2025 with a .354 average, 4 HR, and 18 RBIs over 13 games. This marks his second stint with the Brewers, where he previously hit .220 with 11 homers in 89 games in 2024.

Yainer Diaz Behind Schedule with Foot Sprain

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Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz is behind schedule with his running program after sustaining a left foot sprain during the Dominican Winter League, which cut his season short. While he is participating in other baseball activities, the Astros may hold him out of the first handful of Grapefruit League games as a precaution. The injury is not expected to cause a prolonged absence, but it underscores the team's thinness at catcher, as they are one injury away from backup Cesar Salazar playing every day.

Gary Sánchez Signed to Back Up William Contreras

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The Milwaukee Brewers have signed veteran catcher Gary Sánchez to a one-year, $1.75 million deal, primarily to serve as the backup catcher to William Contreras. This move provides additional depth behind Contreras, who is known for rarely coming out of the lineup. The signing also allows prospect Jeferson Quero to gain more seasoning and regular playing time in Triple-A Nashville.

James Wood on Shortlist for Team USA WBC Roster

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Washington Nationals star left fielder James Wood is reportedly on the shortlist to replace the injured Corbin Carroll for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Wood, entering his age 23 season, brings significant left-handed power, having hit 31 homers with an .825 OPS in his first full big league season. While not a lock, his inclusion would offer a valuable opportunity to learn from veteran stars like Aaron Judge and complement the existing outfielders.

Jackson Holliday Fractures Hamate Bone, Out for Opening Day

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Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday fractured his right hamate bone during batting practice last week and is scheduled for surgery Thursday. This injury will cause him to miss Opening Day and begin the season on the injured list, sidelining him for several weeks. The procedure carries a risk of initial power loss upon his return, which could impact his 2026 season. Holliday, 22, the 2022 No. 1 overall pick, hit .242 with 17 HR, 55 RBI, and 17 SB in 2025. Blaze Alexander and Jordan Westburg are candidates to fill in at second base.

Francisco Lindor Undergoes Hamate Surgery, Opening Day Uncertain

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Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor underwent surgery Wednesday for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, sustained this spring. The injury, which follows similar issues for Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday, is expected to require a six-week rehab, making his Opening Day readiness uncertain. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and GM David Stearns remain optimistic about his return. Lindor, 32, was remarkably durable last season, hitting .267 with 31 HR, 86 RBI, and 31 SB in 160 games, but was left off Puerto Rico’s WBC roster due to insurance.

Anthony Santander Out for Most of the Season

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Toronto Blue Jays player Anthony Santander is reportedly out for most of the upcoming season. This news significantly impacts the team's offseason assessment, as it creates a notable hole in the roster. The specific nature of his injury or the exact timeline for his return was not detailed, but his extended absence is a major concern for the Blue Jays.

Tigers Introduce Framber Valdez After Signing 3-Year Deal

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The Detroit Tigers officially introduced left-hander Framber Valdez after he signed a three-year contract. Valdez, who turned 32 in November, spent his first eight seasons with the Astros, establishing himself as a consistent starter. Since 2020, he has posted a 3.23 ERA over 973 innings with a 128 ERA+, known for combining solid strikeout numbers with a heavy dose of ground balls. He was present at spring training, with manager A.J. Hinch discussing his recruitment and the pitcher showing unity with his new rotation mates.

Justin Verlander Returns to Detroit Tigers on One-Year Deal

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Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander has signed a one-year deal to return to the Detroit Tigers, marking a return to the team where his illustrious career began. He was seen working out at spring training in Lakeland alongside Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Framber Valdez, with manager A.J. Hinch having personally recruited him. Verlander is expected to be lined up for the April 3 home opener against the Cardinals, generating significant excitement among fans.

Cubs Name Daniel Palencia Opening Day Closer After Breakout 2025 Season

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Cubs manager Craig Counsell officially named Daniel Palencia as the team's closer for Opening Day. Palencia, 26, is set to begin the season in the ninth-inning role after a breakout 2025 campaign where he recorded 22 saves with a 2.91 ERA and a 61:16 K:BB ratio over 52.2 innings. He returns to the role following Brad Keller's departure and a previous shoulder injury, showcasing electric stuff and proven high-leverage ability despite a slight risk of control regression.

Rafael Devers' Performance Impacted by Oracle Park Shift

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Rafael Devers' offensive production has been notably impacted by his move from Fenway Park to Oracle Park. In 39 games at Fenway, he posted a .296/.420/.556 slash line, but this dropped to .234/.351/.474 in 48 games with the San Francisco Giants. While still a plus hitter, this change in home park dimensions has altered his fantasy value, shifting him from a second-round to a fourth-round consideration.

Spencer Schwellenbach May Need Elbow Surgery, Faces Extended Absence

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Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach indicated Wednesday he might require arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. He is already slated to miss the first two months of the season after being placed on the 60-day injured list Tuesday, and an elbow scope would further extend his absence. Schwellenbach was also sidelined for the final three months of the 2025 campaign due to a small fracture in the same elbow. A decision regarding the potential surgery is expected shortly for the pitcher who posted a 3.09 ERA in 17 starts last year.

Evan Phillips Re-Signs with Dodgers, Expected Back in July

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Reliever Evan Phillips has agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Phillips is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, performed last June 4, and is not expected to make his season debut until July. His return will bolster the Dodgers' bullpen later in the season. Non-tendered in November, the Dodgers expressed interest in his return. Since 2021, Phillips has been a top reliever with a 2.22 ERA, 2.87 xERA in 201 games, and 45 saves.