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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Catcher Ben Rortvedt has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers to make room on the 40-man roster for Evan Phillips. Rortvedt was recently re-claimed off waivers from the Reds, having been lost by the Dodgers on waivers in November. This move was anticipated, as Rortvedt is out of options and behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing on the depth chart. If he clears waivers, the Dodgers could retain him for depth off the 40-man roster.
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker stated Wednesday that Robert Garcia is a favorite to handle the majority of the team's save opportunities this season, alongside Chris Martin. Schumaker also mentioned Alexis Diaz could enter the mix after spring training. Garcia finished in a three-way tie for the team lead with nine saves last season, collecting a 2.95 ERA and 68:22 K:BB across 64 innings in 2025, his first season with Texas. The other two players who tied him for saves are no longer with the club.
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker announced Wednesday that Chris Martin is among the favorites to handle the bulk of the team's save opportunities this season. Martin will likely share closing duties with Robert Garcia, with Schumaker also noting that Alexis Diaz could work his way into the mix after spring training games. This indicates a potential high-leverage role for Martin in the upcoming season, as the Rangers look to solidify their bullpen.
Pitcher Jordan Montgomery has signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal to rejoin the Texas Rangers. He underwent a hybrid UCL reconstruction last March and is targeting a major-league return around the All-Star break. The 33-year-old, who helped the Rangers win the 2023 World Series, struggled with a 6.23 ERA for the Diamondbacks in 2024 and was diagnosed with a torn UCL in 2025 Spring Training, finishing that season with the Brewers. He hopes to recapture his 2023 form with his former club.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed Wednesday that Ben Rice is expected to play regularly against both left-handed and right-handed pitching this season. Despite the recent re-signing of Paul Goldschmidt, which could impact his everyday playing time at first base, the left-handed-swinging Rice is still slated for significant action, particularly against southpaws. Boone also indicated that Rice might see some playing time at catcher on days when Goldschmidt starts at first base, highlighting his potential versatility.
Aroldis Chapman, known for his record-setting fastball, had a tumultuous career with the Yankees, including a domestic violence suspension and a walk-off homer surrendered in the 2019 ALCS. After an acrimonious exit from New York in 2022, he won a second World Series with the 2023 Rangers. Chapman posted a statistically career-best season at age 37 with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, leading to an extension through 2027, provided he throws at least 40 innings this year. His legacy remains complex despite impressive stats.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Wednesday that Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) had a great offseason and will begin spring training without any restrictions. Despite this positive update, reports from last week indicated that his tennis elbow injuries, which delayed his 2025 season debut until mid-June, have not fully healed and will require close monitoring in 2026. The 36-year-old outfielder was superb when healthy last season, slashing .273/.350/.594 with 24 home runs across 77 regular-season contests.
The article reflects on Clayton Kershaw's masterful Game 1 performance in the 2017 World Series against the Astros, where he delivered seven one-run innings with 11 strikeouts. It ponders if this was his last great chance to alter his postseason narrative, despite his later decline. Even in his twilight years, Kershaw adapted to remain significantly above average, though the 2017 team was no longer solely "his."
Recent acquisition Brandon Sproat is seen as a candidate to be the next "pitching lab" success story for the Brewers. Drafted by the Mets in 2024, Sproat struggled in Triple-A before a breakthrough in July 2025, posting a 2.44 ERA and 30% strikeout rate over his final 11 starts. He made his MLB debut with the Mets, utilizing a sinker-heavy approach. While his fastball has potential, the Brewers aim to optimize its shape and further develop his effective changeup and curveball to unlock his full potential as a No. 4 starter or better.
Astros manager Joe Espada announced Wednesday that Hunter Brown will serve as the team's Opening Day starter. This early designation comes after Brown finished third in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025. The 27-year-old right-hander is slated to pitch against the Angels at home for the season opener.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced Wednesday that Tarik Skubal will be the team's Opening Day starter on March 26 against the Padres in San Diego. Skubal, who earned back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 2025, is set to lead the Tigers' staff once again. The team may manage his innings during the Grapefruit League after he logged 216 frames in 2025, but he is expected to be fully prepared for a standard workload by Opening Day.
Garrett Crochet has received early honors as an MLB Opening Day starter, as spring training camps have just opened and teams are already looking ahead to the regular season. This recognition places him among the first pitchers to be named for the prestigious role.
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg is recovering from an oblique strain sustained in late January and may miss the first few Grapefruit League games. The Orioles plan to proceed cautiously to prevent a setback, as oblique injuries can linger. Westburg is projected to be the team's everyday third baseman this season and could also see time at second base while Jackson Holliday is sidelined with a hand injury. Orioles president Mike Elias confirmed the oblique soreness, noting Westburg should be ready for Opening Day.
Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler will be eased into spring training after undergoing arthroscopic right elbow surgery. While the exact date of the operation is unclear, Dingler, who won a Gold Glove in 2025, had a similar procedure two years ago and anticipates being ready for Opening Day. He does not expect to miss much of camp. However, if his recovery experiences any delays, Jake Rogers would likely step in as the Tigers' primary catcher.
Veteran left-handed pitcher Jose Quintana has reportedly been signed by the Rockies to a one-year deal. This move marks Quintana's 15th major league season, bringing a wealth of experience to the team's pitching rotation. The addition of the seasoned hurler is expected to provide the Rockies with a reliable veteran presence on the mound, bolstering their staff as they prepare for the upcoming season. Quintana's signing aims to strengthen the team's depth and provide valuable leadership in the clubhouse.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, playing for the Boston Red Sox, addressed his decision regarding a short lead in a critical ninth-inning play during Game 7 of the World Series. He expressed regret, wishing he had taken a longer lead, but clarified that he was adhering to the Toronto Blue Jays' established policy for such game situations. This explanation sheds light on the strategic choices made during the high-stakes moment.
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington stated Tuesday that the team remains open to a potential reunion with longtime franchise cornerstone Andrew McCutchen. Cherington emphasized that the organization 'will never shut the door' on finding a role for the veteran player, indicating a continued willingness to explore options for McCutchen's return to the Pirates. This suggests a potential future opportunity for the beloved player within the organization.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed '100 percent confidence' in Jeff Hoffman closing most games for Toronto in 2026, despite earlier offseason comments from GM Ross Atkins. This indicates Hoffman is set to be the primary closer entering spring training. In 2025, Hoffman recorded a 4.37 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and converted 33 of 40 save chances. The Blue Jays also bolstered their bullpen by signing submariner Tyler Rogers, who has only three saves in the past four seasons.
Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has signed a one-year, $13 million deal to return to the Detroit Tigers, his original team. The 43-year-old will anchor a rotation with Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez. Verlander, who turns 43 next week, posted a 3.85 ERA over 152 innings with San Francisco in 2025, but had a 2.60 ERA in the second half. His deal includes $11M deferred payments. He aims for a third championship with Detroit.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is being evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone and will visit a hand specialist Wednesday. President David Stearns confirmed potential surgery, which would entail a six-week recovery, making his Opening Day availability tight. Stearns remains optimistic for his return. Lindor, 32, hit .267 with 31 HR, 86 RBI, and 31 SB in 160 games last year, and is also recovering from an October elbow procedure.
