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MLB News

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

Monday, February 9

Wheeler Confirmed Out for Opening Day; Phillies Explore Rotation Options

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Phillies ace Zack Wheeler is confirmed out for Opening Day due to recovery from blood clot surgery and venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Manager Rob Thomson expects him back shortly after the season starts, targeting an April return. Wheeler began a throwing program in early December and is currently in the 90-foot flat-ground phase, with rehab progressing without setbacks. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski stated the team is exploring options for another starter to bridge the early-season gap, considering the slow pitcher market and luxury tax implications. The team remains optimistic about Wheeler's return to form.

Reds Prospect Julian Aguiar Returns from TJ Surgery, Ranked #17 in System

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Cincinnati Reds prospect Julian Aguiar, 24, is slated to begin 2026 at 100% after missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery following UCL damage in late 2024. Ranked #17 in the Reds system, the right-hander, who has touched 100 mph, will start at AAA Louisville to gradually stretch out as a starter. He previously showed promise at AA Chattanooga and could also contribute as a reliever or swingman.

Justin Verlander Impresses at 42, Pitches 152 Innings with Giants in 2025

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At 42, Justin Verlander completed an impressive 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants, throwing 152 innings across 29 starts, posting a 3.85 ERA and +2.2 fWAR. He became just the 48th pitcher in MLB history to reach 150+ innings at his age. Despite a 4-11 record, his final 13 starts saw a 2.60 ERA over 72.2 IP. His new sweeper pitch was highly effective, demonstrating he still possesses the tools of a solid average pitcher.

Freddy Peralta Begins Mets Acclimation, Throws Bullpen to Catcher Alvarez

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Freddy Peralta, acquired by the New York Mets on January 21, threw his first bullpen session to primary catcher Francisco Alvarez this spring, marking the start of his acclimation process. The right-hander, who finished fifth in 2025 NL Cy Young voting with a 2.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Brewers, is impressed by the Mets' data-driven approach. Peralta is focusing on his new team and not participating in the World Baseball Classic.

JoJo Romero Trade Rumors Persist for Cardinals Ahead of Spring Training

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St. Louis Cardinals pitcher JoJo Romero remains a subject of trade discussions, with the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Orioles reportedly showing the most interest. While a pre-Opening Day trade is possible, speculation suggests the Cardinals might consider positioning Romero as a closer to enhance his trade value for the deadline. He could potentially share closer duties with Riley O’Brien this season.

Padres Sign Miguel Andujar to Bolster Offense and Infield Depth

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The San Diego Padres have signed free agent Miguel Andujar, aiming to bolster their offensive depth. Andujar, known as a top contact hitter, is expected to provide stability at designated hitter or off the bench. While a defensive liability in the field, he batted .318/.352/.470 with 10 HR and 44 RBI in 94 games last season with the Athletics and Reds, his best offensive production since 2018. The Padres hope he can develop into a serviceable utility player.

Mark Vientos Reflects on Mets' 2025 Collapse, Aims for Consistency

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Mark Vientos believes the New York Mets' 2025 collapse stemmed from "forcing wins" and excessive pressure, leading to a disappointing season where he underperformed. After a breakout 2024, Vientos posted a .233/.289/.413 slash line with 17 homers and 61 RBIs in 2025, losing his starting job. With new infield signings, he enters camp without a true position, potentially seeing time at first base or DH, while continuing to work at third.

Phillies Actively Shopping Nick Castellanos Ahead of Spring Training

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The Philadelphia Phillies are actively looking to trade outfielder Nick Castellanos. This move is being pursued ahead of the team's first full-squad workout of spring training, signaling a potential roster shake-up. While specific details regarding potential suitors or the reasons behind the trade discussions were not immediately available, the timing suggests the Phillies aim to resolve his situation before the full team convenes for preseason preparations, potentially indicating friction or a desire to reconfigure the roster.

Hader's Shoulder Recovery Progresses, Astros Seek Clarity

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Astros All-Star closer Josh Hader (shoulder) is currently throwing lightly on flat ground as he recovers from a left shoulder strain suffered last August, which caused him to miss the final seven-plus weeks of last season. The team expects to have a clearer understanding of his status by the middle of this week, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. This latest update suggests less certainty about his health, despite Hader previously stating he felt 'back to normal' and had been throwing off a mound earlier in the offseason. Bryan Abreu is noted as next in line for saves if Hader faces a setback or isn't ready for the season.

Ketel Marte Affirms Commitment to D-backs Amidst Trade Speculation

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Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte publicly stated he holds no ill feelings after being mentioned as potential trade bait, emphasizing his desire to stay with the team. His remarks clarify his stance following widespread speculation regarding his future. Separately, reports indicate the Red Sox were open to a trade package for Marte, but declined when Arizona sought a deal led by Marcelo Mayer, highlighting Marte's value and his contract through 2031.

Shohei Ohtani Returns to Full Two-Way Status for Dodgers in 2026

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Shohei Ohtani is set to return to full two-way status for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026, following his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery. After a methodical ramp-up in 2025, he posted a 2.48 ERA in his final eight starts, including winning NLCS MVP with a three-homer, 10-strikeout performance in Game 4. The Dodgers will manage his pitching schedule judiciously. He will also be honored with three bobblehead giveaways in 2026.

Matthew Boyd Coming Off Career-Best 2025, Eyes Cubs Rotation Spot

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Matthew Boyd, 35, enters the 2026 season with the Chicago Cubs after a career-best 2025, where he threw 179.2 innings, going 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA and 1.091 WHIP. While he struggled in the playoffs, the lefty's 2.5 bWAR positions him for a 1-4 rotation spot, with expectations of 10-11 wins and 160+ innings. Boyd holds a 2027 option with a $2 million buyout.

Andrew Saalfrank Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Misses 2026 Season

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Andrew Saalfrank underwent left shoulder surgery Monday, February 9, 2026, and will miss the entire 2026 season, confirmed by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The southpaw had dealt with shoulder fatigue last September, with subsequent testing revealing the need for operation. Specifics of the surgery are not yet clear, but his absence is a significant blow to Arizona's bullpen. In 2025, Saalfrank posted a 1.33 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 19:8 K:BB across 27 innings.

Red Sox Land Caleb Durbin in Blockbuster Trade, Expected to Start at Third Base

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Caleb Durbin, 26, was traded to the Boston Red Sox from the Milwaukee Brewers on February 9, 2026, in a six-player deal. The Red Sox acquired Durbin, Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler, and a Comp B pick, while the Brewers received Kyle Harrison, David Hamilton, and Shane Drohan. Durbin, who finished third in 2025 NL Rookie of the Year voting with a .256/.334/.387 line, 11 homers, and 18 steals, is expected to be ready for spring training after October elbow surgery and will likely fill Boston's third base opening as a regular starter.

Yankees Acquire Max Schuemann from Athletics for Infield Depth

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The New York Yankees acquired infielder Max Schuemann from the Athletics on February 9, 2026, in exchange for minor-league pitcher Luis Burgos. Schuemann, 28, a versatile right-handed hitter, played six different positions for the A's over two seasons, batting .212 with 21 steals in 234 games. With three minor league options remaining, he's expected to compete for a utility/bench spot, providing crucial depth for the Yankees, especially with Anthony Volpe sidelined.

Eduard Bazardo Most Used Reliever in 2025, Mariners Urged to Manage Workload

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Seattle Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo was the most used reliever in baseball in 2025, logging 90.1 innings across the regular season and playoffs, including 18.1 innings on zero days rest. Despite a strong 2.52 ERA over 73 regular season frames, his heavy workload was partly due to injuries to other pitchers. Having ascended to a leverage role, the article suggests the Mariners should prioritize giving him more rest in the upcoming season.

Clayton Kershaw Joins NBC Sports as Analyst After 18-Year Dodgers Career

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After an 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw has retired and joined NBC Sports as a pregame analyst on a three-year deal. He will provide commentary for the wild card round and select regular-season Sunday Night Baseball games, starting with the Dodgers' Opening Day on March 26. This follows his storied career, including a dominant 2016 NLCS Game 2 performance where he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Cubs.

Erick Fedde Nearing One-Year Deal with White Sox

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Free agent right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde is reportedly nearing an agreement on a one-year contract with the White Sox, according to sources. The deal would bring the veteran hurler to Chicago for the upcoming season.

Chris Paddack Signs 1-Year, $4M Deal with Marlins, Eyes Rotation Spot

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Right-hander Chris Paddack has officially signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Marlins, including $500,000 in incentives. He is expected to compete for the fifth spot in the Marlins' rotation this spring. Last season, Paddack posted a 5.35 ERA and 5-12 record over 32 appearances (28 starts) with the Twins and Tigers. Originally drafted by Miami in 2015, this marks his return to the organization after being traded in 2016.

Shane Baz Traded to Orioles in Deal Reacquiring Slater de Brun for Rays

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Shane Baz was part of a trade that saw the Tampa Bay Rays reacquire prospect Slater de Brun, who was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. This transaction implies Baz was traded from the Rays to the Orioles. The details of the trade were mentioned in a Rays community prospect list, indicating Baz is no longer with the Rays organization.