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Teams successful on 52.2% of ball/strike challenges during spring training robot umpire test
Ronald Blum, Associated Press | Posted March 26 - 4:25 p.m. | Save Story
Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test of robot umpires, and catchers had a markedly better success rate than pitchers.
Soto, Snell and Holmes debut for new teams, Skenes makes his first opening-day start
Ronald Blum, Associated Press | Posted March 26 - 3:18 p.m. | Save Story
Juan Soto, Blake Snell and Clay Holmes debut for new teams, Paul Skenes makes his first opening-day start at age 22 and Sandy Alcántara returns from Tommy John surgery.
In the era of big velocities, some pitchers are still finding other ways to succeed
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Posted March 26 - 7:56 a.m. | Save Story
Texas Rangers left-hander Cody Bradford says he realized early on that he probably wouldn't ever possess the type of fastball that causes scouts to take a second look at their radar guns.
MLB free agency: Plenty of talent potentially available in '25-26 class, likely none for $700M
Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press | Posted March 25 - 12:10 p.m. | Save Story
There almost certainly won't be a $700 million deal for any player in the baseball's next free agency class, nothing like the record contracts for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and four-time All-Star slugger Juan Soto the past two winters.
There's no easy answers for slowing down rising level of pitching injuries at all levels of baseball
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Updated March 25 - 8:14 a.m. | Save Story
Figuring out a cause for the skyrocketing number of arm injuries among pitchers is easy. Finding a solution could prove much more challenging. Major League Baseball issued a 62-page report in December that showed how the focus on throwing with increased velocity and using maximum effort on every pitch was a likely cause for the skyrocketing number of arm injuries. The study provided numerical data backing a thesis already supported by conventional wisdom.
Baseball star Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter has prison start postponed
The Associated Press | Posted March 24 - 11:01 p.m. | Save Story
The former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani who was supposed to begin his nearly five-year prison term on Monday, has had his surrender date postponed, according to federal prosecutors.
Backup grass will be at the ready for ballpark shared by Athletics, Giants' Triple-A club
Janie Mccauley, Associated Press | Posted March 24 - 6:08 p.m. | Save Story
Replacement grass will be nearby and at the ready when the Sutter Health Park sod begins to deteriorate this spring with regular play from both the San Francisco Giants' Triple-A team and the newcomer Athletics.
Bold new rules have reshaped baseball. Could more changes save starting pitching?
Steve Megargee, Associated Press | Updated March 24 - 10:19 a.m. | Save Story
Bold decisions to change Major League Baseball's longstanding rules quickened the pace of games and revived the popularity of stealing bases over the last few years.
Mookie Betts' domestic opening day status uncertain after he misses exhibition with ongoing illness
The Associated Press | Posted March 24 - 8:49 a.m. | Save Story
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still dealing with an illness and his return remains uncertain. Betts, who missed the Dodgers' first two games of the regular season at the Tokyo Dome last week and was sent back to Los Angeles to continue recovering, was a late scratch for Sunday's exhibition win against the Los Angeles Angels. Betts says he hasn't been able to keep down solid food without vomiting for two weeks and has continued to lose weight. Betts won't play in Monday's exhibition at Angel Stadium, and he's a long shot for the Dodgers' opening day game on American soil on Thursday against Detroit.
Sports on TV for Tuesday, March 25
The Associated Press | Posted March 24 - 8:10 a.m. | Save Story
(All times Eastern)
Sasaki, Crews and DomÃnguez are among baseball's most intriguing rookies for the 2025 season
Jay Cohen, Associated Press | Posted March 24 - 4:00 a.m. | Save Story
Baseball's next big star could be part of this year's rookie class in the major leagues. Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is coming over from Japan after signing a minor league contract in January that included a $6.5 million signing bonus. Yankees outfielder Jasson DomÃnguez is looking for a breakout performance after being hampered by injuries. Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews can do it all, batting .270 with 13 homers, 68 RBIs and 25 steals in 100 games in the minors last year. Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe and Cubs infielder Matt Shaw are two more rookies to watch going into this season.
MLB Remaining Free Agents List
The Associated Press | Updated March 23 - 7:19 p.m. | Save Story
MLB Remaining Free Agents List
Rays ace Shane McClanahan sidelined by an inflamed nerve in his left triceps
The Associated Press | Updated March 23 - 6:39 p.m. | Save Story
Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan will begin the season on the injured list because of an inflamed nerve in his left triceps. Manager Kevin Cash provided an update on McClanahan a day after the left-hander departed a Grapefruit League start against Boston in the third inning. He had been slated to start for Tampa Bay on opening day against Colorado on Thursday. Cash told reporters in Florida, including one from MLB.com, that the prognosis on McClanahan is "probably the best news we could have heard." McClanahan is coming back from his second Tommy John surgery on Aug. 21, 2023.
Twins infielder Brooks Lee, right-handed pitcher Brock Stewart to begin season on injured list
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 6:07 p.m. | Save Story
Minnesota Twins infielder Brooks Lee and right-handed pitcher Brock Stewart will begin the season on the injured list. The moves were announced by the club. Lee, the No. 8 overall pick by Minnesota in the 2022 draft out of Cal Poly, had been dealing with lower back tightness during spring training and was sidelined for the first two months of the 2024 season with a herniated disk in his back. Stewart sustained a left hamstring injury but also underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder last August.
Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnación to undergo surgery on his broken left hand
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 5:23 p.m. | Save Story
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnación will undergo surgery on his broken left hand. The team announced that Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles would perform the procedure and a timetable for Encarnación's return would be determined after surgery. Encarnación broke the bone in his left hand while attempting a diving catch Friday.
A 14-year-old son of former Yankees OF Brett Gardner has died after falling ill during vacation
The Associated Press | Updated March 23 - 4:57 p.m. | Save Story
The youngest son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, has died after falling ill during a family vacation. Miller Gardner was 14. He died in his sleep Friday morning, according to a statement from the couple that was released by the Yankees. The Gardners said they "have so many questions and so few answers at this point." The Yankees said the organization was "filled with grief." Brett Gardner was drafted by the Yankees in 2005 and played for the team for 14 seasons from 2008 to 2021.
OF Manuel Margot agrees to a $1.3 million, 1-year contract with the Tigers, AP source says
Jay Cohen, Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 4:24 p.m. | Save Story
Manuel Margot and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a $1.3 million, one-year contract, adding to the team's outfield depth. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move was pending a physical. The 30-year-old Margot agreed to a minor league contract with Milwaukee last month, but he was released by the Brewers on Saturday. With Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling sidelined by injuries, Detroit was in need of outfield reinforcements. The Tigers visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night for opening day.
Red Sox release veteran right-hander Adam Ottavino
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 4:09 p.m. | Save Story
Right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino has been released by the Boston Red Sox. The team announced the move just more than a month after Ottavino had reached a minor league deal with the club and then reported to big league camp. Ottavino's second stint with Boston was short. He went 7-3 with 11 saves and a 4.21 ERA in 2021 with the Red Sox and spent the past three seasons with the New York Mets.
Jesse Chavez is back with the Braves once again on minor league deal
The Associated Press | Updated March 23 - 3:46 p.m. | Save Story
one day after he agreed to a minor league deal with the Braves. He was released by Texas on Friday. Atlanta also traded right-hander Ian Anderson to the Los Angeles Angels for left-hander José Suarez. The 27-year-old Suarez is 20-29 with a 5.47 ERA in 99 career games.
Angels acquire right-hander Ian Anderson from Braves in trade for lefty José Suárez
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 3:35 p.m. | Save Story
The Los Angeles Angels have acquired right-handed starter Ian Anderson from the Atlanta Braves in a trade for disappointing left-hander José Suárez. Anderson had a 2.65 ERA over five appearances this spring for the Braves, including four starts. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2022 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in early 2023, but was fighting for a spot on Atlanta's roster this spring. Suárez also had spent his entire career with the Angels. He became a key part of their rotation in 2021, but he spent the past two years moving between the rotation, the bullpen and the minors.
Seattle Mariners release veteran outfielder Mitch Haniger
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 3:23 p.m. | Save Story
The Seattle Mariners have released Mitch Haniger after the veteran outfielder was hampered by left shoulder soreness during spring training. The 34-year-old Haniger was in his second stint with Seattle. He has a $15.5 million salary for this season after agreeing to a $43.5 million, three-year contract with San Francisco in December 2022. Haniger made his big league debut with Arizona in 2016 and was traded to Seattle after the season. He had a breakout performance in 2021, hitting .253 with a career-high 39 homers and 100 RBIs in 157 games. But he hasn't been able to reach that production since that season.
Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof to have hand surgery, start season on injured list
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 3:15 p.m. | Save Story
Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof is scheduled for surgery on his right hand and will begin the season on the injured list. Gelof suffered a hamate bone fracture and Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles will handle the procedure Monday. Manager Mark Kotsay made the announcement at spring training. The infielder was hit by a pitch from Cleveland reliever Paul Sewald on Wednesday and underwent an MRI on Saturday.
Orioles SS Gunnar Henderson will miss the start of the season because of an intercostal strain
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 1:46 p.m. | Save Story
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson will begin the season on the injured list because of a mild right intercostal strain. General manager Mike Elias told reporters he hopes Henderson's IL stint "will be measured in days instead of weeks." The Orioles visit Toronto on Thursday for opening day. The 23-year-old Henderson departed a Feb. 27 spring training game after one inning because of discomfort on his lower right side. An intercostal strain involves the muscles around the ribs. Elias also told reporters that Cade Povich has been selected for the team's No. 5 starter job.
Guardians have starting rotation set, but outfield spots are still up for grabs
Joe Reedy, Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 1:20 p.m. | Save Story
Stephen Vogt has his pitching rotation sorted for the start of the season. The Cleveland Guardians manager and front office still have other roster issues to sort out before Thursday's opener at Kansas City. Vogt told reporters Sunday that Logan Allen will be the team's fifth starter and Triston McKenzie will begin the season working out of the bullpen. The outfield, especially right field, is the biggest question left with the Guardians' roster. Nolan Jones returns to the organization after Cleveland acquired him from Colorado for infielder/outfielder Tyler Freeman.
Sports on TV for Monday, March 24
The Associated Press | Posted March 23 - 8:10 a.m. | Save Story
(All times Eastern)
Opening-day starter Tanner Bibee signs $48 million, 5-year contract with Cleveland Guardians
The Associated Press | Updated March 22 - 7:12 p.m. | Save Story
Right-hander Tanner Bibee has signed a $48 million, five-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians, a deal that includes a team option for 2030 and could be worth $68 million over six seasons. Bibee will get his first opening-day assignment on Thursday at Kansas City. He went 12-8 with a 3.47 ERA last season, finishing with 12 quality starts in 31 outings and 187 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old California native was 0-1 with a 3.45 ERA in four postseason starts last year.
Rockies trade OF Nolan Jones to the Guardians for INF/OF Tyler Freeman
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 7:05 p.m. | Save Story
The Colorado Rockies have traded outfielder Nolan Jones to the Cleveland Guardians for Tyler Freeman. The addition of Freeman provides increased flexibility for Colorado after it lost Thairo Estrada to a broken right wrist. The 25-year-old Freeman has made big league starts at second base, third, shortstop and center field. The 26-year-old Jones returns to Cleveland after he made his big league debut with the Guardians in 2022. Jones is looking to bounce back after he was limited to 79 games last year because of a back issue. He hit .227 with three homers and 28 RBIs.
Diamondbacks reward closer candidate Justin Martinez with $18 million, 5-year contract
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 4:33 p.m. | Save Story
Arizona hard-throwing right-hander Justin Martinez has agreed to an $18 million, five-year contract even as he continues to compete for the role of Diamondbacks closer. The contract was announced on Saturday by Arizona. The deal includes a $2 million signing bonus and $1.5 million salary in 2025. Manager Torey Lovullo says he is still considering Martinez, left-hander A.J. Puk and right-hander Kevin Ginkel for the closer role. Martinez had eight saves and a 2.48 ERA despite 36 walks in 72 2/3 innings in 2024.
Carlos Carrasco lands major league contract with Yankees following strong showing in spring training
The Associated Press | Updated March 22 - 4:12 p.m. | Save Story
Carlos Carrasco's impressive spring performance has earned the right-hander a major league contract with New York and a spot in the Yankees' rotation. The Yankees have signed Carrasco to a major league contract. The 38-year-old Carrasco signed a minor league deal with the Yankees on Feb. 5 and could have opted out of the deal on Saturday. Instead, the right-hander's 1.69 ERA in five spring games, including four starts, earned him his new deal with New York. Carrasco was 3-10 with a 5.64 ERA in 21 starts for Cleveland last season.
Astros release outfielder Ben Gamel and left-hander Jalen Beeks
The Associated Press | Updated March 22 - 4:02 p.m. | Save Story
The Houston Astros have released outfielder Ben Gamel and left-hander Jalen Beeks. The move with Gamel comes less than two months after he agreed to a $1.2 million, one-year contract. The deal included a $200,000 signing bonus and a $1 million salary, which was not guaranteed. The Astros will owe Gamel 45 days termination pay, which comes to $241,036. The 32-year-old Gamel hit .167 in spring training. He hit .259 with one homer in 20 games with the Astros last season. The 31-year-old Beeks had a combined seven wins and 10 saves for Colorado and Pittsburgh in 2024.
Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnación to miss start of season with broken left hand
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 2:33 p.m. | Save Story
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnación will miss the start of the season after breaking a bone in his left hand while attempting a diving catch. Encarnación, also a candidate for playing time at designated hitter, is expected to miss four to five weeks. Manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com that surgery is an option. Encarnación hit .302 with two homers and 14 RBIs in spring training. He hit .248 with five homers and 19 RBIs in 113 at-bats in 2024. The Dominican native made his major league debut with Miami in 2022. He signed with San Francisco as a free agent last May.
White Sox lose INF Brandon Drury to left thumb injury
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 2:20 p.m. | Save Story
White Sox infielder Brandon Drury will miss the start of the season because of a fractured left thumb. The White Sox also announced that right-hander Drew Thorpe is going to have season-ending Tommy John surgery. The team said the procedure will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister. The 32-year-old Drury is scheduled for a follow-up visit with Dr. Donald Sheridan on Monday. The versatile Drury, who can play second base, third base and the outfield, hit .410 with three homers and 11 RBIs in spring training. He agreed to a minor league contract with the team on Feb. 7.
Max Scherzer delivers defensive gem for Blue Jays with behind-the-back snag of Julien's grounder
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 12:48 p.m. | Save Story
Max Scherzer's pitching line showed he's ready for the regular season. Scherzer delivered a defensive highlight on Saturday that showed the three-time Cy Young Award winner also is ready to field his position for the Toronto Blue Jays. In the second inning against Minnesota, Scherzer reached behind his back to catch a grounder hit by Twins second baseman Edouard Julien. The right-hander had his back to home plate after delivering the pitch when he made the snag with his glove hand. After snaring the grounder, Scherzer calmly threw to first base for the out.
Royals acquire veteran outfielder Mark Canha from Brewers for player to be named later or cash
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 11:01 a.m. | Save Story
The Kansas City Royals have confirmed they acquired outfielder Mark Canha from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Royals will send a player to be named later or cash to the Brewers for the 36-year-old Canha. Canha, who can also play first base, was with the Brewers on a minor league deal and had the right to opt out of his contract on Saturday. He was 2-for-23 this spring. Canha made his major league debut with Oakland in 2015, his first of seven seasons with the A's. He has also played for the New York Mets, Detroit and San Francisco.
Tigers' top prospect Jackson Jobe is expected to be included in the rotation to open the season
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 10:42 a.m. | Save Story
The Detroit Tigers have cleared the path for top prospect Jackson Jobe to open the season in the rotation by optioning right-handed pitcher Keider Montero to Triple-A Toledo. Jobe is expected to join AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson and Casey Mize in the rotation. Jobe was selected third overall out of high school in the 2021 amateur draft by the Tigers. The right-hander has posted a 3.65 ERA in four spring training games. Jobe made his major league debut late last season when he threw a combined four scoreless innings in two games.
Blue Jays outfielder Varsho will open season on IL while continuing recovery from shoulder surgery
The Associated Press | Posted March 22 - 9:37 a.m. | Save Story
Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery, will open the season on the injured list. Manager John Schneider says Varsho needs more time to recover from rotator cuff surgery in September. Varsho has appeared in games as a designated hitter this spring, hitting .276 with four homers. The team wants Varsho, who won his first Gold Glove in 2024, to be available in the outfield. Schneider told reporters that he expects Varsho to make his season debut in the first month of the season.
MLB Remaining Free Agents List
The Associated Press | Updated March 21 - 9:37 p.m. | Save Story
MLB Remaining Free Agents List
Kyle Gibson returns to Baltimore Orioles, agrees to $5.25 million, 1-year contract
The Associated Press | Updated March 21 - 7:36 p.m. | Save Story
Right-hander Kyle Gibson returned to the Baltimore Orioles after a one-season absence, agreeing to a $5.25 million, one-year contract. Reaching a deal less than a week before opening day, Gibson figures to join a rotation projected to include right-handers Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano. Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez will start the season on the injured list because of inflammation in his throwing elbow. Gibson, a 37-year-old who went 8-8 with a 4.24 ERA in 30 starts for St. Louis last year, can earn an additional $1,525,000 in performance bonuses
Dodgers-Cubs opener in Tokyo averages more than 25 million viewers in Japan, a record audience
The Associated Press | Updated March 21 - 6:05 p.m. | Save Story
Tuesday's first game of the Tokyo Series averaged more than 25 million viewers in Japan according to Major League Baseball, making it the most-watched MLB game in the country's history. The audience for the Los Angeles Dodgers' 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs surpassed the 18.7 million viewers who tuned in for the first game of last year's Seoul Series in South Korea, which featured the Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers' 6-3 win on Wednesday, which featured a towering solo home run by Shohei Ohtani, averaged more than 23 million Japanese viewers. The second game also featured pitcher Roki Sasaki making his Dodgers' debut.
A 1-of-a-kind Paul Skenes card has been purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods for $1.11 million
Jay Cohen, Associated Press | Updated March 21 - 3:36 p.m. | Save Story
A one-of-a-kind Paul Skenes baseball card was purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods for $1.11 million after a two-week auction. There was a total of 64 bids on Skenes' debut patch card, which is autographed and contains a patch that was on the pitcher's jersey for his heralded major league debut in May. The final price announced by Fanatics Collect included a 20% buyer's premium. The 22-year-old Skenes is slated to make $875,000 while in the major leagues this year with the Pittsburgh. Dick's plans to display the card in a new collectors' space at its House of Sport store at Ross Park in suburban Pittsburgh.
Pitcher Julio UrÃas suspended through the All-Star break by MLB under domestic violence policy
The Associated Press | Updated March 21 - 3:24 p.m. | Save Story
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio UrÃas has been suspended through the All-Star break by Major League Baseball under its domestic violence policy with the players' association. The penalty was the second for UrÃas under the policy following a 20-game suspension in 2019. MLB said he will be reinstated from the restricted list on July 17. A 28-year-old left-hander, UrÃas has not pitched since Sept. 1, 2023. He was arrested two days later outside BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, where he had attended a Major League Soccer game on Sept. 3 involving Inter Miami and Lionel Messi.
Rockies' Thairo Estrada breaks wrist when hit by Kumar Rocker pitch and will miss 4 to 8 weeks
The Associated Press | Posted March 21 - 2:56 p.m. | Save Story
Colorado's Thairo Estrada broke his right wrist when he was hit by a pitch from Texas' Kumar Rocker and will be out four to eight weeks, according to manager Bud Black. Estrada, injured on a 97.1 mph sinker leading off Thursday's game, was expected to be the Rockies' second baseman when they open at Tampa Bay on March 28. The 29-year-old spent the past four seasons with San Francisco and hit .217 with nine homers and 47 RBIs last year,
Padres' Yu Darvish to start season on injured list with elbow inflammation
The Associated Press | Posted March 21 - 2:38 p.m. | Save Story
San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish will start the season on the injured list because of inflammation in his right elbow, according to manager Mike Shildt. Shildt said there is no timetable for Darvish's return but the team is confident Darvish will be back in the rotation following rest and a ramp-up period. Darvish was shut down after his start March 13, and the Padres decided to have him back off his throwing program after he played catch a couple times.
Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers sidelined with forearm strain
The Associated Press | Updated March 20 - 6:53 p.m. | Save Story
Miami Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers will begin the season on the injured list with a left forearm strain, another setback for the team's starting rotation. Weathers reported discomfort Tuesday, a day after his most recent outing in spring training, and won't throw for at least a week or two. He is expected to miss four to six weeks, the Miami Herald and MLB.com reported. Weathers went 5-6 with a 3.63 ERA in 16 starts for Miami last season. The 25-year-old left-hander was projected as the club's No. 2 starter this year. Another starter, right-hander Edward Cabrera, also will begin the season on the injured list because of a blister on his right middle finger.
Braves add to outfield depth by signing veteran Alex Verdugo to $1.5 million, 1-year deal
The Associated Press | Updated March 20 - 5:32 p.m. | Save Story
The Atlanta Braves bolstered their outfield depth by signing Alex Verdugo to a $1.5 million, one-year contract and optioning him to  Triple-A Gwinnett. Verdugo, 28, hit .233 with 13 homers and 61 RBIs for the New York Yankees in 2024, following four seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He took a big cut in pay from last year, when he had an $8.7 million base salary and earned $50,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances. In similar moves to bolster depth this week, the Braves signed nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and catcher James McCann to minor league deals.
Reds and newly acquired catcher Jose Trevino agree to 3-year contract worth $14,925,000
The Associated Press | Posted March 20 - 3:38 p.m. | Save Story
Catcher Jose Trevino and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a three-year contract worth $14,925,000, a deal that adds $11.5 million in newly guaranteed money. Trevino was acquired from the New York Yankees in December for reliever Fernando Cruz and the 32-year-old avoided arbitration when he agreed to a one-year contract worth $3,425,000. Trevino would have been eligible for free agency after this year's World Series. His new deal adds salaries of $5.25 million each for 2026 and 2027 plus a $6.5 million club option for 2028 with $1 million buyout.
Carson Spiers becomes Reds fifth starter and Andrew Abbott will go on the injured list
The Associated Press | Posted March 20 - 2:27 p.m. | Save Story
Carson Spiers will enter the season as the Cincinnati Reds' fifth starter and Andrew Abbott will go on the injured list. Spiers has been impressive in one start and two relief appearances in spring training. Left-hander has allowed three earned runs and struck out 10 over 10 innings. He gave up one run on one hit and two walks in five innings of relief against Cleveland on Monday. Spiers made 22 appearances last season with 10 starts and was 5-7 with a 5.46 ERA. Abbott was shut down with a shoulder injury with six weeks left last season.
MLB Remaining Free Agents List
The Associated Press | Updated March 20 - 12:22 p.m. | Save Story
MLB Remaining Free Agents List
Astros' Luis Garcia scratched from batting practice, another setback following Tommy John surgery
The Associated Press | Posted March 20 - 11:28 a.m. | Save Story
Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia was scratched from a batting practice session because of right elbow soreness, another setback in his attempt to return from Tommy John surgery in May 2023. Garcia will be evaluated by team doctors, according to manager Joe Espada. A right-hander who turned 28 in December, Garcia made a pair of minor league starts last year, but the Astros then ended his rehab assignment. Garcia moved from Class A to the majors in 2020 and is 28-19 with a 3.61 ERA in 63 starts and six relief appearances from 2020-23.
Former Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy returns to Padres as special assistant to CEO
The Associated Press | Posted March 20 - 10:55 a.m. | Save Story
Jake Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner and member of the San Diego Padres Hall of Fame, has joined the team as special assistant to CEO Erik Greupner and will assist multiple departments and serve as an ambassador to fans and the community. Padre was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 2023. He won 19 games with a 2.54 ERA and 240 strikeouts in his Cy Young Award season. He retired in 2016 with 152 wins over 15 seasons with four teams.
Thanks to Ohtani, MLB enjoys huge success in Japan and has momentum heading into 2025 season
David Brandt, Associated Press | Posted March 20 - 4:00 a.m. | Save Story
There was the crack of Shohei Ohtani's bat, the roars from the Tokyo Dome crowd and the beeps from the credit card machines at the massive merchandise center selling boatloads of Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs gear. It all must have been music to the ears of Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred. The 2025 season couldn't have had a much better start for the sport, which showcased its international appeal over the past week in Japan. The Tokyo Dome hosted a capacity crowd of roughly 42,000 for all four games, including two exhibitions against Japanese teams and two regular-season games. It's all part of MLB's winning streak as it barrels toward its domestic opening day on March 27.
Arizona Diamondbacks reassign veteran Trey Mancini to their minor league camp
The Associated Press | Posted March 19 - 4:50 p.m. | Save Story
The Arizona Diamondbacks have reassigned veteran Trey Mancini to minor league camp. Mancini agreed to a minor league contract with the organization in early February. The outfielder/first baseman was attempting a comeback after sitting out last season. Mancini, who turned 33 on Tuesday, has 129 homers in his career, which includes stints with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs. Mancini missed the 2020 season after surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his colon. He returned in 2021, hitting 21 homers for Baltimore and winning Comeback Player of the Year honors. He signed a minor league deal with the Miami Marlins last season and was released near the end of spring training.
Braves sign 9-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to minor league deal
The Associated Press | Updated March 19 - 4:00 p.m. | Save Story
Nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel is attempting to revive his career with the Atlanta Braves, his original team. Kimbrel and catcher James McCann have agreed to minor league contracts. Kimbrel will remain at the Braves spring training site when the season opens March 27, then will report to Triple-A Gwinnett. Kimbrel, a 36-year-old right-hander, was released by the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 24 with a 5.33 ERA and six blown saves in 29 chances. The right-hander has pitched in 837 games and his 440 saves rank fifth. The Braves are set to open the season with 35-year-old right-hander Raisel Iglesias as their closer.
Shohei Ohtani came home as a national hero, and he didn't let Japan down at the Tokyo Series
David Brandt, Associated Press | Updated March 19 - 12:27 p.m. | Save Story
Shohei Ohtani hit a towering solo homer in his return to Japan, taking Chicago Cubs pitcher Nate Pearson deep with a ball that barely cleared the fence in right-center field and helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 6-3 to sweep the two-game series in Tokyo. Ohtani's every step, swing and smile were intensely followed this week during his homecoming at the Tokyo Dome, an event that would make most mortals wilt under the pressure. After admitting to some nerves during Tuesday's season homer, the slugger was more relaxed a day later. It led to another baseball moment that will live in MLB lore for quite a while.
Rangers sign veteran lefty Patrick Corbin to plug gap in injury-thinned starting rotation
The Associated Press | Updated March 19 - 11:58 a.m. | Save Story
The Texas Rangers signed free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin to a $1.1 million, one-year contract that plugs a durable veteran into their injury-addled starting rotation. Corbin will enter his 13th major league season. He struggled through most of his six-year, $140 million contract with the Washington Nationals. Corbin is also a two-time All-Star who is the only pitcher in baseball who made 31 or more starts in every full season since 2017. The Rangers have right-hander Jon Gray sidelined by a broken wrist and left-hander Cody Bradford out for at least the start of the season with elbow soreness.
Athletics, Giants and Phillies games will be available locally through direct-to-consumer option
The Associated Press | Posted March 19 - 10:59 a.m. | Save Story
Fans of the Athletics, San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies will be able to stream their games on a direct-to-consumer basis this season through MLB.tv. The agreement was reached by Major League Baseball and the NBC Sports Regional Networks. Viewers in the team's home markets who do not have cable or satellite subscriptions will be able to purchase a package and watch games live or on demand without blackouts, along with live pre- and post-game shows. Going into the season, all but four of MLB's 30 clubs will have an in market direct-to-consumer streaming option.
Dodgers' Roki Sasaki throws 3 powerful but erratic innings in pressure-packed MLB debut
David Brandt, Associated Press | Updated March 19 - 10:22 a.m. | Save Story
Roki Sasaki's Major League Baseball debut was equal parts electrifying and erratic, with the Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander displaying a powerful arm but also a wild streak that limited his outing to three innings at the Tokyo Dome. The Japanese phenom gave up just one run and one hit while striking out three, but also walked five batters, including one free pass that forced in a run. He threw 56 pitches, including 31 balls and 25 strikes. The 23-year-old's first six pitches of his career blazed toward the plate at 99.5, 99.5, 100, 100.5, 99.4 and 98.9 mph, and he retired the first three Chicago Cubs batters in order, including countryman Seiya Suzuki on a swinging strikeout.
Pirates RHP Jared Jones is missing his next spring training start because of elbow issues
The Associated Press | Posted March 19 - 8:53 a.m. | Save Story
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones is missing his next spring training start because of elbow discomfort. Jones went 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA last season. He combined with Paul Skenes to form an impressive rookie tandem on the mound in Pittsburgh, but now his status is uncertain just over a week before the season opener for the Pirates. Manager Derek Shelton told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday that Jones will miss his next start in spring training for sure. Todd Tomczyk, the team's senior director of sports medicine, told reporters the team is currently awaiting a second opinion on Jones.
A 10-year-old boy in Tokyo ended up with Shohei Ohtani's first home run of the season
Stephen Wade, Associated Press | Updated March 19 - 7:57 a.m. | Save Story
and back onto the field. It looked like bad luck. He says: "I thought I missed out at first." But Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong made his night, tossing the ball back into the stands. Young Sota retrieved the ball as umpires on the field reviewed to make sure the ball had cleared the wall and Ohtani had his first home run of the season.
