The Chicago Cubs have announced that second baseman Nico Hoerner will not be traveling to Japan for the team's season-opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hoerner, who is currently rehabbing from offseason surgery on his throwing arm, will remain in Arizona to continue his recovery. This decision ensures that Hoerner can maximize his rehabilitation time and be fully prepared for the regular season. The Cubs will undoubtedly miss his presence on the field, but the priority is to ensure his long-term health and performance.
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As the Cubs prepare for their two-game series in Tokyo, they will need to adjust their lineup to compensate for Hoerner's absence. The team is optimistic about his progress and looks forward to his return to the lineup once he is fully recovered. In the meantime, the Cubs will rely on their depth and versatility to navigate the early part of the season without one of their key players. Fans are eager to see Hoerner back in action and contributing to the team's success in the near future.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, former Minnesota Twins minor league catcher Derek Bender firmly denied allegations that he tipped off opposing hitters about which pitches were coming. Bender, who is currently out of professional baseball, is under MLB investigation for allegedly informing opposing batters of the pitches being thrown by his team. "No," Bender stated in the interview, "And I'll live with this until the day I die. I never gave pitches away. I never tried to give the opposing team an advantage against my own team." These allegations have cast a shadow over Bender's career, but he continues to assert his innocence.
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Bender, a sixth-round draft pick from Coastal Carolina in July, was playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins' Single-A affiliate, when the alleged incident occurred. In the second game of a September 6 doubleheader, sources told ESPN that Bender informed multiple hitters for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, a Detroit farm team, about the specific pitches being thrown by starter Ross Dunn. While the investigation is ongoing, Bender's denial and the details surrounding the incident have drawn significant attention, raising questions about the integrity of the game and the future of the young catcher.

In a recent announcement, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo shared that right-handers Thyago Vieira and Josh Winder will both need Tommy John surgery. This significant setback means that both pitchers, who had been in camp as non-roster invitees, will miss the entire 2025 season. The news, reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, is a considerable blow to the Diamondbacks' depth as they lose two promising arms for the duration of the year.
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As Vieira and Winder prepare for their upcoming surgeries and subsequent rehabilitation, the Diamondbacks organization will need to adjust their pitching strategies accordingly. The team will rely on other pitchers to step up and fill the void left by these unfortunate injuries. While the road to recovery will be long and challenging for both Vieira and Winder, their resilience and determination will be crucial as they work towards returning to the mound in the future.

In a significant blow to the White Sox, it has been announced that outfielder Andrew Benintendi has sustained a non-displaced fracture in his right hand. The injury occurred during a spring training game today when Benintendi was hit by a pitch, forcing him to leave the field. The team has confirmed that he will be sidelined for four to six weeks as he recovers from the fracture. This unfortunate incident comes at a critical time as the team prepares for the upcoming season, and they will undoubtedly feel the absence of Benintendi's presence both defensively and offensively.
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As Benintendi embarks on his recovery journey, the White Sox will need to adjust their lineup and find a way to fill the void left by his absence. The coaching staff and medical team will be working closely with him to ensure a swift and effective recovery, hoping to have him back on the field as soon as possible. In the meantime, the team will rely on their depth and resilience to navigate this challenging period and maintain their competitive edge. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see Benintendi return to full strength and contribute to the team's success this season.

The New York Yankees have been dealt another blow as reliever Scott Effross has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Effross sustained the injury during a Grapefruit League appearance earlier this week, where he delivered just one pitch before exiting the game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed the diagnosis, stating that the injury will require some time for recovery. This setback is particularly disheartening for Effross, who has been a promising addition to the Yankees' bullpen. The 31-year-old right-hander had a solid performance in the minors last year, boasting a 2.55 ERA with a strong strikeout rate and impressive grounder rate.
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As Effross begins his rehabilitation, the Yankees will need to adjust their bullpen strategy to compensate for his absence. The team has faced numerous injuries in recent seasons, and this latest development adds to their challenges. Boone and the coaching staff will be closely monitoring Effross's progress, hoping for a swift and full recovery. In the meantime, the Yankees will rely on their depth and resilience to navigate the early part of the season without one of their key bullpen arms. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see Effross return to the mound and continue contributing to the team's success.

The Washington Nationals have designated outfielder Stone Garrett for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for closer Kyle Finnegan. Garrett, who made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022, joined the Nationals last season and showed promise with his performance. However, the team needed to clear a spot for Finnegan, who recently finalized a one-year, $6 million deal with the Nationals. Finnegan, an NL All-Star last season, brings valuable experience and stability to the bullpen, making him a crucial addition to the roster.
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Garrett's designation for assignment is a surprising move, given his potential and contributions to the team. The 27-year-old outfielder will now be placed on waivers, allowing other teams the opportunity to claim him. If he goes unclaimed, Garrett could be outrighted to the minors or released. The Nationals' decision highlights the tough choices teams must make to balance their rosters and prioritize key players. As Garrett's future remains uncertain, the Nationals will focus on integrating Finnegan into their bullpen and preparing for the upcoming season.

Angels shortstop Zach Neto will not be ready for Opening Day, as announced by manager Ron Washington. Neto, who underwent shoulder surgery in November, is still recovering and will start the season on the injured list. The team remains optimistic about his return, with expectations that he will make his season debut in April. This setback is a disappointment for the Angels, who were looking forward to having Neto's defensive skills and offensive potential in the lineup from the start.
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Despite this early-season challenge, the Angels are confident in their depth and ability to adapt. The team will rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by Neto's absence. As Neto continues his rehabilitation, the focus will be on ensuring he returns to full strength and can contribute effectively for the remainder of the season. The Angels' management and fans alike are hopeful that Neto's recovery will be swift and that he will soon be back on the field, showcasing his talent and helping the team achieve their goals.

Veteran right-hander Jose Ureña has officially joined the New York Mets on a minor league deal, as reported by Newsday's Tim Healey. Ureña, who is represented by Premier Talent Sports & Entertainment, will participate in the big league camp for the remainder of spring training. The 33-year-old pitcher brings valuable non-roster depth to the Mets' rotation, especially important given the recent injuries plaguing the team.
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The Mets have faced setbacks with their pitching staff as spring injuries impact their rotation. Left-hander Sean Manaea is dealing with an oblique strain, likely resulting in a season-opening IL stint, although he could be back by mid-April. Meanwhile, right-hander Frankie Montas is recovering from a more severe lat strain, which has kept him from throwing for over a month. Montas' best-case scenario return is mid-May. Ureña's addition provides the Mets with a much-needed option to navigate these early-season challenges and maintain their competitive edge.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher JB Bukauskas is expected to miss the entire season due to lat surgery, marking the latest in a series of injury-related setbacks for the former first-round draft pick. The 28-year-old right-hander had already missed most of the 2024 season with a similar lat injury, and his recovery this time around will be closely monitored. Bukauskas had shown promise in his limited appearances, posting a 0-0 record with a 1.50 ERA in six relief outings for the Brewers and a 0-0 record with a 1.80 ERA in six outings with Triple-A Nashville. Despite his potential, injuries have consistently hindered his progress and ability to contribute consistently to the team.
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Bukauskas' career statistics include a 2-2 record with a 5.04 ERA in 33 relief appearances. Originally selected by the Houston Astros out of North Carolina with the 15th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Bukauskas had high expectations placed upon him. However, his career has been marred by injuries, preventing him from fully realizing his potential. As he undergoes lat surgery and begins the long road to recovery, the Brewers will need to explore alternative options to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming season. The team and fans alike will be hoping for a successful recovery for Bukauskas and a chance for him to finally demonstrate his capabilities on the mound in the future.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson reassured fans that there is no major cause for concern regarding Bryce Harper after the star slugger exited Wednesday's exhibition game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Harper was hit on the right arm by a 92 mph pitch from Blue Jays left-hander Richard Lovelady, resulting in a bruise. "We’ll check him tomorrow but it’s a contusion in the triceps area," Thomson told reporters, adding that Harper had already been scheduled for a day off on Thursday. The team remains optimistic about his recovery, indicating that the injury is not serious.
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The game saw four players hit by pitches, with Lovelady also being charged with a wild pitch. Thomson noted that such incidents are not uncommon in early spring training as pitchers work to regain their command. "It's early spring training so guys don’t have their command down," Thomson explained. "There were a bunch of guys hit today. I can’t speak for the kid but maybe he was a little nervous, it’s Bryce Harper. It’s baseball." Despite the incident, the Phillies are confident in Harper's ability to recover quickly and continue preparing for the upcoming season.

The Oakland Athletics are entering a new and uncertain era after their unceremonious exit from Oakland. For the next few years, the A's will call a Triple-A stadium in West Sacramento home. This transition marks a significant shift for the franchise, as they navigate the challenges of playing in a smaller venue and away from their traditional fan base. The impact of this move on the team's performance and fan engagement remains to be seen, and it could set a precedent for other MLB teams facing similar situations in the future.
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What lies ahead in West Sacramento could have a domino effect on Major League Baseball's landscape. The A's relocation to a Triple-A stadium raises questions about the viability of such moves for other teams and the long-term implications for the league. As the Athletics adjust to their new home, the MLB will be closely watching how this experiment unfolds. The outcomes could influence future decisions regarding team relocations, stadium upgrades, and the overall structure of the league. The A's journey in West Sacramento will be a pivotal chapter in MLB's evolving story.

Former New York Yankees starter Nestor Cortes remains convinced that his former team was the better squad during the World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, Cortes is still grappling with the disappointment of falling short in the Fall Classic. Despite the Dodgers' impressive 98-64 record and their second world championship in five years, Cortes believes the Yankees had what it took to emerge victorious. The series, which ended in five games in favor of the Dodgers, left a lingering sense of "could haves, should haves, and would haves" for the Yankees and their fans.
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As the Yankees gear up for the 2025 season, their focus is on returning to the World Series and capturing their first championship since 2009. With a determined mindset, the team aims to build on the lessons learned from last season's defeat and reclaim their place at the pinnacle of baseball. Cortes' reflections serve as a reminder of the narrow margins that often define success and failure in the sport. The Yankees' resilience and commitment to excellence will be key as they strive to achieve their ultimate goal in the upcoming season.

Houston Astros star Jose Altuve is preparing to make his spring training debut on Friday, and for the first time in his career, he will be playing left field. Manager Joe Espada shared the news with reporters on Wednesday, highlighting Altuve's willingness to step into the outfield following the offseason trade of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs. With an opening in left field, Altuve, traditionally a second baseman, has expressed his readiness to play wherever the team needs him. Despite never having played outfield in his 14 major league seasons, Altuve is embracing the new challenge.
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Altuve's defensive performance at second base has declined in recent seasons, registering a minus-15 defensive runs saved over the past three years. However, his offensive prowess remains strong, with batting averages of .300, .311, and .295 during that span. Espada reported that Altuve is adjusting well to his new position in left field, though he will face more rigorous testing once games begin. "He's actually been pretty good out there," Espada said. "Right now, the attitude is exactly what we're expecting and the work has been pretty good." As the Astros gear up for the season, Altuve's flexibility and commitment will be crucial assets.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado recently made headlines with his three-hour drive to play in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees. This move, which took place during the Grapefruit League spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, raised eyebrows and fueled trade rumors. Despite the speculation, Arenado was quick to dismiss the notion that the game was a "showcase" for potential suitors. "I didn't come here for that," Arenado told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Day 3 of spring training. That wouldn't be a good day to showcase myself. I'm not ready for that." Arenado, who went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, emphasized that his trip was more about maintaining his training schedule and visiting friends DJ LeMahieu and Paul Goldschmidt.
Arenado's appearance against the Yankees comes amid ongoing trade discussions, with the Cardinals reportedly open to moving the star third baseman due to declining production and his substantial contract. However, Arenado made it clear that his presence in Tampa was not intended to spark trade talks. Instead, he focused on getting three at-bats and staying in game shape. "My body is ready for it," he said. "I'm ready for nine. My timing (at the plate) is not." As the trade rumors continue to swirl, Arenado's commitment to his training and his candid remarks highlight his professionalism and dedication to the game.