New York Mets infielder Nick Madrigal is set to undergo surgery on his fractured left shoulder, a procedure that will likely sideline him for the entirety of the 2025 season. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared the update with reporters, including Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, confirming the severity of the injury. The long recovery timeline means the team will be without one of its infielders for the entire upcoming campaign, a significant loss as they plan for the season ahead.
The injury itself occurred during Sunday’s game when Madrigal dislocated his shoulder after tumbling to the ground while completing a throw to first base on a routine ground ball. By Monday, an MRI revealed the fracture, and the Mets announced that Madrigal would be out for “a long time.” While the initial prognosis was vague, the team’s decision to place him on the 60-day injured list upon acquiring Alexander Canario hinted at a prolonged absence. Now, with surgery confirmed, the Mets are bracing for a full year without Madrigal’s contributions in the infield.
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Matt Vierling Sidelined: Tigers Third Baseman to Miss Opening Day with Rotator Cuff Injury2/28/2025 The Detroit Tigers received tough news this morning as third baseman and outfielder Matt Vierling was diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder. The team announced that Vierling will be shut down for a period of rest and rehabilitation, with a re-evaluation to follow before he can resume baseball activities. Manager A.J. Hinch broke the update to reporters, including Evan Woodbery of the MLive Media Group, confirming that Vierling won’t be ready for Opening Day and will begin the season on the injured list. This setback is a blow to the Tigers as they gear up for the new campaign.
At 28 years old, Vierling has proven himself a reliable and versatile contributor over the past two seasons with Detroit. Since joining the team, he’s posted a .259/.320/.406 slash line, good for a 104 wRC+ across 2023 and 2024. While he’s primarily patrolled the outfield, Vierling has also logged significant time at third base and even seen action at second and first, showcasing his adaptability. His absence will leave a gap in the lineup and force the Tigers to adjust their plans as Opening Day approaches. The New York Mets have turned their spring training camp into a hub of nostalgia and mentorship this season, welcoming a stellar lineup of guest instructors. The parade of legends began last week with Johan Santana gracing Port St. Lucie, followed by Carlos Beltran and John Franco lending their expertise this week. On Thursday, the atmosphere at Clover Park buzzed with excitement as former Mets ace Dwight Gooden joined the ranks, observing batting practice and defensive drills from the dugout. While these visits often carry a ceremonial flair, they also offer a rare chance for today’s players to tap into the wisdom of franchise icons, bridging the past and present of Mets baseball.
For top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat, this opportunity became a defining moment as he connected with Gooden just a day before his Grapefruit League debut. The 22-year-old right-hander, who rocketed through the minors last season, described the encounter as “incredible” in an interview with MLB Pipeline’s Jonathan Mayo on MLB Tonight. Having dominated in Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton with a 2.45 ERA, Sproat faced a reality check in Triple-A, where his ERA ballooned to 7.85 over seven starts. His conversation with Gooden zeroed in on this struggle, with the legend offering insights that resonated deeply. “He told me to trust my stuff and be the aggressor,” Sproat shared, vowing to carry Gooden’s advice forward as he eyes a big-league future now tantalizingly within reach. The New York Yankees have secured their manager Aaron Boone with a contract extension, and the financial specifics are now coming to light. According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Boone’s salary for the current season will see a significant boost, rising to $4.5 million. This increase reflects the team’s confidence in Boone’s leadership as he continues to guide the Yankees through the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
Looking ahead, Boone’s earnings are set to climb even higher in the coming years. Heyman reports that the manager will pocket $5 million in 2026, followed by an impressive $5.5 million in 2027. This progressive salary structure underscores the Yankees’ long-term commitment to Boone, signaling their belief in his ability to deliver success and potentially bring another championship to the Bronx. With these figures now public, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Boone’s tenure unfolds under this lucrative deal. The Miami Marlins have announced their acquisition of right-hander Brett de Geus off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates had designated de Geus for assignment last week, which opened up the opportunity for the Marlins to make their move. In a corresponding roster adjustment, the Marlins have designated fellow right-hander Seth Martinez for assignment. This series of transactions highlights the Marlins' ongoing efforts to refine their pitching staff and explore potential talent to bolster their bullpen.
Brett de Geus, 27, has yet to pitch for the Pirates, having been acquired from the Blue Jays in a cash deal just last month. However, his tenure with Pittsburgh was short-lived, as the signing of Andrew Heaney last week made de Geus the roster casualty. As the Marlins integrate de Geus into their lineup, they aim to harness his potential and make strategic use of his pitching abilities. Meanwhile, the decision to designate Seth Martinez for assignment underscores the team's commitment to making necessary adjustments in pursuit of a competitive edge. The Cleveland Guardians announced that right-hander Franco Aleman underwent a left hip inguinal hernia repair yesterday. The team has stated that his recovery will take four to six weeks, meaning Aleman will be sidelined for the remainder of spring training. Although Aleman, who turns 25 in June, may not be a household name, he is on Cleveland’s 40-man roster. The Guardians added him in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Selected in the tenth round of the 2021 draft, Aleman has shown versatility by working as both a starter and a reliever in 2022, albeit with a 6.31 earned run average. However, he has thrived in the bullpen over the past two seasons, posting a 2.78 ERA over 77 2/3 innings and striking out 36.2% of batters faced while maintaining an 8.6% walk rate.
Having spent last year at Triple-A, Aleman is now on the 40-man roster, making a major league debut in 2025 a possibility. However, his injury will likely delay his debut in the initial weeks of the season, as the team will want to ensure he catches up to his peers after his layoff. Despite this setback, the Guardians remain hopeful about Aleman's potential contribution to the team once he completes his recovery and returns to full strength. The Oakland A's are keeping their options open when it comes to utilizing Tyler Soderstrom as a backup catcher, as revealed by manager Mark Kotsay to Martín Gallegos ofMLB.com.The former first-round pick recently started behind the plate in a spring training game against Seattle, showcasing his potential for the role. Kotsay emphasized the importance of maintaining Soderstrom's catching skills, stating, "It gives us an opportunity to have a player that provides maybe a role for us that would allow maybe another bench spot." With Shea Langeliers set to be the starting catcher for the third consecutive season, having Soderstrom as a capable backup would provide the team with valuable bench flexibility.
If the team feels confident in Soderstrom's abilities behind the dish, he could take on the role of Langeliers' backup. Otherwise, the 23-year-old would be positioned as the primary first baseman. Soderstrom's versatility could prove to be a significant asset for the A's, allowing them to optimize their roster and make strategic decisions based on the needs of the game. As the spring training progresses, the team will continue to assess Soderstrom's performance and determine the best fit for his skills within the lineup. As the New York Yankees aim for another World Series appearance, they understand the importance of keeping their superstar, Aaron Judge, in peak condition. To ensure this, Judge, like several other veteran players, was held out of spring training games during the first week of camp. The wait, however, is almost over. Manager Aaron Boone has announced that the $360 million star will make his spring training debut on Saturday afternoon in a matchup against the Houston Astros at 1:05 p.m. ET. Fresh off his second MVP campaign, Judge's return to the field is highly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
With Judge still in the prime of his career, the Yankees are keen to capitalize on their current World Series window. The departure of Juan Soto, who signed with the rival New York Mets, was a significant blow to the lineup. However, the Yankees have bolstered their roster with the acquisitions of former MVPs Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. Additionally, they are looking for offensive contributions from promising youngsters like Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe, and Jasson Dominguez. As Giancarlo Stanton remains sidelined due to elbow injuries, the team is expected to ease Judge into his workload. Nevertheless, Judge's imminent return brings excitement and optimism as the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season. During the offseason, the Boston Red Sox made headlines with their acquisitions in free agency and trades. However, it's the emerging talent of their top prospects that truly signals a bright future for the team. Outfielder Roman Anthony, infielder/outfielder Kristian Campbell, and shortstop Marcelo Mayer showcased their skills in the Red Sox's 6-5 victory against the Tigers. The trio combined for an impressive 4-for-8 performance, including a double, a triple, and a home run, driving in four runs. Ranked among the top 12 prospects in baseball, all three are expected to make their major league debuts this season, further bolstering a solid core that includes third basemen Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers, as well as outfielder Jarren Duran.
Anthony, the second-best prospect according to MLB.com, displayed his prowess with a .291/.396/.498 batting line, 18 homers, and 32 doubles across Double-A and Triple-A. Campbell, ranked seventh, quickly ascended through the Red Sox farm system, boasting a .330/.439/.558 batting line, 20 homers, and 32 doubles. Despite his primary positions being second and short, Campbell is projected to eventually move to center field. Mayer, ranked 12th, has impressed with his all-around play, though durability remains a concern. He posted a .307/.370/.480 batting line with eight homers and 28 doubles. Together, Anthony, Campbell, and Mayer represent a promising future for the Red Sox, giving fans much to look forward to. If the Yankees expected their outfield defense to improve after moving on from Juan Soto, they might need to reconsider. Young outfielder Jasson Dominguez, affectionately known as "The Martian," has encountered his fair share of challenges in left field during spring training. After experiencing similar difficulties upon his return to the Bronx late last season, Dominguez's natural talent as a center fielder has become evident. With Cody Bellinger acquired from the Chicago Cubs to cover center field, and captain Aaron Judge returning to right field, Dominguez is left to adapt to left field, health permitting. Despite his overall talent as New York's top prospect in 2025, boasting an above-average hit tool and power at the plate, as well as impressive running and throwing abilities, his fielding remains a work in progress.
There is still a strong belief within the organization that Dominguez can successfully transition to left field. Teammate and left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon encourages patience with the young outfielder, emphasizing the need for time and experience to develop his defensive skills. As the season progresses, the Yankees and their fans will be closely monitoring Dominguez's performance, hoping that his struggles in left field will be overcome and that he can fully realize his potential as a key player for the team. Instead of participating in spring training activities in Surprise, Rangers infielder Jake Burger chose to return to Nashville to be with his family. His four-month-old daughter, Penelope, had a successful open-heart surgery on February 24th at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Penelope, born with Down Syndrome, required the surgery after initially avoiding it at birth. Thankfully, the procedure went smoothly, and Burger expressed immense gratitude for the medical staff, praising their dedication and expertise. "I don't envy those doctors or nurses for what they deal with on a daily basis. We go out here and play a children's game and have fun with it. Seeing what they do every single minute of every single day, it's pretty incredible," Burger shared.
Burger's wife, Ashlyn, took to social media to express their gratitude for the surgeon, Dr. Carlos Mery, and the entire medical team at Vanderbilt. She also thanked everyone for their prayers and support, acknowledging how they felt heard and answered. With Penelope's successful surgery behind them, Burger returned to the field and marked his comeback by hitting his first home run with the Rangers. This moment not only highlighted his resilience and dedication but also served as a testament to the strength and support of his family during challenging times. The dynamic duo of Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe is quickly making waves as the newest double-play combination in MLB. Both players have shown exceptional synergy and skill on the field, leading to impressive defensive performances. Jazz Chisholm Jr., in particular, believes that this partnership could lead the league in twin-killings. Their seamless collaboration is turning heads and setting high expectations for the season ahead. With Chisholm's speed and agility paired with Volpe's precision and athleticism, the two are poised to be a formidable force in the infield.
Adding to the excitement, Aaron Judge is set to make his spring debut on Saturday, further boosting the team's potential. Judge's return to the lineup is eagerly anticipated, as his powerful presence at the plate will complement the strong defensive core established by Chisholm and Volpe. Fans and teammates alike are thrilled to see how this talented trio will contribute to the team's success. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Jazz and Volpe to see if they can live up to their promise and truly become the best double-play combo in the league. Freddie Freeman, known for his relentless determination, has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the Dodgers. Despite a severely injured right ankle threatening to sideline him from Game 1 of the National League Division Series last year, Freeman played through the pain, going 2-for-5 with a stolen base. Although the injury eventually forced him to miss several postseason games and necessitated offseason surgery, Freeman's resilience has been a testament to his character and dedication to the sport. As he made his spring debut in the 2025 Cactus League, manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of taking it easy to ensure a smooth recovery.
Before Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Rockies at Salt River Fields, Roberts shared his cautious approach with Freeman. "We talked about it," Roberts said, "and I will reiterate it when he gets in the batter's box again today." This measured strategy highlights the Dodgers' commitment to preserving Freeman's long-term health and success. As Freeman continues his rehabilitation journey, his performance in the Cactus League serves as a promising sign for the upcoming season, with the team and fans eagerly anticipating his full return to form. In a recent game, Orioles' star shortstop Gunnar Henderson made a remarkable play by robbing Bo Bichette of a hit. However, shortly after the play, Henderson experienced discomfort on his right side, prompting him to exit the game. Fortunately, it has been confirmed that he will not need an MRI, providing some relief to the team and fans. The Orioles' medical staff is closely monitoring his condition, and Henderson is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Friday to determine the next steps in his recovery process. His presence on the field is crucial for the team's success, and they are hopeful for a swift and complete recovery.
As the team prepares for upcoming games, the Orioles will need to adapt to Henderson's absence and ensure that they continue to perform at a high level. The coaching staff and teammates are rallying around Henderson, providing support and encouragement during this challenging time. While the injury is a setback, the focus remains on his health and well-being, with the anticipation of seeing him back in action soon. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on his condition and look forward to his return to the lineup. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. |
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