Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker left the team’s split-squad game against the Nationals on Tuesday due to left knee pain. Walker departed in the third inning and will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his injury. The 22-year-old, a former first-round pick, is one of the Cardinals’ most promising prospects. However, after a strong rookie season in which he hit .276 with 16 homers and 51 RBIs in 117 games, Walker's performance significantly declined last year. He posted a .202 batting average with five homers and 20 RBIs in 51 games with the big-league club.
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Despite last season's struggles, Walker played 85 games for Triple-A Memphis, where he hit .263 with nine homers and 37 RBIs. The Cardinals, who have missed the playoffs for the past two seasons, are relying on players like Walker to bounce back and contribute to the team's success. Walker is competing for a spot in the outfield alongside Lars Nootbaar and Michael Siani, with Michael Helman, recently acquired from the Twins, also in the mix. The Cardinals hope Walker's injury is not severe and that he can return to form to help the team in the upcoming season.

The Cleveland Guardians' highly regarded outfielder Chase DeLauter underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a sports hernia, sidelining him for the first couple of months of the season. The 2022 first-round draft pick sustained the injury during a pregame workout on February 28. After an examination by Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia on Monday, DeLauter's diagnosis was confirmed, and surgery was recommended. The Guardians have indicated that DeLauter, who was projected to start the season at Triple-A Columbus, will begin his rehab in Arizona this week. The typical recovery timeline for similar cases ranges from eight to twelve weeks.
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Last season, DeLauter showcased his potential across three minor league levels, posting a .261 batting average with eight home runs and 24 RBIs. At Triple-A Columbus, he impressed with a .304 average, two homers, and seven RBIs in just 23 at-bats. As DeLauter embarks on his recovery, the Guardians and their fans remain hopeful for his return to the field, where he can continue to build on his promising career and contribute to the team's success.

CJ Abrams's first All-Star season took an unexpected turn when the Washington Nationals optioned him to Triple-A Rochester late in the 2024 season. The demotion came just before the conclusion of the Triple-A season, with the Nationals clarifying that the decision was due to an "internal matter" rather than Abrams's performance. Reports later revealed that Abrams had been at a casino until 8 a.m. on the day of a 1 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs, where he went 0-for-3 with a walk in the loss.
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Despite the controversy, Nationals manager Davey Martinez has stated that he and Abrams are back on good terms. The reconciliation between Martinez and Abrams is a positive development for the team as they look to move forward from the incident. Abrams remains an integral part of the Nationals' roster, and his return to form will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season. As both parties put the past behind them, the focus now shifts to building on Abrams's promising talent and contributions on the field.

Roki Sasaki's debut as a Los Angeles Dodger on Tuesday night was nothing short of spectacular, with his fastball clocking in at 98 mph and three shutout innings to his name. However, the true testament to his performance came from the words of the hitters he faced. Austin Hays described Sasaki's pitches as "nasty," TJ Friedl called them "heavy," and Austin Wynns simply said they were "electric." Sasaki's impressive outing also earned high praise from future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, who termed the 23-year-old's first spring training appearance as "impressive."
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Sasaki, who joined the Dodgers in January after a competitive recruiting process involving the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, struck out five batters in the team's 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch. With just two weeks remaining before the Dodgers begin the 2025 MLB season in Japan, Sasaki's performance reaffirmed why the team is confident in starting him in the second game of the high-profile series. Having excelled with the Chiba Lotte Mariners over the past four years, Sasaki's transition to the Dodgers looks promising, and fans can expect more electrifying performances from the young pitcher.

For the third consecutive year, the New York Mets topped Major League Baseball in spending, amassing $1.36 billion in payroll and luxury tax over the past four years under owner Steve Cohen. This staggering sum surpasses what the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tampa Bay Rays have collectively spent on players over the past 21 seasons. The Mets set a new regular payroll record of $333.3 million in 2024, breaking their previous record of $319.5 million set in 2023, when they became the first team to exceed the $300 million mark.
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In 2024, the Mets' total expenditure reached an all-time high of $430.4 million, including $97.1 million in luxury tax. This record-breaking figure follows their 2023 spending of $420 million, which included a $100.8 million tax. As a result, the Mets have significantly impacted the overall MLB payouts, which have now surpassed $5.1 billion. The Mets' substantial financial commitment demonstrates their determination to remain competitive and underscores the growing financial dynamics within Major League Baseball.

Following Jose Quintana’s signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, Kyle Gibson remains the top unsigned starting pitcher on the market. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the 37-year-old former All-Star intends to pitch this season. To stay prepared, Gibson has been throwing live batting practice to college hitters, ensuring he is not starting from scratch when he signs with a team. Morosi reports that Gibson has been able to throw up to 60 pitches in these sessions, showcasing his readiness to step back onto the mound.
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With Opening Day just over three weeks away, teams may have concerns about a pitcher's readiness if they are not currently in camp. Despite this, Gibson's efforts to stay in shape by pitching to non-professional hitters should help him remain generally on track. As free agent starters like Lance Lynn and Spencer Turnbull also seek opportunities, Gibson's determination and preparation could make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their rotations ahead of the regular season.

The Boston Red Sox have reached a minor league agreement with right-handed pitcher José De León, as reported by Francys Romero. De León hinted at the deal on social media, and it has now been confirmed. Once a highly-touted prospect in the Dodgers' system, De León's career has been hampered by injuries, preventing him from securing a consistent role in the majors. Over six partial seasons, De León has played for four different teams but has never reached 20 innings in any single season.
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De León's most recent MLB stint was with the Minnesota Twins two years ago, where he allowed nine earned runs in 17 1/3 innings, striking out 17 batters while issuing five walks. Now 32, De León is looking to make a comeback and prove his worth with the Red Sox organization. As he works to regain his form, Boston will be hoping that De León can tap into his potential and provide valuable depth to their pitching staff.

The Chicago Cubs are bringing back reliever Yency Almonte on a minor league contract, as reported by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The team had outrighted Almonte off their 40-man roster at the end of last season. The 30-year-old pitcher joined the Cubs as part of last winter’s Michael Busch trade. During his time with the Cubs, Almonte made 17 appearances in Craig Counsell’s middle relief group, allowing seven runs (six earned) over 15 2/3 innings, striking out 20 opponents while issuing eight walks.
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Unfortunately, Almonte's season was cut short by a shoulder strain, which led to season-ending surgery in July. Despite this setback, the Cubs have decided to give Almonte another opportunity to prove himself and contribute to the team's bullpen. As he works his way back from injury, the Cubs will be hoping to see the return of his effective pitching form in the upcoming season.

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. has entered a management deal with Rimas Sports, the agency co-owned by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny. Announced on Tuesday, Rimas Sports will oversee Tatis's marketing, brand relations, and other services, with the aim of expanding his portfolio as an athlete, businessman, and philanthropist. The agency, which also represents prominent players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Ezequiel Tovar, and Francisco Alvarez, boasts a partnership between Bad Bunny and executives Noah Assad and Jonathan Miranda.
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While Rimas Sports is prohibited from negotiating player contracts with teams, it is authorized to strike marketing deals with athletes. Tatis, who signed a $340 million, 14-year contract with the Padres in 2021 through MVP Sports, looks to leverage this new partnership to enhance his presence both on and off the field. The collaboration with Rimas Sports marks an exciting new chapter for Tatis as he continues to build his brand beyond baseball.

Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers, who was scheduled to make his spring training debut on Tuesday, has decided to push it back after informing manager Alex Cora that he did not feel ready during live batting practice. While Cora did not specify when the three-time All-Star will play, he suggested that it might not be until this weekend. Devers spent the early weeks of spring training strengthening his shoulders, which caused him discomfort last season. Despite the soreness, he managed to hit .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs in 2024. The Red Sox are eagerly anticipating his return, but it remains uncertain where Devers will play once he is back on the field.
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The addition of two-time All-Star Alex Bregman to the Red Sox roster this offseason has added to the uncertainty surrounding Devers' position. Bregman, who signed a three-year, $120 million contract, is a Gold Glove winner at third base, a position where Devers has struggled defensively. Devers has led the American League or tied for the lead in errors three times in the past seven seasons. Despite the fielding challenges, Devers is reluctant to move to the designated hitter role, stating last month, "Third base is my position." The Red Sox will need to find a balance that maximizes their defensive strength while keeping Devers' powerful bat in the lineup.

Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia was scratched from today’s Cactus League game after experiencing discomfort in his left oblique. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Garcia is scheduled for an MRI to determine the extent of the injury. Manager Bruce Bochy mentioned that Garcia will "miss a little bit of time," but the team hopes his absence won’t be prolonged. Additionally, fellow outfielder Wyatt Langford, who suffered an oblique injury 11 days ago, has yet to appear in a spring game. The Rangers have not ruled out Opening Day for either player, pending further updates on their conditions.
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Garcia, who turned 32 over the weekend, is entering the 2025 season with hopes of rebounding at the plate. He was a key player in the Rangers' 2023 World Series run, recording a .245/.328/.508 slash line with 39 home runs. As the Rangers await further news on Garcia's injury, they are undoubtedly hoping for a quick recovery to ensure his impactful presence in the lineup. Garcia's return will be crucial for the team as they aim to start the season strong.

The Cleveland Guardians have announced that outfield prospect Chase DeLauter underwent surgery this morning to address a core muscle injury, often referred to as a sports hernia. The team stated that similar injuries typically require about eight to twelve weeks for players to return to play. This timeline means DeLauter will be sidelined for a significant portion of the early season, delaying his much-anticipated contributions to the team.
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Despite the setback, the Guardians remain optimistic about DeLauter's recovery and future impact on the field. DeLauter, a promising talent in the Guardians' farm system, has shown great potential and is expected to be an integral part of the team's future. As he focuses on his rehabilitation, the organization and fans alike are eager to see him back in action, contributing to the Guardians' success.

Excitement is building at Camelback Ranch as Roki Sasaki is poised to make his first appearance in the Cactus League tonight. The game against the visiting Cincinnati Reds is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m. ET (6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT) and will be broadcast on SportsNet LA, MLB Network (in the Reds' market), and MLB.TV (for out-of-market viewers). Sasaki will not be the starting pitcher; instead, he'll follow Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to pitch four innings. Sasaki's goal will be to pitch at least three innings in relief, providing fans with a glimpse of his highly anticipated talent.
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Looking ahead, both Yamamoto and Sasaki are expected to pitch in their home country next month when the Dodgers face the Cubs in the Tokyo Series from March 18-19. Yamamoto is likely to start the opener, with Sasaki taking the mound in Game 2. This series will offer an exciting opportunity for the Japanese pitchers to showcase their skills on home soil, further building anticipation for their roles in the upcoming season.