MLB Baseball 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
Spring Training & Player Status Updates
High temperatures in Arizona forced schedule adjustments espn.com for Cactus League games, pushing back start times to mitigate risks associated with triple-digit heat exposure during exhibition play. Separately, the Phillies lost outfielder Johan Rojas espn.com to an 80-game suspension handed down by Major League Baseball after he tested positive for the banned substance Boldenone, dealing an early blow to the club’s roster depth. In Los Angeles, the Dodgers confirmed Yoshinobu Yamamoto espn.com will take the mound for the March 26 season opener against the Diamondbacks, setting the rotation early for the reigning World Series champions.
World Baseball Classic & Injury Concerns
San Diego Padres personnel are facing immediate decisions regarding the World Baseball Classic final and the start of the regular season. Manager Craig Stammen stated that a final determination on closer Mason Miller espn.com remains pending for Team USA’s championship game on Tuesday, while starter Joe Musgrove appears set to begin the year on the injured list as he continues recovery from last year’s Tommy John surgery delaying his return espn.com. Meanwhile, in international play, Italy tabbed Aaron Nola espn.com to pitch Monday night's semifinal contest against Venezuela, opting for the veteran right-hander over Michael Lorenzen for the high-stakes matchup.