Last updated: March 24, 2026, 4:30 AM ET
Spring Training Pitching & Roster Shakes
Major League Baseball clubs continued finalizing Opening Day rosters amidst mixed results from key arms in their final exhibition contests. In Los Angeles, Dodgers prospect Roki Sasaki experienced further turbulence, struggling deeply across two-plus innings where he registered six walks and surrendered five earned runs, raising immediate concerns about his readiness for the young season. Conversely, the Texas Rangers provided a significant morale boost when manager Skip Schumaker delivered good news during a mound visit to rookie Carter Baumler, informing the right-hander that he had officially secured a roster spot. The veteran presence in Texas will be bolstered by 39-year-old Andrew McCutchen, who clinched his spot with a .444 average this spring, featuring three doubles and a home run.
Injuries Force Opening Day Absences
Several high-profile contenders are already navigating the injured list as the March 31st deadline approaches, forcing immediate adjustments to Opening Day lineups. The Atlanta Braves sustained a major blow when two-time All-Star Spencer Strider was diagnosed with an oblique strain, slotting him onto the IL and darkening the outlook for their rotation early on. Similarly, the Chicago Cubs will begin the year without outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who will start on the IL following a strained knee ligament suffered during World Baseball Classic play. Further south, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that veteran infielder Gavin Lux will begin on injured reserve due to a right shoulder impingement, delaying his expected debut with the club.
Roster Locks & Contract Security
While injuries sideline some stars, other players received definitive news regarding their status, including key prospects and established veterans securing their places. The Milwaukee Brewers confirmed that Brandon Woodruff, a two-time All-Star, is cleared to start the team's fifth game on March 31st after successfully navigating his recovery from a lat strain. In St. Louis, the Cardinals are rewarding a top draft pick, as No. 7 overall selection JJ Wetherholt earned a spot on the Opening Day roster following his selection out of West Virginia. Meanwhile, the New York Mets designated Carson Benge as their starting right fielder after the prospect sizzled this spring with a .366 batting average.
Front Office Stability & Prospect Decisions
Off the field, the Toronto Blue Jays prioritized stability, announcing contract extensions for both their manager and general manager just before the season begins. The club confirmed a two-year extension for manager John Schneider and a longer five-year commitment for GM Ross Atkins, signaling faith in their current leadership structure heading into the regular season. In roster news for the Yankees, Luis Gil ultimately missed the Opening Day rotation cut and faces the possibility of starting the year developing in the minor leagues. For the Cubs, efforts are underway to avoid arbitration chaos, as sources indicate Chicago is finalizing a deal with breakout center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who stood out last season.
Minor Personnel Moves & Offseason Recap
Teams continued making necessary depth acquisitions and strategic roster shuffling as the final cuts were made. The Detroit Tigers elected to sign reliever Connor Seabold to a split contract while simultaneously moving Beau Briske to the 60-day injured list, opening a necessary roster slot. These final decisions arrive after a winter marked by blockbuster free agency moves and trades, such as Kyle Tucker’s massive contract and Pete Alonso’s high-profile relocation rumors, which now set the stage for the actual games.