MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 22, 2026, 3:30 AM ET
Opening Day Roster Moves & Injury Setbacks
As Opening Day approaches, several clubs finalized significant personnel decisions, though not without injury concerns for key players Suzuki to miss Cubs' opener after injury in WBC. Chicago outfielder Seiya Suzuki will be sidelined for Thursday's opener against Washington after sustaining a minor ligament strain in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic, immediately impacting the Cubs' lineup projections. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees solidified their veteran presence by officially placing 34-year-old Randal Grichuk on the Opening Day roster, providing an experienced option in the outfield.
Minor League Assignments & Veteran Releases
Across the league, teams continued to trim down spring training camps, resulting in several notable reassignments and releases as players looked to secure spots or exercise contractual options Orioles option Kremer to minors ahead of opener. The Baltimore Orioles optioned Dean Kremer to the minors despite his strong performance last season, where he led the team in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts, signaling a desire to manage his workload or service time. In Pittsburgh, the Pirates reassigned top prospect Konnor Griffin to minor league camp on Saturday, delaying the 19-year-old's major league debut.
Pitching Staff Adjustments & Contract Terminations
Further shuffling occurred among pitchers, with the New York Mets clarifying their initial rotation strategy while other organizations opted to part ways with established arms. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the team will employ a five-man rotation to start the season, slotting veteran Sean Manaea into a piggyback role coming out of the bullpen to manage early innings. Separately, veteran relievers faced immediate unemployment; the Texas Rangers granted release papers to Ryan Brasier, formerly of the Red Sox and Cubs, while the Washington Nationals released Drew Smith from his minor league contract. Furthermore, outfielder Austin Slater exercised his release clause in his Detroit Tigers minor league deal after failing to secure a spot on the major league roster.