MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 21, 2026, 1:30 PM ET
NL East Rotation Finalizations & Roster Moves
The New York Mets finalized their initial rotation plans, opting for a five-man structure where veteran starter Sean Manaea will begin the season operating in a piggyback role out of the bullpen, according to manager Carlos Mendoza on Saturday. Meanwhile, several other National League East clubs made definitive roster cuts, with the Washington Nationals optioning highly touted rookie Dylan Crews to Triple-A Harrisburg due to noticeable hitting struggles early in camp. Contrasting that move, the Philadelphia Phillies confirmed that rookie right-hander Andrew Painter successfully secured the final spot in their starting five, making the Opening Day roster as the No. 5 starter.
American League Roster Trimming & Player Status Changes
Across the American League, teams continued shaping their 26-man rosters ahead of Opening Day, resulting in several high-profile options and releases. The New York Yankees optioned outfielder Jasson Dominguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday as they finalized their outfield depth chart. In Minnesota, the Twins released veteran contributors Liam Hendriks and Gio Urshela, alongside left-hander Andrew Chafin, after all three were serving on minor league contracts. Furthermore, in a complex situation in Miami, the Marlins sent left-hander Braxton Garrett down to Jacksonville, choosing Janson Junk to fill the fifth starter role temporarily.
Off-Field Legal & Disciplinary Issues
Legal and disciplinary matters overshadowed some on-field decisions late in the week, as Cleveland Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were placed on unpaid non-disciplinary leave Friday while they await trial proceedings related to an alleged pitch-rigging scheme, per an agreement between the league and the players’ association. Separately, the family of former Yankee Brett Gardner has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against a Costa Rican resort following the tragic death of their 14-year-old son, Miller, who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning at the property.