MLB Baseball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 11:30 PM ET
Spring Training & Injury Updates
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramírez avoided a long-term absence after exiting Sunday's contest against the Athletics with a sore left shoulder, though he is presently listed as day-to-day. Meanwhile, the high temperatures in Arizona are forcing operational changes, as Cactus League officials are adjusting game times to combat triple-digit heat, a condition more demanding than typical pitcher velocity concerns. In related injury news, San Diego Padres starter Joe Musgrove is projected to begin the regular season on the injured list as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery performed last year.
World Baseball Classic & Roster Moves
International tournament schedule adjustments are underway as Italy's coaching staff tapped Aaron Nola to start Monday night's World Baseball Classic semifinal against Venezuela, bypassing Michael Lorenzen for the critical matchup. The status of Padres All-Star closer Mason Miller remains uncertain for Team USA's championship game on Tuesday, pending final evaluation by manager Craig Stammen. On the Los Angeles side, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been confirmed to take the mound for the Dodgers' season opener on March 26 against the Diamondbacks.
Disciplinary Actions
Major League Baseball levied a significant penalty Monday, suspending Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas for the first 80 games of the upcoming season after he tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing substance Boldenone. This marks one of the longest suspensions handed down this spring, impacting the Phillies' outfield depth early in the campaign.