MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: March 28, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

National League West Notes & Openers

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their second consecutive World Series title Friday night, slipping glittering rings onto their fingers before taking the field in their season opener. The night was capped by a dramatic finish as closer Edwin Diaz thrilled L.A. fans with his signature trumpet entrance music before securing his first save for the team in a narrow 5-4 victory. Off the field, the franchise secured a long-term connection with its former ace, officially bringing Clayton Kershaw aboard as a special assistant in a move demonstrating the organization’s desire to keep championship pedigree involved. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, new manager Walt Weiss savored a victory in his Braves managerial debut, guiding the team to a decisive 6-0 shutout win over the visiting Kansas City Royals to open their campaign.

American League Transactions & Injuries

The Baltimore Orioles immediately fortified their pitching staff, agreeing to a substantial five-year contract with right-hander Shane Baz, bringing in the high-upside arm acquired over the winter to solidify their starting rotation for the foreseeable future. Across the league, the Seattle Mariners dealt with an early setback, placing right-handed reliever Carlos Vargas on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a right lat strain, recalling right-hander Cole Wilcox from Triple-A Tacoma to manage the bullpen depth. In Houston, All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña made his season debut against the Angels after being held out of the Opening Day loss due to an unspecified injury concern, signaling a return to full strength for the Astros lineup.

Player Status & Departures

Veteran outfielder and five-time Gold Glove winner Jason Heyward announced his retirement Friday after concluding a 16-season Major League career that included a World Series championship. Injury woes immediately plagued the Miami Marlins' opener, as first baseman Christopher Morel was scratched from the contest against the Rockies due to a newly sustained left oblique strain. In related injury news concerning pitchers recovering from unusual procedures, the minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, generated buzz by poking fun at Zack Wheeler's recent surgery, referencing the rib he had removed to clear a blood clot, which the ace reportedly keeps in his closet.

Offensive Expectations

Despite the early season focus on pitching and transactions, anticipation remains high for established sluggers, particularly in Toronto, where the organization believes Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has not peaked. Following a dominant postseason performance that showcased significant growth in leadership qualities, the hope is that Guerrero Jr.’s maturation will translate into an even higher level of production throughout the entire 2026 season and beyond, building on his established superstar status.