MLB Baseball 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 20, 2026, 6:30 PM ET
MLB Roster Finalizations & Personnel Moves
Major League Baseball clubs finalized several rotation spots and cleared roster space Friday as spring training nears its conclusion. The Phillies officially awarded the fifth starter role to rookie right-hander Andrew Painter, manager Rob Thomson confirming the decision ahead of opening day. Conversely, the Marlins made a corresponding move, optioning lefty Braxton Garrett to Triple-A Jacksonville while settling on right-hander Janson Junk for their final rotation slot. Elsewhere in personnel adjustments, the Minnesota Twins released three veterans on minor league deals, cutting ties with righty Liam Hendriks, lefty Andrew Chafin, and infielder Gio Urshela from their extended roster pool.
Legal Proceedings Surface
In off-field developments, the family of Brett Gardner initiated legal action following the tragic death of his 14-year-old son, Miller Gardner. The wrongful death lawsuit names the Costa Rican resort where the teen was found deceased due to carbon monoxide poisoning, marking a somber turn for the former Yankees outfielder.