The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, who went seven long games in an epic 2025 World Se...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, who went seven long games in an epic 2025 World Series, began their 2026 campaigns with respective series sweeps.</p><p>Toronto defeated the Athletics 5-2 on Sunday, thanks to homers from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2931" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2931">George Springer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9609" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9609">Jesús Sánchez</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20140">Kazuma Okamoto</a>. </p><p>The American League champions ended each of their first two games against the Athletics with a walk-off winning hit and received stellar starting pitching across the three contests. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Blue Jays combined to strike out 50 batters during the opening series, setting a major-league record for strikeouts in the first three games of a season, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/blue-jays-50-strikeouts-d080ae44d7571413293832b210f15674">Ian Harrison of the Associated Press</a>.</p><p>"Fiftieth-year anniversary of the Blue Jays and 50 strikeouts over three," manager John Schneider said. "Pretty round number."</p><p>Blue Jays starters <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8244" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8244">Eric Lauer</a> combined to allow four earned runs and record 32 strikeouts in the series.</p><p>"We faced good pitching," Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. "They have some really good arms. Obviously, their frontline starters we had our hands full with."</p><p>Meanwhile, the Dodgers took all three games of their season-opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, claiming their third win Saturday by a score of 3-2.</p><p>Los Angeles' bullpen stood out in each of its victories, combining to throw 11 2/3 scoreless innings.</p><p>Catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8289" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8289">Will Smith</a> has been a force in the Dodgers' lineup, hitting two home runs and five RBIs along with a 1.091 OPS thus far.</p><p>Smith, who celebrated his birthday Saturday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3510160" href="https://thescore.com/news/3510160">stunned</a> the division rival D-Backs that night with a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning. The blast wound up being the game-winner.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 29: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo-home run in the first inning of their MLB game against the Athletics at Rogers Centre on March 29, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Blue Jays, Dodgers begin 2026 seasons with series sweeps

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic won't play against the Washington Wizards on Monday after bei...

<p>Los Angeles Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> won't play against the Washington Wizards on Monday after being suspended by the NBA on Saturday.</p><p>The 27-year-old picked up his 16th technical foul of the season during Friday's game versus the Brooklyn Nets, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.</p><p>Doncic and Nets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96117" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96117">Ziaire Williams</a> both received technical fouls following an altercation between the two in the third quarter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The sequence that led to the double technicals for Luka Doncic and Ziaire Williams.<br><br>If Luka's technical foul (his 16th of the season), isn't rescinded like last time, by league rule he'll have to serve a one-game suspension Monday vs. Washington. <a href="https://t.co/Qjj7EOZcTB">https://t.co/Qjj7EOZcTB</a> <a href="https://t.co/esYjyebu9B">pic.twitter.com/esYjyebu9B</a></p>— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) <a href="https://twitter.com/khobi_price/status/2037745357707444484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"(Williams) was yelling in my face - three times," Doncic said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48327628/lakers-luka-doncic-get-1-game-ban-tech-upheld">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "I just wanted to get out of there. It's a double tech, of course. What can I say? I didn't even talk. I just wanted to get out of there. And they said I pushed - my push was 'exaggerated,' which (it) was obviously not. And I don't know what else to tell you."</p><p>The six-time All-Star initially picked up a 16th technical last Saturday for exchanging words with Orlando Magic center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/76007" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/76007">Goga Bitadze</a>, but the NBA rescinded it after the Lakers filed an appeal with the league office.</p><p>Doncic leads the NBA in scoring with 33.7 points per game, while the Lakers sit third in the Western Conference standings.</p>

Los Angeles, CA - March 27: Lakers guard Luka Doncic, #77, celebrates a basket over the Brooklyn Nets in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Friday, March 27, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Doncic suspended 1 game after receiving 16th technical foul

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson would consider becoming the next player to ink an ex...

<p>Baltimore Orioles shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12258">Gunnar Henderson</a> would consider becoming the next player to ink an extension with the club after teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12302" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12302">Shane Baz</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17667" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17667">Samuel Basallo</a> signed long term.</p><p>"Any time they want to come my way, I'm open ears," the 24-year-old said Saturday, according to <a href="https://x.com/afkostka/status/2037925890063994913">Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner</a>.</p><p>"But also my first priority right now is to win ballgames and do whatever I can to bring a championship to the Orioles. All of that (contract stuff) is secondary right now."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Orioles signed Baz to a five-year extension Friday that's reportedly worth $68 million. Baltimore extended Basallo with an eight-year, $67-million contract last August.</p><p>“We are open for business, of course," Orioles owner David Rubenstein said when asked about extending other players on the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/JakeDRill/status/2037919689452458271">MLB.com's Jake Rill</a>.</p><p>Henderson is one of the top young players in the big leagues, authoring a .269/.346/.483 slash line with 86 home runs, 260 RBIs, and 62 steals in 498 MLB games.</p><p>The 2023 AL Rookie of the Year has finished top 10 in AL MVP voting twice, including a fourth-place finish in 2024.</p>

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles prepares for a pitch during a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at the Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 23, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Henderson: 'I'm open ears' to Orioles extension

The Baltimore Orioles signed right-hander Shane Baz to a five-year extension, they announced Frid...

<p>The Baltimore Orioles signed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12302" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12302">Shane Baz</a> to a five-year extension, they announced Friday. </p><p>The deal is worth $68 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2037618589780394265">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>. It contains no options, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2037631394617106537">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>"We were ecstatic to acquire a pitcher of Shane's talent during the offseason and are thrilled we could come to a long-term agreement to keep him in Baltimore," Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said in a statement obtained by <a href="https://x.com/JakeDRill/status/2037647694701748236">Jake Rill of MLB.com</a>. "Our ownership group, led by David Rubenstein, continues to provide our organization with support and resources as we pursue consistent success on the field."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Baz is entering his first campaign with the Orioles after Baltimore acquired him in an offseason trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.</p><p>The Orioles buy out three years of salary arbitration and get two additional years of club control by extending Baz, who was set to earn $3.5 million this season.</p><p>The 26-year-old made a career-high 31 starts for the Rays in 2025, authoring a 4.87 ERA and 4.37 FIP with 176 strikeouts in 166 1/3 innings. The right-hander also ranked in the 88th percentile in fastball velocity and 73rd percentile in groundball percentage, according to <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/shane-baz-669358?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><p>Baz is part of an improved Orioles rotation that includes fellow offseason acquisition <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4426" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4426">Chris Bassitt</a>, as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9579" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9579">Trevor Rogers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12260" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12260">Kyle Bradish</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5202" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5202">Zach Eflin</a>.</p>

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros during a Grapefruit League spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida.

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Orioles ink Baz to 5-year extension reportedly worth $68M

Five-time Gold Glove-winning outfielder Jason Heyward announced his retirement from Major League ...

<p>Five-time Gold Glove-winning outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1375" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1375">Jason Heyward</a> announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Friday.</p><p>Heyward shared his decision during a segment on MLB Network, thanking everyone for "allowing me to live out my dream."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Thank you for allowing me to live out my dream.” 🥹<br><br>Jason Heyward calls it a career after 16 MLB seasons ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/REbibqRYOA">https://t.co/REbibqRYOA</a> <a href="https://t.co/h0kDPfIiuG">pic.twitter.com/h0kDPfIiuG</a></p>— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/2037555070493941897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 36-year-old ends his career after 16 big-league campaigns between the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Along with his five Gold Gloves, Heyward earned one All-Star selection and was a World Series champion in 2016 with the Cubs. He memorably helped rally the team by giving a speech during a rain delay in Game 7.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bg1_CnIFKFI?si=KnCYCtWxsIOHMjZP" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Drafted 14th overall by the Atlanta Braves in 2007, Heyward accrued 34.8 WAR, according to FanGraphs, and recorded 186 home runs, 730 RBIs, and 125 steals across his career.</p><p> </p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 01: Jason Heyward #22 of the Chicago Cubs reacts after being honored in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on October 01, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Jason Heyward retires after 16 seasons

The New York Yankees tried to make a gigantic splash at last season's trade deadline by attemptin...

<p>The New York Yankees tried to make a gigantic splash at last season's trade deadline by attempting to acquire <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> from the Pittsburgh Pirates, sources told the <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/03/26/sports/yankees-havent-give-up-hope-on-acquiring-paul-skenes-in-future/">New York Post's Jon Heyman</a>. </p><p>However, the Pirates quickly shut down the Yankees, even with New York prepared to offer four top prospects, Heyman adds.</p><p>Though the names of the prospects discussed are unknown, Heyman mentions <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18809">Cam Schlittler</a>, George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20147" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20147">Carlos Lagrange</a> as viable players that were in the Yankees' farm system at the time.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>People within the Yankees organization remain hopeful about acquiring the reigning NL Cy Young winner in the future since his girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, lives in New York, Heyman reports.</p><p>Skenes is under contract with Pittsburgh until 2030. If he continues to succeed, he could earn a long-term deal with an average annual salary of $50 million. That figure would likely price out the Pirates, whose largest contract in club history came in 2023 when they signed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8245" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8245">Bryan Reynolds</a> to an eight-year, $106.75-million extension.</p><p>Skenes had a rocky start to his 2026 campaign against the New York Mets on Thursday, but he's been one of the best pitchers in baseball since debuting in 2024. The 23-year-old owns a 2.10 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 387 strikeouts in 321 1/3 career innings.</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on July 11, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Pirates 2-1.

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Report: Yankees tried to acquire Skenes from Pirates last season

It was an Opening Day to forget for Paul Skenes.  The Pittsburgh Pirates removed Skenes in the fi...

<p>It was an Opening Day to forget for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>.</p><p>The Pittsburgh Pirates removed Skenes in the first inning after the reigning NL Cy Young winner allowed five runs and recorded just two outs during Thursday's 11-7 loss to the New York Mets.</p><p>"You've gotta look at it for what it is, there wasn't a ton of hard contact," Skenes <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/2037274270347215084">told reporters</a> postgame. "The batting average on balls in play thing was super high today. That'll go down as the season goes on."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The five runs allowed by Skenes tied his previous career high.</p><p>"I'm not as upset about this for me, personally, as people would probably think," Skenes said, according to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3508531" href="https://thescore.com/news/3508531">Associated Press</a>. "Because they did a really good job. It was an abnormal outing."</p><p>Skenes walked two and gave up a bases-clearing triple to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12406" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12406">Brett Baty</a>, whose fly ball was misjudged by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10705" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10705">Oneil Cruz</a> in center field. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brett Baty CLEARS THE BASES 😤<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/Mets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mets</a> are making some noise on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpeningDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpeningDay</a> 💪 <a href="https://t.co/Jwusemrx9E">pic.twitter.com/Jwusemrx9E</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/2037225027091738862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cruz then lost a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3420">Marcus Semien</a> fly ball in the sun during the next at-bat, leading to an RBI double for the Mets second baseman.</p><p>"That ball straight at him, he came in, got a bad read," Pirates manager Don Kelly said. "He's been working hard out there. He just needs to continue to get better. Then the one in the sun. He just lost it in the sun."</p><p>The Pirates center fielder recorded minus-14 defensive runs saved at the position last season. His defensive miscues were immediately criticized by Philadelphia 76ers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cruz, get ready to learn DH buddy!!</p>— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoelEmbiid/status/2037226741521887458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It got in the sun a little bit at the end, but those are the ones that I will get better at, for sure," Cruz said. </p><p>Skenes threw 37 pitches before getting replaced by right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11760" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11760">Yohan Ramírez</a>.</p><p>"I felt good, but (we were) being precautionary," Skenes said. "The pitch count wasn't going to be super, super high today anyway."</p><p>He added: "Obviously not ideal to have a bullpen game on Opening Day."</p>

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 26: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates walks back to the dugout during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in New York, New York.

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Skenes allows 5 runs in 1st inning during 'abnormal' outing vs. Mets

The New York Mets are bringing in a veteran presence to the organization, agreeing to a minor-lea...

<p>The New York Mets are bringing in a veteran presence to the organization, agreeing to a minor-league deal with outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2452" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2452">Tommy Pham</a>, a source told <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/2037192467217305621">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>.</p><p>Pham will earn $2.25 million if he reaches the majors and has an opt-out clause in his contract should he not be on the Mets' big-league roster by April 25, adds <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/2037197192604135603">Castillo</a>. Additionally, he could reportedly make up to $850,000 more through performance-based incentives.</p><p>Pham spent 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, slashing .245/.330/.370 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs in 120 games. He appeared in 117 contests in the outfield last season, recording five defensive runs saved as a left fielder.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 38-year-old owns a career .766 OPS and has performed well against left-handed pitching (.802 OPS) throughout his 12 big-league seasons. </p><p>Pham provides the Mets with additional outfield depth behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9624" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9624">Luis Robert Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19109">Carson Benge</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4063" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4063">Tyrone Taylor</a>.</p><p> </p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Tommy Pham #28 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a rbi single against the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 23, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Report: Mets agree to minor-league deal with Pham

The Milwaukee Brewers placed outfielder Jackson Chourio on the 10-day injured list with a fractur...

<p>The Milwaukee Brewers placed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14481" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14481">Jackson Chourio</a> on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left hand ahead of their Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>Chourio will miss an estimated two-to-four weeks, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/2037172418305782266">MLB.com's Adam McCalvy</a>.</p><p>The 22-year-old was hit by a pitch on his left hand while playing for Team Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic. While scans at the time only revealed soft tissue damage, Chourio missed tournament games as a result. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chourio explained that he felt pain in the same area on a check swing during a recent exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds. An MRI revealed a small fracture at the base of his left middle finger.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jackson Chourio’s injury stems from a HBP while tuning-up for the World Baseball Classic. He felt better, then felt pain on a check swing against the Reds in Milwaukee and had an MRI that revealed a small fracture at the base of his left middle finger. <a href="https://t.co/MmvTcmEAks">pic.twitter.com/MmvTcmEAks</a></p>— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/2037180392969572399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The outfielder appeared in four spring games for the Brewers following the WBC, racking up four hits in 12 at-bats with a home run, double, and RBI. </p><p>Chourio owns a .272/.317/.463 slash line with 42 homers, 157 RBIs, and 43 steals in two big-league seasons with the Brewers.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5621" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5621">Jake Bauers</a> will start in place of Chourio on Opening Day, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamMcCalvy/status/2037181377003585680">McCalvy</a>, and Blake Perkins could also get into games after being recalled from the minors.</p><p>Brewers manager Pat Murphy suggested <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3338" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3338">Christian Yelich</a> would see more outfield playing time during Chourio's absence as well, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/2037173825901633809">MLB Network's Jon Morosi</a>.</p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers leaves the field in the first inning during Game Three of the National League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Brewers place Chourio on IL with fractured hand

Major League Baseball's top prospect won't begin the season in the big leagues.  The Pittsburgh P...

<p>Major League Baseball's top prospect won't begin the season in the big leagues.</p><p>The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18811" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18811">Konnor Griffin</a> to minor-league camp, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>Pirates manager Don Kelly called the decision not to include Griffin on the Opening Day roster "extremely difficult."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The talent that you see, I think he handled himself really well professionally," Kelly said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/konnor-griffin-pirates-be60cc99eae75bc172910194ebfafce6">The Associated Press</a>. "We talk about the maturity level as a 19-year-old in big-league camp. Really excited about him being a Pirate and what that means for the future of Konnor Griffin and the Pirates."</p><p>Griffin entered camp with a ton of hype, and he appeared to have a decent shot at making the team's Opening Day roster after hitting 21 homers and posting a .941 OPS in the minor leagues last season.</p><p>The 19-year-old didn't produce at the same rate this spring, slashing .171/.261/.488 with four home runs and nine RBIs in 16 games.</p><p>"I think you see a young kid that was maybe pressing just a little bit and trying really hard," Kelly said. "Konnor Griffin the person is elite. Allowing him to go and get back to basics and being Konnor Griffin out there (could help). We know there's an elite talent level that comes with him. Just looking forward to him being in Pittsburgh whenever that time comes."</p><p>Pittsburgh is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3504470" href="https://thescore.com/news/3504470">reportedly</a> discussing a nine-figure contract extension with the consensus No. 1 prospect despite him not making its MLB roster.</p><p>The Pirates selected Griffin with the ninth pick in the 2024 draft.</p><p> </p>

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 20: Pittsburgh Pirates Infielder Konnor Griffin (75) looks over his shoulder as he listens to the National Anthem before the MLB Prospects game between the Detroit Tigersx and the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 20, 2026 at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.

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MLB's top prospect Griffin won't make Pirates' Opening Day roster

The Denver Nuggets are likely going to get a big boost against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sund...

<p>The Denver Nuggets are likely going to get a big boost against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.</p><p>Breakout forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102792" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102792">Peyton Watson</a> is expected to return to the lineup after missing more than six weeks with a hamstring strain, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2035420859855421686">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The 23-year-old's return brings the Nuggets back to full strength during a season that's been marred by injuries to multiple key players.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Watson is averaging career highs of 14.9 points and 30.7 minutes in 49 appearances this season.</p><p>The Nuggets (43-28) sit fifth in the Western Conference following Friday's 121-115 win over the Toronto Raptors. </p>

DENVER , CO - FEBRUARY 1: Peyton Watson (8) of the Denver Nuggets checks in against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter of the OKC's 121-111 win at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

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Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Trey Yesavage will begin the 2026 campaign on the injured list wit...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a> will begin the 2026 campaign on the injured list with a shoulder impingement, manager John Schneider said Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/2034644892970844243">Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling</a>.</p><p>Yesavage reported to camp with the issue and has been building up slowly this spring. While he's feeling better, the rookie ran out of time to prepare for the start of the season, Zwelling added.</p><p>The 22-year-old hadn't appeared in a major-league spring outing, and the Blue Jays were going to monitor his workload in the early portion of the regular season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Yesavage threw 98 innings across the majors and minors last season and then tossed another 27 2/3 frames for the Blue Jays during their playoff run.</p><p>The Blue Jays are already set to begin the season with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4769" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a> on the IL, leaving them with a potential rotation of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8204" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8244" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8244">Eric Lauer</a>. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Trey Yesavage #39 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks to the dugout after pitching the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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The Toronto Blue Jays are opening a Hall of Excellence in August, and former player, manager, and...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays are opening a Hall of Excellence in August, and former player, manager, and broadcaster Buck Martinez will be the newest inductee, the team announced Thursday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coming in August: A NEW Hall of Excellence - a display in the 100 Level RF Concourse. <br><br>The newest inductee to the Hall: The one and only Buck Martinez 💙 <a href="https://t.co/lhfajc3PEs">pic.twitter.com/lhfajc3PEs</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/2034630980619632790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Hall of Excellence, which will be displayed in the right-field concourse of the 100 level of the Rogers Centre, will replace the Blue Jays' Level of Excellence. It will include the 11 members of the Level of Excellence plus Martinez, who will be inducted Aug. 29, according to <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/2034633552814309477">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>.</p><p>The Blue Jays will continue to add to the Hall of Excellence in the coming years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Over the next five seasons, we will induct a series of players, coaches, builders, and broadcasters who have made a lasting impact as legends on this franchise," president and CEO Mark Shapiro said.</p><p>Martinez played six seasons with the Blue Jays and managed them for parts of two campaigns. His broadcasting career began in 1982 while he was still an active player. The 77-year-old announced his retirement from broadcasting in February.</p><p> </p>

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 01: Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez laughs during batting practice before the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 1, 2019 in Anaheim, California.

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Blue Jays to induct Buck Martinez into new Hall of Excellence

The 2026 World Baseball Classic reminded fans why it's such an incredible sporting event. Here ar...

<p><em>The 2026 World Baseball Classic reminded fans why it's such an incredible sporting event. Here are the 10 best moments from the tournament.</em></p><h3>10. Satoria gets standing ovation from Tokyo Dome 👏</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Moments like this will last a lifetime ❤️<br><br>Team Japan and the Tokyo Dome crowd give a standing ovation to Ondrej Satoria for an inspiring career! 👏 <a href="https://t.co/R91sd7238X">pic.twitter.com/R91sd7238X</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2031353084224458848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ondrej Satoria is one of the better feel-good stories in WBC history. The fans at the Tokyo Dome let the Czech pitcher know how much they respected him with a standing ovation after he pitched 4 2/3 shutout innings against Japan in the final WBC outing of his career. Satoria, an electrical engineer by day, famously struck out Shohei Ohtani during the 2023 event.</p><h3>9. Pasquantino, Italians save USA from elimination 🤝</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vinnie Pasquantino: "You're welcome, USA" <a href="https://t.co/3UoQVGuITc">pic.twitter.com/3UoQVGuITc</a></p>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2031920284727464293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Vinnie Pasquantino had a little fun during a postgame interview after his Italian squad beat Mexico and saved the United States from an embarrassing WBC elimination. Italy's surprising victory over the U.S. the previous night meant that a Mexican win would have ended the baseball powerhouse's tournament in pool play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>8. Brother of Aussie pitcher cries tears of joy ❤️</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Connor MacDonald's brother is so proud after he threw three scoreless innings against Japan 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/ChflsY6J54">pic.twitter.com/ChflsY6J54</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2030599977106624948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You probably saw the emotion from Callum MacDonald, the brother of Australian SP Connor MacDonald. Macdonald threw three scoreless tonight vs Japan. I asked him about this moment and you can see how much this means to his family and Australia. <a href="https://t.co/YaCut500ND">pic.twitter.com/YaCut500ND</a></p>— Dani Wexelman (@DaniWex) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniWex/status/2030610686221680740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cameras captured Australian pitcher Connor MacDonald's brother having an emotional moment after his sibling allowed a single hit over three innings against powerhouse Japan. MacDonald's brother, Callum, described Connor's success as "far better than any success I can feel in my lifetime."</p><h3>7. Venezuela's Abreu sends bat into orbit after go-ahead HR vs. Japan 😤</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="de" dir="ltr">WILYER ABREU ⚡️⚡️⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/9RCLCjbnXe">pic.twitter.com/9RCLCjbnXe</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2033019156040421845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wilyer Abreu has a knack for the big moment, and he's apparently quite good at bat flips, too. The Venezuelan outfielder emphatically launched his bat into the air following a go-ahead three-run homer against Japan in the quarterfinals. The crowd at loanDepot Park loved it, and the homer stood as the game-winning hit.</p><h3>6. Tatis pumps up Dominicans with electric HR ⚡️</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FERNANDO TATIS JR. THREE-RUN HOMER!!! <a href="https://t.co/6exLuQpTbk">pic.twitter.com/6exLuQpTbk</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/2031903017323385134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of baseball's most electric players, and his talents were on full display during the Dominican Republic's pool-play win over eventual WBC champion Venezuela. El Nino clobbered a 1-1 offering from Antonio Senzatela into the left-field stands and punctuated the blast with an incredible bat flip and celebration.</p><h3>5. Albies denies Nicaragua of 1st-ever WBC win 🙅</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OZZIE ALBIES!<br><br>A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> WALK-OFF HOMER FOR TEAM NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱 <a href="https://t.co/T2HRyL233M">pic.twitter.com/T2HRyL233M</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2030371756872015961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ozzie Albies connected for the first of two dramatic walk-off homers during tournament play March 7. The Netherlands was down to its final out and stole the victory, preventing Nicaragua from winning the first WBC game in the country's history.</p><h3>4. Hernaiz becomes Puerto Rican hero 🦸</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S GONE!<br>PUERTO RICO WINS!<br>DARELL HERNAIZ, WALK-OFF HOME RUN! <a href="https://t.co/L2kIDmzi5N">pic.twitter.com/L2kIDmzi5N</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2030479039882789058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Darell Hernaiz instantly became a Puerto Rican legend when he ripped a walk-off homer against Panama, sending Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan into a frenzy. Although Puerto Rico's run in the tournament ended in the quarterfinals, this moment will live on in the country's baseball lore.</p><h3>3. Ohtani electrifies Japan with slam 🇯🇵</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="et" dir="ltr">SHOHEI OHTANI GRAND SLAM! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> <a href="https://t.co/z0BXjlYInF">pic.twitter.com/z0BXjlYInF</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2029867872978104541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Shohei Ohtani always delivers. The four-time MVP hit a grand slam versus Chinese Taipei in pool play that made the Tokyo Dome erupt. The 31-year-old once again showed why he's the biggest baseball star in the world.</p><h3>2. Brazilian teenager handles Judge 🤯</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Expect everything.<br><br>17-year-old high school senior Joseph Contreras gets Aaron Judge to hit into a bases-loaded double play to end the ending 😮 <a href="https://t.co/R0qH0kODQr">pic.twitter.com/R0qH0kODQr</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2030098576894779454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>What were you doing when you were 17? Surely, the answer isn't getting the most feared slugger on the planet to ground into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded. But that's exactly what Joseph Contreras, son of former MLB pitcher Jose Contreras, did in his first WBC.</p><h3>1. Venezuela wins 1st-ever WBC title 🏆</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">TEAM VENEZUELA 🇻🇪<br>CHAMPS 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC</a> <a href="https://t.co/1hDTJWcI5V">pic.twitter.com/1hDTJWcI5V</a></p>— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/WBCBaseball/status/2034101615397937441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Daniel Palencia struck out Roman Anthony to secure Venezuela's first major international baseball tournament victory since claiming gold at the 1959 Pan-Am Games. The Venezuelans fought back to win the game thanks to Eugenio Suárez's go-ahead RBI double in the ninth inning after Bryce Harper tied the contest with a homer in the eighth.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Daniel Palencia #29 of Team Venezuela celebrates after the final out of the 3-2 victory was recorded against Team United States at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo disagree as to whether the star should sit out the ...

<p>The Milwaukee Bucks and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> disagree as to whether the star should sit out the remainder of the season, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7128193/2026/03/18/giannis-antetokounmpo-bucks-injury-playing-time-nba/">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>.</p><p>The Bucks reportedly believe it's in the best interests of both the player and the franchise for him to sit out. Milwaukee is 6.5 games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final play-in tournament spot. However, Antetokounmpo reportedly told the team he doesn't want to cut his campaign short with 14 games remaining.</p><p>He's dealt with injuries all season and frequently played under a minutes limit, and he's currently sidelined with a hyperextended left knee. The 31-year-old hasn't been cleared to return to play, a team source told Nehm, but Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said Antetokounmpo's recent MRI didn't show any damage.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 10-time All-Star played just over 23 minutes against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday but was declared out versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Rivers said Antetokounmpo could return Thursday against the Utah Jazz.</p><p>The Bucks listened to offers for Antetokounmpo leading up to the trade deadline but ultimately opted to keep the two-time MVP. Trade speculation is expected to resume this offseason, as the Greek superstar holds a player option for the 2027-28 campaign.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Bucks want Giannis to sit out remainder of season

Roki Sasaki will begin the regular season as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting rotati...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a> will begin the regular season as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting rotation despite a rocky spring in which he's posted a 13.50 ERA.</p><p>Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that the 24-year-old "is going to be one of our starters" as the team begins to finalize its Opening Day roster, according to <a href="https://x.com/FabianArdaya/status/2034323010518405331">The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya</a>.</p><p>Sasaki was erratic against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, allowing three earned runs and a homer while walking four in 3 1/3 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"You've got to be able to take down innings and be able to make adjustments sooner," Roberts <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3502500" href="https://thescore.com/news/3502500">said</a> after Sasaki's start. "I know there were some things he was working through tonight, but when you're in the middle of a game, you've got to find a way to adjust quicker. That's something that's probably part of the learning curve for him."</p><p>Sasaki has struggled as a starter since coming to MLB, posting a 4.72 ERA and 6.19 FIP in eight starts last season before missing four months with a shoulder injury. </p><p>He performed much better out of the Dodgers' bullpen, throwing two scoreless innings at the end of the 2025 regular season before striking out six and allowing one earned run in 10 2/3 playoff innings.</p><p>The Dodgers are expected to use a rotation of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17184" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17184">Emmet Sheehan</a>, and Sasaki to begin the campaign.</p><p> </p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 04: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Roberts: Sasaki will be one of Dodgers' starters to begin season

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos won't be ready to pitch on Opening Day after he was d...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4769" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a> won't be ready to pitch on Opening Day after he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow, manager John Schneider announced Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2034281989927211454">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>.</p><p>Berríos is pain-free, and the team hopes the 31-year-old can resume throwing soon and pitch through the issue.</p><p>The veteran <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3499075" href="https://thescore.com/news/3499075">consulted a doctor</a> Tuesday after an MRI revealed elbow inflammation following three spring outings for the Blue Jays.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Berríos was sidelined near the end of the 2025 campaign with elbow inflammation and missed the postseason. Schneider said last week that Berríos' recent bout of inflammation was different than last season's.</p><p>The right-hander has appeared in 139 games (138 starts) for the Blue Jays since the middle of the 2021 campaign. He owns a 4.09 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 790 1/3 innings for Toronto.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 3: José Berríos #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 3, 2024 in New York City.

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Berríos won't be ready for Opening Day due to stress fracture in elbow

San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove will probably begin the 2026 campaign on the injured l...

<p>San Diego Padres right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a> will probably begin the 2026 campaign on the injured list after missing all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery.</p><p>"Yeah, he's most likely going to start on the IL this year," manager Craig Stammen told reporters Monday.</p><p>"We're getting to the point where he's taken enough time off that it'll be hard to ramp him up to be a viable starter that can throw five innings, 90 pitches."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Craig Stammen on Joe Musgrove: <br><br>“He’s most likely going to start on the IL this year…this was part of the plan, we knew he was going to have to take some time off…we knew we were going to have to get him ready for the entire season, and not just Opening Day.” <a href="https://t.co/9E9Lqz4DZI">pic.twitter.com/9E9Lqz4DZI</a></p>— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) <a href="https://twitter.com/973TheFanSD/status/2033597296383037739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Stammen said the Padres wanted to be smart about Musgrove's recovery, and he would prefer that the pitcher be available later in the season. The skipper added that he feels comfortable with the Padres' pitching depth.</p><p>Musgrove has only pitched in one exhibition game this spring. Facing Great Britain's WBC team, the 33-year-old lasted two innings and threw 60 pitches. However, he didn't recover well from the outing, according to <a href="https://x.com/dennistlin/status/2033595516215578765">The Athletic's Dennis Lin</a>.</p><p>Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2024. Before missing the 2025 campaign, Musgrove posted a 3.20 ERA and 9.4 K/9 for the Padres in 559 1/3 innings across four seasons. The California native threw a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on April 9, 2021.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 13: San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove (44) looks on during the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 13, 2023 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Padres' Musgrove likely to begin season on IL

The Toronto Blue Jays announced right-hander Kevin Gausman will start Opening Day of the 2026 reg...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays announced right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a> will start Opening Day of the 2026 regular season on March 27 against the Athletics.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Wizard of Gaus ✨ <br><br>Kevin Gausman is our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpeningDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpeningDay</a> starter! <a href="https://t.co/7NO5yGhq8p">pic.twitter.com/7NO5yGhq8p</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/2032831837794443364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>This will be Gausman's first Opening Day start for the Blue Jays since signing a five-year, $110-million contract before the 2022 season.</p><p>"I'm pumped for him, pumped for us," manager John Schneider said, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2032845076301332742">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's about time he got one."</p><p>Since inking his deal, Gausman has become one of the most reliable starters in the majors. The 35-year-old owns a 48-41 record with a 3.48 ERA and 3.14 FIP in 125 starts spanning 733 2/3 innings for the Blue Jays.</p><p>The veteran hurler has also made eight postseason appearances for the Blue Jays, registering 38 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings pitched.</p><p>Gausman is in the final year of his contract.</p>

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 25 - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) yells after pitching a clean inning as the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers play game two of the MLB World Series at Rogers Centre in Toronto. October 25, 2025.

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Blue Jays name Gausman as Opening Day starter

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos will visit Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday to have his r...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4769" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a> will visit Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday to have his right elbow inflammation evaluated, manager John Schneider said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2032472537402065165">MLB.com's Keegan Matheson</a>.</p><p>Berríos recently underwent an MRI, which revealed the inflammation. He wasn't permitted to pitch in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico as a result of his insurance being denied.</p><p>While the severity of Berríos' inflammation is currently unknown, Schneider <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2032112124139618559">said</a> Thursday the right-hander feels good and plans to continue throwing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Elbow inflammation sidelined Berríos near the end of the 2025 campaign and forced him to miss the entire postseason. However, this recent bout of inflammation is "different," according to Schneider.</p><p>Before last season, the 31-year-old was typically one of the more durable starters in baseball, as he'd made a full campaign's worth of starts in every season since 2018.</p><p>If Berríos begins the season on the injured list, he'll join fellow starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a>. </p><p>Toronto's other starting options include <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8204" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8244" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8244">Eric Lauer</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a>. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 05: Jose Berrios #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on June 5, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Blue Jays' Berríos to see specialist about injured elbow

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Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

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