The Philadelphia Phillies and left-hander Jesús Luzardo agreed to a five-year, $135-million contr...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies and left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8272">Jesús Luzardo</a> agreed to a five-year, $135-million contract extension, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2031131320886202869">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Luzardo's pact includes a $32.5-million team option and a $2-million escalator for every year he finishes top five in Cy Young voting, maxing out at $42.5 million, according to<a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/2031134757288030433?s=20"> Robert Murray of FanSided</a>.</p><p>Luzardo, who could've tested free agency following the 2026 season, will have his new deal start in 2027.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old's $27-million AAV will put him among the highest-paid southpaws in baseball.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">$27M AAV for Luzardo<br><br>Top lefty AAVs in game<br><br>Framber ($38.33M)<br>Snell ($30.01 NPV Union Calculation) <br>Crochet ($28.33M)<br>Fried ($27.25M)<br>Luzardo ($27M)/Sale ($27M)</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/2031133449369641356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The pitcher also gets a $1-million assignment bonus each time he's traded until he reaches his 10-and-5 rights, reports <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2031133946398875779?s=20">Jon Heyman of MLB Network</a>.</p><p>Luzardo went 15-7 with a 3.92 ERA, 2.90 FIP, and 10.6 K/9 over a career-high 183 2/3 innings (32 starts) en route to finishing seventh in 2025 NL Cy Young voting.</p><p>He came over to the Phillies in a December 2024 trade with the Miami Marlins.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 22: Jesús Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the first inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on June 22, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Phillies, Luzardo agree to 5-year, $135M extension

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal decided not to continue pitching for the United States at the Wor...

<p>Detroit Tigers ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> decided not to continue pitching for the United States at the World Baseball Classic</p><p>Skubal will leave the tournament following Monday's game against Mexico and return to spring training. He said factors such as routine, timing, and making sure he's ready for Opening Day played into the decision. </p><p>"Tried to make it work, but just couldn't," Skubal said. "I hate it but it's all right. I'll be the first to sign up for the '28 Olympics, or whenever the next WBC is, I'll be the first one to sign up for that, too."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I hate it, but I'll be the first to sign up for the 2028 Olympics and the next World Baseball Classic... I don't think I'm walking away. I guess I am, but I'll be back for the semifinals and finals to enjoy the moment with the guys." - Tarik Skubal <a href="https://t.co/vM4aWKtoKL">pic.twitter.com/vM4aWKtoKL</a></p>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2031123303243329951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 29-year-old initially planned to make just one start for the U.S., but the two-time Cy Young winner said he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3494701" href="https://thescore.com/news/3494701">needed time</a> to mull over his decision after he pitched against Great Britain in pool play Saturday. The left-hander allowed one earned run on two hits with zero walks and five strikeouts on 41 pitches across three innings.</p><p>Skubal, who will make $32 million this year, can test free agency after the 2026 season. He's set to be the best player available and is expected to land the largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history.</p><p>Team USA's rotation still includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>, who said he's willing to make multiple WBC starts, as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10606">Logan Webb</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20104" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20104">Nolan McLean</a>.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 7: Tarik Skubal #27 of the United States reacts during a World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 7, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Skubal won't keep pitching for Team USA in WBC

Tarik Skubal revealed that the Detroit Tigers didn't offer the reigning two-time AL Cy Young winn...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> revealed that the Detroit Tigers didn't offer the reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner a contract extension this winter or even attempt to negotiate with him during arbitration.</p><p>"There is no offer," Skubal told <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2026/03/06/tarik-skubal-contract-wbc-team-usa-tigers/88998701007/">Bob Nightengale of USA Today</a>. "And there won't be an offer until the end of the season. ... My focus is on playing baseball and winning this year. I'll deal with the contract stuff at the end of the year and then we'll kind of see. And that's fine. It's their decision."</p><p>Skubal, who's slated to hit free agency after the 2026 campaign, will make $32 million this year following his historic arbitration win in early February. The Tigers filed for $19 million, creating the largest gap between a team and player since the process began in 1974.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In 2024, the left-hander reportedly rejected a four-year extension offer from the Tigers that was worth less than $100 million.</p><p>Despite the lack of progress on a new deal, Skubal is excited for what could be his last year with the Tigers, especially due to the offseason additions of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/1563" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/1563">Kenley Jansen</a>.</p><p>"That's where my focus is, trying to win a World Series for the city of Detroit, the team that drafted me in 2018," the 29-year-old said. "The Tigers fans are excited. They're really invested in this club, and so are we. There's a different energy in camp this year about the guys that we brought in and additions that we've made, and there's a true belief."</p><p>Skubal owns a 3.08 ERA with 3.14 FIP and 10.4 K/9 over 766 2/3 innings (134 starts) across six years in the majors.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 23: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Skubal: Tigers made 'no offer' for extension this offseason

North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson underwent season-ending surgery after breaking his right thum...

<p>North Carolina forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172616" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172616">Caleb Wilson</a> underwent season-ending surgery after breaking his right thumb in a non-contact drill in practice Thursday, the school announced.</p><p>Wilson is expected to be cleared during the NBA pre-draft process, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2030000956562124912?s=20">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The freshman, who projects to be a top-five pick in June's draft, had already been sidelined with a fractured left hand since mid-February.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Wilson, 19, averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season for the Tar Heels.</p>

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 07: Caleb Wilson #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during a game against the Duke Blue Devils on February 07, 2026 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 71-68.

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North Carolina's Wilson has season-ending surgery on broken thumb

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña likely can't play in the World Baseball Classic, and his sta...

<p>Houston Astros shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12665">Jeremy Peña</a> likely can't play in the World Baseball Classic, and his status for Opening Day is also murky due to injury.</p><p>Peña was diagnosed with a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the Astros said Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7089016/2026/03/05/world-baseball-classic-jeremy-pena-injury/">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The 2025 All-Star was slated to be the Dominican Republic's starting shortstop in the WBC, but he was injured while fielding a ground ball during Wednesday's exhibition game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Dominicans' first game is Friday against Nicaragua. The tournament runs until March 17.</p><p>Peña would have to recover in three weeks to be ready for the start of the MLB season March 26.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>, who has been the subject of trade talks this offseason, would have a larger role if Peña isn't ready for the opener, according to Rome. </p><p>Paredes could play third base with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3992">Carlos Correa</a> moving back to short to cover Peña's absence.</p>

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - MARCH 02: Jeremy Peña #1 of Team Dominican Republic fields a ball during the 2026 World Baseball Classic workout day at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal on Monday, March 2, 2026 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

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Astros' Peña has finger fracture, likely out of WBC

Philladelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, r...

<p>Philladelphia Phillies outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12670" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12670">Johan Rojas</a> tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, reports <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2028954280514785359?s=20">Jon Heyman of MLB Network</a>.</p><p>Rojas is facing an 80-game suspension for violating MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7081294/2026/03/03/johan-rojas-mlb-ped-suspension-appeal-phillies/">Charlotte Varnes and Matt Gelb of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The 25-year-old is reportedly appealing the failed test. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dominican Republic general manager Nelson Cruz said Monday that the 25-year-old wouldn't participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Outfielder Junior Lake was named as a replacement.</p><p>Rojas hit one homer with 18 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, and a .569 OPS in 71 games for the Phillies in 2025.</p><p>He's the second MLB player to make headlines Tuesday for a failed PED test after Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3490373" href="https://thescore.com/news/3490373">reportedly</a> tested positive for the second time in the last year. Profar's second positive test comes with a 162-game ban.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 28: Johan Rojas #23 of the Philadelphia Phillies bites his nails in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on June 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Phillies' Rojas fails PED test, won't play in WBC for Dominicans

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan said he could feel the presence of his father, who pa...

<p>Tampa Bay Rays left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10721" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10721">Shane McClanahan</a> said he could feel the presence of his father, who passed away Jan. 15, during his first start of spring Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies.</p><p>"I felt my dad here," McClanahan said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2026/03/03/shane-mcclanahan-spring-start-phillies-tommy-john-surgery-brewers/">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>. "That was exciting. First game he's missed in my life, and definitely took those emotions with me a little bit."</p><p>McClanahan, who hasn't pitched in the majors since August 2023 due to multiple injuries, looked to the sky as he came off the mound following the first inning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Had to make sure he was there watching, and I felt him," the 28-year-old added. "So, that was cool."</p><p>The two-time All-Star didn't allow a run on two hits with one strikeout on 23 pitches. He reached 96.7 mph with his fastball.</p><p>"I forgot that's how you're supposed to feel on the mound," McClanahan said." I forgot what feeling good feels like. Definitely took that for granted my first few years in the league. I needed that. That was fun."</p><p>McClanahan owns a career 3.02 ERA with 3.36 FIP and 10.1 K/9 over 404 2/3 innings (74 starts).</p>

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a photo during the Tampa Bay Rays photo day at Charlotte Sports Park on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Port Charlotte, Florida.

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Rays' McClanahan: My late dad was 'watching' 1st spring start

Major League Baseball handed Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar a 162-game suspens...

<p>Major League Baseball handed Atlanta Braves designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2876">Jurickson Profar</a> a 162-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time.</p><p>The suspension will start Friday. Profar previously received an 80-game ban in March 2025 for violating MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy. At that time, he tested positive for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone that produces testosterone. He most recently tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites.</p><p>"We were incredibly disappointed to learn that Jurickson tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and is in violation of MLB’s drug prevention and treatment program," the Braves said in a statement Tuesday. "Our players are consistently educated about the program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation. The Atlanta Braves fully support the program."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 2024 All-Star will surrender his $15-million salary for 2026 and is ineligible for the postseason. Profar is also no longer allowed to represent the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Profar is the seventh player to receive a 162-game suspension since MLB increased the penalty for repeat offenders in 2014. A third positive test carries a lifetime ban.</p><p>The MLBPA plans to file a grievance to challenge Profar's looming suspension, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2028896434301616639?s=20">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The Braves signed Profar to a three-year, $42-million contract in January 2025. He hit 14 homers with 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 contests last season.</p><p>A season-long ban for the 33-year-old is another blow to Atlanta before the 2026 campaign begins. The club is already without starting pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17953" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17953">Spencer Schwellenbach</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17557" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17557">Hurston Waldrep</a> due to elbow injuries, and shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12593" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12593">Ha-Seong Kim</a> will be sidelined four-to-five months following hand surgery in January.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves gestures from second base in the fifth inning of a game against the Houston Astros at Truist Park on September 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Profar suspended 162 games after 2nd positive PED test, out of WBC

San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start for Team USA on Friday against Brazil in its first...

<p>San Francisco Giants ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10606" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10606">Logan Webb</a> will start for Team USA on Friday against Brazil in its first game of pool play in the World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Detroit Tigers star left-hander and two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a> will toe the rubber in Game 2 versus Great Britain, while Pittsburgh Pirates ace and defending NL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> gets Mexico in Game 3.</p><p>"Yeah, it's set up," U.S. manager Mark DeRosa said Monday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48085069/mark-derosa-sets-usa-rotation-wbc-logan-webb-set-g1">Jesse Rogers of ESPN</a>. "There's obviously guardrails for the tournament ... pitch count wise, but there's also guardrails for guys having to throw on certain days to get ready for their team's Opening Day."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>DeRosa added that New York Mets prized rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20104" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20104">Nolan McLean</a> is scheduled to start Game 4 against Italy, but the right-hander's status is "day-to-day" because he hasn't left the club's camp yet due to an illness.</p><p>Skubal, accounting for his ramp-up schedule ahead of Opening Day, has already <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3484668" href="https://thescore.com/news/3484668">said</a> that he'll only make one WBC start - with a pitch count - regardless of how far the Americans go.</p><p>Meanwhile, Skenes is ready to make <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3485494" href="https://thescore.com/news/3485494">multiple starts</a> should the U.S. advance to the knockout stage.</p><p>Team USA enters the tournament as one of the favorites after losing in the 2023 final to Japan.</p>

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 19: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants poses for a portrait at Scottsdale Stadium on February 19, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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U.S. sets WBC rotation; Giants' Webb gets opener

The Kansas City Royals and veteran outfielder Starling Marte agreed to a one-year contract, sourc...

<p>The Kansas City Royals and veteran outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2442" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2442">Starling Marte</a> agreed to a one-year contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/anne__rogers/status/2027830386437349795?s=20">Anne Rogers of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>The financial terms of the deal aren't known yet.</p><p>Marte reportedly joins an outfield group that <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">is projected to include <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18737" target="_blank">Jac Caglianone</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13872" target="_blank">Isaac Collins</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10782" target="_blank">Kyle Isbel</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8329" target="_blank">Lane Thomas</a> on</span> Opening Day.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 37-year-old Marte spent the last four seasons with the New York Mets, suiting up in just 396 games due to injuries. He slashed .270/.335/.410 with nine homers and 34 RBIs over 98 contests in 2025.</p><p>The two-time All-Star has gone deep 163 times with 361 stolen bases across 14 years with the Mets, Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Marlins, and Arizona Diamondbacks.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 06: Starling Marte #6 of the New York Mets takes the field prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Sunday, July 6, 2025 in New York, New York.

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Report: Royals agree to 1-year deal with former All-Star Marte

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said he wants his team to show more fight after back-...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> said he wants his team to show more fight after back-to-back losses coming out of the Olympic break.</p><p>"I don't think concern's the right word. I just think we need more desperation, more fire, especially to start games," Matthews said following Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers, according to <a href="https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/2027411674618048854">Sportsnet</a>. "We know the position that we're in, and we need to be the more desperate team every single night.</p><p>"I thought the start wasn't great, but our second and third period, we competed. Guys worked. We did a lot of good things, but we need to turn that into a full 60-minute effort."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Leafs were down 3-0 after the first period and never recovered. The defeat came a night after being outclassed by the Atlantic Division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.</p><p>Toronto has two regulation wins in its last 14 games and sits eight points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 23 games remaining. The 2015-16 campaign was the last time the team missed the postseason.</p><p>The Leafs likely need to go 18-5-0 down the stretch to snag the final playoff spot.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 01: Auston Matthews #34 of Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during warm-ups prior to his game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 1, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Matthews: Leafs need to show 'more desperation'

Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer confirmed Thursday that he's coming back to the Toronto Blue Ja...

<p>Future Hall of Famer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a> confirmed Thursday that he's coming back to the Toronto Blue Jays for his 19th season in the majors.</p><p>"Toronto was definitely a team I wanted to come back to and join," Scherzer told <a href="https://x.com/FAN590/status/2027077784514793904?s=20">Sportsnet 590's "Blair and Barker" show</a>. "Absolutely loved all the guys and what we did last year. It was a great fit not just for me, but for my family as well."</p><p>Scherzer agreed to a one-year pact with a $3-million base salary that's worth up to $10 million in incentives, reports <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/2026898071179632862?s=20">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer Jays deal<br><br>$3m base plus $10m incentives<br><br>$1m each at 65/75/85/95/105/115/125/135/145/155 innings <a href="https://twitter.com/ShiDavidi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShiDavidi</a> 1st on $</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/2027063846439928268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 41-year-old is expected to be in the Blue Jays camp this weekend and has already been throwing bullpen sessions, manager John Schneider said, according to <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/2027050397765165490?s=20">Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet</a>.</p><p>Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts for the Blue Jays last season. He showed flashes of previous form late in the campaign when he authored a 3.34 ERA in six August starts.</p><p>The right-hander made three outings in Toronto's postseason run to the World Series, including starts in Games 3 and 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scherzer had a 3.77 ERA in 14 1/3 playoff innings.</p><p>Scherzer's wife, Erica, posted a letter on Instagram written by their eight-year-old daughter in December that asked the Blue Jays to bring her dad back for the 2026 season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOSg7ZkQvj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVOSg7ZkQvj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The Blue Jays adding Scherzer gives the defending AL champions another arm in what projects to be a very strong pitching staff. Toronto returns <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a>, and <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a>, and also signed <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a> in free agency. Last year's midseason addition, <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a>, has forearm fatigue and is ramping up this spring, while <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12435">Bowden Francis</a> will miss the entire campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery.</p><p>"The goal is to win," Schneider said Thursday when asked about the crowded rotation, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2027059150375600158?s=20">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>. "The goal is to win right now, get back to where we were, and win the World Series this year. However we can make ourselves better, we're going to."</p><p>Scherzer is an eight-time MLB All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and a two-time World Series champion. He joined the Blue Jays in January 2025 on a one-year, $15.5-million contract.</p>

Baseball: World Series: Toronto Blue Jays Max Scherzer (31) in action, walks to the dugout after being relieved vs Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. Game 7. Toronto, Canada 11/1/2025CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco

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New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton continues to be affected by tennis elbow in ...

<p>New York Yankees designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1388" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1388">Giancarlo Stanton</a> continues to be affected by tennis elbow in both arms as the 2026 season approaches.</p><p>"I can't open a bottle," Stanton said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.nj.com/yankees/2026/02/yankees-giancarlo-stanton-cant-open-bag-of-chips-due-to-ongoing-pain-but-eyes-full-season.html">Randy Miller of NJ.com</a>. "I can't open a bag of chips ... a bag of anything. That's the way it is."</p><p>Stanton played in just 77 games in 2025, making his season debut in mid-June due to elbow injuries. He's dealt with the ailments since 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The (public) outlook would be that I wouldn't be (mentally tough) because I've missed games," Stanton said in response to his manager, Aaron Boone, describing the 36-year-old as being a "poster child" for mental toughness.</p><p>The 2017 NL MVP opted for rehab instead of a likely season-ending procedure before the 2025 campaign. This year, the five-time All-Star still has the same mindset.</p><p>"That's not going to be fixed in surgery, and I don't care what any doctor says because they don't know what's going on," Stanton said. "What's written (about my elbows) is what me and the Yankees give you."</p><p>Stanton made a big impact when he was on the field, going deep 24 times with 66 RBIs and a .944 OPS over 249 at-bats last year. He's 47 home runs away from becoming the 29th player in MLB history to join the vaunted 500-homer club.</p><p>Stanton is under contract for $34 million through 2027.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 13: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees reacts after striking out during the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on August 13, 2025 in New York City.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are considering extending one of their franchise cornerstones.  The Pirate...

<p>The Pittsburgh Pirates are considering extending one of their franchise cornerstones.</p><p>The Pirates and MLB's top prospect, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18811" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18811">Konnor Griffin</a>, are open to a contract extension, sources told <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/columns/2026/02/25/mlb-pirates-konnor-griffin-pittsburgh-prospect/stories/202602250030">Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a>.</p><p>Griffin would be under team control for six years (through 2031) if he accrues at least 172 days on Pittsburgh's 26-man roster this season. The team could push his service-time clock to 2027 by keeping him in the minors to start the 2026 campaign. The Pirates would receive an extra draft pick if he wins Rookie of the Year or finishes top three in MVP voting.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 19-year-old phenom has already turned heads this spring following a pair of long home runs versus the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No. 1 Prospect Konnor Griffin hits his first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpringTraining?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpringTraining</a> home run! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/YllOJIHZLw">pic.twitter.com/YllOJIHZLw</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/2026365436686725351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 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">Konnor Griffin ... WOW 🤯<br><br>MLB's No. 1 prospect goes yard AGAIN! <a href="https://t.co/F1VTJnWlWB">pic.twitter.com/F1VTJnWlWB</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/2026375010856636715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Griffin went deep 21 times with 94 RBIs, 65 stolen bases, and a .941 OPS in 122 games between three minor-league levels in 2025. He has yet to play in Triple-A during his professional career.</p><p>Pirates ace and reigning NL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> has also endorsed Griffin to play in the majors this season.</p><p>Roman Anthony, last year's No. 1 overall prospect, signed an eight-year, $130-million extension in August after playing just 46 games with the Red Sox.</p>

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Konnor Griffin #75 of the Pittsburgh Pirates at bat during a spring training workout at Pirate City on February 12, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong is taking aim at Los Angeles Dodgers fans.  The Chicago Cubs' star outfielder...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12736">Pete Crow-Armstrong</a> is taking aim at Los Angeles Dodgers fans.</p><p>The Chicago Cubs' star outfielder believes his team's supporters are more passionate and knowledgeable than Dodgers fans.</p><p>"I love Chicago more and more," Crow-Armstrong told <a href="https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/march-2026/welcome-to-the-pca-show/">Wayne Drehs of Chicago Magazine</a>. "It's just an incredible city. The people are great. They give a shit. They aren't just baseball fans who go to the game like Dodgers fans to take pictures and whatever. They are paying attention. They care."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crow-Armstrong, who was born and grew up in the Sherman Oaks area of Los Angeles, also acknowledged his big personality on the field tends to annoy opponents.</p><p>"I'm sure I come off like a douche sometimes," the 23-year-old said. "That's how I present my fun to people, I guess. I'm not loud anywhere else. I'm not riled up anywhere else. That's where I get to do that stuff. So, hell yeah, I rub people the wrong way."</p><p>The two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers led MLB in attendance in 2025 with over 4 million fans during the regular season. The Cubs finished sixth with over 3 million spectators.</p><p>Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs visit Los Angeles for a three-game series April 24-26.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 08: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after the Cubs scored a run on a wild pitch during Game Three of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno believes there are several experiences that fans of his team...

<p>Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno believes there are several experiences that fans of his team prioritize over on-field results when attending baseball games.</p><p>"The number one thing fans want is affordability," Moreno said Friday, citing information the Angels accumulated through surveys, according to <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2026/02/20/angels-owner-arte-moreno-tv-ordeal-hasnt-been-easy/">Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register</a>. "They want affordability. They want safety, and they want a good experience when they come to the ballpark.</p><p>"Believe it or not, winning is not in their top five," Moreno added.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Moreno claimed that he's discovered families are more concerned about ballpark costs than winning.</p><p>"The moms want to be able to afford to bring the kids," Moreno said. "Moms make about 80% of the decisions. They want to be able to bring their kids and be affordable and they want safety and they want to have a good experience, so they get all the entertainment stuff or whatever. The purists, you know, it's just straight winning."</p><p>The 79-year-old said he's "always wanted to win" but openly questioned "what's the cost of winning right now." The Angels have not made the playoffs since 2014 and have not won a playoff series since 2009.</p><p>Angels players are aware of Moreno's remarks, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7063931/2026/02/22/arte-moreno-comments-winning-angels-players-union/">Sam Blum of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>"Let's just say players took notice of it," new MLBPA head Bruce Meyer said Sunday after meeting with the club's players. "And we took notice of it, too. The bottom line is players are competitors. They grew up competing every day. They go out, and they try their hardest to win every game. And players want to see owners doing the same thing."</p><p>The Angels declined to comment on the details of the surveys, per Blum.</p>

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 14: Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno answers questions during a press conference to introduce Anthony Rendon at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on December 14, 2019 in Anaheim, CA.

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HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Tyler Reddick rebounded from a crash to become the first driver in 17 years t...

<p>HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Tyler Reddick rebounded from a crash to become the first driver in 17 years to sweep the first two races of a NASCAR Cup Series season, winning in double overtime Sunday at Echo Park Speedway.</p><p>A week after winning the Daytona 500 in a wild final lap, Reddick gave 23XI Racing and co-owner Michael Jordan another victory by outdueling Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar on the 1.54-mile oval. </p><p>Bubba Wallace, who also drives for 23XI, led entering the final restart but was shuffled to eighth place in the race had a record 57 lead changes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>“Tyler did an unbelievable job,” said Jordan, the former NBA superstar. “I feel bad for Bubba because he had an unbelievable day. But Tyler drone his ass off. I’m very happy for Tyler, very happy for 23XI.”</p><p>Reddick raced to his 10th victory in NASCAR’s premier series despite front-end damage to his No. 45 Toyota sustained in a nine-car crash on the 224th lap of a scheduled 260. He became the sixth driver to open a Cup season with consecutive victories and the first since Matt Kenseth in 2009.</p><p>Chase Elliott, who was trying to rebound <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-atlanta-chase-elliott-8e57965e2a27bb2210beea0e10821307">from briefly leading on the last lap of the Daytona 500 and getting crashed</a>, finished 11th after contending for a top five until a late bobble in traffic. The Hendrick Motorsports star had rallied from 32nd after overshooting his pit stall under caution on the 64th lap.</p><p><strong>Green turns to yellow</strong></p><p>Austin Cindric took advantage of a stretch of 61 green-flag laps to open the race, winning the first stage after starting 30th.</p><p>It was the second consecutive year that the first stage in the February race was completed without a yellow flag – an oddity for a track known for chaos since its 2022 reconfiguration into a high-banked drafting oval.</p><p>The cautions quickly picked up pace in the second stage with three yellow flags in 40 laps that collected 16 cars and eliminated notable drivers Ty Gibbs, Josh Berry, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch. The 160-lap middle segment ended under another yellow when defending Cup Series champion Kyle Larson slammed the outside wall after a collision with Shane van Gisbergen.</p><p><strong>No Las Vegas love lost</strong></p><p>Busch was perturbed after his No. 8 Chevrolet “got rammed” exiting Turn 2 by the No. 4 Ford of Noah Gragson on the 125th lap.</p><p>Though both drivers hail from Las Vegas, Nevada, the 40-year-old Busch felt little kinship in taking issue with the aggressive style of Gragson, who is 13 years younger.</p><p>“He didn’t give me an opportunity to make sure I was straight before hitting me or get into me gently to try and get the momentum back,” said Busch, who finished 33rd. “He just drove right through me.”</p><p><strong>Up next</strong></p><p>The NASCAR Cup Series will race at the Circuit of the Americas, the first road course of the 2026 season, on Sunday, March 1. Christopher Bell <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-austin-bell-54b6e20e739fa2a519589e9a337023bf">outdueled Kyle Busch and William Byron to win</a> at the Austin, Texas, track last year.</p><p>___ </p><p>AP auto racing: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing">https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing</a></p>

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 22: Tyler Reddick (#45 23XI Racing Pinnacle Toyota) celebrates with team co-owner Michael Jordan after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader 400 on February 22, 2026 at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, GA.

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New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette knows there will be an adjustment period as he learns to ...

<p>New York Mets third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> knows there will be an adjustment period as he learns to play a new position.</p><p>Bichette, who joined the Mets on a three-year, $126-million contract during the offseason, made his first spring start Saturday at the hot corner after playing shortstop with the Toronto Blue Jays for the first seven years of his career.</p><p>The two-time All-Star committed an error against the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning with an errant throw.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In his first game as a Met, Bo Bichette's throw pulls first baseman Jose Rojas off the bag, and he can't complete the tag<br><br>Bichette will be playing third base for the first time in his career this season <a href="https://t.co/f2Yij2mOdy">pic.twitter.com/f2Yij2mOdy</a></p>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2025290147017716176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"There's a lot of stuff I can learn in the game, which is really important," Bichette said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bo-bichette-makes-mets-debut-at-third-base">Manny Randhawa of MLB.com</a>. "I'm enjoying the new challenge."</p><p>Mets manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged there will be a learning curve for the 27-year-old.</p><p>"He took a good angle there," Mendoza said. "He created a long hop, which is the right play. … We have to stay on top of him."</p><p>Bichette added that he's "experimenting" with his positioning in the field.</p><p>"I think you see a lot of the great third basemen in our game playing as deep as they can, so I'll be figuring out what that means for me," Bichette said.</p><p>Bichette finished last in the majors for outs above average while making 130 starts at short in 2025. He also placed in the 36th percentile for arm strength.</p>

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets during the spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Clover Park on February 21, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

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Bichette embracing 'new challenge' at 3B after error in 1st spring game

Former Indiana quarterback and projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will not throw at th...

<p>Former Indiana quarterback and projected No. 1 overall pick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171730" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171730">Fernando Mendoza</a> will not throw at the NFL Scouting Combine, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2025392054050881897?s=20">Adam Schefter of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Mendoza will reportedly instead throw at Indiana's pro day April 1.</p><p>The Heisman Trophy winner threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 72% of his passes last season. He led the Hoosiers to their first-ever national championship to cap off a perfect campaign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Meanwhile, former Alabama signal-caller <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172353" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172353">Ty Simpson</a> will throw at the combine, a source told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2025392205381128342?s=20">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>. Simpson is the consensus No. 2 quarterback behind Mendoza with Oregon's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/184061" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/184061">Dante Moore</a> returning to school in 2026.</p><p>The 23-year-old Simpson finished the 2025 campaign with 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns against five interceptions to go along with a 64.5% completion rate. Alabama benched him in the playoff when he was struggling against Mendoza's Hoosiers.</p><p>Combine drills begin Thursday in Indianapolis, but quarterbacks don't take the field until Saturday.</p><p>The Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals have the top three selections in the draft, which takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers warms up before the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Report: Mendoza won't throw at combine; Simpson will participate 

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Tom Ruminski

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Bryan Mcwilliam

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