USA holds off Canada in Classic nail-biter to reach semifinals
HOUSTON -- There was no question about Team USA “punching its ticket” this time. After a tumultuous couple of days emanating from a regrettable MLB Network interview segment for manager Mark DeRosa and a lamentable loss to upstart Italy, the American dream in this World Baseball Classic is still intact.
Mighty Dominicans make quick work of Korea, set up semifinal showdown with Team USA
MIAMI -- Vlad Jr. went airborne. Juan Soto went swimming. Austin Wells went deep off the facing of the second deck. And the Dominican Republic went on to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic. The D.R. rolled past Korea, 10-0, in a seven-inning, run-rule shortened game in the opening
Vlad goes airborne, scores on incredible Superman slide
MIAMI — The Dominican Republic has battered its opponents this World Baseball Classic, launching home runs with abandon, with wild celebrations at home plate. But that doesn’t mean they can’t score in other ways. In Friday night's 10-0 quarterfinal victory against Korea, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drew a second-inning walk against
Raleigh declines another fist bump from a Mariners teammate at World Baseball Classic
Cal Raleigh is certainly consistent. Four days after Team USA’s catcher declined to shake hands with Team Mexico outfielder Randy Arozarena at the World Baseball Classic -- leading to some choice words postgame -- a similar situation played out, featuring Raleigh and a different Mariners teammate.
Puerto Rico and Italy set to meet in Classic quarterfinals (3 p.m. ET, FS1)
HOUSTON -- Team Italy’s roster is filled primarily with players who were eligible for Team USA but weren’t selected over the superstar names. Puerto Rico’s would-be roster was adversely affected by the unfortunate insurance and injury issues that prevented some of the island’s biggest products from participating. And yet here
Undefeated Japan to clash with Venezuela in Classic quarterfinals (9 p.m. ET, FOX)
MIAMI -- We’re in the knockout stages now: Any loss from here on out means the end of the tournament and a trip back home. Venezuela is the away team after finishing second in Pool D following a close loss to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night in Miami at
Tucker flashes prodigious power with first spring HR as a Dodger
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Kyle Tucker had taken enough free passes this spring. The Dodgers' star right fielder had already walked twice in as many trips to the plate on Friday night at Peoria Sports Complex. But after working a full count in his third plate appearance, he let his bat
Kiké soaking in the chance to represent Puerto Rico on global stage
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The ball soared over the fence. Hiram Bithorn Stadium erupted in revelry. Darell Hernaiz skipped around the bases, the ballpark lights strobing overhead, as his teammates waited to receive him at home plate. And the Puerto Rican fans sang along to "Preciosa," swelling with pride and love
USA tasks Skenes with slowing stacked Dominican lineup (Sun., 8 p.m. ET, FS1)
It’s the electric, bat-flipping brilliance of the Dominican Republic’s loaded lineup versus the electric, bat-defying brilliance of Paul Skenes’ right arm. It’s the intensity of Team USA, relishing in the bonding experience but also fully aware of the gold-or-bust stakes, versus the showmanship and looseness of a Dominican Republic club
What you need to know about the World Baseball Classic semifinals
Baseball's version of 2026 March Madness is winding down to its final four. What has been an epic World Baseball Classic moves to the semifinal stage starting Sunday, when Team USA and the Dominican Republic face off at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami with a trip to
Kershaw retires -- again -- after time with Team USA
HOUSTON -- Clayton Kershaw has hung ‘em up. Again. Team USA’s 5-3 win over Canada in the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic on Friday night at Daikin Park served as Kershaw’s final game on an active roster. He’ll be replaced prior to the semifinals against the Dominican Republic by
First bidets, now espresso? Teel campaigns for new addition to clubhouse
GLENDALE, Ariz. – By now, everyone has heard of the bidets being installed within the White Sox home clubhouse at Rate Field in Chicago for the 2026 regular season and beyond. Those installations came as a recommendation from first baseman Munetaka Murakami, who joined the White Sox as a free
Intriguing top prospects who could make Opening Day rosters
One of the best things about going to Spring Training from an MLB Pipeline perspective is that you often get to see and talk to prospects you’ve only really seen on a screen. Maybe you’ve seen video or read about them, but seeing them playing games is a real treat.
As Mariners await Randy's return, does rift with Raleigh still linger?
PEORIA, Ariz. -- By now, virtually everyone following the sport has seen the clips, heard the player reactions -- and more so, had a take -- on the awkward exchange between Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena at the World Baseball Classic on Monday night. The not-so-ideal part for the Mariners
Grichuk's history of mashing lefties gives him clear path to roster spot
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- You hear it constantly as teams evaluate players this time of year: Spring Training is far more about the process than on-field results. That, of course, applies to some players more than others -- but it's particularly true in the case of Randal Grichuk.
Can new baserunning coach coax 20 SBs from a Brave with 7 in his career?
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Antoan Richardson strengthened his reputation as a baserunning guru when he helped Juan Soto shock the baseball world with 38 stolen bases last season. So now that Richardson has switched from the Mets’ coaching staff to the Braves’, might Austin Riley tally at least 15 steals
Devenski carted off but alert after taking liner off side of head
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Pirates reliever Chris Devenski was carted off the field after being struck in the head by a line drive during Friday night’s 7-5 win over the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Devenski, in Pirates camp as a non-roster invite after signing a Minor League deal in January,
Finally healthy, Senga looks to recapture dominance -- and raise Mets' ceiling in '26
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The exasperation that Mets fans and officials have sometimes felt about Kodai Senga is rooted in his talent. At his best, Senga has been a dynamic force on the mound, capable of throwing in the upper 90s and possessing some of the most lethal secondary
World Baseball Classic Power Rankings: Quarterfinals Edition
Twenty teams began in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Only eight clubs remain. The ‘26 WBC quarterfinals will take place in Miami and Houston on Friday and Saturday and there will be some compelling matchups. On Friday night, the Dominican Republic will face Korea (6:30 p.m. ET, FS2), while Team
Could grind of Royals' season include ... coffee grinds?
This story was excerpted from Anne Rogers’ Royals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
Basallo breakout imminent? O's top prospect homers, continues hot spring
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A Samuel Basallo breakout could come early in 2026, as the 21-year-old phenom has spent much of Spring Training this year showing exactly why he's MLB Pipeline's No. 8 overall prospect. Basallo's torrid spring continued Friday afternoon at BayCare Ballpark, where he went 2-for-4 with a double,
Painter competes with nasty changeup that 'elevates the whole arsenal'
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham appreciates Andrew Painter's “high aptitude” for pitching. Cotham knows that nobody is going to be perfect all the time. Sometimes a pitcher has to grind to survive.
Rotation spot in view, Burns making the most of his chance
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- During his Friday start against the Giants, rotation candidate Chase Burns didn't increase his workload as pitchers often do on the back portion of camp. Rather, he was tapered back. Instead of getting four innings, Burns pitched superbly for two scoreless, allowing one hit, no walks and