San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb has been confirmed as Team USA’s starting pitcher for their World Baseball Classic opener against Brazil on Friday.

Manager Mark DeRosa confirmed the rotation on Monday following the squad’s first collective workout in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The announcement establishes a formidable pitching line-up as the United States attempt to avenge their loss to Japan in the 2023 final.

Tarik Skubal, the two-time American League Cy Young winner, will take the mound for the second group game against Great Britain.

Pittsburgh Pirates sensation Paul Skenes is scheduled to face Mexico in the third fixture of pool play.

“Yeah, it’s set up. 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.”

USA manager Mark DeRosa

Injury concern for McLean

While the top of the rotation is settled, uncertainty remains regarding the fourth game against Italy.

New York Mets prospect Nolan McLean had been pencilled in to start but is currently battling illness at his club’s training base in Florida.

DeRosa admitted the coaching staff would need to reassess the situation day-to-day before confirming if McLean can join the squad.

Judge leads star-studded lineup

Beyond the pitching mound, the American batting order appears poised to offer significant tactical flexibility.

DeRosa indicated he plans to alternate left and right-handed hitters throughout the entire lineup to challenge opposing pitchers.

Centre-field duties will be shared via a platoon system featuring Pete Crow-Armstrong and Byron Buxton.

Team captain Aaron Judge addressed the squad at a dinner on Sunday, emphasising the collective talent in the room.

The New York Yankees slugger insisted the group transcends the label of a typical exhibition roster.

“I wouldn’t even call it an all-star team. This team is a lot of great players, a lot of greatness in the room, and it’s cool to see us kind of jumping in on the first day already.”

Aaron Judge, Team USA Captain

Patriotic motivation

The squad’s motivation has been bolstered by the recent success of the American Olympic teams.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper noted that watching the men’s hockey team win gold had energised the clubhouse.

For players like Skenes and reliever Griffin Jax, both graduates of the Air Force Academy, representing the nation holds deeper significance.

Judge highlighted the sacrifices of military personnel as a key driving force for the team’s performance.

Pool play begins on Friday in Houston following exhibition matches earlier in the week.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer has agreed a deal to return to the Toronto Blue Jays for another season.

The 41-year-old right-hander has committed to the club following a pivotal role in their 2025 postseason campaign.

Scherzer threw 85 regular-season innings for the Canadian franchise last year after managing just 43⅓ innings for the Texas Rangers in 2024.

Postseason impact and durability

Despite increasing injury struggles associated with pitching into his 40s, the veteran made three crucial starts for Toronto during the playoffs.

He overcame early pressure to stifle the Seattle lineup in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider also entrusted the eight-time All-Star with the ball in Games 3 and 7 of the World Series.

Schneider has previously praised Scherzer’s intense competitiveness and meticulous preparation, factors that convinced the club to retain his services.

A Hall of Fame career

The Missouri native is widely expected to be a near-unanimous selection for the Baseball Hall of Fame once he eventually retires.

He has finished in the top five of Cy Young Award voting on eight occasions and holds a career record of 221-117 with a 3.22 ERA.

Since being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, the ace has earned nearly $370m in salary, reflecting his dominance on the mound.

Past successes

Scherzer famously helped the Washington Nationals secure a championship in 2019 alongside Stephen Strasburg.

Before his time in the US capital, he flourished with the Detroit Tigers, going 82-35 over five seasons to establish his elite status.

He was originally drafted by Arizona, where early scrutiny of his delivery almost led to a role conversion into a closer.

MLB Network first reported the agreement between Scherzer and the Blue Jays.

The New York Yankees will retire CC Sabathia’s number 52 jersey in a dedicated ceremony at Monument Park on 26 September.

The tribute is scheduled to take place prior to the team’s home game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Sabathia becomes the 24th individual to receive the franchise’s highest honour, and the first since Paul O’Neill had his number 21 retired in 2022.

Hall of Fame legacy

The announcement follows a landmark year for the former pitcher, who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot earlier in 2025.

Writing on social media, the 44-year-old described the upcoming ceremony as a “full circle” moment in his career.

“From the first number that hung in my locker to 52 forever hanging in Monument Park – this HOF journey has come full circle,” Sabathia said.
“To have my number retired by the New York Yankees this year is one of the greatest honors of my life. The LegaCCy continues.”

He will now join distinguished former teammates, including Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera, with a permanent plaque located beyond the stadium’s centre-field fence.

A dominant force in pinstripes

The commanding left-hander was a transformative figure for the Bronx Bombers, helping the club secure the 2009 World Series title during his debut season in New York.

Over a 19-season major league career, he amassed a record of 251-161 with a 3.74 ERA.

Sabathia retired with 3,093 strikeouts, a total that ranks him third all-time among southpaws, trailing only legends Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton.

During his tenure with the Yankees, which spanned from 2009 to 2019, he recorded 1,700 of those strikeouts and won 134 games.

Yankees retired numbers

Sabathia joins an exclusive list of baseball icons whose numbers have been removed from circulation by the franchise.

Notable retired numbers include:

Additionally, the number 42 belonging to Jackie Robinson was retired across all of Major League Baseball in 1997.

Konnor Griffin underlined his status as baseball’s top prospect by hitting two home runs for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 16-7 spring training victory over the Boston Red Sox.

The 19-year-old shortstop is rated as the consensus number one prospect in the sport and showcased his power immediately against Boston newcomer Ranger Suarez.

Griffin launched a two-run homer off the $130m (£102m) signing in the second inning, sending the ball 375 feet over the left-field wall.

‘Special’ day for teenage talent

The teenager doubled his tally just two innings later against Seth Martinez.

This second strike was even more impressive, travelling 440 feet to cap a four-RBI performance.

It marked a dramatic turnaround for the 6ft 4in infielder, who had been searching for his first hit of the spring prior to the game.

“Got some good swings off, so kind of smoked them,” Griffin told reporters.

“I stepped in the box and I was ready to compete. I wasn’t worrying about who was on the mound. I was just worrying about what his stuff was and how I could have the best approach.”

Path to the majors

The hype surrounding Griffin mirrors the excitement generated by team-mate Paul Skenes two years ago.

While the reigning National League Cy Young winner waited until May for his big league debut, the shortstop could arrive sooner given the uncertainty on the left side of Pittsburgh’s infield.

Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales are competing for spots, but neither possesses the offensive ceiling offered by the organisation’s top talent.

“We have to keep in mind that he’s 19,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly.

“It’s about continuing to push him, allowing him to be himself and playing free.”

Suarez not surprised

Suarez, who was an All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024, admitted he expected quality from the youngster despite the age gap.

The left-hander surrendered two runs and three hits during his 1⅔ innings of work.

“When you’re the top prospect in the game, people expect that from you,” Suarez said.

“He did that today, and I wasn’t surprised.”

Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski added: “He’s definitely going to hit. There’s not a whole lot of swings you see like that, especially from a teenager.”

Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves have agreed a one-year contract extension worth $27m that prevents the pitcher from entering free agency next winter.

The deal secures the veteran left-hander’s services for the 2027 season and includes a club option for 2028 valued at $30m.

It represents the largest single-season salary the franchise has ever guaranteed to a player.

Resurgence in Atlanta

Sale has revitalised his career since joining the Braves, most notably winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2024.

Despite the team enduring a difficult 2025 campaign, the 36-year-old remained a standout performer on the mound.

He posted a 2.58 ERA and struck out 165 batters over 125.2 innings, although his season was curtailed by a rib injury.

The extension ensures the Braves retain one of the generation’s most dominant arms as they look to stabilise their rotation.

Injury history and recovery

The new agreement marks a significant turnaround for a pitcher whose career was nearly derailed by persistent injuries between 2019 and 2023.

During his tenure with the Boston Red Sox, Sale underwent Tommy John surgery and suffered various setbacks, including a fractured rib cage and a broken wrist.

However, the trade to Atlanta in December 2023 provided the catalyst for a return to elite form.

Since arriving in Georgia, he has rediscovered the velocity and slider movement that made him a seven-time All-Star earlier in his career.

Braves look to bounce back

This move comes at a critical time for Atlanta following a disappointing 76-86 record in 2025.

The club is currently managing depth issues after spring injuries to young starters Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep.

Securing Sale provides essential experience and stability to a rotation aiming to return to postseason contention.

Entering his 17th big league season, the pitcher boasts a career ERA of 3.01 with 2,579 strikeouts.

Bill Mazeroski, the Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman best known for hitting the only Game 7 walk-off home run in World Series history, has died at the age of 89.

The Pirates announced the death of the franchise icon on Saturday.

In a statement paying tribute to the one-club man, the team described him simply as "a true Pirates legend."

Defensive mastery

While his name is synonymous with one specific swing of the bat, the infielder built his reputation on defensive reliability.

Mazeroski was widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive second basemen to ever play the game.

His steady work in the field saw him collect eight Gold Glove awards during his distinguished career.

Those contributions eventually led to his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

1960 World Series hero

Despite his fielding accolades, Mazeroski secured his status in sporting folklore with his bat during the 1960 World Series.

His dramatic home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 clinched the championship for Pittsburgh.

It remains one of the most celebrated moments in the history of Major League Baseball.

He spent his entire 17-year playing career in Pittsburgh, cementing a lasting bond with the city’s fanbase.

Minnesota Twins ace Pablo Lopez is facing the prospect of season-ending surgery after suffering a significant tear to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

General manager Jeremy Zoll confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday following tests on the pitcher’s throwing arm.

Lopez ended a bullpen session on Monday complaining of soreness after completing more than two innings of work.

The Venezuelan right-hander will now seek a second opinion before making a final decision on whether to undergo the reconstructive procedure known as Tommy John surgery.

World Baseball Classic hopes dashed

The injury serves as a major blow to the 29-year-old, who had been considered ahead of schedule in his preparations to represent his country at the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Lopez, an All-Star in 2023, has established himself as a pivotal figure in Minnesota, taking the mound as their Opening Day starter for the past three seasons.

While the right-hander proved durable between 2022 and 2024 by making 32 starts in each campaign, he struggled significantly with fitness last year.

Rotation depth tested

The team’s reliable starter was limited to just 14 starts and 75 2/3 innings last season due to a combination of hamstring, shoulder and forearm issues.

Despite the interruptions, he managed a 5-4 record with a 2.74 ERA when available to play.

Minnesota must now look to the likes of Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober to anchor the rotation in Lopez’s potential absence.

Zebby Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley and Mick Abel are expected to compete for the remaining spots in the starting lineup.

The Japanese superstar has outlined a major personal ambition as the MLB champions begin spring training.

Shohei Ohtani has targeted winning the Cy Young Award for the first time after completing an intense bullpen session that signals his full-time return to a two-way role with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

More than 450 onlookers gathered at the franchise’s complex in Phoenix to witness the significant milestone on Friday morning.

The global superstar threw 27 pitches with palpable intensity, marking the beginning of a daunting physical challenge.

Having recovered from a second major elbow surgery, the 30-year-old is now preparing to juggle pitching and hitting duties for a full season.

The final frontier

As the two-time defending champions began their 2026 preparations, talk immediately turned to the one major accolade missing from the phenom’s trophy cabinet.

While prioritising durability, the Japanese icon admitted that claiming the prize for the league’s best pitcher is on his radar.

“If at the end, the result is getting a Cy Young, that’s great,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.

“Getting a Cy Young means being able to throw more innings and being able to pitch throughout the whole season, so if that’s the end result, that’s a good sign for me.”

“What I’m more focused on is just being healthy the whole year.”

The former Angel previously finished fourth in the American League voting for the award in 2022.

Exceeding expectations

Ohtani is coming off his first fully healthy offseason since his blockbuster move to Los Angeles in December 2023.

His return to the mound last season was a carefully managed affair, delayed until mid-June.

Despite the cautious approach, the right-hander posted a 2.87 ERA across 47 innings, striking out 62 batters.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes his ace is now ready to unleash his full arsenal.

“There’s certainly a lot more in there,” Roberts said.

“Regardless of my expectations for him, his are going to exceed those. I think it’s fair to say he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation.”

Roberts noted he was particularly impressed by the pitcher’s command and ability to manipulate breaking balls after a 21-month hiatus from regular starting duties.

“But we just want him to be healthy and make starts. All the numbers and statistics will take care of themselves,” the manager added.