Paul Skenes expects to make two starts in World Baseball Classic  —  Share full article  —  Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, is at a different stage of his career than Detroit Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal, who is coming off back-to-back AL Cy Youngs.

Yankees to retire CC Sabathia's No. 52 jersey on Sept. 26  —  NEW YORK — CC Sabathia's No. 52 will be retired on Sept. 26 by the New York Yankees, who will dedicate a plaque in honor of the Hall of Famer at Monument Park before that day's game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Pujols, Yadi among nominees for next Cardinals Hall of Fame class: Vote now  —  Fans to Select Former Cardinals Great for Induction on September 12  —  The St. Louis Cardinals have revealed George Hendrick, Brian Jordan, Yadier Molina, and Albert Pujols as the modern players nominated …

Lindor has stitches removed, remains on track for Opening Day  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired left hand on Tuesday, keeping him on track for an Opening Day return.  —  Lindor, who underwent Feb. 11 surgery …

DeLauter (lower body soreness) scratched for precautionary reasons  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Guardians have noted on several occasions they intend to be mindful about Chase DeLauter's workload this spring due to his injury history.  That plan came into action during Wednesday's Cactus League matchup against the Rangers.

Live Blog Recap: Florida baseball beats FIU in 9-inning grind  —  Florida baseball erupted for 17 runs across two explosive innings to secure a 17-11 home victory against FIU on Tuesday.  —  After falling behind 2-0 in the first, Florida responded with relentless offensive pressure …

Source: Scherzer agrees to return to Blue Jays for 19th season  —  Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer has agreed to return to the Toronto Blue Jays, a source confirmed to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez on Wednesday.  —  The deal is for one year and $3 million, according to multiple reports.

Texas Rangers' lack of moves draws tepid reaction in ESPN's final MLB offseason grades  —  The Rangers made moves this offseason that saved a few bucks without improving the team, according to one ESPN writer.  —  Safe to say the MLB offseason is officially in the books.

Kyle Isbel is known for his defense.  Here's how his offense can help the Royals  —  AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.  — Royals previously announced moving Kauffman outfield fences in 8-10 ft for 2026.  — Isbel will adjust angles/routes in moved outfield gaps while staying aggressive.

Crucial Change Could Make Taylor Clarke a Weapon For D-backs Bullpen  —  A critical change for Arizona — in more ways than one. … Right-hander Taylor Clarke's career numbers in 2025 were no accident.  The Arizona Diamondbacks' returning reliever is armed with an upgraded arsenal ahead of 2026.

Here's the latest on Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly's back injury  —  The Diamondbacks still have not provided an update on right-hander Merrill Kelly, other than to say he underwent additional tests on his back.  —  Kelly was scratched from a live batting practice session on Saturday …

Stone impresses in long-awaited return to mound, eyes Dodgers rotation  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Dodgers may have come into Spring Training with their rotation more or less set, but don't count Gavin Stone out from the mix.  —  After nearly a year and a half away from the big league mound due …