Chicago, IL

Moncada exited Sunday's World Baseball Classic semifinal against Team USA following a collision in the bottom of the sixth inning, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports. The exact nature of Moncada's injury isn't clear, but he was replaced defensively in the bottom of the seventh inning following his outfield collision to close out the sixth. It seems unlikely that Cuba will advance to the World Baseball Classic final due to Team USA's significant lead, but it's unclear if Moncada's injury will impact his availability for the final few games of Cactus League action.

White Sox's Yoan Moncada: Departs WBC semifinal

Pittsburgh, PA

Joe could make the Pirates' Opening Day roster due to his ability to serve as a fourth outfielder as well as a backup first baseman, Kevin Gorman of Pittsburgh Tribune-Live reports. Joe earned a career-high 467 plate appearances in 2022, the majority of which came at the corner outfield spots....

Pirates' Connor Joe: Versatility helps roster chances

Florida State

Memphis, TN

Despite being eligible to play in Monday's game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday said suspended star guard Ja Morant will not return to the court before Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. The team's coaching staff will consult with the medical staff on Morant's status for that game.

Ja Morant suspension: Despite being eligible to play Monday, Grizzlies won't have star guard before Wednesday

Miami, FL

Wendle went 1-for-3 with a double in Friday's split-squad game against the Cardinals. Batting sixth and getting the start at shortstop, Wendle collected only his fourth hit of the spring in 26 at-bats, but three of them have come in his last three games. The 32-year-old has never really held a starting assignment over a full MLB season -- he's topped 500 plate appearances only twice in his career, with his career high being 545 -- and the Marlins' late signing of Jose Iglesias would give them an option at shortstop if Wendle proves he's better suited for a utility role. That said, Wendle hit 11 home runs in 2021 and stole 12 bases in 2022, so he has the skills to be a fantasy asset as a late-round pick if he can keep his starting job.

Marlins' Joey Wendle: Coming around at plate

Milwaukee, WI

MILWAUKEE -- Finding something Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't done yet in his career may be even more difficult than trying to guard him. The Toronto Raptors couldn't do the latter on Sunday night in the Milwaukee Bucks' 118-111 win, and as a result Antetokounmpo did the former. Antetokounmpo finished with 22...

Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo makes history with 13th perfect triple-double in NBA history

Seattle, WA

DeShields signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Saturday. DeShields joined Atlanta on a minor-league contract in April of 2022 but spent the entire year at Triple-A Gwinnett, where he hit .220 with a homer, 61 runs, 26 RBI and 35 stolen bases. He'll likely spend most of the 2023 season in the minors.

Mariners' Delino DeShields: Lands MiLB deal with Seattle

Detroit, MI

Rogers was removed from Friday's Grapefruit League matchup against the Yankees after getting hit by a pitch on his left elbow, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports. Rogers was having a very solid spring before leaving Friday's game, slashing .333/.364/.857 with three home runs over 22 plate appearances. A pitch to the elbow likely means swelling, but the Tigers will take a look at him and should provide more updates shortly.

Tigers' Jake Rogers: Exits game early

San Diego, CA

Nola was carted off the field in the top of the fourth inning during Sunday's Cactus League game against the Cubs after being hit in the face by a pitch, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports. Nola was down for several minutes after being hit by the pitch, and...

Padres' Austin Nola: Carted off field

Saint Louis, MO

Liberatore allowed one run in five innings Saturday in a Grapefruit League start against the Tigers. Liberatore struck out six against one walk, and he allowed just three hits in the impressive effort. "That's the best I've ever seen him, Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters after the outing. "Not even close." The only run allowed by Liberatore came on a solo home run by Spencer Torkelson. The southpaw is currently battling for one of the final spots in the St. Louis rotation, and another effort like this will give Marmol a difficult decision at least.

Cardinals' Matthew Liberatore: Impresses over five

Merrill was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Padres on Saturday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. Merrill was never a candidate to make the Opening Day roster, but the top prospect in the San Diego system got a chance to participate in MLB camp. The 21-year-old has a great chance to hit for average and steal bases when he is ready to contribute, and it could be as soon as the end of 2023 if he performs well at the upper levels.

Padres' Jackson Merrill: Reassigned to minor league camp

Minneapolis, MN

Polanco's availability for Opening Day could be in question since he has not played in a spring training game as he works his way back from last season's knee injury, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports. Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said earlier in the week that Polanco...

Twins' Jorge Polanco: Murky Opening Day status

Gorman went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a run scored in Friday's Grapefruit League win over the Marlins. Gorman has benefited from the Cardinals having a number of players away at the World Baseball Classic. He's hit .324 (11-for-34) with nine RBI, six runs scored and a 6:12 BB:K through 13 Grapefruit League games. Gorman may not have a consistent everyday position, but Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Disptatch reports Gorman will back up Nolan Arenado at third base in addition to being an option at second base and designated hitter this season. Gorman came up through the minors as a third baseman before switching to the keystone, but with utility man Brendan Donovan around, Gorman likely won't need to move around as much.

Cardinals' Nolan Gorman: Hitting well

San Francisco, CA

They say you should never underestimate the heart of a champion, and the Golden State Warriors may have proven that last season when they defied expectations to win their fourth title in eight years. Eventually, though, every champion becomes a former champion. No dynasty stands forever. Father Time remains undefeated. His victims rarely accept defeat gracefully.

Klay Thompson flashes four fingers at Grizzlies during loss, but the past won't save Golden State's future

Motter is a candidate to make the Opening Day roster for the Cardinals, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. Motter was signed to a minor-league contract in November, and the 33-year-old has impressed in the Grapefruit League with an .810 OPS, three homers and a pair of steals over 17 games. He's also capable of playing in the infield and outfield, so he brings versatility at the end of the St. Louis bench if he does make the roster. Motter will need to be added to the 40-man roster in order to be called up to the Cardinals, but he has at least earned a look from his play in Florida.

Cardinals' Taylor Motter: Candidate to making opening roster

NewsBreak

Mets' Justin Verlander, Marlins' Sandy Alcantara receive Cy Young Award plaques with spelling mistake

Justin Verlander and Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 Cy Young Award winners, were recognized for their seasons on Saturday night at the Baseball Writers' Association of America...

Mets' Justin Verlander, Marlins' Sandy Alcantara receive Cy Young Award plaques with spelling mistake

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