MIAMI — Major League Baseball players have made their voices heard throughout the World Baseball Classic, expressing their desire to play in the 2028 Olympics, and it’s possible that the players union could reach a deal with MLB permitting players to participate, independent of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Bruce Meyer, executive director of the players association, fully believes that MLB will impose a lockout when the current CBA expires on Dec. 1, but said Sunday that a deal could be reached before Dec. 1 permitting MLB players to be in the Summer Olympics - being held in Los Angeles – for the first time.
Then again, everything changes if a lockout wipes out the entire 2027 season.
“If we don’t have a season," Meyer said before the USA-Dominican Republic WBC semifina at loanDepot Park, “we’re not going to play in the Olympics."
Time is of the essence and Meyer realizes that the Olympics would like to have a decision this summer, if possible.
“It can be on a separate track," Meyer said. “Theoretically, it can be done anytime. It doesn’t have to be at the same time as everything else is negotiated. I mean, it’s been kind of on a separate track, the discussions that we’ve had to date with the league. So it could be discussed on the course of bargaining, but it doesn’t have to be tied to bargaining."
There still are logistical problems to overcome with the Olympics following the All-Star Game, which would be a 10-day layoff. What do the other players do during the break? Would they play exhibition games against their minor-league affiliates? Who pays their expenses? Who pays for the Olympians’ insurance?
There are a myriad of potential problems, but both sides are optimistic a solution can be reached.
“There are a lot of issues that still need to be worked out," Meyer said. “So, I don’t know about before the CBA, which is likely to not be until over a year from now, but theoretically it can be done."
Providing, of course, the 2027 season stays largely intact.
“If we’re in a situation where games are being missed, and in ’27, that could have an impact on playing the Olympics after that,’’ Meyer said. “But for now, it’s on a separate track."
Still, after watching the popularity of the WBC, and the players’ enthusiasm for the tournament, Meyer hopes the WBC becomes a permanent fixture in MLB, where it likely will be played every four years.
“The WBC is fantastic," Meyer said. “The fan engagement has been terrific. I mean, that’s obvious. It’s great baseball. Great players. It’s a great thing for the sport, and its been a tremendous success.
“The players that I’ve spoken to are thrilled to be here, thrilled to be representing their countries, and having a good time. It’s a great thing for the league, and in this market in Miami, you can see the fan interest in baseball, which unfortunately is perhaps not maximized by the franchise here.
MESA, Arizona — I know most of you are focused on the USA/Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic semi-final this evening, and the Cubs’ 14-8 loss to the Dodgers ran real long largely because of a ridiculous ninth inning that I’ll get to in a bit.
The most important story of this game was Jameson Taillon, just back from the WBC and now with only a couple of spring starts left before he opens his 2026 season.
This was not a good outing for Jamo. He allowed eight hits in less than four innings, including two home runs (one by Mookie Betts, which pleased the very large contingent of Dodger fans at Sloan Park). More concerning was the four walks he issued. One of Taillon’s best features, when he’s on, is that he pounds the zone and doesn’t walk guys. Four walks in 3.2 innings is not good. He walked only 27 batters in 129.2 innings all of last year. Ten of the Dodgers’ 14 runs scored off Taillon, making the score 10-2 at the time he departed. His spring ERA is now 22.18, yikes.
The other homer off Taillon was by Jack Suwinski, who used to wear Cubs pitching out when he was with the Pirates. Maybe he has Taillon’s number — of his 57 career homers, three are off Jamo.
The good news from this game, such as it is, is that four relievers who will be important parts of this year’s Cubs bullpen all did well. Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton and Jacob Webb combined for four shutout innings, allowing one hit and one walk, striking out three. That’s a good sign, I think.
Then there was that ridiculous ninth inning I mentioned, in which the teams combined for seven walks and nine runs. Devin Ortiz, who the Cubs got over the winter from the Padres system, hit a grand slam in that inning [VIDEO].
For whatever that’s worth.
It was nice to see Jonathon Long back in action in the field. At the plate he was hit by a pitch and walked twice. Hopefully he’ll see some more MLB spring action before camp breaks.
Attendance watch: A sellout of 15,788 attended Sunday afternoon’s contest, as I mentioned, a large number were Dodgers fans. The boxscore says 13,788 but I clearly heard 15,788 announced. Presuming the larger figure is correct, that makes the season total for 13 games at Sloan Park 163,519, or 12,578 per date.
The Cubs travel west Monday to face the Guardians at Goodyear. Cade Horton will start for the Cubs and Gavin Williams goes for Cleveland. Game time Monday is 8:05 p.m. CT, one hour after the WBC semi-final between Venezuela and Italy starts. We’ll have game threads here for both. Monday’s Cubs game will be televised on Guardians TV, with a radio broadcast from the Cleveland flagship station WTAM 1100.
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 13: Will Smith #16 of Team USA stands on the field for the national anthem prior to the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game presented by Capital One between Team USA and Team Canada at Daikin Park on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The first semifinal matchup of the World Baseball Classic is upon is, with Team USA and The Dominican Republic facing off.
Paul Skenes starts on the mound for The United States, with Luis Severino going for The Dominican Republic.
Will Smith starts at catcher, continuing the every-other-game timeshare behind the plate with Cal Raleigh.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 13: Juan Soto #22 of the Dominican Republic slides home during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals game presented by Capital One between Team Korea and Team Dominican Republic at loanDepot park on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
I’m not going to pretend to be impartial: GO DR GO
DR is in tough against starting pitcher Paul Skenes. Luis Severino starts for DR.
DR has their lineup out.
Tatis, RF
Marte, 2B
Soto, LF
Vlad, 1B
Machado, 3B
Caminero, DH
Rodriguez, CF
Wells, C
Perdomo, SS
As I type this, the US doesn’t have a lineup posted.
TEMPE, ARIZONA - MARCH 15: Hunter Goodman #15 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning of the spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This afternoon, the Colorado Rockies lost to the Los Angeles Angels, 6.5. For more game highlights, please click here.
The Rockies are now 11-11 in spring training play.
Although there were no interviews today, the Rockies did provide game highlights.
But first, Hunter Goodman hit his second home run of 2026.
The Yankees split-squad game against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday night was cancelled due to inclement weather as rain started in the top of the third inning.
New York trailed, 2-0, at the time of the delay. There will not be a makeup date for the spring training game, the Orioles said.
Paul Blackburn started for New York and let up two runs over 2.0 IP. The veteran retired the first two Orioles, but after a walk, single, and wild pitch, he gave up a two-run single to Tyler O'Neill.
Blackburn bounced back for a 1-2-3 second inning, including two straight strikeouts to close out the frame.
Orioles starter Zach Eflin tossed two-plus innings with four strikeouts, taking down Jasson Dominguez, Jazz Chisholm, José Caballero, and Oswaldo Cabrera.
Top prospect Spencer Jones recorded the Yanks only hit of the night with a leadoff single in the third inning before the rain began.
Next Up
The Yankees are off on Monday and then play the Tampa Bay Rays on the road on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m.
Zach Thornton prepares to throw a pitch during his March 15 appearance for the Mets.
PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets have a front line of young starting pitchers that includes Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong and Christian Scott, but the group behind that initial wave is also promising.
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One of those young arms, Zach Thornton, was on display Sunday against the Blue Jays, and for a second straight Grapefruit League start, the lefty was solid.
Thornton allowed one earned run on four hits with one strikeout over 3 ²/₃ innings in an 8-1 victory at Clover Park.
The game was called after five innings because of rain.
“He is a strike-thrower, but this is a guy that can get the fastball in to righties,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “There is a lot to like about him. He’s not afraid. Even when there were times he was behind in counts, he went right after guys.”
Zach Thornton prepares to throw a pitch during his March 15 appearance for the Mets. Imagn Images
The 24-year-old Thornton, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft, has pitched to a 1.35 ERA in his two Grapefruit League appearances.
He finished last season at Double-A Binghamton.
The Mets assigned the following players to minor league camp: Carl Edwards Jr., Joe Jacques, Ryan Lambert, Kevin Parada, Ryan Clifford, Jackson Cluff, Grae Kessinger, Jacob Reimer, Ji Hwan Bae, A.J. Ewing and Jose Ramos.
Clifford, Reimer, Ewing and Lambert are among the organization’s top prospects.
“It’s been a great camp for a lot of your young players,” Mendoza said. “It’s a credit to them and credit to player development, because [the players] came in with the mentality of trying to make the team, even though that probably wasn’t [realistic]. But they showed they can play at this level. I liked how they went about their business. Before the games, the questions they were asking, and then the way they went out there and competed.”
Marcus Semien blasted his second homer of the spring and hit another ball that was caught at the fence.
It might be a sign that the second baseman, who has posted a .602 OPS in the Grapefruit League, is getting on track at the plate.
“I’m not worried about him,” Mendoza said. “He’s a guy that has been in the league for quite a bit now. Obviously not the way he wanted it, but he’s tinkering with mechanics and has hit a few balls hard this spring with no results.”
Feb 27, 2026; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn...
Near-perfect: What did Robbie Ray do after leaving his last spring start with a no-hitter intact? He retired all 15 batters he faced Sunday, punching out six, but Giants pitchers didn’t stop there in a 7-1 win over the Brewers. Carson Seymour, Tristan Beck and Matt Gage didn’t allow a base runner, either. The Giants came one out from the first spring training perfect game since 2000. They lost the perfecto, the no-no and the shutout when Gregory Santos walked one batter and allowed Blake Burke, one of Tony Vitello’s players at Tennessee, to rip an RBI double down the right field line. No less encouraging for Ray, who has strung together nine no-hit innings his past two starts.
The Giants’ Jerar Encarnacion hit a mammoth blast estimated at 463 feet Sunday against the Brewers. Getty Images
Jerar and the Giant Blast: At 115 mph off the bat and an estimated 463 feet, Jerar Encarnacion delivered the Giants’ most gargantuan home run of the spring. In a twist of irony, Encarnacion went deep on a pitch that would have been called a ball. He fell behind in the count by unsuccessfully challenging a pitch closer to the plate. The out-of-options slugger has turned it on as attention has turned to those on the 26-man roster bubble: He has nine hits in his past 20 at-bats, four of them for extra bases.
Double-double: Matt Chapman continued his strong spring with three more hits in three at-bats, raising his average in Cactus League play to .448 with a 1.310 OPS. He went the other way for ground-rule doubles in his first two at-bats.
Caught my eye: Christian Koss and Grant McCray both showed what they could bring to the Giants’ bench, with Koss making an over-the-shoulder snow-cone catch on a pop-up behind second base and McCray bunting his way on and stealing two bags. However, McCray was caught leaning between second and third, and Koss was picked off for the second time in three games.
Up next: The Giants travel to Peoria, Arizona, on Monday to face the NL West-rival Padres for the second and final time this spring. Including Saturday’s 8-7 loss to the Diamondbacks, they will play each of their divisional foes over the final week of Cactus League play.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 13: Ketel Marte #4 (L) and Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 (R) of Team Dominican Republic great teammate Juan Soto #22 (C) before playing Team Korea of the quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot park on March 13, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The first semifinal of the 2026 World Baseball Classic is packed with about as much star power as you could hope for. The United States will be sending Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes to the mound opposite Luis Severino of the Dominican Republic (and the Athletics) with a trip to the final on the line.
As Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com noted, the US currently boasts a roster that includes nine players who received MVP votes in 2025, while the Dominican Republic boasts – you guessed it – nine players who received MVP votes in 2025, too.
Exactly zero of those players, or any of these players for that matter, are Cincinnati Reds. That doesn’t make it any less of a spectacle, of course, and this game is poised to be packed with action.
Here’s how the two clubs will line up:
United States
1. Bobby Witt Jr., SS 2. Bryce Harper, 1B 3. Aaron Judge, RF 4. Kyle Schwarber, DH 5. Gunnar Henderson, 3B 6. Will Smith, C 7. Roman Anthony, LF 8. Brice Turang, 2B 9. Pete Crow-Armstrong, CF
Dominican Republic
1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF 2. Ketel Marte, 2B 3. Juan Soto, LF 4. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B 5. Manny Machado, 3B 6. Junior Caminero, DH 7. Julio Rodríguez, CF 8. Austin Wells, C 9. Geraldo Perdomo, SS
First pitch is set for just after 8:00 PM in Miami’s loanDepot park, and game coverage can be found on FS1.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 09: Pitcher Shane Drohan #73 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of the spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix on March 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the headline suggests, there weren’t many positives in today’s game. The Brewers were just one out away from falling victim to a combined perfect game, ultimately losing 7–1 to the San Francisco Giants.
Giants starter Robbie Ray went five innings, racking up eight Ks in the process. Relievers Carson Seymour, Tristan Beck, and Matt Gage kept the perfect game going. Gregory Santos came in for the ninth and recorded two quick outs, but he lost the zone against prospect Cooper Pratt — throwing five consecutive pitches out of the strike zone to put Pratt on first. The next batter, Blake Burke, went down 0-2 before breaking up the no-hitter with a double down the right field line, scoring Pratt to give the Brewers their first and only run of the game. Unfortunately, that was where the scoring would end, as José Anderson struck out swinging to end the game.
Brewers starter Shane Drohan got hit around today, allowing six hits, four runs (three earned), and striking out five in four innings of work. He got through the first inning without allowing a run, with the Giants stranding Matt Chapman after a one-out double. The second inning was a different story. Drohan allowed a bunt single to Grant McCray before walking Bryce Eldridge, putting runners on first and second with nobody out. Up next was Jerar Encarnación, who smoked a high and inside cutter 463 feet to give the Giants a 3-0 lead. That brought up Christian Koss, who beat out an infield single to give the Giants yet another baserunner — still with nobody out.
With Casey Schmitt batting, catcher Reese McGuire threw Koss out trying to steal second. Schmitt ended up walking, prompting Brewers manager Pat Murphy to pull Drohan in favor of Kaleb Bowman. Bowman got Willy Adames to strike out swinging for the second out, but Chapman hit another double — this one a ground rule — to put runners on second and third. Bowman then walked Patrick Bailey to load the bases before getting Luis Matos to hit a weak grounder to shortstop David Hamilton. That should have been the third out, but Hamilton bounced the throw to first baseman Jake Bauers, and Bauers couldn’t handle it. Bailey and Chapman both scored on the throwing error to make it 5-0, San Francisco.
Bowman melted down after that, walking the next two batters to walk in another run before finally getting Encarnación to line out to Garrett Mitchell for the third out. Since it’s spring training, Drohan reentered the game for the third and fourth innings and managed to hold the Giants scoreless. San Francisco added another run on an Adames sacrifice fly in the sixth inning off of Jacob Waguespack, Waguespack’s first earned run of the spring.
San Francisco’s pitching staff combined to strike out eleven Brewers while allowing just one hit (Burke’s double) and walk (to Pratt). As a team, Milwaukee allowed 11 hits and walked six batters. Overall, this was a game to forget.
The Crew is back at it again tomorrow against the Los Angeles Dodgers. First pitch is slated for the same time as today’s game, 3:05 p.m.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 09: Pitcher River Ryan #77 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning of a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix on March 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A busy Sunday saw every position player in big league camp getting into a game, plus 12 others as the Dodgers blew out the Cubs 14-8 in Mesa and beat the Rangers 5-3 at Camelback Ranch.
Hyeseong Kim, back from the World Baseball Classic, singled and stole a base in Mesa against the Cubs. Mookie Betts hit his first home run this spring, off Cubs starter Jameson Taillon. Kyle Tucker hit a two-run shot of his own against the Rangers.
Rotation competition
With Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki firmly in the Dodgers rotation, there isn’t room for all three of Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan, and River Ryan to all start games at the beginning of the season. Sheehan and Ryan both started on Sunday, and each made strides toward a potential roster spot.
Ryan continued his impressive spring. After four singles plated a run in the first inning, he allowed only a walk the rest of the way, finishing with five strikeouts in his four innings of work. The issue this year with Ryan will be how the Dodgers will limit his innings after missing all of 2025 after Tommy John surgery. But performance-wise, he’s been the best and most consistent of the three vying for a rotation spot this spring.
Sheehan entered this spring with an inside track toward a rotation spot after a dominant final two months last season, but a flu sidelined him and kept him off the mound for a while. He hasn’t yet been able to fully stretch out, such that his 3 2/3 innings and 66 pitches on Sunday marked the first time Sheehan recorded more than seven outs this spring. A two-run home run in the third inning were the only runs Sheehan allowed on Sunday, but in his three outings and 38 batters faced this spring, he has as many walks (six) as strikeouts.
Ryder Ryan followed his brother River on the mound against the Rangers and pitched his longest outing of the spring with 2 2/3 innings with three strikeouts, and a two-run home run allowed. His 53 pitches were five more than his brother, who recorded four more outs.
Zach Ehrhard hit a two-run triple against the Cubs, and his three triples are tied for the major league lead this spring.
Waiting game
Gavin Stone missed all of last season after shoulder surgery, and after just one start this spring he was shut down with more shoulder soreness. The Dodgers will undoubtedly be cautious with his return, but the right-hander offered a peak into a rough timeline for what’s next.
Gavin Stone update…Stone told us earlier today he will begin playing catch next week… "Hopefully within the next month I can pitch off the mound."#Dodgers@AM570LASports
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 28: Zach Eflin #24 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Monday, July 28, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Alyssa Howell/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It took a while, but the Orioles are finally playing their first night game of spring training, taking on the Yankees under the lights at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.
Zach Eflin will make just his second start of spring training and first since his impressive two-inning debut March 5. Orioles beat reporters are generally assuming that Eflin won’t get enough innings this spring to be ready for the Opening Day roster, but the O’s haven’t indicated anything one way or the other about Eflin’s status. How he looks tonight might affect their decision.
Tyler O’Neill returns to the Orioles after Team Canada’s elimination from the World Baseball Classic. O’Neill was scalding hot for the O’s before leaving camp, but didn’t play particularly well in the WBC.
Curiously, Coby Mayo remains absent from the Orioles lineup. He hasn’t played since March 10, when he went 4-for-4 as the designated hitter. His last appearance at third base was the previous day, March 9. There haven’t been any reports of an injury, but you’d think the O’s would want Mayo to get as many game reps at third base as possible before the season begins. It’s strange.
Also still missing from the lineup is Ryan Mountcastle, who left the March 11 game after being hit in the hand. X-rays came back negative and Mountcastle was considered day-to-day. MASN’s Roch Kubatko reports that Mountcastle is expected to return tomorrow. Hopefully the same is true for Mayo.
Orioles lineup:
DH Taylor Ward CF Colton Cowser 1B Pete Alonso C Samuel Basallo RF Tyler O’Neill LF Heston Kjerstad 2B Blaze Alexander 3B Bryan Ramos SS José Barrero
RHP Zach Eflin
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Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) is congratulated by left fielder Tyrone Taylor (15) after scoring run in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Clover Park.
Observations from Mets spring training on Sunday.
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For a guy who just started playing Grapefruit League games a few days ago, Luis Robert Jr. has hit the ground running. He had two more hits as the Mets monitor his playing time in an effort to help him avoid the lower-body injuries that have plagued him in recent years.
Going… Going…
Carlos Mendoza praised a handful of players who were sent to the minors Sunday, with A.J. Ewing impressing in the outfield and right-hander Ryan Lambert out of the bullpen. Both could see Citi Field sooner or later.
Caught My Eye
After picking up just one hit over his previous seven spring training games, Marcus Semien blasted a 102 mph homer and added a 101 mph sacrifice fly against Toronto. The 35-year-old is coming off back-to-back subpar seasons at the plate in Texas.
Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) is congratulated by left fielder Tyrone Taylor (15) after scoring run in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Clover Park. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Monday’s Schedule
David Peterson gets the start against the Nationals at Clover Park, with first pitch at 6:10 p.m.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a single in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Clover Park.
PORT ST. LUCIE — The final piece of the Mets puzzle got on the field Sunday, discarding much of the concern that may have lingered about his potential Opening Day readiness.
Francisco Lindor played four innings at shortstop and received three plate appearances against the Blue Jays at Clover Park, giving the All-Star shortstop his first Grapefruit League action this spring.
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Lindor has spent the past month rehabbing from left hamate bone surgery and had just progressed to batting against live pitching in recent days.
Lindor finished 1-for-3 with a single in a game that was called after five innings because of rain. The Mets won 8-1.
“I felt pretty much like myself,” Lindor said. “I finished the game healthy. It was a good day for me.”
Lindor will likely have Monday off and then resume Grapefruit League action a day later. The Mets have spring training games through next weekend, ahead of the March 26 opener against the Pirates at Citi Field.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said in the aftermath of the surgery there wasn’t a firm timetable for Lindor to begin playing exhibition games.
“But we saw he was progressing, not only defensively but offensively, with the way he was swinging the bat in the cages, transitioning to the field, getting live at-bats,” Mendoza said.
Lindor, in his final at-bat Sunday, hit a ball to right field that carried home run distance, landing foul. It was perhaps a good first sign that Lindor’s power hasn’t been compromised by the surgery.
“I don’t think it’s going to take time for the power to be there,” Lindor said. “It’s one of those where I feel fine right now, I am in a good spot. I spent the whole offseason trying to hit the ball over 100 mph, even before my wrist injury. I hit two balls over 100 today. You swing and get the right pitch, and I am sure the ball is going to go where it’s supposed to go.”
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits a single in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Clover Park. Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesFrancisco Lindor has spent the past month rehabbing from left hamate bone surgery. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
He was asked if there are differences in how he feels physically, dependent on which side of the plate he is swinging.
“There’s a little bit of difference, but I feel good from both sides,” Lindor said. “There’s going to be a test throughout the rest of spring training and when I face people … I am in a good spot.”
Lindor became the second starting position player to begin exhibition games this week: Luis Robert Jr. debuted in the Grapefruit League on Thursday after the Mets slow-played his spring to ensure his legs were strengthened.
On this day, Lindor got to mesh in a game with new double-play partner Marcus Semien. Bo Bichette was at third base, with Brett Baty at first.
“It was cool to play ball with Marcus,” Lindor said. “At one point I looked to my side and I was like, ‘Wow, I have got a shortstop next to me’ … it was a cool day.”
Among the tests Lindor faced was a dive, landing on his hand, on a ball that shot through the middle.
“There was one hesitation, when I hit the ground I was like, ‘Uh, that’s different,’ ” Lindor said. “But I got up and was OK. The training staff has said to me whenever there’s a little pain, as long as it goes away, you’re in a good spot, and that is what’s happened. It did not make me timid. The rest of the game allowed me to continue to play at full speed and it gives you confidence that you can have that not in the back of your mind.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 13: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States looks on during a game against Team Canada during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Editor’s note: We have Yankees in separate games tonight and since we’ve been preparing game threads for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Baseball Classics, we’re blending both together tonight! No need to make people go to separate threads for different conversations at the same time. The Yankees’ spring training game against the Orioles is up first, so we’ll run through what you need to know for that one first.
New York Yankees @ Baltimore Orioles: Paul Blackburn vs. Zach Eflin
The Yankees got torched in the early game of split-squad action, Luis Gil surrendering seven runs on nine hits in just three innings as the Tigers made it a laugher early. That brings us to the nightcap, the other half of the current spring team traveling to Sarasota to take on the Orioles.
Paul Blackburn was one of many players who the Yankees brought back from last season, re-signing on a one-year, $2 million deal in January. He has generally looked sharp in four appearances this spring with a 1.46 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 12.1 innings. His fastball velocity is up, which should help him retain his longman roll with the team and serve as rotation insurance alongside Ryan Yarbrough.
Zach Eflin re-signed with the Orioles in December after missing the final two months of last season due to lower back surgery. He had a 5.93 ERA prior to the procedure and looked a shadow of the Rays righty who quickly excelled for the Orioles post-deadline in 2024. He has pitched just two innings so far this spring in his recovery.
The Yankees still have plenty of regulars in the lineup despite it being a split-squad day. Ben Rice leads off, followed by Jasson Domínguez, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and José Caballero. Spencer Jones looks to continue his searing spring despite being optioned to minor-league camp, the towering lefty going 8-for-24 with four home runs, eight RBIs, and a 226 wRC+ in 11 games.
The Orioles field their strongest lineup minus WBC starter Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday, out with a broken hamate. Taylor Ward was acquired from the Angels over the winter for the promising but oft-injured Grayson Rodriguez — he leads off while marquee signing Pete Alonso bats third. Top prospect Samuel Basallo is slashing .320/.414/.560 with a 149 wRC+ in 10 games this spring, and though he’ll likely see more DH time from the jump, he has a chance to displace Adley Rutschman from the starting catching job. He’ll bat cleanup.
USA vs. Dominican Republic: Paul Skenes vs. Luis Severino
It’s a battle of the titans in the first WBC semifinal, Team USA taking on the Dominican Republic for the right to play in the Championship Game on Tuesday in Miami against the winner of Italy vs. Venezuela (which will begin tomorrow night).
Team USA stumbled against Italy in pool play, backing into the knockout rounds via a Mexico loss in their final game. They got back ont track against Canada in the quarterfinals, beating them 5-3 behind a good effort from starter Logan Webb. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic has been far and away the dominant force of this tournament, going undefeated in pool play and scoring double digit runs in all but one of their five total games. They’ve outscored the opposition by a combined total of 51-10.
There is perhaps no pitcher in the world who Team USA would want on the mound more to face the seemingly unstoppable Dominican lineup than Paul Skenes. The reigning NL Cy Young winner was utterly dominant in his lone start of the tournament — four scoreless innings against Mexico in pool play, allowing a hit and a walk with seven strikeouts. He will need to replicate that form tonight if Team USA is to keep within touching distance of their opponents.
Luis Severino was no slouch either in his previous start this tournament, allowing a run on three hits and no walks with five strikeouts across four innings in a 12-1 beatdown of the Netherlands. He’s no longer the power pitcher of his back-to-back All-Star campaigns with the Yankees last decade, instead transforming himself into a pitcher with more ways to get batters out. His six-pitch arsenal of four-seamer, sweeper, sinker, cutter, changeup, and slider keeps hitters off balance, meaning Severino now relies more on soft contact than strikeouts and swing and miss to record outs. With all due respect to the Dutch though, he has a more daunting starting nine to face tonight.
It’s fair to say that the Team USA lineup has fully clicked in only one game this tournament — a 15-5 drubbing of Brazil in the tournament opener. Aaron Judge, Roman Anthony, and Kyle Schwarber have largely carried the offense, while guys like Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, and Byron Buxton just haven’t shown up at all. Pete Crow-Armstrong and Will Smith therefore get the start in center and behind the plate, while Harper remains as part of a largely-unchanged top four of the order. They manage to squeeze in their three best infielders, Bobby Witt Jr. joined by Gunnar Henderson and Brice Turang, the latter pair combining to go 12-for-25 this tournament.
The potent Dominican Republic lineup swept aside Korea, 10-0, in the quarterfinals, and you have to wonder how any pitcher could be expected to keep them in check. They boast All-Stars and MVP candidates at eight out of nine positions, the whole squad hitting to a ludicrous 1.090 OPS over five games. That being said, they are a combined 3-for-27 against Skenes in the young ace’s career. It’s still a gauntlet: Fernando Tatís Jr., Ketel Marte, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Junior Caminero, Julio Rodríguez, Austin Wells, and Geraldo Perdomo. Good luck to Skenes — or perhaps more relevantly to David Bednar and the other American bullpen arms behind the Pittsburgh star.
