The Cubs didn’t send too many regulars to Glendale to face the White Sox — Michael Busch, Miguel Amaya (back from the WBC) and Moisés Ballesteros were the only ones among 40-man roster players, and Michael Conforto and Chas McCormick among the non-roster guys trying to make the team.
Plus, it was basically a bullpen day for the Cubs pitching staff.
Riley Martin, a left-hander who might be in the Iowa Shuttle mix this year, allowed the Sox one run in two innings of work. One thing Martin got was the benefit of an inning-ending strikeout when Amaya successfully challenged a call [VIDEO].
Instead of ball 2, that wound up being strike three. Again, this is really good practice for the regular season, though it wouldn’t be that often you’d see this sort of ABS challenge in the first inning.
Ethan Roberts threw a scoreless third, and then the Sox scored a pair off Collin Snider in the fourth and fifth, one of the runs unearned, and another run off Jeff Brigham in the sixth.
That ball was well struck and could have gone for a double, but instead it was ruled a two-base error on Jarred Kelenic. That’s a bit surprising, as I have seen many plays this spring that I thought were errors that were ruled hits. In any case, Amaya looks great. If he stays healthy I think he’s going to have a big year.
Also perhaps primed for a big year is Ballesteros, who went 2-for-3. Busch went 1-for-3 as the DH in this game.
The Cubs loaded the bases with nobody out in the seventh off former Cub Sean Newcomb, but two strikeouts and a popup ended the inning with no runs scoring. Newcomb actually looked pretty good and he had a very good year split between the Red Sox and A’s in 2025. If he’d have done that with the Cubs (17 games with a 9.13 ERA in 2022) he’d probably still be a Cub. Just shows you how fungible relievers are.
After that it was all minor leaguers finishing up things.
The Cubs will visit Salt River Fields in Scottsdale to take on the Rockies Saturday afternoon. Ben Brown will start for the Cubs and Kyle Freeland will go for the Rox. Game time Saturday is 3:10 p.m. CT. No TV Saturday, but there will be a radio broadcast via WSCR The Score.
SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: A general view of the exterior of Surprise Stadium is seen prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Firstly, this is going up early as it will also be a thread for the WBC quarter-finals, which get under way very shortly. We start with the appetizer of Korea taking on the Dominican Republic, and at 5 pm Arizona, we get the main course: USA vs. Canada. That’s of particular interest to us, because the Diamondbacks’ Michael Soroka will be starting on the mound for Team Moose. After their manager thinking they had already sauntered into the knock-out stages, before the Italians proved otherwise, I suspect America will not be taking this game with anything other than the utmost seriousness.
As for the Diamondbacks, they have a night game today. Mind you, given how the weather is looking for next week, might be worth moving ALL games to the evening, and this seems to be happening in some case.
Extreme heat here in Az expected in the coming days. Teams are rescheduling day games for night ones. Supposed to reach 100 degrees earliest ever in Phoenix.
Gamewise, let’s just hope today goes better than Wednesday and Thursday, where the D-backs were outscored by a margin of 25-4. While the pitching (clearly) hasn’t been good, the offense has basically evaporated over the past week or more. Over the past ten games, Arizona has scored a total of only twenty-one runs, and has not delivered (hypothetical spring) tacos in that time. Of course, it is only spring training. But, still…
Not quite got tonight’s line-up for the D-backs at this stage – I’ll update this a bit nearer first pitch in Surprise. But it is scheduled to be Merrill Kelly’s return to the mound as he ramps up again after his back problem. Following him, expect RHP Andrew Hoffmann, LHP Philip Abner, RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Paul Sewald, RHP Isaiah Campbell, RHP Jonathan Loáisiga and RHP Bryce Jarvis. And after what feels like forever, tonight’s game is reported to be available to watch, though it will be the Kansas City feed you’ll get. Personally, I look forward to getting the inevitable “The content you requested is not available. Please try again later” message from MLB.
Mar. 10, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: USA catcher Joe Mauer (7) talks to Canada infielder Joey Votto (19) during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field. USA defeated Canada 9-4 to advance to the next round. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Reds are playing a pair of Cactus League games on Friday evening down in the desert of Arizona, but neither of those games are televised. What is televised this fine Friday evening, however, is more World Baseball Classic action.
Down in Miami, the Dominican Republic will play South Korea, with the DR serving as the home team in this Quarterfinals matchup. Veteran lefty Hyun Jin Ryu will toe the rubber for South Korea, while Philadelphia’s burgeoning ace Cristopher Sánchez – a fellow lefty – will start for the Dominican. That game can be viewed on FS2 and FOX Deportes, with first pitch at loanDepot park set for 6:30 PM ET.
The nightcap will feature the United States squad facing off against Team Canada from Daikin Park down in Houston. San Francisco Giants bulldog righty Logan Webb will start for the US while Arizona Diamondbacks righty Mike Soroka will go for Canada. First pitch in that game is slated for 8:00 PM ET, and that game will be carried on FOX (and on FOX Deportes).
You can find more information (such as tonight’s lineups and overall rosters) at MLB.com’s World Baseball Classic page.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 22: Yency Almonte #38 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 22, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers take on the Seattle Mariners on Friday night in Peoria.
Lineup
Miguel Rojas DH Kyle Tucker RF Teoscar Hernández LF Alex Call CF Santiago Espinal 3B Alex Freeland SS Nick Senzel 2B James Tibbs III 1B Eliézer Alfonzo C
Landon Knack starts for the Dodgers.
Other pitchers
Blake Treinen, Ben Casparius, Will Klein, and Edgardo Henriquez are scheduled to pitch on Friday.
Veteran right-handers Yency Almonte (wearing number 93) and Keynan Middleton (95) are active in a big league game for the first time this spring. Each signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers. Also active are Kelvin Ramirez (90) and Matt Lanzendorfer (87).
Other position players
Michael Siani makes the trip to Peoria, as do non-roster invitees Ryan Fitzgerald, Zach Ehrhard, Noah Miller, Zyhir Hope, and Seby Zavala.
Up from minor league camp are Chris Newell (00), Griffin Lockwood-Powell (92), Charles Davalan (01), Austin Gauthier (89), Yeiner Fernandez (02), and Kyle Nevin (91).
MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 8: Justin Wrobleski #70 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch during a Spring Training game against the Athletics at HoHoKam Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The second and final battle of Camelback Ranch is upon us on Saturday afternoon, with the Dodgers taking on the White Sox, this time with Chicago as the home team.
Back on February 26, the Dodgers beat the White Sox 7-6 in their first meeting this spring. These two teams will meet during the regular season from June 12-14 in Chicago, with a weekend rematch of the 1959 World Series.
On Saturday, Justin Wrobleski continues his march toward a potential rotation spot, making his fourth appearance of spring training, and his third start. The left-hander pitched three scoreless innings last Sunday against the A’s.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 11: A view of a Canadian flag prior to the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool A game presented by Capital One between Team Canada and Team Cuba at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
We have two quarter final WBC games today.
6:30 PM: Korea vs. Dominican Republic
Hyun Jim Ryu, who you might remember, starts for Korea. Cristopher Sánchez for DR. Vlad is in the cleanup spot.
8:00 PM: USA vs. Canada. Logan Webb starts for the US. Mike Soroka for Canada.
Mar 9, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States outfielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a two run home run in the third inning against Mexico at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Happy Friday, all! The Yankees played earlier today in spring training against the Braves, but a few other Yankees are actually playing tonight. And since the World Baseball Classic is now in the knockout stage, how about we have a game thread for tonight’s two contests?
First up is the Dominican Republic, who looked an absolute powerhouse while steamrolling to a 4-0 record in Pool D. They obliterated Nicaragua, Israel, and the Netherlands by a combined score of 34-5 before beating rival Venezuela in the last game to earn the top spot in the pool. The 7-5 final score doesn’t reflect how in control the D.R. felt, as it was 7-3 for most of the game until Venezuela scratched off some runs in the ninth.
Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero, Ketel Marte, and that familiar Juan Soto fella all had OPS’s north of 1.000 during the four games, and Yankees catcher Austin Wells chipped in a homer, too. They are hungry to match the feats of the the undefeated, Robinson Canó-led 2013 Dominican Republic squad, their only champions in tournament history.
The D.R. is a force to be reckoned with, but it also doesn’t matter how overwhelming they were in pool play. If they slip just once and they lose, it’s over. And South Korea is no foe that should be easily dismissed. They finished second to Japan in Pool A play, but they put a scare into the defending champions during their head-to-head. A narrow extra-innings loss to Chinese Taipei meant that they had to both defeat Australia in their last game, and do so by a wide enough margin to overcome the tiebreakers.
Korea did the job, with a timely sacrifice fly in the ninth giving them that last run they needed to push by the Aussies in a 7-2 triumph. They have a few MLB players on their club in Jung Hoo Lee, Shay Whitcomb, and 2024 Yankees bench player Jahmai Jones, but the true star in pool play was 25-year-old masher Bo Gyeong Moon, who homered twice and posted a 1.779 OPS across the four games. Although Korea is respected as a baseball power and won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, this is actually their first appearance past the WBC’s first round since the tourney’s early days, when they were knocked out by Japan in both the 2006 semifinals and the 2009 championship game.
The starting pitching matchup for this is a fun one too, as 2025 NL Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sánchez squares off with one of the few active players remaining from Korea’s Olympic heroes, former Dodgers/Blue Jays standout Hyun Jin Ryu.
How to watch
Dominican Republic vs. Korea Pitching Matchup: LHP Cristopher Sánchez vs. LHP Hyun Jin Ryu Time: 6:30 pm ET TV: FS2 Location: loanDepot Park — Miami, FL
Oh, Team USA. They should be thanking their lucky stars (and stripes) that they’re still alive in this thing. Manager Mark DeRosa nearly screwed the pooch the other day when he signaled that he was punting the Pool B finale against Italy when the Americans were not, in fact, guaranteed of a quarterfinals spot just yet. Bryce Harper, Alex Bregman, and Cal Raleigh all sat, and for as much as I think he’s a decent pitcher, DeRosa stuck with Yankees swingman Ryan Yarbrough for too long in the middle innings despite better bullpen options as the Italians built just enough of a surprising lead that it was too much to overcome. If Mexico had beaten Italy the next day by the right score, then this dream team would’ve had its WBC end in a nightmare.
But hey! It’s all in the past now, and if they win three games, then Team USA will be WBC champions and that will all be a dumb footnote. We’ll see if baseball karma exists and gives underdog Canada a little extra pep in their step against the Aaron Judge and the Americans tonight. Judge had a rough final game of the pool and struck out to end it, but he was also essential to their win over Mexico and ended that first round with a 1.054 OPS. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong homered twice against Italy, and the USA offense has also seen great work from Roman Anthony, Gunnar Henderson, and Kyle Schwarber.
To their credit, Canada outright won Pool A with W’s over Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Panama, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time since the WBC began in 2006. It was an overdue achievement for a country that has produced stars like Fergie Jenkins, Larry Walker, and Joey Votto. Josh Naylor and his brother, Bo, are among the more recognizable faces on this Canadian club, in addition to Tyler O’Neill and old friend Jameson Taillon. The retired James Paxton is also in their bullpen, amusingly. Pool A’s best hitters were the Royals’ Abraham Toro (late of the 2025 Red Sox) and Marlins prospect Owen Caissie (who led the Cubs’ package for Edward Cabrera), who both topped the 1.450 OPS mark.
The Giants’ Logan Webb will get the ball for this one after four innings of one-hit ball against Brazil in the WBC opener, the only blemish a leadoff solo shot by Manny Ramirez’s son, Lucas. (Yes, my back just suffered a twinge writing that. Don’t get me started on actual child Joseph Contreras.) Canada’s pitching is its weak point, as Arizona’s Michael Soroka doesn’t exactly measure up to Webb, who has earned Cy Young votes in four consecutive seasons. Maybe the 2019 Braves version of Soroka could measure up, but he’s had a rough go of it since brutal injuries ravaged his promising career. Then again, the Americans looked like crap again Michael Lorenzen, who had to settle for a contract with the Rockies. You never know with baseball, Suzyn.
How to watch
United States vs. Canada Pitching Matchup: RHP Logan Webb vs. RHP Michael Soroka Time: 8:00 pm ET TV: Fox Location: Daikin Park — Houston, TX
Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will tangle with those garbage can banging Houston Astros (sorry, but I can’t let it go) in a Spring Training game on Friday, March 13, 2026. According to MLB.com, Kyle Leahy will get his 4th start of the Spring while the New York Mets will send RHP Kai-Wei Teng to the mound.
This is your official game thread for the two World Baseball Classic quarterfinal games that will take place today. Here’s all the info you’ll need.
5:30 p.m. CT: Korea vs. Dominican Republic at loanDepot park, Miami. Pitchers: Hyun-Jin Ryu (LHP) vs. Cristopher Sánchez (LHP). TV: FS2, Fox Deportes. There are also radio broadcasts via Sirius XM (Channel 175) and streaming on MLB Audio. MLB.com Gameday
7 p.m. CT: USA vs. Canada at Daikin Park, Houston. Pitchers: Logan Webb (RHP) vs. Michael Soroka (RHP). TV: Fox-TV, Fox Deportes. There are also radio broadcasts via Sirius XM (Channel 89) and streaming on MLB Audio. MLB.com Gameday
That’s all you should need for tonight’s games. Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves. There will be another game thread tomorrow for those quarterfinal games, and for the rest of the games in the WBC.
Feb 24, 2023; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Taylor Rogers (left) and identical twin brother Tyler Rogers pose for a portrait together during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It’s a full day of baseball down in the desert as the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants go up against one another twice in split-squad action at both teams’ home parks.
Chase Burns will toe the rubber in the early game, which will begin at 7:05 PM ET. That one’s on the road in Scottsdale at the Giants complex, and a lineup spearheaded by TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Will Benson, and JJ Bleday will back him. Top prospect Tyson Lewis is also in the linep as the DH for the evening as that half of the Reds takes on San Francisco righty Landen Roupp.
There’s no televised feed for that one, but you’ll be able to follow along with San Francisco’s radio broadcast through MLB.com if you so choose.
Over in Goodyear, the other half of the Reds will host the Giants in a game set to begin at 9:05 PM ET under the lights. Brady Singer will get the start opposite Giants lefty Carson Whisenhunt, and the Reds defense behind Singer will feature Elly De La Cuz, Spencer Steer (getting a start at 2B), Sal Stewart at 1B, and Noelvi Marte getting some run in CF. Top prospect Alfredo Duno is in the lineup for that one, but he’ll DH as Tyler Stephenson takes the catching duties.
That game, too, will be untelevised. The Cincinnati radio broadcast crew will be following it, however, so you’ll be able to listen in via MLB.com (or you can fire up your transistor radio and catch it via Amplitude Modulation station 700 WLW).
Hat tip to Redleg Nation’s Doug Gray for posting the travel rosters for both games via Bluesky. Steele Hall is among the reserves for the team in Goodyear, while Ivan Johnson is on the bench for the game in Scottsdale fresh off his appearance for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Kai-Wei Teng #17 of the Houston Astros throws a bullpen during spring training workouts at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 12, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros (7-9-3) travel to Jupiter, FL to face the St. Louis Cardinals (10-8-1) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Kai-Wei Teng gets his first start of the Spring for Houston, opposed by RHP Kyle Leahy of St. Louis.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, March 13, 5:05 p.m. CST
Location: Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter, FL
J. Wetherholt – 2B Victor Scott – CF N. Velazquez – DH Pedro Pages – C M. Koperniak – RF Blaze Jordan – 1B R. Mendoza – 3B Jeremy Rivas – SS C. Ledbetter – LF
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: Juan Mejia #47 of the Dominican Republic reacts to getting out of the fifth inning against Venezuelaat loanDepot park on March 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a long and exhilarating group stage, the 2026 World Baseball Classic has seen itself narrowed from 20 teams to eight.
Brazil, Czechia, Nicaragua, and Panama—all having finished at the bottom of their respective pools—have been relegated. These four teams will need to re-qualify for the main tournament in 2029. Meanwhile, the United States, Canada, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Japan, Korea, Italy, and Puerto Rico have all advanced to the knockout stage.
These eight remaining teams will play single elimination games tonight and tomorrow as the field is further cleared down to the last two teams standing for March 17th’s championship bout in Miami, Florida.
Game No. 1: Korea (대한민국) at Dominican Republic (República Dominicana)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
One of three Pool C teams to finish group play with a 2-2 record, Korea knocked out Australia and Chinese Taipei by way of tiebreakers and an incredibly exciting match-up against Samurai Japan. Now Korea is fighting for their first top four World Baseball Classic result since they took home the silver medal in 2009.
Korea will be led tonight by starting pitcher and former MLB star Hyun-jin Ryu. Ryu will be making his second start of the tournament. The 39-year-old lefty worked three innings of one run baseball—off a solo home run—against Chinese Taipei and struck out three batters during the group round.
One of just three 4-0 teams represents a sturdy wall against Korea’s aspirations. The team from the Dominican Republic is absolutely stacked with current and former big league talent on their roster and coaching staff. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Fernando Tatis Jr have been excellent at the plate, backed up by strong pitching that includes current Rockies reliever Juan Mejia and former Rockies reliever Carlos Estévez.
Making the start for the Dominican Republic is 2024 Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Cristopher Sánchez. The left-handed starter wasn’t his sharpest his last time out against Nicaragua, giving up three earned runs on six hits and a walk over 1 1/3 innings. He did, however, strike out four batters in the first inning to escape a bases loaded jam.
First Pitch: 4:30 PM MDT
TV: FS2
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
LHP Hyun-jin Ryu vs LHP Cristopher Sánchez
Game No. 2: United States at Canada
Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA
It may sound unlikely, but the powerhouse United States team enters the knockout stage as one of the more controversial teams in this year’s tournament. Despite being one of the most talented rosters on paper, Mark DeRosa’s squad has been accused of not taking the World Baseball Classic seriously this year. From not being aware they were on the verge of elimination, to the manager not knowing who was in his own bullpen, to Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh refusing to shake the hand of MLB teammate and Team Mexico outfielder Randy Arozarena’s hand, the Americans have been in the news for all the wrong reasons.
Thanks to a commanding win by undefeated Italy over Mexico, the United States made it to the knockout stage and will be led on the mound by San Francisco Giants righty Logan Webb. Webb pitched a near-flawless four innings during the group stage against Brazil. He struck out six batters and his only blemish was a single hit—a solo home run off the bat of Lucas Ramirez.
USA’s opponent tonight will be Team Canada, who have made the knockout stage for the first time in the history of the World Baseball Classic as the surprise top seed of Pool A. Even though they’re the top seed, Canada remains the underdog. The squad from America’s hat hasn’t defeated the squad from Canada’s pants since the 2006 tournament. They might have some extra motivation as they seek to avenge Team Canada’s loss in the 2026 Olympic hockey finals.
Arizona Diamondbacks righty Michael Soroka will take the mound for the Maples. He pitched three innings of one run baseball against Colombia his last time out with two strikeouts.
Mar 13, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Daulton Varsho (5) hit a three run home run against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Twins 1 Blue Jays 6
A win.
Cody Ponce had troubles finding the strike zone, but he didn’t give up a run. He gave up 4 walks and 2 hits, with 2 strikeouts. He came out of the game with 2 out in the second inning and then came back in to get the first out of the third inning. His ERA is 1.13 this spring, though he was very lucky today to have no runs against.
Others:
Michael Plassmeyer: Got the last out of the second.
Mar 7, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
