The San Diego Padres and former All-Star outfielder Nick Castellanos agreed to a one-year contrac...

The San Diego Padres and former All-Star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a> agreed to a one-year contract, the team announced Sunday.Castellanos is expected to play first base for the Padres, per <a href="https://x.com/dennistlin/status/2022675590336385386?s=20">Dennis Lin of The Athletic</a>, who adds the 13-year veteran will also see time in the outfield and as a designated hitter.The 33-year-old will be paid the league minimum ($780,000) with the Padres, reports <a href="http://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2022674605559656526?s=20">Jon Heyman of MLB Network</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Philadelphia Phillies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3477713" href="https://thescore.com/news/3477713">released</a> Castellanos on Thursday with $20 million left on his contract. The club will be on the hook for $19.22 million of the player's salary in 2026.The Phillies benched Castellanos for a game last June because he brought a beer into the dugout after he was removed for a defensive replacement against the Miami Marlins.Castellanos went deep 17 times with 72 RBIs and a .694 OPS in 142 games in 2025. He's just one season removed from a 23-homer, 86-RBI campaign with a 104 wRC+ over a career-high 162 contests in 2024.The Padres also made a few moves Saturday to add depth to the back of their rotation.San Diego reached an agreement with right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9562">Griffin Canning</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/2022675819278323907?s=20">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>. The club also brought in 2021 All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5650" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5650">Germán Márquez</a> on a one-year pact, reports <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/2022778496813355242?s=20">Alden Gonzalez of ESPN</a>, citing a source.Canning authored a 3.77 ERA with 8.3 K/9 over 76 1/3 innings (16 starts) for the New York Mets last season before rupturing his Achilles tendon in late June. Márquez posted a 6.70 ERA with 5.9 K/9 in 126 1/3 innings (26 starts) in 2025 for the Colorado Rockies during a rough first year back after Tommy John surgery.Márquez's deal includes a mutual option to push some of the guaranteed money into a buyout, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2022789841076076566?s=20">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.The 30-year-old spent the first 10 years of his career with the Rockies.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 18: Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies high-fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run in the fifth inning during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on May 18, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 1-0.

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Padres add Castellanos after high-profile split with Phillies

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — NASCAR is moving the start time of Sunday's Daytona 500 up one hour be...

<div>
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — NASCAR is moving the start time of Sunday's Daytona 500 up one hour because of the threat of inclement weather.
The green flag is now scheduled for 2:13 p.m. Eastern at Daytona International Speedway.
William Byron will try to become the first driver in history to win the Daytona 500 in three consecutive years when the 68th running of “The Great American Race” <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-hamlin-preview-clash-daytona-490022e9fe82dd2217040f3c9181fb4c">opens the NASCAR season</a>.
<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>
Byron won last year’s event in overtime after race leader Denny Hamlin got spun on the final lap, igniting a multicar crash. Byron ended up passing eight cars on the last lap to return to victory lane.
Kyle Busch earned his first Daytona 500 pole, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nascar-daytona-500-qualifying-busch-0409c75e1f5abc9d9d0b584e111ec320">landing the No. 1 starting position during qualifying</a> Wednesday. It came as he gets ready to start his 21st Daytona 500 and tries to end the longest current skid in the garage.
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AP auto racing: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing">https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing</a>
</div>

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Daytona 500 signage on display during Media Day for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 12, 2025 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Daytona 500 start time moved up an hour as bad weather looms

North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson fractured his left hand during the first half of Tuesday's lo...

North Carolina forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172616" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172616">Caleb Wilson</a> fractured his left hand during the first half of Tuesday's loss versus Miami, the Tar Heels announced Thursday.North Carolina has yet to announce a timetable for Wilson's return."X-rays taken during the game were negative, and he returned to play later in the second half versus the Hurricanes, but additional imaging done in Chapel Hill revealed the fracture," the Tar Heels said in a statement. "The evaluation process is ongoing to determine the timetable for Wilson's return."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>As a freshman, Wilson is averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season.The 19-year-old projects to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 30: Caleb Wilson #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts during the second half of a basketball game against the Florida State Seminoles at Dean E. Smith Center on December 30, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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North Carolina's Wilson out indefinitely with hand fracture

The Los Angeles Dodgers and infielder Max Muncy agreed to a one-year, $10-million contract extens...

The Los Angeles Dodgers and infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4250" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4250">Max Muncy</a> agreed to a one-year, $10-million contract extension Thursday.Muncy, a two-time All-Star, will earn $7 million in 2027 with a $3-million buyout. The deal also includes a $10-million club option for 2028.The three-time World Series champion will make $10 million this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Muncy, 35, has hit 209 homers with 587 RBIs and an .843 OPS over 924 games with the Dodgers since 2018.The 10-year veteran is the franchise's all-time playoff home run leader with 16 in 79 contests.The Dodgers are also brought back utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2444">Enrique Hernández</a>, who confirmed the deal Thursday in an Instagram post.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kiké Hernández is re-signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Kiké Hernández. <a href="https://t.co/voxneiPlvI">pic.twitter.com/voxneiPlvI</a>— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray/status/2022005696209051878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>His one-year contract is worth $4.5 million, the Dodgers announced.Hernández, who's won three titles with Los Angeles, hit 10 homers with 35 RBIs and a .621 OPS in 92 games last season.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Max Muncy #13 and Enrique Hernández #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after a sacrifice fly results in the first score of the game in the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game four of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Dodgers extend Muncy on 1-year, $10M deal, re-sign Kiké Hernández

Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz appeared not to know an important detail about the k...

Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz appeared not to know an important detail about the key player coming back to his team in the Luis Robert Jr. trade with the New York Mets.Since acquiring infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15424" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15424">Luisangel Acuña</a> in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3460628" href="https://thescore.com/news/3460628">Jan. 21 deal</a>, Getz publicly praised the 23-year-old but has also called him a switch-hitter several times. Acuña, however, bats right-handed.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Great job by many of you flagging this. Here are FOUR different times this offseason where <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhiteSox?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhiteSox</a> GM Chris Getz has referred to Luisangel Acuña as a switch hitter. Acuña is, in fact, NOT a switch hitter. Not great. Four times isn’t a misspeak. <a href="https://t.co/yYYsHBH49w">pic.twitter.com/yYYsHBH49w</a>— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sam_Phalen/status/2021695837609263610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Getz jokingly issued a statement Thursday that appeared to confirm he didn't know Acuña only hits from one side.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"So, I probably have been getting carried away describing his versatility," Getz said. "He can play every position on the field. Why does it have to stop there? I called Luisangel and told him that even though he's just right-handed, we still love him."Acuña is the younger brother of Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 11: General Manager Chris Getz of the Chicago White Sox looks on before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Rate Field on August 11, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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White Sox GM mislabels Luisangel Acuña as a switch-hitter several times

Justin Verlander has a championship on his mind as he returns to the Detroit Tigers.  The future ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> has a championship on his mind as he returns to the Detroit Tigers.The future Hall of Fame pitcher, who spent the first 13 years of his career in Detroit, has won a pair of World Series with the Houston Astros (2017, 2022). However, he failed to secure a championship in two trips to the Fall Classic during his first Tigers tenure (2006, 2012)."The one thing I would like to accomplish in Detroit that I had a couple shots at that I really regret not achieving was a World Series title," Verlander said Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/2021963996627349754?s=20">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The three-time Cy Young winner said he started contemplating a Tigers reunion at the end of the 2025 season while suiting up for the San Francisco Giants."I was sitting there thinking about where I wanted to be, and Detroit just kept coming to my mind," Verlander <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/2021960966380863984?s=20">added</a>. "As soon as the season was over, I called Scott (Harris), Chris (Ilitch), and A.J. (Hinch) and let my intentions be known. ... At first, it didn't seem like there was much room for me. We had some very candid conversations, Scott and I, and unfortunately, there were some things that happened recently where some innings they were planning on aren't going to be filled, so I think that opened the door."The 42-year-old Verlander, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3476150" href="https://thescore.com/news/3476150">signed</a> a one-year, $13-million contract to play his 21st season, joined the club's rotation after right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15420">Reese Olson</a> underwent surgery for a torn labrum, which will sideline him for the 2026 season.During his first stint with the Tigers, Verlander won AL MVP (2011), AL Cy Young (2011), and AL Rookie of the Year (2006) to go along with six All-Star nods and four campaigns with at least 239 strikeouts.Detroit is likely to enter the 2026 campaign as the favorite to win the AL Central.

DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 24: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park on September 24, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Twins 10-1.

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Verlander wants to win World Series with Tigers: 'Regret' not doing so

Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder Corbin Carroll underwent surgery Wednesday after breaking th...

Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12531" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12531">Corbin Carroll</a> underwent surgery Wednesday after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand, the club announced.Carroll won't suit up for the United States during the World Baseball Classic in March, and his status for Opening Day is uncertain.The 25-year-old suffered the injury during batting practice Tuesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Francisco Lindor and Jackson Holliday are other notable MLB players dealing with hamate injuries to start spring training.Last season, Carroll hit 31 homers and an MLB-best 17 triples to go along with 84 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and an .883 OPS in 143 games en route to finishing sixth in NL MVP voting.The 2023 NL Rookie of the Year also accrued a career-high 6.5 fWAR in 2025.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 09: Corbin Carroll #7 of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the MLB game at Chase Field on June 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Mariners 8-4 in 11 innings.

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Carroll undergoes surgery on hamate bone, will miss WBC

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday will start the 2026 season on the injured list,...

Baltimore Orioles second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15504" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15504">Jackson Holliday</a> will start the 2026 season on the injured list, the club said Wednesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/masnRoch/status/2021602728384889268?s=20">MASN's Roch Kubatko</a>.He'll undergo surgery Thursday for a broken right hamate bone, Kubatko adds.Team president of baseball operations Mike Elias said Holliday suffered the injury Feb. 6, one day after the club traded for infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13884" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13884">Blaze Alexander</a>, per <a href="https://x.com/ByMattWeyrich/status/2021603436005818701?s=20">Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Corbin Carroll and Francisco Lindor are other notable MLB players dealing with hamate injuries to start spring training.Holliday hit .242/.314/.375 with 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases last season. The 22-year-old was projected to be Baltimore's Opening Day leadoff hitter in 2026.Alexander and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12350" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12350">Jeremiah Jackson</a> are among the candidates to open the season at second base until Holliday returns.The Orioles selected Holliday with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 7: Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on from the dugout in the fourth inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on May 7, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Orioles' Holliday to have surgery on hamate bone, will start season on IL

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will be evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hama...

New York Mets shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a> will be evaluated for a stress reaction in his left hamate bone, president of baseball operations David Stearns said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/2021299220225876376?s=20">Jorge Castillo of ESPN</a>.Lindor is meeting with a specialist Wednesday to determine the next course of action, according to <a href="https://x.com/DPLennon/status/2021304567120490818?s=20">David Lennon of Newsday</a>.Stearns added that Lindor may need surgery, which would include a six-week recovery, but the executive is confident that the five-time All-Star will be ready for Opening Day if he undergoes the procedure, according to Castillo.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stearns also said Lindor's injury is a recent development and that the Mets had no say in whether he was cleared to play in the World Baseball Classic, per <a href="https://x.com/AlbaneseLaura/status/2021301766021656644?s=20">Laura Albanese of Newsday</a>.The 32-year-old was left off Puerto Rico's roster for the WBC due to insurance issues.Lindor hit 31 homers with 86 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, and an .811 OPS over 160 games last season.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 02: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets reacts to his fly ball out during the seventh inning in a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Lindor has stress reaction in hamate bone, may require surgery

The Detroit Tigers signed right-hander Justin Verlander to a one-year contract Tuesday, setting h...

The Detroit Tigers signed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> to a one-year contract Tuesday, setting him up to play a 21st season.The deal is worth $13 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/2021292761740345480?s=20">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>, who adds that it includes $11 million in deferrals.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Back where it all started <a href="https://t.co/zQfMJeKtg9">pic.twitter.com/zQfMJeKtg9</a>— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinVerlander/status/2021381346766319980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Verlander spent the first 13 years of his career with the Tigers, winning an AL MVP (2011), AL Cy Young (2011), and AL Rookie of the Year (2006) to go along with six All-Star nods.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is a three-time Cy Young winner, two-time World Series champion, and member of the vaunted 3,000-strikeout club who's suited up for the Tigers, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants.Verlander posted a 3.85 ERA with 3.85 FIP and 8.1 K/9 over 152 innings (29 starts) for the Giants in 2025.Detroit's rotation appeared full after the signing of Framber Valdez. However, a spot for Verlander opened up Tuesday when the team announced that right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15420">Reese Olson</a> will miss the season following surgery to repair a torn labrum. Olson, who was placed on the 60-day injured list to free up a 40-man roster spot, underwent the procedure last week.This marks the latest setback for the 26-year-old Olson, who had his breakout 2025 campaign halted by a shoulder strain in mid-July. He also dealt with a shoulder problem in 2024.With Olson out, Detroit's rotation now projects to feature Verlander and Valdez alongside two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>, plus right-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10561">Casey Mize</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tarik Skubal &amp; Justin Verlander for DET will be the 11th duo of *multi-time* Cy Young winners to pitch for the same team in the same year **having already won 2+ CYA entering that season** they’ll join ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/6oyKWRjiLV">https://t.co/6oyKWRjiLV</a>— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/2021320496214622416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Tigers also added outfield depth Tuesday by agreeing to a minor-league deal with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5662" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5662">Austin Slater</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/CodyStavenhagen/status/2021308528703549866?s=20">Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic</a>.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Justin Verlander #35 of the San Francisco Giants pitches at Oracle Park on September 27, 2025 in San Francisco, California.

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Verlander returns to Tigers on 1-year deal reportedly worth $13M

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach is dealing with bone spurs in his throwing elbo...

Atlanta Braves right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17953" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17953">Spencer Schwellenbach</a> is dealing with bone spurs in his throwing elbow and will start the 2026 season on the 60-day injured list, the team said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/spencer-schwellenbach-60-day-il-elbow-injury">Mark Bowman of MLB.com</a>.The Braves added that tests have shown Schwellenbach's UCL is structurally sound and he likely won't need surgery.The team also <a href="https://x.com/mlbbowman/status/2021278834360754226?s=20">said</a> Schwellenbach was preparing for camp until feeling discomfort around the beginning of February.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old suffered a fractured right elbow last July that ended his 2025 campaign.Schwellenbach owns a 3.23 ERA with 1.01 WHIP and 9.0 K/9 over 234 1/3 innings (38 starts) since debuting in 2024. Atlanta finished 76-86 last year, the club's first sub.-500 season since 2016, after being ravaged by injuries.The Braves are already dealing with the loss of Schwellenbach and starting shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12593" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12593">Ha-Seong Kim</a>, who's expected to miss four-to-five months after sustaining a hand injury in South Korea in January.

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 04: Spencer Schwellenbach #56 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Braves' Schwellenbach to start season on 60-day IL with elbow injury

The Athletics signed right-hander Aaron Civale to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday...

The Athletics signed right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9543" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9543">Aaron Civale</a> to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.Civale's deal will pay him a base salary of $6 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2021255839734980958?s=20">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>. He can also earn an additional $1.5 million through incentives.The 30-year-old authored a 4.85 ERA with 1.26 WHIP and 7.8 K/9 over 102 innings (18 starts) between the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Civale adds another veteran arm to a 2026 A's rotation led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4775" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4775">Luis Severino</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5726" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5726">Jeffrey Springs</a>.The seven-year veteran has also pitched for the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays during his MLB career.The Athletics designated right-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17766">Grant Holman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13836" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13836">Mitch Spence</a> for assignment to make room for Civale and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5781" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5781">Scott Barlow</a>, who also signed a one-year deal with the West Sacramento-based club Tuesday.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 24: Aaron Civale #38 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in a game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Athletics bring in Civale on 1-year deal reportedly worth $6M

The Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Nick Martinez agreed to a one-year, $13-million contract with...

The Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/13693" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/13693">Nick Martinez</a> agreed to a one-year, $13-million contract with a 2027 mutual option.Martinez posted a 4.45 ERA with 1.21 WHIP and 116 strikeouts over a career-high 165 2/3 innings (26 starts) for the Cincinnati Reds last year.The 35-year-old is one season removed from authoring a 3.10 ERA with 3.21 FIP and 7.3 K/9 over 142 1/3 innings (16 starts) in 2024. He accumulated 7.3 fWAR as a swingman with the Reds and San Diego Padres between 2022 and 2025.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Rays are planning to use Martinez solely as a starter in 2026.Martinez is projected to slot in behind <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/drew-rasmussen/25385/stats/pitching">Drew Rasmussen</a>, <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/ryan-pepiot/26221/stats/pitching">Ryan Pepiot</a>, and <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/shane-mcclanahan/21483/stats/pitching">Shane McClanahan</a> in Tampa Bay's rotation.

CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 30: Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (28) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 30, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Rays add Nick Martinez on 1-year, $13M deal

The Boston Red Sox acquired third baseman Caleb Durbin in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, the...

The Boston Red Sox acquired third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14512" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14512">Caleb Durbin</a> in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, the clubs announced Monday.Boston also received infielders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11022" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11022">Andruw Monasterio</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12872" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12872">Anthony Seigler</a> and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round B draft pick from Milwaukee in exchange for left-handers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15805" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15805">Kyle Harrison</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17228" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17228">Shane Drohan</a> as well as infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13720" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13720">David Hamilton</a>.Durbin, the headliner in the swap, went deep 11 times with 53 RBIs and a .721 OPS across 136 games en route to finishing third in 2025 NL Rookie of the Year voting. He's under team control through 2031.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old could be an option to replace Alex Bregman at the hot corner after the All-Star joined the Chicago Cubs in free agency.Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow sees Durbin as an everyday player but isn't ready to give him a defined position ahead of camp, according to <a href="https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2020903534288396584?s=20">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>."Really like a lot of what Caleb brings to the table: strong defender, strong bat-to-ball skills, really versatile right-handed hitter," Breslow told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/jcmccaffrey/status/2020909938348859662?s=20">Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic</a>. "I also feel like he's a good fit for our park just given the profile of hitting the ball in the air to the pull side."Harrison authored a 4.04 ERA with 3.72 FIP and 9.6 K/9 in 35 2/3 innings (six starts) between the Red Sox and San Francisco Giants last season. The 24-year-old former top prospect was the key piece going to Boston in last June's blockbuster Rafael Devers trade. Minor-league pitcher Jose Bello is the only player involved in the deal who's still in the Red Sox organization, as Harrison, James Tibbs III, and Jordan Hicks have all been shipped out in separate trades.Hamilton hit six homers with 22 stolen bases and a .590 OPS across 91 contests in 2025. The 28-year-old recorded a career-high 33 steals in 2024.Drohan was the 30th prospect in Boston's system in 2025, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/2025/redsox/shane-drohan-675660">MLB Pipeline</a>. The 27-year-old posted a 3.00 ERA with 12.8 K/9 over 54 innings (14 starts) across Single-A and Triple-A last season.Monasterio, 28, collected four long balls with 16 RBIs and a .755 OPS in 68 games last year.Lastly, the 26-year-old Seigler had five RBIs, two steals, and a .501 OPS over 34 outings in 2025 - his first season in the majors.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 18: Caleb Durbin #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates in the dugout during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Friday, July 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Red Sox acquire NL ROY finalist Durbin from Brewers in 6-player trade

The Pittsburgh Pirates and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna agreed to a one-year, $12-million cont...

The Pittsburgh Pirates and designated hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3034" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3034">Marcell Ozuna</a> agreed to a one-year, $12-million contract with a 2027 mutual option, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2020860829004931172?s=20">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger will reportedly collect $10.5 million this year with a $16-million option that includes a $1.5-million buyout.The reported addition of Ozuna is the latest move by the Pirates to add to the club's payroll in what has been an uncharacteristically busy offseason. The team also signed All-Star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5605" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5605">Ryan O'Hearn</a> and traded for All-Star second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9653" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9653">Brandon Lowe</a> in an attempt to provide more run support for a pitching staff led by reigning NL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ozuna hit 21 homers with 68 RBIs and a .756 OPS over 145 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2025. He's just one season removed from a fourth-place finish in NL MVP voting after going deep 39 times with 104 RBIs, a 154 wRC+, and 4.7 fWAR during the 2024 campaign.The 35-year-old spent the last six years with the Braves, slashing .265/.347/.489 with 148 long balls and 410 RBIs across 683 contests. Only eight MLB players have hit more homers than Ozuna since 2022.

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 04: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates in the dugout after scoring in the third inning during the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Pirates land Ozuna on 1-year, $12M deal

The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in re-signing future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer for his 19th...

The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in re-signing future Hall of Famer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a> for his 19th season, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/02/05/sports/nine-teams-still-working-the-free-agency-market-on-the-cusp-of-spring-training/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.The 41-year-old Scherzer is reportedly back on the Blue Jays' radar after the club made a late run at Framber Valdez before the left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3471918" href="https://thescore.com/news/3471918">agreed to a deal</a> with the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.However, Toronto doesn't have a clear need for Scherzer in its rotation after adding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8145" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8145">Dylan Cease</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8204" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8204">Cody Ponce</a> this offseason to a group that already includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3634">Kevin Gausman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9542" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9542">Shane Bieber</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/20109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/20109">Trey Yesavage</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4769" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4769">José Berríos</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bieber opted into his 2026 player option in November after he was widely expected to test free agency following a successful return from Tommy John surgery in August. In December, though, the Blue Jays cast some doubt on the 2020 AL Cy Young's status for Opening Day, announcing that he's dealing with forearm fatigue.Another potential question mark is Yesavage's workload for his upcoming rookie season after the 22-year-old logged a combined 139 2/3 innings between the minors and majors last year.Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, authored a career-worst 5.19 ERA with 1.29 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 over 85 innings (17 starts) in 2025. Despite his struggles, the eight-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion made multiple big playoff starts for the Blue Jays, including Game 4 of the ALCS and Game 7 of the Fall Classic.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 16: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning in game four of the American League Championship Series at T-Mobile Park on October 16, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Report: Blue Jays contemplating Scherzer reunion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — As sleet pelted Bowman Gray Stadium during NASCAR’s preseason warm-up race...

<div>
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — As sleet pelted Bowman Gray Stadium during NASCAR’s preseason warm-up race, multiple drivers complained about poor visibility and the wet track conditions.
One of them — the youngest driver in the field — hit the button on his radio and grumbled it was time to get back to racing no matter the conditions.
“We're professional race car drivers — it's our job to go figure it out,” 19-year-old Connor Zilisch radioed to his team.
<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>
The teenager is the most hyped rookie to the elite Sprint Cup Series in decades. There was Kyle Busch in 2003, who had already been promoted by his Hall of Fame brother, Kurt, who famously said “if you think I'm good, wait until you see my brother.” Busch had been ready to go for two years, but a rule was passed that raised the minimum age to compete at the top level to 18, and he was forced to wait — which only built the anticipation.
Joey Logano followed in 2008 hyped by Hall of Famer Mark Martin's praise that the Connecticut youngster was “the best thing since sliced bread.” Like Busch, he also had to wait until he was 18 to debut.
And now comes Zilisch with expectations that some believe exceed Busch and Logano.
“I would have to say Jeff Gordon, honestly,” AJ Allmendinger said of the four-time NASCAR champion who was 20 in his first Cup Series season in 1992. “There was Joey and the whole ‘Sliced Bread’ thing, but I think straight-up hype? Connor is the deal and has already delivered. He's jumping in everything and performing at very high levels.”
Zilisch will make his Daytona 500 debut on Feb. 15 — four years after attending the race for the very first time. He was fairly new to racing at the time, had very few connections, and sat in the grandstands with tickets as a regular fan as Austin Cindric won as a rookie.
“I think it's very cool that people think that highly of me, when you are getting compared to Kyle Busch and Joey Logano there's nothing to complain about, they have five Cup championships between them,” Zilisch told The Associated Press. “If I can have a career half as good as either of them, I think that would be a successful career. But I've got a lot of time to get to their level, I mean, four years ago I was in the grandstands for the Daytona 500 and to think I'm now going to be in the race is just crazy.”
Not as crazy as it may seem considering the resume of the Charlotte native, who recently earned the internet nickname “Connor Connor Zilisch Zilisch” as a play on the moniker given to fellow Charlottean and New England Patriots quarterback Drake “Drake Maye” Maye. The idea is that the athletes are so elite, their given name needs no other moniker.
Zilisch started go-karting five or six years ago and flirted briefly with pursuing a career racing in Europe. That dedication has given him a maturity far behind his years that Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing, recognized immediately as he set a path to get Zilisch to the Cup Series.
In two years of racing sports cars and various NASCAR series, he's won at almost every level. In 2024 he was part of the class-winning team that scored back-to-back victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and then the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the next year returned to the Rolex as teammates with Australian V8 Super Cars champions Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen.
McLaughlin is now an IndyCar winner for Team Penske and van Gisbergen, who made NASCAR's playoffs as a rookie last year, will be Zilisch's teammate at Trackhouse this year.
“He’s just very mature, but there’s definitely times when you talk to him and you realize, ‘Oh yeah, you’re 18.’ Like, he’s young, but when he’s on track, he’s very smart and understands how to go about it in a respectful way,” McLaughlin said. "He’s got raw speed, he’s got no fear because he’s young, but at the same time, dudes like that are very temperamental.
“You hope a guy like that has the right environment, and it looks like a good environment for him with Trackhouse.”
Zilisch won a series-high 10 races last year in NASCAR's second-tier national series but was denied the title in the winner-take-all finale when Jesse Love beat him head-to-head. That format has been scrapped for 2026 but Zilisch said after mourning the title loss for a week or so, he's moved on and accepted Love has a trophy that he never will.
The focus is fully on 2026, which is in full swing already. He was part of the second-place finishing team in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the car owned by NASCAR chairman Jim France, and although he wound up 18th in The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, he raced up front at times and was one of the few drivers pushing to get the race going in wet conditions.
He'll race this season as teammates to van Gisbergen — and he and the New Zealander should be next to unbeatable on road courses — as well as Ross Chastain, who is eager to help the teen. Zilisch replaced Daniel Suarez in the Trackhouse lineup.
“I want Connor to succeed. If he succeeds, it’s good for me," Chastain said. "If I can’t win, a Trackhouse win is really good. Definitely want that for Connor, want that for me and want that for Shane. I’m the one clapping the loudest when they’re winning. I want to be right there competing with them and winning races.”
___
AP auto racing: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing">https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing</a>
</div>

WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 04: Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Trackhouse Chevrolet, enters his car during practice for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

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Zilisch arguably most hyped NASCAR rookie since Jeff Gordon

The Golden State Warriors traded center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors for a 2026 se...

The Golden State Warriors traded center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110259" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110259">Trayce Jackson-Davis</a> to the Toronto Raptors for a 2026 second-round pick (via the Los Angeles Lakers).The Raptors managed to get under the luxury-tax threshold to acquire Jackson-Davis after shedding <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102750" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102750">Ochai Agbaji</a>'s salary in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3471714" href="https://thescore.com/news/3471714">multi-team deal</a> involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday afternoon.Jackson-Davis is averaging 4.2 points with 3.1 rebounds over 11.4 minutes in 36 games this season. The 25-year-old was selected with the 57th pick in the 2023 draft.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Toronto has been looking for frontcourt help with starting center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37800" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37800">Jakob Poeltl</a> sidelined due to a back injury.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 28: Trayce Jackson-Davis #32 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on January 28, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Raptors acquire Jackson-Davis from Warriors

The San Diego Padres and outfielder Miguel Andujar agreed to a one-year, $4-million contract, sou...

The San Diego Padres and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5609" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5609">Miguel Andujar</a> agreed to a one-year, $4-million contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2019239993122910566?s=20">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.Andujar can earn an additional $2 million through performance bonuses, according to <a href="https://x.com/WillSammon/status/2019242165269094492?s=20">Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>.The 30-year-old hit 10 homers with 44 RBIs and an .822 OPS over 94 games between the Athletics and Cincinnati Reds last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Andujar was particularly good against left-handers, slashing .389/.409/.578 with four long balls in 93 plate appearances in 2025.He's also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees over his nine-year career. Andujar finished as the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up with the Bronx Bombers.

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 27: Cincinnati Reds outfielder Miguel Andujar (38) bats during a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds on September 27, 2025 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI.

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Report: Padres add Andujar on 1-year, $4M deal

The Detroit Tigers and two-time All-Star pitcher Framber Valdez agreed to a three-year, $115-mill...

The Detroit Tigers and two-time All-Star pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a> agreed to a three-year, $115-million contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2019228140888027454?s=20">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.Valdez's reported $38.3-million average annual value sets a new record for both left-hand pitchers and Latin American hurlers.The 32-year-old's pact includes deferrals and an opt-out clause after the second season, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2019228923444490544?s=20">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Valdez gets a $20-million signing bonus as part of the contract, reports <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2019229231142826207?s=20">Jon Heyman of MLB Network</a>. The pitcher recently met with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, which helped the sides reach a deal, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2019230720842166383?s=20" target="_blank">Heyman</a>. The two know each other from their time with the Houston Astros.Detroit's reported addition of Valdez comes on the same day the club had its arbitration hearing with ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal.</a> The reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner will either make $32 million or $19 million in 2026, with the decision expected Thursday. The 29-year-old can test free agency next offseason.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The projected Tigers rotation after adding Framber Valdez <a href="https://t.co/FH6SzXI3To">pic.twitter.com/FH6SzXI3To</a>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2019237455178920047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates were reportedly among the clubs that showed interest in Valdez before his agreement with the Tigers.The Orioles could now pivot to right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9755" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9755">Zac Gallen</a>, with whom the team has been in discussions, sources told <a href="https://x.com/afkostka/status/2019235395477860402?s=20">The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka</a>.Valdez owns a career 3.36 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 8.8 K/9 across eight years with the Astros, including a 2022 World Series title. He ranks fifth in fWAR among all starting pitchers over the last four seasons.

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 02: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Report: Tigers land Valdez on 3-year, $115M deal

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Tom Ruminski

News Editor

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Josh Wegman

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