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The surprising loss by the United States to Italy in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night means that the Americans need help to advance to the quarterfinals.

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said he misspoke when, during an interview before Tuesday's World Baseball Classic game against Italy, he said the Americans had already booked their ticket to the semifinal.

Cade Cavalli will take the mound for the Washington Nationals on opening day, the team announced Wednesday, his first start in such a position.

Right-hander Zack Littell and the Washington Nationals finalized a $7 million, one-year contract on Tuesday.

A huge game awaits the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Tarik Skubal didn't get a lot of sleep the last two nights as he mulled whether to pitch again for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. In the end, the Detroit Tigers ace and reigning two-time AL Cy Young Award winner decided against it.

Jesus Luzardo and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed on a five-year, $135-million contract extension that starts in 2027.

The Nationals aren't done adding to their rebuilding roster. The franchise agreed to sign veteran right-handed pitcher Zach Littell to a one-year contract on Sunday.

Naruhito, Empress Masako and Princess Aiko arrived at the Tokyo Dome for Japan's critical game Sunday against Australia and the World Baseball Classic.

Max Scherzer had a vintage performance in his first spring training outing for the Toronto Blue Jays, with the 41-year-old throwing four no-hit innings in a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.