Royals vs. Cubs - News - March 11, 2026 | FOX Sports

Nick Loftin - Returns Thursday, as expected Loftin (thumb) is starting in left field and batting third in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Padres.

Impact Loftin has been sidelined the past couple days due to a jammed thumb, but he's ready to rejoin the lineup Thursday. The 27-year-old is expected to open 2026 in a reserve role for Kansas City after posting a .635 OPS in 67 regular-season games last year.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

ESPN analyst spotlights Cubs' Jaxon Wiggins as one to watch this year | Sporting News The RHP has a good chance to make his debut this year.

MARCH 12 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

What's Behind Italy's WBC Success? Inside Vinnie Pasquantino's Recruiting Push

Italy's historic run at the World Baseball Classic started with Pasquantino's recruiting help, including some DM's over Thanksgiving last ye...

MARCH 12 • FOX SPORTS

What's Behind Italy's WBC Success? Inside Vinnie Pasquantino's Recruiting Push

Luke Little - Fails to make roster The Cubs optioned Little to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Impact Little was unable to find his footing during spring training with four earned runs allowed over 4.2 frames, so he won't make Chicago's Opening Day bullpen. The 25-year-old made just wo big-league appearances last season but had a 3.46 ERA across 26 innings with the Cubs in 2024.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

Ryan Rolison - Sent to Triple-A The Cubs optioned Rolison to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Impact The left-hander was claimed off waivers by the Cubs in January, but he'll be cut from big-league camp after giving up seven runs over 4.1 innings during spring training. Rolison made his MLB debut with 31 appearances for Colorado last year and finished with a 7.02 ERA. 1.77 WHIP and 25:20 K:BB across 42.1 innings.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

Justin Dean - Misses out on roster spot The Cubs optioned Dean to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Impact The 29-year-old outfielder was claimed off waivers by the Cubs in January, but he was unable to earn a spot on the 40-man roster after posting a .480 OPS across 31 plate appearances during spring training. Dean made his MLB debut with the Dodgers during the 2025 regular season, logging just two plate appearances in 18 games while primarily serving as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.

MARCH 12 • ROTOWIRE

Boyd named Cubs' Opening Day starter Back from the World Baseball Classic, Matthew Boyd on Thursday was named the Opening Day starter for the Cubs on March 26, when they'll face...

MARCH 12 • MLB.COM