MLB news: Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees

Sure it’s Valentine’s Day, but we love any time we can bring you the latest MLB news and notes. In today’s edition, let’s look at the Houston Astros picking up a former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, a New York Yankees pitcher bowing out of the World Baseball Classic, and the St. Louis Cardinals making a front office extension.

MLB news: Houston Astros pick up Toronto Blue Jays pitcher

On Monday, the Astros picked Matt Gage off waivers from Toronto and added him to their 40-man roster, filling it up before the start of spring training. The 30-year-old southpaw made his MLB debut last season and saw action in 11 games, posting a 1.38 ERA/3.88 FIP/0.923 WHIP in 13.0 innings.

Gage first pitched on June 6 and last stepped onto an MLB mound on July 3, shuffling between Triple-A and Toronto the rest of the season.

St. Louis Cardinals news: John Mozeliak extended

Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations in St. Louis, has reportedly had his contract extended for two additional seasons, keeping him in his position through the 2025 campaign. After being promoted to general manager in the 2007 offseason, Mozeliak has been president of baseball operations since 2017.

Under his leadership, the Cardinals have enjoyed tremendous success and built a core that is projected to win the National League Central again this season. Among his moves are orchestrating the lopsided trade that landed Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies as well as landing reigning MVP in a swap with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This past offseason, he helped find the replacement for long-time catcher Yadier Molina by signing Willson Contreras away from the rival Chicago Cubs.

New York Yankees news: Nestor Cortes Jr. out of World Baseball Classic

A Grade 2 strain of his right hamstring has landed the Yankees starter on the shelf for the start of spring training and out of the potential rotation for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The 28-year-old southpaw is hoping to be healed up and ready for the season opener on March 30 at home against the San Francisco Giants.

It’s expected that Cortes will not throw off a mound for at least two weeks, meaning it could be early March before he gets his first taste of spring training.

Cortes was replaced on the Team USA roster by Colorado starter Kyle Freeland.