Shohei Ohtani Hits Two Homers In Team Japan Exhibition

Los Angeles Angels star designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani got the pre-World Baseball Classic festivities off to a strong start in Monday's exhibition game between Team Japan and the Hanshin Tigers. After striking out in his first at-bat, Ohtani proceeded to hit a pair of three-run home runs in his next two at-bats, including one […]

Bailey Falter In Line For Fifth Rotation Spot

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Bailey Falter currently seems to have the best shot at the team's fifth rotation spot with Andrew Painter (elbow) dealing with a tender throwing elbow, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. The 25-year-old had a solid 2022 season serving mostly as a starter, going 6-4 in 20 appearances (16 starts) with a 3.86 […]

Andrew Painter Unlikely To Make Opening Day Roster

The Philadelphia Phillies did not provide any update on starting pitcher prospect Andrew Painter's (elbow) sore right elbow Monday. The 19-year-old felt some tenderness and went for tests last Friday. While the No. 6 overall prospect did have a shot to make the Opening Day roster, it now seems highly unlikely that that will come […]

Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker Make Spring Debuts Tuesday

Texas Rangers starting pitching prospects and former Vanderbilt college teammates Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker both made their Cactus League debuts out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Rockies. Both pitched scoreless innings, with Leiter hitting a batter and striking out a hitter and Rocker allowing one hit. While Leiter struggled in […]

Shintaro Fujinami Makes Spring Debut Tuesday

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Shintaro Fujinami looked impressive in his start in Tuesday's 11-5 loss to the Angels. Fujinami pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three and showcasing a darting split-finger fastball and 98-MPH four-seam fastball. However, he did walk three, which was one of his issues when pitching in Japan. While the 28-year-old presents […]

Justin Steele Throws Successful Bullpen Tuesday

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (arm) threw a successful bullpen Tuesday, per Marquee Sports Network's Tony Andracki. The 27-year-old was scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Sunday but was scratched with general arm fatigue. He is now expected to make his next scheduled start after his successful bullpen session. Steele turned in […]

Austin Wells Goes For Another MRI Tuesday

New York Yankees catching prospect Austin Wells (ribs), who sustained a bone bruise in his right rib cage in mid-February, was sent for another MRI Tuesday after he felt some discomfort while receiving treatment. Manager Aaron Boone said the 23-year-old is "not doing much yet," as the club awaits the results of his latest MRI. […]

Mike Yastrzemski Scratched Tuesday With Right Knee Soreness

San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (knee), who was expected to start in center field against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, was a late scratch due to right knee soreness. Manager Gabe Kapler said that the Giants are not overly concerned and are simply proceeding cautiously with Yastrzemski. Bryce Johnson started in Yastrzemski's place. […]

Cal Raleigh Makes Spring Debut Tuesday

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (thumb) made his spring debut in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Guardians. Batting fifth, Raleigh went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. The 26-year-old had surgery this off-season for a broken left thumb and torn ligaments, so he has been intentionally eased into action. Raleigh provided power from a weak fantasy position […]

Teoscar Hernandez Returns To Lineup Tuesday And Homers

Seattle Mariners outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (back) returned to the lineup in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Guardians. Batting third and playing right field, Hernandez went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a strikeout. The newly-acquired outfielder was scratched from Sunday's Cactus League lineup with back soreness but looked just fine in Tuesday's game. Seeing […]

Kris Bryant Homers In Cactus League Game Monday

Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant looked good at the plate in Monday's 7-3 win over the A's, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk. The 31-year-old served as the designated hitter in the game, but will likely play left field during the regular season. This is encouraging for both the Rockies and […]

Logan Webb Scuffles In Spring Debut Monday

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb looked rusty in his first spring appearance in Monday's 8-6 win over the Angels. Webb pitched 2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits (including a two-run home run) and no walks with a strikeout. This is not all that concerning, as the 26-year-old was making his first […]

Drew Pomeranz Hopeful To Be Ready By End Of March

San Diego Padres pitcher Drew Pomeranz (elbow) is currently eight bullpen sessions into his latest rehab stint, with the team aiming to have him healthy by the end of March, per the Athletic's Dennis Lin. Pomeranz last pitched for the Padres in 2021 before suffering a torn flexor tendon in his left forearm. He had […]

Jordan Luplow Dealing With Oblique Soreness

The Athletic's David O'Brien reported Monday that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jordan Luplow (oblique) has been slowed by oblique soreness early in spring camp. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Braves this off-season. While he is a strong defensive player, Luplow slashed just .176/.274/.361 with 11 home runs, 28 RBI, and five steals in […]

Trey Mancini, Patrick Wisdom The Main Right Field Backups

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross said Monday that Trey Mancini and Patrick Wisdom (groin) are "the first guys that come to mind" as fill-ins for right field if Seiya Suzuki (oblique) ends up having to miss time with a left oblique injury. Mancini, who was signed this off-season, has played outfield throughout his career in […]

Seiya Suzuki Withdraws From World Baseball Classic

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (oblique) officially withdrew from the World Baseball Classic Monday, per MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. The 28-year-old received tests on Sunday for a left oblique injury and more should be known Tuesday. While this news sounds discouraging, it may simply be that Suzuki and the Cubs want to be cautious so that […]

Jake Odorizzi To Serve Bulk-Inning Or Spot-Starter Role

The Athletic's Levi Weaver reported Tuesday that Texas Rangers newly-signed pitcher Jake Odorizzi will likely serve as either a bulk inning reliever or as a spot sixth starter. The Rangers brought in Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Andrew Heaney this off-season in addition to Odorizzi, and all three are established starters. However, injury is a […]

Tanner Houck Competing For Rotation Spot

MassLiveSports' Christopher Smith reported Tuesday that Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck will be used as a starting pitcher during spring training and is one of seven pitchers competing for a starting rotation spot. The 26-year-old served mainly as a starter in 2021 but as a reliever in 2022, making just four starts in 32 […]

Manny Machado Is Padres' "Top Priority"

While not going into much detail, San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler said Tuesday that third baseman Manny Machado is the team's "top priority." Machado recently informed the team that he intends to opt out of the remaining five years and $150 million of his contract after the 2023 season unless an extension or restructuring […]

Orioles Impressed With Jackson Holliday At Spring Camp

Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Tuesday that he has "been so impressed watching" second base/shortstop prospect Jackson Holliday at the start of spring training. Despite being just 19 years old, the O's No. 1 overall pick in 2022 received a non-roster invite to camp. He is several years away from joining the O's, but […]

Giants To Be Cautious With Michael Conforto This Spring

The San Francisco Giants are expected to be cautious with newly-signed outfielder Michael Conforto this spring, likely playing him as designated hitter for the first two weeks of Cactus League games as he continues to rebuild his throwing arm strength. The 29-year-old missed the entire 2022 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. However, he said […]

Aaron Judge Could Start Playing Some Left Field

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that, while there is no plan to start playing Aaron Judge in left field, the idea is "on the table" if it will facilitate Giancarlo Stanton getting more time in right field. Both Boone and Stanton stated that the outfielder/designated hitter would benefit from more playing time […]

LaMonte Wade Jr. Ready To Claim First Base Role With Giants

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Monday that first baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. has had a "very focused offseason." The 29-year-old had a breakout 2021 season but had a disappointing 2022 season, slashing just .207/.305/.359 with eight home runs and 26 RBI in 251 plate appearances while dealing with left knee inflammation. Now that […]

Ezequiel Tovar Ready To Start At Shortstop

Despite being just 21 years old, Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar appears ready to earn a starting role with the team. Manager Bud Black said Monday, "his overall wherewithal mentally is going to enable him at a young age to potentially be our shortstop." Tovar only had 35 plate appearances with the Rockies at the […]

Angels, Shohei Ohtani Taking Contract Talks Slowly

While the Los Angeles Angels and designated hitter/starting pitcher star Shohei Ohtani are open to potential contract-extension talks, Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, said that they are taking things "one day at a time." Balelo said, "Shohei's earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency, and we will see where that shakes out." […]

Anthony Rendon Healthy, Committed For 2023

Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin said Monday that third baseman Anthony Rendon is "in a really good place" coming into spring training. The 32-year-old dealt with wrist and hip surgeries throughout the 2021-22 seasons, resulting in just 442 plate appearances across the two seasons with disappointing results. Rendon has been a solid fantasy contributor […]

Nick Martinez To Pitch In World Baseball Classic As Starter

San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic as a starter, per MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. Martinez initially withdrew from the WBC because he would have served as a reliever but signed a three-year deal with the Padres this off-season with the intent of being a starter. However, […]

Christian Yelich Went "Off The Grid" To Recharge For 2023

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich said that he "kind of just went off the grid" and "enjoyed the down time" of the off-season to help prepare for the 2023 season, per MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. The 31-year-old said he feels in a "better place" mentally and physically compared to the past couple of seasons. This is […]

Josh Winder Building Up As Starter

MLB.com's Do-Hyoung Park reported Tuesday that Minnesota Twins pitcher Josh Winder is being built up as a starter this spring. The 26-year-old made 15 appearances in 2022, 11 of them starts and went 4-6 with a 4.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 16.4% strikeout rate in 67 innings pitched. While Winder may be training for a […]

Austin Meadows Ready Physically, Mentally For 2023

Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows said Sunday that he is "in a better place" heading into the 2023 season, per Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. The 27-year-old only had 147 plate appearances in 2022 and missed time with a slew of injuries, including vertigo and anxiety. It would be great to see him rebound after […]