Baseball

Detroit Tigers’ Parker Meadows is congratulated by manager A.J. Hinge and teammates after hitting a home run during a spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Fla., Saturday, March 25, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor

Meadows hits three-run homer, Tigers beat Jays 4-1

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 8:03 PM CDT

DUNEDIN, Fla. - Parker Meadows hit a three-run homer in the top of the third inning and the Detroit Tigers coasted to a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in a spring training game on Saturday at TD Ballpark.

The Tigers (13-16) scored all four of their runs in the third, thanks to a Blue Jays' throwing error and inexperienced pitching.

Ryan Kreidler of the Tigers reached first in the third inning on a throwing error by Jays' third baseman Max Chapman. Zack Short was then hit by a Sem Robberse pitch.

Jake Rogers then doubled, scoring Kreidler and moving Short to third. And then with two runners on base Meadows hit a home run to make it 4-0.

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Yanks pitcher Severino has lat strain, likely to start on IL

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Yanks pitcher Severino has lat strain, likely to start on IL

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:51 PM CDT

The New York Yankees could be opening the season without three-fifths of their projected starting rotation.

Right-hander Luis Severino has a low-grade lat strain, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Saturday, putting the two-time All-Star at risk of starting the season on the injured list.

“Obviously it’s going to put him in jeopardy to start the year,” Boone said.

Boone expressed optimism this wouldn’t be a long-term issue but acknowledged that Severino “most likely” would get placed on the injured list.

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:51 PM CDT

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone gestures a home plate umpire Jerry Layne after Detroit Tigers' Austin Meadows was awarded a walk on a clock violation by pitcher Luis Severino during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone gestures a home plate umpire Jerry Layne after Detroit Tigers' Austin Meadows was awarded a walk on a clock violation by pitcher Luis Severino during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Ohtani returns to Angels camp, fans 8 in minor league game

Jack Thompson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Ohtani returns to Angels camp, fans 8 in minor league game

Jack Thompson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — It was back to business as usual for Shohei Ohtani on Friday.

The two-way star returned to Los Angeles Angels camp after his MVP performance in the World Baseball Classic. Three days after striking out Mike Trout to clinch the WBC title for Japan against the United States in Miami, Ohtani was on the back fields in Tempe, pitching in a minor league game against some Arizona Diamondbacks farmhands.

Friday’s outing was to keep Ohtani on schedule for his opening day start next Thursday in Oakland. He faced 19 batters while working into a fifth inning, walking one and striking out eight. He allowed four hits, including a home run to Gavin Conticello, an eighth-round draft pick for Arizona in 2021.

Druw Jones, the Diamondbacks’ first-round pick last season and the son of 10-time Gold Glove center fielder Andruw Jones, hit a single off Ohtani.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Japan pitcher Shohei Ohtani (16) aims a pitch during the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic final game against the U.S., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Miami. Japan defeated the U.S. 3-2. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Japan pitcher Shohei Ohtani (16) aims a pitch during the ninth inning of a World Baseball Classic final game against the U.S., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Miami. Japan defeated the U.S. 3-2. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Big league pitchers can use PitchCom for signals this year

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Big league pitchers can use PitchCom for signals this year

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 1 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Big league pitchers can signal electronically what they plan to throw this year.

Major League Baseball expanded use of the PitchCom device to pitchers in addition to catchers on Friday.

“Use of the PitchCom device is optional for clubs and wholly voluntary for players,” MLB said in a memo to teams. “The decision of one club to not use the PitchCom device shall not preclude their opposing club from using the PitchCom device.”

MLB adopted the PitchCom device last season, allowing catchers to push buttons on wristbands to call for fastballs, curves, changeups and anything else, along with the location. The pitcher heard the result on an earpiece inside his hat.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Big league pitchers can signal electronically what they plan to throw this year.

Major League Baseball expanded use of the PitchCom device to pitchers in addition to catchers on Friday.

“Use of the PitchCom device is optional for clubs and wholly voluntary for players,” MLB said in a memo to teams. “The decision of one club to not use the PitchCom device shall not preclude their opposing club from using the PitchCom device.”

MLB adopted the PitchCom device last season, allowing catchers to push buttons on wristbands to call for fastballs, curves, changeups and anything else, along with the location. The pitcher heard the result on an earpiece inside his hat.

Cardinals sign pitcher Miles Mikolas to $55.75M, 3-year deal

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Cardinals sign pitcher Miles Mikolas to $55.75M, 3-year deal

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Miles Mikolas is sticking with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-hander signed a $55.75 million, three-year contract on Friday that will carry through the 2025 season.

The new deal replaces a $68 million, four-year contract signed in February 2019 that covered the 2020-23 seasons and was set to pay $15.75 million this year.

Mikolas will receive a $5 million signing bonus payable July 1 and will make $18.75 million in 2023 and $16 million in each of the following two seasons. Mikolas can earn a $250,000 bonus for winning a Cy Young Award, $50,000 for All-Star election or selection or winning a Gold Glove, $100,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $150,000 for World Series MVP.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

FILE - St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas throws during spring training baseball practice Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Jupiter, Fla. Mikolas is sticking with the Cardinals. The 34-year-old veteran right-handed pitcher signed a two-year contract extension with the Cardinals on Friday, March 24, that runs through the 2025 season.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
FILE - St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas throws during spring training baseball practice Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Jupiter, Fla. Mikolas is sticking with the Cardinals. The 34-year-old veteran right-handed pitcher signed a two-year contract extension with the Cardinals on Friday, March 24, that runs through the 2025 season.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Nola vs. deGrom, Ohtani highlight MLB’s opening-day matchups

Will Graves, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Nola vs. deGrom, Ohtani highlight MLB’s opening-day matchups

Will Graves, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

The Texas Rangers aren't wasting any time in seeing what they have in Jacob deGrom.

The ace right-hander, who signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in the offseason, will face Philadelphia's Aaron Nola when the 2023 Major League Baseball season opens next Thursday.

All 30 clubs will be in action that day for the first time since 1968.

This will be deGrom's fourth career opening day start. The two-time Cy Young winner got the nod from 2019-21 while pitching for the New York Mets. Texas has been cautious with deGrom during spring training after the 34-year-old reported tightness in his left side right before team workouts began in February.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom delivers during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Surprise, Ariz. The ace-righthander, who signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in the offseason, will face Philadelphia's Aaron Nola when the 2023 Major League Baseball season opens next Thursday. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom delivers during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Surprise, Ariz. The ace-righthander, who signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in the offseason, will face Philadelphia's Aaron Nola when the 2023 Major League Baseball season opens next Thursday. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

NL West Preview: Padres eager to take title from Dodgers

Bernie Wilson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

NL West Preview: Padres eager to take title from Dodgers

Bernie Wilson, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

The San Diego Padres sure don't feel like little brother anymore to the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers.

Buoyed by a stunning victory against the 111-win Dodgers in the NL Division Series and owner Peter Seidler's fearless offseason spending, the Padres are poised to make a run at the NL West title as well as a World Series crown that has always been out of reach.

The Padres will begin the most-anticipated season in their mostly sad-sack history with a lineup featuring Juan Soto, Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado. On April 20, manager Bob Melvin will begin writing a fourth superstar into the lineup when Fernando Tatis Jr. is eligible to return from an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Shockingly, the Padres will have a bigger payroll than the Dodgers, who have won nine of the last 10 NL West titles. San Diego's projected payroll of $255 million will rank third behind only the New York Mets and Yankees.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

FILE - San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr., left, reacts after swinging at but missing a pitch during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, March 8, 2023, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)
FILE - San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr., left, reacts after swinging at but missing a pitch during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, March 8, 2023, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

NL Central Preview: Cards seek repeat without Pujols, Molina

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

NL Central Preview: Cards seek repeat without Pujols, Molina

Steve Megargee, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Two familiar faces from St. Louis’ run to the NL Central title last season aren’t around anymore as the Cardinals attempt to become the division’s first repeat champion in six years.

The retirements of Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols leave the Cardinals having to replace two likely Hall of Famers. Second-year manager Oliver Marmol says Molina and Pujols did much to assure the club's winning culture would endure even after their departures.

“Albert and Yadi would talk about that often, like, ‘What's this look like when we’re no longer here? We want to make sure we’re passing along what we know in the same way it was passed along to us,'" Marmol said. “They did that really well."

The Cardinals still have plenty of star power, returning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt at first base and third baseman Nolan Arenado, who finished third in the voting.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, left, and catcher William Contreras talk after a solo home run by Seattle Mariners' Cooper Hummel during the third inning of a spring training baseball game, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, left, and catcher William Contreras talk after a solo home run by Seattle Mariners' Cooper Hummel during the third inning of a spring training baseball game, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

NL East Preview: Braves, Phillies, Mets to duke it out again

Charles Odum, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

NL East Preview: Braves, Phillies, Mets to duke it out again

Charles Odum, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

ATLANTA (AP) — The National League East made a strong argument as the majors' toughest division in 2022 and lines up as perhaps even better this season.

The NL East boasted two 101-win teams — the Atlanta Braves, who won their fifth consecutive division title, and the New York Mets. A third playoff team from the division, the Philadelphia Phillies, advanced to the World Series.

The NL East is poised for another strong run. FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Braves, Mets and Phillies among its top eight picks to win the World Series. The AL East, which also sent three teams to the playoffs last season, has three of the betting site's top nine World Series picks as the next strongest division.

“Now there’s three big-headed monsters in this division and it’ll be a battle to the end like it always is,” said Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Miami Marlins' Yuli Gurriel follows through on a ground out during the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Marlins' Yuli Gurriel follows through on a ground out during the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

AL West Preview: Can Ohtani, Angels unseat the Astros?

Stephen Hawkins, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

AL West Preview: Can Ohtani, Angels unseat the Astros?

Stephen Hawkins, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Once Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout for an epic finish to the World Baseball Classic, the former AL MVPs quickly returned to being teammates again for what could be their last chance together to lead the Los Angeles Angels to the playoffs.

For the Athletics, this might be their last season in Oakland.

A long postseason drought is over for the Seattle Mariners after their first playoff appearance since 2001 — and they feel like they can do it again. Three-time World Series champion manager Bruce Bochy and two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom have joined the Texas Rangers, who have had six losing seasons in a row.

In the AL West, they all still have to try to get by Dusty Baker and his reigning World Series champion Houston Astros.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

FILE - Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker watches his team during spring training baseball practice, Feb. 21, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Dusty Baker's Astros are favored to repeat as division champs while seeking their fifth World Series in seven seasons.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
FILE - Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker watches his team during spring training baseball practice, Feb. 21, 2023, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Dusty Baker's Astros are favored to repeat as division champs while seeking their fifth World Series in seven seasons.(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

AL Central Preview: Guards try defending lackluster division

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

AL Central Preview: Guards try defending lackluster division

Dave Skretta, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Guardians ace Shane Bieber was musing about Cleveland manager Terry Francona's importance to the club earlier this spring when he made a somewhat surprising acknowledgement of what baseball's youngest team had done a year ago.

“We kind of maximized our input,” Bieber said, “and our output.”

Indeed, that young bunch of Guardians rolled to the AL Central title by a whopping 11 games last season. They did it by relying on one of the best bullpens in baseball, crafty hitting and speed on the basepaths, and some wisdom from their 63-year-old manager, who heads into a new year feeling good after a series of serious health concerns.

"Just him being in the clubhouse, it breeds confidence," Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan said.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Cleveland Guardians' Josh Bell connects for a run-scoring single against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Cleveland Guardians' Josh Bell connects for a run-scoring single against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

AL East Preview: Judge, Yankees lead MLB’s deepest division

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

AL East Preview: Judge, Yankees lead MLB’s deepest division

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

From 1998-2003, the five AL East teams finished in the exact same order every season. Back then, the New York Yankees were dominant, the Boston Red Sox were contenders and everyone else was left chasing those teams — and that remained the status quo for a while.

Consider this a different era.

In the past nine seasons, every team in the division has won it at least once. Boston has placed first three times, but the Red Sox have also finished last four times — including 2022. The days when the order of finish was so easy to predict are long gone.

Last season did end with a familiar group at the top — the Yankees went 99-63 — but below them the race was intriguing. Toronto and Tampa Bay both earned wild cards, but they had to hold off a Baltimore team that improved by 31 games from the previous season.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs is congratulated by catcher Christian Bethancourt (14) and first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) after being taken out against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs is congratulated by catcher Christian Bethancourt (14) and first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) after being taken out against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Manoah named Blue Jays' opening-day starter

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Manoah named Blue Jays' opening-day starter

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

DUNEDIN, Fla. - The Toronto Blue Jays have named ace right-hander Alek Manoah as their opening-day starting pitcher for the upcoming Major League Baseball season.

The 25-year-old Manoah was a finalist for the American League Cy Young Award last season after posting a 16-7 record with a 2.24 earned-run average and 180 strikeouts over 31 starts.

The six-foot-six, 285-pound native of Homestead, Fla., pitched six innings of three-hit ball Friday night as the Blue Jays defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3. He had six strikeouts, two walks, allowed a run and was in full control against the Phillies.

Manoah has a pre-season 2-2 record, 3.10 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings over five starts.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

The Toronto Blue Jays have named ace right-hander Alek Manoah as their opening-day starting pitcher for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. Manoah throws in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla., Sunday, March 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Gerald Herbert
The Toronto Blue Jays have named ace right-hander Alek Manoah as their opening-day starting pitcher for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. Manoah throws in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla., Sunday, March 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Gerald Herbert

National League West Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Preview

National League West Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of National League West teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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LOS ANGELES DODGERS

2022: 111-51, first place, lost to San Diego in Division Series.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates in the dugout after scoring off of a single hit by Chris Taylor during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, March 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates in the dugout after scoring off of a single hit by Chris Taylor during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Glendale, Ariz., Saturday, March 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

National League Central Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Preview

National League Central Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

2022: 93-69, first place, lost to Philadelphia in wild-card round.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of National League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

2022: 93-69, first place, lost to Philadelphia in wild-card round.

National League East Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 9 minute read Preview

National League East Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 9 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of National League East teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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ATLANTA BRAVES

2022: 101-61, first place, lost to Philadelphia in Division Series.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

New York Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

American League West Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Preview

American League West Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of American League West teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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HOUSTON ASTROS

2022: 106-56, first place, won World Series.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of American League West teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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HOUSTON ASTROS

2022: 106-56, first place, won World Series.

American League Central Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Preview

American League Central Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of American League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

2022: 92-70, first place, lost to New York Yankees in Division Series.

Read
Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of American League Central teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

2022: 92-70, first place, lost to New York Yankees in Division Series.

American League East Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Preview

American League East Preview Capsules

The Associated Press 8 minute read Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

Capsules of American League East teams, listed in order of finish last year:

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NEW YORK YANKEES

2022: 99-63, first place, lost to Houston in AL Championship Series.

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Friday, Mar. 24, 2023

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge grounds out to Detroit Tigers third baseman Zack Short during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New York Yankees' Aaron Judge grounds out to Detroit Tigers third baseman Zack Short during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Now 40, Verlander still looks strong this spring for Mets

David Brandt, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Now 40, Verlander still looks strong this spring for Mets

David Brandt, The Associated Press 3 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — It's a fair assumption that Father Time will catch up with Justin Verlander one of these days.

The three-time AL Cy Young Award winner is putting up quite a fight.

The 40-year-old Verlander signed with the New York Mets during the offseason and looks like he's got plenty of good pitching left. The hard-throwing righty has a 2.25 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 16 innings in four starts during Grapefruit League action.

The Mets are hoping to squeeze another elite season out of Verlander and Max Scherzer, who is 38 years old. Scherzer has also had a solid spring training, giving up just one earned run over 11 2/3 innings.

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

New York Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, March 10, 2023, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Kikuchi strong again as Jays blank Twins

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Kikuchi strong again as Jays blank Twins

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Toronto starter Yusei Kikuchi turned in another impressive spring training start as the Blue Jays downed the Minnesota Twins 3-0 on Thursday.

Kikuchi struck out nine over five scoreless innings, scattering three hits and allowing one walk over his start.

The lefty lowered his spring earned-run average from 1.38 to 1.00. He is 2-1 with 25 strikeouts over 18 innings in six pre-season starts.

Kikuchi came into the season on the heels of a mediocre debut season with the Jays with a 6-7 record and 5.19 ERA.

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, of Japan, delivers to the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 17, 2023, in Dunedin, Fla. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Chris O'Meara
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, of Japan, delivers to the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 17, 2023, in Dunedin, Fla. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Chris O'Meara

Adam Wainwright headed to injured list with groin injury

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Adam Wainwright headed to injured list with groin injury

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

Adam Wainwright was in line for his seventh opening day start. Instead, the veteran St. Louis Cardinals right-hander will begin what’s slated to be his final season on the injured list with a groin injury.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol told reporters Thursday before St. Louis’ spring training game against the New York Yankees that Wainwright could miss several weeks.

The 41-year-old apparently strained his groin in a workout before Team USA lost to Japan 3-2 in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday. Wainwright went 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA over eight innings to help the U.S. reach the final.

“We’ll continue to evaluate over the next few days but no timetable at the moment,” Marmol said, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “There is a spot in the rotation now open, and we’re going to have to sit down and make sure that we’re not missing anything that goes into that.”

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

U.S. pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) attempts to throw out Cuba's Alfredo Despaigne at first during the third inning of a World Baseball Classic game, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Miami. Despaigne advanced from first to second on a throwing error by Wainwright. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
U.S. pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) attempts to throw out Cuba's Alfredo Despaigne at first during the third inning of a World Baseball Classic game, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Miami. Despaigne advanced from first to second on a throwing error by Wainwright. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Braves closer Iglesias headed to IL with inflamed shoulder

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Braves closer Iglesias headed to IL with inflamed shoulder

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias will open the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, the team said Thursday.

The Braves say an MRI showed the right-hander has “low-grade” inflammation and will not throw for seven days.

Iglesias was expected to move into the closer's role after Kenley Jansen signed with the Boston Red Sox. Iglesias, 33, had a combined 17 saves last season for the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta.

With the Braves, Iglesias allowed only one earned run in 28 appearances for a 0.34 ERA with one save while serving mainly in a set-up role for Jansen.

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias will open the season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, the team said Thursday.

The Braves say an MRI showed the right-hander has “low-grade” inflammation and will not throw for seven days.

Iglesias was expected to move into the closer's role after Kenley Jansen signed with the Boston Red Sox. Iglesias, 33, had a combined 17 saves last season for the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta.

With the Braves, Iglesias allowed only one earned run in 28 appearances for a 0.34 ERA with one save while serving mainly in a set-up role for Jansen.

Phils’ Hoskins tears knee, expected to miss significant time

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Phils’ Hoskins tears knee, expected to miss significant time

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins needs surgery for a torn ACL after injuring his left knee Thursday fielding a grounder in a spring training game and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

The Phillies did not say when Hoskins would have the surgery or exactly how long the slugging first baseman might be sidelined.

Hoskins hit 30 homers with 79 RBIs last season for the reigning National League champions.

He was backing up to play a chopper on Thursday when the ball popped out of his glove. Sooner after, he fell to the ground and began clutching his left knee. Teammates gathered around him before he was taken off of the field.

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Charlie Culberson forces Philadelphia Phillies' Bryson Stott (5) at second base and relays the throw to first in time to turn a double play on Rhys Hoskins during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Charlie Culberson forces Philadelphia Phillies' Bryson Stott (5) at second base and relays the throw to first in time to turn a double play on Rhys Hoskins during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Hoskins’ knee torn; Wainwright, Iglesias out as openers near

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Hoskins’ knee torn; Wainwright, Iglesias out as openers near

Pat Graham, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

A trio of NL pennant hopefuls are suddenly dealing with injuries to some pretty important players.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost slugging first baseman Rhys Hoskins on Thursday when he damaged his left knee fielding a grounder in a spring training game. He needs surgery for a torn ACL and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

St. Louis Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright (groin) and Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (inflamed shoulder) also will begin the season on the injured list.

The Phillies didn't say how long Hoskins is expected to be out. Hoskins, who turned 30 last week, hit six homers in Philadelphia’s playoff run last season. The Phillies lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series.

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Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

U.S. pitching coach Andy Pettitte (13) talks to starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Cuba, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
U.S. pitching coach Andy Pettitte (13) talks to starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Cuba, Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

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