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Tokyo Series Game 1 FAQ: Lineups, starting pitchers and more

@sonjamchen
March 16, 2025

TOKYO -- Five Japanese stars are back on home soil as Major Leaguers -- among them Shohei Ohtani, coming off a season for the ages -- and the reigning World Series champion Dodgers take the first step in defending their title. That only scratches the surface of the intriguing storylines

Is this the secret to Ohtani's all-fields power?

12:15 PM EDT

What makes Shohei Ohtani different from other star sluggers? It's not just the amount of home runs, or even the explosiveness of the home runs. It's also how he hits them. The mantra of the modern-day MLB power hitter is to "hit the ball out in front" -- in other

Strider fans 5 straight in perfect first start back after surgery

4:03 PM EDT

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- What does it feel like when you conclude the first inning you've pitched in nearly a full calendar year with consecutive strikeouts, the second of which was registered with a 98 mph fastball? “After the first inning, it was a rare emotional moment for me on

Cubs' No. 1 prospect set for MLB debut in Tokyo. Here's what to expect

3:34 PM EDT

The last time a rookie claimed the Cubs’ third-base job, he was a first-round pick who reached Wrigley Field after just one full season in the Minors. Kris Bryant worked out pretty well, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 followed by the NL MVP Award and

Goldschmidt (back) exits ... but 'zero' concerns about Opening Day

Bulked-up Rice homers again; Gómez continues torrid spring
4:25 PM EDT

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- A sore back prompted Paul Goldschmidt to exit the Yankees’ 6-5 loss against the Blue Jays after two at-bats on Monday, but the veteran first baseman says he has “zero” concerns about being ready for Opening Day. Goldschmidt went 0-for-1 with a walk and made a sprawling

Kirk Gibson stepping away from Tigers' TV booth

1:19 PM EDT

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Tigers legend Kirk Gibson will not be returning to the broadcast booth this season, but he will remain a part of the team’s front office as a special assistant while working with his foundation to continue the fight against Parkinson’s disease. The Tigers made the announcement in

Here are the 2025 All-Spring Breakout Teams

@brendan_samson
4:34 PM EDT

Fifteen games, several jersey swaps and countless highlights later, the second edition of Spring Breakout has officially concluded – and it lived up to its billing. Of the 16 contests sprinkled across four days, only one game (Dodgers vs. Cubs) was rained out. Coincidentally, the Cubs were one of two

Contreras loving move to first base -- and he certainly looks the part

@JohnDenton555
4:11 PM EDT

JUPITER, Fla. -- Down in a crouched position and bouncing on the balls of his feet, Willson Contreras aggressively charged a high-hopper and deftly picked the baseball near his left hip as teammates around him cheered his glovework.

1 player from each team making the biggest impression

March 16, 2025

There will be regular-season baseball games played this week, which means it’s almost time to bid adieu to Spring Training. As Opening Day nears, dozens of players -- from roster hopefuls to young phenoms to veterans in new places -- will look back on their spring performances fondly. With an

Japan's passion for baseball on full display at Tokyo Series special events

March 16, 2025

TOKYO -- It is hard to find a block in the heart of Tokyo that does not feature a banner or advertisement featuring Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. This week, images of Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, along with Cubs stars Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, have also popped up around the

Darvish pauses throwing program due to general fatigue

2:14 PM EDT

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The start to Yu Darvish’s 2025 season is in jeopardy of being delayed, after the Padres recently paused his throwing program while he deals with what manager Mike Shildt called “general fatigue.” It’s unclear when Darvish will resume throwing, Shildt said. As such, it’s also unclear whether

Q&A: Mendoza breaks down Mets' injuries, outlook for 2025 season

3:34 PM EDT

In a recent interview with MLB.com, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discussed the state of the 2025 Mets, from Juan Soto’s all-around game to the injuries suffered during Spring Training. MLB.com: Ever since you became the manager of the Mets, you said your biggest concern will always be the team’s health.

Lee (back) going for MRI; Giants hopeful of his return before spring ends

1:48 PM EDT

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Center fielder Jung Hoo Lee will undergo an MRI exam on his tight back on Monday, a concerning development for the Giants as they enter the final week of Cactus League play. Lee was slated to start Saturday’s game against the Mariners, but he was scratched from

Betts will miss both Tokyo Series games with illness

@sonjamchen
March 16, 2025

TOKYO -- Mookie Betts will not play in the season-opening Tokyo Series as he continues to recover from an illness, manager Dave Roberts said on Monday. The Dodgers' shortstop is expected to be ready in time for the domestic opener. The team is considering sending Betts home early in order

'Feeling good': Schmidt (shoulder) passes 'pen session test

1:42 PM EDT

TAMPA, Fla. -- It looked like a run-of-the-mill throwing session, but in a Spring Training where little has gone as expected for the Yankees’ starting rotation, they have learned to take little for granted. That’s why, as Andy Pettitte greeted a familiar face outside the bullpens at George M. Steinbrenner

With Lewis out for Opening Day, how do Twins fill void?

4:28 PM EDT

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Twins confirmed Monday what had been widely feared: Royce Lewis will open the 2025 season on the injured list due to a moderate left hamstring strain. It’s unclear at this time how long Lewis will be out, but the word “moderate” indicates that it is a

'Very appreciative' Severino earns Opening Day nod for A's

@MartinJGallegos
2:38 PM EDT

MESA, Ariz. -- The Athletics’ selection for their Opening Day starter was the worst-kept secret in baseball. In December, when the A’s held a press conference in Sacramento to officially introduce Luis Severino after signing him to a three-year, $67 million contract, general manager David Forst let the cat out

King earns first-career Opening Day nod from Padres

an hour ago

PEORIA, Ariz. -- How good was Michael King in his transition to the rotation last season? Good enough that he’s the Padres’ Opening Day starter in 2025. Manager Mike Shildt officially tabbed King as the Padres’ starting pitcher when they open their 2025 season on March 27 at Petco Park.

Lingering thumb injury has Scherzer's status up in air 

@KeeganMatheson
1:21 PM EDT

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Max Scherzer's right thumb just became one of the most important things in Blue Jays camp. Scherzer has been dealing with soreness recently, and while he was able to face some Minor League hitters in a simulated game at the Blue Jays’ complex on Monday, the real

'He's the best in the league': Wheeler gets Phils' Opening Day nod

4:42 PM EDT

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Phillies manager Rob Thomson announced on Monday what everybody already expected. Zack Wheeler will start on Opening Day on March 27 against the Nationals in D.C.

'P-C-A!': Tokyo Dome's chants 'the coolest' for Cubs outfielder

1:12 AM EDT

TOKYO -- As Pete Crow-Armstrong settled into the batter’s box on Sunday night, a familiar chorus surrounded the Cubs’ center fielder. Chants of “P-C-A!” repeated and grew in volume from a contingent of fans within the stadium. The major difference is that Crow-Armstrong is more than 6,000 miles from the

Gallo makes surprising announcement: He's switching to pitching

@ByJasonFoster
March 16, 2025

When you've exhausted the Three True Outcomes as a hitter, perhaps the fourth true outcome is becoming a pitcher. That's apparently how Joey Gallo sees things. Gallo, 31, the longtime slugging outfielder and DH who was released Sunday by the White Sox, said on X that he plans to pursue

Most underrated player? Best pitcher? Most surprising team? Players cast their votes

@ByJasonFoster
March 16, 2025

During Spring Training, MLB.com beat writers surveyed their clubhouses, asking players for their opinions on a range of topics. Well over 100 players participated, in exchange for anonymity. As Opening Day approaches, here's a look at the results: Player who would excel most in another sport: Mookie Betts, Dodgers Betts

Sale's Cy Young defense begins with Opening Day start vs. Padres

10:30 AM EDT

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Chris Sale’s latest reward for his great comeback season will come in the form of his sixth career Opening Day start. The Braves officially announced Sale will be on the mound for their season opener against the Padres on March 27 at Petco Park. The 2024

With Jung optioned, Tigers in need of a pivot at 3B

12:56 PM EDT

LAKELAND, Fla. -- For the second time this Spring Training, the Tigers find themselves having to pivot at third base. When Alex Bregman signed with the Red Sox on Feb. 15, opportunity opened for Jace Jung to take over the hot corner in Detroit for years to come. He might