3/06-3/07 MLB Spring Training Updates

American League

East 

• Blue Jays: Alek Manoah is not expected to be ready to go for Opening Day. 🙄 
  

• Orioles: Coby Mayo faces an uphill battle to make the roster due to the talent in front of him, but he’s having a great spring.
  

• Rays: First pitch of the game tater for Yandy Díaz off Carlos Rodón. 🥔 
  

• Red Sox: Brayan Bello agrees to a six-year $55M extension.
  

• Yankees: Carlos Rodón gives up two homers, one on his first pitch of the game. He needs to show up this season, and I think he will eventually figure it out. 🤞 

Central

• Guardians: Due to a Solar Eclipse on Opening Day, the team has to push back the start time for the opening pitch so there’s no gameplay interference. ☀️ 🌑 🌎️ 
  

• Royals: Thursday's game was canceled due to weather, but Micahel Massey went yard once with another extra-base hit on Wednesday.
  

• Tigers: From statcast data, Tarik Skubal’s Four Seam Fastball is up about 1.7mph year over year.
  

• Twins: Jair Carmargo, a 24-year-old catching prospect, hit the furthest statcast-tracked homer on Monday, with a double and walk to boot. It was not too shabby of a day.

• White Sox: In a contract year for Eloy Jiménez, he’s starting this Spring off hot. 🔥 

West

• Angels: Mike Trout, who’s aiming for the MVP trophy this season, hits his first homer of the Spring, a Grand Slam.
  

• Astros: GM Dana Brown said to The Athletic that the team feels set right now, but might be aggressive closer to the trade deadline.
  

• Athletics: The A’s turn off replies to their posts on Twitter. If you have to turn off your replies, you’re doing something wrong. 😆 
  

• Mariners: Could one of these potential rookies crack the roster soon? Ryan Bliss seems like the favorite.
  

• Rangers: Bullpen arm Marc Church goes two hitless innings to pair with three strikes. He could help add some depth to this bullpen.

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National League

East

• Braves: Birthday Bomb for Michael Harris yesterday. If it’s possible for him to break out further, I think he will do it this year. 🎂 
  

• Marlins: Jazz Chisholm says his daily McDonald’s trips are over. He intends to stay healthy and play more games this season. 🍔 
  

• Mets: Francisco Alvarez guns down three attempted stealers and then sends a two-run homer 408f (the longest of the day per statcast). Alvarez would be a good offset to the catchers I listed in the Premium version of Fantasy Fallers.
  

• Nationals: A new rule is revealed: The second baseman blocks the runner from getting back to the bag with his foot or knee. The runner is safe and earns an extra base.
  

• Phillies: Eyes on Johan Rojas's bat as he’s currently the leader for centerfield but will have to step up at the plate sooner than later.

Central

• Brewers: Jeferson Quero is dealing behind the plate, throwing out five of seven attempted stealers.
  

• Cardinals: Sonny Gray will most likely miss Opening Day, and the Cards are wondering who will fill in. 😬 
  

• Cubs: Michael Busch goes yard for the first time in a Cubs uni. 🥔 
  

• Pirates: Here’s some analysis as to why Pittsburgh is putting Paul Skenes in the minors to start the season. Let’s just say I disagree.
  

• Reds: 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, Jonathan India, will debut on Friday against the Dodgers.

West

• Diamondbacks: Zac Gallen gives up two runs, two hits, two walks, with two strikeouts through two pitched innings. Get it out of the system now, big fella.

• Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggles in his second start if you’re looking at the box score, but 5 of the 6 hits allowed were infield singles.
  

• Giants: Underdog prospect Spencer Bivens might take his talents from starting out in the outskirts of Paris to the Major Leagues if he gets a few lucky breaks over the next two weeks. This is a journeyman you want to cheer for.
  

• Padres: Jackson Merrill goes from center field to home on a bounce for the out. 🎯 
  

• Rockies: Yesterday’s game was canceled due to inclement weather, but on Wednesday, Kyle Freeland was dealing.

⚾️ Today’s Tater

Freedie Four Bags with a Grand Slam! What can’t this lineup do? I’m going to ask myself those questions multiple times per game. Thanks for sending this in, Brian; it must be nice to root for this! 😂 

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I love hearing directly from readers, so please reply or vote in the poll to let me know how I’m doing. I hope you have a great weekend! See you Monday. 👋 

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