Pirates' center fielder Oneil Cruz made a costly error and displayed a lack of effort in a game against the Rangers, which contributed to the team's loss. Despite his inexperience and recent struggles, the manager chose to give him another chance, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, a 23-year-old Chicago Cubs outfielder, has rapidly risen to prominence with his exceptional defense, speed, and power, becoming a fan favorite and league standout in his breakout season, after overcoming injuries and early struggles.
St. Louis Cardinals' new ace Sonny Gray is working his way back from a hamstring strain and may miss the opening series, while reliever Keynan Middleton will start the season on the IL due to a forearm strain. The team is considering bullpen options to fill Middleton's absence. Additionally, the Cardinals are undecided on their center field starter, with prospects Victor Scott II and Michael Siani in contention alongside Dylan Carlson.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, who missed 42 games last season due to a toe injury sustained in a collision with the right-field fence, believes the injury will require ongoing maintenance throughout his career. Despite the setback, Judge is optimistic about the upcoming season and is prepared to play smarter to avoid future injuries.
The Yankees' acquisition of Juan Soto in a trade has raised concerns about Aaron Judge's move back to center field, a position that is physically demanding and could increase the risk of injury for the 6-foot-7, 282-pound player. While Judge is willing to play wherever needed to help the team win, the team's roster construction currently points to Soto in right field, Judge in center, and Alex Verdugo in left. The Yankees' decision to regularly use Judge in center field contrasts with other teams, like the Dodgers and Phillies, who are proactively moving their star players to less taxing positions to reduce wear and tear.
The Philadelphia Phillies' offense struggled in consecutive Octobers, with the lineup swinging at too many pitches out of the strike zone. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged the need to address this issue and expressed confidence in the team's core players. However, he stated that center fielder Johan Rojas will have to earn the everyday job and contribute offensively to secure a position on the big-league club next year. The Phillies' top priority this offseason is re-signing Aaron Nola or finding a suitable replacement for the rotation, with the goal of building a World Series-contending roster in 2024.
Jasson Dominguez, the rookie center fielder for the New York Yankees, was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to right elbow inflammation. Dominguez has made an impressive start to his major league career, hitting four home runs in his first seven games. Isiah Kiner-Falefa replaced him in center field for the game against the Brewers.
Seattle Mariners' center fielder Julio Rodríguez wowed fans and fooled everyone with a spectacular home run-robbing catch against the San Diego Padres. After making a diving catch earlier in the game, Rodríguez timed his jump perfectly at the wall and hid the ball in his glove, tricking everyone, including the announcers and the batter, Fernando Tatís Jr. The catch helped preserve Logan Gilbert's scoreless outing, as he threw seven innings of one-hit ball with 12 strikeouts, leading the Mariners to a 2-0 win and extending their winning streak to six games. This marked the second time Rodríguez has made such a catch this year, adding to his highlight-filled week that included stealing home and a strong performance at the plate.
The Boston Red Sox have signed outfielder Bradley Zimmer to a minor league deal after he was released by the Dodgers. Although Zimmer has struggled at the plate, his speed and defense are considered elite. The Red Sox have been dealing with uncertainty in center field and Zimmer will provide extra depth at the position.
San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski suffered a left hamstring strain while diving for a fly ball in a game against the Padres. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the strain, but a trip to the 10-day injured list seems likely. Brett Wisely and Austin Slater are expected to platoon in center field until Yastrzemski or Bryce Johnson return. Brandon Crawford and Sean Manaea also picked up injuries during the Giants' two-game series in Mexico City.
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in their opening game of the series, with Ji Hwan Bae's impressive performance in center field contributing to the win.
Boston Red Sox's center fielder Adam Duvall will be out for six to eight weeks after suffering a distal radius fracture in his left wrist while attempting a diving catch in Sunday’s game against the Tigers. Duvall won't need surgery, and the team will put a cast on his wrist to let it heal. The Red Sox will replace Duvall by committee, with Kiké Hernández seeing more time in center, Bobby Dalbec getting another chance, Raimel Tapia playing more against righties, and Rob Refsnyder's importance growing.
The Phillies are dealing with multiple injuries as they head into their first homestand of 2023. Darick Hall and Brandon Marsh are both dealing with injuries that may require them to be placed on the injured list. Center fielder Cristian Pache has struggled at the plate and may be cut from the team. Andrew Painter has been transferred to the 60-day injured list due to a sprained elbow. Ranger Suarez is making progress but will require a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the team.
James Outman will start in center field and bat eighth for the Dodgers on opening day against the Diamondbacks, marking his first career game at Dodger Stadium. Outman made the opening day roster after a strong spring training both offensively and defensively, continuing a trend for the outfielder dating back to last season. He only played four games in his major league debut last year, but homered in his first at-bat. Outman is the first Dodger to start on opening day in one of the first five games of his career since Blake DeWitt in 2008.