All articles tagged with #grapefruit league
19-year-old Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin belted two home runs in a Grapefruit League win over the Red Sox, showcasing the power and speed that fuel his status as baseball’s top prospect and drawing early comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez, while Pittsburgh weighs Opening Day implications amid an offseason reshaping of the roster.
Carlos Rodon's second Grapefruit League start for the New York Yankees was described as "a mixed bag" as he gave up two home runs and lacked velocity on his fastball, ultimately allowing three runs on five hits across three-plus innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The left-hander, looking to rebound from a tough first season with the Yankees, has been working on expanding his pitch arsenal this spring and is focused on building confidence and staying healthy to fulfill the team's expectations.
Carlos Rodon struggled in his second Grapefruit League start, giving up two home runs and showing a noticeable lack of velocity on his fastball. Despite a rough outing, Rodon is focused on regaining confidence and staying healthy after a challenging 2023 season. The Yankees are hoping for a strong performance from Rodon this season following his struggles last year, and manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic about Rodon's potential to regain his form.
The Detroit Tigers secured a 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros in a Grapefruit League game, with outfielder Riley Greene making his return after recovering from Tommy John surgery and driving in the first run of the game. Pitcher Jack Flaherty impressed with a quick and efficient first inning, and the Tigers' offense was highlighted by a three-run home run from Brady Allen. The Tigers' pitching staff also delivered strong performances, with Beau Brieske and Joey Wentz standing out.
The Detroit Tigers suffered a 22-10 loss to the New York Yankees in their first game of the 2024 Grapefruit League schedule, with 10 pitchers walking 14 batters and hitting five, while surrendering 15 hits. Despite the lopsided score, there were some bright spots, including a two-run home run by Andy Ibáñez and a strong showing by prospect Colt Keith. The Tigers will look to bounce back in their next game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Philadelphia Phillies will open their Grapefruit League play with a game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Florida. Fans in the Delaware Valley can watch the game on MLB Network, while others can access it through MLB.tv. The radio broadcast will be available on 94 WIP. The Phillies' lineup for the game includes Whit Merrifield and Johan Rojas, with Kolby Allard starting as the pitcher.
The Phillies have announced their pitching plans for the first four spring games, with Kolby Allard and Aaron Nola set to start the first two games. Cristopher Sanchez, who had limited spring training last year due to injury, is now healthy and confident. Injury updates include Alec Bohm's neck spasms, Rafael Marchan's lower back injury, and Brandon Marsh's recovery from knee surgery, with the team expecting him to be ready for Opening Day.
As MLB spring training begins, ESPN highlights one player to watch on every team, emphasizing the importance of observing rehabbing veterans, promising youngsters, and top prospects aiming for the Opening Day roster. While acknowledging that spring training results have limited predictive value, the focus is on hitters needing to improve their plate discipline and approach, with an emphasis on strikeout and walk rates.
MLB has announced the schedule for the 2024 Spring Training, which will begin on February 22. The Dodgers and Padres will kick off the preseason with a Cactus League game before their regular season opener in South Korea. Additionally, the Red Sox and Rays will play in the Dominican Republic, marking MLB's return to the country since 2020. The regular season will start on March 28, with all 30 teams in action.
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto was ejected from a Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays after a miscommunication with home plate umpire Randy Rosenberg. Realmuto reached back for a replacement ball for pitcher Craig Kimbrel, but retracted his glove when he saw Kimbrel's eyes raise to the sky. Rosenberg had been placing a ball in Realmuto’s glove when it was retracted, and the ball fell to the ground. Rosenberg then ejected Realmuto, claiming he was trying to show him up. Realmuto claims he thought Rosenberg was throwing the ball.
The Philadelphia Phillies have made their final cuts of camp ahead of opening day, with Kody Clemens, Michael Plassmeyer, Erich Uelmen, and Luis Ortiz being optioned to Triple A Lehigh Valley. Meanwhile, Scott Kingery, Jim Haley, Weston Wilson, John Hicks, and Aramis Garcia were reassigned to minor-league camp. The Phillies' opening-day roster includes 13 position players and a projected eight-man bullpen. Jake Cave and Dalton Guthrie will make the Phils' opening-day roster, and Rhys Hoskins' season-ending ACL tear opened a spot for Guthrie to make the team as the backup centerfielder.
Contract extension talks between the Philadelphia Phillies and pitcher Aaron Nola have ceased for now, but Nola plans to resume negotiations after the 2023 season. Nola, who is entering the final year of his current contract, dismissed any talk of distraction after a rough outing against the Yankees in his final Grapefruit League start before Opening Day. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski pledged to focus on the season before renewing talks with Nola's camp, while Nola's agent said they had good communication with the team and will pick up the conversation again at the end of the season.