By Jhett Laurie
Staff Writer
MLB Spring Training kicked off in Arizona on Feb. 21, as the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Chicago Cubs, with the Cubbies routing the Dodgers 12-3.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the mound this season after having his pitching limited last year due to surgery. Ohtani made a brief appearance during Dodgers practices but does not have a set return date yet. Fans should be on the lookout for the unanimous MVP to pitch in Spring Training as his rehab winds to a close.
Fellow Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is also set to make his MLB debut against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 19, with innings in Spring Training expected to begin the week of Feb. 24. Sasaki is one of many moves the Dodgers made in the offseason, as they acquired star pitchers such as Blake Snell and Tanner Scott as they push to claim a second consecutive World Series title.
A hot topic among baseball fans is the MLB’s implementation of an automatic strike zone during Spring Training games. According to the MLB, this system will allow catchers, pitchers, and batters to challenge the ball or strike call of an umpire during an at-bat. If the player believes that the call was incorrect, they signal the umpire who then calls the review booth. If the call stands, the team that challenged the call loses one of their two challenges in a game and play resumes. In cases where the umpire is incorrect, the call is overturned, and the team keeps their challenge.
This will likely make waves in the MLB community as officials are constantly under scrutiny for their questionable calls. The notion that a game could end on a bad call may be a thing of the past sooner than most fans imagined. If the MLB finds the system successful, fans can be sure to see it implemented into the regular season in the near future.
The New York Yankees have been making headlines throughout the offseason, most recently with their long-standing ban on facial hair being lifted. As of Feb. 21, Yankees players will be allowed to have “well-groomed beards,” per Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.
This breaks a team rule that first originated in 1973 by Hal’s father and former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. Yankees fans are anticipating the return of players’ facial hair that they once donned before becoming a Yankee, such as Gerrit Cole and Devin Williams. Williams boasted a 1.25 ERA and 38 strikeouts with the Brewers last year before being traded to the Yankees in December. Many think he will be a powerful addition to an already strong New York bullpen.
In a tremendous loss to the Yankees, outfield phenom Juan Soto signed with the Mets for a staggering $765 million in December, according to MLB writer Anthony DiComo. In attempts to fill his role in the lineup, Yankees have called up prospect Jasson Dominguez and signed veterans Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. Many are hopeful Dominguez’s bat will be able to help repair the lineup as he is set to play his first full MLB season. All eyes will be on him during Spring Training as he makes the adjustment to the big stage. Yankees fans can watch the first game of the season on March 27, as they take on the Brewers at home.
Apart from this monster deal, the Mets remained relatively quiet during the offseason, choosing to re-sign Pete Alonso and Jesse Winker. Their bats, in combination with Soto and MVP-candidate shortstop Francisco Lindor, will make their lineup one that most pitchers will not want to face. The Mets will open their season on March 27 when they will travel to Houston to face the Astros.
The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to find similar success to last year, seeking a repeat win of their division. They face strong competition this year as a retooling New York Mets team looks to win the division for the first time since 2015. The Phillies will be returning nearly all their lineup and seem to be a favorite for the World Series this season. Stars such as Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm will seek continued success in the field and at the plate. The Phillies will take on their division rival Nationals in Washington, D.C. on March 27.
The season is set to begin March 19 when the Dodgers take on the Cubs in the Tokyo Series. This season is set to be entertaining, as the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers all boast outstanding lineups that rely on high-powered offense and lights-out pitchers. These teams will be the talk of the league throughout the season and up until October when the playoffs begin.
