Author: MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

The Mets lost to the Rays, 2-0, on Monday afternoon as their spring training slate continued.

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Here are the takeaways...

- Griffin Canning looked sharp while striking out three batters in the first inning, but also made one costly mistake -- leaving a pitch up to Josh Lowe, who cracked a solo homer to right-center field.

That was the only big mistake Canning made all day, as he mostly toyed with the Rays' hitters.

Over 4.2 innings, Canning allowed three hits and one run while walking one and striking out nine, lowering his spring training ERA to 0.90.

Canning is battling with Paul Blackburn and Tylor Megill for the final two spots in the starting rotation, but the expectation is that all three pitchers will make the 26-man Opening Day roster -- with two on the starting staff and one in the bullpen.

- Designated hitter Jesse Winkerleft the game early due to cramping in his calf.

- Brandon Nimmo started in left field -- his first time playing the outfield since Feb. 28, as he's been dealing with a knee issue.

At the plate, Nimmo went 0-for-2 with a walk.

- Brett Baty got the start at second base as he continues to get the bulk of his action there.

He made a really nice play with one out in the eighth inning, ranging far to his left on a chopper before fielding it and throwing on the run to first base for the out.

Including the above play, Baty cleanly fielded every ball that came his way on Monday.

Baty went 0-for-4 at the dish.

With Jeff McNeil out for Opening Day due to an oblique injury, Baty could have the inside track to the regular second base job to start the season.

- Francisco Lindor smoked a single to right field in his second at-bat and added a pop fly double his third time up. He finished 2-for-4.

- Dedniel Núñez made his spring training debut and was sharp, retiring the side in order in the seventh inning. He hit 98 mph with his fastball, and finished his outing by getting a swinging strikeout on an 89 mph slider.

- Jose Butto, who had been out of game action for just over a week due to a groin issue, pitched the eighth inning. Butto, whose fastball was up to 95 mph, worked around a soft one-out single to toss a scoreless frame.

Highlights

Two more strikeouts for Griffin Canning and he's got five in the first two innings ♨️ pic.twitter.com/yUYmpAQSks

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

Francisco Lindor with the smooth backhand 💪 pic.twitter.com/Ad53q2IR9d

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

Griffin Canning has struck out seven of the ten batters he's faced 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yt4XdXkrG0

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

A base hit for Francisco Lindor! pic.twitter.com/gYYMxqlSKF

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

Two more strikeouts for Griffin Canning and he's up to nine in four innings 💪 pic.twitter.com/Khkou4knwZ

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

Francisco Lindor's second hit of the afternoon! pic.twitter.com/OJbCDxmWz7

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

Dedniel Núñez with a 1-2-3 inning in his return to the mound! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yAmYOwLtxb

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

Brett Baty runs down the chopper and throws to José Buttó for the out! pic.twitter.com/FVMAknF74w

— SNY (@SNYtv) March 17, 2025

Upcoming schedule

The Mets are off on Tuesday.

They travel to face the Astros on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m.

Castleford Tigers full-back Fletcher Rooney has been ruled out for about four months with a thigh injury.

The 19-year-old suffered a high-grade quadriceps injury in training.

Rooney has featured in all four of the Tigers' Super League games so far this season, scoring two tries.

"It's really tough to see Fletch sidelined with such an unlucky injury," head of medical services Nick Raynor told the club website.

• Castleford full-back Rooney signs five-year deal

Ahead of Monday’s Grapefruit League matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a few injury updates.

-Clarke Schmidt threw a bullpen session on Monday instead of making his previously scheduled start against the Jays, since his shoulder hadn’t recovered the way he wanted to after his first start on March 11.

But Schmidt threw a 24-pitch bullpen session instead, and Boone told reporters it went well for the 29-year-old.

Schmidt also told Brendan Kuty of The Athletic that he felt good after his bullpen, and said he wasn’t too concerned about his shoulder, so it seems the Yankees may have dodged the worst possible outcome here.

-Giancarlo Stanton is doing more, per Boone, but the manager didn’t elaborate past that. Stanton has been held out of baseball activities all spring long as he deals with elbow issues, which have required two PRP injections since the start of camp.

-Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu is “moving the needle” in his recovery from a left calf strain and has resumed hitting. LeMahieu has played in just one game this spring after playing only 67 games last season due to injury woes.

-Also of note, reliever Jake Cousins, who has yet to throw off a mound this spring due to a right forearm strain, has progressed to throwing at 90 feet.

Red Sox positional preview: Who will anchor the bullpen in 2025? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The bullpen was the Boston Red Sox’ biggest weakness in 2024. All signs point to that being the case again in 2025.

Boston lost veteran relievers Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin in free agency. The duo will be replaced by offseason addition Aroldis Chapman and fellow veteran Liam Hendriks, who’s set to return after missing all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery.

That duo is competing for the closer role along with second-year reliever Justin Slaten, one of the club’s bright spots out of the ‘pen last season. After them, it’s anyone’s guess who will be stepping up in high-leverage situations for the Red Sox this year.

More Red Sox positional previews:

• Corner infield
• Middle infield
• Outfield
• Catcher
• Starting pitching

Here’s a closer look at the bullpen arms who will look to turn the club’s weakness into a strength in 2025:

Aroldis Chapman, LHP

2024 stats: 3.79 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 98 SO, 39 BB, 61.2 IP (68 games for Pittsburgh Pirates)

Age: 37

Contract status: Signed one-year, $10.75 million contract in free agency.

Outlook for 2025: Chapman’s days as a shutdown closer are behind him. The hard-throwing southpaw walks too many batters (at least 5.0 BB/9 in every season since 2020) at this stage of his career to be considered a truly trustworthy option in high-leverage situations.

That said, the Red Sox will lean heavily on him in 2025 after losing veterans Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin in free agency. While Chapman is no longer his dominant self, the seven-time All-Star showed last season with Pittsburgh he can still be effective and miss bats at a high rate.

Liam Hendriks, RHP

2024 stats: N/A

Age: 36

Contract status: Signed two-year, $10 million contract in 2024. Mutual option for 2026.

Outlook for 2025: After missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John recovery, Hendriks is battling Chapman and second-year reliever Justin Slaten for the closer role. His spring training numbers suggest Boston may be best suited going in a different direction to begin the new campaign.

Hendriks, a three-time All-Star, has allowed six earned runs on 12 hits over five innings (five appearances). Perhaps he’s simply shaking off the rust with only five regular-season games played since 2022, but throwing him straight into the fire to start the season seems unwise.

Justin Slaten, RHP

2024 stats: 2.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 58 SO, 9 BB, 55.1 IP (44 games)

Age: 27

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2027.

Outlook for 2025: Slaten, a Rule 5 Draft pick last winter, was an underrated bright spot for Boston during the 2024 season. The right-hander’s impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio suggests he may be the team’s best current option to close out games in 2025. If he struggles out of the gate, manager Alex Cora shouldn’t hesitate to hand the keys over to either Hendriks or Chapman.

Garrett Whitlock, RHP

2024 stats: 1.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 17 SO, 7 BB, 18.1 IP (four starts)

Age: 28

Contract status: Signed four-year, $18.75 million contract extension in 2022. Club options for 2027 and 2028.

Outlook for 2025: Whitlock will presumably pitch exclusively out of the ‘pen following another injury-plagued campaign. The right-hander made only four starts in 2024 before suffering a season-ending elbow injury.

If Whitlock regains his 2021/2022 form, it’ll go a long way toward helping Boston’s bullpen enjoy a bounce-back season. He notched a 1.96 ERA across 46 relief appearances during his breakout 2021 rookie season.

Justin Wilson, LHP

2024 stats: 5.59 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 51 SO, 13 BB, 46.2 IP (60 games with Cincinnati Reds)

Age: 37

Contract status: Signed one-year, $2.25 million contract in free agency.

Outlook for 2025: Wilson joined the bullpen this offseason as another experienced left-handed option, though his leash likely isn’t long. The veteran southpaw struggled mightily with the Reds last season and missed all of 2023 due to injury.

Wilson has a handful of solid MLB seasons under his belt, but he’ll have to earn a long-term spot on the roster with a strong start to 2025. If his woes continue, we could see fellow left-hander Brennan Bernardino take his place.

Luis Guerrero, RHP

2024 stats: 0.00 ERA, 0.800 WHIP, 9 SO, 2 BB, 10 IP (nine games)

Age: 24

Contract status: Pre-arbitration.

Outlook for 2025: Guerrero impressed during his brief stint with the big-league club in 2024. Although he hasn’t looked as sharp this spring, he should still earn a spot on the Opening Day roster as a high-upside flamethrower. He’s a dark horse for the Red Sox closer role if Chapman, Hendriks, and Slaten can’t seize their opportunity.

Greg Weissert, RHP

2024 stats: 3.13 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 58 SO, 20 BB, 63.1 IP (62 games)

Age: 30

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2027.

Outlook for 2025: Like Slaten, Weissert was one of the bright spots in Boston’s bullpen last season. Acquired from the New York Yankees in the Alex Verdugo deal, Weissert didn’t allow an earned run over the final two months of the season. That trend has continued so far this spring with zero runs allowed over seven innings pitched (six appearances).

Weissert could start to make a name for himself in the big leagues if he duplicates his 2024 success. He’ll again play an important role for a group that is expected to be the club’s kryptonite again in 2025.

Cooper Criswell, RHP

2024 stats: 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 73 SO, 31 BB, 99.1 IP (26 games, 18 starts)

Age: 25

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2027.

Outlook for 2025: Criswell’s one-year, $1 million deal before the 2024 season was met with little fanfare, but it proved to be a shrewd move made by the Red Sox front office. Criswell was effective as a swingman, a role he is expected to reprise in 2025.

Criswell’s presence will be even more important with starters Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford on the injured list to begin the year. We can expect the righty to make some spot-starts early in the season with Boston scheduled to play 20 games over the first 21 days.

Adam Ottavino, RHP

2024 stats: 4.34 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 70 SO, 23 BB, 56 IP (60 games)

Age: 39

Contract status: Minor-league contract

Outlook for 2025: The Red Sox bolstered their bullpen depth by signing the veteran to a minor-league contract this offseason. If he makes the team, it’ll mark his second stint with the organization. He made 69 appearances with the club in 2021. Ottavino has been a consistent, durable relief option throughout his 14-year MLB career, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him become a mainstay in the bullpen this season.

Zack Kelly, RHP

2024 stats: 3.97 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 61 SO, 27 BB, 56.2 IP (49 games)

Age: 30

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2026.

Outlook for 2025: Kelly could be a difference-maker for the Red Sox bullpen in 2025. The righty is enjoying a strong spring training, allowing only two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight batters in seven innings (six games).

He has strong swing-and-miss stuff, but command has been an issue so far in his big-league career. Consistency will be the key to a Kelly breakout.

Brennan Bernardino, LHP

2024 stats: 4.06 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 56 SO, 22 BB, 51 IP (57 games)

Age: 33

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2026.

Outlook for 2025: It’ll be difficult for Bernardino to make the Opening Day roster with the bevy of left-handed relief options available. His production fell off a cliff last season after a remarkable start to the year (0.78 ERA over first 23 innings).

Bernardino has shown flashes of brilliance at the big-league level, but Wilson’s presence likely points to the 33-year-old starting the season in Triple-A.

Josh Winckowski, RHP

2024 stats: 4.14 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 60 SO, 26 BB, 76 IP (40 games)

Age: 26

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2026.

Outlook for 2025: Winckowski appears unlikely to make the Opening Day roster as his rocky 2024 season has been compounded by a rough spring training. The right-hander has allowed 10 earned runs on 11 hits and five walks in five innings.

Injuries could eventually force Winckowski back into the fold. For now, he’s probably the odd man out as Alex Cora assembles his bullpen for the club’s Opening Day matchup vs. the Texas Rangers on March 27.

Red Sox Opening Day roster projection: Which prospects make the team? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox’ 26-man roster is beginning to take shape with just over a week until Opening Day.

Left-hander Garrett Crochet was named Boston’s Opening Day starter, Rafael Devers has reluctantly accepted his new role as a designated hitter, and prospect Richard Fitts is all but locked into the rotation amid injuries to Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford.

That said, manager Alex Cora still has some difficult decisions to make from now until the club’s March 27 opener against the Texas Rangers. Will any of the organization’s “Big Three” prospects make the team? Who will earn the last few bullpen spots?

Here’s our final Red Sox Opening Day roster projection:

Catcher (2)

1. Connor Wong
2. Carlos Narvaez

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

This one is pretty straightforward with top prospect Kyle Teel no longer in the picture.

Wong will begin the campaign as Boston’s unquestioned No. 1 catcher, but don’t sleep on Narvaez. He offers more defensive upside and if Wong struggles at the plate, we could see the ex-New York Yankees backstop eventually earn more playing time.

First base (1)

1. Triston Casas

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

With the offseason trade rumors behind him, Casas is poised to take a significant step forward in Year 3 of his big-league career. His health will be key to Boston’s success as he appeared in only 63 games last season due to injury, and there aren’t many trustworthy first base options on the depth chart.

Second base (2)

1. David Hamilton
2. Kristian Campbell

Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Even with a healthy Trevor Story, David Hamilton has earned a spot on the 2025 roster after stepping up in the veteran’s absence last season. His blazing speed proved to be a game-changer as he stole 33 bases in only 98 games.

Campbell has the clearest path to an Opening Day roster spot of Boston’s top prospects. Vaughn Grissom or Nick Sogard could make the cut instead if the club opts to give Campbell more time to develop in the minors, but the 22-year-old fits perfectly on the roster as a right-handed bat with the ability to play second and the outfield.

Shortstop (1)

1. Trevor Story

Chris Tilley-Imagn Images

At this point, Red Sox fans simply cannot get their hopes up for a productive Trevor Story. The veteran shortstop has been unable to stay on the field since joining the Red Sox in 2022.

For now, Story will provide Gold Glove-caliber defense while looking to revert to his Colorado Rockies days at the plate. If this is finally the year he stays healthy, it’ll go a long way toward making Boston a postseason contender in 2025.

If Story goes down yet again, the Red Sox’ depth options include top prospect Marcelo Mayer, David Hamilton, Vaughn Grissom, and Nick Sogard.

Third base (1)

1. Alex Bregman

USA TODAY Sports

It appears Bregman will be Boston’s starting third baseman after all. The prized offseason addition initially was expected to be the team’s second baseman with Rafael Devers unwilling to move off the hot corner, but Devers recently changed his tune on that stance. Plus, Bregman has played almost every inning of spring training at third base and zero innings at second.

Bregman adds much-needed right-handed pop, Gold Glove defense, and veteran leadership to the Red Sox clubhouse. He’s a big reason for the newfound optimism surrounding the club heading into the campaign.

Outfield (4)

1. Jarren Duran
2. Ceddanne Rafaela
3. Wilyer Abreu
4. Rob Refsnyder

Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Assuming Abreu is ready for Opening Day after missing time due to an illness, the Red Sox’ starting outfield seems set in stone with him in right field, Ceddanne Rafaela in center, and Jarren Duran in left. Rob Refsnyder will return as a lefty-mashing fourth outfielder.

That leaves No. 1 prospect Roman Anthony in the minors to open the season, but it won’t be long before the slugger gets the call to The Show.

Designated hitter (1)

1. Rafael Devers

Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Now that Devers has reluctantly accepted a switch from third base to DH, he’ll likely focus on slugging in 2025 while Bregman mans the hot corner. The move should greatly improve Boston’s infield defense, though it’ll be worth monitoring how Devers adjusts to his new role.

Utility (1)

1. Romy Gonzalez

David Butler II-Imagn Images

Gonzalez’s versatility was invaluable last season. Although Nick Sogard has impressed this spring and has a similar skill set, Gonzalez’s successful 2024 gives him a slight edge to begin the season.

Starting pitchers (5)

1. Garrett Crochet, LHP
2. Tanner Houck, RHP
3. Walker Buehler, RHP
4. Richard Fitts, RHP
5. Quinn Priester, RHP

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Red Sox manager Alex Cora unsurprisingly named left-hander Garrett Crochet the team’s Opening Day starter. Crochet is a strikeout machine who’s a popular pick to win the American League Cy Young award.

Houck will look to duplicate his 2024 All-Star campaign while Buehler aims to bounce back from a down season. Buehler struggled after returning from Tommy John surgery, but he found his groove in the postseason to help the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series title.

Youngsters Richard Fitts and Quinn Priester are expected to fill out the back end of the rotation with Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford starting the season on the injured list. Fitts shined in his first big-league stint and continued to impress in spring training. Priester, a 2024 trade deadline addition, is a high-upside option who has yet to break out in the majors.

Fitts seems like a lock to make the Opening Day roster. Priester, on the other hand, could be edged out by Sean Newcomb, who has enjoyed a strong spring.

Relief pitchers (8)

1. Liam Hendriks, RHP
2. Aroldis Chapman, LHP
3. Justin Slaten, RHP
4. Garrett Whitlock, RHP
5. Justin Wilson, LHP
6. Greg Weissert, RHP
7. Luis Guerrero, RHP
8. Cooper Criswell, RHP

Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman will be counted on to replace Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin in the back end of the bullpen. They’re battling for the closer role, though second-year reliever Justin Slaten could earn that spot after an impressive 2024.

Right-hander Garrett Whitlock will pitch exclusively out of the bullpen after another injury-plagued season. Cooper Criswell’s role as a swingman will be valued with a grueling schedule to start the year, and Luis Guerrero offers tremendous upside with his velocity.

Injured list

• Masataka Yoshida, DH/OF
• Brayan Bello, RHP
• Lucas Giolito, RHP
• Kutter Crawford, RHP
• Patrick Sandoval, LHP

Yoshida, still recovering from an offseason shoulder surgery, has stayed at DH throughout spring training. He was put on a throwing program and may not be ready to play the outfield when the season begins. Cora acknowledged Yoshida could start the campaign on the IL as he continues his recovery.

Bello (shoulder), Giolito (hamstring), Crawford (knee), and Sandoval (Tommy John recovery) each have been confirmed to be on the IL when the season begins.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke ahead of Monday's split squad spring training games.

Here are the most important notes...

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Brandon Nimmo back in the outfield

Nimmo, who recently missed over a week of action due to a knee issue that required a gel injection, is playing the outfield on Monday for the first time since Feb. 28.

Nimmo had recently been serving as the designated hitter.

"Felt good yesterday after the live at-bats of the game on the back field," Mendoza said. "Talking to him, it's like 'feel good to go.' That's a good sign. Three [games] in a row. And then finally getting him some outfield action there."

There hasn't been any recent doubt about Nimmo's availability for Opening Day, but it was an open question regarding whether he would be able to play the outfield from the jump or if he would initially be relegated to DH duty.

Nimmo being back in the outfield on Monday -- a week before the Mets break camp in advance of Opening Day on March 27 against the Astros in Houston -- is obviously a good sign for his ability to play the field right away.

Dedniel Núñez set for spring training debut

Núñez is scheduled to pitch on Monday in what will be his first Grapefruit League action of the spring.

He had been throwing live bullpen sessions in preparation.

Núñez dealt with multiple injuries in 2024, and his season ended in September due to a strained flexor tendon in his right arm.

Because of the above, the Mets have been taking it slow with him this spring.

"We gotta be careful with him, especially multiple innings, back-to-backs," Mendoza explained. "The goal here is -- we need to have this guy healthy for the whole year. With his past injuries and everything he's gone through in his career, we gotta take care of him.

"I'm glad he's finally getting some game action today, and we'll see how it goes."

It's unclear if Núñez will be able to build up enough to be ready for Opening Day. But in the event he isn't ready, he shouldn't be that far behind.

Núñez was one of New York's best relievers last season, emerging as a legitimate late-inning weapon in what was his rookie season.

In 35.0 innings over 25 appearances, he had a 2.31 ERA (2.22 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP while striking out 48 batters -- a rate of 12.3 per nine.

Roster moves and a rotation note

The Mets made a handful of roster moves on Monday, reassigning infielders Luis De Los Santos and Joey Meneses, catcher Chris Williams, right-handed pitcher Sean Reid-Foley, and left-handed pitcher Anthony Gose to minor league camp.

Those moves left 44 players in major league camp.

As the potential 26-man roster for Opening Day continues to come into focus, Mendoza said on Monday that the team is strongly considering carrying all three of Griffin Canning, Paul Blackburn, and Tylor Megill (who are battling for the two final spots in the starting rotation) on the roster to start the year -- with two in the rotation and one in the bullpen.

Of the three, only Megill can be sent to the minors without the Mets running the risk of losing him.

It was the overriding theme of last October, an intangible factor that yielded triumphant results.

During their run to last year’s World Series, the Dodgers repeatedly cited their clubhouse culture and roster-wide camaraderie as a key behind their postseason success. They knew it sounded cliche. But they felt it was transformational.

Thus, during this week’s season-opening trip to Japan, when their title defense will begin with a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome, the Dodgers have been intentional about forming similarly tight bonds again.

“We played our best baseball at the end of the year, and I felt like that was when we were really close and everybody was pulling from the same cloth,” veteran utilityman Chris Taylor said. “Everybody was kind of all in on the same mission. And we talked a little bit about taking that attitude from day one this year, and trying to roll over that same closeness that we had from last season."

In Tokyo, that message has been reinforced again and again.

Read more:Hernández: Roki Sasaki's bond with Rikuzentakata endures, long after 2011 tsunami

On Saturday afternoon, shortstop Mookie Betts led a players-only meeting in the Tokyo Dome’s underground bullpen — even though he won’t be able to play on the trip while recovering from a virus he began battling shortly before the team left for Japan.

“Was just talking to the boys,” said Betts, who gathered the team around him and laid out general goals and expectations for the club in 2025. “Nothing crazy.”

On Sunday night, it was Shohei Ohtani’s turn to organize a team gathering, planning a private sushi and yakitori dinner for the group with the help of fellow Japanese stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.

“In baseball-player terms, we call it show dinners,” manager Dave Roberts said. “And they said it was like the best show dinner they’ve ever had.”

During the meal, the Dodgers were treated to a traditional “tuna cutting show,” where three sushi chefs wielding several-foot-long knives sliced a nearly 500-pound fish into chunks. They were encouraged by their Japanese teammates to sample some more exotic local cuisine, including sea urchin (known as uni) and hairy crab (which did not earn the approval of first baseman Freddie Freeman).

Most important, though, they got their most personal experience with Japanese culture yet — much to the delight, teammates said, of the night’s superstar host.

“I was talking to Sho for a little bit, and even he was super excited,” reliever Alex Vesia said. “I know it means a lot.”

“I just think that it's their sense of nationalism and pride in their country, that they wanted to put their best foot forward to welcome their teammates to Japanese cuisine and show hospitality,” Roberts added. “I think there's power in guys having a shared experience together. I think that's pretty cool."

The business end of this trip is still to come, of course. On Tuesday, Yamamoto will square off against Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga in the first all-Japanese opening day pitching matchup in MLB history.

“To be on a stage like this in Tokyo, Japanese pitchers facing off on the field, it’s an incredible opportunity,” Yamamoto said.

On Wednesday, Sasaki will make his highly anticipated big league debut.

“It’s something I’ve been looking forward to since I was in school,” Sasaki said. “So to be able to make my debut in the Tokyo Dome is something my high school self would have been very surprised about.”

Read more:Spectrum is finally offering a streaming-only subscription for Dodgers

And all week, attention will be fixed closely on Ohtani, who will be playing his first-ever major league games back in his home country.

“Having five [Japanese players in these games],” Ohtani said, including Imanaga and yet another Japanese Cubs star, outfielder Seiya Suzuki, “is a big deal.”

But until then, the Dodgers are hoping to make other gains off the field, using this opening trip as a way to establish new connections in their clubhouse, and recreate the culture that carried them to a championship last fall.

“I do think the team-building, the player-building, the family building, all that stuff started last year in Seoul and continued to galvanize as the season went on,” Roberts said, referring to the Dodgers’ opening trip to South Korea this time a year ago. “There's a lot to that, as well as the postseason. … But I do think that an experience like this certainly galvanizes, absolutely."

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Full Phillies 2025 broadcast schedule is here originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025 MLB season is right around the corner and your National League East champions are gearing up to defend the division.

With sights set on another run in Red October, anticipation is high for the Phillies and you’re going to want to know when and where you can catch all of the action.

NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBCSP+ and NBC10 will hold the bulk of the 162 broadcasts with 149. The remaining 13 games are divided among FOX (6), ESPN (4), Apple TV+ (2) and Roku (1). The schedule is subject to change.

Here’s a look at the full broadcast schedule:

MARCH

March 27 at Nationals | 4:05 PM | NBCSP+/NBC10
March 29 at Nationals | 4:05 PM | NBCSP+
March 30 at Nationals | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

March 31 vs. Rockies | 3:05 PM | NBCSP+/NBC10

APRIL

April 2 vs. Rockies | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
April 3 vs. Rockies | 1:05 PM | NBCSP/NBC10

April 4 vs. Dodgers | 6:45 PM | Apple TV+
April 5 vs. Dodgers | 4:05 PM | NBCSP+/FS1
April 6 vs. Dodgers | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

April 8 at Braves | 7:15 PM | NBCSP
April 9 at Braves | 7:15 PM | NBCSP+
April 10 at Braves | 7:15 PM | NBCSP

April 11 at Cardinals | 8:15 PM | NBCSP+
April 12 at Cardinals | 2:15 PM | NBCSP+
April 13 at Cardinals | 2:15 PM | NBC10

April 14 vs. Giants | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
April 15 vs. Giants | 6:45 PM | NBCSP+
April 16 vs. Giants | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
April 17 vs. Giants | 4:05 PM | NBCSP+

April 18 vs. Marlins | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
April 19 vs. Marlins | 1:05 PM | NBCSP
April 20 vs. Marlins | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

April 21 at Mets | 7:10 PM | NBCSP
April 22 at Mets | 7:10 PM | NBCSP
April 23 at Mets | 1:10 PM | NBCSP/NBC10

April 25 at Cubs | 2:20 PM | NBCSP
April 26 at Cubs | 4:05 PM | FOX
April 27 at Cubs | 7:10 PM | ESPN

April 29 vs. Nationals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
April 30 vs. Nationals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP

MAY

May 1 vs. Nationals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP

May 2 vs. Diamondbacks | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
May 3 vs. Diamondbacks | 6:05 PM | NBCSP
May 4 vs. Diamondbacks | 2:05 PM | NBCSP

May 6 at Rays | 7:05 PM | NBCSP
May 7 at Rays | 7:05 PM | NBCSP
May 8 at Rays | 7:05 PM | NBCSP

May 9 at Guardians | 7:10 PM | NBCSP
May 10 at Guardians | 6:10 PM | NBCSP
May 11 at Guardians | 7:10 PM | ESPN

May 12 vs. Cardinals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
May 13 vs. Cardinals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
May 14 vs. Cardinals | 1:05 PM | NBCSP/NBC10

May 16 vs. Pirates | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
May 17 vs. Pirates | 6:05 PM | NBCSP
May 18 vs. Pirates | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

May 19 at Rockies | 8:40 PM | NBCSP
May 20 at Rockies | 8:40 PM | NBCSP
May 21 at Rockies | 8:40 PM | NBCSP
May 22 at Rockies | 3:10 PM | NBCSP

May 23 at Athletics | 10:05 PM | NBCSP
May 24 at Athletics | 10:05 PM | NBCSP
May 25 at Athletics | 4:05 PM | NBCSP

May 27 vs. Braves | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
May 28 vs. Braves | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
May 29 vs. Braves | 6:45 PM | NBCSP

May 30 vs. Brewers | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
May 31 vs. Brewers | 4:05 PM | NBCSP/FS1

JUNE

June 1 vs. Brewers | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

June 3 at Blue Jays | 7:07 PM | NBCSP
June 4 at Blue Jays | 7:07 PM | NBCSP/NBC10
June 5 at Blue Jays | 3:07 PM | NBCSP

June 6 at Pirates | 6:40 PM | NBCSP
June 7 at Pirates | 4:05 PM | NBCSP
June 8 at Pirates | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

June 9 vs. Cubs | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
June 10 vs. Cubs | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
June 11 vs. Cubs | 1:05 PM | NBCSP/NBC10

June 13 vs. Blue Jays | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
June 14 vs. Blue Jays | 4:05 PM | NBCSP
June 15 vs. Blue Jays | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

June 16 at Marlins | 6:40 PM | NBCSP
June 17 at Marlins | 6:40 PM | NBCSP
June 18 at Marlins | 6:40 PM | NBCSP
June 19 at Marlins | 6:40 PM | NBCSP

June 20 vs. Mets | 7:15 PM | Apple TV+
June 21 vs. Mets | 7:15 PM | FOX
June 22 vs. Mets | 7:10 PM | ESPN

June 24 at Astros | 8:10 PM | NBCSP
June 25 at Astros | 8:10 PM | NBCSP
June 26 at Astros | 2:10 PM | NBCSP

June 27 at Braves | 7:15 PM | NBCSP
June 28 at Braves | 7:15 PM | FOX
June 29 at Braves | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

June 30 vs. Padres | 6:30 PM | NBCSP

JULY

July 1 vs. Padres | 6:30 PM | NBCSP
July 2 vs. Padres | 1:05 PM | NBCSP/NBC10

July 4 vs. Reds | 1:05 PM | NBCSP
July 5 vs. Reds | 4:05 PM | NBCSP
July 6 vs. Reds | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

July 7 at Giants | 9:45 PM | NBCSP
July 8 at Giants | 9:45 PM | NBCSP
July 9 at Giants | 3:45 PM | NBCSP

July 11 at Padres | 9:40 PM | NBCSP
July 12 at Padres | 7:35 PM | FOX
July 13 at Padres | 4:10 PM | NBCSP

July 18 vs. Angels | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
July 19 vs. Angels | 6:05 PM | NBCSP
July 20 vs. Angels | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

July 21 vs. Red Sox | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
July 22 vs. Red Sox | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
July 23 vs. Red Sox | 7:05 PM | ESPN

July 25 at Yankees | 7:05 PM | NBCSP
July 26 at Yankees | 1:05 PM | NBCSP
July 27 at Yankees | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

July 28 at White Sox | 7:40 PM | NBCSP
July 29 at White Sox | 7:40 PM | NBCSP
July 30 at White Sox | 2:10 PM | NBCSP

AUGUST

August 1 vs. Tigers | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 2 vs. Tigers | 4:05 PM | NBCSP
August 3 vs. Tigers | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

August 4 vs. Orioles | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 5 vs. Orioles | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 6 vs. Orioles | 12:35 PM | NBCSP/NBC10

August 8 at Rangers | 8:05 PM | NBCSP
August 9 at Rangers | 7:15 PM | FOX
August 10 at Rangers | 2:35 PM | NBCSP

August 11 at Reds | 6:10 PM | NBCSP
August 12 at Reds | 6:40 PM | NBCSP
August 13 at Reds | 5:10 PM | NBCSP

August 14 at Nationals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 15 at Nationals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 16 at Nationals | 4:05 PM | NBCSP
August 17 at Nationals | 11:35 AM | Roku

August 18 vs. Mariners | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 19 vs. Mariners | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 20 vs. Mariners | 1:05 PM | NBCSP

August 22 vs. Nationals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 23 vs. Nationals | 6:05 PM | NBCSP
August 24 vs. Nationals | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

August 25 at Mets | 7:10 PM | NBCSP
August 26 at Mets | 7:10 PM | NBCSP
August 27 at Mets | 7:10 PM | NBCSP

August 28 vs. Braves | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 29 vs. Braves | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
August 30 vs. Braves | 6:05 PM | NBCSP
August 31 vs. Braves | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

SEPTEMBER

September 1 at Brewers | 4:10 PM | NBCSP
September 3 at Brewers | 7:10 PM | NBCSP
September 4 at Brewers | 4:10 PM | NBCSP

September 5 at Marlins | 7:10 PM | NBCSP
September 6 at Marlins | 4:10 PM | NBCSP
September 7 at Marlins | 1:40 PM | NBCSP

September 8 vs. Mets | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
September 9 vs. Mets | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
September 10 vs. Mets | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
September 11 vs. Mets | 7:15 PM | FOX

September 12 vs. Royals | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
September 13 vs. Royals | 6:05 PM | NBCSP
September 14 vs. Royals | 1:35 PM | NBCSP

September 15 at Dodgers | 10:10 PM | NBCSP
September 16 at Dodgers | 10:10 PM | NBCSP
September 17 at Dodgers | 10:10 PM | NBCSP

September 19 at Diamondbacks | 9:40 PM | NBCSP
September 20 at Diamondbacks | 8:10 PM | NBCSP
September 21 at Diamondbacks | 4:10 PM | NBCSP

September 23 vs. Marlins | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
September 24 vs. Marlins | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
September 25 vs. Marlins | 6:05 PM | NBCSP

September 26 vs. Twins | 6:45 PM | NBCSP
September 27 vs. Twins | 6:05 PM | NBCSP
September 28 vs. Twins | 3:05 PM | NBCSP

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For the first time this season, Dodgers fans can stream SportsNet LA without needing to buy something else they might not want.

Spectrum is offering a streaming-only subscription to the Dodgers’ television channel for $29.99 per month or $199.99 per year, the company announced Monday. The service will be in place when the Dodgers open their season Tuesday in Japan (3 a.m. PDT).

The streaming service will be called SNLA+ and will be offered in partnership with Major League Baseball, which will provide the technology and carry the service on MLB.com and the MLB app. SNLA+ subscriptions are only available in the Dodgers’ local television market.

The streaming subscription includes live and archived games; pregame, postgame, postseason and offseason coverage; and additional programs such as “Backstage Dodgers,” although SportsNet LA cut back on such programming last year.

Read more:'Paint Japan blue': How the Dodgers' vision of Japanese prominence became reality

For years, Charter Communications — the parent company of Spectrum — had resisted streaming. Charter had long considered exclusivity as the key to minimizing its losses in the record $8.35-billion local broadcasting contract with the Dodgers, inherited in its 2016 takeover of Time Warner Cable. So, if you wanted to watch the Dodgers, the only way to do so was to buy a Spectrum television bundle that included SportsNet LA.

However, as cable and satellite audiences shrink and streaming audiences expand, Charter opted to pursue incremental income. In 2024, Charter provided SportsNet LA streaming for fans that bought broadband and cellphone service from Spectrum.

That option remains for this season, and Charter plans to evaluate all its SportsNet LA options after the season. Fans also continue to get free streaming with any Spectrum television bundle that includes SportsNet LA.

The $29.99 monthly price ranks at the high end for streaming subscriptions among MLB teams. NESN offers a $29.99 monthly subscription; the channel carries the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins. YES offers a $24.99 monthly subscription; the channel carries the New York Yankees and New Jersey Nets. FanDuel Sports West, formerly Bally Sports West, offers the Angels and Kings for a $19.99 monthly rate.

Sports Net LA carries only the Dodgers. MLB runs streams for three of the Dodgers’ National League West rivals — the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies — and offers each at $19.99 per month.

Read more:Dodgers' Mookie Betts ruled out of Tokyo Series vs. Cubs because of stomach virus

According to the league, 23 of its 30 teams have announced streaming subscriptions this season. Commissioner Rob Manfred hopes to package the streaming rights of as many teams as possible and sell them to a high bidder in 2028. The pitch to fans: Watch your team wherever you are, with none of the blackouts designed to protect cable and satellite providers.

In theory, that would generate increased national broadcast revenue that teams could split equally. In reality, Manfred would have to persuade the owners of marquee teams such as the Dodgers and Yankees to assign their streaming rights to the league for what might be less money than they make now, perhaps by providing unrelated financial incentives or opportunities.

The Dodgers did not assign their streaming rights to MLB as part of the SNLA+ deal, according to a person briefed on the deal but not authorized to comment publicly.

Read more:'Paint Japan blue': How the Dodgers' vision of Japanese prominence became reality

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Mets continue their spring training slate against the Cardinals on Monday on SNY at 1:10 p.m.

Here's what to know about the game and how to watch...

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Mets Notes

• Griffin Canning gets the start for New York
• Brandon Nimmo is starting in the outfield for the first time since Feb. 28
• The Mets break camp a week from today ahead of Opening Day on March 27 against the Astros in Houston

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What channel is SNY?

Check your TV or streaming provider's website or channel finder to find your local listings.

How can I stream the game?

The new way to stream SNY games is via the MLB App or MLB.tv. Streaming on the SNY App and SNY.tv will be discontinued by Opening Day.

In order to stream games in SNY’s regional territory, you will need to have SNY as part of your TV package (cable or streaming), or you can now purchase an in-market SNY subscription package. Both ways will allow fans to watch the Mets on their computer, tablet or mobile phone. 

How can I watch the game on my computer via MLB? 

To get started on your computer, click here and then follow these steps: 

• Log in using your provider credentials. If you are unsure of your provider credentials, please contact your provider. 

• Link your provider credentials with a new or existing MLB.com account. 

• Log in using your MLB.com credentials to watch Mets games on SNY. 

• Select the SNY Mets game you wish to view from the Multimedia Center. 

How can I watch the game on the MLB App? 

MLB App access is included for FREE with SNY. To access SNY on your favorite supported Apple or Android mobile device, please follow the steps below.  

• Download the free MLB App.

• Open “MLB” and tap on “Subscriber Login” for Apple Devices or “Sign in with MLB.com” for Android Devices. 

• Type in your MLB.com credentials and tap “Log In.”  

• To access live or on-demand content, tap on the "Watch" tab from the bottom navigation bar. Select the "Games" sub-tab to see a listing of available games. You can scroll to previous dates using the left and right arrows. Tap on a game to select from the game feeds available.  

For more information on how to stream Mets games on SNY, please click here. 

Countdown to Opening Day: Any lessons from last year's fast start, weak finish? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CLEARWATER, Fla. — In baseball, there’s a game almost every day. And that creates a dilemma when things start to slip sideways.

Players have to think about what they did wrong in order to correct their mistakes, but not so much that they carry it over to the next game. Stewing over yesterday’s failure is a pretty surefire way to turn one bad day into a slump. And the same principle can apply to an entire season.

On July 11, 2024, the Phillies completed a sweep of the mighty Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. They were 61-32, proud possessors of the best record in baseball.

From that point until the end of the season, they were a game under .500 (34-35) and then got punched in the nose by the Mets in the NLDS.

It was a stunning conclusion to a season that started with such promise.

By the time another spring training opened this February, out of necessity, they’d put all that behind them. When the season opens in Washington on March 27, it will be irrelevant. “Everybody talks about the playoffs last year. Well, the playoffs are gone,” manager Rob Thomson said early in spring training. “It kills me every day to think about not winning and how we lost. But you can’t control it and it’s in the past. And we’ve got to focus on today.”

He’s right, of course. But that has to follow a period of introspection, a CSI-level autopsy to try to determine why everything went kerflooey. Here are some theories and observations:

— The constant talk about getting off to a fast start was drummed into the players so much that there was a subconscious letdown when that goal was accomplished.

Thomson was pretty graphic in describing how hungry he thought his players were at his first Clearwater press conference in 2024. “I think these guys are motivated. They’ve had two years of tasting it. Now they want to take a chunk out of it and swallow it, you know, and eat it,” he said.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski flatly rejects that premise. “I don’t think there was too much emphasis on getting off to a fast start,” he said early in spring training. “And I would say the same thing this year. Whether it comes out publicly or not, we want to get off to a fast start. It helps.”

— The players lost a little mental edge once they built up a huge division lead. After all, the difference between winning and losing at the Major League level is small.

The Phillies had a 10-game cushion over the Braves by June and were never seriously challenged after that. So it wouldn’t be surprising if the players’ focus wasn’t quite as sharp down the stretch.

One possible telltale sign could be that the team’s chase rate, how often they swung at pitches outside the strike zone, improved earlier in the year, then rose slightly. Then, in the NLDS, they whiffed 38 times in four games. Thomson disagrees.

“I don’t think they lost their edge, and I still see the same type of motivation,” he said. “I see the same kind of grind and eagerness to get back there. You’ve got to get back there. There’s no guarantee you’re going to. But we’ve got a good enough club to get back and win the whole thing, really. But you can’t just assume you’re going to get back to the playoffs. You have to earn it.”

Said Dombrowski: “I’m not really sure what happened. I can’t tell you 100 percent. We just didn’t play as well. I can’t tell you the mental aspect of that because it’s only guessing when you come down to it. But it’s apparent we didn’t play as well.”

— Regardless of what happened last season, even though they’ve made the playoffs three straight years, they still haven’t had two good halves to a season. In 2022 and 2023 they started slowly then had to come on strong after the All-Star break.

“I think about that a lot,” Thomson said. “How do you do that?”

To illustrate his point, he used left-hander Ranger Suarez, who was terrific in the first half but whose effectiveness dropped dramatically after that due to a series of injuries as an example.

“Do you limit his innings? Do you limit his pitch counts early? I don’t know,” he continued. “We’ll just have to play it by ear. Do you get guys more days off? I don’t know. You’ve still got to win games. And when it’s there for you, you’d better win them. Because a poor loss can send you into a deep dive very quickly. You’ve got to be careful with the whole thing. It’s very fragile.”

— Every team has to deal with injuries. Still …

Both Dombrowski and Thomson prefaced these remarks by saying they weren’t making excuses.

“We had a lot of injuries, behind the scenes,” Dombrowski pointed out. When you look at it, (Alec) Bohm had (a hand) injury. (Bryson) Stott had (an elbow) injury. J.T. (Realmuto had a knee) injury. (Trea) Turner had (a hamstring) injury earlier and came back. Austin Hays. Our starting pitching got hurt, the fifth starter type. Ranger was hurt. So that might have contributed as much as anything.”

He actually missed a couple. Brandon Marsh (hamstring) and Kyle Schwarber (groin) both spent time on the injured list, too.

Most significantly, Bryce Harper was the NL Player of the Month for May and June and a legitimate MVP candidate. He was on the IL with a strained hamstring and admitted to having issues with his elbow and wrist later in the year. He hit 21 homers with 61 RBI and .983 OPS in the first half, 9 HR, 26 RBI, .793 OPS after the break.

Bohm was .290/.804 before injuring his wrist at the end of August, .170/502 after he came back. Stott admitted during spring training that soreness in his elbow nagged him from May through the end of the season.

All were back for the playoffs, but not all were completely recovered.

“I do think it took a toll on us,” Thomson said. “That’s why I always say health is the most important thing. Because we do have talented guys, and a really good group of guys as far as makeup and how they get along and how they pull for each other. And we have more depth than we’ve had in the last three years. But your depth can be depleted quickly, so we’ve got to keep these guys healthy.”