Category: Baseball

This morning, San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen made it as close to official as possible that starting pitcher Joe Musgrove will begin the regular season on the injured list. To be specific, the words he used were “most likely,” and, although not an absolute verdict, they’re not comforting to the Friar Faithful.

The Padres rotation plans will shift accordingly, probably looking something like this come Opening Day:

1. Nick Pivetta
2. Michael King
3. Randy Vásquez
4. Germán Márquez
5. Walker Buehler

But the more important question is when he’ll return. Musgrove has stated multiple times that his desire is to be healthy for October. Pitching in the postseason has always been his goal, but the Padres need him if they’re going to get there at all.

With Musgrove in the rotation, the Friars have a formidable front half of their pitching staff. Without him it gets a whole lot shakier. 

It was always apparent that he would be ramped up into the regular season but starting on the injured list isn’t a great place to be. It’s unfortunate but not unforeseen for the pitching staff, as Musgrove struggled to rehab after pitching against Great Britain in a WBC exhibition game on March 4. 

If he can continue to rehab and work on his recovery process, he could emerge mid-season as a viable starter. Until then, he’ll have to be used sparingly. 

A rocky career in San Diego

Musgrove’s tenure with the Padres has been marred by injury almost every year. Despite being highly durable from 2021-22 (and throwing the first no-hitter in San Diego history), the downturn since has been rough. He hasn’t made 20-plus starts since 2022.

If Musgrove can at least show flashes of dominance this season for San Diego, it’ll be enough. But suddenly the Padres are banking on a lot of their bargain hunting to turn out well for them. If it doesn’t, the rotation will be caught between a rock and a hard place fast, and who knows what moves General Manager A.J. Preller might make then. 

It’s possible that he orchestrates a last-minute trade for starting depth or signs a few more reclamation projects like Buehler and Griffin Canning. Whatever the case may be, Musgrove starting on the IL brings a lot of attention back to the San Diego pitching staff.

Musgrove needs to come back healthy and consistent when he does. The on-again, off-again relationship he’s had with the IL only hurts the Friars’ chances more and more. Until he can consistently pitch and recover from his starts he needs to stay on the rehab track.

But the worries from earlier this year about the starting rotation are now renewed, and faith in San Diego starters is low. If they can beat those low expectations, they’ll claw their way into contention this year. Otherwise, the Padres might be relegated to baseball purgatory: mediocrity.

The San Francisco Giants have now sent out 9 players from their 19 Spring Training invitees following today’s cuts of catcher Logan Porter, infielder Nate Furman, and lefty Nick Margevicius. They join Friday’s cuts of lefty reliever Juan Sanchez, righty Wilkin Ramos, and Thursday’s cuts of relievers Will Bednar and Trent Harris, catcher Diego Cartaya, and outfielder Bo Davidson.

If you’ve been following Brady’s researchon the topic, it’s clear why all of these players have been sent out from camp, as their performances have been okay in some instances against similar invitees, but none have stood out enough to warrant additional consideration just 9 days from Opening Night and with the return of players who were at the WBC. The 24-year old Furman highlights this point. As Alex Pavlovic notes, “he ended up getting a lot of plate appearances with Luis Arraez gone.” He wound up going 2-for-17 and hitless in his last 9 plate appearances.

I’d like to feel a little bit bad for Logan Porter because he seems like a guy who has been yo-yo’d by the organization. The Giants traded for him, released him, re-signed him after he was cut by the Mets, landed on the major league team last June for a grand total of 7 days before optioning him down to Triple-A Sacramento only to DFA him two and a half weeks later. They re-signed him when he cleared waivers and elected free agency, invited him to this year’s Spring Training, and now they’ve sent him back to Triple-A. On the other hand, he hasn’t forced the issue. He went 0-for-7 and didn’t get much of a look from Tony Vitello and his staff.

The pitching situation ought to be self-evident. A lot of roles ought to be up for grabs and not much of this group made a lot of noise. Will Bednar had another good camp velocity-wise, but it’s clear the organization wants him to improve against better competition as he didn’t face any MLB regulars and just 1 hitter on a 40-man roster in his 4 innings of work.

The 10 remaining NRIs: Outfielders Victor Bericoto and Jared Oliva; infielders Osleivis Basabe, Parks Harber, Jake Holton, and Buddy Kennedy; catcher Eric Haase; pitchers Michael Fulmer, Caleb Killian and Gregory Santos (and, if you want to throw late addition Joey Lucchesi onto the list, go right ahead).

Of this group, Fulmer and Santos would seem to be closest to getting roster spots, but even they don’t have a 100% clear path to become bullpenners. Still, all the position players are right-handed, which puts them squarely in competition with Luis Matos, Casey Schmitt, Tyler Fitzgerald, and Jerar Encarnacion. Grant McCray would seem to have the edge because of the handedness and the defense, which basically relegates all of these NRI hitters to roster filler until the exhibition season starts. Unless there really is a battle going on between Eric Haase and Daniel Susac for the role of Patrick Bailey’s backup.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani expressed regret Monday for his "shortcomings" following Japan's early exit from the World Baseball Classic.

It is unclear what those shortcomings might have been. Over four games during this year's tournament, Ohtani led Japan with a .462 batting average, three home runs and seven RBI in 13 at-bats.

Those stats are even better than the ones he posted as the MVP of the last WBC. Over seven games in 2023, Ohtani hit .435 with one home run and eight home runs in 23 at-bats to lead Japan to its third WBC championship.

Overall, however, Japan finished with a .284 batting average, down from a .299 average three years ago. Ohtani did account for his team's final out of the 2026 tournament — an infield popup to seal an 8-5 quarterfinal loss to Venezuela on Saturday — and took to Instagram two days later.

"Thank you to all the fans for your support. Your cheers pushed us forward every day," Ohtani wrote in Japanese. "We didn't achieve the results we hoped for, and I deeply regret my own shortcomings."

The two-way superstar did not pitch in this year's WBC, after famously striking out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout of the United States for the final out of the 2023 championship game and going 2-0 with one save and a 1.86 ERA in that tournament.

Ohtani had his second Tommy John surgery in September 2023 and did not pitch again until last June with the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts revealed in January that Ohtani had decided not to pitch in the WBC.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Dodgers’ final road game of the Arizona portion of spring training comes Tuesday night in Surprise, taking on the Kansas City Royals.

Roki Sasaki gets the start, looking for his first successful outing against major league competition this spring. He last pitched four innings on the backfields at Camelback Ranch, striking out nine Chicago White Sox minor leaguers last Tuesday.

Aaron Sanchez starts for the Royals.

Tuesday game info

• Teams: Dodgers at Royals
• Ballpark: Surprise Stadium
• Time: 6:05 p.m. PT
• TV: SportsNet LA
• Radio: KFNZ 96.5 (Royals broadcast)

Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to cruise to their fifth consecutive National League West title. The majority of preseason win-loss projections select them to be the lone Major League Baseball team to reach 100 wins during the 2026 campaign.

The battle for second place is shaping up to be a tight three-team race between the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks. Each club has the potential to play better than last season’s results, and with a little luck, all could challenge for a postseason berth.

The key factor for the Padres remaining in contention is keeping their core players healthy all season. 

Preller does what it takes to remain a contender

Most of the television analysts believe the Friars will take a step back after a very lackluster offseason and concerns about their starting rotation’s ability to avoid time on the injured list in 2026. 

However, the Padres have one advantage over their competitors: team President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller, who has a reputation for doing whatever it takes to improve his team at the trade deadline. 

He has the knack of quickly recognizing his roster’s weaknesses and striking a deal to fix those holes. Often, the deadline deals set the Friars on a course to the playoffs.

It is hard to say whether the Giants or D-Backs will emerge as contenders. Both teams have incomplete rosters that will force their front offices to make trades for reinforcements. A deal of this nature will include the organization’s top prospects to acquire a difference-maker.

The message is more powerful than you would expect. It shows the organization is all-in on making the postseason. 

The Padres cannot worry about the media’s opinion of the state of their roster. Instead, they must create some space between themselves and their NL West foes. Hopefully, the lead can grow as the season progresses.

Injuries and a lack of depth could derail the season

San Diego’s front office understands the team cannot take a significant step backward this season. They responded to the media criticism by reshaping their roster with a flurry of free agent signings before the start of Spring Training. The moves give hope to the Friar Faithful that the organization wants to contend in 2026. 

Still, the upcoming season brings an intriguing storyline to San Diego. In addition to integrating the newcomers into the lineup, first-year manager Craig Stammen must take a cautious approach to Joe Musgrove’s workload, as he returns from Tommy John surgery.

The big right-hander is slated to be part of the starting rotation, but his arm has been slow in the recovery process from throwing sessions. It is unlikely Musgrove will be ready to be on the Opening Day roster according to Stammen. He wants to slow everything down and let Musgrove get healthy before deciding when he pitches in meaningful games again. 

Injuries could throw a wrench into the best-laid plans. The Padres could have two new starting pitchers in the 2026 rotation. However, the lack of major league depth on the 40-man roster limits the options available. It could provide an opportunity for the Giants and D-Backs to move up in the standings if the Friars have issues with their starting pitching. 

Preseason expectations can be cruel sometimes, especially if none of the experts believe your team has a chance to compete for a division title. Granted, the odds are high, but the Padres believe they’re the only legitimate threat to spoil a Dodger’s NL West coronation at season’s end.

While clinching a postseason berth is the priority, upending the reigning champs would give the Friars the momentum they need to play October baseball.

Well, the Atlanta Braves Grapefruit League Offensive Barrage keeps on truckin’, as the Braves are now 16-5 after a blowout 11-2 win over the Rays. They basically bonked Nick Martinez for four innings, and then bonked some Rays relievers/roster hopefuls for more runs later.

The bonking started early — Mike Yastrzemski doubled to lead off the second, scored on an Ozzie Albies single, and then there was an Eli White single, a sac fly, a Mauricio Dubon single, and a Drake Baldwin “triple” on a diving catch in center gone awry. Two innings later, White pulled a two-run homer into the left-field seats. After Martinez departed, it was time to bonk Kevin Kelly, with another Yastrzemski double and a few run-scoring outs. Drake Baldwin hit a three-run homer off Yoendrys Gomez in the eighth (why was he still playing in the eighth?).

On the pitching end, Chris Sale had another pretty normal tuneup. He lasted six innings and had “just” a 3/0 K/BB ratio. Around his final inning of work, he was mostly just pumping fastballs in, but then Nick Fortes homered on one of those fastballs, and Sale went back to less lackadaisical secondaries until leaving the game. Raisel Iglesias was victimized by a bunch of bloops but got two outs via strikeout before being forced out due to, I guess, pitch count. Aaron Bummer had a 2/1 K/BB ratio in his inning of work, and Ian Hamilton finished things off with a strikeout in one of his frames.

The Rays sent over a hodgepodge get-it-over-with lineup and didn’t really ever threaten, just scattering hits to go with that Fortes homer. Braves batters had more fun, with Yastrzemski collecting three hits (two doubles) and Baldwin getting a “triple” and homer.

There will be even more Spring Training (yes, I’m sure) tomorrow, as the Braves head to Fort Myers to hang out with the Red Sox.

Dodgers take on the Brewers on Monday afternoon.

Today’s #DodgersST lineup vs. Brewers: pic.twitter.com/YiaOCs8vc2

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 16, 2026

Monday game info

• Teams: Dodgers vs. Brewers
• Ballpark: Camelback Ranch
• Time: 1:05 p.m. PT
• TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
• Radio: AM 570

News out of camp this morning that the Diamondbacks have signed Luis Urias. For some reason, I thought this was a pitcher they had previously signed this spring, then let go, but turns out that was… someone else [Two minutes of low-intensity Googling turned up nothing] This one is a 28-year-old infielder, who brings eight years and 582 MLB games of experience with him, mostly with the Brewers. He played 96 games last season for the Athletics, with an OPS+ of 96 and 0.5 bWAR. It is a minor-league contract, so I doubt he’ll make the Opening Day roster, but does give the team better depth behind the likes of Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas.

Our Monday lineup ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/CaVEfFnoeq

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 16, 2026

After Ryne Nelson, expect to see some of RHP Kevin Ginkel, RHP Ryan Thompson, RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Drey Jameson, RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Isaiah Campbell and RHP Bryce Jarvis. It will be Nelson’s fourth start of spring. Over the previous outings, he has a 5.63 ERA but a very respectable K:BB of 10:1 across eight innings. After this game is over, we will have the second WBC semi-final, which sees the underdog match-up of Italy and Venezuela. Before the tournament started, those two had odds of 80/1 and 9/1 respectively for the title: now, one of them will be playing for the championship. That one gets under way at 5 pm Arizona time.

MIAMI, Florida — An elite match up between two baseball juggernauts didn’t deliver a lot of offense last night in Miami at the World Baseball Classic. But how could it? Both pitching staffs were dealing and even two of the best offenses ever assembled by the United States and the Dominican Republic struggled to put runs on the board. The atmosphere was electric, but tense as the final outs ticked down with the Dominican Republic down a run. And then, a gem of a baseball game was erased by multiple missed calls at home plate:

#WorldBaseballClassic
Semifinal 1 – Miami
Umpire: Cory Blaser (MLB)
Final: 🇺🇸United States 2, 🇩🇴Dominican Republic 1#ForGlory // #DominicanoYya
(Data from Baseball Savant. Format based on Umpire Scorecards. Not Official.) pic.twitter.com/nla0NPbmmf

— WBC Umpire Score (@umpscore_npb) March 16, 2026

Instead of runners at the corners and two outs to give Fernando Tatis Jr. a chance to tie the game against Mason Miller we got this terrible call:

MASON MILLER WINS THE BATTLE

TEAM USA WINS THE GAME! #WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/IJCG9vjv5r

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

I know, I know, complaining about the strike zone is so lame. Both teams have the same umpire, yadda yadda. There were so many great plays I’d love to focus on instead, but come on now. The pitches that ended one of the Dominican Republic’s best chances to score in the ninth and Juan Soto’s at bat in the eighth aren’t close and batters shouldn’t be expanding the zone to take those pitches. If you don’t believe me, believe former Cub Robert Stock:

Absolutely NOT too close to take. A batter can’t be extending the strike zone by multiple inches against a guy throwing 102mph. Even if he swings he doesn’t do anything with the pitch. The best play by him is to leave it in the hands of the umpire. And that’s why we have ABS now.

— Robert Stock (@RobertStock6) March 16, 2026

What’s particularly galling about this is that the technology exists to avoid this outcome. It’s been tested in the minors, will be used in MLB this season and is working just fine in Spring Training. However, instead of being deployed in an environment Aaron Judge said “is better than the World Series” we’re grumbling about the strike zone on Monday morning.

Baseball.

Before there was disappointment, there were vibes. Electric, elite vibes, like the ones that filled loanDepot park when the Dominican Republic jumped out to an early lead on this Junior Caminero rocket:

JUNIOR CAMINERO SOLO HOME RUN

Team Dominican Republic scores first! #WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/zQO1Lf1Vo3

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

Tatis tried to push the DR’s offensive advantage in the third and learned a hard lesson about Aaron Judge’s arm:

Verdict is in, you shouldn't run on Aaron Judge 💪#WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/rBbtDkGvWV

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

In the top of the fourth, Mark DeRosa’s lineup tweaks started to pay off. Gunnar Henderson got a start at third base and tied it with a no-doubt blast:

GUNNAR HENDERSON TIES IT WITH A HOMER! #WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/aPcM4YiBVl

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

A couple of batters later Roman Anthony gave the USA the lead:

ROMAN ANTHONY GIVES TEAM USA THE LEAD! #WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/JjEYhF0rQe

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

Anthony was a mid-tournament addition to the roster for the United States and it paid off in a big way in Miami.

That was it for the scoring in a game that was defined by outstanding defense and pitching. An inning after Anthony’s home run, Judge tried to put one over the wall that was denied by Julio :

JULIO RODRÍGUEZ HOME RUN ROBBERY! #WorldBaseballClassicpic.twitter.com/Z2u9e8dorl

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 16, 2026

You know Vladito and the rest of team DR loved that display:

Well said, Vladdy. #WorldBaseballClassichttps://t.co/KmqdO9m1fZpic.twitter.com/LRF4eDTbEN

— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2026

BÉISBOL. pic.twitter.com/Tax9j57Ds4

— MLB Español (@mlbespanol) March 16, 2026

It was honestly an exceptional display of elite baseball. The concourse was electric, the players were as fired up as you could possibly get. It should have ended in pitching, fielding or hitting heroics. It’s a shame it ended on a blown call, instead.

Texas Rangers lineup for March 16, 2026 against the Chicago White Sox.

We are ten days out from Opening Day. The anticipation is rising. And Josh Jung and Kyle Higashioka are both back in the Rangers’ lineup this evening. MacKenzie Gore gets the start.

The lineup:

Nimmo — RF

Langford — CF

Seager — SS

Burger — 1B

Smith — 2B

Jung — 3B

Higashioka — C

Jansen — DH

Duran — LF

7:05 p.m. Central start time.

The Dodgers agreed to a deal granting Uniqlo naming rights to the field at Dodger Stadium, according to the Athletic — marking the first time in the 64-year history of the stadium that a corporate sponsorship has been attached to it.

Dodger Stadium's name remains unchanged. The organization made it a priority to keep the name of the ballpark, which has been in place since its opening in 1962.

“[The stadium’s name] will never be for sale,” Dodgers president Stan Kasten told The Times in 2017.

Read more:Yoshinobu Yamamoto named Dodgers' opening-day starter for second straight season

Though not officially announced by the Dodgers, the name likely will be Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.

With more than 1,000 stores worldwide, the Japanese-based clothing brand will hold exclusive marketing and promotional opportunities as the Dodgers’ main sponsor. The new deal will also include a new sign in center field.

Since signing Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani, the team has partnered with several different Japanese companies, earning $70 million in sponsorship revenue in 2024 alone, according to Forbes.

Bob Lynch, chief executive of research firm SponsorUnited, estimated that teams hosting the Dodgers generated roughly $15 million in cumulative revenue from the brands that have attached themselves to the team.

“ … A slew of brands essentially following him around across the country that are paying dollars either directly to the team or to Van Wagner, who’s selling the backstop signage,” Lynch told Forbes in 2025.

In 2022, the Dodgers partnered with global sports marketing agency Sportfive to secure premier sponsorships. Two years later, the organization announced a self-sponsorship with its ownership group, Guggenheim Baseball Management, which placed a patch on the team’s jerseys.

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 latest updates on the Houston Astros from Spring Training:

Cristian Javier continues to strengthen his arm and get ready for the regular season. His velocity, while still not as high as it was pre-injury, has improved from his last outing:

Cristian Javier's velo was up a tick today vs. Marlins

4 innings
2 hits
0 runs
1 walk
5 strikeouts
56 pitches (38 strikes, 11 whiffs)

Four-seam velo: 92.3 average (91.7 on March 9).
Sweeper and sinker up a bit.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 15, 2026

Manager Joe Espada liked what he saw from Javier:

Astros manager Joe Espada on Javier pic.twitter.com/TfNK3eQado

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 15, 2026

Astros #1 prospect OF Kevin Alvarez made his first appearance of spring with the Astros in a Grapefruit League game. The 18-year old went 0-3 but did put a sting into this ball:

Kevin Alvarez lined out to SS in his second at-bat (102.7 mph off the bat). pic.twitter.com/JtbikLWU3K

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 15, 2026

Espada was impressed with the young Alvarez:

Espada on Kevin Alvarez pic.twitter.com/JcEjXDXWkE

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 15, 2026

Yordan Alvarez (Alvarez the Greater) was impressed with what he saw from Kevin Alvarez (Alvarez the Younger).

Yordan Alvarez likes what he sees in top prospect Kevin Alvarez

“It’s a beautiful swing. I was joking with him and I told him, ‘When I was 18 I didn’t hit the ball that hard.’”https://t.co/Kb2rbOOB7J

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 16, 2026

Yordan (Alvarez the Greater) also said he feels good about where his swing is currently:

After a weekend in which he hit his first home run of the spring, Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez says he's feeling "pretty good." https://t.co/Cfvc4GTPJr

— Chronicle Astros (@ChronAstros) March 15, 2026

Another of the Astros’ top prospects, Brice Matthews, has been getting some reps in CF as the team tries to find out how versatile he can be since he is blocked at his regular 2B position by Jose Altuve. He came into yesterday’s game and played LF, his first appearance at the position. It’s not out of the realm of possibility Matthews is a call up this season if he can also play OF, and that he could get a significant look.

Brice Matthews now playing left field in this game, with Kevin Alvarez moving to right field.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 15, 2026

Jeremy Pena is feeling better and hopes to be ready by Opening Day. though that decision is still undecided:

Jeremy Peña is feeling good. He can juggle with nine working fingers. He's also fielding ground balls, throwing plyo balls, taking one-handed batting practice and still thinks he can be ready by Opening Day – https://t.co/25ACDjum0a

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 15, 2026

Spencer Arrighetti will throw a simulated game today before leaving the team for a few days for the birth of his twins:

Spencer Arrighetti will throw in a simulated game on Monday and then leave Astros camp and head back to Houston in anticipation of the birth of his twins. Arrighetti won't come back to Florida, but there's a chance he pitches against Sugar Land during the exhibitions in Houston

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 15, 2026

Today marks the beginning of the last full week of MLB Spring Training before the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants kick off the 2026 regular season next Wednesday. As a result, with the season right around the corner, teams like the Athletics are beginning to narrow the amount of players in big-league camp, sending minor league prospects and non-roster invitees unlikely to make the team to minor league camp.

The Athletics reassigned left-handed pitchers Gage Jump and Matt Krook; right-handed pitchers Nick Hernandez, Brooks Kriske and Wander Suero; catcher Chad Wallach; infielders Leo De Vries, Michael Stefanic and Tommy White; and outfielders Henry Bolte and Cade Marlowe to their…

— A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) March 16, 2026

This roster-trim was expected as the majority of these players were not considered candidates to open the season with the A’s. However, them being reassigned will not prevent them from continuing to appear in the remainder of the team’s Cactus League games.

Speaking of which, the A’s have the chance to get back in the win column this afternoon following yesterday’s 12-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. In that game, top prospect Leo De Vries impressed again, hitting his third home run of the spring. However, A’s minor league pitching prospects Wei-En Lin and Zane Taylor each allowed six runs.

Veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs will start on the mound for the A’s today against the Los Angeles Angels. Springs has had a rough spring so far, allowing six runs in 2 2/3 innings in his last outing against the Chicago White Sox. Carrying a 13.50 Cactus League ERA into his fourth start, Springs needs to pitch better today, especially with this potentially being his penultimate preseason appearance. For the A’s to have a chance at contending this year, Springs and right-hander Luis Severino, who pitched well last night for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, need to put forth strong performances in the majority of their starts.

Here’s how the A’s lineup versus the Angels looks this afternoon:

Today's matchup 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ITtHzFe5tW

— Athletics (@Athletics) March 16, 2026

The Athletics have historically zigged when other teams have zagged. Traditionally, teams put their high-contact, on-base hitters near the top of their lineup in front of their power threats. The A’s are taking the opposite approach, batting sluggers Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers and Brent Rooker ahead of contact hitters Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil.

The only odd thing in today’s A’s lineup is second baseman Zack Gelof getting his first-ever start in right field. Yesterday, he started in center field for the first time, making a nice catch on the only ball hit to him out there. With Denzel Clarke back, Gelof slides to right as the A’s continue expanding his positional versatility. Lawrence Butler, the team’s starting right fielder, will make his spring debut tomorrow as the designated hitter before playing the outfield this weekend as he aims to be ready for Opening Day.

That lineup will be facing George Klassen, who is one of the Angels’ top pitching prospects. Klassen has had an impressive spring, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three games played. He will look to further strengthen his candidacy for the Angels starting rotation with another solid outing today.

Here’s how the Angels stack up:

Monday means baseball ⚾️

📻: @AngelsRadioKLAA#LAASpring x @FBMSupplypic.twitter.com/Zwv6XbGExp

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) March 16, 2026

Superstar Mike Trout is one of several regulars in the Angels lineup this afternoon. Injuries have limited him in recent seasons, but he remains one of the most talented players of his generation. With him, Jo Adell and Logan O’Hoppe all starting, it should be a decent challenge for Springs and the Athletics. Should be a fun one in the desert. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Let’s go A’s!

As the calendar moves deeper into March, many baseball fans have found a welcome distraction in the World Baseball Classic. For Astros fans like me, it has been exactly that, a high-level brand of baseball played with passion and intensity at a time of year when we’re usually stuck parsing spring training box scores and trying not to read too much into them. The games have been competitive, the atmosphere electric, and the quality of play a reminder of just how great this sport can be.

But when the World Baseball Classic winds down, Astros fans will have to confront a reality that’s much closer to home. The regular season is less than two weeks away, and at least for me, General Manager Dana Brown and the Astros front office haven’t done much to ease the concerns that still linger about this roster.

At last check, there is still a noticeable imbalance on the roster. The Astros have a logjam of infielders while lacking the kind of left-handed bat in the outfield that could lengthen the lineup and provide better balance. That issue has been talked about all spring, yet here we are with Opening Day fast approaching and no clear resolution in sight It is also worth noting, unlike a year ago with Cam Smith, no one is really stepping up to take charge of an opportunity.

Behind the plate, I still believe the Astros could benefit from adding a veteran backup catcher. Even with the minor league signing of Christian Vázquez helping the organizational depth chart, there’s value in having experience and reliability backing up the starter over the course of a long season. Victor Caratini was huge for this team and he’s gone, can you replace him and his versatility?

Pitching is another area where additional depth wouldn’t hurt. A left-handed arm in the rotation or another arm in the bullpen would add versatility to a staff that will inevitably face the wear and tear of a 162-game season. And when you factor in that closer Josh Hader won’t be ready to start the season, the bullpen suddenly feels a little thinner than Astros fans might like.

None of this is meant to suggest that the Astros aren’t talented enough to compete. Quite the opposite. The roster as currently constructed should absolutely be capable of competing for another American League West title. The core of this team remains strong, and the expectation of meaningful baseball in Houston every year is something fans have come to appreciate.

But competing for the division and competing for another championship aren’t always the same thing.

Owner Jim Crane often says the championship window for this organization is always open. If that’s truly the case and the Astros have certainly operated that way in recent years, then there’s still work to be done to ensure this team is positioned to compete for more than just a division banner.

Dana Brown has been patient this spring, perhaps waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. But with Opening Day rapidly approaching, the clock is ticking. Standing pat may ultimately be the decision the organization makes.

If that’s the case, Astros fans will have to hope the talent already in place is enough.

Personally, I’m not quite comfortable yet and with time running out before the season starts, I can’t help but wonder if the Astros are leaving a few important moves on the table.

Let me know what you think, and until then, GO USA!

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Logan Webb showed once again in this World Baseball Classic that the Giants’ ace is built for the biggest stages. Shame he hasn’t had more of them.

Webb will finish the tournament allowing one run over 8 ⅔ innings after he held Canada in check into the fifth inning Friday night to send Team USA into the WBC semifinals.

He pumped his fist. Slapped his glove. Displayed October emotion in March.

For Giants fans, it was a pretty cool sight to see their guy on the international stage. But the fact that he wore red, white and blue instead of orange and black also served as a stinging reminder that the only organization Webb has known hasn’t granted him many similar chances.

Although his duties are done, Webb opted to remain with Team USA for the remainder of the tournament rather than return to Giants camp. Who can blame him?

The do-or-die stakes, playing for the ultimate prize, in front of an electric atmosphere: It’s something Webb has only experienced twice before in his career.

Back in the Bay Area, a telling debate took place on the Giants’ flagship radio station. Was Webb’s outing against the Canadians the most consequential of his career?

There was arguably more at stake on a Friday night in March than any other time Webb has taken the mound. Since 2021, there’s nothing arguable about it.

Webb has proven to be the ultimate competitor despite not pitching in the postseason since he ascended to ace status. With the Giants mired in mediocrity, Webb has had to go about it through other means: The man has never missed a start.

“I mean, prior to even having any conversations with Buster (Posey) or anybody else, you’re watching him and you want to be on his team because of the way he competes,” manager Tony Vitello said. “I’ve had a lot of buddies text me and talk about how big of a fan they are of him. It’s like, yeah, I know, I saw that before I even got here.”

Vitello is tasked with leading the Giants to finally holding up their end of the bargain. He became the third manager to name Webb his Opening Day starter the morning after his last WBC start. It will be the Rocklin native’s sixth time starting the season opener — all since his two increasingly lonely playoff starts.

Webb, 29, has accomplished a relatively rare feat as a starting pitcher. He’s the face of the franchise despite only taking the field every fifth day. But the distinction comes with an asterisk: This era of Giants baseball has played just five playoff games in Webb’s seven seasons.

To no fault of his own.

Webb, then 24, flashed signs of what was to come in the second half of that 107-win season, a key reason why they became the only team since 2012 to dethrone the Dodgers in the NL West.

He took it to another level the first time the Giants ever faced their archrivals in October. Like one run over 8 ⅔? How about one in 14 ⅔? Webb walked off the mound in Game 5 to roars from 42,275 with the score tied at 1 after seven. They lost, 2-1. 

Still, more than 1,600 days later, Webb’s career postseason ERA remains a pristine 0.61.

He’s proven to be arguably more valuable in the regular season: No pitcher in baseball has recorded more outs than Webb since 2021. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

So, no, the WBC quarterfinal wasn’t the biggest start of Webb’s career. Not when he was on a strict limit of 70 pitches and exited before the fifth inning was over.

But it could use some competition for third.

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