• Exciting Start to MLB Spring Training: Guardians Shine, Dodgers' Freeman Progresses, and ESPN-MLB Partnership Ends

  • Feb 23 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Exciting Start to MLB Spring Training: Guardians Shine, Dodgers' Freeman Progresses, and ESPN-MLB Partnership Ends

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  • Summary

  • The MLB season is off to an exciting start with the first full day of Spring Training games seeing action from all 30 teams.

    On the field, several teams had notable performances. The Cleveland Guardians began their Spring Training with a focus on the second base position, where candidates like Juan Brito, Tyler Freeman, Kahlil Watson, and Chase DeLauter are vying for a spot. Brito, a 23-year-old prospect, has extensive experience at second base in the minors and feels natural in the role. The Guardians also saw a strong performance from Brayan Rocchio, who hit two doubles, and Lane Thomas, who launched a 420-foot home run. Triston McKenzie, looking to bounce back from a disappointing second half in 2024, started on the mound and felt good despite giving up a home run to the Reds' Elly De La Cruz[1].

    Other highlights include the Blue Jays' Spencer Jones hitting a home run after the Yankees successfully challenged a call using the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. The Nationals' Robert Hassell III broke a tie with a bases-clearing double against the Astros. Matt Gorski of the Pirates had a standout game with two homers, including a grand slam, and six RBIs against the Orioles. The Red Sox saw homers from Cedanne Rafaela and Trayce Thompson, but the game's highlight was a spectacular diving catch by Rays center fielder Chandler Simpson[2].

    In injury updates, Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers is progressing well after offseason ankle surgery and expects to be ready for the season opener. Bobby Miller is in concussion protocol after being hit by a line drive but avoided a fracture. Shohei Ohtani is on track to return as a two-way player, with expectations to be ready as a hitter on Opening Day and as a pitcher in May. Wyatt Langford of the Rangers has a mild oblique strain and will be out for five to seven days. Frankie Montas of the Mets will be shut down for six to eight weeks with a high-grade lat strain, while Brandon Nimmo is slowly recovering from plantar fasciitis in his left foot[3].

    Off the field, ESPN and MLB announced the end of their 35-year partnership after the 2025 season. This decision marks a significant change in baseball broadcasting, with MLB looking to explore new opportunities starting in the 2026 season. MLB also has existing partnerships with Fox, Roku, Apple+, and Turner Broadcasting, which will continue to air games[5].

    In other news, robot umpires are being tested during Spring Training as part of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, which has already seen action in games like the Blue Jays vs. Yankees matchup[5].

    Thank you for listening to the Baseball News Tracker podcast. Don't forget to subscribe for the latest updates and analysis throughout the season.
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