Top News:
Associated Press:
Rising to the occasion, Shohei Ohtani hits 2-run HR in return to Japan against Yomiuri Giants — TOKYO — Japanese star Shohei Ohtani showed off some prodigious power in his return to the Tokyo Dome on Saturday night. — In an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants …
Discussion:
Associated Press, Orange County Register, True Blue LA and Yahoo Sports
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Associated Press:
Shohei Ohtani and four other Japanese players come home to start the MLB season — TOKYO — It's only two games to start the Major League Baseball season — the World Series-champion Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. — For the record, the MLB regular season consists of almost 2,500 games.
ESPN:
Tampa Bay Rays not moving forward with new stadium plans — The Tampa Bay Rays, citing hurricanes and costly delays, will not proceed with the development of a $1.3 billion baseball stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, principal owner Stuart Sternberg said Thursday.
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Associated Press:
Tampa Bay Rays withdraw from planned $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg, citing storms, delays — The Tampa Bay Rays withdrew Thursday from a $1.3 billion project to construct a new ballpark adjacent to Tropicana Field, citing a hurricane and delays that likely drove up the proposal's cost.
Jen McCaffrey / New York Times:
Rafael Devers says he's OK to be DH on Opening Day; Lucas Giolito to start on IL — FORT MYER, Fla. — Roughly one month after Rafael Devers was adamant he did not want to serve as designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox, he has changed his stance. — On Thursday with the Red Sox playing …
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Jen McCaffrey / New York Times:
Alex Cora on Rafael Devers' position quandary: ‘Time will help us.’ Plus, Wilyer Abreu cleared to play — JUPITER, Fla. — A day after Rafael Devers said he's willing to serve as the team's designated hitter, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was not ready to announce where Devers will play this season.
Discussion:
Boston Herald, Yahoo Sports, Over the Monster, NESN.com and MLB Trade Rumors
John Feinstein / Washington Post:
Tom Izzo is having too much fun to stop coaching now — As his peers step aside, Michigan State's Tom Izzo is still coaching — and still winning basketball games. — Just now — Tom Izzo did it again. — Just when you thought his era of Big Ten dominance might be coming to an end …
Discussion:
Oregonian, Sun-Sentinel, WFAA-TV and Associated Press
Jeff Seidel / Detroit Free Press:
Why Detroit Tigers are trying Spencer Torkelson in right field — CLEARWATER, Fla. - Spencer Torkelson will do anything to make the Detroit Tigers roster and help the team win, even if that means trying a new position. — Torkelson, who has only played first base in the Major Leagues, is about to see some action in the outfield.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Evan Petzold / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows ruled out for Opening Day with nerve injury — The Detroit Tigers will be without their center fielder and leadoff hitter for Opening Day. — Parker Meadows — a key player who sparked last year's 31-11 run to the postseason …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Bless You Boys
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Evan Petzold / Detroit Free Press:
Parker Meadows injury update: Detroit Tigers center fielder ‘not close to games right now’
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and MLB Trade Rumors
Corey Seidman / NBC Sports Philadelphia:
Phillies' bullpen picture becoming clearer with 6 more spring cuts — The composition of the Phillies' season-opening bullpen became clearer on Saturday when they removed six more pitchers from their spring training roster. — Left-hander Nick Vespi and righties Koyo Aoyagi, Jose Cuas …
Discussion:
Last Word On Baseball
Associated Press:
Rays pick up 2026 team option on Yandy Díaz, add vesting option for 2027 — PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have picked up their $12 million team option on Yandy Díaz for the 2026 season. — The Rays announced Friday that they had added a vesting option for 2027, pending 2026 performance thresholds.
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Tampa Bay Times and Wausau
Jon Heyman / New York Post:
Giancarlo Stanton's injury woes not limited to his elbows — Giancarlo Stanton is said to be dealing with a chronic calf issue as well as the elbow injuries, but the arm pain is the bigger problem. — Memorial Day is one optimistic estimate heard for Stanton now. — I think the Yankees would easily take that.
Discussion:
New Jersey Online, Pinstripe Alley, NESN.com, New York Daily News and Bleeding Yankee Blue
