MLB News Roundup: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge named among MLB’s Top 3 players, Spring Training kicks off and more - February 24 2023

Spring Training Kicks off today

Today marks the start of MLB spring training, with two games scheduled for 3:05 PM EST and 3:10 PM EST.

Kansas City Royals will face Texas Rangers at the Surprise Stadium, while San Diego Padres will take on Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex.

Spring training provides an opportunity for teams to fine-tune their skills and test out new strategies ahead of the regular season. Fans will be eagerly watching their favorite players and assessing the teams' performances during these exhibition games. It's an exciting time for baseball enthusiasts, as the season is just around the corner!

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Yankees’ Nestor Cortes feeling better after live batting practice

Yankees’ Nestor Cortes feeling better after BP

New York Yankees' manager Aaron Boone expressed his contentment with the progress of left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, who had a successful live batting practice on Thursday at Steinbrenner Field.

Cortes faced five batters with precise command, mixing in his changeup, and worked without incident. Cortes, who had dropped out of the World Baseball Classic due to a right hamstring strain, is on schedule to play in the Spring Training games. Boone said Cortes would pitch in another live batting practice session before playing in an exhibition game. Last season, Cortes was 12-4 with a 2.44 ERA in 28 starts.

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deGrom feeling "really good" after first bullpen session

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom had his first bullpen session as part of Spring Training yesterday, following a weeklong delay due to left-side tightness that has limited him since the start of camp.

Rangers' ace deGrom tossed about 22 pitches - all fastballs - in a "nice and easy" effort. He said that he felt close to normal and planned to progress and build up his pitch count to play some games moving forward.

Although deGrom missed two sessions and one live batting practice, he never fell behind the rest of the Rangers' starters, according to pitching coach Mike Maddux. Maddux said that it would be no problem for deGrom to get caught up and be at full strength by Opening Day. Despite the cautious approach taken by the Rangers regarding his discomfort, deGrom is happy to be back on the mound preparing for his first season with his new club.

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MLB reveals top 3 best players right now

Major League Baseball recently revealed its top three players out of the 100 best players for the upcoming 2023 season

Shohei Ohtani, picked as the No. 1 best player in baseball by MLB

The No. 1 spot was taken by Shohei Ohtani

The two-way player for the Los Angeles Angels who has demonstrated remarkable skills as both a pitcher and hitter.

The No. 2 spot went to Aaron Judge

The right fielder for the New York Yankees, who set a new American League record with 62 home runs in the 2022 season. His record-breaking campaign resulted in a nine-year, $360 million contract extension with the Yankees.

The No. 3 spot went to Mike Trout

Mike Trout, the center fielder for the Angels, came in at No. 3. Despite being sidelined by injury for part of the 2022 season, Trout hit 40 home runs with a .999 OPS and 6.3 bWAR in just 119 games, demonstrating why he continues to be considered one of the most incredible players in the league.