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After being put on the 60-day injured list by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw is back on the brink as the 37-year-old makes his return to action for the club. This will mark his season debut as he has yet to touch the field since March, and his return could not have come at a better time when the Dodgers are plagued with injuries. Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Teoscar Hernández, and Tommy Edman are all out for the Dodgers so far. Sasaki was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement, while Snell will be up for checking for his left shoulder inflammation. Nothing has been easy for the team so far, and Kershaw’s return this week is starting to be a promising note for the defending World Series winners. Kershaw just finished his fifth and final rehab on Sunday, and he went on to pitch a total of four innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City, in which he landed two hits and two runs allowed. He also finished with 57 pitches and had two walks and strikeouts apiece. He has not played a single game since the World Series campaign and had surgeries last November on a torn meniscus in his left knee and a ruptured plantar plate. A Big Return for Kershaw Kershaw is one of the biggest pieces for the Dodgers over the years and is also a fan favorite in the city. The return spells a positive look for the team at this point as the injuries have been really piling up for the team so far, and it cannot be denied that Kershaw could spark the team’s struggles now more than ever. “It's great. It's a big shot in the arm,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Clayton has worked really hard to get healthy, and the bar is high for him. He doesn't want to just come back to be active. He wants to come back and help us win baseball games and be good. And so I know he's excited to contribute.” In an injury-shortened season, Kershaw went 2-2 before he got injured in seven starts with a 4.50 ERA. It was his 17th season at that time, and fans are hoping to see him thrive in a rotation that features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Landon Knack. So far, the Dodgers still remain atop the National League West with a 27-14 record and are also sitting with the best record in the MLB so far. The Kershaw Boost In his run with three affiliates, Kershaw has logged a 2.57 ERA in five rehab starts. The Dodgers star has also pitched 21 innings, allowed 12 hits and six runs, walked five, and struck out 16. So far, getting him back is going to be a boost that the team can build off him and get back to bigger winning grooves. “Just getting No. 22 back in the rotation is a huge shot in the arm of our ballclub,” Roberts said. “With Clayton just being back, I think it just adds an element of certainty and kind of performance.” Roberts also said that he is not that concerned with the way Kershaw will struggle in his return. After all, it does seem that the pitcher has been quite effective in his rehab games, and it will likely translate to better numbers when he returns.

In a decisive move signaling a shift in direction, the Colorado Rockies have relieved manager Bud Black of his duties following a dismal 7–33 start to the 2025 MLB season. The decision comes on the heels of a 9–3 victory over the San Diego Padres, which ended an eight-game losing streak but was insufficient to salvage Black's tenure. The Rockies' performance this season has been marked by inconsistency and underachievement, culminating in a franchise-worst 21–0 loss to the Padres the previous day. Black, who became the Rockies' all-time winningest manager in 2024, managed the team for nine seasons, compiling a 544–690 record. Under his leadership, the Rockies reached the playoffs in 2017 and 2018 but have since struggled to maintain competitiveness. The team's ongoing challenges, including back-to-back 100-loss seasons in 2023 and 2024, prompted the front office to seek a change. A New Dawn In the wake of Black's dismissal, third-base coach Warren Schaeffer has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the season. Clint Hurdle, a former Rockies manager and the franchise's all-time winningest skipper, will serve as the interim bench coach. General Manager Bill Schmidt expressed confidence in Schaeffer's ability to connect with players and improve team performance, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach to reverse the team's fortunes. As the Rockies embark on this new chapter, the focus will be on rebuilding the team's culture and performance. The remainder of the 2025 season presents an opportunity for Schaeffer and the coaching staff to assess the roster and implement strategies aimed at long-term success. The Rockies' ownership and management are committed to making the necessary changes to restore the team to competitiveness in the National League West. Schaeffer, previously the team’s third base coach and a respected figure in the Rockies’ player development system, steps into one of the most challenging managerial roles in baseball. But does he have the tools – and time – to make an impact? Schaeffer Stepping Up Schaeffer’s most immediate opportunity lies in player development and clubhouse culture. A former minor league manager within the Rockies’ system, he has strong relationships with many of the team’s younger players, including top prospects like Adael Amador and Yanquiel Fernandez. Giving these prospects meaningful playing time could inject life into a stagnant roster. Schaeffer’s background managing in the minors gives him insight into the Rockies’ farm system. These changes wouldn’t solve every issue overnight, but they would signal a bold shift toward player growth, accountability, and future competitiveness. One should expect that he will instill more aggressive baserunning and better situational awareness, turning the Rockies into a more dynamic, high-effort team. Additionally, Schaeffer is expected to emphasize fundamentals, baserunning, and defensive improvement – areas where the Rockies have consistently struggled. With Clint Hurdle stepping in as interim bench coach, Schaeffer will also have a seasoned voice beside him to help stabilize the team’s leadership. If the Rockies are to salvage anything from 2025, it won’t be about a playoff push – it will be about setting the tone for 2026 and beyond. Schaeffer’s success will hinge not just on wins, but on whether he can inspire effort, reestablish development priorities, and restore a sense of direction to a franchise adrift. The challenge is steep – but for Schaeffer, it’s also the opportunity of a lifetime that he should not pass up with Black now moving on from the team.

Losing key players early is not a good look for the Chicago Cubs as Shota Imanaga adds to the list after suffering cramps in their 9-0 win over the Pirates. Shota Imanaga had a promising game with the Cubs so far this season, and his big game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing six scattered hits over the five-plus scoreless innings in the series opener at PNC Park. However, it cannot be denied that his sudden exit with cramps had a lot of fans worried, and it may even end up being something bigger at this point. The Cubs have found themselves back to the win column in this 9-0 win over the Pirates, which was initially 4-0 when Imanaga was blowing the game away before he left with his trainer due to cramps. As one of the highly anticipated talents in the National League, it does seem that there is a lot of hype in his development with the team. But with cramps, it does seem that there are plenty of worries about the pace of his game at this point, and some even say that he would be sidelined and have his play affected in the coming weeks. That is yet to be determined as there is still no official report on his potential injury, but rather an unfortunate timing for his leg cramps. An Imanaga Scare Imanaga has been on a promising groove in most of his outing, retiring seven of the Pirates’ first eight batters. Pittsburgh tried to respond by loading the bases against him in the fifth inning with a pair of two-out base hits and a walk, but Imanaga responded by striking out Bryan Reynolds on three pitches to clear out the block. “He’s got the unique fastball that is just hard to get on top of. You put it in that part of the strike zone, it's even harder. Hitters really cheat to get on top of it,” said manager Craig Counsell. “You can’t because of the splitter. That’s the genius of the way Shota pitches. Those unique properties to the fastball and the level of execution make it really hard.” He gave up a leadoff couple to Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen at the bottom of the sixth inning before the Cubs trainers came in at the behest of the team. Imanaga was quickly examined and manager Craig Counsell gave the green light to remove his budding talent from the game. Leg cramps were initially said to be the main cause of Imanaga being removed from the game. The Cubs suddenly brought in Daniel Palencia from their bullpen. Imanaga did not return to the game as the Cubs walked off with a 9-0 win. Before that exit, Imanaga played six games, posting a 2-1 record with a 3.18 ERA, striking out 27 batters in 34 innings. Positivity in Imanaga’s Status Imanaga’s status has been a worry not just for the whole team, but for the Cubs fans as well. So far, the Cubs have found themselves in a winning groove in the season so far, and one can say that they would really need Imanaga’s services to come up with a shot at the World Series or even the playoffs at the very least. “That’s what you expect from Shota,” Counsell added. “He’s shown us time and time again. The two outings before, I think he pitched pretty well. Some things didn't go right for him. That’s what you expect. We’re spoiled by it.” With the way Imanaga has managed to come up with a promising performance before the leg cramps, it is easy to say that he would be coming back stronger and better in his games with the hopes of having no issues moving forward.

While the whole league has seen some power shift with contenders struggling to win big and take a lead in their respective divisions whatsoever, it seems that fans of the New York Mets are having a better time at this point with the way the club has been gunning for a strong run in the season – even now leading the National League standings as of the time of writing. Dodgers, Padres, Giants, move along – there’s a new sheriff in town. It is the first time in a long while since we have seen the two New York teams dominate the top five of both leagues, which says a lot about how this season is ramping up to be a dominant run now more than ever. This week has been a rollercoaster. The Padres have fallen from grace after a strong start, and now the Giants are making their presence felt after so many years of being a farm team for many talents. With the Dodgers somewhat struggling to play at a high level, it did seem really evident that the Mets are taking advantage of this as they have now continued their climb on the big stage and are really setting the tone for their push. A Huge Rally Despite losing their recent game, it does seem that the pace is starting to actually pick up for the Mets, which in turn has been giving them better looks of winning now more than ever. This year seems to be the magical story for the Mets. Considering the fact that even their big acquisition in Juan Soto hasn’t made his presence felt yet, it does seem that they can score off big wins and make a huge rally in the season. The continued adjustment of both Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez is really impressive so far, considering that neither of these two players were able to make big strides in the previous campaign. So far, the way they are responding to losses and winning big afterward is huge, and it has been noted by Ryne Stanek, who has been on the tough strides of the team so far. “You just go back to work,” Stanek said Sunday. “I mean, that's the job. You go out there – I mean, they get paid to play ball, too. So like, you go out there and you execute your game plan and, yeah, a couple balls fall or squeak through or whatever happens like that – that's out of your control. You go out there and you execute and you move on, go to the next day and execute the next day.” Timely Dominance for the Mets The New York Mets are heating up in the right time. This has been the team’s best start since 2015, and that 10-year swing really shows how much they have improved after a long time of struggle. Notably, the Mets have excelled in close games, winning 10 of 13 contests decided by two runs or fewer, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. Offensively, the Mets have been consistent, with key players stepping up throughout the lineup. While specific statistics are not detailed in the available sources, the team's overall performance reflects a well-rounded offensive approach. Looking ahead, the Mets will aim to maintain their momentum as they continue their season. Their strong start positions them well for the challenges of the upcoming months, with the team focusing on sustaining their performance and building upon their early success.

It is rare for rookies in the Major Leagues to come up with a winning stride and a promising push in their games, especially when the season is still young and they haven’t had a lot of impressive games to begin with. That isn’t the case for Nick Kurtz as he came up with his first MLB hit to set his league debut at a high note. Selected fourth overall by the Athletics, Kurtz’s journey to the big leagues hasn’t been that easy. Just a year ago, he was just taking classes at Wake Forest as a junior, and now he’s one of the big pros at the Sutter Health Park bringing in his talents for Oakland this season. He just began his professional career nine months ago – and to be able to reach the Majors on such quick pace is a huge feat. The Athletics called him up earlier this Monday, and Triple-A Las Vegas manager Fran Riordan relayed the message – to which Kurtz did not initially believe until he saw it to be true at this point. Now he’s swinging the bat in Oakland and is expected to come up with more explosive performances moving forward. A Dream to Reality If you told fans that a rookie would be swinging big for the A’s today, no one would probably believe you. Kurtz wore no. 16 for the first time in the Majors, and while no one expected him to suit up, he did come up with instant impact for the team, clubbing his first RBI single coming off Rangers starter Kumar Rocker in the first inning – claiming his first Major League hit at his FIRST at-bat as well. In the Classes A and AA, Kurtz was batting .368 with four homers and 13 RBI in 12 games. He also made his appearance in the 2024 Arizona Fall League, batting .353 with seven extra-base hits and 11 RBI in 13 games for Mesa. Kurtz’s Triple-A run was also impressive – where he hit seven home runs with 24 RBI and a 1.040 OPS in just 20 games. A’s GM David Forst claims that he is definitely comfortable in playing Kurtz almost every day in the rotation. This means that the rookie will be taking over as the first baseman, while Tyler Soderstom will likely take a tour of various positions such as the left field and the designated hitter spot. Solving Hiccups The only problem in bringing Kurtz is the fact that he doesn't really improve the defense, especially if the team is going to move players out of position, such as the case for Soderstom. However, there are still expectations that Kurtz will acclimate to the squad right away and find a way to fit in while also coming up with contributions ont he defensive end. Many experts believe that Kurtz has a very advanced approach when it comes to the plate, and they are not wrong – at least based on his offensive metrics in the Minors, where he had big numbers off the charts. That was also seen yesterday in the A’s win over the Rangers, where he tagged a 1-2 96 mph fastball from Rocker – blowing past a diving Marcus Semien and bringing it to the right field at an exit velocity of 112.2 mph. To make his debut even sweeter, his run earned him a standing ovation from the Sutter Health Park crowd as he high-fived his first-base coach Bobby Crosby.

Luis Arraez has been enjoying an explosive season for the San Diego Padres, and is one of the biggest difference-makers in the team’s blazing campaign at this point. Now, after being carted off in their clash with the Houston Astros, it seems that morale is expected to be affected without him – and so is their pace heading into the next games. Arraez was brought to the Houston Methodist Hospital after his collision with second baseman Mauricio Dubon at first base. Fans at the Daikin Park were not expecting that kind of incident, and it is safe to say that it was a scary sight that derailed much of the Padres’ game plan but still managed to eke out a victory. As one of the catalysts for the Padres’ hot run to the early games of the season, Arraez at the designated hitter spot has been really fun to watch. Considering that he would be likely missing out on some games moving forward, it is expected that the star’s absence should put a dent in San Diego’s winning chances now more than ever. A Goosebumpy Incident Arraez put up a sacrifice bunt attempt in the second play of the game against the Astros, and that fielded on the right side of the infield by Astros first baseman Christian Walker. However, Dubon was also pacing fast to take Walker’s throw with the hopes of beating Arraez to the spot. He did record the putout, but he also zeroed in on Arraez’s chin with his elbow. That play drew a lot of gasps, and even players and staff on both dugouts had to see it for themselves. Padres manager Mike Shildt looked on and even saw how his designated hitter laid on the field as he was attended by the medical staff. The game had to be delayed for 11 minutes, before Arraez was carted off while his head and neck were secured by a brace. “That was very scary,” Shildt said of Arraez’s status. “We don’t see those kind of collisions in our sport a whole lot. Luis is a really really tough guy and to see him down like that you know something is pretty serious. Took a pretty good blow. Sounds like he’s stable now, has feeling in his extremities. Is alert, aware of what took place which is clearly good. Fortunately, Arraez did give a thumbs up to the crowd while he was taken off the field, passing by the gate in the right-field corner. The Padres went on to secure the 3-2 win, but it is clear that there’s a bigger worry about how they are going to move forward with Arraez definitely missing some time off the team. Missing Arraez’s Impact Heading into the game, Arraez was hitting at .287 for the Padres and was even batting .338 in his last 17 games – which is a good note of consistency so far after he started the season 1-18. He has been a batting champion in each of the last three seasons, and missing him out is definitely not a good look for San Diego. The Padres, who are still atop the MLB league standings, dropped the first two games of their triple-header showdown versus the Astros. It is expected that Arraez will not be traveling with the team en route to their showdown with the Detroit Tigers. San Diego will then host the Rays and the Giants to wrap up its April schedule, and fans and critics alike are hoping to see a speedy recovery from Arraez while the club also looks for some alternatives on its roster.

Head coach Tommy Hottovy may want to rethink his strategies in the upcoming games for the Chicago Cubs after pitcher Justin Steele has been deemed to be set for a season-ending surgery, which means that the Cubs would be without one of its best performers on the big stage and will have a shift in its rotations moving forward in the season. Steele, who had lingering issues on his flexor tendon and now has a new issue with the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, is now slated to miss out on the rest of the MLB season as he will have an upcoming surgery in the said areas. This is definitely a big blow for the Cubs, who were initially working on a plan to get back on the playoff stage and win big games down the stretch. The Cubs were fifth overall in the National League to begin the season with an 11-7 record before Steele went down with an injury. It is expected that the record is going to take some tough hits considering how big of a contributor Steele is when it comes to coming up with wins for the team early this season. Health Over Contention Injuries are normal, despite how unfortunate it can be. For the Cubs, it just came at the wrong time, albeit an early one considering that they were enjoying some of the best starts that the club has seen in years. However, Hottovy believes that it is going to be quite a long ride for them, and that Steele may well be back sooner than later. “You feel for Justin, just the competitor he is. He wants to be out there,” Hottovy said before the Cubs' 4-2 victory over the Dodgers on Sunday Night Baseball. “He wanted me to know from him and talk through it a little bit, and kind of talk through what options he had and what plans he had. That's the kind of guy he is. He wants to respect the work we’ve all put in together. We’ve known each other for a long time now.” At the age of 29, Steele was the longest-tenured player in the Cubs right now. Selected with the fifth pick in the 2014 MLB Draft, the pitcher was off to a blazing start, and one can say that this is quite a situation that they’ve found themselves in so far. Still, health is a promising concern, and it is not even clear if Steel will also require a Tommy John surgery. Timetable for Steele Steele came up with seven shutout innings against Texas in some of the worst conditions – such as pitching his first at 34 degrees. He would go on to feel some discomfort around the fifth inning but was not alarmed enough to stop pitching. To sum it up, Steele had a solid 4.76 ERA with 21 strikeouts and five walks in 22 2/3 innings – so tough to see a season-ending surgery at that. “It’s kind of the life of a Major League pitcher,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Sunday about how tough it is to see Steele injured at a time like this. “I talked to him this morning again, and he’s got a great attitude about it, as he always does, and knows that it’s kind of part of the career that he’s chosen. He’ll take it a step at a time and do the best he can to come back even better.” With Steele out of the picture for now, the Cubs may well bring the best out of its front four in Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Ben Brown. They do have a 12-day period coming up, which should be a test of their depth moving forward.

Following a walk-off win over the Seattle Mariners that needed them to survive a 5-4 affair, the San Francisco Giants have now earned its eighth win of the season – the best start that the team has had in years so far. They are showing the rest of the league that they can beat anyone in many different ways, and it is a hopeful start to a campaign that no one expected. Over the first nine games of the season, the Giants have flourished its squad – coming up with dominant wins, comeback wins, and now clutch wins, and it seems that they still have something up their sleeves for everyone to see. This win over the Mariners proved that they can hit the ball out of the ballpark, come up with timely hits, and play elite-level of baseball. No one expected that from the Giants. We’re talking about the team that has seen a lot of losing seasons since 2015 – being able to only make it into the playoffs twice in that span. It has been a wild turn of events for San Francisco, considering that their 2020s have seen them come up with an overall record of 376-332 so far. Walking Off the Mariners The Giants showed off that its approach on the opposite field is as dangerous as it can be. Their 5-4 rally win proved to slam the door shut as they completed a three-game sweep of the Mariners at the Oracle Park. What’s great about that is the fact that they have now extended their winning streak to seven games in a row – along with the MLB-best 8-1 record. San Francisco trailed 0-2 to begin the game, but they closed out that deficit later with a four-run fourth that also saw a capper of a three-run, opposite-field home run from Mike Yastrzemski. Seattle would then tie up the game at four runs apiece on the top of the ninth on Randy Arozarena’s two-out, two-strike RBI double off Camilo Doval. That’s when Wilmer Flores stepped in for the walk-off. “Leave it up to Flo again,” manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s a guy you want in that situation. He knows what to expect. He knows how to handle it. He wasn’t trying to do too much. There was a hole open between first and second. I don’t want to say it’s not a surprise, but he’s done it so often.” Flores drilled his ninth career walk-off and 13th career walk-off RBI after a scary scene in the right field. It took one pitch down the left, but he sent it rolling down the field as he sprinted through the bases to complete the comeback win. A Start to Remember The Giants are now off to their best start since 2003 – and wouldn’t you know it, they are way ahead of their rivals the Dodgers for first place in the National League West for the first time this season. This is a huge shock considering how bad they were playing in the past few years, and maybe it is now a campaign to remember for the club. The Giants now move on to another homestand against the Cincinnati Reds this time for another three-game bout after winning the first set of three games earlier in March. The Giants will then be going on the road to go out for their first contender test – against the World Series runners-up in the New York Yankees starting April 11th. The clash with the Yankees will be a good landmark test for the Giants as they seek to prove their worth this season, and one can say that they will be criticized if they can’t steal a win on the Yankee Stadium at the very least.

The New York Yankees are making waves in the baseball world with an innovation that could change the way the game is played in 2025: the unveiling of their new "Torpedo Bats." A radical rethinking of bat design, the Torpedo Bat promises to enhance both power and precision, making it the hottest topic of discussion ahead of the 2025 MLB season. Developed in collaboration with cutting-edge engineers and some of the Yankees' top hitters, the Torpedo Bat's unique design is set to redefine expectations for offensive performance in Major League Baseball. After months of rigorous testing and development, the team is confident that this new technology will not only help the Yankees reclaim their dominance, but could lead to a league-wide shift in bat technology. The Torpedo Bat features a revolutionary new barrel shape and internal weight distribution that drastically increases the speed at which the ball exits the bat. Unlike traditional models, which focus on maximizing barrel size or material strength, the Torpedo Bat is engineered with aerodynamics and optimal swing dynamics in mind. A Standout Quality of Bat The Yankees have always been known for their power hitters, and the introduction of the Torpedo Bat could give them an even bigger edge in the race for the 2025 championship. Sluggers like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Josh Donaldson are expected to be among the first to wield the new bats, with some experts predicting a potential surge in home run numbers across the lineup. The team's decision to unveil the Torpedo Bat ahead of the 2025 season is also seen as a statement of intent. With a storied history of dominating the league, the Yankees are looking to break their recent playoff slump and reclaim their place at the top of Major League Baseball. With these high-tech bats in hand, many are predicting the Bronx Bombers will be among the favorites for the World Series title. As of the time of writing, the MLB has already confirmed that this bat change is legal, and even if the untraditional barrel is really quite a different look, it is expected that the bat will cater differently to each player, bringing in a new experience and dynamic for the team and possibly the rest of the league. Not every Yankee is on board. Aaron Judge, who blasted four home runs this weekend, is still using a traditional bat. But the "Torpedo" bats - used by Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, and Jazz Chisholm Jr., among others - certianly seem to be a factor in the Yankees' historic start. Bat Technology on the Rise While the Yankees’ introduction of the Torpedo Bat is a bold step, it’s just the beginning of what many predict will be a wave of innovation in baseball equipment. Engineers, designers, and players are already speculating about the next generation of bats, gloves, and cleats that could further push the boundaries of the game. For now, the Yankees stand at the forefront of this new era. As the 2025 season draws near, all eyes will be on the Bronx to see if the Torpedo Bat lives up to the hype, and whether it can help deliver the Yankees their 28th World Series title. The 2025 MLB season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and the introduction of the Torpedo Bat by the New York Yankees could be the catalyst that propels the game into a new era. Whether or not this new technology proves to be a true game-changer remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: baseball is about to get a lot more interesting.

As the Detroit Tigers continue to rebuild and retool their roster in hopes of returning to postseason contention, two names loom large in the team’s pitching future: Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize. These two young arms are expected to play pivotal roles in the Tigers’ pitching staff in 2025 and beyond. With the Tigers focusing on improving their starting rotation and bolstering their bullpen, Jobe and Mize could be the cornerstone pieces that help restore Detroit’s place in the upper echelon of MLB pitching. Neither Jackson Jobe nor Casey Mize fit the traditional mold of back-of-the-rotation pitchers, a clear indication of the impressive depth the Tigers have cultivated, primarily through their own developmental system. Jobe, following his late-season debut and postseason experience last September and October, has shown the kind of growth Detroit was hoping for, further solidifying his status as a key building block for the future. Meanwhile, Mize, now fully healthy, has overhauled his pitching arsenal, and with renewed confidence, is making a compelling case for a spot among the Tigers' top five starting options heading into the 2025 season. The Hopes of Bigger Talent The pairing of Jobe and Mize in the Tigers’ rotation could create a dynamic 1-2 punch for the team. Mize, with his polished approach and experience, can guide Jobe through the challenges of a major league season, while Jobe’s electric stuff provides a complementary dynamic to Mize’s more refined pitch mix. Both pitchers have the potential to evolve into aces, and their partnership could form the foundation of a Tigers pitching staff that, in the coming years, could be one of the league’s most formidable. With a solid mix of experience and raw talent, they provide a dual threat that would be tough for opposing teams to overcome. The Detroit Tigers have made significant strides in their rebuild, and the addition of Mize and Jobe to the pitching staff is a major step in their journey back to relevancy. With the right development and health, these two arms could spearhead the Tigers’ return to contention in the AL Central and beyond. The 2025 season will be an exciting one for Detroit fans, with Mize and Jobe expected to play leading roles in the team’s resurgence. The Tigers' future may very well hinge on the shoulders of these two young pitchers, and if they can reach their full potential, Detroit could soon find itself back in the postseason picture. Jackson Jobe: An Ace to Watch Out For Jobe’s fastball-slider combination is already highly regarded, with the ability to generate swings and misses across the strike zone. His slider, in particular, is considered one of the best breaking balls in his age group. On top of his pitch selection, Jobe's maturity on the mound and his poise in high-pressure situations set him apart from other young pitchers. The Tigers have been lacking a true ace for years, and Jobe has the potential to fill that void. While it may take time for him to adjust to the big leagues, his skill set is already MLB-ready, and his stuff is elite enough to make him a frontline starter for years to come. Jobe’s arrival gives the Tigers a fresh face and a new energy in their rotation. His youth and drive could reinvigorate the team and provide a boost to the clubhouse, especially for other younger players like Tarik Skubal.

Second base is a critical defensive position, and the Red Sox have typically sought out solid fielding middle infielders. For now, however, it does seem that Kristian Campbell is slated to be the next big starter for the team’s spot at the second base heading into the 2025 MLB season, where he has been rumored to be a big performer for the team moving forward. It is no secret that Alex Cora and the rest of the Boston Red Sox are evaluating Campbell’s effectiveness on the second base heading into the deeper stages of Spring Training. One can say that there’s at least high hopes that the MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 overall prospect will be able to land a starting role for Cora’s lineup in Boston when they take on the 2025 season. Campbell's bat is going to be a key factor in determining if he can stick as a starter at second base. If you look at his minor league stats, there are likely concerns around his consistency or power numbers, especially when compared to other up-and-coming players. The Need for MLB-Level Games For Campbell to earn a starting role, he'd need to show he can handle MLB pitching and provide at least a league-average offensive output — something that has been an issue for the Red Sox in recent seasons at the position. “He did a good job, made some plays,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “He's going to get more reps there. It feels like he's getting comfortable. Put a good swing on the ball, and then the walk also, that was good.” The Red Sox had Campbell focusing his work on second base drills for most of the Spring Training, and it cannot be denied that the position is wide open and may well be the best fit for the prospect. That says a lot about the pending value that Campbell brings to the table as he hopes to make a break in the Majors as well. Campbell is competing with David Hamilton, who has enjoyed a strong spring of his own, and Vaughn Grissom, who is on the mid side of the game. Hamilton is arguably the best pick for now, but Campbell packs a strong upside on the offensive end and is even projected to be an impact player. “We]are just finding different ways to help me move more efficiently in the infield, quicker ways to turn double plays,” said Campbell. “The way I did it before wasn’t terrible, but there's little things you can do to help improve in the infield. Little things just like that. You just want to be as best as you can so whenever you get out there, it’s as quick as possible turning two.” Proving Efficiency Campbell would need to prove he’s reliable with the glove, with good range, quick hands, and strong double-play ability. If his defense stands out at the big league level or even in a strong spring training, that could make him a viable option to start. “It is what it is, right? It's still Spring Training,” Cora said. “As long as we swing at the right ones, that's the most important thing. We want him to make sure he’s still making good swing decisions. And when you do that over and over and over again, the results are going to come." The Red Sox have had a focus on offensive production from their infielders, and their middle infield is no exception. That’s where Campbell’s value comes in heading into the final stretch of Spring Training.