Day: February 28, 2025

Angels star Mike Trout is getting back into rhythm, launching his first Cactus League home run against the Reds on Wednesday—his first in-game homer since last April.

Starting as the designated hitter after debuting in right field on Monday, Mike Trout crushed a solo shot to left off veteran reliever Bryan Shaw in the third inning. It’s a good sign for the three-time MVP, who plans to maintain a healthy lifestyle after battling a series of injuries over the past four seasons.

Paul Goldschmidt cherishes his time—playing alongside legends like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright, and winning the 2022 NL MVP— he regrets the team’s struggles over the past two seasons, which led to his departure. If his production had been better and St. Louis had made the playoffs, he might still be there instead of joining the Yankees.

Now, as he adjusts to a new team, he remains hopeful the Cardinals can turn things around.

Sammy Sosa returned to the Cubs’ spring training complex for the first time in over 20 years, amazed by the team’s upgraded facilities.

“This building looks like Disney World,” Sosa said with a hearty laugh. “My goodness. Incredible. Beautiful. We didn’t have that when we played.”

Wearing a Cubs uniform for the first time since 2004, Sosa joined as a guest instructor, working with hitters after recently mending ties with the organization.

Bryce Harper expected to be fine after he was hit on his right arm by a fastball moving at 92 mph on Wednesday afternoon at TD Ballpark.

His team confirmed that his right triceps is bruised and there was nothing serious, it didn’t even need X-rays.

“Fine, I think,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said after a 9-6 victory over the Blue Jays. “The trainer’s report — we’ll check him tomorrow — but it’s a contusion in the triceps area. We’re not overly concerned at all.”

Blue Jays young left-hander Richard Lovelady was the one who threw a first-pitch inside fastball to Harper in the sixth inning and six pitches later, he hit him.

“I can’t speak for the kid, but maybe he was a little nervous,” Thomson said. “It’s Bryce Harper.”

In a late at-bat during Tuesday’s Cactus League game, 18-year-old Padres prospect Leodalis De Vries showed why San Diego is so excited about his potential. Ranked No. 18 among MLB prospects, Leodalis De Vries worked a full count before driving an opposite-field double against the Angels. His performance was nothing short of brilliant, showcasing his patience and control at the plate.

“I feel like that’s a good representation of who I am as a ballplayer,” De Vries said. “The team needed me, so I had to get on base.”

After missing several days battling a with the flu, Fernando Tatis Jr. is back with the Padres on Wednesday and he wasted no time making up for his absence.

In his first live batting practice session, Tatis crushed a towering home run off new teammate Nick Pivetta, showing he’s back in form. After taking full batting practice, Tatis received three live at-bats against Pivetta. He struck out in each of the first two before crushing a homer to center field.