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By Jonathan Northrop, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer Part One: The Cycle of Ages - Angels Baseball version After the dead-cat bounce of the post-Golden Era (2014-15), the Angels dipped below .500 in 2016 and have stayed there since, with a .465 Win% from 2016-23, which equates with a 75-87 record. In other words, for the last eight seasons, the Angels have been, on average, a 75-win team. Without going back into it again in too much depth, the Angels are long overdue for a rebuild, or at least, a shift in the organizational approach of the last decade plus. One could argue that they should have rebuilt way back in 2010-11 but Arte wouldn't accept that the Golden Age was over. What commenced was a serious of blunders that proved disastrous to the franchise for the last 15 years. They had another window in 2015-2016 and didn't take it, for a variety of reasons: they had a promising core of young starters, all of whom went under the knife. Next, they had the Trout Window, and then the Ohtani Window. So we have, ala the Greek/Indian ages, four distinct periods of 21st Century Angels Baseball: 2002-09: Golden Age - no comment needed. If you're a Millenial or older, you remember. If you're a Zennial, no, it isn't fake news - the Angels really were one of the half dozen best franchises in baseball for the first decade of the new millenium. 2010-15: Silver Age - At the time it was frustrating, but they won 85+ games in four out of six seasons, and we saw the arrival of the Promised One. Oh, and We Got Pujols; we'll extend Greinke; Hamilton is just so talented, isn't he? 2016-20: Bronze Age - Things started looking grim, but we got a smart GM in Eppler. Right? 2020-23: Iron (or Dark) Age - This era, despite the gloriousness of Ohtani, was embodied by Trout's injuries and Rendon's suckitude. It was probably the most dismal three-year span since, I don't know, the early 90s. If you want a Darkest Hour of the Dark Age, it is probably either the losing streak in 2022 or the trade deadline last year and what followed. Or possibly Ohtani signing with the Dodgers. But it's over, right? Now the ancients had a few different versions of the cycle of ages. One is that the Dark Age eventually led to a new Golden Age. Yeah, right. Another is that the cycles goes back in reverse, and a new "ascending" Bronze Age follows the Dark Age, and then up to Silver and eventually Golden. Seems more plausible - or at least possible. A third is, well, Ragnarok: the Dark Age ends in cataclysm and the world ends. Let's hope that the trade deadline, team collapse, and departure of Ohtani is that Ragnarok and that we'll get to start seeing the ascent again. I mean, how much worse can it get? Anyhow, the various factors mentioned above kept the Angels brass from doing what long needed doing: taking stock and pushing the reset button. Of course there wasn't much to take stock of, but at least they could have held off on spending more money on mediocre free agents in a lame attempt to kinda compete each year. So now Ohtani's gone and the Angels had one of their quietest offseasons in the last couple decades: No big splashes, no long contracts at all, just a handful of gap-fills and somewhat random free agent signings. It was a bit confusing at first, because Minasian's early offseason emphasis on building a stronger bullpen implied that he was going to go big on free agency. But nothing significant manifested -- no new starting position players or pitchers, just a handful of bench and bullpen guys. Barring a last minute Snellsplash, it looks like the Angels are truly--and finally--taking a beat, taking stock, and maybe eventually replenishing the farm a bit (barring contention come trade deadline). And I say, hallelujah! It is long overdue. Consider the above as being a summation of my offseason thoughts, with the disclaimer that I've only paid passing attention the last few months and haven't really followed the Cactus League. On to part two... Part Two: 2024 - the Year of Stock-Taking Here's the new part, or at least new to me. "Taking stock" implies seeing how good the young guys are. But I think that is somewhat secondary to the Minasian Plan. We know that in 2025 and beyond, the under-25s of Detmers, Silseth, O'Hoppe, Neto and Schanuel will be around - there isn't really a likely scenario in which they don't form the nucleus of whatever this iteration of the Angels morphs into. But what Minasian will really be looking at, aside from whether (and to what degree) Trout and Rendon can salvage their careers, is how the not-so-young guys will do. Meaning, the 25-30 group that includes Sandoval, Canning, Ward, Rengifo, Adell, and Moniak. Really, it is all of the above and more - but I wanted to highlight that middle group, because those are the guys who are "on the clock" in one form or fashion. Sandoval and Canning have shown promise but struggled at various points in their career; Ward is coming off a major injury and it remains to be who the real Taylor Ward is; Rengifo is deciding whether he's going to be a quality regular or a bench guy; and Adell and Moniak are fighting for a starting gig, and at least for Adell, whether or not he's an Angel long-term. So in summary, we have several groups that bear watching: The young pups (under 25): Detmers, Silseth, O'Hoppe, Neto, Schanuel, also Joyce, Bachman, and Soriano (who is 25, but belongs with this group). The mid guys (age 25-30): Sandoval, Canning, Ward, Rengifo, Adell, Moniak, and Suarez. The old guys (over 30s): Trout and Rendon. The mercs (possible trade fodder): Anderson, Drury, most of the bullpen, especially Estevez, Moore, and Stephenson. The last group, the "mercs," are solid players but are ultimately expendable, and the type of guys you dangle in July if you're out of the playoff hunt. Meaning, they only "stock-taking" is whether any of them have value - either for an unlikely postseason hunt in the second half or, more likely, as trade fodder. The young guys are here to stay and are the nucleus for the next half decade plus, along with Old Man Trout. The middle guys are the ones whose place on the Angels are most in question - thus my relating the term "taking stock" most especially to them. Minasian will be looking at who is worth keeping and who joins the trade fodder, in the likelihood that the Angels are sellers in July. Not sure what to say about the Decrepit Duo that hasn't already been said. The hope is obviously that both have a renaissance of some kind - that Trout returns at least to 2022 form but with better health, and Rendon is at least a solid on-base hitter. I'm guessing that of the two, he team's hopes is 95% on Trout, and anything Rendon produces is viewed as a pleasant surprise. All of the above are under the eye of "taking stock" but, I think, the mid guys most especially. So even if the Angels struggle and don't ever really contend, it should be interesting to see how this year pans out. View the full article

ANAHEIM — With the final game of spring training on the line, Dodgers prospect Jared Karros took the mound against the Angels with a keen observer watching from the television booth upstairs. Former Dodgers star Eric Karros was doing color commentary for SportsNet LA when his son and former 16th-round draft pick in 2022 stepped on the mound in a major league stadium. Never mind that it was an exhibition game, there were plenty of midseason nerves. “So Howie Long, I work with him at FOX and we cross over in September with football and baseball,” Eric Karros said. “He had two kids play at the highest level (in the NFL). “I remember talking to him about watching your kid and he said, ‘It’s like when you played and get ready for a game and have all this adrenaline and then you can go release it out on the field. Watching your kid, you get all this adrenaline and you just have to sit and you can’t let it loose. It eats you up inside.’ And that’s exactly what it is.” The younger Karros walked Matt Thaiss to open the inning before finding his stride. He got Zach Neto to fly out to left field, retired Jack Lopez on another fly ball to left and ended the seventh inning when Jo Adell was called out on strikes. As the son walked off the mound as the picture of calm, dad stood up in the booth and applauded his approval. Back out to pitch again in the eighth inning, Jared Karros gave up a hit but struck out the side by retiring three projected Angels regulars in Mickey Moniak, Taylor Ward and Nolan Schanuel. Again the older Karros rose to his feet, letting out shouts of approval while thrusting his fist into the air. As for that rule of never cheering in the press box? “I told them they can take my press credential away,” Eric Karros said with a laugh. Jared Karros pitched in 19 games (16 starts) at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga last season with a 3.95 ERA but has not yet learned of his minor league assignment for this season. “To watch this, and especially to see him succeed and have the type of outing he did, it’s something I’m always going to remember,” said Karros, who holds the Los Angeles Dodgers record of 270 home runs. “The gamut of emotion probably went from puking to crying to screaming. All over the map.” While Jared Karros kept it close for the Dodgers, the Angels still won the game, 4-3, in the ninth against Dodgers left-hander John Rooney, when Zach Neto tripled with two outs and Lopez ended the game with a bloop RBI single to left. It was the Angels who leaned into their offense first, getting a two-run double from Brandon Drury in the first inning and a towering home run from Miguel Sanó to left field in the second inning for a 3-0 lead. All three runs came off Dodgers starter James Paxton. Sano had been told he made the Opening Day roster by Manager Ron Washington after Monday’s game at Dodger Stadium. Related Articles Los Angeles Dodgers | Dodgers rally but end up tying Angels in Tyler Glasnow’s debut Los Angeles Dodgers | Angels 2024 spring training preview: 5 key questions The Dodgers used their power to get back into the game with Freddie Freeman and Will Smith hitting back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning to pull within a run. The Dodgers tied it in the sixth on a home run to center field from Gavin Lux. Paxton gave up three runs on four hits over five innings of his final spring start, with two walks and two strikeouts. He is expected to start the fifth game of the Dodgers’ season-opening homestand on Monday against the San Francisco Giants. Angels starter Chase Silseth gave up two runs on two hits over five innings with no walks, while showing his potential with 10 strikeouts. “I put a lot into today,” Silseth said. “It felt like the real thing today, which is good. I was ready. I’m ready now (to) hit the ground running.” View the full article

ANAHEIM — Miguel Sanó couldn’t wait to share the news, so the veteran third baseman took to Instagram on Tuesday to let his followers know he had made the Angels’ roster. In a photo, the former All-Star points to the sky. “For the first thing, I want to say thank you to God and to the Angels for the opportunity,” Sanó said before the Angels’ final spring training game against the Dodgers. “It’s great to have the moment and opportunity that has been given to me.” Sanó, a free agent, was among the last group of players vying for a roster spot. When the Angels optioned Livan Soto and sent down Willie Calhoun, Caleb Hamilton and Cole Fontenelle, it opened the door for him. “I’m going to take care of my job. I’m going to work hard every day to prove what I got every day on the field,” said Sanó, who reported to camp 58 pounds lighter and eager to show he could still swing the bat. Although Sanó batted just .186 and had a .695 OPS throughout the spring, his power and improved physical condition, along with a strong work ethic, impressed Manager Ron Washington. He informed Sano of his decision shortly after Monday’s game at Dodger Stadium. “He swung the bat well and did everything we asked him to do,” Washington said. “He worked his butt off and is very deserving of being on our roster and that’s why he’s here.” Sanó showed how he can still contribute by crushing a solo home run in the second inning on Tuesday night to give the Angels a three-run lead. He also reached base on an error. Sanó said the past few days have been nerve-wracking but always believed he could still contribute to a major league team after a near two-year hiatus. “I plan to work double, triple – all hard work every day that I come to the field,” Sano said. Sanó, 30, hit at least 25 home runs in four big league seasons with the Minnesota Twins, including 30 in 2021. In 2022, he hit .083 and was released. Sanó could play third and first and he can also be used as a DH. STRONG START Right-hander Chase Silseth struck out 10 but gave up back-to-back home runs through five innings of work, his longest outing of spring training. In an earlier spring training game against the Dodgers, Silseth gave up three hits in 2⅓ scoreless innings, striking out two. He got his lone spring training victory in his first outing, throwing two innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Feb. 29. READY FOR HIS ANGELS DEBUT On the cusp of the regular season, Washington sat in the dugout and declared he was ready to begin his 53rd year in baseball, his 42nd in the majors and first as the Angels manager. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | A look at the 175-year history of baseball uniforms Los Angeles Angels | 2024 MLB Predictions: SCNG staffers call their shots Los Angeles Angels | Logan O’Hoppe’s homer sparks Angels to exhibition rout of Dodgers Los Angeles Angels | Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani says he never bet on sports, interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole money, told lies Los Angeles Angels | Season Preview: 2024 Angels believe they will surprise the baseball world “This means everything because I’m a leader and I got an opportunity to lead again,” said Washington, who guided the Texas Rangers from 2007-14 in his only other managerial job. “I’m ready to go. I’m prepared.” So is his team, he said. The Angels open the season Thursday afternoon at the Baltimore Orioles. “They better be. We just had six weeks of spring training, so they certainly are where I want them to be,” Washington said. Washington wants to shut down outside noise, the talk of finishing fourth this season after missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. He wants to prove that this year’s squad possesses the talent to advance to the postseason. “They are ready to play baseball and the identity will make itself known,” he said. View the full article

Baseball uniforms have been around 175 years and have undergone some changes. The new version has not been a hit with fans and players, but the league is working its way out of a jam. The uniforms might be new but they’ve been a long time in the making. Major League Baseball says it’s been six years since the league began working on these uniform changes, gathering input from clubs and players as they looked to optimize the outfits for the best performance possible. MLB and Nike teamed up in 2019 on a 10-year deal, with the apparel company taking over for Majestic Athletic, which had been making jerseys for the league since 1982. Pampers or Huggies? But the pants are the issue. Many players complained that when they wear white tops and white pants, the tucked-in jersey can look like a diaper because the pants are relatively see-through. Getty ImagesA cropped photo of Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes in spring training shows the sheer material of the new uniforms some players are unhappy with. The plus side MLB officials say these uniforms improve mobility by providing 25% more stretch and also will dry 28% faster. Nike says they incorporate more recycled material than past uniforms, lowering emissions from manufacturing. What’s next? One potential solution is that players could wear last year’s pants until the problems are solved. No decision has been made by the league. Subtle differences Paul Lukas of Uni-Watch, a blog dedicated to uniform design, described the 2024 changes: “Stretchier fabric, changing home jerseys from white to a subtle off-white, narrowing the placket (the vertical strip on the front of the shirt upon which the buttons sit), altering the belt loops, moving the MLB logo down on the back of the jersey and reducing the size of the last-name lettering.” Smaller lettering has fans complaining and players perplexed the most. What they cost There are several price ranges for the new jerseys. The cost of what’s closest to what the players wear would buy you some very good seats to Opening Day. Nike Vapor Premier Elite Jersey | Authentic jersey, as worn by players on the field. | $355 Nike Vapor Premier Limited Jersey | Inspired by the on-field jersey, it has an embroidered Nike Swoosh, heat-applied twill logos, a woven, heat-applied label, heat-applied sublimated twill player name and number. | $175 Nike Vapor Premier Game Jersey | Replica player jersey with silicone printed heat-transfer front logo, Nike Swoosh and silhouetted batter, screen-printed back player name and number, heat-applied labels. | For purchase soon. Notable events in baseball uniforms Sources: Baseball Hall of Fame, Powers Sports Memorabilia, “Today” show, MLBcollectors.com, MLB.com, Uni-watch.com, The Associated Press, Nike View the full article

Members of the Southern California News Group try to predict how the 2024 baseball season will play out, from division races (in predicted order of finish) to the postseason and who will collect the key awards. — JEFF FLETCHER (Angels beat reporter) — AL West: Astros, Rangers, Mariners, Angels, A’s AL Central: Twins, Royals, Guardians, Tigers, White Sox AL East: Orioles, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays, Red Sox NL West: Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies NL Central: Cubs, Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, Pirates NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals AL wild cards: Rangers, Yankees, Mariners NL wild cards: Padres, Phillies, Reds POSTSEASON ALCS: Orioles over Astros NLCS: Braves over Dodgers World Series: Braves over Orioles AWARDS AL Cy Young: Corbin Burnes, Orioles AL MVP: Royce Lewis, Twins AL Rookie of the Year: Jackson Holliday, Orioles NL Cy Young: Zack Wheeler, Phillies NL MVP: Austin Riley, Braves NL Rookie of the Year: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers — BILL PLUNKETT (Dodgers beat reporter) — AL West: Rangers, Astros, Mariners, Angels, A’s AL Central: Guardians, Tigers, Twins, Royals, White Sox AL East: Rays, Orioles, Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox NL West: Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Padres, Rockies NL Central: Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals AL wild cards: Astros, Orioles, Yankees NL wild cards: Phillies, Diamondbacks, Mets POSTSEASON ALCS: Astros over Rays NLCS: Dodgers over Braves World Series: Dodgers over Astros AWARDS AL Cy Young: Framber Valdez, Astros AL MVP: Yordan Alvarez, Astros AL Rookie of the Year: Evan Carter, Rangers NL Cy Young: Spencer Strider, Braves NL MVP: Mookie Betts, Dodgers NL Rookie of the Year: Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks — JIM ALEXANDER (Columnist) — AL West: Rangers, Mariners, Astros, Angels, A’s AL Central: Twins, Guardians, Tigers, White Sox, Royals AL East: Orioles, Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays, Red Sox NL West: Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Padres, Rockies NL Central: Cubs, Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Pirates NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals AL wild cards: Yankees, Blue Jays, Mariners NL wild cards: Phillies, Giants, Reds POSTSEASON ALCS: Orioles over Rangers NLCS: Dodgers over Cubs World Series: Dodgers over Orioles AWARDS AL Cy Young: Corbin Burnes, Orioles AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays AL Rookie of the Year: Evan Carter, Rangers NL Cy Young: Spencer Strider, Braves NL MVP: Cody Bellinger, Cubs NL Rookie of the Year: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers — MIRJAM SWANSON (Columnist) — AL West: Astros, Rangers, Angels, Mariners, A’s AL Central: Twins, Tigers, Guardians, Royals, White Sox AL East: Yankees, Orioles, Rays, Blue Jays, Red Sox NL West: Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Padres, Giants, Rockies NL Central: Cardinals, Cubs, Reds, Brewers, Pirates NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals AL wild cards: Rangers, Orioles, Angels NL wild cards: Phillies, Diamondbacks, Cubs POSTSEASON ALCS: Astros over Yankees NLCS: Braves over Dodgers World Series: Braves over Astros AWARDS AL Cy Young: Pablo Lopez, Twins AL MVP: Aaron Judge, Yankees AL Rookie of the Year: Evan Carter, Rangers NL Cy Young: Spencer Strider, Braves NL MVP: Mookie Betts, Dodgers NL Rookie of the Year: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers — KEVIN MODESTI (Correspondent) — AL West: Astros, Mariners, Rangers, Angels, A’s AL Central: Guardians, Twins, Tigers, Royals, White Sox AL East: Blue Jays, Orioles, Rays, Yankees, Red Sox NL West: Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Giants, Rockies NL Central: Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Reds, Pirates NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals AL wild cards: Mariners, Orioles, Twins NL wild cards: Phillies, Mets, Padres POSTSEASON ALCS: Astros over Mariners NLCS: Braves over Dodgers World Series: Braves over Astros AWARDS AL Cy Young: Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays AL MVP: Yordan Alvarez, Astros AL Rookie of the Year: Colt Keith, Tigers NL Cy Young: Zack Wheeler, Phillies NL MVP: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves NL Rookie of the Year: Jung Hoo Lee, Giants — TODD BAILEY (MLB Editor) — AL West: Astros, Rangers, Mariners, Angels, A’s AL Central: Twins, Guardians, Tigers, Royals, White Sox AL East: Orioles, Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays, Red Sox NL West: Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Padres, Giants, Rockies NL Central: Cubs, Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Pirates NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Nationals AL wild cards: Rangers, Yankees, Mariners NL wild cards: Phillies, Diamondbacks, Padres POSTSEASON ALCS: Astros over Orioles NLCS: Dodgers over Braves World Series: Dodgers over Astros AWARDS AL Cy Young: Corbin Burnes, Orioles AL MVP: Juan Soto, Yankees AL Rookie of the Year: Jackson Holliday, Orioles NL Cy Young: Spencer Strider, Braves NL MVP: Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves NL Rookie of the Year: Yoshinobu Yamamoto Related Articles MLB | Logan O’Hoppe’s homer sparks Angels to exhibition rout of Dodgers MLB | Swanson: Not the start to Shohei Ohtani era that Dodgers expected MLB | Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani says he never bet on sports, interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole money, told lies MLB | Questions raised about resume of Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter MLB | Season Preview: 2024 Angels believe they will surprise the baseball world View the full article

LOS ANGELES — As if the stats did not tell the story of how much Logan O’Hoppe needed his mammoth blast in the second inning Monday, his fist pump while leaving the batter’s box most certainly did. O’Hoppe’s three-run home run started the Angels toward a 6-0 victory over the host Dodgers in the middle game of the Freeway Series. The Dodgers won the opener, 5-3, on Sunday with the finale of the exhibition set for Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. Angels left-hander Reid Detmers finished off a solid spring with five scoreless innings, giving up three hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Detmers had a 2.45 ERA in five spring outings and appears to be headed toward the No. 3 spot in the rotation and a potential outing Sunday on the road against the Baltimore Orioles. “Can’t say I felt the best but the result is what I wanted and I got to do it here at Dodger Stadium against the Dodgers and it’s a pretty good feeling,” Detmers said. “Just fastball command was off. The last couple of weeks fastball command hasn’t been the greatest. I’m trying to figure out some stuff with that but everything else was really good.” For all of his success throughout the outing, the pitch that seemed to resonate the most was a fastball up and in to walk former teammate Shohei Ohtani in the fifth inning. Ohtani let out a sigh of relief as he staggered out of the batter’s box. “We got a little laugh about it, Shohei was laughing,” Detmers said. “I said ‘I’m sorry.’” O’Hoppe’s second homer of the spring came off Dodgers right-hander Gavin Stone, who gave up four runs on four hits and a walk in 4⅓ innings with four strikeouts. Stone is projected to make his first start of the season Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Dodgers right-hander Daniel Hudson, who had just three appearances last season, gave up two runs while recording both of his outs by strikeout. Hudson made a scoreless appearance in the regular-season opener at South Korea last week against the San Diego Padres and picked up the win. In addition to his walk, Ohtani grounded out twice against Detmers as he played shortly after addressing the controversy around former interpreter Ippei Mitzuhara, who is accused of draining as much as $4.5 million from Ohtani’s personal account for alleged sports wagering. The Dodgers’ top three in the order of Mookie Betts, Ohtani and Freddie Freeman combined to go 1 for 8 with a walk. Freeman had the lone hit of the bunch, while Max Muncy had a pair of hits. ARM WORK On a busy day, Ohtani also did some light throwing in the outfield before the game, which is believed to be the first time he has town a ball since his elbow surgery in September. While Ohtani will not pitch for the Dodgers this season following his UCL repair, he did take another step in his rehab by making easy tosses from about 50 feet during a game of catch. The Dodgers have not ruled out Ohtani playing in the field later this season with Manager Dave Roberts saying he is willing to “have that conversation,” if Ohtani’s rehab is progressing well. The right-hander’s recovery timeline does have him potentially facing hitters in a closed setting by late September of this year. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani says he never bet on sports, interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole money, told lies Los Angeles Angels | Season Preview: 2024 Angels believe they will surprise the baseball world Los Angeles Angels | Angels 2024 season preview: How the roster looks Los Angeles Angels | 2024 AL West season preview capsules Los Angeles Angels | 2024 AL Central season preview capsules GETTING CLOSER Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson is progressing well from right shoulder inflammation and threw from 120 feet. After signing a three-year, $33 million contract in the offseason, Stephenson did not pitch in a Cactus League game. The 31-year-old delivered a 3.10 ERA in 60 relief outings last season for the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays and is projected to pitch in the late innings in front of closer Carlos Estevez. In other Angels injury news, right-hander Sam Bachman (shoulder surgery) and left-hander Jose Quijada (elbow surgery) are continuing with their throwing progressions, while infielder Michael Stefanic (quadriceps strain) has resumed light baseball activity. All three remain in Arizona. View the full article

LOS ANGELES — Speaking for the first time since he has been embroiled in an alleged $4.5 million fraud potentially tied to gambling, Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani said on Monday that he has never participated in sports betting and that interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole money from him and told lies. Ohtani said his former interpreter had engaged in a scheme of lies, with the All-Star player unaware funds from his account were being drained to satisfy a massive gambling debt until after Mizuhara told members of the team he had a gambling problem. Ohtani took a seat in front of the assembled media with Will Ireton, who is serving as his new interpreter. Ireton has been a Dodgers employee since 2016 after first serving as an interpreter for former Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda. “I have not bet on (anything), or never have asked somebody to (bet on sports events) on my behalf,” Ohtani said. “And I have never gone through a bookmaker to bet on sports.” The gambling controversy surfaced last week when the Dodgers were in South Korea and about to face the San Diego Padres in the second game of the regular season. The Los Angeles Times and ESPN reported that Ohtani’s representatives accused Mizuhara of draining funds from Ohtani’s personal bank account in a scheme tied to a Southern California bookmaker. A two-time American League MVP with the Angels, Ohtani signed a record-setting 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. He had not spoken publicly on the issue until Monday, saying that he asked authorities to look into the matter and is participating fully with the investigation. MLB announced Friday that it had launched its own investigation. Sitting in front of approximately 100 media members in a cramped interview room beneath the third base stands that is normally reserved for postgame press conferences, Ohtani referenced a prepared outline, while speaking in an assured manner and keeping his face to the assembled mass for much of the session that lasted nearly 12 minutes. “First of all, thank you very much for coming; I wanted to be here today to be able to talk,” Ohtani said at the outset. “I’m sure it was very tough, it’s been a tough week for fans, and team officials, and I’m very grateful that the media has been patient in this process. Just on a personal note, I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I entrusted has done this.” While not addressing how such a massive amount of money was drained from his account without being noticed, Ohtani admitted that there are some details, “that I am limited in being able to talk about.” The IRS has confirmed that Mizuhara and Mathew Bowyer, the alleged illegal bookmaker, are under criminal investigation through the agency’s Los Angeles Field Office. In direct fashion, Ohtani said he has been betrayed by his friend and former confidant. “Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies,” Ohtani said. Ohtani said he was made aware of a connection to sports betting when media members began asking him about it while the team was in South Korea. “Ippei never revealed to me that there was this media inquiry and to the representatives of my camp. … Ippei told to the media and to my representatives that I, on behalf of a friend, paid off debt,” Ohtani said. “Upon further questioning it was revealed that it was actually in fact, Ippei who was in debt. “This – all of this – has been a complete lie.” After the Dodgers’ victory over the Padres at South Korea on Wednesday, Mizuhara reportedly addressed the team as details about his debt began to emerge. Ohtani said he was present at the time but was without an interpreter as Mizuhara spoke in English. “… But even with that, I kind of understood what was going on and started to feel that there was something amiss,” Ohtani said. Related Articles Los Angeles Dodgers | Shohei Ohtani to address the media on Monday amid allegations, investigations Los Angeles Dodgers | MLB investigating allegations involving Shohei Ohtani, former interpreter Los Angeles Dodgers | Angels surprised by allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Los Angeles Dodgers | Shohei Ohtani era with Dodgers now includes gambling scandal Los Angeles Dodgers | Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theft Ohtani and Mizuhara met together at the team hotel later that evening. “So up until that team meeting, I didn’t know that Ippei had a gambling addiction and was in debt,” Ohtani said. “And that obviously at that point, obviously, I did not never agree to pay off the debt or make payments to the book maker. “And finally, when we went back to the hotel and talked one-to-one, that’s when I found out he had a massive debt. And it was revealed to me during that meeting that Ippei was sending money, using my account, to the bookmaker.” Ohtani drove in a run in each of the first two games of the season and had three hits in 10 at-bats during the series against the Padres. He was in the Dodgers’ lineup for Monday’s Freeway Series game against the Angels and batting second as the designated hitter. View the full article

The Angels have heard and read what the baseball world thinks of their chances this season. After winning 73 games and losing Shohei Ohtani, the Angels are widely expected to finish fourth in the American League West, missing the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season. “No one in this clubhouse gives a (expletive) what they are saying,” left-hander Patrick Sandoval said. “No one cares what’s going on outside this clubhouse. Everyone has tunnel vision. I think that can only work in our favor. I don’t think we’re gonna give in to what the media, the fans, our fans, whatever they’re saying. We believe in what’s here. We believe in each other.” Catcher Logan O’Hoppe summoned a line from the film “Moneyball,” in which the upstart Oakland A’s were also dismissed after losing key players. “We’re like an ‘island of misfit toys’ that nobody knows about,” O’Hoppe said. “When we come together, we’re more powerful as a group. We can do more as a group. We’re coming together pretty well, and I’m really happy to be a part of that.” Mike Trout, whose Hall of Fame career has been tainted by the Angels’ perpetual losing, also sees the skepticism as something of a rallying cry. “We know what we have in here,” Trout said. “We use (the predictions) as motivation. The boys are hungry to get out there.” Certainly, optimism in spring training is expected. Professional athletes don’t get to be professional athletes without overflowing confidence, even in the face of daunting facts. Fact: The Angels did not add a player who produced more than 1.2 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference, in 2023, while they lost Ohtani, whose WAR was 10.0. Fact: The Angels’ best player, Trout, is now 32 and has not played more than 134 games in a season since 2016. Fact: The Angels have penciled in four players for significant roles – shortstop Zach Neto, first baseman Nolan Schanuel, outfielder Mickey Moniak and O’Hoppe – who have never played 100 games in a major league season. Fact: Tyler Anderson is the only Angels starting pitcher who has ever thrown 150 innings in a season. Fact: Last season the Angels ranked 23rd in the majors in ERA and 12th in OPS, and Ohtani was both the best hitter and pitcher. Fact: The Angels don’t care about any of that when it comes to 2024. “I don’t view what people have to say on the outside because they don’t see what we’re doing on the inside,” said new manager Ron Washington, who is known for his unflinching optimism. “They speculate on the outside. And I guess from what they’ve seen in the past, they have a right to feel how they want to feel. But I don’t take that into account at all. … “People can say what they want to say, but we will see what happens when we start to get between those white lines on a daily basis.” The Angels are building their hopes on the expectation that the players returning from last year’s team will be better and/or play more games, and the sum of that improvement will lift the team into contention. “We can do a lot,” Moniak said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, and a lot of veterans who have been there, done that. We’ve got some young arms that can be pretty good. We can be one of the top, if not the top, staffs in the league. We’ve got speed. We’ve got power. We play defense. Our bullpen is solid. We’ve got a very well-rounded team.” As for the pitching, the Angels need only look back to 2022 to see better performances from Sandoval, Anderson and Reid Detmers, as well as relievers Luis Garcia, Adam Cimber and José Cisnero. The pitchers will now be working under a philosophy that emphasizes big-picture strategies of pitching, as opposed to focusing on how many inches of break or what type of spin they can get on their pitches. New pitching coach Barry Enright said the front office instructed him to say no anytime the analytics team tried to introduce ideas that didn’t fit with what those in uniform were seeing. “We know we need to step it up,” Sandoval said, “but we have the talent to do it. We’ve just got to put to together.” Enright hammered the pitchers all spring to throw more strikes, even if that meant accepting that the ball was going to be put in play. That is partly a strategy to get pitchers working deeper in games, reducing the bullpen workload, but also a reflection of Washington’s belief that the defense will be better. Offensively, the Angels clearly have plenty of room for improvement from the same personnel as they had last year. That starts with what they hope will be a reduction in injuries. Besides Trout, the Angels also played multiple months without third baseman Anthony Rendon, outfielder Taylor Ward, Neto and O’Hoppe. “The biggest thing, like every year, is staying healthy,” Ward said. “We’ve got to give ourselves a chance to see what we can do. That’s been the biggest issue the last few years.” Although it’s difficult to ascertain how much of the Angels’ injury woes were preventable, they have nonetheless replaced the top two staffers in the strength and conditioning department. For now, though, the most significant injury question going into the season is right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson, who is out with a shoulder problem. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Lux, Miller lead Dodgers past Angels in Game 1 of Freeway Series Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani to address the media on Monday amid allegations, investigations Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel returns and homers in Arizona finale Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ top 5 spring training questions revisited Los Angeles Angels | 2024 Angels preview: Expectations, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward The bullpen is perhaps the area where the Angels have the most depth, thanks to General Manager Perry Minasian’s acquisition of free agents like Garcia, Cimber and Cisnero and the presence of young pitchers like José Soriano, Ben Joyce and Guillo Zuñiga. Injuries to the everyday lineup or the rotation could cripple the Angels, which would leave them floundering in exactly the way the baseball world – and even many hardened, cynical Angels fans – expects. “At the end of the day, people are going to talk,” Moniak said. “Everyone is going to have their opinions, good or bad. As long the 26 guys in here and the minor leaguers have the same mentality of going out there and getting the job done and playing for one another and playing to win, the opinions on the outside are going to be what they’re going to be.” Moniak was then asked if there’s a unifying feeling to prove the skeptics wrong. “I would say more to prove us right.” View the full article

STARTING ROTATION The Angels lost Shohei Ohtani from their rotation, which was one of the worst in baseball, so expectations from the outside are low for this group. Internally, though, the Angels believe the pitchers’ performances in 2022 give them reason to think that they could benefit from some bounce-back seasons. Left-handers Patrick Sandoval, the Opening Day starter, and Reid Detmers were both better in 2022 than they were in 2023. Left-hander Tyler Anderson was an All-Star with the Dodgers in 2022, before enduring a miserable season with the Angels in 2023. Right-hander Griffin Canning quickly became a favorite of new Manager Ron Washington for the way he went about his business in spring training. Last season was his first full year as a major league starter, and he was the Angels’ most consistent starter besides Ohtani. Right-hander Chase Silseth has electric stuff at times, and he was putting all the pieces together before suffering a concussion that cost him most of the final month of the season. The Angels are hoping that all the pitchers can perform better under the tutelage of new pitching coach Barry Enright and bullpen coach Steve Karsay. BULLPEN Right-hander Carlos Estévez was an All-Star in his first opportunity to be a closer for a full season in the majors in 2023. He finished the season poorly, so the Angels need him to learn from that in order to get through the whole season pitching effectively this time. The Angels revamped the group that will set up Estévez, which was a reaction to being outscored by 113 runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings last season. The newcomers include right-handers Robert Stephenson, Luis Garcia, Adam Cimber and José Cisnero. (Stephenson will begin the season on the injured list because of a sore shoulder.) They also brought back left-hander Matt Moore, who was one of the Angels’ best relievers in 2023. The pieces are there for the Angels to have a dominant bullpen, with high velocity and different looks. Two of the wild cards are right-handers Ben Joyce and Guillo Zuñiga, who both can hit 100 mph. Both also can be plagued by walks. Left-hander José Suarez, who had performed well as a starter in 2021 and 2022 before a disappointing 2023, is now the long man in the bullpen. He’s filling the role vacated by Jaime Barria. INFIELD First baseman Nolan Schanuel had never even been through a professional spring training before this year, but he nonetheless entered with a starting job that was his to lose. Schanuel, who was drafted in 2023, impressed enough with his .402 on-base percentage in his first major league opportunity. Second baseman Brandon Drury was arguably the Angels’ second-most productive hitter last year, behind Ohtani. Shortstop Zach Neto, who was drafted in 2022, was impressive in the field in his rookie season. At the plate, he showed some power, but the Angels expect more consistency as he gains experience. Third baseman Anthony Rendon returns, looking to turn his career around after three injury-marred seasons. At his best, he’s a middle of the order run producer and an outstanding defender. The Angels haven’t seen his best though. OUTFIELD The past three years have been frustrating for center fielder Mike Trout. He dealt with serious injuries each year, and last year his performance dropped before he got hurt. The Angels need Trout to return to the form that won him three American League MVP awards if they are going to contend. Left fielder Taylor Ward showed glimpses of being a potential star, with the way he started and finished 2022. Last year, he got off to a slow start and then he missed the final two months after he suffered serious injuries from being hit in the face by a pitch. Right field could be a revolving door, with Mickey Moniak, Jo Adell and Aaron Hicks all seeing time. Whoever plays the best will get the most opportunity, but Moniak figures to start the season as the primary right fielder. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Lux, Miller lead Dodgers past Angels in Game 1 of Freeway Series Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani to address the media on Monday amid allegations, investigations Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel returns and homers in Arizona finale Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ top 5 spring training questions revisited Los Angeles Angels | 2024 Angels preview: Expectations, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward CATCHERS Logan O’Hoppe could become the next face of the team. The Angels love his work behind the plate and his leadership. He also blasted 14 homers in 2023, despite missing most of the season after shoulder surgery. Matt Thaiss is the backup but he might only start 30 or 40 games, if O’Hoppe can be as durable as the Angels think. Thaiss is best known for his offense. He was a catcher in college, but then didn’t move back behind the plate until 2021. BENCH Luis Rengifo can play second base, third, shortstop and all three outfield positions. He’s also a switch hitter. Rengifo was one of the Angels’ best hitters in the second half in each of the past two seasons. He is the first option if the Angels have an injury to any of their infielders. Although Rengifo can’t play first, he could play second with Drury moving to first. At least one of the group of Hicks, Adell and Moniak will also be on the bench each day, providing some power potential for late in the game. MANAGER Washington returns to the manager’s seat for the first time since 2014, which was the last of his eight seasons leading the Texas Rangers. Washington is known for his ability to teach and motivate, and he will have his work cut out for him to get the best out of this Angels’ roster. Defense is Washington’s specialty, and he vowed that the Angels will be better in the field than they have been in recent years. View the full article

A team-by-team look at the American League West, including key players each club acquired and lost, top hitters, projected rotations, and outlooks for the 2024 season. HOUSTON ASTROS 2023: 90-72, first place, lost to Texas in the ALCS Manager: Joe Espada (first season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs. New York Yankees He’s Here: LHP Josh Hader, RHP Dylan Coleman, RHP Oliver Ortega, C Victor Caratini He’s Outta Here: Manager Dusty Baker, LF Michael Brantley, C Martín Maldonado, RHP Héctor Neris, RHP Ryne Stanek, RHP Phil Maton Top Hitters: DH/LF Yordan Alvarez (.293, 31 HRs, 97 RBIs, .990 OPS), 2B Jose Altuve (.311, 28, 57), RF Kyle Tucker (.284, 29, AL-best 112, 30 SBs, .886 OPS), 3B Alex Bregman (.262, 25, 98), 1B José Abreu (.234, 18, 90) Projected Rotation: RH Justin Verlander (13-8, 3.22 ERA, 144 Ks for Mets and Astros), LH Framber Valdez (12-11, 3.45, 200 Ks, 2 CGs, including no-hitter), RH Cristian Javier (10-5, 4.56), RH José Urquidy (3-3, 5.29), RH J.P. France (11-6, 3.83) or RH Hunter Brown (11-13, 5.09) Key Relievers: LH Josh Hader (2-3, 1.28 ERA, 33/38 saves for Padres), RH Ryan Pressly (4-5, 3.58, 31 saves), RH Bryan Abreu (3-2, 1.75 in 72 games), RH Rafael Montero (3-3, 5.08), RH Seth Martinez (2-3, 5.23) Outlook: After coming within one win of reaching their third straight World Series last season, the Astros are again one of the top contenders to reach the Fall Classic in 2024. They’ve got the 41-year-old Verlander back after he returned in a trade with the Mets last July. The three-time Cy Young Award winner will start the season on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, but the Astros expect it to be a short stint before he’s back to lead a rotation that also features Valdez and Javier. The lineup remains largely intact from last season, with Alvarez leading the group and Tucker, Altuve, Bregman and Abreu also providing power. Gone is Brantley, the veteran left fielder who was limited to 15 games because of injury in 2023 before retiring this offseason. Chas McCormick can play left when Alvarez is the DH, with Jake Meyers in center. With Maldonado gone to the White Sox, Yanier Diaz should add punch to the offense by taking over as Houston’s everyday catcher after a stellar rookie season. TEXAS RANGERS 2023: 90-72, second place, World Series champions Manager: Bruce Bochy (second season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Chicago Cubs He’s Here: RHP David Robertson, RHP Tyler Mahle, RHP Kirby Yates, C Andrew Knizner, INF Matt Duffy, 1B/OF Jared Walsh He’s Outta Here: LHP Jordan Montgomery, C/DH Mitch Garver, LHP Aroldis Chapman, LHP Martín Pérez, LHP Will Smith, OF Robbie Grossman Top Hitters: SS Corey Seager (.327, 33 HRs, 96 RBIs), RF Adolis García (.245, 39, 107, 175 Ks), 2B Marcus Semien (.276, 29, 100), C Jonah Heim (.258, 18, 95), 1B Nathaniel Lowe (.262, 17, 82, 93 BBs) Projected Rotation: RH Nathan Eovaldi (12-5, 3.63 ERA), RH Dane Dunning (12-7, 3.70), LH Andrew Heaney (10-6, 4.15), RH Jon Gray (9-8, 4.12), LH Cody Bradford (4-3, 5.30) Key Relievers: RH José Leclerc (0-2, 2.68 ERA, 4 saves in 57 appearances), RH David Robertson (6-6, 3.03, 18 saves with Mets and Marlins), RH Josh Sborz (6-7, 5.50), RH Kirby Yates (7-2, 3.28, 5 saves in 61 games with Braves), LH Brock Burke (5-3, 4.37 in 53 games) Outlook: Coming off the franchise’s first World Series title, Texas didn’t re-sign deadline-acquisition Montgomery and will open the season with Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer on the injured list. Those right-handers, both with multiple Cy Young Awards, could be the midseason additions this year. If the rest of the starters can stay healthy, the Rangers still have a solid rotation led by Eovaldi, an All-Star last year in his Texas debut. Veteran relievers Robertson and Yates bolster the bullpen after Leclerc and Sborz were impressive through the playoffs. The Rangers return the bulk of a lineup that hit 233 homers and scored an AL-high 5.4 runs per game last year. But World Series MVP Seager (sports hernia), Gold Glove-winning Lowe (oblique strain) and third baseman Josh Jung (calf) missed significant time in the spring. ALCS MVP García avoided salary arbitration with a two-year deal. The Rangers could have two legitimate Rookie of the Year candidates in their outfield: Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford. SEATTLE MARINERS 2023: 88-74, third place Manager: Scott Servais (ninth season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Boston He’s Here: 2B Jorge Polanco, 3B Luis Urías, OF/1B Luke Raley, DH Mitch Garver, RF Mitch Haniger, C Seby Zavala, RHP Gregory Santos, RHP Austin Voth, RHP Ryne Stanek He’s Outta Here: INF Jose Caballero, 3B Eugenio Suárez, LF Jarred Kelenic, RF Teoscar Hernández, RHP Chris Flexen, LHP Marco Gonzales, RHP Justin Topa Top Hitters: CF Julio Rodríguez (.275, 32 HRs, 103 RBIs, .818 OPS), SS J.P. Crawford (.266, 19, 65, .818 OPS), DH Mitch Garver (.270, 19, 50, .870 OPS in 87 games with Rangers), 2B Jorge Polanco (.255, 14, 48 with Twins), C Cal Raleigh (.232, 30, 75) Projected Rotation: RH Luis Castillo (14-9, 3.34 ERA, 219 Ks in 197 innings), RH George Kirby (13-10, 3.35, 172 Ks, 19 walks), RH Logan Gilbert (13-7, 3.73), RH Bryce Miller (8-7, 4.32 in 25 starts), RH Bryan Woo (4-5, 4.21 in 18 starts) Key Relievers: RH Andrés Muñoz (4-7, 2.94 ERA, 13 saves), RH Matt Brash (9-4, 3.06, 107 Ks, league-high 78 appearances), RH Gregory Santos (2-2, 3.39 in 60 appearances with White Sox), RH Ryne Stanek (3-1, 4.09 in 55 games with Houston), LH Gabe Speier (2-2, 3.79 in 69 games) Outlook: Hamstrung by ownership not wanting to spend in free agency for a variety of reasons, Seattle’s front office had to get creative in an attempt to improve a team that finished two games out of a playoff berth. The Mariners might be marginally better than a year ago, but that might not be enough to topple Texas and Houston in the AL West. Rodríguez seems determined not to let last year’s playoff miss happen again. He’d be helped if Garver and Haniger can avoid injuries and if West Covina South Hills High product Ty France can rediscover his swing after a miserable 2023. Seattle has one of the best rotations in baseball – led by Castillo, Kirby and Gilbert – so a ton of runs on offense might not be needed. But the Mariners must cut down on strikeouts and be better situationally. The bullpen could be a concern with several key arms slowed during spring training, but the Mariners have shown an ability in recent years to find hard throwers to fill key spots in relief. ANGELS 2023: 73-89, fourth place Manager: Ron Washington (first season) Opening Day: Thursday, at Baltimore He’s Here: RHP Robert Stevenson, LHP Matt Moore, RHP Luis García, 1B Miguel Sanó, OF Aaron Hicks He’s Outta Here: Manager Phil Nevin, DH/RHP Shohei Ohtani, 1B Mike Moustakas, INF Gio Urshela, OF Randal Grichuk, INF Eduardo Escobar, 1B C.J. Cron, LHP Aaron Loup, C Max Stassi, SS David Fletcher Top Hitters: CF Mike Trout (.263, 18 HRs, 44 RBIs in 82 games), 3B Anthony Rendon (.236, 2, 22 in 43 games), 2B Brandon Drury (.262, 26, 83), OF Taylor Ward (.253, 14, 47) Projected Rotation: LH Tyler Anderson (6-6, 5.43 ERA), LH Patrick Sandoval (7-13, 4.11), LH Reid Detmers (4-10, 4.48), RH Griffin Canning (7-8, 4.32), RH Chase Silseth (4-1, 3.96) Key Relievers: RH Carlos Estévez (5-5, 3.90 ERA, 31 saves), RH Robert Stephenson (3-4, 3.10 with Rays and Pirates), LH Matt Moore (4-1, 2.77 with Angels, Guardians and Marlins), RH Luis García (2-3, 4.07 with Padres) Outlook: After losing Ohtani to a $700 million deal from the Dodgers, the Halos feel like they’re starting over yet again. Their streaks of eight consecutive losing seasons and straight non-playoff seasons are MLB’s longest, and now they’ll be without the best hitter and best pitcher on their 73-win team in 2023. The Angels didn’t make any major additions, only restocking their bullpen and taking low-cost flyers on Sanó and Hicks. At least Trout and Rendon are healthy for now after injuries sidelined either or both sluggers for more than 60% of the Angels’ games over the past three seasons. The 71-year-old Washington should bring defensive expertise, charisma and a winning mentality to a team that needs all of it. And not everything is bleak: For the first time in many years, the Angels have a crop of young talent breaking through in the majors, led by shortstop Zach Neto, catcher Logan O’Hoppe, first baseman Nolan Schanuel and outfielder Mickey Moniak. OAKLAND ATHLETICS 2023: 50-112, fifth place Manager: Mark Kotsay (third season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Cleveland He’s Here: LHP Alex Wood, LHP Scott Alexander, RHP Ross Stripling, RHP Trevor Gott He’s Outta Here: INF/OF Tony Kemp, RHP Trevor May, RHP Drew Rucinski Top Hitters: DH Brent Rooker (.246, 30 HRs, 69 RBIs, .817 OPS), 1B Ryan Noda (.229, 16, 54, .770 OPS), 2B Zack Gelof (.267, 14, 32, .840 OPS), C Shea Langeliers (.205, 22, 63), RF Seth Brown (.222, 14, 52) Related Articles MLB | Lux, Miller lead Dodgers past Angels in Game 1 of Freeway Series MLB | Shohei Ohtani to address the media on Monday amid allegations, investigations MLB | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel returns and homers in Arizona finale MLB | Angels’ top 5 spring training questions revisited MLB | 2024 Angels preview: Expectations, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward Projected Rotation: RH Paul Blackburn (4-7, 4.43 ERA), LH JP Sears (5-14, 4.54), LH Alex Wood (5-5, 4.33 for Giants), RH Ross Stripling (0-5, 5.36 for Giants), RH Joe Boyle (2-0, 1.69 in three starts) Key Relievers: RH Mason Miller (0-3, 3.78 in 10 games), RH Trevor Gott (0-5, 4.19, 1 save for Mariners and Mets), LH Scott Alexander (7-3, 4.66, one save for Giants), RH Dany Jiménez (0-2, 3.47, one save) Outlook: The A’s enter another season in limbo with little hope of competing after losing a league-high 112 games last season. The franchise has approval to move to Las Vegas in 2028 and is entering the final year of a stadium lease in Oakland, leading to uncertainty about where the team will play in the near future. The club added some pitching depth this offseason but appears to be a long way from building a winner. The A’s lost at least 100 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1964-65 and are in danger of doing it three years in a row for the first time since 1919-21. View the full article

A team-by-team look at the American League Central, including key players each club acquired and lost, top hitters, projected rotations and outlooks for the 2024 season. MINNESOTA TWINS 2023: 87-75, first place, lost to Houston in ALDS Manager: Rocco Baldelli (sixth season) Opening Day: Thursday, at Kansas City He’s Here: 1B Carlos Santana, OF Manuel Margot, RHP Anthony DeSclafani, RHP Justin Topa, LHP Steven Okert, RHP Jay Jackson, RHP Josh Staumont He’s Outta Here: RHP Sonny Gray, RHP Kenta Maeda, 2B Jorge Polanco, OF Michael A. Taylor, INF Donovan Solano, RHP Emilio Pagán, INF Nick Gordon, RHP Tyler Mahle, OF Joey Gallo Top Hitters: 3B Royce Lewis (.309, 15 HRs, 52 RBIs in 58 games), SS Carlos Correa (.230, 18, 65), CF Byron Buxton (.207, 17, 42 in 85 games as DH), RF Max Kepler (.260, 24, 66), 2B Edouard Julien (.263, 13, 37, .839 OPS in 109 games) Projected Rotation: RH Pablo López (11-8, 3.66 ERA, 234 Ks in 194 IP), RH Joe Ryan (11-10, 4.51, 197 Ks in 161⅔ IP), RH Bailey Ober (8-6, 3.43), RH Chris Paddack (5.40 ERA in 2 relief appearances after recovering from Tommy John surgery), RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-8, 4.88 in 99⅔ IP for Giants) Key Relievers: RH Jhoan Durán (3-6, 2.45 ERA, 27 saves, 84 Ks in 62⅓ IP), RH Griffin Jax (6-10, 3.86, 4 saves), LH Caleb Thielbar (3-1, 3.23), RH Brock Stewart (2-0, 0.65, 1 save in 27⅔ IP) Outlook: Free agency took some bite out of their rotation, with Gray and Maeda departing for other clubs, but the Twins remain in solid position to defend their division title with their AL Central competitors posing less of a collective threat than any of MLB’s other divisions. The payroll has been trimmed in response to a dip in regional television revenue, but the low-key acquisitions of Santana and Margot ought to give the lineup a boost of experience, durability and fielding expertise. Most vital to Minnesota’s success will be better health and production from stars Buxton and Correa. Buxton is returning to center field after knee trouble limited him to DH duty in what was mostly a lost season. Paddack, who recovered from Tommy John surgery in time to join the bullpen for the playoffs, will be counted on to help solidify the rotation. DeSclafani and Topa arrived in a trade that sent Polanco to the Mariners, with Julien appearing ready for a full season of action after an impactful rookie year. If Lewis stays healthy, the Twins have a superstar in the making. López and Durán make for a formidable pair of aces for the rotation and bullpen, respectively. DETROIT TIGERS 2023: 78-84, second place Manager: A.J. Hinch (fourth season) Opening Day: Thursday, at Chicago White Sox He’s Here: RHP Kenta Maeda, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP Shelby Miller, LHP Andrew Chafin, OF Mark Canha, 3B Gio Urshela, 2B Colt Keith He’s Outta Here: DH Miguel Cabrera, LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, RHP Michael Lorenzen, C Eric Haase, INF Nick Maton Top Hitters: DH Kerry Carpenter (.278, 20 HRs, 64 RBIs, .811 OPS), 1B Spencer Torkelson (.233, 31, 94), RF Riley Greene (.288, 11, 31, .796 OPS) Projected Rotation: LH Tarik Skubal (7-3, 2.80 ERA), RH Kenta Maeda (6-8, 4.23 with Twins), RH Jack Flaherty (8-9, 4.99 with Orioles and Cardinals), RH Reese Olson (5-7, 3.99), RH Casey Mize (7-13, 4.29 in career; hasn’t pitched since April 2022) or RH Matt Manning (5-4, 3.58) Key Relievers: RH Alex Lange (7-5, 3.68 ERA, 26/32 saves), RH Jason Foley (3-3, 2.61), RH Shelby Miller (3-0, 1.71 with Dodgers), LH Andrew Chafin (3-4, 4.73 with Diamondbacks and Brewers) Outlook: The Tigers seem to have a shot to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014, potentially taking advantage of a relatively weak division and an improved team. Detroit will lean on Skubal to anchor what could be a solid rotation with Maeda and Flaherty added to replace Rodriguez and Lorenzen. The health of Mize, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018, and Urshela, coming back from a broken pelvis, might prove to be pivotal. Torkelson, the top pick in 2022, will have a chance to be a designated hitter more often with Cabrera’s retirement. Parker Meadows, a dynamic 24-year-old center fielder, and Keith, who was given a guaranteed deal worth at least $28 million without facing a pitch in the majors, will be intriguing to watch. The franchise is trying to be patient with underperforming shortstop Javier Báez, who enters the third season of a $140 million, six-year contract, after his .593 OPS in 2023 was the second-lowest of his career. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS 2023: 76-86, third place Manager: Stephen Vogt (first season) Opening Day: Thursday, at Oakland He’s Here: RHP Scott Barlow, C Austin Hedges, RHP Carlos Carrasco, RHP Ben Lively, OF Estevan Florial He’s Outta Here: Manager Terry Francona, SS Amed Rosario, RHP Aaron Civale, RHP Cal Quantrill, RHP Enyel De Los Santos, DH Josh Bell, C Mike Zunino, 1B Kole Calhoun, RF Oscar Gonzalez Top Hitters: 3B José Ramírez (.282, 24 HRs, 82 RBIs, league-leading 22 IBBs), 1B/DH Josh Naylor (.308, 17, 97), LF Steven Kwan (.268, 5, 58, 36 2Bs, 21 SBs), 2B Andrés Giménez (.251, 15, 62, 76 runs), C Bo Naylor (.237, 11, 32 in 198 at-bats as rookie) Projected Rotation: RH Shane Bieber (6-6, 3.80 ERA, 21 starts due to injuries), RH Tanner Bibee (10-4, 2.98, 141 Ks in 142 IP as rookie), RH Triston McKenzie (0-3, 5.06 in four starts due to elbow injury), RH Gavin Williams (3-5, 3.29, 16 starts as rookie), LH Logan Allen (7-8, 3.81, 24 starts) Key Relievers: RH Emmanuel Clase (3-9, 3.22 ERA, AL-best 44 saves, MLB-high 12 blown saves), RH Scott Barlow (2-6, 4.37 in 63 games for Royals and Padres), LH Sam Hentges (3-2, 3.61 in 56 games), RH Eli Morgan (5-2, 4.01 in 61 games), RH Trevor Stephan (7-7, 4.06 in 71 games) Outlook: It’s a new start for the Guardians under the 39-year-old Vogt, a journeyman All-Star catcher who has never managed at any level. He’s got big shoes to fill in replacing the beloved Francona, a future Hall of Famer and the winningest manager in franchise history. There are bound to be some growing pains. Cleveland is counting on Bieber (Laguna Hills High) and McKenzie to bounce back from injuries and Bibee (Mission Viejo High) and Williams to take another step forward. With the exception of Ramírez and Josh Naylor, the Guardians lack power, making it essential for them to manufacture runs and play solid defense. Of course, playing in the wide-open AL Central is a plus and possible path to the postseason for a franchise without a World Series title since 1948. CHICAGO WHITE SOX 2023: 61-101, fourth place Manager: Pedro Grifol (second season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Detroit He’s Here: SS Paul DeJong, RHP Michael Soroka, RHP John Brebbia, C Martín Maldonado, RHP Chris Flexen, RHP Steven Wilson, LHP Tim Hill, RHP Erick Fedde, C Max Stassi He’s Outta Here: RHP Dylan Cease, SS Tim Anderson, RHP Liam Hendriks, RHP Mike Clevinger, RHP Gregory Santos, LHP Aaron Bummer, C Yasmani Grandal Top Hitters: CF Luis Robert Jr. (.264, 38 HRs, 80 RBIs, .857 OPS), 1B Andrew Vaughn (.258, 21, 80), LF/DH Eloy Jiménez (.272, 18, 64), 3B Yoán Moncada (.260, 11, 40) Projected Rotation: RH Michael Kopech (5-12, 5.43 ERA), RH Michael Soroka (2-2, 6.40 with Atlanta), RH Erick Fedde (6-13, 5.81 with Washington in 2022), RH Chris Flexen (2-8, 6.86 with Seattle and Colorado), LH Garrett Crochet (0-2, 3.55 in 13 relief appearances) Key Relievers: RH John Brebbia (3-5, 3.99 ERA with Giants), RH Jesse Chavez (1-0, 1.56 with Atlanta), RH Steven Wilson (1-2, 3.91 with Padres), RH Corey Knebel (3-5, 3.43, 12 saves with Philadelphia in 2022). Outlook: General Manager Chris Getz begins his first full season with a huge task on his hands, trying to lift a team that matched the third-highest loss total in franchise history. And the odds of a quick turnaround don’t look good. Chicago was second-to-last in the majors in runs and gave up more than all but four teams. The club also ranked among the worst on defense. The White Sox declined options on Anderson and Hendriks, letting them go as free agents, and made smaller additions rather than major moves in free agency. The most notable headlines involved chairman Jerry Reinsdorf’s efforts to secure funding for a stadium in the city’s South Loop. Cease, runner-up for the 2022 AL Cy Young Award, was traded to San Diego on March 13 for Wilson and three prospects: right-handers Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, and outfielder Samuel Zavala. KANSAS CITY ROYALS 2023: 56-106, fifth place Manager: Matt Quatraro (second season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs Minnesota He’s Here: RHP Kyle Wright, RHP Nick Anderson, RF Hunter Renfroe, RHP Michael Wacha, RHP Chris Stratton, RHP Seth Lugo, LHP Will Smith, 2B Adam Frazier, C Austin Nola He’s Outta Here: RHP Jackson Kowar, 3B Matt Duffy, RHP Brad Keller, RHP Zack Greinke, RHP Collin Snider, RHP Jonathan Heasley, RF Edward Olivares, RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Dylan Coleman, 2B Samad Taylor, RHP Max Castillo Top Hitters: SS Bobby Witt Jr. (.276, 30 HRs, 96 RBIs, 49 SBs), C Salvador Perez (.255, 23, 80), 3B Maikel Garcia (.272, 4, 50), OF Hunter Renfroe (.233, 20, 60 with Angels and Reds), 2B Adam Frazier (.240, 13, 60 with Orioles), 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (.247, 9, 26 in 61 games due to injury) Projected Rotation: RH Michael Wacha (14-4, 3.22 ERA with Padres), LH Cole Ragans (7-5, 3.47 with Rangers and Royals), RH Seth Lugo (8-7, 3.57 with Padres), RH Brady Singer (8-11, 5.52), RH Jordan Lyles (6-17, 6.28) Key Relievers: LH Will Smith (2-7, 4.40 ERA, 22 saves with Rangers), RH Chris Stratton (2-1, 3.92 with Cardinals and Rangers), RH Nick Anderson (4-0, 3.06 with Braves), RH John Schreiber (2-1, 3.86 with Red Sox), RH Matt Sauer (6-5, 3.41 with Yankees minor league teams), LH Jake Brentz (Tommy John surgery), LH Daniel Lynch IV (3-4, 4.64) Related Articles MLB | Lux, Miller lead Dodgers past Angels in Game 1 of Freeway Series MLB | Shohei Ohtani to address the media on Monday amid allegations, investigations MLB | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel returns and homers in Arizona finale MLB | Angels’ top 5 spring training questions revisited MLB | 2024 Angels preview: Expectations, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward Outlook: The Royals aggressively overhauled their roster in the offseason, signing several veterans with postseason experience to help nurture a young core of promising players. Wacha and Lugo should immediately upgrade the rotation, while Ragans was a revelation after his midseason arrival in a trade with Texas. The Royals need Singer and Lyles to bounce back from tough seasons at the back of the rotation. Almost the entire bullpen is new, with Smith taking over the closer job. In the field, Witt earned AL MVP votes for his dynamic sophomore season, along with a franchise-record 11-year, $288.7 million contract. Most of the lineup is back intact, although Renfroe and Frazier have arrived to compete for starting jobs. The Royals hope a full season for Pasquantino, who had shoulder surgery last June, gives a big boost to their modest run production. In an AL Central that is wide open, the Royals believe they’ve made enough moves to compete for the top half of the division. And with ownership pushing voters for a tax referendum on April 2 to help fund a new downtown ballpark, the long-rebuilding Royals must prove to weary fans they once again are committed to winning. View the full article

A team-by-team look at the American League East, including key players each club acquired and lost, top hitters, projected rotations and season outlooks for the 2024 season. BALTIMORE ORIOLES 2023: 101-61, first place, lost to Texas in ALDS Manager: Brandon Hyde (sixth season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Angels He’s Here: RHP Corbin Burnes, RHP Craig Kimbrel, SS Nick Maton, 3B Tyler Nevin He’s Outta Here: 2B Adam Frazier, OF Aaron Hicks, RHP Kyle Gibson, RHP Jack Flaherty, LHP DL Hall, RHP Shintaro Fujinami, RHP Austin Voth Top Hitters: INF Gunnar Henderson (.255, 28 HRs, 82 RBIs, 100 runs), C Adley Rutschman (.277, 20, 80, 31 doubles, 92 walks), OF Anthony Santander (.257, 28, 95, 41 doubles), 1B Ryan Mountcastle (.270, 18, 68) Projected Rotation: RH Corbin Burnes (10-8, 3.39 ERA, 200 Ks with Milwaukee), RH Grayson Rodriguez (7-4, 4.35), RH Kyle Bradish (12-7, 2.83), RH Dean Kremer (13-5, 4.12), LH John Means (1-2, 2.66 in 4 starts) Key Relievers: RH Craig Kimbrel (8-6, 3.26 ERA, 23 saves with Philadelphia), RH Yennier Cano (1-4, 2.11, 8 saves), LH Danny Coulombe (5-3, 2.81), LH Cionel Pérez (4-2, 3.54) Outlook: The Orioles have arrived as contenders in the American League, and they’re still not done producing top prospects. Touted infielder Jackson Holliday should be the next to arrive after Rutschman led the team back to respectability in 2022 and Henderson won AL Rookie of the Year honors last season. Rodriguez is also a factor after looking sharp toward the end of his debut season in 2023. Baltimore used some of its surplus of young talent to acquire Burnes and give its rotation a bona fide ace, and that trade could be important with Bradish and Means dealing with health issues in the run-up to Opening Day. Another injury concern for the Orioles is star closer Félix Bautista, who missed the end of last season and had Tommy John surgery. Kimbrel was signed to replace him. TAMPA BAY RAYS 2023: 99-63, second place, lost to Texas in wild-card series Manager: Kevin Cash (10th season) Opening Day: Thursday, vs. Toronto He’s Here: RHP Ryan Pepiot, SS Jose Caballero, OF Jonny DeLuca, RHP Phil Maton, INF Amed Rosario, C Alex Jackson, RHP Manuel Rodriguez, RHP Naoyuki Uwasawa He’s Outta Here: RHP Tyler Glasnow, OF Manuel Margot, OF/1B Luke Raley, LHP Jake Diekman, RHP Andrew Kittredge, C Christian Bethancourt, LHP Jalen Beeks, LHP Josh Fleming Top Hitters: 1B Yandy Díaz (AL-best .330, 22 HRs, 78 RBIs, .932 OPS), LF Randy Arozarena (.254, 23, 83, .789 OPS), RF Josh Lowe (.292, 20, 83, .835 OPS), 3B Isaac Paredes (.250, 31, 98, .840 OPS), DH/OF Harold Ramírez (.313, 12, 68, .813 OPS), CF José Siri (.222, 25, 56, .813 OPS) Projected Rotation: RH Zach Eflin (16-8, 3.50 ERA), RH Aaron Civale (7-5, 3.46 in 23 starts with Cleveland and Tampa Bay), RH Zack Littell (3-6, 3.93), RH Ryan Pepiot (2-1, 2.14 in eight appearances (three starts) with Dodgers), RH Taj Bradley (5-8, 5.59) Key Relievers: RH Jason Adams (4-2, 2.98 ERA, 12 saves), RH Pete Fairbanks (2-4, 2.58, 25 saves), LH Colin Poche (12-3, 2.23), RH Kevin Kelly (5-2, 3.22), RH Phil Maton (4-3, 3.00 with Houston) Outlook: The Rays have been both resourceful and resilient, enduring key injuries and numerous cost-saving moves to make the playoffs each of the past five seasons. With three starting pitchers – two-time All-Star lefty Shane McClanahan and right-handers Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs – expected to miss all or a significant portion of 2024 while recovering from injuries, the budget-minded club’s ability to improvise and remain competitive in one of baseball’s toughest divisions will be tested again. Glasnow is the latest elite pitcher Tampa Bay has traded for promising young players or prospects who have helped the Rays prosper over the past decade-plus. Eflin will lead a retooled rotation, with the 26-year-old Pepiot – acquired from the Dodgers in the Glasnow trade – filling one of the spots. There’s uncertainty, too, about the future of All-Star shortstop Wander Franco, who hasn’t played since last August, when MLB and authorities in the Dominican Republic began investigating accusations that Franco had an improper relationship with a minor. The Rays traded this winter for Caballero, who will get an opportunity to be the regular shortstop. The rest of a potent lineup remains pretty much intact, with Díaz, Arozarena and Paredes expected to be main cogs again. Díaz was the 2023 AL batting champion. Arozarena was a fellow All-Star. TORONTO BLUE JAYS 2023: 89-73, third place, lost to Minnesota in wild-card series Manager: John Schneider (third season) Opening Day: Thursday, at Tampa Bay He’s Here: DH Justin Turner, OF/INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 1B Joey Votto, RHP Yariel Rodríguez, LHP Brendon Little, DH Daniel Vogelbach, INF Eduardo Escobar He’s Outta Here: 3B Matt Chapman, LHP Hyun Jin Ryu, 2B Whit Merrifield, DH Brandon Belt, RHP Jordan Hicks, RHP Adam Cimber, RHP Jay Jackson Top Hitters: 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.264, 26 HRs, 94 RBIs, .788 OPS), SS Bo Bichette (.306, 20, 73, .814 OPS), DH Justin Turner (.276, 23, 96, .800 OPS with Boston), RF George Springer (.258, 21, 72, .732 OPS), C Danny Jansen (.228, 17, 53, .786 OPS in 83 games) Projected Rotation: RH Kevin Gausman (12-9, 3.16 ERA, AL-best 237 Ks), RH Chris Bassitt (16-8, 3.60, career-high 200 IP, tied for AL lead in wins), RH José Berríos (11-12, 3.65), LH Yusei Kikuchi (11-6, 3.86), RH Alek Manoah (3-9, 5.87 in 19 starts) Key Relievers: RH Jordan Romano (5-7, 2.90 ERA, 36/40 saves, 72 Ks in 59 IP), RH Chad Green (3-0, 5.25 in 12 games after returning from Tommy John surgery), RH Erik Swanson (4-2, 2.97, four saves), RH Yimi Garcia (3-4, 4.09, three saves) Outlook: The Blue Jays earned their third wild-card berth in four seasons in 2023, only to be swept out of a third straight October. As Guerrero and Bichette edge closer to free agency, which both could reach following the 2025 World Series, the pressure mounts for the Blue Jays to capitalize on whatever remaining time they have with those two stars. Four pitchers made 30 or more starts last season for Toronto, while Manoah slumped from AL Cy Young Award finalist to minor leaguer. Manoah has battled shoulder soreness this spring, jeopardizing his chances of making the Opening Day roster. Gausman has been slowed by shoulder fatigue, but said he’ll be ready for the regular season. Guerrero has endured consecutive years of decline since finishing runner-up in 2021 AL MVP voting. If he and Bichette both deliver, and the starting rotation remains healthy and effective, Toronto’s recent run of empty Octobers could come to an end. NEW YORK YANKEES 2023: 82-80, fourth place Manager: Aaron Boone (seventh season) Opening Day: Thursday, at Houston He’s Here: OF Juan Soto, RHP Marcus Stroman, OF Trent Grisham, OF Alex Verdugo, LHP Caleb Ferguson, RHP Cody Poteet He’s Outta Here: OF/INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa, RHP Luis Severino, LHP Wandy Peralta, RHP Michael King, RHP Frankie Montas, C Kyle Higashioka, RHP Jhony Brito Top Hitters: OF Aaron Judge (.267, 37 HRs, 75 RBIs, 1.019 OPS in 106 games), OF Juan Soto (.275, 35, 109, .930 OPS, MLB-best 132 walks for San Diego), 3B DJ LeMahieu (career-low .243, 15, 44), 1B Anthony Rizzo (.244, 12, 41 in 99 games), 2B Gleyber Torres (.273, 25, 68), SS Anthony Volpe (.209, 21, 60) Projected Rotation: RH Marcus Stroman (10-9, 3.95 ERA with Cubs), RH Gerrit Cole (15-4, 2.63, 222 Ks, 209 IP, AL Cy Young Award), LH Carlos Rodón (3-8, 6.85 in 14 starts), LH Nestor Cortes (5-2, 4.97 in 12 starts), RH Clarke Schmidt (9-9, 4.64) Key Relievers: RH Clay Holmes (4-4, 2.86 ERA, 24/29 saves), RH Ron Marinaccio (4-5, 3.99), RH Luke Weaver (3-6, 6.40 for Reds, Mariners and Yankees), RH Jonathan Loáisiga (0-2, 3.06), LH Victor González (3-3, 4.01 for Dodgers), RH Ian Hamilton (3-2, 2.64) Outlook: After failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Yankees rebuilt their batting order to get more left-handed. Their chief acquisition was Soto, a three-time All-Star going into his last season before free agency. Verdugo and Grisham also add lefty bats, and Grisham brings two-time Gold Glove defense in center. Torres, like Soto, heads into his last season of club control. New York hit .229 last year, including a major league-low .220 after Judge injured his right big toe when he crashed into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium last June 3. Rizzo batted .174 with 10 RBIs in 47 games after a May 28 concussion. LeMahieu struggled following a broken sesamoid bone in his right big toe that led to ligament damage in his second toe in 2022. He hit .220 in the first half last year but .273 in the second. Rookie center fielder Jasson Domínguez, who hit four homers in his first eight games last year, is expected back this summer after Tommy John surgery on Sept. 20. Rotation depth already was questionable before Cole was shut down in spring training with a sore elbow. Cole will be sidelined until at least late May or early June with nerve inflammation in his elbow with right-hander Luis Gil (1-1, 3.78 in seven career starts) joining the rotation in his absence after a strong spring training. Rodón and Cortes are coming off injury-shortened seasons, and Rodón was troubled by home runs early in spring training. The bullpen led the majors with a 3.34 ERA last year, but that was up from 2.84 in the first half. Yankees relievers pitched 619 innings, up from 557⅓ in 2022 and their most since 2019. The bullpen lost Peralta to free agency and King to the Padres in the Soto trade, and right-handers Tommy Kahnle (shoulder inflammation) and Scott Effross (back surgery following Tommy John surgery) will miss the start of the season. BOSTON RED SOX 2023: 78-84, fifth place Manager: Alex Cora (fourth season of second stint with team, sixth season overall) Opening Day: Thursday, at Seattle He’s Here: SS Vaughn Grissom, LF Tyler O’Neill, RHP Lucas Giolito He’s Outta Here: LHP Chris Sale, OF Alex Verdugo, OF Adam Duvall, LHP James Paxton, RHP Corey Kluber, 3B Justin Turner Top Hitters: 3B Rafael Devers (.271, 33 HRs, 100 RBIs), OF Masataka Yoshida (.289, 15, 72), SS Trevor Story (.203, 3, 14 in 43 games), OF Jarren Duran (.295, 8, 40), 1B Triston Casas (.263, 24, 65) Projected Rotation: RH Brayan Bello (12-11, 4.24 ERA), RH Nick Pivetta (10-9, 4.04), RH Tanner Houck (6-10, 5.01), RH Kutter Crawford (6-8, 4.04), RH Garrett Whitlock (5-5, 5.15) Related Articles MLB | Lux, Miller lead Dodgers past Angels in Game 1 of Freeway Series MLB | Shohei Ohtani to address the media on Monday amid allegations, investigations MLB | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel returns and homers in Arizona finale MLB | Angels’ top 5 spring training questions revisited MLB | 2024 Angels preview: Expectations, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward Key Relievers: RH Kenley Jansen (3-6, 3.63 ERA, 29/33 saves), RH Chris Martin (4-1, 1.05, 3 saves), RH Josh Winckowski (4-4, 2.88, 3 saves) Outlook: The Red Sox appear to be on track for their fourth last-place finish in five years. After trading Sale in the offseason, their top free-agent acquisition was Giolito (Harvard-Westlake High). But he got hurt in spring training and is expected to miss the entire season following elbow surgery. There are few options for the rotation. The lineup is also diminished, with Duvall and Turner leaving as free agents after spending one productive year in Boston. Verdugo, the centerpiece of the trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Dodgers, was also traded away, netting little major league-ready talent. Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom was fired last year and replaced by another Yalie, former Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow, but ownership has conceded the team’s payroll will likely drop after last year’s fifth-place finish. View the full article

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers strikes out against the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Yoshihiro Sonoda interpreter for pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto smiles during a exhibition baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Relief pitcher Michael Grove #78 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate agains the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning of a exhibition baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Relief pitcher Michael Grove #78 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to the plate agains the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning of a exhibition baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Yoshihiro Sonoda interpreter for pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto smiles during a exhibition baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Yoshihiro Sonoda interpreter for pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto smiles during a exhibition baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG) Show Caption of Expand LOS ANGELES — Gavin Lux had two RBI, Bobby Miller threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings, and the Dodgers opened the Freeway Series with a 5-3 win over the Angels on Sunday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game that Miller would start on Friday in the second game of the four-game home opening series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Miller then followed up the announcement with a strong outing, showing he could handle duties higher up in the rotation if 25-year-old Japanese import Yoshinobu Yamamoto needs time to acclimate. “I think I’m taking the right steps to be where I needed to be,” Miller said. “Changeup wasn’t too good early in the game, but I picked it up a little bit later in the game.” The Dodgers’ bats came to life with four runs in the second inning. Jason Heyward doubled to the warning track, driving in Will Smith for the opening run. Lux backed it up with a two-run single, and Freddie Freeman drew a bases-loaded walk. Angels starter Griffin Canning had to work from behind in the inning after hitting hit leadoff batter Smith in the left shoulder. “I felt like I had most of my pitches working for me, but those guys are such good hitters, you just got to keep mixing it up and keep them on their toes,” Canning said. Shohei Ohtani’s first home exhibition game in blue at Dodger Stadium was a nondescript affair, though his first at-bat featured a small taste of the excitement expected from the $700 million two-way star. After walking up to Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic” and its declaration that “it’s show time,” Ohtani made contact on the second pitch he saw. The fly ball initially drew oohs before turning into disappointed ahhs falling into the glove of left fielder Taylor Ward. Ohtani went 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout. “It was fun,” Canning said of facing his former teammate. “Obviously really good to see him. I think once you get in the game, you’re competitive. Like I don’t want to give up a hit to him, and her wants to get a hit off me.” Related Articles MLB | Shohei Ohtani to address the media on Monday amid allegations, investigations MLB | Angels’ Nolan Schanuel returns and homers in Arizona finale MLB | Angels’ top 5 spring training questions revisited MLB | 2024 Angels preview: Expectations, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward MLB | MLB investigating allegations involving Shohei Ohtani, former interpreter The bigger news from Ohtani came before the game when it was confirmed he would address the allegations involving illegal gambling and theft around his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, for the first time on Monday. They will be Ohtani’s first public remarks since Mizuhara was fired on Wednesday for allegedly betting on sports through an illegal bookmaker. The Angeles made it interesting with three runs in the seventh inning. Zach Neto, Miguel Sano, and Jake Marisnick each had an RBI. But the Dodgers pushed their cushion to 5-3 on a sacrifice fly by Kike Hernandez that allowed Trey Sweeney to score. View the full article

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have recovered from jet lag caused by opening the regular season in South Korea. They hope to move past the whiplash from allegations involving illegal gambling and theft surrounding two-way star Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, just as quickly. Ohtani is scheduled to speak to reporters on Monday, which will be his first public remarks since Mizuhara was fired on Wednesday for allegedly betting on sports through an illegal bookmaker. “I think it’s good,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I think it’s the right thing to do, and I’m happy he’s going to speak and speak to what he knows and give his thoughts on the whole situation. I think it’ll give us all a little more clarity.” Roberts said it is Ohtani’s decision to meet with the media. Ohtani has not addressed the controversy with the team but has spoken with individual players, Roberts said. Roberts checked in with Ohtani, who is in his first season with the Dodgers after signing a 10-year worth $700 million in December. “Everything that I’ve seen he’s kind of business as usual, really,” Roberts said of the two-time American League MVP. The allegations that Mizuhara used millions of dollars of Ohtani’s to pay off gambling debts became public before the Dodgers played the second of two games against the San Diego Padres in Seoul on Thursday. Roberts said Ohtani wanted to play and there was no consideration of holding him out. The Dodgers lost 15-11, with Ohtani going 1 for 5 at the plate with one RBI. “Once you get here, people just get back to work.” Roberts said. “I think athletes by and large have a very good ability to compartmentalize, and I think that’s just kind of how we’re wired.” ANGELS DROP POMERANZ The Angels released veteran pitcher Drew Pomeranz on Sunday. Pomeranz, a left-hander, had not thrown in the majors since 2021 because of ongoing problems with his elbow. He broke out for the Boston Red Sox in 2017, going 17-6 with a 3.32 ERA, and the Angels signed him to a minor league contract in February in hopes the 35-year-old might be able to rediscover some of that form after four injury-riddled seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants and Padres. Pomeranz had an opt-out in his contract if he was not on the opening day roster, but manager Ron Washington indicated it was the team’s decision. “I don’t exactly know how that conversation went, but from what I understand, we released him,” Washington said. “We got a lot of arms here.” Related Articles Los Angeles Dodgers | MLB investigating allegations involving Shohei Ohtani, former interpreter Los Angeles Dodgers | Angels surprised by allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Los Angeles Dodgers | Dodgers can’t overcome Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s disastrous debut Los Angeles Dodgers | Shohei Ohtani era with Dodgers now includes gambling scandal Los Angeles Dodgers | Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theft DODGERS IN JAPAN? The Dodgers could be back in Asia next year after USA Today reported on Sunday they will face the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan to open the 2025 season. Roberts said he has heard rumblings to that effect but could not confirm the report. “I hope we’re included,” Roberts said, “I know there’s nothing finalized yet, but obviously it would make a lot of sense.” View the full article

THE GAME: The Angels lost 11-5 to the Oakland A’s in Mesa, Ariz. It was the Angels final game of the Arizona portion of spring training, so many of their regulars has already returned to Southern California. The Freeway Series against the Dodgers begins Sunday. PITCHING REPORT: Left-hander Matt Moore pitched a perfect first inning. Moore has allowed one earned run in 7 1/3 innings this spring. In the second, right-hander Luis Garcia walked two straight hitters and then allowed a two-run double and a run-scoring single. He recorded just one out. Garcia allowed seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings this spring. Moore and Garcia pitched the first two innings, allowing them to get an early start on travel back to California. … Right-hander Caden Dana, who took the mound in the third, gave up four runs in 1 2/3 innings, with three walks. Dana’s fastball was 95-96 mph. HITTING REPORT: Nolan Schanuel hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat. Schanuel had been out for a week because of back stiffness. It was his second homer of the spring. Schanuel also lost an infield hit when A’s pitcher Ross Stripling made a grab and a spinning throw of his chopper toward the third-base line. … Jo Adell drew a walk and hit a drive that was caught at the fence in right-center. Manager Ron Washington has been encouraged that Adell has been hitting the ball to the opposite field this spring. … Mickey Moniak was credited with a single on a ball that hopped off the glove of second baseman Abraham Toro. … Nelson Rada, one of the Angels’ top prospects, hit a homer, his first of the spring in a big-league exhibition game. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels’ top 5 spring training questions revisited Los Angeles Angels | José Soriano dominates in Angels’ shutout of White Sox Los Angeles Angels | Angels surprised by allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Los Angeles Angels | New Angels pitching coach Barry Enright sees pitching as art, not science Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theft DEFENSE REPORT: Catcher Matt Thaiss threw out a runner trying to steal. Thaiss has thrown out three of five runners stealing this spring. UP NEXT: Angels (RHP Griffin Canning) at Dodgers (TBD) at Dodger Stadium, 4:10 p.m. PT Sunday, Bally Sports West, 830 AM. View the full article

MESA, Ariz. — The Angels packed up this week from just the kind of spring training that a general manager enjoys. An uneventful one. With many of the regulars having left for Southern California a day earlier to prepare for the Freeway Series, which begins Sunday at Dodger Stadium, the Angels prepared for their final game in Arizona on Saturday. It was the culmination of 39 days with plenty of good vibes under new manager Ron Washington and little news. The most significant injury was right-hander Robert Stephenson’s shoulder inflammation. Stephenson will begin the season on the injured list, but there’s no timetable beyond that. The biggest headlines belonged to Anthony Rendon, who in the first days of camp said he puts his family as a higher priority than baseball. That shouldn’t have caused the reaction that it did, but Rendon has become a lightning rod for criticism because of his injuries and his public image. There are still a few roster decisions to be made during the Freeway Series, most notably if Miguel Sanó will make the team and if José Soriano will be a starter in the minors or a reliever in the majors. While we wait on those final items, let’s look back at what we learned regarding the five spring training questions we identified when camp opened. What does Arte Moreno have to say? Moreno spoke to the Southern California News Group early in camp and clarified the biggest question facing the organization, although perhaps not to the liking of many frustrated fans. Moreno, who in early 2023 pulled the team off the market, said he’s planning to stick around “for the long term,” with no plans to sell the team. Moreno also explained that it was the plan to reduce the payroll from 2023. He said they wouldn’t “spend money just to show that we’re going to spend money unless it’s going to substantially change the team.” The Angels talked to free agents Blake Snell and J.D. Martinez, but ultimately each signed elsewhere. How are Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon doing? Rendon missed a week with a groin injury, but otherwise the two are going into the season – or at least the Freeway Series – healthy. Both players have been injured for much of the past three seasons. Trout said he’s feeling as good as he’s felt in years. He’s also accepted the fact that he will be DHing about once a week, which could help keep him fresh. Neither player hit well in the spring, for what it’s worth. Trout had a .673 OPS in Arizona. He said he doesn’t think age is catching up to him, but that there’s a mechanical change he’s been working to make in order to regain his MVP form. Rendon’s OPS was .674, and that included a .424 on-base percentage. Washington is considering using him in the leadoff spot, a spot he hadn’t occupied since 2015. How will the outfield shake out? With Trout in center and Taylor Ward in left, the Angels came in to camp with uncertainty in right. They had Aaron Hicks, Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell vying for time in right or DH. Moniak and Adell are out of options, meaning the Angels would likely have all five on the roster. Hicks (1.235 OPS), Moniak (.810) and Adell (.804) all showed encouraging signs in the spring, which didn’t really clarify anything. When Washington was asked if it would be difficult to sort out the playing time, he said: “It’s not going to be hard, because whatever lineup I put out will be the lineup. They’ll get some playing time. Every single one of them. How I’m going to do it, I really couldn’t tell you now, but they’ll all get some playing time.” Will Ward return to form? Ward hadn’t played since suffering multiple facial fractures after he was hit in the face by a pitch last July. He realized early in camp that pitchers are going to pitch him up and in to take advantage of any discomfort he might still feel from last year’s incident, and now he says he’s prepared. Ward said he also feels like his swing is where he wants it to be in order to get back to the elite level he showed at the start and end of 2022. He had a .642 OPS in Arizona. Are the young players ready for increased roles? The Angels are counting on catcher Logan O’Hoppe, shortstop Zach Neto and first baseman Nolan Schanuel for everyday roles in 2024, even though none has played a full big-league season yet. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | José Soriano dominates in Angels’ shutout of White Sox Los Angeles Angels | Angels surprised by allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Los Angeles Angels | New Angels pitching coach Barry Enright sees pitching as art, not science Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theft Los Angeles Angels | Angels lose to Giants despite strong outing from Tyler Anderson, tie Royals Neto had a sensational spring, producing a .929 OPS and showing Washington significant improvement in the field. O’Hoppe had a .549 OPS and Schanuel had a .677 OPS. Schanuel also ended camp with a back issue. NOTES Nolan Schanuel (back) returned to the lineup to DH on Saturday, his first game since March 17. … Luis Rengifo (hamstring) had been penciled in to the lineup to play Saturday, but the Angels instead decided to give him one more day off. He is expected to play in the Freeway Series. Rengifo last played in a game Tuesday. … The Angels will have Griffin Canning, Reid Detmers and Chase Silseth pitch the three games against the Dodgers in the Freeway Series, in that order. View the full article

Orange County Register reporter Jeff Fletcher joins assistant sports editor James H. Williams to talk about the Angels and how things look after Shohei Ohtani’s departure. Fletcher also provides an update on the pitching rotation and several other players including Mike Trout and Taylor Ward. View the full article

THE GAME: The Angels blanked the Chicago White Sox, 2-0, in the final home game of the Arizona portion of spring training on Friday afternoon in Tempe, Ariz. PITCHING REPORT: Right-hander José Soriano pitched six innings, against a split squad that did not include any of the White Sox’s projected starters. Soriano struck out eight and walked none. He threw 71 pitches, including 54 strikes. He did not have a three-ball count. “That was outstanding,” Manager Ron Washington said. “That had to be the best outing in all of spring training. To throw 71 pitches in six innings and no walks, you just don’t see that that often.” The Angels have not said if they plan to have Soriano remain as a starter or go back to the bullpen, which became an option after right-hander Robert Stephenson’s injury. The Angels are currently set with Patrick Sandoval, Griffin Canning, Reid Detmers, Tyler Anderson and Chase Silseth as the five major league starters, so if Soriano remains in the rotation, it would likely be in the minors until there’s a need or he forces his way to big leagues. Washington wouldn’t tip his hand on the decision after Friday’s game, but he smiled and said: “When you do that, that’s what you want to see a starter do, and he did it today.” … Right-handers José Cisnero, Adam Cimber and Carlos Estévez pitched the final three innings, facing just one hitter over the minimum. HITTING REPORT: Anthony Rendon was hitless in two at-bats. Rendon is 5 for 24 (.208) with eight walks this spring, giving him a .424 on-base percentage. Manager Ron Washington is experimenting with Rendon as the leadoff hitter. … Mike Trout was 0 for 1 with a walk. Trout is 9 for 42 (.214) with 18 strikeouts. … Ehire Adrianza successfully executed a suicide squeeze in the fourth inning, knocking in the first run of the game. The Angels used the play twice this week. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | Angels surprised by allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter Los Angeles Angels | New Angels pitching coach Barry Enright sees pitching as art, not science Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theft Los Angeles Angels | Angels lose to Giants despite strong outing from Tyler Anderson, tie Royals Los Angeles Angels | Ron Washington considering Anthony Rendon for Angels’ leadoff spot DEFENSE REPORT: Third baseman Arol Vera made a nice backhand play behind the bag and then a throw across the diamond to get an out. … Right fielder Aaron Hicks made a nice catch on a ball going toward the fence. UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Matt Moore) at Athletics (RHP Ross Stripling) at Hohokam Stadium, Saturday, 12:05 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM View the full article

TEMPE, Ariz. — The bombshell story about Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter came as a surprise to those in the Angels clubhouse. The Angels, who had an off day Thursday, reconvened as a group Friday morning for the first time since the news broke Wednesday afternoon about Ohtani and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara being connected to a federal investigation involving sports gambling. Mizuhara initially told ESPN that Ohtani paid $4.5 million to cover his gambling losses, and then the story changed and Ohtani’s representatives claimed Mizuhara stole the money. “Shocked as anyone,” Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak said. “Definitely had no inclination and information that would lead to that. Definitely shocked.” Other players who had been with the Angels during all or parts of Ohtani’s six years with the team either said they were surprised or declined to comment entirely. “Weird,” said left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who had spent as much time with Ohtani as anyone over parts of the previous five seasons. “That’s all I can really say about it. Really weird.” While players did not want to go on the record, speaking privately there was a consensus that Ohtani did not seem to show interest in other sports. That would seem to support Mizuhara’s assertion that he was betting for himself, rather than placing bets for Ohtani. Mizuhara reportedly also said that none of the bets were on baseball. ROSTER NEWS The Angels sent down infielder Livan Soto and right-hander Ben Joyce, two players who had been in the running for spots on the Opening Day roster. The move with Soto leaves infielders Miguel Sanó and Ehire Adrianza in the running for the final position player roster spot. It is possible that the Angels could keep both players if first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who has been out with back tightness, is not ready. Schanuel was set to do some baseball activity Friday, and manager Ron Washington said he might be able to play Saturday if that went well. Infielder Luis Rengifo, who had been out with a hamstring issue, was removed from the medical report. He is set to play Saturday. The Angels also have roster decisions to make regarding outfielder Jake Marisnick and left-hander Drew Pomeranz. The collective bargaining agreement provided an out for both players to become free agents Sunday. The players had to make the requests Friday. Neither Marisnick nor Pomeranz would say what he had decided, but both said they hoped to be in the big leagues with the Angels. “I felt like it’s been good,” Marisnick said of his spring. “I came in and did what I needed to do. Felt good running. That’s a big part of my game. It’s important to show that.” Marisnick, 32, hit .353 with a 1.018 OPS through 35 plate appearances this spring. He is presumably behind five other outfielders, though: Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Aaron Hicks, Jo Adell and Moniak. Pomeranz, 35, has allowed five earned runs in eight innings, but four of them were in one game. He has not pitched in the big leagues since 2021 because of a series of injuries. “If I can just be healthy, that’s pretty good,” Pomeranz said. “I felt like I’ve been pretty good, and I’ve gotten better. This is the most I’ve pitched consecutively in years. I think I’m just going to keep improving from here.” Pomeranz is now one of four pitchers in the running for the final two spots in the bullpen, now that Joyce has been sent out. The others are right-handers Jose Soriano, Guillo Zuñiga and Hunter Strickland. Soriano, who started the exhibition game Friday, could remain as a starter in the minors or pitch in the major-league bullpen. Related Articles Los Angeles Angels | New Angels pitching coach Barry Enright sees pitching as art, not science Los Angeles Angels | Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by Dodgers after allegations of illegal gambling, theft Los Angeles Angels | Angels lose to Giants despite strong outing from Tyler Anderson, tie Royals Los Angeles Angels | Ron Washington considering Anthony Rendon for Angels’ leadoff spot Los Angeles Angels | Aaron Hicks, Zach Neto continue sizzling spring performances in Angels’ victory NOTES Sandoval threw six innings in an intrasquad game on Friday, his final tuneup before starting Opening Day on Thursday in Baltimore. “I think the in-game adjustments are going really well,” Sandoval said. “Fixing my fastball up, playing stuff off it is good. Pretty much the whole camp I’ve just been trying to re-establish my fastball and throw it with a little bit more confidence. The first, fourth and this (outing) I think have been really positive for me.” … Sandoval, who is the Angels player rep to the union, had no comment on the reported fight within the union to remove Bruce Meyer from his job as deputy director of the Major League Baseball Players Assn. … The Angels also sent down outfielder Willie Calhoun, infielder Cole Fontenelle and catcher Caleb Hamilton. View the full article