New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton is set to undergo medical testing in New York, as reported by Jon Heyman. Stanton has been dealing with tennis elbow in both arms, which has significantly limited his participation in Spring Training. The 35-year-old outfielder has been experiencing a high level of pain, prompting the team to send him back to New York for further evaluation. This visit will likely include new testing and a review of Stanton’s treatment options, with surgery being considered a last resort.

Stanton's elbow issues have raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming season. Despite his injury history, Stanton remains a key player for the Yankees, known for his power at the plate. Last season, he hit .233 with 27 home runs and 72 RBIs in 114 games. The Yankees are hoping to find a remedy for Stanton's elbow injuries to ensure he can contribute to the team's success in the 2025 season.

The Tampa Bay Rays have added depth to their infield by signing Jamie Westbrook to a minor league contract. Westbrook, an experienced infielder, has been given a non-roster invitation to spring training, providing him with an opportunity to compete for a spot on the major league roster.
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Westbrook's signing brings versatility to the Rays' organization, as he has the ability to play multiple infield positions. This move aligns with the Rays' strategy of building a deep and flexible roster, ensuring they have ample options throughout the season.

This season, several Yankees players will sport “well-groomed beards” following a recent change to the team's longstanding facial hair policy. But it's not just their appearance that's getting a makeover; the sound of their games will also be different. The Yankees will no longer play Frank Sinatra’s “Theme from New York, New York” after losses. Instead, a rotating selection of Sinatra songs will fill the stadium, none of which will be the iconic “New York, New York.” The change was confirmed by a club spokesperson on Sunday and will apply to both Spring Training and regular-season games at Yankee Stadium. The first alternative selection, Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” played as fans exited after Sunday’s 4-0 Grapefruit League loss to the Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
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The tradition of playing “New York, New York” after Yankees games dates back to 1980, when principal owner George M. Steinbrenner was inspired by Sinatra’s 1979 recording at a Manhattan nightclub. After testing the song in an empty Yankee Stadium, Steinbrenner enthusiastically reached out to Sinatra’s representatives, securing permission to use the song. John Fugazy, the Yankees’ marketing director at that time, recounted to The New York Times in 1980 how fans would stand and sing along even after losses, motivated by the song's hopeful message. The change to a rotating selection of Sinatra tunes marks a new era for the Yankees, as they continue to evolve both on and off the field.

Nick Madrigal, the Mets' versatile infielder, suffered a dislocated left shoulder during today's Spring Training split-squad game against the Nationals. The injury occurred in the first inning when Madrigal, playing shortstop, had to awkwardly adjust his body to gather a deflected ground ball. He fell to the ground during his throw to first base, resulting in the dislocation. Despite the immediate concern, the full extent of Madrigal's injury won't be known until he undergoes an MRI.
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Mets manager Carlos Mendoza informed reporters, including SNY's Andy Martino, that Madrigal will need the MRI to assess the severity of the dislocation. This injury is a significant setback for the veteran infielder, who will undoubtedly miss some time during the recovery process. Should the MRI reveal a more severe dislocation, it could potentially require surgery, potentially ending Madrigal's 2025 season prematurely. The Mets and their fans are anxiously awaiting the results, hoping for a quick and successful recovery for Madrigal.

Free-agent right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners, which includes an invitation to spring training. Gott missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He previously played for the Mariners and the Mets in 2023, appearing in 30 games for Seattle and posting a 4.03 ERA over 29 innings.
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Gott's return to the Mariners provides an opportunity for him to prove his health and regain his form. The 32-year-old right-hander will look to make a strong impression during spring training and earn a spot on the Mariners' roster for the upcoming season. With his experience and potential, Gott could be a valuable addition to the Mariners' bullpen if he can stay healthy and perform at a high level.

Spring training is officially underway, and as teams shake off the offseason rust, several players wasted no time making an impact. With exciting plays, clutch hitting, and dominant pitching, these five MLB players stood out on February 23, 2025.
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1. Josh Kasevich – Toronto Blue JaysKasevich played the hero for the Blue Jays, delivering a clutch two-run single in the ninth inning to cap off a six-run rally against the Boston Red Sox. His late-game heroics led Toronto to a thrilling 8-7 comeback victory and showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.

2. Dillon Dingler – Detroit TigersDingler provided the biggest offensive spark for the Tigers, launching a two-run home run to help his team secure a 4-0 shutout win over the New York Yankees. As he looks to carve out a role in Detroit’s lineup, performances like this will certainly turn heads.

3. Spencer Jones – New York YankeesOne of the Yankees’ top prospects, Jones wasted no time making an impression in his spring debut. He blasted a home run, proving why he’s one of the most exciting young outfielders in the organization. Despite the Yankees’ loss, Jones’ power display gave fans plenty to look forward to.

4. Coby Mayo – Baltimore OriolesMayo contributed heavily to the Orioles’ 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. With strong at-bats and solid defensive work, he continues to build his case for a larger role with Baltimore this season.

5. Thomas Sacco – Houston AstrosSacco had a game-changing performance in Houston’s 11-6 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. His timely hits during a crucial inning helped the Astros pull away, proving that he’s a player to watch as the season approaches.

Looking AheadSpring training may not count in the standings, but for players fighting for roster spots and young prospects hoping to impress, these games mean everything. With many more matchups to come, baseball fans can expect plenty more breakout performances as the 2025 season nears.

Shohei Ohtani faced live pitching for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in November 2023. The Los Angeles Dodgers' star took 18 swings against Minor League right-hander Nicolas Cruz, hitting a sharp line-drive single to right field. Ohtani's return to live pitching marks a significant step in his recovery, as he aims to be ready for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki, MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect, threw about 30 pitches in his second bullpen session of the spring. Held in the indoor cages at Camelback Ranch, Sasaki's session was part of his preparation for his anticipated debut with the Dodgers.
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Sasaki's bullpen session showcased his impressive pitch arsenal, including his signature splitter. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior noted that the session was designed to get a baseline for Sasaki's pitches using advanced technology. Both Ohtani and Sasaki are gearing up for their Spring Training debuts, with Ohtani expected to make his first appearance later this week and Sasaki scheduled to pitch in a "hybrid B-game" against the White Sox. As the Dodgers prepare for the new season, the progress of these two talented players will be closely watched by fans and the organization alike.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. revealed on Saturday that he will consider all 30 teams, including the New York Yankees, when he reaches free agency this winter. This marks a significant departure from his previous stance, where he vowed never to play for the Yankees due to an experience involving his father. Guerrero emphasized that he has moved past those comments and is open to discussions with any team interested in signing him.
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In 2022, Guerrero made headlines by declaring, "I would never sign with the Yankees, not even when I'm dead," and had repeatedly expressed his refusal to join the team. He attributed his decision to family reasons. However, during his recent interview with the New York Post, Guerrero stated through an interpreter, "If I go to free agency, every team -- all 30 teams -- are going to have the opportunity to sit down with [me], to talk to me. I'm OK with everything. It's in the past." Guerrero's openness to new possibilities signals a potential shift in the free agency landscape as teams prepare to make their pitches.

Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara made a triumphant return to the mound, touching 99 mph and holding the New York Mets scoreless on Sunday. This outing marked his first pitching appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery late in 2023. Alcantara surrendered a hit to Mark Vientos and recorded a strikeout in an otherwise clean inning, throwing 17 pitches, most of them fastballs, with an average velocity above 98 mph. He generated three swings and misses, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters even after a lengthy recovery period.
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Alcantara, 29, had established himself as one of baseball's premier workhorses before tearing his ulnar collateral ligament. From 2021 to 2023, he posted a 3.14 ERA (137 ERA+) and maintained a 3.78 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 93 starts, averaging nearly 6 ⅔ innings per outing and 206 innings per season. His contributions were highly valued, with Baseball Reference estimating them to be worth 15.7 Wins Above Replacement. As Alcantara returns to form, speculation is already building that he could be on the trading block by the 2025 deadline, if not sooner.