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Spring training is underway, with the Los Angeles Dodgers gearing up for a run at a historic three-peat. Once you’re caught up on all the news out of Camelback Ranch, check out these top headlines from around Major League Baseball.
Mike Trout Plans Return to Center Field
Angels superstar Mike Trout will be back in center field this season after a shift to right field and designated hitter last year.
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As reported by Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, first-year manager Kurt Suzuki thinks Trout is the team’s best option at center, a position the 34-year-old is excited to return to.
“I just feel comfortable out there,” Trout said. “I feel like I’m at my best when I’m in center.”
Mar 3, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Mookie Betts (50) has a laugh with Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) after making an out on him in the third inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Trout has been hounded by injuries for the past several years, but he believes center field will be easier on his legs than right field has been.
“Honestly, I felt like when I was in center, it was less on my body than the corners,” he said. “To be honest, right field, I felt like I was running a lot. But it’s just like a preference thing. Talking to some other outfielders and they’re saying that they feel the same way sometimes; center is less on your legs.”
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Nick Castellanos Gets Second Chance with Padres
Castellanos left the Philadelphia Phillies under a cloud, with his offensive production decreasing and disputes with manager Rob Thomson, including an incident where he brought a beer into the dugout.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 20: Nick Castellanos #2 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates in the dugout after a scoring a run in the seventh inning during their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 20, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Now in San Diego, Castellanos has a fresh start, and he’s promised to “learn from this” exit from Philadelphia.
“I let the emotions get the best of me in the moment,” he said, as reported by Julian McWilliams of CBS Sports. “Going forward] possibly if I see things that frustrate me or I don’t believe are conducive to winning. [It’s about ] not letting things just pile up over time so when I address it, it’s less emotional.”
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Steve Cohen Won’t Let Mets Have Team Captain
Mets owner Steve Cohen made headlines with his comments on the Dodgers, but that wasn’t all he’s sounded off about recently.
On Monday, Cohen stated flatly that “as long as I’m owning the team, there will never be a team captain.”
“That was my decision,” he said, as quoted by Will Sammon of The Athletic. “My view is the locker room is unique, and let the locker room sort it out year in, year out.”
Some players reportedly pushed for a captain last season, but it appears those wishes fell on deaf ears.
