Overview
- Yankees ace Gerrit Cole faced hitters for the first time since Tommy John surgery, sitting 95–96 mph in live BP, with a late May or June return projected.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Brusdar Graterol will miss Opening Day, citing an intentionally slow ramp-up from right shoulder labrum surgery.
- The Yankees will give Ryan McMahon shortstop reps this spring to evaluate positional flexibility behind their established infield alignment.
- Top Yankees prospect Elmer Rodríguez delivered three scoreless innings in the Grapefruit League opener, reinforcing expectations for a 2026 MLB debut.
- Boston’s No. 5 starter battle is underway, with Payton Tolle set to start Saturday, Connelly Early on Monday, and Johan Oviedo Wednesday, while infielder Romy Gonzalez is likely to open on the injured list due to a lingering shoulder issue.