It’s been a while since we’ve seen Chris Sale on a mound in game action, but that changed today. The Red Sox star made his first start of Spring Training, while several other notable names continued their hot starts. Here’s a look at some notable highlights from Monday’s Grapefruit and Cactus League action.
Related: Cardinals Prospect Jordan Walker is Making a Convincing Case to Start 2023 in the Majors
Sale is Back
After an injury-filled 2022 campaign, Red Sox ace Chris Sale stepped on the mound for the first time in 2023. And, he looked good in the process. Sale struck out two over two scoreless innings in a game that Boston won 7-1. Offensively, outfielder Raimel Tapia was the story. The ex-Blue Jay hit a home run and a double, and drove in two RBIs against the Tigers.
On the wrong side of things, infielder Justin Turner left the game after being hit by a Matt Manning fastball in the face. Per the Red Sox, Turner is dealing with soft tissue injuries and is being monitored for a concussion.
Thor Impresses
It’s been a very strong camp thus far for new Dodgers starter Noah Syndergaard. Syndergaard threw three scoreless innings on Monday against the Padres, which puts him at five scoreless frames in the spring for “Thor.” The 30-year-old struck out two in the 8-3 win.
While Syndergaard is still sitting in the 92-93 MPH range with his sinker, it’s been a good pitch to pair with his plus change.
Ball Goes Boom for Bohm
The Phillies have a very strong lineup entering the 2023 campaign, and it could be much more lethal if Alec Bohm keeps hitting like this. Bohm hit 2-3 with a home run, his third of the spring. The 26-year-old has driven in six and has recorded a .412 batting average in Grapefruit League action.
One other bit of Phillies news is that Bryce Harper is set to report to camp this week. Harper will miss a good chunk of the regular season due to UCL reconstruction surgery.
Angels Shut Down Cleveland
In Cactus League action, the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-0. Starter Griffin Canning continued his fine spring on Monday, as he delivered two more scoreless innings for the Halos. Canning struck out two in the win.
Offensively, outfielder Hunter Renfroe hit a massive home run in the bottom of the second. Fellow newcomer Gio Urshela recorded two hits for Anaheim.
