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As the 2023 season approaches, MLB news keeps giving us something to talk about. The San Diego Padres keep surprising with signings to their already star-studded lineup by adding players to fill up spaces, top prospects keep making headlines as spring training progresses and more:
MLB News: Phillies' 19-year-old prospect almost hits triple digits
Andrew Painter, a 19-year-old Philadelphia Phillies prospect, made an impressive debut in his Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins. Painter threw a 99 mph fastball to Carlos Correa and struck out Max Kepler with a nasty 2-2 cutter in the first inning.
Though he struggled with command in the second inning, giving up two singles and a sacrifice fly, he showed composure on the mound. Correa and Garrett Stubbs both praised Painter's talent and maturity. Correa said that he has "electric stuff" and will likely be in the big leagues soon.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson noted that Painter needs to work on mixing up his pitches better earlier in the count, but he was impressed with Painter's poise.
More on Andrew Painter:
MLB News: Padres add lefty Rougned Odor to their star-studded roster
The San Diego Padres have signed nine-year Major League veteran Rougned Odor to a Minor League deal with an invite to Major League spring training. The 29-year-old infielder will compete for a job as a lefty bat on what appears to be a righty-heavy Padres bench.
Last season, Odor batted .207/.275/.357 in 135 games for the Baltimore Orioles, playing as their regular second baseman. In San Diego, he will likely be asked to start only sporadically while serving as a pinch-hitter against right-handers. Odor owns a .725 career OPS against righties.
The Padres have been adding depth acquisitions this offseason, as well as making splashy signings, and are looking to fill gaps in their infield with the World Baseball Classic on the horizon. The race for Padres bench spots is an interesting one, with two places currently available, and Fernando Tatis Jr. ineligible to return from suspension until April 20, opening up an extra roster spot for the first 20 games.
More on Rougned Odor:
MLB News: Yordan Alvarez to be back with the Houston Astros for Opening Day
"He will definitely be back by Opening Day" - Dana Brown
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez has not been participating in on-field activities during the early portion of the team's spring training due to a lingering hand injury. However, according to general manager Dana Brown, Alvarez will return to the baseball diamond soon.
Brown discussed Alvarez's sore left hand injury during an interview on ESPN while the Astros were playing against the New York Mets. Alvarez has not yet taken live batting practice during spring training, but Brown stated that he would appear in games "sometime midway through spring training."
MLB News: Oswald Peraza aspires to be starting SS for the Yankees
Venezuelan prospect Oswald Peraza is ready to be the New York Yankees' starting shortstop in the Major Leagues, having played in the postseason as a rookie in 2022. Although he understands there is competition for the position with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Peraza is focused on his responsibilities and doing his job, including paying attention to the small details.
Last season, he impressed in 18 games hitting .306/.404/.429 from his debut on September 2. Peraza is looking forward to taking the next step and winning the shortstop position, but manager Aaron Boone said the competition would be ongoing.
More on Oswald Peraza:
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