Trending Now - Ohtani Gears up for Spring Training as Pirates Embrace Leadership
WHO:
Konnor Griffin, a 19-year-old prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Marcell Ozuna, a 35-year-old player for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Nick Gonzales, a player for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Jhostynxon Garcia, No. 6 prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates
José Soriano, right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, expressed emotional gratitude for being named Opening Day starter.
Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, discussed Shohei Ohtani's pitching debut.
José Soriano, right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels
Kurt Suzuki, manager of the Los Angeles Angels
Travis d’Arnaud, catcher for the Los Angeles Angels
Shohei Ohtani, two-way player for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers
WHAT:
Griffin engaged in discussions with Ozuna about making adjustments at the Major League level.
Ozuna has nine hits in Spring Training, while O'Hearn is hitting .370 with two doubles and two home runs among his ten hits.
Garcia leads the Pirates in Spring Training hits with 15, boasting a .455 batting average.
Ozuna stated, “I tell everyone, feel free to ask me any question you have. I can tell them what I see.”
Cruz finished 3-for-5 with three extra-base hits in a game after returning from the World Baseball Classic.
Soriano was signed out of the Dominican Republic for $70,000 in 2016.
Soriano's career ERA against the Houston Astros is 1.04 with 22 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.
Ohtani is scheduled to pitch three to four innings in his first spring training appearance on March 18th, 2026.
Ohtani had a 4.43 ERA in the postseason in 2025, contributing to the Dodgers' second consecutive World Series title.
José Soriano has been named the Opening Day starter for the Los Angeles Angels.
Soriano faced the Houston Astros on March 26th, 2026.
Soriano underwent two Tommy John surgeries and was the first pick in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft.
Soriano posted a 4.26 ERA with 152 strikeouts and 78 walks in 169 innings in 2025.
Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his first pitching appearance in spring training on March 18th, 2026.
Ohtani will also serve as the designated hitter on March 20th, 2026.
Ohtani had a 2.87 ERA over 14 regular-season starts in 2025.
WHERE:
LECOM Park, Bradenton, Florida (location of Pirates' workouts)
Tempe, Arizona (for the Angels)
Glendale, Arizona (for the Dodgers)
Camelback Ranch (Dodgers' training facility)
Minute Maid Park (location where Soriano has a 1.00 ERA in nine innings)
WHEN:
The Pirates' Grapefruit League record stands at 15-9 after a loss to Houston on March 17th, 2026.
March 26th, 2026 (Opening Day for the Angels)
March 18th, 2026 (Ohtani's first pitching appearance)
March 20th, 2026 (Ohtani's designated hitter appearance)
March 23rd or 24th, 2026 (Ohtani's next exhibition game against the Angels)
WHY:
The Pirates added veteran leaders like Ozuna to enhance communication and mentorship among players.
Soriano earned the Opening Day starter position due to his hard work and performance, as noted by manager Kurt Suzuki.
Soriano earned the Opening Day starter position due to his hard work and performance.
Ohtani is preparing for the regular season after returning from the World Baseball Classic.
HOW:
Ozuna's presence has fostered a culture of open dialogue and learning among younger players, as noted by Gonzales.
Soriano's groundball rate was an MLB-best 65.3 percent in 2025, significantly higher than the second-highest rate of 59.1 percent.
Soriano's sinker has touched 100 mph this spring and averaged 97.2 mph last year.
Ohtani is building up his pitching stamina by participating in exhibition games.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 05:29 UTC)
At LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, the Pittsburgh Pirates are focusing on player development, with 19-year-old prospect Konnor Griffin engaging in discussions with veteran Marcell Ozuna about adjustments at the Major League level. Ozuna, who has nine hits in Spring Training, emphasized the importance of open communication, saying, “I tell everyone, feel free to ask me any question you have,” while Jhostynxon Garcia leads the team with 15 hits and a .455 batting average. Following a loss to Houston on March 17, the Pirates' Grapefruit League record now stands at 15 wins and 9 losses, showcasing the team's commitment to mentorship and growth.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 03:48 UTC)
Today, José Soriano, the right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for being named the Opening Day starter, a position he earned through hard work and impressive performance. Soriano, who was signed out of the Dominican Republic for $70,000 in 2016, boasts a remarkable career ERA of 1.04 against the Houston Astros, with 22 strikeouts in just over 17 innings. Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared that Shohei Ohtani is set to make his pitching debut today, where he will throw three to four innings after contributing to the team's second consecutive World Series title last season with a postseason ERA of 4.43.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 01:31 UTC)
In a significant announcement, José Soriano has been named the Opening Day starter for the Los Angeles Angels, set to face the Houston Astros on March 26. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his first pitching appearance in spring training today and will also serve as the designated hitter on March 20. Soriano's impressive performance, including a 4.26 ERA and 152 strikeouts last season, along with Ohtani's preparation for the regular season after the World Baseball Classic, highlights the Angels' readiness for the upcoming games.