There is plenty of MLB news and notes to dive into today, including the Boston Red Sox still looking to tweak their roster, George Springer returning to health for the Toronto Blue Jays, and the San Diego Padres adding Michael Wacha to their pitching options.
MLB news: Boston Red Sox still looking at roster additions
Chaim Bloom, chief baseball officer for the Red Sox, told reporters on Tuesday that Boston will “continue to look to add to this group,” even as spring training begins to ramp up for the team in Fort Myers, Fla.
Chaim says the Red Sox aren’t done yet with building their roster pic.twitter.com/0X9PRdd1Sn
— The Bradfo Sho (@Bradfo_Sho) February 14, 2023
As Bloom mentions in the clip above, the Red Sox will not have Trevor Story or Alberto Mondesi available to begin the season because of injuries, meaning Boston could be thin up the middle with the departure of Xander Bogaerts. Could a reunion with Jose Iglesias, who played in Colorado last season but has played four seasons in the past in Boston, be a possibility? With the 33-year-old Iglesias still available, don’t be surprised if that isn’t being discussed.
Toronto Blue Jays news: George Springer healthy heading into 2023
Last season, a bone spur in his elbow caused Springer to have to battle through pain and miss some time in August to have surgery. Now, the 33-year-old Springer has adopted the mantra of “it feels good to feel good” as the Blue Jays gather to begin spring training drills in Dunedin, Fla.
After the surgery, Springer returned to the lineup and showed his value to Toronto as the Blue Jays captured a Wild Card berth, a series against Seattle where Springer endured a frightening collision with Bo Bichette that resulted in a concussion. But that is all in the past for Springer, who will slide over into right field this season thanks to the additions of Kevin Kiermaier and Daulton Varsho this offseason.
San Diego Padres news: Pitching just got deeper with Michael Wacha addition
The Padres keep rebuilding their roster this offseason, signing the 31-year-old Wacha to a “complicated” deal that will help solidify San Diego’s rotation. With the addition of Wacha, San Diego will likely now roll out a starting group of Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Blake Snell, Wacha, and Nick Martinez. Seth Lugo, signed this offseason as well, could also potentially be in the mix as well.
Wacha has pitched for four different teams in his 10-year MLB career, including the first seven with the St. Louis Cardinals and last season with the Red Sox. During his time in Boston, the right-hander posted a 3.32 ERA/4.14 FIP/1.115 WHIP in 23 starts covering 127.1 innings.