It’s Monday and time for a look at some of the latest MLB news and notes, including Opening Day projections for the Boston Red Sox and an injury update on Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres.
MLB news: Opening Day plans for Boston Red Sox falling into place
The Red Sox are scheduled to open the 2023 MLB season at home against the Baltimore Orioles on March 30, and it seems that what Boston fans might see that day on the field is starting to come into more focus.
Despite a pair of early dominating spring starts (5.0 scoreless innings pitched while scattering three hits) from Chris Sale, the southpaw (who will turn 34 on Opening Day) will not get the nod on Opening Day, per reports.
Chris Sale won't pitch Opening Day. Alex Cora said that was his plan all along. The manager added there is "a good chance" Corey Kluber gets the nod. Sale is one day after Kluber in the Spring Training rotation.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 12, 2023
After starting just 11 games and pitching 48.1 innings since the start of the 2020 season, the Red Sox are being as cautious as possible with the injury-riddled Sale, hoping that ensuring he has the time this spring to enter the season as healthy as possible is worth him missing the chance to start on Opening Day.
Additionally, Justin Turner, who received 16 stitches after being hit in the face by a fastball last week, is expected to be back with the team in time to be in the Opening Day lineup. Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that there is “plenty of time” for Turner to recover and rejoin the team in time for the season opener.
San Diego Padres news: Fernando Tatis Jr. injury update
Tatis Jr. went 2-for-3 in Saturday’s spring training action, getting his first hits of the spring (now 2-for-19 as he works his way back into the Padres lineup). However, the 24-year-old All-Star was also struck in the knee by an errant pickoff throw on Saturday, causing a knee bruise that kept him out of the lineup on Sunday.
However, it’s expected that Tatis Jr. will be available to play on Monday, meaning the Padres will have another chance to see how he is progressing in the wake of missing last season because of injuries and a PED suspension.