With the World Baseball Classic underway, Spring Training has taken a little backwards step, so here is a recap of what has happened during the past week.
| What | MLB Opening Day |
| Where | Venues across USA and Canada |
| When | Thursday 30th March, 2023 |
| How to watch | Sports Live Streaming and BT Sport |
| Odds | Houston Astros 6/1, LA Dodgers 7/1, New York Mets 7/1, New York Yankees 8/1, San Diego Padres 17/2, Atlanta Braves 17/2 |
Injuries
As ever when all the camps return to competitive action, all eyes are on any injuries that have occurred prior to the start of the season and if they will affect the rosters for opening day.
The World Baseball Classic has seen some players taken away from their respective franchises, providing the opportunity to turn exhibition fixtures into competitive games and not only that, for their countries too.
However, those that are left behind have to pick up the slack and some players will be unavailable due to injury and will miss the start of the season.
Carlos Rodon (New York Yankees)
Carlos Rodon, 12/1 to win the American League Cy Young Award, was pencilled in as the number two starter for the New York Yankees after the left-hander signed a six-year, $162 million contract in the winter. However, Rodon has been diagnosed with a mild left elbow strain and will begin the season on the injured list.
Speaking to the official Yankees' website, Rodon said: "I'm hoping this goes by fairly quickly. I can't put a number on any of this. I feel better than I did after I threw against Atlanta, for sure. But as you know, some of these things take time."
Justin Turner (Boston Red Sox)
Justin Turner is resting at home after being hit in the face by a fastball from Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning which resulted in facial lacerations and required 16 stitches.
Turner lay on the ground with blood coming from his face and was helped away by Boston's medical team. The 38-year-old is not expected to be out for a long time, with estimates at two weeks after having his stitches removed.
The Red Sox have said that it is "too early" to rule Turner out for opening day.
Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies)
Bryce Harper has been recovering from Tommy John surgery in November and said this week that he is "feeling good".
Harper wasn't ready to give a timeline on when he could possibly be back to play for the Phillies, who are 3/1 to win the NL East Division.
The team estimated in November that Harper could feature by the All-Star break, but they said that it was a conservative prediction and the player has said he has felt "really good".
Harper had been recovering at home but is now back in camp and has been hitting off a practice tee this week.
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Roster changes
Marlins bolster options
The Miami Marlins added to their backup infield options on Thursday by agreeing non-roster deals with veterans Yuli Gurriel and Jose Iglesias.
The Marlins have been interested in Gurriel since the winter began after the 38-year-old became a free agent, leaving the Houston Astros.
Iglesias, on the other hand, will provide a right-hand batting option to primary shortstop Joey Wendle.
White Sox add to roster and cut players to Minor League Camp
The Chicago White Sox, 27/20 to win the AL Central Division, agreed terms with Elvis Andrus after he joined the team last season as a shortstop replacement.
An outstanding clubhouse presence and talented infielder, he will move to second base on a one-year $3 million deal.
The White Sox have 60 players left in camp after optioning right-handed pitcher Jonathan Stiever to Triple-A Charlotte and reassigning RHP's Sean Burke and Matt Thompson, plus outfielder Luis Mieses, infielder Colson Montgomery and catcher Evan Skoug to Minor League camp.
Of the players sent down to Minor League camp, Burke is the one expected to help out the most in the rotation during the 2023 season.
