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Everyone was excited to see Roki Sasaki throw at spring training for the Dodgers on Wednesday.
Sasaki threw his first live batting practice session since signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent from Japan. He got warmed up in the bullpen and then headed out to the mound to face some hitters at the Dodgers’ spring training site at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz.
You can see a video of the 23-year-old pitcher delivering a pitch from the stretch.
#Dodgers Roki Sasaki pic.twitter.com/E6p4FxI4vE
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 19, 2025
Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of Sasaki facing some hitters. Take a look at the huge crowd he drew from those within the organization.
Crowd behind cage for Sasaki live BP includes Ohtani and Yamamoto
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 19, 2025
“It’s like everyone in the office coming out to see- a new car” pic.twitter.com/kp625oMeQw
Sasaki gave up hits to Tommy Edman and David Bote but got a few strikeouts in two innings of work.
The Dodgers’ first spring training game will be on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, though Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to start in that one.
The Dodgers and Cubs are operating on a different schedule from everyone else this spring. The two teams will open the season in Japan by playing games on March 18 and 19. After they play two games against each other, they will return to America and get set for their state-side openers along with several other teams on March 27.
Sasaki is the latest addition to the Dodgers. He signed a minor-league deal as an international amateur free agent and received a $6.5 million signing bonus. Much like Shohei Ohtani did when he left Japan to come to the U.S., Sasaki left a lot of money on the table by coming early in his career. But he wants to compete against the best in the world and is getting a head start on his MLB career. The Dodgers already having Japanese stars on their team helped convince Sasaki to choose them.
More must-reads:
- Yankees' unlikely answer emerges from depth chart to save season — for now
- Padres already demoting one of their trade-deadline acquisitions
- The 'MLB playoff home run leaders' quiz
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Paul Skenes continues home dominance in Pirates' shutout
Paul Skenes tossed six shutout innings and struck out eight to lead the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night. Despite allowing a career-high seven hits (five singles), Skenes (7-8) delivered another dominant performance to bolster his case for the National League Cy Young Award. Skenes also beat the Reds for the fourth time in four starts in his career and first time this season. Jared Triolo and Henry Davis each had two hits and two RBIs to give Skenes more than enough of a cushion to secure a win for the third time in his past four starts. It was Skenes' third consecutive start with eight or more strikeouts. It was also the Pirates' fifth shutout of the season in a Skenes start and their 14th overall shutout. It was the Reds' 10th shutout loss. Skenes lowered his major-league best ERA to 1.94 and continues to be exceptionally good at PNC Park, where he has not allowed an earned run since June 3. Bryan Reynolds, who also had two hits, homered in the first inning off Reds' starter Brady Singer (9-9), who lasted only 3 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on six hits, walked four and struck out two. Reynolds' home run came with two outs. Singer proceeded to issue three consecutive walks to Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and Jack Suwinski to load the bases, setting up a two-run single by Triolo, which gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Cruz and Spencer Horwitz each had an RBI and Davis belted a two-run home run off Reds reliever Brent Suter in the bottom of the seventh. Gavin Lux had three hits, and TJ Friedl and Matt McLain each had two hits to lead Cincinnati offensively. But the Reds went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base. McLain and Elly De La Cruz hit back-to-back singles off Skenes with one out in the first. But Austin Hays grounded into an inning-ending double play to end the threat. -Field Level Media
Steelers Now Have A Surefire Solution To End Cam Heyward's Hold-In
The Pittsburgh Steelers got hit with quite a bit of interesting news on Thursday. It started when NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward was staging a hold-in, attending training camp but not fully participating as he seeks a new contract. Not long after that, kicker Chris Boswell was also reported to be interested in a new deal, adding another contract situation to the team’s growing list of concerns. As for Heyward, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly quickly suggested a possible solution that could effectively end the hold-in without requiring a full contract extension. Kaboly proposed the idea of adding incentives to Heyward’s existing deal, which would reward performance while avoiding a long-term financial commitment. He believes this compromise would allow the Steelers to show respect for Heyward’s contributions while keeping the team’s salary cap in check. Kaboly explained that the Steelers used a similar approach in 2016 with star wide receiver Antonio Brown. At the time, Brown was also seeking a new deal, and instead of offering an extension, the team added incentives to his contract to keep him satisfied for the season. The move kept Brown on the field and productive, and Kaboly believes this method could work just as well for Heyward, helping resolve the situation without complicating the team’s financial outlook. "Steelers don't restructure contracts until a year out, but Cam Heyward has 2 years remaining on his deal," Kaboly posted on his social media. "Here is the kicker and this is what I would use if I were Heyward: The Steelers worked some funny math with Antonio Brown in 2016 to get him a $4 million raise." Heyward just received a new deal ahead of the 2024 season. Now, Kaboly is pointing out that with two years remaining on his contract, the Steelers typically don’t restructure deals until there’s only one year left. However, Kaboly believes that if the team follows the same approach they used with Brown, it could help resolve Heyward’s situation. "They moved $4 million of AB's 2017 money to 2016, then tore up the contract in 2017 and made him the highest-paid WR in the NFL," Kaboly said. "AB got a $4 million raise, and the Steelers were able to keep their long-standing policy intact." Both sides could technically come out ahead with this approach. The money was going to Heyward anyway, but by advancing a portion of it to this year, he gets earlier financial recognition without requiring a full extension. Then, when the time comes to negotiate a new deal, both parties can do so in good faith, working toward a contract that makes sense for everyone involved. For now, moving some money forward would be a clear sign of appreciation for Heyward’s contributions and an acknowledgment of how the market has shifted for elite defensive linemen. It would also allow the Steelers to maintain their long-standing policy of waiting until a player enters the final year of his contract before negotiating an extension. Ultimately, it’s a short-term financial gesture that builds trust and buys time for a more permanent solution. Steelers And Cam Heyward Both Could Come Out As Winners This approach not only benefits Heyward financially in the short term but also helps preserve the relationship between the player and the organization. It shows the Steelers value his contributions and want to keep him motivated without rushing into long-term decisions prematurely. By handling things this way, the team retains flexibility in managing their salary cap and future roster moves. It also avoids the potential pitfalls of a large extension that might limit options later. For Heyward, it offers a sense of security and respect while keeping open the door for a more comprehensive agreement when the time is right.
Palworld Studio Adds Another 'Exciting Game' to Its Growing List of Hits
Palworld Studio’s publishing division seems to have a knack for grabbing attention lately, and they’re not slowing down. The studio behind the highly anticipated monster-collecting survival game Palworld just announced they’ve signed yet another “very exciting game” to their lineup. And yes, we’re all ears—though we’re still trying to figure out how they balance releasing one banger after another without breaking a sweat. Their latest announcement follows hot on the heels of their impressive work backing a new horror game featuring talent tied to Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy. It seems their publishing arm is becoming the go-to for delivering games that make players pause their beloved playthroughs and say, “Alright, fine, take my money.” What’s next, world domination? At this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised. Palworld’s Publishing Momentum is Unstoppable It’s no secret that Palworld itself has been a major talking point in the gaming sphere. This isn’t just your average monster-collecting game; it’s a delightfully chaotic mashup of Pokémon-like creature taming mixed with dystopian survival elements. And yes, you can wield guns while standing alongside your adorable (and potentially exploitable) pals. If that doesn’t scream absurd fun, what does? But what’s intriguing about Palworld Studio is how their publishing arm continues to expand with titles that don’t just ride on the coattails of Palworld’s buzz. Instead, they’re curating a diverse collection of innovative games that somehow scream “this is worth your time” even before you hit the download button. It’s becoming apparent that they’ve tapped into something most publishers can only dream of. From Horror to Hopeful Anticipation The recent horror game they helped bring to life is evidence of Palworld’s ability to pick winners. Featuring developers with experience on mammoth titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy, this game blurred the line between spine-tingling chills and jaw-dropping visuals. The kind of game that makes you want to leave the lights on, but also keeps you glued to the screen. This success wasn’t just a one-off. It proved that their publishing arm isn’t about quantity for the sake of it, but about finding games with real potential to connect with audiences. And now, with the news of their next “exciting game” signing, the studio is making it clear they’re not just a one-hit (Palworld) wonder. What Makes Palworld Studio Unique? What’s refreshing about the Studio is that they’re building a reputation not only for their own creations but also for their keen eye as a publisher. They’re choosing projects that feel distinct, well-crafted, and most importantly, fun. This combination of bold decision-making and a knack for gaming trends is likely why they’ve been so successful in catching the attention of hardcore gamers and casual players alike. While some publishers flood the market with games that feel like clones of one another, Palworld seems laser-focused on quality and originality. Whether it’s through survival horror or creature-collecting madness, they’re ensuring that each game they touch carves its own identity in the vast gaming landscape. What’s the Mystery Game? Of course, the identity of their latest “very exciting game” is still under wraps, and we’re left to speculate (read “obsessively refresh the news feed”) about what it could be. Is it another survival title? A new RPG with mind-blowing mechanics? Or perhaps something totally out of left field? The one thing we do know is that Palworld Studio has already proven its ability to deliver. Their track record alone is enough to keep gamers invested, and whatever this new project is, expectations are sky-high. No pressure, right? What Does the Future Hold for Palworld Studio? With Palworld still riding a tidal wave of hype and their publishing portfolio growing stronger with every announcement, it’s safe to say Palworld Studio has carved a spot for themselves as a major player in the industry. And if their next project lands as well as their previous efforts, they might just redefine everyone’s expectations for what a modern game studio and publisher can achieve. While we wait (impatiently) for their sensational mystery game to be revealed, all eyes are on Palworld. Will their unique blend of chaos and charm live up to the hype when it eventually drops? Judging by their track record, we’re willing to bet on it. Why Palworld Should Be On Your Radar If you haven’t been following the studio’s meteoric rise, you’re missing out. Whether it’s their quirky and ambitious Palworld or their growing list of well-crafted published games, everything this studio touches seems to turn into a hit. And with their latest announcement promising yet another gem on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to keep Palworld Studio on your radar (and your wishlist). Stay tuned, because if one thing’s clear about Palworld Studio, it’s that they’re just getting started.
The 'Single-season touchdown catch leaders by franchise' quiz
The Philadelphia Eagles begin their Super Bowl title defense with a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals tonight. Defending the Lombardi Trophy is incredibly difficult, as receiver A.J. Brown mentioned when asked about what the Eagles need to do to go back-to-back. “I like to say, the Lombardi, she’s not loyal,” Brown said. “We gotta try to win her over again.” “The process of the daily grind is still the same. Once you look at it through that lens, you just got to go back to work. All that stuff is over with.” Which brings us to today’s quiz. Since bursting onto the NFL scene with the Tennessee Titans in 2019, Brown has been one of the most reliable wide receivers in the league. With that being said, can you name every player with the most touchdown catches in a season for each NFL franchise? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
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