Lars Nootbaar of Japan hits a single against China in the first inning of the Pool B game at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday, March 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the MLB podcast with Charlie O:

#1 One of rising stars in the World Baseball Classic Lars Nootbaar it’s a name that Japanese fans couldn’t pronounce in English or Japanese but they’ve got a handle on it now. Nootbaar whose an outfielder for the St Louis Cardinals has gone 5 for 11 with two RBIs in Japan’s first three games where they’ve gone 3-0.

#2 Top Arizona Diamondbacks prospect rookie Corbin Carroll has signed a $111 million eight year deal after playing only 32 big league games. Carroll has a ninth year option worth $23 million. Carroll hit .260, four home runs in 115 at bats.

#3 How badly will the Philadelphia Phillies miss pitching prospect Andrew Painter will miss up to four weeks due to a UCL sprain. The good news Painter may not need elbow surgery. Painter was counting to make the opening pitching staff but had to get an MRI after experiencing a tender elbow.

#4 The Houston Astros after signing Jose Abreu as their everyday first baseman had no plans on keeping Yuli Gurriel who was a big part of those Astros championship teams. Gurriel signed with the Miami Marlins. Gurriel was limited as to where he was going as his numbers were going south hitting a career worst, .242, 53 runs, 53 RBIs, 8 home runs, and 132 hits.

#5 Charlie former San Francisco Giant starter Carlos Rodon will start the 2023 season on the shelf for the New York Yankees after it was announced that Rodon will be on the IL due to a forearm strain. The Yankees said that Rodon will not pitch for at least seven to ten days. The Yanks had big expectations from Rodon that’ll just have to wait a couple more weeks.

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