Spencer Strider made a triumphant return to the mound for the Atlanta Braves, showcasing his talent in a pre-season game against the Boston Red Sox. Pitching for 2 2/3 innings, Strider struck out an impressive six batters while not allowing a single baserunner. This marks his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery. Throughout the outing, Strider's dominant performance reminded everyone of his potential; he previously led the league with 281 strikeouts in 2023 and finished the season with a 20-5 record.

In contrast, the Red Sox's David Hamilton and Nick Sogard were the only two players to avoid strikeouts against Strider, highlighting the effectiveness of his pitching. With a career record of 32-10 and a 3.47 ERA, Strider's return is not just a personal victory but also a significant boost for the Braves as they approach the new MLB season.

Boston Red Sox fans who received a Ceddanne Rafaela jersey this Christmas may need to consider a swap, as the rookie has officially changed his jersey number. Rafaela, along with teammates David Hamilton and Nick Sogard, made the announcement via the team's transaction log. After debuting in August 2023 while wearing No. 43, Rafaela will now don the iconic No. 3 moving forward.

Rafaela's transition to No. 3 comes after he signed a lucrative eight-year, $50 million contract extension with the Red Sox in April, which includes a $16 million team option for 2032. His rookie season saw him achieve a batting average of .246 with a .664 OPS, hitting 15 home runs, driving in 75 runs, stealing 19 bases, and posting a 2.8 WAR across 152 games. Notably, he became the first rookie in MLB's modern era to play 87 games in center field and 82 at shortstop.

The previous holder of No. 3, Reese McGuire, was designated for assignment in July 2024, allowing Rafaela to take over the number. Other past players who wore No. 3 for the Red Sox include Jonathan Araúz, José Peraza, Sandy León, and Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx. Meanwhile, Hamilton and Sogard are also changing their numbers, with Hamilton moving from No. 70 to No. 17 and Sogard from No. 75 to No. 20.