Elly De La Cruz showcased his talents on his bobblehead night, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The game saw De La Cruz hit a grand slam in the third inning, cementing his status as the star. He also displayed defensive prowess, contributing significantly to the Reds' success. With this win, the Reds secured their second consecutive series victory, improving their season record to 7-8. The standout performance came alongside Andrew Abbott's impressive debut start following an injury layoff, allowing just one run over five innings.

Despite a valiant effort from the Pirates, who managed to close the gap to 4-2 in the seventh inning, the Reds strengthened their position with a crucial run. Abbott claimed his first win of the season, while Elly De La Cruz's grand slam proved pivotal, showing why he's a player to watch moving forward.

Edmundo Sosa made a significant mark in his first career start in left field for the Philadelphia Phillies, showcasing his versatility by making a spectacular catch against Marcell Ozuna that robbed him of a home run. Prior to this game, Sosa had limited experience in the outfield, having played just over six innings throughout his MLB career. With a hot bat to start the season, hitting .550, he was given the chance to prove himself as a right-handed option against the lefty-heavy Atlanta Braves lineup.

However, it wasn't a flawless performance. Despite his highlight reel catch, Sosa, alongside teammate Johan Rojas, made a costly error that allowed Austin Riley to advance on a ball that should have been caught. Sosa remains focused on improving his game and contributing to the team's success, embodying the work ethic that has characterized his approach this season.

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to Citizens Bank Park for a much-anticipated three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers, boasting a staggering $330 million payroll, are currently on an impressive eight-game winning streak. Ohtani's teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is scheduled for his first matchup against the Phillies, but fans will need an Apple TV+ subscription to catch Friday's game. Meanwhile, the Phillies have begun their season strong with a 5-1 record, led by Edmundo Sosa, who has been batting .600 but may not start due to Trea Turner's return from injury.

For those looking to watch, Friday's game will stream exclusively on Apple TV+, while Saturday's match will air on FS1. Aaron Nola is set to pitch for the Phillies against Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki. Sunday’s game returns to NBC Sports Philadelphia, featuring legends like Mike Schmidt in the broadcast booth. The series promises to be a preview of a potential NL Championship showdown, with both teams looking to solidify their early season success.

Edmundo Sosa made his first start in center field for the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, showcasing a promising transition from utility infielder to a potential outfield bench option. Sosa, who had only previously played two innings in center field earlier this season, displayed improved ball tracking and quick reactions, making his first two catches of the spring. With Weston Wilson sidelined due to an oblique strain, Sosa’s role has become increasingly vital.

In addition to Sosa's development, the Phillies had a rough day against the Detroit Tigers, losing 1-0. Aaron Nola pitched two solid innings, striking out two but refrained from using his signature knuckle curveball. Johan Rojas, still recovering from a shoulder injury, contributed the team’s only hit but didn't risk sliding into second base during a double-play attempt. The Phillies are now focused on optimizing their lineup as spring training progresses.

Spring training for the Philadelphia Phillies is a time for innovation and experimentation. Manager Rob Thomson is adjusting the lineup frequently, seeking optimal batting order configurations. One notable change is Edmundo Sosa receiving outfield reps, showcasing his versatility. On Thursday, he played left field, allowing for adjustments in the lineup. With Bryce Harper sidelined after being hit by a pitch, Kyle Schwarber was positioned at first base—a role he has rarely played in his career. This flexibility aims to keep players healthy while maintaining a strong batting lineup.

Despite Schwarber's willingness to take on new positions, his defensive performance is a concern. He has struggled defensively in the past, leading to potential risks for the Phillies. However, if he can effectively rotate between first base and left field, it could enhance the team's overall strategy. The focus is on striking a balance between defensive capabilities and offensive strength as the season approaches.