Mike Trout

Betts, who had not played in a game since March 9 because of a stomach ailment, pronounces himself ready to play in Thursday’s home opener after playing into the sixth inning in a 4-1 exhibition win.

The 2024 second-round draft pick is in line to be the first Angels player to debut without playing a minor-league game since Jim Abbott in 1989.

How will the division races unfold?

Moniak, 26, who was competing with Jo Adell for time in center field after Mike Trout was moved to right, had a .606 OPS this spring.

Kochanowicz was outstanding in the final months of the 2024 season and followed that with a strong spring training.

The Yankees and Orioles can certainly succeed after the departures of Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes, respectively, but the division could be a much tighter pack this season.

The AL Central was a surprisingly strong division last season, with four teams finishing above .500 .

The Astros will look different as they try to continue their impressive run of division titles, which could make room for a healthy Jacob deGrom and the Rangers (or another team) to rise to the top spot.