MLB News & Moments You Should Know - March 31

Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.

Today’s Headlines

Happy Opening Day

Spring is in the air (for most of the country), birds are chirping, and the crack of a bat suddenly soothes our souls. A lot of milestones happened, and records were made, or even broken. You hear the words you’ve been longing for after a cold winter — “play ball.” Baseball is back, friends!

Rutschman Makes History

In his first opening-day start, Adley Rutschman homered in his first at-bat and went 5-for-5 with a career-best four RBIs and a walk. While the weather at Fenway Park was quite cold, Rutschman stayed hot. He became the first catcher in major league history with five hits in a home opener. The Red Sox bit back, but were defeated 10-9 at home against the Orioles.

ADLEY RUTSCHMAN JUST HOMERED ON HIS FIRST OPENING DAY!!! pic.twitter.com/jsnKMuvW1e

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) March 30, 2023

A Bronx Tale

The Yankees picked up right where they left off. Aaron Judge homered on his first swing to start the season. Gerrit Cole fanned 11 in six scoreless innings. Anthony Volpe, at just 21 years old, got to have his major league debut on opening day. Volpe went 0-for-2 with a walk, stolen base, and two defensive plays. The Yankees defeated the Giants ending with a 5-0 score.

Born to be a Yankee. pic.twitter.com/eamsmjNl8E

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 30, 2023

To Sign Or Not To Sign

The Braves signed Orlando Arcia to a three-year extension reportedly worth $7.3 million. The deal includes a club option for 2026. However, Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds was unable to reach a deal on an extension due to a “major conceptual issue” even though the dollar amount was agreed to.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to play another three years here."

Orlando Arcia reacts to his contract extension ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/edsItXFnxQ

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 30, 2023

Contreras Exits Early

Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras limped off the field after taking a 102-mph fastball right to the knee. The Cardinals announced that Contreras is dealing with a knee contusion after receiving a negative X-ray.

Best Moments From Yesterday

Serving Up The Best Catch Of The Day

After watching the replay about 10 times, I’m still in disbelief of Hunter Renfroe.

WHAT WAS THAT 😱 pic.twitter.com/5weADj8bGt

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) March 31, 2023

Spring-er Has Arrived

Despite the close score, George Springer had five hits, going 5-for-6 with five singles in the fourth five-hit game of his major league career. Springer set a Toronto record for hits in an opener. Along with Rutschman on the O’s, the two became the first pair of players with five hits each on opening day since 1901. The Blue Jays went on to win 10-9 against the Cardinals.

George Springer’s fifth hit of the day knots it up at 9!

This game has been wild pic.twitter.com/XrAwvDxavt

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 30, 2023

Houston Had A Problem

The White Sox eke out a win in Houston, ending the World Champion Astros opening day win streak of 10. But the real problem was Dylan Cease pitching a gem. Cease ended his night with 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 10 Ks, and zero walks. Cease has struggled with walks in the past and looked rough during Spring Training, but all of that was washed away as he struck out former White Sox first baseman José Abreu. The White Sox beat the Astros 3-2.

Dylan Cease, 98mph Fastball and 81mph Knuckle Curve (home plate views).

Hitting is hard. pic.twitter.com/esqgYkNagU

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 31, 2023

Brash Is Nasty

Our very own Alex Fast thought this might have been the best opening day K.