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Konnor Griffin, OF, Pirates: If you mistook Griffin for Superman on Tuesday, you’d be forgiven. The tooled-up 2024 first-rounder took to the air against the Yankees to rob Anthony Volpe of a potential extra-base knock. In the seventh inning, Volpe laced a pitch into the left-center field alleyway. Immediately, Griffin sprung into action. The Mississippi prep product raced back and to his right, quickly reaching a top speed of 26.8 feet per second. As he neared the end of his route, Griffin launched himself parallel, laid out and speared Volpe’s line drive before it could touch grass, jostling the sunglasses from his face in the process. Griffin went 0-for-1 in the box, but his play in the field did more than enough to showcase a piece of his potential.

Zac Veen, OF, Rockies: The last few years have been rough for Veen. The 2020 first-rounder has had his last two seasons—spent mostly at Double-A Hartford—waylaid by injuries. When he’s been healthy, however, he’s been productive. The same was true on Tuesday, when he went 2-for-2 with a double and a home run against the Reds. Both hits produced exit velocities of roughly 105 mph, and the home run—off of a Sam Moll sweeper—traveled an estimated 441 feet. So far this spring, Veen has nine hits in 31 at-bats, a total that includes three doubles and two home runs.

Roki Sasaki, RHP, Dodgers: Once Sasaki signed with the Dodgers, he instantly vaulted into the No. 1 spot on BA’s Top 100 Prospects. As if his credentials weren’t established enough by his performances in Japan and the World Baseball Classic, his Cactus League outings have driven home the point. His latest sparkler came on Tuesday, when he stymied the Guardians for four one-hit shutout frames with two apiece of walks and strikeouts. Both of his Ks came on his world-famous splitter, as did the other two swings and misses he garnered. In two spring outings, Sasaki has spun seven innings, allowed three hits and struck out seven.

Matt Shaw, 3B, Cubs: At this point, it’s fairly clear that Shaw has the inside track for the Opening Day job at third base at Wrigley Field. The team announced on Tuesday that Shaw would be part of the group heading to Japan for its opening series against the Dodgers, a strong signal that his spot is secure. Of course, performing like he has in the Cactus League helps too. His latest exploits included redirecting a 93 mph pitch from Brewers top prospect Jacob Misiorowski up against the left-center field wall at Sloan Park for his first double of the spring. Overall, Shaw is 5-for-16 in the Cactus League just one strikeout.

Charlie Condon, OF, Rockies: Condon was lifted from the Rockies’ High-A spring training game Tuesday against the A’ s after attempting to make a diving catch on a line drive to left field. Condon appeared to roll his wrist underneath his body as he landed, and the 21-year-old was immediately removed from the game. Condon was Baseball America’s 2024 College Player of the Year and the third overall pick in last year’s draft. He slashed .180/.248/.270 with one home run in 25 games with High-A Spokane last summer, although Rockies GM Bill Schmidt said this winter Condon played through a thumb bruise. Condon was a non-roster spring training invitee but did not appear in any games. The Rockies said Condon’s removal was for precautionary reasons because it is early in spring training on the MiLB side.

Editor’s Picks

Rule 5 Impressions: Here’s how every Rule 5 pick has fared so far this spring, and which ones are most likely to stick with their new clubs. Read more…

Fantasy Chat: Geoff Pontes answered your questions yesterday following our new dynasty rankings. Read more…

Transfer Portal: In search of pitching, college programs are increasingly turning to the portal for hidden gems. Read more…

Baseball America Helium Pick Of The Day

Each day, we’ll pick a prospect that has our attention.

Emiliano Teodo, RHP, Rangers: Roughly halfway through spring training, Teodo is making a case for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Facing the Angels on Tuesday, Teodo spun a perfect inning with one strikeout. Through five outings this spring, Teodo has thrown 4.1 innings, allowed two hits, walked one and struck out six. The righthander’s career turned two summers ago when he switched from a four-seamer to a sinker without surrendering any velocity. Now, operating with the sinker and a slider, he has vexed hitters up and down the upper levels, including a standout appearance in last year’s Futures Game. If he keeps this up, he might return to Arlington for much more than a cameo.

Quick Hits

News and notes from around spring training…

• Jordan Lawlar doubled and sole a base yesterday

• Pirates OF Billy Cook went 2-for-2 with a home run as he attempts to make the team out of spring training

• Christian Moore remains in the mix for the Angels’ Opening Day roster

• Astros 3B prospect Cam Smith is easing into right field reps

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