The Latest Breaking News from Shohei Ohtani

Major league star Shohei Ohtani started his return trip to Japan with a bang, blasting a pair of three-run homers in consecutive at-bats for Japan in a warmup game for the upcoming World Baseball Classic against the Hanshin Tigers on Monday night at Kyocera Dome Osaka.

There is only one Shohei Ohtani when it comes to multiplicity of greatness, but what Betts is doing deserves its own measure of wonder.

MESA, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani knew coming into spring training that one of his biggest challenges would be the pitch clock.

PEORIA, Ariz. — Manny Machado wanted to remain in San Diego, and he wanted to remain on a winner.

LOS ANGELES — Manny Machado's locker in the San Diego Padres' spring training clubhouse is prime real estate: at the main entrance, next to the three-foot tall speaker pumping the music into the room. Friday morning, hours before their Cactus League opener, it was tuned to laidback oldies.

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Angels have another infielder looking for a comeback season.

TEMPE, Ariz. — Albert Pujols found himself in a familiar setting Tuesday, back at Angels spring training. Now happily retired from playing, Pujols, 43, is a special assistant to the club under his 10-year personal services contract.

Hang a gold star on the first four years of the 10-year contract between Manny Machado and the Padres.

Shohei Ohtani's agent, CAA's Nez Balelo, stopped by Angels spring training on Monday and chatted with general manager Perry Minasian as the first day of full squad workouts continued.