In a delightful pregame ceremony at Nationals Park, a golden retriever named Bruce made his Major League Baseball debut as a bat dog for the Washington Nationals during their Pups in the Park event. Bruce, who had previously retrieved bats for the Rochester Red Wings, showcased his skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd, fetching a dropped bat from reliever Zach Brzykcy. Owner Josh Snyder expressed pride in Bruce's promotion, highlighting the dog's charming personality and the joy he brings to fans.

Bruce's arrival was met with excitement on social media, enhancing the Nationals' outreach and community connection. He won’t participate during actual game play, returning to his Triple-A duties after the event. Snyder noted that Bruce's presence and the event's purpose resonate with their mission to foster community togetherness.

The National League West remains a battleground as teams vie for roster spots ahead of the season. The Arizona Diamondbacks are focusing on center field, with Jake McCarthy edging out Alek Thomas based on their early performances. While McCarthy's speed has proven valuable, Thomas has yet to deliver consistent power. The fifth starter role sees Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson in contention, while Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk compete to become the closer after Paul Sewald's departure.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies are evaluating their right field options, with Hunter Goodman, Jordan Beck, and Zac Veen in the mix. Goodman’s dual role at catcher complicates things, and veterans may fill the gap if the youngsters don’t impress. Chase Dollander, the promising rookie, is expected to start in the minors due to spring struggles, while Seth Halvorsen appears to be the most viable closing option despite a historically tough environment for Rockies relievers. The Los Angeles Dodgers focus on second base and center field, with Tommy Edman likely starting regularly as the team assesses Hyeseong Kim's power revamp. Dustin May has secured the fifth starter role, but injury concerns loom for Tony Gonsolin.