MLB in brief: Teoscar Hernandez loses in arbitration | Luis Severino is ready

If not for Carlos Correa’s medical concerns, Eduardo Escobar would likely be playing elsewhere in 2023.

IF…

Instead, Escobar is smiling as he walks into Mets spring training.

“Man, I am just so happy to be here.”https://t.co/bGlbBjOEFh

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) February 18, 2023

Carlos Correa is (somehow) back at Twins spring training, and he’s challenged Minnesota teammates to stay as healthy as possible.

“It’s all going to depend on, like I said, how much the guys inside that clubhouse want it.”https://t.co/sDkynLy7m5

— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) February 18, 2023

Just watched the Dustin Pedroia press conference. I love that he still says “we” when he talks about the Red Sox

— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) February 18, 2023

Worth watching later in camp: Addison Barger, one of the #BlueJays‘ top prospects, is expected to play some outfield.

Barger has a massive arm on the infield, which should translate. There’s some very attractive super-utility upside there.

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 18, 2023

Martín Maldonado on the Astros’ public pursuit of Willson Contreras: “It’s something, for me, that motivates me moving forward.”

Maldonado said he would “probably not” have accepted a backup role in Houston had the club signed a new catcher this winter – https://t.co/2aRdhRT3pc

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) February 18, 2023