Mariners prospect Cole Phillips, acquired in a trade with the Braves, recently underwent a second Tommy John surgery and is expected to be sidelined for the entirety of the 2024 season and part of the 2025 season. In other baseball news, the Phillies have signed infielder Whit Merrifield to a one-year deal, while former Mariner All-Star Dan Vogelbach has joined the Blue Jays on a minor league contract. Rangers third baseman Josh Jung experienced left calf discomfort during a workout session. The City of Oakland is being considered for a new MLB expansion franchise despite ongoing drama. Xander Bogaerts, one year into his 11-year contract, is set to transition to second base. Additionally, ECU sophomore Parker Byrd made his collegiate debut after a boating accident resulted in the amputation of his right leg in 2022.