The Tiger Beat: Eric Hosmer smells a cheat

But maybe it’s just the SPAM at Target Field.

Happy Home Opener Eve, friends! While the Tigers may be off tonight there are still some things going on in the baseball world to catch up on. Another contract extension (expect to see many more of those to come this month, especially as teams get a sense of how their season is going early on). Plus, how did Freddie Freeman hurt himself in the shower; who Eric Hosmer is calling a cheater; which team boasts the highest payroll (spoiler: it’s not the Dodgers); and have the Twins added SPAM to their ballpark menu?

Let’s just get into is and see what’s buzzing around baseball.

Detroit Tigers News:

• The Tigers suffered several hard losses against the Dodgers to start the season, but Roki Sasaki was emotional after his rough start in game two. However, Eric Hosmer took to X to imply that Sasaki was cheating (despite the fact that the umpires checked the pitcher’s hands after he left the mound and found no illegal substances).

• If you can’t get into Comerica Park for Opening Day but you’ll be in Detroit, the Freep has a list of parties and events happening around town to celebrate the home opener .
• How are the Tigers reacting to the new torpedo bats? It’s a mixed bag, with some being intrigued and others dismissing the phenomenon. Check out the full story here .
• Let’s get hyped about Casey Mize’s incredible start in Seattle .
• And on the topic of Mize, Cody Stavenhagen gets into more specifics about how Mize worked to regain his splitter and how it’s helping him come back strong . ($)

AL Central News:

• The Royals are being forced to find solutions early in the season after first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was benched due to a hamstring injury . He hasn’t yet been placed on the IL but it’s day-to-day.
• The Twins have found their local broadcast partner at last .
• The Twins unveiled new technology at the park, but more important, unveiled their new food offerings , including walleye tacos, pickle pizza from local joint Pizza Lucé (if you are ever in Minneapolis, you should absolutely go to Pizza Lucé), and a grilled SPAM sandwich. Intriguing choices!

MLB News:

• Some new extension news!

• While the Dodgers got a lot of attention for their offseason spending spree, it turns out the Mets actually have the highest payroll in baseball .
• Joon Lee, an incredible baseball writer, is back and sharing his opinions on the state of sports. (Also, what the heck to getting fired AND being forced to uphold a no-compete? Come on, ESPN.)

• Freddie Freeman explains just how he managed to injure himself in the shower.