Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants third base Matt Chapman (26) takes infield practice during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images As the calendar turns to March, the Scottsdale Giants are well into their Cactus League slate.

On a sun-drenched morning early in camp, Hayden Birdsong stepped onto a bullpen mound at Scottsdale Stadium and found himself surrounded by the usual array of teammates, coaches, front office members and analysts.

In the bottom of the second inning with one runner on and two outs, Soto, facing Nationals pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara, took a curveball low and away for a ball. Then, perhaps expecting a fastball on the second pitch, Soto instead got a changeup in the zone and was a tad bit early on the swing, fouling the pitch off.

The San Francisco Giants and Athletics kick off spring training Saturday in Arizona ... Health Park near Sacramento on their way to a new home in Las Vegas. After showing some positive signs ...

The Giants signed the future Hall of Famer ... Astros and he said he "came in hot and heavy" at New York Mets camp in 2023. This spring, he has tried to be more laid back, helping where he can ...