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Monday, November 9, 2026Nov 9

LEADING OFF: Franco ready for April, Arrieta OK

Philadelphia Phillies' Maikel Franco, right, shakes hands with third base coach Juan Samuel after hitting a home run off Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marco Estrada during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 25, 2016, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Philadelphia Phillies' Maikel Franco, right, shakes hands with third base coach Juan Samuel after hitting a home run off Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marco Estrada during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 25, 2016, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Philadelphia Phillies' Maikel Franco, right, shakes hands with third base coach Juan Samuel after hitting a home run off Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marco Estrada during the third inning of a spring training baseball game Friday, March 25, 2016, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

A look at what’s happening all around spring training in Florida and Arizona today:

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READY FOR APRIL

Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco is clearly ready for opening day. The up-and-coming slugger hit his MLB-leading eighth homer Friday. “Hurry up and get to April,” joked Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson. “I don’t think he’ll stop, but we need to hurry up and get there.”

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