ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after their 11-5 win over the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on September 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves took on the Detroit Tigers today in North Port, FL. With it being a home game for the Braves we saw mostly starters in the lineup and the debut Reynaldo López after his long injury absence.
The game started off strong for the Braves both offensively and on the pitching side of things. It is important to note that the Tigers only had approximately three to four starting caliber players in their lineup, but López looked solid in his two innings of work.
López only saw eight batters. He was not perfect, but he got the job done. He surrendered a single in the first inning to Kevin McGonigle and in the second inning he walked Zach McKinstry in the second, but he also secured two strikeouts along the way. One thing to keep an eye on is that while he was pitching two stolen bases happened. Grant Holmes came in to take over and also pitched two innings. He saw the minimum number of batters with six. He did give up a walk, but the damage was mitigated by inducing a double play.
Joey Wentz came in to pitch the fifth and it did not start well. He walked the first two hitter and gave up a single right after that. Luckily for Wentz he got bailed out with an outfield assist on that single, but a run scored. Wentz then settled down for the most part for the rest of his two-inning outing. He ultimately had three strikeouts, one HBP, two walks, one single, and one ER.
Owen Murphy broke the trend of two-inning outings for Braves pitchers today and finished up the game for his third inning of work by pitching ninth. He held his own with one hit and four strikeouts. His only blemish was giving up a bases empty double. He also had an ABS win as a pitch was overturned for a strikeout.
The bats for the Braves started the game hot. They scored three runs in the first inning thanks to a single from Olson, Riley reaching on an error, Albies hitting a double to score two, and then Yastrzemski continuing his hot spring with a double of his own. It should also be noted that Acuña walked, but when he tried to steal third, he was thrown out. This could be a good sign that Acuña is being aggressive on the base paths after taking a step back the past few seasons due to injuries.
The offense was relatively quiet until the fifth, but new Braves addition Mauricio Dubón reached on a single and ultimately score when Matt Olson hit a two-run bomb to make the score 5-1 at that time.
After the fifth the Braves brought in most of their subs. Prized SS prospect John Gil did come in game as well, but he pinch hit for Profar in the seventh and walked and eventually scored. The subs did not slow down with the bats at all, ultimately scoring three runs after the fifth inning to total eight total runs for the Braves today.
The Braves will take on the Pirates tomorrow at the same time and same place where the Pirates will send their ace Paul Skenes against the Braves’ Bryce Elder who is fighting for a rotation spot.
If Konnor Griffin had any designs on quietly making the Pittsburgh Pirates' opening-day roster, they can be put to rest. Baseball's No. 1 prospect doesn't do much of anything quietly - and that includes his first two Grapefruit League home runs.
Griffin crushed a pair of balls up and over two levels of Monster seats at the Boston Red Sox's JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida, on Feb. 24, staining the exhibition debut of Boston free agent signee Ranger Suarez.
Suarez hung a breaking ball to Griffin in his second inning of work this spring. To his credit, the 19-year-old did not miss it, crushing it an estimated 374 feet down the left field line, a shot that might have gone out of all 30 major league parks.
There was little flukey about it, as Griffin proved in his next plate appearance, pounding an errant sweeper from Red Sox relief hopeful Vinny Nittoli over the portion of the spring Monster in left center field. He apparently broke Statcast on that shot - it finally caught up and measured the drive at 440 feet, 111.2 mph off the bat - but the sound of it told all the story.
At 6-4, 222 pounds, Griffin, the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, fits the mold of the modern shortstop with significant power. He still does not turn 20 until April 24.
Will Griffin be the Pirates' starting shortstop by then? A pair of February blasts in Fort Myers won't determine that. But as eye candy goes, it doesn't get much better.
Feb 17, 2026; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Latz during media day at Surprise Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
The Texas Rangers welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to Surprise for a lower-stakes rematch of the 2023 World Series.
LHP Jacob Latz begins his quest to earn a spot in the rotation with a start today for Texas opposite RHP Michael Soroka for Arizona.
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
RANGERS
Ketel Marte – 2B
Evan Carter – LF
Alek Thomas – CF
Wyatt Langford – CF
Carlos Santana – 1B
Corey Seager – SS
James McCann – C
Jake Burger – DH
LuJames Groover – DH
Joc Pederson – 1B
Jose Fernandez – 3B
Josh Jung – 3B
Jorge Barrosa – RF
Josh Smith – 2B
A.J. Vukovich – LF
Kyle Higashioka – C
Jacob Amaya – SS
Alejandro Osuna – RF
Michael Soroka – RHP
Jacob Latz – LHP
There doesn’t appear to be a radio feed for this one so you’ll have to follow along on Gameday. First pitch from Surprise Stadium is scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.
SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: A general view of the scoreboard of Surprise Stadium is seen prior to the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The D-backs haven’t had the best start to spring, winning just one of four games, and that victory coming by a single run in the opener. They’ve lost three in a row since, and have conceded an average of ten runs per game in that time. The offense has been doing a reasonable job, its .752 OPS sitting in the middle of the pack (13th across baseball). But the pitching has an ugly ERA, just shy of eight. However, it is fair to say that hardly any innings have been thrown by players whom we can confidently state will be on the Opening Day roster. Looking at our last projection, only two of the 35 IP (by Taylor Clarke and Kade Stroud) fall into that category, zero by starting pitchers. That’ll change today. Sort of.
Followed by some of: LHP Brandyn Garcia, RHP Andrew Hoffmann, LHP Philip Abner, RHP Isaiah Campbell, RHP John Curtiss, RHP Taylor Rashi, RHP Bryce Jarvis, RHP Jose Cabrera, RHP Zane Russell and LHP Carlos Rey. It’s the D-backs debut of Michael Soroka, who was originally signed to fill a gap in the rotation. However, the subsequent signings of Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen have moved him down the depth chart, to the point where his job is uncertain. Being paid $7.5 million means his roster spot won’t be in danger. But whether he’ll be a starter or a reliever is yet to be decided. Today marks the start of that process.
No broadcast available again today for this one, so follow along on Gameday.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Miguel Rojas #72 of the Los Angeles Dodgers gets ready to make a play against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Anthony Kay was drafted in 2016 by the Mets and was successful in the NPB, earning his return to the majors. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Lefthander Anthony Kay will be making his Spring Training debut with the Chicago White Sox as Tuesday’s starting pitcher as the South Siders face the 2025 AL West division champion Seattle Mariners. Kay was signed as a free agent by Chicago in early December, hoping to make a comeback in the majors after two years in the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball League and an underwhelming career in MLB from 2019 to 2023.
Kay spent time with the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays prior to finding himself with the Chicago Cubs, where he fluctuated between the minors and the big league club and appeared in only six games. His small sample size with the North Siders wasn’t bad — a 1.50 ERA in six innings with nine strikeouts — but he wasn’t able to find his footing in MLB. Kay spent the last two years working hard in Japan to refine his mechanics, adding a sinker to his pitch mix to adapt to Japanese batters and expand his arsenal, as reported by CBS Sports.
In 2024, Kay was solid in 24 games, posting a 3.28 ERA across 26 games (148 1/3 IP), and brought that down to a 1.74 ERA in 155 innings last season (24 games). Not only did he improve his ERA, but he remained consistent in strikeouts year over year, putting up 129 and 130, respectively, and also brought his WHIP down from 1.294 to a much more efficient 0.981. Walks were an issue for Kay in his previous MLB stint, but he brought that down from a 10-13% walk rate to 6.8% in 2025 with the Yokohama Bay Stars.
Kay joins fellow NPB star Munetaka Murakami as teammates this season, and the shared NPB experience could be helpful for the two to transition into MLB together.
Mune isn’t in the lineup today to get a breather, but so far, he has been solid in his first 10 at-bats (4-for-10) with two doubles, and it’s only Spring Training, and it’s the first week, but fans are so far liking what they are seeing.
Curtis Mead will be leading off and taking over first base for Murakami, while Edgar Quero will hold down the two-spot and complete the battery with Kay. Lenyn Sosa will flex into the three-hole to see how his strong performance at the plate last year will transfer into this season, especially with fewer defensive holes for him to fill. Sam Antonacci will make his third appearance of the spring and has been excellent thus far in his small sample size, batting .500 while competing for a spot on the team before he heads to compete for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
Here’s how the South Siders will round out the lineup:
George Kirby is supposed to make the start for the Mariners, his first in Spring Training this season. Kirby has a career MLB 3.58 ERA, all with Seattle since being drafted in 2019.
Today’s game is actually watchable! If you have MLB.TV, that is. You can tune into the Mariners TV or radio broadcast, or follow along on MLB Gameday at 2:10 p.m. CT.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) looks out to the field from the dugout during a Cactus League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mentally and physically embiggened by an off-day on Monday, the Cincinnati Reds return to the field on Tuesday still seeking their first victory in Cactus League play. So far, they’re 0-2 after dropping games to both the Cleveland Guardians and Seattle Mariners, and now their tour of American League squads sees them face off against the Kansas City Royals.
Andrew Abbott will toe the rubber for the first time this spring as the starter on the day, and there’s a chance we could see Brandon Williamson at some point today for the first time in over a year, too. Hat tip to Doug Gray of Redleg Nation for linking to the travel roster on the day, where Williamson is joined by both Pierce Johnson and Sam Moll as relievers eyeing Opening Day roster spots who will be available today.
Of note is that Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suarez are both back in the lineup today after playing in the Reds most recent game on Sunday. They’re joined by Matt McLain, too, who is hitting 2nd for the 2nd consecutive game in what’s pretty clearly a top of the order that manager Terry Francona desperately wants to make work despite it not being too conducive in 2025.
First pitch is set for 3:05 PM ET, though you’re sadly not going to be able to watch it anywhere lest you be sitting in the stands at Goodyear Ballpark.
Sep 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) reacts against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images | David Dermer-Imagn Images
Today, the Guardians put their perfect record on the line against the World Champs. Here’s the lineup:
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: César Salazar #18 of the Houston Astros catches during the eighth inning of a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 15, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Astros Don’t Have to Fix Backup Catcher First, But They Absolutely Have to Fix It
Houston Astros fans have spent the first stretch of spring training circling the obvious needs. A left-handed bat in the outfield. Another dependable arm for the rotation. Speculation around Isaac Paredes and potential roster reshuffling.
Those conversations are fair.
They’re also missing something.
The backup catcher position may not be the Astros’ most important hole, but it is an extremely necessary one to fill before this season begins.
And pretending otherwise is risky.
Victor Caratini Changed the Standard
What Victor Caratini did last season can’t be overstated.
He wasn’t supposed to be indispensable. He was signed to back up Yainer Diaz. That was the assignment.
Instead, he became a stabilizer.
When Diaz struggled behind the plate, Caratini steadied the pitching staff. When Diaz’s bat cooled or fatigue set in, Caratini stepped in. When first base became unsettled, he logged 15 games there. When a professional at-bat was needed late, he delivered.
By season’s end, he had appeared in 114 games, including 49 behind the plate. That’s not a luxury piece, that’s structural support that mattered.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth: he raised the expectations for what a backup catcher means in Houston.
This Isn’t About Blame, It’s About Reality
Caratini earned a bigger role as a starting catcher in Minnesota. You couldn’t afford what he was offered. You tip your cap and move on.
But moving on doesn’t mean ignoring the void, it means replacing him somehow, some way.
Right now, that void appears to be filled by Cesar Salazar. No disrespect, but there’s a difference between organizational depth and a proven, multi-role contributor capable of handling significant innings both offensively and defensively as needed.
And with the way this roster is constructed, that role matters.
Under manager Joe Espada, the backup catcher isn’t just a once-a-week starter. He’s:
A second pitching coach in gear
A defensive insurance policy
A lineup flexibility piece
A steady clubhouse presence
A 70–100 game contingency plan
That role may not headline talk radio or dominate social media threads, but over 162 games it absolutely impacts the win column.
Not the Biggest Hole, But a Necessary One
Let’s be clear: if you gave the front office one move to make tomorrow, it probably wouldn’t be a backup catcher.
The rotation depth might be more urgent. The lineup balance might be more visible. A left handed bat might be more necessary. General manager Dana Brown has a lot on his “to do” list and several holes to fill.
But baseball seasons are rarely undone by the obvious weaknesses. They’re often derailed by the “we’ll figure it out later” spots on the roster.
Backup catcher falls squarely into that category.
If Diaz misses time, or even just needs consistent rest to stay productive, the Astros cannot afford a dramatic drop-off defensively, offensively or in pitcher trust. This pitching staff, like most in baseball, thrives on familiarity and communication. That’s not something you casually replace.
Caratini wasn’t flashy. He was functional. Dependable. Adaptable. Available.
And that’s exactly why replacing him is extremely necessary.
Championship Teams Don’t Leave Necessary Holes Untouched
The Astros are still operating within a competitive window. That means margin matters.
This isn’t about panic. It’s about preparation.
There are veteran catchers available. There are options who may not replicate Caratini’s exact versatility but can at least approximate his reliability. The move doesn’t need to dominate headlines.
It just needs to happen.
Because while backup catcher may not be the most important hole on this roster, it is absolutely one that must be addressed before Opening Day.
Ignore it, and you’re gambling on health, stamina, and internal growth all breaking perfectly.
Address it, and you quietly reinforce the foundation of a team that still expects to contend.
The loud moves draw attention.
The necessary ones win divisions and factor into extended playoff runs.
Following three straight disappointing performances to open spring training, the Athletics will host the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon, each team looking for their first Cactus League victory.
Right-handed pitcher Mason Barnett will start today for the A’s. The A’s acquired Barnett from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for reliever Lucas Erceg at the 2024 MLB trade deadline. He spent most of last season pitching for the A’s Triple-A affiliate before getting promoted and starting five games for the A’s in September. Barnett struggled in his first MLB opportunity, going 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA over those five outings. With multiple pitchers seemingly ahead of him on the depth chart, it seems likely that Barnett starts 2026 in Triple-A as the next man up should one of the A’s pitchers get hurt. However, if Barnett pitches well this spring and others falter or suffer injuries, he could earn a spot on the A’s Opening Day roster.
After Barnett, relievers Hogan Harris, Justin Sterner, Eduarniel Nuñez and Scott Barlow are lined up to pitch for the first time this spring. Barlow, one of the A’s free agents signed this offseason, has the ability and experience to provide a major boost to the team’s bullpen, if he can limit the number of walks allowed.
With the A’s back at Hohokam Stadium, all of the regulars are in the team’s starting lineup. The top has a bit of a wrinkle as Shea Langeliers will bat first today instead of Nick Kurtz who moves down to the second spot in the order. Additionally, Darell Hernaiz gets the start at third base today after impressing yesterday with multiple hits.
This lineup could very well be how the A’s roll out Opening Day in Toronto, with the exception of Junior Perez who is the lone prospect in the starting nine. Perez is playing because Lawrence Butler is still rehabbing from offseason knee surgery and not ready for game action yet. Hopefully this lineup will score more than two runs and give the A’s a stronger chance to win.
Here’s how the Brewers will line up for their game today against the Athletics:
Not a lot of starters in the Brewers lineup today aside from Sal Frelick and Brice Turang at the top two spots. The rest of their lineup is a mix of backups and prospects. What do you expect to see from Barnett today? Do you think he will positively contribute to the A’s this season?
Who is ready for more spring baseball? Time to secure that first win. Let’s go A’s!
Feb 19, 2026; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby (68) spring training photo day in Peoria, AZ. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Mariners are hosting the South Side Sox in Peoria Sports Complex this afternoon, and giving George Kirby his first innings of work of 2026. Following yesterday’s 0-3 loss, the Mariners are sending out a suspiciously Major League-shaped lineup, with Michael Arroyo and Colt Emerson serving as the obligatory “guys who are just happy to be here.”
On the other side of things, the White Sox are sending Anthony Kay to the mound. Kay is a journeyman pitcher who spent two years across the Pacific in NPB. It’s his first start of the Spring as the former first round pick hopes to break his way back into stateside baseball.
Backing George up for the Mariners are Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Troy Taylor, Blas Castaño, Alex Hoppe, and Nick Davila. For those keeping score at home that means three (3) Michaels are likely to appear for the Mariners. I wonder what the record is.
Today’s game is one of the blessedly televised games over on the new Mariners TV service with good ol’ Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr. on the call. I’m still not over the fact that baseball is back. It’s been a long winter without hearing those two’s dulcet tones.
First Pitch: 12:10 pm PT
Watch: Mariners.TV or on Mariners.com
Listen: Seattle Sports 710AM (sadly delayed until 7 pm PT, with live listen available via Gameday. Though I suppose you could watch the game now at work — I won’t tell — and then go home and listen with your family, impressing them with your incredible predictions. A kind of low-stakes Back to the Future Part Two.)
As a reminder, we’re hoping to build our community before Opening Day for what promises to be an exciting 2026 season and we’d love to have you with us. If you haven’t yet, sign up (it makes the site function much better for you, as a bonus) and jump on in to the conversation! This is especially helpful on radio-only games to keep the conversation flowing. And don’t worry about making a mistake – it’s spring training for all of us.
Peoria, Ariz. - February 14: Garrett Hawkins #59 of the San Diego Padres pitches during spring training workouts at the Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 in Peoria, Ariz. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs, February 24, 2026, 12:05 p.m. PST
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GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 10: Chase Dollander #32 of the Colorado Rockies shakes hands with catcher Braxton Fulford #37 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 10, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies are now 2-2 in spring training games after winning yesterday against the Chicago White Sox on a Zac Veen monster walk-off home run.
This afternoon, they will look to see how they fare against the visiting Los Angeles Angels (1-2)
Starting for the Angels is Jack Kochanowicz.
The righty finished 2025 with a 6.81 ERA ERA in 111.0 IP.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 1: Ken Griffey Jr. 24 of the Seattle Mariners bats during a baseball game against the New York Yankees on August 1, 1996 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There is an artistry in sports. The physics-defying Michael Jordan hanging in the air in the NBA. The dizzying jukes of Barry Sanders weaving through defenders in the NFL. The graceful moves of Wayne Gretzky on a breakaway.
There are a lot of beautiful things about baseball, but one of the most aesthetically pleasing things to watch is a beautiful swing. I love a swing that looks effortless, yet generates tremendous power. And why is it always a left-handed hitter that looks so graceful?
Some of the best swings I ever saw include Will Clark, Don Mattingly, Tony Gwynn, and Rafael Palmeiro. From the right-side, I’ll give a lot of credit to the devastating power of Albert Pujols and Manny Ramirez. I always loved watching Ichiro hit. And while I saw him when he was in his later years, you can’t talk about sweet swings without talking about Royals Hall of Famer George Brett.
But the best swing I ever saw was The Kid, Ken Griffey Jr. We all mimicked him in our cul-de-sac – even though we were right-handers. One quick swoop, an effortless cut, and the ball was gone.
So who gets your vote? Was it a smooth lefty like Griffey? A picture-perfect technician like George Brett? Or someone more recent whose swing just looks right every time they step in the box? What’s the sweetest swing you ever saw?
CORAL GABLES, FL - MAY 02: NC State outfielder Ty Head (14) runs to third base in the fifth inning as the Miami Hurricanes faced the NC State Wolfpack on May 2, 2025, at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s a busy week over at Doak Field as NC State (5-1) continues on as part of an 18-game homestand, welcoming the Richmond Spiders (5-3, RPI #242) on Tuesday at 3:00pm and the Akron Zips (3-4, RPI #304) on Wednesday at 3:00pm.
Six games into the year and the Wolfpack’s pitching has been impressive. JR RHP Heath Andrews was scheduled to start the year as State’s Sunday starter, but a weather cancelled season debut pushed him to start last week’s midweek win over Winthrop. His struggles in that outing coupled with JR LHP Cooper Consiglio’s excellent start in the series finale this past weekend against Princeton will keep Andrews (0-0, 8.10 ERA, 3.1 IP, 10.5 BB%, 10.5 K%) in that midweek role for the time being as he’ll get the start against the Spiders.
There is no announced starting pitcher for NC State’s game against Akron.
Half of Richmond’s games this year have been decided by two or fewer runs. After a season-opening home series win against Monmouth, the Spiders were stomped by UNC 10-0 last Tuesday, captured a 9-5 home win against James Madison on Wednesday, and then took two-of-three at home against Penn State this past weekend. Time will tell if that series win over the Nittany Lions is impressive or not; Penn State was projected to finish 5th in the 17-team Big Ten, but they also were destroyed by Air Force (3-15 loss) and Kansas State (5-24 loss) in Arizona to start the year.
The Spiders are hitting .256/.371/.397, 13 2B, 6 HR, 10.8 BB%, 22.0 K%, 11-19 SB on the year. Those stolen bases numbers tell you exactly how Mik Aoki wants his team to play: aggressively. That’s a bit of a new mentality, as the 2025 Richmond team only had 79 stolen bases combined (on 100 attempts), with 36 of those coming from a single player (Aaron Whitley) who has since graduated. That makes sense as this is a rebuilt lineup that lost 7 of their 8 regulars from last year. D3 transfer SR C Dylan Winebrenner (.433/.485/.933, 1 2B, 4 HR, 0.0 BB%, 6.1 K%, 1-4 SB) from Salisbury University is off to a fantastic start. He’s a big 6’4, 230 right-handed hitter with the requisites to be a power hitter, although he only had 16 career home runs heading into this year. SR C/2B Michael Elko (.259/.364/.333, 2 2B, 0 HR, 6.1 BB%, 18.2 K%, 0-2 SB), son of Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko, is the top returning hitter from last year’s 33-19, RPI #140 squad.
On the mound, Saturday starter SO LHP Joey Giordano (2-0, 3.48 ERA, 10.1 IP, 9..5 BB%, 26.2 K%) has been a nice surprise. He had Tommy John Surgery as a senior in high school and wasn’t available until late last year, but showed promise in that brief showing (2-0, 3.78 ERA, 16.2 IP, 12.0 BB%, 17.3 K%), so him taking another step forward would be a very welcomed development for a Spiders staff that has a decent amount of returning experience, but is light on sure things. JR RHP Jackson Hinchliffe (1-0, 3.86 ERA, 7.0 IP, 3.1 BB%, 12.5 K%) will get the start on the mound against NC State. He started 12 games last year and did throw well against JMU last week in earning the win on a pitch count. He’s a contact oriented pitcher featuring a low-90’s four-seam fastball and high-80’s sinker, with a change-up, cutter, and a slurve to mix in.
The bullpen is going to be a work in progress throughout the year as four of their five top relievers are gone. Six-foot-seven grad transfer rSR RHP Justin Gay (0-1, 2 SV, 1.50 ERA, 6.0 IP, 0.0 BB%, 31.8 K%), a former JUCO player who spent the last two years at Florida Atlantic (although he didn’t pitch in 2025) is off to a strong start. Rice transfer rSR RHP Mauricio Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 3.0 IP, 26.7 BB%, 20.2 K%) is coming off an injury that cost him all of 2025; he could be a big piece to this bullpen if he can pound the zone and continue to miss bats like he did his last year at Rice (1-1, 8.07 ERA, 35.2 IP, 7.1 BB%, 29.5 K%).
Akron has a game at Western Carolina in Cullowhee on Tuesday afternoon, but enters today with a 3-4 record. Oddly, their losses have come via a pair of 6-8 defeats and a pair of 8-16 defeats. Weird. The Zips gave up multi-run late leads in both of those 6-8 losses (both to Presbyterian) and almost allowed another late lead to vanish in their third game against the Blue Hose, so it’s worth noting that the bullpen may be an issue.
That’s not a huge shock as five of the top six pitchers by innings pitched from 2025 are gone. Control has been a big issue for the pitching staff with a collective line entering Tuesday of 3-4, 1 SV, 6.87 ERA, 15.1 BB%, 18.7 K% and has given up 10 home runs. That 1.24 K/BB ratio isn’t a recipe for success.
The lineup is what Akron will have to ride to any success this season, and collectively they’re batting .266/.381/.437, 16 2B, 7 HR, 13.9 BB%, 22.9 K%, 25-26 SB. That strikeout rate is alarming given their level of competition, but those stolen base number is scary, especially when you realize that seven players have multiple stolen bags on the year. It’s also an experienced group, which will help. The lineup is incredibly top heavy with rJR 3B Brennan Morgan (.500/.625/.667, 4 2B, 0 HR, 18.8 BB%, 3.1 K%, 0-0 SB), rSO RF Brody Chrisman (.357/.387/.786, 3 2B, 3 HR, 6.5 BB%, 16.1 K%, 4-4 SB), SR CF Kelton Phillips (.345/.412/.379, 1 2B, 0 HR, 8.8 BB%, 20.6 K%, 7-8 SB), rSO DH Blake Bowen (.273/.515/.455, 1 2B, 1 HR, 33.3 BB%, 27.3 K%, 2-2 SB), SR 2B Henry Hayman (.316/.364/.632, 3 2B, 1 HR, 9.1 BB%, 18.2 K%, 0-0 SB), and rSR 1B Easton Amundson (.227/.419/.636, 1 2B, 2 HR, 19.4 BB%, 25.8 K%, 2-2 SB) basically being the entire offense. Getting production from the remaining one-third of the lineup will be crucial to creating big innings, which will be necessary to success given the pitching staff.
