Drake Maye sports Dodgers jersey at WBC in Tokyo with wife Ann Michael

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Drake Maye Ann Michael WBC Japan, Image 2 shows Shohei Ohtani World Baseball Classic home run, Image 3 shows Ann Michael Maye Boston Red Sox
New England was in the house for Saturday's World Baseball Classic showdown in Japan -- or was it?

New England was in the house for Saturday’s World Baseball Classic showdown in Japan — or was it?

Patriots star Drake Maye and wife Ann Michael stopped by the Tokyo Dome for Japan’s 8–6 WBC group stage victory over Korea, and the NFL MVP runner-up drew criticism for his ballpark attire. 

MLB posted a photo of the “New England royalty” on the field, though Boston fans were quick to spot Maye wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey — presumably with Shohei Ohtani’s No. 17 on the back — despite having no direct affiliation with the team.

Drake Maye and wife Ann Michael attended a WBC game in Japan. X / @MLB

“Gotta get that man a new jersey!” one user commented under MLB’s post on X.

“New England royalty wearing a Dodgers jersey,” another user added, punctuating their message with a crying emoji.

And finally: “Dude. Drake man. NEVER wear a Dodger jersey again. It’s Redsox only bro”

Shohei Ohtani hits a home run against Korea in the World Baseball Classic. Getty Images

The couple witnessed another signature performance from the global superstar, who went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and launched a game-tying solo home run in the third inning — kick-starting a three-homer frame for Japan.

Following Seiya Suzuki’s second round-tripper of the game, Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida punctuated the surge with a no-doubt blast to right field, sending the hometown crowd into bedlam. 

Ann Michael Maye sports a Boston Red Sox hat during the couple’s trip to Japan. Instagram / @annmichaelhmaye

While Maye didn’t rep Boston’s signature red and navy at the stadium, Ann Michael made sure to pack a Red Sox ball cap for the couple’s offseason trip to Japan, sporting one on her Instagram story.

An added incentive in visiting the Land of the Cherry Blossoms is that Maye’s brother, Luke Maye, plays forward for the Kobe Storks of the Japan Professional Basketball League. 

Perhaps Maye was just supporting MLB’s most popular team in Japan — but he might need to update his wardrobe when he returns to New England.

Ryan Weathers’ stormy second spring start for Yankees sparks Mets win

PORT SAINT LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 8: Ryan Weathers #40 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning during the game against the New York Mets during a Spring Training game at Clover Park on March 8, 2026 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Getty Images) | Getty Images

More than the vast majority of spring training games, this matchup between the Yankees and Mets was all about the starting pitchers. While both of them disappointed on their own levels, Ryan Weathers’ disastrous outing proved pivotal in the Yankees’ 10-4 loss against an underwhelming Freddy Peralta.

It might have read 82 degrees and sunny on the forecast, but Weathers called for heavy clouds as the Mets did a number on the high expectations he provided the Bombers in his first start this spring. Starting off the game in the best possible way—punching out Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco on his way to a 1-2-3 first—Weathers’ outing took a turn for the worse in the second inning. Despite not allowing a single extra-base hit, the southpaw coughed up three runs courtesy of one too many walks for a pitcher who was unable to find the zone the whole game.

With four of the first five hitters reaching base in the second inning, Weathers was relieved to keep him from laboring too much in a single frame, but that didn’t mean the outing was over. Chris Veach bailed out Weathers from a bigger blowup in the second by retiring Polanco and Semien, but the Yankee starter was determined to concede more runs, which is what he did coming out for the third under the spring re-entry rules. Perhaps slightly unsettled by a fielding error from Zach Short—that allowed Bo Bichette to reach base to start the third—Weathers quickly thereafter conceded back-to-back doubles on his way to allowing five earned runs, unable to get out of the third.

The left-hander hit the strike zone in only 35 percent of his four-seamers, and the sinker that he was able to locate more consistently got pummeled in the zone, responsible for four of the seven hits he allowed. The lack of success with either of his fastballs didn’t give much of a chance for that sweeper and changeup to succeed. Opposing hitters didn’t register a whiff in any of their seven swings against Weathers’ changeup. Let’s get back to his fastball for a second, though. Weathers, who was sitting at 98.7 mph on the heater in the first, saw that velocity drop by over a mile and a half in the third, failing to record a single out on the frame.

When Weathers left the mound for the final time, the Yankees had already squandered a two-run first-inning lead that had come courtesy of the prospects at the top of the order and Seth Brown. The veteran lefty hitter drove in Spencer Jones, who stole his third base this spring, yet to be caught on the basepaths. Brown was the Yankees’ most productive hitter on the day, recording two of the team’s six hits.

Once all the starters had left, the Mets added three insurance runs against Dom Hamel, securing a safer 10-4 lead. Much like in the third inning, an error at second base contributed to the scoring, this time done by Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek.

It wasn’t all clouds on this day, however. Jasson Domínguez shined with a two-run single and perhaps more importantly, showed off some improved left-field defense.

Outfield defense was on display all around for the Yankees, as Jones made a nice diving catch in center at one point and Duke Ellis robbed a homer.

Much like today, the focal point of Monday’s game will be the Yankees’ starting pitcher. For the first time this spring training, left-hander Max Fried takes the mound for a start as the Yanks see a familiar foe with an unfamiliar uniform. Now a Pirate, José Urquidy will start for Pittsburgh against New York on George Steinbrenner Field—first pitch is at 6:35 PM ET.

Box score

Cardinals re-sign Chad Ryland, Blake Gillikin

The Cardinals' offseason coaching change won't lead to a major change to their kicking game.

Mike Garafalo of NFL Media reports that the Cardinals have reached agreementon new deals for kicker Chad Ryland and punter Blake Gillikin. Both players are signing one-year deals to remain in Arizona.

Ryland was 25-of-33 on field goals and 36-of-36 on extra points in his second season with the Cardinals. Ryland entered the league as a 2023 Patriots fourth-round pick.

Gillikin punted in the first five games of the 2025 season, but missed the rest of the year with a back injury. He has spent the last three seasons with the Cardinals and began his career with the Saints.

Quick Recap: Two Spring Wins

Mar 8, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger (47) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Two games, two wins.

Blue Jays 1 Orioles 0

Cody Ponce had a nice time against the Orioles today. He threw 3 no-hit innings, no walks with 1 strikeout. I was impressed.

Other pitchers:

  • Mason Fluharty: 1.2 innings, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts. 2.45 ERA this spring.
  • Braydon Fisher: 1.1 innings, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts. 2.70.
  • Michael Plassmeyer: 1 inning, 2 hits. 3.60.
  • Javen Coleman: 1 inning, 1 walk, 1 k. 0.00.
  • Hayden Juenger: 1 inning, 1 hit, 1 k. 0.00.

Hitters, starters:

  • Myles Straw: 1 for 3. .200 on the spring.
  • Jesús Sánchez: 1 for 3, RBI, K. .240.
  • Eloy Jiménez: 0 for 2, walk. .321. After a hot start he’s cooled off some.
  • Brendan Valenzuela: 0 for 3. .333.
  • Yohendrick Pinango: 0 for 3. .100.
  • Charles McAdoo: 0 for 3. .273.
  • Rafael Lantigua:1 for 2, walk. .526.
  • Arjun Nimmala: 2 for 2, walk, run. . 250.
  • Riley Tirotta: 0 for 2, walk, k. .150.

Others:

  • Braden Barry: 0 for 2. .000.
  • J.R. Freethy: 0 for 2, k. .000.
  • Carlos Mendoza: 0 for 1. .429.
  • Geovanny Planchart: Walk.
  • Eddy Micheletti, Jr.: 0 for 1, k. .429.
  • Tucker Toman: 0 for 1, k. .250.
  • Maddox Latta: 0 for 1, k. .000.
  • Jay Harry: 1 for 1. .250.
  • Carter Cunningham: 0 for 1, k. .000.

Tigers 0 Blue Jays 5

Kevin Gausman looked good too. 3.1 innings, 3 hits and 3 strikeouts.

  • Angel Bastardo: 1.2, 1 hit, 2 walks. 0.00.
  • Tyler Rogers: 1 inning, 1 hit. 4.50.
  • Jesse Hahn: 1 inning, 1 k. 12.00.
  • Spencer Miles: 1 inning, 2 hits, 3 k. 3.60.
  • Tanner Andrews: 1 inning, 1 k. .0.00.

Hitters, Starters:

  • George Springer: 0 for 3, walk, k. .333.
  • Nathan Lukes: 1 for 2, walk. .211.
  • Davis Schneider: 0 for 3. .053. I’m not going to get too concerned, he didn’t hit last spring either (but they didn’t have him on the opening day roster).
  • Daulton Varsho: 0 for 2. .409.
  • Addison Barger: 2 for 3, home run, 3 RBI. .273. The homer and the single were against lefties.
  • Tyler Heineman: 1 for 2, RBI, k. .273. He was also picked off first.
  • Jonahan Clase: 1 for 2, walk. .294.
  • Josh Kasevich: 1 for 3, double, 1 RBI. . 381. It hit high off the wall.
  • Sean Keys: 0 for 2, walk. .190.

Others:

  • Jace Bohrofen: 0 for 1. .000.
  • Josh Rivera: 1 for 1. .231.
  • Jake Casey: Walk. (Sean Casey’s son).
  • Cade Doughty: 0 for 1. .000.
  • Robert Brooks: 0 for 2, 2 k. .286.
  • Je’Von Ward: 0 for 1. .333. He made an error in left. It looked like he was going to try for a diving catch, changed his mind and then had the ball go off his glove.
  • Nick Goodwin: 0 for 1, k. .333.

The Jays are now 5-8-2. The Jays have tomorrow off. Tuesday they host the Braves. Dylan Cease starts.

Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing impress in Mets' win over Yankees

The Mets defeated the Yankees by a score of 10-4 on Sunday afternoon.

Here are the key takeaways...

-- Freddy Peralta had a tough first inning in his second spring outing. After recording the first two outs, a George Lombard Jr. triple off the wall in left (just out of A.J. Ewing's reach) turned into a two-run rally for the Yankees, with Spencer Jones lining an RBI single, stealing second, and scoring on a Seth Brown single. 

But after a 21-pitch first inning, Peralta settled in very nicely, striking out four straight hitters between a pair of 1-2-3 frames in the second and third. Peralta went 3.0 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits with four punchouts and a walk.

--Carson Benge and Ewing, two exciting young outfield prospects, played a key role in a three-run second inning for the Mets. After Benge drove in a run with a single off of second baseman Zack Short, Ewing delivered a two-run single through the left side, scoring Tyrone Taylor and Benge to put the Mets up 3-2.

Benge started in center and ended 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while Ewing went 1-for-3 with a pair of RBI.

-- It was a tough go for Yankees lefty Ryan Weathers. After a 1-2-3 first, Weathers was hit hard constantly from that point forward. He ended up allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits, walking two and striking out three. He threw 59 pitches, with 37 for strikes.

-- Jasson Dominguez had an up-and-down day. After taking a curious route to a ball in the outfield that went for a Taylor double, Dominguez came up clutch at the plate with a two-run single off Carl Edwards Jr. in the fourth. 

Dominguez went 1-for-4 on the afternoon.

-- Brett Baty continued his very impressive spring. The left-handed hitter socked an RBI double to left-center om the third. Not only did it score a run, but a great sign was that it came off of Weathers, a hard-throwing lefty. Baty reached base twice on the day and has a 1.255 OPS.

-- Right-handed pitching prospect Jonathan Pintaro had a strong showing on the mound, going 2.1 innings while allowing three hits. He ran out of gas a bit in the ninth inning, but still looked the part as a potential multi-inning reliever for the Mets.

Highlights

Upcoming Schedule

The Mets host the Marlins on Monday night at 6:10 p.m.

The Yankees host the Pirates on Monday at 6:35 p.m.

Grapefruit Juice: Mets 10, Yankees 4

PORT SAINT LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 8: Francisco Alvarez #4 of the New York Mets singles in the second inning against the New York Yankees during a Spring Training game at Clover Park on March 8, 2026 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mets defeated the Yankees today in Port St. Lucie by a score of 10-4. With a victory both today and on February 22, the Mets have swept the all-important Grapefruit League Subway Series. Look for celebratory merch ASAP.

  • Freddy Peralta struck out the first two batters to face him, but an outfield miscue by AJ. Ewing led to a triple by George Lombard Jr., who promptly singled Lombard in, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead. Jones then stole second and scored on a Spencer Jones single.
  • Peralta settled in, not allowing a baserunner in his second or third inning. Overall, Peralta gave up three hits, two runs, and one walk with four strikeouts.
  • Francisco Alvarez led off the second with a single, and was pushed to second base by a Tyrone Taylor walk. Carson Benge then singled in Alvarez, putting the Mets on the board. A Vidal Bruján walk loaded the bases for Ewing, who redeemed himself after his first inning snafu by driving in Taylor and Benge and giving the Mets a lead they would not relinquish.
  • In the third, the Mets added another pair of runs on doubles by Brett Baty and Taylor and then Bruján singled in Taylor to put the Mets up 6-3.
  • Carl Edwards Jr. pitched the fourth for the Mets and got himself into trouble early, allowing a Seth Brown single to start the frame and loading the bases on two walks before allowing a Jasson Domínguez single to bring in two and make it a 6-4 game.
  • Tyrone Taylor continued to have himself a day, driving in another run on a sac fly in the fourth.
  • Christian Arroyo, Ji Hwan Bae and Jose Rojas all drove in runs in the seventh to give the Mets a 10-4 lead.
  • Brett Banks got one out for the Mets, and Jonathan Pintaro pitched two and a third scoreless innings before being pulled in the top of the ninth after fatigue set in and he loaded the bases. Aaron Rozek threw one pitch for a ground ball double play to end the game.

The Mets are back on SNY tomorrow evening against the Marlins.

Colorado Rockies spring training game no. 17 thread: Joey Cantillo vs. Eiberson Castellano

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: Eiberson Castellano #68 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 27, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After beating the Dodgers last night 6-4 at Camelback Ranch, the Rockies will look to take the momentum back home to Salt River Fields this afternoon.

RHP Eiberson Castellano (0-0, 2.25 ERA) makes his first Cactus League start this afternoon after making two other relief appearances. In total, Castellano has thrown four innings and allowed one run on six hits with one hit batter, one walk and four strikeouts. He was signed by the Rockies as a minor league free agent after spending six seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies’ system, where he won their Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2024, and one with the Minnesota Twins after being selected by them in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. Castellano was returned to the Phillies in March, and represented the organization in the Arizona Fall League before electing free agency.

“We think very highly of Mr. Castellano,” manager Warren Schaeffer said before the game. “[He’s got a] big arm, big body, attacks the strike zone, good breaking ball… there’s a lot to like. It’s just a matter of getting to see him more often.

“We like a lot about him,” he continued. “Just those things alone make him a viable candidate. It’s a long season, but he’s a guy that can absolutely build up to be a starter. I think anything’s possible for him.”

In his last outing, Castellano threw two innings against the San Diego Padres and allowed two hits with one hit batter, one walk and two strikeouts.

The right-hander will face Guardians’ left-hander Joey Cantillo (0-1, 11.12 ERA). Cantillo is making his third start of spring training, and has given up nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits with two home runs, three walks and five strikeouts. Cantillo was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 16th round of the 2017 draft out of Kailua High School in Kailua, HI. He was traded to Cleveland in 2020 alongside Austin Hedges, Cal Quantrill, Josh Naylor, Gabriel Arias and Owen Miller in exchange for Mike Clevinger and Greg Allen. In his last outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cantillo pitched three innings and allowed three runs on two hits (including a two-run homer) with two walks and two strikeouts.

First Pitch: 2:10 p.m. MT

TV: Rockies.tv

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Lineups:


Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Bryce Elder gets shelled in Braves spring training slugfest vs. Rays

Feb 25, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder (55) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Bryce Elder had a rough one on the mound at Charlotte Sports Park against the Rays, as he ended up conceding more runs than innings pitched in what turned out to be a battle of the bats between the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay in spring training action.

It was clear from the jump that this was probably going to be a shaky outing for Elder in today’s contest. Despite being given a four-run lead to play with, that ended up not mattering much as Elder was all over the place (and not in a good way, this time). He dealt with two men on base before recording an out (with the second runner reaching via hit-by-pitch) and then a wild pitch moved both of those runners into scoring position. Elder eventually got out of the inning by only giving up a single run thanks to a couple of ground balls that he induced but he also sandwiched in a walk in between the fielder’s choice RBI for Ben Williamson and the double play that ended the inning.

It was clear that Elder was going to have to step things up after his rough first inning but the results didn’t go his way in that regard. Jonny DeLuca led off the second inning with a double and made it home on another fielder’s choice RBI that cleared the bases. The bases were soon busy again, as Elder ended up surrendering a walk, a single and then an RBI single that made it a 5-3 game at that point. Elder then ended up getting pulled for the remainder of the inning in favor of Darius Vines, who promptly gave up a three-run shot to Ben Williamson to put five runs on Elder’s line and give the Rays the lead in this one. Vines followed that up by giving up a double and a walk immediately afterwards, so this was clearly just a rough day for Atlanta’s pitchers — and it was only going to get rougher.

Elder ended his day on a high note by re-entering the contest during the third inning and only surrendering another walk while getting through his only scoreless inning of the day. With that being said, a line of 3.1 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 2 K and 5 R certainly isn’t encouraging. Now granted, the wind was blowing out towards the fences in this one so it wasn’t like Elder was the only one struggling with that but also, Elder was the only pitcher who walked more than one batter in this one. It was definitely a frustrating day on the mound for Elder in this one and that was only compounded due to something happening soon afterwards that was completely out of his control.

Joey Wentz entered the game in the bottom of the fifth inning looking to continue to bolster his case for a spot in the starting rotation. However, he suffered a setback in this frame that might leave him out for a little bit of time. Wentz started off this frame by giving up a leadoff double and he was an out away from getting out of things unscathed. Unfortunately, he not only ended up giving up a run while trying to field a bunt but he also hurt himself while trying to cover first base in the process.

Wentz stayed on the ground for a while in plenty of pain but he eventually stood up under his own power. He did take a cart ride to the clubhouse but according to reports from Braves beat writer Mark Bowman of MLB.com, there’s reason to believe that this was simply a precautionary measure since Wentz was seen walking around the clubhouse after his outing. Either way, a starting pitcher going down (no matter how far up or down that pitcher is on the depth chart) is the absolute last thing that the Braves want to see at this point and here’s hoping that there is, in fact, nothing serious when it comes to Wentz’s injury. His injury (alongside two late runs given up by Tyler LaPorte) was the capper on a rough day for Braves pitching.

Fortunately for the Braves, this didn’t stop them from continuing to rake at the plate. As I mentioned earlier, the Braves scored four runs in the first inning as seven of Atlanta’s starting nine took plate appearances in the first inning alone. Luke Williams and Dominic Smith both picked up singles to start things off, Jorge Mateo plated the first run of the game on a sacrifice fly and then Ben Gamel added another homer to his spring tally to make it 3-0 Braves. Kyle Farmer liked what Ben Gamel did so much that he crushed a homer of his own immediately afterwards, giving the Braves their third separate instance of back-to-back home runs so far this spring. Boom!

Luke Williams added a homer of his own in the second inning but things quieted down in the middle portion of this game considerably following two loud innings to start this game for the Braves. Once the seventh inning rolled around, Dominic Smith collected his second hit of the game in order to plate José Azocar on an RBI single and then Jair Camargo smacked a two-run dinger of his own to make it four big flies on the day for the Braves. They may have dropped the game but it was still nice to see the Braves continue to send the ball flying all over the diamond in yet another game.

So to sum things up, today was a mixed bag in terms of what was on display during the game. It was definitely nice to see the Braves continue to mash at the plate but it that was a double-edged sword as the conditions did contribute to Atlanta’s pitching staff struggling to contain the Rays’ bats as well. It was a rough day in particular for two pitchers who are the most-likely hurlers in this contest to be contributing to big league games once the regular season starts later this month. Elder had issues with location and command and Wentz suffered an apparent injury. You always have your peaks-and-valleys in spring training and today was certainly a valley in many ways.

Mets' Freddy Peralta building rapport with Francisco Alvarez, with Sunday's in-game adjustment a prime example

Mets ace Freddy Peralta made his second start of spring training on Sunday afternoon against the Yankees, and although he got off to a rocky beginning, he settled in thanks to a savvy in-game adjustment. 

After recording the first two outs in the first inning, Peralta allowed a triple, single, stolen base, and single, as the Yankees jumped out to a 2-0 lead. 

But Peralta noticed the Yankees were sitting on his fastball early, so a dugout chat with catcher Francisco Alvarez resulted in more changeups and breaking balls in the second and third innings.

All Peralta did from there was strike out four straight hitters over those next two innings, finishing his day with two earned runs allowed over 3.0 solid innings of work.

“After the first inning, me and Alvy, we had a conversation and we decided it was the right way to do it, because we saw that they were swinging a little, like trying to hunt the fastball early, and we tried to miss a little bit more,” Peralta said after his outing. 

“It’s kind of good to have some traffic, because it’s going to happen during the season. And I was able to come out without much damage,” Peralta added later. “I only threw like 45 pitches, and I went to the bullpen and I finished there.”

The connection between ace and starting catcher is obviously a pivotal one for any team, and while Peralta may be new to the Mets, he and Alvarez have already established a strong relationship, thanks in part to talks that happened prior to either's arrival in Port St. Lucie.

“I think it’s going really well,” Peralta said of working with Alvarez. “I had conversations with him even before I got here to spring training, and back then I knew that it was going to be really good because he’s very interested in making you do well – for himself, for the team, for everything. He showed me that he wants to win, that he cares about it.”

Manager Carlos Mendoza agreed that the duo are "in a good place," saying he's seen it from when pitchers and catchers first reported to camp.

"He was throwing bullpens and Alvy was catching them. Just kind of getting to know some of the targets that he likes, some of the things that he likes to do with the baseball as far as the changeup, the breaking ball, the fastball, whether it's lefties or righties. So that started [on] day one of camp. Now that we see them in games, the way they're talking about the games in between innings, it's just in a good spot.

"Alvy's asking good questions, and Peralta's giving him some really good feedback."

Peralta was asked again if he and the Mets have had any contract extension talks, and he once again offered no comment, while flashing his signature smile. 

That smile has been seen early and often from Peralta around camp, even on days that he takes the mound. 

While some pitchers are withdrawn and serious on days that they’re pitching, Peralta said he takes the same approach no matter if it’s his day on the bump on not. 

“As I’ve done my whole career, I just be myself every day,” Peralta explained. “It doesn’t matter if I’m pitching or not pitching, that’s what I do.”

Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Gameday Thread, #17 @ Reds

GOODYEAR, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: A general view of the exterior of Goodyear Ballpark after the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Caitlin O'Hara/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

A big slew of roster moves this afternoon, including some significant names.

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves and have 47 players in camp.

Optioned to Triple-A Reno:

  • LHP Mitch Bratt
  • RHP Juan Burgos
  • LHP Kohl Drake
  • RHP Grant Holman
  • INF Jose Fernandez

Reassigned to Minor League camp:

  • RHP Gerardo Carrillo
  • RHP Hayden Durke
  • RHP Junior Fernandez
  • LHP Spencer Giesting
  • RHP Taylor Rashi
  • INF LuJames Groover
  • INF Cristofer Torin
  • INF Tommy Troy
  • OF A.J. Vukovich
  • OF Ryan Waldschmidt

Fernandez… Oh, J. Fernan… Um, I mean Jose Fernandez and Waldschmidt are probably the two names of most significance. Many were expecting Waldy to snag an Opening Day roster spot, given the absence of “true” outfielders on the 40-man roster. His spring numbers had merely been okay though: .240/.269/.480 for a .749 OPS, with a K:BB of 9:1. Fernandez had opened a lot of eyes, after being a surprising add to the 40-man roster. He was leading the team in spring home-runs, and a 1.148 OPS was impressive too. Most of the rest are fairly unsurprising, but I’d not be shocked to see at least some of these names at Chase Field later this year.

Bullpen day for the D-backs, though a switch in the “starting” pitcher, with Drey Jameson taking over from previously announced starter Kevin Ginkel. After Jameson, the list shows RHP Ginkel, RHP Shawn Dubin, RHP Junior Fernandez, RHP Taylor Rashi, RHP John Curtiss and LHP Spencer Giesting. Amusing that half of the position players optioned or re-assigned above, are in the Arizona starting line-up this afternoon – Troy, Waldschmidt and Groover – and three of the pitchers were similarly crossed off the list. Memo to self. The SB Nation system works on Eastern time, so remember to schedule this one for 4 pm Eastern, not 3!

Today’s game will be broadcast on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, with Chris Garagiola and Josh Collmenter running the broadcast.

Spring Training Game Thread: Anaheim Angels at Texas Rangers

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 6: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Texas Rangers participates in a workout prior to a Spring Training game against the Seattle Mariners at Surprise Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today the Texas Rangers continue their preparations for the upcoming season with a Cactus League matchup against the Anaheim Angels.

RHP Nathan Eovaldi will take the Surprise, AZ mound for Texas for today’s contest opposite RHP Victor Mederos, now under the tutelage of former Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux.

Today’s Lineups

ANGELSRANGERS
Vaughn Grissom – 3BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Jeimer Candelario – 1BWyatt Langford – LF
Chris Taylor – SSCorey Seager – SS
Christian Moore – DHJake Burger – 1B
Sebastian Rivero – CEvan Carter – CF
Jose Siri – CFJosh Smith – 2B
Raudi Rodriguez – RFDanny Jansen – C
Donovan Walton – 2BSam Haggerty – DH
Yolmer Sanchez – LFTyler Wade – 3B
Victor Mederos – RHPNathan Eovaldi – RHP

You can listen to this one via 105.3 The Fan or follow along on Gameday. First pitch from Surprise Stadium is scheduled for 3:05 pm CT.

Go Rangers!

Dodgers at A’s game chat

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs the bases against the Cleveland Guardians during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on February 24, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a pair of night games, it’s back to day games for a big for the Dodgers, who are in Mesa on Sunday to take on the Athletics.

Sunday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers at A’s
  • Ballpark: Hohokam Stadium, Mesa
  • Time: 1:05 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: none

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Najer Victor’s long night after mowing down baseball’s biggest stars at WBC

HOUSTON — Los Angeles Angels minor-league pitcher Najer Victor couldn’t sleep.

Really, he didn’t want to sleep.

His phone kept buzzing all night Saturday after his dramatic outing for Great Britain against the United States.

“What was it like to strike out three-time MVP Aaron Judge on that 85-mph cutter?"

“How did it feel blowing that 96-mph fastball past MVP Bryce Harper?"

"How cool was it throwing that 82-mph slider past Baltimore Orioles young star Gunnar Henderson?"

"Can you believe that you didn’t throw a single fastball to Boston Red Sox slugger Roman Anthony, and got him to swing through a 84-mph slider?"

And, oh, yeah: "What in the world did you say to make Team USA so angry?"

Mark DeRosa, manager of Team USA, said after their victory against Great Britain that Victor’s outburst and antics fired up their team entering the fifth inning, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 9-1 victory.

USA players say they couldn’t quite make out what Victor said, but were well aware that he yelled toward their bench strutting off the mound after striking out Henderson, and gesturing with his hands.

"When their reliever turned and looked in our dugout and had a couple of choice words," DeRosa said, "I think that lit the lineup up."

Victor, 24, who spent most of his childhood growing up in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands before moving back to Philadelphia, called his four-strikeout outing easily the greatest moment of his life.

And he called the verbal outburst one of his worst moments of his career, saying that he yelled, "You got to get louder than that!"

"I don’t know why I did that," he told USA TODAY Sports. "It was kind of a blackout moment. I didn’t mean to look at their dugout. It was for the crowd. They were all yelling, U-S-A, and that noise wasn’t fazing me. So, I was trying to get to the crowd, and I ended up turning to the dugout and it was like, 'Aaargh.'

"I mean, that got them fired up. That’s what the game is, showing emotions. But if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t do that. I mean, I was not trying to show up any of the guys. I hope they know that.

"I was just trying to talk to the crowd, not to them."

While Victor prays his outburst will be soon forgotten, he hopes the memory of his dazzling outing will be remembered forever.

"That was the No. 1 moment in my career, no question," said Victor, who spent last year pitching 35 games in Class A for the Angels, going 1-6 with a 4.87 ERA, striking out 65 and walking 26 batters in 40⅔ innings. "I live in the moment, but it felt pretty sick when I thought about it afterwards."

So, of the four strikeouts against the star-studded lineup, just who was his favorite strikeout victim?

"I grew up a Red Sox fan," Victor said, "so the Roman Anthony once for me. But I do like that 3-and-2 slider to Gunnar Henderson. And, of course, Aaron Judge."

When Victor returns to Angels’ camp in Tempe, Ariz., this week, he’ll certainly have some stories to tell the boys in the clubhouse.

He also learned some valuable lessons from the WBC experience.

"This is a moment that will wake you up," Victor said, "but it’s also a moment you just can’t live off. So for me, it’s not my end goal, and I don’t see myself stopping right there.

"Hopefully making a name not only for myself, but for an island of 32 square miles. It’s not just for my island, but also other small islands."

And, who knows, maybe one day he’ll see those same stars again from Team USA, and let them know his outburst wasn’t personal, and certainly not directed toward them.

"Please, let them know," Victor said, "that’s not me."

Follow Bob Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WBC moment leaves Najer Victor sleepless after big strikeouts

Spring Training game thread XV – Royals vs White Sox

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 30: Noah Cameron #65 of the Kansas City Royals delivers a pitch during the first inning of his MLB debut in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on April 30, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Royals are back in action this afternoon against divisional foe, the Chicago White Sox. The Royals are coming off a victory over the Reds on Saturday, by a final score of 6-2.

Left-handed pitcher Noah Cameron will get the start today for the boys in blue. With the World Baseball Classic just getting going, a decent number of regular Royals remain out of the lineup. So, here is the guys going behind Cameron this afternoon.

The Royals record in Spring Training is currently 6-7-1. Haha, 6-7. Anyways, we inch closer to the real deal, and the excitement of the WBC continues to pick up. So yay!

Mariners Spring Training 2026, Game #16

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24, 2026: George Kirby #68 of the Seattle Mariners throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

I have alarming news. Somehow, while I wasn’t looking, we passed the halfway point of spring training. Counting today’s game, only 15 games remain between Opening Day and [gestures at the smoking ruin of the 27-6 blowout against San Diego] whatever this is. It’s been a weird spring, with so many regulars gone with their WBC teams, but it is quickly drawing to a close. Yikes!

As a reminder, Arizona doesn’t do Daylight Savings time, but now the PNW is all synced up with Arizona, so games start at 1 o’clock PT now.

Lineups:

Also slated to pitch for the Mariners: Josh Simpson, Yosver Zulueta, Troy Taylor, Nick Davila, Gabe Mosser.

Injury updates:

Victor Robles is expected to get 3-4 at-bats today as he works back from lingering shoulder soreness.

Bryce Miller threw a “touch and feel” bullpen today of 25 pitches and spoke to the media after. Bryce said he was at 80% effort and he’s trying to be very mindful, having talked to other players who have been through an oblique injury, not to try to do too much too soon. He’s planning another bullpen midweek next week, aiming for higher intent and the same number of pitches. “It’s kind of boring, because I like to just let it rip, but I’m trying to be smart with it.”

Roster moves:

The Mariners optioned RHP Ryan Loutos to Triple-A Tacoma. Loutos came into yesterday’s game and cleaned up a mess, throwing one pitch and getting a double play, much to the delight of his personal cheering squad.

Also, the Mariners re-assigned three players to minor-league camp yesterday: LHP Austin Kitchen, OF Victor Labrada, and RHP Teddy McGraw. Both Labrada (oblique) and McGraw (biceps tendinitis) are currently battling injuries.

Game information:

Game time: 1:10 PT

TV: no

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, the Seattle Sports app, or Gameday