Category: MLB

I realize that it’s a big mistake to overreact to Spring Training performances and I don’t intend this to be that, but I think there’s a legitimate question as to who the St. Louis Cardinals should put on their opening day roster as their starting right fielder and who should start the year in Triple A. If you had to make the call today, would you make Jordan Walker or Joshua Baez your starting Cardinals right fielder?

Safe to say that the St. Louis Cardinals started Spring Training expecting that Jordan Walker would again be the team’s right fielder. We were told that Jordan Walker was finally accepting the coaching guidance and had dialed his swing and approach in. After a couple of weeks of Spring Training games under his belt, Jordan’s offensive line is an unimpressive .231 with a .333 OBP, .231 SLG, and a .564 OPS. Questionable swing decisions and lots of ground balls look the same as they did last season.

Joshua Baez came into camp expecting to see lots of playing time, but with Triple A as his likely 2026 home with a possible call up in September as a best-case scenario. He’s proceeded to hammer Spring Training pitching with a .353 average, 2 home runs and an OPS of 1.156.

Is it possible that Joshua Baez could force the Cardinals hand and play his way into the starting lineup for the major league team? I can’t read Chaim Bloom’s mind, but my gut feeling is that Jordan Walker will still be allowed to at least start the year with the big league team. If he struggles and Baez continues to be an offensive force in Triple A, then a move could be made. There’s also an argument to be made that making Baez the starting right fielder would be repeating the mistake made with Jordan Walker when he was brought up to the majors too early in March of 2023.

I’ve said before that I would be in favor of the Cardinals using Jordan Walker’s final minor league option to allow him time to fix his swing and mental approach with the improved development tools the team has put into place in the minor leagues over the past two years. After seeing his start to Spring Training, I’m even more convinced he might benefit from that. However, I also am wary of hurrying the development of Joshua Baez. I had no expectations that he should receive major league roster consideration even if he had a hot Spring, but I’m now questioning that. What would you do if you were in Chaim Bloom’s shoes? Would you move forward with the expected opening day lineup with Jordan Walker in right field or would you give Baez the chance to prove he’s ready for the majors?

Like Ty Madden, our 21st ranked prospect, right-hander Dylan Smith was a starting pitching prospect for years in the Tigers system. The lack of a third pitch always had Smith on the outside looking in, and then injuries did the rest. Reinvented as a reliever, Smith showed some flashes of potential in the Tigers’ bullpen last summer and he entered spring camp with a chance to establish himself as a possibility for the relief corps in 2026. Now with two options remaining, Smith has been optioned to minor league camp, but no doubt the Tigers could really use some help from him this year.

Smith was the Tigers’ third rounder out of Alabama back in the 2021 draft. Al Avila and company went pitcher heavy that year, taking Jackson Jobe third overall and then using their competitive balance round A pick on Madden. They paid a pretty penny for Smith as well, inking him for a $1,115,000 signing bonus.

Smith got off to a good start in the A-ball levels in 2022. He kept the walks low, showing the advanced strike throwing and solid stuff the Tigers expected after his good college career. But in 2023-2024 combined, forearm and shoulder strains held Smith to less than 100 innings total across those two seasons. His splitter never really played that well despite multiple attempts to get that pitch going, and those two factors combined to convince the Tigers to alter his role. They converted him to relief in 2025, and once he was able to focus on his fastball-sweeper combination, Smith improved his fastball shape and started punching out a lot more hitters.

At the Double-A level in 2025, Smith struck out 37 percent of hitters faced, and then upped that to 44 percent at the Triple-A level. We’re only talking about a combined 32 1/3 innings of work, but the difference was marked. Smith hasn’t consistently found a big velocity bump in relief, and still averages 94-95 mph, but he was sometimes able to reach back for 97 mph when he wanted it. More importantly, he averaged 18 inches of induced vertical break, which is not great, but does get him into above average territory. He’ll still break out the splitter here and there against lefties, and it’s a decent third pitch in isolation. He just struggles to command it and using it a lot led to waste pitches. His primary breaking ball has morphed from a more traditional gyro style slider into a sweeper, and that pitch collected plenty of whiffs in 2025, including a hilarious 67 percent whiff rate in his limited time at Triple-A Toledo.

Those strikeouts completely dried up in his short MLB debut in June, but he allowed just two earned runs in 13 innings of work. However, that was spread over just seven appearances before minor shoulder trouble bit him again, and he wasn’t recalled despite the bullpen’s needs down the stretch. He did return in late July to close out the year with pretty good work in August and September for the Mud Hens.

So often, good major league relievers come from the starting pitching ranks, and that’s still the hope for Smith. He’s still only 25 years old, and his long experience as a good college starter at a big program and his minor league work, has allowed to him to develop good control over the fourseam-sweeper combo. Walks have rarely been a big issue for him. The limiting factor is that the fastball is still a pretty average offering. If he can command that sweeper to both sides of the plate, or get the splitter going, there’s the possibility that Smith could be a pretty good setup man, but right now it’s hard to forecast any of his stuff really playing like a true plus pitch. That limits him to more of a middle relief role, as opposed to working high leverage innings as a setup man.

Smith only got a brief look in spring camp so far, but the fastball velocity was 94.2 mph and he again showed a potential uptick in ride on the fourseamer, averaging 18.9 inches of induced vertical break. That continues to look like the major piece of tuning the Tigers are doing with Smith overall. The ride could turn the heater into an above average pitch if he’s consistent. With the above average sweeper, the profile would then look quite solid overall, and creeping closer to setup man quality levels.

Smith should get another shot at the Tigers’ pen this season if he’s throwing well in Toledo. He’s still young enough to improve, and he has the size and athleticism to get that fastball up to more of the 96 mph range. Combined with the better ride, that’s probably what it will take to make him a really impactful relief arm, but even as is he should be able to help the bullpen out this year. Hopefully he can put the minor shoulder issues of the last few seasons behind him, make a little sustainable progress, and finally take the next step in 2026.

I’m going to get my grumblings about this game not being televised out of the way here, though I reserve the right to grumble again in the recap. The pride of the Yankees’ farm system heads to West Palm Beach to take on the Nationals, and the only way we’ll be able to follow it is through the Washington radio feed. Spring training is annoying!

Will Warren has looked strong in two spring starts, allowing a single run across 6.1 innings so far. Perhaps more importantly, he’s struck out seven against no walks, making the case that he can be a key supporting pillar in the season’s first month as the Yankees look to get their rotation back to 100 percent health. We may be watching the maturation of an MLB pitcher in real-time, and another good outing especially against a tough top three in the Nationals’ lineup will be another step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, the Yankees send Jasson Domínguez, George Lombard Jr., and Spencer Jones to take on Nats starter Josiah Gray. That triumvirate represents what could be the future of Yankees’ baseball, even if at least two of those guys carry major question marks entering 2026. Best-name-in-baseball Jorbit Vivas also makes the trip, manning second base.

How to watch(lol)

Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches — West Palm Beach, FL

First pitch: 6:05 pm ET

TV broadcast: N/A

Radio broadcast: 106.7 The Fan (WSN) via MLB.tv

Online stream: N/A

For updates, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

After a pair of night games, the Dodgers are back under the sun on Sunday, playing the A’s at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. Sunday is also the first day of daylight savings time, which aligns the clocks in Arizona and Los Angeles.

In other words, Sunday’s 1:05 p.m. game in Mesa will also be at 1:05 p.m. in Los Angeles.

Justin Wrobleski gets the start on Sunday, his second start this spring and third appearance. He last pitched in a game last Saturday against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch, tossing two scoreless innings.

Sunday game info

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

The Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies at Camelback Ranch on Saturday in their second consecutive night game.

Lineup

Miguel Rojas 2B
Freddie Freeman 1B
Mookie Betts SS
Teoscar Hernández LF
Max Muncy 3B
Andy Pages CF
Santiago Espinal DH
Alex Call RF
Eliézer Alfonzo C

Landon Knack will be first on the mound on Saturday night.

Other pitchers

Bullpen regulars Blake Teinen, Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer, and Ben Casparius are also slated to pitch, with non-roster invitees Carlos Duran and Garrett McDaniels also active.

Making the familiar trek over from the minor league side of camp are Cody Morse (wearing number 90), Antonio Knowles (91), and Nicolas Cruz (93). Also active is Davis Chastain (87), the right-hander drafted in the 14th round last year out of Georgia who got into seven games in 2025 for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Other position players

Ryan Ward is active as well for this game, as are non-roster invitees Josue De Paula, Zach Ehrhard Noah Miller, Ryan Fitzgerald, Kendall George, and catchers Seby Zavala and Griffin Lockwood-Powell.

Catcher Jesus Galiz (06) is active for the first time this spring. The 22-year-old missed all of last season on the injured list before playing in eight games for Glendale in the Arizona Fall League. Also active from the minor league side are infielder Jose Izarra (00) and outfielder Damon Keith (05).

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Team USA is back in action at the 2026 World Baseball Classic tonight.

In their second of four pool stage games, they’ll face Team Great Britain, who are looking for the first win of the tournament.

Team USA kicked off the WBC last night in a huge win over Brazil. In the 15-5 victory, the team had 10 hits and 17 walks, five of which came in the ninth inning where Team USA scored seven runs. New York Yankees and Team USA captain Aaron Judge opened scoring in the top of the first inning.

Great Britain lost their tournament-opener 8-2 to Mexico, but the game was closer than the score would suggest as it was tied going into the eighth inning.

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will be on the mound for Team USA tonight. The reigning AL Cy Young winner is set to return to Detroit’s spring training following today’s matchup.

Team USA vs. Great Britain WBC start time

Tonight’s (March 7) World Baseball Classic matchup between USA and Great Britain is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch USA vs. Great Britain for free

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the World Baseball Classic for free. Our favorite is DIRECTV, which you can learn more about below.

World Baseball Classic 2026: Team USA roster

• Pitchers: David Bednar (Yankees), Matthew Boyd (Cubs), Garrett Cleavinger (Rays), Clay Holmes (Mets), Griffin Jax (Rays), Brad Keller (Phillies), Clayton Kershaw, Nolan McLean (Mets), Mason Miller (Padres), Joe Ryan (Twins), Paul Skenes (Pirates), Tarik Skubal (Tigers), Gabe Speier (Mariners), Michael Wacha (Royals), Logan Webb (Giants), Garrett Whitlock (Red Sox)
• Catchers: Cal Raleigh (Mariners), Will Smith (Dodgers)
• Infielders: Alex Bregman (Cubs), Ernie Clement (Blue Jays), Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees), Bryce Harper (Phillies), Gunnar Henderson (Orioles), Brice Turang (Brewers), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)
• Outfielders: Roman Anthony (Red Sox), Byron Buxton (Twins), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Aaron Judge (Yankees)
• Designated hitter: Kyle Schwarber (Phillies)

World Baseball Classic 2026: Team USA schedule

• USA (15) vs. Brazil (5), March 6
• vs. Great Britain, March 7 at 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
• vs. Mexico, March 9 at 8 p.m. ET (FOX)
• vs. Italy, March 10 at 9 p.m. ET (FS1)

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

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Jays 1 Phillies 0

The best part of this one was that Max Scherzer started and threw 4 no-hit innings, allowing just 1 walk with 1 strikeouts. He was helped out by some defensive play, but he got through the four innings on just 40 pitches (29 strikeouts). Max was terrific. I didn’t think he’d be ready for opening day but clearly (barring something bad happening) he will be. He did a good job of getting ready, before signing with the Jays.

Other pitchers:

• Chase Lee: 1 inning, 1 walk, 1 k.
• Josh Fleming: 1 inning, 2 hits.
• Lazaro Estrada: 2 clean innings, 1 strikeout.
• Connor (two o’s) Seabold: 1 inning, 3 strikeouts. Very nice job. Throwing 94-95 mph. He hit a batter.

On offense, we only got 5 hits, but scored the run they needed.

• Myles Straw: 0 for 2, walk, k. .176. He was also picked off first.
• Jesús Sánchez: 1 for 3. .227.
• Eloy Jiménez: 0 for 3, 2 k. .346.
• Daulton Varsho: 2 for 3. .450.
• Tyler Heineman: 0 for 2, k. .222.
• Nathan Lukes: 1 for 2. .176.
• Carlos Mendoza: 0 for 2. .462.
• Josh Kasevish: 0 for 2. .389. Made a couple of very nice plays.
• Charles McAdoo: 0 for 2. .316. Looked good on defense again.

Others:

• Rafael Lantigua: 1 for 1. .529.
• Riley Tirotta: 0 for 1. .167.
• Sean Keys: Walk. .211.
• Jonatan Clase: 0 for 1, RBI. .267.
• Edward Duran: 0 for 2. .000.
• Yohendrick Pinango: 0 for 1. .118.
• Josh Rivera: 0 for 1, k. .167.
• Arjun Nimmala: 0 for 1. .143.
• Cutter Coffey: 0 for 1, k. ..071.

The Jays are 4-8-2 this spring. And they have a split squad day tomorrow, both 1:00 Eastern.

• Jays at Orioles: Cody Ponce vs. Tyler Wells.
• Tigers at Jays: Bryan Sammons vs. Kevin Gausman.

And Team Canada beat Columbia 8-2 today. USA plays Great Britain today at 8:00 tonight

The Mets came from behind to defeat the Cardinals 3-2 in Kodai Senga’s first Grapefruit League outing.

• Despite giving up two solo homers, which represented the entirety of the Cardinals’ runs, Kodai Senga looked solid in his spring debut. He touched 99 with his fastball and struck out two batters with the ghost fork working. Senga was working on his breaking stuff in the outing and filled the zone, not issuing any walks in 2 2/3 innings of work.
• Down 2-0, the Mets threatened in the fifth, but Ronny Mauricio got picked off of first base for the second out of the inning, quashing a potential rally.
• The Mets had a couple of web gems in this game. Luke Weaver made a nifty diving play on a roller toward first base in the bottom of the fifth, speeding to the bag and laying out, touching his glove to the bag to make the out; it was part of a scoreless inning of relief for Weaver. In the sixth, Cristian Pache showed off his range by leaping up against the wall to rob Nolan Gorman of a double.
• The Mets finally broke through and cut the Cardinals’ lead in half in the sixth thanks to a Mike Tauchman RBI double, as he continues to make a strong case for the right field job. The Mets could have added on, but unfortunately Bo Bichette ended the rally by grounding into a double play and they had to settle for just the one run.
• The Mets tied the game in the following frame, as Brett Baty and Luis Torrens sparked a seventh-inning rally with a pair of singles. Cardinals shortstop Yairo Padilla then committed a throwing error on a slow roller up the middle on which he rushed the throw, which skipped on by the first baseman toward the dugout to plate the tying run. Once again the Mets could not add on and left the bases loaded in the inning.
• But the Mets put runs on the board in three consecutive innings late in the game, as a walk, a single, and an RBI hit from Wyatt young gave the Mets the lead in the eighth.
• Jack Wenninger earned the win for pitching three scoreless innings to cap off the come from behind victory, striking out five Cardinals in the process. Brooks Raley and Luis García also each contributed a scoreless inning of relief.

The Mets take on the Yankees at Clover Park at 1:10pm EDT tomorrow afternoon. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward!

The Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.

New York is now 6-5 in Grapefruit League play.

Here are some takeaways...

-- Kodai Senga had an encouraging first start of spring training, despite allowing two solo home runs.

The right-hander threw 50 pitches (34 strikes) over 2.2 innings, letting up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts. He had a solid first inning, getting a pop out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play with his fastball topping out at 98.9 mph

Senga recorded his first strikeout against JJ Wetherholt for the first out of the second inning, catching the star prospect looking on a slider. After a nice catch by Mike Tauchman in right field, Senga gave up a homer to Joshua Baez on a fastball down the middle. Senga gave up the second home run to Miguel Ugento in the third inning with two strikes in the count. The righty was replaced after getting a groundout vs. Masyn Winn.

Overall, Senga's fastball averaged at 96.7 mph (hitting 98-plus three times) and he threw it 18 times (36 percent of pitches). He also worked in a cutter (nine pitches), slider (seven pitches), forkball (seven pitches), sweeper (five pitches), sinker (three pitches), and curveball (one pitch). Opposing hitters swung 25 times and whiffed six times (24 percent).

-- Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy threw four perfect innings with five strikeouts. He struck out the side in the fourth inning against Tauchman, Jorge Polanco (second time), and Bo Bichette.

-- Brett Baty recorded New York's first hit of the game in the top of the fifth inning on a line drive to left field. Baty also showed off his speed and stole second base. He went 2-for-3 at the plate, tacking on a seventh-inning single, and logged six innings at first base defensively.

Tauchman drove in Jackson Cuff from first base on a double to center field in the sixth to make it a 2-1 game. He finished the day 1-for-3 with the RBI. Luis Torrens also went 1-for-3 with a seventh-inning single.

-- Cristian Pache made an impressive catch in the bottom of the sixth inning, slamming into the center field wall to rob Nolan Gorman of extra bases.

-- Luis Garcia, Luke Weaver, and Brooks Raley all tossed scoreless innings. Garcia was the only reliever to not record a strikeout, while Raley was the only one to give up a hit. Weaver also flashed his glove by fielding a bunt and sliding to first to get the out.

-- New York tied the game in the seventh inning on an error and then Wyatt Young recorded a go-ahead RBI-single in the top of the eighth, giving the team a 3-2 lead.

-- Prospect Jack Wenniger threw three scoreless innings to seal the victory, striking out five Cardinals (three in the eighth inning) and allowing three hits. He escaped a first-and-third jam in the ninth thanks to a nice play from Young, charging the ball and throwing home to prevent the game-tying run. Wenninger threw his changeup just as much as his fastball (16 out of 52 pitches), getting seven whiffs (out of nine swings) on the off-speed pitch. His fastball averaged 96.0 mph and topped out at 97.4 mph.

Highlights

Kodai Senga's first strikeout of the spring!

(via @Cardinals) pic.twitter.com/O1wLsZYoKW

— SNY (@SNYtv) 

Cristian Pache with a LONG run to make a terrific catch as he collides with the wall!

(via @Cardinals) pic.twitter.com/5TBT6dxrhQ

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) 

Jack Wenninger fires a 1-2-3 inning 🔥

(via @Cardinals) pic.twitter.com/fcdKMauwm3

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) 

The Mets take the lead on Wyatt Young's RBI single!

(via @Cardinals) pic.twitter.com/zf5fLPhmTT

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) 

"Wenninger's really impressive, isn't he?"

Three strikeouts in the 8th for Jack Wenninger 💪

(via @Cardinals) pic.twitter.com/i2VHnQ0PAT

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) 

What's next

Opening Day starter Freddy Peralta takes the mound on Sunday afternoon against the Yankees.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. on PIX11

The 2026 season will be huge for Kodai Senga.

After the Mets right-hander burst onto the scene in 2023, quickly becoming the team's best starter and earning Rookie of the Year votes, the next two years were marred by injuries and ineffectiveness, especially in 2025. After starting the year looking like he did during his rookie campaign, Senga suffered an injury in June that derailed his season.

Senga never returned to his dominant form and became ineffective on the mound and off the field. The right-hander was simply unhappy with his mechanics to the point where the Mets sent Senga to the minors at the end of the year. Trade rumors swirled this offseason, but Senga is still in a Mets uniform and hoping to put those issues behind him.

Making his spring debut on Saturday, Senga pitched 2.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits (two homers) while striking out two batters. 

"I feel very good, felt very good. Been able to attack all the things I wanted to work on from last year," Senga said after his outing via an interpreter. "I think that’s flourishing now."

The most noticeable aspect of Senga's start was his velocity. According to StatCast, Senga topped out at 98.9 mph and his average velocity was 96.7 mph. The 33-year-old said that's a result of him feeling good physically and with his mechanics.

"It’s clear when I’m not feeling great, the velo doesn’t tick up like that," Senga said. "It’s clear the velo wasn’t there [last year], too. But like I said, I feel good. I’m content with where I’m at. Obviously, there’s still some work to do, but overall I’m happy." 

Senga said he used his first spring start to work on some things and the two solo homers were a result of that, and "no big deal" to the starter. He said he'll continue to use this spring to work on some things, especially getting acclimated to the changes in his mechanics. Senga wasn't willing to go in-depth with the adjustments -- not yet, at least, because the explanation "can get long" -- but reiterated its importance to how he pitches. 

"That’s the most important thing, the mechanical changes that I’ve made," he said. "Battling back from the injury in 2024, getting myself, getting my body back to where I need to be so I can perform. I feel like I’m there now."

In 2024, Senga started the season on the IL with a shoulder strain and when he finally returned in late July, he suffered a calf strain in his first start, which knocked him out until the postseason.

While it's just one spring start, Senga understands that MLB is all about evolution and adjustments. He's approached this offseason with that mentality and continues to attack this spring, preparing himself to be a "new" Kodai Senga.

"I know my body is different from where it was three years ago, now. I’m not really trying to get back to that," Senga said. "It’s a new me and trying to find new mechanics."

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke about that "different version" of Senga prior to Saturday's start and that new mentality is encouraging for the skipper. Part of that new mentality is Senga's self-awareness. And with accomplished vets like Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes in the rotation, and youngsters in the form of Nolan McLean, Senga's spot is not guaranteed and he needs to constantly make himself better.

"In this industry, you either perform or you don’t. I haven’t proven anything over here," Senga said. "Keeping that in mind, I was able to spend a good, productive offseason and here I am."

Angel Obando never made it out of the Dominican Summer League, hasn't been affiliated with a Major League Baseball team for eight years yet, at the age of 27, was one strike from pitching Nicaragua to an epic upset over Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic on March 7.

Instead, up two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the bases empty and two strikes on the batter, Obando saw a dream outcome for Dusty Baker's Nicaragua squad turned into a nightmare by three major league stars.

Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddane Rafaela dunked a squibber into right field - exit velocity, 76.7 mph - to bring the tying run up. San Diego Padres All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts dribbled a ball down the third base line - that struck the bag for a fluke double.

And then, Obando delivered a first-pitch fastball over the heart of the plate to three-time All-Star Ozzie Albies, who with a simple flick sent the ball over the right field wall at loanDepot Park, delivering the heavily favored Netherlands a stunning 4-3 victory that keeps itself alive in Pool D in Miami.

OZZIE ALBIES!

A #WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC WALK-OFF HOMER FOR TEAM NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/T2HRyL233M

— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 7, 2026

Albies got the standard ice bath after crossing home plate, though his teammates were likely too stunned to produce a garish celebration.

So, too, were the Nicaraguans.

Obando cursed into his mitt after Rafaela's ball dropped into right, as if to foresee the coming calamity. Baker, soon to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, chomped on his toothpick, per usual, in the Nicaraguan dugout.

Yet nine innings of nearly pristine baseball got undone in just three batters, capping a brutal 18-hour sequence for Nicaragua.

Grant Holmes took the mound against the Orioles, as the Braves stacked their lineup with most of their regular bats.

Holmes had a mixed day on the mound, as he issued 3 walks in 2.2 innings, something Grant has been prone to in his major league career, but striking out 3 and holding the Orioles scoreless during his time on the mound. He also drew a solid 7 whiffs over his 58 pitches. Tyler Kinley and Dylan Lee each worked scoreless innings in relief with a strikeout each and Kinley issuing a walk. Didier Fuentes came into the game in the sixth and opened some eyes hitting 98 with his fastball, and ultimately ending his first inning with a whiff on 98 above the zone. He did get some defensive help from Drake Baldwin, throwing out a runner attempting to steal second who had never been thrown out in his minor league career. Fuentes came back out for the seventh and was even more dominant, striking out the side and topping out at 98.8 MPH on his fastball. Fuentes drew an impressive 7 whiffs in his 25 pitches. James Karinchak continued his dominant spring, allowing a baserunner on a soft grounder that led to some confusion between Riley at third and Gil at shortstop, but striking out 3 in a scoreless eighth.

On the offensive side, the Braves were pretty quiet for the first half of the game. Michael Harris did draw a walk early in the game, as he continues to look more patient and discerning with pitches this spring than he has been so far in his career. The offense broke out in the sixth, as Drake and Olson started the inning with two hard hit outs and then Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski went back to back with two solo homers as those two have been hitting the ball well this spring.

Hot prospect John Gil continued to demonstrate his advanced approach, drawing another walk in the eighth. The Orioles were able to tie things up at 2 runs on a bit of a weird sequence in the ninth, giving some Braves prospects a chance to walk things off in the ninth, but the youngsters were unable to muster a baserunner, leaving the game as a tie.

Overall, the Braves generally did what you want to see from a spring game. The bats mostly hit the ball well and the pitchers that are of any relevance looked anywhere from fine to great. We’ll be back tomorrow for another 1:05 PM ET start against the Rays.

The Milwaukee Brewers are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they’ll travel to take on the Los Angeles Angels for Brandon Woodruff’s spring debut.

Woodruff, the only pitcher to not appear this spring of the non-Quinn Priester variety (Priester’s availability to begin the season is in doubt as he deals with wrist discomfort), will get the start for the Crew. DL Hall, Trevor Megill, Grant Anderson, Easton McGee, and Drew Rom are also slated to pitch in this one.

The Brewer offense will take on Grayson Rodriguez, who was traded to Los Angeles from Baltimore this offseason. Sal Frelick bats leadoff and starts in center today, followed by Blake Perkins and Andrew Vaughn. Gary Sánchez bats cleanup as the catcher, with Luis Rengifo and Brandon Lockridge rounding out the middle of the order. Luke Adams bats seventh as the DH with Cooper Pratt and Jesús Made bringing up the back of the lineup.

The Angels are rolling with most of their starters, as a split-squad day means many of their reserves will be in Las Vegas taking on the A’s.

First pitch is slated for 2:10 p.m. CT on 620 WTMJ and the Brewers Radio Network.

Just time for the barest of Gameday Threads this afternoon. Here’s our line-up, which saw a late change with Crisantes coming in to replace Torin. There were also some shuffling of other positions, like Vargas moving over to 3B and Fernandez covering short in place of Torin:

A busy day of World Baseball Classic baseball is already well under way. Michael Soroka started for Canada in their 8-2 win over Colombia. He went three innings, and allowed a run on four hits, with a walk and a pair of strikeouts. He was followed o the mound by Indigo Diaz, who posted a zero in the fourth, allowing one walk but striking out a pair. Jatoine Kelly started for the Netherlands, as they also won, 4-3 over Nicaragua. He pitched a pair of scoreless innings on one hit, one walk and three K’s. Druw Jones went 2-for-3 with a walk in that game too.

This game is on the radio, through Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Here’s your Guardians’ lineup for the day:

Kwan CF

Valera LF

Ramirez 3B

Arias SS

Manzardo DH

Hoskins 1B

Rocchio SS

Hedges C

Kayfus RF

Cecconi P