TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees works out during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 27, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CBS News | RotoWire: Yankees ace Gerrit Cole completed a 35-pitch live batting practice session on Thursday. Per the YES Network’s Jack Curry, the pitcher and the team will likely discuss the possibility of him pitching in a Grapefruit League game. He will throw again in six days, so there’s a chance he makes a spring appearance for the Yanks sometime in the next week or two. The right-hander continues to trend in the right direction and should be able to make his season debut in late April or early May, barring any setbacks, but if the team opts to utilize the 60-day IL then Cole will be set back until late May.
NJ Advance Media | Randy Miller: The Yankees reassigned three rookies to minor league camp on Thursday. The highest-profile name was, of course, George Lombard Jr., who went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the afternoon game against the Detroit Tigers to drop his Grapefruit League batting average to .185. There is an outside chance Lombard makes enough strides to see major league time this year, but he will have to earn it. He is ready for The Show defensively, but needs some more time to reach his offensive potential.
Earlier on Thursday, the Yankees announced the same fate for pitching prospects Ben Hess and Brendan Beck. The former left with a 1.80 ERA in five innings with six strikeouts, while the latter posted a 9.00 ERA in three Grapefruit League innings, but recently tossed four hitless frames for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.
NY Post | Matt Ehalt: Aaron Judge keeps breaking records and making history even when he isn’t on the field. That’s right: according to Fanatics Collect, a 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Superfractor signed Judge card was sold for a record $5.2 million. It was, per reports, a unique piece for card collectors. It’s significantly more than the previous high for a modern-day card, a Mike Trout single-edition signed 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospect Superfractor.
The Atlanta Braves continued spring play on Thursday, losing 5-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite the score, it was a fantastic day for Grant Holmes, who got the start and turned in a lights-out performance. Holmes threw five hitless innings, striking out nine and walking just one Pirate.
This run continues a productive spring training for Holmes. While at camp, he’s logged 12.1 innings, each of them scoreless. He’s allowed just three hits and recorded 16 strikeouts.
If this version of Grant Holmes shows up in the regular season, he will be a nice piece in the Braves’ starting rotation.
Mar 12, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Dodgers didn’t have to worry about being in an another offensive onslaught in their second matchup of the spring against the Cincinnati Reds, as they struck early and kept their foot on the gas pedal in a 9-5 victory on Thursday.
The Dodgers pounced early against left-hander Nick Lodolo, as Andy Pages rocketed a one-out single in the bottom of the first inning, later scoring on an RBI double from Teoscar Hernández. Freddie Freeman’s ninth hit of the spring drove home Hernández for his ninth RBI of the spring with an opposite field single, and Santiago Espinal continued to torment his old team by smacking a two-run double down the left field line to cap off a four-run first inning. In two games against the Reds this spring, Espinal now has two home runs and eight RBI while boasting a .600 batting average (3-5).
Cole Irvin was given the start for the Dodgers, and although he received an abundance of run support, he struggled mightily with his command, allowing four free passes over two innings of work while tossing 57 pitches (29 for strikes). Irvin walked Rece Hinds with the bases loaded to put Cincinnati on the board, but managed to get two consecutive outs to keep the potential go-ahead run off base.
The Reds tacked on a pair of runs against Myles Caba in the top of the third inning, but Max Muncy got those two runs right back in the bottom half of the inning with a home run to right-center field that left the bat at 106.9 miles per hour.
Kyle Hurt struck out the side in a scoreless inning of work, before right-hander Paul Gervase retired all five hitters he faced. Alex Vesia came in for one batter in relief of Gervase, as he struck out Hinds to end the top of the sixth inning.
Although the Dodgers defense failed Tanner Scott in the top of the seventh inning which allowed a pair of runs to score, both runs were unearned and Scott still carries a 0.00 ERA this spring. Kyle Nevin added an insurance run with a home run to left field in the bottom half to bring the Dodger lead back to four.
Both Antoine Kelly and Antonio Knowles combined to record a scoreless eighth inning, leaving a pair of Reds on base. Knowles came back out for the ninth inning, closing out Thursday’s contest with a perfect 10-pitch frame.
UP NEXT
The Dodgers are back on the road to take on the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on Friday (6:10 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA). Landon Knack makes his fourth start this spring for the Dodgers, while left-hander Kade Anderson gets the nod for Seattle.
Jorge Polanco of the New York Mets bats during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets at Clover Park on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Observations from Mets spring training on Thursday:
Power surge
Jorge Polanco blasted his second homer in as many games, giving the Mets their only run in a 3-1 exhibition loss to the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.
Polanco has boosted his OPS to 1.300 this spring after a slow start.
Jorge Polanco hits during the Mets’ 3-1 spring training loss to the Cardinals on March 10, 2026 in Port St. Lucie. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Fumble
Brett Baty misplayed a ball in right field, turning a double into a triple. Baty is learning the position this spring as he increases his versatility following his displacement from third base.
Caught my eye
Tyrone Taylor had a strong throw from left field to nail Victor Scott II attempting to reach third base.
Tyrone Taylor catches a sacrifice fly hit by Andres Chaparro in the fourth inning of the Mets’ spring training win over the Nationals on Clover Field on Feb. 28, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Friday’s schedule
Kodai Senga and Clay Holmes are scheduled to face the Nationals at Clover Park.
It brought up memories of Domínguez’s first major league homer, which came off Verlander in Houston on Sept. 1, 2023.
Domínguez said he “of course” was thinking of that shot when he went up against Verlander again Thursday.
Jasson Dominguez belts a homer off Justin Verlander in the fourth inning of the Yankees’ spring training loss to the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026. Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Ben a long time
Ben Rice is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts and a walk in his past three games.
Defensively, however, he has looked fine so far at first base, which is the Yankees’ main concern for him this spring.
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) prepares to take batting practice before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Caught my eye
Max Schuemann, looking to compete for a backup infielder spot, didn’t help his case when he was picked off first base by Kenley Jansen.
Friday’s schedule
Look for Cody Bellinger at first base, Ryan McMahon at shortstop and Ryan Weathers on the mound when the Yankees visit the Braves in North Port, Fla., at 1:05 p.m.
Dominican Republic center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) returns to the dugout against the Netherlands during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park.
For Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, it’s country pride over everything else.
When speaking to reporters during a World Baseball Classic practice on Thursday, Rodriguez, who plays for the Dominican Republic, said that a tournament championship would just mean more to him.
“I love the Mariners,” Rodriguez said, according to Foul Territory. “They know I give my best for them every single time I step on the field, but winning the World Baseball Classic is at the top of the list.”
Center fielder Julio Rodriguez returns to the dugout during the Dominican Republic’s blowout win over the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park on March 8, 2026. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
This year is Rodriguez’s second appearance in the WBC, as he represented the D.R. ahead of his sophomore season in 2023, when the team did not advance from pool play.
“This is for my country, this is for my town, this is for the people in my neighborhood,” Rodriguez added. “It’s for everybody in the Dominican Republic.”
The D.R. went undefeated in pool play this time around, outscoring opponents 41-10 in four games, with some fiery performances in the opening round.
Rodriguez spoke on the intense atmosphere, saying Thursday’s win over Venezuela was the “most electric game” that he’s played in.
“The atmosphere was definitely the most electric game that I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “The way that the Dominican fans just showed up it was amazing. I’ve been in some crazy [MLB] playoff atmospheres, but the way that the Dominicans bring it is completely different.
Ketel Marte (right) celebrates with teammate Julio Rodriguez after hitting a home run during the third inning of the Dominican Republic’s win over Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic game on March 11, 2026, in Miami. AP
“I think that was the rowdiest game I have been a part of. Just the two Latin cultures clashing last night I think was amazing and the biggest part of it.”
Teammate Juan Soto echoed Rodriguez’s aspirations, saying that bringing home a title for the D.R. would be a “dream.”
“It’s a dream for me to come here and try to win it for the Dominican Republic,” he said.
The country has won the WBC once before, defeating Puerto Rico in 2013.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 11: A general view of loanDepot park during the national anthem of the Dominican Republic prior to the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool D game presented by Capital One between Team Dominican Republic and Team Venezuela on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Place your bets!
The pool stage of the World Baseball Classic is complete, the matchups are set, and we’re gearing up for what should be five days of incredible baseball starting Friday night with Team USA taking on Canada in Houston and the Dominican Republic facing Korea in Miami. The following night, Puerto Rico will face Italy and Japan will take on Venezuela.
There are eight teams remaining, which includes eight remaining Rockies:
Team Canada: Eduoard Julien, Antoine Jean
Team Italy: Michael Lorenzen
Team Dominican Republic: Juan Mejia
Team Puerto Rico: Willi Castro
Team Venezuela: Ezequiel Tovar, Antonio Senzatela
Team Japan: Tomoyuki Sugano
On Monday, we asked you who you thought was having the best WBC and which team you were rooting for. Tonight, we ask you a separate question: who do you think will win the whole thing?
Japan, USA and the Dominican Republic appear to be the favorites on paper, but anything can happen! (That’s baseball, and all that.)
Let us know your thoughts!
And in the meantime, see what the WBC means to some of the players:
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 5: Nick Castellanos #21 of the San Diego Padres swings and hits the ball during a Spring Training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on March 5, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Introduction
After reviewing the offseason of the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers the last two weeks, today we continue our NL West Offseason reviews with a look at the San Diego Padres.
2025 Season Overview/Recap
The Padres got off to a great start to begin the 2025 season, matching their best-19 game start in franchise history with a 15-4 record. The team experienced a roster makeover thanks to a busy trade deadline, trading for Ramon Laureano, Ryan O’Hearn, Nestor Cortes, Freddy Fermín, JP Sears, and probably the most impactful piece, All-Star closer Mason Miller. The Padres held a lead at top of the NL West on August 23, the latest they’ve held a lead in the division during a season since 2010, however, they finished in second place in the division behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second straight season. They did make the postseason as the fifth NL Wild Card seed though, but ultimately lost to the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in the Wild Card series, ending their season in disappointment. In spite of the disappointing end to their season, I still think it’s fair to call the Padres 2025 season a success.
UTIL Jose Iglesias, SP Dylan Cease (Blue Jays), 1B/2B Luis Arraez (Giants), RP Robert Suarez (Braves), 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn (Pirates)
Offseason Summary and Review
The Padres have one of the biggest subtractions of the offseason in the NL West with Dylan Cease leaving sunny San Diego for the exact opposite weather in Toronto, Canada. However, the Padres did manage to avoid also losing starting pitchers Michael King and Kyle Hart to free agency. While German Marquez and Walker Buehler are a big step down from Cease, they are very low risk additions, especially considering the market for free agent starting pitching. I really like the addition of German Marquez, who in theory should have a much easier time pitching at sea level in San Diego, especially compared to the challenge that is pitching at altitude in Denver’s Coors Fields. Walker Buehler probably won’t come close again to what he did when he was with the Dodgers, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he returned to form in 2026. Starting pitcher Griffin Canning, who ruptured his Achilles tendon playing for the Mets in 2025, might be one of the better under-the-radar signings of the offseason. While he’s still rehabbing that injury, he’ll likely provide a boost to the Padres rotation early into the 2026 season. While not a free agent signing, Joe Musgrove, who missed all of 2025 thanks to Tommy John surgery he had back in October of 2024, should provide a boost to the Padres rotation early in the season as well.
Before going into the details of the Sung-Mun Song, Nick Castellanos, or Miguel Andujar signings, it’s worth noting that they’re improvements just from the fact that the Padres won’t have to suffer through Jose Iglesias playing in 112 games games in 2026. Despite having a career high 2.5 fWAR and 136 wRC+ in 86 games for the Mets in 2024, Iglesias fell off hard in 2025, putting up an anemic 73 wRC+ and negative defensive value when not playing shortstop, leading to a -0.2 fWAR/-0.7 bWAR season.
Sung-Mun Song is coming off two excellent seasons in the Korean Baseball. In 2024 Song played in all but one of the Kiwoom Heroes games and hit .340/.409/.518, finishing with a career high 19 homeruns and 21 stolen bases, which works out to a 143 wRC+ or 43% better than league average. He’d follow that up with an arguably better 2025 season. He played in all 144 games, hit .315/.387/.530 with 26 homeruns and 25 stolen bases. In a season where offense was down in the KBO, that works out to a 151 wRC+ or 51% better than a league average hitter. The real concerns with Song are that prior to 2024 he had been a below average hitter in all but one of his prior seven seasons, in addition to having only one season where he had appeared in more than 105 games. So the big question for Song will he able to continue his offensive breakout in a more competitive league, while staying healthy for a full season? ZIPs and other projection systems are skeptical of Song succeeding in MLB, but he does at least project to be an average hitter.
Miguel Andujar is coming off his best season in MLB since 2018. While not anywhere close to his production that season, in 2025 he still managed to hit .318/.352/.470 with a 125 wRC+ in 98 games split between the Athletics and Reds. While I wouldn’t expect him to follow up with an equal or better 2026, he should at least give the Padres an offensive boost.
Adding Nick Castellanos is possibly the biggest surprise of the Padres offseason. Castellanos, who turned 34 a week ago, was DFA’d by the Phillies after a disappointing 2025 campaign in which he hit .250/.294/.400 with a 90 wRC+. Although Castellanos will be used as part of a platoon, the fact that his hitting against both left and right handers cratered in 2025 is a massive red flag entering the 2026 season. While Castellanos might have been a good fit for Petco earlier in his career, I don’t think the ballpark will do him any favors in 2026. All that said, taking a flier on Castellanos for league minimum is definitely worth the risk.
This is still a very talented roster, especially with the core of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr, Xander Bogaerts, and Jake Cronenworth, which doesn’t even get into Jackson Merrill and flamethrowing closer Mason Miller, both of whom should only be getting better going forward. While there are some concerns with the lengthy deals the Padres inked over the last decade, that’s really a problem for next year.
On paper this looks like the NL West with the best chances of beating the likely division winner the Los Angeles Dodgers. I really love the moves they made to improve their pitching staff and lineup, especially the lower risk moves. My offseason grade for the San Diego Padres is an A.
PHOENIX –– Kiké Hernández has been to the MLB postseason 10 times, played in 103 playoff games and taken part in five World Series.
But what he experienced last week, while cheering on Team Puerto Rico from the dugout during two group stage games on his native island in the World Baseball Classic, might have rivaled anything he’s ever felt in his baseball career.
Kiké Hernández takes in the moment before Team Puerto Rico’s WBC game earlier in March. MLB Photos via Getty Images
“Getting the W and having a stadium of 18,000 people singing a pretty significant song for our island all together, it’s a moment that I’ll never forget,” he said. “I’m still bummed that I don’t get to be a part of it, but I still support my people. I’m still hoping that they can win.”
However, he got permission from the Dodgers to leave spring training last week to join Team Puerto Rico for the first two group stage games it hosted at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in the island’s capital of San Juan.
That meant, when Darell Hernáiz hit his epic walk-off home run in Puerto Rico’s extra-inning, come-from-behind win over Panama last Saturday, Hernández was there in the home plate celebration, pouring out of the dugout alongside his Puerto Rican teammates (including new Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz) in what instantly became one of the defining moments of WBC history.
“It’s not a walk-off homer in the World Series or anything like that,” he said. “But it’s still up there as one of those really cool moments that I’ll always remember.”
Afterward, Hernández also made headlines with postgame comments that went viral on social media, when he said in Spanish: “I’ve played in five World Series, and I don’t know if it’s because of what’s across my chest, but the Classic feels above that.”
On Thursday, Hernández expounded on that message, clarifying that the WBC often “feels bigger” than the World Series –– even if there is no apples-to-apples comparison for an MLB title.
“You don’t always choose who you play for (in MLB). Sometimes that’s not in your control,” he said. “But when you’re representing your country and playing along with your homies, sometimes you’re playing along with people that you grew up with. People back home are rooting for you.
“For us, coming from a little island, the things we can do for our island while the tournament is going on, it becomes a lot bigger than baseball, to where it not always feels that way when you’re playing for an organization in Major League Baseball.”
Kiké Hernández is not playing in the WBC this year for Team Puerto Rico. Getty Images
Hernández will rejoin Team Puerto Rico in Houston this weekend for its quarterfinal game Saturday against Team Italy –– joking that he texted Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman for permission immediately after last week’s walk-off win.
“He knows how much these games mean to me,” said Hernández, who still had his hair dyed white as part of Team Puerto Rico tradition. “It might have been an emotional text, but he was like, ‘After watching that game, it’s a pretty easy yes.’”
When asked if he would stay with Team Puerto Rico if it advances to the semifinal in Miami after that, Hernández then cracked a sly grin.
“I haven’t had that conversation yet with Andrew,” he said. “I only asked permission to go to Houston. So if we win again in Houston, he might get another text message asking if I can go along for the ride. But I haven’t decided that yet. We’re going to go one day at a time.”
Hernández’s rehab will factor into that equation. He said his progress is “starting to move along really rapidly” and that he has been able to take swings in the batting cage off a tee and against flipped balls from coaches.
Still, he wants to be there for as much of Puerto Rico’s WBC run as possible –– embracing his role as part cheerleader, part de facto coach on a team that has already surpassed expectations by reaching the knockout round despite missing most of its best MLB players because of insurance issues or injuries.
“I accepted the fact and came to peace with the fact that I couldn’t play,” he said. “Then you show up, you wear the uniform, you go out there for the anthem and you look around you can’t do it. It was really cool, but it was also really hard.
“I had to do a good job of hiding (that disappointment) and be there for the other guys that were there with less experience. It was tough being there (and not playing), but I’ll be there again in Houston, cheering them against Italy and providing whatever it is I need to provide as far as guidance or cheerleading. Whatever it is, I’ll be there. I’m all for it.”
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Miguel Rojas #72 of the Los Angeles Dodgers tosses the ball during a Spring Training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch on March 10, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers are back after their day off on Wednesday as they host the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch on Thursday. Cole Irvin gets the start for the Dodgers, facing left-hander Nick Lodolo.
The Kansas City Royals went 0-for-2 yesterday in split-squad action and will regroup against the San Diego Padres. The two teams face off in Peoria Sports Complex down in Arizona, with left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic taking the mound.
Things have been rough for the boys in blue since the World Baseball Classic began. With players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino gone, the Royals are 1-8 in nine Cactus League games.
Tonight’s Royals Lineup
Kris Bubic takes the mound under the lights in Peoria.
A pass-through of the San Diego Padres broadcast of tonight's game will be available to stream for free on https://t.co/TQjpx7L0LJ, and to watch on MLB Network in the Kansas City area. pic.twitter.com/mGRKfDdxs3
Edgar Quero will help Ryan Borucki from behind the plate against the Giants. | (Rick Scuteri/Imagn Images)
Happy 312 Day, Sox fans! Prior to tonight’s game, the team shared photos from the Los White Sox mural at Midway Airport, which spans 13,600 square feet.
The White Sox look to bounce back after two straight losses in a rare late-night Spring Training matchup. It might be a tough hill to climb, though, as the Giants have had a successful spring, with a 15-3 record.
Edgar Quero will be behind the plate tonight, and with Kyle Teel sidelined by a recent World Baseball Classic injury, we’ll likely be seeing plenty of him. Ryan Borucki will start the contest after pitching four innings so far this spring. He’s done fairly well, only giving up two hits and a walk, while striking out six as a relief arm.
Trevor McDonald will take the mound for San Francisco. The righthander has pitched a total of seven innings so far and has a similar line to Borucki’s, with two hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts.
Mar 12, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes (66) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Grant Holmes went into this evening’s spring training start against the Pittsburgh Pirates having not given up a single run across two starts and three appearances. He’s now up to three starts and four appearances without giving up a run so far through spring training and his fourth appearance here in camp was probably the best one of them all so far.
Holmes ended up going five innings in this one against a lineup that very likely won’t look too much different from the one that the Pirates will be rolling out there in a couple of weeks for Opening Day. Holmes struck out Spencer Horowitz to start this one and then followed that up by walking Ryan O’Hearn. That was as good as it got for the Pirates against Holmes as he completely dominated Pittsburgh from this point forward. Holmes got former Braves DH Marcell Ozuna to fly out to end the inning after racking up his second strikeout of the frame and that was the start of a very productive outing for him.
All six pitches from Grant Holmes were put on display on this one — that includes the sinker that Holmes has apparently been working on throughout the offseason and during camp as well. As you can tell by the fact that Holmes didn’t give up a single hit and only had to deal with one baserunner throughout the time that he was on the mound on Thursday evening, each of those six pitches were working like a charm for him in this one.
The Pirates were unable to do much of anything about what Grant Holmes was delivering from the mound tonight and the swings-and-misses were further proof of that. They were also proof that his slider was the key to befuddling Pittsburgh’s batters in this one — of the nine strikeouts that Holmes racked up during this game, eight of them came from a slider. This was one of those outings that made me think “Dude, save some of that for the regular season!” Spring training or not, this was a fantastic performance from Grant Holmes and if he can bring that with him to the regular season then there will be a lot of happy campers here watching Holmes pitch.
As far as the Braves go, that was basically the sparkling highlight of the night. The Pirates started Bubba Chandler (the No. 2 pitching prospect in all of baseball, according to MLB Pipeline) in this one and he absolutely lived up to the lofty status that he’s already achieved during his time on the farm. Chandler got his evening started by getting Michael Harris II to ground out on a 99-mph fastball that was inside and that basically set the tone for what came next. As good as Grant Holmes was in this one, Bubba Chandler wasn’t too far behind.
Chandler also went five innings in this one and struck out eight batters while only giving up one hit and one walk. Fortunately for the Braves, the one hit that he gave up ended up being a long ball. Former Twins prospect Jair Camargo has been having a very quiet spring training for the Braves so far and he was down 0-2 to Chandler in this AB before he got a hold of a slider and sent it flying onto the party deck out there in left field for a solo shot that put the Braves on the board and in the lead.
Fast forward to the sixth inning and we got to see a truly rare sight: A Michael Harris II walk. The free pass at the expense of Pirates pitcher Evan Sisk ended up being the start of something, as Money Mike stole second base and then eventually made it home on an RBI single from Kyle Farmer. Farmer’s single continues to bolster his care for making a roster spot while Michael Harris II’s fourth walk of spring training so far ended up paying off in dividends a little bit down the road.
The Braves led 2-0 at that point but ended up losing 5-2 after the Pirates ended up plating five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning due to a mixture of a rough outing from Blayne Enlow and a pair of backbreaking errors that allowed Pittsburgh to flip the game upside down. As a result, the Pirates were able to knock the Braves off of their lofty perch in the prestigious Grapefruit League as Atlanta fell to 12-5 with a couple of ties to their name.
With that being said, the most important takeaway here is that Grant Holmes appears to be champing at the bit to get out there for the regular season. He looked excellent on the mound today and has been locked in all spring. Sure, it may be spring training but he’s certainly looking the part when it comes to regular season readiness. We’ll see you tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 p.m. ET when the Braves welcome the Yankees to North Port.
Whether the Giants turn out to be an exciting team remains to be seen, but they are an interesting one, for sure. And that’s something to be said for what has been baseball’s blandest organization.
The most beloved player in recent franchise history is running their front office. He hired a total unknown to try to do something never done before as their manager.
Giants manager Tony Vitello is making the transition from college baseball to MLB. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It’s been about four months since Buster Posey introduced Tony Vitello at Oracle Park and four weeks or so since pitchers and catchers reported to Scottsdale, Arizona, for Vitello’s first spring training as a major-league manager.
The fiery former University of Tennessee coach still has lots of questions left to answer as he blazes the trail from college ranks straight to The Show.
But we’ve seen enough to assess some winners and losers so far:
It’s been about four months since Buster Posey introduced Tony Vitello at Oracle Park. AP
Winner: Tony Vitello
It would be hard to say Vitello hasn’t second-guessed his choice to put ambition and a change of scenery ahead of loyalty and familiarity in Knoxville. More on that in a second.
But he’s here. He’s doing it. And it doesn’t look any different from the other 29 dugouts across Arizona and Florida. The milestone won’t become official until March 25, Opening Night against the Yankees, when Vitello’s career win-loss record at any level of professional baseball reflects anything other than zeroes.
The games don’t count for now, but his team is off to a rollicking start nevertheless. Heading into Thursday, they owned the best record of any team in the Cactus or Grapefruit leagues — 15-3 — with a plus-47 run differential that also leads every team in spring training.
Loser: Tony Vitello’s public perception
Vitello, himself, didn’t start off on such a strong note.
The rookie manager immediately raised questions about his commitment to and readiness for the job when he questioned the circumstances around his hiring in one of his first sessions with reporters.
In what he called a “tangent,” Vitello began by telling the scrum “new format today” and turning questions around on them about the timeline of events. The Giants’ interest in Vitello was reported by The Athletic four days prior to his hiring becoming official. Vitello said “it might’ve changed the course of history.”
Vitello had continuously referenced his former program, the Volunteers. After it was clear it was becoming an issue, Vitello said, “It’s probably time … to divide the line in the sand.”
Giants pitcher Logan Webb is tuning up for the MLB season by pitching for Team USA during the WBC. Getty Images
Winner: Logan Webb
The Giants ace is one of their seven players in the World Baseball Classic but the only one with Team USA. Not all by himself, though: Dave Groeschner, the Giants’ longtime trainer, is also with Team USA.
Webb will make his second and final start Friday in the quarterfinals against Canada at loanDepot Park in Miami. He recovered from allowing a leadoff homer to Manny Ramirez’s son in the Americans’ opening game of the tournament, tossing four strong innings in a 15-5 win over Brazil.
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It’s also been a good tournament for new second baseman Luis Arraez, who has showed off an unexpected power stroke with two homers for Venezuela, which also advanced to the quarterfinals.
The experience wasn’t so nice to Tristan Beck, who got shelled on the way to Great Britain’s elimination, or Reiver Sanmartin, a left-handed hopeful for the bullpen who suffered a bad hip flexor strain in one of Colombia’s exhibitions. Harrison Bader (Israel) is also back in camp, while Jung Hoo Lee (Korea), Heliot Ramos (Puerto Rico) and Jose Butto (Venezuela) play on.
Loser: Pitching depth
Webb and Robbie Ray are about the only sure things in the Giants’ starting rotation.
The good news is offseason stopgaps Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser have looked more than capable of holding down two spots in the back end. Youngsters Landen Roupp and Trevor McDonald have also looked promising. Beyond them, the early showings from other young arms have left little to be desired.
Winner: The starting lineup
Adding Arraez’s contact ability atop a middle-of-the-order made up by Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames gives the Giants their most potent lineup in years. While Bader was signed primarily as a salve to their defensive woes in the outfield, his proven veteran presence also lengthens the lineup.
Although Devers missed two weeks with a hamstring strain, the group has lived up to the billing so far this spring. Adames, a notorious slow starter, is the only slugger whose numbers don’t pop off the page.
Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge has a shot to make the Opening Day roster. AP
Loser: Bench composition
The Giants look poised to carry two backup infielders who both hit right-handed and play every position in Casey Schmitt and Christian Koss. Their two best options off the bench in the outfield have looked like Luis Matos and Jerar Encarnacion — both out of options and tearing the cover off the ball this spring, but also bat from the right side. Same goes for Rule 5 pick Daniel Susac, the front-runner to back up Patrick Bailey.
It’s a little right-handed heavy. (There’s a similar problem in the bullpen, where the Giants just signed Joey Lucchesi, whom they non-tendered after last season, to add some competition to a group of lefties either injured or underwhelming.)
It also looks different in a world where Bryce Eldridge makes the Opening Day roster, which looks like more of a possibility now than when camp began. The 6-foot-7 left-handed slugger is still probably striking out more than the Giants would like, but the 21-year-old is making consistent enough contact — and when he does, it’s been among the loudest of anyone in the Cactus League.
Feb 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After dropping below .500 in yesterday’s game, the Brewers are looking to get back to even tonight against the Guardians. This is their second meeting this spring, with the first a 9-6 loss on February 21.
DL Hall gets the start this evening for the Brewers. It’s his fourth appearance this spring, but only his first start for the Brewers. So far this spring, he has pitched six innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks with four strikeouts. His last appearance came against the Brewers as he pitched with Great Britain in their exhibition. Hall allowed a run, a hit, two walks, and two strikeouts in three innings.
Three other Brewers are scheduled to pitch tonight. Easton McGee is making his fourth appearance of the spring. He’s pitched 4 1/3 innings this spring and not allowed a run, along with two hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. Jacob Waguespack has also not allowed a run this spring in 5 1/3 innings. He’s also allowed one hit and one walk and struck out four. Drew Rom is over from minor league camp after being reassigned on March 8. He’s allowed a run in 3 1/3 innings, with two hits, four walks, and six strikeouts. Peter Strzelecki is also over from minor league camp and has allowed two runs in four innings, with two hits and four strikeouts.
With the Brewers on the road, many of the bench players and minor league players are getting starts tonight. Garrett Mitchell is leading off with Brandon Lockridge batting second as the designated hitter. Christian Yelich is batting third with Gary Sánchez catching and batting fourth. Jett Williams is playing third and batting fifth, with Mike Boeve at first and batting sixth. Cooper Pratt, Jacob Hurtubise, and Eddys Leonard round out the lineup.
In recent injury news out of camp, Quinn Priester is expected to begin the season on the IL with a return TBD as he deals with a nerve issue “in the T.O.S. [thoracic outlet syndrome] family,” per manager Pat Murphy. He isn’t expected to require surgery. Additionally, outfielder Akil Baddoo’s quad injury is worse than expected, and he’s expected to miss 3-4 weeks.
Quinn Priester is back from seeing a vascular specialist in Dallas. Per Pat Murphy, diagnosis is a nerve issue “in the T.O.S. [thoracic outlet syndrome] family,” but believed to be treatable without surgery. Priester already threw lightly today. Scheduled for a bullpen 3/21.
