TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 27: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white) 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
The Athletic | Brendan Kuty: Having missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Gerrit Cole is on the comeback trail. The Athletic got a chance to shadow him as he worked out as part of his ongoing rehab, getting a look into the mad man — I say with affection — that is Gerrit Cole.
FanGraphs | Eric Longenhagen and Brendan Gawlowski: Spring training is always a time not only for players to get ready for their upcoming season, but also for us as fans to get a glimpse of the future. Here’s another look at some of that future with another set of Yankees’ prospect rankings, this time from FanGraphs.
New York Daily News | Gary Phillips: With their tall frames and nasty repertoires, Yankees’ prospect Carlos Lagrange gets a decent amount of comparisons to former Yankees’ relief ace Dellin Betances. However, Betances himself thinks Lagrange could be even better, and that he could do something that Betances couldn’t quite: stick as a major league starter.
ESPN | Jeff Passan: We’re entering the final weeks of spring training, which means plenty of people are starting to look ahead to the start to the action that counts. Here is a preview of 2026 for all 30 MLB teams from Jeff Passan, featuring some possible breakout stars, including one for the Yankees mentioned right above.
A.J. Minter throws during the Mets' Feb. 10 spring training session.
PORT ST. LUCIE — A.J. Minter departed the mound at Nationals Park last April 26 knowing something was wrong, but also fairly certain he hadn’t injured himself too badly.
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Even after the adrenaline subsided in the clubhouse and the initial burst of pain kicked in, the Mets reliever was thinking in terms of when he might be returning to the mound.
“I didn’t think it was going to be a season-ending injury,” Minter said this week.
Minter had completely torn a lat muscle from the bone and needed surgery.
And so, for a second straight spring training the veteran lefty is rehabbing.
Last year it was the labrum in his hip, following surgery in 2024 with the Braves.
Minter, 32, has also undergone Tommy John and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in his career.
A.J. Minter throws during the Mets’ Feb. 10 spring training session. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
“But this by far has been the easiest rehab process,” Minter said. “I’ve had it all, but this has been about getting the shoulder strong again.”
Minter threw a third live batting practice session this spring Friday.
He’s hopeful of maybe pitching in a Grapefruit League game before the Mets break camp, but regardless won’t pitch for the team for at least the season’s first month.
It’s a potential May addition to which manager Carlos Mendoza can look forward after the team struggled to compensate for Minter’s absence last season.
Brooks Raley, who returned at midseason following Tommy John surgery rehab, bolstered the lefty relief in the second half, but for two months the Mets shuffled a group that included Genesis Cabrera, Jose Castillo and Richard Lovelady before acquiring Gregory Soto from Baltimore before the trade deadline. Soto pitched to underwhelming results and wasn’t re-signed.
“Some of the guys that were there did their part, but [Minter’s absence] was a big blow for us,” Mendoza said. “We felt it while Minter was down.”
A.J. Minter throws a pitch during the Mets’ April 2025 game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
The Mets fell one victory short of the playoffs, a fact that torments Minter, who wonders if he could have provided a needed boost.
“I felt like I let the team down,” Minter said. “I knew they were counting on me, and it was definitely hard to watch them. I stayed in New York all year and just wanted to be around the guys, new team, new organization, just continue to build that bond with everyone. I felt it was my job to come in and help this team win, so when you can’t do that it’s frustrating.
“But I worked super hard this offseason and my goal is to come in here and continue to do the same. I can’t help the team if I am hurt, so the first job is just to feel healthy and stay healthy.”
Minter said his fastball is topping out in the 92-93 mph range, slightly below where he wants it.
But he also recognizes where he is in the calendar compared to his teammates.
“Of course, I want to throw harder than that, but I would say I’m a month behind everyone,” Minter said. “If you told me I was throwing 92-93, showing up to spring training … I’m competitive, I want the velocity, but I think we’re in a good spot.”
Raley has returned to give the Mets one dependable lefty reliever.
Beyond that it’s unclear if the team will carry a secondary option to begin the season.
The primary candidate for that spot is Bryan Hudson, who was acquired in a trade with the White Sox for cash considerations just before the start of camp.
“I wouldn’t put it as we’re looking for a second lefty,” Mendoza said, noting that both Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have strong crossover numbers. “I think it’s whatever we feel is going to be best by the time we break camp here.”
An elimination that would have been humiliating has been avoided. If Team USA did not play like a juggernaut, it at least played well enough to advance without any external help this time.
All the Americans needed to get back on track was a matchup with a nation that shares a land border and has recently doubled as a punching bag.
The United States — a country that boasts 29 major league clubs — faced off against Canada — a country that has one — and survived a scare from its northern neighbors, 5-3, in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals Friday night in Houston.
“The crowd really got into it. … It was absolutely electric,” Yankees reliever David Bednar told Fox Sports after escaping a seventh-inning jam, the back of the USA bullpen proving to be the difference.
United States center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts with first base coach George Lombard (23) after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning against Canada on March 13, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s a clean sweep for the U.S., whose men’s and women’s hockey teams beat Canada in the gold medal games at the Winter Olympics last month. The Los Angeles Dodgers, too, triumphed over the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series last year. In the WBC, the Americans have won five straight times against the Canadians, including a 12-1 beatdown in 2023.
Team USA moves on to what arguably is the showdown of the tournament: a semifinal Sunday against the Dominican Republic, which knocked off South Korea in its quarterfinal that ended in a mercy rule-inducing homer from the Yankees’ Austin Wells.
The Dominican lineup owns the muscle and star power to keep up with the Americans, an onslaught of Fernando Tatis Jr., Ketel Marte, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado, Junior Caminero and Julio Rodríguez, just to name a few.
Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper of Team United States celebrate after scoring against Team Canada during the third inning at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images
Awaiting on the mound will be Paul Skenes, first of the Air Force Academy and now the best arm the Americans have to throw.
The game will take place in the international melting pot that is Miami, which will be far more fired up than during Marlins games.
“I expect it to be, like, one of the greatest games of all time,” DeRosa told reporters of a matchup that will pit a businesslike Team USA club against a bat-flipping group of Dominican players.
David Bednar of Team United States reacts to striking out against Team Canada during the seventh inning at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images
“It’s fun. It’s exciting,” Aaron Judge (1-for-3 with a double and walk) told reporters of the flashier Dominican style of play. “I know the fans definitely love it. But I try not to look at what other teams are doing, what other people are doing. I focus on what we got here. We got a special group of guys that love to play this game.”
As a reminder: This stage is single elimination, so another Game 7 awaits. A loss to the Dominican Republic would be disappointing, sure, but not shameful or mortifying. The Americans had earlier flirted with both.
Just about forgotten now is the heated debate around DeRosa, who claimed he misspoke in stating that his club already had clinched a spot in the knockout stage prior to its fourth game in group play. Team USA then fielded a lineup without several of its best players and lost to Italy, requiring (and then receiving) some help to advance.
Friday, the Americans received yet another gift. A country known for its politeness delivered with a, well, favour that cracked the game open.
The WBC bracket after the first games of the quarterfinal round. New York Post
In the third inning of a game Team USA led by one, Bryce Harper, Judge and Kyle Schwarber reached to load the bases with two outs. Alex Bregman hit a ground ball to the left side that a diving Abraham Toro stabbed. A good throw would have cut down Bregman, ended the frame and kept the contest close, but the Royals infielder airmailed the throw to give the Americans a three-run cushion.
That cushion ballooned to five runs, but Canada scored three times (including a two-run homer from Guardians standout Bo Naylor in the sixth) and put the tying run in scoring position without an out against Bednar in the seventh.
The gutsy Yankees reliever, though, bore down. He went down, 3-1, to Josh Naylor before fighting back and inducing a pop-up. He used a big-time curveball to punch out Tyler O’Neill then a splitter to escape against Owen Caissie. Bednar hopped and smacked his right hand into his glove as he walked to the dugout after throwing 26 of the most pressurized pitches you can throw on March 13.
Former Yankees prospect and current Red Sox weapon Garrett Whitlock pitched a scoreless eighth and Mason Miller was dominant for the ninth in a game the Americans survived because of their defense — which did not make the mistake that the Canadians did — and their pitching and not a lineup that has yet to be overwhelming.
United States relief pitcher Mason Miller (19) and catcher Cal Raleigh (29) react after defeating Canada during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I don’t think this entire time in Houston has been all that pretty,” Pete Crow-Armstrong told Fox Sports. “But I think we know what we have in this clubhouse. … I think it’s just most important that when it’s not always the easiest or the cleanest, we’re still getting the job done, some way, somehow.
“We’re looking to really wake up one of these days soon.”
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan speaks at a press conference during an official workout day at loanDepot park on March 12, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The United States advanced to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic with a 5-3 win over Canada at Daikin Park in Houston on Friday night.
Will Smith, who has been splitting catching duties with Cal Raleigh, did not play on Friday. Clayton Kershaw did not pitch in any of the first five games of the tournament, and he’s expected to be replaced on Team USA’s roster in favor of Jeff Hoffman for the next round.
The earlier game Friday was a blowout, with the Dominican Republic shutting out Korea 10-0.
Former Dodgers pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu got through the first inning unscathed, but it was mostly landmines for him in the second inning, with two walks, three hits, and three runs to end his start after only five outs. The Dominican Republic followed with a four-run third inning, then Austin Wells ended things with a three-run home run in the seventh inning, providing the requisite 10-run lead that late in the game to invoke the mercy rule.
Hyeseong Kim, who missed the last game of pool play in Tokyo after injuring his left hand on a slide into second base, was back in the lineup Friday for Korea, but he struck out in both at-bats. Now, he’ll be back to the Dodgers soon to resume his battle for an opening day roster spot.
Team USA will take on the Dominican Republic in the first WBC semifinal, on Sunday night at loanDepot Park in Miami.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be on the mound and Shohei Ohtani in the lineup as designated hitter for Japan in their quarterfinal matchup with Venezuela on Saturday night. Ohtani won’t pitch in the WBC, but he continues to build up toward the regular season, including pitching four simulated innings on Thursday in Miami.
“We get Trackman reports. We know how many pitches he’s thrown, we know the velocity, we have a general idea of the movements. We get some cellphone videos and stuff from Will Ireton (who is working with Team Japan during the tournament) and Possum (Yosuke Nakajima, a Dodgers trainer), who was in Tokyo as well.
“We’ve been able to track what’s going on and talk with Will to see how he’s responding. That’s kind of how we’re staying in touch.”
Tennessee infielder Manny Marin (4) hits the ball during a NCAA regional baseball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Cincinnati Bearcats at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 31, 2025. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Offensive struggles were the story for Tennessee over the last week, but over the last couple of games, the Volunteer bats have delivered. Coming off of a 20-2 explosion against Tennessee Tech, the Vols delivered again this evening in Athens to open SEC play.
Taking on No. 6 Georgia, Henry Ford got things rolling in the top of the 3rd with a 2-run single back up the middle. Teagan Kuhns was rolling along until the 5th, where trouble struck. A solo shot from Ryan Black got the Bulldogs on the board, but Georgia wasn’t done. A string of hits would end up scoring three more runs, ending Kuhns’ night on the mound and giving the Bulldogs a 4-2 lead.
Tennessee would put two on in the next inning, and Manny Marin delivered a key hit to tie things up. It was a 2-run double, which ended up chasing Georgia starter Joey Volchko.
Brandon Arvidson took over on the mound for Tennessee and shut things down for the rest of the night. Following Kuhns, Arvidson went 4.1 innings, giving up just two hits and striking out four. Following Tennessee’s three solo homers, Arvidson would be credited with the victory — his first of the season.
Tennessee moves to 14-4 on the season and now just a win away this weekend from clinching their first SEC series. It would be quite the statement weekend for Josh Elander’s group, doing this against a top ten team on the road. We’ll see if this offense can keep that momentum going on Saturday. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. ET.
Austin Wells called game for the Dominican Republic on Friday.
In the seventh inning of a quarterfinal matchup against Korea, the Yankees backstop blasted a three-run homer down the right field line, putting the D.R. up 10-0 and thus enacting the tournament’s 10-run mercy rule.
With Friday’s win, the D.R. advances to the semifinals, making its first appearance there since 2013, where it wound up winning its first and only WBC championship.
“Trying to win today and be able to move to the next round was the goal,” Wells told reporters after the win. “Being able to help out today and be part of it was a lot of fun. Definitely a special moment.”
Wells’ home run put the D.R. up 10-0, thus enacting the WBC’s mercy rule. AP
The game was lopsided from the start, with the D.R. quickly notching seven runs across the second and third innings.
They were also to keep Korea’s hitters at bay, giving up just two hits and a walk through the seven-inning game.
Phillies southpaw Cristopher Sanchez started the game for the Dominican Republic, striking out eight through five innings of work.
Albert Abreu finished the game, throwing two perfect innings while striking out three.
Dominican Republic’s Austin Wells (28) gets doused as he celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run to end the game early in the seventh inning of a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game against South Korea, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Miami. AP
Wells’ blast gave the D.R. its 14th home run of the tournament, tying a WBC record previously held by Mexico from the 2009 competition.
Manager Albert Pujols said that this year’s team has unmatched energy, and it’s something unique to the culture of the country.
“I just don’t think you can,” Pujols said Friday when asked how the energy could be replicated in the MLB, according to The Athletic. “That’s in our blood, that’s in our DNA. That’s how we play baseball.
Austin Wells of Team Dominican Republic celebrates his three-run home run with teammates in the seventh inning of the quarterfinal game against Team Korea in the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot park on March 13, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Getty Images
“That responsibility that we have wearing this jersey, especially representing our country — the culture, the attitude, the way the guys go about it — I mean, you’re born with that, and sometimes, you know, that’s even harder to teach.”
Outfielder Julio Rodriguez has also opened up on his country pride, saying that winning for the Dominican Republic would mean more to him than taking home a World Series title with the Mariners.
“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.”
“This is for my country, this is for my town, this is for the people in my neighborhood,” he added. “It’s for everybody in the Dominican Republic.”
The Dominican Republic is slated to face Team USA-Canada in the semifinal round on Sunday.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 09: Willi Castro #3 of Team Puerto Rico fields a ball during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool A game presented by Capital One between Team Cuba and Team Puerto Rico at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on Monday, March 9, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
On Monday, we asked which Rockie you thought was having the best WBC and who you were rooting for to win. Last night, we asked who you think will win the whole thing. Today, I present you the results from Monday’s poll:
The majority of fans believe that INF Willi Castro. Castro has gone 3-f0r-10 with a double and two RBI in four games for Team Puerto Rico. He has also drawn four walks and struck out twice with a stolen base.
Ezequiel Tovar went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in three games for Team Venezuela. He drew one walk, struck out twice, and stole a base. Juan Mejia has allowed just one hit in two scoreless innings for Team Dominican Republic.
Beyond individual players, Purple Rowers are overwhelmingly rooting for Team USA.
Unfortunately, Team Venezuela and Team Mexico have been eliminated, but we can still root for the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico!
What are your thoughts on these results? Do you agree? Have your answers changed since Monday? Let us know in the comments!
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Mar 1, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) pitches against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The split squads were in effect today, with the Mets hosting the Marlins at Clover Park and the team traveling to the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches to take on the Nationals.
Home Game: Marlins 1, Mets 0
Kodai Senga looked excellent over three innings of work, striking out five and allowing no hits or walks. His velocity was hitting 98 and his ghost fork was diving, both wonderful signs for the oft-injured righty.
Devin Williams pitched a scoreless fourth inning, working himself out of trouble after striking out the first two batters he faced. Back to back singles put men on the corners, but he was able to induce a weak ground out to end the frame.
Bo Bichette came to bat thrice, striking out once and grounding into two double plays. Woof.
The sole run crossed the plate in the seventh, when Christopher Morel singled in Connor Norby. This would be the only run charged to Clay Holmes, who looked excellent in five innings of work, allowing two hits, no walks, and six strikeouts in his first post-WBC appearance.
Away Game: Mets 8, Nationals 3
The Mets jumped on the board in the top of the first when Ronny Mauricio doubled in Brett Baty, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead.
Carl Edwards Jr. started for the away Mets, and looked really good in his four innings of work, striking out four and allowing just one baserunner on a walk to Nasim Nuñez.
The Mets extended their lead by a run when Carson Benge drove in A.J. Ewing with the second run in the fifth.
Bryan Hudson entered the game in the bottom of the fifth, giving up a single to Dylan Crews, a walk to José Tena, and a double to Nuñez on the first three batters to face him, leading to a run. A sacrifice fly by Yohandy Morales tied the game.
Joe Jacques gave up a third run on a Crews sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.
The Mets retook the lead in the eighth when Nick Roselli cleared the bases on a three-run double, putting the Mets up 5-3.
A flurry of Met prospects that you probably haven’t heard of (Ronald Hernandez! Diego Mosquera! Nick Lorusso!) added on in the top of the ninth, putting the Mets up 8-3.
The Mets play away tomorrow against the Astros at 6:05pm.
NORTH PORT, Fla. — With less than two weeks left until it’s being used for real, Aaron Boone remains unimpressed with the automated ball-strike system (ABS).
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“I don’t like it,” the manager said before the Yankees’ 7-6 spring training loss to the Braves Friday at CoolToday Park. “I don’t want it. I think the umpires are trained really well now and graded really fairly. I’ve seen the [strike] zone get more consistent umpire-to-umpire.”
But his real issue is the impact it could have on the flow of the game.
“It’s a whole new component,” Boone said. “A guy strikes out a guy to end the sixth inning in a big spot and he’s going off the field and it’s overturned. Now he’s back in the fire. Hopefully that serves us well, but that’s now part of the game. Is that a great thing? I don’t know.”
Aaron Boone is pictured during the Yankees’ March 4 spring training game. Imagn Images
And it’s not about the concept of letting umpires make mistakes behind the plate, it’s the way in which the challenge system may impact calls in games.
“There’s a human element of ‘This team is out of challenges and [the umpire] got one wrong,’ ” Boone said.
Now that it’s here, though, Boone believes the Yankees will have success with the system.
“I continue to think it will be good for entertainment and I think there’s entertainment value to it,” the manager said. “I think we’re going to be good at it. I expect us to be good at it.”
Boone said the Yankees are “going to be prepared correctly for it. I think our guys, offensively speaking — kind of our identity [and] DNA — is controlling the strike zone. Hopefully that serves us well in this environment.”
And Boone added he’s not totally against it — and acknowledged he may come around at some point.
Aaron Boone takes Max Fried out of the Yankees’ spring training game on March 9. AP
“I might grow to like it,” Boone said. “I was skeptical about some of the rule changes a couple years ago. … [And] I’m not dead-set that I hate it. It’s fine. I don’t think I love it.”
He’d also rather they just go totally to an automated system instead of relying on a challenge system.
“I’m kind of one way or the other,” Boone said. “Then there’s no consternation. You want it or you don’t.”
Boone said with Ryan Weathers expected to be in the five-man rotation to open the regular season, veterans Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough likely would pitch out of the bullpen in the early going.
Paul Blackburn throws a pitch during the Yankees’ March 5 Grapefruit League game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Boone also added the Yankees could go with a four-man rotation for the first few weeks, given extra built-in off days in March and April.
“Those are things we’ll work through over the next weeks,” Boone said.
A day after top prospect George Lombard Jr. was reassigned to minor league camp, Boone praised the young infielder who has stood out each of the last two springs.
“Obviously, we think very highly of him and he continues to confirm those notions,” Boone said. “The way he goes about it, he’s as professional as it gets: Great routine, his love of the game, how he works.”
Boone’s message to Lombard and Spencer Jones, in particular, was: “Be where your feet are. The bottom line is to keep getting better. Go play. … Some things are out of your control. Handle your end of business.”
Mar 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Dodgers take on the Mariners Friday night at Peoria Stadium. Landon Knack makes his fourth spring start for the Dodgers. Cade Anderson takes the ball for Seattle.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 19: Infield coach Perry Hill #16 of the Seattle Mariners poses for a portrait at Peoria Sports Complex on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Kade Anderson Revolution will be televised. Tonight’s match-up against the Dodgers will be broadcast on SNLA, and it’s an evening game, so you might even get to watch it. Of course, it’s up against the WBC Quarterfinals, so maybe your attention will be divided.
The Mariners are mostly going with the B-Squad for tonight’s game, but I know my fellow Brock Rodden enjoyers will be excited about that. The headline is Kade Anderson’s third start of his pro career, and he’ll face a significant early test against the top of the Dodgers’ lineup. Our best understanding of who’ll follow Anderson is Dobnak, Ortiz, Ferrer, Vargas, and Zuñiga, but that’s not 100%
As for LA, I can’t say I’m super familiar with Landon Knack, but he’s already got two rings. His most prominent outings came in the 2024 postseason, where included four innings of Game 4 of the World Series. Here’s a fun fact: his first MLB strikeout came against Nick Senzel, who will man the keystone for Knack tonight.
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 13: Eric Hosmer takes batting practice prior to the MLB Home Run Derby X at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Amy Kontras/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The WBC Quarterfinals start tonight, including Team USA facing off against Team Canada. But if you can tear your eyes away from that, you can see the debut of Eric Hosmer on the Royals TV broadcast in Surprise, Arizona. It should be a good time. Here’s the lineup:
Speaking of team USA in the WBC, Michael Wacha will make his first appearance in Royals Spring Training since returning home from a successful relief appearance in pool play last week. This game will also allow us to get our first look at the newest Royal, Starling Marte, in right field, and watch Carter Jensen take a turn behind the plate while Salvy waits to try to lead Venezuela against Japan tomorrow.
After Wacha, the Royals plan to send Noah Cameron, Helcris Olivárez, and Shane Panzini to the mound. Beck Way and Chase Jesse will be in the bullpen, too, just in case. I’ll be keeping a close eye on Noah Cameron’s velocities and to see if Helcris Olivárez can continue to push for a bullpen spot.
One of the most exciting parts of baseball is a game going into extra innings. In MLB games, extra innings can go on-and-on like an Erykah Badu song.
For a lengthy, six-month MLB season, extra innings are cool. An uncanny experience for baseball fans, especially those that witness the extended game live at a ballpark. MLB officially instituted the "ghost runner" for the 2023 regular season, but the rule placing a free runner on second base to start extra innings had been used since the 2020 COVID season.
The World Baseball Classic also adopted the rule, but it it will be used all the way through the tournament, whereas MLB reverts to traditional extra-inning rules in the postseason.
The WBC comes with a separate set of rules including pitch count limits and mercy rule regulations.
The tournament also follows MLB's regular-season extra-inning rules, with a runner starting on second base beginning in the 10th inning.
The "ghost runner" in extra innings will be deployed all the way through the tournament, whereas MLB does not use the rule in the postseason.
Pitch clock rules during WBC
This is the first year that the WBC has introduced a pitch clock.
It mirrors the MLB pitch clock rule which if the bases are empty, pitchers have 15 seconds to throw to batters. And with at least one runner on base, pitchers have 18 seconds to send the ball across home plate.
Additionally, batters have to be ready and in the box with at least eight seconds on the clock.
Is there pitch count limit in the WBC?
Pitchers are capped at 65 pitches through the first round of the tournament. That number increases to 80 pitches for the quarter and semifinals, topping out at 95 pitches for the championship game.
Although limited at 95 pitches, pitchers can pass the mark if needed to complete a batter's plate appearance.
Pitchers who exceed the allotted pitch amount in one game will be forced to use ensuing days for rest, depending on how many pitches were thrown. If a pitcher throws 50 or more pitches, then he will sit for at least four days before he can pitch again. If the number is 30 or more, then a player has to rest for a day.
No matter the pitch count, pitchers who throw on consecutive days will be required to rest for a day before competing again.
What's the mercy rule for WBC?
There's a mercy rule during only the first and quarterfinal rounds.
The rule states that the game will after the 7th inning if a team leads by 10 or more runs. The game will conclude after the 5th inning if a team leads by 15 or more runs.
A few days ago, I took a microscope and a fine comb to some Cactus League stats for the San Francisco Giants hitters. Today it’s time to do the same thing, except for the pitchers.
The goal is simple: take data that’s already too small to be meaningful, and split it into even smaller, less meaningful segments. Because isn’t that fun?
More seriously, it’s to look at how the team’s pitchers have performed against different talent levels. To break that down, I’ve sorted every batter the Giants have faced this spring into four categories: MLB regulars (think Heliot Ramos); non-regulars who are on the 40-man roster (Luis Matos); non-roster invitees (Jared Oliva); and players from Minor League camp (Josuar González).
It’s at times an inexact science. Bryce Eldridge isn’t a regular, but he’s certainly a better hitter than many who are. But for the most part, it puts things into buckets so we can see how pitchers are performing against players they would see in a Major League game, versus players that they won’t. And it also shows us how they’re being deployed.
Additionally, I’ve looked at every ball put in play that the Giants pitchers have allowed, and tracked the exit velocities. I’ve included the data for both average exit velocity (the average of every ball in play), and EV50 (the average of the lowest 50% of that data set). For context, I’ve added what percentile that average EV would have been in 2025, and a ranking for the EV50 based on the 447 MLB pitchers with at least 100 batted balls in 2025, since percentiles aren’t available for that stat.
Well, dig in, folks. And nerd out. All of the data is through Thursday’s game.
Tristan Beck
vs. regulars: 11 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 home run, 1 triple, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 4 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 triple, 1 walk vs. NRIs: 7 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, 1 strikeout vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(15 balls in play) Avg EV: 92.3 (1st percentile) EV50: 82.0 (434th out of 447)
It hasn’t been a good spring for Beck. He’s been struggling to miss bats, and hitters have been teeing off on his pitches, with seven of the 18 balls put in play against him hitting triple figures. He hasn’t pitched for the Giants that much, since he was in the WBC, but he certainly seems to be loosing ground on the rest of the swing man and middle relief competition. Luckily, he has an option remaining, which I hadn’t realized. So he seems ticketed for Sacramento.
Will Bednar
vs. regulars: n/a vs. 40-mans: 1 batter faced vs. NRIs: 8 batters faced, 1 hit, 3 walks vs. MiLBs: 10 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 hit by pitch, 3 strikeouts
Exit velocities(11 balls in play) Avg EV: 85.5 (99th percentile) EV50: 74.2 (21st out of 447)
Bednar, who is an NRI (as well as the team’s first-round pick in 2021), was in the first group of camp cuts on Thursday. And it’s clear from this breakdown of his opponents that the Giants never viewed him as a candidate to earn an Opening Day role … he faced 19 batters, and only one of them was a rostered player. But It was certainly a valuable experience for the righty, and one that was in line with his 2025: very good things happened when batters swung at his pitches, but very bad things happened when they did not.
Hayden Birdsong
vs. regulars: 8 batters faced, 4 hits, 1 double, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 5 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 walk vs. NRIs: 5 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 home run, 1 double, 1 walk vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(13 balls in play) Avg EV: 92.2 (1st percentile) EV50: 83.4 (446th out of 447)
There’s no need to dwell on Birdsong’s rough spring, especially given the news that came out on Thursday: he has a sore elbow. We’ll all hold our breaths. It’s been a disaster of a preseason for him, but nothing that he can’t turn around … if healthy.
Spencer Bivens
vs. regulars: 14 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 6 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 9 batters faced, 4 hits, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: 2 batters faced, 1 strikeout
Exit velocities (21 balls in play) Avg EV: 95.3 (worse than the highest mark of 93.2) EV50: 80.1 (362nd out of 447)
It sneakily hasn’t been a very strong spring for Bivens. He’s done an excellent job limiting damage, but betters are absolutely spanking the ball when he throws it. He’s already given up six balls in excess of 106 mph, and he’s also had a fair amount of walks. But he’s proven, and valuable, and we know the team likes him, so I’d be surprised if he’s not on the Opening Day roster.
JT Brubaker
vs. regulars: 8 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 home run, 1 double, 2 walks, 1 strikeout vs. 40-mans: 7 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 6 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 double vs. MiLBs: 3 batters faced, 1 walk, 1 strikeout
Exit velocities(16 balls in play) Avg EV: 91.0 (7th percentile) EV50: 79.5 (305th out of 447)
Brubaker has also had a fairly mediocre spring, and has been hit especially hard by MLB regulars. He was somewhat surprisingly tendered a contract in arbitration this winter, and he can’t be feeling too comfortable about his job status as March 25 draws nearer.
José Buttó
vs. regulars: 6 batters faced, 1 hit vs. 40-mans: 4 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 double, 1 walk vs. NRIs: 7 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 triple, 2 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(14 balls in play) Avg EV: 92.3 (1st percentile) EV50: 83.0 (443rd out of 447)
We’re noticing an unfortunate theme here: the pitchers with “B” surnames are allowing a lot of hard contact, Bednar notwithstanding. But we’re dealing with very small sample sizes, and Buttó has been completely fine, especially against the best talent.
Michael Fulmer
vs. regulars: 2 batters faced, 1 strikeout vs. 40-mans: 9 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 home run, 3 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 10 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 home run, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: 8 batters faced, 6 strikeouts
Exit velocities(14 balls in play) Avg EV: 78.9 (better than the lowest mark of 84.1) EV50: 63.8 (better than the lowest mark of 70.7)
What a funny spring Fulmer has had. He’s limited batters to comically low exit velocities, yet the only hits he’s allowed have been home runs. He’s thrown with fairly soft velocity, but earned a lot of strikeouts. The splits certainly paint a story of a player who should be in Sacramento this year, at least at the start. He hasn’t had all that much of an opportunity against MLB players, and has done the bulk of his damage against Minor Leaguers.
Matt Gage
vs. regulars: 9 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 home run, 1 double, 2 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 7 batters faced, 1 hit, 4 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 2 batters faced, 1 strikeout vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(11 balls in play) Avg EV: 93.5 (worse than the highest mark of 93.2) EV50: 83.6 (446th out of 447)
Gage has benefitted from two things. First, in this article, he’s benefitted from the fact that the stats in San Francisco’s exhibition game against Team USA don’t count, since he not only got roughed up, but was roughed up by a group of Giants Minor Leaguers on loan to the American squad. Second and more importantly, he’s benefitted from the fact that Erik Miller, Reiver Sanmartin, and Sam Hentges also suffered injuries. Miller is still hoping to be ready by Opening Day, though that’s a big question mark, while Sanmartin and Hentges have already been ruled out. A pathway has opened for Gage to make the Opening Day roster, despite so-so results thus far.
Trent Harris
vs. regulars: 3 batters faced, 3 hits vs. 40-mans: 6 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 walk, 1 strikeout vs. NRIs: 10 batters faced, 4 hits, 2 home runs, 1 double, 1 walk, 1 strikeout vs. MiLBs: 4 batters faced, 2 strikeouts
Exit velocities(17 balls in play) Avg EV: 93.2 (0th percentile) EV50: 87.1 (worse than the highest mark of 84.1)
Harris’ first time in Major League camp went similarly to his 2025 season, in that he was excellent against the lowest-level talent he faced, and struggled against the higher-level talent. Last year, he mowed through AA, but ran into a wall in AAA, and that’s reflected in the splits above, where he retired all four Minor Leaguers he faced, with two strikeouts, while allowing 11 of the 19 other batters he faced to reach base, with just two more strikeouts. He was among the first group of camp cuts, and will head to AAA to work on some stuff — hopefully we can see the curveball a little more.
Adrian Houser
vs. regulars: 9 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 home run, 1 walk vs. 40-mans: 1 batter faced, 1 hit, 1 double vs. NRIs: n/a vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(9 balls in play) Avg EV: 93.4 (worse than the highest mark of 93.2) EV50: 85.9 (worse than the highest mark of 84.1)
The main takeaway from Houser’s spring is that he’s only officially pitched once (he also pitched against Team USA, which didn’t go all that well). We’re gonna see a lot of the young arms this year, methinks, though Houser is certainly in the rotation if healthy.
Caleb Kilian
vs. regulars: 9 batters faced, 5 hits, 1 double vs. 40-mans: 6 batters faced, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 9 batters faced, 1 hit, 3 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: 1 batter faced, 1 strikeout
Exit velocities(17 balls in play) Avg EV: 84.3 (1st percentile) EV50: 70.2 (better than the lowest mark of 70.7)
Kilian has, in many ways, been the pitching version of Victor Bericoto this spring. He’s been one of the best performers, but if you peel things back a little bit, it’s notable that he’s doing his best work against his worst competition. The sample sizes are tiny, but if you want to overanalyze, there’s an opportunity to do so. Still, he’s throwing gas, and making quite an impression. He very well could find himself on the Opening Day roster. He’s also been a bit of an all-or-nothing guy with exit velocities: six of the 17 balls put in play against him have been below 75 mph, while four have been hotter than 104.
Tyler Mahle
vs. regulars: 14 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 double, 5 walks, 4 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 5 batters faced, 1 walk, 1 strikeout vs. NRIs: 5 batters faced, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: 2 batters faced
Exit velocities(12 balls in play) Avg EV: 84.3 (1st percentile) EV50: 71.7 (2nd out of 447)
26 batters faced, and only 12 balls in play. Mahle is living off of strikeouts, but dying due to walks. There shouldn’t have been any doubt that his stuff plays against top competition, but if there was … well, there isn’t anymore. As long as he can find the strike zone and stay healthy, he’ll be golden.
Nick Margevicius
vs. regulars: 3 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 double vs. 40-mans: 2 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 double vs. NRIs: 19 batters faced, 7 hits, 2 doubles, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: 9 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 strikeout
Also: 2 runners caught stealing, 1 stolen base allowed
Exit velocities(29 balls in play) Avg EV: 92.3 (1st percentile) EV50: 82.0 (434th out of 447)
Margevicius, a non-roster invitee, is another player whose splits inform us less about his abilities, and more about the organization’s view of him. Despite being a 29-year old with MLB experience, it’s clear that the Giants view him as bullpen depth in AAA, given that he’s faced 33 batters, and only five of them have been rostered players.
Trevor McDonald
vs. regulars: 21 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 home run, 1 double, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 8 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 home run, 1 hit by pitch, 3 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 9 batters faced, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(24 balls in play) Avg EV: 88.4 (73rd percentile) EV50: 79.1 (277th out of 447)
McDonald has unequivocally been one of the stars of Spring Training, and things look even rosier when you account for competition. In 10 innings he’s yet to face a batter from Minor League camp, and more than half of his opponents have been MLB regulars, while his numbers have held — or arguably gotten better — against those players. He’s played himself into being the favorite not just for the first name called when the rotation needs a sixth arm, but also for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.
Robbie Ray
vs. regulars: 13 batters faced, 1 hit, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 12 batters faced, 2 walks, 1 hit by pitch, 3 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 11 batters faced, 3 hits, 2 triples, 3 walks vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(20 balls in play) Avg EV: 85.2 (99th percentile) EV50: 69.1 (better than the lowest mark of 70.1)
Ray is the funny case of an established veteran who is performing much worse against lower competition. It certainly means nothing, but it’s funny, and I remember Wilmer Flores being the same last Spring: he was feasting against established Major Leaguers, and struggling mightily against Minor Leaguers and NRIs. Either way, the positive with Ray’s spring has been that he’s kept his exit velocities very much in check (though it’s a small enough sample size that a 24.9-mph bunt is skewing things a little). The negative is that he’s faced 36 batters and given a free base to nine of them.
Wilkin Ramos
vs. regulars: 5 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 double vs. 40-mans: 6 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 home run vs. NRIs: 14 batters faced, 2 hits, 6 walks, 1 strikeout vs. MiLBs: 7 batters faced, 4 hits, 1 strikeout
Exit velocities(24 balls in play) Avg EV: 90.7 (11th percentile) EV50: 78.8 (262nd out of 447)
Ramos, who only recently turned 25 and was added to the system over the offseason, faced an uphill battle to make the Opening Day roster, and it’s been evident why. He’s got some funk, but he’s really struggled to miss bats, and has allowed some loud contact (including two balls in excess of 113 mph). He’ll be a fun one to monitor in AAA this year.
Landen Roupp
vs. regulars: 11 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 double, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 5 batters faced, 2 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 6 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 strikeout vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(13 balls in play) Avg EV: 87.4 (91st percentile) EV50: 78.3 (223rd out of 447)
Roupp has looked good, and he’s done it without the competition being watered down at all. He certainly looks ready to resume his role as a mid-rotation starter. All good signs from him thus far.
Juan Sánchez
vs. regulars: 1 batter faced, 1 strikeout vs. 40-mans: 3 batters faced vs. NRIs: 12 batters faced, 1 hit, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: 6 batters faced, 1 hit, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
Exit velocities(10 balls in play) Avg EV: 89.7 (38th percentile) EV50: 79.7 (324th out of 447)
Given the injuries to Miller, Hentges, and Sanmartin, and Gage’s mediocrity, the door might have been open for Sánchez to earn an Opening Day role had he pitched a little closer to how he did during 2024 Spring Training, when he nearly walked away with a job. Then again, the Giants haven’t given him quite as much of an opportunity to win that role, with 18 of the 22 batters he’s faced being non-roster invitees and Minor League camp hitters. There’s a little issue with command at the moment, which isn’t surprising since he’s returning from Tommy John surgery. I fully expect him to play a big role in the bullpen at some point this year, though.
Reiver Sanmartin
vs. regulars: 2 batters faced vs. 40-mans: 3 batters faced, 2 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 3 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 home run, 1 double vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(6 balls in play) Avg EV: 81.8(better than the lowest mark of 84.1) EV50: 67.8 (better than the lowest mark of 70.7)
Sanmartin was pitching well in a very small sample size against rostered players, but suffered a hip flexor injury in the WBC. He’s out until the summer, unfortunately.
Gregory Santos
vs. regulars: 2 batters faced, 1 walk vs. 40-mans: 4 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 double, 1 walk vs. NRIs: 4 batters faced, 1 strikeout vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(7 balls in play) Avg EV: 92.3 (1st percentile) EV50: 84.0 (446th out of 447)
The raw numbers haven’t been notable for Santos, but he has looked both nasty and fearless, even against the best hitters. He’s regularly hitting 100 mph, and I’m not backing off my prediction that, despite being a non-roster invitee, he’s the best reliever on the team.
Carson Seymour
vs. regulars: 14 batters faced, 2 hits, 2 doubles, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 13 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 13 batters faced, 4 hits, 2 doubles, 1 walk, 2 hit by pitches, 2 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: 1 batter faced
Exit velocities(28 balls in play) Avg EV: 86.8 (94th percentile) EV50: 73.7 (13th out of 447)
Seymour has done well against all competition levels this spring, largely because he’s earned a ton of soft contact. Of the 28 balls in play that he’s allowed, a whopping 10 have been hit softer than 80 mph. That’s impressive, especially for a power pitcher. He hasn’t been as good as McDonald, so he probably doesn’t have a path to the Opening Day roster. But he might be next in line.
Blade Tidwell
vs. regulars: 10 batters faced, 4 hits, 1 triple, 1 double, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 6 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 triple, 1 walk vs. NRIs: 9 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(12 balls in play) Avg EV: 91.9 (1st percentile) EV50: 82.9 (442nd out of 447)
Like many players on this list, Tidwell’s spring performance has mirrored his 2025. He’s been dominant against NRIs, after having a 3.62 ERA in AAA last year. But he’s really struggled to put away Major League regulars, with six of the 10 that he’s faced reaching base (which is compounded by his showing against Team USA) … not a far cry from his MLB debut last year, which resulted in 15 earned runs in 15 innings pitched. He’s throwing gas, and he looks like the real deal. But he also doesn’t look nearly as ready as McDonald or Seymour.
Ryan Walker
vs. regulars: 6 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 double, 3 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 4 batters faced, 1 hit by pitch vs. NRIs: 6 batters faced, 1 hit, 3 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(9 balls in play) Avg EV: 93.0 (1st percentile) EV50: 87.4 (worst than the highest mark of 84.1)
With Walker, we’re all just waiting to see how the regular season looks. So far, so good, in Spring Training. The bad exit velocities are too small of a sample to worry about (and it’s more the result of giving up consistently mid-level EVs, rather than lots of hard-hit balls), and he’s finding the zone, getting in good counts, putting hitters away, and avoiding walks. That’s what we’re all looking for.
Logan Webb
vs. regulars: 5 batters faced, 2 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 7 batters faced, 1 hit, 4 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 5 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 hit by pitch, 1 strikeout vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(8 balls in play) Avg EV: 82.3 (better than the lowest mark of 84.1) EV50: 62.5 (better than the lowest mark of 70.1)
We haven’t gotten to see much of Webb, since he’s been with Team USA in the WBC. But he’s been everything we expect out of him: extremely soft contact, tremendous control, and even some of those strikeouts that he showed off in 2025. Add in his strong appearance against Brazil (he’s pitching again as we speak, so we’ll see how he does) and he looks ready for the season to start.
Carson Whisenhunt
vs. regulars: 15 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 double, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts vs. 40-mans: 9 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 double, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts vs. NRIs: 5 batters faced, 2 hits, 1 double, 2 walks vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(16 balls in play) Avg EV: 95.3 (worst than the highest mark of 93.2) EV50: 85.8 (worst than the highest mark of 84.1)
The Giants have challenged Whisenhunt this spring, giving him primarily rostered hitters to face off against. His first two outings went fully sideways, but he was tremendous in his third showing. We’ll see how the fourth goes tonight. Whisenhunt has shown notably improved velocity with the fastball, and that’s resulted in more strikeouts than usual, which is great to see. But it also seems to be an exceptionally hittable pitch: a full 50% of the balls in play he’s allowed have been hit at at least 99.8 mph.
Keaton Winn
vs. regulars: 4 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 strikeout vs. 40-mans: 6 batters faced, 1 walk, 1 strikeout vs. NRIs: 13 batters faced, 3 hits, 1 triple, 4 strikeouts vs. MiLBs: n/a
Exit velocities(14 balls in play) Avg EV: 82.9 (better than the lowest mark of 84.1) EV50: 63.5 (better than the lowest mark of 70.1)
Winn has looked completely fantastic, regardless of the level of competition. The other-worldly EV marks will course correct with a larger sample — four of his 14 balls in play have been hit softer than 60 mph — but he’s looked extremely impressive, and he’s throwing heat. After losing much of 2025 to injuries, and never getting to really find a rhythm, he could break camp with the team.
Minor Leaguers
There’s no need to deep dive into the pitchers from Minor League camp who have appeared in games, but here are the ones who have played, and how they’ve fared.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: Aaron Civale #45 of the Athletics pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a spring training game at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 08, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Athletics defeated the Angels 7-4. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well you can’t win ‘em all. The A’s dropped one and won one on Friday afternoon when they split up and played two different games. Surprisingly, the half that had all the regulars fell to the San Diego Padres by a 13-9 final, while the other half, which featured mostly bench players and prospects, came out on top in their matchup at the Brewers’ spring complex. Not what you’d expect but that’s baseball for ya.
A’s vs. Padres
The first matchup of the day saw A’s veteran starter Aaron Civale make his second start of the spring for the Green & Gold while the Pads countered with staff leader Michael King. It’s still spring training so it wasn’t like it was always going to be a pitcher’s duel or anything like that, but man did the ball fly out of the park today.
Civale struggles, still makes it through four
The 30-year-old Civale ran into trouble right out of the gate, getting tagged for three runs in the very first inning that saw him give up plenty of hard contact. Results weren’t the point of today’s outing however, it was about getting his pitch count up and getting him ready for the start of the long regular season. Things wouldn’t get much better in the second frame as he allowed more hard hit balls en route to allowing a pair of runs to cross home plate, pushing the score to 5-0 after 2 innings. He’d allow one more run to score in the fourth, which would end up being his final frame of the day as he exited after 75 pitches.
A’s bats explode in the fourth
It took a few frames as the Athletics hitters struggled against Michael King. That’s not especially surprising considering his pedigree but they would wake up soon enough.
After working just a single walk the first time through the frame things turned up quickly. The fourth started innocently enough with a single followed by two outs, making it look like it’d be another fast inning of work for King agains the A’s. That would not be the case however as the rally was only beginning. First Max Muncy singled to put runners on the corners, and that brought up the hot-swinging Henry Bolte, who delivered a 3-run blast to get the A’s on the board, his third this spring:
The A’s weren’t done there! Immediately following Bolte was fellow outfielder Breyson Guedez, who blasted his own home run to further cut into the San Diego lead:
It was now suddenly 6-4 and we had a game on our hands. And following Guedez was “leadoff” man Nick Kurtz, who did what Nick Kurtz does and blasted his own solo home run to make it 6-5:
Do you think that the A’s were done there? Think again. This time it was Tyler Soderstrom’s turn to get on the fun as he blasted a two-run homer to right field to give the A’s the lead:
What a way to cap the frame. Suddenly the A’s were in front and feeling like all the momentum in the world was on their side.
Quite middle frames, but Padres take late lead
For a few innings the A’s looked in control. Civale was now out of the game (and off the hook for the loss) while it was now up to the bullpen to get it done. Jake Garland, Nick Martinez, Mark Leiter Jr., and Hogan Harris all did their job getting the game to the eighth with the lead still intact. Unfortunately for the A’s their bullpen luck ran out with Nick Hernandez, who got hit up for four runs without recording a single out. CD Pelham and Dairon De Jesus finished things off allowing some insurance runs to the Padres each, again putting this game seemingly out of reach.
The A’s did have some fight left in them at the end. Guedez collected an RBI sac fly in the seventh, and one more run in the bottom of the ninth came around to score but it was just far too little too late for our A’s as they dropped the contest 13-9.
On the bright side, Civale got his work in and could probably take the ball if the regular season was here. How the results would go is anyone’s guess but he’d be ready. The offense looks like it’s in mid-season form already, and they’re still missing Lawrence Butler. We don’t have anything to worry about with the bats right now. Let’s just get them all healthy and to Opening Day unscathed.
Here’s how the box score looked today:
A’S TODAY (3/13 vs SD) LF Soderstrom: 1-2, HR, HBP, 2 RBI CF Bolte: 1-3, HR, 3 RBI RF Guedez: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI 1B Kurtz: 1-4, HR DH Rooker: 2-3, 2B, R 3B Muncy: 2-4, 2B, R C Langeliers: 1-2, BB, R 1B Pittaro: 1-1, BB RHP Civale: 4 IP/9 H/6 ER/0 BB/3 K A’s lose 13-9
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) March 13, 2026
A’s at Brewers
Meanwhile while the A’s/Padres game was going on the other half of the squad was a few miles down the road at the Brewers complex. Compared to the other half of the team this lineup and pitching matchup featured many more rookies and bench players that are either on the outer edges of the roster or are just waiting to be reassigned to minor league camp.
Jump impresses in fourth appearance
It was Gage Jump on the bump for the Athletics today. The A’s #3 ranked prospect came into spring with little chance of breaking camp with the club but has done nothing but impress in his time with the big league team. That continued for Jump today as he pitched three shutout frames and got his pitch count up to 59 while allowing just four hits. He also struck out three without issuing a free pass. He’d have to leapfrog someone in the current pecking order but Jump is making that decision harder and harder on Mark Kotsay. Even if he isn’t on the Opening Day roster, it shouldn’t be long before we see him suit up for the big league squad.
A’s strike first
With the B-lineup in against the Brewers the prospects and bench players got to work against Milwaukee starter Kyle Harrison. First they scored three times in the second via an RBI triple off the bat of Michael Stefanic, which was immediately followed by a two-run home run off the bat of veteran backstop Chad Wallach, who is presumably the 3rd or 4th catcher on the depth chart at this point.
They added on a trio more runs in the next frame. A bases-loaded situation presented itself to A’s prospect Tommy White, and he came through and delivered for his squad with a bases-clearing two-bagger that doubled the Athletics’ lead over the Brew Crew. Offense isn’t the question with White; it’s where his long-term home on defense is.
The A’s added on an insurance run in the fifth thanks to a solo blast off the bat of outfielder Colby Thomas that made it 7-0 A’s, his first long ball of spring. He’s had a rough go of it in camp so it’s a positive sign to see him run into one. Maybe that’ll kick start the former top prospect right before cutdown time arrives.
Brewers fight back
Once Jump was out of the game you could almost feel the sigh of relief coming from the opposing dugout. A quick inning of work from Justin Sterner kept them off the board but then they were able to push a couple runs across against Luis Medina. A former top prospect himself, Medina has not looked quite back to his old self quite yet but he is out of options and therefore could end up on roster to open the season, obviously in the bullpen. Otherwise if the front office doesn’t feel like he’ll find his former form, they could end up cutting him near the end of camp and hope to sneak him through waivers. Unlikely to succeed on that front but who knows? Other teams are seeing the same thing we’re seeing from the right-hander.
A’s tack on, finish off Brew Crew
Not looking to blow the lead, the offense kept up the pressure with another run in the seventh (a Cade Marlowe RBI single) and a solo shot in the eight (thank you Stefanik). Then, just looking to make it embareessing, Tommy White came to the plate again, and again came through with a huge hit. Only this time, it left the park for a grand slam. It’s only spring but there’s not really much doubt he can hit, right everyone?
The Brewers added on a pair of meaningless runs in the bottom of the ninth off an RBI single but it was over by then. The A’s finished them off, securing at least one win on this beautiful Friday afternoon.
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) March 13, 2026
The team will regroup together tomorrow for an afternoon contest against the Kansas City Royals. It’ll be left-hander Jacob Lopez on the bump for what will be his second appearance this spring. The A’s have been taking things slowly with Lopez because he ended last year with a question mark injury. Cautiously letting him get stretched out, it seems like Lopez should be in the starting rotation come Opening Day but it’s not a guarantee quite yet. A big outing tomorrow would go a long way towards assuaging the coaches that he’s healthy and ready for the grind of a six month season. He’ll be worth watching tomorrow afternoon. The Royals will counter with righty Ryan Bergert, a promising pitcher in their system who could also be making some noise in Kansas City this coming season.
