In his first appearance for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Mets young hurler Nolan McLean couldn't have asked for a better start.
Starting the final game of pool play against Team Italy, the 24-year-old struck out the side and needed just 11 pitches to do it while looking absolutely dominant.
McLean began his outing by striking out Jakob Marsee of the Miami Marlins on three pitches, getting him to freeze on a curveball on the outside corner. His next victim was veteran Jon Berti, who struck out swinging on a sweeper down and away. McLean then made quick work of the Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino by getting him to chase a curveball out of the zone.
Nolan McLean starts his night off with a strikeout! 🇺🇸
Tuesday's start is McLean's first appearance in a game since Feb. 26, when he pitched four scoreless innings against the Houston Astros. He allowed a hit and a walk in that outing while striking out six.
Keith Hernandez had some fun at the expense of his SNY broadcast partner Steve Gelbs after news broke that the Jets were bringing back Geno Smith.
The pair were on the call for Tuesday’s spring training game between the Mets and Cardinals when Gelbs started to read a promo for the network’s “Jets Nation” free agency special and mentioned the surprising trade news that had broken earlier in the day.
“Apparently, the Jets are trading for Geno Smith,” Gelbs said, sounding somewhat exasperated.
Geno Smith runs with the ball during his first tenure with the Jets. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Hernandez responded by expressing curiosity over who the Jets traded in the deal.
“I’d like to know who they trade,” he said.
“I don’t expect it would be all that much,” Gelb responded.
After the two learned the details — with New York getting a seventh-round pick and Las Vegas getting a sixth-rounder — of the deal between the Jets and Raiders, there was a brief silence, which then prompted Hernandez to troll Gelbs.
Keith Hernandez asking Steve Gelbs if he’s okay after learning the Jets are trading for Geno Smith…“I can take over for you for a half inning if you want” pic.twitter.com/KvtEfnGbEx
Jeff McNeil talks in an interview with SNY reporter Steve Gelbs after having water dumped on him for hitting a walk-off one-run single in the tenth inning to win the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in New York, New York. MLB Photos via Getty Images
“Steve, are you OK? I can take over for you for a half inning if you want here,” Hernandez joked.
“It is what it is here,” Gelbs then said back, which led Hernandez to let out a big chuckle at his broadcast partner’s response.
The Mets legend and World Series winner tried to give Gelbs, who is part of the Jets’ postgame show during NFL season, some positive comments afterward.
Hernandez did note the successful stint Smith had after the Jets, but Gelbs noted the QB’s issues last season with the Raiders.
“He really struggled last year, one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL,” Gelbs said.
The decision to bring Smith back was surprising after his first stint in the Big Apple didn’t go very well.
Retired New York Mets Keith Hernandez and John Franco throw out the first pitch before Game 3 of the NLDS playoffs against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Filed, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Smith played for the Giants, Chargers, Seahawks, Broncos and Raiders to varying degrees of success.
Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Spring Breakout was created by Major League Baseball in 2024 to showcase baseball franchises’ best up-and-coming players.
The Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles 3-1 in an event unlike anything we’ve seen before, and instantly became a hit.
The top prospects from the Pirates organization will play against the top talent from the Tigers organization this year.
It’s a rare time when recent draft picks like 2025 first-round pick right-hander Seth Hernandez can play in the same game as a player who has already made his MLB debut, but is still a prospect like infielder Nick Yorke.
Earlier this month, the Pirates announced 40 players on their 2026 Spring Breakout roster. The unit includes 16 pitchers, five catchers, 12 infielders, and seven outfielders.
All of the Pirates’ Top 30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline, are listed on the team. One question surrounds No. 25 prospect, Jack Brannigan. Brannigan suffered a broken nose at the start of spring training.
The group is led by No. 1 overall prospect phenom Konnor Griffin. Right-handed pitchers Bubba Chandler (No. 2) and Seth Hernandez (No. 3), outfielder/first baseman Edward Florentino (No. 4), and lefty Hunter Barco (No. 5) round out the top five.
The Future of the Black and Gold. Introducing our 2026 Spring Breakout roster. pic.twitter.com/tZ9Zj0ydye
It’s a chance for fans across the country to see some of the biggest names in the organization all compete on the same field, potentially watching players they’ve heard much about for the first time.
Baseball America ranked the Pirates as the No. 1 farm system in baseball earlier this year.
The Pirates battle the Tigers on March 20 at their spring training home, LECOM Park in Bradenton,
Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. and will air on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Full Spring Breakout roster:
Pitchers:
RHP (13): Bubba Chandler, Brandon Bidois, Khristian Curtis, Wilber Dotel, Thomas Harrington, Seth Hernandez, Yonleg Gaetano, Antwone Kelly, Justin Meis, Jeter Martinez, Levi Sterling, Mike Walsh, Zander Mueth
LHP (3): Cy Nelson, Hunter Barco, Reinold Navarro
Catchers (5): Omar Alfonzo, Rafael Flores, Easton Carmichael, Edgleen Perez, Axiel Plaz
Infielders (12): Konnor Griffin, Termarr Johnson, Tony Blanco, Jack Brannigan, Duce Gourson, Murf Gray, Yordany De Los Santos, Michael Callan Moss, Darell Morel, Nick Yorke, Sammy Stafura, Wyatt Sanford
Outfielders (7): Jhostynxon Garcia, Edward Florentino, Esmerlyn Valdez, Mitch Jebb, Titus Dumitru, Brian Sanchez, Will Taylor
PHOENIX –– Despite his shaky start to spring training, the Dodgers have been steadfast about having Roki Sasaki in their opening day rotation.
On Tuesday afternoon, in a performance that Dodgers officials described as “electric,” the Japanese phenom finally started to validate that faith.
It was only a backfield B-game at Camelback Ranch. He was only facing minor-leaguers from the Chicago White Sox organization. But in a scoreless four-inning outing in which he allowed just one hit and struck out nine batters, Sasaki showed why manager Dave Roberts reaffirmed him as a virtual roster lock for the start of the season earlier in the morning.
Roki Sasaki bounced back from his shaky spring training start. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break (camp) with us as a starter,” Roberts said in his pregame address with reporters, before later adding: “I’m betting on the performance to continue to trend up, to be good enough (to be in the rotation), and to only get better with the talent that he has and the work that he’s put in.”
The fact Sasaki was relegated on Tuesday to backfield duty –– where he pitched against a White Sox lineup full of mostly double-A caliber talent, and in front of only a smattering of fans, team officials, scouts and autograph hounds –– was a reflection of the rough form he’d shown at the start of camp.
In each of his first two Cactus League starts, the 24-year-old right-hander had struggled to command his pitches, and his fastball especially, allowing a combined seven runs and five walks in just 3 ⅓ innings.
Even worse, his inefficient workload had complicated his primary objective this spring, needing to build up innings in his return to a starting role following last postseason’s cameo as emergency closer.
In each of his first two Cactus League starts, Sasaki had struggled to command his pitches,. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Thus, the Dodgers decided to stick Sasaki with the minor-leaguers on Tuesday, while Tyler Glasnow got the start in the team’s main game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Roberts described the decision as a way to ensure Sasaki would get through four innings, given the more controlled environment a B-game allows.
Still, it also felt like a chance for the Dodgers to take some pressure off the second-year fireballer, and shield him from the spotlight as he continues to refine his delivery.
“Command the fastball, use the split, use his breaking ball to get through the lineup, and get through four innings,” Roberts said ahead of Sasaki’s outing. “That’s what the goal is today.”
For the most part, Sasaki checked all those boxes.
He was erratic with his fastball early, but gradually dialed in his command while hitting 98-100 mph on the radar gun.
The Dodgers decided to stick Sasaki with the minor-leaguers on Tuesday. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
His trademark splitter and newly-added cutter left White Sox prospects looking overmatched and helpless, accounting for the majority of the 17 whiffs that helped him breeze through his outing.
The lone hit he gave up came to his first batter of the game, on a ground-ball single through the right side of the infield. After that, he struck out seven in a row and nine of his final 12 batters, allowing only one more baserunner when he plunked a hitter in the third.
Most importantly, Sasaki emerged from the afternoon feeling confident about the latest adjustments he has made to his mechanics.
“Yesterday and the day before, the process of making adjustments didn’t go well,” he said in Japanese. “But the fact it was good today means … I responded with results. I needed that right now.”
Roberts agreed, downplaying a question about the quality of competition Sasaki faced on Tuesday by pointing to the way it could provide him renewed confidence –– and catapult him through the final two weeks leading up to opening day.
“There’s still value to getting hitters out and seeing guys swing and miss,” Roberts said. “We accomplished what we wanted to.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Will Smith #16 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Team USA is 3-0 thus far in Pool B and can win the pool and advance to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals with a win Tuesday night against 2-0 Italy. Will Smith is back in the lineup behind the plate and batting fifth.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: The ball hits Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics in the back after he fouled a pitch off of home plate in the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Angels defeated the Athletics 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you spent the $20-$30 needed to attend today’s game as a spectator, you would’ve walked away having gotten your money’s worth.
It was a back and forth battle at Hohokam Stadium! The White Sox got to A’s starter Jeffrey Springs early, in the first inning Edgar Quero and Lenyn Sosa would do some damage. A run scoring single and a double between the two would give the South Siders a 3-0 lead before the A’s even picked up a bat.
That 3-0 lead would be short lived though. In the bottom half of the first, the A’s answered right back with a an RBI double and single of their own – – thanks to Brent Rooker and Jeff McNeil.
After a quiet second inning for both clubs, the White Sox would strike – – three times – – all off of one swing by Korey Lee. Miguel Vargas and Jarred Kelenic both scored on the dinger. Springs would not return for the fourth inning. His day ends with the troubling line of 2.2 IP, 4H, 6ER, 3 BB, and 3K :/
Tough day for the A’s southpaw but us fans have grown custom to poor pitching performances by our starting pitchers this spring.
Thankfully the offense has been cartoonishly hot. Three solo home runs by Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz, and Shea Langeliers had the game all tied up by the end of the fourth inning. That lead, however, would be short lived thanks to a Derek Hill RBI single off of Mark Leiter Jr. in the top of the fifth.
That would be the last of the offensive damage for the White Sox. They’d carry that 7-6 lead up until the bottom of the seventh, where the Non-roster trio of Tommy White, Michael Stefanic, and Cade Marlowe tied it all up, leading to a Jared Dickey single that brought Stefanic and Marlowe home, making it 9-7 A’s.
For good measure, the A’s tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Tommy White’s single scored Leo De Vries, who just missed a home run. White would then be brought in on a Cade Marlowe fielder’s choice.
A’S TODAY (3/10) RF Rooker: 2-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R 1B Kurtz: 1-2, HR, BB, 2 R DH Langeliers: 1-3, HR SS Wilson: 1-1, 2 BB 1B White: 2-2, RBI, 2 R 2B Stefanic: 2-2, R SS De Vries: 1-2, 2B, R LHP Springs: 2.2 IP/4 H/6 ER/3 BB/3 K RHP Estes: 2.2 IP/2 H/0 ER/1 BB/0 K/W A’s win 11-7
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) March 10, 2026
Final score sits 11-7, A’s over the White Sox. They’ll be back at it against the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow. Right now, the pitching matchup is scheduled to be Luis Morales vs. Ryne Nelson. This’ll be Morales’ fourth outing so far this spring. Let’s hope he can build off of the small flashes of success he experienced last week against the Angels.
For those of you tuning in to tonight’s USA vs. Team Italy WBC game, feel free to keep the conversation going below!
“He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do here,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Cardinals in an exhibition game. “Just go down there and continue to develop and work on some things that you need to work on.”
Tong, 22, pitched to a 7.71 ERA in five starts for the Mets last season.
Entering camp he was viewed as rotation depth, behind Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga and David Peterson. The Mets also have Christian Scott, who is returning from Tommy John surgery rehab, as rotation depth.
“We were pretty honest with [Tong] from the very beginning, understanding that injuries happen throughout camp,” Mendoza said. “But the most likely outcome was he was probably going to start the year at Triple-A. But having that relationship with him now is more like some of the things he needs to work on.
“He’s a humble guy that wants to continue to get better, always asking good questions, which is basically what we saw [previously]. And the way he handles adversity.”
Jonah Tong is pulled in the third inning of the Mets’ spring training loss to the Cardinals at Clover Field on Feb. 25, 2026, in Port St. Lucie. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTJonah Tong throws a pitch during the first inning of the Mets’ spring training loss to the Cardinals on Feb. 25, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Scott, in his first Grapefruit League outing (he previously pitched against Team Israel in a scrimmage), pitched three scoreless innings in relief in the 6-1 victory over the Cardinals. The right-hander walked four and struck out four, allowing only one hit.
The right-hander missed all of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He pitched 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings against Israel in his spring debut.
Luis Robert Jr.’s debut in the Grapefruit League is scheduled for Thursday against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.
The outfielder has been playing minor league games every other day to slow-play his spring in an attempt to preserve his legs.
Francisco Lindor played four innings on defense in a simulated game as he rehabs from left hamate bone surgery.
Team officials remain optimistic the shortstop will be available to play Opening Day in two weeks.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Jasson Domínguez’s first-inning at-bat against Tanner Banks on Tuesday featured a different result and a different swing than “The Martian” had been accustomed to against lefty pitching.
The switch-hitter has struggled significantly against southpaws in his career, last year hitting just .204 with a .569 OPS and one home run in 104 plate appearances.
But against Banks, he jumped on a 1-2 four-seamer on the inside part of the plate and launched it to left field for a home run.
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He jumped on the pitch, but his front foot did not jump. He took a step forward rather than the large leg kick he had displayed last season.
“Just trying to try something new,” Domínguez said after the 4-2 win over the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark. “When you’re doing bad, you’re already at the bottom.”
Perhaps the lesser movement will help Domínguez, who in all likelihood will have to prove himself against lefties — and righties, too — with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre because the Yankees do not have an opening in the Opening Day outfield barring injury.
It is also possible that simply getting more at-bats against lefties will be the key to unlocking his righty swing.
He is a natural righty but only has logged a couple hundred plate appearances as a righty in his minor league career.
Jasson Dominguez hits a solo home run in the first inning of the Yankees’ 4-2 spring training win over the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on March 10, 2026. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn ImagesJasson Dominguez celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the Yankees’ spring training win over the Phillies. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
“He still controls the zone from that side. It’s just continuing to get reps from that side,” manager Aaron Boone said of Domínguez — who overall is having a nice spring, going 10-for-30 with two homers, two steals and a .944 OPS. “I feel like this spring … he’s hit some balls hard for outs from that side of the plate as well.
“He’s still a better left-handed hitter, but there’s no reason to think that over time, the right side can’t come up because he’s got power on that side, he’s got plate discipline, it’s just a matter of continuing to gain experience.”
Asked how many spots could be open in the bullpen, Boone said, “Two. Maybe one.”
That list of potential options includes Rule 5 draft pick Cade Winquest, who has had a rocky spring. If he doesn’t stick on their major league roster for the entire season, he would be sent back to the Cardinals.
But Boone said, “Frankly, there have been mixed results for the guys in the mix for the last two spots. We’ll see that play out a little bit. … There are opportunities for guys to grab it.”
That list also includes Jake Bird, who has struggled. And Boone also mentioned right-hander Kervin Castro, who spent last year with SWB.
“I think he can be a factor,” Boone said of the 27-year-old. “He opened my eyes this spring, seeing him in person for the first time.”
Boone said Anthony Volpe’s recovery from offseason labrum surgery is progressing, and the shortstop is scheduled to begin taking live at-bats in about three weeks.
Anthony Volpe throws a ball during practice at Steinbrenner Field on Feb. 16, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The Yankees want Ben Rice to continue to focus on first base in Grapefruit League games, while catching occasional bullpens.
Boone saw Aaron Judge’s strong one-hop throw from right field to third that resulted in an out Monday night in the WBC and thought it looked familiar.
“He’s so under control and not in a hurry,” Boone said of Judge, who dealt with a right flexor strain last season that prevented him from throwing at full strength.
Roki Sasaki, above during a workout at Camelback Ranch last month, pitched four innings against White Sox minor leaguers on Tuesday and struck out nine. (Mike Christy / Getty Images)
It hasn't been the smoothest spring training for right-hander Roki Sasaki as he prepares for his second season with the Dodgers.
Sasaki's first two starts in Cactus League play featured some issues with command and plenty of hard contact. But with left-hander Blake Snell and right-hander Gavin Stone sidelined with shoulder issues, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts left no doubt where Sasaki stood as he got ready to pitch in a B-game against White Sox minor leaguers on Tuesday.
“Having Blake [Snell] late to the season, which we know, [and] Gavin Stone, late to the season, as we know, we’re going to need Roki,” Roberts said. “With the buildup, I just don’t see a world in which he doesn’t break with us as a starter, and so, we’re going to need those innings.”
Sasaki took a promising step forward on a minor-league field at Camelback Ranch.
The hard-throwing right-hander threw 59 pitches, 40 for strikes, across four innings while striking out nine of the 13 batters he faced and allowing two to reach base.
Although Roberts did not see Sasaki’s outing, he heard rave reviews from members of the organization who attended.
“They said it was electric,” Roberts said after the Dodgers' 4-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch. “They said [he was touching] 98 to 100 [mph]. The fastball was spraying a little early, but then he locked it in. And then the split was on-play, short, lot of swing-and-miss. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.”
Sasaki surrendered a single through the right side of the infield to the first batter he faced, then proceeded to strike out the next seven batters. His only other hiccup came in the third inning, when he hit Jason Matthews with a stray breaking ball on a full count.
“I actually felt pretty bad the last couple days, but today I was able to make an adjustment, so that’s what I really need for right now,” Sasaki said via an interpreter after his outing. “I think I can keep moving forward.”
Sasaki was shelled in his second Cactus League start last week, allowing four runs, three walks, a single and a grand slam to the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark. He was lifted from the game without recording an out, only to get re-inserted in the second inning to complete two scoreless innings.
Sasaki noted mechanical issues as the reason for his struggles after the game. Tuesday, he said he felt much better, focusing on his core and obliques.
“I was actually focusing on core, oblique stuff,” Sasaki said. “I think it’s all about mechanics. If my mechanics are really good, my command is good, too.”
Roberts took away plenty of value from the outing, even one against a lineup of minor leaguers.
"There's still value in getting hitters out and seeing guys swing and miss," Roberts said. "I think we accomplished what we wanted to today, we built him up. Obviously, built up some confidence. So, just go from there."
Tyler Glasnow cruises in third spring training outing
Tyler Glasnow pitched into the fifth inning of Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, giving up a leadoff home run before settling in and giving up one other hit and one walk while striking out five in 4.1 innings of work.
“He looks as good as I’ve seen him over a period of time,” Roberts said. “And I just think that things are slowing down for him now. I really do. And I don’t know if it was going to the pen [and] pitching in the postseason the way he did, whatever it was, I just think there’s been real growth in him as a person and it is translating to on-the-field.”
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Ryan Ritter #8 of the Colorado Rockies runs during the spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 23, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This afternoon, the Colorado Rockies lost to the Cincinnati Reds, 8-1.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24, 2026: Lazaro Montes #99 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates after scoring on a two-run single hit by Colt Emerson during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
What exactly is the cost of a Mariners win. Certainly, it can’t be too expensive, right? Professional athletes work themselves out so hard everyday to grind out wins one-at-a-time, so you have to factor that in as an expense. Then there’s all the staff and coaches around keeping guys pointed in the right direction, their collective man hours is a heavy price. Oh, and you make sure that you spend the entire morning dealing with two of your All-Stars starting beef over a handshake on an international stage. That must be one of those hidden fees I’m always hearing about. Let’s get into the game.
Cooper Criswell took the start today opposite Royals ace Cole Ragans, and spent his 3.1 innings throwing as many strikes as possible, thirty-nine in fifty-seven pitches, and getting ten swings-and-misses. A couple hits, one to Isaac Collins in the first and a double to Carson Roccaforte in the third, were the only blemishes on his card for the day. Criswell battled against Isaac Collins in the bottom of third, getting an overturned call on an ABS challenge to stay in the count early, and ultimately get a fly ball out to right that ended an inning before it could get out of hand. He came out in the fourth and dismissed Carter Jensen on five pitches for his fifth strikeout and his day was done.
Dan Wilson had nothing but good things to say about Criswell after the game. “Really good outing for Cris. Throwing the ball well, staying ahead in counts, was pretty efficient.” Wilson went on talking about Criswell; “It’s been hard for hitters to get comfortable in there, and really try to figure him out.” On Criswell’s stuff, Wilson said, “he’s got the good movement, he’s got the good breaking balls, he’s got the good options, there’s nothing that they can get comfortable on.” When asked about Criswell’s resilience, Wilson said, “That’s the veteran experience that he’s gotten. He’s been around, he understands the game. It really does help him get back … take the next hitter and thwart whatever is going on. He’s got a slow heartbeat.”
After his outing, Criswell talked about his cutter and how it helps complete his arsenal of pitches, saying he likes to use it to, “reset the eyes of the hitter” away from the bottom of the zone that the sinker, change, and sweeper tend to end up, and making sure the hitter has to, “respect the top and bottom of the zone.”
Cole Wilcox was second out of the bullpen following Jimmy Kingsbury and pitched a clean top of the fifth but got into trouble quickly in the sixth, allowing a walk and a couple line drives, one to left for an out, and another that touched down in right. Dan brought in lefty Reid Easterly, to keep the lead, and his second pitch was taken deep to right by Kameron Misner. Those three runs ended up being all Kansas City would score.
The Mariners got the days offense started in the second by stringing together a couple of base-hits. Leo Rivas spanked a single to left before Spencer Packard doubled into the left-center gap to drive him home. The offense continued in the bottom of the fourth when Lazaro Montes slugged a double 109 mph out to center to score Patrick Wisdom, and then scored later in the inning when Bill Knight singled up the middle.
— Mariners Player Development (@MsPlayerDev) March 10, 2026
Montes and Knight teamed up again in the bottom of the sixth to generate a run. After Montes singled on a 100.8 out to right, he was standing at third with two outs when Knight managed to put a bloop into shallow right to bring him home, and get a hustle double for himself.
After the sixth it was zeroes across the board, and Michael Rucker got his first Cactus League save to close out a cool-hand-across-your-fevered-brow win.
Mariners are back at it tomorrow in Peoria hosting the Colorado Rockies at 1:10pm PST.
Other notes:
Casey Legumina worked a perfect top of the seventh against 3 straight lefties getting a fly out, groundout, and a strikeout.
Cole Young, Brennen Davis, Leo Rivas, Lazaro Montes, and Bill Knight all played the full nine innings of today’s game, each getting four at-bats and going a combined 6-17 with 3 RBIs and two walks.
The 24-year-old went deep for the fourth time this spring in a 4-2 win over the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark, a 416-foot opposite-field shot to left-center.
He’s been among the more impressive hitters and gotten greater exposure thanks to the departure of teammates who are participating in the WBC — an opportunity Jones didn’t want to waste.
“Probably the biggest thing out of this year is I feel like I belong and can compete and do whatever I can to help the team win,’’ Jones said prior to the game.
Still, he was disappointed in getting the news Monday about being moved to minor league camp, even as it was anticipated because he’s behind Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger and Randal Grichuk, as well as Jasson Domínguez, on the depth chart.
“You never want to hear it, but it is what it is,’’ Jones said of getting the minor league news. “I’ve got a lot of work to do and we’ve got a whole, long season ahead of us. Opportunities are available, and it’s just about taking advantage of them.”
New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones (78) hits a solo home run in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark on March 10, 2026. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
There are some scouts who believe Jones could be ready for the majors at some point later this season.
Barring an injury to one — or more — of the aforementioned outfielders, Jones appears unlikely to find himself in that position with the Yankees.
“I don’t think about what could be,” Jones said. “It’s more about ‘What do we have right now?’ and focusing on the day-to-day.”
He and the Yankees are encouraged by the adjustments Jones made last season and through the winter.
“I told him there are things out of your control,’’ Aaron Boone said. “As best you can, focus on the improvements he needs to make in this game and the good thing is he’s done that.
“The reality is he’s pushing through right now, knocking on that door [to the majors]. You just have to take care of your business and force us into a decision.”
New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones (78) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
And Jones knows that cutting down on strikeouts — and simply making more contact — is the key to advancing in his career.
He’s also taken a few aspects of perhaps the best left-handed swing on the planet — Shohei Ohtani’s — and incorporated them into his approach. That’s helped Jones, he said, “feel very still, very stable, being on time and swinging at the right pitches.”
The next step, almost certainly alongside Domínguez at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, will be trying to become less prone to slumps.
“Last year was great [and] a personal success with competing and being one of the better players in [the International] League,’’ Jones said. “Now it’s about repeating that, being who I am and consistency.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 18: Matt McLain #9, TJ Friedl #29 and Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate a scored run during the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 18, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Reds fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2025 edition of the Cincinnati Reds was anchored by both TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz, two everyday stalwarts that posted total plate appearances of 685 and 699, respectively. Those marks ranked 21st and tied for 12th among all MLB players, a testament both to their health and good enough production that they played just about everyday against pitchers on both sides of the mound.
Those were the only two Reds to top the 600 PA threshold, though, a mark that 68 total players across the league managed to top. That was due to a number of factors – platooning the likes of lefties Gavin Lux, Will Benson, and Jake Fraley, injuries to Fraley, Austin Hays, and Noelvi Marte, and input trades of Ke’Bryan Hayes and Miguel Andujar eating into others’ playing time.
A 600 PA season is indicative of good health and everyday playing time as much as it is an offense that keeps turning the lineup over, and the hope in 2026 is that the Reds offense is much, much better than it was during a largely ineffective 2025.
That begs the question…how many 600+ PA seasons will the Reds get out of their roster in 2026?
Will they be able to keep Sal Stewart in the lineup often enough for him to get there?
Might Spencer Steer find ways to get there by being versatile to cover both outfield corners and spots all over the infield?
Could they make sure Eugenio Suárez gets there since his bat is the singular reason they brought him onto the roster?
If Matt McLain hits like he did back in 2023 and sticks in the #2 spot in the order all year, will that push his season total over the threshold?
Let us know what you think, since it’s something of a tell of how good you think this offense will be – or a tell on how much you think they’ll rotate the lineup enough to keep guys from getting that many opportunities!
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Michael Lorenzen #24 of Team Italy laughs with Vinnie Pasquantino #9 in the dugout during a game against Team Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The knockout stage of this year’s World Baseball Classic is taking shape as we enter the final two days of pool play.
Game No. 1: Israel (מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל) at The Netherlands (Nederland)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: Fox One App
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
RHP Carlos Lequerica vs LHP Ryjeteri Merite
Game No. 2: Canada at Puerto Rico
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: Tubi
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
RHP Jordan Balazovic vs RHP José de León
Game No. 3: Italy (Repubblica Italiana) at United States
Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tyler Glasnow continued his march toward pitching in the Dodgers’ opening series, pitching into the fifth inning in a 4-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch.
Glasnow allowed a home run on his second pitch of the game, to Diamondbacks outfielder and leadoff batter Jordan Lawlar, but was otherwise stingy. He gave up only one more hit (a single) and a walk, and struck out five, and was so efficient that he even faced (and retired) one batter in the fifth inning to get to his pitch limit. Glasnow needed 60 pitches to complete his 4 1/3 innings, only nine more pitches than he used in 2 2/3 innings last Wednesday against Mexico.
He’s the first Dodgers pitcher this spring to pitch more than three innings in a Cactus League game.
Roki Sasaki is pitching in a B game today, where he'll build up to four innings. Dave Roberts expects Sasaki's performance to "continue to trend up" by the end of spring and reiterated: "I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break with us as a starter."
Also of note on Tuesday, Brock Stewart threw a bullpen session Tuesday morning at Camelback Ranch. After shoulder surgery in October, Stewart won’t be ready for opening day. But that he’s already throwing bullpen sessions at least puts him on the radar for potential addition to the roster at some point in early to mid-April, if all goes well.
The Dodgers have their first off day of camp on Wednesday (with another coming on March 19), then are back at Camelback Ranch on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Reds (6:05 p.m., SportsNet LA).
