Category: Baseball

The Dodgers take on the Angels on Sunday at Camelback Ranch. Here are the Dodgers’ active players for their 10th game of Cactus League play, including Mookie Betts playing in his first game, batting third and playing shortstop.

Lineup

Miguel Rojas 2B
Teoscar Hernández LF
Mookie Betts SS
Freddie Freeman 1B
Andy Pages CF
Max Muncy 3B
Zach Ehrhard DH
James Tibbs III RF
Eliézer Alfonzo C

Landon Knack makes his second start of the spring.

Other pitchers

Bullpen regulars Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Jack Dreyer are slated to pitch, as is Kyle Hurt and non-roster invitee Chris Campos.

Pitchers from the minor league side are Nicolas Cruz (wearing uniform number 05), Cody Morse (06), Christian Romero (07, Roque Gutierrez (89), Nick Nastrini (90), Kelvin Ramirez (91), and Cam Day (93).

Other position players

Non-roster invitees Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Kendall George, Noah Miller, Chris Newell, Griffin Lockwood-Powell, and Nelson Quiroz are active on Sunday.

Up from minor league camp are infielders Austin Gauthier (01), Kyle Nevin (08), Logan Wagner (09), and Yeiner Fernandez (02), plus outfielder Kole Myers (04).

First Pitch (CT):12:05
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf /Audacy App
Know Yo’ Foe: Battery Power

What to watch: I said it before, I’ll say it again. If Austin Martin can hold up in CF a few times a week, the rest of this roster construction becomes significantly easier. Same could be said for Wagaman at 3B. Also, a couple former Twins prospects are in the lineup for the Braves!

Lineups

Twins	Braves
SP: Mick Abel	SP: Grant Holmes
1. Luke Keaschall, 2B	1. Jorge Mateo, SS
2. Trevor Larnach, LF	2. Luke Williams, 3B
3. Josh Bell, DH	3. Tristin English, 1B
4. Victor Caratini, C	4. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., RF
5. Kody Clemens, 1B	5. Jair Camargo, C
6. Alan Roden, RF	6. Brewer Hicklen, LF
7. Brooks Lee, SS	7. Aaron Schunk, 2B
8. Austin Martin, CF	8. Jose Azocar, CF
9. Eric Wagaman, 3B	9. John Gil, DH

We don’t get many regulars today, who wants to work on a Sunday (more like who wants to ride the bus to Lakeland on a Sunday). Our starter is Grant Rogers who pitched in Vancouver and New Hampshire last year. And there are only a couple of guys in the batting order who are sure to be on the opening day roster.

Lineups:

There isn’t much for Jays news.

Trey Yesavage might not be ready to go more than four innings at the start of the season, so there will be innings for a long reliever. I’m never a fan of starters not being able to go 6ish innings. If Yesavage goes just four innings, what happens the next day if something happens and the starter comes out early again? I guess it isn’t my problem.

While best-case scenario for Trey Yesavage is to have him ready to pitch 5+ innings when season begins, John Schneider says Jays will ramp him up deliberately. If that means 3-4 IP games to start the season, Jays are OK w/ that. Plan is he'll ramp up at MLB, though. Not AAA.

— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) February 28, 2026

Spring training action continues today with the Brewers headed to Surprise to take on the Kansas City Royals. We will get our first look at one of last year’s breakout stars, Chad Patrick, as he takes the mound first this afternoon. Across from him will be 2025 All-Star Kris Bubic.

It’s a good lineup day if you’re interested in the cream of the Brewers’ minor league crop. Jesús Made, Cooper Pratt, Brock Wilken, Jeferson Quero, and Luis Lara are all in the lineup (with Made at second base and Pratt at shortstop) as many of the team’s vets get the privilege of not traveling the 40 miles to Surprise on a Sunday afternoon. We will see four “major leaguers” at the top of the lineup, though: Luis Rengifo plays third and leads off, Garrett Mitchell is in center and batting second, Gary Sánchez is batting third and playing as the designated hitter, and Akil Baddoo is in left field and batting fourth.

The Brewers will also get to say hi to an old friend today: Isaac Collins is batting leadoff for Kansas City. No Bobby Witt Jr. in the lineup, but several other prominent Royals are there, including Jonathan India, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Jac Caglianone.

A couple of notable names are scheduled to follow Patrick out of the Brewer bullpen this afternoon, with the most interesting being Trevor Megill, who hasn’t pitched in the Cactus League yet this spring. Also slated to pitch this afternoon are Grant Anderson, Craig Yoho, Peter Strzelecki, and Jacob Waguespack.

No TV today, unfortunately, but you can catch the game on the radio. First pitch at 2:05 p.m. CT.

Chad P gets the ball today

📻: https://t.co/Nvy2XgSTzH#ThisIsMyCrewpic.twitter.com/u9c6mwYZvo

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 1, 2026

It's Bubic bump day. pic.twitter.com/0qW0obu6SZ

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) March 1, 2026

Now in the heart of spring training, the Yankees head to Clearwater for their 10th exhibition game of the year, this one against the Phillies. It’s been a strong start for the Bombers, as they’ve gone 7-2 thus far in their Grapefruit League play, and will look to continue the solid stretch with Will Warren on the bump.

This will be Warren’s second outing of the spring, with his first being a pretty strong performance in which he allowed one run across 2.2 innings of work, striking out four opposing Toronto batters. Warren was a steady performer throughout the 2025 season for the Yankees, managing a 4.07 FIP in his (tied-for) league-leading 33 starts on the mound. He will likely be depended on once again, particularly with several pitchers still recovering on the injured list to begin the year.

The Phillies will be sending Andrew Painter to the mound for his first outing of the spring. He’s ranked as the organization’s second-best prospect, and a top-50 guy overall, and features strong off-speed pitches. The primary concern with Painter, however, is a difficulty to locate his solid stuff, and he’s also had a couple injury-riddled years that have derailed his path to The Show.

The Yankees are running out a mixed bag of starters and prospects in Sunday’s lineup. Trent Grisham, Ben Rice, and Jasson Domínguez lead the charge, while George Lombard Jr. adds some intrigue deeper down the list. Ryan McMahaon and Paul DeJong will be getting a look this afternoon as well. The Phillies, meanwhile, feature a similar layout on their card. Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm, and Bryson Stott will be getting some at-bats to begin this one.

Follow along with us for a Sunday afternoon East Coast matchup!

How to watch

Location: BayCare Ballpark — Clearwater, FL

First pitch: 1:05 pm ET

TV broadcast: NBCSP

Radio broadcast: 94 WIP

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

Our Crew in Clearwater 🌴 #RepBXpic.twitter.com/pK7zDlvSPC

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 1, 2026

Great day for some Painting 🎨 pic.twitter.com/z5SwNs8buI

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 1, 2026

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We get another look at Seattle Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert in action this afternoon, and he headlines our spring training predictions as he guides his squad to victory over the rival Texas Rangers.

Rounding out our MLB picks on Sunday, March 1, I'm looking at a pair of totals — one Over, one Under — that are worthy of consideration.

Spring Training predictions for March 1

Pick #1: Padres vs. Giants - Over 10.5

German Marquez makes his non-Rockies debut as the San Diego Padres hope to catch lightning in a bottle to round out their rotation. While the veteran right-hander has been effective in the past, injuries and declining skills culminated in a 6.70 ERA and a career-worst 14% strikeout rate in 2025.

Even with San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb toeing the opposite rubber to start, he's historically pitched more to contact, which can lead to some crooked numbers here and there.

Neither will have a long leash, but both could surrender a couple of runs, leaving our Over prediction in good shape when the bullpens take over.

Pick #2: Mariners moneyline

With pitch counts still limited, you can't put too much stock into a starting pitcher mismatch. However, Logan Gilbert gives the Seattle Mariners enough of an edge over Texas Rangers lefty Jacob Latz that I will happily take the nearly coin-flip odds.

At his best, Gilbert is a borderline ace. He has a career 3.58 ERA and has been mostly durable. He pitched a pair of scoreless innings in his spring debut, and we can expect more of the same today en route to a Seattle victory.

And it's not that Latz is bad, but he's a career reliever who has a propensity for walks. 

Pick #3: Reds vs A's - Under 11.5

The Cincinnati Reds and the Athletics are trotting out secondary lineups, and while some key sluggers will be present early (Nick Kurtz, for example), starting pitchers Andrew Abbott and J.T. Ginn can navigate trouble in the early going.

That will leave things up to relatively shaky bullpens, making this perhaps a bit of a sweat, but even though we'll see our share of laughers in early March, 11.5 is still a high total, and this one measures up to come in just below that number.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Is it on TV?

Yes, it’s on NESN, first pitch at 1:05 PM.

What’s the lineup?

What should we watch for?

How about this infield configuration, huh? For most of this spring — including in team fielding drills outside of a game setting — Marcelo Mayer has been at second with Caleb Durbin at third. Alex Cora has flipped that today, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa is playing first base for the first time in his big league career. That’s the only position IKF hasn’t played (including pitcher) and he’s going to have to get used to it over there. Without Romy Gonzalez and Triston Casas, he’ll be the primary backup first baseman for the start of the season.

America's pastime transcends the legendary moments and Hall of Fame talents throughout MLB history. For every home run, no-hitter, World Series title, even for every "cup of coffee," somewhere a town adds to the legacy of being part of the origin story.

That's the grand beauty of Minor League Baseball, and where USA TODAY Network editors and writers turned their attention as the 2026 season hits the field across the U.S.

A substantial part of the journey from the MiLB to The Show includes the cities and towns that provide a backdrop for Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A teams. Outside the confines of the stadium, the locations that span from the Gulf Coast to the mighty Northwest and beyond have become not just part of the team but also embody a vibe that makes each ballpark visit unique and special.

So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack, as we look at the 50 best minor league baseball towns in the U.S.

The journey begins in the Southern League...

Birmingham, AL

Team/MLB affiliate: Birmingham Barons/Chicago White Sox

Rickwood Field is the oldest existing pro baseball stadium in the country and definitely worth a visit for tourists. The Barons occasionally play there, but most of their games are at Regions Field. Michael Jordan played for the Barons during his short-lived baseball career.

Madison, AL

Team/MLB affiliate: Rocket City Trash Pandas/Los Angeles Angels

A suburb of the Huntsville metro, the surrounding area has historic charm, while the ballpark setting has something for everyone—even dogs.

Montgomery, AL

Team/MLB affiliate: Montgomery Biscuits/Tampa Bay Rays

Located among the action of downtown Montgomery, the stadium and surroundings—from Riverfront Park to the historic vistas of the state's capital— provide one of the best gameday experiences in baseball.

Springdale, AR

Team/MLB affiliate: NW Arkansas Naturals/Kansas City Royals

Located in the Ozark Mountains, Springdale is a fast-growing city. Tyson is a major employer, and a state law recognizes Springdale as the "Poultry Capital of the World." The team's nickname comes from Arkansas' nickname "The Natural State" as well as the baseball movie "The Natural."

Lake Elsinore, CA

Team/MLB affiliate: Lake Elsinore Storm/San Diego Padres

Minor league baseball towns are best when the total experience is just … unique. It's not often you can go skydiving during the day, then watch a ballgame against a picturesque mountain setting at night. That's Lake Elsinore.

Hartford, CT

Team/MLB affiliate: Hartford Yard Goats/Colorado Rockies

There's just something great about Friday Night Fireworks in Connecticut's state capital, all while taking in a game at one of the best ballparks in the MiLB.

Wilmington, DE

Team/MLB affiliate: Wilmington Blue Rocks/Washington Nationals

Wilmington has the largest population in the state of Delaware, and the city is a major economic and financial hub. More than half of all Fortune 500 companies call Wilmington their corporate home. The Blue Rocks' stadium is located in Wilmington's growing Riverfront district.

Dunedin, FL

Team/MLB affiliate: Dunedin Blue Jays/Toronto Blue Jays

There are a ton of great baseball spots in Florida, but the fact that the Toronto Blue Jays have been in Dunedin since 1977 for spring training adds a special feel to the town. A natural part of Blue Jays fandom.

Lakeland, FL

Team/MLB affiliate: Lakeland Flying Tigers/Detroit Tigers

Lakeland is a city of 120,000 located between Tampa and Orlando. The area's 38 named lakes provide scenic areas and recreation. The franchise has been affiliated with the Tigers since 1963, one of the longest unbroken relationships in all of pro baseball.

Pensacola, FL

Team/MLB affiliate: Pensacola Blue Wahoos/Miami Marlins

Pensacola sets the vibe for the waterfront ballpark, which offers some of the best sunset views in baseball. Outside the stadium, the area has something for everyone, whether it's hitting the beach, checking out Pensacola's great food scene, or watching the Blue Angels soar along the coastline.

Rome, GA

Team/MLB affiliate: Rome Emperors/Atlanta Braves

Rome is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The team's mascot, Julius, is a nod to Roman emperor Julius Caesar.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Team/MLB affiliate: Cedar Rapids Kernels/Minnesota Twins

The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is one of Cedar Rapids' major tourist attractions. Visit NewBo (New Bohemia) for entertaining and dining. The Kernels nickname is a nod to the state's No. 1 crop (corn).

Davenport, IA

Team/MLB affiliate: Quad Cities River Bandits/Kansas City Royals

The city offers some of the country's best views of the Mississippi River. Modern Woodmen Park is located on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. The Quad Cities is home to John Deere's headquarters.

Des Moines, IA

Team/MLB affiliate: Iowa Cubs/Chicago Cubs

Iowa's golden-domed capitol building sets high on a hill as you look toward center field. Des Moines has been a Cubs affiliate since 1981, helping the North Siders build a loyal following in the Hawkeye State.

South Bend, IN

Team/MLB affiliate: South Bend Cubs/Chicago Cubs

While many people might associate South Bend with the Fighting Irish (and rightfully so), walking the streets around Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium, you'll follow in the footsteps of baseball greats that include names like Babe Ruth and Dizzy Dean.

Louisville, KY

Team/MLB affiliate: Louisville Bats/Cincinnati Reds

A great American city. Basketball is king in Kentucky, but Louisville shows that baseball is a big deal here too. Visit Churchill Downs and the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factor when you're in town.

Worcester, MA

Team/MLB affiliate: Worcester Red Sox/Boston Red Sox

They call 'em the WooSox after taking over the affiliation from Pawtucket. Polar Park is one of the most expensive minor-league stadiums ever built. The park is part of the redevelopment of Kelley Square and the Canal District.

Bowie, MD

Team/MLB affiliate: Chesapeake Baysox/Baltimore Orioles

The Baysox's popular Navy Night will celebrate its 27th anniversary in 2026, with members of the U.S. Naval Academy in attendance. Bowiefest will be held June 6 at Allen Pond Park.

Portland, ME

Team/MLB affiliate: Portland Sea Dogs/Boston Red Sox

Maine's most populous city has history dating to the 1600s as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Old Port district is a must-see while you're in town. Vacationing VIPs occasionally catch a game at the Sea Dogs' Hadlock Field. 

Midland, MI

Team/MLB affiliate: Great Lakes Loons/Los Angeles Dodgers

Midland is home to the Dow Chemical Company headquarters. Dow Gardens is one of the city's main attractions. The annual Fireworks Loontacular is scheduled for Aug. 29 at Dow Diamond.

St. Paul, MN

Team/MLB affiliate: St. Paul Saints/Minnesota Twins

The state capital of Minnesota makes up the Twin Cities along with neighbor Minneapolis. The Saints were an independent league team for many years before becoming a Twins affiliate.

Biloxi, MS

Team/MLB affiliate: Biloxi Shuckers/Milwaukee Brewers

Taking in a ballgame along the Mississippi Coast makes Biloxi one of the most unique minor league settings in the U.S., and the area complements that setting, with a beachside atmosphere that has something for the entire family. Bonus: the Shuckers offer one of the coolest ballpark tours, too.

Asheville, NC

Team/MLB affiliate: Asheville Tourists/Houston Astros

McCormick Field is one of the oldest pro baseball stadiums still in use. Asheville teams hae used the Tourists nickname for more than a century. The city is known for its arts community, architecture and Blue Ridge Mountains scenery.

Durham, NC

Team/MLB affiliate: Durham Bulls/Tampa Bay Rays

The franchise was made famous by the 1988 Kevin Costner film ""Bull Durham." These days the Bulls play at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, which opened in 1995. Visit Duke's famous Cameron Indoor Stadium while you're in town.

Greensboro, NC

Team/MLB affiliate: Greensboro Grasshoppers/Pittsburgh Pirates

One of the gems of the South Atlantic League, the ballpark is in the heart of downtown Greensboro, creating a vibrant atmosphere in and around the grounds.

Hickory, NC

Team/MLB affiliate: Hickory Crawdads/Texas Rangers

In 2023, Travel and Leisure rated Hickory as the most beautiful and affordable place to live in the U.S. Catch a Thursday game for $2 tacos.

Manchester, NH

Team/MLB affiliate: New Hampshire Fisher Cats/Toronto Blue Jays

Manchester is the only city in New Hampshire with pro sports. Check out the Currier Museum of Art and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Zimmerman House when you're in town.

Albuquerque, NM

Team/MLB affiliate: Albuquerque Isotopes/Colorado Rockies

The franchise adopted its nickname in 2002, inspired by the "Simpsons" TV show. The city boasts the largest balloon festival in the world and the largest pow-wow in North America known as the Gathering of Nations.

Wappingers Falls, NY

Team/MLB affiliate: Hudson Valley Renegades/New York Yankees

Travel about 80 miles north from New York City, and you arrive in another world — one that still includes Yankees baseball. Wappingers Falls sets the stage for the Hudson Valley Renegades, the Pinstripes' High-A affiliate, with the surrounding Dutchess County area adding to an experience that can include everything from modern amenities to Gilded Age relics.

Rochester, NY

Team/MLB affiliate: Rochester Red Wings/Washington Nationals

New stadium name, same incredible baseball experiences — ones that go beyond the confines of the newly minted ESL Ballpark. Rochester's baseball history dates back to the early 19th Century, making for one of the most unique journeys in America's pastime when fans take in a game today.

Brooklyn, NY

Team/MLB affiliate: Brooklyn Cyclones/ New York Mets

Combine the impressive history of professional baseball in Brooklyn with the flair of Coney Island, and you get one of the best atmospheres in baseball. That's the experience fans get when heading to (or leaving) a Cyclones game.

Dayton, OH

Team/MLB affiliate: Dayton Dragons/Cincinnati Reds

Day Air Ballpark is one of the best baseball venues, and its location in the Water Street District adds a local touch to the overall atmosphere. Beyond the ballpark, Dayton is one of those cities with baseball roots dating back to the 1800s, which creates a sense of nostalgia among fans—diehards and visitors alike. 

Toledo, OH

Team/MLB affiliate: Toledo Mud Hens/Detroit Tigers

Hensville adds a local flair of excitement to one of the more perfect settings for a baseball game, with the Mud Hens' park tucked into Toledo's Warehouse District. 

Wichita, KS

Team/MLB affiliate: Wichita Wind Surge/Minnesota Twins

Wichita is a hidden gem among sports towns in the Midwest, a city filled with history and plenty to explore for all ages—and some really great BBQ. The stadium setting at Equity Bank Park mirrors the atmosphere, blending cityscape views from one of the newest ballparks in the MiLB.

Hillsboro, OR

Team/MLB affiliate: Hillsboro Hops/Arizona Diamondbacks

Hillsboro isn't too far from downtown Portland—but it's situated just far enough away to create a quaint and relaxed atmosphere, one that's got plenty of spots to grab a beer, go watch birds, and yes, check out a ballgame at the Hops' new stadium.

Allentown, PA

Team/MLB affiliate: Lehigh Valley IronPigs/Philadelphia Phillies

Taking in a ballgame at Coca-Cola Park is the grand finale of activities in an area that includes everything from theme parks to farmers markets to museums — all situated perfectly in the Lehigh Valley setting. 

Altoona, PA

Team/MLB affiliate: Altoona Curve/Pittsburgh Pirates

The history of Altoona blends into the ballpark's atmosphere, with PNG Field feeling as much a part of the railroad industry that shaped the area as the historic spots fans can check out around town. And the view? Watching a game as the sun sets on the Allegheny Mountains is a can't-miss moment.

Reading, PA

Team/MLB affiliate: Fightin Phils/Philadelphia Phillies

Reading is filled with baseball history, including the origin story of America's Classic Ballpark, which began in 1951. Outside the confines of FirstEnergy Stadium, the city complements that same type of historic, making it one of the best spots in the Eastern League.

Charleston, SC

Team/MLB affiliate: Charleston RiverDogs/Tampa Bay Rays

There's nothing better than strolling through the different parts of Charleston, checking out the history and all the sights, and then ending the day with a ballgame at "The Joe."  

Greenville, SC

Team/MLB affiliate: Greenville Drive/Boston Red Sox

Venturing through Greenville is like entering a postcard — enough said. Add in the ballpark atmosphere, and you've got one of the best spots in all of baseball.

North Augusta, SC

Team/MLB affiliate: Augusta GreenJackets/Atlanta Braves

From spring into summer, North Augusta is one of those towns that captures the best of experiencing baseball across the map. Tucked along the Savannah River, heading over to SRP Park for a game can be a journey that includes everything from sightseeing around the Greenway to hitting local shops, taverns, and even resort wetlands.

Chattanooga, TN

Team/MLB affiliate: Chattanooga Lookouts/Cincinnati Reds

Chattanooga is one of the pillars of minor league baseball, a historic distinction that makes the city one of the best places to catch a game. And with a new stadium set to open in 2026, the area is only getting better for baseball fans.

Amarillo, TX

Team/MLB affiliate: Amarillo Sod Poodles/Arizona Diamondbacks

Stop at Tyler's BBQ and then go watch a game — it's pretty hard to beat.

Corpus Christi, TX

Team/MLB affiliate: Corpus Christi Hooks/Houston Astros

Corpus Christi carries a baseball tradition that spans from Little League to the Texas League, with a town that has something for everyone. Add in the views fans get while at Whataburger Field—one of the most unique settings against the backdrop of the Port of Corpus Christi—and it's an easy pick for a top baseball experience.

Round Rock, TX

Team/MLB affiliate: Round Rock Express/Texas Rangers

Noted as the "Sports Capital of Texas," the town has a historic, small-town feel, which adds to the baseball experience at Dell Diamond.

Salt Lake City, UT

Team/MLB affiliate: Salt Lake Bees/Los Angeles Angels

While Salt Lake City might get a lot of exposure for the Utah Jazz and even the 2034 Olympics, there are few minor league ballparks with a view like The Ballpark at America First Square. Tucked into the city's south suburbs, the fan experience has small-town vibes and plenty of fun activities for all ages.

Lynchburg, VA

Team/MLB affiliate: Hill City Howlers/Cleveland Guardians

New name, same great Carolina League baseball experience. Lynchburg is a town filled with history, making for a cool setting that includes one of the oldest minor league parks in the U.S.

Everett, WA

Team/MLB affiliate: Everett AquaSox/Seattle Mariners

Visiting most towns in the Northwest League is a vastly different experience from most baseball towns, with Everett's setting along the Puget Sound making it one of the best.

Tacoma, WA

Team/MLB affiliate: Tacoma Rainiers/Seattle Mariners

A port city with incredible views—regardless of which direction you're looking—only adds to the overall experience when taking in a game at their historic Cheney Stadium.

Beloit, WI

Team/MLB affiliate: Beloit Sky Carp/Miami Marlins

If you were going to create a minor league baseball setting for a film, Beloit would be a top pick. The way the stadium fits alongside the Rock River and shows off the town behind the outfield… it is hard to beat.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Minor league baseball towns in USA every fan should see

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals, March 1, 2026, 1:05 p.m. ET

Location: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, FL

How to Listen: 93.7 The Fan, 100.1 FM, AM 1020 KDKA, Sports Net Pittsburgh app SNP 360

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The Pittsburgh Pirates on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals looking to grab a win in Spring Training.

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BD community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

There will be MLB.tv coverage of the games today with the Braves broadcast available, along with both teams providing radio feeds.

First pitch against the Atlanta Braves is at 1:05 at CoolToday Park

Today’s highlight package is from June 7-9, 1999 when the Devil Rays took on the Atlanta Braves

The Astros (1-5-2) visit Port St. Lucie today to take on the New York Mets (4-3-1) at Clover Park.

RHP Jason Alexander will start for the Astros vs. Mets RHP Clay Holmes.

Today is the third game of six scheduled meetings between the Astros and Mets this Spring. The Astros are 0-1-1 thus far vs. the Mets. After today, their next meeting will not be until Mar. 14 in West Palm Beach. The two clubs will face off in the regular season in a three-game set, Aug. 28-30 at Citi Field.

Today will be the second start of the Spring for RHP Jason Alexander. His previous start was also at Clover Park on Feb. 24. Alexander proved to be a valuable in-season pickup for the Astros in 2025 when claimed off waivers on May 18 after being DFA’d by the Athletics. In his 14 appearances (13 starts) with HOU, he was 4-2 with a 3.66 ERA (29ER/71.1IP) with a save.

Remarkable Run: From July 29 – Sept. 15, the Astros went 9-0 in his nine starts, with Alexander posting a 2.32 ERA in that span. For August, Alexander was 3-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five starts.

Today is Jason Alexander’s 33rd birthday.

TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: LHP Tom Cosgrove, RHP Anthony Maldonado, RHP Christian Roa, RHP Alimber Santa, RHP Kai-Wei Teng, RHP Amos Willingham.

WALK THIS WAY: The Astros have drawn a combined 58 walks in eight games (7.3 per game).

REDDICK RETURNS: Former Astro Josh Reddick is scheduled to arrive in camp on Monday to serve as a special instructor. Reddick played in HOU from 2017-2020.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Sunday, March 1, 12:10 p.m. CST

Location: Clover Park, Port St. Lucie, FL.

TV: No Local Broadcast

Streaming: MLB.tv, SportsNet New York (SNY)

Radio: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2

Happy March!

⚾️: 12:10pm CST | 1:10pm EST
📺: @MLBNetwork – Tape Delayed to 12am CST
🎙️: @SportsTalk790#ChaseTheFight x @PalmBeachesFLpic.twitter.com/r1eQKKBcl6

— Houston Astros (@astros) March 1, 2026

This is March. #LGMpic.twitter.com/kDM1Dw25fu

— New York Mets (@Mets) March 1, 2026

Well, folks, it is March. That means regular season games happen later this month and we will hopefully have meaningful games for the seven months that follow.

But, there are still almost four weeks of Spring Training games left, which means there is still time for the Atlanta Braves 2026 Opening Day roster to evolve.

Back on Valentine’s Day, we published the first Spring Training roster projection. Now that the Braves have are weeks-deep into the Grapefruit League, there are a few change from the initial projection. Part of that is due to a subtraction and an addition to take into account.

As a reminder, this projection is based on who is on the Braves’ 40-man roster or in camp with the team at this moment in time and assumes that everyone is “healthy” when Opening Day rolls around. All the usual caveats apply related to injuries, acquisitions and the like.

Position Players

Catcher: Drake Baldwin

First base: Matt Olson

Second base: Ozzie Albies

Shortstop: Mauricio Dubón

Third base: Austin Riley

Right field: Ronald Acuña, Jr.

Center field: Micheal Harris II

Left field: Mike Yastrzemski

Designated hitter: Jurickson Profar

Bench: Jonah Heim, Eli White, Jorge Mateo, Kyle Farmer

The only change here is catcher Sandy León as he leaves the initial roster in favor of non-roster invitee Kyle Farmer. Farmer, a local product who went to Marist High School and then UGA, will turn 36 on August 17, and brings nine years of big league experience to the Braves. León will likely head to Triple-A to provide depth but more importantly help develop the pitching staff.

Farmer make the roster thanks to 300 career games at shortstop, 200+ games at second base, more than 160 appearances at third base – and most importantly for the Braves roster construction – 19 games behind the plate. Although he hasn’t caught in a game since making 15 starts in 2019, he would be the team’s third catcher, third shortstop and to slot into the 26th man spot allowing Atlanta to use fleet-footed reserve shortstop Jorge Mateo as a pinch-runner without risking two key defensive positions should something incredibly fluky occur.

Wild Cards: Dominic Smith, Luke Williams, Chadwick Tromp, Nacho Alvarez, Jr., Ben Gamel

Big league veteran Dominic Smith was a late addition to the Braves camp as a depth option at first base. If he sticks with the organization, he will likely be the latest veteran to provide the team some insurance at Triple-A in case Matt Olson were to miss time. It seems unlikely he’ll make the Opening Day roster at this point, but things could change should his bat get hot in the next three weeks.

Nacho Alvarez, Jr. and Chadwick Tromp are both headed to the World Baseball Classic have have been optioned and reassigned from camp, respectively. Both will head to Gwinnett to get regular playing time as the likely first-man-up should the team need an infielder or catcher. Luke Williams can’t be counted out since he can cover shortstop, pinch-run, and has proven to be a highly-effective position-player-pitcher, which might matter since the Braves start the year with 13 consecutive games, but also seems most likley to be a Striper when the season begins.

Outfielder Ben Gamel enters the chat, although he’d likley only make the roster should Atlanta need to replace one of their corner outfielders for Opening Day. He’s another long-time big leaguer who will likley add depth with the Stripers.

Pitchers

Starting pitchers: Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz

Bullpen: Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, Dylan Lee, Tyler Kinley, Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps, James Karinchak

Last time, Dylan Dodd was on the roster due to the mistaken believe that he was out of options. Because Dodd does have an option remaining, James Karinchak makes the 26-man roster as it looks like he has returned to the form he had when he was an elite reliever for Cleveland before dealing with injuries. Should Karinchak make the roster, it would be his first big league spot since 2023.

This projection continues to stick with belief that the Braves will open the season with a six-man rotation – more on that below.

Wild Cards: JR Ritchie, Jose Suaréz, Martín Peréz, Hayden Harris, Dylan Dodd

Unfortunately, Hurston Waldrep’s elbow issues will cause him to miss at least the first couple of months of the season, which means JR Ritchie becomes the starting pitcher most likley to make his way on to the Opening Day roster. Ritchie has looked good early in camp and Atlanta could be tempted to bring him north to Atlanta for the regular season – even if the play would be to give him a couple of starts since the Braves won’t have an off-day until 14 days into the season.

Martín Perez and Jose Suaréz could both factor into the sixth-starter/long-man role, but at this point, it seems like only an injury could cause that to happen.

Two weeks into Spring Training and the two pitchers who might be able to force their way on to the Opening Day roster are Dodd and Hayden Harris. Both left-handers have been effective thus far in camp, but Harris and his unusual pitch mix landed on an off-season top reliever prospect list and after a spectacular 2025 season in the minors, has nothing left to prove below the big league level.

Will this new coaching staff believe in Harris enough to give him an opportunity to prove himself in Atlanta to start the season? Time will tell if Harris continues to have a strong camp.

Barring an injury or trade, both Harris and Dodd should be a factor with Atlanta in 2026, but those pesky options may prevent them from seeing Opening Day with the Braves if Atlanta opts to maximize their roster flexibility.

Last thing, neither of these first two projections have included reliever Ian Hamilton who is on the 40-man roster and was highly effective a couple of seasons ago out of the New York Yankees bullpen. That wasn’t an oversight, but he could factor into the Opening Day roster, but as of now, Joel Payamps holds on to the last right-handed reliever spot in the bullpen thanks in part to a $2.5M commitment for 2026.

Things may change again in two weeks, and hopefully if they do, it is only because of outstanding performance and not because of something negative.

The Braves have their first split squad matchup of Spring today, as Reynaldo Lopez and most of the regulars on offense face Drew Rasumussen and the Rays at CoolToday Park and Grant Holmes leads a team of mostly veteran quad-A players plus John Gil at DH against Mick Abel and the Twins. You can see the lineups below.

Reynaldo Lopez’ velocity will be worth monitoring, after it sat low-90s in his first Spring appearance. That Rays game should be fairly fun with a number of regulars and/or real prospects playing for both teams and real major league pitchers starting the game. We should expect to see a number of prospects touch the field today, with the split squad set-up, which is always a fun aspect of Spring Training. It’s also cool to see John Gil getting some more playing time, as he is a guy who had some real prospect buzz coming into Spring Training and has only made the buzz grow louder in his limited playing time.

You can catch the Rays game on Gray TV in-market and the Twins game nationally on MLB Network, or use MLBTV for your preferred viewing experience. Both games start at 1:05 PM ET

Join us and discuss today’s games in the comments below!

Now that the calendar has turned to March, we are heading into the meat of the Spring Training schedule. However, I wanted to shout out three players who have really impressed me so far this spring. The three players I have been most impressed with have been Brady House, Riley Cornelio and Nasim Nunez.

All three had different things to prove this spring. For House, he has the third base job locked up, but after a poor offensive rookie year, Nats fans wanted to see more life with the bat. So far, that is exactly what we have gotten from Brady House. He is absolutely smoking the ball and has four extra base hits.

In his first game of the spring, House made a statement, hitting two homers, including one off of Sandy Alcantara. He has continued to swing a hot bat in his first few games, going 5/11. House is consistently hitting the ball over 100 MPH, even when he is getting out. Yesterday, he hit a double that was 111 MPH off the bat.

Brady House has hit more Home Runs than singles this Spring.

Spring Training EV’s of his hits:

110.7
109.4
106.8

Spring Training EV’s of his outs:

102.5
98.2
94.6
91.3
88.9
84.1

He’s not even 23 yet.

pic.twitter.com/0BkmeLv58Z

— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) March 1, 2026

Brady House is a flawed hitter, but he has tremendous raw power to all fields. The approach is questionable, but House has the ability to slug his way out of some of those concerns. House has been consistently hitting line drives and flyballs, which I love to see. He will always strike out a decent bit and doesn’t take a ton of walks, but his quality of contact has looked outstanding.

House can be one of those hitters who has the ability to sustain high BABIP numbers because he hits the ball so hard and at good angles to get hits. He will need to show at least 20-25 home run power to be a productive hitter, but the signs of that are there so far this spring. After last season, I was a bit bearish about House, but it looks like he may have taken a leap.

The lone pitcher I will discuss today is Riley Cornelio. I wrote a piece about him a few days ago where I went in depth. However, I wanted to talk a little more about the 25 year old pitcher. His stuff looked absolutely outstanding in his first outing of the spring.

The velocity was better than ever, averaging over 96 MPH. Cornelio’s signature slider was also very sharp. That led to two dominant innings where he struck out three. Cornelio also lit up stuff models. His 110 stuff+ rating is in the top 20 of all pitchers who have tossed at least 20 pitches this spring.

Spring Training tjStuff+ Leaders pic.twitter.com/YEo3fy0LHI

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) March 1, 2026

That raw stuff makes Cornelio a very interesting prospect for me. He is unlikely to make the team out of camp, but if he keeps throwing the ball like this, he will have a shot. At this time last year, we did not think Brad Lord would make the team, but he gave the team no choice.

I think Cornelio could do the same thing. He had a breakout season in the minors last year and looks like he took another step. I can’t wait to see him pitch again and I am really rooting for the former 7th round pick.

The last player I want to discuss is Nasim Nunez. Going into camp, he was the favorite to win a bench role. It seems like he has a roster spot locked up after a strong start. Now, the only question is how much will Nasim Nunez play.

Last September, Nunez showed much improved power. For most of his career, Nunez was a defensive specialist who could not provide much with the bat. However, it seems like something has clicked. He is driving the ball with authority on a consistent basis. 

Nunez’s bat speed improved a lot last season, and it looks like he has kept those gains. He is hitting .300 with a .962 OPS so far this spring. The quality of contact impresses me more than the raw numbers though. Nunez is driving the ball to the pull side and that is leading to extra base hits.

Nasim Nunez’s trademark defense is still there as well. He is such a joy to watch at shortstop. His actions are incredibly smooth and he has such a great arm, especially for a smaller guy. Watching Nunez at short vs CJ Abrams is really jarring because it is clear how much better Nunez is defensively. He has already made some really nice plays this spring.

Nasim Nuñez backhand stop into a double play.

That glove work is ridiculous. Smooth does not even cover it.

Defense like that wins games. pic.twitter.com/t9zXs3XqFo

— natsfanatics (@natsfanatics_) February 28, 2026

At this point, Nunez will absolutely be on the roster. However, I want him to be playing on a fairly regular basis. I would also love to see the Nats play Nunez at shortstop and CJ Abrams at second base. You could also put Luis Garcia Jr. at first base on those days as well. This should be an alignment the Nats turn to at least occasionally.

After last season, I was still skeptical about Nunez as a hitter, and I still have questions. However, it looks like the improvements he made are sticking. If that is the case, Nunez can be an incredibly valuable player. Even as an average or slightly below average hitter, Nunez has the glove to bring value to the team.

It is still early in spring, but Brady House, Riley Cornelio and Nasim Nunez have really impressed me. Hopefully they can sustain this level of success through the spring and into the regular season. If they can be real contributors, it would really help the Nats outlook. I do not want to overreact, but I like what I am seeing from those three players.

This morning, Atlanta Braves formally announce that infielder Nacho Alvarez, Jr. and reliever Hunter Stratton have been optioned to Triple-A and that non-roster invitees catcher Chadwick Tromp and reliever Javy Guerra have been reassigned to the minor league camp. Alvarez, Jr.’s option appeared on the team’s transaction page yesterday.

For Alvarez, Jr., Tromp and Guerra, this isn’t surprising as all three players will be playing in the World Baseball Classic for Mexico, Netherlands and Panama, respectively, and all three were likely to start the year in the minors baring an injury to those above them on the team’s depth chart.

Stratton, who pitched in 12 games out of the bullpen for Atlanta, also figured to start the year in Triple-A. He has pitched in parts of three seasons in the big leagues, all with the Pittsburgh Pirates prior to joining Atlanta during the 2025 season.

The Braves now have 62 players in camp.