Feb 23, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Paul Blackburn (58) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
We’re in spring training proper now, with less than a week to go before the World Baseball Classic opens, and players on both of the teams squaring off today will represent their countries. Both the Yankees and the Blue Jays will send multiple participants to the WBC, but in the meantime the two AL East hopefuls will face off at Steinbrenner Field.
Paul Blackburn gets the ball in his second spring appearance, hoping to prove himself in a bullpen role with the MLB club. He didn’t have a great, albeit brief, stint with the club last year after coming over from Queens, but Matt Blake has worked some success with sinker-cutter combos before, and that’s Blackburn’s primary offering.
Meanwhile, José Berríos has had a rocky few months. He was on the IL for the Blue Jays’ World Series run and actually abandoned the club, returning home to Puerto Rico. This caused much discourse about the veteran’s commitment to the team, and in the midst of his apologies, Berríos was informed he was one of several Puerto Rican players who wasn’t able to be insured for the WBC, and he’ll miss the tournament. As he’s still rehabbing his right bicep, the time in camp might end up the best for him personally, but Puerto Rico is a proud baseball machine and missing what is likely his last Classic must be weighing on Berríos.
We get a pretty representative lineup today, with only Spencer Jones, who’s batting ninth, expected to not be on the Opening Day roster. Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. form a very powerful top three. Note that utilityman Amed Rosario was originally in the starting nine at third base but was scratched about an hour before first pitch, with NRI Jonathan Ornelas taking his place. This reportedly would’ve been Rosario’s last start before heading off to join Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, so an injury could be in play.
Feb 10, 2026; North Port, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (99) works out during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
It’s another road game but this time, the lineup for our Atlanta Braves figures to be a little better than the last one that they sent out for a road game against the Yankees in Tampa. That’s probably because it’s a quicker trip from North Port to Sarasota instead of Tampa but either way, this’ll probably be less of the Braves serving as live practice partners for the Orioles like they did over at Steinbrenner Field earlier this week.
It also helps that the Braves are going to be sending one of their expected starting pitchers to the mound today as well. Spencer Strider is getting the ball and I’d say that there’s plenty of anticipation for his spring training debut. There’s been a lot of speculation about Strider’s velocity early on here in spring training so we’ll see exactly what he’s got in the tank with what he can deliver against a pretty solid Orioles lineup today.
If you live in the Orioles TV market then you can catch this game on MASN. That’s the only way you’ll be able to catch the game on TV, as the Braves will only be broadcasting this game via the radio on 680 The Fan/93.7 FM. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Nasim Nuñez #26 of the Washington Nationals advances to third base during the first inning of a spring training game against the Philadelphia Philliesat BayCare Ballpark on February 26, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a tie with the Astros last night, the Nats are back in action this afternoon against the Mets. They are headed to Fort St. Lucie to face a stacked Mets lineup. It will be a good test for this young Nats team who has shown some sloppiness in the last couple games this spring.
The Nats who did not play last night will be in action this afternoon. That means we will see the likes of James Wood, Daylen Lile, Brady House and Harry Ford, among others. Wood and Lile have had slow starts to the spring, so it would be nice to see them make a statement. Jake Irvin will be on the mound, facing a very strong Mets lineup.
As we have mentioned a couple times now, the Mets are rolling out a lineup that should be pretty similar to their Opening Day lineup. New additions Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette are in the lineup. Juan Soto will be hitting between them in the two hole. Long time Mets like Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty and Mark Vientos will also be in the lineup. Tobias Myers was part of the Freddie Peralta trade, and he will be on the mound for the Mets.
This should be a good test for the Nats. Jake Irvin will have to work his way through a big league lineup and Tobias Myers is no scrub on the mound either. There have been some slow starters for the Nats this spring, so hopefully they can wake up. Follow along down below and let’s go Nats!
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 18: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros bats during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Mariners won 6-1. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
3B Isaac Paredes will make his 2026 Grapefruit League debut today.
The Houston Astros (1-4-2) welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates (6-2) to West Palm Beach.
RHP Mike Burrows will make his second start and appearance of the Spring as he takes on Buccos RHP Braxton Ashcraft.
RHP Mike Burrows takes on his former club with today’s start vs. the Pirates. Burrows made 23 appearances (19 starts) for PIT in 2025 before being acquired by HOU on Dec. 19 as part of a three-team, six-player deal. Burrows was selected PIT in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft.
Today is the second start of the Spring for RHP Mike Burrows. He hurled 2.0 scoreless innings in his first start on Feb. 22 vs. STL (1 BB, 2 SO). In 2025, Burrows was 2-4 in 23 appearances (19 starts) for the Pirates with a 3.94 ERA (42ER/96IP) and 97 strikeouts in 96.0 IP. Burrows was solid in the second half of the season, posting a 3.27 ERA ERA (20ER/55IP) in 13 appearances (10 starts), allowing one or fewer runs in seven of his last eight appearances (2.22 ERA in that span). He earned his first win as a starter on June 4 vs. HOU (5.1 scoreless inn.).
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Logan VanWey, RHP Jayden Murray, RHP Roddery Muñoz, LHP Tom Cosgrove, RHP Michael Knorr, RHP Alex Santos.
WALK THIS WAY: The Astros have drawn a combined 54 walks in seven games (7.7 per game).
Today is the first of two scheduled meetings between the Astros and Pirates this Spring. The two clubs will also play in Bradenton on St. Patrick’s Day (3/17). In the regular season, the Pirates will visit HOU for a three-game set, June 2-4.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, February 28, 12:05 p.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach, FL
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 13: A general view of Peoria Stadium following the cancellation of a spring training game between the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks due to field conditions on March 13, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Max Scherzer Returns to Toronto With the way the contract is structured and the low potential maximum, it feels like Arizona should have been circling Scherzer themselves, though he may not have had any interest in dessert baseball.
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 21: Edmundo Sosa #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies waits for the pitch during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark on February 21, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Brett Baty (7) works during spring training at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Mike Burrows #50 of the Houston Astros looks on during spring training workouts at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 12, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL
How to Listen: 93.7 The Fan, 100.1 FM, AM 1020 KDKA, Sports Net Pittsburgh app SNP 360
The Pittsburgh Pirates on the road against the Houston Astros looking to grab a win in Spring Training.
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PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Nick Martinez #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a photo during the Tampa Bay Rays photo day at Charlotte Sports Park on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Nick Martinez takes the hill the today as he makes his first appearance of the Spring.
There will be local radio coverage of the game today by the Rays.
First pitch against the Detroit Tigers is at 1:05 at Charlotte Sports Park
Today’s highlight package is from May 31-June 2, 1999 when the Devil Rays took on the Oakland Athletics
Jonah Tong’s 2025 campaign was about as strong an advertisement for Triple-A baseball as one can make.
Tong absolutely eviscerated minor league competition last season. In 22 starts, he pitched to a 1.43 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 113.2 IP. Those eye-popping numbers were enough to earn Tong the Minor League Pitching Prospect of the Year award, beating out a crop which included Blue Jays flamethrower Trey Yesavage, who put together a pair of double-digit strikeout performances in last year’s postseason. Nolan McLean didn’t have those kinds of numbers at the minor league level, nor did Brandon Sproat. Even the last generation of Mets aces (Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler) didn’t dominate the minor leagues to that extent.
But after his promotion to the majors, it became apparent that Tong may have needed just a bit more time to develop. Both McLean and Sproat had at least 80 innings pitched at Triple-A. Tong didn’t even have 12. All but two of his scintillating starts came with Double-A Binghamton, and while he didn’t so much as allow a run in either start with Triple-A Syracuse, sometimes the value of the minor leagues is learning how to pitch without your best stuff, how to have a bad start and bounce back the next week, or simply how to compete in a league against hitters who will make better adjustments each time they face you.
Tong’s cup of coffee in the majors — which would more accurately be described as an emergency espresso shot for a deteriorating Mets pitching staff — yielded a 7.71 ERA. But that hasn’t seemed to zap anyone’s excitement about the 22-year-old fireballer, nor should it. Tong is still ranked as the No. 46 prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, and Amazin’ Avenue recently ranked him the organization’s No. 3 prospect behind McLean and Carson Benge. Plus, he certainly showed flashes of enormous potential in the big leagues — just a lack of consistency. In two of his five starts, he dominated by throwing at least five innings and allowing no more than one run. But in the other three starts, he simply couldn’t stop the bleeding, allowing a total of 15 runs in just 13 innings. Being able to make in-game adjustments and limit damage in those outings is exactly what Triple-A is for, no matter how good a player’s stuff is. And lucky for Tong, his stuff is exceptionally good.
In addition to giving us a sneak preview of Tong on the Citi Field mound, his stint in the majors last season gave us a closer look at just how elite his arsenal can be. According to Statcast, his lively four-seam fastball only drops 10.7 inches. Tong’s curveball, meanwhile, averaged a whopping 62.7 inches of vertical drop. That’s almost as much drop as Jose Altuve’s height. Weighted for velocity and extension, the vertical movement on Tong’s fastball and curveball would have both ranked first among all right-handed starting pitchers in the majors had he thrown enough to qualify. Then there’s Tong’s changeup, a pitch which yielded a .227 opponent batting average and 22.2% Whiff. This spring, he’s been working to further develop a cutter, an evolution of the slider that he’s previously thrown.
The pieces of the puzzle are all there. One day Tong will be able to fit everything together at the major league level, but for now, he’s still honing his repertoire, stamina, and command. Perhaps he’ll dominate out of the gate, and by mid-May the organization will feel he’s ready for another crack at The Show. Perhaps he’ll need to take one step back to take two steps forward, and we won’t see Tong again until late in the summer, if at all this season.
It’s easy to dream of the homegrown duo of McLean and Tong carrying the Mets to victory in 2026. While it’s unfair to put that kind of pressure on anyone, much less two players who have a combined 13 starts in the majors, at least McLean’s 2025 performance and minor league experience make such expectations a smidgen more realistic. Tong’s ceiling is still just as high as his Lincecum-esque armslot, but we shouldn’t expect him to grasp all of that potential in 2026. Patience is a difficult virtue to maintain in baseball, but when it comes to prospects, patience is sometimes a practical necessity.
If Tong displays more consistency in even just a handful of starts at the major league level in 2026, it will be a successful step forward for the young right-hander. For now, he should get the time he deserves to hone his craft in Triple-A before returning to the Big Apple.
Feb 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sunday is the first day of March, a month in which there will be real baseball games that count toward the standings. But the Dodgers open the month facing the Angels in a Cactus League battle at Camelback Ranch.
Landon Knack starts on the mound for the Dodgers, making his second appearance this spring. He pitched a scoreless inning on Monday against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch.
Left-hander Reid Detmers takes the ball for the Angels.
LAKELAND, FL – Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Jackson Jobe offered an encouraging update on his rehab from Tommy John surgery.
Jobe is going through a long-toss rehab program, progressively throwing longer distances – he is up to 105 feet, three times a week. And he said could start throwing bullpens off a mound in about six weeks.
“I think it's like, starting in mid-April, is when I'll be on the mound,” Jobe told reporters on Saturday, Feb. 28.
After he completes the long-toss program, he will start throwing bullpens.
“Then it'll be a few lives and rehab outings,” Jobe said. “I think it'll just depend on how sharp I'm feeling, how quickly I can get my feel back. But as it stands right now, I feel pretty normal, which is kind of weird, but guess I'll take it.”
When a reporter asked if Jobe could be pitching for the Tigers sooner than September, Jobe said: “What we have drawn up is quicker than that, for sure.”
But he offered no date.
“I obviously want to be smart about it,” he said. “I guess I probably shouldn't say when we have in mind, just in case it doesn't happen. But I'm feeling pretty optimistic that I will be throwing some important innings this year.”
The Tigers have been vague about when he might return, which is not surprising considering every rehab is different.
"We expect him to be back in 2026," president of baseball operations Scott Harris said Monday, Dec. 8, at the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. "It's hard to forecast the actual date, but we expect it to be a boost for our roster in the second half."
"Knock on wood – everything's been going as well as it could,” Jobe said Saturday. “I'm just trying to keep it that way and not change a thing. The program that we have has been great."
Jobe – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft – has a locker in the Tigers clubhouse in TigerTown. He has been encouraged by other pitchers who have been through Tommy John – and had success after the surgery. He also has been getting tips and advice from Justin Verlander, who is teaching him how to work hard, but also how to rest and recover.
Still, Jobe is bothered about missing the start of the season.
“It sucks that I'm not going to be there for the beginning,” Jobe said. “Honestly, it really does suck, but I think we'll be doing something special towards the end of the year that I can hopefully be a part of and really add to.”
Jobe said that he has not suffered any setbacks in his recovery.
“We're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now,” Jobe said.
“Seems like you are almost out of the tunnel,” a reporter said.
My Spring Training predictions for Saturday, February 28 are locked in on Cactus League action.
Find out why the San Francisco Giants top my MLB picks for today at juicy odds.
Spring Training predictions for February 28
Pick
Odds
LAA moneyline
-135
SF moneyline
+140
MIL moneyline
+100
Pick #1: Angels moneyline
Arizona Diamondbacks SP Mitch Bratt was shelled in his first Spring Training start to the tune of three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk in just 1 1/3 innings. Considering he's never pitched above the Double-A level, I'm not optimistic he'll turn things around vs. the Los Angeles Angels.
The Angels are trotting out a lineup similar to the one they'll use on Opening Day, featuring Mike Trout batting second.
Alek Manoah gets the ball for L.A., and he tossed two scoreless innings for the Halos on Sunday.
Pick #2: Giants moneyline
I'll gladly fade the Athletics, who are off to a dreadful 1-5 start with just 17 runs scored in Cactus League play.
I don't have any knocks against A's starter Luis Morales, but San Francisco Giants SP Tyler Mahle is simply the more established arm on the hill in this one.
Mahle authored a sparkling 2.18 ERA last season and makes his 2026 Spring Training debut here behind a Giants team that's 5-2 so far with a +13 run differential.
Pick #3: Brewers moneyline
The Cincinnati Reds have the pitching matchup advantage on name value, but Hunter Greene's Spring Training numbers do not inspire confidence.
Greene owns a 5.83 ERA all-time in exhibition play over 63 1/3 combined innings. He's toeing the rubber against a Milwaukee Brewers club that's won four games in a row.
Rob Zastryzny gets the nod for the Brew Crew today, and while he's unlikely to see more than an inning, it should be a clean one, just like his first effort of 2026.
It's hard to knock Zastryzny's 2.12 ERA through 29 2/3 innings in a Milwaukee uniform.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. fields some spring training Q&A from Post columnist Steve Serby.
Q: Do you have a timetable in your head as to when you hope or expect to be in the major leagues?
A: I wouldn’t say I have a timetable. I know that me focusing on the things that I can control, focusing on my work, on my play in the field, that stuff will kind of figure itself out. I just take it by day. Wherever I’m put is wherever I’ll go, and I’m gonna play my game and I know that things like that will work out.
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Q: Have you visualized what it’s going to be like for you when you put on the pinstripes and run out onto the field one day at Yankee Stadium?
A: I have. I mean, I’ve definitely thought about it. When you’re in this situation it’s definitely something that crosses your mind, and I think I visualized it more of a point of I want to be prepared when I get there and have already gone through it in my head, and obviously it’s never going to replicate what it will be like in real life. … Yeah, I’ll definitely have those mental reps.
Q: Paint that scene for me.
A: I think for me it was always when you get to put on the pinstripes, you get to be in The Bronx. It’s gonna be a stadium filled with people that are passionate, that are intense, that are gonna want to win. But the biggest part for me is it’s still baseball, it’s the same game I’ve played my whole life. Obviously, it will not feel the same as just another game in the minor leagues, you’re in New York and even your brain knows that, so obviously there will be more excitement, more nerves, all the emotions will be just on max. So it’s just acknowledging that you’re on that stage and that you belong there and that you earned it. And then just going out there and playing my game.
Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. during a spring training at-bat. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Q: Have you had any conversations with Derek Jeter?
A: I spoke to him this past offseason. … We talked about a bunch of things, but I think the biggest thing is just be myself. You know, you get to New York, there’s obviously all the outside noise and a lot of things that can be going on around you, but the main thing is just know who you are, know what you need, keep your circle close and just do your thing.
Q: Describe the big New York stage under the bright lights.
A: It’s something that I’ve dreamed of as a kid, and it’s something that since I can remember, something I wanted to do. I’m definitely very excited to get up there and win games on the biggest stage.
Q: Describe Yankees fans.
A: Passionate, really want to win, will let you know how they feel, but the best in the world.
A: That’s the toughest one! … I’ll go … competitor.
Q: Describe your mentality in the batter’s box.
A: I think the biggest thing for me is just competitive … aggressive. I always take pride in my competitiveness, my ability to compete on the field. You gotta be a dawg in there, be aggressive, and be on attack mode.
Q: Your mentality in the infield.
A: I still have that fire, the competitiveness that nothing can get by me, I gotta get to everything. But you just gotta relax and be an athlete out there in flow state.
Q: Describe what “playing to win” means.
A: First off, doing all the little things right, doing all the little things your team needs you to do in those small little moments, those add up over the game and turn into wins. And then just outcompeting the other team, just wanting it more.
Q: What drives you?
A: I would say my family, doing it for the people that have supported me my whole life, doing it for them — they’ve always pushed me and been there for me when I needed them. And then always wanting to be the best version of myself on a daily basis whether that’s on the field, off the field, and just always chasing excellence.
Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. throwing before a spring training game. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Q: Does fear of failure drive you?
A: I wouldn’t say so much fear of failure as much as just me wanting to be the best version of myself. In baseball, when you fail so much you kind of have to accept the fact that you’re not gonna win every single time, and you have to understand that and be OK with it and then still strive to win as much as you can, to succeed as much as you can.
Q: Was there any point that the fear of failure caused you to wrestle with yourself?
A: A hundred percent. Especially growing up in a game where you fail so much, being around the good players, it can be easy to go internal and get in your head when you want to succumb to that little voice in your head that’s always spitting at you worst-case scenarios and things like that. But I think it just takes practice and takes targeted training to work on that. It’s a part of the game that I think the best players in the world are very good at, they’re elite at it, and that’s part of the reason why they’re at that level is acknowledging that part of the game, acknowledging the failure, accepting that and then still going out there and being able to be at your best.
Q: What has it been like being a 2023 first-round draft pick for the New York Yankees?
A: It’s been awesome. From the moment that my name got announced on the TV screen to the New York Yankees, it was a ton of excitement. Obviously, just the fact that I was getting drafted in the first round, then the fact that it was the New York Yankees makes it even more special, an organization like that, a franchise with the history that New York does. It was super exciting, and then ever since I’ve been here it’s been nothing short of that. Everybody’s been great, from the staff to the players and all the ex-players that come back, everybody’s treated me great. It’s been a ton of fun.
A: CC [Sabathia] has been around a lot, I’ve gotten to know him pretty well, he’s a great guy. … Andy Pettitte’s around all the time, he’s also another great dude. Didi Gregorius has been around a lot, got to know him pretty well.
Q: Do you feel any pressure being a first-round pick and top Yankees prospect?
A: I wouldn’t say that there’s no pressure, no expectations, obviously I feel like that just comes with it. I always look at it as a blessing just to be in that situation where I get to have expectations because I was taken where I was because I put myself in that situation. So yeah, I acknowledge it and know that that’s exactly where I want to be and then go from there, and I know that if I do my thing, if I get better every day, if I do my work, that things will work themselves out.
Q: Where do you see the level of your baseball IQ?
A: I think it’s high. I think something that’s helped me with that is just me always really enjoying the game, it being a passion for me my whole life. I always loved watching the game, watching people, listening to people talk about the game. I got to be around the game a lot with my family being in baseball. I think just the time I’ve spent and the passion that I’ve had for the game my whole life has helped me kind of build that.
Yankees’ George Lombard Jr., looking up at an infield pop-up during a spring training game. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Q: Give me an example of your leadership.
A: I would say I’m not the type of person that’s super outspoken, in-your-face type of leader. I’m more of the lead by example, do-the-little-things-how-they’re-supposed-to-be kind of leader. I feel like when there’s conversations that need to be had, I can do that in private, I can do that with certain people, and the same goes for everybody else in the clubhouse.
Q: An example of your mental toughness.
A: Last year, I kind of got tested a little bit when I got called up to Double-A for the first time and had to face some struggles, especially in my first month up there and things weren’t going my way (laugh), to say the least. I had to work through that and make some adjustments, kind of go through that grind for a month or so and deal with all those little things. While that was going on, still play every day, still being a leader on the team, still going out there and playing good defense … fighting our way through a struggle.
Q: What are you working on in the batter’s box now?
A: Made a couple of little tweaks mechanically with my swing, with my hands that have put me in a good spot now. I feel like the swing itself is in a good spot, so it’s just about going out there, refining the approach and having competitive at bats, making sure I know my game plan every single at bat, and going out there and executing that, so just having as many competitive at bats as I can.
Q: What are you working on at shortstop?
A: To me, taking ground balls, working on my defense never even feels like work, it’s just fun. There’s times where we have to dial in, focus on some specific things that I want to work on, but a lot of times just going out there and being an athlete and making plays and making sure I’m just as consistent with that as possible, and then refining all my skills.
Q: How comfortable are you at second base or at third base?
A: I consider myself a baseball player, not just a shortstop. I feel like I can go out there and wherever my team would need me to play, I’m confident in myself that I can go out there and make plays.
Q: How did soccer help you playing in the infield?
A: A ton, a ton. Overall athleticism, footwork, speed, agility, all the things that come with being on a soccer field, I think they all translate very well to being an athlete and moving fluidly on a baseball field.
Q: Who were your favorite athletes growing up?
A: In soccer my favorite players were Virgil van Dijk, [Lionel] Messi, obviously. And then, in baseball, Corey Seager, Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts, [Carlos] Correa, all the really good shortstops in the big leagues that are still playing now.
Q: What is your best baseball moment?
A: My team getting in the states the first time my senior year. We had a good group of close friends, and we made a good run at the end. That was a special moment that I’ll remember for a long time. And then since I’ve been here with the Yankees, I would say probably the one that sticks out the most is my first game, first at-bat, got to sneak one out, hit a homer, floating around the bases in my first big league game being able to hit a home run, have some of the big leaguers, some guys I watch on TV be there in the dugout to celebrate. It was a lot of fun.
Yankees infielder George Lombard Jr (96) hits a two-RBI double during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: Derek Jeter …
Q: What would you ask him?
A: All of his experiences, coming up, playing in New York, playing on the biggest stage, winning championships … it doesn’t get much more legendary than Derek Jeter in New York.
Q: That’s one dinner guest.
A: Dr. Martin Luther King [Jr.]. The impact that he had, the influence that he had, his courageousness, everything that he stood for, it’s definitely something that I’d want to learn from.
Q: That’s two dinner guests.
A: I’ll go Jay-Z.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “Interstellar.”
Q: Favorite actor?
A: Denzel Washington.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: Probably some of my grandmother’s Cuban food.
Q: Tell me about your grandmother, Posey.
A: When COVID hit when my dad had some more time to really dig deep into her story and her life, found a lot of things about her and her mission, what she did. She was coming down from the Northeast, came down to Atlanta, had my dad and his brother and sister, was a big civil rights activist, marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King and just did so many good things, was one of the most courageous, brave people that I’ve ever … obviously unfortunately never got to meet her, but I wish I could have. Hearing some of the things that she stood up for and that she fought for, it’s inspiring.
Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. (96) steals second base past Minnesota Twins shortstop Brooks Lee (22) in the first inning during spring training at Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Q: Your father is part black and white, and your mother is Hispanic. You’re like a walking United Nations.
A: (Laugh) It’s a blessing. Being so diverse in race ethnicity, it’s allowed me to connect with a ton of different people since I was young. There was definitely a period of time where I was learning myself and understanding myself and understanding my background, where I come from and my family story. Now as I’ve gotten older and understood myself, it’s been great to kind of embrace myself, my diversity and my background, and build relationships with people from all walks of life, from different countries, different backgrounds, different culture identity. It’s really cool.
Q: Your father George, the Tigers bench coach, got his psychology degree at the University of Phoenix.
A: One of the reasons he got his degree as well was just to show me and my brother [Jacob] that that can be done. He got drafted out of high school, so he never got to do that. Same with myself. But he made it a promise to his mom and to his family that he was gonna get that done every day, and he wanted us to know that that’s something that we value a lot, and it’s very important to us as a family is being educated.
Q: You might go back one day and get your degree?
A: I made that promise to my parents that I would get it eventually one day.
Q: What are your personal goals for this season?
A: I think what will put me in the best spot for success is making sure I’m prepared every single day, then going out there and focusing on being a competitor and winning games wherever I’m at, wherever I start at. I want to be in a position, whether that happens or not, but to be in an opportunity to help the New York Yankees win a World Series this year.
Feb 26, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) signs autographs before the game against the Florida Marlins during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
We have two spring games today, so we get two GameThreads in one. That is our reward for making it to the end of February. Both games have some players I’d like to watch. More of the regulars are in the Phillies game. And we can watch Dylan Cease pitch in that one. Jose Berrios starts the Yankees game.
I’m going to miss the start of the games, I’m playing tennis this morning, but will see most of it all.
The Phillies/Jays game is at Dunedin and on Sportsnet. Lineups:
Today’s Lineups
PHILLIES
BLUE JAYS
Justin Crawford – CF
George Springer – DH
Kyle Schwarber – DH
Andres Gimenez – SS
Bryce Harper – 1B
Vladimir Guerrero – 1B
Edmundo Sosa – SS
Daulton Varsho – CF
Garrett Stubbs – C
Alejandro Kirk – C
Otto Kemp – LF
Ernie Clement – 2B
Bryan De La Cruz – RF
Jesus Sanchez – LF
Liover Peguero – 2B
Nathan Lukes – RF
Carson DeMartini – 3B
Ben Cowles – 3B
C. Sanchez – LHP
Dylan Cease – RHP
The Jays/Yankees game is in Tampa and is on the YES Network and will be on MLB.TV.
LAA moneyline
SF moneyline
MIL moneyline
