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Tanner Scott made his Cactus League debut for the Dodgers, pitching a scoreless inning with one hit and one strikeout on 17 pitches. He struggled last season, posting a 4.74 ERA, but manager Dave Roberts believes using him in any leverage inning will benefit both Scott and the team. Scott joined the Dodgers on a four-year, $72-million deal before last season and missed time due to a left elbow injury.
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski made his second appearance and first start this spring, pitching two efficient scoreless innings against the Cubs. He primarily threw four-seamers, shelving his sinker as he faced only right-handed hitters. Wrobleski is being built up as a starter to provide flexibility for the Dodgers' pitching staff. He previously threw 12 pitches in one inning on Tuesday and is competing for an Opening Day roster spot.
Colin Rea started for the Cubs, throwing three scoreless innings and allowing only one hit while striking out two on 51 pitches (29 strikes). His performance was part of the Cubs' 6-2 victory over the Dodgers, where three Cubs pitchers combined for eight scoreless innings. Rea's outing was efficient and effective.
Javier Assad threw three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four on 37 pitches in the Cubs' 6-2 win over the Dodgers. He is preparing to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Assad might start the season at Triple-A Iowa to stretch out as a starter. His performance was part of a dominant effort by Cubs pitchers.
Ben Brown pitched two efficient scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out three in the Cubs' 6-2 victory over the Dodgers. He threw just 27 pitches (18 strikes). It remains unclear if Brown will open 2026 in the Cubs bullpen or start at Triple-A Iowa. His performance was part of a strong outing from Cubs pitchers who shut down the Dodgers.
Jackson Merrill hit his first home run of the spring, a two-run shot to left-center field, in the Padres' 7-1 victory over the Mariners. He also added an infield single, finishing 2-for-8 with a double in five spring games. Merrill appears to be past the injuries that hampered him in 2025. JP Sears pitched well for San Diego, allowing one run over three innings.
JP Sears had a solid outing for the Padres, completing three innings and allowing one run on three hits with a walk and a strikeout. His performance was part of a dominant effort by Padres relievers who controlled the Mariners hitters. The Padres went on to win 7-1, with Jackson Merrill hitting his first home run of the spring.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is considered a tad underrated entering the 2026 season, despite a strong 2025 campaign that included a 30/30 season and a 126 wRC+. He ranked as a top five second baseman by fWAR. Chisholm's value significantly improved after shifting back to second base. Trade rumors circulated in the offseason, but he remains with the Yankees. His balanced skillset makes him a strong candidate to be one of the league's best second basemen.
Kenley Jansen was the Dodgers' closer from 2021 until Edwin Díaz's arrival. With Díaz now firmly in the closer role, the rest of the Dodgers' bullpen is still being shaped during spring training. Jansen's previous role highlights the team's search for bullpen stability. The current bullpen features Edwin Díaz, Alex Vesia, Blake Treinen, and Tanner Scott.
Edwin Díaz is firmly established as the Dodgers' closer following a three-year, $69-million contract. His presence frees up other bullpen arms. Díaz made his second spring appearance, pitching a scoreless inning with two walks and a strikeout before joining Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic. The bullpen also features Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia, and Tanner Scott, while Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips are injured.
The overwhelming majority of Padres fans support Walker Buehler making the roster and rotation. Buehler, a former Dodgers pitcher, signed a minor league deal with San Diego after being released by the Red Sox and finishing 2025 with the Phillies. He pitched three innings in a spring game against the KBO's NC Dinos, noting his velocity was slightly above expectations. If he secures a rotation spot, he could earn $1.5 million plus bonuses.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking forward to the 2026 season, with excitement surrounding new veteran free agent acquisitions like Brandon Lowe, Ryan O'Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna, who are expected to bolster the offense. The team also boasts a deep starting pitching rotation, including Paul Skenes. Fans are eager for a packed PNC Park atmosphere, hoping the team's performance will bring back playoff hopes not seen since 2015.
The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran outfielder Starling Marte, pending a physical. The 37-year-old had a resurgent 2025 season with the Mets, slashing .270/.335/.410 with a 111 OPS+ in a part-time role, his best production since 2022. Marte primarily served as a designated hitter, adding a right-handed bat to the Royals' outfield and DH mix. He has a history of injuries but stayed relatively healthy in 2025. Marte also played for the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Marlins, and Athletics in his 14-year career.
The Los Angeles Dodgers do not expect two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to be ready for Opening Day due to a lingering shoulder injury. Snell is throwing on flat ground but not yet on the mound. He was limited to 11 regular-season starts in 2025 due to the injury. The Dodgers have pitching depth with Yamamoto, Glasnow, and Ohtani.
Tobias Myers delivered another promising performance for the Mets, tossing three innings of one-run ball, striking out four and walking one against the Nationals. His only blemish came in the third inning. Despite Myers' solid outing, the Mets bats fell short, losing 3-2. Craig Kimbrel and Adbert Alzolay also surrendered runs in relief. Myers was acquired in the Freddie Peralta trade.
Cody Bellinger's back "went out on him a little bit," according to manager Aaron Boone. The New York Yankees outfielder is expected to miss a few Grapefruit League games but should be ready for Opening Day. Bellinger is 4-for-9 with an RBI and a run scored in his first three exhibition matches.
Spencer Strider made his 2026 spring training debut, pitching two innings and allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts. His velocity was around 93 mph, which he seemed unconcerned about, focusing instead on location and command. Strider's outing was part of a Braves win over the Orioles, where the team hit back-to-back-to-back home runs. He addressed speculation about radar guns being turned off.
Shane Smith struggled in his first Cactus League start, giving up three runs in less than two innings against the Guardians. He is expected to lead the parade of White Sox pitchers. The Guardians' Tanner Bibee is on the mound for Cleveland. The game is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. Central.
Seth Lugo is making his second Cactus League start for the Kansas City Royals against the Colorado Rockies. In his previous outing against the Cubs, Lugo pitched two innings, allowing two hits on 27 pitches with one strikeout. He will face his former teammate Michael Lorenzen. The Rockies are currently on a five-game win streak.
Michael Lorenzen is taking the mound for the Colorado Rockies in his second Cactus League start and first against his former team, the Kansas City Royals. In his last outing, Lorenzen pitched one scoreless inning, allowing one hit on nine pitches with a strikeout. He will face Royals right-hander Seth Lugo. The Rockies are on a five-game win streak.
