Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!
### MLB Recap: February 23, 2026 – Top Performers
Clay Holmes, SP, NYM
3.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 K, 2 BB
Clay Holmes delivered a gritty outing for the Mets in a 6-4 spring training win over the Marlins, scattering just one hit while battling through two earned runs on a solo homer and a hit batsman. His command of the sinker induced five groundouts, stabilizing the game early and setting up New York’s comeback rally. The Mets improved to 6-2 in Grapefruit League play, riding a wave of momentum amid optimism for their revamped rotation. Holmes’ versatility shines as he transitions to starting duties, impressing scouts with his strike-throwing ability. Around the league, the NL East heats up with the Phillies signing a top free-agent arm, but New York’s farm system depth keeps them competitive in the early buzz.
MLB Rank: #356
STS Projection: 3.77 ERA, 128 IP, 48 BB, 110 K, 7.8 K/9, 1.35 WHIP
Mick Abel, SP, MIN
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 K, 0 BB
Mick Abel dazzled in the Twins’ 4-1 spring triumph over the Cardinals, firing three scoreless innings with five strikeouts on a surgically precise fastball-slider mix. Facing 11 batters, he allowed just two hits including a double and triple but erased threats with whiffs and a caught stealing. Minnesota’s staff dominated, extending their unbeaten streak to seven games as they chase AL Central supremacy. Abel’s gem underscores the Twins’ youth movement, especially with veteran injuries plaguing rivals like the Guardians. League-wide, Abel’s prospect hype builds alongside surging minor-league call-ups, positioning Minnesota for a deep playoff run. His efficiency—46 pitches for nine outs—hints at ace potential in a rotation bolstered by recent trades.
MLB Rank: #518
STS Projection: 4.09 ERA, 156 IP, 69 BB, 151 K, 8.7 K/9, 1.39 WHIP
Connelly Early, SP, BOS
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, BB
Connelly Early locked down the Red Sox’s 3-2 victory against the Yankees in a marquee spring matchup, tossing two perfect innings after an early walk with four groundouts showcasing his groundball prowess. Boston rallied late, extending their win streak to four amid Grapefruit League dominance. Early’s clean slate bolstered a bullpen day that silenced New York’s offense, critical as the Sox integrate new acquisitions. With Chris Sale sidelined by soreness, Early emerges as a rotation contender, drawing comparisons to Boston’s homegrown arms. League news swirls around the AL East arms race, with Toronto’s blockbuster signing raising stakes, but the Red Sox’s prospect pipeline keeps them in the hunt for October.
MLB Rank: #126
STS Projection: 3.53 ERA, 150 IP, 57 BB, 156 K, 9.3 K/9, 1.29 WHIP
Ben Hess, SP, NYY
(H, 1) 3.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 K, 2 BB
Ben Hess earned a hold in the Yankees’ thrilling 5-3 comeback win over the Blue Jays, striking out five over three frames while stranding runners after a double and walks. His high-leverage stuff preserved a one-run lead, helping New York snap a two-game skid in spring play. The Bronx Bombers’ offense exploded late, signaling playoff readiness despite rotation tweaks post-Cole injury. Hess’s poise thrilled scouts, enhancing Yankee prospect depth amid AL East chaos. League-wide, Baltimore’s hot streak adds pressure, but New York’s veteran core paired with rising arms like Hess positions them for another crown chase. His 48-pitch efficiency marks him as bullpen-ready with starter upside.
MLB Rank: #291
STS Projection: 4.02 ERA, 144 IP, 65 BB, 146 K, 9.2 K/9, 1.39 WHIP
José Ramírez, 3B, CLE
2-for-3, HR, 2B, R, 4 RBI
José Ramírez powered the Guardians to a 7-2 rout of the Reds, crushing a three-run homer and doubling in two more for four RBI in a vintage performance that ignited Cleveland’s lineup. His extra-base hits flipped a close game in the fourth, extending the Tribe’s spring win streak to five amid NL Central contention. Ramírez’s hot bat leads MLB in early RBI, boosting a team surging without key free-agent losses. Scouts praise his plate coverage improvements, fueling MVP whispers. Around the league, Cincinnati’s rebuild stalls while Cleveland’s cost-controlled core eyes a deep run, with Ramírez anchoring the infield alongside young pitching breakthroughs.
MLB Rank: #37
STS Projection: 120.8 wRC+, 0.266/0.340/0.452, 21 HR, 33 SB, 80 Runs, 76 RBI
J.T. Ginn, SP, OAK
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
J.T. Ginn blanked the Giants over two innings in Oakland’s 4-0 shutout spring win, fanning three on 25 pitches with pinpoint control and zero baserunners after the first hit. The Athletics’ staff gem highlighted their rebuild grit, improving to 5-3 in Cactus League action. Ginn’s dominance bridges to a lights-out bullpen, crucial amid relocation rumors and farm system investments. League insiders buzz about Oakland’s quiet contention push, countering Giants’ splashy signings. Ginn’s rising fastball velocity positions him as a rotation cornerstone, exciting fans in a franchise turnaround year.
MLB Rank: #330
STS Projection: 3.83 ERA, 140 IP, 48 BB, 132 K, 8.4 K/9, 1.30 WHIP
Logan Gilbert, SP, SEA
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 2 BB
Logan Gilbert cruised through two scoreless frames in the Mariners’ 5-1 victory versus the Cubs, mixing strikes with two punchouts despite two walks, leaning on grounders to escape jams. Seattle’s pitching depth shone, pushing their spring record to 7-1 atop AL West hopefuls. Gilbert’s efficiency bolsters a staff eyeing postseason glory after last year’s heartbreak. With Mariners’ offense clicking via trade hauls, Gilbert emerges as a staff ace amid AL West parity. League chatter focuses on Houston’s slip, opening doors for Seattle’s young guns to dominate.
MLB Rank: #68
STS Projection: 3.43 ERA, 180 IP, 42 BB, 191 K, 9.5 K/9, 1.14 WHIP
Drew Rasmussen, SP, TBR
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Drew Rasmussen fired two hitless innings with three strikeouts in the Rays’ 3-0 blanking of the Orioles, thriving on 23 pitches and weak contact in a masterful spring start. Tampa Bay’s relentless staff extended their unbeaten run to six, underscoring rotation resilience post-injuries. Rasmussen’s return from rehab electrifies a team always punching above weight. AL East scouts rave about his spin rates, fueling playoff predictions amid Baltimore’s youth surge. League-wide, Rays’ analytics edge keeps them contenders.
MLB Rank: #128
STS Projection: 3.49 ERA, 139 IP, 39 BB, 131 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.21 WHIP
Tanner Bibee, SP, CLE
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 0 BB
Tanner Bibee sparkled in Cleveland’s 4-2 win over the Pirates, navigating two scoreless innings with one strikeout and a double, using air outs to thwart rallies. The Guardians’ pitching tandem with Ramírez’s heroics propelled their hot streak, solidifying AL Central favoritism. Bibee’s command aids a staff dominating spring, countering divisional rivals’ spending sprees. His growth trajectory impresses amid league-wide prospect promotions, positioning Cleveland for sustained success.
MLB Rank: #235
STS Projection: 3.96 ERA, 185 IP, 53 BB, 174 K, 8.5 K/9, 1.25 WHIP
Garrett Baumann, SP, ATL
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 0 BB
Garrett Baumann tossed two clean innings in the Braves’ 6-3 triumph over the Red Sox, scattering hits with groundball mastery and one strikeout on 30 pitches. Atlanta’s depth prevailed in a see-saw affair, boosting their NL East lead in spring standings. Baumann’s outing supports a rotation reeling from Strider’s absence, highlighting farm talent. League buzz surrounds Atlanta’s title defense, with Baumann’s polish adding intrigue against Phillies’ firepower.
MLB Rank: #1398
STS Projection: 4.68 ERA, 152 IP, 54 BB, 92 K, 5.4 K/9, 1.48 WHIP
### MLB Spring Training Recap: February 23, 2026
#### Top Pitcher Performances
Mason Englert, RP, TBR
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 0 BB
Mason Englert fired 2 perfect innings for the Rays, helping secure a 5-2 spring training win over the Twins in Port Charlotte. The prospect right-hander induced three groundouts and a strikeout on just 25 pitches, showcasing pinpoint control with a .760 strike rate. Tampa Bay’s bullpen locked down a late rally, extending their spring unbeaten streak to four games as they gear up for another AL East battle. Englert’s efficiency bolsters the Rays’ rebuilt relief corps amid league-wide whispers of a trade deadline fire sale for contenders. With Detroit’s Tarik Skubal dominating headlines, Englert emerges as Tampa’s hidden gem.
MLB Rank: #1901
STS Projection: 3.86 ERA, 52 IP, 15 BB, 49 K, 8.4 K/9, 1.26 WHIP
Cade Povich, SP, BAL
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, BB
Cade Povich tossed 2 scoreless frames for the Orioles in a 6-3 victory against the Blue Jays, stranding a runner after a walk and allowing just one hit. The lefty’s 34 pitches kept Baltimore ahead early, contributing to their third straight spring win as the young core builds momentum toward defending their AL East crown. Povich picked off a steal attempt, flashing glove work amid reports of Baltimore locking in extensions for their rising arms. League scouts note the O’s rotation depth rivals New York’s, with Povich’s poise hinting at rotation readiness despite a stolen base against him.
MLB Rank: #567
STS Projection: 4.17 ERA, 161 IP, 57 BB, 151 K, 8.4 K/9, 1.33 WHIP
Brycen Mautz, SP, STL
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 2 BB
Brycen Mautz worked 2 shutout innings for the Cardinals, powering a 4-1 win over the Marlins despite two walks and a hit. His 40-pitch effort featured groundouts and a strikeout, stabilizing a shaky start in Jupiter. St. Louis rallies to 3-2 in spring, injecting hope into a Cardinals squad eyeing NL Central redemption after last year’s fade. Mautz’s resilience amid control issues echoes the club’s pitching overhaul, with whispers of a Nolan Arenado trade shaking the waiver wire. As the NL buzzes with Cubs’ surge, Mautz positions himself as St. Louis’ next homegrown ace.
MLB Rank: #1240
STS Projection: 4.59 ERA, 150 IP, 57 BB, 123 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.42 WHIP
Tarik Skubal, SP, DET
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Tarik Skubal dominated with 2 scoreless innings and 4 strikeouts on 31 pitches for the Tigers in a 3-0 shutout of the Yankees. No walks, just two hits fanned efficiently, underscoring his ace potential as Detroit opens 4-0 in spring. Skubal’s gem fuels Tigers’ playoff dreams in a loaded AL Central, where his 11.1 K/9 projection turns heads amid league chatter of a Cy Young repeat. With Comerica Park renovations boosting attendance, Skubal anchors a rotation surging past Cleveland’s early stumble, positioning Motown for October relevance.
MLB Rank: #4
STS Projection: 2.51 ERA, 193 IP, 40 BB, 237 K, 11.1 K/9, 1.00 WHIP
José Suarez
(H, 1) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 2 BB
José Suarez earned a hold with 2 scoreless innings and 3 strikeouts for his squad in a tight 2-1 triumph, navigating two walks on 32 pitches. His effort preserved a slim lead late, aiding the team’s second win in three spring tilts as they chase early momentum. Suarez’s swing-and-miss stuff shines amid Angels’ rebuild rumors, with his hold bolstering a pen that’s held opponents to 1.50 ERA thus far. League insiders praise his fastball-slider mix, drawing parallels to recent waiver claim successes while AL West rivals like Houston fortify their staffs.
Brad Lord, SP, WSN
(BS, 1) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, BB
Brad Lord fired 2 scoreless innings but took a blown save in Washington’s 4-3 walk-off loss to the Mets, allowing an unearned run after a wild pitch. One hit and walk across 35 pitches couldn’t stem a ninth-inning collapse despite a strikeout. The Nationals slip to 2-3 in spring, testing their youth movement amid NL East gauntlet previews. Lord’s command issues highlight pen volatility, but his prospect pedigree persists as D.C. eyes bargains with Phillies dominating headlines.
MLB Rank: #1312
STS Projection: 4.29 ERA, 114 IP, 41 BB, 93 K, 7.3 K/9, 1.38 WHIP
Jake Irvin, SP, WSN
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 2 BB
Jake Irvin delivered 2 shutout frames with 2 strikeouts for the Nationals in a 5-2 win versus the Braves, surrendering a double but stranding runners on 43 pitches. His gritty outing sparked Washington’s rally from 2-0 down, pushing their spring mark to 3-3. Irvin’s bounce-back bolsters a rotation seeking stability amid Bryce Harper’s hot streak fueling Philly hype. As the NL East heats up, D.C.’s farm system gems like Irvin signal contention potential despite early bullpen woes.
MLB Rank: #1473
STS Projection: 4.77 ERA, 176 IP, 58 BB, 136 K, 7.0 K/9, 1.40 WHIP
Ben Brown, SP, CHC
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Ben Brown struck out 3 over 2 scoreless innings for the Cubs in a 7-4 rout of the White Sox, catching a thief and fanning hitters on 30 pitches. His dominance fueled Chicago’s fourth straight spring win, igniting Wrigleyville fever for a Central crown chase. Brown’s no-walk mastery complements the Cubs’ offensive explosion, with league buzz around Cody Bellinger’s return amplifying their surge past Milwaukee’s sluggish start.
MLB Rank: #256
STS Projection: 3.75 ERA, 133 IP, 45 BB, 138 K, 9.4 K/9, 1.26 WHIP
Chad Dallas, SP, TOR
1.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Chad Dallas racked up 4 strikeouts in 1.2 perfect innings, finishing the game in a 3-2 Blue Jays win over the Red Sox on 21 pitches. His high-leverage heat preserved a one-run lead, lifting Toronto to 3-1 in spring amid AL East arms race. Dallas’ efficiency spotlights the Jays’ depth behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s scorching bat, with scouts eyeing him amid Yankees’ rotation injury woes.
MLB Rank: #1819
STS Projection: 4.81 ERA, 150 IP, 59 BB, 110 K, 6.6 K/9, 1.46 WHIP
Jack Leiter, SP, TEX
(W, 1-0) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, BB
Jack Leiter picked up the win with 2 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and a walk in the Rangers’ 4-1 defeat of the Giants for his first spring victory. Efficient on 26 pitches, he bridged to the pen seamlessly, extending Texas’ unbeaten run to five. Leiter’s poise fuels Arlington optimism post-World Series hangover, as his arsenal impresses amid Astros’ slide and Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers drawing trade suitors.
MLB Rank: #469
STS Projection: 4.05 ERA, 159 IP, 65 BB, 161 K, 9.1 K/9, 1.34 WHIP
