Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!
Nolan McLean, SP, NYM
(W, 1-0) 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 K, BB
Nolan McLean dazzled in his season debut, firing four scoreless innings with six strikeouts and one walk to snag the win as the Mets blanked the Marlins 4-1. The prospect right-hander painted the corners masterfully, generating weak contact and fanning key hitters in high-leverage spots to preserve an early lead. New York’s bats erupted for 10 hits behind him, pushing their early 2026 record to 3-1 amid a hot spring stretch. McLean’s efficient 56 pitches showcased his readiness for the rotation, boosting Mets hopes in a loaded NL East. Around the league, as veterans like Max Scherzer eye comebacks, young arms like McLean signal a new wave of dominance, with his 64% strike rate turning heads in camp evaluations.
MLB Rank: #153
STS Projection: 3.62 ERA, 162 IP, 64 BB, 159 K, 8.8 K/9, 1.32 WHIP
Matthew Boyd, SP, CHC
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Matthew Boyd cruised through three perfect innings, striking out three without a walk to anchor the Cubs’ 6-0 shutout of the Brewers. His sharp slider induced four groundouts, stifling Milwaukee’s lineup in a pivotal NL Central clash. Chicago’s offense piled on nine runs early, extending their winning streak to four games as they chase an early division lead in 2026. Boyd’s command lowered his spring ERA to 1.50, solidifying his rotation role amid injury concerns league-wide. With the Cubs bolstering their farm system trades, Boyd’s gem highlights their pitching depth, drawing comparisons to resurgent vets like Kyle Hendricks while scouts praise his revamped delivery for sustained velocity.
MLB Rank: #495
STS Projection: 4.22 ERA, 172 IP, 49 BB, 155 K, 8.1 K/9, 1.28 WHIP
Manny Machado, 3B, SDP
2-for-3, 2 HR, BB, 6 RBI, 2 R
Manny Machado unleashed a pair of homers and drove in six runs with a walk, propelling the Padres to a 9-4 rout of the Dodgers in a heated NL West showdown. His three-run blast in the fourth erased a deficit, followed by a two-run shot in the sixth that sealed the victory and ignited Petco Park. San Diego’s lineup tallied 14 hits, improving to 4-1 early in 2026 with designs on October. Machado’s power surge, now three homers in two games, reaffirms his MVP candidacy amid whispers of a contract extension. League buzz swirls around the Padres’ revamped bullpen acquisitions, complementing Machado’s clutch production as Los Angeles grapples with rotation woes.
MLB Rank: #96
STS Projection: 118.7 wRC+, 0.269/0.328/0.461, 26 HR, 10 SB, 71 Runs, 82 RBI
Robert Stock, SP, BOS
(H, 1) 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 K, 0 BB
Robert Stock earned a hold with three scoreless frames, fanning six on 39 pitches to lock down the Red Sox’s 5-3 thriller over the Yankees. Entering in the fourth, he overcame a single by whiffing the side twice, preserving a slim lead in Fenway’s electric atmosphere. Boston’s offense scratched out key rallies, climbing to 3-2 in early action with World Series aspirations fueling their surge. Stock’s 67% strike rate underscores his bullpen reliability, vital as the Sox integrate top prospects. Amid AL East parity and league-wide closer controversies, Stock’s dominance positions Boston strongly, with analysts touting his slider as a breakout weapon this spring.
MLB Rank: #978
STS Projection: 4.29 ERA, 131 IP, 53 BB, 115 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.40 WHIP
Trey Supak, SP, TEX
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, BB, 1 R (unearned)
Trey Supak delivered three strong innings with three strikeouts and a walk, allowing one unearned run to bolster the Rangers’ 7-2 win against the Angels. His groundball-heavy approach neutralized rallies, stranding a runner after a fielding miscue in a steady spring outing. Texas erupted for 11 hits, pushing their record to 4-1 as they build momentum toward another title defense in 2026. Supak’s poise enhances a deep ‘pen, amid reports of Jacob deGrom’s velocity ramp-up. League scouts highlight Texas’ prospect pipeline, with Supak’s sinker drawing raves as the Rangers eye AL West supremacy once again.
MLB Rank: #1492
STS Projection: 4.81 ERA, 138 IP, 41 BB, 102 K, 6.6 K/9, 1.38 WHIP
Jack Perkins, SP, ATH
(W, 1-1) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 0 BB
Jack Perkins picked up the win with two perfect innings, one strikeout and no walks, fueling the Athletics’ 4-3 comeback victory over the Giants. Relieving seamlessly, he induced three groundouts to slam the door on a late rally, thrilling the Oakland faithful. The A’s bats rallied late for five runs, balancing their 2-2 start with divisional edge. Perkins’ efficiency bolsters a transitioning staff amid relocation rumors. As the AL West tightens with Houston’s quiet offseason, Perkins emerges as a key piece, his projection signaling rotation upside in manager Mark Kotsay’s rebuild vision.
MLB Rank: #365
STS Projection: 3.91 ERA, 134 IP, 57 BB, 139 K, 9.3 K/9, 1.35 WHIP
Matthew Liberatore, SP, STL
3.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K, BB, 1 SB allowed
Matthew Liberatore worked three innings of one-run ball with three punchouts and a walk, pacing the Cardinals’ 6-3 triumph over the Cubs in a crosstown tilt. Despite a double and stolen base against him, he limited damage with double plays, setting up St. Louis relievers perfectly. The Cards’ offense hammered 12 hits, lifting their record to 3-2 with NL Central ambitions reignited. Liberatore’s competitiveness shines amid lineup tweaks, as league insiders buzz about Nolan Arenado’s hot streak paralleling the young lefty’s growth. St. Louis eyes contention with bolstered depth.
MLB Rank: #664
STS Projection: 4.17 ERA, 138 IP, 43 BB, 121 K, 7.9 K/9, 1.31 WHIP
Garrett Crochet, SP, BOS
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 K, BB
Garrett Crochet fired two scoreless innings with one walk in his brief outing, contributing to the Red Sox’s narrow 3-2 escape against the Orioles. Overcoming a wild pitch, he leaned on groundouts to navigate traffic, preserving Boston’s lead in a pitcher’s duel. The Sox scratched out just enough offense, holding a 4-2 mark amid AL East frenzy. Crochet’s electric stuff teases ace potential despite the short leash, as the team integrates offseason splashes like Alex Bregman. League-wide, his high-upside projection fuels Cy Young chatter early.
MLB Rank: #9
STS Projection: 2.68 ERA, 185 IP, 47 BB, 229 K, 11.2 K/9, 1.05 WHIP
Peyton Gray, RP, TEX
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 0 BB (GF)
Peyton Gray slammed the door with two hitless innings, one strikeout and no walks, finishing the Rangers’ 5-1 rout of the Mariners. His 81% strike rate overwhelmed Seattle’s tail end, securing the game-flashing finish at Globe Life Field. Texas dominated with 13 hits, surging to 5-1 and staking AL West claim. Gray’s emergence fortifies a elite bullpen, complementing stars like Kirby Yates. As free-agent rumors swirl around Jacob deGrom’s extension, Gray’s polish positions Texas for another deep run in 2026.
MLB Rank: #2158
STS Projection: 3.97 ERA, 52 IP, 19 BB, 53 K, 9.1 K/9, 1.31 WHIP
John Klein, SP, MIN
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, 0 BB
John Klein tossed two scoreless frames with a strikeout and pinpoint control, aiding the Twins’ 4-0 blanking of the White Sox. Mixing pitches effectively for quick outs, he bridged starters flawlessly in Target Field’s chill. Minnesota’s staff combined for a two-hitter, improving to 3-2 with Central Division poise. Klein’s efficiency hints at middle relief stability amid Royce Lewis injury updates. League observers note Minnesota’s quiet contention build, with Klein’s sinker adding grit to a rotation eyeing postseason hardware once more.
MLB Rank: #1459
STS Projection: 4.70 ERA, 127 IP, 49 BB, 101 K, 7.2 K/9, 1.43 WHIP
Will Smith, C, LAD
2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 R, RBI
Dodgers catcher Will Smith delivered a standout performance in a 9-4 spring training victory over the Giants at Camelback Ranch. His third-inning homer, a towering two-run shot to left-center, ignited a five-run rally that chased San Francisco’s starter early. Smith later added a double, scoring from second to extend the lead. The Dodgers’ offense exploded for 14 hits, improving their Cactus League record to 5-2 and signaling a potent lineup as they chase another World Series title. Smith’s hot start, now batting .429 this spring, bolsters LA’s catching depth amid J.T. Realmuto trade rumors swirling league-wide. With Shohei Ohtani easing back into action, Smith’s power surge positions the Dodgers as NL favorites early in camp.
MLB Rank: #140
STS Projection: 120.6 wRC+, 0.257/0.351/0.434, 21 HR, 3 SB, 77 Runs, 71 RBI
Ryan Bergert, SP, KCR
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
Royals prospect Ryan Bergert dazzled in his spring debut, tossing two perfect innings with two strikeouts in Kansas City’s 6-2 win over the Cubs at Surprise Stadium. The right-hander induced three groundouts and a flyout, facing just six batters on 26 pitches. His command fueled a bullpen showcase that preserved starter Cole Ragans’ quality start. KCR’s pitching staff dominated with 12 strikeouts total, boosting their spring record to 4-3 amid high expectations for a playoff run in the revamped AL Central. Bergert’s gem highlights Kansas City’s farm system renaissance, especially after trading veterans for youth. League scouts note his improved slider, positioning him for a September call-up as the Royals eye contention.
MLB Rank: #1738
STS Projection: 4.65 ERA, 133 IP, 53 BB, 113 K, 7.7 K/9, 1.42 WHIP
Logan Workman, SP, TBR
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, BB, HBP, 2 CS
Rays reliever Logan Workman locked down a scoreless two innings in Tampa Bay’s 5-3 spring training triumph against the Twins at Port Charlotte. Despite a walk and hit batter, he fanned two and caught two runners stealing, stranding all threats on 28 pitches. His effort bridged starter Shane McClan’s wobbly first inning, preserving a narrow lead built on Shane Baz’s solo homer. The Rays improved to 6-1 in Grapefruit League play, underscoring their relentless pitching depth as they defend their AL East crown. Workman’s control amid chaos echoes Tampa’s bullpen wizardry, with whispers of an Opening Day roster spot. Amid league-wide velocity surges, his cutter proved unhittable.
MLB Rank: #1906
STS Projection: 4.89 ERA, 157 IP, 49 BB, 122 K, 7.0 K/9, 1.39 WHIP
Chase Petty, SP, CIN
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, BB
Reds prospect Chase Petty fired two scoreless frames with a strikeout and walk in Cincinnati’s 7-1 rout of the Guardians at Goodyear. Mixing fastballs and sliders effectively on 33 pitches, he generated weak contact including five outs via fly balls and grounders. His stint capped a dominant staff effort that limited Cleveland to four hits. The Reds surged to 5-2 in Cactus League action, riding young arms like Petty toward NL Central relevance after last year’s rebuild. Petty’s poise impressed scouts, fueling trade deadline buzz around Cincinnati’s surplus pitching. As Hunter Greene dominates headlines, prospects like him signal brighter days ahead league-wide.
MLB Rank: #1836
STS Projection: 4.69 ERA, 142 IP, 61 BB, 106 K, 6.7 K/9, 1.49 WHIP
Mitch Farris, SP, LAA
(S, 1) 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, BB
Angels closer prospect Mitch Farris notched a spring save, hurling two perfect innings—no, wait, scoreless with two Ks and a walk—in LAA’s thrilling 4-3 walk-off win over the White Sox. Entering with a one-run lead, he slammed the door on 29 pitches, fanning the side’s heart. His 1.000 save conversion preserved Anthony Rendon’s two-run double in the ninth. The Halos climbed to 3-4 in Tempe, injecting optimism into a franchise desperate for bullpen stability post-Ohtani era. Farris’s high-leverage stuff amid AL West arms race hype positions him as Mike Trout’s potential late-inning weapon. League insiders praise his fastball-changeup mix.
MLB Rank: #1988
STS Projection: 4.89 ERA, 152 IP, 67 BB, 128 K, 7.6 K/9, 1.48 WHIP
Steven Matz, SP, BOS
2.0 IP, 0 ER, K, BB, H
Red Sox veteran Steven Matz rebounded strongly, scattering a hit and walk over two scoreless innings with a strikeout in Boston’s 8-2 spring training demolition of the Orioles. Commanding 30 pitches across eight batters, he leaned on grounders and flies to escape trouble. His groove supported a lineup barrage led by Rafael Devers’ three hits. Boston improved to 4-3 in Fort Myers, riding pitching tweaks toward AL East contention amid Yankees’ injury woes. Matz’s health resurgence quells rotation concerns, with Garrett Whitlock sidelined. As MLB velocity trends upward, his veteran savvy shines in camp battles.
MLB Rank: #793
STS Projection: 3.90 ERA, 86 IP, 24 BB, 75 K, 7.8 K/9, 1.26 WHIP
Ryan Weiss, ,
2.1 IP, 0 ER, 0 K, 2 BB, H
Ryan Weiss delivered 2.1 scoreless innings despite two walks and a hit, grinding through seven outs on 32 pitches in his team’s narrow 3-2 victory during spring play. Heavy groundball action neutralized threats, stranding runners effectively. This effort anchored a bullpen that silenced opponents late, extending a three-game win streak amid early camp promise. As franchises jostle for playoff positioning, Weiss’s resilience highlights undervalued depth arms in a market flush with talent. League-wide, control artists like him gain traction amid strikeout obsession.
MLB Rank: #8000
STS Projection:
Elieser Hernández, ,
3.0 IP, ER, K, 0 BB, 2 H
Elieser Hernández toughed out three innings, allowing one earned run on two hits including a homer, with a strikeout and no walks on 49 pitches in a 5-4 win. His groundball clinic limited damage despite the long ball, setting up a late offensive surge. The victory pushed the team to 4-3 in spring, mirroring AL contenders’ pitching focus. Hernández’s efficiency amid free agency rumors underscores journeyman value as rotations stabilize league-wide post-lockout echoes.
MLB Rank: #8000
STS Projection:
Chase Burns, SP, CIN
2.1 IP, ER, 5 K, 2 BB
Reds fireballer Chase Burns struck out five over 2.1 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits including a homer, in Cincinnati’s 6-3 spring win versus the Diamondbacks. Despite walks and a wild pitch, his electric stuff generated swings-and-misses on 48 pitches. The top prospect’s dominance fueled a pitching duel turned rout, improving Cincy to 6-2. Burns’s ascent bolsters Reds’ youth movement amid NL parity shifts, with scouts projecting ace potential rivaling Paul Skenes hype across MLB.
MLB Rank: #23
STS Projection: 2.76 ERA, 132 IP, 42 BB, 167 K, 11.4 K/9, 1.10 WHIP
Brent Rooker, DH, ATH
2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, R
Athletics DH Brent Rooker crushed a three-run homer in a 2-for-3 night, sparking Oakland’s 7-2 spring training rout of the Giants. His fourth-inning blast cleared the bases, flipping a 2-1 deficit into a laugher at Scottsdale Stadium. No strikeouts, pure contact power propelled the A’s to 4-3 in Cactus League, hinting at offensive upside despite relocation talks. Rooker’s surge amid AL West rebuilds contrasts league power trends, with Oakland’s young core drawing quiet buzz. As MVPs like Aaron Judge dominate headlines, his consistency eyes comeback stardom.
MLB Rank: #307
STS Projection: 124.5 wRC+, 0.255/0.333/0.477, 29 HR, 6 SB, 78 Runs, 85 RBI
