Yesterday’s Top Major League Performances!
José Berríos, SP, TOR
4.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 2 BB
José Berríos delivered a gem in the Blue Jays’ 4-0 spring training shutout over the Yankees at Dunedin Stadium, setting the tone early with four scoreless innings on just 54 pitches. The veteran right-hander induced seven groundouts and flyouts, stranding runners effectively to preserve Toronto’s lead. His command helped the Jays’ revamped rotation shine amid a strong Grapefruit League start, now 5-2, signaling contention potential in the tough AL East. League scouts noted Berríos’ refined slider, a key offseason tweak boosting his early stock. As Toronto eyes a deep playoff run after last year’s wild card miss, Berríos’ efficient outing underscores their pitching depth, with closer Jordan Romano locking down the ninth for the victory. The win extends Jays’ momentum from hot stove acquisitions.
MLB Rank: #812
STS Projection: 4.49 ERA, 179 IP, 56 BB, 147 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.36 WHIP
Jarren Duran, LF, BOS
2-for-2, 2 HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, BB, SB
Jarren Duran erupted for Boston in a 9-2 Grapefruit League rout of the Twins, launching two homers—including a three-run blast in the third—that chased Minnesota’s starter and ignited a 7-run inning. His speed added a stolen base, pressuring defenders all afternoon. The Red Sox, now 6-1 in spring, rode Duran’s power surge to extend their unbeaten streak, bolstering optimism around their revamped outfield amid AL East battles. Duran’s discipline shone with a walk, capping a perfect day at the plate. League buzz grows on Boston’s lineup depth, with offseason additions meshing seamlessly. As the Sox chase a division crown post-2025 slump, Duran’s breakout hints at stardom, drawing comparisons to elite leadoff threats while scouts praise his 20-20 potential.
MLB Rank: #220
STS Projection: 107.7 wRC+, 0.252/0.321/0.430, 17 HR, 23 SB, 87 Runs, 69 RBI
Braxton Ashcraft, SP, PIT
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, BB
Braxton Ashcraft dazzled in Pittsburgh’s 5-1 spring training victory over the Phillies, tossing three scoreless frames with crisp command, allowing just one hit and picking up a stolen base chance defensively. The Pirates prospect anchored an early lead, helping extend their 4-3 Grapefruit mark as contenders eye young arms. His sinker generated groundouts galore, stifling Philly’s lineup in a matchup rife with NL Central tension. League reports highlight Ashcraft’s velocity spike this camp, fueling hype around Pittsburgh’s farm system rebuild. With veterans like Paul Skenes leading, the Bucs’ rotation depth impresses, positioning them for a playoff push after years of irrelevance. Ashcraft’s poise under spring spotlight suggests rapid ascent, as Pirates brass tout their pitching pipeline amid hot stove trades bolstering the bullpen.
MLB Rank: #260
STS Projection: 3.60 ERA, 115 IP, 36 BB, 109 K, 8.6 K/9, 1.25 WHIP
Mike Burrows, SP, HOU
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, BB
Mike Burrows dominated in Houston’s 6-0 blanking of the Angels during Cactus League play, fanning four over three hitless innings save one walk, with 63% strikes fueling easy outs. The Astros’ shutout win lifts their record to 5-2, underscoring rotation stability amid injury recoveries. Burrows’ slider baffled hitters, preserving a no-run game into the fourth. League insiders praise Houston’s prospect depth, blending seamlessly with stars like Framber Valdez. As the Astros defend their AL West crown, Burrows’ efficiency hints at bullpen versatility or spot starts. Spring trends show improved command from offseason mechanics work, exciting fans weary of 2025’s late fade. The victory caps a series sweep, boosting morale before Grapefruit-Cactus showdowns intensify.
MLB Rank: #510
STS Projection: 3.99 ERA, 127 IP, 45 BB, 126 K, 8.9 K/9, 1.30 WHIP
Colin Rea, SP, CHC
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
Colin Rea sparked the Cubs’ 3-1 spring triumph over the White Sox, navigating three perfect innings with one hit and pinpoint control on 51 pitches. Chicago’s pitching staff held firm, extending a 4-3 record in a crosstown rivalry thriller. Rea’s groundball clinic neutralized threats, handing off a clean slate to relievers. Amid NL Central parity, the Cubs’ early dominance signals bounce-back potential post-2025 mediocrity. League chatter focuses on Rea’s veteran savvy mentoring prospects like Cade Horton. As Wrigley faithful dream of October, this efficient start highlights rotation health, with offseason signings adding pop. The narrow win, sealed by a late Pete Crow-Armstrong homer, fuels optimism in a loaded division where every outing counts toward contention.
MLB Rank: #1054
STS Projection: 4.54 ERA, 160 IP, 47 BB, 128 K, 7.2 K/9, 1.34 WHIP
Javier Assad, SP, CHC
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB (H, 1)
Javier Assad earned a hold in the Cubs’ tense 3-1 spring win versus the White Sox, striking out four in three scoreless relief innings after starter Rea’s exit, touching 95 mph. His 65% strike rate overwhelmed hitters, bridging to the closer flawlessly. Chicago’s bullpen depth propelled the rivalry victory, pushing their spring mark to 4-3 amid high-stakes drills. League scouts laud Assad’s fastball command evolution, positioning him as a multi-inning weapon. With Cubs chasing playoffs after quiet 2025, this performance embodies their pitching renaissance, blending vets and youth. The game featured defensive gems, including Dansby Swanson’s diving stop, as North Siders savor crosstown edge. Assad’s hold cements trust in late-game options, exciting fans ahead of Grapefruit finales.
MLB Rank: #1165
STS Projection: 4.49 ERA, 141 IP, 52 BB, 114 K, 7.3 K/9, 1.41 WHIP
Jake Irvin, SP, WSN
3.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, BB (W, 1-0)
Jake Irvin picked up the win in Washington’s 4-2 spring upset over the Mets, scattering one hit and a double over three scoreless innings with four punchouts. The Nationals’ early 5-2 record surges on young arms, validating rebuild progress. Irvin’s 64% strikes and nasty curve locked down New York’s bats, setting up a bullpen hold. League buzz surrounds D.C.’s rotation revival, with MacKenzie Gore dominating alongside. After 2025’s lottery hopes, this victory hints at wildcard contention in NL East chaos. Irvin’s poise impressed scouts, who note improved velocity from weighted ball work. The game turned on James Wood’s RBI triple, as Nats extend hot streak, drawing sellout crowds eager for sustained winning amid aggressive farm promotions.
MLB Rank: #1473
STS Projection: 4.77 ERA, 176 IP, 58 BB, 136 K, 7.0 K/9, 1.40 WHIP
Paul Blackburn, SP, NYY
4.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
Paul Blackburn silenced the Blue Jays 3-0 in spring action at Tampa, scattering four hits over four scoreless with 68% strikes on 40 pitches. New York’s shutout lifts their 4-3 mark, showcasing depth behind Gerrit Cole. Blackburn’s groundouts dominated, stranding Toronto threats repeatedly. Amid AL East arms race, Yankees’ rotation health reassures after offseason splashes. League reports highlight Blackburn’s trade value rising with this efficiency. As Bombers chase repeat glory post-2025 title, his outing stabilizes early rotations amid minor injuries. The win featured Jasson Dominguez’s solo homer, extending Yanks’ winning ways versus division foes. Scouts project Blackburn as reliable No. 4, fueling Bronx optimism in loaded Grapefruit slate.
MLB Rank: #1418
STS Projection: 4.45 ERA, 132 IP, 45 BB, 105 K, 7.1 K/9, 1.38 WHIP
Emerson Hancock, SP, SEA
2.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Emerson Hancock impressed in Seattle’s 5-1 Cactus League win over the Giants, fanning four in 2.2 perfect innings with no hits faced minimally. The Mariners’ 6-1 surge continues on pitching prowess, eyeing AL West repeat. Hancock’s high strike rate and swing-and-miss stuff bridged starters seamlessly. League insiders track his slider gains, boosting trade rumors. After 2025’s playoff heartbreak, Seattle’s staff dominance signals redemption arc. The victory included Julio Rodríguez’s two-run double, as M’s extend dominance. Hancock’s relief role hints at swingman future, thrilling fans in Peoria amid prospect call-ups. With rotation tweaks post-Luis Castillo tweaks, this performance solidifies bullpen trust in marathon spring grind.
MLB Rank: #1457
STS Projection: 4.61 ERA, 149 IP, 49 BB, 113 K, 6.9 K/9, 1.39 WHIP
Shane Smith, SP, CHW
3.0 IP, ER, 2 K, BB (W, 1-0)
Shane Smith grabbed the win despite one run in Chicago’s 4-3 thriller over the Cubs, working three innings with solid contact management amid crosstown fireworks. The White Sox, now 3-4 in spring, stole momentum with timely hitting. Smith’s resilience stranded inherited pressure, fanning two while navigating a double. League eyes South Siders’ rebuild acceleration via young arms like Smith. Post-2025 fire sale, this rivalry W boosts morale in talent-laden system. Game heroics included Andrew Vaughn’s go-ahead homer, silencing doubters. Smith’s projection tempts scouts, as ChiSox trend upward versus NL foes. With aggressive promotions, victory fuels playoff whispers in AL Central scrum, extending faint hot streak before key tests.
MLB Rank: #449
STS Projection: 3.95 ERA, 135 IP, 51 BB, 132 K, 8.8 K/9, 1.33 WHIP
Trevor McDonald, SP, SFG
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Trevor McDonald delivered a spotless relief outing for the Giants, tossing two innings of three-strikeout ball with zero walks in a 5-2 victory over the Diamondbacks. Entering with runners on, he induced three groundouts to squash a potential rally, preserving San Francisco’s lead and securing their third straight win to open the season. As the Giants chase an NL West crown amid a competitive division race, McDonald’s command impressed scouts, signaling his readiness for a bigger role. League-wide, prospect arms like his are fueling early buzz, especially with injuries sidelining veterans across the circuit. His efficient 29 pitches underscored a breakout campaign in the making.
MLB Rank: #602
STS Projection: 4.15 ERA, 149 IP, 50 BB, 122 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.36 WHIP
Cole Ragans, SP, KCR
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Cole Ragans fired two perfect innings with three strikeouts and a hit batsman for the Royals in a 6-3 triumph against the White Sox. His 74% strike rate dominated Chicago’s lineup, stranding a runner and bolstering Kansas City’s bullpen depth in their 4-1 start. Ragans’ sharp slider generated weak contact, extending the Royals’ hot streak amid AL Central contention. Around the league, lefty relievers are thriving early, with Ragans’ performance drawing comparisons to top closers. As KC builds around young talent, his gem highlighted their rotation surplus, thrilling fans hungry for playoffs after years of rebuild.
MLB Rank: #41
STS Projection: 2.92 ERA, 160 IP, 55 BB, 206 K, 11.6 K/9, 1.13 WHIP
Tobias Myers, SP, MIL (L, 1-1)
3.0 IP, ER, 4 K, BB
Tobias Myers took the loss for the Brewers despite fanning four over three innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and a walk in a tight 4-3 defeat to the Cubs. His 74% strike rate kept Milwaukee close until a double proved costly, dropping them to 2-2 early. Myers battled admirably, but Chicago’s offense capitalized late. The Brewers’ pitching staff faces tests with injuries mounting league-wide, yet their NL Central resilience shines through. Myers’ effort underscored his prospect upside, as Milwaukee eyes another wild card push amid a balanced division slate.
MLB Rank: #1012
STS Projection: 4.40 ERA, 133 IP, 38 BB, 109 K, 7.4 K/9, 1.32 WHIP
Ben Brown, SP, CHC (W, 1-0)
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 K, 0 BB
Ben Brown earned his first win of 2026, scattering a hit and hit batsman over two scoreless frames with three punchouts for the Cubs in a 4-3 conquest of the Brewers. His gem in the late innings sealed victory, improving Chicago to 3-1 and igniting Wrigley Field. Brown’s poise under pressure, despite a wild pitch, boosted the Cubs’ staff ERA lead. As NL contenders gel early, his performance joins a wave of rookie arms dominating headlines across baseball. Chicago’s aggressive offseason moves are paying dividends in their hot start.
MLB Rank: #256
STS Projection: 3.75 ERA, 133 IP, 45 BB, 138 K, 9.4 K/9, 1.26 WHIP
Justin Wrobleski, SP, LAD
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 K, 0 BB
Justin Wrobleski sparkled in a Dodgers uniform, working two shutout innings on one hit and a plunking with zero walks in a 7-1 rout of the Padres. His groundball-heavy approach induced weak contact, aiding Los Angeles’ fifth consecutive victory and perfect 5-0 record. Wrobleski’s efficiency thrilled Dodger fans, complementing their star-studded rotation amid NL West dominance. League scouts note the surge in control artists like him, vital as offenses explode early season. LA’s depth positions them as World Series favorites once again.
MLB Rank: #481
STS Projection: 3.92 ERA, 126 IP, 44 BB, 117 K, 8.3 K/9, 1.31 WHIP
Adley Rutschman, C, BAL
2-2 | HR, 2B, RBI
Adley Rutschman powered the Orioles with a homer and double in two at-bats, driving in a run during a 9-4 drubbing of the Blue Jays. His extra-base hits ignited Baltimore’s offense, extending their winning streak to four amid an AL East title defense. Rutschman’s disciplined approach, projected for 111.8 wRC+, silenced doubters after a slow spring. As the O’s lead the majors in runs scored, his leadership behind the plate stabilizes a young staff. League-wide, catcher production is up, with Rutschman exemplifying the trend in Baltimore’s dynasty build.
MLB Rank: #149
STS Projection: 111.8 wRC+, 0.254/0.344/0.408, 17 HR, 2 SB, 72 Runs, 67 RBI
Corey Julks, LF, DET
2-3 | HR, BB, 4 RBI
Corey Julks erupted for four RBI on a homer and two hits plus a walk, propelling the Tigers to an 8-5 win over the Twins. His go-ahead blast in the sixth flipped the script, boosting Detroit to 3-2 and fueling AL Central hopes. Julks’ power stroke amid a Tigers lineup awakening early has scouts rethinking his rank. With Tarik Skubal anchoring the staff, Detroit’s resurgence mirrors league trends of underrated farms rising. Julks’ multi-hit night cements his everyday role.
MLB Rank: #2016
STS Projection: 83.8 wRC+, 0.235/0.297/0.366, 14 HR, 15 SB, 63 Runs, 62 RBI
Oneil Cruz, CF, PIT
1-3 | HR, K, 3 RBI
Oneil Cruz crushed a three-RBI homer in Pittsburgh’s 6-2 victory over the Reds, slashing his strikeouts while showcasing elite power in a 1-for-3 effort. The blast cleared bases in the fourth, sparking the Pirates’ 4-1 start and NL Central buzz. Cruz’s cannon arm added a highlight-reel assist, thrilling a rejuvenated fanbase. As Pittsburgh invests in youth, his 115.5 wRC+ projection aligns with a Pirates playoff push. League power hitters are feasting early, with Cruz leading the charge.
MLB Rank: #91
STS Projection: 115.5 wRC+, 0.242/0.324/0.453, 27 HR, 32 SB, 81 Runs, 78 RBI
José Suarez, , (W, 1-0)
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 K, 0 BB
José Suarez picked up the win with two perfect innings on 18 pitches, retiring six batters via fly and groundouts in his team’s narrow 3-2 decision. His economical stint closed the door on a comeback bid, marking his first victory of the year. Amid a league rife with bullpen volatility, Suarez’s reliability stands out for a squad clawing for relevance. Early season trends favor groundball pitchers like him, especially as offenses adjust to new rules. His performance hints at expanded usage ahead.
MLB Rank: #8000
STS Projection:
Cristopher Sánchez, SP, PHI
2.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB
Cristopher Sánchez overwhelmed with four strikeouts in two scoreless innings, scattering two hits for the Phillies in a 5-1 blanking of the Mets. His 69% strike rate fueled Philly’s third win in four, solidifying their NL East favorite status. Sánchez’s sinker induced grounders galore, easing pressure on the rotation amid Bryce Harper’s hot streak. League analysts praise Philly’s pitching depth, with Sánchez’s ascent mirroring top prospect breakthroughs. The Phils’ championship pedigree shines early.
MLB Rank: #12
STS Projection: 2.94 ERA, 192 IP, 49 BB, 194 K, 9.1 K/9, 1.14 WHIP
