With Opening Day less than two weeks away, it’s time to focus on spring results and potential changes in bullpen hierarchies with draft season in full swing. Today’s ledger features Spring Training games from Saturday.
A gentle reminder for those interested in our premium option (ad-free content), please use this LINK; it is $30 and covers the season. This will be run via Substack for 2026. Please include your preferred email address, and we will manually add you to our ad-free list. You can also Venmo the $30 to @gjewett9.
WBC
Team Venezuela
Sealing a three-run lead against Japan, Daniel Palencia (CHC) fired a clean bottom of the ninth and recorded two strikeouts for his first save in the tournament. He threw 13 pitches (8 strikes – 61.5 Strike%) and produced three whiffs (23.1 SwStr%).
Through seven combined outings this spring and the WBC, he’s posted a 1.119 WHIP with nine strikeouts against three walks (21.4 K-BB%).
Team Italy
Closing out his tournament-leading third save, Greg Weissert (BOS) stranded a runner in the eighth while logging 1.2 scoreless frames, scattering two hits and recording two strikeouts. He threw 28 pitches (17 strikes – 60.7 Strike%) and induced three whiffs (10.7 SwStr%).
- Dan Altavilla (MIN) worked a scoreless seventh, walking one and striking out two on 26 pitches (15 strikes – 57.7 Strike%) with five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%).
Puerto Rico
During an eventual loss, Edwin Díaz (LAD) navigated around a hit batter and a walk with two strikeouts for a scoreless bottom of the eighth. He threw 22 pitches (12 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (18.2 SwStr%).
Combining his four WBC outings with one spring game, he has a 1.00 WHIP with nine strikeouts versus two walks (35 K-BB%) across five innings.
Spring Vibes
American League
Chicago White Sox
Struggling with his command, Grant Taylor allowed a hit, an earned run, and two walks while facing the Dodgers. He threw 26 pitches (11 strikes – 42.3 Strike%) and did not record a whiff.
Following consecutive traffic-induced outings, his WHIP sits at 1.799 after 6.2 innings.
Minnesota Twins
In order of appearance, Taylor Rogers retired both batters and recorded a strikeout at the top of the fifth, throwing 10 pitches (70 Strike%) with two whiffs.
Liam Hendriks suffered his first loss, giving up two hits, an earned run, and a walk. He threw 20 pitches (50 Strike%) and induced one whiff.
The good news is that he had a maximum velocity of 95.4 miles per hour. However, his command was lacking.
The Athletics
A strong outing for Scott Barlow. He worked 1.2 scoreless frames, issuing a walk and striking out four on 33 pitches (18 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) with seven whiffs(21.2 SwStr%) against the Royals.
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks
Rough outing alert for Kevin Ginkel. He allowed four hits and four earned runs over two-thirds of the fourth while facing the Giants. He threw 27 pitches (17 strikes – 63 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (14.8 SwStr%). His WHIP rose to 2.771 across five games, spanning 4.1 innings.
- Ryan Thompson collected his first win, working around two hits for a scoreless seventh.
Cincinnati Reds
Called upon at the top of the fifth, Emilio Pagán retired the side on seven pitches (71.4 Strike%) without a whiff.
- Tony Santillan allowed three hits and an earned run while striking out one in the sixth.
Colorado Rockies
Continuing his struggles this spring, Victor Vodnik suffered his first loss and a second blown save, giving up three hits, four earned runs, and two walks while striking out two over two-thirds of the second inning. His WHIP rose to 3.426 in his combined spring and WBC appearances.
Zach Agnos tossed a scoreless first, yielding a hit and striking out one. He threw 13 pitches (10 strikes – 76.9 Strike%) and one whiff.
He has posted a 0.546 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus one walk (28 K-BB%) through seven games this spring.
Miami Marlins
An efficient and clean outing for Pete Fairbanks. He retired the side and struck out one on eight pitches (75 Strike%) and produced two whiffs (25 SwStr%).
After five contests, he’s posted a minuscule 0.40 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus one walk (35.2 K-BB%).
St. Louis Cardinals
In an eventual tie, Matt Svanson secured his second hold, working a scoreless bottom of the sixth, walking and striking out one. He threw 22 pitches (12 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and induced two whiffs (9.1 SwStr%).
Through six games, he’s recorded a 1.00 WHIP with six strikeouts against one walk (18 K-BB%).
Thanks for being part of the Closer Monkey community. Stay safe, and be well.
Statistical Credits: