The Los Angeles Dodgers begin Cactus League play on Saturday, but early spring training action on Friday showed a high-profile free agent already making an impact at his new home. There were also updates about two pitchers on either side of Tommy John surgery.
Let’s dive right in.
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Alonso Homers in 1st Orioles Game
Pete Alonso seems to be settling in nicely in Baltimore after leaving the New York Mets in free agency.
Alonso, who signed a five year, $155 million contract with the Orioles late last year, blasted a two-run home run in the team’s spring training matchup with the Yankees.
DENVER, CO – JULY 12: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets bats in the final round during the 2021 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Coors Field on Monday, July 12, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said Alonso asked for the third at-bat that resulted in the bomb, as reported by the Associated Press.
“He wanted it, and he made the most of it,” Albernaz said. “It speaks a lot. Pete just wants to play.”
Gerrit Cole Puts Up Strong Numbers in Recovery from Tommy John Surgery
As reported by Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Gerrit Cole wowed his teammates in his first live batting practice since Tommy John surgery.
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Cole hit 97 mph with some pitches and managed to strike out one of the three batters he faced.
Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, who grounded out off a Cole pitch during the brief session, said his teammate again looked like the great pitcher who won the 2003 American League Cy Young Award.
“Gerrit looked great,” Judge said. “Excited to see him back on the mound. That was the most important thing. The stuff is still electric.
Twins’ Lopez Confirmed for TJ Surgery
On the other end of the Tommy John spectrum, Pablo Lopez will indeed have to undergo the procedure after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament.
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The tear was reported earlier this week, though the details of the procedure have now been confirmed.
“The team said Friday that López’s surgery will be performed next week in Texas by Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister,” the Associated Press reports. “López turns 30 early next month.”
Lopez missed significant time last season with injuries, but he still posted a 2.74 ERA in 14 starts.
He will also miss pitching for Team Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.