February 23 marked the end of the first full weekend of Spring Training games. The day marked the debuts of several notable superstars, including Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara and new Red Sox infielder Alex Bregman. Those two made immediate impacts in Florida.
Bregman Plays First Game as Red Sox
Alex Bregman made his Red Sox debut on February 23. This came two weeks after the former Astro signed a three-year deal with opt-outs. Bregman wasted no time. The 2024 AL Gold Glover went 3-3. He belted his first home run as a Red Sox in his very first at-bat, just like Juan Soto did on the 22nd.
It’s worth noting that Bregman played at third base in Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays. While Bregman played at third base with the Astros, Rafael Devers stated earlier this week he has no intention on moving off the hot corner.
Garrett Crochet also made his Red Sox debut, striking out four over 1.2 IP. Prospect Roman Anthony went 1-3 with an RBI and run scored.
Sandy Makes Debut
The Marlins were in Port St. Lucie to face the Mets on February 23. The game ended in a tie. The big story out of that game was Sandy Alcantara started for Miami. It was his first action since 2023. Alcantara missed the 2023 MLB Postseason, plus the entire 2024 campaign recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Alcantara threw a scoreless frame, giving up one hit and striking out one. Ten of Alcantara’s fastballs were at 99 MPH.
Other tidbits
Twins pitcher David Festa started for Minnesota and threw two scoreless innings. Festa struck out two against the Pirates.
Cade Povich, fighting for a spot in the Orioles’ rotation, also threw two scoreless innings. Povich struck out one against the Phillies.
Another young starter fighting for a roster spot, Reid Detmers, did not get off to a strong start. Detmers gave up two runs and five hits against the Guardians. Chase Silseth, who followed Detmers, gave up four runs (three earned runs) over 1.1 IP.
Dustin May pitched a scoreless frame for the Dodgers. May, a free agent after 2025, hasn’t pitched in a MLB regular-season game since May 17, 2023.
Make sure to check out our power rankings for the best starting pitchers and right fielders currently in MLB.