Two notable superstars, Mike Trout & Justin Verlander, made their spring debuts on February 24. The day marked Verlander’s first outing as a San Francisco Giant, while Trout will look to get back on track after another injury-riddled campaign.
Verlander goes two innings
Justin Verlander made his Giants debut on February 24, against the Colorado Rockies in Cactus League action. Verlander conceded a first-inning home run to Michael Toglia. It was part of what was an up-and-down outing, one that also saw Verlander commit a balk in the first inning.
Overall, Verlander struck out one over the two innings. The 42-year-old got Nolan Jones on a called strike for his first strikeout of the spring.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner signed a one-year deal with San Francisco in January.
Verlander was opposed by Rockies pitching prospect Chase Dollander. Dollander pitched well, striking out Matt Chapman and Lamonte Wade Jr. The former Tennessee ace struck out three over two innings pitched.
Other news
It was a quiet day overall, thanks to rain in Florida. Only two games got underway in the Grapefruit League, with the Twins-Rays game ending after two innings.
In that game, Danny Jansen and Royce Lewis each hit home runs.
However, Paul Skenes‘ spring debut was delayed, as he was set to pitch against the Phillies. The Yankees-Red Sox spring game in Fort Myers was also canceled.
The top pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, now-Chicago (AL) pitcher Shane Smith, made his debut with the White Sox. Smith threw 1.2 innings — he was taken out after getting roughed up in the first — and walked three against the Rangers.
Josh Smith and Adolis Garcia both notched multi-hit games in Texas’ 11-3 win at Camelback Ranch,
Logan Gilbert, coming off a career season in 2024, also made his Cactus League debut on the 24th. Gilbert gave up two runs — both runs scored after he left the game — in 1.0+ innings against the Brewers. He struck out the side in the first.
Mike Trout, who’s moving to right field for 2025, played in his first game in almost a full calendar year. Trout picked up a walk in his first at-bat but went 0-1 with a strikeout. Kyle Hendricks, fighting for a rotation spot in Anaheim, went two scoreless and struck out three against the Giants.