Baseball - Chattanooga Times Free Press

College baseball notebook: It’s early, but UCLA showing lots of pop to go with pitching and defense

When UCLA baseball has been at its best under John Savage, pitching and defense have been the Bruins' calling cards.

By ERIC OLSON / AP Sports Writer February 23, 2026

FILE - UCLA's Roch Cholowsky (1) runs during an NCAA baseball game against Loyola Marymount, April 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)

Baylor grad Nick Kurtz eyes even more success in second MLB season

Aside from towering over most of his Athletics teammates at 6-foot-5, Nick Kurtz blends in at his locker in the middle of the clubhouse.

By JANIE McCAULEY / The Associated Press February 22, 2026

AP photo by Ross D. Franklin / Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz takes part in a spring training practice Monday in Mesa, Ariz. Kurtz, the American League's 2025 rookie of the year, is a 2021 graduate of Chattanooga's Baylor School.

Reds ace Hunter Greene puts emphasis on staying healthy in 2026

The Cincinnati Reds like their chances when Hunter Greene is on the mound. It's just that keeping him on the mound has been a challenge.

By JAY COHEN / The Associated Press February 22, 2026

AP photo by Nic Coury / Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene pitches in the ninth inning of a game against the host San Francisco Giants on April 7, 2025.

Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski, hero of 1960 World Series, dies at 89

Bill Mazeroski won eight Gold Glove awards for his steady work in the field and the hearts of countless Pittsburgh Pirates fans for his historic home run.

By HILLEL ITALIE / The Associated Press February 21, 2026

AP photo by Harry Harris / Jubilant fans rush onto the field to congratulate Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Bill Mazeroski as he rounds third base after hitting the winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the visiting New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

Spring training’s first day of games filled with debuts in new uniforms

Munetaka Murakami was a late arrival for his first spring training game with the Chicago White Sox. Once he got to the ballpark, everything went pretty smoothly.

By JAY COHEN / The Associated Press February 20, 2026

AP photo by Ross D. Franklin / Munetaka Murakami watches the flight of his two-run double for the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning of a spring training exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs on Friday in Mesa, Ariz.

Mets plan ‘Bobby Valentine Disguise Night’ in nod to former manager

That won't necessarily be Bobby Valentine behind the sunglasses and fake mustache at Citi Field this spring.

By The Associated Press February 19, 2026

AP photo by Adam Hunger / Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine, wearing a fake moustache, reacts as he is introduced before the team's home game against the Colorado Rockies on Aug. 27, 2022.

Lookouts already nearing sellout for Erlanger Park opener

Less than 48 hours after ticket sales went live, the Chattanooga Lookouts were closing in on a sellout for the inaugural game at Erlanger Park on April 14.

By Cameron McKeon February 18, 2026

Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / Workers lay down sod in the outfield at Erlanger Park on Feb. 12. The Chattanooga Lookouts' first regular-season game in their new stadium is set for April 14 against the Montgomery Biscuits.

Braves rotation expected to be thin when season opens

Spencer Schwellenbach had surgery Wednesday on his pitching elbow, and fellow Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep is set to undergo a similar procedure next week.

By The Associated Press February 18, 2026

AP file photo by David Zalubowski / Walt Weiss will begin his first season as manager of the Atlanta Braves missing two pitchers who were expected to be part of the rotation.

Baseball players union elevates deputy to interim executive director

Bruce Meyer was promoted to interim executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association on Wednesday.