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Today β€” 21 February 2026Main stream

MLB News: Alonso Homers in 1st Orioles Game, Gerrit Cole is Back, Lopez Confirmed for TJ Surgery

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.

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 contractΒ 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.

β€œHe wanted it, and he made the most of it,” Albernaz said. β€œIt 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.

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.

β€œGerrit looked great,” Judge said. β€œExcited to see him back on the mound. That was the most important thing. The stuff is still electric.

Full AB: Trent Grisham strikes out on a 95 mph fastball from Gerrit Cole pic.twitter.com/nh5TFcJYZQ

β€” Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 20, 2026

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.

The tear was reported earlier this week, though the details of the procedure have now been confirmed.

β€œThe team said Friday that LΓ³pez’s surgery will be performed next week in Texas by Rangers team physician Dr. Keith Meister,” the Associated Press reports. β€œLΓ³pez turns 30 early next month.”

Lopez missed significant time last season with injuries, but heΒ still posted a 2.74 ERAΒ in 14 starts.

He will also miss pitching for Team Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

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