The Polar Bear has homered in both of his first two Grapefruit League games with the Orioles, reminding everyone of the pop that landed Pete Alonso a big-money deal with Baltimore this winter.
Pete Alonso Showing His Pop Early
It’s only been two spring games, but Pete Alonso is doing what Pete Alonso does.
The newly signed Orioles first baseman has homered in each of his first two Grapefruit League appearances, going deep Friday against the Yankees and following it up with another blast in Sunday’s 4-4 tie with the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Pete's got next ? pic.twitter.com/pkgJxI9nvp
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) February 22, 2026Alonso’s first O’s homer was a towering two-run shot to left field. His second — a third-inning solo blast off lefty Konnor Pilkington — was yanked to left-center despite the wind blowing out to right, a reminder that his power plays to all fields.
Baltimore handed Alonso a five-year, $155 million deal in December, and while it’s still February, he’s already providing a preview of why. The 31-year-old has slid seamlessly into both the lineup and the clubhouse, emerging as a vocal presence early in camp.
“Pete Alonso has either been on the front step or sitting right behind the on-deck circle for every Orioles at bat. He’s cheering every outcome, deriding umpires and shouting words of encouragement,” ESPN’s Alex Fast tweeted on Sunday.
It’s just spring. But the Polar Bear looks right at home — and the baseballs are already feeling it.
Jonathan Dyer-Imagn ImagesJoe Ryan Avoids Serious Injury Scare for Twins
The Twins caught a much-needed break on Sunday.
An MRI on All-Star right-hander Joe Ryan revealed only lower back inflammation, according to general manager Jeremy Zoll (via Dan Hayes), clearing the way for Ryan to remain on track for Opening Day. Ryan will rest for a few days after tightness forced him to miss his scheduled spring start Saturday, but the club does not expect the issue to linger.
“He’s just dealing with some inflammation and as a result has some tightness,” Zoll said. “He’ll be down for a few days here just to let things calm down. We’ll progress him as tolerated and don’t envision this impacting his readiness for Opening Day.”
That update carries extra weight given Minnesota’s rotation. Earlier this week, the Twins announced that staff ace Pablo López will undergo Tommy John surgery after doctors discovered a significant UCL tear. Losing López for the season immediately shifted the spotlight to Ryan, who was in line to take the ball on Opening Day anyway.
© Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesRyan, 29, went 13–10 with a 3.42 ERA in 2025 while earning his first All-Star nod. He’s now expected to anchor a rotation that will feature Bailey Ober and a collection of young right-handers, including Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa. Trade acquisitions Taj Bradley and Mick Abel are also in the mix.
While Ryan appears on schedule for the regular season, his availability for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic is less certain. For now, the Twins will take the small win. With López already sidelined, avoiding a second major pitching injury before Opening Day feels significant.
“I’m sorry to scare everyone,” Ryan joked Sunday (via Hayes).
© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn ImagesABS Challenge System Debuts Again in Spring, Early Numbers Show Aggression
The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System is officially back in action this spring, and players wasted no time putting it to use.
Across five Cactus and Grapefruit League games on Friday, teams issued 23 total challenges, an average of 4.6 per game. Of those 23 reviews, 13 calls were overturned, good for a 56.5 percent success rate in the first look at ABS action in 2026.
The system, powered by T-Mobile, was tested during Spring Training last year, but this marks its latest step toward broader implementation across MLB. The early returns suggest players are getting more comfortable with when (and how) to use it.
White Sox win their first ABS Challenge. pic.twitter.com/WL3YHzJCo6
— FutureSox (@FutureSox) February 20, 2026The most active game came at Salt River Fields, where the Diamondbacks and Rockies combined for seven challenges. Six of those were successful. Arizona went 4-for-5, the most attempts and successful overturns of any club on the day, while Colorado was a perfect 2-for-2.
Of the 10 teams in action, the Orioles were the only club that didn’t challenge a single call. Baltimore, Seattle, and Kansas City were also the only teams without a successful overturn.
Here’s a good read on the ABS from The Athletic’s Jayson Stark:
New from me:The robot umps are here!Here’s what to watch for this spring, including this fascinating question:What should an umpire say if the catcher asks, “Where was that pitch?” t.co/majE8DVixU
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) February 23, 2026Extra Innings
If you’re interested in a round-up of pitching performances from the first weekend of Cactus and Grapefruit League action, Thomas Nestico has you covered:BASEBALL IN BACK!!!In my latest article, I cover the most notable outings from the first weekend of Spring Training. I highlight dynamic prospects Carlos Lagrange and Payton Tolle and identify a potential new closer for the Texas RangersRead more here: t.co/7LNitJJKVc
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) February 23, 2026 Another Pittsburgh Pirates prospect to watch out for: Esmerlyn Valdez.Esmerlyn Valdez broke out last season w/ a 26 HR campaign & was the only player in the minors w/ 25+ HR & a wRC+ over 155.He smoked a 106.7 MPH Grand Slam today & looks to put together another great season in 2026.pic.twitter.com/QBFxi2XQHs
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) February 22, 2026 Schwarbombs are back …Kyle Schwarber is already in his element pic.twitter.com/Y9BBRfNlI7
— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) February 22, 2026 Statcast leaders from Sunday’s action — get to know Tanner McDougal.Daily Statcast leaders for Day 3 (February 22) of Spring Training:Exit velocityDistancePitch velocitySwings & misses? ? ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/qyaitFas5m
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) February 23, 2026 Today’s action:Daily Spring Training Schedule — 2026-02-23 pic.twitter.com/8B4J8wxXyz
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) February 23, 2026Hence then, the article about mlbits pete alonso s early pop joe ryan injury update abs in action more was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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