Morning Baseball Briefing – February 19
By Morgan Davis · Thu Feb 19 2026
MLBPA Appoints Bruce Meyer as Interim Executive Director – Tony Clark resigned after an internal inquiry; the union's executive board unanimously voted to elevate Bruce Meyer, marking a major leadership change ahead of CBA negotiations. (Source) Guardians Pitchers Plead Not Guilty in Pitch-Rigging Case – Emmanuel Clase and Eli Ortiz entered not guilty pleas in ongoing allegations involving pitch manipulation and sign-stealing schemes. (Source) Braves to Start Season Without Two Key Starters – Spencer Schwellenbach underwent elbow cleanup surgery Wednesday, and Hurston Waldrep will have a similar procedure Monday; neither has a firm return timeline. (Source) Dodgers' Graterol Expected to Miss Season Start – Reliever Brusdar Graterol is dealing with an injury that will sideline him for the opening weeks of 2026, adding to LA's early bullpen concerns. (Source) Yankees' Judge Tests New ABS Challenge System – Aaron Judge tapped his helmet to challenge a called third strike during live BP at spring training, showcasing the new automated ball-strike challenge technology players may use this season. (Source) White Sox's Munetaka Murakami Set for Cactus League Debut Friday – The Japanese slugger will make his first spring training appearance against the Cubs, giving fans their first look at Chicago's major international addition. (Source) Ken Griffey Jr. Named Global Ambassador for 2026 WBC – The Hall of Famer will represent the tournament with exclusive interviews and content as the World Baseball Classic begins March 4. (Source)