Morning Baseball Briefing – February 22
By Morgan Davis · Sun Feb 22 2026
Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski passes away at 89 : Hall of Fame second baseman and 1960 World Series hero remembered for iconic walk-off homer and eight Gold Gloves; baseball world mourns a true legend. (ESPN) Aaron Judge crushes two homers in Yankees spring debut, eyes WBC : Three-time MVP launches pair of two-run shots as he tunes up for Team USA in next month's World Baseball Classic. (ESPN) Dodgers to limit Shohei Ohtani appearances before WBC departure : Two-time defending champions plan minimal spring workload for superstar before he joins Japan; team prioritizing health for full 2026 season. (ESPN) Padres reliever Yuki Matsui's WBC status in jeopardy after groin injury : Japanese left-hander suffers groin tightness during batting practice session; considered day-to-day but timing threatens World Baseball Classic buildup. (ESPN) Cardinals sign infielder Ramón Urías to one-year deal with option : St. Louis adds right-handed bat to roster with former Orioles utility man on minor league contract with spring invite. (ESPN) Dodgers claim outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from Pirates : Los Angeles bolsters outfield depth by adding 27-year-old right-handed hitter; Kiké Hernández placed on 60-day IL to clear roster spot. (MLB.com)