Key Highlights
- Braxton Ashcraft’s first outing in spring training was challenging but promising.
- Esmerlyn Valdez hit a grand slam that secured the victory for the Pirates.
- Nick Dombkowski struck out three Phillies’ stars consecutively.
- Konnor Griffin faced some tough moments during his at-bats.
The Bumps and Bruits of Spring Training
Spring training is a crucible for young prospects, a place where the dream meets the harsh reality. For Braxton Ashcraft, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ right-hander, this season’s first game was no exception.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, Ashcraft faced a daunting lineup: Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and Brandon Marsh. This was a lineup that could have any Opening Day manager’s heart racing.
“It’s always fun to be challenged, especially early,” Ashcraft said. “It’s the beauty of spring training. You get to go out and work on some things you really want to work on, so that when the season does come, you’re in a good spot.”
Ashcraft’s First Inning
In his first inning, Ashcraft faced Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and Brandon Marsh. He allowed one run on four hits with a strikeout. The run came when Schwarber hit a slider 438 feet down the right field line.
“He was good.
Heater was living up at the top of the zone,” said his catcher Rafael Flores Jr., who had just met Ashcraft. “… He looked electric. And I think as long as he stays in the zone, part of the plate spin down, he’s gonna be fine this year.”
Ashcraft’s fastball got up to 97.5 mph that day. “Sure, the pitch to Schwarber wasn’t where I wanted it,” Ashcraft admitted, “but it was still progress.”
Valdez’s Grand Slam
The Pirates’ No. 11 prospect, Esmerlyn Valdez, provided the game-winning grand slam in the sixth inning. Valdez went 2 for 2 with a walk, a single, and the grand slam. He was one of several prospects given playing time that day.
“Let the kids play,” said Colin Beazley, the Pirates’ scout. “While Jake Mangum, Spencer Horwitz, Rafael Flores Jr., and Enmanuel Valdez all started in Clearwater, so too did Valdez, Termarr Johnson, Jack Brannigan, and Mitch Jebb.”
Valdez’s performance was notable: he had two of the Pirates’ three hits. Termarr Johnson also performed well, going 2 for 3 with a triple.
Konnor Griffin’s Rough Day
The day wasn’t all positive for the Pirates’ prospects. First baseman Callan Moss hit a single in the eighth inning. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Konnor Griffin.
In the first inning, Griffin was called out on a dribbler back to the mound, despite replays showing him beating the throw to first. Later, he flew out to the warning track in center field against former Pirate Tim Mayza.
“I try not to focus too much on the end result,” Griffin said. “Just taking it one AB at a time, just trying to continue to get better as a hitter and we’re doing that every day.”
A Step Closer to Opening Day
The Pirates’ 4-3 victory against the Phillies was their third in spring training. The next game is set for Monday when they face the New York Yankees at LECOM Park.