Monday, February 23, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

On a summerlike Monday afternoon at Camelback Ranch, the Los Angeles Dodgers shut out the Seattle Mariners 3-to-0.

Kyle Hurt made his Cactus League debut and looked fantastic. He was credited with the win.

While he and the Dodger organization view him as a starter, Hurt can make a huge impact in the bullpen. Brusdar Graterol and Brock Stewart will miss Opening Day. Hurt’s pitches have late movement with high velocity. Almost no major leaguer can hit them effectively.

In 2021, Hurt came to the Dodger organization with Alex Vesia from the Miami Marlins. He made his major league debut against the San Diego Padres in September 2023, and when he struck out Fernando Tatis, Jr., it went viral.

At no time during the 2024 season did Hurt dominate the opposition. In June, he underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2025 season. The Dodgers and Hurt hope he will have a significant role on the 2026 Dodgers.

Vesia had a standing ovation before his perfect spring training debut. Everyone hopes Vesia has an outstanding 2026 season after losing his newborn daughter.

Coming off a 2025 postseason when Andy Pages couldn’t buy a hit, he has a .667 batting average this spring.

The Dodgers keep rolling this spring with a three-game winning streak.