MLB Spring Training: February 25 winners and losers

Carter Kieboom helped his case for replacing Anthony Rendon in Washington; veterans Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester had rough MLB spring training debuts.

Winners and losers from Tuesday, February 25 in MLB spring training play included a veteran trying to make a team as a non-roster invitee, a rookie hoping to replace a World Series hero, and a little-known pitcher suddenly presented with an injury-induced opportunity.

Winner: Matt Kemp, Miami Marlins outfielder.

Trying to make the Marlins as a non-roster invitee, Kemp singled in the third inning and again in the fifth against Houston. His fifth-inning hit drove home Jon Berti. Miami eventually won 7-4. Kemp is trying to restore a career cut short by his release from the Cincinnati Reds last July.

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Winner: Carter Kieboom, Washington third baseman.

Kieboom needed it. Trying to win the third base vacancy created by the departure of Anthony Rendon, Kieboom came to the plate in the sixth inning against St. Louis has started the spring 0-for-6. He drove Brett Cecil’s first-pitch into right field for a base hit.

Loser: Jake Arrieta, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher.

Arrieta’s performance is critical to the Phillies’ hopes this season. In his spring debut against the Blue Jays, he did not produce confidence. Arrieta went two innings, but gave up three runs on three hits and a walk. Rowdy Tellez took him deep in the first inning.