Pittsburgh Pirates' Hunter Barco plays during a spring training baseball game, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Bradenton. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

BRADENTON, Fla. — The New York Yankees got to Pirates starter Bubba Chandler for four runs in the second inning Monday afternoon in a 6-2 victory in Major League Baseball exhibition action.

Chandler faced nine batters, working 1ª innings of work. He walked four and struck out two. Hunter Barco and Beau Burrows each gave up a run out of the bullpen. Gregory Soto also worked out of the pen and struck out three of the four batters he faced.

Offensively, Marcell Osuna and Nick Cimillo each drove in a run for Pittsburgh. Nick Gonzalez had two of the Pirates’ five hits.

The Pirates will face the Boston Red Sox this afternoon. Carmen Mlodzinski will get the start and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m.

Looking for work

MESA, Ariz. — Michael Conforto is looking to regain his form with the Chicago Cubs.

Conforto has agreed to a minor league deal with the Cubs that includes an invitation to major league camp for spring training. The outfielder is expected to compete for a reserve role.

Conforto, who turns 33 on Sunday, struggled last season after agreeing to a $17 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit a career-low .199 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs in 138 games for the World Series champions, who did not use him in the postseason.

Conforto steps into a crowded picture when it comes to Chicago’s reserve outfielders. Chas McCormick and Dylan Carlson, two more veterans, also are in camp on minor league deals. Kevin Alcántara, one of the team’s top prospects, is another option, and Matt Shaw is expected to see some time in the outfield as part of his super-utility role.

Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong are everyday outfielders for the Cubs, and Seiya Suzuki will play right or serve as the designated hitter most of the time.

Put on hold

JUPITER, Fla. — Graham Pauley’s bid to start at third base for the Miami Marlins is on hold due to right forearm tightness.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough says Pauley had an MRI Monday morning and has been shut down pending the results of the test. Pauley was expected to compete with Connor Norby at third base but has not appeared in a spring game due to the persistent tightness in his forearm.

The 25-year-old Pauley hit .224 with four homers in 161 at-bats as a rookie in 2025.

Cards addition

JUPITER, Fla. — The St. Louis Cardinals have signed infielder Ramon Urias to a $2 million, one-year contract that includes a 2027 mutual option.

He gets a $1.5 million salary this year, and the deal includes a $4 million mutual option with a $500,000 buyout.

Urias can earn $2 million in performance bonuses for plate appearances as part of the deal announced Saturday: $125,000 each for 350 and 375, $200,000 apiece for 400 and 425, $250,000 each for 450, 475 and 500, and $300,000 apiece for 525 and 550.

The 31-year-old Urias played most of his career with the Baltimore Orioles before getting traded to the Houston Astros in July 31. He hit .241 with 11 homers and 44 RBIs in 2025.

Just in case

SARASOTA, Fla. — The Baltimore Orioles have signed veteran Thairo Estrada to a minor league deal in a move that adds infield depth with third baseman Jordan Westburg out at least through April with an elbow injury.

The 30-year-old Estrada hit .253 in only 39 games for Colorado last season. Estrada’s $7 million mutual option for 2026 was declined after last season by the Rockies, triggering a $750,000 buyout.

Estrada made his major league debut with the New York Yankees in 2019. He played for the Giants in 2021-24. His minor league deal with the Orioles includes an invitation to major league spring training.

Insurance needed

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jose Alvarado says insurance issues will prevent him from representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

Alvarado wrote on his Instagram message the news “deeply saddens me.” The tournament runs from March 5-17 in Tokyo, Houston, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami, where the final will be played for the second straight time.

Alvarado is the latest to be blocked from participation in the WBC by insurance issues. Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa were left off Puerto Rico’s roster due to insurance.