Bruce Bochy, the Texas Rangers manager, celebrated his 70th birthday in a memorable way at Globe Life Field. In a heartwarming gesture, his grandson, Braxton, surprised him by throwing out the first pitch before the game against the Los Angeles Angels. Bochy, who is a four-time World Series champion, shared a touching moment with his grandson on the field, capturing a family photo right after the pitch.

Amidst the celebrations, Bochy made a simple request for his birthday: he hopes to see his Rangers' offense become more productive. As the team looked to secure their second consecutive win, the spotlight was on Bochy, who reflected on both his legacy and the current form of his team.

The Colorado Rockies achieved a remarkable feat on Saturday night at Coors Field, executing their first triple play in nearly a decade during a matchup against the Oakland Athletics. This rare play unfolded in the second inning, marking the first triple play in Major League Baseball this season. German Marquez initiated the inning by walking Shea Langeliers, while Tyler Soderstrom reached first base via an infield single. Jacob Wilson then hit a sharp ground ball to third baseman Ryan McMahon, who deftly stepped on third base, fired to second baseman Kyle Farmer, and completed the play at first with a throw to Michael Toglia, beating Wilson by a hair. This historic moment marked only the fifth triple play in Rockies franchise history, with the last being executed on September 1, 2015, against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Colorado Rockies are optimistic about their future despite facing two consecutive 100-loss seasons. Manager Bud Black highlighted the potential growth of young players as they aim to improve in 2025. The Rockies' offseason has seen limited activity, with notable signings including catcher Jacob Stallings and infielders Thairo Estrada and Kyle Farmer. However, Black and GM Bill Schmidt remain hopeful that returning pitchers Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela can strengthen the rotation.

Black emphasized the importance of health and breakout performances from unproven prospects like Drew Romo and Jordan Beck, which could be vital for the team's success. Pitchers and catchers are set to report soon for spring training, with the season opener scheduled for March 28.

Thairo Estrada has officially joined the Colorado Rockies with a one-year contract worth $4 million, which includes a base salary of $3.25 million and an opportunity to earn up to $750,000 in performance-based bonuses. The contract, announced on January 9, also features a mutual option for 2026 valued at $7 million, alongside a $750,000 buyout.

During the previous season, Estrada played primarily as a second baseman for the San Francisco Giants, finishing the year with a batting average of .217, nine home runs, and 47 RBIs. Following a demotion to Triple-A, he opted for free agency due to his tenure in Major League Baseball. Over six seasons, he has compiled a .251 batting average, with 48 home runs and 195 RBIs across 469 games.

Thairo Estrada has signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies, which includes a mutual option for 2026. The 28-year-old infielder, who played primarily at second base in recent seasons, had a challenging year with the San Francisco Giants, batting .217 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs. After being assigned to Triple-A Sacramento, he elected free agency on October 1, capitalizing on his three years of major league service.

In his career spanning six seasons, Estrada has a .251 batting average, alongside 48 homers, 195 RBIs, and 52 stolen bases in 469 games, having played for the New York Yankees and the Giants. Additionally, he has versatility in the field, having played at shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions.

Meanwhile, the Rockies recently finalized a guaranteed $3.25 million contract with Kyle Farmer, following their decision to release Brendan Rodgers, a former first-round pick who is currently a free agent.