By Scott Barancik, editor

When Major League teams begin playing Spring Training games tomorrow (2/21/2019), at least 15 Jewish players will be among them.

Some are familiar names, including 3B Alex Bregman (Astros), CF Kevin Pillar (Blue Jays) and 2B Ian Kinsler (Padres), who signed a two-year deal with San Diego during the offseason.

Three pitchers — RC Orlan and Rob Kaminsky of the Indians, and Dean Kremer of the Orioles — are newbies who will arrive as non-roster invitees. They will be joined by fellow non-roster invitees Ryan Lavarnway, who signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Jeremy Bleich.

C Garrett Stubbs will join the Houston Astros as a member of its 40-man roster.

Notably missing from the mix will be veteran infielder Danny Valencia, who remains an unsigned free agent. Other players with Major League experience who didn’t get an invite include IF/OF Ty Kelly (Angels), P Ryan Sherriff (Rays), P Jon Moscot (Reds) and P Zack Weiss (Twins), although both Sherriff and Moscot are recovering from injuries.

Here is the full list:

• Jeremy Bleich (Phillies)*
• Richard Bleier (Orioles)
• Ryan Braun (Brewers)
• Alex Bregman (Astros)
• Max Fried (Braves)
• Rob Kaminsky (Indians)*
• Ian Kinsler (Padres)
• Dean Kremer (Orioles)*
• Ryan Lavarnway (Yankees)*
• RC Orlan (Indians)*
• Joc Pederson (Dodgers)
• Kevin Pillar (Blue Jays)
• Robert Stock (Padres)
• Garrett Stubbs (Astros)**
• Rowdy Tellez (Blue Jays)

* Non-roster invitee

** 40-man roster

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