KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City catcher Carter Jensen was removed from the Royals’ starting lineup for Thursday game with the Minnesota Twins after he overslept.
“I didn’t wake up to my alarm. Slept through it,” Jensen told The Kansas City Star and other outlets. “Don’t really have an excuse — nor should I. It sucks. It happens. I feel like I let teammates down, coaches down. Just learn from it and just know it won’t happen again.”
Jensen eventually arrived, but not early enough to prepare adequately to start the game. He did end up coming in as Kansas City’s catcher in the ninth inning of the Royals’ 5-1 loss.
Salvador Perez, who was expecting to be Kansas City’s designated hitter Thursday, ended up catching the first eight innings.
“First and foremost, I’m glad Carter’s OK,” Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino told reporters. “I mean, that was kind of the initial thought when you’re trying to get a hold of his parents and everything like that — just make sure he’s OK.”
Pasquantino said Jensen, a 22-year-old rookie, needs to learn from this experience.
“There are some things that cannot happen, and that’s one of them,” Pasquantino said. “So he’s going to have to wear it on the chin — same way anybody would have to. It can’t happen, and hopefully it doesn’t happen again. But it’s one of those things that you just can’t afford mistakes like that in this game. Just got to move forward the best that he can. I know he feels really bad.
“I know it was not his favorite drive to the field this morning, but it wasn’t our favorite morning either, trying to figure out what was going on. He’ll learn from it, grow a little bit. We’re here for him, though. It’s not like anybody’s mad at him. Things happen. But you’ve got to learn from mistakes like that — and maybe get another alarm clock or something.”
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
Reds lefty Nick Lodolo’s stellar rehab outing came to an abrupt end on Thursday.
Lodolo, who started this MLB season on the 15-day injured list because of a blister, exited his start with the Single-A Daytona Tortugas after throwing 40 pitches because of another sore on his index finger.
The 28-year-old retired the first eight batters in order with four strikeouts, but then called for a trainer in the middle of an at-bat during the third inning despite being expected to throw 60-65 pitches.
Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo deliver a pitch against the Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Reds confirmed Lodolo’s blister to the Cincinnati Enquirer, though it is still unclear if the issue will delay the lefty’s return to the major league club.
Lodolo, who has dealt with blister injuries throughout his MLB career, suffered the initial injury during his final spring training start on March 22.
Cincinnati skipper Terry Francona said Monday that Lodolo was slated to make his season debut for the Reds during the team’s series against the Marlins (April 6-9) in Miami, barring any setback.
“We didn’t want to have him go somewhere and not pitch,” Francona told the Enquirer. “So we thought this was the best way to do it.”
Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo delivers in the second inning during a spring training baseball game against the White Sox on Feb. 25, 2026, in Phoenix. AP
Lodolo is coming off perhaps his best MLB season in his four-year career so far, where he posted a 3.33 ERA with 156 strikeouts and two complete games through a career-high 156⅔ innings.
This also comes as the Reds are without their ace, Hunter Greene, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery that he underwent on March 11 to remove bone chips from his throwing elbow.
“I’d been dealing with discomfort for a while,” Greene told reporters following his surgery, according to MLB.com. “Over the course of a season and feeling certain things in an area, especially as an elbow … as a pitcher you think that it’s just, ‘Maybe I’m feeling a little inflammation or discomfort,’ and it’s to be expected because we’re pitchers. Obviously, it’s a lot on the body.
“The bone spurs came up as chronic so there’s no timestamp as to when it formed, but it’s been there. It’s still early [after the surgery], so I still feel it and it’s still uncomfortable and swollen. There’s already a lot of freedom in the elbow.”
Greene is expected to make his Reds return in July.
MESA, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 01: Cole Mathis #16 of the Mesa Solar Sox at bat during an Arizona Fall League game against the Glendale Desert Dogs at Sloan Park on November 1, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We now have two teams in the system who have started their season as Myrtle Beach joins Iowa. Knoxville and South Bend take the field tomorrow.
It was not a good start for Javier Assad, who got pounded for three runs in the second inning, one more in the third and four in the fourth. The final line on Assad was eight runs on eleven hits over four innings. One of the eight runs was unearned. Assad walked three and struck two. He also gave up two home runs as the wind was howling out to right at Louisville Slugger Park.
As much trouble as Assad had with the conditions, Louisville pitchers had even more as Iowa hit five home runs tonight. The first one came with two men on in the top of the first by center fielder Chas McCormick.
Chas McCormick puts the I-Cubs on the board with a three-run homer in the 1st!🚀 pic.twitter.com/0Lch8zt6Zn
Bethancourt went 2 for 5 with the two home runs and five RBI.
Charlie Barnes took over for Assad in the fifth inning and got the win. His final line was one run on three hits over 3.1 innings. Barnes walked three, hit one batter and struck out three.
Gavin Hollowell was summoned from the pen to get the final two outs of the bottom of the eighth. He did that after walking two. When Hollowell came out to pitch the ninth, he walked the first batter of the inning. Then Edwin Arroyo tripled him home to reduce the Iowa lead to 11-10 with a runner on third and no outs in the ninth. But Hollowell then buckled down and struck out the next three batters to record the save.
The final line on Hollowell was one run on one hit and three walks over 1.2 innings. He struck out five.
Shortstop Ben Cowles was also 0 for 1 with four walks and one run scored.
Cubs’ 2025 third-round pick Dominick Reid made his professional debut tonight and looked good. He pitched four scoreless innings and gave up just two hits. He struck out five and walked just one.
Jackson Brockett threw the next three innings in his professional debut and got the win because Reid didn’t go five innings. Brockett gave up three hits. He walked two and struck out two.
Myrtle Beach got a run before they even put a ball in play as after shortstop Ty Southisene was hit by the first pitch of the season, the next three batters walked. In the end, the Pelicans scored 14 runs on 11 hits and 15 walks.
DH Cole Mathis hit the first home run of the year with two men on in the second inning. Mathis went 2 for 3 with three walks. He drove in four runs total (one of the walks came with the bases loaded) and he scored twice.
Southisene went 0 for 2 with three walks and the hit by pitch. He scored three times.
Right fielder Josiah Hartshorn was 1 for 2 with four walks in his pro debut. Hartshorn scored once and drove in one with a single.
Catcher Logan Poteet went 2 for 5 with a walk. He scored three times and had two RBI.
First baseman Michael Carico was 3 for 6 with a double and one run scored.
Center fielder Alexey Lumpuy finished at 1 for 4 with a two-run double and two walks. He scored twice and had three overall runs batted in.
Here are some Reid highlights.
Cubs 2025 3rd-round pick Dominick Reid made his professional debut tonight.
Final line: 4.0 IP | 2 H | 1 BB | 5 K | 0 R
His fastball showed good life, and his secondaries looked solid, led by a 60-grade changeup. pic.twitter.com/pAPlo87uag
One of Major League Baseball's most iconic uniform sets is getting a refresh.
The Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled a new look on Thursday, adding a blue alternate jersey to their regular road rotation. While the Dodgers have worn blue in the regular season before, most notably in their first City Connect uniforms from 2021-23 and for six games during "Think Blue Week" in 1999, this marks the first time in club history that blue will be a mainstay option on the road.
Dodger Blue.
For the first time in history, the Dodgers will be wearing a blue jersey as part of their regular uniform rotation on the road. pic.twitter.com/ce3EVFVJTd
The announcement comes after much speculation among the fanbase; rumors spread over the last few months as images circulated on social media from retailers reportedly receiving the new alternates. They were also listed on both the Fanatics website and in the "MLB The Show 26" video game.
It's a clean look that resembles the Dodgers' spring training tops and features the traditional "Los Angeles" script that was first worn in 1959 (they used that until they switched to "Dodgers" as their away wordmark in 1970, before re-introducing "Los Angeles" in 1999). A script Dodgers logo appears on one of the sleeves, a break from all their other uniforms that carry the LA logo. The uniform is finished off with gray piping on the sleeves and a gray outline on the traditional red front numbers to match their gray pants.
With the new addition to their closet, the Dodgers now have three uniforms for the road. These will be the team's third option behind both of their grays — one that reads "Dodgers" across the front and the other with "Los Angeles."
DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 5: Fans grab ballpark food before heading to their seat at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on April 5, 2024. The Colorado Rockies took on the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2024 season home opener for the Colorado Rockies. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Tomorrow, the Colorado Rockies will host the Philadelphia Phillies for their Mile-High Home Opener, and you know that that means: New food items have been added to the menu, and now dining choices are available at Coors Field.
Because we here at Purple Row are committed to provide you with the latest news (and the best food reviews), here’s what fans can expect in 2026.
The 9-9-9 challenge
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is this:
Drink nine flight-sized beers
Eat nine mini hot dogs
Finish before the ninth inning ends.
The 9-9-9 is, as MLB.com puts it, “a task not for the faint of heart.” Each challenge comes with customized team packaging.
Originally limited to Citizens Bank Park, this option has expended to five more MLB ballparks this summer, so do not throw away this opportunity.
Where is it? Fanfare, Section 139 — and be sure to bring your valid ID.
Taco Momalona
The Taco Momalona has brisket, chihuahua cheese, shredded cabbage, pork belly, gold BBQ sauce, hot Cheetos, fresh avocado, and avocado crema.
Pro tip: It should be eaten like a taco salad, and while it’s big enough for two, it’s tasty!
Pizza Donuts
Remember, this is a savory item, not a sweet one.
The Pizza Donut is a plain donut with garlic butter, parmesan, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and marinara sauce, served with pesto sauce and Italian seasoning.
Where are they? Section 109
The Colorado Rockies will have donut pizzas at Coors Field this season 😋
These donuts are covered in garlic butter, grated parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, marinara sauce, pesto sauce and Italian seasoning 😮 pic.twitter.com/cTOjUDzaA7
If you want a dessert, try the Dubai Cinnamon Roll. It’s a cinnamon roll topped with chocolate, vanilla ice cream, pistachios, caramel puff cereal, and kataifi.
Where is it? Section 115
The Glizzilla
The pictures you saw on the internet do not do this one justice. Glizzilla is HUGE.
It’s a one-pound, 23-inch all-beef hot dog on a 19-in sub roll.
It’s a year of Rockies rebuilding, which, hopefully means some celebrating, and this year you can celebrate and eat ice cream. Boozy Ice Cream brings together two baseball staples, and it comes in a cool Rockies baseball helmet (see bottom right photo below).
Where is it? Section 306 — and be sure to bring your valid ID.
If you’re heading to the ballpark, come hungry.@AramarkSports is debuting new eats and fan experiences across eight MLB stadiums.
This is Aramark’s first proprietary cheesesteak brand, featuring a variety of sandwiches with premium ribeye, caramelized onions, and melted cheese served on a fresh roll.
It’s pretty daring, making a cheesesteak this side of the Mississippi, but Aramark has taken on the challenge.
Where is it? Section 134
Mac on Deck
Say you’re a series fan of macaroni and cheese. This year, you can get your favorite comfort food at the ballpark. Check out these options:
Loaded Mac — bacon bits, cheddar jack, blue cheese crumbles, green onion, and sour creme
Vegan Mac — vegan mozzarella cheese and green onion
Buffalo Mac — buffalo sauce, chicken, bacon bits, blue cheese crumbles, and green onion
Ballpark Mac — traditional mac, hot dogs, green onion, and shredded cheddar jack cheese
Classic Mac — just like Mom used to make!
Where is it? Section 115
Birdcall
If you’re a fan of chicken tenders, this one’s for you. Birdcall is a Denver-born craft chicken brand that will be serving chicken sandwiches, tenders, nuggets, and tots.
Where is it? Section 204 at the “Birdcall Deck.”
1913
This one’s a little trickier to describe.
If you were at Rockies Fest, Walker Monfort was asked if he knew any secrets about Coors Field, and he mentioned that there’s a speakeasy hidden in Coors Field.
Well, Reader, I’m here to tell you that it’s real, and I’ve seen it, and it’s pretty cool — like, hidden behind a bookcase and the whole thing. (And, apparently, the Old Fashioned is involved.)
I’m not entirely clear on how it all works, but it involves having a membership, and if you want more information, call 303-Rockies.
(Truly, I’m not trying to be coy. I’m still trying to figure this one out, but I also wanted to share what I’d learned.)
Sep 2, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pinch hitter Carter Jensen (22) walks back to the dugout after striking out to end the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Ever oversleep and miss something important? It has happened to the best of us. And today, it happened to Royals rookie Carter Jensen.
The 22-year-old catcher was supposed to be in the starting lineup for the series finale Thursday afternoon against the Twins. With Salvador Perez catching in wet conditions last night, typically teams like to switch catchers for the day game after a night game. But reporters and fans were puzzled when Jensen was a late scratch, particularly when he was later seen warming up.
It turns out Jensen had overslept. He later entered the game in the ninth inning after Salvy was replaced by a pinch runner. To his credit, he faced reporters after the game and took responsibility.
“No running from it. Just didn’t wake up to my alarm, slept through it. Don’t really have an excuse, nor should I. You know, it sucks and it happens. I felt let my teammates down, coaches down. I’ll just learn from it and know it won’t happen again.”
“There’s a lot to learn from, and I think it’s just, you know, making sure if I don’t set one alarm, maybe set three or four, as many as possible. So moving forward, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to set a million alarms to make sure I’m up.”
#Royals catcher Carter Jensen in the clubhouse after the Twins game earlier today. Jensen plans to set a few alarms in the future. @KSHB41pic.twitter.com/wy2nDvgsaU
Veteran Vinnie Pasquantino revealed the team had tried to contact Carter’s parents in an effort to find him.
“You got a 36-year-old catcher who’s preparing to DH today, then his world gets a little rocked that an hour and a half before the game, he’s not going to be DHing. Credit to Salvy today for being ready.
First and foremost, we are glad that Carter is OK, right? I mean, that was kind of the initial thought, when you are trying to get ahold of his parents and everything like that just to make sure he is OK. But once you find out he’s OK, it’s like, ‘Alright, it’s a growing moment.‘
He’s really young, there are some things that cannot happen, and that’s one of them. So he’s going to have to wear it on the chin, the same way anyone would have to. So it can’t happen. And hopefully it doesn’t happen again.
You just can’t afford mistakes like that in this game. You just gotta move forward the best oyu can. I know he feels really bad. I know its not his favorite drive to the field this morning, but it wasn’t our favorite morning either trying to figure what was going on. He’ll learn from it, grow up a little bit. We’re here for him though, its not like anybody’s mad at him. Things happen. You gotta learn from mistakes like that and maybe get another alarm clock or something.”
#Royals: Carter Jensen overslept and was scratched from today's lineup. Here's what Vinnie Pasquantino had to say about the situation after the game. @KSHB41pic.twitter.com/BHHt6k1G6n
Thankfully, he wasn’t scratched due to an injury – or worse. Hopefully the rookie gets a hefty fine in kangaroo court, learns from his mistake, and moves on. With a better alarm clock!
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the New York Yankees at Oracle Park on March 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants welcome the New York Mets to Oracle Park tonight to begin a four-game series.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be left-hander Robbie Ray, who finished the 2025 season with a 3.65 ERA, 3.93 FIP, with 186 strikeouts to 73 walks in 182.1 innings pitched. His first start this season was in the Giants’ 3-0 loss to the New York Yankees on Friday, in which he allowed two runs on five hits with four strikeouts in five and a third innings.
He’ll be facing off against the Mets left-hander David Peterson, who finished the 2025 season with a 4.22 ERA, 3.48 FIP, with 150 strikeouts to 65 walks in 168.2 innings pitched. His first start this season was in the Mets’ 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, in which he allowed six hits with three strikeouts and two walks in five and a third innings pitched.
The Royals will call up Luinder Avila from Omaha to start Friday’s game against the Brewers, according to MLB.com reporter Anne Rogers. Michael Wacha was originally scheduled to start on Friday, but will be pushed back due to illness. Avila was scheduled to start Omaha’s game tonight, but was scratched and replaced by Ethan Bosacker. The team has yet to announce the move, but Steven Cruz seems like a good bet to be sent down after he pitched on back-to-back days and gave up three home runs in an inning of work in a 5-1 loss on Thursday.
Update: Luinder Avila will start tomorrow and Michael Wacha will be pushed back due to an illness. Rest of the weekend (Lugo, Bubic) is unchanged. Roster move will be announced tomorrow. #Royalshttps://t.co/38QCp74Mlq
Luinder Avila appeared in 13 games with the Royals last year, giving up just two runs with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings for an ERA of 1.29. The Royals sent him to the minors to keep him stretched out as a starter. He started the first game for Omaha, and he gave up two runs in three innings with three strikeouts.
Avila is ranked as the #9 prospect in the Royals’ farm system by MLB Pipeline. He throws from a high angle, and tends to induce a lot of groundballs. His curveball had a 48 percent whiff rate in limited big league action. He was also impressive in the World Baseball Classic, throwing 4.1 innings and allowing just one unearned run for Team Venezuela.
The Royals list Seth Lugo to start the Saturday game with Kris Bubic to start on Sunday. The Royals begin a three-game series in Cleveland on Monday.
The “boys in blue” will take on a literal meaning this year.
On Thursday, the Dodgers announced they are introducing a new blue uniform into their regular road rotation.
The new jerseys follow the team’s traditional template, featuring their iconic red numbers on the front and a cursive “Los Angeles” script across the chest.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani on deck in the fourth against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It marks the first time in team history they will wear blue uniforms on the road.
Blue uniforms have been used at home in the past, but not since the team’s original “Los Dodgers” city connect jerseys were replaced by their new moon-colored iteration.
Previously, the Dodgers had rotated between two gray uniforms on the road — one that said “Los Angeles” and another that said “Dodgers.”
The new edition will be accented in gray, used for the sleeve piping and an outline on the numbers.
Dodger Blue.
For the first time in history, the Dodgers will be wearing a blue jersey as part of their regular uniform rotation on the road. pic.twitter.com/ce3EVFVJTd
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: A general view of the exterior of Chase field is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
BRAVES
DIAMONDBACKS
Ronald Acuna – RF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Drake Baldwin – C
Corbin Carroll – DH
Matt Olson – 1B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Austin Riley – 3B
Gabriel Moreno – C
Mike Yastrzemski – LF
Alek Thomas – CF
Ozzie Albies – 2B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Michael Harris – CF
Carlos Santana – 1B
Dominic Smith – DH
Jordan Lawlar – LF
Mauricio Dubon – SS
Jorge Barrosa – RF
Reynaldo Lopez – RHP
Ryne Nelson – RHP
The D-back seek to get to a four-game winning streak. Modest, but that is something they only did once before June last year, winning five in a row from April 12-17. After Zac Gallen successfully righted the ship yesterday, following a shaky first outing, Kyle Ryne Nelson will seek to follow suit tonight. Meanwhile, social media has got the pitchforks out for a line-up not including Jose Fernandez. Sigh.
Anyway, short intro today, for work reasons. Should have a bit more time tomorrow. See you then!
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 31: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves walks to the dugout in the ninth inning during the game against the Athletics at Truist Park on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Reynaldo López and the Braves are looking for their third consecutive series-opening win against Ryne Nelson and the Diamondbacks. More on the pitching matchup here and today’s lineups here. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 pm ET.
We are entering real sicko hours (for us on the East Coast). But unfortunately for me, seeing Wiley Ballard take on each ballpark’s Crazy Food Item is appointment viewing. Chase Field debuted the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame Shake”: salted caramel shake, whipped cream, peanut butter sandwich cookies, Kit Kat Bars and Cracker Jacks.
“Shake Me Out to the Ballgame” was right there, but if you disagree, let us know in the comments.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: David Peterson #23 of the New York Mets pitches during the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on March 28, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – 3B
Jorge Polanco – DH
Luis Robert – CF
Mark Vientos – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
Francisco Alvarez – C
Tyrone Taylor – RF
David Peterson – LHP
Giants lineup
Willy Adames – SS
Rafael Devers – DH
Heliot Ramos – LF
Luis Arraez – 2B
Matt Chapman – 3B
Jung Hoo Lee – RF
Harrison Bader – CF
Daniel Susac – C
Casey Schmitt – 1B
Robbie Ray – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 9:45 PM ET TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
Yokohama DeNA BayStars pitcher Trevor Bauer delivers a pitch against Hiroshima Carp during baseball game in Yokohama, near Tokyo, Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
The Long Island Ducks are “excited” to offer former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer the “platform” to potentially return to Major League Baseball, team president Michael Pfaff told The Post Thursday night after the club announced the signing of the right-hander.
“What I would say is that all decisions are team decisions. Everybody has a voice in the room,” Pfaff said. “And what we looked at is a 10-year Major League veteran who is a Cy Young Award winner, who is eligible to return to Major League Baseball. And is desirous of using the same path so many have used before him, with the Long Island Ducks, to get back to Major League Baseball.
“So we’re excited to offer him this showcase and this platform. We’re going to work hard and he’s going to work hard to make sure that it turns out well for everyone.”
PLAYER SIGNING
10-year @MLB veteran and 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner @BauerOutage is the newest member of the Ducks! He is currently slated to serve as the our opening night starter on Tuesday, April 21st!
The addition of Bauer comes with its fair share of controversy after he was hit with sexual assault allegations in 2021, though he was never criminally charged.
He was suspended by MLB for 194 games for violating the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
Pfaff told The Post that the reaction the signing has “been really positive so far.”
The Ducks are handing the opening night start to Bauer when they face the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars on April 21 in Central Islip.
“He has a very good idea of what he wants to do and he asked the question about what our vision of his usage might be, and when we put opening day in front of him, he did not hesitate,” the Ducks executive said. “He said he’d be ready and our focus is to get him ready for that.”
The Ducks open their spring training on April 10 and the club is anticipating him reporting at the start of camp.
Yokohama DeNA BayStars pitcher Trevor Bauer delivers a pitch against Hiroshima Carp during baseball game in Yokohama, near Tokyo on May 3, 2023. AP
As part of the Ducks’ announcement, the organization said Bauer would be mic’d up for all games and practices to create content for his personal social media and the team’s.
Following his release from the Dodgers in 2023, the former MLB All-Star has played in Japan and Mexico in hopes of reviving his career.
Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer throws during a game against the Giants on June 28, 2021, in Los Angeles. AP
A number of former major leaguers have gone through Central Islip in the hope of one final shot at the MLB, including ex-Met Daniel Murphy, Dontrelle Willis, Eric Gagne and Rich Hill.
Firebrand closing pitcher John Rocker famously attempted a comeback in 2005 with the Ducks.
Pfaff said Bauer had a number of opportunities in Japan, Mexico and with other Atlantic League teams.
“He chose Long Island because we have proveably been the best showcase for players like him to get signed by MLB and MLB clubs, and that’s his goal. His goal here is to see if he can get another chance in Major League Baseball and we’re going to provide him that showcase,” he said.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to the media before the team's series-opener against the Giants on Thursday and spoke about a number of topics...
When to deploy Sean Manaea
Manaea's role on the 2026 Mets is still in flux. He broke camp with the team, but as a part of the bullpen as a piggyback for the other starters. After six games, he's appeared just once and Mendoza was asked about when the right time is for him to deploy the southpaw.
"Ideally, I would like to find a spot for him where we could use a lot of his pitches," Mendoza said. "Especially with a lot of the extra-inning games we’ve played here…we’ve asked the bullpen to get an extra 15 outs. That’s a lot. With Sean, the perfect scenario would be to use all of his pitches when we need to."
The Mets have played three extra-inning games already and with their next off day not until Monday, it's probably safe to say we'll see Manaea some time in this four-game set with the Giants.
Mendoza and the Mets have said that they want to keep Manaea stretched out while in the bullpen if they need him to make a start, and the Mets skipper gave the parameters on how he ideally wants that to look.
In order for Manaea to use all of this pitches, as Mendoza prefers, he needs to have the southpaw throw 50-60 pitches, but admits that it's hard to cut out time for that in the midst of game action.
"You go in, have a gameplan…you still got to make adjustments," Mendoza said. "We just got to wait and let it play out."
In Manaea's only appearance this season (March 29 vs. Pirates), he tossed 29 pitches across 1.1 innings, allowing one hit while walking two batters.
Mets' DH situation
Jorge Polanco is starting again as the team's DH. This is the fourth game in a row that Polanco will not play the field due to a sore Achilles.
Mendoza said that Polanco is close to playing first base again, but acknowledges that the DH spot is important to his team's composition, especially getting other players regular chances at the plate.
"Wanted to give [Polanco] an extra day. Continues to feel better, continues to progress," Mendoza said. "I might need the DH spot in the upcoming days for some of the other guys. That’s why I’m taking advantage of an extra day here to DH."
New York Mets second baseman Jorge Polanco (11) hits a bloop single to help the Mets rally going in the first inning, Thursday, March 26, 2026. / Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
One of those guys is Mark Vientos. While Vientos is playing first base for the second consecutive game, the right-handed slugger has had little at-bats in the early part of the season.
Entering Thursday, Vientos is 2-for-5 on the season with a double. Although the opportunities haven't been there in the first week of the season, Mendoza says that Vientos has adjusted well to his role and continues to stay ready just like the other bench players who find themselves in the same position.
"He knows there’s going to be opportunities there even when he's not playing," Mendoza said. "Perfect examples is the past couple of days when Brett Baty hasn't been in the lineup in a game, like Yesterday he ended up getting three at-bats.
The night before, he gets two, so it could happen to Mark even though their name is not on the starting lineup, that doesn't mean they're not going to impact the game.
..there's a lot of different things that could continue to help us win baseball game and that's part of the role, and they all understand that."
Carson Benge so far
Benge made his MLB debut a week ago and after the high of homering in his first game with the Mets, the young outfielder has had his ups and downs in the early going.
He's played in six games, started five, for the Mets so far and is 3-for-19 on the season. Mendoza was asked what he's seen out of Benge at the plate so far.
"He’s adjusting, learning. He’s learning as he goes, and that’s part of the development," Mendoza said. "He’s going to get some at-bats where there’s going to be traffic. Yesterday, I decided to go with the left-on-left instead of the left-on-right. It’s part of the process. We gotta continue to support him, be right there with him and give him opportunities."
With the left-hander Robbie Ray starting on Thursday, Benge is on the bench for the series-opener.
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) drives in a run with a sacrifice fly against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park.
You snooze, you lose.
Royals rookie Carter Jensen was scratched from their lineup shortly before their 5-1 loss to the Twins on Thursday after oversleeping and not arriving at Kauffman Stadium with enough time to get prepped for the game.
“Carter had an oversight,” manager Matt Quatraro told reporters following the game, according to MLB.com. “Overslept. Wasn’t here on time, and we made the decision to scratch him from the lineup. … He’s a stand-up guy, a really hard worker, a great kid. He feels terrible. He’s accountable to it.
Royals catcher Carter Jensen drives in a run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning against the Braves at Truist Park. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
“It’s not something that has been a pattern or any of that kind of stuff. Nobody feels worse than he does, and I think he’ll admit to that. And we’ll move on.”
Jensen, who was slated to catch, was replaced by Royals veteran Salvador Perez behind the plate, who was initially set to be the designated hitter. The 22-year-old later came in to catch in the ninth inning.
To his credit, Jensen owned up to the mistake, telling reporters that he woke up in “full panic” and tried to get to the field as soon as possible.
“No running from it,” Jensen said. “Just didn’t wake up to my alarm. Slept through it. Don’t really have an excuse, nor should I. It sucks. Happens. I felt like I let my teammates down, coaches down. Just learn from it and know it won’t happen again.”
Royals designated hitter Carter Jensen (left) looks on with teammate right fielder Jac Caglianone (right) before a game against the Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
With Jensen arriving late, the Royals had to lean on Perez to prep with starting pitcher Cole Ragans.
“You got a 36-year-old catcher preparing to DH today, and then his world gets a little rocked an hour and a half before the game that he’s not going to be DHing,” first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said. “Credit to Salvy today for being ready, first and foremost.”
Jensen admitted that there was “a lot” to learn from his blunder, saying that he will be setting “a million alarms” to get up early for day games.
“There’s a lot to learn from it. Making sure if I don’t set one alarm, maybe set three, four, as many as possible,” Jensen said. “Moving forward, that’s what I’m going to do. Set a million alarms. Make sure I’m up. It stinks, though.”
Jensen is Kansas City’s top prospect, according to MLB.com, and briefly saw the big-league diamond last year, when he put up an impressive slash line of .300/.391/.550, with six doubles and three home runs in 20 games.
PLAYER SIGNING 
: 
