The Chicago Cubs today added right-handed pitcher Jayden Murray to the 26-man roster. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Gavin Hollowell has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Murray is 29 and was acquired Saturday, June 20, from the Houston Astros for minor league infielder Cameron Sisneros. He will wear uniform No. 70 — the first Cub to wear that number since manager Joe Maddon left after the 2019 season.
Murray was a 23rd-round pick of the Rays in 2019 out of Utah Tech and was acquired by the Astros in 2022 in a three-way deal with the Rays and Orioles that also involved former Cub Trey Mancini. In 17 games (16 relief appearances, one start) for Houston over the last two years Murray has posted a 4.68 ERA and 1.560 WHIP, with 10 walks and 18 strikeouts over 25 innings. Here is his pitch selection chart for this year:
Hollowell was recalled on June 16 and made three appearances with the Cubs, posting a 4.91 ERA (2 ER/3.2 IP) with two strikeouts and five walks.
Today’s game preview will post shortly at 4 p.m. CT.
MILWAUKEE — Luis Rengifo has been released by the Milwaukee Brewers after opening the season as their primary third baseman.
The Brewers announced the release Tuesday, a week after designating him for assignment. The Brewers designated Rengifo for assignment when they called up shortstop Cooper Pratt from Triple-A Nashville.
Rengifo started 45 games at third base for the Brewers while sharing time at that spot with David Hamilton, who has made 28 starts at third. Rengifo was hitting .205 with a .280 on-base percentage, .254 slugging percentage, no homers, 19 RBIs and three steals in 57 games.
The Brewers signed Rengifo to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in February after he spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
Also on Tuesday, the Brewers announced that outfielder Brandon Lockridge is undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on Thursday after developing increased discomfort with the right knee laceration/bone bruise that landed him on the injured list. Lockridge, who last played May 8, is expected to return in late July.
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 21: Members of the Texas Rangers celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tenley Wright/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Season Record: 37-40
Week Record: 2-4
Series Record: 12–12, 1 split
GAME 72: 2-4 Loss vs Minnesota Twins GAME 73: 2-12 Loss vs Minnesota Twins GAME 74: 3-9 Loss vs Minnesota Twins
GAME 75: 9-7 Win vs San Diego Padres GAME 76: 4-5 Loss vs San Diego Padres GAME 77: 4-3 Win vs San Diego Padres
The Rangers had nothing on Minnesota last week. Couldn’t do anything against them, and the random off day in the middle of the series didn’t do anything to turn it around either.
They faired much better against San Diego over the weekend, winning yet another series.
Alas, their series record remains at .500.
While Ezequiel Duran has been in a bit of a funk, Wyatt Langford seems to have hit a stride, now having hit five homeruns since coming off the injured list.
Texas had an incredible win on Friday with Jacob deGrom but it sure didn’t seem like they would. Before the Rangers even game to bat for the first time in the game, they were down five runs. However, they did something stunning, and scores six runs in the bottom of the first.
It feels rare when Rangers answer back so quickly and so hard.
Hopefully something that can continue doing to win series.
BetMGM’s branding presence with MLB will continue for the foreseeable future.
Key Takeaways
BetMGM and MGM Resorts International renewed their partnership with MLB, extending a relationship that began in 2018.
The online operator will continue to be featured on multiple league platforms.
BetMGM operates in nearly a dozen jurisdictions that have an MLB team.
The online sportsbook and casino announced a multi-year extension Tuesday with the pro baseball league that began when MGM became the first operator to be MLB’s official sports betting partner in 2018, enhancing the operator’s visibility on multiple platforms.
“Major League Baseball offers one of the most engaging, data–rich experiences in sports, and this renewal underscores our shared commitment to innovation, integrity, and responsibility,” BetMGM chief revenue officer Matt Prevost said in a statement. “Together, we're enhancing how fans experience the game, from defining moments on the field to legendary experiences at marquee events like MLB All-Star Week."
Under the extension, BetMGM will continue to receive exposure across MLB's media platforms, including MLB Network, Apple TV broadcasts, and the league's website in the U.S. and Canada. The responsible gaming partnership feature, GameSense, will also remain.
BetMGM will also keep developing online casino games featuring pro baseball, and MGM Resorts, which owns 50% of BetMGM with Entain, will continue to be MLB’s exclusive resort and casino partner.
Visibility increasing
BetMGM also expects its marketing presence with MLB events, including MLB Awards Week in Las Vegas, to grow.
“MGM Resorts and BetMGM have been great partners to baseball for nearly a decade,” said Uzma Rawn Dowler, MLB chief marketing officer and senior vice president of global corporate partnerships. “We're excited to continue our relationship and together help create more unique experiences for our fans.”
Not only is BetMGM a league sponsor, but the online operator also has partnerships with nine MLB teams, including big-market teams in the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees.
BetMGM operates online sports betting in 22 U.S. states, including nearly a dozen jurisdictions where at least one MLB team resides. BetMGM also has partnerships with the NBA, WNBA, NHL, and NASCAR.
MLB's broader gambling strategy
MLB also has an integrated partnership with FanDuel, the No. 1 market-share online sportsbook and iGaming operator in the U.S. It wasn't the first league to partner with sportsbooks after PASPA was overturned in 2018, but it was among the earliest major leagues to embrace gambling sponsorship revenue.
MLB signed an unprecedented memorandum with the federal regulator, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, in March and partnered with prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket to build new contract trading standards. MLB wants input on what markets are offered, something other leagues are seeking as well, and a seat at the regulatory framework table to help protect the integrity of the sport.
The final West Coast trip of the season for the Braves started in brutal fashion Monday night in San Diego.
The hot-and-cold offense which has been a lot more cold of late was at its coldest in the opener, stranding eight runners in a 1-0 loss to the Padres.
The Braves will put JR Ritchie (1-2,4.54 ERA) on the mound Tuesday night hoping to level the series.
The rookie’s first two appearances back have been a real mixed bag. His relief appearance after Spencer Strider’s early exit at the Mets (2 H, 0 R over 5 IP) was very good. His first start back last Wednesday against the Giants (5 R, 5 H, 3 HR in 5 IP) was not.
Walks continue to be an issue for Ritchie, who has issued 21 free passes in 35 2/3 innings this season. He’s issued three or more walks in four of his seven appearances.
Maybe a Padres lineup which ranks last in the majors in batting average (.219), slugging percentage (.363) and scoring (3.86 runs per game) will be what Ritchie needs to rediscover his form, having not thrown more than five innings since he did so in each of his first two career starts.
While the Padres haven’t officially announced a starter, it sounds like it will be right-hander Griffin Canning (1-5, 6.64) getting the nod. He had a delayed start to his season as he finished up recovery from a torn left Achilles.
It didn’t start well for him, with an 0-4 record and 7.16 ERA in six May starts. But two of his three June starts have been at least solid and he’s coming off his first win of the season, allowing one run on four hits over 4 1/3 innings last Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
As with Ritchie, walks have been an issue. He’s walked 25 batters against 41 strikeouts in 42 innings. He’s also allowed eight home runs — as many as he had given up in 16 starts and 76 1/3 innings this season.
Canning, who was with the Mets last season, made his first two career appearances against the Braves the last two seasons. He lasted a combined seven innings across the two starts, giving up seven runs for a 9.00 ERA with nine hits allowed, six strikeouts and one walk.
Could this be what awakens the dormant Braves’ offense, most notably from Drake Baldwin’s extended slump since his return from the injured list?
Sep 12, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Toronto Blue Jays baseball carry bag during batting practice before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Return of Shane. It sounds like an old time western, starring Glenn Ford with Walter Brennan in it to give comic relief.
I try not to expect too much out of a guy coming off rehab, but it is hard not to hope for a great game. And Shane has come back from injuries before.
As I mentioned, in the open thread, I’m spending today on my bike. The MS ride is this weekend and I haven’t been riding near enough. But the ligament tears in my foot, plus the crappy weather we’ve been having, and a certain amount of laziness, I’ve only had half a dozen rides this spring.
The forecast for the weekend isn’t great, I think we’ll be riding in the rain.
Anyway, I’m doing this together long before they put up lineups.
It would be nice to get above .500, but the Astros have a pretty good starter going too, Peter Lambert is 6-4, with a 3.23 ERA and has a 1.93 ERA in his last three games.
A lot has happened since Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker, Ryan Walker, and Sam Hentges protested the Giants’ Pride Night, and as with everything that’s happened in this country, it’s devolved into a circus. But rather than come at this from the responsible, community-driven angle that the Actually Good writers on this site have done already, I’ll stick to baseball, because I think there’s a sneaky weird problem for the team that has nothing to do with a good chunk of the fan base losing faith in and enthusiasm for the team.
On Friday, Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred continued MLB’s slow walk towards banning Pride Nights by responding to Senator Josh Hawley‘s letter of “grave concern” over the league engaging in “a pattern of discrimination […] against baseball players who profess their Christian faith.” In the letter, he makes it clear that this terrible episode is the Giants’ fault, that the team’s “communication with players was inadequate and not clear.” This letter was sent the day after the DOJ opened an investigation into the league for the same sort of discrimination. Given all this, have Buster Posey’s hands been tied?
Along the lines of the league and the team needing to be careful with what they say and do given the government’s scrutiny (and penchant for punitive measures), does this open investigation into the league now prevent the team from doing anything “negative” with Roupp, Brubaker, Walker, or Hentges? They can’t option the optionable, cut the cuttable, or demote the demoteable? Now, before you go closing the window thinking I’m getting conspiratorial, here are some actual facts.
@MLB Commissioner writes to me and admits they were wrong to threaten the Giants players over Bible verses and promises never to fine or discipline these players – or any players for their religious beliefs
Indeed, Manfred writes, “The players were neither fined nor disciplined, nor will they ever be.” Hawley characterizing it as a “promise” is a good play for his audience, as American discourse involving religion or politics rarely rises above childish thinking. Now, if the Giants want to option or DFA Ryan Walker after his next meltdown, Hawley can point to that and say, “Promise broken!”
Now, would a reasonable person conflate what happened with the players’ protests, the league’s uniform policy, and the team’s right to manage its roster? No, but a person can very easily be made unreasonable through propaganda, or simple repetition. Liberal, anti-Christian San Francisco is taking out their bad season on their good Christians. Fox News and the internet are the Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of shaping reality.
A standard baseball transaction for a poor performance ought not to fall into the realm of “punishment,” but with the Department of Justice weaponized against them, it stands to reason that the league and the team will be extra careful in how they treat these players. What would that do to the Giants’ already pitiful roster?
Landen Roupp
Well, here’s the thing: the rest of the Giants’ season is an experiment, and so Roupp won’t lose his rotation spot no matter what. He’s rocking a 6.64 ERA / 3.94 FIP here in June, but these are the rough rapids teams must ride when trying to build up their inexperienced players. Roupp is still pretty inexperienced from an innings standpoint (237.1 IP over three seasons), and he’s just 26.1 innings away from last year’s total. Recall that Roupp’s injury track record has limited his playing time for his entire pro career. He’s been as valuable as Logan Webb this season (1.8 fWAR to 1.9), but he also has the 10th-highest walk rate (3.7 BB/9) of any qualified starter.
I’m sure most people (myself included) figured Roupp would be a part of the team’s plans long-term. The thing is, he’ll be 28 next season. Let’s see if he can reach even 130 innings this season. It’s not that he shouldn’t have been considered part of the next good Giants team, it’s just that his importance might be a bit overblown. As a developed prospect contributing to the big league roster, sure — he’s a narrative buster (the narrative being that the Giants have been bad at developing prospects since the championship era). But he’s not an ace, not the next Logan Webb. And as time goes on, he might wind up being a solid #3 or great #4.
But would moving him to the pen for a stretch or towards the end of the season just to keep his arm fresh trigger the DOJ? Maybe. The best thing to do then is to just let him pitch, and let the chips fall where they may.
Ryan Walker
He was extremely unpopular with the fan base before he protested the rainbow hat, but it looks like their hatred has only given him strength? He has allowed just 3 baserunners in 3.2 innings since being recalled on June 12th, but we’ve seen Walker’s performance act like a roller coaster before, including this season. A 5.40 ERA through his first 6 appearances, 1.29 through the next 6, then 7 earned in his next 3.1 innings which got him optioned to Triple-A. The next Ryan Walker Trainwreck is maybe only a couple of innings away. Are the Giants really going to hold a roster spot for him the rest of the season for fear of running into trouble with the league or “the law?”
Well, yeah, because Buster Posey and Zack Minasian haven’t really been able to get anyone better.
Sam Hentges
After missing all of 2025 it wouldn’t be a surprise if Hentges takes some innings to get on a roll or — and, perhaps, more likely — hit a wall just as the fatigue/workload catches up to him. Under those circumstances, a team might slow play him or phantom IL him. Might the Giants be too shy to try either option? He has another year of team control attached to his name, and so it might be in the best interest of the club — in a dreadful year — to preserve some talent they think can help next year’s team, if they think that one’s going to be any good.
Hentges’s 2.84 ERA in 12.2 innings is good, but his FIP has been rising all season thanks to those walks. It’s up to 4.44, which is quite a bit higher than his career average (3.33).
He’s out of options, though, and so the Giants really only have “phantom IL” and limiting playing time as their options should they want to hold on to the player. Relievers are supposed to be fungible, and relievers who walk a lot of batters especially so, but the DOJ might not even be the reason why they don’t mess with him too much. It’s simply the case that they need strikeout stuff in the bullpen, and he has it.
It’s also the case that he’s been lumped into this matter by Hawley and the evangelical rabble rousers when MLB only made contact with the three players who wrote on their hats. But now Hentges has an opportunity for special treatment if he ever feels jilted by the club like, say, Tom Murphy once did.
JT Brubaker
I never really understood the affection for the player. A mid-90s sinker that didn’t get a lot of outs paired with a 2,500+ rpm slider that did. His utility to the team — besides being able to write on his hat WITH REALLY BIG LETTERS — seems to be pitching multiple innings.
But he’s basically been fine this season, too. The majority of his appearances (19 out of 26) have been when the team is trailing. Only 6 times has he appeared with the lead and only once when it’s tied. He’s in spots that you might give to Adrian Houser following his move to the bullpen, but even that move is temporary until the Giants trade Robbie Ray and/or Tyler Mahle, so, we’re just not going to see Brubaker very much — unless Tony Vitello plans to line up all of these relievers after Roupp starts, as he did in Roupp’s last game.
But this is a role you could tag with all three of the relievers in this group: not for use in high leverage situations. They are not the best options out of the bullpen. In theory, that should make them the most replaceable, with the guys currently being asked to get key outs moving down the pecking order and bumping one of them should the Giants acquire more talented relievers. Which, would a team want to acquire any of these guys? Not because of the protest baggage, but because the DOJ might start scrutinizing them?
On the active roster, Erik Miller, Dylan Smith, and Tristan Beck are the other relievers with options and Trevor McDonald has one, too. It just seems a little wacky to hold three spots in the ‘pen for a trio who might not be on the active roster of any other team. On the other hand, the Giants don’t have anything more to lose by holding on to them. Can Ryan Walker turnaround his career? Can Sam Hentges regain his form? Will Brubaker simply out-pitch others who might seem like a better fit?
The Giants were committed to these guys before, during, and after their protest, so the league and the government coming along to tell them they’d better not try anything probably hasn’t added any tension to their plans, and as a thought experiment it seems pretty clear that except for maybe Ryan Walker the roster was setup to feature these guys in these specific roles long before Pride Night. And, as a bad season is really good at illustrating, even if the team wanted to improve, they don’t have any better options now or going forward.
CINCINNATI — Elly De La Cruz is back in the Cincinnati Reds’ lineup against Milwaukee after spending just over three weeks on the injured list.
The Reds announced they activated the two-time All-Star shortstop, who strained his right hamstring on May 31, and optioned outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville.
De La Cruz completed a three-game rehab assignment at Louisville over the weekend. He homered and played five innings at shortstop on Friday, was 0 for 3 as the designated hitter Saturday and 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and an error on Sunday.
De La Cruz was batting .280 with an .855 OPS and 12 home runs in 58 games before he went on the IL for the first time in his major league career.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 22: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Petco Park on June 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the Friar Faithful, tonight’s win felt like a massive sigh of relief. Despite the San Diego Padres only scoring one run, it was all they would need as Michael King went seven scoreless innings for the second time this season.
King needed a start like this almost as much as the Friars did. He’s had a tough stretch lately, but acted as a stopper for San Diego on Monday night. The Padres will look to win the series in Game 2 against the Atlanta Braves tonight.
Taking the mound
JR Ritchie (ATL) v. Griffin Canning (SD)
Ritchie had an impressive start to his rookie year with Atlanta but has since fallen off a bit. He’s struggled with inconsistency, causing him to post a 4.54 ERA and 1.37 WHIP through 35 2/3 innings.
With the injuries that have marred the starting rotation, Ritchie has been thrust into a role he likely wouldn’t be in otherwise. The underlying stuff is tantalizing, but San Diego’s lineup should be able to tag the righty for a few runs.
Similar to Ritchie, Canning has had some major problems with consistency. In his last three starts, he’s surrendered one run, seven runs and one run in each. That’s led to him having an overblown 6.64 ERA.
That said, he’s been better lately. The Padres have started using an opener for Canning and it’s seemed to help. He had one of his best starts of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals last week, giving up just one run to the Cards.
Batter up!
The offense did just enough to back up their pitching staff, scoring one run on a Manny Machado homer. Despite the Braves’ pitching staff walking a ridiculous seven batters, including Xander Bogaerts three times, the Padres couldn’t bring any of them to home plate. They’ll need to be better with their situational hitting if they hope to beat Atlanta tonight.
Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
Samad Taylor, RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Gavin Sheets, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Ty France, 1B
Will Wagner, DH
Rodolfo Durán, C
Blake Hunt could start behind the dish, though Durán has worked behind the plate more until Freddy Fermin returns from concussion protocol. That said, with Hunt on the way out soon, the Padres could decide to play him one more time.
Taylor batted in the ninth spot in the order for the first time since he pinch-hit for Durán in his Padres debut. He’s looked comfortable batting second and could return there after going 0-for-3 at the bottom of the order.
Relief corps
With King pitching flawlessly, only Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller had to be used in Monday night’s game. Morejon covered a perfect eighth inning before Miller entered in a save situation. He recorded two outs before giving up a single and a walk. He struck out Mike Yastrzemski to end the trouble.
That saves the ‘pen for tonight, with Jason Adam, Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta all available. Adam has struggled lately, but will look to rebound from a tough series against the Texas Rangers.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 21: Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers reacts after hitting a run scoring single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field on June 21, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for June 23, 2026 against the Miami Marlins: starting pitchers are Cal Quantrill for the Rangers and Sandy Alcantara for the Marlins.
The Rangers play game two in Miami. They are looking to extend a winning streak, and get back to the dreaded one game under .500 mark. Still no Corey Seager. Brandon Nimmo is DHing.
The lineup:
Pederson — 1B
Langford — CF
Nimmo — DH
Jung — 3B
Duran — SS
Osuna — RF
Kelenic — LF
Higashioka — C
Lopez — 2B
5:40 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +134 underdogs.
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Carlos Rodón #55 of the New York Yankees warms up in the bullpen during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With summer upon us, I recently found myself alone on a long, quiet drive home after dropping my daughter off for camp with her grandparents. As the miles rolled by and the hum of the tires turned over old memories, I wandered down a self-inflicted rabbit hole about how the brain works. Eventually, I landed on a fun mental exercise: if a buddy had gone into a coma before a Yankees player’s first start in pinstripes and woke up today, how would I explain everything they had missed?
Several players proved better than others at filling time, but one player actually occupied the entire back nine of my drive as I found myself questioning both my own conclusions and the results from my hands-free mobile assistant. That player was none other than tonight’s starter, Carlos Rodón.
Using what you know now about Rodón, how would you describe his time in pinstripes to a friend who has missed this ride? For me, the starting point was to describe him as the Yankees’ new “big” lefty. Essentially the Ozempic CC Sabathia. Yes, I did crack myself up knowing I then have to explain what that meant. But, Rodón is the latest power lefty Brian Cashman has fallen in love with.
That was where that comparison stopped though. Rodón is no CC. However, his overall numbers in pinstripes actually line up well compared to another pitcher from the end of that era and the torch barrier after, Masahiro Tanaka. What numbers could those possibly be? Winning percentage, ERA, and WHIP.
For Rodón and Tanaka, respectively, those numbers in their Yankees careers are .588 and .629, 3.96 and 3.74, and 1.183 and 1.130. It is also worth noting that Tanaka was excellent during his first three seasons. If you isolate his final four regular seasons in New York, however, he posted a .565 winning percentage, 4.27 ERA, and 1.203 WHIP.
Tanaka ended up being a great comparison. In addition to the statistical similarities and being able to say, “we have a regular-season Tanaka chance to win tonight,” their first impressions were literally the exact opposite. Tanaka rode in on a big stallion, taking the city by storm before that dang UCL cut his dominant rookie campaign short. Rodón, on the other hand, got hurt in March and then turned in one of the worst seasons of his career.
Rodón’s debut season also had him send the kiss rejected around the Bronx. That moment, along with his body language when things go either right or wrong, reminded me of another Yankees pitcher: former big-ticket free agent signing A.J. Burnett. The righty from central Arkansas helped the Yankees to the 2009 World Series title, but other than that his time in pinstripes is remembered for the lows.
Burnett was famously intense, and the energy was infectious. However, that infection happened whether the energy was good or bad. Rodón is cut from that same cloth. There might be a game when you watch and say you’re glad the Yankees have that guy as he works himself into and out of a jam. Then the next start he issues five walks, give up a couple long home runs, and give some objects the old Paul O’Neil treatment in the dugout.
Rodón has never hidden his emotions, for better or worse. That emotional volatility has become just as much a part of his Yankees identity as his mid-90s fastball. It is also what makes every turn through the rotation feel like a rollercoaster ride and a true dice roll.
Like a true Yankees fan, my hypothetical friend always wanted to know what the guy has done in October. That is where I had to give them the happy/sad update that the Knicks have won a title, but our Yankees had not.
In addition to not having a ring, in 2024, Rodón went 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA and in 2025 he went 0-0 with a 9.72 ERA in two October starts. Unlike Tanaka, whose performances in the clutch, or when the lights are brightest if you will, elevated him to near-legendary status among Yankees fans, Rodón is still waiting for the playoff run that changes how people view him. A ring would help insulate him from criticism down the road, much like it has done for Burnett, but Rodón still has a lot of work to do to fully earn his pinstripes for most fans.
Essentially, where I landed on any other Tuesday night in June, just after the summer solstice: Rodón is a lot like watching Tanaka pitch in the regular season. However, if he does not have his command, it is hard not to feel like you are watching a left-handed version of Burnett. After a bad first impression, Rodón has proven to be easy to cheer for, even though sometimes he is hard to watch.
Most nights when he takes the ball, he gives the Yankees a chance to win. Some nights he even looks dominant enough that if you pulled out a notebook and pencil you just might find yourself writing down ace-like stuff. But then occasionally, the engine overheats and the tires come off. Either way, tonight the Yankees hand the ball to their big lefty. Here is to hoping we get Dón Dominance tonight, and not a dud.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Ethan Hedges #16 of the Colorado Rockies warms up during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 21, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The boys are back.
That was the first thing Ethan Hedges (PURP No.29) wanted fans to know about his first big-league spring training — not the level, not the competition, but the company.
“It’s good to be back at the complex, all my boys playing baseball again,” he said.
Hedges arrived in the Rockies system as a polished piece. Colorado took him in the third round of the 2025 draft, 77th overall out of USC, where he was a second-team All-American and a genuine two-way player — a third baseman who also closed games on the mound.
Players who show up that decorated tend to carry an expectation, fair or not, that the adjustment to pro ball will be smooth. Hedges learned otherwise, and he was grateful for it.
“The biggest lesson I learned in 2025 is probably how to overcome struggle,” he said. “I started off a little slow in my first four weeks in Spokane, but just overcoming that and learning how to deal with adversity is something that I took away from that.”
He didn’t frame the slump as a detour. He framed it as a clearing.
“It was almost a good thing to deal with that,” he said. “Dealing with it, getting it out of the way, and then learning how to overcome that.”
It’s a telling way for a young hitter to talk.
The slumps were always coming — the only question was when, and Hedges would rather have met one early than spend a career waiting for it. By the time he reported to his first camp, the worst stretch of his young professional life was already behind him, filed away as information instead of fear.
So far, the lesson is holding. The slow start that defined his 2025 didn’t follow him into his first full pro season — Hedges came out of the gate hot at Spokane, hitting .364/.400/.606 with two homers and seven RBIs over his first nine games and grading out as one of the High-A club’s best early bats.
The grind has come in waves since, the way it does at every level, but the player who once needed a month to find his footing now looks like he expected to hit all along. On the season he’s slashing .269/.347/.406 with six home runs and 33 RBIs — a steady, get-on-base line that fits the contact hitter he described himself as.
“That’s the type of player I am,” he said, “just putting my bat on the baseball and hitting it hard.”
The other half of his game he about without hesitation. On defense, there was no hedging.
“I pride myself on my defense,” he said. “I’m a great defender, and that’s something that I’m always going to take pride in and continue working on, getting better at.”
Are you serious, Ethan Hedges?! Spokane’s third baseman shows off some serious range as he makes an incredible sliding catch. #GoSpo#SCTop10pic.twitter.com/QMG0REpNSl
The camp itself had been a blur in the best way — a lot of bodies, a lot of moving parts, a lot of fun.
“It’s been crazy with everyone here,” he said, “it’s been a roller coaster — but a fun one.”
The ride hit a peak when Hedges was named to the Spring Breakout roster in his first pro spring, a showcase of the organization’s best young talent. For a player still introducing himself to the system, the nod landed as both validation and an invitation to enjoy it.
“It’s awesome. It’s a great experience for me,” he said. “To sign autographs for all the fans out there with my friends — it’s an honor. I’m going to make the most out of it.”
Baseball has a way of humbling players eventually. Hedges already got his introduction. What once felt like a setback now reads more like a prerequisite. The struggle came early, the lesson stuck, and the game moved on. So did he.
The Isotopes took four of six from the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros) in a series that swung between offensive explosions and tight, late-inning theater. Albuquerque survived a 21-run barrage in the lone blowout loss, won two one-run games — one of them in extra innings — and dropped the finale 7-6 despite a furious back-and-fourth. When the lineup and the pitching staff aligned, the Isotopes were tough to beat. They sit at 39-36, holding firm in second place in the PCL East.
⬆️ Stock Up: Kent You Believe It
Nic Kent put together a complete week in the batters box, going 9-for-20 (.450) with two home runs, a triple, a double, five RBIs, a stolen base, and a team-high eight runs scored. Kent homered in each of the final two games of the series, while reaching base consistently from the top and middle of the order.
It was a week to forget for Richie Martin Jr., who managed just one hit in 16 at-bats (.063) across four games with five strikeouts and no walks. He couldn’t find a rhythm at any point in the series, the rare empty stretch on a roster that was otherwise swinging the bats well.
Upcoming
The Isotopes host the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels) for a six game series in Albuquerque.
The Yard Goats took four of six on the road from the Reading Fightin Phils (Philadelphia Phillies), bookending a pair of midweek losses with offensive outbursts on either side. Hartford scored ten runs twice in the series and leaned on a deep, mostly excellent bullpen to hold leads. The Yard Goats clinched a playoff spot after winning the first-half Eastern League Northeast Division title.
⬆️ Stock Up: Capel-ity for Damage
There may not have been a better week anywhere in the system. Conner Capel went 11-for-26 (.423) with six home runs, 14 RBIs and nine runs scored across all six games, including a three-home, six-RBI explosion on June 17 and a two-home, five-RBI follow-up the very next day. Capel homered in three of the six games and supplied the kind of sustained middle-of-the-order thunder that gets a 29-year-old veteran noticed. It was a complete, dominant week from start to finish.
Conner Capel just crushed THREE HOME RUNS at FirstEnergy Stadium against Reading, leading us to a 10-2 W. Performances like these are the reason we’re the number one Goats. 💪#NoGoatsNoGlorypic.twitter.com/J2Kg1fTZJH
It was a lean six days for Dyan Jorge, who finished 3-for-22 (.136) with five strikeouts. To his credit, Jorge drew a team-high six walks and still found ways to reach base and score three runs, but the lack of contact stood out in a lineup that was otherwise punishing Reading pitching all week.
Upcoming
The Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) come into town for a six game set.
High-A: Spokane Indians (3-3, 30-39 Overall)
The Indians split six games with the Vancouver Canadians (Toronto Blue Jays) at Avista Stadium in a series defined almost entirely by offense — four of the six games featured a combined 17 runs or more. Spokane’s lineup mashed all week; the pitching staff, outside of Nathan Blasick, could rarely hold a lead. The Indians sit at 30-39.
⬆️ Stock Up: O’Dowd He Did
Jack O’Dowd put together the most valuable week of any bat on the roster, going 9-for-22 (.409) with four home runs, 12 RBIs and seven runs scored across all six games. The exclamation point came June 20, when he homered twice — including a walk-off blast in the bottom of the 10th — and drove in five runs in a single game. O’Dowd also paired the power with patience, drawing six walks on the week, and now sits among the Northwest League’s on-base leaders.
It was a week to forget for reliever Bryan Perez, who recorded just two outs in his lone appearance June 16 while surrendering six hits and eight earned runs, including two home runs. In a series where Spokane’s bullpen broadly struggled to keep games in check, Perez’s outing was the most damaging single line of the week.
Upcoming
The Indians will welcome the Tri-City Dust Devils (Los Angeles Angels) for six games.
Low-A Fresno Grizzlies (4-2, 37-32 Overall)
The Grizzlies took four of six from the Inland Empire 66ers (Los Angeles Angels) at Chukchansi Park, with both ends of the series decided by walk-off wins and a 16-4 drubbing the only real blemish in between. Fresno’s offense was steady up and down the order, and the pitching staff strung together several strong starts. The Grizzlies sit at 37-32 as the second half begins.
⬆️ Stock Up: Thach to the Future
Tanner Thach turned in the most complete week of any Grizzlies hitter, going 8-for-24 (.333) with a home run, three doubles and a team-high seven RBIs across all six games. The signature performance came June 18, when he homered and drove in five in an 8-2 win. Thach is now hitting .343 on the season and continues to anchor the middle of the Fresno lineup as one of the most productive bats in the California League.
Austin Newton was a model of efficiency across two stars, throwing 13.1 innings while allowing just three earned runs and — most impressively — not issuing a single walk, striking out eight along the way. Newton’s 2.03 ERA for the week was the product of pounding the strike zone start to finish, exactly the kind of command-driven outing the organization wants to see from its young arms.
Upcoming
The Grizzlies head to Southern California for six games against the Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres).
ACL: ACL Rockies (3-2, 26-10 Overall)
The ACL Rockies kept rolling through a five-game stretch, winning three off five to maintain the best record in the Arizona Complex League at 26-10, comfortably atop the ACL East. The offense produced consistently and rarely went quiet, even in the two losses.
⬆️ Stock Up: Alessander The Great
Alessander De La Cruz was nearly impossible to retire all week, going 9-for-18 (.500) with a home run, a triple, three doubles, seven RBIs, and three stolen bases across five games. The outfielder hit safely in every game he player and now sits at a remarkable .407 on the season — one of the most productive bats anywhere in the organizations lower levels. He paired the on-base ability with real impact, racking up extra-base hits in bunches and using his legs once aboard.
⬇️ Stock Down: Ugarte Cools Off
After entering the week as one of the hottest hitters in the league, Ronny Ugarte hit a wall, managing just two hits in 18 at-bats (.111) with six strikeouts over five games. Ugarte’s seasons numbers remain excellent, and a brief slump at this level is nothing to read too much into, but the bat went quiet at a stretch when much of the lineup around him stayed hot.
DSL: DSL Colorado (2-3, 8-7 Overall)
DSL Colorado endured a rollercoaster of a week against a rotation slate of teams, dropping three of five — including two walk-off losses and a wild 14-13 defeat — while also throwing a four-run shoutout in the middle of it. The bats produced runs in bunches even in the losses, but the inconsistent pitching kept the club from stringing wins together. DSL Colorado sits at 8-7, third in the DSL Southeast.
⬆️ Stock Up: Ferrufino Feasts
18-year-old William Ferrufino had a week few hitters at any level can match, going 10-for-16 (.625) with a triple, two doubles, six RBIs and two stolen bases across all five games. The second baseman reached base in every contest — adding three hit-by-pitches to the ledger — and capped it with a four-hit, three-RBI explosion in the 14-13 slugfest. Ferrufino lifted his season average to .326 and looks like one of the most advanced bats on the roster.
⬇️ Stock Down: Guaraco Goes Cold
It was a quiet five games for shortstop Jendry Guaraco, who managed just two hits in 17 at-bats (.118) with five strikeouts and no RBIs. Guaraco still found ways onto the bases — he was hit by a pitch five times this week — but the lack of production at the plate stood out in a lineup that was otherwise scorching in bunches.
DSL: DSL Rockies (1-4, 5-10 Overall)
It was a difficult week for the DSL Rockies, who dropped four of five against, with a lone bright spot coming in the form of a 2-1 win over the DSL Phillies. Late-inning bullpen trouble undid the club more than once, including multi-run meltdowns that flipped winnable games. They now sit at 5-10, at the bottom of the DSL East.
⬆️ Stock Up: Montiel Makes Contact
Adafel Montiel was the steadiest bat in the lineup, going 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles, three RBIs, and a stolen across four games. The catcher consistently put the ball in play — striking out just twice on the week — and delivered the go-ahead, two-out RBI in the Rockies’ only win. In a week when much of the order pressed, Montiel’s controlled, productive at-bats stood out.
⬇️ Stock Down: De Leon Searches for Answers
It was five games to forget for Amaury De Leon, who managed just one hit in 17 at-bats (.059) while striking out nine times. De Leon worked a few walks to stay on base here and there, but the contact issues piled up across the week and the production never came.
ManagerAaron Boonedidn't find out about it until after the game, and he wasn't pleased.
"Oh yeah, that pisses me off," Boone said on the Talkin' Yanks podcast on Tuesday. "I didn't know about it until after the game. So he and I talked about that. That won't be going on."
Told by the hosts of Talkin' Yanks that Chisholm took an at-bat with a lollipop in his mouth earlier this season in Boston against the Red Sox, Boone was bothered.
"That was the second time? There was another time? Yeah, that's -- I'm not on that," he said.
Chisholm is hitting .226/.312/.404 (.716 OPS) with 11 homers and 23 stolen bases in 74 games this season.
He was an All-Star last season and also won a Silver Slugger, during a year where he slashed .242/.332/.481 with a career-high 31 homers.
Chisholm's big 2025 campaign led to his spring training proclamation ahead of the 2026 campaign that he was aiming for a 50 homer/50 steal season.
Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
We recently put out a call in The Feed to take the temperature of Yankees fans on Giancarlo Stanton’s outlook for the remainder of 2026. The story of Stanton’s season is unfortunately the same as it ever was, at least since 2019.
Following a 158-game debut in pinstripes, the former NL MVP had several issues that restricted him to 18 games and a limited postseason role that year. Every season from that point onward has seen some kind of injury wreak havoc on Stanton. He was held to 23 games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and though only a quad strain held him back in a 139-game 2021, he has failed to exceed 115 in the years that followed. He’s now an exclusive DH, and even his jogging run on the basepaths has led to lower-body injuries like his most recent calf strain.
It’s a conundrum for the Yankees because when healthy, Stanton remains one of the most initimidating hitters in baseball. In fact, just last year, he posted his best season by OPS+ (156) since winning MVP with the Marlins in 2017. And of course, in 2024, his sterling postseason reputation shined brighter than ever, slamming seven homers and four in the ALCS to win MVP honors during the five-game win over Cleveland. Stanton has a .926 OPS and 18 career playoff homers in just 48 games — no small feat since he’s tied with Yankees legends Mickey Mantle and Reggie Jackson on the all-time postseason list in that category and they did so in far more chances (65 games for The Mick and 77 for Mr. October).
The problem is that dreaded qualifier from the first sentence of that paragraph: “when healthy.” The Yankees just can’t count on that, and they know it. GM Brian Cashman said as much after 2023, and they’ve constantly built their roster knowing that DH time will be open at one point or another for the likes of Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, Ben Rice, and Jasson Domínguez. For Domínguez in particular, the Yanks have been loathe to give up on the 23-year-old despite limited openings in the outfield for this very reason. For a win-now team like the Yanks, unless a trade offer bowls them over, he’s likely more valuable to them as fourth outfielder/DH depth than as a trade chip, given Stanton’s ailments.
Right now, Stanton’s again stuck in IL limbo. He was on the verge of activation the weekend before last, but suffered a setback with his calf. So it’s hard to say when exactly we might see Stanton again in 2026. It’s tough to watch because he’s not only an electric hitter at his best but a great guy off the field who has never tried to shirk responsibilities or anything like that. It’s plain to see that he’s just as disappointed that he’s been unable to stay healthy, and it’s not just because he wants to reach 500 homers (though he obviously wouldn’t mind it). Stanton wants a World Series ring as much as anyone in that clubhouse, or at least on the same level as Judge.
That brings us back to the original prompt. When do you think we’ll see Stanton in 2026? Here’s where the survey stands:
Most fans expect Stanton to return, but not until much later in the second half. The plurality forecast a September return when rosters expand to 28 and there’s a little more flexibility for a DH-only player. The possibility of a healthy Stanton in October has to be tantalizing and is on the Yankees’ radar.
It’s certainly something that a couple commenters considered, like JRbasebal and NeverPlayed:
If Stanton’s body at least allows him to take healthy cuts in a September warm-up, then Yankees brass can make a decision about whether or not they think he can be ready for the postseason.
An example I always think of with this exercise is 1999 Darryl Strawberry, who due to his own more serious personal demons was off the field until September. But there was a DH opening and he hit .327/.500/.612 during that last month, earning a spot on the playoff roster. Skipper Joe Torre pickedhisspots with Straw and he went 5-for-15 with three walks and two homers as the Yanks romped to another championship, with just one loss that October. The other side of the equation is 2022 DJ LeMahieu, who was terrific in the first half but suffered a broken toe in early August that led to a nagging foot injury. Although it was a smaller sample than ’99 Strawberry, the Yankees did give LeMahieu a look at the end of the regular season, but they ultimately decided that they weren’t comfortable enough with how he looked to roster him.* Stanton could find himself in a similar test later in 2026.
*They probably should have done the same with Matt Carpenter. Oh well.
Plenty of respondents were understandably skeptical of Stanton’s ability to recover at this point. After all, he said that he initially felt something in his calf while jogging from first to second on a walk — not even a play in the field. The setback reportedly came on the bases in workouts as well. If these seemingly simple acts are taxing him (even acknowledging that it involves ripple effects from practice too), it’s hard to be confident about both his short- and long-term future.
Pan1953 and The Boss both mused on this awkward situation, albeit while reaching different conclusions:
Whether he returns and mashes in October again or has to figure out a DFA scenario in the offseason as suggested by The idiot that said, “Harper is coming,” it’s going to be a tricky. Stanton is beloved in the Yankees clubhouse, though LeMahieu absolutely was as well when the Yanks cut ties with him last July. I doubt that any such machinations would happen until the offseason at the earliest, given that it doesn’t seem like Stanton will be in play to even get in the lineup again until deep into 2026. And LeMahieu just wasn’t doing much at all as his career came to a close with a 67 OPS+ across his final two campaigns. Stanton clearly offers more.
The big guy may be in IL limbo, but as JRbasebalsaid in a reply later in the thread, the Yankees are on the hook for his contract regardless (I don’t think any kind of trade is plausible). Right now, they have the flexibility to see how Stanton’s rehab goes and to check in on how his bat looks if he can get back into playing shape. If the bat plays, then he plays in some way, shape, or form. If not, then that will be a discussion we can have another day.
The good news about yesterday’s rainout is that the back-to-back canceled games gave the Cubs’ battered bullpen another day to rest and recover heading into their series with the Mets. Healthy arms are a scarce commodity on the North Side of Chicago these days, so anything that gives pitchers a shot at a little more rest and recovery probably allows manager Craig Counsell and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to breathe a sigh of relief.
Speaking of a bit of extra recovery time, most of the Cubs roster will likely get a few extra days to recover in July during the All-Star break. However, there is one Cubs starting pitcher who might have a solid case to pitch in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia.
Ben Brown has been one of the best stories in Chicago this summer. He started the season in the bullpen after struggling to get guys out later in games as a starter last season. However, he also added a sinker he’s throwing about 21% of the time this season and that pitch has proven to be a game-changing weapon for Brown. Batters are hitting just .224 off Brown’s sinker and they are slugging an abysmal .245 against it. It’s a visible improvement:
Brown has improved in his effectiveness across the board. He’s sacrificed a bit of pure strikeout stuff and about a percentage fewer whiffs for more effective outs and better results. You can see how that all comes together in this highlight reel from his seven inning, three hit effort in St. Louis at the end of May. He’s basically still using his knuckle curve and four-seamer for most of his strikeouts, but the sinker gives him a way to induce weak contact when necessary [VIDEO].
With a 1.85 ERA off a 2.50 FIP through 68 innings this season, Brown has been outstanding. In eight games and 42.1 innings as a starting pitcher he’s got an even better 1.70 ERA and 2.39 FIP. Opposing batters are slashing just .179/.244/.245 against Brown as a starting pitcher this season.
Brown has been the most valuable pitcher on the Cubs by a wide margin with 2.0 fWAR in 68 innings compared to Shōta Imanaga’s 0.9 fWAR in 86.2 innings. That all seems worthy of a trip to Philadelphia to my eyes. It’s hard to imagine this Cubs team being over .500 without the work that Brown has put in this season both in the bullpen and as a starting pitcher.
