PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Nick Davila #82 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during the ninth inning of a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium on February 24, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mariners made a surprising move to bolster their bullpen today, calling up right-handed reliever Nick Davila from Double-A Arkansas. In a corresponding move, LHP Josh Simpson – who was just summoned yesterday from Triple-A – was returned to Tacoma. The Mariners roster is now full at 40 players.
If you’re not familiar with Davila’s name, that’s understandable, although Davila is a long-tenured Mariners minor-leaguer; he’s been cropping up in our MiLB round-ups as far back as 2023, when we said the then-24-year-old Davila was “old for the level” at High-A. Davila has stuck around, though, and saw significant action this spring with the big-league club this spring with many players away at the WBC, often being used as a clean-up man after another reliever had made a mess of things.
My blurb for Davila in the NRIs article this spring said this:
The Mariners re-signed Davila, 27, to a minor-league contract this off-season with an invitation to spring training, which is why he’s here. Davila is more of a contact manager than a strikeout artist, a tough fit as a reliever; he also got a little walk-happy in Arkansas this year, which is a problem that will have to be tamped down.
So far, so good on that front. Davila has been serving as Arkansas’ closer this year, and so far over nine innings pitched he’s amassed two saves and 10 strikeouts to just one walk. Davila’s primary weapon is a sweeper that he pairs with a sinker, which doesn’t lead to a ton of strikeouts but does get hitters to put the ball on the ground.
Davila, who spent one season at USF after transferring from Hillsborough CC, was originally signed by the Tigers as an undrafted free agent back in July of 2020 and spent 2021-22 in the Detroit organization before coming to Seattle as a minor league free-agent signing in 2023. When and if he makes an appearance for the Mariners, it will mark the Mariners’ second debut of the season.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 01: Kazuma Okamoto #7 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a two run home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Target Field on May 1, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Blue Jays 11 Twins 4
Jays did everything they needed to do in the top of the eighth:
Ernie Clement started the inning with a singled.
Vladimir Guerrero took a six pitch walk.
Kazuma Okamoto singled in one.
Lenyn Sosa got an infield single bringing home the second run.
Daulton Varsho ground one softy that went right between the pitchers legs. E1 loads the bases.
Myles Straw walked on four pitches. Third run in.
Davis Schneider doubled in the fourth and fifth run.
Brandon Valenzuela homered in six, seven and eight.
But there was also bad news, George Springer took a pitch off the, already broken, toe and had to come out of the game. I’d imagine he’ll be back on the IL.
I was wrong the Jays said ‘no further damage’ (tough to believe). He was getting tomorrow off anyway, apparently. So we’ll see Monday.
Dylan Cease wasn’t great, giving up four runs three earned. But he went seven inning. I thought he would be out after six, when he was at 98 pitches, but he stayed in and got to 106 pitches (and a win). He gave up seven hits, one walk and seven strikeouts.
Mason Fluharty and Spencer Miles pitched a clean inning each.
Before the seventh, the Jays scored:
Two in the second: Sosa and Straw homered.
One in the sixth: Okamoto hit his eighth homer of the season. Crushed it. 453 feet to center.
Jays had 9 hits and 5 walks. Okamoto and Sosa had two each. Jesus Sanchez (who went in for Springer) and Vlad (with the walk) had 0 fors.
Vlad also had an error. In the second inning, with runners on second and third and the infield in, Vlad got a ground ball hit softly at him. He thought he might have a play at home, but the runner was off with contact, so he tried to throw to Cease covering first but missed him and a second runner scored.
But, other than that, it was the Twins that had the poor defense.
Jays of the Day: Okomoto (.34 WPA), Sosa (.14) and Straw (.13).
Other Award: Sanchez (-.15) and Cease (-.12) had the number too.
Tomorrow we have an early start, 12:45 Eastern. Trey Yesavage vs. Joe Ryan. A win and the Jays are back to .500.
So a month of baseball has been played. We have a decent sample size now to justify overreactions to underachievers and whether overachievers are for real.
So checking in on the San Francisco Giants with their first-time manager Tony Vitello and they're sitting at the bottom of the NL West division at 13-19, following their 3-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on May 1.
The Giants' woes aren't a product of the relationship their first-year skipper has with his team. But San Francisco's issues derive from their on-field play, or lack thereof. Offensively, there are a myriad of glaring issues. Overall, hitting needs improvement. This team has had trouble producing runs and their bullpen could use a boost as well.
San Francisco has been one of the worst-hitting teams in all of Major League Baseball, a strange occurrence for a team stacked with the likes of Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Luis Arraez, Casey Schmitt, and Heliot Ramos, to name a few capable weapons.
The Giants rank last in MLB offensive categories as a team, including offensive runs scored, home runs, stolen bases, and walks. Through 32 games, the Giants have only registered 66 walks and 19 home runs.
The team bats .246 and has produced the fewest RBIs, at 99.
Although it's early, San Francisco has begun to dig themselves into a shallow hole to start 2026. The Giants need to find a rhythm and turn their season around before things get out of hand.
Giants can't formulate runs
Another glaring issue is that the Giants are having trouble putting runs on the board. They can't formulate scoring in crucial moments and it's causing them to lose games.
They were embarrassed in their season-home opener against the New York Yankees after being shutout twice: 7-0 on March 25 and 3-0 on March 27. Maybe one could say it was simply jitters from all the excitement of a new baseball season, but it seems the tension has carried on for a little over one month into the season.
The Giants were shut out for an MLB-leading seventh time this season after their 3-0 loss to the Rays on May 1. It's the most the team’s been shutout in the first 32 games since 1976. When they're not being shutout, they are only producing one- or two-run contests. It's occurred on eight different instances or 25% of games played.
The team ranks last in MLB with 104 runs. But their issues aren't just a matter of hitting, but also decision-making from the shot callers.
Is coaching holding back Giants?
On multiple occasions, in previous games, there have been lapses in judgment when leading and instructing players on when or when not to round bases. Not capitalizing during momentous periods of the game has been a pivotal decision that has been the difference maker in wins versus losses.
Third base coach Hector Borg in back-to-back games has made seemingly questionable calls instructing his players to round a base or stay safe. During San Francisco's May 1 contest with the Rays, the Giants trailed 1-0 at the top of the fourth inning with Arraez at bat who knocked one just past first base. It was clearly enough for a double, but Borg allegedly instructed him to advance to third where Arraez was tagged out.
This was on Giants third base coach Hector Borg. Luis Arraez looks at him as he rounds second base to see if he can go to third
In the previous game, Giants outfielder Drew Gilbert had a chance to beat the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader that went to extra innings. It was the top of 10th inning, Ramos was at bat and hit it towards second base, off the glove of Phillies' Bryson Stott as it landed in a gap towards the outfielders.
Gilbert started at second, rounded third, and looked to make his way home to give the Giants a one-run lead, but was seemingly waved off by Borg. Gilbert stayed at third and the Giants didn't score in the inning. Instead, the Phillies took over at bat and won the game on a walk-off RBI.
If things already look grim, you don't want to know about their pitching. The Giants' pitching ranks are all over the place. San Francisco ranks 20th with 262 strikeouts. They are 10th in MLB in earned run average with 3.94 and are tied at 8th in total earned runs with the Miami Marlins at 124.
They are in the middle of the pack with home runs allowed. The Giants, tied at 16th, have had 32 homers hit on them, same as the Chicago White Sox and Seattle Mariners.
San Francisco has allowed 121 walks, tied for 10th most in MLB with the Marlins and Minnesota Twins.
They have competitive starting pitchers in Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. But questions lie in their relievers and closers. The Giants need those guys to step up their play.
Oct 6, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos watches a workout before the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Considering how the 2025 campaign began, the start of the 2026 Braves season has been a breath of fresh air for everyone who is invested.
That must be particularly true for Braves general manager and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos.
A streak of seven straight postseason appearances which began in his second season with the organization came to a screeching halt in Atlanta’s 76-86 season.
“I would say the same thing if we had gotten off to a slow start: it is so early. We’ve been that team that has chased teams down, we’ve been eight games back, we’ve been under .500 in August,” Anthopoulos said. “I would prefer this than starting out slowly, no doubt about it. You get to bank wins. And more importantly, we’re actually playing well. Defensively, the bullpen, the rotation, all of it.”
Anthopoulos talked candidly about a number of topics during the interview, which lasted nearly 20 minutes. Notably, he discussed the lessons learned from how the 2025 team was built which didn’t help matters when the injuries piled up.
He says it changed not just the roster building but the chemistry building approach he took on with his staff this offseason, something he saw pay dividends well before the regular season began.
“This group, I felt it in spring training. I think we got away from it a little bit last year just because of maybe short on talent and so on. But I think we really put an emphasis on the mix, the group, clubhouse. Not that it was bad, but we actually put more of a premium on it back this winter to have the right guys in the room and the right team rather than collection of players,” Anthopoulos said. “I know that’s a nuanced way to say it, but it’s good vibes. And that was even in the spring, even with everything that was going wrong going into the season. The pieces fit, they complement each other. It’s a very tight-knit group. It’s a great start.”
As the pitching injuries Anthopoulos alluded to piled up this spring with Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, Joey Wentz and Spencer Strider going down, there was plenty of talk about which of the remaining free-agent pitchers the Braves should go after.
It never materialized, though. And Anthopoulos said Friday it was never especially close to happening.
“I know I was criticized for (not adding a pitcher). We weren’t close. We checked in, we checked prices,” Anthopoulos said. “We ultimately felt like where things were going, it wasn’t because we didn’t have the money. We just didn’t believe in the deals.”
Through 31 games, that decision has paid off. Even a depleted Braves rotation ranks third in ERA (3.15) through 33 games. Targeting a Zack Littell, Lucas Giolito or one of the other starters who remained unsigned into spring training could have blocked JR Ritchie’s impressive introduction to the major league rotation or Bryce Elder’s resurgence, which are the type of things Anthopoulos always values when evaluating such decisions.
“We like the talent we have. We like the young guys we have. We need to continue to give them opportunities as our other players are getting more expensive to be able to sustain this thing,” Anthopoulos said. “I’m in my ninth year here, hopefully we get to the playoffs again. I would be very proud of that if we could pull off eight out of nine years. You only have players for six years contractually. A lot of times, you’re thinking you have to churn this entire thing and start over and rebuild. We’re trying to keep it going for a long time.”
Speaking of Elder, he was one of three players Anthopoulos highlighted when asked about players he’s been pleasantly surprised with early this season, along with Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon. This team isn’t lacking in pleasant surprise options, but Elder carrying over his strong 2025 finish into a great first month this season is exactly what the Braves GM envisioned for him.
“I called him many times in the winter just to check in on him and talk about how good he was the last six weeks or so,” Anthopoulos said. “Normally you don’t pay attention to spring training and you don’t pay attention to September, but his velocity was up in September and he was beating really good teams. Even at the end of August, he beat the Phillies, the Tigers, the Cubs. He was going six, seven innings. Those guys were competing for the postseason, and he was throwing the ball really well and he was out of options.
“ … Did I think he would have 1.70 or 2.00 ERA or whatever it is right now? Of course not. But did we think he had a chance to be a really good starter for us? Yes. … I’m thrilled for him because I know the work he’s put in. He just kept his nose to the grindstone and continues to post. The fact that he can do it getting four days rest each time and allowing us to get rest for other players has been huge as well.”
One of the few players who hasn’t clicked early this season is Austin Riley at third base. Riley followed three straight 30-homer seasons with back-to-back campaigns below 20 the last two seasons. After Friday’s two-hit performance at Colorado, he’s hitting .202 with three homers and 18 RBIs in 33 games.
Considering he’s in the fourth season of a 10-year, $212 million contract, it’s a situation the Braves are somewhat stuck with.
But like with Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II, two of the Braves’ hottest hitters this season who were struggling mightily a season ago, Anthopoulos is confident Riley will come out of this extended slump to start the season.
“I’m not saying this is going to be the same thing, but Harris and Albies at the All-Star break (last year), so you’re talking middle of July, a long time, they were top-10 worst in MLB in OPS. You wouldn’t imagine it because they’re so talented, they’re so good, especially Albies, the home runs, Silver Sluggers, All-Star games,” Anthopoulos said. “Riley as well, the work ethic, the person, the defense, the athleticism. He’s going to get it going. I don’t know when. We’re working, he’s working. We’re looking at stuff, he is too.
“You saw it with that road series in Philadelphia, he’s going to get going again. I think the big part about this is we have other guys performing, stepping up. We’re scoring runs, so he’s got time to work through this. But obviously, when he gets going and some other guys get going, we should be that much stronger. I have no doubt he’ll come out of it. I just don’t know when. I said the same thing about Harris last year, same thing about Albies.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: José Caballero #72 of the New York Yankees drops the ball attempting to tag Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles who is safe at second during their game at Yankee Stadium on May 02, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On paper, Kyle Bradish is Baltimore’s top starter with Trevor Rogers on the IL. Unfortunately, the lefty failed to pitch like it today. Bradish couldn’t play stopper for the struggling Orioles, and the Yankees ran away with a decisive 9-4 win in the second of a four-games series.
Bradish continued a disappointing string of starts by Orioles pitchers. The lefty used a double play ball to erase a leadoff walk in the first, but the Yankees broke through in the second. Cody Bellinger snuck a pop fly over the short porch in right field to give New York an early 1-0 advantage. It was the type of homer that elicited eye rolls from opposing fans and pitchers alike, but Bradish ran into more serious trouble as the game continued.
José Caballero worked a five pitch walk with one out in the third, and Trent Grisham poked a double to left field. Bradish bounced back by striking out Ben Rice, but he crossed up catcher Adley Rutschman on a high fastball. The passed ball allowed New York to double its lead, and Bellinger drove in the third run of the game on an 0-2 breaking ball.
Bellinger’s knock represented a troubling trend of Baltimore pitchers failing to put away hitters. Bradish came within one strike of a zero in the fourth inning before grooving a 3-2 fastball to Grisham. The Yankee leadoff hitter smacked the ball 412 feet to left field, and New York took a commanding 5-1 lead in the fourth.
Grisham’s blast killed some fleeting momentum for the Orioles. Pete Alonso got the O’s on the board in the top of the fourth with his second homer in as many days. The solo shot briefly trimmed the deficit to two, but Bradish failed to deliver a shutdown inning.
Keegan Akin replaced Bradish in the fifth, and Bellinger greeted him with another homer. The Yankees led 6-1 before Baltimore managed to chip away in the sixth inning.
The Orioles loaded the bases with nobody out for Alonso, but the slugger grounded into a double play. Tyler O’Neill took a walk, and a pinch-hitting Samuel Basallo delivered a double down the right field line to make it 6-3. Jeremiah Jackson stepped in with a chance to make it a one-run game with a base hit, but he bounced a harmless ground ball to short that ended the inning.
Dylan Beavers pinch hit for Weston Wilson to start the seventh. The rookie worked a walk, stole second and third, and eventually scored on a ground ball by Taylor Ward. The manufactured run inched Baltimore to within two, but any chance at a comeback faded in the bottom half of the inning,
Anthony Nunez walked Rice and Aaron Judge before allowing a run-scoring single to Bellinger. Jazz Chisholm plated two more with a base hit to right that O’Neill briefly failed to handle. Judge walked twice, but finished 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. The Yankees still managed to score nine runs. That simply can’t happen.
The Orioles needed a strong start from Bradish after Cade Povich completed only four innings in Game 1. Baltimore will send out pitching prospect Trey Gibson for his MLB debut tomorrow against Max Fried (4-1, 2.09 ERA). Maybe the rookie can help flip the script.
Craig Albernaz sent out a lineup of seven righties, one switch hitter, and Gunnar Henderson to face left-handed starter Ryan Weathers. O’Neill, Coby Mayo, Jeremiah Jackson, Weston Wilson and Blaze Alexander combined to go 0-for-13 from spots five-to-nine in the batting order. It’s unclear how much input Albernaz has on the lineup in this modern era, but the Orioles’ obsession with matchups failed to produce positive results today.
This series feels like a benchmark for the Orioles. So far, the team looks completely outclassed by the first-place Yankees. Baltimore is clearly struggling to overcome some short and long term injuries, and the panic button could be on ice by the end of the weekend.
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Detroit Tigers pitcher Will Vest (19) pitches during the game between the Detroit Tigers versus the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday April 22, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
On Saturday, the Detroit Tigers placed right-handed reliever Will Vest on the 15-day injured list with right forearm inflammation. The Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens top reliever in April, right-hander Ricky Vanasco, has been added to the 40-man roster and called up to Detroit. To open a spot, RHP Yoniel Curet has been designated for assignment.
Oh boy, this was not what the Tigers’ bullpen needed right now. Vest, the Tigers best reliever and one of the best in baseball in 2025, hasn’t pitched since last Sunday, and it was becoming clear that something was wrong. The Tigers were very quick to place RHP Troy Melton on the 60-day injured list this spring when he dealt with forearm inflammation, and that aggressive approach to giving Melton all the time needed to get right appears to have paid off as he avoided surgery and is now due to start rehab work this weekend. Hopefully, Vest will also avoid any longer term complications, but we’ll have to wait for further testing and until he can start ramping up again to really be sure.
In addition, the Tigers also announced on Saturday that Kenley Jansen is currently day-to-day with a groin/abdominal issue. That may explain some of the wild swings in velo and command, but that is also not good right now.
RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long was scratched from his start in Toledo on Friday night, leading some to wonder if he would be called up in Casey Mize’s spot, but instead he too suffered an injury and is day-to-day as well. Gipson-Long missed most of spring camp with a left abdominal strain, but whether this is a setback with that or another injury is unknown.
The 27-year-old Vanasco has been outstanding in the early going. A journeyman reliever with an excellent power curveball, made a brief major league debut with both the Dodgers and Tigers in 2024, but has never been able to refine his command enough to become a dependable relief option. So far this spring, he’s figured it out in Toledo.
In 10 appearances totalling 15 innings of work, Vanasco has a spotless 0.00 ERA. He’s struck out 28 hitters and walked just four. That’s a 47.5 percent strikeout rate, with an opponent’s batting average of just .148 against him and a 0.80 WHIP.
Vanasco sits around 95 mph with plus extension on his fourseam fastball, but the movement on the pitch is pretty pedestrian. He does have to command it around the edges of the strike zone to avoid it getting hit hard. The fastball typically has 16 degrees of induced vertical break, a mediocre mark, and doesn’t run armside too much either. Vanasco’s extension and quick arm do help it play up a bit, however. It also helps that he mixes fourseamers and sinkers in equal amounts, and has located both really well so far this year. That’s made him less predictable, and the fourseamer is actually getting plenty of whiffs as a result of it not being a primary offering.
Vanasco uses fourseamers, sinkers, curveballs, and changeups in basically equal amounts. Against right-handers, the power curve is the big weapon, and it’s overall his best pitch. He throws it really hard, generally 83-84 mph, and it’s relatively low spin rate, generally around 2350 rpms, is reminiscent of former Alex Lange’s power slider that was really a curveball. The pitch has drawn a 41.4 percent whiff rate so far this season, and that’s pretty typical for it. We won’t be surprised if the Tigers’ pitching coaches have him use the curveball even more and thrown it maybe close to half the time against right-handed hitters.
Vanasco’s changeup is average, but he’s been in much better command of it the past two seasons and it’s been an effective pitch for him. It sits 85 mph with pretty good armside run but average depth. He has gotten a 38.6 percent whiff rate on it going back to the beginning of 2025, and as Vanasco will generally be facing as many right-handed hitters as possible, it’s not as though he needs that pitch to be more than a serviceable weapon.
As for Yoniel Curet, the 23-year-old right-hander has a good fastball-slider combination but hasn’t conquered the control issues that plagued him as a Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect the last two years. He’s stalled out at the Triple-A level as a result. Curet used to throw his fourseamer from 95-99 mph, but hasn’t quite had that upper band as often. He’s an interesting, still young project who sits 95-96 mph with good movement and an above average slider, but he was unlikely to help the Tigers much this season. They claimed him back in mid-April, and while no one will lose sleep over it if he doesn’t get through waivers, no doubt the Tigers would like to keep him and have more time to try and develop his command. At very least he could become a pretty good relief option if he can just learn to spot his fourseamer more often.
May 2, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish (38) during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
New York didn’t do much in the offseason, with much consternation given to the “run it back” attitude towards the roster. Part of that was a lot of debate about whether or not the Yankees should commit to Cody Bellinger long term. For at least one day, that signing turned out to be a great decision, as Bellinger took charge in today’s Yankee win, driving in four in the team’s 9-4 victory over the Orioles.
The Yankees did manage to get their first batter of the game aboard, with Trent Grisham working a blue-collar walk to start the top of the first. Nothing came of that chance, but no matter, because Cody Bellinger led off the second with a porch job:
(This was supposed to be a reel but MLB Film Room is being stupid today, I beg your forgiveness.)
I’m not going to ding Ryan Weathers for giving up a solo shot to Pete Alonso, that is exactly what Pete Alonso is paid to do. The other two runs he was ultimately charged with came off a misplay, where José Caballero failed to cover second base, then with the bases loaded and no out, Jake Bird came in and pitched more like I expect Jake Bird to pitch. The end results you can’t really put on Weathers, except for actually how he pitched.
In my opinion, Ryan Weathers is at his best when he reduces his fastball usage. His breaking and offspeed stuff is better, the fastball is really used to keep hitters honest. The problem with pitching backwards like that is hitters have to have a healthy fear that your breaking or offspeed pitch will come into the zone, or at least the shadow zone. Otherwise, the moment that you can pick up on the rotation of a pitch or the position in the hand, you can immediately spit on it: there’s such a low chance it’ll end up in the strike zone that you can take your chances on a better pitch coming next.
Weathers didn’t have good enough to make that happen. He only walked two, but got himself deep into counts pretty consistently, not by nibbling but by not hitting the zone. That leads to a rise in pitch counts and a more confident approach by hitters in the box. It’s only one earned run, but the journey it took to get through those five-plus innings was a rocky one.
I was getting worried for about an inning there, as the Orioles pushed another run across by taking advantage of Camilo Doval’s inability to hold runners. Fortunately, the Yankees broke out a bit in the seventh, with of course Cody Bellinger at the center of it all — his seeing-eye single scored Ben Rice before Jazz Chisholm Jr. brought Aaron Judge and Cody around with a single of his own.
With the now-five run lead, it was Paul Blackburn’s turn to take over, and he was able to close out the game without issue. That’s seven straight wins at the Stadium for the Yankees, and they’re a win away (be it Sunday or Monday) from clinching their fifth-straight series victory. However, against both the Astros and Rangers, New York took the first two games and failed to complete the sweep, and sweeps feel a whole lot better than two of three.
Max Fried represents a pretty good chance to lead you closer to that sweep though, and he’s scheduled to start tomorrow. First pitch is once again at 1:35pm Eastern.
The Yankees racked up 11 hits, including three home runs and four doubles, to take down the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, 9-4.
Here are the takeaways...
-- Cody Bellinger launched a hanging slider from Kyle Bradish over the right field wall in the bottom of the second inning, giving the Yanks a 1-0 lead. It was his fourth home run of the season and his first homer since April 18, when he blasted two against the Kansas City Royals.
After Aaron Judge was intentionally walked (on a 3-1 count) in the third inning, Bellinger's big day continued with an RBI double, pushing the lead to 3-0. And for his third act in the fifth inning? Bellinger smacked a solo home run off lefty Keegan Akin, making it a 6-1 game.
Staying hot, Bellinger picked up his fourth hit of the day with an RBI single in the seventh inning, pushing the Yanks' lead to 7-4.
-- José Caballero walked with one out in the third inning and advanced to third base on Trent Grisham's double off the wall in left field. Caballero used his speed and scored on a passed ball by Adley Rutschman, just beating the tag by Bradish (while taking a knee to the face on the slide).
Grisham kept the fun going in the bottom of the fourth inning, hitting a two-run HR off Bradish to right-center field to make it a 5-1 game. It's Grisham's fifth homer of the year.
-- Ryan Weathers cruised through the first three innings, issuing just two walks and getting up four strikeouts. He lost the no-hit bid in the fourth, letting up a one-out solo homer to Pete Alonso as the Orioles trailed, 3-1. Weathers settled back in to get the next two outs of the frame and then tossed a 1-2-3 fifth inning.
The left-hander ran into some trouble in the sixth inning, allowing back-to-back singles with no one out. Rutschman then reached first safely to load the bases on a fielder's choice and an error by Ben Rice. That ended Weathers' day on the mound, finishing after five-plus innings and allowing one earned run (three total) on three hits with five strikeouts and two walks.
-- Jake Bird came in for relief in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and got Alonso to ground into a double play. He then walked Tyler O'Neill to put runners at the corners and surrendered an RBI double to Samuel Basallo that cut the Yanks' lead to 6-3. Camilo Doval pitched the seventh inning and let up one run on a groundout after Dylan Beavers walked and stole his way to third base.
-- After Bellinger's RBI single in the seventh, Jazz Chisholm Jr. drove in two more runs on a single and advanced to second on a throwing error, extending the lead to 9-4. Although Chisholm got picked off trying to steal third and was caught in a rundown.
-- Back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch and exiting Wednesday's game early, Jasson Dominguez went 1-for-4 with a single and a strikeout. He had a big opportunity in the third inning with the bases loaded, but grounded out to the second baseman. His single came from the right side of the plate in the fifth inning, hitting a ball off the left-hander Akin to center field.
Game MVP: Cody Bellinger
After doubling twice on Friday night, the 2019 NL MVP stayed hot and finished 4-for-4 for four RBI and three runs scored.
DENVER, CO - May 1: Atlanta Braves Michael Harris II (23) celebrates after his ninth inning two-run home run during a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As the Braves go for yet another series win, they turn to Chris Sale at Coors Field, expecting to see the Rockies’ young star Chase Dollander, with Brennan Bernardino as the opener.
Michael Harris returns to the starting lineup at DH after his epic game-winning home run Friday night, as he continues to nurse his quad injury. Mauricio Dubon mans centerfield instead of Eli White, as Jorge Mateo takes over at shortstop. Austin Riley continues to bat behind Dubon, as he has struggled to start the season.
The Rockies shuffled their lineup a bit, facing the lefty Sale, as the lefty Mickey Moniak takes a seat and Tyler Freeman sits out after having been hit by a Didier Fuentes fastball in the wrist.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Starter Slade Cecconi #44 of the Cleveland Guardians prepares to pitch in the top of the first inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field on April 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here’s the Guardians lineup:
Saturday's Guardians lineup in West Sacramento:
CF Kwan LF Martínez 3B Ramírez 1B Hoskins DH DeLauter RF Fry 2B Bazzana C Hedges SS Rocchio
The New York Mets will try to make it two wins in a row as they face off against the Los Angeles Angels tonight.
Nolan McLean has been a rare bright spot this season for New York, and I’m counting on him leading the team to victory in my Mets vs. Angels predictions.
Let’s break down this matchup in my free MLB picks for Saturday, May 2.
Who will win Mets vs Angels today: Mets (-125)
Nolan McLean has been electric so far for the beleaguered New York Mets, posting a 2.55 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in his first six starts.
Although that hasn’t translated into many wins — New York is just 1-5 in his starts — that can’t be pinned on the 24-year-old, who has yet to allow more than three runs in any appearance.
McLean should deal against the reeling Los Angeles Angels, who have averaged only 3.86 runs per game during their seven-game losing streak and own a .698 OPS against right-handed starters this year. I like the Mets to come away with the win tonight.
COVERS INTEL:The Angels enter tonight’s game with the lowest Expected Batting Average in the majors, boasting an xBA of .227 this season.
Mets vs Angels Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-120)
The Angels haven’t been firing on offense lately, and McLean will keep them in check. The Mets have also played to totals of eight runs or fewer in each of McLean’s last four starts.
Of course, a lot of that has to do with the floundering New York offense as well. The Mets are scoring 3.44 runs per game, and while Reid Detmers isn’t the most intimidating presence on the mound, he’s solid enough to help keep the Mets from breaking out.
Ed Scimia's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 5-9, -4.31 units
Over/Under bets: 4-8, -4.26 units
Mets vs Angels odds
Moneyline: Mets -125 | Angels +105
Run line: Mets -1.5 (+140) | Angels +1.5 (-165)
Over/Under: Over 8 (+100) | Under 8 (-120)
Mets vs Angels trend
New York has won four consecutive head-to-head matchups against Los Angeles. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Angels.
How to watch Mets vs Angels and game info
Location
Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
First pitch
9:38 p.m. ET
TV
SNY, FDSN W
Mets starting pitcher
Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA)
Angels starting pitcher
Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA)
Mets vs Angels latest injuries
Mets vs Angels weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong continues his journey back to the bigs with another impressive start with Triple-A Syracuse.
Pitching against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Saturday afternoon, Tong dominated, allowing just one unearned run on one hit and two walks while striking out six batters.
The one blemish to Tong's line was caused in the first inning. After allowing a leadoff walk and allowing Steward Berroa to reach on a throwing error by Tong on a sacrifice bunt, Otto Kemp made Tong pay with a sacrifice fly that brought in Christian Cairo home from third base. Tong would settle down, retiring 16 straight batters -- including the sac fly -- before a one-out walk and single put Tong in trouble again. But the young right-hander would get a flyout and Bryan De La Cruz to strike out to end the threat and Tong's day.
Saturday was a great bounce-back game for Tong after pitching just 4.2 innings in his last start. On April 26, Tong allowed three runs on five hits and three walks against the Worcester Woo Sox. He still struck out six batters in the loss, a positive trend for Tong. Including Saturday, Tong has struck out at least six batters in five straight games.
Tong also lowered his season ERA to 4.60 after seven starts.
Another top prospect was playing in this game. A.J. Ewing continued his scorching hot start to his Triple-A career with two more hits. Ewing went 2-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base, his fourth with Syracuse. Through five games in Triple-A, Ewing is hitting .556 with a double, a triple and two RBI. Saturday was also Ewing's fourth multi-hit game.
Jonah Tong was absolutely DOMINATE today on the mound! 😤
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Jake Irvin #27 of the Washington Nationals tags out Tyler Black #7 of the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After yet another home loss, the Nats will look to get back on track at Nationals Park. They are now 3-11 at home, which is the worst in the league. There was not much they could do against Jacob Misiorowski last night, so hopefully the offense can get going against a different pitcher.
There will be some changes to that offense with a lefty on the mound. Joey Wiemer will be in the lineup and in right field, which pushes James Wood to left field and Daylen Lile to DH. Curtis Mead will remain at first base with a lefty on the mound. Jacob Young moves up in the lineup as well. Nasim Nunez and Keibert Ruiz will also be playing today. This will be the first time Foster Griffin sees a team twice, and I am intrigued to see how the lefty attacks this Brewers lineup for a second time.
history: the first-ever may 2, 2026 nationals lineup
The Brewers are only making a couple changes, despite a lefty being on the mound. Joey Ortiz will be back at shortstop and Brandon Lockridge will be in left field. Gary Sanchez will be behind the plate, which moves William Contreras to DH. Kyle Harrison has gotten off to a great start in his Brewers career and will get the ball this afternoon.
Now that they are not facing the Miz, this offense will actually have a chance. They have responded well after poor showings this season, and hopefully the same will be the case today. I feel like James Wood is due! Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 26: Kyle Harrison #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts after striking out a career high 12 batters during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates of the game at American Family Field on April 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the Brewers offense kept rolling in last night’s game against the Nationals, they will try to keep that momentum going this afternoon. It will be a rematch of starting pitchers from three weeks ago, when these teams played on April 11th.
First, we have today’s set of injury updates. After Jacob Misiorowski left last night’s game early, we were hopeful that it was just a cramp and nothing more serious. Thankfully, that looks like it was the case. Before the game today, Misiorowski gave a thumbs up on his hamstring. Manager Pat Murphy had the same opinion, saying that he still needs a normal day of work to make sure, but everything looks good so far. His next turn in the rotation would be Wednesday’s series finale against the Cardinals, but it’s also worth noting there’s an off-day right after it, if the Brewers want to give him a little extra rest.
Meanwhile, the news is not as good for Angel Zerpa. He’s seeking a second opinion on his forearm tightness and is deciding whether or not to have surgery. Murphy did not elaborate on what that surgery would be, but said it would be Zerpa’s decision. Either way, it’s looking like it will be a while before we see Zerpa on the field again.
Finally, Logan Henderson is currently the Brewers. He hasn’t been added to the active roster yet, but he will likely fill Brandon Woodruff’s spot in the rotation. That start would be on Tuesday in St. Louis, but Henderson could also start sooner. His last start for Nashville was on Sunday. Currently, Chad Patrick is the probable starter for tomorrow, but the Brewers have not announced their probable starters for the Cardinals series yet.
Kyle Harrison gets the start today after his dominant performance against the Pirates on Sunday. He’s coming off of six shutout innings where he allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out 12 batters. This is his second start against the Nationals this season and he will be looking for a better result this time. In his last start against them, he only pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits and a walk, with just one strikeout.
On the other side, Foster Griffin starts today for the Nationals. He had his own strong performance last time he faced the Brewers, holding them to just one hit and three walks in 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Griffin is also coming off of a seven shutout inning start against the White Sox on Sunday. However, his two starts before that were rougher. He allowed four runs to the Pirates in 5 1/3 innings, and three runs to the Braves in six innings.
The lineup machine keeps spinning today, and it likely won’t end anytime soon with two starters due back on Monday. William Contreras gets a day off from catching and will serve as the designated hitter. Gary Sánchez will start behind the plate and bat fourth today. Brandon Lockridge and Joey Ortiz also get starts today.
First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. It will be on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (12-21) and Boston Red Sox (13-19) play the 2nd game of this 3-game weekend series at Fenway Park this afternoon.
RHP Spencer Arrighetti (3-0, 2.00 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. BOS LHP Connelly Early (2-1, 2.84 ERA). The Astros will be facing Early for the 1st time in his young career.
SPENCER’S GIFTS: After starting the season at Triple A Sugar Land, RHP Spencer Arrighetti has been strong in his 3 starts for the Astros this season. He is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA (4ER/18IP) with 9 BB and 21 SO and a .169 opp. avg.
In his last start on Sunday vs. NYY, he allowed just 3 hits and 1 run in 7.0 IP with 8 strikeouts (7-4 win).
SUCCESS VS. THE SOX: RHP Spencer Arrighetti has had success in his previous 2 starts vs. the Red Sox. In those 2 starts combined, Red Sox hitters are just 3×38 (.079) vs. him.
In his Fenway Park debut on Aug. 10, 2024, Arrighetti tallied a career-high 13 strikeouts en route to a 5-4 win (7 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 13 SO).
On Aug. 12 of last season, Arrighetti allowed just 1 hit in 5.0 IP vs. BOS, but took the loss in what ended in a 14-1 Red Sox win (5 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 SO).
LOTS OF LEFTIES: The Astros are scheduled to face LH starters in all 3 games of this series.
The last time they faced a LH starter in all games of a 3-game series was April 30-May 2, 2021 vs. TB (almost exactly 5 years ago).
The last time that HOU has faced 3 consecutive LH starters overall was Sept. 19-21, 2024 vs. LAA (4-game series).
ROADIES: Today is the 5th game (1-3 thus far) of a 6-game road trip for the Astros.
HOU was 1-2 in BAL on the first stop of the trip.
DAYTIMERS: As a result of Wednesday night’s rainout in BAL, 4 of the 6 games on the Astros current road trip will be day games.
HOU ended their last homestand with a day game, so they will have played 5 of 7 games in the daytime once they complete this road trip.
VS THE SAWX: The Astros swept the Red Sox in a 3-game series at Daikin Park earlier this season, Mar. 30-April 1.
Over the past 10 seasons (since 2017), HOU is 33-23 (.589) vs. BOS overall.
FUN AT FENWAY: Despite being swept in a 3-game series in their last visit here (Aug. 1-3), the Astros have had recent success at Fenway Park. HOU has won 6 of their last 10 games at Fenway.
Prior to last year’s series in Aug., HOU had swept the Red Sox in 2 consecutive visits to Fenway, Aug. 28-30 of 2023 and Aug. 9-11 of 2024 (both 3-game series).
The Astros are 16-10 (.615) in the regular season at Fenway Park since 2017. Houston is also 4-3 at Fenway all-time in the postseason.
YORDAN AT FENWAY: In 13 career reg. season games at Fenway, Yordan Alvarez is hitting .438 (21×48) with 7 HR and 16 RBI with a 1.529 OPS. His career OPS, SLG (.979) and OBP (.550) at Fenway are the best all-time (min. 50 PA).
PLAYER OF THE MONTH?: Yordan Alvarez is a strong candidate for the AL Player of the Month Award for March/April as he has had a torrid start to his season, hitting .341 with 12 HR and 27 RBI.
Alvarez currently leads the AL in RBI (27), TB (87) and OBP (.446) while ranking 2nd in batting avg. (.341), SLG (.707) and OPS (1.153) and T-2nd in HR (12).
HIT PARADE: The Astros, who lead the AL in batting (.267), have reached double-figures in hits in each of the last 3 games, going 38×118 (.322) in that span.
Last night marked the 14th game in which HOU reached double figures in hits in 2026.
ROAD WARRIOR: In 12 road games (9 starts) this season, Brice Matthews is 11×35 (.314) with a HR, 7 RBI and 5 BB, slashing (.313/.400/.486) for an .886 OPS.
In his young career, Matthews is hitting .288 in 19 road games (15 starts) with 5 HR and 16 RBI with a .373 OBP and a .593 SLG (.966 OPS).
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: With 238 career HR as a second basemen, Jose Altuve needs one more to tie Lou Whitaker for 7th place all-time among 2nd basemen.
Altuve also needs 3 RBI to become the 5th player in franchise history to reach 900.
WALKER, TEXAS HAMMER: Christian Walker is hitting .375 (15×40) in his last 10 games (since 4/20) with 3 HR and 8 RBI.
For the season, Walker enters today ranked T-7th in the AL in RBI (24), 7th in SLG (.546), 5th in TB (65), 9th in OPS (.917) and T-6th in doubles (9).
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2017 – The Astros erupt for 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning, lifting them to an 8-7, come-from-behind win over the Texas Rangers in Houston. Marwin Gonzalez led the way as his grand slam in that 8th inning was the key blow. For the game, Gonzalez went 2×3 with 2 HR and 5 RBI.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 3:10 p.m. CT
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
COVERS INTEL:
