Apr 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A general view of a Detroit Tigers hat with the Major League Baseball logo sitting in the dugout in a game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Game Three with the Tigers and then the Jays head off for four games in New York against the Yankees.
And Adam Macko is up with the team. He told reporters that he rushed around to buy ‘collared shirts’ to wear on the team bus, saying that he only had hoodies. It seems that I’ve been following his journey up the ladder forever. He was drafted by the Mariners in 2019 from Vauxhall high school here in Alberta (a 2.5 hour driving time from Calgary), and we got him in trade for Teoscar Hernandez.
Vlad is in the two-spot today. I’m all for moving guys around when they are slumping. It likely won’t do much, but you never know.
The Yankees are not playing their best baseball at the moment, winning just two of their last eight games to fall several games back of first. That three of those losses have come against a pair of struggling teams in the Orioles and Mets makes the Bombers’ deficiencies appear all the most glaring — and they’re at risk of their third consecutive series loss. All the same, they can get back in the series win column with a good performance in the rubber game against their crosstown rivals this afternoon.
Elmer Rodríguez got the call up after Max Fried was placd on the IL with a bone bruise in his pitching elbow. Lauded for his command in the high minors, the walks have been the biggest issue in his first two MLB starts, though it is worth commending him for settling down and tossing 3.2 scoreless after a three-run first threatened to derail his last start against the Rangers. In those two starts, both against Texas, Rodríguez has given up five runs on ten hits and eight walks across 8.2 innings.
Freddy Peralta has performed largely as advertised since the Mets acquired him from Brewers over the winter to be their long-sought-after ace of the rotation. The whiffs and strikeouts are down as he has lost about one mph off all of his pitches, but he is doing a much better job of keeping the ball off the barrel of the bat than in his previous three seasons. In nine starts, Peralta is 3-3 with a 3.10 ERA (128 ERA+), 3.66 FIP, and 50 strikeouts in 49.1 innings.
The Yankees lineup has been one of the principal culprits in the recent downturn in form, scoring three or fewer runs in six out of the last eight games. Austin Wells is probably their most struggling player and he gets the day off after the night game with J.C. Escarra taking his place behind the plate. It has been nice to see Jazz Chisholm Jr. get the bat going of late, while Anthony Volpe has been getting on base despite not registering a hit since making his season debut.
The Mets meanwhile field the worst offense in MLB, yet still managed to push six runs across last night. They make a pair of changes to their lineup, MJ Melendez coming in to play left, moving Juan Soto to DH and Austin Slater to the bench. Hayden Senger takes over catching duties from Luis Torrens.
How to watch
Location: Citi Field – Flushing, NY
First pitch: 1:40 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, SNY
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2 (NYM)
TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 17: A guest is seen wearing silver boots during Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo A/W 2026 on March 17, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Mila Gruber/Getty Images) | Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 16: Nasim Nuñez #26 and James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After a deeply gratifying win to get to .500 yesterday, the Nats have a chance to sweep the O’s. Getting to .500 is cool, but getting over that hump would be even better. They will have a chance to do just that in front of what should be another stellar crowd at Nationals Park.
The Nats are not making too many adjustments to the lineup that got them 13 runs yesterday. After a great performance off the bench, Brady House will be starting again at third base. That pushed Jose Tena to DH and down the lineup. Keibert Ruiz stays behind the plate after his big day. Richard Lovelady will be the opener and Miles Mikolas will follow him.
The O’s are making more changes. Adley Rutschman will get the day off. That means young Samuel Basallo will do the catching. Taylor Ward moves up to the leadoff spot and takes Basallo’s place as the DH. Colton Cowser will be back in the lineup as the left fielder. Right hander Brandon Young will be on the mound for the birds.
This series has already been a huge success for the Nats. They have performed well in front of big crowds and brought a new buzz around the team. Now they have a chance to put a cherry on top today. They will go for the sweep and a winning record. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
After eking out a win Friday night and blowing a late lead Saturday night, the series is on the line when the Braves and Red Sox face off Sunday afternoon at 1:35 p.m. EDT.
Grant Holmes gets a regular-rest turnaround on the Braves’ starter carousel against Brayan Bello, who has been bad as a starter but good as a bulk reliever this season.
Let’s see if the Braves can close out the homestand with a winning record.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 11: Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles runs to first base against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Taylor Ward will bat first and serve as the designated hitter today as the Orioles look to avoid a sweep in DC. Ward will be followed by shortstop Gunnar Henderson and first baseman Pete Alonso. Samuel Basallo will do the catching with Adley Rutschman starting the game on the bench.
Tyler O’Neill, Colton Cowser, and Leody Taveras will handle the outfield duties with Ward penciled in as the DH. Coby Mayo will play third, and Jeremiah Jackson will take second base against Nationals opener Richard Lovelady. Miles Mikolas is expected to follow Lovelady.
Struggling teams look to their stars. With Rutschman on the bench, the Orioles need Henderson and Alonso to spark the offense today.
The Orioles will send out right-handed pitcher Brandon Young. Young was forced into the rotation after some early injuries, and the 27-year-old has an opportunity to cement his place with a few more strong outings.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 16: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros gestures as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on May 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The latest news on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:
The Astros could potentially be without franchise icon Jose Altuve for a while:
Astros’ Jose Altuve to undergo imaging after injuring left side on awkward swing https://t.co/eVXJmmDowI
Nate Pearson, Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers should all join the Astros in Minneapolis next week, barring something unforeseen. Peña and Meyers are playing for Double-A Corpus Christi today.
Hunter Brown is scheduled to throw a live batting practice on Tuesday, after which he will go out on a rehab assignment. Brown needs to be built up, so it’ll be a long rehab assignment, but progress nonetheless.
Josh Hader will not be back when first eligible on May 24, but it’s not because of a setback.
Josh Hader needs five more rehab outings, Joe Espada said today. Hader will not come off the IL on May 24 when he is first eligible, but that is only due to the calendar they've set for his final five appearances, Espada said. https://t.co/ahsHs48h6b
While he's not quite back to his old self, Bryan Abreu is in the middle of an encouraging stretch after struggling early this season. https://t.co/UjLUKdCQaK
Astros pitching coach Josh Miller on Astros’ league-leading walks totals & how they are trying to get better:
Pitching coach Josh Miller addresses some of the factors behind Houston's glaring walks issue and how the Astros are trying to improve. https://t.co/fvbM9ft43q
Of course, walks are up everywhere, and it’s no secret why. Jayson Stark on the impact of ABS on the the strike zone, as well as why the NL looks so much better than the AL, the impact of the WBC on MLB team so far and more:
Here’s my column that Joe Davis talked about on the Fox Sports game last night.
What have we learned so far?
That ABS is changing more than just how we call balls and strikes.
The only 60-home run hitters to hit 20 homers in fewer games than Phillies DH Kyle Schwarber (45 games): Mark McGwire: 20 HRs in 43 games in 1998. Barry Bonds: 20 HRs in 42 games in 2001.
Kyle Schwarber becomes the 8th player in MLB history to hit 20 HRs in the first 45 games: Cy Williams Mickey Mantle Ken Griffey Jr Barry Bonds Mark McGwire Luis Gonzalez Albert Pujols Kyle Schwarber
Dodgers SP Blake Snell is the latest casualty of “loose bodies”:
Blake Snell’s injury woes continue: He goes back on the IL with loose bodies in his elbow that normally requires surgery. Dodgers recalled left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes.
– Giants not considering moving their stars. – Jordan Walker … extension candidate? – Foster Griffin looks like one of best offseason moves. – Mauricio Dubon, Dom Smith impacts have been big for Atlanta. – Mets believe they can turn their season around.…
You can make a case the Mariners have played without Big Dumper all season long, but…
“I don’t expect them to make a move.”@Ken_Rosenthal says the Mariners’ plan is likely to ride it out internally until Cal Raleigh returns. pic.twitter.com/Vco4QBnmWx
One of the challenges for the Red Sox: even if they want to make substantive changes with the roster, it would be tough to do so, because they’ve got a combination of young (and cheap) players who they expect to develop; and expensive veterans who can’t easily be moved. And as…
Mar 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Carson Benge – RF Bo Bichette – SS Juan Soto – DH Mark Vientos – 1B MJ Melendez – LF Brett Baty – 3B Marcus Semien – 2B A.J. Ewing – CF Hayden Senger – C
SP: Freddy Peralta – RHP
Yankees lineup
Trent Grisham – CF Ben Rice – 1B Aaron Judge – DH Cody Bellinger – LF Jazz Chisholm – 2B Ryan McMahon – 3B Spencer Jones – RF Anthony Volpe – SS J.C. Escarra – C
SP: Elmer Rodriguez – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:40pm EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 12: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park on May 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Zack Wheeler (2-0, 2.55 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (6-2, 1.98 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Philadelphia Phillies today at beautiful PNC Park.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing out the brooms Sunday night, on the road looking to sweep away their in-state rivals, the Los Angeles Angels.
The Halos might have their best shot at a win in this set, facing struggling Dodgers’ righty Roki Sasaki.
However, my Dodgers vs. Angels predictions and free MLB picks think the visitors will also prove tough for Angels starter Grayson Rodriguez, who hasn’t pitched in the bigs since 2024.
Who will win Dodgers vs Angels today: Dodgers -1.5 run line(+115)
Offense has been a problem all year, as they’re Bottom-7 in runs scored, tallying just two in two losses to the Los Angeles Dodgersso far.
There is optimism, though, to see what Grayson Rodriguez can do in his 2026 debut, as he fanned 11 in his minor-league tune-up. He missed all 2025 from elbow surgery.
But not sure this is the lineup you want to see first: the Dodgers are second in the majors in road scoring (5.95 runs) and rank Top 3 in average, OBP, slugging and OPS.
COVERS INTEL:Shohei Ohtani will face Grayson Rodriguez for the first time in his career,but he mashes against his former club. In 12 games, he’s hitting .311 with 15 hits, five HR’s, 14 RBI and 12 runs scored.
Dodgers vs Angels Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 runs (+100)
This head-to-head series has put the scoreboard bulbs to work. Including the Dodgers’ 15-2 thumping Saturday night, the Over has cashed in seven of the last nine meetings.
We don’t know what Rodriguez brings to the table, but we know what the Dodger lineup can do, and how Roki Sasaki has struggled.
Not only has he allowed at least three earned runs in five of six starts, but the floodgates usually open in his games, with at least 12 runs combined in four of his last six outings.
Watch for that trend to continue Sunday.
Eric Rosales' 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 5-6-0, -1.20 units
Over/Under bets: 8-2-0, +5.58 units
Dodgers vs Angels odds
Moneyline: Dodgers -133 | Angels +127
Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (+117) | LAA +1.5 -127)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (+108) | Under 9.5 (-117)
Dodgers vs Angels trend
At 8-12 at home, the Los Angeles Angels is tied with the Boston Red Sox for fewest home wins in Major League Baseball. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Angels.
How to watch Dodgers vs Angels and game info
Location
Angels Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Date
Sunday, May 17, 2026
First pitch
4:07 p.m. ET
TV
SportsNet LA, FDSN West
Dodgers starting pitcher
Roki Sasaki (1-3, 5.88 ERA)
Angels starting pitcher
Grayson Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Dodgers vs Angels latest injuries
Dodgers 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.
Sunday Night Baseball returns as the San Diego Padres go for the road sweep of the Seattle Mariners at 7:20 p.m. ET on Peacock.
With the series wrapped up, the Padres might come out sluggish. I’m bullish on three Seattle Overs with my Padres vs. Mariners props and MLB picks for Sunday, May 17.
The Seattle Mariners have to be thrilled with what they’ve gotten from George Kirby in 2026.
After a relatively ineffective and injury-plagued season in 2025, "Furious George" is in the Top 10 in innings thrown (57) and wins (five) among starting pitchers.
This is a spot for the San Diego Padres to underperform. They’ve already wrapped up the series by taking the first two on the road, and are looking ahead to tomorrow’s crucial matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who enter Sunday a half-game ahead of the Friars in the NL West.
The Padres haven’t been excellent against right-handed pitchers even when dialed in, posting the second-worst wRC+ (74) and fifth-highest K-rate (24.9%) this month.
Kirby pitches deep into games, averaging 6 1/3 innings per contest. If he goes that long, his ability to control the strike zone (92nd percentile chase rate, 83rd percentile walk rate) makes him a strong candidate to rack up Ks.
Randy Arozarena 2+ hits + runs + RBI (-110)
Lucas Giolito returns to the big leagues for his debut with San Diego. Given his 5.01 xERA across 26 starts in 2025, the Seattle lineup should be licking its collective chops.
The husky hurler showed reverse splits a year ago, surrendering a 1.40 WHIP to right-handed hitters. That’s a continuation of what he’s done for most of his career (4.60 FIP), so it’s fair to boost projections for all of Seattle’s righties.
Randy Arozarena’s 148 wRC+ is the highest he’s recorded since 2020. He’s destroyed right-handed pitching, slashing .318/.414/.450 with a 155 wRC+.
Julio Rodriguez 2+ total bases (+100)
Last we saw Giolito, he operated with a three-pitch mix of four-seamers, sliders, and changeups. This is music to the ears of Julio Rodriguez, who has feasted on all three offerings.
J-Rod has strong results against four-seamers (164 wRC+) and sliders (122) while positively demolishing changeups (282). He hasn’t been able to find success against any other pitch type, posting a wRC+ below 100 for all other offerings.
Add that to Giolito’s aforementioned reverse splits, and this is a dream matchup on paper for Rodriguez.
How to watch Padres vs Mariners and game info
Location
T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
Date
Sunday, May 17, 2026
First pitch
7:20 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
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.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Surfers walk out of the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla Shores beach at sunset on May 14, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hickory starter A.J. Russell went 2.1 IP, allowing two runs, striking out two and walking one.
Hector Osorio was 2 for 5 with a stolen base. Yolfran Castillo was 3 for 5 with a double and a stolen base. Marcos Torres was 2 for 6 with a double. Paulino Santana had a hit.
For Hub City, starter Ismael Agreda struck out six and walked four, allowed two runs in four innings. Andrew Susac allowed three runs in 1.2 IP, striking out two and walking one. Joey Danielson walked two and struck out two in 1.1 scoreless innings.
Malcolm Moore’s recent hot streak continued, as he went 3 for 5 with a homer. Paxton Kling homered. Gleider Figuereo was 2 for 4 with a double and a homer. Yeison Morrobel had a hit and a walk. Rafe Perich had a hit and a walk.
Frisco starter Leandro Lopez allowed four runs in five innings, walking three, striking out nine and givine up a homer. Wilian Bormie allowed a run in an inning, striking out two. Ryan Lobus struck out two in two shutout innings.
Keith Jones II went 3 for 4 with a double and a walk. Arturo Disla tripled.
Round Rock starter Josh Stephan allowed a two run homer in 5.2 IP, walking one and striking out no one. Chris Martin retired all three batters he faced. Ryan Brasier struck out one in a scoreless inning. Emiliano Teodo walked two and struck out one in an inning of work, allowing one run.
Cam Cauley was 3 for 5 with a double and two stolen bases. Aaron Zavala doubled.
The Seattle Mariners have dropped two in a row to begin this weekend series with the San Diego Padres, but my Padres vs. Mariners predictions believe Seattle's significant pitching advantage will enable them to salvage a game from this interleague affair tonight.
Who will win Padres vs Mariners tonight: Mariners moneyline (-157)
George Kirby gives the Seattle Mariners a tremendous advantage on the mound, and that will allow them to coast to victory.
Kirby doesn't rack up Ks (38th percentile), but he gets batters to chase (92nd percentile), and doesn't issue many free passes (17th in BB/9 innings among qualified starters).
The San Diego Padres lineup has been absolutely awful in May, ranking dead-last in OPS (.593).
Countering Kirby is Lucas Giolito, who makes his season debut. His minor-league rehab starts do not inspire confidence, as he recorded a 4.76 ERA across 17 innings. He also had a 5.01 xERA in 2025.
Padres vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-110)
I'm expecting a heavy dose of the Padres bullpen in this one with Giolito making his first start of 2026, and this unit is fifth by ERA in May (2.24). The Mariners offense is solid but not scary, ranking 16th in OPS.
Seattle is also swing-happy, ranking third-worst in whiff rate (27.7%). That plays directly into the hands of San Diego's relievers, who rank second in K/9 innings (10.91) this month.
The Mariners' bullpen shouldn't be taxed too heavily behind Kirby, but this a strong relief corps. Seattle relievers are eighth by ERA in May (2.38).
Padres vs Mariners odds
Moneyline: Padres +130 | Mariners -150
Run line: Padres +1.5 | Mariners -1.5
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Padres vs Mariners trend
The Mariners are 5-1 across Kirby's last six starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Padres vs. Mariners.
How to watch Padres vs Mariners and game info
Location
T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
Date
Sunday, May 17, 2026
First pitch
7:20 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Padres starting pitcher
Lucas Giolito (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcher
George Kirby (5-2, 2.84 ERA)
Padres vs Mariners latest injuries
Padres vs Mariners 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.
May 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Phillies will go for the sweep on Sunday as they wrap up their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
The good news is that they’ll have Zack Wheeler on the mound. He’s been excellent since his return from surgery with a 2.55 ERA in four starts.
And while there is no updated timeline for Polanco, who hasn’t played since April 14 due to wrist and Achilles injuries, Mendoza indicated that the Achilles bursitis is something that likely will not heal 100 percent this season, and that it comes down to how well the veteran can tolerate and play through it.
If Polanco doesn’t reach that point, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be playing any time soon.
“I think it’s getting to a point where—he’s going to feel it, right? But just keeping it to a point of ‘I can tolerate this’ because if not he’s going to get shut down for a long period of time,” Mendoza said. “So, I think we just continue to go through baseball activities, continue to push it running-wise, and see how he reacts to that.
"Hopefully, he can continue to get treatment and hopefully it goes away, but it's something that he's probably gonna have to manage."
Polanco, who signed a two-year deal with the Mets this offseason with the idea of him being the everyday first baseman, has played in just 14 games this season, hitting .179 with one home run.
COVERS INTEL:
George Kirby Over 5.5 strikeouts
