MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 25: General view of Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú during the MLB Mexico City Series game between San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú on April 25, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
PADRES
DIAMONDBACKS
Ramon Laureano – LF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Fernando Tatis – RF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Jackson Merrill – CF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Manny Machado – 3B
Adrian Del Castillo – C
Xander Bogaerts – SS
Lourdes Gurriel – LF
Gavin Sheets – DH
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Ty France – 1B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Freddy Fermin – C
Jose Fernandez – DH
Jake Cronenworth – 2B
Alek Thomas – CF
German Marquez – RHP
Zac Gallen – RHP
Redefining the concept of “home game” here a bit. Not the first time the D-backs have been screwed over by the schedule makers. If I remember correctly, when we played the Dodgers in Sydney to kick off the 2014 campaign, those were also considered to be “home games” for Arizona. Admittedly, it probably won’t make any difference in the final reckoning, any more than it did then. In 2014, the D-backs ended the year 64-98, thirty games back of the Dodgers. So the head-to-head record was unimportant. But it’s still slightly galling that these aren’t pulled equally from the two sides making the trip.
It isn’t the first time the D-backs have been scheduled to face the Padres in Mexico. They were originally planned to meet up in April 2020, but that got canceled for obvious reasons. Arizona have also played a number of spring training games down there, though it has been a while. The most recent was more than seven years ago, when they faced the Rockies for a couple of games in Monterrey on March 9-10, 2019. The Diamondbacks lost the first 3-1, but won the second 5-2. Four D-backs remain from the squads who took the field there. Ketel Marte and Ildemaro Vargas on the position player side, while Taylor Clarke and Kevin Ginkel pitched in those contests.
I suspect it’s going to be an offensively-driven series. Four teams have played two-game series in the Alfredo Harp Helú stadium, and only the Rockies scored less than fifteen runs in their contests. The last time the Padres were there, in 2023, they scored twenty-two runs, including a 16-11 slugfest victory over the Giants. All told, there have also been twenty-two home-runs over the four games. So, keeping the ball in the park – and, ideally, on the ground – is going to be important. Interesting the team is going with Ryne Nelson on Sunday, who has been the most fly-ball prone pitcher in our rotation. Let’s hope that doesn’t come back to bite them.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 19: Ryan Weathers #40 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ryan Weathers is back from the paternity list and will be rejoining the rotation ahead of his start tonight in Houston against the Astros. The corresponding move was to place right-hander Angel Chivilli on the injured list with right shoulder discomfort, retroactive to April 23rd.
Asked to fulfill a bigger role early in the season with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón both recovering from long-term injuries, Weathers has been terrific in his five starts with the Yankees. The coaching staff has—thus far—helped unlock a new level in the left-hander with a 3.18 ERA and, more importantly, an outstanding 31-percent strikeout rate. He and his wife, Thayer, recently welcomed a baby boy named Paul David Weathers into the world — his middle name coming from his grandfather, the 1996 Yankees World Series champion.
Chivilli heads to the IL, having made just a couple of appearances with the big-league club after coming over from the Rockies in the offseason and beginning 2026 in Triple-A. He hadn’t pitched since coveirng 1.2 scoreless frames against the Royals on April 19th. Fellow reliever Jake Bird was recalled when Weathers was put on leave, so he had been widely expected to return to Triple-A upon Weathers’ activation, but the Chivilli injury obviously changed the status quo.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: •Reinstated LHP Ryan Weathers (#40) from the paternity list. •Placed RHP Angel Chivilli on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to 4/23) with right shoulder discomfort.
As important as who the Yankees put on the injured list is who they didn’t: Giancarlo Stanton. The right-handed hitter was removed from the Friday game due to calf tightness, and the initial report was that they were treating it day-to-day. Properly scarred from the plethora of issues Stanton has had to deal with throughout his career, fans can at least reserve some optimism that he wasn’t the one placed on the IL here — yet. He is understandably not in Saturday night’s lineup though, with Amed Rosario filling in at DH.
Stanton and manager Aaron Boone weighed in on the situation, saying that they were still in “wait and see” mode before making any kind of IL decision.
Stanton said he definitely feels “better” today than he did last night with his right calf. No testing done as yet but that could change depending on how he comes in tomorrow. “It’s not ideal but that doesn’t mean great or terrible.”
Asked if he could pinch-hit tonight, Giancarlo Stanton said he hasn't tried swinging a bat yet, so he's not sure. Wasn't sure if he would even try swinging either. #Yankeeshttps://t.co/2MAVcg7obj
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) throws during the first inning of their game against the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Well, things didn’t go very well for the Brewers yesterday against Paul Skenes. The reigning NL Cy Young struck out seven Brewers, didn’t walk any, and allowed just one single in seven dominant innings of work. Milwaukee couldn’t muster a hit against either of Skenes’ relievers, either, and they were shut out, 6-0, and managed just two batters over the minimum.
Today, they’ll look to turn their fortunes around with what should be a game with a lower degree of difficulty. But Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller isn’t a slouch, either; in five starts this season that span 29 innings, he holds a 2.79 ERA and 3.30 FIP. That FIP, though, is buoyed by the fact that he’s allowed just one homer in those 29 innings; his walks are up slightly from the past few seasons (2.8 per nine innings) and his strikeouts are down significantly (5.9, down from a peak of 9.7 when he was an all-star in 2023). For what it’s worth, Keller didn’t have a whole lot of success against Milwaukee in 2025: in three starts, he had a 4.96 ERA and 1.347 WHIP and went 0-2.
Milwaukee’s counter to Keller is Jacob Misiorowski, one of the more exciting Brewers stories of the young season. Miz hasn’t quite put it all together yet but you can feel him getting close: in five starts, Misiorowski is just 1-2 but holds a 3.04 ERA and he leads the majors with 14.2 strikeouts per nine innings. With three strikeouts tonight, Miz will move back into the major-league lead.
Tyler Black, just up from a short stint with Triple-A Nashville after coming off the injured list, will bat cleanup again today after going 0-for-3 against Skenes yesterday (like everyone else, pretty much). Greg Jones gets the start in left field in place of Brandon Lockridge, and the rest of the lineup is packed with lefties against the right-handed Keller. Only William Contreras and Joey Ortiz are in there from the right side of the plate, everyone else is left-handed.
First pitch tonight is at 6:10 p.m. on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 15, 2025: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies prepares to pitch during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Zack Wheeler is back, but can he bring the mojo back to the team as they look to avoid an 11th loss in a row? Time will tell! Will anyone be watching this game with the Flyers Game 4 starting at 8:00pm? Time will tell!
DENVER, COLORADO - APRIL 23: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres scores on a Miguel Andujar RBI single against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning at Coors Field on April 23, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (17-8) at Arizona Diamondbacks (14-11), April 25, 2026, 03:05 p.m. PST
Watch: Padres.TV
Location: Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu – Mexico City, Mexico
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CUBS IN L.A.: This is the Cubs’ 123rd series at Los Angeles against the Dodgers. Last night’s win was the Cubs’ 56th in the opening game. They have won the second game as well only 13 times, including in 2024. The time before that was 2005, when they swept three games. This is the 20th series since then. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
STREAK NOTES: Last night’s game was the Cubs’ 1,430th since the previous one in which they extended a winning streak to 10 games, on Aug. 11, 2016. They have won 755 and lost 675, for a winning percentage of .528. There had been 40 double-digit streaks by 19 other teams since the last by the Cubs. Only 14 were by National League teams. The Astros had six; the Dodgers, four; the Brewers, Guardians, Red Sox and Yankees; three; and the Athletics, Braves, Mariners, Rays and Twins, two. Eight teams had one: Blue Jays, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Giants, Orioles, Pirates, Rangers and Reds. The teams with none: Angels, Marlins, Mets, Nationals, Padres, Phillies, Rockies, Royals, Tigers and White Sox. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
DANSBY!: Dansby Swanson, last 13 games since April 11: .279/.421/.674 (12-for-43) with a triple, five home runs, 11 walks, 15 runs scored, 16 RBI and seven multi-hit games.
THE BUSCH LEAGUE: Michael Busch, last 11 games since April 12: .311/.367/.467 (14-for-45) with a double, two home runs, seven runs scored, eight RBI and six multi-hit games.
Colin Rea has been just what the Cubs needed — a solid starter to replace Cade Horton in the rotation. Rea obviously is no Horton, but he gets the job done. In his last three games (two starts plus one as the “bulk guy”): 2.55 ERA, 0.906 WHIP, only one home run allowed in 17.2 innings. Can’t ask for much more than that.
Rea threw 3.2 innings and 68 pitches against the Dodgers in L.A. last year, April 15, 2025, allowing one run and striking out five. Current Dodgers are batting .291 (16-for-55) against Rea. Shohei Ohtani has homered twice off him, but really, who has Ohtani NOT homered twice against?
Keeping the ball in the yard would be helpful tonight.
Roki Sasaki, as you know, signed with the Dodgers out of Japan before the 2025 season with much fanfare. He threw well against the Cubs in Tokyo and Dodger Stadium (seven total innings, two runs, though seven walks), then got hurt and missed several months. He threw well again in the postseason for the Dodgers, in relief.
Today’s game is on Fox-TV (regional — coverage map). Fox announcers: Joe Davis and John Smoltz. A reminder that if you subscribe to MLB.TV or MLB Extra Innings, you can watch this game via those services even if it’s not on the Fox affiliate in your market.
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
BALTIMORE – Two poor starts shouldn’t be enough to send Garrett Crochet into a panic.
Crochet, the Boston Red Sox ace, didn’t finish second to Tarik Skubal in the 2025 American League Cy Young Award race without self-confidence, without a brazen belief that he can always challenge elite hitters with his finest stuff.
Yet after the worst two-start sequence of his young career, including an 11-run, nine-hit, three-walk, zero-strikeout debacle against the Minnesota Twins, even a 6-6 lefty with an array of pitches that seemingly disappear can drift into a state of self-doubt.
That valley was a little easier to analyze after his effort Saturday, April 25 at Camden Yards, facing an Orioles lineup that clubbed six homers the night before. On this day, they were rendered impotent by Crochet, who tossed six shutout innings of one-hit ball.
The Red Sox eventually scored 10 ninth-inning runs, four off a position player, to turn a tight game into a 17-1 rout of Baltimore. The offensive uprising was a boon for a club that entered last in the majors in OPS and home runs.
Yet the bigger sigh of relief regarded their ace left-hander, who readily admitted he was breathing easier.
“Like you wouldn’t believe,” he said after improving to 3-3 and lowering his ERA from 7.88 to 6.30. “I know I don’t suck. But when you’re not seeing results it’s, man, it’s not fun.
“After Minnesota, I couldn’t even be upset. It just really was not a good time being on the mound. But against a division opponent, a potent lineup through and through, to be able to go shutdown inning multiple times, that felt really good.”
Hard to imagine looking at the final score, but Crochet faced several moments that tested his mettle. Staked to a 3-0 lead in the second, he yielded a double and walk in the bottom of the third to bring the tying run – Gunnar Henderson, with eight home runs on the season – to the plate, prompting a visit from pitching coach Andrew Bailey.
Crochet entered the start determined to throw his four-seam fastball until the Orioles proved they could hit it. But he caught Henderson looking at a sweeper, a pitch catcher Connor Wong encouraged him to dust off.
“That was pretty satisfying. I was like man, my sweeper has been sucking lately,” says Crochet.
Indeed, he increased the sweeper usage from 13% entering the game to 20%, recording three of his six strikeouts on the offering.
The other three punchouts came on the four-seamer – and that was very much by design.
“We’ve been low-key searching for the past three starts now: What is it that I need to do to game plan for teams?” says Crochet. “Connor went into today with, no one’s hit your four all season so we were just going to throw it until they did.
“That worked out pretty well for us.”
To the point that even as Coby Mayo dinged him for a double and a 104.2 mph lineout to center, Crochet decided to bring it with conviction until the opponent proved otherwise.
They never did.
“They’ve got guys who can hit the four, too, but make ‘em prove it,” he says. “In the past, I’d go away from it without anyone proving it.
“Tonight it was just, show me. And if you show me, I might not believe you.”
The outing doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all good for Crochet, who entered the game with several concerning peripherals. The whiff rate on his four-seamer and cutter were both significantly down from 2025 (30.5% and 24.3% respectively) to 2026 (24.2%, 17.6%). His walk rate was also inflated, from 5.7% to 7.8% and he issued two more free passes Saturday.
This time, the whiff rate on his fastball was back up to 29%. Manager Alex Cora said both before and after the game that while Crochet gave up five earned runs – four on two late homers – to the Detroit Tigers, he did not consider that a clunker.
Perhaps he’s correct, and Crochet is rounding into his stuff as April turns to May.
“He’s trending in the right direction,” Cora said afterward. “Minnesota feels like a long time ago.”
The Red Sox, now 10-17, certainly hope so. They won’t go anywhere this year without Crochet, and now their ace looks like he’s back in the driver’s seat after a brush with mediocrity.
“I won’t say it’s not being afraid to fail,” he says of what he took from his two-start dip. “Because I’m terrified to fail. I think most guys in the big leagues are. And that’s what drives you to continue to work and push for success.
“It’s just being OK with it and knowing how to fail and how to bounce back.”
San Diego Padres 3B Ken Caminiti (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
This weekend, the San Diego Padres will partake in their fifth regular-season series in Mexico. It will be a two-game set against their National League West division rival, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Padres have fond memories from their past trips.
After Sunday’s contest, the Friars will have played the most regular-season games in Mexico (11). Monterrey hosted seven games, while Mexico City hosted four games. There is no denying that the ballpark crowds provide an electric environment for both clubs. Who can forget the chanting that takes place throughout the contest?
Caminiti homers twice in Snickers game
It is hard to believe this memorable feat took place 30 years ago.
For those unfamiliar, let’s set the scene. The Padres were meeting the New York Mets in the final game of the 1996 Monterrey Series. Friars third baseman Ken Caminiti walked into the clubhouse with a bad case of food poisoning and dehydration.
The training staff administered IV fluids to treat him. Padres manager Bruce Bochy was resigned to the fact that his star cleanup hitter would be unavailable for the contest. Somehow, some way, Caminiti played in the rubber game of the series.
His afternoon began with a solo home run to put the Friars on the scoreboard. Caminiti proceeded to hit a massive three-run shot that extended the lead to 8-0 and secure a series victory over the Mets.
What is remarkable about his legendary performance is that Snickers candy bars were the lone food source Caminiti could keep down. This memorable Sunday afternoon propelled him to win the NL Most Valuable Player Award.
Valenzuela’s historic first MLB start on home soil
You need no explanation on what an honor it was for Fernando Valenzuela to start the first major league regular-season game in Mexico. Despite playing away from his hometown, Valenzuela remained a celebrated national hero. Viewers could see how the honor was a personal accomplishment for him.
A raucous crowd of over 23,000 fans chanted “El Toro” at Valenzuela every time he touched the baseball. The left-hander threw six innings and allowed three runs on six hits to secure the win in a 15-10 victory.
The offensive attack featured a grand slam by Greg Vaughn and a solo shot by Steve Finley. It was another memorable moment in Valenzuela’s distinguished 17-year major league career.
Mexico City’s debut game turns into home run derby
The San Francisco Giants faced the Padres in the 2023 Inaugural Mexico City Series, where extreme altitude (7,350 feet) triggered a home run outburst in the opening game.
In a contest that felt like a home run derby, the Friars outslugged the Giants 16–11 as the two teams combined for a staggering 11 home runs in the thin air. The Padres and Giants tied a major league record of having 10 different players homer on the day. The Friars had four players who hit home runs that traveled more than 400 feet, including Xander Bogaerts’ drive that went 455 feet.
Manny Machado led the charge with two home runs, the second of which clinched the victory. Meanwhile, Nelson Cruz, who had been struggling at the plate, delivered one last memorable performance in the majors. The veteran designated hitter racked up five hits and became the oldest player in Padres history (42) to hit a home run.
Hopefully, the Friars and D-Backs can add more fond memories this weekend in Mexico. Regardless, the sold-out crowds will show their love for the greatest sport ever created.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 24: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates defeating the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Braves go for another series win against the Phillies, as Bryce Elder takes the bump facing off against Zack Wheeler in his first start back from injury. Wheeler has been somewhat diminished in his rehab starts, so we probably shouldn’t expect the prime Zack Wheeler. You can read more about the pitching matchup in the game preview here.
The headliner is that Michael Harris returns to the lineup batting fifth, as the young Braves star is scorching hot at the plate. It appears that he isn’t ready to play the field, or at least the Braves are being cautious with him, as he deals with quad tightness, but as we saw last night, he is healthy enough to hit and run and his bat simply demands to be in the lineup right now. Eli White continues to play center in Harris’ stead, while Austin Riley bats sixth.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Evan Carter #32 of the Texas Rangers celebrates with Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers after an inside the park home run in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field on April 23, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for April 25, 2026 against the A’s: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Jeffrey Springs for the A’s.
If you were wondering what it would take to get Evan Carter into the lineup against a lefty, the answer apparently is “an injury to Wyatt Langford.”
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
McCutchen — DH
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
Jung — 3B
Duran — 2B
Jansen — C
Carter — CF
Haggerty — LF
6:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -125 favorites.
Lake Michigan this morning indicated that pop-ups in today’s game could be a challenge.
Having smartly timed their turn to lead correctly in a seesaw game last night, the White Sox try to pick up another victory over the Nationals this afternoon, albeit under much different conditions. A nor’easter that hit overnight has dropped the temperature more than 20° from yesterday and produced 25 mph wind gusts that should come from left to right throughout the game.
This is a game where the pitching matchup certainly looks to favor the Sox. They have Noah Schultz on the mound for his third major league start, his last outing being an outstanding five-inning, one hit, one walk (!), six K, one-run victory over the A’s.
The Nats counter with 29-year old righty Jake Irvin, who has an awful 6.00 ERA despite opponents only hitting .220 against him, his big problem being 11 walks in 24 innings, though he went five innings without a walk against the Braves last time out. Irvin has a six-pitch repertoire, but tops out 92ish. Combined with an inability to hit his spots, that may prove a problem for Irvin against the power-surging Sox lineup:
Should Edgar Quero need to leave the game for whatever reason his backup is now Drew Romo, called up from Charlotte, with Reese McGuire DFA’d. Romo only hit .167 in a brief turn with the Rockies last year, but has been tearing up Triple-A pitching to the tune of .298/.385/.561 this spring.
Schultz will be firing his five-pitch mix to a Washington lineup that probably would have scored several more runs last night were it not for terrible baserunning (isn’t it nice when it’s the opponents who blow games on the bases?). And yes, that is ex-Sox Curtis Mead batting second and playing second for the Nats today; apparently like us, Washington also uses the waiver wire for “major talent” acquisition:
First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. Central with the temp 47° and the wind left to right field at 15 mph, gusting to 25. Usual broadcast suspects.
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 19: Shane McClanahan (18) of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts before being relieved in the fifth inning during an MLB game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 19, 2026 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 24: Brady House #12 of the Washington Nationals scores after hitting a solo home run to tie the game in the eighth inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Friday, April 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After the Nats lost a close one last night, they need to rebound and get back on track. They are 3-7 in their last 10, so a win this afternoon is much needed. The Nats will have to face a massive rookie lefty to get that win though.
The Nats lineup looks very different today. CJ Abrams will get his first scheduled off day of the season. That means Nasim Nunez will slide over to shortstop. Curtis Mead will play second base for the first time this season. After getting called up today, Andres Chaparro will hit third and play first base. Joey Wiemer will also be back in the lineup against a lefty. Keibert Ruiz will be back behind the plate. He will be catching Jake Irvin, who toes the slab this afternoon.
̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶m̶y̶ ̶d̶u̶c̶k̶s̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶r̶o̶w̶ all my players in a lineup
The White Sox are also making a couple changes. Andrew Benintendi will DH and hit leadoff. Munetaka Murakami will hit in the 2 hole. Everson Pereira will play right, which shifts Tristan Peters to center field. Noah Schultz is a 6’10 lefty for the White Sox, who has major prospect pedigree. Excited to watch him throw the ball.
The Nats have been slumping the past week or so. Today would be a great day to snap out of that slump. Yesterday was a painful loss, but the series is still up for grabs. Follow along down below and let’s go Nats.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the New York Mets in the top of the first inning at Oracle Park on April 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s time for the second game of the series between the San Francisco Giants and the Miami Marlins, and we’re all hoping it goes better than the first one.
The Giants are sending veteran lefty Robbie Ray to the mound for his sixth start of the year. The 2021 American League Cy Young Award winner is 2-3 on the year, with a 2.86 ERA, a 4.42 FIP, and 31 strikeouts against 11 walks in 28.1 innings. In his last game, Ray gave up three runs in six innings against the Washington Nationals.
He’s up against young right-handed Eury Pérez, who just turned 23 years old. He is also making his sixth start this season, and is 2-1 on the year, with a 4.15 ERA, a 4.68 FIP, and 27 strikeouts against 12 walks in 26 innings. His last start was his best, as he allowed just one unearned run in six innings against the Milwaukee Brewers.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 24: Trea Turner #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies rounds first base as he hits a two-run homer in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For those of you who wanted change, you are far more likely to get it than at any point up until now.
Depending on how things finish up this weekend in Atlanta, it’s hard to see how the 2026 season ends with the ultimate goal of a World Series parade taking place. The NL East is already lost, and the Phillies appear to be on their way to becoming the best team in history to lose 90+ games.
Whether you loved or hated the off-season, almost everyone believed this team was going to play October baseball. Sure, not all of you, but most. They were another year older, but still appeared talented enough to grind their way through another 162 games and return to the postseason. But they have dug themselves such a large hole in the first month of the season that it will likely take the next five just to put themselves in a wild card position.
You don’t lose 10 games in a row simply because of bad luck. A championship caliber club doesn’t lose 10 in a row because they suddenly became terrible baseball players overnight.
No, the 2026 Phillies have been the worst team in baseball coming into Saturday night’s second game against the Braves in Atlanta in large part because of Dave Dombrowski’s underestimation of the importance of what goes on inside a player’s ears.
The Phillies appear psychologically broken, and it’s understandable why that may be. I talked about it numerous times over the winter as Dombrowski and the front office stood pat with the same core of players that had come up torturously short the last three Octobers.
Asking this same group of players to come back, with all the baggage they’ve acquired, all the same doubts about their abilities, all the same disappointments and frustrations, and expect everything to work out was wishful thinking more than a solid plan.
Sure, every team goes through slumps. Some of them occur at the beginning of the season. But when you watch these Phillies, you can see something is off. This play from Friday night is just the tip of the iceberg, but it encapsulates how much things have gotten into their heads.
A simple ground ball to the shortstop with two outs and runners on 1st and 2nd… it doesn’t get any easier than this. But Turner failed to notice Ronald Acuna Jr. get a good jump off of 1st and beat Bryson Stott to the bag at 2nd. He then got freaked out and sailed his throw to 1st as a result. There were multiple mental and physical errors on that play alone, and it’s not the first time something like this has happened in the season’s first month.
The players have acknowledged that the only metric for success with this team is a World Series championship. So you can understand if, subconsciously, the regular season doesn’t hold as much interest for them as it once did. You can understand if they didn’t enter this season, with 162 games ahead of them, with fire in their bellies. For this group, it’s all about getting to October, and then performing better than they have the previous three.
To a man, they will absolutely deny this. But human nature is what it is.
The Phillies are trapped inside a bubble of frustration, and the danger of not jettisoning some of the existing core and replacing them with new people was failing to pop that bubble. When Orion Kerkering threw that ball to the backstop at the end of Game 4 of the NLDS in Los Angeles, everyone felt big changes had to happen.
Sure, maybe the talent on the field didn’t mix terribly well, but it worked well enough to win the division by 13 games and return to the playoffs for a fourth straight time. But bringing people from the outside would have helped pop the bubble. Bringing in people whose mindset was not solely “World Series-or-bust” could have helped the rest of the group realize there was still a reason to get up for the regular season.
Or, it simply could have shaken people out of their doldrums.
Instead, as this season has unfolded, the Phils have thus far found themselves unable to pull out of their initial tailspin. As a result, the division is already lost before the calendar has even turned to May. All that’s in play now is a wild card, and that becomes more of a longshot with each passing day.
The psychology of the Phillies needed to change, and it was going to be impossible for that to happen without bringing in players from outside the organization (and no, the additions of Adolis Garcia, Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford weren’t going to move the needle). Sure, the Phils needed another middle-of-the-order bat, and failing to acquire one has resulted in the team yet again playing without a true cleanup hitter, but beyond the sheer baseball of it all, it would have helped in the locker room, too.
Would a new manager’s voice have helped change the team’s perspective? Would moving players like Alec Bohm and/or Stott and or Brandon Marsh have shaken things up in a good way? Would acquiring a big bat like Eugenio Suarez, landing Bo Bichette, or inking one of the Japanese stars, helped?
It’s obviously impossible to say, but it seemed obvious to me, from the moment the Phils slumped off the Dodgers Stadium field last October, they needed a mental reset. Someone to come in there and convince them they weren’t destined to always fall short. Someone to give them a jolt of energy.
Perhaps that will soon happen. Dombrowski and John Middleton will obviously look at every aspect of this team in an attempt fo salvage the season. After all, there is no rebuild coming, not with Bryce Harper, Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo all signed to long-term extensions. If anything, there will be a re-tooling, not a rebuild.
A managerial change or other coaching change is more likely with each passing day and each succeeding loss. Change is coming.
Psychologically, for this group, that is almost certainly for the best.
