ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 26: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the second inning during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 26, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After an epic comeback victory in game 1, the Braves will hope to secure yet another series win behind their ace against a Rockies team that is generally not good but has been competitive this season.
Chris Sale has been great this season, despite one of his career-worst starts against the Angels. Coors can always make things a bit funky, but Chris Sale hasn’t had trouble with the thinner air in a tiny sample size during his long career. He has only made three appearances at Coors, two out of the bullpen in 2011 and one start last year in which he went 7.0 innings with 10 Ks. Sale has pitched 10.1 innings, allowing 2 runs and accruing 13 strikeouts at Coors overall. Ultimately, this is a Chris Sale game against the Rockies and while this Colorado team has been less miserable so far this year than in recent years, that’s a game Atlanta should win.
It looks like the Rockies will throw Chase Dollander and he has been a very positive story for the Rockies this season. He has been used strangely this season, often following an opener or pitching bulk even later in games and it appears that he may not be the formal starter today either. He has averaged just under 5.0 innings per outing, so still has a starter-like impact. Dollander has an impressive 3.05 FIP and 3.08 xFIP this season through 32.0 innings, after a replacement-level debut 2025 season. He is striking out nearly 11 batters per 9 innings and has kept his walks down substantially. Looking at his minor league numbers, the strikeouts could be real, but the walks seem likely to creep up towards average or perhaps even higher. He was a top prospect for a reason, however, and is clearly a talented pitcher. Dollander pitches primarily off of an upper 90s 4-seamer and sinker, which both have well above average arm-side run. He is still working on secondaries however, and opts for quantity over quality, with a slider, changeup, curveball, and sweeper. He seems to struggle with location on these secondaries and can leave them over the middle of the plate or miss the zone substantially a good bit. The Braves would do well to put some runs up before Dollander enters the game, but with Sale on the mound should still feel good about this matchup.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 8:10 p.m. EDT
Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO
TV: BravesVision
Streaming: MLB.tv (and Braves.tv if you’re in-market, etc.)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 26: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates before the pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on April 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Rhett Lowder (3-1, 3.18 ERA) vs. Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2, 4.13 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at beautiful PNC Park looking for a win.
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May 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate their win against the Miami Marlins following the game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 21, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In his four career starts at Fenway Park, Connelly Early has gotten a grand total four runs of support from his teammates. The Red Sox have lost those games by scores of 2-1, 2-1, 3-2, and 4-0.
As bad as that is though, I regret to inform you that the Red Sox have been shut out each of the last three times I’ve been on game wrap duty (they haven’t scored a run on a Tuesday since April 7th).
In other words, for all our sakes, it sure would be nice if the bats would wake up from their slumber today.
In order to do that, they’ll have to get to Spencer Arrighetti, who is on the mound for the Astros. Arrighetti has been strong this year with a 2.00 ERA in three starts, but his career ERA paints a much less intimidating picture at 4.45. If the offense can get to him and help power the team to a win, the first Sox sweep of the year is a real possibility as the Astros still have not announced a starter for tomorrow and Boston has Ranger Suarez ready to go.
Lineup wise, Jarren Duran is back at leadoff after his three-run homer last night, and Masataka Yoshida starts on the bench for the fifth time in Chad Tracy’s first six games as manager.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics hits a double that scored a run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning at Sutter Health Park on April 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night wasn’t fun, but the Athletics have a chance to flip the script this afternoon in Game 2 of this weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians. The A’s are still in first place even after last night’s loss but we got the Mariners hot on our heels so let’s keep them at bay with a win today.
Before we get to the game info, the A’s made a minor roster move this morning, recalling right-hander Luis Morales from Triple-A while optioning lefty Brady Basso back to Las Vegas:
Adding Morales at this juncture is a bit of an interesting move. The former top pitching prospect has struggled all year long, first in two starts for the big league team and then in three for the Aviators. Walks have been a major problem for the young arm and it doesn’t seem like he’s figured it out while in the minors. The team doesn’t have an official starter listed for Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia so it’s possible the team wants to give him another chance against big league hitters. Meanwhile Basso will return to Triple-A after a tough outing last night that essentially lost the game for the A’s. He’ll be back whenever the A’s need a fresh, left-handed arm for their bullpen.
Anyway, back to the contest at hand. Going for the A’s on the pitching side of things will be lefty Jacob Lopez. He’s in serious need of a quality outing this afternoon as he’s currently one of the weak links in the starting five. His 5.84 ERA isn’t pretty to look at and the team just recalled Morales from Triple-A. It’s now May and the A’s are in first place so the team can’t afford to keep going this route if he can’t straighten things out.
The A’s starting lineup this afternoon looks like this:
The A’s are going back to their usual top of the starting lineup. Nick Kurtz is back in the leadoff spot followed by Langeliers, Soderstrom, and Rooker. Outfielder Carlos Cortes is back in there behind Rook after getting the day off yesterday against a southpaw. Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil form the tag team up the middle and in the lineup while Lawrence Butler is in center field and Darell Hernaiz rounds things out manning the hot corner.
Those hitters are set to go up against Cleveland right-hander Slade Cecconi. Now in his fourth season and second in Cleveland, Cecconi has been very up and down so far this year. He’s been hit harder more often than not and carries a bloated 6.23 ERA into today’s contest. We may be in store for a high-scoring affair in today’s game.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Baseball is often referred to as a game of failure. Perhaps nowhere is that statement more on display than in the life of a major league pitcher, whose fate hangs on every pitch.
Pitch by pitch, batter by batter, inning by inning, game by game — a pitcher benefits from preparation, execution and the ability to wipe the slate clean when results stray from intended or expected outcomes.
It requires perseverance. That is something Bryce Elder personifies.
From All-Star to also-ran and seemingly back again, Elder’s time with the Atlanta Braves has been a roller coaster. But the right-hander’s unflappable demeanor helped him weather the storm and make adjustments that are paying off at the best possible time for his team.
Over the first five weeks of the season, all Elder is doing is running with the opportunity to start every fifth day, compiling a 1.88 ERA that ranks second in the National League heading into the weekend.
After two seasons of bouncing between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, Elder emerged from his prolonged struggles as a better version of himself. This is the kind of thing that can only be found by going directly into and through the storm.
“Something that I’ve always understood is being healthy, you’re going to get the chance,” Elder said. “If you’re good enough and healthy, you’re going to get the chance. I try to handle my business correctly to keep me out there. It’s a weird game, the more time you spend out there. It’s not always going to go well, but the more things you learn as long as you’re paying attention.”
Elder entered his fifth major league season with a somewhat tenuous hold on a spot in the rotation, once again underscoring that the best ability may very well be availability. Last year, he led the Atlanta staff with 28 starts and 156 1/3 innings, but 2026 marked the first time Elder cracked the Braves’ opening day roster.
Strong pitching is a major factor in Atlanta’s early season success. Considering the injury news that filtered out of Spring Training almost immediately, it may qualify as the most surprising aspect of the Braves’ incredible 23-10 start.
Elder is a key performer on a surprisingly productive Atlanta pitching staff that owns a 3.17 ERA, the second best mark in Major League Baseball behind the New York Yankees’ 3.05 ERA.
While you might expect to see Chris Sale fronting the rotation and posting his requisite numbers, Elder’s inclusion in the starting five came only after Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep all began the season on the injured list.
Despite those circumstances, Elder and the Braves both believed the righty tapped into something down the stretch last year. After pitching to a 6.11 ERA in his first 21 starts and 111 2/3 innings, Elder finished with a 2.82 ERA over his final seven starts and 44 2/3 innings.
Rather than trying to avoid bats and live almost exclusively in the margins of the strike zone, Elder started approaching his opponents much more directly. As a result, he cut down his walk rate while seeing his strikeout rate rise across those seven outings.
Attacking hitters helped Elder find the kind of consistency he’s been searching for since the first half of his career-best 2023 season.
“That’s something I learned last year,” Elder said. “The good run I went on last year literally started with me saying, ‘If I give up five or six runs, that’s fine, but I’m going to progress the game. The game is going to move forward. I’m not going to get in bad counts and situations.’ And, obviously, it’s still going to happen, but progressing the game forward and keeping it moving, it’s turned out that I realize maybe my stuff is a little better than I thought it was. So, I’m kind of staying in the zone and making hitters swing.”
Something else Elder is benefiting from is the fact that not all swings are created equal.
He has been proficient at avoiding barrels. According to MLB Statcast data, Elder is in the 86th percentile with just a 3.3 percent opponent’s barrel rate. That elite level of barrel suppression correlates directly to Elder’s career-best home run rate of 0.4 per nine innings. Keeping the ball in the park always bodes well for a pitcher’s chances on any given day.
Elder’s overall success owes largely to an improved arsenal that includes a mix of three fastball types in addition to his slider and changeup. Having more weapons and a purpose for each pitch has Elder feeling like a new man on the mound compared to the one who was searching for answers over the past three seasons.
Perhaps his best weapon is the slider, a pitch he throws roughly a third of the time and has limited opposing hitters to just a .183 average and only one home run thus far this year. That’s a marked improvement over the .259 average and 8 home runs allowed on the pitch in 28 starts a year ago.
Braves manager Walt Weiss believes that is a weapon that looks better than ever this year.
“I think it’s all of his pitches and the secondary stuff is better,” Weiss said. “His slider is an underrated pitch. If you go back to 2023, when he made the All-Star team, you would see a lot of hitters swing at bounced sliders. I think he’s got that slider back again. He’s getting a lot of swing and miss on it. He’s getting some takes on it (because) they just don’t see it very well.”
Along with refining the slider, Elder reintroduced a cutter to go along with his sinker and four-seamer. That trio of fastball offerings can be utilized to do different things to different hitters in different counts, to say nothing of the occasional changeup Elder can keep in his back pocket.
It all adds up to the most complete version of Elder that the Braves have ever seen.
“He’s got the cutter to add to the arsenal,” Weiss said. “He had it once upon a time and he brought it back. It’s a good pitch for him (and) complements the changeup really well. His changeup has gotten better. All of his stuff has ticked up – the two-seam, the four-seam. So, he’s got three different fastballs – the two-seam, the four-seam and the cutter – and it makes it difficult on a hitter when you’ve got three different fastballs and the other stuff is working, too. He’s throwing the ball really well.
Elder’s stuff has definitely ticked up on the radar gun. The four-seam fastball that average 90-91 mph over his first three seasons is clocked up to 94 mph this year and average 92.5 mph.
In addition to tapping into a little more velocity, Elder added the cut-fastball to his repertoire, primarily as a weapon against left-handed hitters.
“Last year, the four-seam had a lot of good action to it and I was getting good results with it,” Elder said. “I still plan on using that, but I think the cutter just kind of creates another plane. Everything is usually up and down for me, being a higher arm-slot guy. So, (it’s) a little different plane moving into the lefties… I’ve been working on it.”
While he may eventually show it to right-handed hitters, Elder is using the pitch with great results against lefties. They are batting just .176 and slugging just .294 against the changeup in 76 offerings.
Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has been behind the plate for Elder over the past two seasons and sees the improved arsenal and extra velocity as the keys to success.
“I think his velocity is ticking up,” Baldwin said. “He has a little bit different pitch mix, a little more north-south and using that four-seam and cutter more. I think that pitch mix has helped him keep hitters a little bit more off balance.”
In a game that requires constant adjustments, Elder was able to bring what he learned down the stretch last year and add to it this season. While the results may have changed for the better, his teammates still see the pitcher they’ve always known, a tireless worker.
“He’s the same guy,” Baldwin said. “He’s always come in, worked his tail off and done everything he can scouting report-wise to know (hitters). This pitch mix is working more for him, and he’s been doing really well.”
When Elder went to the All-Star game in 2023, he was coming off a great first half. He went 7-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 18 starts before stumbling in the second half and falling out of favor and subsequently in and out of rotation over the two years that followed.
A litany of injuries to other starters afforded Elder an opportunity to keep pitching in the big leagues despite posting a 5.47 ERA combined between 2024 and 2025. Those extended struggles represented a chance to refine his mental and physical approach to the game.
With an improved pitch arsenal and grounded perspective, Elder appears to be on the right path to find success for both himself and the team.
“I’ve had a lot of good runs, and I’ve had a lot of bad runs,” Elder said.” I think more than anything just trying to – it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth – go one at a time and just keep my stuff crisp and keep my work right. Whatever happens every fifth day, that’s what happens.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 01: Germán Márquez #33 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the first inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Petco Park on May 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night, the San Diego Padres took a shellacking from the Chicago White Sox, eventually losing 8-2.
The trouble started early, with Germán Márquez giving up six runs in the second inning. That inning was the difference maker in San Diego’s eventual loss to the Sox.
It was a tough loss to take, but this is the first time this season that the Padres have lost three straight. If that’s how the Friars keep playing, they’ll do great this season.
Tonight will be quite the pitcher’s duel with Sean Burke and Michael King each dealing for their respective teams. That might turn it into a battle of the bullpens. In that case, San Diego feels pretty good about their chances of winning.
Taking the mound
Sean Burke (CWS) v. Michael King (SD)
Burke has been a quite solid frontline starter for the Sox so far in 2026. He’s pitched to a 3.21 ERA across 33 2/3 innings. He’ll look to keep that up against San Diego after rookie Noah Schultz pitched a scoreless outing last night.
Burke’s biggest struggle in the past has been limiting baserunners. In his first full season of work, he allowed a 1.44 WHIP and .251 opponent batting average (2025). He’s been much better to start this year, but Burke is looking to prove himself tonight against the Friars.
San Diego will have their ace on the bump in King. The righty has returned to peak form, pitching to a 2.41 ERA in his first six starts. He’s also struck out 34 batters in 33 2/3 innings pitched.
But the best metric has been King’s .177 opponent batting average. It’s the lowest mark of his career by far, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down. If King can limit Chicago, the Padres won’t need to do much to force the rubber match.
Batter up!
One of the only good offensive moments for San Diego from last night was Fernando Tatis Jr. The Friars’ star went 3-for-3 with a walk. The only miscue of the night was a bad throw home that ended up allowing that dreadful second innings to continue.
Yesterday’s lineup was a little unorthodox. Whether or not that remains the case will be seen tonight, though it will likely go back to normal after Jake Cronenworth, Gavin Sheets and Jackson Merrill got off days last night.
Ramón Laureano, LF
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Gavin Sheets, 1B
Miguel Andujar, DH
Luis Campusano, C
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
With righties on the mound, the Padres’ lineup has been relatively set. That spells a typical day against Burke. San Diego doesn’t have much history with the right-hander, but they’re betting on another strong start from King alongside being able to scratch a few runs across the board.
Relief corps
The only good thing about last night’s pitching was that the Friars only used three guys to finish the game. Márquez, Wandy Peralta and Ron Marinaccio combined to hurl all nine innings. That leaves almost the entire Padres’ bullpen intact for tonight.
Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, Kyle Hart, Adrian Morejon, Bradgley Rodriguez and closer Mason Miller will all be available for Game 2 tonight. Aside from Hart, the five represent high-leverage options for San Diego to turn to in important situations.
Aug 16, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals finish things off on Sunday afternoon at Busch Stadium.
Good to the the King: In the early going, Colby Shelton has supplanted red-hot Caleb Bonemer as the most potent infield bat in the White Sox organization. | (Thomas Summers/Instagram)
Charlotte Knights March/April record 14-16; Overall record 14-16
Knights Player of the Month Jacob Gonzalez .291/.403/.573, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 103 at-bats
Oliver Dunn .277/.372/.438, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 7-for-8 stolen bases, 112 at-bats Jarred Kelenic .202/.346/.464, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 7-for-7 stolen bases, 84 at-bats (promoted to Chicago on April 29) Rikuu Nishida .347/.407/.408, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 5-for-6 stolen bases, 49 at-bats (promoted from Birmingham on April 17) Drew Romo .298/.385/.561, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 3-for-3 stolen bases, 57 at-bats (promoted to Chicago on April 25) Korey Lee .176/.279/.365, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 74 at-bats
Tanner McDougal 3.00 ERA, 24 IP, 13 BB, 27 K (placed on injured list on April 30 due to a flexor strain, will be shut down from throwing for a few weeks) Hagen Smith 2.33 ERA, 19 1.3 IP, 13 BB, 29 K Tyler Schweitzer 3.78 ERA, 16 2/3 IP, 4 BB, 15 K Ben Peoples 0.59 ERA, 15 1/3 IP, 7 BB, 17 K Shane Smith 5.27 ERA, 13 2/3 IP, 8 BB, 18 K Noah Schultz 1.29 ERA, 14 IP, 2 BB, 19 K (promoted to Chicago on April 14) Jonathan Cannon 12.66 ERA, 10 2/3 IP, 4 BB, 11 K
The Knights had an OK start to the season, and as of the end of April, they are 14-16 with a +13 run differential. Out of the 20 teams in the International League, the Knights are third in OPS (.800) and 13th in ERA (5.05).
Shortstop Jacob Gonzalez, 23, is off to a terrific start. In addition to providing valuable defense at a premium position, Gonzalez posted a .976 OPS during the first month of the season. Gonzalez launched eight homers, which matches his home run total throughout all of 2025. In 2024, his season OPS was .650, and in 2025, it was .652. For someone whose OPS did not escape the mid-.600s, Gonzalez was one of the organization’s most pleasant surprises in April. The White Sox drafted Gonzalez in the first round in 2023, and his stock had fallen quite a bit since then. Entering this season, MLB Pipeline had him as the No. 24 White Sox prospect, and we had him at No. 23. However, given his performance in Triple-A, Gonzalez might get an opportunity in the majors sooner than many predicted.
2026 Charlotte Knights Players of the Month Jacob Gonzalez (March-April)
Birmingham Barons April record10-14; Overall record 10-14
Barons Player of the Month Braden Montgomery .310/.423/.575, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 87 at-bats
Samuel Zavala .267/.406/.488, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 3-for-3 stolen bases, 86 at-bats Adam Fogel .281/.359/.579, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 57 at-bats Alec Makarewicz .304/.385/.609, 5-for-5 stolen bases, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 46 at-bats (promoted from Winston-Salem on April 17) Rikuu Nishida .250/.434/.350, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 6-for-6 stolen bases, 40 at-bats (promoted to Charlotte on April 17)
Shane Murphy 3.99 ERA, 29 1/3 IP, 6 BB, 21 K Jackson Kelley 1.65 ERA, 16 1/3 IP, 5 BB, 14 K Connor McCullough 2.81 ERA, 16 IP, 6 BB, 16 K Jairo Iriarte 2.84 ERA, 12 2/3 IP, 8 BB, 16 K Christian Oppor 9.26 ERA, 11 2/3 IP, 14 BB, 10 K
Coming off back-to-back Southern League championships, the 2026 Barons are not as strong as they were during the past couple of seasons. However, there were some positives during a 10-14 month. Out of eight Southern League teams, the Barons are second in OPS (.757), but they are sixth in ERA (5.50).
Outfielder Braden Montgomery, 23, gave Birmingham’s offense a large boost. Montgomery, who is universally regarded as one of the South Siders’ top prospects, posted a sky-high .998 OPS. Montgomery has a 60 power tool and a 70 arm tool, per MLB Pipeline, and he made plenty of use of those abilities during an excellent month. At this rate, Montgomery is positioning himself for a promotion quite soon.
2026 Birmingham Barons Players of the Month Braden Montgomery (April)
Winston-Salem Dash April record15-9; Overall record 15-9
Dash Player of the Month Colby Shelton .378/.485/.720, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 5-for-6 stolen bases, 82 at-bats
Dylan Cumming 5.73 ERA, 22 IP, 4 BB, 28 K Grant Umberger 5.40 ERA, 21 2/3 IP, 7 BB, 22 K Justin Sinibaldi 8.57 ERA, 21 IP, 11 BB, 20 K Jake Curtis 1.50 ERA, 12 IP, 2 BB, 17 K Gabe Davis 1.50 ERA, 12 IP, 5 BB, 9 K
The Dash posted the organization’s only winning record in April. There were plenty of positive developments in Winston-Salem, and it was difficult to decide on one Player of the Month. The Dash lapped the field in terms of OPS, leading the 12-team South Atlantic League; Winston-Salem’s OPS is .857, while Greensboro at No. 2 is quite a bit lower, at .788. By contrast, Winston-Salem’s ERA (5.17) was only 10th, but the offense largely carried the Dash to a comfortably winning record.
How did the Dash lead the league in OPS by such a wide margin? There are two people who deserve a special shout-out. Of course, we are familiar with Caleb Bonemer, 20, who plays third base and shortstop. Bonemer launched 11 homers en route to a 1.146 OPS, and he has shown no signs of slowing down since his breakout pro debut in 2025. Incredibly, however, he was not even the top Dash player in April. While Bonemer posted a 187 wRC+, Colby Shelton sits at 211! Shelton, 23, who plays second base and third base, simply could not be stopped. The White Sox selected Shelton last year in the sixth round, and he got off to a slow start with the Cannon Ballers. However, the infielder is already showing that he can handle a higher level than the one he struggled with in his first taste of professional baseball.
2026 Winston-Salem Dash Players of the Month Colby Shelton (April)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers April record 8-16; Overall record 8-16
Cannon Ballers Player of the Month Max Banks 2.25 ERA, 20 IP, 4 BB, 23 K
Riley Eikhoff 5.82 ERA, 21 2/3 IP, 8 BB, 20 K Caedmon Parker 4.12 ERA, 19 2/3 IP, 10 BB, 21 K Jackson Nove 2.51 ERA, 14 1/3 IP, 8 BB, 27 K Pierce George 1.54 ERA, 11 2/3 IP, 3 BB, 15 K
The Cannon Ballers had the coldest start out of any team in the organization, winning only one-third of their games. Out of 12 teams in the Carolina League, Kannapolis was 10th in OPS (.704), but was better on the other side, posting the fifth-best ERA (4.44).
Kannapolis starter Max Banks, 22, played a sizable role in the pitching staff’s strong performance. Banks was second on the pitching staff with 20 innings pitched, and he was very effective. Banks tallied 23 strikeouts while only issuing four walks. Incredibly, opposing hitters had a .360 BABIP against Banks, so he was not exactly lucking his way into those impressive numbers. Overall, he provided reliable innings in the rotation, and April was a big step in the right direction for Banks, who the White Sox drafted in the 14th round last year.
2026 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Players of the Month Max Banks (April)
Misiorowski, 24, was overpowering most of the night, striking out eight, retiring the last 11 batters he faced, averaging 101 mph on his fastball in the first inning and throwing 43 pitches between 100 and 103 mph. He did not know he had a no-hitter when he struck out the first batter of the sixth, and then, after throwing one pitch to leadoff hitter James Wood, motioned for a trainer to come out.
That sent a chill through the Brewers dugout – and the industry at large – given Misiorowski's high-velocity repertoire and the inherent risk involved. But the injury did not involve his golden arm.
Instead, he exited due to a barking hamstring, at least for the moment keeping the Brewers' extensive injury list a little lighter. Veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff was placed on the IL with shoulder inflammation Friday, and the club is also awaiting the return of Quinn Priester, who is on a rehab assignment.
Despite the injuries – including the potential loss of key reliever Angel Zerpa to season-ending arm surgery – the Brewers entered Saturday 17-14.
Misiorowski, a 6-7, 200-pounder, leads the major leagues in strikeouts (59 in 38 innings), strikeout percentage (37.2%) and whiff percentage (39.5%). His lone IL stint came in August 2025 due to a left tibia contusion, though he returned shortly thereafter.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 08: Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as The Bean, is seen at Millennium Park on November 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
CUBS
Ketel Marte – 2B
Michael Busch – 1B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Moises Ballesteros – DH
Corbin Carroll – RF
Alex Bregman – 3B
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Ian Happ – LF
Lourdes Gurriel – LF
Seiya Suzuki – RF
Nolan Arenado – DH
Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
Jose Fernandez – 3B
Dansby Swanson – SS
James McCann – C
Matt Shaw – 2B
Jorge Barrosa – CF
Miguel Amaya – C
Ryne Nelson – RHP
Shota Imanaga – LHP
Yesterday could have been another disaster for the bullpen, with Zac Gallen only lasting 3.2 innings. But at least the Arizona relief corps were efficient. Particular credit to Brandyn Garcia, who made his season debut, and needed only twenty pitches to record six valuable outs. He, Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel required a total of 53 pitches while getting through 4.1 innings. That came after Gallen had labored to 95 pitches for 3.2 innings of work. That continued a nightmare run for the Arizona pitching staff. Here’s their line over the past ten games, since April 19: D-backs starters: 39 IP, 67 H, 48 R, 48 ER, 9 HR, 24 BB, 33 K, 11.08 ERA
Across the same time-frame, no other team has a starter’s ERA worse than 5.79 (the Padres). Over the past two turns through the rotation, the D-backs have been more than five runs worse than anyone else. Over the same time, the bullpen hasn’t been great, with a 5.25 ERA. But there are actually half a dozen teams (including the Padres, actually) who have a higher ERA there. All told this year, the Arizona rotation is now more than half a run worse than the bullpen, with an ERA of 5.36 against 4.85. Right now, that’s the worst starter ERA in franchise history, surpassing the 5.20 figure posted during the terrible 2021 season. The bullpen figure is almost unchanged from last year’s 4.82.
Given this, it’s kinda remarkable the D-backs are still above .500 – albeit only just. The two other teams with an overall ERA above five are the Nationals (15-18) and the Astros (12-21). Both of them are actually scoring significantly more than Arizona as well: we are at 4.71 runs per game, while Washington is at 5.33 and Houston is at 5.12. Based on runs scored and allowed, the Diamondbacks “should” be at 13-18, the fourth-worst record in the majors. If things don’t turn around in the rotation, it won’t be long until that’s going to be closer to the team’s record than the current one.
Exactly one week after the “Saturday night massacre” that saw Boston fire manager Alex Cora and five coaches, the Red Sox seem to be responding to the sudden change.
The Red Sox have won four of the six games since the decision was made, matching its best six-game mark of the season.
Saturday is a rematch with the last-place Astros. My Astros at Red Sox predictions and MLB picks call for a Boston victory.
Who will win Astros vs Red Sox today: Red Sox moneyline (-140)
The Boston Red Sox fired all of their hitting coaches, but left the pitching side intact. Both moves have paid off.
The Sox have a 2.60 ERA and 1.058 WHIP over the last week, (compared to 4.24 and 1.316 for the season). At the plate, Boston lifted its OPS by 100 points, to 11% over league average, compared to 13% under on the season.
The Houston Astros are hitting but haven’t gotten the clutch hit. In Friday’s series opener, the Astros hit .306 but went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
Over the last four games, Houston is hitting .318 but just .256 with RISP.
COVERS INTEL: The Astros have been even less clutch on the road, posting a stronger 126 OPS+ away from home but averaging fewer runs (4.94) than they do at home (5.31).
Astros vs Red Sox Over/Under pick: Under 9.5 (-138)
They don’t have the name recognition of other pitchers on the respective staffs but Saturday’s starters have been the best Astro and Red Sox pitchers of the season over the first month-plus.
Arrighetti has won all three of his starts and posted a 2.00 ERA and 1.111 WHIP. He’s given up just one home run over 18 innings. Early has a 2.84 ERA and 1.200 WHIP.
He’s won two of his last three starts. Both pitchers will be facing offenses still trying to find their way.
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets:10-10 +0.48 units
Over/Under bets:12-12 -0.55 units
Astros vs Red Sox odds
Moneyline: Houston +113 | Boston -117
Run line: Houston +1.5 (-170) | Boston -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (+122) | Under 9.5 (-127)
Astros vs Red Sox trend
The Houston Astros have only hit the Moneyline in 6 of their last 24 games (-14.70 Units / -50% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Red Sox.
How to watch Astros vs Red Sox and game info
Location
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
First pitch
4:10 p.m. ET
TV
SCHN, NESN
Astros starting pitcher
Spencer Arrighetti (3-0, 2.00 ERA)
Red Sox starting pitcher
Connelly Early (2-1, 2.84 ERA)
Astros vs Red Sox latest injuries
Astros vs Red Sox 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.
Oct 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; General view of the stadium during the National Anthem before the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Houston Astros during game three of the ALDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
A series win would nice.
George Springer is in the leadoff spot again. And no Andrés Giménez. It is against a lefty.
The result likely left Dolphins fans feeling trepidation about how the 26-year-old quarterback would perform in his first season with the team.
Willis' first pitch attempt started well. The Liberty product demonstrated good form while standing on the mound at LoanDepot Park, showing a convincing wind-up and leg kick that left many expecting a strike.
Instead, Willis released the ball too early, causing his first pitch to come in high and well outside. It sailed all the way to the backstop, giving the catcher no shot at making the play.
Willis' first pitch was hardly the worst MLB fans have ever seen. Celebrities like 50 Cent, Stephen A. Smith and Mariah Carey have all endured significant difficulties delivering the ball to the plate, which has forever etched them into MLB lore.
Nonetheless, Willis' failure to deliver an accurate pitch was a surprise. Accuracy is a hallmark of the 26-year-old's skill set, as he completed 78.7% of his passes for 972 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions across limited action with the Green Bay Packers the last two seasons.
Still, Dolphins fans shouldn't be too worried about Willis' first pitch. He's far from the only quarterback to have logged a less-than-stellar toss at an MLB game. Patrick Mahomes – whose father pitched for six teams across 11 MLB seasons – similarly launched one well over the catcher's head at a Texas Rangers game in 2016, when he was still playing at Texas Tech.
Mahomes proved to be excellent with the football in his hands. Willis and Mendoza will similarly look to throw much better as they try to make an instant impact for their new franchises.
On this day 34 years ago, the White Sox became the first team to pay tribute to the Negro Leagues. Before the game, Carlton Fisk and Bobby Thigpen met with former Chicago American Giants standout Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe.
1901 The White Sox were part of the first forfeit in American League history. After the Detroit Tigers took a lead with five runs in the top of the ninth, rain began. White Sox players began stalling, hoping to have the game wash out and be called as of the last full inning played (the eighth), with the White Sox getting the win.
Umpire Tom Connolly caught on to the scheme and forfeited the game to Detroit, as soggy Sox fans stormed the field in protest. The final score was 7-5, Tigers, as Connolly had to be given a police escort to get out of the ballpark.
1907 The defending World Champion White Sox knocked off the Tigers in Detroit, 4-2, to ascend to first place, where they would stay until August 6. Nick Altrock spun the complete-game win, and was also a hitting star, with two singles and a walk in the win.
The White Sox flirted with first through the rest of August, but wouldn’t return to the top spot after August 25. With a final record of 87-64-6, Chicago finished in third place, 5 1⁄2 games out.
1919 In what remains the latest non-pandemic home opener in White Sox history, the 6-1 South Siders dropped their first game of the season at Comiskey Park, 11-4. The 1-5 Browns ran up a 6-0 lead through six batting outs, and held on. The White Sox remained in first place, however, and would win the AL pennant in this truncated, 140-game season.
There were several reasons for the delayed and shortened 1919 seasons, starting with the fact that World War I had just ended the previous November, and a later start gave players returning from service more time to round into shape. Additionally, MLB also anticipated a poor season at the gate.
The White Sox season had opened at St. Louis, with an 13-4 win, on April 23.
1984 It was the finest regular season performance of LaMarr Hoyt’s career, as he one-hit the New York Yankees in a 3-0 win at Comiskey Park. The reigning Cy Young winner lost his no-hit bid with one out in the seventh inning, as first baseman Don Mattingly tapped a a wind-aided, bloop single that fell between shortstop Jerry Dybzinski and left fielder Ron Kittle.
Hoytonly threw 101 pitches on the night and faced the minimum 27 batters.
Also notable in this game was that lefthander Mike Squires, a first baseman, started and played the first half of the win at third base; it’s believed he was the first southpaw to start at third base since 1936. He had no chances in the first five innings, after which he crossed the diamond to finish the game at first base.
1992 Just two years after creating the innovative Old Timers’ Day promotion that reverberates to this day, the White Sox paid tribute to the Negro Leagues by donning Chicago American Giants caps during their 4-1 loss to Texas in 11 innings. The Giants used Comiskey Park as their home grounds from 1941-50.
The event was a full-blown Negro Leagues reunion, inviting scores of living Negro Leagues players, including Minnie Miñoso, Buck O’Neill, Ernie Banks, Sam Jethroe, Double Duty Radcliffe, Gene Benson, Joe Black, Col. Jimmie Crutchfield, Claro Duany, Frank Duncan III, Perry Hall, Buster Haywood, Connie Johnson, Lester Lockett, Butch McCord, Marvin Price, Clyde McNeal, and Mule Miles.
White Sox players contributed $19,750 to go toward the care of the aged former players, with White Sox ownership matching that total for a total donation to the Baseball Assistance Team of $39,500. Tim Raines presented the check, while many White Sox (including Bobby Thigpen, Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Guillén, Lance Johnson and Carlton Fisk) listened to the players’ stories and posed for photos.
The White Sox later wore full Chicago American Giants uniforms in tribute, in 2007, 2008 and 2011.
2021 Seasons can change in a heartbeat, and on this day the high expectations for the White Sox took a stunning turn for the worse. Five-tool outfielder Luis Robert Jr., the Gold Glove outfielder and runner-up in the 2020 Rookie of the Year voting, completely tore his right hip flexor when running out a ground ball in the first inning in a 5-0 loss to Cleveland.
The White Sox were already without the services of Robert’s teammate Eloy Jiménez, one of the top young sluggers in the game, because of an injury that happened late in Spring Training. Robert wasn’t even able to try to resume baseball activities for a period of a few months.
His loss left a gaping hole both offensively and defensively in the White Sox lineup, but remarkably after a grueling rehab he returned to the team on August 9 in Minnesota and helped contribute to the club winning the Central Division with a total of 93 victories.
Robert’s bad injury luck continued into the 2022 season when he missed time with vertigo, blurred vision and worst of all, a sprained left wrist that never properly healed and was so bad at times he was swinging a bat one-handed.
2022 Dylan Cease became the second White Sox pitcher ever with a start of seven innings-plus, 11 or more Ks and just one hit, with no runs or walks. Kurt Suzuki broke up Cease’s no-hitter with a leadoff single in the eighth inning of a 3-0 win in Chicago. Leigh Allan had South Side Sox coverage of the game.
Gary Peters was the first White Sox hurler to accomplish this feat, on July 15, 1963.
COVERS INTEL: The Astros have been even less clutch on the road, posting a stronger 126 OPS+ away from home but averaging fewer runs (4.94) than they do at home (5.31).
