SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 23: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on April 23, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants play game two of this three-game home series against the San Diego Padres tonight from Oracle Park, and they’re looking to take the series win after a 3-2 victory on Monday.
Taking the mound for the Giants is their ace, righty Logan Webb, who is making his eighth start of the season. The 29-year old is off to an uncharacteristically slow start, as he’s 2-3 with a 4.30 ERA, a 3.46 FIP, and 38 strikeouts to 15 walks in 44 innings. He was awesome in his last game, though, holding the Philadelphia Phillies to just one run in seven innings.
For the Padres, it’s old foe Walker Buehler, who is back in the NL West. The 31-year old right-hander, who was an All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019 and 2021, is 1-2 in six starts this year, with a 5.40 ERA, a 3.42 FIP, and 24 strikeouts against 12 walks in 25 innings of work. In his last start, Buehler allowed two runs in 4.2 innings against the Chicago Cubs.
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 04: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Monday, May 4, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Connor Jalbert/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Don’t lose the series, Braves! Also, Michael Harris II in left field!
Apr 13, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (68) reacts following a strikeout to end the top of the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Cal Raleigh is back.
Raleigh returns to the Mariners lineup at designated hitter on Tuesday. He’s missed the last three games with “general soreness” in his core, or side, or something. The team hasn’t been too forthcoming with specifics on the injury, and it doesn’t really matter now, because Raleigh is back. He is still limited to DH, at least for now, meaning the Mariners have to start Mitch Garver behind the plate against a righty, while Dominic Canzone rides the bench. But having Raleigh back at all is an encouraging sign, and hopefully he’ll be back behind the plate again soon.
On the mound for the Mariners tonight is George Kirby, who’s had an odd start to the 2026 season. He’s walking more batters than ever, striking out fewer batters than ever, but also 56.5% ground ball rate — the fifth best in baseball. His 2.84 xERA is top 10 in baseball, so it seems to be working for him. But I’m interested to see how that approach matches up with one of the most potent lineups in baseball.
Bryce Elder gets the start for the Braves. For more on Elder, Jake Mailhot has you covered in our series preview.
For further pregame reading, Eric Sanford responds to your takes on the most impressive early season performances.
Lineups:
Tonight’s game information:
Game time: 6:40 PT
TV: Mariners TV, with Aaron Goldsmith and Dave Valle, with Angie Mentink as the field analyst
Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM, with Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 17: A general view of Chase Field during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
PIRATES
DIAMONDBACKS
Oneil Cruz – CF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Nick Gonzales – 2B
Ketel Marte – 2B
Bryan Reynolds – RF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Ryan O’Hearn – 1B
Adrian Del Castillo – DH
Marcell Ozuna – DH
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Konnor Griffin – SS
Lourdes Gurriel – LF
Jake Mangum – LF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Joey Bart – C
Gabriel Moreno – C
Jared Triolo – 3B
Alek Thomas – CF
Bubba Chandler – RHP
E. Rodriguez – LHP
After a rough road-trip, the D-backs return to Chase Field to take on the Pirates. They’re in fourth-place in the NL Central, while Arizona sits third in the NL West. So we’re better than them, right? RIGHT? Of course, it’s not quite that simple. The Central currently has every team two games or more above .500, and possesses five of the best eight records in the National League. The third-place Diamondbacks would be clear last with that record in the Central – as would the Marlins, currently second in the NL East. And don’t even get me started on the AL Central, where the division leading Tigers and Guardians are only at .500.
The harsh reality is, the D-backs haven’t won a series so far against a team currently in possession of a winning record. Their record there is just 4-11: the Diamondbacks split series against the Braves and Padres, lost to the Brewers, and were swept by the Dodgers and Cubs. The closest was the sweep of the Tigers who, as mentioned above, are 18-18. It’s interesting that, after the first month, what was supposed to be a brutal schedule has ended up being perfectly balanced. They have played 15 games against winning teams, 15 games against losing teams (9-6 there for Arizona) and three against the .500 Tigers.
Tonight, start for the D-backs is Eduardo Rodriguez, the only member of the Arizona rotation with an ERA+ better than a hundred. On the other hand, the only current member of the Arizona bullpen with an ERA+ below a hundred is.. former starter, Brandon Pfaadt. Of course, there are few former relievers who haven’t covered themselves in glory. Every ex-member of the bullpen has an ERA of 7.71 or greater, along with James McCann. Hopefully E-Rod can deliver a W on Cinco de Mayo. Over the last thirteen games, D-backs’ starters have a 1-7 record, Eduardo getting the only win, on April 22 against the White Sox
It's still early so there's nothing to get overly excited about. But give credit where credit is due. The A's might not be in Oakland anymore, but they have ballers with them.
Shea Langeliers, 28, one of the team's many young bright stars, was placed on the paternity list, the team announced Monday, May 4. Langeliers is tied for eighth in home runs with 10, currently more than Shohei Ohtani (6), Cal Raleigh (7), Bryce Harper (8) and Pete Alonso (6).
Last year's AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz has hit five home runs. Carlos Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom are tied with four, while Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler have three apiece. Max Muncy and Jacob Wilson have two homers each.
As a team, the A's entered play on Tuesday, May 5 ranking within the top 15 of nearly every offensive category including batting average, hits, runs and walks.
Will Leitch writes: "Nick Kurtz’s walk streak ended at 20 games on Saturday against the Guardians, but the funny thing about a walk streak ending is that you can do a whole bunch of other good stuff when you are not walking: Kurtz went 2-for-5 with an RBI. He has also reached base in 28 straight games, which, after all, is the point."
The Athletic: T-14th out of 30 (with Toronto Blue Jays)
Zack Meisel writes: "The A’s offense was supposed to hum, so it’s tempting to choose Aaron Civale, who posted a 3.23 ERA in his first six starts to stabilize the rotation and keep the club afloat in the AL West. But Langeliers has blossomed into one of the league’s most underrated players. Through April, he recorded a .974 OPS and was tied for the league lead in hits. He logged a 1.018 OPS in the second half last year, and in case you needed further proof, it appears that surge was no fluke."
Matt Snyder writes: "Man, the three true outcomes are strong with Nick Kurtz, aren't they? He's up to 50 strikeouts with 34 walks and five home runs. That means 58.1% of his plate appearances result in no ball in the field of play. (I promise next week won't be another Kurtz comment)."
D.J. short writes: "We all know about Shea Langeliers’ prodigious power, but did you know that he’s tied for the major league lead with 45 hits? The A’s backstop slugged two homers on Saturday (his wife Raegan’s birthday) and he became a dad on Sunday after his wife gave birth to a baby boy. Are you ready for Langeliers with dad strength?"
Kerry Miller writes: "If the A's are going to continue to hang around as a postseason candidate, they need to figure out how to pitch in West Sacramento. Heading into Sunday, they had a 6.35 ERA and .875 OPS against at home compared to 3.14 and .650, respectively, on the road. But Aaron Civale did give them a quality start (against his former team) on Sunday to keep that record above .500. Civale also went five shutout innings in Tuesday's home start against Kansas City."
Buster Olney writes: "Nick Kurtz's camp turned down a big contract offer in the offseason, and when he got off to a slow start, evaluators wondered if that decision was initially weighing on him. But no matter the reason, he is getting back to being one of the big damage hitters in the AL, patiently waiting out opposing pitchers and capitalizing when he gets pitches to hit. Kurtz has drawn walks in 18 straight games, with five homers."
Miguel Vargas is slashing .313/.377/.642 with a 1.014 OPS and four homers in the last two weeks. | (Rhona Wise/Imagn Images)
After a convincing shutout win behind Davis Martin to open up the series in Los Angeles, the White Sox have a chance to bring their record to .500 with another W tonight. The overall vibe with this team, who is playing like they have nothing to lose and everything to gain, has been contagious across the organization and fan base. It’s been a while since the South Siders have reminded us how much fun the game of baseball can be, and the energy that has been injected into the dugout is a perfect encapsulation of that.
Making his fifth start of the season (seventh appearance), Erick Fedde will make his second consecutive start against the Angels following a strong seven-inning performance last week. There is something about the South Side of Chicago that brings out a different side of Fedde, because he’s been excellent this year and has outperformed expectations to be just an “innings eater” for the second time now with the Sox. In 33 1/3 frames, the righty has posted a 3.24 ERA alongside an efficient 1.050 WHIP. FanGraphs also has him at a 3.32 xERA, suggesting he’s not simply benefiting from “good luck,” and that his elevated 4.94 FIP may be misleading, as Fedde has managed contact better than expected. In 2025, his hard-hit percentage against opponents was in the 31st percentile (AKA blue on Statcast), and he has improved that by 100% thus far in 2026, into the 62nd percentile and further into the red. Does he have Cy Young-type stuff? No. Is he helpful while we develop these younger arms in the minors? Yes, yes, he is.
While Fedde won’t have the benefit of Munetaka Murakami on offense today, as he takes a rest day, he’ll depend on the youth core to score some runs. Chase Meidroth has shifted back into the leadoff spot with Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery following him up as the power punch in Tuesday’s lineup. Joining the starting nine for the first time since being signed to a one-year deal on Monday to help fill in some of the outfield holes, Randall Grichuk is making his debut start with the White Sox, playing right field and batting fourth. Grichuk is deeper into his career, but is an experienced outfielder with above-average power potential. He hasn’t put up the best numbers this year (.194/.212/.323 in 33 plate appearances with the Yankees), but has a career .761 OPS and has so far had a successful 12-year career in MLB.
Likely wishing not to be terrorized on the mound as his teammate José Soriano was, lefthander Sam Aldegheri is making his first start of the season for the Angels. He’s bounced up and down from the minors this year, and so far, he’s tossed just 1 2/3 innings this season. Aldegheri allowed two hits, including a home run, and struck out two and walked one in his first game. In 28⅓ career innings, he’s posted a 6.35 ERA and an unsightly 2.047 WHIP. Aldegheri’s career 14.2% walk rate certainly hasn’t helped his case, which makes this an even more unfortunate day for Murakami to be taking a day off, but as a team, the South Siders hold a 10.3 BB%, so maybe they’ll still be able to take advantage.
The Los Angeles offense was quiet last night, but there are still a few batters that pose a threat, including Mike Trout, Jorge Soler, and Vaughn Grissom. Both Trout and Grissom have previously homered off Fedde and have the highest OPS on the team.
Tonight’s game is another late one, with first pitch taking place at 8:38 p.m. CT, which is very specific. Tune in to CHSN tonight or listen to the radio broadcast on ESPN Chicago AM 1000. If nothing else, perhaps a Mune pinch-hit bomb? The journey to .500 is back on.
Caballero’s all-around strong performance in recent weeks was enough to change the organization’s plans and unseat Anthony Volpe (once he was healthy) for the starting shortstop job, at least for now.
And yet, that offensive surge has not lined up with the under-the-hood metrics the Yankees often look at — average exit velocity, hard-hit rate, chase rate and expected numbers — when trying to predict results over the course of a long season.
“I’m trying to win a battle, man,” Caballero said Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. “It doesn’t matter how I win it, I want to win the battle. Every at-bat for me is a battle. … I’m just trying to be on base, make some damage and help my team.”
Caballero has certainly fulfilled that goal.
Entering Tuesday’s series opener against the Rangers, he was batting .316 with an .896 OPS, four home runs and eight steals over his past 22 games — after starting the year batting .150 with a .384 OPS, no homers and five steals over his first 12 games.
While Caballero’s defensive and baserunning metrics are strong, his underlying offensive numbers — which the Yankees often use to paint a picture that a struggling hitter has been better than his surface numbers would suggest — are not as rosy.
His average exit velocity of 83.7 mph was in the third percentile among major leaguers; his 29.3 percent hard-hit rate was in the 11th percentile; his 33.2 percent chase rate was in the 28th percentile; his xwOBA (expected weighted on-base average) of .266 was in the seventh percentile.
José Caballero celebrates after hitting an RBI double during the Yankees’ blowout win over the Orioles on May 4, 2026 at the Stadium. Corey Sipkin for New York Post
All of it suggests there could be some regression to come. But is it possible to outperform that?
“Maybe,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Look, I think he’s a player. He’s a gamer. You like him up there when the chips are on the table. He’s a hustler, in a good way. He likes the action. He likes, ‘Give me the ball.’
“Honestly, he’s one of the most confident guys on the field, and that’s a powerful thing to have. In this game of failure, you better have some confidence walking out there every day. He walks out there with a lot of confidence.”
That, of course, is part of Caballero’s game. He takes pride in being a pest at the plate and on the bases, the kind of player you love to have on your team but hate to play against.
For the first few weeks of the season, as he got the chance to start every day at shortstop with Volpe’s return looming, Caballero felt like he was missing that edge.
Then right around the series against his former team, the Rays, at Tropicana Field from April 10-12 — during which GM Brian Cashman revealed that it had “always been the plan” for Volpe to regain his starting job once he was healthy — Caballero rediscovered that edge. He insists that it was not because he was facing the Rays, or because he had been trying to do too much to prove anything to the Yankees.
“Whenever you get caught up in the everyday at-bats and missing a lot of them, you get caught in your head and thinking about the struggle you are in,” he said.
José Caballero hits an RBI double during the sixth inning of the Yankees’ blowout win over the Orioles on May 4, 2026 at the Stadium. Corey Sipkin for New York Post
“I reached 40 at-bats [during that Rays series]. So it’s kind of like an even number. So after that day, I went, ‘You know what? Whatever happened before these 40 at-bats, I don’t really care.’ I’m just going to move forward and think about from now on. That was kind of the mentality.
“I just feel more free, more clear, more calm. It’s really helpful.”
And it helped him retain his starting job, at least for the time being.
Caballero said the team did not have a conversation with him Sunday about keeping the job and Volpe going to Triple-A, but that he just kept his head down and kept playing.
“I’m just really happy to have the opportunity to go out there and play baseball,” said Caballero, who for the first time in his big league career is staying at one position for an extended, everyday stretch, which he said has helped his defense.
“I’m trying to be present, trying to be in the moment and take advantage of the opportunity.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 04: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres throws to first base for a double play after forcing out Bryce Eldridge #8 of the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on May 04, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (20-14) at San Francisco Giants (14-21), May 5, 2026, 6:45 p.m. PST
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Before the second game of the series against the San Francisco Giants, the Padres made a series of roster changes. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth went to the seven-day injured list with concussion symptoms and infielder Sung-Mun Song was recalled from Triple-A El Paso.
Cronenworth was hit on the jaw by a pitch in the series against the Angels on April 18, but has not sustained any other head blows, so it is unclear when this injury occurred. Song has been in El Paso since the start of the season after sustaining an oblique injury at his home in Korea before Spring Training began. He aggravated the injury during the spring and was optioned to El Paso when his rehab window expired.
Song has hit well in El Paso with a .293/.364/.354 line but has struggled to slug and has a zero-barrel rate in his at-bats. He just hit his first home run on Sunday with an exit velocity of 94.6 mph. He has three doubles and 15 RBI as well. He was briefly on the roster as the 27th man during the Padres’ trip to Mexico City and debuted as a pinch-runner in that series.
Song worked as a shortstop, second baseman, and third baseman during his time with the Chihuahuas.
The Padres also activated lefty reliever Yuki Matsui from the injured list and optioned lefty reliever Kyle Hart to Triple-A El Paso. Matsui has reached the end of his rehab window after going down with a left groin strain in Spring Training.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 29: Bubba Chandler #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on April 29, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pirates continue their road trip, traveling out west to face the Diamondbacks in a three-game series at Chase Field in Phoenix.
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 04: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a RBI single in the first inning against theHouston Astros at Daikin Park on May 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers conclude their road trip with a daytime start against the Houston Astros on Wednesday at Daikin Park.
This will be the third consecutive daytime getaway day start for Tyler Glasnow, who led the Dodgers in strikeouts (47) and innings (38 2/3) through the end of April. He has a 1.83 ERA and 37-percent strikeout rate in 19 2/3 innings in his three daytime starts this season.
Lance McCullers Jr. starts for Houston. The veteran right-hander has a 6.32 ERA and 4.38 xERA in six starts this season.
The Dodgers are 7-4 in the final game of series this season, including 4-1 in such games on the road.
Triple-A Oklahoma City has been a busy place for Dodgers on the mend for the past few weeks, with rehab assignments piling up over the last few days. Utility man Kiké Hernández is the latest to work his way back with the Comets, starting a rehab assignment on Tuesday night.
Hernández on Tuesday started and played five innings at third base and batted second against the Salt Lake Bees, an Angels affiliate. He doubled and scored among his three at-bats.
Mookie Betts could be on a rehab assignment soon, as he works his way back from an oblique strain.
“Mookie is working on his bat speed. He feels good. I would say he’s going to get out on a rehab soon. Whether it’s this week — he’s supposed to a simulated game, like a live BP on Thursday,” Roberts said Monday, as shown on SportsNet LA. “If he does his live BP on Thursday and comes out okay, then you can sort of figure out where he goes next.”
Betts was injured on April 4 in Washington D.C., and last week on the homestand said doctors initially told him he’d miss six weeks. This Saturday is the five-week mark for Betts, who said he was ahead of schedule but also cautioned that the nature of oblique injuries requires patience.
“It’s just time. There’s no magic formula to this. You can do as much rehab as you want. Obliques just take time, it’s always four to six weeks, no matter however you want to twist it,” Betts said on April 29 at Dodger Stadium. “We’re kind of approaching the four-week mark. Once I get to that point is when we’ll really turn the corner. We’re close, and after that it’s going to get a lot better.”
Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon continued their rehab assignments on Tuesday night, and neither had their best stuff.
The Yankees hurlers pitched for High-A Hudson Valley and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, respectively, and allowed 10 earned runs combined. Cole had it the toughest as he was taken deep by the second batter he faced. A double and a single later, and Cole found himself down 2-0. The Yankees ace settled down a bit, pitching back-to-back scoreless innings, but the longball would get Cole again in the fourth.
Kyle Lodise led off the inning with a long fly and in the fifth, Cole hit a batter and allowed an RBI double. Cole was pulled after the double, and the reliever gave up a two-run shot, allowing Cole's runner to score.
Cole tossed 69 pitches (49 strikes) across 4.1 innings. He allowed five runs on seven hits (two home runs) while striking out four. Including Tuesday's start, Cole has now allowed 12 runs in 18.2 innings pitched.
Earlier in the day, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Cole was still "a little ways away" from rejoining the team. With how well the rotation is pitching, the Yankees will take their time with Cole.
The opposite is the case with Rodon. As long as the southpaw comes away from Tuesday's start healthy, his next start will be with the Yankees. However, his presumed final rehab start was also tough.
Rodon threw 83 pitches (49 strikes), allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits -- two home runs -- and two walks, and also struck out four batters in Tuesday's start in Triple-A.
Rodon entered the start, pitching well for both High-A and Double-A. In his previous two rehab starts, he allowed one run across 9.2 innings on six hits and one walk while striking out 12 batters.
Atlanta Braves rookie starting pitcher JR Ritchie came up from Triple-A Gwinnett in the International League back in April, and the hope for him was that he had left that league behind for good. Today the IL came for him – but in a positive way, as Ritchie was named the league’s Pitcher of the Month for April.
Ritchie made five starts in Gwinnett, pitching to a 0.99 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts over 27.1 innings – though that includes one March start. In April he managed a 0.38 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts in 23.2 innings, which got him the award.
Ritchie has continued to make three starts with the Braves, pitching to a 3.63 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 13 strikeouts over 17.1 innings to start his big league career. Ritchie has mixed some flashes of brilliance along with some struggles against left-handed hitters, but the Braves first round pick in 2022 has shown why he has earned some rankings on Top 100 Prospect lists.
According to the press release:
“Gwinnett Stripers (Braves) right-hander JR Ritchie went 3-0 with a 0.38 ERA in four starts as he allowed one earned run on 10 hits and 10 walks over 23.2 innings. He led the league in ERA (0.38), average against (.135) and WHIP (0.85). Ritchie was promoted to Atlanta on April 23 and recorded his first Major League win that night in Washington, D.C. Ritchie, 22, was selected by Atlanta in the Competitive Balance Round A (35th overall) of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Bainbridge High School in Bainbridge Island, Washington.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 04: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two-run single in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Dodgers followed a three-game win streak with a four-game losing streak, and have now won their last two. Will the streakiness continue tonight?
