ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 04: Eric Lauer #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, May 4, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After a 3.18 ERA and 3.88 xERA in 2025 for the Blue Jays, Lauer this year had a 6.69 ERA and 5.86 xERA in eight games, including six starts, with 26 strikeouts, 16 walks, and an American League-high 11 home runs allowed. That led to Toronto designating Lauer for assignment on May 11, before trading him to Los Angeles on Sunday.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes spoke with reporters on Monday at Petco Park in San Diego and said that Lauer, who last pitched on May 10, will be inserted into the Dodgers rotation at some point in the next week, but might pitch in relief in the interim. From Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times:
“Part of the thinking is to not create this domino effect of chasing our tails,” Gomes said. “Trying to maintain a similar schedule as we’ve had, and when we can get guys extra days’ rest, do it. If we don’t need it, and we’re trying to line things up a different way, just maintain the flexibility to be able to do that.”
Just looking ahead, starting Lauer on Monday or Tuesday next week at Dodger Stadium against the Colorado Rockies would allow an extra day for the Dodgers to have Shohei Ohtani start for a second consecutive Wednesday directly before a team off day.
UPDATE: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Tuesday at Petco Park told reporters that Lauer is penciled in to start next Tuesday, May 26 against the Rockies, per the beatreporters on-sitein San Diego.
Mills pitched in four of the nine games for which he was active, all at the tail end of lopsided affairs. The 31-year-old right-hander allowed three runs in 3 1/3 innings and issued six unintentional walks among his 21 batters faced, with one strikeout. His appearance on May 10 at Dodger Stadium was the first for Mills in the majors since 2022 with the Kansas City Royals, with Tommy John surgery wiping out his 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
“A long road, it’s never a guarantee that you get fully healthy after that. So it was more like a deep breath, kind of peaceful. I felt calm,” Mills said on the homestand. “I put in a lot of work, and my confidence came from that.”
Lauer will wear uniform number 33 with the Dodgers.
May 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong (12) tags out Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey (19) sliding into home during the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Royals are facing one of their biggest adversaries in tonight’s game: a left-hander. Gasp! The lefties are deadly. If you know one, keep an extra eye on them, because you never know when they’ll kick the teeth into a Royals lineup.
To be fair to the Royals, they are trying something different. Vinnie Pasquantino, who has struggled mightily against lefties over the last few years, moves all the way down to the seventh spot in the lineup. I asked Matt Quatraro before the game why that was and whether it portended anything about Vinnie in the long run. Q was noncomittal about the second part, but he said that Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez’s more neutral splits were a big part of it.
I don’t know if that makes sense; if Suarez has neutral splits, why isn’t Vinnie in his normal spot on the lineup? But whatever. We’re doing it.
Meanwhile, it’s a bullpen-ish game for the Royals today. Bailey Falter is starting. I expect to spy Luinder Avila down the road. We’ll see how this goes.
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (19-30) visit Target Field in Minneapolis for the second of a 3-game series vs. the Minnesota Twins (22-26).
RHP Jason Alexander (0-0, 14.21 ERA) takes on Twins RHP Zebby Matthews (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Alexander is making his first start of the season while Mathews is making his second start of the season.
ROADIES: Tonight is the 2nd game of a 10-game, 3-city road trip for the Astros. After this 3-game set at MIN, they will visit Chicago for a 3-game series at Wrigley Field (Fri.-Sun.) vs. the Cubs and then travel back to Texas for a 4-game series vs. the Rangers at Globe Life Field.
VS. THE TWINS: The Astros were 5-1 vs. MIN last season, going 3-0 at home and 2-1 here at Target Field. The Astros won 2 of 3 in their last visit to Target Field, April 3-6 of 2025 and then later swept MIN in a 3-game series at Daikin Park, June 13-15.
Since 2021, the Astros are 9-5 at Target Field and 18-13 vs. MIN overall.
ABOUT ALEXANDER: Alexander has been in Sugar Land for most of the season. He has pitched 6.1 innings this year in relief during a previous stint. He was a key contributor last season where he went 4-2 in 15 starts and a 4.77 ERA between the Astros and Athletics.
ABOUT MATTHEWS: Matthews has pitched parts of three seasons with the Twins. He has a career 7-10 record with a 5.59 ERA in 26 starts. He pitched seven scoreless innings in his last time out getting the win.
ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have placed RHP Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day IL (retro 5/16) due to right shoulder inflammation and optioned IF/OF Shay Whitcomb to Triple A Sugar Land…to take their places on the active roster, the Astros reinstated OF Jake Meyers and RHP Nate Pearson from the Injured List.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, May 19, 6:40 p.m. CT
Location: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Nick Morabito #70 of the New York Mets looks on during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Clover Park on March 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
WASHINGTON — The kid was No. 8 for one night, but “The Kid” will get it back Wednesday.
Following a fan backlash on social media, the club announced Morabito’s number will change before Wednesday’s game.
Carter’s number is not retired by the Mets. It was last worn by Desi Relaford in 2001.
Among those displeased that Morabito received Carter’s old number was the team’s radio voice, Howie Rose.
“It appears that most fans are opposed to the Mets releasing #8 (to call up Nick Morabito) after having not issued it for 25 years,” Rose posted on X. “There’s been a debate over whether Gary Carter’s number should be retired, but to release it this 40th anniversary season of 1986 just seems wrong.”
Carter, a Hall of Fame catcher, helped the Mets win their last World Series in 1986. Although discussion about retiring his number has occurred in recent years, Carter’s candidacy has not received enough support from the committee that recommends such actions to ownership. Carter’s candidacy is hurt by the fact he played just five seasons for the Mets.
Nick Morabito looks on during the second inning of a Mets’ spring training Spring Breakout game against the Rays at Clover Park on March 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Diamond Images/Getty Images
Carlos Beltrán’s No. 15 will join the list of retired numbers later this season. Tom Seaver (41), Mike Piazza (31), Jerry Koosman (36), Keith Hernandez (17), Willie Mays (24), Dwight Gooden (16), Darryl Strawberry (18) and David Wright (5) are the former Mets players with retired numbers.
Additionally, the club has retired numbers for managers Casey Stengel (37) and Gil Hodges (14). Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 is retired throughout MLB.
Morabito became the third rookie outfielder to debut for the club this season, joining Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing.
The 23-year-old Morabito, who grew up in northern Virginia, received his homecoming as the starting left fielder against the Nationals in the ballpark where he grew up watching players like Bryce Harper and Juan Soto.
Morabito brings the Mets a right-handed bat, replacing veteran Austin Slater, who was designated for assignment.
Former Mets catcher Gary Carter in 1985. ASSOCIATED PRESS
In 41 games for Syracuse this season, Morabito owned a .253/.364/.390 slash line with four homers and 14 stolen bases.
“I feel like in all aspects of my game I have been able to do pretty well,” Morabito said. “I feel like the first month of the year I was able to show a little bit more power to hit that many homers and I think that was pretty good for me. It was something I worked on in the offseason, just try to elevate the ball more.”
Morabito gives manager Carlos Mendoza the potential of starting an all-rookie outfield on any given day. But Mendoza indicated the plan is still to integrate Soto (who started at DH on Tuesday) into the left field mix.
The New York Post back page for Weds. May 20, 2026.
“We feel like the way [Morabito] has been playing this year in Triple-A, doing everything we are asking him to do, offensively, defensively, running the bases, continue just to learn to how to play the game,” Mendoza said. “And we felt like right now we’re looking for our best 26 guys that are going to help us win baseball games here, and he’s here for a reason.”
If nothing else, the Mets have infused athleticism into their outfield with the three rookies.
“It’s exciting and I think when you look around the league, that is the kind of trend,” Mendoza said. “You have got guys that can run, they can play multiple positions, they put the ball in play and play elite defense. It just allows you to manage the game in a lot of different ways.
After a sluggish start, Benge has emerged among the Mets’ hottest hitters. He entered play with an .877 OPS over his previous 23 games. Included was a three-hit performance Monday in the Mets’ 16-7 victory over the Nationals.
Ewing — who was promoted to the Mets at the start of their last homestand and was absent from Tuesday’s starting lineup with Tyrone Taylor starting in center field — reached base 14 times in his first seven major league games.
“You see how aggressive we are on the bases, bunting, putting the ball in play, hit and run, playing a little bit of small ball while also having a few guys that can hit the ball out of the ballpark,” Mendoza said. “It’s exciting and just more weapons for you to attack.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 12: Members of the public head towards a subway station following a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on April 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I spent the last hour in one of the lower circles of hell, a Rogers phone shop. I needed a new phone, something that should have taken 10 minutes……
Anyway, speaking of circles of hell, the Jays are playing at Yankee Stadium again. But Dylan Cease is on the mound to battle the demons.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 1: Mitch Keller #23 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on May 1, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Mitch Keller (4-2, 3.59 ERA) vs. Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.40 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the St. Louis Cardinals looking to grab a win.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 12: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins loses his helmet after rounding third base during the fifth inning of the game against the Miami Marlins at Target Field on May 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First Pitch: 6:40 PM CDT
TV: Twins.TV Presented by Progressive, FOX9 KMSP, Gray Media
Radio: TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy App, LosTwins.com
ICYMI: Royce Lewis was optioned to AAA and Ryan Jeffers was placed on the IL, with Orlando Arcia and Alex Jackson coming up to replace them. You can read more about that here.
The good news is that Byron Buxton is back in the lineup, leading off as the DH.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (29-19) will try to catch the San Diego Padres (29-18) for the NL West lead. The Padres shut out the Dodgers 1-0 in the first game of the series on Monday. The scheduled starting pitchers are Emmet Sheehan for the Dodgers, with a 4.54 ERA, and Griffin Canning for the Padres, with a 10.64 ERA.
How to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres
Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET / 6:40 p.m. PT
Where: PETCO Park, San Diego, CA
TV Channels: Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health, SportsNet LA
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 13: Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros reacts after a strikeout to end the third inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on May 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros starter was scratched from his scheduled start today vs. Minnesota.
The Astros have placed RHP Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day IL (retro 5/16) due to right shoulder inflammation.
The team also optioned UT Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Houston has reinstated CF Jake Meyers and RHP Nate Pearson from the Injured List.
McCullers becomes the fourth member of the Astros’ Opening Day starting rotation to land on the IL.
Jason Alexander is making the start tonight for Houston.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on May 06, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Has your heart rate returned to normal after last night?
The Yankees pulled out one of the tightest wins you can ever have on Monday night, but they must also turn around and face one of the game’s best in game two of this big series. Fortunately, they’ll be able to counter with a pitcher that truly seems to be rounding into his own form, and while Will Warren isn’t quite as good as Dylan Cease, I’m not sure Dylan Cease is as good as he’s been pitching right now.
Cease boasts a stunning 34-percent strikeout rate, the best of his career so far this season. A solid walk rate accompanies the whiffs, but what’s really helped him this year is the lack of home runs. Just a single baseball has left the yard in 52.1 innings this year, driving his FIP down to 1.80. Now, good pitchers typically don’t give up many home runs, but everyone leaves a ball or two over the plate once in a while. The Yankees are a good home run-hitting team, so they may be able to serve Cease up some immediate regression.
Do note that Cease is very much in the Blake Snell mold — he throws a lot of pitches and takes his time. For all his talent, it does suck to watch him.
Warren, meanwhile, has pushed himself to another level this year. His FIP stands at 3.00, and that from your No. 4 pitcher is a wonderful thing to have. Strikeouts are up, walks are down, and when guys are making contact he’s posted a new career best for lowest hard-hit rate. He still nibbles around the zone too much for my liking, especially once batters reach base, and cleaning that up is the next step in his continued development.
Speaking of development, Spencer Jones is back in the lineup, batting eighth and pulling DH duties. Austin Wells is behind the plate in the daily game of “can you stand there with a bat” that the Yankees play with their catchers.
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium – Bronx, NY
First pitch: 7:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, SN1
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280, SN590 THE FAN
DETROIT, MI - JULY 07: Third base umpire Charlie Ramos makes the call as Javier Báez #28 of the Detroit Tigers tags out Danny Jansen #19 of the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Bradburn/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
DETROIT, MI - MAY 2: Keider Montero #54 of the Detroit Tigers works up a baseball while pitching against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Comerica Park on May 2, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (20-28) vs. Cleveland Guardians (27-22)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site: Covering the Corner Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Keider Montero (2-3, 3.65 ERA) vs. RHP Parker Messick (5-1, 2.35 ERA)
The Boston Red Sox (20-27) will try to win their second straight over the Kansas City Royals (20-28) Boston won 3-1 in Monday’s series opener. Starting pitchers are scheduled to be Ranger Suarez for Boston, with a 2.44 ERA, and Bailey Falter for Kansas City, with a 10.13 ERA.
How to watch Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 27: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning of their MLB game at Rogers Centre on April 27, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s a pair of ghastly statistics relevant to the Red Sox offense and this matchup that are so absurd, they almost sound fake.
Tonight’s starter, Ranger Suarez, has allowed ZERO Earned Runs in five of his last six outings, and the Red Sox are just 3-3 in those games.
The Red Sox have scored three runs or fewer in eight consecutive games overall (and only one of those was a Suarez start).
Ahead of this evening’s middle game in Kansas City, the baseball gods are trying to do everything in their power to give poor Ranger some runs. Specifically, they sent Kris Bubic, the original Royals starter to the IL, and replaced him with Bailey Falter, who has a 10.13 ERA. Falter’s appeared in only three major league games this season, all out of the bullpen, and (as you can see from his ERA) all have not gone well.
But this is the Red Sox offense, and since Falter throws left handed, the starting lineup won’t include either Masataka Yoshida or Marcelo Mayer. Instead, we’re getting an infield that includes Caleb Durbin at third, Nick Sogard at second (which I actually like), and Isiah Kiner-Falefa at short. (Andruw Monasterio is the DH.)
Jarren Duran and his .181 batting average still gets to bat left-handed from the lead off spot though.
Today’s Lineups
RED SOX
ROYALS
Jarren Duran – LF
Maikel Garcia – 3B
Ceddanne Rafaela – CF
Bobby Witt – SS
Wilyer Abreu – RF
Salvador Perez – DH
Willson Contreras – 1B
Lane Thomas – CF
Andruw Monasterio – DH
Jac Caglianone – RF
Nick Sogard – 2B
Starling Marte – LF
Carlos Narvaez – C
Vinnie Pasquantino – 1B
Isiah Kiner-Falefa – SS
Nick Loftin – 2B
Caleb Durbin – 3B
Carter Jensen – C
Ranger Suarez – LHP
Luinder Avila – RHP
⚾️ First Pitch: 7:40pm — Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
The Milwaukee Brewers (27-18) will try to narrow the gap for the NL Central lead with the Chicago Cubs (29-19). The Brewers won the series opener 9-3 on Monday. Scheduled starting pitchers are Jacob Misiorowski for Milwaukee, with a 2.12 ERA, and Ben Brown for Chicago, with a 1.60 ERA.
