ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 10: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees leads off first base as Jonathan Aranda #8 of Tampa Bay Rays stands in position in the first inning during the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday, April 10, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary Holt/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Few saw this coming from the Tampa Bay Rays. They haven’t just given the Yankees a run for the money, but they sit atop the AL East standings, as well as the overall American League standings, as these two clubs square off for a weekend matchup in late May. Though both teams have gotten off to both starts, they’ve taken very different routes to get there. You’ll find elite talent on both sides, with the likes of Junior Caminero and Aaron Judge, but what we’re interested in is what makes each club stand out above the rest.
We begin on the offensive side of the ball, where the Yankees are fourth, and the Rays are eighth in runs scored. Both teams hover around the best offenses in the American League, but they go about it in opposite directions. While the Yankees heavily rely on power, leading baseball with 73 home runs, the Rays’ 41 have them ranked 27th out of 30 MLB teams.
Some version of a dropoff in power from last season was always expected from Tampa, making the move back from George Steinbrenner Field to the Trop. In Caminero, the Rays have a star bat whose 13 home runs put him close to the best in the American League, but what generates this staggering difference between the Rays and Yankees is in how they complement their stars offense.
While Tampa has to look for bats with alternative skill sets to surround the likes of Caminero and Yandy Diaz, such as Chandler Simpson and Richie Palacios, the Yankees can afford to stack on power. It’s actually scary to think that their offensive numbers are what they are, despite Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham vastly underwhelming and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined. On the flip side, even with so many fewer home runs, the Rays don’t sit far apart from the Yankees on the run-scoring table with the third-highest average and OBP in baseball—New York is at 22nd and 8th, respectively. Just because power is king doesn’t mean you can’t thrive by putting the ball in play, particularly if you get on base enough.
Moving over to the pitching side of things, the Yankees and Rays sit fourth and fifth, respectively, in ERA+, although there happens to be a rather sizeable gap between them, the Yankees at 128 and the Rays at 117. Much as it is the case offensively, the Rays manage to make it a closer battle than it should be for the staff with the third-fewest strikeouts, while the Yankees are number three in the American League with 449 K’s. The same goes for home run prevention, where, in particular, the Yankees’ rotation has thrived, number one in the sport. Tampa’s bullpen has had difficulties keeping the ball in the yard, and outside of the two-headed monster of Griffin Jax and Bryan Baker, their unit has lacked the depth to truly dominate opposing batters.
Virtually operating with a four-man rotation up to this point, the Rays lack the depth to sustain potential injuries, something the Yankees have done incredibly well up to this point. And that’s not to mention Nick Martínez’s likely unsustainable production with a 1.51 ERA in nine starts.
The number one lesson to take away from all of this is that the general assumption that the Yankees remain favorites to win the AL East isn’t without merit. They have a far sturdier foundation in the key aspects of a big league club: ability to hit for power, strikeout prowess—it all favors the Yankees. Their depth has been tested so far and survived, while the Rays could be headed for a bout of regression at some point. That being said, we know not to fully underestimate the Rays by now. The games they’ve won can’t be taken away, and they’ve built a lead in the AL East. Even if the Yankees have a better roster on paper, they have plenty of work to do if they want to reclaim the top spot in the division.
Mar 7, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) warms-up before the start of the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Daniel Duarte, fresh off his major league cameo, gave up two runs on two hits and two walks in one inning pitched against the former Mets’ affiliate. Jared Young went 2-4 with a double on his way (hopefully) back to Queens.
Wyatt Young had the distinction of driving in a run and giving up two as he pitched the eighth inning for the Rumble Ponies in a trouncing by the Flying Squirrels. Nick Lorusso picked up a pair of hits, including a home run, in the team’s only real offensive performance of the game.
Joe Jacques is on rehab assignment in Brooklyn and scattered three hits and two strikeouts over an inning of work. Otherwise, Brooklyn had a very weird offensive night, where they managed to have three players drive in four collective runs without a hit.
Kodai Senga made a rehab start for St. Lucie and went three and a third innings, allowing four hits on a two runs, along with a walk and two strikeouts. It’s a start. Branny De Oleo, Chase Meggers, and Jamari Baylor all hit dingers in the dub.
Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A view of the helmet of Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) displaying the City Connect logo before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
There is almost no chance that today or Sunday’s games get played, right? The forecast for these games is beyond poor, so methinks this gets made up as a doubleheader on some random August day.
Angels shortstop Zach Neto reacts after flying out during the ninth inning of a loss to the A's on Thursday. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Losses by 6-0. 15-2. 10-1. How do you want to spin the Angels now, GM Perry Minasian? Are things still grand in Arteville?
Humiliations galore!
Jim Fredrick Manhattan Beach
Really? The Angels cannot hit, cannot pitch and certainly cannot field. Their hitting coach, pitching coach and manager Kurt Suzuki‘s terrible management are much higher on the list of what’s wrong with this miserable team this year. So sad.
Michael Reuben Anaheim Hills
The recent emergence of shirt-waving fans at Angel Stadium urging ownership to “sell the team” is an opportunity for reflection. With the long ago departure of the controversial former Clippers owner Donald Sterling, is Arte Moreno now truly the worst owner in sports? Sterling was truly detestable in his time, but at least he fielded a highly competitive and exciting Lob City squad led by legendary coach Doc Rivers. For the 2026 Angels, the dog days have already begun — before Memorial Day weekend.
Rob Fleishman Placentia
Going into Memorial Day weekend, the Dodgers are in first place and the Angels are in last place. Plus the Angels’ shirtless fans in the stands are screaming at owner Arte Moreno to “Sell The Team!” The more things change, the more they stay the same. Ho hum.
Both L.A. Times articles filled me with joy and prompted this letter.
Aaron Rai and Kaden Tennyson are champions of the highest order.
The essence of sports is good sportsmanship, which stems from good character and a respect for the game. What stood out to me while reading both articles is that both sportsmen are righteous, grateful people who honor their parents in meaningful ways. Aaron pays respect to his father by protecting his golf clubs with covers. No doubt his appreciation goes far beyond how he keeps his clubs. Kaden puts his service to his mother above all else in his life. He’s mindful of her delicate condition (a notion with which I am keenly familiar). Kaden’s care for his mother is paramount.
Just reading the many well-wishes heaped upon Aaron from his fellow pros affirms he is a well-loved, well-respected man. Kaden makes his mother proud; her heart surely swells with immeasurable joy from the comfort he gives her day in and day out.
Thank you, Kaden and Aaron, and congratulations for being such accomplished athletes and even more so, for being great human beings.
David Griffin Westwood
Nobody knew?
So my Dodgers are paying injured Edwin Díaz $69 million over three seasons and he’s involved with cockfighting. While he’s out perhaps the club should re-sign Trevor Bauer.
Better vetting please.
Fred Wallin Westlake Village
Wrong kind of homers
Re: “Sour Grapes from the Big Apple.” While there, regrettably, will never be another sportscaster with Vin Scully’s intellectual elan and gift for turning the pedestrian into something remarkable, he seldom if ever rooted for the home team, choosing instead to root for the game itself. The same cannot be said for Joe Davis and his cohorts, who make their favoritism no secret and who have never met a silence they didn’t feel compelled to fill.
Bill Waxman Simi Valley
Sports nirvana
If you’re a true sports fan, this time of year is seventh heaven. You have playoff basketball and hockey, which are both great, especially this year. And you have the Dodgers. We have about one more month of this nirvana and then the summer lull will set in until football. So to all of us hardcore sports fans, let’s sit back and enjoy!!
Doug Vikser Manhattan Beach
The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used.
Will the Detroit Tigers ever win again? This is a question many fans were asking themselves on Friday night as they watched the offense finally score more than three runs for the first time in seven games, only to see another game lost by Jack Flaherty and the defense. The result was a 7-4 defeat to open the three-game series against the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Over the last nine games before this one, that four-run effort would have won five, tied two and lost two. This team is beyond out of sync at this point and collapsing into pure chaos.
Perhaps left-hander Framber Valdez can turn the tide for the Motor City Kitties. He will be taking the mound on Saturday afternoon looking to improve on his previous outing — a five-inning, four-run effort that saw him surrender five hits and four walks while striking out three Cleveland Guardians for his third loss of the season.
The last time the 32-year-old saw the Orioles was last year with the Houston Astros on Aug. 18, when he threw 6 2/3 frames of four-run (three earned) ball on nine hits (one home run) and a walk while striking out six to take the loss.
Up against Valdez will be right-hander Brandon Young, who has been exceptionally mediocre in his second major league season. The 27-year-old has one quality start to his credit, but that was his lone six-plus innings effort. He only made it through 3 1/3 frames last time out against the Washington Nationals and has allowed at least two runs in five of his six appearances.
Young has faced the Tigers once before in his second major league game last year on April 26. He allowed three runs on four hits and five walks while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings for his first big league loss.
Take a look at how the two match up below.
Detroit Tigers (20-32) vs. Baltimore Orioles (22-29)
Time (ET): 4:05 p.m. Place: Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland SB Nation Site:Camden Chat Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 53: LHP Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.58 ERA) vs. RHP Brandon Young (3-1, 4.25 ERA)
The Tigers moved reliever Zack Lee up from West Michigan with Brenan Hanifee headed to Baltimore to fill in for an injured Burch Smith, and it did not go well.
Troy Watson got the start, and despite minimal whiffs, navigated five scoreless frames. The Hens gave him a quick lead when Ben Malgeri was hit to start the bottom of the first. Max Clark pulled a hard ground ball down the first base line for an RBI triple, and it was 1-0 Hens.
Max Clark tucks an RBI triple inside the line and the Mud Hens take a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/I3uHtwwENA
Both teams were otherwise quiet until the sixth. Max Burt and Malgeri singled, and after Clark struck out, a balk advanced both runners. Max Anderson struck out as well, but Antwone Kelly walked Eduardo Valencia to load the bases. Isaac Mattson took over and Jace Jung pulled a two-run double to right field for a 3-0 lead.
Unfortunately, the first four batter reached against Lee, the last of which was a single that plated two runs with the help of a Jung error at second base on the relay. Lee walked the next hitter before getting a pop-out, and Tyler Mattison took over. Mattison didn’t do a whole lot better, allowing two more runs before getting out of the inning and it was 5-3 Indy. Mattison gave up two more in the eighth and that was that.
Malgeri: 2-3, 2 R, K
Clark: 1-4, RBI, 3B, K
Watson: 5.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, BB, 2 K
Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday with the series tied up.
Erie SeaWolves at Altoona Curve (postponed)
They’ll play two on Saturday in Altoona with the Curve up 2-1 in the series.
South Bend Cubs 5, West Michigan Whitecaps 4 (box)
Andrew Sears made another rehab outing in this one, looking reasonably close to full strength, but as it’s gone for the past five weeks, the Whitecaps bullpen is terrible and did terribly.
Sears worked three innings of one-run ball, allowing two hits and a walk. He struck out three, and his velocity looked just about back to normal. He should be back with Erie the next time out. Carlos Marcano took over and allowed a run in the fifth.
The Whitecaps scored first when singles from Luke Shliger and Garrett Pennington set up a sacrifice fly from Clayton Campbell in the bottom of the first. It was 2-1 Cubs after the top of the fifth, but the Whitecaps fought back in the bottom half.
Junior Tilien got them started with a leadoff single, and Juan Hernandez doubled him to third. A Shliger automatic doubled plated both runs to take a 3-2 lead. Three walks pushed across another run to make it 4-2.
Ryan Harvey allowed three runs in the seventh, with the help of a Hernandez throwing error, to blow it.
Shliger: 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, K
Hernandez: 2-4, R, 2B, K, CS
Sears: 3.0 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 3 K
Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start for the 14-29 Whitecaps.
The Tigers are still being quite careful with Kelvis Salcedo as he builds up to full strength, but considering the plague of injuries it’s hard to argue with. The right-hander fired three scoreless frames, and the Flying Tigers rallied in the bottom of the ninth to walk off the Marauders on Friday.
Salcedo struck out three in those three innings, allowing just two hits and no walks. He averaged a bit over 95 mph with his fastballs and the cutter was sharp. Jatnk Diaz succeeded him, allowing a run in the fifth.
The Flying Tigers tied it up in the seventh. Zach MacDonald was plunked to lead off the inning and stole his 11th base on the year. Edian Espinal singled to right, but Javier Osorio grounded to third where the Marauders got MacDonald as the lead runner. Fortunately, Anibal Salas lined an RBI single to center field and just off the Marauders’ outfielder’s glove. Osorio was cut down trying to go first to third, but it was a 1-1 game.
Pedro Garcia allowed a solo shot in the eighth as the Marauders took a 2-1 lead.
However, in the top of the ninth, Yendy Gomez worked out of a jam to hold the game at one run. In the bottom of the ninth, MacDonald reached on an error with one out. Espinal drilled a double to center field to score MacDonald and tie the game. Osorio reached on an infield single that was deflected by reliever Draven Zeigler. Osorio took second base, but it was unnecessary as Jack Goodman lifted a fly ball to right field, and Espinal tagged and scored the game winner.
Edian Espinal drives a double to deep center and Zach MacDonald scores to tie the game for Lakeland in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/8H5vUIqxQ4
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: (L-R) Ben Rice #22, Trent Grisham #12, Cody Bellinger #35, Anthony Volpe #11, Aaron Judge #99 and Ryan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees look on during the final out of the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on May 21, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Toronto Blue Jays won 2-0. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There were positives to come out of the first game between the Yankees and Rays, but they were overshadowed by another bullpen meltdown. This time, it was the ever-reliable Tim Hill suddenly combusting, the Yankees wasting a gem from Gerrit Cole in his first outing in a year and a half. It’s great to see Cole back, and he should give the Yankees a dominant rotation that gives them a great chance to win every night. Yet winning every night has not been something they’ve been doing lately.
It’ll be a lighter day on the site, with Kevin handling the Rivalry Roundup this morning, and Jonathan writing a profile of Buck Showalter, an important figure in Yankees history, and just MLB history at large. Also, Maximo contrasts the ways the Yankees and Rays have gotten to the top of the AL this year, and Matt delivers the All-May Yankee Birthday team.
Today’s Matchup
New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Time: 1:35 p.m. EST
Video: YES Network, Rays.TV
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Questions/Prompts:
1. Let’s focus on the positives: did Gerrit Cole’s debut meaningfully impact your expectations for him?
2. How much do you expect to actually see Anthony Volpe at second base?
BRONX, NY - MAY 19: New York Yankees Shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) throws out Toronto Blue Jays Catcher Tyler Heineman (55) (not pictured) after fielding a ground ball during the third inning of a Major League Baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees on May 19, 2026, at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: With José Caballero returning to action after a brief stint on the injured list with a fractured finger, the Yankees opted to keep Anthony Volpe around as insurance. Not just that, but manager Aaron Boone announced that he will start taking drills at second base to increase his versatility.
Boone said that the decision on who will be the starting shortstop will be made “‘every night,” but Caballero was his choice on Friday’s opener vs. the Rays. For now, Volpe will try to learn second base, but there are no plans for him to play the hot corner.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Aaron Judge entered Friday’s game against the Rays with just one hit, a single, in his last five games and 21 plate appearances. He knows he is not exactly going through his best stretch of the season and is aware of the need for improvement. He blamed pitch selection for his mini slump: “I’m not doing enough at the plate,” Judge said. “That’s what we’re doing right there. … I wouldn’t say we’re not seeing the ball well. I think it’s about making sure we’re swinging at the right pitches.”
CBS Sports | Mike Axisa: Gerrit Cole made his long-awaited season debut on Friday, and he was huge for the Yankees with six scoreless frames. The strikeouts aren’t all the way back, as he fanned just two, but he surrendered just two hits and three walks in the highly-efficient masterpiece. If it wasn’t his first start of the year at the MLB level (and the first since 2024), he could have gone even further, as he needed just 72 pitches to dominate the Rays. New York’s rotation is really unfair for the rest of the league now that the veteran ace is back to full health. The offense needs to show up, though.
In another must-read article, Cole opened up to longtime reporter Stephanie Apstein of SI.com about his rehab process, his fears, and the long road back to these six scoreless frames and what’s to come.
Bryan Hoch on X: The Yankees have been without designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton since April 25th, when he went down with a calf strain. Per Hoch, the star slugger will be examined “this coming week” to see if he can resume running. He has been hitting, but won’t be able to return if he can’t run. Boone suggested there’s a chance Stanton skips a rehab assignment when cleared.
It took a miracle to get this game started. After lengthy delays due to impending weather (or so we were told), the Big Ten set a hard time of 10:20 pm for the UCLA-Purdue game to finish in order for the field to be ready to go by the conference’s deadline to start a game of 11pm. With a tie game in the 9th and the time ticking down, the crowd boo-ed every play or lack thereof that took extra time. Luckily UCLA hit a walk off single at 10:19:47 pm. The Nebraska-Michigan game was go for launch!
First team All Big Ten Pitcher Carson Jasa climbed the bump for the Huskers. He hit the leadoff hitter, but then made quick work of Michigan’s two best hitters Colby Turner, and Brayden Jeffries on his way to retire the side with a zero.
Nebraska was ready to play despite the 11pm start and it was noticeable. Michigan, being pretty much out of starting pitching sent out Erik Puodziunas, a freshman reliever that had gone more than 3 innings only twice on the year. The Huskers jumped on him quick.
Center fielder Mac Moyer led off and recorded an out, but on a ball he hit 101 mph to center. DH Jeter Worthley hit a line drive right off the leg of Puodziunas. It oddly went 20 feet up in the air but bounced to the ground before Puodziunas could locate it for a base hit. Dylan Carey ripped a single right past the diving third baseman to put 2 on for first baseman Case Sanderson. Sanderson sent a missile down to the right field corner, scoring both runners as he cruised into third for a stand up triple. 2-0 Big Red.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
The teams traded zeros until the top of the 4th. Michigans Turner and Jeffries each singled to start the inning. After bunting them over, a swinging bunt went right to Sanderson who stepped on first base as the first Michigan runner crossed the plate. An RBI double tied the game at 2-2.
If there is one thing this Husker team always does, is answer a rally. A red hot Sanderson smoked a double off the wall of the deepest part of the park. Drew Grego followed it up with a single. Seeing the game was in the balance, Michigan went to the pen and got their ace, Kurt Barr.
Barr had pitched only 2 days ago, but after a lights out first inning, he completely lost the bottom of the zone. They pulled him after 40 pitches, making him available to go tonight. Back to back strikeouts made it look like Barr was in complete control with his slider. Jett Buck spit on it multiple times, and drew a walk to load the bases for Rhett Stokes. Stokes watched a fastball down the middle, then 3 straight sliders out of the zone. He ripped a 3-1 fastball into left field and scored 2 on a 2 RBI single. Huskers regain the lead 4-2.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
Barr and Jasa went to work, each allowing only 1 baserunner over the next 2 innings. To start the 7th, Jasa snapped off a slider to strike out a Michigan batter, but the ball skipped away from catcher Trey Fikes. The throw did not make it in time. Jasa then hung his second breaking ball over the plate and Michigan first baseman Matthew Ossenfort deposited it into the bleachers in right-center. Tie ball game again, 4-4.
Ty Horn was called in to replace Jasa, and in and just like he was towards the end of the season, Horn was lights out coming in, getting three out of four batters out, with the one walking on a terrible call. His first walk since April 10th.
The Huskers got right back to work. Stokes singled to left, followed by a Moyer strikeout. Jeter Worthley then poked a hit and run just out of the reach of the short stop up the middle, as Stokes took third. Dylan Carey, the top RBI man in the conference couldn’t lay off multiple sliders, striking out, and bringing up the scorching hot Sanderson.
Well, if you are scorching hot, obviously you get a hit! Sanderson dropped a ball into the gap in right center, scoring Stokes. The outfielder bobbled the ball multiple times, allowing Worthley who was motoring to third to get the waved home and he slid in easily to put NU back up 6 to 4. Sanderson got credit for 1 RBI, Worthley was unearned.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
In the top of the 8th, Michigan put the pressure on Horn, with runners on first and second with only 1 out. Horn battled back and struck out the final two batters and let out a scream to the heavens as he flexed, striding off the mound into the third base dugout.
With the score still 6-4 in the 9th, Nebraska called on its closer, J’Shawn Unger. Unger induced a weak groundout to third, and Overbeek threw a strike to first for out number 1. After getting to a full count, Michigna hit a sinking liner to the left center gap, only All-Big Ten Defensive Team outfielder Mac Moyer flew in and grabbed the ball just inches from the ground, to the delight of the crowd! Another fly ball to Moyer at 1:51 am and Nebraska won its 13th straight game in this ballpark.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
Sanderson was the hero of the night, with 3 hits, falling a home run short of the cycle and 3 RBIs. Jeter Worthley added 3 hits of his own, scoring twice. Rhett Stokes had 2 hits, and the other 2 RBIs.
Nebraska will play the winner of Oregon-Washington on Saturday. Those teams play at 10am CDT, and will take on Nebraska at 6pm or thereabouts.
As Forest Gump famously said, “Well, Im pretty tired. I think I’ll go home now.” See you back here tomorrow!
Former All-Star and two-time World Series champion Chris Taylor has retired from professional baseball, according to Major League Baseball’s transaction log, ending a 12-year career that included a decade-long run of success with the Dodgers.
Taylor, 35, was a key member of the Dodgers’ core during their rise to superteam status from 2016-2025.
Getty Images
Originally acquired in a trade with the Mariners as a reclamation project — famously, in exchange for only reliever Zach Lee — the Virginia native blossomed in Los Angeles after overhauling his swing and becoming a versatile utility threat.
He played 1,007 of his 1,123 career big-league games in Dodger blue, collecting 790 hits, 108 home runs, 423 RBIs and plenty of highlight moments to go with it.
“He’s had a great career,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was in his first season with the club when Taylor arrived in June 2016. “He got everything out of his ability.”
In 2017, Taylor was named co-MVP of the National League Championship Series, helping lead the Dodgers to their first World Series appearance in 29 years by batting .316 with two home runs in a five-game elimination of the Cubs.
He had another memorable moment when the Dodgers defended their pennant in the 2018 NLCS, making a sprawling, over-the-shoulder, run-saving catch in left field against the Brewers in the series’ decisive seventh game in Milwaukee.
“Man, worlds would have been different if he hadn’t made that play,” Roberts recalled.
When the Dodgers finally ended their championship drought in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Taylor played an important role, starting in all but two games of that October’s postseason run.
He then became an All-Star for the first time in 2021, when he batted .254 with 20 home runs and a career-high 73 RBIs in the regular season, before hitting a walk-off home run in the NL Wild Card game against the Cardinals.
Getty Images
In his postseason career, Taylor had nine home runs, 26 RBIs and a .791 OPS.
Following the 2021 campaign, Taylor became a free agent but re-signed with the Dodgers on a four-year, $60 million contract struck shortly before a lockout in the middle of the offseason.
As a 31-year-old by then, however, Taylor’s play slowly declined amid repeated slumps and recurring injury problems. He never again hit more than 15 home runs or better than .237 in a season. He was relegated to a bench role during the Dodgers’ run to the 2024 World Series, then released last May in the final year of his contract.
Taylor had been with the Angels ever since, appearing in 30 big-league games with them last season while battling more injuries that hampered his play. This year, he had been with their Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake City, batting .255 in 32 games.
But on Friday, the husband and father of two decided it was time to hang it up, 14 years removed from originally being selected in the fifth round of the 2012 draft.
“I hope he, [his wife] Mary and the kids can ride off into the sunset,” Roberts said, while also noting the charitable work Taylor has done through his CT3 Foundation. “He was a joy, a complete pro.”
The manager said the decision was due in part to the Yankees facing some left-handed starters, but the 25-year-old outfield prospect struggled against all pitching in his brief stint in The Bronx, going 4-for-24 with no extra-base hits, three walks and 14 strikeouts.
“I feel it was a good experience for Spencer,” Boone said. “Even though he didn’t get a lot of results, I felt he held his own pretty well. The last two days, he was having some good at-bats.”
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To Boone’s point, there was a 105-mph single to center in Thursday’s loss to Toronto and a deep fly out to the opposite field off Trey Yesavage after Jones replaced the injured Trent Grisham in center on Wednesday.
Grisham had three hits in Friday’s 4-2 loss and was thrown out at the plate on a strong throw by Jonny DeLuca from right field.
Boone said he thought Grisham ran “OK” on the bases in his return.
With Grisham recovered from the left knee discomfort that forced him out Wednesday and kept him sidelined Thursday, the Yankees will rely on Amed Rosario and Max Schuemann as the fourth outfielder.
Spencer Jones walks back to the dugout after striking out in the second inning of the Yankees’ loss to the Jays on May 21, 2026 at the Stadium. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
That’s because Jasson Domínguez is still on the IL with a sprained shoulder. Domínguez has begun tee-and toss hitting and is expected to travel with the team to Kansas City and Sacramento on the upcoming trip to continue his work.
Boone said Domínguez might be able to begin a rehab assignment by the end of that trip.
It’s no surprise the Yankees offense has looked anemic lately, given that Aaron Judge is in a six-game skid in which he’s 1-for-23 with no extra-base hits, three walks and 10 strikeouts.
Aaron Boone walks to the dugout in the sixth inning of the Yankees’ loss to the Blue Jays on May 21. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
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And his lack of production stretches back a bit further, with just a double in a 4-for-35 slump that’s lasted nine games.
Boone liked Judge’s at-bats Friday and his 106-mph laser to center was the final out of the game.
He also grounded out hard to short and Boone said he has been impressed with Judge’s mental approach despite the numbers.
“His emotional consistency is as good as it gets,’’ Boone said. “That’s critical for a major league athlete, where you fail all the time. Doing it every single day, it’s a grind, even for the great ones and you’ve got to be able to deal with that.”
Judge, Boone said, is adept at that.
“Whether he’s dominating the world or going through a little funk, he’s always the same,’’ Boone said.
Giancarlo Stanton (calf) is expected to be reevaluated at some point next week, Boone said, and if he gets the go-ahead, will be able to resume running.
Stanton has been able to continue to swing while on the IL, in spite of the injury.
The ball remained in the park, but Munetaka Murakami slapped an 0-2 slider down the third-base line for a double to drive in three during a nine-run fourth. | (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
San Francisco’s Trevor McDonald was perfect through the first three innings against the White Sox tonight. Trying to get through the lineup a second time proved to be impossible for the righty, as Chicago hung nine runs on the Giants and cruised to a 9-4 win.
It started with back-to-back hit batsmen to put Sam Antonacci and Munetaka Murakami on base. Colson Montgomery got the first hit of the game with an infield single, and with the sacks packed Chase Meidroth broke the shutout with an RBI walk.
And the runs would not stop coming. Antonacci would get hit once more before the end of the inning, by a different pitcher. The Pale Hose used five hits and a fielder’s choice to push nine runs in their half of the fourth. Nine is the most runs scored in a single inning this season, and are also the most runs scored in an inning without a home run since 2000. Although just two of the hits hit gaps and had any slug to them, it was a welcome wake-up of the bats after a slow start to the road trip in Seattle.
Please enjoy Mune’s third double of the season to add three RBIs to his ledger:
Davis Martin, untouchable all season, ran into troubles of his own in the bottom of the fifth. He opened the inning with issuing walks sandwiching a double from Drew Gilbert to load the bases. A ground out from Willy Adames put the Giants on the board, followed by a Luis Arráez RBI single. A wild pitch from Martin advanced the runners to second and third with one out, setting up the third and final run of the inning to score on another ground out. Not too many RBI hits in this game, for either side!
Will Venable gave his starter an opportunity to pick up an eighth quality start of the year, but Martin, at 98 pitches, ended his night just 5 2/3 innings in. He gave up an additional run in the sixth, pushing his ERA back past 2.00. During his outing, Martin struck out seven and walked two, but tonight’s four runs are the most the ace has given up so far this season.
The rest of the game was fairly quiet. The slugging White Sox won a game handily without hitting a home run, and without scoring outside of the fourth. Tyler Davis, Brandon Eisert and Trevor Richards each did their job out of the bullpen and kept the game exactly where it was.
After dropping a series to the Mariners in Seattle, this game was a nice win to start the holiday weekend. The South Siders will be back a little earlier tomorrow for the second game of the three-game set. First pitch will be at 3:05 p.m. CDT, where Erick Fedde and gang will look to secure a series victory.
Wells snapped a streak of 50 consecutive plate appearances without an RBI at what looked like the perfect time, but his tiebreaking home run didn’t hold up under Austin Wells’ dry spell is over.he weight of another bullpen collapse Friday as the Yankees lost 4-2 to the Rays at the Stadium.
The 392-blast to right-center field was just the sixth hit and first RBI of May for Wells, who has lost playing time to fellow left-handed-hitting catcher J.C. Escarra. The reaction in the dugout told the story of a team backing its slumping catcher.
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“Austin is always grinding for us behind the plate,” said Gerrit Cole, who made his first start since Oct. 30, 2024. “The effort and the preparation are there. When you see that, as teammates it’s just so easy to root for somebody. Not to mention his positivity and the way he takes care of other people. It was an opportunity for us to take care of him. We were thrilled at that point with the swing and the result.”
Wells lined out to end an eight-pitch at-bat during the second inning, which might have set the table for his homer.
“I saw a bunch of pitches in the first at-bat,” Wells said. “I just got a pitch in the middle that I could put a good swing on.”
Austin Wells belts a solo home run during the fifth inning of the Yankees’ 4-2 loss to the Rays on May 22, 2026 at the Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Friday was the second game this month that Wells had at least three plate appearances without striking out, as his whiff rate has climbed to 33 percent and his squared-up percentage has dropped to 21 percent, according to Baseball Savant.
Wells didn’t sugarcoat his struggles earlier this week, when he said there are “not many words to describe how bad I’ve been.” The fans who have booed him at Yankee Stadium could think of a few synonyms for “bad.”
But the cheers were loud as Wells slapped first-base coach Dan Fiorito’s hand, trotted around the bases and returned to a receiving line of high-fives, forearm clubs and bear hugs — happy to have a 1-0 lead. How much relief was Wells feeling?
Austin Wells (left) is greeted by Trent Grisham after he scores on his solo home run in the fifth inning of the Yankees’ loss to the Rays. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
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“None,” said Wells, who is hitting .169 with four home runs and six RBIs in 118 at-bats. “I have a lot more work to do.”
Wells later fouled off a pair of two-strike pitches and drew an eight-pitch walk with one out in the ninth, allowing the tying run to come to the plate.
But Trent Grisham grounded out and Aaron Judge flew out to the warning track.
“Wellsy has some good at-bats,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Encouraging to see that. Obviously, it’s been a struggle for him.”
Cole also credited Wells’ game plan and pitch-framing for helping him to navigate six scoreless innings and 72 pitches in his clean return from Tommy John surgery and his introduction to the ABS Challenge System for the strike zone.
MIAMI — Officially, it was Game No. 51 for the Mets on Friday. Unofficially, it was Kids’ Night.
That meant the all-rookie outfield of Carson Benge, A.J. Ewing and Nick Morabito was assembled for the first time, with all three in the starting lineup another first. They never had started together in the same outfield at any professional level.
The trio combined to go 1-for-9 in the Mets’ 2-1 loss. Ewing singled and was the only Met besides Juan Soto to get a hit against the Marlins.
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On the bright side, Morabito’s diving catch in left helped save a run in the fifth.
From left field to right it was Morabito, Ewing and Benge, hardly a configuration many would have imagined this early in the season when the Mets opened spring training in February.
Count manager Carlos Mendoza among those who could not have envisioned it.
“I don’t think anybody did,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ loss. “But it’s exciting, and they continue to earn it.”
Carson Benge (right) and A.J. Ewing look on from inside the dugout during the fifth inning of the Mets’ 2-1 loss to the Marlins on May 22, 2026 in Miami. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Such is the new reality for the Mets following injuries that have left Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr. sidelined for the long term. Benge began the season with the club, Ewing arrived 1½ weeks ago, and Morabito was promoted in recent days.
All three have brought a youthful vibe to the Mets clubhouse.
“They are unreal,” Tyrone Taylor said. “I think they are built different these days.”
Taylor was asked in what manner the new wave is built differently.
Nick Morabito looks on from the Mets’ dugout during the sixth inning of the Mets’ loss to the Marlins.l Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
“They are obviously skilled at baseball, but I think their mentalities, how they go about it is cool,” Tyrone Taylor said. “It’s like they are unfazed by the moment.”
Benge, 23, took a .262/.316/.360 slash line with three homers and eight stolen bases into play. He’s been among the team’s best offensive performers in May following a sluggish start to the season.
He began the day with an .859 OPS for the month, but his defense has been mixed, with multiple glaring lapses including a dropped fly ball during the Subway Series last weekend.
“He is such a good hitter,” Morabito said. “His plate discipline is pretty elite with his bat-to-ball skills and he’s got some juice as well and he can impact the game. He can really run out there and he’s a great defender.”
A.J. Ewing hits a pop fly during the first inning of the Mets’ loss to the Marlins. Getty Images
Ewing, 21, brought a .276/.432/.448 slash line with one homer and two stolen bases over 10 games into play.
“I think what impresses me is his plate discipline and obviously his speed,” Morabito said. “Speed plays a big factor here.”
He can impact the game in so many ways, but I have loved playing with him and just watching him mature as a baseball player.”
Morabito, 23, was teammates with Ewing this season for two months at Triple-A Syracuse. He was teammates last season with Benge for about a month at Double-A Binghamton.
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Ewing and Benge were teammates at Single-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton last season.
Morabito, who debuted in the major leagues Tuesday, has wasted little time getting acclimated.
“It’s awesome,” Ewing said. “The guys, everyone with me was super inviting, and they did the same with him and he’s been fitting in really well and seems comfortable. He plays the game extremely hard.”
Mendoza has other options for the outfield, most notably playing Juan Soto in left. But the inclusion of the three rookies on the roster allows Mendoza to use Soto as the DH. The Mets have another strong option defensively for the outfield in Taylor.
But it’s the three rookies attracting attention as the Mets attempt from the early hole they have dug. The Mets began play 22-28 after splitting four games in Washington.
“I think all three of them have all the tools and the Mets’ future looks pretty cool,” Taylor said. “Fans should be excited about it for sure.”
May 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Sterlin Thompson (30) scores a run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies came into Tuesday night looking to do more than play another close game.
This time, they finished one.
The Rockies (20-32) found a way to cross the finish line, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks (26-24) 3-2 at Chase Field after tying the game in the eighth, turning a huge double play in the bottom half, and pushing across the winning run in the ninth.
After back-to-back frustrating finishes — a late loss to Texas and Monday night’s walk-off loss in Arizona — Colorado finally got the kind of late execution it had been missing. Tomoyuki Sugano gave the Rockies a strong start, TJ Rumfield tied the game with an eighth-inning double, Sterlin Thompson set up the ninth with his first MLB extra-base hit, and Chad Stevens followed with his first MLB RBI to give Colorado the lead.
Antonio Senzatela got the win, improving to 4-0 after recording the final five outs. Ryan Thompson took the loss for Arizona, falling to 2-1.
Sugano survives the noise
The Diamondbacks hit the ball hard throughout Tomoyuki Sugano’s outing. That was clear early, and it never really went away. Arizona put 23 balls in play against him, and 11 were hard hit. Ketel Marte’s 116.7 mph double was the loudest swing, and Corbin Carroll added a 107 mph single in the fifth.
Sugano did not overpower the Diamondbacks. He managed them.
Arizona got its first run in the second, when Nolan Arenado opened the inning with a loud double to center. Ildemaro Vargas moved him to third with a flyout to right, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. brought him home with a sacrifice fly to center. In the fourth, Sugano’s only walk came back to hurt him. Geraldo Perdomo reached with one out, moved to second on Vargas’ groundout, and scored when Gurriel pulled a ground-ball single into left.
There were other pressure points, too. Marte doubled with two outs in the third before Sugano got Carroll to fly out. In the fifth, after the Rockies had cut the deficit to 2-1, Ryan Waldschmidt singled, stole second and moved to third on Carroll’s hard ground-ball single. Sugano stranded both runners by getting Perdomo to line out to right.
That was the shape of his night. Arizona kept creating stress, but Sugano kept the game from opening up. He changed looks, limited the walks, kept the ball in the park and carried the Rockies into the seventh.
Sugano finished with 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on six hits with one walk and three strikeouts on 97 pitches. He threw seven different pitch types: 33 sinkers, 19 splitters, 15 sliders, 10 sweepers, eight four-seamers, eight curveballs and four cutters.
That length mattered for more than the box score. The Rockies had leaned hard on their bullpen in recent days, and Sugano gave them exactly the kind of start they needed.
“Our bullpen was in bad shape, and we needed him to go a long time,” Warren Schaeffer said after the game. “He was efficient with his pitches, throwing strikes and just doing what he does with all of his pitches (and) keeping guys off balance. He’s been huge for us all year, and tonight was no exception.”
Rockies let Soroka off the hook
Michael Soroka gave the Diamondbacks six strong innings, and the Rockies did not make him work as hard as they needed to. He allowed one run on four hits, struck out two, walked none and threw 51 of his 78 pitches for strikes.
Colorado was aggressive against him, swinging at 48 pitches while taking 30. That approach kept the ball in play, but it did not produce enough damage. The Rockies struck out only twice against Soroka, which is usually a good sign, but they also did not draw a walk and rarely forced him away from his plan.
Soroka mixed five pitches, throwing 28 slurves, 27 four-seamers, 11 changeups, eight sinkers and four cutters. He did not need to overpower the Rockies. He stayed around the zone, changed speeds and got enough soft contact to keep Colorado from building sustained pressure.
The Rockies’ best chance against him came in the fifth. Willi Castro and Ezequiel Tovar opened the inning with singles, and Sterlin Thompson was hit by a pitch to load the bases with nobody out. Soroka had given Colorado the opening it needed, but the Rockies came away with only one run. Chad Stevens struck out, Jake McCarthy drove in Castro with a deep sacrifice fly, and Hunter Goodman ended the inning by tapping a ball in front of the plate.
That was the miss. The Rockies had bases loaded, nobody out and a chance to take control of the game. Instead, they turned it into one run and let Soroka escape with the lead.
Rockies get to Arizona’s bullpen
For most of the night, the fifth-inning chance looked like it might define the game. Then the Rockies found another path against Arizona’s bullpen.
Hunter Goodman opened the eighth with a walk against Juan Morillo, then moved to second on a passed ball by Gabriel Moreno. TJ Rumfield followed with the swing Colorado had been chasing, pulling a double to right field to score Goodman and tie the game at 2-2.
They took advantage again in the ninth. After Ezequiel Tovar popped out, Sterlin Thompson worked the count full and lined a double to center for his first MLB extra-base hit. Chad Stevens followed with a line-drive single to right for his first MLB RBI, scoring Thompson and giving the Rockies their first lead of the night.
“It was an awesome job by [Thompson] hitting a double there,” Stevens said. “Then I don’t think I could have drawn it up much better by driving him in.”
“I couldn’t ask for much more,” he said. “I’m just happy I was able to contribute and help the team win.”
That gave Antonio Senzatela a one-run lead to protect, and he handled it cleanly.
Senzatela wins the day
Brennan Bernardino entered in the seventh and finished Sugano’s inning by getting Ketel Marte to ground out. He came back for the eighth after the Rockies had tied the game, but Arizona immediately put pressure on him. Corbin Carroll reached on a ground-ball single that deflected off Bernardino, and Geraldo Perdomo bunted him to second.
That brought in Antonio Senzatela with one out, Carroll in scoring position and the game tied. Senzatela hit Nolan Arenado with a pitch, putting two on and giving Arizona a chance to answer right back.
Instead, the Rockies made the biggest defensive play of the night.
Ildemaro Vargas grounded into a 5-6-3 double play, with Kyle Karros starting it at third, Tovar making the turn and Castro finishing it at first. The play ended the inning, kept the game tied and gave Colorado one more chance.
The Rockies used it in the ninth, and Senzatela made it stand.
He stayed on for the bottom of the ninth and retired Jose Fernandez on a flyout, Gabriel Moreno on a groundout to third and Adrian Del Castillo on a popup to second. His final line was 1.2 scoreless innings with no hits, no walks and no strikeouts. It was not flashy. It was clean, and it was exactly what the Rockies needed.
Colorado finished with nine hits and went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position, so there were still missed chances. They left nine runners on base. They did not play a perfect offensive game.
But they got Sugano’s length, Rumfield’s tying double, the massive eighth-inning double play, Thompson’s first extra-base hit, Stevens’ first RBI and five outs from Senzatela.
Winning feels great.
Up Next
The Rockies will continue their series against the Diamondbacks on Friday night at Chase Field. Colorado is scheduled to send right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the mound. Lorenzen enters at 2-6 with a 7.03 ERA and 36 strikeouts.
Arizona will counter with right-hander Zac Gallen, who enters at 2-4 with a 4.78 ERA and 34 strikeouts.
