May 25, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) is greeted by third base coach Matt Erickson (68) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Fresh off a series-opening win, the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are back at it on Tuesday night. The roof will be open for a night game for the first time this season.
The Brewers made a transaction prior to the game, placing Logan Henderson on the 15-day IL with low back tightness. RHP Coleman Crow was recalled to the active roster to take his place. Pat Murphy confirmed that Crow will pitch on Friday against the Astros. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s starter is still TBA, but Murphy said that the finale against the Cardinals will be covered by “a combination of guys already on the roster.”
Henderson told reporters that he felt his back tighten up while facing Freddie Freeman in the fourth inning during his last start. He’s hoping to return to throwing soon and is already starting to make a little bit of progress in his recovery, but not enough to be able to make his start tomorrow.
For the game tonight, Kyle Harrison is on the mound for the Crew, looking to continue his stretch of dominance. Harrison hasn’t allowed a run in either of his past two starts and hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in a single start all season. Over Harrison’s last five starts, he’s allowed just three runs over 28 IP, good for a 0.96 ERA.
On the other side, the Cardinals will have Michael McGreevy. McGreevy has a 2.40 ERA in his 10 starts. He doesn’t miss a lot of bats with just 5.9 K/9, but he also doesn’t walk many either, posting 1.9 BB/9 so far. We can expect a lot more contact than we saw in Monday’s game when both starters had 10-plus strikeouts.
Pat Murphy is shaking up the Brewers lineup as well with Christian Yelich in the leadoff spot, bumping Jackson Chourio down to the two-spot. Brice Turang, William Contreras, Jake Bauers, and Garrett Mitchell make up the middle of the order. Luis Rengifo, Sal Frelick, and David Hamilton round out the bottom of the lineup.
The Cardinals are keeping the top of their lineup pretty similar, with JJ Wetherholt leading off, followed by Iván Herrera, Jordan Walker, and Alec Burleson.
The Brewers have a great opportunity to extend their lead in the NL Central even further. The Brewers have won their last six games when Harrison has started. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. on Brewers.TV and the Brewerse Radio Network.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 20: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles misses a catch during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 20, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What a difference a week makes. Just a few days ago it felt like the Orioles season was circling the drain. They had lost five of six, including three embarrassing displays down in Tampa. Now, they are winners of three out of four and the magic is emanating from them.
But as the saying goes, momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher. In the Orioles case, that’s Shane Baz, and the O’s haven’t won a start of his since April 28. That’s not all Baz’s fault. He allowed just one run over six innings against these Rays in his last outing, and tossed seven solid frames against the Nationals in the start before that. Those two efforts have brought his season ERA from 5.48 to 4.87.
The Orioles won’t have Dietrich Enns to help them out of the bullpen. He was DFA’d earlier today in order to make room for Nick Raquet. The swap of lefties seems like an effort to add flexibility and a fresh arm after the 13-inning affair on Monday. Raquet has options. Enns doesn’t. Hopefully Raquet can replicate his Triple-A success (3.24 ERA, 2.86 FIP over 16.2 innings) in Baltimore. His three MLB games from earlier this year did not go well. Enns might still stay in the organization, but he will need to get through waivers first. His $2.625 million salary might allow that to happen.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 18: Pidgeons scatter as Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves catches a fly ball by Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox in center field during the thrid inning at Fenway Park on May 18, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Braves are hoping to wake up their offense with Strider on the mound to avoid three-straight losses. And for the Red Sox, well, they’re just hoping they can get over 3.7 runs per game. As always, you know where to find us for the recap.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Gleyber Torres #25 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during Game Four of the American League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Obviously the Detroit Tigers badly need offensive help to return off the injury list. The pitching staff now has Will Vest and Troy Melton back, and Tarik Skubal threw a successful 39 pitch live BP session on Tuesday. Jackson Jobe’s rehab continues to run a little ahead of pace, setting him up for a return to action in July potentially. But the real issue now for the club is a lineup that is dead in the water apart from its three top bats. The Tigers got a mix of good and bad news on that front today
Gleyber Torres had a successful hitting session on Tuesday. He’s been rehabbing his left oblique strain over the past two weeks, running, fielding, and throwing well. However, he had previously experienced some discomfort when taking full swings. If he responds well with no setbacks, he’ll likely have one more cage session before heading on on a rehab assignment according to Evan Woodbery of MLive.
On the other hand, Javier Báez work getting back to full strength has hit a setback. Over the past two weeks, Báez has been trying to get back to full speed in his running and agility progressions, but his right ankle is still bothering him and he hasn’t been able to go all out. As a result, he’ll be seeing a specialist to see if anything was missed in the original diagnosis.
Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) will see a specialist after his injury has not responded as anticipated, per A.J. Hinch.
The Tigers really need those two bats to get their offensive game back in order. Torres is obviously a key piece for them as a highly disciplined right-handed hitter who gets on base a lot, works pitchers, and has the ability to hit behind runners on base using the opposite field.
Báez is more of a filler in the lineup, keeping a worse hitter on the bench or down on the farm, and doing most of his damage against lefties and with runners on base. Unfortunately, his defensive presence at shortstop and in center field is where most of his impact is centered these days, and the Tigers are missing him in every way. If he’s not back at full speed, he’s no help at all, and it feels like he’s still several weeks from potentially getting back, assuming this is just lingering pain from the sprain and not something more serious. Báez has been out for a month since rolling his ankle under him sliding into first base on an awkward play back on April 28.
The news is better for Kerry Carpenter, who is continuing his rehab and is hitting regularly again along with his defense and running work. The right fielder has been out since May 10 with an AC joint strain in his left shoulder after colliding with the wall at Kauffman Stadium trying to field a drive from Bobby Witt Jr. that turned into an inside the park home run.
Justin Verlander is scheduled to throw a live BP session tomorrow, but he’s been doing that and it’s a matter of recovering as he needs to before they can start ramping up his workload.
Utilityman Trei Cruz, who the Tigers expected to have as a defensive specialist at least, and depth for the shorstop and center field positions, is rehabbing now in Lakeland and should be back in Toledo by next week.
In prospect injury news, C/1B Josue Briceño is hitting now, about 10 weeks out from wrist tendon surgery. He seems on pace to return to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves sometime in late June. LHP Andrew Sears has made rehab appearances in both the Complex League, and then with the West Michigan Whitecaps back on May 22. He threw three innings in that outing, and should only need one more start there at most to build him up to a return to the Erie SeaWolves. Right-hander Owen Hall has made four shot appearances with the Complex League Tigers and should be nearing a return to the Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers pretty soon.
A.J. Hinch called Skubal’s live BP “really encouraging.” He’ll throw to hitters again on Sunday, building up in volume.
Skubal will throw a rehab start before returning from injured list, Hinch reiterated.
Full Tigers medical report. Javier Báez is going to see a specialist for his ankle, which has not been responding well. Báez still can't run at full speed. pic.twitter.com/e8r6AKVkNw
— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) May 26, 2026
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Washington Nationals third baseman Curtis Mead (45) is congratulated by teammates after hitting his second home run of the game during the fifth inning of the Major League Baseball interleague game between the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Guardians on May 25, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After an amazing win last night to get over .500, the Nats will look to keep the good times rolling. The offense put on a show against a usually stingy Guardians pitching staff. They will look to do that again tonight, as they face a crafty lefty. This Nats team needs to show that this hot start is no mirage.
With a lefty on the mound, the Nats are going to make a couple changes to the lineup that put up 10 runs last night. Andres Chaparro will be back at first base, replacing Luis Garcia Jr., who had a big night at the plate yesterday. James Wood will be out in left field and Daylen Lile will be the DH. Keibert Ruiz will be back behind the plate. Cade Cavalli was great last time out and will look to do it again tonight.
The Guardians are also making a couple changes. Daniel Schneemann will get his first start of the series in center field. That will move Steven Kwan to left field and Angel Martinez to right field. Chase DeLauter will be the DH in this one. Outside of that, it is the same personnel as last night. Southpaw Joey Cantillo will be on the mound, and he has a great changeup.
It has been a great time to be a Nats fan lately. Last night was an absolute show from the offense and Zack Littell looked great on the mound. They will look to put another good performance together tonight to get their winning streak to 4 games. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the first inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on May 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: TBD vs. Braxton Ashcraft (3-2, 2.89 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Chicago Cubs today at beautiful PNC Park.
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Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo are back in the mud on the latest episode of The Mets Pod, as the Mets had another rather rough week. Connor and Joe let it all out by talking about the losses, the uninspired play, the utter lack of offense, the struggles of Nolan Mclean, and so much more.
Later, the guys go Down on the Farm to introduce you to prospect Channing Austin, and answer Mailbag questions about how to handle a tough Mets summer, the situation at second base, and the future of the Mets front office.
Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
May 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Reds took care of business on Monday night in Queens, taking down the New York Mets by the score of 7-2. Nick Lodolo was excellent, the offense consistently befuddled Mets starter Nolan McLean, and now there’s a chance for Cincinnati to take the series with another victory.
Lucky for the Reds, they get to hand the ball to their resident ace next.
Chase Burns gets the start for Cincinnati on Tuesday evening, and he does so on quite the heater. Over his last 7 starts, he’s fired 42.2 IP and allowed just 6 ER, pairing 46 strikeouts with just 10 walks. He’s pitched to a 1.27 ERA and 2.84 FIP in that time, and pretty consistently has made people look afool in the process.
The Mets will counter with veteran lefty David Peterson, who owns a 6.33 ERA at home this year and a 5.03 ERA overall. The Reds have stacked their lineup with mostly righties as a result, with JJ Bleday the lone true lefty who’s in the starting lineup.
First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET. Here’s how the Reds will line up to start this one:
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 19: Taylor Trammell #26 of the Houston Astros scores on a sacrifice fly in the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park on April 19, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Astros optioned OF Zach Cole to Triple A Sugar Land following last night’s game. Taking his place on the active roster, the Astros reinstated OF Taylor Trammell from the 10-day IL today.
This move makes a lot of sense right now, as Cole (8×51, 3 HR 8 RBI 21K in 51 AB) has struggled with inconsistent playing time and will benefit from regular AB at Sugar Land.
Trammell is also a LH bat and excellent defender, and is more accustomed to a part-time role.
Trammell hit well in spring training, and was 10×29 (.345) with a double, triple, and 4 RBI before landing on the IL in April.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 12: Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers singles against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field on May 12, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for May 26, 2026 against the Houston Astros: starting pitchers are Jack Leiter for the Rangers and Jason Alexander for the Astros.
Sigh. Its another game. The Rangers have tried their very best the last several games not to get hits, and accomplished that yesterday. Hopefully today will be different. Josh Jung is back, which I hope will help.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Osuna — LF
Nimmo — RF
Jung — 3B
Burger — 1B
Carter — CF
Duran — SS
Foscue — 2B
Higashioka — C
7:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -132 favorites.
The Seattle Mariners look to gain ground on the Athletics in the AL West when the two teams face off tonight.
Seattle took the series opener 9-2 on Monday, yet is listed as a +100 underdog ahead of tonight’s divisional showdown.
My Mariners vs. A’s predictions break down why there’s a good chance of another convincing Seattle win, with Emerson Hancock facing an unproven A’s rookie.
Who will win Mariners vs A's tonight: Mariners (+100)
While the Seattle Mariners were already looking at a favorable matchup against Luis Severino, the veteran right-hander has been pushed back to start in tomorrow's series finale.
However, a looming matchup against A’s rookie Gage Jump now presents itself as arguably even more advantageous for Seattle, who are rocking a 114 wRC+ on the road over the past month, a far cry from the 91 mark they’ve posted at home.
Jump hasn’t exactly been lights out in the minors this season, posting a 4.50 ERA through 38 innings in Triple-A, including a 4.74 BB/9 and a 16.7% HR/FB rate. This is a perfect spot to fade a young southpaw being thrust into a last-minute debut.
COVERS INTEL: Despite a 26-29 record, Seattle owns a +13 run differential, the fourth-best mark in the AL. That should equate to a 29-26 Pythagorean record that would have the Mariners 10th in baseball.
Meanwhile, the Athletics are having issues generating consistent offense. Their 26.4% hard-hit rate is second-lowest in the majors the past week, driving a 1.28 GB/FB ratio and a .111 ISO.
Once Hancock gives way to the pen, I’m expecting the A’s to continue struggling to find runs. The Mariners rank sixth in BB% and ninth in K% over the past month, and both bullpens should perform well enough to limit late scoring.
Jason Ence's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 6-12, -7.11 units
Over/Under bets: 11-7, +3.28 units
Mariners vs A's odds
Moneyline: Mariners +100 | A's -120
Run line: Mariners +1.5 (-150) | A's -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-110) | Under 9.5 (-110)
Mariners vs A's trend
The A's are 4-6 SU over their last 10 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Mariners vs. A's.
How to watch Mariners vs A's and game info
Location
Sutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA
Date
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
First pitch
9:40 p.m. ET
TV
Mariners.TV, NBC Sports California
Mariners starting pitcher
Emerson Hancock (3-2, 3.07 ERA)
A's starting pitcher
Gage Jump (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Mariners vs A's latest injuries
Mariners vs A's weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: A.J. Minter #33 of the New York Mets pitches during the game between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The sinking Mets made a flurry of roster moves before Tuesday afternoon’s middle game against the Reds at Citi Field. The Mets reinstated A.J. Minter and Jared Young from the Injured List, placed Tyrone Taylor on the 10-Day Injured List with a right hip flexor strain, optioned Nick Morabito and Jonathan Pintaro to Triple-A Syracuse, promoted infielder Eric Wagaman, and will make another corresponding 40-man roster move prior to first pitch at 7:10 p.m. ET.
Minter, who signed a 2-year, $22 million contract in January 2025, underwent season-ending lat surgery in early May after posting a sparkling 1.64 ERA in 13 appearances with the Mets. The left-hander had rehab stints this spring with Single-A St. Lucie, High-A Brooklyn, and most recently Triple-A Syracuse, where he worked a scoreless inning on Sunday. He joins Brooks Raley to form a reliable duo of southpaws at the back end of the Mets’ bullpen.
Pintaro, who allowed just one baserunner and struck out three in 3.2 innings of work since joining the big league club on Saturday, was the odd man out as Minter makes his return.
Just as the Mets get one position player back from injury, they lose another. After appearing to tweak something while getting out of the box on a ground ball during Monday’s game, Taylor is officially headed to the IL. Carlos Mendoza wouldn’t put a strict timetable on Taylor’s recovery, but expressed hope that it would be two or three weeks.
Meanwhile, Jared Young, who had been sidelined since April 13 with a left meniscus tear, returns from his rehab assignment to a roster now occupied with other left-handed options including MJ Melendez and A.J. Ewing. Young and Melendez will both get the starting nod at first base and left field, respectively, on Tuesday night against Cincinnati starter Chase Burns. Prior to his injury, Young put up an .841 OPS in 23 plate appearances with the Mets.
After exactly one week in the majors, Nick Morabito is headed back to Triple-A in order to keep him playing every day, according to Mendoza. The 23-year-old — who ranked No. 15 on Amazin’ Avenue’s top prospect list entering the season — went hitless in 11 at-bats with the Mets, but flashed his good glove in the outfield.
Eric Wagaman, a late April waiver claim, will join the big league roster for the second time this season in search of his Mets debut. The 28-year-old infielder has a career .674 OPS and 0.0 bWAR in 158 games with the Angels and Marlins, but he was absolutely raking with Syracuse, holding a 1.043 OPS over 52 plate appearances and a .481 batting average over his past eight games.
NOT SOMETHING YOU HAD HOPED TO READ THIS YEAR: The Cubs are the 26th team since 1901 to have at least one double-digit winning streak and at least one losing streak of nine games in the same season. The Guardians were the previous team to do it. Last year, they won 10 and lost 10, to become the 19th team with double-digit streaks of both kinds. The three others with 10 or more wins and at least nine losses since 2000 were the Dodgers in 2017 (11 of each), Guardians in 2008 (10 of each) and Pirates in 2004 (10 and nine). The Cubs did it once before, in 1970 (10 and 12). The Guardians have had four seasons of at least 10 and nine; the Orioles and Senators/Twins, three; and the Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox and Reds, two. Teams besides the Cubs with one: Athletics, Braves, Brewers, Dodgers, Giants, Yankees and White Sox. That makes a total of 15 teams that have done it at least once. The 1976 White Sox and 1985 Twins both won 10 and lost nine and 10. The 1987 Orioles won 11 and lost nine and 10. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
CAN’T WIN IF YOU DON’T SCORE: Yesterday’s game was the 12th this season in which the Cubs gave up exactly two runs. They have lost three of them. They are 3-0 when yielding both no runs and one. They are 2-2 with three runs allowed, 6-4 with four, 3-3 with five — and 6-16 with five or more. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
LIKE NIGHT AND DAY: After Monday’s loss, the Cubs are only 13-15 in day games, while going 16-10 under the lights.
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: A two-run homer by Alfonso Soriano in the eighth ties the game against the Reds and a double by Welington Castillo in the ninth gives the team a 5-4 win in Cincinnati. The win ends a six-game losing streak. It happened 13 years ago today, Sunday, May 26, 2013.
So here we are, with another pitcher from Triple-A Iowa pressed into service because of a rotation injury.
Jordan Wicks was the Cubs’ No. 1 pick out of Kansas State in 2021 and there were great hopes for him to be a solid starter. He did reasonably well in seven starts in 2023 but the next two years were filled with bad pitching and injuries. This year, he suffered nerve irritation in his left forearm and had to start the year on the IL, then had a rehab assignment to Triple-A Iowa and then one start there after being optioned.
Potential hope: Over his last three starts at Iowa, Wicks has allowed only one run in 15 total innings. His walk rate is a bit high, though.
This, obviously, is his MLB season debut for 2026. Hopefully it goes well. The pitch chart below is from last year. It was obviously a very different Pirates team, but Wicks made his MLB debut at PNC Park Aug. 26, 2023 and threw five two-hit innings, striking out nine. Perhaps he can channel that tonight. To date, that’s Wicks’ only career appearance against the Pirates.
Braxton Ashcraft has done well as a full-time member of the Pirates rotation this year: 10 starts, 2.89 ERA, 1.027 WHIP. That includes five innings of one-run ball against the Cubs April 11 at Wrigley Field.
This month he has a 1.91 ERA and 0.882 WHIP in four starts, with 26 strikeouts and only four walks in 28.1 innings.
So tonight will not be an easy task for Cubs hitters.
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Bryan Baker #47 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after pitching during the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 22, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Tampa Bay Rays won 4-2. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Many factors have contributed to the strong start, but what have we actually learned that we didn’t already expect entering the season?
Pitching
The Rays entered the season with a much stronger pitching outlook than they had in 2025 thanks to the additions of Martinez and Matz, along with the return to the pitcher-friendly Trop. McClanahan’s return from injury has also gone about as well as the organization could have hoped – especially when considering he hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since 2023. Rasmussen continues to be as reliable as they come, and Jax’s much-anticipated transition to the rotation has gone well so far. Pepiot’s injury was surprising and disappointing, but the depth has held up and we haven’t really learned anything new about the rotation.
We also knew the bullpen had plenty depth, and that depth has already been tested with Uceta and Wilson on the 60-day IL to begin the season. IL stints from Cleavinger and now Sulser have further tested that depth. Despite those injury concerns, the bullpen has performed relatively well. They’re roughly league average in earned runs per batter faced — a useful bullpen metric because it accounts for workload — and middle of the pack in save-plus-hold conversion rate. Ben Williamson (a position player who has pitched 1 inning), Yoendrys Gomez, Chase Solesky, and Aaron Brooks have combined for a 7.48 ERA in 21.2 IP this season and are skewing the bullpen performance quite a bit.
One thing we’ve learned: the Rays have a closer, and his name is Bryan Baker. All offseason the idea was there would be a “closer by committee” approach, but that hasn’t happened, although Cash will use Baker to pitch the eighth inning if that’s when the heart of the opposing lineup is batting. There are still four relievers with multiple saves and I expect that to continue to some extent, but Baker has made the most of the opportunity given to him.
Position Players
We knew the catching group would be better on both sides of the ball compared to 2025. It has been a bit of a surprise to see Nick Fortes get so much playing time – he has appeared in 42 of the team’s 51 games so far while Feduccia has played in 29. The Rays currently have the 12th best wRC+ from their catching group and are 3rd in framing strike rate. The duo we have right now is looking good, and Dom Keegan could see some reps in the majors at some point later in the summer.
The infield (plus DH) is still the strongest group of players on this team. Aranda, Caminero, and Yandy lead the way while Williamson and Palacios have made solid contributions so far. Taylor Walls surprised everyone with a quick return from an early IL stint, and it was good timing too as the game appeared to be a little too quick for Carson Williams. The infield has converted ground balls into outs at roughly a league-average rate, but I expect that to improve a bit as Caminero continues to find his groove defensively and Williamson gets more comfortable with his transition to second base.
The outfield has been better, but that was expected. The improvement has been driven by a shift towards more plate discipline and contact profiles on the offensive side while year-over-year improvements from Cedric Mullins and Chandler Simpson have helped make this unit one of the better defensive groups in the league. The Rays convert fly balls and line drives into outs 61.8% of the time – the third highest rate in the league and well above the average of 57.7%. Unsurprisingly to some, Ryan Vilade has been impactful on both sides of the ball with his 140 wRC+ and three defensive runs saved in the outfield.
The main thing we’ve learned is that the new Rays offense works. The run environment is different than it was a few years ago, and the Rays have put together an offense that is built for it. I expected them to be a playoff team, but I didn’t expect a 108-win pace. This pace is unlikely to hold for any club over a full season, but this looks like a legitimate playoff team. It’ll be interesting to see how aggressively the Rays approach the deadline as they try to improve the roster while also managing the coming Rule 5 crunch.
ATLANTA, GA - CIRCA 1982: Bob Horner #5 of the Atlanta Braves bats during an Major League Baseball game circa 1982 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Horner played for the Braves from 1978-86. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This has been a rough year when it comes to notable names in Atlanta Braves history passing away. There was the double blow of losing both Ted Turner and Bobby Cox within the same week and now a former player has passed on. The Braves somberly shared the news that former star Bob Horner has passed away at the age of 68.
As the post shared, Horner left an indelible mark on the franchise while he donned the Atlanta uniform. He was picked first overall in 1978, he didn’t play a single game in the minors before making his big league debut and just to show that he belonged, he clubbed a homer in his first game as well and eventually earned the National League Rookie of the Year honors for that season.
Horner went on to spend nine seasons with the Braves where he earned an All-Star spot in 1982, hit four homers in a game in 1986 and he finished his Braves career with a slash line of .277/.340/.499 with an OPS of .839 and a OPS+ of 127. After becoming a free agent, he spent one season with the Yakult Swallows in Japan (which ended up being the best spot for him after it came out that the owners were colluding against free agents at the time) before joining the St. Louis Cardinals for the season after that. A shoulder injury derailed Horner’s time in St. Louis and he eventually called it a career once spring training rolled around the next season.
There wasn’t a ton for Braves fans to cheer about during the 1980s but if there was something to cheer about, there was a decent chance that it involved either Dale Murphy or Bob Horner. He remained a popular figure among Braves fans who had been fans during that time and he’s still a name that comes up whenever fans from that era reminisce about those days. He’ll be missed among fans across Braves Country. May he rest in peace.