SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a sacrifice fly during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 19, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Yuichi Masuda/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Since joining the San Diego Padres at last year’s trade deadline, closer Mason Miller has appeared in 44 games, and had scoreless appearances in 41 of them. The Dodgers accounted for one of the other three games in Tuesday’s win at Petco Park, helped in large part by Miller’s errant pickoff throw to first base that moved Alex Call to first base with only one out.
Includes quote from Ty France on error in ninth: “It cut a little bit, but I should have caught it.” https://t.co/RnMAh7AJdH
That provided a prime scoring opportunity for the Dodgers, with Andy Pages at the plate. He fell behind 0-2 to Miller but kept battling. Here are the pitches in that plate appearance:
Slider (87.2 mph), foul (the errant pickoff attempt came after this pitch)
Miller has thrown 80 pitches this season registering at least 101 mph this season, about 21.6 percent of this total pitches thrown. Just 11 of those 80 super-fast pitches were put into play. Only 20 of those 80 pitches were fouled off, with Spencer Torkelson the only other player to foul off two in the same plate appearance, on March 28 in the ninth inning. Tokelson worked a walk, but was stranded.
Pages fouled off three of those 101-mph pitches, plus another 100.8-mph pitch, part of his six fouls in a nine-pitch battle that ended with a game-winning sacrifice fly on another 101.5-mph fastball.
“I think, at the end of the day, it was just fight,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s just me versus you. And it was him versus Mason Miller, and he wasn’t gonna lose that battle. Mason’s the best in the game right now. And Andy, he willed himself to do something productive in that at-bat.”
PHILADELPHIA — Chase Burns’ backside absorbed the brunt of a 108.8 mph — ouch! — scorching liner off the bat of Bryce Harper that nearly caught the Cincinnati Reds’ ace in a more precarious position.
Burns kept his poise, recovered the ball just off the mound, and flipped it to first to retire Harper and end the sixth inning.
Burns felt the, well, burn, and hightailed it to the clubhouse for treatment on a smash hit near the upper groin area that will leave nothing more than a bruise.
“I’ll tell you what,” Reds manager Terry Francona said, “that was scary. The way he ran off the mound, I thought he was OK. Then he got in the dugout, and it looked like he was dead. I asked him, please tell me you have a cup on. He said, no. I was like, Chase, I don’t even watch a game on TV without wearing a cup.”
Burns did at least protect the lead against the streaking Phillies.
The 23-year-old Burns, the second overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft, was terrific again in the latest start in his first full major league season.
Burns used a filthy slider to set up the 99 mph heaters upstairs and struck out nine over six innings. He lowered his ERA to 1.83 in the Reds 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Oh, and one assist on Harper’s comebacker.
“It hurt, for sure,” Burns said. “Just trying to get the out and come in as fast as possible. It’ll be good.”
Each time Burns walked to the mound, it was impossible to miss that oversized All-Star game logo that looms large in the Ashburn Alley concourse.
With the way he’s pitching this season, Burns’ next appearance in Philadelphia could come in the Midsummer Classic.
“It might be in the back of my mind somewhere,” Burns said.
Burns (6-1) allowed only Trea Turner’s solo shot in the third as he helped the Reds end a three-game losing streak and move back above .500 (25-24).
Burns allowed three hits, walked none and drew 18 swings and misses. The right-hander has allowed two or fewer runs in nine of 10 starts this season and one or fewer runs in seven of 10 starts.
He was at his best against the Phillies in the fourth and fifth innings. He got the first batters in the fourth on strikeouts and then struck out the side — Bryson Stott on a slider, Edmundo Sosa on a fastball and Justin Crawford on a nasty slider.
“Feels like if you miss that mistake, then the at-bat gets a lot tougher,” Turner said. “Great arm and seems to be a good competitor.”
His 121 strikeouts — on the strength of that slider — in his first 18 career starts rank third in Reds history (since 1900) behind Gary Nolan (134) and Nick Lodolo (126).
“It’s a pretty devasting pitch,” Francona said.
With a 4-1 lead, there was no sense in putting Burns back on the mound for the seventh.
“I mean, my goodness, the ball almost killed him,” Francona said.
Burns has turned into a bit of a stopper for the Reds. He is 3-0 with a 0.72 ERA and has three of the Reds’ five wins in May.
“There’s been some days where we we’ve kind been up against it and he’s given us what we needed,” Francona said.
Burns went 0-3 with a 4.57 ERA in eight starts over 13 appearances for the Reds last season.
“I’m just taking everything I learned from last year and putting it into this year,” Burns said. “Learning about routines and how to stay healthy during the week. Midweek bullpens and stuff like. Just executing pitches, really.”
Burns is the first Reds starter to throw at least six innings while allowing two runs or fewer in five straight games since Hunter Greene in 2024. The last Reds starter to do so before Burns age 23 or younger was Jay Tibbs in 1984.
“I think he’s special now,” Francona said. “What he grows into will be what he grows into.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers, ranked first in the NL West with a 30-19 record, face the San Diego Padres, who are second in the NL West with a 29-19 record. The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored with a -190 moneyline compared to the San Diego Padres' +154. Starting pitchers are Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers, with a 0.82 ERA, and Randy Vásquez for the Padres, with a 2.68 ERA.
How to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Diego Padres
Date: Wednesday, May 20
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET / 5:40 p.m. PT
Where: PETCO Park, San Diego, CA
TV Channels: Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health, SportsNet LA
CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 10: Andrew Abbott #41 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park on May 10, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In taking Tuesday night’s game over the Philadelphia Phillies in 4-1 fashion, the Cincinnati Reds have set themselves up for a chance to win a road series for the first time in a month. The last time they accomplished such a feat came on April 21st when they wrapped up a victory in the second game of a three-game set in Tampa, having won the opener the night before.
Since then, though, it’s been a bit of a horror show for the Reds outside of Great American Ball Park. So, a victory today would go a long way towards reestablishing some sense of ability to put up Ws in their road grays, and would do so as they head into a two-week stretch where they’ll be home almost exclusively.
Andrew Abbott will toe the rubber for today’s rubber match, and he’ll do so opposite veteran righty Aaron Nola. Cincinnati has made a number of lineup alterations on the day, including Spencer Steer getting a start at 2B, Matt McLain playing SS, Elly De La Cruz getting a day at DH, and an outfield of JJ Bleday in LF, Will Benson in RF, and Blake Dunn in CF as TJ Friedl sits again.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, mercifully, is out of the starting lineup, too.
First pitch is set for 1:05 PM ET. Here’s how both clubs will line up to start, with Philadelphia once again without Kyle Schwarber (illness):
NEW YORK — The long wait nearly is over for Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees.
Cole is scheduled to return from Tommy John surgery and make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Rays, his first big league outing almost in 19 months.
A six-time All-Star and the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, Cole hasn’t pitched in the majors since October 2024 in Game 5 of the World Series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“It’s been tough. I mean, I’ve missed it quite a bit,” he said at Yankee Stadium. “There’s been some blessings along the way as well. I talked about my family, and spending time with my boys. But largely I’m just looking forward to being really tired and having that exhaustion, like, mean something.”
Cole was set to throw a bullpen and will be on a pitch count during his first start back, manager Aaron Boone said.
“He hasn’t been in that flow of competition for 17 months. That being said, it is Gerrit Cole,” Boone said. “He looks great to me. So, my expectation is that he’s going to be really good.”
Even after fellow Yankees ace Max Fried landed on the injured list with a left elbow bone bruise, Boone said the team still intended to have Cole make a seventh minor league rehabilitation start before rejoining a big league rotation that includes Cam Schlittler, Carlos Rodón, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers.
But after the 35-year-old right-hander threw 86 pitches over 5 1/3 innings for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against the Syracuse Mets, Cole and the Yankees changed course.
“We just kind of continued to work through that. Didn’t want to make any rash decisions just because Max was out. This isn’t about that spot. It’s like, we were going to play the long game with this,” Boone said.
“But in just like, all the talks with the trainers, pitching group, Gerrit, his support group and all that, we just felt like he has done everything he needs to be ready to compete now at this level. So, I’m really excited to get him back and excited for him because, again, knowing the long road that it’s been and the blood, sweat and tears he put in the rehab process.”
In his most recent minor league outing, Cole averaged 97 mph with his four-seam fastball and reached 99.6 mph.
“When we all looked at it and just considered all the variables, it checked all the boxes,” he said.
Cole will start the series opener at Yankee Stadium against the AL East rival Rays, who swept three games from New York last month in Florida and currently have with the top record in the majors at 31-15.
“I expect it to be intense. Tough matchup. Lot of balls in play. Control the running game,” Cole said. “Lot of pressure from the other team.
“I’m most looking forward to just competing at the highest stage,” he added. “Pretty high stakes Friday night for May, and I mean, it’s just a blessing to play the game. You get a better sense of that once you’re removed from it.”
Cole was pleased with his progression throughout the long rehab process.
“I felt like any return around this point, even with a few weeks ahead of time, would be generally viewed as a good return-to-play plan and a good level of execution. I mean, I expected to do well. I didn’t really hit any significant snags. And so, you put a lot of hard work in and execute along the way and this is where it takes you,” he said.
“It didn’t feel very quick, yet it’s been very efficient and optimal.”
Cole is 153-80 with a 3.18 ERA in 12 major league seasons with the Pirates, Astros and Yankees. He’s won a pair of ERA titles, and his return to an already-strong rotation figures to provide a significant boost for second-place New York, who are three games behind Tampa Bay at 29-19.
“This is a good measuring stick. So you get a good litmus test of where you are,” Cole said. “I’m confident. I’m optimistic. But I definitely know there’s some work in front of us. It’s just the right time to take the next step.
“I’m as prepared as possible to do the best I can, whatever challenges come our way on Friday.”
Cole went for tests in 2025 after allowing two home runs in his second spring training start, against Minnesota on March 6 that year, and had reconstructive elbow surgery five days later.
He made a pair of one-inning spring training starts this year on March 18 and 24, then began minor league rehab outings on April 17. He compiled a 4.71 ERA in 28 2/3 innings, giving up 28 hits while striking out 28 and walking three.
“We’re all excited for him and know the long road that it’s been to get back to this point,” Boone said. “I’m sure there’s been some trying moments for him, but I also feel like he’s handled it all really well, and there’s been a discipline to what he’s done.”
There’s been more than a few songs written about baseball. I wrote a more expansive piece several years ago, but for this essay, I’ll just concentrate on a few selections.
There are classics like “Take me out to the ballgame” which has been a 7th inning staple for decades. Some ballparks have taken to playing “God bless America” while the Red Sox have made “Sweet Caroline” their 8th inning staple.
Most players have a walk-up song, and many relievers have a walk-in song. My favorite was Trevor Hoffman entering a game to “Hells Bells”. I mean, who doesn’t love ACDC? I’m thinking about having my kids play this at my funeral. If they won’t, I’m getting up and walking out.
The mid-1980’s were a fruitful, and cringe worthy, time for baseball songs with John Fogerty’s 1985 hit “Centerfield” and Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 “Glory Days”. Peter Paul and Mary got into the act in 1986 with their song “Right Field”. I never cared for that trio of songs, but like anything else, someone, somewhere surely liked them. An old-timer once said to me, “Kid, there’s an ass for every seat”. Yes, there is. And there’s a song for every set of ears.
One baseball song I did like was Section 36’s 1980 regional hit, “Go Joe Charboneau” a paean to Cleveland’s irrepressible rookie star. Everyone liked Joe Charboneau. How could you not like him? The guy drank beer through his nose. He did his own dental work and fixed his broken nose with a pair of pliers. Before the 1980 season, a crazed Mexican fan stabbed him with a pen knife. The blow was stopped when it hit a rib. The assailant was arrested and fined 50 peso’s, to which Charboneau replied, “that’s $2.27 for stabbing a person”. He captivated Cleveland and the baseball world by hitting home runs and doing outrageous things. He was a runaway winner of the Rookie of The Year. Then injuries and hard living took hold and by 1983, he was out of baseball.
Those really were the days, back before the internet, cable TV and the 24/7 news cycle. A time when you had to rely on various sources of information, often outdated, to hear what the latest phenom was doing. That lack of information allowed players like Fernando Valenzuela, Charboneau and Mark Fidrych to develop reputations that whetted the appetite of baseball fans anxious to get a glimpse of said player. We relied on daily newspaper box scores, radio sports reports, The Sporting News and 30 second clips on the evening news to catch a glimpse of them. If we were lucky, you’d see them in the Baseball Game of the Week. Don’t get me wrong. It’s great today, to be able to watch any game, any time of the day. It’s great to have advanced stats at your fingertips, updated with each at-bat or pitch. But it does take away from some of the suspense and the myth building. We gained something and we’ve lost something.
Another baseball hit during the 1980’s was Terry Cashman’s “Talkin’ baseball”. Cashman is a prolific writer who had several modest hits prior to Talkin’ Baseball.
I didn’t care much for the song when it first came out. One of our local radio stations, probably KSAL, would play it a couple times a day that summer, but I wrote it off as a hokey novelty song. Plus, it didn’t fit my genre, which arced more towards deafening hard rock. ACDC, Molly Hatchett, The Outlaws, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen. You get the idea.
I stumbled back upon “Talkin’ Baseball” a few weeks ago, gave it another listen to, and you know what, it’s not bad. In fact, it’s a bit of a rhyming masterpiece, how Cashman gets all the names to fit together. Writing a song is a very special skill, getting the music and lyrics to fit. I admire those who have the ability to do that. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but I liked the song this time around.
The Royals are featured prominently in the song. George Brett gets a nice line, “and Brett is the greatest”. Dan Quisenberry gets a mention:
“I’m talkin’ baseball, like Reggie, Quisenberry
talkin’ baseball
Carew and Gaylord Perry”.
The structure of the song reminds me a bit of Dave Frishberg’s 1969 song, “Van Lingle Mungo”, in which Frishberg recites the names of various ballplayers in a rhyming fashion set to a Bossa Nova beat. Frishberg was a terrific jazz pianist whose name may ring a bell for some of you who had small children that watched Schoolhouse Rock. He wrote the children’s classic, “I’m just a bill”.
I can remember my father, a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, talking about Mungo. I thought he was pulling my leg with the name. Van Lingle Mungo?
Mungo was a flamethrowing, albeit wild, righthanded pitcher who won 120 games over a 14-year career that was worth almost 33 WAR. He was also a colorful character, who often clashed with his teammates, managers and a few disgruntled husbands.
Mungo and Frishberg appeared together on the Dick Cavett show, where Frishberg sang the song. Before the taping, Mungo asked Frishberg if there was any money in it for him. Frishberg replied with this zinger, “No, but you might make some money if you wrote a song called Dave Frishberg”. Roy Campanella is the only player mentioned in both songs.
Baseball remains a fertile ground for musicians. What are some of your favorites?
Cabral is 6-0 with a 2.06 ERA this season | Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
When guessing who we thought the most consistent pitcher for any affiliate would be this season, few, if anyone, would have guess 18th round pick Aiven Cabral would anchor the Augusta pitching staff. Even as a reliever he has been the player they can rely on for consistent innings, and so far he has recorded the win in six of his seven starts this season. Augusta had a big offensive explosion led by two hits and five stolen bases from Tate Southisene, who has 12 stolen bases in his last eight games.
(26-20) Gwinnett Stripers 4, (23-23) Charlotte Knights 5
Austin Gomber, SP: 5 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 9.00 ERA
Rolddy Munoz, RP: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0.47 ERA
The Stripers trailed for most of this game, and Austin Gomber could not stop giving up home runs to the Charlotte Knights. A Jacob Gonzalez long ball off of the CoolRay Field berm opened up the scoring for the game in the second inning, and piece-by-piece the Knights kept putting up runs by putting balls over the wall. Gomber allowed the only non-home run run off of a Braden Montgomery double the next inning, then went right back to giving up nukes. The Knights went back-to-back off of Gomber in the next inning, the latter of those home runs full clearing the bullpen and sailing into the apartments. The fifth inning got started with another no doubt shot to right field, the fourth Knights home run of the game and a 5-0 lead that would seal the game in favor of Charlotte. The Gwinnett bullpen had loads more success than Gomber and split four scoreless frames between Javy Guerra and Rolddy Munoz, and Munoz had a strong day on the mound. He was able to throw tons of strikes and the Knights were having trouble with his slider, and though he only struck out one batter he got tons of weak contact and stayed ahead in the count.
The Stripers weren’t snoozing at the plate while Charlotte was going off, but without the aid of home runs they came up empty in the early innings. They didn’t have any extra base hits and had a couple of double play balls, so despite getting runners on base in every inning it took until the fifth for them to finally come up with some life. Luke Williams tripled to spark the first Gwinnett run of the game, and slowly they would start creeping back and play their way into the contest. Rowdy Tellez opened up in the sixth inning with a double and was advanced on a single from Brewer Hicklen, giving the Stripers their first inning with multiple hits and a big chance to rally with no outs. Brett Wisely chased the left fielder back to the warning track to give Tellez enough time to come and score on a sacrifice fly, but they failed the score further runs that inning. In the seventh they kept it rolling with doubles from Williams and Nacho Alvarez, and when Tellez snuck a single up the middle to score Alvarez from second base the Stripers found themselves with a huge chance to tie the game. An infield single would move Ben Gamel, pinch-running, up to second base with still only one out in the inning, but the rally fizzled out from there. Two fly outs failed to advance any runners further, but Gwinnett wasn’t out of time to score just yet. With two outs a single from Williams opened a glimmer of eighth inning hope, and when Jim Jarvis made an appearance and shot a double into the corner the chance grew bigger still. Alvarez was walked intentionally to load the bases, putting Gamel in the biggest spot of the game where he would strike out. In the ninth inning Aaron Schunk stood at second base after a Wisely hit, a force out, and a wild pitch, and with two outs Dashawn Keirsey Jr. was the final hope for Gwinnett. Keirsey was able to punch a line into shallow left field for a hit, but Jacob Gonzalez made a scoop off of the hop and fired home where Schunk was out by a mile on the throw to end the game.
Swing and Misses
Austin Gomber – 12
Javy Guerra – 6
Rolddy Munoz – 5
(19-20) Columbus Clingstones 1, (20-20) Pensacola Blue Wahoos 3
Jack Dashwood, SP: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 7.61 ERA
Luis Vargas, RP: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 4.44 ERA
It’s tough to find a whole lot to say about this one, where the Clingstones offense took the day off and the pitching staff even with a solid collective effort didn’t really run out any particularly interesting prospects. Columbus did hold a lead early in this game, and of course it was Lizandro Espinoza getting it done at the plate and on the bases which made that possible. Espinoza drew a walk and then stole his way around to third, putting him in position where a Luke Waddell double broke the seal with two outs in the top of the first inning. That was the high point of the game. Espinoza still had a good day, adding a hit and another stolen base in the third inning, but Columbus was stifled in the series opener and only had one hit after the third inning. In total the team struck out eight times in four innings against the Blue Wahoos bullpen, sealing a quiet loss.
After a stretch of rough outings Jack Dashwood was due for a good day on the mound, and even though he didn’t have great control he was able to fill innings effectively and keep Columbus in position to win the game. Unfortunately for him the offense had different plans, but Dashwood did his job well. Luis Vargas came in to replace Dashwood with a runner on base in the fifth inning, and a stroke of good fortune got his outing off on the right food. With a runner on second Vargas gave up a liner up the middle, but Cal Conley was shifted over made a terrific leaping play to snag the liner and save a run. Conley was able to turn that into an inning-ending unassisted double play, and Vargas found himself quickly out of a scoring chance. Vargas pitched quite well in his inning in the sixth inning. His stuff was sharp and he was locating fairly well, striking out two batters in the inning. Unfortunately for him a bloop single and an inside out grounder down the right field line turned into a run against him and charged him with a loss for the game.
Swing and Misses
Jack Dashwood – 5
Luis Vargas – 4
(22-18) Rome Emperors 0, (22-17) Hub City Spartanburgers
Colin Daniel, SP: 6.2 IP,7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 4.66 ERA
The Emperors were flailing against Hickory starter Aidan Curry, swinging and missing 23 times and striking out nine times in six scoreless innings. Three walks drawn sort of salvaged some decency from the game, especially from Isaiah Drake and John Gil at the top of the order, but it was really not a great game at all. Drake struck out in all three of his non-walk plate appearances, and Eric Hartman added an 0-4 with two strikeouts. In addition Rome went 0-3 on stolen base attempts, capping off a lousy day. Gil did have a hit and a walk to give one of the big bats a good performance for the series opener, but Gil is still on a pretty ugly slump since his two home runs game. Gil is 3 for his last 24 with eight strikeouts, which is as bad a stretch as we’ve ever seen him have making contact.
For Colin Daniel, it had to be a frustrating day to pitch so well and not have any shot of winning. Daniel kept Hub City pounding the ball into the ground, and worked an efficient 6 2/3 innings in which he only allowed one earned run with no walks. Daniel did give up a long home run to Malcolm Moore in the sixth inning after matching Curry for the first five, but otherwise hard contact was hard for the Spartanburgers to come by. Unfortunately for Daniel an error in the seventh inning prolonged the frame long enough for Hub City to notch two more unearned runs, burying this game and settling that he would end up with a loss despite a good line. Leading into this game Riley Frey had been phenomenal out of the bullpen for Rome, posting a 1.42 ERA with one walk to 12 strikeouts and no home runs allowed. Those numbers took a major hit when he allowed four runs to Hub City in this one, pushing his ERA to 3.86 on the season.
Swing and Misses
Colin Daniel – 8
Riley Frey – 3
(22-18) Augusta GreenJackets 8, (18-22) Columbia Fireflies 1
Logan Forsythe, SP: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 4.96 ERA
Aiven Cabral, RP: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K, 2.06 ERA
This is the game we have been waiting for, the matchup with by far the biggest intrigue out of Tuesday’s slate. Columbia and Augusta played a tight battle throughout that was marked by dominant pitching, until suddenly the GreenJackets broke out and lapped the Fireflies in the late innings. For the second straight week Logan Forsythe was chased from the game early due to poor command and an inflated pitch count, but he managed to escape the first inning with only a single run allowed and that is where the game would stay. Jaylen Paden pitched two scoreless innings of relief before turning the ball over to Aiven Cabral, who came into this outing having earned the win for each of his past five appearances on the season. All Cabral did was put up his best performance to date, carving through the Fireflies offense to the tune of six one-hit innings and eight strikeouts. Unfortunately for Cabral the offense couldn’t come up with anything major, so for the first half of his outing he still tended to a 1-0 deficit. However the bats woke up late, obviously, and Cabral once again was the pitcher of record taking his sixth win in a row. In this span Cabral has pitched all but one game in relief, but paired with the inconsistent Forsythe he has taken on a huge onus and responded. In these six wins he has 32 innings pitches and a 1.97 ERA to go along with 29 strikeouts and only seven walks.
Tate Southisene was the man to help lead the offense, and he took advantage each of the three times he reached base in this game. Southisene had two hits and a walk and everytime he got out there he ran wild, going 5-for-5 on stolen base attempts in the game and scoring two runs. Southisene has been efficient on the basepaths on his way to 32 stolen bases already this season, and in his past eight games he is 12-for-13 on stolen base attempts. With one out in the seventh inning Southisene struck out, but even when he made an out he was able to reach on the wild pitch then advance on a walk and steal third base. This allowed him to tie the game by scoring on a Luis Guanipa ground out, and Alex Lodise followed closely behind on a Juan Mateo single to give Augusta their first lead. In the next inning he got the rally started with a stinging two-out single into center field, then stole second and third base before scoring on a swinging bunt single from Lodise. Finally in the eighth inning Augusta officially broke the game open, with a Dallas Macias home run doing major damage and ballooning the lead to 6-1. Michael Martinez’s first hit as a GreenJacket went for two, scoring a runner on a line drive into the left field corner for the fourth run of the inning. Martinez would then score on an error, capping off the big inning for Augusta.
It’s heart attack hotel with this Yankees relief corps, but the bullpen managed to survive another ninth inning comeback attempt to secure consecutive one-run victories over the Blue Jays. It’s made all the more important that they managed to win on a day when Blue Jays ace Dylan Cease was starting, Ryan McMahon and Ben Rice supplying a pair of clutch home runs.
Tampa Bay Rays (32-15) 4, Baltimore Orioles (21-28) 1
It might have gone dormant for the last two seasons, but it looks like the Tampa Bay devil magic is back in the air at the Trop. For years lauded as one of the premier pitching factories in the league the Rays are back at it again producing impact starters out of nowhere. First, they transformed 35-year-old swingman Nick Martinez into a run suppressing beast. Now, they’ve gone and metamorphosed multi-inning relief ace Griffin Jax into their latest dominant starter. He held the Orioles to a run on three hits and a walk with six strikeouts in five innings, Jax now the owner of a shiny 1.42 ERA in his last five games — all starts after performing below replacement level in a relief role in his first 11 appearances. The lone damage came on the second pitch of the game, Taylor Ward leading off the contest with a home run before Jax went on to pitch five scoreless innings.
Jax’s offense answered right back in the bottom half of the frame. Jonathan Aranda drew a two out walk and scored all the way from first on a Yandy Díaz bullet double to the wall just left of center to make it 1-1. It was all Rays from that point forward, though Orioles starter Kyle Bradish would hold them to just one further run over the next 4.1 innings. That run came in the sixth, Díaz striking again this time with a mammoth 439-foot solo shot to dead center on a center-cut hanging 1-0 slider (though Díaz would have to exit the game after getting hit on the hand by a 94 mph fastball in the eighth).
Tampa Bay wrapped up the scoring by plating a pair in the eighth. Carson Williams replaced Díaz after the hit-by-pitch and raced around to score on a Richie Palacios double. Palacios was then driven home on a bloop single from Jonny DeLuca. With the win, the Rays maintain their three game lead over the Yankees for first and go for the sweep of the Orioles tomorrow afternoon.
Other Games
Cleveland Guardians (28-22) 4, Detroit Tigers (20-29) 3
Parker Messick and Keider Montero had almost identical lines, both allowing three runs in five innings. Cleveland opened the scoring in the second, Kyle Manzardo singling to lead off, Travis Bazzana drawing a walk, Angel Martínez moving the pair into scoring position with a sac bunt and Steven Kwan plating Manzardo with a sac fly. Detroit responded in the bottom-half, Riley Greene drawing a one out walk to set up a two-run blast from Spencer Torkelson. Bazzana restored the Guardians’ lead with a two-run homer in the fourth after Manzardo drew a leadoff walk, the second home run in the MLB career of the first overall pick from 2024. Once again, the Tigers responded immediately, Greene and Hao-Yu Lee reaching on a pair of singles before an errant pickoff attempt at second from catcher Austin Hedges sailed into center allowing Greene to score the tying run. Kwan scored the go-ahead run in the seventh, leading off with a double before advancing to third on a sac bunt and scoring on a soft grounder. Detroit loaded the bases in the eighth and put a pair on in the ninth, but failed to score any either time.
Boston Red Sox (21-27) 7, Kansas City Royals (20-29) 1
This was actually a close game until the ninth when Royals reliever Eli Morgan imploded for four runs, seven of the Red Sox’s 15 hits coming in that frame alone. Ranger Suarez gave the Red Sox 4.1 innings of one-run ball whereas the Royals went with a bullpen game. Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Willson Contreras, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa all had multi-hit days for the Red Sox. Duran slugged a home run and drove in three, Contreras also drove in three, and IKF went 3-for-3.
Kumar Rocker authored easily the best outing of his big league career, though it is curious to note that it came as the bulk man after opener Tyler Alexander pitched a scoreless first. Rocker twirled 7.2 shutout innings allowing three hits and three walks against seven strikeouts, racking up 19 swings and misses including a gaudy 57-percent whiff rate on the slider. The Rockies also went with a bullpen game to the polar opposite outcome, opener Sammy Peralta and bulk guy Tanner Gordon combining to give up nine runs on 14 hits and three walks in seven innings. Joc Pederson pinch-hit for Andrew McCutchen in the second and went on to go 4-for-5. Brandon Nimmo went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Ezequiel Duran slugged a pair of doubles and drove in four.
Chicago White Sox (25-23) 2,Seattle Mariners (23-27) 1
Dan Wilson’s decision to demote Luis Castillo from the rotation and have him piggyback off of Bryce Miller’s abbreviated starts as the latter works his way back from an oblique strain backfired spectacularly. In his first ever game pitching out of the bullpen in the majors, Castillo spoiled Miller’s dominant start — 5.2 scoreless innings allowing a hit and a walk against seven strikeouts — by walking Munetaka Murakami followed by a Miguel Vargas HBP. This forced Wilson to call on closer Andrés Muñoz, who promptly yielded consecutive singles to the first two hitters he faced to turn Seattle’s 1-0 lead into a 2-1 deficit, the Mariners scoring their only run in the first on a Patrick Wisdom RBI ground out with the bases loaded.
The Alex Verdugo experiment ended for the San Diego Padres last week when the former major leaguer underwent surgery on his injured shoulder and was released by the Friars. He had been in Arizona for extended Spring Training and then began playing with the ACL Padres. The announcement this past week indicates the end of the 2026 season for Verdugo and his attempt to resurrect his career.
Right-hander Triston McKenzie was sent to the developmental list from the El Paso Chihuahuas. McKenzie signed with the Padres in an attempt to revitalize his career, but his inability to command his pitches has led to a 14.95 ERA in 13.1 innings pitched. Left-hander Fernando Sanchez was promoted to El Paso to replace McKenzie on the roster. He had three starts for Double-A San Antonio and five relief appearances in 20 innings pitched with a 4.50 ERA.
Catcher Colton Vincent was sent from the Chihuahuas to the development list, and he was replaced by Victor Duarte, who was promoted from Lake Elsinore.
Catcher Ty Harvey was activated from his rehab with the ACL Padres and rejoined Low-A Lake Elsinore.
Outfielder Justin DeCriscio was promoted from Lake Elsinore to High-A Fort Wayne after consistently hitting over .300 with a .907 OPS. He hit 3 homers and had 18 RBI. DeCriscio was drafted in the 10th round of the 2025 draft and is 23 years old.
El Paso Chihuahuas (21-24 record, 3rd in Pacific Coast League, East)
The Chihuahuas lost their series against the Salt Lake Bees but didn’t drop in the standings.
OF/IF Nick Solak has been consistently good for El Paso this year. His .339 average leads the team, and his .442 OBP is also tops for the Chihuahuas. Outfielder Jase Bowen continues to lead in slug with a .588 average, and his 10 home runs are tops as well. Outfielder Samad Taylor has a .949 OPS with the most walks at 20 to go with a .319 average.
The newly promoted righty starter Fernando Sanchez has one start with a 2.25 ERA. RHP Evan Fitterer has eight starts in 10 game appearances with 33.1 innings pitched and a 2.43 ERA. Fitterer was a minor league free agent signed during the offseason after leaving the Marlins organization. He was originally drafted in 2019 and is 25 years old.
Right-handed reliever Ethan Routzahn has five saves for El Paso in 23 innings pitched and a 3.91 ERA. JP Sears, who had a difficult start to the season, has had two starts in May and 10 innings pitched with a 1.80 ERA. He has 13 strikeouts to six walks.
San Antonio Missions (14-25 record, last in Texas League, South)
The Missions split their series versus the Wichita Wind Surge. This team features Ethan Salas’ brother Jose, as their shortstop. This is their first time playing against each other professionally.
Infielder Carson Tucker, 24, has continued his career resurgence since joining the Padres organization. He leads the team in batting average at .352 with nine doubles and a triple. He has nine steals without being caught and boasts an .885 OPS. 1B/DH Leandro Cedeno has a .421 OBP with five doubles, a triple, four homers, and 14 RBI to give him a .528 slug and .949 OPS.
Catcher Ethan Salas has been consistent with his offense, hitting .297/.373/.508 and a .882 OPS. He has seven doubles, six homers, 21 RBI, and has nine stolen bases with one caught stealing. When not catching, Salas frequently acts as the DH for the Missions. With the newly released prospect ranking updates, Salas has moved into the top 100 at No. 52 in the MLB Pipeline list.
Right-handed pitcher Jhony Brito moved from the ACL Padres to the Missions to continue his rehab from last season’s UCL repair. He has started one game with four innings pitched and didn’t allow a run. Miguel Mendez has returned from the injured list after recovering from a neck strain and started May 12. He threw two innings with a hit and two strikeouts, no runs allowed. He has a 3.24 ERA overall in 16.2 innings pitched.
Righty Francis Peña has a 1.20 ERA in 15 innings pitched while Andrew Moore has a 1.98 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched for the Missions.
Fort Wayne TinCaps (19-20 record, 3rd in Midwest League, East)
The TinCaps split their series with the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
Outfielder Jake Cunningham has the best batting average on the team at .304, and he also leads with a .933 OPS. Newly arrived Justin DeCriscio has a .417 OBP in his five games played and is followed closely by outfielder Kasen Wells at .414. Outfielder Alex McCoy continues to slug at a high rate, even after a down May. His .563 slugging percentage is only slightly better than Cunningham at .559. McCoy still leads with seven homers and 22 RBI, and his 12 doubles are also tops on the TinCaps.
Closer Clay Edmondson has eight saves in 14 game appearances and 17 innings pitched with a 0.53 ERA. He has struck out 24 to four walks. Drafted last year in the 14th round, Edmondson made a handful of appearances after being drafted last year, but has dominated so far this season.
Righty starter Carson Montgomery has impressed in his first full season as a prospect. He was drafted in the 11th round of the 2023 draft but had Tommy John surgery and missed all of last season until a quick cameo in the Fall League. So far, he has six starts and 27 innings pitched with a 1.33 ERA and 22 strikeouts to 11 walks.
Lefty starter Kash Mayfield has a 1.52 ERA in 7 starts and 29.2 innings pitched with 35 strikeouts to 13 walks. Mayfield features a devastating changeup to complement his mid-90’s fastball. He also throws a slider but it is mostly a show pitch at this point.
Reliever Javier Chacon was promoted to Fort Wayne from Lake Elsinore and has pitched in three games and four innings with a 2.25 ERA.
Lake Elsinore Storm (23-16 record, 1st in California League, South)
The Storm went 4-2 in their series against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and keep a strong hold on their first place status.
Outfielder Ryan Wideman has a .322/.405/.521 stat line with a .925 OPS to start the season. He leads in slug and is second in OPS for qualifying players. His 29 stolen bases in 35 attempts are tops in all of pro ball. He is tops with three homers and 29 RBI for the Storm.
Infielder Luke Cantwell leads the team in average at .325, OBP at .481, and OPS at .931 among qualifying players. Undrafted free agents Bradley Frye and Connor Westenburg have cooled off slightly but are both still hitting over .300 and have 21 and 18 RBI, respectively.
Right-handed starter Winyer Chourio has started six games in his seven appearances with 26 innings pitched and a 2.42 ERA. He has 42 strikeouts to 12 walks. The 22-year-old features a 95-mph fastball and has a .185 average against this season.
Righty Ethan Long has three saves and a 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings as a reliever. He has assumed closer duties from Will Koger, who has a 3.60 ERA. Righty Nick Falter has a 1.82 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched in his 13 appearances with 23 strikeouts and seven walks.
ACL Padres (5-7 record, 3rd in Arizona Complex League, West)
C/1B Jhojan Downer has played in nine games and 27 at-bats with a .389 average, .593 OBP, and .444 slug. His OPS sits at 1.037. Infielder Yimy Tovar has played in 12 games with a .325/.404/.575 line and .979 OPS. IF/DH Santiago Vargas has 8 RBI with two doubles, a triple, and a home run.
Reliever Ty Adcock and lefty reliever Adler Cecil are on rehab assignments with Arizona. Cecil, 21, was drafted in 2023 in the 19th round and had Tommy John surgery during spring training of 2025. This is the start of his rehab. Adcock injured his oblique during the start of spring training after signing as a free agent during the offseason.
Padres Taiwanese pitching prospect Lan-Hong Su had his first professional start on May 16, going two innings with four strikeouts and two walks without allowing a run. Su, 19, features a mid-90’s fastball, a plus slider, a changeup, and has a new splitter in his repertoire. He started the season with blisters on his pitching hand (per MadFriars.com)
Padres prospect Michael Salina has made two starts with Arizona for 1.1 innings. He will be brought back slowly in his return from Tommy John surgery. He had four strikeouts and two walks while allowing four earned runs in those two starts.
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 18: Jarred Kelenic #24 of the Chicago White Sox bats during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Monday, May 18, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Eric Hiller/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning everyone, and happy Wednesday!
The Mariner bats couldn’t string together hits at the right time in last night’s 2-1 loss to the White Sox. People will surely be arguing about Dan Wilson’s decision to leave Luis Castillo in for the ninth for weeks to come, too.
Generally speaking, are you more worried about the team’s offense or their pitching long-term? While there are some frustrating injuries to the lineup, we have multiple key arms that are underperforming. It’s hard to know which will be a sticking point for longer.
In a surprising move, the Twins optioned former top prospect Royce Lewis to the minor leagues. In the same announcement, Minnesota also placed catcher Ryan Jeffers on the injured list with a hamate bone fracture.
USA - CIRCA 1987: Ty Gainey of the Houston Astros looks on circa 1987. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images) | Sporting News via Getty Images
In our 17th installment of our Legends Series we sit down with Ty Gainey, whose debut with the Astros in 1985 was brief and memorable.
Q: What do you remember about being called up in April of 1985 ?
A: It was shocking because one day I’m down in the minors and then next thing I know, Yogi comes over and tells me that I better get loose around the 6th or 7th inning because I might be used as a pinch runner or possibly even pinch hit that night. That really stuck with me because he took the time to come tell me that.
Yogi was a funny guy. My first day at the dome he told me that they put the grass down before they put the top on. I just looked at him. He was funny.
Q: When I say Houston Astrodome, what comes to mind?
A: You know, I actually tripped in center field and fell. I had toe turf or something (laughs). The turf got me, crept up on me.
Q: You only appeared in 13 games. When you look back on it, do you feel they rushed you out too quickly?
A: They changed course and decided to go with the older players before the younger ones, so I just had a courtesy glance. Keep in mind, Terry Puhl, Jose Cruz, and a lot of talented guys were there, but what really happened was Kevin Bass came along, and Hal Lanier became manager and that was the end for me.
Q: And yet your one career home run, you hit off one of the very best in Orel Hershiser. What do you remember about that?
A: I was a little nervous the first pitch he threw me but then I felt okay. I started fouling balls off. I had studied Orel from the bench, so I knew what his pitches were and what he liked to go with. I knew he was going to throw me a fastball and when he did, I drove it to left field.
Q: What was it like playing all of those years in Asia after your stint in the majors?
A: It was fun. I played with Ichiro. He was a rookie when I got there and had a 30-game hitting streak even in spring training that year. Believe it or not, some of the coaches didn’t think he was ready (laughs). He stayed there longer than he should’ve and even with that, (when he joined the Mariners) he still easily got over 200 hits that rookie season with Seattle.
May 3, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16), Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (21), and Athletics third baseman Darell Hernaiz (2) celebrate the Athletics victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images | Scott Marshall-Imagn Images
Happy Wednesday Athletics fans!
After several consecutive losing seasons, the A’s entered 2026 with renewed expectations, aiming to finish above .500 and remain in playoff contention late in the season. Through nearly 50 games, the A’s have played like a .500 team, yet they still sit atop an underwhelming American League West in which no team has consistently separated itself from the pack. Even the Seattle Mariners, preseason favorites to win the division, entered play today below .500.
Mark Kotsay’s team has handled adversity better this season, avoiding extended losing streaks like the nine-game skid it suffered last May. The A’s have fluctuated between playing strong, winning baseball and enduring sloppy stretches marked by costly losses, but inconsistency is part of the grind of MLB’s 162-game season.
Currently, the A’s miss Jacob Wilson, who is on the injured list with a left shoulder subluxation and sprain. Wilson was heating up offensively before the injury, but his improved defense at shortstop may have been even more encouraging for the A’s. In the wake of Wilson joining fellow infielder Max Muncy on the injured list, Darell Hernáiz has received everyday playing time at shortstop. While Hernáiz can hold his own defensively, Wilson offers more consistency at the plate.
Like last season, the A’s offense was expected to lead the way this year. At the moment, however, the unit has struggled aside from outfielder Carlos Cortes, catcher Shea Langeliers and first baseman Nick Kurtz. Designated hitter Brent Rooker and outfielders Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler are all batting around the Mendoza Line, with the latter two left-handed hitters mired in prolonged slumps that kept them out of last night’s starting lineup against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers.
Kurtz has drawn 44 walks, the second-most in MLB, in large part due to his keen eye and strike-zone awareness, but also because opposing teams would rather avoid him and take their chances with the hitters behind him, including Rooker and Soderstrom. The A’s have also received limited offensive production from their backup catcher, a spot that was previously held by Austin Wynns and is now Jonah Heim’s.
Entering last night’s game, the Athletics ranked near the middle of the pack in runs scored and home runs, despite playing home games at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. They proceeded to tag the woeful Los Angeles Angels’ pitching staff for a season-high 14 runs. That will surely boost the team’s offensive confidence. Time will tell whether last night’s offensive explosion was a breakthrough or an anomaly.
The A’s need daily contributions from their offense to offset any pitching concerns if the team wants to remain competitive this season. Wilson and Muncy will return at some point and Soderstrom and Butler have too much talent to keep playing this poorly offensively. Down on the farm, shortstop Leo De Vries remains an intriguing late-season call-up possibility, while left-handers Jamie Arnold and Gage Jump could provide reinforcements for an Athletics’ pitching staff that has been respectable this year.
Here is the Athletics‘ updated minor league transaction log. Should outfielder Denzel Clarke remain at Triple-A after his rehab assignment or return to the big-league club?
OF D.Clarke to LV on rehab IF M.Stefanic elects free agency IF-OF M.Durrington off STK IL C T.Takayoshi to STK develop list RHP Chen Zhuang to LV IL IF Alika Williams to A’s from PIT for LAN RHP Kyle Robinson OF J.Perez to CWS for LHP Jackson Nove (to STK)https://t.co/joKXkyUAPy
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) May 19, 2026
Which player do you think has the best nickname in Minor League Baseball?
The American League West has arguably been the weakest division in MLB this season, which makes it even more disappointing that the A’s have been unable to separate themselves from their division rivals.
DENVER, CO - May 19: Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) pitches in the second inning during a game between the Texas Rangers and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Morning, all!
Mackenzie Gore left Monday’s game against the Rockies with Kat tightness but isn’t expected to miss another start, and Wyatt Langford may start back on a hitting progression by Friday.
Kumar Rocker has over an 11.00 ERA in the first inning of games this year and the Rangers have decided to do something about it.
The decision to go with an opener Tuesday night against the Rockies paid off, with Kumar Rocker pitching 7.2 innings of shutout out ball on the way to a 10-0 win.
Nobody knows why Rocker has been having so many problems in the first inning, and maybe the opener didn’t change anything about the outcome of the game.
Skip Schumaker also went with a new lineup and saw it put up a season high 10 runs, so maybe the Rangers should try new things more often.
Rangers prospect Malcolm Moore has been lighting the South Atlantic League on fire.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Oliver Dunn #45 of the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on February 17, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Rays have made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Wednesday’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, Kevin Cash advised reporters that infielder Ben Williamson was dealing with a stiff back. Then following the Rays 4-1 victory over Baltimore, the team acquired infielder Oliver Dunn from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitcher Joe Rock.
This morning, the Rays officially activated Dunn and placed Williamson on the Injured List with a back strain. The Rays also activated starting pitcher Steven Matz and optioned Chase Solesky to Triple-A Durham.
Dunn is a 28-year old versatile defender that is capable of playing in both the infield and outfield. This season, he has primarily been a third baseman but has spent time at shortstop, left field, and second base. Over 183 plate appearances in Triple-A for the White Sox this season, Dunn was hitting .295/.393/.545 with 9 HR and 9 SB, registerin ga 132 wRC+.
Originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the 11th round of the 2019 draft, Dunn has bounced around the league having already played within the systems of the Yankees, Phillies, Brewers, and White Sox. In 2024 he made his big league debut while with Milwaukee and over parts of two seasons he hit .206/.261/.290 with 1 HR over 145 plate appearances.
Joe Rock’s tenure with the Rays comes to an end during his third season with the team. The Rays originally acquired Rock at the end of spring training in 2024 for former first round draft pick Greg Jones. Rock was primarily a starting pitcher but made his big league debut in 2025 with three relief appearances. Thus far in 2026, Rock has been a full-time reliever, and has seen a vast increase in his strikeout numbers but also a significant spike in walks.
Meanwhile, there has not been update for Yandy Diaz, who was removed from last night’s game after being hit on the fingers by a 93mph splitter.
Joe Davis, Los Angeles Dodgers play-by-play broadcast announcer and sportscaster looks on prior to a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea) (Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Associated Press)
The good people of New York like to consider themselves tough. If you can make it there, as Frank Sinatra crooned, you’ll make it anywhere.
Do not confuse hot takes with sounding tough. Two New York sports talk hosts this week took daft shots at Joe Davis and came off — in the last adjective with which any true New Yorker would want to be described — as soft.
Let’s rewind: Davis is the lead voice of the Dodgers on SportsNet LA. He is also the lead voice of the national baseball broadcasts on Fox. In the latter role, he called last Saturday’s game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets.
At one point, Mets outfielder Carson Benge dropped an easy fly ball. Without missing a beat, Davis said: “Oh, no! Oh, no, the Mets!”
It was the perfect call. The foibles of the Mets are so many and so weird that Mets fans themselves have embraced a term for them: LOLMets. You can learn all about it in a 23-minute YouTube video narrated by a former Mets pitcher.
Commentator Stephen Nelson, Dodger Shohei Ohtani, interpreter Will Ireton, Dodger Roki Sasaki and broadcaster Joe Davis address fans during Dodger Fest at Dodger Stadium on Jan. 31. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
Firing one manager (Willie Randolph) at midnight in Anaheim? Dumping another manager (Carlos Beltran) before he could manage a game because he was the only player cited in the commissioner’s report on the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal? Opening this season with baseball’s highest payroll and spending some time with baseball’s worst record?
“This year, and in recent years, there have been so many moments where it looks like the Mets are right there, ready to make a run or win the division or win a championship, and then something just tends to go wrong,” Davis said in San Diego Tuesday.
“They were in a stretch right there where every single day, they were getting a stud hurt. They put together a winning streak against the Tigers, then Clay Holmes has the comebacker break his ankle.”
The next day, Benge totally clanked it, and Davis totally nailed it — in the moment, not with some scripted phrase waiting in his pocket.
“You hope that your reactions in those moments — in any moment in this job — are authentic,” Davis said. “You don’t have much time for it to be anything else.”
On Monday, Evan Roberts — a host on WFAN, New York’s top-rated sports station — unloaded on Davis for “mocking” the Mets.
“Joe Davis has become a clown for the Los Angeles Dodgers and we all hear it,” Roberts said, in remarks posted by the Awful Announcing website.
Got anything else?
“I think he’s a Dodger fanboy,” Roberts said. “I think he wants to just make love to Shohei Ohtani every time he talks about him … He’s a great broadcaster, and I’ll admit it. But, for now, I think Joe Davis is a Dodgers shill and it’s obnoxious.
“And I’d give him this advice, not that he cares, he doesn’t care: Don’t go to the Dodger parade and be the emcee. It’s a bad look. It just is. You’re sitting there as the national voice and now you’re pom-pom waving at the Dodger parade. Come on, man.”
Davis works for the Dodgers. When the boss wants you to emcee the World Series championship rally, you do. Would the Mets’ broadcasters do the same? When the Mets win their first World Series championship since 1986, we’ll find out.
Let’s hear from Sal Licata, formerly at WFAN and now working independently: “What’s up with Joe Davis, by the way? You Dodger homer. ‘Oh no, the Mets,’ that’s a national unbiased broadcast? You biased Dodger blue fool.”
There always will be people who claim Davis is biased toward the Dodgers, just as people claimed his predecessor, Joe Buck, was biased toward the St. Louis Cardinals. Buck worked for Fox on weekends and called Cardinals games during the week.
And, for the people who see only what they want to see, Davis is the voice of baseball’s evil empire. Maybe that aggravates New Yorkers, but consider how aggravated we are that we have to fight through hellish traffic to get to Dodger Stadium or a television set by 5 p.m. so we can see our team play in the World Series because the East Coast needs to see the game in prime time.
Or how annoyed we are that we get televised Yankees-Red Sox games shoved down our throats when Red Sox management has opted for irrelevance and the best rivalry in baseball is here, between the Dodgers and Padres.
Better yet, how about we all chill? It’s just a game. We could break bread with New York’s famous bagels, except the New York Times told us we have the better bagels.
