Seriously, the headline tells pretty much the story of the Cubs’ 6-0 loss to the Rangers, a defeat that ended their 10-game winning streak, the second such Cubs streak this season.
Well, not the entire story. Here’s most of the reason for the loss:
I’m not going to complain too much about this, because the team has done so well and this game was an aberration compared to many of the games during the winning streak. Yes, they have had RISP issues at times this year, but not during the streak. Nevertheless, the Cubs did have plenty of baserunners in this game, four hits, six walks and one runner reaching on an error, but they simply could not capitalize. At all. This despite again forcing the Rangers starter, this time Jack Leiter, to throw 28 pitches in the first inning, and got him out of the game before the fifth inning had ended.
These kinds of things happen, all the time, even to very good teams. I don’t think this is going to start some sort of trend.
Edward Cabrera had an easy first inning, then didn’t really have much the rest of the way. He served up a pair of solo homers and five runs overall in five innings. It wasn’t a terrible outing, but it wasn’t really a good one, either. Jacob Webb and Ethan Roberts finished up, throwing three innings combined and allowing one run. That saved the higher-leverage arms for the series finale Sunday.
Usually, even in a loss like this, I sometimes have good defensive highlights to show you. Not from this one, there was nothing out of the ordinary. So here, let me break up this wall of text with a summary of Cabrera’s start [VIDEO].
Ian Happ’s on-base streak remained alive when he drew a walk in the first inning. That puts his streak at 30 games, if you’re keeping track of such things. The Cubs’ only hits were singles by Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch, and doubles by Michael Conforto and Dansby Swanson. Moisés Ballesteros got a couple of innings behind the plate, so I suppose that’s useful.
A couple of notes from BCB’s JohnW53 on the end of the streak:
This was the 11th winning streak by the Cubs since 1901 that ended after 10 games. The loss to the Rangers was the fifth in which the Cubs were beaten by at least six runs.
The previous two were by eight: 8-0 at Minnesota in 1998 and 12-4 at Los Angeles vs. the Dodgers on April 25.
They fell to the Giants at home by seven runs, 7-0, in 1906 and by nine runs, 18-9, in 1910.
The Cubs also were shut out, 3-0, at home vs. the Superbas, today’s Dodgers, in 1909, so four of the 11 streaks ended in a shutout defeat.
Two of the losses were by one run and two more by two. A 1938 streak was halted by a 7-7 tie at St. Louis.
And more from John regarding interleague competition:
Last night’s loss was the 42nd in which the Cubs were shut out by an American League team. It was their 586th interleague game. They have won 304 and lost 282, for a winning percentage of .519.
None of the earlier shutouts had been against the Rangers. In the 28 previous games between the teams, the Cubs had averaged 5.18 runs, while winning 15 and losing 13.
They had scored one run in two of the losses, at Texas in 2010 and at home in 2016.
The only AL team that has not shut out the Cubs at least once is the Orioles, whom the Cubs have played 25 times.
Oddly enough, during the three-game losing streak that came in between the 10-game winning streaks for the Cubs, one of the losses was by this same score, 6-0, to the Dodgers on April 26.
So, as the saying goes: Flush this one and move on, and hopefully start another winning streak Sunday afternoon.
It will not be an easy task, as the Cubs will be facing Jacob deGrom. Jameson Taillon gets the start for the Cubs. Game time is 1:35 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.
May 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brad Keller (40) and catcher Garrett Stubbs (21) celebrate after the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Last night, the Phillies’ bullpen held the Rockies without a baserunner over 4 1/3 innings. Colorado isn’t exactly a titan of offensive production, but this season, they’ve also been no slouch. Holding them down like that is still rather impressive.
It got me thinking: other Jhoan Duran, who is this team’s best reliever this season? Naturally my mind went to Brad Keller, but he’s been merely good instead of his otherworldly self he was in 2025. Chase Shugart has opened some eyes so far, but would we really put him second behind Duran? There are other options to choose from, but I still think it might be Keller.
JUPITER, FL - MARCH 19: Joshua Baez #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals walks to the dugout prior to the game between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Jared Blais/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to those in your lives!
By almost all accounts, the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals have surpassed expectations so far this year and are well on pace to blow past preseason win projections, which has made my wallet happy. It has been a full team effort so far, with the lineup coming with plenty of surprises and great performances, and the pitching staff chipping in with solid games here and there, although less consistent than we would like to see. Regardless of those frustrations, the Cardinals are still above .500 and in playoff contention as we approach the 1/4 mark of the season. If the offense slumps, though, is there anyone in the organization that can jolt the lineup back into what we have come to expect from an electric top of the lineup?
To answer that question, though, that means someone is going to have to be removed from the overachieving lineup, an offense that currently measures as 4% above league-average and top-10 in the league in power stats. As with every team’s lineup, there are holes in the Cardinals’ normal alignment. Outside of the top half of the order, the bottom 4-5 players have had runs of good, followed by longer, more painful runs of bad. By measure of wRC+, spots 1-3 in the order all fall in the top 10 of baseball, while only the seven-spot in the lineup ranks among those top teams. In the other five lineup spots, none are greater than 14th-best in baseball.
Who will be the first Cardinals player to lose their regular playing time?
The starting lineup is a point of conversation literally every game, with fans wondering how Oli Marmol could bat someone in a certain spot or why another player is getting an off day despite “getting paid millions to play a game for three hours a day”. I do my best to stay out of those unintelligent conversations, having been in a clubhouse and see the day to day for how a baseball team works, of course nowhere near the level these guys grind everyday. And yes, it is a grind. Okay, stepping off the soapbox and moving along.
To avoid talking more about the spots in the order, let me shift to talking about the actual players and their production at the plate. I think we are all in agreement that JJ Wetherholt, Ivan Herrera, Alec Burleson, Jordan Walker and Masyn Winn are written in pen, barring injury, of getting the starter at bats for the entire season and beyond as they look to cement themselves as the core of the next great Cardinals team. That makes sense as each of those five players has rated as above-average offensive contributors and could be fixtures in figuring out what the next step is in this rebuild.
Of the remaining four spots, the players with the most at-bats so far this year are catcher Pedro Pages, center fielder Victor Scott II, outfielder Nathan Church, and third baseman Nolan Gorman. Now, as I figure out which of these players will be the first to lose out on their playing time, I will try to keep my personal emotions and expectations for them aside and attempt to be realistic in who is out first. In my preseason expectations, I had Victor Scott II nowhere near the starting lineup for this season or beyond, but the word around the organization was that he had changed his swing and the staff was excited for what he was going to bring this year. Nathan Church was truly just an afterthought for me, a placeholder until the next bus from Memphis came up or Lars Nootbaar became healthy. There was never a doubt that Pages was going to remain the starting catcher, even as they kept Yohel Pozo on the roster and had Herrera working his way back behind the plate. And Nolan Gorman, the one I was highest on coming into the year, was supposed to finally get his runway (no his 1500 PAs coming into the year was not enough, in my opinion) and get his at-bats against righties and lefties while slotting in the middle of the order.
So, where are we now?
Victor Scott II has turned it on the last couple of weeks, finally tallying his first barrel of the year with his first homer, but his current “hot streak” still has him hitting below .200 with an OPS that starts with a four. The whole idea was that VSII was going to find ways on base, with a punch and Judy single, bunt, or a walk, but he is currently reaching base just 25% of the time, severely limiting his premier speed tool. Because of his inconsistent on-base skills, Scott has six stolen bases (off pace from his preseason goal of 70) but caught thrice after being thrown out just four times in 38 attempts last year. His defense has also fallen below his normal Gold Glove levels, settling in as simply above-average, but there are plenty of solid defensive center fielders who can provide more at the dish. Because of this, he is my first man out in terms of the lineup. The issue with this whole exercise, though, is that there has to be someone ready to take that spot. For me, that moves Nathan Church over to center, leaving left field open for the next man up.
The fun answer would be that Joshua Baez gets his shot to play left field in the bigs, at least until Lars Nootbaar is healthy and ready to return. That would give Baez a low-risk opportunity, albeit with a timeline, assuming that Noot returns at the end of May as has been reported. It would also give him consistent at-bats, which is the biggest reason I am against top prospect promotions unless there is an everyday spot open. Baez was off to a slow start with Memphis, but has found another level in recent weeks, raising his overall season line to .250/.336/.500 with seven homers and six stolen bases, but has seen his strikeout rate back at pre-2025 levels. For me, I am saying lets wait on a Baez promotion for another couple of weeks.
With Chaim Bloom stating at the beginning of the year that he wants to keep guys around without having to jump through the 40-man hoops, that means it would likely be Jose Fermin as the next man up for the daily left field reps. It is not attractive, fun, or really even exciting, but he is already on the roster and has performed better than VSII in his limited opportunities. The team obviously is high on Fermin, keeping him around rather than Thomas Saggese (before calling Saggese back up) as Fermin is out of options and done well so far. Whether they are worried about another team claiming him, or they truly think he’s a viable major league player remains to be seen, but for now, he is the next man up in the outfield for the Cardinals. I was hoping Saggese could flash something with the bat like he did as a Texas League MVP, but that has not come to pass just yet.
Nolan Gorman has unfortunately been much of the same with the bat so far this year despite the lower strikeout rate. That improved discipline has not resulted in more power, as his OPS is in line with his past three seasons. What has been impressive, though, is his above-average defense at third, which I expected after bouncing between third, second, and the bench with irregularity while Nolan Arenado was in town. I have constantly called him a “more athletic Kyle Schwarber”, hoping that he could hit 30+ homers while actually contributing on the defensive end, but I may be willing to admit those hopes were too high, even though Gorman is still just 25-years-old. I am not ready to pull the plug on him since he still has the chance to do some damage with the bat and has at least shown some improvements in his approach. There is also the fact that nobody is ready to take over for him at third just yet.
My preseason pick to click was Blaze Jordan and I am still feeling good about that with his scorching start to the Triple-A season after ending last year with a whimper. Currently, Blaze is hitting .322 with a 148 wRC+ with eight homers and stellar strikeout rate. His has spent more time at third base then first so far and has yet to make an error at the hot corner, so he could be getting closer to that major league debut. Like I just mentioned, if Blaze were to be called up, I want it to be for everyday opportunity, otherwise I could see his career going the same way as Luken Baker. A Gorman injury or complete incompetence would open up that shot, but beyond that, we may have to continue waiting on the Jordan promotion to St. Louis.
Onto Pages. The Ivan Herrera move back to catcher has been as expected, solid receiver with an inability to throw runners out but a spectacular knowledge of the strike zone and ABS challenges. Because of Herrera’s arm, the organization’s infatuation with Pages’ game calling, and Pages’ knack for the random clutch hit, the split behind the plate should be expected to continue, even with Jimmy Crooks playing well in Memphis. Despite the mid-.600s OPS for the entirety of his career, Pages continues to see time as the starting catcher, a role best suited for any of the other top catching prospects in the organization, but Pages profiles as a just fine backup catcher on a contending team. As a placeholder while Herrera hopes his arm bounces back and the next level of catchers approach the bigs, Pages is doing his job with the Cardinals.
The whole idea of the 2026 season was for the Cardinals to get answers on the vast majority of their roster. As we approach the quarter mark of the year, it looks like they are on their way of doing just that. However, even if the team continues to outperform those preseason expectations, we should not expect major turnover with the big league roster as the fact-finding mission continues. A worst-case scenario for Chaim Bloom would be if he were to give up on one of these youngsters too early and Cardinal Nation would get unfair flashbacks of Randy Arozarena. The next man up will likely have to continue waiting for their next opportunity.
The Toronto Blue Jays' bats erupted last night, and I expect the party to keep on rolling into today’s matchup against Jose Soriano.
Read on to see why with my Blue Jays vs. Angels predictions and MLB Picks on Sunday, May 10.
Angels vs Blue Jays predictions
Angels vs Blue Jays best bet: Jose Soriano Over 5.5 hits (+120)
Jose Soriano was looking like a Cy-Young favourite a couple of weeks ago, but he’s been roughed up in back-to-back outings as reality is setting in for the veteran right-hander.
This regression was expected as his 1.74 ERA didn’t match up with his 3.58 xERA, while ranking in the 62nd percentile in xBA.
Soriano has now allowed six or more hits in three straight outings, which includes a start against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 22, where he surrendered seven hits to Toronto.
I expect the Jays' bats to roll again this afternoon after waking up yesterday with a 20-hit performance.
It’s a good matchup for Toronto’s offense, too, which ranks 6th against the sinker, Soriano’s most utilized pitch, with a .304 team batting average.
Death, taxes, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting singles. It’s just what he does now. He ranks 3rd in singles hit this season and is 2-for-4 lifetime against Soriano, with both hits being for one base. I’ll add O 0.5 singles for Vlad to my SGP.
For the final leg of the SGP, I’m taking Daulton Varsho to go Over 0.5 hits tonight. He’s 3-for-6 against Soriano in his career and has recorded at least one hit in seven of his last nine games.
Angels vs Blue Jays SGP
Soriano Over 5.5 hits
Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 singles
Varsho Over 0.5 hits
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Angels vs Blue Jays home run pick: Daulton Varsho (+700)
After giving up just one home run through his first five starts of the season, it’s starting to unravel for Soriano, who’s given up four dingers in his last two starts.
Soriano has a three-pitch arsenal, but utilizes the sinker the most.
Varsho has handled the sinker pretty well this season with a .391 average and a .565 slug rate with a home run against the pitch.
Additionally, Varsho is 3-for-6 against Soriano with a 1.166 OPS against him.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 17-21, -0.15 units
SGPs: 8-30, +3.70 units
HR picks: 8-30, +8.65 units
Angels vs Blue Jays odds
Moneyline: Los Angeles -110 | Toronto -110
Run line: Los Angeles -1.5 (+150) | Toronto +1.5 (-175)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Angels vs Blue Jays trend
The Toronto Blue Jays have hit the Run Line in 5 of their last 6 games at home (+5.20 Units / 74% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch Angels vs Blue Jays and game info
Location
Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
First pitch
1:37 p.m. ET
TV
SN1, ABTV
Angels starting pitcher
Jose Soriano (5-2, 1.74 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Eric Lauer (1-4, 6.03 ERA)
Angels vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Angels vs Blue Jays 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.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 02: Justin Slaten #63 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on October 02, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With all of the consternation about Greg Weissert’s performance lately, it’s worth remembering that he’s not supposed to be a high-leverage reliever. But the mercurial nature of bullpens means that the Red Sox frequently have no choice but to use pitchers who don’t inspire the utmost confidence. But at least the Sox can now knock Weissert down a spot in the pecking order, because Justin Slaten is officially back. “It felt like the longest month of my life,” he said of his recovery form an oblique strain. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Had yesterday’s game not been rained out and had Slaten pitched, he would’ve found himself throwing to a surprising catcher: Mickey Gasper, who was penciled into the starting lineup despite the fact that there were no injuries to either Carlos Narvaez or Connor Wong. Here’s Chad Tracy on why he did it:
Pedro Martinez also found himself throwing to a surprising catcher at Fenway recently. Back in town to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, Pedro reflected on the strange fact that the recently fired Jason Varitek wasn’t behind the plate to receive it. “To be honest, I’m not gonna go into details without knowing why because I haven’t really been inside the offices. I’m pretty sure they’re gonna let me know. There’s gotta be a reason because Tek means so much to this city just like every one of us.” (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
Speaking of former Red Sox catchers, David Ross was also recently back in town, and he spoke about his time in Boston. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Pedro certainly sounds dismayed about Varitek’s parting, but he hasn’t given up on the 2026 Red Sox. Nor have many of the players. “I think we’ve been playing pretty good baseball lately,” said Ceddanne Rafaela. “I think it shows we’re a pretty good team and we’re going to be in a pretty good spot in September.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
They’ve certainly looked like a pretty good team when Payton Tolle is on the mound and on his game. He’ll get the start today on what will likely be an emotional mother’s day for him. (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 09: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets looks on prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets fell to the Diamondbacks 2-1 in Phoenix on a night where the bats fell silent once again. Clay Holmes had another strong outing, yielding just two runs over 5 2/3 innings of work and Austin Warren and Craig Kimbrel combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, but the Mets managed just three hits off Merrill Kelly and Holmes was saddled with the loss.
Huascar Brazobán will serve as the opener for the Mets today in their rubber game against the Diamondbacks with David Peterson as the bulk pitcher behind him.
Bo Bichette has already had several hard-hit balls go for outs in this series and his hard-hit rate and exit velocity suggest that his underperformance thus far in 2026 is at least partially due to bad luck. That is further backed by the fact that the defensive runs saved against him is the best in the league, which was mentioned on last night’s FOX broadcast. “It feels like every day there’s one at-bat when he hits a rocket and somebody is making a play,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before last night’s game. “I am not worried about him. The ball is going to find holes. He’s too good a hitter.”
Tobias Myers, who earned his first career save on Friday night, has been a versatile Swiss Army Knife for the Mets, writes Laura Albanese of Newsday.
“We’re not in the place that we should be,” Ron Darling said to Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman on their podcast on his relationship with former teammate Lenny Dykstra ahead of the 1986 championship reunion later this summer.
The Mets signed right-hander Xzavion Curry to a minor league deal, per MLB Trade Rumors. He began this season with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League and was in the Rockies organization last year after stints with the Guardians (who drafted him) and Marlins before that.
Around the National League East
Longtime Braves manager and Hall of Famer Bobby Cox passed away yesterday at the age of 84. Tributes rolled in from across the baseball world yesterday. “Bobby Cox led one of the greatest eras of sustained excellence in baseball history,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
The Braves honored Cox with a 7-2 win over the Dodgers behind a strong start from Spencer Strider.
The Nationals rallied for three runs in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough to catch the Marlins, who hit three homers in an 8-7 victory in this NL East showdown. Jakob Marsee’s go-ahead three-run homer in the eighth was the decisive hit for Miami.
The Cleveland Guardians acquired catcher Patrick Bailey from the Giants in a trade yesterday in exchange for the No. 29 pick in this year’s draft (a competitive-balance pick) and left-handed pitching prospect Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson.
Giants ace and workhorse Logan Webb is spending a rare stint on the injured list as well with right knee bursitis.
In an electric moment, Bobby Witt Jr. sped around the bases for an inside-the-park home run in the Royals’ 5-1 victory over the Tigers at home.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
In a new episode of Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World Series, Brian Salvatore and Chris McShane discuss whether two series wins in a row really changes anything for the Mets.
Seth Ashby explored whether MJ Melendez’s surprising level of production for the Mets is sustainable.
This Date in Mets History
On this date in 2000, the late, great Rickey Henderson took his 10,000th career at-bat, becoming just the 21st player in baseball history to do so.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - APRIL 18, 2026: Oswaldo Cabrera #95 of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders bats during the third inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Syracuse Mets at NBT Bank Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Syracuse, NY. (Photo by Leah King/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
May 12th marks an anniversary that Oswaldo Cabrera isn’t necessarily celebrating. It was on that day last year that the Yankees infielder suffered a gruesome injury during a play at home plate in Seattle against the Mariners.
In the ninth inning of a Yankees 11-5 win, Cabrera was on third base when he tagged up on a fly ball by Aaron Judge to right field. He ran wide to avoid the tag attempt of Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh on the throw up the line, but overran the plate. When he tried to stop, he slid awkwardly and his left leg got caught underneath him and twisted, causing him to suffer a fractured ankle and ligament damage.
Cabrera stayed on the ground in obvious pain and medical personnel from both teams immediately rushed to his aid. He was taken off the field in an ambulance to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Now, one year later, Cabrera is recovered and playing with the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
“It’s crazy and interesting to look back and see all the time that I lost, but also see all the maturity that covered in my mind in a good way,” Cabrera said. “Trying to see another perspective of baseball, that it can be worse. I was in the bottom worse, when you’re hurt and can’t do anything about it. After that, I’ve come in with the right energy every single day coming to the field.”
Video of the play is difficult to watch, definitely not for the squeamish. Cabrera said he has never looked at the replay, although he did see some photos of the incident.
“Even when I got hurt that day, I didn’t look at my foot at all,” he said. “Since I got hurt until they fixed it, I never looked at my foot. I’m not strong now to watch the video again.”
He credits Yankees head trainer Tim Lentych with getting him through the initial moments after the injury.
“They came in right away and put a towel on it,” Cabrera said. “Timmy came and he was my angel at that time, talking with me and trying to calm me down. Of all the bad things, that was a beautiful thing for sure.”
After the game, many of his teammates — including Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe — went to the hospital to visit him. Cabrera said that meant a lot to him.
“That’s all that matters. That’s why I love those guys so much,” he said. “In the good times, they are there, but also in the bad times, they are there, too.”
The next day, Cabrera flew back to New York. He underwent surgery to repair the ankle on May 15th, thus ending his season. At the time, he was playing well, batting .243 (26-for-1o7) in 34 games with four doubles, one home run, 11 RBI, 11 walks and 17 runs. He was starting at third base, but also saw action at second base, left field and right field. Rehabbing the injury was hard, even for the always-upbeat Cabrera. But he worked his way back and continues to do so.
“Obviously, it was a lot of things with the ankle and we are trying to fix it and get it better every single day,” Cabrera said. “Every day is much better, but at the same time, the tough part is getting my rhythm back after a year of not doing baseball stuff. That’s the challenge that I have right now. It’s nothing I cannot do. That’s why I come here every day and try my best every single day.”
Often in football, running backs who are returning from a knee injury must make that first cut or take that first hit to know mentally that they are fully recovered. For Cabrera, the biggest obstacle at spring training he had to overcome in his mind was sliding.
“I was running 100 percent, I was doing everything 100 percent. Now let’s see how it feels sliding the bases,” he said. “That was the biggest step. I was in a short distance and coming in slow and sliding. After the first one or two, I was like, ‘No, I have to do it real.’ So I went and ran like normal and sliding. After that, it was like, I’m good.”
Perhaps the biggest thing the 27-year-old Venezuelan gained from going through the injury was a greater appreciation for baseball.
“It’s made me feel blessed every single day to play,” Cabrera said. “Pitch by pitch I feel blessed.”
The Yankees optioned Cabrera to the RailRaiders in March. He appeared in 32 of the team’s first 36 games and batted .217 (26-for-120) with six doubles, one triple, two home runs, 12 RBI and 13 walks.
While it is not exactly the start to the season he hoped for, Cabrera is starting to show signs of breaking out. He has hit safely in seven of his first eight games in May, including a combined 5-for-6 effort with four doubles in a doubleheader on May 1st against the Buffalo Bisons.
One thing Cabrera is not doing is using his injury as an excuse for his slow start.
“I’m just trying to find the best version of what I am,” he said. “We’ve been trying different things at the plate. That’s why we are maybe not at the spot we want. But I know I’m going to get there. I’ve been there before, so I’m not worried. I know I can make it happen.”
BINGHAMTON, NY - SEPTEMBER 18: Ryan Lambert #19 of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies looks on during the game between the Somerset Patriots and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Mirabito Stadium on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Binghamton, New York. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Brooklyn took an early lead, lost it, clawed back the tie in the seventh (the end of regulation for a doubleheader), then traded runs two extra innings before ultimately falling in walkoff fashion in the tenth. Vincent Perozo and John Bay went deep, while Mitch Voit – by far the most notable prospect in the lineup – had three strikeouts and was hitless in five at bats.
You’ll never guess what happened in game 2. If you said the same thing as game 1, you’re basically correct. Brooklyn got down early, clawed back to equalize in the top of the seventh, then lost in walkoff fashion. At least it only took seven innings this time. Yonatan Henriquez, Ronald Hernandez, and Trace Wilhoite deep in the loss.
This game featured a 3-for-13 performance with RISP, only four strikeouts for the Mets’ pitching, and a caught steal of home, but St. Lucie won anyway. Jose Chirinos made another strong start to lower his ERA to 2.52 on the season despite middling stuff metrics and is perhaps a name to monitor.
May 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
While the Atlanta Braves split the series against the Dodgers on Saturday with a 7-2 victory, the team and fanbase were saddened with the news that their former longtime manager, Bobby Cox, passed away at the age of 84.
Cox had managed the Atlanta Braves for parts of 25 years between 1978-2010, earning five National League pennants throughout the 1990’s and helping Atlanta win the World Series in 1995. At the tail end of his Hall of Fame managerial career, a 21-year-old Freddie Freeman was under his tutelage for 20 games, and the impact Cox had on Freeman was immense.
Freeman reacted to the news of Cox’s passing as he spoke about him candidly with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA prior to the start of Saturday’s game. The Dodgers held a moment of silence for both Cox and Ted Turner, the late media mogul responsible for the creation of the 24-hour news cycle.
“I’ve been thinking all morning about memories and interactions with him, and a lot of it is baseball, but my favorite memory of Bobby is 2017 spring training… Most of my interactions at that time with Bobby had been all baseball, and to see Hall of Famer Bobby Cox— the joy on his face once he saw my six-month-old son— that’s stuff I’ll never forget… He lived a great life; everyone loved him in baseball, Braves country loves him… I think a lot of people have heavy hearts, but they’re also having a good time thinking about all the wonderful memories and impacts that Bobby had on their lives today… we’re going to miss him immensely.”
“He was a Hall of Famer. He did it the right way. He loved his players, loved this game, loved the way he wore spikes as a manager— that’s pretty cool. He was a guy that wore his uniform. Guys like Tommy [Lasorda], Bobby, I look to, and we lost a great one. We lost a legend.”
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After missing the Dodgers’ first 38 games of the season, Blake Snell made his 2026 debut, and it lasted all of three innings after tossing 77 pitches and allowing five runs to score.
Snell was originally slated for a final rehab start on Saturday, but opted to face a team like Atlanta to see where he’s at. Saturday proved that is still some ways to go until he’s at a point where he can stretch deep into games, per Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“I said yes before they even asked,” Snell said. “I wanted this start. Facing a team like Atlanta, really good, it’s going to let you know where you’re at pretty quickly… I feel really good. I feel like I’m going to recover good. So I’m excited about that,” Snell said. “But yeah, I got a lot of work to do to get ready for the next start. Put the bullpen in a position not to cover six innings.”
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Christian Yelich appeared on the Old Man and the Three podcast where he discussed the feeling of losing last year’s NLCS in the manner they did, which featured Shohei Ohtani having one of, if not, the greatest single game performance of all time.
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 01: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the National League Wild Card game at PNC Park on October 1, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
And Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Giants moms out there!
We are in the middle of a new feature for May that I’m calling the “12 Days of Mays-mas” because I won’t be around for this week, and I want to leave you guys with some fun things to watch while I’m gone.
For the tenth day of Mays-mas, I thought we’d take another look at a game that deserves to be remembered, but didn’t exactly lead to further playoff success. And that would be the 2016 NL Wild Card Game!
While the rest of the playoff adventure that year might be best forgotten, this game specifically deserves some love because it was yet another masterpiece of a complete game shutout from Madison Bumgarner, and gave us such popular memes as “Literally Conor Gillaspie!”
So grab your coffee, call your mom if you haven’t yet, then settle in and enjoy!
What time do the Giants play today?
The San Francisco Giants wrap up this three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon at 1:05 p.m. PT.
May 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the socks and shoes of Colorado Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) to commemorate Mother's Day during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
It ended up being a tough week for the Colorado Rockies. They kicked things off on Sunday by giving up 11 runs to the Atlanta Braves to complete a sweep, and it didn’t get much better when the New York Mets came to town.
The Rockies lost to the Mets on Monday before the snow—yes, snow—rolled in and postponed Tuesday’s game and delayed the start time on Wednesday. As the snow cleared, the Rockies lost 10-5 in a chilly affair before snapping what had become a six-game losing streak on Thursday.
The Rockies have just two wins so far this month. They’ll wrap up the series against the Phillies later this morning before heading across the state of Pennsylvania to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With that being said, here’s what our staff here at Purple Row had to say this week:
On Mother’s Day in 2017, Nolan Arenado and Pat Valaika hit a combined three home runs to topple the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Valaika was responsible for two of them, both of which were two-run home runs.
Our Sunday 15-game MLB slate is ripe with solid betting possibilities throughout the day.
Our moneyline predictions target a good mix of struggling bullpens and bats to attack, and we've found a number of strong underdogs to go along with favorites in favorable matchups.
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Expert MLB moneyline picks for May 10
Nationals vs Marlins: Nationals (+117)
Nationals win probability: 46.1%
Cade Cavalli draws a favorable matchup against a Miami Marlins offense posting an 80 wRC+ over the last seven days, one of the coldest lineups in baseball. The Washington Nationals rank third in wRC+ this week. Back the Nats at plus money.
Athletics vs Orioles: Athletics (-104)
Athletics win probability: 51%
The Athletics rank fifth in wRC+ this week at 118, while the Baltimore Orioles bullpen has posted a brutal 4.66 ERA over the last seven days. The A's hot offense gives value at a near pick'em price.
Rockies vs Phillies: Rockies (+203)
Rockies win probability: 33%
The Colorado Rockies are slugging .433 across their previous seven games. Cristopher Sanchez may be dealing, but the Philadelphia Phillies' .290 on-base percentage means they shouldn't be nearly 2/1 favorites against anyone. Hold your nose and play Colorado.
Rays vs Red Sox: Rays (-113)
Rays win probability: 53.1%
The Tampa Bay Rays' bullpen has been dominant over the last seven days, posting a 0.62 ERA in relief. Drew Rasmussen faces a Boston Red Sox offense ranked 18th in weekly wRC+. Tampa Bay owns the pitching edge from top to bottom.
Angels vs Blue Jays: Angels (-100)
Angels win probability: 50%
Eric Lauer has coughed up eight home runs across 31.1 frames. Jose Soriano is striking out 10 hitters per nine, and meets a Toronto Blue Jays offense that seems stuck, as evidenced by their 82 wRC+ across the past seven days.
Astros vs Reds: Astros (+117)
Astros win probability: 46.1%
Two of the sport's worst bullpens meet today, and it appears the Houston Astros will be in a bullpen game. Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott is walking 4.24 hitters per nine, and the Cincy bullpen boasts a 9.23 ERA across the last week. Back the 'Stros bats in a slugfest.
Twins vs Guardians: Guardians (-133)
Guardians win probability: 58%
We should see good starting pitching on Sunday. The problem is the Minnesota Twins' bullpen is carrying a whopping 9.24 ERA across their last 21 1/3 frames. The Cleveland Guardians bullpen isn't much better, but we'll back the better offense, and that's the Guardians.
Yankees vs Brewers: Brewers (+122)
Brewers win probability: 45%
Logan Henderson faces the best offense in baseball, but Carlos Rodon is making his first start and could be rusty. The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen has posted a 2.10 xERA in relief over the last seven days. The Brewers are worth backing at a good price.
Mariners vs White Sox: White Sox (+117)
White Sox win probability: 46.1%
Logan Gilbert has been inconsistent lately, and the Chicago White Sox offense has quietly improved, ranking 10th in batting wRC+ over the last seven days at 103. Chicago sticks and dynamite Davis Martin (5-1, 1.64) on the mound offers value at plus-money against a vulnerable Gilbert.
Cubs vs Rangers: Cubs (+108)
Cubs win probability: 48.1%
The Chicago Cubs are the hottest team in baseball, and rank second in wRC+ this week at 126. Jameson Taillon has been better than his numbers suggest, and I'll back him and the Cubbies as the Texas Rangers continue to struggle out of the bullpen.
Pirates vs Giants: Pirates (-100)
Pirates win probability: 50%
The San Francisco Giants rank dead last in batting wRC+ this week at 67 and continue to struggle badly offensively. The Pittsburgh Pirates offense has quietly been solid over the same stretch. With two struggling starting pitchers on the hill, we'll back the Bucs' bats.
Braves vs Dodgers: Dodgers (-122)
Dodgers win probability: 55%
Two spectacular starters on the hill, but the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen has posted a 0.84 ERA in relief over the last seven days, the second-best in baseball. The Dodgers' offense is slightly better than the Atlanta Braves' sticks, and we'll roll with the L.A. pitching.
Mets vs Diamondbacks: Diamondbacks (-113)
Diamondbacks win probability: 53.1%
Eduardo Rodriguez takes the mound at 3-0, and the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen has posted a 2.12 ERA in relief over the last seven days. The New York Mets haven't named a starter with a struggling lineup and the 20th-best bullpen in the past week.
Cardinals vs Padres: Cardinals (+127)
Cardinals win probability: 44.1%
The St. Louis Cardinals own the better offense, and Kyle Leahy gets a San Diego Padres one of the coldest lineups in baseball with a 68 wRC+ over the last seven days. St. Louis' bullpen has been good enough to trust the Cardinals to outscore the Padres.
Tigers vs Royals: Royals (-122)
Royals win probability: 55%
Kansas City Royals' bullpen ranks eighth in baseball this week, while the Detroit Tigers offense ranks 27th in wRC+ at 72 during that same period. The Royals have both the hotter bats and stronger relief pitching at a reasonable price.
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.
I would say, “Mr. Brown! You did an excellent job!”, but you would probably think I was talking to myself.
So, ….. “Ben-nie, Ben-nie, Ben-nie and the Cubs!” Hmph, cheesy.
Ben Brown delivered Friday night, four innings pitched, no runs, no hits, 31-of-46 pitches for strikes, one batter over the minimum. Excellent. What ever else could the Cubs need from the mound?!
Javier Assad, come on down! 3.2 IP of shutout ball, a hit and walk, 26-of-41 pitches strikes. And if the Cubs needed any more — Ethan Roberts pitched a solid inning and didn’t hurt himself on a chunk of metal!
The offense showed itself off below. Hope they keep it going during the rest of the road trip!
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Paranjoy Goswami (Total Pro Sports): MLB Rumors: Two Teams Emerge As Early Landing Spots For Freddy Peralta. “The Athletics are in a playoff race this year, but need some help with their starting pitching to sustain their challenge” said Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated. ….. “The Cubs need somebody to eat innings and carry the torch in the rotation. A trade to the Cubs would also reunite him with his former manager, Craig Counsell.”
With his astonishingly accomplished guitar playing, Stevie Ray Vaughan ignited the blues revival of the ’80s. Vaughan drew equally from bluesmen like Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Albert Collins and rock & roll players like Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Mack, as well as jazz guitarists like Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery, developing a uniquely eclectic and fiery style that sounded like no other guitarist, regardless of genre. Vaughan bridged the gap between blues and rock like no other artist had since the late ’60s. From 1983 to 1990 Stevie Ray was the leading light in American blues, consistently selling out concerts while his albums regularly went gold. His tragic death in 1990 at age 35 cut short a brilliant career in blues and American rock & roll just as he was on the brink of superstardom.
Albert King (1923-1992), who was billed as “King of the Blues Guitar,” was famed for his powerful string-bending style as well as for his soulful, smoky vocals. King often said he was born in Indianola and was a half-brother of B. B. King, although the scant surviving official documentation suggests otherwise on both counts. King carved his own indelible niche in the blues hierarchy by creating a deep, dramatic sound that was widely imitated by both blues and rock guitarists.
An Illinois man who collects Bearbricks toys earned a Guinness World Record when his collection was tallied at 3,482 pieces.
Daniel Park, aka BrickChicago on social media, officially cataloged his collection in March, and it was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the largest collection of Bearbrick bears. Park said he started collecting the colorfully painted plastic figures after opening a blind box about five years ago. “What captivated me then, and continues to drive me now, is the brilliance of the standard platform,” Park told Guinness World Records. “It is a remarkable canvas that allows for infinite creative expression, while maintaining a consistent, iconic silhouette.”
“2026 is shaping up to be the biggest travel year of the decade — and this video is your ultimate cheat code. 🌍✈️ We’re counting down the TOP 25 places to visit in 2026, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and beyond. From iconic cities you’ve dreamed about your whole life to wild, unexpected destinations most travelers never dare to visit, this list has it ALL.
“We’re talking jaw-dropping landscapes, legendary food scenes, once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences, and places that will absolutely blow up on social media this year. One destination even has a famous street food where the local favorite is literally mice on a stick 🐭🔥 — and yes, we’re telling you why people LOVE it.Whether you’re planning your next big international trip, building your travel bucket list, or just dreaming about escaping everyday life, this is the most important travel video you’ll watch for 2026.
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: A Baltimore Orioles bucket and baseballs on the field field a game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 28, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Starting pitcher Trace Bright had a rough night, including a six-run second inning where he faced 11 batters and allowed six hits, including a home run, two walks, and three stolen bases. Overall, he gave up eight runs in four innings pitched.
Relief pitchers Cameron Foster and Alex Pham combined to allow three more runs in three innings. Josh Walker was the lone pitcher to not allow a run.
On offense, both Creed Willems and Jud Fabian hit their seventh home runs of the year. Both had two-hit games. As a team, they struck out 15 times with every batter in the lineup racking up at least one.
This was a great game for the Baysox through the first 5.1 innings, because that’s how long Evan Yates had a no-hitter going. Yates retired the first 10 batters he faced before issuing a one-out walk in the fourth inning. Post walk, he got six more outs before finally surrendering a hit with one out in the sixth inning.
Yates was immediately removed for relief pitcher Ben Vespi, and that’s when things went south. Before getting out of the inning, Vespi gave up both a three-run homer and a two-run homer.
The offense had just five hits and scored their only run on a Griff O’Farrell double followed by a Maverick Handley single. Heston Kjerstad began his rehab from a hamstring strain with a 1-for-3. Jackson Holliday is also on a rehab assignment with Chesapeake, but had a scheduled day off.
High-A: Jersey Shore BlueClaws (PHI) 10, Frederick Keys 5
Kiefer Lord allowed three runs in the top of the first inning, and things didn’t get much better. He lasted just three innings and exited the game with four runs allowed. His relief, Carson Dorsey, allowed a whopping nine hits in four innings. That resulted in six more runs for the BlueClaws. It was a sloppy defensive game, with four errors. Two were by Dorsey.
Four of the Keys’ five runs came in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally ended when Ike Irish flew out to end the game. Irish went 0-for-4 in the game. Reed Trimble and Wehiwa Aloy each singled in the contest.
Low-A: Salem RidgeYaks (BOS) 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 4
Denton Biller allowed three runs in 4.2 innings and Dalton Neuschwander followed with four runs in 3.2 innings. Just two of those runs were earned as the Shorebirds made four errors in the game.
It was a rough night for offense, who went just 2-for-21 with runners in scoring position. DJ Layton continued his hot play with a three-hit game. Jose Perez doubled, homered, and walked. Stiven Martinez had two hits as well.
We’ve been blessed with a 15-game Mother’s Day MLB Sunday schedule, which means plenty of plus-money opportunities to be had.
I’ve scoured the MLB odds and have found three hitters in solid matchups, including Detroit Tigers OF Riley Greene facing Kansas City Royals lefty Noah Cameron.
Read on for my MLB player props and MLB picks for Sunday, May 10.
That is dangerous against Judge, who is slugging .692 against four-seamers this season while continuing to produce elite hard-contact numbers.
Henderson also mixes in cutters and sinkers, two more pitch types Judge has handled extremely well throughout his career.
Judge saw his six-game hitting streak snapped last night, but has strong value at plus money to record two total bases.
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Brewers.TV, YES Network
Riley Greene Over 1.5 total bases (+140)
Detroit Tigers OF Riley Greene has been crushing left-handed pitching this season, posting a .368 batting average and 1.053 OPS in the split.
He also draws a favorable matchup against Kansas City Royals starter Noah Cameron, who has struggled badly against left-handed hitters, allowing a .677 slugging percentage and .430 wOBA.
Greene continues to produce elite hard-contact numbers with a 52.1% hard-hit rate and strong barrel metrics.
At plus money, this is an appealing spot for Detroit’s best hitter to deliver extra-base damage.
Time: 7:20 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock
Phil Naessens' 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 3-2, +6.30 units
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.