ATLANTA, GA - MAY 22: Washington third baseman Curtis Mead (45) is congratulated by third base coach Victor Estevez (7) after hitting a solo home run during the MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves on May 22nd, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
These last two losses have been agonizingly close to being wins for the Nats. They will have to get back on the horse in Atlanta and look to overcome last night’s draining defeat. The offense has been a little quiet these past couple of games, so hopefully the boys can start raking again.
Blake Butera is making a few changes to the lineup. Jorbit Vivas and Jose Tena will both be back in the lineup today. Dylan Crews will move to center and James Wood will play right field. Keibert Ruiz will be back behind the plate, as he looks to keep up his hot hitting. With a taxed bullpen, Jake Irvin needs to give the Nats length this afternoon.
The Braves are making a couple changes as well. Michael Harris II will move up to the 2 spot. Mike Yastrzemski and walk off hero Chadwick Tromp will both make their first starts of the series. Mauricio Dubon will move from the outfield to shortstop. Grant Holmes will get the nod on the mound for the Braves.
Last night was a tough game to drop, but the Nats showed they could compete with the big boys. This afternoon they will look to get that one extra clutch hit to get them over the top. Let’s find a way to get a curly W! Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 22: Vinnie Pasquantino #9 of the Kansas City Royals hits a single against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, the Royals won’t be getting a series sweep against the Mariners this time. But perhaps they could still win the series and begin to right the ship that is their rapidly sinking season. If they can do it, a lot will depend on the offense finally getting going again. But it will also depend on Stephen Kolek pitching to his highest Royals potential for the eighth time in nine starts.
In his last start out against the Cardinals, he once again became the guy the Royals had seen in six straight starts before the disastrous White Sox series. He didn’t generate swing and miss, but he just kept getting outs. What would be even better is if he could take a page out of last year’s efforts and pitch deep into the game, allowing an inconsistent bullpen that has suffered injuries to some of its best to cover as little of the game as possible. Kolek made a start against the Mariners last year and went 7.1 innings of 2-run ball with 8 strikeouts and only 1 walk. Outside the complete game shutout against the Rockies in his second career start, it was the best he’s ever pitched. The Royals might need him to be even better.
The Mariners will counter with George Kirby. Kirby’s strikeouts are down considerably this year, and his walks are at the highest they’ve ever been, though still not high. Still, none of that has prevented him from pitching quite effectively for the Mariners in his fifth big league season. Kirby throws seven different pitches, none more than 31% of the time, so he can be difficult to pigeonhole. He doesn’t get a lot of swing and miss, but he also doesn’t give up much hard contact. A lot of his success comes on convincing hitters to chase outside the zone to generate that weaker contact. The Royals hitters will need to be disciplined and identify pitches quickly if they want to succeed against him today.
Kirby didn’t pitch in the earlier series this season, but he did face them last June 30. He picked up the win that day with six shutout innings on five strikeouts.
Lineups
Same lineup, different day. They can’t lose EVERY game like this, though, can they?
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 17: Overall view in the seventh inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game two is underway, with the Washington Nationals looking to bounce back after being walked off in yesterday’s matchup in extras. The Atlanta Braves are expecting to win the series with Grant Holmes on the mound today.
Check back in for a recap on how it all unravels at Truist.
The Kansas City Royals sit at 20-30 with nine losses in their last ten games, and Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco are not here to sugarcoat it. This episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast takes an unflinching look at a team that has the talent to compete but has struggled to put it together consistently when it matters most.
The episode opens with a full breakdown of the sweep against the Boston Red Sox, a result that crystallizes the disconnect between what this roster is capable of and what it has actually delivered. Pitching inconsistencies, injuries, and an offense that has gone quiet at the wrong times are all examined in detail, alongside a candid discussion of the managerial decisions and organizational choices that continue to generate debate among the fanbase.
The playoff picture gets honest treatment as well. With the AL wild card race remaining competitive, Jacob and Jeremy assess what a realistic path forward looks like and what would need to change for this team to claw back into contention before the trade deadline forces the front office’s hand.
The back half of the episode shifts to the farm system, and it is one of the more comprehensive prospect breakdowns the show has delivered in recent memory thanks to Preston Farr. Carson Roccaforte’s development draws significant attention, and the hosts work through the depth at Omaha alongside evaluations of Shields, Lamkin, Lombardi, and several of the exciting names emerging at the lower levels of the system. International signings and recent draft trends also factor into a conversation about what the next wave of Royals talent could look like.
The episode closes with a preview of the upcoming series against the Seattle Mariners, some reflection on fan sentiment and media narratives surrounding the club, and the kind of honest but grounded optimism that has defined this podcast through the tough stretches.
Mendoza confirmed the team's pitching plans over the next two games, saying that Christian Scott will go on Sunday in the series finale against the Marlins and Nolan McLean will start Monday's series opener back home vs. the Reds.
David Peterson and Jonah Tong would be the next in order for Tuesday and Wednesday's games against Cincinnati. Although Mendoza said the team could also go with an opener, like they did with Tobias Myers, and is taking it "day-by-day."
"We got some of the guys here. We got Freddy tomorrow, got Scotty tomorrow, Nolan's going to go Monday," Mendoza said. "Obviously, Peterson and Jonah are going to play a part. We just got to decide whether if we're going to go openers, kind of like day-by-day. We feel good with them starting, but we'll get creative if we need to."
Tong pitched well in his season debut against the Marlins, throwing three "very encouraging" scoreless innings of relief. It was reported on Friday that Tong will stay with the team and pitch during the Reds series after they optioned Zach Thornton to Triple-A, and Mendoza said that while they don't have a long-term decision, the right-hander will likely get another chance in the coming days.
"We haven't talked about it. He's a big part of this team and this organization," Mendoza said. "We're going to continue to give him opportunities. He's got to continue to throw the ball well. What we saw yesterday was very encouraging and that's what we expect from him.
"Again, we'll see how it goes turn-by-turn, but we expect a lot from him."
Young, Minter nearing returns
Jared Young last played on April 12 due to a meniscus tear and is just about ready to make his return to New York. He is currently rehabbing with Triple-A Syracuse, but their game was rained out Saturday. Mendoza said it's probable he will rejoin the team during the upcoming six-game homestand against the Reds and Marlins again.
"There's a chance, there's a chance. But again, they got rained out today," Mendoza said. "But there's a good chance we'll see him in the next homestand."
Like Young in Syracuse, A.J. Minter was set to pitch again on Saturday as his final hurdle before returning, but Mendoza said the team will now make a decision on his next steps after he throws Sunday.
Minter will likely fill the void of recently DFA'd Craig Kimbrel in the bullpen, as RHP Jonathan Pintaro was promoted Saturday to help in the meantime.
Senga progressing
Trying to work his way back to the bigs, Kodai Senga threw 58 pitches into the fourth inning on Friday in his first rehab appearance for St. Lucie. Mendoza mentioned he's unsure if the righty will pitch again for St. Lucie, but they will determine the next steps when they see him back in New York on Monday.
"Feels good, I haven't heard much to be honest with you. So no news is good news, Mendoza said. "But I watched the outing, as long as he continues to feel good, that's what matters here."
Mendoza added: "He's going to go to New York now. We'll probably see him when we get back on Monday and then we'll go from there on what's the next step."
Senga had gone 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA over five starts prior to hitting the IL on April 28 due to lumbar spine inflammation. His velocity was noticeably down during that early-season stretch, but now it appears to be heading in the right direction.
"Whenever he's throwing mid-90s, it's a sign that he's feeling healthy," Mendoza said. "We saw I think it was 96 [mph] yesterday. So yeah, I mean obviously the velo's important for him, especially when the forkball's in play. But again, he's got a lot of weapons, but the velo is part of it."
SAN DIEGO, CA - MAY 18: Rodolfo Durán #48 of the San Diego Padres throws the ball during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Monday, May 18, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
San Diego Padres catcher Rodolfo Durán signed with the Friars in January of 2025 as a minor league free agent after playing in the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals organizations after signing with the Phillies in 2014.
An international free agent signing at the age of 16 out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Durán was with the Phillies until November of 2021. Granted minor-league free agency after spending his entire time in the Phillies minor league system, Durán signed with the Yankees in December of 2021.
After two seasons in the Yankees minor leagues, Durán signed a minor-league free-agent deal with the Kansas City Royals. That resulted in a one-season stay, and he was again a free agent after the 2024 season.
The Padres assigned the catcher to the El Paso Chihuahuas after his first Spring Training in Padres camp. After adjusting to a new organization, Durán split time behind the dish with Luis Campusano. In 2025, Durán played in 86 games and hit .288/.344/.503 with 16 home runs and 73 RBI. After one year in the Padres system, Durán re-signed with the Friars for the 2026 season.
In his daily newsletter, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reported that Durán chose to re-sign with the Padres because he got more opportunities. “They gave me the opportunity. Last year I played a lot. As a free agent, as a minor leaguer, you want to play and you want to keep showing them what you got and to get that chance.”
In spring of 2026, he was invited to major league spring camp and played in 16 games with a .250/.419/.667 line, hitting three home runs with eight RBI. He was sent to the Chihuahuas roster after an impressive spring.
The catcher the Padres signed to be their third catcher, Blake Hunt, was hurt early in camp and Durán quickly stepped forward as the third catcher behind Freddy Fermin and Luis Campusano. In the first 23 games he played in 2026 for the Chihuahuas, Durán hit .238/.356/.429 with four home runs and 20 RBI.
Elite defense
In his first season with El Paso, Durán used his cannon of an arm to throw out 20 of the 71 runners attempting to steal. With a pop time of 1.88, Durán is in the elite level of catchers. After rising to the third catcher position in the organization, Durán spoke with John Conniff of MadFriars.com about what has improved in his game since coming to the Padres.
“My consistency has become much better, especially with my defense. That had been the biggest thing I needed to work on coming here.”
Durán also spoke about his leadership role and wanting to improve his work with the pitchers, giving them confidence that he is there for them. “I want them to know that I got them.”
The Padres had a scare with primary catcher Freddy Fermin earlier in the season when he was hit by foul balls behind the plate and looked like he might miss time. The Padres brought Durán in for the taxi squad in case he was needed. Fermin did not go on the IL and Durán returned to the Chihuahuas. But when Luis Campusano fouled a ball off his foot in early May, Durán finally got his chance. Campusano went on the injured list on May 7 with a fractured big toe. Durán made his debut that night, catching Michael King versus the St. Louis Cardinals.
He got his first major league hit, a home run, against Seattle on May 16. He almost had two home runs in that game but was robbed at the center field wall by Julio Rodriguez, who made a leaping grab. Yesterday, against the Athletics, Durán was the catcher for Walker Buehler and got his second major league hit. He also had two walks, bringing his total to three free passes.
Durán does not have an impressive slash line with the Padres. He is hitting .188 with a .611 OPS but has a 41.7% caught stealing rate behind the plate. He has been particularly proficient with the ABS system, challenging nine pitches and winning eight of those challenges.
Both King and Buehler have credited him with helping them battle through difficult starts and his manager, Craig Stammen, gave him credit for the Padres only win against the Dodgers in their recent series.
“(That) was definitely a Rodolfo Durán game. If he’d have got that line drive to left field to fall in, he couldn’t have had a better game, honestly. Threw a couple guys out, caught a shutout. We feel really comfortable with him behind the plate. When we got him last year as a six-year free agent, we didn’t know a ton about him, and he just proved that he’s everything we needed and wanted from a guy that could be our third catcher.”
Can Durán be more than a third catcher?
When Campusano, who still has not started any rehab work, returns, the Padres will have a decision to make. Front-line starter Fermin has had an abysmal start to the season. His hitting line of .149/.240/.195 is the worst of active, full-time players. He has 13 hits with four doubles and three RBI in 87 at-bats. He has taken multiple punishing foul balls behind the plate in his starts and has had a recent poor performance with ABS challenges.
Fermin has options and could use a break to reset his swing, and some time with ABS in the minor leagues might not be a bad option. It seems unlikely that the organization will keep an 11-year minor league catcher on the roster and send an experienced major-league catcher to the minors. But it is shown that Durán is more than capable and has more power potential than Fermin.
The defense and offense shouldn’t be any worse, and the offense could be better, with Durán getting a shot with the Padres and Fermin taking a break to work on some skills. It would undoubtedly be a short-term move but giving Durán more time to show what he can do would not be the worst thing.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 18: Slade Cecconi #44 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates after picking off Riley Greene (not in the image) #31 of the Detroit Tigers during the bottom of the fourth inning at Comerica Park on May 18, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
May 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) is relived against the Boston Red Sox in the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 6: Freddy Peralta #51 of the New York Mets pitches in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
Carson Benge – RF
Bo Bichette – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Brett Baty – 3B
Mark Vientos – 1B
A.J. Ewing – CF
Marcus Semien – 2B
MJ Melendez – DH
Luis Torrens – C
SP: Freddy Peralta (RHP)
Marlins lineup
Xavier Edwards – 2B
Liam Hicks – DH
Otto Lopez – SS
Kyle Stowers – LF
Jakob Marsee – CF
Connor Norby – 1B
Owen Caissie – RF
Graham Pauley – 3B
Joe Mack – C
SP: Max Meyer (RHP)
Broadcast info
First pitch: 4:10 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
May 22, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Austin Martin (16) celebrates his two run home run against the Boston Red Sox with teammates during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images
First Pitch: 3:10 pm CDT TV: Twins.TV Radio: TIBN / WCCO 830 / The Wolf 102.9 FM / Audacy
I’m not really sure why I’m more optimistic right now about the 2026 Twins than I have been at any point of the season so far. My best guess is that, by all accounts, the team is not as catastrophically bad as they could be, on pace for a high-70s win total, and holding down a third-place position instead of dwelling in the cellar. Minnesota is only three games below .500 — a manageable deficit — and are actually one of only six teams in the American League with a positive run differential (+1, but it counts.)
They have an identical record to the reigning league champions, and a better record than recent Wild Card Detroit, Wild Card hopeful Kansas City, struggling Houston, upstart Baltimore, and their current opponents in the Boston Red Sox. The prospect pipeline has also begun to kick into gear, and players are being optioned/DFA’d at a rate relatively commensurate with their on-field performance.
What’s more, the starting pitching has gotten even healthier! As of this morning, Taj Bradley has been reinstated to the active roster, and will take the ball against Boston this afternoon.
Bradley is making his first start since May 5th, a six-inning win against the Washington Nationals, with eight strikeouts. Bradley has probably been the Twins’ best starter statistically, leading the regulars in ERA+, ERA, K/9, and bWAR, among other fields. His reactivation also bumps another poor performer off the active roster, itself a net positive.
For the Red Sox, it’s old friend Jovani Moran opening the doors for what will presumably be Brayan Bello and his -1.4 bWAR. The fifth-year starter has been absolutely smacked around to start the season, posting a 7.16 ERA with what might be the worst fastball in the American League (-13 run value and league-average velo.)
The Twins go for another series win against Boston here this afternoon. GO TWINS GO!
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 12: Brayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox hands the ball to Chad Tracy #17 after being taken out during the eighth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park on May 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hold onto your hats (and your hearts) folks. We have Jovani Moran on the mound to start, who’ll soon make way for Brayan Bello. Bello has been good in two relief/opener outings with this guardrail in place but with an overall 2-5 record, a 7.15 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.80, he feels like a gamble at all times.
Marcelo Mayer hasn’t moved to shortstop—yet—he’s still holding down 2B until Sunday’s game. We have Isiah Kiner-Falefa at short today, Nick Sogard at third. Connor Wong is catching with Chad Tracy’s favorite, Mickey Gasper, at DH. Let’s see if we can string something together, starting today. Go Sox.
Remember when Adrian Houser was our best pitcher? | (MLB Photos/Getty Images)
It’s a trifle unlikely that a strategy of nine-up-nine-down-nine-run-inning-five-more-innings-without-a-hit will work two games in a row, so the White Sox may want to try a different form of attack today.
That approach will start against Adrian Houser, who was Chicago’s best pitcher last year — 6-2, 2.10 ERA — before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays at the deadline. Houser hasn’t fared so well this season, with a 5.25 ERA and -0.6 bWAR, though he’s only given up four earned runs in 17 2/3 innings over his last three starts. The righty doesn’t strike out many (26 in 48 innings), which may present a problem for him against the Three True Outcomes members of the White Sox lineup.
At the top is Sam Antonacci, who went into the record books barely a month into his major league career last night when he became only the 11th batter to get hit by a pitch twice in one inning.
The White Sox counter with Bryan Hudson, the opener for (presumably) Erick Fedde. The southpaw sports a fine 1.57 ERA (though 1.348 WHIP), but is usually only good for one inning. Fedde is 0-4 with a 4.30 ERA and got knocked around by the Cubs last time out. They’ll face a Giants lineup that’s last in the majors in runs per game.
First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Central. It’ll be 63 degrees under partly sunny skies, with wind blowing from left field at 14 mph and gusts up to 23. Usual broadcast suspects.
May 22, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Yohendrick Pinango (24) gets doused with ice water after a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Jays are in tough against Paul Skenes.
The Jays say that Addison Barger will start throwing and hitting tomorrow. And Tommy Nance and Joe Mantiply should start throwing tomorrow too. And Max Scherzer is throwing as well, he threw 30 pitches n the bullpen yesterday.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) and Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn (28) are shown during the first inning of their game Friday, May 22, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Being down 4-0 after the first inning put a damper in the series opener on Friday night in Milwaukee, but the Dodgers offense at least nominally threatened for most of their 5-1 loss to the Brewers.
The Dodgers batted 22 times with at least somebody on base on Friday, compared to 15 plate appearances with the bases empty. That feels weird to say in a game that the Dodgers only had three hits.
All three hits were singles, and all came with nobody out. the one non-leadoff hit was in the seventh inning, when Dalton Rushing singled after Teoscar Hernández reached on an error. Throw in six walks — three of which also led off an inning — and Max Muncy getting hit on his right wrist by a pitch, and the Dodgers had their chances, but they didn’t do much with them.
That seventh inning produced the only run for Los Angeles, with two flyouts scoring Hernández from second base. the Dodgers had one hit in 17 at=bats with anyone on base on Friday, and no hits in seven at-bats with runners in scoring position.
So far this season, MLB teams bat 55.9 percent of the time with nobody on base, and 44.1 percent with someone on. Dodgers splits are similar, batting 54.6 percent of the time with nobody on base. They are fourth in MLB in plate appearances with people on base, and sixth in PA with runners in scoring position.
But that was flipped on Friday, batting just 40.5 percent of the time with no one on. It’s out of line with the other three low-hit games this season:
April 14 vs. Mets (3 hits, 2 runs): 10 PA on base, 21 without
April 21 at Giants (3 hits, 1 run): 13 PA on base, 23 without
May 10 vs. Braves (2 hits, 2 runs): 10 PA on base, 26 without
May 22 at Brewers (3 hits, 1 run): 22 PA on base, 15 without
All those opportunities on Friday led to only one run for the Dodgers, who have been held to three or fewer runs 12 times in their last 22 games. Getting to four runs has been the magic number for Los Angeles this season, winning 27 of their 29 games when scoring at least that many. They are 3-3 when scoring exactly three runs, and just 1-14 when scoring two or fewer runs.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 09: Blaine Crim #13 of the Texas Rangers plays against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 09, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers have claimed first baseman Blaine Crim on waivers from the Colorado Rockies, the team announced today. To make room for Crim on the active roster, the Rangers have moved pitcher Carter Baumler from the 15 day injured list to the 60 day injured list.
Crim, who turns 29 next month, was originally a 19th round pick of the Rangers back in 2019. He spent a little over a week in the majors with Texas in 2025 when the team sent Jake Burger down to AAA for a reset, and went 0 for 11 with a walk and an HBP in 13 plate appearances over 5 appearances. He was put on waivers later in the season and claimed by the Colorado Rockies. In 15 games with the Rockies last year, Crim slashed .241/.295/.556.
Crim has had a disappointing 2026 campaign thusfar, slashing .256/.339/.449 in 36 games for the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes, who play in a much more hitter-friendly environment than Round Rock. My assumption is that, given the underwhelming performance by the Rangers’ righthanded bench bats in the majors this season, and the overall lack of righthanded hitting depth in AAA, Texas saw Crim as someone who could provide from depth in that regard.
Baumler was a Rule 5 pick from the Baltimore Orioles this winter. He was left unprotected due to his having very little professional experience due to an extensive injury history. He made the Rangers out of spring training, but appeared in just four games before going on the injured list. He made three rehab appearances before being pulled off due to a rotator cuff strain.
Baumler going on the injured list doesn’t prevent him from meeting the requirements of spending the season on the major league roster for purposes of meeting the Rule 5 requirements, but he does have to spend at least 90 days on the active roster. If he does not do so, the Rule 5 restrictions would remain in place until he does spend 90 days on the active roster. Baumler spent 10 days on the active roster this year before going on the injured list, so if he spends the rest of the year on the injured list, he would have to spend 80 days on the active roster next year before he could be sent to the minors.
