May 5, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) runs the bases after hitting a solo-home run against the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
A night after letting another win slip through their fingers, the Atlanta Braves battled back to even the series in Seattle against the Mariners with a 3-2 victory on Tuesday.
In the top of the ninth, Matt Olson launched a solo homer off Mariners closer Andrés Munoz to give the Braves a 3-2 lead. Olson barreled the ball to center field, which kept cutting towards the left-center gap and cleared the fence. It was career homer No. 301 for Olson, who currently leads Major League Baseball in WAR. It ticked up a few more notches on Tuesday night.
Offense was tough to come by for the better part of eight innings for the Braves, who seldom had much action on the bases against Seattle righty George Kirby. The lone rally came in the fourth inning — just moments after Seattle had taken a 2-0 lead — as Mauricio Dubon poked a ball down the right field line to score two runners. Dubon’s double and Olson’s homer were the lone extra base hits for Atlanta on Tuesday night.
Bryce Elder was, once again, fantastic for six innings. He struck out nine Mariners and generated 17 whiffs over 93 pitches. His lone mistake was a middle-middle fastball to JP Crawford that was crushed about 15 rows deep to the right field seats, but he was excellent otherwise. Through eight starts this season, Elder owns a stellar 2.02 ERA, 3.20 FIP and 3.83 xFIP. For a pitching staff with a lot of injuries and question marks, Elder has been a pillar of consistency through the first quarter of the season.
In relief of Elder, the vaunted trio of Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez and freshly off the injured list Raisel Iglesias was nearly perfect. They recorded seven strikeouts across three innings, allowed just one soft single in the ninth to Josh Naylor.
The series will wrap up on Wednesday afternoon, and as of this writing, it seems Martin Perez may make the start in place of Grant Holmes. Whoever starts for the Braves will be opposed by righty Bryan Woo, who has pitched well the previous few years but is coming off two brutal starts in which he surrendered 13 runs across nine innings. First pitch is a much earlier 4:10 p.m. ET.
After making his major league debut in Arlington against the Rangers, Rodriguez stood across the same lineup, but this time, in front of fans at Yankee Stadium.
"Better than what I expected. It was always a dream of mine pitching here," Rodriguez said after his start. "I was excited and it was a blast... Ever since I was a little kid, I was dreaming of playing in the big and hopefully play for the Yankees, extremely blessed and thankful for the opportunity to be here and wear pinstripes."
While it was a dream come true for Rodriguez, it started like a nightmare.
Rodriguez walked the first two batters of the game and it came back to bite him. That lack of control sullied what was otherwise a strong start from Rodriguez, and it was in danger of doing so again. The Rangers took advantage of the walks to put up a three-spot before the Yankees even came to bat.
The young right-hander had to throw 37 pitches to get out of the first frame, but Rodriguez would find his way. He settled in and was able to pitch into the fifth for the second time and the offense was able to tie the score at 3-3. Rodriguez was close to getting through the fifth, too, but the Rangers got three on base before Aaron Boone had to pull his youngster.
Brent Headrick came in and slammed the door on Texas to put an end to Rodriguez's stat line.
"Just having a hard time getting settled. Again, though, credit to him. It could have really gotten away there," Boone said of Rodriguez's performance. "To have two long at-bats to start it and lose them both. Then a base hit right away, to limit the damage somewhat and still grind his way through it. Proud of the effort and a great learning experience. You’re in the fire there. It can go haywire really quick. He didn’t flinch. It certainly wasn’t perfect, but he battled his butt off."
"First inning wasn’t the first inning I was trying to go for," Rodriguez said. "Two walks to start the game, I can’t be doing that. Makes me go into trouble, struggled a little bit there. After that, just tried to be simple, just go there, attack and not try to do too much and it felt like it worked better."
That simplification helped Rodriguez get through the bulk of his start, and leave runners on base -- the Rangers left 12 on Tuesday. He credited going one pitch at a time and executing.
"I got good stuff," Rodriguez said. "Just trust in myself, stay in the zone and got good results."
"He’s got good stuff. He’s a good athlete," Boone said. "I feel like he was able to slow the situation down enough. In a night where he was struggling to get the ball where he wanted consistently."
Following Tuesday's win, the Yankees optioned Rodriguez back to Triple-A.
The move isn't shocking. It doesn't have everything to do with Rodriguez's performances but with the imminent return of Carlos Rodon,who likely pitched his final rehab start with Scranton on Tuesday night.
Although his Yankee Stadium experience was brief, the 22-year-old can use that experience and continue his development at a level where he excelled. In his four starts with Triple-A this season, Rodriguez had a 1.27 ERA and walked just seven batters, just one more than his first two starts in the bigs, so the organization knows the control is there, and if he continues to pitch well this season, Tuesday may not be the last time Rodriguez dons pinstripes.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 05: JP Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at T-Mobile Park on May 05, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the first month of the minor league season, MLB Pipeline reposted their top 100 prospects list with the graduation of St. Louis Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt. Catcher Ethan Salas, playing with the San Antonio Missions, has taken the 100th spot and re-entered the list after being left off at the start of the season.
He joins LHP Kruz Schoolcraft as the only two Padres prospects on the top 100 list, Schoolcraft is listed at No. 78. Salas has had an impressive first month with the Double-A Missions, again showing why he was so highly thought of as a 17-year-old. After losing all but 10 games of last season to a back injury, Salas spent the bulk of the year and the offseason working on his physical makeup and the mental side of the game. Reportedly gaining 15-20 pounds during that time, Salas studied film and worked with coaches to refine his mental approach and begin work on altering his swing.
Baseball America predicted his return to the prospect list on May 4.
Expect Ethan Salas to climb back up prospect rankings 📈
He’s slashing .353/.463/.810 with three homers over his last six games.
The Padres prospect could be putting together his best season to date 👀
The Padres have another young player attracting attention throughout baseball. Centerfielder Ryan Wideman, 22, who has blazed through the first month of the season with the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm, has been ranked No. 4 in the Padres system by ESPN (si.com is spreading the news). That puts Salas, Schoolcraft and LHP Kash Mayfield the top three with Wideman and RHP Tucker Musgrove rounding out the top five, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.
Lake Elsinore Storm (5-1 over the week)
In other good news, Lake Elsinore has continued its winning ways and now sits atop the California League South Division with a 17-10 record. Newcomer, Qrey Lott, 21, brought up from Arizona to replace the injured Kale Fountain, has started with a bang. In eight games and 20 at-bats, the undrafted free agent from Northwest Florida State College is hitting .400/.500/.750 with a 1.250 OPS while playing both outfield corners. He has two home runs and nine RBI with four walks over those eight games.
The two other undrafted free agents playing with the Storm, Connor Westenburg and Bradley Frye, continue to hit well. Infielder Frye sits with a .347/.414/.507 line and has two home runs and 17 RBI. Outfielder Westenburg is hitting .315/.390/.425 with no homers but 13 RBI with four doubles and two triples.
Of the starters for the Storm, RHP Winyer Chourio has five games/four games started and 17 innings pitched with a 2.12 ERA. He leads the team in strikeouts with 26 and has eight walks. Fellow righty Bryan Balzer, the Japanese pitcher signed by the Padres in 2023 for $10,000, has finally found his stride after spending last season getting his feet under him. Not long after signing with the team he had Tommy John surgery and spent last season with the Storm working his way back into effectiveness.
Balzer, 21, has five games/four starts with 22 innings pitched and a 3.68 ERA. He is right behind Churio with 25 strikeouts and nine walks. Balzer boasts a four-seam fastball up to 97 mph, a sinker that sits around 93-94 mph, a sweeper, a changeup and a splitter (informative write-up here).
Reliever Ethan Long has three saves and a 1.35 ERA over 6.2 innings while striking out five. Javier Chacon has a 1.59 ERA over 17 innings with 24 strikeouts in his eight appearances.
The Storm benefited from the first two starts by Padres pitcher Lucas Giolito. He started two games and seven innings but did not factor into the decision for either game. He has now moved on to San Antonio for his start today.
Fort Wayne TinCaps (12-15 record, 4th in Midwest League East)
OF/1B Alex McCoy leads the TinCaps with a .330 average and has five home runs and 14 RBI. He has also walked six times with 24 strikeouts. Outfielder Jake Cunningham continues to reassert himself with Fort Wayne, showing a .325 average and .391 OBP with six home runs and 16 RBI. He also leads the team in slug at .636 and has the best OPS at 1.027.
RHP Carson Montgomery has four starts and 17 innings pitched with a 2.12 ERA with 13 strikeouts and seven walks. In his first season back after Tommy John surgery, Montgomery made his debut with the Storm in 2024 but this is his first full professional season. He is a sinker/slider pitcher that also mixes in a changeup so it would be expected that he would have a high ground ball rate.
Reliever Clay Edmondson, a 14th-round pick from the 2025 draft, has five saves and a 0.75 ERA in his 12 innings pitched with 16 strikeouts and three walks. The sidearmer, who hits the mid-90’s with his fastball, has appeared in 10 games and allowed no home runs so far.
San Antonio Missions (7-20 record, last in Texas League South)
The Missions continue to struggle through the start of the season despite the break out performances of Ethan Salas, infielder Carson Tucker and DH/1B Leandro Cedeno. Cedeno leads the team with a .345 average, .441 OBP, .586 slug and 1.027 OPS. he has played in 16 games with 58 at-bats and has three home runs and nine RBI. At 27, he is far older than anyone else on the Storm roster and is making his transition stateside after playing the last several seasons in Japan and Venezuela.
Not far behind is 19-year-old Salas who has a .307/.402/.573 line with a .976 OPS in 22 games and 75 at-bats. He has five home runs (tops on the Missions) and 14 RBI (also first) with 21 strikeouts and 12 walks. Salas hit those five home runs in the span of seven games and has been on fire for the past two weeks.
Pitching for the Missions has been problematic. RHP Eric Yost is the best starter in his 6 games/3 games started and 22 innings pitched. He has a 3.27 ERA with 27 strikeouts to 15 walks. Top prospect Miguel Mendez is on the IL as is Luis Gutierrez.
Reliever Johan Moreno has appeared in 9 games and 15.2 innings pitched with a 1.15 ERA and a save. He has 17 strikeouts and 6 walks. Righty Francis Peña is staging a comeback after a rough 2025 second half. He sits at a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings pitched in his 9 appearances. He has 16 strikeouts but is still fighting with his command at times and has 14 walks.
El Paso Chihuahuas (15-18 record, 4th in Pacific Coast League East)
The Chihuahuas broke even over their past six games and have infielder Will Wagner back after his long stint on the injured list. Wagner strained an oblique early in spring training and just returned this past week to El Paso.
Outfielder Samad Taylor leads the team with a .330 average, a .750 slug, a .990 OPS and is second with six home runs and second with 21 RBI. Infielder Pablo Reyes leads with a .430 OBP due to his team leading 18 walks. Outfielder Jase Bowen has seven home runs to lead the team and infielder Mason McCoy has broken out the power this season with 24 RBI and six home runs.
Sung-Mun Song hit his first home run and has 15 RBI and three doubles but has struck out 27 times with 11 walks. His hard-hit rate remains low at 34.8% and he still has no barrel and a .354 slug. His home run was clocked at 94.6 mph off the bat. His line is a respectable .293/.364 otherwise and his OPS sits at .717.
RHP Evan Fitterer, 25, a free agent sign who was in the Marlins system for six years, has seven games and five starts for El Paso with a 0.98 ERA, 20 strikeouts and seven walks over his 18.1 innings pitched. That is an anomaly in the PCL with hitters only able to generate a .203 average against him. Lefty Jackson Wolf is the only other starter with an ERA below 5.00.
The best reliever is Ethan Routzahn with a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings and 13 appearances. He also has two saves and is tied with Alek Jacob for saves on the team. All other pitchers have ERA’s over 4.00 and many well over 5.00.
Yuki Matsui, who must be activated back to the Padres, finished his time in El Paso with a 4.97 ERA over 12.1 innings with 14 strikeouts and three walks.
The early season has not been kind to Chihuahuas pitching and their best starter, Matt Waldron, has been with the Padres since his third start with El Paso.
ACL Padres (Arizona Complex League)
The rookie league season has begun, and the Padres played their first game on last Saturday. They started the season against the Milwaukee Brewers rookies, and the season plays through July 23. There are undrafted free agents, 2025 draftees and international sign players on the roster. Several of the top players are transfers from last season’s Dominican Summer League team. As a side note, for those long-term Padres fans out there, former Padres pitcher Ernesto Frieri is the pitching coach for the ACL Padres.
Taiwanese pitcher Lan-Hong Su, the Padres No. 18 prospect, made his debut in the system. Su, 19, was the player signed by the Padres after missing out on Roki Sasaki in the international signing competition. He has high upside and should be closely monitored as he adds bulk to his 6-1 frame as well as development with MLB coaching.
Infielder Jhoan De La Cruz, infielder Luis De Leon and infielder Yimy Tovar are all international prospects to watch with the ACL team. Outfielder Cardell Thibodeaux, 22, drafted in the 15th round of the 2025 draft and former big leaguer Alex Verdugo, 29, who is working his way back from a sub-par 2025 where he was released by the Braves in July, both will be watched as well.
The ACL team played their first game last Saturday and lost to the Brewers 12-0 with five pitchers giving up eight hits and 12 earned runs with 12 walks. The offense only managed three hits over the game. IF De La Cruz went 0-for-2 with a walk and two strikeouts while 3B De Leon went 1-for-2. Catcher Ty Harvey, rehabbing from an injury, was 1-for-3 with a strikeout.
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 22: Jordan Romano #68 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ryan Sun/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Thomas Harding of MLB.com is reporting that the Colorado Rockies have signed RHP Jordan Romano to a minor-league contract.
Source: #Rockies have reached a Minor League contract with RHP Jordan Romano, most recently with the #Angels. Before entering game action, Romano will report to the team's performance lab in Scottsdale, Ariz.https://t.co/D41s2pRxrt
On April 26, the Los Angeles Angels designated Romano for assignment; on April 27, he was released. The Angels must still pay the remainder of is $2 million salary with the Rockies only responsible for the prorated league minimum based on the time Romano spends on the roster.
In recent years, Romano, 33, has struggled, so the Rockies decision to send him to their Scottsdale pitching facility makes sense.
Romano was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2014 MLB Draft (10th round) and with their MLB team from 2019-2024. During his time with the Blue Jays, he earned a 2.90 ERA in 229.2 IP. In 2022 and 2023, the closer was named to the American League All-Star Team.
However, his 2024 season, the last with the team, was marred by injury when he pitched just 13.2 innings and posted a 6.59 ERA. Romano had mid-season surgery to fix an impingement in his throwing shoulder and missed the remainder of that season.
In 2025, he signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, but he continued to struggle. Over 42.2 IP, he earned an 8.23 ERA.
While with the Angels, Romano had 8.o IP. He recorded a 10.13 ERA that included 12 Ks and four saves.
According to Baseball Savant, Romano boasts a three-pitch mix: a four-seamer (94.5 mph), a slider (84.7 mph), and a splitter (86.6), all of which have seen declines in velocity in recent years.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 05: Framber Valdez #59 of the Detroit Tigers walks to the clubhouse after being ejected from the game during the fourth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park on May 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s many, many reasons why baseball is the best game on Earth, but one of my favorites is its relentless ability to produce wildly unexpected results. Take tonight as a perfect example: This was as close to a guaranteed Red Sox loss on paper as you could get. You had (among other things):
Brayan Bello and his 9.12 ERA set to go on the mound as the bulk guy.
Brayan Bello pitching so poorly in recent starts that the Red Sox used Jovani Moran as an opener in front of Bello (where he immediately gave up two runs in the first inning).
Roman Anthony away from the team seeing a hand specialist in Boston hoping to avoid a trip to the IL.
Masataka Yoshida and Marcelo Mayer both on the bench because of a lefty on the mound for Detroit.
Jarren Duran going 0-5 with three strike outs from the top of the lineup when he’d been the team’s hottest hitter over the last handful of games.
Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman both likely running on empty as they had each pitched in both of the last two games. (So even if the Sox got a small lead, they might have had trouble holding it.)
Lastly, they were on the road facing Framber Valdez, who had held opponents to two earned runs or less in six of his seven starts this season.
So what did that combination of ingredients produce? The most dominant Red Sox victory of the season of course! (Yes, more dominant than the 17-1 win in Baltimore. That score was largely inflated by a position player pitching the ninth inning.) Once again, baseball’s gonna baseball!
And apparently, Framber Valdez is gonna Framber Valdez, because after spending the first three innings of this game getting his face ripped off, he decided he wanted out by any means necessary. The only problem was his manager, A.J. Hinch, had other ideas.
After losing Tarik Skubal to elbow surgery and having to run a bullpen game yesterday, Hinch and the Tigers needed innings out of Valdez tonight. So even though Valdez was getting his teeth kicked in during the first three innings to the tune of eight runs allowed – Which let’s face it, is about 15 runs against a normal lineup the way the Red Sox bats have looked in 2026 — he was sent back out there for the fourth with his pitch count sitting at just 56 bullets fired.
The first thing he did in an act of defiance was serve up this meatball to Willson Contreras, which couldn’t have been any more in the Goldilocks zone unless it was in the Three Bears fairytale.
Here’s what Willson Contreras did with that early birthday gift (it’s coming up next week on the same day as Roman Anthony’s):
But that moonshot still didn’t get Framber Valdez out of the game — Because again, A.J. Hinch needed innings from his pitcher. So after giving up another home run to Wilyer Abreu, Valdez took matters into his own hands by getting himself ejected. And he did this on his very first pitch of the next at bat that drilled Trevor Story in the back right between the numbers:
You want to know why this guy didn’t get signed off the free agent market until February despite oodles of talent and plenty of plus pitches? This clown show right here!
The Tigers needed a big start from Valdez tonight after yesterday’s Tarik Skubal news, and not only did he not deliver, but he got into a pissing match with his manager about leaving the game that escalated to the point where he found a way for the umpires to throw him out instead. What a weasel move!
But of course, he wasn’t going to admit that:
Framber Valdez on the HBP to Trevor Story:
"It was not intentional. It was not on purpose. It may look like that, but it wasn't."
From there, Jake did more research and found even more damning evidence:
Including today, Framber Valdez has thrown 30 four-seam fastballs over the last four seasons. Four of them have hit batters. This one, in 2023, was in a 0-0 count immediately following a home run. Like tonight, it was also his first four-seam of the season https://t.co/eYWUwJBIicpic.twitter.com/0GQqrl0cds
Even Valdez’s own manager wasn’t defending him. Here’s A.J. Hinch’s comments on the matter:
“We play a really good brand of baseball here. That didn’t feel like it. I’m not judging intent. But I know when you go out on the field in those confrontations, you usually feel like you are in your right. It didn’t feel good being out there.”
When your own skipper is throwing you under the bus, that really says it all.
Three Studs
Ceddanne Rafaela: 3-5 with four RBI including this first inning home run to the opposite field to set the tone.
Brayan Bello: I have to give credit where credit is due. As much as I’ve hated watching Bello pitch this season, he did his job tonight covering the middle seven innings to the tune of just one earned run, and perhaps more importantly, just one walk. It will be interesting to see what the team does from here because unlike tonight, it appears they’re going to have options.
Bonus Stud
Alec Gamboa: Made his major league debut in the ninth inning and sent the Tigers down in order. Here’s his first career strikeout and his family’s elated reaction:
Welcome to the Big Leagues 👏
Alec Gamboa strikes out Zach McKinstry for his first Major League strikeout 🥳 pic.twitter.com/ZhL2D7jjYU
This stuff never gets old! And also, it’s another one of those reasons why baseball is the best game we’ve got.
Three Duds
Jarren Duran: 0-5 with three strikeouts. This comes just one night after he hit an opposite field three-run homer in a one-run game. Again, baseball being baseball.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 0-4 from the bottom of the lineup. His OPS is down to .449.
Jovani Moran: His opening inning looked a lot like most of Brayan Bello’s starts this year, giving up a pair of runs on a pair of walks and three hits. However, this was one of the RARE games where it didn’t really matter what the starting pitcher did.
Looking ahead, Sonny Gray is due to come off the IL tomorrow evening and face off against Jack Flaherty, who has gotten rocked in each of his last two starts. I would say this puts the Sox in a great position to sweep the Tigers, but if today taught us anything, it’s that baseball games aren’t played on paper and tend to be wildly unpredictable.
Oh, and also that Framber Valdez is a spineless scoundrel. We got a front row seat for that lesson.
May 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Michael Conforto (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a game winning solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
It’s Tuesday night here at BCB After Dark: the grooviest spot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Thank you for stopping in. There’s no cover charge. The dress code is casual. We’ve still got a few tables available. The hostess will seat you now. Bring your own beverage
BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.
Last night I asked you to grade Craig Counsell’s job as manager. I said over his entire tenure because I think it’s hard to not give him an “A” for this year unless you’re a complete curmudgeon. Also, because I think 35 games is too small of a sample size in baseball to judge anything. With that in mind, 47 percent gave Counsell an “A” and 46 percent gave him a “B.” The rest gave him a “C” and not even one single person voted “D” or “F.”
Honestly, that’s about as good an endorsement as a manager can get from the fans in the stands without winning a World Series.
On Tuesdays I don’t do any movie stuff, but there’s always time for jazz. You can skip it if you want.
Tonight we’re taking a visit to Brazil as the legendary Antonio Carlos “Tom” Jobim plays some of his bossa nova classics “One Note Samba” and “Desafinado.”
This is from 1964.
Welcome back to everyone who skips all that jazz.
The Cubs got their first walk-off home run of the year last night from an unlikely source—pinch-hitter Michael Conforto.
That was a big home run, obviously. But was it the best? Was it your favorite? Was it the one that made you yell so loud you woke the neighbors? Or was there another one that had your family check in on you to make sure you were OK?
I’ve picked six home runs that I think are candidates for the best Cubs home run of the year (so far). I only picked home runs from wins. Then I looked at home runs with a high Win Probability Added. I didn’t go exclusively with that because there were some that maybe didn’t look big at the moment but turned out to be big in the end. (Happ’s home run is like that.) Maybe you would have another list, but I’m the one here writing the article. You can vote for “other” if you have another candidate.
Seiya Suzuki’s solo home run against the Phillies on April 23 [VIDEO]. The home run gave the Cubs an 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth. It was spoiled a bit by Caleb Thielbar giving up a home run in the top of the ninth and blowing the save, but the Cubs would win in extra innings to sweep the Phillies and win their ninth straight.
Matt Shaw’s solo home run versus the Padres on April 29 [VIDEO]. The Cubs were beating the Padres 4-3 in the top of the eighth. It turned out to be a huge insurance run after the Padres clawed back another run in the bottom of the inning. The Cubs would go on to win 5-4.
Ian Happ’s solo home run against the Diamondbacks on May 2 [VIDEO]. The wind was blowing in on this one and neither team could manage much offense. It looked like the Cubs were going to win this game 1-0 until they scored an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. They ended up winning 2-0.
Thanks for stopping by. Please get home safely. We want to have you as a customer for a long time. Recycle any cans and bottles. Check around for any personal items. Tip your waitstaff. And join us again tomorrow night for more BCB After Dark.
Shohei Ohtani is no longer unsullied by the longball this season. Yet he was still pretty outstanding against the Houston Astros.
Ohtani absorbed his second loss of the season − and gave up his first and second home runs this year − as the Astros held off the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2-1, on Tuesday, May 5 at Houston's Daikin Park.
It's Ohtani, so that also means even in defeat, superlatives are involved. And Ohtani worked a season-high seven innings − his longest outing since July 27, 2023, when he pitched a one-hitter − and took over the major league ERA lead.
His Tuesday outing ensured he had enough innings to qualify, and Ohtani's 0.97 ERA is the only mark below 1.00 among qualified starters. He's holding opposing batters to a .160 average, bested only by teammate Tyler Glasnow's .146 mark.
On this night, though, a train-tracks bomb from Christian Walker and an opposite-field wall-scraper from Braden Shewmake into Houston's Crawford Boxes were enough to beat him. The homers comprised two of the four hits the Astros managed against Ohtani, who struck out eight.
"The hits were homers, so in that sense it was efficient," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton, "but it wasn't something that was good."
And once again, the Dodgers kept Ohtani out of the lineup, so he could concentrate on pitching. On this night, they theoretically could have used him − but Ohtani is also 0 for his last 17 at the plate.
"I think offense, including myself, hasn't done a great job scoring runs. I'm sure if there was a situation where I was hitting well, they'd want me to hit and pitch as well," Ohtani said. "But I understand focus on pitching and turn the page on hitting."
Has his one-track mind when pitching hindered him at the plate?
"I don't think so personally that the pitching has affected the hitting," he says, "but at the same time it's been longer than expected. It's not ideal I'm trying to find that (hitting groove) in the game."
Mar 17, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Pedro Ramirez against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Some honors for Cubs prospects came today. Infielder Pedro Ramírez was named International League Player of the Month for April. Ramírez batted .323/.398/.625 for the month and led the league-lead in home runs (seven), RBI (28) and runs scored (24). He also stole ten bases.
Right-hander Brooks Caple as named Midwest League Pitcher of the Month. Caple went 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA in four starts. He struck out 24 and walked only three over 18.2 innings for the month.
Fangraphs released their Top 34 Cubs prospects yesterday. It’s interesting because they take into account the first month of the season in these rankings. The now-graduated Moisés Ballesteros is number one, so their current top Cubs prospect is infielder Jefferson Rojas.
Here’s their top ten.
Moisés Ballesteros
Jefferson Rojas
Pedro Ramírez
Jaxon Wiggins
Kevin Alcántara
Josiah Hartshorn
Ethan Conrad
Kane Kepley
Brooks Caple
Owen Ayers
Anyway, check out the full list.
There were a lot of moves in the system since Sunday.
Second baseman Hayden Cantrelle was moved from Triple-A Iowa to Double-A Knoxville
Right-hander Tyler Santana also went from Iowa to Knoxville.
Right-hander Brooks Caple was promoted to Knoxville from High-A South Bend.
Right-hander Jackson Kirkpatrick also went to Knoxville from South Bend.
Shortstop Alex Madera was demoted to South Bend from Knoxville.
Shortstop Geuri Lubo was sent to Low-A Myrtle Beach from South Bend
Right-hander Eli Jerzembeck was promoted to South Bend from Myrtle Beach.
Left-hander Pierce Coppola joins Myrtle Beach from the Development List.
Right-hander Jostin Florentino was assigned to the rookie ball ACL Cubs from Myrtle Beach. (That’s probably procedural as Florentino hadn’t pitched for the Pelicans yet this year.)
Yenrri Perez started and got his first win of the year after five scoreless innings. Perez allowed three hits and issued one walk while striking out four.
Jackson Kirkpatrick got a rude introduction to Double-A. In the one inning Kirkpatrick pitched, he gave up four runs on two hits and three walks. Only two of the four runs were earned, however. Kirkpatrick struck out one.
The Smokies jumped out to an early lead when shortstop Jefferson Rojas hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. It was his fourth of the year. Rojas went 2 for 4 with a walk and three overall runs batted in.
Third baseman Karson Simas made it 4-0 with a two-run home run in the second, his third this year. Simas went 1 for 4 and scored twice.
Center fielder Carter Trice had two doubles and one triple in a 3 for 4 night. He also walked once. Trice went 3 for 4. He had three RBI and scored once.
DH Owen Ayers was 2 for 3 with two walks and two runs scored. He also had one run batted in.
Starter Cole Reynolds retired the first nine batters of the game in order before leaving after three innings. Reynolds struck out five.
Adam Stone pitched the next three innings and got the win because Reynolds didn’t go five innings. Shaw surrendered one run on four hits. He walked one and did not strike anyone out.
Nate Williams threw two scoreless innings and Kenyi Perez one to close out the game.
Center fielder Kane Kepley showed the wheels with two triples tonight. Kepley went 2 for 4 with a walk. He scored three runs and drove in one.
Shortstop Ty Southisene is off to a great start to his High-A career. Tonight Southisene was 2 for 3 with a double and a sacrifice fly. He had two RBI and one run scored.
Third baseman Matt Halbach was 3 for 4 and scored once.
Kepley’s first triple led off the bottom of the first.
David Bracho threw the first 3.1 innings and allowed three runs on two hits and three walks. One of the three runs was unearned. Bracho struck out four.
Bracho left the game in the fourth inning with two on. He was relieved by Victor Zarraga, who gave up a three-run home run to the first batter he faced to make it 4-2 Crawdads. But he stayed in the game and got the win when the Pelicans came back. Zarraga allowed one run on three hits over 3.2 innings. He struck out two and walked no one.
Jordan Henriquez pitched the final two innings and got the save, despite giving up a solo home run in the eighth. Henriquez allowed one run on two hits. He struck out one and walked no one.
The Pelicans re-took the lead in the top of the sixth inning on a two-run home run by second baseman Jose Escobar. It was his second home run this year. Escobar was 2 for 4 and scored twice.
Center fielder Josiah Hartshorn was 3 for 5 with a double. Hartshorn had three RBI and one run batted in.
Shortstop Alexis Hernandez also went 3 for 5 with a double. He scored three times.
HOUSTON –– The first four innings were frustrating. The next five were futile.
Just when it looked like the Dodgers were emerging from their recent offensive slump, having won back-to-back games with 12 total runs the previous two days, the team came right back down to earth on Tuesday in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Astros, squandering a series of early chances before failing to generate much of anything late.
“Unfortunately right now, the offense is going through it,” veteran infielder Miguel Rojas said. “But we’re looking forward to continuing to make adjustments and be better in those situations when we have to deliver.”
The night’s biggest story, of course, was Shohei Ohtani.
The night’s biggest story, of course, was Shohei Ohtani. AP
For the third time in his last four pitching starts this year, the two-way star was given a one-way task, removed from the lineup as designated hitter to focus only on his duties atop the mound.
He responded by producing a seven-inning, two-run, eight-strikeout start –– making only two real mistakes on home runs given up to Christian Walker in the second and Branden Shewmake in the third (the first two long balls Ohtani had surrendered this year).
The problem: The Dodgers (22-14) watched their Ohtani-less lineup go back in the tank.
“It’s just sad that you couldn’t do it when Shohei threw the ball really well and he went deep in the game,” Rojas said. “It was up to us to get a big hit, and we win the game.”
The team squandered several golden chances to do so early on, leaving six men on base through the first four frames, including a wasted bases-loaded opportunity from Rojas with two outs in the fourth.
From there, things only got worse. Astros right-hander Peter Lambert retired nine of his final 10 batters to complete a scoreless seven-inning start; the first the Astros (15-22) have gotten all season from their league-worst pitching staff.
The Houston bullpen gave up one run in the eighth on a Kyle Tucker RBI single, but did enough otherwise to keep the lead intact, saddling Ohtani with a losing decision despite his latest pitching gem.
“We as an offense need to find ways to score runs for him,” Rojas said, with Ohtani having received just two total runs of support in his last outings –– all of which have been Dodgers losses.
“It’s not because he’s not in the lineup that we’re not scoring runs,” Rojas added. “It’s really hard to do what he’s doing. He’s taking the ball every five or six days, and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do to win the game. So it’s on us. And we have plenty of hitters in this lineup that can get the job done.”
For as good as Ohtani has been as a pitcher –– finishing Tuesday with an MLB-best 0.97 ERA –– his inability to impact the offense remains a problem. AP
What it means
For as good as Ohtani has been as a pitcher –– finishing Tuesday with an MLB-best 0.97 ERA –– his inability to impact the offense remains a problem.
Ohtani was out of the lineup, after all, in part because of his current 0-for-17 skid as a hitter. Following a fifth-straight hitless performance Monday, manager Dave Roberts decided to change course and only have Ohtani pitch Tuesday.
The four-time MVP should be back in the lineup Wednesday, when the Dodgers will be trying to avoid a third-consecutive series loss. They could use more from his bat. Because right now, even his most dominant pitching starts aren’t enough to ensure a win.
Who’s hot
Fresh off winning National League Pitcher of the Month for March and April, Ohtani did continue his torrid start to the season on the mound, producing his longest pitching start since joining the Dodgers.
Not only did the right-hander go seven innings, but did so on only 89 pitches.
Walker tagged him for a mammoth home run in the second, blasting his 30th career long ball against the Dodgers to the stadium train tracks high above left field. But other than that, the only other damage Ohtani allowed was on Shewmake’s homer, which was a Crawford Box special that traveled only 337 feet to left.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t get him a win,” Roberts said. “But he did a nice job of preserving the bullpen, going deep in the game and giving us a good chance to win tomorrow.”
But other than that, the only other damage Ohtani allowed was on Shewmake’s homer, which was a Crawford Box special that traveled only 337 feet to left. AP
Who’s not
The Dodgers lineup, especially with the bases loaded.
The latest example came in Tuesday’s fourth inning, when Max Muncy, Andy Pages and Alex Freeland all got aboard with two outs against Lambert. With the Dodgers down 2-0, Miguel Rojas came up with a chance to flip the game.
Instead, he hit into a fielder’s choice, dropping the Dodgers’ team batting average to .212 this season in bases-loaded situations (sixth-worst in the majors). From their 38 such plate appearances, they’ve scored only 25 runs.
The Dodgers, of course, struggled in other situational opportunities Tuesday –– which were magnified by their seventh game in the last eight without a home run
They went just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. They hit into their 32nd double-play of the season, second-most in the majors. And they saw one of their most trusted veteran bats in Rojas waste some of their best chances. His 0-for-4 included the bases-loaded out, the double-play grounder, and the final out of the game with the tying run on first.
“I had a lot of opportunities with runners on base right there,” Rojas said, “and I couldn’t get the job done tonight.”
The Dodgers, of course, struggled in other situational opportunities Tuesday –– which were magnified by their seventh game in the last eight without a home run AP
Up next
Tyler Glasnow (3-0, 2.56 ERA) will face Lance McCullers Jr (2-2, 6.32 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday afternoon.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 05: Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts after scoring during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 05, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles’ five-game losing streak is over! They beat the Marlins 9-7 on Tuesday night in Miami, bringing an end to the ugly stretch of play that plagued them over the weekend. It was a game that was highlighted by impressive offensive performances, which covered up some questionable work on the mound.
The bats came out ready to wipe away their nightmare in New York. Gunnar Henderson laced the second pitch out of Sandy Alcantara’s hand for a single into right field. A fielder’s choice from Taylor Ward eliminated Henderson, but kept the pressure on Alcantara. Dylan Beavers followed with a a well-earned walk at the end of a 12-pitch at-bat. And then both runners came in to score on a Pete Alonso double into the left field corner, where old friend Kyle Stowers misplayed it to allow Alonso to scoot all the way to third. Samuel Basallo made it a 3-0 game with another two-bagger, this one a 111-mph laser.
Unfortunately, the O’s would need to score a few more because starter Chris Bassitt was not at the top of his game. The first two batters singled, putting runners on the corners with no outs. A wild pitch behind Otto Lopez scored Miami’s first run of the day. But that is all the damage that would be done in the opening inning as Bassitt bounced back to retire Lopez, strike out Stowers, and get Jakob Marsee to pop out.
The Marlins’ half of the second inning was just as ugly for Bassitt. He hit Connor Norby to open the inning, but was saved by Basallo gunning him down at second base on a steal attempt. After recording another out, Bassitt then loaded the bases by hitting Owen Caissie, walking Graham Pauley, and walking Xavier Edwards. That set the stage for Liam Hicks to single in Caissie and Pauley to tie the score at 3-3.
Credit the Baltimore lineup for fighting right back in the top of the third. Ward led off with a walk, then moved to third on another Alonso double. Basallo cashed in on the opportunity with a two-RBI flare into shallow right field to give the Orioles a 5-3 lead.
But yet again, Bassitt could not put together a shutdown inning. He got right back into trouble with a walk to Stowers to begin the bottom of the third. Connor Norby delivered a one-out single before Joe Mack knocked in Stowers on a base hit into left field, making in 5-4.
The O’s added two more crucial runs in the fifth inning. Basallo was responsible for the first one, yanking a perfectly-placed triple into right-center field, scoring Alonso from first base in the process. A few batters later, Colton Cowser hit a slow bouncer to Lopez, the Marlins shortstop. Lopez’s throw home beat Basallo, but the O’s catcher was able to sneak his toe just under the tag for the team’s seventh run of the day.
The two bullpens quieted the lineups for a little while before the seventh inning, when Hicks and Lopez hit back-to-back homers off of O’s reliever Anthony Nunez to draw within one run, 7-6.
The Marlins would knot the score at 7-7 in the eighth inning. With Andrew Kittredge on the mound, Mack singled and was then replaced by speedster Esteury Ruiz. That would prove too much for the Orioles to handle. Ruiz swiped second base, and then third base as well. On the attempt at third, Basallo double-clutched and then made an arrant throw towards the bag. It sailed into left field, allowing Ruiz to jog home as the tying run.
At this point, it felt like the Orioles were bound to lose. The offense had gone quiet since the fifth inning, the bullpen was wobbling, and the defense had just made a poorly-timed miscue. The sky was falling.
But not this time! The O’s bats came through in the clutch. Walks for Ward and Alonso put two runners on base with two outs ahead of Basallo’s spot in the lineup. Basallo, who was in the midst of a 3-for-4 game with four RBI. Could he put the finishing touches on an impressive showing? Well, his manager Craig Albernaz wasn’t interested in finding out. Instead, he called for the switch-hitting Adley Rutschman to face the left-handed Andrew Nardi on the mound. That would prove to a be a wise decision. Rutschman singled into left field, which allowed Ward to motor around third base and put the O’s up 8-7. Leody Taveras followed with a knock into right field, giving Alonso just enough time to rumble around the bases and score a crucial insurance run.
The bottom of the ninth inning was left to Rico Garcia, who had already recorded the final out of the eighth. He made quick work of the heart of the Miami lineup, retiring them 1-2-3 to close out the 9-7 win, ending the losing streak at five.
The Orioles’ lineup gets most of the credit for this win. While he may not be the player he used to be, Alcantara is still a good, veteran pitcher with a Cy Young Award in his trophy case. The Orioles handled him and the Marlins pitching staff with ease, collecting 10 hits and five walks on the day, and then going 5-for-13 with runners in scoring position. This was a performance to be proud of. Something may have finally clicked for Alonso. Basallo is looking like a Rookie of the Year candidate. Ward was an on-base machine yet again. And Rutschman came up clutch. Lots of good stuff to behold.
The pitching side of things was mixed bag. Bassitt was not good. He had seemingly no feel for his breaking pitches at all, missing the zone by a mile on several occasions. Over four innings he allowed four runs on six hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. His season ERA is up to 5.91. That is not the sort of starter the Orioles hoped to be getting when they signed him to a one-year deal.
The bullpen had some highs and lows. Garcia, Keegan Akin, and Grant Wolfram were good. Nunez struggled. Kittredge didn’t look particularly sharp. But it all worked out to a win. The fact they had to cover five innings isn’t ideal.
Hopefully Brandon Young can provided some length in game 2. He will get the start on Wednesday night in Miami, facing off against Eury Pérez. First pitch is 6:40 as the Orioles look to do the unthinkable and win two games in a row. Amazing stuff!
Most Birdland Player – May 5, 2026
Here are a few candidates for your MBP consideration on this Tuesday evening. Let us know your vote in the comments section:
Taylor Ward: 1-for-3, two walks, three runs
Samuel Basallo: 3-for-4, one run, four RBI
Pete Alonso: 2-for-4, two walks, two doubles, four runs, two RBI
Adley Rutschman: Pinch-hit RBI single in the ninth inning
May 5, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Blue Jays 3 Rays 4
The Jays were leading for most of the game, as if that’s any solace.
Tyler Rogers has been terrific for us, but a ground ball pitcher can have bad luck on occasion. His eighth went ground out, double (66 mph, not hit hard), Yandy Diaz ground ball single (harder hit, 88.5 mph, off Ernie Clements glove), Jake Fraley single (84.3 mph line drive ish) drove in the tying run and Ben Williamson single (ground ball, but hit hard, 103 mph) driving in the winning run.
That was it for Rogers, Louis Varland came in and closed the barn door now that the horse was long gone.
And the Jays went down without a hit in the top of ninth. Andrés Giménez ground out, Myles Straw, pinch hitting for Brandon Valenzuela (a lateral move at best) popped out and George Springer lined out.
We had nine hits, including another Kazuma Okamoto homer, (our only extra base hit) his 10th of the season. He and Giménez had two hits each.
We scored:
One in the first: Okamoto’s homer.
One in the second: One out singles from Daulton Varsho, Clement (bunt single), and Valenzuela scored the run. After that Brandon Yohendrick Piñangoput down a squeeze bunt, it wasn’t good, and Clement was out at the plate. Then Springer ground out to end the inning. There was some discussion of whether Valenzuela decided to bunt on his own. If he bunted on his own. If he did, he should be released. Players should never decide to squeeze on their own (but I’m pretty sure it was called from the dugout (dumb idea, John).
One in the fifth: Giménez singled and stole second. Valenzuela walked. Springer hit into a double play, moving Giménez to third. Springer had a rough day. Yohendrick Piñango singled bringing in the run.
Valenzuela had a rough day, as well as the 0 for and the bunt, he blew two challenges, early in the game, so we couldn’t challenge anymore. When you waste the two challenges in the third inning (at times that really wouldn’t have changed the game), you’ve really messed up. I’d imagine he’ll be talked too, but Heineman was pulled from a game for a mistake that wasn’t as bad as that.
Kevin Gausman wasn’t his sharpest, but he allowed just one run in six innings. He gave up six hits, one walk with three walks.
Jeff Hoffman pitched a nice seventh. And we talked about the eighth earlier.
Jays of the Day: Gausman (.14 WPA), Hoffman (.11), Okamoto (.10) and Valenzuela (.09).
The Other Award: Rogers (-.58) and Springer (-.21). And I’m giving one to Valenzuela for the challenges and the bunt (-.04, but the bunt and the challenges…..).
Tomorrow, being a travel day, is an early game. A 1:00 pm start time. I’m sure the Jays can’t wait to get out of there. I can’t wait until they do as well. But please win.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 19: Emilio Pagan #15 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Cincinnati Reds on April 19, 2026 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan threw just one pitch in the Bottom of the 9th against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night, and it’s a pitch he’ll surely hope to forget.
Immediately after letting it fly to Cubs 2B Nico Hoerner, he reached for his left hamstring – the same left hamstring that had dogged him earlier in the 2026 season. This time, though, it was clear the injury was much more significant than when he was dealing with pain there back in April.
The trainers came out, and it was quickly determined that the cart was going to be needed to come drive him off the field as he couldn’t put any weight on it at all. Righty Jose Franco was summoned to replace him in the 2-2 game in the second game of this series between these two long-time National League Central rivals.
All the best to Emilio, who it looks like the Reds will be without for some time.
May 5, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey (19) gets doused with ice water from shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) after beating the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
American League Central foes, pay close attention to the “objects in mirror may be closer than they appear” note in your rear view mirror. After a less-than-stellar April, the Kansas City Royals have won all five of their games in May and are now half a game out of first place. Kansas City’s efficient 5-3 victory against the Guardians marks the second consecutive win against Cleveland and ensures a series split an minimum.
The Royals got their first runs on the board extremely quickly. Maikel Garcia led off with a walk and a sassy little bat toss, and Bobby Witt Jr. followed that up with a line drive double. Though Vinnie Pasquantino hit a harmless infield popup, Salvador Perez knocked a line drive to right field to score Garcia and Witt. Royals lead, 2-0. Kansas City starting pitcher Stephen Kolek—throwing from the mound in place of Noah Cameron, who’s sidelined due to a back spasm—surely appreciated it.
After that, Carter Jensen struck out (as did Jac Caglianone). This would be a theme of the night.
Kansas City nearly scored again in the second inning, as an Isaac Collins single and Kyle Isbel walk put runners on first and second with one out and bring Garcia and Witt up to bat for the second time in two innings. Unfortunately, they couldn’t push a run across.
This loomed large two innings later. Kolek had largely trucked through the Guardians lineup, but Cleveland started to make some seriously hard contact in the fourth inning. Chase DeLauter led off with a single, after which Royals nemesis Kyle Manzardo singled. Rhys Hoskins then launched a line drive barely fair inside the left field foul pole for a three-run home run to put Cleveland ahead 3-2.
But that was really it for the Guardians offense against Kolek, who turned in a perfectly acceptable, even laudable, performance. Kolek pitched six full innings and didn’t walk anybody, striking out three and only giving up those three runs.
Cleveland wasn’t able to enjoy its meager lead very long. In the bottom of the same inning they scored three, the Royals roared back. Caglianone struck out (I told you, this was a theme), but then Collins notched his second hit of the night—a hustle double to the gap. Then, Cleveland starter Gavin Williams worked Michael Massey to a 1-2 count. Williams unleashed a pitch that was close but was called a ball, and the Guardians challenged. The ball stood, bringing the count even.
And the very next pitch, Massey turned into his alter ego MICHAEL MASHEY and crushed a no-doubter to right field for a two-run shot that put the Royals back on top, 4-3.
Once again, the Royals threatened in the fifth, but another Pasquantino popup and Salvy double play de-fanged the situation. And once again, a different Royals batter picked him up: Collins, whose solo home run in the sixth inning won someone $100 in the Sonic Slam Inning and gave the Royals some additional wiggle room. It was Collins’ third hit of the night.
Unfortunately, Collins wasn’t able to get a fourth at bat and chance for the cycle, because the rest of the game was relatively perfunctory. Lucas Erceg did walk a batter in the ninth, but it was with two outs and he managed to get a quick groundout. Lights Out Lucas did it again. Royals win, 5-3.
And that trend Jensen was on? He struck out four times, earning the ignominious (yet unofficial) ‘Golden Sombrero’ moniker. Fortunately him, tonight was Taco Tuesday Cinco de Mayo. Let’s just say that Jensen is a cultural ambassador and be pleased with it.
Quotes of the game
“Really good Major League pitcher.” – Matt Quatraro, on how he views Stephen Kolek
“That’ll be a great problem for us to have.” – Q again, on what will happen to the closer spot when Carlos Estevez returns
Look: there have been years in Royals history—multiple—many, even—where Kolek would have been the staff ace. But he’s the sixth pitcher. Quatraro was asked postgame what he thought of Kolek, who to date has delivered six solid starts for Kansas City dating back to last year. The Royals clearly like Kolek, and for good reason. I wonder if Cameron continues to scuffle if they will swap places eventually.
At the end of the presser, I asked Q the one burning question on my mind: what happens when Carlos Estevez is back? Will Erceg remain the closer? Quatraro thinks it’s a good problem to have, and didn’t give away the Royals’ thought process. On one hand, Erceg as a Wade Davis-type fireman might be the better usage of him. On the other, can the Royals really trust Estevez with the closer role when his underlying metrics are scary, to say the least?
Time will tell. We’ll figure it out later. For now, the Royals clubhouse bumps celebratory rap music as Kansas City continues to roll forward with momentum.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 05: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on May 5, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Nationals got on the board first in this game. After a walk to Daylen Lile, Curtis Mead doubled to make it 2nd and 3rd with just one out. CJ Abrams hit a grounder to Luke Keaschall who tried to get Lile out at the plate, but Lile was too quick, putting them up 1-0.
The Twins answered back in the 2nd, though, as Brooks Lee hit a 2-run double with 2 outs to put the Twins in front 2-1.
After a 26 pitch 1st inning, Bradley allowed a walk to Nasim Nuñez and a single to José Tena. He retired the next 3 batters, but with his pitch count at 47 through two innings, it was looking like Taj might not have his best stuff tonight. From the 3rd inning on, though, Taj Bradley settled in. He made quick work of the Nationals batters in the 3rd and 4th innings, throwing just 18 pitches total. In the 5th, he gave up a double to Lile then an RBI single to Curtis Mead, but came back with a clean 6th inning to cap off his night.
In the 4th, the Twins nearly batted around on Cade Cavalli. After a single and two walks, Brooks Lee hit a grounder to Cavalli that he couldn’t handle, allowing a run to score. Then, after a Royce Lewis sac fly RBI, Trevor Larnach plated two more with a double, putting the Twins up 6-1.
In the top of the 8th, Byron Buxton got his first hit this season with runners in scoring position, a 3-run homer to left to put the final nail in the coffin. That’s his 11th of the year, all of those in his last 19 games. That puts him in some good company.
Brooks Lee would hit another RBI double in the 9th, pushing the score up to 11-3, our final tonight.
