Category: MLB

In the early, pre-Babe Ruth days of the franchise, the New York Yankees/Highlanders often featured great players who had or would go on to have championship success at the big league level. The issue was often that they just didn’t have the right combination of players, have them at the right age, or didn’t figure out how to correctly use them.

Case in point is Rube Oldring, who fits the second of those categories. The three-time World Series champion played the very first and then what would be the penultimate season of his 13-year career with the Yankees. The first time around, he was a victim of circumstance, and the second time around, he was past his best.

On what would have been Oldring’s 142nd birthday — were such a thing medically possible — let’s look back at the Yankees and MLB career of the outfielder.

Reuben Henry “Rube” Oldring
Born: May 30, 1884 (New York, NY)
Died: September 9, 1961 (Bridgeton, NJ)
Yankees Tenure: 1905, 1916

Oldring was born in New York City in 1884, as one of eight children. Like was the story of many of the era, despite being the children of immigrants, Oldring developed a love and skill for baseball, and soon became good enough to play for semi-pro teams all over the New York and New Jersey area. That eventually led him to be discovered by the professional ranks, and the Southern Association’s Montgomery Senators picked him up in 1905.

In Alabama, Oldring very quickly impressed, and his contract was purchased by the Philadelphia Athletics by the end of his first season in the pro ranks. Oldring reported to Philadelphia after the deal, but the A’s were in a battle for the American League pennant, and not in a position to try out a rookie. Manager Connie Mack told him to go find some semi-pro games to play in to stay in shape. Oldring did so, leading to a real “only in the early 1900s baseball” story.

Oldring went back to New York City and played for a semi-pro team in an exhibition game against the then New York Highlanders. He homered in the game as his team beat the Highlanders, impressing manager Clark Griffith. Despite him having a contract with the A’s, Griffith somehow managed to pick up Oldring, and he played for New York for the rest of the 1905 season. In eight games, he hit an impressive .300/.344/.467, which equated to a 146 OPS+. Impressed by the rookie, Griffith and the Highlanders attempted to sign Oldring for the following year, only for it to emerge that he was signed with the A’s, where he would return for 1906.

Impressing in spring training that year, Oldring eventually earned the Athletics’ third base spot in 1906. However, he had a strong arm and a tendency to airmail throws to first base. Mack decided to take advantage of that attribute and moved Oldring to center field, where he would play the majority of his career.

After some up and down seasons in his early career, Oldring settled became a key player for the A’s by the time the 1910s began. He had his best career year in 1910, putting up what added up to 4.3 fWAR and a 141 OPS+. He also helped the Athletics become a dynasty of the era, winning World Series titles in 1911 and ‘13. He became a fan favorite in Philadelphia, and even starred in a silent short film called “The Baseball Bug” in 1911.

Following an upset loss in the 1914 World Series, Mack began to tear down the A’s, which eventually led the likes of Home Run Baker, Bob Shawkey, and Herb Pennock to ioin the Yankees as they began their ascent. That tear down didn’t include the likes of Oldring at first, but after a slow start to the 1916 season, Philadelphia gave the outfielder his unconditional release. Oldring had already been considering retirement and elected to do that and settle on the farm he had bought with his wife. But later that season, the Yankees convinced Oldring to join them, as they were dealing with a host of outfield injuries. He struggled there too, leading to the Yankees releasing him in September. Mack later got Oldring to return to the A’s for the 1918 season before his major league career ended for good.

Oldring would spend some time as a player/manager at various minor league stops before leaving baseball for good after 1923. He settled back in New Jersey, where he lived until his death in 1961.

In two separate directions, the Yankees missed out on the best years of Rube Oldring. The Yankees have had plenty of successful player acquisitions over the years, but you can’t win them all.

See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers go for their seventh straight win when they host the Philadelphia Phillies tonight.

With Roki Sasaki on the hill, however, the Boys in Blue will be at a starting pitcher disadvantage against Jesus Luzardo.

See why I’m backing the visitors with my Phillies vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 30.

Who will win Phillies vs Dodgers today: Phillies (+117)

Roki Sasaki carries an unfavorable4.95 xERA and 5.19 FIP, and makes the Los Angeles Dodgers overvalued.

His four-seamer has been crushed (.348 xBA, .614 xSLG), and he won’t be able to throw many get-me-overs against a Philadelphia Phillies lineup with the fourth-most WAR (5.3) against fastballs.

Jesus Luzardo (2.80 FIP), on the other hand, is lethal. He generates whiffs (90th percentile), and when teams do make contact, it’s usually on the ground (83rd percentile ground ball rate) and hit softly (95th percentile hard-hit rate).

Buy to +105.

COVERS INTEL:Roki Sasaki allows loud contact (11th percentile barrel rate, 11th percentile hard-hit rate), which is a concern against a Philadelphia lineup with the fifth-highest hard-hit rate (35.6%) in the last 20 days.

Phillies vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-107)

Luzardo has limited LA’s projected starting lineup to a .168 AVG and .558 OPS across a large sample size of 107 at-bats. Behind him is a strong bullpen in excellent form, posting a 2.07 SIERA in the last 20 days. 

While Sasaki’s numbers are poor, he can take solace in the fact that Philadelphia has been ice cold, plating no more than four runs in any of its last nine games while sporting a 53 wRC+.

LA has also been lights out in relief (2.96 FIP in the last 20 days), and both pens are well rested.

Phillies vs Dodgers odds

• Moneyline: Phillies +118 | Dodgers -130
• Run line: Phillies +1.5 (-195) | Dodgers -1.5 (+170)
• Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)

Phillies vs Dodgers trend

Philadelphia has cashed the Under in seven consecutive games. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Dodgers. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Dodgers.

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It was that kind of day in St. Louis. The Cubs jumped right on top with three runs in the top of the first, then gave three runs right back in the bottom of the inning. They got a run in the second, but allowed single runs in the fourth and fifth, then chased the remainder of the game, coming up short. The Cub bullpen did throw 2.2 innings of one run ball to end the game, but Cub starter Shōta Imanaga allowed five runs in just 5.1 innings. That and the one run allowed by Phil Maton out of the pen were too much for the Cub offense on this night. They did manage 11 hits, but only drew one walk and one hit by pitch. All together, it just wasn’t enough. For what has been all too frequent an occurrence recently, the Cubs came up short.

Five runs isn’t too bad of an outcome for the offense, but the six runs allowed by Cub pitching are just too much. Shōta Imanaga was all too vulnerable in 2025 and after a nice resurgence in April, he’s been very beatable in May. The calendar is going to turn to June, but stop me if you’ve heard this before, I’m not sure the warmer weather is going to do him any favors. Compounding matters for him were a walk and a hit by pitch in the first inning. He only allowed five hits, which isn’t awful, but one was a three-run homer.

Each team had a three-run homer allowed in the first inning. Imanaga’s gave away all of the momentum of the first inning and for that matter the last two days. When Cade Horton was hurt, Justin Steele was reinjured and Matthew Boyd was sidelined, you had to wonder how the Cubs would get enough outs. It didn’t surface right away, but this team is way too bad at run prevention. The cherry on top was the run allowed by Phil Maton in the eighth. To be fair, the bullpen can’t be expected to have to always be perfect. For Maton, though, it’s been anything but. He had a disastrous April, but even looking at his numbers solely in May, he’s allowed seven runs, all earned, in just 13 innings of work.

We’ve started to talk a little about the lack of high leverage situations for Cub relievers. I’m generally talking about being up a run or two late. But I guess this is a different kind of leverage spot, a one-run deficit late. The kind of game where you have to shut the door and hope the offense comes through. Of course, ex-Cub Nelson Velázquez was right in the middle of most of the scoring. He started the eighth inning rally with a one-out single and ultimately scored the decisive run. Maton had two strikes and two outs before Masyn Winn extended the inning with a single. José Fermín then followed with a single on an 0-2 pitch. Twice Cardinal hitters wriggled off of Maton’s hook when he couldn’t put them away with two strikes and favorable counts.

Velázquez had a nice game, with two hits, one a homer and three runs driven in. This was, of course, his first game as a Cardinal. After an unremarkable stint with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds (.232/.344/.420), the Cardinals called him up and dropped him right into the four spot in their order. You would have to be happy for Nelson literally any other day.

Just another frustrating day as a Cub fan. All too many of them these last few weeks.

Three Positives:

• Ian Happ had a three-run homer in the first and added a double. He homers for the third straight game for the second time this year. He owns NL Central pitching.
• Seiya Suzuki had three hits in four chances.
• Michael Busch had three hits in five chances, driving in two and scoring one.

Game 58, May 29: Cardinals 6, Cubs 5 (31-27)

Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.

THREE HEROES:

• Superhero: Ian Happ (.247). 2-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, R
• Hero: Seiya Suzuki (.092). 3-4
• Sidekick: Ethan Roberts (.066). 1.2 IP, 6 BF, H (0.60 ERA on the season)

THREE GOATS:

• Billy Goat: Shōta Imanaga (-.296). 5.1 IP, 23 BF, 5 H, BB, 5 ER, 2 K, 2 HBP (L 4-6)
• Goat: Michael Conforto (-.165). 0-4
• Kid: Carson Kelly (-.123). 0-4

WPA Play of the Game: Ian Happ’s three-run homer with two outs in the first. (.250)

Pirates Play of the Game: Nelson Velazquez’ three-run homer with one out in the first. (.232)

Cubs Player of the Game:

Game 57 Winner: Ian Happ with 134 of 179 votes.

Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)

The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.

• Michael Busch +21
• Ian Happ +12.5
• Alex Bregman +9.5
• Nico Hoerner +9
• Michael Conforto +7
• Jameson Taillon/Phil Maton -9
• Matt Shaw -10
• Dansby Swanson -12
• Seiya Suzuki -24.5

Current Win Pace: 86.59 wins

Up Next: Game two of the three-game series. Ben Brown (1-2, 2.01, 44.2 IP) makes his fifth start of the year. He’s 0-1 with a 1.89 ERA since becoming a starter. That’s just 19 innings of work as he gets fully stretched out. But he’s been pretty terrific in every role they’ve used him in this year.

Kyle Leahy (5-3, 4.44, 50.2 IP) makes his 11th start of the season. The 17th round pick of the Cardinals back in 2018 (513th overall) has made just 11 starts in his young career. Last time out, the Reds scored five runs in five innings against him.

This is a matchup the Cubs should win. You’d like to have a split in hand before sending Jordan Wicks to the mound for the finale. Wicks was knocked around pretty good in his first 2026 MLB game.

Find a way. Win another game.

Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below. Check out the previous day’s recap here.

AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (23-32) lost 6-1 (BOX SCORE)

The offense got on the board in the first inning on a Strahm RBI groundout. Brown made a rehab start for Sugar Land last night and was great striking out 5 over 3 innings allowing just one hit, a solo home run. He touched 99.3 MPH. Hendrickson relieved Brown and allowed 5 runs over 5 innings and the offense was stifled the rest of the way as Sugar Land fell 6-1.

Note: Maldonado has a 2.86 ERA this season.

• Zach Cole, RF: 3-for-4, R, 2B, SB
• Kellen Strahm, CF: 1-for-4, RBI
• James Nelson, LF: 1-for-3, BB, SB

• Hunter Brown, RHP: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
• Josh Hendrickson, LHP: 5.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
• Anthony Maldonado, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (23-26) lost 8-1 (BOX SCORE)

Swanson got the start for the Hooks and was pitching well until the 4th inning where he allowed 5 runs. After scoreless outings from Santos and Torres, Leach allowed 3 runs as the Mission extended their lead. The offense got on the board in the 8th inning on an Encarnacion RBI groundout but that was it as the Hooks fell 8-1.

Note: Santos has a 3.54 ERA this season.

• Jason Schiavone, DH: 0-for-2, R, BB
• Pascanel Ferreras, 3B: 2-for-3, 2B, BB
• Yamal Encarnacion, 2B: 0-for-4, RBI
• Drew Brutcher, 1B: 0-for-2, BB, SB

• Nic Swanson, RHP: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
• Alex Santos, RHP: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• Alejandro Torres, RHP: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• Hudson Leach, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• Michael Cuevas, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

A+: Asheville Tourists (10-38) won 13-8 (BOX SCORE)

Smith got the start and allowed 4 runs, all in the first inning, over 4 innings of work. The offense got on the board in the third on a Batista solo home run. The offense added 6 more runs in the 4th inning on a Garcia 2 run double, Batista RBI single and Thomas 3 run home run. They picked up another run in the 6th on an error. In the 8th inning, Moss connected on a 2 run single. The offense got 3 more runs in the 9th on an error, Frey RBI single and Call sac fly. The pen allowed a few runs late but held on for the 13-8 win.

Note: Thomas has a .897 OPS this season.

• Justin Thomas, CF: 2-for-5, 3 R, HR, 4 RBI, SB
• Ethan Frey, RF: 2-for-6, RBI
• Chase Call, LF: 1-for-4, R, RBI, BB, 2 SB
• Jack Moss, 1B: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, BB
• Kyle Walker, 2B: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, SB
• Alejandro Nunez, 3B: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB
• John Garcia, DH: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI
• Freuddy Batista, C: 3-for-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
• Zach Daudet, SS: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, SB

• Parker Smith, RHP: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
• Eurys Martich, RHP: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (WIN)
• Francisco Frias, RHP: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• Nate Wohlgemuth, RHP: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (21-28) lost 3-2 (BOX SCORE)

The Woodpeckers got on the board in the first inning on an Ochoa 2 run home run. Weber got the start and pitched really well allowing 1 run over 6 innings with 3 strikeouts. The Howlers tied the game in the 7th getting a run off of Rosario. The game would go to extra innings and in the 10th, the Howlers walked it off as Fayetteville fell 3-2.

Note: Alvarez is hitting .375 over his last 9 games.

• Xavier Neyens, 3B: 1-for-5, SB
• Kevin Alvarez, CF: 2-for-3, R, 2B, BB
• Nehomar Ochoa, 1B: 1-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
• Juan Sierra, RF: 2-for-4
• Camilo Diaz, 2B: 1-for-4, 2B
• Carlos Cauro, C: 2-for-4
• German Ramirez, SS: 1-for-3, BB, SB

• Charlie Weber, RHP: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• Leomar Rosario, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• Jose Serrano, RHP: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Today’s minor league starters:

SL: Ryan Weiss – 6:05 CT

CC: Brett Gillis – 7:05 CT

AV: TBD – 5:45 CT

FV: TBD – 5:30 CT

Worcester: W, 6-5 (BOX SCORE)

The lone winner in the organization Friday night, the WooSox and Michael Sansone were hit around by the Rail Riders (Yankees AAA) to start and needed some late offense to bring them home, where Tommy Kahnle again slammed the door in the ninth. That late offense was an eighth-inning leadoff triple by Allan Castro and subsequent knock by Jason Delay. Allan Castro may be hitting just over .200, but on Friday, he was the driving force in the win.

Portland: L, 4-5 (F/10) (BOX SCORE)

Franklin Arias had yet another multi-hit game. So, too, did Miguel Bleis, who’s recovering okay but not great after some early struggles. And Caden Rose, the 24-year-old outfielder out of Alabama, had three hits, but still, the team stranded ten runners and the Rumble Ponies (Mets AA) ended up walking Portland off in extras. This was despite Portland outhitting Binghamton 11-6.

Greenville: L, 8-13 (BOX SCORE)

Shea Sprague got taken for a ride in the fourth inning, as Asheville (Astros High-A) scored six runs against the Drive. Despite scoring four runs in the bottom of the first including Mason White hitting his ninth home run of the season, after that early defensive melt down, Greenville never got closer than 3 runs down after the fourth and, even when they put more offense on the board, it was only in response to Asheville also putting some runs up earlier in the inning.

Salem: L, 3-9 (BOX SCORE)

Salem and Hickory (Rangers A) traded fourth-inning runs, the RidgeYaks’ coming off the bat of a home run from Skylar King. Jose Bello let walks get the best of him to start the fifth and Salem found themselves down by three runs, and then answered with two of their own. Still a winnable game… until Harry Blum let five runs cross in the eighth and Salem simply couldn’t answer.

Have a sleepy Saturday.

Diamondbacks News

Marte’s Hit Streak, Snakes Fall to Mariners in Extras
Geraldo Perdomo broke ot of his funk, but Zac Gallen was unable to keep the qality start streak alive. In the end, the Diamondbacks were unable to capitalize on some opportunities and fell in extras.

Diamondbacks Walked Off in 10
A bit better timing by either Zac Gallen or the offense (if not both) and this game goes the other way.

I expect there will be plenty more posts like the one above until after Gallen is gone from the team, regardless of how the rest of the season goes. Gallen certainly is doing himself no favours, but it isn’t as though there were better options to be had at the time.

Former AZ Reliever John Curtiss Heads to Mexico
Not at all where I expected this old friend alert to end up.

Other Baseball News

MLB CBA Panic Check
Jeff Passan and others are still trying to keep a positive spin on tings and point out that it is entirely too early to panic.

Spencer Striders Fascinating First Examined
Diamondbacks fans are well aware that simply giving up three in the first inning is not the end of the world if the pitcher can buckle down moving forward.

What Should Giants Do with Robbie Ray
Another old friend alert. After bouncing back from injury in Arizona, Robbie Ray went on to be one of the better pitchers in the American League for a spell. Now, he’s starting to show signs of aging jst as the Giants are looking at the possibility of unloading him at the deadline.

MLB Power Rankings Week 9 – End of May Edition
The Diamondbacks recent run of games against the Giants and Rockies has lifted them to #8 in the latest rankings.

Murakami Exits Game Due to Hamstring Tightness

The South-sider’s slugging rookie phenom left last night’s tilt against the Tigers early after suffering a tweak in his right hamstring running to first base. He will undergo imaging today and is likely headed to the IL.

Hickory starter Aidan Deakins allowed three runs in 4.1 IP, striking out four and walking two.

Yolfran Castillo went 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. Paulino Santana had a pair of walks and a stolen base. Hector Osorio had a pair of walks. Josh Springer had a hit.

Hickory box score

Hub City was no hit.

Caden Scarborough made his first full season start of the season, allowing a solo homer in four innings while striking out three.

Hub City box score

The Roughriders played two. Rafe Perich joined the Roughriders from Hub City, making his AA debut.

In Game One, Frisco starter Winston Santos struck out eight in 5.2 IP, walking three and allowing three runs, including a home run. Eric Loomis faced three batters and allowed a run on one hit and one walk, striking out one.

Arturo Disla went 3 for 3. Dylan Dreiling had a hit.

In Game Two, Dalton Pence struck out six and walked one in six shutout innings.

Ian Moller was 2 for 3 with a homer and a walk. Dylan Dreiling homered. Rafe Perich walked. Keith Jones II walked twice and stole a base.

Frisco Game One box score

Frisco Game Two box score

For Round Rock, Robbie Ahlstrom allowed a run in 0.2 IP, striking out one and walking one. Joe Ross struck out three in two shutout innings. Ryan Brasier threw a shutout inning. Michel Otanez struck out one, walked one and allowed a solo homer in an inning of work. Emiliano Teodo needed just 9 pitches (7 strikes) to retire the side in the ninth, striking out two.

Cam Cauley had two hits, two walks and a stolen base. John Taylor, promoted to Round Rock from Frisco, tripled. Aaron Zavala had a hit and three walks.

Round Rock box score

ACL Rangers box score

The Mets' wins haven't been pretty, but they are finding a way. 

That was again the case on Friday night, as New York blew a late lead but battled to open a three-game weekend set with a much-needed gusty walk-off win over the Marlins in 10 innings. 

It was their league-high 11th extra-inning victory to this point, and here’s how it played out: 

Unlike last weekend in Miami, New York was able to come through with some timely hits early on against Max Meyer, scratching across four runs in the bottom of the first.

“The guys put together some really good at-bats there,” Carlos Mendoza said. "We saw Myers over the weekend and he was nasty, so it was good to see them set the tone out of the gate."

Freddy Peralta followed that with a scoreless second inning, but then the Marlins were able to get themselves on the board after making him work through a 38-pitch third. 

The righty ended up being chased with four runs allowed (two earned) in 4.2 innings of work. 

“Give those guys a lot of credit,” Mendoza said. “They made him work and grinded out some long at-bat's, we didn’t make some plays in the field which cost him some pitches, but they made it tough on him.”

The skipper was forced to lean heavily on his bullpen once again, and things went as planned until Tobias Myers allowed a game-tying two-run homer in the top of the eighth.

The struggling Myers ended up being optioned to Triple-A following the game.

Before that, though, this one was pushed to extras where Austin Warren did a tremendous job stranding the ghost runner at second which set up MJ Melendez to send the fans home happy with a towering two-run blast.

It was the first walk-off knock of Melendez’s big-league career. 

“Honestly pretty speechless, kind of a surreal feeling,” the lefty said. “It’s something that I’ve never done before at the major league level, so it was a really crazy feeling.”

The Mets have now won back-to-back games for just the seventh time this season. 

Three of their last five victories have come in extras, with the other two being a one and two-run ballgame. 

It’s a trend that they know isn’t sustainable, but they’ll take it for now. 

“At the big-league level you take the wins however they come,” Mendoza emphasized. “Especially with how hard it’s been for us this year -- ideally on a night like tonight, we had to use pretty much everyone that was available.

“Is that sustainable? Of course not. But at this level it’s just whatever it takes day in and day out, we worry about tomorrow tomorrow, and I’m glad that the boys were able to come through today.” 

We have talked about him quite a bit this season, but Curtis Mead’s production at the plate continues to amaze me. The Aussie has gone from a short side of a first base platoon to the everyday third baseman on the strength of his bat. As a prospect, Mead was supposed to be an elite bat, and he is showing it now with the Nats.

When the Nats traded for the recently DFA’d Curtis Mead, he was known as the failed prospect who was traded for Cristopher Sanchez. While Mead was fizzling out with the Rays and White Sox, Sanchez was becoming one of the premier arms in the National League. It is one of the few times where the Rays were fleeced.

After the trade went down in 2019, it seemed like the Rays had done it again. MLB Pipeline even wrote in their 2023 preseason scouting report that Mead has become the poster boy of why teams should be hesitant to trade with the Rays. This was when Mead was a top 35 prospect in baseball and Sanchez was struggling to carve out a big league role in Philly.

However, in the years that followed, Sanchez thrived, while baseball began to kick Mead in the teeth. It felt like Mead was becoming one of those AAAA players. The Aussie always put up big numbers in AAA, but it did not translate to the big leagues. In 2025, Mead posted a .620 OPS with the Rays and the White Sox, where he was traded after the Rays gave up on him.

Right as the season was about to kick off, the White Sox also gave up on Mead. With a crowded infield group, the White Sox decided to DFA the 25 year old Mead. The Nats jumped on this opportunity, and it did not hurt that they knew the person as well. When Mead was in Single-A, a young Blake Butera was his manager. That connection helped convince Paul Toboni to jump the waiver line, and trade 2025 6th rounder Boston Smith for Mead. Smith is actually doing quite well, but with the way Mead is hitting, it does not matter.

While Curtis Mead has always been able to hit, he has not been able to show power or patience at the MLB level before this season. Now, he is doing both at a very high level. Mead and Bryce Harper are the only NL first baseman with at least a .350 OBP and 140 wRC+. That is obviously great company to be keeping.

Calling Mead a first baseman would not be totally correct though. For most of the year, Mead has been at first, in a platoon with Luis Garcia Jr., but that has changed lately. After Brady House got sent down, Mead became the everyday third baseman. 

Having Mead face right handed pitching has been a master stroke so far. He actually has reverse splits this season, with a .730 OPS against lefties and a .979 OPS against righties in a nearly identical number of at bats. At first, he was pigeon holed into a platoon role, but eventually the Nats realized that this dude can mash against anyone.

You can see that in the numbers. After hitting 4 homers in his first three seasons as a big leaguer, Mead already has 8 this season. His walk rate has also gone from 5.7% to 14% between 2025 and 2026. When I talked to Mead, he told me that finding the right pitches to hit and swinging at pitches he could do damage on were his big goals in the offseason. Well, he has certainly accomplished those two things, and it has totally unlocked his game.

Honestly, this is the sort of player Mead was supposed to be when he was a prospect. He is a bat first guy who can play all over the infield, even if the defense is not stellar. There is a reason this guy had a 65 grade hit tool as a prospect. That is not a grade that is just handed out like candy.

Mead just needed to make a few adjustments to get there. When the Nats picked him up, you could tell that his approach needed to improve when you looked at his data. He hit the ball pretty hard, but it just did not result in power because he was swinging at everything. Mead also struck out a lot for a guy who did not whiff a ton, meaning he also fell behind in counts.

He has completely turned those weaknesses into strengths this year. Mead has 21 walks and just 25 strikeouts this season. When you are walking almost as much as you are striking out while hitting for power, you are in the sweetstop. Over half of Mead’s hits have gone for extra bases this year as well.

I also think there is reason to believe that Mead’s batting average should improve as well. That is the only part of his offensive game that is not overly impressive right now. Despite having an .856 OPS this year, Mead is hitting just .244. This is not due to his striking out a ton either, with his K rate sitting at just 16.7%. His BABIP is extraordinarily low at .245, way below his .294 career mark. 

Mead’s expected batting average this season is .264. His BABIP will probably always be on the lower side due to his lack of speed and fly ball heavy attack. However, .245 is too low for anybody. If he raises his average to .260, that OPS will only go up.

Curtis Mead has been the best find for this front office so far. The Aussie has been the Nats third best hitter this season, behind just James Wood and CJ Abrams. He is a big reason why this offense is so electric. The Aussie has become that right handed bat that compliments the two dynamic lefties the Nats have. I love watching Mead hit, and I hope to see him do his thing in DC for years to come.

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The New York Mets won the series opener in dramatic fashion, hitting a walkoff home run in the bottom of the 10th inning.

My Marlins vs. Mets predictions expect the home side to pick up its third straight win Saturday afternoon.

Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for May 30.

Who will win Marlins vs Mets today: New York Mets (-135)

Neither offense is above average at generating runs so I’m looking towards pitching to find my edge.

The New York Mets have the advantage with Christian Scott taking the bump. He owns a 2.8 FIP and 3.0 ERA over the past month despite a .328 batting average on balls put in play, which should drop moving forward.

His stuff has been excellent, allowing him to sit down 27.9% of opposing batters by strikeout. 

Tyler Phillips’ xERA is more than two runs higher than his ERA, suggesting regression could be coming. Back the Mets to -145.

COVERS INTEL:Christian Scott ranks in the 98th percentile with a 1.5% barrel rate, allowing him to neutralize power effectively.

Marlins vs Mets Over/Under pick: Under 7.0 (-105)

The easiest way to score runs is with power and both teams are lacking.

The Miami Marlins are tied for 27th in home runs and the numbers under the hood don’t provide any reason for optimism. The Marlins have posted an ISO of .117 against right-handed pitching this month, ranking them 29th in the majors.

While the Mets have fared a little better, it’s still not pretty. They sit tied for 21st in homers, 30th in SLG, and 30th in OPS. 

There is very little juice in their offense, even with Juan Soto lighting it right now. Play to -115.

Marlins vs Mets odds

• Moneyline: Marlins +115 | Mets -135
• Run line: Marlins +1.5 (-190) | Mets -1.5 (+160)
• Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+110) | Under 7.5 (-130)

Marlins vs Mets trend

New York has hit the Game Total Under in 32 of their last 45 games (+18.15 units, 36% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Marlins vs. Mets.

How to watch Marlins vs Mets and game info

Marlins vs Mets latest injuries

Marlins vs Mets weather

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The Atlanta Braves look to grab another series win tonight when they face the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Ronald Acuna Jr. has suddenly caught fire, and my Braves vs. Reds predictions and MLB picks are backing this dangerous Atlanta lineup to put up big numbers on the reeling hosts. 

Who will win Braves vs Reds today: Atlanta -1.5 (+113)

Cincinnati Reds starter Brady Singer has lost a full MPH off his sinker, an inch of vertical break compared to 2025. That’s why hitters are rocking a .404 wOBA and .501 xSLG vs. his primary pitch.

Add in a fastball RV/100 of -16.8 RV/100 and a cutter with an xSLG of .871, and it’s easy to see why his 4.8 HR/9 is the highest of any qualified starter in May.

That’s a recipe for disaster at Great American Ballpark in warm conditions, especially given the Atlanta Braves' fifth-lowest 0.94 GB/FB rate in May.

I’m backing the Braves -1.5 up to even money.

COVERS INTEL:Hitters are pulling Singer’s offerings at a clip of 50.8% this month, while registering a HR/FB rate of 36%—the highest of any starter with at least 15 innings pitched.

Braves vs Reds Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (+100)

Graham Ashcraft is the latest Cincinnati bullpen arm lost to injury. The pieces left in place are getting rocked.

That’s going to happen when you allow a 53.5% FB rate over the past two weeks, with 19.1% of them clearing the fences. Both those marks are the worst in the majors in that span.

The weather conditions at GABP rank fifth-best in the league on Saturday, and Martin Perez’s1.46 HR/9 and 14.8% HR/FB road metrics will help push the scoring into double-figures.

Take the Over to -120.

Braves vs Reds odds

• Moneyline: Braves -138 | Reds +133
• Run line: Braves -1.5 (+113) | Reds +1.5 (-117)
• Over/Under: Over 9.5 (+100) | Under 9.5 (-104)

Braves vs Reds trend

The Atlanta Braves have covered the Run Line in 39 of their last 50 away games (+31.65 Units / 52% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Reds.

How to watch Braves vs Reds and game info

Braves vs Reds latest injuries

Braves vs Reds weather

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The New York Yankees visit the Athletics tonight in Sacramento as -155 favorites, with the total set at 9.5.

Ryan Weathers' 85th-percentile strikeout rate lines up against an A's lineup that ranks 19th in MLB in runs scored, while J.T. Ginn's 29th-percentile walk rate hands a stacked Yankees offense exactly what it wants.

Here are my Yankees vs Athletics predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 30.

Who will win Yankees vs A’s today: Yankees -1.5 (+105)

The New York Yankees' offense will slump at some point, but today is not that day. For the second straight night, I'm grabbing New York to cover and would play it to -110. 

This is a pitcher-strength-on-team-weakness angle. Ryan Weathers has, somewhat to my surprise, been impressive for the Yankees, carrying a Top-15 percentile strikeout rate (28.3%) that plays against an Athletics group whiffing at an above-average clip.

On the other side, J.T. Ginn's10.6% walk rate forces him into hitter's counts, where he's allowing a .308 xwOBA, exactly the spot a hot Bronx offense feasts.

COVERS INTEL: Ginn's 83rd-percentile fastball run value is his best pitch, but he throws it only 13% of the time.

Yankees vs A’s Over/Under pick: Under 9.5 (-105)

We cashed the Over last night due to the A's pushing over a late run. Tonight offers a lower-scoring environment.

Both pitchers have expected ERAs that sit below four, and both are genuinely solid arms from a metric perspective. 

While I expect the Yankees to score enough to cover the run-line, Ginn will still be decent. He does a great job limiting hard contact with a hard-hit rate that ranks in the Top 14% of baseball, which is essential against the Yankees.

On the other side, we've already spoken about how Weathers whiff-inducing stuff should carry him. I'd play this to -122.

Yankees vs A’s odds

• Moneyline: Yankees -155  | A’s +125 
• Run line: Yankees -1.5 | A’s +1.5
• Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5

Yankees vs A’s trend

The New York Yankees have covered the 1st Five Innings (F5) Run Line in 31 of their last 50 away games (+9.60 Units / 16% ROI)

How to watch Yankees vs A’s and game info

Yankees vs A’s latest injuries

Yankees vs A’s weather

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Friday night in the Dodgers minors included a few multiple home run games and a dominant pitching outing for someone freshly back from the injured list.

Player of the day

Peter Heubeck retired nine of his 10 batters faced in three scoreless innings, with six strikeouts on Friday night for Double-A Tulsa. He allowed only a two-out single in the second inning, shortly after the right-hander struck out his first four batters of the game.

Heubeck returned from the injured list last Saturday, making his first start for Tulsa since suffering a shoulder injury last July. He’s struck out nine of his 19 batters faced in five innings thus far.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Comets homered four times to beat the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Astros). Ryan Fitzgerald hit the first two of those homers, solo shots in the second and seventh innings.

Oklahoma City broke things open with four runs in the eighth, including home runs by Tyler Fitzgerald and James Tibbs III. Tibbs has been limited to designated hitter and pinch-hitting duties for three weeks, last playing the field on May 7. He’s dealing with a forearm issue, per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic.

Logan Allen allowed a run in five innings for the win, and Carlos Duran struck out three in two scoreless innings of relief.

Chayce McDermott began the eighth inning in relief but only faced one batter, as he was struck on the right knee on an infield single, and had to exit the game. He walked off under his own power.

Rehab update

After playing five innings at second base in each of his first two games, Tommy Edman was the designated hitter on Friday, playing on back-to-back days for the first time. He had an infield single in three at-bats on Friday and has four hits in nine at-bats with a walk thus far for the Comets.

Double-A Tulsa

The Drillers swept the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals) in a doubleheader, walking them off in the first game and allowing just one hit in a shutout win in the second game.

Griffin Lockwood-Powell homered twice in the opener, and also delivered the walk-off double in the seventh inning.

Elijah Hainline homered in the opener, and had two hits in the nightcap. Josue De Paula doubled and scored in Game 2.

After Heubeck on the mound in the nightcap, Carson Hobbs and Kelvin Ramirez each pitched two scoreless innings.

High-A Great Lakes

Five runs in the second inning set the tone for the Loons’ road win over the Dayton Dragons (Reds). Emil Morales hit a three-run double in the big frame.

Eduardo Quintero reached base four times with two singles and two walks, and stole two bases, giving him 21 steals on the season. Jose Meza homered in the sixth inning for Great Lakes.

Christian Zazueta gave up three runs in the third inning, including a home run, but nothing else in his 4 1/3 innings. His two strikeouts were three fewer than the next-fewest of his other seven starts this season. After a 41.4-percent strikeout rate in April, Zazueta had a 25.9-percent strikeout rate in May. On the season he’s at 50 strikeouts against only nine walks in 37 1/3 innings.

Alex Makarewich (five outs), Nicolas Cruz (two innings), and Matt Lanzendorfer (one innings) closed out the game in scoreless fashion, combining for eight strikeouts and no walks.

Class-A Ontario

The Tower Buzzers lost a wild, back-and-forth game to the Visalia Oaks (D-backs) in 10 innings.

Jecsua Liborious had an outing befitting his name on Friday. He pitched a scoreless eighth inning, but allowed the tying run in the ninth inning by hitting the leadoff batter, who advanced to third base on two outs before Liborius wild-pitched him home. In the 10th inning, Liborius started the frame with a wild pitch and a balk to score the free runner for the go-ahead run. With one out in the 10th inning, Liborius walked a batter, then was removed after 2 1/3 hitless, yet wild innings. Then Seamus Barrett came in and allowed a two-run home run that padded Visalia’s lead, plus another run of his own after a pair of errors.

The Ontario outfielders made their mark in this one.

Right fielder Jaron Elkins hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning, giving Ontario a lead after trailing 8-2 just two frames earlier. Elkins also walked, was hit by a pitch, and scored three runs. Center fielder Landyn Vidourek doubled, walked twice, drove in a pair, and scored a run. Right fielder Ching-Hsien Ko singled, walked twice, drove in two, and scored two. All three outfielders each stole a base as well, and the trio combined to reach base nine times, with six runs scored and six RBI.

Transactions

Triple-A: Ryan Ward was called up to the Dodgers to time share in left field. Hyeseong Kim was optioned.

Friday scores

• Oklahoma City 6, Sugar Land 1
• Tulsa 4, NW Arkansas 3 (Game 1)
• Tulsa 2, NW Arkansas 0 (Game 2)
• Great Lakes 7, Dayton 3
• Visalia 14, Ontario 11 (10 innings)

Saturday schedule

• 4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Brooks Auger) at Dayton (Julian Aguiar)
• 4:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Charlie Barnes) at Sugar Land (Ryan Weiss)
• 5 p.m.: Tulsa (Patrick Copen) vs. NW Arkansas (Frank Mozzicato)
• 6:05 p.m.: Ontario (TBA) vs. Visalia (Daury Vasquez)

Some of the team’s top prospects are looking much better of late, but the churn is beginning on the major league bench.

Lehigh Valley 5, Buffalo 4

It’s starting to become a broken record of sorts, but Felix Reyes just keeps on demolishing Triple-A pitching, homering again last night in Buffalo.

As the kids say, the guy is cookin’. He had help though as Paul McIntosh had three hit, two doubles included, and one RBI in the Ironpigs victory. On the mound, it was Levi Stoudt getting the victory after five innings of only allowing two runs and seeing his bullpen bend but not break.

Harrisburg 9, Reading 1

A wet fart of a game, the Fightin’ Phils offense decided that getting to watch Gage Wood last night in his home debut was mentally and emotionally draining enough that they took the night off. Kehden Hettiger had a solo home run to be the only offense worth mentioning as the remainder of the lineup managed only five other hits in addition to that long ball. On the mound, starter Luke Russo was actually quite good, striking out eight in five innings and only allowing a single earned run, but a bullpen failure allowed seven other runs to score to let the Fightins fall.

Jersey Shore 8, Frederick 3

Devin Saltiban and Keaton Anthony were the offensive stars for the Blue Claws, each collecting two hits, Saltiban having a double and Anthony scoring two runs to help the cause. Mavis Graves looked better, only giving up three runs in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six. It’s these kinds of games that the Phillies do need though. Do a basic search and these three guys are considered to be some of the better prospects the team has right now. Having them start to be a little more consistent would go a long way in evaluating these kids the team has and maybe change those experts’ minds on the health of the lower levels.

Dunedin 8, Clearwater 3

The Ferre-bus continues rolling along as Alirio Ferrebus had two hits in three at bats and a run scored. His season average is up to .342 and his stock is firmly on the rise. A bullpen game saw a lot of arms going for the Threshers, but none of them were particularly impressive outside of starter Cade Obermueller.

That is a fun arm angle he’s coming from. Going to have to keep an eye on him.

The Royals are searching for answers, writes Anne Rogers.

“We felt like there’s a core here that we could rely on for offense,” Picollo said. “Surrounding them with a deeper, better group and more balanced group was the goal. I think we did that. But I’m accountable, too. There are some evaluations made that haven’t lined up just yet. I think we have the pieces to compete and win more games that we have.”

When a team with expectations struggles as much as the Royals have, it doesn’t take long to hear calls for coaching changes. The calls have been loud in Kansas City for quite some time now.

Despite the Royals falling vastly short of expectations so far, a staff shakeup doesn’t appear imminent.

David Lesky writes that the goals for the Royals should change now that they are back in the standings.

It means trading anyone who isn’t under contract beyond this season. Most players on the roster are under team control beyond this season, but a few could bring back some return. Health is a huge part of this with guys like Kris Bubic and Matt Strahm, but I do think they can get some additions to the system. But I also think they need to be open to anything. On our preview podcast on Kauffman Corner, I said the Royals would make a massive deal and move Kendry Chourio (and many others) for James Wood. I don’t think that particular deal is going to happen, but if the Royals can get Witt a sidekick in a deal, even if it doesn’t help them this year, it’s okay to buy at the deadline in that way.

So it’s not just trading everyone. That can get difficult for them because their system is undoubtedly improving, but it’s still not at the point where they have a plethora of top prospects to trade away and remain where they are.

Pete Grathoff writes that the owners’ labor proposal on TV revenue would be a win for the Royals.

In addition to sharing revenue, the league is hoping its plan can help more people watch games. Since the teams would share the TV revenue, there would be fewer restrictions on viewers.

“(B)y sharing media revenue equally as part of our proposal, we can address another top fan concern of local TV blackouts,” MLB spokesman Glen Caplin said on the league’s website.

Mike Gillespie at Royals Keep writes that time is running out for former first round pick Frank Mozzicato.

Troubling, too, are his more advanced 2026 metrics — only in whiff % (30.1, 60th percentile) and K% (25, 51st percentile) is Mozzicato above the 50th percentile, and he’s at the 14th percentile in strike % (14), and the 21st percentile in BB% (16.2) and zone % (42.6).

The southpaw’s fastball is also a concern. Mozzicato simply hasn’t displayed the velocity he needs.

And then there’s his control. If not improved soon, Mozzicato’s tendency to walk far too many batters (career 16.3 BB% and 6.48 BB/9) may well be enough to keep him out of the majors.

Kiley McDaniel at ESPN has a mock draft out with the Royals taking prep pitcher Gio Rojas at #6.

Rojas is a cut-rate option here and otherwise might not have real interest until the teens, so he’s incentivized to cut a deal.

Don’t be surprised if: This is the spot where there could be a curveball. The reason I said the three players in the second tier should go in the next four picks is that the Royals could mix in a surprise.

I think Lombard is the preference, then Booth Jr. and Rojas are next up in some order. But there’s always a surprise in the top 10, and I think this might be the spot. Arkansas slugger Ryder Helfrick also could be an option here.

Brewers pitcher Abner Uribe is suspended one game for his gesture against the Cardinals.

The Giants reassign third base coach Hector Borg after a baserunning blunder.

The Cardinals call up former Royals outfielder Nelson Velázquez.

Jeff Passan at ESPN sorts out the owners’ and players’ labor proposals.

Why MLB’s local media revenue sharing is crucial to its salary cap proposal.

Why does ZIPS hate the Brewers?

The National League Cy Young race is loaded.

Sacramento officials launch efforts to land an MLB expansion team.

Marlins ownership sell a 15 percent stake to cover debts.

Johnson County Community College wins its first ever JUCO national championship.

Sports Illustrated lays off a number of writers.

There is a soccer league in Mexico that plays in an extinct volcano crater.

Shrey Parikh wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee with the word “bromocriptine.”

A Blue Origin rocket explodes during an engine-fire test.

The sun is undergoing a mysterious change and no one knows why.

Your song of the day is The Stone Poneys with Different Drum.