Apr 29, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) pitches against the New York Yankees during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Texas Rangers scored three runs while the New York Yankees scored zero runs.
Usually an MLB debut goes one of two ways for a starting pitcher. Either the nerves get to them and they’re sent to the showers early with a massive ERA that they have the rest of their career to shave down or they befuddle a lineup that has never seen them as their flown-in parents cry in the stands witnessing their son’s dreams come true.
For New York’s debuting 22-year-old Elmer Rodriguez, he somehow kind of managed both ends of the spectrum. A little wild early, Rodriguez wiggled out of a couple of jams perhaps thanks to the courtesy of getting to debut against the RISP bewitched Rangers at The Shed.
But then he settled in for a couple of threatless innings before, in the bottom of the fifth in a scoreless game, wildness cropped up again and the Rangers loaded the bases with a HBP, walk, and infield single with no one out.
Now, usually that’s still an advantageous position for a pitcher against Texas but unfortunately for Rodriguez — but fortunately for you, me, and the Rangers — the wrong guy was coming up.
With the bags packed, Josh Jung stepped in and there was nowhere to put him. As has often been the case in April, Jung won the battle and his single drove in two runs for what might have been Texas’ first hit with the bases loaded in the last three years for all I know.
No, the Rangers didn’t follow that up with a big inning. That hit produced the only runs that they scored in the frame. But two runs felt like twenty. The Rangers added a third run in the bottom of the seventh when Ezequiel Duran doubled and Sam Haggerty singled him in after earlier failing to bunt him over.
The Rangers went 4-for-8 with RISP, and even though only two of those hits actually scored runs, those were all that they needed with the arms holding the Yankees off the board. The win allows Texas to finish their homestand on a positive note at just a game out of .500.
Player of the Game: Nathan Eovaldi accomplished goal No. 1 by not allowing a first inning run to put the Rangers behind the eight ball early, as had been the case often throughout this homestand.
With that achievement unlocked, Eovaldi shoved over his 102-pitch stint going seven much-needed innings of shutout ball on four hits and a walk with seven strikeouts against the team atop the standings in the American League.
Up Next: The Rangers will take the day off tomorrow before opening up a series in Detroit beginning on Friday.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: Gavin Williams #32 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field on April 29, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Gavin Williams was magnificent today. He recorded 23 outs, giving up 1 (unearned) run and striking out *9* Rays. It was one of his best outings. The sole run allowed came after Bazzana threw a double play ball down the third base line (the video evidence of which I will be leaving out of this article). Gavin had everything working for him today.
He was throwing everything in the zone, and managed to only walk one batter on a HBP. Unfortunately, Statcast went down around the 5th inning, so all data recorded after that is, at least for now, unavailable. ABS was also down, which is weird to see now that I’ve gotten used to having it. Anyway, Gavin was fantastic. A true “ace” start for him.
The offense was better today, but I can always find ways to complain. They had the bases loaded in the 3rd, but managed to only record 1 run off a Kyle Manzardo sacrifice fly. But, in the 5th, Rocchio led off the inning with an infield single. Kwan followed that up with an *100.4* mph double down the first base line. DeLauter, with the infield brought in, hit a ground ball back up the middle that scored both Rocchio and Kwan.
(Naturally, DeLauter goes 2/3 with a walk and 2 RBI the day I publish an article talking about his struggles). DeLauter is riding a 5-game hit streak during which he’s slashing .438/.471/.500. You’d like to see more power, but seeing the results come in will hopefully spur some more slug.
Gavin was pulled in the 8th after two consecutive two-out singles. Sabrowski was brought on in relief, and struck out Aranda to end the inning. Cade came on to pitch a scoreless 9th, striking out 2 Rays.
The Guardians play the Athletics this weekend. It’ll be Cantillo-Cecconi-Messick.
Colson Montgomery delivers his first career walk-off, lifting the Sox to a 3-2 win and a sweep of the Angels. | (Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
If this felt like a game the White Sox had no business winning, that’s because for most of the afternoon, they didn’t. And then, in the end, they did anyway.
The Good Guys walked it off in extras, 3-2, completing the sweep of the Angels. Chicago finished the month with 13 wins. That’s not exactly cause for a parade, but it is their best April since 2021.
This afternoon’s victory wasn’t pretty, but it was resilient, and that was enough.
The offensive story for the first nine innings was simple: a lot of traffic, but no destination. The South Siders had no problem getting runners on base with seven hits and seven walks against Angels pitching, especially after Yusei Kikuchi exited early due to injury. They just couldn’t execute in the clutch.
They managed to scratch across their first run in the third. Chase Meidroth doubled, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a Miguel Vargas single. That should’ve been the start of something. Instead, it was a one-off. Munetaka Murakami walked, but Austin Hays hit into a double play, and Colson Montgomery lifted a fly ball out — opportunity gone.
The sixth inning was worse. Murakami walked again, Hays singled, then immediately got picked off thanks to a heads-up throw from Jorge Soler. Then, Montgomery hit a grounder that turned into a play at the plate, with Adam Frazier and Travis d’Arnaud combining to cut Murakami down. Will Venable challenged, hoping for a blocking-the-plate call. No luck. Call stands. Inning over.
By the seventh, it felt like the script was written. Walks from Jarred Kelenic and Antonacci went nowhere. Meidroth and Vargas couldn’t move them over. Another inning, another shrug.
Even in the eighth, facing a reliever with a 5.40 ERA, the Sox made Ryan Zeferjahn look like peak Mariano Rivera, striking out the side.
Down to their last outs in the ninth, it looked like more of the same, but the Good Guys had something left in the tank.
Tristan Peters wore a pitch. Kelenic struck out. Antonacci stepped in and ripped a triple down the right field line, scoring Peters and tying the game. Suddenly, life.
They couldn’t finish it there, of course. That would’ve been too easy. So, extras it was, where the Sox had already struggled this year, going 1-3 in bonus baseball.
But the bullpen gave them a chance. Bryan Hudson continued his quietly excellent season with a clean eighth. Tyler Davis helped erase trouble in the ninth, inducing a slick 6-4-3 double play. And Seranthony Domínguez stranded the ghost runner in the 10th without much drama.
That set the stage for the bottom of the 10th with Drew Pomeranz on the mound. The Angels, oddly, chose to load the bases the long way by intentionally walking Vargas, then unintentionally walking Murakami. A grounder from Hays cut down the runner at the plate. It seemed like another chance slipping away.
And up stepped Montgomery.
First pitch. No hesitation. Line drive to center. Ballgame.
First career walk-off for the “Monty Monster,” and honestly, it felt fitting. He’s been flashing power lately, and while this wasn’t a homer, it might’ve been louder.
White Sox starter Erick Fedde definitely did his part. He just didn’t get much help.
After retiring eight straight to open the game, he gave up a Mike Trout homer in the fourth to tie things, then another solo shot in the seventh to Vaughn Grissom that put the Angels ahead 2-1. That was it. The veteran’s final line: seven innings, five hits, two runs, no walks, six strikeouts. He deserved a win, but he still doesn’t have one. Maybe next time out.
Progress isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it looks like stranding runners all afternoon and still finding a way. They’ll take the sweep. They’ll take the momentum. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll take this version of themselves on the road to San Diego and see what sticks.
Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Mariners 5, Twins 3
Checking down to first on a check swing: Cole Young, +0.56 WPA
Not checking down to first on a check swing: Luke Raley, -0.18 WPA
Jul 18, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
As it turns out, we now know exactly when Strider will be back on the mound for the Braves. He’ll be getting the ball for Sunday’s series-closer at Coors Field, where hopefully he’ll be pitching to help the Braves get a series win or even a sweep if all goes really well. Mark Bowman of MLB.com was the first to report the news.
As of right now, the plan is to have Grant Holmes go on Friday, Chris Sale pitch on Saturday and then have Spencer Strider go on Saturday. Walt Weiss has mentioned a few times now that setting the rotation is currently on a series-by-series basis and we now have some information on what Colorado series will look like as far as Atlanta’s starting pitching is concerned.
For Strider, this will be his first start in Colorado since making one of the initial starts of his career at Coors Field back in 2022. He went four innings with just two hits and one walk allowed with five walks but also five strikeouts as well. Strider also has that legendary 16-strikeout game against the Rockies in September 2022 as well. With that being said, there’s a pretty big difference between the 2022 version of Spencer Strider and the 2026 version, so this will certainly be an intriguing test to see how Strider can adjust in what’ll be a pretty solid test in his first start back. We’ll see what happens.
Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
There haven’t been a whole bunch of health issues with the Yankees this season, but the last few days haven’t been so kind. Jasson Domínguez, playing in just his third game of the season after being recalled to replace the injured Giancarlo Stanton as the team’s primary DH, was removed from Wednesday’s game against the Texas Rangers with a left elbow injury.
The Martian, who was getting a game in left field so that Aaron Judge could get a DH day, was taking his second at-bat in the fourth inning when an 89.1-mph cutter by Nathan Eovaldi ran in and hit him in the left elbow. Head athletic trainer Tim Lentych checked him, and he initially stayed in to take first base, but was immediately removed on defense for Max Schuemann in the bottom half of the inning.
The timing couldn’t be worse, as the Yankees designated Randal Grichuk for assignment this morning to recall rookie Elmer Rodríguez for today’s start. In the case that Domínguez needs to go on the injured list, it is technically possible for Grichuk to be re-added to the roster if he clears waivers, but that’s not guaranteed to be the course of action if needed.
Update
Jasson Dominguez left today’s game with a left elbow contusion. He was examined by Rangers Team Physician Dr. Evan. X-Rays were taken and further imaging is required in New York #yankees
Apr 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) celebrates win against the San Francisco Giants with first baseman Bryce Harper (3) and third baseman Alec Bohm (28) during the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
You gotta admit, it’s a pretty impossibly clever design, with the moon “O” and a bit of a nod to silent film Le Voyage dans la Lune. No doubt it will make a snappy addition to your closet.
And remember, anything else you buy with our link, whether a Pirates mug or Yankees sweatshirt, gives South Side Sox a commission and helps us continue to provide the best coverage we can for you.
So go ahead a book your trip to the Mune, from South Side Sox and BreakingT!
(Every purchase you make with our link drops a few pennies in the jar here at South Side Sox, so a list of all our prior BreakingT collaborations follow, below. Yes, some of the designs are now hilariously outdated collector’s items. But most, if not all of these, should still be available, so click a link and see!)
This link takes you to this newest T-shirt, plus our entire line of White Sox wear!
While several members of the Chicago White Sox will need your votes for the July All-Star Game, fans are encouraged to punch the Robert/Jiménez ticket for a dominant South Side outfield all season long!
Whether you’re voting offense (what say, 70 homers among them?) or defense (Luis already has a Gold Glove, Eloy is … still alive), there’s no better campaign to get behind.
With everyone now aware that on his 23rd try, Minnie Miñoso was elected to the Hall of Fame. And Breaking T has commemorated the nickname that manager Paul Richards bestowed on Minnie almost immediately after his arrival on the South Side:
Celebrate the White Sox moments of your life with the entire Chicago W Collection at Breaking T, where you can peruse everything available. Or, if you want to read all my terrific catalog copy for each item, just scroll down and enjoy!
The White Sox indeed did make a free agent acquisition or two before the lockout, so it’s well past time to raise our glasses to the Legend himself: Leury Legend, that is.
He’s the longest-tenured current White Sox player, and when he’s done, he could well crack the list of all-time White Sox. Can you believe it? Welcome back, Leury!
To celebrate the division title for 2021, Breaking T offers two new T-shirt designs commemorating the feat:
Certainly, we hope there will be more than just a division title to enjoy over the next month or so, but we have to start somewhere!
Contrary to the cynics among you, we haven’t featured every Breaking T White Sox design here at South Side Sox, for various reasons. But I’ve never seen one more confounding than the José Abreu and Eloy Jiménez Sugar Skulls designs.
If you scroll down far enough, I think you can see the original Yasmani Grandal Breaking T piece, Yaz We Can, which I think was pretty clever and should have pulled a lot of fans in with purchases. It was definitely different, as far as Breaking T fare.
But I don’t remember it doing all that well, which was a shame. Maybe Yaz isn’t sexy. Walks aren’t, as someone on Twitter wants to tell you every day.
Yasmani really is the bad boy of the White Sox. He’ll snark you. He’ll roll his eyes. He’s not out to please anyone. He’s just gonna be a badass catcher who drops the bat after clocking one a mile, thank you very much.
In just his second game back after a season-long stint on the IL, Eloy Jiménez announced his presence in the White Sox lineup with authority, hitting a home run and providing whirling dervish defense in Tuesday’s win at K.C.
It’s great to have Eloy back with the club in any capacity, and him starring in just his second game back is extra sweet. Now you can wear that sweetness!
It was a quite a moment on Monday, seizing a win from the jaws of a doubleheader sweep. When you’re running away with a division, tension can seem manufactured, but Len Kasper gave us a classic moment that our own Joe Resis likened to A.J. Pierzynski’s walk-off against the Dodgers during the 2005 season. Listen to Len last night:
Here it is! @cleansheets24 hits a walk-off HR and @LenKasper loses his mind!
The White Sox just keep humming along, with great pick-me-ups from the most unlikely of places. Waiver-wire pickup Billy Hamilton has managed to become a core bench and spot-start piece for the club as it ascending in the AL Central, and the veteran made his defensive presence known, with authority, in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s win at Minnesota:
You don’t usually expect to have to persuade your manager to defend his own player, but here we are. And in the Tony La Russa-Yermín Mercedes kerfuffle, we (and all of the White Sox players) are Team Yermín.
So is Breaking T, who’s issuing this “I’m Yermín” wear in solidarity with the rookie sensation:
Well, perhaps you’ve been waiting for a more “authentic” Yerminator T-Shirt, something more “as seen on TV.” Well, here you have it!
Terminator vibe? Check. Super cool uniform easter egg in the shades? Check. Money actually going to the players association to benefit minimum-salaried players like Yermín himself? Check.
It’s a sharp piece, with the clever use of accent mark, complete with high socks! (If only it was a warmer night, we’d have Rodón dressed in his full Grant Park 16´´softballer mode … #JulyGoalsForLos.)
As you well know, you don’t have to go 5-for-5 in your first MLB start or start a season 8-for-8 to merit a cool Breaking T shirt. But it doesn’t hurt!
Celebrate our Yermín Spring with The Yerminator, a delightful play off of everyone’s favorite killer robot-turned-sweet hero. Hoodies, Ts, we’ve got the gear.
Perhaps because he was injured for half of his first season, or he doesn’t have a snappy nickname yet, or he’s such a grinder he doesn’t lend himself to chest-emblazoned graphics, Nick Madrigal has to date missed the cut as a T-shirt subject.
To welcome our new, colorful closer, Liam Hendriks, Breaking T has gone positively Greek with the Australian, with Hercu-Liam!
Breaking T put together four great purchase options for Hercu-Liam, from petite to husky, winter bundling to summer sunning.
And click here to view everything in Breaking T’s White Sox collection in one spot.
Individual links below should get you to other White Sox products on site, including the Classic Collection that features the Ed Farmer and Mark Buehrle T-shirts.
To welcome our newest (and top WAR) starter into the rotation, Breaking T has drawn up some Lance Lynn-wear sure to please the bearded fan on your holiday shopping list, with Lynnsanity!
The big man is in town and ready to push the rotation toward a World Series!
I first got word of this shirt just as José Abreu was homering and singling in runs during the 2020 season.
And Breaking T’s hunch became reality, as José Abreu became the first White Sox MVP since Frank Thomas and only the fourth player, after Nellie Fox, Dick Allen and Thomas to win the award.
And peruse the rest of the collection below to add to your order and combine shipping.
Clubbing homers and scoring runs like there’s no tomorrow, the Chicago White Sox Murderer’s Row of Eloy Jiménez, José Abreu, Tim Anderson and Luis Robert is the subject of a new BreakingT shirt:
Some real nice details in this one: Each players’ expression, the gangster pinstripes, and the exotic player numbers among them. Grab one at BreakingT.
With Luis Robert not only staking his claim on AL Rookie of the Year but MVP, it makes sense that BreakingT is working overtime to present the best Panterawear out there.
Dig this supercool 1983 nod, which you can order here.
Looking for Luis Robert to assume his La Pantera form? BreakingT has you covered. Order here and celebrate the future MVP!
I’m digging the silhouette.
The 19th no-hitter in White Sox history is in the books, by none other than ace Lucas Giolito. So it’s time to celebrate the Gio No-No! It’s a quick, and slick, commemoration of an incredible, 101-pitch masterpiece, dated and suitable for a Gio auto!
Snag one here, and take a look at numerous other wonderful Breaking T offerings below.
So, it was bound to happen, but BreakingT is first on the scene to promote the latest dance party sweeping Soxdom: DANCING FOR DUBS
Featuring the boogie-down duo of Zack Collins and Danny Mendick, the T-shirt and/or hoodie is available in all sizes, so take a look now.
Running on speed and power, folded into the Change the Game platform, we’re now making these sweet Ts available so you can elect them to a six-year term lasting until 2026.
He’s only the hottest rookie — nay, the hottest player — in baseball heading into 2020.
So, BreakingT was watching ESPN on Sunday and said, “hey, that’s right, Tim Anderson speaks the truth: the preeminent sports network in America is sleeping on the White Sox again.”
All shapes and sizes are available, in T-shirt or hoodie.
Stay tuned for some excellent new merch dropping on Friday as well.
How about pairing it with the original classic?
Our best seller, the incomparable Tim Anderson neck-bow of STICK TALK!
BreakingT has a bunch of terrific ideas they’ve collaborated with us on for their newest designs in conjunction with the MLB Players Alumni Association. This one is, simply, Mister Perfect, commemorating Mark Buehrle’s perfect game in 2009:
The first White Sox product from BreakingT’s Classic Collection was a beautiful tribute to our Ed Farmer:
Order it here. When you click on our link to buy, we will donate a portion of the proceeds we see from these shirt sales in Farmer’s name to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Foundation (support.pkdcure.org).
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 18: Jonah Heim #20 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after sliding safely into second after hitting a double against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park on April 18, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
At 21-9, the Atlanta Braves are off to their hottest start to the season since 2000. It seems like we’re hearing a new and fantastical stat about how Good The Vibes Are Right Now at a clip not seen since the history-making offense of 2023.
Here’s some more fun numbers as we go into game 2 tonight: with last night’s win (on Snoopy night!), the Braves have won nine straight games versus Detroit dating back to 2023 and extended the longest active winning streak versus the Tigers in baseball. Even wilder, you have to go back to 2013 for the last time Atlanta has dropped a series to Detroit. Let’s keep a good thing going tonight, shall we?
Drake Baldwin will DH while Jonah Heim is behind the plate as the battery mate for JR Ritchie. As we noted in the preview, Heim has the most ABs against Skubal and is 3-for-16. Maybe he’ll be a difference-maker in the nine hole.
Leadoff man Ronald Acuña Jr. may be heating up… it’d be great if the two XBH from last night got him going. Austin Riley moves up to fifth, followed by Mauricio Dubón. People are being quick to attribute Michael Harris II’s less-hot-than-we’ve-seen-lately night at the plate yesterday to his return to CF, but he was still 1-for-4. He’ll bat seventh tonight. Eli White will bat eighth and hopefully have a completely routine and normal night in left field.
The lineup for Tarik Skubal’s Tigers looks a little different. Rookie Kevin McGonigle will lead off. Gleyber Torres remains in the two hole, but will be followed by 3B Colt Keith. Riley Greene moves up a spot to bat cleanup. Dillon Dingler is still catching and batting fifth. New face Kerry Carpenter enters the lineup to play right field. With the unfortunate injury to Javier Báez, the Tigers will have Wenceel Pérez (of preventing-last-night’s-shutout fame) in center field and batting eighth.
“Didn’t improve much after treatment yesterday, so he’s getting an MRI right now to see what we’re dealing with,” said Mendoza.
“We’ve got to wait and see what the MRI says and what’s the plan of attack, if we need to put him on the IL or if he continues to be day-to-day, but that’s why we’re taking a look at it.”
Robert, who has dealt with a handful of other injury issues throughout his career, is hitting .224 this season with two home runs and eight RBI in 24 games.
Mendoza said there is obviously concern for the veteran outfielder, but the team is still in wait-and-see mode.
"Every time you send someone for an MRI, you’re always concerned. … We’re doing everything in our power to keep him on the field, and hopefully this is just a minor thing that we’re just dealing with for a couple of days and he’s back out there soon," Mendoza said.
If Robert does, in fact, land on the IL, the Mets have options to play center field already on the roster, including Carson Benge and Tyrone Taylor.
"I feel comfortable with any of them playing center field," Mendoza said. "Tyrone, we’ve seen over the years, he’s elite there. The way Carson’s been playing everywhere, and not only that, he’s comfortable moving around as well. Left field, some of the plays he’s made, right field, center."
Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez exited Wednesday's game against the Rangers after being hit in the elbow by a pitch.
In the top of the fourth with the game still scoreless, Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi threw a 1-1 cutter that was up and in on the youngster. The pitch, which was thrown at 89 mph, appeared to hit Dominguez in his back elbow.
Dominguez turned and dropped the bat and crouched over in pain. After a lengthy talk with the trainer, Dominguez stayed in the game to run the bases, but was pulled when it was time for him to take the field. Dominguez was starting in left field for the first time this season. In the two games since he was called up Monday, Dominguez started as the DH.
Dominguez was replaced in the field by Max Schuemann.
The team later announced Dominguez was pulled due to left elbow contusion. X-rays were taken in Arlington, but further imaging will be done in New York.
Before leaving Wednesday's game, Dominguez was 0-for-1 with the HBP. In three games, he's 1-for-9 with two strikeouts in 10 at-bats.
Trainer took a long look at Jasson Dominguez after this hit by pitch on the elbow, but he's staying in the game pic.twitter.com/3mAK89gC84
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole looked solid in his third rehab start on Wednesday as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.
Pitching for Double-A Somerset, Cole retired the first 11 Portland Sea Dogs he faced, but ran into some trouble in the fourth inning.
Cole lost the perfect game on a two-out single and then gave up a two-run home run to Johanfran Garcia. The right-hander got out of the frame on a fly out.
He bounced back with a strikeout to open the fifth inning, but then allowed another home run to Max Ferguson as the Patriots went down, 3-1.
Cole was able to regain his control and record the next four outs into the sixth inning, exiting after exactly 60 pitches -- the most he's thrown over three rehab starts. Over his three games in the minors, Cole has allowed seven earned runs on 11 hits with 10 strikeouts and one walk over 14.1 innings.
It's expected that the 35-year-old will still need a few more rehab games before he returns to the Bronx.
Additionally, shortstop Anthony Volpe went 2-for-4 for the Patriots as his rehab from shoulder surgery continues. However, he was picked off first base in the bottom of the third inning and was thrown out at second base in the fifth inning trying to stretch a single into a double.
On Monday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he was unsure if Volpe would be able to rejoin the team in time for their weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles. Over 10 minor league games across Double-A and Triple-A, Volpe is hitting .303 with a home run and three RBI.
Gerrit Cole looking solid in his third rehab start!
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 07, 2026: Carson Whisenhunt #88 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training game against the Texas Rangers at Scottsdale Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
There were just three games for the San Francisco Giants Minor League Baseball affiliates on Tuesday, as those teams kicked off their next six-game series. High-A Eugene, as happens from time to time (including next week) had a scheduling conflict at their University of Oregon stadium, and have a doubleheader on Saturday to make up for not starting their series against Spokane until today.
All listed positions in the roundup are the position played in that particular game.
AAA Sacramento (15-11)
Sacramento River Cats beat the Salt Lake Bees (Angels) 5-2 Box score
It took awhile, but we finally got a star showing from LHP Carson Whisenhunt (No. 8 CPL). Whisenhunt has struggled a bit to start to the year, but you certainly wouldn’t know it based on Tuesday’s performance, when he positively dominated the Bees. That’s doubly impressive when you glance at Salt Lake’s roster and realize just how many former Major Leaguers are populating it …. guys like Chris Taylor, Jeimer Candelario, Jose Siri, Nick Madrigal, Trey Mancini, and Yolmer Sánchez.
Those batters wanted nothing to do with Whisenhunt on Tuesday, though, as he cruised through 6 innings while allowing just 3 hits and 1 run, with 8 strikeouts. Whisenhunt wasn’t particularly dominating the strike zone, as he threw 48 of 78 pitches for strikes, but, critically, he didn’t issue a single walk all game (he did hit a batter, though).
It was Whisenhunt’s best pitch — his famed changeup — that did the damage against the Bees. All 8 of his strikeouts were swinging strikes, and a staggering 7 of them came when whiffing through his changeup. Talk about an elite pitch! There really doesn’t seem to be much of a question as to whether or not Whisenhunt’s changeup can play at the highest level … the question, rather, is whether his fastball can play well enough to set up the changeup. And on this day it most certainly did.
Rehabbing RHP Joel Peguero (No. 27 CPL) was a strike-throwing machine, as he tossed 12 pitches in a scoreless 7th inning, and all 12 of them were strikes. Impressive, and not usually what he’s known for! He did give up 2 hits, but struck out a batter and kept runs off the board, lowering his ERA to 6.14 and his FIP to 4.59. He’s made 8 rehab appearances, and it’s unclear if he’ll head to San Francisco when he’s done rehabbing, or if he’ll stay in Sacramento (he still has all 3 option years remaining). I’d guess the latter.
The big hit on offense came from designated hitter Jake Holton, who bopped the 1st home run of his AAA career to give the River Cats some insurance runs.
Holton, who hit 1-4 with a strikeout, spent 3 years putting up really nice numbers in AA while in the Tigers system before joining the Giants on a Minor League deal this year. It’s been an adjustment to the new level: he has just a .216 batting average, a 27.7% strikeout rate, a .668 OPS, and an 89 wRC+. But he’s still getting his feet wet.
Nice days for 2 of the best defensive players on the team, as center fielder Grant McCray and shortstop Osleivis Basabe both hit 2-4 with a double and a strikeout. McCray, who has a .667 OPS and a 91 wRC+, has been showing signs of life lately after a brutal start to the year. Basabe, who is critical depth given that there are no rostered infielders on the River Cats, has a .717 OPS and a 91 wRC+.
Not very good days for the team’s top hitting prospects, as first baseman Bryce Eldridge (No. 1 CPL) went 1-4 with 3 strikeouts, catcher Jesús Rodríguez (No. 16 CPL) hit 1-4 with 1 strikeout, left fielder Victor Bericoto (No. 35 CPL) went 0-4, and second baseman Nate Furman (No. 39 CPL) hit 1-4 with a walk and a stolen base.
AA Richmond (17-4)
Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Altoona Curve (Pirates) 10-9 Box score
It was almost an incredibly arrogant game for the Squirrels. Earlier this month, they swept Altoona in a 6-game series, and almost flexed on their opponent with a ruthless comeback. Richmond trailed 9-1 entering the 6th inning, and 10-6 entering the 8th. They almost pulled it off!
Unlike their older brothers in Sacramento, the Squirrels emphatically did not have a good pitching day, so we won’t linger on it long. The starter, LHP Greg Farone, had a brutal game, throwing just 36 of 70 pitches for strikes while allowing 5 hits (including a home run), 5 walks, and 4 runs in just 2.1 innings, though he struck out 4 batters. Farone, a 7th-round pick in 2024, started his debut AA season nicely: in his 1st 2 starts, he pitched 9 innings and allowed just 6 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs, with 13 strikeouts. But in 3 starts since, he’s made it through just 8.1 innings, while giving up 13 hits, 9 walks, and 11 runs, with 11 strikeouts.
Then it was RHP Shane Rademacher, who has played something in between a long relief role and a piggybacking starter role this year. He didn’t have the command issues — he didn’t issue any walks — but gave up 3 home runs in just 2.1 innings. In total, the UDFA allowed 6 hits, 5 earned runs, and struck out 3, while seeing his ERA rise to 6.17 and his FIP to 7.62.
RHP Will Bednar (No. 24 CPL) had a decent showing, though, as he tossed 2 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts, though he did allow 3 baserunners (2 singles and a walk).
On offense, it was the usual suspects up to their early season tricks. Namely, it was first baseman Sabin Ceballos (No. 43 CPL) who continues to make it his life’s mission to put the 2025 season behind him. The 2023 3rd-rounder out of Oregon (drafted by Atlanta) had another brilliant day, hitting 3-5 with a 2-run home run, 2 doubles, and a strikeout.
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) April 28, 2026
Ceballos, who will turn 24 in August, is now at 5 home runs on the season …. after hitting just 6 bombs last year (at the same level) in 108 games. That power increase is the leading reason for why his year-over-year OPS has leaped from .670 to .990, and his wRC+ from 102 to 154. But it’s not just an injection of power, as his average has jumped from .232 to .306.
With Parks Harber (No. 17 CPL) finally healthy, Ceballos — who plays a pretty mean third base — will probably mostly be spending time at first base for Richmond. Given that third base isn’t blocked in AAA, an earlyish promotion wouldn’t be too surprising if Ceballos keeps up this level of performance.
The other usual suspect was right fielder Jonah Cox, who continues to hit like someone we shouldn’t describe as a glove-and-cleat first player. Also a 2023 draft pick by a different team (a 6th-rounder by the A’s), Cox hasn’t stopped hitting this year, and on Tuesday went 1-3 with a triple, a hit by pitch, and a stolen base.
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) April 29, 2026
A year after having just a .731 OPS and a 103 wRC+ in High-A, Cox is at a blistering 1.183 OPS and 209 wRC+ through 19 games playing up a level … and also has 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts. I don’t think anyone else in the organization (save for perhaps Rafael Devers at the Major League level) has had a more surprising start to the year.
Nice games for catcher Drew Cavanaugh (No. 19 CPL) and second baseman Diego Velasquez (No. 31 CPL), who both hit 1-2 with 2 walks and a strikeout. Cavanaugh has built on his breakout 2025 by casually posting a 1.147 OPS and a 202 wRC+, while having an elite blend of contact, power, and walks (among the 108 Eastern League hitters with at least 50 plate appearances, Cavanaugh is 6th in average, 6th in walk rate, and 16th in isolated slugging). Velasquez, who doubled for his hit, quietly has a .788 OPS and a 120 wRC+ despite posting an uncharacteristically-low .244 average. He’s nearing the 200-game mark in AA, but is also still just 22.
Harber and center fielder Bo Davidson (No. 4 CPL) are both still trying to find their groove during seasons that have been interrupted (Harber by a fairly serious hamstring injury, and Davidson by a less-serious arm injury plus parental leave). Harber went 1-5 with a double and 3 strikeouts, and now has a .737 OPS and a 93 wRC+; Davidson hit 0-3 but drew 2 walks, moving his OPS to .676 and his wRC+ to 70. He did have an awesome catch, too.
Bo Davidson brings one back in the late innings for the @GoSquirrels!
His bat gets the headlines and for good reason, but his defense has come a long way across the last year or so.
San Jose Giants beat the Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks) 8-5 Box score
Fresh off Pitcher of the Week honors, RHP Keyner Martinez (No. 10 CPL) flashed some good and some bad in his Tuesday start. The strikeout stuff was emphatically on display for the 21-year old, who K’d 8 batters in just 4 innings. But it was definitely a case of being effectively wild, as Martinez also walked 5 batters, while giving up 4 hits and 2 runs.
Missing the plate has been the biggest issue for Martinez as he looks to build on his sensational 2025. He’s already walked 10 batters in just 15.2 innings, while hitting another 2. But when he gets hitters to swing? Well, things are going his way … he’s already recorded 24 strikeouts, and has only given up 11 hits. The overall numbers aren’t there yet — he has a 5.17 ERA and a 4.80 FIP — but it’s certainly a very exciting package.
RHP Sam Bower followed and was awesome, giving up just a hit and a walk in 2.1 shutout innings, with 3 strikeouts. Bower was the team’s 11th-round pick back in 2022, but didn’t make his professional debut until this season, due to injuries. The St. Mary’s alum is starting to find his groove, though he’s issuing too many walks. He’s down to a 3.95 ERA on the year, though he has a 5.11 FIP.
In the batter’s box, it was yet another great game for first baseman Hayden Jatczak, who has started his career by doing nothing but hitting, hitting, and hitting some more. The UDFA went 2-5 in this game, with both a home run and a double, raising his OPS to 1.056 and his wRC+ to 168.
Jatczak’s numbers are propped up in part by an absurd 22.3% walk rate, but he’s also just beating up on much younger players (he turns 25 in August). It’s been a fun debut to watch, and I’m curious how much longer the Giants let him lay waste to the lowest level of A-ball.
Center fielder Andy Polanco had a nice game, hitting 2-4 with a double and stealing a pair of bases. The 11th-round pick from 2024, who is celebrating his 21st birthday today, is holding his own on offense, with an .805 OPS and a 110 wRC+. There are some warning signs — he has a sky-high .478 BABIP and a very high 28.2% strikeout rate — but it’s still nice to see given his 85 wRC+ in the Complex League last year.
Polanco is a burner, and has played strong defense for San Jose this year, while stealing 8 bases in as many attempts. Hopefully the offense can keep making strides.
Also stealing a base was shortstop Jhonny Level (No. 3 CPL), who hit 2-5 with a strikeout and his 7th swiped bag in 9 tries. Level has cooled off from his absurd start to the year, though he still has a 1.050 OPS and a 160 wRC+. It’s been nothing short of a fantastic season for the 19-year old switch-hitter, who I think has a good chance to be a consensus top-50 prospect by the end of the year.
And finally, right fielder Jose Astudillo made his season debut. And he made it quite nicely, I might add, hitting 2-4 with a walk. Astudillo, a recently-turned 22 year old from Venezuela, really opened eyes last year, when he started the season in the Dominican Summer League and ended it in Low-A. The right-hander is lacking power, but is a bat control artist: in 200 plate appearances across 3 levels last year, he hit just 1 home run, but posted a .367 batting average and struck out just 19 times.
Sacramento: 5:35 p.m. PT at Salt Lake (SP: Carson Seymour) Richmond: 3:00 p.m. PT at Altoona (SP: Joe Whitman) Eugene: 11:05 a.m. PT vs. Spokane (SP: Charlie McDaniel) San Jose: 3:35 p.m. PT at Visalia (SP: TBD)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 8: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes a lead off second base against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 8, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After their first off day in two weeks, the Dodgers open a six-game road trip on Friday night against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
This will be Emmet Sheehan’s first career start in St. Louis, and his second career start against the Cardinals. He struck out five and allowed two unearned runs in five innings in a win last August 5 at Busch Stadium.
Left-hander Matthew Liberatore starts for the Cardinals. The Dodgers are 5-1 in games started by left-handed starting pitching opponents this season, but Friday will mark just the third time in the last 16 games they’ve faced a southpaw to start.
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 22: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The battle for American League MVP features plenty of star power and familiar names only a month into the 2026 MLB season. In the latest FanDuel Sportsbook American League MVP 2026 market, there are plenty of viable candidates trying to dethrone reigning back-to-back MVP Aaron Judge.
Unlike the NL MVP race — which has turned into Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani running away from most of the field — the AL MVP race still has eight players under 30/1 odds.
On a quest to capture his fourth MVP award overall, Judge (+170), the New York Yankees outfielder, remains the frontrunner. The Yankees are off to a strong start and Judge is top-10 in home runs and OPS.
While Judge’s wasn’t particularly strong out of the gate, his consistency and history with the award lends him considerable credibility at this stage in the season. All it takes is one big power surge for Judge to grab a big lead in the race. After home runs in back-to-back games, Judge could be settling in for another big summer.
Keeping pace with Judge is Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (+270). Leading all of MLB in batting average, OPS and hits while tied for second in home runs, Alvarez is back in form after injuries derailed his 2025 season. Alvarez is on pace for his best season, but matching Judge’s power could prove difficult for a player who has never hit more than 37 home runs in a season.
It’s been a power outage for Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (+1100) so far this season. With only one home run, Witt needs to start slugging more frequently to stay with Judge and Alvarez in the MVP race.
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (+1500) was off to a hot start after his offensive production dipped last season. Already at nine home runs on the season after hitting only 17 in 2025, Henderson’s returning power and 11 stolen bases are worth tracking. But Baltimore’s young star is also struggling to get on base with only a .280 on-base percentage.
Similar to Judge, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (+1500) is also pursuing his fourth AL MVP award. After winning three MVPs last decade, Trout hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Off to a promising start in 2026 with nine home runs, Trout is hoping for a resurgent season.
Cleveland Guardians star Jose Ramirez (+2000), Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz and Yankees first basemen Ben Rice (both +2500) are three more secondary MVP contenders worth tracking. Rice and Judge made history on Monday as the first Yankees teammates to hit 10 or more home runs in the team’s first 29 games since Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle in 1956.
