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Pirates 2, Cubs 0: Shōta Imanaga’s gem ruined by a total lack of offense

Shōta Imanaga was absolutely magnificent Friday at Wrigley Field.

He allowed just one baserunner, a two-out walk in the second inning. (More on that later.) He struck out nine.

Imanaga had to be removed after six innings, having thrown 100 pitches. No one quibbles with that. He was the first Cubs pitcher to throw 100 pitches this year. In fact, out of 376 games started in 2026 before Friday, just 26 pitchers (6.9 percent) had thrown 100 or more pitches, with the most being 109 by Robbie Ray of the Giants this past Tuesday.

Caleb Thielbar, who’s been so good out of the pen since the beginning of last year, wasn’t today. A leadoff single by Ryan O’Hearn in the seventh spoiled any thought of a combined no-hitter and then Bryan Reynolds’ homer gave the Pirates a 2-0 lead that they did not give up, and that was the final score on a chilly Friday at Wrigley Field, a 2-0 Cubs loss.

This is largely because the Cubs had baserunners all over the place but could not do anything with them. Runners in the first and second came to naught because Alex Bregman (first) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (second) hit into inning-ending double playes. The Cubs had two on with one out in the third — nothing doing. They loaded the bases with two out in the fourth, but Moisés Ballesteros flied to left. They loaded the bases again with two out in the sixth, and Matt Shaw, batting for Ballesteros, struck out.

There was one last potential rally for the Cubs in the eighth. Again, they had a runner in scoring position with two out, but Shaw flied to right.

If you are counting — and helpfully, that boxscore link does that for you — that’s 0-for-8 for the Cubs with RISP and 11 men left on base. They had six hits and drew six walks and, well, teams should score more than zero runs with all those baserunners. Just to give you an idea how rare it is to not score at all with that many runners, here’s BCB’s JohnW53:

The Cubs had been shut out in only five previous games since 1901 with at least six hits and at least seven walks, their totals today. This was the first by 2-0.
The previous five:
April 10, 1979: lost at St. Louis, 7-0 (seven hits, seven walks)
May 19, 1985: lost at Atlanta, 3-0 (seven hits, eight walks)
May 17, 1991: lost at Philadelphia, 1-0, in 16 innings (10 hits, nine walks)
May 7, 2008: lost at Cincinnati, 9-0 (six hits, seven walks)
Aug. 22, 2011: lost at home to the Braves, 3-0

So let’s at least give props to Imanaga for an outstanding outing. He struck out nine [VIDEO].

Here’s more on Shōta’s start [VIDEO].

And still more from John:

Shōta Imanaga’s start was just the fifth by a Cub since 1901 in which he gave up no hits, threw at least 6.0 innings and did not complete a nine-inning no-hitter. Imanaga also was the last to do it, going 7.0 vs. the Pirates at Wrigley Field on Sept. 4, 2024.

The three others:
King Cole, on July 31, 1910, in a seven-inning game at St. Louis
Zach Davies, on June 24, 2021, with 6.0 at Los Angeles vs. the Dodgers
Ben Brown, on May 28, 2024, with 7.0 at Milwaukee

There was some good Cubs defense. After Reynolds’ homer, Marcell Ozuna hit a ball to right-center that PCA ran down [VIDEO].

At the beginning of this recap, I mentioned I’d have more on Imanaga’s walk. That’s because… it shouldn’t have been a walk:

As you can see, pitch 9, which was called ball four, was a strike. The Cubs opted not to use an ABS challenge on this pitch, which I suppose I can understand that early in a scoreless game. On the other hand, if they had… the inning would have been over and it would have saved Imanaga the five pitches he had to then use to strike out Konnor Griffin to actually end the inning.

Only you can’t necessarily assume that, because the sequencing would have been different with Griffin then leading off the third. So who knows? I assume the Cubs brass will discuss this and decide whether, in the future, they might want to challenge a pitch like this.

Anyway, the offense, or lack thereof, is what made this a frustrating game. After Thielbar, Ethan Roberts and Riley Martin set the Pirates down with no further damage, giving the Cubs at least a chance to come back, but they could not. The Pirates appear to be a better team this year than last, so hopefully the Cubs will be better prepared for the rest of this series.

Saturday, Edward Cabrera, who’s been excellent so far this year, will try to help the Cubs even up the series. Braxton Ashcraft goes for Pittsburgh. Game time is again 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.

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Mets' David Stearns gives vote of confidence to David Peterson; waiting for opportunity to call up Craig Kimbrel

David Peterson has had a disappointing start to his 2026 season.

After making his first All-Star Game a year ago, the Mets southpaw has stumbled out of the game with three subpar starts, including back-to-back outings where he's allowed five earned runs. 

But for Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, it's still a small sample size and he believes Peterson will right the ship.

"Petey, I’m sure the last two haven’t gone the way he wanted, haven’t gone the way we wanted," Stearns told the media ahead of the team's series opener against the Athletics on Friday. "But we believe in who he is as a pitcher. He's a great competitor, and I think he'll put this past him."

Across his first three starts, Peterson has allowed 11 runs (10 earned) across 14.2 innings pitched. His ERA stands at 6.14 and the Mets are 1-2 in his starts. 

Following Peterson's latest loss, there were questions as to whether his place in the rotation should be reconsidered, especially with Sean Manaea pitching effectively in long relief.

Stearns is confident that Manaea will make starts for the Mets in 2026 and doesn't necessarily have to replace someone in the rotation to do it. 

"My expectation, just based on my experience of how many starters you need over the course of a major league season, is that Sean’s going to make a bunch of starts for us this year," Stearns said. "He’s very capable of doing that. We’ve seen some progress over the last couple of outings and that’s good to see. I give Sean a lot of credit for understandably being disappointed, but then going down there and helping the team, and he has helped us every time he’s taken the ball down there."

After experiencing decreased velocity in spring, Manaea broke camp in the bullpen. He's made three appearances, allowing three runs across 9.0 innings. While the velocity isn't where it was at his peak, it has improved and Manaea's pitching overall continues to trend in the right direction. 

Should we expect Craig Kimbrel up with the Mets?

Stearns was asked about the prospect of Kimbrel joining the club this season and if there's a timeline for that to happen.

While Stearns didn't go into details on whether the veteran reliever has any opt-outs, he was happy at what he saw from him in his first rehab assignment. 

Pitching for Port St. Lucie, Kimbrel worked a clean inning and struck a batter out.

"Craig threw the ball well yesterday. That was very good to see," Stearns said. "We continue to believe he can help us this year; he wants to help us. We have a stable pen so far. We haven’t made a move, but eventually we will. He’s certainly a candidate when we have an opportunity."

With Manaea giving them length and saving the bullpen twice, the Mets relievers are relatively rested and have been generally effective. But as Stearns said with Manaea, it's a long season and Kimbrel's name is likely to be called upon sooner rather than later.  

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Reds call up Kyle Nicolas ahead of series opener vs. Angels

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: Kyle Nicolas #19 of Team Italy pitches in the eighth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Semifinals between Italy and Venezuela at loanDepot park on March 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jose Franco played the role of long man in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen through the first two weeks of the 2026 season. He’s a starter by trade – and a promising one, at that – but manager Terry Francona needed to lean on him in that role given the banged-up nature of the rest of his pitching staff at the moment.

Franco mopped up Thursday’s 8-1 loss to the Miami Marlins in the series finale in south Florida, throwing 43 pitches to get through 2.0 IP. It was his second multi-inning outing of the week, and the gassed Reds bullpen simply needed another fresh arm. So, it was unsurprising to see Franco optioned back to AAA Louisville on Friday as the team brought up righty Kyle Nicolas to take his spot on the roster.

MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon relayed the news on Bluesky.

Nicolas came to the Reds in exchange for Tyler Callihan during spring training, though he was away with Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic at the time. So, it took a bit of time for the Reds to fully understand exactly what they had in him, and he began the year with AAA Louisville to get his feet wet within the new organization despite having appeared in 82 games at the big league level across the previous two seasons.

Nicolas allowed an earned run in his first appearance of the season with the Bats back on March 31st but has since fired 3.1 IP of scoreless ball with just a lone hit and a 6/2 K/BB. His high velocity stuff will play just about anywhere in the Cincinnati bullpen, though it would certainly appear now that they’re going to operate without a ‘long man’ until Nick Lodolo returns from his blister issue and someone gets bumped back from the rotation.

Cincinnati begins a weekend series (and 6-game homestand) on Friday night at Great American Ball Park, and they’ll do so with Chase Burns on the mound and the Los Angeles Angels in town. First pitch in that one is set for 6:45 PM ET as the game is being broadcast by Apple TV. Here’s how the Reds are going to line up for the opener:

And yes, it appears they’re going to wear their awful city connect uniforms once again.

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Awkward mishap derails Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki statue reveal

The Seattle Mariners honored Hall of Fame outfielder Ichiro Suzuki with a statue outside of T-Mobile Park Friday, April 10, but the unveiling didn't go exactly as planned.

As the cover was pulled off revealing Suzuki's statue, onlookers, including former Mariners greats Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez, took notice of a bent and broken baseball bat on the bronze sculpture of the Mariners legend in his iconic stance at the plate.

"There was a fastball inside," joked Rick Rizzs, the lead radio voice of the Mariners who presided over Friday's ceremony, "but he still got a base hit! ... "What a remarkable piece of art."

Those in attendance found humor in the awkward situation, and the statue was fixed within the hour.

Suzuki played 28 years of professional baseball, including 19 season in Major League Baseball. He began his MLB career in 2001 with the Mariners and played there until 2012. In that span, he absolutely dominated. He was a spectacle to see. He was named AL Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2001. He also won Silver Slugger Award, AL batting champion and was AL stolen base leader.

His 2001 season was no fluke. Suzuki was an All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner in each of his first 10 seasons. He amassed a record 262 hits in 2004, a mark that still stands.

He finished his career with 3,089 hits in 9,934 at-bats for a .311 batting average; needless to say, his bat on the field rarely malfunctioned. Suzuki hit 117 career home runs, drove in 780 runs with a .757 OPS. He had 509 career stolen bases.

Suzuki's No. 51 was retired by Mariners on August 9, 2025. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame a month earlier.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki statue includes broken baseball bat

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Gamethread 4/10: Diamondbacks at Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Jesús Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, May 2, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Diamondbacks:

Let’s talk about it.

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Mets receive good news on Jorge Polanco, Juan Soto progressing as expected

The Mets have received good news on Jorge Polanco. 

The veteran infielder underwent an MRI on Thursday which revealed that there is no structural damage with his Achilles and he is dealing with bursitis, manager Carlos Mendoza said. 

Polanco remains day-to-day, but is not expected to require a stint on the IL. 

"It was good for all of us that mentally, now we know what we're dealing with," Mendoza said. "We know that there is nothing with the tendon and the area there, and now with the medication and the treatment that he's getting we'll make some adjustments and we'll go from there."

The team expects that the medication will help Polanco's Achilles heel, but they want to make sure he isn't putting too much pressure on the area for the time-being. 

Hitting and running both feel fine, but they will continue to limit him defensively as he recovers.   

Polanco took some swings when he came in ahead of Friday's series opener against the Athletics, and Mendoza expects that he should be available as a player off the bench. 

The 32-year-old has just eight hits through 40 at-bats so far this season. 

Juan Soto progressing as planned

To this point, David Stearns says Soto is progressing as the team would expect. 

"He's moving around indoors," the president of baseball ops said. "The key at this point is let's make sure he doesn't get de-conditioned and let's keep him going so that when the calf is fully ready, we don't have this lengthy ramp up.

"I don't have a specific, on this day he's going to start running, on this day he's going to hit on the field -- we don't have that yet, but we're optimistic this is not going to be a particularly long-term absence right now."

Soto, of course, also hit and played catch earlier this week.

When the Mets placed him on the IL on Monday (retroactive to Saturday), they noted that a typical return to play for this type of injury is two-to-three weeks.

Wham, Bam, here comes Pham

Tommy Pham officially kicked off his return to the Mets on Thursday in Low-A. 

The veteran went 1-for-3 with a single in his first at-bat, and he scored a run in the suspended game. 

Mendoza doesn't have an exact number of plate appearances Pham will need before potentially becoming an option in the majors, but he doesn't think that he's too far off. 

Pham will take the next step to Triple-A Syracuse soon, and then they'll go from there. 

The 33-year-old rejoined the Mets on a minor league deal on Opening Day, and he'll look to provide another veteran presence and outfield depth at the big-league level.

He remained a steady option for the Pirates last season, finishing with 28 XBH's and a .700 OPS.  

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Two-start pitchers: Garrett Crochet leads a list of outstanding options for the third week of the 2026 season

Hello and welcome to the third installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2026 MLB season.

I will be here every Friday to highlight some of the best two-start pitcher options in fantasy baseball leagues for the upcoming week providing my insights and recommendations on which options should be started or benched.

While it’s only the third week of the season, it doesn’t make it any less important than any other week along the way, they all count equally. Historically though, we have done a bit better streaming somewhat sketchier options at the beginning of the season, as bats are usually slightly behind pitchers to start the season, leading to more low scoring games. The cold weather in many cities around the league doesn’t hurt either. I’d much rather take my chances rolling out an extra start or two now than in the dog days of summer.

Now that we’ve seen each of these pitchers a couple of times (for the most part) we should have a better feel for how they’re going to perform for the upcoming week, rather than blindly trusting what we saw from them during the spring.

This is a living document, so we'll update the options below as the weekend moves along.

⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

Before we get into it, we'll start with a couple of notes on situations that may be unresolved or teams that may not have a two-start pitcher lined up for the upcoming week:

The expectation is that Ryne Nelson will make two starts next week (at Orioles, vs. Blue Jays), but that’s far from a guarantee at this point. Merrill Kelly (back) made his final tuneup in an extended spring training game on Thursday and is expected to be cleared to join the Diamondbacks’ rotation next week. When and where he’ll slot in is anyone’s guess. Brandon Pfaadt has struggled the most in the club’s current rotation, but they’ve always jerked Nelson around and it’s possible he could be the one shifted back to the bullpen for the time being. It’s also possible that he slots in without replacing anyone and the Diamondbacks go with a six-man rotation for a turn or two to see how things shake out. If that’s the case, no one would double next week. We’ll keep an eye on the situation through the weekend and update here if anything changes.

It looks like two pitchers from the Astros should make two starts next week given the fact that they play seven games, but there are a couple of things still up in the air. Cristian Javier is tentatively scheduled to start on Tuesday, and he’d line up for two starts (vs. Rockies, vs. Cardinals) in excellent matchups if these were normal circumstances. They aren’t though. Javier was pulled from his last start due to a shoulder issue and it’s unclear whether or not he’ll be able to make his next start. There have also been rumblings of the Astros going to a six-man rotation, so even if Javier is healthy enough to pitch on Tuesday, it’s possible that he winds up getting bumped from his two-start week if both AJ Blubaugh and Spencer Arrighetti join the rotation. If Javier misses and the Astros stick with a five-man rotation, whoever takes his place on Tuesday would be an excellent streaming option. We’ll keep checking in on this one throughout the weekend and update if anything changes.

With the Dodgers moving to a six-man rotation, and only six games on the schedule for next week, no one in their rotation lines up for two starts next week. It’s possible that Justin Wrobleski, who goes on Monday against the Mets, could also wind up pitching on Sunday if anyone else gets scratched or pushed back. It’s also possible that Yoshinobu Yamamoto could work on Tuesday on regular rest and Wrobleski could be skipped this time through. There’s really nothing actionable here though, as Yamamoto is a start in all leagues regardless and Wrobleski is nothing more than a potential streaming option, though he would gain more appeal if he were to somehow pitch twice.

Someone is going to make two starts for the Rays next week (at White Sox, at Pirates) and will make for a terrific fantasy option, we just aren’t sure which hurler it’ll be yet. The expectation is that Drew Rasmussen will slot back into the rotation on Sunday after missing his last start while landing on the paternity list. In that event, Shane McClanahan would have his start pushed back until Tuesday and he’d wind up with the sweet two-start week. If McClanahan stays on schedule on Sunday, it would be Rasmussen lined up for the strong double. Either way, both hurlers should be started for fantasy purposes next week.

Going Twice…

Note: Probable pitchers as of April 10 and are subject to change.

American League

▶ Strong Plays

Garrett Crochet, Red Sox, LHP (at Twins, vs. Tigers)

This feels like an absolutely dream scenario for Crochet this week. Not only is he one of the best pitchers in all of baseball and someone that should be locked into every fantasy lineup for the duration of the season, but these matchups are unbelievable. He starts the week facing the Twins – a team that can’t hit against left-handed pitching – and he finishes with a matchup against the Tigers, a team that can’t hit against anyone right now. He has to be considered the top overall option on the board this week. Enjoy.

Trevor Rogers, Orioles, LHP (vs. Diamondbacks, at Guardians)

While many prognosticators expected regression to the mean after Rogers posted a minuscule 1.81 ERA over 109 2/3 innings across 18 starts in 2025. We’re now three starts into the 2026 season and Rogers has nearly an identical 1.89 ERA to go with a strong 1.05 WHIP and a 14/5 K/BB ratio over 19 innings. He should be locked in as an every week start for fantasy managers, so the fact that he gets two starts next week and they’re both in above average matchups is only an added bonus. Expect strong ratios, double digit strikeouts and a good shot at earning at least one victory .Rogers is one of the top overall plays on the board in a week that’s filled with strong options.

Bryan Woo, Mariners, RHP (at Padres, vs. Rangers)

Woo has been exceptional through his first three starts on the season, compiling a 1.50 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and a 17/4 K/BB ratio over 18 innings. It’s only due to the limited run support that he has received from the slumping Mariners’ offense that he has yet to record a victory. I like his chances of getting off the schneid this week. Like most hurlers in this top section, there’s no reason that he should ever be on the bench for fantasy purposes.

Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays, RHP (at Brewers, at Diamondbacks)

Gausman has been one of the top starting pitchers in all of baseball through his first three starts, posting a 2.06 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and a remarkable 26/2 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, due to poor run support and bullpen meltdowns, he remains winless. That should change this week. Keep Gausman locked and loaded in all fantasy leagues and enjoy another strong week from the 35-year-old right-hander.

Gavin Williams, Guardians, RHP (at Cardinals, vs. Orioles)

Williams has pitched like an ace through his first three starts on the season, posting a 2.04 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a 25/14 K/BB ratio through 17 2/3 innings. Walks are always going to be an issue with him, but as long as he’s piling up strikeouts and not allowing hits, he’s going to continue to dominate. The matchups stack up well for him this week as well, going to St. Louis to take on a struggling Cardinals’ offense before battling the Orioles at home to finish the week. He should be an automatic start in all league sizes.

George Kirby, Mariners, RHP (vs. Astros, vs. Rangers)

While he has only logged one victory so far, Kirby has looked like himself through his first three starts on the 2026 season, posting a 3.60 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and a 16/5 K/BB ratio over a league-leading 20 innings. Now he gets two matchups at home against familiar divisional foes who shouldn’t be able to inflict much ratio damage against him. The Mariners’ offense will need to wake up and score some runs for him to rack up wins here, but the ratios and strikeouts should be there for Kirby. He should be started in all leagues.

Kyle Bradish, Orioles, RHP (vs. Diamondbacks, at Guardians)

The expectation on Bradish coming into the season is that as long as he was healthy enough to take the mound, he’d produce elite results like he had in each of the previous three seasons. So far in 2026 though, that has not been the case. Through his first three starts he holds an unsightly 5.27 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and a 17/9 K/BB ratio across 13 ⅔ innings. He picked up his first win his last time out though and looks poised to bring those ratios down this week with a pair of strong matchups on paper. He’s an easy start in all formats.

Framber Valdez, Tigers, LHP (vs. Royals, at Red Sox)

If I had told you before the season that you’d even consider benching Framber Valdez for a two-start week in the third week of the season, you would have told me that I was crazy. It’s unfortunate that he was lit up for six runs in the first inning by the Twins his last time out, but that involved a lot of weak contact and some suspect defense behind him. I’m not going to fault him for that and I’d wager that will be his worst start of the season. Don’t compound the mistake by having him on the bench as he logs 12 innings and helps to correct that ratio damage he inflicted last week.

Cole Ragans, Royals, LHP (at Tigers, at Yankees)

Unfortunately, Ragans was lifted from his last start prematurely after being hit on the thumb by a comebacker, leaving fantasy managers feeling empty and unfulfilled. He has been throwing without issue since though and is optimistic that he’ll be able to take his turn in the rotation as scheduled on Tuesday. If you drafted Cole Ragans, you simply can’t sit him for a two-start week, especially one that includes the hapless Tigers’ offense. I understand that a matchup against the Yankees in New York isn’t ideal, you just need to roll with him and hope for the best.

Ryan Weathers, Yankees, LHP (vs. Angels, vs. Royals)

Weathers has always been an intriguing option for fantasy purposes when he has been healthy, and as long as he keeps taking the ball for the Yankees he deserves consideration. Weathers has punched out 18 batters over 16 innings through his first three starts and has posted a terrific 2.81 ERA despite an elevated 1.38 WHIP. He gets the benefit of taking on two of the lesser offenses in the American League this week and both starts are coming at home. To me, that makes him a must start in all leagues.

MacKenzie Gore, Rangers, LHP (at Athletics, at Mariners)

Gore has been an absolute godsend to the Rangers’ rotation so far this season, going 2-0 with a 2.76 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 25/5 K/BB ratio over his first 16 1/3 innings with his new ballclub. A matchup against the A’s in West Sacramento is far from ideal, but it’s not enough to scare me away – especially when he gets to finish the week with a soft landing against the Mariners in Seattle. We have seen Gore have dominant first halves in the past only to falter as the season progresses. For now, fantasy managers should continue to ride the hot hand.

▶ Strong Plays

Jeffrey Springs, Athletics, LHP (vs. Rangers, vs. White Sox)

Springs is coming off of an outstanding start against the Yankees in which he carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning. He now boasts a stellar 1.47 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and a 15/6 K/BB ratio across 18 1/3 innings through his first three starts. The only potential downside here is that both starts are at home in the hitter’s haven that is Sutter Health Park. I’d probably still roll with him in all formats this week, just understand that the ratio risk is higher than you’d think given how well Springs has pitched this season.

Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers, RHP (at Athletics, at Mariners)

In one of the biggest surprises of the season so far, we have seen Eovaldi get knocked around in his first three starts to the tune of a 7.98 ERA and 1.84 WHIP over 14 2/3 innings. He still sports a terrific 19/5 K/BB ratio and he has given up a league-leading four home runs, so those numbers are likely to move back towards his norm as the season progresses. This week’s matchups aren’t ideal though, having to battle the Athletics at Sutter Health Park before taking on the Mariners in Seattle to finish it out. It’s hard to sit Eovaldi for a two-start week, especially in deeper leagues, but I do have serious concerns about him doing more ratio damage during that first start in Sacramento. I think you roll with him in 15’s, in 12’s I could really go either way depending on if I wanted to protect ratios or chase volume in wins and strikeouts.

Joey Cantillo, Guardians, LHP (at Cardinals, vs. Orioles)

Like most members of the Guardians’ rotation through the years, Cantillo just continues to find ways to get it done. He has allowed just four runs (2.45 ERA) over 14 2/3 innings through his first three starts while punching out 20 opposing hitters. Expect him to add double digits to that strikeout total across this two-start week with a decent chance at picking up a victory along the way as well. He looks like an easy start in both 15 and 12-team formats and I wouldn’t mind streaming him in smaller leagues as well.

Will Warren, Yankees, RHP (vs. Angels, vs. Royals)

I like what we have seen so far from Warren through his first three starts, posting a 3.07 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 14/5 K/BB ratio across 14 2/3 innings. He should be a favorite to win in at least one of these starts – if not both – and I like his chances of racking up double digit strikeouts over the course of the week. That’s more than enough for me to trust him in leagues of all sizes.

Mike Burrows, Astros, RHP (at Mariners, vs. Cardinals)

Burrows was a popular sleeper candidate heading into the 2026 season but has stumbled out of the gate, posting a 5.63 ERA and 1.75 WHIP over 16 innings while losing two of his first three starts. On paper, this looks like an excellent get right spot, getting to battle a slumping Mariners’ offense on getaway day before taking on the Cardinals at home to finish off the week. I understand that it’s tough to trust pitchers that are struggling, but the strikeouts have been there even through the rough outings for Burrows and the ratio risk is mitigated by the strong matchups. I’d be comfortable starting Burrows in all leagues next week.

Reid Detmers, Angels, LHP (at Yankees, vs. Padres)

So far, Detmers’ return to the Angels’ rotation has actually gone relatively well. He sports a middling 4.60 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 15 2/3 innings in his first three starts while racking up 17 strikeouts. The Yankees have been abysmal against left-handed pitching to start the season, which is enough for me to consider rolling with Detmers in both 15- and 12-team formats. If you’re already at a point where you need to be careful with your ratios, it may not be the right type of risk for you. If you’re looking to pile up strikeouts and take a shot at a victory, I’d be fine rolling with Detmers this coming week.

▶ At Your Own Risk

Sean Burke, White Sox, RHP (vs. Rays, at Athletics)

Burke has pitched surprisingly well through his first three outings (two starts) on the season, posting a 3.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and a 15/3 K/BB ratio across 15 innings of work. I think that he’s worth a look as a streaming option in deeper leagues and if he wasn’t going to Sutter Health Park to finish the week I’d actually have him in a higher tier. I just can’t bring myself to go all-in with the possibility that he gets blown up in that second start at the A’s. I’m still comfortable rolling with him in 15 teamers if I need volume next week but he’s probably a pass for me in 12 teamers.

Bailey Ober, Twins, RHP (vs. Red Sox, vs. Reds)

The only reason that Ober is started anywhere these days has to be due to name recognition. He’s a shell of his former self and has struggled to a 5.27 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a measly 7/4 K/BB ratio across 13 2/3 innings in his first three starts. He gets the benefit of both of these starts coming at home, but that’s not enough to trust the ratio damage that he could inflict against a pair of strong offenses. Best of luck if you want to go that route, I will not be joining you.

Yusei Kikuchi, Angels, LHP (at Yankees, vs. Padres)

Here’s a situation where a stoppable force meets a moveable object. Kikuchi has been awful through his first three starts, registering a 6.75 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over 14 2/3 innings, though he does have a 16/6 K/BB ratio to his credit. Normally, someone going that poorly and taking on the Yankees in New York would be disqualifying for me. These aren’t your father’s Bronx Bombers though – at least not so far this season. Through play on Thursday, the Yankees have the worst OPS in all of baseball against left-handed pitchers at a ghastly .422. That’s not a guarantee that Kikuchi finds success here, but it does make me more likely to gamble and use him in 15-team formats.

Luis Severino, Athletics, RHP (vs. Rangers, vs. White Sox)

There are times this week when Severino will make for a strong streaming option, both in one-start and two-start weeks. Unfortunately, this doesn’t look like one of those weeks. The 32-year-old hurler was an abomination at Sutter Health Park last season, posting a 6.01 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 82 1/3 innings in his 15 starts. Is it possible that he could sneak through here with a decent line and squeak out a victory. Sure, it’s possible. That’s not the type of ratio risk that I’d prefer to take on at this stage of the season though.

Going Twice…

Note: Probable pitchers as of April 10 and are subject to change.

National League

▶ Strong Plays

Paul Skenes, Pirates, RHP (vs. Nationals, vs. Rays)

After getting unexpectedly lit up on Opening Day, Skenes has locked back in and emerged victorious in each of his next two outings. Now he draws a pair of strong matchups against weak offenses and gets to make both starts in Pittsburgh which increases his likelihood of increasing that win total. There’s never a reason to sit Skenes in any format and you certainly aren’t doing so when he’s scheduled to pitch twice against inferior opponents. He’s one of the top overall plays on the board this week.

Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies, LHP (vs. Cubs, vs. Braves)

One of the best left-handed pitchers in all of baseball has been dominant through his first three starts (as expected) and now lines up for two home starts for the upcoming week. There really shouldn’t be anything for fantasy managers to think about here. Sanchez should be started in every league, every week, regardless of who he’s facing. Enjoy the added production from the extra start this week.

Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers, RHP (vs. Blue Jays, at Marlins)

The 24-year-old fireballer has piled up a remarkable 28 strikeouts through his first 16 1/3 innings on the season, registering a strong 3.31 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in the process. As long as he’s healthy and making his starts, he should be started in all formats every week, regardless of matchups. The two matchups this week are more middling than anything else, certainly no reason to avoid using him. Enjoy double the production. Just note that it’s possible the Brewers work in a sixth starter at some point (Logan Henderson maybe?) in which case you may only get the first start from Misiorowski – though you should be starting him regardless so there’s no change in the recommendation.

Eury Perez, Marlins, RHP (at Braves, vs. Brewers)

We have seen both the good and the bad from Perez through his first three starts. He has looked absolutely electric at times, racking up 18 strikeouts over his 16 innings of work. He has also struggled with his command, issuing nine walks and posting a troublesome 5.06 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. We know that the strikeouts will be there regardless, it’s the ratio risk that brings him down just a hair from being an absolute must start in all formats. For me, I’d bet on the talent shining through and would start him in all leagues despite the pair of difficult matchups.

Grant Holmes, Braves, RHP (vs. Marlins, at Phillies)

This one isn’t quite confirmed yet, as we’re waiting to see what the Braves due regarding the suspension to Reynaldo Lopez. The assumption is that they’ll use Holmes on regular rest on Monday, with Lopez slotting back in on Tuesday when he’s first eligible to return from his five-game ban. If that’s the case, Holmes will go twice and makes for a strong option in all formats. If they instead call up someone from Triple-A (Didier Fuentes?) to start in Lopez’s spot on Monday and keep everyone else on their regular schedule then slot Lopez back in on Thursday, then no one on the Braves will make two starts next week.

Michael King, Padres, RHP (vs. Mariners, at Angels)

So far, so good for King through his first three starts on the 2026 campaign. He sits at 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 15/8 K/BB ratio over 16 2/3 innings. Performance has never been the question with the right-hander, it’s his durability. As long as he’s healthy and making his starts, he represents a strong play in all fantasy leagues.

Robbie Ray, Giants, LHP (at Reds, at Nationals)

Through his first three starts on the season, Ray has looked like his vintage Cy Young Award winning form that he displayed in 2021 – registering a stellar 2.08 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and an 18/6 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings. The underlying metrics seem to support his early-season success and there’s zero reason that he should find himself on any benches for fantasy purposes, even when his first start of the week is against the Reds in Cincinnati. He should be locked into all lineups for all starts until he gives us a reason to think otherwise.

▶ Decent Plays

Mitch Keller, Pirates, RHP (vs. Nationals, vs. Rays)

Keller has always been a viable streaming option in weeks in which he pitches twice or takes on a lower-level offense. This week he checks both of those boxes, getting to battle the Nationals and the Rays at home. Furthermore, he’s in terrific form at the moment with a minuscule 1.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and an 11/5 K/BB ratio over 18 innings through his first three starts. He’s an easy start in all leagues this week.

Javier Assad, Cubs, RHP (at Phillies, vs. Mets)

With the injuries to Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, the Cubs now have room for both Assad and Colin Rea to work in their starting rotation. Assad looked sharp in his season debut, firing 5 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball with three strikeouts and a 0.53 WHIP against the Rays. Assad has always been a viable streaming option when he has been healthy, registering a 3.37 ERA over 336 2/3 innings in his big league career. As long as he’s taking the mound he’s worth a look – especially in deeper leagues.

Matthew Liberatore, Cardinals, LHP (vs. Guardians, at Astros)

The Cardinals’ de facto ace has pitched decently through his first three starts on the season, posting a 3.38 ERA, elevated 1.50 WHIP and has has just 10 strikeouts in 16 innings of work. While he has been able to limit the runs against him, wins are always going to be hard to come by with the Cardinals’ offense backing him and strikeouts simply aren’t his game. The matchups are decent enough that he could be worth a look in deeper leagues if looking to add volume, but the overall upside here is muted.

Cade Cavalli, Nationals, RHP (at Pirates, vs. Giants)

The Nationals’ Opening Day starter has held his own through his first three starts, registering a 2.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and an 11/9 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings. He isn’t going to win many games pitching for the Nationals and he’s not a major strikeout artist, so if you’re using him you’re just looking to add volume while attempting to minimize ratio risk. That’s fine in deeper leagues if you want to take the gamble, personally I’d be looking in places with more overall upside and appeal.

▶ At Your Own Risk

Brady Singer, Reds, RHP (vs. Giants, at Twins)

In most years we’d be considering Singer as a streaming option for most two-start weeks, but he hasn’t looked like himself through his first three starts of the season – posting a miserable 7.71 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and a 13/3 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings. Could this be the week that he gets back on track? It’s entirely possible. Whether or not you roll the dice though depends on your risk tolerance. The strikeouts should be there regardless and the matchups aren’t terrible, especially since he gets to face Bailey Ober and the Twins in that second start. You may be hard pressed to find better options in 15-teamers, in 12’s I think I’m leaving him on the bench for this one.

David Peterson, Mets, LHP (at Dodgers, at Cubs)

I’ll admit that this is a tough one for me personally this week. I drafted Peterson on my most important team this year (15-teamer) and am debating whether or not to use this awful two-step or to cut bait with him completely. He has been abysmal through his first three starts with a 6.14 ERA and a cringe-inducing 1.84 WHIP to go along with a 14/6 K/BB ratio over his 14 2/3 innings. Do I expect him to be better than that from here on out? Yes. Do I think he’s worth using this week in a tough road two-step against two of the better offenses in all of baseball? That seems like a stretch. The Dodgers have been predictably crushing left-handers this season to the tune of an .828 OPS. It seems like starting him there would be playing with fire. And if you’re not using him for a two-start week, why are you even rostering him at this stage? I think I’m going to cut bait and avoid it altogether.

Michael Lorenzen, Rockies, RHP (at Astros, vs. Dodgers)

Never Rockies. It will be so much easier on your ratios if you adopt that simply mantra. I understand that most of the Rockies’ rotation has pitched well to start the season. That’s not going to continue. You don’t want to use them, especially on split weeks where they have to play at Coors Field. That’s further entrenched for Lorenzen here with a matchup against the Dodgers at Coors Field over the weekend. There is just no logical reason to go there. Stay away.

Miles Mikolas, Nationals, RHP (at Pirates, vs. Giants)

Despite donning a different jersey this season, Mikolas remains the same uninspiring fantasy option. He holds a depressing 12.41 ERA and 2.35 WHIP over 12 1/3 innings while losing each of his first three starts with the Nationals. He should be nowhere near any fantasy lineups and it’s possible if he gets beaten badly enough by the Pirates to start the week that he could be out of a job before his second start over the weekend.

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A’s roster moves: Rooker to IL, Gelof recalled

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 5: Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics hits a 3-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to beat the Houston Astros 12-10 at Sutter Health Park on April 5, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The A’s announced on Friday afternoon the placement of Designated Hitter Brent Rooker on the 10-day IL with what the team is calling an oblique strain:

It’s a tough blow for the Athletics’ offense. Though he’s scuffled in the early going it seemed that Rook was starting to get his bat on track in recent games. His two-homer performance earlier this week sure indicated that he was on the right track but now he’ll have to work through an injury before he’s ready to come back. This’ll snap his consecutive games streak as well, ending at the fourth-most in franchise history with 214 straight games played. How long he’ll be out has yet to be determined but his absence will be measured in weeks, perhaps even months.

Taking Rook’s spot on the active roster will be Zack Gelof. The second baseman was once considered a franchise cornerstone but has seen his star dim in the past couple of years. This season he’s been getting some work in the outfield as well, hoping to expand his positional flexibility and earn more playing time with the big league squad. He’s now earned that chance after a monster start to the year in Triple-A. In 11 games for the Aviators Gelof is slashing an incredible .366/.519/.732 with four long balls. Even considering the hitter-friendly environment that is the PCL, those are big big numbers. Now A’s fans will have to hope he can continue that hot streak against big league pitching.

How the A’s juggle playing time is yet to be determined. The most straight forward option would be to simply put Gelof in the DH role. Or the team could send Gelof back to his old position at the keystone while giving Jeff McNeil some time in the DH spot. Lawrence Butler could get some more half days going forward as well, which wouldn’t be the worst thing considering his recent injury. We’ll see tonight how Mark Kotsay approaches missing his All-Star DH and the team will be hoping to stay afloat until he’s ready to return.

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Yankees Mailbag: McMahon’s struggles and Dominguez’s versatility

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 08: Ryan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees looks on from the on deck circle during the game against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium on April 8, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good afternoon everyone, it’s time to dive back into the mailbag and answer some of your questions. Remember to send in your questions for our weekly call by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

jmack175 asks:Is there a scenario where McMahon would be released at the deadline if a stronger option presented itself? Or will his remaining year and salary, or Cashman’s narcissism prevent that?

There’s a non-zero chance of it occurring, but I wouldn’t bet on it just off of a couple of bad weeks. The Yankees are highly hesitant to cut bait with anyone they’ve invested into, and it would take a longer prolonged struggle to produce much of anything to get to the point of dumping off McMahon. DJ LeMahieu got to that point only after several seasons of injury-plagued ineffectiveness, and he was also prohibiting Jazz Chisholm Jr. from playing his more natural position. The Yankees acquired McMahon for his defense first, and while he’s had some mishaps in the early going our own John Griffin went over the topic recently to showcase how a couple unlucky breaks can cause some statistical noise before things stabilize over the long run. The bat, of course, has to be better than a .319 OPS, but it wouldn’t take much to jump back to respectable numbers — if even a couple singles find their way through the infield, it’d sure make the bottom of the lineup look a little less dead.

qmerkel asks: Why not just have Domínguez take all at bats from the left side of the plate? The results can’t really be any worse than they currently are from the right.

Because switch-hitting is a skill that they believe Domínguez can develop, and a valuable one at that. The signs were there in spring training that Domínguez has worked hard to improve from the right-handed batter’s box, and he while he hasn’t had many opportunities to display them in the minors yet he’s already gotten on the board with a homer from that side in four at-bats. The bigger concern is his defense, which hasn’t looked promising down on the farm, but the talent has always been there with the bat and I think it can carve a path for Domínguez eventually — and being able to become a more-versatile threat in the lineup will only help.

OLDY MOLDY asks:Do we really know Winquest exists?

We do now! Only because of a roster cut though, unfortunately. Estevão touched on the inevitability of Winquest getting cut for Luis Gil’s callup the other day, and sure enough that was the result of his Rule 5 selection — never getting into a game with the Yankees before getting designated for assignment. Whether another team will pick him up under those same Rule 5 restrictions or he’ll return to the Cardinals remains to be seen, but in the end it wasn’t like rostering Winquest came with much opportunity cost: the team took a flyer on a player that could’ve been helpful if they needed it. Is it a little strange that there were zero scenarios that Aaron Boone ended up utilizing him? Sure, but it’s also not entirely shocking that they didn’t end up using a pitcher that hadn’t been above Double-A in his career. They paid a small pittance to get him into their building and see if they like his stuff, and maybe down the line he becomes a regular member of the bullpen without the requirement of rostering him through a full season. Now that the portion of the year with built-in off days is through, the trial period is over and the extra roster spot becomes too valuable to pass up on, but there were merits to the choice of going with Winquest.

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Positive Data Points Jays Batters Part 3

This will be the last post in this brief series and with all the players left having less than 25 plate appearances I have decided to look at the Jays team underlying data to see how that compares to last years version.

2025 Blue Jays

Last season the Jays as a team hit 265/333/427 with 191 HRs which added up to a 112 WRC+ and 4.9 runs per game.

The 2025 Jays walked 8.4% of the time and struck out in 17.8% of their at bats for a bb/K of 0.47.

They chased 29.2% of pitches out of the zone and swung at 67.8% of the pitches in the zone and made contact on 64.6% of their chase swings and 88.1% of their in zone swings for an overall contact rate of 80.1%.

Their average EV was 89.3 MPH with a LA of 13.2 degrees, a barrel rate of 8.1% and a hard hit rate of 41.1%

All of this lead to expected stats of xBA of 260, xSLG of 429 and xwOBA of 331 which lead to a final line of a 330 wOBA so their final line stats very closely matched their expected stats.

Now I know a lot of people are not a fan of expected stats and I understand the reluctance but generally over a large enough MLB sample they do tend to come out as fairly in line with the final stats.

For example the Jays as a team expected stats compared to their final stats per season since 2019

2019 xwOBA 313 – Actual wOBA 310

2020 xwOBA332 – Actual wOBA 329

2021 xwOBA 338 – Actual wOBA 340

2022 xwOBA 329 – Actual wOBA 331

2023 xwOBA 324 – Actual wOBA 324

2024 xwOBA 307 – Actual wOBA 314

2025 xwOBA 331 – Actual wOBA 330

Total years combined xwOBA 325 and actual wOBA 324

2026 Blue Jays

So far this season the Jays as a team are hitting 228/309/341 with 10 HRs which has added up to a 94 WRC+ and 3.42 runs per game.

The 2026 Jays have walked 9.8% of the time and struck out in 18.7% of their at bats for a BB/K of 0.52.

They have chased 33% of pitches out of the zone and swung at 67.4% of the pitches in the zone and made contact on 65.4% of their chase swings and 86.9% of their in zone swings for an overall contact rate of 80.5%.

Their average EV is 87.6 MPH with a LA of 13.2 degrees, a barrel rate of 5.9% and a hard hit rate of 36.7%

All of this has lead to an expected stats of xBA of 256, xSLG of 383 and xwOBA of 318 which lead to a final line of a 299 wOBA so while they have fallen off a bit from last years team so far one of their biggest issue is in how much they are underperforming their expected stats.

By xwOBA the Jays have been the 11th best offense in MLB not great but not awful but by actual wOBA they rank 22nd.

The other biggest issue for the Jays so far in 2026 as everyone knows is their hitting with runners in scoring position where they rank.

25th batting average 215

21st OBP 323

29th SLG 280

26th WRC+ 81

Now hitting with RISP is a stat that fluctuates wildly and we can look at previous Jays seasons to show this.

During the 2025 season the Jays lead MLB in batting average with RISP, they were 2nd in OBP and 3rd in SLG which lead to ranking 2nd in WRC+.

When you look at team stats for RISP last season separated by month it gives you 180 monthly samples where the Jays ranking by WRC+ were…..

3rd August 179 WRC+

13th June 141 WRC+

32nd Sept/Oct 128 WRC+

44th July 123 WRC+

55th May 115 WRC+

Annnnnnnnnnd all the way down in 165th with a 236/307/307 and 70 WRC+ the March/April 2025 Jays

Some of the Jays hitters and their batting lines with RISP last March/April and from May 1st on.

March/April RISP

Springer 306/406/482 – 148 WRC+

Guerrero 268/362/402 – 116 WRC+

Bichette 295/328/364 – 93 WRC+

Lukes 222/326/333 – 90 WRC+

Kirk 239/269/341 – 68 WRC+

Clement 239/276/282 – 56 WRC+

Gimenez 165/258/284 – 55 WRC+

Schneider 067/333/067 -51 WRC+

Barger 185/214/296 – 38 WRC+

May 1st thru the end of the 2025 season RISP

Springer 310/397/476 – 170 WRC+

Guerrero 298/385/482 – 142 WRC+

Bichette 316/365/517 145 WRC+

Lukes 259-322/415 – 105 WRC+

Kirk 292/366/441 – 126 WRC+

Clement 283/319/416 – 104 WRC+

Gimenez 232/299/327 – 78 WRC+

Schneider 249/364//468 – 135 WRC+

Barger 247/307/464 – 111 WRC+

Of course none of this guarantees anything but I guess my point is that the Jays offense is not likely as bad as they have looked and that a 12 game sample is not big enough for me to change my expectations from the starts of the season.

I still very much believe the bats will get going and if the Jays batters can stay healthy I fully expect them to be a well above average hitting team in MLB this season.

Let me know in the comments what you think has the start to this season changed your opinion about the Jays lineup or maybe did you always think they were going to struggle to score this year.

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Michael Harris returns to the lineup, batting eighth

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 04: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves walks in the dugout during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As the Braves kick off their homestand against the Guardians, you can read about the pitching matchup between Bryce Elder and Slade Cecconi in the game preview here.

Michael Harris returns to his spot in centerfield and at the bottom of the lineup, as the Braves hope he can get better results, as he has been hitting the ball well so far this season. Mike Yastrzemski gets the start against the righty Cecconi and Dominic Smith gets the start at DH, batting seventh.

The Guardians have a solid top 3 in their lineup, with contact savant Steven Kwan leading off, hot-hitting top prospect Chase DeLauter batting second, and perennial MVP candidate Jose Ramirez batting third. Things are much less impressive behind that trio, however, so the top 3 will deserve our focus as observers, and Bryce Elder.

Today’s game starts at 7:15 PM ET in Atlanta and broadcast on BravesVision.

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Parker Meadows to the 10-day IL, Wenceel Pérez recalled

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 05: Parker Meadows #22 of the Detroit Tigers takes the field prior to playing the Seattle Mariners in game two of the Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 05, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This is of course no surprise after the ugly collision between Riley Greene and center fielder Parker Meadows in Thursday’s loss to the Minnesota Twins. Meadows and Greene appeared to clip heads as the latter settled under a Josh Bell fly ball at Target Field in the 8th inning. Greene was able to protect himself but as Meadows tried to get out of the way at the last second, his jaw slammed into the back of Greene’s head. The initial blow left Meadows defenseless as he went to the ground, and he not only fell awkwardly on his left arm, but slammed his head pretty violently into the turf.

It was a scary one, and the results were confirmed this afternoon as Meadows went on the 10-day IL with a concussion, but also with a fracture in the radius bone of his left arm. That is rough. We can only speculate, but most likely that keeps Meadows out through May at a minimum, and it could be much longer. More important is a full recovery from the concussion, but that’s really tough luck coming after a 2025 season in which he suffered a strange nerve injury in his right arm that effectively ruined his season as he was never able to get it going offensively upon his return.

Outfielder Wenceel Pérez has been recalled from Triple-A Toledo in Meadows’ stead. Pérez had a slow spring and lost out on a close competition for one of the outfield spots coming into Opening Day. However, he’s swung the bat well with the Mud Hens, posting a .250/.353/.455 slash with two homes and strikeout and walk rates of 13.7 percent each.

Pérez has had starts in center field and left field in Toledo, but has mainly played right field with top prospect, or soon to be once Kevin McGonigle officially graduates prospect status, Max Clark handling center field most days. Clark himself has handled the leap to Triple-A extremely well so far. He’s hitting .405 currently with only three strikeouts in 52 plate appearances for the Hens. This after just 43 games at the Double-A level last summer. Clark already has eight doubles and five stolen bases and is walking at a 15.4 percent clip so far.

Were it not for McGonigle successfully skipping Triple-A entirely, we’d be marveling at how quickly Clark has adapted. The only marginal criticism right now is that Clark hasn’t actually driven the ball that much to the outfield. He’s sprayed a few doubles on a line shots down the foul lines, but most of them have come on a soft shots into the outfield in which Clark used his speed to turn singles into doubles.

There’s nothing wrong with those either of course, but a sign that he’s really conquered the level already will be seeing him drive the ball to the pull field a little more. We’ve seen him starting to get the ball off the ground, including a deep drive for a sacrifice fly on Thursday, so that final piece of the puzzle probably won’t be long in coming. The Tigers will just want to see that Clark’s batspeed upgrades this offseason, which has produced several balls over 110 mph off the bat early on, are translating fully to his hit tool. Pull power will be the sign that he’s about as ready as he’s going to get to make his major league debut. That probably won’t take too long at this rate, but the Tigers will want him as prepared as possible as they’d also prefer not to burn a full year of Clark’s service time unless he forces their hand early on.

Clark is coming, and on his current pace it probably won’t be more than a month or two, but for now expect Pérez, Matt Vierling, and Javier Báez to share time in center field. Hopefully Pérez, who typically keeps his strikeouts under control, can add a little more timely punch to an offense that has so far failed to capitalize enough with men in scoring position, at least until games were already starting to get out of reach.

Best wishes from BYB to Parker Meadows. Hopefully he can put this injury behind him. The arm injury is tough, but concussion trauma is obviously the scarier long-term concern.

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POLL RESULTS: Braves fans are “a little skeptical” of Bryce Elder’s hot start

Mar 30, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder (55) pitches against the Athletics during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

You have spoken and honestly, your reaction was a little surprising. Given the negativity generated by much of the fan base around Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder coming into the regular season, only 12-percent were not-at-all sold on Elder’s strong beginning to the 2026 season.

That’s not to say most of you are convinced, with more than half of the survey respondents still having decent dose of skepticism towards Elder. But, given how much he struggled in 2024 and 2025, that is a bit more leeway than one might have assumed after only two starts regardless of how good they were.

We won’t have to wait long to see how Elder’s next start goes as he’s scheduled to take the mound tonight against the Cleveland Guardians – a team who, like the Braves, have yet to lose a series this year.

Thanks to FanDuel for sponsoring this SB Nation Reacts survey and please be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next one!

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Minor League roundup, April 9: Jesús Rodríguez can hit

Jesús Rodríguez walking on the field in a Sacramento jersey.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Jesus Rodriguez #55 of the Sacramento River Cats looks on during the fourth inning of an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Sutter Health Park on March 22, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After two straight perfect days, the San Francisco Giants finally saw one of their Minor League Baseball affiliates lose on Thursday….and then another one, too. But it was still a very nice day on the farm. So let’s talk about it.

Link to the 2026 McCovey Chronicles Community Prospect List (CPL)

All listed positions in the roundup are the position played in that particular game.

AAA Sacramento (8-4)

Sacramento River Cats beat the Las Vegas Aviators (A’s) 9-0
Box score

Winning is not the most important thing in the Minor Leagues, but it sure doesn’t hurt to stack up some Ws. And that’s doubly true in AAA, where you want to see the players you’re likely to rely on during the year outclassing their competition. So it’s gotta put a smile on the face of many in the organization that the River Cats are off to such a hot start, and have now won 5 straight games.

Despite the shutout — a very impressive thing in the Pacific Coast League — it wasn’t a very notable starting pitching performance. LHP Carson Whisenhunt (No. 8 CPL) took the bump, and had the same issue he’s been having for a while: an inability to fool hitters in the zone, which leads to pitching them overly carefully, which leads to missing the zone entirely.

Whisenhunt threw 3 innings and struck out 4 (good) while allowing no runs (great), but he gave up 4 hits (not good) and walked 4 (quite bad). He needed 87 pitches to get through those 3+ innings (he started the 4th, but got no outs), and his ERA could have been a lot uglier, as he left the mound with 2 on and 0 out. That’s been the season for Whisenhunt, who has a tidy 3.86 ERA through 3 starts, and a delightful 16 strikeouts in 11.2 innings …. but with 9 walks.

In encouraging news, while Whisenhunt’s velocity has not maintained the highs he showed early in Spring Training, it is still notably improved over last year. In 2025 his 4-seam fastball had an average velocity of 92.3 mph, while this year it’s 94.0. Hopefully that can hold — or grow — throughout the year.

While Whisenhunt was so-so at best, the bullpen was nearly perfect. RHP Braxton Roxby had the unenviable task of taking over the mess that Whiz created in the 4th, and immediately worked a double play. Roxby would hit a batter, but otherwise wouldn’t allow a baserunner in 2 innings, with a strikeout. Roxby earned a promotion to AAA at midseason last year, and it didn’t go well. His start to the season didn’t go well either, for that matter. So nice to see him have such a strong game.

The same can be said of funky LHP Nick Zwack, who needed 15 pitches for a scoreless 7th inning, with a walk and a strikeout. A 27-year old taken in the 17th-round of the 2021 draft by the Mets, Zwack — who lost all of 2024 to injury — had given up 10 earned runs in 3.1 innings coming into this game. So a good game was a great sight.

But the best relief appearances came from a pair of arms on the 40-man roster: RHP Joel Peguero made his 2nd rehab appearance and pitched a perfect frame with a strikeout, while RHP Dylan Smith made his 2nd appearance since being traded to the Giants, and struck out 1 batter while perfectly handling the 8th and 9th innings.

While the bullpen was majestic, the 2 biggest stars in this game were in the batter’s box, with a pair of hitters who we all expect to see in San Francisco before terribly long. Catcher Jesús Rodríguez had the biggest day, as he hit a blistering 4-5 with a home run and a double, as he continues his absolute tear. Rodríguez, who has overcome a slow start to post a .941 OPS and a 153 wRC+, has an 8-game hitting streak, and over his last 4 games is 10-18 with 2 home runs, 2 doubles, and 2 walks.

Have I mentioned that he’s still a few weeks away from turning 24? Or that he plays catcher and second base, and can hold his own at every position other than center field and shortstop? Yeah, I think he’s gonna wear a Giants jersey plenty of times this year.

That’s not a very hot take, but it’s an extremely not-hot take to say that about first baseman Bryce Eldridge (No. 1 CPL), who factors into the team’s plans in a big way this year. And Thursday was a reminder as to why, as the tall lefty hit 3-4 with a double and a walk, raising his OPS to .933 and his wRC+ to 164.

While the hits were awesome, the lack of strikeouts is arguably the best thing that Eldridge did on Thursday, as his 31.0% K rate is fairly concerning. But it sure is great seeing his hard hits returning: his double was 109.4 mph, and one of his singles left the bat at 102.2.

Right fielder Will Brennan had an awesome day, as he hit 4-5 and knocked 2 runs in, raising his OPS to .889 and his wRC+ to 136. He’s certainly someone the Giants will be comfortable using if they have a hole on the roster that needs filling.

And shortstop Thomas Gavello, who has had to play out of position quite a bit given Osleivis Basabe’s injury and Tyler Fitzgerald’s departure, only hit 1-4 with a strikeout, but smashed his 2nd home run of the year.

Gavello, who is the perfect type of gritty utility player to have in AAA, has just a .614 OPS and a 42 wRC+, despite having a share of the team lead in home runs.

AA Richmond (5-1)

Richmond Flying Squirrels beat the Altoona Curve (Pirates) 3-2
Box score

Not to be outdone by their big brothers on the opposite coast, the Flying Squirrels also ran their winning streak to 5 games. And they did it in mildly dramatic fashion, with a 2-run comeback rally in the 8th inning, thanks to a bases-loaded single by first baseman Sabin Ceballos (No. 43 CPL), who hit 1-4 with a strikeout.

A very nice pitching performance for Richmond, with began with a 2nd nice start for LHP Greg Farone. A 7th-round pick out of Alabama in 2024, Farone is fronting a fairly uninspiring Richmond rotation despite mediocre results in High-A Eugene last year.

So far he looks right at home. Farone wasn’t quite as dynamic as on Opening Day, when he struck out 8 batters in 4.2 innings, but he was damn good. He tossed 4.1 frames, gave up just 3 hits (all singles) and 2 walks, struck out 5, and allowed just 1 run.

The strikeout stuff is definitely worth keeping an eye on for Farone, who turns 24 next month. He got a lot of Ks in the 1st half of last year, with 13 strikeouts per 9 innings with Low-A San Jose. But that number dropped to just 7.9 following his midseason promotion. Last year was his debut season, so the hope is always that he simply faded as he wore down following a big workload (he pitched 105.2 innings); but the fear, of course, is that his stuff just doesn’t play at higher levels.

We need a larger sample before making any grand proclamations, but so far in the Eastern League he has 13 strikeouts in 9 innings, and that’s fantastic.

Following Farone was a great story: RHP Mitch White. No, White is not the same Mitch White as previously played in the Giants system … this Mitch White is a 26-year old who was signed over the winter out of indy league ball, and is playing affiliated baseball for the 1st time in his life. I love those stories, and the Giants have a fair amount of them (including his Richmond teammate on the other side of the ball, Dayson Croes).

White made his pro debut in the season opener, and this was his 3rd game. It was also his best, as he threw 2.2 innings with 3 hits, 0 walks, and 1 run allowed, while striking out 4. Hopefully that’s the start of him finding his rhythm, and showing what he’s capable of in AA.

Rounding out the strong pitching day was RHP Cameron Pferrer, who was dynamic, pitching 2 no-hit innings with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. Pferrer, a 27-year old who was an undrafted free agent in 2024, has yet to allow a hit through a pair of appearances this year.

The hitting was more mild-mannered, with no huge games. Right fielder Turner Hill had the best game, hitting 1-3 with a double, a walk, and a strikeout. It’s been a great start to the year for Hill, who turned 27 a few days ago. The 2023 undrafted free agent isn’t known for his bat, but he’s up to an .870 OPS and a 123 wRC+ on the year. Hill has a profile very similar to Jared Oliva: strong defense across the outfield, some burners for the basepaths, and just enough hitting to survive. And speaking of those types of players, center fielder Jonah Cox stole his 6th base of the year in as many games. Gotta love that!

High-A Eugene (5-1)

Eugene Emeralds lost to the Vancouver Canadians (Blue Jays) 14-5
Box score

Well, they can’t all be winners. While Sacramento and Richmond were achieving 5-game winning streaks, Eugene saw theirs come to an end. It was bound to happen eventually … it never seemed likely that they’d go undefeated this year, after all.

The star — if losses are allowed to have stars (I think so, especially in the Minors) — was someone who has spent the entirety of his brief Minor League career making the Giants look very smart: right fielder Trevor Cohen (No. 15 CPL).

San Francisco drafted Cohen in the 3rd round in July, and it raised a few eyebrows because he wasn’t on many people’s radars. Most notably, despite being picked 85th overall, he wasn’t on the top 500 draft prospect lists at Baseball America or Fangraphs.

But listening to people who specialized in Cohen’s region (he played collegiately at Rutgers), it became clear that he was being overlooked, and fairly dramatically. His post-draft performance at Low-A San Jose supported that, as he posted an .840 OPS and a 139 wRC+ in 28 games, with just an 11.5% strikeout rate.

San Francisco rewarded him with an opening assignment in High-A, and after a slow start, he’s starting to turn things on in a big way. Thursday was one of his best days as a pro, as he hit 3-5 with all 3 of his hits being doubles. The 22-year old lefty also drew a walk, though he had a strikeout and an error as well.

With that, Cohen is up to a .767 OPS and a 110 wRC+, while still sporting a remarkably low strikeout rate of just 13.3% (he also has 4 stolen bases). I don’t think anyone can question that draft pick anymore!

A nice day for first baseman Robert Hipwell, who was in dire need of one. Hipwell hit 2-3 with a double, 2 walks, and a strikeout, which came after starting the season 0-10 with 6 strikeouts.

Strikeouts are the big thing for the left-handed Hipwell to work on. After a glimpse of Low-A in 2024 following his 6th-round draft selection, the recently-turned 23-year old spent all of 2025 at that level, where he had nice numbers (.824 OPS, 125 wRC+), but struck out a ton (31.2%). That will be the biggest thing to watch in High-A, as he’ll need to cut back on the Ks in order to advance to the upper Minors.

Also a good day for second baseman Zane Zielinski, who hit 2-4 with a double and a hit by pitch. The 2024 9th-round pick is repeating the level after skipping Low-A and spending his entire debut season with Eugene. His numbers weren’t great (hence the repeat), but he’s been hot to start this year.

The pitching was an absolute mess. It started at the top, as RHP Niko Mazza got rocked for the 2nd straight game, ceding 4 hits and 4 walks in just 3 innings, which tagged him for 3 runs (he did have 5 strikeouts, though). Mazza, an 8th-round pick in 2024, really just could not find the strike zone, as he threw just 31 of his 66 pitches for strikes. Mazza’s debut season in Low-A last year was a success, as he had a 2.22 ERA in 21 starts. But there were some worrying signs, as he had just a 4.36 FIP, thanks in large part to walking 5 batters per 9 innings. So far this year that has remained an issue, as he has 7 walks in just 5.1 innings (and also 7 hits and 7 earned runs).

Unfortunately, the pitcher who followed him was even worse, as RHP Cole Hillier gave up 3 hits, 3 walks, and a hit batter in just 1.1 innings, while allowing 3 runs.

But unfortunately, neither Mazza nor Hillier could compete with the disaster that took place on the mound for RHP Liam Simon. Here’s how his game went:

Single
Walk
Hit batter
Walk
Double
Single
Fielder’s choice with his own error

In all, Simon recorded no outs, and had 5 earned runs tagged to his name. Unfortunately the issues that plagued him in his return from injury a year ago — an inability to find the strike zone — are still there for the 2022 5th-round pick. After walking 38 batters in 26.2 innings in High-A a year ago, the 25-year old has issued 5 walks in just 1 inning in 2026.

If you like pain, I’ll keep going. Simon was replaced by RHP Austin Strickland, who gave up more baserunners (5) than outs recorded (4). In all, Strickland hit a better, walked 3, and ceded a double, while getting hit with 3 earned runs. Ouch.

But hey, it’s not all bad! RHP Ryan Vanderhei gave up just 1 hit in 1.2 scoreless innings, with 4 strikeouts! A great game for the 2023 10th-rounder, who has 7 strikeouts (and no walks!) in just 3.2 shutout frames this year.

Low-A San Jose (4-2)

San Jose Giants lost to the Visalia Rawhide (D-Backs) 9-7
Box score

If you had any question as to whether shortstop Jhonny Level (No. 3 CPL) was going to slow down, I have a very happy answer for you: no. No he is not going to, it seems.

Thursday was yet another dynamic game for Level, who seems intent on transcending from breakout prospect into star. It was just another day at the office for Level against Visalia, as he hit 2-4 with a double, a walk, and a strikeout. Over the last 4 games, Level is hitting an unthinkable 11-19 with 7 extra-base hits, 2 walks, and just 2 strikeouts. Yes, I think a 1.493 OPS and a 258 wRC+ will play, personally. And yes, I think he should keep hitting like that. That would be a very nice thing.

One other note on Level: while there is a question as to whether he’ll be able to stay at shortstop or move to second base down the road, he’s getting all the reps in San Jose, while the defensively-excellent Lorenzo Meola (No. 23 CPL) is mostly playing second base. Level split time in the middle infield last year during his short stint of being teammates with Gavin Kilen (No. 7 CPL), but has not played second base this year (though he has 1 start at designated hitter, at which point Meola did get to slide over to short).

First baseman Jeremiah Jenkins had a fantastic day, hitting 2-5 and smashing his 1st home run of the year, while also striking out. A 22-year old lefty taken in the 14th round of the 2024 draft, Jenkins has only played 3 times this season, but has made the most of his opportunities, hitting 5-12 with 2 extra-base hits and 2 walks. That’s a nice sight, after he struggled with the level last year.

Mostly a bad pitching day. LHP Jordan Gottesman made the 2nd start of his young career, and there was a lot to like even though it didn’t go particularly well. The 2025 6th-round pick out of Northeastern did a great job staying in the strike zone, with 46 of his 68 pitches going for strikes, and 6 strikeouts with 0 walks in 3.2 innings. But he did hit a batter and give up 3 hits, which included a home run, and that resulted in a 3-run outing. It hasn’t been a superstar showing in his 1st week as a pro, but it’s been very, very solid.

RHP Alix Hernandez had a phenomenal game, pitching 2 perfect innings with 3 strikeouts. A 21-year old from Venezuela, Hernandez has some truly nasty stuff (for his career he has 164 strikeouts in 118.1 innings), but was limited to just 14.1 Complex League innings last year. Walks have really been the only thing that have plagued him in his career, and so far, so good: he hasn’t issued any in 3 innings of work this season.

Home run tracker

2 — Jesús Rodríguez — [AAA]
2 — Thomas Gavello — [AAA]
1 — Jeremiah Jenkins — [Low-A]

Friday schedule

Sacramento: 6:45 p.m. PT vs. Las Vegas (SP: Carson Seymour)
Richmond: 4:05 p.m. PT vs. Altoona (SP: Joe Whitman)
Eugene: 1:05 p.m. PT at Vancouver (SP: Hunter Dryden)
San Jose: 7:00 p.m. PT vs. Visalia (SP: Argenis Cayama)

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South Side Sox Reacts: Hitting should be the most improved

With a slight turnaround from the debacle of a season start the White Sox went through — namely, sweeping the defending AL champs — it seemed like the right time to spin things a bit more positively. So the question this week prodded you to pick an aspect of White Sox baseball that has most improved in 2026.

By almost two-thirds, you chose the bats:

It’s early, and a lot depends on whether you ignore the improvement on offense in the second half (roughly, post-Colson Montgomery arrival). Undoubtedly this is a better team on offense than the start of 2025; better than the end of last year? We’ll see.

Still, it’s hard to image what to choose otherwise, with the rotation, bullpen and defense all sketchy.

The national questions this week involved picking the winners of each division. Let’s just roll them all out at once:

The Mariners being the biggest runaway in the American League, more so than the Tigers, is interesting. Still, those two popular favorites, along with the Red Sox, are all struggling early.

You can tell this survey was taken after Opening Day, because suddenly everyone is all up in the Brewers’ bandwagon.

Did you miss out on this round of questions? No worry, sign up here to participate in our weekly emailed surveys, and have your White Sox voice be heard!

This week’s Reacts is brought to you by FanDuel.