The Yankees racked up 11 hits, including three home runs and four doubles, to take down the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, 9-4.
Here are the takeaways...
-- Cody Bellinger launched a hanging slider from Kyle Bradish over the right field wall in the bottom of the second inning, giving the Yanks a 1-0 lead. It was his fourth home run of the season and his first homer since April 18, when he blasted two against the Kansas City Royals.
After Aaron Judge was intentionally walked (on a 3-1 count) in the third inning, Bellinger's big day continued with an RBI double, pushing the lead to 3-0. And for his third act in the fifth inning? Bellinger smacked a solo home run off lefty Keegan Akin, making it a 6-1 game.
Staying hot, Bellinger picked up his fourth hit of the day with an RBI single in the seventh inning, pushing the Yanks' lead to 7-4.
-- José Caballero walked with one out in the third inning and advanced to third base on Trent Grisham's double off the wall in left field. Caballero used his speed and scored on a passed ball by Adley Rutschman, just beating the tag by Bradish (while taking a knee to the face on the slide).
Grisham kept the fun going in the bottom of the fourth inning, hitting a two-run HR off Bradish to right-center field to make it a 5-1 game. It's Grisham's fifth homer of the year.
-- Ryan Weathers cruised through the first three innings, issuing just two walks and getting up four strikeouts. He lost the no-hit bid in the fourth, letting up a one-out solo homer to Pete Alonso as the Orioles trailed, 3-1. Weathers settled back in to get the next two outs of the frame and then tossed a 1-2-3 fifth inning.
The left-hander ran into some trouble in the sixth inning, allowing back-to-back singles with no one out. Rutschman then reached first safely to load the bases on a fielder's choice and an error by Ben Rice. That ended Weathers' day on the mound, finishing after five-plus innings and allowing one earned run (three total) on three hits with five strikeouts and two walks.
-- Jake Bird came in for relief in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and got Alonso to ground into a double play. He then walked Tyler O'Neill to put runners at the corners and surrendered an RBI double to Samuel Basallo that cut the Yanks' lead to 6-3. Camilo Doval pitched the seventh inning and let up one run on a groundout after Dylan Beavers walked and stole his way to third base.
-- After Bellinger's RBI single in the seventh, Jazz Chisholm Jr. drove in two more runs on a single and advanced to second on a throwing error, extending the lead to 9-4. Although Chisholm got picked off trying to steal third and was caught in a rundown.
-- Back in the lineup after getting hit by a pitch and exiting Wednesday's game early, Jasson Dominguez went 1-for-4 with a single and a strikeout. He had a big opportunity in the third inning with the bases loaded, but grounded out to the second baseman. His single came from the right side of the plate in the fifth inning, hitting a ball off the left-hander Akin to center field.
Game MVP: Cody Bellinger
After doubling twice on Friday night, the 2019 NL MVP stayed hot and finished 4-for-4 for four RBI and three runs scored.
DENVER, CO - May 1: Atlanta Braves Michael Harris II (23) celebrates after his ninth inning two-run home run during a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As the Braves go for yet another series win, they turn to Chris Sale at Coors Field, expecting to see the Rockies’ young star Chase Dollander, with Brennan Bernardino as the opener.
Michael Harris returns to the starting lineup at DH after his epic game-winning home run Friday night, as he continues to nurse his quad injury. Mauricio Dubon mans centerfield instead of Eli White, as Jorge Mateo takes over at shortstop. Austin Riley continues to bat behind Dubon, as he has struggled to start the season.
The Rockies shuffled their lineup a bit, facing the lefty Sale, as the lefty Mickey Moniak takes a seat and Tyler Freeman sits out after having been hit by a Didier Fuentes fastball in the wrist.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: Starter Slade Cecconi #44 of the Cleveland Guardians prepares to pitch in the top of the first inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field on April 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here’s the Guardians lineup:
Saturday's Guardians lineup in West Sacramento:
CF Kwan LF Martínez 3B Ramírez 1B Hoskins DH DeLauter RF Fry 2B Bazzana C Hedges SS Rocchio
The New York Mets will try to make it two wins in a row as they face off against the Los Angeles Angels tonight.
Nolan McLean has been a rare bright spot this season for New York, and I’m counting on him leading the team to victory in my Mets vs. Angels predictions.
Let’s break down this matchup in my free MLB picks for Saturday, May 2.
Who will win Mets vs Angels today: Mets (-125)
Nolan McLean has been electric so far for the beleaguered New York Mets, posting a 2.55 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in his first six starts.
Although that hasn’t translated into many wins — New York is just 1-5 in his starts — that can’t be pinned on the 24-year-old, who has yet to allow more than three runs in any appearance.
McLean should deal against the reeling Los Angeles Angels, who have averaged only 3.86 runs per game during their seven-game losing streak and own a .698 OPS against right-handed starters this year. I like the Mets to come away with the win tonight.
COVERS INTEL:The Angels enter tonight’s game with the lowest Expected Batting Average in the majors, boasting an xBA of .227 this season.
Mets vs Angels Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-120)
The Angels haven’t been firing on offense lately, and McLean will keep them in check. The Mets have also played to totals of eight runs or fewer in each of McLean’s last four starts.
Of course, a lot of that has to do with the floundering New York offense as well. The Mets are scoring 3.44 runs per game, and while Reid Detmers isn’t the most intimidating presence on the mound, he’s solid enough to help keep the Mets from breaking out.
Ed Scimia's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 5-9, -4.31 units
Over/Under bets: 4-8, -4.26 units
Mets vs Angels odds
Moneyline: Mets -125 | Angels +105
Run line: Mets -1.5 (+140) | Angels +1.5 (-165)
Over/Under: Over 8 (+100) | Under 8 (-120)
Mets vs Angels trend
New York has won four consecutive head-to-head matchups against Los Angeles. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Angels.
How to watch Mets vs Angels and game info
Location
Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
First pitch
9:38 p.m. ET
TV
SNY, FDSN W
Mets starting pitcher
Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA)
Angels starting pitcher
Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA)
Mets vs Angels latest injuries
Mets vs Angels weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong continues his journey back to the bigs with another impressive start with Triple-A Syracuse.
Pitching against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Saturday afternoon, Tong dominated, allowing just one unearned run on one hit and two walks while striking out six batters.
The one blemish to Tong's line was caused in the first inning. After allowing a leadoff walk and allowing Steward Berroa to reach on a throwing error by Tong on a sacrifice bunt, Otto Kemp made Tong pay with a sacrifice fly that brought in Christian Cairo home from third base. Tong would settle down, retiring 16 straight batters -- including the sac fly -- before a one-out walk and single put Tong in trouble again. But the young right-hander would get a flyout and Bryan De La Cruz to strike out to end the threat and Tong's day.
Saturday was a great bounce-back game for Tong after pitching just 4.2 innings in his last start. On April 26, Tong allowed three runs on five hits and three walks against the Worcester Woo Sox. He still struck out six batters in the loss, a positive trend for Tong. Including Saturday, Tong has struck out at least six batters in five straight games.
Tong also lowered his season ERA to 4.60 after seven starts.
Another top prospect was playing in this game. A.J. Ewing continued his scorching hot start to his Triple-A career with two more hits. Ewing went 2-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base, his fourth with Syracuse. Through five games in Triple-A, Ewing is hitting .556 with a double, a triple and two RBI. Saturday was also Ewing's fourth multi-hit game.
Jonah Tong was absolutely DOMINATE today on the mound! 😤
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Jake Irvin #27 of the Washington Nationals tags out Tyler Black #7 of the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After yet another home loss, the Nats will look to get back on track at Nationals Park. They are now 3-11 at home, which is the worst in the league. There was not much they could do against Jacob Misiorowski last night, so hopefully the offense can get going against a different pitcher.
There will be some changes to that offense with a lefty on the mound. Joey Wiemer will be in the lineup and in right field, which pushes James Wood to left field and Daylen Lile to DH. Curtis Mead will remain at first base with a lefty on the mound. Jacob Young moves up in the lineup as well. Nasim Nunez and Keibert Ruiz will also be playing today. This will be the first time Foster Griffin sees a team twice, and I am intrigued to see how the lefty attacks this Brewers lineup for a second time.
history: the first-ever may 2, 2026 nationals lineup
The Brewers are only making a couple changes, despite a lefty being on the mound. Joey Ortiz will be back at shortstop and Brandon Lockridge will be in left field. Gary Sanchez will be behind the plate, which moves William Contreras to DH. Kyle Harrison has gotten off to a great start in his Brewers career and will get the ball this afternoon.
Now that they are not facing the Miz, this offense will actually have a chance. They have responded well after poor showings this season, and hopefully the same will be the case today. I feel like James Wood is due! Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 26: Kyle Harrison #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts after striking out a career high 12 batters during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates of the game at American Family Field on April 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the Brewers offense kept rolling in last night’s game against the Nationals, they will try to keep that momentum going this afternoon. It will be a rematch of starting pitchers from three weeks ago, when these teams played on April 11th.
First, we have today’s set of injury updates. After Jacob Misiorowski left last night’s game early, we were hopeful that it was just a cramp and nothing more serious. Thankfully, that looks like it was the case. Before the game today, Misiorowski gave a thumbs up on his hamstring. Manager Pat Murphy had the same opinion, saying that he still needs a normal day of work to make sure, but everything looks good so far. His next turn in the rotation would be Wednesday’s series finale against the Cardinals, but it’s also worth noting there’s an off-day right after it, if the Brewers want to give him a little extra rest.
Meanwhile, the news is not as good for Angel Zerpa. He’s seeking a second opinion on his forearm tightness and is deciding whether or not to have surgery. Murphy did not elaborate on what that surgery would be, but said it would be Zerpa’s decision. Either way, it’s looking like it will be a while before we see Zerpa on the field again.
Finally, Logan Henderson is currently the Brewers. He hasn’t been added to the active roster yet, but he will likely fill Brandon Woodruff’s spot in the rotation. That start would be on Tuesday in St. Louis, but Henderson could also start sooner. His last start for Nashville was on Sunday. Currently, Chad Patrick is the probable starter for tomorrow, but the Brewers have not announced their probable starters for the Cardinals series yet.
Kyle Harrison gets the start today after his dominant performance against the Pirates on Sunday. He’s coming off of six shutout innings where he allowed just one hit and one walk, while striking out 12 batters. This is his second start against the Nationals this season and he will be looking for a better result this time. In his last start against them, he only pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits and a walk, with just one strikeout.
On the other side, Foster Griffin starts today for the Nationals. He had his own strong performance last time he faced the Brewers, holding them to just one hit and three walks in 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Griffin is also coming off of a seven shutout inning start against the White Sox on Sunday. However, his two starts before that were rougher. He allowed four runs to the Pirates in 5 1/3 innings, and three runs to the Braves in six innings.
The lineup machine keeps spinning today, and it likely won’t end anytime soon with two starters due back on Monday. William Contreras gets a day off from catching and will serve as the designated hitter. Gary Sánchez will start behind the plate and bat fourth today. Brandon Lockridge and Joey Ortiz also get starts today.
First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. It will be on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (12-21) and Boston Red Sox (13-19) play the 2nd game of this 3-game weekend series at Fenway Park this afternoon.
RHP Spencer Arrighetti (3-0, 2.00 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. BOS LHP Connelly Early (2-1, 2.84 ERA). The Astros will be facing Early for the 1st time in his young career.
SPENCER’S GIFTS: After starting the season at Triple A Sugar Land, RHP Spencer Arrighetti has been strong in his 3 starts for the Astros this season. He is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA (4ER/18IP) with 9 BB and 21 SO and a .169 opp. avg.
In his last start on Sunday vs. NYY, he allowed just 3 hits and 1 run in 7.0 IP with 8 strikeouts (7-4 win).
SUCCESS VS. THE SOX: RHP Spencer Arrighetti has had success in his previous 2 starts vs. the Red Sox. In those 2 starts combined, Red Sox hitters are just 3×38 (.079) vs. him.
In his Fenway Park debut on Aug. 10, 2024, Arrighetti tallied a career-high 13 strikeouts en route to a 5-4 win (7 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 13 SO).
On Aug. 12 of last season, Arrighetti allowed just 1 hit in 5.0 IP vs. BOS, but took the loss in what ended in a 14-1 Red Sox win (5 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 SO).
LOTS OF LEFTIES: The Astros are scheduled to face LH starters in all 3 games of this series.
The last time they faced a LH starter in all games of a 3-game series was April 30-May 2, 2021 vs. TB (almost exactly 5 years ago).
The last time that HOU has faced 3 consecutive LH starters overall was Sept. 19-21, 2024 vs. LAA (4-game series).
ROADIES: Today is the 5th game (1-3 thus far) of a 6-game road trip for the Astros.
HOU was 1-2 in BAL on the first stop of the trip.
DAYTIMERS: As a result of Wednesday night’s rainout in BAL, 4 of the 6 games on the Astros current road trip will be day games.
HOU ended their last homestand with a day game, so they will have played 5 of 7 games in the daytime once they complete this road trip.
VS THE SAWX: The Astros swept the Red Sox in a 3-game series at Daikin Park earlier this season, Mar. 30-April 1.
Over the past 10 seasons (since 2017), HOU is 33-23 (.589) vs. BOS overall.
FUN AT FENWAY: Despite being swept in a 3-game series in their last visit here (Aug. 1-3), the Astros have had recent success at Fenway Park. HOU has won 6 of their last 10 games at Fenway.
Prior to last year’s series in Aug., HOU had swept the Red Sox in 2 consecutive visits to Fenway, Aug. 28-30 of 2023 and Aug. 9-11 of 2024 (both 3-game series).
The Astros are 16-10 (.615) in the regular season at Fenway Park since 2017. Houston is also 4-3 at Fenway all-time in the postseason.
YORDAN AT FENWAY: In 13 career reg. season games at Fenway, Yordan Alvarez is hitting .438 (21×48) with 7 HR and 16 RBI with a 1.529 OPS. His career OPS, SLG (.979) and OBP (.550) at Fenway are the best all-time (min. 50 PA).
PLAYER OF THE MONTH?: Yordan Alvarez is a strong candidate for the AL Player of the Month Award for March/April as he has had a torrid start to his season, hitting .341 with 12 HR and 27 RBI.
Alvarez currently leads the AL in RBI (27), TB (87) and OBP (.446) while ranking 2nd in batting avg. (.341), SLG (.707) and OPS (1.153) and T-2nd in HR (12).
HIT PARADE: The Astros, who lead the AL in batting (.267), have reached double-figures in hits in each of the last 3 games, going 38×118 (.322) in that span.
Last night marked the 14th game in which HOU reached double figures in hits in 2026.
ROAD WARRIOR: In 12 road games (9 starts) this season, Brice Matthews is 11×35 (.314) with a HR, 7 RBI and 5 BB, slashing (.313/.400/.486) for an .886 OPS.
In his young career, Matthews is hitting .288 in 19 road games (15 starts) with 5 HR and 16 RBI with a .373 OBP and a .593 SLG (.966 OPS).
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: With 238 career HR as a second basemen, Jose Altuve needs one more to tie Lou Whitaker for 7th place all-time among 2nd basemen.
Altuve also needs 3 RBI to become the 5th player in franchise history to reach 900.
WALKER, TEXAS HAMMER: Christian Walker is hitting .375 (15×40) in his last 10 games (since 4/20) with 3 HR and 8 RBI.
For the season, Walker enters today ranked T-7th in the AL in RBI (24), 7th in SLG (.546), 5th in TB (65), 9th in OPS (.917) and T-6th in doubles (9).
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2017 – The Astros erupt for 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning, lifting them to an 8-7, come-from-behind win over the Texas Rangers in Houston. Marwin Gonzalez led the way as his grand slam in that 8th inning was the key blow. For the game, Gonzalez went 2×3 with 2 HR and 5 RBI.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 3:10 p.m. CT
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 26: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the second inning during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 26, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After an epic comeback victory in game 1, the Braves will hope to secure yet another series win behind their ace against a Rockies team that is generally not good but has been competitive this season.
Chris Sale has been great this season, despite one of his career-worst starts against the Angels. Coors can always make things a bit funky, but Chris Sale hasn’t had trouble with the thinner air in a tiny sample size during his long career. He has only made three appearances at Coors, two out of the bullpen in 2011 and one start last year in which he went 7.0 innings with 10 Ks. Sale has pitched 10.1 innings, allowing 2 runs and accruing 13 strikeouts at Coors overall. Ultimately, this is a Chris Sale game against the Rockies and while this Colorado team has been less miserable so far this year than in recent years, that’s a game Atlanta should win.
It looks like the Rockies will throw Chase Dollander and he has been a very positive story for the Rockies this season. He has been used strangely this season, often following an opener or pitching bulk even later in games and it appears that he may not be the formal starter today either. He has averaged just under 5.0 innings per outing, so still has a starter-like impact. Dollander has an impressive 3.05 FIP and 3.08 xFIP this season through 32.0 innings, after a replacement-level debut 2025 season. He is striking out nearly 11 batters per 9 innings and has kept his walks down substantially. Looking at his minor league numbers, the strikeouts could be real, but the walks seem likely to creep up towards average or perhaps even higher. He was a top prospect for a reason, however, and is clearly a talented pitcher. Dollander pitches primarily off of an upper 90s 4-seamer and sinker, which both have well above average arm-side run. He is still working on secondaries however, and opts for quantity over quality, with a slider, changeup, curveball, and sweeper. He seems to struggle with location on these secondaries and can leave them over the middle of the plate or miss the zone substantially a good bit. The Braves would do well to put some runs up before Dollander enters the game, but with Sale on the mound should still feel good about this matchup.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 8:10 p.m. EDT
Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO
TV: BravesVision
Streaming: MLB.tv (and Braves.tv if you’re in-market, etc.)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 26: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates before the pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on April 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Rhett Lowder (3-1, 3.18 ERA) vs. Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2, 4.13 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at beautiful PNC Park looking for a win.
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May 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; The Philadelphia Phillies celebrate their win against the Miami Marlins following the game at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on April 21, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In his four career starts at Fenway Park, Connelly Early has gotten a grand total four runs of support from his teammates. The Red Sox have lost those games by scores of 2-1, 2-1, 3-2, and 4-0.
As bad as that is though, I regret to inform you that the Red Sox have been shut out each of the last three times I’ve been on game wrap duty (they haven’t scored a run on a Tuesday since April 7th).
In other words, for all our sakes, it sure would be nice if the bats would wake up from their slumber today.
In order to do that, they’ll have to get to Spencer Arrighetti, who is on the mound for the Astros. Arrighetti has been strong this year with a 2.00 ERA in three starts, but his career ERA paints a much less intimidating picture at 4.45. If the offense can get to him and help power the team to a win, the first Sox sweep of the year is a real possibility as the Astros still have not announced a starter for tomorrow and Boston has Ranger Suarez ready to go.
Lineup wise, Jarren Duran is back at leadoff after his three-run homer last night, and Masataka Yoshida starts on the bench for the fifth time in Chad Tracy’s first six games as manager.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics hits a double that scored a run against the Kansas City Royals in the second inning at Sutter Health Park on April 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night wasn’t fun, but the Athletics have a chance to flip the script this afternoon in Game 2 of this weekend series against the Cleveland Guardians. The A’s are still in first place even after last night’s loss but we got the Mariners hot on our heels so let’s keep them at bay with a win today.
Before we get to the game info, the A’s made a minor roster move this morning, recalling right-hander Luis Morales from Triple-A while optioning lefty Brady Basso back to Las Vegas:
Adding Morales at this juncture is a bit of an interesting move. The former top pitching prospect has struggled all year long, first in two starts for the big league team and then in three for the Aviators. Walks have been a major problem for the young arm and it doesn’t seem like he’s figured it out while in the minors. The team doesn’t have an official starter listed for Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia so it’s possible the team wants to give him another chance against big league hitters. Meanwhile Basso will return to Triple-A after a tough outing last night that essentially lost the game for the A’s. He’ll be back whenever the A’s need a fresh, left-handed arm for their bullpen.
Anyway, back to the contest at hand. Going for the A’s on the pitching side of things will be lefty Jacob Lopez. He’s in serious need of a quality outing this afternoon as he’s currently one of the weak links in the starting five. His 5.84 ERA isn’t pretty to look at and the team just recalled Morales from Triple-A. It’s now May and the A’s are in first place so the team can’t afford to keep going this route if he can’t straighten things out.
The A’s starting lineup this afternoon looks like this:
The A’s are going back to their usual top of the starting lineup. Nick Kurtz is back in the leadoff spot followed by Langeliers, Soderstrom, and Rooker. Outfielder Carlos Cortes is back in there behind Rook after getting the day off yesterday against a southpaw. Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil form the tag team up the middle and in the lineup while Lawrence Butler is in center field and Darell Hernaiz rounds things out manning the hot corner.
Those hitters are set to go up against Cleveland right-hander Slade Cecconi. Now in his fourth season and second in Cleveland, Cecconi has been very up and down so far this year. He’s been hit harder more often than not and carries a bloated 6.23 ERA into today’s contest. We may be in store for a high-scoring affair in today’s game.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Baseball is often referred to as a game of failure. Perhaps nowhere is that statement more on display than in the life of a major league pitcher, whose fate hangs on every pitch.
Pitch by pitch, batter by batter, inning by inning, game by game — a pitcher benefits from preparation, execution and the ability to wipe the slate clean when results stray from intended or expected outcomes.
It requires perseverance. That is something Bryce Elder personifies.
From All-Star to also-ran and seemingly back again, Elder’s time with the Atlanta Braves has been a roller coaster. But the right-hander’s unflappable demeanor helped him weather the storm and make adjustments that are paying off at the best possible time for his team.
Over the first five weeks of the season, all Elder is doing is running with the opportunity to start every fifth day, compiling a 1.88 ERA that ranks second in the National League heading into the weekend.
After two seasons of bouncing between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, Elder emerged from his prolonged struggles as a better version of himself. This is the kind of thing that can only be found by going directly into and through the storm.
“Something that I’ve always understood is being healthy, you’re going to get the chance,” Elder said. “If you’re good enough and healthy, you’re going to get the chance. I try to handle my business correctly to keep me out there. It’s a weird game, the more time you spend out there. It’s not always going to go well, but the more things you learn as long as you’re paying attention.”
Elder entered his fifth major league season with a somewhat tenuous hold on a spot in the rotation, once again underscoring that the best ability may very well be availability. Last year, he led the Atlanta staff with 28 starts and 156 1/3 innings, but 2026 marked the first time Elder cracked the Braves’ opening day roster.
Strong pitching is a major factor in Atlanta’s early season success. Considering the injury news that filtered out of Spring Training almost immediately, it may qualify as the most surprising aspect of the Braves’ incredible 23-10 start.
Elder is a key performer on a surprisingly productive Atlanta pitching staff that owns a 3.17 ERA, the second best mark in Major League Baseball behind the New York Yankees’ 3.05 ERA.
While you might expect to see Chris Sale fronting the rotation and posting his requisite numbers, Elder’s inclusion in the starting five came only after Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep all began the season on the injured list.
Despite those circumstances, Elder and the Braves both believed the righty tapped into something down the stretch last year. After pitching to a 6.11 ERA in his first 21 starts and 111 2/3 innings, Elder finished with a 2.82 ERA over his final seven starts and 44 2/3 innings.
Rather than trying to avoid bats and live almost exclusively in the margins of the strike zone, Elder started approaching his opponents much more directly. As a result, he cut down his walk rate while seeing his strikeout rate rise across those seven outings.
Attacking hitters helped Elder find the kind of consistency he’s been searching for since the first half of his career-best 2023 season.
“That’s something I learned last year,” Elder said. “The good run I went on last year literally started with me saying, ‘If I give up five or six runs, that’s fine, but I’m going to progress the game. The game is going to move forward. I’m not going to get in bad counts and situations.’ And, obviously, it’s still going to happen, but progressing the game forward and keeping it moving, it’s turned out that I realize maybe my stuff is a little better than I thought it was. So, I’m kind of staying in the zone and making hitters swing.”
Something else Elder is benefiting from is the fact that not all swings are created equal.
He has been proficient at avoiding barrels. According to MLB Statcast data, Elder is in the 86th percentile with just a 3.3 percent opponent’s barrel rate. That elite level of barrel suppression correlates directly to Elder’s career-best home run rate of 0.4 per nine innings. Keeping the ball in the park always bodes well for a pitcher’s chances on any given day.
Elder’s overall success owes largely to an improved arsenal that includes a mix of three fastball types in addition to his slider and changeup. Having more weapons and a purpose for each pitch has Elder feeling like a new man on the mound compared to the one who was searching for answers over the past three seasons.
Perhaps his best weapon is the slider, a pitch he throws roughly a third of the time and has limited opposing hitters to just a .183 average and only one home run thus far this year. That’s a marked improvement over the .259 average and 8 home runs allowed on the pitch in 28 starts a year ago.
Braves manager Walt Weiss believes that is a weapon that looks better than ever this year.
“I think it’s all of his pitches and the secondary stuff is better,” Weiss said. “His slider is an underrated pitch. If you go back to 2023, when he made the All-Star team, you would see a lot of hitters swing at bounced sliders. I think he’s got that slider back again. He’s getting a lot of swing and miss on it. He’s getting some takes on it (because) they just don’t see it very well.”
Along with refining the slider, Elder reintroduced a cutter to go along with his sinker and four-seamer. That trio of fastball offerings can be utilized to do different things to different hitters in different counts, to say nothing of the occasional changeup Elder can keep in his back pocket.
It all adds up to the most complete version of Elder that the Braves have ever seen.
“He’s got the cutter to add to the arsenal,” Weiss said. “He had it once upon a time and he brought it back. It’s a good pitch for him (and) complements the changeup really well. His changeup has gotten better. All of his stuff has ticked up – the two-seam, the four-seam. So, he’s got three different fastballs – the two-seam, the four-seam and the cutter – and it makes it difficult on a hitter when you’ve got three different fastballs and the other stuff is working, too. He’s throwing the ball really well.
Elder’s stuff has definitely ticked up on the radar gun. The four-seam fastball that average 90-91 mph over his first three seasons is clocked up to 94 mph this year and average 92.5 mph.
In addition to tapping into a little more velocity, Elder added the cut-fastball to his repertoire, primarily as a weapon against left-handed hitters.
“Last year, the four-seam had a lot of good action to it and I was getting good results with it,” Elder said. “I still plan on using that, but I think the cutter just kind of creates another plane. Everything is usually up and down for me, being a higher arm-slot guy. So, (it’s) a little different plane moving into the lefties… I’ve been working on it.”
While he may eventually show it to right-handed hitters, Elder is using the pitch with great results against lefties. They are batting just .176 and slugging just .294 against the changeup in 76 offerings.
Braves catcher Drake Baldwin has been behind the plate for Elder over the past two seasons and sees the improved arsenal and extra velocity as the keys to success.
“I think his velocity is ticking up,” Baldwin said. “He has a little bit different pitch mix, a little more north-south and using that four-seam and cutter more. I think that pitch mix has helped him keep hitters a little bit more off balance.”
In a game that requires constant adjustments, Elder was able to bring what he learned down the stretch last year and add to it this season. While the results may have changed for the better, his teammates still see the pitcher they’ve always known, a tireless worker.
“He’s the same guy,” Baldwin said. “He’s always come in, worked his tail off and done everything he can scouting report-wise to know (hitters). This pitch mix is working more for him, and he’s been doing really well.”
When Elder went to the All-Star game in 2023, he was coming off a great first half. He went 7-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 18 starts before stumbling in the second half and falling out of favor and subsequently in and out of rotation over the two years that followed.
A litany of injuries to other starters afforded Elder an opportunity to keep pitching in the big leagues despite posting a 5.47 ERA combined between 2024 and 2025. Those extended struggles represented a chance to refine his mental and physical approach to the game.
With an improved pitch arsenal and grounded perspective, Elder appears to be on the right path to find success for both himself and the team.
“I’ve had a lot of good runs, and I’ve had a lot of bad runs,” Elder said.” I think more than anything just trying to – it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth – go one at a time and just keep my stuff crisp and keep my work right. Whatever happens every fifth day, that’s what happens.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 01: Germán Márquez #33 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the first inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Petco Park on May 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night, the San Diego Padres took a shellacking from the Chicago White Sox, eventually losing 8-2.
The trouble started early, with Germán Márquez giving up six runs in the second inning. That inning was the difference maker in San Diego’s eventual loss to the Sox.
It was a tough loss to take, but this is the first time this season that the Padres have lost three straight. If that’s how the Friars keep playing, they’ll do great this season.
Tonight will be quite the pitcher’s duel with Sean Burke and Michael King each dealing for their respective teams. That might turn it into a battle of the bullpens. In that case, San Diego feels pretty good about their chances of winning.
Taking the mound
Sean Burke (CWS) v. Michael King (SD)
Burke has been a quite solid frontline starter for the Sox so far in 2026. He’s pitched to a 3.21 ERA across 33 2/3 innings. He’ll look to keep that up against San Diego after rookie Noah Schultz pitched a scoreless outing last night.
Burke’s biggest struggle in the past has been limiting baserunners. In his first full season of work, he allowed a 1.44 WHIP and .251 opponent batting average (2025). He’s been much better to start this year, but Burke is looking to prove himself tonight against the Friars.
San Diego will have their ace on the bump in King. The righty has returned to peak form, pitching to a 2.41 ERA in his first six starts. He’s also struck out 34 batters in 33 2/3 innings pitched.
But the best metric has been King’s .177 opponent batting average. It’s the lowest mark of his career by far, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down. If King can limit Chicago, the Padres won’t need to do much to force the rubber match.
Batter up!
One of the only good offensive moments for San Diego from last night was Fernando Tatis Jr. The Friars’ star went 3-for-3 with a walk. The only miscue of the night was a bad throw home that ended up allowing that dreadful second innings to continue.
Yesterday’s lineup was a little unorthodox. Whether or not that remains the case will be seen tonight, though it will likely go back to normal after Jake Cronenworth, Gavin Sheets and Jackson Merrill got off days last night.
Ramón Laureano, LF
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Gavin Sheets, 1B
Miguel Andujar, DH
Luis Campusano, C
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
With righties on the mound, the Padres’ lineup has been relatively set. That spells a typical day against Burke. San Diego doesn’t have much history with the right-hander, but they’re betting on another strong start from King alongside being able to scratch a few runs across the board.
Relief corps
The only good thing about last night’s pitching was that the Friars only used three guys to finish the game. Márquez, Wandy Peralta and Ron Marinaccio combined to hurl all nine innings. That leaves almost the entire Padres’ bullpen intact for tonight.
Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, Kyle Hart, Adrian Morejon, Bradgley Rodriguez and closer Mason Miller will all be available for Game 2 tonight. Aside from Hart, the five represent high-leverage options for San Diego to turn to in important situations.
COVERS INTEL:
