PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin began a rehab assignment on Tuesday night with Double-A Altoona, the club said.
Griffin has been sidelined since May 31 with a right forearm strain. He made his major league debut with the Pirates on April 3 and was signed to a nine-year, $140-million contract five days later.
Griffin, 20, is hitting .270 with four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in 51 games this season. The Pirates do not have a timetable for when Griffin will be activated from the injured list.
“We’re going to take it day by day and just see how he’s responding to everything,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said before Tuesday night’s game against Seattle. “Sounds like yesterday and today went well with the challenging throws on relays and stuff in the hole. Just get him back into game action and see how he’s doing with the arm, rhythm and timing of the at-bats. Look to get him back up here soon, hopefully.”
Further imaging on right-hander Jared Jones’ right elbow revealed no damage. Jones left Sunday’s game in the third inning after he was hit on the elbow by a line drive from Colorado’s JT Rumfield.
If Jones gets through a bullpen session without incident on Wednesday, he will start against Cincinnati on Saturday, the team said.
Joe DeMayo and guest co-host Jim Duquette deliver the latest episode of The Mets Pod, as the Mets deliver another uninspiring week of baseball.
Joe and Jim break down what's broken with Freddy Peralta, David Peterson, and the starting rotation, plus look towards the lineup after the return of Francisco Lindor.
The guys also discuss both buying and selling at the trade deadline, go Down on the Farm to check in on an improving Kevin Parada, and answer Mailbag questions about a specific strategy for David Stearns at the deadline, and the practice of favoring left/right splits in lineup decisions.
Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 22: Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy (13) hits a double during the eighth inning of a MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers on June 22, 2026, at Target Field in Minneapolis MN. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For the seventh consecutive Wednesday, Shohei Ohtani will be on the mound for the Dodgers, to close out the series against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis.
Right-hander Joe Ryan, who was originally tabbed to start on Friday, will be on the mound for the Twins in the series finale.
Jun 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Sproat (23) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
After escaping with an extra-inning win by the skin of their teeth yesterday, the Brewers will have a chance to secure a third straight victory tonight in Cincinnati. Brandon Sproat will get the ball for Milwaukee opposite Nick Lodolo.
Sproat is an immensely talented pitcher, but has struggled to put it all together in his first year with the Brewers. He’s allowed at least three runs in six of his seven last appearances, the lone exception being his start against the A’s on June 10th (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 K). Hopefully Sproat can bounce back against a Reds lineup that is set to welcome Elly De La Cruz back from the injured list.
Lodolo, though more established than Sproat at the major-league level, is in a similar position. He was worth nearly five WAR last season, posting a 3.33 ERA and 1.079 WHIP across 29 starts, but has struggled to a 6.12 ERA through eight starts this season. In his last appearance, he gave up eleven hits and seven runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Mets.
With the left-handed Lodolo on the mound, Garrett Mitchell (.545 OPS vs. LHP, .820 OPS vs. RHP), Sal Frelick (.438 OPS vs. LHP, .681 OPS vs. RHP) and Christian Yelich will get the night off. Yelich has historically performed much better against right-handed pitching, though he’s actually posted stronger numbers against southpaws this season (albeit in a limited sample).
Regulars Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras make up the top of the lineup, followed by certified lefty masher Andrew Vaughn and Jake Bauers. Gary Sanchez (.968 OPS vs. LHP) will catch and bat sixth. Rounding out the bottom of the order are Blake Perkins, Cooper Pratt, and Joey Ortiz.
Finally, a couple of roster notes from this morning:
RHP Peter Strzelecki is back in the Brewers’ organization on a minor-league deal after electing free agency when Milwaukee designated him for assignment on May 17. Strzelecki briefly signed with the Yankees, but opted out of that deal last week and has now returned to the Brewers.
INF Luis Rengifo (-0.4 WAR in 57 games this season) has officially been released after going unclaimed on waivers.
As always, you can catch tonight’s game on Brewers.TV, WTMJ 620, and the Brewers Radio Network. First pitch is set for 6:10 p.m.
May 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) celebrates after scoring against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
As an offensive slump continues for the Braves, Tuesday’s lineup reflects a team trying a number of different things to try and figure things out in the second game of Atlanta’s series at the San Diego Padres.
Michael Harris II, who hit fifth in each of his three games since returning from another brief absence due to lower back discomfort, is back atop the lineup for Tuesday’s 9:40 p.m. EDT game at Petco Park.
Mauricio Dubón, who has been atop the lineup, takes Harris’ fifth spot in the lineup and will hold down the shortstop spot.
The Braves also moved Drake Baldwin, who is 1-for-25 with 15 strikeouts since homering in his first at-bat off his injured list stint, down from his customary second spot in the lineup to sixth while he works his way out of the slump.
Additionally, Rowdy Tellez will make his first start with the Braves as the designated hitter in the No. 8 lineup spot after he made five pinch-hit appearances in his first five games with Atlanta since he was promoted earlier this month.
That is happening because the Braves are playing a usual DH candidate in Dominic Smith in the field. He’ll hit cleanup and make his first start in left field since he was with the Mets in 2021.
The Padres are using Wandy Peralta as an opener, but are expected to use right-hander Griffin Canning (1-5, 6.64 ERA) as their bulk pitcher Tuesday.
Most of the Braves’ lineup hasn’t faced Canning much, considering he’s made just two career starts against Atlanta. Harris and Austin Riley are each tied for the second-most at-bats on the roster against Canning with four apiece.
Matt Olson, though, has extensive experience against Canning, dating back to each of their time in the American League West. Olson is only 4-for-19 (.211) against Canning, but has two homers, a double and three RBIs. Those are the only two Braves homers against Canning, but other batters have had more success against him, with a combined .303 batting average and .488 slugging percentage against him.
The Padres made less sweeping changes to their lineup, but did move Samad Taylor up from ninth in the order to second. Gavin Sheets replaces Ty France at first base after DHing Monday, and Sung-Mun Song is in at second base and hitting ninth.
No Padres hitters have faced Braves starter JR Ritchie, who is making his eighth career appearance (seventh start) and his second in a row against a National League West team.
It seems like runs may be a bit easier to come by this time on both sides with the pitching matchup at play. Does that work in the Braves’ favor to force a Wednesday rubber match?
Detroit Tigers Jahmai Jones (18) looks out at the scoreboard during his game against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday, June 21, 2026. | David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (34-44) vs. New York Yankees (46-31)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site: Pinstripe Alley Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Casey Mize (2-4, 2.58 ERA) vs. LHP Carlos Rodón (3-2, 3.50 ERA)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 07: Members of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Joe Sullivan/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Jul 4, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
The Mariners kick off a road trip in Pittsburgh, returning them to the sweaty mid-Atlantic region they’d just escaped a week ago. George Kirby will take the mound against the famously right-handed Mitch Keller, and all the lefty bats in Seattle rejoiced. Get up to speed on the Pirates in the series preview here.
Lineups:
Roster moves and injury updates:
If you missed it in the lineup graphic, Randyland is back in the board game cabinet. Connor Joe has been returned to Tacoma, as the team continues to put off a decision about what to do with the struggling Rob Refsnyder. More on the impact of having Randy back from John here, and more on Refsnyder from Nick here.
Other injury updates: Dominic Canzone tested out that balky hamstring with some running today and reportedly felt good; he was planning to hit in the cages pregame and will be evaluated again postgame, but remains out of the lineup today.
Today’s game information:
Game time: 3:40 PT
TV: Mariners TV, with Aaron Goldsmith and Angie Mentink
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Gary Hill and Shannon Drayer
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 10: Carlos Rodon #55 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
June has, in general, been a good month for the Yankees. Despite losing multiple outfielders to injury, the team has not only kept its head above water, but has also surpassed the Rays for the AL East lead (which currently sits at two games). Despite some commendable play over the first three weeks, though, they enter tonight’s action in the Motor City on a three-game losing streak with Skubal Day looming tomorrow.
Carlos Rodón will look to put a stop to the skid in his eighth start of the season. Through his first seven, he’s pitched to a 3.50 ERA (120 ERA+) and 3.65 FIP in 36 innings. He’s been-well acquainted with the AL Central lately in particular, making his last three starts against the Guardians and White Sox. In each of his last five starts, he’s allowed three runs or fewer and pitched at least five innings, the epitome of steadiness.
Casey Mize will get the start for the Tigers, making his 11th start. With Tarik Skubal’s injury, he’s probably been their most effective starter of the season, pitching to a 2.58 ERA (168 ERA+) and 2.66 FIP in 52.1 innings. He’s potentially in line to make a second straight All-Star appearance, but could be limited by his struggles to go deep in games. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has finished five innings in just 6 of his 10 starts.
Mize’s peripherals have improved significantly since 2025, as he’s giving up softer contact, striking out more batters, and continuing to be very stingy with walks. His big weakness this year has been a very low ground-ball rate, but it’s manageable when the fly balls you’re giving up are more popups than barrels. He has a four-pitch mix, throwing his fastball, slider, and splitter evenly against lefties while adding in his sinker against righties.
Ben Rice will lead off as the designated hitter, followed by Jasson Domínguez, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt. Jazz Chisholm Jr. stays in the lineup despite Lollipop-gate, as Spencer Jones bats sixth in center field. José Caballero moves to third base in place of the ill Ryan McMahon and bats seventh, followed by Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe. In case you missed it, J.C. Escarra is back with the team backing up Wells with Ali Sánchez out on paternity leave.
The outstanding rookie Kevin McGonigle will lead off again for Detroit, followed by a lot of righty platoon bats. Dillon Dingler jumps up to second in the order, followed by Matt Vierling. After Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson in the heart of the order, former Yankee Jahmai Jones slides in at sixth. Hao-Yu Lee, Zach McKinstry, and rookie Ben Malgeri (making his MLB debut) round out the lineup.
How to watch
Location: Comerica Park — Detroit, MI
First pitch: 6:40 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, Detroit SportsNet
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), WXYT 97.1 FM, LaZ WDTW 1310AM/207.9 FM (DET)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Nasim Nuñez #26 and CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after winning the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on June 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Nats took game one of a massive 4 game set against the Phillies thanks to a dominant outing by Foster Griffin. Now, they will look to take full control of the series tonight in game two. A win tonight would be a true statement for the upstart Nats.
With a lefty on the mound, Blake Butera made some tweaks. Daylen Lile is getting the day off. Butera mentioned that Lile has been frustrated with himself lately, and with a tough southpaw on the mound, this was a good time to give him a breather. Curtis Mead will move to first, meaning Jorbit Vivas will play third. Andres Chaparro will be the DH. PJ Poulin will open and Zack Littell will follow him.
The Phillies are also making a few alterations to their lineup. We will see Justin Crawford and Gabriel Rincones for the first time this series in the outfield. Veteran catcher JT Realmuto will be back behind the plate tonight. He will be catching southpaw Jesus Luzardo, a former Nats draft pick.
After dropping game one, the Phillies will be ready to roll tonight. Will the Nats have what it takes to hold off this veteran laden squad for a second straight night? We will find out shortly. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 22: Michael Massey #19 of the Kansas City Royals reacts after scoring in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 22, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Kansas City Royals play Spring Training in Arizona, but here in St. Pete, Florida, the lineup they’re running out might as well be a Spring Training lineup. No Bobby Witt Jr., no Maikel Garcia, no Kyle Isbel, no Vinnie Pasquantino, no Jonathan India, no Cole Ragans. That’s because all of those players are injured. Instead, we get the privilege of watching Tyler Tolbert, Nick Loftin, Kameron Misner, Michael Massey, Lane Thomas, and Luinder Avila.
To be fair, a lot of Kansas City’s role players are doing pretty well. Loftin, Thomas, and Massey in particular have exceeded expectations, and Avila has been more or less what you’d expect as the, like, eighth-best starter in the org.
But still, it’s a bummer to not see Witt. At least we get to see the newly-bedazzled Tropicana Field, which looks significantly better thanks to a new roof. Amazing what a little light can do to the place—some, say, rays of light.
Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Carson Benge – RF Bo Bichette – SS Juan Soto – LF Jared Young – 1B A.J. Ewing – CF Marcus Semien – 2B Brett Baty – 3B MJ Melendez – DH Francisco Alvarez – C
Kodai Senga – RHP
Cubs lineup
Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF Alex Bregman – 3B Michael Busch – 1B Seiya Suzuki – DH Ian Happ – LF Matt Shaw – RF Nico Hoerner – 2B Carson Kelly – C Dansby Swanson – SS
Edward Cabrera – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:10 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 23: Nick Lodolo #40 celebrates the win with Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds after throwing a complete game shutout against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On the plus side, the Cincinnati Reds got an excellent start from righty Brady Singer on Monday during the series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. After completely falling on his face to begin the 2026 season, the pending free agent has turned things around lately, pitching to just a 1.64 ERA in 22.0 IP across his most recent four starts, his 23/9 K/BB every bit as important as the overall results.
The bad news, of course, is that he’s pitching his way into prime ‘get traded’ form as the Reds continue to lose games they put themselves in position to win. Singer’s great start last night didn’t hold up as the Reds failed to score off Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff, and they eventually lost 2-1 in extra innings on a Tony Santillan wild pitch.
The Aristoreds!
Anyway, they’ll turn things over to another veteran who has struggled both with blisters this year and with overall success in Nick Lodolo. They need him now, more than ever, if they’re going to dig themselves out of last place in the NL Central and back into the playoff chase.
The news of the day, of course, is the return of Elly De La Cruz. He was activated this morning at Will Benson’s expense, and he’s in the lineup hitting 2nd for the Reds already. Notable in the roster shuffle was the team’s decision to keep Edwin Arroyo up despite a suddenly crowded middle infield, but it’s Arroyo in the lineup at 2B tonight over the struggling Matt McLain. Keep an eye on that going forward!
Brandon Sproat will start for Milwaukee, while it’ll be Lodolo throwing the game’s first pitch at 7:10 PM ET.
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans (55) talks to staff after being hit in the hand by a ball hit by Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Don’t expect Cole Ragans back anytime soon for the Royals.
The All-Star left-hander has been out since May 6 with an elbow impingement, and the update provided by manager Matt Quatraro today was not exactly encouraging. The skipper indicated that they expect Ragans will need elbow surgery. The Royals will seek a second opinion, but Quatraro told reporters, “We anticipate it being surgical.”
#Royals Matt Quatraro said LHP Cole Ragans is likely to undergo a surgical procedure for his elbow injury.
“We anticipate it being a surgical procedure. We don’t know, as of right now, what it means. He’s got to see another doctor as well, but we anticipate it being surgical.”
— Jaylon T. Thompson (@jaylonthompson) June 23, 2026
Ragans exited after just three innings of a start against the Guardians on May 6 with the elbow injury. He made one rehab appearance for Triple-A Omaha in late May but did not respond well afterward and was shut down. The Royals sent him for an MRI last week, but the results were inconclusive.
Ragans has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, a procedure used to repair a torn UCL, a ligament in the elbow. He first had the surgery in 2018 while with the Rangers and underwent it again in 2019. The latest elbow injury does not necessarily mean he has re-injured the UCL, but it is another setback for the 28-year-old. He missed three months last year with a left rotator cuff strain.
The Royals’ pitching staff is already dealing with injuries to Kris Bubic, Ryan Bergert, Carlos Estévez, and Nick Mears. The Injured List also includes hitters Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India, and Kyle Isbel, while Bobby Witt Jr. has missed the last few days with a knee injury.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 11: Manager Torey Lovullo (L) and general manager Mike Hazen of the Arizona Diamondbacks meet before Game Three of the Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field on October 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Diamondbacks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
We’re currently about six weeks away from the trade deadline, but it’s never too early to try and gauge the direction in which the team will be going. That said, much will depend on the results between now and then. In particular, I suspect what the team does through the nineteen games remaining before the All-Star break will factor heavily into things. Right now, the D-backs sit at exactly .500, and you could easily imagine scenarios where the team’s record breaks sharply, in either direction. Perhaps they remember how to hit with runners in scoring position. Or, perhaps the rotation continues to fall apart.
With a tough schedule going into the break, I’d not be surprised to see the team fall below .500. But that doesn’t necessarily mean going into sell mode. Going into play today, just three games cover fifth down to eleventh place in the National League standings, and arguably, only the Mets, Giants and (inevitably) the Rockies are really out of the picture. There’s a case to be made that simply hanging around until the final month of the season, and making a September push, is all that Arizona needs to do. There’s a 16-game spell beginning August 27, where 13 games are against opponents currently with losing records.
But right now, what would you say the D-backs strategy towards the deadline should be? And if it’s still too early and with too mediocre a record to come to any conclusion, what benchmarks in terms of date and W/L position, would you need to see to make a decision? Poll is below, and as ever, explain your decision in more depth in the comments.
