Category: Baseball

The Pittsburgh Pirates undoubtedly have issues in their bullpen. 

The back end, middle relief, and any area not named long relief (thanks to Wilber Dotel), needs help.

Less than two months away from the August 3 MLB trading deadline, the Pirates are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They need relievers and are reportedly the most active club pursuing bullpen help, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, but it takes two to make a trade.

Some teams may believe they are still in the race, aren’t ready to part with key bullpen arms yet, or have set a price so high that a trade is less likely until closer to the deadline.

The Pirates do have one internal option that has been pitching well and is familiar with PNC Park: right-hander Justin Meis.

A right-handed reliever in Triple-A Indy, Meis owns a 3.00 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 30 outings this season.

Meis, 26, is from Bethel Park and has been in the organization for six years.

A 10th-round draft pick of the Pirates in 2021 out of Eastern Michigan, Meis has struck out 27 batters in 30 innings.

He owns a career 4.22 ERA over 371.1 innings, with 386 strikeouts and a 1.33 WHIP in 162 games, but has pitched his best the last two seasons. 

In 42 games in Double-A Altoona last year, Meis recorded a 2.89 ERA in 62.1 innings, posted seven holds, seven saves, and totaled a .213 opponent average. 

Meis has been even better this season as opponents are only hitting .149 against him, the best of his career. He has walked 16 batters over his 30 innings and throws his fastball in the mid-90s, but does a good job changing speeds.

Justin Meis struck out four across 3.0 hitless and scoreless frames. 👏 pic.twitter.com/uMX1u2SSXx

— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) April 18, 2026

A converted starter, Meis has pitched well in a multi-inning relief role. He’s been used to cover multiple frames or just one inning this season and has been especially good of late.

Meis totaled a 2.84 ERA in May and has only allowed one run in his last eight outings over 10.1 innings. He has struck out 12 and walked five during that span. 

The area has done a nice job developing relievers over the last 10 years, with Mason Miller (Bethel Park), David Bednar (Mars), and Isaac Mattson (Erie) reaching the majors.

Could Meis join Miller as the next player from Bethel Park to make an impact in a Major League bullpen??

It’s time for the Pirates to find out. Call up Meis and give him the opportunity to be an answer to their lingering questions about how to solve the pitching.

I talked to Meis in 2021 after being drafted by the Pirates, and what the opportunity means to him.

From Bethel to the Bucs, Justin Meis looks to make an impact on his hometown team

Anthony Greco didn’t believe it.

The 10-year-old third baseman was wrapping up warmups for practice at Vestal Field outside of Pittsburgh when a teammate stopped and pointed.

Someone said it was Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Nobody bought it.

“We didn’t believe it at first,” Anthony told USA TODAY Sports, “but then we went over there and we saw him.”

The reigning Cy Young winner had been driving down Perry Highway in Wexford around 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8 when he saw the light still on at the Little League field. Anthony Greco and his teammates were getting ready for their tournament season.

Skenes pulled over and wandered up to the field.

Two hours later, when Anthony’s mom Courtney came to pick him up, there was Paul Skenes on the field with the kids.

“He just took all the time in the world to talk to them and answer questions,” Courtney said. “He signed autographs, he took pictures and just spent a lot of time with them.”

This was the night before Skenes was scheduled to face the defending World Series champion Dodgers at PNC Park.

“I just couldn’t believe he was there,” Anthony said. “I thought he’d have to practice or something because he’s pitching (Tuesday) night.”

But Skenes had an off day and all the time to talk to the coaches of the Ingomar Franklin Park Little League.

And they had questions.

“How do you throw your splinker?” one asked.

“How do you throw so hard all the time?” asked another.

Skenes shrugged and told the young pitchers to just throw as hard as they could. He signed everything the kids put in front of him; he posed for every picture.

Anthony, who had gone with his family to Altoona, Pa. on Aug. 26, 2023 to see Skenes make his Double-A debut, said that the All-Star was “taller and stronger” than he looks on TV.

When it was his turn to talk to Skenes, Anthony had a very direct question.

“I had a ball, so I just asked him, ‘Can you sign it?’” Anthony said with a laugh. “And then we got a picture after that.”

He is going to frame both and keep them in his room.

The moment went viral in part because when he drove up to the field, Skenes was on the phone with his girlfriend Livvy Dunne. The former gymnast and current model and influencer posted about it on social media, writing she could believe her MLB boyfriend, “is just a boy” for pulling over to watch a Little League practice.

He told the adults at the field that he pulled over because he just loves baseball and remembers being that age and how much Little League meant to him.

Skenes showed up just after practice started around 7 p.m. He did not leave until after 9:15 p.m.

“I couldn’t believe he just spent all the time with the kids,” Courtney said. “To go to the field and see Paul Skenes, someone they look up to.

“They just couldn’t stop talking about it.”

Neither could anyone else who heard about it.

By the time they arrived, the story had already gone viral. It was on the nightly news. Anthony’s dad, Chris, who runs the league, was fielding phone calls from newspapers and television reporters. The pictures and videos were all over baseball social media.

For Anthony and the other kids, however, it was their own experience. A real life baseball star on their field with them. From here on out, Anthony Greco and his teammates and family will never forget it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paul Skenes surprises Little League team before Dodgers start

Finally getting healthier, the Houston Astros have won 3 of 4 and 11 of 17.

Jeremy Pena is hitting .307 since returning from injury May 18, with 3 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI and 4 SB.

Josh Hader has struck out 7 of the 10 batters he has faced in his 3 innings since returning from the IL, and has not allowed a hit or a run.

Jose Altuve has also returned from injury, much sooner than anticipated. He scored the game winning run on Monday night tagging up on a pop-up caught by the Angels second baseman in shallow centerfield. His sprint speed was clocked at over 29 ft/sec, incredibly fast for anyone, let alone a player of Altuve’s age.

Monday night, Bryan Abreu may have finally found his fastball. He threw three straight heaters to Jo Adell at 97 MPH for a 3 pitch strikeout.

Hunter Brown has pitched brilliantly in his rehab starts, and has one more rehab start scheduled before likely being activated.

Cristian Javier will make his second rehab start tonight for Sugar Land after making his first last week for Corpus Christi.

Yainer Diaz is starting his rehab assignment with Sugar Land this evening as well.

Houston is playing better, getting better pitching, and getting healthier as they try to get back over .500 and solidify their place in the playoff race.

The Astros play a total of 27 games in the month of June, and are currently 4-3.

How many games do you think the Astros will win in total for the month of June?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Astros fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

On the night the Metsgot Francisco Alvarez back from a four-week stint on the IL due to a torn meniscus, one of their biggest stars was taking a huge step in the right direction.

Francisco Lindor, who has been out since April 22 due to a left calf strain, was running at close to full speed in shallow right field ahead of Tuesday's series-opener against the Cardinals at Citi Field.

After getting his running in, Lindor took grounders at shortstop before getting in the cage for batting practice.

Speaking shortly after Lindor did his running, manager Carlos Mendoza said the plan is for Lindor to do a week of full baseball activity before assessing next steps. 

Mendoza noted that Lindor has yet to run the bases -- something that could possibly be his final hurdle before beginning a rehab assignment.

There was initially a bit of mystery surrounding Lindor's injury, with the team not disclosing the grade of the calf strain and not giving an estimate regarding his timeline.

By all indications, though, there was nothing going on beyond a calf injury that was simply more serious than the kind of strain Juan Soto was able to return from in roughly three weeks. 

After starting the season in an offensive funk, Lindor was heating up at the plate before getting hurt, hitting .286 in 14 games between April 7 and 22.

Overall this season, Lindor is slashing .226/.314/.355 with two homers, two doubles, and two triples in 24 games.

The Mets have had Lindor and Soto together in the lineup just 11 times this season -- something that could change in the next few weeks. 

Before the last two games, the Red Sox actually had a little thing going on the road where they won 10 out of 13 away from Fenway Park. After loses to the Yankees and Rays on Sunday and Monday though, they need to win tonight to keep any chance of a winning road trip alive.

On the mound to help them do that is Payton Tolle, who is coming off an excellent outing of six shutout innings against Baltimore. He’ll face off against Nick Martinez, who somehow has a 2.29 ERA this year in his age 35 season for the Rays after spending the bulk of his baseball career bouncing around between teams, starting and reliving roles, and even continents (he pitched in Japan for four years between 2018 and 2021).

If the Red Sox do manage to get a lead against him, they’ll have a little extra help in the late innings to hold things down as Garrett Whitlock is back in the bullpen:

The #RedSox today reinstated RHP Garrett Whitlock from the 15-Day Injured List. To make room, Boston optioned INF Anthony Seigler to Triple-A Worcester.

— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 9, 2026

Here’s today’s full lineups as we wait to see what new horrors this building has in store for us.

⚾️ First Pitch: 6:40pm — Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL

📺 TV: NESN

📻 Radio: WEEI

The Atlanta Braves are currently in Chicago to take on the White Sox but apparently that won’t be the only city that people should keep an eye on during this midweek series. In fact, you might want to keep an eye on what’s going on in Columbus, Georgia on Thursday in particular. That’s where Hurston Waldrep will be moving up from the FCL Braves to Double-A for another rehab start on his way back into action for the Atlanta Braves. Walt Weiss informed the media of this news in a pre-game presser and the Columbus Clingstones confirmed it via press release.

Waldrep is on his way to Columbus! 🤩

Hurtson Waldrep becomes first @Braves pitcher assigned to Columbus on a Major League rehab assignment & scheduled to start Thursday, June 11!

FULL INFO: https://t.co/7mYoQREo4Fpic.twitter.com/qOg2CeD5dQ

— Columbus Clingstones (@GoClingstones) June 9, 2026

Here’s more from the Clingstones’ announcement:

Waldrep, 24, was selected by Atlanta with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida. He made his Double-A debut with Mississippi later that season and owns a 3-5 record with a 2.88 ERA across 12 career starts at the Double-A level between 2023 and 2024.

Waldrep is continuing his Major League rehab assignment after making two starts in the Florida Complex League on June 1 and 6. He was placed on Atlanta’s 60-Day Injured List following successful surgery on his right elbow during Spring Training.

The right-hander becomes the first Atlanta Braves pitcher assigned to Columbus on a Major League rehab assignment and the second Braves player overall to rehab with the Clingstones, joining shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who appeared with Columbus from April 29 through May 3. 

Waldrep pitched two innings in each of his starts with the FCL Braves — he faced eight batters and walked two batters without giving up a run in his first outing on June 1 and then he followed that up five days later with another two innings where he gave up a run on two hits and three walks, while peppering a wild pitch in there as well. He did rack up four strikeouts during that second outing, so I’d imagine that the powers that be will be focusing more on the incremental progress rather than the results.

The main thing is that Waldrep hasn’t suffered any setbacks since returning from elbow surgery. As long as that continues then we could be seeing him pitch again for the Braves sooner rather than later. For now, it’s time for Waldrep to hopefully continue to get back into shape at the Double-A level (making his first appearance there since 2024) as he gets closer and closer to a potential return for the big-league Braves.

Here are the lineups for game two against the Blue Jays. Let’s discuss.

For the Phillies:

Back at it north of the border#RingTheBellpic.twitter.com/S9c7tw4gwU

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 9, 2026

For the Blue Jays:

Cease Day 💪 #BlueJays50

Get your tickets: https://t.co/MlcMQbWGsOpic.twitter.com/Fn5rWCdyoW

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 9, 2026

We are into the mandatory portion of the offseason and all is right.

Well, all are in attendance, but not all are actively participating.

As camp opened, Jacoby Brissett was seen with the other quarterbacks, observing, while he enjoyed the warm weather.

Jacoby Brissett off to the side as the other quarterbacks warm up at Arizona Cardinals mandatory minicamp @PHNX_Cardinalspic.twitter.com/QINDoO7Wwf

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) June 9, 2026

On the defensive side of the things, Josh Sweat did the same, although he was seen in conversation with Monti Ossenfort.

Josh Sweat and GM Monti Ossenfort chatting on the side at Arizona Cardinals mandatory minicamp @PHNX_Cardinalspic.twitter.com/LxIo75nCYA

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) June 9, 2026

So, for the Arizona Cardinals the question becomes… what are we doing here?

Brissett we know is holding-in for the contract he believes is deserved for a starter, what that is, no one really can pinpoint, but it is likely more than where they are right now.

Meanwhile, what the hell is Josh Sweat doing? Like, awesome that he is there, but what is happening? Why are you not participating in workouts and activities?

This whole offseason has highlighted the overall dysfunction of a franchise that is the losingest in all North American sports. What is happening?

Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound for the Dodgers in the middle game of the series against the Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Ohtani has allowed seven total runs (five earned) in his 10 starts, and in none of his 61 innings has allowed multiple runs. His 0.74 ERA is best in the majors among pitchers with at least 60 innings, and his 2.36 xERA ranks third.

Wednesday will be Ohtani’s first pitching appearance at PNC Park.

Jared Jones makes his third start of the season for the Pirates. The right-hander missed all of 2025 after an internal brace procedure to repair his torn UCL. Jones allowed five runs in his first game back against the Minnesota Twins on May 29, but last Thursday pitched five scoreless innings to beat the Houston Astros.

Wednesday game info

• Teams: Dodgers at Pirates
• Ballpark: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
• Time: 3:40 p.m. PT
• TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
• Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

The Jays officially activated Dylan Cease off the IL and sent Adam Macko back to Buffalo.

Macko pitched in 12 games for the Jays, with a 1.50 ERA. In 12 innings he had allowed 11 hits, 1 home run, 2 walks and 12 strikeouts. Batters hit .244/.282/.333 against him. I liked that he could throw more than an inning at a go. I am sure we’ll see him again.

Dylan Cease made 11 starts, before going on the IL, with a 3-3 record, and a 3.05 ERA. Batters hit .215/.302/.307 against him. I’m very happy to have him back and even more happy that we won’t be seeing ‘bullpen days’ so often. Spencer Miles can slot into a long relief role (along with Woods Richardson).

And Max Scherzer will be getting tomorrow’s start, with someone else getting moved out.

---

Alejandro Kirk is DHing for the Bisons tonight, he’s only a few days from being back.

---

Tonight’s lineups. The big news is Vlad hitting leadoff (and DHing). Springer gets a day off. I’ve said I’d like to see Vlad leading off for a while now. I hope he buys into the idea. Course, this doesn’t mean that he’ll be in that spot tomorrow.

Joe DeMayo and guest co-host Sal Licata deliver the latest episode of The Mets Pod, as the Mets come home from a west coast trip. 

Sal and Joe discuss the overall state of the team, the stalled rehab of Jorge Polanco, the emergence of Carson Benge, the slight steps forward for Bo Bichette, and the latest makeup of the starting rotation. 

Later, the guys go Down on the Farm for a status update on 2025 first-round draft pick Mitch Voit, and answer Mailbag questions about the development of A.J. Ewing, the bar for being buyers at the trade deadline, and the potential trade return for Freddy Peralta if the Mets decide to deal him away.

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

On Tuesday afternoon prior to starting their series against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field, the Colorado Rockies announced a series of roster moves. The most prominent of these moves has potentially seismic organizational implications.

The Rockies have selected the contract of top outfield and shortstop prospect Cole Carrigg (no. 4 PuRP), adding him to the 40-man roster and setting him up for his Major League debut. Carrigg will wear no. 16, last worn in 2025 by first baseman Blaine Crim. He is currently in tonight’s starting lineup, batting seventh in the order and playing in center field.

Carrigg, 24, was a second round pick in the 2023 draft out of San Diego State. With the Aztecs he was a true super-utility player, logging innings at every single position including both pitcher and catcher. However, he has been largely a center fielder and shortstop since joining the Rockies organization—with limited appearances behind the plate with the Arizona Complex League Rockies and Low-A Fresno Grizzlies in 2023.

The Rockies assigned Carrigg to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes to start the season after he spent all of 2025 with the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats.

Carrigg has quickly become a star in Albuquerque. Over 57 games with the Isotopes he has hit .338/.414/.529 with 15 doubles, five triples, six home runs, 42 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. Carrigg is among the Pacific Coast League leaders in multiple offensive categories, and has also drawn 27 walks to 39 strikeouts.

The Carrigg promotion comes shortly after Rockies President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta discussed prospect progress and potential promotions over the weekend.

To open a spot on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson has been designated for assignment.

Thompson, 31, was obtained via waiver claim from the Cincinnati Reds this off-season. While he performed well in Triple-A with a 3.34 ERA over 11 appearances—five of which were starts—and 19 strikeouts over 32.1 innings, he has struggled on the Rockies’ active roster. Thompson has posted a 8.25 ERA in five appearances and 12 innings of work.

In addition, the Rockies have recalled right-handed reliever Jeff Criswell from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Criswell, 27, had a promising debut in 2024 with a 2.75 ERA in 13 appearances and 27 strikeouts over 19.2 innings. However, he missed the entirety of the 2025 season after requiring Tommy John surgery.

In order to open another roster spot, outfielder Tyler Freeman has been placed on the 7-day concussion injured list.

Freeman, 27, was removed from Saturday’s contest against the Milwaukee Brewers after being hit in the head by a 98.2 MPH cutter thrown by pitcher Jacob Misiorowski.

The Rockies’ 40-man roster is currently full.

---

---

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

The Giants were one out away from a much-needed victory Monday night. Instead, they were left searching for answers after another late collapse.

San Francisco carried a 3-1 lead into the ninth inning against Washington before watching it disappear in a matter of minutes.

By the time the dust settled, the Nationals had scored three runs, handed the Giants a 4-3 loss, and reignited frustrations surrounding a bullpen that has repeatedly let games slip away this season.

Former Giants All-Star pitcher Shawn Estes defiantly refused to place the blame on reliever Keaton Winn.

Instead, he pointed directly at the decision-makers.

Speaking on NBC Sports Bay Area’s postgame show, Estes argued Winn never should have been on the mound after a taxing weekend in Chicago that included multiple appearances and extensive work.

Winn entered Monday having pitched in three consecutive games and thrown 41 pitches over the previous two days.

“The guy’s arm is tired,” Estes said. “You could tell in the ninth inning based on the mistakes he was making. I feel for the kid, I feel for him. He’s put in a tough position and now he’s going to get the blame for tonight’s game.”

Estes believed the answer was obvious: let ace Logan Webb finish what he started.

Webb dominated Washington for eight innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine. He exited after 99 pitches despite facing little resistance throughout the night.

“He’s your ace,” Estes said. “He’s the guy that can handle that.”

Manager Tony Vitello defended the move afterward, citing Winn’s experience in late-game situations.

Estes wasn’t buying it.

“I don’t want to be the ‘hindsight is 20-20’ guy, but it just seems like that last inning, it was, it was lost when the inning started, just based on how it was managed,” Estes said. “And I hate to say that, but like, that’s a win you got to have right there.”

The criticism didn’t stop there. Estes also questioned the Giants’ decision to pitch to Nationals star CJ Abrams after a passed ball created an open base situation with runners in scoring position. Abrams promptly delivered a game-tying two-run single.

The loss dropped San Francisco to 27-40 and overshadowed another brilliant outing from Webb.

For a team sitting toward the bottom of the National League standings, watching a winnable game unravel in familiar fashion has frustrations at a fever pitch.

---

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

The Milwaukee Brewers have, for the second time this season, signed one of their most promising prospects to a long-term extension. This time, it’s outfielder Luis Lara (ranked as a top-100 prospect by MLB Pipeline), who has enjoyed a significant offensive breakout with Triple-A Nashville this season. According to Jeff Passan, Lara has signed a seven-year deal worth $31 million that includes three option years that could bring the total to 10 years and $79 million. Lara’s deal follows an eight-year, $50 million agreement (plus two option years) signed by his Nashville teammate, shortstop Cooper Pratt, in early April.

Outfield prospect Luis Lara and the Milwaukee Brewers are in agreement on a seven-year, $31 million contract extension that includes three club options, sources tell ESPN. Lara, 21, has dominated Triple-A this season. Deal maxes out at $79 million.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 9, 2026

Lara, who doesn’t turn 22 until November, was signed for $1.1 million as part of Milwaukee’s international free agent class in 2022. The fleet-footed Lara has always been a good defensive outfielder and was viewed as a somewhat high-floor prospect because of that. As a hitter, though, there have always been questions. Lara has never been a bad hitter, as he’s had a wRC+ between 94 and 116 at each of his six minor league stops prior to this season.

But in 2026, Lara has exploded, particularly in the power department. After never having posted a slugging percentage higher than .385 at any level, Lara — against the most advanced pitching he’s ever face — is slugging .500 so far this season. He’d hit a total of 12 professional home runs in four years that covered over 1,700 plate appearances; this year he’s already got seven in 247. On the season, Lara is hitting .338/.447/.500 for a 155 wRC+, and it’s not that small a sample.

Given Lara’s hot start to the season and the struggles particularly of Sal Frelick and Blake Perkins, there have been calls from every corner of the internet for Lara to get the call. Even with the financial concerns now off the table, I still don’t see that happening anytime soon. As Pat Murphy noted earlier this season, they don’t want their big prospects to be riding the pine in the majors. That means that consistent playing time would likely require a demotion of sorts for Frelick. Frelick has struggled this season, but just last season he was a three-WAR player. Lara is also a switch-hitter, so a platoon situation doesn’t make as much sense for him as it might for some others.

In either case, Lara’s future in the Brewer organization is now secured. Along with Pratt, Milwaukee now has an infielder and an outfielder primed and ready with Triple-A Nashville in case of injury or a change in organizational direction in the major leagues.

We’ll have more on Lara coming this week.