The first part of this roster move, you already know, as the Cubs placed reliever Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list before Friday’s game with an oblique issue. Here’s how it happened (Bluesky link):
No roster move was made Friday, as this happened very close to game time, so the Cubs played Friday’s 12-4 win over the Mets one man short.
Today, the Cubs replaced Palencia on the 26-man active roster by calling up right-hander Corbin Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Martin last pitched for Iowa on Tuesday, a scoreless inning vs. Columbus. He will wear No. 38.
To make room for Martin on the 40-man roster, the Cubs placed Cade Horton on the 60-day injured list.
The bigger question is: Who’s going to close games in Palencia’s absence?
One choice might be Ben Brown, who can throw 98 miles per hour and who’s been pretty good in relief so far this year. Since allowing two runs in his first 2026 outing, Brown has a 2.38 ERA and 0.971 WHIP over his last five games with 11 strikeouts in 11.1 innings.
Caleb Thielbar might be another choice, though teams don’t often use left-handers as closers and Thielbar has just five career saves. This year Thielbar has a 3.00 ERA and 1.333 WHIP in seven games covering six innings, with eight strikeouts.
There aren’t many useful relievers in the team’s minor-league system at this time. Martin does have MLB experience (most recently with the Orioles last year, where he posted two saves) but I don’t think that’s the way Craig Counsell will go.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 14: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his solo home run with teammates during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ever since coming to Washington as one of the main headliners in the infamous Juan Soto trade from the San Diego Padres, Nationals’ shortstop CJ Abrams has been excruciatingly close to proving his worth as a franchise player.
The 25-year-old made his Major League debut in 2022 and has been a steady contributor for the Nats, averaging 3.4 Wins Above Replacement per season across 433 games from 2023-2025. Abrams has flashed superstar potential offensively, generating plenty of excitement among the fanbase about the player he could become. For all the success he’s had, however, consistency has remained a struggle; seemingly continuing to plateau and settle in the good-not-great tier.
The 2026 season is still in its earliest stages, but this may be the year that Abrams finally takes that offensive leap and transcends into a full-on star. He’s had hot stretches before, so why might this one be different?
He’s finally doing what Nats fans have been pleading with him to do since he arrived in the organization: pulling the ball in the air with authority. On the surface, there’s plenty to love with how Abrams has begun his 2026 campaign. In 77 plate appearances, he’s already racked up 1.2 bWAR, is slashing .371/.481/.710, and has smacked 6 home runs, 3 doubles, 19 Runs Batted In, and stolen 4 bases.
Just leaving it at that would do more than enough to justify the current hype surrounding Abrams, but digging deeper reveals even more reasons why this stretch may be sustainable long-term. Coming into 2026, he had seen slight year-to-year improvements in his Pull-Air%, climbing from 13.4% in 2022 to 22.2% in 2025. His upward trajectory was encouraging, but it still wasn’t enough to elevate his game to meet the expectations he came with.
Then comes 2026, where he’s clocked in at a whopping 26.4% to go along with career-highs in Average Exit Velo (92.1 MPH), Barrel% (13.2%), and Hard-Hit% (50.9), among others. On the flip side, he’s also working with a career low in K% at just 13.0%. Summing up all the data, a very simple conclusion is revealed for why he’s playing at such a high level:
Abrams is rarely getting punched out, and he’s pulling the ball in the air with more frequency and authority than he ever has.
His tools were never questioned, and his upside was always mouthwatering. Now, Abrams is doing exactly what he needs to do to be successful by tapping into his physical traits and getting out in front of the ball at a high clip. Through 18 games, he’s done nothing but pummel opposing pitchers into submission. He’s routinely peppering the ball to his pull side with a combination of raw power and timing that Nats fans hadn’t yet seen during his tenure,
If the Nationals want to work themselves out of their rebuild cycle and make a legitimate playoff push, whether this year or further into the future, they need foundational pieces. Abrams has been talked about as one for a while, and this year, he’s finally meeting the moment.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium on April 7, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The fact that this conversation is happening—even externally—is great news. The Yankees have a young, exciting, and highly talented player whose services they’d probably like to retain for a long time. This is not a luxury every organization has, obviously, and extending that relationship is something the Yankees should seriously consider with Cam Schlittler.
Extensions for budding young stars have been as relevant as ever in recent news cycles. Nineteen-year-old Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who just recently made his debut as the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball, signed a nine-year $140 million deal to remain in the Steel City until at least 2034. In Detroit, one of baseball’s other top prospects, 21-year-old Kevin McGonigle, inked a comparable eight-year $150 million contract with the Tigers. The Red Sox notably came to terms on a deal like that as well for the ascendant Roman Anthony in August 2025, extending him for eight years and $130 million. Those are some very early-career extensions given the amount of money they could be leaving on the table, but once you get well into nine figures, it’s hard to fault a guy for locking down generational wealth. Heck, Colt Emerson didn’t quite get nine figures from the Mariners, but a month ago, they put $95 million in front of a prospect who still has yet to debut, and he understandably agreed.
Although the amount and length likely won’t match the aforementioned contracts, the Yankees have a similar situation to consider with Schlittler. The 25-year-old delivered a promising half-season in his rookie campaign in 2025, and is now flourishing as a vital member of the Yankees rotation. In the early offing, Schlittler is already easily surpassing the already impressive numbers he posted last season—walks are down, K’s are up, and he hasn’t given up a homer since September 21st—so keeping him around for the long haul may quickly become a priority for the Yankees.
In relation to deals like the ones given to Griffin or McGonigle, the situation between Schlittler and the Yanks is different. He’s older than the two top prospects and more importantly, he’s not a position player. Although it’s certainly something both sides should look into, there are plenty of positives and negatives to consider regarding a possible extension for the righty.
The pros are clear and obvious: he is an excellent pitcher. Schlittler has made five starts thus far in 2026, and his 27.2 innings of work have been simply electric. His start on Friday against the Royals moved his ERA to a sparkling 1.95 on the season, and even more impressively, his FIP remains at an eye-popping 0.88, which leads the majors (as does his 1.0 BB/9). The stuff is excellent, and his early success on the mound only adds to the confidence in his four-pitch mix.
The positives don’t stop at his clear ability either, as unlike the rest of the current rotation, Father Time is still on his side in this regard. Schlittler only turned 25 in February, and his arrival is well-timed. If everyone’s health is in order, the Yankees have one of the league’s most talented starting groups. But in that core of multiple potential aces (Will Warren just isn’t at that level, and Luis Gil’s future is in complete jeopardy), Schlittler is the lone member on the right side of 30. Max Fried is 32, Carlos Rodón is 33, and Gerrit Cole will turn 36 in September. It is a very good group, but is not a particularly youthful one, so locking up a young gun with ace potential like Schlitter could be a timely move for the Yankees. That’s especially true if there are significant changes to free agent eligibility in the next CBA, which is certainly possible if these other extensions are canaries in the coal mine for slight changes in general front-office philosophy.
While there are plenty of pros here, a potential deal does not come without its risks. As mentioned, Schlittler’s pitcher-hood (for lack of a better term) adds some inherent risk over say, the shortstops that recently inked deals. Think of someone like the Rays’ Shane McClanahan, who didn’t actually sign a deal, but who showed all the potential in the world, only to miss more than two full seasons of action due to injury. Other arms like Spencer Strider, Lance McCullers Jr. and Cristian Javier have spent quite a bit of post-extension time on the shelf as well.
New York has also been burned in the past with extensions for young hurlers. Although it wasn’t the highest-stakes deal, after Luis Severino signed his four-year, $40 million extension prior to the 2019 season, he went on to throw 18 total innings in a three-year span, before returning to results that ranged from so-so to bad. While that’s just one case, it is a clear example of the risk involved in locking down a young pitcher. One day they are the future of the franchise, and the next they can be a non-factor for years. Also, assuming that the next CBA doesn’t alter free agency too much—for all the talks, the status quo is the safer bet as a rule—then Schlittler wouldn’t hit the open market until after 2031, his age-30 season. The Yankees might prefer to just ride it out in that regard.
There is always risk involved when signing a young player with minimal experience, and pitching a baseball at close to 100 mph is risky business. But, the Yankees will have a decision to make at some point or another, and with other extensions being handed out to young phenoms, there’s a chance it’s something that comes up sooner rather than later. There’s plenty to consider with a deal like this, and even with the risk it poses, the top-shelf upside Schlittler has already shown and his possible importance to the future of the franchise is impossible to ignore.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 26: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros bats in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Daikin Park on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bryan Abreu’s struggles continued last night, and the Astros lost their second straight game at home in a 9-4 defeat at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park.
Bryan Abreu entered the game last night with the Astros down 4-3 in the 7th inning. 16 pitches later, the game was 7-3 and effectively over.
Abreu allowed 3 runs in his single inning of work, allowing a walk and 2 hits, including a 3-run home run to Nolan Gorman. Gorman entered the game hitting .208 with a paltry .611 OPS. He had not homered since March 30, and was in the midst of a 2 for 18 slump.
Abreu’s velocity continues to be a problem, as it is not only 2 MPH slower on average (97.3MPH in 2025, 95.4 MPH in 2026 per Statcast/Baseball Savant), but the velocity continues to be inconsistent pitch to pitch. Abreu’s fastball ranged from 96.4 on the high end (resulted in HR) to 94.7 on the low end (fly ball to right). The slowest one was his final fastball he threw.
Abreu’s slider has not been impacted velocity-wise, as his average slider last season was 86.5 MPH and this season it is 87.1 MPH.
Abreu’s command has also been off significantly this season. He threw only 8 of his 16 pitches last night for strikes, and has walked 13 batters in 7.1 IP this season. Last night, he walked Jordan Walker on 4 straight sliders, 3 of which weren’t close. He then threw 3 straight fastballs to Gorman, 2 of which were similar eye level. The second of those was hammered for a home run.
Houston called up Peter Lambert to start the game for them due to their rash of injuries, and Lambert gave them a decent performance. He was able to get through 5 innings, which has been an accomplishment for Astros’ starters.
Of note, Lambert generated a lot of swings and misses:
Peter Lambert in his first Astros start: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 8 K. 90 pitches, 62 strikes. He induced 23 whiffs on 49 swings. That is the most whiffs for an Astros pitcher in a game this season and ties the most any of their starters had in a game last season (Framber Valdez).
He allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, walked 1 and struck out 8. The 1 walk and 8 strikeouts were strong points. He also hit 2 batters. However, he gave them 5 innings, which the team desperately needed. He left trailing 4-3, but he gave the team a chance to compete and win.
Abreu removed that chance in the 7th.
Down 3-0 in the third, the Astros would answer with a pair of solo homers:
Christian Vazquez continued his torrid start at the plate:
Vazquez is now hitting .400 on the season with an 1.171 OPS. While certainly not sustainable, it should earn him more playing time over the struggling Yainer Diaz (.186 AVG, .476 OPS, -0.4 WAR). Vazquez’ defensive superiority has been evident as well.
Alvarez is now batting .333 with a 1.229 OPS, hitting like the monster at the plate that he is.
After the Cardinals added a run in the fourth, Jose Altuve got the Astros another run in the 5th:
Altuve’s 3rd HR of the season got Houston back to within 4-3. Altuve is now batting .293 with an .897 OPS, looking more like the Jose Altuve fans have come to expect over the last several seasons after struggling somewhat while playing through injury in 2025.
J.P. France pitched the 8th and 9th innings, allowing a 2-run home run. Taylor Trammell had an RBI single in the 8th off old friend Ryne Stanek to score the Astros final run at 9-4.
With the loss, the Astros are now 8-13, tied for last place in the AL West with the Seattle Mariners. They are 3.5 games behind the division-leading Texas Rangers.
NOTES: Joey Loperfido left the game last night due to right quad tightness. He appeared to suffer the injury running to first base on a groundout in the bottom of the 6th. He was replaced by Brice Matthews.
Isaac Paredes also left the game last night. Manager Joe Espada said after the game that his “legs weren’t feeling good” after he ran down a foul pop. Shay Whitcomb replaced him in the 8th.
The New York Yankees continue their weekend series against the Kansas City Royals this afternoon, who look to snap a five-game losing streak.
Kansas City’s offense has been virtually non-existent during the skid, and I don’t see that changing today in my Royals vs. Yankees prediction.
Read the full analysis below in my MLB picks for Saturday, April 18.
Who will win Royals vs Yankees today: Yankees moneyline (-170)
The Kansas City Royals have been abysmal at the plate this season, ranking 29th in runs scored (67) and 26th in team batting average (.219).
The visitors enter Saturday with a 2-8 record over their last 10 games while scoring two runs or fewer in eight of those outings.
New York Yankees starter Will Warren won’t make things easy on the Royals today, either. The right-hander has a stingy 2.45 ERA over his first four outings, holding opponents to two earned runs in three of four games.
The Yankees will get it done at home today.
COVERS INTEL:Aaron Judge has an MLB-best five home runs over the last seven days while riding a six-game hit streak.
Royals vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-110)
The Royals (70%; 1st) and Yankees (55.6%; t-4th) have been cashing the Under more than almost anyone in the MLB this year. Kansas City has hit the Under in six of its last eight, while New York has done so in three of four.
Royals starter Noah Cameron has also been solid with a 3.94 ERA, allowing just one earned run in two of his three outings, but it's Kansas City’s offense (or lack thereof) that’ll keep this one Under 8.5 runs.
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 0-0
Over/Under bets: 0-0
Royals vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Kansas City +144 | New York -150
Run line: Kansas City +1.5 (-138) | New York -1.5 (+133)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-122) | Under 8.5 (+117)
Royals vs Yankees trend
New York has won nine straight head-to-head meetings vs. Kansas City. Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Yankees.
How to watch Royals vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
Royals.TV, YES
Royals starting pitcher
Noah Cameron (1-0, 3.94 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Will Warren (1-0, 2.46 ERA)
Royals vs Yankees latest injuries
Royals vs Yankees 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.
Jorge Polanco | (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Mets have placed Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list, and the team’s official reason for doing so is the right wrist contusion that arose recently. The 32-year-old, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Mets shortly after Pete Alonso signed a five-year deal with the Orioles, had also been dealing with an Achilles issue that kept him out of the lineup multiple times.
At the time of his signing, the Mets indicated that they intended to play Polanco at first base, a position he had never played, on a regular basis. But after just two games there to start the season, he stopped playing the field, as the Achilles issue came about quickly.
There’s still plenty of time for Polanco to bounce back at the plate if he can get fully healthy, even if the Statcast metrics don’t look super encouraging at the moment. In 61 plate appearances this season, he’s hit .179/.246/.286 with a 53 wRC+ and been worth -0.3 fWAR.
As for his replacement on the active roster, the Mets are calling up catcher Hayden Senger. Presumably, that’ll mean that Francisco Alvarez—the standout position player of the early portion of this season—will have the opportunity to get more plate appearances as the Mets’ designated hitter on days he isn’t catching. If Senger does get some starts behind the plate, though, he’s been on fire in Triple-A Syracuse to start the season, as he’s hit five home runs with a .257/.316/.714 line in 38 plate appearances.
Jorge Polanco is officially hitting the injured list.
The Mets placed the infielder on the 10-day IL with a wrist contusion prior to Saturday's game against the Cubs.
Carlos Mendoza said it looked as if he was hit by a pitch at first, but the injury actually occurred while taking some swings against Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Tuesday night's loss.
Trainers didn't think much of it at the time, but it got worse the next day, so they sent him for testing.
Polanco will now be forced to the sidelines without a timeline for his return.
While this is a big blow for the Mets' lineup, it does give the veteran an opportunity to fully heal from the Achilles injury that's been bugging him since the second game of the season.
Polanco is said to have been making good progress on that front, but he was visibly hobbled on the basepaths and had gotten off to a slow start at the plate, with just four of his 10 hits going for extra bases.
He has also been limited to strictly DH duties since that opening series against the Pirates.
In a corresponding move, Hayden Senger has been recalled from Syracuse.
Adding a third catcher allows the Mets to be aggressive with Luis Torrens off the bench and keep Francisco Alvarez's bat in the lineup on an everyday basis, whether it's at DH or behind the plate.
Senger has also gotten off to a nice start with Syracuse, lifting six XBHs over his first 12 games.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Will Bush #88 of the Houston Astros poses for a photo during Houston Astros Photo Day at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 18, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below.
AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (11-7) won 12-6 (BOX SCORE)
Sugar Land opened the game with a big first inning scoring 7 runs on a Perez 3 run homer, Biggers 2 run homer, Unroe solo home run and Nelson RBI double. They got another in the 2nd inning on a Price RBI single. Ullola got the start and allowed 3 runs over 4 innings of work. The offense added 2 more runs in the 6th on an Unroe RBI single and Chaver groundout. In the 8th, Unroe added an RBI double and Nelson added an RBI single to extend the lead. The bullpen allowed a few runs but was able to close out the 12-6 win.
Miguel Ullola, RHP: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Sam Carlson, RHP: 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K (WIN)
Logan VanWey, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Hudson Leach, RHP: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Tom Cosgrove, LHP: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (7-6) won 10-3 (BOX SCORE)
The Hooks jumped out to an early lead scoring 5 runs in the first inning on a Bush solo home run, Ferreras 3 run home run and a run on w wild pitch. McPherson got the start and went 4.1 innings allowing 3 runs. The offense added on 4 more runs in the 5th on a Janek RBI double and Austin 3 run home run. In the 6th, Bush added another run on an RBI single. The Hooks pen was great tossing 4.2 scoreless innings as they closed out the win.
Smith started for Asheville and turned in a quality start allowing 3 runs over 6 innings while striking out 7. He was relieved by Wohlgemuth who struggled allowing 5 runs over 1.1 innings. The offense got on the board in the 7th inning on a Call solo HR, Holy RBI double and a run on an error. They got one more in the 8th on a Shciavone solo home run but it wasn’t enough as Asheville fell 8-4.
A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (3-10) won 7-2 (BOX SCORE)
The Woodpeckers got on the board in the first inning on a Wakefield RBI double. Wakefield added another run in the 3rd on a groundout. Pecko started for the Woodpeckers and was great tossing 3 scoreless innings while striking out 8. Pentecost relieved Pecko and pitched well striking out 8 over 5 innings allowing 2 runs. The Woodpeckers took the lead in the 7th on an Ochoa solo HR and in the 8th, Huezo added a run on a solo home run of his own. In the 9th, Neyens connected on a 3 run HR to extend the lead. Rosario tossed a scoreless 9th to close it out as the Woodpeckers won 7-2.
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 20: Franklin Arias #65 of the Boston Red Sox bats during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Jake Bennett, who had his start derailed by a day due to rain, continues his hot start to 2026. He now has 16 1/3 innings with just one run earned, and continued that with three innings of shutout ball. However, neither that or the okay relief work was enough to propel Worcester to a win in Nashville (Brewers AAA). The WooSox had seven base runners all afternoon and only got some runs on the board via some singles courtesy of two-thirds of their outfield, Nate Eaton and Kristian Campbell. Eaton had two knocks of his own, but the WooSox had no lead enough built up; Devin Sweet let a lead turned into a tie, and Luis Guerrero let the go-ahead run in. Well, maybe there’d be more luck in game two of the double-header?
No, it’s not de ja vu, it’s not a typo. This game was also a 4-2 loss by Worcester, and the starting pitcher also went three scoreless innings, and the bullpen also struggled. Vinny Capra also hit an RBI. An outfielder hit another RBI. Man, a lot of similarities between these two games… huh… still, Worcester has now lost four straight.
Friday’s game in Altoona (Pirates AA) was a loss following a less-than-fulfilling Double-A debut by Jay Allmer and Dalton Rogers allowing five walks in 4 1/3 innings.
The loss is unimportant in the grand scheme, though. It’s time to start having a conversation about the trajectory of Franklin Arias’ 2026 season. After initially finding every way but home runs to get on base, he now has three home runs in a week. His OPS has now climed back above 1.5, and he emerges as a real option for a promotion, not just to Worcester, but eventually to the show before the end of the season. He has the same batting average as about three members of the lineup combined, and provides defensive stability, having just one error on the season so far. Worcester’s infield consists of some guys with experience who can aid younger guys like Mikey Romero and Arias along. He’s also still just 20, so there’s plenty of growth to continue for the team’s number two prospect. And, oh yeah, the homer was a BOMB to straightaway center:
WE GOT 3 HOMERS IN 3 GAMES FOR FRANKLIN ARIAS!
The added strength looks to be really paying off. He had 8 total homers in 2025. His stock seems like it’s about to transform… pic.twitter.com/bS0Z61JAOL
It took extra innings for the farm to have their lone winner, but, like their Major League counterparts, the Drive walked it off. This one had quite a bit more offense, though. Kyson Witherspoon started things off with a 4 1/3 innings outing where he allowed three runs on five hits and two walks, and from there the rest of the night was about avoiding facing Bowling Green (Rays High-A) center fielder Connor Husjak, who had four hits on the night. The Drive enjoyed two home runs on the night, but the most important moment of the night came on a sacrifice fly by Adonis Guzman following a Freili Encarnacion lead-off single to start the 10th. It was ugly, but a win is a win.
Salem, like Worcester, has now lost four consecutive games. It’s tough to win games when the starting pitcher allows two home runs in four innings, but, as those two long balls were half of the total hits he allowed, matters could have been a lot worse… such as when the next reliever came in and allowed three more runs on four walks. Salem had two home runs of their own, also in the early going, the first two innings, but simply didn’t have the offense when it counted, having just four chances to knock runs in on the night and only converting once. Following a hot start, Salem is now 7-6.
I need to make an Arias pun here to shift focus back onto his amazing start to 2026, so have a Frankl-y-uhhhhh-in amazing Saturday!
The Royals’ early-season story is starting to take shape — and it’s a mix of promise, frustration, and big questions.
In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy “Hokius” Greco break down the Kansas City Royals’ recent performance against the Detroit Tigers, focusing on the team’s offensive inconsistencies, bullpen volatility, and overall outlook. While flashes of production from hitters like Vinnie Pasquantino and the rising impact of Jac Caglianone provide optimism, the Royals’ struggles in low-scoring games highlight how thin the margin for error has been.
The discussion takes a deeper look at the bullpen’s recent instability, where rotating struggles among relievers and potential injury concerns have complicated late-game management. On the positive side, the hosts highlight encouraging signs from veterans like Michael Wacha, whose underlying metrics suggest he may be outperforming expectations, and preview a key upcoming start from Noah Cameron as the Royals face the New York Yankees.
Beyond Kansas City, the episode explores a major development across MLB: the potential record-breaking sale of the San Diego Padres, which could reshape league economics, influence payroll expectations, and impact future labor discussions. The hosts also provide updates on the ongoing Kansas City stadium situation, examining the latest developments in funding discussions and what it could mean for the franchise and community.
Mets fans, if you don’t already know Jack Wenninger, you may want to start to.
The right-handed pitching prospect quietly put together a tremendous showing in Double-A last season, posting a 2.92 ERA and finishing second to Jonah Tong in the Eastern League with 147 strikeouts.
He also impressed in the Spring Breakout game and his three outings in big-league camp.
Wenninger was bumped up to Triple-A for the first time in his career to begin this year, and thus far he’s been able to carry over that success to the new level.
The 24-year-old was extremely effective again on Friday, holding Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to just one run on a Spencer Jones homer while striking out five batters over 5.1 innings.
He now has a 1.26 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 15 K’s over his first three starts.
Wenninger, the No. 8 prospect in the system, may not project as a top of the rotation starter, but he gives SNY’s Joe DeMayo the feel of a high-floor No. 4 guy.
According to DeMayo, his deep arsenal includes a fastball that touches 97 mph, a swing-and-miss splitter, a cutter, sinker, gyro slider, and he’s also thrown a curveball at times.
Wenninger isn’t the only Syracuse arm who has been dealing of late, as Christian Scott has also put together back-to-back terrific outings after a rough first start of the season.
With both Kodai Senga and David Peterson struggling to find their footing, perhaps there could be an opening for one of the young arms to join the big league rotation in the near future.
Senga has given up two homers in each of his last two outings, allowing a whopping 13 runs (12 earned) on 14 hits and five walks with just six strikeouts over 5.2 innings.
He’s now up to an ugly 8.83 ERA and 1.90 WHIP on the year.
Peterson actually lowered his ERA his last time out against the Dodgers, but he still wasn't effective and is sitting at a mark of 6.41 through his first four starts.
The top three have been very solid to this point, but the Mets are going to need much better pitching performances from the bottom of the rotation as they look to turn things around.
We have a busy Saturday across the big leagues, and that means lots of opportunities for baseballs to leave the yard.
My MLB player props and home run analysis will include Aaron Judge, Ian Happ, and Jordan Walker.
Read all about it in my MLB picks for Saturday, April 18.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Aaron Judge
+220
Ian Happ
+590
Jordan Walker
+520
💲Today's HR parlay
+13589
Aaron Judge (+220)
Aaron Judge may be hitting just .240, but his power numbers are already heading in the right direction.
The reigning AL MVP has clubbed eight home runs in 20 games. He’s gone deep in two of his last three contests, and although he was kept in the yard on Friday, Judge still smacked a double.
The New York Yankees face the Kansas City Royals again today, and Judge will face Noah Cameron. He’s 1-for-3 against the left-hander with a long ball.
Cameron has surrendered two homers already, and Judge has gone deep four times off southpaws in 2026.
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Royals.TV, YES
Ian Happ (+590)
Ian Happ is a player with pop in his bat, going deep 20+ times in each of the last three seasons. He’s on track for a fourth in ‘26, clubbing five home runs through the first few weeks.
Happ will be looking forward to today's matchup against New York Mets righty Freddy Peralta.
While he’s only 4-for-37 off Peralta, three of those hits have been bombs. He left Wrigley in the series opener on Friday, and Happ has three homers off right-handed pitchers.
Peralta has had trouble with the long ball too, surrendering three in just four starts.
Time: 2:20 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNY, MARQ
Jordan Walker (+520)
Jordan Walker has been a pleasant surprise for the St. Louis Cardinals early on. The slugger also has eight home runs, and he’s hitting .316.
The 23-year-old has gone yard three times in his last six contests, and tonight’s matchup profiles to be a clear chance to keep smack No. 9.
The Cards are up against Houston Astros righty Lance McCullers Jr. He’s struggling, posting a 5.87 ERA through three starts.
While McCullers has only allowed one homer, the short porch in left in Houston undoubtedly plays in Walker’s favor. He’s in the midst of a 12-game hitting streak as well.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Cardinals.TV, SCHN
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 4-17, -2.32 units
Today’s HR parlay
Aaron Judge
Bet Now +13589
Ian Happ
Jordan Walker
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.
DENVER –– This time a year ago, Tyler Glasnow failed a bad-weather test.
On April 6 of last season, the Dodgers right-hander was rolling right along through the first two innings of a start at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies.
But then a rainstorm moved in, Glasnow lost his composure, and he failed to record an out in what became a disastrous five-run meltdown.
Such moments marred much of Glasnow’s first two seasons with the Dodgers. He would flash otherworldly potential. He would look like one of the game’s best pitchers. Then something would go wrong –– be it a mechanical flaw, a lack of feel for his throw, or outside factors like a late-spring shower amid a hostile Philadelphia crowd –– and suddenly, the $136.5 million starter would spiral into uncharacteristic form.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (31) delivers a pitch n the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
That’s why his outing Friday night in Denver against the Rockies was so important.
The competition wasn’t daunting, but the environment sure was.
He was making his first career start in the pitching torture chamber known as Coors Field. He was doing it on a day when snow fell for much of the afternoon, leaving the playing surface far from pristine. And when first pitch arrived, the 35-degree temperature marked the lowest on record in Dodgers’ franchise history.
They were all built-in excuses.
But in seven innings of one-run ball, Glasnow didn’t need them.
Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Colorado rockies during the first inning at Coors Field on April 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images
He worked around walks in the first and third innings. He didn’t give up his first hit until the bottom of the fourth. After that, he retired 11 batters in a row as the Dodgers pulled away for an eventual 7-1 victory. He finished with seven strikeouts and no moments of discernible stress.
“I think just feeling good was helpful,” Glasnow said afterward. “On days you feel bad, [the conditions] might affect you a little bit more. But I think today, I just felt good.”
The injuries that repeatedly derailed his 2024 and 2025 seasons were behind him. The mechanical tweaks he made in search of better health had finally sunk in.
All camp, he talked about throwing “free and easy,” and taking an “external” mindset on the mound that allowed him to simply compete.
As manager Dave Roberts put it before Friday’s game, “he’s a different person for me” compared to a year prior.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (31) walks off the mound in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
“Some of the things that he can control, he’s really manning right now and got a handle on,” Roberts said. “I think he’s grown exponentially. So I don’t see these that conditions are gonna affect him today.”
If anything, Glasnow joked the cold almost helped him.
“I’m usually super hot and sweaty,” he said, “so it was almost kind of nice.”
Just one more example of his growing self-assurance –– one the Dodgers hope has him primed for a career-best campaign.
“I think in years past, things affected him. He’ll admit that,” Roberts said. “I think right now where he’s at, he’s just put the blinders on and he’s performed. For us, that’s really good to see.”
Indeed, Glasnow acknowledged “I definitely feel different this year compared to last year,” noting that there were times in 2025 that “I just didn’t really feel like myself” as he worked through mechanical tweaks.
“When you pitch a certain way for so long, and then you switch up so many things, you just kind of feel in unfamiliar territory,” he said.
But finally, he and pitching coaches Mark Prior and Connor McGuiness found something leading into the playoffs.
They adjusted Glasnow’s lower-body alignment. They suggested a mental cue in the way he lets his glove arm lead his throw. And then they watched in October as he took the changes and ran with them, turning in a 1.69 ERA during the team’s World Series run.
Ever since, Glasnow’s confidence has only been amplified. His ability to be “freer” and “more athletic” on the mound has steadily improved.
“I can focus on what I need to focus on,” he said.
Like attacking with his lively 96 mph fastball. Dropping gravity-defying curveballs when he gets ahead in the count. And mixing in the occasional slider and even sinker, a pitch he has added back to his arsenal since arriving in Los Angeles.
With Friday’s gem, Glasnow now has a 3.24 ERA with 29 strikeouts and only six walks in his first four starts this season. Roberts believes those numbers –– while still plenty excellent –– should be even better, insisting they belie the consistent dominance he has shown for much of the year.
If his conquering of Coors Field was any indication, in short time they likely will be.
Where Glasnow melted down in the past, this time he aced his test among the snow.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 17: Brandon Nimmo #24 of the Texas Rangers rounds the bases after his solo home run during the first inning Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, LSB.
The Rangers and Jacob deGrom held the Mariners scoreless last night in a 5-0 win.
Evan Grant writes that the Rangers made a statement with their first Seattle shutout in nearly four years.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gestures to his dugout after hitting an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning at Chase Field on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Diamondbacks News
Soroka and Arenado Lead Complete Win Over Jays Michael Soroka continued his unlikely start to the season, allowing only two runs across seven innings. Nolan Arenado hit another home run as he continued to show signs of his bat warming up. The rest of the team chipped in timely hits and a bit of fortunate defending. Sewald pitched possibly his least stressful save of the season thus far. The result was Arizona taking the first of the series against last year’s World Series team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Could Return this Weekend THe recovering left fielder started for the AA Amarillo Sod Poodles yesterday. Depending on how things look this morning, the 26-man roster may see his return to the lineup to give an already winning team a much-needed boost.
Angels All-Star Outfielder, Garret Anderson at 53 Garret Anderson, the multitalented outfielder who became the Los Angeles Angels’ career hits leader and led the team to its only World Series title in 2002, has died at age 53, the Angels announced.
Can Extensions Go Too Far? One of the less talked about big stories of the early 2026 season is the number of big-time extensions handed out to big prospects, even before reaching the Majors. But are some of these pseudo-mega-deals going too far? A likely answer will be found with the Chicago Cubs and PCA.
Seidler Family Nearing Deal To Sell Padres To José E. Feliciano The deal values the Padres franchise at close to $3.9 billion, which would shatter the previous record for a big league franchise in a sale. Steve Cohen’s $2.4 billion purchase of the Mets in 2020 currently stands as the record. You simply are not going to convince me that MLB is not growing financially by leaps and bounds as these sorts of figures factor into the upcoming CBA talks.
COVERS INTEL:
Aaron Judge
Ian Happ
Jordan Walker
