May 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran (20) reacts with second baseman Justin Foscue (14) after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Grant also writes that the Rangers have a golden opportunity this weekend against the crappy Angels.
MLB Pipeline lists a pleasantly surprising prospect from every team, and I have indeed been pleasantly surprised with the Rangers pick.
And finally former Ranger Marcus Semien is the coverboy of Jim Bowden’s piece on struggling MLB veterans. Woof.
That’s all for this morning. The Rangers start up a series against the lowly Angels at the weirdly specific time of 8:38 tonight. Jacob deGrom pitches for Texas.
Columbus Clippers Travis Bazzana (12) throws the ball to first base during home opener at Huntington Park on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
George Valera also reached base safely three times, going 2-for-3 with a double and a walk while Angel Genao went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk.
Starting pitcher Austin Peteson allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits with four strikeouts and two walks in 5.1 innings.
The bullpen was terrific. Daniel Espino struck out two in 0.2 scoreless innings. Will Dion pitched 2.0 scoreless frames and Jake Miller struck out two in a scoreless frame.
Thursday was a pitching duel between Khal Stephen and former Guardians prospect Alex Clemmey. Clemmey struck out 11 batters, but made one mistake, an RBI double to Alfonsin Rosario, who went 1-for-2 with two walks and three stolen bases. No one else reached base safely twice.
Stephen was excellent, tossing 5.0 scoreless innings with five hits allowed while striking out four and walking one.
Adam Tulloch added a scoreless inning while Carter Rustad pitched 2.0 scoreless frames out of relief and Magnus Ellerts finished off the shutout with a scoreless inning to earn his second save.
Lake County once again got excellent hitting and pitching in another blowout of Lansing. Something appears to be in the water east of the Captains lately.
Leading the way was Dean Curley, who went 2-for-3 with a grand slam and a walk.
WE'RE FEELING GRAND!! 💣
Dean Curley blasts a grand slam to left field to give the Captains a six-run lead! pic.twitter.com/R1deAB9o34
No one had an extra base hit, but Steven Cruz went 2-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base while scoring two of the three runs for the ACL Guardians on Thursday.
Starting pitcher Edelvis Perez allowed one run in 4.0 innings on three hits. He danced around five walks while striking out four.
MINNEAPOLIS - APRIL 22: Liz Phair performs at First Avenue Nightclub in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 22, 1995. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hickory starter Aidan Deakins struck out four in six innings, allowing one homer and two runs.
Paulino Santana homered. Yolfran Castillo had a hit and a stolen base. Marcos Torres was 2 for 4 with a double. Josh Springer had a hit and a walk.
Hub City starter J’Briell Easley struck out seven and walked one in three shutout, no hit innings. Brock Porter struck out three and walked two in 4.1 IP, allowing one run. Joey Danielson struck out one and walked one in 1.1 scoreless innings.
Paxton Kling doubled. Gleider Figuereo had a pair of hits and a stolen base. Malcolm Moore and Yeison Morrobel each had a hit.
Dalton Pence started for Frisco, allowing three runs in 5.1 IP, striking out five. Ryan Lobus struck out two and walked two in 1.1 IP, allowing one run. Bryan Magdaleno walked two and struck out one in 0.1 IP, allowing one run.
Round Rock starter David Davalillo struggled with his command again, walking five and throwing a wild pitch in five innings, striking out four and allowing two runs. Luis Curvelo walked one, struck out one and gave up two runs in an inning. Alexis Diaz struck out one and walked one in a scoreless inning. Ryan Brasier struck out two in 1.1 scoreless innings. Emiliano Teodo struck out one in 1.2 IP without allowing a run.
Aaron Zavala doubled twice. Cam Cauley had a hit and two stolen bases.
Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees host the Rays at Yankee Stadium for a three-game series starting Friday...
5 things to watch
Cole returns
The biggest event going into this series is the return of Gerrit Cole.
This will be the first time Cole pitches in an MLB game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, and he can give the rotation a spark. With Max Fried on the IL and Carlos Rodon still finding his way back to form from his own IL stint, Cole can set the tone for the weekend.
Cole made six starts in the minors between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A and has been solid. He pitched to a 4.66 ERA, but what was most encouraging was Cole's final rehab start. Pitching in Triple-A, Cole allowed one run on six hits and one walk across 5.1 innings and struck out six -- and his velocity was nearing 100 mph.
Bottom of the order woes
This has been a persistent problem for most of the season, but especially of late with Jose Caballero on the IL.
The bottom of the Yankees order has been a black hole. Anthony Volpe, Ryan McMahon and Austin Wells are a combined 10-for-63 with one home run and six RBI in their last seven games.
Wells, especially, has struggled. He's in a 2-for-22 rut with one walk and 11 strikeouts. He is slugging just .252 this season and has only three home runs in 38 games.
J.C. Escarra hasn't been much better as a catching option, but manager Aaron Boone may make the position a true platoon this weekend. Escarra started Thursday's series finale with the Blue Jays and two of the four games in the series.
Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe
Caballero is adamant that he'll need the minimum 10 days before be reactivated from the IL, and gives the club an interesting choice to make. Will the Yanks option Volpe back to the minors? Boone said that shortstop was Caballero's when he returned but Volpe's play has raised the question of whether it's worth keeping him on the roster.
Apr 13, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero (72) follows through on a two run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Yankee Stadium / John Jones-Imagn Images
Since his call-up, Volpe is slashing .217/.400/.304 with an OPS of .704. While he hasn't gone yard, his plate discipline looks much improved over last season and his defense has impressed.
Volpe does not have the versatility that Caballero does, and if the Yankees are looking for some offense from the left side of the infield, there's a world where Volpe stays at short and Caballero starts at third base. Caballero has played 83 games at the hot corner, and could be a nice right-handed complement to the left-handed hitting McMahon.
Judge in a slump
Playing under the radar in recent days is Aaron Judge. The two-time MVP has just four hits in his last seven games with no home runs -- he hasn't homered in his last 10 games. In the four-game series against the Blue Jays, Judge went 1-for-15 with no extra-base hits and eight strikeouts.
The offense goes as Judge goes and they'll need him against a Rays staff that entered Friday's game sixth in MLB with a 3.57 ERA.
Here's who the Yankees are expected to face this weekend:
Nick Martinez: 1.51 ERA
Drew Rasmussen: 3.19 ERA
Shane McClanahan: 2.82 ERA
All three starters have been awesome to start the season, and Judge needs to get going to help a lineup that is not getting anything from the bottom of the order.
Clawing back into AL East contention
The Yankees enter the three-game series 4.5 games behind the Rays for first place in the AL East.
This weekend is also important for potential tiebreaker situations later in the season. The Rays swept a three-game series in Tampa back in mid-April, so the Yanks want to try and even up the season series. Considering the head-to-head with the Blue Jays last season cost the Yankees the division, they'll want to avoid a similar fate.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Ben Rice
The young slugger continues his tear.
Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?
Gerrit Cole
Even not knowing who the Yankees will deploy on Saturday and Sunday, Cole is rested and will be impressive against the AL East rivals.
Which Rays player will be a thorn in the Yankees' side?
Junior Caminero
Caminero is the best player on the team and it'll be difficult to get him out this weekend.
Two slumping teams meet tonight at Camden Yards as the Detroit Tigers visit the Baltimore Orioles for the first of a three-game set. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.
My Tigers vs. Orioles predictions are targeting Baltimore to hand Detroit their seventh straight loss behind Chris Bassitt's excellence at home.
Who will win Tigers vs Orioles today: Orioles moneyline (-126)
Detroit Tigers SP Jack Flahertysports a poor 5.70 ERA, with a 14.1% walk rate, through 10 starts — and opponents are hitting .295 against him when he's on the road.
The Baltimore Orioles lineup has also had success vs. the righty, hitting .308 across 26 at-bats. Pete Alonso alone is 3-for-6.
As for the O's, Chris Bassitt gets the baseball, and he's compiled a 2.91 ERA across four appearances at home. To put that into perspective, his ERA sits above eight on the road.
The Tigers are struggling immensely at the dish right now, scoring just eight runs in their previous series with the Guardians.
Tigers vs Orioles Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-106)
It's rarely high-scoring when the Tigers and Orioles clash. Six of the last seven meetings have comfortably cashed the Under.
Detroit and Baltimore have both hit the Under in seven of their last 10.
While the pitching matchup could mean offense, I'm focused on Bassitt's impressive form at Camden Yards.
He's looked like a completely different pitcher in front of the O's faithful, and he's coming up against a Tigers lineup that looks utterly hopeless at the moment.
Detroit ranks 28th in the big leagues in runs scored, while the O's are 16th.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 15-11, +4.72 units
Over/Under bets: 15-11, +2.09 units
Tigers vs Orioles odds
Moneyline: Tigers +117 | Orioles -122
Run line: Tigers +1.5 (-178) | Orioles -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+104) | Under 8.5 (-108)
Tigers vs Orioles trend
The Orioles have hit the Under in 10 of their last 13 games (+7.70 Units / 54% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Orioles.
How to watch Tigers vs Orioles and game info
Location
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
Date
Friday, May 22, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
Apple TV
Tigers starting pitcher
Jack Flaherty (0-5, 5.77 ERA)
Orioles starting pitcher
Chris Bassitt (3-3, 5.44 ERA)
Tigers vs Orioles latest injuries
Tigers vs Orioles 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.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 20, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Over the course of the first 50 games of the season, Andy Pages has emerged as the most dynamic player within the Dodgers offense. Among a lineup with a trio at the top that has combined for nine World Series rings and six MVPs, Pages has been one of the main leaders in terms of counting stats and averages on the team.
Pages may have struggled over the six games on this current road trip— .231 average vs. Angels, .091 average vs. Padres— he managed to have plenty of highlight plays defensively on Saturday and had arguably the most competitive at-bat for the Dodgers this year against Mason Miller on Tuesday.
Justin Wrobleski, who started against the Angels on Saturday, shared his reaction to Pages robbing a hit against Nolan Schanuel to get him out of the inning, per Sonja Chen of MLB.com. Freddie Freeman also gave his thoughts on Pages’ battle against Miller on Tuesday that gave the Dodgers the deciding run over the Padres.
Justin Wrobleski, after Pages laid out for a jaw-dropping catch that saved a run on Saturday night: “I thought it was a hit, and then I thought he might get there and then I was like, “Oh he’s going to try.’ And then he dove and he caught it, and I was like, ‘That was the coolest thing ever.'”
Freddie Freeman, after Pages’ epic nine-pitch at-bat against vaunted Padres closer Mason Miller on Tuesday night: “It was one of the greatest at-bats I’ve ever seen in person, and I’ve been playing a long time. That at-bat was incredible. … To hit 95 [mph] is hard, to hit 100 is even harder, to hit 102 is even probably the hardest thing to do, and to foul off 102s back to back, sliders at 87, 88 — one of the best at-bats I’ve ever seen.”
While Miller has been one of the best relievers in all of baseball this year, Pages simply views him as a “pitcher who throws hard.”
“He’s a good pitcher, but to me, he’s simply a pitcher who throws hard, and if you’re able to get on time against him, you can do damage against him.”
Links
Shohei Ohtani was in the lineup during a start day on Wednesday for the first time since April 8 against the Toronto Blue Jays, and he delivered by tossing five shutout innings after beginning the game with a leadoff home run on the very first pitch.
There is still no concrete long-term plan as to how Dave Roberts will decide whether Ohtani will be in the lineup when he pitches or not, per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.
“I think he understands that it’s fluid,” Roberts said. “I don’t think that there is one model. It should be a read and react thing. I don’t know how the week is going to look after this off day.
“I could change my mind and have him not hit in his next outing, but that’s more on workload and how he feels.”
Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register has a very insightful piece about Justin Wrobleski’s path from struggling at Clemson University, toiling between Triple-A and the big leagues the past two years, to becoming one of the best young starters in baseball today.
May 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Nick Gonzales (3) in the batting cage before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pirates were initially seen as failures in the offseason when they weren’t able to add a player to be their everyday third baseman. The Ke’Bryan Hayes trade that the team made at the deadline in 2025 left more questions than answers and admittedly I thought the Pirates were foolish to trade Hayes away in the first place. I’m happy now to eat crow and admit that the gamble to this point has paid off, and Nick Gonzales has been a welcomed presence at the hot corner.
Gonzales overall has put together a nice campaign in the early parts of the 2026 season. It was fortuitous for Gonzales that Jared Triolo landed on the injured list at the beginning of April with right knee injury, but the former has made the most of his opportunities as a starter. This year the New Mexico State product is hitting .319/.379/.363 with a .741 OPS. Gonzales has scored 21 runs of his own and has batted in 21 as well with 51 total hits at this point in the season. Gonzales is also hitting .364 with runners in scoring position.
Not only is Gonzales proving to be a valued asset for Pittsburgh, he’s shown that the Pirates sticking with the core of defenders that they have was the smart move. While a long term upgrade at the position could still be on the horizon, the interim has worked out just fine. As a matter of fact, Gonzales has the highest WAR amongst all other qualified National League Central third baseman.
Just Nick Gonzales things. His 2nd RBI of the night.
Considering he is essentially serving as a replacement for Hayes, it’s incredible how much better Gonzales has been performing in comparison to the former Bucco. Gonzales’ 1.2 WAR on the season speaks volumes within the division, especially considering the fact that Hayes’ has a lowly -0.2 WAR with an ugly .142/.195/.225 slash line. Gonzales is also outperforming Alex Bergman who has a 0.8 WAR, Nolan Gorman who has a 0.5 WAR and Luis Rengifo who has a -0.5 WAR.
To put it plainly, Gonzales contributes to winning baseball games. Despite the fact that the Pirates sit at fourth in the tightly contested NL Central, their 26-24 record has been a major improvement from how the team looked last year. Gonzales doesn’t provide a ton of pop at the plate, but he is a sure contact hitter, and having him in the lineup more consistently has contributed to more scoring opportunities.
Gonzales is back to splitting time with Jared Triolo at third base now that he’s healthy, but manager Don Kelly has stuck with the hot bat for the most part since the latter’s return. Both make meaningful contributions to the team, but Gonzales is having a special year at the plate and really affects winning for this Pittsburgh ball club in a way that Triolo has not been able to to this point.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 21: Angel Martínez #1 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a home run in the second inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field on April 21, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland leads 2-0. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians just swept a four-game series from the preseason presumptive division favorite Tigers and now they head to Philadelphia to play a hot Phillies team.
Zack Meisel has a pop quiz about what has stood oit about the Guardians so far, and he and Cody Stevenhagen wrote about how they continue to own the AL Central.
The Guardians completed another 13 games in 13 days stretch on Wednesday against the Nationals and then they have more regular days off until June 16th where they begin 19 games in a row. You may have properly guessed, then, that their off-days are regularly interspersed through the rest of the season. If they can survive that long, that should help them finish strong.
Check out the latest episode of Disgusting Baseball Podcast with myself and Nick Karavolos here.
AROUND MLB:
Blue Jays shutout the Yankees and now the Guardians are a half-game behind New York in win-loss record, which is fun.
Mar 7, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Maverick Handley (98) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning during spring Training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
In light of the numerous injuries, the Atlanta Braves have continued the roster shuffle; this time, catcher Maverick Handley was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles before being optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. To open a spot on the 40-man roster, righty Hurston Waldrep was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The #Braves today claimed C Maverick Handley off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, Atlanta transferred RHP Hurston Waldrep to the 60-day injured list.
28-year-old Handley made his major league debut in 2025 and has since appeared in just 17 big league games. In the minors this season, he’s logged six games, averaged .333, and spent 30 innings behind the plate. The O’s designated him for assignment earlier this week, and the Braves jumped on the opportunity to replenish catchers while Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy are both dealing with injury.
Mar 5, 2025; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (left) is tended to by a trainer after being hit by a pitch against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Just a month and a half into the season, the Colorado Rockies injured list has already seen its fair share of residents.
From long-term injuries like RJ Petit and Pierson Ohl (Tommy John surgery), to 15-day IL stints like Mickey Moniak (right finger sprain), Kyle Freeland (left shoulder inflammation), Jose Quintana (right hamstring sprain), Ryan Feltner (right ulnar nerve inflammation), Jimmy Herget (right shoulder impingement) and Chase Dollander (right elbow strain) to name a few, the Rockies — and every MLB team — always have players dealing with and recovering from injuries.
This keeps the Colorado training staff busy year-round. It also means they form close relationships with the players.
“We know a lot about the guys. In fact, when I was early in my career, the saying was ‘If you want to know about the player, ask the trainer,’” said Colorado assistant athletic trainer Any Stover said a Rockies Fest at Coors Field in January. “And I think that’s the whole truth. That’s one of the things that holds true.”
And it’s not just the players, but their families as well.
“One thing that people don’t realize is that we work for their families, too,” said Keith Dugger, the Rockies head athletic trainer. “So if somebody’s sick, or for their kids, we’re getting the pediatrician or doctors or family or OBGYNs, whatever it is. We’re kind of like the referral gatekeeper for the families, too.”
The day-to-day job
An average day throughout the season is busy for all members of the training staff. They have daily meetings, including before and after batting practice. They talk with players and give the coaching staff updates on the players.
“We give our status of our players and where we think they should be,” Dugger said. “We are the go-between for our management and the administrations to tell them, ‘Hey, you might either get him out of the game if it’s a blowout game,’ or ‘This would be a good day to get a break,’ or, ‘He’s played eight days in a row here,’ or ‘Altitude’s kicking his butt and he’s not sleeping. Let’s give him a break here on this next day game.’ So that’s kind of how we map out.”
A big part of gathering information on the players goes beyond what’s happening on the field.
“Players are real people too. They have real-life problems. They might not have slept. [Maybe] they have twins at home who kept them up all night,” Dugger continued. “So there is that pressure from outside that sometimes people don’t understand why they might be slacking on the field.”
The athletic staff works closely with the physical performance team to look at on-field production, strength and conditioning, what’s happening before and after games to help assess each player’s workload management.
Thanks to advancements in technology and sports science, the training team has lots of data to work with.
“We have tools, we have cameras now, we can look at how much somebody ran, how fast they ran. There’s a lot of things out there now,” Dugger said. “We have electronic devices that help us in the weight room, where maybe we’re doing the same exercises, but you’re talking about power. Now we have little machines that are telling us how much force they’re using, or how high they’re jumping.”
Injury prevention and management
A huge struggle is trying to prevent injuries, especially for pitchers in an era when major injuries and surgeries are more and more common.
“These guys are better, faster, stronger than they’ve ever been. More guys are throwing 100 miles an hour or harder, more than ever,” said Scott Murayama, the Rockies coordinator of major league rehabilitation. “We’re seeing a huge uptick in elbow injuries. I think that’s a legitimate fear of these guys getting hurt and trying to avoid that. The industry is definitely trying to get a handle on these arm injuries, but it’s tough.”
Whatever happens, the athletic team works together to assess, diagnose and make a plan. Murayama said they consider different perspectives, approaches, surgery options, and rehab possibilities that cater to each player, all while also focusing on injury prevention.
“The game’s changed. No doubt,” Dugger said. “Guys are throwing 100-plus miles per hour, which basically I call Ferraris. You can’t take Ferraris and drive them long distances all the time. They’re gonna be overworked, and that’s what happens with our bullpen or our starters.”
Dugger believes that the emphasis on velocity when players are young and the intense club circuits that youth players compete in can make players more susceptible to more serious injuries earlier in their careers. They may pitch faster, but they don’t pitch very many innings in high school or college. Then they are expected to take on large inning loads in their pro careers in longer seasons than they’ve ever played.
“One of the best predictors of the future is the history of the length a guy has thrown, if they’ve done it before, or if they’ve gradually made increments,” Dugger said. “It is a tougher game at this level. It’s a faster, longer season.”
Sometimes, when the Colorado training staff goes out on the field, it’s precautionary to check on something like a player being hit by a pitch. They talk with the player, decide he’s OK and retreat to the dugout. Other times, it’s more serious — like when Dugger has to remove a starting pitcher like Dollander in the second inning of his start against the Pirates on May 14.
Each situation and each player has to be handled differently, and each member of the training staff has their own role. This is why knowing the players so well is a vital part of the job.
“It’s like your own kids. You could be tougher on one individual than others. There are other guys you have to put your arm around, and kind of baby it, and you do little. Everyone’s a little bit different,” Dugger said. “I’m always the bad cop. They [as he pointed to the rest of the staff] are always the good cops. So I’m the mean guy.”
As of Thursday, May 21, the Rockies had one player on the 10-day IL (Brenton Doyle), four players on the 15-day IL and five on the 60-day IL. The athletic staff is managing the grind, helping players in their rehab (like Feltner’s Minor League ease in) and continuing to try to prevent and monitor each player. With a long season ahead, there is no doubt that the trainers will remain busy.
In a game to forget, the Isotopes were held scoreless for eight innings before Vimael Machín hit a solo homer in the ninth inning to prevent the shutout, while Las Vegas amassed 14 hits in a blowout win on Thursday. Machín and Cole Carrigg each posted two hits, combining for four of Albuquerque’s seven total. Valente Bellozo (0-3) took the loss after surrendering four runs (three earned) on six hits with one strikeout and one walk, but the game really got out of hand when the Aviators scored six runs in the eighth.
Bryant Betancourt hit a two-run homer, Andy Perez doubled and tripled while driving in three runs and Jake Brooks threw a seven-inning gem to earn his first win of the season for the Yard Goats on Thursday. Brooks held the Fisher Cats to one run on a solo homer, six hits, four strikeouts and one walk to improve to 1-1 on the season. After falling behind 1-0 in the second, Betancourt hit his homer in the third to help Hartford take a lead it never lost. GJ Hill added a hit and scored a run and Conner Capel added a double and RBI.
Jack O’Dowd hit two homers, one with two runners on and his second with one runner on base, on a 3-for-4 night when he scored three runs to lead Spokane to a high-scoring victory on Thursday night. The Indians also took advantage of three Vancouver errors that led to four unearned runs. Tommy Hopfe added a two-run homer of his own, Jacob Hinderleider drove in two runs on two hits and scored a run and Robert Calaz also posted two hits and scored a run. Everett Catlett had a short, but effective start, giving up one run on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts in 3.2 innings. Nathan Blasick followed with 2.1 scoreless, hitless innings for the win with two walks and two strikeouts.
The Quakes took advantage of three singles, two walks and a fielding error to put up a four-run second inning, earning a lead they never lost against Fresno. Roldy Brito doubled, singled, scored a run and drove in a run for the Grizzlies, while Clayton Gray added two hits and a run and Tanner Thach also recorded two hits and drove in a run. Angel Jimenez took the loss, giving up six runs (five earned) on with five hits, five walks and six strikeouts.
After hitting the ground hard on a diving catch attempt on Wednesday, Brenton Doyle moved to the 10-day IL with a left oblique contusion on Thursday. The Rockies also made other roster moves, including bringing up Chad Smith.
In case you aren’t yet familiar with the Rockies newest call-up, here’s a nice feature on the infielder who made his Rockies debut on Thursday night in Arizona. You’ll learn about his success at Triple-A Albuquerque and his super-fan grandmother, who lives in Phoenix and is his biggest fan.
Patrick Saunders talks about the benefits of having Jake McCarthy on the roster this season. In addition to his speed, he’s been hitting better lately. This article has some good quotes from Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 23: General view during a game between Bay FC and Washington Spirit square off before a record-setting crowd at Oracle Park on August 23, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Karen Hickey/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
The San Francisco Giants return to the bay this weekend for a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. So let’s take a look at what Oracle Park has on deck for fans who might be thinking about attending.
Friday night will be a Special Event for Japanese Heritage Night! Fans with special event tickets will get at Japanese Heritage Night baseball t-shirt giveaway designed by Sumo Fish, and there will be festivities around the park throughout the evening.
As with all Saturday home games this season, Saturday will be a Fiesta Gigantes event with music, food and other celebrations featured throughout the park. Additionally, the first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Chain Hat giveaway.
Sunday will be Star Wars Day at Oracle Park. The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Grogu Bobblehead giveaway. I am incredibly jealous because they are very cute. Fans are encouraged to dress up, and will have photo opportunities throughout the park.
If you’re headed to the park this weekend, have fun! And make sure to share pictures!
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants take on game one of this three-game series against the White Sox tonight at 7:15 p.m. PT.
Thanks mostly to David Peterson and the bullpen, the Mets finished their series against the Nationals with a 2-1 win. Bo Bichette’s two-run single with the bases loaded in the third provided all of the Mets’ offense, but the proved to be enough. And the Mets wake up this morning in fourth place in the National League East, the first time they’ve been out of the cellar in weeks.
Devin Williams got the save in the win, and following his outing on April 23, he decided to raise the position of his hands to reverse a change he made last year in his time with the Yankees.
The Braves beat the Marlins, and their 9-3 win officially got the Mets out of last place in the National League East, as the Marlins moved into the cellar.
Marlins starter Robby Snelling, who came into the 2026 season as one of the very best pitching prospects in all of baseball, will undergo Tommy John surgery after experiencing elbow discomfort following his major league debut earlier this month.
With Aaron Nola sporting a 6.04 ERA this year, which is almost exactly in line with his 6.01 ERA last year, the Good Phight wonders what the Phillies can do about him as he’s still in just the third year of his seven-year, $172 million contract.
SEATTLE - JUNE 8: Shortstop Juan Castro #17 of the Minnesota Twins just misses a ground ball in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners on June 8, 2006 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Twins defeated the Mariners 7-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After an up-and-down start to the 2006 campaign, the Minnesota Twins hoped to settle in and recapture the AL Central crown. Alas, through May and into one fateful June night in the Pacific Northwest, the endeavor looked more bottoming-out than regrouped-contender.
Heading into a Twinkie Town After Dark ™ contest with the Seattle Mariners on 6/7/06 (more on that momentarily), not much outside of the always-solid Johan Santana, metronomic Joe Mauer, and newcomer Luis Castillo was working.
Remember the guys meant to inject some pop into the lineup after ‘05’s punchless group? Well, Tony Batista was sitting at a .241 BA & .398 SLG, while Rondell White was somehow even worse—perhaps historically so: .193 BA, .436 OPS, 0 HR despite everyday play.
Cristian Guzman SS heir-apparent Juan Castro was another lineup liability at .238 BA & .576 OPS. Touted power prodigy Justin Morneau did have 11 bombs, but with a less-than-stellar .236 BA & .747 OPS that would soon prompt a “come to Jesus” meeting with skipper Ron Gardenhire.
Outside of should-have-been-Cy Santana, the starting pitching was in similar shambles:
Brad Radke: 12 GS, 6.42 ERA
Kyle Lohse: 8 GS, 8.92 ERA
Carlos Silva: 9 GS and some relief appearances, 7.76 ERA
This was all leading to the night of June 6, a game I will never forget watching on TV.
After the Mariners battered Boof Bonser, Willie Eyre, & Dennys Reyes to gain a huge early lead, the Twins mounted an epic comeback—capped by a Michael Cuddyer grand slam in the 8th inning to tie the contest at 9-9!
After a few scoreless frames (for a change) in this wild affair, in B11 Twins RP Jesse Crain—my noted irrational nemesis, since usurped by Justin Topa—needed just one more out to give MN bats another crack at victory.
Instead: a mammoth Carl Everett home run that gave the M’s a walk-off victory and sent me into a profane rage that would have made Jerry Burns blush.
After that soul-crushing loss, the Twins sat at 25-33—buried in fourth place in the AL Central & a whopping 11.5 GB the front-running Detroit Tigers. Instead of the ‘05 mediocrity feeling like a blip, it now seemed to indicate a trend. Roughly four months of games remained on the ’06 schedule, but it would seemingly take a miracle to dig out of such a large early deficit and make a true division championship run.
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 13: Baltimore Orioles Outfielder Heston Kjerstad (13) walks back to the dugout before the spring training game between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 13, 2026 at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With the Orioles idle, Norfolk represented the closest thing to a major league game last night. With that said, the outcome is about what you’ve come to expect. Jonathan Rodríguez hit a solo home run in the top of the first, but the Tides proceeded to allow seven consecutive runs. Jacksonville did the majority of the damage with a five-run fourth inning, and the Jumbo Shrimp bested Norfolk 9-2.
The Tides managed only five hits during the contest. Christian Encarnacion-Strand added the only extra-base hit with a double. Heston Kjerstad finished 0-for-3 with a walk and three strikeouts. Sam Huff finished 1-for-3 with a run scored. Huff is now fully entrenched as the team’s third catcher after the Orioles lost Maverick Handley on waivers.
Christian Herberholz allowed five runs over four innings. He surrendered a pair of homers, walked three and struck out four.
Ethan Anderson plated the first run over the game with a double in the third, and it felt like the one-run lead would hold up for a majority of the game. Unfortunately, Somerset struck for two runs in the top of the seventh. Yaqui Rivera coughed up a two-run homer to Garrett Martin, and the Patriots snuck out a 2-1 win.
Chesapeake starter Evan Yates did his part with 5.1 scoreless innings. Yates limited Somerset to only three hits. He struck out seven and walked three.
Both teams tallied five hits during the game. Chesapeake shortstop Carter Young finished 2-for-4. Anderson’s double represented the only extra-base hit for the Baysox.
High-A: Frederick Keys vs. Greenville Drive (Red Sox) PPD
The game will be made up today during a single admission doubleheader.
Low-A: Wilson Warbirds (Brewers) 13. Delmarva Shorebirds 11
Delmarva’s offense did its part again after a 12-run outburst on Wednesday, but the pitching came up short. Stiven Martinez hit a go-ahead home run in the top of the eighth, but Adrian Heredia allowed a three-run home run with two outs in the bottom half. The big fly came after a batter reached on a fielding error by second baseman DJ Layton.
Martinez finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored. RJ Austin and Raylin Ramos combined for six of Delmarva’s 15 hits. Austin scored four of the Shorebirds’ 11 runs. Ramos finished a homer shy of the cycle, while Austin only needed a double to accomplish the feat.
COVERS INTEL: Flaherty has a 
