May 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Jonah Heim (20) during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Just a few hours after designating backup catcher Jonah Heim for assignment, the Atlanta Braves announced a trade to the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations.
The #Braves tonight acquired cash considerations from the Athletics in exchange for C Jonah Heim.
With catcher Sean Murphy ready to be activated from the IL, it was Heim who found himself as the man left out from the 26-man roster.
There was discussion the club could opt to keep Heim around and carry three catchers, especially with Drake Baldwin and Murphy expected to play nearly every day, but given the injured state of the outfield, the Braves had no choice but to part with the veteran catcher.
Heim did a fine job in backup duty of Baldwin over the past month, hitting .231/.311/.410 (99 wRC+) across 45 plate appearances. In case of an injury to Baldwin or Murphy in the weeks to come, the club would likely call upon Chadwick Tromp, who is currently in Triple-A Gwinnett, to serve as the backup catcher.
On a day in which some big, dark, looming injury news was made, some big, dark, looming clouds — literal, not metaphorical — hung over downtown Detroit.
Eventually, those clouds caused a rain delay, but after dodging the drops, the Tigers dropped the opening contest of their three-game home series against the Red Sox, 5-4. It was a somewhat unexpected pitchers’ duel early, but a disastrous outing from the Tiger bullpen erased a slim lead and was their ultimate downfall.
In case you haven’t heard, Tarik Skubal is going to have surgery for “loose bodies” in his left elbow, which is definitely his more important one. So, taking his place for the latest edition of Pitching Chaos was Tyler Holton, who also started Sunday night, going two-thirds of an inning against the Rangers. The planned bulk-guy tonight was call-up Ty Madden, who missed all of 2025 and had made five starts for Toledo so far this season.
Facing the Tigers was left-hander Payton Tolle; at press time, it had not been determined whether or not he is related to German self-help author Eckhart Tolle. Like Madden, Tolle (Payton, not Eckhart) started the season in Triple-A; he had a handful of appearances with the Red Sox in 2025 and did decently well. Unlike Madden, Tolle played some first base and outfield in college, and appeared as a designated hitter fairly often, clubbing a baker’s dozen home runs in 2023.
Holton had a little traffic on the basepaths as he completed the first inning and then hit the showers. Madden started the second and had a fairly uneventful second inning before getting into a bit of a jam in the third: Zack Short handled an Andruw Monasterio grounder at shortstop, but bounced the throw to first base that Spencer Torkelson couldn’t handle.
Jarren Duran singled to put runners on the corners with none out, and Duran stole second to put a pair of runners into scoring position. But then Willson Contreras struck out, Masataka Yoshida hit a grounder to first and Torkelson threw home to easily get Monasterio, who was running on contact, and Trevor Story struck out swinging. Nice work, Ty!
Tolle, meanwhile, was mowing down Tiger hitters like Jack Leiter was on Sunday night; like Leiter, Tolle retired the first twelve Detroit batsmen. But also like on Sunday night, the spell was broken by an extra-base hit in the fifth: Riley Greene hit a leadoff double. He advanced to third with a one-out Wenceel Perez grounder, but was stranded 90 feet (136 links) from home after Hao-Yu Lee struck out to end the inning.
The Red Sox got two runners on in the top of the sixth as well, through a pair of infield singles to third base. But with two outs, Madden froze Marcelo Mayer on a four-seamer on the outer half of the plate for strike three, and with the rain coming down a little harder, that was likely going to be the end of Madden’s night.
The bottom of the sixth saw the Tigers get on the board in a mostly-empty stadium as fans were told to find cover as inclement weather was about to hit the area (although, perplexingly, the players played on): Colt Keith was nicked by a pitch to lead off, and Jahmai Jones walked to put a pair on. Boston catcher Carlos Nárvaez tried to fire to first to back-pick Jones, but he threw it over Contreras’ head and both runners advanced a base.
Matt Vierling hit a broken-bat bouncer to third; Monasterio’s throw home, from his rear end, was wild and both Keith and Jones scored on the play to put the Tigers up 2-0 without a hit in the inning.
That’s pretty nice, and definitely nicer than the giant egg Vanasco then proceeded to lay: walk, single, home run, and after a double and a single (including a misplayed fly ball by Pérez), it was 4-2 for Boston and Enmanuel De Jesus had to try to clean up the mess. De Jesus didn’t really fare much better, as Boston tacked on another run with three straight hits for a 5-2 lead.
The rain intensified after one pitch was thrown in the top of the eighth; roughly half an hour later, play resumed and De Jesus seemed to have righted the ship, with a pair of strikeouts and a groundout.
But at least the Tigers narrowed the gap in the bottom of the eighth: a single and a walk sandwiched around a pair of outs put two runners on, and a Dillon Dingler double scored both of ‘em to make it a 5-4 game.
Kenley Jansen, who was on the shelf with a groin/abdomen issue (but didn’t officially join the IL), came on for the top of the ninth. Jansen’s issues lately have been well-documented, so was a bit of rest going to produce results? Well, after a strikeout and a walk, Ceddanne Rafaela hit a liner to Short at short who easily threw to first to double-off Wilyer Abreu, who was running on the pitch; that ended the inning.
Very cautious optimism shall be exercised regarding Jansen going forward.
Another closer who’s been around a block or two, Aroldis Chapman, came into a one-run game. The Tigers couldn’t get anything going against him, and that was that.
It was pointed out in the comments that the Injured List Tigers could field a pretty darn good team: a six-man rotation of Skubal, Verlander, Mize, Olson, Melton and Jobe; a bullpen of Vest, Brieske, Seabold, Miller and Horn; in various places on the field, you’ve got Báez, Sweeney, McKinstry and Meadows. My goodness.
If you’re Canadian, don’t forget to fill out the census! I got my notice in the mail today. You can fill it out online. Statistics are important.
On this day in 1886, the Haymarket Affair happened: it was a labour demonstration in Chicago in support of an eight-hour workday. Someone decided to throw a bomb at the police, who returned fire and killed four civilians, and seven police officers died in the melée. I mean, I don’t know much about public gatherings, but throwing a bomb seems like it’s way out of line.
Carson Benge didn't get off to a great start for the Mets in his first taste of the majors, but the rookie has slowly but surely begun his ascension and came through with a solo home run that sparked New York's offense in an eventual 4-2 win against the Colorado Rockies.
Over his last 11 games, Benge is 10-for-33 and his batting average has climbed to .192 on the season. While still not great, the rookie hasn't let a rough start to his career get the best of him and has continued to work and stay the course, trusting that the process and his talent will eventually win out.
"I’d say there were definitely a little growing pains in there and I’m sure there’s still a few many to come," Benge said after the game. "But just being able to step in there with my same level of confidence I’ve always had is definitely a big thing."
Benge's steady approach when things weren't going his (or the Mets) way is a testament to his maturity. And still just 23 years old, it's something that has impressed manager Carlos Mendoza since day one.
"I’ve been impressed with how he’s handled the whole situation, how steady he’s been, how professional, how mature he’s been," Mendoza said. "And those are some really good signs from a young player, especially getting a taste at the big league level for the first time."
Making the Opening Day roster after a spectacular spring training and tasked with playing right field, Benge had a lot on his plate served to him from the jump. However, on a team full of veterans he had the luxury of being able to go at his own pace and not put too much pressure on himself as he found his footing.
But with injuries to many of those veterans that New York was leaning on, suddenly the Mets needed Benge, and others, to come to the forefront.
For example, when Juan Soto went down earlier this season (and even when he returned), Benge had to move over to left field and handled it with ease. Now with Luis Robert Jr. sidelined with an injury, Benge has also played some center field, including on Monday where he made another nice catch following his pulchritudinous play in right field on Sunday.
There's no doubt Benge's defense has been solid all season, which is definitely important, but for him to stick in the majors and live up to his top-prospect hype his offense would have to follow suit. And lately, it has.
"It’s a good sign," Mendoza said about Benge's improved offense. "And it’s good not only for the team, but good for him to start playing with some confidence."
If Benge can continue his development at the plate, one that includes patience which has led to three walks in his last two games after he walked just five times in April, it helps a Mets offense that has endured a team-wide slump for much of the season.
But even during his and the team's slump, Benge stayed positive through it all and his teammates had his back every step of the way.
"I feel like all the guys here, they had my back and they all believe in me so why can’t I believe in myself?" he said.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 04: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting an RBI single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 04, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Blue Jays 1 Rays 5
That was a very frustrating game. The Jays had ten hits, but just one extra base hit, a double by Yohendrick Piñango. It is hard to have 10 hits and only get one run. You really have to work at it.
And, the Rays scored three in the first. Eric Lauer showed us how much he hated the idea of the opener by showing why we should have an opener for his starts. The first three batters went single, walk, home run. And, really, the Rays could have stopped there.
After that Lauer was ok. He was still giving up hard hit balls, but they found gloves. He went 54.1, with 5 hits, 3 earned, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.
Spencer Miles finished off the fifth very nicely. But in the sixth, he went ground out, single, strikeout, single, single. He came out of the game for
Mason Fluharty, who gave up a two run single and that was pretty much the game.
Tommy Nance and Joe Mantiply pitched a scoreless inning each.
On offense…there were a lot of singles. Nine singles and the one double. Piñango had three hits. No one else had more than one. Daulton Varsho had the 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts. Vlad had the only RBI driving home Piñango (who is hitting .500 at the moment, I don’t know how you send him down when Nathan Lukes or Addison Barger come back from the IL).
Ten hits, but one for eight with RISP.
I always hate excuses for not hitting with RISP but I suppose they could be pressing. But these guys went to the World Series last year, they should know how to drive in a run, now and then.
Defensively, they were fine, other than Ernie Clement who had a tough time. I thought he made two errors, but I see the Official Scorer disagrees. I tell you, make me official scorer and I’ll have fielding averages back to where they were in the 1930s. I know it is an old man rant, but when a guy throws wide of first by 10 feet from 30 feet away, THAT’S AN ERROR. And when the same guy goes 15 feet to his left to get a ball and then has it go off his glove, THAT’S AN ERROR. Call them errors.
The Jays are now 16-19. Last year, after 35 games, they were 16-19. So all is not lost. But ‘all’ might be behind the couch, and maybe they better look their soon.
No Jay of the Day today. Vlad had the high mark with a .03 WPA. Let’s give honorable mention to Piñango for the three hits and the only extra base hit.
Other Award: Lauer (-.12, sorry Eric, you are going to see an opener next time around), Varsho (-.09 for his 0 for 4, 3 k), Gimenez (-.08, 0 for 4), Clement (-0.7, plus the two errors), and Fluharty (-.08).
Cinco de Mayo tomorrow. We have Kevin Gausman (2-2, 3.10) vs. Drew Rasmussen (2-1, 2.64). Another 6:40 start time. They need time to all their fans into the park.
May 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola (27) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Names are a funny thing. Today’s Phillies starter has a name that accurately describes him: Aaron Nola is from Louisiana, where one can find New Orleans, or NOLA (he’s from Baton Rouge, but I have a good time with these puns, so I’m gonna laissez les bons temps rouler). Today’s Marlins starter has a name, that, unfortunately for the Phillies, did not describe him accurately: the quality of Janson Junk’s offerings was quite high today. Also, he’s not a junkballer, which seems like a tremendous missed opportunity.
The Phillies put Bryce Harper aboard against Junk via two-out double in the first, though couldn’t plate him. Similarly, the Marlins put one aboard against Nola, with the other three batters making outs.
The Phillies made a bit of progress in the second, putting two aboard, as Brandon Marsh smacked a single to right, and Alec Bohm reached on a bobbled ball error from Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez. But the end result was the same as their first frame, as they scored no runs. The inning ended when Justin Crawford fought Junk across nine pitches, ultimately grounding out to second.
The pattern was clear, and it was beautiful: one runner in the first, two runners in the second. If it held, the Phillies would get three in the third, then the Phillies would get their fourth baserunner, and their first run, in the fourth. It was elegant and symmetrical, and just-so, and Bryce Harper ruined it by hitting a solo homer to right in the third. Extremely inconsiderate of him.
More considerate was Nola, who provided a steady hand for the visitors. He allowed some scattered baserunners through four, but allowing none to advance past first. He was aided in this by Garrett Stubbs, who put out two Fish trying to steal second.
But the Phillies produced a lot of junk against Junk, and as the sixth dawned, they had still just the one run to their name. Junk, after a start that very much did not live up (down?) to his name, took his leave after inducing an out from Harper and surrendering a single to Adolis García. He was replaced with a hurler who had a significantly more noble-sounding name: John King. King, by royal decree, exiled the remaining Phillies back to their dugout.
Nola kept the Fish flailing through the sixth, with the home club still unable to reach third base. But the Phillies did some phlailing of their own, finishing four consecutive innings without getting a baserunner past first. Nola’s day ended after six (5 H, 5 K, 0 BB, 0 ER), and Tanner Banks came on. Would he live up to his name, by being cash money?
He would. The inning got off to a bit of a rough start as Xavier Edwards made it to first when Trea Turner bobbled a ball. But Banks was unfazed, and tossed the next three Fish back into the sea. Speaking of bodies of water, the next Marlin on the mound was Lake Bachar. Would he live up to his name, by drowning the Phillies?
He would. Harper broke his bat as he bounced a ball into center for a single, but Bachar battled back, putting Harper’s compatriots away and stranding everyone’s favorite fan of the Phanatic on first. The Phillies, still clinging to a 1-0 lead, put José Alvarado on the mound to keep the Marlins on the hook in the eighth. Like Banks and Nola before him, he proved unsolvable for Miami. We thus entered the ninth in a holding pattern. And it held, at least for the Phillies, who went down in order.
Brad Keller was tasked with sending the Marlins home without a run to hang their caps on. He allowed a leadoff single to Kyle Stowers (immediately replaced with Javier Sanoja as a pinch runner), then induced a classic double play ball to put the Marlins on the brink. Edwards came to the plate in the thrilling, chilling position of being both the potential tying run and the potential final out.
He was neither. He singled to right, then saw the game end as Liam Hicks broke his bat on a little chopper to Stott. Thus, we saw exactly what we hoped to see. Namely, a Phillies win.
The Phillies are 15-20. They return home to start a three-game set against their old neighbors, the Athletics, tomorrow at 6:40.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 01: Logan Gilbert #36 of the Seattle Mariners looks on prior to the game against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on May 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mariners, fresh off a brutal sweep at the hands of the Royals, now have to face one of the best teams in baseball, the Atlanta Braves. Read more about what’s coming in the series preview.
To make matters worse, the Mariners are getting steadily more injured without much help on the immediate horizon. Brendan Donovan will start a rehab assignment with Arkansas tomorrow, but he won’t be back for this series; Victor Robles is currently on a rehab assignment in Tacoma but similarly won’t be with the club until next series at the earliest. Cal Raleigh remains out with his mysterious side injury, with no indication from the club about the severity of the injury. The bullpen took another hit today with the news that Gabe Speier is headed to the IL with shoulder inflammation; Matt Brash remains out with his lat issue. The injury bug saw his shadow and that means six more weeks of winter, in which winter is “Leo Rivas, everyday third baseman” and “Mitch Garver, everyday catcher” and “recruiting bullpen help from local travel teams.” It’s rough out here, folks.
Lineups:
This picture is doing everything it can to spark joy.
Local kid JR Ritchie, who grew up on Bainbridge Island, gets the start tonight for the Braves, so don’t be too surprised if you hear a lot of cheering when he strikes a Mariner out – apparently he’s going to have quite a support squad in the building.
Injury updates:
Unfortunately these are all bad, for the Mariners. LHP Gabe Speier is headed to the IL with shoulder inflammation. Read more here.
Atlanta, conversely, is getting healthier. They welcome back their catcher Sean Murphy today; catcher and old AL West foe Jonah Heim was DFA’d in a corresponding move, which unfortunately means there’s a chance he could be a Texas Ranger again. The Braves are still fairly beat up, though; Michael Harris II isn’t in tonight’s lineup as he battles a quad injury, and Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss this entire series with a hamstring injury.
Tonight’s game information:
Game time: 6:40 PT
TV: Mariners TV, with Aaron Goldsmith and Dave Valle, with Angie Mentink as the field analyst
Radio: Seattle Sports 710 AM, with Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: A general view of the New York Yankees playing against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on March 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants begin a three-game home series against the San Diego Padres tonight from Oracle Park.
Michael Kay and John Sterling are pictured in September 2022.
Michael Kay honored the late John Sterling on Monday night by replicating his well-known home run call for Aaron Judge in the bottom of the first inning.
Kay paid homage to his friend and former broadcast partner — having called games on the radio with Sterling from 1992-2001 on 770 AM WABC — when Judge hit a two-run blast to right center field to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead over the Orioles.
“It is high! It is far! It is gone!” Kay belted, using the same home run call that Sterling made famous while calling Yankee games. “Aaron Judge! A Judgian blast! Here comes the Judge!”
"It is high! It is far! It is GONE! Aaron Judge! A Judgian blast! Here comes the Judge!"
Michael Kay with the John Sterling tribute call on an Aaron Judge home run in the first inning. #MLBpic.twitter.com/wzf4MVthCM
Kay said that Sterling had been bedridden and lost the ability to walk after open-heart surgery following “so many heart attacks that it would’ve killed most people.”
The Yankees TV voice said that Sterling had been “really pushing” his rehab in order to walk his oldest daughter down the aisle when she gets married over the summer.
“’Michael, I have to walk her down the aisle’,” Kay recalled him saying to him, having to pause as he became emotional. “And that’s why he was hanging on. But he had trouble about a week ago, heart failure, and he finally succumbed today. But he’ll be walking her down as he looks down on his family.
Michael Kay is pictured before the Yankees’ game May 4. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
“The one thing he wanted to do, he was unable to make it.”
Sterling’s presence was felt around Yankee Stadium quite a bit on Monday as the Yankees battled the Orioles.
The players wore hats with “JS” written on the back of them, and prior to the game, a moment of silence was held as Kay and Suzyn Waldman — Sterling’s broadcast partner — laid flowers at home plate.
Prior to the game, Judge told reporters that “fans all around the country are going to remember his voice” when he was asked about Sterling.
John Sterling is pictured before a Yankees game in September 2022. Charles Wenzelberg
“I’m just going to remember he brought that New York theatre to the ballpark is the best way to describe it,” Judge said.
Davis Martin looks for his fifth win of the season tonight, as he takes the mound against the Angels. | Getty Images
The last time the White Sox saw the Angels was just last week, and it ended with a White Sox sweep at home. This time, the Good Guys are coming off a series win against the Padres during this latest West Coast road trip, and seeing the somehow even worse-for-wear Angels for the second and last time this season.
A quick update: Randal Grichuk has agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the White Sox. I will leave a screenshot of a viral post from April 17, 2019, for no particular reason.
In other news, Austin Hays has landed back on the injured list (retroactive to May 2) with a left calf strain, and Tanner Murray (shoulder surgery) has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Now onto tonight’s late-night lineup. Davis Martin is on the mound tonight for the visitors. Martin has been electric, with a record of 4-1, 33 strikeouts, and a stellar ERA of just 1.95 over 37 innings. Sam Antonacci leads off, and Drew Romo is behind the plate.
José Soriano will be on the mound for the home team. Soriano was just named American League Pitcher of the Month, and is the third pitcher all-time to finish April with 5+ wins, 49+ strikeouts, and an ERA of less than 1.00, joining Randy Johnson (2000 Diamondbacks) and Jered Weaver (2011 Angels).
We’ll hopefully be in for a good duel tonight.
Tonight’s matchup starts at 8:38 p.m. CT. You can watch on CHSN or listen on ESPN Chicago 1000.
DENVER, CO - MAY 03: Mike Yastrzemski #18 of the Atlanta Braves runs to first after hitting a single in the sixth inning during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ray Bahner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves just can’t loose a series, and they intend to keep it that way.
The Seattle Mariners are sitting third in their division and hoping to turn their season around before the halfway mark, starting by taking down the MLB record-leading Braves.
Tonight’s showdown will feature JR Ritchie kicking off near his hometown. Let’s see if he and the offense can give the Mariners a commanding start to make his statement back.
But as he begins a stint with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with an uncertain end date after being optioned there Sunday night at the end of his rehab assignment, it bears watching if and when the Yankees will have him start to work at other positions to give him a better chance to eventually return to The Bronx.
“We’ll see,” manager Aaron Boone said Monday before the series finale against the Orioles. “Right now, he’s going to play shortstop. If we have those conversations as the days unfold, we’ll have those. But not right now.”
That left the door slightly more open than Boone had Sunday before the Yankees announced the decision to send Volpe to Triple-A, with José Caballero having done enough over the first 34 games to take over the starting shortstop job for the time being.
Anthony Volpe is pictured before an April 17 game for Somerset. Charles Wenzelberg
And while a downturn from Caballero could create an opening for Volpe to come back up, after he started 455 games at shortstop out of the Yankees’ 486 games from 2023-25, the complicating factor is that top prospect George Lombard Jr. is now at Triple-A after a promotion from Double-A.
Lombard, also a natural shortstop, has been sprinkling in some third base and (last year) second base, but it is hard to believe he will stop playing shortstop altogether. And when he does, where will that leave Volpe?
“George, like he’s done a lot, will bounce around,” Boone said. “We’ll keep revisiting this as we move through it. But George has already had a lot of experience playing third, second, short, all very well. It won’t be anything too different for George.”
Aaron Judge, who spoke to Volpe by phone for 30-40 minutes Sunday night, said the shortstop being optioned was “tough” and a “surprise,” but also acknowledged that Caballero playing well made it “kind of tough to move things around.” The captain hinted that Volpe becoming more versatile could work in his favor.
“I know he’s going to be more motivated than ever to come back here,” Judge said. “Anthony’s a big piece of what we’re doing here moving forward.
Anthony Volpe fields a grounder during a Feb. 16 workout at spring training. Charles Wenzelberg
“I’m excited to see him come back here, if there’s a way to find — if it’s even him as a utility guy, anything, just to get himself back up here.”
Boone, who also spoke with Volpe on Sunday night, said the 25-year-old took the news “like a pro.”
“I’m sure he’s not thrilled about it and doesn’t necessarily love that idea, because he’s obviously worked really hard to go through this [rehab from shoulder surgery],” Boone said. “Going into this, we expected him to be, once his rehab was up, to be here and playing. So that’s obviously changed over the last few weeks. But I think there’s part of him that gets it too. Anthony’s a pro and I have no doubt he’ll handle it in the best way possible.”
Boone, who has been one of Volpe’s biggest supporters throughout his big league career, insisted that the decision to option him does not change how the organization feels about him now or in the future.
“But in this moment of time, we felt like this was absolutely the right thing to do,” Boone said. “Hopefully this gives him even some more time to accumulate those everyday reps and things like that and we’ll keep evaluating.”
Ben Rice was out of the lineup Monday after leaving Sunday’s game with a left hand contusion.
The first baseman was “still sore,” Boone said, and felt like he could not get his best swing off. But the Yankees were hoping to get him back in the lineup in the coming days.
As fate would have it, Aaron Judge presented the perfect moment for the team's current broadcasters to honor the iconic broadcaster. In the bottom of the first inning, Judge launched a two-run home run, and Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay did his best Sterling impression.
"It is high! It is far! It is gone! Aaron Judge! A Judgian blast! Here comes the Judge!" Kay roared into the microphone during the broadcast on YES Network.
Before the game, Kay and fellow Yankees broadcaster Suzyn Waldman paid their respects by placing flowers on home plate.
Michael Kay and Suzyn Waldman place a bouquet of flowers on home plate before the Yankees have a moment of silence for John Sterling. pic.twitter.com/L6yz1eDFm7
Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted that he mimics Sterling's famous "theeee Yankees win" after his team's victories.
"My coaches look at me like I’m nuts. I don’t even know if they know what I’m doing," Boone said. "As soon as that final out is made and I get up to shake players' hands, I go, 'Ballgame over, Yankees win, theeee Yankees win!''
"I've got goosebumps thinking about it."
Aaron Boone says he channels John Sterling's iconic "THEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!" call in the dugout at the end of each Yankees victory:
SAN FRANCISCO — One of the top hitting prospects in baseball joined the league’s worst offense Monday when the Giants called up 21-year-old first baseman Bryce Eldridge.
“He likes what he’s walking into,” Tony Vitello, manager of the 13-21 squad, said. “I’ll say that.”
The Giants are hoping top prospect Bryce Eldridge can provide a spark in what’s been an anemic offense. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Giants rank last in the league in runs scored. They plated nine over the course of their most recent road trip while losing all six games. They rank last in walks and home runs, too.
This is no soft landing: They’re counting on the 6-foot-7 slugger to help turn things around.
In that case, some good news:
“I’m feeling sexy at the plate right now,” Eldridge said with a grin to a horde of more than a dozen reporters and cameras in front of his locker, where a No. 8 jersey hung.
Eldridge has been tearing the cover off the ball since the Giants optioned him to Triple-A in the final week of spring training, as has his more contact-oriented teammate, utility man Jesus Rodriguez.
Both players were added to the roster and in the lineup for the start of their home stand against the Padres on Monday. Trevor McDonald was also recalled to make a spot start.
In corresponding moves, Jerar Encarnacion, who is out of options, was designated for assignment, Will Brennan, another seldom-used outfielder, was optioned to Triple-A, and left-hander Erik Miller was placed on the injured list.
Jerar Encarnacion is being assigned to the minors after hitting .176 in limited about for the Giants this season. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Miller, arguably the club’s top reliever, isn’t expected to miss more than the minimum 15 days, Vitello said. The same lower back issue that sidelined him in spring training flared up again, he said.
Rodriguez, who also plays second base and left field, was behind the plate at catcher for his major-league debut. Acquired from the Yankees last summer for Camilo Doval, Rodriguez has hit above .300 in all six previous minor-league seasons and is batting .330 with an .840 OPS in 24 games this year.
“That guy puts the bat on the ball a lot,” Eldridge said. “I love hitting behind him.”
Rodriguez has more walks (12) than strikeouts (11) this season, and while Eldridge is still striking out more than the Giants would like (29.9% in 137 plate appearances at Triple-A), he has also upped his walk rate (a career-high 15.3%). The Giants’ 69 walks in 34 games are 18 fewer than the next-closest team. They’re on pace to draw their fewest bases on balls in more than a century.
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The patience has been a product of a concerted approach, Eldridge said. He was batting .333 with an on-base percentage of .445 and a .963 OPS at Triple-A. As a team, the Giants’ .287 on-base percentage is tied with the Mets for the worst in the majors.
“I think a big thing for me was taking my walks,” Eldridge said. “Getting on base is huge for me. Being a power guy, starting to realize guys are trying to pitch around me more than attacking me, at that level at least. … Being a power guy, there’s going to be strikeouts involved and whatnot. You can say all you want about that, but if I’m getting on base and I’m walking, I think it all evens out.”
After hitting just .107 in 28 at-bats last season, Bryce Eldridge has been on a tear this year in the minors and will get a chance to be an everyday player under manager Tony Vitello. Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
The group Eldridge joined was also seeking its first home run in more than a week, stuck at 19 for the season since last Sunday — still the last team below 20. Their two top sluggers, Rafael Devers and Willy Adames, have been stuck in season-long slumps, leaving San Francisco searching for any kind of thump it can get.
Their most productive hitter has been Casey Schmitt, leaving Vitello with decisions to make regarding how to juggle the combination of Schmitt, Eldridge, Adames, Devers and third baseman Matt Chapman.
Chapman got the night off Monday, with Schmitt at third and Eldridge at DH. Vitello didn’t rule out the possibility of using Schmitt in the outfield, a spot he’s never played in the big leagues.
While Vitello didn’t want to commit to Eldridge as an “everyday” player, he said he wanted to make sure Eldridge and Rodriguez both got a “fair shot” with more than “sporadic” opportunities.
“He’s gotta be given room for error,” Vitello said. “There’s gotta be a longer leash.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 3: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres smiles after hitting an RBI single against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning at Petco Park on May 3, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (20-13) at San Francisco Giants (13-21), May 4, 2026, 6:45 p.m. PST
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May 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Rockies out-hit the Mets 5-4 on Monday, but it sure didn’t feel like it.
Colorado was held scoreless and limited to one hit through six innings, and two runs in the seventh weren’t enough to beat New York. Tomoyuki Sugano had a no-hitter going through five, but gave up three straight hits in the sixth to give the Mets a lead they never lost.
The Mets (13-22) have now won three of their last four, while the Rockies (14-22) have lost four in a row. Mickey Moniak doubled and tripled, but was left on base both times. At least he extended his hitting streak to 17 games.
Sixth not as sweet for Sugano
For five innings, Tomoyuki Sugano was unhittable. His one mistake was a walk to Carson Benge in the third inning, but it was quickly erased when Francisco Alvarez hit into a double play. Sugano was efficient, only needing 40 pitches to get through the first four innings. Through five innings, aided by a strong wind blowing in from center field, Sugano had one strikeout and seemed well on his way to a quality start.
However, the bottom of the Mets lineup figured out Sugano on their second time through. On the second pitch of the inning, Benge hit a cutter 436 feet into the bullpen beyond center field to put the Mets up 1-0.
Alvarez and Luis Torrens followed with back-to-back doubles to put New York ahead 2-0.
Juan Soto then drew a walk before Sugano got Bo Bichette to ground out in a fielder’s choice that moved the runners to second and third. It also knocked Sugano (2-3, 3.41 ERA) out of the game.
Jaden Hill entered and almost avoided further damage when he struck out MJ Melendez to give the Rockies two outs. That’s when Mark Vientos hit a two-run single to double the Mets’ lead.
Hill ended the inning by striking out Baty, but the damage was done.
Mets bullpen quiets Rockies bats to start game
For six innings, the Mets bullpen day was effective against the Rockies. Huascar Brazobán hit Tyler Freeman in the first inning, and even though he stole second, nothing came of it.
Austin Warren entered in the second and threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. He did give up a double to Mickey Moniak with two outs in the third. Freeman appeared to almost to drive him in, but he was robbed of a run-scoring hit when Benge made a diving catch to end the inning.
Colorado native David Peterson took over on the mound in the fourth and was lights out for New York. In his first three innings of work, Peterson struck out six of the nine batters he faced to help the Mets carry a 4-0 lead into the seventh.
Beck busts through
With two outs in the seventh, Willi Castro got the Rockies’ first hit since the third inning and the second total when he hit a bloop single to left-center field. Jordan Beck came up with a clutch triple when Benge fell trying to turn to run to the wall, allowing Castro to score the Rockies’ first run. Kyle Karros, despite going down 0-2 in a seven-pitch at-bat, followed up with a single to plate Beck to shrink the deficit.
Unfortunately, Ezequiel Tovar flied out to right to end the rally.
Mejia’s magic and a wasted chance
Juan Mejia relieved Hill and was untouchable in the seventh and eighth for the Rockies. Mejia faced six batters, striking out five of them, including Soto. Mejia kept the Rockies in the game, as did Brennan Bernardino, who threw a scoreless ninth.
Moniak did what Moniak does in the eighth, hitting a one-out triple, but the Rockies couldn’t take advantage. Freeman struck out and TJ Rumfield flied out to left. In the ninth, the Rockies had the hitters they wanted up, but Hunter Goodman and Castro flied out and Troy Johnston ended the game with a pitch-hit strikeout.
Up Next
The Rockies will play the Mets in game two of the series tomorrow. Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 6.09 ERA) will get the start for the Rockies, while New York will send Freddy Peralta (1-3, 3.52 ERA) to the mound. Game time is set for 6:40 p.m., but stay tuned to Purple Row for updates on the weather developments at Coors Field.
