BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 23: Matt Wilkinson #71 of the San Francisco Giants pitches at Fenway Park on August 23, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s doubleheader time! I’m not sure if that’s the good news or the bad news, but it’s the news. The San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks are playing twice today, not to make up for a lost game but so they can have a much-needed day off on Sunday.
Taking the mound for the Giants is left-hander Matt Wilkinson, who makes his return after being optioned earlier in the week (Wilkinson is able to skirt the 10-day post-optioning minimum because of the extra player allocated for the doubleheader). The aptly-nicknamed Tugboat has made two appearances this year in his debut season, and has allowed eight hits, no walks, and four runs in 5.2 innings, with two strikeouts. He has a 5.15 ERA and a 5.37 FIP in 10 AAA starts.
For the Diamondbacks, it’s veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly. A 37-year old in his eighth season, Kelly has made 24 starts, and is 8-12 with a 5.35 ERA, a 5.69 FIP, and 88 strikeouts to 60 walks in 134.2 innings. In his last start, Kelly gave up three runs in 5.2 innings against the Chicago Cubs.
Enjoy the baseball, everyone. And then stick around for more baseball!
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 12: Umpire Bill Miller #26 checks the hands of Daniel Lynch IV #41 of the Kansas City Royals during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
During this road trip, the Royals demoted Mason Black back to the minor leagues. This is relevant because in every prior start for Daniel Lynch IV, affectionately known as Danny Drips, Mason Black has stood ready to enter the game at nearly a moment’s notice and pitch multiple innings. This was to cover for the fact that Lynch has been working his way, slowly, back into starter form. Tonight will be Danny’s first start without the backup. He has to try to cover the innings, whether he has the stuff, the stamina, or neither. And that could be terrifying for Royals fans.
The Guardians, fortunately, don’t have much of an offense. They’ve been much better in August, but two of their three best hitters this month are left-handed, a class that Lynch has traditionally done much better against. The one caveat there is that their hottest hitter, rookie Chase DeLauter, has reverse splits this season. So Lynch will have to watch out for him.
The Guardians will counter with former Royal Foster Griffin. Griffin, as you’ll recall from when the Royals faced him earlier this year while he was with the Nationals, spent three years in NPB and came back a new man. That said, he’s not been nearly as good with the Guardians in his four starts with them. He’s walked more, gave up more home runs, and his ERA is a full run higher because of it. He pitched six innings of one-run ball against the Royals for the Nats, but if he has lost something since then, perhaps they can get to him this time.*
Funnily enough, the Royals had a real shot to come back against the Nats’ bullpen in that game, but Lynch allowed three runs in hisrelief appearance and ended that dream.
Lineups
Isaac Collins will get his second start at the keystone for the Royals; he looked pretty good there earlier this week. Matthew Lugo will get his first start for the Royals, playing in left field. One thing Griffin didn’t have to deal with in his last start against the Royals was the red-hot trio of Carter Jensen, Bobby Witt. Jr., and Jac Caglianone that currently stands ready at the top of the lineup to punish him for any missed pitches.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 28: Brady House #12, Abimelec Ortiz #81, Max Kranick #35, CJ Abrams #5, Harry Ford #17, and Jorbit Vivas #84 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after the game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on August 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Runs are going to be at a premium in this contest. Sandy Alcantara and Cade Cavalli are two of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now. Cavalli is ascending as he completes his first full big league season. Meanwhile, Sandy is starting to look more like the guy who won a Cy Young a few years ago.
The Nats have 4 straight lefties at the top of their lineup. CJ Abrams is back at DH as he slowly progresses from his ankle injury. Interestingly, Jose Tena is out in left field. That moves Daylen Lile to right and Dylan Crews to center. Nasim Nunez is back at short after a needed day off. Keibert Ruiz is behind the dish. He will be catching Cade Cavalli, the Nats ace.
With a righty on the mound, the Marlins are adding some left handed thump to the lineup. Griffin Conine, Owen Caissie and Jakob Marsee all return to the Marlins lineup. Kyle Stowers is also up in the leadoff spot. As mentioned, Sandy Alcantara is on the mound and he is throwing the ball well right now.
With Cavalli facing off against Sandy, this is the most exciting Nats game in a while. Hopefully this matchup lives up to the billing. Since that 13-1 humiliation the other day, the boys have been playing with more energy. We will need to see that continue though. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 23: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Athletics at Daikin Park on August 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (68-67) and New York Mets (60-75) will play the 2nd game of this 3-game series this afternoon at Citi Field.
LHP Bennett Sousa (1-3, 6.27 ERA) will serve as the opener today for the Astros as he takes on Mets RHP Nolan McLean (9-8, 3.21 ERA).
ASTROS-METS: Since 2017, the Astros are 14-3 vs. the Mets, with a 5-1 mark here at Citi Field. They took 2 of 3 from NYM in their last visit to Citi Field, June 28-30, 2024.
Common Bond: The Astros and Mets both entered the Major Leagues in 1962, with both clubs competing in the NL at that time (HOU moved to the AL in 2013). Both clubs have won two World Series Championships and five pennants. The Astros hold the edge in the all-time regular season series with a 323-263-1 record, while the Mets were victorious in the one postseason series between the two clubs, taking the 1986 NLCS in what was a thrilling, 6-game series.
NY STATE OF MIND: Tonight is the 5th game of a 6-game road trip for the Astros (3-1 thus far), with all 6 games being scheduled in the Big Apple. Prior to the current series vs. NYM, the Astros took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in the Bronx (Tues-Thur).
Last Time It Happened: The Astros had a similar road trip in NYC, June 23-29 of 2022, during which they played 4 games at Yankee Stadium (2-2) and 2 games at Citi Field (2-0), respectively.
ABOUT BENNETT: This afternoon will be the 1st career ML start for LHP Bennett Sousa, who will serve as the opener. Sousa, who will be making his 99th career ML appearance today, has made 1 minor league start in his career, that coming on July 15 of this season while on rehab with the Astros Florida Complex League club (1.0 IP, 0 R).
First Time: Today will be Sousa’s 1st career appearance vs. the Mets.
LAST NIGHT’S RECAP: A 3-run rally in the 6th inning and a strong outing by starter RHP Hunter Brown helped lead the Astros to a 3-1 win in last night’s series opener at City Field. Brown (W, 4-3), allowed just 1 run on 5 hits in 6.2 innings of work with 10 strikeouts. A bases- loaded, 2-run double by Daulton Varsho was the key blow for the Astros in the 6th inning. RHP Bryan Abreu hurled 1.1 scoreless inn. in relief and LHP Josh Hader hurled a scoreless 9th to earn his 20th save in as many chances.
NOTHING EXTRA: Last night’s win marked the 2nd time this season that the Astros have won a game without collecting an extra-base hit. The other time was 4-1 win on July 25 at CWS. HOU is now 2-13 in games without an extra-base hit.
WHAT CAN BROWN DO FOR YOU?: In last night’s win, RHP Hunter Brown tallied a season-high 10 strikeouts, marking the 3rd time in his career that he has reached 10 or more K’s. In his last 7 starts, Brown has a 2.63 ERA (12ER/41IP). Last night was also his 1st career win vs. the Mets.
RECENT STROS: The Astros have won 3 of their last 4 games and are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
UP TO THE CHALLENGE: Astros hitters are 3rd in the Majors in successful ABS challenges with 84. Their 54% success rate in challenges is T-3rd best. Among individual players, Jose Altuve’s 20 successful challenges are T-1st in the AL.
TRIPLE THREAT: Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently leads the AL in several categories, including all three Triple Crown categories. He enters tonight leading the AL in batting avg. (.318) and HR (36) and T-1st in RBI (91). Additionally, Alvarez also leads the Majors in OPS (1.042), SLG (.607), OBP (.435) and TB (290).
Rare Feat: Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).
ON THE OFFENSIVE: Among AL teams, the Astros rank 1st in TB (1,861), 2nd in SLG (.412), T-2nd in HR (179), 3rd in runs scored (616) and 4th in OPS (.726).
MEASURING UP: The Astros are 25-17 (.595) vs. teams currently at .500 or above. Some clubs that they have winning records against include BOS (5-1), CHC (3-0), CWS (2-1), CLE (4-2), MIA (3-0), and TB (2-1). HOU is 9-4 vs. TEX, who are in 2nd place in the AL West.
SLOW AND STEADY RECOVERY: Since starting the season with a 20-31 record after 51 games, the Astros are 48-36 (.571) in their last 84 games (since May 22). That is the 2nd-best record in the AL in that span, behind only the Red Sox (51-33).
ROAD WARRIORS: Since posting a 1-9 record on the 1st road trip of the 2026 season, the Astros have been one of the best road teams in the Majors. They are 34-23 (.596) on the road since April 14, which is 3rd-best in the AL in that span. More recently, they are 18-11 (.607) on their last 5 road trips combined (includes current trip). Overall for the season, HOU is 35-32 on the road.
THE HIT MAN: Jose Altuve enters today’s game needing just 9 hits to reach 2,500 for his career. Among active players, his 2,491 hits rank 2nd to Freddie Freeman’s 2,581.
IN GOOD COMPANY: In MLB history, Altuve is one of just 3 players with a .300 career batting avg. to reach both 250 HR and 300 SB. The other 2 are HOFers Willie Mays and Derek Jeter.
WALK OF FAME: Yordan Alvarez’ ML-high 28 intentional walks this season are a franchise record. Jeff Bagwell had held the club record with 27 IBB in 1997. Alvarez was intentionally walked 3 times on Sunday vs. ATH.
HADERADE: With last night’s scoreless 9th inning, LHP Josh Hader extended his scoreless innings streak to 18.0 innings (17 app.). His is the longest streak by an Astros hurler this season and the 3rd-longest current streak in the Majors. Opponents are just 4×58 (.069) during the streak. Hader is also now 20-for-20 in save opportunities in 2026. Hader in August: 1-0, 12 G, 0.00 ERA, 13.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 15 SO.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY:2007 – Multiple milestones are reached in a 7-0 victory over the Cardinals. Lance Berkman hits his 250th career HR and Craig Biggio hits his 655th career double, tying George Brett for 5th place on the all-time list. Additionally, RHP Roy Oswalt hurls 7.0 scoreless innings to pick up the win on what is his 30th birthday.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, August 29, 3:10 p.m. CT
Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 17: A general view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Coit Tower on December 17, 2019, in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. (Photo by Paul Rovere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
GIANTS
Ildemaro Vargas – 2B
Drew Gilbert – CF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Rafael Devers – 1B
Gabriel Moreno – C
Bryce Eldridge – DH
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Jung Hoo Lee – RF
Nolan Arenado – DH
Turner Hill – LF
Tim Tawa – 1B
Drew Cavanaugh – C
Jose Fernandez – 3B
Shay Whitcomb – 3B
Jordan Lawlar – CF
Nate Furman – 2B
Ryan Waldschmidt – LF
Christian Koss – SS
Merrill Kelly – RHP
Matt Wilkinson – LHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
Selected from Triple-A Reno: RHP Derek Law (No. 38)
Appointed as 27th man for today’s games: LHP Mitch Bratt
Optioned to Triple-A Reno following last night’s game: LHP Kohl Drake
Derek Law gets added to the 40-man roster. He last pitched in the big leagues for the Nationals in 2024, when he had a stellar 2.60 ERA across 75 appearances. However, he started the following year on the IL, and needed surgery in July to repair a torn flexor tendon. He made a couple of rehab appearances in the ACL in May, but ended up back on the IL for a couple of months. Law started pitching for Reno again just a couple of weeks ago, and has thrown 6.1 scoreless innings across five appearances, with five strikeouts and no walks. Small sample size, but that is fairly promising. He last pitched on the 26th, tossing 16 pitches.
I think it’s fair to say, we could have done with Drake throwing more than four innings yesterday. The D-backs ended up having to use five relievers the rest of the way, four of them throwing more than twenty pitches. I suspect we will end up seeing some of them go back-to-back, and appearing at some point, in one or other of today’s contests. Loaisiga is probably the only one I’d say was off the board, having already pitched back-to-back. Taylor Clarke, Kevin Ginkel and Juan Morillo have all gone on consecutive days nine times this year, and Brandyn Garcia seven, so it’s certainly not unprecedented. The off-day Sunday helps, as we can empty the tank.
It’ll be interesting to see if the fuss between Merrill Kelly and the Cubs’ third-base coach in has last start has any impact. If he was doing something which could give the opposition a clue as to what was coming, that would go a long way to explaining the poor results Kelly has delivered this year. Addressing it could then pay dividends the rest of the season. Today, of all days, a long outing would be welcome. Kelly hasn’t completed six innings since before the All Star break. In those eight outings since July 9, he has a K:BB of only 29:22, so that’s something else to keep an eye on for this afternoon’s start.
With tomorrow an off day due to the rescheduling, we have a rare Saturday guest recap! PhoenixSportsFan will be bringing you this one, with Dano covering the nightcap.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 28: Casey Mize #32 of the San Diego Padres walks back to the dugout following the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on August 28, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (72-63) at Tampa Bay Rays (80-54), August 29, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST
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WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 26: Zach Agnos #36 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on August 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Rockies will look to bounce back after last night’s 6-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The Rox put up a fight, but went just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and ran into Atlanta’s stellar defense (namely Ozzie Albies at second base).
The Rockies have yet to win a game against the Braves this year, and have gone just 6-24 since 2022 (3-11 in Atlanta). They’re also in the middle of a 13-game stretch without an off-day, going just 2-6 so far. They’ve also gone 9-16 in August — 7-7 on the road and 2-9 at home. That’s tied for the third-best road winning percentage in the National League and the worst home winning percentage in the Majors this month.
Ryan Feltner was originally slated to make his 21st start of the year, but was scratched about an hour ago due to illness. Zach Agnos will start in his place, but manager Warren Schaeffer said he hopes Feltner will be available out of the bullpen if he is able to make it to the ballpark.
Agnos has made two starts this year, to mixed results. His first start came against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 21st, where he threw five shutout innings and allowed just one hit. He walked one and struck out four. His second start came on June 6th at home against the Milwaukee Brewers, and while he only allowed two runs on three hits, both came on solo homers. He also walked three and struck out just one. In his last outing three days ago, Agnos pitched two scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts. He threw 26 pitches, 18 for strikes. Agnos has faced the Braves twice in his career, allowing three runs (two earned) with two walks, a strikeout and a save across 2.1 combined innings. He has not pitched at Truist Park
Agnos will face Braves’ left-hander Martín Pérez. Pérez is in his first season with the Braves after signing a minor league deal with them in the offseason. The 35-year-old journeyman is making his 25th appearance (21st start) for the Braves. In his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, he tossed four innings and allowed four runs (one earned) with three walks and two strikeouts. Since he debuted in 2012, Pérez has faced the Rockies eight times and is 2-3 with a 3.60 ERA.
The Rockies need to go 11-16 through their final 27 games to avoid 100 losses. Can they get another one this afternoon?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets at bat in the third inning during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on July 24, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – DH
Bo Bichette – 3B
Carson Benge – RF
Jared Young – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
A.J. Ewing – CF
Brett Baty – LF
Francisco Alvarez – C
SP: Nolan McLean – RHP
Astros lineup
Jeremy Pena – DH
Yordan Alvarez – LF
Isaac Paredes – 3B
Jose Altuve – 2B
Daulton Varsho – CF
Christian Walker – 1B
Taylor Trammell – RF
Nick Allen – SS
Christian Vazquez – C
SP: Cristian Javier – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 4:10 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 22: Kade Anderson #13 of the Seattle Mariners throws the third strike against Alex Bregman #3 of the Chicago Cubs (not pictured) for his first career strike out during the first inning at T-Mobile Park on August 22, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kinda weird that the schedulers had the M’s on an off day on a Friday yesterday, huh? No matter, though, because today we get Kade Anderson’s second career big league start, and first one away from the friendly confines of T-Mobile Park. While the Mariners won in an absolute thriller in his debut, I think we’d all like to see a comfortable win for the new kid.
Lineups:
The Jays are inducting longtime broadcaster Buck Martinez into their Hall of Excellence today, so don’t be too surprised if the start of the game is delayed a tad for the pomp and circumstance. Daz Cameron, son of Mike, will be patrolling left field, while righty José Soriano will make his fifth start as a Blue Jay since coming over from the Angels at the trade deadline.
Each week, the California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race. Records as of Saturday morning:
1) Brewers (84-51)
The Brewers have been getting good news on and off the field. In the standings, they have some breathing room for the best record in baseball. And in a major relief this week, they announced that Dustin May somehow avoided injury after taking a 106 mph comebacker off his shoulder in his last start. (Last week: 1st)
Ha-Seong Kim of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Mauricio Dubon following a walk-off single during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images
2) Braves (80-55)
The Braves had been going in the wrong direction recently. But it was nothing a sweep of the Dodgers — which was punctuated by Chris Sale’s shutout — couldn’t fix. Also encouraging: AJ Smith-Shawver looked sharp in his return from injury. (Last week: 6th)
The Cubs are doing that thing again. Prone to extreme highs and lows all season, they are beginning to trend back in the wrong direction, going from a 9-2 stretch to start this month to a 5-9 slide since. That probably takes care of the NL Central hopes once and for all, and leaves them hoping to get hot again before October rolls around. (Last week: 3rd)
7) Phillies (75-60)
After all the twists and turns that came at the start of this season, the Phillies are finally beginning to entrench themselves in a playoff position, pulling three games clear of the wild-card cut line with an 8-2 run. (Last week: 7th)
8) Red Sox (73-61)
The city of Boston is evidently ready for Roman Anthony to return to the majors. But for now, the Red Sox are continuing to cruise without him, entering this weekend’s pivotal Yankees showdown as winners of three series in a row. (Last week: 9th)
9) Padres (72-63)
Welcome to the new Padres owners, who said they want to “live within their means” but also entered their introductory news conference to a custom-written — and, if we’re being honest, rather cringy — hype song. (Last week: 8th)
We’re glad Pope Leo XIV got his promotional White Sox pope hat. That said, it might be time to finally give the “The Pope loves the White Sox” thing a rest — at least until there is another World Series game on the South Side for him to attend. (Last week: 10th)
In #OnlyAstrosThings: Dana Brown is out, with owner Jim Crane evidently hoping that a change of GM will inspire his team to improved play down the stretch. Time will tell on that. But really, all the Astros could need to do is play .500 baseball. So far, that’s been enough for first place in the AL West. (Last week: 12th)
13) Guardians (68-67)
The whiplash-inducing experience that is the AL wild card continues, with the Guardians becoming the latest big movers thanks to an eight-wins-in-10-games stretch. That’s given them a two-game lead for the final playoff spot — which feels like a massive cushion compared to the bunched way the standings have been. (Last week: 19th)
The Cardinals were interesting for so much of this year. Now, they are simply playing out the stretch in hopes of returning to contention in 2027. (Last week: 13th)
16) Rangers (66-69)
Every time the Rangers appear to be turning a corner, they do something like this week: losing three games in a row in which they were outscored by 15 runs. The state of the AL standings means they still have a shot at October. But they continue to play like something far less than a postseason-caliber squad. (Last week: 15th)
17) Orioles (66-69)
Pete Alonso of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the second inning on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. Getty Images
Pete Alonso is still doing all he can to keep the Orioles’ October dreams alive, improving his August slash line to .358/.419/.674 with nine home runs after another strong week. The O’s, however, still need every bit of it, having only managed a 12-13 record amid Alonso’s recent surge. (Last week: 18th)
18) Blue Jays (66-70)
Last year, the Blue Jays and Mariners were playing for a spot in the World Series. This weekend, their meeting in Seattle feels more like a last-ditch effort from both teams to remain in the postseason hunt. (Last week: 17th)
19) Mariners (64-71)
Two weeks ago, the Mariners suffered a 22-0 loss. This past week, their worst defeat was only 19-2. We’ll consider that progress! More seriously, they did win back-to-back series to at least stay within striking distance in the AL West race. (Last week: 21st)
20) Pirates (65-71)
Our national emergency is over. Paul Skenes had a quality start (six scoreless innings in San Diego) for the first time in six weeks. Unfortunately for the Pirates, it has come too late to likely save their season. (Last week: 20th)
21) Twins (64-71)
Just when we were finally buying the Twins as playoff contenders, they got swept by the Padres and lost a series to the lowly Athletics. Oh, and Byron Buxton might need surgery this offseason. It appears midnight has struck on their Cinderella campaign. (Last week: 16th)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning of a baseball game on Friday, August 28, 2026, in Detroit. AP Photo/Paul Sancya
As The Post’s Jon Heyman wrote this week, Alex Cora remains the home run candidate in the Mets’ upcoming managerial search. But current interim Andy Green is certainly looking like a strong option, too, if he wants to be. Even after their deadline sell-off, the club has a winning record under his direction in August. (Last week: 25th)
26) Royals (61-75)
Despite an out-of-nowhere 11-1 run, the Royals don’t have any chance of getting back in the playoffs … right? A quick check of FanGraphs’ computer models show, no, not really, with playoff odds of 0.1%. (Last week: 26th)
27) Giants (55-80)
Not that it matters much at this stage, but shortstop Willy Adames’ already disappointing season is in danger of coming to a premature end because of an elbow injury. Just another setback in a Giants season that has been full of them — and can’t end soon enough. (Last week: 27th)
28) Rockies (52-83)
It was reverse celebration week in Denver, where the Rockies have clinched their eighth losing season in a row. That streak is the second longest in the majors, only topped by the … (Last week: 28th)
29) Angels (52-83)
Maybe John Mozeliak was on to something. Ever since the interim Angels general manager fired the club’s old pitching coaches a couple weeks ago (for not utilizing analytics the way he wanted), the club ranks fourth in the majors in team ERA. Not that it’s helped them avoid a recent five-game losing streak or a 10th straight year with a losing record. (Last week: 29th)
30) Athletics (53-82)
The A’s have only clinched a fifth straight losing season, but they are starting to feel as helpless as their hapless companions at the bottom of this list. (Last week: 30th)
Award Tracker: National League MVP
Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong jogs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning of a baseball game on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in Seattle. AP Photo/Lindsey WassonShohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to a sixth-inning strikeout against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. Getty Images
1) Pete Crow-Armstrong (.277 average, 33 home runs, 83 RBIs, .923 OPS)
We had been reluctant to move PCA past Ohtani in previous iterations of these check-ins. But with Ohtani’s pitching status remaining unclear, and Crow-Armstrong now owning a better OPS and nearly two more full wins-above-replacement (8.6 to 6.9, per FanGraphs), it’s starting to look likelier that Ohtani’s three-year MVP streak will be snapped.
While Ohtani’s uncertain pitching status isn’t helping him, neither is a recent slump at the plate, with the slugger entering Saturday 4-for-31 over his last eight games. If Ohtani is going to beat PCA in the MVP race, his offensive numbers will have to be decidedly better. Right now, they are starting to become worse instead.
This MVP race has become such a two-man show, that the rest of the field is open enough for a pitcher like Misiorowski to finish higher than normal. For reference, after Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani, the next closest NL position players by WAR are Otto Lopez (4.7) and Corbin Carroll (4.5). Misiorowski’s standout season, meanwhile, has been worth 5.7.
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TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 12: Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez sits with Daulton Varsho #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays as he warms up ahead of their MLB game against the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre on September 12, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is Buck Martinez Day. He’ll join the ‘Hall of Excellence’, which just opened
Game two against the Mariners. I hope it goes much the same as yesterday. And it is game #137.
The Jays plan to have Spencer Arrighetti start Tuesday, Dylan Cease Wednesday and Jose Soriano Thurday against the Guardians.
Jameson Taillon threw 48 pitchers for the Bisons last night, he should slide into the rotation next week. Joe Mantiply threw an inning and will throw one tomorrow. And Josh Smith will play again for the Bisons today and join the Jays Monday when the rosters expand.
Bo Bichette might not be a Met next year. He might be as important to them next season as anyone. Early this year, he looked like he would never again be the hitter the Mets signed for $42 million annually. Lately, he looks like a guy who can hit .300. Things can change quickly.
So assessing Bichette’s hectic Mets tenure remains complicated, if not premature. Maybe after the regular season, when the numbers are all in, it will be easier to process – just in time for Bichette to decide whether he will stay next year or go.
But for all the versions of Bichette that have appeared at Citi Field this year, the 28-year-old has passed what might be the most difficult task baseball can offer a decorated All-Star: After hitting terribly during his first month in New York playing on a massive free agent contract, being booed regularly as the Mets’ season fell apart before anyone could stop it, and getting labeled by some as a free agent bust… he emerged.
Bichette’s .298 average since June 1 is 13th best in baseball, sandwiched between Pete Alonso and Fernando Tatis Jr. His .794 OPS in that span is just four points lower than his career norm.
“I think just one day I kind of let it all go and started playing better,” Bichette said. “I don’t necessarily think I found me for a long time after that. But I was still able to come here and compete and put up numbers, which I was not able to do at the beginning.”
For much of the first two months of the season, as the team he was supposed to lift over the top plummeted out of contention, Bichette looked lost. His magic with runners in scoring position was gone. He was swinging early and often and sometimes too hard. Just when he was getting comfortable at third base, he moved to shortstop because Francisco Lindor got hurt. Only 17 qualified hitters had a lower OPS in April and May.
“You spend a good part of the season wondering why we’re not playing as well, wondering why I’m not playing as well, having a lot of different things in your head. On top of that, you’re feeling you want to show your new teammates how good you are and live up to the contract and all that,” Bichette said. “In the simplest way I can put it, I think in a lot of ways I just kind of let go.”
Not playing well, Bichette admitted, made it harder to find his place in the Mets clubhouse. He hardly felt like a rookie – his resume and reputation meant his voice would have clout in the clubhouse by default – but “people are more hesitant to speak up when they’re not doing as well.”
Jun 21, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) reacts after striking out against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
But he nevertheless had an immediate impact on the Mets’ youngest players, as first Carson Benge, then A.J. Ewing, soon became his shadows – so much so that the coaching staff noticed the rookies started dressing like the veteran.
“Bo is one of the guys who took me under his wing a little bit and made me feel unbelievably comfortable,” Ewing said. “He’s been a great resource for me, even now [as he is slumping]; he’s been helping me, talking me through things, trying to keep my head on straight.”
Little by little, Bichette started settling in – even before he started hitting. He was the one who started the Mets’ myriad Spider-Man celebrations after an early teamwide identity crisis involving a sledgehammer. He was one of the first veterans to speak publicly after Carlos Mendoza’s firing, when he and his teammates were to blame.
“I’ve never been someone that is super open right away,” Bichette said. “But it has definitely been different. In Toronto, for the most part, for six years it was kind of my clubhouse along with [Vladimir Guerrero Jr.]. And so coming here and figuring out where I belong and whose word is the last word and all of that kind of stuff – I was trying to figure it out. But as the season’s gone along, I feel like I fit in where I need to fit in.”
Some people who were around the Blue Jays during Bichette’s tenure were surprised to see him choose New York because he never seemed comfortable with the public-facing parts of being a key star in Toronto. Choosing New York, particularly with a massive contract, meant choosing more questions, more interviews, and more off-field responsibilities.
But Bichette seems to understand exactly what playing for the Mets requires of him on that front. From the worst moments of his slump to the last few weeks of questions about whether he will opt-out at season’s end, Bichette has been patient and polite. He is regularly at his locker before games even when he knows a reporter or two would probably ask for his time.
As for that opt-out, Bichette remains non-committal, though he has said multiple times that he is enjoying his time with the Mets and is comfortable here now.
“Obviously, we all want him to stay. At the end of the day, it’s his choice, his career,” Benge said. “Whatever he chooses, I’ll wish him the best. But we obviously want him to stay.”
The Mets front office would likely prefer Bichette stick around, too. Bichette is a more proven offensive weapon than anyone who will be available at third base in free agency next year. Should he depart, they will need to replace not only his production, but his presence.
Plus, Bichette has proven something Steve Cohen and others have said is harder to find than they thought these days. Despite his slow start – and maybe because of it – the Mets now have reason to believe he can handle the rigors of New York. The question now is how long he wants to stay.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Juan Soto of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout in the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on August 17, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Eric Wagaman was sent down to Triple-A in the corresponding move, with Soto’s activation coming without a rehab stint. Soto has been sidelined with a calf injury since July 24. The Mets have been holding their own in Soto’s absence, posting a 17-14 record without the slugger in the lineup. Unsurprisingly, interim manager Andy Green has Soto slated for the DH spot as he works back from the calf strain.
Soto has had an uncharacteristic injury-filled season, hitting the IL with leg injuries multiple times. He’s missed 51 games so far this season, almost double the amount of games he’s missed in the last five seasons combined (27). When healthy, Soto has been his usual dominant self, posting 2.7 WAR in his 84 games played.
The Mets get Soto back in the middle of a three-game losing streak. Inserting Soto into the lineup could help the team get back on track after having its most respectable stretch of the season following the August 3 trade deadline.
The Mets star duo of Soto and Francisco Lindor have rarely been healthy at the same time this season, but both will hopefully be able to stay on the field for the team’s final month of games.
New York hosts the Astros today at 4:10 PM EDT, with rookie of the year contender Nolan McLean taking the mound.
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 28: Mauricio Dubón #14 of the Atlanta Braves takes batting practice prior to the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, August 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kathryn May/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After a good night from Ronald Acuna on Friday, he slots back in batting second behind Baldwin, as Mauricio Dubon returns to batting cleanup. The Braves have a fairly soft pitching matchup tonight, so hopefully they can get some more offensive momentum going.
Meanwhile, the Rockies lineup can be viewed below. As you can see, they made a last minute pitching change, scratching Feltner and starting bulk reliever Zach Agnos. Agnos is not very good at all, with a 4.97 xFIP over 76.0 innings this year, an improvement on his numbers from last season. This will likely be a bullpen game though and the Rockies do not have a very good bullpen, so hopefully the Braves can hit them hard.
ST. LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 12: Kyle Leahy #62 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Ali Overstreet/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates will convene again Saturday afternoon for game 2 of their weekend series. Kyle Leahy is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals while the Pirates will send RHP Lake Bachar to the mound. First pitch is 1:15pm central time with the game broadcast available via Cardinals.tv.
