TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays signed right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major league contract on Tuesday to shore up their bullpen.
The Rays placed right-hander Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list with a right wrist strain to make room for Kimbrel on the active roster.
The New York Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment on Friday after the nine-time All-Star allowed 10 runs over 15 innings in 14 appearances. He signed a free agent contract with the team in January.
The 37-year-old Kimbrel has 440 saves with 10 teams in his 17-year career. He won a World Series with Boston in 2018 and was the 2011 NL rookie of the year.
The Rays have the AL’s best record at 34-17, but their bullpen’s ERA of 4.40 is 21st in the majors.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 25: Brooks Lee #22 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates hitting a home run during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on May 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First Pitch: 6:40 PM CDT
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy App, LosTwins.com
Today’s pitching match-up will be Joe Ryan vs. Sean Burke. Ryan has been great lately, with just a single run allowed in each of his last 3 starts. Meanwhile, Burke has been struggling, with 12 ER allowed in his last 13.1 innings.
Rajat Patidar led from the front with an unbeaten 93 to help defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru storm into the IPL final with a 92-run thrashing of Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.
May 24, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith (33) slides safely into third base in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (21-33) vs. Los Angeles Angels (20-34)
Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site: Halos Heaven Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Keider Montero (2-3, 3.83 ERA) vs. RHP Jack Kochanowicz (2-3, 4.55 ERA)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 8: Karl Malone (L) and John Stockton of the Utah Jazz appear 08 June at a press conference at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Jazz 96-54 in game three of the NBA Finals 07 June to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. (Photo credit should read DAN LIPPITT/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
On May 10th, 2026, the Utah Jazz won the No. 2 pick at the NBA Draft Lottery. Marking the first time in Jazz history they’ve moved up in the lottery, it’s been a little over two weeks since the Jazz were able to move up. If I’m being honest, I don’t think Jazz fans are excited enough. This draft class, as you already should know, is truly special, and for the Jazz to land the No. 2 pick this year with everything else they’ve accumulated truly is a franchise-changing moment.
The final results from the NBA Draft Lottery 2026:
1. Washington Wizards 2. Utah Jazz 3. Memphis Grizzlies 4. Chicago Bulls 5. LA Clippers 6. Brooklyn Nets 7. Sacramento Kings 8. Atlanta Hawks 9. Dallas Mavericks 10. Milwaukee Bucks 11. Golden State Warriors 12. Oklahoma…
The Jazz have finished last place in the Western Conference two years in a row now. They haven’t made the playoffs since Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were still leading the team during the 2021-2022 season. The Jazz haven’t made the Western Conference Finals since the 2006-2007 season, falling to the Spurs 4-1. And of course we all know the story of how John Stockton and Karl Malone fell to Michael Jordan and the Bulls in ’97 and ’98. Losing two Finals back-to-back is brutal, and the truth is being a Jazz fan has really only ever brought pain and suffering, but I believe it’s all about to pay off.
While the Jazz did finish last in the Western Conference the past two seasons, you’d be blind to ignore the trajectory the team is currently riding. And let’s be completely honest, if the Jazz actually tried to win last season they probably could’ve slid in as an 8th seed via the play-in. Fortunately they did the right thing, choosing to play for the draft pick. The worst-case scenario for the Jazz in the lottery would’ve been picking 8th. Even in that hypothetical, the Jazz would’ve almost certainly been a top 6 seed next year in an already loaded Western Conference, with Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way, Walker Kessler likely returning, and an emerging Ace Bailey by his side. That would’ve been more than enough to get the Jazz back into the fight in the West, but finally the lottery gods blessed the Jazz — not with the No. 4, not No. 3, but No. 2!!! In a draft class where it’s truly 1A, 1B, and 1B might just be the best player in the class! That’s not the point of this discussion though. It does not matter who the Jazz take. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is. The Jazz are getting a franchise-changing player no matter what.
The ultimate goal is always to win the NBA Finals. The Jazz have been in Utah for 47 years, and we are still waiting for the first parade through Salt Lake City. I believe the Jazz are on the path to us potentially having one of those parades in the coming years, but it won’t be easy. Watching the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs has been intimidating, to say the least… But I truly believe now after the lottery the Jazz are positioned to where they could realistically beat one of those teams in a playoff series.
We’re just about a month away from the 2026 NBA Draft! This could be the best time to be a Jazz fan in franchise history. Am I too bullish? Do you agree? When was the last time you were this excited about a Jazz team? The Jazz are going to be FUN next year, and I personally can’t wait to see just how high this team can fly.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 20: Spencer Horwitz #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the second inning at Busch Stadium on May 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Much has been made of the Pirates’ new-look offense in 2026.
After posting one of the worst offensive seasons in franchise history last year, the Pirates have blossomed into one of the best lineups in the sport.
Don’t believe it? It’s easy to think after the team finished in the bottom five of most offensive categories, but the numbers don’t lie.
The Pirates are tied for third in hits (8.6), tied for fourth in batting average (.249), fifth in on-base (.331), tied for fifth in runs per game (4.8),and 11th in OPS (.717).
Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Konnor Griffin debuting have been considerable reasons why, but the Pirates wouldn’t be where they are if it wasn’t for one of the most underrated players in the National League.
First baseman Spencer Horwitz is exactly what the Pirates need.
A contact-first approach but capable of hitting the ball out of the park, Horwitz isn’t a prototypical first baseman. The Pirates don’t need him to be.
Horwitz is batting .282, third best on the team, and hit leadoff for the Pirates on Sunday and Monday. He’s hit as low as eighth in the lineup, including Tuesday.
Horwitz is tied sixth in the NL with a team-high .389 on-base percentage, trailing All-Stars Brice Trang (.410), James Wood (.405), Shohei Ohtani (.403), Corbin Carroll (.399), and young stars Xavier Edwards (.391) and Drake Baldwin (.389).
He swings a solid bat from the left side, owning a .832 OPS in 149 at-bats. Horwitz struggles against lefties (.190 average) and tends to sit against left-handed starters, but is batting close to .300 (.297) against righties in 128 at-bats.
Horwitz is somewhat of a throwback player who can hit the ball the other way, make solid contact, and doesn’t strike out.
For a lineup that includes Cruz (on pace to record the most strikeouts in franchise history), Reynolds, Lowe, Marcell Ozuna, and Henry Davis, Horwitz’s approach is a necessity to balance the roster construction.
The 28-year-old former Blue Jay is the only Pirate regular to earn more walks (26) than strikeouts (24). Horwitz homered off Dylan Cease in Toronto in the Bucs’ 4-1 win on Sunday afternoon.
Good teams need players like Horwitz who won’t gain significant attention but find a way to come through. He’s hit five home runs and driven in 23.
Baseball Savant adds an additional element to Horwitz’s success, ranking him in the 86th percentile in batting run value.
He doesn’t hit the ball all that hard (17th) or have a good barrel percentage (19th), but squares up the ball (87th) and doesn’t chase poor pitches (77th).
Horwitz ranks in the 94th percentile in whiff percentage and is zigging when the league zags to the three true outcomes. His strikeout (90th) and walk (89th) percentiles are some of the best in the sport.
He won’t hit the ball 440 feet, make flashy defensive plays, or easily score from first on a ball in the gap, but Spencer Horwitz is more valuable than many people think.
If the Pirates are going to climb the difficult NL Central stairway to a playoff bid, Horwitz is going to be a major reason why the Bucs have their most competitive and complete offense in a decade.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 5: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres on April 5, 2026 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On the most beautiful weather night for baseball so far this year at Fenway Park, Ranger Suarez tries to post yet another beautiful pitching line (he’s already held opponents to zero earned runs in five starts this year).
Lineup wise, the most interesting detail is Mickey Gasper starting at catcher, and while that’s most likely because there’s a righty on the mound for Atlanta and Chad Tracy is slowly working Gasper in behind the plate, the far more compelling explanation would be that it was supposed to be Connor Wong’s turn and he got benched for his embarrassing baserunning in the 9th inning on Sunday.
Speaking of the catcher position, let’s try our new feature where we can embed polls from the feed and ask who should be starting the majority of games there right now:
The Mets are transferring OF Luis Robert Jr. from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list, the team announced.
Robert was originally placed on the 10-day IL on April 30, retroactive to April 27, due to lumbar spine disc herniation.
The earliest he would be eligible to return would be June 26.
Manager Carlos Mendoza had said earlier in the week that there was no update on the timetable for Robert's return.
Robert last played in the majors on April 26 and had logged just 24 games before hitting the IL. He also struggled when healthy, hitting just .224 with two home runs, three doubles, and eight RBI over 85 at-bats.
Injuries have been an issue throughout Robert's career with the Chicago White Sox, as he played just 68 games in 2021, 98 in 2022, 100 in 2024, and 110 in 2025. Robert's most recent full season was in 2023, when he played 145 out of 162 games and hit a career-high 38 HRs.
He was acquired from Chicago prior to the start of the 2026 season in exchange for prospects Luisangel Acuña and RHP Truman Pauley.
May 26, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The roof begins to open as some of the Miami Marlins players take early batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Not a ton going on in Jays news today. A couple of minor notes:
Vlad hit today. He’s not in the lineup, but it sound like it’s just a day to day pain management thing.
Nathan Lukes gets a rest day as the team tries to protect his hamstring, but he’s apparently fine after taking a fastball in the year last night.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 25: Griffin Canning #17 of the San Diego Padres looks on during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park on May 25, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres dropped Game 1 to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday in horrible fashion. In what has become all too common, the Friars failed to score a single run despite multiple pristine opportunities to do so.
The Padres loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning before striking out twice and grounding out to end the inning without a score.
Then again in the third, the first two runners reached base before a forceout put runners on the corners. Manny Machado promptly grounded into a double play to end the inning.
With runners at first and second and only one out in the fifth, Miguel Andujar popped out before Xander Bogaerts flew out to end the final scoring opportunity the Padres would have.
The San Diego offense has had a meager showing lately, going 2-for-29 in their last four games. It’s been an exclamation mark on the continual inconsistency of the Friars lineup. One thing’s for sure, they’ll need to take advantage of every opportunity they have if they hope to salvage the series against Philly.
Taking the mound
Aaron Nola (PHI) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)
Nola’s been an ace in the past for Philadelphia, but he’s struggled to perform in 2026 with a 6.04 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through 10 starts. It’s been a consistent downturn for Nola since 2024, posting ERAs above 6.00 in each of his last two seasons.
He’s only had one scoreless start so far this year and has surrendered 13 runs in his last three games (13.1 IP). The Padres will need to do what they couldn’t yesterday if they’re to force the rubber match: score runs.
(Apologies for the mistake on yesterday’s preview. I accidentally wrote that Vásquez was starting Monday and Canning on Tuesday. That is my fault and Vásquez will start today’s game.)
Vásquez has shared ace duties with King this year, authoring a career-best 2.96 ERA through 54 2/3 innings. He’s lost that a bit in his recent starts, posting a 3.89 ERA across his last 37 innings.
His last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers was uncharacteristic, pitching just 4 1/3 innings and allowing three runs. If he can limit the Phillies lineup, he’ll need to do much better at limiting contact from Philadelphia’s sluggers.
Batter up!
As previously stated, the San Diego offense needs to wake up. Their inability to score in prime opportunities continues to infuriate the Friar Faithful. Despite outhitting the Phillies, 5-3, in Monday’s game, the Friars couldn’t score a single run.
But the one pleasant surprise was Fernando Tatis Jr. He went 2-for-2 with two walks against Philly. Across his last seven games, Tatis is batting .417, going 10-for-24 at the plate with five walks.
Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
Miguel Andujar, DH
Gavin Sheets, 1B
Manny Machado, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jackson Merrill, CF
Ramón Laureano, LF
Nick Castellanos, RF
Freddy Fermin, C
After Rodolfo Durán caught two days in a row, Fermin will start today’s game against Philly. He’s been swinging an ice-cold bat and will look to turn things around against Nola.
Surprisingly, the Padres lineup doesn’t have an abundance of experience against the veteran starter. Outside of Bogaerts, Castellanos and Machado, the Friars have a combined 24 at-bats against the right-hander. They’ll need to figure him out quickly to win Game 2.
Relief corps
Starter Griffin Canning had his best outing of the season, pitching six-plus innings and allowing just three runs. Unfortunately, the Friars offense couldn’t back his effort, but the bullpen was saved for the remainder of the series.
Only Jeremiah Estrada and Yuki Matsui were used to finish the game, with Estrada recording the final out of the seventh inning before Matsui pitched a hitless eighth and ninth.
That allows the Padres to have depth for the final two games, with Jason Adam, Estrada, Ron Marinaccio, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez available to pitch in Game 2.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 20: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles walks to the dugout prior to the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
May 25, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) is greeted by third base coach Matt Erickson (68) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Fresh off a series-opening win, the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are back at it on Tuesday night. The roof will be open for a night game for the first time this season.
The Brewers made a transaction prior to the game, placing Logan Henderson on the 15-day IL with low back tightness. RHP Coleman Crow was recalled to the active roster to take his place. Pat Murphy confirmed that Crow will pitch on Friday against the Astros. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s starter is still TBA, but Murphy said that the finale against the Cardinals will be covered by “a combination of guys already on the roster.”
Henderson told reporters that he felt his back tighten up while facing Freddie Freeman in the fourth inning during his last start. He’s hoping to return to throwing soon and is already starting to make a little bit of progress in his recovery, but not enough to be able to make his start tomorrow.
For the game tonight, Kyle Harrison is on the mound for the Crew, looking to continue his stretch of dominance. Harrison hasn’t allowed a run in either of his past two starts and hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in a single start all season. Over Harrison’s last five starts, he’s allowed just three runs over 28 IP, good for a 0.96 ERA.
On the other side, the Cardinals will have Michael McGreevy. McGreevy has a 2.40 ERA in his 10 starts. He doesn’t miss a lot of bats with just 5.9 K/9, but he also doesn’t walk many either, posting 1.9 BB/9 so far. We can expect a lot more contact than we saw in Monday’s game when both starters had 10-plus strikeouts.
Pat Murphy is shaking up the Brewers lineup as well with Christian Yelich in the leadoff spot, bumping Jackson Chourio down to the two-spot. Brice Turang, William Contreras, Jake Bauers, and Garrett Mitchell make up the middle of the order. Luis Rengifo, Sal Frelick, and David Hamilton round out the bottom of the lineup.
The Cardinals are keeping the top of their lineup pretty similar, with JJ Wetherholt leading off, followed by Iván Herrera, Jordan Walker, and Alec Burleson.
The Brewers have a great opportunity to extend their lead in the NL Central even further. The Brewers have won their last six games when Harrison has started. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. on Brewers.TV and the Brewerse Radio Network.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 18: Pidgeons scatter as Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves catches a fly ball by Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox in center field during the thrid inning at Fenway Park on May 18, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Braves are hoping to wake up their offense with Strider on the mound to avoid three-straight losses. And for the Red Sox, well, they’re just hoping they can get over 3.7 runs per game. As always, you know where to find us for the recap.
Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a massive win on Sunday, and now they hit the road again to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5.
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Spurs Game 5 computer picks
Julian Champagnie Over 9.5 points (+100)
Projection: 11.06 points
There's no denying Julian Champagnie is running cold, but he's almost running too cold. The wing is getting a plethora of open looks throughout the game, and he's too good a shooter to keep missing them.
Our model calls for him to break the slump tonight.
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Dylan Harper Over 9.5 points (-105)
Projection: 10.16 points
Dylan Harper is blossoming into a young star before our very eyes. While he's taken a bit of a backseat scoring-wise in Games 2 and 3, he surpassed 10+ points in the five games prior.
Expect him to reach that milestone in Game 5.
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De-Aaron Fox Over 14.5 points (-112)
Projection: 15.87 points
De-Aaron Fox failed to score 15+ points for the first time all postseason in Game 4, but he's still getting the same amount of volume. It was an off night for anyone not named Wemby, and he'll find his touch at Paycom this evening.
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Thunder Game 5 computer picks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 7.5 assists (+115)
Projection: 6.79 assists
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will once again be called upon to score with the Oklahoma City Thunder seemingly shorthanded again. San Antonio opted to stray away from double-teaming the MVP last time out, which led to bad shooting nights from his teammates.
The San Antonio Spurs will take a similar approach and dare SGA to beat them.
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Chet Holmgren Over 13.5 points (+105)
Projection: 14.77 points
There's no denying how bad Chet Holmgen played on the road, but he has a chance to shine in front of the home crowd tonight. Our model expects him to return to form, with his team in desperate need of his scoring.
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Isaiah Hartenstein Over 6.5 points (-130)
Projection: 7.75 points
Isaiah Hartenstein continues to make the most of his limited minutes, fresh off a 12-point performance. The Spurs are more than happy with Hartenstein shooting, because that means the ball isn't in SGA's hands. This is a very obtainable number for the big man.
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How to watch Spurs vs Thunder Game 5
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock/NBC
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ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 20: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles misses a catch during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 20, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What a difference a week makes. Just a few days ago it felt like the Orioles season was circling the drain. They had lost five of six, including three embarrassing displays down in Tampa. Now, they are winners of three out of four and the magic is emanating from them.
But as the saying goes, momentum is only as good as the next day’s starting pitcher. In the Orioles case, that’s Shane Baz, and the O’s haven’t won a start of his since April 28. That’s not all Baz’s fault. He allowed just one run over six innings against these Rays in his last outing, and tossed seven solid frames against the Nationals in the start before that. Those two efforts have brought his season ERA from 5.48 to 4.87.
The Orioles won’t have Dietrich Enns to help them out of the bullpen. He was DFA’d earlier today in order to make room for Nick Raquet. The swap of lefties seems like an effort to add flexibility and a fresh arm after the 13-inning affair on Monday. Raquet has options. Enns doesn’t. Hopefully Raquet can replicate his Triple-A success (3.24 ERA, 2.86 FIP over 16.2 innings) in Baltimore. His three MLB games from earlier this year did not go well. Enns might still stay in the organization, but he will need to get through waivers first. His $2.625 million salary might allow that to happen.
Spurs
Thunder