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Ian Cundall at Baseball America recently watched Dodgers prospect Emil Morales with Ontario as well as San Francisco Giants prospect Jhonny Level, then compared and contrasted the two 19-year-old California League shortstops ranked in the top 100.

“Morales has the makings of a power-over-hit player and is likely a corner infielder. There’s considerable variance in his profile but also a very high ceiling if he can make enough contact to tap into his raw power,” Cundall wrote. “That’s why he’s ranked slightly higher at this point. He’s the type of player you can envision developing into a bat-first impact regular if everything breaks right.”

In Baseball America’s updated top-100 prospect rankings unveiled on Wednesday, Morales was ranked 67th, after not making the top 120 in January.

Morales spoke with Tower Buzzers broadcaster Jeff Woolson on Friday:

With Mookie Betts, Kiké Hernández, and Brusdar Graterol rehabbing with Oklahoma City, and Blake Snell having just completed his rehab assignment before rejoining the Dodgers today, this next story feels especially relevant.

Old friend Josh Suchon, a longtime host of Dodger Talk who is in his 14th season calling games for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, dug into the history of minor league rehab assignments, and found that St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Silvio Martínez was very first player to appear in a minor league game on a rehab assignment, 46 years ago.

From Suchon at Baseball America:

On May 23, 1980 … a new four-year agreement was reached between the MLB Players Association and the 26 clubs.

The two sides agreed to set aside the issue of free agent compensation for further study and negotiation. Ultimately, the two sides could not reach an agreement, which led to the two-month strike in 1981. Buried in the new agreement was a provision known as the “medical rehabilitation program.”

The city of Torrance is trying out a new shuttle service two and from Dodger Stadium, beginning this weekend, with trips costing $2 each way: “The pilot service will operate on Sunday, May 10; Sunday, May 31; Sunday, June 7; and Sunday July 5, 2026, offering direct service to and from the stadium.”

Nathalie Alonso wrote a children’s book about Fernando Valenzuela called ¡Viva Valenzuela!, which focuses on Fernandomania and his bursting onto the scene with the Dodgers in 1981. Illustrator John Parra shared some details on his process illustrating a portion of the book.

At Coors Field, innings can become dangerous in a hurry.

A walk. A hit. A bloop. Suddenly, the inning is fraught with peril.

That is why a clean double play can feel like an escape hatch: one ground ball, two outs, crisis averted.

I love double plays.

Double plays have their own little language. 6-4-3. 4-6-3. 5-4-3. To the uninitiated, they just look like more numbers. To the converted, they are something closer to cheat codes. Every number is a position. Every dash is a throw.

The first number tells you where the trouble began. The last tells you where it ended.

The classic 6-4-3 is not the same as a 4-6-3. The 3-6-1 asks the pitcher to finish the job. The 1-2-3 is panic turned into process. The 7-6-3 is basically a practical joke. 

The double play is not one play, really. It is a family of escape routes. And for years, the Rockies used them more than almost anyone. 

A Rockies habit starts to wobble 

So where did the double plays go?

The Rockies still have the main ingredient: ground balls. As of May 9th, they ranked 12th in MLB in ground-ball rate at 42.3%.

But grounders need the right setup. A ground ball with nobody on is just an out.

The easy explanation is actually good news: the Rockies are walking fewer hitters. Fewer walks can mean fewer double-play chances — a trade I would make every day.

That explains part of the drop. But not all of it.

The pivot stat 

To be clear, the total double-play number includes more than the common infield turns. A strike-’em-out, throw-’em-out counts. So does a weird outfield double play.

rGDP is narrower. It is the pivot stat, aimed at shortstops and second basemen. It does not just count double plays; it asks whether a middle infielder completed the turn more or less often than an average fielder would, given the runner, batter, and batted ball.

For years, Colorado was good at this. Earlier this season, the Rockies dipped to -2 rGDP, which stood out against their recent history. They have since climbed back to league average, so the usual small-sample warnings apply. Still, that early dip suggested the issue was not only fewer opportunities. For a stretch, there was some efficiency wobble in the turn itself.

The counting stats help frame the question, too. FanGraphs splits double-play involvement into starts, turns, and finishes, and those buckets show how different the second-base profiles can be. Edouard Julien has started 10 double plays at second, but has been credited with only one turn. Willi Castro, in fewer innings at second, has been credited with four turns.

This is not a playing-time argument. Castro has been good at second, and he will still get reps there, but his value comes from moving around the infield. Julien is the bigger second-base question because the Rockies are giving him regular time there.

The second-base question 

Julien’s bat explains his opportunity in the field. Through 113 plate appearances, he has a .363 OBP and a .741 OPS, and the underlying profile backs it up: strong expected production, hard contact, good swing decisions.

The glove is the question.

His defensive numbers at second have been uneven, including -2 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in a small sample, and a few recent plays show why. Communication, the challenge of truly learning the position, and trouble on the turn have all worked against Julien — and against the double play.

One recent example against Atlanta stuck with me because the Rockies still got two outs. Julien fielded a grounder near second, started to take the bag himself, then hesitated as Ezequiel Tovar arrived expecting a feed. The throw to first was close enough for Atlanta to challenge, but the call stood. In the box score, it is just a 4-3 double play. The miscommunication does not show up.

These Mets clips show the other side of that coin: plays where not getting two outs becomes the story.

The first Mets clip shows the position-learning side of it. Julien fields the ball near second with Tovar moving to the bag, but instead of flipping to start the double play, he elects to chase the runner. 

Maybe that was the read he trusted. Maybe the timing made the choice harder than it looked. Either way, it shows how much decision-making lives inside a play that seems simple.

The second Mets clip shows the turn itself. Tovar starts the play, but Julien loses his footwork on the pivot and spikes the throw well in front of T.J. Rumfield at first.

That is the margin: An unclear exchange, a forced rundown, a throw in the dirt, and the double play can break. 

The turn can still come

While Julien is clearly still learning on the job in Colorado, that does not mean he is new to the position. Some of this is also physical — arm strength won’t drastically improve with more reps.

But the communication, timing, footwork on the pivot, and flow with Tovar can.

That is the part worth watching as the season moves along.

The Rockies still have ground balls. They still have Tovar. And Julien is getting real time at second. If the reps continue, if the rhythm sharpens, the double plays may return.

I hope they do. At Coors, this team could use more escape hatches. More clean turns. More innings that end before they become something worse.

Just don’t bring the walks back.

So, is this just an early-season wobble, or has one of the Rockies’ strangest little strengths actually changed?

On the Farm

Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 2, Sugar Land Space Cowboys 1

Albuquerque improved to 22-15 with a 2-1 win over Sugar Land, which fell to 17-20. Keegan Thompson gave the Isotopes a strong but short start, throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits allowed and one strikeout. Cole Carrigg (No. 4 PuRP) used his speed to score the first run in the sixth, coming home from third on a soft groundout by Sterlin Thompson (No. 13 PuRP). Vimael Machín added what would prove to be the deciding run with his third home run of the season in the top of the ninth. The Isotopes managed only six hits, but the pitching staff held Sugar Land to 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Overall, Thompson went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a walk, and his seventh stolen base, pushing his OPS to .984, and Carrigg finished 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored and is now hitting .366 with a .948 OPS.

Double-A: Hartford Yard Goats 4, Binghamton Rumble Ponies 2

Roc Riggio (No. 14 PuRP) got the offense started late and turned a quiet night into a Hartford win. The Yard Goats beat Binghamton 4-2, moving to 14-16 while the Rumble Ponies dropped to 11-20. Riggio supplied most of the offense himself, hitting a solo homer in the seventh before adding a two-run shot in the eighth to put Hartford ahead for good. He finished 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI, raising his OPS to .823. Jose Torres added the final run with his fourth homer of the season in the ninth and also finished 2-for-4. Jake Brooks was solid in a no-decision, allowing two runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings with four strikeouts.

High-A: Spokane Indians 3, Tri-City Dust Devils 0

Spokane rode its pitching to a clean 3-0 win over Tri-City, moving to 12-19 while the Dust Devils fell to 17-14. Brody Brecht (No. 3 PuRP) set the tone with four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six. Stu Flesland III did plenty of the heavy lifting from there, adding four scoreless innings with three hits allowed, one walk, and four strikeouts before Jack Mann finished the shutout. Alan Espinal supplied the big swing, hitting a three-run homer in the sixth to break a scoreless tie. Ethan Hedges (No. 29 PuRP) and Robert Calaz (No. 6 PuRP) each added two hits as Spokane finished with eight hits and no errors.

Single-A: San Jose Giants 4, Fresno Grizzlies 3

Fresno fought back, but San Jose had the final answer in a 4-3 Grizzlies loss. Fresno dropped to 17-14, while the Giants improved to 19-12. Riley Kelly gave the Grizzlies a strong start, allowing one run on three hits over 3 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and no walks. Fresno trailed 3-0 before getting RBI singles from Derek Bernard and Matt Klein in the sixth. Cameron Nelson then tied it in the seventh with a bunt single that scored Luis Mendez, helped along by a throwing error. San Jose retook the lead in the bottom half on Isaiah Barkett’s RBI triple off Jhon Medina, who took the loss.

Why Rockies Face Early-Season Road Trip Test After Disappointing Homestand | SI.com

Scott Roche frames the Rockies’ Pennsylvania road trip as a useful early measuring stick after a rough 1-5 homestand. The Rockies are still trying to prove this start has some staying power, and six games against the Phillies and Pirates should give everyone a better read. For a team trying to move from “interesting” to “actually improving,” this is the kind of week that matters.

How the Schaeffers turned MLB life into a family adventure | MLB.com

Thomas Harding takes a softer turn with a look at Warren Schaeffer, his wife Callie, and the family life built around baseball. The piece makes clear that Schaeffer is more than happy to honor her, not just on Mother’s Day, as Callie has helped make the season work as a full-family adventure. It’s a sweet read about road trips, homeschooling, ballparks, and the people who keep things steady behind the scenes.

Antonio Senzatela Succeeding in New Full-Time Role for Rockies | SI.com

Tyler Miller checks in on Antonio Senzatela’s move into a full-time bulk relief role, where the early returns have been much better than last year’s rotation work. Senzatela picked up the save against the Mets with two strong innings and has a 1.11 ERA over 24 1/3 innings. For a Rockies pitching staff still trying to find functional roles, this is one of the cleaner success stories so far.

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks! 

Triple-A: Syracuse Mets (20-16)

ROCHESTER 7, SYRACUSE 5 (BOX)

Syracuse got out to a 3-0 lead as Jonah Tong spun five scoreless innings to begin his outing, but a five-run sixth inning for Rochester saw the visitors get two runs against Tong and three against reliever Carlos Guzman. Syracuse scored one in the bottom of the frame and another in the bottom of the seventh to tie things up, but Mets reliever Dan Hammer gave up a pair of runs while recording just two outs in the top of the eighth.

Tong struck out eight, walked four, and now has a 4.46 ERA on the season. That might not sound impressive, but he has a 2.57 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 21.0 innings over his last four starts. He’s walked 11 over that span, which means there’s still room for improvement, but his recent work has been encouraging.

And Ryan Clifford had a three-hit night in the loss, notching a rare stolen base in the process.

• RF A.J. Ewing: 1-4, R, 2B, BB, K
• CF Nick Morabito: 1-3, R, 2 RBI, BB, K, SB
• 1B Ryan Clifford: 3-5, SB
• DH Christian Arroyo: 0-3, RBI, K
• 2B Ji Hwan Bae: 0-2, R, 2 BB, SB
• LF Cristian Pache: 0-4, 3 K
• 3B Yonny Hernández: 0-3, R, RBI, BB, K
• C Hayden Senger: 1-4, R, 3 K
• SS Jackson Cluff: 0-4, 3 K
• P Jonah Tong: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
• P Carlos Guzman: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Luke Jackson: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
• P Dan Hammer: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
• P Ofreidy Gómez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (11-20)

HARTFORD 4, BINGHAMTON 2 (BOX)

Neither team scored until the Yard Goats got a run in the top of the seventh, and the Rumble Ponies came right back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning. Unfortunately, the lead didn’t hold, as Hartford scored a couple of unearned runs against Ben Simon in the eighth before getting one more run in the top of the ninth against Zach Peek. Binghamton starting pitcher Jonathan Santucci was superb in this one, making it one of his best start of the young season.

• CF Eli Serrano III: 1-4, 2B, K
• 3B Jacob Reimer: 1-4, R, HR, RBI, K
• C Chris Suero: 2-4, R, 2 2B, K, SB
• LF Jose Ramos: 0-4, 2 K
• 2B Nick Lorusso: 0-3, RBI, K, E
• 1B JT Schwartz: 0-3
• RF TT Bowens: 0-3, K
• DH Matt Rudick: 0-3
• SS Wyatt Young: 0-3
• P Jonathan Santucci: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
• P Saul Garcia: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• P Ben Simon: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• P Zach Peek: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (8-21)

BROOKLYN 7, BOWLING GREEN 2 (BOX)

The Cyclones got a rare win as they scored first with a pair of runs in the second inning, scored at least one run in three other innings, and never relinquished the lead. Mitch Voit drove in the majority of their runs as he went 2-for-4 with a double, a strikeout, and a stolen base, and Colin Houck had a two-hit night that included a home run. Brooklyn starter Channing Austin struck out ten in just four-and-one-third innings, an impressive tally—even if the rest of his line looks just okay.

• SS Antonio Jimenez: 1-5, R, 2 K
• CF Yonatan Henriquez: 1-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 BB, K, SB
• 2B Mitch Voit: 2-4, 2B, 4 RBI, K, SB
• DH Corey Collins: 0-4, BB, 2 K
• C Daiverson Gutierrez: 0-4, BB, 2 K
• 3B Colin Houck: 2-5, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• LF John Bay: 1-5, R, HR, RBI, 3 K
• 1B Trace Willhoite: 1-3, R, HR, RBI, BB, K
• RF Yohairo Cuevas: 2-4, R, 2B
• P Channing Austin: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 10 K
• P Gregori Louis: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• P Bryce Jenkins: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• P Cristofer Gomez: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Single-A: St. Lucie Mets (13-18)

LAKELAND 11, ST. LUCIE 4 (BOX)

An eight-run bottom of the third by Lakeland put this game out of reach very early, and all eight of those runs were charged to St. Lucie starter Cam Tilly. There wasn’t too much to get excited about in this one.

• SS Elian Peña: 0-4, K
• CF Edward Lantigua: 2-4, R, 2 2B, SB, E
• DH Randy Guzman: 0-4, 2 K
• LF AJ Salgado: 0-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
• RF Simon Juan: 0-4, 2 K
• 1B Chase Meggers: 2-4, R
• 3B Branny De Oleo: 1-4, R, 2B, 3 K
• C Francisco Toledo: 1-3, RBI, K
• 2B Jamari Baylor: 1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, K
• P Cam Tilly: 2.2 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• P Zack Mack: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• P Miguel Mejias: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• P Tyler McLoughlin: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• P Christian Rodriguez: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Rookie: FCL Mets (1-4)

FCL CARDINALS 15, FCL METS 4 (BOX)

• 3B Bohan Adderley: 1-4, 2B, RBI, K, 2 E
• C Josmir Reyes: 0-3, BB, K
• SS Anthony Frobose: 0-4, R, 2 K
• DH Yovanny Rodriguez: 1-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• CF Heriberto Rincon: 1-4, 2 K
• RF Justin Ramirez: 0-3, BB
• 1B Yeider Mindiola: 0-4, 2 K
• LF Adolfo Miranda: 0-4, K
• 2B Vladi Gomez: 1-1, 2 R, 3B, BB
• P Julio Gonzalez: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Eris Albino: 2.0 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
• P Caden Wooster: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• P Franyel Diaz: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• P Jean Brito: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

STARS OF THE NIGHT

Jonathan Santucci and Mitch Voit

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Cam Tilly

Good morning Birdland,

The Orioles offense is a three-man operation at the moment: Pete Alonso, Adley Rutschman, and Samuel Basallo. All three of them contributed on Friday night, going a combined 4-for-9 with two home runs, three runs scored, and three RBI. That’s with Basallo beginning the day on the bench in order to catch today’s late afternoon game. The rest of the lineup went 0-for-22 with eight strikeouts.

It’s a widespread problem. Gunnar Henderson is in a deep cold spell. His season OPS is down to .674. Coby Mayo only got two at-bats before he was yanked on Friday. Colton Cowser is basically just a fourth outfielder at this point, kept around for his glove and speed. They don’t trust his bat at all. Tyler O’Neill isn’t having the bounce back they hoped for. Taylor Ward’s doubles are drying up, and that’s not because they are turning into home runs.

It’s a shame because Kyle Bradish put forth a pretty good start. He went deep, tossing seven innings, and the stuff looked good, striking out 10 in the process. The only runs he allowed all came in the fifth inning, and otherwise he shutout the Athletics offense down. Using Trey Gibson as a bullpen piece was an interesting choice, one likely done to keep the rest of the pen fresh in the middle of this long stretch without a day off. But that’s a lot to ask of a young pitcher, who rarely relieves, and will be making just his second career big league appearance.

But the pitching was the least of our concerns on this day. The lineup is struggling, and at this point we may just have to admit that it’s not very good. And those same players are also not doing well in the field either. It’s a mess with no obvious in-season solution other than holding on for dear life and praying it turns around.

Maybe the return of Jackson Holliday in the next week or two gives some minor boost to the bats, but it’s not as if he has ever shown the upside that was once raved about. The team simply needs more out of Henderson and Ward for starters. And they need some sort of legitimate solution at third base. It seems like the duo of Weston Wilson and Blaze Alexander is gonna get a chance to show what they can do. That doesn’t exactly instill a ton of confidence, but it has to be better than what the position has gotten to this point.

Links

Orioles hold Tupac Shakur bobblehead promotion, and his sister throws out the ceremonial first pitch | The Associated Press
By far the highlight of the evening was the Tupac bobblehead giveaway. Credit to the Orioles marketing department for giving fans a reason to show up at the ballpark because the play on the field certainly isn’t doing it!

Singleton can appreciate Ward’s walks | Roch Kubatko
Ward has been a good addition. The team does need him to hit more home runs, but he is walking at a ridiculous rate and doing his job as a table setter. There can’t be too many complaints about him with everything else going so poorly throughout the roster.

Pitcher Cade Povich becomes latest Oriole to go on the injured list | The Baltimore Banner
In case you missed it, Povich is now on the IL with elbow inflammation. That usually spells bad news for a pitcher, but Povich’s discomfort is on the outside of the arm, not the inside. Tommy John often starts with pain on the inside of the elbow, so the Orioles are optimistic that he will be back rather soon. Yay?

Why Bradish’s ol’ reliable might be key to 2026 turnaround | MLB.com
Bradish is still trying to figure out a successful formula on the mound. It seems like he is getting closer. The timing would be great as the Orioles need someone to step up in the middle of their current injury crisis.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

• Jace Peterson turns 36 today. He was a utility-man for 11 years in the majors, including a stint in Baltimore from 2018 through ‘19.
• Tom Chism is 72 years old. The first baseman played in six big league games, all of which came with the 1979 Orioles.
• Ron Jackson is 73. He wrapped up his decade in the majors with a 12-game stay on the 1984 Orioles.

This day in O’s history

1961 – Orioles slugger Jim Gentile becomes the third player in major league history to hit grand slams in consecutive innings. As part of a 13-5 whooping of the Twins, Gentile hits a pair of slams in the first and second innings. A sacrifice fly later in the game makes it a nine-RBI day for him.

1962 – The Orioles trade Marvelous Marv Throneberry to the Mets for catcher Hobie Landrith and cash.

1962 – Brooks Robinson becomes the sixth player of the 20th century to hit grand slams in consecutive games. His homer on this day lifts the Orioles to a 6-3 win over the Kansas City Athletics.

1973 – Al Bumbry and Rich Coggins both club their first major league home runs, but the Orioles lose 4-3 to the Athletics anyway.

1987 – Eddie Murray homers from each side of the plate for the second straight game, the first time that this has been accomplished in major league history. The quartet of home runs helps the Orioles win two games against the White Sox, 7-6 and 15-6.

Good morning, baseball fans!

We are in the middle of a new feature for May that I’m calling the “12 Days of Mays-mas” because I won’t be around for this week, and I want to leave you guys with some fun things to watch while I’m gone.

For the ninth day of Mays-mas, I thought we’d continue with our Tim Lincecum love-fest, and take a look at Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS, arguably Lincecum’s best playoff start. He pitched a complete game with 14 strikeouts and showed the rest of the baseball world exactly why he was San Francisco’s beloved superstar.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy!

What time do the Giants play today?

The San Francisco Giants continue this three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight at 6:05 p.m. PT.

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Saturday’s MLB picks card is loaded with strong pitching matchups, heavy favorites, and a few live underdogs worth backing.

From the Blue Jays and Cubs in favorable spots to the Braves battling the Dodgers late night, these are the MLB moneyline picks standing out most based on current form, pitching edges, and overall team metrics.

MLB moneyline picks for May 9

Matchup	Pick
Angels vs Blue Jays	-186
A's vs Orioles	-122
Astros vs Reds	-156
Rays vs Red Sox	+108
Nationals vs Marlins	+127
Rockies vs Phillies	-170
Twins vs Guardians	-117
Cubs vs Rangers	-133
Tigers vs Royals	+104
Mariners vs White Sox	-117
Yankees vs Brewers	-163
Mets vs Diamondbacks	-127
Cardinals vs Padres	-138
Pirates vs Giants	+100
Braves vs Dodgers	+108

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 5-9.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for May 9

Angels vs Blue Jays: Blue Jays (-186)

Blue Jays win probability: 65%

Toronto still gets the edge behind Tomoyuki Sugano, who’s been excellent early with a sub-1.00 ERA. The Blue Jays also hold the cleaner overall pitching profile, while the Angels remain vulnerable once traffic starts building on the bases. LA has enough power to stay dangerous, but Toronto looks like the steadier team over nine innings.

A's vs Orioles: Orioles (-122)

Orioles win probability: 55%

This is still an ugly matchup because neither side inspires much confidence on the mound, but Baltimore gets the nod at home. Aaron Civale has pitched well statistically, though the Orioles lineup is capable of creating pressure quickly against contact-heavy arms. Slight edge to Baltimore’s offense and late-game upside.

Astros vs Reds: Reds (-156)

Reds win probability: 61%

Hunter Greene versus Spencer Arrighetti is a much tighter pitching matchup than before, but Cincinnati still has value at home. Greene’s swing-and-miss stuff gives the Reds a real ceiling advantage, and Cincinnati’s bullpen has quietly stabilized lately as well. Houston is dangerous offensively, but the Reds still feel live behind the better strikeout arm.

Rays vs Red Sox: Rays (+108)

Rays win probability: 48%

The Rays remain the cleaner overall team entering this matchup. Better pitching depth, stronger run prevention metrics, and a lineup that consistently pressures defenses with speed. Boston’s offense has been too inconsistent to fully trust right now, especially against deeper staffs.

Nationals vs Marlins: Nationals (+127)

Nationals win probability: 44%

This pitching matchup flipped dramatically, but Washington still has a path because Miami’s offense remains limited overall. Zack Littell’s numbers are ugly, though the Nationals continue to own the stronger power profile and should generate enough offense against a Marlins lineup that struggles to sustain rallies consistently.

Rockies vs Phillies: Phillies (-170)

Phillies win probability: 63%

Aaron Nola’s ERA looks rough, but this still profiles as a bounce-back opportunity against Colorado away from Coors Field. The Phillies lineup is too experienced to stay cold forever, and Kyle Freeland continues to allow plenty of contact and baserunners. Philadelphia remains the more battle-tested offense in this spot.

Twins vs Guardians: Guardians (-117)

Guardians win probability: 54%

This becomes much riskier with Tanner Bibee struggling early, but Cleveland still has the stronger overall run-prevention profile at home. Joe Ryan has been solid, though the Guardians' bullpen remains one of the steadier late-game units in this matchup. Tight game that leans Cleveland in the later innings.

Cubs vs Rangers: Cubs (-133)

Cubs win probability: 57%

Chicago continues to profile as one of the best offenses in baseball, ranking near the top of the league in OPS, OBP, slugging, and runs scored. Edward Cabrera has also been solid lately, while Jack Leiter’s 5.45 ERA and command issues continue to create problems. Big edge to the Cubs offensively.

Tigers vs Royals: Tigers (+104)

Tigers win probability: 49%

This still feels close to a coin flip, but Detroit’s overall pitching profile gives them the slight edge. The Tigers have been steadier in both ERA and WHIP all season, and their bullpen depth remains more trustworthy late. Low-scoring game where one clean inning probably decides it.

Mariners vs White Sox: Mariners (-117)

Mariners win probability: 54%

Luis Castillo’s ERA looks ugly, but Seattle still owns the stronger overall pitching infrastructure entering this matchup. Chicago’s offense has improved statistically, though the White Sox remain vulnerable once games turn into bullpen battles. Seattle’s overall staff depth still separates these teams.

Yankees vs Brewers: Yankees (-163)

Yankees win probability: 62%

Milwaukee’s starter has been excellent, but the Yankees continue to hold massive offensive edges nearly everywhere statistically. New York ranks near the top of baseball in runs, OPS, slugging, and homers, and even against strong pitching, they’re capable of breaking games open quickly. Hard to fade this offense right now.

Mets vs Diamondbacks: Mets (-127)

Mets win probability: 56%

The Mets' offense has been inconsistent, but Clay Holmes versus Merrill Kelly is a sizable statistical pitching mismatch. Holmes has been dominant early with a sub-2.00 ERA, while Kelly’s 9.95 ERA speaks for itself. Arizona can absolutely score, though this matchup heavily favors New York on the mound.

Cardinals vs Padres: Padres (-138)

Padres win probability: 58%

San Diego still gets the edge at home behind the cleaner overall pitching profile. Randy Vasquez has quietly stabilized things lately, while Steven Matz continues to struggle with consistency. The Padres' bullpen and overall run prevention remain stronger entering this matchup.

Pirates vs Giants: Pirates (-100)

Pirates win probability: 50%

This is tougher now because Landen Roupp has pitched well for San Francisco, but the Giants' offense still ranks near the bottom of baseball in nearly every major category. Pittsburgh has simply been the more complete offensive team overall and should create enough chances to stay live here.

Braves vs Dodgers: Braves (+108)

Braves win probability: 48%

Even with Spencer Strider still rounding back into form, Atlanta remains the side because of the overall offensive ceiling and the matchup against Roki Sasaki. The Braves rank near the top of baseball in runs, OPS, and slugging, while Sasaki’s command issues have created major problems early this season. Atlanta still profiles as the more complete side tonight.

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Today’s Reflections

Here we are, on May 9th, and the Chicago Cubs have been christened by the media as the most stunning, powerful, dominant team in baseball!!! If they were talking to the Mets’ fanbase, or those from St. Louis, Atlanta, Texas, Tampa, etc., those fans would be on TOP OF THE WORLD!!1!!

But. Let’s be real. We’re Cub fans. WE know what’s going on. The media can paint all the pretty pictures it wants — WE know that while we have a fun (for now), aggressive (for now) mix of hitters and defenders that (can) dominate games, that can change in a flash. We see the small holes for now, like Dansby Swanson’s hitting, the occasional flub ups in LF that still makes Ian Happ most likely the best off-season free-agent outfielder, the goofy flub ups in RF by Seiya Suzuki who’s bat makes us forget all that (unless it’s in crucial situations), the unknown whether PCA is going to be half of the player we saw in the first half last year, the mistakes that Nico Hoerner …… AAAAAH, I can’t do it — he’s a modern-day god.

It’s mostly the pitching staff that’s not only held together by band aids and rubber bands — it’s more like titanium and cement. And I’m pretty sure it’s tough pitching with all that material on you. I just want to say two particular things — 1) I recently wrote that Shota and Colin Rea need to be so careful that they need someone to brush their teeth for them. I want the Cubs to do the same for Ethan Roberts (and everyone else, and, Ethan, don’t catch metal falling from the ceiling. 2) And I want them to go a little further with Ben Brown, the Cubs most consistent (best?) reliever that getting thrown to the wolves again as a starter. 1) Ben, don’t change anything that you’ve been doing. If that means you only go once through the order, fine. And 2) Cubs, wrap Ben in bubble wrap anyway. Just to be safe.

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• Steve Drumwright (North Side Baseball): Cubs Activate Ethan Roberts Off Injured List. “The right-hander missed more than two weeks while recovering from a finger laceration. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell shipped back to Iowa.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): ‘This Week in Baseball’ is Loving on the Chicago Cubs. “It makes me happy to see that MLB has brought back a version of the program itself, and makes me even happier to see the Chicago Cubs featured so prominently this week.”

• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune): 3 numbers that stand out in the Chicago Cubs’ 9-game winning streak: ‘It’s pretty special’. “yes, all things considered, you look at where our record is and how we’ve gotten there, I think we’ve played well,” Jed Hoyer said “But we have five more months to go and we’ve got to keep doing it.”
• Carson Wolf (Just Baseball): Ian Happ’s Endless Consistency Is Going To Get Him Paid. “Happ is setting himself up to be one of the top free agents on next winter’s market. Will the Cubs pay up to keep him in Chicago?”
• Tyler O’Shea (Joker Mag): Riley Martin’s Road to the Big Leagues Began as a D2 Non-Prospect Already Enrolled in Pharmacy School ““I was thinking, I’m probably not gonna get drafted. This is probably my last season of baseball…I was like, ‘This is my last chance at it.’”“
• Steve Greenspan (MLB.com): Deep, balanced lineup a winning formula for Cubs. “Do the Cubs have the best lineup in baseball?”
• Ron Luce (SportsNetOnTap): Ben Brown’s Confidence Leads to New Chapter in 2026 as Starting Pitcher. “Ben Brown starts a new chapter in the 2026 season, getting the start in Texas as he builds back up into a starter for the Chicago Cubs.”

• Gordon Edes (Chicago Sun-Times): Shota Imanaga, Cubs beat Reds 8-3 for 15th consecutive home victory. “This is what happens when the Cubs are off to their best start at Wrigley Field since 1923, nine years after its doors first opened for an outlaw team in an outlaw league that shortly went out of business.”
• Mike McGraw (Daily Herald): Too soon? Cubs join elite company as home win streak hits 15. “Are the Cubs peaking too soon?”
• Mike Wadleigh (Larry Brown Sports): Cubs accomplish rare feat not seen since 1955 Dodgers. “The Cubs now have two nine-game win streaks this season, making them the first team since the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers to have multiple nine-game win streaks in the first 38 games.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs strike trade with Athletics to address ailing pitching staff. “The team’s surprise acquisition of right-hander Tyler Ferguson from the Athletics Thursday afternoon gives a much better idea of the type of moves we can expect to see.”
• Mike Axisa (CBS Sports): Reds’ Tyler Stephenson’s mental error vs. Cubs is latest example of lack of fundamentals across baseball. “ Five years after Javier Báez broke the Pirates’ brains running to first base, Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson forgot to tag the Cubs’ runner coming home Thursday. He thought it was a force play. Nope. Stephenson had to apply the tag but just didn’t do it.“
• Jackson Stone (MLB.com): Cubs haven’t had a Wrigley winning streak like this one in 91 years. “The North Siders cruised to an 8-3 win over the Reds at Wrigley Field …..to mark Chicago’s 15th consecutive win at home.”
• Gordon Edes (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs pitcher Ben Brown will start Friday’s game against Rangers. “Craig Counsell said he has made a point of giving Brown multiple innings. He went 3 innings in each of his first two appearances this season”
• Jared Bloom (Sporting News): Cubs’ Shota Imanaga finds his rookie form and a spot in the pitching power rankings “After a second-half swoon in ’25 and some offseason drama, Imanaga has carried the Cubs’ staff with a 2.40 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning through seven outings.”
• Aldo Soto (Sports Mockery): “Booth is Literally Shaking” Pete Crow-Armstrong Stuns Cincinnati Reds’ Announcer. “Before Michael Busch walked to load the bases, PCA had Wrigley rocking (Video, Reds announcers):

• Ron Luce (SportsNetOnTap): Cubs Recall Gavin Hollowell, DFA Corbin Martin. “The Chicago Cubs designated Corbin Martin for assignment after a pair of rough outings and called up RHP Gavin Hollowell.“
• Evan Shuster (Chicago Cubs on SI): Cubs Share That Matthew Boyd’s Return Timeline is Better Than Expected.“Matthew Boyd has seemingly dodged a more severe meniscus injury, according to Cubs GM Carter Hawkins.”

Food For Thought:

JT Coldfire (James Thomas Uvalle, 1980–2015) was a highly regarded Texas blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter known as a staple of the Austin music scene. Renowned for his raw, energetic “Texas roadhouse” style and prolific live performances, he released albums including Crazy Sun and Always & Never before his untimely passing.

He was a self-taught guitarist who started his career at age 11, playing professionally for over 15 years. His music was a blend of jump blues, Texas blues, and outlaw country, often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Freddie King but with a unique, gritty vocal style. Often cited as one of the hardest-working musicians in Austin, he was known for long, intense live sets. He traveled extensively, playing from Texas to Europe.

Athlete pulls 21,737-pound bus with his neck —  A 49-year-old athlete from Aruba earned his 10th Guinness World Records title by pulling a bus a distance of more than 65 feet using his neck. Egmond Molina used a rope around his neck to pull the 21,737-pound bus on Jan. 9, and Guinness World Records has now confirmed he officially broke the record for the heaviest vehicle pulled by the neck.

“With the rope compressing my airway, I must generate force while carefully controlling my breathing under intense strain. It becomes a psychological battle to remain composed while the body is under severe stress,” Molina told Guinness World Records. The strongman’s previous Guinness World Records titles include the fastest 20-meter bus pull with one finger, 33.32 seconds; the fastest 20-meter tram pull with teeth, 39.9 seconds; the fastest hot water bottle burst, 2.87 seconds; and the most crown cap bottles opened with both hands in 30 seconds, 6 bottles. (VIDEO)

“We live on such an incredible planet! Enjoy this travel guide featuring the most incredible places of our world. From the wildlife of Africa, to the enchanting landscapes of Europe, there’s something worth seeing in every corner of our world. This video is my favorite to date and is took many years of traveling and months of editing to make! I can’t wait to share it with you.

Top 100 Places To Visit in The World – Ultimate Travel Guide (VIDEO)

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