LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers checks an iPad in the dugout during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the first time of 2026, the Dodgers on Thursday won’t have Shohei Ohtani starting for them in any capacity, a planned rest day during the final game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.
“It might be a good thing to take a little bit of a load off his plate offensively,” manager Dave Roberts said on Tuesday.
That means no start for Ohtani on Thursday, though Roberts did say Ohtani would be available to pinch-hit later in the game if needed. Roberts also had advice for Ohtani’s first real rest day of the season, which is directly in the middle of a stretch of 13 game days in a row for the Dodgers.
“I would say show up late, start the day much later, build up some R and R,” Roberts said. “But as the game goes on, start reading the scoreboard and seeing if the situation potentially could arise, to then prepare for that spot.”
Teoscar Hernández had his second multi-hit game of the series on Wednesday night as he filled in at designated hitter while Ohtani was focusing only on pitching. Dalton Rushing has the other three non-Ohtani starts at DH this season, collecting a home run and double in his 11 at-bats, with four RBI. Throw in Alex Call’s pinch-hit double on May 5 in Houston, the non-Ohtani designated hitters are hitting .313/.313/.625 (5-for-16) with two doubles, a home run, five runs scored and five RBI in four games, with another coming Thursday night.
The Dodgers are 8-5 in the final game of series this season, but just 3-4 in such games at home. Thursday is the end of the fourth homestand of the season, with the Dodgers splitting the final games in each of their first three homestands of 2026.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 26: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 26, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Fresh off of winning a series in Dodger Stadium to cap off a successful road trip out West, the Atlanta Braves are now looking to keep this fantastic run going by not just picking up a series win against the Chicago Cubs but capping off the three-game set with a series sweep of the current NL Central leaders.
The pitching has been a big reason behind Atlanta’s success in this series so far (and the season as a whole), as the raves have only given up three runs on five hits through both games so far. The Cubs came into this series slumping after having been shut out during their final two games at Texas and the Braves have done a good job of extending that misery with their efforts on the mound and their defensive quality as well.
It only figures to get better for the Braves coming into this game, as it’s Chris Sale’s turn in the rotation. Outside of a rough outing in Anaheim against the Angels last month, Sale has ben pretty consistent and a very steady figure in the rotation so far — which is exactly what you’d expect from the future Hall-of-Famer. Sale’s last outing saw him perform well enough to keep the Braves competitive against the Dodgers but ultimately, the three runs (two eanred) that he conceded were enough for the Dodgers to eke out a win. Still, those two earned runs were the most that Sale had given up in any outing outside of the one against the Angels — all of the others saw him give up at least one run or fewer while going at least six innings as well.
That’s to say that Chris Sale has been very consistent on the mound so far for the Braves and you always have to like Atlanta’s chances of winning any given game that he’s pitching in. While this does seem like an ideal situation for Sale and the Braves to thrive in considering how anemic the Cubs lineup has been in recent days, one thing to keep an eye on is that the Cubs have done pretty well against left-handed pitching so far this season. As a team, they’re hitting .267/.364/.425 against lefties with 15 home runs, a .352 wOBA and 126 wRC+ and that wRC+ mark is the top mark in all of baseball so far. If the Cubs do wake up tonight, it may not be all that surprising.
With that being said, it also wouldn’t be surprising if they just kept on struggling. The Cubs have faced left-handers Dylan Lee (who FanGraphs has noticed is doing a fantastic job so far) and Martín Pérez for three innings combined over the course of this series and they’ve collected zero hits, zero walks and struck out six times against the two of them. It is possible for left-handers to have success against the Cubs and maybe we’ll see that from Chris Sale tonight.
If they continue to struggle, then the relevant stat could be that the Cubs’ lineup isn’t nearly as imposing away from The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. At home, the Cubs are hitting .263/.364/.496 with a .377 wOBA, 29 homers and a wRC+ of 128. Away from the North Side, those numbers go down to .227/.319/.378 with 23 homers, a .317 wOBA and a wRC+ of 100. Now granted, it’s not hardly surprising to see a team hit better at home than on the road but for comparisons’ sake, the Braves wRC+ goes from 123 at home to 119 on the road. That much of a drop off is enough to take notice of and maybe it could be that the Cubs are just a different team once they put on the road grays (or blues).
So while the Braves may have the advantage in their attempt to go for a sweep, it won’t be easy. That’s because the Cubs are sending Ben Brown to start tonight’s game. There’s been a lot of uncertainty about whether or not the Cubs want to make Brown a starter instead of keeping him in the bullpen and as of right now, he’s got the nod to be a starter. His most recent outing was a successful one where he tossed four scoreless innings against the Rangers and that was part of a lovely stretch that he’s been on since April 11 where he’s thrown 19 innings and given up three runs (with only one of those being earned) on 10 hits and five walks while striking out 16 batters.
While that start against the Rangers was actually a spot start, the Cubs clearly believe in Brown enough to give him a shot against this very potent Braves lineup at Truist Park, so we’ll see if Chicago’s faith in their talented pitcher will be paid off. He’s entering this game with an ERA of 1.82 (46 ERA-) and a FIP of 2.63 (66 FIP-) so if he keeps that up, he will provide some tough opposition for the Braves this evening.
If it comes down to it, the Braves may just have to once again find a way to get to their opposition’s bullpen and make something happen in the later innings. As it turns out, the Braves have been the best-hitting team in baseball from the seventh inning onwards. Atlanta is hitting .275/.344.459 with a wOBA of .353 and a wRC+ of 125 in the seventh, eighth and ninth inning of games so far — all of those numbers are either at the top of the baseball leaderboards or in the top five when it comes to that particular stat, so it’s pretty clear that if the bullpen does get involved, the Braves are capable of turning the game around at that point in time.
The pitching matchup is certainly intriguing and it’s one that makes you think that the Braves can afford to get greedy and go for a sweep here. Going 5-1 against two of the best teams in the National League so far would be a true statement of intent to the rest of baseball that this Braves team means serious business here in 2026. You could argue that that statement has already been made with their series win but a sweep just seems so much nicer, doesn’t it? It’s not going to be an easy task for the Braves but with the way they’ve been rolling so far, it’s not hard to believe that they can pull it off. Let’s see what happens, y’all.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jalen Brunson’s 2025 postseason run was, once again, special.
Just like pretty much every other playoff appearance he’s made as a Knick, he made history, joining lists filled with names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, and Steph Curry. Statistically, it was his second-best one, inferior only to the year prior’s, as he averaged 29.4 PPG, 7 APG, and 3.4 RPG while shooting 46.1% from the field. Pretty insane stuff. But somehow, Brunson, as he’s made a habit of doing, has one-upped himself.
While his scoring average is down nearly two whole points at “just” 27.4PPG, Brunson’s game has taken a turn for the better. In years prior, whether by choice or by necessity, Brunson had not just been the focal point of the offense, but at times, the only offense. When Julius Randle and RJ Barrett turned into shells of themselves in the postseason, nobody could blame them. When Randle was hurt, he didn’t really have a choice. But last year, a combination of Brunson’s playstyle and Tom Thibodeau’s heliocentric offense led to a stagnant offense that resembled more of a slog than the well-oiled machine that the Knicks’ offense resembles today.
The good news for Brunson, the Knicks, and their fans is that not only is this a more fun product to watch, but it’s also a better brand of basketball, and a much more sustainable version of it. And that may be why this current postseason run has been more impressive. Brunson has reached the pinnacle of scoring, where he has maximized his on-ball isolation ability, while also mixing in his deadly off-ball game. It is a beautiful combination that requires immense skill and a high level of basketball IQ, balanced with sacrifice and commitment to his head coach.
Heading into the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson is actually averaging more points per 36 minutes (28.4 points) due to the fact that he’s playing over three full minutes less per game these playoffs. Not only that, his willingness to allow the Knicks to play through Karl-Anthony Towns and utilize his gravity for the betterment of the team has led to a very significant rise in the percentage of Brunson’s field goals that have come assisted. Last postseason, only 19.3% of Brunson’s makes came off of assists. While incredibly impressive, that often meant a lot of tough, if not downright bad shots, made by the captain. This season, though, that number has risen all the way 35.7%. That’s nearly double what it was last year, and over a third of his shots made.
Brunson is also displaying such an extremely high level of shot-making right now that only 18.6% of his points have come at the free-throw line, which is lower than the 22.6% he was at last postseason. Not that the foul-baiting narrative ever made much sense, but he’s proved that nonsense as a farce. For reference, Kevin Durant (34.8%), Shai-Gilgeous Alexander (30.4%), James Harden (29.4%), Joel Embiid (29.3%), Jamal Murray (27.5%), Paolo Banchero (27.2%), Cade Cunningham (26.1%), Nikola Jokic (25.9%), and Jalen Johnson (23.9%) are all noticeably higher. In fact, Brunson ranks 81st out of the 230 qualified players this postseason.
The Knicks averaged 283 passes per game in the second round vs. Philly
That's their highest in any series in the Jalen Brunson era… The first round vs. Atlanta was their second highest pic.twitter.com/1jZjDUR6ja
That doesn’t mean Brunson’s ability with the ball has declined at all, though. He’s become even better in isolation situations. Last playoffs, Brunson scored 1.11 points per possession on 4.8 isolation plays per game. This year, though, he’s scored 1.16 points per possession on 3.8 isolations per game. As we’ve seen these playoffs, when the Knicks need a basket, they, rightfully so, feel very confident in giving Brunson the ball and asking him to get them a bucket. It may not be the smartest or easiest shot, but there’s a luxury in having a player you can trust to almost always get off a shot, and one that often has a chance of going in. But unlike in the years prior, the “clear everyone, and let Brunson make something out of nothing” offense is no longer the go-to default; it’s now just the “only break in case of emergency” button.
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) May 12, 2026
Brunson’s selflessness, growth, and skills have allowed the team overall to flourish, while still giving them the safety blanket that Mike Brown mentioned last week. That’s led to Brunson being fresher and more efficient than ever, while also squeezing out as much from the rest of the team as possible. And for maybe the first time during Brunson’s tenure in New York, the offense looks to be significantly better than the sum of its parts. Obviously, Brown, as well as the collective buy-in and the play of Brunson’s teammates, deserve significant praise as well.
Jalen Brunson is asked if he, as a star, is bothered at all by not having the ball in his hands as the Knicks' offense adapts:
The Knicks head coach has done a great job of blending his patented motion offense with the strengths of his players. And the collective group of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, Landry Shamet, and the aforementioned Towns have risen to the occasion and have played incredible basketball over the last seven games. But there’s no denying that Brunson remains the engine of this team, especially when the going gets tough, and the game comes down to the final moments.
Brunson is on another magical run, which has been a welcome sight after so many around the league, including an odd number of Knicks fans, claimed that he was on the decline due to an up-and-down end to the regular season. He’s once again saved his best for the playoffs, and if the Knicks want to lift their first Larry O’Brien trophy in over 50 years, chances are, he’ll have a little bit more saved up his sleeve.
A.J. Ewing blasted his first major league home run in Thursday’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
Leading off the bottom of the third inning, the Mets' outfielder jumped on a Keider Montero 93 mph fastball, hitting a line-drive laser over the wall in right.
The solo home run traveled 405 feet and came off the bat at 110.5 miles per hour.
"That was really cool," Ewing said after the game. "The first homer, that was awesome."
The Mets' highly touted prospect scored the game-winning run in extras on Wednesday night, hustling in from second on Carson Benge's 10th-inning single, and now he has his first major league round-tripper.
Ewing finished the game 2-for-4 and is slashing .333/.538/.889 while filling up the stat sheet with a home run, a triple, four walks, three RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base after his first three-game series in the big leagues.
Not exactly known for his power after hitting just 15 dingers in 251 minor league games in his career, including two in 30 games between Double-A and Triple-A this year, Ewing believes it can still happen every now and then.
"I think it can be a part of my game," the rookie said. "I don’t think it’s gonna be my identity, I’m gonna spray the ball, hit a lot of line drives and put myself in position to get on base a lot, but I think that when I catch stuff out in front it can happen for sure."
Jacob Lopez takes the mound today in the rubber match of the three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. | Getty Images
Last night the A’s tied up this inter-league three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals at Sutter Health Park in West Sac, and today we get the rubber match at 12:05 PM. The Athletics currently reside in first place in the American League West with a 22-20 record, while the Cards are in third place in the National League Central Division with a 24-18 record.
Taking the mound for the Athletics today is 28-year-old lefty Jacob Lopez. So far on the year, Lopez has a 3-2 record with a 6.11 ERA over 35.1 innings. He’s started in seven of his eight appearances and has struck out twenty-eight batters. He’ll face off against 25-year-old righty Michael McGreevy. He’s 3-2 on the season with a 2.11 ERA in his eight starts this season.
McGreevy will go up against this lineup for the Mark Kotsay’s A’s today:
The Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox wrap up their three-game series. The teams split the first two games. Jesús Luzardo takes the mound for Philadelphia with a 5.77 ERA, while Ranger Suarez starts for Boston with a 2.77 ERA.
How to watch Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox
Jun 8, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver (18) reacts after scoring in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After last night’s fully-cursed game, the Mariners have just one game to play before they get to get out of Houston and return home to Seattle. Luis Castillo will take the ball for Seattle.
Lineups:
News:
Unfortunately it’s bad news for the Mariners. Cal Raleigh is headed to the IL for the first time in his career with an oblique strain. Obliques! They are evil! Read more here.
Game Information:
Game time: 11:10 PT
TV: Mariners.TV, with Aaron Goldsmith, Dave Valle, Jay Buhner and Brad Adam
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.
The Montreal Canadiens travel the short distance to KeyBank Center on Thursday, May 14, for Game 5 against the Buffalo Sabres.
My Canadiens vs. Sabres props tackle an abundance of valuable markets, highlighting the likes of Alex Newhook and Josh Doan, who have significantly elevated their play at the perfect time.
Few players are as red-hot as Alex Newhook is at this very moment. Although the Newfoundland native entered this series with just two points in seven first-round games, his explosive speed has exposed an offense-hungry and inexperienced Buffalo Sabres defensive corps.
He's scored five goals and registered 17 shots on goal in four games this series, providing value in virtually any market. I'll side with the point market, as his linemates in Jake Evans and Ivan Demidov can find the back of the net too.
Game 5 Prop #2: Josh Doan Over 0.5 assists
+155 at BET99
Josh Doan was quietly the Sabres' top U24 scorer this season, and has notched an assist in five consecutive games — the longest active assist streak among all players tonight.
Three of his five assists this series have come via the power play, as Buffalo has scored a PPG in three of four games. Doan is also playing on a third line that's been red hot since the postseason.
The trio of Doan/Norris/Benson has combined for 18 points through 10 postseason games.
Game 5 Prop #3: Nick Suzuki Over 2.5 shots
+110 at BET99
Nick Suzuki's confidence did not waver amid 5-on-5 struggles in Round 1.
The Montreal Canadiens' captain has 13 shots on goal this series, notching three or more in four of his last five. Buffalo ranked 23rd in shots allowed during the regular season, and the likes of Suzuki and Newhook have been pouncing on the opportunity.
The 101-point man ranks third on the team in shots this series and is the only Canadien listed at plus odds with this line.
These three props can be parlayed to +1000 at Bet99.
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The Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves end their three-game series between divisional leaders. The Braves won the first two games. Starting pitchers are scheduled to be Ben Brown for the Cubs, with a 1.82 ERA, and Chris Sale for the Braves, with a 2.20 ERA.
The Seattle Mariners placed catcher Cal Raleigh on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the team announced Thursday, May 14.
Raleigh left Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning after experiencing pain on his right side. Raleigh lands on the injured list for the first time in his career, and in a corresponding move, catcher Jhonny Pereda was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma.
Mitch Garver will take Raleigh's place in the lineup for Thursday's game against Houston and is batting eighth.
After hitting 60 home runs and finishing second in the American League Most Valuable Player voting, the 29-year-old Raleigh has gotten off to a horrible start in 2026.
“Logan (Gilbert) gave me some good advice to wash off the bad mojo or juju from the baseball gods,” Raleigh told the Associated Press. “So yeah, it worked. He was right, so I got to give him credit where credit’s due.”
Raleigh is batting .161 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs for Seattle, which enter the day two games back of the Athletics for first place in the AL West.
EDMONTON, Alberta — The Edmonton Oilers fired coach Kris Knoblauch on Thursday, dismissing him after a first-round exit followed him guiding the team to consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
Knoblauch coached the Oilers to the playoffs three times since taking over as a midseason replacement when Jay Woodcroft was fired following a bad start in November 2023. They won 166 of their 286 total games behind the bench, and Knoblauch’s .623 regular-season points percentage ranks sixth among active NHL coaches.
The Oilers are now set for their sixth coach since Connor McDavid entered the NHL in 2015 and became the best player in the world, skating alongside fellow MVP Leon Draisaitl. The two still have not won a championship, now going into their 12th season together.
Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch looks on from behind the bench. AP
Moving on from Knoblauch comes in the aftermath of a report earlier this week that Edmonton had sought and were denied permission from the Vegas Golden Knights to speak to Bruce Cassidy, whom they fired as coach in late March but is still under contract. Teams making offseason changes typically wait until there is a vacancy before reaching out about prospective candidates.
General manager Stan Bowman getting to make this move seems to indicate he will keep his job, along with president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson, who joined the organization in August 2023. Jackson took over control of hockey operations following the team’s first trip to the final in 2024 and hired Bowman as GM that summer. Assistant coach Mark Stuart was also fired.
“Following a thorough review of this past season, we believe these changes are needed,” Bowman said. “We are grateful for the contributions both Kris and Mark have made to our organization and we wish them the best moving forward.”
The Oilers fell behind 3-0 in their first final matchup against Florida before pushing the Panthers to a Game 7 and losing by a goal. They made it back the following year and had home-ice advantage but seemed to regress in a six-game series defeat that could be blamed on poor defense and goaltending.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on during the third period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks. Getty Images
Those problems continued this season, before and after Bowman made a goalie swap to get Tristan Jarry and send Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh. It made the situation worse, as Edmonton ranked 29th out of 32 teams in the league in save percentage at .883.
McDavid late in the season heaped praise upon Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper after the Lightning beat the Oilers 5-2. Even if it was not meant as criticism of Knoblauch, it stood out from a player who usually speaks more about taking responsibility for losses.
Edmonton was eliminated by the less-experienced Anaheim Ducks, when he was unable to find someone to stop the puck between Jarry and backup-turned-starter Connor Ingram. They combined for an .880 save percentage, worst in the playoffs, and the Oilers’ 4.33 goals allowed also ranked last.
The three-year contract extension the Oilers signed Knoblauch to in October kicks in next season and runs through 2028-29. They are obligated to pay him until another team hires him and would be on the hook for any differential in salary over that time.
What a season it has been for Kahlil Watson! He went 2-5 with a 2 RBI double to raise his average to .276 and his OPS to .931. Juan Brito also went 2-5 with an RBI triple. He is hitting .281 with a .903 OPS in AAA this season. Stuart Fairchild went 2-4 with a walk, and Kody Huff continues his great season going 2-3 with a walk. He is now hitting .318 with an OPS of .980.
It was a solid start for Rorik Maltrud. He gave up 3 runs in 5 innings pitched but also had 7 strikeouts to just 1 walk. His ERA on the season sits at 2.50. Daniel Espino pitched 2/3 of an inning and had two more walks, something he has been struggling with lately. Trent Denholm wound up getting the win by pitching 3.1 scoreless innings of relief with 5 strikeouts.
We are calling this one the Juan Benjamin game. Benjamin went 4-4 with two doubles and was responsible for 3 of the 5 RubberDucks runs. Alfonsin Rosario went 1-4 with a double, Alex Mooney went 1-3 with an RBI single.
It has been a rough season for Dylan Delucia. This start wasn’t too bad but he still allowed 4 runs on 7 hits in his 4 innings pitched. His ERA on the season sits at 8.14. Adam Tulloch, Reid Johnston, and Jay Driver combined for 5 scoreless innings of relief with 5 strikeouts to just 2 walks.
What a day it was for the Rake County Captains. They really made that nickname proud last night. Luke Hill continues to have an awesome season, he went 4-5 with two Home Runs. Nolan Schubart had 3 walks and hit a grand slam. Aaron Walton might be the highest rising position player prospect in the system after homering again today, he is hitting .319 with a 1.027 OPS on the season. They have to get him to Akron soon. Jace Laviolette went 1-4 with a double and a walk, and Dean Curley went 1-3 with two walks and an RBI single.
It hasn’t been the season that Rafe Schlesinger was hoping to have. He allowed 3 more runs today in 3.1 innings pitched and his ERA is up to 5.33 on the season. The main takeaway from this game on the pitching side has to be Cam Schuelke. His ERA is down to 0.55 on the season after throwing 2 scoreless innings of relief with 3 strikeouts and 1 walk.
Dauri Fernandez went 2-4 with an RBI double and a walk. He is now hitting .288 with a .769 OPS on the season. Cannon Peebles went 2-4 with a walk and an RBI single. Jose Pirela homered again and continues his nice season. Tyler Howard went 2-4 with a 2 RBI ground rule double.
Nelson Keljo continues to look awesome. He tossed 4 more scoreless innings tonight with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. His ERA is down to 1.69 on the season. Ryan Prager made his Single A debut today and threw 2 scoreless innings of relief with 2 strikeouts.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 08: Mike Burrows #50 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds on May 08, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (17-27) will continue their seven-game homestand today as they look to earn a four-game series split with a win against the rival Seattle Mariners (21-23).
Astros starter RHP Mike Burrows (2-4, 5.04 ERA), who tossed 7.0 shutout innings his last time out, will oppose RHP Luis Castillo (0-4, 6.57 ERA) and the Mariners in this series finale.
ABOUT BURROWS: RHP Mike Burrows owns a 2.50 ERA (5ER/18IP) in his last three starts and is coming off the best start of his young career on Friday at CIN (0ER/7IP).
Burrows is acclimating himself to the AL West, as he was acquired from the Pirates this offseason as part of a three-team, six-player trade in which the Astros sent OF Jacob Melton and minor leaguer RHP Anderson Brito to the Tampa Bay Rays, while the Rays sent IF Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
ROCK CLIMBING: The Astros are facing RHP Luis Castillo for the 11th time in his career today and for the second time this season, with the first coming on April 11 in Seattle when the Astros tagged him for seven runs on 3.1 innings.
DH Yordan Alvarez took Castillo deep in that game and now has three career home runs and a lifetime .474 (9×19) average off the three-time All-Star.
VS. SEATTLE: The Astros and Mariners are playing their second series of 2026 and after today will not see each other again until August.
With a win last night, the Astros snapped a nine-game losing streak to Seattle, which spanned back to 2025.
ABOUT THE SKIPPER:Manager Joe Espada recorded his 192nd career managerial victory last night, which moved him past Harry Craft (1962-64) into 12th in club history. He now immediately trails Jimy Williams (215) for 11th on that all-time list.
LANCE REACHES 900 K’S: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. surpassed 900 career strikeouts last night as he fanned six in his 5.1 innings pitched. McCullers became the 15th player in franchise history to reach 900 strikeouts and the quickest to do so in terms of appearances (154g).
THE ORDER: The Astros have used 44 different lineups in their 44 games in 2026. Only LF Yordan Alvarez has started every game in the same spot in the lineup (hitting second), although he will bat 3rd today.
1B Christian Walker has played in every game (43 starts).
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: With two RBI last night, 2B Jose Altuve reached 900 career RBI, making him the fifth player in franchise history to reach that mark.
He also checks in with 238 career homers as a second baseman, needing one more to tie Lou Whitaker for seventh place all-time in MLB history among second basemen.
THE SHEW FITS: SS Braden Shewmake went 2×5 last night, which extended his current hitting streak to a career-long eight games.
Shewmake has hit .364 (12×33) with three homers and a 1.000 OPS in 13 games since being acquired by the Astros in a trade from the Yankees on April 19.
WALKER, TEXAS HAMMER: 1B Christian Walker is hitting .296 (24×81) in his last 21 games (since April 20) with six homers and 13 RBI.
Among AL players this season, Walker ranks tied for third in RBI (29), sixth in extra-base hits (20), seventh in total bases (84), and seventh in SLG (.525).
GUN ‘EM DOWN: In just 21 games, C Christian Vázquez has thrown out nine baserunners attempting to steal (in 25 attempts), which ranks tied for first in the AL and fourth in the Majors.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2017 – The Astros spoil Derek Jeter Night at Yankee Stadium, erupting for six runs in the 1st inning off RHP Masahiro Tanaka en route to a 10-7 win on national TV. 3B Alex Bregman hits his first career grand slam in the big 1st inning. The win gave Houston a split in what was a Mother’s Day doubleheader.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Thursday, May 14, 1:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers close out their four-game series. The Giants won the first two games before Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers shut them out 4-0 on Wednesday. Scheduled starting pitchers are Landen Roupp for San Francisco, with a 3.09 ERA, and Emmet Sheehan for Los Angeles, with a 4.79 ERA.
How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
HOUSTON (AP) — The Seattle Mariners placed catcher Cal Raleigh on the 10-day injured list on Thursday morning with a right oblique strain, the first IL stint of the AL MVP runner-up’s career in his sixth major league season.
On Wednesday, Raleigh left the Mariners’ 4-3 loss to Houston in the eighth inning after appearing to aggravate an injury to his right side. Raleigh missed three games from May 2 to May 4 with soreness on his right side.
“Nobody wants to go on the IL, and especially not Cal,” manager Dan Wilson said. “But I think at this point it’s the smart thing to do.”
In 41 games this season, Raleigh is hitting .161 with seven home runs, 18 RBI, four doubles, 18 walks and 16 runs. His .161 batting average is second-lowest in the majors among hitters with enough at-bats to qualify. Only Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Cedric Mullins (.150) has a lower average.
To fill Raleigh’s spot on the active roster, the Mariners recalled catcher Jhonny Pereda from Triple-A Tacoma. Pereda, 30, has appeared in two games with Seattle this season, hitting .400 with a run scored.
Alex Newhook
Josh Doan
