For much of this early season, two of Jed Hoyer’s key bullpen acquisitions had not done well. Phil Maton spent time on the injured list and didn’t throw well when he pitched. Jacob Webb had not had good outings most of the year to date.

Friday, both of them pitched well when the Cubs needed them most, combining for three scoreless innings and five strikeouts as the Cubs held on to defeat the Diamondbacks 6-5, their ninth straight win at Wrigley Field.

This one started out like it was going to be an easy win. After Colin Rea allowed hits to the first two D-backs batters, he struck out the next two and got the third on a fly to right, and then the Cubs offense got to work. Nico Hoerner led off with a double and Moisés Ballesteros walked. Nico took third on a force play by Alex Bregman, and Ian Happ walked to load the bases.

After Seiya Suzuki struck out, Michael Busch’s two-run single gave the Cubs the lead [VIDEO].

Happ took third on that hit and Carson Kelly was the next batter. He popped a ball into short center, and… [VIDEO].

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen something like that. Those are two good fielders — Alek Thomas and Ildemaro Vargas. And yet, they just let Kelly’s ball drop untouched. Happ scored, and the Cubs needed every single run they got in this game.

The D-backs went out 1-2-3 in the second, and when Hoerner’s turn to bat came up in the bottom of the inning, Matt Shaw was sent up to bat instead. Here’s what apparently happened to Nico [VIDEO].

Here’s what the injury was said to be:

Here’s what Craig Counsell had to say after the game:

Fortunately, it doesn’t sound too serious, and that’s good news.

The D-backs got a run back in the third and the Cubs put another three-spot on the board in the fourth. Kelly led off with a single and Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with a single to center. When Kelly took off for third, PCA hustled his way to second [VIDEO].

Dansby Swanson singled, scoring Kelly [VIDEO].

PCA stopped at third on that hit, but soon he too scored, on this wild pitch by Zac Gallen [VIDEO].

Swanson took second on that wild pitch and two outs later scored on this double by Bregman [VIDEO].

So the Cubs had a five-run lead after four innings. Easy peasy, right?

Of course you know baseball doesn’t work like that. I was honestly surprised Counsell sent Rea out to begin the sixth inning, given that he’d thrown 94 pitches through five. He allowed a leadoff single and then struck out Nolan Arenado.

Here’s more on Rea’s outing [VIDEO].

That brought Ryan Rolison into the game. Rolison, as you know, had thrown pretty well so far as a Cub.

Not in this game, though. Rolison walked the first man he faced and that is never, ever good, especially when there’s a runner already on base.

Then Jorge Barrosa hit about the craziest double you will ever see [VIDEO].

It appeared Bregman thought the ball was going to roll foul, which it did not. What I didn’t understand is why he didn’t just pick the ball up and step on third base. That might have killed the D-backs inning right there. Instead, a run scored to make it 6-2 and the next hitter, Geraldo Perdomo, smashed a three-run homer into the basket in left and just like that, it’s a one-run game.

Rolison allowed another single and then struck out the next two D-backs to end the inning.

After that the bullpens for both teams slammed the door. The last 11 Cubs went down in order, one of them on this really nice play by Tim Tawa on a line drive by Bregman in the seventh [VIDEO].

That ball looked like an easy double, it was smacked hard and into the corner tailing away from the fielder. A tip o’ the cap to Tawa.

But the Cubs bullpen was just as stingy. Maton retired the side 1-2-3 in the seventh, two by strikeout, on only 11 pitches. That’s the guy the Cubs thought they were getting when they signed him. If he can keep this up that’s a huge boost to the pen.

Jacob Webb got the D-backs in order in the eighth and I was reasonably sure Counsell would call on Hoby Milner to close things out, as two left-handed hitters were due up. But Webb came out for the ninth and when the bullpen got up it was Corbin Martin warming up, not Milner.

Webb walked the leadoff hitter, Vargas, in the ninth. Maybe that was better than another hit, Vargas went 4-for-4. He’s having himself quite the year so far. But Webb settled down and struck out Corbin Carroll, got pinch-hitter Ketel Marte to hit into a force play, and then faced Gabriel Moreno.

Webb struck out Moreno to end the game [VIDEO].

This is what Counsell has preached all year — that the “next guy up” has to do his job, injuries or no, this team needs contributions from all 26 men on the roster. In getting solid outings from Maton and Webb, the Cubs might have finally gotten the bullpen to reach some equilibrium. Good stuff.

Here are some postgame remarks from Busch [VIDEO].

With the win, the Cubs moved to within half a game of the Reds for first place in the NL Central, pending the result of the Reds/Pirates game this evening. Meanwhile, the Cubs will go for the series win Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Ryne Nelson goes for the D-backs. Game time is again 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.

This is not the first time the Nats have come back home with a lot of momentum following a successful road trip. They will look to actually keep the good times rolling at home this time. The Nats are 3-10 at home, a record they are desperate to improve. However, the Brewers will want another crack at the Nats after they were swept by the Nationals in Milwaukee.

There is one fairly big surprise in this Nats lineup. Curtis Mead is hitting third despite facing a right handed pitcher. Blake Butera liked the matchup and wanted to ride the hot hand in Mead. He will be at first while Luis Garcia Jr. is at DH. Jorbit Vivas will be at second, while Brady House is at third. Drew Millas remains behind the plate. Jake Irvin will be on the hill for his second start against the Brewers.

The Brewers are turning to their flame throwing ace Jacob Misiorowski in the one. The Miz is one of the game’s premier strikeout artists, but he can be erratic at times. With Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio out of the lineup, the Brewers lineup does not look as fearsome. However, it still features the likes of William Contreras and Brice Turang.

Game Info:

Stadium: Nationals Park

Time: 6:45 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV and Fox 5 WTTG

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nats have had a ton of success on the road this year, but it has been a different story at home. They will look to change that against the Brewers, a team they swept on the road. It will be tough with the Miz on the mound, but this offense has proven they can produce. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

I know we’re all baseball fans here but I’m not sure Boston is on the edge of its seat for this game at Fenway tonight and more so for a puck drop across town. If you’re here with us, we thank you tremendously! We do have an MLB debut for Jake Bennett!

⚾️ First Pitch: 7:10pm — Fenway Park, Boston, MA

📺 TV: NESN+

📻 Radio: WEEI

San Diego Padres president of baseball operations/general manager A.J. Preller signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year/$280 million contract on Dec. 9, 2022. He had a storied career with the Boston Red Sox before becoming a free agent and signing with San Diego. With Boston he won five Silver Slugger awards, was an All-Star four times and won the World Series twice. Padres fans were hoping that the Bogaerts who played for the Friars would be that same guy. Unfortunately, a series of injuries has interrupted all of his previous seasons prior to this one.

2023-2025 with the Padres

In 2023, Bogaerts had a recurrence of a wrist injury that had bothered him in the past and it plagued him for at least half of the season. He also had a calf injury toward the end of the season. He played in 155 games and hit .285 with a .790 OPS. His lowest season numbers in six seasons. His 19 home runs were consistent with his home runs totals his last two seasons in Boston. His best season was 2019 when Bogaerts hit 33 home runs and 117 RBI. He only had 58 RBI in 2023.

In 2024, Bogaerts played in 111 games due to a shoulder injury and hit .264 with a .688 OPS. His home run total dropped from 19 to 11 and RBI from 58 to 44. His arm strength was down from previous seasons, probably secondary to the injury. It should also be noted that Bogaerts played 85 games at second base rather than shortstop. Although his defense was average at best, the biggest issues were offensive.

In 2025, Bogaerts continued to have issues with his shoulder and also sustained hamstring and foot injuries that limited him to 136 games. His average was .263 with a somewhat improved OPS of .719. All still well below what was his normal for the past several years of his time with the Red Sox.

He again had 11 home runs with 53 RBI. His bat speed is up while his arm strength is improved despite still recovering from shoulder issues.The drop in power and production was the subject of many discussions among Padres fans and local media. Bogaerts has a superstar contract but was not delivering anything close to superstar production.

Defensively, Bogaerts has always had above average range but his injuries affected his throwing ability and he frequently bounced throws from the shortstop position. He did go from 15th percentile in arm strength in 2024 to 31st percentile in 2025. 

Bogaerts in 2026

In 29 games and 109 at-bats, Bogaerts is hitting .275/.352/.431 with a .783 OPS. He has five homers, leading the team, and 17 RBI (one behind Ramon Laureano). Bogaerts has walked 13 times with 18 strikeouts. His expected offensive numbers (per Baseball Savant) show that he has been somewhat unlucky and should have better stats (.288 average and .458 slug).. He also has the lowest K-rate (13%) in his career. Bogaerts has the best walk rate of his career (10.7%) so far.

Since becoming a Padre there has been an unexpected development in his career, a change in his ability to steal bases. 

Prior to 2023, Bogaerts never had more than 15 stolen bases in his time in Boston. Since joining the Friars, Bogaerts has 19/22, 13/16 and 20/22 steals respectively. In 29 games so far in 2026, he has three stolen bags without being caught.

Xander Bogaerts numbers so far this season makes him one of the 4 top offensive players for the Padres. He is the best performing of the regular starters with only Luis Campusano, Miguel Andujar and Ty France having a better batting average. Ramon Laureano comes closest with a .762 OPS and he has one more home run.

If we continue to see this version of Bogaerts for the majority of the season, it will undoubtedly add to the success of an currently underperforming offense that is still finding ways to win.

The ability to stay healthy and stay on the field will play a big role. Manager Craig Stammen has shown a determined intention to get his players regular rest and that could be a major factory in keeping the regulars healthy and on the field.

Xander Bogaerts has been making an impression on both sides of the ball. His desire to show Padres fans what a healthy player could do brings a new appreciation for the 33-year old shortstop.

The first month of the 2026 season is in the book. The main priority for the San Diego Padres is still rectifying their starting rotation. Injuries have made it impossible to figure out the rotation beyond Michael King and Randy Vasquez in the top two spots.

The next order of business is deciding the future of Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and, to a lesser extent, Matt Waldron. None of them has been consistent at all to claim the third starter role and complement King and Vasquez.

Performance does matter.

A Canning and Giolito sighting could be coming to Petco Park

With the order of the rotation still up for grabs, the front office has some sorting out to do. Reinforcements like Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito are working their way back to the majors.

Canning is close to making his season debut after rehabbing a ruptured left Achilles tendon suffered last June. He has made four starts with the Padres Triple-A affiliate, El Paso Chihuahuas. 

Canning has a 1-1 record with a 3.60 ERA. He has struck out 18 batters in 15 innings pitched. Circle the second week of May for him to become a viable starting-pitching option.

Newly signed Lucas Giolito will need approximately 25 days to get his arm and body ready to pitch in the majors. All of Giolito’s training will take place with the Friars Single-A affiliate, Lake Elsinore Storm. 

In his first start, he exited the contest after being hit by a comebacker to the mound. Giolito is reported to be fine with a bruised pitching hand and will make his next start. Before Giolito left the game, his velocity was between 90 and 91 mph, which was lower than expected but not alarming. The Friar Faithful can expect him to be available to start by the third week in May.

Canning and Giolito offer plenty of value in a starter role because of their high-end pitching repertoire when healthy. The Friars do not need them to be elite with an under 1.00 WHIP, but each must stay consistent on the mound to keep the Padres close in every game.

Will a starter move to pen?

The decision on who stays or leaves the organization may hinge on which pitcher can work out of the bullpen. The candidate must be able to warm up quickly and pitch successfully in situational baseball. 

Their role is to go against only two or three hitters in an opposing lineup, but recording those outs could be the difference in a victory. Buehler, Marquez, and Waldron have all worked out of the bullpen at some point in their major league career, but are primarily known as starting pitchers. 

The one negative with this possible move is that none of them throw a high-90s pitching arsenal, which is essential to becoming an effective reliever. 

The rotation will remain in order at least through the interim. It gives Marquez and Buehler another chance to state their case to remain on the roster. Padres manager Craig Stammen wants to be put in a tough situation because his starting pitchers are performing well.

Ultimately, performance on the mound will dictate whether the starting rotation needs changes. The Padres need more consistent starting pitching to remain in contention for a postseason berth.

Next month could usher in a different look for the rotation. 

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Following an ugly 10–17 start to the season for the Boston Red Sox, manager Alex Cora and his staff were dismissed on April 25.

The Red Sox offense has dried up in 2026, ranking 24th in runs per game as of May 1. They also sit 29th in wRC+ and 28th in wOBA. 

This is a lineup averaging 0.83 fewer runs per game year-over-year — the worst drop in MLB.

Conspiracy Hour🕵️‍♂️

There are a few theories as to why the bats have gone cold, and some point to a lost edge tied to the Red Sox's base coaches.

Buster Olney brought this to light earlier this week, suggesting Boston’s dip in run production might be correlated to the recent implementation of coaches’ box rules:

One of the interesting theories about the struggling Red Sox offense in rival front offices is that Boston has been impacted significantly by the enforcement of the coaching boxes. The Red Sox were regarded by some other teams as being extraordinary at ascertaining grips/relaying…

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 30, 2026

The theory suggests that prior to 2026, Red Sox coaches were relaying signs to hitters, taking advantage of loose enforcement around the coaches’ box. Reading pitcher grips and passing that information along would provide a meaningful edge.

Baseball, more than any sport, rewards those edges — margins are tight, and anything within the rules gets exploited. With MLB now enforcing coach positioning more strictly, that edge may be gone, and the offensive drop-off reflects it.

Cora's Checkered History🗑️

The timing isn’t exactly shocking. Cora was the bench coach for the Houston Astros during the 2017 trash can scandal, and the Red Sox were also tied to a sign-stealing controversy involving Apple Watches that same year.

Yahoo’s Zach Coe also referenced a 2025 incident between the Los Angeles Angels and Red Sox, where tensions flared involving then first-base coach José David Flores, with sources suggesting sign-stealing concerns.

It adds context when you consider why a left-handed pitcher like Tyler Anderson would be that upset with a first-base coach:

Coaches and players chirping before the game. Everything is going great at Fenway. pic.twitter.com/TAMQZUvjYC

— Section 10 Podcast (@Section10Pod) June 4, 2025

Call it bending the rules or finding an edge, but Cora might be the most creative manager at increasing expected value.

However, like any good bettor, Cora knows those edges aren’t infinite, and he is running out of outs.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Coming off a sweep of the Giants at home, the Phillies will take their first road trip under new manager Don Mattingly. They’ll visit LoanDepot Park to take on the Miami Marlins in a rare Friday-Monday four-game series.

Zack Wheeler will make his second start of the season. In his first outing after coming back from surgery, Wheeler gave up two runs in five innings, while striking out six.

The Marlins will turn to Eury Perez. In his third season, the righthander is 2-2 with a 4.60 ERA.

Game time is 7:10 PM and will be televised locally by NBCSP.