Today’s Reflections

• What a question — Can Carl Edwards Jr. be the key piece to the Cubs’ bullpen woes? Wow, it seems like a big stretch. One hundred people will 100 different first-photo memories of the post-World Series activities, but the photo below is one of my favorites. Can he help bring the title to the Cubs (and the “W” flag to the field) one more time? It would be much even more unexpected than a WS speech during a rain delay.
• I’m not trying to be Mr. Negative, but can the offense remain strong while nearly the entire pitching staff is in shambles? Edwards will not be able flip the script, but there’s a trade suggestion below that could/would, but at what prospects (and maybe a 26-man piece) would do it? Pedro Ramirez’s explosion has helped a lot, but a lot more would be needed.
• I wish there was video (maybe I missed it) of Counsell drinking Malört! But I don’t want to see him throw it up, either — save that reaction to the next bullpen injury.
• *** Regarding the story below about Nico Hoerner’s stunned reaction, I was really disturbed about the offensiveness of the Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing in recent games. In addition to the story below about Rushing is another one (NSFW) that includes three other incidences the previous two series. As “fun” as it was, this isn’t the 1970s. Rushing is lucky that Dave Parker, Pete Rose and Bill Madlock weren’t the recipients of his behavior. You know that no one in the Dodgers’ dugout is doing to do anything — hopefully, a respected person outside the dugout can get in his ear. Soon.

*means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. The powers that be have enabled real sarcasm font in the comments.

• Tommy Erbe (Sports Net On Top): Biggest Chicago Cubs Storylines Going Into Diamondbacks Series. “The Cubs have an important stretch behind them. Here are some headlines going into the weekend and week ahead; Ian Happ’s On-Base Streak is His Career-Best; Can the Bats Keep Wrigley Warm and Arizona Pitching Cool?; Cubs Can’t Look Ahead, but It’s Hard Not To. ”It’ll be the Reds and the Cubs matching up in a four-game series at Wrigley Field to begin next week. It’s hard not to, but the Cubs cannot be looking ahead to this big series. They need to focus on the now and take care of business against the Diamondbacks.“
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Daniel Palencia Begins a Rehab Stint at Iowa. “Palencia, who has been out since April 12 with a mild lat strain, will presumably get into the I-Cubs game today, and then they’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
• Jordan Campbell (Fansided): Mets just handed the Cubs a perfect reunion opportunity in their quest for bullpen answers. “It should be an easy yes. ….. At this point, Carl Edwards Jr. checks the easiest box there is. ……But if Edwards’ missing bats, he can be effective. He struck out 11 of the 25 batters he faced during his time with the Mets while only giving up one run.” *One more time:*

• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): So Far, the Cubs Have Had a Big Roster Advantage When It Comes to Pinch-Hitting. “The Cubs have already had 36 pinch hit appearances, 6th most in baseball, and they’re making a lot of hay with those opportunities.”
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs’ series with D-backs forces them to confront an offseason decision they may suddenly regret. “Zac Gallen is pitching at Wrigley Field this weekend…just not with the Cubs.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): The bitter taste of victory: How Malört and Craig Counsell bring Cubs together. “Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell ripped back some Jeppson’s Malört. As the team toasted his 900th career win as a major-league manager, Counsell downed the bitter-tasting liqueur. ….. Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “Counsell’s big message was: ‘Just embrace it, man.’ You appreciate this game more when you have to go through some of those struggles early. It brings the team together.”
• Steve Silverman (Clutch Points): Cubs’ surprise breakout star behind the team’s offensive surge. “Nico Hoerner has been a productive member of the Cubs since 2019, but he has never had more than 10 home runs in a season or 68 RBI. With about 20 percent of the season in the books, he is on pace for 20 home runs and 130 RBI. He is unlikely to stay on his current pace for RBI, but there is every reason to believe he will have the best offensive season of his career.

• Gordon Edes (Chicago Sun-Times): Shota Imanaga doing more than ever to ensure he and Cubs share common language. “In his third season with the Cubs, Imanaga is taking accountability in a new way. Through his interpreter, he says he no longer wants to use his being from Japan as an excuse for when he doesn’t do well.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Ian Happ Integral as Cubs Keep Winning War of Attrition. “Among the top 15 hitters in MLB who’ve gotten the most PAs with runners on base, you’ll find five Cubs. The titular player, however, can’t be found until No. 93 with his .351 OBP. What’s more important is that Ian Happ is currently riding a 22-game on-base streak that has seen him reach in a variety of ways.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Rick Sutcliffe Offers an Inside Perspective on the Swap from Kyle Tucker to Alex Bregman. “We know that Bregman comes with a reputation for making every player around him – even prospects in the organization – better. It’s a little harder to compare that value.”

• Connor Liguori (Sporting News): Cubs linked to Angels’ 0.84 ERA Cy Young candidate for Justin Steele reason. “Battling their way past the injuries will be a difficult task for the Cubs, but they also have the trade deadline to make upgrades. Fansided’s Mark Powell suggests they give the Los Angeles Angels a call.“
• *** Paranjoy Goswami (Total Pro Sports): Nico Hoerner Breaks Silence on Dalton Rushing’s Body-Shaming NSFW Remark. “Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner alleges Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing of making an obscene body-shaming comment on Miguel Amaya.”
• Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times {$}): What’s it like for local media covering Cubs, White Sox? I’m finding out. “Not only am I fulfilling a dream I’ve had since I was a kid — covering baseball — but I’m getting out and seeing the broadcast media’s coverage up close, not just from my office chair at home.”
• RB Hayek (Clutch Points): Has Alex Bregman totally changed Cubs’ offense? Craig Counsell isn’t buying it. “Craig Counsell dismissed the idea that Alex Bregman is the sole reason the Cubs offense is swinging less at the plate.”
• Nick Hudson (SportsNetOnTap.com) Cubs Turn to Rea, Imanaga, and Boyd as Rotation Looks to Reset Against Diamondbacks. “The Cubs send Colin Rea, Shota Imanaga, and Matthew Boyd to the mound against the Diamondbacks, with each starter looking to rebound while a taxed bullpen needs support.”

Food For Thought:

Henrik Freischlader (born 3 November 1982) is a German blues guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and autodidactic multi-instrumentalist. His style of music cannot be considered pure blues. He often blends in musical styles such as rock, jazz, soul, and funk, even though blues is the basis of all of his songs. His guitar-playing is influenced by Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Peter Green, Albert Collins and Albert King.

Massive sea lion ‘Chonkers’ drawing crowds in San Francisco (Video)

15 Best Places to Travel in 2026! (Why Now?) (Video)

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.

As several Colorado Rockies search for traction on offense, it makes sense that the next wave of Albuquerque names has started to become more interesting. 

Cole Carrigg (No. 4 PuRP) has been part of that conversation. Charlie Condon (No. 1 PuRP), too. Sterlin Thompson (No. 13 PuRP) is a quieter name, but maybe a more intriguing one than first appears. And with several players on the current roster still trying to find their footing, a call-up does not have to be a final judgment. Sometimes, it is just a reset for one player and a test for another. 

So the better question is not simply who should come up. 

It is this: What actually translates? 

The Albuquerque warning label 

Minor league numbers matter. They are evidence. They are not answers. That is especially true for Rockies prospects in the Pacific Coast League, and especially true when Albuquerque is involved. A hitter producing there means something, but it comes with a giant Isotopes-shaped warning label — not just because the ball flies, but also because the jump to major-league stuff and sequencing is where those numbers get stress-tested. 

The PCL can inflate outcomes. MLB pitchers expose process. 

That does not mean every good Albuquerque line is fake. It means the first question should be less “Who is hot?” and more “What skill is showing up?” 

Or, maybe more precisely this:How is the player accessing that skill? 

A first filter, not a final answer 

For a quick first filter, I looked at two imperfect but useful ideas: Impact Frequency and Chase Frequency. These are not replacement stats. Rather, they are trait-and-approach metrics. They are meant to help explain why the more familiar numbers look the way they do. 

Impact Frequency is hard-hit balls divided by total pitches seen. It is not traditional hard-hit rate, which is usually measured per ball in play. This raises a different question: How often does a hitter turn his overall pitch environment into loud contact? 

Chase Frequency is chase-zone swings divided by total pitches seen. Again, not traditional chase rate. This is more of a translation-risk check. Will big-league pitchers see enough chase in the profile to nibble a hitter to death? 

With a 300-pitch filter, the shape gets clearer. Carrigg and Zac Veen (No. 9 PuRP) rank 32nd and 33rd in Triple-A in Impact Frequency. Thompson and Condon are a step behind, at 78th and 79th. Then the picture flips in Chase Frequency: Thompson ranks 10th and Condon 22nd, while Carrigg sits 173rd and Veen is, well, the bottom. 

That does not mean Carrigg and Veen are better hitters. It does not mean Thompson and Condon lack impact. It means they are accessing their offense differently. 

That is the point. 

Carrigg and Veen are finding loud contact a bit more often, but with more swing-decision risk attached. Thompson and Condon are getting there through “approach” first. That does not make one path automatically better than the other. It just tells us what still needs to be tested. 

Thompson: approach first 

Thompson is the cleanest example. He has 117 plate appearances in this sample, a strikeout rate around 22%, and a walk rate around 17%. That lives somewhere in the Edouard Julien neighborhood: walks, patience, and forcing pitchers into the zone. 

The walks matter because they are frequent. The contact matters if it is hard. 

The risk is that the approach has to travel intact. If Thompson expands more against major-league pitching, the profile can get thin quickly. The patience is the foundation. Without it, the strikeouts become louder, and the offensive floor drops. 

Condon: patience with damage 

Condon is similar, but with more damage attached. His .267/.409/.851 line is not just a slugger-in-Albuquerque line. With a walk rate around 17% and a strikeout rate around 19%, plus a 22nd-place Triple-A rank in Chase Frequency, the offensive idea makes sense. He is not just swinging big: He is controlling the zone. 

The trap is that power is his calling card, and it is not fully popping yet in this snapshot. If chasing more power pulls him away from the approach, the profile gets riskier. I would rather see him keep the approach than sell out for more power. 

But if the power truly develops alongside that approach? 

Watch out. 

Carrigg: aggressive, but not reckless 

Carrigg is almost the opposite question. His traditional line explains the interest: .340/.402/.864 with 18 stolen bases. The Statcast layer adds to it. 32 hard-hit balls on 403 pitches is a real signal for a switch-hitter whose appeal already includes speed, arm strength, and defensive flexibility. 

But Carrigg is not doing this the Thompson way. His nine walks in 117 plate appearances put his walk rate around 7.7%, while his strikeout rate sits around 14%. He is more aggressive, more willing to enter the chase band, and currently making enough contact for it to work. 

That “currently” is doing some work. If the contact backs up, the aggression gets harder to live with. Carrigg’s profile is exciting because the bat is touching the ball often enough to let the speed, defense, and hard-hit frequency matter. If that contact slips, the whole equation gets tighter. 

Veen: the counterweight 

Veen is the counterweight. His .258/.340/.716 line is not terrible, and the Impact Frequency says the talent is still there. But 37 chase-zone swings on 377 pitches is not nothing. 

Big-league pitchers wont need to beat him in the zone when he is willing to meet them outside of it. 

What comes next? 

This is still only a first filter. Launch angle, pull rate, zone contact, whiff rate, and whether the hard contact is turning into actual damage all matter from here.

Carrigg hitting the ball hard is interesting. Carrigg hitting the ball hard on the ground is a different conversation.

Condon controlling the zone is interesting. Condon doing damage when he gets a pitch to hit is the next question. 

There are roster questions, too. If Ezequiel Tovar goes down, Chad Stevens probably makes the most sense for the Rockies. It is a less-splashy move, but it fits the infield need. If Jordan Beck goes down, the conversation changes. That is when Thompson, Carrigg, and Condon really enter the picture. 

I am glad I am not the one making these decisions. I am impulsive. I like to dream.

But if Thompson, Carrigg, and Condon keep playing this way, it no longer feels crazy to think we could see all three in Denver at some point this year. Not because Albuquerque numbers should be taken at face value. Not because any one of them is a finished answer. Because each is starting to show a skill set worth testing. 

There is something here. Maybe even several somethings. 

But this is still development, not arrival. 

On the farm

Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes 26, El Paso Chihuahuas 8

Well, that escalated. Albuquerque set a new franchise record for runs in a 26-8 win over El Paso. It was also the most runs the Chihuahuas have ever allowed, and only the third time since 2005 that a PCL team has scored at least 26 runs in a game. Sterlin Thompson, Zac Veen, and Braxton Fulford all homered as the Isotopes piled up traffic all night. El Paso issued 13 walks, and Albuquerque kept turning those chances into damage. Sean Sullivan gave the Isotopes a useful start, allowing three earned runs over five innings. It was not spotless — eight hits, four walks, one strikeout, and a homer — but five innings of three-run ball plays just fine in Albuquerque.

Double-A Reading Fightin Phils 11, Hartford Yard Goats 3

Hartford fell behind early and never really got the game back under control. Reading scored twice in the first, added four more in the third, and kept tacking on in an 11-3 Yard Goats loss. The Fightin Phils improved to 12-12, while Hartford dropped to 10-14. Carson DeMartini and Bryan Rincon both homered for Reading, and Rincon also stole home as part of a double steal in the sixth. For Hartford, Aidan Longwell was the bright spot. He went 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, and an RBI, factoring into all three Yard Goats runs. Benny Montgomery and Conner Capel each added RBI singles.

High-A Spokane Indians 7, Eugene Emeralds 1

Spokane handled Eugene 7-1, improving to 9-15 while the Emeralds dropped to 18-6. Ethan Hedges got the Indians started early with a two-run homer in the first, his fourth of the season, and finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBI, and a walk. Roynier Hernandez also homered, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI, and a walk. The pitching was the real story, though. Lebarron Johnson Jr. allowed one run on one hit over three innings, walking one and striking out three. Ben Catlett took it from there and was dominant, throwing six scoreless innings with two hits allowed, one walk, and 11 strikeouts.

Single-A Stockton Ports 7, Fresno Grizzlies 3

Fresno jumped ahead early, but Stockton took control late in a 7-3 Grizzlies loss. The Ports improved to 12-13, while Fresno fell to 14-11. Jack O’Dowd had the best offensive night for Fresno, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Clayton Gray also went 2-for-5 and scored a run, while Roldy Brito doubled and scored. Tanner Thach drove in Fresno’s first run with a sacrifice fly. The game turned in the sixth, when Stockton scored four times to flip a 3-2 Fresno lead into a 6-3 deficit. Ethan Cole took the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, over two innings. Michael Herrera started and struck out seven over four innings, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk. O’Dowd continues to be one of the more productive bats in the lower levels, now sitting at a 1.078 OPS after another multi-hit game.

Rockies Early-Season Success Is Bad News for the Rest of National League West | SI.com

In this piece by Scott Roche, the Rockies’ 14-18 start is framed as a small but real warning to the rest of the NL West: Colorado may not be good yet, but it is no longer automatic. The piece leans on improved pitching depth and early competitiveness against division opponents as signs of progress.

As his son becomes MLB manager, Jim Tracy recalls pivotal moments from ’09 Rox | MLB.com

In this piece by Thomas Harding, Jim Tracy looks back on the 2009 Rockies through a few small moments that ended up feeling much bigger with time: the pitch, the at-bat, and the catch. It’s a nice little nostalgia trip, with a fun current-day wrinkle now that Tracy’s son Chad is getting his own big-league managerial shot in Boston.

Rockies Still Disrespected in Latest Power Rankings | YARDBARKER.com

Seth Dowdle has some fun with the Rockies still hanging near the bottom of ESPN’s power rankings despite a recent Mets sweep and a split with the Dodgers. Is it disrespectful? Maybe. Is it also what happens when you lose 119 games the year before? Unfortunately, yes.

Tovar’s struggles against fastballs continue in Rockies’ loss to Braves | MLB.com

In another piece by Thomas Harding, Ezequiel Tovar’s early slump gets a closer look, with fastballs standing out as a particular issue. Tovar points more to timing than a broken swing, which gives the Rockies something specific to work through as he tries to get back on track.

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Saturday’s MLB slate is loaded, and there’s no shortage of betting angles if you know where to look. From clear mismatches like Atlanta and San Diego to plus-money shots with sneaky value, these MLB picks focus on pitching edges, lineup production, and where the market might be off.

Let’s break down the best moneyline plays for May 2.

MLB moneyline picks for May 2

Matchup	Pick
Orioles vs Yankees	-138
Blue Jays vs Twins	+117
Diamondbacks vs Cubs	-150
Guardians vs A's	+108
Reds vs Pirates	+117
Brewers vs Nationals	-127
Astros vs Red Sox	+113
Phillies vs Marlins	-113
Giants vs Rays	-127
Dodgers vs Cardinals	-138
Rangers vs Tigers	-127
Braves vs Rockies	-222
White Sox vs Padres	-203
Mets vs Angels	+108
Royals vs Mariners	-138

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 5-2.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for May 2

Orioles vs Yankees: Yankees (-138)

Yankees win probability: 58%

New York owns the edge where it matters most—run prevention and power. Baltimore is allowing too many runs and dealing with key injuries, while the Yankees bring a deeper lineup and more reliable pitching. Kyle Bradish hasn’t been sharp enough to trust here, and with New York’s ability to capitalize on traffic, this is a spot where the better team should take control.

Blue Jays vs Twins: Twins (+117)

Twins win probability: 46%

Toronto’s offense just isn’t getting it done. Bottom-tier power and inconsistent contact make it tough to trust them, even with Dylan Cease on the mound. Minnesota has the better offensive profile and enough pitching stability to hold serve. With more reliable run production, the Twins have a clearer path to win this game.

Diamondbacks vs Cubs: Cubs (-150)

Cubs win probability: 60%

This is a clean mismatch. Arizona’s pitching staff has been one of the worst in the league, and Ryne Nelson hasn’t shown he can slow down a quality lineup. Chicago brings elite on-base ability and consistent production, paired with a steady arm in Shota Imanaga. The Cubs should control this game from the start.

Guardians vs A's: Guardians (+108)

Guardians win probability: 48%

Cleveland doesn’t need to be explosive here—they just need to be competent. Oakland’s pitching is extremely shaky, and that opens the door for even a contact-heavy offense to generate enough scoring. With the Guardians holding the edge on the mound and in overall run prevention, they should grind out a win.

Reds vs Pirates: Reds (+117)

Reds win probability: 46%

Cincinnati has more ways to score, even if the batting average doesn’t jump off the page. They bring power and speed, while Pittsburgh leans heavily on contact without much upside. Rhett Lowder has been more efficient than Carmen Mlodzinski, and that slight pitching edge, combined with a more dynamic offense, gives the Reds the advantage.

Brewers vs Nationals: Brewers (-127)

Brewers win probability: 56%

Washington can put up runs, but their pitching is a problem. Milwaukee has the more reliable arm and a clear bullpen edge, which matters in a game that could get loose late. Even without full offensive strength, the Brewers do enough at the plate and prevent runs at a higher level, making them the safer side.

Astros vs Red Sox: Astros (+113)

Astros win probability: 47%

Houston’s offense is the difference. They consistently generate baserunners and apply pressure, while Boston lacks the same level of production. Even with some pitching concerns, the Astros lineup is capable of outscoring problems. If this turns into a higher-scoring game, Houston is clearly better equipped to handle it.

Phillies vs Marlins: Marlins (-113)

Marlins win probability: 53%

Aaron Nola’s struggles are too significant to ignore. With a high ERA and too many baserunners allowed, he’s not someone you can trust right now. Miami has been the more balanced team, with stronger lineup metrics and steady pitching from Max Meyer. Until Philadelphia shows signs of life, fading them remains the sharper play.

Giants vs Rays: Rays (-127)

Rays win probability: 56%

San Francisco simply doesn’t hit enough to win games like this. A lack of power and poor OPS numbers limit their ceiling, even with solid pitching. Tampa Bay is more balanced offensively and can manufacture runs in different ways. In what projects as a lower-scoring game, the Rays have more paths to come out on top.

Dodgers vs Cardinals: Dodgers (-138)

Dodgers win probability: 58%

There’s a clear class gap here. Los Angeles brings elite production across the board, while St. Louis struggles to prevent runs. Even if Roki Sasaki hasn’t been perfect, this is a favorable spot for him to settle in. The Dodgers’ offensive firepower and overall depth should be too much for the Cardinals to handle.

Rangers vs Tigers: Tigers (-127)

Tigers win probability: 56%

Detroit has the edge offensively, with better on-base skills and more consistent production. Texas continues to struggle generating runs, which puts added pressure on Kumar Rocker. While both starters are capable, the Tigers’ ability to create scoring opportunities gives them the higher floor in this matchup.

Braves vs Rockies: Braves (-222)

Braves win probability: 69%

This is one of the biggest mismatches on the board. Atlanta is elite offensively and pairs that with strong pitching, led here by Chris Sale. Colorado simply doesn’t have the arms to keep this lineup in check. Even on the road, the Braves should dictate the pace and overwhelm the Rockies.

White Sox vs Padres: Padres (-203)

Padres win probability: 67%

San Diego has the advantage on the mound with Michael King, and that’s where this game tilts. The White Sox offense doesn’t consistently apply pressure, making it difficult to back them against quality pitching. With a steadier bullpen and enough offense, the Padres should separate over the full game.

Mets vs Angels: Angels (+108)

Angels win probability: 48%

The Mets’ offense is a major concern, sitting near the bottom of the league in nearly every key category. That lack of production makes it tough to support them, even with decent pitching. The Angels have more power and a more functional lineup, giving them the edge in a game that likely comes down to who can actually score.

Royals vs Mariners: Mariners (-138)

Mariners win probability: 58%

Seattle’s pitching gives them the edge here. Emerson Hancock has been efficient, and the Mariners as a staff do a better job limiting damage. Kansas City doesn’t generate enough offense to overcome that gap. In what projects as a tight game, Seattle’s run prevention and slightly cleaner execution make them the more reliable side.

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.

The New York Black Yankees were a Negro Leagues team that existed from 1931 to 1948. True to their name, they called Yankee Stadium home from 1940 onwards until their demise. They were not a particularly successful franchise, with a 258-497 overall record, but they count among their alumni such legends as Satchel Paige, Ted Radcliffe, Willie Wells, and many more. Today, we celebrate the birthday of a player who isn’t quite at the same status as those luminaries, but had a very nice career of his own. 

George Giles
Born: May 2, 1909 (Junction City, KS)
Died: March 3, 1992 (Topeka, KS)
Black Yankees Tenure: 1936-37

George Giles was a precocious talent. He was only 17 years of age when he got his first taste of (semi-) pro baseball with the Gilkerson’s Union Giants, an independent barnstorming Black team that played mainly in the Midwest. He was the starting first baseman on one of the most successful iterations of the club, and many of his teammates on the 1926 squad, like Lefty Brown and Steel Arm Davis, were/would go on to be Negro League stars. 

If that wasn’t impressive enough, consider this; the Kansas City Monarchs, one of the most successful Negro league teams, signed Giles the following year. He started 59 games for them and hit .269/.330/.360, good for a 92 OPS+. Not bad at all for an 18-year old playing in the highest level available to him — and Giles was just getting started. In 1928, his OPS+ improved to 113, and from there the speedy Giles settled in as a comfortably above-average regular, making up for his rather pedestrian power numbers (career .112 ISO) by consistently posting high averages and OBPs (career .316 and .386, respectively). 

When Giles joined the New York Black Yankees in 1936, he was still only 27, but his career was in its twilight. His first season was pretty rough, as he struggled to the tune of a .273/.356/.356 line (84 OPS+). However, he managed to rebound in 1937, posting a prime DJ LeMahieu-esque .327/.395/.453 line (114 OPS+) in 39 games. Unfortunately, despite Giles’ best efforts, the fortunes of his ballclub followed the opposite trajectory; the Black Yankees enjoyed a 30-19 campaign in 1936, but struggled to a 23-33 finish in 1937. It’s unclear whether he was released or traded, but by the time the 1938 season rolled around, Giles was no longer a Yankee. He spent what would be his final year in pro baseball with the Pittsburgh Crawfords, hitting .298 in 59 plate appearances across 14 games.

I realize that this summary of Giles’ playing career is painfully short. Unfortunately, there simply isn’t much readily available information on his exploits as a player, despite the fact that he was a very good hitter who was an All-Star in 1935. It is nothing short of a travesty that his story, along with countless other Black players of his time, has been neglected for so long. While long overdue, it’s at least heartening to see the recent wave of recognition and renewed attention that the Negro Leagues is receiving. One can only hope that more details about Giles and his career surface in the coming years.

Indeed, a Giles renaissance might already be burgeoning. This 2021 piece in the Manhattan Mercury (the local newspaper for Manhattan, KS, where Giles lived most of his life) offers a vividly rendered glimpse into Giles’ career and life, including quotes from Giles himself from past interviews for the Mercury and other local outlets. The whole piece is fascinating, but Giles’ recollections of the abhorrent conditions he endured as a Black ballplayer on the road are particularly striking. In one quote, he says he used to lay newspapers on the beds of seedy motels, claiming that it warded off bedbugs. In another, he remembers how when he played against a white team in his barnstorming days, his opponents stayed at a hotel, while his team was forced to change into their uniforms in a farmer’s barn. It’s truly depressing stuff, but it needs to be told.

Given the countless hardships he endured as a player, I can only hope Giles lived a full and fulfilling post-playing life. The Mercury article gives me hope that this was the case. After working a number of jobs, Giles opened a small inn named George’s Motel in Kansas which served the Black community, providing the kind of accommodations that were unavailable to him during his playing days. And in his autumnal years, he got to witness his grandson Brian Giles — no, not that one — make his MLB debut in 1981 with the New York Mets. What a moment that must have been for him.

A final detail from that Mercury piece — when asked whether George would have been proud to see his grandson surpass his achievements by reaching the major leagues, Brian rejected that premise, saying, “Actually, I think he was more successful, doing what he did in times that presented African-American ballplayers (with challenges).” As we try to properly appreciate the Negro Leagues and Black ballplayers of the past, this perspective is something we must not forget. It’s not enough to say that the Negro Leagues were major leagues in terms of quality of play; we must also acknowledge the various ways in which Black players and their communities were held back by racism — and question the notion that those are relics of the past.

All stats from Seamheads.com.

See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.

Fun game today, although it may have been ever-so-slightly overshadowed by the happenings of another Cleveland sports team. Offense looked shaky to start the game.

The Guardians had the bases loaded with no outs in the first, but failed to bring home any runs. In the bottom of the first, Cantillo gave up a 2-run 2-out homer to Brent Rooker. But, the next inning, the Guardians had runners at the corners with no outs, and then made two consecutive outs. Luckily, Cleveland’s own Chase DeLauter rocketed a double into right that the Athletics’ right fielder, Colby Thomas, misplayed, leading to 2 Guardians runs.

In the fourth, Cantillo gave up a 2-rbi single down the line to Zack Gelof. But, again, in the next inning, the Guardians answered right back with a Rhys Hoskins 1-out 2-run double.

Later that inning, Martinez (pinch-hitting for Schneemann) drove in another run with a sac fly.

Cantillo wasn’t his best today, giving up 4 earned in 4 innings. 5 hits, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts. But, when the offense hums the way it did tonight, we spend less time focusing on the pitcher.

In the seventh, Hoskins drove in another run with a solo shot.

Bo Naylor (!) drove in a run with a 104 mph double to right, and then Rocchio drove him in right after.

Erik Sabrowski got out of a Hunter Gaddis-induced bases-loaded jam in the 7th, striking out 2 consecutive Athletics, and getting Colby Thomas to fly out to very deep left-center.

Cade Smith put out a Connor Brogdon-induced fire in the 8th, stranding runners at the corners with two outs. He came back on in the 9th for a 1-2-3 inning.

Other highlights include things such as: a Matt Festa scoreless inning, 2 Travis Bazzana walks, a 2-hit night for Bo Naylor, a *4-hit* (5x on-base) night for Chase DeLauter, and a 3x on-base game for Steven Kwan.

Have a good night!

Toledo Mud Hens 18, Columbus Clippers 5 (box)

Sawyer Gipson-Long was scratched prior to this game, fueling talk that he might be part of a spot start plan against the Rangers on Sunday in Casey Mize’s regular turn. Instead, it was a bullpen day with Grant Holman leading the way, and early on the Clippers built a 4-0 lead after Sean Hunley allowed a three-run third inning in relief. As you can see by the score, things would take a decisive turn in the Mud Hens’ favor.

It was still 4-0 Columbus when Cal Stevenson led off the fifth with a single. Andrew Navigato doubled him to third, but Tomas Nido flew out to shallow center and Stevenson couldn’t score on that fly ball, nor the shallow fly to right that followed from Max Burt. He would score on a Ben Malgeri bouncer that he beat out. Tyler Gentry doubled in Navigato and Malgeri, and it was a 4-3 Clippers lead.

In the sixth, Corey Julks led off with a walk, and Eduardo Valencia singled. After a Stevenson strikeout, Navigato singled in Julks, and later in the inning, a Max Burt single and an error brought home Valencia and Navigato. Malgeri walked, and Gentry came through with another two-run double to make it 8-4 Mud Hens. Gentry, a former Royals farmhand, has always had a very well rounded game and just never broke through to the major league level. Now 27, the right-handed hitting corner outfielder is a bit of an interesting depth option in Toledo.

In the top of the seventh, the Clippers walked in two runs, and Malgeri cleared the bases with a double that made it 13-4.

Scott Effross allowed a run in the bottom of the seventh, but in the eighth, singles from Valencia and Stevenson set the table for Navigato, who crushed his first home run since rejoining the Tigers’ organization. 16-5 Hens. They added two more in the ninth for fun.

Max Clark had the night off and missed this party.

Navigato: 3-4, 4 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR, BB

Malgeri: 3-5, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, BB

Gentry: 2-5, R, 4 RBI, 2 2B, BB, K

Holman: 2.0 IP, ER, H, BB, K

Coming Up Next: The Hens take a 3-1 lead in the series into a 4:05 p.m. ET matchup on Saturday.

Erie SeaWolves 7, Chesapeake Baysox 4 (box)

John Peck remains absolutely on fire for Erie, and the offense cracked three home runs to win behind a solid day from the bullpen.

The SeaWolves got rolling immediately with a five run bottom of the first. Peyton Graham singled with one out and then stole his 13th bag of the young season. Brett Callahan made it a moot point, cranking his third home run of the season. Peck smoked a double to left, and a Justice Bigbie lineout to right, Andrew Jenkins doubled in Peck, and then rode home on an E.J. Exposito two-run shot. 5-0 SeaWolves.

Colin Fields and Johan Simon both tossed a pair of scoreless innings to start off the bullpen day. Peck cracked a solo shot in the third, making that four straight days with a home run. He would also single, steal second, and score on a Jenkins single in the eighth.

Trevin Michael allowed a pair of runs in the middle innings, but Tyler Owens handled the seventh and eighth with no issues. Wandisson Charles was knocked around for a pair of runs in the ninth but eventually pulled it together.

Peck: 3-4, 3 R, RBI, 2B, HR, K, SB

Jenkins: 3-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 2B

Owens: 2.0 IP, 0 R, H, 0 BB, 2 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 1:35 p.m. ET start in Erie on Saturday with the SeaWolves up 3-1 in the series.

Cedar Rapids Kernels 8, West Michigan Whitecaps 4 (box)

The Kernels continue to have the Whitecaps number as they mauled Rayner Castillo and cruised to an easy victory on Friday.

After a good outing last time out, Castillo couldnt’ miss bats in this one and the Kernels scored two runs in each of the first three innings.

Jackson Strong singled, stole second, and scored after a pair of ground outs in the top of the first. So it was a 6-1 games when Castillo’s outing ended early. In the top of the fifth, Samuel Gil doubled in Hunter Dobbins and Strong to cut the lead to 6-3, but that was as close as they’d get.

Luke Stofel allowed a pair of runs in the sixth to make it 8-3. Cristian Santana doubled in the eighth and was wild pitched to third, where he would score on a Juan Hernandez ground out.

The combination of Castillo, Inohan Paniagua, Stofel, and CJ Weins combined for just three strikeouts against five walks, as the system wide drought in pitching contines. Only Ben Jacobs, Kelvis Salcedo, and Grayson Grinsell have really been impressive out of the field of prospects so far.

Hernandez: 1-3, RBI, 2B, BB, K

Strong: 1-4, 2 R, BB, K, SB

Castillo (L, 0-3): 3.2 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday as the Whitecaps try to avoid a sweep.

Bradenton Marauders 5, Lakeland Flying Tigers 4 (box)

The Flying Tigers got a pretty good short outing from Kelvis Salcedo on Friday, and did a pretty good job at the plate against one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. The bullpen let them down a bit late to lose this one after they’d mounted a comeback.

Anibal Sales smashed a 98 mph Hernandez fastball for a solo shot in the second to open the scoring. Javier Osorio followed him with a double but was stranded. In the third, Zach MacDonald turned on a slider and bashed his eighth home run of the young season. He’ll be coming to a Whitecaps game near you pretty soon, but the strikeouts remain a pretty big problem as well.

This was just Salcedo’s second outing of the year, so he’s still building up his pitch count. He punched out five in three innings of work, but did give up a solo shot to Cristian Jauregui in the third before wrapping up his outing.

The Flying Tigers kept getting some traffic on the bases against Hernandez but wouldn’t score off of him again. Charlie Christensen threw a clean fourth for Lakeland, but he leaked a pair of runs in the fifth to lose the lead. So it was 3-2 Bradenton, and then 4-2 when Luke Hoskins allowed a run in the sixth.

The Flying Tigers struck back in the seventh with Hernandez’s day over. Jude Warwick led off with a double and Jesus Pinto was hit by a pitch. The next two hitters made outs, but Beau Ankeney drove a ball to center for a double to plate both runs and tie the game 4-4.

Unfortunately, Bradenton immediately untied it with a solo shot to lead off the eighth, and the Flying Tigers couldn’t manage another comeback.

MacDonald: 2-5, R, RBI, HR, 3 K

Salas: 2-4, R, RBI, HR, 2 K

Salcedo: 3.0 IP, ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 5 K

Coming Up Next: Bradenton leads the series 3-1.

Friday night one was a fun one in the Bronx, as the Yankees took a left hook early from the Orioles on a Pete Alonso homer but rebounded with a couple big belts of their own. José Caballero and Ben Rice both went yard in the second and Will Warren cruised from there, allowing just three hits in 6.1 innings of two-run ball, striking out nine. The Yankees are now back to 10 games over .500 after a quick one-game dip the day before.

Here’s more on the most relvant American League matchups from yesterday.

Boston Red Sox (13-19) 3, Houston Astros (12-21) 1

Up at Fenway, the Red Sox took the opener in ths three-game set of teams that have deeply disappointed their fanbases thus far. Somewhat curiously, ther were 21 hits between the two clubs, but all of the scoring came on two swings in one inning: a Carlos Correa solo shot in the top of the third and a Jarren Duran three-run shot in the home half against Mike Burrows.

Jake Bennett got the win for Boston in his MLB debut, stepping in for fellow southpaw Garrett Crochet, who recently hit the IL with shoulder inflammation. Aside from the Correa homer, Bennett was up to the task, scattering five hits and two walks in his five innings.

It was a theme, as the Astros kept giving themselves chances, but failed to register the big blow. The threats included two-out doubles from Yainer Diaz and Correa against Garrett Whitlock and Aroldis Chapman, respectively, and the two former Yankee affiliates were up to the task. Whitlock got Cam Smith to pop up with two men on in the eighth, and Chapman getting his old nemesis Jose Altuve to ground out to end it.

Toronto Blue Jays (15-17) 7, Minnesota Twins (14-19) 3

Deuces were wild in the first five frames of this one, as the Jays notched two-run innings in the second, fourth, and fifth, while the Twins tallied two in the third on a Byron Buxton homer. Kazuma Okamoto countered with a pair of two-run shots against Simeon Woods Richardson, registering his first multi-homer game since leaving the NPB this past offseason.

Patrick Corbin was the one who coughed up the dinger to Buxton but otherwise made like Bennett (or more appropriately, Bennett made like the veteran Corbin) and sprinkled around the six hits, a walk, and a plunking during his 5.1 innings, registering his first win in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays tacked on a few insurance runs, which were helpful because Jeff Hoffman had a shaky appearance in middle relief — albeit one that included two infield singles among the three hits, and a score on a sacrifice fly. Minnesota did get the tying run in the on-deck circle with two down in the ninth when Buxton walked and Austin Martin beat out an infield single. But Louie Varland struck out Ryan Jeffers to end it as the Jays drew even with their avian friends in Baltimore at a 15-17 record.

Other Games

Tampa Bay Rays (19-12) 3, San Francisco Giants (13-19) 0: The Rays kept pace with the Yanks and stayed a game and a half behind first place by blanking the Giants at the Trop in the Longo Bowl. Shane McClanahan allowed four singles, a Luis Arraez double, and nothing else in his shutout work through six, which was held up by the bullpen. Although Robbie Ray surrendered fewer hits (four) across his 6.1 innings, two of them were solo shots by Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz (who departed early with left side tightness). Can’t win like that with this paltry Giants offense.

Seattle Mariners (16-17) 6, Kansas City Royals (13-19) 7: The disappointing Royals won a wild one in Seattle that saw them blow a 4-0 lead that they built in the top of the first inning alone against Bryan Woo and allow four homers, including two by Julio Rodríguez. Cole Ragans’ shaky start to 2026 continued and Daniel Lynch IV got burned in the home half of the seventh on a two-run clout by J-Rod that tied the game at 6-6. Fortunately for KC, Lane Thomas got them back in front a half-inning later on an RBI single, and each of Matt Strahm and Lucas Erceg threw hitless ball to hold the M’s at bay.

Texas Rangers (16-16) 5, Detroit Tigers (16-17) 4: The Rangers made this one more difficult than it had to be, as they built a 4-0 lead through three with Danny Jansen homering along the way, but the four-run advantage went poof across the fourth and fifth. Former Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore’s rough transition to the American League continued; he’s surrendered 13 runs across 18.1 innings in his last four starts combined. Alejandro Osuna broke the tie in the eighth by following Jake Burger’s double off Burch Smith with one of his own. Jakob Junis and Jacob Latz were perfect in their appearances to give Texas the road victory.

Cleveland Guardians (17-16) 8, The Athletics (17-15) 5: Out in West Sacramento, the A’s had no answer for Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter, who went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a walk, and two RBI on behalf of Cleveland, who turned a 4-2 deficit in the fourth into a comfortable 8-4 lead by the seventh-inning stretch. Rhys Hoskins also had a homer and a two-run double, with the eight-run outburst on the whole enough to withstand a bad day from Guardians starter Joey Cantillo. His bullpen picked him up, as six different Cleveland pitchers combined for five innings of four-hit ball, with Hunter Gaddis the only member of the sextet to struggle. Cade Smith went four up, four down for the save.