May 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images
Rhett Lowder exited his start early on Thursday, escorted off the mound by a trainer after walking back to back batters to start back to back innings. Reports at the time indicated that he’d felt ‘clicking’ in his right shoulder, though the good news came on Friday when his MRI results came back clean.
Still, the Cincinnati Reds are just 41 games into their 162 game season, and Lowder is fresh off a completely lost 2025 season due to forearm and oblique issues. The Reds, obviously, are going to be incredibly cautious with their rookie, and that’s why he’s set for a stint on the 15-day injured list to give that clicky shoulder a bit of a break.
Charlie Goldsmith relayed the news from manager Terry Francona, who noted that Lowder was going to ‘continue to throw’ while sidelined.
Terry Francona said Rhett Lowder (shoulder) will go on the IL.
Did we honestly think Lowder, who threw just 139.1 IP across all levels in 2024 before his lost 2025, was just magically going to jump back into 32 starts and 175 innings for the Reds this season? Of course not.
This obviously isn’t a scheduled break, but it would be foolish to believe that the Reds weren’t going to find a way to limit Lowder’s innings at some point in the season to keep him ready to complete the season down the road. This hiccup wasn’t ideal, but it’s the kind of break that they baked into how they hoped to manage his 2026 season and is precisely why the team was reluctant to deal from their starting depth this winter.
That depth, by the way, is now currently down Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson, and Lowder.
It would have made sense to get Chase Petty back in the rotation after the way he pitched in his season debut earlier in the week in Chicago, but he’s starting for the Louisville Bats this afternoon against Nashville. My best guess is that Petty will be recalled at some point during Lowder’s absence, but that obviously won’t be for his first scheduled turn through the rotation. That may mean that Jose Franco – who hasn’t pitched at any level since May 7th – will get recalled to help start and/or participate in a bullpen game for Lowder’s first turn through the rotation this upcoming week.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) reacts after his last pitch thrown during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
The Dodgers host the longtime rival San Francisco Giants for four games beginning Monday night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Roki Sasaki starts the series opener, this time on eight days rest after the slight rotation shuffle with Blake Snell returning from his rehab assignment to start on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. This will be Sasaki’s first career game against the Giants.
Trevor McDonald gets the start for San Francisco, his second of the season in the majors. The right-hander struck out eight and walked none in seven strong innings, allowing only one run last Monday in a home win over the San Diego Padres.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — OG Anunoby was ruled out again for Game 4 on Sunday with a strained right hamstring, and the New York Knicks forward remained day to day in the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Anunoby was having another strong game Wednesday before appearing to suffer a leg injury and motioning to come out of the game. He went to the locker room area and did not return to the bench before the end of the Knicks’ 108-102 victory.
Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points per game in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby, who is considered the Knicks’ top defender, injured his hamstring two years ago in the second round as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead over Indiana. He missed the next four games and played just a few minutes in Game 7 as the Pacers rallied to win the series.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates his score in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers with Sean Murphy #12 at Dodger Stadium on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Braves will be trying to win on Mother’s Day for the first time since 2022.
Walt Weiss has penciled in a very similar lineup to the one that drove in seven runs in last night’s equalizer. The one change is Eli White (still in right field, batting seventh) flipping spots with Sean Murphy (catching, batting eighth). Shoutout to Sean for being 5-for-5 in ABS challenges since his very memorable debut where he immediately blew both to start the game. The glasses are working, even if the bat is getting up to speed.
As mentioned in the preview, Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski is playing with a little bit of devil magic to maintain his 1.25 ERA. We’re hoping his homer-less streak can come to an end with one (or more) Braves hitting bombs to honor their moms. Only five Braves have seen Wrobleski before in very limited capacities: leadoff man Mauricio Dubón has the most with 5 ABs, Jorge Mateo has 1, and Mike Yazstrzemski/Kyle Farmer/Dominic Smith will sit on the bench with 9 combined ABs between the three.
The Dodgers have changed things up a bit to give Will Smith a day off from catching. Dalton Rushing, who came in late in yesterday’s game at first base, will be behind the dish for Wrobleski and batting seventh. CF Andy Pages moves up to bat third and Max Muncy to fifth.
Max Muncy has seen Bryce Elder the most with a .250 AVG in 12 ABs. Muncy accounts for one of three players with a HR off Elder; the other two players are Ohtani (.286 AVG, 1.089 OPS in 7 ABs) and last night’s shutout-ender Andy Pages. Freddie Freeman is also rocking a .400 AVG with 10 ABs against Bryce.
Win the rubber game, win the series. The Braves have already secured a winning record for this road trip no matter the outcome, but it’d be an even happier flight if they could pull out another win in California.
Ducks forward Mason McTavish speaks to the media after their morning skate at Honda Center.
The Ducks look to regroup after a poor showing in Game 3, in which Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitch Marner had a natural hat trick and their goaltender Lukáš Dostál was replaced after the first period, allowing three goals on eight shots.
Perhaps the Ducks felt too comfortable, as Alex Killorn alluded to postgame, after having one of their best performances of the season in Game 2. Jeff Viel said on Saturday that the team didn't come ready to play.
"I think we might have gotten a little bit too comfortable and thought it was going to be easy," Viel said. "(Vegas is) a veteran team, so they've been there before. They were going to raise their game for sure."
May 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Tim Washe (42) defenseman Jackson LaCombe (2) and left wing Jeffrey Viel (28) recover the puck as goaltender Ville Husso (33) defends the goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
“I think that there's a lesson to take out of today's game,” head coach Joel Quenneville said after Game 3. “Only going to get harder every single game, not going to get any easier. So, let's get ready to go to war.”
Mason McTavish, who was a healthy scratch for Games 2 and 3, will re-enter the lineup for Game 4. Jansen Harkins will come out of the lineup to accommodate McTavish. McTavish is expected to be on a line with Ryan Poehling and Cutter Gauthier.
Defenseman Drew Helleson was not at Sunday’s morning skate and will miss Game 4 with an undisclosed injury. He is day-to-day, per Quenneville.
Ducks captain Radko Gudas is a game-time decision for Game 4, but the expectation is that he will play and slot into Helleson’s spot alongside Tyson Hinds.
Mar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (7) gets set for a face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
“He’s our guy, he’s the best guy ever and plays so hard,” McTavish said of Gudas. “He’s never fun to play against (while) practicing. So I'm sure he’ll be throwing his body around and winning his battles. He makes a lot of sneaky, really good plays, too, so I'm excited about that.”
“He’s got a great shot, he’s got great vision,” Gudas said of McTavish. “He's going to be great on the power play. Wherever he's going to play, I think he's going to be a big factor for us. We need him to be humming for us to be successful, so I'm looking forward to seeing him back out there and playing a big role for us. He's a big part of this young core, so we're happy to see him back in lineup.”
Vegas’ Mark Stone will miss Game 4 due to an undisclosed injury that he suffered in Game 3. He played just 4:24 before departing during the first period. Brandon Saad will draw into the lineup, making his first appearance of the series.
Ducks Projected Lines
Chris Kreider - Leo Carlsson - Troy Terry Alex Killorn - Mikael Granlund - Beckett Sennecke Mason McTavish - Ryan Poehling - Cutter Gauthier Ross Johnston - Tim Washe - Jeff Viel
Jackson LaCombe - Jacob Trouba Tyson Hinds - Radko Gudas Pavel Mintyukov - John Carlson
Lukáš Dostál (confirmed)
Golden Knights Projected Lines
Ivan Barbashev - Jack Eichel - Pavel Dorofeyev Brett Howden - William Karlsson - Mitch Marner Brandon Saad - Tomáš Hertl - Keegan Kolesar Cole Smith - Nic Dowd - Colton Sissons
CLEVELAND (AP) — The pause button has been pressed on Twins right-hander Taj Bradley’s comeback season.
Bradley was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with right pectoral inflammation, retroactive to Wednesday. He had an MRI in Minneapolis that revealed no significant damage and is slated to consult with Dr. Keith Meister.
“Any time we get an MRI that comes back clean, that’s the best-case scenario,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said before a 2-1, 11-inning victory over the Cleveland Guardians. “Once we get through the second opinion, we can start a course of action.”
Bradley has been the anchor of the staff, posting a 4-1 record and 2.87 ERA in eight starts in his first full year with Minnesota. Once a top prospect with the Rays, the three-year veteran also leads the team with 52 strikeouts and 47 innings.
Minnesota now has three-fifths of its rotation on the IL. Pablo López is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and rookie Mick Abel is battling right elbow inflammation.
The Twins acquired Bradley from Tampa Bay in exchange for Griffin Jax on July 31, limiting him to six starts over the final two months of the season. He stumbled to a 6-8 record and 5.05 ERA between the clubs.
Right-hander Travis Adams was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to replace Bradley, who was scheduled to pitch the series finale Sunday in Cleveland. Instead, Minnesota will go with right-handed reliever Andrew Morris in a bullpen game.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 10: A general view of Rate Field prior to the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Seattle Mariners at Rate Field on May 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Oh whoops hey there’s baseball today isn’t there.
Logan Gilbert gets the start for the Mariners. Davis Martin gets the start for the White Sox. Martin is a righty which means the Mariners will send their good lineup, with Brendan Donovan leading off in his second start back from injury.
It’s a beautiful day for holiday baseball.
Lineups:
Game Information:
Game time: 11:10 PT
TV: Mariners TV, with Aaron Goldsmith and Angie Mentink, with Brad Adam as field reporter
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs, making the Chicago trip back to his old stomping grounds, and Gary Hill Jr.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA- MAY 08: Carlos Santana #24 of the Reno Aces looks on from the dugout during the second inning against the Sacramento River Cats at Sutter Health Park on May 08, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
On Friday, we got a partial answer to that question. Top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt was called up while struggling CF Alek Thomas was Designated For Assignment (DFA’d). It still remains to be seen what will happen with Thomas, he most likely won’t make it through waivers as he still has defensive value and will be viewed as a ‘change of scenery’ candidate with some offensive potential still, but he could very well stay in the Dbacks Organization. As far as Waldschmidt goes, he had a pinch hit single in the Dbacks 3-1 loss to the Mets on Friday to make his MLB debut, followed by going hitless in the Dbacks 1-0 win on Saturday. It remains to be seen how quickly he’ll adjust to major league pitching, but defensively Waldschmidt looked good in his limited amount of time in the field so far. With that out of the way, I think there’s some serious questions as far how this roster is constructed for the remainder of the season.
Should Tommy Troy or LuJames Groover Be Called Up Next?
Tommy Troy, the Diamondbacks first round pick in the 2023 draft, is currently hitting .305/.407/.447 with a 114 wRC+ in his first 36 games for the Reno Aces, the Diamondbacks AAA affiliate. LuJames Groover, the Dbacks 2nd rounder in the 2023, is currently hitting .309/.421/.396 with a 108 wRC+. Troy is currently second on the Aces with 24 walks, while Groover leads with 27 walks. While Troy is striking out in 25% of his pate appearences, Groover is striking out in only 15.6%, the same amount he’s been drawing walks.
Considering the team is seeing a lot fewer pitches, could the addition of either of the two players be enough to provide an offensive boost? I personally think the roster could benefit with the addition of these two players, along with the subtraction of the players at the MLB level who are struggling. Regardless, it’s unlikely that either player gets the call, considering GM Mike Hazen has some pending roster moves to make as his players start returning from the Injury List.
Will Tim Tawa or Adrian Del Castillo be the next to go after Alek Thomas?
Despite hitting just .201/.274/.347 with a 74 wRC+ in 74 games at the MLB level in 2025, Tim Tawa somehow impressed enough to make it onto the Dbacks MLB roster in 2026. Although he’s largely been relegated to sitting on the bench, Tim Tawa has been one of the least valuable position players for Arizona in 2026. In 20 games he’s hitting a paltry .152/.245/.261 with a 43 WRC+. While that’s not a large enough sample to really judge, I think his overall MLB stats since being called up are enough to go off of, however. In his 94 games at the MLB level, Tawa is hitting .192/.268/.331 with 66 wRC+, which combined with subpar defense has made him worth -0.4 fWAR.
Meanwhile, Adrian Del Castillo, who’s on the roster for his bat, much more than his defensive abilities, hasn’t been all that much better in 2026. In 23 games in 2026, Del Castillo is hitting .218/.262 /.385 with a 77 wRC+, while striking out in 31% of his at bats. I’d call it small sample size flukiness, but Del Castillo wasnt exactly grrat last season either. In 44 games in 2025, he hit .242/.290/.392 with an 87 wRC+. He walked at a similar rate (6.1% vs 6% this season), though he was striking out an even higher rate of 35.9%. Del Castillo’s career offensive numbers are largely propped up by a very good debut in 2023, but he’s been a below average hitter since then. If Del Castillo was a much better defender at the catching position this wouldn’t be much of an issue, but the team has had him DHing more and more as time goes on. As a DH, those numbers are absolutely unacceptable for an MLB team expected to be competitive.
What Happens When Carlos Santana (and Pavin Smith) Return From The Injured List?
Carlos Santana started his rehab assignment in AAA Reno on May 2nd. The results haven’t been great, as he is just 3 for 23 with 3 walks and a homerun, but the team is almost certainly going to activate Santana of the injured list in the next few days, while making a corresponding move. Jose Fernandez and Ildemaro Vargas were the two players who have filled the void left at first base as a result of Santana’s and Pavin Smith’s injuries. Both have the positional flexibility to play elsewhere if needed, while also being key offensive contributors, so it’s extremely unlikely that either player are impacted by Santana being activated. In this case, I’d think Adrian Del Castillo or Tim Tawa are more likely to be sent down when Santana comes of the IL. I am actually of the opinion that the team might better off just releasing Santana with how poor the results have been in his rehab assignment, but I think that’s even less likely to happen than Vargas being DFA’d or Jose Fernandez being sent back down.
Pavin Smith is slated to begin his rehab by taking swings in the next week, but assuming he has no set backs, he too should be activated of the IL sooner, rather than later. At that point, it’s almost certain that a move will have to be made with the team’s first baseman/designated hitter position, which will absolutely affect one of the four aforementioned players.
Conclusion
The D’Backs roster as presently constructed, leaves a lot to be desired, thanks not only to the struggles of the players I’ve mentioned, but also as a result of the struggles of key offensive contributors like Ketel Marte. Long term, the Dbacks can’t expect for Ildemaro Vargas or Jose Fernandez to continue hitting like they have this season. The latter has already started to fade offensively after a hot start. Even if the offensive woes weren’t an issue, the Dbacks will face a roster crunch as Carlos Santana, Pavin Smith, and eventually Jordan Lawlar return from the Injured List. However, with those offensive woes factored in, it’s pretty clear to me that D’Backs GM Mike Hazen is going to have his hand forced and will have to make some moves soon. He might not call up Troy or Groover anytime soon, but he absolutely will have to send down/release some players to accommodate the players returning from the IL.
Who do you think will be sent down when Santana returns from the Injured list? How do you think Mike Hazen will address the offensive struggles of the MLB club? Will Tommy Troy or Lujames Groover be called up soon? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Davis Martin has another chance to burnish his All-Star resume. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The White Sox are finally having a shred of success after being absolutely barren for three straight years. What does that mean? It means it’s time to start complaining about the disrespect shown to the South Side by [insert national media apparatus here].
Legal sports gambling is an absolute and utter plague upon humanity and should be burnt to a crisp with fire, but I must admit extremely begrudgingly that the disgustingly ubiquitous integration of odds and gambling lines into every corner of sports are useful to the extent that they provide a solid quantitative litmus test of where public opinion lies on any given topic. If it feels like Davis Martin isn’t quite getting his due despite entering today’s start with a 1.64 ERA good for second-best in the AL, you’re not wrong. The amount of respect being afforded to him might be reflected in his absence from ESPN’s purported Top 10 Cy Young favorites, while his opponent on the hill today, Logan Gilbert, made the list despite a 4.30 ERA that would be his worst mark since his rookie season.
Nonetheless, statistical indicators are a much bigger fan of Martin’s work so far. Tom Tango’s Cy Young prediction algorithm, which tries to reflect voting behavior in terms of which stats are weighted the most heavily, has him in third place based on ERA, and second place based on FIP. The same projection systems also cast a lot of doubt on Martin’s ability to hold anything close to this pace — Tango’s formula has him finishing in 14th and 16th place, respectively. It’ll be on Martin to prove them wrong, and he’ll have another opportunity to do so today. He’s worked into the seventh inning in four of his last five starts, and another such effort today will start to put this run near historic territory for the long-gestating 29-year-old righty.
After cycling through a few different options early in the season, it might just be possible that Will Venable has found his leadoff hitter of the future in Sam Antonacci, who is 5-for-17 (.294) hitting first, with two walks, two of his trademark hit batsmen, and five runs scored. That bottom half of the lineup still leaves much to be desired, and I might wager that Drew Romo is the only one who will still be on the roster two months from now.
But if Munetaka Murakami, Miguel Vargas and Colson Montgomery do anything like they did in last night’s 5-1 win, that might not even matter today. Despite all his ups and downs, Vargas has quietly become an extra-base hit machine since the start of last season, racking up 64 of them in 177 games, which works out to 59 per 162. Here are the two most recent of them, ICYMI:
The lackluster bottom of the lineup also might not matter if Martin continues to do what he’s been doing, which is demonstrate outstanding command of a genuine six-pitch arsenal. It is really hard to throw that many different pitches and still manage the sub-5% walk rate that Martin has to this point. He gets ahead in the count and forces hitters to swing at pitches they probably wouldn’t swing at, if they had a choice.
All that being the case, the key indicator for how this game might go will be Martin’s ability to consistently throw first-pitch strikes, which allows him to aggressively go after hitters in the zone who have no idea which of his six pitches might be coming.
This is a free-swinging Mariners team that’s tied with the Sox for fifth in MLB in strikeout rate. They’re a bottom-10 teams in terms of runs scored, but a Top 10 team in rate stats like OPS and wRC+. It’s a lineup that’s probably due to turn around sooner rather than later, so let’s hope they can put that off for one more game before both teams move on to the next series.
First pitch is scheduled for at 1:10 p.m. CT, live from Rate Field in Armour Square. If you want to join us, broadcasts are available on CHSN (TV) and WMVP AM 1000 (radio) like always!
Oct 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning during game three of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
It’s been a tough weekend for the Yankees. We were firsthand witnesses to just how overpowering Jacob Misiorowski can be on Friday, and yesterday was one of those annoying extra innings games on the road that the club just hasn’t been able to handle since the Manfred Man rule change. They’ve got one chance to salvage a game in this series before heading to Baltimore, and they’ll turn to Carlos Rodón to help make it happen.
The lefthander has completed his rehab assignment, and will make his season debut on the road in Wisconsin. Rodón made more starts than anyone in baseball last year, not exactly something he had a reputation for doing, but a month into the year is now expected to deliver high-impact results more than pure workhorse behavior. In his final rehab start with Triple-A Scranton on Tuesday, he delivered 83 pitches and 6.1 innings, and the Yankees would likely be thrilled with a repeat performance. Don’t expect him to get above 90 tosses, but if he can balance that with some length, that would go a long way to the club’s confidence in him going forward.
The Brewers counter with Logan Henderson, who may end up a tough nut to crack despite a 4.50 ERA. The righty has yet to allow a home run, and a wicked 33.3 percent K-BB rate indicates the Yankees can’t expect an easier opposing starter than anything they’ve seen all weekend. If Carlos looks like his 2026 self, we very well may see a dynamite pitcher’s duel to close this series.
As expected, J.C. Escarra gets the start behind the plate spelling Austin Wells. Facing the righthanded Henderson, Ryan McMahon also takes over for Amed Rosario at the hot corner. The top four in the lineup remain unchanged from yesterday’s loss.
May 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Athletics pitcher Luis Severino (40) prepares to pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Happy Mother’s Day! 16 years ago yesterday, former Athletics pitcher and current television broadcaster Dallas Braden threw his historic perfect game on Mother’s Day. Today, the Athletics look to have more success on this annual occasion by finishing the road trip with a victory and completing a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles.
Right-hander Luis Severino will start the A’s 40th game of the season. He enters his ninth start with a 2-3 record, a 4.15 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched. Severino was tagged with the loss in his last start against the Philadelphia Phillies, despite surrendering only one run in five innings of work. The A’s bullpen later imploded, turning a tight game into a dominant Phillies victory. The 32-year-old aims to continue his strong run of form this morning. Severino is surely happy to get another start on the road as he has performed much better away from Sacramento during his tenure with this team.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay is sticking with the same starting nine that has helped his club win three in a row. Shea Langeliers is catching for the third straight game, a decision likely tied to the A’s having a day off tomorrow. Left fielder Tyler Soderstrom and shortstop Jacob Wilson need bounce-back performances after each went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts yesterday. In Wilson’s case, it was the notoriously difficult-to-strikeout hitter’s first three-strikeout game in the majors. However, he has been chasing more pitches outside the strike zone this season, so a game like that could be what he needs to start showing more patience and discipline at the plate.
This lineup could soon be joined by minor-league prospect Henry Bolte, who is absolutely raking at Triple-A Las Vegas. After going a remarkable 12-for-12 with two home runs in each of his last two games, the young outfielder has firmly entered the conversation for his first MLB call-up. The problem is that the A’s have an outfield logjam at the moment. Outfielder Lawrence Butler is struggling offensively, but it is unlikely the A’s would send a player they recently extended to Triple-A. With Zack Gelof proving capable of handling third base, the team could instead option fellow third baseman Brett Harris to the minors to make room for Bolte.
Today’s lineup will be seeing an opener. Left-hander Keegan Akin will pitch the first inning or two for Baltimore. Then, scheduled starter Chris Bassitt will pitch the next several innings. The veteran right-hander, who spent six seasons with the A’s from 2015 to 2021, signed a one-year deal with the Orioles this past offseason.
Bassitt has not gotten off to a strong start with his new team. Through seven starts, he is 2-2 with a 5.91 ERA and a 1.91 WHIP. In his last outing against the Miami Marlins, he allowed four runs on six hits over four innings. Today, the Orioles will count on Bassitt to pitch better against his former team as they try to avoid a home sweep. Hopefully, the A’s can take advantage of a pitcher who has a well-documented history of success, yet is off to a tough start this season.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 9: Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Globe Life Field on May 9, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 03: Keegan Akin #45 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 03, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles season is once again in danger of spiraling out of control, sinking close to a point beyond which one cannot reasonably hope that they will revive their fortunes even if they improved their play. Last year’s Orioles did manage that revival, of sorts, since they ended up being just about .500 under interim manager Tony Mansolino. The 2026 Orioles have won two games more than the 2025 team did through the same number of games. That’s probably not enough to make good things happen this year.
All that we can do as fans is wonder what in the world is going on. The problems are apparent almost on a daily basis. Solutions are not so easily found. If it was simple, they surely would have figured it out already. Nothing is simple in baseball! The best teams just make it look that way sometimes.
The result of all of this is that the Orioles enter this Mother’s Day game looking to avoid being swept by the Athletics. The Athletics! They’re one of the many teams muddling along around .500 this year. For a little while, the Orioles were one of those teams. Over the last week and a half or so, they’ve fallen out. It sucks.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms of Birdland.
Orioles lineup
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Taylor Ward – LF
Adley Rutschman – DH
Pete Alonso – 1B
Samuel Basallo – C
Leody Taveras – CF
Dylan Beavers – RF
Weston Wilson – 3B
Blaze Alexander – 2B
The Orioles changed things up on the morning of this game by deciding to employ Keegan Akin as an opener ahead of Chris Bassitt in a bulk innings role. Neither one of these pitchers has been good in their outings so far this season.
Athletics lineup
Nick Kurtz – 1B
Shea Langeliers – C
Brent Rooker – DH
Tyler Soderstrom – LF
Jacob Wilson – SS
Carlos Cortes – RF
Lawrence Butler – CF
Nick Gelof – 3B
Jeff McNeil – 2B
Sacramento’s starter is Luis Severino. At least he’s not left-handed.
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 9: Jesús Sánchez #12 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a single against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inningat Rogers Centre on May 9, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Passing the quarter post on the racetrack of the season.
And Addison Barger, is out of the lineup with a ‘sore elbow’. That was an amazing throw, but maybe not the best move in his first day back.
Addison was to lead off today, but now it is Ernie Clement. I’m a fan of lead off men who will take walk when offered. But maybe he’ll get on four times and score each time.
And Tyler Heineman has apparently, been let out of the doghouse. Brandon Valenzuela homered yesterday. I guess it is a day game after an afternoon game?
The NBA Draft Lottery is set to take place Sunday, May 10, with each of the 14 eligible NBA teams sending its own delegation in hopes of bringing home the top prize. The teams with the three worst records this past season – the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets – each have 14% odds to receive the No. 1 selection.
Team executives, former players and current stars will be in attendance with the hope that they'll bring their teams the coveted top pick.
So who will be repping each NBA team during today's draft lottery? Here they are:
NBA Draft Lottery team reps
The teams who will take part in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, along with their odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick and each team's representative.
