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MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (35-25) at Washington Nationals (25-34)

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MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (35-25) at Washington Nationals (25-34)

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS NOTES:

HERE’S THE STORY
♦ The D-backs are tied for first in the NL West and share the NL’s second-best record with the Dodgers, behind the Braves (35-24), and the Majors’ seventh-best record.

  • Arizona has spent 28 days in/tied for first place this season.

♦ Since May 12, the D-backs’ 15-7 (.682) record is tied for the third-best record (also: Yankees), behind the Astros (.739, 17-6) and Rangers (16-6, .727).

♦ The D-backs took 2 of 3 vs. Nationals from May 5-7 and have won 6 of their last 8 games since April 20, 2022.

♦ Arizona has played and split a 4-game series @ Nationals each of the previous 3 seasons (2022, ’21, ’19).

THANK YOU, REPRESENTATIVE CISCOMANI!
♦ Yesterday evening, Representative Juan Ciscomani, a Tucson native, avid D-backs fan and the U.S. representative for Arizona’s 6th congressional district, gave various D-backs’ players, coaches, staff and executives a private behind-the-scenes tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, including a bird’s eye view of live floor voting.

THROUGH 60 GAMES
♦ The D-backs’ 35 wins through 60 games are tied for third most in club history (also: 1999 and 2017), behind 37 wins in 2002…the D-backs had 33+ wins through 59 games each season they were postseason contenders.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
♦ The D-backs’ 15-11 (.577) road record through their first 26 road games is tied for the second best in franchise history (also: 2002 Division Champions), 1 win less than the 2001 World Series Champion D-backs at this point (16-10; .615).

♦ The D-backs rank among NL teams on the road in WPCT (2nd, .577), fewest strikeouts (2nd, 214), SLG (5th, .424), XBH (T-7th, 90), stolen b
bases (T-8th, 21) and home runs (T-9th, 34).

♦ Since May 1, Arizona features 2 players among MLB’s highest road batting averages: Ketel Marte (7th, .356) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (9th, .350).

SNAKEBITES
♦ Corbin Carroll, in his last 9 road games, is batting .323 10-for-31)/1.121 OPS with 4 doubles, 2 homers, 6 RBI, 9 walks and 4 stolen bases…has hit safely in 11 of his last 13 road games.

♦ Lourdes Gurriel Jr., in his last 8 road games, is hitting .353 (12-for-34)/1.111 OPS with 3 doubles, 3 homers and 6 RBI.

♦ Ketel Marte, in his last 8 road games, is batting .333 (13- for-39) with 1 triple, 1 homer, 4 RBI, 3 walks and 2 stolen bases.

BASE THIEVES
♦ The D-backs’ 10 games with a player having 2+ stolen bases are the most in the Majors, ahead of the Rays (9) and tied for the fourth most games in franchise history (also: 2007), behind 2016 (14), 1999 (13) and 2015 (11).

♦ Corbin Carroll’s 5 games with 2+ stolen bases is tied for the most in the Majors (also: Ji Hwan Bae/PIT and Ronald Acuña Jr./ATL) while Jake McCarthy (3) is tied for third.

EXTRA! EXTRA!
♦ The D-backs’ 34 straight games with an extra-base hit is tied for the Majors’ second-longest active streak (also: Angels and Dodgers) behind the Orioles (51).

♦ The 34-gamer is the fi fth longest in a season in club history: 35 games done twice (Aug. 20-Sept. 27, 2020; Aug. 28-Oct. 4, 2015), 41 games (Aug. 18-Oct. 2, 2005), 57 games (July 28-Sept. 28, 2003) and 69 games (July 18-Oct. 7, 2001).

BLISS EARNS SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY HONOR
♦ Double-A Amarillo INF Ryan Bliss was named Minor League Baseball’s (MiLB) Texas League Player of the Month for May after slashing .361/.404/.598…led the league in hits (35), total bases (58), slugging pct. (.598) and OPS (1.002) and was second in average (.361), third in runs (21) and sixth in home runs (5) and on-base percentage (.404).

♦ This marks Bliss’ second consecutive monthly honor after being named MiLB Player of the Month for April and was chosen as the D-backs’ organization Player of the Month for April.

STARTING PITCHER – LHP TOMMY HENRY ♦ #47
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA (10 ER in 30.0 IP) in his last 5 starts (3 quality).

  • Has a 10.0 inning scoreless streak.
  • Is 2-0 with a 5.74 ERA (10 ER in 15.2 IP) in 3 road starts.
  • The D-backs are 5-2 in his 7 starts.

LAST START: Earned the win on May 31 vs. Rockies after tossing 7.0 scoreless innings with 2 hits… matched a career-high tying 7 strikeouts.

VS. NATIONALS: Had a quality start (ND; 2 ER in 6.0 IP) in his lone start on May 6…making his first start @ Nationals Park.

EARLY IMPACT: In innings 1-3, is limiting opponents to a .178 average (13-for-73) with 7 walks and 13 strikeouts.

FIRST TIME THRU: Limiting batters to a .193 average (11-for57) with 6 walks and 12 strikeouts the first time through the lineup.

VS. RIGHTIES: Is holding righties to a .204 average (23-for-113) with 22 strikeouts.

PITCH TRACKING: Opposing batters are hitting .171 (6-for-35) with 4 strikeouts on his changeup and .171 (7-for-41) with 13 strikeouts on his curveball.

KEEP ‘EM CHASING : His 34.3 out-of-zone swing percentage is up 9.4 percent from 2022 (24.9). 0-2 GOT YOU: Has a .139 (10-for-72) opponents average and 25 strikeouts with 2 strikes and opponents are 0-for-13 (.000) with 5 strikeouts on an 0-2 count.

LEAD OFF SUCCESS: When leading off an inning, holding batters to a .189 average (7-for-37) with 8 strikeouts.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS NOTES:

No team release available.

MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (18-42) at Miami Marlins (33-28)

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MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (18-42) at Miami Marlins (33-28)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS NOTES:

TWO-OUT TORTURE: The Royals blew an early 4-0 lead en route to a 9-6 loss to the Marlins last night…the offense scored 4 runs on 6 hits through the 3rd inning, and opener Carlos Hernández retired all six batters he faced with 3 strikeouts, throwing 2.0 scoreless innings on 23 pitches (19 strikes)…Mike Mayers took over in the bottom of the 3rd with a 4-0 lead and allowed four of the first five to reach, cutting the lead in half…with 2 outs in the 4th, the Marlins strung together 5 consecutive hits off Mayers, including a 2-run triple by Jon Berti and the go-ahead RBI double by Jonathan Davis…the Marlins struck again in the 5th with 2 outs, as Yuli Gurriel reached on a two-base error, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a single by Nick Fortes…in the 6th inning vs. Josh Staumont, the Marlins had 2 outs and none on for the 3rd straight inning, but went single, 2-run home run by Bryan De La Cruz, capping their streak of 9 unanswered runs vs. Royals pitching…Kansas City had the tying run on deck in the 9th before Bobby Witt Jr. grounded into a double play to end the game.

All told, Miami scored 7 of its 9 runs last night with 2 outs and went 5-for-7 (.714) in scoring situations.

TIME CHANGE: The Marlins announced yesterday that tomorrow night’s game with the Royals will begin at 5:10 p.m. CT/6:10 p.m. ET…the earlier start time is due to the Miami Heat hosting Game 3 of the NBA Finals tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. ET…after tomorrow night’s game, the Royals will fly to Baltimore for an off day on Thursday, before beginning a 3-game weekend series with the Orioles on Friday night.

LEADS LOST: Last night marked Kansas City’s 20th blown lead loss of the season, which matches St. Louis for the 2nd most in the Majors, 1 behind Oakland (21)…they blew a 4-0 lead in last night’s 9-6 win, marking their largest blown lead loss of the season, leaving the Astros, Tigers, Twins and Nationals as the only remaining teams who have yet to lose a game in which they led by 4 runs…last night marked Kansas City’s largest blown lead loss in their last 143 games, since last July 4 at Houston, where they had a 5-0 lead in the 4th, but lost 7-6.

The Royals have held a lead in 23 of their last 31 games since the start of May, but they’re just 11-20 during that stretch with 12 blown lead losses…they’ve had blown lead losses in 3 of their last 5 road games.

STARTING SOMETHING: Carlos Hernández retired all six batters he faced with 3 strikeouts in the opener role last night vs. the Marlins, throwing 19 of his 23 pitches for strikes (82.6%)…Royals starting pitchers have now recorded 11.2 consecutive scoreless innings, including 5.2 scoreless frames by Brady Singer on Sunday, and the last 4.0 innings of Daniel Lynch’s start last Saturday vs. the Rockies…during this 11.2-inning scoreless streak, Royals starting pitchers have combined to allow just 8 hits and 1 walk with 16 strikeouts (12.3 K/9).

The Royals are 2-4 when using an opener, but those pitchers have combined for 10.0 innings with 1 unearned run allowed on 3 hits and 15 strikeouts, including 6.0 scoreless innings by Hernández in 3 starts.

Royals starting pitchers rank 26th in the Majors this season with a 5.15 ERA and their 9 wins rank 29th… but since the starter’s ERA topped out at 6.08 following their game on May 6, they have pitched to a 3.79 ERA (49 ER in 116.1 IP) in their last 26 games, which ranks tied for 7th in the Majors during that time…even better, Royals starters have held opponents to a .227 average (99-for-436) in their last 26 games since May 7, which ranks 3rd in the Majors behind the starters of Miami and Texas (.226).

Royals starters have held opponents to 1 run or fewer in 6 of the last 11 games, a stretch in which their 2.77 ERA (15 ER in 48.2 IP) ranks 2nd in the Majors behind Texas (2.35)…Royals starters have 60 strikeouts in 48.2 innings over the last 11 games for an 11.1 K/9 and 29.9 K%, both of which lead the Majors since May 23.

GONE FISHING: The Royals are fishing with their dads this week, as last night’s game vs. the Marlins began their first Father’s Trip since 2019…fathers of the players and staff members are joining the team on this road trip that will continue with an off day in Baltimore on Thursday and a weekend series vs. the Orioles.

This marks Kansas City’s fourth trip to Miami and third since loanDepot Park opened in 2012…the Royals last visited the Fish four years ago, from Sept. 6-8, 2019, when they won 2 of 3 games…the Royals have won all three of their previous series in Miami, including one in 2016 and one at Dolphin Stadium in 2008, but that streak could end with a loss tonight or tomorrow night after the Marlins won the series opener.

The Royals are 10-9 all-time vs. the Fish, including a 5-5 record since they became the Miami Marlins in 2012.

Former Royal Jorge Soler has not faced his former team since being traded to Atlanta in 2021…Soler, who ranks tied for 4th in the Majors this year with 17 HR but is homerless in 7 games since his 5-game HR streak, set the Royals single-season HR record with 48 in 2019, which was matched by Salvador Perez in 2021.

INTERLEAGUE INTRIGUE: Tonight is the Royals 25th Interleague game, which represents more than 40% of their 61 games this season and matches Milwaukee for the 2nd-most Interleague games in the Majors, trailing only Pittsburgh (28)…the Royals will play 46 Interleague games this season after playing 20 every year from 2013-22.

The Royals are 8-16 in Interleague play this season, but are 5-6 in their last 11 games after starting 3-10.

This trip to Miami marks the Royals fourth straight series vs. a National League opponent, a streak that will run to 10 straight games through the series finale tomorrow night…when this trip continues to Baltimore this weekend, it will end a stretch in which the Royals will have played six of eight series vs. NL teams.

Salvador Perez is Kansas City’s all-time leader in Interleague play in HR (36) and RBI (112), and his 197 hits rank 2nd to Alex Gordon (210)…Salvy, who makes his offseason home in nearby Weston, Fla., has homered vs. 25 of 29 opponents, the only exceptions being the Marlins, Braves, Mets and Phillies.

SOUTHPAW STORY: Tonight’s opponent Jesús Luzardo will mark the eighth time in the Royals last 12 games that they’re facing a left-handed starting pitcher and the 4th consecutive game vs. a southpaw…this recent run vs. southpaw starters comes on the heels of a 15-game stretch from May 7-22 in which they faced all righthanded starters…the Royals are 5-11 vs. left-handed starters this season but have won 2 of their last 4 such games.

Maikel Garcia is 12-for-32 (.375) with 4 doubles vs. left-handed pitchers since his May 2 recall, including is 1st career HR on Sunday off left hander Kyle Freeland…Bobby Witt Jr. leads the Royals with 17 hits and 5 HR vs. left handers, and is batting .298 against them with .579 slugging percentage and .912 OPS.

Left-handed batters Michael Massey and Nick Pratto have fared especially well vs. left-handed pitching, batting .324 (11-for-34) and .314 (11-for-35), respectively…their averages vs. southpaws rank 5th and 8th, respectively among left-handed batters in the American League (min. 25 at-bats).

THE RUNNING ROYALS: The Royals recorded 3 stolen bases last night, 1 shy of their season high of 4, done on April 29 at Minnesota…they now rank 5th in the Majors with a success rate of 83.0%, which would be the best mark in franchise history, ahead of their 82.7% success rate (155/185) in 2013.

Bobby Witt Jr. ranks 4th in MLB with 19 steals this year and his combination of 10 HR and 19 steals is matched only by Ronald Acuña Jr. (12/26).

TONIGHT’S STARTERS: RHP ZACK GREINKE (1-5, 4.19)
ZACK GREINKE is making his 13th start of the season and 527th of his career tonight vs. the Marlins, matching Jerry Koosman and Hall of Famer Jack Morris for 37th on the all-time starts list…it’s his 14th career appearance (13th start) vs. Miami and 1st since 2019 as a member of the Diamondbacks…Greinke, now in his 20th season in the Majors, is a six-time All-Star, a six-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner and was named the American League Cy Young Award winner in 2009 with the Royals.

He is one of three pitchers in Major League history with at least six Rawlings Gold Gloves and six All-Star selections, along with Greg Maddux and Bob Gibson.

Among active pitchers, Greinke ranks 1st in starts (526) and innings (3309.1), 2nd in wins (224) and 3rd in strikeouts (2,929)…he is one of three pitchers in Major League history to win a Cy Young Award, a Rawlings Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award, along with Fernando Valenzuela and Orel Hershiser.

LAST START: Greinke did not factor into the decision of Kansas City’s 2-1 loss in St. Louis a week ago tonight, in which he allowed just 2 hits and 1 walk over 5.0 scoreless innings, with a season-high-tying 6 strikeouts…he yielded a leadoff single and a 2-out walk in the 1st but retired 13 of the next 14…but his counterpart, Miles Mikolas, held the Royals scoreless over 8.0 innings with 10 strikeouts, and the Cardinals scored 2 runs against Kansas City’s bullpen after Zack exited in a scoreless tie.

Greinke has completed at least 5.0 innings in 11 of his 12 starts this season.

MAY FLOWERS: Zack earned Royals Pitcher of the Month honors for May, in which he recorded a 2.30 ERA (8 ER in 31.1 IP) in 6 starts, the 7th-best mark in the American League and the best ERA by a Royal in the month of May (min. 30.0 IP) since Chris Young posted a 1.45 ERA (5 ER in 31.0 IP) in May 2015…this marked Greinke’s first monthly honor since re-joining the Royals last season, but it was his ninth career Royals Pitcher of the Month Award, breaking a tie with Joakim Soria for the most by a Royals pitcher since the award was established in 1995.

GRE1NKE: Zack’s May 13 start in Milwaukee ended on a called third strike of Milwaukee’s Joey Wiemer in the 5th inning, which marked the 1,000th different batter Zack has struck out in his 20-year career…he’s the fifth pitcher in Major League history, according to Kenny Jackelen of Baseball Reference, to fan 1,000 different batters, joining Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux and Roger Clemens…he’s since added 7 more victims to run his total to 1,007 players struck out.

Among the 1,007 batters he’s struck out includes Hall of Famers Chipper Jones, Frank Thomas, Scott Rolen, Derek Jeter, Iván Rodríguez, David Ortiz and Jim Thome…he’s fanned one father/son duo—Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Jr.—and six current big league Managers, including Rocco Baldelli, Aaron Boone, Craig Counsell, Mark Kotsay, Phil Nevin and Skip Schumaker.

Greinke has struck out 10 different sets of brothers, a total he’s hoping to add to tonight in Miami…with a strikeout of Yuli Gurriel, he and his brother Lourdes Gurriel Jr. would become the 11th set of brothers Greinke has struck out.

Zack is 71 strikeouts shy of becoming the 20th pitcher to reach 3,000. WALKING ON WATER: Zack’s pinpoint control has been on full display this season, his 20th in the Majors…the 39-year-old has issued only 9 walks to the 254 batters he’s faced through 12 starts (62.1 IP) for a 1.3 BB/9 and 3.5 BB%, both of which rank 2nd in the Majors behind George Kirby…after issuing a season-high 2 walks in 3.2 innings on April 27 at Minnesota, he’s issued only 3 walks to 119 batters over his last 6 starts.

Greinke has had 4 starts this season in which he did not issue a walk over at least 5.0 innings, which trails only Framber Valdez, Patrick Corbin, Anthony DeSclafani and Kirby (5 each) for the most such starts in the Majors in 2023.

Led by Greinke and Brady Singer (4 each), the Royals have had 12 starts this year in which their pitcher recorded 5.0 innings without issuing a walk, which is tied with the Dodgers and Mariners for the most in the Majors.

SEEKING SUPPORT: The Royals offense has scored just 19 runs in Greinke’s 62.1 innings this season for a 2.74 run support average, which is the lowest mark among all qualified pitchers…the Royals have supported Zack with 1 or 0 runs in 8 of his 12 starts, and have supported him with a total of 1 run over his last 3 starts (15.2 IP)…run support has been an issue for Zack since he returned to Kansas City last season…he’s won just 5 of his 38 starts since the start of last year, despite pitching to a 3.84 ERA (85 ER in 199.1 IP), and his 3.30 run support average during that time is the 2nd lowest in the Majors.

BACK IN BLUE: Zack returned in 2023 for the second straight year to Kansas City, where he spent the first seven seasons of his Major League
career, after being selected by the Royals 6th overall in the 2002 Draft…Greinke is the 33rd player to play for the Royals, leave the organization and later return…he missed time due to two stints on the Injured List in 2022, limiting him to only 137.0 innings, the 4th fewest in his career behind the shortened 2020 season (67.0 IP), 2006 (6.1 IP) and 2007 (122.0 IP)…he did, however, rank 2nd among Royals starters with a 3.68 ERA (56 ER in 137.0 IP).

Tonight is his 208th start with the Royals, 7th most in club history behind Paul Splittorff (392), Mark Gubicza (327), Dennis Leonard (302), Kevin Appier (275), Bret Saberhagen (226) and Larry Gura (219)…Zack’s 1,051 strikeouts with the Royals rank 6th in club history, 6 shy of Splittorff (1,057).

VS. MARLINS: Greinke is 7-0 with a 3.06 ERA (27 ER in 79.1 IP) in 13 career appearances (12 starts) vs. the Marlins, and tonight marks his 1st start vs. the Fish since July 26, 2019 when he was with the Diamondbacks…he’s is one of two pitchers with at least 7 wins and no losses vs. the Marlins, along with former Royal and former Marlins pitcher Edinson Vólquez, who went 7-0 with a 1.47 ERA (8 ER in 49.0 IP) in 8 career starts vs. Miami.

Zack’s 30 career wins in Interleague play rank 2nd among active pitchers behind Justin Verlander (39), but he’s winless (0-2) in his last 8 Interleague starts, since a 7-4 win vs. San Diego (with Houston) two years ago on May 30, 2021, in which he allowed just 1 run over 8.0 innings.

Zack is one of 16 active pitchers who have started a game vs. the Florida Marlins (1993-2011).

ROAD WORK: Zack is seeking his 1st road win since Aug. 13, 2021 at Angel Stadium, where he pitched 7.0 scoreless innings in a 4-1 victory with Houston…in 23 road starts since, he’s 0-12 with a 5.77 ERA (74 ER in 115.1 IP), despite holding opponents to 3 earned runs or fewer in 15 of 23 starts… he’s allowed 2 runs or fewer in each of his last 3 road starts, in which he owns a 2.30 ERA (4 ER in 15.2 IP) and .182 opponents’ average (10-for-55).

MIAMI MARLINS NOTES:

No team release available.

MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins (31-29) at Tampa Bay Rays (43-19)

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MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins (31-29) at Tampa Bay Rays (43-19)

MINNESOTA TWINS NOTES:

No team release available.

TAMPA BAY RAYS NOTES:

CRUISING TO A SERIES WIN — Tampa Bay concluded its seven-game road trip with a 4-3 record following a 4-1 victory over Boston at Fenway Park on Monday afternoon…the Rays broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning when CF Manuel Margot (1-for-4, RBI, R) and C Francisco Mejía (2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R) produced run-scoring singles before RF Josh Lowe (0-for-5, RBI) staked out a 3-0 lead with an RBI-groundout…the Red Sox got on the board with a solo homer by 1B Justin Turner (1-for-3, HR, RBI, R, BB) in the sixth, but 3B Taylor Walls (0-for-4, RBI, BB) drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh for a 4-1 Rays advantage. Ê LHP Shane McClanahan (6.0IP, 5H, ER, 2BB, 5SO) became the first nine-game winner in the majors after tossing his ninth quality start, tied for second most in the AL behind HOU Framber Valdez (10).

RHP Jason Adam (1.0IP, 2SO) picked up his ninth save with a scoreless ninth frame, surpassing his career-high eight saves in 2022.

HOME COOKING — Tampa Bay’s 26-6 record at Tropicana Field marks MLB’s best start at home since the 2008 Boston Red Sox (also 26-6)…the Rays are one of 13 teams since 1901 to win at least 26 of their first 32 home games in a season…have won four of five, eight of 11, and 12 of their last 16 home games overall.

The Rays are 10-0 in series openers at home, the longest such winning streak to open a season since the 2013 Detroit Tigers (13-0), according to Elias…the club is 15-4 overall in series openers this season.

Tampa Bay hitters rank among MLB leaders at home in several categories, including stolen bases (1st, 43), extra-base hits (2nd, 123), homers (2nd, 53), runs per game (2nd, 5.94), OPS (2nd, .839), SLG (2nd, .492) and OBP (3rd, .347).

BETTER AGAINST THE BEST — The Rays have posted a 25-15 (.625) record against teams that currently have a record of .500 or better, the best mark in the league, ahead of Houston (19-13, .594)…since 5/2, nine of Tampa Bay’s last 10 series have been against clubs that are currently .500 or better; the Rays are 20-13 in that span, including 6-4 in series play.

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE — Tampa Bay is 9-1 against the AL Central this season, outscoring opponents, 75-36 (+39)…the Rays opened the year with a nine-game winning streak against the division before a 12-9 loss to Chicago-AL on 4/30…it tied their longest winning streak against the AL Central in club history (also: 6/29-7/11)…dating back to 8/20/22, Tampa Bay has won eight straight home games over AL Central opponents, tied
for the second-longest such streak in franchise history (longest: 10G, 6/29/13 – 4/22/14).

The Rays lead the AL in runs per game (7.50), SLG (.554), OPS (.910) and run differential (+39) the AL Central this season.

RIGHTING THE SHIP — After pitching to a 9.58 ERA (10.1IP, 11ER) from 5/27-28, Rays starters recorded a 2.25 ERA (36.0IP, 9ER) during the club’s seven-game road trip through Chicago-NL and Boston, holding opponents to a .223 average (29-for-130) while allowing only two homers (0.50 HR/9.0IP)…among AL clubs, only Kansas City’s rotation (1.52) has a lower ERA in that span (since 5/29).

On the season, Rays starters pace the majors in ERA (3.05), opp. average (.225), opp. SLG (.366) and opp. OPS (.650)…the Rays are 21-1 when their starting pitcher tosses 6.0+ innings, including nine straight wins; the lone loss came on 5/9 at Baltimore.

Tampa Bay’s bullpen has allowed one earned run in its last 11.2 innings since yielding six runs in the bottom of the sixth frame on 6/3 (G1) at Boston. SLOW IT DOWN—The Rays are batting .256 and slugging .446 against breaking/offspeed pitches; both marks are second highest in the majors behind Texas (.281/.465)…Tampa Bay’s 43 homers against breaking/offspeed pitches are tied with Atlanta for most in MLB, all while having the fifth-lowest strikeout rate in the AL (26.1%) in plate appearances that end with those pitches.

BAG BANDITS — The Rays have stolen 30 consecutive bases without being caught dating back to 5/22, the longest streak in club history…they had achieved the previous mark of 21 straight steals on two separate occasions (6/3-27, 2007 & 7/1-23, 2010)…according to Elias, the last major league club to steal 30 straight bases was Cleveland (36SB) from 8/11-9/17, 2021…the Rays have been successful on 44 of their last 46 stolen base attempts (95.6%) overall since 5/14 after opening the season 38-for-52 (73.1%).

Tampa Bay’s 82 stolen bases are the most by any major league club through 62 games since the 2009 Rays (96SB).

On the season, Tampa Bay leads the majors in both steals (82) and stolen base attempts (98) while ranking fourth in stolen base pct. (83.7%).

OFF THE RALES — Luke Raley has reached base safely in a career-high 12 straight games since 5/21, slashing .276/.432/.621 (8-for-29) with four extra-base hits, 5 RBI, 11 runs scored, five walks, 4 SB and 3 HBP…since the streak began on 5/21, his 1.053 OPS ranks fourth in the AL (min. 35PA).

WANDER STRUCK — Wander Franco has hit safely in a season-best nine straight games, tied for the third-longest streak of his career and his longest since a career-best 13-game streak from 9/14-27, 2022…is batting .486 (17-for-35) with three doubles, one triple, 6 RBI, seven steals and six walks against five strikeouts during the streak.

On the season, Franco’s 3.7 bWAR lead the majors, ahead of TEX Marcus Semien (3.4) and ATL Ronald Acuña Jr. (3.3)…his 21 stolen bases are third most in MLB, trailing only OAK Esteury Ruiz (29SB) and ATL Ronald Acuña Jr. (26SB).

In addition to ranking second among major league shortstops in average (.308) and OPS (.870), Franco leads all shortstops in defensive runs saved (9), ahead of CHC Dansby Swanson (8), according to FanGraphs…the only infielder in baseball with more defensive runs saved is SD Ha-Seong Kim (10).

THE BAY BOMBERS — The Rays have hit a major league-best 103 home runs, tied for the eighth-most long balls through a club’s first 62 games in MLB history (since 1901)…they reached 100 homers in their 54th game of the season, becoming the fifth-fastest team to reach the milestone in MLB history (since 1901).

The Rays have 30 multi-HR games, second most in the majors behind New YorkAL (31); they are 25-5 in those contests…this includes 16 games with 3+ homers, most in the AL and trailing only Los Angeles-NL (18G) in all of MLB.

Tampa Bay has not homered in four straight games, its longest drought since 9/7- 13, 2022 (6G)…the last Ray to homer was Jose Siri on 5/31 at Chicago-NL (8th inn.).

TWINNING — The Rays and Twins open their six-game season series tonight…the two clubs will also meet from 9/11-13 in Minnesota…the all-time series is tied, 87-87, but the Twins have had the upper hand in recent years, winning five of the last seven matchups and posting a 12-7 mark since the beginning of 2019.

TONIGHT’S STARTER: RHP ZACH EFLIN (7-1, 3.30)
TODAY’S START—Right-hander Zach Eflin makes his 11th start of the season, including his seventh at home…has tossed 5.0+ innings in each of his last 11 starts overall, the second-longest streak of his career (12GS:
9/18/20-5/24/21)…his 3.30 ERA is the third lowest through his first 10 games of a season in his career, behind only his 2019 campaign (2.89) and 2018 season (3.02).

LAST TIME OUT — Eflin did not factor into the decision on 5/31 at Chicago-NL after throwing 6.0 innings, allowing three runs on four hits with one walk and five strikeouts…despite not receiving a decision, Tampa Bay improved to 9-1 in his starts after rallying for a 4-3 win at Wrigley Field.

Eflin has now tossed 5.0+ innings in each of his first 10 starts to begin the season…it is the longest such stretch to start a season by a Rays pitcher since Chris Archer (28GS) in 2017.

TWIN CITY TALK — Eflin earned the win in his lone career appearance against Minnesota on 4/7/19…he tossed 7.0 innings, allowing one run on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts.

The righty is 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA (33.0IP, 5ER), 0.76 WHIP, 28 strikeouts and three walks in six career appearances (5 starts) against AL Central opponents.

In three starts this season, he is 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA (15.0IP, 4ER) with 14 strikeouts against three walks while holding opponents to a .211 average (12-for-57).

NO PLACE LIKE HOME — Eflin has earned the win in each of his first six home starts to open the season, producing a 2.19 ERA (37.0IP, 9ER) in those games…it matches the most consecutive home starts with a win at any point in a season in his career (also: 6/5-7/3, 2018)…it marks the longest streak in Rays history, ahead of six pitchers tied at five straight starts (last: Shane McClanahan, 5/17-6/9, 2022)…the last pitcher with a longer streak of consecutive home starts with a win to open a season was Yu Darvish (7GS) in 2012 as a member of Texas.

Eflin’s 2.19 ERA at Tropicana Field is third lowest through a pitcher’s first six home starts with the Rays in club history, behind Luis Patiño (2.15, 4/25-8/30, 2021) and Jeremy Hellickson (2.16, 8/2/10-5/29/11).

Min. 35.0 IP, Eflin ranks among AL leaders at home in walk rate (2nd, 2.2%), SO/BB ratio (2nd, 11.33), WHIP (3rd, 0.84), ERA (6th) and opp. AVG (9th, .207).

GOING DEEP — He has thrown 5.0+ innings in 11 straight starts dating back to 6/25/22, the second-longest streak of his career (12GS: 9/18/20- 5/24/21)…during the streak, Eflin is 8-1 with a 3.32 ERA (65.0IP, 24ER), 60 strikeouts and 10 walks.

Eflin has typically been at his best deep into his outings, registering a 4.50 ERA (40.0IP, 20ER) in innings 1-4 compared to a 0.90 ERA (20.0IP, 2ER) from the fifth inning on.

RARE FEAT — On 5/25 vs. Toronto, Eflin earned the win after tossing 7.0 innings, allowing one run on six hits with two walks and zero strikeouts… he became the fourth pitcher in Rays history to throw 7.0+ innings without a strikeout, including the first since Mark Hendrickson (7.1IP on 4/9/04 vs. BAL).

WINNERS WIN — Eflin is the second pitcher in Rays history to win seven of his first eight decisions with the club, joining Charlie Morton (8-0 from 3/29-6/10, 2019)…Morton is also the only pitcher in club history to win eight of his first nine decisions with Tampa Bay (8-1).

QUALITY CONTROL — Eflin’s 7.13 SO/BB ratio is second-best in the majors (min. 60.0IP) behind only SEA George Kirby (9.67)…he joins Kirby (58SO, 6BB) as the only pitchers in MLB with 50+ SO and 10 or fewer walks.

Eflin has walked two or fewer batters in each of his last 13 starts since 6/14/2022, the second-longest streak of his career (longest: 33GS, 8/29/20-6/3/22)…overall, the righty has issued two or fewer walks in 46 of his last 47 starts dating back to 8/29/2020.

This season, Eflin’s 3.4 pct. walk rate is second lowest in the majors (min. 50.0IP), trailing only Kirby (2.36%).

Washington Nationals recall Jordan Weems

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Washington Nationals recall Jordan Weems

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Jordan Weems from Triple-A Rochester and designated right-handed pitcher Andrés Machado for assignment on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

Weems, 30, returns for his second stint with the Nationals this season after he pitched in both halves of a doubleheader on April 29 against Pittsburgh. He combined to allow one hit and two walks in 2.1 innings with three strikeouts in those games.

In his last six appearances for Triple-A Rochester, Weems allowed just one hit and one run over 6.1 innings (1.42 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, .053 opponents’ average). He went 2-for-2 in save opportunities in that span, including a four-out save on May 28 at Toledo.

In his first season with Washington in 2022, Weems enjoyed four Major League stints, pitching in 32 games. He finished the season strong, posting a 3.00 ERA (5 ER/15.0 IP) with 17 strikeouts, two walks and a .182 opponents’ average (10-for-55) in his final 11 games after being recalled on Sept. 8.

Machado, 30, posted an 8.47 ERA in 14 games out of Washington’s bullpen.

Orioles roster moves

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Orioles roster moves

The Orioles have made the following roster moves:

  • Reinstated LHP Danny Coulombe from the Bereavement List.
  • Optioned INF/OF Terrin Vavra to Triple-A Norfolk.

A’s recall INF Kevin Smith from Las Vegas; option INF Nick Allen to Las Vegas

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A’s recall INF Kevin Smith from Las Vegas; option INF Nick Allen to Las Vegas

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland A’s recalled infielder Kevin Smith from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioned infielder Nick Allen to Las Vegas, the club announced today.

Smith joins the A’s for the second time this year after hitting .184 with three home runs and seven RBI in 26 games with Oakland during his first stint from April 10 to May 13.  He batted .267 with three home runs and nine RBI in 10 games with Las Vegas following his May 14 option and had a .280 average, eight home runs, 21 RBI and a .995 OPS in 17 games overall with the Aviators.  The 26-year-old right-handed hitter has started 17 games at shortstop and three at third base with the A’s and made all 17 of his starts with the Aviators at shortstop.

Allen was recalled from Las Vegas on May 2 for his second stint with the A’s this year and hit .221 with a home run and three RBI in 30 games.  He is hitting .196 in 38 games overall with Oakland but has a .339 average and .960 OPS in 14 games with the Aviators.

MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants (29-30) at Colorado Rockies (26-35)

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MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants (29-30) at Colorado Rockies (26-35)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS NOTES:

TODAY’S GAME: The Giants spent yesterday’s off day in Denver before they begin their quick three-game road trip against the Rockies today…Colorado is the lone NL West team SF has not faced…SF enters the series with an MLB-low two divisional wins (2-7)…the Rockies are in last place in the NL West, posting a 3-10 mark in the division.

ROSTER MOVES: IF/OF Joc Pederson (right hand contusion) and IF/OF Thairo Estrada (left wrist sprain) were activated off the 10-day injured list…IF/OF Brett Wisely and OF Bryce Johnson were optioned to Triple-A Sacramento in corresponding moves…additionally, IF/OF Matt Beaty cleared waivers earlier today and elected free agency.

GOING FOR 9: SF went 14-5 (.737) vs. the Rockies last season and have won the last eight games against them dating to August 21, 2022, which is the Giants’ third-best streak vs. COL in franchise history (Stats, LLC)…the Giants had a 12-game winning streak end last season, and a 10-game winning streak snapped in May of 2013.

HOW SWEEP IT IS: The Giants’ six sweeps vs. Colorado since 2021 are tied for most for any team vs. a single opponent (Stats, LLC)…since 2021, the Giants are 29-9 (.763) against the Rockies with a +99 run differential, their second-best winning percentage against any opponent in that span, behind a 12-3 (.800) record against the Phillies and fourth-highest of any club with at least 15 matchups in that stretch.

HE’S JUST THE OPENER: RHP John Brebbia makes his fifth start of the season, and 16th overall…in Brebbia’s last start, Pirates IF Connor Joe took him deep for his first earned run as an opener this season…Brebbia has a 1.20 ERA (2er, 15.0ip) and a 1.00 WHIP with SF going 9-6 in those games.

TRENDING UP…: SF has a 3.35 team ERA since May 1, which ranks third in the Majors and second in the NL over that span.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT: Giants pitchers lead the Majors with a 50.2% ground ball rate, more than 3% higher than the next closest team (Tampa Bay, 46.9%)…when the ball is put in the air vs. SF, it is leaving the yard at a league-leading rate, as the Giants lead MLB with 15.1% HR/FB…the Rockies offer an interesting challenge for the SF pitching staff…Colorado ranks third to last in the MLB with a 39.1% offensive ground ball rate while also ranking tied for second-worst with an 8.6% offensive HR/FB.

CARELESS RISP-ER: Since May 15, SF has been one of the best teams in the Majors with runners in scoring position… those numbers have taken a hit, however, during the Giants’ current 1-4 stretch.

MIKE’S PEAK: Coors Field has been friendly to OF Mike Yastrzemski…his 1.120 OPS is his best at any ballpark (min. five games), and his 10 home runs are his most at any road ballpark…Yastrzemski’s OPS at Coors Field since 2019 is also second-best in the Majors (min. 20 games) behind SD IF Jake Cronenworth (1.151 OPS).

HE’S NOT ALONE: Yastrzemski is not the only Giant who has thrived in the Rocky Mountains…under the same parameters as above, IF Brandon Crawford’s 1.088 OPS is the fourth-best in MLB and IF Wilmer Flores’ 1.001 OPS is seventh.

PITCH PERFECT: Per Baseball Savant, rookie C Patrick Bailey has been an elite pitch framer…Bailey’s 47.6% strike rate for Zone 11 (high and outside to a lefty) is the best among qualified catchers…his 37.1% strike rate in zone 19 (low and inside to a lefty) is second behind LAD C Austin Barnes (41%)…injured C Joey Bart has also been an elite pitch framer this season, ranking first on Baseball Savant with a 54.1% strike rate and tied for eighth with two catcher framing runs.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT: The Giants have 57 RBI by rookies this season, which ranks third in MLB behind Boston (61) and Los Angeles-NL (58)…SF’s six different rookies to record at least one RBI lead the Majors.

COLORADO ROCKIES NOTES:

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

  • The Rockies begin a six-game homestand tonight with the first of three games against the San Francisco Giants, the first time they’ll play the division rival this year … welcome the San Diego Padres for three games Friday-Sunday.
  • Concluded a seven-game road trip Sunday at Kansas City … after getting swept by Arizona in a four-game set, the Rockies took two of three from the Royals to win the series.
  • The Rockies enjoyed an off day yesterday, the club’s first since May 18 … beginning today, they will embark on a stretch of 16 straight days with a game before their next off day on June 22, for a total stretch of 33 games in 34 days from May 19-June 21.

FOR THE W

  • Colorado has gone 18-15 (.545) since April 30, tied for the third-best record in the NL over that span with the Marlins, trailing the Dodgers (20-12, .625) and the Diamondbacks (19-13, .594)
  • At home through this same span, the Rockies are 12-5, a .702 winning percentage that trails only the Dodgers (12-4, .750).

RETURN OF THE MAC

  • Third baseman Ryan McMahon had his on-base streak snapped at 12 games on Sunday … had multiple hits in his last three games prior, tied for the longest streak of his career.
  • Over 10 games May 25-June 3, McMahon went 19-for-39 (.487) with 11 runs scored, three doubles, one triple, five home runs, 15 RBI, six walks (.556 OBP) and 10 strikeouts, becoming the first Rockies player with 19 hits, nine extra-base hits and 15 RBI in a 10-game span since Charlie Blackmon in 2019 … he became the third player in franchise history to put up those numbers while also walking six or more times, joining Todd Helton (2000 and 2001) and Larry Walker (1997) … the last player in the Majors with a 10-game stretch with these numbers was Freddie Freeman with the Braves in September 2020.
  • McMahon’s 1.8 WAR (Baseball Reference) is fourth-best among all NL third basemen … his eight defensive runs saved at third base are tied with Ke’Bryan Hayes for the most among third basemen.
  • Among NL third basemen, ranks second in batting (.282) and slugging (.506), tied for second in doubles (13), fifth in walks (18) and sixth in RBI (26) (numbers exclusively as third baseman).

HI, MY NAME IS

  • The Rockies have used 26 total pitchers this season, tied for the third-most in baseball with Los Angeles-AL and Cincinnati, behind Oakland (29) and Tampa Bay (30) … the Rockies used 25 total pitchers in 2022, 26 in 2021 and have used more than 30 pitchers just once since 2016 (31 pitchers, 2019).
  • Colorado has also used 11 starting pitchers in 2023, tied for the third-most in the Majors … entering the season, the Rockies had used 22 total starting pitchers from 2017-22, Bud Black’s first six years as manager, the fewest starters in the Majors.

EAZY E

  • 21-year-old shortstop Ezequiel Tovar is slashing .339/.393/.536 with eight doubles and one home run over his last 16 games and his hitting .284 (38-for-134) over his last 38 games since April 23, raising his average from .172 to .247 on the season.
  • Has started 57 games at shortstop, tied for the sixth-most in the Majors … his 1.1 defensive WAR is tied the ninth-highest in baseball while his seven defensive runs saves are the third-most among shortstops.

BABY GOT BACKSTOP

  • Rockies catcher Elias Díaz’s .309 batting average ranks 10th in the Majors, sixth in the NL … his .374 average (34-for-91) average at home is the second-highest in the Majors while his .404 (21-for-52) average with runners in scoring position is the 10th-highest the Majors.
  • Has appeared in 50 games at catcher, the second-most in the Majors … his 11 catcher caught stealing are tied for the second-most in the Majors … 1.2 dWAR the third-highest mark among all players, the best among all catchers.

ROCKIES STARTING PITCHER – #32 DINELSON LAMET RHP
HOW WE GOT HERE

  • Dinelson Lamet will make his second start in a Rockies uniform today … joined the rotation last week after making 12 relief appearances to
    begin the season before a stint on the injured list … placed on the IL on May 4 with lower back stiffness, reinstated prior to his last start on May 31.
  • Originally claimed off waivers by Colorado from Milwaukee on Aug. 5, 2022 and signed a one-year deal with the Rockies this offseason to
    avoid arbitration … was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Aug. 3 after being acquired via trade from San Diego on Aug. 1 … the Brewers received Lamet, LHP Robert Gasser, LHP Taylor Rogers and OF Esteury Ruiz from San Diego in exchange for LHP Josh Hader.

BACK AT THE FRONT

  • Made his first start since June 26, 2021 last Wednesday at Arizona … suffered the loss in a 6-0 Rockies defeat against Tommy Henry and the
    D-backs … pitched three innings and allowed five runs on seven hits with no walks and four strikeouts.

SETTING THE TONE

  • Has made 57 starts over his career, going 14-18 with a 3.90 ERA (288.2 IP, 125 ER) … opposing hitters have slashed .214/.297/.376 when the
    right-hander starts.
  • Used solely as a starter in each of his first three seasons from 2017-2020 … began the 2021 season as a starter before transitioning to the
    bullpen in September after missing time with forearm injuries.
  • Won his MLB debut at Citi Field back on May 25, 2017 … tossed five innings and allowed one run, three hits and two walks while striking out
    eight.

SAN FRAN BASEBALL GIANTS

  • Making his 13th career appearance, fifth start, against San Francisco … 1-1 with a 5.22 ERA (29.1 IP, 17 ER) overall against the Giants with three home runs allowed.
  • All four of his starts came from 2017-2020 at Oracle Park, where he went 1-1 with a 2.66 ERA (20.1 IP, 6 ER).
  • Made five relief appearances against the Giants in 2022, allowing six runs on nine hits across 6.2 innings … three of those appearances came at Coors Field, where he allowed two runs on two hits, including a home run to Brandon Crawford, across 2.2 innings.

START ME UP

  • Made three rehab starts with Triple-A Albuquerque, posting a 0.84 ERA (10.2 IP, 1 ER) with six hits allowed, one walk and 11 strikeouts.
  • Tossed 4.2 scoreless innings his last time out May 26 vs. Round Rock, allowing two hits with one walk and six strikeouts while throwing 63 pitches … tossed four perfect innings in his previous outing, May 20 vs. Tacoma, striking out four while throwing 38 pitches.

MLB Preview: Baltimore Orioles (37-22) at Milwaukee Brewers (32-28)

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MLB Preview: Baltimore Orioles (37-22) at Milwaukee Brewers (32-28)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES NOTES:

BACK IN THE WIN COLUMN: The Orioles defeated the Giants, 8-3, in Sunday’s series finale at Oracle Park…Improved to 6-4 in rubber matches this season.  Tyler Wells tallied a career-high nine strikeouts in the victory; he has now struck out at least seven batters in five straight games, tied with Erik Bedard (2007) for the second-longest streak in Orioles history (since 1954), behind an eight-game streak by Connie Johnson in 1957; entering this season, Wells had only recorded seven strikeouts in a game once, on July 3, 2022 at Minnesota.  James McCann led off the sixth inning with his third home run of the season.

SERIES-LY: Sunday’s win clinched Baltimore’s 13th series victory this year…Last season, the Orioles didn’t secure their 13th series win until their 28th series on July 13, which completed a two-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and was the final victory during a 10-game winning streak…The O’s didn’t win more than 12 series in any of the three full seasons from 2018-21 (12-32-8 in 2021, 10-34-8 in 2019, and 9-39-5 in 2018).

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: Of Baltimore’s 59 games this season, 52 have been decided by four or fewer runs, second-most in MLB behind Los Angeles-AL with 53…The O’s have gone 33-19 in those games, the most wins and second-best winning percentage (.635) in the majors behind Tampa Bay (.636, 28-16)…The O’s are 24-13 in games decided by three or fewer runs, the best winning percentage (.649) and tied for the most wins in
MLB with the Cleveland (24-22) and Miami (24-17).

Baltimore is 11-6 (.647) in one-run games, tied with four other teams for the third-most wins in games decided by one run this season; only Miami (16-4) and Cleveland (12-16) have more one-run victories.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: The O’s are in the middle of a six-game road trip, which began with three games in San Francisco (2-1) over the weekend…After an off day yesterday, the Orioles play three games in Milwaukee beginning tonight…Baltimore is 20-10 (.667) away from Oriole Park, tied with Atlanta (20-10) for the best road record in MLB this season…The Birds went 38-43 (.469) on the road last year, 14th-best in MLB, after going a combined 114-237 (.325) away from Camden Yards from 2017-21.  This season is tied for the second-best road start through 30 games by the Orioles in team history (since 1954), trailing only the 23-7 start in 1969 (see box at right).

AGAINST THE BREWERS: The Orioles and Brewers are squaring off for the first time this season…The O’s hosted the Brewers at Oriole Park for their first home series of the 2022 campaign; the Birds won their Home Opener but dropped the next two games… The Orioles are playing in Milwaukee for the first time since 2017, when they were swept in three games from July 3-5.

WHAT’S TRENDING: The O’s have won 28 of their last 43 games, 31 of 47, and 32 of 50… The 37-21 overall record is the third-best in MLB to start the season (see box at right)… Entering today, the Orioles are one of eight teams with at least 35 wins, along with the Rays (43-19), Rangers (39-20), Astros (36-24), Yankees (36-25), Diamondbacks (35- 25), Braves (35-24), and Dodgers (35-25)…They are one of five teams with less than 25 losses, along with the Rays, Rangers, Astros, and Braves.  Last season, the Birds did not collect their 37th win until their 81st game on July 4 (37-44).

THE MOUNTAIN AND THE ROCK: Félix Bautista and Yennier Cano have combined to go 4-1 with 19 saves, a 1.07 ERA (7 ER/59.0 IP), 32 hits, 11 total runs allowed, two home runs, 19 walks, two hit batters, and 87 strikeouts while opponents have hit .158 (32-for-202)… The pair have pitched in the same game 16 times this season with the O’s going 14-2.

BIG TIME RUTSCH: Adley Rutschman leads the AL with 43 walks and ranks tied with Texas’ Marcus Semien for the AL lead with 104 times on base (61 H, 43 BB)…He’s also fourth in the AL with a .402 on-base percentage…He ranks among MLB switch hitters in OBP (1st), OPS (2nd, .836), and batting average (3rd, .285), and among primary catchers in OBP (1st) and OPS (3rd).

HAYS OF OUR LIVES: Austin Hays was named the Fielding Bible Award Co-Defensive Player of the Month for May with Toronto’s Kevin Kiermaier by Sports Info Solutions after he led MLB with 10 Defensive Runs Saved last month…Hays has four outfield assists this season, tied for fourth in the AL…His 21 outfield assists since the start of 2021 are tied for the second-most in the AL and fifth-most in MLB during that time.

He ranks seventh in the AL with a .301 batting average.  His .400 batting average in the seventh inning or later leads MLB and he’s the
only qualified player currently over .400 in those spots this season; he also leads MLB with a .421 average with two outs.

ROSTER MOVES: The Orioles today reinstated left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe from the Bereavement List…In a corresponding move, infielder/outfielder Terrin Vavra was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

SCORING CHANGE: MLB has made the following scoring change affecting the Orioles:

In the bottom of the first inning on May 20 at Toronto, Bo Bichette reached on what was originally scored a fielding error by second baseman Adam Frazier… The ruling has been changed to a base hit.

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER – #48 KYLE GIBSON RHP
QUICK HITS: Scheduled to make his 13th start of the season, eighth on the road, and eighth career start against the Brewers tonight…Became the first O’s pitcher in club history (since 1954) to start and win each of his three first appearances with the team…Started a season 4-0 for the second time in his career, joining a 6-0 start with Texas in 2021; became the fifth Oriole starting pitcher since 2004 to begin a year 4-0, joining John Means (4-0 in 2021), Bud Norris (4-0 in 2013), Wei-Yin Chen (4-0 in 2012), and Erik Bedard (4-0 in 2006)…Tossed 7.0 shutout frames on May 25 at New York-AL, becoming the oldest O’s pitcher (35-214) to work 7.0-or-more scoreless innings in a start since Freddy García (36-236) also tossed 7.0 scoreless frames on May 30, 2013 vs. Washington…Also marked his first shutout start of 7.0-or-more innings since also tossing 7.0 scoreless frames on August 27, 2022 vs. Pittsburgh with Philadelphia…In 279 career appearances (273 starts), Gibson owns a 96-94 record with a 4.49 ERA (786 ER/1575.2 IP)… The O’s signed Gibson to a one-year contract on December 5, 2022…He has
also spent time with the Twins, Phillies, and Rangers across 10 Major League seasons.

LAST TIME OUT: Earned his third straight win in his last start on May 30 vs. Cleveland…Allowed three runs on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts in 5.2 innings…Retired the first 10 batters in order before allowing a one-out single to Amed Rosario in the fourth inning…Marked his seventh win of the season; last season, he earned his seventh victory in his 21st start on August 5 vs. Washington with Philadelphia…Threw 95 pitches, 60 strikes.

CAREER AGAINST THE BREWERS: Making his eighth career start against the Brewers tonight…Did not factor into the decision in his last start against Milwaukee with Philadelphia on September 8, 2021 at American Family Field… Allowed three runs on seven hits with four walks and five strikeouts in 4.2 innings…Threw 103 pitches, 59 strikes…Owns a 1-2 record with a 5.67 ERA (25 ER/39.2 IP) through his first seven career starts against the Brewers.

CAREER AGAINST THE NL CENTRAL: Making his 19th career start against the NL Central…Has pitched to a 4-7 record with a 5.22 ERA (59 ER/101.2 IP) through his first 18 outings against the division…Dealt the loss in his last start against the NL Central on May 14 vs. Pittsburgh, allowing four runs on seven hits with three walks, a wild pitch, and five punchouts in 5.0 innings…Threw 95 pitches, 57 strikes…Recorded a career-high-tying 11 strikeouts on August 16, 2022 vs. Cincinnati with Philadelphia.

LIFE ON THE ROAD: Making his eighth road start of the 2023 campaign tonight… Owns a 4-1 record with a 4.25 ERA (20 ER/42.1 IP) through his first seven outings away from Oriole Park this season…Earned the win in his last road start on May 25 at New York-AL after working 7.0 shutout innings on two hits with four walks and three strikeouts…Marked his team-leading sixth quality start and sixth win of the season…Threw 96 pitches, 56 strikes…Has completed 7.0 innings in each of his last two assignments away from Oriole Park.

INTERLEAGUE SOLDIER: Making his second Interleague start of the 2023 season…Dealt the loss in his last start against the National League on May 14 vs. Pittsburgh…Has gone 6-15 with a 5.45 ERA (101 ER/166.2 IP) and 10 quality starts in 30 career Interleague starts…Has lost three straight starts against the National League since June 21, 2022.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS NOTES:

On The Mend
LHP Eric Lauer is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment this evening with Triple-A Nashville as the team visits Jacksonville (Marlins)…..Lauer has been on the 15-day injured list since May 22 with a right shoulder impingement…..RHP JB Bukauskas is also scheduled to begin his rehab assignment tonight with Nashville….. he has been on the 15-day injured list since May 18 with a cervical strain.

Rare Birds
The Brewers are hosting the Orioles at American Family Field for just the fourth time (2008, 2014 and 2017)….. the team is 7-2 all-time here against Baltimore, winning the last 5 games.

Baseball Brothers
This series marks the first meeting between the Brewers’ Luis Urías and the Orioles’ Ramon Urías in the big leagues…..the brothers were slated to play against each other last season at Camden Yards, but that plan was foiled as Luis was on the injured list at that particular point in time…..Ramon (1994) and the younger Luis (1997) were both born on June 3 in Mexico.

One More To Go
Freddy Peralta will face the Orioles for the first time tonight, leaving the Yankees (and Brewers, of course) as the only Major League team that he has not pitched against in his career.

Four Goodness Sake!
The Brewers are a Major League-best 28-4 (.875) when scoring at least 4 runs in a game.

Sealing The Deal
The Brewers are 32-0 when leading (27-0) or tied (5-0) after 8 innings.

Devinly Body
Devin Williams has gone 10-for-10 in save opportunities…..he is unscored upon in 18 of his 19 outings, posting a 0.46 ERA…..opponents are batting just .119 (8-for-67, 1hr) and he has a 0.86 WHIP with 26 K in 19.2 innings.

The Brice Is Right
Rookie infielder Brice Turang has yet to commit a Major League error in 191 total chances (165 at 2B/26 at SS).

Most Regular Season Wins
National League – Since 2017
Team Wins
Los Angeles ……………………………………597
Atlanta ……………………………………………..518
Milwaukee ……………………………………513

TONIGHT’S GAME: Is game 1 of a 6-game homestand against Baltimore (3g) and Oakland (3g)…..the Brewers are coming off a 4-3 trip to Toronto (1-2) and Cincinnati (3-1)…..following this homestand and an off day next Monday, the team takes a 2-game trip to Minnesota.

IN THE TRAINER’S ROOM: SS Willy Adames (concussion), RHP Jason Alexander (right rotator cuff), LHP Aaron Ashby (left labrum), RHP JB Bukauskas (neck), RHP Matt Bush (right rotator cuff), LHP Eric Lauer (right shoulder), LHP Wade Miley (left lat), OF Garrett Mitchell (left shoulder), 1B Darin Ruf (right knee), OF Tyrone Taylor (right elbow), LHP Justin Wilson (left elbow), OF Jesse Winker (neck) and RHP Brandon Woodruff (right shoulder) are on the injured list…..Alexander, Ashby, Mitchell, Ruf, Wilson and Woodruff are on the 60-day IL.

SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Brewers are 9-10-0 in series play.
Game 1: 8-11, Game 2: 12-7, Game 3: 10-9, Game 4: 2-1
Sweep Wins (3): vs. NYM (3g, 4/3-4/5), at SEA (3g, 4/17-4/19), vs. KC (3g, 5/12-5/14)
Sweep Losses (1): at COL (3g, 5/2-5/4)

AT HOME: The Brewers are 16-12 at home, going 5-4-0 in series play…..the team went 46-35 at home last season, going 15-8-4 in series play.

ON THE ROAD: The Brewers are 16-16 on the road, going 4-6-0 in series play…..the team went 40-41 on the road last season, going 9-12-5 in series play.

LET’S GO TO THE VIDEO TAPE: The Brewers have made 10 replay challenges this season, going 5-5…..their last challenge (lost) came on May 25 vs. San Francisco as a foul tip (Joey Wiemer) stood.

MLB Preview: St. Louis Cardinals (25-36) at Texas Rangers (39-20)

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MLB Preview: St. Louis Cardinals (25-36) at Texas Rangers (39-20)

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS NOTES:

RECENT REDBIRDS: The St. Louis Cardinals continue a six-game road trip through Pittsburgh and Texas with the second of a three-game series against Texas Rangers in their first visit to Globe Life Field. This past weekend, the Cardinals were swept in a three-game series by the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. St. Louis has lost four straight games and five straight road contests. Their last three losses have all been by one run.

ROAD TRIP SCRIPT: Since Friday, the Cardinals have lost each of the first four games on this road trip and five straight dating back to Cleveland on May 28. It was June 2021, the last time the Cardinals dropped six straight road contests (June 2 at LAD, June 11-13 at CHI and June 17-18 at ATL). The last time the Cardinals dropped every game of a road trip of five games or more, Aug. 3-7, 2019 at OAK (2) and LAD (3).

FLIGHT PATTERN: Entering today, the Cardinals are in last place in the National League Central, 8.0 games behind first place Pittsburgh and 2.0 games behind fourth place Chicago. St. Louis was a season-low 10.0 games out of first place eight days from April 29-May 6, before closing to 4.0 games back on May 27. St. Louis spent 24 days in last place from April 26-May 19 and 41 days of the 68 days in the cellar on the 2023 Major League schedule.

APRIL SHOWERS…MAY FLOWERS…JUNE…?: The Cardinals began their season 10-19 in March/April and took a five-game losing streak into May before exploding through the rest of the month from a 10-24 record to 25-32 at the end. From May 7-31, the Cardinals had the best record in the National League at 15-8 and nearly set a franchise record for May, hitting 44 home runs, one shy of the 2000 Cardinals who hammered 45.

GOLDEN-ADO RBI REUNION: Last night, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado each recorded an RBI in the same game for the first time since May 15 vs. Milwaukee, an 18-1 rout of the Brewers. This season, the dynamic duo have collected an RBI in the same game seven times with the Cardinals 5-2 in those games. Prior to last night’s loss, the Cardinals last lost vs. Atlanta on April 3 when both players had an RBI in an 8-4 loss.

EIGHT IS ENOUGH: In the 13 regular season meetings between the Cardinals and Rangers, St. Louis only has three wins, but in those three wins, they scored eight or more runs with an 8-2 win in 2019 at Globe Life Park and 13-2 and 12-7 wins back in 2004 in Arlington. In the Cardinals 10 regular season losses vs. Texas, six have been by one run and they have not scored more than four runs in any of the games. The Rangers, however, have not scored more than seven runs in any of their 10 wins. Despite the lopsided 10-3 mark, St. Louis still holds a +3 run differential in the series.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: In their last three games, the Cardinals have lost by one run moving the needle on their record to 6-14 (.300) in 2023 in one-run contests. Only the San Diego Padres (3-11, .214) have a worse mark among National League teams. Ten (4-6) of the Cardinals last 15 games have been decided by one run. The Rangers have played in the 2nd-fewest one-run games (12, 5-7) trailing only Houston (10, 6-4).

RISP-Y BUSINESS: Paul DeJong’s RBI single in the 2nd inning last night snapped an 0-for-15 with runners in scoring position dating back to the 7th inning on Friday night at Pittsburgh, The Cardinals currently rank 7th in MLB with a .267 BA w/RISP. They connected with a runner in scoring position for 15-straight games (5/3-18) batting .318 during that stretch. The Texas Rangers lead all of MLB with a .337 BA wRISP, currently outdistancing the all-time single-season mark held by the 2013 Cardinals (.330) and led by Allen Craig’s .454 mark w/RISP.

STRANDED: Cardinals relievers are no stranger to stressful situations as they lead Major League Baseball with 119 inherited runners. The Oakland Athletics rank 2nd with 117. St. Louis relievers have standed their inherited runners at a 28.6% clip, ranking 12th in MLB. Surprisingly, no Cardinals reliever has carried the brunt and have zero pitchers in the Top 10 in the National League in inherited runners. However, they have four pitchers in the Top 12 in inherited runners scored percentage: 5. Chris Stratton (14.3% 14-2) 6. Génesis Cabrera (15.4% 13-2) 8. Zack Thompson (16.7% 12-2) and 12. Ryan Helsley (20.0% 15-3).

THE INFIRMARY: Following three scoreless innings of no-hit ball in his last rehab appearance covering 35 pitches, RHP Jake Woodford will be scheduled to throw 55-60 pitches in his next start. OF Tyler O’Neill is scheduled not to resume baseball activity until June 15. PAIR OF JACKS: Sunday, Andrew Knizner homered for the Cardinals lone run and has homered in consecutive games played (5/28 at CLE & 6/4 at PIT) for the second time this season (5/14 at BOS & 5/15 vs. MIL). Knizner joins rookie Francisco Alvarez (NYM), Jonah Heim (TEX), Sean Murphy (ATL) and Salvador Perez (KC) as catchers with pairs of consecutive game home runs this season.

TONIGHT’S STARTING PITCHER: LHP MATTHEW LIBERATORE (1-1, 4.91)
TONIGHT’S GAME

  • Making his 3rd start of the season (4th app.) and 10th career start (13th app.). This will
    be his first career start and appearance against the Texas Rangers.
  • Including tonight, seven of his 10 careers starts have come on the road.
  • Has yet to allow a HR in his first three appearances this season (11.0 IP).
  • Was 4-1 with a 3.13 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 46.0 innings pitched covering eight starts at Memphis (AAA) this season. Posted a 10-strikeout game at Gwinnett (4/12).
  • Named Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April and International League Pitcher of the Month for April with a 3-0 mark and 2.14 ERA over 33.2 innings pitched with 45 strikeouts covering six starts in March/April.
  • Was leading all Minor League pitchers at any level with 46.0 innings pitched and all Triple-A pitchers with 56 strikeouts (3rd in MiLB) at the time of his recall on May 17.
  • The Cardinals are 6-3 in his nine career starts and 9-3 overall in his 12 total appearances.
  • 2021 Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
  • Started for the National League in the 2021 SirusXM All-Star Futures Game at Coors Field in Denver and worked a perfect 1st inning retiring a trio of then-top 10 prospects in Bobby Witt, Jr., Jarred Kelenic, and Julio Rodriguez on just 13 pitches.
  • Acquired in trade with Tampa Bay Rays on January 9, 2020 in a deal that sent OF Jose Martinez and OF Randy Arozarena to Tampa.
  • Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round (16th player overall) of the June, 2018 First-Year Player Draft, making him the highest drafted high school player in Rays franchise history.

LAST TIME OUT

  • Pitched four scoreless innings to start the game before allowing all four runs in the 5th inning via a bases-loaded single from Steven Kwan and a 3 RBI double by Amed Rosario. Only allowed one hit through first four innings.

DATE vs. RESULT DEC IP H R ER BB SO HR NP-S
5/26 at CLE L, 3-4 L (1-1) 5.0 5 4 4 2 2 0 91-51

2023 SEASON

  • Began the season with Memphis (AAA) and made eight starts before getting recalled to St. Louis for a May 17 start vs. Milwaukee.
  • Made his 2023 debut and threw 5.0 scoreless innings of three-hit ball with three walks and six strikeouts. Posted the exact same line in each of his first two starts vs. the Brewers (5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 SO).
  • Named Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Month and International League Pitcher of the Month for April with a 3-0 mark and 2.14 ERA over 33.2 innings pitched with 45 strikeouts covering six starts in March/April.
  • Was leading all Minor League pitchers at any level with 46.0 innings pitched and all Triple-A pitchers with 56 strikeouts (3rd in MiLB) at the time of his recall.

TEXAS RANGERS NOTES:

WINS AND LOSSES: Texas walked off the Cardinals yesterday, 4-3, as club has a 4-0 record in this 6-day, 6-G homestand vs. SEA (3-0) and STL (1-0 + 2 G)…team has now won 4 straight for the 4th time in ’23…the Rangers have won 6 of 7, 10 of 12, 13 of 16, 18 of 24, and 21 of last 28 games…TEX is an MLB-best 25-9 (.735) in last 34 G beg. 4/28…most wins in any 34-G span for TEX since 5/28-7/2/16 (also 25-9)…TEX is 31-14 in last 45 G and 35-16 in last 51 G beg. 4/9.

  • At 39-20 (.661), TEX owns the 2nd-best record in MLB to only TB (43-19, see chart below)…club’s 39 wins rank 2nd in A.L. and MLB (43-TB).
  • The 39-20 start is the Rangers’ best 59-G start to a season in WSH/TEX franchise history, 3 G ahead of the next-best start (36-23, done 5 previous times).
  • TEX is a season-high 19 G above .500 for the 1st time since the end of 2016 (95-67)…this is the earliest date ever for TEX to be 19-over (prev. 6/18 in 2016).

BEST RECORDS IN MLB, 2023
Win Pct. Team W-L
.694 Tampa Bay 43-19
.661 Texas 39-20
.627 Baltimore 37-22

WITH A WIN TONIGHT the Rangers would:

  • Reach the best 60-G record in WSH/TEX franchise history, climb to season-best 20 G above .500 for 1st time since the end of 2016 season, and reach 20-over at the earliest point in a season in franchise history (by date or games).
  • Notch a season-best 5-game win streak and secure a season-high 6th straight series win.
  • Extend their current home winning streak to 8 straight G (beg. 5/19), which would be club’s longest-ever at Globe Life Field (prev. 6-0 from 5/15-31/22) and longest overall since an 8-G run from 5/10-18/17 at Globe Life Park.

SERIES STUFF: Club’s 3-G sweep of SEA last weekend was 4th time to win all games of a series in 2023 (last 3-0, 5/19- 21 vs. COL)…Texas has won a season-high 5 consecutive series, longest such span since going 5-0-0 from 6/15-7/1/18 vs. COL/at KC/at MIN/vs. SD/vs. CWS…club is now 10-1-1 in last 12 series and 13-2-1 in last 16…team is 14-4-1 overall in series this year, going 6-2-1 at home and 8-2-0 on the road… TEX is now 5-1-1 in last 7 series at GLF.

AT HOME: Rangers are 20-8 (.714) at home, 2nd-best home record in A.L. and MLB (TB-.813, 26-6)…have won 7 straight, 8 of 9, 12 of 15, 17 of last 23 at GLF beg. 4/5…TEX has a 106-114 all-time record at Globe Life Field (2020-23), but are 26-15 last 41 G here (beg. 9/11/22)…TEX leads MLB in R (197) and R/G (7.04) at home in 2023.

VS. ST. LOUIS: TEX is hosting STL for their lone series in ’23 (1-0 + 2 G)…1st meeting since 5/17-19/19 at GLPIA (2-1)… St. Louis is one of 7 clubs that had never played a regular season game at Globe Life Field (CHC, CIN, MIA, MIL, NYM, PIT)…TEX leads the all-time reg. season series with STL, 10-3, with a 4-3 record vs. STL in games played in Arlington.

WALK IT OFF: Nathaniel Lowe notched the Rangers’ 2nd walk-off victory of the season with an RBI single last night (also Jonah Heim 3-R HR on 4/11 vs. KC)…it was the 4th walk-off hit of Lowe’s career and 3rd with TEX (last 2-R HR on 5/18/22 vs. LAA)…his 3 walk-off hits since joining the club in ’21 are tied for the most by a TEX batter in that span (also García/Heim)…TEX improved to a 2-4 record in walk-off games this season, snapping a 4-G losing streak.

WHERE NEW YORK AND TEXAS MEET: Texas has now outscored its opponents 380-227 (+153) in 2023…it is the highest run differential in MLB this season (2nd is TB at +125), and the 3rd-highest over any 59-game span in Senators/Rangers franchise history (+155 from 9/2/11-5/13/12 and +154 from 10/5/22-6/4/23)…additionally, it is the 6th-largest run differential in the first 59 G of a season by any team in baseball’s Modern Era (beg. 1901), as the last squad to outscore its opponents by such a wide margin over a campaign’s first 59 G was the 1939 New York Yankees (+168):

HIGHEST TEAM RUN DIFFERENTIAL OVER
SEASON’S FIRST 59 GAMES, MODERN ERA (beg. 1901)
Year Team Run Diff.
1912 New York Giants +175
1929 Philadelphia Athletics +172
1902 Pittsburgh Pirates +169
1939 New York Yankees +168
1927 New York Yankees +154
2023 Texas Rangers +153

SCORE UNTIL YOU WIN: TEX has scored an MLB-high 380 runs this season…it marks the most runs scored thru 1st 59 games in WSH/TEX franchise history, and most by any ML club over 1st 59 G of a campaign since 1999 (CLE, 392 R).

  • TEX owns an MLB-leading 16 games with 10+ R this season, tied with the 1936 New York Yankees (also 16) for the most such games by any team over the first 59 G of a season in the Modern Era (beg. 1901).
  • The Rangers have scored an MLB-best 197 R at home in ’23, the T2nd-highest R total thru 28 home G in franchise history (205-1998, 197-2004)…the last ML team with 198+ R in its first 28 home G of a season was 2001 Colorado (230).

ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE: Marcus Semien extended his career best and MLB-high 24-G hit streak last night…it is T4th-longest hit streak in club history and the longest by a Ranger in the last 15 years (25 G, Ian Kinsler, 6/17-7/13/08).

  • Semien has slashed .333/.374/.571/.945 (35-105) w/ 4 HR, 2 3B, 9 2B, 20 RBI, 26 R, and 7 BB/13 SO over the course of the streak (beg. 5/10), ranking among MLB leaders in that time in R (1st), H (3rd), XBH (T3rd), TB (4th) and 2B (T4th).

LONGEST HITTING STREAKS IN TEXAS RANGERS HISTORY
Games Player Span
28 Gabe Kapler 7/17-8/15/00
25 Ian Kinsler 6/17-7/13/08
25 Michael Young 9/2-29/05
24 Marcus Semien 5/10-current
24 Mickey Rivers 8/14-9/9/80

QUALITY, OF THE ULTRA KIND: Martín Pérez did not factor into the decision last night despite tossing his 3rd ultra-quality start (7.0+ IP, 2-or-fewer ER) in 4 outings…his lone run allowed was unearned following a two-base error by RF Adolis García in the 2nd inning…it marked the 1st time a TEX starter has failed to record a win after logging 7.0+ IP with no ER allowed since Pérez on 5/4/22 at PHI (7.0 SHO IP)…he remains unbeaten (5-0) in his last 10 starts (beg. 4/14), and has gone 3-0, 1.40 ERA (4 ER/25.2 IP) in 4 starts at GLF in ’23. SHORTS: TEX is now 12-9 in Interleague play (9-3 at home)…Will Smith’s win last night was his 1st since 7/4/21 vs. MIA w/ ATL, going 0-7 in prev. 118 app…Josh Jung’s 19 RBI in Interleague games in ’23 leads the A.L., T1st in MLB… Joe Barlow is scheduled to begin an injury rehabilitation assignment tonight with Round Rock (AAA), as they kick off a series against the Salt Lake Bees at Smith’s Ballpark in Utah.

TONIGHT’S STARTING PITCHER – #33 Dane Dunning, RHP
(4-1, 2.06)

TONIGHT: The 28-year-old right-hander is scheduled to make his 14th appearance/6th start of the season tonight in game 2 of 3 against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals…ranks among A.L. pitchers with 45.0+ IP this season: ERA (1st, 2.06), opp. OPS (1st, .544), and GB pct. (9th, 49.0%)…has made 5 starts since joining the rotation on 5/5, going 2-1, 2.28 ERA (7 ER/27.2 IP) with 6 BB/21 SO and no HR allowed…his 48.0 IP are the most by any MLB pitcher that has yet to surrender a home run in 2023…just 9 of 39 hits allowed this season have gone for extra bases (all doubles), and .270 opp. SLG figure is lowest in A.L./2nd-lowest in MLB (min. 45.0 IP) to LAD’s Dustin May (.250)…took his 1st loss of ‘23 in Texas’ 3-2 defeat on Wed. at DET (see ‘Last Start’)…established career highs in many categories last season, ranking 2nd on the Texas staff in starts (29), innings (153.1), and strikeouts (137)…missed time in 2022 for a pair of IL stints: 7/11- 25/22 (right ankle impingement) and 9/27/22-end of season (right hip surgery)… had season-ending surgery on 9/26/22 for a right hip labral repair, with the surgery performed by Dr. William Robertson in Arlington…has gone 13-19 with a 4.12 ERA (146 ER/319.0 IP) for the Rangers over the last 3 seasons (2021-23) since being acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a 3-player trade involving RHP Lance Lynn on 12/8/20…pitched 3 seasons at the University of Florida, helping the Gators to College World Series appearances in both 2015 and 2016…is a native of the Jacksonville, Fla. area…Texas is 2-3 in his 5 starts in 2023.

LAST START: Took his 1st loss of the season in Texas’ 3-2 defeat on Wed. at DET (L, 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R-ER, 1 BB, 6 SO, 98 pitches/68 strikes)…tallied season-high 6 strikeouts and surrendered just one extra-base hit (2B by Javier Báez)…exited trailing, 3-1, after failing to record an out in a 2-run 6th inn. for the Tigers…allowed back-to-back singles to open the frame, and had 2 earned runs charged to his ledger after Jonathan Hernández permitted both inherited runners to score.

VS. ST. LOUIS / INTERLEAGUE: Has never faced the Cardinals, as they are one of 7 Major League clubs he has yet to pitch against (also MIA, MIL, NYM, SD, SF, and TEX)…Dunning is 4-1, 3.34 (22 ER/59.1 IP) in 13 games/10 starts over his career in Interleague play, including a 1-0 record and 2.16 ERA (4 ER/16.2 IP) in 5 G/2 GS vs. National League teams this season…is undefeated (3-0) with a 2.59 ERA (12 ER/41.2 IP) in his last 9 G/6 GS against the N.L.

AS A STARTER: Has gone 2-1, 2.28 (7 ER/27.2 IP) in his 5 starts for TEX in ‘23, spanning his last 5 outings…has exited 3 of 5 starts with Texas holding a multirun lead…made 8 straight relief app. to open the year, but a majority of Dunning’s Major League appearances (66 of 76) have come as a starter…he owns a lifetime 13-19 record and 4.26 ERA (156 ER/329.2 IP) in those 66 career starts, with opponents batting .261/.335/.410/.745 (331-1268)…he went 4-8, 4.46 ERA (76 ER/153.1 IP) in 29 starts for Texas in 2022, registering an A.L.-high 17 no-decisions…Dunning’s 59 starts in a Texas uniform over the last 3 seasons (beg. 2021) are the most by a Ranger.

AT HOME / GLOBE LIFE FIELD: Dunning is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA (3 ER/18.1 IP) in 5 games/one start in Arlington this season, with Texas going 4-1 in his appearances here…earned the win in his lone home start of the season on 5/16 vs. ATL (W, 6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 SO)…held the potent Braves offense to just one run (RBI single by Arcia in 2nd inn.), while homers by Adolis García (2- run, 4th inn.) and Ezequiel Duran (solo, 8th inn.) powered the Rangers to a 7-4 victory…throughout his career, has seen far better results in his outings at home (12-5, 3.23 ERA in 39 G/34 GS) than on the road (3-14, 5.15 ERA in 37 G/32 GS).

  • Owns a lifetime 11-5 record and 3.17 ERA (61 ER/173.0 IP) in 35 games/30 starts at Globe Life Field…he is the facility’s all-time leader (including 2020 postseason) in wins (11), starts (30), innings (173.0), and strikeouts (165).

2023: Opponents have batted .219/.275/.270/.544 (39-178) with 9 extra-base hits (all doubles), incl. opp. BA’s of .208 (16-77) vs. LHB and .228 (23-101) vs. RHB… opp. BA by time thru the order: 1st (.196, 19-97), 2nd (.254, 15-59), 3rd (.227, 5-22)…4 wins are T4th-most on club…20.1 relief innings still rank 5th for TEX… has 3 relief app. of 3.0+ SHO IP…earned win on 4/17 at KC (4.1 SHO IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 5 SO), as he and Jacob deGrom (4.0 SHO IP) became just the 2nd Rangers duo in the last 40 years (beg. 1984) to each have at least 4.0 SHO IP in the same game (also 5.0-Kameron Loe, 4.0-C.J. Wilson on 8/26/05 vs. MIN)…his win on 5/10 at SEA ended a span in which he had gone winless in 27 consecutive road starts with CWS and TEX, the 2nd-longest winless road span as a starter in modern era behind only COL’s Scott Elarton (29 from 2001-05).

Blue Jays announce multiple roster moves

MLB Editor
-
0
Blue Jays announce multiple roster moves

The Toronto Blue Jays have made the following roster moves:

  • RHP Chris Bassitt has been reinstated from the paternity list and will be active for tonight’s game
  • INF Santiago Espinal has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list (right hamstring inflammation) and will be active for tonight’s game
  • RHP Bowden Francis has been selected to the Major League roster and will be active for tonight’s game
  • INF Ernie Clement has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo
  • RHP Jay Jackson has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo
  • RHP Alek Manoah has been optioned to the Florida Complex League

To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Zach Thompson has been designated for assignment.

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