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Lightning sign Finnish free agent Waltteri Merela to a One-year, Two-Way contract

NHL Editor
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Lightning sign Finnish free agent Waltteri Merela to a One-year, Two-Way contract

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Finnish free agent forward Waltteri Merelä to a one-year, two-way contract, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today. 

Merelä, 24, played for Tappara of the Finnish Elite League, the top professional ice hockey league in Finland, during the 2022-23 season and posted 15 goals and 33 points in 41 regular season contests. The right-shot winger also averaged a point a game in 14 playoff contests, recording eight goals and 14 points to lead the team for goals and rank tied for second for scoring in helping Tappara to its second-straight Liiga championship. In 2021-22, Merelä notched 21 goals and 44 points in 57 regular season games for Tappara, ranking second on the team in both categories. He led Liiga in 2021-22 for plus/minus (+31) and finished tied for fifth for goals and eighth for scoring.  

Prior to joining Tappara, Merelä played parts of three seasons with Pelicans of the Finnish Elite League (2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21), amassing 17 goals and 46 points in 114 regular season contests. Merelä also saw action in one game for Finland at the 2023 World Championship, scoring a goal in Finland’s group play matchup against Hungary. 

MLB Preview: Milwaukee Brewers (32-27) at Cincinnati Reds (26-33)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Milwaukee Brewers (32-27) at Cincinnati Reds (26-33)

MILWAUKEE BREWERS NOTES:

Improved Road Conditions
The Brewers have won their first road series since they swept 3 games in Seattle from April 17-19, snapping a streak of 5 straight losing road series.

WKRsweeP In Cincinnati
The Brewers are looking to sweep a 4-game series from the Reds for just the second time in franchise history….. their only 4-game sweep of the Reds came from 8/25-8/28, 2003, also at Great American Ball Park…..this series marks the 25th 4-game set ever between the two teams.

Four Goodness Sake!
The Brewers yesterday improved to a Major League-best 28-4 (.875) when scoring at least 4 runs.

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).

Better Off Red
Since joining the Brewers in 2018, Christian Yelich has played 78 games against Cincinnati and has hit .301 (86-for-286) with 17 HR and 50 RBI.

TONIGHT’S GAME: Is game 7 (4-2) of a 7-game road trip to Toronto (1-2) and Cincinnati (3-0)…..following this trip, the Brewers return to American Family Field for a 6-game homestand against Baltimore (3g) and Oakland (3g).

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), INF Luis Urías (left hamstring), LHP Justin Wilson (left elbow), OF Jesse Winker (neck) and RHP Brandon Woodruff (right shoulder) are on the injure

SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Brewers are 9-10-0 in series play, including this series.
Game 1: 8-11, Game 2: 12-7, Game 3: 10-9, Game 4: 2-0
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 16-15 on the road, going 4-6-0 in series play, including this series…..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.

TONIGHT’S STARTER: #49 – RHP JULIO TEHERAN (2gs, 1-1, 0.82)
TEHERAN AT A GLANCE: Julio Teheran, 32, will be making his third start of the season…..Teheran last started last Wednesday at Toronto and earned a 4-2 victory (6ip, 4h, 1r, 0er, 0bb, 0k, 79 pitches)…..he became the first Brewers pitcher since Scott Karl (5/5/99 at Florida) to toss at least 6.0 innings in a game without a walk or a strikeout…..he made his Brewers debut on 5/25 vs. San Francisco and took a 5-0 loss (5ip, 4h, 1r, 1er, 1bb, 5k, 83 pitches)…..it was his first Major League appearance since a start and win with Detroit on 4/3/21 vs. Cleveland…..Teheran signed with Milwaukee as a free agent on May 25 after opting out of his contract with San Diego on May 22…..after pitching in the Atlantic League and Mexican League last season, he signed with San Diego in December as a non-roster invitee…..Teheran went 4-2 with a 5.63 ERA in 8 starts at Triple-A El Paso this season (40ip, 51h, 26r, 25er, 16bb, 45k, 7hr)…..he was born and resides in Cartagena, Colombia…..name is pronounced “teh-RON.”

LAST SEASON: Teheran began his 2022 season with the Staten Island FerryHawks of the independent Atlantic League and went 1-1 with a 1.60 ERA in 6 starts…..he held opponents to a .198 batting average with 35 strikeouts in 33.2 innings…..he then pitched in the Mexican League for Toros de Tijuana (6gs) and Sultanes de Monterrey (1gs), going a combined 4-2 with a 4.41 ERA in 7 starts…..he had 35 strikeouts in 32.2 innings in the Mexican League.

CAREER: Is 79-78 with a 3.78 ERA in 242 games/238 starts (1407.1ip, 591er)…..is in his 12th Major League season with Atlanta (2011-19), Los Angeles-AL (2020), Detroit (2021) and Milwaukee (2023)…..the two-time All-Star (2014 and 2016) made 30+ starts in seven consecutive seasons from 2013-19…..he was the Braves’ Opening Day starter in six straight seasons from 2014-19.

CAREER AT AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD: Is 0-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 4 starts (24.1ip, 8er)…..is 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA in 1 start this season (5ip, 1er).

CAREER ON THE ROAD: Is 41-41 with a 3.91 ERA in 115 games/113 starts (671.1ip, 292er)…..is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 1 start this season (6ip, 0er).

CAREER vs. REDS: Is 3-4 with a 4.14 ERA in 9 starts (54.1ip, 25er), including 2-1 with a 5.29 ERA in 3 starts at Great American Ball Park (17ip, 10er).

CINCINNATI REDS NOTES:

TRANSACTIONS

  • The Reds today selected from Louisville the contract of LHP Andrew Abbott (#41), optioned to Louisville RHP Kevin Herget and designated for
    assignment RHP Frank German (HER-mahn, was claimed off waivers from the White Sox on 5/8)…Abbott will start tonight in his Major League debut.

TODAY’S GAME

  • Is Game 4 (0-3) of a 4-game series vs Mike Vassallo’s Brewers and Game 4 (0-3) of a 7-game homestand that concludes with a 3-game series vs LAD beginning tomorrow night.
  • The Brewers are trying to produce their first 4-game sweep of the Reds since 8/25-8/28, 2003, also here at Great American Ball Park.
  • The Reds are coming off a 5-1 road trip to two oldest ballparks in the Major Leagues, Chc’s Wrigley Field (1914, 3-0) and Bos’ Fenway Park (1912, 2-1)…included their first series sweep at Wrigley Field since 8/12-8/14, 2013 (3g) and their first series win vs Bos since the 1975 World Series.
  • Following this homestand, the Reds hit the road again for a 10-day, 9-game road trip to StL (3g), KC (3g) and Hou (off day, 3g).

SERIES NOTES

  • Over the last 5 seasons, the Brewers’ .711 winning percentage (32-13) at GABP is the best of any NL Central Division team in that span.
  • In 2022 the Brewers won 4 of last season’s 6 series and 13 of the 19 games.
  • The Reds’ 6-game losing streak vs Mil at GABP from 6/17-9/24, 2022 tied their longest single-season home losing streak to the Brewers (2015).
  • Reds pitchers in 2022 allowed 44 HR to Mil, the most by Brewers batters against any team in a single season and the most allowed to any team in a season by Reds’ pitchers…the 2017 Brewers rank third on the Reds pitchers’ single-season HR allowed list (38hr), behind the 2016 Cubs
    (42hr)…@EliasSports.

DODGERS UP NEXT

  • The Dodgers’ .625 winning percentage at Great American Ball Park (40-24) is the best by any National League team.
  • Dating back to a 3-1 win on 9/17/21 at Great American Ball Park, the Reds have lost the last 9 games vs LAD.
  • Last season’s 7-0 series win by the Dodgers was only the third season series sweep by either team, all won by LAD (6-0 in 2006, 6-0 in 2017).

JUST AS WE PLANNED IT

  • 1B Spencer Steer was May’s National League Rookie of the Month… in August 2022 was acquired by the Reds from the Twins in the Tyler Mahle trade.
  • SS Matt McLain was last week’s National League Player of the Week… he was the Reds’ first-round pick in 2021 (17th overall).
  • LHP Andrew Abbott tonight is making his Major League debut after just 41 minor league apps…he leads all minor league pitchers in strikeouts…he was the Reds’ second-round pick in 2021.
  • Class AA Chattanooga IF Noelvi Marte today was named Minor League Baseball’s Southern League Player of the Month…in July 2022 was acquired by the Reds from the Mariners in the Luis Castillo trade.
  • Class A Dayton RHP Julian Aguiar today was named Minor League Baseball’s Southern League Player of the Month…he was the Reds’ 12th-round pick in 2021.
  • Class A Daytona OF Hector Rodríguez today was named Minor League Baseball’s Florida State League Player of the Month…in July 2022 was acquired from the Mets in the Tyler Naquin trade.

RED HOTS

  • Wil Myers today reached 10.000 years of Major League service time.
  • Reds batters rank third in the Major Leagues with 58 stolen bases (TB 82, Pit 64), matching last season’s total…haven’t recorded more than 58 steals in a season since 2019 (80sb).
  • The Reds are tied for 28th in the Major Leagues with 46 HR (Cle 35, Wsh 46), their fewest in 59 games since the 2001 team produced 46 HR through its first 59 games…from 4/18-4/25, this year’s team did not produce a home run in a season-high 8 consecutive games, their longest team homerless streak since 1992.

Tonight’s Pitcher – #41 Andrew Abbott, LHP

  • Tonight is making his Major League debut after 41 minor league apps (39gs, 14-7, 3.45)…leads minor league baseball in strikeouts (90k, 54ip).
  • Yesterday, spent his first day in the Major Leagues on the Taxi Squad.
  • Was selected by the Reds in the second round (53rd overall) of the June 2021 first-year player draft…was signed by Jeff Brookens.
  • Will become the seventh Reds player this season to make his Major League debut (RHP Casey Legumina, RHP Levi Stoudt, IF Matt McLain, LHP Brandon Williamson, RHP Eduardo Salazar, OF TJ Hopkins) and the 10th rookie to appear in a game.
  • Was the Southern League’s first Pitcher of the Week and the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Month for April (4gs, 1-0, 1.74, 20.2ip, 9h, 6bb, 43k).
  • Began the season at Class AA Chattanooga…on 4/25 was promoted to Class AAA Louisville.
  • Began the 2023 season rated No. 11 on Baseball America’s Reds Top 40 Prospects list.
  • In January was invited to 2023 Major League spring training camp, along with RHP Connor Phillips, 1B Alex McGarry, SS Richie Martin, SS Matt McLain and 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

MLB Preview: Oakland Athletics (12-49) at Pittsburgh Pirates (31-27)

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MLB Preview: Oakland Athletics (12-49) at Pittsburgh Pirates (31-27)

OAKLAND ATHLETICS NOTES:

ABOUT THE A’S: Were swept in a three-game series at Miami to start the road trip and have now been swept nine times…are 2-17-0 in series play…have lost four straight, 11 of the last 13 and 23 of the last 27 games…are 12-49 (.197) overall, which is the third worst record after 61 games by an AL, NL or FL team since 1900…the worst is the 1932 Red Sox (11-50, .180) and the 1904 Senators, with a mark of 11-47 (.190) are second worst (had three games called with the score tied)…it is the worst over any 61-game stretch since the 2021 Diamondbacks went 12-49 from May 12-July 20, 2021… snapped an 11-game losing streak a week ago today, which tied for fourth longest in Oakland history…snapped a six-series losing streak last Tuesday.

HOME AND AWAY: The A’s have a 14-game road losing streak, which is one short of the Oakland record of 15 (May 24-June 23, 1986)…are 0-3 on this nine-game road trip to Miami (0-3), Pittsburgh (three games) and Milwaukee (three games)…it is the first of two three-city road trips this year…went 0-7 on the last road trip to Houston (0-3) and Seattle (0-4)…it was the eighth time in Oakland history the A’s went winless on a road trip of seven or more games, the first time since Aug. 11-17, 2015 when they went 0-7 against Toronto (0-3) and Baltimore (0-4)…are 5- 5 (.167) on the road, which is the worst road record in the majors…went 2-4 on the last homestand against Houston (0-3) and Atlanta (2-1) and are 7-24 (.226) at home, which is the lowest home winning percentage in the majors.

OFFENSE: The A’s have scored two runs or fewer in 13 of their last 16 games and are batting .182 (91-for-499) with 33 runs scored over that span (2.06 runs per game)…have scored 206 runs for the season (3.38 per game), which is the fewest in the majors…have the lowest OPS (.644), batting average (.217) and slugging percentage (.347) in the majors and second lowest on-base percentage (.297)…rank second in fewest extra base hits (142), fourth in fewest doubles (79) and most strikeouts (570) and eighth in fewest home runs (57)…have 12 sacrifice hits, which is tied for second most to the Pirates (14)…are tied for second in hit by pitches (34)…have been shut out eight times, which is tied with the Mets and Royals for the most in the majors…A’s pinch hitters lead the majors in hits (14), are tied for the lead in walks (9) and rank third in plate appearances (64).

PITCHING: The A’s have a 6.70 ERA, which is the highest in the majors…according to the Elias Sports Bureau, the highest ERA by an AL or NL team since the earned run became an official stat is 6.70 by the 1930 Philadelphia Phillies…also have the highest opponents OPS (.863), batting average (.280), on-base percentage (.370) and slugging percentage (.493) in the majors this year…lead the majors in most walks (275), home runs (101) and hit batters (42), have the second most wild pitches (31) and the fourth fewest strikeouts (457)…have surrendered six grand slams, which are the most in the majors and tied for fifth most in a season in Athletics history (8 in 1993 and 1999, 7 in 1954 and 1997).

STARTING PITCHING: A’s starting pitchers are 0-16 with a 6.26 ERA (83 er in 119.1 ip) in the 25 games since recording their only two wins of the season on May 5 and 6 at Kansas City…went 0-16 over the first 32 games and are 2-32 with a 7.19 ERA for the season…the ERA is the highest in the majors and no other team has fewer than nine wins from its starters…the fewest wins from a starting rotation in a full season in Major League history is 21 by the Pirates last year…the A’s have the fewest innings pitched this year (281.2).

FOR OPENERS: The A’s have used an opener four times this year, all in the previous 11 games…A’s openers are 0-2 with a 11.25 ERA (4.0 ip, 8 h, 5 r, 5 er, 4 so) and the “main” pitchers in those games are 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA (18.0 ip, 21 h, 12 r, 12 er, 7 bb, 22 so)…have lost all four games…used an opener nine times in 2018 (all in September) and three times in 2019 (none after June 5).

THE BULLPEN: The A’s bullpen is 0-for-1 in save opportunities over the last 27 games…the streak of 27 consecutive games without a save is fifth longest in A’s history since the save became an official stat in 1969…it is the longest since a 28-game streak from May 14-Aug. 10, 1981…the A’s last save was on May 6 at Kansas City…the pen is 4-for-14 (28.6%) in save opportunities for the season…has the lowest save percentage and fewest saves in the majors and the 10 blown saves are tied for 10th most…has the highest ERA in the majors (6.16) and the second most innings pitched (251.1)…has allowed 47- of-111 (42.3%) inherited runners to score, which is the third highest percentage…has the fourth most inherited runners.

ON THE BASES: The A’s are 57-for-71 (80.3%) in stolen base attempts…rank fourth in the majors in stolen bases and attempts…opponents are 44-for-62 (71.0%), which is the fifth lowest success rate in the majors…the 18 caught stealings are second most…A’s pitchers are tied for second in the majors in pickoffs (6).

WINNING LATE: The A’s have scored the winning run in their final at bat in eight of their 12 wins…have five walk-off wins, which is tied with the White Sox and Yankees for the most in the majors…have six wins when tied after seven innings, three when trailing after seven innings and three when leading after seven innings…are tied for the third most wins in the majors when tied after seven innings and are tied for ninth in wins when trailing after seven innings…however, no other team has fewer than 14 wins when leading after seven innings…are 3-4 (.429) in extra inning games…are tied for third in the majors in extra inning losses and tied for seventh in wins and games (7).

RUN DIFFERENTIAL: The A’s are 8-10 (.444) in one-run games…are tied for ninth in the majors in one-run losses and tied for ninth in games (18)…are 4-39 (.093) in games decided by two or more runs, including 0-14 in games decided by six or more runs…have a run differential of -212, which is the lowest in the majors…had a run differential of -202 all last year, which was second lowest in Oakland history (-287 in 1979).

A’s IN MAY: The A’s went 6-23 (.207) in May after going 5-23 (.179) in April… both records were the worst in the majors…set an Athletics record for losses in May after setting a Major League record for losses in April…the 23 losses this May matched the A’s total from April this year for second most in any month in Oakland history (24 in June, 1979)…it is the 16th 20-loss month in Oakland history, the fourth in the last two years…it is the second time since 1954 the A’s had back-to-back 20-loss months…the other time was in May and June last year when they had 21 each month…the May winning percentage was second lowest in May in Athletics history (4-17, .190 in 1919) and fourth lowest in any month of 10 or more games in Oakland history…compiled a 5.54 ERA in May after posting a 7.97 ERA in April, both of which were the highest in the majors…surrendered 49 home runs, which is second most in May in Athletics history (57 in 1964) and second most in any month in Oakland history (50 in April, 2023)…batted .208, which was the lowest mark in the majors and second lowest for any month in Athletics history (.207 in Aug. 1906)…struck out 264 times, which is the most in May in Athletics history and fourth most for any month…scored 87 runs, which was second fewest in the majors and third fewest in May in Oakland history…it was the fewest since 1978 (79)…stole 25 bases, which tied for fifth most in the majors and was the most by an A’s team in May since 1992 when they had 39.

THIS AND THAT: The A’s have a season-high seven-game errorless streak but have 35 errors for the season, which is tied for eighth most in the majors… have 12 outfield assists, which is tied for the most…are 11-24 (.314) in night games, 1-25 (.038) in day games…have employed 45 players, which is the most in the majors (Brewers, 44)…have used 29 pitchers, which is second most (Rays, 30).

A’S VS. PIRATES

  • The A’s and Pirates meet for the first time since 2019 when Oakland lost two of three at Pittsburgh.
  • Have lost two straight and six of the last seven games after winning each of the first 11.
  • Have dropped three of the last four games in

Pittsburgh.
Year Home Road Totals
2023 0-0 0-0 0-0
2019 0-0 1-2 1-2

Oakland History: 12-6
at the Coliseum: 6-3
PNC Park: 6-3

TODAY’S TIDBITS
Ryan Noda leads Major League rookies in walks (37), ranks second in on-base percentage (.393), fifth in OPS (.828), tied for seventh in runs (28) and doubles (11), eighth in slugging (.435) and extra base hits (18), tied for ninth in home runs (6) and tied for 10th in RBI (19)…Esteury Ruiz leads ML rookies in stolen bases (28) and hit by pitches (12), ranks second in hits (63), tied for fourth in doubles (14), seventh in batting (.267), tied for seventh in RBI (25), ninth in on-base percentage (.329) and tied for ninth in extra base hits (16).

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER: JP Sears (0-3, 4.37 ERA)
FOR STARTERS: Is scheduled to make his 12th start of the season…has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last four starts but has no decisions, a 2.42 ERA (6 er in 22.1 ip) and .624 opponents OPS over that span…went 0-3 with a 5.54 ERA and .748 OPS over his first seven starts…has eight no decisions, which are tied for the most in the majors among starters.

OPPONENTS BATTING: Has a .218 (39-for-179) opponents batting average and .761 OPS against right-handed hitters compared to .311 (14-for-45) with a .693 OPS against left-handers…has allowed 21 of his 22 extra base hits to righties for a .492 slugging percentage (.333 vs. lefties)…has yielded 38 of his 42 career extra base hits to righties, including all 21 of his home runs…has a .311 (28-for-90) opponents batting average the first time through the order, .187 (25-for-134) after that…has not allowed a hit to the opponents number eight hitter (0-for-21) but the seven hitter is 11-for-21 (.524)…opponents are 0-for-22 on an 0-2 count.

WALKS AND STRIKEOUTS: Has walked two batters or fewer in each of his 11 starts, including three starts with no walks and five with one…has issued 11 free passes in 59.2 innings for the season, an average of 1.66 per nine innings…that is eighth lowest in the majors among pitchers with 50 or more innings pitched.

THIS AND THAT: Is 0-0 with a 2.57 ERA (8 er in 28.0 ip) in five starts in Oakland and 0-3 with a 5.97 ERA (21 er in 31.2 ip) in six starts on the road…has allowed 11 of his 30 runs in the first inning for a 9.00 ERA (11 er in 11.0 ip)… has allowed just one run in the second inning (11.0 ip, 0.82 ERA)…has started the season 0-3 and is now 0-4 with a 4.54 ERA (35 er in 69.1 ip) over his last 13 games dating back to Sept. 25, 2022…went 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA over the first 24 games of his career…has allowed at least one home run in nine of his 11 starts and has 13 home runs overall, which is tied for eighth most in the majors…has tossed six innings or fewer in all 11 of his starts this year and all 22 in his career.

2023 DAY-BY-DAY: Allowed a career-high tying eight hits in his first start on April 4 against Cleveland but had a no decision in the A’s 4-3 win…tossed a career-high tying 6.0 innings in the A’s 4-3, 10-inning loss to New York (NL) on April 16…struck out a career-high 11 batters in a career-high tying 6.0 innings on April 21 at Texas but had a no decision in the A’s 5-4 win…also had a career-high 101 pitches and walked two, his first of three games in 2023 with two walks (April 27 at Los Angeles-AL and May 3 vs. Seattle)…allowed a career-high tying six runs in a season-low 4.1 innings in an 8-7 loss at Los Angeles (AL) on April 27…finished April with an 0-2 record, a 6.23 ERA and .846 opponents OPS in five starts…then went 0-1 with a 2.94 ERA and .669 opponents OPS in six starts in May…tossed a career-high tying 6.0 innings and did not allow a run on May 3 against Seattle but had a no decision in the A’s 7-2 10-inning loss…left with 2-0 lead but the pen allowed one run in the seventh and one in the ninth for the blown save…it was the first of two times he left with the lead only to have the bullpen blow the save (May 25 at Seattle)…surrendered a career-high tying three home runs in a 7-2 loss at New York (AL) on May 8…tossed a career-high tying 101 pitches in 5.1 innings on May 14 against Texas…allowed two runs in a career-high tying 6.0 innings in a no decision at Houston on May 20.

LAST START: He had his fourth straight no decision in the A’s 2-1 win over Atlanta last Tuesday in Oakland…allowed one run in a career-high tying 6.0 innings and it came on a Pillar leadoff home run in the third…the A’s tied the game with a run in the fifth and he was relieved by Pruitt to start the seventh with the scored tied 1-1.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES NOTES:

THE PIRATES:..have won five straight games since falling under .500 (26-27) following their loss on 5/29 (the first time the team was under .500 since 4/2)…Have
four separate winning streaks of at least four games this season, including a season-high seven-game winning streak from 4/17-23, their longest winning streak
since 2018 (11 games)…Are 0.5 game behind the first place Brewers in the National League Central coming into today.
GIMME FIVE: The Pirates bring a five-game winning streak into today (the longest active win streak in MLB)…Pittsburgh’s
pitching staff has recorded a 2.80 ERA (45.0ip/14er) during this five game stretch, highlighted by an 0.82 ERA (22.0ip/2er)
by the bullpen…The Pirates won a season-high seven straight games earlier this year from April 17-23…The Pirates have
not had two winning streaks of at least six games since 2016.
WINNING STARTS HERE: Pittsburgh’s starting rotation has compiled the most wins (23) among all National League teams
and fourth-most in all of MLB…The only three starting rotations in MLB to record more wins this season are the Rangers
(28), Astros (26) and Rays (25).
POWER OF THE PEN: Pittsburgh’s bullpen has the second-lowest ERA (3.55) among all National League teams behind
the Padres (3.15)…Pittsburgh’s bullpen has allowed a Major League low 18.5 percent of its inherited runners to score this
season (the Guardians are second at 21.0 percent).
ABOUT TONIGHT’S STARTER: Johan Oviedo is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA (21.0ip/6er) in his last
four starts since allowing six earned runs on May 6 vs. Toronto…Oviedo also ranks seventh
in MLB and second in the National League in run support average (6.83) this season…
Atlanta’s Spencer Strider leads the NL in run support average per game (7.11).

ROOKIES ON THE RUN: Ji Hwan Bae recorded his National League rookie leading 16th and 17th stolen bases in yesterday’s game against the Cardinals…Bae ranks first in the National League and second in all of MLB among rookies in stolen bases (Oakland’s Esteury Ruiz leads with 28)…The last Pirate to lead National League rookies in stolen bases was Jose Tabata with 19 in 2010.

BAE, BAE, BAE: Ji Hwan Bae is hitting at a .372 clip (16-for-43) in his last 14 games… Bae’s .372 average since May 19 ranks second among all rookies in MLB, trailing only Texas’ Josh Jung (.414).

THE HOT CORNER: Ke’Bryan Hayes has hit safely in each of his last four games, going
9-for-16 with a double, triple, home run and seven RBI…Hayes ranks fifth among all
National League third basemen in total bases (85) behind Austin Riley (103), Jeimer
Candelario (98), Max Muncy (96) and and Nolan Arenado (86).
SOUTHPAW SUCCESS: Rodolfo Castro has hits in nine of his last 18 at-bats against left-handed pitchers…Castro comes
into today fourth in the National League in slugging percentage against lefties (.683) and seventh with a .367 average
against southpaws…The Pirates are 10-6 in games started by opposing lefthanders this
season after going 22-33 in 2022.

THE RENEGADE: David Bednar earned a save in each of the three games in this past weekend’s series sweep against St. Louis…Bednar is one of just seven different Pirates to record three saves in a three-game series since saves became an official statistic in 1969… Mark Melancon was the last Pirate to accomplish three saves in a three-game series from June 1-3, 2015, while Jose Mesa accomplished it twice in 2004…Courtesy of @OptaStats.

STARTING PITCHER – 24 – RHP JOHAN OVIEDO
2023 3-4 4.50 11 11 0 0 58.0 60 32 29 30 53

JOHAN OVIEDO: The 25-year-old righthander is making his 12th start tonight…He allowed one run in 4.1 innings but had a no-decision in his last start in Pittsburgh’s 2-1 at San Francisco on 5/30.

vs. OAKLAND: Has never faced the A’s.

7:07 PM ET
Houston Astros (35-24) at Toronto Blue Jays (33-27)

HOUSTON ASTROS NOTES:
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Astros will open a seven-game road trip tonight with the first of four against the Toronto Blue Jays… tonight’s pitching matchup is between RHP Brandon Bielak and RHP Alex Manoah.

GRINDERS: Tonight is the 11th day in a streak of 17 consecutive days with a game for the Astros, with Houston going 7-3 in their last 10…prior to this streak, the most days the Astros had played in a row was seven, a streak that opened the season from March 30-April 5.

ABOUT BIELAK: RHP Brandon Bielak is making his sixth turn in the rotation while subbing for the injured RHP José Urquidy… Bielak has allowed two-or-fewer earned runs in four of his five starts and is coming off another solid start on Tuesday against Minnesota (1ER/5.2IP)..Bielak has pitched in parts of the last four Major League seasons (2020-23) with the Astros, making 51 appearances, including 13 starts…he began his 2023 season at Triple A Sugar Land, posting a 4.12 ERA (9ER/19.2IP) with 19 strikeouts and a .216 opponent batting average in five games (three starts) in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

VS. THE JAYS: The Astros and Blue Jays, two perennial contenders, will match up for their final series of the 2023 season this week in Toronto…the Astros won the series, 2-1 in Houston in April…the Blue Jays won the season series last year, 4-2, taking both three-game series played…this series is a reunion between the Astros and OF George Springer, who played his first seven years (2014-20) in an Astros uniform… IF Cavan Biggio, the son of Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, also plays for the Blue Jays.

YESTERDAY’S GAME: The Astros fell to the Angels yesterday, 2-1 at Minute Maid Park…RHP J.P. France recorded another solid start (1ER/7IP), while logging a single-game career-high in innings…1B Yanier Diaz produced the Astros only run of the contest on a solo home run in the 5th inning.

EXCLUSIVE COMPANY: on Saturday, 3B Alex Bregman became the fourth player in Major League history to record four walks and a grand slam in the same game…he joined Detroit’s J.D. Martinez (May 16, 2017 vs. BAL), Cleveland’s Bobby Bonds (Sept. 9, 1979 vs. TOR) and Boston’s Ted Williams (May 18, 1946 at STL) on that exclusive list.

STUFF OF NIGHTMARES: LF Yordan Alvarez has been at his \best in the big moments in his career, especially this season… he’s hitting .409 (18×44) with RISP, .500 (10×20) with RISP and two outs, .600 (6×10) with the bases loaded, and .370 (10×27) in close and late situations.

TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros selected the contract of IF Grae Kessinger from Triple A Sugar Land…Houston optioned C César Salazar to Triple A Sugar Land following yesterday’s game…additionally, the Astros have transferred RHP Luis Garcia on 60-day IL to make room for Kessinger on the 40-man roster.

RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros are 18-6 in their last 24 games dating back to May 9, placing them 11-games over .500… since May 9, the Astros have the best record in the Majors, immediately ahead of the Rangers (17-7).

PITCHING IN: The Astros have the lowest team ERA (3.22) and have allowed the fewest runs (209) in the Majors…the Astros starters rank tied for second the Majors in ERA (3.20) and have allowed one-or-fewer earned runs in 11 of their last 16 games…also, the Astros bullpen ranks fourth in the Majors in ERA (3.25).

Lowest Team ERA – MLB Runs Allowed – MLB

  1. Houston: 3.22 1. Houston: 209
  2. Minnesota: 3.42 2. Minnesota: 222
  3. Texas: 3.65 3. Texas: 224

HECTOR’S HOT STREAK: RHP Hector Neris has not allowed a run in his last 19 appearances (16.2IP), which is the longest scoreless appearance and innings streak of his career…the streak also is the longest scoreless inning streak by an Astro this season.

AMERICAN LEAGUE RANKINGS: LF Yordan Alvarez is tied for lead in the Majors in RBI (51), while ranking third in the AL in SLG (.568), tied for second in homers (15), third in OPS (.957), tied for fifth in walks (31), seventh in OBP (.389) and ninth in runs scored (38)…3B Alex Bregman ranks fourth in walks (34) and first in walk to strikeout ratio (1.26).

HOT CORNER HEATER: 3B Alex Bregman, who’s on a season-long, 11-game hit streak, is hitting .337 (32×95) with three doubles, four homers, 21 RBI and a .923 OPS in his last 25 games, dating back to May 8…since that date, he’s raised his season batting average from .195 up to .256.
SECOND TO NONE: SS Jeremy Peña has hit second in nine straight games, with the Astros going 6-3 in those games, and has hit second 14 times in 2023 (8-6)…over the last two years, including the postseason, the Astros are 61-15 when he hits second…Peña is hitting .327 (17×52) with five homers and a 1.109 OPS in his 14 games hitting second this season.

TONIGHT’S ASTROS STARTER: RHP BRANDON BIELAK
W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
2023: 2-2 3.19 6 5 31.0 33 12 11 12 28
CAREER: 8-9 4.67 51 13 125.1 131 72 66 54 112
vs. TOR W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB S

LAST START – 5/30 VS MIN: allowed 1 run on 3 hits with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts in 5.2 innings…tossed a single-game career high in pitches with 91 …has allowed 2 runs-or-less in 4 of his 5 appearances since being recalled from Triple A Sugar Land.

SLIDE PIECE: is generating a career-best 42.4 whiff percentage with his slider this season, which is the higest whiff percentage of any pitch throughout his career…his slider accounts for 19.2 percent of his pitches this season.

WHAT A RELIEF: came on in relief on May 1 vs. SF after RHP Luis Garcia was removed in the 1st inning after 8 pitches…matched his career-high with 6 strikeouts, tossing 4.0 IP and allowing 2 runs, 2 hits and 3 walks… was the longest relief outing from an Astros pitcher this season and was the longest from an Astros pitcher since RHP Peter Solomon on 9/29/21 vs. AZ

WHIFF THERE IT IS: has the highest whiff rate (27.6%) this season of his 4-years with the Astros…his 28 K’s in his 1st 6 appearances this season is the most strikeouts he has had in a span of 6 outings at the Major League level.

BACK IN THE BIGS: is making his first stint in the Majors this season and has appeared at the MLB level in each of the last 4 seasons (all with the Astros)… has settled into a starting role this season after serving in a hybrid starter-relief role through the first 3 seasons of his career…prior to his start on May 1, he had not made a start at the Major League level since 9/24/21 at OAK.

STARTER VS. RELIEVER: will be making his 14th career start in what is his 52nd career MLB appearance…has gone 3-5 with a 4.80 ERA (29ER/54.1IP) as a starter vs. going 5-4 with a 4.56 ERA (36ER/71.0IP) as a reliever…of his 38 appearances as a reliever, has tossed at least 2.0 IP on 18 occasions…is set to make his 6th start of the year, it will tie his career high for starts in a season, which he accomplished in 2020.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS NOTES:

THE LATEST: The Blue Jays took the final contest of their three-game road trip to Queens by a score of 6-4 yesterday…Completed their 4th sweep of the season and their 1st ever three-game sweep of the Mets…Now own a 12-5 record vs. NL teams for a .706 win%, 2nd best among AL clubs (NYY: 11-4, .733). Toronto has now won four straight games, six of its last seven, and seven of its last nine contests, all coming on the heels of a 2-9 stretch…Has won three straight series and is now 12-7-0 in series play (6-5-0 on the road).

BELT-ED: Brandon Belt broke a 4-4 tie in the top of the 7th yesterday with a two-run homer to the batter’s eye in center…Was his 3rd home run of the campaign and his 2nd go-ahead shot. The first baseman had a .235 OBP on May 1 but has since boosted that to .379 for the season, 9th best in the AL (min. 150 PA)…Over his last 25 contests, has batted .342 (25-for-73) with eight doubles, two homers, nine RBI, and 19 walks (.484 OBP, 1.018 OPS).

VLAD TO THE BONE: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. lined a solo shot to the left-field seats in the 3rd inning yesterday…Marked his 9th longball of the campaign, and his 1st off a non-position player since May 4. The 24-year-old added a single and walked to finish the day 2-for-4…Has gone 8-for-24 (.333) with two extra-base hits and three RBI across his last six games (.407 OBP)…His 65 hits are tied for 5th most in the AL…Has recorded an AL-leading 107 hardhit balls (95+ MPH) this season, trailing only Ronald Acuña Jr. (109) for the most among MLB batters.

WORKING DOUBLE TIME: Matt Chapman walked, doubled, and scored a pair of runs as he finished 1-for-3…Marked his AL-leading 22nd double (2nd in MLB) and his AL-best 30th extra-base hit (T-2nd in MLB). The third baseman currently sits 2nd among MLB hitters with a 61.1 hard-hit percentage (1st: Aaron Judge – 62.6) while ranking 3rd in barrel rate (12.7%), 4th in hard-hit balls (96), and 5th in average exit velocity (94.4 MPH).

JUST GO WHIT IT: Whit Merrifield drove in Toronto’s first two runs yesterday via a 2nd-inning double…Also walked and singled for a 2-for-3 afternoon…Was his 15th multi-hit game and his 4th in the last six days…Over his last 16 games, is hitting .386 (22-for-57) with three doubles, a homer, seven RBI, and four walks (.426 OBP, .917 OPS)…Has upped his season average to .299, 8th best in the AL. The utilityman also stole his 16th base in what was his 18th attempt…The 16 swipes are tied for 4th in the AL while the 88.9% success rate trails only Taylor Walls (15/15) for the best in the AL (min. 15 attempts).

SAVE IT: Jordan Romano locked down his 15th save of the year yesterday…Has picked up a save in each of his last five appearances (1 ER/5.0 IP)…The 15 saves are tied for 2nd most in the Majors (1st: Emmanuel Clase – 19).

HOME WORK: The Blue Jays are kicking off a seven-day, seven-game homestand…Have gone 15-10 this season at Rogers Centre…The .600 win% at home is 3rd best in the AL…After these four games with the Astros, will welcome in the Twins (31-29) for three contests over the weekend.
Toronto batters rank 3rd in the AL in home AVG (.266), while also 4th in home OBP (.335), 7th in home OPS (.735), and 10th in home SLG (.400)…The pitching staff ranks 1st among MLB teams with a 3.10 home ERA and a .203 home opponents’ average, and sits 3rd with a 1.15 home WHIP.

HITTING IT: Bo Bichette enters today with an MLB-high 85 hits (2nd: Luis Arraez/Freddie Freeman – 80)…Are tied for the 2nd most hits all-time by a Blue Jay through his first 60 games of a season. The 25-year-old also leads the AL with 134 total bases, trailing only Freeman (135) for the most in MLB…His .329 batting average ranks 1st in the AL (4th in MLB) while he is currently 5th in SLG (.519), 6th in OPS (.883), T-8th in home runs (12), and T-10th in RBI (39).

AVOIDING THE DONUTS: The Blue Jays have notched 555 hits this season, behind only Texas (563) for the most in the Majors… Are currently 3rd in the AL in team AVG (.265), 4th in OBP (.333), 5th in OPS (.755), 5th in extra-base hits (184), and 6th in SLG (.422). The Blue Jays are one of two MLB teams to have scored in every game this season (also: ARI)…Have gone 78 straight games without being shut out, the longest active streak in the Majors (2nd: ARI – 61G)…Is their longest such streak since scoring in 85 consecutive games from May 19-Aug. 23, 2000.

TOUGH SCHEDDING: The Blue Jays are in the midst of playing 30 games over the course of 31 days…All opponents during this stretch are currently at .500 or better…Are 12-11 through 23 contests.

VS. THE ASTROS: All-Time: 30-38
2023: 1-2 Home: 18-14
Home: 0-0 Rogers Centre: 17-12
The Blue Jays lost two of three to the Astros when the teams met in Houston in April…Went 4-2 in their six meetings with the Astros last season, taking two of three games at each ballpark. Matt Chapman went 3-for-11 (.273) with a double and two homers in Houston in April…In 75 career meetings, has gone 64-for-273 (.234) with 19 doubles, one triple, 16 homers, and 35 RBI (.789 OPS). Whit Merrifield had a pair of hits in each of his two games in Houston earlier this year…Is batting .308 (44-for-143) with 10 doubles, three triples, three home runs, and 21 RBI for an .823 OPS across 34 career matchups. George Springer played seven seasons for Houston and hit .270 with 137 doubles, 13 triples, 174 home runs and 458 RBI (.852 OPS)…In his eight games against them, has gone 5-for-29 (.172) with a double, three homers, three RBI, and three walks (.790 OPS).

STARTING PITCHER – Alek Manoah, RHP #6
TODAY’S GAME:
Making his 13th start of the season and his 7th at Rogers Centre… Dropped to 1-6 on the year his last time out, on 5/31 vs. MIL, surrendering 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks over 4.0 innings with 2 strikeouts. Since entering the league in 2021, has held opposing righthanded hitters to a .174 AVG, trailing only Cristian Javier (.154) for the best mark among qualified hurlers.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS:
Took a no-decision on 5/20 vs. BAL, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and a walk over 5.2 frames with 5 strikeouts. Lasted 4.0+ innings on 5/15 vs. NYY, surrendering 5 runs on 6 hits… Struck out a trio of batters while issuing a career-high 7 walks. Took the loss on 5/3 at BOS, giving up 5R/2ER over 5.0 innings with 8 hits, a walk, and 3 strikeouts on a season-high 103 pitches (63 strikes). Landed a no-decision on 4/28 vs. SEA, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks over 5.0 frames with a season-high 7 strikeouts. Threw 7.0 shutout frames on 4/22 at NYY, scattering just 2 hits and a walk with 5 strikeouts…Was his 2nd outing with 7.0 scoreless innings this season (also: 4/5 at KC). Took a no-decision in the team’s Home Opener on 4/11 vs. DET, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 5 walks over 4.1 innings with 3 strikeouts…Became the 5th pitcher in team history to pitch the club’s Season Opener and then their Home Opener, joining Jim Clancy (1981), Jimmy Key (1989), Marcus Stroman (2016), and Hyun Jin Ryu (2020). Earned his 1st win of the year on 4/5 at KC, tossing 7.0 frames of one-hit, shutout ball with four walks and five strikeouts. Was the Opening Day starter for the Blue Jays on 3/30 at STL…Took a no-decision that day, giving up 5 runs on a career-high 9 hits and 2 walks over 3.1 innings with 3 strikeouts… At 25 years and 80 days old, became the 4th-youngest Opening Day starter in team history (Drew Hutchison – 24.227 in 2015; Todd Stottlemyre – 24.324 in 1990; Marcus Stroman 24.338 in 2016).

MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (18-41) at Miami Marlins (32-28)

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MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (18-41) at Miami Marlins (32-28)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS NOTES:

SUNDAY SHUTOUT: The Royals blanked the Rockies in yesterday’s 2-0 win at Kauffman Stadium to avoid the series sweep…it marked the Royals 3rd shutout win of the season and 2nd in their last 5 games…Brady Singer scattered 5 hits—all singles—over 5.2 scoreless innings with no walks and 7 strikeouts to earn his team-best 4th win…Taylor Clarke got the last out in the 6th and pitched a scoreless 7th to run his scoreless streak to a career-high 14.0 innings, and Aroldis Chapman went 1-2-3 in the 8th with 2 strikeouts…that set the stage for Scott Barlow, who recorded 3 strikeouts and stranded a pair of baserunners in the 9th to earn his 50th career save.

Michael Massey gave Kansas City a lead with his RBI single in the 5th, after which the game was delayed for 16 minutes due to rain…the Royals added an insurance run in the 8th on Maikel Garcia’s 1st career HR… he’s the 15th different player to homer for the Royals this year, tied for the 5th most in the Majors behind the Twins (17), Yankees (17), Padres (16) and Giants (16)…the Royals had 17 different players HR in 2022.

Royals pitchers matched a season high with 14 strikeouts and faced 35 batters without issuing a walk… it marked the 4th game in franchise history in which they recorded at least 14 strikeouts with no walks.

WHAT A RELIEF!: Kansas City’s bullpen combined for 3.1 scoreless innings in yesterday’s 2-0 win vs. Colorado, including a scoreless 9th inning by Scott Barlow to mark his 7th save of the season and 50th of his career… the 50 saves—all with the Royals—tie him with Mike MacDougal for the 8th most in franchise history, 4 shy of Roberto Hernández for 7th…after allowing 8 runs (7 ER) in 6.2 innings over his 1st 7 appearances this season, Barlow has held opponents scoreless in 14 of his last 15 outings since April 22, a stretch in which he owns a 1.10 ERA (2 ER in 16.1 IP) and .143 opponents’ average (8-for-56) with 5 walks (2.8 BB/9) and 25 strikeouts (13.8 K/9).

Taylor Clarke recorded 4 outs in yesterday’s win to run his career-best scoreless streak to 14.0 innings over 13 outings since May 3, a stretch in which he’s held opponents to a .149 average (7-for-47)…it’s the 3rdlongest active scoreless streak in the Majors behind Nathan Eovaldi (17.0 IP) and Hector Neris (16.2 IP).

Royals relievers lead the Majors with 266 strikeouts and rank 4th with a 10.3 K/9, both of which mark big improvements from last year, when they ranked 25th with 552 strikeouts and 21st with an 8.5 K/9.

STARTING SOMETHING: Carlos Hernández will start in the opener role tonight for the 3rd time this season…it will mark the 6th game in which the Royals will deploy an opener this year and the first time since a week ago today in St. Louis, where opener Josh Staumont and bulk pitcher Mike Mayers combined to retire the first 21 batters en route to a 7-0 win…the Royals are 2-3 in their previous 5 games in which they’ve used an opener, and those pitchers have combined for 8.0 innings with 1 unearned run allowed on 3 hits and 12 strikeouts…if you combine the totals of Royals openers and bulk pitchers, they’ve recorded a 3.03 ERA (10 ER in 29.2 IP).

Hernández has been charged with 15 runs in 28.1 innings this season, but 9 of those 15 runs (60.0%) have come in 2 appearances, in which he’s recorded 1 out…if you set aside the 9 runs and 0.1 inning from his season totals, he’s allowed just 6 runs in 28.0 innings over his other 22 appearances, good for a 1.93 ERA.

Among pitchers who have thrown at least 200 four-seam fastballs, Hernández’s average velocity of 99.1 mph ranks 3rd in the Majors behind Ryan Helsley (99.6 mph) and teammate Aroldis Chapman (99.4 mph).

Royals starting pitchers rank 26th in the Majors this season with a 5.19 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 3.86 ERA (49 ER in 114.1 IP) in their last 25 games, which ranks 8th in the Majors during that time…even better, Royals starters have held opponents to a .230 average (99-for-430) in their last 25 games since May 7, which is tied with Texas’ starting rotation for the 4th-best mark in the Majors.

Over the last two turns in the rotation, Royals starters own a 2.89 ERA (15 ER in 46.2 IP), which ranks 3rd in the Majors behind Texas (2.60) and Houston (2.88)…Royals starters have recorded 57 strikeouts in 46.2 innings over these last 10 games for an 11.0 K/9 and 29.2 K%, both of which lead the Majors since May 23.

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

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.

The Royals are 10-8 all-time vs. the Fish, including a 5-4 record since they became the Miami Marlins in 2012.

Former Royal Jorge Soler is not in tonight’s starting lineup and has not faced his former team since being traded to Atlanta at the 2021 Trade Deadline…Soler, who ranks tied for 4th in the Majors this year with 17 HR, set the Royals single-season HR record with 48 in 2019, which was matched by Salvador Perez in 2021.

INTERLEAGUE INTRIGUE: Tonight marks the Royals 24th Interleague game, which represents 40% of their 60 games this season and matches Milwaukee for the 2nd-most Interleague games in the Majors, trailing only Pittsburgh (27)…the Royals will play 46 Interleague games this season after playing 20 every year from 2013-22.

The Royals are 8-15 in Interleague play this season, but are 5-5 in their last 10 games after starting 3-10.

Tonight marks the Royals fourth consecutive series vs. a National League opponent, a streak that will run to 10 straight games through the series finale Wednesday 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 (111), and his 195 hits rank 2nd to Alex Gordon (210)…Salvy, who makes his offseason home in nearby Weston, Fla., has homered vs. 25 of 29 opposing teams, the only exceptions being the Marlins, Braves, Mets and Phillies.

SOUTHPAW STORY: Tonight marks the seventh time in the Royals last 11 games that they’re facing a lefthanded starting pitcher, a streak that will run to 8 games out of 12 including tomorrow night…this recent run vs. southpaw starters comes on the heels of a 15-game stretch from May 7-22 in which they faced all right-handed starters…the Royals are 5-10 vs. left-handed starters this season but have won 2 of their last 3 such games.

Maikel Garcia is 12-for-30 (.400) with 4 doubles vs. left-handed pitchers since his May 2 recall, including his 1st career HR yesterday off left hander Kyle Freeland…Bobby Witt Jr. leads the Royals with 16 hits and 5 HR vs. left handers, and is batting .302 against them with a .604 slugging percentage and .943 OPS.

Left-handed batter Michael Massey has fared well vs. left-handed pitching, batting .344 (11-for-32)…in fact, Massey’s .344 average vs. southpaws is the 3rd best among left-handed batters in the American League (min. 25 at-bats), trailing only New York’s Anthony Rizzo (.391) and Cleveland’s Andrés Giménez (.352).

JUNE 5 IN ROYALS HISTORY: On this date 34 years ago—on June 5, 1989—Bo Jackson orchestrated one of the most memorable plays in franchise history, which has since been dubbed, “The Throw”…with the Royals and Mariners tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning at Seattle’s Kingdome, Harold Reynolds stood at first base when Scott Bradley laced a 1-out double that bounced off the wall in left field…Reynolds—who was running with the pitch—was thrown out at home plate by Jackson, who fired a rocket from the warning track that sailed over the cutoff man to catcher Bob Boone, who applied the tag and extended the game…Seattle Manager Jim Lefebvre—the father of Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre—came out to argue the call, but to no avail…the Royals won the game, 5-3, in 13 innings on a pair of RBI singles by Matt Winters and Mike Macfarlane.

TONIGHT’S STARTERS: RHP CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ (0-3, 4.76)
Carlos is making his 3rd start of the season as the opener, and his 1st since May 21 at the White Sox.

Took his 3rd loss of the year—and 2nd in as many outings—Friday night vs. the Rockies after allowing 4 runs in the 8th inning after entering with a 2-1 lead…Carlos pitched to an 8.64 ERA (8 ER in 8.1 IP) over his 1st 9 appearances this year, but he bounced back and pitched to a 0.96 ERA (2 ER in 18.2 IP) from April 24-May 27…but in his last 2 appearances, he’s allowed 5 runs on 5 hits in 1.1 innings.

Despite his recent rough stretch, his 30 strikeouts since April 24 rank 3rd in the Majors (min. 15 games).

He made his 2nd appearance as the opener on May 21 vs. the White Sox and spun 2.0 scoreless frames, including a 1-2-3 1st inning with 3 strikeouts.

Carlos helped Team Venezuela reach the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where they fell to Team USA 9-7…he made a pair of appearances in the tournament, once on March 14 against Nicaragua, when he threw 2.0 scoreless frames with 4 strikeouts, and in the quarterfinal game vs. the United States on March 18, when he got 2 outs, including a strikeout of Team USA Captain Mike Trout.

MIAMI MARLINS NOTES:

MARLINS MINUTE
The Marlins today play the first of three games vs. Kansas City as they continue a nine-game homestand – matching their longest ‘stand of the year (also Sept. 15-24). Are coming off a series W vs. Oakland (2-x) since dropping the first series to San Diego (1-2). After an off day on Thursday, will begin their second consecutive three-city road trip to play the White Sox (June 9-11), Mariners (June 12-14), and Nationals (June 16-18).

  • Are 10-2 in Interleague games this year.
  • The Marlins are 8-10 all-time vs. Kansas City. Are looking to win their first series against the Royals since 2013 (Took 2 of 3 at Kauffman Stadium).

UP THE RANKS
At 32-28 through the club’s first 60 games, tied for the third-best start to a season in club history (also, 2014 and 2008). See chart to right for the top starts in Marlins history.

  • Marks the latest in a non-shortened season the Marlins have owned a winning record this late in the season since August of 2017. Is their most games over .500 since August 2016 (6 over).

HOME COOKING
The Marlins have won eight of their last 10 games at loanDepot park. Are now 18-13 at home this season, the third-most home wins in the National League in 2023.

YESTERDAY’S RECAP
Miami’s secured the sweep with a 7-5 win over Oakland on Sunday. After getting on the board early with a pair of doubles from DH Garrett Cooper (2×4, 3 RBI) and 1B Yuli Gurriel (3×4, 1 RBI), RHP Sandy Alcantara surrendered 5 runs in the third inning. Alcantara faced the minimum otherwise and finished the day with 7 strikeouts over 7.0 innings. The Marlins’ 16th comeback win featured a game-tying 3-run homer by Cooper in the fifth before Miami scored 2 on an infield single from 2B Luis Arraez (2×4, 1 RBI) and a passed ball in the bottom of the eighth inning. RHP Dylan Floro struck out 2 in a perfect ninth to secure his 6th save of the year.

GETTING OFFENSIVE
The Marlins’ offense has posted a league-best .306 AVG (149×487) since May 21 at SF, collecting at least 10 hits in 9 of the 14 contests. The 149 hits also rank 1st among MLB teams and the club’s combined .834 OPS ranks 3rd behind only Texas (.860) and Los Angeles-NL (.845). In this same span, Miami also leads all MLB teams with 21 GIDP.

LA REGADERA
2B Luis Arraez leads MLB with his .392 batting avg. (80×204) and .445 OBP, and is t-2nd with 80 hits. Also ranks tied for 3rd with 24 multi-hit games. Has struck out just 11 times in 227 PA (.048 K/PA), the lowest mark in MLB among qualified batters.

  • On Saturday became the first player in Marlins history to collect 5 hits and 5 RBI (both career highs) in a single game with his 5×5 effort that included a career-tying 3 doubles (also, Sept. 26, 2020 vs. CIN). Became the first Marlins player with 5 hits in a game since Starlin Castro on Aug. 19, 2018 at Washington.
  • Became the 12th Venezuelan-born player in MLB history and the first since Arizona’s David Peralta (Apr. 22, 2021 at CIN) to collect 5+ hits and 5+ RBI in a game.
  • Arraez is 1 of 7 non-U.S.-born MLB players all-time (8 occurrences) to post a batting avg. of .392 or higher through 55 games of a season (in which the player registered at least 1 AB), joining Andres Galarraga (.418, 1993), Rod Carew (.413, 1983), Larry Walker (.411, 1997), Roberto Alomar (.406, 1996), Rod Carew (.399, 1974), Rico Carty (.395, 1970), and Tony Fernandez (.394, 1999).

DO YOU LIKE PIÑA COLADAS?
1B Yuli Gurriel recorded his third triple of the season yesterday vs. Oakland. Becomes the oldest player in MLB (38-360) to record at least 3 triples in a single season since Ichiro Suzuki had 5 in 2016 (also for the Marlins).

  • Recorded triples in back-to-back games (6th inning at COL on 5/24, 3rd inning on 5/25 at COL), becoming the oldest player (38-350) to triple in consecutive games since CLE’s Kenny Lofton on 9/27-28, 2007. Marks first time in his career he’s tripled in back-to-back games, and the first Marlin to do so since Jazz Chisholm Jr. on April 15 & 17, 2022. Were just the sixth and seventh triples of his career and his first since Aug. 14, 2020, vs. Seattle.

FINDING A GROOVE
LHP Braxton Garrett has posted a 1.66 ERA in his last 4 outings dating back to May 14 vs. CIN. Has held opponents to a .160 batting average and 4 runs in 21.2 innings with 26 strikeouts.

HE’S HERE AND HE’S PERFECT
RHP Eury Perez on Saturday became the youngest pitcher in MLB to record 3 or more wins in their first 5 starts since Rick Wise from June 21 – Aug. 20, 1964 at 18 yrs at 342 days with Philadelphia. He becomes just the 11th pitcher in club history to accomplish the feat and first since Sixto Sanchez in 2020.

  • Has held opponents to 3 earned runs or less and 4 hits or less in each of his first 5 career starts, the second-longest streak in Marlins history and behind only Jordan Yamamoto’s 6-game streak (June 12 – July 16, 2019). Matches the longest streak in MLB this year by Mariners’ rookie starter Bryce Miller, who did so in his first 5 career starts.

LEFTY LOVE

  • LHP Andrew Nardi has not allowed an earned run in his last 15 apps. (May 2 to June 2) with a 0.98 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in this span. His 29 relief apps. are tied with Cleveland’s Emmanual Clase for most in the Majors.
  • LHP Tanner Scott is tied for third among NL relievers with 39 strikeouts. Led the Marlins ‘pen with 90 strikeouts in 2022. Has held opponents scoreless in last 11 apps. (10.2 innings). Marks his longest career scoreless innings streak (previously, 9.1 IP from 8/26-9/18/20).
  • LHP Steven Okert has made 20 apps. for Miami, allowing just 5 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits with 26 strikeouts and ranks 11th among NL relievers (min. 20 apps.) with his 2.08 ERA.

SWEEPING SENSATION
Over the weekend, the Marlins completed their fourth series sweep of the season and first ever-sweep vs. Oakland. Marked their first-ever second series sweep vs. an AL West team this year. Prior to the Angels series, had not swept a series of at least three games against an AL West opponent since July 25-27, 2014 at Houston (3-0).

  • Miami swept just 4 series in 2022.

‘CATCH’ING FIRE
Since May 20, Marlins’ catchers are batting .327 (17×52) with 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 10 RBI, and a .883 OPS, tied with Baltimore for the second-highest AVG in MLB at the position behind Toronto (.333). From Opening Day until May 19, the Marlins ranked 29th in MLB with their catchers batting a combined .171 (25×148).

TODAY’S STARTER – #29 BRAXTON GARRETT

  • Braxton Garrett, 25, will make his first career start against Kansas City and his 11th start (12 apps.) of the 2023 season tonight.
  • In his most recent outing on Wednesday, May 31 vs San Diego, tossed 5.1 innings, allowing only 1 run on 6 hits with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk.
  • In 18 career starts (19 apps.) at home, owns a 3.96 ERA (91.0 IP/40 ER) and has gone 3-7 with 106 strikeouts. In 18 starts away (19 apps.), is 3-5 with a 4.30 ERA (92.0 IP/44 ER) and 78 strikeouts.
  • In 4 starts (5 apps.) at home this year, owns 6.17 ERA (23.1 IP/16 ER). In 6 starts away, owns a 2.70 ERA (30.0 IP /9 ER).
  • Has allowed 3 runs or less in 8 of 11 starts this season.
  • Career, RHB vs. Garrett: .286 AVG (156×546), .350 OBP, .826 OPS. LHB vs. Garrett: .230 AVG (38×165), .314 OBP, .617 OPS. Has allowed only 2 HR in 165 AB against lefties.
  • Made 17 starts at the Major League level in 2022 after entering the year as the Marlins No. 11 prospect. Went 3-7 with a 3.58 ERA (88.0 IP/35 ER) with 24 walks, 90 strikeouts, and 9 home runs allowed.
  • Has pitched in 6 day games, posting a 2.33 ERA with a .264 avg. against in those outings. In 2 night games, opponents are hitting .429 against and he has a 13.97 ERA and 0-2 record.

MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers (26-31) at Philadelphia Phillies (27-32)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers (26-31) at Philadelphia Phillies (27-32)

DETROIT TIGERS NOTES:

TIGERS SWEPT IN CHICAGO: The Tigers lost their second straight game in walk-off fashion on Sunday, falling to the White Sox, 6-2. Matthew Boyd started for Detroit and threw 5.0 innings, allowing a run on three hits with no walks and nine strikeouts. Jason Foley pitched a scoreless 1.1 innings in relief. Offensively, Spencer Torkelson drove in both of the Tigers runs with a two-run homer, his fifth of the season. Akil Baddoo, Andy Ibáñez and Zach McKinstry each \added a hit in the loss.

WHAT CAN BADDOO DO FOR YOU?: Akil Baddoo went 1×4 with a run scored and a stolen base yesterday. Baddoo has reached base safely in 15 of his last 16 starts, batting .286/.426/510 with two doubles, three home runs and 13 RBI in that span.

START ME UP: Matthew Boyd put together one of his best starts of the season yesterday, allowing a run on three hits with no walks and a season-high nine strikeouts in 5.0 innings. Tigers starting pitchers have allowed two runs-or-less in four straight games and in six of the past eight games. Over that span, Detroit starters have posted a 3.45 ERA (44.1IP/17ER) and 0.97 WHIP.

TIGERS AND PHILLIES: The Tigers and Phillies begin their only series of the season tonight. The two teams last met in 2019 with Philadelphia
winning three-of-four games. Detroit has a 12-10 advantage in the all-time series, including a 5-3 edge in games played in Philadelphia.

INTERLEAGUE ACTION: The Tigers resume their interleague schedule tonight against the Phillies. Detroit is 11-5 against National League foes this season, including a 4-2 record against NL East teams. The Tigers have finished with a winning record against NL opponents in each of the last two seasons.

ON THE ROAD: The Tigers are 0-3 on their current six-game road trip, which includes three games at Chicago (AL) (0-3) and three games at Philadelphia (June 5-7). Detroit is 12-18 on the road this season. As a team, the Tigers are hitting .217/.290/.335 away from Comerica Park, while \the pitching staff has a 4.34 ERA (261.0IP/126ER).

INJURY REHAB UPDATES: Tarik Skubal began an injury rehab assignment with Single A West Michigan yesterday, starting and throwing 2.0 shutout innings with one hit allowed and one strikeout…Kerry Carpenter continued an injury rehab assignment with Triple A Toledo yesterday, starting at designated hitter and going 0x4.

TIGERS ON THE IL:

  • RHP Beau Brieske (right upper arm discomfort, 60-day IL on March 30, retroactive to March 27)
  • OF Kerry Carpenter (right shoulder sprain, 10-day IL on April 29, retroactive to April 28)
  • RHP Alex Faedo (right middle finger discomfort, 15-day IL on June 3, retroactive to May 31)
  • OF Riley Greene (left fibula stress reaction, 10-day IL on May 31)
  • RHP Matt Manning (right foot fracture, 60-day IL on April 12)
  • OF Austin Meadows (anxiety, 60-day IL on April 8, retroactive to April 7)
  • RHP Casey Mize (right elbow sprain, 60-day IL on February 17)
  • RHP Freddy Pacheco (right elbow sprain, 60-day IL on March 27)
  • LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (left index finger pulley rupture, 15-day IL on May 30, retroactive to May 29)
  • LHP Tarik Skubal (left elbow strain, 60-day IL on March 14)
  • RHP Spencer Turnbull (neck discomfort, 15-day IL on May 12, retroactive to May 7)
  • OF Matt Vierling (low back soreness, 10-day IL on May 30, retroactive to May 29)
  • RHP Trey Wingenter (right biceps tendinitis, 60-day IL on April 22, retroactive to April 19)

TONIGHT’S TIGERS STARTING PITCHER – #43 Joey Wentz • 1-5, 7.28 ERA (47.0IP/38ER)

  • Wentz will make his 12th start of the season tonight in the series opener at Philadelphia.
  • Did not factor into the decision in his last start on Wednesday vs. Texas, allowing one run on seven hits with a walk and five strikeouts in 4.1 innings.
  • Will be making his first career appearance against the Phillies and at Citizens Bank Park tonight.
  • Struck out a career-high seven batters and allowed only one run on six hits in 5.2 innings on April 14 vs. San Francisco.
  • Saw his first Major League action in 2022, starting seven games and posting a 2-2 record with a 3.03 ERA (32.2IP/11ER) and 27 strikeouts… also appeared in 12 games, including 11 starts, with Triple A Toledo and went 2-2 with a 3.17 ERA (48.1IP/17ER) and 53 strikeouts.
  • Pitched in the Arizona Fall League following the 2022 season and made three starts for Salt River, throwing 12.0 scoreless innings with two hits allowed, four walks and 14 strikeouts.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES NOTES:

No team release available.

Lightning sign Norwegian free agent Defenseman Emil Martinsen Lilleberg to a Two-Year, Two-Way contract

NHL Editor
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Lightning sign Norwegian free agent Defenseman Emil Martinsen Lilleberg to a Two-Year, Two-Way contract

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Norwegian free agent defenseman Emil Martinsen Lilleberg to a two-year, two-way contract, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today. 

Lilleberg, 22, skated for IK Oskarshamn of the Swedish Hockey League, the top league in Swedish ice hockey, during the 2022-23 season and notched three goals and 11 points in 46 regular season contests, ranking second among Oskarshamn defensemen for goals and tied for fifth for scoring. The left-shot blueliner added one assist in three playoff contests.  

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Lilleberg has competed for Norway in each of the last three World Championships, registering a goal and 22 penalty minutes over 20 combined games.  

Lilleberg was originally a fourth-round selection (107th overall) of the Arizona Coyotes at the 2021 NHL Draft. 

MLB Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (42-19) at Boston Red Sox (30-29)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (42-19) at Boston Red Sox (30-29)

TAMPA BAY RAYS NOTES:

BATTLING THE ELEMENTS — Tampa Bay defeated Boston yesterday afternoon, 6-2, taking game three of the four-game set at Fenway Park…RHP Taj Bradley improved to 4-2 after tossing 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks with six strikeouts…3B Yandy Díaz (2-for-5, RBI, R) collected his 18th multi-hit performance of the season, while 1B Luke Raley (2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R) extended his career-best on-base streak to 10 games.

After being reinstated from the 60-day IL on Saturday, RHP Shawn Armstrong made his season debut yesterday and closed out the win with 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing no hits while walking one hitter and tallying three strikeouts.

Since the beginning of the 2019 season, the Rays are 48-26 (.649) against the Red Sox, including a 21-13 (.618) mark at Fenway Park during that span…it is the most wins by any team against Boston during that span, ahead of New York-AL (45-22).

ON AND ON AND ON — Luke Raley has reached base safely in a career-high 10 straight games since 5/21, slashing .280/.455/.640 (7-for-25) with three doubles, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 10 runs, five walks, four steals and 3 HBP.

Yandy Díaz has reached base safely in 16 straight games against AL East opponents dating back to 4/15/23, batting .295 (18-for-61) with six doubles, 2 HR, 11 RBI and 12 runs during the streak.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN — 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 61 games since the 2009 Rays (93SB).

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

The Rays have an MLB-best six players with seven or more stolen bases, including Wander Franco (21SB), Taylor Walls (15SB), Josh Lowe (14SB), Randy Arozarena (7SB), Manuel Margot (7SB) and Luke Raley (7SB)…the next closest teams are Cleveland and Milwaukee with four players each.

NO MORE FREE PASSES — Tampa Bay pitchers have issued 43 walks over their last 10 games since 5/25, tied for the second most free passes allowed in MLB during that span behind Chicago-AL (50BB)…of the 43 walks, 27 have been issued by Rays relievers, the highest figure in MLB since 5/25.

Despite the 27 walks, Rays relievers have held opponents to a .203 average (28-for-138) while posting a 3.55 ERA (38.0IP, 15ER) during their last 10 games.

THE BOY WANDER — Wander Franco has hit safely in a season-best eight straight games, surpassing his seven-game run from 5/5-11…he is batting .484 (15-for-31) with two \doubles, one triple, 6 RBI and five walks against four strikeouts during the eight-game stretch…he also has seven stolen bases during the eight-game streak, bringing his season total to 21, third most in MLB behind OAK Esteury Ruiz (28SB) and ATL Ronald Acuña Jr. (26SB)…Franco recorded his 20th steal in his 55th game of the season, becoming the fastest Ray to reach the milestone since Carl Crawford (29G) and B.J. Upton (55G) in 2009.

He is batting .312 (34-for-109) with nine doubles, four triples, 6 HR, 23 RBI and 15 walks against 16 strikeouts in 29 career games against Boston…in 12 games at Fenway Park, he is hitting .356 (16-for-45) with two doubles, two triples, 2 HR and 6 RBI.

Franco’s 3.6 bWAR lead the majors, ahead of ATL Ronald Acuña Jr. (3.4).

In addition to ranking second among major league shortstops in average (.305) and third in OPS (.860), Franco leads all SS in defensive runs saved (9), ahead of CHC Dansby Swanson (8), BAL Jorge Mateo (7) and COL Ezequiel Tovar (7), according to FanGraphs.

THE BAY BOMBERS — The Rays have hit a major league-best 103 home runs, tied for the seventh-most long balls through a club’s first 61 games in MLB history (since 1901), trailing only the 1999 Seattle Mariners (121HR), 2019 Minnesota Twins (117HR), 2019 Seattle Mariners (105HR), 2000 St. Louis Cardinals (105HR), 1996 Seattle Mariners (105HR) and 2019 Milwaukee Brewers (104HR)…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 York-AL (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); the Rays had 13 games with 3+ HR in 2022.

GAINING LEVERAGE — After pulling ahead 2-1 in the count, Rays batters lead the majors in AVG (1st, .276), HR (1st, 24), RBI (1st, 78), runs (1st, 24), SLG (1st, .529), OPS (1st, .958) and lowest strikeout pct. (18.7%)…after a first-pitch ball, Tampa Bay ranks among league leaders in OPS (1st, .418), SLG (1st, .540), OPS (1st, .958), HR (2nd, 43), runs (2nd, 43), RBI (2nd, 135) and batting average (3rd, .293).

Yandy Díaz has an AL-best .441 (15-for-34) batting average (min. 25 PA) following 2-1 counts, recording five doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, and 14 walks against 4 SO…under the same parameters, Randy Arozarena and Taylor Walls each have 4 HR, tied with Díaz and BOS Rafael Devers for most in the AL.

Following a 1-0 count, the Rays have four of the top 10 OPS leaders in the AL (min. 25PA), including Taylor Walls (1st, 1.410), Yandy Díaz (2nd, 1.280), Jose Siri (7th, 1.131) and Josh Lowe (10th, 1.116).

MAY FLOWERS — Tampa Bay went 17-12 (.586) in May after going 22-6 (.786) in April… Jose Siri had a team-best 8 HR in May, batting .254 (18-for-71) with one double, one triple, 13 RBI and 16 runs scored…Josh Lowe paced the club with 19 RBI while batting .271 (23- for-85) with five doubles, 6 HR and eight steals…Wander Franco had a team-best 32 hits, finishing the month hitting .296 (32-for-108) with three doubles, two triples, 2 HR and 12 RBI, including his current seven-game hitting streak.

At the conclusion of May, the Rays paced the majors in both home runs (103) and stolen bases (77)…per Elias, Tampa Bay became the first team since the since the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers (61HR, 21SB) to lead the majors outright in both homers and stolen bases at the end of May.

BEANTOWN REPORT—The Rays and Red Sox meet for the eighth time this year, with Tampa Bay holding a 6-1 lead in the season series…Tampa Bay swept Boston in a four-game set at Tropicana Field from 4/10-13, outscoring the Red Sox 26-12.

Tampa Bay has lost six of its last nine at Fenway Park dating back to 8/26/22.

TODAY’S STARTER: LHP SHANE McCLANAHAN (8-1, 2.07)
SUGAR SHANE — The southpaw closes out Tampa Bay’s seven-game road trip with his 13th start this afternoon in Boston, including his seventh on the road…his 2.07 ERA is fourth lowest through a pitcher’s first 12 starts of a season in club history…ranks among AL leaders in ERA (1st), wins (T1st, 8), strikeouts (T6th, 82) and opp. average (T9th, .208)…his 11 starts with 5.0+ IP and two or fewer runs allowed are tied with CHC Marcus Stroman for most in the majors.

LAST TIME OUT — McClanahan took his first loss of the season in the Rays 2-1 setback at Chicago-NL’s Wrigley Field on 5/30 (5.2IP, 6H, 2ER, 2BB, 7SO, HR)…yielded a homer to Nico Hoerner on his first pitch of the game and an RBI-single in the sixth inning to conclude his outing…the loss snapped his career-best eight-game winning streak to open the season, marking his first defeat since 10/1/22 at Houston.

SHANE AND THE SOX — Today will mark McClanahan’s seventh career start against Boston; he is 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA (34.1IP, 9ER) while holding Red Sox hitters to a .208/.261/.256 (26-for-125) line in his previous six outings…last season, he went 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA (18.1IP, 4ER), 22 strikeouts and four walks in three starts opposite Boston, all at Tropicana Field…in his lone career regular season start at Fenway Park on 9/8/21, he threw 5.0 scoreless frames, permitting three hits (5.0IP, 3H, 0R, BB, 3SO).

McClanahan is 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA (28.0IP, 7ER) and a .188 opp. average (19-for-101) in five starts against the AL East this season… for his career, he is 15-6 with a 2.65 (159.2IP, 47ER) in 29 starts against the division, marking the lowest ERA against the AL East among
active starters (min. 25GS), ahead of TOR Alek Manoah (2.66).

BUCKLE DOWN — He has limited opposing hitters to a 1-for-22 clip (.045) with runners in scoring position and two outs…overall, McClanahan is
holding the opposition to a .122 (6-for-49) average with a 35.8 pct. strikeout rate with runners in scoring position…it marks the third-lowest such average among qualified pitchers, trailing HOU Cristian Javier (.114) and TEX Jon Gray (.118).

NO FREE RIDES — After posting an 11.6 pct. walk rate over his first nine starts, McClanahan has produced a 3.9 pct. walk rate over his last three outings…during the three-start run, he has pitched to a 1.37 ERA (19.2IP, 3ER) with a 0.97 WHIP; his 7.00 SO/BB ratio in that timeframe ranks third in the AL (min. 75BF), trailing CWS Michael Kopech (9.50) and SEA George Kirby (8.50)…prior to the current stretch, he had issued a career-high-tying four walks in back-to-back starts (5/8-5/13).

WHIFF YOU PLEASE — McClanahan’s 34.1 pct. whiff rate ranks second in the majors behind ATL Spencer Strider (39.7%)…opponents are swinging at
33.4 pct. of his pitches outside of the strike zone, the eighth-highest chase rate in the AL…McClanahan has also been effective on pitches inside the zone, recording the second-highest in-zone whiff pct. in MLB (24.7%), trailing only Strider (30.3%).

He has registered a 52.6 pct. whiff rate on his changeup, the third-highest mark on any pitch in MLB (min. 200 pitches thrown)…trails only NYM Kodai Senga’s forkball (58.8%) and Strider’s slider (54.7%)

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK — McClanahan’s 7.36 runs of support per 9.0 IP rank second in the majors behind TEX Martín Pérez (9.74)…last season, his 3.73 run support average ranked 20th among AL qualifiers.

In his career, the Rays are 30-4 when providing him with 3+ runs of support, compared to 10-21 with two or fewer runs of support.

MR. 400 — On 5/19 vs. Milwaukee, McClanahan’s fourth-inning strikeout of Willy Adames was the 400th of his career…he became the fastest pitcher in club history to reach 400 strikeouts by both games (63G) and innings pitched (343.1IP), according to Elias…the previous record holders for each respective category were Scott Kazmir (68G) and Blake Snell (373.1IP).

COLLECTING W’S — The Rays won each of McClanahan’s first eight starts of the season, the longest season-opening winning streak in a pitcher’s starts in club history…McClanahan’s personal eight-game winning streak from 3/30-5/24 was the longest of his career and tied for third longest by a starting pitcher in club history, trailing Matt Moore (9GS, 9/29/12-5/19/23) and Blake Snell (9GS, 8/10-9/23, 2018).

BOSTON RED SOX NOTES:

STATE OF THE SOX: The Red Sox lost each of their last 2 games…They are 6-9 in their last 15 and 10-15 in their last 25. The Sox are 2-4 so far on their 7-game homestand vs. CIN (1-2) and TB (1-2)…Tomorrow begins a 6-game road trip to CLE (3 games) and NYY (3). At 30-29 (.508), the Sox rank 5th in the AL East and are 5.0 games back from the AL’s 3rd Wild Card spot.

SERIES BUSINESS: With a win today, the Red Sox would split the series to make them 11-6-2 in series play (6-4-1 at home). With a loss today, the Red Sox would fall to 11-7-1 in series play, including 6-4-0 at home. The Sox are 3-3-1 in their last 7 series, beginning 5/9. They are 7-3-0 in series against AL opponents.

SOX & RAYS: The Red Sox are 1-6 against the Rays this season…They’re 26-48 vs. TB since the start of 2019, their most losses to any opponent in that span. The Sox have lost back-to-back home games vs. TB after winning 6 of their previous 7…They’re 7-5 vs. TB at Fenway Park since the start of 2022. After this series, the clubs won’t meet until September, when they play a 3-game series in St. Petersburg from 9/4-6 and a 2-game series in Boston from 9/26-27.

EASTERN STANDARD: The Red Sox are 7-3 against AL East opponents at Fenway Park this season, compared to 1-6 on the road. The Sox had won both of their previous home series against AL East teams (2-2-0 overall)…They defeated BAL in a season-opening 3-game series from 3/30-4/2 (2-1) and swept TOR in a 4-game series from 5/1-4. n 2022, In they didn’t win their 2nd series against an AL East opponent until 8/14 (began 1-11-1).

GETTING BUSY: After Friday’s game was postponed and rescheduled for today, the Red Sox are now in a span of 13 games in 12 days, from 6/3-14 (1-2 so far). The Sox are in a span of 26 games in 27 days, from 5/30-6/25 (2-4 so far), including 23 games in 23 days from 6/3-25. 3 of the Sox’ next 5 series (10 of 16 games from 6/3-18) are against AL East opponents…Just 1 of their 9 series from 4/28-6/1 were within the division (5/1-4 vs. TOR).

TOUGH TEST: The Red Sox have played 38 games against teams with a current winning percentage of .500 or better, 4th most in MLB (TOR-22, TB-39, SF-39). The Red Sox are 18-20 (.474) against teams that currently have a .500 winning percentage or better. 7 of the Sox’ 10 series from 6/2-7/6, are against opponents who are currently above .500 (vs. TB, at NYY, vs. NYY, at MIN, vs. MIA, at TOR, vs. TEX).

COMEBACK KIDS: The Red Sox have 17 come-from-behind wins this season, tied for 3rd most in MLB (BAL-20, NYM-18). They have trailed in each of their last 3 wins.

CLOSE SHAVES: 6 of the Red Sox last 8 games have been decided by 3 runs or fewer, including 3 one-run games and 2 two-run games.
The Sox have played 27 games decided by 2 runs or fewer (13-14 record). Boston’s 10 losses by 1 run are tied for 4th most in the AL behind CLE (16), SEA (12), and MIN (11).

UPS AND DOWNS: The Red Sox have been held to 2 runs or fewer in 9 of their last 19 games, including each of the last 2, compared to just 8 of their first 40 games. The Sox have a .235 AVG/.312 OBP in their last 15 games, after entering that span with a .272 AVG/.342 OBP. With a loss today, the Red Sox would have a .500 record for the 1st time since 4/29 (14-14).

RED SOX OFFENSE
Dates Record AVG OPS Runs/Game
3/30-4/13 5-8 .235 .731 5.5
4/14-5/6 16-6 .295 .840 6.2
5/7-22 9-15 .247 .715 4.1

SLUGGING SOX: The Red Sox lead MLB in doubles (134) and rank top 5 in runs (4th, 305), AVG (5th, .263), OBP (3rd, .335), SLG (5th, .432), and OPS (5th, .767). The Sox rank 3rd in the AL and 6th in MLB in SO% (20.9).

FOUR SCORE AND…: The Red Sox are 28-10 when they score 4 or more runs, compared to 2-19 when they don’t. The Sox’ 38 games with 4+ runs scored are tied for 3rd most in the AL behind TB (44) and TEX (41). They have scored 4+ runs in 4 of their last 6 games, after doing so in just 1 of their previous 7 games.

THE BIG INNING: The Red Sox scored 5+ runs in 11 innings this season, 3rd most in MLB behind TEX (18) and TB (12). The Sox have scored 5+ runs in an inning 5 times in their last 16 games, beginning 5/17 vs. SEA…They scored 6 runs in the 6th inning of Game 1 on Saturday to turn a 4-1 deficit into a 7-4 lead.

EXTRA, EXTRA: The Red Sox have hit 26 XBH in 6 games during the current homestand, after hitting 21 XBH over their 9-game road trip from 5/19-28. BOS ranks 3rd in the AL and T-4th in MLB in XBH (205). The Sox have hit 4 or more XBH in 29 games, tied for 3rd most in MLB behind LAD (35) and TB (31).

HOME COOKING: The Red Sox are 17-15 at Fenway Park…They’re 4-8 in their last 12 games at the venue, after going 11-3 in their previous 14.

RED SOX IN HOME GAMES
Stat MLB Rank
5.9 R/game 3rd
10.2 H/game 1st
4.0 XBH/game 2nd
121 wRC+ 4th

Stat MLB Rank
.290 AVG 2nd
.358 OBP 2nd
.477 SLG 3rd
.836 OPS 3rd

RUNNIN’ RED SOX: The Red Sox rank 2nd in the AL and 4th in MLB in SB% (84.6%, 33-for-39). The Sox ranked 22nd in MLB with a 72.2 SB% in 2022.

ON THE MEND: Adam Duvall has played in 5 games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester, making 4 starts in CF and 1 as the DH. In his last 3 games with the WooSox, Duvall is 3-for-10 with 2 HR, a double, 3 RBI, and 3 BB.

TODAY’S STARTER: 66 BRAYAN BELLO – RHP
W-L ERA G GS IP ER HR BB SO WHIP AVG
2023 3-3 3.89 8 8 39.1 17 7 14 41 1.47 .280

CAREER 5-11 4.38 21 19 96.2 47 8 41 96 1.66 .301
Allowed 1 run over 4.0 IP on Tuesday vs. CIN (5 H, 2 BB, 4 SO). Has allowed 9 ER over 32.0 IP in his last 6 starts (2.59 ERA), after giving up 8 ER over 7.1 IP in his first 2 starts (9.82 ERA). Has allowed 6 or fewer hits and 2 or fewer ER in 6 consecutive outings…Is the 1st BOS pitcher under the age of 25 to record 6 straight starts with 2 or fewer ER allowed since Eduardo Rodriguez (5/20-6/17/18; also 6 starts). Owns a 10.13 ERA (9 ER/8.0 IP) with 7 SO in 2 career starts vs. TB. Only 9 of the 120 batted balls against him in 2023 have been barrelled (7.5%). In his MLB career, opponents are 18-for-117 (.153) with 16 singles and 2 doubles against his changeup (9-for-40 with 17 SO in 2023).

Atlanta Dream Add Taylor Mikesell

WNBA Editor
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Atlanta Dream Add Taylor Mikesell

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Atlanta Dream have signed guard Taylor Mikesell, the organization announced today.

Mikesell was selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, participating in the Fever’s training camp and scoring five points in 14 minutes in their preseason game against Chicago.

The 5-10 guard spent two seasons of her five-year collegiate career at Ohio State, where she earned All-Big Ten First Team honors in both seasons. She averaged 17.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 68 games for the Buckeyes, helping her team to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight with a defeat over No. 2 UConn on the way in 2022-23. Her selection in the 2023 Draft made her the first Buckeye selected in the WNBA Draft since Kelsey Mitchell in 2018.

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – June 5, 2023

NHL Editor
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NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – June 5, 2023

* Florida saw its eight-game road winning streak end in Game 1, its first loss as visitors since its playoff opener at TD Garden seven weeks ago. However, the Panthers have a different streak they will aim to extend before heading back to Sunrise: they are 3-0 in Game 2s during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.


* Vegas has a chance to become the third straight club to take a 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final, following eventual champions Colorado (2022) and Tampa Bay (2021). Overall, 53 teams have taken a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven Final, with details of how those series played out available in the June 5 edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.

* The stars of tomorrow are in Vegas for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final as four of the top prospects for the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft will be in attendance at T-Mobile Arena: Connor Bedard, fresh off a sweep at the CHL Awards, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson and William Smith.

CATS WILL LOOK TO COME BACK ONCE AGAIN
Despite winning 11 of their last 13 games, the Panthers find themselves in familiar territory – underdogs down 1-0 against a team that finished the regular season as the conference leader, a position they were also in during the First Round against the Presidents’ Trophy winners.


* Florida enters its sixth Stanley Cup Final game in search of its first victory in the championship series. Two other clubs have lost at least their first five contests in the Final – St. Louis halted an 0-12 run with a Game 2 victory in 2019 (against the Bruce Cassidy-led Bruins) and Washington stopped an 0-5 stretch with a Game 2 win in Las Vegas in 2018.

* Anthony Duclair was one of two Panthers players who found the back of the net in Game 1 and has goals in each of his past two games. He can tie a franchise record for longest goal streak in the playoffs should he score in Game 2 – three of his teammates have matched the mark this postseason: Brandon Montour, Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk.
 

* Eric Staal, who has the most Stanley Cup Final experience of any player in the series, opened the scoring in Game 1 after having not scored since Game 2 of the opening round. He has been on both sides of a 1-0 Final – in 2006, Staal and the Hurricanes took a 2-0 series lead before the Oilers went on to force a Game 7 (with Staal and Carolina eventually hoisting the Cup). He then went down 3-0 in 2021 with Montreal, before winning Game 4.


* Montourwas an important part of helping the Panthers bounce back from their Game 1 loss in the First Round, scoring twice and establishing a postseason franchise record for fastest goal to open a period (0:22 into P3) and becoming the first Florida defenseman to record a multi-goal playoff game. A look behind who Montour is, including his childhood fandom of growing up cheering for the Red Wings, his national lacrosse championship, his philanthropy work and passion to inspire Indigenous youth, as well as his many on-ice accomplishments was featured ahead of Game 1.

EICHEL AMONG SHORT LIST OF 2015 DRAFTEES WITH STANLEY CUP FINAL EXPERIENCE

Jack Eichel’s impressive Stanley Cup Playoffs debut rolled over into his first game in the Final as he posted his fifth multi-point effort this postseason. The 26-year-old, who was selected second overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, has not gone consecutive games this postseason without a point and has a chance to become the seventh player in the NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44) to record multiple points in each of his first two career contests in the Stanley Cup Final.

* While Saturday was Eichel’s on-ice debut in the Stanley Cup Final, he has attended the championship series on at least two other occasions: in 2019 when he watched Game 7 in Boston and in 2015 when he attended Game 3 between the Lightning and Blackhawks in Chicago, along with fellow top prospects at the time Noah Hanifin, Connor McDavid, Dylan Strome, Mitchell Marner and Lawson Crouse. Eichel is the first of that group to skate in the Stanley Cup Final. Now-teammate Jonathan Marchessault also was there, then as a member of the Lightning.

* The 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs were the last to finish with a U.S.-born player pacing the League in points, with Tampa Bay’s Tyler Johnson (Spokane, Wash.) and Chicago’s Patrick Kane (Buffalo, N.Y.) sharing the distinction with 23 points apiece. Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (9-12—21; Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Eichel (6-14—20; North Chelmsford, Mass.) are the two highest-scoring players remaining in the postseason and sit three and four points back, respectively, of the League lead.


TOP PROSPECTS SET TO APPEAR AT FINAL AHEAD OF NHL DRAFT COMBINE
While the stars of the Panthers and Golden Knights take to the ice to battle it out at T-Mobile Arena, the stars of tomorrow will also be in Vegas. Here’s a look at top prospects Connor Bedard (No. 1-ranked N.A. Skater), Adam Fantilli (No. 2-ranked N.A. Skater), Leo Carlsson (No. 1-ranked International Skater) and William Smith (No. 3-ranked N.A. Skater), who are all set to appear at the Stanley Cup Final ahead of the NHL Scouting Combine presented by adidas.

* Bedard became the first player in Canadian Hockey League history to sweep the Player of the Year, Top Prospect and Top Scorer awards Saturday. No player had won all three in the same season since the Top Scorer award was introduced in 1994. He also became the first player to win three trophies at the CHL Awards since Connor McDavid won Top Prospect, Player of the Year and Scholastic Player of the Year awards in 2015.


* Bedard, who became the first WHL player to be granted exceptional status, led the league in goals, points and points per game (2.51) after tallying 71-72—143 (57 GP) in a season highlighted by a 35-game point streak (44-46—90). Bedard posted twice as many five-plus point outings (10) as games he was held off the score sheet (5). His goal total was 21 more than the next-closest skater and the most by a WHL player in 24 years (Pavel Brendl: 73 in 1998-99). Meanwhile, his 143 points were the highest single-season total in the WHL in 27 years – three players hit that number in 1995-96: Mark Deyell (159), Frank Banham (152) and Hnat Domenichelli (148).  

* At the 2023 World Junior Championship, Bedard registered 9-14—23 and led the tournament in all three scoring categories (7 GP). In the process, the 17-year-old passed Jaromir Jagr, Wayne Gretzky and Eric Lindros for the most points at a single World Junior Championship across all teams by an under-18 player.



* Carlsson was named the Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year in 2022-23 after pacing the country’s top professional league in assists (15) and points (25) as well as ranking second in goals (10) among his age group. Carlsson also represented Sweden at the 2023 World Championship, where he sat tied atop his country in goals (3-2—5 in 8 GP).

* Fantilli led all U.S. college players in goals and points this season (30-35—65 in 46 GP) and became the third freshman in NCAA history to win the Hobey Baker Award, joining Jack Eichel (2015) and Paul Kariya (1993). The Toronto native has won two gold medals for Team Canada, at the 2023 World Junior Championship (2-3—5 in 7 GP) and 2023 World Championship (1-2—3 in 10 GP).

* Smith had 51-76—127 in 60 games as a member of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-18 Team – the second most goals, assists and points on the roster behind fellow prospect Gabriel Perreault (No. 10-ranked N.A. Skater). Smith also helped Team USA win a gold medal at the 2023 Under-18 World Junior Championship and was named MVP after leading the tournament in goals (tied) and points while also placing among the top two in assists (9-11—20 in 7 GP).

* Final Rankings via NHL Central Scouting Bureau (lists for North American & International players)

* #NHLStats: 10 Things to Know About Connor Bedard

* #NHLStats Prospect Profiles (Top 5 North American & International Skaters)

QUICK CLICKS
 

* 60 Diamonds: Greatest picks from 60 NHL Drafts, Nos. 50-41

* Quebec Remparts win 2023 Memorial Cup
* Golden Knights fan who had multiple heart surgeries bonds with Henrik Lundqvist
* Shea Theodore big reason for Golden Knights’ playoff success
* Anthony Duclair took nothing for granted on road to Cup Final with Panthers

Minnesota Lynx provide Diamond Miller Injury Update

WNBA Editor
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Minnesota Lynx provide Diamond Miller Injury Update

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the following injury report on forward Diamond Miller who suffered a lower leg injury at the 3:05 minute mark of the second quarter on Tuesday against Dallas.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) taken at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine on Miller confirmed a right ankle sprain. She will be reevaluated in the following weeks and further updates will be issued when available.  

In the first five games of this season, Miller is averaging 10.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 20.8 minutes of action.

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