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MLB Preview: Washington Nationals (22-29) at Kansas City Royals (15-37)

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MLB Preview: Washington Nationals (22-29) at Kansas City Royals (15-37)

WASHINGTON NATIONALS NOTES:

OPPONENT – KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Nationals and Royals play three times this season, all in KC…Andrés Machado made his Major League debut with the Royals in 2017…Nationals bullpen coach Ricky Bones pitched two seasons in Kansas City from 1997-98…Nationals clubhouse manager Mike Wallace worked three seasons (1989-91) in Kansas City.

CRAZY EIGHT
Behind an eight-run sixth-inning, the Washington Nationals beat the Kansas City Royals, 12-10, in the first game of this three-game weekend series on Friday night…The eight runs scored in the sixth were the most in an inning this season and the most since the Nationals scored nine in the bottom of the second on Sept. 28, 2019 vs. Cleveland.

  • Luis García recorded six hits (more on that below), while Joey Meneses (3-for-5, 2B, 3 RBI, BB, 2 R), Corey Dickerson (1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB, R) and Jeimer Candelario (1-for-5, 3B, 2 RBI, BB, 2 R) also filled up the box score.
  • Chad Kuhl (1.2 IP, H, 2 SO) entered in the eighth inning and came back out for the ninth to earn his first career save.

A NIGHT FOR THE RECORD BOOKS
Luis García matched a Nationals record (2005-pres.) with six hits on Friday night, going 6-for-6 with two doubles, two RBI and three runs scored…Combined with his two hits on May 25 vs. San Diego, García has hit safely in eight of his last nine at bats.

  • The six hits are tied for the second-most in a 9.0-inning game in Major League history…Garcia became one of 74 players in Major League history to record at least six hits in a 9.0-inning game.
  • García (23 years, 10 days) became the second-youngest player in Major League history to record six hits in a 9.0-inning game behind San Francisco’s Jesús Alou (22 years, 108 days) who did so on July 10, 1964 at Chicago (NL).
  • García checked in with two doubles in the sixth inning, becoming the first player in Nationals history to record at least two doubles in one inning.

STATUS CHECK
The Nationals have won four of the last six, nine of 18 and 13 of their last 25 games…They are 17-16 (.515) dating to April 21 at Minnesota.

  • Washington is 21-23 (.477) after losing six of seven games to start the season…That stretch included series against the Atlanta Braves (1-2) and Tampa Bay Rays (0-3) as well as a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rockies on their Opening Day.

STREAKIN’ LANE TRAIN
Lane Thomas has reached safely in a career-high 22 straight games and has hit safely in a career-high 11 straight games…Thomas is hitting .330/.378/.626 with four doubles, a triple, seven homers, 15 RBI, six walks, one hit by pitch, two stolen bases and 20 runs scored during the on-base streak.

  • Thomas ranks fifth in the National League with eight home runs during the month of May, while his .629 slugging percentage ranks 10th in the NL during the month.
  • On the season, Thomas ranks in the National League in runs scored (T8th, 34), hits (10th, 56) and average (14th, .290).

CHASING 1,000
With 999 in hand, Corey Dickerson is one hit away from 1,000 for his career…When he collects hit No. 1,000, he will become the 12th player in Nationals history (2005-pres.) to record his 1,000th hit in a Nationals uniform, according to the Elias Sports Bureau…The last to do it was Brian Dozier in 2019.

  • Since returning from the Injured List, Dickerson is 7-for-20 (.350) with a double, two homers, seven RBI, one walk and five runs in seven games.

JOEY HITS
Joey Meneses is fourth in the National League with 62 hits and his .305 batting average ranks sixth.

  • Meneses is tied for first in Major League Baseball with 51 hits with Freddie Freeman since April 15…His .342 batting average since April 15th ranks second in MLB.
  • He is hitting .388/.431/.537 with seven doubles, one homer, 18 RBI, five walks and nine runs scored in his last 16 games.

TODAY’S STARTER – #40 JOSIAH GRAY
Right-hander was acquired by the Nationals from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2021 Trade Deadline…Was Los Angeles’ No. 2 prospect entering 2021 and its Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2019…Was originally selected by Cincinnati in the second round (No. 72 overall) of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York…Was acquired by the Dodgers on his 21st birthday, Dec. 21, 2018…Is the Player Ambassador to the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy.

LAST START
Earned his fourth win of the season behind 5.0 innings of three-hit, one-run ball on May 21 vs. Detroit…Worked around six walks while striking out two batters along the way.

RANKS
Gray ranks third in the National League with a 2.65 ERA…He paces the Nationals staff in opponents’ batting average (.241), opponents’ slugging percentage (.361), opponents’ OPS (.692), WHIP (1.39) and home runs allowed per 9.0 innings (0.78).

ON A HEATER
Gray is in the midst of the best stretch of his career, pitching to a 2.05 ERA (12 ER/52.2 IP) with 43 strikeouts and just two home runs allowed in his last nine games.

KEEPING THE BALL IN THE YARD
Gray is tied for seventh in the National League with 0.78 home runs allowed per 9.0 innings (5 HR/57.2 IP)…He allowed back-to-back home runs to lead off the game on April 1 vs. Atlanta (Acuña Jr./Olson) and beginning with the next batter, has allowed just three additional home runs in the next 57.2 innings entering play tonight…This improvement comes after he led Major League Baseball with 38 home runs and 2.30 home runs per 9.0 innings last season.

vs. KANSAS CITY
Has never faced the Kansas City Royals.

SLIDER STATS
Gray’s sider ranks eighth among all Major League pitches (min. 50 PA) with a 21.7% hard hit rate and ranks 12th among Major League sliders with a .169 opponents’ batting average.

THE STORY OF HIS CUTTER
As told to Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post in a recent story: “At the start of spring training, Gray debuted a cutter he learned from Erasmo Ramírez, who drew his grip on a baseball Gray practiced with until he lost it at the gym during the offseason. Gray joked that some Florida teenager could be throwing Ramírez’s cutter in high school games. Yet by the time he misplaced the ball, Gray knew where to put his fingers. The pitch felt like a natural complement to his slider, moving more side-to-side while his gyroscopic slider drops almost straight down.”

KANSAS CITY ROYALS NOTES:
TEN ISN’T ENOUGH: The Royals suffered a 12-10 defeat to the Nationals last night at Kauffman Stadium, a game in which they trailed by 7 runs and closed the deficit to 1 before dropping to 1-10 in games decided by 2 runs… Kansas City held a 2-1 lead into the 6th, when the first four batters reached vs. starter Jordan Lyles, a stretch capped by Corey Dickerson’s go-ahead, 3-run home run…that ended Lyles’ night but the inning continued, as the Nationals scored 8 runs in the 6th—including 4 vs. Josh Staumont—turning a 2-1 Royals lead into a 9-2 deficit…Bobby Witt Jr. homered to begin the bottom half, before the offense erupted for 5 runs in the 7th on a 2-run double by Salvador Perez and a 3-run HR by Witt Jr., his career-high-tying 4th hit and 2nd HR, to turn a 7-run deficit into a 1-run game…the Royals stranded the tying run in scoring position, and Washington scored 3 runs in the 8th off Jose Cuas…the Royals answered again in the bottom half, including Witt Jr.’s career-best 5th RBI on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded, but MJ Melendez struck out to end the threat with the tying run on base, and the Royals went 1-2-3 in the 9th to suffer their 6th loss in their last 7 games.

There have been 6 games in the Majors this season in which a team has lost despite scoring at least 10 runs, and the Royals have accounted for 2 of those games, including last night and May 4 vs. Baltimore.

The Royals are 0-6 following an off day this season and have been outscored 39-20 (-19) in those games.

Switch hitter Drew Waters made his season debut with 2 hits, including 1 from each side of the plate.

The Royals have held a lead in 17 of 23 games this month, but they’re just 8-15 in May with 9 blown lead losses…their 17 blown lead losses for the season are tied for 2nd most in the Majors behind the A’s (19).

The Royals have lost 6 of their last 7 games and 10 of 13, falling to a season-high 22 games under .500.

Kansas City’s 31 HR this month are its 2nd most in the month of May, trailing the 34 HR hit in May 2017.

MR. DO IT ALL: Bobby Witt Jr. was a human highlight reel in last night’s game, matching a career high with 4 hits and 2 home runs while setting career highs with 3 runs, 5 RBI and 11 total bases…he also recorded his 15th stolen base of the season on a double steal in the 4th inning, a play on which he scored thanks to an E2.

Bobby last night became the 24th player (29th time) in Royals history with 11 total bases and the first shortstop…he’s the second Royal with 11 total bases and 1 steal in a game, joining Carlos Beltrán in 2004.

He’s the third Royal to fall a triple shy of the cycle this month, following Salvador Perez a week ago today and Michael Massey on May 10…the Royals have not had a player hit for the cycle since George Brett on July 25, 1990, and the 33 years since marks the 2nd-longest active drought in the Majors behind the Reds.

Witt Jr. became the first Royals shortstop with a 5-RBI game since Yuniesky Betancourt on Aug. 21, 2010.

Bobby last night became the third shortstop age-22 or younger to record at least 4 hits, 2 HR and 5 RBI in a game, following Carlos Correa on July 9, 2017 and Hall of Famer Robin Yount on Sept. 6, 1978.

STATS LCC notes that Witt Jr. last night became the first player since 1920 to record at least 4 hits, 2 home runs, 5 RBI and a stolen base in a losing effort…players were 47-0 in such games before last night.

He’s the fourth player in Royals history to record 2 HR and 1 steal in the same game, following Mike Aviles, Carlos Beltrán (2 times) and Bo Jackson (3 times)…he’s only the third shortstop in history to do this before his 23rd birthday, following Álex Rodríguez on May 16, 1998 and Bert Campaneris on July 23, 1964.

Including last night, Witt Jr.’s 4 career games with a home run and stolen base are 1 behind Kyle Tucker, Francisco Lindor, Adolis García and Thairo Estrada for the most in the Majors since the start of last year.

With homers in the 6th and 7th last night and an RBI fielder’s choice in the 8th, Witt Jr. became the first Royal, according to Elias, to record an RBI in 3 straight innings since Alcides Escobar in Game 4 of the 2015 ALCS vs. Toronto, a 14-2 win, in which he had sac. flies in the 7th and 8th and a 2-run single in the 9th.

Witt Jr.’s 15 steals rank 3rd in the AL behind Esteury Ruiz (27) and Wander Franco (18)…only one other player in the Majors can match Witt Jr.’s combination of HR (9) and steals (15): Ronald Acuña Jr. (11, 22).

Bobby is now on pace for 28 home runs and 46 stolen bases over 162 team games, a combination that has been matched only seven times by six players in Major League history: Mike Trout in 2012, Hanley Ramírez in 2007, A-Rod in 1998, Barry Bonds in 1990, Rickey Henderson in 1986 and 1990 and Eric Davis in 1987.

SALVY SPLASHES: Royals Captain Salvador Perez batted twice with the bases loaded last night, and had a 2-run double in the 7th inning and an RBI single in the 8th to mark the 15th game in his last 25 (60.0%) in which he’s recorded an RBI…during that 25-game stretch since April 24, his 31 RBI are tied with Freddie Freeman, Josh Jung and Cedric Mullins for the Major League lead…his 9 home runs during that same stretch are tied for 2nd in the Majors behind Jorge Soler (11), his .673 slugging percentage ranks 3rd behind Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (.714) and Yandy Díaz (.679) and both his .337 batting average (33-for-98) and 1.050 OPS rank 6th.

Salvy has hit 8 home runs in 20 games this month, 2 behind former teammate Jorge Soler for the Majors lead…his 8 HR are 1 shy of the single-season club record for the month of May, set by Gary Gaetti in 1995.

Royals catchers have hit 13 HR this season—including 9 by Perez—which are the most of any position on the team and the highest total at the catcher position in the Majors, 2 more than the Braves catchers (11).

Salvy is the Royals all-time leader in Interleague play with 35 HR and 109 RBI and his 188 hits rank 2nd to Alex Gordon (210)…in 6 career games vs. the Nationals, Perez is 7-for-22 (.318) with 1 HR and 8 RBI.

VS. NATIONALS: The Royals are hosting the Washington Nationals this weekend for just the second time and first since 2016…the Royals are 5-14 (.263) all-time vs. the Nationals—and have gone winless in six series—which is their worst mark against any opponent…that includes a 4-9 record since they moved to Washington in 2005.

The Royals are 5-11 in Interleague play this season, including an 0-4 mark vs. the National League East… they’ve lost 3 consecutive games to Washington since their last win on July 5, 2019 at Nationals Park.

In 19 all-time meetings, the Nats have outscored the Royals 109-68 and have out-homered them 25-8.

HOME: The Royals continue a 6-game homestand today with the 2nd of 3 games vs. the Nationals, who are visiting Kansas City for the first time since 2016…Monday night began a stretch in which the Royals are playing 9 of 11 games at home, with the only exceptions being a 2-game set in St. Louis next week…that will continue a run of four consecutive series vs. National League opponents, including a 3-game stay vs. the Rockies next weekend and 3 games in Miami as part of a 6-game trip to begin the first week of June… following the 2-game trip to St. Louis next Monday and Tuesday, the Royals will enjoy back-to-back off days next Wednesday and Thursday to mark their first scheduled back-to-back off days since April 6-7, 2016.

The Royals are 7-20 at Kauffman Stadium, but have won 5 of their last 9 games here after starting 2-16.

After averaging 2.5 runs/game and being outscored 79-32 (-47) at home in April, the Royals are averaging 6.4 runs/game in May, and have outscored opponents 90-82 at home this month despite going 6-8.

TODAY’S STARTERS: RHP BRADY SINGER (3-4, 7.48)
BRADY SINGER is making his 11th start of 2023 and 74th of his career today vs. Washington…it’s his 1st start vs. the Nationals and his 5th Interleague start of the year…he’s in his fourth season in the Majors and was selected by Kansas City in the 1st round (18th overall) of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Florida.

LAST START: Singer did not figure into the decision of Kansas City’s 8-5 loss in 10 innings on Monday night vs. the Tigers, in which he was charged with 5 runs on 7 hits and a season-high 4 walks in 3.2 innings, with 3 strikeouts…he retired only 11 of the 22 batters he faced, and allowed five to reach in Detroit’s 3-run 1st inning in which the Tigers scored on a bases-loaded walk by Akil Baddoo and a 2-run single by Matt Vierling…he stranded a pair of baserunners in the 2nd but allowed a go-ahead, 2-run home run to Vierling in the 3rd and issued a 2-out walk in the 4th before exiting after 87 pitches in favor of Josh Taylor, who stranded the inherited runner.

He issued more walks (4) than strikeouts (3) last Monday for just the sixth time in 73 career starts and the first since Sept. 28, 2021 vs. Cleveland, when he faced five batters and exited after recording 2 outs, with 1 walk and no strikeouts.

JEKYLL AND HYDE: Brady has been charged with at least 5 runs in 6 of his 10 starts this season, after doing so in only 2 of his 27 appearances (24 starts) last year…the Royals, predictably, are 1-5 in games that he allows at least 5 runs…but on the flip side, he’s held opponents to 2 earned runs or fewer in his other 4 starts, in which the Royals are 4-0, including wins on April 3 vs. Toronto, April 25 at Arizona, May 11 vs. the White Sox and May 16 at San Diego…in fact, the Royals have won 11 consecutive games since last August in which Singer has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer.

WALK THIS WAY: Brady has issued 20 walks in 49.1 innings this season for a 3.7 BB/9, after issuing just 35 walks in 153.1 innings all of last year, which resulted in a 2.1 BB/9 that ranked 8th in the American League (min. 150.0 IP)…after not walking a batter in 3 of his 1st 5 starts this season, he’s issued multiple walks in each of his last 5.

CASTING CALLS: In 34 starts since his recall on May 17 of last season, Brady has induced a called strike on 650 of 3,235 pitches (20.1%), 4th most in the Majors behind Logan Webb (656), Gerrit Cole (653) and Aaron Nola (653)…Singer’s rate of 20.1% called strikes since May 17, 2022 leads the Majors (min. 2,500 pitches), ahead of Sonny Gray (17.9%), and since his 2020 debut season, Singer’s called-strike rate of 20.8% ranks 2nd in the Majors (min. 5,000 pitches), trailing only Adam Wainwright (21.1%).

CAN’T TOUCH THIS: Singer has recorded 385 strikeouts in 395.1 innings since his 2020 debut for an 8.8 K/9, which is the best rate in Royals history among pitchers who’ve started at least 70 games, ahead of Ian Kennedy (8.4), Jakob Junis (8.1) and Danny Duffy (8.1)…his 385 strikeouts are tied with Yordano Ventura for the 2nd most by a Royal through 76 career appearances, 1 shy of Jakob Junis (386)…with at least 6 strikeouts today, he would pass Junis (390) for the most through 77 career outings.

STOPPER: Singer has had success in his career following a Royals loss, and he’ll attempt to be the stopper again today after Kansas City’s 12-10 loss last night vs. the Nationals…in 45 career appearances following a Royals loss, Singer is 16-11 with a 3.90 ERA (103 ER in 237.2 IP), and all 3 of his wins this year have followed a team loss.

DAY & NIGHT: In 12 daytime starts last year, Singer went 7-3 with a 2.54 ERA (21 ER in 74.1 IP)—holding opponents scoreless in 4 of those 12 starts—and his 7 daytime wins were 1 off the Major League lead…that success has not translated to this season, as he’s 0-2 in 4 afternoon starts with an 8.69 ERA (19 ER in 19.2 IP)…but in his most recent daytime start on May 11 vs. the White Sox, he allowed 1 run in 6.0 innings.

INTERLEAGUE INTRIGUE: Brady is making his team-high 5th Interleague start of the season today in his 1st career start vs. the Nationals…he’s 2-1 in his previous 4 Interleague starts, including 5-4 wins in his last 2 such starts, on April 25 in Arizona and May 16 in San Diego, in which he’s combined to allow 3 earned runs in 12.0 innings.

In 11 career starts in Interleague play, he’s 5-3 with a 4.60 ERA (31 ER in 60.2 IP).

AT HOME: Singer is 1-3 with a 7.85 ERA (25 ER in 28.2 IP) in 6 starts at Kauffman Stadium this season and already has more losses than he had all of last season at home…in 2022, he went 8-2 over 15 appearances (14 starts) at The K with a 2.76 ERA (29 ER in 94.2 IP), including a 6-0 record and 1.67 ERA (11 ER in 59.1 IP) over his last 9 home starts…Brady’s 3 home starts this month have been eventful ones, including a 5-4 loss to Oakland on May 6, a 4-3, walk-off win on May 11 vs. the White Sox, and an 8-5 loss in extra innings in his most recent start on Monday vs. Detroit.

MLB Preview: Houston Astros (29-21) at Oakland Athletics (10-43)

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MLB Preview: Houston Astros (29-21) at Oakland Athletics (10-43)

HOUSTON ASTROS NOTES:

No team release available.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS NOTES:

ABOUT THE A’S: Have a season-high nine-game losing streak, which is tied for eighth longest in Oakland history…it is their longest since Aug. 6-15 last year when they also lost nine straight…had a 10-game losing streak last year from May 30-June 10…have also lost 12 of the last 13 games and 17 of the last 19…are 10-43 (.189) overall, which is the second worst record after 53 games by an AL, NL or FL team since 1900…the worst is 9-41 (.180) by the 1904 Senators (had three games called with the score tied…lost games 54- 57)…were swept in a four-game series at Seattle to end the last road trip and have been swept seven times this year…are 1-15-0 in series play…lost each of the first 10 series, won two of three at Kansas City from May 5-7, and have lost each of the last five series.

THE ONE-THIRD MARK: The A’s are scheduled to play their 54th game of the season today, which is the one-third mark of the season…are on pace to lose 131 games, which would be second most in Major League history to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who went 20-134…A’s pitchers are on pace to set Athletics records for highest ERA (6.83), most runs (1137), most home runs (269), most hit batters (116) and fewest saves (12) and Oakland records for most walks (773)…the ML record for most hit batters is 110 by the 2022 Reds and only two teams in modern (since 1900) Major League history have allowed at least 1100 runs (1199, 1930 Phillies; 1103, 1996 Tigers)…the last team with fewer than 16 saves in a full season is the 1980 A’s (13)…the offense is on pace to set an Athletics record for strikeouts (1540)…are on pace to scored 565 runs…had 568 runs last year, which was second lowest in a full season in Oakland history (532 in 1978)…individually, Esteury Ruiz is on pace for 83 stolen bases, which would set an American League record for rookies (66, Kenny Lofton in 1992)…it would be fourth most in Athletics history behind Rickey Henderson’s three 100-steal seasons.

A’s IN MAY: The A’s are 4-20 (.167) in May after going 5-23 (.179) in April…had the worst record in the majors in April and currently have the worst mark in May (Pirates, 6-15/.281)…this 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 have back-to-back 20-loss months…the other time was in May and June last year when they had 21 each month.

OFFENSE: The A’s have scored two runs or fewer in each of the last eight games, which is tied for the second longest streak in Oakland history (May 10-18, 1979)…the longest is nine games from Sept. 10-17, 1978…are batting .181 (45-for-249) with 12 runs scored, eight doubles, one home un and 14 walks over the last eight games…the 12 runs match the fewest by an A’s team over an eight-game span over the last 44 years…overall, have the lowest batting average in the majors (.221) and the third lowest OPS (.657), slugging percentage (.360) and on-base percentage (.297)…rank second in most strikeouts (504), third in fewest runs (185) and doubles (68) and fifth in fewest extra base hits (129)…are tied for the most sacrifice hits (11), tied for fourth in hit by pitches (28)…have been shut out three times in the last 15 games and seven times this year, which is tied with the Mets and Brewers for second most in the majors (Royals, 8)…A’s pinch hitters are tied for the most hits (12) and walks (8) in the majors.

PITCHING: The A’s have compiled a 5.74 ERA (134 er in 210.0 ip) in May after posting a 7.97 ERA in April…have a 6.83 ERA overall, 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 (.868), batting average (.281), on-base percentage (.375) and slugging percentage (.493) in the majors this year…lead the majors in most home runs (88), walks (253), hit batters (38) and wild pitches (28) and have the fifth fewest strikeouts (399)…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: The A’s are scheduled to use an “opener” as the starting pitcher for the second time this year…Pruitt was also the first on Wednesday at Seattle (1.0 ip, 2 h)…A’s starting pitchers are 0-12 with a 5.89 ERA (62 er in 94.2 ip) in the 19 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 2-28 with a 7.14 ERA for the season…the ERA is the highest in the majors and no other team has fewer than eight wins from its starters…have the seventh fewest innings pitched (257.0).

THE BULLPEN: The A’s bullpen had a blown save Thursday night, snapping a 17-game streak with no saves or blown saves, which was the longest such streak by an A’s team since the blown save was first tracked in 2004…now has a 19-game streak without a save…the pen is 4-for-14 (28.6%) in save opportunities…has the lowest save percentage and fewest saves in the majors and the 10 blown saves are tied for ninth most…has the highest ERA in the majors (6.43) and the fourth most innings pitched (207.0)…has allowed 42- of-102 (41.2%) inherited runners to score, which is tied for the fifth highest percentage…is tied for the second most inherited runners.

ON THE BASES: A’s pitchers had their fifth pickoff of the season Thursday night, which is tied for third most in the majors…opponents are 42-for-59 (71.2%) in stolen base attempts, which is the fifth lowest success rate in the majors…the 17 caught stealings are second most (Rockies, 18) but the A’s have the 10th most stolen bases allowed…offensively, the A’s are 50-for-61 (82.0%) in stolen base attempts…rank third in the majors in stolen bases and attempts and ninth in stolen base percentage.

HOME AND AWAY: The A’s are 0-1 on this six-game homestand against Houston (0-1) and Atlanta (three games)…went 2-5 on the last homestand against Texas (1-3) and Arizona (1-2) and are 5-21 (.192) at home, which is the lowest home winning percentage in the majors…went 0-7 on the last road trip to Houston (0-3) and Seattle (0-4) and are 5-22 (.185) on the road, which is the worst road record in the majors…have compiled a 5.91 ERA (159 era in 242.0 ip) at home compared to 7.82 on the road.

WINNING LATE: The A’s have scored the winning run in their final at bat in seven of their 10 wins…have five wins when tied after seven innings, three when trailing after seven innings and two when leading after seven inning… are tied for the second most wins in the majors when tied after seven innings and are tied for seventh in wins when trailing after seven innings… however, no other team has fewer than 12 wins when leading after seven innings…are 3-4 (.429) in extra inning games…are tied for second in the majors in extra inning games (7) and losses and tied for sixth in wins…have four walk-off wins, which is tied for the most in the majors.

RUN DIFFERENTIAL: Seven of the A’s 10 wins have been by one run and Oakland is 7-10 (.412) in one-run games…are tied for fourth in the majors in one-run losses and tied for seventh in games (17)…however, have lost eight games by nine or more runs, which matches the most such losses by an A’s team over the last 27 years (also 2008 and 2022)…have a run differential of -187, which is the lowest in the majors…the lowest by an AL or NL team since 1901 is -349 by the 1932 Boston Red Sox.

THIS AND THAT: The A’s are 9-23 (.281) in night games and 1-20 (.048) during the day…are batting .183 (122-for-667) with 50 runs scored during the day (2.4 runs per game)…A’s outfielders have 11 assists, which is tied for second most in the majors (Royals, 12)…the A’s have committed 34 errors, which is also tied for second most (Giants, 38)…have employed 43 players, which is the most (Rockies, Brewers and Mets, 41)…28 of the 43 have been pitchers, which is also the most (Rays, 26)…have used 12 rookies and seven players have made their Major League debuts…have used the injured list 15 times, including 11 times for pitchers…currently have eight players on the IL, including seven pitchers…have an average time of game of 2:46, which is the longest in the majors…however, have not averaged under 2:53 per game since 2010 (2:43).

A’S VS. ASTROS

  • The A’s are 0-4 to start the season series after losing the season series last year for the seventh time in the last eight years.
  • Are now 59-88 (.401) against Houston dating back to 2015 after winning each of their first four season series against the Astros (31-13,
    .705).
  • Have lost 10 of the last 11 games, including nine of the last 10 at Minute Maid Park…have won four of the last six in Oakland.

Year Home Road Totals
2023 0-1 0-3 0-4
2022 4-5 3-7 7-12
Oakland History: 90-101
at the Coliseum: 50-47
at Minute Maid Park: 40-54

TODAY’S TIDBITS
Ryan Noda is tied for ninth in the majors in walks (32)…leads Major League rookies in on-base percentage (.394) and walks…Esteury Ruiz leads ML rookies in hits (57), stolen bases (27) and hit by pitches (11), is tied for second in doubles (13), ranks sixth in RBI (22), seventh in batting (.274), tied for seventh in extra base hits (15) and ninth in runs (23) and on-base percentage (.336)…the 27 steals are the most by an Athletic since Coco Crisp had 39 in 2012

TODAY’S MAIN PITCHER: Hogan Harris (0-0, 162.00 ERA)
FOR STARTERS: Was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas today for his second stint with the A’s this year…is scheduled to make the second appearance of his career…was recalled for the first time on April 14, made his Major League debut that day in relief against the Mets (0.1 ip, 1 h, 6 r, 6 er, 5 bb, 0 so) and was optioned back to Las Vegas the next day…is 0-1 with a 3.77 ERA and .699 opponents OPS in eight starts with the Aviators.

MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT: Made his Major League debut earlier this year on April 14 against New York (NL)…entered the game to start the fifth inning
with the A’s trailing 6-3…retired the first batter he faced (Vogelbach ground out) but his next seven batters were BB, BB, BB, HBP, BB, 2B, BB…walked five batters in 0.1 innings to become the sixth AL, NL or FL pitcher since 1901 to walk five or more his debut while pitching less than an inning (last: Justin Dunn, Sept. 12, 2019 for Seattle)…allowed six runs, which matched the most by A’s pitcher in debut of fewer than one inning (Sam Gray, April 19, 1924 at Boston; James York, Sept. 12, 1919 vs. CWS).

MLB Preview: Texas Rangers (32-18) at Baltimore Orioles (33-18)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Texas Rangers (32-18) at Baltimore Orioles (33-18)

TEXAS RANGERS NOTES:

WINS AND LOSSES: Texas defeated the Orioles last night, 12-2, and now own a 3-1 record on this 9-G, 10-day road trip to PIT (2-1), BAL (1-0 + 2 G) and DET (3 G)…TEX has won 3 straight and is 4-1 in their last 5 G…TEX has won 7 of 9, 9 of 12, 11 of 15 and 14 of last 19 G…TEX is an MLB-best 18-7 (.720) in last 25 G beg. 4/28…TEX is 18-11 in last 28 G, but still 25-13 in last 38 G and 28-14 in last 42 G beg. 4/9.

  • At 32-18 (.640), TEX owns the 3rd-best record in the A.L. and MLB (see chart below)…club’s 32 wins rank 3rd in A.L. and MLB (38-TB, 33-BAL, 32-TEX, 31-ATL/LAD).
  • The 32-18 start marks Rangers’ best 50-G start to a season since 2013 (32-18), and is tied for best start in club history.
  • Club would have a 32-18 record with a win tonight, which would be tied for the best 50-G start in team history (also ’13).
  • TEX is a season high 14 G above .500…it is the 1st time since the end of 2016 (95-67) that the team is 14-over…from 2020-22, TEX spent a total of one day above .500 (10-9 on 8/15/20)…club did not reach 32 wins in 2022 until 6/21.

BEST RECORDS IN MLB, 2023
Win Pct. Team W-L
.717 Tampa Bay 38-15
.647 Baltimore 33-18
.640 Texas 32-18
.608 Atlanta 31-20

WITH A WIN TODAY, Texas could:

  • Climb to a season-best 15 G above .500 for the 1st time since the end of the 2016 season.
  • Move to 33-18, which would be the best 51-G start in team history (see chart above).
  • Earn a series win, moving club to 11-2-1 in last 13 series, a 7-2-0 record in 9 road series.
  • Win a 5th-straight road series…it would mark the Rangers’ 1st time winning 5-consecutive road series since 5/20- 6/19/16 at HOU/CLE/SEA/OAK/STL.
  • Win their 8th-consecutive day game (improve to a 15-4 record in 2023).

STANDINGS: Rangers hold a 3.0-game lead in the A.L. West over 2nd-place HOU for the 3rd-consecutive day…3-G lead in A.L. West is the 2nd-largest division lead in A.L. (TB, +4.0 GA of BAL) and 3rd-largest in MLB (ATL, +4.5 GA of NYM)… club held a lead of 2+ G in the division for 14-straight days (5/7-21), which was snapped after Mon. loss at PIT…TEX has had sole possession of 1st place in the West for 21 straight, 28 of 29, and 41 of the last 43 days beg. 4/14…season-best +4.0-G lead on 5/14 was largest since end of 2016 (+9.0 GA), just 6th season in TEX history to have a lead of 4.0+ G in the West as early as 5/14…TEX has been alone or tied atop the division for 56 of the season’s first 57 days (exception: 4/8).

SERIES STUFF: Club has gone 6-1-1 in last 8 series and 10- 2-1 in last 13…team is 11-4-1 overall in series this year, going 6-2-1 at home 5-2-0 on the road…club did not win an 11th series in 2022 until 7/11-13 vs. OAK…TEX won 4 straight series 4/10-23, longest such span since going 5-0-0 from 6/15- 7/1/18…team has won all games of a series 3 times during this campaign (3-0, 3/30-4/2 vs. PHI; 3-0, 4/17-19 at KC; 3-0, 5/19-21 vs. COL)…club is 6-2-0 in last 8 series on the road.

VS. BALTIMORE: TEX continues 2nd and final series of ’23 vs. BAL today…club is 2-2 vs. BAL after TEX won yesterday and BAL took 2 of 3 in Arlington from 4/3-5…TEX has lost 8 of 10 against the O’s dating back to the start of ’22, including an 0-6 showing last season, which was the first winless campaign against an A.L. opponent in WAS/TEX franchise history…TEX is 5-12 vs. BAL since start of ’21…BAL leads at Camden Yards (71-64-1) and all-time series (273-220-1).

LONG ROAD: TEX is 3-1 in 1st 4 games of a 9-G, 10-day road trip that takes the team thru the end of May…marks the Rangers’ 2nd-consecutive 3-city road trip (7-3 from 5/5-14 at LAA/SEA/OAK), and the 2nd of a trio of 3-city trips in 2023 (also 8/21-30 at ARI/MIN/NYM)…team has won 7 of 9 and 10 of 13 on road after a season-long 4-G away losing skid.

  • Club is 16-10 (.615) on road, 2nd-best away win pct. in A.L., 3rd in MLB…club has won 4 straight road series for 1st time since 9/9/16-4/13/17 at LAA/HOU/OAK/LAA.

ROSTER MOVES: The Texas Rangers announced the following roster moves prior to today’s game in Baltimore:

  • RHP Dane Dunning placed on MLB’s Paternity Leave List.
  • INF/OF Ezequiel Duran placed on 10-day Injured List, retroactive to Wednesday, with mild right oblique discomfort.
  • OF Travis Jankowski activated from 10-day Injured List.
  • LHP Cody Bradford recalled from Round Rock (AAA).

ON THE OFFENSIVE: TEX continues to lead MLB w/ 6.44 R/G and 322 R…club has 10+ R in an MLB-leading 13 G and has scored 5+ R in an inning 15 times this season…ranks T2nd w/ 4+ R in 36 G…team leads MLB w/ a 144 R in May, along with a .286 BA and .812 OPS.

  • The 322 runs scored by TEX in ’23 are the most over the first 50 G of a season in franchise history, and is T18th-most R in a team’s 1st 50 G of a season since 1901.
  • The Rangers’ season-best +122 run differential is tops in MLB, and is the 11th-highest run diff. in a team’s 1st 50 G of a season since 1900 (h/t Sarah Langs).
  • Club has a homer in 9 straight road games (13 total HR), the longest away run in ’23.

COUNT ON SEMIEN: Marcus Semien yesterday extended his hitting streak to a season high 15 games, which is currently tops in the A.L. for active hitting streak, T2nd in MLB… his 15-G hitting streak is the longest season hit streak by a Ranger in ’23 (previously Grossman from 4/16-5/6 and Heim from 4/30-5/16)…club now owns an MLB-best 4 of the 16 individual hit streaks of 13+ games in Majors in 2023.

  • Semien has hits in 21 of 22 G in May at .330/.396/.532/.928, along with a 23-G on-base streak…he has also reached base via H/BB in 25-straight road games…is batting .300/.381/.555/.935 (33-110) w/ 7 HR and 28 RBI in 26 G on the road in ‘23.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: 4 of the 8 hits in the 4th inn. yesterday came from Josh Jung and Josh Smith…the 1st time that TEX has had 2 players record 2 H in an inning since 5/23/15 at NYY (3rd inning, Shin-Soo Choo & Prince Fielder).

THE GRAY WOLF: Jon Gray won a career high 4th-consecutive start last night after tossing an ultra quality start (7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R-ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 8 SO)…he is the 1st Rangers pitcher to win 4-straight starts since Taylor Hearn turned the trick from 8/24-9/12/21…during his current 5-game winning streak (dating back to 4/9): 5-0, 2.81 ERA (16 ER/51.1 IP), 17 BB-39 SO and 4 quality starts…the 5-G winning streak also ties a career high for Gray (also 6/22-9/1/18 w/ COL).

HEANEY ON THE BUMP: Andrew Heaney has posted quality starts in 3 straight and 5 of last 6 outings…his 5 QS in ’23 are T2nd-most in club (7-Eovaldi, 5-Gray)…3-2, 2.98 ERA (15 ER/45.1 IP) and 50 SO/18 BB in last 8 starts, dropping his season ERA from 23.63 to 4.13…LHP have a .074 BA (2-27) vs. Heaney this season, including 0-for-last-18 (7 SO/3 BB).

SHORTS: Corey Seager hit his 3rd-career grand slam yesterday, 1st as a Ranger (last done on 5/12/19 vs. WAS w/LAD)…Robbie Grossman launched his 6th HR of the season yesterday, already equaling his HR mark from 2022…Josh Jung extended his hitting streak to 9 G, 2nd in the A.L…TEX is currently riding a 7-game winning streak in day games (14- 4 overall), as club ranks 1st in MLB in day game R (148) and R/G (8.22).

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER – #44 Andrew Heaney, LHP
(3-3, 4.13)

TODAY: The 31-year-old left-hander is scheduled to make his 10th appearance/ start of the season this afternoon in the 2nd bout of this 3-game series at Camden Yards…has posted quality starts in 3 straight and 5 of his last 6 outings, as 5 QS this season are T2nd-most among TEX pitchers (7-Eovaldi, 5-Gray/Heaney)… has gone 3-2 with a 2.98 ERA (15 ER/45.1 IP), 50 SO/18 BB, and a .191 opp. BA (31-162) in his last 8 starts, dropping his season ERA from 23.63 to season-low 4.13…left-handed batters have a .074 BA (2-27) vs. Heaney this season, including 0-for-last-18 (7 SO/3 BB)…enters today’s scheduled outing ranked among A.L. pitchers (min. 40.0 IP) in opp. BA (11th, .215) and SO/9 (17th, 9.75)… will work today on extra 5 days’ rest after earning the win in his last start on Sun. vs. COL (see ‘Last Start’)…Heaney is in his first season with Texas after signing a two-year free agent contract with the club on 12/9/22…is seeking to build on a 2022 campaign in which he produced career bests in ERA (3.10), WHIP (1.087), and strikeout rate (13.6 SO/9) with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite being limited by a pair of Injured List stints…the 9-year MLB veteran has appeared in 144 games/133 starts with Miami (2014), Los Angeles-AL (2015-21), New York-AL (2021), Los Angeles-NL (2022), and Texas (2023)…an Oklahoma City native, Heaney pitched collegiately at Oklahoma State University before being selected by the Miami Marlins in the first round (9th overall) of the 2012 MLB Draft…Texas has gone 5-4 in Heaney’s 9 starts this season.

AS OF LATE: After surrendering season-high 7 R-ER in his Rangers debut on 4/4 vs. BAL (L, 2.2 IP, 7 R-ER), Heaney has gone 3-2 with a 2.98 ERA (15 ER/45.1 IP), 50 SO/18 BB, and a .191 opp. BA (31-162) in his last 8 starts…that stretch has cut his season ERA from a season-high 23.63 to season low point of 4.13… he ranks among A.L. pitchers over that period (min. 40.0 IP since 4/10) in opp. BA (T6th), H/9 (7th, 6.15), ERA (11th), and SO/9 (14th, 9.93).

TOUGH ON LEFT: Left-handed batters have slashed .074/.219/.111/.330 (2-27) with just one extra-base hit (2B) against Heaney in 2023, incl. 0-for-last-18 (7 SO/3 BB)…his .074 (2-27) opp. BA allowed vs. lefties is the 4th-lowest mark in MLB (min. 30 LHB faced) and lowest among pitchers with at least one start in ‘23…last hit allowed to a LHB was a single by Yordan Alvarez on 4/16 at HOU.

LAST START: Earned the win in his last start on Sun. vs. COL (W, 6.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R-0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, 95 pitches/63 strikes), a 13-3 Rangers win…loaded the bases with none out in the top of the 2nd (1B-BB-1B), but escaped the jam unscathed after retiring the next 2 batters he faced via strikeout and GIDP (1-2-3)… held Colorado scoreless until the 6th inning when the Rockies plated their first run fielder’s choice/throwing error by 1B Nathaniel Lowe.

VS. BALTIMORE: Heaney has gone 1-3 with a 9.51 ERA (25 ER/23.2 IP) in 6 G/5 GS vs. Baltimore in his career…took loss in his 2023 season debut on 4/4 vs. BAL (L, 2.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R-ER, 2 BB, 2 SO, 2 HR) as part of a 7-2 Texas defeat at Globe Life Field…5 of 7 runs allowed in that outing came via home runs by Ryan Mountcastle (3-R) and Jorge Mateo (2-R)…today’s start will be only his 2nd career appearance here at Camden Yards, as he has not pitched at this venue since a start on 8/18/17 at BAL w/ LAA (ND, 5.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R-ER, 0 BB, 5 SO, 4 HR)…permitted career high-tying 4 home runs in that start, as both teams combined for 10 HR (5-BAL, 5-LAA) in a 9-7 win for the Orioles…Heaney’s 12 career HR allowed vs. BAL are his 3rd-most against any MLB club (19-SEA, 17-TEX).

ON THE ROAD: Heaney has seen far better results in his 3 starts on the road (0-1, 2.04 ERA) than in his 6 starts in Arlington (3-2, 5.34 ERA) this season, but is still seeking his first away win as a Ranger…opposing hitters have slashed .161/.257/.242/.499 (10-62) with just one HR in his away outings vs. .243/.333/.470/.803 (28-115) with 7 HR at Globe Life Field in 2023…since the start of last season, he is 2-2, 2.26 ERA (13 ER/51.2 IP) over his last 11 appearances/10 starts on the road.

STREAKING STRIKEOUTS: Earned the win in his 2nd start as a Ranger on 4/10 vs. KC, recording strikeouts of 9 consecutive batters faced from the 1st through 4th innings…the 9 straight K’s marked the most successive strikeouts by a pitcher in Rangers history, snapping the single-game record of 7 set by Nolan Ryan on 7/7/91 vs. LAA and the overall high of 8 done by Joe Barlow from 7/24-8/2/21… according to Elias Sports Bureau, it matched the American League record for successive strikeouts, as Heaney became just the 3rd A.L. pitcher to do it…the others: DET’s Tyler Alexander on 8/2/20 vs. CIN-G1, and DET’s Doug Fister on 9/27/12 vs. KC…Heaney recorded 10 total SO on the night, the 18th double-digit strikeout game of his career (last 10 on 8/24/22 vs. MIL w/ LAD) and 2nd by a Texas pitcher at that point in 2023 (also 11 by Jacob deGrom on 4/5 vs. BAL)… the last left-handed Rangers pitcher with 10+ SO in a single game was Mike Minor on 8/11/19 at MIL (11 SO)…it also marked the 6th instance in club history (beg. 1972) for a pitcher to punch out 10-or-more batters in 5.0-or-fewer innings, last Dane Dunning on 5/9/21 vs. SEA (5.0 IP, 10 SO).

2023: Opponents are batting .215 (38-177) w/ 8 HR, including a .074 (2-27) mark with one XBH (2B) for LH batters…16 of 25 runs allowed in ‘23 have come in the 2nd (9) or 3rd (7) inning…opp. BA/OPS by time through lineup: 1st (.273/.804), 2nd (.178/.606), 3rd (.184/.665)…4.07 pitches per batter faced figure is 9th-highest in A.L. (min. 40.0 IP)…ranks 17th among A.L. pitchers (min. 40.0 IP) in SO/9 (9.75) and SO pct. (25.7%)…8 HR allowed are tied for most among Rangers (also Gray/Pérez), T19th-most among A.L. pitchers…Jonah Heim has caught 6 starts (1.56 ERA), Sandy León has caught 2 starts (7.59 ERA), and Mitch Garver caught season debut on 4/4 vs. BAL (2.2 IP, 7 R-ER)…Heaney has a 1.56 ERA (6 ER/34.2 IP) and one HR allowed when working with Heim this season, 10.99 ERA (16 ER/13.1 IP) w/ 7 HR allowed with all other TEX catchers.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES NOTES:

YESTERDAY’S NEWS: The Orioles fell to the Rangers, 12-2, last night at Oriole Park… Adley Rutschman homered in the first inning and reached base four times, finishing 3-for-3 with a walk…Austin Hays tallied his team-leading 16th multi-hit effort of the season after going 2-for-4 with a double.  Rutschman homered on a 3-0 pitch for the first time in his career.

The 10-run defeat is the worst by the O’s since they lost 11-0 on September 19, 2022 vs. Detroit.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: Of Baltimore’s 51 games this season, 46 have been decided by four or fewer runs, the most in MLB…The O’s have gone 30-16 in those games, the most wins in MLB and second-best winning percentage (.652), behind Tampa Bay (.657, 23-12)…The O’s also have the most wins (21-12) and second-best winning percentage (.636) in games decided by three or fewer runs.

FEELS GOOD TO BE HOME: The O’s kicked off a six-game homestand last night with the first of three games against the Rangers through Sunday…The O’s will then host the Guardians for three games from May 29-31…The Birds are 15-9 (.625) in Baltimore and own the third-best home winning percentage in the AL and fourth-best in MLB.

TAKING ON TEXAS: The O’s are facing the Rangers for the second and final time this season…The Birds took two out of three from the Rangers at Globe Life Field from April 3-5…The Orioles won eight straight games against Texas from July 4, 2022 to April 4, 2023, their longest winning streak against a single opponent since also winning eight in a row against the Mariners from July 3 to September 19, 2012…Baltimore went 6-0 against Texas last season, their first sweep of a season series against a single opponent since 2020 against the Phillies (3-0) and their first season sweep of at least six games against a single opponent since 2010 against Los Angeles-AL (6-0)… Marked Baltimore’s first season sweep of any length against Texas, and the first time the Rangers had ever been swept in a season series by an AL opponent.

WHAT’S TRENDING: The O’s have won 24 of their last 35 games, 27 of 39, and 29 of 42… The 33-18 overall record ranks second in MLB to start the season…Entering today, the Rays (38-15), Rangers (32-18), Braves (31-20), Dodgers (31-21), and Yankees (30-23) are the only other teams with 30 wins this season, while the Rays and Rangers are the only other teams with fewer than 20 losses.

The Orioles are 95-67 in their last 162 games since June 1, 2022; the .586 winning percentage during that time is the second-best in the AL and fourth-best in MLB, trailing the Braves (.669, 109-54), Dodgers (.661, 109-56), and Astros (.636, 103-59).

WRAPPING UP THE ROAD TRIP: The Orioles went 5-1 on their seven-day, six-game road trip, their best road trip by winning percentage (.833) this season, ahead of a 4-1 (.800) trip from April 14-19…The most recent trip began with a three-game sweep of the Jays in Toronto over the weekend…After an off day Monday, the Birds took two of three against the Yankees in the Bronx…The O’s are off to an 18-9 start on the road, tied with the 1987 and 2005 teams for the second-best road start through 27 games in team history (since 1954), behind a 20-7 start in 1969…Baltimore currently owns the most road wins and second-best road winning percentage (.667) in MLB, behind Atlanta (.708, 17-7); the O’s and Braves are the only teams without double-digit road losses so far this season.

WHAT A RELIEF: The Baltimore bullpen owns a 3.05 ERA (66 ER/194.2 IP), the second-best in MLB behind the Yankees (3.04)…O’s relievers have 15 wins this season, tied with Arizona and New York-AL for the most in the majors…The O’s are second in MLB with 229 strikeouts from the ‘pen, trailing Kansas City (237)…Baltimore’s 2.59 ERA (26 ER/90.1 IP) by relievers at home ranks fourth in MLB.

HE GETS ON BASE: Adam Frazier had his career-long 18-game on-base streak since May 6 snapped last night; his previous career high was 17 games from August 20 to September 7, 2019 with the Pirates…It is the longest streak by an O’s batter this season and was the fourth-longest active streak in the AL and seventh-longest active streak in MLB…Frazier slashed .273/.333/.500 (18-for-66) with four doubles, one triple, three home runs, eight runs scored, 13 RBI, five walks, and a stolen base during the streak…Frazier’s season-long eight-game hitting streak since May 17 was also snapped, during which he batted .375/.375/.688 (12-for-32) with two doubles, one triple, two home runs, six runs scored, and seven RBI.

Frazier’s 11.06 plate appearance per strikeout rate is the second-best in the AL and fourth-best in MLB.

He is one of six qualified MLB hitters with more walks than strikeouts (17 BB/16 K), including teammate Adley Rutschman (41 BB/31 K).

GOLD RUTSCH: Adley Rutschman hit his eighth home run of the season last night, third-most among primary catchers this season behind Kansas City’s Salvador Perez (11) and Atlanta’s Sean Murphy (10)…Rutschman didn’t hit his eighth homer last season until his 71st game (68GS) on August 19…Last night was his first multi-hit game since May 13.

He leads the AL and ranks fifth in MLB with 92 times on base this season (51 H, 41 BB); his 41 walks lead the AL and are nine more than the next closest player; only San Diego’s Juan Soto (48) has more base on balls in MLB in 2023.

Rutschman has reached safely at least three times in 14 games this year, most in the AL; he’s also reached safely at least four times in six games, tied with St. Louis’ Lars Nootbaar for the most in MLB.

He is slashing .341/.450/.634 (28-for-82) with three doubles, seven homers, 15 runs, 14 RBI, and 17 walks in 24 games (23GS) at Oriole Park compared to .221/.364/.288 (23-for-104) with four doubles, one home run, 10 runs, 12 RBI, and 24 walks in 27 road games (25GS)

ROSTER MOVES: The Orioles today recalled Keegan Akin from Triple-A Norfolk…In a corresponding move, Grayson Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after yesterday’s game.

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER – #64 DEAN KREMER RHP
5-1, 4.61 ERA

QUICK HITS: Slated to appear in his 50th career game tonight; will also be his 11th start of the season, sixth at home, and third career start against the Rangers today…Made a career-high 22 appearances (21 GS) in 2022, 11 appearances at home (10 GS), and 11 on the road…Owned an 8-7 record with a 3.23 ERA (45 ER/125.1 IP) and 87 strikeouts…Made six starts of 5.0-or-more scoreless innings, tied for seventh-most in the AL…Acquired by the Orioles along with INF Breyvic Valera, OF Yusniel Diaz, RHP Zach Pop, and INF Rylan Bannon in exchange for INF Manny Machado on July 18, 2018…Originally selected by the Dodgers in the 14th round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of UNLV.

LAST TIME OUT: Did not factor into the decision in his last start on May 21 at Toronto after allowing one run on nine hits (1 HR) with two walks and career-high-tying seven strikeouts (4x, last: 7/9/22 vs. LAA) in 5.1 innings of work… Threw a season-high 105 pitches, 64 strikes.

AGAINST THE RANGERS: Making his third career start against the Rangers today…Did not factor into the decision in his last start against Texas on July 4, 2022 at Oriole Park…Allowed five runs on eight hits (1 HR) with two walks and four strikeouts in 4.2 innings of work…Threw 92 pitches, 61 strikes…Has pitched to a 0-0 record with a 5.79 ERA (6 ER/9.1 IP) through his first two starts against the Rangers.

AGAINST THE AL WEST: Making his 12th career start against the AL West… Owns a 4-0 record with a 3.00 ERA (21 ER/63.0 IP) and five quality starts through his first 11 starts against the division…Earned the win in his last start against the AL West on May 16 vs. Los Angeles-AL, allowing three runs on six hits (1 HR) with four strikeouts in 5.2 innings…Issued zero walks in a start for the second time this season (also: 4/18 at WSH)…Threw 95 pitches, 63 strikes…Tossed his first career shutout and complete game on September 23, 2022 vs. Houston.

HOME COOKING: Has gone 3-0 with a 5.06 ERA (15 ER/26.2 IP) in five home starts this season…Earned the win in his last start at Oriole Park on May 16 vs. Los Angeles-AL…Owns a 7-7 record with a 4.32 ERA (63 ER/131.1 IP) and eight quality starts through his first 25 career home appearances (24 starts).

‘KREM’ OF THE CROP: Had his career-high scoreless streak snapped at 22.2 innings on July 4, 2022 vs. Texas…Marks the longest scoreless streak by an Orioles starter since Mike Mussina pitched 27.0 scoreless innings from September 21, 1995 to April 2, 1996…The last Orioles pitcher with a scoreless streak of at least 22.2 innings was Steve Johnson, who tossed 25.1 scoreless frames across eight games (three starts) from August 25 to September 29, 2012.

NHL Western Conference Finals Game 5 Preview: Dallas Stars (1-3) at Vegas Golden Knights (3-1)

NHL Editor
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NHL Western Conference Finals Game 5 Preview: Dallas Stars (1-3) at Vegas Golden Knights (3-1)

DALLAS STARS NOTES:

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SERIES SCHEDULE
Date Time (CT) DAL [C2] vs. VGK [P1] Location TV/Radio/Result
Game 1 Fri, May 19 7:30 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena Vegas 4, Stars 3 (OT)
Game 2 Sun, May 21 2 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena Vegas 3, Dallas 2 (OT)
Game 3 Tue, May 23 7 p.m. Vegas at Dallas American Airlines Center Vegas 4, Dallas 0
Game 4 Thu, May 25 7 p.m. Vegas at Dallas American Airlines Center Dallas 3, Vegas 2 (OT)
Game 5 Sat, May 27 7 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena ABC, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS
Game 6 * Mon, May 29 7 p.m. Vegas at Dallas American Airlines Center ESPN, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS
Game 7 * Wed, May 31 8 p.m. Dallas at Vegas T-Mobile Arena ESPN, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS

  • if necessary

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
May 6 – Signed defenseman Lian Bichsel to a three-year entry-level contract
May 25 – Recalled forwards Mavrik Bourque and Rhett Gardner from Texas (AHL)
May 25 – Recalled forwards Oskar Back, Matej Blumel, Marián Studenič and Riley Tufte, defensemen Alexander Petrovic and Ryan Shea and goaltender Matt Murray from Texas (AHL)

HOW THE STARS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS SERIES HAS UNFOLDED
Game 1: May 19, 2023 – STARS 3 at GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 (OT) | Vegas leads series 1-0
Despite a game-tying marker at the 58:01 mark of the third period from captain Jamie Benn (1-0—1), the Stars fell 4-3 in overtime on a goal from Vegas forward Brett Howden just 1:35 into sudden death. Dallas opened the scoring on a goal from forward Jason Robertson, who finished the game with a multi-point performance (1-1—2). Forward Roope Hintz continued his torrid pace in the playoffs, leading all skaters with three points (1-2—3). Forward Joe Pavelski added two assists (0-2—2), while goaltender Jake Oettinger stopped 33 of 37 shots.
PP: 0-2 | PK: 1-1 | SF: 36 | SA: 37 | DAL TOI: M. Heiskanen (29:23 – game high) | Attendance: 18,271
Three Stars: 1. VGK – B. Howden 2. VGK – W. Karlsson 3. DAL – J. Benn

Game 2: May 21, 2023 – STARS 2 at GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3 (OT) | Vegas leads series 2-0
The Stars opened the scoring and held a one-goal lead in the final minutes of regulation but fell in overtime for the second consecutive game. Defenseman Miro Heiskanen (1-0—1) tallied his first goal of the playoffs at the 2:47 mark of the opening frame and forward Jason Robertson (1-0—1) scored his second goal in as many games with a power-play tally midway through the middle frame. Defenseman Ryan Suter (0-2—2) assisted on both goals, while forwards Luke Glendening (0-1—1) and Evgenii Dadonov (0-1—1) added helpers. Goaltender Jake Oettinger made 21 saves on 24
shots.
PP: 1-3 | PK: 1-2 | SF: 28 | SA: 24 | DAL TOI: M. Heiskanen (28:19 – game high) | Attendance: 18,358
Three Stars: 1. VGK – C. Stephenson 2. VGK – J. Marchessault 3. VGK – M. Stone

Game 3: May 23, 2023 – STARS 0 vs. GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 | Vegas leads series 3-0
The Stars suffered their third defeat of the series with a 4-0 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 3 at American Airlines Center. Dallas outshot Vegas 34-16 but were shutout for the first time in the playoffs (16 GP). Jake Oettinger made his 16th start of the postseason but was pulled 7:10 into the first period (three saves on five shots). Scott Wedgewood came on in relief for the remainder of the game and made 10 saves on 11 shots. Defenseman Jani Hakanpää made his series debut, recording four hits, two shots and two blocked shots in 18:36 TOI. Forward Radek Faksa went 77% in the faceoff dot, winning 10 of 13 draws.
PP: 0-2 | PK: 5-6 | SF: 34 | SA: 16 | DAL TOI: E. Lindell (22:16 – game high) | Attendance: 18,532
Three Stars: 1. VGK – A. Hill 2. VGK – I. Barbashev 3. VGK – A. Pietrangelo

Game 4: May 25, 2023 – STARS 3 vs. GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 (OT) | Vegas leads series 3-1
With their backs against the wall in a must-win scenario, the Stars came through in sudden death with a 3-2 overtime victory in Game 4 to extend their series against the Vegas Golden Knights. Twice erasing one-goal deficits with goals from forward Jason Robertson (2-0—2), the Stars lived to fight another day when forward Joe Pavelski (1-0—1) buried a one-timer from the left faceoff dot on the power play at the 3:18 mark of OT to send a sold-out crowd at American Airlines Center into a frenzy. Robertson’s two-goal performance marked his first career multi-goal playoff game, becoming the 10th player in Dallas Stars history with multiple goals in a game when facing elimination and the first since
Corey Perry in Game 5 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. Pavelski, meanwhile, scored his fourth career playoff overtime goal, tying Nicklas Backstrom and Patrice Bergeron for the second most among active players behind only Patrick Kane and Corey Perry (both with 5).
PP: 2-2 | PK: 1-1 | SF: 42 | SA: 39 | DAL TOI: M. Heiskanen (30:00 – game high) | Attendance: 18,532
Three Stars: 1. DAL – J. Robertson 2. DAL – J. Pavelski 3. VGK – A. Hill

DALLAS STARS POSTSEASON NOTES
TONIGHT’S GAME: It’s another do-or-die scenario for the Stars, who will look to stave off elimination once more in Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. (7 p.m. CT, ABC, ESPN+, SN, CBC, TVAS, Radio: The Ticket 96.7-FM/1310-AM). Both of the previous two games at T-Mobile Arena required overtime (won by Vegas), while three of the first four have required extra time. Should Dallas win, Game 6 will take place at American Airlines Center on Monday, May 29 (7 p.m. CT). This represents a rematch of the 2020 Western Conference Final, where the Stars earned a 4-1 series win en route to their first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years.

STARS-GOLDEN KNIGHTS PLAYOFF HISTORY

  • This marks the second all-time meeting between the Stars and Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The previous matchup between the two clubs was in the 2020 Conference Finals, a series won in five games by Dallas, which saw the first instance in the NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44) of a Conference Finals or Semifinals series opening with each team earning a shutout within the first two contests.
  • The Western Conference Final represents the fourth instance in the past 25 years of head coaches, both in their first season with a team, meeting in the penultimate round of the playoffs. The last occurrence was also between Dallas and Vegas in 2020 (DAL: Rick Bowness; VGK: Pete DeBoer). The others: 2010 (PHI: Peter Laviolette; MTL: Jacques Martin) and 1998 (WSH: Ron Wilson; BUF: Lindy Ruff).

HEATING UP IN THE CONFERENCE FINALS

  • With two goals in Game 4 vs. Vegas, forward Jason Robertson became the second player in franchise history to score two tying goals in a game when his club is facing elimination, following Joel Kiviranta (2 in Game 7 of 2020 R2). Robertson also became the 10th player in Dallas Stars history with multiple goals in a contest when facing elimination and the first since Corey Perry in Game 5 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
  • Robertson, who had only two goals through the first two rounds of the playoffs, has four goals (4-1—5) in four games vs. Vegas.
  • Robertson ranks second on the Stars in points (6-11—17), shares second in assists (11) and ranks third in goals (6).
  • With a goal in Game 2 at Vegas, Robertson (50-74—124) became the seventh active player with 50-plus goals in a single year at age 23 or younger (regular season & playoffs combined). The others: Alex Ovechkin (3x; last: 67 in 2008- 09), Steven Stamkos (3x; last: 60 in 2011-12), Sidney Crosby (57 in 2009-10), Evgeni Malkin (57 in 2007-08), Eric Staal (54 in 2005-06) and Leon Draisaitl (50 in 2018-19).
  • He also became the fifth player in franchise history to score 50 combined goals in a campaign (regular season & playoffs), joining Brian Bellows (59 in 1989-90), Dino Ciccarelli (58 in 1981-82 & 52 in 1986-87), Mike Modano (57 in 1993-94) and Dave Gagner (52 in 1990-91).

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS NOTES:

2023 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS – WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. DALLAS STARS
Golden Knights 2022-23 Regular Season Record: 51-22-9, 111 points (25-15-1 at Home, 26-7-8 on Road)

DATE RESULT VGK GOALS VGK GOALIE DAL GOALIE
May 19 Vegas 4, Dallas 3 OT 71(2), 53, 21 Hill Oettinger
May 21 Vegas 3, Dallas 2 OT 61, 81, 20 Hill Oettinger
May 23 Vegas 4, Dallas 0 81, 49, 28, 7 Hill Oettinger/Wedgewood
May 25 Vegas 2, Dallas 3 OT 71, 81 Hill Oettinger

DATE OPPONENT TIME (PT) TELEVISION RADIO SPANISH RADIO
May 27 vs. Dallas Stars 5 p.m. ABC Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
May 29* at Dallas Stars 5 p.m. ESPN Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
May 31* vs. Dallas Stars 6 p.m. ESPN Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
*If Necessary

Game 4 Recap
May 25 – Vegas Golden Knights 2, Dallas Stars 3 OT
The Vegas Golden Knights fell, 3-2, in overtime to the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final on Thursday night at American Airlines Center. Vegas leads the series, 3-1. William Karlsson and Jason Robertson each found the back of the net in the opening frame as the teams went into the first intermission level at 1-1. Jonathan Marchessault rebuilt the Vegas lead midway through the middle frame, but Robertson scored again late in the period to make it a 2-2 game. Neither side scored in the third to set up Joe Pavelski’s game-winning power-play goal just 3:18 into overtime.

VGK/DAL – Regular Season Recap
The Golden Knights held a 0-1-2 record against the Stars in the 2022-23 regular season. In the first matchup, Vegas was shut out, 4-0, by Jake Oettinger. In the second contest, Michael Amadio and Jack Eichel each scored to give the Golden Knights a 2-1 advantage, until Roope Hintz scored in the final 38 seconds of regulation to send the game into overtime. After a scoreless extra session, it was Jason Robertson and Hintz who each put pucks past Laurent Brossoit to secure the comeback win in the shootout. In the final meeting of the season, Brett Howden got Vegas on the board first, but Joel Kiviranta tied things up for Dallas and forced overtime. Neither team was able to finish things in the extra session and it was Hintz who was the shootout hero again.

2022-23 Season DAL Series: 0-1-2 (Home: 0-1-1, Road: 0-0-1)
Playoff History with Dallas

Western Conference Final 2020 (1-4)

  1. Sep. 6 vs. DAL – Vegas 0, Dallas 1
  2. Sep. 8 vs. DAL – Vegas 3, Dallas 0
  3. Sep. 8 vs. DAL – Vegas 2, Dallas 3 OT
  4. Sep. 12 vs. DAL – Vegas 1, Dallas 2
  5. Sep. 14 vs DAL – Vegas 2, Dallas 3 OT

Fast and Furious
William Karlsson opened scoring for the Golden Knights 4:17 into regulation on Thursday in Dallas to mark the eighth time Vegas has scored in the first five minutes of a contest this postseason. Vegas’ eight tallies in the first five minutes tie Edmonton for the lead among all playoff teams this postseason.

Dynamic Duo
It was Reilly Smith who set up William Karlsson for his goal in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final on Thursday. Smith and Karlsson have combined on the same playoff goal with Vegas 25 times in their careers. The only Golden Knights duo to factor on more postseason goals together are Jonathan Marchessault and Smith (26).

Great Eight
With their goals on Friday night, Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson have each found the back of the net eight times this postseason. The two have matched the franchise record for most goals scored in a single playoff run, joining Alex Tuch (2020) and matching Marchessault’s own total from 2018.

It’s Clinching Time
With one more win against the Stars, the Golden Knights will earn their second Stanley Cup Final berth in their six-year history. Game 5 with Dallas will be Vegas’ second chance to move on to the final round; the Golden Knights hold a 9-9 franchise record when they have a chance to clinch a playoff series, including wins in their last three of those situations at T-Mobile Arena. Most recently, Vegas beat Winnipeg in Game 5 of the first round this season, 4-1, to win that series, 4-1.

WNBA Preview: Los Angeles Sparks (1-1) at Las Vegas Aces (2-0)

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WNBA Preview: Los Angeles Sparks (1-1) at Las Vegas Aces (2-0)

The WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces are unveiling their first championship banner and awarding the rings before Saturday night’s home opener with the Los Angeles Sparks.

And they’ll welcome back coach Becky Hammon, too.

Suspended for the first two games for comments she allegedly made to former player Dearica Hamby about her pregnancy that violated league rules regarding respect in the workplace, Hammon will be back on the bench for her team’s big night.

Her thoughts are about her team, not the spoils of last year’s success or Hamby’s return to town in a Sparks uniform.

Las Vegas (2-0) rallied for a 94-85 win Thursday night in the first half of its home-and-home with Los Angeles (1-1). Jackie Young scored a game-high 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting as the Aces erased a 10-point halftime deficit with a 31-point third quarter.

But the game also showcased the Sparks’ renewed relevance in the WNBA. Playing without their best player, Nneka Ogwumike (non-COVID illness), they led by 12 points on four occasions in the first half. They forced 20 turnovers and came up with a whopping 16 steals.

Chiney Ogwumike scored 19 points to pace Los Angeles and Lexie Brown added 15. Hamby was one of three players to tally 11 points and one of four players to collect at least three steals.

Miller said there’s plenty of growth left for Los Angeles. Two key players, forward Azura Stevens (back) and guard Jasmine Thomas (knee), have yet to see action. Thomas is said to be closer to returning to game action than Stevens.

MLB Preview: San Diego Padres (24-27) at New York Yankees (30-23)

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MLB Preview: San Diego Padres (24-27) at New York Yankees (30-23)

SAN DIEGO PADRES NOTES:

No team release available.

NEW YORK YANKEES NOTES:

AT A GLANCE: The Yankees continue their six-game homestand today with the second game of a three-game set vs. San Diego (0-1 thus far)…are 1-3 on the homestand after dropping two-of-three games vs. Baltimore and their series opener against San Diego…after this homestand, will embark on a six-game road trip to Seattle (Mon.-Wed.) and Los Angeles-NL (6/2-4).

At 30-23 (.566), have the fifth-best record in the AL.

Have lost three straight games after winning a season-high five straight games…marks just the third time this season they have lost three straight games (also 4G from 4/28-5/1 and 3G from 4/23-25).

Have lost three straight games at home for the first time this season and for the first time since 8/18-20/22.

Are still 7-4 in their last 11 games, 9-5 in their last 14 games and 12-6 in their last 18 games.

Are 15-8 (.652) in their last 23 games (since 5/2), tied with San Francisco for the second-best record in the Majors in that span, trailing only Texas (15-7, .682).

Have won or split four of their last five completed series (since 5/8), five of their last seven completed series (since 5/1) and 11 of their 16 completed series this season (going 9-5-2).

Each of their last three wins and nine of their last 15 wins have been come-from-behind wins.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS: The Yankees fell to the Padres, 5-1, in their series opener on Friday at Yankee Stadium…RHP Randy Vásquez (4.2IP, 4H, 2ER, 3BB, 6K, 1HR, 2HP) made his Major League debut and took the loss after allowing 2ER in 4.2IP…1B Anthony Rizzo (2-for-4, 1RBI) collected the
Yankees’ only multi-hit game and drove in the club’s only run with an RBI groundout in the sixth inning…RF Aaron Judge (1-for-4, 1 double) doubled in the sixth inning to extend his on-base streak to 13 games…marked the Yankees’ only extra-base hit…SS Anthony Volpe (1-for-4) snapped an 0-for-14 stretch with a single in the seventh inning…2B Gleyber Torres (1-for-4, 1R) scored the club’s only run…RHP Ron Marinaccio (1.1IP, 1H, 2ER, 1BB, 1K, 1HR, 1HP) allowed 2ER in 1.1 innings of relief…RHP Ryan Weber (3.0IP, 4H, 1ER, 3K) allowed 1ER in a season-high 3.0 innings of relief.

NOBODY BEATS THE RIZZ: INF Anthony Rizzo collected the Yankees’ only multi-hit game on Friday and drove in the club’s only run with an RBI groundout in the sixth inning… is batting .343/.387/.600 (24-for-70) with 13R, 3 doubles, 5HR, 16RBI, 4BB and 1HP in his last 17 games (since 5/8).

Is third in the AL and tied for seventh in the Majors in hits (60)…also ranks sixth in the AL in BA (.305), tied for sixth in the AL in multi-hit games (16) and seventh in OBP (.378) and OPS (.891).

Has multiple hits in four of his last seven games and 11 of his last 22 games.

Has hit .308/.392/.527 (62-for-201) with 28R, 16 doubles, 2 triples, 8HR, 30RBI, 22BB, 7HP, 2SF and 7SB in 54 career games vs. San Diego…his .308 BA vs. San Diego marks his second-highest batting average vs. any single opponent in his career (.329 BA vs. Los Angeles-AL)…since 2018,
has batted .440/.482/.747 (33-for-75) with 12R, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 4HR, 20RBI, 3HP, 1SF and 1SB in 20 games vs. the Padres.

Has 8RBI in his last seven games (since 5/19), 11RBI in is last 11 games (since 5/14), 14RBI in his last 13 games (since 5/12) and 17RBI in his last 18 games (since 5/7).

Has reached base in 25 of his last 28 games and 44 of his 51 games this season.

Has reached base in 27-of-29 games at home this season, hitting .367/.435/.633 (40-for-109) with 20R, 5 doubles, 8HR, 20RBI, 11BB, 3HP and 1SF in those games…has hit safely in 25-of-29 home games…among Major League batters at home, ranks third in BA (first in AL), fourth in OPS (1.069, third in AL), tied for fourth in HR (tied for fourth in AL), sixth in OBP (second in AL) and eighth in SLG (fifth in AL).

CALENDAR DAYS: Despite going homerless in their last two games, the Yankees are still tied with Atlanta for the most home runs during the month of May (44HR in 24 games)… are also tied for fifth in runs scored (124), rank sixth in SLG (.456) and tied for sixth in runs scored per game (5.17).

NATIONAL TREASURE: The Yankees are 7-3 in 10 Interleague games this season…have won each of their three completed series vs. NL opponents this season.  Their current three-game set vs. the Padres marks their first series against San Diego since 5/27-29/19…are 11-8 all-time vs. San Diego and 7-3 against the Padres in the Bronx.

GLEYBER DAY: INF Gleyber Torres has batted .313 (15-for48) with 9R, 3HR, 6RBI, 3BB, 1HP and 1SF in his last 12 games (since 5/14).
 Has reached base in 20 of his last 21 games (since 5/5), batting .298/.358/.524 (25-for-84) with 17R, 4 doubles, 5HR, 15RBI, 8BB, 1HP and 2SF in that span…has also reached base in 30 of his last 34 games (since 4/20) and 33 of his last 38 games (since 4/15).

Has multiple hits in three of his last six games, four of his last eight games and five of his last 10 games.

BRONX BOMBERS: The Yankees have been held homerless in consecutive games for just the third time this season (also three games from 4/28-30 and two games from 4/24-25)… their 78HR this season are still the second-most home runs in the AL and the fourth-most in the Majors.

Were held to just one run for their second straight game on Friday…prior to this two-game stretch, had scored at least 6R in four of their previous five games and at least 4R in each of their previous six games.

Prior to their two-game homerless stretch, had hit multiple home runs in each of their previous six games… have still hit multiple home runs in 11 of their previous 14 games (since 5/12), 15 of their last 19 games (since 5/7) and 17 of their last 23 games (since 5/2).

LEMACHINE: As a Yankee (since 2019), INF DJ LeMahieu has hit .322/.402/.496 (89-for-276) with 56R, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 10HR, 29RBI, 35BB, 4SB, 3HP and 2SF in 72 Interleague games…is the second-highest batting average (min. 100PA) by a Yankee in the history of Interleague play, trailing only Carlos Beltrán’s .326 BA.

GOT YOUR NUMBER: INF Anthony Rizzo has hit .412/.483/.627 (21-for-51) with 2 doubles, 3HR, 4BB and 4HP in his career off RHP Michael Wacha…INF DJ LeMahieu has hit .389/.368/.556 (7-for-18) with 3 doubles in his career off Wacha.

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER: RHP LUIS SEVERINO (0-0, 1.93 ERA)
RHP Luis Severino will make his second start of the season today vs. San Diego…the 29-year-old will make the start on extended five days’ rest due to Monday’s team off day…made his first start of the season on Sunday at Cincinnati and did not record a decision (4.2IP, 4H, 1ER, 1BB, 5K, 0HR)…was returned from rehab and reinstated from the 15-day injured list on Sunday prior to his start at Cincinnati…missed the first 48 games of the season with a right lat strain…went 7-3 with a 3.18 ERA (102.0IP, 72H, 37R/36ER, 30BB, 112K, 14HR) in 19 starts for the Yankees in 2022…allowed 3ER-or-fewer in 15 of his starts, 2ER-or-fewer in 12 of those starts and one-or-zero earned runs in nine of those games…missed 59 team games in 2022 with a low grade right lat strain (7/14- 9/20)…the two-time AL All-Star (2017, ’18) ranked third in the Majors in 2018 with 19 wins (19-8), tied for second-most by a Yankee in the last 14 seasons (since 2009) behind CC Sabathia (21-7 in 2010)…has two of the top-eight single-season strikeout totals in Yankees history (230K in 2017, 220K in 2018)…is one of four pitchers in Yankees history with multiple 200-strikeout seasons (also Gerrit Cole from 2021-22, David Cone from 1997-98 and Ron Guidry from 1978-79)…finished third in 2017 AL Cy Young Award voting…was originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on 12/26/11…signed to a four-year contract extending through the 2022 season with a club option for the 2023 season on 2/15/19…the Yankees exercised his club option for the 2023 season on 11/7/22.

2023: Will make his second start of the season today…did not record a decision in his first start of the season on 5/21 at Cincinnati (4.2IP, 4H, 1ER, 1BB, 5K, 0HR).

Missed the first 48 games of the season with a right lat strain…combined to make two rehab starts with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and
Double-A Somerset, posting a 4.05 ERA (6.2IP, 8H, 3ER, 2BB, 6K, 1HR).

Posted a 9.00 ERA (15.0IP, 15ER) and 23K in five spring starts before being his scratched from his final spring start due to injury.

VS. SAN DIEGO/INTERLEAGUE: Will make his first career start vs. the Padres…will mark his first career start vs. an NL West opponent.

Made his first and only career appearance vs. an NL West club on 9/14/16 vs. Los Angeles-NL at Yankee Stadium…tossed 2.0 scoreless innings in relief (1H, 1K).

Went 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA (19.0IP, 17H, 6ER, 4BB, 20K, 4HR) in four starts against NL opponents in 2022, with the Yankees going 4-0 in those games.

In 16 career appearances (14 starts) vs. NL teams, is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (85.1IP, 63H, 21R/17ER, 21BB, 103K, 9HR, 1HP, 4WP)…has recorded at least 6.0IP with at least 8K in seven of his 14 career Interleague starts…has allowed 3R-or-fewer in 12 of his 14 starts.

The Yankees are 12-2 all-time in Interleague games that he has started.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE: Will make his first home start of the season today…is 27-14 with a 3.46 ERA (317.1IP, 122ER) and 365K in 59 games (54 starts) in his career at Yankee Stadium…the Yankees are 34-9 in his home starts since the start of 2017…since 2018, has gone 15-3 with a 2.71 ERA (152.2IP, 46ER) and 186K in 27 home starts, with the Yankees going 23-4 in those games.

In 10 home starts in 2022, went 4-1 with a 3.14 ERA (51.2IP, 18ER) and 63K…allowed 3R-or-fewer in eight of the 10 starts, 2R-or-fewer in six of the starts and 1R-or-fewer in five of those starts.

Including the postseason, is 19-5 with a 3.06 ERA (194.1IP, 66ER) and 238K in his last 36 starts at home (31 regular season and five postseason), dating back to 9/3/17…has allowed more than 2R just 12 times in that stretch…the Yankees are 30-6 in those starts.

His 1.11 HR/9.0IP ratio (31HR/251.2IP) at Yankee Stadium is the lowest by a current Yankees pitcher since 2017 (min. 100.0IP).

START ME UP: The Yankees are 60-26 in his 86 starts since 2017…has allowed 1ER-or-fewer in 41-of-86 starts (47.7%) since the beginning of 2017.

From 7/8/17-7/12/18, the Yankees went 31-4 in his 35 starts, the first time the Yankees won at least 31 games in a pitcher’s 35-start span since going 31-4 over 35 Ron Guidry starts from 8/10/77-8/15/78

MLB Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (27-25) at Minnesota Twins (26-25)

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MLB Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (27-25) at Minnesota Twins (26-25)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS NOTES:

THE LATEST: The Blue Jays took the premier of three games in Minnesota with a 3-1 win last night…Improved to 10-7 in series openers…Are now 9-2 against AL Central opponents. Toronto has won two of its last four games but is 3-9 across its last 12 contests…Has been outhit in just four of those 12 games…Can end its skid of three consecutive series losses with a win today.

KEVIN!: Kevin Kiermaier sparked Toronto’s offense last night with a two-out, solo home run in the 3rd inning… Marked his 4th longball of the campaign and was also the 800th hit of his career…Later notched his 3rd triple of the season, marking his 4th game this season with multiple extra-base hits, one shy of the AL leaders (five players)…Now has 16 extra-base hits for the year, eclipsing his total from 2022 (15) in 21 fewer games. The center fielder has reached base safely in all but one of his 19 games played this month…His .368 (25- for-68) average for the month of May is 3rd best among qualified AL hitters…His 40 hits while batting 9th are the most in the Majors (2nd: three players – 25).

KKKKKKKKEVIN!: Kevin Gausman claimed his 1st career win vs. Minnesota with 5.1 innings of one-run ball last night… Allowed four hits and a season-high five walks while striking out eight batters…Has racked up an AL-high 89 strikeouts (2nd: Shohei Ohtani – 80), which is also the most ever by a Blue Jay in his first 11 games of a season (2nd: Robbie Ray – 82 in 2021)… Is now 3rd in the AL in innings pitched (68.1) and 10th in ERA (3.03).

BO-ING THE DISTANCE: Bo Bichette tacked on two runs in the 3rd inning with a two-run homer to straightaway center…Was his team-leading 10th longball of the season…Also singled as part of a 2-for-4 night…His 21 multi-hit games lead all AL hitters (2nd: Marcus Semien – 18) and are tied with Freddie Freeman (21) for the MLB lead. The 25-year-old has extended his hitting streak to six games, going 12-for-27 (.444) with two extra-base hits and three RBI over that stretch…Leads all MLB hitters with 73 hits and leads the AL with 114 total bases (2nd: Luis Robert Jr. – 102)…His .326 batting average is currently 2nd in the junior circuit (1st: Yandy Díaz – .333)…Now has 85 hard-hit (95+ MPH) balls this season, trailing only teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (89) for the AL lead.

SPRINGER HAS SPRUNG: George Springer doubled in the 1st inning and again in the 3rd last night…Finished 2-for-4 with a run scored… Marked his 12th multi-hit effort of the season and his 2nd game with two extra-base hits, both coming on this road trip (triple and home run on May 23 at TB). The right fielder has reached base multiple times in six of his last seven starts (13-for-29, 4BB)…Has gone 25-for-80 (.313) with three doubles, a triple, four home runs, 12 RBI, and an 11BB/11K ratio during his last 21 contests (.921 OPS)…Has raised his season batting average by 39 points since May 2nd (from .216 to .255).

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: The Blue Jays are on a seven-day, seven-game road trip (2-3 so far)…Own a 14-16 road record this season for a .467 win% (9th in the AL)…After this weekend series in Minnesota, will have Monday off before playing a brief three-game homestand against the Brewers (27-24). Blue Jays hitters lead the Majors with 287 road hits (2nd: NYM – 257)…Rank 2nd in the AL in road AVG (.268), 2nd in road SLG (.439), 2nd in road OPS (.771) and 3rd in road OBP (.331)…The pitching staff ranks 12th in the AL in road ERA (4.56), 13th in road opponents’ batting average (.261), and 14th in road WHIP (1.39).

GO WHIT IT: Whit Merrifield picked up a pair of singles in a 2-for-4 evening…Marked his 11th multi-hit game of the season and the 3rd of his last four starts…Is now batting .291 for the season, 13th among AL hitters and currently his best since hitting .302 during his 2019 All- Star campaign.

RELIEF WORKERS: Toronto’s bullpen combined for 3.2 scoreless innings last night, as Erik Swanson (1.0), Tim Mayza (0.2), and Nate Pearson (1.0) all earned holds before Jordan Romano claimed his 11th save of the year (T-4th in the AL)…Mayza and Swanson joined Yimi García for the team lead in appearances this season (24), all tied for 3rd most among AL pitchers.

HITTING IT: The Blue Jays have notched 482 hits this season, trailing only Tampa Bay (486) for the most in MLB… Are currently 3rd in the AL in team AVG (.265), 4th in OBP (.332), 4th in OPS (.752), and 6th in SLG (.420). The Blue Jays are one of two AL teams who have scored in every game this season (also: LAA)…Have gone 70 straight games without being shut out, the 2nd-longest active streak in the Majors (LAA – 93G).

QUITE A STRETCH: The Blue Jays are in the midst of playing 17 games in 17 days, their most consecutive days with scheduled games this season…Have gone 6-9 so far…Their opponents over this 17-game stretch (ATL, NYY, BAL, TB, MIN) have a combined record of 158-101 (.610).

VS. THE TWINS: All-Time: 231-180
2023: 1-0 Road: 112-98
Road: 1-0 Target Field: 28-16
The Blue Jays went 3-4 against the Twins last season, including a split of the four games in Minnesota…Their all-time .562 win% vs. the Twins is their best vs. any AL opponent (2nd: .542 vs. BAL)…Have gone 28-16 at Target Field for a .636 win%, 2nd best among AL clubs to New York’s .651 (28-15).

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had hits in all seven games against the Twins last season, going 10-for-30 (.333) with a double, four home runs, and eight RBI (.767 SLG)…In 17 career meetings, has hit .254 (17-for-67) with two doubles, five homers, 10 RBI, and seven walks for an .832 OPS.

Bo Bichette also recorded 10 hits vs. Minnesota last year, going 10-for-31 (.323) with four doubles, two home runs, and five RBI (.989 OPS)…Is now a career 20-for-64 (.313) with five doubles, four homers, and 11 RBI over 15 games (.901 OPS).

Whit Merrifield leads all current Blue Jays with 105 career games played against his former division rivals…Has batted .299 (129-for-431) with 34 doubles, three triples, five home runs, and 47 RBI along the way (.774 OPS).

STARTING PITCHER – Chris Bassitt, RHP #40
TODAY’S GAME: Making his 11th start of the season and his 6th on the road…Allowed 6 runs (2 earned) across 6.1 frames of work his last time out, on 5/22 at TB…Had his career-best scoreless innings streak ended at 28.0…Marked the 2nd-longest single-season streak in franchise history (Roger Clemens: 33.0 IP from 8/15-9/5/98), and the 3rd-longest overall (Dave Stieb: 34.0 IP from 9/13/88-4/5/89). Ranks 3rd in the AL with a .186 opponent average this year…Has held opposing RHH to a .154 AVG, the 2nd-lowest mark in the Majors. Over his last 9 starts, has gone 5-2 with a 1.83 ERA (12 ER/59.0 IP) and a 0.93 WHIP.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS: Tossed 7.0 shutout innings on 5/17 vs. NYY, giving up 3 hits, a walk, and a hit batter with 7 strikeouts…Became just the 4th non-opener in Blue Jays history to throw 3 consecutive scoreless starts in a single season, joining Roger Clemens (1998), Al Leiter (1995), and Dave Stieb (1988). Threw a complete game shutout on 5/12 vs. ATL, the 2nd CG SO of his career (also: 5/27/21 vs. LAA), and the 1st nine-inning complete game shutout by a Blue Jay since Mark Buehrle on 6/3/15 at WAS…Scattered 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 hit batters while striking out a season-high 8 on 103 pitches (70 strikes). Improved to 4-2 on the year on 5/5 at PIT…Threw a then season-high 7.0 shutout innings, scattering 4 hits and 4 walks with 5 strikeouts. Logged 6.1 innings of work on 4/24 vs. CWS, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits, while walking 3 and recording 4 strikeouts…Left the game in the 7th with right lower back tightness…Was his 4th straight quality start, going 3-1 with a 2.19 ERA (6 ER/24.2 IP) over that span. Picked up his 2nd win of the year on 4/18 at HOU, throwing 6.1 innings of shutout ball with 3 hits, a walk, and 5 strikeouts…Marked his 3rd straight quality start, and his 1st scoreless outing of the season. Earned his 1st win as a Blue Jay on 4/7 at LAA, allowing 3R/2ER on 2 hits and 5 walks over 6.0 frames with 5 strikeouts. Took the loss in his Toronto debut on 4/2 at STL, giving up career highs in runs (9) and homers (4) over 3.1 innings (10H, 0BB, 0K).

MINNESOTA TWINS NOTES:

THE TWINS: Have gone 1-3 through four games on their current six-game, seven-day home- stand, going 1-2 against the Giants earlier this week, followed by a loss to the Blue Jays last night…today, Minnesota will continue the homestand/series with game two of the three-game series…after tomorrow afternoon’s finale, the Twins will travel to Houston for a quick three-game series/road trip against the Astros from Monday-Wednesday…the Twins have gone 15-11 at Target Field and 11-14 on the road…Twins have a run differential of +28 (126-98) at home and +15 (105-90) on the road.

OFFENSE QUIET AGAIN ON A FRIDAY NIGHT: The Twins lost to the Blue Jays last night at Target Field by a score of 3-1…Louie Varland (2-1) was the starter and loser, allowing three runs on seven hits in 6.0 innings pitched, with no walks and three strikeouts…all three runs allowed came in the third inning on three-consecutive extra-base hits from Kevin Kiermaier (home run), George Springer (double) and Bo Bichette (home run)…Emilio Pagán pitched 2.0 scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts…the offense recorded five hits and walked a season-high nine times…Kyle Garlick drove in the club’s only run with a sixth inning double.

Last night marked the first time the Twins lost while drawing nine-plus walks in a game sine September 14, 2020 at Chicago-AL, losing 3-1…they have lost just five games since 2010 when drawing at least nine walks.

BLUE JAY WAY: The Twins and Blue Jays are playing each other for the second of six times this season…the Twins will play three games in Toronto from June 9-11…the Twins have won the season series over Toronto four-straight seasons (4-3 in 2017, 4-2 in 2018, 4-3 in 2019 and 4-3 in 2022).

The Twins have gone just 33-50 vs. the Jays since 2010…from 2010-16 they were 14-34, but have gone 19-16 since 2017.

Byron Buxton began his career hitting .329 (28-for-85) with a 1.093 OPS in his first 22 games against the Jays, but has since gone 1-for-16 (.063) with a .336 OPS in his last five games.

Carlos Correa is hitting .311 (28-for-90) with four doubles, six home runs, 19 RBI and a .948 OPS in 23 career regular season games vs. the Jays…has reached safely in eight straight vs. Toronto.

SLAP THE BASS-ITT, BIG TIME: Individual lifetime numbers vs. Toronto starter Chris Bassitt: Carlos Correa is 4-for-13 (.308) with one double, four walks and a .500 on-base percentage… Joey Gallo is 4-for-11 (.364) with two home runs, two walks and a 1.000 slugging percentage.

Twins have never dealt Bassitt a loss (1-0) in six career games (3 starts).

CALL TO ARMS: Twins pitchers have posted a 3.39 ERA (459.0 IP, 173 ER) with 155 walks, 506 strikeouts, a .225 opponent batting average and a .656 OPS…they lead baseball in strikeouts and opponent batting average, and rank second in ERA and opponent OPS.

The staff combined to strike out six batters last night, snapping a franchise-record six-straight games with double-digit strikeout totals…since the streak started on May 19, they have 74 strikeouts (10.9 K/9.0 IP) in seven games.

The Twins pitchers have 221 strikeouts this month, sixth-most for May in club history with their most being 260 in 2019…their record for any month is 274, done in April.

SUPER STARTERS: Twins starters have averaged 5.6 innings-per-outing, up from 4.8 in 2022… below are Twins starting pitching ranks in all of baseball:

INNINGS ERA BAA WHIFF% FIP WHIP K’s OPS
TOR – 295.1 TB – 2.89 TB – .218 HOU – 30.1 TB – 3.33 SEA – 1.16 MIN – 317 TB – .619
CWS – 291.0 TEX – 3.20 MIN – .228 ATL – 29.3 MIN – 3.34 HOU – 1.17 CWS – 296 SEA – .648
TEX – 289.1 MIN – 3.24 SEA – .234 MIN – 27.9 SEA – 3.47 MIN – 1.18 TOR – 292 MIN – .654
SEA – 288.1 HOU – 3.29 TEX – .235 LAA – 27.6 ATL – 3.70 TEX – 1.20 HOU – 290 TEX – .670
MIN – 286.1 ATL – 3.43 NYY – .239 CIN – 27.5 HOU – 3.70 TB – 1.21 ATL – 285 ATL – .697

DON’T STOP RELIEVIN’: The Twins bullpen has posted a 1.71 ERA (21.0 IP, 4 ER) with seven walks, 35 strikeouts and a .213 opponent batting average in their last six games…they struck out a season-high 10 batters on Wednesday afternoon vs. San Francisco, their most in a nine-inning game since fanning 11 on October 2, 2021 at Kansas City.

The ‘pen has the fourth-lowest home run-per-9.0 IP ratio in baseball at 0.78…they also rank fourth in opponent batting average (.221) and sixth in opponent OPS (.658).

On Wednesday afternoon, Jhoan Duran threw three pitches at 104-plus mph, hitting 104.6 (foul ball by Wilmer Flores), 104.4 (foul ball by Flores) and 104.0 (swinging strike by Casey Schmitt)…they marked the fastest pitches by a Twin in the Statcast Era (since 2015)…to the right are the pitchers to reach 104+ in the pitch-tracking era.

TOO CLOSE: The Twins have played 14 one-run games this season, going 4-10 in such in- stances, tied for the fourth-most losses in baseball…they have played 36 games within two runs, going 21-15 in those games, eighth-most wins in baseball…they have played 25 games within three runs, going 14-11 in those.

Of the Twins’ 26 wins, eight have been by more than four runs and 18 have been by four runs-or-fewer.

C4, IGNITING: Carlos Correa went 1-for-3 with two walks last night and has now reached safely in each of his last 13 games, hitting .292 (14-for-48) in that span, with a .424 on-base percentage (14 hits & 11 walks), six doubles, one home run, nine RBI and a .903 OPS…Correa’s current streak is his longest since reaching in 20-straight from September 13-October, 2022… his career-long is 27, from June 10-July 15, 2017 with Houston.

Correa has drawn eight walks in his last five games and 11 walks in his last 13 games, since May 10…since that date, his 11 walks are tied for fifth-most in the AL.

He has reached base multiple times five times in his last seven home games, hitting .357 (10-for-28) with a 1.080 OPS in that stretch.

LEARNING TO WALK AGAIN: The Twins have walked 181 times this season, tied with Tampa Bay for second most in the AL, trailing Baltimore (198)…additionally, they have seen 3.93 pitches-per-plate appearances, second most in the AL, trailing Seattle (3.94).

This month, they have drawn and AL-most 92 walks…Byrxon Buxton has drawn 15 of those, sixth most in the AL in May.

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS, LA MAKINA!: Former Twin and current Jays pitcher José Berríos is celebrating his 29th birthday today…he shares a birthday with White Sox infielder Yoán Moncada (28), Hall of Famers Frank Thomas (55) and Jeff Bagwell (55), actor Jack McBrayer (50) and musician/actor Andre 3000 (48).

ICYMI: Former Twins first baseman/outfielder Charles “Cotton” Nash passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80…he played a total of 10 games for the Twins from 1969-70, going 3-for-13 with two RBI and three walks.

STARTING PITCHER – PABLO LóPEZ 49
2023: 2-3, 3.90 ERA CAREER: 30-34, 3.93 ERA

Making his 11th start and appearance and fifth home start of 2023 in his sixth major league season (Miami – 2018-22)…also his 105th career appearance (all starts).

Facing Toronto for the second time in his career; took a no-decision with Miami on September 2, 2021 in his only previous start vs. the Blue Jays (4.0 IP, 2 R/ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 K).

Acquired by the Twins from Miami on January 20, 2023, along with infielder Jose Salas and outfielder Byron Chourio, in exchange for infielder/outfielder Luis Arraez

LAST TIME OUT: Took the loss despite recording a quality start against the Los Angeles Angels on May 21 at Angel Stadium, a 4-2 Twins loss…faced right-hander Shohei Ohtani, who did not factor into the decision…went 6.0 innings, allowed two runs on five hits, with three walks and nine strikeouts… allowed a sacrifice fly to infielder Gio Urshela in the bottom of the fourth inning…recorded inning-ending strikeouts with two runners on base in both the first and fifth innings to hold the Angels scoreless in those frames…walked pinch hitter Matt Thaiss to start the bottom of the seventh and was relieved by Jorge López, who allowed two runs to score in the inning…Twins dropped the finale to lose the three-game series two games to one.

Struck out nine batters, his second-highest total of the season (10 on April 11 vs. Chicago-AL).

Through 10 starts this season, López is among the American League leaders in several statistical categories, including strikeouts (75 – T-3rd), FIP (3.59 – 14th), WAR (1.3 – 14th) and WHIP (1.10 – 14th).

TWO STARTS AGO: Took a no-decision in the Twins 9-8 defeat in 12 innings vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 15 at Dodger Stadium, opposite Noah Syndergaard; marked his third-straight no-decision… pitched 4.2 innings, allowing five earned runs on five hits, with no walks and four strikeouts…allowed a career-high-tying three home runs, a two-run shot by catcher Will Smith in the first inning and two homers from infielder Max Muncy (solo homer in the first inning, two-run homer in the third)… was relieved by Brock Stewart with two outs in the fifth inning and the Twins trailing 5-2; marked his second-shortest start of 2023 (4.0 innings pitched vs. Washington on April 22)…Twins fell in the 12th inning when Jorge López issued a bases-loaded walk to designated hitter Trayce Thompson.

LÓPEZ VS. TORONTO: Facing the Blue Jays for the second time in his career and first time since June 2, 2021 with Miami…took a no-decision after pitching 4.0 innings and allowing two runs on five hits, with one walk and nine strikeouts…his nine strikeouts tied three other starts for his highest total during the 2021 season despite throwing only 4.0 innings, tied for his fourth-shortest start that year; marks the only outing in Marlins history (since 1993) where a pitcher recorded nine-or-more strikeouts while going 4.0-or-fewer innings…the game was played at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, NY, Toronto’s home stadium for the portions of the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

In nine career starts vs. American League East opponents, López has gone 2-4, 3.06 ERA (50.0 IP, 17 ER) with eight walks and 56 strikeouts…is 0-4, 4.09 ERA (33.0 IP, 15 ER) in his last six starts against the AL East, with his teams going 0-6 in those games…seeking his first victory vs. an AL East team since he won at Baltimore on August 4, 2020 with Miami (5.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 7 K).

SATURDAY TARGET RUN: Today is López’s fifth home start of the year…Minnesota has won three of his four home starts, with López going 1-1, 5.25 ERA (24.0 IP, 14 ER) with eight walks and 31 strikeouts… in his six road starts this season, López has gone 1-2, 3.00 ERA (36.0 IP, 12 ER) with nine walks and 44 strikeouts, with the Twins going 2-4 those six games…over his career, López is 15-16, 3.59 ERA (308.0 IP, 123 ER) with 87 walks and 299 strikeouts in 54 home starts…in 50 road starts, he is 15-18, 4.33 ERA (262.0 IP, 126 ER) with 72 walks and 265 strikeouts.

Looking for his first home win since defeating Kansas City on April 28 at Target Field (6.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R/ER, 1 BB, 7 K).

LEFT/RIGHT: López has limited right-handed hitters to a .214 (28-for-131) batting average this season…left-handed hitters are batting at a .236 (21-for-89) clip…his 48 strikeouts against righties are tied for the fifth most in the American League with teammate Sonny Gray…overall, opposing hitters are batting .223 (49-for-220) vs. López this year, the 14th-lowest opponent batting average among qualified American League pitchers…over his career, he has better numbers against right-handed hitters (.660 OPS) than left-handed hitters (.744 OPS).

PITCH BREAKDOWN: Used a five-pitch mix in his first 10 starts this season, according to Baseball Savant…has exclusively used his sinker against right-handed hitters, favoring his changeup and curveball when facing left-handed hitters…recorded strikeouts with all five of his pitch types in his last start on May 21 at Los Angeles-AL (sweeper – 3, curveball – 3, four-seam fastball – 1, sinker – 1, changeup – 1)…here is a look at his 2023 arsenal:

PITCH (AVG. MPH) PCT. (# OF PITCHES, VS. RHB/LHB) RESULTS
4-Seam Fastball (95.0)……………..35.6% (335 pitches, 175/160)….. .269 (18-for-67), 3 2B, 5 HR, 23 K
Sweeper (83.9)…………………………21.7% (204 pitches, 181/23) .. .182 (8-for-44), 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 17 K
Changeup (88.4)………………………21.0% (198 pitches, 79/119) …… .107 (6-for-56), 1 2B, 1 HR, 22 K
Sinker (94.4) …………………………….12.0% (113 pitches, 113/0) ………….. .286 (8-for-28), 2 2B, 3 K
Curveball (81.7)………………………….9.7% (91 pitches, 13/78) ….. .360 (9-for-25), 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 K

Lopez’s changeup has accumulated a run value of -7 this year, tied with SF’s Logan Webb for the best run value on a changeup in baseball, according to Baseball Savant…threw changeups at 91.6 and 91.2 mph in his last start on May 21 at Los Angeles-AL, the third- and fourth-fastest changeups, respectively, that he has thrown in his career, per Statcast. Threw a 97.6 mph four-seam fastball to outfielder Mike Trout in the first inning of his last start, the second-fastest pitch of his career, according to Statcast…in his first 10 starts, López has an average fastball velocity of 94.8 mph, a 2.1 mph increase from last season and the largest year-to-year jump of his career.

CUTTING TO THE CHASE: López ranks in the 94th percentile in all of baseball with a 35.2 percent chase rate, his highest in any season of his career…ranks third among Twins pitchers in chase rate this season (Joe Ryan – 37.5, Griffin Jax – 35.3)…also owns a career-high 31.0 percent whiff rate this year…his 40.4 percent whiff rate on sweepers is tied for eighth in all of baseball (min. 25 plate appearances)…his 29.9 percent whiff rate on four-seam fastballs is fifth best on Minnesota’s staff (min. 25 plate appearances).

SHAKY STARTS, THEN SMOOTH SAILING: López allowed two hits in the first inning of his last start at Los Angeles-AL on May 21 but held the Angels scoreless; marked just the fourth time in his 10 starts this year that he allowed zero runs in the first inning…nine of López’s 26 runs allowed (34.6 percent) and 17 of his 49 hits allowed this season have come in the first inning…here are his numbers in the first inning compared to all other innings combined this season:

MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox (22-31) at Detroit Tigers (23-26)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox (22-31) at Detroit Tigers (23-26)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX NOTES:

WHITE SOX AT A GLANCE
The Chicago White Sox have won six of their last eight games, eight of 11, nine of 13 and 15 of 25 as they continue a seven-game trip this afternoon with the penultimate contests at Detroit.

RHP Jesse Scholtens, who allowed one earned run in 5.0 IP in his last appearance on Monday, is scheduled to start for Chicago.

The Sox are 3-2 on the trip after splitting the first two games at the Tigers and winning two of three from 5/22-24 at Cleveland.

Following tomorrow’s series finale at the Tigers, the White Sox will return to Guaranteed Rate Field for a six-game, seven-day homestand vs. the Angels (5/29-31) and Tigers (6/2-4).

The Sox are in fourth place in the AL Central, 3.0 games behind second-place Detroit and 5.0 behind first-place Minnesota.

The Sox went 6-3 on their last homestand from 5/12-21 vs. Houston (1-2), Cleveland (2-1) and Kansas City (3-0) and 3-4 on the last trip from 5/5-11 at Cincinnati (2-1) and the Royals (1-3).

TODAY’S STORYLINES
Chicago is trying to move within eight games of the .500 mark for the first time since 4/23 (7-15), and within 4.0 games of first place in the division for the first time since 4/22 (also -4.0 GB).

The White Sox are 15-10 over the last 25 games since 4/30 following a 7-21 start to the season … Sox pitchers own a MLB-best 2.45 ERA (36 ER/132.1 IP) in 14 games since 5/11.

Chicago starters own a 2.63 ERA (25 ER/85.2 IP) and .200 average with 74 strikeouts in the last 15 games (11 quality starts).

White Sox relievers own a 1.46 ERA (6 ER/37.0 IP), .146 (18- 123) opp. average and .442 OPS in the last 12 games … 10 of the games have been scoreless and four have been hitless.

The Sox are 8-2 and own a 73-30 edge in runs scored over the last 10 games at Comerica Park.

Andrew Benintendi has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games, going 16-48 (.333) with six doubles, a triple and four RBI.

LAST NIGHT’S RECAP
Chicago scored in six innings, including three frames with three runs, and recorded 17 hits in its 12-3 victory at Detroit.

The Sox took a 3-0 lead in the fi rst on Andrew Vaughn’s RBI double and Yasmani Grandal’s two-run single.

The White Sox added to the lead on Andrew Benintendi’s RBI triple in the second, Yoán Moncada’s RBI triple in the fifth and Vaughn’s two-run homer in the fi fth … they added three more runs in the eighth and one in the ninth to cap the scoring.

Lance Lynn improved to 4-5 after allowing three runs (one earned) on three hits with five walks and five strikeouts … three relievers combined to work 3.0 scoreless and hitless IP.

Tim Anderson matched a career high with four hits and led six Sox with multihit eff orts … Chicago’s three triples were its most since 9/9/17 vs. San Francisco.

THE TIMES ARE CHANGIN’
Chicago is 15-10 (.600) since 4/30, the best record among AL Central clubs and tied for the fifth-best in the AL.

The White Sox have made up 4.0 games on first-place Minnesota in the AL Central standings since 4/30 (-9.0 GB).

The Sox 3.59 ERA since 4/30 is the fifth-best in the majors.

A breakdown of the White Sox first 53 games this season:
W-L AVG R R/G HR OBP SLG OPS ERA IP QS ER HR SO
15-10 .257 121 4.8 28 .310 .413 .723 3.59 223.1 14 89 28 214
7-21 .227 106 3.8 26 .288 .367 .655 5.88 243.1 8 159 44 272

ROTATION SENSATION
White Sox starters own a 2.63 ERA (25 ER/85.2 IP), .200 opponents average and 74 strikeouts over the last 15 games since 5/11 … they lead MLB in opp. average and OPS (.605), rank second in ERA and fi fth in WHIP (1.11) during that span.

Starters have allowed three runs or less 12 times, two or less nine times and one or less six times … the rotation since 5/11:
W-L ERA WHIP QS IP H R ER HR BB SO SO/9.0 AVG OPS
8-4 2.63 1.11 11 85.2 61 29 25 7 34 74 7.7 .200 .605

REST WHEN YOU CAN
The Sox currently are in a stretch of 16 straight games without a day off and are 14-10 during the current stretch of 29 games in 30 days from 5/2-31 (only off days in May are 5/1 and 5/15).

The 29-game stretch includes 15 games at home, 14 on the road and 20 vs. the American League Central … the White Sox play six of seven series from 5/5-28 vs. teams below .500.

ELOY ON THE MEND
OF Eloy Jiménez is 1-8 (.125) with two RBI and three walks in three rehab games with Class AA Birmingham … he has been on the IL since 5/8 (retro to 5/7) due to an appendectomy on 5/6.

WHITE SOX VS. DETROIT TIGERS
The Sox and Tigers, who are separated by 3.0 games in the division, have split the first two games with 11 remaining in 2023.

The Sox are hitting .288/.316/.479 with two home runs, own a 4.24 ERA (8 ER/17.0 IP) with one quality start and have outscored the Tigers by a 14-margin this season.

The White Sox went 12-7 last season, going 5-5 at home and 7-2 on the road, and outscored the Tigers by a 100-59 margin.

Chicago is 46-22 since the start of the 2019 season and 34-16 since the start of the 2020 season vs. the Tigers … it has won 15 of the last 22 contests at Comerica Park, including eight of the last 10 following last year’s Opening Day loss in Detroit.

COMFORTS OF COMERICA
The White Sox have won eight of the last 10 games, 15 of 22 and 21 of 33 at Comerica Park … the Sox have outscored the Tigers by a 210-135 margin in the last 33 contests.

The Sox are hitting .301/.341/.477 with 12 homers and 73 runs scored (7.3 R/G) over the last 10 games at Detroit … they have recorded 10-plus hits seven times and scored 10-plus four times.

Chicago has not lost a series at Detroit since 9/20-21/21 (0-2).

CENTRAL DIVISION DYNAMICS
Chicago is 12-9 vs. the American League Central, including a 5-7 mark on the road … it currently is in a stretch of 13 straight games vs. the division (8-3 record).

Following this week’s trip, the Sox will play just three games vs. the AL Central (6/2-4 vs. Detroit) through the All-Star break.

The White Sox went 37-39 vs. the AL Central in 2022 (18-19 at home; 19-20 on the road) after going 69-47 from 2020-21.

PROVIDING RELIEF
The White Sox bullpen owns a 2.61 ERA (22 ER/76.0 IP) and .196 (54-275) opponents average with 71 strikeouts and just five home runs allowed over 24 games in May.

Sox relievers rank among the MLB May leaders in opp. average (2nd), opp. OPS (2nd, .588), WHIP (2nd, 1.11) and ERA (2nd).

By comparison, relievers recorded a 6.68 ERA, .290 average, .885 OPS and a 1.76 WHIP in the fi rst 29 games from 3/30-4/30.

Joe Kelly has retired 34 of the last 36 batters he has faced, including 16 by strikeout … he owns a 10.2 scoreless IP streak.

POSTING PUNCHOUTS
White Sox pitchers are tied with Atlanta and Houston for second in MLB with 486 strikeouts, trailing Minnesota (506).

Sox starters rank second in MLB with 296 strikeouts, 21 behind the Twins (317) … relievers rank fifth in the AL (190 SO).

LONGBALL LOGISTICS
The White Sox (Jake Burger; Luis Robert Jr.) are one of eight teams with multiple players to hit 10-plus home runs this season, joining Atlanta (five), Tampa Bay (four), the Angels (three), the Dodgers (two), Minnesota, (two), Yankees (two) and Texas (two).

The White Sox have homered in 18 of its last 25 games since 4/30 (28 total homers), and hit 31 in its last 28 games since 4/27.

The Sox have recorded nine multihomer eff orts and been held without a home run just eight times over the last 27 contests.

Chicago is 17-18 when homering, 7-7 when hitting multiple homers and 5-13 when going homerless this season.

LONGBALL LOGISTICS, PART II
Luis Robert Jr. (13) and Jake Burger (10) lead the White Sox in home runs this season.

Robert Jr. is tied for eighth in MLB with nine 400-plus foot homers in 2023 … Jorge Soler leads the majors with 14 … Robert Jr. is averaging 407 ft. and 107.2 mph on his 12 homers, including max values of 430 ft. on 5/9 at K.C., and 113.6 mph on 5/14 vs. Houston.

Robert Jr. has recorded 400-plus foot distances on 34 of his 49 career home runs … he leads the Sox since the start of 2020 with homer averages of 411 feet and 107.6 mph exit velocity (min. 10 home runs).

Burger ranks fourth in the AL with 11.20 at bats per homer this season (minimum 100 plate apps.) … he is averaging 405 feet on his 19 career
home runs, and 13 have traveled an estimated 400-plus feet.

HOORAY FOR MAY
Luis Robert Jr. is hitting .329/.402/.707 (27-82) with seven doubles, eight homers (averaging 427 ft. and 108.6 mph EV), 16 RBI, 21 runs scored, seven walks and a 1.109 OPS in May (23 G).

He ranks among AL May leaders in total bases (1st, 58), extra-base hits (1st, 15), home runs (T1st), runs scored (T1st), slugging percentage (3rd), OPS (3rd), hits (T7th), doubles (T7th), average (11th) and on-base percentage (13th).

The last White Sox to win American League Player of the Month honors was 1B José Abreu in August 2021 … Abreu also is the last Sox to hit 10-plus home runs in a month (11 in August 2020)

STARTER – #62 JESSE SCHOLTENS RHP
SCHOLTENS AT A GLANCE
Is scheduled to make his first major-league start (fourth appearance) today against Detroit.

Is the first rookie and seventh pitcher to start a game for the White Sox this this season.

Made his MLB debut on 4/7/23 at Pittsburgh, a day after his 29th birthday, allowing one run on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts over 3.0 IP in relief.

Signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on 12/20/22 … has his contract selected by Chicago on 4/7 … was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte on 4/13 and recalled on 5/22.

Was originally selected by San Diego in the ninth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Wright State University in Dayton, OH.

LAST TIME OUT
Suffered the loss in his last appearance on 5/22 at Cleveland … entered the game in the second inning for opener Jimmy Lambert … allowed one run on two hits with two walks and one strikeout over a career-high 5.0 IP.

Gabriel Arias score on a wild pitch in the second … retired 11 of his final 12 batters faced … exited in the seventh inning with the White Sox trailing, 1-0 … threw 67 pitches (40 strikes) … the Sox would go on to lose, 3-0.

2023 SEASON REVIEW
Has made three appearances for the White Sox this year, allowing three runs (two earned) over 8.0 IP (2.25 ERA) … has struck out five batters and walked four … is limiting opponents to a .214 (6-28) average.

Is 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA (17 ER/38.1 IP), .230 (32-139) opponents average, 42 strikeouts and 11 walks in seven starts with Class AAA Charlotte in 2023.

Pitched a season-high tying 6.0 scoreless IP on 5/3 at Gwinnett, surrendering three hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Has allowed no earned runs in two of his last three starts with the Knights … owns a 2.55 ERA (5 ER/17.2 IP), 12 strikeouts and four walks in that span.

VS. DETROIT TIGERS || A.L. CENTRAL
Is scheduled to make his first career appearance against the Tigers, his fourth team faced in his career.

Is 0-2 with a 1.80 ERA (1 ER/5.0 IP) in two appearances against the American League Central … is limiting opponents to a .188 (3-16) average with two walks and one strikeout and no home runs allowed.

DETROIT TIGERS NOTES:

TIGERS FALL TO THE WHITE SOX, 12-3: The Tigers lost to the White Sox, 12-3, on Friday night. Zach McKinstry reached base four times, drawing three walks for the second straight game and going 1×2 with a run scored. Akil Baddoo finished the game 1×3 with a RBI. Joey Wentz started for the Tigers and took the loss, giving up five runs on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 4.0 innings.

ZACH ATTACK: Zach McKinstry continued to excel in the leadoff spot last night, finishing the game 1×2 with a run scored and three walks. McKinstry has drawn three walks in consecutive games, the first Tigers player to do so since Robbie Grossman from April 1-3, 2021. Over his last six games, McKinstry has reached base safely 16 times. For the season, he has a .403 on-base percentage, which ranks fourth in the American League.

WHAT CAN BADDOO DO FOR YOU?: Akil Baddoo finished last night’s game 1×3 with a RBI and a walk. Baddoo has recorded at least one hit in nine of his last 15 games, over which he is hitting .325/.426/.525 with two doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI.

TAKE YOUR BASE: The Tigers continued to show patience at the plate last night, drawing seven walks. Over the last six games, Detroit has taken 44 free passes, which is the most in a six-game span since also drawing 44 walks from June 13- 18, 1995. After finishing last season with a 6.5% walk rate, the Tigers have increased their walk rate to 9.1% thus far in 2023, which ranks third in the American League.

GET SHORTY: Zack Short made the first pitching appearance of his professional career last night, allowing a run on three hits in the ninth inning. Short became the second Tigers position player to pitch this season, joining Zach McKinstry on April 8 vs. Boston.

TIGERS AND WHITE SOX: The Tigers and White Sox continue their 13-game season series this afternoon. Detroit went 7-12 against Chicago (AL) last season, including a 2-7 record at Comerica Park. The White Sox have won the season series over the Tigers in each of the last
four seasons.

AGAINST THE AL CENTRAL: The Tigers continue divisional play today against the White Sox. Detroit is 7-4 against American League Central teams so far this season, going 1-1 vs. Chicago (AL), 4-2 vs. Cleveland and 2-1 vs. Kansas City. The Tigers have finished below .500 against AL Central foes in each of the last five 162-game seasons, including a 34-42 record last season.

AT COMERICA PARK: The Tigers are 1-1 on their current seven-game homestand, which includes four games vs. Chicago (AL) (1-1) and three games vs. Texas (May 29-31). Detroit is 11-11 at Comerica Park this season. As a team, the Tigers are hitting .233/.311/.357, while the pitching staff has posted a 4.54 ERA (202.0IP/102ER).

INJURY REHAB UPDATE: Kerry Carpenter began an injury rehab assignment with Triple A Toledo last night, starting at designated hitter and going
0x3. Carpenter has been sidelined since April 29 with a right shoulder sprain.

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 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 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)
  • RHP Trey Wingenter (right biceps tendinitis, 15-day IL on April 22, retroactive to April 19)

TODAY’S TIGERS STARTING PITCHER – #21 Michael Lorenzen • 2-2, 4.08 ERA (39.2IP/18ER)

  • Lorenzen will make his eighth start of the season today against the White Sox.
  • Received a no decision in his last start on Monday at Kansas City, allowing five runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts in 5.2 innings.
  • Threw at least 6.0 innings and allowed one run-or-less in three consecutive starts from May 3 (Game 2)-May 16, the longest streak of his career…went 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA (20.0IP/2ER) and 11 strikeouts in that stretch.
  • Has faced the White Sox six times in his career, including three times as a starter, posting a 1-0 record with a 3.63 ERA (22.1IP/9ER) and 15 strikeouts…in five career outings, including four starts, at Comerica Park, he has a 3-0 record with a 3.04 ERA (23.2IP/8ER) and 16 strikeouts.
  • Started 18 games with the Angels in 2022 and went 8-6 with a 4.24 ERA (97.2IP/46ER) and 85 strikeouts…finished the season strong, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.36 ERA (26.2IP/7ER) and 30 strikeouts over five starts from September 9-October 4.

Yankees Roster Move

MLB Editor
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0
Yankees Roster Move

Prior to today’s game, the Yankees recalled LHP Matt Krook (#92) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Blue Bombers transactions

CFL Editor
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0
Blue Bombers transactions

WINNIPEG, MB., – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Transferred to retired list:
National running back Jonathan Rosery

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