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Red Sox place left-handed pitcher Richard Bleier on 15-day injured list

MLB Editor
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Red Sox place left-handed pitcher Richard Bleier on 15-day injured list

Club Recalls Left-Handed Pitcher Brennan Bernardino from Triple-A Worcester

BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox today placed left-handed pitcher Richard Bleier on the 15-Day Injured List due to left shoulder inflammation. To fill Bleier’s spot on the active Major League roster, the club recalled left-handed pitcher Brennan Bernardino from Triple-A Worcester.

Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom made the announcement.

Bleier, 36, appeared in yesterday’s game against the San Diego Padres and allowed one run over 1.1 innings. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 5.85 ERA (13 ER/20.0 IP) in 19 relief appearances this season. Acquired by Boston on January 30, 2023, he owns a 3.24 ERA (115 ER/319.2 IP) in 327 career appearances (two starts) with the New York Yankees (2016), Baltimore Orioles (2017-20), Miami Marlins (2020-22), and Boston Red Sox (2023).

Bernardino, 31, has made 11 appearances for Boston since being claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on April 16. He has posted a 3.65 ERA (5 ER/12.1 IP) with 10 strikeouts and three walks, including allowing zero earned runs in his first six outings (7.0 IP). The right-hander has pitched in two games for Worcester this season, most recently on May 18 when he threw 1.0 inning and allowed one run on two hits with two walks and one strikeout against Lehigh Valley.

MLB Preview: Oakland Athletics (10-38) at Seattle Mariners (22-24)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Oakland Athletics (10-38) at Seattle Mariners (22-24)

OAKLAND ATHLETICS NOTES:

ABOUT THE A’S: Were swept by Houston in a three-game series to start the road trip and have been swept seven times this year…have lost four straight, seven of the last eight and 12 of the last 14 games…are 4-15 (.211) in May after going 5-23 (.179) in April…are 10-38 (.208) overall, which is the worst record in the majors (Royals, 14-34/.292)…it is the worst record in Athletics history after 48 games and is tied for third worst by an AL, NL or FL team since 1901…it is the worst since the 1988 Orioles also started the year 10-38…the only AL or modern NL teams to have a winning percentage below .250 are the 1916 Philadelphia A’s (36-117, .235) and 1935 Boston Braves (38-115, .248)… are 1-14-0 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 four series.

OFFENSE: The A’s were shut out for the third time in the last 10 games yesterday and the seventh time this year, which is tied with the Mets for second most in the majors (Royals, 8)…are batting .207 (69-for-334) with 29 runs scored over the last 10 games (2.9 runs per game)…overall, have the fourth lowest OPS (.680), batting average (.227) and slugging percentage (.374) in the majors and the seventh lowest on-base percentage (.307)…have the second most strikeouts (452), the fourth fewest runs (176) and doubles (65) and are tied for the eighth fewest extra base hits (124)…are tied for the most sacrifice hits (11), tied for third in hit by pitches (27) and tied for fifth in intentional walks (7)…the seven intentional walks match the A’s season total from last year…A’s pinch hitters are tied for the most walks in the majors (8) and are tied for third in hits (10).

PITCHING: The A’s have compiled a 5.70 ERA (107 er in 169.0 ip) in May after posting a 7.97 ERA in April…have a 6.91 ERA for the season, which is the highest in the majors (Royals, 5.20)…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…the A’s have allowed 344 runs, which is an average of 7.2 per game…are on pace to allow 1161 runs and the modern Major League record is 1199 by the 1930 Phillies…also have the highest opponents OPS (.876), batting average (.283), on-base percentage (.377) and slugging percentage (.499) in the majors this year…lead the majors in most walks (236), hit batters (33) and wild pitches (27) and have the sixth fewest strikeouts (362).

THE LONG BALL: The A’s pitching staff did not allow a home run yesterday for the first time since April 25, snapping a streak of 23 consecutive games with one or more home runs…that was the longest streak in Athletics history (previous: 17, July 26-Aug. 14, 1964) and tied for fourth longest in Major League history…surrendered 38 home runs during the streak and have allowed 81 for the season, which is the most in the majors (White Sox, 69)…have allowed six grand slams, which are the most in the majors (three teams with 3) and tied for fifth most in a season in Athletics history (8 in 1993 and 1999, 7 in 1954 and 1997).

STARTING PITCHING: A’s starting pitchers are 0-9 with a 5.89 ERA (48 er in 73.1 ip) in the 14 games since recording their only two wins of the season on May 5 and 6 at Kansas City…are 2-25 with a 7.26 ERA for the season…the ERA is the highest in the majors (Reds, 6.14) and no other team has fewer than six wins from its starters…have the seventh fewest innings pitched (235.2)… went 0-16 over the first 32 games.

THE BULLPEN: The A’s bullpen has compiled a 2.96 ERA (8 er in 24.1 ip) over the last six games but has a 6.49 ERA overall, which is the highest in the majors (White Sox, 5.30)…has a streak of 14 consecutive games without a save or blown save and is 4-for-13 (30.8%) in save opportunities overall…has the lowest save percentage and fewest saves in the majors and the nine blown saves are tied for eighth most…has allowed 41-of-97 (42.3%) inherited runners to score, which is the sixth highest percentage…is tied for the second most inherited runners (Reds, 100)…has 187.1 innings pitched, which is fourth most.

ON THE BASES: The A’s stole five bases in the three-game series at Houston and are 47-for-58 (81.0%) in stolen bases for the season…rank third in the majors in stolen bases and attempts and 10th in stolen base percentage…the 47 steals are the most by an A’s team over the first 48 games since 1992 (54)…A’s opponents are 40-for-56 (71.4%) in stolen base attempts, which is the sixth lowest success rate in the majors…the 16 caught stealings are second most (Rockies, 18) but the A’s are tied for the sixth most stolen bases allowed…A’s pitchers have four pickoffs, which is tied for fifth most in the majors.

HOME AND AWAY: The A’s are 0-3 on this seven-game road trip to Houston (0-3) and Seattle (four games) and now have a seven-game road losing streak, which is the longest by an A’s team since April 14-May 1, 2019 when they also lost seven straight…went 2-4 on the last road trip to Kansas City (2-1) and New York-AL (0-3) and are 5-18 (.217) on the road, which is the worst road record in the majors (White Sox, 7-16/.304)…return home following the game Thursday for a six-game homestand against Houston (three games) and Atlanta (three games)…went 2-5 on the last homestand against Texas (1-3) and Arizona (1-2) and are 5-20 (.200) at home, which is the lowest home winning percentage in the majors (Royals, 6-17/.261)…have compiled a 5.99 ERA at home compared to 8.05 (170 er in 190.0 ip) on the road…are hitting .212 with 82 runs in 25 home games (3.3 runs per game) compared to .244 (190-for-780) with 94 runs in 23 road games (4.1 runs per game).

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 most wins in the majors when tied after seven innings and are tied for sixth in wins when trailing after seven innings…however, no other team has fewer than 11 wins when leading after seven innings…are 3-4 (.429) in extra inning games…are tied second in the majors in extra inning games (7) and losses and tied for fifth in wins…have four walk-off wins, which is tied for the most in the majors (Blue Jays, Red Sox)

RUN DIFFERENTIAL: Seven of the A’s 10 wins have been by one run and Oakland is 7-8 (.467) in one-run games…are tied for eighth in the majors in one-run losses, rank ninth in games (15) and tied for 10th in wins…however, have lost 10 games by eight or more runs and have a run differential of -168, which is the lowest in the majors (Royals, -71)…the lowest in Athletics history is -344 by the 1915 Philadelphia A’s and the lowest by an AL or NL team since 1901 is -349 by the 1932 Boston Red Sox.

NIGHT AND DAY: The A’s are 9-18 (.333) in night games and 1-20 (.048) during the day…are batting .258 (244-for-944) with 126 runs in 27 night games (4.7 runs per game), .183 (122-for-667) with 50 runs in 21 day games (2.4 runs per game)…have the lowest day batting average in the majors and the seventh best night batting average.

PLAYERS USED: The A’s have used 43 players, which is the most in the majors (Mets, 41)…employed a franchise record 64 players last year…28 of the 43 have been pitchers, which is also the most in the majors (Rays and Rockies, 25)…tied an Athletics record with 34 pitchers last year…12 of the 43 are rookies after using an Oakland-record 34 rookies last year…seven have made their Major League debuts…had 23 do that last year.

A’S VS. MARINERS

  • The A’s were swept in a three-game series in Oakland May 2-4 to open the season series.
  • Lost the season series last year for the second consecutive year and are 12-29 (.293) against the Mariners over the last three seasons.
  • Have lost 12 of the last 16 games in Seattle.
  • Have lost eight of the previous 10 season series and are 74-110 (.402) against the Mariners dating back to the start of the 2013 season, which is the A’s worst mark against any American League team over that span.

Year Home Road Totals
2023 0-3 0-0 0-3
2022 4-5 4-6 8-11
Oakland History: 378-334
at the Coliseum: 202-153
at T-Mobile Park: 99-114

TODAY’S TIDBITS
Ryan Noda leads Major League rookies in on-base percentage (.399) and walks (31)…Brent Rooker ranks sixth in the majors in slugging (.567), seventh in OPS (.958) and tied for 11th in home runs (11)…Esteury Ruiz leads ML rookies in hits (54), stolen bases (24), doubles (13) and hit by pitches (10), ranks third in batting (.286) and tied for fourth in RBI (22)…the 24 steals are the most by an Athletic over the club’s first 48 games since Rickey Henderson had 45 in 1982.

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER: Kyle Muller (1-3, 7.71 ERA)

FOR STARTERS: Is scheduled to make his 10th start of the season…his nine starts are tied for the most in the majors among rookies…also ranks fifth in innings pitched (42.0) and tied for eighth in strikeouts (30)…had just 11 career starts entering the season…was acquired from Atlanta in the three-team, nine-player trade on Dec. 12, 2022 that sent Sean Murphy to the Braves.

RANKINGS: Based on a minimum of 40.0 innings pitched, he has the highest ERA (7.71), opponents batting average (.349) and on-base percentage (.419) in the majors, the second highest OPS (.950) and ninth highest slugging percentage (.531)…has struck out 30 and walked 21 in 42.0 innings and has the fifth lowest strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.43)…ranks sixth in most runs allowed (36) and tied for seventh in most hits (61).

HOME AND AWAY: Is 0-1 with a 5.70 ERA (15 er in 23.2 ip) and .880 opponents OPS in five starts at home compared to 1-2 with a 10.31 ERA (21 er in 18.1 ip) and 1.041 OPS in four starts on the road.

EARLY AND LATE: Has a 4.67 ERA (14 er in 27.0 ip) over innings one through three and a 13.20 ERA (22 er in 15.0 ip) from the fourth inning on…has a .264 (19-for-72) opponents batting average and .799 OPS the first time through the order, .309 (21-for-68) with an .868 OPS the second time and .600 (21- for-35) with a 1.399 OPS after that.

BY MONTH: Had a no decision in his one start in March and allowed one run in 5.0 innings for a 1.80 ERA and .485 OPS…then went 0-2 with a 7.23 ERA and .976 OPS in five starts in April…is currently 1-1 with a 10.80 ERA (16 er in 13.1 ip) and 1.047 OPS in three starts in May.

THIS AND THAT: Has tossed 4.0 innings in each of his last two starts and has tossed fewer than five innings in four of his nine starts…has pitched 5.2 innings or fewer in all nine starts this year and all 20 in his career…has struck out three batters or fewer in seven of his nine starts…has surrendered one home run in each of his last seven starts…the A’s are 3-6 in his starting assignments.

2023 DAY-BY-DAY: Was the A’s Opening Day starting pitcher and had a no decision in the A’s 2-1 win over Los Angeles (AL) on March 30 in Oakland… became the first rookie pitcher in Oakland history to make a start on Opening Day…prior to that, the last Athletic rookie to start an opener was Eddie Smith on April 19, 1937 for the Philadelphia A’s…had just 11 career starts entering the opener and the only Opening Day starting pitchers in Oakland history with fewer career starts entering the game are Sonny Gray (2014), Carlos Reyes (1996) and Vida Blue (1971), who all had 10 career starts… tossed a career-high tying 5.2 innings on April 5 against Cleveland…allowed a season-high six runs in a season-low 4.0 innings on April 11 at Baltimore but had his third straight no decision in the A’s 12-8 loss…was charged with his first loss of the season on April 17 against Chicago (NL) when he allowed a season-high tying six runs on a career-high 13 hits in a season-low tying 4.0 innings in a 10-1 loss…also logged a season-high 98 pitches…the hits were second most in Oakland history by a pitcher with 4.0 innings pitched or fewer (Adrian Martinez had 14 in 3.2 innings on Sept. 10, 2022 vs. Chicago-AL)…walked a season-high four batters on April 23 at Texas and lost his second consecutive start…left his start on April 29 against Cincinnati with a 2-1 lead but Familia allowed two runs in the ninth for the blown save in a 3-2 A’s loss…finished April with an 0-2 record, a 7.23 ERA and .976 opponents OPS in five starts…picked up his first win of the season in the A’s 12-8 victory at Kansas City on May 5, despite allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks in 5.1 innings…struck out a season-high six but allowed a season-high tying six runs in a season-low tying 4.0 innings in an 11-3 loss at New York (AL) on May 10.

LAST START: He had a no decision in the A’s 9-8 loss to Arizona last Tuesday in Oakland…allowed five runs on eight hits in a season-low tying 4.0 innings… allowed a two-run home run to Walker in the first but the A’s came back with single runs in the first, third and fourth to take a 3-2 lead…then allowed a two-run double to Rivera in the fifth and was relieved by Action with the A’s trailing 4-3.

SEATTLE MARINERS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S TILT…the Mariners open a 10-game homestand tonight with the first of 4 games Oakland Athletics…Seattle will also host Pittsburgh (May 26-28) and New York-AL (May 29-31) on the current homestand…Seattle is coming off an 11-day, 9-game road trip (4-5) to Detroit (2-1), Boston (1-2) and Atlanta (1-2)…tonight’s game will be televised live on ROOT SPORTS with Aaron Goldsmith and Ryan Rowland-Smith on the call…the game will also be broadcast live on Seattle Sports (710 AM) and Mariners.com with Rick Rizzs and Dave Sims.

ODDS AND ENDS…the Mariners fell to the Braves by a 3-2 score in yesterday’s rubber match in Atlanta… Seattle is 10-12 at T-Mobile Park and 12-12 on the road this season……Seattle is 17-8 when scoring 4+ runs in a game and 5-16 when scoring 3-or-fewer.

  • Getting Series – The Mariners own a 6-9 series record this season.
  • Bad Luck – Julio Rodríguez leads the Mariners with a 49.2% hard-hit rate this season, while batting .204 on the year…Julio holds a .262 expected batting average (xBA) according to Baseball Savant, .058 points above his actual batting average…the .058 point differential makes Julio the most-unlucky player in the Majors this season (min. 170 PA)…xBA is computed with the exit velocity and launch angle of each batted ball in relation to historical balls in play, plus actual outcomes of strikeouts, walks and hit-by-pitches.

VS. OAKLAND…the Mariners are 3-0 against the A’s this season after sweeping a 3-game set from May 2-4…the Mariners have held Oakland to 3 runs or fewer in each of their 3 matchups this season, while posting a +8 run differential across the 3 wins…AJ Pollock led the Mariners offense with a 1.694 OPS over the 3-game set in Oakland, going 3-for-8 with 1 double, 2 home runs, 2 RBI and 1 walk.

J.K. ROLLING…Jarred Kelenic hit his 9th home run of the season yesterday, going 1-for-4 with 1 run, 1 home run and 1 RBI…overall this season, he holds a 144 wRC+, ranking 5th among American League outfielders behind Aaron Judge-NYY (178), Brent Rooker-OAK (167), Randy Arozarena-TB (164) and Yordan Alvarez-HOU (162)…in 44 games this season, Kelenic is batting .286 (46×161) with 23 runs, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 9 home runs, 22 RBI, 6 stolen bases and 12 walks, getting on base at a .337 clip, slugging .540 with an .878 OPS…he leads the Mariners in extra-base hits (22), batting average, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases (87).

DEATH CABBY FOR CUTIE…Jose Caballero picked up his first career home run with a solo shot in the 8th inning of yesterday’s game…despite playing only 23 games this season, he has already compiled 0.9 fWAR, ranking T3rd-best among American League second basemen behind only Marcus Semien-TEX (2.4) and Taylor Walls-TB (1.5)…overall this season, Cabby is batting .278 (15×54) with 10 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 home run, 7 RBI, 8 walks and 2 hit-by-pitch, while reaching base at a .379 clip and slugging .389 with a .768 OPS…he also holds a 1.000 fielding percentage defensively, having not committed an error in 73 total chances.

THE PITCHING STAFF…the Mariners have the best pitching staff in the Major Leagues by fWAR (8.9), ranking ahead of 2nd-place Minnesota (7.9)…Seattle also leads the Majors in Fielding Independent Pitching (3.30), fewest walks (118), walks-per-9 innings (2.57), fewest home runs (33), home runs-per-9 innings (0.72), fewest barrels (73) and barrel per plate appearance (4.3%)…the pitching staff ranks 3rd in WHIP (1.18) and 2nd in strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.45) behind Houston (3.48)…Mariners starting pitchers are 2nd in the Majors in fWAR (6.1) trailing Minnesota (6.5)…Mariners relief pitchers rank 2nd in the Majors in fWAR (2.7) trailing Baltimore (3.3).

MAY HEAT…over his last 17 games dating back to May 3, Teoscar Hernández is batting .323 (21×65) with 8 runs, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 8 RBI, 5 walks and 1 stolen base, getting on base at a .366 clip, slugging .431 with an .799 OPS…during that span, Hernández has hit safely in 14 of 17 games, including 6 games with multiple hits…overall in the month of May, Teo leads Mariners batters in hits (21) and batting average (.304), ranking ahead of Ty France (20 H, .263 AVG) in both categories.

26-AND-UNDER…Seattle pitchers age 26-or-younger have compiled Major League-leading 5.7 FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement this season, leading by a wide margin over Houston (3.8), Atlanta (3.0), Los Angeles-NL (2.9) and Cincinnati (2.9)…the Mariners starting rotation boast 3 of the top 5 pitchers age 26-or-younger in the Majors this season: George Kirby (1.9) lead the pack, followed by Logan Gilbert (3rd, 1.7) and Bryce Miller (T5th, 1.2).

“STOP IT!”…the Mariners have the best defense in the American League by Outs Above Average (13) this season, ranking ahead of Tampa Bay (11) in the AL and trailing only San Diego (17) for the Major League lead…third baseman Eugenio Suárez is the best defender in the American League by OAA (7) among all players, regardless of position…Julio Rodríguez (3) ranks in the top-10 among American League outfielders…Seattle’s .990 fielding percentage is tied for 4th-highest in the Majors (also: Houston & Arizona), trailing San Diego (.993), Tampa Bay (.991) and New York-NL (.991).

BIG DUMPER…Cal Raleigh has been one of the best catchers in the American League this season, posting a .783 OPS in 39 games…he’s batting .233 (31×133) with 23 runs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 home runs, 22 RBI and 18 walks, getting on base at a .325 clip with a .459 slugging percentage…since the start of last season, Cal’s 34 home runs lead Major League catchers…on May 15 at Boston, Raleigh became the first catcher in the 112-year history of Fenway Park to homer from both sides of the plate in a game.

THE HOMESTAND…the Mariners begin a 10-game homestand today with 4 consecutive Value Games against the Oakland Athletics (May 22-25), including AANHPI Heritage Night on Tuesday, May 23… Seattle then welcomes the Pittsburgh Pirates for 3 games (May 26-28), featuring Sing-Along Fireworks Night on Friday, May 26, J.P. Crawford POP! Collectible Night on Saturday, May 27 and Little League Day on Sunday, May 28…the Mariners wrap up the homestand with 3 games against the New York Yankees from May 29-31…tickets for all upcoming games can be found at Mariners.com/Tickets.

AS YOU KNOW…Luis Castillo takes the mound for the Mariners today making his 10th start of the season, and…AS YOU MAY KNOW…Castillo’s last start was his 20th start with Seattle…Luis is 6-4 with a 3.23 ERA (42 ER, 117.0 IP) with 28 walks, 135 strikeouts and a .1.077 WHIP over his first 20 starts with Seattle, and…DID YOU KNOW?…Castillo’s 135 strikeouts over his first 20 starts with Seattle are 2nd-most in club history?…Castillo’s 135 strikeouts trail only Robbie Ray’s 136 strikeouts in his first 20 games, while ranking ahead of Félix Hernández (124), Michael Pineda (123) and George Kirby (109).

MARINERS STARTER – RHP LUIS CASTILLO
ABOUT CASTILLO…

  • The 30-year-old right-hander is set to make his 10th start of the season, 1st against the Athletics…he is also making his 158th Major League start and 4th career start against Oakland.
  • Has been named an All-Star in 2019 and 2022.
  • Originally signed as an international free agent by the San Francisco Giants on 12/23/11.
  • Made MLB debut on 6/23/17 vs. Washington (w/ Cincinnati)
  • Signed a 5-year contract extension with the Seattle Mariners on Sept. 24, 2022 after being acquired in a trade with Cincinnati on July 30, 2022.

LAST TIME OUT…L#2 in last start on 5/16 at Boston…allowed 6 hits, 7 runs (5 earned), 2 walks, and 3 home runs in 5.0 innings pitched while striking out 6.

FEELING RIGHT AT HOME…is set to make his 12th start at T-Mobile Park where he has a 4-1 record with a 2.00 ERA (14 ER, 67.1 IP) and has only given up 4 home runs and 11 walks while striking out 85 batters…Castillo’s 2.00 ERA is the lowest in franchise history among pitchers with at least 11 starts at T-Mobile Park ranking ahead of Chris Young (2.40).

STILL ROLLING…has only allowed 11 walks while striking out 58 batters in 9 starts this season…his 11 walks are tied for the 7th fewest in the American League with Kevin Gausman-TOR…his 52 strikeouts on the season ranks 15th in the American League…Castillo’s 5.27 strikeout-to-walk ratio ranks 7th in the American League behind Framber Valdez-HOU (6.00).

OFF TO A GOOD START…his 135 strikeouts through his first 20 Mariners starts are the 2nd most in Mariners history through a pitchers first 20 starts…he trails only Robbie Ray (136) and ranks ahead of Félix Hernández (124) and Michael Pineda (123).

MAKING THEM EARN IT…has only allowed 19 earned runs through 9 starts this season which is tied 10th in the American League…his 3.31 ERA (19 ER, 51.2 IP) ranks 16th in the American League behind Cristian Javier-HOU (3.25).

KEEPING THE BASES CLEAN…has only allowed 56 runners to reach base safely through 9 starts this season which is the 6th fewest in the American League, he also ranks among American League leaders in opponents average (14th, .219/43×196) and WHIP (11th, 1.045).

DOMINATE THE ZONE…had 38 strikeouts in 6 starts in March/April which is the second most strikeouts to start a season in his career…his career-high in strikeouts for March/April is 50 which he achieved in 7 games to start the 2019 season.

KEEPING THEM IN THE YARD…gave up his first home run of the season on 4/28, breaking a 5-game span of allowing no home runs…this was his longest span of games to start a season without giving up a home run in his career.

NEARLY PERFECT…carried a perfect game into the 7th inning in his start against Colorado on 4/16…earned his second win of the season after pitching 7.0 scoreless innings and allowing only 2 hits while striking out a season-high 9 batters…the last pitcher to throw a perfect game in the Majors was Félix Hernández on 8/15/12.

HOT START…did not allow a run in either of his first 2 starts to begin the season, becoming just the third Mariners pitcher to do that, joining Félix Hernández (2007) and James Paxton (2017).

PREVIOUSLY ON OPENING DAY…became just the 3rd Mariners starter to hold the opponent scoreless in an Opening Day start, joining Félix Hernández (2007, 2013 & 2018) and Randy Johnson (1995)…he is the first player in franchise history to toss 6.0+ scoreless innings while allowing 1-or-fewer hits on Opening Day…his game score of 76 was the highest of any Opening Day starter this season.

FOR OPENERS…made his 3rd career Opening Day start on 4/30 vs. CLE and his first with the Mariners, becoming the 18th different pitcher to start on Opening Day in franchise history.

THE STONE WAS ROLLING…began his start on 9/7/22 vs. Chicago-AL by striking out the first 7 batters he faced, setting a franchise record for most strikeouts to begin a start, passing Michael Pineda (5 on 7/9/11 at LAA)…the 7 strikeouts also tied the AL record for most strikeouts to begin a game (done 4x, last: Blake Snell-TB, 6/3/18 vs. SEA).

A PERFORMANCE FOR THE AGES…ND on 8/9/22 against New York-AL in his home debut after being acquired by the Mariners on 7/30/22…tossed 8.0
scoreless innings allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7 on 110 pitches, 72 for strikes…marked the 5th time in his career he has thrown 8.0+ innings, and just the 2nd time he has tossed 8.0+ scoreless innings (also: 9/21/18 at MIA)…induced 20 swings-and-misses, the third most he has induced in a game this season.

MAIDEN VOYAGE…struck out 8 in his first start with the Mariners on 8/3/22 at New York-AL…8 strikeouts are tied for the 3rd-most in a Mariners debut (also: Cliff Lee), trailing Andy Benes and Enrique Romo who struck out 9…Benes and Castillo both made their Mariners debuts on Aug. 3, after being acquired by the Mariners at the trade deadline.

NOW THAT’S QUALITY…recorded 8-consecutive quality starts from 6/28-8/15/22, a career-best streak (previous: 5, 2x (8/14-9/5/21 and 6/15-7/6/21 w/ CIN)…tossed a quality start in each of his first 3 starts with Seattle (8/3-8/15/22).

LA PIEDRA…tossed 7.0 innings and allowed 1 run in 3-consecutive starts from 7/3-7/14/22, striking out 22 batters over the 3 starts…3-consecutive starts of 7.0+ innings while allowing no more than 1 run was tied for the longest streak in the Majors with 7 other pitchers…marked the 1st time in his career he has tossed 7.0+ innings in 3-consecutive starts.

SEASON-HIGH PUNCHIES…struck out a season-high 11 batters on 6/28/22 at Chicago-NL over 6.0 scoreless innings (with CIN)…marked the 2nd-time he struck out 10+ in 2022, and the 14th time in his career…induced 23 swings-and-misses according to Baseball Savant, tied for the 6th-most he has induced in a game in his career (most: 26, 2x 7/15/19 and 8/5/19).

MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox (26-21) at Los Angeles Angels (25-23)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox (26-21) at Los Angeles Angels (25-23)

BOSTON RED SOX NOTES:

STATE OF THE SOX: The Red Sox have won 4 of their last 5 games, outscoring opponents 31-17 during that span. The Sox are 13-7 in their last 20 games, beginning 4/29…They went on an 8-game winning streak from 4/29-5/6 and a 4-game winning streak from 5/16-20. The Sox rank 9th in MLB in win % (26-21, .553)… Their record would rank no lower than 3rd in any other division, including 1st place in both the AL Central and NL Central.

AL WILD CARD STANDINGS
Rk. Team W-L Pct. GB

  1. Baltimore 31-16 .660 +3.5
  2. New York-AL 29-20 .592 +0.5
  3. Houston 27-19 .587 –
  • Boston 26-21 .553 -1.5
  • Toronto 25-22 .532 -2.5

SOX & ANGELS: Tonight will mark the 5th of 7 scheduled meetings between the Red Sox and Angels in 2023…BOS won their 4-game series at Fenway Park from 4/14-17 (3-1). The Sox are 6-2 in their last 8 games against the Halos and are 20-10 vs. LAA since the start of 2018. The Sox have won 3 of their last 4 series at Angel Stadium of Anaheim since the start of 2018, going 9-4 at the venue during that span.

BEST WESTERN: Since the start of 2022, the Red Sox are 30-10 against AL West opponents (5-2 this season). The Sox went 12-4 at AL West ballparks in 2022, outscoring opponents 67-44 in those games. Boston’s 2.54 ERA (40 ER/141.2 IP) in AL West ballparks since the start of 2022 is the lowest mark in MLB (min. 5 games).

TOUGH TEST: The Red Sox are tied for 1st in MLB in strength of schedule this season (also OAK and TOR). The Red Sox are 15-14 (.517) against teams with a .500 winning percentage or better…Their 15 wins are tied with NYY for 3rd most in MLB (TB-17, BAL-16). Each of the Sox’ next 2 opponents have a winning record: LAA (25-23) and ARI (27-20).

ROAD TRIPPING: Tonight continues the Sox’ 11-day, 9-game road trip at SD (2-1), LAA (3 G), and ARI (3 G). The trip is tied for the Sox’ longest of the season by days…It is their 2nd-longest trip of the season by games played (10 games in 11 days from 8/14-24 at WSH, NYY, and HOU).

SERIES BUSINESS: The Red Sox are 10-4-1 in series play, including 8-2-1 in their last 11 series and 5-1-1 in their last 6. In 2022, they did not win their 10th series until 6/17-19.

PITCHING IN: Red Sox pitchers have allowed 4 ER or fewer in each of their last 5 games, posting a 2.45 ERA and .171 opponent AVG in that span (44.0 IP, 12 ER, 27-for-158). In those 5 games, Sox relievers allowed only 3 ER (1.47 ERA) while holding opponents to a .113 AVG (7-for-62). Prior to yesterday’s game, Red Sox relievers tossed 6.0 consecutive hitless innings…They had allowed 0 hits to their previous 22 batters faced (0-for-19, 3 BB).

START ME UP: Red Sox starting pitchers have tossed at least 5.0 innings in 22 of their last 24 games, including 9 of their last 10. Sox starters posted a 3.62 ERA in the last 10 games (22 ER/54.2 IP), after entering that span with a 5.71 ERA.

RUNNIN’ RED SOX: The Red Sox lead MLB in SB% (88.2%, 30-for-34)…They went 3-for-3 in Saturday’s game. The Sox ranked 22nd in SB% in 2022 (72.2%, 52-for-72).

YESTERDAY’S NEWS: The Red Sox lost yesterday’s series finale in San Diego, 7-0…They snapped a 4-game winning streak, their 2nd longest of the season (8 games, 4/29-5/6). The Sox were held scoreless on 7 hits, all singles. It was just the 2nd time this season the Sox have not recorded an XBH and also the 2nd time they’ve been held scoreless (both happened last on 4/10 at TB).

TRENDING UP: After starting the season 5-8, the Red Sox are 21-13 (.618) in their last 34 games (since 4/14)…They own MLB’s 5th-best record in that time, behind BAL (.706, 24-10), TEX (.647, 22-12), HOU (.629, 21-12), and LAD (.647, 22-12). Since 4/14, the Sox rank 2nd in MLB in AVG (.282) and OBP (.347), and rank 3rd in OPS (.803) and hits (329).

SLUGGING SOX: The Red Sox lead MLB in doubles (105) rank 3rd in AVG (.268) and XBH (166), and rank 4th in OBP (.338), SLG (.445), OPS (.783), hits (433), and runs scored (258). The Red Sox have scored 5+ runs in 27 games, 5th most in MLB (TB-29, LAD-29, TEX-28, BAL-28). The Sox have recorded 10+ hits in 20 games, 5th most in MLB (TEX-25, TB-24, STL-22, LAA-21).

RED SOX OFFENSIVE RANKINGS
Stat MLB Rank
258 runs 4th
433 hits 4th
105 doubles 1st
166 XBH 3rd
20.3 SO% 5th
Stat MLB Rank
.268 AVG 3rd
.338 OBP 4th
.445 SLG 4th
.783 OPS 4th
111 wRC+ T-5th

SOX STRIKEOUTS: Red Sox batters have struck out 367 times, 2nd fewest in the AL and 5th fewest in MLB. The Sox struck out 10+ times in each of their 6 games vs. TB and ATL (11.2 SO/game) but have done so just 5 times in their other 41 games (7.3 SO/game).

DON’T START WITH US: Starting pitchers have completed at least 6.0 innings in just 9 starts against the Red Sox this season, fewest of any team in MLB. Starters have lasted fewer than 4.0 innings in 13 starts vs. BOS this season, most in MLB…No other team has more than 9 such starts against them. Starting pitchers are 15-17 with a 6.07 ERA vs. BOS.

SOX SPLITS: The Red Sox rank 2nd in MLB vs. RHP in AVG (.271), SLG (.456), OPS (.789), and OPS+ (118). Against LHP, the Sox rank 2nd in the AL in hits (134), XBH (53), BB (58), and TB (215). Right-handed starting pitchers have a 5.51 ERA vs. BOS; left-handed starters have a 7.36 ERA.
Left-handed starters have posted only 1 quality start in 17 games vs. the Red Sox this season…The Red Sox are 9-2 in their last 11 games vs. a left-handed starting pitcher.

ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD: The Red Sox’ outfielders lead MLB in AVG (.304), OBP (.375), OPS (.875), hits (168), doubles (48), XBH (69), and runs (102). In 2022, Sox outfielders batted .243 with a .301 OBP, .375 SLG, and .676 OPS.

YOUTH MOVEMENT: Red Sox players 27 or younger have combined to hit 37 of the team’s 58 HR (Devers-13, Casas-6, Verdugo-5, Wong-4, Duran-3, Chang-3, Valdez-3). Position players 27 or younger have posted 4.3 fWAR for the Red Sox, tied for 2nd most of any team (TB7.7)…Their 37 HR rank 3rd in MLB (CWS-40, TB-38).

HELP IS ON THE WAY: Garrett Whitlock tossed 4.2 scoreless innings in a rehab start yesterday for Triple-A Worcester against Lehigh Valley (4 H, BB, 4 SO, 79 pitches). Whitlock also started for the WooSox on Tuesday and allowed 1 R in 4.0 IP (5 H, 4 SO, 49 pitches).

TONIGHT’S STARTER: 89 TANNER HOUCK – RHP
W-L ERA G GS IP ER HR BB SO WHIP AVG
2023 3-3 5.48 8 8 42.2 26 5 15 38 1.31 .253
CAREER 12-12 3.58 61 28 188.2 75 13 67 202 1.17 .222

Has faced the Angels 3 times, once as a starter (4/14/23)…His lone outing at Angel Stadium of Anaheim was on 6/7/22 (W, 2.0 IP, 0 R). Retired the first 11 batters he faced on Monday vs. SEA, then allowed 4 runs in his final 1.1 IP (5.0 IP, 4 ER, BB, 5 SO, HR). Has thrown 5.0+ innings in 7 of his 8 starts, including each of his last 5. The Sox are 17-11 in his 28 career starts…Allowed 3 ER or fewer in 26 of those. Has allowed 0 HR to his last 268 RHH faced (last: José Abreu on 9/10/21)…He is the only pitcher to face 150+ RHH since the start of 2022 and allow 0 HR. Has an expected ERA of 3.98

LOS ANGELES ANGELS NOTES:

LEADING OFF: Today, the Angels play the fourth (2-1) of nine games on a homestand against the Minnesota Twins (2-1), Boston Red Sox (May 22-24) and Miami Marlins (May 26-28)…Halos went 3-4 on last road trip to Cleveland (1-2) and Baltimore (2-2)…LAA was 2-4 on last homestand against the Rangers (1-2) and Astros (1-2).

BARRIA ON THE BUMP: Today, Jaime Barria makes his first start for the Angels since Aug. 6, 2021 in Game 1 of a doubleheader at Seattle…He made 55 starts for the Angels between the 2018-21 seasons…This season from the bullpen, he has gone 1-1 with a 1.96 ERA (23 IP – 5 ER) and 21 strikeouts.

ESTÉVEZ ENDING: This season, Carlos Estévez is pitching to a 1.23 ERA (22 IP – 3 ER) and has converted all 12 of his save opportunities (the 12 saves are a new career high)…He is the first Angels pitcher to convert his first 12 save opportunities of a season since Ernesto Frieri in 2012 and is looking to become the first Halos closer to convert his first 13 save chances since Troy Percival had 16 straight successful save opportunities to begin the 2001 season.

LEAGUE LEADER: Shohei Ohtani, leads the Majors in opponent batting average (.142), and ranks third in strikeouts (80) and is fourth in WHIP (0.90).

VS. BOSTON: Today is the fifth (1-3) of seven matchups this season between the Angels and Red Sox…Halos lost three of four games at Fenway Park earlier this season from April 14-17; LAA lost first three games of series before winning the series finale on Patriots’ Day…Boston has won or tied the season series vs. Angels in each of the last four years.

PLAY FROM AHEAD: Halos have held leads in 39 of 48 games played this year.

THE MICK: Mickey Moniak has hits in all six of his starts for the Angels this season, including two leadoff homers and five total extra-base hits…He’s one of seven players in the Majors with multiple leadoff HR this year…On May 13 at Cleveland, became the first player in MLB history to make his season debut on his birthday and hit a leadoff home run.

RECENT ROSTER MOVES: Yesterday, the Angels reinstated LHP Aaron Loup from the injured list and selected the contracts of RHP Reyes Moronta (#52) and RHP Jacob Webb (#71)…In corresponding moves, the Angels optioned RHP Jimmy Herget, RHP Andrew Wantz and RHP Zack Weiss to Triple-A Salt Lake.

WALSH IS BACK: Saturday, the Angels reinstated INF Jared Walsh (headaches and insomnia) from the injured list after missing the first 46 games of the year…He played seven games on rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake and hit .440 (11/25) with nine runs scored, one double, one home run, six RBI, seven walks and a 1.176 OPS…In a corresponding roster move, OF Brett Phillips was designated for assignment.

LEAD ASSISTANT: Hunter Renfroe is tied for the American League lead with five outfield assists this season…Sine 2017, his 61 outfield assists lead the Majors (Starling Marte is second with 52 assists).

LATE COMEBACKS: Halos have three wins this season when trailing after eight innings, which matches the Angels total from each of the last two seasons…Last time LAA had more than three wins in a season when trailing after eight frames was 2017 (5).

SINGLE HANDED: Gio Urshela has hit 43 singles this year plus six extra-base hits (five doubles & one home run)…Urshela ranks second, behind Toronto’s Bo Bichette (45), for the American League lead in singles.

ALL OVER THE INFIELD: Gio Urshela is one of six players in the Majors to appear at all four infield positions this season…He has made 16 starts at first base, 16 starts at third base, eight at shortstop and one at second base.

DINGER DUO: Thursday at Baltimore was the 25th time that Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani homered in the same game…It’s the fourth highest total among duos in Angels history (club record is 48 games – Trout/ Pujols).

UNEARNED: Angels have allowed 26 unearned runs this season, which is the tied for the second-most in the Majors (Colorado has allowed 28 unearned runs)… Halos have committed 32 fielding errors this season, which is tied with Boston and Atlanta for the most in the Majors.

ON THE BOARD: Halos have not been shut out since Aug. 21, 2022 at Detroit…Current streak of 89 games without being shut out is the longest active streak in the Majors and fifth-longest streak in Angels history (fourth longest streak was 90 games in 1995).

‘PEN PALS: The Angels bullpen is pitching to a 3.60 ERA (175 IP – 70 ER) this season, which is the eighth-best ERA in the Majors.

NET-OW: Zack Neto has been hit by seven pitches this season, which is tied for fourth-most in the Majors… Since 1901, Neto’s seven HBP through his first 15 career games are the most in MLB…He also was the first player in Angels history to be hit a pitch in four consecutive games (April 18-21).

MARLINS ON DECK: Following the current series vs. Boston and an off day on Thursday, the Angels will conclude the homestand with a three-game series against the Miami Marlins…Last season, Halos won three of four games against Miami…LAA is 12-7 all-time vs. Miami (6-2 at Angel Stadium).

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER – RHP JAIME BARRIA
1-1, 1.96 ERA
Making first start for Angels since Aug. 6, 2021 (Game 1) at Seattle

  • TODAY’S GAME: Making 11th appearance (first start) of the season and fifth home appearance of the year…Is in sixth Major League season with Angels.
  • FROM THE ‘PEN: Has made 10 relief appearances this season, going 1-1 with a 1.96 ERA (23 IP – 5 ER) and 21 strikeouts.
  • BACK TO START: Today marks 57th career start and first since Aug. 6, 2021 in the first game of a doubleheader at Seattle…Totaled 55 starts for Angels between 2018-22 seasons…Since start of 2018 season, only Andrew Heaney (78), Shohei Ohtani (73) and Patrick Sandoval (65) have made more starts for Angels.
  • LONG RELIEF: Pitched 2+ innings in seven of 10 games this year and 3+ innings in three of 10 outings..The seven relief outings of 2+ innings rank tied for sixth most in the Majors this season…Since start of 2022 season, ranks third in Majors with 22 relief appearances of 2+ innings and is fifth in MLB with 97.2 IP as a reliever since 2022.
  • LAST TIME OUT: Worked 2.2 scoreless innings in last appearance on Wednesday at Baltimore, allowing two hits with one strikeout…Was first appearance since May 5.
  • HOT STRETCH: After allowing four earned runs in season debut on April 4 at Seattle (3.2 IP), has yielded just one earned run since across last nine appearances (19.1 IP)…His 0.47 ERA in that span (since April 8) ranks second in the Majors (min. 15 IP).
  • GOOD DAY: Has pitched to a 2.62 ERA (116.2 IP – 34 ER) in 34 career day games (15 starts), compared with a 4.52 ERA (286.2 IP – 144 ER) in night games (76 games, 41 starts).
  • CAREER HOME vs. ROAD: Has pitched to a 3.33 ERA (197.1 IP – 73 ER) in 54 career games (27 starts) at Angel Stadium, compared with a 4.59 ERA (206 IP – 105 ER) in 56 games (29 starts) on the road.
  • VS. BOSTON: In four career games (two starts) against the Red Sox, is 0-3 with a 4.73 ERA (13.1 IP – 7 ER) and eight strikeouts…Made one relief appearance vs. Boston earlier this year at Fenway Park on April 14 and worked 2.0 scoreless innings.
  • AT ANGEL STADIUM: In 54 career games (27 starts) at Angel Stadium, is 11-13 with a 3.33 ERA (197.1 IP – 73 ER)…This season, is 1-1 with a 1.00 ERA (9 IP – 1 ER) after four home games…As a starter, is 6-11 with a 3.85 ERA (131 IP – 56 ER) and 100 strikeouts in 27 starts at The Big A.

MLB Preview: Miami Marlins (24-23) at Colorado Rockies (19-28)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Miami Marlins (24-23) at Colorado Rockies (19-28)

MIAMI MARLINS NOTES:

MARLINS MINUTE
The Marlins today play the first of a four-game series at the Rockies. Continues a three-city, 10-game road trip that started with three at San Francisco where Miami took one of three and wraps up back in California with three games at Los Angeles (AL).

  • Miami is in a current stretch of 13 straight days with games until their next off day on Memorial Day (May 29).
  • Are looking to win their first series at Coors Field since 2018.

YESTERDAY’S RECAP
Miami dropped the series yesterday with a 7-5 loss at San Francisco. LHP Jesus Luzardo was charged with 6 earned runs over 5.0 innings, including 2 home runs. RF Jorge Soler led the Marlins offense all afternoon, going 4×5 with a home run and 3 RBI. C Nick Fortes hit a solo home run of his own, his first extra-base hit since April 1.

PODER SOLER
DH/OF Jorge Soler has hit safely in 12 of his last 15 games, including 5 multi-hit efforts. Has reached base in 14 of the contests since May 4. Has collected 7 home runs and 17 RBI and is slashing .323/.391/.677 with a 1.068 OPS in this span.

  • With yesterday’s home run, Soler has now homered in 7 of Luzardo’s 10 starts this season, including 2 multi-HR games. Owns a .500 batting avg. (20×40) in these starts with 9 HR and 21 RBI.
  • 8 of his 12 home runs this season have tied the game or given the Marlins the lead.
  • Recorded fourth career 4-hit game yesterday and first since Sept. 11, 2019 at Chicago-AL. Marked the third 4-hit effort by a Marlin this season (other, 2x by Luis Arraez, April 1 vs. NYM and April 11 at PHI).

AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH
On June 1, 2022, Miami and Colorado split a doubleheader that featured a combined 26 runs scored and 33 hits by the Marlins (14-1 W in G1, 13-12 L in G2). The high-scoring day marked the first time in club history that the Marlins scored 12 or more runs in both halves of a doubleheader. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Marlins became the first team to score at least 12 runs in both games of a DH since the Twins at Baltimore on 9/13/2008. The last team to do that and not win both games was St. Louis at Cincinnati on Sept. 7, 1993 (Cardinals lost the opener, 14–13, before winning the nightcap, 15–2).

IN THE RECORD BOOKS
RHP Edward Cabrera will make his second career start at Coors Field tonight. In his first appearance here in G1 of the DH on June 1, 2022, Cabrera worked a no-hitter into the sixth inning and finished the day with 6.0 scoreless innings with just 1 hit allowed. He became 1 of only 8 visiting pitchers in Coors Field history to allow 1 hit or less and hold the Rockies scoreless in an outing of at least 6.0 innings.

  • Cabrera, who walked 13 batters through his first 2 starts of the season, walked 0 batters in his last outing for the first time in 2023 and just the fourth time in the first 30 starts of his MLB career.

UNEARNED SHUTOUT
The lone run scored in Saturday’s 1-0 shutout win was unearned, marking only the second time in franchise history the Marlins won a game 1-0 on an unearned run – also Sept. 24, 2001 vs. Atlanta (E2 allowed Preston Wilson to score).

  • Saturday’s win was Miami’s second shutout of the season – both coming in the form of 1-0 wins. Prior to this year, hadn’t won a 1-0 game since Aug. 5, 2020 at Baltimore. Hadn’t won two in a season since 2018.

GOOD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
2B Luis Arraez leads MLB with his .382 batting avg. (60×157) and a .437 OBP and ranks 4th with 60 hits. Is tied for 5th with 17 multi-hit gms. Has struck out 9 times in 174 PA (.052 K/PA), the lowest mark in MLB among qualified batters.

  • Is the highest avg. through a player’s first 43 gms to start a season since Cody Bellinger’s .401 avg. through his first 43 gms with the Dodgers in 2019. Only Dee Strange-Gordon (68) has more hits for a Marlins player through his first 42 games of a season.
  • With two hits on Wednesday, reached the 500-hit plateau, becoming the seventh active player to reach 500 hits within their first 428 career gms. Joined Bo Bichette (407), Mookie Betts (408), Mike Trout (423), Jose Altuve (426), Whit Merrifield (426), and Jose Abreu (428).
  • Is batting a Major League-best .408 (29×71) on the road this season. Has hit safely in 16 of 19 games away from Miami.

CLOSE CALLS
The Marlins have had each of their last eight games decided by two runs or less. Each of their last three road games have been one-run contests. Overall, Miami is 15-2 (.882) in games decided by one run, the best such win pct. in the Majors. The 17 one-run contests are tied for the fourth most among Major League teams. Miami went 24-40 in one-run games in 2022.

NINER ON THE DRUMS
Prior to tonight’s Florida Panthers home game – Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference Finals – Marlins alum and Special Assistant to the Chairman and Principal Owner Jeff Conine will bang the ceremonial drum at FLA Live Arena, joining local luminaries such as Udonis Haslem during the Cats’ 2023 playoff run.

DE LA CRUZIN’
OF Bryan De La Cruz failed to hit safely in yesterday’s game, ending his career-high hitting streak at 14 games. Marked the longest streak by a Marlins player this season and the second-longest hitting streak in the National League this year behind PHI Bryson Stott’s 17-gamer to start the season. Over the 14-game span, went 20×55 with 9 runs scored, 5 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 3 walks, and a 1.015 OPS. De La Cruz’s 11 multi-hit games rank 2nd on the team behind only Arraez’s 17.

FISH OUT OF WATER
Miami stands at 24-23 through the club’s first 47 games. Marks the latest in a non-shortened season the club has owned a winning record since August of 2017. Miami is 17-5 in games in which they steal at least one base, and have gone 10-2 in games with multiple steals.

DANCING ON A THIN LINE
Thus far in 2023, Miami is 23-3 when limiting opponents to 4 runs or less and has gone 1-20 when allowing 5 or more runs.

TODAY’S STARTER – #27 EDWARD CABRERA

  • Edward Cabrera, 25, will make his 10th start of the season and his second career start against the Rockies tomorrow.
  • In last outing at Colorado (June 1, 2022), became 1 of just 8 visiting pitchers in the history of Coors Field to pitch 6.0 scoreless innings and allow 1 hit or less.
  • In his most recent start on May 17 vs. Washington, improved to 3-3 on the year and tossed 5.0 innings of 2-run ball. Allowed 4 hits and 2 walks. Struck out 6.
  • In 14 career starts at home, owns a 4.37 ERA (68.0 IP/31 ER) and has gone 6-4 with 69 strikeouts. In 16 starts away is 3-6 with a 3.97 ERA (70.1 IP/31 ER) and 89 strikeouts.
  • Lefties are hitting .179 (15×84) vs. Cabrera in 2023 with 4 home runs and 30 strikeouts while right-handed hitters are batting .284 (18×62) with 2 home runs and 25 strikeouts.
  • Walked a combined 20 batters in his first 5 starts of 2023. Has walked 5 in last 3 outings.
  • Set a new career-high with 12 strikeouts vs Chicago – NL on April 29.
  • Made 14 starts at the Major League level last year after being recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville on May 31, 2022. Was named to MLB.com’s All-Rookie Second Team.
  • In 7 starts at home in 2022, went 3-3 with a 4.58 ERA (35.1 IP/18 ER). Posted a 1.49 ERA (36.1 IP/6 ER) in 7 starts away, allowing 10 less hits than at home.
  • Made four consecutive scoreless outings (22.2 IP) after returning from injury from Aug. 1 until Aug. 22, becoming the second pitcher in franchise history to make four consecutive scoreless starts, joining Chris Hammond in 1994.

COLORADO ROCKIES NOTES:

WHAT’S GOING ON

  • The Colorado Rockies return home today for a seven-game homestand against the Miami Marlins (May 22-25) and New York Mets (May 26-28) … coming off a quick three-game trip to Texas, where they were swept by the Rangers for the first time.
  • The Rockies are in the midst of a stretch of 17 straight games without an off-day from May 19-June 4, their longest stretch without an off day this season.
  • Colorado has won four of their last six series since May 2 and five of their last eight series since April 24 … had lost or split each of their first seven series of the season prior to this stretch.
  • The Rockies have won 11-8 over their last 19 and 13-11 through their last 24 since April 24, a .542 winning percentage that is the fifth-best mark in the NL over that span.

SEAFOOD

  • The Rockies have won 11 of the past 14 home games over the Marlins and eight of the last nine … overall, the Rockies are 106-117 against their fellow expansion team, 67-44 at home.
  • In 36 career games against the Fish, Kris Bryant is 35-for-132 with 11 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs and 28 RBI … is slashing .265/.400/.614 in the match up.

UPPER ECHELON

  • Rockies Manager Bud Black is sitting at 436 wins with the Rockies since his first season with the club in 2017, four wins shy of tying Don Baylor for the second-most managerial wins in franchise history … Baylor, the Rockies’ first manager in franchise history, went 440-469 in six seasons at the helm from 1993-98.

GO FAR WITH PROFAR

  • OF Jurickson Profar holds an active 29-game on-base streak, the longest active streak in the Majors and the third-longest streak in the Majors this season, trailing Yordan Alvarez (36 games) and Xander Bogarts (30 games) … slashing .267/.358/.414 through the streak with 17 walks.
  • Since May 7, Profar is batting .348 (16-for-46)with five doubles, two home runs, seven RBI and seven multi-hit games over this span … has multiple hits in each of his last three games (7-for-15), tied for the third longest streak of his

NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S DOILY

  • Over his last seven games, rookie outfielder Brenton Doyle has gone 9-for-24 with six runs, two doubles, one triple, three home runs and eight RBI.
  • Last Monday at Coors Field, Doyle connected on two home runs, his third and fourth of the season, while going 3-for-4 with three runs scored, one double and three RBI … his 10 total bases were the most in franchise history out of the ninth spot in the order, and tied for the fourth-most by a Rockies rookie in franchise history, the most since Ben Paulsen’s 12 on July 26, 2015 vs. Cincinnati.
  • Despite playing in only 22 games, Doyle’s four home runs are tied for sixth-most among NL rookies while his six stolen bases are the fourth-most among all NL rookies.

BEHIND THE DISH

  • Catcher Elias Díaz ranks fourth in the Majors with a .326 batting average and ninth in the Majors with a .436 batting average (17-for-39) with runners in scoring position.
  • Has appeared in 39 games at catcher, tied for the second-most in the Majors … his 10 catcher caught stealing are tied for second in the Majors, while his 44.0 caught stealing percentage ranks second (min. 20 games).

THROWERS

  • Jake Bird ranks first among Major League relievers with 31.0 innings pitched … his 31 strikeouts are tied for the fifth in the Majors among relief pitchers … has posted a 0.71 ERA (25.1 IP, 2 ER) with eight walks and 27 strikeouts over his last 16 appearances since April 11.
  • Brent Suter’s 28.2 innings of relief are tied for third in the Majors and are second in the NL behind Bird … his 0.94 ERA (28.2 IP, 3 ER) is the seventh-lowest in the Majors among relievers … it is also the third-lowest through a Rockies pitcher’s first 19 games (min. 10 IP) with the club, trailing John Axford (0.50, 2015) and Chuck McElroy (0.93, 1998).

ODDS AND ENDS

  • The Rockies are the only team in the Majors to have an undefeated record after seven innings, sitting at 18-0 when leading after seven thus far … alternatively, the Rockies are 0-24 when trailing after seven innings.

ROCKIES STARTING PITCHER – #45 CHASE ANDERSON RHP
HEADING OUT WEST

  • Chase Anderson will make his second start in a Rockies uniform today after being claimed off of waivers from Tampa Bay on May 12.
  • Designated for assignment by Tampa Bay on May 10 … was acquired by Tampa Bay via trade with Cincinnati in exchange for cash considerations on May 3.
  • Was signed by the Reds to a Minor League contract on Feb. 20 after spending the 2022 season with the club.

ANNOUNCE HIS PRESENCE WITH AUTHORITY

  • Made his first career start with the Rockies on May 16 vs. the Reds, drawing a no decision in a 3-1 Rockies loss … pitched five scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk and three strikeouts … left after five innings with the game tied 0-0.
  • Became the ninth pitcher in franchise history to toss at least five scoreless innings in his first start with the club, the first since Antonio Senzatela did so in his Major League debut on April 6, 2017 … first Rockies pitcher to accomplish the feat in a home game since Drew Pomeranz on his Major League debut on Sept. 11, 2011.

RAYS OF SUNSHINE

  • Has tossed 10 total innings this season and allowed three singles and two walks with five strikeouts.
  • Made two appearances for Tampa Bay on May 3 and May 9, both in relief after being acquired from Cincinnati on May 3.
  • Pitched five innings without allowing a run in his relief appearances … allowed two hits and one walk, while striking out two.
  • Tossed three scoreless innings on May 3 vs. Pittsburgh, garnering his first career save in an 8-1 Rays win.

HISTORY AT A MILE HIGH

  • Over his 10-year career he has made seven starts at Coors Field, going 2-3 with a 6.55 ERA (34.1 IP, 25 ER), 14 walks and 25 strikeouts … has allowed 38 hits in his 34.1 innings at Coors Field (.292 average), including five home runs.

JOURNEYMAN

  • The Rockies are Anderson’s seventh club in his MLB career.
  • Previously made stops with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2014-15), Milwaukee Brewers (2016-19), Toronto Blue Jays (2020), Philadelphia Phillies (2021), Cincinnati Reds (2022), and Tampa Bay Rays (2023).

GONE FISHIN’

  • Has made nine career starts and one relief appearance against Miami, going 3-3 with a 4.14 ERA (50.0 IP, 23 ER).
  • Only career relief appearance against the Marlins came the last time he faced them, May 24, 2021 at loanDepot Park.

TURN THE CALENDAR

  • Made seven starts and two relief appearances for Cincinnati in 2022, going 2-4 with a 6.38 ERA (24.0 IP, 17 ER) … went 2-3 with a 6.04 ERA in his seven starts, but posted a 2.18 ERA in five starts in September.
  • Began the season with Detroit after signing a Minor League contract on March 14 … on July 16 requested and was granted his release and on July 25 was signed to a Minor League contract by Tampa Bay … requested and was granted his release from Tampa Bay on Aug. 25 and two days later was signed by the Reds.
  • Appeared in 27 games in the Minor Leagues with Triple-Toledo (Detroit) and Triple-A Durham (Tampa Bay), going 7-3 with a 4.50 ERA.

FOR THE PHANATIC

  • Spent the 2021 season with Philadelphia after signing a one-year Major League contract with the club on Feb. 8 … posted a 6.75 ERA (48.0 IP, 36 ER) in 14 appearances (nine starts) … began the season in the starting rotation but transitioned to the bullpen in mid May.

MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants (22-24) at Minnesota Twins (25-22)

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MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants (22-24) at Minnesota Twins (25-22)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS NOTES:

TODAY’S GAME: The Giants open their two-series road trip today in Minnesota…the road trip is SF’s first to a different time zone since May 1-3 at Houston.

AS CLOSE AS IT GETS: The all-time series between SF and Minnesota has been extremely close…each team has won nine games, with the Giants holding a +1 advantage in run differential…the +1 run differential is the second smallest among interleague teams that have played at least 15 times, trailing only the Rangers vs. Reds, who are even (Stats, LLC)… SF last came to Minnesota in 2022, getting swept by the Twins in a three game series from Aug. 26-28.

DO WE HAVE TO GO?: SF will try to exercise its road trip demons this series after a 5-1 homestand…the Giants have won 13 of their last 18 games at Oracle Park dating back to April 22…they’re 7-13 on the road in 2023, with their .350 winning percentage ranking 26th in the Majors…the Giants bullpen has particularly favored Oracle Park, posting a 1.33 ERA (4er, 27.0ip) over this past six-game homestand…that’s compared to their 9.24 ERA (13er, 12.2ip) during the four-game series at Arizona, and a 6.41 road ERA (52 er, 73.0ip) overall.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT: With C Patrick Bailey making his MLB debut on Friday, and RHP Ryan Walker in winning fashion yesterday, the Giants have now had six different players make their MLB debut this season (also RHP Tristan Beck, C/OF Blake Sabol, IF Casey Schmitt and IF/OF Brett Wisely)…the only other teams with five or more this year are the A’s (seven) and Guardians (six)…last year, the Giants saw a total of nine players make their MLB debuts.

MORE ON THE ROOKIES: C Patrick Bailey’s first career hit on Saturday gave the Giants 21 different players with a hit this year, which is the most in the Majors (Stats, LLC)…the only other team with at least 20 is Pittsburgh…of those 21 Giants, 15 have home runs, with five rookies notching their first career big flies (Bailey, IF Casey Schmitt, IF/OF Brett Wisely, C/OF Blake Sabol and OF Bryce Johnson).

HE GETS ON BASE: Former Twins prospect IF/OF LaMonte Wade Jr. has excelled at the top of SF’s lineup this season as depicted in the chart below. LaMonte Wade Jr., FanGraphs’ Advanced Stats (MLB, Qualified)

Stat No. Rank BB% 19.8% 2nd
OBP .425 4th
OPS .901 13th
Stat No. Rank
BB/K 1.10 6th
wOBA .399 9th
wRC+ 155 9th

HE DRIVES THEM IN: C/OF Blake Sabol has stepped up with ducks on the pond…the rookie has the third-highest slugging percentage (.667) with runners on base in the NL per Stats, LLC (min. 35 plate appearances with runners on)…Sabol has a 1.092 OPS with runners on-base compared to a .619 mark with no one on.

WHO BLINKS FIRST: Giants pitchers lead the Majors with a 49.7% ground ball rate…Minnesota hitters have the third-lowest ground ball rate (39.3%)…when the Giants do allow fly balls, it’s leaving the yard at a league-leading rate, with an MLB-high 15.6 HR/FB…Minnesota hitters have a 14.2% HR/ FB, which is the eighth-best mark.

HISTORIC START: With his sixth career multi-hit game yesterday, IF Casey Schmitt is tied for the third most hits by a Giant in his first 12 MLB games (18)…he is just the second Giant to have at least 18 hits and nine RBI through his first 12 games, the other being Johnny Vergez in 1931 (Stats, LLC). Giants, Most Hits Through First 12 Games of Career – Since 1901

Player Hits
Al Gallagher (1970) 21
Johnny Vergez (1931) 19
Casey Schmitt (2023) 18
Player Hits
Sammy Strang (1901) 18
Austin Slater (2017) 17
Willie McCovey (1959) 17

HE’S JUST THE OPENER: RHP John Brebbia will make his third start this season as SF’s opener today, and the 14th of his career…in his last start, Brebbia struck out two in a shutout inning at Arizona on May 12…normally a reliever, Brebbia has a 0.68 ERA (1er, 13.1ip), 11 strikeouts and a 1.05 WHIP as an opener in his career with the Giants going 8-5.

HALL OF FRAME: C Patrick Bailey is already establishing himself as an elite pitch framer with 13 pitches that were outside of the strike zone called strikes (Sports Info Solutions)…albeit a small sample size (three games), according to Statcast, Bailey’s 4.0% rate of stealing strikes is the best in the Majors.

RIGHT ON: The Giants 50 home runs vs. right-handers this season are tied with Minnesota for fourth-most in the Majors… SF also ranks inside the top-10 in the Majors vs. righties in slugging percentage (.432, 7th) and OPS (.759, 8th)… Minnesota has allowed just 14 homers to lefties this year, tied for the third-fewest in MLB, while their .219 opposing batting average against lefties is fifth-best.

MICHAEL CON-FUERTE: OF Michael Conforto is batting .324 (12×37) with four home runs, nine RBI and a 1.042 OPS since May 10…those numbers might continue the upward trajectory given the outfielder’s history of success vs. the AL Central, particularly the Twins…since 1995, Conforto’s 1.027 OPS is the sixth-best OPS vs. the division (min. 125 plate appearances) per Stats, LLC…in his small six-game history vs. the Twins, Conforto is 10-for-20 with a 1.265 OPS, his best against any team he’s faced at least five times.

CA-MAY-LO: RHP Camilo Doval earned 12th save of the season yesterday and an MLB-leading ninth this month… he has 13 saves the last two Mays, which is the most in the Majors…Doval currently leads the National League this year in both saves (12) and games finished (20) with just one blown save.

MINNESOTA TWINS NOTES:

THE TWINS: Completed their road-trip yesterday afternoon with a record of 2-4, going 1-2 at Dodger Stadium from Monday-Wednesday and 1-2 at Angel Stadium over the weekend…starting tonight, Minnesota will begin a six-game, seven-day homestand with three against the San Francisco Giants through Wednesday, followed by an off-day on Thursday, then three against the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend…the Twins have gone 14-8 at Target Field and 11-14 on the road.

The Twins have gone 6-1-0 in series play at Target Field…they have not lost back-to-back home games since April 21-22, going 10-4 here since.

SHO TIME SPOILS PABLO DAY IN FINALE: The Twins lost to the Angels yesterday in Anaheim by a score of 4-2, making them 1-6-1 in road series play this season…Pablo Lopez (2-3) was the starter and loser, allowing two runs on five hits in 6.0-plus innings, with three walks and nine strikeouts…the offense recorded seven hits, three from Willi Castro…Carlos Correa had the club’s first RBI with a third-inning double and Alex Kirilloff drove in the second run with a solo home run in the eighth inning, his third home run this season.

WE WERE GIANTS: The Twins and Giants are playing each other for the 19th time in their history tonight…the Twins are 9-9 all-time against San Francisco, going 3-0 at Target Field, 5-7 at Oracle Park and 1-2 at the Metrodome…dating back to 2017, the Twins have won five of their last six over the Giants.

These two teams last met for a three-game series at Target Field from August 26-28, 2022 as the Twins swept the series, outscoring San Francisco 20-5…entering that series, the Giants were the last of the 29 major league opponents to appear at the Twins’ ballpark, which opened in 2010.

The 18 games played against the Giants are tied with Colorado for the Twins’ fewest against any major league opponent in their history (since 1961).

Rocco Baldelli and Gabe Kapler were teammates for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010.

Donovan Solano played three seasons with the Giants from 2019-21, hitting .308 (219- for-712) with 45 doubles, 14 home runs, 83 RBI and 84 runs scored in 236 games and won a Louisville Silver Slugger Award in 2020…Solano believes his nickname “Donnie Barrels” came from Giants teammate Mike Yastrzemski who started calling him “Donnie Ballgame”…then, some teammates started asking how he got the barrel of the bat on the ball, and somehow the name became “Donnie Barrels.”

ROGER THAT: Giants reliever Taylor Rogers was drafted by the Twins in the 11th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft…Rog played parts of six seasons with the Twins from 2016-21 and was named an AL All-Star in 2021 in his hometown of Denver, Colorado…in 319 games as a Twin, he posted a 3.15 ERA, saved 50 games and recorded 77 holds…he ranks fifth on the club’s all-time list in holds and 11th in saves…he and Eddie Guardado are the only pitchers in club history with at least 50 career saves and at least 50 career holds.

THE OTHER GUYS:The Twins have gone 7-8 in Interleague Play this season, going 1-2 at Miami, 1-2 vs. Washington, 2-1 vs. San Diego, 2-1 vs. Chicago-NL and 1-2 vs. Los Angeles-NL…they have gone 6-4 in their last 10 vs. the NL after starting the season 1-4…after this series, the Twins’ next NL opponent will be the Brewers for two games at Target Field from June 13-14.

Twins have the seventh most wins in Interleague Play history at 257 (list lower right).

Carlos Correa is hitting .357 (25-for-70) with seven walks, a .410 on-base percentage and a .953 OPS in 18 home games in IL Play since the start of 2022.

GETTING OFFENSIVE: The Twins have 88 hits in their last seven games (11 H/G), 36 going for extra-bases (.523 SLG)…below are the Twins first 39 games from March 30-May 12 and their last eight games since May 13:

AVG R/G H 2B HR RBI BB K OBP SLG OPS
FIRST 39 .218 4.2 281 58 47 157 131 367 .298 .381 .679
LAST 8 .293 6.9 88 19 16 52 33 91 .371 .523 .894
NOTE: Since May 13, the Twins lead baseball in OPS (.894), on-base percentage (.371) and slugging percentage (.523), rank second in hits (88) and third in batting average (.293).

AK NOT JUST OK: Alex Kirilloff has reached base safely in eight-straight games since May 13, hitting .355 (11-for-31) with a .394 on-base percentage in that span…it marks the third longest on-base streak of his career, having previously reached in 12-straight (June 4-18, 2021) and nine-straight twice (July 10-24, 2022 & April 26-May 22, 2021)…since being recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on May 5, Kirilloff has hit .341 (15-for-44) with three doubles, three home runs, six RBI, six walks, a .442 on-base percentage and an 1.056 OPS in 14 games.

Against right-handed pitching this season, he is hitting .361 (13-for-36) with six walks, a .465 on-base percentage and a 1.076 OPS…against lefties, he is hitting .250 (2-for-8).

C4 STARTING TO FEEL IT: Carlos Correa has reached safely in each of his last 11 games, hitting just .268 (11-for-41) in that span, but has a .400 on-base percentage (11 hits & 9 walks) with five doubles, one home run and nine RBI…Correa’s long for an on-base streak in 2023 is 11, from May 10-21…his career-long is 27, from June 10-July 15, 2017 with Houston.

LAND OF 10,000 RAKES: Twins have homered in eight-straight games (since May 13), hitting 16 in that span…it marks their second-longest streak of the season after homering in a franchise-record 18-straight from April 18-May 6…they have 63 home runs on the season, tied with Texas for seventh most in baseball, trailing Tampa Bay (91), Atlanta (77), Los Angeles-NL (76), New York-AL (73), St. Louis (67) and San Francisco (65).

BUCK TRUCK REVVING THE ENGINE: Byron Buxton has reached safely in a career-long 21-straight games, since April 25…Buxton’s current streak is the longest for a Twin since Jorge Polanco reached safely in 37-straight from May 13-June 25, 2019.

In his last six games, Buxton is hitting .348 (8-for-23) with two doubles, one home run, two RBI, four walks, eight runs scored, two stolen bases, a .444 on-base percentage, a .565 slugging percentage and a 1.010 OPS.

WILLI GOIN’ WILD: Willi Castro has hit safely in 10 consecutive starts, a streak that goes back to April 30…in that span, he is hitting .342 (13-for-38) with three doubles, one home run, four RBI and five stolen bases (1 caught)…at the start of the streak, he was hitting .115 and now sits at .250, raising his batting average 135 points.

Aside from one pitching appearance, Castro has played six different defensive positions this season: leftfield – 13 games (8 starts), third base – 9 games (6 starts), shortstop – 7 games (0 starts), second base – 5 games (3 starts), centerfield – 4 games (1 start) and right-field – 2 games (1 start).

STARTING PITCHER – BAILEY OBER 17
2023: 3-0, 1.78 ERA CAREER: 8-6, 3.48 ERA

Making his sixth start of the season and fourth home start…also his 37th career start and appearance.

Facing the Giants for the first time in his career…is 2-2, 3.92 ERA (66.2 IP, 29 ER) with 15 walks and 66 strikeouts when facing an opponent for the first time.

Began season with Triple-A St. Paul and was recalled when Kenta Maeda landed on the IL…since being inserted into the rotation, the Twins have gone 4-1 in his five starts for an .800 winning percentage, the highest behind any Twins starter.

Selected by the Twins in the 12th round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of the College of Charleston.

LAST START: Earned his third win of the season in a 5-1 Twins victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 16 at Dodger Stadium; his third-consecutive quality start of the season…pitched 6.0 innings, allowing one run on six hits, with one walk and six strikeouts, opposite Clayton Kershaw…tossed a career-high 102 pitches…yielded his lone run via an RBI single by infielder Freddie Freeman in the fifth inning…relieved by Brock Stewart in the seventh inning as the bullpen combined to pitch 3.0 scoreless innings…marked the first Twins victory at Dodger Stadium since June 11, 2005 in a 5-3 win.

Fanned six batters in four-straight starts, the longest streak of his career.

Brought his career strikeout total to 175…owns the fifth-most strikeouts through a pitcher’s first 36 games in Twins history (1961-present), behind Joe Ryan (210), Bert Blyleven (192), Francisco Liriano (184) and Boof Bonser (179).

TWO STARTS AGO: Did not factor into the decision in a 5-3 Twins victory against the San Diego Padres on May 11 at Target Field, despite recording his second quality start of the season…pitched 6.0 innings, allowed a season-high three runs on six hits, with no walks and six strikeouts opposite Yu Darvish…marked the first time Ober recorded back-to-back quality starts in his career…allowed his second leadoff home run of his career to outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. on the first pitch of the game, yielded an RBI double to outfielder Juan Soto in the fourth inning and permitted a solo home run to infielder Rougned Odor in the fifth inning…relieved by Emilio Pagán in the seventh inning as the bullpen combined to pitch 3.0 scoreless innings…the Twins came from behind in the seventh inning to secure the win with an RBI groundout by Max Kepler off Brent Honeywell and a two-RBI double by Carlos Correa off Steven Wilson.

OBER VS. SAN FRANCISCO: Facing the Giants for the first time in his career…making his sixth career Interleague start, fourth this season…is 2-0, 2.55 ERA (17.2 IP, 5 ER) with four walks and 16 strikeouts in three Interleague starts this season (2-0, 3.46 ERA (26.0 IP, 10 ER) with seven walks and 24 strikeouts in five career Interleague starts)…San Francisco will be the 15th team he has faced since his major league debut on May 18, 2021…in 14 career starts when facing an opponent for the first time, Ober is 2-2, 3.92 ERA (66.2 IP, 29 ER) with 15 walks and 66 strikeouts…San Francisco outfielder Mitch Haniger is the only active Giants hitter to previously face Ober…Haniger is 2-for-4 with one home run and two strikeouts across two games against Ober as a member of the Seattle Mariners.

Ranks 12th for the lowest ERA in Interleague games this season (min. 15.0 IP).

NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Ober is making his fourth home start of the season, 19th of his career…in three home starts is season, Ober is 1-0, 2.60 ERA (17.1 IP, 5 ER) with five walks and 16 strikeouts… is 5-1, 3.63 ERA (89.1 IP, 36 ER) with 22 walks and 93 strikeouts in 18 career home starts…Twins have gone 12-6 in his home starts.

Currently holding a four-game win streak at Target Field, dating back to September 24, 2021…is 4-0, 2.89 ERA (46.2 IP, 15 ER) with 11 walks and 50 strikeouts in the nine-game span…took his last loss at home on August 17, 2021 vs. Cleveland.

THE RIGHT STUFF: Right-handed hitters are batting .180 (9-for-50) with 15 strikeouts and one RBI against Ober after five starts this season…left-handed hitters are hitting .220 (13-for-59) with 13 strikeouts and five RBI…in his career, right-handed hitters are batting .217/.238/.410 with 104 strikeouts against Ober…lefties are hitting .266/.328/.435 with 71 strikeouts off him.

Tied for ninth for the lowest opponent batting average against righties in the American League (min. 14.0 IP)…his .196 opponent OBP against righties is tied for sixth lowest in all of baseball.

ARSENAL: Ober used a four-pitch mix in his five starts of the 2023 season, per Baseball Savant…three of Ober’s six strikeouts in his last start on May 16 came from his changeup…threw 49 fastballs in his last start…mostly uses his slider (85 pitches) against righties while relying on his changeup (82 pitches) and curveball (39 pitches) against lefties…here’s a look at his repertoire:

PITCH (AVG. MPH) PCT. (#, vs. RHB/LHB) RESULTS
4-Seam Fastball (91.6)….47.6% (222 pitches, 92/130) …………… .184 (9-for-49), 4 2B, 1 HR, 12 K
Slider (81.8)………………….21.5% (100 pitches, 85/15) ……………… .192 (5-for-26), 2 2B, 1 HR, 9 K
Changeup (83.8)……………21.5% (100 pitches, 18/82) ……………………… .250 (6-for-24), 2 2B, 5 K
Curveball (78.2)……………….9.4% (44 pitches, 5/39) ………………………… .200 (2-for-10), 1 2B, 2 K

Ober ranks 13th for the lowest opponent batting average against a fastball in the American League (min. 400 pitches).

ACROSS THE RIVER: In his four starts with Triple-A Saint Paul this season, Ober went 2-1, 2.55 ERA (17.2 IP, 5 ER) with six walks and 22 strikeouts…in his last start with the Saints on April 18, earned the win in 6-0 Saint Paul victory versus Scranton/Wilkes-Barre…pitched 5.0 scoreless innings, allowed three hits, walked one batter and fanned six.

NIGHT SHIFT: Ober is making his third night start of the season tonight…is 2-0, 0.69 ERA (13.0 IP, 1 ER) with two walks and 12 strikeouts in his two previous night starts this season…is 5-4, 3.26 ERA (105.0 IP, 38 ER) with 18 walks and 111 strikeouts in 21 career night starts…ranks third for the most strikeouts through their first 21 night games with the Twins (min. 100.0 IP), trailing Joe Ryan (135) and Bert Blyleven (113).

Ranks fifth in the American League for the lowest night ERA this season, ninth in all of baseball (min. 10 IP).

MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers (29-19) at Atlanta Braves (29-17)

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MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers (29-19) at Atlanta Braves (29-17)

LOS ANGELES DODGERS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S STARTER at BRAVES: RHP GAVIN STONE (0-0, 9.00 ERA in 1 GS)

2023 SEASON NOTES:

  • Arkansas native made his Major League debut on May 3 against the Phillies, tossing four innings and giving up eight hits, five runs (four earned) and two walks while striking out one
  • Owns a 2-2 record across eight starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City with a 4.04 ERA (16 ER/35.2 IP) with 41 strikeouts and just 19 issued walks…has limited the opposition to a .200/.302/.338 slashline
  • Has registered a 10.35 strikeout-per-nine innings mark
  • Was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training…went 1-0 in four appearances with a 0.00 ERA (0 ER/6.2 IP) with 14 strikeouts against only five hits and two walks, pitching against Texas (Mar. 1), San Diego (Mar. 6), Cleveland (Mar. 13) and Oakland (Mar. 19)…recorded eight strikeouts in three innings against the Athletics

VS. BRAVES:

  • Will face Atlanta for the first time in his career

ATLANTA BRAVES NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Braves and Dodgers tonight open a three-game series in what is the first of seven scheduled meetings between the clubs this season…Atlanta will travel to Los Angeles, August 31 to September 3, for a four-game set at Dodger Stadium.

  • The Braves and Dodgers played six times last season, with Atlanta going 2-4 in these games… Los Angeles won two-of-three at both Dodger Stadium and here at Truist Park.
  • Atlanta has not won the season set against Los Angeles since 2013, when it went 5-2 over seven games…Since the 2014 season, the Braves are just 16-35 (.314) in 51 regular season games versus the Dodgers, and have been outscored 240-168 (-72).
  • The Braves and Dodgers have played 16 total games here at Truist Park since the facility opened in 2017, with Atlanta going 7-9 (.438) against Los Angeles in that span…The Braves won two-of-three here in 2019 and 2021, while the Dodgers won two-of-three last season…Neither club has ever swept the other here.
  • RH Charlie Morton has made just five career starts against Los Angeles, his fewest against any N.L. team that he has never played for…He is 1-2 with a 4.94 ERA (15 ER/27.1 IP) in these games, including allowing four runs in 5.1 innings in his only such start last season…The 6-foot-5, 235-pound right-hander has made eight starts for Atlanta this season, going 5-3 with a 2.85 ERA (15 ER/47.1 IP) and 49 strikeouts.
  • RH Gavin Stone is set tonight to make the second start of his major league career, and has never faced Atlanta…He allowed eight hits and five runs (four earned) over 4.0 innings in his major league debut, May 3 vs. Philadelphia…The 6-foot-1, 175-pound native of Lake City, AR, is rated as the Dodgers’ No. 4 prospect and as the No. 44 prospect in baseball, and is 2-2 with a 4.04 ERA in eight starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season.

WIN: Atlanta beat Seattle, 3-2, yesterday afternoon to win the rubber match and take the series, two-games-to-one…LH Jared Shuster started for the Braves and earned the first win of his major league career.

  • The win clinched the first series victory for Atlanta over Seattle since 2011.
  • Shuster went 6.0 innings and allowed just one hit in the win, and became the fifth Braves pitcher in the modern era (since 1900) to pitch at least 6.0 innings and allow no more than one hit within their first four major league appearances…He joined Ian Anderson (twice in 2020), Michael Soroka (2018), Randall Delgado (2011) and Steve Shields (1985).
  • The Braves improved to 10-10 in interleague play with the win, and completed a stretch of 14 consecutive games against the American League… Atlanta has not played an N.L. team since Miami from May 2-4, and has faced Baltimore, Boston, Toronto, Texas and Seattle since.

FIRST INNING: The Braves plated another run in the first inning yesterday, and Atlanta has scored at least one first-inning run in 20 games this season, including six of their last eight home games and each of the last three.

  • The Braves’ 37 first-inning runs are one shy of the Dodgers and Rays for the major league lead.
  • Atlanta owns the best record in the National League in games in which its scores in the first inning, going 16-4 (.800)…Only Minnesota (12-0, 1.000) and Detroit (11-2, .846) have been better in baseball.
  • Ronald Acuña Jr. singled on the sixth pitch of the first inning and Matt Olson doubled him home one pitch later, and Atlanta led Seattle, 1-0, seven pitches into the first inning yesterday.
  • The Braves have scored 18 runs this season within the first 10 pitches of the game, most in the majors… Atlanta also leads the league in average (.429), on-base (.454), slugging (.835), OPS (1.289), hits (39) and home runs (9) in that span.
  • Atlanta is on pace to score 130 first-inning runs this season…The Braves have scored 100 first-inning runs just five times since 2000, including 121 in 2003.

AUSTIN RILEY: Went 1-for-4 yesterday against Seattle, and enters tonight with 499 hits in his major league career…He also has 298 career RBI, and collected the 100th home run of his career earlier this season.

  • Riley needs one hit and two RBI to have 500 hits, 100 homers and 300 RBI for his career, and tonight plays his 497th major league game.
  • Per the Elias Sports Bureau, just three players in franchise history have reached 500/100/300 in fewer games than Riley…Fred McGriff did so in 412 games after making his Braves debut, Bob Horner needed 429, and Hall-of-Famer Eddie Mathews did it in 456 games.
  • Since his debut on May 15, 2019, just 11 players in the majors have 500 hits, 100 homers and 300 RBI, including teammate Matt Olson (506 hits, 134 homers, 380 RBI).

ONE-RUN GAMES: Atlanta beat Seattle by a single run, 3-2, yesterday, and the Braves are 10-4 (.714) in one-run games this season, including wins in each of their last two such games.

  • The Braves beat the Rangers, 6-5, last Wednesday.
  • Atlanta’s 10 one-run wins are third most in the majors behind just the Marlins (15) and Mets (11), and the Braves’ record (10-4, .714) trails just the Marlins (15-2, .882) and Brewers (8-3, .727) for the best mark in baseball.

CAREER STARTS: Charlie Morton tonight makes the 331st start of his major league career, while Gavin Stone pitches for just the second time in the majors.

  • At the time of Morton’s first career start, June 14, 2008, Stone was nine years, seven months and 29 days

Tonight’s Starting Pitcher – #50 Charlie Morton
RHP • 6-5 • 235 • 39 yrs
2023 Record: 5-3, 2.85 ERA • 2022 Record: 9-6, 4.34 ERA
vs. RHB: .245 (23-94), 1 HR • vs. LHB: .270 (24-89), 3 HR
Home: 2-1, 2.50 ERA (5/18.0) • Away: 3-2, 3.07 ERA (20/29.1)

Today’s Game

  • Set to make his ninth start of the season and first against Los Angeles (NL).
  • Scattered seven hits over 6.2 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts at Texas during his last start, earning his fifth win of the season.
  • Has now struckout at least 10 hitters in six games since turning 38, passing Hall-of-Famer Cy Young for the ninth most such games dating to 1901.
  • Morton is the first player with at least six games of 10 or more strikeouts since Hall-of-Famers Randy Johnson and John Smoltz.
  • His five wins are tied for the fourth most in the National League.
  • Morton has struck out 306 hitters with his curveball since the beginning of the 2020; the most in the majors.
  • During that span hitters are missing on 52.7% of curveballs thrown, the second highest rate in the majors…The MLB average is 12.0% (among QS).
  • Over the last two seasons he has thrown his curve on 39.6% of pitches, also the most in baseball.
  • Utilizing his curveball on 45.9% of pitches thrown this season.
  • Morton’s 953 strikeouts since the 2018 season are the fourth most in baseball.
  • Prior to the 2018 season, Morton threw his curveball on 21.3% of pitches throughout his career.
  • Since the beginning of 2018 he has thrown his curve on 36.0% of pitches.
  • Enters play with only 18% of balls put in play against him registering as line drives this season.
  • Tied for the third lowest mark in the majors.
  • Hitters are registering a .326 batting average on balls in play against Morton in ’23.
  • The MLB BABIP this season is .296 for qualified starters.
  • Batters are hitting 36.3% of balls 95 mph or higher against Morton while the MLB average for qualified starters is 38.8%.
  • In his age 39 season, Morton is the sixth-oldest active pitcher in the majors.

2023 Recap

  • Made his first start of the season against St. Louis.
  • Only struck out one hitter through 5.1 innings pitched against the Cardinals, marking just the ninth time in his career Morton pitched at least 5.0 frames while failing to record at least two punchouts and the first since June 5, 2015 against Pittsburgh.
  • Struck out San Diego’s Jake Croneworth on April 8 to record his 1,700th career punchout.
  • Is one of 16 active pitchers in baseball with as many strikeouts.

MLB Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (25-22) at Tampa Bay Rays (34-14)

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MLB Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (25-22) at Tampa Bay Rays (34-14)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS NOTES:

THE LATEST: The Blue Jays played tied baseball with the Orioles through 10 innings yesterday before allowing the O’s to put up a five-spot in the 11th, leading to an 8-3 defeat…Fell to 4-4 in extra-inning games…The 11 frames were their most in a game since playing 11 on Aug. 29, 2022 vs. CHC…Their eight extra-innings contests are the most in the Majors. Toronto was swept for the 3rd time this season…Has dropped six of its last seven contests…Has lost consecutive series for the 1st time this year…Finished its 10-day, 10-game homestand at 4-6.

BATT CLAPMAN: Matt Chapman brought home the 1st run of the game yesterday with a solo shot to center field in the 2nd inning…Marked his 6th home run of the season and first since April 18 at HOU…Later tied the match at 2’s with a sacrifice fly to left field in the 7th as he finished 1-for-3 with a walk. The third baseman leads all MLB hitters with 19 doubles this season (2nd: Freddie Freeman – 17) while tied for 3rd with 25 extra-base hits…Among AL batters, ranks 6th in hits (52), 8th in OPS (.895), 10th in AVG (.301), and 10th in OBP (.381)…Continues to lead all MLB hitters in hard-hit percentage (63.6) this season (2nd: Aaron Judge – 61.1) while 3rd in barrel rate (14.7%), T-3rd in hard-hit balls (77) and 6th in average exit velocity (94.4 MPH).

MULTI-TALENTED: Bo Bichette singled in the 1st, 7th, and 9th innings yesterday, finishing 3-for-5…His seven games with 3+ hits are tied with Dansby Swanson for the most in the Majors…His 18 multi-hit games are tied with Marcus Semien for the most in the AL (T-3rd in MLB). The 25-year-old leads all MLB hitters with 64 hits (2nd: Ronald Acuña Jr. – 62) and leads the AL with 101 total bases (2nd: Luis Robert Jr. – 99)…Has now gone 64-for-200 (.320) with 10 doubles, nine homers, and 30 RBI while playing in all 47 games this season… The .320 batting average trails only Yandy Díaz (.329) for the best in the AL.

A QUALITY GUY: Kevin Gausman threw a season-high-tying 8.0 innings yesterday, allowing two runs on six hits while walking two and striking out four…Threw a total of 115 pitches (77 strikes), his most in a game since Aug. 26, 2017 at BOS (117)…Has made eight quality starts this season, tied for the Major League lead…Has recorded an AL-high 81 strikeouts (2nd: Shohei Ohtani – 80), which is also the most ever by a Blue Jay in his first 10 games of a season (2nd: Roger Clemens – 76 in 1997).

SPRINGER HAS SPRUNG: George Springer singled twice and walked yesterday, going 2-for-5 with a run scored…Was his 10th multi-hit effort of the year and his 3rd in the last three days… Went 13-for-41 (.317) with a double, two home runs, six RBI, and five walks during the 10-game homestand (.879 OPS).

HOUNDING HISTORY: Chris Bassitt enters tonight’s outing with a career-best scoreless innings streak of 27.0, the longest active streak in the Majors…Is also the 2nd-longest single-season streak in franchise history (Roger Clemens: 33.0 IP from Aug. 15-Sep. 5, 1998), and the 3rd-longest overall (Dave Stieb: 34.0 IP from Sept. 13, 1988-April 5, 1989)…Over his last eight starts, has posted a 5-1 record and a 1.71 ERA (10 ER/52.2 IP) while keeping hitters to a .136 AVG.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: The Blue Jays are beginning a seven-day, seven-game road trip…After this four-game set in Tampa Bay, will head to Minnesota (25-22) for three contests over the weekend…Own a 12-13 road record this year for a .480 win% (9th in the AL). Blue Jays hitters rank 4th in the AL in road AVG (.255), 5th in road OBP (.331), 3rd in road SLG (.418), and 4th in road OPS (.755)…The pitching staff ranks 12th in the AL in road ERA (4.78), 14th in road opponents’ batting average (.268), and 14th in road WHIP (1.39).

NATE HAS A NUMBER: Nathan Lukes made his 2nd career start yesterday (also April 19 at HOU)…Recorded his 1st Major League hit with a single in the 4th inning off starting pitcher Dean Kremer.

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 4-6 so far…Their opponents over this 17-game stretch (ATL, NYY, BAL, TB, MIN) have a combined record of 148-89 (.624).

NO DONUTS DIET: The Blue Jays have notched 420 hits so far this season, 5th most in the AL…Are also 5th in the AL in team AVG (.257), 6th in OBP (.329), 6th in OPS (.736), and 8th in SLG (.407). The Blue Jays are one of two AL teams who have scored in every game this season (also: LAA)…Have gone 65 straight games without being shut out, the 2nd-longest active streak in the Majors (LAA – 89G).

THE D-JAYS: According to Sports Info Solutions, Toronto fielders have recorded a total of 33 Defensive Runs Saved to lead all MLB teams (2nd: MIL – 25)…The group is led by an MLB-high 14 runs saved in center field – 10 from Kevin Kiermaier and four from Daulton Varsho.

DIVISIONAL DOWNTURN: The Blue Jays have now gone 5-12 against divisional opponents this season (5th among the AL East clubs)…Went 43-33 (.566%) in divisional play in 2022, the 2nd-best winning percentage within the division (NYY – .618) and the club’s best since registering a .581 win% in 2006 (43-31).

VS. THE RAYS: All-Time: 384-321
2023: 2-1 Home: 213-143
Road: 0-0 Rogers Centre: 164-105

The Blue Jays handed the Rays their 1st series loss of the season as they took two of three games when the clubs met last month at Rogers Centre…Went 9-10 vs. TB last year, including a 4-5 record at Tropicana Field…Have not bested the Rays in a season series since going 10-9 in 2017.

Bo Bichette went 7-for-13 (.538) with two doubles and two RBI in the three games vs. the Rays in April…Has hit .264 (57-for-216) with 13 doubles, seven home runs, and 27 RBI in 53 career contests vs. TB.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up a hit in all three meetings with the Rays in April, going 3-for-11 (.273) with two walks and an RBI…Is a lifetime 65-for-252 (.258) across 64 games against the Rays, including 16 home runs, two triples, 11 homers, and 36 RBI (.791 OPS).

Brandon Belt has multiple hits in four of his 10 career games played vs. Tampa Bay…Has gone a combined 10-for-31 (.323) with one double, one triple, four home runs, seven RBI, and five walks since the 2013 season (1.239 OPS).

STARTING PITCHER – Chris Bassitt, RHP #40
TODAY’S GAME: Making his 10th start of the season and his 5th on the road…Tossed 7.0 shutout innings his last time out, on 5/17 vs. NYY, giving up 3 hits, a walk, and a hit batter with 7 strikeouts…Extended his career-best scoreless innings streak to 27.0 frames, 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 .175 opponent average this year…Has held opposing RHH to a .138 AVG, the lowest mark in the Majors. Over his last 8 starts, has gone 5-1 with a 1.71 ERA (10 ER/52.2 IP) and a 0.89 WHIP. Has posted a career road record of 30-15 (.667 win%), the 4th-best road record in the divisional era (since 1969), min. 60 starts.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS:
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).

TAMPA BAY RAYS NOTES:

NO SUNDAY SWEEPS — The Rays were unable to complete a three-game sweep of Milwaukee in Sunday afternoon’s series finale at Tropicana Field, allowing a season-high-tying three homers in a 6-4 loss…after the Brewers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, RF Josh Lowe (3-for-4, HR, 4RBI, R) unloaded a game-tying three-run blast in the fourth inning, his 11th home run of the season…Milwaukee responded with three runs of its own in the fifth frame before Lowe closed out the scoring with an RBI-single in the eighth inning.

LHP Jalen Beeks (2.0IP, H, ER, 2BB, 3SO) made his fifth start of the season as an opener, allowing one homer over 2.0 innings of work before giving way to RHP Cooper Criswell (4.2IP, 8H, 5ER, BB, 3SO, 2HR), who took the loss.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE — Tampa Bay’s 21-4 record at Tropicana Field marks the best 25-game home start by any club since the 1979 Montreal Expos (also 21-4)…since 1901, only the 1978 Boston Red Sox (22-3) have recorded a better start…the Rays are one of 10 teams since 1901 to win 21 of their first 25 home games, including the fifth in the Integration Era (since 1947).

Rays pitching paces MLB in several categories at home, including ERA (2.62), opp. AVG (.195), opp. OBP (.277), opp. SLG (.329), opp. OPS (.594) and WHIP (1.02)… meanwhile, Rays hitters rank highly in home extra-base hits (2nd, 97), homers (2nd, 43), slugging pct. (2nd, .491) and OPS (3rd, .836).

START YOUR ENGINES — Rays starters have pitched to a 1.93 ERA (28.0IP, 6ER) over their last six games, holding opponents to a .182 average (18-for-99) with 26 strikeouts and seven walks in that span…it marks the lowest ERA by any major league rotation in that timeframe (since 5/16), ahead of Texas (2.03).

CLOSE SHAVES — Thirteen of Tampa Bay’s last 17 games have been decided by two or fewer runs, including 11 one-run games in that span…the Rays are 5-6 in one-run games and 0-2 in two-run games in that stretch…this comes after just six of Tampa Bay’s first 31 games were decided by two or fewer runs.

On the season, Tampa Bay is 9-7 in one-run games, the fifth-best mark in the AL.

Twelve of the Rays 14 losses have come by three or fewer runs, including nine games decided by two or fewer runs…they have lost only two games by 4+ runs, the fewest such losses in MLB, ahead of Atlanta (3).

BAG BANDITS — The Rays lead the majors in stolen bases (27) and stolen base attempts (33) during the month of May…Wander Franco leads the club with eight steals, third most in MLB during May, followed by Josh Lowe, Luke Raley and Taylor Walls (4SB each)…the Rays have been successful on 13 of their last 14 stolen base attempts dating back to 5/14 at New York-AL.

Tampa Bay has five players with 5+ stolen bases, tied with Cleveland for most in the majors…the Rays also have an MLB-best three players with 9+ steals (Wander Franco – 14SB, Josh Lowe – 9SB, Taylor Walls – 9SB).

GOING STREAKING — Yandy Díaz has a career-best 14-game hitting streak since 5/3, batting .352 (19-for-54) with five doubles, 4 HR and 11 RBI during the run…it is tied with ARI Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for the longest active streak in the majors and marks the longest hitting streak by a Ray since Manuel Margot’s 15-game run from 5/1-28, 2022.

He has recorded an extra-base hit in four straight games, tied for the second-longest active streak in the majors behind CHC Christopher Morel (7G)…it marks the longest such single-season streak of his career and second-longest overall (5G, 9/27/18-3/30/19).

Díaz also has an 18-game on-base streak since 4/27, slashing .371/.480/.710 (23-for62) with 11 extra-base hits, 12 RBI, 11 walks and only 11 strikeouts in that stretch… it is the third-longest active run in the AL behind MIN Byron Buxton (21G) and TEX Marcus Semien (19G).

Díaz has reached base safely in 28 of his last 29 games overall, going .362/.460/.638 (38-for-105) at the plate during that span…he leads all qualified major leaguers during that stretch (since 4/15) in batting average, OPS (1.098), OBP and SLG.

THE LOWE DOWN — Over his last nine games since 5/11, Josh Lowe is batting .343 (12- for-35) with three doubles, 4 HR and 14 RBI…his 14 RBI are second most in the AL in that span, trailing only NYY Aaron Judge…he is 5-for-8 (.625) with 11 RBI with runners in scoring position over that stretch.

Lowe (11HR, 34RBI, 9SB) is the only player in the majors with 10+ home runs, 30+ RBI and 9+ stolen bases…he joins ATL Ronald Acuña Jr. as the only MLB players batting .300 or better with 10+ homers and 10+ doubles.

THE BAY BOMBERS — The Rays have hit a major league-best 91 home runs, the third-most long balls through a club’s first 48 games in MLB history (since 1901), trailing only the 2000 St. Louis Cardinals (98HR) and 1999 Seattle Mariners (97HR).

The Rays have 11 players with 5+ home runs this season, most in the majors, ahead of San Francisco (8 players)…per Elias, Tampa Bay is the first team in MLB history to have 10 or more players with 5+ home runs before reaching the 50-game mark in a season.

The Rays have an MLB-best 26 multi-HR games, ahead of New York-AL (24G); they are 21-5 in those contests…this includes 15 games with 3+ homers, most in the majors ahead of Los Angeles-NL (13G).

Of the six MLB hitters batting .300 or better with 10 home runs this season, three of them are Rays (Randy Arozarena – .304/10HR, Yandy Diáz – .329/11HR, Josh Lowe – .318/11HR).

LEADING THE PACK — The Rays rank second in the majors in runs scored (290) behind Texas (297) while surrendering the second-fewest runs (166) behind Houston (163)… Tampa Bay’s +126 run differential is the eighth-best mark through the first 48 games of a season in MLB history (since 1901), including the best since the 2016 Chicago Cubs (+131).

BATTER UP — Rays hitters lead the majors in OBP (.347), SLG (.500), OPS (.847), homers (91), extra-base hits (186), total bases (816) and at-bats per HR (17.93).

BLUE JAYS FLY SOUTH — Tampa Bay and Toronto open a four-game series this evening, marking the fourth of 13 matchups between the two clubs this season…after dropping two of three in Toronto from 4/14-16, the Rays have fallen in four of their last five games against the Blue Jays, scoring two or fewer runs in three of those contests.

The Rays went 5-4 against the Blue Jays at home last season, holding a narrow +2 (35-33) run differential in those games.

LET’S GET IT STARTED — RHP Trevor Kelley will serve as tonight’s opener before giving way to LHP Josh Fleming…working as an opener on 5/12 at New York-AL, Kelley made his first career start…pitched 2.0 innings, allowing one run on one hit with no walks and two strikeouts…over four appearances (one start) this season, Kelley is 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA (6.0IP, 5ER)…in his last outing on 5/18 at New York-NL, Kelley threw a scoreless inning of relief, scattering one hit with one walk and one strikeout

Kelley has also made 11 relief appearances for Triple-A Durham this season, pitching to a 3.95 ERA (13.2IP, 6ER) with one save…in 253 career minor league relief appearances, Kelley is 17-22 with a 2.33 ERA (336.1IP, 87ER)…since making his major league debut with Boston on 7/2/19, he is 1-4 with a 7.19 ERA (41.1IP, 33ER) in 36 games.

MLB Preview: Houston Astros (27-19) at Milwaukee Brewers (25-21)

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MLB Preview: Houston Astros (27-19) at Milwaukee Brewers (25-21)

HOUSTON ASTROS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Astros will open a six-game, seven-day road trip tonight with the first of three against their former NL Central rival, the Milwaukee Brewers…tonight’s pitching matchup is a good one between RHP Cristian Javier and RHP Corbin Burnes, two pitchers who traditionally rank at the top of the leaderboards in opponent average and strikeouts per 9.0.

STREAKING!: The Astros are on a season-high, seven-game winning streak, which is the longest active winning streak in the Majors…prior to this streak, the Astros longest winning streak of the season was four games…Houston did have two winning streaks of seven-plus games in 2022, an 11-game run (May 2-13) and an eight-game stretch (June 28-July 5).

RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won 10 of their last 11 games to put them a season-high eight games above .500…much of this damage was done on the Astros last homestand, in which they went 6-0 with three-game sweeps of the Cubs and A’s.

ROAD RAGE: The Astros are 13-8 (.619) on the road, which ranks as the second-best road record in the AL, trailing only the Orioles (16-8, .667)…this falls in line with what the Astros did last season, as they led the AL in road winning percentage with a 51-30 (.630) mark.

VS. THE CREW: The Astros and Brewers, who spent 15 seasons (1998-2012) together in the NL Central, have only played each other in 10 games since the Astros moved to the AL in 2013, with Houston going 5-5 in those games…the two teams last saw each other in 2019, playing two-game series in both Milwaukee and Houston that season…both series were splits.

YESTERDAY’S GEM: LHP Framber Valdez (0ER/9IP) pitched the Astros to a 2-0 win over the A’s yesterday at Minute Maid Park, securing a three-game sweep…Valdez allowed just four hits and did not issue a walk, while striking out seven in the outing…the Astros got just enough offense in the win, including a 1×2 day by 2B Jose Altuve, who also walked twice and picked up an RBI in what was his third game back from the IL.

FRAMBERIZED: LHP Framber Valdez tossed the second complete game shutout of his career yesterday vs. OAK…the Astros now have five complete game shutouts since 2017, with Valdez and RHP Justin Verlander tossing two and RHP Gerritt Cole contributing the other…Valdez’s four hits allowed were the fewest hits allowed in Astros complete-game shutout since Verlander tossed his no-hitter on Sept. 1, 2019 at TOR…also, prior to Valdez yesterday, the last Astros pitcher to throw a complete-game shutout without issuing a walk was LHP Dallas Keuchel on May 30, 2015 vs. CWS.

TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have reinstated LHP Parker Mushinski (lumbar spine muscle spasm) from the 10-day IL… Houston optioned LHP Matt Gage to Triple A Sugar Land to make room for Mushinski on the active roster.

PITCHING IN: The Astros have the lowest team ERA (3.19) and have allowed the fewest runs (163) in the Majors…their bullpen ranks second the Majors in ERA (2.95) and has combined to post a 0.89 ERA (2ER/20.1IP) over the team’s last six games.

Lowest Team ERA – MLB Lowest Bullpen ERA – MLB

  1. Houston: 3.19 1. New York (AL): 2.87
  2. Tampa Bay: 3.38 2. Houston: 2.95
  3. Minnesota: 3.43 3. Baltimore: 3.03

MR. CRISTIAN: RHP Cristian Javier has rounded into form over his last six outings, posting a 2.78 ERA (11ER/35.2IP), a .168 opponent average, a 0.87 WHIP and an 11.36 strikeouts per 9.0 ratio in those starts…on the season, Javier ranks fifth in the AL in WHIP (0.97) and sixth in opponent average (.203).

HECTOR’S HOT STREAK: RHP Hector Neris has not allowed a run in his last 15 appearances (13.0 IP)…that ties as the longest scoreless inning streak by an Astro this season, along with a streak produced by RHP Luis Garcia…Neris’ streak ties as the third-longest active streak in the AL.

LATE ATTACK: The Astros offense has come alive late in games this season, producing 83 runs in the 7th inning or later, which ranks second in the AL, trailing only the Rays (84)…the Astros top innings on the season have been the 1st and 7th, with the club scoring 31 runs in both frames.

AL RANKINGS: Among AL players, LF Yordan Alvarez ranks third in RBI (41), third in OPS (.959), third in SLG (.571) and sixth in OBP (.387)…3B Alex Bregman ranks tied for third in walks (27) and third in plate appearances per strikeout (10.20)…additionally, IF Mauricio Dubón ranks fourth in batting average (.309) and RF Kyle Tucker ranks ninth in RBI (33).

STUFF OF NIGHTMARES: LF Yordan Alvarez has been at his best in the big moments in his career, especially this season…he’s hitting .455 (15×33) with RISP, .556 (10×18) with RISP and two outs, .571 (4×7) with the bases loaded, and .400 (10×25) in close and late situations.

ON A HEATER: CF Jake Meyers reached base safely in nine consecutive plate appearances over the weekend, from the 7th inning on Friday thru the 6th inning yesterday (4 BB, 3 1B, 2B, HR)…this continues a heater for Meyers, who owns an .823 OPS in his 28 games since April 15…among Astros players since that date, only LF Yordan Alvarez (.932) has posted a higher OPS than Meyers.

TONIGHT’S ASTROS STARTER: RHP CRISTIAN JAVIER
LAST START – 5/16 VS. CHC: allowed 1 run on 2 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts in 6.0 innings…recorded his 3rd consecutive quality start….he’s also won his last two starts.

ABOUT JAVIER: dynamic starter is making his 10th start of the season…the Astros have gone 7-2 in Javier’s 9 starts this season and are 13-2 in Javier’s last 15 starts dating back to last season.

  • has rounded into form over his last 6 outings, posting a 2.78 ERA (11ER/35.2IP), a .168 opponent average, a 0.87 WHIP and an 11.36 strikeouts per 9.0 ratio in those starts.

INVISIBALL: has held opponents to a .182 average (231×1269) throughout his MLB career…it’s the lowest opponent’s batting average (min. 350 IP) of any MLB pitcher since entering the league in ‘20…the next-closest players are LAA Shohei Ohtani (.196) and MIL Corbin Burnes (.198).

AMONG THE BEST: in the AL, he ranks 5th in WHIP (0.97), 11th in SO/BB (4.92) 11th in strikeouts per 9 innings (10.08) and 14th in strikeouts (59).

VS. MIL: will face the Brewers for the 1st time in his career…has a career 4.01 ERA (30ER/67.1IP) in Interleague play.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME: Is game 1 of a 7-game homestand against Houston (3g) and San Francisco (4g)…..following this homestand and an off day on May 29, the team takes a 7-game trip to Toronto (3g) and Cincinnati (4g).

IN THE TRAINER’S ROOM: RHP Jason Alexander (right rotator cuff), LHP Aaron Ashby (left labrum), RHP JB Bukauskas (neck), RHP Matt Bush (right rotator cuff), LHP Eric Lauer (right shoulder), LHP Wade Miley (left lat), OF Garrett Mitchell (left shoulder), INF Luis Urías (left hamstring), 1B Luke Voit (neck), LHP Justin Wilson (left elbow) and RHP Brandon Woodruff (right shoulder) are on the injured list…..Alexander, Ashby, Mitchell, Urías, Wilson and Woodruff are on the 60-day IL.

IN THE STANDINGS (53 days): The Brewers have spent the following number of days alone or tied at each position in the NL Central standings: FIRST: 32, SECOND: 19, THIRD: 2, FOURTH: 0, FIFTH: 0…..the team is currently in first place, leading the second-place Pirates by 1.0 game.

SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Brewers are 7-8-0 in series play.
Game 1: 7-8, Game 2: 9-6, Game 3: 8-7, Game 4: 1-0
Sweep Wins (3): vs. NYM (3g, 4/3-4/5), at SEA (3g, 4/17-4/19), vs. KC (3g, 5/12-5/14)
Sweep Losses (1): at COL (3g, 5/2-5/4)

AT HOME: The Brewers are 13-8 at home, going 4-3-0 in series play…..the team went 46-35 at home last season, going 15-8-4 in series play.

ON THE ROAD: The Brewers are 12-13 on the road, going 3-5-0 in series play…..the team went 40-41 on the road last season, going 9-12-5 in series play.

LET’S GO TO THE VIDEO TAPE: The Brewers have made nine replay challenges this season, going 5-4…..their last challenge (lost) came on May 21 at Tampa Bay as a hit by pitch (Randy Arozarena) stood.

TONIGHT’S STARTER: #39 – RHP CORBIN BURNES (9gs, 4-3, 3.48)
BURNES AT A GLANCE: Corbin Burnes, 28, is making his 10th start…..he last started last Wednesday at St. Louis and took a 3-0 loss (6ip, 8h, 3r, 3er, 1bb, 7k, 1hr, 89 pitches)….. the team is 5-4 in his starts…..he has 5 quality starts, including 4 in a row…..opponents are batting .218 (41-for-188, 5hr)…..Burnes was selected by Milwaukee in the fourth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of St. Mary’s (CA) College…..he is under club control through 2024.

LAST SEASON: Burnes went 12-8 with a 2.94 ERA in 33 starts last season, finishing seventh in NL Cy Young Award voting after winning the award in 2021…..Burnes was an All-Star for the second straight season and was named Brewers Most Valuable Pitcher for the second year in a row…..his career-high 243 strikeouts led the National League and ranked second in the majors behind the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole (257)…..he became the first pitcher in franchise history to lead his league in strikeouts…..he also ranked among the NL top five in starts (T1st, 33), AVG (2nd, .197), K/9IP (2nd, 10.83), H/9IP (2nd, 6.42), innings pitched (4th, 202.0), K/BB (4th, 4.76), quality starts (T4th, 21) and WHIP (5th, 0.97)…..the team went 20-13 in his starts.

CY BURNES: Burnes won the 2021 National League Cy Young Award after going 11-5 with a Major League-best 2.43 ERA in 28 starts…..he became the third pitcher in franchise history to win a Cy Young Award, joining Rollie Fingers (1981) and Pete Vuckovich (1982)…..he became the first pitcher in franchise history to lead his league in ERA.

CAREER: Is 39-22 with a 3.24 ERA in 144 games/83 starts (567.1ip, 204er)…..is in his sixth Major League season, all with the Brewers (2018-23)…..is 31-19 with a 2.99 ERA as a starter (485.1ip, 161er) and 8-3 with a 4.72 ERA in relief (82ip, 43er)…..Burnes is a two-time All-Star (2021-22) and was a 2021 All-MLB First Team selection.

CAREER AT AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD: Is 19-12 with a 3.49 ERA in 70 games/43 starts (294ip, 114er)…..is 2-0 with a 3.80 ERA in 4 starts this season (21.1ip, 9er)…..went 7-4 with a 3.04 ERA in 18 starts last season (109.2ip, 37er)…..

CAREER ON THE ROAD: Is 20-10 with a 2.96 ERA in 74 games/40 starts (273.1ip, 90er)…..is 2-3 with a 3.26 ERA in 5 starts this season (30.1ip, 11er)…..went 5-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 15 starts last season (92.1ip, 29er).

CAREER vs. ASTROS: His only career appearance vs. Houston came in relief on 6/11/19 at Minute Maid Park (1ip).

MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox (19-29) at Cleveland Guardians (20-26)

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MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox (19-29) at Cleveland Guardians (20-26)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX NOTES:

WHITE SOX AT A GLANCE
The Chicago White Sox have won three straight games, five of six, six of eight and 12 of 20 as they begin a seven-game trip tonight with the series opener at Cleveland.

RHP Jimmy Lambert is scheduled to make his first start of the season and fifth of his career tonight for Chicago.

The White Sox yesterday completed a 6-3 homestand and three-game sweep of Kansas City with a 5-2 win … the Sox went 2-1 vs. Cleveland and 1-2 vs. Houston to open the homestand.

Following this three-game series at Progressive Field, the Sox will conclude the trip with four games from 5/25-28 at Detroit.

Chicago is in fourth place in the American League Central but just 6.5 games behind first-place Minnesota.

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

TONIGHT’S STORYLINES
The White Sox are looking to extend their winning streak to a season-high four games, and trying to move within nine games of the .500 mark for the first time since 4/24 (7-16).

The White Sox are 12-8 over their last 20 games since 4/30 following a 7-21 start to the season.

Chicago starters own a 2.61 ERA (18 ER/62.0 IP), .199 (44- 221) opp. average and 53 strikeouts in the last 10 games (8 QS).

Jimmy Lambert will become just the sixth starting pitcher used by the White Sox this season.

Luis Robert Jr. has hit safely in 16 of 19 games in May, going 24-67 (.358) with seven doubles, eight home runs, 16 RBI, six walks, seven multi-hit eff orts and a 1.255 OPS.

Joe Kelly has retired 31 of the last 32 batters he has faced, including 16 by strikeout … he owns a 9.2 scoreless IP streak.

ROSTER MOVES
The White Sox today recalled RHP Jesse Scholtens from Class AAA Charlotte … he takes the roster spot of RHP Mike Clevinger, who was placed on the 15-day injured list yesterday (retroactive to 5/18) with right wrist inflammation.

YESTERDAY’S RECAP
The White Sox scored five unanswered runs from the fourth through the seventh inning en route to a 5-2 win over Kansas City to complete its first sweep of the season.

Luis Robert Jr. cut the Sox deficit to 2-1 with a solo home run in the fourth, and Romy Gonzalez gave the Sox the lead with a two-run, game-winning triple in the fi fth.

Andrew Benintendi added a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a RBI single in the seventh.

Lance Lynn (2 ER/6.0 IP) earned his third win of the season … three Chicago relievers combined to work 3.0 hitless IP with four strikeouts … Joe Kelly earned his first save of the season.

Robert Jr. hit his eighth home run in May, and Gonzalez (3-3, 3B, 2 RBI) recorded the Sox only multi-hit effort.

FOR STARTERS
Jimmy Lambert will be the sixth starting pitcher used by the White Sox this season … the other four MLB teams to use six or fewer starting pitchers are Toronto (five), Baltimore (six), Pittsburgh (six) and Washington (six).

THE TIMES ARE CHANGIN’
Chicago is 12-8 (.600) since 4/30, the sixth-best winning percentage in the American League during that span … its 3.79 ERA since 4/30 is the fifth-best in the AL and eighth-best in MLB.

During the 20-game stretch, the White Sox have won their first four series of the season, and recorded their first sweep (5/19-21 vs. Kansas City) and winning homestand (5/12-21).

A breakdown of the White Sox over their last 20 games compared to their 7-21 start to the season:

W-L AVG R R/G HR OBP SLG OPS ERA IP QS ER HR SO
12-8 .267 97 4.9 25 .322 .431 .753 3.79 180.1 11 76 25 178
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 2.61 ERA (18 ER/62.0 IP), .199 (40-199) opp. average and 53 strikeouts over the last 10 games since 5/11 … they rank second in MLB in WHIP (1.00) and third in ERA and opponents average during that span.

They have allowed three runs or less nine times, two or less seven times and one or less four times.

A breakdown of the Sox rotation since 5/11:

W-L ERA WHIP QS IP H R ER HR BB SO SO/9.0 AVG OPS
6-4 2.61 1.00 8 61.0 44 20 18 5 18 53 7.7 .199 .584

WHITE SOX VS. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
Chicago won two of three over Cleveland last week in the first series of the season between the clubs … there are four games remaining at Guaranteed Rate Field and six at Progressive Field.

The two clubs play six times over nine days from 5/16-24.

The White Sox are hitting .330/.354/.560 with six homers, own a 2.00 ERA (6 ER/27.0 IP) and a 16-8 edge in runs scored.

The White Sox went 7-12 last season (4-6 at Progressive Field).

Chicago is 19-22 since the start of 2021, including a 9-10 mark at Progressive Field (13 games decided by three runs or less).

CENTRAL DIVISION DYNAMICS
Chicago is 9-7 vs. the American League Central, including a 7-2 mark at Guaranteed Rate Field … it currently is in a stretch of 13 straight games vs. the division (5-1 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.

REST WHEN YOU CAN
The Sox currently are in a stretch of 16 straight games without a day off and are 11-8 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 (at Cincinnati, at/vs. Kansas City, vs./at Cleveland and at Detroit).

POSTING PUNCHOUTS
Chicago pitchers rank second in MLB with 450 strikeouts, trailing Minnesota (464) … White Sox starters rank second in the major leagues in strikeouts (255), trailing the Twins (302).

Lance Lynn ranks seventh among American League pitchers with 67 strikeouts, and Reynaldo López is tied for sixth among AL relievers with 28 strikeouts.

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

The White Sox have homered in 15 of its last 20 games since 4/30 (25 total homers), and hit 28 in its last 23 games since 4/27.

The Sox have recorded nine multi-homer eff orts and been held without a home run just six times over the last 23 contests.

Chicago is 15-17 when homering, 7-7 when hitting multiple homers and 4-12 when going homerless this season.

LONGBALL LOGISTICS, PART II
Luis Robert Jr. (T2nd, 13) and Jake Burger (T1th, 10) rank among the American League home run leaders this season.

Robert Jr. is tied for fourth in MLB with nine 400-plus foot homers in 2023, trailing Pete Alonso (11), Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jorge Soler (10) … 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 leads MLB with 9.30 at bats per home run this season (minimum 100 plate appearances) … 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 .3589/.434/.821 (24-67) with seven doubles, eight homers (averaging 427 ft. and 108.6 mph EV), 16 RBI, 20 runs, six walks and a 1.255 OPS in May (19 G).

He ranks among AL May leaders in home runs (1st), runs scored (1st), total bases (1st, 55), extra-base hits (1st, 15), slugging percentage (2nd), OPS (2nd), doubles (T4th), hits (T5th), RBI (T5th), average (7th) and on-base percentage (8th).

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).

SOUTHPAW SUCCESS
Chicago is hitting .360/.422/.551 in the last 13 games vs. LHP.

The White Sox are batting .273/.340/.442 vs. left-handed pitching since the start of the 2019 season … during that span, the Sox lead MLB in average, rank second in on-base percentage, fifth in OPS (.781) and sixth in slugging percentage.

Tim Anderson (.349) and Hanser Alberto (.345) rank 1-2 in MLB in average vs. left-handers since the start of 2019.

Luis Robert Jr. is 11-28 (.393) with three homers and seven RBI vs. LHP in 2023 and hitting .355/.417/.617/1.033 lifetime.

STARTER – #50 JIMMY LAMBERT RHP
LAMBERT AT A GLANCE
Is scheduled to make his sixth career start (68th appearance) tonight, his fourth career start against Cleveland and third on the road.

Has pitched to a 2-1 record with a 6.23 ERA (12 ER/17.1 IP), .286 (20-70) opponents average, 11 walks and 22 strikeouts across 19 relief outings in 2023.

Ten of his 19 outings have been scoreless this season and has not allowed an earned run in 13 appearances …has struck out multiple batters in seven out of his last 14

His younger brother, Peter, pitches for the Colorado Rockies.

Underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019.

Was selected by Chicago in the fifth round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Fresno State University.

START YOUR ENGINES
Owns a 1-3 record with a 4.42 ERA (9 ER/18.1 IP) with seven walks, 14 strikeouts and a .264 (19-72) opponents average in his five career starts.

Last made a start on 4/20/22 at Cleveland, suffering the loss after allowing two runs on five hits with two walks and a career-high five strikeouts.

Tossed a career-high 5.0 IP on 9/7/21 when he started at Oakland, earning the win after allowing one run on three hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

2023 SEASON REVIEW
Has not appeared in a game since 5/12 (a span of nine days and eight games).

Started the season with four straight scoreless outings (3.1 IP), limiting opponents to a 0.91 (1-11) average with three walks and two strikeouts.

Did not allow an earned run until 4/14 vs. Baltimore, his eighth appearance of the year … went 0-0 with one unearned run allowed on two hits with four walks and seven strikeouts over his first seven appearances compared to a 2-1 record with a 8.76 ERA (12 ER/12.1 IP), .340 (18-53), five home runs allowed, seven walks and 17 strikeouts.

VS. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS || A.L. CENTRAL
Is scheduled to make his ninth career appearance (fourth start) against Cleveland.

Has gone 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA (8 ER/16.0 IP), .254 (16-63) opponents average, eight walks and 13 strikeouts in his career against the Guardians.

Is 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA (6 ER/10.1 IP), .318 (14-44) opponents average, four walks and 11 strikeouts in his three starts against Cleveland.

Has limited Cleveland to two total home runs over his 16.0 IP (1.13 HR/9).

Has gone 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA (1 ER/3.1 IP) over four relief appearances this year against American League Central teams.

Is 1-2 with a 3.96 ERA (17 ER/38.2 IP) in 31 career appearances (five starts) against the division.

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS NOTES:

GUARDS GET SWEPT IN SUNDAY DOUBLEHEADER
In the wake of Saturday’s rainout, the New York Mets took both games of a split doubleheader from Cleveland on Sunday at Citi Field, as the Guardians dropped the matinee, 5-4, ahead of a 2-1 defeat in the nightcap…all 3 games of the weekend series were one-run affairs decided in the 8th inning-or-later.

Rookie TANNER BIBEE (6.0IP, 7H, 2R-ER, 4BB, 3SO, WP, 99 pitches) put forth a competitive effort opposite Max Scherzer (6.0IP, 3H, 0R, BB, 5SO, 86 pitches) in G1’s 5-4 loss, but received no run support from a Guardians offense that was held scoreless until a 4-run rally in the 8th; the late push was highlighted by a 2-run HR from JOSÉ RAMÍREZ that momentarily put Cleveland ahead 4-3… following a lead-off walk to start the 9th, Starling Marte ended the contest with a 2-run homer off TREVOR STEPHAN.

G2’s 2-1 affair featured another pitchers duel between SHANE BIEBER (8.0IP, 7H, 2R-ER, 2BB, 4SO, HR, 106 pitches) and Justin Verlander (8.0IP, 3H, 1R-ER, 0BB, 5SO, HR, 98 pitches)…Ramírez tatooed his second home run of the day in the 1st inning, drilling a 418-foot solo blast into the upper deck in RF…Francisco Lindor tied the game with a lead-off solo shot in the 6th…the Metropolitans manufactured the winning run in the 8th, as a pair of singles set the table for Jeff McNeil’s go-ahead sac fly.

Coming off a 5-4 homestand, the Guardians went 1-5 on just completed 6-game trip thru Chicago-AL (1-2) & New York-NL (0- 3)…Guardians have dropped 20 of last 31 overall since starting year 9-6…Guardians (20-26) sit in 3rd place in AL Central standings, 4.5 games behind 1st-place Minnesota (25-22) and one game behind 2nd-place Detroit (-3.5G, 20-24)…last season, club went 9-12 in April & 12-12 in May.

TALKIN’ BOUT CHI-TOWN
The Guardians open up this six-game homestand with a 3-game series with the Chicago White Sox, the second of four series against their divisional opponent and first at home…the two clubs played each other from Tuesday-Thursday last week with the White Sox taking two of three contests…Chicago-AL won the first two matchups, 8-3 and 7-2, before Cleveland won the third tilt powered by a strong start from LOGAN ALLEN (5.2IP, 7H, 1R/ER, 1BB, 5SO) and a 2-run 8th-inning highlighted by an RBIsingle from CAM GALLAGHER (1-for-4, RBI, 2SO)…during the Terry Francona Era (since 2013), the Guards are 7-3 in season series’ against the Sox and 112-72, their most wins against any AL Central opponent and the most wins of any team against ChicagoAL during that span…in his career, Francona is 142-97 against the Sox his 3rd-most career wins vs. any opponent behind Kansas City (145-93) and Detroit (146-98).

Since 2013, the Clevelanders are 58-32 overall against ChicagoAL at Progressive Field and 1,112-1,118 all-time.

RUNNERS BEWARE
Guardians outfielders totaled 3 outfield assists in Sunday’s doubleheader, upping their total to 11 this season, leading MLB with Kansas City…WILL BRENNAN’s 5 outfield assists is T2nd in MLB with ATL’s Ronald Acuña Jr., TEX’s Adolis García, NYM’s Starling Marte and LAA’s Hunter Renfroe and one behind PHI’s Nick Castellanos…STEVEN KWAN (3) is T13th and GABRIEL ARIAS (2) is 25th…Cleveland is the only team with three players in the top 25…since the start of 2022, the Guardians are 1st in the AL and 2nd in MLB with 42 outfield assists, one behind Cincinnati.

PATIENCE AT THE PLATE
The Guardians are currently 1st in the AL and 3rd in MLB with a 23.0 swing and miss percentage trailing Arizona (22.0%) and Washington (21.7%)…Cleveland is the only team in MLB with 3 players ranking in the top-15 for lowest swing and miss percentage with STEVEN KWAN (3rd, 10.5%), MYLES STRAW (5th, 12.5%) and JOSÉ RAMÍREZ (15th, 15.4%).

Kwan is also second in MLB behind Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman (6.3%) with a 7.3% first pitch swing rate…since debuting last season, Kwan has an 8.5% first pitch swing rate, taking first pitches at a higher rate than any other MLB hitter, as no other player has a mark below 12.0% in that span…as a club, the Guardians swing at the first pitch at a 27.1% rate, the 2nd-lowest rate in MLB behind Milwaukee (26.5%).

CUTTING IT CLOSE
The Guardians lead MLB with 22 one-run games this season, owning a 9-13 record in such contests…Cincinnati and Los Angeles-AL are next closest teams with 18 one-run games… Cleveland has played 67 such games since 2022 and have a .552 win percentage (37-40), 5th in the AL…32 of the club’s 46 games (69.5%) have been decided by 2-or-fewer runs this season, owning a 16-16 record in those games.

The Guards have 407 one-run games since 2013, the 2nd-fewest in MLB over that stretch, but the 5th-best win percentage in MLB and 2nd in the AL (.533, 217-190) behind New York-AL (.543, 435- 236)…Atlanta leads MLB with a .551 (244-199) winning percentage over that period.

DOWN ON THE FARM
TRISTON MCKENZIE threw 3.0 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits with 4 strikeouts in his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Columbus on Saturday…his fastball topped out at 95.3 mph and averaged 92.6 mph…he threw 52 pitches, 29 for strikes.

GAVIN WILLIAMS struck out 9 batters over 6.0 innings, inducing 19 swing-and-misses…he has 56 strikeouts over 40.0 innings this season, a 12.6 SO/9…through 8 starts, he boasts a 3-1 record with a 1.58 ERA (7ER/40.0IP)…batters are hitting .154 (21-for-136) against him.

JOHNATHAN RODRIGUEZ reached base three times on Sunday, going 2-for-3 with a 2-run home run and one walk for Double-A Akron…he now has a 13-game on-base streak, the 2ndlongest streak in the system…he is hitting .319 (15-for-47) with 3 home runs, 10 RBI and a .421 OBP.

AUSTIN PETERSON picked up his first professional win Saturday, twirling 5.0 scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts for Low-A Lynchburg…he has not allowed a run over his last three appearances (14.0IP) and owns a 2.25 ERA (8ER/32.0IP) on the year.

TONIGHT’S STARTER – 70 HUNTER GADDIS RHP
GADDIS’ MLB CAREER
W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
2023 0-1 6.86 5 4 19.2 22 15 15 6 13
Career 0-3 10.00 7 6 27.0 37 30 30 9 18

GADDIS AT HOME
W-L ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO
2023 0-1 14.40 2 1 5.0 8 8 8 1 4
Career 0-3 16.78 4 3 12.1 23 23 23 5 9

TONIGHT’S START
The 25-year-old right-hander is slated to make his 5th start this season, 2nd at home, in the first of a 3-game set with the Chicago White Sox…he was added to the Guardians pitching rotation to start the 2023 season after TRISTON MCKENZIE suffered a right major teres strain in his final spring start on March 26 vs. Cincinnati..this will be his 7th career start after making 2 spot starts in 2022 and 4 starts to begin the 2023 campaign…

After four starts this season, Gaddis was optioned to AAA Columbus on April 19 before being recalled as the 27th man for a
doubleheader on April 22 against Miami, where he made a relief appearance…he was optioned back to Columbus the following day.

This is his second career outing against Chicago-AL and his third career start against the AL Central.

LAST TIME OUT/LAST START
Gaddis last appeared on April 22 in G1 of a doubleheader against Miami after being called up as the 27th man…he made his first career relief appearance in the 8th and 9th innings where he retired all 6 Marlins hitters he faced…he finished 2.0 innings of perfect baseball while adding a strikeout and throwing 15 of his 19 pitches for strikes…he became the 2nd Cleveland reliever this season to finish an outing with 2.0+ perfect innings since ELI MORGAN on April 8 vs. Seattle (2.0IP, 3SO).

Gaddis did not factor into the decision in his last MLB start, a 4-3 defeat against the Detroit Tigers on April 18 in G1 of a doubleheader…Gaddis tossed 5.0 innings with a strikeout, allowing hits, 3 runs (earned) and a walk…after a walk and single, a Javier Báez sacrifice fly gave Detroit a 1-0 lead in the 1st…Gaddis went through the 2nd-4th innings unscathed before running into some trouble in the 5th…3 of the first 4 hitters started the 5th with singles, capped by a Báez RBI base hit…Riley Carpenter followed in the next at-bat with a game-tying RBI double before Gaddis retired the final two Tigers hitters to end his outing.

OUT FOR REVENGE
Gaddis has faced the White Sox once before in his career, taking the loss in an 8-2 defeat in his second career MLB spot start on September 15, 2022 at Progressive Field…Gaddis finished the outing with 4.0 innings pitched, 8 hits, 7 runs (earned), a walk, and 3 strikeouts…6 of the 7 runs he allowed came from 5 ChicagoAL home runs as Gavin Sheets, Andrew Vaughn, Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal, and Elvis Andrus all went yard in the 2nd-4th innings…the 5 home runs were the most allowed by Gaddis in his professional career and a club record, tying Gary Bell (4/29/1962 vs. Min-2) and Luis Tiant (4/18/1969 at BOS).

MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers (20-24) at Kansas City Royals (14-34)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers (20-24) at Kansas City Royals (14-34)

DETROIT TIGERS NOTES:

TIGERS LOSE SERIES FINALE TO WASHINGTON: The Tigers fell behind early and were unable to complete the comeback, dropping a 6-4 decision to the Nationals on Sunday. Nick Maton had a pair of hits, including a solo homer, while Matt Vierling went 2×4. Zach McKinstry and Spencer Torkelson each had a hit and a RBI. Joey Wentz started for Detroit and took the loss, allowing six runs on 10 hits with one strikeout in 2.0 innings. The Tigers bullpen combined for 6.0 shutout frames, led by Mason Englert, who threw 2.2 scoreless innings.

ZACH ATTACK: Zach McKinstry reached base three times in yesterday’s game at Washington, going 1×3 with a RBI and two walks. McKinstry has performed well when hitting in the lead off spot for the Tigers this season. When batting first, McKinstry is hitting .302/.415/.396 with two doubles, a homer and four RBI.

FOLEY PUTTING UP ZEROS: Jason Foley worked a scoreless inning with two hits allowed yesterday against the Nationals. Foley has not allowed a run in 10 of his last 11 appearances, posting a 0.82 ERA (11.0IP/1ER) with nine hits allowed, one walk and six strikeouts. For the season, Foley has pitched in 20 games, compiling a 1-1 record with two saves, a 1.42 ERA (19.0IP/3ER) and 14 strikeouts.

RILEY AGAINST THE ROYALS: Riley Greene hit safely in all 15 games he played against Kansas City last season, hitting .306/.377/.435 with three doubles, a triple, a home run and four RBI. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Greene’s 15-game hitting streak against the Royals is the fourth-longest current hitting streak vs. one team among active players, trailing only Freddie Freeman (20-game hitting streak vs. Boston), Starling Marte (18-game hitting streak vs. Texas) and Josh Bell (17-game hitting streak vs. New
York (NL)).

TIGERS AND ROYALS: The Tigers and Royals begin their 13-game season series tonight. Detroit went 10-9 against Kansas City last season with the two teams splitting 10 meetings at Kauffman Stadium. The Tigers have won the season series over the Royals just twice since 2015.

AGAINST THE AL CENTRAL: The Tigers continue divisional play tonight against the Royals. Detroit has played six games against AL Central opponents this season, winning four-of-six contests against Cleveland. 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.

ON THE ROAD: The Tigers are 1-2 on their six-game road trip, which includes three games at Washington (1-2) and three games at Kansas City (May 22-24). Detroit has a 10-14 record away from Comerica Park this season. As a team, the Tigers are hitting .220/.290/.341 on the road, while the pitching staff has a 4.54 ERA (208.0IP/105ER).

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)

TONIGHT’S TIGERS STARTING PITCHER

21 Michael Lorenzen • 2-2, 3.44 ERA (34.0IP/13ER)

  • Lorenzen will make his seventh start of the season tonight in the series opener at Kansas City.
  • Earned his second win of the season in his last start on Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh, throwing 6.0 scoreless innings with five hits allowed, two walks and seven strikeouts…has thrown at least 6.0 innings and allowed one run-or-less in each of his last three starts, the first time in his career he has done so.
  • Has made just one appearance in his career against the Royals, pitching in relief on May 20, 2015 at Kauffman Stadium and throwing a scoreless inning with one hit.
  • 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.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS NOTES:

SWEPT ON THE SOUTH SIDE: The Royals were swept by the White Sox in yesterday’s 5-2 loss in Chicago to finish the 9-game trip with a 2-7 record…opener Carlos Hernández retired all six batters he faced with 3 strikeouts, and the newly-engaged Michael Massey hit a 2-run HR in the 2nd inning to give the Royals an early lead…Luis Robert Jr. halved the gap with a solo HR off Max Castillo in the 3rd, and No. 9 hitter Romy González gave the White Sox a lead with a 2-run triple in the 5th…that was all the offense Chicago needed, as the Royals were held to 4 hits on the day, including only 1 hit after the 3rd inning, and were held to 3 runs for the series.

ROSTER MOVE: The Royals announced today that infielder Nicky Lopez has been returned from his rehab assignment and reinstated from the 10-day Injured List…Lopez was placed on the IL on May 2 after undergoing an appendectomy…in 3 rehab games with Triple-A Omaha, he went 3-for-10 with a double, an RBI and 3 walks.

In a corresponding move, Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment…Dozier, 31, was the Royals 1stround pick in the 2013 Draft, debuted in 2016 and has spent his entire career in the Royals organization.

TRIP TRACKER: The Royals went 2-7 on their 9-game road trip and were swept in Milwaukee and Chicago, but won 2 of 3 games in San Diego…they were outscored on the trip 41-22 (-19) and were held to 2 runs or fewer in 5 of the 9 games, including 2 shutouts…following back-to-back wins in San Diego last week, the Royals were swept by the White Sox, a series in which they combined for 3 runs on 12 hits, and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position…in fact, the Royals are 0-for-their-last-15 in scoring situations with 8 strikeouts since their last such hit, a Maikel Garcia RBI double off Yu Darvish in the 6th inning of last Wednesday’s win in San Diego.

Despite going 2-7 on the trip, the Royals held a lead in 6 of the 9 games but suffered 4 blown losses.

LEADS LOST: The Royals have held a lead in 15 of their 19 games in the month of May, but they’re only 7-12 this month with 8 blown lead losses…they led in each of their last 2 games in Chicago but lost them both…the only games this month in which they haven’t held a lead were May 5 vs. Baltimore, when they trailed 9-2, cut the deficit to 9-8, but lost 12-8; May 12 at Milwaukee, a 5-1 loss; a week ago tonight in San Diego, a 4-0 loss; and Friday night in Chicago, where they were blanked in a 2-0 loss…for the season, the Royals 16 blown lead losses are tied for the 2nd most among all 30 Major League teams, 1 shy of Oakland’s 17 blown lead losses.

HOME: The Royals begin a 6-game homestand tonight with the 1st of 3 games vs. the Detroit Tigers, before hosting the Washington Nationals for 3 games this weekend for the first time since 2016…the Royals will play 9 of their next 11 games at home, with the only exceptions being a 2-game set in St. Louis which starts a week from today…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.

The Royals are 6-17 at Kauffman Stadium this season, but have won 4 of their last 5 after starting 2-16.

BULLPEN BITS: The Royals deployed another bullpen day in yesterday’s 5-2 loss in Chicago, and it was off to a promising start after opener Carlos Hernández retired the first six batters…Max Castillo took over in the 3rd with a 2-0 lead, but was charged with 5 runs on 8 hits over 4.2 innings…those 5 runs marked the most the Royals bullpen has allowed in a game over the last 15 games, a stretch in which Royals relievers rank 3rd in the American League with a .223 opponents’ average (48-for-215) and 4th with a 2.97 ERA (20 ER in 60.2 IP).

For the season, Royals relievers lead MLB with 216 strikeouts and rank 2nd with 10.6 K/9, both of which mark big improvements over last year, when they ranked 25th with 552 strikeouts and 21st with an 8.5 K/9.

Josh Staumont turned back the clock on Saturday with a dominant 9th inning, in which he needed only 12 pitches to retire Luis Robert Jr., Yoán Moncada and Andrew Vaughn, including 2 strikeouts…since being recalled to make his season debut on April 14, 11 of Staumont’s 14 outings have been scoreless and he’s held opponents to a .184 average (9-for-49) with just 1 extra-base hit and 19 strikeouts (12.2 K/9).

Taylor Clarke retired his only batter in the 7th yesterday to strand a pair, extending his scoreless streak to 7.2 innings over 7 outings, during which he’s held opponents to a .192 average (5-for-26) with 11 strikeouts.

Scott Barlow has retired 20 of his last 21 batters, and the only exception during that stretch was a single by Oakland’s JJ Bleday on May 7…he’s recorded 10.2 scoreless innings over his last 10 outings since April 22, a stretch in which he has 5 saves, a .111 opponents’ average (4-for-36) and 16 strikeouts…his save last Wednesday was the 49th in his career, tying him with Wade Davis and Steve Farr for 9th in Royals history.

VS. TIGERS: The Royals and Tigers are meeting tonight for the 1st of 13 games between these teams this season…the Royals won 8 of their 1st 13 games vs. the Tigers last season before losing 5 of the last 6 as they went 9-10 overall to mark just the third time in the last 10 years that they lost the season series vs. the Tigers.

The Royals are 390-379 (.507) all-time vs. the Tigers, their 3rd-highest win percentage against any opponent (min. 50 games), trailing the Brewers (.546) and Mariners (.511)….in 769 meetings with Detroit, the Royals have averaged 4.7 runs per game, their most vs. any opponent min. 50 games).

Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch played two of his seven big league seasons in Kansas City from 2001-02.

NO MINOR FEAT: Minor League Baseball announced today that Royals minor league outfielder Gavin Cross, who was selected in the 1st round of last year’s First Year Player Draft, has been named Midwest League Player of the Week for the period of May 15-21…in 6 games last week, Cross hit .375 (9-for-24) and all 9 hits of his hits went for extra bases, including 4 doubles and 5 home runs…he homered in 5 of 6 games and also recorded 6 walks and a league-high 11 RBI during the week for a .500 on-base percentage while leading the Midwest League with a 1.167 slugging percentage and 1.667 OPS.

PACE OF PLAY: Through 48 games, the Royals average game time is 2 hours, 34 minutes, which is tied with Cleveland for the fastest average in the Majors this season ahead of the Rockies, Marlins and Pirates, who are all averaging 2:35…the Major League average for 9-inning games is 2 hours, 37 minutes, which is 3 minutes more than the Royals season average, which does include 1 extra-inning game…only four of the Royals previous 54 seasons have ended with a quicker average game time than their current mark of 2 hours, 34 minutes, and all four of those instances came within the team’s first decade of existence…the Royals averaged 2 hours, 28 minutes in both 1969 and 1971, 2 hours, 31 minutes in 1972 and 2 hours, 32 minutes in 1978.

TONIGHT’S STARTERS: RHP BRADY SINGER (3-4, 7.09)
BRADY SINGER is making his 10th start of the season and 73rd of his career tonight vs. Detroit…it’s his 11th career start vs. the Tigers, his most vs. any opponent…Singer is 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 earned his 3rd win in the Royals 5-4 victory in San Diego last Tuesday, in which he allowed 4 runs (2 ER) on 7 hits and 2 walks in 6.0 innings, with 3 strikeouts…he was gifted with a 5-run lead in the 2nd inning, and benefited from a pair of double plays to hold that lead until the 5th, when the Padres scored 2 unearned runs thanks to 2 errors…Singer yielded 2 more runs in the 6th on an RBI double and a sacrifice fly, and the bullpen held the 1-run lead to help Brady earn the win.

Singer has completed 6.0 innings in each of his last 2 starts, matching his number of 6.0-inning starts in his 1st 7 appearances to begin the season.

ON BEAT: After a rough start to the year, Brady appears to be back on track with his last 2 starts, during which he’s allowed 5 runs (3 ER) in 12.0 innings for a 2.25 ERA… the Royals have won both of those starts—after going 3-4 in his 1st 7 starts—and he’s completed 6.0 innings both times, something he did in only 2 of his 1st 7 starts.

Singer has allowed 2 earned runs or fewer in 4 of his 9 starts, and the Royals have won all 4 of those games…but he’s allowed at least 5 runs in his other 5 outings this season, and the Royals are only 1-4 in those games.

STOPPER: Singer has had success in his career following a Royals loss, and he’ll attempt to be the stopper again tonight after the Royals were swept in Chicago over the weekend…in 44 career appearances following a Royals loss, Singer is 16-11 with a 3.77 ERA (98 ER in 234.0 IP), and all 3 of his wins this year have followed a team loss.

WALK THIS WAY: Since the start of last season, Singer has recorded at least 5.0 innings without issuing a walk in 12 of 33 starts—including 3 this year—which are tied for the 3rd most such starts in the Majors, trailing Corey Kluber (15) and Aaron Nola (13)…he’s issued 51 walks in 199.0 innings since the start of 2022, and his 6.2% walk rate during that time is tied for 10th best in the American League (min. 190.0 IP).

CASTING CALLS: In 33 starts since his recall on May 17 of last season, Brady has induced a called strike on 637 of 3,148 pitches (20.2%), 3rd most in the Majors behind Logan Webb (656) and Aaron Nola (642)…Singer’s rate of 20.2% called strikes since May 17, 2022 leads the Majors by a wide margin (min. 2,500 pitches), ahead of Sonny Gray (17.7%)…since his 2020 debut season, Singer’s called-strike rate of 20.9% ranks 2nd in the Majors (min. 5,000 pitches), trailing only Adam Wainwright (21.1%).

CAN’T TOUCH THIS: Singer has recorded 382 strikeouts in 391.2 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)…Brady’s 382 strikeouts are the most by a Royal through 75 career appearances ahead of Junis and the late Yordano Ventura (380)…to maintain his lead through 76 career appearances—a mark currently held by Junis (386) and followed by Ventura (385)—Singer needs to record at least 5 strikeouts tonight.

TIGER KING: In 10 career starts vs. Detroit, Singer is 6-0 with a 2.44 ERA (15 ER in 55.1 IP) and .235 opponents’ average (47-for-200), and has held the Tigers to 2 runs or fewer in 8 of those 10 starts…he’s one of five pitchers all-time with at least 6 wins and no losses in at least 10 career starts vs. the Tigers, along with Joe Coleman (9- 0), Aaron Civale (7-0), Yordano Ventura (7-0) and Pedro Martínez (6-0)…among that group, only Civale’s 2.06 ERA vs. the Tigers is lower than Singer’s 2.44 ERA.

The Royals have won 8 of Singer’s 10 starts vs. the Tigers, including all 3 last season, in which he went 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA (3 ER in 17.2 IP) and 21 strikeouts.

In 5 starts vs. the Tigers at Kauffman Stadium, Singer is 4-0 with a 1.84 ERA (6 ER in 29.1 IP), including 7.0 scoreless innings in a 4-0 win here last Sept. 11.

Singer’s 6 wins vs. Detroit account for more than 27% of his 22 career wins.

AT HOME: Singer is 1-3 with a 7.20 ERA (20 ER in 25.0 IP) in 5 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 started the Royals last home game on May 11 vs. the White Sox, a 4-3 walk-off win in which he allowed just 1 run on 5 hits over 6.0 innings.

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