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MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (25-20) at Pittsburgh Pirates (24-20)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (25-20) at Pittsburgh Pirates (24-20)

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS NOTES:

HERE’S THE STORY
♦ The D-backs’ 24 wins are third most in the NL, behind the Dodgers (29) and Braves (28).

♦ The D-backs are second in the NL West (23 days in/tied for first place from April 2-30).

♦ Brandon Pfaadt is making his fourth career start.

♦ Gabriel Moreno has reached base safely in 10 of his last 11 games, is hitting .368 (14-for-38)/.429 OBP with 2 doubles, 3 RBI and 4 walks.

♦ Geraldo Perdomo has homered in 2 of his last 3 road games and in his last 9 road games is hitting .464 (13-for28)/1.373 OPS with 2 doubles, 3 homers, 8 RBI, 3 walks.

ROSTER MOVES
♦ The D-backs selected RHP Austin Adams from Triple-A Reno (No. 55), placed LHP Anthony Misiewicz (strained right calf) on the 15-day injured list and transferred C Carson Kelly (right forearm fracture) to the 60-day injured list.

GETTING ON BASE AND DRAWING FREE PASSES
♦ Since April 24, the D-backs’ .355 OBP leads the Majors ahead of the Red Sox (.352), Braves (.341) and Rays (.337).

♦ Since April 24, the D-backs’ 96 walks (22 games) are tied for second in the Majors (Padres, 96 BB in 21 G), behind the Dodgers (98 BB, 23 G).

OH, LOURDES!
♦ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is batting .404 (19-for-47)/1.394 OPS with 5 doubles (1 walk-off ), 6 homers, 12 RBI and 8 walks during his career-high-tying 12-game hitting streak ( also: July 11-Aug. 24, 2018), which is tied for the second-longest active streak in the Majors, tied for the longest by a D-back this season (Corbin Carroll).

♦ In his last 11 road games, is hitting .317 (13-for-41)/1.002 OPS with 2 doubles, 3 homers, 7 RBI and 6 walks.

SHOWING OUT ON SATURDAYS
♦ The D-backs offense, in 7 Saturday games, leads the Majors with .316 average, is second with .522 SLG, fourth with .875 OPS, fifth with .352 OBP and sixth with 44 runs.

♦ Christian Walker, in 7 Saturday games, is hitting .423 (11-for-26)/1.203 OPS with 3 homers and 8 RBI.

♦ Lourdes Gurriel Jr., in 6 Saturday games, is hitting .409 (9-for-22)/1.162 OPS with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homer and 4 RBI.

KETEL BEING KETEL
♦ Ketel Marte’s 19-game on-base streak (1 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 BB, 2 HBP) is the fourth-longest active streak in the Majors and 3 games shy of his career-long streak (22, Aug 2-29, 2019).

♦ Has reached base in 12 straight road games , hitting .378 (17-for-45)/1.1633 OPS with 1 triple, 4 homers, 9 RBI and 6 walks.

YOUNG ‘BACKS
♦ The D-backs’ 27.8 roster age is tied for third-youngest in the Majors with the A’s and Rays, behind the Guardians (26.4) and Orioles (27.7) and ahead of the Nationals, Angels, Phillies and Mariners (28.0).

D-FENSE! D-FENSE!
♦ The D-backs’ .990 fielding pct. is tied for fourth in the Majors with the Astros and Mariners behind the Padres (.993), Rays (.991) and Mets (.991).

♦ Josh Rojas’ 6 Outs Above Average (OAA) are tied for fourth most in the Majors with Bobby Witt Jr./KC behind Eugenio Suárez/SEA (8), Xander Bogaerts/SD (7) and Ke’Bryan Hayes/PIT (7)…Christian Walker’s 5 OAA are tied for sixth (5 others).

♦ Dominic Fletcher’s 4 defensive runs saved lead the team (min. 100.0 IP) followed by Gabriel Moreno (3) and Geraldo Perdomo (3).

STARTING PITCHER – RHP BRANDON PFAADT ♦ #32

AT A GLANCE: •Selected by the D-backs in the fifth round of the 2020 First-Year Player draft out of Bellarmine University…was the second-highest draft pick behind Todd Wellemeyer (4th round, 2000) and ninth all-time.

  • The D-backs’ 2022 Minor League Pitcher of the Year led the organization in wins, ERA and strikeouts…went 11-7 with a 3.83 ERA (71 ER in 167.0 IP), 218 strikeouts and 1.16 WHIP in 29 starts at Double-A Amarillo and Triple-A Reno.
  • Attended Bellarmine University for 3 years (2018-20).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Is making his fourth career start, second on the road.

  • Looking for his first Major League win.
  • Entered the season rated as the D-backs’ No. 4 prospect by The Athletic (No. 38 overall) and MLB Pipeline (No. 59 overall) and No. 5 by Baseball America.

LAST START : Did not factor in the decision after holding the Giants to 1 run over 5.0 innings on May 14 @ Chase Field… allowed his lone run on a solo home run to Michael Conforto in the fourth inning.

VS. PIRATES: Is making his fi rst career start.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES NOTES:

THE PIRATES: Began their six-game homestand with a 13-3 win Friday night against the Diamondbacks…Have won three of their last four games after losing four straight from 5/9-13…Won seven straight games from 4/17-23, their longest winning streak since 2018 (11 games)…Are tied for first place in the National League Central…Are also tied with Milwaukee for the fourth-best record in the National League.

KEEPING UP WITH CUTCH’S MILESTONES: Andrew McCutchen comes into today just two hits shy of 1500 in his career as a member of the Pirates (he
will become the 12th player in club history to reach that milestone)…McCutchen ranks 12th on the team’s all-time hits list coming into today…Roberto Clemente leads the way with 3000 hits while Tommy Leach is 11th (1603)…McCutchen is also 17 hits shy of 2000 and three doubles shy of four hundred for his career.

KELLER’S STELLAR WEEK IN REVIEW: Mitch Keller will make his 10th start of the season this afternoon in game two of this series against arizona…Keller was named the National League’s Player-of-the-Week on Monday for the week of May 8-14…He recorded his first career complete game and shutout on May 8 against Colorado and punched out a career-high 13 batters in 7.0 scoreless innings in his last start Sunday at Baltimore…The 27-year-old righthander became the first Pirates pitcher in the modern era (since 1900) to have a two-start span in which he did not allow a run with 20-plus strikeouts and no more than one walk allowed according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

THE MATURATION OF MITCH: Mitch Keller became the first Pirates righthander to strike out at least 13 batters in a game on Sunday since Jose DeLeon had a club-record tying 14 on April 16, 1985, vs. the New York Mets…He also became the first Pirates pitcher in team history to have a start of at least 7.0 shutout innings with 13 strikeouts and no walks according to Baseball Reference.

CASHING IN AT PNC: Mitch Keller is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA (27.0ip/6er) in four starts this season at PNC Park (his 2.00 ERA is the seventh-lowest among National League pitchers)…Since his home start on September 6 of last year, Keller is 4-1 with a 1.77 ERA (56.0ip/11er) in nine starts along the banks of the Allegheny River…Keller’s 1.77 home ERA since September 6 is the second-lowest in all of MLB among pitchers with at least 50.0 innings, trailing only Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers (1.53).

MAKE THAT A DOUBLE: Carlos Santana doubled in his first at-bat Friday for his 14th of the season, which is tied for fifth in the National League… Santana is now two doubles shy of becoming the 21st Dominican-born player to record at least 350 doubles.

THIS AND THAT: Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has recorded a 1.67 ERA (43.0ip/8er) in the team’s last five games while recording 51 strikeouts during the stretch…The Pirates have the fourth-best run differential (+23) among all National League teams…The Pirates have recorded 31 hits in their last two games…It’s the first time for the Bucs to record at least 31 hits in two games since August 31-September 1, 2019 (32 hits).

ON THE MEND: Right-handed pitcher Vince Velasquez is expected to make his first rehab start tonight with Triple-A Indianapolis in game one of a doubleheader against Iowa…Velasquez has been on the 15-day injured list since May 5 with right elbow inflammation…Chicago’s Kyle Hendricks, also on rehab, is also expected to start one of the games.

COMING THROUGH IN THE CLUTCH: The Pirates rank third in all of MLB with a .282 batting average with runners in scoring position…The only two teams to produce a higher average with RISP are the Rangers (.332) and Red Sox (.295).

STARTING PITCHER – 23 – RHP MITCH KELLER
MITCH KELLER: The 27-year-old righthander will make his 10th start of the season today…He struck out a career-high 13 batters, did not issue a walk, and won a 4-0 decision against the Orioles in his last start Sunday at Camden Yards.

vs. ARIZONA:1-0 in one career start…Allowed three runs in 5.1 innings while winning a 6-4 decision against Madison Bumgarner on 8/10/22.

Blue Bombers transactions

CFL Editor
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Blue Bombers transactions

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

Added to roster:
American wide receiver Brandan Beaulieu (6-2, 215,  Bemidji State, March 27, 1999 in Cottage Grove, MN)
American running back Kevon Latulas (6-0, 200, Missouri State, March 15, 2000 in Port Arthur, TX)

Released from roster:
American wide receiver Dominick Fiscelli
American wide receiver Michael Young Jr

MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers (20-22) at Washington Nationals (18-27)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Detroit Tigers (20-22) at Washington Nationals (18-27)

DETROIT TIGERS NOTES:

TIGERS HOLD ON FOR 8-6 WIN IN SERIES OPENER: The Tigers raced out to an 8-0 lead and held on for an 8-6 win over the Nationals on Friday. Detroit hit a season-high four homers in the win with Akil Baddoo, Riley Greene, Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling each going deep. Matthew Boyd started for the Tigers and improved his record to 3-3, allowing three runs on four hits with a walk and four strikeouts in 5.2 innings. Alex Lange struck out two in a perfect 1.1 innings for his eighth save of the season.

GREENE MEANS GO: Riley Greene continued his hot stretch at the plate last night, going 2×4 with a solo home run and a walk. Greene has recorded at least one hit in 17 of his last 19 games, batting .382/.427/.539 with six doubles, two homers and 10 RBI. Since April 26, Greene leads the Majors in batting average, while he ranks second in the American League and sixth in the big leagues in on-base percentage.

LOCKDOWN LANGE: Alex Lange closed out last night’s win, throwing 1.1 perfect innings with two strikeouts to notch his eighth save of the season and his first career multi-inning save. Lange has not allowed a run in 15 straight games, the longest streak of his career and the longest active streak among Major League relievers. Over those 15 outings, he has thrown 14.2 scoreless innings with five hits allowed, six walks and 25 strikeouts. Entering today’s game, Lange ranks tied for seventh in the American League with eight saves.

HOMER HIGHLIGHTS: The Tigers slugged a season-high four home runs in last night’s victory, their most homers in a game since also hitting four on September 7, 2022 at Los Angeles (AL)…Zach McKinstry led off last night’s game with a homer, his first career lead off homer… Riley Greene’s round-tripper in the sixth inning was hit at a height of 162 feet, tied for the third-highest homer in the Majors this season.

MIGGY VS. THE NATS: Miguel Cabrera has posted impressive numbers in his career against Washington, entering tonight’s game batting .363/.451/.605 with 18 doubles, one triple, 21 homers and 83 RBI in 94 career games. Among active players with at least 50 at-bats vs. the Nationals, he ranks third in on-base percentage and fourth in batting average.

TIGERS AND NATIONALS: The Tigers and Nationals continue their only series of the season today. The two teams last met in 2019 in Detroit with Washington winning two-of-three games. Detroit has a 13-10 lead in the all-time series, but Washington has won four of the six meetings at Nationals Park.

INTERLEAGUE ACTION: The Tigers continue their interleague schedule today against the Nationals. Detroit is 11-3 against National League foes this season, including a 4-0 record against NL East teams. The Tigers have finished with a winning record against NL opponents in each of the last two seasons.

ON THE ROAD: The Tigers are 1-0 on their six-game road trip, which includes three games at Washington (1-0) and three games at Kansas City (May 22-24). Detroit has a 10-12 record away from Comerica Park this season. As a team, the Tigers are hitting .224/.290/.347 on the road, while the pitching staff has a 4.41 ERA (192.0IP/94ER).

TIGERS ON THE IL:

  • RHP Beau Brieske (right upper arm discomfort, 60-day IL on March 30, retroactive to March 27)
  • OF Kerry Carpenter (right shoulder sprain, 10-day IL on April 29, retroactive to April 28)
  • RHP Matt Manning (right foot fracture, 60-day IL on April 12)
  • OF Austin Meadows (anxiety, 60-day IL on April 8, retroactive to April 7)
  • RHP Casey Mize (right elbow sprain, 60-day IL on February 17)
  • RHP Freddy Pacheco (right elbow sprain, 60-day IL on March 27)
  • LHP Tarik Skubal (left elbow strain, 60-day IL on March 14)
  • RHP Spencer Turnbull (neck discomfort, 15-day IL on May 12, retroactive to May 7)
  • RHP Trey Wingenter (right biceps tendinitis, 15-day IL on April 22, retroactive to April 19)

TODAY’S TIGERS STARTING PITCHER – #49 Alex Faedo • 0-1, 4.22 ERA (10.2IP/5ER)

  • Faedo will make his third start of the season for the Tigers today at Washington.
  • Turned in a quality start, but took the loss in his most recent start last Saturday vs. Seattle, allowing three runs on four hits with a walk and a career high tying seven strikeouts in 6.0 innings.
  • Will be making his first career appearance against the Nationals today.
  • Has made five starts with Triple A Toledo this season, posting a 0-1 record with a 2.50 ERA (18.0IP/5ER) and 19 strikeouts.
  • Saw the first Major League action of his career in 2022 with the Tigers, starting 12 games and going 1-5 with a 5.53 ERA (53.2IP/33ER) and 44 strikeouts.
  • Began his big league career by throwing at least 5.0 innings and allowing no more than two runs in each of his first seven starts..,according to the Elias Sports Bureau, joined Jered Weaver in 2006 and Boo Ferriss in 1945 as the only pitchers to accomplish that…was the first Tigers pitcher to ever do so in more than four straight games to start his career.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS NOTES:

FOUGHT TO THE END
Faced with an 8-0 deficit, the Washington Nationals plated three runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to pull within two runs of the Detroit Tigers on Friday night…The rally fell short and the Nationals dropped the first game of the series.

  • Lane Thomas and Keibert Ruiz each clubbed two-run home runs to power the rally.
  • The Nationals will enjoy a day off on Monday before welcoming the San Diego Padres to Nationals Park for a three-game series starting Tuesday.

ROSTER MOVE
The Nationals reinstated right-handed pitcher Chad Kuhl from the 15-day Injured List and optioned righthanded pitcher Hobie Harris to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

STREAKS ON STREAKS
Some streaks to keep your eyes on:

  • Lane Thomas has reached safely in a career-high 16 straight games and has hit safely in 14 of the 16… Thomas is hitting .323 (21-for-65) with two doubles, a triple, five homers, 10 RBI, four walks, one hit by pitch, two stolen bases and 14 runs scored during this streak.
  • Joey Meneses has reached safely in 11 straight games, going 17-for-46 (.370) with five doubles, a homer, 12 RBI, three walks and six runs scored during the streak…It is tied for the longest on-base streak of his career with an 11-game streak from Aug. 5-17, 2022.
  • Dominic Smith has reached base safely in 12 consecutive games and 18 of his last 20 games…He is hitting .359 (14-for-39) with a .490 on-base percentage (10 BB, 6 SO) during the streak…The 12-game streak is the fourth-longest of his career (longest: 15 G, Aug. 5-25, 2020).

THE CANDY MAN
Jeimer Candelario has reached base safely in 11 of his last 20 plate appearances, going 10-for-19 (.526) with three doubles, a triple, a homer, three RBI, one walk and four runs scored across his last five games…He has at least one extra-base hit in four of the five games.

  • He’s raised his slash line from .211/.276/.354 on May 15 to .247/.306/.422 entering play today.
  • The 10 hits in five games are a career-best…The most hits he’s had in a six-game span is 12, Sept. 6-10, 2020.
  • Candelario is 12-for-31 (.287) and has reached safely in 18 of 37 plate appearances (.486 OBP) over his last nine games.

CHASING 1,000
With 995 in hand, Corey Dickerson is five hits away from 1,000 for his career…When he collects hit no. 1,000, he will become the 12th player in Nationals history (2005-pres.) to record his 1,000th hit in a Nationals uniform, according to the Elias Sports Bureau…The last to do it was Brian Dozier in 2019.

LEFT IS RIGHT
The Nationals rank third among Major League clubs in batting average (.292) and fourth in on-base percentage (.356) against lefthanded pitching this season.

  • Dominic Smith ranks fifth (.320) and Luis García ranks sixth (.317) among National League left-handed hitters against left-handed pitchers this season.
  • Lane Thomas is tied for fifth in the National League with 18 hits against lefties and ninth with a .360 average against left-handed pitchers.

DEFENSE NOT RESTING
Thanks to strong infield defense so far this season, Nationals opponents have a .231 batting average on ground balls, seventh-best in the National League (MLB avg: .243)…In 2022, the Nationals had the third-highest opponents’ batting average on ground balls in Major League Baseball (.260).

  • Washington ranks fifth in Major League Baseball with 43 double plays turned this season

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER – #46 PATRICK CORBIN

Left-handed pitcher signed a six-year contract with the Nationals on Dec. 7, 2018…Was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the 2019 World Series…Is a two-time National League All-Star (2018, 2013)… Has started at least 30 games for five consecutive full seasons (2017-19, 2021-22), joining Gerrit Cole as the only pitchers since 2017 to accomplish the feat.

LAST START
Earned his second win of the season on May 15 vs. New York (NL)…Allowed two earned runs on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout in 6.0 innings of work.

vs. DETROIT
Faces the Detroit Tigers for the first time…With this start, he will have now faced every club in Major League Baseball.

DEUCES WILD
Corbin has allowed exactly two earned runs in each of his last three starts…He is 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA (6 ER/19.0 IP) with 10 strikeouts and one walk during this stretch.

RECENCY BIAS
Corbin has pitched to a 3.47 ERA (14 ER/36.1 IP) over his last six starts…He has 22 strikeouts and just four walks over this stretch…He’s tossed at least 6.0 innings in five of the six…He has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of those starts, making five quality starts.

NO WALK SIGN
Corbin is tied for fourth in the National League with 1.79 walks per 9.0 innings…His 10 walks this season are tied for the sixth-fewest among Major League pitchers with at least 50.0 innings pitched.

THE SLIDE PIECE
Corbin’s signature slider has induced 49 swings and misses, tied for the third-most of any left-handed pitcher behind Clayton Kershaw (87), Reid Detmers (56) and with Jesus Luzardo (49).

CAREFUL OVER THERE
Corbin is tied for fourth in Major League Baseball with two pickoffs already this year…He picked off three runners each of the past two seasons (2021-22) and his career-high for pickoffs in a season is four in 2019.

APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT, FELLAS
Since joining the Nationals in 2019, Corbin is 28-3 with a 2.65 ERA in 35 starts when he throws at least 6.0 innings and receives at least three runs of support… The Nationals are 33-3 in those games

MLB Preview: Baltimore Orioles (29-16) at Toronto Blue Jays (25-20)

MLB Editor
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MLB Preview: Baltimore Orioles (29-16) at Toronto Blue Jays (25-20)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES NOTES:

BACK IN THE WIN COLUMN: The Orioles defeated the Blue Jays last night, 6-2, in the opener of the three-game set in Toronto…Improved to 13-2 in series openers and 8-0 in series openers on the road.

Kyle Gibson earned the win after allowing one run on five hits, two walks, and a wild pitch with five strikeouts in a season-high-tying 7.0 innings (also 4/4 at TEX)…Snapped his three-game losing streak…Tossed his team-leading fifth quality start of the season.

Adley Rutschman drew a pair of walks; with his walk in the third inning, reached 100 career walks in 158 games, the fewest games to reach the mark in Orioles history (since 1954).

Anthony Santander hit a solo homer in the sixth inning and has now homered in back-to-back games for the second time this season (also 5/4-5); has homered in three straight games once in his career, from August 8-11, 2021.

WHAT’S TRENDING: The O’s have won 20 of their last 29 games, 23 of 33, and 25 of 36… The 29-16 overall record ranks second in MLB to start the season (see box at right).  Last season, the Birds did not reach 29 wins until the 66th game on June 17 (29- 37); they did not reach 30 wins until the 68th game on June 19 (30-38).

The Orioles are 91-65 since June 1, 2022, a 95-win pace; the .583 winning percentage during that time is the second-best in the AL and fourth-best in MLB, trailing the Braves (.679, 106-50), Dodgers (.673, 107-52), and Astros (.635, 99-57).

AGAINST THE BLUE JAYS: The O’s and Jays meet for the first time this season with a three-game set at Rogers Centre…The Orioles will travel to Toronto again for four games from July 31 to August 3 and will host the Jays in Baltimore for a pair of three-game sets from June 13-15 and August 22-24…The O’s went 9-10 against the Jays in \2022; the season series was not decided until game 162 on October 5 (G2).

KING IN THE NORTH: Ryan Mountcastle launched a three-run shot off Yusei Kikuchi in the third inning last night, his 10th home run of the season…Marked his sixth career home run at Rogers Centre, his most at any opposing ballpark and twice as many as the next-closest parks; has three home runs at Fenway Park (BOS), Kauffman Stadium (KC), Tropicana Field (TB), and Sahlen Field (TOR)…Marked his fourth long ball off Kikuchi, his most against any pitcher in his career…Has slashed .323/.383/.646 (53-for-164) with eight doubles, 15 homers, 27 runs scored, 36 RBI, 15 walks, and a 1.030 OPS in 43 career games against the Jays; marks his most homers, runs, RBI, extra-base hits (23), and total bases (106) against a single opponent, as well as his highest batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS against a team with at least 15 games played.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: The Orioles began a seven-day, six-game road trip last night with the first of three games in Toronto…After an off day Monday, the Orioles make their first trip to Yankee Stadium this year with three games against the Yankees from May 23-25.

LOOKING AHEAD: After the current road trip, the O’s return to Charm City for a six-game homestand with three games against the Rangers from May 26-28 and three against the Guardians from May 29-31.

WHAT A RELIEF: The Baltimore bullpen owns a 3.01 ERA (56 ER/167.2 IP), the best in MLB (see box at right)…O’s relievers have 12 wins this season, tied with Los Angeles-AL, New York-AL, and Tampa Bay for first in the AL and fourth in MLB, trailing Arizona, Cincinnati, and Miami (13)…The O’s are second in MLB with 201 strikeouts from the ‘pen, trailing Kansas City (210).

THE CANO SHOW: Yennier Cano allowed his first run of the season last night after opening the campaign with 21.2 scoreless innings over 17 appearances…Opponents are slashing .085/.097/.113 (6-for-71) against him, all of which lead MLB pitchers with at least 15 appearances…His .210 OPS against is .151 points less than the next closest pitcher (SD’s Josh Hader, .361).
Has faced 72 batters without issuing a free pass; is the only pitcher to face at least 70 batters without allowing a walk this season.

His streak of 18 straight games without a walk to start the season is the second-longest in O’s history, behind a 22-game streak by Jamie Walker to open the 2009 campaign; Cano has worked 22.2 innings while Walker only threw 12.1 during his streak.

He leads all O’s and ranks tied for 11th among all MLB pitchers with 1.8 bWAR, per Baseball Reference.

His sinker is worth -10 Run Value, the best pitch by an Oriole and tied for the sixth-best pitch in MLB, per Statcast.

His changeup has a Run Value of -4 and a 43.1 percent Whiff Rate, per Statcast; the pitch also has the second-highest Put Away percentage on the team at 35.3 percent and he has allowed just one hit with it while throwing it 98 times.

Cano’s 17-game scoreless streak to start the year was the third-longest to begin a year by an O’s pitcher in team history (since 1954), trailing Donnie Hart (18 G) in 2016 and Will Ohman (25 G) in 2010.

His streak of 17 straight games without allowing a run or a walk was tied with Toronto’s Paul Quantrill (2001) for the second-longest to start a season since at least 1901, behind a 19-game streak by Houston’s Ryan Pressly to open the 2019 campaign.

AY, TONE: Anthony Santander has homered seven times in his last 20 games after hitting just one home run through his first 22 games…He is slashing .344/.425/.688 (22-for-64) with four doubles, six home runs, 11 runs scored, 14 RBI, and seven walks in 17 May games, hitting safely in 14 of them with eight multi-hit efforts…For the month of May, he leads O’s batters in hits, home runs, RBI, total bases (44), batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS (1.112), while ranking tied for the team lead in runs (Rutschman) and extra-base hits (10 – Mountcastle, Mullins).

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER – #30 GRAYSON RODRIGUEZ RHP
2-1, 6.57 ERA

QUICK HITS: Slated to make his ninth start of the season, fifth on the road, and first career start against the Blue Jays this afternoon…Worked 5.0 shutout innings on April 23 vs. Detroit and April 29 at Detroit to become the youngest O’s pitcher (23-164) to toss 5.0-or-more scoreless innings in back-to-back games since Dave Ford (21-259) from September 2-14, 1978, and the youngest O’s starter to accomplish the feat since Jack Fisher (21-188) did so in three straight starts from August 29 to September 8, 1960…Made his MLB debut on April 5 at Texas, becoming the first Oriole to make his debut this season…Thirteen players (7 pitchers) made their debut for the O’s in 2022…Also became the first O’s pitcher to start his Major League debut since DL Hall on August 13, 2022, and the youngest O’s pitcher (23-140) to start his debut since Kevin Gausman (22-137) on May 23, 2013 at Toronto…Had his contract selected to the 40-man roster on November 15, 2022…Originally selected by the Orioles in the first round (No. 11 overall) of the 2018 First-Year Player Draft.

LAST TIME OUT: Suffered his first career loss in first career start vs. the Angels on May 15 at Oriole Park…Allowed eight runs on nine hits (2 HR), both career highs, with three walks and three strikeouts in 3.1 innings, the shortest outing of his career…Exited with a runner on fi rst base who later scored…Threw 79 pitches, 47 strikes.

PACKING A PUNCH: Rodriguez’s 44 strikeouts through his first eight career starts are the most by an O’s hurler in his first eight games in franchise history (since 1954)…Recorded a career-high nine punchouts on April 29 (G2) at Detroit, becoming the youngest O’s pitcher (23-164) to record nine-or-more strikeouts in a start since John Parrish (22-241) also fanned nine batters on July 24, 2000 vs. New York-AL…Entering today’s games, he ranks among rookie leaders (min. 25.0 IP) in K/9 (2nd, 10.70), strikeouts (3rd, 44), and innings pitched (7th, 37.0).

AGAINST THE BLUE JAYS/AL EAST: Making his first career start against the Blue Jays and second career start against the AL East today…Earned the win in his only start against the division on May 9 vs. Tampa Bay after allowing two runs on seven hits (2 HR) with two walks and four strikeouts in a career-high 5.2 innings…Worked into the sixth inning for the first time in his career…Threw a career-high 101 pitches, 59 strikes.

ROAD TRIPPIN’: Making his fifth career road start this afternoon…Owns a 1-0 record with a 5.79 ERA (12 ER/18.2 IP) and 25 strikeouts through his first four career starts away from Oriole Park…Did not factor into the decision in his last road start on May 4 at Kansas City, allowing six runs on eight hits (3 HR) with one walk and three strikeouts in 3.2 innings of work…Threw 77 pitches, 47 strikes.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS NOTES:

THE LATEST: The Blue Jays dropped the opener of their three-game series with the Orioles by a score of 6-2 last night…Are now 9-6 in series openers for the year (5-2 at home). Toronto has still won seven of its last 13 games and 13 of its last 24…Needs a win today to avoid its 2nd home series loss (5-1-0 at home so far)…Have not lost two series in a row this season.

ONE NOTCH AT A TIME: Brandon Belt doubled to right field in the 2nd inning last night…Was his 9th two-bagger this season, equaling his mark from 2022 in 47 fewer games…Over his last 13 contests, has batted .417 (15-for-36) with five doubles, a homer, four RBI, and eight walks (.533 OBP, .639 SLG)…His .385 AVG for the month of May is 5th best among AL hitters while his 1.090 OPS ranks 6th (min. 40 PA).

OVER AND OUTLAW: Kevin Kiermaier singled and scored as part of a 1-for-4 evening…Is now batting .325 (38-for-117) for the year with nine doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 13 RBI (.896 OPS)…His .409 (18-for-44) average and his 1.162 OPS for the month of May are both 3rd best among AL hitters…His 34 hits while batting 9th are the most in the Majors (2nd: Michael A. Taylor – 23).

DANNY DIGGING IN: Danny Jansen drove in Toronto’s 1st run last night with a 2nd-inning single…Added another single in the 9th to finish 2-for-4 for his 5th multi-hit effort of the year…Has gone 10-for-35 (.286) with three doubles, a homer, and nine RBI in his last nine games.

VLAD HABITS: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returned to the starting lineup last night for the first time since May 16…Singled for a 1-for-4 night…Is 50-for-161 for the season with 11 doubles, seven homers, and 27 RBI for a .311 AVG (4th in the AL), an .890 OPS (9th), and a .380 OBP (10th)…His 50 hits are tied for 7th most in the AL… Has also recorded an AL-best 77 hard-hit balls (95+ MPH) this season, one ahead of teammate Bo Bichette (76).

DOING IT ALL: Bo Bichette drove in Toronto’s final run last night and has now gone 61-for-190 (.328) with 10 doubles, nine homers, and 30 RBI while playing in all 45 games this season…The .321 batting average trails only Yandy Díaz (.321) by points for the best in the AL…Leads all MLB hitters with 61 hits (2nd: Ronald Acuña Jr./Luis Arraez – 59) and leads the AL with 98 total bases (2nd: Rafael Devers – 97)…Among AL hitters, is also 11th in OPS (.880) and 13th in SLG (.516). The 26-year-old currently leads the team in hits, home runs, and RBI – a feat which has been accomplished by six other players in team history (last: Randal Grichuk in 2019).

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 – 27)…The group is led by an MLB-high 12 runs saved in center field – eight from Kevin Kiermaier and four from Daulton Varsho.

AT DOME FOR DAYS: The Blue Jays are on a 10-day, 10-game homestand (4-4 so far)…Have gone 13-7 this season at Rogers Centre, tied for the 6th-best record through 20 home contests in team history…The .650 win% at home is 3rd best in the AL (TB – .870, BAL – .652)…After completing this weekend series with the Orioles, will head out on a seven-game road trip to Tampa Bay (33-13) and Minnesota (24-21). Toronto batters rank 5th in the AL in home AVG (.258), while sitting 6th in home OBP (.331), 8th in home OPS (.718), and 10th in home SLG (.387)…The pitching staff ranks 2nd among AL teams with a 3.03 home ERA (TB – 2.41), 2nd in home opponents’ average (.195), and 2nd in home WHIP (1.12).

WEEKEND WARRIORS: The Blue Jays swept the Braves last weekend and swept the Pirates the weekend prior…Dating back to last September, have won each of their last 10 series that began on a Friday, the longest such streak in team history (2nd: nine straight from Aug. 2021-May 2022)…courtesy Stats Perform.

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 4-4 so far…Their opponents over this 17-game stretch (ATL, NYY, BAL, TB, MIN) have a combined record of 141-86 (.621).

PLAYING THE HITS: The Blue Jays have notched 398 hits so far this season, 5th most in the AL…Are also 5th in the AL in team AVG (.256), 6th in OBP (.328), 6th in OPS (.733), and 8th in SLG (.405). The Blue Jays are one of two AL teams who have scored in every game this season (also: LAA)…Have gone 63 straight games without being shut out, the 2nd-longest active streak in the Majors (LAA – 87G).

DIVISIONAL DETAILS: The Blue Jays have now gone 5-10 against divisional opponents this season…Have still won 28 of their last 48 games vs. AL East foes, dating back to Aug. 17, 2022…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 ORIOLES: All-Time: 384-322
2023: 0-1 Home: 213-142
Home: 0-1 Rogers Centre: 164-104

The Blue Jays went 10-9 against the Orioles last season while splitting the 10 contests here at Rogers Centre…Have claimed each season series since 2018, going 57-30 since then…Their .655 win% vs. BAL over that span is their 2nd best vs. an AL opponent (.719 vs. KC).

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit .329 (25-for-76) with two doubles, six home runs, and 12 RBI in his 18 games played against the O’s last season (.985 OPS)…In 64 career meetings, is 87-for-262 (.332) with 13 doubles, 22 homers, and 53 RBI (1.017 OPS).

Bo Bichette kept a .315 (23-for-73) batting average in 18 games vs. Baltimore last year, including two doubles, six home runs, and 15 RBI (.940 OPS)…The team has gone 30-17 during his 47 career games against them while he has batted .320 (62-for-194) with 12 doubles, 10 homers, and 35 RBI (.901 OPS).

Matt Chapman picked up 15 hits in 16 games against the Orioles last year, including seven extra-base hits and 12 RBI (.571 SLG)…Is a lifetime .262 (39-for-149) hitter across 43 meetings with 12 doubles, seven home runs, and 24 RBI (.838 OPS).

STARTING PITCHER – Alek Manoah, RHP #6
TODAY’S GAME:
Making his 10th start of the season and his 5th at Rogers Centre…Lasted 4.0+ innings his last time out, on 5/15 vs. NYY, surrendering 5 runs on 6 hits…Struck out a trio of batters while issuing a career-high 7 walks. Since entering the league in 2021, has held opposing righthanded hitters to a .175 AVG, trailing only Cristian Javier (.158) for the best mark among qualified hurlers.

2023 HIGHLIGHTS:
Gave up 3 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks over 4.2 frames with a strikeout on 5/9 at PHI. Took the loss on 5/3 at BOS, giving up 5R/2ER over 5.0 innings with 8 hits, a walk, and 3 strikeouts on a season-high 103 pitches (63 strikes). Landed a no-decision on 4/28 vs. SEA, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks over 5.0 frames with a season-high 7 strikeouts. Threw 7.0 shutout frames on 4/22 at NYY, scattering just 2 hits and a walk with 5 strikeouts…Was his 2nd outing with 7.0 scoreless innings this season (also: 4/5 at KC). Took the loss on 4/16 vs. TB, tossing 4.2 innings and allowing a career-high 7 earned runs on 9 hits and 4 walks with 5 punchouts…Threw 101 pitches (61 strikes), eclipsing the century mark for the 1st time this year. Took a no-decision in the team’s Home Opener on 4/11 vs. DET, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 5 walks over 4.1 innings with 3 strikeouts…Became the 5th pitcher in team history to pitch the club’s Season Opener and then their Home Opener, joining Jim Clancy (1981), Jimmy Key (1989), Marcus Stroman (2016), and Hyun Jin Ryu (2020). Earned his 1st win of the year on 4/5 at KC, tossing 7.0 frames of one-hit, shutout ball with four walks and five strikeouts. Was the Opening Day starter for the Blue Jays on 3/30 at STL…Took a no-decision that day, giving up 5 runs on a career-high 9 hits and 2 walks over 3.1 innings with 3 strikeouts… At 25 years and 80 days old, became the 4th-youngest Opening Day starter in team history (Drew Hutchison – 24.227 in 2015; Todd Stottlemyre – 24.324 in 1990; Marcus Stroman 24.338 in 2016).

MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (14-32) at Chicago White Sox (17-29)

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MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (14-32) at Chicago White Sox (17-29)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS NOTES:

SHUT OUT ON SOUTH SIDE: The Royals suffered their Major League-most 8th shutout in last night’s 2-0 defeat in Chicago, snapping a 2-game win streak while falling to 2-5 on this 9-game road trip…Sox starter Michael Kopech allowed only 1 hit, a broken-bat bloop single by Michael Massey with 1 out in the 6th inning, though he was promptly erased on an inning-ending double play…Kendall Graveman went 1-2-3 in the 9th as Sox pitchers faced the minimum, marking just the second time in franchise history that the Royals had exactly 27 plate appearances in game in which they batted in all 9.0 innings, following July 6, 1990 in Detroit, where Jack Morris threw a 1-hit shutout in a 4-0 Royals loss…their only hit in that game was a 1st-inning single by Kurt Stillwell, who was erased on a double play by George Brett…that game from 33 years ago took 2 hours, 24 minutes to complete, 18 minutes more than last night’s 2-hour, 6-minute contest on the South Side.

WALK IT OUT: After Royals pitchers issued 23 walks over 3 games in San Diego earlier this week—including a season-high 10 walks on Monday night and 9 walks on Wednesday—Zack Greinke did not walk any of the 22 batters he faced over 5.2 innings last night…it was his 4th start this season in which he did not walk a batter over at least 5.0 innings, which is tied for the Major League lead…it was the Royals 11th such start this season, which leads the American League and is tied with the Dodgers and Phillies for the most starts in the Majors.

Greinke has issued just 7 walks to the 216 batters he’s faced over 52.1 innings this season for a 1.2 BB/9 and 3.2 BB%, both of which rank 3rd in the Majors behind George Kirby and Anthony DeSclafani… Zack has faced 50 batters since his last walk to Gavin Sheets in the 3rd inning on May 8 in Kansas City.

WHAT A RELIEF!: The bullpen continued its strong run last night with 2.1 scoreless innings by Jackson Kowar, who made his 1st appearance in the Majors this season…Kowar entered with a runner at third and 2 outs and issued back-to-back walks to load the bases, before retiring Jake Burger to escape the jam…that began a run of seven consecutive batters retired by Kowar, including 3 strikeouts…dating back to last June, 4 of Kowar’s last 7 appearances in the big leagues have been scoreless, a feat he failed to accomplish in his 1st 10 outings.

Over the last 14 days, Royals relievers have pitched to a 2.61 ERA (15 ER in 51.2 IP) and .204 opponents’ average (37-for-181), both of which rank 2nd in the American League, trailing only Baltimore’s bullpen… during that same stretch, the Royals bullpen leads all 30 teams in strikeouts (65), K/9 (11.3) and K% (30.5).

For the season, Royals relievers lead the Majors with 210 strikeouts and a 10.9 K/9, both of which mark big improvements over last season, when they ranked 25th with 552 strikeouts and 21st with an 8.5 K/9.

Carlos Hernández started Wednesday’s win in San Diego as the opener and pitched 2.0 scoreless innings to mark his 8th scoreless appearance in his last 10…during that stretch, he owns a 1.32 ERA (2 ER in 13.2 IP), .167 opponents’ average (8-for-48), 20 strikeouts (13.2 K/9) and no home runs allowed.

Taylor Clarke pitched a scoreless 8th inning on Wednesday to run his scoreless streak to 7.1 innings over 6 appearances, during which he’s held opponents to a .200 average (5-for-25) 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 on Wednesday was the 49th in his career, tying him with Wade Davis and Steve Farr for 9th in Royals history.

ROSTER MOVE: The Royals announced this morning that left-handed pitcher Amir Garrett has been reinstated from the Family Medical Emergency List…in a corresponding move, right hander Jackson Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha after making his season debut last night with 2.1 scoreless, hitless innings.

ARMED FORCES DAY: The Royals join all Major League teams today to demonstrate baseball’s appreciation of military service men, women and their families in commemoration of Armed Forces Day…last night, today and tomorrow, players and coaches will wear service-inspired caps specifically designed by New Era featuring club logos and matching camouflage socks…commemorative base jewels and lineup cards featuring the Armed Forces Day logo will also be used…100% of the licensed royalties from the sale of Armed Forces Day apparel will be donated to Major League Baseball Charities to support military programs…Major League Baseball has already committed more than $1 million in support of military-related charities in 2023.

POWER OUTAGE: The Royals have hit just 1 home run in their last 4 games since Monday night in San Diego, a drought that comes on the heels of a 13-game HR streak that marked the 2nd-longest run in franchise history…despite this week’s power outage, the Royals have hit 24 homers in 17 games this month—tied for 6th most in the Majors—already 4 home runs more than the 20 homers they hit in 29 games in March and April.

Royals catchers have hit 12 home runs this season, the most of any position on the team and the highest total at the catcher position in the Majors, 2 more than the Athletics and Braves (10 each)…Salvador Perez leads the Royals with 9 home runs, including 8 as a catcher…MJ Melendez has homered once as a catcher and Freddy Fermin has 3 home runs in 9 games (6 starts) as a catcher since his May 2 recall.

MAY FLOWERS: The Royals are 7-10 in the month of May, already matching their win total from March/April, when they went 7-22…including last night’s loss, they are 1-5 in series-opening games this month, but they’re 6-5 in all other games…with a win today, the Royals would force a rubber game for the fourth time in their last seven 3-game sets, after their first six series of the season were all decided going into the final game.

AFTERNOON DELIGHT: Today’s and tomorrow’s games will both be played at 1:10 p.m. CT to wrap this 9-game road trip…the Royals enter today having already played 20 day games, which match Cleveland for the 4th most in the American League behind Minnesota (24), Chicago and Detroit (23), as the Central Division dominates the day game schedule to this point…the Royals are scheduled for 64 day games this season, which would match 2021 for their 2nd most in a single season, trailing only last year, when they played 69 day games.

VS. WHITE SOX: The Royals are visiting the White Sox this weekend for the first time this season, after hosting them in Kansas City last week, where they won 3 of 4 games and outscored the Sox 27-13…including last night’s loss, the Royals are 23-20 vs. the White Sox since the start of 2021 after going 1-9 vs. them in 2020.

After playing 7 games over a 14-day span, these two teams won’t see each other again until September.

ON DECK: Thursday’s off day here in Chicago ended a stretch in which the Royals played 26 games in 27 days, and was their first break in the schedule since May 1…it also marked the Royals first of four off days over a current 15-day span, including one next Thursday at home and consecutive off days at home on May 31 and June 1, which will mark the first time the Royals will have scheduled back-to-back off days since April 6-7, 2016…today marks the 2nd of 6 straight games vs. American League Central opponents, including a 3-game series next week

TODAY’S STARTERS: RHP JORDAN LYLES (0-7, 7.14 ERA)
JORDAN LYLES is making his 10th start of the season and 331st appearance (224th start) of his career today vs. the White Sox…he was originally selected by Houston in the 1st round (38th overall) of the 2008 Draft out of Hartsville High School (S.C.), and signed a two-year contract with the Royals on Dec. 28, 2022.

LAST START: Jordan was tagged for a season-high 7 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in a season-low 2.1 innings in last Sunday’s 9-6 defeat in Milwaukee, marking his career-worst 7th consecutive loss, as the Royals fell to 0-9 in his starts this season…after being spotted a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st on a Salvador Perez home run, Lyles surrendered the lead on a leadoff home run to Christian Yelich in the bottom half…the Royals plated 2 more runs in the 2nd and another run in the top of the 3rd to give Lyles a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the 3rd, when the Brewers plated 7 runs… he allowed each of the first four batters to reach on 3 walks and a single, and after retiring Willy Adames, he yielded 2 more hits, including an RBI double by Owen Miller that knocked him out of the game with runners on second and third with just 1 out… Jose Cuas allowed a 3-run HR to Brice Turang, charging the final 2 runs to Lyles’ line.

Lyles has allowed 14 HR in 51.2 innings (2.4 HR/9), matching Julio Urías for the most in the Majors, and he’s allowed multiple homers in 6 of his 9 starts.

The Royals are 0-9 in games started by Lyles this season, and he has set a new career high with a 7-game losing streak (across 9 starts) since his most recent win in his final start of 2022, a 2-1 victory at Yankee Stadium with the Orioles.

LAST TIME VS. THE WHITE SOX: Jordan gave the Royals all he had 2 starts ago vs. these White Sox on May 9 in Kansas City, where he allowed 4 runs on 6 hits in a 4-2 complete game loss to today’s opponent, Lucas Giolito…after jumping out to an early 1-0 lead, courtesy of a Vinnie Pasquantino solo home run in the 1st, Lyles and Giolito traded zeros through the 3rd inning, but Luis Robert Jr. tagged Lyles for a 2-out, game-tying solo shot in the 4th…after a scoreless 5th frame, the Sox plated a pair on a 2-run shot by Andrew Vaughn in the 6th, but the Royals answered with a run in the bottom half on Pasquantino’s RBI single to cut the deficit to 3-2… the Sox plated their final run in the 7th on a 2-out RBI single by Seby Zavala.

It was his 3rd career complete game—all 9.0 innings—following Sept. 21, 2022 vs. Detroit (with Baltimore) and Sept. 30, 2012 at Milwaukee (with Houston).

It was the 1st 9.0-inning complete game by a Royal since Brad Keller’s shutout on Sept. 13, 2020 vs. Pittsburgh…Lyles was the first Royal to suffer a loss in a complete game since Keller on July 1, 2018 at Seattle (8.0 IP), and the first to do it in 9.0 innings since James Shields on April 13, 2013 vs. Toronto.

Lyles also became the first Royals pitcher to complete 9.0 innings and not allow a walk since Jakob Junis did it five years ago, on Aug. 28, 2018 vs. Detroit.

In 8 career outings (6 starts) vs. the White Sox, Lyles is 1-4 with a 4.42 ERA (19 ER in 38.2 IP) but has completed at least 7.0 innings in each of his last 3 starts.

ON STRIKE: Jordan didn’t walk a single batter in his complete game loss on May 9 vs. these White Sox, and his career BB% is now 7.5%…he’s improved in that category with age, as his BB% of 7.0% since the start of 2021 ranks 3rd in the American League (min. 400.0 IP), trailing only José Berríos (5.8%) and Gerrit Cole (6.3%).

WORKHORSE: The Royals are the eighth club Lyles has pitched for in the Majors during his 13-year big league career that has included stops with Houston (2011-13), Colorado (2014-17), San Diego (2017-18), Milwaukee (2018-19), Pittsburgh (2019), Texas (2020-21), Baltimore (2022) and Kansas City (2023)… since the beginning of 2021, his 410.2 innings rank 3rd among American League pitchers behind only Gerrit Cole (444.2 IP) and José Berríos (416.2 IP).

He was one of only four American League pitchers to record at least 175.0 innings from 2021-2022, along with Cole, Cole Irvin and Robbie Ray.

Across his 13 seasons and 330 Major League appearances, he has only been placed on the Injured List on five occasions: June 10-29, 2019 (left hamstring tightness), March 28-April 4, 2019 (right side discomfort), June 24-July 29, 2018 (right elbow inflammation), June 1-end of season, 2015 (sprained left big toe) and June 5-Aug. 6, 2014 (fractured left hand).

CHICAGO WHITE SOX NOTES:

WHITE SOX AT A GLANCE
The Chicago White Sox have won three of their last four games and four of six as they continue a nine-game, 10-day homestand this afternoon with the penultimate game vs. Kansas City.

RHP Lucas Giolito, who allowed two earned runs in 6.0 IP on 5/9 at the Royals, is scheduled to start for Chicago.

The White Sox are 4-3 on the homestand after last night’s win over the Royals … they won two of three over Cleveland after losing two of three to Houston last weekend.

Following tomorrow’s finale vs. the Royals, the Sox will take a seven-game trip to the Guardians (5/22-24) and Detroit (5/25-28).

The Sox went 3-4 on their last trip at Cincinnati (2-1) and Kansas City (1-3) from 5/5-11 and 3-4 on their last homestand vs. Tampa Bay (1-3) and Minnesota (2-1) from 4/27-5/4.

TODAY’S STORYLINES
The White Sox need one win to clinch their first winning homestand and back-to-back home series wins of the season.

White Sox starters own a 2.70 ERA (15 ER/50.0 IP), .192 (34- 177) opp. average and 43 strikeouts over the last eight games … they have allowed three earned runs or less seven times.

The Sox have won three straight games and five of the last six over Kansas City at Guaranteed Rate Field dating back to 2022.

Lucas Giolito is 2-2 with a 2.89 ERA (14 ER/43.2 IP), .197 (31-157) opp. average, 0.92 WHIP and 44 strikeouts (9.07 per 9.0 IP) in his last seven starts at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Jake Burger is hitting .339/.385/.811 (20-59) with three doubles, nine home runs, 18 RBI and a 1.2668 OPS at home in 2023 … 17 of his 19 career homers have come at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Luis Robert Jr. has hit safely in 14 of 17 games in May, going 22-61 (.361) with six doubles, seven home runs, 15 RBI, five walks, seven multi-hit eff orts and a 1.238 OPS.

LAST NIGHT’S RECAP
Michael Kopech surrendered just one hit, and the White Sox scored two runs in the second inning en route to a 2-0 win.

Kopech retired the first 16 Kansas City batters before Michael Massey broke up the no-hit and perfect game bid with a single in the sixth … following an inning-ending GIDP, the next nine Royals were retired as Sox pitchers faced the minimum 27 batters.

Gavin Sheets’ RBI single and Romy Gonzalez’s sac fly in the second plated the only two runs of the game.

Kopech worked a career-high 8.0 IP and recorded double-digit strikeouts for the third time in his career … the outing marked his second longest perfect-game bid (5.2 IP on 5/22/22 at Yankees).

The White Sox were limited to fi ve singles, including just one hit after the second inning, and walked twice.

PERFECTLY MINIMAL EFFORT
The Sox last night faced the minimum 27 batters, the 11th time in club history they accomplished the feat in a win … the last time was Philip Humber’s perfect game on 4/21/12 at Seattle.

Michael Kopech became the first White Sox to face the minimum 24 batters through eight innings since Carlos Rodón took a perfect game into the ninth inning on 4/14/21 vs. Cleveland.

Last night also marked the fourth time this season a Sox pitcher took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning … the first three: Kopech on 5/2 vs. Minnesota, Lance Lynn on 4/29 vs. Tampa Bay and Lucas Giolito on 4/18-2 vs. Philadelphia.

MAGIC MICHAEL
Michael Kopech last night became the third pitcher in franchise history to work 8.0-plus IP and allow one or zero hits with 10-plus strikeouts and zero walks (Baseball Reference/Stathead).

The other two Sox to accomplish the feat are Floyd Bannister (9/13/87 at Seattle) and Gary Peters (7/15/63 vs. Baltimore).

The last MLB pitcher to record those numbers in a start was Toronto’s Alek Manoah on 9/13/21 vs. Tampa Bay.

REST WHEN YOU CAN
The Sox currently are in a stretch of 16 straight games without a day off and are 10-8 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).

RISP˨Y BUSINESS
The White Sox rank seventh in the American League and 13th in MLB with a .260 (94-361) RISP average.

The Sox are hitting .234/.318/.427 with 69 RBI and a .745 OPS with RISP over the last 26 games.

WHITE SOX VS. KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Kansas City leads the season series, 3-2, after winning three of four from 5/8-11 at Kauffman Stadium … following this series, the clubs don’t play again until September.

Chicago is hitting .206/.263/.306 with three home runs, owns a 5.74 ERA (27 ER/42.1 IP) with three quality starts and has been outscored by a 27-15 margin vs. the Royals this season.

The White Sox are 20-23 vs. the Royals since the start of the 2021 season (outscored 169-161), including a 10-9 home mark.

Chicago went 9-10 vs. Kansas City last season, going 5-4 at Guaranteed Rate Field and 4-6 at Kauffman Stadium.

CENTRAL DIVISION DYNAMICS
Chicago is 7-7 vs. the American League Central, including a 5-2 mark at Guaranteed Rate Field … it currently is in a stretch of 13 straight games vs. the division (3-1 record).

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.

LONGBALL LOGISTICS
The Sox (Burger, 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) and Tampa Bay (three), the Dodgers (two) and the Yankees (two).

The White Sox have homered in 14 of its last 18 games since 4/30 (24 total homers), and hit 27 in its last 21 games since 4/27.

The Sox have recorded nine multi-homer efforts and been held without a home run just five times over the last 21 contests.

Chicago is 14-17 when homering, 7-7 when hitting multiple homers and 3-12 when going homerless this season.

LONGBALL LOGISTICS, PART II
Luis Robert Jr. (4th, 12) and Jake Burger (T6th, 10) rank among the American League home run leaders this season.

Robert Jr. is tied for third in MLB with nine 400-plus foot homers in 2023, trailing Pete Alonso (11) and Ronald Acuna Jr. (10) … he 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 48 career home runs … he leads the Sox since the start of 2020 with homer averages of 412 feet and 107.6 mph exit velocity (min. 10 home runs).

Burger leads MLB with 8.60 homers per at-bat this season (minimum 90 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 .361/.435/.803 (22-61) with six doubles, seven homers (averaging 421 ft. and 109.2 mph EV), 15 RBI, 17 runs scored, five walks and a 1.238 OPS in May (17 G).

He ranks among AL May leaders in runs scored (1st), total bases (1st, 49), home runs (T1st), extra-base hits (1st, 13), slugging percentage (2nd), hits (T2nd), OPS (4th), average (4th), RBI (T4th), doubles (T4th) and on-base percentage (5th).

The last White Sox to win American League Player of the Month honors was 1B José Abreu in August 2021.

SOUTHPAW SUCCESS
Chicago is 30-83 (.361) in the last 11 games vs. LHP.

The White Sox are batting .273/.339/.443 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, tied for fourth in OPS (.782) and sixth in slugging pct.

Tim Anderson (.350) 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.

ANDREW, ANDREW … HE’S OUR MAN!
All five of Andrew Vaughn’s home runs this season have tied the game or given Chicago the lead, including a game-ending, three-run shot in the ninth inning on 4/30 vs. Tampa Bay.

Vaughn leads the White Sox with 18 contests with a hit and RBI, and 36 games reaching base safely (hit, walk or HBP).

Vaughn ranks seventh (.417) and Andrew Benintendi ranks 10th (.391) among American League RISP average leaders.

STARTER – #27 LUCAS GIOLITO RHP
GIOLITO AT A GLANCE
Is scheduled to make his 10th start of the season, fifth at home and second vs. the Kansas City Royals.

Has gone 2-3 with a 2.82 ERA (14 ER/44.2 IP), .196 (32-163) opponents average and 47 strikeouts over his last seven starts … has tossed 6.0-plus IP in each of the seven starts and has allowed two runs or less in five.

Ranks among American League leaders since 4/12 in strikeouts (T4th, 47), opponents average (7th, .196), WHIP (9th, 0.94) and ERA (10th, 2.82).

Opponents are hitting .240 (12-50) against him with RISP and .286 (6-21) with RISP/two outs.

Is 82 strikeouts away from becoming the 12th pitcher in White Sox history with 1,000 (71 strikeouts away from 1,000 in his career).

Finished sixth in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2019, seventh in 2020 and tied for 11th in 2021.

Threw the 19th no-hitter in White Sox history on 8/25/20 vs. Pittsburgh, walking one with 13 strikeouts.

Was a finalist for a Rawlings(R) Gold Glove and Comeback Player of the Year Awards and was a 2019 AL All-Star.

Won AL Pitcher of the Month honors in May 2019 and AL Player of Week for 8/24-30/20 and 5/27-6/2/19.

LAST START
Suffered his third loss of the season on 5/14 vs. Houston, allowing four runs on seven hits with no walks and six strikeouts over 6.0 IP … allowed three runs in the first inning via a two-run double by Yordan Alvarez and a sacrifice fly by Kyle Tucker … issued hits to the first three batters of the game … surrendered a solo home run to Yainer Diaz in the fourth.

Departed the game in the seventh with the White Sox trailing, 4-3… threw 88 pitches (62 strikes).

Owned a 75.0 first-strike percentage and 7.7 swinging-strike percentage (eight swing and misses) vs. 24 batters … threw 43 four-seam fastballs (92.4 mph avg; 93.8 mph max), 25 sliders (83.0 avg; 85.0 max), 18 changeups (83.0 avg; 85.0 max) and two curveballs (77.0 avg; 78.6 max).

SUMMER AT 35TH AND SHIELDS
Has gone 2-2 with a 2.89 ERA (14 ER/43.2 IP) and .197 (31-157) opponents average over his last seven starts at home since 9/4/22 … has allowed three runs or less in six of those starts.

Threw the 19th no-hitter in White Sox history on 8/25/20 at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates … struck out a career-high tying 13, the most by a Sox in a no-hitter.

NOT A MORNING PERSON
Is 3-6 with a 5.18 ERA (46 ER/80.0 IP), .270 (86-319) opponents average and 84 strikeouts in his last 15 day starts dating back to 6/11/22.

Has gone 25-22 with a 3.89 ERA (148 ER/342.2 IP), .228 (294-1,291) opponents average and 364 strikeouts in 61 career starts during the day.

POSTING PUNCHOUTS
Has recorded 14 career starts with 10-plus strikeouts, tied with teammate Dylan Cease for fourth-most in White Sox history … needs one double-digit strikeout game to tie Juan Pizarro for third place.

Recorded consecutive 10-plus strikeout games twice in his career from 8/20-25/20 (two) and 8/16-27/19 (three).

His last double-digit strikeout game came on 5/4/22 at the Cubs (10 SO).

THE QUALITY KID
Leads the White Sox and is tied for 10th in the American League with five quality starts this season.

Has tossed 76 quality starts in his career, fifth-most in the American League since 2017.

BITTEN BY THE LONG BALL
Has allowed 58 home runs since the start of the 2021 season, the 10th-most in baseball … is averaging 1.32 HR/9.0 IP during that span.

Has surrendered seven home runs over his nine starts this season, allowing two on 4/7 at Pittsburgh and 4/23 at Tampa Bay and one on 5/4 vs. Minnesota, 5/9 at Kansas City and 5/14 vs. Houston … has allowed one three-run homer, one two-run and five solo shots.

VS. KANSAS CITY ROYALS || A.L. CENTRAL
Is scheduled to make his 22nd career start against Kansas City and 10th at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Has gone 2-3 with a 5.54 ERA (23 ER/37.1 IP) and .274 (40-146) opponents average in his last seven starts … earned the win in his last start on 5/9 in Kansas City, allowing two runs on five hits with two walks and nine strikeouts over 6.0 IP.

Is 2-2 with a 2.70 ERA (14 ER/46.2 IP), .198 (34-172) opponents average and 52 strikeouts over his last eight starts against the American League Central.

Colorado Rockies transaction

MLB Editor
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Colorado Rockies transaction

The Colorado Rockies announced today that they have selected right-handed pitcher Karl Kauffmann to the Major League roster and transferred right-hander Germán Márquez from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Additionally, right-hander Riley Pint was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque following Wednesday’s game. Kauffmann will wear #51.

A’s place RHP Rucinski on injured list; recall RHP Kaprielian from Las Vegas

MLB Editor
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A’s place RHP Rucinski on injured list; recall RHP Kaprielian from Las Vegas

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland A’s placed right-handed pitcher Drew Rucinski on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 17 with a stomach illness and recalled right-handed pitcher James Kaprielian, who is scheduled to start tomorrow’s game, the club announced today. 

Rucinski began the season on the injured list with a strained left hamstring and was reinstated on April 28.   The 34-year-old right-hander is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA in four starts for the A’s in his first Major League assignment since 2018, as he spent the last four seasons pitching in Korea. 

Kaprielian was recalled from Las Vegas May 13 for a spot start against the Rangers, in which he allowed three runs on six hits and a walk in 7.0 innings before being optioned postgame.  He is 0-3 with a 10.17 ERA in seven games, four starts, with Oakland and 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA in two starts with the Aviators.

Phillies recall Marte, option Uelmen

MLB Editor
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Phillies recall Marte, option Uelmen

Prior to today’s game, the Phillies recalled right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte from triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room for Marte on the 26-man roster, right-handed pitcher Erich Uelmen was optioned to Lehigh Valley following last night’s game.

Phillies President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski made the announcement.

Marte, 28, made the Phillies Opening Day roster and has made six relief appearances over his three stints with the Phillies this season.

He was originally signed by the Kansas City Royals as an amateur free agent on July 19, 2012 and was acquired from the San Francisco Giants by the Phillies for left-handed pitcher Erik Miller on Jan. 8, 2023.

Uelmen, 26, made his Phillies debut last night against the Chicago Cubs, tossing 1.0 inning in relief.

Originally selected by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Uelmen was acquired by the Phillies in exchange for cash considerations on Jan. 4, 2023.

WNBA Preview: Atlanta Dream (0-0) at Dallas Wings (0-0)

WNBA Editor
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WNBA Preview: Atlanta Dream (0-0) at Dallas Wings (0-0)

The Atlanta Dream are optimistic heading into their season opener against the host Dallas Wings on Saturday at Arlington, Texas.

The Dream went from having the league’s second-worst record in 2021 to finishing one win shy of making the playoffs after going 14-22 last season. The Dream won a combined 15 games the previous two years.

Atlanta is counting on Rhyne Howard to continue to be the team’s foundation after last year’s No. 1 overall pick made the All-Star team en route to being named Rookie of the Year. She averaged 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 34 games last season.

Howard will be joined by Allisha Gray, who the team acquired in a trade with Wings, with whom she averaged a career-best 13.3 points to go along with 4.8 assists per game last season.

The Lynx also added a pair of first-round draft picks when they selected Haley Jones from Stanford at No. 6 and Laeticia Amihere from South Carolina two spots later.

While the Dream are looking to make the playoffs, the Wings are trying to become contenders after being bounced in the first round in each of the past two seasons. Dallas finished 18-18 last season.

The Wings made a major roster move on Wednesday, waiving Charli Collier, the top pick in the 2021 draft. She averaged 2.0 points and less than a rebound per game last season coming off the bench. She started 18 games in 2021, averaging 3.4 points and 3.6. rebounds per game.

Dallas will go as far as the trio of Arike Ogunbowale, Teaira McCowan and Natasha Howard takes them.

Ogunbowale has led the Wings in scoring since 2019 and her 19.7 points per game were fourth in the league last season, while McCowan averaged 11 points and seven rebounds per game.

Howard, a three-time WNBA champion, was acquired in a three-team trade with the New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun in January. She averaged 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game with the Liberty last season.

The Dream won two of the teams’ three meetings last season and are 4-2 against the Wings over the past two seasons.

WNBA Preview: Las Vegas Aces (0-0) at Seattle Storm (0-0)

WNBA Editor
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WNBA Preview: Las Vegas Aces (0-0) at Seattle Storm (0-0)

The Las Vegas Aces have been dealt a tough hand as they get set to begin of the defense of their WNBA title.

The Aces will visit the Seattle Storm on Saturday afternoon with coach Becky Hammon serving the first contest of a two-game suspension. The WNBA handed Hammon that ban without pay and rescinded a 2025 first-round draft pick from the Aces after ruling that the club had violated league rules in its treatment of former player Dearica Hamby.

Hamby made allegations on social media for what she deemed to be unethical treatment by the Aces prior to her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks on Jan. 21.

On the court, Las Vegas will turn to reigning WNBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year A’ja Wilson, along with stars Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. Two-time league MVP Candace Parker and fellow offseason acquisition Alysha Clark also are expected to contribute for the Aces, who led the league in scoring at 90.4 points per game last season.

The Aces, who shared the league’s best regular-season record in 2022 at 26-10, swept the Phoenix Mercury in the first round of the playoffs and defeated the Storm in four games in the second. They continued that momentum by defeating the Connecticut Sun in four games in the WNBA Finals.

The Storm, who finished 22-14 a year ago, enter this season with questions following the departures of Sue Bird (retirement) and Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty).

Jewell Loyd and Sami Whitcomb are expected to carry the team this season. Loyd averaged 16.3 points while starting all 36 games she played in 2022, while Whitcomb was a part of the Storm’s 2020 championship team before spending the past two seasons with the Liberty.

Whitcomb told the Seattle Times that she thinks Loyd is ready to assume the role of team leader.

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