Tuesday, April 7, 2026
SwC Poker
Home Blog Page 2691

MLS Preview: Colorado Rapids (2-4-6) at Atlanta United FC (5-4-3)

MLS Editor
-
0
MLS Preview: Colorado Rapids (2-4-6) at Atlanta United FC (5-4-3)

The Colorado Rapids earned its first points and scored its first goals against Atlanta United FC in the last meeting in March 2022, a 3-0 home win. Atlanta United FC had won the first three meetings between the sides by a combined score of 5-0, including a pair of 1-0 home wins in 2017 and 2019.

Atlanta United FC has lost four straight matches in all competitions for the second time in club history after doing so across the Concacaf Champions League and MLS is Back group stage in 2020. The Five Stripes have never lost five straight matches across all competitions in the club’s history.

The Colorado Rapids are unbeaten in six straight away matches in all competitions (W3 D3) including winning the last two on the road. This equals the longest road unbeaten streak in club history, along with a six-match run in July-September 2021.

Juan Jose Purata scored his seventh MLS goal in Atlanta United FC’s defeat to Charlotte FC on Saturday with all seven coming on headers. Purata’s seven headed goals are most by any MLS player since 2010 without scoring a goal with any other body part.

After recording just one goal contribution (assist) in his first 10 MLS appearances, Connor Ronan has contributed to all four Colorado Rapids goals over the team’s last two league matches (1 goal, 3 assists).

MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins (23-19) at Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Minnesota Twins (23-19) at Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15)

MINNESOTA TWINS NOTES:

ROAD TRIPPIN’: After completing their six-game homestand with a record of 4-2 (2-1 vs. San Diego and 2-1 vs. Chicago-NL), the Twins began their six-game, seven-day road-trip with a loss to the Dodgers last night…tonight, the Twins will play the second of three at Dodger Stadium…they will complete the series tomorrow afternoon, then travel to Anaheim to enjoy an off-day on Thursday before playing the Angels for three over the weekend…the Twins have gone 14-8 at Target Field and 9-11 on the road.

TWINS GIVE IT AWAY TO DODGERS IN 12: The Twins lost to the Dodgers in Los Angeles last night by a score of 9-8 in 12 innings, making them 4-3 in extras…Pablo López was the starter but did not factor into the decision, allowing five runs on five hits in 4.2 innings pitched, with no walks and four strikeouts…the bullpen used five relievers as Jorge López was dealt the loss, walking in the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the 12th on a 3-2 pitch…the offense recorded 13 hits, three from both Jorge Polanco and Christian Vázquez…Minnesota also went 4-for-17 with runners in scoring position and left a season-high 15 men on base.

STANDING IN LINE TO SEE THE SHOW TONIGHT: Last night’s attendance at Dodger Stadium was 49,749…it is one of the three biggest crowds the Twins have played in front of in the last two seasons, all at Dodger Stadium — 53,432 on August 10, 2022 at LAD and 47,874 on August 9, 2022 at LAD.

DARK NECESSITIES: The Twins have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher José De León from Triple-A St. Paul…De León, 30, pitched in nine games (4 starts) for the Saints this season, going 0-2, 3.62 ERA (27.1 IP, 11 ER), one save, 12 walks and 26 strikeouts… the Isabela, Puerto Rico native was signed by the Twins as a minor league free agent last December and has pitched in parts of five major league seasons with the Dodgers, Rays and Reds, going 4-1, 8.44 ERA (48.0 IP, 45 ER), 35 walks and 67 strikeouts in 22 games (6 starts)…to make room for De León on the 26-man roster, the Twins have placed right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala on the 15-day Injured List with a right forearm extensor muscle strain… Alcala made 10 relief appearances for the Twins, going 0-1 with a 6.46 ERA (15.1 IP, 11 ER), eight walks and 12 strikeouts.

DANI CALIFORNIA: The Twins are playing the Dodgers in the regular season for the 21st time in their history tonight…the Twins are 6-14 all-time; they have lost 11-straight to the Dodgers, dating back to April 30, 2014…their current losing streak is the longest active streak for the Twins against one team…lower right are the Twins all-time longest losing streaks to single opponents.

STADIUM ARCADIUM: In the regular season, Minnesota is 1-8 all-time at Dodger Stadium, 2-6 at Target Field and 3-0 at Metrodome…the Twins only win at Dodger Stadium came on June 11, 2005…they have not won here in 6,549 days, their longest drought in any ballpark in their history.

Including the Postseason, the Twins are 1-11 all-time at Dodger Stadium, going 0-3 in this ballpark during the 1965 World Series.

MY FRIENDS: Twins starters have thrown an MLB-best 238.1 innings pitched…they have averaged 5.7 innings-per-outing, up from 4.8 in 022…they also rank first in baseball in WHIP (1.06) and strikeouts (270)…below are Twins starting pitching ranks in all of baseball:

INNINGS ERA BAA BB FIP WHIP K’s OPS
MIN – 238.1 TB – 3.03 TB – .217 SF – 51 SEA – 3.25 MIN – 1.06 MIN – 270 TB – .627
SD – 233.0 ATL – 3.16 MIN – .220 SEA – 51 TB – 3.35 SEA – 1.10 CWS – 240 SEA – .629
SEA – 231.2 MIN – 3.17 LAD – .234 LAD – 55 MIN – 3.36 TB – 1.11 HOU – 232 MIN – .636
TEX – 229.2 HOU – 3.41 SEA – .234 MIN – 57 ATL – 3.38 LAD – 1.13 ATL – 229 LAD – .672
TOR – 229.2 SF – 3.48 TEX – .235 CLE – 59 HOU – 3.78 TEX – 1.15 TOR – 227 ATL – .678

CAN’T STOP: After 13 hits last night, the Twins now have double-digit hit totals in each of their last three games, their longest stretch since four-straight from September 24-28, 2022…in those three, they have totaled 44 hits (13, 18, 13)…below are the Twins first 39 games from March 30-May 12 and their last three games since Saturday:

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 3 .346 11.7 44 12 10 34 15 32 .420 .677 1.097

RED HOT JORGE: Since coming off the Injured List (left knee inflammation) on April 21, Jorge Polanco has hit safely in 18 of 22 games…he has reached base safely eight times in 11 plate appearances in his last two games…additionally, on the season, he is hitting .368 (7-for-19) with two doubles, one home run, five RBI and a 1.000 OPS vs. left-handed pitching.

U-NL-IMITED LOVE: The Twins have gone 6-7 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 0-1 vs. Los Angeles-NL…they have gone 5-3 in their last eight vs. the NL after starting 1-4…after this series, the Twins’ next NL opponent will be the Giants for three games at Target Field from May 22-24.

THE ZEPH-HR SONG: After hitting two home runs last night, the Twins have now hit 10 homers in their last three games…they have homered 57 times on the season, the third most in the AL and sixth most in baseball…47 of their home runs have come in their last 30 games since April 13…since that date only the Braves (53), Rays (51) and Dodgers (47) have hit as many.

THE OTHERSIDE: The Twins are facing a left-handed starter for just the eighth time this season, the previous seven being Jesús Luzardo on April 5 at Miami (5-2 loss), Nestor Cortes on April 14 at New York-AL (4-3 win), Chris Sale on April 18 at Boston (5-4 loss), Patrick Corbin on April 23 vs. Washington (3-1 win), Cortes again on April 25 (6-2 win), Logan Allen on May 6 at Cleveland (4-3 loss) and Drew Smyly on May 12 vs. Chicago-NL (6-2 loss)…the Twins have the fourth-fewest at-bats in baseball vs. left-handed pitching at just 279.

Twins are slashing just .204/.277/.362 vs. lefties, compared to .235/.317/.419 vs. righties.

In his last 40 games against left-handed pitching (since August 9, 2022), Carlos Correa is hitting .320 (24-for-75) with six doubles, one triple, six home runs, 15 RBI, 13 walks, a .407 on-base percentage, a .667 slugging percentage and a 1.073 OPS.

IT’S JUST A MINOR THING AND WE ARE MINOR KINGS: The Twins have two minor leaguers that have earned Player/Pitcher of the Week in their respective leagues for the week of May 8-14:

Double-A Wichita infielder Yunior Severino was named Texas League Player of the Week…Severino, 23, played in five games for the Wind Surge, hitting .500 (11-for-22) with two doubles, four home runs, eight RBI, four walks, a 1.136 slugging percentage and a 1.713 OPS.

Florida State League right-handed pitcher Cory Lewis was named Florida State League Pitcher of the Week…Lewis, 22, made the start for the Mighty Mussels on Sunday vs. Tampa, pitching 5.2 perfect innings with seven strikeouts…he pitched the first leg of a no-hitter, as A.J. Labas, Gabriel Yanez and Ben Ethridge finished off the no-no.

ALL AROUND THE WORLD SUN: Hall of Famer Jack Morris is celebrating his 68th birthday today…during his 18-year major league career, he pitched one game on his birthday, that coming in 1987, pitching a complete game over Cleveland at Tiger Stadium, allowing three runs on five hits with 11 strikeouts…he shares a birthday with Twins Radio Engineer Kyle Hammer (38), University of Minnesota baseball coach John Anderson (68), actress Megan Fox (37), pop singer Janet Jackson (57), actor Pierce Brosnan (70) and former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic (58).

BY THE WAY: On this day in 2010, Jason Kubel hit an eighth-inning grand slam off Mariano Rivera for a 6-3 win at new Yankee Stadium… Rivera had converted a record-tying 51-consecutive save opportunities at home and had not given up a grand slam since 2002; the runs were also the first he allowed that season.

STARTING PITCHER – BAILEY OBER 17
2023: 2-0, 1.85 ERA CAREER: 7-6, 3.54 ERA

Making his fifth start of the season and second road start…also his 36th career start and appearance.

Facing the Dodgers for the first time in his career…is 1-2, 4.15 ERA (60.2 IP, 28 ER) with 14 walks and 60 strikeouts when facing an opponent for the first time.

Is 1-0, 4.05 ERA (20.0 IP, 9 ER) with six walks and 18 strikeouts in four career Interleague starts.

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

LAST START: 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.

Has fanned six batters in three-straight starts, the longest streak of his career.

Brought his career strikeout total to 169…owns the sixth-most strikeouts through a pitcher’s first 35 games in Twins history (1961-present), behind Joe Ryan (207), Francisco Liriano (181), Bert Blyleven (180), Boof Bonser (175) and José Berríos (171).

TWO STARTS AGO: Earned his second win of the season in a 2-0 Twins victory against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on May 5, opposite Peyton Battenfield…pitched 7.0 scoreless innings, allowed three hits, walked one batter and struck out six…marked Ober’s second longest outing of his career and his longest outing since September 27, 2022 vs. Chicago-AL when he tossed 7.1 innings… received two runs of support via a two-run homer by Max Kepler in the top of the sixth inning…relieved by Jorge López in the eighth inning as he combined with Jhoan Duran to pitch two scoreless innings… Duran earned his seventh save of the season.

Allowed one-or-fewer runs in three-straight starts…was the second-longest streak in the Twins rotation this season of starts with one run or less, trailing Sonny Gray’s six-game streak from April 1 to April 30.

OBER VS. LOS ANGELES-NL: Facing the Dodgers for the first time in his career…making his fifth career Interleague start, third this season…is 1-0, 3.09 ERA (11.2 IP, 4 ER) with three walks and 10 strikeouts in two Interleague starts this season (1-0, 4.05 ERA (20.0 IP, 9 ER) with six walks and 18 strikeouts in four career Interleague starts)…Los Angeles-NL will be the 14th team he has faced since his major league debut on May 18, 2021…in 13 career starts when facing an opponent for the first time, Ober is 1-2, 4.15 ERA (60.2 IP, 28 ER) with 14 walks and 60 strikeouts…Los Angeles-NL designated hitter J.D. Martinez is the only active Dodgers hitter to previously face Uber…Martinezis 0-for-4 with two strikeouts across two games against Ober as a member of the Boston Red Sox.

BACK TO THE ROAD: Ober is making his second road start of the season, 18th of his career…last season, he went 0-3, 3.09 ERA (32.0 IP, 11 ER) with five walks and 23 strikeouts in six starts on the road…is 2-5, 3.46 ERA (83.1 IP, 32 ER) with 14 walks and 76 strikeouts in 17 career road starts… Twins have gone 9-8 in his road starts.

Ranks 12th for the most strikeouts in their first 17 road games with the Twins, ninth in lowest ERA and sixth in lowest earned runs allowed (min. 80.0 IP).

THE RIGHT WAY: Right-handed hitters are batting .150 (6-for-40) with 13 strikeouts and one RBI against Ober after four starts this season…left-handed hitters are hitting .217 (10-for-46) with nine strikeouts and four RBI…in his career, right-handed hitters are batting .215/.236/.408 with 13 doubles and 102 strikeouts against Ober…lefties are hitting .268/.330/.441 with 19 doubles and 67 strikeouts off him.

Tied for 14th in the AL in lowest opponent batting average against righties (min. 10.0 IP)… his .171 opponent OBP against righties ranks fourth lowest in all of baseball.

ARSENAL: Ober used a four-pitch mix in his four starts of the 2023 season, per Baseball Savant… four of Ober’s six strikeouts in his last start on May 11 came from his fastball, his most used pitch… also threw 43 fastballs in his last start…mostly uses his slider against righties while relying on his changeup and curveball against lefties…here’s a look at his repertoire:

PITCH (AVG. MPH) PCT. (#, vs. RHB/LHB) RESULTS
4-Seam Fastball (91.6)….47.5% (173 pitches, 70/103) …………….. .158 (6-for-38), 3 2B, 1 HR, 9 K
Slider (81.9)…………………..22.3% (81 pitches, 68/13) ………………………. .136 (3-for-22), 1 HR, 9 K
Changeup (84.2)…………….20.1% (73 pitches, 14/59) ………………………. .333 (6-for-18), 2 2B, 2 K
Curveball (78.3)………………10.2% (37 pitches, 4/33) …………………………. .125 (1-for-8), 1 2B, 2 K
AOber ranks 12th for the lowest opponent batting average against a slider in the American
League, 12th against a curveball and 13th against a fastball (min. 300 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 second night start of the season tonight…went 1-2, 3.47 ERA (36.1 IP, 14 ER) with five walks and 37 strikeouts in seven night starts last season…is 4-4, 3.36 ERA (99.0 IP, 37 ER) with 17 walks and 105 strikeouts in 20 career night starts…ranks second for the most strikeouts through their first 20 night games with the Twins (min. 95.0 IP), trailing only Joe Ryan (125).

LOS ANGELES DODGERS NOTES:

LONG, STRANGE TRIP: The Dodgers won their season-high tying sixth consecutive game last night (also April 28- May 3), outlasting the Minnesota Twins in 12 innings, 9-8. The game marked the longest in both innings and time (3:48) for the Dodgers this season in their first Interleague game of 2023. Phil Bickford was the surprise hero, firing a career high 3.0 innings and earning the win after yielding just one unearned run in the extra frames. Bickford also struck out four, which is the most by a Dodger reliever this season. Los Angeles has 14 wins in its last 16 games and tonight will attempt to win its sixth consecutive series with a victory over the Twins in the middle contest of their three-game set. Following tomorrow’s 12:10 p.m. matinee to close out the homestand (4-0), the Dodgers fly overnight to St. Louis and begin an 11-day, 10-game road trip against the Cardinals (4), Braves (3) and Rays (3) on Thursday night at Busch Stadium. Max Muncy ripped two home runs last night, the 13th time in his career that he’s belted two home runs in a game. Muncy has already had four multi-homer games this season and leads the Major Leagues with 14 longballs. Last year, Mookie Betts led the club with four multi-homer games and the Los Angeles Dodger record for multi-homer games is held by Adrián Beltré, who clubbed two or more homers in seven different games in 2004. Muncy’s four multi-homer games leads the big leagues. The Dodgers have the best home record in the National League (16-6, .727) and have won 10 consecutive contests at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles won 11 straight games at home from July 4-24 last season. Los Angeles enters play today with a season-high tying 3.0-game lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks for first place in the National League West. The Dodgers have the second best run differential in the National League (+57), trailing just the Atlanta Braves (+64). Dodger catcher Will Smith went 2-for-6 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored last night He’s hitting .400 (10-for-25) with three homers, two doubles,seven RBI and three walks during his six-game hitting streak. The Dodgers are 19-6 (.760) when Smith is in the starting lineup this year.

KING KERSH: Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw takes the mound this evening looking for his seventh victory of the season, which would tie him with Shane McClanahan for the Major League lead. Kershaw was magnificent last Wednesday in Milwaukee, giving up just one run on five hits over 7.0 innings. With 203 career victories, he is seven shy of passing Don Drysdale for the second most in Dodger franchise history. Don Sutton heads the list with 233 wins as a Dodger. Kershaw sits alone at 21st on the all-time strikeout list and is chasing former teammate and still current big leaguer Zack Greinke for 20th place:

All-Time Major League Strikeout Leaders

  1. Zack Greinke 2,914
  2. Clayton Kershaw 2,863

PEN MEN: The Dodger bullpen had a rough Monday night, giving up six runs (five earned) over 8.0 innings, snapping their streak of four consecutive games without allowing a run. Since allowing a season high-matching eight runs on April 26 at PIT (also, April 21 at CHC), the Dodger ‘pen has posted a 2.60 ERA (18 ER/62.1 IP) with 72 strikeouts against 28 walks. The bullpen is among the leaders in multiple categories since April 27, including ERA (3rd), batting average against (.182, 1st), opponents slugging percentage (.276, 2nd) opponents OBP (.276, 2nd) and opponents OPS (.551, 1st). Caleb Ferguson currently has a Dodger season high 11.2-inning scoreless streak and since being recalled on April 22, Victor González has fired 9.1 scoreless innings.

FABULOUS FREDDIE: Freddie Freeman has scored a run in a Dodger season-high eight consecutive games, overtaking Will Smith’s run from April 2-10. Freeman is tied with Marcus Semien for second in the Major Leagues with 35 runs scored, trailing only Ronald Acuña Jr. (37). With 299 career homers, he’s on the doorstep of 300 and according to the Elias Sports Bureau, would become just the fifth player in franchise history to accomplish that feat in a Dodger uniform:

PLAYERS TO HIT HOME RUN NO. 300 IN A DODGER UNIFORM
DATE LOCATION PITCHER/TEAM
Duke Snider JULY 7, 1957 Ebbets Field Dick Drott, Cubs
Gil Hodges April 23, 1958 L. A. Coliseum Dick Drott, Cubs
Gary Sheffield July 21, 2001 Coors Field Denny Neagle, Rockies
Adrian Gonzalez Aug. 8, 2016 Dodger Stadium Junichi Tazawa, Red Sox

WE’RE GOING INTERLEAGUEING!: This series marks the first Interleague tilt of the season for the Dodgers in the new balanced schedule format, which will see the club play 46 games vs. the AL. Last season, the Boys in Blue went 15-5 (.750) vs. the American League, which was tied for the best mark in baseball with Milwaukee. Since the beginning of Interleague play in 1997, the Dodgers hold a 240-215 record (.527 winning percentage), which is the best mark amongst National League teams. Los Angeles is 14-6 all-time vs. Minnesota in Interleague play and is currently on an 11-game winning streak against Twins, dating back to April 30, 2014.

LONG BALLS: The Dodgers hit three more home runs last night and have homered in a season-high tying nine straight games (also March 30-April 8). The club has 71 on the season, which is second in the Majors, behind only the Tampa Bay Rays (81). The Dodgers have recorded 3+ homers in 13 games this season, which is tied with the Rays for the most in the Majors. Los Angeles is also second in the Majors with 34 games with at least one homer, behind the Rays (37), who have homered in all but five games this season.

TONIGHT’S STARTER vs. TWINS: LHP CLAYTON KERSHAW (6-2, 2.36 ERA in 8 GS)
2023 SEASON NOTES:

  • Over eight starts, the Texas native owns a 6-2 record with a 2.36 ERA (13 ER/49.2 IP) with 56 strikeouts against 10 walks and has generated a 0.95 WHIP
  • Notched his 200th career win in his start on April 18 against the Mets, making him the only Los Angeles Dodger to win 200 games with the same franchise…joins Don Sutton (233) and Don Drysdale (209) on the Dodger all-time list…
  • Moved into 21st all-time on the Major League strikeout list with 2,863, tying…he needs 137 more to become the 20th player in Major League history with 3,000 strikeouts
  • Has fired 6.0+ innings in seven out of his eight starts this season
  • He was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for April after posting a 5-1 record with a 1.89 ERA (8 ER/38.0 IP) and 41 strikeouts and a 0.76 WHIP

VS. TWINS:

  • Will meet the Twins for the second time in his career and first time at Dodger Stadium
  • Faced the club for the first time April 13, 2022…spun seven perfect innings where he struck out 13 of the 21 batters he opposed

MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies (20-21) at San Francisco Giants (18-23)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies (20-21) at San Francisco Giants (18-23)

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES NOTES:

GAME #41 RECAP: The Phillies fell to the San Francisco Giants, 6-3, at Oracle Park in San Francisco … The Phillies opened with Connor Brogdon (0.2 IP, 2 H, BB, SO) before going to Bailey Falter for 13 outs (L, 4.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO) … Alec Bohm homered in the 2nd to put the Phils up 2-0 before the Giants scored 6 runs in the bottom half of the frame to take a 6-2 lead … Trea Turner secured his 200th career double but the Phillies went 0-for-8 with RISP … Andrew Bellatti (1.0 IP) and Jeff Hoffman (2.0 IP) made scoreless appearances in relief.

TRANSACTIONS: Prior to tonight’s game against the San Francisco Giants, the Phillies optioned lefthanded pitcher Bailey Falter to triple-A Lehigh Valley … To fill his spot on the 26-man roster, right-handed pitcher Erich Uelmen was recalled from Lehigh Valley … Over eight appearances (7 starts) for the Phillies this season, Falter, 26, has gone 0-7 with a 5.13 ERA (23 ER, 40.1 IP) … Falter opened the season in the club’s starting rotation but worked a career-high 4.1 innings in relief last night at San Francisco … Uelmen, 26, has appeared in seven games with the IronPigs in 2023 where he has gone 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA (1 ER, 8.2 IP), which included six scoreless appearances (6.2 IP) to begin the season … The Las Vegas, Nev., native made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2022 and went 2-1 with one save and a 4.67 ERA (14 ER, 27.0 IP) over 25 games, all in relief.

REMEMBER THE FIGHTINS: The Phillies have won five of their last seven games (since 5/7) during which Philadelphia’s pitching has combined for a 2.03 ERA (14 ER, 62.0 IP) with 62 strikeouts to nine walks (6.89 SO/BB ratio) … The Phillies have won each of their last two series (2-0 vs TOR, 2-1 at COL) and are 6-2-1 in their last nine series played (since 4/13 at CIN) – Philadelphia’s only two series losses in the past month have come against the Dodgers in LA (0-3) and Red Sox at CBP (1-2).

WHEELS UP: Right-hander Zack Wheeler will face off against the team that drafted him tonight for the 9th time in his career (last: 4/20/21) … Originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 2009 MLB Draft, Wheeler was traded by the Giants with cash considerations in exchange for OF Carlos Beltran on July 28, 2011 … Wheeler has only faced the Giants one time since signing with the Phillies, but in his career, he is 2-2 with a 3.54 ERA (19 ER, 48.1 IP) in eight starts against San Francisco … Wheeler has faced 104 right-handed hitters this season – he is limiting them to a .198/.260/.281 slash line (.541 OPS) with 32 strikeouts to five walks (6.40 SO/BB ratio).

GOT THAT DOG IN HIM: In his first game back from Tommy John Surgery (160 days from the procedure), Bryce Harper went 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts on 5/2 at Dodger Stadium … Since then, he is 14-for-39 at the plate with 12 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 5 RBI and 5 walks to 10 strikeouts … He is slashing .359/.432/.590 with a 1.022 OPS in 44 plate appearances in that span (since 5/3) … Saturday night, Harper hit a 2-run 9th inning home run to put the Phils up 7-4 (110.2 MPH/439 feet) … In “Close & Late” situations (7th inning or later with the batting team ahead by one run, tied, or with the tying run on base, at bat or on deck), Harper is 5-for-10 with a 1.400 OPS this season … Since the start of last season (regular and postseason combined), Harper has come to the plate 77 times in close and late situations – he is 21-for-65 with 6 doubles, 6 home runs, 21 RBI and 10 walks to 16 strikeouts (.323/.416/.692) … His 1.108 OPS ranks 1st among 216 players in MLB with at least 75 PA in close and late situations since 2022 (regular and postseason combined).

ANGEL IN THE OUTFIELD: Center fielder Brandon Marsh has almost tripled his walk rate from 6.1% last season to 15.9% entering play tonight … His 9.8% jump in walk rate from last year is the largest spike of any player in baseball from 2022 to 2023 and his 15.9% walk rate ranks 6th in the National League and 10th in MLB … Marsh reached 22 walks for the season last night in his 138th plate appearance … Last season, Marsh reached 22 walks on July 30th in his 319th plate appearance (181 plate appearances faster in 2023) … Marsh is slashing .287/.406/.530 with a .936 OPS this year – his 154.9 OPS+ ranks 3rd among National League outfielders, trailing only ATL’s Ronald Acuna Jr. (176.8) and SF’s LaMonte Wade Jr. (157.3) … Per Statcast rankings, Marsh ranks in the 95th percentile in walk rate, 90th percentile in sprint speed (28.7 ft/sc), outs above average (2), average exit velocity (92.6 MPH) & hard hit rate (50.7%) and 81st percentile in arm strength (89.0 MPH).

CASTY’S BACK, TELL A FRIEND: Phils right fielder Nick Castellanos has gotten ahead 1-0 in 55 plate appearances this season – after taking ball one, Castellanos is slashing .449/.509/.755 with a 1.264 OPS that ranks 5th out of 222 MLB players with at least 40 plate appearances that start 1-0 … He has nine extrabase hits (6 2B, 3 HR) after getting ahead 1-0 … Last season, Castellanos got ahead 1-0 in 174 plate appearances and totaled only 10 extra-base hits as he slashed .197/.276/.299 with a .575 OPS that ranked 201st out of 203 qualified hitters.

BULLISH ON THE PEN: Over the last month (since 4/16), the Phillies bullpen has combined to post a 2.43 ERA (24 ER, 89.0 IP) in 26 games with 106 strikeouts (10.72 SO/9.0 IP) … The bullpen is 10-for-12 in save opportunities in that span … This stretch includes three games at Dodger Stadium from May 1-3 – in those three games, the bullpen allowed 18 ER in 11.1 IP (14.29 ERA) with a blown save … If you subtract those three games from the bullpen’s totals, since April 16, they have a 0.70 ERA (6 ER, 77.2 IP) in 23 games.

TONIGHT’S STARTER – ZACK WHEELER  RHP #45
2023: 3-2, 3.80 ERA Career: 77-59, 3.43 ERA

LAST START: 5/10 vs TOR: ND, 7.0 IP, 3 H, R, ER, HR, BB, 7 SO (2-1 Phils win) … The Phillies defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 2-1, on a getaway day in South Philly … Down 1-0 heading into the 9th, the Phillies rallied to send it to extras … They won it in the 10th on a walkoff error that scored Edmundo Sosa … Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez and Craig Kimbrel made scoreless appearances in relief of Wheeler.

TONIGHT’S START:
Right About That: Wheeler has faced 104 RHH this season and has limited them to a .281 SLG and .541 OPS (5 2B, 1 HR allowed) His .541 OPP OPS against RHH this season ranks 3rd among all qualified NL starters behind only Dustin May (.455 OPS) and Drew Smyly (.506 OPS) … Since 2021, Wheeler has held RHH to a .599 OPS which ranks 4th among NL starters behind only Corbin Burners (.562), Max Scherzer (.563) and Logan Webb (.577 OPS)

Sweeping Success: Wheeler has thrown 116 sweepers this year and opponents are hitting .143 with a .190 SLG against it while whiffing on swings against it 41.3% of the time

Best of the West: Over Wheeler’s last six starts against the NL West (since 9/11/21), he is 5-0 with a 1.70 ERA (7 ER, 37.0 IP) with 50 strikeouts to 10 walks – the Phillies are 6-0 in those games

vs NL West: 15-9, 3.46 ERA (82 ER, 213.0 IP) in 35 starts

Statcast Rankings: 96th percentile in extension, 95th percentile in AVG exit velo & Barrel rate, 85th percentile in Fastball spin, 84th
percentile in xSLG and 81st percentile in Fastball velo

ROAD:
2023: 2-1, 4.70 ERA (8 ER, 15.1 IP) in 3 starts

Career: 40-27, 3.51 ERA (232 ER, 594.1 IP) in 100 starts

2023 SEASON:
Recorded his 17th career double-digit strikeout game and 9th as a Phillie on 4/23 vs COL, and his 23 swings and misses were a new career high

Made his 200th career start on 4/23 vs COL

On 4/12 vs MIA extended his streak of home starts without allowing a HR to 4 and his streak of 5 or fewer hits allowed at home to 9

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS NOTES:

TODAY’S GAME: After a win last night, the Giants will aim to make it two straight on a City Connect Tuesday at Oracle Park tonight…since introducing these uniforms in 2021, the Giants are 20-6 with a +50 run differential when wearing the City Connects(which are typically worn on Tuesdays but have been worn a few select times on other days)…the Giants are 3-0 so far in 2023 when wearing the Creamsicle jerseys.

HOME SWEET HOME: SF has been much better at home with an 11-10 record at Oracle Park this season compared to a 7-13 record on the road…the winning home record is due to the fact that the Giants have won nine of their last 13 contests on the shores of McCovey Cove dating to April 22…during this stretch of solid home play the Giants have averaged 4.5 runs per game and have homered in all but one of the 13 games…in its first eight home games, SF was 2-6 and averaged 3.0 runs per game.

FIELD OF DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES: SF has played well against the Phillies at Oracle Park in recent years…Stats, LLC notes that since 2014, SF’s 21-6 (.778) record at home vs. Philadelphia is the fifth-best mark in MLB against a single opponent at home (min. 15 games)…the Giants have won or split their last eight home series against PHI (Stats, LLC). MLB, Best Home record vs. Single Opponent — Since 2014 (Stats, LLC) Team Opponent W-L (Win%)
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Rockies 24-3 (.889)
Cleveland Guardians vs. Angels 24-4 (.857)
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Braves 20-5 (.800)
Los Angeles Angels vs. White Sox 22-6 (.786)
San Francisco Giants vs. Phillies 21-6 (.778)

IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY (WHEN THEY PLAY THE PHILS): OF Michael Conforto has 23 career home runs and 72 RBI against the Phillies, both ranking second-most by any player since 2015 trailing only Freddie Freeman (25 & 87)…IF Wilmer Flores has 13 homers and 50 RBI to go along with a career .813 OPS in 84 games against the Phils…in far less games than the former New York Mets teammates, OF Mike Yastrzemski has nine XBH (five doubles, four homers), 11 RBI, 13 runs scored and a .916 OPS in 19 career games vs. Philadelphia.

GO BIG: SF has set a franchise record for most home runs through the team’s first 41 games with 63 this season (Stats, LLC)…the previous record was 60 homers through 41 games done by the 1958, 1996 and 2000 Giants…SF’s 63 homers in 2023 are tied for fourth-most in MLB with the Yankees… Tampa Bay (81), Los Angeles-NL (71) and Atlanta (69) rank first, second and third, respectively.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER: RHP Alex Cobb (35 years, 221 days) toes the slab tonight and is off to arguably the best start of his career…his 1.70 ERA entering play tonight leads the NL and is third-best in the Majors…he has not allowed a run in his last two overall starts (14.1 innings) entering tonight and he hasn’t given up a run in his last two starts here at home (16.0 innings)…his 64.1% groundball rate leads qualified pitchers.

Giants, Lowest ERA Thru 1st 8 Starts by Pitchers 35+ Since 1912 (Stats, LLC)
Pitcher (Yr) ERA
Alex Cobb (2023) 1.70
Sal Maglie (1955) 1.89
Tim Hudson (2014) 2.09
Pitcher (Yr) ERA
Carl Hubbell (1939) 2.60
Juan Marichal (1973) 2.67
*Pitchers must have been 35+ for each of the eight starts.

FEELING CONFORT-ABLE: OF Michael Conforto has reached base in each of his last six games, homering in four of them, with seven RBI, six runs, three walks and one strikeout in 24 plate appearances…he’s 8-for-21 (.381) over the six-game stretch…furthermore, Conforto has significantly cut his strikeout rate this month…in his 14 games in May he’s struck out just 15.1% percent of the time (eight strikeouts in 53 PA)… in his first 23 games, Conforto had a 33.0% strikeout rate (30 strikeouts in 91 PA).

ON THE CASE…: IF Casey Schmitt rattled off two more hits yesterday and is 13-for-28 (.464) with five runs, four doubles, two home runs, five RBI and a 1.286 OPS in his first seven career games after debuting last Tuesday…his 13 hits over his first seven games are tied with Jim Davenport (1958) for third-most in Giants history…only Al Gallagher (15) in 1970 and Willie McCovey (14) in 1959 had more hits in their first seven career games with the Giants.

Giants, Most Hits Through First Seven Games of Career
Player Hits
Al Gallagher (1970) 15
Willie McCovey (1959) 14
Casey Schmitt (2023) 13
Player Hits
Jim Davenport (1958) 13
Mike Schemer (1945) 12
Sammy Strang (1901) 12

HE GETS ON BASE: Even with his career-best 19-game on-base streak being snapped Sunday, IF LaMonte Wade Jr. is hitting .306 (22-for-72) with 13 runs scored, six homers, 11 RBI, .419 OBP and a 1.044 OPS since April 20…overall this season, Wade’s 27 walks are seventh in MLB, his .936 OPS ranks tied for 11th, he ranks second with an 18.6% walk rate and his .427 on-base percentage is fifth.

YOUNG GUN: RHP Camilo Doval notched his 39th career save last night…at 25 years, 315 days, Doval’s 39 saves are second-most in Giants history (since 1969 when saves became an official stat) for a player that age or younger…only RHP Rod Beck (79) had more saves before he was 25 years, 315 days old.

TODAY’S STARTER – ALEX COBB RHP #38
2023 RECORD: 3-1, 1.70 ERA

WITH THE GIANTS: Is in his 12th Major League season and his second with the Giants…he’s in his second year of a two-year contract (with a third-year team option) with the Giants that he signed on November 30, 2021.

ON A TEAR: Has posted a 3-0 record with a 0.95 ERA (3er, 28.1ip) with a .240 opponents average, 0.95 WHIP and 19 strikeouts over his last four starts, one of which was in Mexico City…in eight starts overall this season, he’s posted a 1.70 ERA, which ranks as the best figure in the National League and the third-best figure in the Majors behind MIN’s Sonny Gray (1.39) and DET’s Eduardo Rodriguez (1.57).

LAST OUTING: Earned the win against the Diamondbacks on May 11, as he tossed 7.1-scoreless innings, allowing seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts…it marked his third start with 7.0+ innings and zero runs allow over his last four appearances.

VS. PHILADELPHIA: Is 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA (5er, 19.0ip), .149 opponents average, 0.84 WHIP and 14 strikeouts in three career starts against the Phillies…last faced them on September 2, 2022 at Oracle Park and spun 7.0-scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and seven strikeouts in the Giants 13-1 victory over Philadelphia.

HOME SWEET HOME: Over his last eight starts at Oracle Park, Cobb has posted a 5-1 record with a 1.76 ERA (10er, 51.0ip)… since September 1, 2022, his 1.76 ERA at home ranks as the second-best figure in the Majors behind only LAA’s Shohei Ohtani (1.62) (min. 50ip).

BANANA SPLITS: Opponents are hitting .500 (6-for-12) off his curveball and .462 (6-for-13) off his slider, compared to a .222 average (20-for-90) off his split finger and .268 (19-for-71) off his sinker.

(DON’T) WALK THIS WAY: Cobb has walked just eight hitters through his first eight starts of the season (47.2ip)…his 4.1% walk rate (eight walks/196 batters faced) is the eighth-lowest walk rate in the Majors.

IN THE YARD: Since the start of 2021 no pitcher in the Major Leagues has done a better job of keeping the ball in the ballpark that Cobb…his 0.53 HR/9.0ip ratio since the start of ‘21 is best in the Majors (min. 250.0ip)…looking at the metric a different way, Cobb has allowed the fewest homers of any pitcher in the Majors (min. 250.0ip) since the start of 2021 as he’s allowed only 17.

RISP MANAGEMENT: Opponents are hitting .302 (35-for116) off him with eight extra-base hits with no one on base… however, he’s holding opponents to a .151 average (7-for46) with runners in scoring position with opponents going just 3-for-their-last-24 (.125).

MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (12-31) at San Diego (20-22)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Kansas City Royals (12-31) at San Diego (20-22)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS NOTES:

SHUT OUT IN SAN DIEGO: The Royals suffered their 4th consecutive loss in last night’s 4-0 defeat in San Diego, which marked their seventh time being shut out this season, matching the Mets for the most in the Majors…Michael Wacha retired the first 13 Royals before Edward Olivares was plunked with 1 out in the 5th, and Wacha didn’t allow a hit until Michael Massey singled to begin the 8th, which broke up the 18th individual no-hit bid of at least 7.0 innings vs. the Royals…Brad Keller issued a career-high 8 walks, 2 wild pitches and a hit batter and needed 94 pitches to get through 3.2 innings, in which he allowed 3 runs (2 ER) on 3 hits…he’s issued a Majors-most 40 walks in 43.1 innings this season, but has allowed 3 hits or fewer in 5 of 9 starts, which trails only Shohei Ohtani and Dustin May (6 each) for the most such starts in the Majors.

The Royals have played 2,327 games since they were last no-hit on May 19, 2008 by Boston’s Jon Lester… it’s the 4th-longest active streak in the Majors without being no-hit (see chart to right)…the Royals have only been no-hit twice in their 55-year history, the fewest among all 30 active Major League franchises.

Neither the Royals or Padres recorded an extra-base hit last night, the Royals 2nd game this season in which neither team had an extra-base hit, following April 26 at Arizona…prior to that, the Royals hadn’t had a game with no extra-base hits on offense or allowed by their pitchers since May 18, 2021 vs. Milwaukee.

HBD, FREDDY!: Royals catcher Freddy Fermin is celebrating his 28th birthday today and shares this date of birth with former Royals pitcher Heath Fillmyer (29), former Omaha Manager Brian Poldberg (66), Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Morris (68), and three-time Rawlings Gold Glove-winning pitcher Rick Reuschel (74).

ROSTER MOVE: The Royals announced today that right hander Max Castillo has been optioned to Triple-A Omaha, after throwing 122 pitches over the last four days, including 80 pitches as the bulk pitcher last Friday night in Milwaukee, and 42 pitches last night in relief of Brad Keller…to his credit, Castillo pitched well despite the circumstances, and in 3 outings since being recalled on May 7, he pitched to a 2.89 ERA (3 ER in 9.1 IP). In a corresponding move, right hander Jackson Kowar has been recalled from Triple-A Omaha…Kowar, who was one of four pitchers the Royals selected in the 1st round of the 2018 Draft, has made 12 of his 13 appearances this season in relief, including his 1st save as a pro pitcher on May 5 vs. Louisville…after allowing 16 runs on 20 hits in his 1st 8 appearances, he’s pitched to a 2.84 ERA (2 ER in 6.1 IP) with 8 strikeouts in his last 5 appearances since April 30, and he hasn’t allowed a HR in 20.2 innings this season.

ROYALS ON THE MEND: The Royals announced yesterday that infielder Nicky Lopez will begin a rehab assignment tonight with Triple-A Omaha…he was placed on the 10-day Injured List on May 2 with appendicitis.

Left hander Daniel Lynch will make his 4th rehab start tomorrow night, as he continues his recovery from a left rotator cuff strain…in his previous 3 rehab starts, Lynch has pitched to a 3.38 ERA (4 ER in 10.2 IP) with 11 strikeouts, and most recently threw 73 pitches over 5.0 innings in a win last Friday night.

Drew Waters, who suffered a strained left oblique in February, is 1-for-18 in 5 rehab games with Omaha. WHAT A RELIEF!: Royals relievers last night combined for 1 run allowed on 2 hits over 4.1 innings, including 2.1 hitless frames by Max Castillo, who threw 42 pitches last night on two days’ rest, after throwing 80 pitches last Friday night in Milwaukee…over the Royals last 9 games, the bullpen has pitched to a 2.75 ERA (12 ER in 39.1 IP) and .213 opponents’ average (30-for-141), despite being called upon for the 4th most innings in the Majors.

Royals relievers lead the Majors with 193 strikeouts and a 10.7 K/9, which marks a big improvement over last season, when the Royals bullpen ranked 25th in the Majors with 552 strikeouts and 21st with an 8.5 K/9.

HOMER STREAK HALTED: The Royals were held scoreless last night on 2 hits, which ended their 13-game streak with a HR that marked the 2nd-longest HR streak in franchise history, trailing a 15-game run from April 6-22, 2001…it was the 3rd-longest streak in the Majors this season, and their 23 HR during the streak marked their 2nd most in any 13-game span in franchise history, trailing a span of 24 HR in 13 games from April 5-20, 2004.

Despite last night’s homerless performance, the Royals rank 2nd in the American League this month with 23 home runs, which trails only the Yankees (29)…the Royals 23 HR in 14 games this month are already more than the 20 HR they hit in 29 games in March/April, which ranked tied for 26th in the Majors.

Of the Royals 23 HR in May, a Majors-most 18 have traveled at least 400 ft., 1 more than the Braves (17) for the most in the Majors and 6 more than the Twins (12) for the most among American League teams.

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 (10)…Salvador Perez leads the Royals with 9 home runs, including 8 as a catcher…MJ Melendez has homered once as a catcher and birthday boy Freddy Fermin has 3 home runs in 8 games (5 starts) as a catcher since his May 2 recall.

VS. PADRES: The Royals are visiting San Diego this week for the fifth time and first since 2017, when they won 2 games out of 3…they are 7-12 all-time vs. the Padres—despite outscoring them 109-100 (+9)—and they’re 4-9 at Petco Park…despite being shut out last night for the first time ever vs. the Padres, the Royals average of 5.7 runs per game vs. San Diego is their 2nd-highest mark vs. any opponent, trailing only their average vs. the Rockies (6.0).

The Royals are 3-10 in Interleague play this season—including 5 straight losses—and are 3-7 in National League ballparks…this trip began a stretch in which the Royals are playing six National League opponents in an eight-series stretch, including last weekend’s visit to Milwaukee…the Royals will host the Nationals on the next homestand for the first time since 2016, before playing the Cardinals, Rockies and Marlins in three straight series.

CENTER STAGE: Royals center fielders have combined for 10 Defensive Runs Saves, most in the Majors according to Sports Info Solutions…in fact, the 10 DRS by their center fielders is the highest score for any position group in the Majors…Kyle Isbel ranks tied with Kevin Kiermaier for 2nd among center fielders with 6 Defensive Runs Saved, trailing only Luis Robert Jr. (7)…the Royals defense at the position has remained stellar despite injuries to three center fielders on the 40-man roster, including Diego Hernandez, who suffered a dislocated right shoulder early in Spring Training, Drew Waters, who strained his left oblique during the first week of camp and Isbel, who strained his left hamstring during the first week of May…Jackie Bradley Jr. who won a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in center with the Red Sox in 2018, has started in 9 of the Royals 11 games in center field since Isbel’s injury, and has 4 DRS.

The Royals lead the Majors with 10 outfield assists, 1 more than the A’s and Phillies (9 each), and a Majors-most 4 of those have come from center.

PACE OF PLAY: Through 43 games, the Royals average game time is 2 hours, 34 minutes, which is the fastest average in the Majors this season, ahead of the Guardians, Pirates and Rockies, who all are averaging 2 hours, 35 minutes…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 (2-4, 7.71)
BRADY SINGER is making his 9th start of the season and 72nd of his career tonight vs. San Diego…it’s his 1st career start vs. the Padres…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.

SINGING IN THE RAIN: Singer did not figure into the decision of Kansas City’s 4-3, walk-off win over the White Sox last Thursday at Kauffman Stadium, in which he allowed 1 run on 5 hits and 2 walks in 6.0 innings, with 4 strikeouts…he erased a 1-out single in the 1st inning with a 4-3 double play and stranded two baserunners in the 2nd, but allowed a double and an RBI single with 2 outs in the 3rd to even the score at 1-1…following that RBI knock, he retired nine of his next 12 batters, stranding a 1-out single in the 4th and working around a leadoff walk in the 6th…he exited with a 3-1 lead and in line for the win, before Luis Robert Jr. tied the game with a 2-run double in the 8th, but the Royals walked off in the 9th to improve to 4-4 in Singer’s 8 starts.

First pitch was delayed by 1 hour and it continued to rain throughout the game.

JEKYLL AND HYDE: Brady has surrendered at least 5 runs in 5 of his 8 starts this season, but in his other 3 starts, he’s allowed exactly 1 run…the two extreme outcomes have yielded a 7.71 ERA (34 ER in 39.2 IP) for Singer this season, but the Royals have won 4 of his 8 starts…these numbers aren’t what the Royals were hoping for this season, after Singer pitched a career-best 153.1 innings in 2022 and went 10-5 with a 3.23 ERA (55 ER in 153.1 IP) over 27 appearances (24 starts).

Maybe some poor luck has factored into Brady’s rough start, as evidenced by his .339 BABIP, which is the 6th-highest mark among AL pitchers (min. 8 starts).

He’s also walking more batters this season, already 13 in 39.2 innings (3.2 BB/9), after issuing only 35 walks in 153.1 innings last year, 8th best in the AL.

Opponents are batting a whopping .350 (14-for-40) in scoring situations this year, after he held them to a .198 (20-for-101) clip in those spots last season.

One positive sign through Brady’s 8 starts this year is his first-pitch strike rate, which is 64.4%, a significant improvement over last season’s rate of 59.9%.

ONE YEAR OF LOVE: Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Brady’s return to the Majors, following a month-long stay in Triple-A to refine his arsenal and build innings…Singer began the 2022 season in the bullpen, but was sent to Omaha after pitching in only 3 of the Royals 1st 16 games…he returned last May 17 with a new pitch—a changeup—and from that point on, he led the Royals with 24 starts and went 10-5 with a 3.11 ERA (51 ER in 147.2 IP)…despite a rough start to this season, he’s 12-9 with a 4.08 ERA (85 ER in 187.1 IP) in 32 starts dating back to last May 17, after going 9-15 with a 4.67 ERA (103 ER in 198.1 IP) in his 1st 42 big league appearances.

WALK THIS WAY: Since the start of last season, Singer has recorded at least 5.0 innings without issuing a walk in 12 of 32 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 49 walks in 193.0 innings since the start of 2022, and his 6.1% walk rate during that time is tied for 9th best in the American League (min. 190.0 IP).

CASTING CALLS: In 32 starts since his May 17 recall last year, Brady has induced a called strike on 619 of 3,047 pitches (20.3%), tied with Gerrit Cole for the 2nd most in the Majors, trailing Logan Webb (631)…Singer’s rate of 20.3% called strikes since last May 17 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 21.0% ranks 2nd in the Majors (min. 5,000 pitches), trailing only Adam Wainwright (21.2%).

CAN’T TOUCH THIS: Singer has recorded 379 strikeouts in 385.2 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 379 strikeouts are the most by a Royal through 74 career appearances ahead of Junis (374)…he needs only 2 strikeouts tonight to pass Junis and Yordano Ventura for the most strikeouts by a Royal through 75 outings (380).

CHANGE OF TUNE: A big part of Singer’s breakthrough last season was his addition of a changeup, a pitch he threw 182 times in 24 starts last year, which accounted for 8.0% of his 2,273 pitches after returning from Triple-A Omaha last May 17…that total was more than double the 88 changeups he threw in 27 starts in 2021, which equaled 3.8% of his pitches thrown…after returning from Omaha last May 17 with a focus on mixing in the changeup, Singer went 10-5 with a 3.11 ERA (51 ER in 147.2 IP), after going 9-15 with a 4.67 ERA (103 ER in 198.1 IP) in his previous 42 career appearances (39 starts)…from last May 17 through last season’s end, opponents went 8-for-34 (.235) vs. his changeup.

Through 8 starts this season, the changeup has accounted for 7.2% of his pitches, and opponents are 3-for-8 in at-bats ending on the pitch.

UNFAMILIAR FOES: Singer is facing the Padres tonight for the first time in his career, but he’s 4-3 with a 4.77 ERA (29 ER in 54.2 IP) in 10 career starts vs. National League teams, including a win on April 25 in Arizona, where he held the Diamondbacks to 1 run in 6.0 innings…that marked his 1st win in a National League ballpark, after he lost a game in 2020 at Wrigley Field, and did not figure into the decision of 2 starts in San Francisco.

ON TOUR: Singer is 1-1 in 3 road starts this season but is 7-11 on the road in his career, despite holding opponents to 2 earned runs or fewer in 18 of his 32 road starts (56.3%)…that’s a slightly higher rate than at Kauffman Stadium, where he’s held opponents to 2 earned runs or fewer in 21 of 39 starts (53.8%), but is 14-13…tonight he’ll attempt to avenge his last road start on April 30 at Target Field, where he allowed a career-high-tying 8 runs in 2.2 innings.

SAN DIEGO PADRES NOTES:

Michael Wacha punches out a career-high 11 batters and goes 7.0 scoreless with 1 hit allowed in San Diego’s 4-0 shutout win

  • Michael Wacha flirted with a no-hitter last night, which was ended with Michael Massey’s single to right field to lead off the 8th inning…Wacha earned the win (4-1) with 7.0 innings of 1-hit, scoreless ball and a career-high 11 strikeouts.
  • San Diego went 2-for-9 with RISP, and Fernando Tatis Jr. went 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Machado update

  • Manny Machado was hit in the left hand by a pitch in the 2nd inning, and he was later pinch-hit for in the 4th by Rougned Odor…Machado received and X-Ray that came back negative, and he’ll be re-evaluated today.
  • Machado has not been placed on an Injured List since 2014 with Baltimore with a right knee sprain (has gone over 8 years without being placed on an Injured List)…since he was reinstated from the IL in 2015, he has played the 2nd most games of any player in all of baseball (1,196)…those 1,196 games trail just Paul Goldschmidt’s 1,199 games for the most of any player since 2015…Manny’s 255 home runs since 2015 also rank 4th in MLB behind just Nolan Arenado (278), Nelson Cruz (265), and Mike Trout (260).

Friars snap 5-game losing skid

  • Michael Wacha has been responsible for both of the Padres’ last 2 wins (won 6-1 on May 9 @ MIN and 4-0 last night vs. KC)…the 5-game losing streak was the Padres longest this season, and they’re in position to win their 1st series since taking 2 of 3 from the Reds from May 1-3.

Lugo gets the start

  • Seth Lugo toes the rubber tonight, having made his staff-leading 5th quality start and his 3rd in his last 4 outings last Wednesday @ MIN, tossing 6.0 innings of 5-hit, 2-run ball in SD’s eventual 4-3 defeat in extra innings…his 5 quality starts lead SD’s staff and rank T-8th in the Majors, while his 3 winning decisions trail only Michael Wacha’s 4 for most on the club.

Padres walk it out, have 2nd most walks in MLB (170)

  • San Diego drew 10 walks last night, their 3rd game this year with double-digit walks…their 170 walks rank 2nd behind just the Dodgers’ 188 BB.
  • Juan Soto’s 38 walks headline MLB (ATL’s Matt Olson ranks 2nd with 33).

Padres starters going the distance

  • The Padres rotation has pitched the most innings of any National League team (233.0 IP), and they rank 2nd in MLB behind just the Twins’ 238.1 IP.
  • San Diego starters have tossed 94.1 pitches per game, also leading the National League and ranking 2nd in the Majors to the White Sox’s 96.6
    pitches per game…the Royals rank 3rd behind SD with 93.1 pitcher per game from their starting pitchers.

Against the Royals

  • The Friars have won 12 of the 19 all-time matchups against the Kansas City Royals dating to their 1st meeting in 2022…their .632 winning percentage (12-7) vs. the Royals is the Padres’ all-time best winning percentage against any opponent…this series is the 1st time the Padres have hosted the Royals since 2017.

STARTER – SETH LUGO #67
Lugo set for 1st career start, 2nd appearance vs. Royals
33-year-old Seth Lugo takes the ball for his first career start and 2nd career appearance vs. the Royals, having made a relief appearance @ KC on Aug. 17, 2019…earned his 6th career save in the outing, retiring all 3 batters faced on 12 pitches.

Lugo quality again vs. MIN last Wednesday
Made his staff-leading 5th quality start and his 3rd in his last 4 outings last Wed @ MIN, tossing 6.0 innings of 5-hit, 2-run ball in SD’s eventual 4-3 defeat in extra innings…his 5 quality starts lead SD’s staff and rank T-8th in the Majors, while his 3 winning decisions trail only Michael Wacha’s 4 for most on the club…he’s now allowed 2 ER-or-fewer in 5 of his 7 starts…tonight will be his first career start vs. KC, and that comes after making just his 2nd career start vs. both the Reds on Wed, May 3 and last Wed, May 10 @ the Twins.

Run support
17 of the 25 runs of support Lugo has received have come in 2 outings, when he got all 10 runs of support in his 2nd start on Sun, Apr 9 @ ATL in SD’s 10-2 win, and all 7 runs on Wed, May 3 vs. CIN in SD’s 7-1 win…Lugo has received 3 runs-or-fewer in 5 of the other 7 starts, including 1-or-fewer in 3 of the 7….entering today, he has a 5.67 run support average, (runs scored while he’s in the game)T-17th-highest in the NL among all pitchers who have made at least 7 starts.

Pitch counts
Lugo tossed a season-low 84 pitches across 6.0 innings in his most recent start last Wednesday @ MIN, his fewest in a start since his final start in the 2020 campaign (38 pitches across 1.1 IP on Sept, 27, 2020 @ WSH)…2 of Lugo’s 7 100+ pitching outings have come in ’23, highlighted by his 109 pitches on April 9 @ ATL, the 2nd-most in his career and trailing only his 114 on Aug. 11, 2017 @ PHI w/ NYM…entering today’s action, his 96.3 pitches per game so far in ’23 are 16th-most in the Majors (min .7 starts) and 9th-most in the NL.

Filthy with the curve
Per Statcast, last season he relied on his curveball 34% of the time with opponents hitting .159 (11-69) against the pitch and ranking in the 99th percentile in spin rate (3,253 rpm)…this season, he again is relying heavily on the curveball (35.2%), registering a 3,233 spin rate in the 99th percentile and opponents hitting .308 (16-52) against the pitch….he is averaging 61.9 inches of vertical drop on his curve – which is the 6th-highest vertical drop – and an average of 7.7 inches and 14% more drop – of all ML curveballs.

Walk percentage
Lugo has walked 2-or-fewer in 6 of his 7 starts this season, including 2 starts (4/2 vs. COL & 4/27 @ CHC) with 0 free passes…he’s making his first starts since the 2020 season, and his 5.4 BB% is the 2nd-best rate of his career, behind only his 5.1 BB% from 2017.

MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (24-18) at Oakland Athletics (9-34)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (24-18) at Oakland Athletics (9-34)

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS NOTES:

HERE’S THE STORY
♦ The D-backs’ 11-6 record since April 26 in the second best in the Majors, behind only the Dodgers (14-4).

♦ The D-backs’ 24 wins are the third most in the NL, behind the Dodgers (27) and Braves (26).

♦ Arizona is second in the NL West and has spent 23 total days in or tied for first place (April 2-30).

♦ The D-backs are 6 games above .500 for the first time since finishing 85-77 at the end of the 2019 season.

♦ Arizona’s 4-game win streak ties its longest this season (also: April 7-10).

♦ A win today will secure the D-backs’ second straight series win and fifth in their last 7.

♦ D-backs starting pitchers, in their last 6 starts, have a 3.41 ERA (14 ER in 37.0 IP), .197 opponent average, 10 walks, 32 strikeouts and 0.97 WHIP.

SEEING IT WELL
♦ Since April 23, the D-backs’ .359 OBP leads the Majors, ahead of Red Sox (.355), Braves (.341) and Rays (.339).

♦ Since April 23, the D-backs’ 11.2 walk pct. is second in the Majors, behind the Padres (11.7), compared to their 5.0 walk pct. (MLB low) from the start of season to April 22.

YOUNG ‘BACKS
♦ The D-backs and Athletics are tied for the third-youngest team in the Majors at age 27.8, behind the Guardians (26.4) and Orioles (27.5) and ahead of Nationals (27.9) and Angels, Phillies, Mariners, Pirates, Rays (28.0).

♦ Arizona has featured the most players aged 23 or younger (5) in the Majors this season (Corbin Carroll/22, Gabriel Moreno/23, Geraldo Perdomo/23, Alek Thomas/23 and Carlos Vargas/23), ahead of Los Angeles-AL (4).

KETEL BEING KETEL
♦ Ketel Marte has a 16-game on-base streak (since April 26), tied for sixth longest active streak in MLB…has 1 double, 1 triple, 3 homers, 10 RBI, 9 walks and 2 hit-by-pitches.

♦ He has reached base in 9 straight road games, since April 15, hitting .353 (12-for-34)/1.179 OPS with 1 triple, 7 homers, 8 RBI and 4 walks.

OH, LOURDES!
♦ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has a 9-game hit streak, tied for the fourth longest active streak in the Majors…batting .441 (15-for-34) with 4 doubles (1 walk-off ), 5 homers, 12 runs, 10 RBI and 8 walks.

♦ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is hitting .373 (19-for-51)/.850 OPS vs. lefties… in last 8 road games, is hitting .321 (9-for28)/1.013 OPS.

WELCOME BACK TO THE FLETCH SHOW
♦ Dominic Fletcher is batting .404 (19-for-47)/1.088 OPS with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homers, 6 runs, 13 RBI and 2 walks in his first 14 Major League games.

♦ With 1 hit today, he would join Gerardo Parra (2009), Mark Reynolds (2007), Chad Tracy (2004) and Matt Kata (2003) as the only D-backs with at least 20 hits in their first 15 career games.

SNAKE BITES
♦ Gabriel Moreno is hitting .409 (18-for-44)/.994 OPS vs. lefties…in his last 9 games, is hitting .414 (12-for-29)/.917 OPS with 1 double, 2 RBI, 3 walks and 2 stolen bases.

♦ Geraldo Perdomo is hitting .353 (6-for-17) vs. lefties… his .464 average (13-for-28) with runners in scoring position is third in the Majors [min. 35 PA], behind Marcus Semien/TEX (.513) and Yordan Alvarez/HOU (.483).

♦ Christian Walker’s 7 homers since April 21 are tied for the most in the Majors (also: Mookie Betts/LAD, Salvador Perez/KC and Brent Rooker/OAK).

Since 2022, Walker ranks among NL players in home runs (T-3rd, 45) [T6th in MLB], RBI (T-6th, 122), extra-base hits (10th, 80) and total bases (T-10th, 351).

D-FENSE! D-FENSE!
♦ The D-backs’ .991 fielding pct. is tied for second in the Majors (also: Mariners), behind the Padres (.993).

♦ Josh Rojas’ 8 OAA leads the Majors, ahead of Eugenio Suárez (7), while Christian Walker’s 5 OAA are tied for fourth most (also: Javier Báez/DET, J.D. Davis/SF and Bobby Witt Jr./KC).

FOR THE TAKING
♦ The D-backs’ 51 pct. extra bases taken percentage leads the Majors, ahead of the Reds, Dodgers and Padres (50%).

Pct. runner advanced more than 1 base on single or 2+ bases on a double

TONIGHT’S STARTING PITCHER – LHP TOMMY HENRY ♦ #47
AT A GLANCE: Signed by the D-backs as a Competitive Balance-B selection (74th overall) in the 2019 draft.

  • Attended the University of Michigan, where he helped lead the Wolverines to the 2019 College World Series vs. eventual champion Vanderbilt University.
  • A Michigan native, attended Portage Northern High School, where he lettered in baseball and basketball.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Is making his second road start of 2023.

  • Facing an AL West opponent for the first time.
  • The D-backs are 3-1 in his 4 starts.
  • Has 9 walks and 9 strikeouts in 4 starts this year.

LAST START: Took the loss on May 11 in his second career start vs. Giants…allowed a 2-run homer to Casey Schmitt in the second inning.

VS. ATHLETICS: Making his fi rst career start.

2 STRIKES: Holding opponents to a .147 avg. with 2 strikes.

PITCH TRACKING: Opposing batters are 2-for-10 (.200) with 1 strikeout on his changeup and 5-for-27 (.185) with 6 strikeouts on his curveball.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS NOTES:

ABOUT THE A’S: Have lost three straight and eight of the last nine games… are 3-11 (.214) in May after going 5-23 (.179) in April…are 9-34 (.209) overall, which is the worst record in the majors (Royals, 12-31/.279)…it is the worst record in Athletics history after 43 games and is tied for fourth worst by an AL, NL or FL team since 1901…it is the worst since the 2003 Tigers also started the year 9-34…the lowest winning percentage in American League history is .235 by the 1916 Philadelphia A’s (36-117)…are 1-12-0 in series play and have been swept six times…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 two series.

OFFENSE: The A’s are batting .217 (65-for-300) with 25 runs scored over the last nine games (2.7 runs per game)…overall, are tied for the most strikeouts in the majors (399), have the fourth fewest runs (161), fourth lowest batting average (.229), fifth fewest doubles (29), seventh lowest on-base percentage (.308), eighth lowest OPS (.689) and slugging percentage (.381) and ninth fewest extra base hits (114)…have the most sacrifice hits (10) and are tied for the most hit by pitches (26)…have been shut out twice on the homestand and six times overall, which is tied for third most in the majors (Mets and Royals, 7)…A’s pinch hitters are 10-for-36 (.278) with eight walks (.409 on-base percentage)…lead the majors in pinch walks and rank third in pinch hits. PITCHING: The A’s have compiled a 6.17 ERA (85 er in 124.0 ip) in May after posting a 7.97 ERA in April…have a 7.21 ERA for the season, which is the highest in the majors (White Sox, 5.50)…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 321 runs, which is an average of 7.5 per game…are on pace to allow 1209 runs and the modern Major League record is 1199 by the 1930 Phillies…also have the highest opponents OPS (.886), batting average (.286), on-base percentage (.380) and slugging percentage (.506) in the majors this year…lead the majors in most walks (210), hit batters (32) and wild pitches (24) and have the fourth fewest strikeouts (318).

THE LONG BALL: The A’s have allowed at least one home run in each of the last 19 games (32 home runs total), which is the longest streak in Athletics history (previous: 17, July 26-Aug. 14, 1964)…have yielded 75 home runs for the season, which is the most in the majors (White Sox, 66)…surrendered their sixth grand slam of the season Sunday, which is the most in the majors (Yankees, 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 0-7 with a 6.46 ERA (34 er in 47.1 ip) in the eight games since recording their only two wins of the season on May 5 and 6 at Kansas City…are 2-23 with a 7.55 ERA for the season…the ERA is the highest in the majors (Reds, 6.18) and no other team has fewer than six wins from its starters…have the seventh fewest innings pitched (209.2)… went 0-16 over the first 32 games.

THE BULLPEN: The A’s bullpen tossed 5.1 scoreless innings last night, which matches their longest scoreless outing of the season (May 4 vs. Seattle)…has a 6.79 ERA overall, which is the highest in the majors (White Sox, 5.84)…is 4-for-13 (30.8%) in save opportunities…has the lowest save percentage and fewest saves in the majors and the nine blown saves are tied for second most to the Cardinals (11)…has allowed 38-of-86 (44.2%) inherited runners to score, which is the fifth highest percentage…has the second most inherited runners…has 168.1 innings pitched, which is second most (Rays, 179.2).

ON THE BASES: The A’s are 41-for-50 (82.0%) in stolen base attempts…rank third in the majors in stolen bases and attempts…the 41 steals are the most by an A’s team over the first 43 games since 1992 (48)…had their streak of seven consecutive games with a stolen base snapped a week ago today, which was their longest streak in 11 years…A’s opponents are 37-for-52 (71.2%) in stolen base attempts, which is the eighth lowest success rate in the majors… the 15 caught stealings are second most in the majors (Rockies, 18) but the A’s are tied for the fourth most stolen bases allowed…A’s pitchers have four pickoffs, which is tied for second most in the majors (Brewers, 5).

HOME AND AWAY: The A’s are 1-4 on this seven-game homestand against Texas (1-3) and Arizona (0-1)…went 1-5 on the last homestand against Cincinnati (1-2) and Seattle (0-3) and are 4-19 (.182) at home, which is the lowest home winning percentage in the majors (Royals, 6-17/.261)…leave following the game tomorrow for a seven-game road trip to Houston (three games) and Seattle (four games) that begins on Friday…went 2-4 on the last road trip to Kansas City (2-1) and New York-AL (0-3) and are 5-15 (.250) on the road, which is the worst road record in the majors (Reds and Royals, 6-14/.300)… have compiled a 6.03 ERA (142 er in 212.0 ip) at home compared to 8.73 on the road…are hitting .211 (159-for-755) with 70 runs in 23 home games (3.0 runs per game) compared to .250 with 91 runs in 20 road games (4.6 runs per game).

NIGHT AND DAY: The A’s are 8-17 (.320) in night games and 1-17 (.056) during the day…are batting .259 (224-for-864) with 116 runs in 25 night games (4.6 runs per game), .184 (106-for-576) with 45 runs in 18 day games (2.5 runs per game)…have the lowest day batting average in the majors and the seventh best night batting average.

WINNING LATE: The A’s have scored the winning run in their final at bat in six of their nine wins…have more wins this year when trailing after seven innings (3) than when leading after seven innings (2)…the three wins when trailing after seven innings are tied for sixth most in the majors but no other team has fewer than nine wins when leading after seven innings…are 2-4 (.333) in extra inning games…are tied for second in the majors in extra inning losses, tied for third in games (6) and tied for fifth in wins…have three walk-off wins, which is tied for second most in the majors (Red Sox, 4).

RUN DIFFERENTIAL: Six of the A’s nine wins have been by one run and Oakland is 6-7 (.462) in one-run games…are tied for seventh in the majors in one-run games (13) and tied for eighth in losses…however, have lost six games by 10 or more runs, which matches the A’s combined total from the previous four seasons and is the most since 2008 when they had eight such losses…have a run differential of -160, which is the lowest in the majors (White Sox, -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.

THE INJURED LIST: The A’s have used the injured list 13 times, including nine times for pitchers…currently have eight players on the IL, including six pitchers…have added eight players to the IL since the start of the season after beginning the year with five players…used the IL 31 times last year, which broke the Oakland record of 27 set in 2016 and matched in 2021.

THIS AND THAT: This three-game series with the Diamondbacks is the A’s first against a National League West team…have a 1-9 record against the NL, with the lone win coming against Cincinnati on April 30…committed four errors Sunday, which were the A’s most in a game since May 30, 2018 against Tampa Bay when they also had four…now have 30 errors for the season, which is the most in the majors (Angels, 29)…have nine outfield assists, which is tied for second most (Royals, 10)…have an average time of game of 2:48, which is the longest in the majors (three teams with 2:43)…however, have not averaged under 2:53 per game since 2010 (2:43).

A’S VS. DIAMONDBACKS

  • The A’s had their six-game winning streak against the Diamondbacks snapped last night…the streak was their longest ever against Arizona.
  • The loss last night also snapped a six-game winning streak in Oakland…the A’s have now won nine of the last 12 games in the Coliseum.
  • The A’s and Diamondbacks meet for the first time since 2021 when the A’s swept the four-game season series, winning two-game series’ in Oakland and Phoenix…it was the second time the A’s swept the season series (3-0 in 2001).

Year Home Road Totals
2023 0-1 0-0 0-1
2021 2-0 2-0 4-0
Oakland History: 23-19
at the Coliseum: 13-10
at Chase Field: 10-9

TODAY’S TIDBITS
Ryan Noda leads Major League rookies in on-base percentage (.402) and walks (28), ranks fourth in OPS (.808), sixth in runs (21), tied for sixth in doubles (8), tied for seventh in extra base hits (12) and ninth in slugging (.406)…Brent Rooker leads the majors in OPS (1.036) and slugging (.628), is tied for fourth in home runs (11) and ranks seventh in on-base percentage (.408)…Esteury Ruiz leads ML rookies in hits (45), stolen bases (19) and hit by pitches (9), is tied for the lead in doubles (10), ranks fourth in batting (.269), tied for fourth in RBI (21), tied for seventh in extra base hits (12) and 10th in on-base percentage (.330).

TODAY’S STARTING PITCHER: Kyle Muller (1-3, 7.34 ERA)
FOR STARTERS: Is scheduled to make his ninth start of the season…it will be his second straight on four days rest after pitching on five days rest or more in each of his first seven…his eight starts are tied for the most in the majors among rookies…also ranks fifth in innings pitched (38.0) and tied for seventh in strikeouts (27)…had just 11 career starts entering the season…was the A’s Opening Day starter and made the first Opening Day roster of his three-year career…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 30.0 innings pitched, he has the second highest opponents batting average (.340) and on-base percentage (.415) in the majors, the fourth highest ERA (7.34) and fifth highest OPS (.928)…has struck out 27 and walked 21 in 38.0 innings and has the fourth lowest strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.29)…has allowed 53 hits, which is eighth most.

HOME AND AWAY: Is 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA (10 er in 19.2 ip) and .821 opponents OPS in four 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.

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 10.61 ERA (11 er in 9.1 ip) and 1.004 OPS in two starts in May.

THIS AND THAT: Has a 4.50 ERA (12 er in 24.0 ip) over innings one through three and a 12.21 ERA (19 er in 14.0 ip) from the fourth inning on…has a .254 (16-for-63) opponents batting average and .753 OPS the first time through the order, .300 (18-for-60) with an .875 OPS the second time and .576 (19- for-33) with a 1.337 OPS after that…has surrendered one home run in each of his last six starts…has struck out three batters or fewer in six of his eight starts…has tossed five innings or fewer six times…the A’s are 2-6 in his starting assignments.

MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds (18-23) at Colorado Rockies (18-24)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds (18-23) at Colorado Rockies (18-24)

CINCINNATI REDS NOTES:

RED HOTS

  • Today the Reds recalled from Louisville LHP Brandon Williamson (#55) and optioned to Louisville RHP Alan Busenitz (BOOZ-nits)…Williamson will start tonight for the Reds in his Major League debut.
  • Reds relievers are tied for the Major League lead in bullpen wins (w/ Ari, Bal, Mia) while leading the National League in both innings pitched (166.2) and bullpen ERA (3.67).

TONIGHT’S GAME

  • Is Game 2 (0-1) of a 3-game series vs Chase Anderson’s Rockies and Game 5 (2-2) of a 6-game road trip that included a 2-1 series win at Mia’s loanDepot park.
  • Following this series the Redlegs return home to Great American Ball Park for 7 games vs the New York Yankees (3g) and Cardinals (4g)…on Fri vs NYY, the Reds will debut their new City Connect uniforms.

SERIES NOTES

  • Last season the Rockies earned the 4-2 series win, including their first series sweep of the Reds since September 2010.
  • Beginning in 2002 and with a minimum of 40 games, the Reds’ .333 winning percentage at Coors Field (22-44) is the second-lowest at any current road ballpark in that span (Phi’s Citizens Bank Park, 21-43, .328).
  • The Reds’ 3-1 series win from 5/30-6/2, 2016 is their only series win at Coors Field since 8/27-8/29, 2012.

NEW YORK YANKEES UP NEXT…

  • The Reds and New York Yankees this weekend at Great American Ball Park will meet for the first time since a 2-1 Reds series win last July at
    Yankee Stadium…will be Cin’s first ever home weekend series vs NYY.
  • Will be former Red Aaron Boone’s first visit to GABP as Yankees manager.
  • The Redlegs are 10-12 all-time vs NYY, including 4-4 at Great American Ball Park, and 4-3 in 7 season series.
  • During the New York Yankees’ visit to Cincinnati on 6/3/2003, Hall of Famer Derek Jeter was named the team’s 11th captain.
  • The teams met in 3 World Series, including New York Yankees wins in 1939 (4-0) and 1961 (4-1) and the Big Red Machine’s 4-0 sweep in 1976.
  • Before the interleague schedule expanded this season to include games vs all 15 American League teams, from 1997-2022 the Redlegs went 188-
    247 vs the American League, at .432 the lowest interleague winning percentage of any Major League team…in 2022 the Reds went 12-8 vs AL teams (0-2 vs Cle, 2-0 at Cle, 1-2 at Tor, 1-1 at Bos, 3-0 vs TB, 2-1 at NYY, 2-1 vs Bal, 1-1 vs Bos)…last season’s was their first winning record vs the American League since 2013 (11-9)…in the 8 seasons between the 2013 & 2022 season series wins, the Reds went 61-99 vsAL teams (.381).

…FOLLOWED BY THE CARDINALS

  • In 2022, the Cardinals won 12 of the 19 games and 5 of the 6 series.
  • From 7/15-7/24 and surrounding the 2022 All-Star break, the Reds and Cardinals played 5 straight games for the first time since 9/7-9/11, 1962.
  • From 9/15-9/18, 2022 at Busch Stadium, the Reds and Cardinals faced off in a 5-game series (3-2 Cardinals series win) for the first time since 7/25-7/27, 1958 (3-2 Reds series win).
  • The Cardinals’ .506 winning percentage at Great American Ball Park
    (85-83) is the highest among NL Central Division opponents and seventh-highest of any National League team.

Tonight’s Pitcher – #55 Brandon Williamson, LHP

  • Tonight will become the fourth Reds player this season to make his Major League debut (RHP Casey Legumina, RHP Levi Stoudt, IF Matt McLain) and the seventh rookie to appear in a game.
  • Entered the season rated by Baseball America the 10th-best prospect in the organization.
  • Began the season at Class AAA Louisville (8gs, 2-4, 6.62, 34ip, 44h, 20bb, 27k, 7hr, 1.88whip, .310baa).
  • Was selected by the Mariners in the second round (59th overall) of the 2019 first-year player draft.
  • Was an MiLB.com Mariners Organization All-Star in 2019 and 2021.
  • On 3/14/22 was acquired from the Mariners, along with RHP Justin Dunn, OF Jake Fraley and a player to be named, for 3B Eugenio Suárez and OF Jesse Winker.
  • On 3/29/22 the Reds completed the trade by acquiring minor league RHP Connor Phillips as the player to be named.
  • When acquired by the Reds in March 2022, his curveball was rated by Baseball America the best in the Mariners’ organization.

COLORADO ROCKIES NOTES:

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING LATELY

  • The Colorado Rockies continue their six-game homestand today with game two of three against the Cincinnati Reds, their first series facing the NL Central opponent this season.
  • The Rockies dropped two of three to Philadelphia to begin the homestand, their first series loss in the month of May … the Rockies had won three-straight series entering this homestand after losing or splitting each of their first seven series of the season, a franchise record.
  • The Rockies entered this homestand coming off a 4-2 road trip to New York and Pittsburgh, taking two of three in each stop.
  • Following this series and an off-day on Thursday the Rockies will embark on a short three-game road trip to Texas to face the Rangers Friday-Sunday.

MAY FLOWERS

  • The Rockies are off to an 9-4 start in May, a .692 winning percentage that is tied for the second-best mark in baseball this month trailing only the Dodgers (11-2, .846) … Colorado went 9-20 in April, their worst record in the month of April in franchise history.
  • The Rockies have won 10 of their last 14 and are 12-7 through their last 19 since April 24, a .632 winning percentage that is tied for the second-best mark in the Majors over that span, trailing the Dodgers (15-4, .789) and tied with Arizona and Atlanta.
  • Colorado has posted a 3.70 team ERA (168.0 IP, 69 ER) over its last 19 games, the fourth-lowest mark in the NL over that span … Rockies starters have posted a 4.22 ERA (91.2 IP, 43 ER) with seven quality starts over this span after posting five quality starts over the first 23 games of the season.
  • Relievers have posted a 3.07 ERA (76.1 IP, 26 ER) with 32 walks and 86 strikeouts since April 24, the seventh-lowest ERA in the Majors … have allowed three home runs, the second-fewest in the Majors over this span.
  • Since April 24, Colorado hitters are slashing .270/.330/.427 with 17 home runs while going 52-for-156 (.333) with runners in scoring position which leads the Majors during that span … in the first 23 games of the season through April 23, the Rockies slashed .256/.318/.392 with a .268 average with RISP.

OH, DOYLE RULES

  • Last night, OF Brenton 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 … third time this season a Rockie has had a two-home run game (last: Jurickson Profar, May 9 at Pittsburgh). • Became the fourth Rockie all-time to hit two home runs from the ninth spot in the order (last: Brian Serven, May 21, 2022 in game two of a doubleheader) … 10 total bases and three extra-base hits the most in franchise history from the ninth-spot in the order in Rockies history.
  • His 10 total bases are tied for fourth-most by a Rockies rookie in team history and most since Ben Paulsen’s 12 on July 26, 2015 vs. Cincinnati.
  • Doyle’s four home runs are tied for fifth-most among NL rookies while his six stolen bases are sixth-most among all rookies.
  • Is the only Rockie in franchise history to record four home runs and six stolen through his first 17 career games.

THROW THE BALL

  • Jake Bird leads all NL relievers with 27.0 innings and is tied for second in the NL with 28 strikeouts out of the bullpen … has posted a 0.84 ERA (21.1 IP, 2 ER) with seven walks and 24 strikeouts over his last 14 appearances since April 11.
  • Brent Suter’s 26.2 innings of relief are third in the Majors and second in the NL behind Bird … his 1.01 ERA (26.2 IP, 3 ER) is the second-lowest in the Majors among relievers with at least 20 innings pitched … it is also the second-lowest through a Rockies pitcher’s first 17 games (min. 17 IP) with the club, trailing Chuck McElroy’s 0.53 ERA in 1998.

CATCH THE BALL

  • From Opening Day through the end of April, the Rockies’ 21 errors and 20 unearned runs were the most in the National League … since May 1, the Rockies have made four errors, tied for the fifth-fewest in Majors during that span … they have allowed three unearned runs in the month, tied for the third-fewest unearned runs this month in the NL.
  • Rockies catchers have thrown out 14 of 34 attempted base stealers throughout the season, the most catcher caught stealings in the Majors and the best caught stealing percentage (47.4).

BLACK, WHITE & RED ALL OVER

  • The Rockies have won four-straight at home against the Reds, having swept Cincinnati April 29-May 1, 2022 at Coors Field … have won five of their last seven against the Reds overall … the Rockies are 69-44 overall against Cincinnati in Denver, winning 10 of the last 14 meetings at Coors Field since 2018.
  • Through 95 career games against the Reds, OF Kris Bryant is slashing .304/.402/.564 with 26 doubles, 23 home runs and 63 RBI, his most home runs and RBI against any single opponent in his career … has three multi-homer games against the Reds including a three-homer game on June 27, 2016 in Cincinnati.

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

  • Chase Anderson will make his first 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.

RAYS OF SUNSHINE

  • Made two appearances for Tampa Bay this season, both in relief after being acquired from Cincinnati on May 3.
  • He totaled five innings without allowing a run … 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.
  • Latest appearance came on May 9 at Baltimore … tossed two scoreless innings with one walk and no hits.

HISTORY AT A MILE HIGH

  • Over his 10-year career he has made six starts at Coors Field, going 2-3 with a 7.67 ERA (29.1 IP, 25 ER), 13 walks and 22 strikeouts …
    has allowed 37 hits in his 29.2 innings at Coors Field (.322 average), including five home runs.
  • Last start in Colorado came on April 25, 2021 as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies … suffered the loss in the 12-2 contest after allowing six runs on six hits and three walks over 3.2 innings … allowed all six runs in the fourth inning.

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).

FAMILIAR FACES

  • Has made 16 career appearances (15 starts) against Cincinnati, going 6-3 with a 3.72 ERA (82.1 IP, 34 ER).
  • Lone relief appearance was also his most recent appearance against the Reds, May 31, 2021 at Cincinnati as a member of the Phillies … last started against Cincinnati in 2019.

MLB Preview: Chicago Cubs (19-22) at Houston Astros (22-19)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Chicago Cubs (19-22) at Houston Astros (22-19)

CHICAGO CUBS NOTES:

No release available.

HOUSTON ASTROS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Astros will play the second game of their six-game homestand tonight in the middle game of their three-game series against their former NL Central rival, the Cubs…RHP Cristian Javier, who’s been on a roll in his last five outings, will start for Houston opposite the undefeated LHP Justin Steele and the Cubs.

MR. CRISTIAN: RHP Cristian Javier has rounded into form over his last five outings, posting a 3.03 ERA (10ER/29.2IP), a .179 opponent average, a 0.91 WHIP and an 12.13 strikeouts per 9.0 ratio in those starts…these numbers fall in line with what he did in a stellar 2022 season, in which he posted the lowest opponent batting average in the AL (.170) and also ranked second in K’s per 9.0 (11.74) and fourth in WHIP (0.95) (min. 140 IP)…his 11.74 K’s per 9.0 ratio trailed only RHP Shohei Ohtani (11.87).

IT’S BEEN AWHILE: The Astros and Cubs, who spent 19 seasons (1994-2012) 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 in a three-game series in Houston from May 27-29 (Astros won two of three)…among all players to appear that series, only two players are currently on the active rosters on these two teams, 3B Alex Bregman and RHP Ryan Pressly.

LAST NIGHT’S WIN: The Astros and Cubs traded four-run innings early in the game, but it was a 7th-inning, two-run homer by 3B Alex Bregman that proved to be the difference in the victory…2B Mauricio Dubón (3×4) had his club-leading fourth three-hit game last night and 1B José Abreu tacked on a pair of RBI in a 2×4 performance…the Astros bullpen was nails, tossing 5.0 scoreless innings, while allowing just one hit and one walk, making a victor out of RHP Rafael Montero.

LATE ATTACK: The Astros offense has come alive late in games this season, producing 73 runs in the 7th inning or later, which ranks tied for second in the AL along with the Rays (73) and trailing only the Rangers (75)…the Astros top inning, in terms of runs scored this season, has been the 7th (29 runs), which included the Astros two-run 7th inning last night.

TRAFFIC:LF Yordan Alvarez has opened his season by reaching base safely in all 35 of his games, which is the franchise record for a start-of-season streak…he also is riding a career-long 12-game hitting streak…a few notes on his streaks below:

  • the last Major Leaguer with a longer start-of-season streak was OF Odúbel Herrera (40g) for the 2018 Phillies.
  • Alvarez’s on-base streak is the longest in the Majors this season, topping a 30-game streak by SS Xander Bogaerts.
  • going back to last season, Alvarez has reached base safely in a career-long 39 straight games, which is the seventh longest on-base streak in Astros franchise history…the last Astro to post a longer streak was 3B Alex Bregman, who had a 41-game run spanning parts of the 2019-20 seasons.
  • prior to Alvarez’s current hitting streak, his career-long streak was 10 games, accomplished from Sept. 9-21, 2022.
  • Alvarez is hitting .341 (15×44) with seven runs, four doubles, three homers, five walks and 10 RBI during his 12-game streak.

STUFF OF NIGHTMARES: LF Yordan Alvarez has been at his best in the big moments in his career, especially this season…he’s hitting .483 (14×29) with RISP, .563 (9×16) with RISP and two outs, .667 (4×6) with the bases loaded, and .391 (9×23) in close and late situations…Baseball-Reference has a leverage metric, which lists Alvarez as hitting .520 (13×25) with five homers, 30 RBI and a 1.866 OPS in high leverage situations.

AMERICAN LEAGUE RANKINGS: Among AL players, LF Yordan Alvarez ranks third in RBI (37), fourth in SLG (.567), fourth in OPS (.964) and tied for ninth in home runs (9)…3B Alex Bregman ranks tied for third in walks (25) and second in plate appearances per strikeout 10.71)…additionally, 2B Mauricio Dubón ranks eighth in batting average (.303).

ON THE BUMP: The Astros rank third in the Majors in team ERA (3.31) and third in the AL in starter’s ERA (3.41)…the Astros have done this by posting strong strikeout numbers while limiting walks…the Astros lead the Majors in strikeout to walk ratio (3.49) and in strikeouts per 9.0 (9.82), while ranking third in the AL in walks per 9.0 (2.81).

BULLPEN WEAPONS: RHP Phil Maton and RHP Bryan Abreu have been outstanding this season…Maton has allowed just eight hits and two runs in his first 17 appearances (20 IP) for a 0.90 ERA…opponents are hitting just .119 (8×67) against him, including a .100 (3×30) average by right-handers…meanwhile, Abreu has tallied 34 strikeouts in his 20.1 IP while allowing just three earned runs for a 1.33 ERA, and also posting a .145 opponent average (10×63).

THE INJURY BUG: The Astros have been hampered by injuries, as the club is currently without two members of their starting lineup (2B Jose Altuve and LF Michael Brantley) and three members of their rotation (RHP Luis Garcia, RHP José Urquidy, RHP Lance McCullers Jr.)…good news is on the way with Altuve currently rehabbing at Double A Corpus Christi.

ON THE MEND: 2B Jose Altuve has had his rehab assignment transferred to Double A Corpus Christi, where he will play tonight for the Hooks…Altuve began his rehab assignment at Triple A on Friday and played in three games over the weekend, going 1×13…the Astros All-Star second baseman has missed the entire season after being hit by a pitch during the WBC and suffering a fractured right thumb.

TONIGHT’S ASTROS STARTER: RHP CRISTIAN JAVIER
LAST START – 5/10 AT LAA: struck out a season-high 11 batters while walking just 1 batter and picking up a winning decision in a 5-4 victory over the Angels…allowed 2 runs on 3 hits…was the 2nd time this season he struck out at least 10 batters in a game this season…of his 5 career games with at least 10 strikeouts, 3 have come against the Angels.

ABOUT JAVIER: dynamic starter is making his 9th start of the season…the Astros have gone 6-2 in Javier’s 8 starts this season and are 12-2 in Javier’s last 14 starts dating back to last season.

  • has rounded into form over his last 5 outings, posting a 3.03 ERA (10ER/29.2IP), a .179 opponent average, a 0.91 WHIP and an 12.13 strikeouts per 9.0 ratio in those starts.

INVISIBALL: has held opponents to a .183 average (229×1250) 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 MIL Corbin Burnes (.196) and LAA Shohei Ohtani.

AMONG THE BEST: in the AL, he ranks 8th in WHIP (1.01), 8th in SO/BB (5.40) 10th in strikeouts per 9 innings (10.41) and T-11th in strikeouts (54). VS. CHC: will face the Cubs for the 1st time in his career…has a career 4.26 ERA (29ER/61.1IP) in Interleague play.

MLB Preview: Cleveland Guardians (19-21) at Chicago White Sox (14-28)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Cleveland Guardians (19-21) at Chicago White Sox (14-28)

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS NOTES:

No release available.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX NOTES:

WHITE SOX AT A GLANCE
The Chicago White Sox have lost four of their last five games, six of nine and 17 of 24 as they continue a nine-game, 10-day homestand tonight with the series opener vs. Cleveland.

RHP Lance Lynn, who has allowed four-plus earned runs in each of his last five starts, is scheduled to start for Chicago.

The White Sox opened the homestand losing two of three to Houston, including a 4-3 setback in Sunday’s series-deciding contest … the Sox held on for a 3-1 win on Saturday night after the Astros won Friday’s opener, 5-1, following a 2:10 rain delay.

Following this series vs. the Guardians, Chicago will conclude the homestand vs. Kansas City (5/19-21) before taking a seven-game trip to Cleveland (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.

TONIGHT’S STORYLINES
Chicago is a season-high tying 14 games under .500.

White Sox starters own a 5.81 ERA (37 ER/57.1 IP), .267 opp. average, 12 home runs and 54 strikeouts in the last 10 games.

The Sox have not won a series over the Guardians since taking three of fi ve from 9/23-26/21 … they are 19-29 vs. Cleveland since the start of 2020, including 9-13 at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Lance Lynn owns a 2.25 ERA (6 ER/24.0 IP) with 21 strikeouts over his last four starts (three QS) vs. Cleveland.

Luis Robert Jr. has hit safely in 12 of 13 games in May, going 19-45 (.422) with five doubles, six home runs, 14 RBI, five walks, six multi-hit eff orts and a 1.443 OPS.

Robert Jr. has homered in career-long three straight games … the last White Sox to homer in four straight was Matt Davidson from 6/12-15/17 (four homers total).

ROSTER MOVES
The White Sox returned LHP Garrett Crochet from his rehab assignment at Class AAA Charlotte and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list, and optioned RHP Nick Padilla to Charlotte. Crochet made six rehab appearances after starting 2023 on the IL to continue recovery from Tommy John surgery … he has not pitched in a regular season game with the Sox since 10/1/21.

LUIS DIGS THE LONG BALL
Luis Robert Jr. is tied for the American League lead in homers (11) and ranks among MLB leaders in average homer distance (5th, 406 ft.) and EV (5th, 107.2 mph) in 2023 … min. 10 HRs.

Eight of his 11 home runs have gone at least 400 feet, tied with Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson for the most in MLB. His maximum values this season are 430 feet on 5/9/23 at Kansas City (off Jordan Lyles), and a 113.6 mph exit velocity on 5/14 vs. Houston off Hunter Brown).

Robert Jr. is averaging 412 feet and a 107.6 mph exit velocity on his 47 career home runs … both numbers lead the White Sox since the start of the 2020 season (minimum 10 home runs).

HOORAY FOR MAY
Luis Robert Jr. is hitting .422/.509/.933 (19-45) with five doubles, six homers (averaging 422 ft. and 109.4 mph EV), 14 RBI, 15 runs scored, five walks and a 1.443 OPS in 13 May games.

He ranks among MLB May leaders in average (1st), on-base percentage (1st), slugging percentage (1st), OPS (1st), runs scored (1st), total bases (1st, 42), home runs (T1st), extra-base hits (T1st, 11), hits (T2nd) and RBI (3rd).

By comparison, he hit .213/.254/.407 (23-108) with five homers, 13 RBI and a .662 OPS over 28 games in March/April.

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

POSTING PUNCHOUTS
Chicago pitchers rank second in MLB with 402 strikeouts, trailing Minnesota (415) … White Sox starters rank second in the major leagues in strikeouts (240), trailing the Twins (270).

WHITE SOX VS. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
Chicago and Cleveland meet 13 times in 2023, including seven games at Guaranteed Rate Field and six at Progressive Field.

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

The White Sox went 7-12 last season, going 3-6 at Guaranteed Rate Field and 4-6 at Progressive Field.

The Sox hit .223/.273/.357 with 19 homers, owned a 3.99 ERA (75 ER/169.0 IP) and were outscored by a 96-72 margin.

Chicago has lost three straight and fi ve of the last seven at home vs. Cleveland, and is 17-21 overall since the start of 2021.

CENTRAL DIVISION DYNAMICS
Chicago is 4-6 vs. the American League Central this season … it will play 13 straight games vs. the division from 5/16-28.

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.

The Sox recorded three straight winning seasons vs. the division from 2019-21, their longest streak since 1997-2009.

REST WHEN YOU CAN
The Sox tonight begin a stretch of 16 consecutive games without a day off and are 7-7 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).

LONGBALL LOGISTICS
Chicago has homered in 12 of its last 14 games since 4/30 (18 total homers), and hit 21 over its last 17 contests since 4/27.

The Sox have recorded seven multi-homer eff orts and been held without a home run just three times over the last 17 games.

The White Sox nine-game home run streak from 4/30-5/9 marked their longest since 7/30-8/10/21 (11 straight games).

SOUTHPAW SUCCESS
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, fourth in OPS (.782) and sixth in slugging percentage.

Tim Anderson owns a .350/.379/.555 (143-409) slash line vs. LHP since 2019, and Hanser Alberto is hitting .346/.366/.493 (172-497) … Anderson and Alberto rank 1-2 in MLB in average vs. left-handers since the start of 2019.

Luis Robert Jr. is 9-24 (.375) with three homers and seven RBI vs. LHP in 2023 and hitting .352/.415/.614 lifetime.

NO RISP, NO REWARD
The White Sox rank seventh in the American League and 13th in MLB with a .264 (87-330) RISP average.

The Sox are hitting .236/.324/.441 with 59 RBI and a .765 OPS with RISP over the last 22 games.

ANDREW, ANDREW … HE’S OUR MAN!
All four 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 16 contests with a hit and RBI, and 33 games reaching base safely (hit, walk or HBP).

Vaughn ranks seventh and Andrew Benintendi (.409) ranks eighth among American League average with RISP leaders.

AS TA GOES, SO GO THE WHITE SOX
The White Sox went 3-15 during Tim Anderson’s 10-day injured list stint (sprained left knee) from 4/11-5/1.

Since the start of the 2020, the Sox are 155-118 when Anderson is in the starting lineup and 68-85 when he does not start.

During that span, the Sox are 127-78 when Anderson records a hit, 74-32 when he records a multi-hit eff ort, 96-47 when he scores a run and 27-3 when he homers.

Anderson ranks second in MLB since the start of 2019 with 53 three-hit games (Sox are 37-16), trailing Freddie Freeman (60).

Anderson needs three homers to become the fourth player in White Sox history to record 100 homers and 100 stolen bases.

REINFORCEMENT ON THE MEND
RHP Liam Hendriks currently is on an injury rehab assignment with Class AAA Charlotte … he has made fi ve appearances with Charlotte, allowing fi ve earned runs on six hits, including two home runs, with four strikeouts over 4.0 IP. Hendriks began the season on the injured list to continue his recovery from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma … he announced on 4/20 that he is cancer free.

STARTER – #33 LANCE LYNN RHP
LYNN AT A GLANCE
Is scheduled to make his ninth start of the season, fourth at home and first against the Cleveland Guardians.

Has allowed 12 runs in the first inning in 2023 … surrendered 13 runs (11 earned) in the first in 21 starts in 2022.

Has surrendered 11 home runs this season … has allowed a homer in seven of his eight starts, including in each of his last four.

Ranks among MLB active pitchers in HR/9.0 IP (6th, 0.94), SO/9.0 IP (7th, 9.10), opponents average (9th, .242), wins (9th, 124), starts (9th, 293), opponents SLG (10th, .384), IP (10th, 1,749.2), strikeouts (11th, 1,769), opponents OPS (11th, .696), ERA (12th, 3.62), WHIP (12th, 1.27) and opponents OBP (12th, .312).

Signed a two-year contract extension with a club option with the White Sox on 7/17/21 … the Sox hold an $18-million option for 2024 with a $1-million buyout.

Is a two-time All-Star (2012 and 2021) … has finished fifth in the AL Cy Young Award voting in 2019, sixth in 2020 and third in 2021 … was a member of the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals.

LAST START
Suffered his fifth loss of the season on 5/10 at Kansas City, allowing seven runs on nine hits with two walks and four strikeouts over 5.0 IP … allowed homers to Michael Massey (solo) in the fourth inning and Nick Pratto (tworun) in the fifth … surrendered four runs in the first.

Left the game in the sixth with the White Sox trailing, 7-1 … threw 98 pitches (68 strikes).

Owned a 65.4 first-strike percentage and 5.1 swinging-strike percentage (eight swing and misses) vs. 26 batters … threw 35 four-seam fastballs (92.4 mph avg; 94.1 mph max), 28 cutters (88.2 avg; 91.2 max), 12 sinkers (91.2 avg; 92.4 max), 11 curveballs (80.8 avg; 82.2 max), 11 changeups (84.2 avg; 86.1 max) and one sweeper (82.2 max).

GRAB SOME BENCH
Recorded his 24th career double-digit strikeout performance and fifth with the Sox on 4/29 vs. Tampa Bay.

Ranks 12th in the majors with 689 strikeouts since 2019 … teammate Lucas Giolito (759) ranks sixth.

Has struck out at least five batters in 84 of his 103 starts since 2019, the 10th-highest total in the majors.

MONSTER OF THE MIDWAY
Is 11-9 with a 3.72 ERA (68 ER/164.1 IP), .221 (138- 625) opponents average, one complete game, one shutout and 191 strikeouts in 29 home starts since 2021 … made one start in Dyersville, Iowa at the “Field of Dreams” Game on 8/12/21 vs. New York-AL.

Has gone 11-9 with a 3.62 ERA (64 ER/159.1 IP) in 28 starts at Guaranteed Rate Field since 2021.

Ranks among American League home leaders (min. 150.0 IP) since 2021 in opponents OBP (6th, .273), opponents average (7th) and strikeouts (11th).

ORTHODOX HITTERS
Owns a career .229/.284/.353 (808-3,524) opponents slash line against right-handed hitters.

His .229 opponents average vs. right-handers is the eighth-lowest mark among active pitchers in the majors.

WORK HORSE
Ranks 10th in MLB with 1,749.2 IP since 2011 … is one of 13 active pitchers in MLB with 1,700.0-plus career IP.

Has thrown 100-plus pitches 67 times since 2019, the most in the majors during that span.

Has thrown 29,908 pitches since 2011, seventh-most during that span, and the most among MLB pitchers with less than 1,900.0 IP during that span.

VS. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS || A.L. CENTRAL
Is scheduled to make his 14th career start against the Cleveland Guardians, eighth at home and sixth at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Has allowed three runs or fewer in 10 of his 13 career starts and has struck out seven-plus in five.

Is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA (6 ER/24.0 IP) and 21 strikeouts in his last four starts against Cleveland.

Went 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA (14 ER/28.0 IP) in five starts last season.

Has gone 12-8 with a 3.99 ERA (71 ER/160.1 IP) in 28 starts against the American League Central since 2021.

MLB Preview: Atlanta Braves (26-15) at Texas Rangers (25-16)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Atlanta Braves (26-15) at Texas Rangers (25-16)

ATLANTA BRAVES NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Braves and Rangers tonight continue a three-game series in what is the only scheduled matchup between the clubs this season… The two teams played three games here in Arlington last season.

  • Atlanta hit five home runs in a 12-0 win over Texas last night.
  • The Rangers took two-of-three from the Braves last season…Atlanta and Texas are playing in back-to-back seasons for just the second time in history, after also doing so in 2002 and 2003.
  • Atlanta and Texas have played 25 games since the advent of interleague play in 1997, with the Braves going 12-13 (.480) all-time against the Rangers… However, Atlanta won each of the first six games between the clubs in 2002 & 2003, and has gone just 6-13 (.316) since 2005.
  • The Braves have not won a series with the Rangers since a three-game sweep in 2003.
  • Here in Arlington, Atlanta has lost five-of-seven dating to 2014, and is just 4-9 since 2005.
  • LH Jared Shuster was recalled today from Triple-A Gwinnett and is set to make his third major league start…He has never faced the Rangers…The 6-foot-3, 210-pound native of New Bedford, MA is 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA (8 ER/8.2 IP) over his first two major league starts, with his last coming on April 7 vs. San Diego…In five starts with the Stripers, he is a perfect 2-0 with a 3.28 ERA (9 ER/24.2 IP).
  • RH Dane Dunning has made one career start against Atlanta, pitching here at Globe Life Field on April 30 of last season…He allowed just four hits and one run over 7.2 innings, earning the win…The 6-foot-4, 200-pound right-hander has pitched in 10 games but made just two starts for Texas this season, going 3-0 with a 1.72 ERA (6 ER/31.1 IP).

WIN: Atlanta hit five two-run home runs last night in a 12-0 shutout of Texas…The win snapped the Braves’ four-game losing streak, tied for Atlanta’s longest skid of the season.

  • Atlanta pitchers have combined to throw five shutouts this season, tied for third most in baseball… Only Tampa Bay (7) and Toronto (6) have more.
  • The victory was Atlanta’s largest shutout win since 2017, when the Braves blanked the Nationals, 13-0, on July 8.
  • Atlanta hit five home runs and five doubles, with 10 of its 12 hits on the game going for extra bases…That stands as the most extra-base hits in a game for the Braves since May 21, 2021, when the club had 14 vs. Pittsburgh.
  • The Braves improved to 7-8 in interleague play with the win, and are in the middle of 14 consecutive games against the American League.

HITS, RUNS AND RBI: Atlanta scored 12 runs on 12 hits last night…All nine Braves’ starters had at least one hit, eight different Braves scored runs and seven Atlanta batters collected at least one RBI.

  • Last night was the second time this season all nine Atlanta starters collected at least one hit, joining the 14-run, 18-hit effort on May 3 at Miami.
  • Atlanta’s eight different runners to score were its second most this season, behind just that May 3 game at Miami when nine different Braves crossed the plate.
  • Seven different Braves with an RBI stand as the most in a game this season, and the most since seven had an RBI on August 15 of last season vs. the Mets.

ROSARIO STREAKING: Eddie Rosario returns to Atlanta’s lineup tonight and has hit in each of his last 10 games dating to May 1…He is batting .333/.350/.436 during the run, with four doubles and six RBI.

  • Rosario’s run is the sixth-longest active streak in the majors, and the second longest in the National League…Jonah Heim, who Atlanta faces tonight with Texas, has the longest streak in baseball with hits in 13 straight.
  • Rosario has raised his batting average 38 points during the streak, from .221 when it started to .259 following Saturday’s game.
  • Rosario’s run is the longest by a Braves player this season, and his longest personal hitting streak since joining the Braves in July 2021.

OZZIE ALBIES: Had a pair of doubles last night, going 2-for-5 with an RBI…In 14 games this month, Albies is batting .283/.306/.550 with 10 extra-base hits.

  • Albies has 20 extra-base hits on the season, tied for fourth most in the National League…Only Paul Goldschmidt (23), Freddie Freeman (21) and teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. (21) have more.
  • His 20 extra-base hits this season are most among second basemen in the majors, four more than anyone else to play the position (Texas’ Marcus Semien – 16).
  • Since his debut on August 1, 2017, Albies has 295 extra-base hits while playing second base, easily most among the position in baseball…Houston’s Jose Altuve ranks second with 265…Albies appeared in just 29 games in 2020, and 64 last season.
  • As a right-handed batter this season, Albies is hitting .439/.448/.842 with 12 extra-base hits…His 246 wRC+ from the right side is best in baseball among hitters with at least 50 plate appearances.

TEN YEARS: Marcell Ozuna today celebrates 10.000 years of major league service time…He debuted in the majors on April 30, 2013, and has played with the Marlins, Cardinals and Braves.

  • Ozuna went 1-for-5 with a homer last night, and is batting .278/.366/.806 with six homers in his last nine games.

Tonight’s Starting Pitcher – #45 Jared Shuster
LHP • 6-3 • 210 • 24 yrs
2023 Record: 0-1, 8.31 ERA • 2023 MiLB Record: 2-0, 3.28 ERA
vs. RHB: .400 (10-25), 0 HR • vs. LHB: .200 (2-10), 0 HR
Home: 0-0, 9.00 ERA (4/4.0) • Away: 0-1, 7.71 ERA (4/4.2)

Tonight’s Game

  • Set to make his third of the season with Atlanta and first of his career against Texas.
  • Will be his third career start.
  • Was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after his last start against San Diego on April 7.
  • Surrendered six hits, four runs and four walks while fanning four over 4.0 innings pitched.
  • Is 2-0 with a 3.28 ERA and 23 strikeouts in five starts with the Stripers.
  • Averaging 8.39 strikeouts per nine innings with Gwinnett while having a 5.19 rate with Atlanta.

2023 Recap

  • Made his major league debut against Washington on April 2.
  • Allowed six hits, four runs and five walks through 4.2 innings pitched.
  • Was the third player from the Braves’ 2020 First-Year Player Draft to debut with the club.
  • Joined Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder as the other hurlers from the ‘20 draft class to play for Atlanta.
  • Became the eighth Braves pitcher to debut with a start against the Nationals/Expos.
  • Pitched to a 1.74 ERA in six appearances, four starts, with 19 strikeouts through 20.2 innings pitched in Spring Training.
  • Began the Spring without allowing a run in his first four outings (12.2 IP).

TEXAS RANGERS NOTES:

WINS AND LOSSES: Texas lost to the Braves last night, 0-12, and are now 0-1 on this 7-day, 6-game homestand vs. ATL (0-1 + 2 G) and COL (3 G)…TEX has still won 2 of 3, 4 of 6 and 7 of 10…TEX is 7-5 in last 12 G, but 11-5 in last 16 G…TEX is 11-9 in last 20 G, but still 17-10 in last 27 G and 21-12 in last 33 G beg. 4/9…have a 22-16 record last 38 G since club’s 3-0 start to the season…club has 5 different win streaks of 3+ G in 2023 (season-best 4-0 both 4/16-19 and 4/28-5/2)…team totaled 7 wins streaks of 3+ G in all of 2022.

  • At 25-16 (.610), TEX owns the 3rd-best record in A.L. and 5th-best in MLB (see chart)…club’s 25 wins rank 3rd in A.L./5th in MLB (31-TB, 27-LAD, 26-ATL/BAL, 25-TEX).
  • The 25-16 start marks Rangers’ best 41-G start to a season since 2013 (27-14), one of the 6 best starts in club history.
  • TEX is 9 G above .500, one shy of matching high-water mark of 10-over after win on Sun. at OAK (25-15)…it marked club’s 1st time to be 10-over since 6/28/19 (46-36), and earliest date to reach 10-over in a season since 2013 (May 11).

BEST RECORDS IN MLB, 2023
Win Pct. Team W-L
.738 Tampa Bay 31-11
.643 Los Angeles-NL 27-15
.634 Atlanta/Baltimore 26-15
.610 Texas 25-16

STANDINGS: Rangers have a 3.0-game lead in the A.L. West after entering yesterday with a season-best 4.0-G lead…this still marks the latest point in a season for Texas to hold a lead of 3.0+ G in the division since finishing the 2016 campaign 9.0 GA of 2nd-place Seattle…club currently holds a 3.0-G lead over 2nd-place Houston…the 3.0-G lead is T3rd-largest division advantage in MLB entering today (ATL is + 6.0 GA in N.L. East and TB is +4.5 GA in A.L. East)…TEX has been alone or tied atop the division for 45 of the season’s first 46 days (exception: 4/8).

SERIES STUFF: TEX has won 3 straight series, going 4-0-1 in last 5 series and 8-1-1 in last 10…team is 5-0-0 in series against A.L. West foes in 2023…team is 9-3-1 overall in series this year, going 5-1-1 at home 4-2-0 on the road…club did not win an 8th series in 2022 until 6/21-22 vs. PHI…TEX won 4 straight series 4/10-23, longest such span since going 5-0-0 from 6/15-7/1/18…TEX is 3-0-1 in last 4 series at GLF, as lone series loss at home in ‘23 was 4/3-5 vs. BAL (1-2).

AT HOME: The Rangers are 12-7 (.632) at home this season, this after starts of 7-12 (in 2022) and 9-10 (in 2021) at GLF the past 2 years…the .667 home win pct. is 5th in the A.L. and 6th in MLB (19-3, .864-TB; 12-4, .750-TOR; 16- 6, .727-LAD; 13-7, .650-BAL; 14-8, .636-MIN; 12-7, .632- TEX)…TEX has a 98-113 all-time record at Globe Life Field (2020-23), but are 18-14 last 32 G here (beg. 9/11/22).

  • TEX leads MLB in R/G (6.32) at home in 2023, and 120 R are 6th-most in Majors…team is also 5th in MLB w/ 1.63 HR/G at home, this after ranking 9th in Majors at 1.25 HR/G at home in 2022.

VS. ATLANTA: Rangers/Braves will be playing at Globe Life Field for a 2nd straight year, as TEX took 2 of 3 from 4/29-5/1/22…Rangers lead 13-12 all-time, winning 2 of 3 and 9 of last 13…since going 0-6 in 1st 2 meetings in 2002-03, Rangers are 13-6 beg. 2005 vs. ATL, winning each of last 6 series between the clubs.

  • TEX is 5-7 in Interleague this season, losing 7 of last 9 G, but are 4-2 vs. N.L. at Globe Life Field in ‘23…club is 9-4 in last 13 Interleague games at GLF (beg. 4/30/22).

ROSTER MOVES: The Rangers this afternoon announced that RHP Joe Barlow (#68) has been recalled from Round Rock (AAA)…to make room for Barlow on Texas’ active roster, LHP Cody Bradford has been optioned to Round Rock. The 27-year-old Barlow has gone 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA (4 ER/13.2 IP) over 11 relief appearances for the Express in 2023, and will be seeking his Texas season debut…this would be his 3rd straight campaign to see Major League action with the Rangers (also 2021-22)…has converted 24 of 29 (82.8%) save chances in his Major League career, as his 24 saves since the beginning of 2021 are easily the most among Texas pitchers in that span (Ian Kennedy is 2nd with 16 saves).

BLANKED: Texas suffered its 4th shutout defeat of the season, 0-12, in last night’s homestand opener against Atlanta… the 12-run loss marked the Rangers’ largest margin of defeat since falling 1-15 on 9/13/21 vs. HOU (-14)…it was also the club’s largest shutout defeat since being blanked 0-14 on 7/19/21 at DET, and its largest in Arlington since an 0-13 drubbing on 9/22/18 vs. SEA at the former Globe Life Park.

  • The Rangers recorded 10 hits in last night’s defeat, the 7th instance in club history (beg. 1972) in which Texas has been shut out while recording 10+ hits…was team’s 1st time to do so since compiling 10 hits in an 0-9 loss on 5/27/04 at CWS… last night was the 1st instance in MLB this season in which a club tallied 10+ hits in a shutout defeat, with the last occurrence being COL on 9/22/22 vs. SF (10 H in an 0-3 loss).

SINGLED OUT: Each of the Rangers’ 10 hits last night were singles, as it was just the 4th time this season for the club to be held without an extra-base hit (last 4 1B on 5/8 at SEA)… TEX had not produced a game in which it totaled 10-or-more singles without an XBH since 9/12/17 vs. SEA (also 10 1B)… there has been only one other game in MLB this season in which a club tallied 10+ hits with all going for singles: STL on 4/1 vs. TOR (10 1B, no XBH).

GREAT DANE: Dane Dunning enters tonight’s start with a 3-0 record and 1.72 ERA (6 ER/31.1 IP) in 10 G/2 GS this season…opponents have batted .182/.242/.227/.469 (20- 110), the lowest opp. OPS allowed in MLB (min. 30.0 IP).

THE MAN IN MAY: Marcus Semien went 3-for-5 with a trio of singles last night, his A.L.-leading 16th multi-hit game of the season (tied-TOR’s Bo Bichette)…Semien has hit safely in 12 of 13 G in May at .358/.453/.528/.981 (19-53), ranking among A.L. leaders for the month in times on base (1st, 29), OBP (2nd), hits (T2nd), BA (4th), RBI (T4th, 11), and OPS (T8th).

STAY STREAKING: Jonah Heim extended his career-best 13-game hitting streak with a 2nd-inning single last night…it is the longest active hit streak in MLB and T2nd-longest by a Ranger this season: 14-Grossman from 4/16-5/6, 13-Heim from 4/30-current/Lowe from 4/30-5/14.

  • Nathaniel Lowe went 0-for-3 with a walk last night, snapping his career-best 13-G hitting streak…the walk, however, maintained Lowe’s season-high 19-G on-base streak dating back to 4/25…marks the longest on-base streak by a Texas batter since a 21-G run by Marcus Semien from 8/18-9/10/22.

HEART OF A LION: Sandy León in the 9th inn. last night (1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R-ER, 1 HR, 1 HBP) became the 19th position player (25th instance) in Rangers history to appear as a pitcher…he is the first position player to pitch for Texas in 2023 (last Charlie Culberson on 9/2/22 at BOS)…per STATS LLC, León’s 8 career appearances as a pitcher are the 6th-most all-time among primary catchers (1st: 15-CIN’s Amos Booth).

TONIGHT’S STARTING PITCHER – #33 Dane Dunning, RHP (3-0, 1.72)
TONIGHT: The 28-year-old right-hander is scheduled to make his 11th appearance/3rd start of the season in tonight’s middle game of this series vs. ATL… among A.L. pitchers with 30+ IP this season, ranks among leaders in ERA (3rd, 1.72), opp. BA (6th, .182), and GB pct. (T9th, 50.0%)…has made 2 starts since joining the rotation on 5/5 after Jacob deGrom went on the IL, going 1-0, 1.64 (2 ER/11.0 IP) with 2 BB/8 SO and no HR allowed…earned win in last start on Wed. at SEA (see below)…ranks among staff leaders in wins (T3rd, 3), innings (5th, 31.1), and strikeouts (6th, 19)…has yet to allow a HR in ‘23 and is scoreless in 6 of 10 G…began season with 18.0 scoreless innings…established career highs in many categories last season, ranking 2nd on the Texas staff in starts (29), innings (153.1), and strikeouts (137)…missed time in 2022 for a pair of IL stints: 7/11-25/22 (right ankle impingement) and 9/27/22-end of season (right hip surgery)…had season-ending surgery on 9/26/22 for a right hip labral repair, with the surgery performed by Dr. William Robertson in Arlington…has gone 12-18 with a 4.20 ERA for Rangers over the last 3 seasons (2021-23) since being acquired from the Chicago White Sox in a 3-player trade involving RHP Lance Lynn on 12/8/20…pitched 3 seasons at the University of Florida, helping the Gators to College World Series appearances in both 2015 and 2016…is a native of the Jacksonville, Fla. area…Texas is 1-1 in Dunning’s 2 starts in 2023.

LAST START: Earned win in last start on Wed. at SEA (W, 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R-ER, 1 BB, 5 SO, 71 pitches/50 strikes), posting quality start in Rangers’ 4-3 victory that secured a series win…gave up single runs in the 1st and 5th innings, and only frame with more than 14 pitches was the 5th (17)…ended a span in which he had gone winless in 27 consecutive road starts with CWS and TEX, the 2nd-longest winless road span as a starter in modern era behind only COL’s Scott Elarton (29 from 2001-05)…only previous career road win as a starter was w/ CWS on 9/9/20 at PIT.

VS. ATLANTA: Only career outing vs. ATL came last year, earning win in start on 4/30/22 at GLF (W, 7.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R-ER, 0 BB, 7 SO, 98 pitches) that came in club’s 1972 throwback uniforms…produced a game score of 74 that remains 2ndbest of his career (80 game score on 8/6/22 vs. CWS – 7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R).

  • Has gone 3-1, 3.78 (20 ER/47.2 IP) over 11 G/8 GS in his career in Interleague play, allowing 3 R-2 ER over 5.0 IP spanning 3 relief app. in 2023…is 3-1, 3.80 (18 ER/42.2 IP) in 8 starts vs. N.L. clubs, last of which was 8/23/22 at COL (ND, 5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R-ER)…has 3 lifetime starts vs. N.L. at Globe Life Field: 2-0, 1.80 (4 ER/20.0 IP), quality starts in all 3 outings.

AS A STARTER: Has gone 2-0, 1.64 (2 ER/11.0 IP) in his 2 starts for TEX in ‘23, spanning his last 2 outings, exiting both starts with Texas holding a multi-run lead…made 8 straight relief app. to open the year, but a majority of Dunning’s Major League appearances (63 of 73) have come as a starter…he owns a lifetime 12-18 record and 4.34 ERA (151 ER/313.0 IP) in those 63 career starts, with opponents batting .260/.335/.414/.749 (312-1200)…he went 4-8, 4.46 ERA (76 ER/153.1 IP) in 29 starts for Texas in 2022, registering an A.L.-high 17 no-decisions…the 17 ND’s were T3rd-most in MLB and a WSH/TEX franchise record for a starting pitcher…Dunning’s 55 starts in a Rangers uniform over the last 3 seasons (beg. 2021) are tied for the most by a Ranger with LHP Martín Pérez (55 starts).

AT GLOBE LIFE FIELD: Is 1-0, 1.46 (2 ER/12.1 IP) in 4 relief app. in Arlington this season and will be making his 1st start at home since 9/21/22 vs. LAA (W, 5.0 IP, 2 R-ER)…has gone 10-5, 3.23 (60 ER/167.0 IP) over 34 G/29 GS in his career at Globe Life Field, where he is the all-time leader in wins (10), starts (29), innings (167.0), and strikeouts (161)…in his 29 starts in this facility: 9-5, 3.36 (57 ER/152.2 IP)…his 10 quality starts at GLF rank 2nd all-time to only Martín Pérez (12).

2023: Opponents have batted .182/.242/.227/.469 (20-110) with 5 extra-base hits (all doubles), incl. opp. BA’s of .152 (7-46) vs. LHB and .203 (13-64) vs. RHB…3 wins are T3rd-most on club (5-Eovaldi, 4-Pérez)…20.1 relief innings are T14thmost in A.L…has 3 relief app. of 3.0+ SHO IP, tied for most in MLB (also TB’s Josh Fleming)…earned win on 4/17 at KC (4.1 SHO IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 5 SO), as he and Jacob deGrom (4.0 SHO IP) became just the 2nd Rangers duo in the last 40 years (beg. 1984) to each have at least 4.0 SHO IP in the same game (also 5.0-Kameron Loe, 4.0-C.J. Wilson on 8/26/05 vs. MIN).

MLB Preview: Milwaukee Brewers (23-18) at St. Louis Cardinals (17-25)

MLB Editor
-
0
MLB Preview: Milwaukee Brewers (23-18) at St. Louis Cardinals (17-25)

MILWAUKEE BREWERS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME: Is game 2 (0-1) of a 6-game, 7-day road trip to St. Louis (0-1) and Tampa Bay (3g)…..the team returns to American Family Field following this trip for a 7-game homestand against Houston (3g) and San Francisco (4g).

IN THE TRAINER’S ROOM: RHP Jason Alexander (right rotator cuff), LHP Aaron Ashby (left labrum), RHP Matt Bush (right rotator cuff), 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.

SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Brewers are 7-6-0 in series play.
Game 1: 7-7, Game 2: 8-5, Game 3: 7-6, 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 10-10 on the road, going 3-3-0 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 six replay challenges this season, going 3-3…..their last challenge (won) came Friday vs. Kansas City as a swing by Willy Adames was overturned to catcher’s interference.

TONIGHT’S STARTER: #20 – LHP WADE MILEY (7gs, 3-2, 3.60)

MILEY AT A GLANCE: Wade Miley, 36, is making his eighth start of the season and first againt the Cardinals…..Miley last started last Wednesday vs. Los Angeles-NL and took an 8-1 loss (5ip, 6h, 7r, 7er, 2bb, 3k, 3hr, 1hbp, 94 pitches)…..he retired his first 10 batters before allowing back-to-back homers in the fourth inning to Freddie Freeman and Will Smith…..the team is 4-3 in his starts…..he has made 4 quality starts…..opponents are batting .240 (37-for-154, 5hr)…..Miley signed as a free agent with Milwaukee on January 9…..he is signed through the 2023 season with a mutual option for 2024.

WELCOME BACK!: Miley returned to Milwaukee, where he pitched in 2018 for the National League Central champions and went 5-2 with a 2.57 ERA in 16 starts…..he went on to make 4 starts during the postseason, posting a 1.23 ERA (14.2ip, 2er), as the team went on to advance to the seventh game of the NLCS against Los Angeles.

LAST SEASON: Miley went 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA in 9 games/8 starts with Chicago-NL last season…..he missed most of the season while spending time on the injured list on three occasions: 4/7-5/9 (left elbow inflammation), 5/29-6/9 (left shoulder strain) and 6/11-9/5 (left shoulder strain).

CAREER: Is 102-96 with a 4.11 ERA in 299 games/292 starts (1658ip, 758er)…..is in his 13th Major League season with Arizona (2011-14), Boston (2015), Seattle (2016), Baltimore (2016-17), Milwaukee (2018, ‘23), Houston (2019), Cincinnati (2020-21) and Chicago-NL (2022)…..was an All-Star with the Diamondbacks in 2012…..he threw a no-hitter with the Reds on 5/7/21 at Cleveland…..Miley was selected by Arizona in the supplemental first round (43rd overall) of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of Southeastern Louisiana University.

CAREER AT AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD: Is 6-3 with a 4.16 ERA in 16 starts (75.2ip, 35er)…..is 2-1 with a 4.09 ERA in 4 starts this season (22ip, 10er).

CAREER ON THE ROAD: Is 49-51 with a 3.98 ERA in 158 games/156 starts (881.1ip, 390er)…..is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 3 starts this season (18ip, 6er).

CAREER vs. CARDINALS: Is 3-6 with a 4.07 ERA in 11 starts (59.2ip, 27er), including 2-4 with a 2.75 ERA in 7 starts at Busch Stadium (39.1ip, 12er)

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS NOTES:

RECENT REDBIRDS: The St. Louis Cardinals continue their seven-game homestand with the second game of a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers tonight at Busch Stadium … The Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15), sporting the NL’s best record, visit St. Louis for a four-game series beginning Thursday.

SWITCHING GEARS: Since May 6, the Cardinals have won seven of their last eight games including a season-best four in a row to improve 3.5 games in the NL Central standings, sitting 6.5 games behind first place Milwaukee and 1.5 games behind fourth place Cincinnati … The Cardinals have been in last place for 20 straight days (April 25-present) … The last time St. Louis won five consecutive games was part of an eight-game win streak Aug. 14-22,

2022 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE: St. Louis currently sports a positive run differential (+7) for the first time since it started the season with a 2-2 record on April 3 (+3) … The Cardinals are 8 games under .500 through 42 games, but have a +7 run differential after last night … Since 1920, the Cardinals are only the 4th team in the modern era to be 8+ games under .500 through 42 games, but have a positive run differential, joining the 1925 Detroit Tigers (16-25, +16), 1972 Kansas City Royals (17-25, +16), and 1989 Toronto Blue Jays (17-25, +8). – Hyatt

NOLAN STOPPED COOLIN’: Nolan Arenado has hit safely and recorded an RBI in eight of his last nine games (.350/.357/.775, 5 HR, 16 RBI) since May 5, with homers in four straight … Arenado’s last homer streak of five games or longer was his career-long six straight from Sept. 1-5, 2015.

RARE COMPANY: Nolan Arenado enters today with 998 RBI in his first 1,424 career games … With two more RBI, Arenado can become only the 3rd primary third baseman since 1920 with 300+ HR and 1,000+ RBI before playing his 1,500th game, joining Hall of Famers Eddie Mathews (376 HR, 1,010 RBI) and Chipper Jones (301 HR, 1,002 RBI).

STORMIN’ GORMAN: Twenty-three year-old Nolan Gorman leads the NL in slugging pct. (.600) and RBI (33) while ranking 2nd in OPS (.979), OPS+ (167), wOBA (.436), and wRC+ (164) … Only Ronald Acuña Jr. has a higher OPS (1.024), OPS+ (175), wOBA (.436), and wRC+ (175) than Gorman in the NL.

BEER BASHERS: Among Major Leaguers with 150+ career plate appearances vs. the Brewers, Nolan Arenado is the active leader in slugging (.649) and OPS (1.042), while Paul Goldschmidt ranks among the top six in nearly every offensive statistical category (chart right).

UNPACKING LAST NIGHT’S 18-1 VICTORY:

  • St. Louis has now won three consecutive series openers since setting a new franchise record of consecutive series-opening losses (11) to begin the season.
  • The Cardinals won by 17+ runs for the first time since an 18-run margin in a 21-3 win over the Cubs on April 27, 1977 at Wrigley Field.
  • The 17-run margin of victory tied for the 6th-largest in franchise history (since 1901) while tying a 99-year-old home record … The 1924 Cardinals defeated the Brooklyn Robins, 17-0, in Game 2 of a doubleheader at Sportsman’s Park on Aug. 24, 1924.
  • Scored double-digit runs in an inning for the 29th time in the regular season (since 1901), first time since a 10-spot in the 6th inning of a come-from-behind 12-11 win at Cincinnati (July 19, 2019), and the first time overall since the infamous 10-run 1st inning against the Braves in a 13-1 win in Game 5 of the NLDS at Atlanta (Jack Flaherty also started that game).
  • According to play-by-play info since 1959, Andrew Knizner became the 3rd MLB player to enter as a pinch runner and hit a grand slam in the same inning, joining Boston’s Gene Stephens on July 13, 1959 (6th inning; pinch ran for Ted Williams) and Oakland’s Rajai Davis on Sept. 5, 2008 (8th inning; pinch ran for Jack Cust). – Elias
  • Knizner also became the 13th Cardinal (since 1901) to enter as a pinch runner and homer in the same game (last: Peter Bourjos, Aug. 10, 2014 at Baltimore) and the 2nd MLB player this season to hit a grand slam off of a position player (San Francisco’s J.D. Davis off White Sock Hanser Alberto, April 6, 2023) … Knizner also was the 20th Cardinal to hit grand slam in his only plate appearance. – Orf
  • For only the 4th time in franchise history, three or more Cardinals drove in 4+ runs in a game (Nolan Arenado-4, Nolan Gorman-5, Andrew Knizner-4) … The last set of Cardinals to do so was Jim Bottomley (6), Tex Carleton (4), & Ripper Collins (4) Aug. 9, 1932.

TONIGHT’S STARTING PITCHER: LHP JORDAN MONTGOMERY (2-5, 4.11)
TONIGHT’S GAME
NL Leaders: Losses (5, T-3rd); Walks/9 IP (2.35, 12th); HR/9 IP (0.78,13th)

  • Is set to make his 9th start of the season and his 117th career (20th as a member of the Cardinals).
  • Is trying to snap a career-high five-game losing streak, although the Cardinals have been shut out in three of his five losses while he has had three quality starts among his five defeats.
  • Facing the Brewers for just the 5th time in his career. He blanked Milwaukee on three hits in 7.0 IP on April 8 in his first career appearance at American Family Field.
  • Leads Cardinals starters with his 4.11 ERA, 5 Quality Starts, 11.9 baserunners/9.0 IP and 1.30 WHIP.
  • For the season, Monty has allowed just four round-tippers, two coming in his most recent start (5/10) at Wrigley Field.
  • Prior to his 5/10 start at Wrigley, he’d allowed just one earned run in three road games this season, fanning 22 in 19.2 IP. In six career road starts with St. Louis, he’s allowed zero earned runs in three of those games.
  • Recorded his first and only GIDP of the season in his 5/10 start at CHI.
  • Is 8-8 with a 3.53 ERA in 19 starts as a member of the Cardinals and St. Louis has won 10 of his 19 starts.
  • Leads all Cardinals pitchers with 102 strikeouts since being acquired at the 2022 Trade Deadline (8/2/22).
  • Has not walked a left-handed batter since being acquired by the Cardinals (69 total batters faced). Is the only pitcher in MLB who has faced 0+ left-handed batters without a walk to a LHB since 8/1/22.
  • Made his fourth Opening Day roster and first with the Cardinals, adding to 2018, 2021 and 2022 with the Yankees. Was on the Injured List in 2019 and Taxi Squad in 2020.
  • Has held his opposition to three earned runs or fewer in 78% (91-of-116) of his career
    starts.

LAST TIME OUT

  • Suffered his career-high 5th consecutive loss, as he dropped a 10-4 decision at Wrigley Field last Wed. (5/10). Five of his six runs allowed came via Cubs home runs.

DATE vs. RESULT DEC IP H R ER BB SO HR NP-S
5/10 @CHI L 10-4 L-5 5.0 7 6 6 3 3 2 88-54

2023

  • Took his first no-decision of the season as the Cardinals fell, 5-4, to the Detroit Tigers on 5/5. It was his team-leading 5th quality start, and 3rd-straight.
  • Locked horns with Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers on 4/29 at Dodger Stadium… allowed just one run across 6.2 IP, but was handed his 4th-straight loss (1-0).
  • Threw a season-high 107 pitches and limited the SF Giants to just one unearned run over his 6.0 IP on 4/24, but took the loss as Alex Cobb blanked the Cardinals, 4-0. It was just the 2nd road loss for Monty as a member of the Cardinals.
  • Established a new career-high with a 15.0 inning scoreless streak from 4/2-13, surpassing his previous high of 14.2 IP.
  • Won his opening start of the season behind a 9-4 offensive effort vs. TOR (4/2) in a series clinching win.
  • Threw 7.0 scoreless innings of three-hit ball at MIL (4/8). Was the longest outing by a Cardinals pitcher this season and his 2nd consecutive scoreless outing against an N.L. Central opponent on the road (16.0 IP streak).
  • Tied his career-highs in both hits (10) and runs (7) allowed as the Cardinals lost 8-7 vs. ARI (4/18) in a game they rallied from down 7-2 in the 4th inning.
1...2,6902,6912,692...3,998Page 2,691 of 3,998

Contact us: info@sportsgamingjournal.com

* PLEASE NOTE: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED AT THIS SITE IS FOR NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ANY USE OF THIS INFORMATION IN VIOLATION OF ANY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS IS PROHIBITED.

FOLLOW US

TODAY"S TOP CATEGORIES

© Copyright 2024, Sports Gaming Journal. All rights reserved.