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Major League Baseball
MLB News Wire
  • Marlins place Tim Anderson (back) on 10-day IL
    By Field Level Media / Tuesday, May 14, 2024

    The Miami Marlins placed shortstop Tim Anderson on the 10-day injured list on Monday due to lower back tightness.

    • The move is retroactive to Saturday.

      After spending the first eight seasons of his major league career with the Chicago White Sox, Anderson has struggled in his first season with Miami. He has hit just .197 with zero home runs and six RBIs in 36 games, striking out 38 times.

      Anderson, 30, was a two-time All-Star with Chicago. He finished seventh in American League MVP voting in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign and won the AL batting title in 2019 when he hit .335.

      In another move on Monday, the Marlins activated left-hander A.J. Puk from the 15-day IL. Puk hadn't pitched since April 19 due to left shoulder fatigue, but he logged one-third of an inning during Monday's 6-5 loss to the host Detroit Tigers.

      Puk, 29, is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA this year.

      --Field Level Media

  • MLB roundup: Guardians blank slumping Rangers
    By Field Level Media / Tuesday, May 14, 2024

    Jose Ramirez went 2-for-3 with four RBIs and five Cleveland pitchers combined for a four-hitter as the Guardians handed the slumping Texas Rangers a fourth straight loss, prevailing 7-0 on Monday night in Arlington, Texas.

    • Ramirez had a pair of two-run singles, walked twice and stole two bases, and Andres Gimenez and Brayan Rocchio each had two hits and two runs for Cleveland.

      Hunter Gaddis (2-1) picked up the victory with an inning of hitless relief as the Guardians earned their second win in a row.

      Jose Leclerc (3-3) took the loss, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk in just one-third of an inning. Texas starter Michael Lorenzen no-hit the Guardians for 5 1/3 innings. He wound up throwing seven shutout innings and yielding just one hit.

      Blue Jays 3, Orioles 2 (10 innings)

      Daulton Varsho homered to tie the game in the eighth inning and knocked in the go-ahead run with a groundout in the 10th to lift visiting Toronto to a win over Baltimore.

      Bo Bichette had three hits for the Blue Jays, who were facing the Orioles for the first time this season. Adley Rutschman homered twice for Baltimore, which mustered just one other hit.

      Jordan Romano (1-0) was the winning pitcher with two innings of hitless relief. He struck out Colton Cowser with a runner on third for the second out of the 10th before Jordan Westburg walked. Cedric Mullins then grounded out to end the game.

      Braves 2, Cubs 0

      Zack Short drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth for his first RBI of the season and four pitchers combined on a shutout as Atlanta beat visiting Chicago.

      The Braves scored both of their runs with two outs in the sixth off reliever Hayden Wesneski (2-2). Travis d'Arnaud and Short delivered back-to-back doubles before Ronald Acuna Jr. brought Short home with a single.

      The Cubs threatened in the ninth against reliever A.J. Minter. Cody Bellinger singled and advanced to second when Christopher Morel worked a 12-pitch walk. But Ian Happ hit into a double play, and Nico Hoerner flied out to seal Minter's first save. Ray Kerr (1-0) tossed two scoreless innings for the win.

      Rays 5, Red Sox 3

      Amed Rosario doubled, tripled and factored into four of Tampa Bay's runs in a win over host Boston.

      Rosario drove in three runs, Yandy Diaz went 3-for-5 and Jose Caballero also had a pair of hits, with each scoring a run for the Rays. Tampa Bay began well against Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford (2-2), scoring three two-out runs on four hits during a 35-pitch first inning. Tampa Bay starter Zach Eflin (3-4) allowed three runs over five innings.

      Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-3 while Tyler O'Neill hit a three-run home run for the Red Sox, who had won their previous two games following a three-game skid. Crawford yielded four runs on seven hits.

      Tigers 6, Marlins 5

      Spencer Torkelson clubbed a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth and host Detroit topped Miami.

      Torkelson's long ball, his second of the season, made a winner of Alex Faedo (3-1). Jason Foley recorded his 10th save.

      After the Marlins scored two in the top of the eighth to grab a 5-3 lead, the Tigers scored three against Anthony Maldonado (0-1). Wenceel Perez hit a one-out double and scored on Andy Ibanez's single. With two outs, Torkelson launched a slider over the left-center-field wall.

      Pirates 8, Brewers 6

      Bryan Reynolds went 5-for-5 with a homer and two doubles and Mitch Keller tossed six scoreless innings as visiting Pittsburgh held on for a victory over Milwaukee.

      Keller (4-3), who threw a complete game in his previous start, scattered eight hits, struck out seven and walked none.

      Milwaukee pulled within 7-6 in the eighth on Jake Bauers' first career grand slam. However, the Brewers never found a way to pull ahead. Milwaukee starter Colin Rea (3-1) allowed three runs on six hits in six innings.

      Astros 9, A's 2

      Alex Bregman homered twice, rookie Spencer Arrighetti notched his first career win and Houston claimed the opener of a four-game series with visiting Oakland.

      Bregman recorded his sixth career multi-homer game as part of a four-RBI night. He helped Houston win for the fourth time in five games while sending Oakland to a seventh loss in nine games.

      Arrighetti (1-4) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts over five innings. A's starter Ross Stripling (1-7) yielded three runs, two earned in five innings.

      Phillies 5, Mets 4 (10 innings)

      Bryson Stott lofted a 10th-inning sacrifice fly for visiting Philadelphia, which overcame a two-run, ninth-inning deficit to beat New York. The Phillies have won 10 of 12.

      Stott led off the ninth with a homer against Mets closer Edwin Diaz, who later forced home the tying run with two outs when he hit Alec Bohm. In the 10th, New York reliever Sean Reid-Foley (1-1) yielded Stott's fly to right field.

      J.D. Martinez finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Pete Alonso had two hits and scored twice for the Mets, who have lost six of nine.

      Diamondbacks 6, Reds 5

      Kevin Newman dropped a two-run single into right field with one out in the ninth inning to give Arizona a walk-off victory over Cincinnati in Phoenix.

      Newman went 4-for-5 as Arizona won for the sixth time in its past eight games. Gabriel Moreno and Joc Pederson homered for the Diamondbacks, who swept three games from the Reds in Cincinnati last week. Jordan Montgomery allowed three runs and six hits over 5 1/3 innings for the Diamondbacks. He struck out seven and walked three. Justin Martinez (1-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for his first career win for the Diamondbacks.

      Mike Ford had two hits and two RBIs and Spencer Steer also drove in two for the Reds. Jeimer Candelario added two hits and drove in a run for Cincinnati. Graham Ashcraft gave up three runs and seven hits over four innings. He struck out three and walked three.

      Dodgers 6, Giants 4 (10 innings)

      Will Smith bombed a two-run double with one out in the top of the 10th inning, sending visiting Los Angeles to a victory over rival San Francisco in the opener of a three-game series.

      Blake Treinen (1-0), who worked a scoreless ninth, was credited with the win, just the Dodgers' second in five extra-inning games this season. Luis Matos smacked a three-run home run off Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the second inning. The runs were the first allowed by the prized Japanese import in four road starts this season. Yamamoto went 5 2/3 innings, charged with four runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out six.

      Jordan Hicks went the first five innings for the Giants, leaving with a 3-2 lead. He allowed two runs and seven hits, with four strikeouts and no walks.

      Cardinals 10, Angels 5

      St. Louis scored eight runs in the seventh inning to rally from a four-run deficit and beat Los Angeles in Anaheim, Calif.

      Nolan Arenado's solo homer opened the big inning that featured seven hits, three walks and a hit batter. Matt Carpenter and Ivan Herrera each had a two-run single in the frame.

      Kyle Leahy (1-1) got his first major league win. Matt Moore (0-1) took the loss after Angels starter Jose Soriano threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings. Los Angeles' Kevin Pillar hit a two-run homer.

      Mariners 6, Royals 2

      George Kirby pitched seven scoreless innings as Seattle defeated visiting Kansas City in the opener of a three-game series.

      Luke Raley went 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs while Ty France hit a two-run shot and a single for the American League West-leading Mariners, who have won three of the first four on their six-game homestand. Kirby (4-3) allowed just three hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out six.

      Royals starter Brady Singer (3-2) allowed more than two runs for just the second time in nine starts this season. The right-hander went five innings and gave up four runs on nine hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

      Rockies 5, Padres 4

      Elehuris Montero drove in three runs and Dakota Hudson snapped a personal six-game losing streak to start the season as visiting Colorado held off San Diego.

      Hudson (1-6) worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and three runs with three walks and three strikeouts. His sinker fetched 10 groundball outs as he helped Colorado earn its fifth consecutive victory.

      Randy Vasquez (0-2) took the loss, victimized by a four-run fourth inning. Vasquez was charged with five runs on eight hits and a walk in 3 2/3 innings, fanning none. He became the first Padre starter in five games to permit more than two hits.

      Nationals-White Sox, ppd.

      Washington's scheduled game at Chicago was rained out and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Tuesday.

      --Field Level Media

  • Giants place OF Jung Hoo Lee (shoulder) on 10-day IL
    By Field Level Media / Monday, May 13, 2024

    San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee landed on the 10-day disabled list on Monday after dislocating his left shoulder on Sunday.

    • Lee, 25, injured his shoulder on the center field fence while trying to catch a first-inning drive by the Cincinnati Reds' Jeimer Candelario.

      The Giants are awaiting word on the severity of the injury after Lee underwent an MRI exam on Monday and met with team doctors. Manager Bob Melvin said the team might receive more clarity by Monday night.

      Lee joins fellow outfielder Michael Conforto (hamstring), along with left-hander Blake Snell (adductor), designated hitter Jorge Soler (shoulder), catcher Tom Murphy (knee) and shortstop Nick Ahmed (wrist) on the injured list. In addition, outfielder and Austin Slater is on the 7-day concussion list.

      Catcher Patrick Bailey is dealing with cold symptoms and hasn't played since coming off the concussion list on Saturday.

      Lee, who signed a six-year, $113 million deal in the offseason, is batting just .262 with two homers and eight RBIs in 37 games but is excelling in center field.

      "He's very team oriented and wants to be out there for his team and therefore is disappointed," Melvin said. "But there's not much you can do about it. You make an all-out effort like that to catch a ball in the first inning.

      "If you make that play it's a huge momentum swing. Now all of a sudden our center fielder is down. ... I'm sure he's feeling it right now. He wants to be out there for his team."

      --Field Level Media

  • Reds OF TJ Friedl (fractured thumb) out 4 to 5 weeks
    By Field Level Media / Monday, May 13, 2024

    Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday with a fractured left thumb.

    • Reds manager David Bell said Friedl is expected to miss four to five weeks. Friedl just returned from a broken right wrist sustained during spring training.

      "He's such a great teammate. He worked hard to get back, just getting into playing," Bell told reporters prior to Monday's road game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. "Nothing we can do about it. He's gonna be fine."

      The severity of the injury was detected Monday during tests in Phoenix.

      Friedl, 28, was playing in just his sixth game of the season on Sunday when the first pitch of the game from San Francisco Giants left-hander Kyle Harrison hit Friedl on the thumb.

      Friedl stayed in the game to run the bases and score before departing.

      Friedl is batting .182 in 22 at-bats with two steals and two RBIs. In 2023, he batted .279 with 18 homers, 66 RBIs and 27 steals in 138 games.

      Cincinnati recalled outfielder Jacob Hurtubise from Triple-A Louisville. The 26-year-old Army graduate put his military commitment on hold in 2020 to pursue a baseball career.

      This season, Hurtubise is batting .241 in nine games over three minor league stops this season. He was 2-for-8 at Louisville.

      --Field Level Media

  • A's place RHP Paul Blackburn (foot) on 15-day IL
    By Field Level Media / Monday, May 13, 2024

    The Oakland Athletics placed right-hander Paul Blackburn on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right foot injury and recalled left-hander Easton Lucas from Triple-A Las Vegas.

    • Blackburn, 30, was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his fifth metatarsal. His IL move is retroactive to Saturday.

      The 2022 All-Star was 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA in eight starts this season. In eight seasons for the A's, he is 20-26 with a 4.80 ERA in 80 appearances (76 starts).

      Lucas gave up three runs over 2 1/3 innings during two previous outings with the A's this season. In eight relief appearances with Oakland over the past two seasons, the 27-year-old has a 9.00 ERA in nine innings.

      --Field Level Media

  • Roku, MLB partner for Sunday morning games
    By Field Level Media / Monday, May 13, 2024

    Roku has received the rights to 18 Major League Baseball games in the continuation of the league's "Sunday Leadoff" television package.

    • Beginning this Sunday with the St. Louis Cardinals' home game against the Boston Red Sox, the Roku Channel will carry one MLB game every Sunday for 18 straight weeks, many of them starting at noon or earlier local time.

      Baseball fans will not need a Roku device in order to watch the games, the company said in a release. The Roku Channel app is free and available to download on Amazon Fire devices, Google TVs and Samsung TVs. The games will also be streamed on therokuchannel.com.

      Additionally, those already subscribing to the league's paid package, MLB.TV, will have access to all 18 games with no blackout restrictions.

      MLB created "Sunday Leadoff" in 2022 and partnered with NBC, which streamed the games on Peacock. After 2023, NBC's contract was not renewed.

      Roku is also planning to produce nightly recaps and highlight packages in an "MLB Zone" section of their app. The broadcast teams will be "market-focused" and rotate week to week.

      It is not Roku's first foray into live sports rights, as it became a rightsholder for the Formula E series of electric motorsports racing last year.

      The full schedule is as follows (all times ET):

      May 19: Boston at St. Louis, 1:05 p.m.

      May 26: Toronto at Detroit, 11:35 a.m.

      June 2: Minnesota at Houston, 1:05 p.m.

      June 9: San Francisco at Texas, 1:05 p.m.

      June 16: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 1:05 p.m.

      June 23: Arizona at Philadelphia, 11:35 a.m.

      June 30: Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 11:35 a.m.

      July 7: Arizona at San Diego, 4:10 p.m.

      July 14: New York Yankees at Baltimore, 11:35 a.m.

      July 21: Milwaukee at Minnesota, 1:05 p.m.

      July 28: Cincinnati at Tampa Bay, 11:35 a.m.

      Aug. 4: San Francisco at Cincinnati, 12:05 p.m.

      Aug. 11: Los Angeles Angels at Washington, 11:35 a.m.

      Aug. 18: Miami at New York Mets, 12:05 p.m.

      Aug. 25: Washington at Atlanta, 12:05 p.m.

      Sept. 1: Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona, 4:10 p.m.

      Sept. 8: Tampa Bay at Baltimore, 12:05 p.m.

      Sept. 15: Cincinnati at Minnesota, 12:05 p.m.

      --Field Level Media

  • OF David Peralta opts out of minor league deal with Cubs
    By Field Level Media / Monday, May 13, 2024

    Veteran outfielder David Peralta opted out of his minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs on Monday and became a free agent.

    • Peralta, 36, was batting .217 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 20 games at Triple-A Iowa.

      A 10-year major league veteran, Peralta spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, batting .259 with seven home runs and 55 RBIs in 133 games.

      Peralta played his first nine seasons for the Arizona Diamondbacks before he was moved to the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2022 trade deadline. In 1,141 career games, he is a .279 hitter with 117 home runs and 541 RBIs.

      --Field Level Media

  • Orioles call up OF Kyle Stowers, option OF Heston Kjerstad
    By Field Level Media / Monday, May 13, 2024

    In the midst of his power explosion since the start of spring training, the Baltimore Orioles added outfielder Kyle Stowers to the major league roster Monday.

    • In a corresponding move, the Orioles optioned outfielder Heston Kjerstad to Triple-A Norfolk.

      Stowers, 26, had brief appearances for Baltimore in each of the past two seasons and made a case to make the Opening Day roster when he hit seven home runs in 14 games this past spring training. He was instead assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, where he has 11 more home runs in 36 games.

      A second-round draft pick in 2019 out of Stanford, the San Diego-area native was just 2-for-30 in 14 games with the Orioles last season and did not have an extra-base hit. He had three home runs with 11 RBIs in 34 games for Baltimore in 2022.

      Stowers has hit as many as 27 home runs in a minor league season (2021) and hit 21 in 75 minor league games last season.

      Kjerstad, 25, was 2-for-14 in seven games and is 9-for-44 (.205) in 20 career games over the past two seasons.

      In a separate move, the Orioles reinstated outfielder Austin Hays from the injured list after he missed time with a strained calf, while outfielder Ryan McKenna was designated for assignment. Hays was 5-for-45 with two RBIs in 19 games, while McKenna was 3-for-8 with two homers in nine games.

      The roster changes come with the Orioles set to play host to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday in the opener of a three-game series.

      --Field Level Media

  • MLB roundup: Mets avoid sweep thanks to walk-off HR vs. Braves
    By Field Level Media / Monday, May 13, 2024

    Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who didn't start the game due to a side injury, hit a walk-off two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the host New York Mets to a 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday night.

    • The Mets averted being swept in the three-game series and won for just the seventh time in 19 games. Meanwhile, the Braves' four-game winning streak ended.

      Nimmo, who left after four innings in Saturday's 4-1 loss due to a tight right intercostal muscle, entered as a pinch runner for DJ Stewart in the seventh inning on Sunday.

      Atlanta snapped a 2-2 tie in the eighth, when Marcell Ozuna delivered his second RBI single of the night, and the Mets went down in order in the bottom of the inning before coming back in the ninth against A.J. Minter (5-3).

      Jeff McNeil legged out a bunt single and went to second on a sacrifice bunt by Tomas Nido. Nimmo then hit a 3-2 pitch beyond the fence in right-center field for his second career walk-off homer.

      Cubs 5, Pirates 4 (10 innings)

      Patrick Wisdom hit a solo homer during a three-run 10th inning as visiting Chicago beat Pittsburgh in the rubber match of a three-game series.

      Cubs reliever Adbert Alzolay allowed Connor Joe's two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th before securing his fourth save. Hector Neris (3-0) earned the win after escaping a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the ninth inning. Wisdom had three hits and Christopher Morel had two, including a two-run homer.

      Oneil Cruz had a solo shot for the Pirates, who went 3-for-10 with runners in scoring position and fell to 9-21 in their past 30 games.

      Royals 4, Angels 2

      Seth Lugo struck out a career-high 12, leading Kansas City past Los Angeles in Anaheim, Calif.

      Lugo (6-1) went a season-best eight innings, allowing one run on five hits. He did not walk a batter. James McArthur gave up a solo home run to Willie Calhoun in the ninth but earned his ninth save.

      The Royals scored all four of their runs in the fourth inning against Angels starter Patrick Sandoval (2-6), who gave up 11 hits and struck out three in six innings.

      Diamondbacks 9, Orioles 2

      Zac Gallen pitched six strong innings and Arizona finally got its offense going to avoid a three-game sweep, defeating host Baltimore.

      Jake McCarthy hit his first home run of the season -- a two-run shot -- during Arizona's six-run sixth inning. Ketel Marte drove in three runs for the game. Gallen (5-2) allowed two runs and four hits.

      Adley Rutschman homered for the Orioles, who lost for only the second time in their past nine games. Baltimore starter Dean Kremer (3-3) gave up six runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks while fanning 10 in 5 2/3 innings.

      Red Sox 3, Nationals 2

      Ceddanne Rafaela hit a two-run double to help Boston defeat visiting Washington in the rubber match of a three-game series.

      The Red Sox won for the second straight day despite striking out 11 times against three Washington pitchers. Brayan Bello (4-1) was activated from the injured list (lat tightness) and gave up two runs on four hits in five innings. Kenley Jansen allowed a hit in a scoreless ninth to earn his seventh save.

      Eddie Rosario hit a two-run home run for the Nationals. Washington starter MacKenzie Gore (2-4) threw 111 pitches in six innings. He surrendered three runs (two earned) on six hits.

      Twins 5, Blue Jays 1

      Carlos Santana hit a three-run home run, right-hander Bailey Ober struck out 10 and Minnesota defeated host Toronto for its 17th win in its past 20 games.

      Minnesota's Max Kepler hit a two-run double in the eighth to extend his career-best hitting streak to 14 games in the rubber match of a three-game series. The Twins have won six straight series, while the Blue Jays have lost 12 of their past 17 games.

      Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah (0-1) was making his second start of the season and allowed three unearned runs, four hits and one walk in seven innings. Ober (4-1) allowed no runs, one hit and no walks in 6 1/3 innings.

      Astros 9, Tigers 3

      Justin Verlander pitched seven shutout innings for his 101st career win at Comerica Park as visiting Houston rolled past Detroit.

      Verlander (2-1), who retired the first 14 batters he faced, allowed two hits and recorded eight strikeouts. Kyle Tucker hit his major-league-leading 13th homer, a two-run shot. Jake Meyers had three hits and drove in three runs, and Mauricio Dubon delivered four hits, scored a run and drove in another.

      Tigers starter Jack Flaherty (0-3) was charged with three runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He recorded seven strikeouts. Spencer Torkelson hit his first homer this season, a two-run blast, in the ninth.

      Marlins 7, Phillies 6 (10 innings)

      Emmanuel Rivera drilled a walk-off RBI single in the 10th to lead host Miami to a win over Philadelphia.

      Rivera, a pinch hitter for Jesus Sanchez, grounded his single off the body of reliever Gregory Soto (0-1). Miami's final three relievers -- Calvin Faucher, Tanner Scott and Anthony Bender (1-2) -- combined to pitch four hitless, scoreless innings.

      Phillies starter Zack Wheeler nearly took a loss for the first time in five starts. He went four innings, allowing six hits and a season-high six runs, but Philadelphia rallied to allow him to escape with a no-decision. The Phillies tied the score with three runs in the sixth inning.

      Yankees 10, Rays 6

      Jose Trevino stroked two of New York's five home runs as the Yankees bashed their way to a second series win over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, Fla.

      Trevino homered in the fourth and eighth innings in a three-RBI game. Jahmai Jones hit a solo shot, Aaron Judge (2-for-4, walk) had a two-run blast and Gleyber Torres swatted a three-run homer. Starter Luis Gil (4-1) was masterful over six shutout innings, yielding only three hits and lowering his ERA to 2.51.

      Rays starter Tyler Alexander (1-2) allowed six runs on seven hits and surrendered three homers. Jose Siri hit his first career grand slam, Yandy Diaz homered and Richie Palacios went 2-for-5 with a run.

      Guardians 7, White Sox 0

      Logan Allen tossed six scoreless innings and Andres Gimenez and David Fry homered to help Cleveland avoid a four-game sweep by blanking host Chicago.

      Estevan Florial had a triple and a double, while Fry walked twice and knocked in two runs as Cleveland ended its three-game losing streak. Zach Remillard singled twice and walked once for Chicago, which had its season-high four-game winning streak come to an end.

      The day started painfully for Allen (4-2), who was drilled in the lower back by a comebacker on his first pitch of the game, but he recovered to throw 87 pitches, scattering six hits. Chicago starter Michael Soroka (0-5) pounded the strike zone early but allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits over 5 1/3 innings.

      Cardinals 4, Brewers 3

      Michael Siani doubled in the go-ahead run in the seventh and struggling Paul Goldschmidt added a home run and an RBI single as visiting St. Louis rallied past Milwaukee to snap a seven-game losing streak.

      Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas (3-5) settled in after allowing three runs in a 42-pitch first inning, finishing his outing with five scoreless frames. He allowed six hits, striking out three and walking three -- needing just 53 pitches the rest of the way.

      The Brewers' William Contreras singled with one out in the first to extend his on-base streak to 20 games. Milwaukee loaded the bases and Rhys Hoskins drew an eight-pitch walk to force in the first run. Joey Ortiz followed with an RBI groundout. Gary Sanchez delivered a run-scoring single to left for a 3-0 lead, but Hoskins was thrown out at home to end the inning.

      Rockies 3, Rangers 1

      Ezequiel Tovar homered, Brendan Rodgers had two hits and Colorado beat Texas in Denver to complete a sweep for the first time this season.

      Ty Blach (1-1) allowed just one run on seven hits in five innings and Jalen Beeks picked up his third save for Colorado, which has won four in a row. The Rockies are the last team in the majors to sweep a series.

      Marcus Semien and Ezequiel Duran had two hits apiece for the Rangers, who have lost four of their past five games and were swept for the first time.

      Giants 6, Reds 5 (10 innings)

      Casey Schmitt launched a walk-off double to left-center field with two outs in the 10th inning, sending host San Francisco to a victory over Cincinnati.

      After Luke Jackson (1-1) had stranded runners at second and third in a scoreless top of the 10th, Schmitt came through with his two-strike bomb that one-hopped the fence against Lucas Sims to score automatic runner Luis Matos. Emilio Pagan (2-3) took the loss.

      The see-saw affair saw the Reds go up 3-0 in the first and the Giants take a 5-3 lead in the fifth before Cincinnati rallied into a 5-5 tie after Jake Fraley singled in a run in the seventh and Mike Ford led off the eighth with his first home run of the season.

      Mariners 8, Athletics 4

      Julio Rodriguez hit just his second homer of the season and his first at T-Mobile Park as Seattle defeated visiting Oakland.

      Mitch Garver and Seby Zavala also homered and Luis Castillo pitched six quality innings for the Mariners, who moved past Texas and into first place in the American League West. Castillo (4-5) gave up two runs on seven hits, with no walks and eight strikeouts.

      Max Schuemann, Abraham Toro and Brent Rooker went deep for the A's. Starter Alex Wood (1-3) allowed five runs over two innings, though just one of those runs was earned.

      Padres 4, Dodgers 0

      Yu Darvish retired the first 14 batters he faced and allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings as San Diego blanked visiting Los Angeles in the rubber match of a three-game series.

      Darvish (3-1) walked one and fanned seven in winning his third straight start. Walker Buehler (0-1) lost in his second start since returning from a 23-month absence because of Tommy John surgery. Buehler lasted only 3 1/3 innings and 77 pitches, permitting five hits and three runs.

      Buehler trailed 2-0 three batters into the game. After retiring Luis Arraez, he was rocked for a 442-foot homer to center by Fernando Tatis Jr. Jake Cronenworth followed with a solo shot.

      --Field Level Media

  • Giants OF Michael Conforto (hamstring) on IL; Jung Hoo Lee hurt
    By Field Level Media / Sunday, May 12, 2024

    San Francisco Giants oufielder Michael Conforto landed on the 10-day IL before outfielder Jung Hoo Lee left Sunday's game with a separated left shoulder.

    • Conforto was injured in Saturday night's 5-1 win over the visiting Cincinnati Reds, exiting in the fourth inning with a right hamstring strain. The Giants recalled outfielder Luis Matos from Triple-A Sacramento to fill Conforto's roster spot.

      Pursuing a first-inning drive by Jeimer Candelario, Lee slammed into the center field wall and remained on the ground after hitting his left arm on the top of the wall. Lee, who was unable to make the grab, was assisted off the field by Giants personnel. Tyler Fitzgerald replaced Lee in center field.

      San Francisco manager Bob Melvin said Lee will undergo an MRI exam.

      In his second season with the Giants, Conforto, 31, was slashing .280/.331/.490 at the time of his injury with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 38 games. The 2014 first-round pick of the New York Mets has hit .254 with 154 homers and 474 RBIs with the Mets (2015-21) and Giants (2023-24).

      The 25-year-old Lee is in his first season with the Giants after signing a six-year, $113 million deal in the offseason. In 37 games this season, he has hit .262 with two homers and eight RBIs.

      --Field Level Media

  • Marlins add SS Tristan Gray to roster
    By Field Level Media / Sunday, May 12, 2024

    The Miami Marlins purchased the contract of shortstop Tristan Gray from Triple-A Jacksonville and optioned right-hander George Soriano.

    • To open a spot on the 40-man roster, the Marlins placed right-hander JT Chargois (neck) to the 60-day injured list.

      Gray, 28, has just two games of major league experience last season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He is back in the big leagues after signing a minor league deal with the Marlins in the offseason and earned his promotion after hitting 10 home runs with 23 RBIs at Jacksonville.

      Soriano, 25, was 0-1 with a 9.26 ERA in 10 relief appearances with Miami this season.

      Chargois, 33, has not pitched for the Marlins this season after dealing with neck spasms since February. In six major league seasons with five different clubs, he is 13-6 with a 3.55 ERA in 208 appearances (eight starts).

      --Field Level Media

  • Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani (back) not in lineup vs. Padres
    By Field Level Media / Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani was not in Sunday's lineup against the San Diego Padres, one day after he left in the ninth inning with back tightness.

    • "His back tightened up," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters. "So it's one of those things that, I got word before his fourth at-bat that his back tightened up. So being (up) 5-0, we didn't want to push it."

      Roberts already said late Saturday that he likely would give Ohtani the day off Sunday as a precaution. Will Smith was moved to the DH spot with Austin Barnes getting the starting nod at catcher.

      Roberts said Ohtani, who started feeling back tightness while warming up before Saturday's game, should be back in the starting lineup Monday for a series opener against the San Francisco Giants.

      It is just the second time Ohtani was not in the starting lineup for the Dodgers this season. He was rested for a May 1 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, one day after he struck out three times in a game.

      Since that day of rest, Ohtani was batting .429 with four home runs and eight RBIs in eight games and was named National League Player of the Week on Monday.

      In his first season with the Dodgers, after he agreed to a 10-year, $700 million free-agent deal, Ohtani entered Sunday's play with a National League-best .352 batting average in 40 games and a league best 1.090 OPS. His 11 home runs were one off the MLB lead.

      A two-time American League MVP and 2018 AL Rookie of the Year during his time with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani is a career .279 hitter with a .563 slugging percentage and has 182 home runs with 464 RBIs.

      --Field Level Media

  • Giants send LHP Blake Snell on rehab assignment
    By Field Level Media / Sunday, May 12, 2024

    The San Francisco Giants sent reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell on a rehab assignment, with his first minor league outing scheduled for Sunday with Single-A San Jose.

    • Snell was signed by the Giants late in spring training after winning the Cy Young as a member of the San Diego Padres last season. After a late ramp-up to get ready for major league games, Snell made just three starts before he went on the injured list April 24 with a left adductor strain.

      There isn't a designated number of rehab outings that Snell will need before he returns.

      With an 0-3 record and an 11.57 ERA to start the season for San Francisco, he was nowhere near the form that led him to a 14-9 record and a 2.25 ERA in 32 starts for San Diego last season.

      In nine major league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants, Snell is 71-58 with a 3.30 ERA in 194 career starts and has an 11.1 strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio.

      Snell had a similar injury twice in his career, missing about a month in 2021 and three weeks in 2022. At the time he went on the IL in April, he was optimistic about a relatively quick return.

      "I don't think it's as bad as what they say," Snell said at the time, hoping he would be out only two weeks after his 15-day IL stint ran its course.

      "But it's the groin so I have no clue," Snell said.

      Snell signed a two-year, $62 million deal in March. It includes a player option after the 2024 season.

      --Field Level Media

  • Cubs officially activate RHP Kyle Hendricks from IL
    By Field Level Media / Sunday, May 12, 2024

    The Chicago Cubs activated right-hander Kyle Hendricks from the injured list to start Sunday's road game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

    • In a corresponding roster move, right-hander Jose Cuas was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

      Hendricks, 34, last pitched on April 21 before going on the IL with a lower back injury. He struggled to an 0-3 record and a 12.00 ERA in five starts and just 21 innings to open the season.

      Hendricks will move into the rotation spot of right-hander Jameson Taillon, who was pushed back, possibly until Tuesday, with a sore back.

      Cuas, 29, had a 9.00 ERA in six relief appearances with the Cubs this season. In parts of three seasons with the Kansas City Royals and Cubs, Cuas is 7-4 with a 4.22 ERA in 125 appearances (two starts).

      --Field Level Media

  • Red Sox activate RHP Brayan Bello from 15-day IL
    By Field Level Media / Sunday, May 12, 2024

    The Boston Red Sox reinstated right-hander Brayan Bello from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's game against the visiting Washington Nationals.

    • Fellow right-hander Josh Winckowski was optioned to Triple-A Worcester to make room for Bello, who last pitched for Boston on April 19. Bello landed on the injured list five days later because of lat tightness.

      Sunday will mark Bello's first career appearance against the Nationals, who, like the Red Sox, will seek a series victory.

      Bello, who was Boston's Opening Day starter, is 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA in five starts this season.

      Bello, who turns 25 on Friday, is 17-20 with a 4.22 ERA in 46 career appearances (44 starts) in three seasons with the Red Sox.

      Winckowski, 25, is 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 12 appearances (three starts) this season.

      He is 10-12 with a 4.12 ERA in 87 career games (18 starts) with Boston.

      --Field Level Media

  • MLB roundup: Pirates power past Cubs in Paul Skenes' debut
    By Field Level Media / Sunday, May 12, 2024

    Paul Skenes struck out seven over four-plus innings in his highly anticipated major league debut and the Pittsburgh Pirates hit five home runs in a 10-9 victory over the visiting Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

    • Skenes threw 17 pitches of 100 mph or more and gave up three runs on six hits and two walks while throwing 84 pitches in all. He was staked to a 6-1 lead before Chicago drew six bases-loaded walks off three Pirates relievers during a wild fifth inning that was interrupted by a rain delay of over two hours.

      Connor Joe, Oneil Cruz, Michael A. Taylor, Yasmani Grandal and Andrew McCutchen homered for Pittsburgh, which set a season high for runs and snapped a three-game skid.

      Nico Hoerner homered for the Cubs, who went 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

      Braves 4, Mets 1

      Max Fried threw seven no-hit innings for visiting Atlanta, which came within one out of its first no-hitter in over 30 years in a win against New York.

      Orlando Arcia hit a two-run homer in the third, Michael Harris II had an RBI single in the fourth and Ronald Acuna Jr. drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth for the Braves, who have won four straight. Fried (3-1) issued three walks and struck out five. Atlanta's most recent no-hitter was thrown by Kent Mercker, who stymied the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8, 1994.

      J.D. Martinez broke up the no-hitter with a solo shot in the ninth. Mets rookie Christian Scott (0-1) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight over six-plus innings.

      Orioles 5, Diamondbacks 4 (11 innings)

      Jordan Westburg racked up four hits, including a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 11th, as Baltimore defeated visiting Arizona.

      Gunnar Henderson went deep and Ryan Mountcastle doubled twice and tripled for the Orioles, who have won seven of their past eight games.

      Ketel Marte homered for the second day in a row for the Diamondbacks, who have lost the first two games of the three-game series after a four-game winning streak.

      Blue Jays 10, Twins 8

      Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and Toronto overcame a six-run deficit to defeat visiting Minnesota.

      Danny Jansen hit a two-run home run while Bo Bichette and Davis Schneider hit solo shots for the Blue Jays.

      Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer and Ryan Jeffers added a solo shot for the Twins.

      Red Sox 4, Nationals 2

      Rafael Devers hit a two-run double with two outs in the eighth inning to propel host Boston past Washington.

      Wilyer Abreu hit his third home run of the season for Boston, which ended a three-game losing streak. The Red Sox were 2-for-29 with runners in scoring position during those three losses.

      Joey Meneses and Eddie Rosario homered for the Nationals.

      Phillies 8, Marlins 3

      Bryson Stott delivered a go-ahead three-run triple in the sixth inning as Philadelphia handled host Miami.

      Stott finished 2-for-5 with four RBIs as the Phillies, who have the best record in majors (28-12), won for the 13th time in 15 games. Taijuan Walker (3-0) earned the win, allowing eight hits and one run in six innings. Cristian Pache had three hits and Johan Rojas drove in two runs.

      Vidal Brujan hit his first homer of the year for Miami, which lost its fifth straight game. Otto Lopez hit a two-run blast in the ninth.

      Rays 7, Yankees 2

      Randy Arozarena had a home run, a double and drove in four runs, Yandy Diaz went deep and finished with two RBIs and Tampa Bay got past New York in St. Petersburg, Fla.

      Arozarena went 2-for-3, scored twice and walked. Diaz was 3-for-4 with two doubles and three runs. Ben Rortvedt walked twice and scored.

      The Yankees' Anthony Volpe went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a stolen base, and Austin Wells doubled and scored.

      Tigers 8, Astros 2

      Mark Canha hit a grand slam, Kerry Carpenter blasted a pair of homers and host Detroit cruised past Houston.

      Tarik Skubal (5-0) gave up two runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings while striking out seven for the Tigers, who had lost six of their previous seven games. Shelby Miller and Tyler Holton combined to get the last eight outs.

      Astros starter Cristian Javier (2-1) was roughed up in his return from the injured list. Javier, who hadn't started since April 14 due to neck discomfort, surrendered seven runs on five hits and four walks in 1 1/3 innings.

      White Sox 3, Guardians 1

      Nicky Lopez, Martin Maldonado and Andrew Benintendi drove in runs and three pitchers combined for 4 1/3 innings of hitless relief as Chicago topped visiting Cleveland.

      After needing 28 games to earn their first six victories, the White Sox have won four straight and six of eight. The bullpen relay of Tim Hill (1-0), Jared Shuster and John Brebbia walked one and struck out four. Brebbia pitched a perfect ninth for his first save.

      Cleveland right-hander Triston McKenzie retired the final 14 batters he faced and gave up only one earned run in 6 2/3 innings, but he took the loss to fall to 2-3.

      Brewers 5, Cardinals 3

      Rhys Hoskins belted a three-run home run in the seventh inning to rally Milwaukee past visiting St. Louis, extending the Cardinals' losing streak to seven games.

      Andrew Kittredge (0-2) came on in relief with one out in the seventh. William Contreras walked and advanced to third on Jake Bauers' two-out single. Hoskins then sent a 3-2 pitch 407 feet to center field for his ninth homer of 2024.

      The Cardinals threatened in the ninth with consecutive two-out singles by Lars Nootbaar and Paul Goldschmidt, but Trevor Megill got Nolan Arenado to fly out to right -- notching his fourth save in four chances. Milwaukee has won eight straight vs. St. Louis.

      Giants 5, Reds 1

      Matt Chapman launched a first-inning grand slam and San Francisco evened its three-game series against visiting Cincinnati.

      The Giants loaded the bases against Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo (3-2) on two hits and a walk, and Chapman hit a 416-foot blast to center field for his fifth homer of the season. Taylor Rogers (1-1) relieved rookie starter Mason Black in the fifth to pitch out of a jam and get the win.

      Elly De La Cruz homered to lead off the fourth, his ninth long ball of the season, to trim the Reds' deficit to 4-1. Lodolo was pulled after six innings, allowing four runs and five hits.

      Rockies 8, Rangers 3

      Elias Diaz delivered a go-ahead RBI single in a six-run seventh inning that propelled Colorado past Texas in Denver and guaranteed the Rockies their first series win of the season.

      Ryan McMahon had four hits and scored two runs for the Rockies, while Diaz and Brendan Rodgers collected two hits apiece. Colorado's three-game winning streak is its longest since it won five straight last September.

      Colorado starter Ryan Feltner allowed two hits over six innings before three relievers held the Rangers to three hits over the last three innings. Ezequiel Duran and Leody Taveras each had two hits for Texas.

      Dodgers 5, Padres 0

      James Paxton fired six shutout innings and Teoscar Hernandez belted a grand slam as Los Angeles blanked host San Diego.

      Paxton (5-0) gave up four hits, walked none and struck out four in improving to 3-1 in six career starts against San Diego. Matt Waldron (1-5) pitched well but still took the loss, permitting two hits and two runs over 5 1/3 innings.

      Freddie Freeman's solo homer in the first turned out to be the only run the Dodgers needed, but the game was still tense until Hernandez delivered his big swing in the sixth. Waldron and reliever Adrian Morejon set up the slam with control troubles.

      Angels 9, Royals 3

      Jo Adell's three-run homer sparked Los Angeles early and a four-run seventh inning helped put away Kansas City in a victory in Anaheim, Calif.

      Kevin Pillar, starting in center field for the Angels, had three hits, including a triple and a two-out, two-run single in the seventh. He finished with three RBIs. All the offense benefited Angels starter Tyler Anderson (3-4), who earned the victory after working 6 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs on seven hits.

      Royals starter Cole Ragans (2-3) yielded seven runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. Bobby Witt Jr. went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run for Kansas City.

      Athletics 8, Mariners 1

      Joey Estes pitched five innings to earn his first major league victory as Oakland defeated host Seattle.

      Max Schuemann hit a three-run double with two outs in the eighth inning and JJ Bleday added a two-run homer in the ninth as the A's pulled away late. Estes (1-0) allowed one run on two hits, with no walks and five strikeouts.

      Cal Raleigh homered for the Mariners, who missed a chance to move past Texas and into first place in the American League West.

      --Field Level Media

  • Giants' Michael Conforto leaves game with apparent leg issue
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    San Francisco left fielder Michael Conforto left Saturday's game against the visiting Cincinnati Reds in the fourth inning with an apparent right leg injury.

    • Conforto, who leads the Giants in home runs (7) and slugging percentage (.490), exited after making a hard turn at first base following a one-out single. He appeared to grab at the back of his right thigh before leaving the field.

      Mike Yastrzemski came on to pinch run and stayed in the game in right field. Heliot Ramos moved from right field to left field.

      In his second season with the Giants after seven with the New York Mets, the 31-year-old Conforto is hitting .280 with 20 RBIs after going 1-for-2 on Saturday. He is a career .254 hitter with 154 home runs and 474 RBIs.

      His injury comes one day after center fielder Austin Slater left Friday's game in the second inning with concussion symptoms after hitting an outfield wall while trying to make a catch. Also, center fielder Jung Hoo Lee is listed as day to day with a foot injury.

      --Field Level Media

  • Tigers place struggling RHP Kenta Maeda on 15-day IL
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    The Detroit Tigers placed right-handed starter Kenta Maeda (viral illness) on the 15-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to Wednesday, and recalled outfielder Akil Baddoo.

    • Maeda appears to be the latest to catch a bug going through the Tigers players and staff over the past week or so.

      Detroit outfielder Mark Canha was out of action for a few games due to illness.

      Maeda's most recent start, Tuesday at the Cleveland Guardians, ended early after the veteran allowed three walks, five hits and seven runs in only two innings.

      Maeda, 36, saw his ERA rise to 6.75 over seven starts this season.

      Baddoo, 25, was hitting .257 with four home runs and 11 stolen bases in 30 games at Triple-A Toledo this season.

      Matt Manning is expected to be recalled to start Monday's game against the Miami Marlins. Manning was scratched from his Saturday assignment at Toledo.

      --Field Level Media

  • Giants activate C Patrick Bailey, place Austin Slater on IL
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    The San Francisco Giants activated catcher Patrick Bailey from the 7-day concussion injured list and placed outfielder Austin Slater on that same list in advance of Saturday's home game against the Cincinnati Reds.

    • The team also brought up infielder/outfielder Brett Wisely from Triple-A Sacramento and optioned catcher Jackson Reetz to Sacramento.

      Slater was injured Friday when he crashed into the outfield wall in the first inning against the Reds. He has only five hits in 39 at-bats (.128) through 25 games in 2024 after hitting .270 in 89 games last season.

      Bailey was sidelined after taking a foul ball off his mask last Saturday.

      A first-round pick of the Giants in 2020, Bailey is slashing.278/.344/.456 through 25 games with three home runs and 10 RBIs.

      In 32 games with Sacramento, Wisely slashed .311/.403/.487 with four home runs and 14 RBIs.

      --Field Level Media

  • Max Fried, Braves working on combined no-hitter
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried did not allow a hit through seven innings during Saturday's game against the host New York Mets.

    • Fried was removed before the start of the bottom of the eighth inning after throwing 109 pitches and was replaced by right-hander Joe Jimenez.

      Jimenez issued two walks but got out of the potential jam with two consecutive strikeouts, leaving Atlanta one inning away from a combined no-hitter.

      The Braves had a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning, getting a two-run home run from Orlando Arcia in the third inning and an RBI single from Michael Harris II in the fourth.

      Fried ended his day with three walks and five strikeouts, two starts after he did not give up a hit over six innings against the Seattle Mariners and was removed after throwing 100 pitches. That outing came one start after a 92-pitch complete-game shutout against the Miami Marlins.

      Fried entered the outing with a 2-1 record and a 4.23 ERA in seven starts. He was coming off his lone loss of the season when he gave up four runs with three walks over seven innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

      --Field Level Media

  • Rays RHP Pete Fairbanks (nerve issues) activated off IL
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks was activated from the 15-day injured list prior to Saturday's game against the visiting New York Yankees.

    • Fairbanks hasn't pitched in a game since April 17 due to nerve-related issues in his pitching hand.

      Fairbanks, 30, told reporters that multiple MRI exams didn't reveal any structural damage in his right arm.

      "I was able to figure out some things on the nerve side of things and get the pathways from neck to fingertips kind of back where they needed to be and unencumbered," Fairbanks told reporters on Saturday. "I feel like myself. I felt like I was starting to get there, despite the results. The stuff was definitely trending where it needed to be, and obviously (I had) a little bit of a setback, but I think we're right back where we left off."

      Fairbanks was just 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in eight appearances earlier this season. He had three saves and struck out 10 in seven innings but also walked eight.

      Last season, Fairbanks recorded 25 saves while going 2-4 with a 2.58 ERA in 49 appearances.

      Overall, Fairbanks is 13-18 with a 3.46 ERA and 43 saves in 176 career appearances (two starts) with the Texas Rangers (2019) and Rays. He has struck out 239 in just 166 2/3 innings.

      Tampa Bay optioned right-hander Edwin Uceta to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move. The 26-year-old was recalled earlier this week and gave up one hit and struck out five in four innings over two scoreless appearances.

      --Field Level Media

  • RHP Paul Skenes strikes out 7 in Pirates debut
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    The future is now for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who officially added top pitching prospect Paul Skenes to the active roster Saturday to make his much-anticipated debut against the Chicago Cubs.

    • Skenes struck out seven in four-plus innings and was charged with three runs on six hits and two walks. He left the game after surrendering a leadoff double and an infield single in the fifth with the Pirates leading 6-1. Skenes made 84 pitches, 54 for strikes, and reached 100 mph on 17 pitches.

      After Skenes left, three relievers combined to give up six bases-loaded walks and an RBI single as the Cubs took an 8-6 lead. The seven-run inning also included a two-hour, 20-minute rain delay. The Pirates rallied to win 10-9.

      As the Pirates selected the contract of Skenes, right-hander Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment, opening spots on the active roster as well as the 40-man roster. The Pirates also placed infielder Ke'Bryan Hayes on the injured list with low back inflammation and recalled infielder Alika Williams from Triple-A Indianapolis.

      The 21-year-old Skenes made a rapid ascent through the minor leagues after he was the No. 1 overall pick in last year's major league draft. At 307 days, his time to reach the major leagues is faster than any No. 1 overall selection in 35 years, since Ben McDonald of the Orioles was called up in 1989.

      Pittsburgh will look for an immediate boost from Skenes, who posted a 0.99 ERA and 45 strikeouts across 27 1/3 innings in seven starts at Indianapolis this season.

      The 6-foot-6 LSU product, who is a Southern California native, has drawn raves for his triple-digit fastball and four other elite pitches.

      "I'm excited he's here," Pirates manager Derek Shelton said in anticipation of the move. "He deserves it. He's proven that he needed to be in the big leagues."

      Contreras, 24, made 12 relief appearances for the Pirates this season and went 1-0 with a 4.41 ERA.

      Hayes, 27, was batting .240 with one home run and 11 RBIs in 34 games this season. In five seasons with the Pirates, he is a career .262 hitter with 34 home runs and 162 RBIs in 414 games.

      Williams, 25, started the season on the Opening Day roster and was batting .239 with three extra-base hits and two RBIs in 15 games for Pittsburgh before he was optioned to Indianapolis on Friday.

      --Field Level Media

  • Astros activate RHP Cristian Javier to face Tigers
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    The Houston Astros activated right-hander Cristian Javier to the active roster Saturday and designated right-hander Brandon Bielak for assignment.

    • The anticipated move allows Javier to start Saturday's road game against the Detroit Tigers. He had been on the injured list since April 21 because of neck discomfort.

      Javier, 27, was 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA in four starts to open the season. In five seasons with the Astros, he is 32-17 with a 3.47 ERA in 113 appearances (79 starts).

      The Astros' rotation now has Javier, Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez all back from the injured list since late April.

      Bielak, 28, had a 5.71 ERA in 10 relief appearances for Houston. Also with five seasons of experience for the Astros, Bielak is 11-13 lifetime with a 4.65 ERA in 70 appearances (21 starts). He made a career-high 13 starts in 15 appearances last season and went 5-6 with a 3.83 ERA.

      --Field Level Media

  • MLB roundup: Padres walk off, halt Dodgers' win streak
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    Luis Arraez lined a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday night as the San Diego Padres snapped the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers' seven-game winning streak with a 2-1 decision.

    • Luis Campusano started the inning with his and the team's second hit of the game, a double into the left field corner off Michael Grove (1-2). After Ha-Seong Kim struck out, Arraez laced a first-pitch fastball into center field and pinch runner Tyler Wade easily beat the throw home. Robert Suarez (2-0) worked a 1-2-3 top of the ninth for the win.

      Robert Suarez (2-0) worked a 1-2-3 top of the ninth for the win, San Diego's seventh in nine games. It was only the third loss in 17 games for Los Angeles, which still leads the second-place Padres by 5 1/2 games in the National League West.

      Neither starter was involved in the decision despite dominating performances. The Dodgers' Tyler Glasnow gave up just one hit and one run in seven innings, walking two and fanning 10 to take over the major league lead in strikeouts with 73. However, the Padres' Michael King outpitched him in his seven scoreless innings, permitting only two hits and three walks while striking out 11.

      Brewers 11, Cardinals 2

      Highly touted prospect Robert Gasser delivered six scoreless innings in his big league debut to pace host Milwaukee to a victory over St. Louis, extending the Cardinals' losing streak to six games.

      Gasser (1-0), called up from Triple-A Nashville earlier in the day, allowed just a pair of early singles. The 24-year-old left-hander, acquired in the 2022 deadline deal that sent All-Star closer Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres, struck out four, walked none and hit one batter in his 79-pitch outing.

      The Cardinals scored one run in the seventh off Kevin Herget on a walk and two-out double by Alec Burleson. Lance Lynn (1-1) allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits in 4 2/3 innings while walking two and striking out five.

      Braves 4, Mets 2

      Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies and Matt Olson homered in the third inning for visiting Atlanta, who beat New York in the opener of a three-game series.

      Charlie Morton (3-0) tossed seven strong innings to earn the victory for the Braves, who have won three straight following a three-game losing streak.

      The Mets had their two-game winning streak snapped and fell for the fourth time in six games. Francisco Lindor hit a solo shot and Pete Alonso added an RBI single, but Jose Quintana (1-4) took the loss, allowing all four runs.

      Yankees 2, Rays 0

      Clarke Schmidt fired 6 2/3 scoreless innings, Anthony Rizzo drove in both runs and New York earned a shutout victory over Tampa Bay at St. Petersburg, Fla.

      Schmidt (4-1) won for the third time in four starts, while limiting the Rays to five hits and two walks while striking out six in 87 pitches. Rizzo went 2-for-4 with a home run. Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Trevino and Jon Berti also had two hits apiece, while Aaron Judge walked twice and scored a run.

      In his season debut for the Rays, Taj Bradley (0-1) was impressive. Using an upper 90s fastball, the right-hander allowed just one run on four hits over six innings with seven strikeouts and two walks.

      Phillies 8, Marlins 2

      Ranger Suarez struck out nine in seven scoreless innings, and Nick Castellanos homered in front of his hometown fans as Philadelphia defeated host Miami.

      Castellanos is from Davie, Fla., 24 miles from the Marlins' stadium. Johan Rojas also homered, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Suarez (7-0) continued his impressive start, lowering his ERA to 1.50 as the Phillies - who have the National League's best record -- won for the 12th time in 14 games.

      Miami has one of the worst records in the majors, and it trails the Phillies by 17 1/2 games in the NL East. Trevor Rogers (0-6) took the loss as the Marlins fell to 0-8 when he starts this season. He is also 1-6 in 10 career starts against Philadelphia.

      Orioles 4, Diamondbacks 2

      Cole Irvin worked 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball in Baltimore's victory over visiting Arizona.

      Irvin (4-1) won his fourth consecutive start, and Yennier Cano tossed a scoreless ninth inning for his second save. Jordan Westburg and Gunnar Henderson had run-scoring doubles as the Orioles won for the sixth time in seven games.

      Ketel Marte homered and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had two hits for the Diamondbacks, whose season-high, four-game winning streak ended. Brandon Pfaadt (1-3) gave up three runs in six innings.

      Royals 2, Angels 1

      Adam Frazier's two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning flipped the game and lifted Kansas City to a victory over Los Angeles in Anaheim, Calif.

      The Angels finished with only five hits, including Jo Adell's solo homer in the fifth. Angels starter Griffin Canning and three relievers combined to shut out the Royals for eight innings, handing the ball over to closer Carlos Estevez with a 1-0 lead.

      With one out in the ninth, MJ Melendez got his third hit of the game with a single off Estevez (0-2). Frazier followed and got a 96-mph fastball on a 2-0 count, hitting the ball over the fence in right for his first homer of the season and a 2-1 Royals advantage.

      Twins 3, Blue Jays 2

      Carlos Santana hit the go-ahead home run in the fifth, Joe Ryan pitched seven strong innings and visiting Minnesota defeated Toronto.

      Carlos Correa added two hits and two runs for the Twins, who have won 16 of their past 18 games. Ryan (2-2) allowed one run and six hits with seven strikeouts. Griffin Jax earned his fifth save of the season despite allowing a run in the bottom of the ninth.

      Isiah Kiner-Falefa drove in both of the Blue Jays' runs, including one on a solo homer, in the opener of a three-game series. The Blue Jays have lost 11 of their past 15 games. Toronto starter Yusei Kikuchi (2-3) allowed two runs, four hits and struck out three in eight innings.

      Cubs 7, Pirates 2

      Cody Bellinger had four hits, including a solo homer and two doubles, and visiting Chicago opened a three-game series against Pittsburgh with a victory.

      Christopher Morel and Ian Happ each contributed two hits and an RBI while Nick Madrigal added a two-run single as Chicago won for the fourth time in six games. Reliever Ben Brown (1-1) struck out six over 3 2/3 scoreless innings for his first major league victory.

      Oneil Cruz had two hits and Nick Gonzales singled home two runs for Pittsburgh, which is 6-17 in its past 23 games. The Pirates were outhit 14-7 and went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

      Nationals 5, Red Sox 1

      Patrick Corbin pitched five innings to earn his first victory of the season as visiting Washington kicked off a three-game series against Boston with a win.

      Corbin (1-3) limited Boston to a run on seven hits. He struck out four and walked one, throwing 54 of his 86 pitches for strikes. Trey Lipscomb had a two-run single for the Nationals, who got two hits from both Eddie Rosario and Victor Robles.

      The Red Sox have lost six of their last seven, and they have totaled seven runs in those six losses. Starter Tanner Houck (3-4) went seven innings, surrendering three runs on six hits, walking one and striking out four.

      Astros 5, Tigers 2

      Jeremy Pena knocked in the go-ahead run during a four-run, eighth-inning rally as visiting Houston downed Detroit.

      Kyle Tucker homered and scored two runs for Houston, while Pena and Yordan Alvarez each had two hits and an RBI. The Astros have won two straight after a four-game losing streak. Astros starter Framber Valdez (2-1) gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked two. Josh Hader pitched around a walk in the ninth for his fifth save.

      Matt Vierling knocked in both Detroit runners with a double, but he committed a key error in Houston's winning rally. Tigers starter Casey Mize yielded one run on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts in six innings. Detroit has lost six of its past seven games.

      Rockies 4, Rangers 2

      Charlie Blackmon hit a tiebreaking, two-out double in the eighth inning and Colorado produced its first winning streak of the year with a victory over Texas in Denver.

      The Rockies got the latest victory thanks to an eighth-inning rally. Doyle singled to left, stole second and Jake Cave was intentionally walked. Grant Anderson (0-1) fanned Elehuris Montero for the second out before Blackmon hit a two-run double to center to put Colorado ahead.

      Jake Bird (1-1) got the win in relief, and Jalen Beeks pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his second save. Corey Seager homered and doubled and Ezequiel Duran also had two hits for Texas.

      Mariners 8, Athletics 1

      Dylan Moore homered and drove in a career-high five runs as Seattle defeated visiting Oakland in the opener of a three-game series.

      Oakland avoided the shutout thanks to Lawrence Butler's RBI broken-bat grounder up the middle with two outs in the ninth off Austin Voth. The Mariners broke a scoreless tie by scoring five times off A's right-hander Paul Blackburn (3-2) in the fourth inning.

      Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo, making his season debut, left after 4 1/3 scoreless innings due to precautionary reasons, the club said. Trent Thornton (1-1) pitched 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief for the victory.

      Reds 4, Giants 2

      Andrew Abbott and four relievers combined on a seven-hitter, Stuart Fairchild homered and Cincinnati held on to beat host San Francisco and snap an eight-game losing streak.

      Elly De La Cruz followed two hits with stolen bases that led to runs as the Reds spoiled the opener of San Francisco's nine-game homestand. Abbott (2-4) tossed five innings of two-run ball, and Alexis Diaz pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save.

      Thairo Estrada homered for the Giants. Logan Webb (3-4) went seven innings, allowing three runs (two earned).

      White Sox 6, Guardians 3

      Korey Lee and Paul DeJong connected on back-to-back home runs and Garrett Crochet struck out a career-high 11 in six shutout innings to lift host Chicago to a win against Cleveland.

      Crochet (3-4) allowed five hits and no walks. Jordan Leasure recorded the final four outs for his second save. Andrew Benintendi, Lee and DeJong had two hits apiece for the White Sox.

      Guardians starter Carlos Carrasco (2-3) yielded five runs, three earned, in seven innings. Cleveland's Tyler Freeman and Jose Ramirez homered.

      --Field Level Media

  • Mariners RHP Bryan Woo exits season debut with injury
    By Field Level Media / Saturday, May 11, 2024

    Seattle right-hander Bryan Woo left his season debut after 4 1/3 scoreless innings Friday night against the visiting Oakland Athletics for precautionary reasons, according to the Mariners.

    • Manager Scott Servais said postgame that Woo should be ready for his next scheduled start. Woo added that he will take it "day by day."

      Woo allowed just one hit and left with the Mariners leading 5-0, just two outs shy of qualifying for a victory in a game Seattle won 8-1. Woo missed the start of the season with right elbow inflammation.

      After Woo retired Oakland's Tyler Soderstrom on a foul popup to open the fifth inning, Servais, pitching coach Pete Woodworth and a member of the team's training staff came to the mound to check on Woo, who had thrown 62 pitches.

      Woo walked off with the trainer and Trent Thornton was called in from the bullpen.

      As a rookie in 2023, the 24-year-old Woo was 4-5 with a 4.21 ERA in 18 starts for Seattle.

      --Field Level Media