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With Brandon Woodruff suffering a classic case of dead arm before exiting a game, it's time to go over possible replacement options for the veteran right-handed pitcher. In this video, we will walk through the possibilities that Logan Henderson, Shane Drohan, Robert Gasser, or a bullpen game structure takes over the spot of Woodruff in his absence. View the full article

After a slow 7-9 start to the season, the Chicago Cubs bounced back in a major way. The North Siders won 12 of their next 15 games and headed into May with a 19-12 record. All of the focus from March & April was on the Cubs offense, as it ranked near the top of the league in almost every major category. What didn't get a ton of recognition, though, was a Chicago pitching staff that felt like it lost another member with every passing day. Manager Craig Counsell and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy deserve quite the praise for getting the staff through an early stretch of the season that included games against the Phillies, Dodgers and Padres. While contributions from the entire rotation and bullpen led the Cubs to seven games over .500, the four pitchers below did the best work through the first 31 games of the season. Ranking Cubs' Best Pitchers in April Honorable Mention: Riley Martin Stats: 8 G, 2.16 ERA, 8.1 IP, 2 BB, 10K Martin was activated to make his MLB debut in early April, and he impressed in doing so. He quickly turned into a high-leverage reliever for Counsell, and he made the most of each opportunity. His most impressive work may have very well been getting out of a bases-loaded jam against the Phillies in the middle of the Cubs' big winning streak. Unfortunately for Martin, he's suffered an injury and is currently one of 12 Chicago pitchers on the injured list. He will certainly be a welcome addition when he returns to the staff. #3: Edward Cabrera Stats: 6 GS, 3.06 ERA, 35.1 IP, 12 BB, 29 K Cabrera was the big offseason acquisition for Chicago in the offseason. He was acquired from the Miami Marlins in exchange for then-top prospect Owen Caissie and others. Though Cabrera has been a bit shaky of late, his 3.06 ERA is the second-best for a Cubs' starter so far this season, trailing only behind our No. 1 pitcher of the month. Cabrera's advanced aren't quite as positive as his surface-level results, so that'll be something to keep an eye on in the month of May. #2: Ben Brown Stats: 10 G, 1.99 ERA, 22.2 IP, 7 BB, 22 K What a world we live in where an argument could be made that Ben Brown has been the best pitchers for the Cubs through the first month-plus of the year. The beleaguered right-hander has found success with a newly added sinker and added fastball velocity this season. Last season, Brown's fastball averaged 95.8 mph, but this year that number is back up to 96.5 mph. Opponents are hitting just .210 against Brown overall, and just .135 against his knuckle curve. His ability to provide length out of the bullpen during the current stretch with numerous injured pitchers has been instrumental to Chicago's early season success. #1: Shota Imanaga Stats: 6 GS, 2.88 ERA, 34. 1 IP, 9 BB, 38 K We all remember how poorly Imanaga pitched in the second half and the postseason in 2025. Those struggles nearly led to him not even being a part of the Cubs' roster in 2026. It is certainly a good thing that the front office (sort of) still believed in Imanaga's ability, because he's been huge to the 19-12 start. Much like the aforementioned Brown, Imanaga's fastball velocity is up from last season, a major reason for his success. Batters are hitting a lousy .171 against Imanaga this season, a number that would be the lowest of his MLB career if it were to hold up. View the full article

The New York Mets were expected to be a World Series contender before the start of the season. That can still be the case eventually, but saying that they look the part would be a lie of laughable proportions. They are, heading into May, last in the NL East with a 10-21 record. That’s the worst in baseball, in case you were wondering. If they have won 10 games to this point, it’s certainly not because of their woeful lineup, ranked dead last in baseball with an 80 wRC+. It’s because of their pitching, which has actually been pretty decent with a 4.17 ERA that ranks 15th among 30 teams. There have been a few standout performers from the mound, both in the bullpen and starting five. So, let's try and hide our shame while rewarding the three that stood out above the rest. Ranking New York Mets' Top 3 Pitchers in April 2026 #3: Tobias Myers 9 G (1 GS), 2.33 ERA, 19.1 IP, 3 BB, 16 K We could have gone with Huascar Brazoban or Brooks Raley here, but let’s stick with the newcomer Myers, who has been an asset in a multi-inning role from the bullpen. The ‘secondary piece’ of the Freddy Peralta deal has a 2.33 ERA and a 3.29 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) in 19.1 innings, spread over nine games. Myers has shown he can thrive in any role, and that versatility has been excellent for the Mets’ pitching staff during these tough times. The best part of his statistical profile is that he doesn’t give away any walks, with a beautiful 4.2 percent free-pass rate. #2: Clay Holmes 6 GS, 1.75 ERA, 36 IP, 11 BB, 25 K Many fans and members of the media will probably consider Holmes the best pitcher of the Mets in April, and it’s hard to blame them. The guy, after all, has a 1.75 ERA, the fifth-best mark among qualified MLB starters before Friday’s games. Holmes hasn’t struck out that many hitters, with his 17.6 percent rate ranking in the 24th percentile, but has thrived with an elite groundball rate (58.1 percent, in the 93rd percentile). He has ditched his slider to bring back a curveball to his arsenal for the first time since 2021, and it’s paying dividends. #1: Nolan McLean 6 GS, 2.55 ERA, 35.1 IP, 10 BB, 45 K Despite having a higher ERA than Holmes, McLean has been the more impressive of the two and takes the unofficial crown given to the Mets’ pitcher of the month. Simply put, the young right-hander has blossomed into an ace, and nobody can dispute it anymore. He boasts an elite 2.55 ERA with an even-better 2.26 FIP, suggesting that the best may be yet to come for the rookie sensation. McLean has struck out 33.3 percent of the hitters he has faced this year, against just a 7.4 percent walk rate, an unequivocal proof of his dominance. He is tied for fifth in MLB with 1.3 fWAR among all qualified pitchers. Peralta is excellent, and Holmes has made an amazing transition to starting pitching. However, there’s no question that the Mets want McLean on the mound in a do-or-die game... should they ever get that far this year. Honorable Mentions: Freddy Peralta, Brooks Raley, Huascar Brazoban View the full article

John Klein has had an up-and-down start to the 2026 season with the Saints, but the pitch stuff has still been there as he's racking up plenty of strikeouts with each outing. But where is he on the 40-man pecking order, and how long could it be until he's with the Twins bullpen? View the full article

As you are reading this (on Saturday morning), the Florida Complex League (FCL) Twins players are anxiously preparing for their first official game of the season, going through their pre-game routine for their first game, playing their first game of the season, or basking in the knowledge that their 2026 season has begun. Think about it. Several of these players got to Fort Myers in January, or at least in late February when minor-league camp officially began. Players left Fort Myers for St. Paul, Wichita and Cedar Rapids a little over a month ago. These players continued their spring training work through the past month. Some of them filled in briefly for the Mussels at night. On Saturday morning, the Red Sox FCL team will travel a few miles west on Daniels Parkway. They’ll take a left on Plantation, go past the high school, and take a left into the Twins training facilities. The teams will play on Bill Smith Field. Tristan Toorie is taking over the managerial job of the FCL Twins after being a coach the last couple of seasons. He will be joined by pitching coaches Mathew Hartshorn, Ryan Meisinger, and Dan Urbina. Carter Kessinger is the rehab pitching coach, working with pitchers throughout the organization who are rehabbing in Fort Myers. The hitting coaches are Steven Cardona and Emilio Guerrero. Jairo Rodriguez is the team’s Development Coach. The long-time Twins minor league catcher has spent the past decade coaching all over in the Twins organization. The Pitchers There are 15 active pitchers on the FCL Twins roster. It is a strange, but fairly typical, group of pitchers. Five of the pitchers are 23 and older. They are recent late-round draft picks or recent minor-league signings staying ready for when they may be needed. The roster is composed of six pitchers from the Dominican Republic, five from the US, and four from Venezuela. . There are five pitchers who are under the age of 20 including two very high-end 17-year-olds. LHP: Matthew Becker (23), Yordi Jose (19). RHP: Jesse Bergin (26), Santiago Castellanos (17), Hendry Chivilli (20), Cristian Hernandez (21), Carter Holjes (24), Rainer Marin (20), Nick McAuliffe (25), Omar Montano (20), Melvin Rodriguez (20), Santiago Rojas (19), Yoel Roque (19), Brad Rudis (23), Geremy Villoria (17). Matthew Becker (23): He was the Twins 19th round pick in the 2025 draft out of the University of South Carolina. The 6-3, 215-pound lefty was signed by Ty Dawson. Last Sunday, he was promoted to the Mighty Mussels and threw 3 2/3 innings of their combined no hitter only to be sent back to the FCL the next day. Jesse Bergin(26): After three seasons at UCLA, Bergin was the 11th round pick of the Marlins. He was injured and didn’t pitch at all in 2022 or 2023. In 2024, he pitched in 25 games, most of them at Low-A Jupiter where he posted a 1.64 ERA. In 2025, he played five games at High-A and then 35 games at Double-A Pensacola. He went 2-4 with five saves and a 2.51 ERA. In 43 innings, he had 41 strikeouts and 17 walks. The Marlins released him in early March, and the Twins signed him a week to 10 days ago. Santiago Castellanos (17): Signed by Edgar Guerra on January 15, 2025, from Venezuela. In the DSL last year, he tossed 29 innings. He went 1-2 with a 2.79 ERA. He walked nine and struck out 36 batters. (He ranked #20 in my personal preseason Top 20 prospect rankings.) He was clocked Hendry Chivilli (20): Signed as a shortstop by Daniel Sanchez on January 15, 2023 from the DR. After posting sub-.600 OPS in the DSL in 2023 and the FCL in 2024, he was moved to the mound that offseason. Last year in the FCL, he went 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA. In 14 1/3 innings, he gave up eight hits, walked 10 and had 15 strikeouts. Big arm, just like his brother who pitches for the Yankees after a trade from the Rockies. Cristian Hernandez (21): Signed in January of 2023 by Manuel Luciano from the DR. He pitched in the DSL in 2023 and 2024. His 2024 season came to an end in early August with an elbow issue. He missed the entire 2025 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Carter Holjes (24): After the 6-6 right-hander pitched at UNC Wilmington for four seasons, he pitched at Florida Atlantic in 2025. He pitched for State College in the MLB Draft League last summer. He went 3-2 with a 2.17 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. In 49 2/3 innings, he walked 16 batters and struck out 72 batters. Yordi Jose (19): The 6-2 lefty signed with the Twins on July 3, 2025, out of the Dominican Republic. He tossed 8 2/3 innings over seven appearances. He gave up seven hits, five walks and struck out 11 batters. Rainer Marin (20): He signed in January of 2025 out of Venezuela by Oswaldo Troncosis. He pitched in 11 games (6 starts) for the DSL Twins last season. In 29 innings, he gave up 29 hits, walked 27 and had 27 strikeouts. Nick McAuliffe (25): What a winding road to pro ball. A native of New Jersey, he pitched at Kutztown (Pennsylvania), Mercer CC in New Jersey, the University of New Orleans, and East Stroudburg University in Pennsylvania where he pitched in 2023 and 2024. He played for summer college leagues in Pennsylvania, Texas, North Carolina and Vermont. In 2025, he pitched in two games for Sioux City in the American Association and 39 games for Evansville of the Frontier League. He signed with the Twins 10 days ago and was quickly assigned to Cedar Rapids. He pitched in one game there before returning to the FCL. Omar Montano (20): Signed out of the DR in August of 2024, he pitched one inning in just one game in the DSL Last year, he made 12 starts and threw 31 2/3 innings. He went 0-6 with a 10.80 ERA. He gave up 48 hits, walked 19 batters, hit eight batters, and threw 11 wild pitches. He had 32 strikeouts. Melvin Rodriguez (20): Signed by Manuel Luciano in January of 2024 out of the DR, Rodriguez has primarily been a starter. In 2024 in the DSL, he made eight starts and three relief appearances. He went 3-3 with a 2.72 ERA. In 46 1/3 innings, he had 48 strikeouts and just 12 walks. Last year in the FCL, he made nine starts and two relief appearances. He was 4-2 with a 3.53 ERA. In 43 1/3 innings, he had 32 strikeouts and 22 walks. Seeing his walk rate jump and his strikeout rate fall likely explains why he is returning to the FCL. Santiago Rojas (19): Alvaro Gomez signed Rojas in January of 2024 out of Venezuela. 10 of his 11 appearances in the DSL in 2024 were starts. In 40 1/3 innings, he had 41 strikeouts but 27 walks. He posted a 4.02 ERA and opponents hit .238 against him. Pitched just two innings over two games in the FCL last year before joining on the 60-Day IL with a lumbar spine fracture. Yoel Roque (19): The 6-2 Dominican right-hander was signed by Manuel Luciano in January of 2024. In 10 games (3 starts) and 24 2/3 innings in the DSL in 2024, Roque went 0-2 with a 6.93 ERA. He had 33 strikeouts, but he also walked 29 batters. He made 10 starts last year for the FCL Twins and went a total of 11 2/3 innings. He was 0-3 with a 16.97 ERA. He gave up 16 hits, walked 17, hit three, and struck out 13 batters. Brad Rudis (23): The Twins signed Rudis in early November. He had spent four years working out of the Texas A&M bullpen. He went 15-1 with three saves. Went undrafted but pitched well for Williamsport in the MLB Draft League. He made 10 starts and seven relief appearances. Geremy Villoria (17): He was signed in January 2025 out of Venezuela, the 6-2, 175 pound right-hander was the youngest pitcher in the DSL last year. He made five starts for the Phillies Red team of the DSL. In 14 innings, he had walked four and struck out 19 batters. He was traded to the Twins with Hendry Mendez in exchange for Harrison Bader. He pitched in three games and eight innings after joining the Twins. He posted a 2.25 ERA. The Hitters There are 18 hitters on the active roster. Ten from Venezuela and eight are from the Dominican Republic. The 2025 DSL Twins had a very talented group of young hitters. The Catchers All five FCL Twins catchers are from Venezuela, including three from Barquisimeto. A random fact is that there is a 17-year-old, an 18-year-old, a 19-year-old, a 20-year-old, and a 21-year-old. Daniel Pena (21), Ricardo Pena (20), Victor Leal (19), Pablo Castillo (18), and Miguel Caraballo (17). Miguel Caraballo (17): Signed by the Giants in January of 2025. Spent last season with the DSL Giants Orange squad. In 41 games, he hit .264/.432/.442 (.874) with four doubles, two triples, and five home runs. Came to the Twins in a December trade for Twins Rule 5 pick (Daniel Susac). Won’t turn 18 until the end of August. Pablo Castillo (18): Signed by Alant Moncion on January 15, 2025, from Venezuela. In 28 DSL Twins games last year, he hit .315/.474/.411(.885) with four doubles and a homer. He had 14 walks and was hit by eight pitches. Victor Leal(19): Oswaldo Troconis signed Leal out of Venezuela in January of 2024. In 2024, he played 43 games in the DSL and hit .230/.364/.333 (.697) with four doubles and three homers. Had 21 walks to 15 strikeouts. In 30 games in the FCL last year, he hit .161/.345/.161 (.507). He had 17 walks to 12 strikeouts. Daniel Pena (21): Signed in January 2022 out of Venezuela, Pena hit .304 in the DSL in 2022. He hit .278/.376/.474 (.850) with four doubles and five home runs. In 2024, he started the season injured and played in nine rehab games in the FCL (and hit .308 with a .938 OPS). He hit .195 in 36 games for Fort Myers that year as well. He spent the full 2025 season in Fort Myers. He played in 55 games and hit .199/.302/.265 (.567) with six doubles and two homers. He played quite a bit of first base the first couple of seasons as a pro, but now he has only caught since 2024. Ricardo Pena (20): Like Daniel Pena, the Twins signed Ricardo Pena on January 19, 2022 from Venezuela. He played two seasons in the DSL. In 33 games in the FCL in 2024, he hit .361/.481/.489 (.970) with eight doubles and a homer. His 2025 season began with 10 games in the FCL before a late-May promotion to the Mussels. He played in 12 games (and hit .150) before going on the Injured List with a back impingement. The Infielders Yilber Herrera (21), Daiber De Los Santos (19), Haritzon Castillo (18), Jose Barrios (18), Darwin Almanzar (18). Darwin Almanzar (18): Signed by Manuel Luciano on January 15, 2025 from the DR. In 44 games last year in the DSL, he hit .252/347/.496 (.843) with 17 doubles, a triple, and six home runs. His 17 doubles led the DSL. He led the DSL in doubles, homers and RBI (41). Jose Barrios (18): Signed by Oswaldo Troconis on January 15, 2025, from Venezuela. In the DSL last year, he hit .254/.352/.361 (.713). In 37 games, he had three doubles, two triples, and two home runs. Haritzon Castillo (18): Signed in January 2025 by Marlon Nava from Venezuela. In 39 DSL games last year, he hit .283/.395/.428 (.823) with eight doubles, three triples and two homers. He was 12-for-15 in stolen base attempts. He also had 24 walks to 22 strikeouts. Lone Twins representative in the DSL Mid-Season All Star game. Daiber De Los Santos (19): Signed in January 2024 by Luis Lajara from the DR. Ended 2024 in the DSL strong, hitting .301/.384/.460 (.844) with 11 doubles, a triple, five homers and even 17 stolen bases. In 48 FCL games last year, he hit .167/.296/.333 (.629) with 10 doubles, two triples, and four homers. Stole 15 bases. Struck out so much (89 in 180 PA).Season ended early due to a torn left labrum tear. Yilber Herrera(21): The infielder signed by Fred Guerrero in January of 2022 from the DR. He spent two seasons in the DSL. He played the last two seasons in the FCL. After hitting .226 (.737) with three doubles, a triple and two homers in 2024, he hit just .128 (.611) with two doubles and two homers in 39 games. That rough season is surprising as he had 30 walks to 28 strikeouts. He played 10 games for Fort Myers in 2025. He has hit .179 with a .395 on-base percentage over 13 games with the Mussels this season. The Outfielders There are eight players listed as outfielders on the roster. None of them will be 20 until just before Halloween. OF: Ricardo Paez (19), Merphy Hernandez (19), Luis Fragoza (19), Yovanny Duran (18), Jhomnardo Reyes (18), Joyner Perez (17), Teilon Serrano (17), Carlos Taveras (17). Yovanny Duran (18): Signed on January 15, 2025, by Edgar Guerra out of Venezuela. In 46 DSL games last year, he hit .296/.452/.382 (.834) with seven doubles and three triples. Had 39 walks (to 30 strikeouts) and stole 31 bases, both of which led the DSL Twins. Luis Fragoza (19): Signed in January 2024 out of Venezuela by Edgar Guerra. That summer, he hit .259/.439/.345 (.784) with five doubles, a triple and a homer in 41 DSL games. Last year, he played in 49 games for the FCL Twins and hit .217/.349/.297(.646) with eight doubles and one home run. He has been hit by 28 pitches as a pro. 14-for-17 in steal attempts in 2025. Merphy Hernandez (19): Luis Lajara signed the lefty outfielder in January of 2024 from the DR. In 48 games in the DSL in 2024, he hit .276/.389/.417 (.806) with four doubles, six triples, and two homers. He was also 36-for-38 in steal attempts. Last year, he was limited to just 16 games in the FCL. He hit .163 with two doubles and a triple. He stole eight bases. Ricardo Paez (19): Signed by Marlon Nava out of Venezuela in January of 2024, Paez debuted in the DSL in 2024. In 36 games, he hit .263/.388/.424 (.812) with four doubles, three triples and two homers. Last year in the FCL, he played in 39 games. He hit .242/.398/.295 (.693) with three doubles and a triple. Joyner Perez (17): Daniel Sanchez signed the burly slugger out of the DR in January of 2025. In 25 games in the DSL, he hit .313/.457/494 (.951) with six doubles and three homers. He had more walks (18) than strikeouts (17). Led the DSL Twins in OPS. His batting average and on-base percentage were second on the team. Jhomnardo Reyes (18): Signed by Manuel Luciano on January 15, 2025, from the DR. In 50 games in the DSL last year, he hit .291/.386/.469 (.855) with 10 doubles, nine triples, and a home run. Reyes stands 6-3 and is about 185 pounds. He runs well. Lots of swing-and-miss. Teilon Serrano (17): Serrano was expected to sign with the Dodgers, but LA backed out of the deal and the Twins jumped in. Roman Barinas signed Serrano out of the Dominican on January 15, 2025. He played in 41 games for the DSL Twins last year. He hit .258/.386/.426 (.812) with seven doubles, two triples, and five homers. He had 21 stolen bases in 26 attempts. Carlos Taveras (17): Signed by Daniel Sanchez in February of 2025 out of the Dominican Republic. In 18 games last year in the DSL, he hit .246/.389/.438 (.827) with three doubles, a triple, and two homers. Unfortunately, in early July he had surgery to repair a left knee medial meniscus injury. INJURED IF Santiago Leon (17): Leon was signed by Edgar Guerra out of Venezuela on January 15th, 2026. Last year in the DSL, he hit .223/.391/.313 (.704) with eight doubles, two triples and a home run. He stole 11 bases in 18 attempts. He had 39 walks and 39 strikeouts. He is the son of long-time Twins scout Jose Leon. The younger Leon will spend the 2026 season on the Full Seaason Injured List. RHP Anderson Ramos (20): Signed in March of 2024 from the Dominican Republic. That year in the DSL, he pitched 30 2/3 innings over 12 games. He went 5-3 with a 5.58 ERA. He had 33 strikeouts and 16 walks. Last year, he worked 28 1/3 innings over 17 games. He was 3-3 with six saves and a 3.81 ERA. Opponents hit just .153 off of him, and he had 38 strikeouts (with 17 walks. He is also on the Full Season Injured List. RHP Rey Pacheco (19), The Twins signed the 5-9 right-hander from Mexico in late May of 2025. Despite the late signing, he worked 33 innings over 16 games. He was 5-2 with a save. He had just seven walks to 31 strikeouts. However, he begins the season on the 60-Day Injured List. View the full article

Worcester, Ma – “We joked on Sunday how we got his pitch count extended to 18 [pitches]”. Former Worcester manager Chad Tracy sat in his office talking about his old pitching staff, especially as the WooSox were dealing with being shorthanded due to a mixture of promotions to Boston and injuries. One man who remained available and has been a consistent force out of the bullpen for Tracy has been right-handed reliever Tayron Guerrero. Guerrero, who signed a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, last pitched in the majors way back in 2019, though that hasn’t stopped him from attempting to get back there. Now 35 years old, he’s fighting to get called up as he dominates the competition at Triple-A with a fastball that has hit triple digits. Having appeared in nine games, Guerrero has tossed 10 innings and allowed just one run on seven hits and three walks. In that span he struck out 11 batters and unofficially claimed the closer’s role for himself by earning three saves and finishing off five games. His dominance has been that good that it’s been tough to stretch him out. “In the five outings before that he had thrown 13 pitches and 11 pitches. He’s been pretty dominant. So, he’s been pretty locked down for us,” Tracy explained when talking about Guerrero’s pitch counts. In his last outing with Tracy as his manager, the right-hander pitched multiple innings for the first time all year, tossing 29 pitches. “He looks great, throwing hard and all spring and here he’s in the [strike] zone. He’s thrown nothing but strikes since I laid eyes on him.” The Red Sox could use an arm like his in the bullpen. While Triple-A competition is not the same as that in the major leagues, the lack of middle inning relievers has hurt the Red Sox throughout April. What helps Guerrero is when you pair his 100 mph fastball with his slider, he’s been able to not just strikeout batters at a 28.2% rate but also get them to chase at one of the highest marks in all of Triple-A, generating a chase rate of 37.68%. The only downside to Guerrero is his lack of options, meaning that should the Red Sox select his contract, they would need to either keep him on the roster for the remainder of the season or hope they could sneak the flamethrowing right-hander through waivers. That doesn’t seem to be an issue for Tracy, however. “I think he’s definitely in the conversation. There’s no doubt. All of our guys here are, but with his [Guerrero’s] stuff, I know it’s not a situation where they want to bring him up for a day, you know? It’s a good arm. I’m sure at some point a lane will present where they feel like he can contribute for an extended period of time,” Tracy explained just before his own promotion to Boston. The Red Sox have already tapped into their minor-league depth, adding two players to the 40-man roster to provide length in the bullpen. Right-hander Jack Anderson and left-hander Eduardo Rivera both made their major league debuts last month and provided innings for an otherwise-depleted bullpen. Anderson, who was acquired in the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft, made three appearances before being optioned back to Triple-A for a fresh arm. In his appearances he was mainly used during mop-up duty, being asked to pitch multiple innings when the game seemed out of hand or if Alex Cora needed to save his bullpen for another day. The right-hander flashed some impressive stuff, tossing eight innings and striking out six batters. The transformation for Anderson has been due to a slight increase in velocity along with a splitter that he added to his arsenal. “I don’t think it was in his [Anderson’s] wildest dreams or mine that Jack was going to be called up to the big leagues that quick. But I think the reason he was called up was he gets in the zone. He throws a lot of strikes and has the ability to get quick outs. The outings we’ve seen here, he gets in the zone and he’s in the zone often,” Tracy said. Much like Anderson, Rivera was called up (and replaced Anderson) when the Red Sox needed an extra arm. The left-hander had just been called up to Worcester when that same night he was given the news of being promoted once more to Boston before throwing even a single pitch in Triple-A. Upon joining Boston, there was uncertainty if he would pitch out of the bullpen or be a spot starter in the Yankees series as starter Brayan Bello was pushed back to Friday. In the end that was decided when the 6-foot-7 left-hander came on in relief during the April 22 game. Armed with a fastball that can top out at 99 mph, Rivera dominated in relief as he tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. The left-hander’s time in Boston was short, however, being sent back down to Worcester so that the team could promote Payton Tolle. Despite that, the left-hander who has a three-pitch mix led by his powerful fastball should see his name called once more when needed. Just 22 years old, he was going to be Rule 5 eligible after this season, and the team would have needed to make a decision on him sooner or later. Now. they’ll have plenty of opportunities to see what he can do. The Red Sox also have another other option they could turn to for relief help in the form of veteran right-hander Seth Martinez. Martinez has had an interesting season, as his numbers have been hurt by the long ball; having tossed 20 innings, the right-hander has a 4.95 ERA thanks in part to six home runs he’s allowed. Despite that, opponents are hitting just .194 against him and he limits walks as well as anyone in Worcester. Despite the home run problems, he’s also managed to limit hard hits, allowing them at just under 32% of the time. There’s no denying that the bullpen was the weakest area of the team entering the season and while it has cost the team a few games, it’s never too early to try and improve. The Red Sox have options waiting at Triple-A to come up and help, it’s just a matter of Craig Breslow making the call. View the full article

Transaction: RHP Easton McGee recalled to MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Norfolk (Orioles) 6, Nashville 5 Box Score and Game Log Via the Sounds, game details, and we encourage readers to always review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Late Game Rally Falls Short for Sounds in 6-5 Loss to Tides - Wilken Extends On-Base Streak Yet Again to 20 Games No Jackson Chourio, no Andrew Vaughn, and seemingly a planned day off with a return to action on Saturday for each. Pretty easy to entice you to click on that summary link, why? Apparently, the Tides' pitchers were magnetized as the first two of the four video highlights within will prove The paragraph in the notes section on Luis Lara (who authored one of those base knocks off the pitcher) is particularly impressive Oh yeah, Jett Williams is preparing for a big-league liftoff There's little doubt at this point that Jacob Waguespack is going to make his way to the big-league Brewers bullpen before 2026 ends, and perhaps in short order Even with four videos tucked into the team write-up, there's more to share: Eddys Leonard line drive RBI single to center gets the boys on the board - .982 OPS, was the DH here Relievers don't get dedicated videos very often, so kudos, Kaleb Bowman - Now for the primary story of the game - Quinn Priester laid this first-inning pitch on a platter: Following inning, same batter, hanging curve from Priester for an RBI single Another off-speed pitch left up punished - If you haven't completed your Priester box score line yet, it was 2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 1 WP, 62 pitches, 37 strikes - and this is why pitching rehab assignments are allowed to max out at 30 days. Priester's began on April 22nd, there's plenty of room for additional Nashville outings. This isn't the first time OF Jordyn Adams has been hit by a pitch this season (it's his third plunking), and yet I can't keep my brain from automatically floating to his surname partner Luke during each box score visit. Luke Adams was previously retroactively placed on the 7-day IL to April 15th, yet an apparent hand injury still has him sidelined. I've always contended that "on-base" streaks aren't worthy of all the attention the affiliates place on them - don't get me wrong, they are better than "not-on-base" streaks, but once a player reaches the 20-game mark and beyond, then the mentions are much more tolerable. Hello, Mr. Wilken. The MiLB scoreboard shows TBD as Saturday's starter, but the media notes indicate it'll be RHP Garrett Stallings pitching for only the 2nd time since April 16th, and that one outing was not pretty. Stallings will be on six days' rest. His role is supremely important to plug in as necessary given all the arm-shuffling to the big-league roster. Postponed, Biloxi at Pensacola (Marlins), rain The teams play twice on Saturday, beginning at 4:05 Central. RHP's Manuel Rodriguez and Brett Wichrowski are the scheduled starters. Catch up with the latest Biloxi pre-game audio interview archives Plus, even though these notes ended up getting soggy, you can still read your way through multiple updates: Just a guess, but it's unlikely any other organization fan site makes sure the fanbase has regular access to the media notes as we do here. The affiliate crews work hard on these (we appreciate the nuggets within!) Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes (download link) Final: Wisconsin 6, Quad Cities (Royals) 5, ten innings Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers, game details: Fischer’s Walkoff Home Run in Tenth is the Winner for Wisconsin - Rattlers rally with three in tenth inning to beat Quad Cities An example of when you watch the whole movie even though you're aware (as that game summary title tells you) of the ending. Enjoy! OK, please properly discard your popcorn container as Andrew Fischer tells us what we can do with any possible Golden Sombrero reference. The kid has a flair about him, no doubt. His blast earned him a brief MLB.com game entry article as well. The backstory bonus in this game was the bulk relief outing by Braylon Owens, Via Sportrac: "Milwaukee Brewers 2025 10th-round pick (No. 305 overall) Braylon Owens signed for a $10,000 bonus. The RHP from the University of Texas-San Antonio was an underslot senior sign, allowing the team to save money from his $189,000 slot value for other draft picks." 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 HR), 3 BB, 11 K Owens' last two outings: 11 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 17 K This side note caught our box score eye - Error: Dickinson (8, throw) 2025 6th rounder Daniel Dickinson in 68 games played last spring at LSU - four errors. For Wisconsin, Dickinson has started 11 games at shortstop, eight at second base, and has committed four miscues at each. Going to chalk it up as an odd anomaly at this point. Tayden Hall's BABIP during his super-frustrating 2025 season was an insane .204. This year it's .304, which still falls below his 2022-2024 marks. We were guilty of not spotlighting last year's figure enough during that run. Josiah Ragsdale has base knocks in ten of twelve games and has been bouncing back nicely from the tiny sample first-week struggles. Important update as the organization is being thorough: Wilson Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wilson 11, Salem (Red Sox) 2 Box Score and Game Log Longballs Lift Wilson Past Salem - Warbirds Hit Two Home Runs in Victory Plenty of game action to discuss, but the Salem Red Sox rebrand was OK, I guess (everything behind the name and logos). Let's get right to the best part - Warbirds already up 5-2, bottom of the 6th, early candidate for bat flip of the year, though our @Spencer Michaelis has even more fun with it: What'd you say, Spencer? How wild is it that the Warbirds scored 11 runs on a night where their HR and RBI leader Jose Anderson was on the bench for only the second time this season? Whoa, how about those game jerseys? This option is not among those available at the team store. Check out first baseman Frederi Montero in the uni on his own jaunt around the bases: Montero also had a sacrifice fly We'll feature each of Brady Ebel's two knocks: Infield single in the 5th Two-RBI double in the 8th Via the Wilson Times: Brewers’ top pick Ebel living the dream in Wilson - Brewers first-round pick is finding his swing in Wilson, delivering multi-hit performances as the 19-year-old settles into his first full pro season By Paul Durham First game with less than two walks - one BB, one HBP) for the impressive (also 19-year-old) RHP Tyler Renz, and along with JUCO non-drafted signing RHP Thomas Conrad, 20, and 5th year LHP Anfernny Reyes, 22, worth your box score review for their lines. Something has clicked for Reyes in his 3rd Carolina League go-round, and he's a prime candidate for a bump to Appleton before long. Fun, fun contest - Warbirds 5-for-11 with RISP, stranded only four, but we'll have to turn a blind eye to their 17 strikeouts at the dish. We will jump from three games in this edition to five within Saturday's report with the Shuckers road doubleheader. In the lone afternoon contest, 2025 2nd round LHP J.D. Thompson takes the mound for the first time as a pro in Appleton, while 2025 3rd round 6'8" RHP Jacob Morrison makes his professional debut in Wilson. Exciting! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View the full article

Going into May, the results have been promising but ultimately mixed for the four Kansas City Royals Minor League affiliates. The High-A Quad Cities River Bandits (13-8) and Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals (13-11) have winning records, while the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers (13-16) and Low-A Columbia Fireflies (11-13) have losing ones. Still, there have been positives in the Royals' farm system this year so far, especially when it comes to position player prospects. The Royals have had many hitters show nice growth or improvement so far in the 2026 Minor League season. Some have been well-known prospects, including those in our Top-20. Some have been more under-the-radar and could make their case to be Top-20 Royals prospects soon. Thus, in this post, I am going to highlight the top hitter for the month of April from each Royals Minor League affiliate, as well as mention an honorable mention who just missed the cut. Hopefully, this strong start could be a sign of good things to come for these prospects this season. Triple-A Omaha: Kameron Misner, OF The former Rays and Mizzou outfielder was excellent in Omaha and demonstrated that he could be a candidate for a call-up at some point this season. In 23 games and 79 at-bats this April, Misner slashed .278/.389/.570 with six home runs, 17 runs scored, 22 RBI, and a .959 OPS. He has a 23.9% K% and 16.2% BB%, thus showing his patient approach. Furthermore, his Statcast metrics from Triple-A have been solid for the most part, especially in the barrel, LA Sweet-Spot%, and Pull Air% categories. Here's a look at his TJ Stats Statcast summary so far. Misner still chases quite a bit, as evidenced by his 34th percentile O-Swing%. However, with a 76th-percentile BB%, 78th-percentile Pull Air%, 84th-percentile Barrel%, and 97th-percentile LA Sweet-Spot%, he shows he has the power and walk profile to at least be a semi-regular outfielder at the Major League level. His profile feels similar to that of MJ Melendez, who has found new life with the New York Mets. In 35 plate appearances with the Mets, Melendez is hitting .323 with a .995 OPS. That includes two home runs and six RBI. Like Misner, his O-Swing% is high, and his K% isn't good. That said, Melendez's hard-hit profile is strong, and it's possible to see Misner evolve into that. If Misner can develop into that kind of hitter, the Royals will be quite happy and could utilize him on the active roster, not just this season, but perhaps beyond as well. Honorable Mention: John Rave, OF (.244 average, .847 OPS, five home runs, eight stolen bases, 17 runs scored, and 14 RBI). Double-A Northwest Arkansas: Brett Squires, 1B/3B Squires was the Naturals' top hitter in April. Not only did he hit .326 with a 1.008 OPS in 89 at-bats, but he also hit five home runs, scored 14 runs, and collected 25 RBI, which leads the team. Squires is an interesting prospect in the Royals system who doesn't have a high ceiling or eye-popping tools, especially on defense and baserunning. However, he showed some intriguing exit velocity numbers this spring in Cactus League play. He is off to a great start and frequently pulls the ball in the air, which is a recipe for success. Now, Squires certainly has his flaws. His 23.3% K% ranks in the 36th percentile, and his 35.3% whiff rate ranks in the ninth percentile, according to TJ Stats. He also was pretty mediocre in his first exposure to Double-A pitching in 2025, hitting .248 with a .738 OPS and just 10 home runs in 496 plate appearances. Squires has half that number of home runs this year in 389 fewer plate appearances. If this pace continues, he could make a push for a spot in Omaha mid-season with the chance to make the 40-man roster this offseason. Honorable Mention: Sam Kulasingam, UTL (.309 average, .901 OPS, 1 HR, 19 R, 11 RBI, and 7 SB). High-A Quad Cities: Austin Charles, 3B/SS After regressing a bit in his first exposure to High-A ball, Charles has been on fire to begin the 2026 season. Charles leads the River Bandits in at-bats with 72, and he leads in batting average, .361, and total base hits (26). He has two home runs, which matches his 2025 total with Quad Cities in 144 fewer plate appearances. He's also lowered his strikeout rate by 10% (15.9% this year) and improved his walk rate by two percent (10.2%). The 22-year-old third baseman/shortstop has looked a lot more polished in 2026 after struggling in his first exposure to High-A competition a season ago. When looking at Charles' Statcast profile via TJ Stats, there's a lot to like. He ranks in the upper percentiles in many categories, including wOBA (91st percentile) and K% (97th percentile). The Royals drafted Charles in the 20th round of the 2022 MLB Draft. When he was selected, he was seen as a raw, but athletic prospect who needed some development, but had the tools to become an intriguing player at the Major League level. It seems the Royals' development and patience with Charles have paid off so far this season. Honorable Mention: Tyriq Kemp, 2B/SS (.308 average, 1.048 OPS, 4 HR, 13 R, 10 RBI, 5 SB). Low-A Columbia: Josh Hammond, SS/3B After a slow start, the 19-year-old shortstop/third baseman and 2025 28th overall pick has been an absolute stud for the young Fireflies. In 83 at-bats in April, Hammond hit .313 with a .396 OBP, .514 SLG, and .914 OPS. He had two home runs, 10 RBI, and four stolen bases, making him a power-speed bat that can impact the top of the lineup. Hammond is the kind of power-speed bat who could be a franchise-changing player if everything clicks right. The only negative with Hammond's profile is that he has struck out a lot this season. He had 23 Ks in 23 games, good for a strikeout rate of 23.8%. On a positive note, he's at least drawing walks, as illustrated by his 12.9% BB%. As a result, he's sporting a wOBA+ of 109 and a TJ Bat+ of 132, according to TJ Stats (and as seen below). Hammond may have been drafted behind Sean Gamble in last year's draft, but Hammond has definitely outperformed his fellow draft classmate. Despite leading the Fireflies in at-bats, Gamble is hitting .118 with a .407 OPS. Honorable Mention: Brooks Bryan, C (.299 average, .897 OPS, 3 HR, 6 R, 20 RBI, 4 SB). View the full article

MIAMI, FL — The Miami Marlins took a different approach to free agency last offseason compared to previous years of the Peter Bendix era. They signed four different veterans to major league deals (five if you also include Austin Slater at the end of spring training). Without question, left-hander John King has been the best of them all thus far, not to mention the top reliever on the entire team. Through his team-leading 15 appearances entering Saturday, King has a 0.66 ERA, 3.72 FIP, 8.56 K/9 and 3.29 BB/9. His ERA is tied for 10th-lowest among qualified MLB relievers. He has allowed only two hits. That is $1.5M very well spent. "He's shown he's been incredibly durable, and someone who always wants the ball no matter what," Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said on Friday. "The situation is not always the greatest, but what John does and his ability to come in and collect outs helps us win games. It also helps keep guys fresh." So far this season, the Marlins have used King in all kinds of situations. He has been especially effective in what Baseball-Reference defines as high-leverage moments, retiring all seven batters faced. "I feel like as pitchers, you face those guys are kind of like are bigger than baseball itself," King said. "I just think that treating them like everyone else and just attacking, getting ahead—their numbers go down when you get ahead of one versus one. Obviously, they capitalize on mistakes. Even probably more so, they hit great pitches. I think putting yourself in the best opportunity for success is getting ahead. I just think that with experience, the game kind of has slowed down for me." In the past series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, King was utilized in all three games. He tossed 2 ⅔ total shutout innings in a Marlins series win. "I think going into it, it's something John had done in the past," McCullough said of using him three consecutive days. "Him coming into spring training, he can handle it. Generally, his workload, the amount of hitters asked him to face, is a little bit narrower than some other guys." Previously a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, King's 2025 season was one of the worst of his career, where in 48 ⅓ innings pitched, he posted a 4.66 ERA, 5.00 FIP, 5.21 K/9 and 2.61 BB/9. King's agent is friends with Bendix and was encouraged by what the Marlins organization had been doing with player development on the pitching side, leading to an agreement. "The hot run that the team went on last year and just being in Miami is sweet, too," King told Fish On First. "There's a lot of things that I was really excited talking to them about and seeing if we could work something out. I was fortunate enough they offered me a deal, and I took it right away." Unusual for a reliever, King has a six-pitch arsenal. He also did last season, but relied heavily on his sinker, using it 59.2% of the time. With the Marlins, that usage has been cut in half to 28.7%. Although his sinker's velocity has dropped, its whiff rate has gone way up from 15.7% to 40.9%. "I had become super predictable throwing it that much," King said. "In spring training, I had a meeting with some of the front office and pitching staff, and they told me how they want me to mix and they want me to throw a sweeper. I can command the ball pretty well, and I'm still learning to command the breaking stuff as well as the sinker and changeup. I think putting it all together just makes me a little bit more unpredictable and a little bit more uncomfortable with that, especially with righties." King was terrible against right-handed batters last season, allowing a .374/.437/.542/.979 slash line. On the other hand, he's dominating them with the Fish (.050/.208/.200/.408 in 24 PA). King has yet to enter in any save situations, but that may change in the coming weeks. With Pete Fairbanks sidelined due to nerve irritation, the Marlins are using a closer-by-committee approach. If favorable matchups present themselves in the ninth inning, King should be trusted to get the job done. View the full article

Northwest Arkansas earned Kansas City's lone win Thursday. Sam Kulasingam delivered a triple, a double, and three RBI for the Naturals, including a go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning. Justin Lamkin struck out eight over five and two-thirds innings without walking a batter for Quad Cities in a 10-inning loss. Mitch Spence allowed seven earned runs in Omaha's defeat, and Michael Lombardi fanned six over 4 1/3 frames as Columbia fell on a walk-off. Royals Transactions No Roster Moves Storm Chasers' Late Push Comes Up Short Against Louisville The Omaha Storm Chasers fell 9-5 to the Louisville Bats at home on Thursday, dropping the contest despite a two-run rally in the bottom of the ninth. Mitch Spence struggled on the mound. The right-hander gave up three runs in the first inning, surrendered another in the third, and was pulled in the fourth after allowing three more. Spence took the loss after giving up seven earned runs over 3 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out two. The bullpen behind him fared better, as Ethan Bosacker, Andrew Pérez, and Jose Cuas combined to hold Louisville to two runs over 5 2/3 innings. Cleanup hitter Drew Waters led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and a solo home run in the ninth, his fourth of the year. Luca Tresh had a multi-hit night with two doubles, two RBI, and a run scored. Leadoff man John Rave went 2-for-5 and connected on his sixth home run of the year, a solo shot in the sixth. Abraham Toro added an RBI double in the ninth. Omaha's last gasp came in the ninth. Waters opened the frame with his solo blast to right, Tresh followed with a double, and Toro's double down the line scored Tresh to cut the deficit to four. Two strikeouts, a walk, and a third strikeout ended things, and the Storm Chasers stranded two runners as the rally fell short. Omaha left five runners on base for the night. Player AB R H RBI BB K John Rave 5 1 2 1 0 1 Kevin Newman 4 0 0 0 0 3 Kameron Misner 3 1 0 0 1 2 Drew Waters 4 2 2 1 0 1 Luca Tresh 4 1 2 2 0 0 Abraham Toro 4 0 1 1 0 1 Josh Rojas 4 0 0 0 0 2 Gavin Cross 4 0 1 0 0 2 Dustin Dickerson 2 0 0 0 2 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Mitch Spence (L, 1-2) 3 1/3 8 7 7 3 2 0 Ethan Bosacker 2 2/3 2 0 0 0 1 0 Andrew Pérez 2 3 2 1 2 5 0 Jose Cuas 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Naturals Rally Past Cardinals Behind Kulasingam And Roccaforte The Northwest Arkansas Naturals rallied past the Springfield Cardinals 7-5 on Thursday, retaking the lead in the bottom of the eighth after Springfield had knotted the game an inning earlier. Hunter Patteson started for the Naturals and worked four innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits with two walks, four strikeouts, and a home run allowed. Oscar Rayo bridged the next 3 1/3 frames, and Augusto Mendieta closed it out with the win after blowing a save in the eighth, finishing 1 2/3 innings with one hit and one walk allowed. Sam Kulasingam was the offensive star, going 2-for-5 with a triple, a double, three RBI, and a run scored. Daniel Vazquez stayed hot with a 3-for-3 night, two RBI, and a walk. Leadoff hitter Carson Roccaforte went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run, two stolen bases, a walk, and a run scored. The Naturals broke through with three runs in the fifth. Rudy Martin Jr. singled, Kulasingam tripled him in, and Vazquez followed with a two-run single that brought home Kulasingam and Brett Squires. Roccaforte then launched his sixth home run of the year in the sixth, a two-run shot that scored Canyon Brown and pushed the lead to 5-2. Springfield tied things at five with three in the eighth, but the response was immediate. Colton Becker walked, Martin worked another walk, and Kulasingam ripped a two-run double down the line to score both runners, giving the Naturals back the lead they would not relinquish. Player AB R H RBI BB K Carson Roccaforte 3 1 1 2 1 0 Rudy Martin Jr. 4 2 1 0 1 2 Sam Kulasingam 5 1 2 3 0 1 Brett Squires 4 1 0 0 1 3 Daniel Vazquez 3 0 3 2 1 0 Jorge Alfaro 3 0 1 0 0 2 Connor Scott 4 0 0 0 0 2 Colton Becker 2 1 0 0 2 1 Canyon Brown 4 1 1 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Hunter Patteson 4 2 2 2 2 4 1 Oscar Rayo 3 1/3 4 3 3 0 3 0 Augusto Mendieta (W, 1-0; BS, 1) 1 2/3 1 0 0 1 1 0 Walk-Off Stings River Bandits In 10 Innings Despite Lamkin Gem The Quad Cities River Bandits dropped a 6-5 decision to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in 10 innings on Thursday, watching a two-run lead in the top of the 10th evaporate on a walk-off home run. Justin Lamkin turned in the standout pitching performance for Quad Cities. The left-hander struck out eight without issuing a walk over 5 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits, with the only damage coming on a solo home run in the third. Hunter Alberini followed with 1/3 of an inning, walking three and allowing one unearned run. Nick Conte added two strikeouts across two innings of relief work without allowing a run. L.P. Langevin took the loss after allowing two earned runs on two hits over 1 1/3 innings, including the walk-off blast. Cleanup hitter Ramon Ramirez led the offense, going 3-for-4 with a walk and three RBI. Blake Mitchell finished 2-for-3 with two walks, a run scored, two RBI, and his sixth home run of the year. Leadoff man Nolan Sailors added two hits and two runs. Quad Cities scored two in the third on Mitchell's RBI single and a Ramirez RBI single aided by an error, then took a 3-1 lead on Mitchell's solo home run in the fifth. After Wisconsin clawed back to tie it at three, the River Bandits responded in the 10th. With zombie runner Sailors on second, Asbel Gonzalez was hit by a pitch, Mitchell moved both runners up with a groundout, and Ramirez delivered a two-run single to give Quad Cities a 5-3 lead. The lead did not hold in the bottom half. Quad Cities left nine runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Nolan Sailors 4 2 2 0 1 2 Asbel Gonzalez 3 1 0 0 0 2 Blake Mitchell 3 1 2 2 2 0 Ramon Ramirez 4 0 3 3 1 1 Austin Charles 5 0 0 0 0 3 Derlin Figueroa 4 0 1 0 1 1 Jose Cerice 5 0 1 0 0 2 Tyriq Kemp 4 0 0 0 0 1 Erick Torres 4 1 1 0 0 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Justin Lamkin 5 2/3 4 2 2 0 8 1 Hunter Alberini (H, 1) 1/3 0 1 0 3 1 0 Nick Conte (BS, 1) 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 L.P. Langevin (L, 1-1) 1 1/3 2 3 2 0 3 1 Fireflies' Seventh-Inning Surge Wasted In Walk-Off Loss The Columbia Fireflies lost an 8-7 walk-off heartbreaker to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Thursday, blowing a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh and falling on a walk-off single in the ninth. Starter Darwin Rodriguez worked four innings, striking out six and walking one. He allowed four runs on four hits, all of them unearned, thanks to defensive miscues. Michael Lombardi took the loss, going 4 1/3 innings with six hits, four earned runs, three walks, six strikeouts, and a home run allowed. Leadoff hitter Henry Ramos went 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. Josh Hammond finished 1-for-4 with two RBI, two runs, a walk, and a stolen base. Jhosmmel Zue chipped in two hits and two runs, and Connor Rasmussen had two hits and a run. The decisive sequence came in the top of the seventh, with Columbia trailing 6-3. Roni Cabrera reached on a throwing error to lead off, Zue singled him home with the help of another miscue, Rasmussen singled Zue home thanks to a third throwing error, Ramos singled in Rasmussen, and cleanup hitter Stone Russell laced an RBI single past third to score Hammond. Four runs scored in the frame on five singles and three Pelicans errors, putting the Fireflies up 7-6. Myrtle Beach answered with a triple in the bottom half to tie the game, then loaded the bases in the ninth on a walk and an intentional walk before ending it on a single off Lombardi. Columbia stranded seven runners overall. Player AB R H RBI BB K Henry Ramos 5 1 2 1 0 2 Josh Hammond 4 2 1 2 1 0 Brooks Bryan 5 0 1 1 0 1 Stone Russell 5 0 1 1 0 1 Sean Gamble 5 0 0 0 0 1 JC Vanek 3 0 0 0 1 1 Roni Cabrera 4 1 1 0 0 0 Jhosmmel Zue 4 2 2 0 0 2 Connor Rasmussen 3 1 2 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Darwin Rodriguez 4 4 4 0 1 6 0 Michael Lombardi (L, 1-1) 4 1/3 6 4 4 3 6 1 Top-20 Prospect Performance Carter Jensen: DNP Blake Mitchell: 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB David Shields: DNP Kendry Chourio: DNP Ben Kudrna: DNP Sean Gamble: 0-for-5, K Josh Hammond: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, SB Ramon Ramirez: 3-for-4, 3 RBI, BB, K Drew Beam: DNP Asbel Gonzalez: 0-for-3, 2 K Yandel Ricardo: DNP Felix Arronde: DNP Luinder Avila: DNP Daniel Vazquez: 3-for-3, 2 RBI, BB Steven Zobac: DNP Carson Roccaforte: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB, 2 SB Blake Wolters: DNP Michael Lombardi: 4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR (L) Warren Calcaño: DNP Frank Mozzicato: DNP View the full article

The Minnesota Twins opened the 2026 season with what the team hoped was a clear offensive identity. They consistently delivered in big moments, especially with runners in scoring position, helping fuel a strong start in the standings. It’s hard to believe the team sat atop the AL standings at one point this month, but here we are. The team’s timely hitting faded as April came to a close, with the lineup going cold in those same situations and leaving runs on the table. This has led to some frustrating losses in close games. Even with that dip, a handful of hitters stood out and helped set the tone for the season’s first full month. 4. Byron Buxton March/April Stats: .252/.306/.504 (.810), 5 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 8 BB, 36 K, 120 wRC+ April was a mixed bag for Buxton. After a spring limited by his participation in the World Baseball Classic, he took time to find his rhythm at the plate. The power showed up as he led the team in home runs, but the overall production has not quite matched his recent standards. His OPS+ has dipped 16 points compared to the last two seasons, and his struggles with runners in scoring position have been particularly noticeable during the team’s late-month skid. However, he ended the month on quite the hot streak with three homers in his last four games and five in his last nine. 3. Trevor Larnach March/April Stats: .269/.424/.403 (.827), 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 18 BB, 15 K, 138 wRC+ Larnach entered the season with something to prove. After a league-average campaign in 2025 (100 OPS+), there were legitimate questions about whether he fit into the Twins’ long-term plans. Early returns suggest a different story. Even while facing a schedule heavy with left-handed pitching that limited his opportunities, Larnach has shown a refined approach. His plate discipline has stood out immediately, posting more walks than strikeouts and consistently extending at-bats. He has already surpassed last season’s WAR total and is trending toward a career year if this approach holds. 2. Ryan Jeffers March/April Stats: .291/.411/.494 (.904), 2 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 15 BB, 17 K, 155 wRC+ Jeffers is treating 2026 like exactly what it is: a contract year. Already established as one of the American League’s better offensive catchers, he took another step forward in April. His on-base skills have been excellent, and his slugging percentage has jumped nearly 100 points from last season. What makes his performance even more valuable is the increased workload behind the plate. He is producing at a high level while handling a larger share of catching duties. If this continues, Jeffers is positioning himself for a significant payday this offseason. Twins Hitter of the Month: Austin Martin March/April Stats: .313/.477/.422 (.899), 4 2B, 1 HR, 19 BB, 13 K, 4 SB, 163 wRC+ Martin has been the engine of the Twins' offense in April. He finished the 2025 season on a high note with a 107 OPS+ and 11 steals in the team’s final 50 games. Martin has carried that momentum into this season and elevated his game even further. He leads the team in multiple offensive categories and has become a catalyst at the top of the lineup. His ability to control the strike zone stands out, with a sharp increase in walks and a reduction in strikeouts. Every plate appearance feels competitive, and his approach has had a ripple effect on the rest of the lineup. What once looked like a bench or platoon profile is quickly turning into something much more impactful. The biggest takeaway from April might not just be who performed, but who exceeded expectations. Martin and Larnach have flipped the narrative early in the season. Neither entered the year with a guaranteed everyday role, and both faced questions about their long-term fit on the roster. Instead, they have become key pieces of the lineup. If this is the version of each player the Twins are getting, it significantly raises the offense's ceiling. At the same time, the rest of the lineup cannot afford to coast. The organization is experiencing a wave of high-end talent pushing up from the upper minors, including Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Gonzalez, and Kaelen Culpepper. With that kind of depth waiting at Triple-A, performance at the big-league level will dictate opportunity. April showed that unexpected contributors can emerge, but it also served as a reminder that spots in this lineup are far from guaranteed moving forward. How would your ballot look for the Twins’ Hitter of the Month? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View the full article

Ethan Salas homered for the fourth time in eight days in the San Antonio Missions' 7-2 loss at Tulsa, while Jack Costello drove in four runs and homered in the Fort Wayne TinCaps' 6-2 win at South Bend. The Lake Elsinore Storm rode a five-run seventh inning to a 10-7 win at Ontario, where Justin DeCriscio doubled three times, and Pablo Reyes homered in El Paso's 26-8 loss at Albuquerque. Padres Minor-League Transactions San Diego Padres sent 3B Will Wagner on a rehab assignment to El Paso Chihuahuas. El Paso Chihuahuas transferred RHP Justin Yeager to the Development List. Chihuahuas Blasted By Isotopes All seven pitchers for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas gave up runs as the host Albuquerque Isotopes had two seven-run innings en route to a 26-8 throttling. The Isotopes scored four in the second inning, seven in the third, seven in the fifth, two in the sixth, two in the seventh and four in the eighth. Eight of the nine Isotopes hitters had multiple hits and all nine drove in at least one run and scored at least one run. Missions pitchers surrendered 23 hits and issued 13 walks. The only pitcher who didn't allow a walk was second baseman Nate Mondou, who came on to pitch the ninth. Left-handed starter Marco Gonzales allowed four runs in two innings, right-hander Triston McKenzie gave up six without recording an out, left-hander Miguel Cienfuegos one run in two innings, right-hander Garrett Hawkins six runs in two-thirds of an inning, right-hander Ethan Routzahn three runs in 1⅓ and right-hander Eli Villalobos two runs in one inning. Mondou gave up four runs in the eighth. Offensively for the Missions, Carlos Rodriguez and Nick Solak each had three-hit games, while Pablo Reyes drove in three, including a two-run homer in the ninth, Jose Miranda had a two-run double in the seventh to pull the Missions within 20-5 and Marcos Castanon also drove in a pair. EP_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Carlos Rodríguez (CF) 6 0 3 0 0 0 Will Wagner (2B) 2 1 1 0 1 1 Clay Dungan (2B) 1 0 0 0 0 0 Samad Taylor (RF) 5 1 2 0 0 1 Nick Solak (LF) 5 2 3 0 0 0 Pablo Reyes (3B) 5 1 2 3 0 0 Jose Miranda (1B) 3 1 1 2 1 0 Mason McCoy (SS) 5 2 2 1 0 0 Marcos Castañon (DH) 4 0 2 2 1 0 Rodolfo Durán (C) 4 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Marco Gonzales (L, 1-2) 2 5 4 4 2 1 0 Triston McKenzie 0 2 6 6 4 0 0 Miguel Cienfuegos 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 Garrett Hawkins 2/3 4 6 6 2 0 1 Ethan Routzahn 1 1/3 3 3 3 3 2 1 Eli Villalobos 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 Nate Mondou 1 6 4 4 0 0 0 Ethan Salas Homers Again, Jagger Haynes K's 8, But Missions Fall The Ethan Salas power show continued and Jagger Haynes struck out a season-high eight, but the Double-A San Antonio Missions dropped a 7-2 decision to the host Tulsa Drillers, who scored four times in the seventh inning. Salas, Albert Fabian and Braedon Karpathios each had two hits for the Missions. The 19-year-old Salas, Padres Mission's No. 1 prospect, hadn't homered until he went deep a week ago Friday. That was the first of three consecutive games he played in which he homered. After two more homerless games, one as a pinch-hitter, Salas cranked out his fourth homer of the season when he drilled a homer to lead off the game on an 0-2 pitch. It stayed 1-0 until the Drillers scored twice in the fourth. In the top of the sixth, Leandro Cedeno walked, Fabian singled him to third and Ryan Jackson had an RBI single to right to tie it 2-2. But the Drillers took control in the seventh. Three of the first four batters walked then, after a lineout, a hit by pitch snapped the tie and a bases-clearing double made it 6-2. Two singles and two more walks put the Drillers up 7-2 in the eighth. Haynes, Padres Mission's No. 7 prospect, went a season-high six innings, allowing two runs on three hits with a walk and his season-best eight strikeouts, with his last two being two of the Los Angeles Dodgers' key prospects in Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope. Haynes had a season-high six strikeouts last week against Amarillo. SA_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ethan Salas (C) 4 1 2 1 1 0 Romeo Sanabria (1B) 5 0 0 0 0 1 Leandro Cedeño (DH) 3 1 0 0 1 0 Albert Fabian (LF) 4 0 2 0 0 0 Ryan Jackson (SS) 4 0 1 1 0 1 Braedon Karpathios (RF) 3 0 2 0 1 0 Luis Verdugo (3B) 4 0 0 0 0 2 Carson Tucker (2B) 4 0 1 0 0 0 Kai Murphy (CF) 4 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jagger Haynes 6 3 2 2 1 8 0 Andrew Dalquist (L, 0-2) 2/3 0 4 4 3 0 0 Andrew Thurman 1 1/3 3 1 1 2 1 0 Jack Costello Homers, Drives In 4 Late To Lift TinCaps Former University of San Diego star Jack Costello drove in four runs, including a tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh inning, and a homer as the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps topped the host South Bend Cubs 6-2. The TinCaps trailed 2-0 after the Cubs scored twice in the second inning, and trimmed it to 2-1 in the fourth. Carlos Rodriguez walked and Zach Evans singled him to third. Dylan Grego bounced into a double play that scored Rodriguez. In the seventh, there were two outs when Lamar King Jr. walked and stole second and Alex McCoy, who singled earlier and has reached base in 20 straight games, walked. A wild pitch advanced the runners to second and third and Jake Cunningham was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A wild pitch tied the game and Costello hit a line-drive single to center to put the TinCaps up 4-2. That hit extended his hitting streak to seven games. Costello, a 10th-round draft choice in 2023 whose career high of five RBIs came in his fourth professional game with the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm that same year, put a nail in this one in the ninth. With two outs, Cunningham singled and Costello hit his third homer of the season for a 6-2 lead. His four RBIs are the most he has had in 131 games with Fort Wayne. Left-hander Kash Mayfield, Padres Mission's No. 2 prospect, started and went 3⅔ innings, giving up two runs on three hits with five walks and four strikeouts. The bullpen did a terrific job, getting out of three jams and leaving the Cubs 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Right-hander Tucker Musgrove had the bases loaded in the seventh when he struck out a pair and got a groundout. Clay Edmondon picked up his Midwest League-best fourth save by coming on in the eighth and striking out all four batters he faced. FW_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Kasen Wells (CF) 5 0 0 0 0 1 Rosman Verdugo (2B) 5 0 1 0 0 1 Lamar King Jr. (DH) 3 1 0 0 2 0 Alex McCoy (LF) 3 1 1 0 2 0 Jake Cunningham (RF) 2 2 1 0 2 0 Jack Costello (1B) 4 1 2 4 1 1 Carlos Rodriguez (C) 4 1 0 0 1 2 Zach Evans (3B) 4 0 2 0 0 0 Dylan Grego (SS) 3 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kash Mayfield 3 2/3 3 2 2 5 4 0 C.J. Widger 1 1/3 0 0 0 1 0 0 Luis Germán (W, 1-0) 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 Tucker Musgrove (H, 2) 1 2/3 1 0 0 1 3 0 Clay Edmondson (S, 4) 1 1/3 0 0 0 0 4 0 Trio Helps Storm Make Late Push To Get Past Tower Buzzers Justin DeCriscio doubled three times, while Victor Duarte and Luke Cantell each had three hits and drove in three runs as the Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm scored five times in the seventh inning to pull out a 10-7 victory over the host Ontario Tower Buzzers. Truitt Madonna walked twice and scored twice and Qrey Lott also scored two runs for the Storm. Lake Elsinore trailed 4-1 after three innings and it was still that score entering the sixth. Lott had a leadoff single and DeCriscio hit his second double of the game to put Lott on third. One out later, Duarte looped a two-run single to left to make it 4-3. The Storm took control in the seventh. Kerrington Cross drew a one-out walk and Lott and Ryan Wideman were hit by pitches to load the bases. DeCriscio hit a sacrifice fly to center to tie the game. Lott and Wideman pulled a double steal to put them on third and second, then a balk brought in Lott with the go-ahead run. Madonna walked and Duarte pulled a double down the third-base line, scoring Wideman. Another balk brought in Madonna to make it 7-4. Cantwell then singled home Duarte to cap the five-run outburst for an 8-4 advantage. In the ninth, the Storm added two more runs on DeCriscio's third double of the game, a Madonna walk, Duarte's bunt single to load the bases and Cantwell's two-run single to right. The Tower Buzzers scored twice in the bottom of the ninth. Storm left-handed starter Kruz Schoolcraft, Padres Mission's No. 3 prospect, allowed four runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts in 3⅓ innings. Right-hander Daichi Moriki and left-hander Javier Chacon combined for 3⅔ shutout innings. Right-hander Will Koger picked up his first save of the season despite allowing the two ninth-inning runs, pitching the final 1⅓ innings. LE_0501.mp4 Player AB R H RBI BB K Ryan Wideman (CF) 4 1 1 0 0 1 Justin DeCriscio (LF) 4 2 3 1 0 0 Truitt Madonna (C) 3 2 0 0 2 2 Victor Duarte (1B) 5 1 3 3 0 1 Luke Cantwell (DH) 4 0 3 3 1 1 Jorge Quintana (SS) 5 0 0 0 0 1 Jose Verdugo (2B) 4 1 0 0 1 1 Kerrington Cross (3B) 3 1 1 0 1 1 Qrey Lott (RF) 3 2 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kruz Schoolcraft 3 1/3 4 4 3 3 5 1 Daichi Moriki 1 2/3 1 0 0 2 2 0 Javier Chacon (W, 4-0) 2 2 0 0 3 3 0 Sean Barnett 2/3 1 1 1 3 1 0 Will Koger (S, 1) 1 1/3 2 2 2 1 4 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Kash Mayfield: 3⅔ IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K Ethan Salas: 2-for-4, 2B, HR, RBI, BB Kruz Schoolcraft: 3⅓ IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR Bradgley Rodriguez: DNP Humberto Cruz: DNP Miguel Mendez: DNP Ty Harvey: DNP Jorge Quintana: 0-for-5, K Kale Fountain: DNP Ryan Wideman: 1-for-4, R, K, SB Jagger Haynes: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K Lamar King Jr.: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 SB Romeo Sanabria: 0-for-5, K Truitt Madonna: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K Michael Salina: DNP Garrett Hawkins: ⅔ IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, HR Kavares Tears: DNP Deivid Coronil: DNP Francis Pena: DNP Bryan Balzer: DNP View the full article

Happy Opening Day in the Florida Complex League!! TRANSACTIONS Fort Myers announced before their Friday night game that Eduardo Beltre has been shifted from the 7-Day IL to the Full-Season Injured List with his knee injury. SAINTS SENTINEL St. Paul 5, Iowa 6 Box Score The Saints went with an opener again on Friday night. John Brebbia gave up two runs on two hits and three walks over 1 1/3 innings. Kendry Rojas gave up an inherited run and two runs of his own on four hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. He had three strikeouts. Trent Baker gave up two runs on four hits over 2 1/3 innings. Grant Hartwig and Christian Roa each tossed a scoreless inning in relief. Down 1-0, the Saints tied it up in the bottom of the first frame. Walker Jenkins led off with a double. He advanced to third on a Kaelen Culpepper fly out to right and scored on an Emmanuel Rodriguez sacrifice fly. Down 2-1 going to the bottom of the third inning, Noah Cardenas led off with a walk. Jenkins hit a ground-rule double. Culpepper followed with another ground rule double to score both runners and give the Saints the 3-2 lead. After an Emmanuel Rodriguez walk and a fly out, Culpepper scored on a Kyler Fedko force out. In the fourth inning, Cardenas started with a double, and Walker Jenkins doubled for the third time in the game to give the Saints a 5-2 lead. Jenkins went 3-for-5 and doubled his doubles total from three to six. Culpepper went 2-for-4 with a walk and his fifth double. Emmanuel Rodriguez left the game in the fifth inning. He had grounded out to first base. Jonathon Long flipped to the pitcher for the out. Unfortunately, Rodriguez dove headfirst into first base and hurt his thumb. WIND SURGE WISDOM Wichita 1, Arkansas 5 Box Score The Wind Surge had the, umm, opportunity to face lefty Kade Anderson again on Friday night. The last time they faced the Mariners top pitching prospect, the #3 overall choice in last summer’s MLB Draft out of LSU, was on April 10th. In that game, Anderson tossed five scoreless innings and had 11 strikeouts. On this night, the southpaw threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and notched eight strikeouts. But the Wind Surge managed four hits. Overall, Anderson has made five starts. He’s 2-0 with a 0.37 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP. In 24 1/3 innings, he’s given up one run on 13 hits and four walks. Ty Langenberg started for Wichita. He gave up three runs on four hits and two walks. He had six strikeouts. Ricky Castro came on next and gave up one run on two hits over the next two innings. Jaylen Nowlin worked two innings and gave up one run on no hits but two walks. He had three strikeouts. Jake Rucker went 2-for-3 with two doubles, both against Anderson. Billy Amick went 1-for-3 with a walk. The Wind Surge didn’t get on the board until the bottom of the ninth inning when Ricardo Olivar hit his sixth home run of the season. KERNELS CHRONICLE Cedar Rapids 8, West Michigan 4 Box Score The Two’s were wild for Khadim Diaw and the Kernels on Friday night. Cedar Rapids scored two runs in the home half of the first, second, third, and sixth innings. The bottom of the first began with walks by Marek Houston and Khadim Diaw. Brandon Winokur singled to center to drive in Houston and tie the game at one. Diaw scored the second run on a ground out off the bat of Danny De Andrade. With two outs in the second inning, Jaime Ferrer and Marek Houston hit back-to-back singles. Diaw followed with his third double of the season to drive in both runners and make it 4-1. In the bottom of the third, Jay Thomason knocked his third home run of the season, a two-run blast to make it 6-2. West Michigan cut the lead in half at 6-3. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Rayne Doncon led off with a walk. Ferrer followed with his fourth homer to make it 8-3. Michael Ross started and gave up one run on two hits in four innings. He walked two and had three strikeouts. Sam Rochard gave up two runs on two hits and a walk in his inning. Christian Becerra struck out four batters over two scoreless innings. Jacob Wosinski struck out three batters over the final two innings. How good has Khadim Diaw been of late? Wednesday: 4-for-4, 2B, R, RBI. Thursday: 2-for-2, 2 BB, R Friday: 2-for-2, 2 BB, 2B, R, 2 RBI When they were taking batting practice before Wednesday’s game, Diaw was hitting .192/.352/.247 (.599). Three games later, he is now hitting .272/.427/.346 (773). MIGHTY MATTERS Ft. Myers 4, Daytona Beach 5 Box Score The Mussels had 20 less runs on Friday than they did on Thursday. Just a short sentence to remind us all how crazy the Mussels 24-run game on Thursday really was. The Torgugas took a 3-0 lead in the second inning. The Mussels got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. With two outs, Yasser Mercedes singled. After a pitching change, Ramiro Dominguez singled Mercedes to second. Ryan Sprock drove in the run with a single to right. Down 4-3 going into the seventh inning, Dameury Pena and Bruin Agbayani started the inning with singles. With two outs, the runners had advanced to second and third base. Ryan Sprock came to the plate and drilled his first home run of the season. The three-run blast tied the game at 4-4. Merit Jones started and gave up three runs (2 earned) on seven hits. In four innings, he walked one and struck out one. Michael Hilker gave up an unearned run over two innings. He had three strikeouts. Matthew DesMarets gave up two hits but no runs in the seventh inning. Mike McKenna pitched a scoreless eighth inning. He began the ninth, but before getting an out, the bases were loaded. Brian Zeldin came on and gave up a single to end the game. Sprock led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI. Mercedes and Dominguez each had two hits. Dominguez added his sixth double. Bruin Agbayani went 1-for-3 with two walks. PLAYERS OF THE DAY Hitter of the Day Walker Jenkins (St. Paul): 3-for-5, 3-2B(6), 2 R, RBI, 2 K Khadim Diaw (Cedar Rapids): 2-for-2, 2 BB, 2B(3), R, 2 RBI. Ryan Sprock (Ft. Myers): 2-for-4, HR(1), R, 4 RBI. Pitcher of the Day Christian Becerra (Cedar Rapids): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K, 28 pitches, 21 strikes (75.0%) PROSPECT SUMMARY Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing how they did today. #1 - OF Walker Jenkins (St. Paul) - 3-for-5, 3-2B(6), 2 R, RBI, 2 K. (batted first, played CF) #2 - IF Kaelen Culpepper (St. Paul) - 2-for-4, BB, 2B(5), R, 2 RBI (batted second, played 3B) #3 - OF Emmanuel Rodriguez (St. Paul) - 0-for-1, BB, SF RBI (Batted third, played RF). #4 - C Eduardo Tait (Cedar Rapids) - Did Not Play. #5 - LHP Connor Prielipp (Minnesota) - Did Not Pitch #6 - LHP Dasan Hill (Cedar Rapids) - Did Not Pitch #7 - OF Gabriel Gonzalez (St. Paul) - 0-for-5, 2 K (batted fourth, played DH) #8 - LHP Kendry Rojas (St. Paul) - 3 1/3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K, 65 pitches, 44 strikes (67.7%) #9 - SS Marek Houston (Cedar Rapids) - 1-for-4, BB, 2 R (batted leadoff, played SS) #10 - RHP Charlee Soto (Cedar Rapids) - Injured List #11 - RHP Riley Quick (Ft. Myers) - Did Not Pitch #12 - RHP Andrew Morris (Minnesota) - Did Not Pitch #13 - 3B/CF Brandon Winokur (Cedar Rapids) - 1-for-3, BB, RBI (batted third, played CF) #14 - 3B/SS Quentin Young (Ft. Myers) - Did Not Play. #15 - RHP Marco Raya (St. Paul) - Did Not Pitch. #16 - OF Hendry Mendez (Wichita) - Did Not Play. #17 - 2B/OF Kyle DeBarge (Wichita) - 0-for-4, 3 K (batted fifth, played SS) #18 - RHP C.J. Culpepper (Wichita) - Did Not Pitch. #19 - C/OF Khadim Diaw (Cedar Rapids) - 2-for-2, 2 BB, 2B(3), R, 2 RBI, SB(2) (batted second, played C) #20 - RHP James Ellwanger (Ft. Myers) - 60 IL (right elbow sprain) UPCOMING PROBABLES Saturday: Iowa @ St. Paul (6:37 pm CT) - RHP Zebby Matthews (1-2, 5.91 ERA) Arkansas @ Wichita (6:35 pm CT) - RHP Jose Olivares (0-0, 0.00 ERA) West Michigan @ Cedar Rapids (6:05 pm CT) - RHP Jason Doktorczyk (2-3, 10.57 ERA) Ft. Myers @ Daytona (5:35 pm CT) - TBD FCL Red Sox @ FCL Twins (9:00 am CT) - TBD CURRENT W-L Records Minnesota Twins: 14-19 St. Paul Saints: 13-17 Wichita Wind Surge: 13-12 Cedar Rapids Kernels: 12-13 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: 16-9 FCL Twins: 0-0 (Opening Day!) DSL Twins: 0-0 (season begins Monday, June 1) Please feel free to ask questions about the teams, the rosters, and discuss today’s games, or anything else Twins minor-league related! View the full article

MIAMI — The Miami Marlins dropped their series opener to the Philadelphia Phillies, 6-5, in a ballgame that got very interesting at the end. The Phillies had a 6-1 lead in the eighth inning, but Miami scored four runs and were 180 feet away from tying the game in the bottom of the ninth. "We see with the group day in and day out, they will just continue to hang in there," Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said postgame. "We came up short, but I loved how we were able to finish that one off." The Phillies remain undefeated with Don Mattingly as their interim manager. They have a perfect 4-0 record since Donnie Baseball took over for Rob Thomson, who was fired at the beginning of this week. That includes three straight one-run wins. Right-handed pitcher Eury Pérez got the start and loss for the Marlins in the series opener. Pérez was pitching well through the game, but got into trouble in the top of the fourth. After giving up a single to Brandon Marsh and walking Bryson Stott, Pérez gave up back-to-back RBI hits to give Philadelphia the lead. Third baseman Alec Bohm tied the ballgame with an RBI single to center field and rookie outfielder Justin Crawford scored Stott with an RBI double. Overall, Pérez threw five innings, allowing four hits, two runs, two walks, and six strikeouts. The 23-year-old Dominican right-hander now has a 2-3 record on the season. "In general, I thought I had a good outing," Perez said after the loss. "My pitches were working very well, but they got aggressive, mostly on the first pitch and there was some damage." The Phillies would add to their lead in the top of the seventh with two outs. Facing newly recalled left-hander Cade Gibson, Edmundo Sosa hit a liner to center that scored Bryce Harper, making it 3-1. The final dagger would come from Stott's three-run home run to right field, breaking the game open 6-1. After laboring in his 50-pitch outing, Gibson is already headed back down to Triple-A Jacksonville. Right-handed relief pitcher Lake Bachar pitched very well in his 2 ⅓ innings of work, allowing no hits, no runs, no walks, and three strikeouts. He improves his ERA to 2.81 on the season. At the plate, the Marlins got to Zack Wheeler early. In the bottom of the first, Xavier Edwards doubled down the right field line and drove in Otto Lopez, who had hit a ground-rule double the at-bat before. They didn't have any answers for Wheeler after that, as he retired 15 of the last 16 batters he faced. In the bottom of the eighth, Miami’s offense showed some fight and made it a much closer ballgame. Lopez drove in Jakob Marsee on an RBI single that deflected off Stott’s glove and rolled into shallow left field. Liam Hicks drove in Stowers on a sacrifice fly that was torched but directly at Adolis Garcia in right field. Agustin Ramirez kept the inning alive with a two-out RBI single through the right side that scored Lopez and made the game 6-4. Connor Norby would enter the game as a pinch-hitter for Owen Caissie and delivered a double down the left field line. The Marlins had two runners in scoring position with the tying run 180 feet from home and the winning run at the plate. However, Christopher Morel watched three pitches go by and struck out without taking the bat off his shoulder. After a 1-2-3 ninth inning from Bachar, the Marlins got an early baserunner with Javier Sanoja drawing a leadoff walk on four pitches. That was followed by back-to-back strikeouts of Jakob Marsee on a 3-2 check swing and Kyle Stowers on a borderline 3-2 pitch that grazed the outside corner. Stowers and McCullough were both ejected arguing the called third strike. Lopez kept the game alive with an RBI single to RF. However, Edwards lined out to center, which ended the ballgame and prevented what would've been the biggest comeback of Miami's season. What’s next? The Marlins will look to even the series in game two of the four-game series. Right-handed pitcher Max Meyer will be on the mound for the Marlins. The former third overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft has pitched well this season. Meyer has posted a 1-0 record with a 3.30 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 9.9 K/9, a .207 opponent batting average, and a 128 ERA+. The Phillies will hand the ball to veteran right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola. The former All-Star right-hander has struggled dating back to the 2025 season, including a 1-3 record so far in 2026 with a 6.03 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, and a .286 opponent batting average. The first pitch for Saturday’s game is at 4:10 pm EST. View the full article

Box Score Simeon Woods Richardson: 4 ⅔ IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K Home Runs: Byron Buxton (9) Bottom 3 WPA: Simeon Woods Richardson (-0.410), Ryan Jeffers (-0.090), Josh Bell (-0.090) Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs) One day after the Great Night in Minnesota Sports, life went on. The Twins - by far the least glorious member of the previous day’s winning association - returned to Target Field to play the Blue Jays. Champagne and celebrations occurred elsewhere; at the ballpark, it was business as usual. That business was spearheaded by Simeon Woods Richardson, owner of the starting rotation’s most ghastly ERA. 2026 hasn’t been kind to him: the young righty has seen his swing-and-miss ability plummet while his earned runs have ballooned. He entered the day with 15 strikeouts. All season. Across 30 innings. Even a product of the public education system could see he had issues. Would they continue on Friday? The two teams exchanged a gentleman’s shutout first inning before Toronto struck in the second. Two singles and a wild pitch placed runners at second and third. A chopper hit to Josh Bell should have cut off the runner to home. It did not. Bell unleashed a Tyler Rogers sinker that grew wings and flew beyond the grasp of catcher Victor Caratini, forcing the poor backstop into a Daulton Varsho collision as the ball caromed out of bounds, allowing the trailing runner to score as well. The blunder gave the Blue Jays the early advantage, but Minnesota had a trick up its sleeve: Byron Buxton. Although considering his name was on the lineup hours before the game started, precisely how tricky his appearance was appears dubious. In any case, Buxton stepped up to the plate in the third, correctly guessed how a Patrick Corbin breaker would spin, and blasted the low-and-inside offering just over the left field wall, scoring two. The good news ends there. For a time. The Blue Jays flocked with two more in the fourth, two in the fifth, and… one in the seventh. Kazuma Okamoto homered twice. Woods Richardson tried in vain to find an offering that would fool Toronto’s hitters, yet hard contact followed him with each selection. He continued to stumble with two outs in the fourth before Derek Shelton called it a day for the hurler and went to his bullpen. Meanwhile, Twins hitters could do little. Not nothing, but only a little. Corbin proved too tricky on Friday. As did Toronto’s onslaught of relievers—Minnesota did load the bases against Jeff Hoffman in the eighth, but a sacrifice fly served as the only run they could net off the struggling former closer. They probably should have done more. Toronto sent Louis Varland out for the ninth. They didn't just rub salt in the wound: they widened the gash before dropping enough sodium to salt McDonald's French Fries for the next decade. Despite a pair of baserunners, Minnesota couldn't get a rally going, and they fell to the Blue Jays in a sloppy contest. Notes: Post-Game Interview: What’s Next? The Twins and Blue Jays continue their Great Northern Battle with a mid-day foray on Saturday. Connor Prielipp starts opposite Dylan Cease. First pitch is at 1:10 PM. Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet MON TUES WED THUR FRI TOT Orze 0 0 28 0 33 61 Morris 40 0 0 19 0 59 Banda 0 0 22 14 0 36 Rogers 14 0 13 0 8 35 Garcia 0 23 0 0 9 32 Funderburk 0 15 0 0 0 15 Sands 0 13 0 0 0 13 Topa 0 0 0 12 0 12 View the full article

MIAMI, FL — On Friday, before the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies kicked off a four-game set, outfielder/first baseman Griffin Conine was spotted putting his injured left hamstring through various baseball activities. Conine, who is only three weeks removed from suffering a hamstring tear and undergoing surgery, finds himself ahead of schedule in his rehab and has a target date for his reinstatement from the IL. "The one thing I haven't done yet is defensive work outfield-wise, but I'm throwing and hitting again today," Conine told Fish On First. "I'm in a good spot. Just building up, stacking days like this—basically where every day running, we get a little bit faster, the strength just comes back a little bit more." Before landing on the IL, Conine played in 11 games, slashing .273/.360/.591/.951 with two home runs, four RBI and a 160 wRC+. He suffered the injury on April 9 while playing attempt a diving catch in left field. "It sucked, for sure," Conine told Fish On First. "I think the prognosis could have been worse, so I'm trying to look at the positive side. Compared to last year's rehab, this is super easy. It's very basic. I just don't want to get back quicker than the timeline says, which we're on pace to do that." As Conine referenced there, he suffered a dislocated shoulder last season that kept him out for most of 2025. It was originally announced as a season-ending procedure, but he sped through the rehab process and returned in late September. Fortunately, the hamstring tear won't cost him nearly as much time. Barring setbacks, Conine told Fish On First that his goal is to return during the month of May. "I haven't talked to (the Marlins) about that, but just in my head with the timeline that the doctor gave me, I think that's very doable. That means I'm back in a big league game before June, which would mean [begin the rehab assignment] 10-12 days before that. That's what I'm shooting for and I don't know if they're on board with that, but I think that's doable. We're gonna take it week to week and see how it goes." When asked about Conine, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough jokingly said that he "defies modern medicine," then acknowledged that the 28-year-old is "tracking to be back probably to the lower end of the timeline." View the full article

How embarrassing is it when the commentary about a transactions runs longer than the tenure that the transaction effected? Because that is the awkward situation that Mets Roster Central is in right now. Transactions, 5/1/2026 GOING COMING Demoted to Syracuse Activated Infielders Infielders Eric Wagaman Andy Ibáñez R/R DoB: 35656 High Level: MLB (2026) R/R DoB: 1993-04-03 High Level: MLB (2026) Eric Wagaman was grab bed off waivers and Mets Roster Central assured you he would just be a minor-league placeholder unless a cascading emergency took place. Wagaman was then called up without getting a single appearance in AAA. Mets Roster Central then speculated about what role he could hold. Wagaman was then sent down without getting a single appearance as a Met. And we say, hey! — if you don't get into a game, you can't fail. And that's perhaps not much of a calling card, but it's more than a lot of Mets can claim. Hey, don't blame me! I was in the air at the time! Waggy's demotion is all to make room for Andy Ibáñez — Cuban backup infielder and the new José Iglesias to anybody who cares to pay attention to these things. Godspeed to both. Your 2026 New York Mets Starting Pitchers Clay Holmes Nolan McLean Freddy Peralta David Peterson Christian Scott R/R DoB: 1993-03-27 R/R DoB: 2001-07-24 R/R DoB: 2996-06-04 L/L DoB: 1995-09-03 R/R DoB: 1999-06-15 Relief Pitchers Huascar Brazobán Craig Kimbrel Sean Manaea Tobias Myers Brooks Raley Austin Warren Luke Weaver R/R DoB: 1989-10-15 R/R DoB: 32291 R/L DoB: 1992-02-01 R/R DoB: 1998-08-05 L/L DoB: 1988-06-29 R/R DoB: 1996-02-05 R/R DoB: 1993-08-21 Relief Pitchers Catchers Infielders Devin Williams Francisco Alvarez Luís Torrens Bo Bichette Andy Ibáñez Ronny Mauricio MJ Melendez R/R DoB: 1994-09-21 R/R DoB: 2001-11-01 R/R DoB: 1996-05-02 R/R DoB: 1998-03-05 R/R DoB: 1993-04-03 S/R DoB: 2001-04-04 L/R DoB: 1993-11-29 Infielders Outfielders Marcus Semien Mark Vientos Brett Baty Carson Benge Austin Slater Juan Soto Tyrone Taylor R/R DoB: 1990-09-17 R/R DoB: 1993-12-11 L/R DoB: 1999-11-13 L/R DoB: 2003-01-20 R/R DoB: 33951 L/L DoB: 1998-10-25 R/R DoB: 34356 Also on 40-Player Roster Starting Pitchers Relief Pitchers Tylor Megill Kodai Senga Jonah Tong Alex Carrillo Reed Garrett Joey Gerber Justin Hagenman R/R DoB: 1995-07-28 L/R DoB: 1993-01-30 R/R DoB: 2003-06-19 R/R DoB: 1997-06-06 R/R DoB: 1993-01-02 R/R DoB: 1997-05-03 R/R DoB: 1996-10-07 On 60-Day Injured List with torn right UCL. On 15-Day Injured List with Lumbar Spine Inflammation With Syracuse With Syracuse On 60-Day Injured List — right UCL surgery and nerve relocation surgery. With St. Lucie on Rehab Assignment On 60 Day Injured List with fractured rib. Relief Pitchers Catchers Infielders A.J. Minter Dedniel Núñez Jonathan Pintaro Dylan Ross Hayden Senger Francisco Lindor Jorge Polanco L/L DoB: 1993-09-02 R/R DoB: 1996-06-05 R/R DoB: 1997-11-07 R/R DoB: 2000-09-01 R/R DoB: 1997-04-03 S/R DoB: 1993-11-14 S/R DoB: 1999-11-13 With Syracuse on Rehab Assignment On 60-Day Injured List — right UCL surgery. With Syracuse With Syracuse With Syracuse On 10-Day Injured List with Strained Left Calf On 10-Day Injured List with right wrist contusion. Infielders Outfielders Eric Wagaman Nick Morabito Luis Robert, Jr. Jared Young R/R DoB: 35656 R/R DoB: 2003-05-07 R/R DoB: 1997-08-03 L/R DoB: 1995-07-09 With Syracuse With Syracuse On 10-Day Injured List with Lumbar Spine Disc Hernitaion On 10-Day Injured List with torn left meniscus. Deslgnated for Assignment 5/1/2026 Carl Edwards, Jr. R/R DoB: 33484 DFA'd, 2026-04-30. Your Mets Coaching Staff Manager Bench Coach Pitching Coach Hitting Coordinator Third Base Coach First Base Coach Bullpen Coach Ass't Pitching Coach Carlos Mendoza Kai Correa Justin Willard Jeff Albert Tim Leiper Gilbert Gomez José Rosado Dan McKinney DoB: 1979-11-27 DoB: 1989-07-14 DoB: 1990-09-09 DoB: 1992-08-16 DoB: 1996-07-19 DoB: 1992-03-08 DoB: 1974-11-09 DoB: 1989-06-06 Hitting Coach Strategy Coach Catching Coach Coaching Assistant Bat'g Practice Pitcher Equipment Manager Bullpen Catchers Bullpen Catchers Troy Snitker Danny Barnes J.P. Arencibia Rafael Fernandez Kevin Mahoney Kevin Kierst Eric Langill Dave Racaniello DoB: 1988-12-05 DoB: 1989-10021 DoB: 1986-01-05 DoB: 1988-08-03 DoB: 1987-05-11 DoB: 1964-07-09 DoB: 1979-04-09 DoB: 1978-06-03 Your Mets Training Staff Director of Player Health Head Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Reconditioning Coordinator Reconditioning Therapist Head Performance Coach Assistant Performance Coach Performance Coordinator Soft Tissue Specialist Brian Chicklo Joseph Golia Bryan Baca Sean Bardanett Josh Bickel Dustin Clarke Tanner Miracle Jeremy Chiang Hiroto Kawamura DoB: 1972-07-17 DoB: 1978-??-?? DoB: Circa 1980 DoB: 1988-06-23 DoB: 1996-??-?? DoB: 1987-??-?? DoB: 1991-??-?? DoB: ????-??-?? DoB: 22846 View the full article

In the latest move around the edges of the roster, infielder Andy Ibanez joined the New York Mets' roster a day after being claimed off waivers. To make room, first baseman Eric Wagaman was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Ibanez was claimed Thursday off waivers from the A's, who had designated him for assignment. In 11 games for the A's this season, Ibanez was 2-for-17 with three RBIs and two runs scored with a walk and two strikeouts. That resulted in a slash line of .118/.167/.118. Ibanez made his MLB debut in 2021 and has a career .252/.303/.385 slash line with 28 homers and 131 RBIs in 431 games with the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and A's. Wagaman had been called up Thursday when Luis Robert Jr. went on the 10-day injured list with a lumbar spine disc herniation. Wagaman did not play in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. View the full article

There have been several offensive surprises in the first month of this season for the San Diego Padres. Catcher Luis Campusano has a team-leading 1.054 OPS, shortstop Xander Bogaerts is showing why he is being paid $280 million, superstar right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. has yet to hit a home run and Jake Cronenworth has one of the worst OPS in MLB among qualified players. Then there is Ty France. The former San Diego State star, born in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey and a West Covina High School alum, had to settle for signing a minor-league contract as spring training began with the team that drafted him in the 34th round in 2015. This came after he won the 2025 AL Gold Glove for first basemen and was part of the World Series runner-up Toronto Blue Jays after a trade from the Minnesota Twins. But France has made the most out of his second chance with the Padres. As a non-roster invite to spring training, he didn't have a major-league job guaranteed. But he showed a worthy bat, putting together a .306/.352/.510 slash line with two homers and 12 RBIs in 19 Cactus League games. That performance allowed France to take advantage of infielder Sung-Mun Song's oblique injury and snag the final bench spot. Still, he seemed third on the depth chart at first base behind left-handed-hitting Gavin Sheets and right-handed-hitting Nick Castellanos, who had never played first base before as an MLB player but was up for anything after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies. It was France's defense that would get him any playing time. If he could produce offensively, that would be a bonus. He even tried his hand at second and third base in spring training to make himself more valuable. The knock on France was that he doesn't produce the offense expected out of a first baseman. It is typically a power position, but France came into 2026 with a grand total of 81 homers in seven seasons, with a peak of 20 in 2022 with the Seattle Mariners, meaning that he averaged about 10 homers a year otherwise. His career slash line entering this year was .262/.334/.400, which made him a slightly above-average hitter with a 108 OPS+. He doesn't walk much, nor does he strike out a ton. This year has been different, though. The 31-year-old, whether he just relaxed and let his play do the talking or became more focused knowing his playing days could be coming to an end, has thrived with the Padres. In fact, France might be the most indispensable player they have had in the opening month. Entering this weekend's series against the Chicago White Sox, France is second to Campusano in OPS with .911, including a slash line of .289/.333/.578. His OPS+ is at a career high of 148. He already has three homers after hitting seven a year ago. In particular, France has been very integral to the offense in the last week. He had three straight multi-hit games entering Wednesday, going 6-for-11 with a walk and seven RBIs. Four of those RBIs came in Monday's series-opening 9-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs, with a two-run double and a two-run triple plus a stolen base. It was his first triple since 2022. That came two days after hitting two solo homers in Mexico City in a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, just his third career multi-homer game, so France is one of the few Friars in a good groove offensively. He has been valuable when in the starting lineup. Entering Wednesday, he had a slash line of .325/.372/.650 in 12 starts (1.022 OPS), hitting safely in seven of his previous nine starts. That production has proven valuable for a Padres offense that is still waiting on its main cogs, Tatis, Cronenworth and superstar third baseman Manny Machado, to get going. The Padres' .693 team OPS ranked 22nd in MLB after Wednesday's action, a far cry from what they were hoping for entering the season. Still, they rank in the top half in runs per game (13th, 4.63) thanks to the contributions of players like France. While still not having enough plate appearances to officially rate in Statcast categories, you can see that his numbers this year are much better than last year. In particular, his average exit velocity this year is at 92.9 mph, up from 89.5; likewise, his hard-hit percentage is at 56.1%, up from 44.2%. His barrel rate has also increased from 7.7% last year to 17.1% this year. France has been a nice right-handed complement to Sheets at first base, with Castellanos now the bench player in the most vulnerable position on the roster. Castellanos started in left field Wednesday and hit his first homer of the season, which might signal he is finally adjusting to his bench role after being a career starter. Only two of those starts have been at first due to France's presence—Castellanos has mainly been a designated hitter when he has started. When Song, currently at Triple-A El Paso, was brought up as the extra player for the Mexico City Series, there was chatter that Castellanos' time with the Padres could be coming to an end. Song would bring more versatility to the bench as he can play third, second and shortstop. Castellanos, though, had a couple big hits in the Cubs series. But that has been the trickle down from France's good spring and continued contributions through the first month of the regular season. If France can keep this up for the remainder of the season, he'll effectively supply the Friars with what they were hoping to get out of Castellanos, only with better defense. Once Tatis, Machado and Cronenworth get going, France's production may not be as noticeable, but it will make this offense that much better. View the full article

Following another bout with his velocity dropping, Brandon Woodruff is sidelined again. The Milwaukee Brewers placed the veteran right-handed starter on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Right-handed reliever Easton McGee was called up from Triple-A Nashville. Woodruff left his start Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning. That came after a noticeable drop in his velocity in the first inning. In five starts this season, Woodruff had been averaging 92.5 mph on his four-seam fastball, which was down to 85.4 mph Thursday with a high of 86.9. While the Brewers won the game 13-1, there was concern about Woodruff's status. The 33-year-old underwent an MRI exam while the game was still going and it was obvious he was headed for the injured list based on manager Pat Murphy's postgame comments. Woodruff was set to hit free agency after last season, but accepted the qualifying offer of $22.025 million in the offseason to remain for what appears to be his final season with the Crew. He is one of the most iconic pitchers in franchise history. Woodruff underwent major shoulder surgery after the 2023 season, which caused him to miss all of 2024. After some other ailments pushed back the start of his 2025 to July, Woodruff returned almost as if he was never gone. But last season ended early due to a lat strain that caused him to miss the Brewers' postseason for the third straight year. Now the Brewers must decide how to proceed without Woodruff. Left-hander Shane Drohan, who pitched four innings of relief following Woodruff's early exit, is one candidate. Right-hander Logan Henderson, currently at Triple-A Nashville, is another. Still, Woodruff's leadership and presence will be felt in the short term. View the full article

Iowa Bullpen Shines But Bats Strand Eight In 3-1 Loss The Iowa Cubs collected eight hits at St. Paul but stranded eight runners in a 3-1 loss to the Saints. James Triantos went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Jonathon Long also went 2-for-4 and drove in the team's only run. Charlie Barnes took the loss after five innings, allowing two hits, three earned runs, three walks, and a home run while striking out four. Luke Little, Ethan Roberts, and Tyler Beede combined for three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, with Little issuing two walks, Beede issuing one, and the trio combining for three strikeouts. The Saints jumped ahead in the bottom of the third on a solo home run. Iowa's deficit grew in the bottom of the fifth when, with the bases loaded, a walk forced in the second run and a sacrifice fly drove in the third for a 3-0 lead. Iowa cut the lead in the top of the eighth. With one out, Triantos singled, advanced to third on a fielding error, and scored when Long lined a single to left field. Chas McCormick flied out to end the inning, and the Cubs went down quietly in the ninth. Player AB R H RBI BB K Brett Bateman, CF 3 0 1 0 1 0 James Triantos, 3B 4 1 2 0 0 0 Pedro Ramírez, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 1 Jonathon Long, 1B 4 0 2 1 0 0 Hayden Cantrelle, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chas McCormick, DH 4 0 0 0 0 1 Dylan Carlson, LF-1B 4 0 1 0 0 0 Scott Kingery, SS 4 0 0 0 0 3 Christian Bethancourt, C 4 0 1 0 0 2 Justin Dean, RF 4 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Charlie Barnes (L) 5.0 2 3 3 3 4 1 Luke Little 1.0 0 0 0 2 1 0 Ethan Roberts 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Tyler Beede 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Smokies Held To Two Hits In 4-1 Loss At Rocket City The Knoxville Smokies managed just two hits in a 4-1 loss to Rocket City. Jefferson Rojas doubled, and Alex Madera singled. Jordan Nwogu drew two walks and scored Knoxville's lone run, Owen Ayers picked up the team's only RBI on a sacrifice fly, and Andy Garriola and Edgar Alvarez each walked. Grant Kipp took the loss after 1 2/3 innings, surrendering five hits, four earned runs, and three walks while striking out two. The bullpen kept the deficit at four. Luis Martinez-Gomez tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, two walks, and a hit allowed, and Frankie Scalzo Jr. followed with two scoreless frames, allowing one hit, two walks, and striking out two. The Trash Pandas got on the board first in the bottom of the first when an RBI single brought home a run. They tacked on three more in the bottom of the second. A walk preceded a wild pitch by Kipp that allowed a run to score, and a two-run single capped the rally to push the lead to 4-0. Knoxville's only run came in the top of the sixth. With one out, Nwogu walked, Rojas doubled to right field to put runners on second and third, and Ayers lifted a sacrifice fly to center to bring Nwogu home. Garriola walked to extend the inning, but Alvarez struck out to leave two runners stranded. Player AB R H RBI BB K Jordan Nwogu, CF 1 1 0 0 2 1 Jefferson Rojas, SS 3 0 1 0 0 1 Owen Ayers, C 2 0 0 1 0 0 Andy Garriola, RF 2 0 0 0 1 1 Edgar Alvarez, 1B 2 0 0 0 1 2 Carter Trice, LF 3 0 0 0 0 1 Ethan Hearn, DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 Devin Ortiz, 3B 3 0 0 0 0 0 Alex Madera, 2B 2 0 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Grant Kipp (L) 1 2/3 5 4 4 3 2 0 Luis Martinez-Gomez 2 1/3 1 0 0 2 3 0 Frankie Scalzo Jr. 2.0 1 0 0 2 2 0 Espinoza's Two-Hit Night Lone Bright Spot In South Bend's 6-1 Loss The South Bend Cubs were limited to four hits in a 6-1 home loss to Fort Wayne, with Leonel Espinoza accounting for two of them and the team's only run. Espinoza finished 2-for-2 with a double, a solo home run, and an RBI. Cole Mathis added a single and a walk, Matt Halbach singled, and Reginald Preciado was hit by a pitch before being lifted for Espinoza. Koen Moreno took the loss after 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits, five earned runs, one walk, and a home run while striking out five. The bullpen held Fort Wayne off the board for a stretch. Nate Williams worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, a walk, and a hit allowed. The TinCaps scored single runs in the second, third, and fourth innings, then broke the game open in the top of the fifth on a two-run home run that pushed the lead to 5-0. Espinoza got South Bend on the board in the bottom of the eighth with a home run to left center field that pulled the Cubs within 5-1. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kade Snell, CF 4 0 0 0 0 0 Cole Mathis, 1B 3 0 1 0 1 0 Cameron Sisneros, LF 3 0 0 0 1 0 Matt Halbach, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 0 Reginald Preciado, DH 0 0 0 0 0 0 Leonel Espinoza, DH 2 1 2 1 0 0 Drew Bowser, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 2 Miguel Useche, C 3 0 0 0 0 1 Geuri Lubo, RF 3 0 0 0 0 3 Christian Olivo, SS 2 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Koen Moreno (L) 4 2/3 7 5 5 1 5 1 Nate Williams 1 1/3 1 0 0 1 3 0 Ethan Bell 2.0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Kenyi Perez 1.0 1 1 1 1 2 0 Pelicans Plate Four In Second, Hold Off Columbia 4-2 The Myrtle Beach Pelicans plated all four of their runs in the bottom of the second inning and held off Columbia 4-2 at home. Alexey Lumpuy led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Michael Carico and Eli Lovich each added two hits, Alexis Hernandez tripled and walked, and Derniche Valdez singled, walked, and drove in a run. Jairo Diaz contributed an RBI on a sacrifice fly. Edwardo Melendez delivered four innings of one-hit ball, walking one, striking out four, and allowing one unearned run. Victor Zarraga earned the win after 3 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and one earned run while issuing three walks and striking out six. Braylon Myers picked up the save with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two walks while striking out three. Columbia scored an unearned run in the top of the second when a runner came home from third on a groundout that was extended by an error. Myrtle Beach answered immediately. Carico and Lovich opened the bottom half with back-to-back singles, and Hernandez walked to load the bases. Valdez walked to force in Carico, and Diaz lifted a sacrifice fly to score Lovich. After a lineout, Ty Southisene was hit by a pitch to reload the bases, and Lumpuy lined a two-run double to right field to make it 4-1. The Fireflies pulled within two with an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth, but Myers stranded the bases loaded with a strikeout to end the threat and retired Columbia in order in the ninth. Player AB R H RBI BB K Ty Southisene, SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 Alexey Lumpuy, CF 4 0 2 2 0 0 Josiah Hartshorn, RF 4 0 0 0 0 0 Michael Carico, 1B 4 1 2 0 0 0 Eli Lovich, LF 4 1 2 0 0 1 Alexis Hernandez, 2B 3 1 1 0 1 2 Derniche Valdez, 3B 3 1 1 1 1 0 Jairo Diaz, C 2 0 0 1 0 1 Edward Vargas, DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Edwardo Melendez 4.0 1 1 0 1 4 0 Victor Zarraga (W) 3 1/3 2 1 1 3 6 0 Braylon Myers (S) 1 2/3 0 0 0 2 3 0 Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B, K Kevin Alcantara: DNP Jonathon Long: 2-for-4, RBI Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramirez: 1-for-4, K, SB Kane Kepley: DNP Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-4 James Triantos: 2-for-4, R Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-3, BB Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 0-for-3 Erian Rodriguez: DNP View the full article

Boston Red Sox Affiliate Recap (April 28 - 30) Triple-A Worcester Red Sox Season Record: 17-12 Series Opponent: Rochester Red Wings (Washington Nationals) Series Record: 2-1 April 28: Worcester was blown out in the first game of the series, 10-1, against the Rochester Red Wings. The WooSox bats had trouble getting anything going in this game, especially with runners on base, 0-6 RISP. Worcester’s only run of the game came in the first inning when Anthony Seigler hit an RBI groundout with the bases loaded. Everything else went downhill from there as the pitchers struggled to find any swing and misses. Kristian Campbell had a solid day at the plate, collecting two hits. Campbell showed improvement by hitting the ball hard, a 101.6 MPH lineout to the shortstop and a 102.5 MPH double to center. Jake Bennett was slated to start but was scratched in hopes of possibly making his debut with the big league club. Seth Martinez filled in and did not last very long this game as he threw three innings and gave up four runs. Veteran pitcher Tayron Guerrero continued to look excellent this season after throwing 1 ⅔ innings without giving up any runs to lower his ERA to 0.90. April 29: Postponed, makeup on April 30. April 30: With a busy day for Worcester as they played a doubleheader, the WooSox leaned on their pitching staff in the first game with a 4-3 win over the Red Wings in a 7-inning contest, and afterwards piled up 10 hits and 7 walks in a commanding 7-3 victory over the Red Wings in the second game of their doubleheader. The WooSox struck fast in the 1st, Nick Sogard led off with a single, Mickey Gasper walked, and a fielding error by Rochester loaded the bases with nobody out. Kristian Campbell drew an RBI walk to make it 1-0, and Allan Castro followed with a sacrifice fly to center to push it to 2-0. Worcester loaded the bases again with another walk to Vinny Capra, but Braiden Ward grounded out to strand three runners. The Red Wings hit a solo homer to make it a 2-1 game in the bottom half of the 1st. Matt Thaiss added insurance in the 2nd, launching a solo homer to center field, his second of the year, to extend the lead to 3-1. Worcester hit across one more run in the 3rd. Campbell singled, Tsung-Che Cheng singled to put runners on the corners, and Capra delivered with an RBI groundout to make it 4-1. Starter Alec Gamboa was very solid, pitching 5 ⅔ innings, striking out six, giving up just two earned runs and only one walk on 73 pitches to earn the win and improve to 1-1 on the season. Key Performances: Alec Gamboa: 5 ⅔ IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K Matt Thaiss: HR, R, RBI To start off the second game of the doubleheader, Vinny Capra set the tone immediately, drilling a solo homer to left in the 1st inning to put Worcester up 1-0. Capra was sensational all day, going 3-for-5 with a homer and two doubles, scoring twice. The 3rd inning blew the game open. Braiden Ward led off with a solo shot to right-center, his first homer of the season, which made it 2-0. Capra followed with a double, Kristian Campbell walked, then Anthony Seigler crushed a two-run double to center to push it to 4-0. Worcester kept adding on in the 4th, Jason Delay and Nathan Hickey drew back-to-back walks, and Mikey Romero singled to center to plate Delay for a 5-1 lead. In the 5th, Seigler led off with a triple ripped to right field, and Allan Castro singled him home. Delay followed with an RBI single of his own (deflected off the pitcher), which made it 7-1 to put the game completely out of reach. Key Performances: Angel Bastardo: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 3 K Devin Sweet: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K Vinny Capra: 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 R, RBI Double-A Portland Sea Dogs Season Record: 12-12 Series Opponent: Somerset Patriots (New York Yankees) Series Record: 1-3 April 28: The Portland Sea Dogs lost a close game 2-1 to the Somerset Patriots. In an uneventful game for Portland, Franklin Arias stayed hot with a multi-hit day and brought in the Sea Dogs' only run of the game with an RBI single in the top of the 7th, tying the game 1-1. Although he suffered the loss, Gage Ziehl had a nice day on the mound. He threw seven innings, struck out three batters, unfortunately, the two runs he gave up were a couple of mistake pitches taken deep from a batter he could not find an answer for. Cooper Adams came into the game and threw a scoreless 8th inning. Key Performances: Franklin Arias: 2 H, RBI, SB Gage Ziehl: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 K April 29: It was a busy day at the office for the Portland Sea Dogs as they played a doubleheader makeup game from 4/5. They got crushed 13-1 in the first game and won the makeup game 6-5. For the first game, it was a nightmare outing for Portland's pitching staff, as the Somerset Patriots pounded out 15 hits and scored in five consecutive innings to run away with a 13-1 blowout in this seven-inning contest. The Sea Dogs managed just 4 hits all game and were never competitive after the third inning. Will Turner provided the lone bright spot, launching a solo homer to right-center in the top of the 3rd, his first of the season, to briefly cut the deficit to 3-1. But that was the only run Portland would muster. Turner also drew a walk in the 7th and finished as the only Sea Dog with an extra-base hit. In the second game (makeup game from 4/5), Portland gutted out a road win against Somerset, tagging a rehabbing Gerrit Cole before holding on late for a 6-5 victory in a seven-inning game. The Sea Dogs were shut down early. Cole looked sharp through three innings, retiring Portland in order in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd innings. The bats woke up in the 4th, Ronald Rosario broke through with a single, and Johanfran Garcia followed up and jumped on one, launching a two-run homer to left-center, his first of the year, which now flipped the game 2-1. Max Ferguson added another run for Portland with a solo blast to right field in the 5th to extend the lead to 3-1. Just like that, the Sea Dogs tagged Cole for 3 earned runs. Somerset clawed back later in the 5th inning to tie up the game 3-3. The 7th inning was where Portland seized the game, with two outs and nobody on, Nelly Taylor drew a walk to put a baserunner aboard. The bottom of the order would then explode. Ferguson laced a double to right to score Taylor, Will Turner doubled to right to score Ferguson, and Tyler McDonough doubled to right to score Turner. Three consecutive doubles, all hammered to right field. It was a stunning three-run rally with two outs that blew the game open 6-3. The Portland bullpen held on in the bottom half of the inning for a final score of 6-5. Key performances: Max Ferguson: HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI Johanfran Garcia: HR, 2 RBI April 30: Portland clawed back from a 5-1 deficit to tie the game in the top of the 9th, then watched the Patriots crush a three-run walk-off homer in the bottom half to end it 9-6. The Sea Dogs faced Carlos Rodon for his rehab assignment; the bats were quiet until the 8th inning. Miguel Bleis belted his second homer of the year off of Rodon in the 5th to make it 2-1 Somerset. Portland's bats finally erupted in the top of the 8th, Marvin Alcantara reached on a throwing error, Nate Baez singled, and Brooks Brannon unloaded a three-run homer to right-center to slash the deficit to 5-4 in one swing. Just like that, a game that had felt over was suddenly alive. Somerset added another run in the bottom of the 8th to make it 6-4 entering the 9th. The top of the 9th was pure magic. With one out, Ahbram Liendo drew a walk. Boston Red Sox top prospect Franklin Arias stepped up and launched a two-run homer to center, his 8th of the season, to tie it 6-6. The comeback from 5-1 down was complete. Sadly, it fell apart in the bottom of the 9th when the Patriots walked it off with a three-run homer, 9-6. High-A Greenville Drive Season Record: 13-11 Series Opponent: Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers) Series Record: 2-1 April 28: The Greenville Drive defeat the Hub City Spartanburgers 12-6 thanks to a seven-run inning. Down two runs entering the bottom of the 3rd inning, Justin Gonzales hit a single while Henry Godbout advanced him to third base with another single. Gonzales would then score due to a wild pitch. With the bases loaded, Jack Winnay tied the game 2-2 with a sacrifice fly. Yoeilin Cespedes stayed hot as he broke open the lead for Greenville with a three-run homer in the 6th to make it a 5-2 game, his fourth home run of the year. The Spartanburgers earned their first lead of the game in the top of the 8th with a four-run inning, 6-5 Hub City. The one-run deficit would not last long as Greenville had a monster seven-run 8th inning, hammering back-to-back-to-back homers. Yophery Rodriguez led off the inning and hit his third home run in the last four games. Gonzales and Godbout each followed up with solo shots to make it three home runs in a row. The Drive loaded the bases after Cespedes hit a single, Gerardo Rodriguez earned his third hit of the game with a single, and Isaiah Jackson. Freili Encarnacion came up to the plate and belted a grand slam to put Greenville on top with a commanding 12-6 lead. Jojo Ingrassia started on the mound and was not too sharp, finding the zone, walking four batters, and throwing 34 of 63 pitches for strikes. Although he had trouble finding the zone, he worked around the traffic on the bases, only giving up two runs in the three innings he pitched. Key Performances: Yophery Rodriguez: HR, 2 R, RBI, 2B, SB Yoeilin Cespedes: HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB Justin Gonzales: HR, 2 R, RBI, BB Freili Encarnacion: HR, 4 RBI, BB April 29: The Greenville Drive rallied for a thrilling 8-7 walk-off victory over the Hub City Spartanburgers in 10 innings. After trailing in the 10th, the Drive clawed back to walk it off. Down 2-0 entering the 2nd, Freili Encarnacion hammered a solo homer, his second homer in two straight days. Adonys Guzman followed up with a homer as well to tie the game and make it back-to-back home runs for Greenville. Yoeilin Cespedes continued to look incredible, hitting a solo shot in the 3rd inning to give the Drive a 3-2 lead. The Spartanburgers tied the game again, but Greenville did not let up as they scored another two runs in the 6th, Jack Winnay hit an RBI double, and Isaiah Jackson scored on a throwing error, 5-3 Drive. Hub City fought back in the 9th, tying the game 5-5 to head into extra innings. The Spartanburgers appeared to seize control in the 10th with a two-run blast, but Cespedes answered with a game-tying two-run homer of his own. Encarnacion then drove in the winning run on a force-out grounder to complete the comeback. Six total home runs were hit in the contest. Alex Bouchard came into the game to pitch the 3rd inning and still looked impressive as he threw 5 ⅓ innings, struck out four batters, and only gave up one run. Key Performances: Yoeilin Cespedes: 4-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI Jack Winnay: HR, 2B, R, RBI Freili Encarnacion: HR, 2 RBI Alex Bouchard: 5 ⅓ IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K April 30th: A frustrating night for Greenville, who were 0-for-12 with RISP in a 6-2 loss to the Hub City Spartanburgers. Gerardo Rodriguez brought in a run with a sacrifice fly to tie the game up 1-1 in the 1st. But the 2nd inning flipped the game. Red Sox 2025 1st round pick Kyson Witherspoon couldn't find the zone, walking two batters. The Spartanburgers then lined a three-run homer to center to give Hub City a 4-1 lead. Witherspoon was wild all night, 5 walks in just 2 ⅔ innings. He took the loss to fall to 0-2 on the season. Jack Winnay drew an RBI walk in the 3rd inning to cut the deficit to 4-2 with the bases loaded and two outs. Mason White lined out, and the inning died. Justin Gonzales was one of the only bright spots, reaching base all five times and scoring both of Greenville's runs. Single-A Salem RidgeYaks Season Record: 12-12 Series Opponent: Wilson Warbirds (Milwaukee Brewers) Series Record: 2-1 April 28: The RidgeYaks shut out the Wilson Warbirds 6-0 in the first game of the series. Salem scored six runs on only six hits, but they showed off the long ball this game. Starlyn Nunez led off the game with a walk, Luke Heyman followed up with a two-run homer to put the RidgeYaks on the scoreboard early 2-0. Andrews Opata gave Salem more breathing room with a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning to make it a 3-0 game. Enddy Azocar collected two hits, including a solo home run in the 5th inning, to keep his seven-game hitting streak alive. In the 8th, Opata earned his second and third RBIs of the game by hitting a two-run homer. The RidgeYaks pitched excellently, led by Myles Patton and Jacob Mayers. Patton earned the win by throwing five innings, allowing two hits and striking out six batters. Mayers earned a four-inning save, struck out four batters, and allowed only one hit. Key Performances: Enddy Azocar: HR, 2 R, RBI Luke Heyman: HR, 2 RBI, BB Andrews Opata: HR, 3 RBI Myles Patton: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K Jacob Mayers: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K April 29: A pitcher's duel through seven innings turned into heartbreak for Salem in the eighth, as the Wilson Warbirds exploded for four runs to pull away with a 5-1 win. The first seven innings were frustrating for the RidgeYaks; they managed just two hits, an Enddy Azocar double in the 1st inning and a D’Angelo Ortiz single in the 3rd. Salem kept shooting themselves in the foot; a strikeout-caught stealing double play killed a rally in the 3rd after Ortiz singled, and Ty Hodge grounded into a double play in the 5th with a runner on base. The RidgeYaks were 0-for-9 with RISP and had 5 LOB, which tells the story of the game for Salem. The real bright spot was starting pitcher Dylan Brown, who was brilliant, throwing 5 ⅔ innings, three hits, one unearned run, and seven strikeouts on 82 pitches. He kept Salem in the game and gave the offense every chance. April 30: The RidgeYaks erupt for 10 unanswered runs to stun the Warbirds 10-5. The first five innings were brutal; Salem's bats were asleep against the Warbirds pitchers. The RidgeYaks managed two singles from Starlyn Nunez and Enddy Azocar in the 1st inning but couldn't score, then went quietly in the 2nd through 5th. Starlyn Nunez tried to ignite the comeback, his solo homer to right in the 6th got Salem on the scoreboard 4-1, but Wilson answered back immediately with a homer to make it 5-1. Ty Hodge kept the pressure on with a solo shot in the 7th to cut it to 5-2. The 8th inning was electric for Salem. Anderson Fermin was hit by a pitch with one out. Nunez would then crush his second homer of the game, a two-run blast, and suddenly it was 5-4, a one-run game. Azocar singled, Heyman singled to put two on, and after a force out, moved runners to the corners with Kleyver Salazar at first. A passed ball tied the game up 5-5, and Salazar walked to load the bases. Hodge came through with a clutch two-run single to give Salem its first lead of the game at 7-5. Salem poured it on in the 9th for good measure. Nunez singled to make it his fourth hit of the game. Azocar singled, and Heyman demolished a three-run homer to left-center to blow it open 10-5. Ethan Walker deserves enormous credit for what he did on the mound. He entered in the 4th with the game at 3-0 and threw 5 ⅓ innings of two-run ball, striking out 9 on 74 pitches. He kept Salem in the game long enough for the bats to wake up and earned the win to improve to 2-1. Key Performances: Ethan Walker: 5 ⅓ IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 9 K Starlyn Nunez: 4-for-5, 2 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI Enddy Azocar: 3-for-5, 2 R Luke Heyman: HR, 3 RBI Ty Hodge: HR, 3 RBI View the full article

Boston Red Sox Affiliate Recap (April 28 - 30) Triple-A Worcester Red Sox Season Record: 17-12 Series Opponent: Rochester Red Wings (Washington Nationals) Series Record: 2-1 April 28: Worcester was blown out in the first game of the series, 10-1, against the Rochester Red Wings. The WooSox bats had trouble getting anything going in this game, especially with runners on base, 0-6 RISP. Worcester’s only run of the game came in the first inning when Anthony Seigler hit an RBI groundout with the bases loaded. Everything else went downhill from there as the pitchers struggled to find any swing and misses. Kristian Campbell had a solid day at the plate, collecting two hits. Campbell showed improvement by hitting the ball hard, a 101.6 MPH lineout to the shortstop and a 102.5 MPH double to center. Jake Bennett was slated to start but was scratched in hopes of possibly making his debut with the big league club. Seth Martinez filled in and did not last very long this game as he threw three innings and gave up four runs. Veteran pitcher Tayron Guerrero continued to look excellent this season after throwing 1 ⅔ innings without giving up any runs to lower his ERA to 0.90. April 29: Postponed, makeup on April 30. April 30: With a busy day for Worcester as they played a doubleheader, the WooSox leaned on their pitching staff in the first game with a 4-3 win over the Red Wings in a 7-inning contest, and afterwards piled up 10 hits and 7 walks in a commanding 7-3 victory over the Red Wings in the second game of their doubleheader. The WooSox struck fast in the 1st, Nick Sogard led off with a single, Mickey Gasper walked, and a fielding error by Rochester loaded the bases with nobody out. Kristian Campbell drew an RBI walk to make it 1-0, and Allan Castro followed with a sacrifice fly to center to push it to 2-0. Worcester loaded the bases again with another walk to Vinny Capra, but Braiden Ward grounded out to strand three runners. The Red Wings hit a solo homer to make it a 2-1 game in the bottom half of the 1st. Matt Thaiss added insurance in the 2nd, launching a solo homer to center field, his second of the year, to extend the lead to 3-1. Worcester hit across one more run in the 3rd. Campbell singled, Tsung-Che Cheng singled to put runners on the corners, and Capra delivered with an RBI groundout to make it 4-1. Starter Alec Gamboa was very solid, pitching 5 ⅔ innings, striking out six, giving up just two earned runs and only one walk on 73 pitches to earn the win and improve to 1-1 on the season. Key Performances: Alec Gamboa: 5 ⅔ IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K Matt Thaiss: HR, R, RBI To start off the second game of the doubleheader, Vinny Capra set the tone immediately, drilling a solo homer to left in the 1st inning to put Worcester up 1-0. Capra was sensational all day, going 3-for-5 with a homer and two doubles, scoring twice. The 3rd inning blew the game open. Braiden Ward led off with a solo shot to right-center, his first homer of the season, which made it 2-0. Capra followed with a double, Kristian Campbell walked, then Anthony Seigler crushed a two-run double to center to push it to 4-0. Worcester kept adding on in the 4th, Jason Delay and Nathan Hickey drew back-to-back walks, and Mikey Romero singled to center to plate Delay for a 5-1 lead. In the 5th, Seigler led off with a triple ripped to right field, and Allan Castro singled him home. Delay followed with an RBI single of his own (deflected off the pitcher), which made it 7-1 to put the game completely out of reach. Key Performances: Angel Bastardo: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 3 K Devin Sweet: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K Vinny Capra: 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 R, RBI Double-A Portland Sea Dogs Season Record: 12-12 Series Opponent: Somerset Patriots (New York Yankees) Series Record: 1-3 April 28: The Portland Sea Dogs lost a close game 2-1 to the Somerset Patriots. In an uneventful game for Portland, Franklin Arias stayed hot with a multi-hit day and brought in the Sea Dogs' only run of the game with an RBI single in the top of the 7th, tying the game 1-1. Although he suffered the loss, Gage Ziehl had a nice day on the mound. He threw seven innings, struck out three batters, unfortunately, the two runs he gave up were a couple of mistake pitches taken deep from a batter he could not find an answer for. Cooper Adams came into the game and threw a scoreless 8th inning. Key Performances: Franklin Arias: 2 H, RBI, SB Gage Ziehl: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 K April 29: It was a busy day at the office for the Portland Sea Dogs as they played a doubleheader makeup game from 4/5. They got crushed 13-1 in the first game and won the makeup game 6-5. For the first game, it was a nightmare outing for Portland's pitching staff, as the Somerset Patriots pounded out 15 hits and scored in five consecutive innings to run away with a 13-1 blowout in this seven-inning contest. The Sea Dogs managed just 4 hits all game and were never competitive after the third inning. Will Turner provided the lone bright spot, launching a solo homer to right-center in the top of the 3rd, his first of the season, to briefly cut the deficit to 3-1. But that was the only run Portland would muster. Turner also drew a walk in the 7th and finished as the only Sea Dog with an extra-base hit. In the second game (makeup game from 4/5), Portland gutted out a road win against Somerset, tagging a rehabbing Gerrit Cole before holding on late for a 6-5 victory in a seven-inning game. The Sea Dogs were shut down early. Cole looked sharp through three innings, retiring Portland in order in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd innings. The bats woke up in the 4th, Ronald Rosario broke through with a single, and Johanfran Garcia followed up and jumped on one, launching a two-run homer to left-center, his first of the year, which now flipped the game 2-1. Max Ferguson added another run for Portland with a solo blast to right field in the 5th to extend the lead to 3-1. Just like that, the Sea Dogs tagged Cole for 3 earned runs. Somerset clawed back later in the 5th inning to tie up the game 3-3. The 7th inning was where Portland seized the game, with two outs and nobody on, Nelly Taylor drew a walk to put a baserunner aboard. The bottom of the order would then explode. Ferguson laced a double to right to score Taylor, Will Turner doubled to right to score Ferguson, and Tyler McDonough doubled to right to score Turner. Three consecutive doubles, all hammered to right field. It was a stunning three-run rally with two outs that blew the game open 6-3. The Portland bullpen held on in the bottom half of the inning for a final score of 6-5. Key performances: Max Ferguson: HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI Johanfran Garcia: HR, 2 RBI April 30: Portland clawed back from a 5-1 deficit to tie the game in the top of the 9th, then watched the Patriots crush a three-run walk-off homer in the bottom half to end it 9-6. The Sea Dogs faced Carlos Rodon for his rehab assignment; the bats were quiet until the 8th inning. Miguel Bleis belted his second homer of the year off of Rodon in the 5th to make it 2-1 Somerset. Portland's bats finally erupted in the top of the 8th, Marvin Alcantara reached on a throwing error, Nate Baez singled, and Brooks Brannon unloaded a three-run homer to right-center to slash the deficit to 5-4 in one swing. Just like that, a game that had felt over was suddenly alive. Somerset added another run in the bottom of the 8th to make it 6-4 entering the 9th. The top of the 9th was pure magic. With one out, Ahbram Liendo drew a walk. Boston Red Sox top prospect Franklin Arias stepped up and launched a two-run homer to center, his 8th of the season, to tie it 6-6. The comeback from 5-1 down was complete. Sadly, it fell apart in the bottom of the 9th when the Patriots walked it off with a three-run homer, 9-6. High-A Greenville Drive Season Record: 13-11 Series Opponent: Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers) Series Record: 2-1 April 28: The Greenville Drive defeat the Hub City Spartanburgers 12-6 thanks to a seven-run inning. Down two runs entering the bottom of the 3rd inning, Justin Gonzales hit a single while Henry Godbout advanced him to third base with another single. Gonzales would then score due to a wild pitch. With the bases loaded, Jack Winnay tied the game 2-2 with a sacrifice fly. Yoeilin Cespedes stayed hot as he broke open the lead for Greenville with a three-run homer in the 6th to make it a 5-2 game, his fourth home run of the year. The Spartanburgers earned their first lead of the game in the top of the 8th with a four-run inning, 6-5 Hub City. The one-run deficit would not last long as Greenville had a monster seven-run 8th inning, hammering back-to-back-to-back homers. Yophery Rodriguez led off the inning and hit his third home run in the last four games. Gonzales and Godbout each followed up with solo shots to make it three home runs in a row. The Drive loaded the bases after Cespedes hit a single, Gerardo Rodriguez earned his third hit of the game with a single, and Isaiah Jackson. Freili Encarnacion came up to the plate and belted a grand slam to put Greenville on top with a commanding 12-6 lead. Jojo Ingrassia started on the mound and was not too sharp, finding the zone, walking four batters, and throwing 34 of 63 pitches for strikes. Although he had trouble finding the zone, he worked around the traffic on the bases, only giving up two runs in the three innings he pitched. Key Performances: Yophery Rodriguez: HR, 2 R, RBI, 2B, SB Yoeilin Cespedes: HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB Justin Gonzales: HR, 2 R, RBI, BB Freili Encarnacion: HR, 4 RBI, BB April 29: The Greenville Drive rallied for a thrilling 8-7 walk-off victory over the Hub City Spartanburgers in 10 innings. After trailing in the 10th, the Drive clawed back to walk it off. Down 2-0 entering the 2nd, Freili Encarnacion hammered a solo homer, his second homer in two straight days. Adonys Guzman followed up with a homer as well to tie the game and make it back-to-back home runs for Greenville. Yoeilin Cespedes continued to look incredible, hitting a solo shot in the 3rd inning to give the Drive a 3-2 lead. The Spartanburgers tied the game again, but Greenville did not let up as they scored another two runs in the 6th, Jack Winnay hit an RBI double, and Isaiah Jackson scored on a throwing error, 5-3 Drive. Hub City fought back in the 9th, tying the game 5-5 to head into extra innings. The Spartanburgers appeared to seize control in the 10th with a two-run blast, but Cespedes answered with a game-tying two-run homer of his own. Encarnacion then drove in the winning run on a force-out grounder to complete the comeback. Six total home runs were hit in the contest. Alex Bouchard came into the game to pitch the 3rd inning and still looked impressive as he threw 5 ⅓ innings, struck out four batters, and only gave up one run. Key Performances: Yoeilin Cespedes: 4-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI Jack Winnay: HR, 2B, R, RBI Freili Encarnacion: HR, 2 RBI Alex Bouchard: 5 ⅓ IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K April 30th: A frustrating night for Greenville, who were 0-for-12 with RISP in a 6-2 loss to the Hub City Spartanburgers. Gerardo Rodriguez brought in a run with a sacrifice fly to tie the game up 1-1 in the 1st. But the 2nd inning flipped the game. Red Sox 2025 1st round pick Kyson Witherspoon couldn't find the zone, walking two batters. The Spartanburgers then lined a three-run homer to center to give Hub City a 4-1 lead. Witherspoon was wild all night, 5 walks in just 2 ⅔ innings. He took the loss to fall to 0-2 on the season. Jack Winnay drew an RBI walk in the 3rd inning to cut the deficit to 4-2 with the bases loaded and two outs. Mason White lined out, and the inning died. Justin Gonzales was one of the only bright spots, reaching base all five times and scoring both of Greenville's runs. Single-A Salem RidgeYaks Season Record: 12-12 Series Opponent: Wilson Warbirds (Milwaukee Brewers) Series Record: 2-1 April 28: The RidgeYaks shut out the Wilson Warbirds 6-0 in the first game of the series. Salem scored six runs on only six hits, but they showed off the long ball this game. Starlyn Nunez led off the game with a walk, Luke Heyman followed up with a two-run homer to put the RidgeYaks on the scoreboard early 2-0. Andrews Opata gave Salem more breathing room with a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning to make it a 3-0 game. Enddy Azocar collected two hits, including a solo home run in the 5th inning, to keep his seven-game hitting streak alive. In the 8th, Opata earned his second and third RBIs of the game by hitting a two-run homer. The RidgeYaks pitched excellently, led by Myles Patton and Jacob Mayers. Patton earned the win by throwing five innings, allowing two hits and striking out six batters. Mayers earned a four-inning save, struck out four batters, and allowed only one hit. Key Performances: Enddy Azocar: HR, 2 R, RBI Luke Heyman: HR, 2 RBI, BB Andrews Opata: HR, 3 RBI Myles Patton: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K Jacob Mayers: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K April 29: A pitcher's duel through seven innings turned into heartbreak for Salem in the eighth, as the Wilson Warbirds exploded for four runs to pull away with a 5-1 win. The first seven innings were frustrating for the RidgeYaks; they managed just two hits, an Enddy Azocar double in the 1st inning and a D’Angelo Ortiz single in the 3rd. Salem kept shooting themselves in the foot; a strikeout-caught stealing double play killed a rally in the 3rd after Ortiz singled, and Ty Hodge grounded into a double play in the 5th with a runner on base. The RidgeYaks were 0-for-9 with RISP and had 5 LOB, which tells the story of the game for Salem. The real bright spot was starting pitcher Dylan Brown, who was brilliant, throwing 5 ⅔ innings, three hits, one unearned run, and seven strikeouts on 82 pitches. He kept Salem in the game and gave the offense every chance. April 30: The RidgeYaks erupt for 10 unanswered runs to stun the Warbirds 10-5. The first five innings were brutal; Salem's bats were asleep against the Warbirds pitchers. The RidgeYaks managed two singles from Starlyn Nunez and Enddy Azocar in the 1st inning but couldn't score, then went quietly in the 2nd through 5th. Starlyn Nunez tried to ignite the comeback, his solo homer to right in the 6th got Salem on the scoreboard 4-1, but Wilson answered back immediately with a homer to make it 5-1. Ty Hodge kept the pressure on with a solo shot in the 7th to cut it to 5-2. The 8th inning was electric for Salem. Anderson Fermin was hit by a pitch with one out. Nunez would then crush his second homer of the game, a two-run blast, and suddenly it was 5-4, a one-run game. Azocar singled, Heyman singled to put two on, and after a force out, moved runners to the corners with Kleyver Salazar at first. A passed ball tied the game up 5-5, and Salazar walked to load the bases. Hodge came through with a clutch two-run single to give Salem its first lead of the game at 7-5. Salem poured it on in the 9th for good measure. Nunez singled to make it his fourth hit of the game. Azocar singled, and Heyman demolished a three-run homer to left-center to blow it open 10-5. Ethan Walker deserves enormous credit for what he did on the mound. He entered in the 4th with the game at 3-0 and threw 5 ⅓ innings of two-run ball, striking out 9 on 74 pitches. He kept Salem in the game long enough for the bats to wake up and earned the win to improve to 2-1. Key Performances: Ethan Walker: 5 ⅓ IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 9 K Starlyn Nunez: 4-for-5, 2 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI Enddy Azocar: 3-for-5, 2 R Luke Heyman: HR, 3 RBI Ty Hodge: HR, 3 RBI View the full article

The New York Mets have some top-end prospect names who could be making their Big Apple debut soon. Jonah Tong has one of the better K/9 marks in all of minor league baseball, A.J. Ewing continues to showcase his flashing speed upon his Triple-A promotion, and Dylan Ross looks like he could be a lockdown reliever. View the full article

The Toronto Blue Jays' pitching staff has been a tale of two extremes. There have been some outstanding performances by the guys in this article, but then there have been absolute snoozefests like Brendon Little and his 24.55 ERA. All the injuries the staff has endured haven't helped matters. Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, Shane Bieber, Yimi García, and Bowden Francis all started the season on the injury list. However, Yesavage made his first start of the season on April 28, and Berríos is making rehab starts with a return to the Blue Jays in sight. Unfortunately, more pitchers have joined the injury list. Cody Ponce suffered an ACL injury in his first start this season, and, more recently, Max Scherzer was added to the injury list with forearm tendinitis and ankle inflammation. Eric Lauer has been filling in as a member of the starting rotation, but he's struggled with a 6.00 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP, and a 20:13 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 27 innings. The Blue Jays were so desperate for arms that they signed Patrick Corbin in free agency, a name no Blue Jays fan thought they'd see on the team. His first start was rough, allowing four earned runs to the Minnesota Twins, but he has settled down since then, allowing only four earned runs over three starts. However, that's enough doom and gloom. These were the bright spots on the Blue Jays' pitching staff in March and April. Honourable Mentions Braydon Fisher - 17 IP, 1.59 ERA, 16 K, 6 BB, 4 holds, 3.25 FIP In his second MLB season, Braydon Fisher has been thrust into high-leverage situations at times, converting four holds in 13 relief appearances. His latest high-leverage situation was on April 29 against the Boston Red Sox. He replaced Lauer in the fifth inning of a 5-1 game with the bases loaded and one out. The first batter up was Willson Contreras, who already had homered in the game, but Fisher got Contreras to line into a double play. His four holds are one short of last year's total, when he made 51 relief appearances. The one issue Fisher has had is allowing free passes. He has a 2.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio, which is fewer than his 3.26 ratio last season. However, Fisher has proven to be able to get out of innings with runners on base. Kevin Gausman - 40.2 IP, 3.10 ERA, 40 K, 8 BB, 3.35 FIP Kevin Gausman has been a prototypical ace, delivering dominant performances to start the season. He has thrown six innings or more in four of his seven starts and was able to keep his pitch count under 92 in each of those four games. In three of those, he didn't walk a batter, which supported his low pitch count. The ace accumulated 21 strikeouts through his first two starts, but that was against the Athletics and Chicago White Sox. Over his next five starts, he totaled 19 strikeouts, though he faced some tougher competition: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Arizona Diamondbacks. March/April Pitchers of the Month #3 - Tyler Rogers - 15.1 IP, 0.59 ERA, 8 K, 4 BB, 7 holds, 2.87 FIP The submariner, Tyler Rogers, has been electric since signing with Toronto in free agency, allowing only one earned run this season. His deceptive arm motion usually leads to a high strikeout-to-walk rate, but this season, his 6.8 percent K-BB% is a career low over his eight MLB seasons. Though the sample is small, this is just the second time that rate has been below 12.5 percent. Rogers was a candidate to close games once Jeff Hoffman was removed from the role, but Louis Varland has seemingly been cemented into the closer role. This setup allows Rogers to continue thriving, entering the game in the eighth inning and helping to hold the lead. #2 - Dylan Cease - 31.1 IP, 2.87 ERA, 49 K, 17 BB, 1.82 FIP Dylan Cease has been worth every penny the Blue Jays gave him in the offseason. He ranks fourth in strikeouts among all MLB starting pitchers, but he's the only one to have thrown 12 strikeouts in a game twice. In fact, there's only been one other pitcher to strike out 12 batters in a game, the Brewers' Kyle Harrison. Allowing walks has always been a struggle for Cease, and this season is no different. He's given up two or more free passes in all six of his starts. With the high walk and strikeout totals, the righty builds up a high pitch count, which means he has only pitched six innings once. However, he's thrown more than 165 innings in five straight seasons, so he should continue to provide a Blue Jays team that's bleeding from injuries with a stable top-of-the-rotation arm. #1 - Louis Varland - 16 IP, 0.56 ERA, 26 K, 4 BB, 3 holds, 4 saves, 0.62 FIP The MVP of the bullpen has been Louis Varland. He has been thrust into games in high-leverage, mid-inning situations and has been outstanding. It's not his first time being used in high-leverage situations, as he had 17 holds for the Minnesota Twins over 49 innings before being traded to the Blue Jays at last season's trade deadline. Though it's come in a small sample, his 43.3 strikeout percentage is a career high over his five MLB seasons. His success has made him the man to take over the ninth inning after Hoffman's struggles got him removed from the closer role. Varland has converted all four of his save chances while allowing only one run and striking out seven in those outings. He has a firm grasp on the role and doesn't look like he'll relinquish his duties anytime soon. View the full article