MLB Player News

Both were considered long shots to make the Opening Day bullpen, so there are no real surprises here. With the moves on Saturday morning, the Tigers now have 59 players remaining in big league camp.

Happ got the Cubs going in this one with a two-run single in the first inning that instantly put Pirates’ starter Bubba Chandler on the ropes. Then, his three-run homer in the seventh gave them a lead and set up what turned into a six-run inning. This was the most RBI that Happ has had in a single game since July 4th, 2024 and brought his season total from 21 to 26 in one fell swoop. That’s the kind of heroics the Cubs needed to finally break their 10-game losing streak.

All of the damage to Taillon came via the homerun ball in this one. Brandon Lowe got him for a three-run shot in the third inning on a first-pitch fastball that he golfed over the right field fence. Then, Konnor Griffin did the same on another first-pitch fastball hit to practically the exact same spot. After those, it pushed Taillon’s league-leading mark of 19 home runs allowed. The next closest pitcher has only 13. Proceed with caution ahead of a two-start week against the Athletics and Giants.

Lowe was almost the entirety of the Pirates’ offense with a three-run shot in a game where they only scored four total. He’s now hit safely in nine of his last 10 games and both his 14 home runs and .914 OPS lead all second basemen by a wide margin. He appears to be something of a league-winner thus far.

Things almost spun out of control quickly for Chandler here. He let the first three batters he faced reach base via two walks and a single and then Ian Happ got him for a two-run knock. A timely double play on Chandler’s 32nd pitch of the inning stopped the bleeding there. He never particularly settled in, giving up a run each in the second and fourth innings, but it was at least nice to see him get through five when it felt like he could’ve been pulled before the first was over. Different from some of his other poor starts, Chandler had no issues throwing strikes. Instead, he continued to have another problem that’s stuck with him and could not put hitters away. The Cubs hit seven foul balls in two strike counts off Chandler and his only pitch that induced a two strike whiff was a fastball. He needs to find more breaking ball consistency to reach the level we thought was possible heading into this season. Overall, it’s a shame he could not build on the momentum of his fantastic last start and he’ll take a 4.85 ERA into a two-start week against the Astros and Braves with both outings set to come on the road.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters Anthony took more swings prior to Tuesday’s game against the Braves and will continue ramping up his hitting progression. The 22-year-old former top prospect has been working his way back from a ligament sprain in his ring finger in addition to a wrist sprain. There’s a chance he’s ready for a minor league rehab assignment at some point in early June based on his current trajectory.

Acuňa drew a leadoff walk to start the game and swiped second base shortly after, but the veteran right fielder was again held without a hit for the fourth time in his last five games. Acuňa has struggled all season and is slashing a pedestrian .222/.349/.250 in May with four games left to go this month.

McAdoo receives his first call up to the big leagues after hitting .250/.356/.436 with eight homers and six steals in 202 plate appearances over 49 games at the Triple-A level this season. The 24-year-old defensive versatility is his signature calling card as he’s played three different infield positions this season. No word yet on the corresponding move, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Toronto move on from Lenyn Sosa with McAdoo making more sense in a reserve role.

Rafaela tallied three singles in his first three at-bats on the night and drove in two runners in the fourth inning to put the Red Sox up 4-0. Rafaela has swung a hot bat as of late, hitting safely in four-straight games while slashing .310/.370/.512 on the month and swiping four bags. He remains a key bat for a Red Sox lineup that has scored five or more runs in four of its last five games.

Duran was replaced by Nicky Lopez at shortstop with Justin Foscue taking over at second base after going 0-for-2 at the dish. It doesn’t sound like a serious concern heading into Thursday’s series finale.

Jansen was checked on by a trainer early on while protecting a four-run lead in the ninth inning, but managed to stay in the contest. He recorded two quick outs before issuing a four-pitch walk to Mike Trout, which led to his removal from the contest. Brenan Hanifee came on to record the final out following his departure. The 38-year-old veteran stopper will undergo further evaluation and possibly imaging to determine the severity of the issue. Kyle Finnegan would be the next man up should Jansen require a trip to the injured list.