As the splitter rises in popularity, why do left-handers rarely throw the pitch?
The splitter is the hottest pitch in baseball right now, but not amongst left-handed starters.
Baseball
11th May 2026
Yankees' Carlos Rodón struggles in 2026 debut, Brewers win on Brice Turang walk-off homer
The New York Yankees’ already formidable starting rotation added a significant left arm Sunday with Carlos Rodón making his first start of the 2026 MLB season. Unfortunately, it was a season debut to forget for the 12-year veteran.
Blake Snell roughed up in Dodgers' season debut, outshined by Braves' Spencer Strider in 7-2 loss
Blake Snell making his season debut Saturday for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Atlanta Braves, tied for the best record in Major League Baseball, may have been a tough opening assignment.
10th May 2026
Scouting top prospects Liam Doyle, Ike Irish, Dante Nori and more
Notes on prospects from the Phillies, Cardinals and Orioles systems.
Injury to insult: Tigers' Kerry Carpenter hurt on misplay that led to Bobby Witt Jr. inside-the-park-homer
Kerry Carpenter gave Bobby Witt Jr. an opening and the Kansas City Royals’ All-Star shortstop seized it, jetting around the bases for an inside-the-park home run in a 5-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.
Giants ace Logan Webb goes on 15-day IL with right knee bursitis, ending consecutive start streak
The San Francisco Giants are tied for the worst record in the National League (and second-worst mark in MLB) and now have to endure without their ace starting pitcher. Logan Webb was placed on the 15-day injured list with right knee bursitis, the team announced Saturday.
Last-place Twins put top pitcher Taj Bradley on injured list with right pectoral inflammation
A difficult season for the Minnesota Twins is now even tougher with pitcher Taj Bradley going on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right pectoral muscle. Bradley, 25, had been Minnesota’s lone pitching standout, compiling a 2.87 ERA and 4-1 record in his first eight starts.
Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski throws 10 pitches at 103 mph vs. Yankees, setting record
The 24-year-old "Miz" had 11 strikeouts in six innings as the Brewers throttled the Yankees 6-0 at American Family Field.
Bobby Cox, Hall of Fame Braves manager, dies at 84
Cox retired from managing after the 2010 season with 2,504 wins, fourth among MLB managers. He won five pennants and one World Series title.
Bobby Cox, legendary Braves manager, dies at 84
Bobby Cox, who managed the Atlanta Braves to the 1995 World Series and was a four-time manager of the year, died on Saturday, the team announced.“We are overcome with emotion on the passing of Bobby Cox, our treasured skipper,” the team wrote in a statement.
Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt hits Little League grand slam in win over Padres, capitalizing on Fernando Tatís Jr. error
JJ Wetherholt is a month and change removed from his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. On Friday night in San Diego, he was the beneficiary of a play that belongs at a much, much lower level.
Hall of Famer Wade Boggs says he is cancer-free 2 years after prostate cancer diagnosis
Wade Boggs says he is cancer-free, two years after he announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. "I'm a cancer survivor now. Prostate cancer is null and void.
Cubs win 10th straight game for second time this season, first time since 1935
No MLB team has more wins or a better winning percentage than the Chicago Cubs, who improved to 27-12 with a 7-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Friday.
Guardians trade for Giants catcher Patrick Bailey, option Bo Naylor to Triple A
The Giants will get the No. 29 pick in the 2026 draft and pitching prospect Matt Wilkinson.
Guardians acquire Giants catcher Patrick Bailey for draft pick, LHP prospect
The Cleveland Guardians have acquired San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey in exchange for the No. 29 pick in this year’s MLB Draft and left-handed pitching prospect Matt Wilkinson, the Guardians announced Saturday. Cleveland has also optioned Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus.
Patrick Bailey traded to Guardians, Giants receive draft pick, LHP prospect
The Cleveland Guardians have acquired San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey in exchange for the No. 29 pick in this year’s MLB Draft and left-handed pitching prospect Matt Wilkinson, the Guardians announced Saturday. Cleveland has also optioned Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus.
Orioles' Tupac Shakur bobbleheads in high demand: 'I didn't think it was real'
The primary focus at Oriole Park on Friday night was clear: Securing a Tupac bobblehead. Not all fans succeeded, though.
9th May 2026
Top Padres prospect self-deported to Mexico after plea related to human smuggling
Humberto Cruz pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor involving the transport of illegal immigrants and is now on the restricted list.
Jacob Misiorowski hits 103.6 mph vs. Yankees, unleashes hardest pitches ever tracked by MLB from starter
With the first pitch of his start against the New York Yankees on Friday, Milwaukee Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski reared back and threw a 102.4 mph fastball for a called strike. It was the slowest pitch he’d throw that inning.
Pedro Martínez dismayed over Jason Varitek reassignment: 'Tek means so much to this city'
A league source said that although the Red Sox said they would reassign Varitek, that hasn't happened, and the team hasn't clarified a role.
Munetaka Murakami makes some history while tying Aaron Judge for MLB lead with 15th homer
Munetaka Murakami knows how to make a first impression. In the first inning of the Chicago White Sox’s 12-8 loss against the Seattle Mariners on Friday, Murakami crushed an opposite-field homer off starting pitcher Emerson Hancock.
Diamondbacks designate Alek Thomas for assignment, call up top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt
The Arizona Diamondbacks called up their top minor-league prospect, outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt, the team announced. He joined the team before Friday’s 3-1, 10-inning loss to the New York Mets. Waldschmidt, 23, came into the season ranked as Arizona’s No.
Where to watch New York Yankees vs. Milwaukee Brewers: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Friday, May 8
The AL East-leading New York Yankees (26-12) record, face the Milwaukee Brewers (19-16). The Yankees have won six of their past seven games.
Dodgers' Blake Snell reportedly set to make season debut Saturday against Braves
Blake Snell will reportedly make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, according to the California Post. Saturday also happens to be “Blake Snell Bobblehead Day.” The Los Angeles Dodgers lefty last pitched in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Dodgers' Blake Snell reportedly set to make season debut Saturday, while Tyler Glasnow hits IL
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell will reportedly make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, according to the California Post. Saturday also happens to be “Blake Snell Bobblehead Day.”.
Blake Snell to make season debut on Saturday as Dodgers place Tyler Glasnow on IL
Snell had been scheduled to make a rehab start on Saturday but will instead pitch for the Dodgers against the Braves.
Can the Cubs Keep This Up? Spencer Jones Hype, Red-Hot Rays & Yankees Pressure in the AL East
. Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube.
Does the American League just ... suck? Plus: Calling all engineers!
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
8th May 2026
What rule changes should MLB make? Give us your suggestions for our MLB mailbag
For our next mailbag we'll select from reader suggestions, bring them to smart baseball people, and rate the possible rule changes.
After a year away from ‘The Trop,’ the Rays are finding there's no place like home
The Rays, who own the second-best record in the American League, are 14-4 at Tropicana Field so far this season.
Oneil Cruz hit a home run off the top of the foul pole: 'Moon landing is probably easier'
Which is harder — landing a human on the moon or hitting a home run that dents the top of a foul pole in an MLB game? We asked a physicist!.
Four batters hitting the ball hard without good results, and what Pull Air has to do with it
Despite good batted ball data — bat speed and Barrel rates — these four batters aren't hitting home runs. We delve into the reasons why.
For the Nationals, James Wood is leading off — and then the mystery begins
There is one constant in the Nationals' lineup under first-year manager Blake Butera. Everything else is perpetually in flux.
On a Sterling career that deserved its day in Cooperstown — and more Sliders
Plus the stadium-themed inspiration behind A's catcher Shea Langeliers' name and a conversation with a man of many (seven) pitches.
Weird & Wild: MLB manager firings, Murakami's epic start and a minor-league classic
When a bullpen coughs up 17 runs on eight hits, 18 walks and eight wild pitches, is that is that weird/wild enough to make this column? Yes.
Orioles' fan frustration is justified — so is Baltimore's insistence things will get better
It's not the six weeks of underwhelming play. It's the 22 long months of it.
The Ws keep flying: How Cubs have suddenly surged to the top of the baseball world
The North Side National Landmark has been a thunderdome of late, a showcase of sporting joy. That’s because the hometown team is absolutely rolling. The Chicago Cubs are 26-12 after Thursday’s 8-3 victory against the Reds, a win that capped a four-game sweep of Cincinnati.
AL and NL Rookie of Year watch: Munetaka Murakami's power didn't take long to arrive while Mets' Nolan McLean looks like an ace
. After taking a look at the MVP and Cy Young races earlier this week, it’s time to turn our attention to the Rookie of the Year award and the remarkably deep group of young players thriving in the majors in their first full seasons as big leaguers.
Yankees call up prospect Spencer Jones for MLB debut
Jones posted a .958 OPS with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs at Triple A. He will immediately be one of the most fascinating players in the majors.
Red Sox's Roman Anthony headed to IL while recovering from hand injury, says it's 'nothing too serious'
Roman Anthony is going on the injured list with his right hand injury, after all.
Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson's Little League mistake leads to 7-run inning for Cubs
When it rains, it pours. The Cincinnati Reds entered Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs riding a six-game losing streak, including back-to-back extra-inning, walk-off losses.
Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson's Little League mistake leads to 7-run inning as Cubs win their ninth straight
When it rains, it pours. The Cincinnati Reds entered Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs riding a six-game losing streak, including back-to-back extra-inning, walk-off losses.
San Diego Padres sale a full-circle moment for Black baseball
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 The next frontier for African Americans in sports is team ownership.
Yankees place Jasson Domínguez on IL after getting carted off, will call up Spencer Jones
Domínguez left Thursday's game after slamming into the left-field wall while making a spectacular catch.
MLB viewership up 44 percent across national games in 2026, the league's best showing in nearly a decade
After a few years out of the limelight, baseball is making a comeback. Viewership is up in a major way across the sport, with national games seeing as much as a 44 percent increase in viewers, according to Front Office Sports.
Yankees' Jasson Domínguez makes highlight reel catch, leaves on medical cart
New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez made a highlight reel catch in the top of the first inning on Thursday against the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately, the play saw Domínguez hit his back hard against the outfield LED screen.
Recap of May 7 live chat with Keith Law about the MLB Draft and prospects
Chat with Keith Law about the MLB Draft and MLB prospects at 1pm ET.
Where to watch St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego Padres: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, May 7
The St. Louis Cardinals, ranked second in the NL Central with a 21-15 record, face the San Diego Padres, who are second in the NL West with a 22-14 record. The San Diego Padres are favored with a -165 moneyline compared to the St.
Where to watch Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, May 7
The Tampa Bay Rays, ranked second in the AL East with a 24-12 record, face the Boston Red Sox, who are tied for fourth in the AL East with a 16-21 record.
Where to watch Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Thursday, May 7
The Texas Rangers, ranked third in the AL West with a 17-19 record, face the New York Yankees, who are first in the AL East with a 25-12 record.
Why were we worried about Paul Skenes again? Plus: A weird bout of injuries
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
7th May 2026
This Week in Sports Trivia: May 7, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Dalton Rushing embraces his edge, even as he keeps irritating opponents
Dodgers teammates love the young catcher's hard-nosed approach, but he's under scrutiny for his on-field behavior.
Thongs, Taco Bell and the neuroscience of baseball’s weirdest rituals
Sports psychologists once treated rituals as a confidence trick — a placebo. The science has gotten more interesting than that.
Four keys to the Braves' hot start, from Matt Olson's bat to pitching depth
No team will have a better record than the Braves when they open a series against the Dodgers on Friday. Here's how they got here.
Normally the fastest player on the field, Trea Turner is trying to outrun time
Turner is making $27 million a year. He is clear-eyed about his place in all of this. He wants to hit at least .300 every year.
Banning the infield shift didn’t bring back the base hit. Does anyone care?
Baseball looks a lot more like it once did, with infielders standing where they should. Yet batting averages remain at all-time lows.
MLB Mock Draft 2026, version 1.0: White Sox surprise with Grady Emerson pick
In our first MLB mock draft of 2026, the White Sox nab a high school star, while the Rays get the consensus top prospect at Pick 2.
Cubs pick up third straight walk-off win via 10th-inning walk vs. Reds
The Chicago Cubs pulled off a rare feat Wednesday night at Wrigley Field, all thanks to Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong. Busch was walked in the 10th inning with the bases loaded to lift the Cubs to a 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
An appreciation of Ted Turner, a baseball maverick who used the Braves to conquer the world
“He grew the game like no one had before, and no one will ever be able to re-create that,” two-time MVP and former Brave Dale Murphy said.
With Carlos Correa adding to Astros' pile of injuries, could this season already be a lost cause?
By some measures, no major-league team was more impacted by injuries last season than the Houston Astros. Star slugger Yordan Alvarez was limited to 48 games due to a recurring hand injury. Infielder Isaac Paredes missed two months with a hamstring strain.
Cubs' Matthew Boyd reportedly tears meniscus 'sitting down to play with his kids'
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd will miss the foreseeable future due to a freak injury. Boyd, 35, needs meniscus surgery, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, and reportedly suffered the injury while “sitting down to play with his kids.”.
Tyler Glasnow and Lance McCullers Jr. both exit with injuries in Dodgers' blowout of Astros
Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros saw their injury-prone starting pitchers deal with issues Wednesday. It hurt the Astros more. Tyler Glasnow and Lance McCullers Jr.
Tigers' Triple-A manager Gabe Alvarez reportedly dismissed due to harassment allegation
Nic Antaya via Getty ImagesThe Detroit Tigers announced on May 5 that the contract for Triple-A manager Gabe Alvarez was abruptly terminated due to a “violation of club policy.”.
Report: Tigers' Triple-A manager Gabe Alvarez fired over 'inappropriate' text message to colleague
Nic Antaya via Getty ImagesThe Detroit Tigers abruptly fired Triple-A manager Gabe Alvarez on Tuesday due to a “violation of club policy,” and according to an ESPN report, the termination happened because of a text message.
Baseball Bar-B-Cast: Framber Valdez's behavior 'embarrassing and it's selfish and it's stupid'
On the latest episode of Yahoo Sports’ “Baseball Bar-B-Cast,” hosts Jordan Shusterman and Jake Mintz delved into the chaos surrounding Framber Valdez’s recent actions on the mound that got him a five-game suspension, a moment that could have significant implications for a Detroit Tigers team already reeling from injuries and setbacks.
Rays shut out Blue Jays, polish off MLB-best fifth sweep of season as winners of 12 of their last 13 games
Julio Aguilar via Getty ImagesIt looks like Shane McClanahan has rediscovered the mojo that made him a two-time All-Star before a pair of major arm surgeries sidelined the southpaw for two and a half seasons.
MLB suspends Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez 6 games after ejection, benches-clearing dispute in blowout loss to Red Sox
Framber Valdez’s ejection on Tuesday night is going to cost him. Major League Baseball hit the Detroit Tigers starter with a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine on Wednesday.
Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez accepts 5-game suspension for throwing at Red Sox's Trevor Story
Framber Valdez’s ejection on Tuesday night is going to cost him. Major League Baseball hit the Detroit Tigers starter with a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine on Wednesday. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was assessed a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for Valdez’s actions, too.
Tigers' Triple-A manager dismissed after harassment claims: Sources
The Tigers announced Tuesday that Gabe Alvarez’s contract had been terminated in-season 'due to a violation of club policy.'.
Zach Neto credits Pokémon rip with Mike Trout for busting slump, home runs for both: 'Thanks, Charizard'
Baseball, perhaps more than any other, is a sport steeped in superstition. Just ask Zach Neto. The Los Angeles Angels shortstop and leadoff hitter entered Tuesday in arguably the worst slump of his career.
Dodgers exhale after Tyler Glasnow (back) exits early, but unlikely to go on IL
Glasnow, who suffers from near-annual back spasms, felt his back “gave out” during a warmup toss in the second inning.
Tarik Skubal Injury Could Cost Him Millions, Ohtani Panic & Early MLB Awards Picks
. Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube. Tarik Skubal’s season—and possibly his financial future—just took a major hit.
AL and NL Cy Young watch: Max Fried leads Yankees pair, Shohei Ohtani leads Dodgers pair as both awards are packed with contenders
This week, we’re taking stock in the three major awards races, with roughly one-fifth of the regular season complete and the league’s best players starting to separate themselves.
Where to watch Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Wednesday, May 6
The Texas Rangers (16-19) face the New York Yankees (25-11). The Yankees won the series’ first game 7-4 on Tuesday. Scheduled starting pitchers are Nathan Eovaldi for Texas, with a 4.76 ERA, and Will Warren for New York, with a 2.39 ERA.How to watch Texas Rangers vs.
Yet another Framber Valdez blunder. Plus: Biggest MLB surprises so far.
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
Astros' Carlos Correa to undergo season-ending ankle surgery
Correa sustained the injury while taking a swing during pregame batting practice Tuesday.
Ted Turner, media mogul and former Atlanta Braves owner, dies at 87
Turner used his cable empire to boost the visibility of the Braves throughout the country.
Ted Turner, media mogul and former owner of the Braves and Hawks, dead at 87
Ted Turner, former owner of the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks, died Wednesday, Turner Enterprises announced. He was 87. The Braves confirmed Turner’s death in a social media post Wednesday.pic.twitter.
6th May 2026
A quick MLB check-in, plus an NHL lottery shock
The Pulse Newsletter ???? | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Don’t hit anyone in the back today.
Loose bodies, the trade deadline and free agency: Understanding all things Tarik Skubal
What will this injury mean for Skubal's chances of being traded, and for his looming free agency?.
Jacob deGrom is still dealing — and stirring a fascinating HOF debate — with the Rangers
A decade after he burst onto the scene, deGrom is perhaps the most underappreciated ace in baseball. Can he stay healthy and keep it going?.
Top MLB starting pitchers who are candidates to be traded at the deadline
With so many expected contenders off to slow starts, trade talks have started earlier than normal. These pitchers are potential targets.
Are the Cardinals and Rays for real? MLB's biggest surprises so far
It's early, and some teams are playing well beyond their expectations, while others are behind. What's real? We answer your questions.
Astros' Carlos Correa believed to have suffered serious ankle injury: Source
Correa will visit a foot specialist on Wednesday morning to determine the exact diagnosis and severity of the injury.
Astros shortstop Carlos Correa reportedly out indefinitely with ankle injury suffered in warmups before win over Dodgers
The Houston Astros are going to be without shortstop Carlos Correa for the foreseeable future. Correa was a late scratch from the team’s 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night after he went down with an ankle injury during pregame warmups.
Astros' Carlos Correa to miss remainder of MLB season with ankle injury, likely to undergo surgery this week
The Houston Astros will be without shortstop Carlos Correa for the remainder of the 2026 season. Correa was a late scratch from the team’s 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night after he went down with an ankle injury during pregame warmups.
'Completely Unfair’: Framber Valdez rips ejection after benches-clearing hit-by-pitch
Valdez said he did not hit Trevor Story on purpose, but a possible suspension would be another hit to his reputation and his wounded team.
Tigers' A.J. Hinch on Framber Valdez HBP incident: 'Didn't feel good being out there'
After surrendering back-to-back home runs, Valdez's next pitch hit Red Sox batter Trevor Story square in the back.
Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez drills Trevor Story, sparking benches-clearing scrum in matchup vs. Red Sox
Famber Valdez made a quick exit from the mound on Monday night at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers starter drilled Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story in the shoulder in the fourth inning of their matchup on Tuesday night.
Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez drills Red Sox's Trevor Story with 'weak' pitch, sparks benches-clearing dispute and his ejection
Framber Valdez made a quick exit from the mound Tuesday night at Comerica Park. The Detroit Tigers starter drilled Trevor Story in the shoulder in the fourth inning of their 10-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. That led to his ejection after the benches cleared.
Yankees will wear John Sterling patch to honor longtime radio broadcaster
The Sterling patch will be a season-long tribute, starting May 18, and the Yankees will continue to wear hats with his initials on the back.
Cal Raleigh returns to Mariners lineup, facing Braves after 3-game absence with injury
. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh had missed three games due to tightness on his right side. There was speculation that Raleigh may be heading to the injured list, but he is making his return to the lineup Tuesday night, batting second against the Atlanta Braves.
Cal Raleigh returns to Mariners lineup after 3-game absence with injury
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh had missed three games due to tightness on his right side. There was speculation that Raleigh might land on the injured list, but he made his return to the lineup Tuesday night, batting second against the Atlanta Braves.
Beer sabres, skates and tusks: NHL, NBA teams surpassing MLB in souvenir cup innovations
While NHL teams introduce creative souvenir cups that are commanding big value, MLB teams are falling behind.
AL and NL MVP watch: Could a teammate dethrone Yankees' Aaron Judge? And is Shohei Ohtani's top competition the Braves' Matt Olson?
. With April officially behind us, MLB announced its first batch of monthly awards, celebrating the individuals in each league who have gotten off to the fastest starts in 2026. This week, we’re taking stock in the three major awards races, acknowledging who has performed the best in the early going while also recognizing who is in the strongest position to remain relevant in the push for these accolades throughout the duration of the season.
Bob Skinner, former Pirates outfielder and coach who won 2 World Series with club, dies at 94
Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder and coach Bob Skinner has died, the club confirmed Tuesday. He was 94 years old.
The unthinkable: Shohei Ohtani shows even he has limits
The Shohei Ohtani experience is changing before our eyes. On Tuesday evening, the Dodgers’ two-way superstar will take the mound against the Houston Astros. He will do so as MLB’s most effective starting pitcher.
Pirates manager Don Kelly, pitcher Chris Devenski suspended by MLB for throwing at Reds rookie Sal Stewart
The Pittsburgh Pirates will open Tuesday’s series against the Arizona Diamondbacks without their manager. Don Kelly was suspended by MLB for one game after the league determined Pirates pitcher Chris Devenski intentionally threw at Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart during Saturday’s game.
