A quick MLB check-in, plus an NHL lottery shock
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6th May 2026
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? Our mailbag looks at 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.
Tigers' Framber Valdez calls his ejection after HBP 'completely unfair'
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.
Where to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Houston Astros: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, May 5
The Los Angeles Dodgers, ranked first in the NL West with a 22-13 record, face the Houston Astros, who are fourth in the AL West with a 14-22 record.
Where to watch Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, May 5
The Texas Rangers, ranked third in the AL West with a 16-18 record, face the New York Yankees, who are first in the AL East with a 24-11 record. Starting pitchers are Jacob deGrom for Texas, with a 2.01 ERA, and Elmer Rodríguez for New York, with a 4.50 ERA.How to watch Texas Rangers vs.
Tarik Skubal's IL stint, a huge blow to the Tigers. Plus: The power rankings basement
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
5th May 2026
White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami finally hit something other than a home run after record-setting start
Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami came over to MLB this offseason with muted expectations.
Joe Maddon: These are the 3 best leaders I managed in MLB
Joe Maddon managed for 17 seasons in MLB. He was a three-time Manager of the Year and won the 2016 World Series with the Cubs.
Why Drake Baldwin could raise the bar for catcher salaries, plus more MLB notes
We also look at Will Smith's quiet Hall of Fame case, why the Reds and Sal Stewart aren't talking extension and more from around MLB.
MLB Power Rankings: A new No. 1 has finally broken through and a never-before-seen bottom two
In this week's edition of the Power Rankings, we have teams in basement that have never been in the basement before. It's a wild time!.
These young starting pitchers are emerging as MLB aces
There is no more valuable commodity in baseball than a true No. 1 starter. These young arms look ready to be their teams' aces.
Slumping Shohei Ohtani to once again take pause from hitting in next start on mound
Ohtani's .814 OPS is the first time it's been below .850 this deep into a season since 2023, his last time as a full-time two-way player.
Man stabbed to death at Busch Stadium hours after Cardinals' loss to Dodgers
Daniel Shirey via Getty ImagesA man was stabbed to death early on Monday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis after an alleged dispute between members of a cleaning crew at the Cardinals’ ballpark. Police were called to a block outside of the stadium just before 3 a.
Tarik Skubal's elbow is now MLB's biggest mystery. His recovery time from surgery could be difference between a $250M and $450M deal
. . The best pitcher on Earth needs surgery. Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ back-to-back AL Cy Young award winner, is headed to the injured list with loose bodies in his left elbow.
Tarik Skubal's elbow is now MLB's biggest mystery. His recovery time from surgery could be difference between a $250M and $400M deal
. The best pitcher on Earth needs surgery. Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ back-to-back AL Cy Young award winner, is headed to the injured list with loose bodies in his left elbow.
Tarik Skubal to have surgery on pitching elbow, no timetable for return
Skubal has been dealing with discomfort on and off all season, but his arm locked up in a different way on Sunday, prompting a scan.
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to undergo surgery for loose bodies in his elbow
. Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal won’t take the mound as expected Monday. Skubal was scratched from his start and will go on the injured list due to loose bodies in his throwing elbow. Skubal will need surgery to repair the issue and is expected to miss time, manager A.J. Hinch told reporters.
Remembering the legendary John Sterling, Yankees proving running it back works & Cubs stay hot at the Friendly Confines
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube. When the New York Yankees decided, in essence, to run back a very familiar team they had at the end of last season, there was some unease from their passionate fanbase.
Anthony Volpe demotion another sign these Yankees are acting more aggressively
Anthony Volpe’s debut, on Opening Day 2023, was supposed to be the start of something. Expectations for the Big Apple born, New Jersey raised, childhood Yankee fan were outrageously high. For good reason.
Remembering John Sterling, the New York Yankees' legendary voice
The longtime radio voice of the New York Yankees provided a soundtrack over decades and dynasties to fans tuning in to listen.
Shohei Ohtani named Pitcher of the Month for first time in career
The award reflects the emphasis the two-way star has placed on his work on the mound this season.
Celebrating John Sterling’s greatest Yankees calls and his signature style
With so many memorable Sterling calls, choosing his best seems like an impossible task. Still, here are seven that stand out.
The Yankees lose a broadcasting legend in John Sterling. Plus: Who's trending up and down
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
4th May 2026
John Sterling, legendary Yankees broadcaster, dead at 87
John Sterling, the legendary New York Yankees radio announcer, has died. He was 87. Sterling’s death was confirmed Monday by the team, and Sterling’s former station, WFAN in New York.The Yankees mourn the loss of legendary broadcaster John Sterling.
John Sterling, legendary Yankees broadcaster, dies at age 87
Sterling, known for his bombastic delivery and eccentric catchphrases, called 5,651 Yankees games, including eight World Series appearances.
'He is the Cubs': Why Nico Hoerner is Pete Crow-Armstrong's favorite player
Pete Crow-Armstrong has star power, and Alex Bregman has a bigger name, but Hoerner is the talented, versatile player who everyone loves.
Scouting 3 potential MLB Draft first-rounders at Mississippi-Arkansas
A look at two starting pitchers, plus a catcher who's getting some first-round buzz.
Angels GM Perry Minasian is selling an optimism not based in reality
To Minasian, the Angels have been on the precipice of success for the last half-dozen years.
For every superstar MLB hitter, there's that one pitcher who gives them fits: ‘He owns me'
Though they may like to forget, the hitters always know the history. “Both parties are aware,” said Athletics slugger Brent Rooker.
Mike Trout is good again. The Angels should trade him, stat.
The Angels’ future is bleak with or without Trout. Sometimes trading the best player in the franchise’s history is the right move .
Yankees send Anthony Volpe to minors in favor of SS José Caballero
Anthony Volpe’s 20-day rehab window has concluded, but he is not returning to the New York Yankees. The Yankees instead announced Sunday afternoon that they’ve optioned Volpe from the 10-day injured list to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Yankees option Anthony Volpe to minors in stunning move for former starting shortstop
Optioning Volpe is the latest move that shows the Yankees are acting with perhaps more urgency this season than in years past.
Twins' Joe Ryan leaves start in first inning with right elbow soreness
The All-Star starter signaled to the dugout that something was amiss after walking Kazuma Okamoto on his ninth pitch of the game.
Where to watch Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Sunday, May 3
The Baltimore Orioles (15-18) face the AL East-leading New York Yankees (22-11).
Braves place Ronald Acuña Jr. on IL with strained left hamstring
Just as the Atlanta Braves welcome Spencer Strider back to their roster, Ronald Acuña Jr. is going on the injured list. The team announced the move on Sunday morning.
3rd May 2026
Mets' Ronny Mauricio out 6-8 weeks with fractured left thumb; Bo Bichette might return to shortstop
The New York Mets lost another shortstop in Saturday ‘s 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels when Ronny Mauricio fractured his thumb while sliding into first base. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters before Sunday’s game that Mauricio is expected to be out for six to eight weeks.
The Brandon Belt Wars are over. Meet the unlikely winner
After establishing herself as Belt's most vocal defender online, Carmen Kiew emerged as a Bay Area media personality.
Mariners starter Emerson Hancock strikes out 14 on Randy Johnson jersey retirement night ... but Seattle loses
Saturday was a day to celebrate Seattle Mariners Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, who became the fourth player in Mariners history to have his jersey number retired. And soon after, Seattle starter Emerson Hancock honored him by putting on a show.
Where to watch Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle Mariners: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Saturday, May 2
The Kansas City Royals (13-19) face the Seattle Mariners (16-17) in the second game of their series. The Royals won Friday’s opener 7-6. Starting pitchers are Seth Lugo for Kansas City, with a 2.63 ERA, and Emerson Hancock for Seattle, with a 2.86 ERA.How to watch Kansas City Royals vs.
Ildemaro Vargas' hit streak ends at 27 games, second-longest to open MLB season
Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas’ hitting streak ended at 27 games after going 0-for-4 in Arizona’s 2-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Vargas got a base hit in each of the D-backs’ previous 24 games this season and three more in Arizona’s final three games last year.
Astros' Christian Walker after taking fastball to head: 'I feel OK, luckily'
Christian Walker was 3-for-4 with a home run before taking a fastball off his head from Red Sox reliever Tyler Samaniego.
Where to watch Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle Mariners: Live stream, TV channel, odds for Saturday, May 2
The Kansas City Royals (13-19) face the Seattle Mariners (16-17) in the second game of their series. The Royals won Friday’s opener 7-6. Starting pitchers are Seth Lugo for Kansas City, with a 2.63 ERA, and Emerson Hancock for Seattle, with a 2.86 ERA.How to watch Kansas City Royals vs.
Reds pitchers tie MLB record with 7 straight walks against Pirates
Rhett Lowder and Connor Phillips couldn't find the strike zone as the Reds appear likely to end Saturday in second place in the NL Central.
Pirates tie MLB record with 7 straight walks vs. Reds
Have you ever been to a Little League game where some poor kid can’t find the strike zone and the other team knows it? The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds just gave us the major league version of that.
Padres announce agreement for ownership transfer to Jones-Feliciano group
"There will be no changes to day-to-day business operations as a result of today’s announcement," the Padres said in a statement.
Orioles calling up top pitching prospect Trey Gibson to start Sunday vs. Yankees, says manager Craig Albernaz
The Baltimore Orioles will reportedly activate top pitching prospect Trey Gibson to start against the New York Yankees on Sunday.
2nd May 2026
Plane flies above Fenway Park urging Red Sox to fire Craig Breslow, sell the team
A banner towed by a small plane above Fenway Park on Friday urged the ownership of the Boston Red Sox to sell the team.
Pete Alonso returns to New York with blast for Baltimore, no hard feelings for miserable Mets
After taking the high road when asked about his old team's disastrous start, Alonso hit a home run for his new team at Yankee Stadium.
The internet thought Jazz Chisholm Jr. was wearing an AirPod. He was actually playing hurt
The Yankees' second baseman stuffed cotton in his ear to deal with the aftereffects from taking a grounder to the head on Monday.
Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski exits with hamstring cramp after 5 1/3 hitless innings of 6-1 win
Jacob Misiorowski was dealing. Then he was leaving. The Milwaukee Brewers’ rising star exited Friday’s 6-1 win against the Washington Nationals with a right hamstring cramp after 5 1/3 hitless innings.
Carlos Mendoza on conversation with Mets PBO David Stearns: 'I understand the situation'
“It’s good to have that conversation with him," Mendoza said. "But at the end of the day, we have a job and we have a responsibility.”.
Orioles closer Ryan Helsley lands on injured list, becomes team's 12th player on IL
Despite a horde of injuries, the Baltimore Orioles are hanging around in the AL East more than a month into their first season under manager Craig Albernaz.
Brewers place pitcher Brandon Woodruff on IL after lowered velocity in previous start
The Milwaukee Brewers placed pitcher Brandon Woodruff on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, the team announced Friday. That outcome seemed imminent after Woodruff left Thursday’s start against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning.
MLB free-agent rankings: In the 2027 class, it's Tarik Skubal at No. 1 and everybody else
The calendar has turned to May, and still, we hardly know a darn thing about the 2026 MLB season. Everybody in the NL Central is good. The Phillies and Mets are collecting losses like stamps.
Mets not planning to move on from Carlos Mendoza: 'We don't view this as a manager problem'
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza should be able to worry less about his future with the team now, after he received backing from president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Taking stock of current division standings, Mets’ miserable month finally ends & Cardinals are the first team to do this in 2026
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube. After a little over a month’s worth of baseball games, we’re slowly seeing how the season could potentially shape up based on those who are leading and those disappointing in their respective divisions.
NBA, MLB, player unions ask feds for restrictions on prediction markets
Sports leagues are asking the CFTC for more input and restrictions on what events prediction markets offer regarding their sports.
Q&A recap: Eno Sarris answered your baseball questions in a chat on Friday
Eno Sarris chatted live with subscribers on Friday, May 1, answering all of your fantasy baseball and MLB-related questions.
He finally tried a chicken wing! He's 80! Plus: The most unhittable pitcher ever
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
1st May 2026
Alec Bohm's parents request dismissal of lawsuit as new details emerge in dispute
Bohm filed a lawsuit against his parents in March alleging financial mismanagement of his affairs. His parents want the suit dismissed.
Bobby Witt Jr. and the surprising power of one deep breath
Breathing not only impacts our autonomic nervous system, but the kind of breath we take impacts it in different ways.
Home run-hitting Munetaka Murakami is making the White Sox look pretty smart
The Japanese slugger, who is tied for the major-league lead with 12 homers, has emerged as a star player on a team that isn't bad.
The bitter taste of victory: How Malört and Craig Counsell bring Cubs together
The Cubs have made a post-victory shot of Malört a tradition, one that Counsell took part in after achieving his 900th win as a manager.
The MLB season is nearing the quarter mark. What has surprised you so far?
This week, The Athletic's MLB Mailbag will delve into the surprises of 2026. What has caught you off guard so far this season?.
How Red Sox castoff Kyle Harrison is finding the best version of himself in Milwaukee
Plus, the Mariners are retiring No. 51 (again!) this weekend and more of baseball's timely and timeless elements.
Is Padres closer Mason Miller the most unhittable pitcher who ever lived?
The stats show it. And two Hall of Fame closers concur: Miller just put together a dominant stretch unlike any other.
Inside the mind of John W. Henry, Liverpool's 'semi-detached' owner
FSG's principal owner is under fire again from Liverpool and Red Sox fans, but is he listening?.
D-backs catcher James McCann ties MLB record for most games pitched by position player before May
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann tied an MLB record Thursday by pitching in four games as a position player before May.
6 minor leaguers to know: James Tibbs III, AJ Ewing, Kade Anderson and more who could make an impact in MLB this summer
Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana made his MLB debut Tuesday, marking the latest from the loaded 2024 MLB Draft to arrive in the majors and another addition to what’s shaping up to be a special 2026 rookie class.
D-backs' Ildemaro Vargas extends 23-game hit streak, tied for second longest to start MLB season since 1940
Ildemaro Vargas is one of the best stories in baseball right now. The veteran utility infielder is 34 years old, and he’s in what’s technically his fourth stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s also MLB’s batting average leader and the architect of three historic hitting streaks.
U.S. Figure Skating chaotically attempts to throw first pitch at Mets game
No one can deny that the members of the United States figure skating team are elite athletes. Throwing a pitch, however, might not be part of their skill set.
Phillies walk off Giants twice to sweep doubleheader as Kyle Schwarber becomes ninth active MLB player to hit 350 home runs
While managing the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, Don Mattingly oversaw a midseason turnaround that called for a greater escape than the one his Philadelphia Phillies need to make it out of the National League cellar this season.
Alex Cora praises Red Sox, expresses disappointment he 'didn't finish the job' in email to organization
Amid the fallout of the Boston Red Sox’s surprising firing of Alex Cora, there were mixed messages about how the former manager felt about the club. Cora texted reporters saying he was “happy” after the firing and shared a few images on social media that raised eyebrows.
After wild rehab outing, Tatsuya Imai to make another start before Astros return
In his first competitive outing since being sidelined with arm fatigue, Imai struggled with command, prompting more questions for Houston.
The Fernando Tatis Jr. puzzle. Plus: Zoom in on this photo
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
30th April 2026
This Week in Sports Trivia: April 30, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Baseball's save might be dead. Plus: Latest LIV turmoil
Welcome to The Pulse, The Athletic's daily newsletter.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is hitting baseballs harder than anyone. None are leaving the yard
To advance further than they did the past two Octobers, the Padres will need Tatis to regain his power stroke.
How the Cubs are scoring more runs by swinging less
Plus the one reason Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas might not retire at the end of the season.
Scouting notes on Gerrit Cole, Franklin Arias, Ronny Cruz, Marco Luciano and more
A rehabbing Cole threw well, although his velocity wasn't at his peak, in his rehab outing Wednesday. Notes on him and much more.
As MLB bullpens keep evolving, is the sport devaluing the save stat?
Teams aren't as likely to save their best reliever for the ninth if the highest-leverage matchup comes earlier in the game.
PowerPoints and a leaky air mattress: Inside Travis Bazzana's journey to the majors
A No. 1 pick, a face of Australian baseball and now an aspiring centerpiece of the Guardians, Bazzana has new challenges to face.
Who's next to go? We answer your questions on MLB's managerial madness
The Athletic's MLB Mailbag looks at the spate of recent managerial firings and with your help, tries to divine what is to come.
Why some of the best athletes in the world pretend to be someone else
You change your perspective. Your mind shifts. You get outside yourself and the anxiety slides away. Who knows what can happen then?.
