“I’ve been terrible. I need to play better,” was how Bregman started his declaration, which was shared on X by Jesse Rogers of ESPN. “Offensively, it’s been awful. I’ve failed many times in this game. I’ve struggled. I’ve started slow before, I’ve started fast before.”

Despite Bregman batting a .243 average with 5 home runs and 19 RBIs, what caught everyone’s attention is his .669 OPS, which places him 133rd among all players this year. Is it something for the Cubs to worry about? Yes, most starting infielders shouldn’t struggle that way.

At least Bregman knows what’s happening

Bregman is crystal clear about his issues at the plate. After 263 at-bats and 64 hits, he’s ready to confront it with the best solution: keep working to get better. “When you’re struggling, there is only one way forward and that’s straight, head-on through it. It comes down to executing in the game. I haven’t executed all year.”

The Cubs’ 34-32 situation isn’t all on Bregman. They still have some time to climb up in the NL Central standings, but if he can speed up his production at the plate, it could help with their goal to reach the MLB postseason. Right now, they are 7.5 games behind Milwaukee.

Among Bregman’s teammates, there are other players struggling with an OPS just as much or worse than his. One of them is Dansby Swanson with a .606 OPS. As the starting shortstop, his production is down with only 37 hits and 28 RBIs this year.

The Brewers’ rising star set a Statcast Era record for the fastest pitch ever tracked by a starting pitcher, touching a blistering 103.7 mph on Saturday to become the first starter in modern history to hit that mark. Furthermore, he matched a historic feat not seen since Bob Gibson’s legendary 1968 campaign, pitching to a microscopic 0.20 ERA over his last seven starts (just 1 ER in 45.1 IP)—closely trailing Gibson’s historic 0.14 ERA over a minimum 30-inning span.

Those mind-boggling numbers have ignited plenty of buzz across the baseball world, with the Brewers’ fanbase loudly campaigning that the young ace has firmly earned a spot in the upcoming MLB All-Star Game.

Even as manager Pat Murphy continues to carefully manage workloads and protect his young roster, Misiorowski simply keeps delivering every time he takes the ball. His sustained brilliance has Milwaukee fans dreaming big about what the flamethrower can accomplish as the challenges intensify down the stretch.

Why was there tension with Misiorowski against the Rockies?

Moments after making MLB history, Misiorowski found himself at the center of a tense situation when a runaway fastball struck Rockies hitter Tyler Freeman in the helmet. Beyond the naturally terrifying moment, the mistake drew heavy boos from the Colorado crowd, as the rookie’s signature triple-digit heat unfortunately resulted in a dangerous up-and-in hit-by-pitch.

Misiorowski was visibly shaken by the incident, immediately putting his hands on his head in distress to show there was zero malicious intent. While Freeman was fortunately able to walk off under his own power, the scary impact forced the Rockies‘ batter to exit the game early for further medical evaluation.

Misiorowski’s next start

According to the Brewers’ projected rotation schedule, Misiorowski will benefit from six days of rest before taking the bump for his next assignment against a formidable Philadelphia Phillies lineup.

The Brewers will play host to Philadelphia, a squad that has recently experienced an offensive slump and will look to jumpstart its bats in a high-profile series against Milwaukee, the current pace-setters of the National League Central.

According to The Athletic‘s Will Sammon, the Mets have officially granted Severino his release, allowing the southpaw to pursue an opportunity to play in Japan. The transaction clears additional room after the club recently selected Cionel Perez to the 40-man roster, a promotional opportunity Perez is clearly trying to capitalize on after flashing strong potential in his latest bullpen outings to secure a permanent job for the stretch run.

Severino has not appeared in a Major League game since 2022, when he cracked the 26-man active roster for the Chicago White Sox. Now, following a rocky tenure that included a ballooned 13.50 spring training ERA over a limited 2.2-inning sample size, the veteran reliever will look to revitalize his career overseas.

Simultaneously, as the Mets monitor the latest injury updates regarding infielder Jorge Polanco, the front office remains hyper-focused on stabilizing the pitching staff for the remainder of the season. Team officials are expecting Perez to maximize his premium stuff in high-leverage situations to prove he belongs in the club’s long-term blueprint.

Perez’s stats to be considered for the 40-man roster

With the Mets’ pitching depth heavily compromised by an influx of injuries—headlined by Kodai Senga’s stint on the injured list and Freddy Peralta struggling to find his rhythm—the Queens franchise is banking on the former Washington Nationals product to help anchor the bullpen this month.

While Perez’s overall body of work with the Nationals left much to be desired, pitching to a disappointing 6.19 ERA and a 2-3 record over 16 innings in Washington, his early sample size in New York has provided a stark contrast, yielding a stellar 3.00 ERA with four strikeouts through his first two appearances.

By executing these calculated roster modifications, the Mets are hoping to officially turn the page on a volatile, up-and-down regular season and string together enough consistent baseball to climb back into postseason contention.

With Sanchez officially in the mix, here is a look at the Yankees’ updated 26-man active roster:

• Catchers (2): Austin Wells, Ali Sanchez
• Infielders (8): Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Amed Rosario, Ryan McMahon, Ben Rice, Max Schuemann, Paul Goldschmidt, Jose Caballero
• Outfielders (3): Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Spencer Jones
• Pitchers (13): Will Warren, Cam Schlittler, Ryan Yarbrough, Ryan Weathers, Tim Hill, Gerrit Cole, Brent Headrick, David Bednar, Carlos Rodón, Paul Blackburn, Jake Bird, Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval

The depth move comes as the Yankees try to maintain their pace in the American League East. General manager Brian Cashman recently detailed the club’s strategy for navigating the regular-season grind without superstar Aaron Judge, who was sidelined by an injury earlier in the week.

Sanchez replaced a player in the 26-man roster

Because the Yankees already possessed open spots on their 40-man roster, backup catcher J.C. Escarra was simply optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to clear space for Sanchez’s arrival. The roster shuffle underscores the team’s ongoing offensive struggles at the catcher position, prompting Boone and the front office to search for an immediate spark.

Escarra had been struggling to find his footing in the majors, turning in a meager .177 batting average, a lackluster .493 OPS, and just 62 total bases. Confronted with that lack of production, the Yanks made the executive decision to evaluate Sanchez for the remainder of the campaign.

Yankees’ projected lineup with Sanchez on it

The Bronx faithful can expect to see Sanchez split time behind the dish as the season progresses, a change that will naturally tweak the lower third of the batting order. Here is a look at how the Yankees’ projected lineup shakes out with Sanchez in the fold:

1. Anthony Volpe — SS
2. Juan Soto — DH
3. Cody Bellinger — LF
4. Paul Goldschmidt — 1B
5. Jazz Chisholm Jr. — 2B
6. Amed Rosario — 3B
7. Ali Sanchez — C
8. Max Schuemann — CF
9. Spencer Jones — RF

“Yeah, it’s kind of been a little bit of a rollercoaster, but every season kind of is,” Skubal said, according to Detroit reporter Brad Galli, reflecting on the ups and downs of his recovery process. The left-hander is scheduled to make a rehab start on Sunday as he takes a key step toward returning to the Tigers’ rotation.

The good news for Detroit is that Skubal’s timeline appears shorter than initially expected, offering a boost to a team currently sitting at 26-38 and fourth in the American League Central.

Despite the encouraging progress, speculation around his long-term future has intensified amid the team’s struggles, with several contending clubs monitoring his situation ahead of the trade deadline.

Tarik Skubal focused on recovery amid trade speculation

Skubal’s return comes at a critical moment for both the pitcher and the Tigers organization. While Detroit has endured a disappointing season, the ace has remained productive when healthy, posting a 2.70 ERA across seven starts and continuing to build on his reputation as one of the league’s top arms.

Despite ongoing trade rumors linking him to contenders such as the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and New York Yankees, Skubal has made it clear his focus remains on getting back to full strength.

His recent Cy Young-level production and All-Star pedigree in 2024 and 2025 only add to his importance for a franchise still trying to stabilize its long-term direction.

To clear up any doubts, Cashman told reporters that the Yankees still have more than enough talent to keep playing as well as they have done so far. “We’ve got a good club regardless. It’s obviously not as good without Aaron Judge, but still good enough,“ he said.

It makes sense for Cashman to speak to the media that way, but everyone knows the team takes a hit with several key players injured and missing extended time. One of the bats he specifically addressed was Giancarlo Stanton, noting that “he’s been missed” in the lineup.

Cashman has no estimated timeline for Judge’s return

Not even Cashman has a definitive date for when Judge can return to action. “We’re intentionally trying to not put out any guesstimate, because that’s what it would be, is a guesstimate,” Cashman explained. “We just have to let the thing heal and then after that, we can map out a runway.”

Neither Judge nor Aaron Boone have provided an estimated return date, but the NY Yankees must keep moving forward without him in the upcoming weeks as they look to reclaim the top spot in the AL East. Things still look incredibly promising for a postseason run, as they hold a strong 37-25 record and sit just 0.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays.

NY Yankees built to weather the storm without Judge

Things shouldn’t get too complicated for the Yankees while Judge takes the necessary time to heal. Cashman made it clear that Judge’s place in right field is secure, ensuring the front office isn’t looking to permanently replace him at the trade deadline. “We’ve just got to hold the fort, hold that spot nice and warm for him when he returns,“ he stated.

Seeing how Ben Rice has stepped up while Judge and other teammates are sidelined provides a lot of optimism. Rice is currently batting .300, a clear signal that the team can maintain its offensive rhythm. Additionally, veteran Paul Goldschmidt has been solid at the plate, turning in a steady .276 average.

The main threat to the Yankees’ season would be additional injuries. Facing critical upcoming series against teams with dominant pitching rotations means missing their best bats will be an obstacle, and lower-standing teams will certainly look to take advantage of a shorthanded lineup.

According to the New York Post’s Mike Puma, the veteran infielder will remain with Triple-A Syracuse as he continues working his way back from injuries that have limited him throughout his first season with the Mets. The decision comes even after Polanco successfully returned to game action during his rehab assignment.

While his recovery appears to be moving in the right direction physically, the Mets are taking a cautious approach as they evaluate both his health and readiness at the plate before activating him, even as Bo Bichette answered to criticism from doubters continues to circulate as one of the week’s notable storylines around the league.

Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of being fully ready

Earlier this week, manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged that Polanco’s return would depend on more than just medical clearance. “We got to talk to the player, how he’s feeling, and all that. And he’s got to get cleared from the medical staff as well,” Mendoza said. “It could be in play that he’s active on Friday. But again, if he needs more at-bats, and it’s not so much like how he’s feeling physically, I think there’s a combination of a lot of things there.”

Polanco has struggled offensively during his brief stay in Syracuse, going hitless with one walk in two Triple-A games. Prior to that, he appeared in three games for Double-A Binghamton, where he collected two hits, including a home run.

Injuries have complicated Polanco’s first season with Mets

Polanco’s debut season in Queens has been disrupted by multiple health issues. He spent time dealing with Achilles bursitis before being sidelined in April with a right wrist contusion.

The wrist injury is reportedly no longer a concern, but the Achilles issue remains something he will likely need to manage throughout the season. As a result, the Mets expect him to spend most of his time as a designated hitter when he eventually returns, while remaining available to play first base when needed.

For now, the Mets will continue their road trip without him as they open a key series against the Padres. The club will return home next week for a matchup against the Cardinals, which could provide another potential target date for Polanco’s return if his rehab continues to progress.

Crow-Armstrong’s heroics capped a remarkable turnaround for both the player and the team. Following the win, he reflected on the significance of the comeback, saying, according to MLB.com, “For us to get that win is something we can build off. But just kind of the reminder that this is who we are, that’s so important when times are like this.”

The victory ended Chicago’s eight-game home losing streak and came at a time when the offense had struggled to consistently produce runs. s. The Cubs entered the ninth inning trailing before erupting for four runs and completing one of their most dramatic wins of the season, all while Cubs reportedly enter sweepstakes for Tarik Skubal remains part of the broader conversation surrounding the club’s direction.

Craig Counsell challenged Crow-Armstrong to move forward

Earlier in the game, Crow-Armstrong found himself at the center of a difficult moment. In the sixth inning, he lost a fly ball off the bat of Shea Langeliers in the evening sky, allowing the Athletics catcher to race around the bases for a two-run inside-the-park home run that extended team’s lead.

Instead of letting the mistake linger, manager Craig Counsell delivered a simple message. “You feel terrible. It’s a big play,” Counsell said. “But I told him when he came in the dugout, ‘Man, go have a great at-bat. How can you affect this now? You can’t think about what just happened. You have to go have a great at-bat.'”

Crow-Armstrong responded immediately. Later in the sixth inning, he crushed a home run to right field, helping the Cubs begin their climb back into the game. The blast demonstrated the maturity that Counsell has seen develop in the young outfielder. “In the past, I might’ve dwelled on that,” Crow-Armstrong admitted. “I’m just growing up a little bit.”

Cubs rally late before Crow-Armstrong delivers the final blow

Chicago’s comeback continued in the seventh inning when Ian Happ launched a two-run homer, cutting further into the deficit. The offense then exploded in the ninth as Michael Busch, Happ, Nico Hoerner, Moisés Ballesteros, and Seiya Suzuki all contributed during a frantic rally.

Dansby Swanson, who had struggled at the plate entering the game, delivered a clutch RBI single to tie the score and keep the inning alive. That set the stage for Crow-Armstrong, who stepped to the plate with a chance to complete his redemption story.

The center fielder lined the game-winning hit to right field, sending Wrigley Field into celebration and securing a victory that could provide a much-needed boost for the Cubs moving forward.

Whether this game ultimately becomes a turning point in Chicago’s season remains to be seen. What is certain is that Crow-Armstrong transformed one of his most frustrating moments of the year into one of the most memorable nights of his young career.

The move comes after Judge‘s diagnosis created an unexpected opening in Aaron Boone’s lineup. New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported on X that the Yankees are expected to promote Jones from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, writing: “Spencer Jones will be coming up for Yankees.” The promotion gives the 25-year-old outfielder a second chance to establish himself in the majors after a brief stint earlier this season.

For Jones, the call-up arrives at a critical moment. The former first-round pick has been one of the most productive hitters in Triple-A throughout the 2026 campaign, and the Yankees will now rely on him to help offset the absence of one of baseball’s biggest stars.

Jones has another chance to make an impact

Jones’ first taste of the majors this season did not produce the results many Yankees fans envisioned. During his initial call-up, he hit .167 with four singles, three walks, two RBIs, and a stolen base while appearing in 10 games. His strikeout rate also became a concern, highlighting the adjustments he still needed to make against big-league pitching.

Despite those struggles, the Yankees remain encouraged by the tools that made Jones one of the organization’s top prospects. Across 43 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has posted 13 home runs, 48 RBIs, and a .949 OPS, continuing to demonstrate the power that has drawn comparisons to Judge throughout his development.

Yankees need production while Aaron Judge recovers

The Yankees will need multiple players to step forward offensively. Jones now has a significant opportunity to prove he can contribute at the highest level and become a valuable part of the roster during an important stretch of the season.

The organization also has alternatives available if Jones experiences another adjustment period. Players such as Max Schuemann and Amed Rosario provide outfield depth, while Jasson Dominguez is reportedly nearing a return after beginning his rehab assignment.

Still, the spotlight will be on Jones. The Yankees have entrusted one of their top prospects with a larger role at a time when the lineup needs reinforcements. The coming weeks could determine not only how much he helps New York during Judge’s absence but also how prominently he factors into the club’s long-term plans.

Initial announcements confirmed that Judge has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side. He will undergo follow-up imaging in four to six weeks just to evaluate how the bone is healing, meaning a full return to the Yankees activities could easily stretch past that window.

Medical benchmarks from leading health sources like the National Institutes of Health note that these types of fractures generally require anywhere from six weeks to several months to completely heal, though limited activity can sometimes resume sooner once the acute pain subsides.

NY Yankees plagued by injuries

Judge isn’t the only critical piece missing from the equation right now. The Yankees find themselves dealing with multiple setbacks, as Jasson Dominguez, Giancarlo Stanton, and Max Fried are all sidelined and unavailable on the depth chart due to various physical ailments. Fortunately for the Bronx Bombers, their strong standing in the division provides a bit of a cushion.

The Yankees have won seven of their last 10 MLB games despite recently dropping a tough series to the Cleveland Guardians. With a heavily depleted roster, they are set to open a highly anticipated rival series against the Boston Red Sox on June 5, which promises plenty of drama given the circumstances.

The season is far from over for the Yankees, and they still have quality options to call up from the minor leagues if necessary. However, replacing the pure offensive production of bats like Judge or Stanton is no easy task. While Ben Rice has filled in admirably as the designated hitter recently, the team will ultimately need their seasoned star power back to sustain this run.

The flexibility within the Yankees organization is immense. While Judge is sidelined, they can lean on players like Bellinger to provide the necessary firepower to keep their 37-25 AL East record afloat while the captain takes the time he needs to fully heal.

Another name on the Bombers depth chart who could step into Judge’s spot in the lineup is Amed Rosario. He is the only healthy option behind Bellinger ready to slide into the outfield if necessary, though it is highly likely the team looks at other combinations.

NY Yankees right field in trouble

With Judge down, right field becomes a glaring issue and a difficult spot to patch up. Bellinger is currently batting .273 with 8 home runs and 40 RBIs on the year, but the organization is hesitant to move him away from left field, where he has logged most of his innings this season.

The real problem in right field is that Judge isn’t the only casualty. The next two depth options who could cover the position, Jasson Dominguez and Giancarlo Stanton, are also buried on the injured list and completely out of the mix for now.

In their most recent matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, the Yankees started Trent Grisham in center field while Max Schuemann covered right. That looks like the blueprint for the coming weeks while Judge works his way back.