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.

“He’s really become a pitcher and he’s able to get you out in different ways,” Boone said after the game, according to MLB.com. “He doesn’t have to overwhelm you with stuff on a given night. It took him a minute tonight, but he found it and settled in.”

Rodon’s outing helped extend New York’s winning streak to five games and marked the sixth consecutive quality start by a Yankees pitcher. The veteran lowered his ERA to 3.32 while continuing to establish himself as a key part of a rotation that has been among the best in baseball over the past week, even as Boone recently shared concerning injury update on Max Fried.

Rodon settles in after rocky beginning

The night didn’t begin smoothly for Rodon. He surrendered a solo home run to Nick Kurtz in the first inning and faced additional trouble in both the second and third innings. At one point, Boone admitted he was unsure how long his starter would remain in the game.

However, Rodon gradually found his rhythm. “In the beginning, it wasn’t great, but there was a job to be done,” Rodon said. “It’s nice to pitch with a lead. This offense is pretty good. We go out there and attack the zone and let the defense do their job and win a lot of games.”

The left-hander completed six innings on 93 pitches, his longest start of the season since returning from offseason elbow surgery. He allowed only four hits while working efficiently through the middle innings and finishing his outing with three strikeouts.

Yankees rotation continues dominant stretch

While Rodon did not rely on his usual swing-and-miss stuff, he found success by pounding the strike zone and generating weak contact. He threw first-pitch strikes to 18 of the 22 batters he faced and induced nine ground-ball outs, showcasing another dimension of his game.

The outing was another sign of the Yankees’ recent dominance on the mound. Since Gerrit Cole‘s season debut on May 22, New York starters have produced six straight quality starts, helping the club build momentum as the summer months approach.

With both the lineup and rotation performing at a high level, New York appears to be hitting its stride. Rodon’s ability to adapt and succeed without relying solely on overpowering velocity offered another encouraging sign for a Yankees team that continues to strengthen its position among the American League contenders.

After Bryce Harper addressed Phillies’ surge under Don Mattingly, the right-hander offered a candid assessment of his performance and ongoing struggles against major league hitters. “I think I’m throwing pretty predictable pitches and they’re obviously seeing it well,” Painter said after the game.

Painter was tagged for eight earned runs on seven hits across 3 2/3 innings, allowing three home runs in a difficult outing that dropped his record to 1-4 with a 6.89 ERA.

The Athletics jumped on Painter immediately, scoring multiple runs in the opening innings and never letting Philadelphia recover. Despite being given the option to exit earlier in the game, Painter chose to continue pitching through the third inning before finishing his outing in the fourth.

Athletics capitalize early as Painter struggles with fastball execution

Athletics’ offense set the tone quickly, starting with Nick Kurtz reaching base to extend his on-base streak before Shea Langeliers launched a two-run home run. The Athletics continued to build momentum, with Brent Rooker and Jacob Wilson also contributing long balls as part of a dominant offensive performance.

Painter’s fastball issues were once again a major factor. His four-seam and sinker velocity remain above league average, but hitters have consistently made solid contact, entering the game with strong numbers against his primary pitches.

The Phillies’ offense struggled to respond, with Kyle Schwarber providing the only bright spot via a solo home run. Athletics starter J.T. Ginn controlled the game with eight strong innings, allowing just one run while striking out eight batters.

Phillies look to regroup as Painter continues development

Despite the loss, Philadelphia has played better baseball in recent weeks under interim manager Don Mattingly, dropping to 17-21 but remaining competitive in most games during that stretch. However, Painter’s development remains a key storyline for the organization as they look to stabilize their rotation.

With opposing hitters adjusting quickly to his pitch patterns, the focus now shifts to how Painter and the coaching staff can refine his approach moving forward. The Phillies will return home Friday to open a series against the Colorado Rockies as they attempt to bounce back from the setback.

According to Sarah Langs on X, this remarkable streak places Kurtz in elite company alongside greats like Barry Bonds and Ted Williams. He is now just two games shy of tying the all-time MLB record of 22 consecutive games with a walk, which was set by Roy Cullenbine back in 1947.

The young star, who signed for a $7 million bonus after being drafted fourth overall in 2024, is already operating at an MVP-caliber level in only his second season. Currently earning a pre-arbitration salary, he has become a nightmare for pitchers who are increasingly “apprehensive to go after him” due to his elite bat speed and power.

Kurtz is helping the Athletics

Statistically, Kurtz leads the majors in walks this season with 34, contributing to a massive .417 on-base percentage despite a .236 batting average. His disciplined approach at the plate is a primary reason he has maintained an impressive .835 OPS while anchoring the heart of the Athletics’ lineup.

While Kurtz is surging, the Athletics are fighting through a competitive AL West stretch, currently holding a 17-15 record that reflects a team in top form. The club’s recent series win against the Royals showcased their potential when their young core, led by Kurtz and power-hitter Tyler Soderstrom, is firing power on the home plate.

As he chases the ultimate record of 22 straight games with a walk, Kurtz’s ability to remain patient under pressure has become his defining trait. Fans and analysts are eager to see if “The Big Amish” can surpass Cullenbine and stand alone at the top of one of baseball’s most difficult endurance records.

Holmes addressed the situation after the game, explaining what he felt during the play. “Thought I had to make a move for the ball and felt tightness afterward… Doesn’t seem too major, and see how it is tomorrow and go from there. Nothing major here and hopefully we can get right here in a couple of days,” he said, via team reporters.

Before leaving the game, Holmes had delivered another solid outing, throwing 5.1 innings with one run allowed on five hits, along with three strikeouts and three walks. The early exit came after 81 pitches, but his performance continued a strong start to the season, even as Lindor downplayed pressure amid Mets slump in the broader context of the team’s struggles.

Mets remain calm despite injury scare

Mendoza echoed a similar tone postgame, indicating that the team is not overly concerned at this stage. “He doesn’t seem too concerned… The more testing they’re doing there, the better he’s feeling,” the manager said, noting that the situation will be reevaluated depending on how Holmes feels in the coming days.

The Mets have not scheduled imaging for now, though that decision could change if symptoms persist. For the moment, the focus is on recovery and avoiding any risk of aggravating the injury.

Positive outlook for next start

Holmes remains hopeful that he will not miss time and could take his next scheduled turn in the rotation. “I’m optimistic with it. Feel like I’ll be able to make my next start… I think we’ll be good, but we’ll have to see,” he added.

That optimism is important for a Mets rotation that has relied on his early consistency. Entering the game, Holmes had allowed just two runs across his first two starts (13.2 innings), establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable arms early in the 2026 season.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, New York has set a new franchise record by allowing just 16 earned runs through the first 12 games of the season. This dominant stretch is added to a collective 0.53 ERA, marking the best team ERA in the first six games since the stat became official in 1913, per MLB’s Sarah Langs.

Despite that franchise milestone, the Athletics managed to snap a half-century drought at Yankee Stadium. Thursday’s result marked Oakland’s first 1-0 victory in the Bronx since 1972, and their first 1-0 win over the Yankees at any venue since 1979.

It is rare to see a single 1-0 result carry such historical weight for both clubs, but the Yankees and A’s now find themselves in the record books for vastly different reasons. Amid the history, manager Aaron Boone also provided an update on Anthony Volpe’s potential return to the active roster.

A historic Yankees rotation awaits its ace

Even with the Yankees’ rotation pitching at a historic level through the opening weeks of the regular season, the staff is still not at full strength. The club continues to wait on the highly anticipated return of reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.

While the current staff’s performance suggests they can manage without him for now, the Yankees are maintaining a cautious approach with Cole’s rehab. The goal remains ensuring their ace is in peak form for the high-stakes challenges of the postseason.

Boone finalizes decision on Winquest

Addressing the team’s roster flexibility, Boone noted that the club felt it was unnecessary to utilize their Rule 5 pick at this time. With Luis Gil officially set to make his season debut, the Yankees have designated pitcher Cade Winquest for assignment (DFA).

The move makes it unlikely that Winquest will remain in the Yankees’ organization, forcing the right-hander to look elsewhere to continue his 2026 campaign. Early reports suggest the Boston Red Sox could be a potential landing spot for the former Rule 5 selection.

It was a brutal way to begin the year for Oakland. Of those 50 strikeouts, 19 came in Game 2 at Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays kept Brent Rooker in check with three strikeouts, the same total as Max Muncy and Denzel Clarke. The group combined for just one hit each in a 7-8 loss to Toronto.

Despite the embarrassing record, the Athletics weren’t completely blown out in the series. They lost the first two games in Toronto by just one run, and in the finale, the Blue Jays won by a three-run margin. At the very least, the team showed some fight at the plate.

Another tough year ahead for the Athletics?

Even after dropping their opening series, it’s still unclear how the rest of the season will unfold for the Athletics. They carry just a 1.5% projection to reach the World Series this year. Still, it’s worth remembering the franchise has won nine championships, with their last title coming in 1989.

The last time the Athletics reached the postseason was in 2020, when they advanced to the ALDS. They fell to the Houston Astros 3-1, but under manager Mark Kotsay, the team has shown gradual improvement year over year.

Two positives stand out under Kotsay between 2024 and 2025: the team avoided 100+ losses both seasons, something they hadn’t done since 2021, and their win totals have steadily increased, from 69 wins in 2024 to 76 in 2025. That trend suggests 2026 could be a slightly better year for the Athletics.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that the Cardinals will release Kyler Murray at the start of the league’s new year. He is expected to draw plenty of interest as a free agent, yet the proposal he has now received from Major League Baseball has surprised many.

Just two days after the news of his release, Kyler Murray received an open invitation to join the Oakland Athletics. General manager David Forst has let him know there would be a spot on their roster if he is willing to give baseball another try.

“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” GM David Forst told MLB.com. “That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”

Is it possible for Kyler Murray to leave the NFL and go to MLB?

Kyler Murray entered the NFL in 2019 as the first overall pick in the draft. He had an outstanding college season that led him to win the Heisman Trophy, which is why he was widely projected to become a top quarterback at the professional level.

However, one year earlier, he nearly chose baseball over football. In 2018, Murray was the ninth overall pick in the MLB Draft and signed a contract with the Athletics. He was originally set to pursue a baseball career, but he ultimately returned to football and made history by winning the Heisman Trophy.

Even though the Athletics would likely welcome him back, it is highly unlikely he would make that move. At 28 years old, Murray is still regarded as a solid quarterback and is expected to receive multiple offers from NFL teams. Switching sports at this stage of his career would be extremely challenging.

Murray has already been linked to the Minnesota Vikings, who reportedly want J.J. McCarthy to face strong competition for the starting quarterback job. However, if Murray fails to land a solid deal in the NFL, could a move to the Athletics become a realistic option?

In a deal with the Athletics, the Yankees acquired infielder Max Schuemann, sending right-handed pitcher Luis Burgos the other way, according to Bob Nightengale.

The transaction, first reported Monday, fits into a pattern of roster maneuvering that suggests New York is prioritizing coverage and depth rather than splashy additions as spring approaches.

Is Schuemann a practical fit for the Yankees’ bench plans?

Schuemann arrives in New York after spending parts of the past two seasons with Athletics, where he showed flashes of power but also clear limitations. In 2024, he appeared in 133 games, hitting .220 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs, though strikeouts were a concern. His 2025 season was more controlled at the plate, but production dipped as his role shrank.

Yankees roster impact

Burgos departs the organization with a solid minor-league track record, posting a 3.39 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across nearly 80 innings. To create roster space, New York designated outfielder Yanquiel Fernández for assignment and moved Dom Hamel and Braden Shewmake outright to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, keeping them in the system as non-roster depth.

As spring training nears, Schuemann will have a chance to carve out a role, but his path will depend on performance and how the rest of the roster takes shape in camp.

That approach continued Thursday, when the Yankees claimed Osvaldo Bido off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels, marking the fifth time this offseason that the right-hander has changed organizations.

Bido finished last season with the Athletics, making him a familiar name to clubs searching for pitching depth. Bido logged 79⅓ innings in 2025 across 26 appearances, including 10 starts, but struggled to a 5.87 ERA while pitching in Sacramento.

What does this move mean for the Yankees’ roster?

Bido originally signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates out of the Dominican Republic in 2017 and offers the Yankees a flexible arm who has experience both starting and relieving.

As spring training approaches, moves like this highlight how the Yankees are still evaluating depth pieces. Whether Bido sticks or becomes part of further roster maneuvering remains to be seen, but the churn itself suggests New York is far from finished adjusting its roster.

Severino, who will turn 32 by the start of the season, signed what was then the largest contract in Athletics history but struggled in his first season with Oakland. The team’s temporary home in Sacramento proved challenging, as his home ERA ballooned to 6.01 over 15 starts, contributing to a 2-9 record at Sutter Health Park.

Trade rumors have intensified after Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly highlighted the Yankees and Mets as potential landing spots. “Severino has previously had success pitching for both the Yankees and Mets, so they feel like early favorites to land him via trade in the summer,” Kelly wrote.

Would the Athletics part ways with Severino?

The Athletics have one of the most exciting young lineups in MLB, but their competitiveness heavily depends on pitching performance. If Athletics falls out of contention by the trade deadline, Severino could be available, giving the Yankees or Mets a rare opportunity to acquire a veteran starter with proven big-league success.

How Severino could impact New York teams

Both the Yankees and Mets have deep starting rotations, but adding a two-time All-Star like Severino would strengthen mid-rotation reliability and provide a significant boost for postseason aspirations. With multiple young players and promising prospects available, both New York teams have the assets to make a trade that satisfies Athletics while immediately improving their pitching depth.

The Severino trade saga will be closely watched as the 2026 season unfolds, with both New York teams poised to act if the Athletics signal they are ready to move their veteran right-hander.