Samwise MLB Newsletter
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Yankees Complete Dominant Four-Game Sweep of Orioles, 12-1
Aaron Judge hit his major-league-leading 14th home run and drove in four runs as the New York Yankees hammered the Baltimore Orioles 12-1 on Monday to complete a dominant four-game sweep. Judge drove a full-count knuckle-curve from Shane Baz into the right-center bullpen and later added a two-run single in a six-run eighth inning. Cody Bellinger contributed three RBIs, including a two-run triple. The Yankees outscored Baltimore 39-10 across the four-game series and moved 13 games above .500 at 24-11, the best record in the American League. New York has won 14 of its last 16 games, establishing itself as the clear class of the AL East.
Sources: CBS Sports, ESPN
Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal to Undergo Elbow Surgery, Expected Out Two to Three Months
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner, will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow and is expected to miss two to three months. Skubal posted a 2.70 ERA through five starts before being scratched from Monday's scheduled start against Boston. The Tigers now face a depleted rotation, already without Casey Mize, Justin Verlander, Reese Olson, and Jackson Jobe. Ty Madden is expected to fill the spot immediately. The injury also clouds Skubal's upcoming free agency, where he had been projected to command the largest guaranteed contract ever given to a pitcher.
Sources: CBS Sports, NBC Sports, MLB Trade Rumors
Conforto Delivers First Career Walk-Off Homer to Extend Cubs' Wrigley Win Streak to 12
Michael Conforto hit the first walk-off home run of his 12-year major league career to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on Monday, extending the Cubs' home winning streak to 12 consecutive games. Manager Craig Counsell sent the left-handed Conforto to pinch-hit against right-hander Emilio Pagan with two outs in the ninth. On a full-count four-seamer, Conforto drove the ball 405 feet into the left-field bleachers at 100.9 mph exit velocity. It was Conforto's first home run in a Cubs uniform and sent a Wrigley crowd into celebration as Chicago continued its remarkable run at home.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, MLB.com
Yankees Option Anthony Volpe to Triple-A as Caballero Keeps Shortstop Job
The New York Yankees optioned shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday after his 20-day rehabilitation window expired, leaving him without a clear path back to the roster. Volpe, who underwent shoulder surgery last October, played 13 minor league games during his rehab without convincing the club he was ready. Manager Aaron Boone cited Jose Caballero's excellent play at shortstop as the primary factor. Caballero has excelled as New York's everyday starter while the team posted a 23-11 record. Volpe will continue developing in Triple-A, with a return expected if injury or a prolonged slump opens a roster spot.
Sources: MLB Trade Rumors, NBC Sports
Braves Trade Catcher Jonah Heim to Athletics After Activating Sean Murphy
The Atlanta Braves traded catcher Jonah Heim to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations on Monday after designating him for assignment following the activation of Sean Murphy from the injured list. Heim, a veteran switch-hitting backstop, signed a one-year, $1.5 million free agent deal with Atlanta in the offseason but appeared in just 12 games before being let go. The Athletics placed Shea Langeliers on the paternity list in a corresponding move. Heim, a 2023 American League All-Star and Gold Glove winner with the Texas Rangers, brings experienced catching depth to Oakland and returns to the organization where he made his MLB debut six years ago.
Sources: MLB Trade Rumors, Sports Illustrated
Giants Call Up Top Prospect Bryce Eldridge to Spark Last-Place Offense
The San Francisco Giants promoted their top prospect, first baseman Bryce Eldridge, along with catching prospect Jesus Rodriguez from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday in an effort to revive a struggling offense ranked last in the majors in runs scored. Eldridge, MLB Pipeline's No. 20 overall prospect, hit .333 with a .963 OPS, five home runs, and 22 RBIs in 30 games for Sacramento after being returned to the minors following Spring Training. Corresponding moves included the designation of outfielder Jerar Encarnacion, the optioning of Will Brennan, and the placement of left-hander Erik Miller on the 15-day injured list with a low back strain.
Sources: ESPN, MLB Trade Rumors
Marlins Prospect Joe Mack Makes MLB Debut in 1-0 Loss to Phillies
Miami Marlins catcher prospect Joe Mack made his major league debut on Monday night, going 0-for-3 while the Marlins dropped a tight 1-0 decision to the Philadelphia Phillies. Mack, MLB Pipeline's No. 54 overall prospect and the Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect, was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville after posting a .766 OPS with 20 walks against 22 strikeouts in 24 games. The 23-year-old, selected 31st overall in the 2021 draft, has drawn praise for his advanced pitch framing and plate discipline. Agustin Ramirez was optioned to Jacksonville in the corresponding move. Despite the loss, Mack's arrival marks a new chapter in Miami's long-term rebuild.
Sources: MLB Trade Rumors, CBS Sports
NL Central Makes History: All Five Teams Above .500 Entering May
The National League Central stands alone as the only MLB division with all five teams at .500 or better entering May, a historically rare feat in the divisional era. The Cubs lead at 22-12, followed by the Reds, Pirates, Cardinals, and Brewers, all above .500. The division's combined .600 winning percentage is among the best ever recorded. Since MLB adopted divisional play in 1969, no full division has ever closed a season with every team holding a winning record. The NL Central's collective strength means multiple playoff-caliber clubs may still miss the postseason, making it one of the most compelling divisional races of the 2026 season.
Sources: MLB.com, CBS Sports
American League
AL East
1. New York Yankees — 24–11, —
2. Baltimore Orioles — 19–14, 5.0 GB
3. Tampa Bay Rays — 17–16, 7.0 GB
4. Toronto Blue Jays — 15–18, 9.0 GB
5. Boston Red Sox — 13–21, 11.0 GB
AL Central
1. Cleveland Guardians — 19–16, —
2. Detroit Tigers — 18–17, 0.5 GB
3. Chicago White Sox — 16–18, 2.5 GB
4. Kansas City Royals — 14–19, 4.0 GB
5. Minnesota Twins — 15–20, 4.5 GB
AL West
1. Oakland Athletics — 17–16, —
2. Texas Rangers — 16–18, 1.0 GB
3. Seattle Mariners — 16–19, 1.5 GB
4. Houston Astros — 13–19, 3.5 GB
5. Los Angeles Angels — 12–21, 5.0 GB
National League
NL East
1. Atlanta Braves — 25–10, —
2. Miami Marlins — 14–18, 9.5 GB
3. Washington Nationals — 13–17, 9.5 GB
4. New York Mets — 11–19, 12.0 GB
5. Philadelphia Phillies — 10–21, 13.0 GB
NL Central
1. Cincinnati Reds — 18–11, —
2. Chicago Cubs — 19–12, 0.0 GB
3. Pittsburgh Pirates — 16–13, 2.0 GB
4. St. Louis Cardinals — 15–13, 2.5 GB
5. Milwaukee Brewers — 15–13, 2.5 GB
NL West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers — 20–9, —
2. San Diego Padres — 20–10, 0.5 GB
3. Arizona Diamondbacks — 15–13, 4.5 GB
4. San Francisco Giants — 13–16, 6.5 GB
5. Colorado Rockies — 13–16, 6.5 GB
Curated by JD · samwise.agency