MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 28, 2026, 8:58 AM ET

MLB POWER RANKINGS & STANDINGS

Two months into the 2026 season, the top of ESPN's MLB Power Rankings is crystallizing around consistent performers, though Week 9 delivered surprises including a top-10 debut and one AL club achieving its highest ranking of the year. The Phillies continue their strong push anchored by Cristopher Sánchez, whose scoreless innings streak reached 44⅔ to set a franchise record that eclipsed Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander's mark from 1911. Meanwhile, the Yankees made history Tuesday night as every starter recorded at least two hits in their 15-1 rout of Kansas City, combining for 24 total hits in a performance unprecedented in the franchise's storied history.

STARRING PERFORMANCES

Yordan Alvarez homered twice for the second consecutive night, with his go-ahead blast in the eighth breaking a 3-3 tie to deliver Houston a 4-3 victory over Texas. Shohei Ohtani launched a leadoff home run and positioned the Dodgers for a combined no-hitter, yet voiced dissatisfaction with his overall performance despite the impressive feat. In St. Louis, Dustin May carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning before Milwaukee rallied with three hits and two runs to steal a 2-1 win. Andrew McCutchen's tenure with Texas ended abruptly as the former NL MVP was designated for assignment after batting just .192 across 37 games.

INJURY REPORT

The Dodgers face mounting injury concerns with Enrique Hernandez suffering a significant oblique tear that landed him on the injured list, while Teoscar Hernandez will join him there Friday. Detroit's pitching staff took a double hit as both Casey Mize and Kenley Jansen exited Wednesday's game against the Angels with right groin injuries. Miami starter Eury Pérez left after four shutout innings in Toronto when his right hamstring spasmed during a stretching motion. Even prospect Kendall George wasn't spared, injuring his patellar tendon while dodging a bat dog during Double-A Tulsa's game.

ROOKIE SPOTLIGHT

As college baseball regionals commence, ESPN ranks the programs loaded with top-tier talent that could soon populate MLB rosters. The Reds advanced Rhett Lowder's recovery as the starter threw 45 pitches in a simulated game at Citi Field, marking progress from his right shoulder injury. Fantasy managers should monitor NL Central rookies getting the call-up this week, with several prospects poised to make immediate impacts.

HISTORIC MOMENTS

Former Braves slugger Bob Horner, the 1978 No. 1 overall draft pick who homered in his major league debut after skipping the minors, died at age 68. On a lighter note, Travis Kelce is joining the Guardians ownership group as a minority investor, purchasing a stake in the Cleveland team he grew up watching. Inside clubhouses, players are trading Pokémon cards with the same fervor as fantasy baseball enthusiasts, continuing a trend that has become MLB's latest collecting craze.

CONTRACT & COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEWS

The Major League Baseball Players Association made its first official CBA proposal in collective bargaining talks with MLB, signaling the start of formal negotiations on the sport's future labor agreement. Early MVP and Cy Young discussions already include Ohtani in both conversations after his Memorial Day weekend performance, though his recent hand injury from being hit by a pitch raises questions about durability.

TEAM STRUGGLES

Chicago's slide reached historic proportions as the Cubs lost their 10th consecutive game in a 12-1 defeat to Pittsburgh, extending what has become a major concern for the organization. Despite the losing streak, Carson Benge delivered clutch singles for the Mets after shaving his mustache, suggesting the rookie outfielder found his rhythm through a simple grooming change.