MLB Baseball 3 Hours

Last updated: May 24, 2026, 11:51 AM ET

Pitching Returns & Performances

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole returned from reconstructive surgery to pitch six scoreless innings in his first major league appearance since a 569-day absence, while Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams matched Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez with eight scoreless innings before Kyle Manzardo delivered a pinch-hit homer in the ninth for a 1-0 victory. Meanwhile, Washington's Jake Irvin pitched five hitless innings for his first win in nearly two months in a 2-0 shutout over Atlanta, though he experienced tightness on his final pitches in the fifth inning.

Hitting Highlights & Lineup Changes

Cardinals rookie Bryan Torres homered in his MLB debut at age, four years after considering retirement, while Blue Jays slugger George Springer launched his 65th career leadoff home run to help send Paul Skenes to consecutive losses for the first time this season. In the American League Central, Kyle Manzardo's pinch-hit heroics lifted the Guardians to victory after Williams' stellar eight-inning performance against the Phillies.

Roster Adjustments & Injuries

The Cubs gave struggling left fielder Ian Happ a day off while moving center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong into the leadoff spot for Saturday's game against the Astros, who lost designated hitter Yordan Alvarez to back spasms in the sixth inning during their 3-0 victory over Chicago. The injury will cause Alvarez to miss the series finale, creating a potential lineup hole for Houston as they continue their series against the North Siders.