Deadspin | Mets place OF Luis Robert Jr. on IL Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts after popping out with the bases loaded in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. could be facing an extended stint on the injured list with a lumbar spine disc herniation. The Mets placed Robert on the 10-day injured list on Thursday after an MRI exam revealed the extent of the issue that crept up Sunday. He missed the last three games and officially was moved to the injured list prior to Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals. Infielder Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to replace him on the active roster. Robert, 28, is hitting .224 with a .656 OPS after a hot start to his first season in New York. The Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox in an offseason trade. Five of his 19 hits and five of his eight RBIs this season came in the opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The move is retroactive to April 27, meaning Robert could be activated as soon as May 6 if his injury responds quickly. Injuries have hit the Mets hard in the first month-plus of the regular season. They entered Thursday with an MLB-worst 10-20 record and were 3-16 in the past 19 games. Juan Soto (calf) returned from the IL on April 22 after missing 15 games, but Francisco Lindor (hamstring) was hurt in the same game on the bases and isn’t expected to be evaluated for at least two more weeks. Starting pitcher Kodai Senga landed on the IL on Tuesday with back inflammation and two other position players — Jorge Polanco and Jared Young — are also out with injuries. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mets #place #Luis #Robert

Deadspin | Mets place OF Luis Robert Jr. on IL
Deadspin | Mets place OF Luis Robert Jr. on IL Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts after popping out with the bases loaded in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. could be facing an extended stint on the injured list with a lumbar spine disc herniation. The Mets placed Robert on the 10-day injured list on Thursday after an MRI exam revealed the extent of the issue that crept up Sunday. He missed the last three games and officially was moved to the injured list prior to Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals. Infielder Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to replace him on the active roster. Robert, 28, is hitting .224 with a .656 OPS after a hot start to his first season in New York. The Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox in an offseason trade. Five of his 19 hits and five of his eight RBIs this season came in the opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The move is retroactive to April 27, meaning Robert could be activated as soon as May 6 if his injury responds quickly. Injuries have hit the Mets hard in the first month-plus of the regular season. They entered Thursday with an MLB-worst 10-20 record and were 3-16 in the past 19 games. Juan Soto (calf) returned from the IL on April 22 after missing 15 games, but Francisco Lindor (hamstring) was hurt in the same game on the bases and isn’t expected to be evaluated for at least two more weeks. Starting pitcher Kodai Senga landed on the IL on Tuesday with back inflammation and two other position players — Jorge Polanco and Jared Young — are also out with injuries. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mets #place #Luis #RobertApr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts after popping out with the bases loaded in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. could be facing an extended stint on the injured list with a lumbar spine disc herniation.

The Mets placed Robert on the 10-day injured list on Thursday after an MRI exam revealed the extent of the issue that crept up Sunday. He missed the last three games and officially was moved to the injured list prior to Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals.

Infielder Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to replace him on the active roster.

Robert, 28, is hitting .224 with a .656 OPS after a hot start to his first season in New York. The Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox in an offseason trade.


Five of his 19 hits and five of his eight RBIs this season came in the opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The move is retroactive to April 27, meaning Robert could be activated as soon as May 6 if his injury responds quickly.

Injuries have hit the Mets hard in the first month-plus of the regular season. They entered Thursday with an MLB-worst 10-20 record and were 3-16 in the past 19 games.

Juan Soto (calf) returned from the IL on April 22 after missing 15 games, but Francisco Lindor (hamstring) was hurt in the same game on the bases and isn’t expected to be evaluated for at least two more weeks. Starting pitcher Kodai Senga landed on the IL on Tuesday with back inflammation and two other position players — Jorge Polanco and Jared Young — are also out with injuries.

–Field Level Media

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Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts after popping out with the bases loaded in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. could be facing an extended stint on the injured list with a lumbar spine disc herniation.

The Mets placed Robert on the 10-day injured list on Thursday after an MRI exam revealed the extent of the issue that crept up Sunday. He missed the last three games and officially was moved to the injured list prior to Thursday’s game against the Washington Nationals.

Infielder Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to replace him on the active roster.

Robert, 28, is hitting .224 with a .656 OPS after a hot start to his first season in New York. The Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox in an offseason trade.

Five of his 19 hits and five of his eight RBIs this season came in the opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The move is retroactive to April 27, meaning Robert could be activated as soon as May 6 if his injury responds quickly.

Injuries have hit the Mets hard in the first month-plus of the regular season. They entered Thursday with an MLB-worst 10-20 record and were 3-16 in the past 19 games.

Juan Soto (calf) returned from the IL on April 22 after missing 15 games, but Francisco Lindor (hamstring) was hurt in the same game on the bases and isn’t expected to be evaluated for at least two more weeks. Starting pitcher Kodai Senga landed on the IL on Tuesday with back inflammation and two other position players — Jorge Polanco and Jared Young — are also out with injuries.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | LIV Golf touts ‘strong momentum’ despite New Orleans postponement The LIV Golf logo and team flags at LIV Golf Dallas golf tournament in 2025. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images LIV Golf said the league looks forward to continuing its “strong momentum” despite postponing its New Orleans event scheduled for June amid questions about its future beyond 2026. In a statement provided to Field Level Media on Wednesday, LIV said it intends to “explore” a potential fall event in Louisiana while citing summer heat, a crowded sports calendar and course conditions among the reasons for the postponement. “In coordination with the Governor of Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development, we have made the strategic decision to explore moving LIV Golf Louisiana to a new window later this fall,” the statement read. “This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall. Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future.” However, the postponement comes in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull its funding for the league. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil had promised employees in an email that the current season would go “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” However, the postponement of the New Orleans event scheduled for June 25-28 leaves a gap between LIV Golf Andalucia in Spain (June 4-7) and LIV Golf United Kingdom (July 23-26). The league is set to return to action with LIV Golf Virginia next weekend. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s statement on Tuesday confirmed reports that Louisiana has so far paid .2 million of a million agreement. LIV “is expected to return all state incentive funds” totaling .2 million; the other million was spent on improvements to the golf course, Bayou Oaks at City Park. “We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry said. “We are grateful for the work of our local partners and the collaboration that supported this effort.” NOLA.com reported Monday that LIV was exploring a smaller, “exposition-style” event in New Orleans in the fall. The league’s team championship in late August is the last event currently scheduled, with the LIV Golf Louisiana event now listed at the bottom of the website’s schedule page without a date. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #touts #strong #momentum #Orleans #postponementThe LIV Golf logo and team flags at LIV Golf Dallas golf tournament in 2025. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

LIV Golf said the league looks forward to continuing its “strong momentum” despite postponing its New Orleans event scheduled for June amid questions about its future beyond 2026.

In a statement provided to Field Level Media on Wednesday, LIV said it intends to “explore” a potential fall event in Louisiana while citing summer heat, a crowded sports calendar and course conditions among the reasons for the postponement.

“In coordination with the Governor of Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development, we have made the strategic decision to explore moving LIV Golf Louisiana to a new window later this fall,” the statement read. “This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall. Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future.”


However, the postponement comes in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull its funding for the league. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil had promised employees in an email that the current season would go “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.”

However, the postponement of the New Orleans event scheduled for June 25-28 leaves a gap between LIV Golf Andalucia in Spain (June 4-7) and LIV Golf United Kingdom (July 23-26). The league is set to return to action with LIV Golf Virginia next weekend.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s statement on Tuesday confirmed reports that Louisiana has so far paid $3.2 million of a $7 million agreement. LIV “is expected to return all state incentive funds” totaling $1.2 million; the other $2 million was spent on improvements to the golf course, Bayou Oaks at City Park.

“We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry said. “We are grateful for the work of our local partners and the collaboration that supported this effort.”

NOLA.com reported Monday that LIV was exploring a smaller, “exposition-style” event in New Orleans in the fall. The league’s team championship in late August is the last event currently scheduled, with the LIV Golf Louisiana event now listed at the bottom of the website’s schedule page without a date.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #LIV #Golf #touts #strong #momentum #Orleans #postponement">Deadspin | LIV Golf touts ‘strong momentum’ despite New Orleans postponement The LIV Golf logo and team flags at LIV Golf Dallas golf tournament in 2025. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images LIV Golf said the league looks forward to continuing its “strong momentum” despite postponing its New Orleans event scheduled for June amid questions about its future beyond 2026. In a statement provided to Field Level Media on Wednesday, LIV said it intends to “explore” a potential fall event in Louisiana while citing summer heat, a crowded sports calendar and course conditions among the reasons for the postponement. “In coordination with the Governor of Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development, we have made the strategic decision to explore moving LIV Golf Louisiana to a new window later this fall,” the statement read. “This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall. Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future.” However, the postponement comes in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull its funding for the league. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil had promised employees in an email that the current season would go “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” However, the postponement of the New Orleans event scheduled for June 25-28 leaves a gap between LIV Golf Andalucia in Spain (June 4-7) and LIV Golf United Kingdom (July 23-26). The league is set to return to action with LIV Golf Virginia next weekend. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s statement on Tuesday confirmed reports that Louisiana has so far paid .2 million of a million agreement. LIV “is expected to return all state incentive funds” totaling .2 million; the other million was spent on improvements to the golf course, Bayou Oaks at City Park. “We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry said. “We are grateful for the work of our local partners and the collaboration that supported this effort.” NOLA.com reported Monday that LIV was exploring a smaller, “exposition-style” event in New Orleans in the fall. The league’s team championship in late August is the last event currently scheduled, with the LIV Golf Louisiana event now listed at the bottom of the website’s schedule page without a date. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #touts #strong #momentum #Orleans #postponement

Deadspin | Braves bring historic pace into series finale vs. Tigers Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta. Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023. “When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.” Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins. “Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said. Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale. Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings. Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings. Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes. Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings. Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts. The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. “Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.” The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7. The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #TigersApr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta.

Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023.

“When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.”

Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins.

“Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said.

Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale.

Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings.


Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings.

Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes.

Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings.

Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts.

The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo.

“Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.”

The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7.

The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #Tigers">Deadspin | Braves bring historic pace into series finale vs. Tigers Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta. Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023. “When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.” Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins. “Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said. Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale. Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings. Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings. Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes. Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings. Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts. The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. “Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.” The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7. The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #Tigers

Deadspin | Hunter Dobbins set for Cardinals debut vs. Pirates, Paul Skenes Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA). St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on. Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts. The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025. Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings. Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year. The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December. Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection. Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches. “That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game. Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season. “I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.” Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him. Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #SkenesApr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA).

St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on.

Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts.

The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025.

Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings.

Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year.

The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December.


Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection.

Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches.

“That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game.

Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season.

“I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.”

Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him.

Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #Skenes">Deadspin | Hunter Dobbins set for Cardinals debut vs. Pirates, Paul Skenes Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA). St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on. Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts. The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025. Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings. Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year. The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December. Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection. Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches. “That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game. Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season. “I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.” Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him. Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #Skenes

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