Here are three things for MLBTR readers to keep an eye on throughout the day:
1. Schultz to make MLB debut:
The White Sox are promoting left-handed pitching prospect Noah Schultz to the majors for his big league debut today. A consensus top-50 prospect in the sport, Schultz was a first-round pick by the White Sox back in 2022. The lefty dominated the Double-A level in 28 starts between 2024 and ’25, but upon getting promoted to Triple-A last year he struggled badly with a 9.37 ERA in five starts. This year, however, he’s gotten off to a scorching start with just three runs (two earned) allowed in his first 14 innings of work and an eye-popping 40.4% strikeout rate. That was more than enough to convince the White Sox to promote Schultz to the majors, and now he’ll be tasked with facing off against the Rays and Shane McClanahan in Chicago at 6:40pm local time. The White Sox cleared a 40-man roster spot with yesterday’s trade of Lenyn Sosa to Toronto.
2. Cruz putting together impressive hit streak:
The Pirates have enjoyed a strong start to the season and are currently the class of the NL Central with a 10-6 record. The efforts of center fielder Oneil Cruz have been a big part of that success, as he’s currently slashing .345/.429/.645 with a 194 wRC+. He’s bashed five homers and swiped seven bags in just 16 games this year. Cruz has also recorded a hit in each of his past 12 games. Today, he’ll look to keep his heroics up against Miles Mikolas and the Nationals in front of the home crowd at PNC Park. The game is scheduled for 6:40pm local time and will feature Mitch Keller on the mound for the Pirates.
3. MLBTR chat today:
The regular season is in full swing at this point. Whether you’re wondering what to expect from your team this year or just trying to separate the contenders from the pretenders, MLBTR’s Steve Adams has you covered with a live chat at 1pm CT this morning. You can click here to leave a question in advance. That same link will also allow you to follow along with the chat live when things get underway and view a transcript of the chat after it concludes.
Cruz is a wonderful example of how fickle baseball fans could be. So many Pirates fans wanted to DFA him two games into the season. This maybe was facetious banter among the fanbase, sure, but there were “legitimate” talking heads talking about moving on from him.
Are they still saying this? No, they are talking about him making the All Star Game. In a two week span.
Baseball has a long season and it’s good to remember that. Very happy for his success.
How do things look from your “holier than thou” perch up on the clouds?
Saying hes an all star after 2 weeks is almost as silly as writing him off after 2 games. Perhaps you are the one who needs the reminder. What a ridiculous comment.
I admit that I’d rather have moved on from him but he’s showing the kind of player he’s capable of being when fully applying himself and putting in the extra work. He went out of his way to improve vs lefties and it’s shown so far.
It was just so frustrating for me to keep hearing about his elite exit velocity and it resulting in a sub .400 slugging percentage and a measly 20 home runs in a full season. I don’t expect him to continue this pace obviously but he has a good eye at the plate as well and seems to finally be putting it all together. The kind of guy who burns you if you quit on him or if he keeps flashing potential without production.
Nats gave up 16 yesterday and now Mikolas is on the mound. We are about to see some records get absolutely shattered.
I will be very surprised if the Pirate lineup doesn’t explode against Mikolas who has been out there throwing BP the past 2 seasons. Crooked numbers galore.
We might see 35+ runs in 2 games.
Oh, good. Counting chickens before they’re hatched. That always turns out well. I’m getting on Fan Duel and betting heavily on Mikolas throwing a shut out tonight.
I’m a Nats fan, so I hope you make a killing!
Not a killing but nasty nats could win
Oneal Cruz is 3 for 14 vs Mikolas with a double, a triple, 5 ks, no walks.
Not my first choice for beat the streak.
As a Pirates fan, Mikolas having a vintage game kind of worries me. Happens all too often to them but this is a different team than year’s past.
I want to ask about the 8 game losing streak.
Noah only just got out of military service.
Where he was known as:
Sergeant Schultz
Hopefully he sees nothing instead of getting overwhelmed with his MLB debut.
Go Get’em Noah!!
We got Noah making his debut and maybe Antonnaci will follow soon. Good time for White Sox fans to see the young kids come up.
Doubt they get the game in tonight.
I’m happy to say that so far at least, I’ve been wrong about Cruz.
Same. Probably will never be a plus defender but he’s showing how good his offense truly is.