On Friday, the much anticipated debut of #1 Prospect Konnor Griffin took place in the Steel City. Frankly it almost couldn’t have gone better.

Griffin went 1-3 with an RBI double a run scored, and a walk during the Pirates 5-4 victory in their home opener over the Orioles.

While not the BEST statline you’ve ever seen, he brought such an obvious vibe shift to the Pirates that you simply cannot ignore.

This offseason the team was screaming for a spark on the offensive side. Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe had done a great job thus far, but the addition of this kind of spark plug is exactly what can lead Pirates fans to believe they can genuinely make it back to the postseason, and maybe even win a series or two.

Fun time to be a Pirates fan

In an incredibly sad turn of events, a teary eyed Cade Horton had to exit Friday’s contest early with reported forearm soreness.

There is a small possibility this can end better as it sounds, as Horton gave a presser afterwards and said he pulled himself out of an abundance of caution

Where does this leave the Cubs? Already somewhat thin after Justin Steele’s 2025 ended early due to forearm soreness, the Cubs are finding themselves running out of potential front line arms should this be a longer term injury.

Colin Rea or Ben Brown will likely get chances to rejoin the rotation where they spent most of the 2025 season. And while unspectacular on paper, they can at least keep this team competitive while awaiting the return of Horton and Steele — or until the trade deadline where they will likely be buyers for starting pitching

Cubs drop to the Guardians 4-1.

Things certainly have not gone to plan in the early goings for the Mets. They’ve had somewhat of a slow start offensively, Bo Bichette has been a stinker thus far, and they just overall don’t have the best vibes one week into the season.

Add to that list, now — Juan Soto exited the Friday night Mets-Giants game with Right Calf tightness.

And the Mets fans aren’t exactly taking it very well:

The Mets will turn to Tyrone Taylor for the duration of Soto’s absence. Mets fans are in shambles.

Mets win 10-3. They’ll be okay.

A pair of absolute pitching masterclasses today

Mikolas vs the Dodgers went exactly as you’d expect it would

And Lorenzen got to experience the Coors effect first hand…

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Angels continue to do Angels things:

Speaking of the Angels — do we need to monitor Mike Trout vs Bryan Woo???

Mariners beat the Angels 3-1 in extras.

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Bellinger made one of the more outrageous catches you will ever see

Yankees beat the fish 8-2

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This video is from Thursday but is simply too good not to share. Poor lad

Have a great day everybody