D-Backs Shut Out Rockies, Schwarber Slugs Again, Tigers Grapple with Injuries

The Arizona Diamondbacks shut out the Colorado Rockies 9-1 on Friday behind a dominant performance from Merrill Kelly, who pitched a complete game for just the second time in his career. Kelly, 37, became the fourth-oldest pitcher since 1930 to throw his first complete game, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs and the Elias Sports Bureau. The right-hander allowed only one run on four hits and zero walks in nine innings, helping Arizona improve to 21-23 on the season.

Kyle Schwarber continued his historic power surge in the Phillies’ 11-9 win over the Pirates. The slugger hit two home runs and extended his 20-homer plateau streak to nine games, now with nine homers in his last eight contests. Over his last 38 plate appearances, Schwarber is hitting .353/.421/1.147. The Phillies, now 25-23 overall and 13-4 under interim manager Don Mattingly, have found new life thanks to Schwarber’s bat and a fresh leadership change.

Cam Schlittler continued his stellar start to the season for the Yankees, allowing just one run on two hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings against the Mets. The 26-year-old right-hander now has a 1.35 ERA, a 30.1% strikeout rate, and a 4.9% walk rate through 60 innings this year. With Max Fried expected to miss at least a month, Schlittler has become a vital piece of New York’s rotation, leading all pitchers in fWAR with 2.5.

The Tigers received some encouraging injury news before Friday’s game against the Blue Jays. Right-hander Connor Seabold returned to the bullpen after being activated from the 15-day IL, and Casey Mize made his return to the rotation. However, the Tigers were dealt a blow when Ty Madden left the game after a comebacker struck his right forearm. According to manager A.J. Hinch, initial tests showed no structural damage. Meanwhile, Justin Verlander threw 50 pitches in a live bullpen session and Tarik Skubal has begun a throwing progression following arthroscopic surgery on May 6.

The Tigers will look to stay competitive in the AL Central as they continue their series with Toronto. With key players returning and others inching closer to availability, Detroit’s roster situation remains in flux. The next game will be key in assessing how the team handles its injury challenges while maintaining momentum.