It was a memorable Mother's Day for Yankees rookie Spencer Jones, who notched his first major league hit and RBI in Sunday's tough loss to the Brewers. After striking out four times over his first two games, Jones delivered a scorching 106.4 mph single up the middle in the second inning off Logan Henderson, driving in José Caballero. With his mom and family cheering from the stands, it was a special moment that will be hard to top. While the Yankees suffered a second straight walk-off defeat and a series sweep, Jones' breakout performance gives fans plenty to look forward to.

Carlos Rodón also hit a key milestone in his 2026 debut, taking the mound for the first time after offseason surgery to remove a bone spur from his left elbow. Though his line showed room for improvement—three earned runs, five strikeouts, and five walks over 4.1 innings—there was one undeniable bright spot: his fastball averaged 95.7 mph, a full 1.6 mph faster than his 2025 average. That velocity jump suggests his elbow is in better shape than ever. If Rodón can tighten his control, he could recapture—or even surpass—his excellent 2025 form.

For pitch enthusiasts, FanGraphs' David Laurila dives deep into the art of the splitter with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RoughRiders pitching coach Spencer Medick. Medick explains how lower spin rates can make splitters "dance" like knuckleballs from the batter's perspective, citing Fernando Cruz as a prime example of the low-spin variety. He also highlights Yovanny Cruz and Brendan Beck as Triple-A hurlers with effective splitters, though their spin rates differ. It's a fascinating look at how small adjustments can create big movement on the mound.

Finally, The Athletic's Amy Cuddy explores baseball's quirky rituals, from pre-game routines to superstitions that follow players beyond the clubhouse. Whether it's a specific way of tapping cleats or a lucky piece of gear, these traditions add a human touch to the game's high-stakes drama. For fans who love the stories behind the stats, this one's a must-read.