Author: MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

As is our Tuesday tradition here at Camden Chat, it’s time for our recap of the last six days of minor league baseball, with a particular focus on Camden Chat’s top 20 Orioles prospects.

Triple-A Norfolk Tides

• Last week: 3-3 at Gwinnett Stripers (Braves)
• Coming week: vs. Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals)
• Season record: 25-38, ninth place (13.5 GB) in International League East

Creed Willems has been a bit of an overlooked prospect as he’s moved up the minor league ladder, but he’s trying to make sure we don’t forget him. We certainly won’t forget his hair. He’s been crushing the ball in his first season at Triple-A, batting .283/.370/.511, and this week he added his 12th and 13th home runs to his tally. His AVG, OBP, and SLG are all the highest of his professional career. The O’s aren’t in urgent need of a first baseman or catcher, Creed’s two primary positions, so they can afford to let him cook at Triple-A for a while longer. But his breakout year means the Orioles may well add him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft (which they declined to do last year, but he went unselected).

Beyond Willems, the Norfolk lineup is a mishmash of former prospects and veteran journeymen. Former Reds prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand continues to hit, bashing three homers this week. He has a .949 OPS for the Tides this year and could be the next man up if the O’s have an infield injury. Heston Kjerstad was 7-for-27 with seven strikeouts and no walks. With a .669 OPS, he’s not exactly beating down the door for a big league promotion, even if Tyler O’Neill is beating down the door to be released.

On the mound, Trey Gibson (#5 prospect) was the only Tides pitcher to record a quality start — 6.1 innings, two runs, prior to returning to the majors yesterday — while Nestor German (#11) and Trace Bright delivered identical 5.2-inning, three-run outings. The weirdest pitching line was that of Yaqui Rivera, who allowed seven hits and four walks in five innings, but somehow no earned runs (though he did give up four unearned ones). Lefty reliever Andrew Magno continued to shine with two scoreless outings, lowering his ERA to 0.72 in 22 games. Could the 28-year-old, who spent seven years in the Tigers’ organization without a call-up, finally make his MLB debut this season?

Norfolk season stats

Double-A Chesapeake Baysox

• Last week: 3-3 vs. Akron RubberDucks (Guardians)
• Coming week: at Altoona Curve (Pirates)
• Season record: 23-33, last place (14.0 GB) in Eastern League Southwest

Just like with the Tides, the best hitter on the Baysox is a catcher. In this case it’s Ethan Anderson, the Orioles’ second-round pick in 2024, who’s rocking an .866 OPS and 11 home runs in 47 games after hitting three more dingers this week. Anderson had all but fallen off the Birds’ prospect lists after a forgettable 2025 in which he OPS’d .677 and hit just four homers in 90 games, but he’s taken a big step forward this year.

Infielders Aron Estrada (#13 prospect) and Frederick Bencosme each had a seven-hit, two-homer week. Estrada has turned his season around in a big way after posting a paltry .176 AVG and .490 OPS through his first 18 games; he’s now up to .277 and .791, not far off from his career averages. And he’s doing it while being nearly three years young for the Double-A level. Not too shabby.

But enough about that; how did Joseph Dzierwa (#14) do? I’m pleased to report that the Orioles’ fastest-rising pitching prospect delivered another quality start, holding Akron to one run in 6.2 strong innings. I may be tempting fate by saying this, but Dzierwa has really never had a bad outing in his professional career. He hasn’t given up more than three earned runs in any of his 11 starts. Across High-A and Double-A, he’s sporting a 2.51 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 11.46 K/9. The lefty strikes out a ton of batters, doesn’t walk many, and doesn’t give up homers. Just stay healthy, buddy, and the sky’s the limit.

Chesapeake season stats

High-A Frederick Keys

• Last week: 4-2 vs. Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees)
• Coming week: at Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets)
• Season record: 35-19, first place (1.5 games ahead) in South Atlantic League North

The offense was alive for Frederick this week, as it’s been for most of the year. The Keys tallied double-digit runs in half of their games this series, including blowout wins of 16-3 and 10-3 and a barnburner of a 14-13 defeat. It was enough for the Keys to reclaim first place in the division after briefly falling into second a week ago.

Slugging first baseman Victor Figueroa crushed four homers and leads all O’s minor leaguers with 15 roundtrippers this year. The 22-year-old was part of the five-player package the Orioles received from San Diego in the Ryan O’Hearn/Ramón Laureano trade last year, and while he’s more of a lottery ticket than a real prospect, that power is undeniable. Time to move him up to Double-A and see what happens.

Enrique Bradfield Jr. (#7 prospect) has heated up as he rehabs a left hand injury. He was a spark plug atop the lineup, reaching base 12 times, scoring 10 runs, and stealing five bases. He should be ready to return to Norfolk shortly. Another rehabbing outfielder, Douglas Hodo III, hit three homers as he prepares to head back to Double-A. And hey, it was even a good week for the much-maligned Vance Honeycutt. The struggling former first rounder hit two dingers and struck out only three times in 18 at-bats.

Surprisingly missing from the offensive surge were Ike Irish (#4) and Wehiwa Aloy (#6), each of whom had just four hits in the series. Aloy is in a 4-for-32 rut if you include his three games before that. Even still, both guys had seven RBIs, tied for the most on the team this week besides Figueroa’s 10.

As for the pitchers, righty Yeiber Cartaya continued to cruise through 2026 with a five-inning, one-earned-run effort that featured seven strikeouts and no walks. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has a 1.42 ERA in 44.1 innings. Elsewhere, Twine Palmer worked five scoreless innings of bulk relief. But 6-foot-8 lefty Boston Bateman, who’d been on a nice roll in May, opened June with a tough outing, giving up three runs and walking four in three innings.

Frederick season stats

Low-A Delmarva Shorebirds

• Last week: 5-1 at Augusta GreenJackets
• Coming week: at Columbia Fireflies (Royals)
• Season record: 22-35, last place (19.0 GB) in Carolina League North

Break up the Shorebirds! They’re riding a five-game winning streak and just bagged their first series win since the end of April. It didn’t get them out of last place, but, you know. Baby steps.

Pitching led the way for the Shorebirds, who held Augusta to three or fewer runs in all but one game. It was a true team effort, with 17 different Delmarva pitchers taking the mound this week, 12 of whom gave up no earned runs. The Shorebirds got a boost from newcomer Stephen Still, a 24-year-old lefty signed by the Orioles after two years in independent ball. I’d like to learn more about him, but my Google search keeps defaulting to Stephen Stills from Crosby, Stills and Nash. Anyway, this Stephen Still debuted with 5.1 scoreless innings and nine strikeouts. Nice!

Another pitcher I’m not familiar with, Andrew Herbert, dazzled with nine scoreless innings and 10 strikeouts. It would’ve been especially awesome if it all happened in one game, but it was two long relief appearances. It’s still impressive! The 25-year-old righty is another recent addition from the independent league, signed the same day as Still on May 21.

No Shorebirds batter had more than five hits this week, but four of Edwin Amparo’s went for extra bases, including two homers. And 2025 fifth-round pick Jaiden Lo Re also homered in his first week at Delmarva. He’s a natural fit at this level, because “Lo Re” rhymes with “Low-A.” When he gets moved up to the next rung, he’ll have to change his name to Jaiden Hi Re. It’s the rules.

Delmarva season stats

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Creed Willems was the runaway winner in last week’s player of the week poll, earning 67% of the vote. He joins previous winners Payton Eeles, Braylin Tavera, Caden Hunter, Ike Irish, and Wehiwa Aloy. There have been no repeat winners, and there still won’t, because there are two new candidates on the ballot this week. Who gets your vote?

Blah blah blah transaction news.

Carlos Narvaez appeared in 112 games at catcher last season, tallying 15 home runs and playing solid defense, though he’s struggled at the dish this season and has taken a back seat to Gasper since Chad Tracy took over. He’s 27 years old and still pre-arbitration, meaning he’s under team control for the foreseeable future. Connor Wong had a miserable 2025 at the plate but has bounced back this year, although the power still hasn’t returned. He’s 30, but still has a few years of team control left. Mickey Gasper is the surprise addition to the group. He’s been the best of the group offensively, but also is the wrong side of 30 and has only just made the major leagues.

So, what should they do for the rest of this season? Do they let Narvaez work through his slump at the plate because he’s the most likely of the group to be the catcher of the future? Do they continue to run Gasper out to try to give a boost to the struggling offense? Do they let Connor Wong continue to handle the staff, because pitchers seem to like him? Do they trade for Ethan Salas? I don’t know. You tell me.

Talk about whatever you want and be good to one another.

1947
In a game at Comiskey Park against the Yankees, a fan held up the contest for nearly an hour while he argued a call with one of the umpires. That’s right … a fan!

The Sox would eventually win the game, 9-8, in 10 innings, scoring seven unanswered runs to pull it off. Jake Jones’ single scored Floyd “the Blotter” Baker to win it. 

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1974
In at 10-6 loss at Comiskey Park, Ron Santo hit two home runs, including an inside-the-park homer to left field, as part of a 3-for-4 day. His nine total bases were by far the most the future Hall-of-Famer had in a single game during his disappointing single season on the South Side.

Why does this fact merit inclusion among the top moments in White Sox history? Well …

1981
… EXACTLY seven years later, the White Sox recorded their next inside-the-park home run, and it was even a weirder play than sluggish runner Santo circling the bases for a homer.

After Chet Lemon reached on an error to start the White Sox half of the fourth, already up, 1-0, vs. the Blue Jays, Wayne Nordhagen drove a fly ball down the right-field line. It looked foul, so Nordhagen stood in the box and watched — until the ball landed fair. Future White Sox left fielder George Bell, then a rookie known as Jorge and playing in just his 30th MLB game, re-injured his right ankle against the short, right-field foul wall chasing after the fly (the game started an hour late due to rain, so the slick grass/warning track contributed to the re-injury).

With Bell crumpled on the ground, the ball rolled to the wall and left center fielder Barry Bonnell to sprint over to make the play. That gave Nordhagen enough of a start to circle the bases, to his surprise:

I didn’t know what was happening. My helmet fell down over my eyes after I swung, and I didn’t even know where the ball went. I couldn’t believe it when Winks [White Sox third-base coach Bobby Winkles] was down there waving [me home].

The homer put the White Sox up by the eventual final, 3-0. Richard Dotson threw a five-hit shutout — his fourthalready in a breakout campaign. It would also be Dotson’s last start until August, as three days from now the players’ strike would hollow out the middle of the 1981 season.

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1987
White Sox outfielder (and future GM) Ken Williams hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, breaking up a no-hit bid by the A’s Curt Young.

It would be the only hit on the day for the Sox, who lost, 8-3.

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2010
The White Sox stood at an awful 24-33 and 9 1/2 games out of first place heading into play, but a 15-3 drubbing of the Tigers started a 15-1 streak (through June 26) and 25-5 sprint to the All-Star break (July 11) that turned the season around. (For good measure, the White Sox won the first game out of the break, making it 26 of 31.)

In this game, the White Sox were shut out in five of their eight frames, but seven-spots in both the fourth and eighth innings dealt the death blows for Detroit. Every White Sox batter recorded at least one hit — even pinch-hitter Brent Lillibridge, who clubbed a three-run homer in the eighth. Omar Vizquel led the way among hitters, with three hits. Freddy García was the beneficiary of the onslaught, going seven innings to improve to 6-3 on the season.

By the All-Star break, the White Sox streak had landed them atop the AL Central by a half-game, at 49-38.

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2021
The injury bug again impacted the White Sox, as second baseman Nick Madrigal, hitting better than .300 at the time and playing a solid second base, tore his right hamstring trying to run out a ground ball in the seventh inning of a game against the Blue Jays in Chicago. Madrigal became the third Sox starter to suffer a major injury and miss significant time, the others being outfielders Eloy Jiménez and Luis Robert Jr.

The Sox were leading 2-1 at the time, but after Madrigal’s season-ending injury melted down and lost, 6-2. The second baseman remained on the field for several minutes before being helped off, not putting any weight on his right leg. Surgery was performed the next week, and his season was over. On top of that, his White Sox career ended in July, with Madrigal being traded to the Cubs as part of the Craig Kimbrel deal at the deadline.

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2022
It was a decision that left the baseball world shaking its head. 

White Sox manager Tony La Russa, already under the microscope by fans and the media for his seemingly strange baseball decisions, made one that will be talked about for years. With the Sox losing, 7-5, to the Dodgers at Guaranteed Rate Field, he ordered an intentional walk to Trea Turner in the sixth inning. The count on Turner at the time was 1-2, leaving everyone from fans at the game to White Sox TV broadcasters stunned and wondering what the rationale for the move was. 

The decision then blew up in La Russa’s face when five pitches later Max Muncy blasted a three-run home run to left-center field. Upon reaching home plate Muncy then looked towards the White Sox dugout and let loose with an expletive-filled comment. The runs would prove important as the Sox lost, 11-9.

The Detroit Tigers open up the second half of their current six-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins. With five wins in six tries so far this month coming against the leaders of the American League East and West divisions, AJ Hinch’s squad now has a chance to make up some ground in the AL Central this week.

The Motor City Kitties currently share space in the division cellar with the Kansas City Royals, while the Twinkies are 2.5 games ahead of them in the standings. The Cleveland Guardians currently lead the pack, with the Chicago White Sox trailing not too far behind them.

The series opener will see right-hander Troy Melton take the mound, coming off an impressive eight-inning performance against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Pete, where he allowed just two runs on four hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out five en route to his second win of the 2026 campaign.

The 25-year-old has faced Minnesota just once before in his young major league career in relief last year on Aug. 5 at Comerica Park. Melton threw a pair of hitless, scoreless frames, allowing a pair of walks and striking out one in what turned out to be a 6-3 loss for the Tigers that day.

Up against him is fellow righty Taj Bradley, who has regressed slightly after missing some time in May due to right pectoral inflammation. Since his return to the rotation, the 25-year-old has made three starts, putting up an ugly 5.93 ERA but far more respectable 3.40 FIP over 13 2/3 innings of work, allowing 15 hits and nine walks while striking out 18 batters.

Bradley last faced Detroit earlier this season on April 7 at Comerica Park, earning a quality start on 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, allowing six hits and no walks while striking out 10 — also hitting a pair of batters — en route to his second win of the year with a 4-2 final score.

Here is how the two match up on Tuesday night.

Detroit Tigers (27-39) vs. Minnesota Twins (30-37)

Time (ET): 6:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site:Twinkie Town
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 67: RHP Troy Melton (2-0, 1.74 ERA) vs. RHP Taj Bradley (5-2, 3.56 ERA)

Player	G	IP	K%	BB%	GB%	FIP	fWAR
Melton	3	20.2	11.4	7.6	42.2	3.73	0.4
Bradley	11	60.2	26.8	10.0	35.2	3.47	1.2

MELTON

BRADLEY

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders: Offday

Double-A Somerset Patriots: Offday

High-A Hudson Valley Renegades: Offday

Low-A Tampa Tarpons: Offday

Florida Complex League Yankees: L, 10-9 (11) at FCL Phillies

3B Richard Matic 0-5, RBI, BB, 2 K
CF Wilberson De Pena 1-6, 2 K
C Queni Pineda 1-4, 2B, 2 BB, 2 K
2B Leni Done 3-6, 2B, 2 SB
DH Jose Castro 2-4, RBI, 2 BB, K, 2 SB, CS
RF Francsco Vilorio 0-3, 2 K
LF-1B Christofer Reys 1-2
SS Dexters Peralta 3-5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, CS, fielding error
1B Justin Capellan 0-4, BB, K
LF-RF Estivenzon Montero 0-2, RBI, BB, K

Stanly Alcantara 3.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R (5 ER), 6 BB, 1 K
Marco Manzano 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Austin Breedlove 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Rafael Arias 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K, HBP, throwing error (hold) — started the ninth inning with a 9-7 lead, and went walk, walk, throwing error, HBP before getting pulled
Jorge Luna 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 4 (!) HBP (loss, blown save) — stranded the bases loaded in ninth and tenth, but couldn’t quite hold in the 11th

Dominican Summer League Yankees: L, 5-4 (7) vs. DSL Tigers 2

CF Isaias Castillo 2-2, HR, RBI, BB
2B Stiven Marinez 1-3, RBI, K
RF Yostin Pena 2-3, HR, RBI
SS Juan Torres 0-3
DH Cesar Lopez 0-1, BB, HBP
3B Abrahan Pichardo 0-3, 2 K, fielding error
C Juan Martinez 0-2, BB
1B Jose Peralta 0-2, 2 K, CS, throwing error
LF Kendry Diaz 0-3, fielding error

Hector Moreno 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 1 K
Fredy Penuelas 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 7 K
Luis Rodriguez 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K (loss, blown save)

Dominican Summer League Bombers:L, 13-0 (7) at DSL Marlins

3B Dariel Santana 0-2, BB, K
SS Mani Cedeno 0-2, BB, K, throwing error
2B Carlos Bello 0-3, 2 K
RF David Carrera 0-1, 2 BB, K
C Alessandro Rodriguez 0-1, BB, fielding error
PH-1B John Rosillo 0-1
DH Germayhoni Beltre 0-3, K
LF Richard Meran 0-3
1B-C Stalen Ramirez 0-2, 2 K, HBP
CF Alfiery Matos 0-2, K — yes, that’s a no-hitter. At least they drew some walks

Randy Agomas 1.2 IP, 0 H, 6 R (4 ER), 5 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP (loss) — a truly DSL statline. Poor guy has a 30.86 ERA
Kevin Centeno 2.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 4 BB, 3 K
Ronald Tejada 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Oscar Vasquez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

The St. Louis Cardinals are set to be one of the big players at this year’s Amateur Draft. The Cardinals own 6 of the top 86 picks, including 13, 32, 50, 68, 72, and 86 overall. They also have amassed a war chest of 16,612,300, which is the 6th largest behind PIT (19.1 M), TBR (19.0 M), CWS (17.5 M), SFG (17.3 M), and MIN (16.9 M). The added caveat that those are the top 5 teams in the draft, which may help the Cardinals a bit, should they try to float a player down the board a bit if they can negotiate an overslot deal for a player they really want that is directly ahead of them in the order.

We visited with Joe Doyle of Overslotbaseball.com, who is one of the top independent amateur scouting content creators, on the Viva El Birdos Podcast, and he shared with us the Cardinals’ new “prototype” St. Louis is looking for. These are Big-bodied pitchers with big fastballs and athletic shortstops/up-the-middle type players whose athleticism would play up as they move down the defensive spectrum. Think of how San Diego has built their roster. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr, Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth. These players came up capable of playing average or above SS, moved off the position, and are capable of letting their natural athleticism play up at their defensive position.

Pitchers like Liam Doyle, Tanner Franklin, Ty Van Dyke, Ethan Young, Payton Graham all come to mind, and then offensively, Ryan Mitchell and Jalin Flores. This year’s class is not thought to be as strong as seasons past, though the 2027 draft is thought to be one of the deepest in years, and should rival the ‘23 class. Make no mistake, there is still plenty of talent to be had in this year’s crop.

I wanted to highlight some of the more intriguing names that I’ve keyed in on that might tickle the Cardinals’ fancy.

Pitchers (Pick 13):

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RHPCameron Flukey – Coastal Carolina

6’6 210 lbs

FB – 60 CRV- 55 SL – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 55 FV – 55

Flukey entered the 2026 season as one of the top arms in the class, given his combination of big stuff and ability to overpower hitters. He suffered a Rib stress fracture after his first start of the season, but was able to make it back by the end of April to maintain his stock. Between himself, Liam Peterson, and Jackson Flora, only Flora was able to truly separate himself this season and will likely be a top 5 pick and thus be out of the Cardinals’ range. Flukey should have a high floor as a starter in a 2-3 type mold in a big league rotation if he avoids the injury bug moving forward.

RHP Liam Peterson – Florida

6’5 225 lbs

FB – 60 CRV – 55 SL – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 45 FV – 55

The aforementioned Peterson was another one of the top college pitchers entering this season, and while he demonstrates the same type of electric stuff that Flukey does, his command is noticeably worse than Flukey’s. Peterson still runs a fastball up into the high 90’s and has 2 distinct and effective breaking pitches and an improving changeup. There’s still real mid-rotation upside with Peterson, with some reliever fallback in his profile.

LHP Hunter Dietz – Arkansas

6’6 235 lbs

FB – 60 CRV – 60 SL – 60 CUT – 60 CH – 45 CTRL – 50 FV – 55

Dietz is my personal favorite for the Cardinals at 13 as things stand if the team decides to go the pitching route. We know how much the Cardinals love their lefties and being able to feature 4 plus pitches immediately and a 5th with a chance to be average fits the mold of today’s modern starter, and the upside is immense. Probably the best Arkansas lefty to be draft eligible since Hagen Smith. Dietz would be capable of challenging Liam Doyle, Brandon Clarke, and Quinn Matthews as the best lefty in the system immediately.

Position Players (Pick 13):

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SS Justin Lebron – Alabama

6’2 180 lbs

Hit – 45 Power – 60 Run – 60 Arm – 60 Field – 60 FV – 55

Justin Lebron came into the season as a near-consensus top 5 selection lock, but due to some hit tool struggles this season in SEC play, Lebron has taken a little bit of a tumble in terms of his draft stock. Outside of the hit tool, he is plus across the board, and the idea of an infield in 2 years featuring Winn, Wetherholt, and Lebron could look like the 2010’s Astros (minus the trash cans) of Bregman, Correa, and Altuve. The Cardinals’ hitting development staff has proven its ability to get the most out of raw, tooled-up athletes with hit tool concerns, see: Baez, Joshua, and Peete, Tai.

CF Derek Curiel – LSU

6’2 192 lbs

Hit – 60 Power – 45 Run – 55 Arm – 45 Field – 55 FV – 55

We love a good player comp, right? Scouts say that Curiel reminds them of a young Christian Yelich. Take that for what it’s worth. A wiry CF with an advanced hit tool and capable of playing a strong CF early in his career, before he’s likely pushed to LF later when his speed and athleticism diminish. Certainly would seem to have the floor of an everyday CF with the chance for more if he can add some strength and grow into above-average power.

CF Trevor Condon – Etowah HS (Georgia)

5’11 178 lbs

Hit – 60 Power – 45 Run – 70 Arm – 55 Field – 60 FV – 55

Again, we try not to get too ahead of ourselves when we hear comps, but one name that’s mentioned synonymously from an offensive standpoint with Condon is Kevin McGonigle. The contact, barrel control, and strike zone control are the primary calling cards, along with his ability to burn on the bases and play an excellent defensive CF. This is a dark-horse candidate, but one that certain corners of the industry believe is possible. If you’re able to get any kind of power out of this kid, he’s likely a perennial All-Star if he combines that with health.

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I could do this for every round, but for the sake of time, I will just highlight a few additional players who I find interesting, and I think would fit the Cardinals’ “type.”

SS Tyler Spangler – De La Salle (California)

6’3 195 lbs

Hit – 55 Power – 55 Run – 50 Arm – 55 Field – 55 FV – 50

Likely a 3rd basemen at the next level, he also gives some scouts Corey Seager vibes in the box from the left side. The ability to be average to above across the board and at such an imposing frame with a sweet lefty swing would inspire optimism in Cardinals fans for years to come.

SS James Clark – St. John Bosco (California)

6’1 195 lbs

Hit – 55 Power – 45 Run – 60 Arm – 50 Field – 50 FV – 50

Reminiscence of Ryan Mitchell abounds with this player. The ability to hit and control the strike zone at an advanced level, with the ability to play anywhere on the diamond long term. Fits the mold of the new regime’s ideology.

SS Dee Kennedy – Kansas State

5’11 190 lbs

Hit – 55 power – 50 Run – 55 Arm – 55 Field – 50 FV – 50

Probably an above-average 3B at the next level, Kennedy has all the athleticism and pop to add to a Cardinals pipeline in search of more high upside talent on the dirt.

RHP Jack Radel – Notre Dame

6’5 250 lbs

FB – 55 CRV – 50 SL – 55 CUT – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 55 FV – 50

Mid-rotation arms are never a bad thing when drafting talent to continue infusing your pipeline, and Radel fits the bill. His release point and pitchability are what give him the ability to separate himself from others in a similar range. Expect to hear his name called in the top 50.

RHP Ben Blair – Liberty

6’3 205 lbs

FB – 55 SL – 50 CUT – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 60 FV – 50

Your classic high-floor mid-rotation starter that the Cardinals made their money on drafting in the 2010’s, Ben Blair has every tool in the toolbox to be a quality mid-rotation starter at the highest level if all goes to plan.

RHP Carson Wiggins – Arkansas

6’5 215 lbs

FB – 80 SL – 70 CTRL – 45 FV -45

Before Wiggins blew out his elbow last season, he looked like a near lock to go in the first round last year. Now he’s likely not pitching at all this year, and still is likely to hear his name called in to the top 100 thanks to his impressive overpowering stuff.

RHP Taylor Rabe – Ole Miss

6’5 200 lbs

FB – 70 SL – 55 CUT – 60 CH – 40 CTRL – 60 FV – 45

Rabe is shooting up draft boards after his performance in the playoffs thus far and should remind Cardinals fans a bit of Tanner Franklin if he were to have been a starter his final season at Tennessee. One of my personal favorites to keep an eye on.

The draft is always an exciting annual milestone in the season, and this year should be no different. While the Cardinals might not be poised to grab a generational talent in this year’s crop, there are still a lot of players with intriguing upside to continue building the farm system back up to its former glory. We will continue to try to be one of your main sources for draft coverage. Joe Doyle will join us one more time, pre-draft, on draft week to give us the latest intel and buzz as the event grows near. We have also been kicking around the idea of a livestream for the draft and posting the link in the article so that we can all consume and react to night one of the picks as they happen in real time, and I have a few very intelligent guests in mind to rotate in as the night goes on. Would you like for us to do that, or is that something you’d be interested in? Let me know in the comments and I will plan accordingly if the result is overwhelmingly positive.

-Thanks for reading

Welcome back to the Minor League Roundup! I’m filling in for Adam this week.

As a reminder, you can find this roundup — covering everything you need to know about each of the Brewers’ minor league affiliates — every Tuesday morning right here on Brew Crew Ball. For consistency, all organizational prospect rankings will reference MLB Pipeline unless otherwise noted.

Triple-A Nashville Sounds (38-25)

Opponent this week: @ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Miami Marlins)

Record this week: 3-3

Standout performances:

Luke Adams (No. 11): 4-for-17, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 3 SB, 8 K, 3 BB
Cooper Pratt (No. 4): 6-for-23, 1 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 3 SB, 4 K, 3 BB
Ethan Murray: 4-for-6, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 SB, 5 BB
Garrett Stallings: 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K
Thomas Pannone: 5 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 3 K
Reiss Knehr: 4 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 K
Jacob Waguespack: 3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 5 K

Luis Lara was noticeably absent from the Sounds’ lineup this week, as he hasn’t appeared in a game since Tuesday, when he went 0-for-4 with a walk in the series opener. No word on if he’s injured, but something to keep an eye on ahead of their next series.

In positive injury news, Luke Adams returned to the lineup after missing more than a month, and he slugged three homers, swiped three bags, and drew three walks for a .235/.381/.765 line across five games.

Luke Adams gets the top of the 3rd started in loud fashion! pic.twitter.com/gH1paaeKEQ

— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) June 3, 2026

Most of Nashville’s other regulars — Brock Wilken, Eddys Leonard, Akil Baddoo, Tyler Black, Jeferson Quero, and Jett Williams — had rough weeks, but Cooper Pratt had six hits and three steals across 23 at-bats. Shortstop Ethan Murray also went 4-for-6 with five walks and two steals for a .667/.818/.833 line over three games.

On the mound, Garrett Stallings and Thomas Pannone both had scoreless starts, as Stallings went five innings with five strikeouts and Pannone went 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. Reiss Knehr went 4 1/3 scoreless innings across three relief appearances, striking out five, while Jacob Waguespack made a pair of appearances spanning three innings, also striking out five.

STALL BALL‼️

Stallings strands the bases loaded to get through five scoreless pic.twitter.com/Z6QXmOT4Oy

— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) June 7, 2026

Next week’s opponent: vs. Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays)

Double-A Biloxi Shuckers (28-26)

Opponent this week: vs. Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays)

Record this week: 3-3

Standout performances:

Dylan O’Rae: 3-for-13, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 2 SB, 3 K, 2 BB
Matthew Wood: 5-for-12, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 1 K, 6 BB
Jaron DeBerry: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Bishop Letson (No. 8): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Manuel Rodriguez: 6 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

It was a fairly disappointing week for the Biloxi offense, as no players had more than five hits on the week, and top prospect Jesús Made went just 4-for-18 with no extra-base hits. Made was also 0-for-2 on steal attempts.

Matthew Wood led the offense with five hits, slugging a pair of homers and driving in three while drawing six walks to just one strikeout. Blake Burke and Dylan O’Rae both homered, and O’Rae was one of three players with multiple steals on the week, joining Mark Coley and Eduardo Garcia.

Matthew Wood with the Equalizer!

It's 1-1!

📻 https://t.co/LIZcF8bIA9
📺 @bally__sports, https://t.co/5dYqzkzNIs#ShuckYeah#ThisIsMyCrewpic.twitter.com/ooSotLIgNj

— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) June 6, 2026

While the offense didn’t have a great week, some of Biloxi’s starting pitchers looked fantastic. Bishop Letson had the best start of the week, going six scoreless with a team-high eight strikeouts, allowing just three hits and a walk. Jaron DeBerry had his second consecutive great outing, going six scoreless with five strikeouts and just three hits and two walks allowed. Manuel Rodriguez went 6 2/3 innings with one run allowed, and Tanner Gillis went six innings with two runs allowed and seven strikeouts.

Take a bow, Bishop Letson! 🙇‍♂️

-Career-High 6 Shutout Innings
-Season-High 8 Strikeouts
-Career-High 89 Pitches

📻 https://t.co/LIZcF8bIA9
📺 @bally__sports, https://t.co/5dYqzkzNIs#ShuckYeah#ThisIsMyCrewpic.twitter.com/wyom3p1br0

— Biloxi Shuckers (@BiloxiShuckers) June 7, 2026

Next week’s opponent: @ Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox)

High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (29-24)

Opponent this week: @ Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins)

Record this week: 3-2

Standout performances:

Andrew Fischer (No. 6): 7-for-18, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 6 BB, 7 K
Josh Adamczewski (No. 10): 7-for-16, 2 HR, 2 2B, 9 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB, 2 BB, 4 K
Eric Bitonti (No. 23): 3-for-11, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Josiah Ragsdale: 5-for-8, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB, 3 BB, 2 K
Ethan Dorchies: 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER (1 R), 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K
Braylon Owens: 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K

Andrew Fischer, who was named the Brewers’ Minor League Player of the Month for May, continued his raking ways this week. After batting .281/.439/.674 with three doubles, a triple, 10 homers, 20 RBIs, 25 runs, and 21 walks in 24 games in May, he hit .389/.542/.889 with three homers, seven RBIs, seven runs, and six walks in five games this week. Oh, and he broke the Timber Rattler single-season home run record (17) in just 48 games. Not bad for the 22-year-old prospect.

Andrew Fischer takes home the Brewers Minor League Player of the Month Award for May 🏅

Fischer put up 10 home runs (T-2nd in MiLB) and an incredible 71% Hard-Hit rate (100th percentile) and 77% Air rate (99th percentile) that propelled him to a 1.113 OPS in the month 🔥… pic.twitter.com/0oeZ7hEQXu

— Brewers Player Development (@BrewersPD) June 8, 2026

ANDREW FISCHER IS A HOME RUN MACHINE 🔥

In 49 games Fischer has hit 18 homers‼️ @sirfischer3

Rattlers 2 | Kernels 2 #tratnationpic.twitter.com/9WrhDVciCe

— Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (@TimberRattlers) June 7, 2026

Fellow top prospects Josh Adamczewski and Eric Bitonti also homered twice each, as did Luis Castillo. Braylon Payne added a homer, and Luis Peña, who returned to the lineup last week, went 2-for-8 with three steals and four runs scored this week.

3-RUN BITONTI BOMB 🚨🔥 @ericbitonti10

Eric Bitonti crushes his 8th HR of the season!

Rattlers 5 | Kernels 6 #tratnationpic.twitter.com/VgzKKX0z3O

— Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (@TimberRattlers) June 7, 2026

Ethan Dorchies turned in the best start of the week, going 5 1/3 innings with one unearned run allowed on four hits and three walks, striking out five. Braylon Owens, who was named the Brewers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Month for May after striking out 35 to just nine walks over 25 innings, went five innings in his outing this week, allowing one run and striking out a pair.

Braylon Ow(e)ns May. 😤

Owen’s struck out 35 over 25 innings pitched in May. He made five appearances – three starts – with a save and a 4.32 ERA. #tratnationpic.twitter.com/4OnTZH9Uta

— Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (@TimberRattlers) June 5, 2026

Next week’s opponent: vs. Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Single-A Wilson Warbirds (31-26)

Opponent this week: vs. Salem RidgeYaks (Minnesota Twins)

Record this week: 5-1

Standout performances:

Brady Ebel (No. 13): 5-for-24, 3 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB, 11 K, 7 BB
José Anderson: 5-for-19, 3 HR, 1 2B, 10 RBI, 4 R, 8 K, 3 BB
Pedro Ibarguen: 6-for-19, 1 HR, 1 2B, 7 RBI, 5 R, 7 K, 3 BB
Luis Lameda: 5-for-13, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 3 K, 4 BB
Jayden Dubanewicz (No. 25): 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER (5 R), 5 H, 3 BB, 8 K
Carlos Carra: 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 K
Joshua Quezada: 4 2/3 IP, 0 ER (1 R), 1 H, 0 BB, 6 K

After a rough start to the season, the Warbirds have found a rhythm, as they now sit in second place in the Carolina League North at 31-26. They won five of six against the Salem RidgeYaks, outscoring them 48-39 in the series.

José Anderson led the offense with three homers and 10 RBIs this week, slashing .263/.333/.789 across 19 at-bats, including a walk-off grand slam. Kevin Garcia and Pedro Ibarguen both homered, too, as Ibarguen led the Warbirds with six hits this week. No. 13 prospect Brady Ebel went 5-for-24 but added a whopping seven walks for a .387 on-base percentage. Filippo Di Turi also walked off Saturday’s game in a 4-3 victory.

GRAND SALAMI!!!!!!!#TakeFlight | #WelcomeToWilsonpic.twitter.com/MJ6wX3rd85

— Wilson Warbirds (@wilsonwarbirds) June 6, 2026

Jayden Dubanewicz went 6 1/3 total innings over two appearances, striking out a team-high eight, though he allowed five runs, just two of which were earned (2.84 ERA). Carlos Carra went 6 1/3 innings with one run allowed and six strikeouts, while Joshua Quezada allowed one unearned run and struck out six over 4 2/3 innings. Andrew Healy went 2 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his start, and Peyton Niksch went 3 1/3 scoreless frames in relief, striking out four.

Some love for the PO.#TakeFlight | #WelcomeToWilsonpic.twitter.com/9ut2fpXbWG

— Wilson Warbirds (@wilsonwarbirds) June 6, 2026

Next week’s opponent: @ Hill City Howlers (Cleveland Guardians)

Player of the Week

It has to be Luke Adams, who came back in a big way to launch three homers, including this go-ahead homer in the ninth inning on Sunday night:

BUH
BYE

LUKE ADAMS FOR THE LEAD IN THE 9TH 🚀 pic.twitter.com/pu9EsfcZuQ

— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) June 7, 2026

Honorable mention to José Anderson, who had three homers for Low-A Wilson, including a walk-off grand slam.

Play of the Week

Great throw to end the game on Sunday afternoon by Greg Jones:

ballgame. pic.twitter.com/V5ufZDBTy7

— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) June 7, 2026

Happy Tuesday, Camden Chatters!

Things have not gone well for the Orioles over the last few days. After an impressive run where they won 10 of their last 14 games, the team has now lost three in a row. And they’ve done so in excruciating fashion. On Saturday, Kyle Bradish was very bad. On Sunday, they blew a four-run lead. And last night, they bumbled around on the bases and did not take advantage of their chances and had some straight-up botches. If you want to read more about that one, you can check out Paul Folkemer’s recap.

I admit it. I’m down on the Orioles again. It’s only been three losses, but it feels like more proof that the Orioles are just a very uneven team.

Last night, when the Orioles were trying to rally, they had runners on first and third with one out. The score was 6-3. Pinch-hitter Samuel Basallo hit a fly ball and posed like it was going to land 400 feet away. Instead, Julio Rodríguez caught the ball in front of the warning track. Jackson Holliday tagged from third to score, and for some reason, Blaze Alexander tried to tag at first. Rodríguez had no chance at Holliday, but he nailed Alexander at second for the third out. And because he was tagged out before Holliday touched home plate, the run did not count. That’s not ok!

That wasn’t the only bad play last night. Pete Alonso left about a billion men on base. The Orioles, for some reason, continue to bring in Anthony Nunez in a high-leverage situation. The catcher was a guy named Sam Huff, who played while both Adley Rutschman and Basallo sat on the bench.

Of course, one bad stretch doesn’t make a bad season. But the Orioles have yet to climb out of the hole they dug themselves into to start the year, so getting out is going to be tougher and tougher. I propose they start to turn it around tomorrow with a win.

Links

What exactly does Tyler O’Neill do here? It’s time for the Orioles to move on. – The Baltimore Banner
Kyle Goon advocates for cutting Tyler O’Neill loose with over a year left on his contract. It does seem like O’Neill has no future with the team, but it’s not like there are any players breaking down the door to take his place.

More Orioles injury updates – MASN Sports
Chris Bassitt is on the IL but Dean Kremer could return soon. Cade Povich is resuming baseball activities. Samuel Basallo has a bony growth on his wrist, which is a weird injury. But he did bat yesterday so it’s not impeding him too much.

1 trade chip for every team ahead of 2026 Deadline – MLB.com
Jake Rill is out here trying to trade Creed Willems

Former Oriole Trey Mancini completes his comeback in start for Angels, his first MLB game since 2023 – The Baltimore Banner
Now here is a feel-good story! Mancini batted seventh and played first base for the Angels last night. Funnily enough, Grayson Rodriguez was the starting pitcher.

Birthdays and History

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have just one Orioles birthday buddy, John Andreoli (36). Andreoli played in 23 games with the Orioles in 2018. It’s not a great birthday buddy, to be honest.

On this day in 1960, the Orioles signed pitcher Tom Phoebus to a minor league contract. Phoebus appeared in 199 minor league games before making his debut in 1960. He pitched for the Orioles through 1970. In 1968, he threw a no-hitter

In 1984, Mike Flanagan pitched a complete game shutout as the Orioles defeated the Tigers, 4-0. It was Flanagan’s second complete game against the Tigers in a week. Six days earlier, he allowed one run in nine innings in a 2-1 win.

In 2016, both Keegan Akin and Pete Alonso were drafted in the second round of the amateur draft with 10 picks between them. Who do you think was drafted first?

In 2019, the Orioles sent international bonus slot money to the Phillies for pitcher Thomas Eshelman. Eshelman appeared in 31 games, about half starts, with the Orioles from 2019 to 2021 with a 5.77 ERA.

The Guardians lost 7-5 to the Yankees in 10th inning, and life is awful.

Death, taxes and Tim Hill shutting down the Guardians.

Hunter Gaddis had not given up a run in 9.1 innings.

Let’s go Slade Cecconi and Parker Messick. And let’s go get another reliever.

AROUND MLB:

Every other Central team was idle

The Yankees opened their rematch against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, playing the AL Central leaders for the fourth time in seven days and evening the head-to-head record by winning in overtime. Cody Bellinger was the MVP of the night, knocking in an early run and then getting two across in extra innings when he singled to left field. That ended up being the difference as the Guardians couldn’t answer in the bottom of the 10th, giving the Yankees a crucial win to start off the series.

Focusing back up on Bellinger, the Yankee outfielder has been invaluable in his second season in pinstripes. He’s collected 2.4 fWAR already, hitting for a 138 wRC+ with nine homers and 41 RBI in 63 games played, on pace to match his 2025 production and prove himself very much worth the contract that the Yankees handed him in free agency this offseason. That contract was the product of much debate back then, but he’s been inarguably one of the key members of the lineup even before Aaron Judge went down with injury. Now he’s the second-best batter in the offense behind the upstart Ben Rice as they look to provide enough for the rotation to stack up some wins in the captain’s absence.

Many people, including myself and several others on staff here, were pushing hard for the Yankees to sign Kyle Tucker in the offseason as a perceived upgrade to Bellinger. That wasn’t a slight to Bellinger’s play here and now so much as it was a concern then about the length of the deal he wanted, and the youth that Tucker had on his side with the history of more consistent production seemingly making him the most valuable pickup available. Well, fast-forward a little more than a third of the way into the season and that narrative has not held up at all — Bellinger’s the one performing as consistently good as he was last season while Tucker has struggled in the first year of his four-year, $240 million mega-deal, hitting just a touch over average with a 104 wRC+ and 0.7 fWAR in 62 games played.

The Dodgers are not hurting for talent or production, so they will likely be fine waiting out Tucker’s struggles in the hopes that he finds his form for the postseason, but if the Yankees were trying to maneuver around those numbers they’d be looking a lot rougher heading into the summer. New York didn’t wind up in the final conversations for Tucker’s services to be fair, but they nearly did lose Bellinger while waiting out his demands and playing around the possibility of wooing Tucker, and had that happened they would have been in dire straights either way. The rest of their options for a free agent pickup weren’t looking enticing, the trade market would’ve been a minefield to negotiate around, and their prospects in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones while contributing now out of necessity weren’t ready for the majors at the start of the year, when one of them would’ve needed to be in the fold.

Where would the Yankees be without Cody Bellinger right now? It’s a very real possibility that it could’ve happened, and the picture doesn’t look pretty — surely a couple steps back of Tampa still chasing for first place, and with an offense that suddenly looks incredibly lean holding back a rotation that’s championship caliber. Thankfully they don’t have to consider that problem in our reality, but what would you have done if the offseason had panned out a little less in their favor? Would there have been a way to salvage their chances this year still?

---

It’s a quiet day on the site while we wait for the Yankees to get back to it against the Guardians. John checks in on the AL All-Star races for each position’s starters, while Matt covers the Rivalry Roundup amidst a quieter day in the Junior Circuit. Sam gives Bill Virdon some love on his 95th birthday, and Michael goes over the minor league action from the past week on the farm.

Today’s Matchup

New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians

Time: 6:40 p.m. EST

Video: Amazon Prime Video, Guardians.tv, TBS

Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH

The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the best offensive units in baseball as their lineup is third best in hits, fourth best in RBIs and the fifth best team batting average. One player that has unfortunately not been able to greatly contribute is designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.

Ozuna was signed this offseason to be the Pirates’ primary DH, but has largely not lived up to his former All-Star stature. In 49 games the 35-year-old former Silver Slugger is slashing just .193/.277/.304 with a mere five home runs and 58 strikeouts. Ozuna also has a -.8 WAR on the season.

Despite the struggles, it sounds like the Pirates front office are fully backing Ozuna. General Manager Ben Cherington gave his reasoning for support of Ozuna on the Pirates Insider Show on 93.7 The Fan on Sunday.

“Certainly plenty of runway in terms of being on the team,” Cherington said. “He’s a big part of the team. We keep working with him. He’s made a really good contribution off the field. He hasn’t gotten quite going on the field yet.”

Cherington went on to further say that Manager Don Kelly has a lot at his disposal when shaping the lineup and that has also contributed to Ozuna not being a constant fixture.

“I think the biggest challenge in the short term is the lineup with the roster construction we have right now, there is obviously a lot of days where Donny has a reason to put someone else at DH,” Cherington said. “Whether it’s a particular matchup or whether it’s someone who might need a day off their feet. We would probably expect some more in the short term.”

Marcell Ozuna has the full and undying support of Pirates GM Ben Cherington. Here's a sampling of what he said about the slumping slugger:

"He has plenty of runway on the roster"
"He's a big part of the team"
"He's done so much for us off the field"
"We're gonna give him time"… pic.twitter.com/xlobZUh914

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) June 8, 2026

With the flexibility that Kelly has with his lineup, there have been numerous players appear at DH for the club in 2026. Outside of Ozuna Bryan Reynolds, Spencer Horwitz, Brandon Lowe, Oneil Cruz, Ryan O’Hearn and Konnor Griffin have all made appearances as the team’s designated hitter. Just since May 28, there have been six different designated hitters in the lineup.

Although Ozuna has had the most appearances at DH for the Pirates he has gotten off to an ice cold start to 2026. Now again he’s on the back half of his career and his age has shown at the plate. With that being said it’s not the first time “The Big Bear” has had a slow start or a slump before turning things around. Last season he had a similarly slow (and injury riddled) start to his campaign before finishing with 21 homers. Not to mention he’s only two seasons removed from smashing 39 home runs with a National League third best slugging percentage and third best OPS.

Despite Ozuna being viewed by many on the outside as someone the Pirates could easily move on from, Cherington and company still see the upside that the aging slugger can provide.

“We are going to give it time because we see that hot streak for him,” Cherington said. “We want to be the beneficiaries of that, when that happens and are confident that will happen.”

.

NJ Advance Media | Randy Miller: The Yankees could potentially get two key offensive pieces back soon. Per Miller, both Giancarlo Stanton and Jasson Domínguez ‘could be’ in play by next week, although it’s not official. The former is still running and hitting, and manager Aaron Boone hopes he can return by the next homestand. The Martian, on the other hand, is expected to continue his rehab assignment through the week.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Aaron Judge and Ben Rice had been in a friendly competition in the home run department. Now that the Captain will be out for a while with his injury, the first baseman will likely run away with that unofficial ‘crown.’ He could get much more than that at the end of the season if he keeps up his excellent form, though. Some people think that the Yankees’ chances of securing another AL MVP vanished with Judge’s injury, but be careful: Rice might have something to say about that. We all know that any talk about individual awards in June is awfully premature, but the surging slugger has a good chance of being in the race until the end, as Hoch writes.

“Like I’ve said, it’s just keep focusing on today,” Rice said. “Stay in the present, and we’ll evaluate at the end.” Bobby Witt Jr., Yordan Álvarez, and other potential candidates will be formidable competitors. Even Judge can’t be completely ruled out. But the young Yankees infielder is playing at an MVP level, with a 183 wRC+ and 18 homers entering Monday’s action.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The trade deadline is still a couple of months away, but part of being the Yankees is assuming that every year, prospects are going to be used as trade bait to bring in win-now pieces, save for very few exceptions. Hoch named outfielder Spencer Jones in MLB’s piece highlighting one trade chip per team, saying that “there’s some question about how seriously the Yankees view Jones as part of their future,” and that he could be used as a centerpiece of a deal for a player to cover one of the team’s current needs, including “a starting catcher.”

Newsday | Erik Boland: The Yankees will be without Judge for at least two months, if not more. Per Boland and rival scouts, the rotation is now tasked with carrying the team for as long as the three-time AL MVP is out. “That rotation looks so much better top to bottom than everyone else’s [in the American League],” a talent evaluator said. “And that’s without Max Fried.”

More than ever before, the Yankees will need to rely on their starters to minimize the impact of losing the best hitter of our generation for several weeks. Even Judge himself knows it: “We’ve got a great pitching staff [that’s] going to continue to carry this team,” he said this past weekend.

Box Score

Entering the series in Las Vegas, the potential for a high-scoring series was seen by many. It didn’t take long for the game to live up to it. In a marathon game that may go down as a classic this season, both teams rallied from four-run deficits and the game went into extra innings. It was the Brewers who just managed to come out on top, defeating the Athletics 15-14 in 12 innings.

The Brewers gave starter Kyle Harrison a lead to work with before he even threw a pitch. Jackson Chourio had the first hit in Las Vegas with a one-out single, and William Contreras walked to move him into scoring position. Jake Bauers remained hot, singling to left to put the Brewers up 1-0.

It's an extraordinary night to vote Jake Bauers into the All-Star Game

⭐️ https://t.co/ZGJNZU1cbnpic.twitter.com/bifYXhxziL

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 9, 2026

After that, the home run derby commenced. It started with a leadoff home run by Shea Langeliers, tying the game at 1-1. Harrison recovered from there in the first, working around a walk to keep the Athletics at bay while striking out two. In the next inning, while the Athletics didn’t hit one out of the ballpark, deep back-to-back doubles by Zack Gelof and Alika Williams brought in a run to take a 2-1 lead.

In the third inning, it was the Brewers’ turn to blast some home runs. It started with Brice Turang, who followed a Chourio single with a massive 443 foot home run to center field, grabbing the lead 3-2.

America deserves to see Brice Turang do this at the All-Star Game

⭐️ https://t.co/ZGJNZU1cbnhttps://t.co/VT49kMa72qpic.twitter.com/p0FQdRnkD1

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 9, 2026

Three batters later, Andrew Vaughn hit another one out to center. This one only traveled 420 feet, but it increased the lead to 4-2.

The ball FLIES in Las Vegas https://t.co/vYWi3vPOOIpic.twitter.com/vUSyyg4eGj

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 9, 2026

Unfortunately, the Athletics got to Harrison in the third inning. The first five batters all reached base against him. It started with two singles, a walk, and then an RBI single from Max Muncy that scored two. The fifth batter was Tyler Soderstrom, who homered to center for a 7-4 lead. After a strikeout, Gelof added another home run to increase it to 8-4. That was it for Harrison, and Murphy replaced him with Grant Anderson, who got out of the inning with no more damage.

It was a night to forget for Harrison, and over the course of a season, may be the start you throw out when talking about him. He allowed eight runs in 2 1/3 innings, coming on eight hits and two walks. Three of those hits went for home runs and five were extra-base hits. He struck out four as well.

The fourth inning was an anomaly as neither team scored a run, one of the only combined scoreless innings of the game. That went back to normal in the fifth. Contreras hit a one-out single, and Vaughn brought him in with an RBI double, closing the gap to 8-5.

Anderson kept the Brewers in the game with 2 2/3 scoreless inning before Joel Kuhnel made his Brewers debut in the sixth. While he struck out the side, the Athletics did add on with a Nick Kurtz home run to push it back to a four-run deficit, 9-5. It was one of the weakest home runs of the year with a 97.4 EV, 36 degree launch angle, and a .150 xBA. To his credit, it would have been a home run in 29 of 30 MLB ballparks.

The Brewers did not give up. In the seventh, Chourio recorded his third hit of the day. Two batters later, Bauers hit his 12th home run of the season, closing the gap to 9-7.

457 feet ❕❕❕

⭐️ https://t.co/ZGJNZU1cbnhttps://t.co/wnMmke1JLBpic.twitter.com/bXH62raLLe

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 9, 2026

Kuhnel started the eighth and recorded two more outs, adding a fourth strikeout as well. Drew Rom followed him after that, but could not escape the home run bug. Soderstrom hit his second home run of the day and pushed the gap to 10-7. He got out of the inning with a strikeout of Gelof to keep the score there.

The woodpeckers kept pecking away. Luis Rengifo led off the eighth with a walk. Two batters later, Christian Yelich singled to center, and a throwing error by Bolte let Rengifo reach third and Yelich reach second. Then, with Chourio at the plate, Mark Leiter Jr. threw one to the backstop, normally not far enough to score but Rengifo was ready. He ran home and beat the throw, and it was back down to a two-run deficit. Chourio walked to give the Brewers another scoring chance, but Turang grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Rom kept the Athletics in check in the eighth to give the Brewers a chance in the ninth. It started with a Contreras single. Bauers then kept on walking, adding another to his season total to push Contreras into scoring position. Then, with Vaughn up (who is hot facing left-handed pitchers), on a 2-1 count manager Pat Murphy decided to pinch-run Blake Perkins for Bauers. Maybe it was a premonition, because on the next pitch, Vaughn doubled down the left field line, scoring both and tying the game at 10-10. Bauers might have scored on it regardless, but Perkins made it without a doubt.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS pic.twitter.com/N4d7N6XpfN

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 9, 2026

Unfortunately, the Brewers couldn’t get ahead as Mitchell, Rengifo, and David Hamilton (who entered in the eighth inning as a defensive replacement) all struck out. It was up to Aaron Ashby to send it to extras, and he did that. He did allow a two-out single, but struck out two and the game went into extra innings.

The Brewers were up first with Hamilton on second as the placed runner. Hogan Harris entered the game in relief for the Athletics. Yelich started it off with a single, moving Hamilton up but it hung too long for him to score. That didn’t matter as he scored on the next at-bat, with Chourio hitting a sacrifice fly to score Hamilton, and let Yelich reach second.

The Athletics then chose to intentionally walk Turang and face Contreras instead. After three balls far out of the strike zone, Contreras mashed a fastball down the middle. He hit it so hard that he ended up on his butt. He just watched it fly for a few seconds, as it was way out to center and flew 463 feet. The Brewers had a 14-10 lead.

WILD BILL LAUNCHES ONE 463 FEET INTO THE LAS VEGAS NIGHT https://t.co/JmfdjDT4OYpic.twitter.com/grgCMgVW0a

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 9, 2026

With a four-run lead, Ashby was in position to vulture his 10th win of the season. The bottom of the inning started well enough, as Ashby struck out Gelof and then got Williams to ground out for the first two outs. Unfortunately, the home run derby continued. It started with a single by Langeliers to center to make it a 14-11 game. Then, Kurtz hit one out to right to make it a one-run game.

The next batter, pinch-hitter Jonah Heim, hit what appeared to be a pop-up to end it. However, it kept carrying, and just snuck over the right field fence and over Perkins’ glove for another home run. If this was in an actual MLB park, it would not have been a home run in any of them. It only traveled 316 feet, had a 48 degree launch angle, and a 94.7 mph exit velocity. The game was tied at 14-14.

Murphy pulled Ashby for Uribe, who allowed another pop-up, but this one stayed in the park and landed in Chourio’s glove. The game kept going and went to the 11th.

José Suarez came in for the Athletics, with the bottom of the Brewers’ order up and Mitchell at second. This time, the Brewers couldn’t get anything going. Rengifo, Hamilton, and Yelich didn’t even put a ball in play, with all three striking out in order to end the inning.

That left it up to Uribe to get the game to the 12th inning. It started with a groundout from pinch-hitter Carlos Cortes that kept the runner at second for the first out. After the Brewers intentionally walked Soderstrom to set up the double play, Uribe struck out Bolte for the second out. He followed that up with a strikeout of Gelof, aided by a generous strike three call. It was the first combined scoreless inning since the fourth inning, and the game moved to the 12th.

Yelich began the inning as the placed runner with Chourio at the plate. He immediately gave the Brewers a runner at third when he stole third without a throw. Chourio ended up striking out for the first out. Next up was Turang, and he hit a ground ball at second baseman Jeff McNeil. He went home with the throw, but it was off and Yelich scored. Turang wasn’t aware so he didn’t advance to second, but the Brewers had a 15-14 lead.

THIS GAME pic.twitter.com/C4NTmTAxXz

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 9, 2026

The Brewers couldn’t add on to that, though were almost gifted a baserunner when a two-out ground ball from Perkins almost pulled Kurtz off the bag, but he just held the bag on review. Murphy went to Patrick for the bottom of the 12th, holding on to a one-run lead with Gelof placed at second.

The Athletics went the safe route and had Williams bunt, which worked perfectly for them and moved Gelof to third. It brought up a tense battle with Langeliers, and Patrick won it by striking him out. Murphy then chose to walk Kurtz intentionally, and Jeff McNeil came in to pinch-hit. Patrick struck him out and the Brewers came away winners, 15-14.

This game set several high marks for offense this season. The two teams combined for 29 runs and 11 home runs, both season highs in a single game. The teams also combined to make 16 ABS challenges, with 11 of them overturned. There were 34 hits, 11 walks, and 35 strikeouts. It was also one of the longest games of the season, coming in at 4 hours and 14 minutes.

Here is a full list of the home runs. While the ball was flying tonight, most of the home runs were good ones. Eight of the 11 would have been out in all 30 MLB parks, and 10 would have been out in at least 25 of them. For reference, between all eight MLB games today, there were 21 home runs hit, and 11 came in this game.

• Langeliers (17, 1st inning, 483 feet)
• Turang (10, 3rd inning, 443 feet)
• Vaughn (2, 3rd inning, 420 feet)
• Soderstrom (9, 3rd inning, 434 feet)
• Gelof (7, 3rd inning, 391 feet)
• Kurtz (13, 6th inning, 374 feet)
• Bauers (12, 7th inning, 457 feet)
• Soderstrom (10, 7th inning, 418 feet)
• Contreras (6, 10th inning, 463 feet)
• Kurtz (14, 10th inning, 447 feet)
• Heim (4, 10th inning, 316 feet)

For the Brewers, Vaughn led the team in hits with a 4-for-6 day, driving in four as well. He had a home run, two doubles, and a single, finishing a triple short of the cycle. Chourio and Contreras each reached base four times with three hits and a walk. Turang, Contreras, and Bauers each drove in three runs. Every starter reached base at least twice except for Mitchell, who went 0-for-6.

As for the pitching staff, let’s not say too much there. Every pitcher did strike out at least two batters as they combined for 20 strikeouts. Anderson, Uribe, and Patrick had scoreless appearances. Unfortunately, they did give up seven of the 11 home runs hit in the game. They did use seven relievers in the game, with Trevor Megill the only reliever who did not pitch. Also, despite the eight runs given up, the Brewers won their ninth straight game with Harrison starting.

It’s going to be a short rest before tomorrow’s game, as this was just the first game of a three-game series. The encore will take place tomorrow evening at 9:05 p.m., with Robert Gasser set to face J.T. Ginn.

Why Toronto's Dylan Cease presents a different challenge for Phillies originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

One of the more surprising moves of the offseason came last November, when the Blue Jays landed Dylan Cease.

It was no surprise Toronto wanted to fortify its starting rotation. But the club came to an agreement on a seven-year, $210 million deal, the largest contract in franchise history…

…for a pitcher who had posted a 4.55 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP the year before.

The way Cease has pitched this season has given that deal a different tone, though.

The 30-year-old enters Tuesday’s matchup against the Phillies with a 3.05 ERA through 11 starts in 2026, with 92 strikeouts in 62 innings.

He ranks in the 99th percentile in strikeout rate.

Cease has missed his last two turns after landing on the injured list with a hamstring injury, but he will be activated as the Blue Jays look to even the three-game series against the Phils.

So what has the right-hander, who has the second-best odds for the American League Cy Young Award, done differently this year?

EXPANDED THE ARSENAL

In years past, Cease relied mostly on his fastball and slider.

This year, he has leaned more heavily on pitches he had thrown before, but not nearly as often. The changeup has become a real weapon against lefties. The sinker has given him another look against righties.

In 2025, Cease threw his changeup just 1 percent of the time. In 2026, he has thrown it 11 percent of the time. He has used it just 1 percent against righties, but 18 percent against lefties.

Cease, who carries a 36 percent whiff rate, eighth best among 233 qualified pitchers, has seen his swing-and-miss jump with the development of that pitch.

The changeup has produced a 56.8 percent swing-and-miss rate, the highest in baseball among pitches thrown at least 100 times.

The sinker has also grown. Cease is throwing it 9.7 percent of the time this year, nearly triple last season’s usage. It has missed barrels when hitters have put it in play. Opponents are just 3-for-25 against the pitch with three singles and nine strikeouts.

He has put hitters away with the sinker 36 percent of the time, an impressive rate and something to watch against the Phillies’ right-handed bats.

The more complete repertoire has helped Cease generate softer contact, a nearly 10 percent increase in groundball rate and a significant drop in barrel percentage.

It is a six-pitch mix, but one pitch still stands out.

CEASE AND SLIDE

Cease’s slider, which he throws 29.4 percent of the time, has been dominant.

Opponents are hitting just .130 against it with a .169 slugging percentage. Of the 43 times hitters have put it in play, only one has gone for extra bases.

He is throwing the slider a little more than 11 percent less than last year, but it has been more effective. His four-seam fastball, which averages 97.8 mph, has also been used less, but the pitches have played off each other well. His short, over the top arm slot, plus his arm speed provide Cease with great deception.

That is where the challenge starts for the Phillies.

PHILLIES ATTACK PLAN & PICK TO CLICK

The Phillies’ best plan probably does not revolve around hitting the slider.

As a club, they are batting .188 against sliders this season. And among their right-handed regulars, not one is hitting better than .212 against the pitch.

That is especially important because Cease throws the slider 13 percent more often to righties than lefties.

Cease also has a career-high first-pitch strike rate in 2026, which has helped open up his more balanced mix. For the Phillies, the best target should be his four-seam fastball.

Opponents are hitting .276 against the pitch. They also have a 48.1 percent hard-hit rate against it, the highest mark of Cease’s career and well above his 41.9 percent career average.

Cease is also throwing the fastball for a strike more than ever before.

A pick to click could be Trea Turner, who is batting just .197 over his last 15 games. The Phillies’ shortstop has surprisingly hit .338 against four-seamers this season, with 23 hits and three homers.

As Turner tries to break out of his skid, it might make sense for him to be aggressive early and hunt the fastball instead of trying to work deep counts against Cease, who has shown he can put hitters away in a variety of ways.

That same approach could apply to Kyle Schwarber or Bryce Harper if they get a fastball they can drive.

It worked against Monday’s starter Patrick Corbin, who had far fewer ways to finish hitters late in counts.

The current Phillies who have faced Cease have combined for a .900 OPS in 60 at-bats against him. Turner leads the group with a .444 average in nine at-bats.

Cease has still had command issues at times, posting his highest walk rate since 2023. If the Phillies can take their walks, get into fastball counts and punish mistakes, they will have a real chance to put Cease on the ropes.

That would be a good development with Zack Wheeler on the mound.

Cease’s numbers change drastically the third time through the order, which could pair with the Phillies’ recent ability to string together baserunners. They did it Monday night against Corbin.

Tuesday, they will look for their third straight series win..

The Athletics kicked off their six-game Las Vegas homestand with the first of three against the Milwaukee Brewers on a sweltering summer night. The ballpark lived up to expectations as both offenses put on a show. The Brewers defeated the Athletics 15-14 in 12 innings in a game that featured 34 hits, 11 home runs and 29 runs. The Athletics bullpen lost a four-run lead, and the hosts twice failed to capitalize on walk-off chances in extra innings.

Brewers Strike First

A’s starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs got off to a rough start. With two runners on and two outs in the first inning, Brewers’ right fielder Jake Bauers chopped an RBI single to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead. Springs retired the next batter to limit the damage to one run, though he threw 31 pitches in the inning.

Shea Bangeliers!

The Athletics answered immediately. Catcher Shea Langeliers led off the inning by crushing the first pitch he saw from Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison for his 17th home run of the season. The 483-foot rocket to left field tied the game at 1 after the first inning of play.

SHEA BANGELIERSSSSSSS #VoteAthletics | https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/WzdTvnCw1u

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

Athletics’ shortstop Alika Williams and first baseman Nick Kurtz combined on a nice defensive play to get the first out of the second inning. Boosted by the play, Springs completed a scoreless second inning of work to keep the game tied.

we're just gonna leave this here … https://t.co/nAW7ubKycgpic.twitter.com/SwQKahbrR2

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

A’s Take the Lead

In the bottom of the second, A’s second baseman Zack Gelof hit a two-out double, extending his hitting streak to a career-high 13 consecutive games. Williams followed with his first double of the season, scoring Gelof to give the Athletics their first lead.

Williams gives the A's the lead 🤩 pic.twitter.com/4PK2HipRJq

— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 9, 2026

Back and forth we go

Milwaukee regained the lead in the top of the third. After a leadoff single, second baseman Brice Turang hit his 10th home run of the season, a two-run shot over the wall in right-center field.

Gelof made a stellar diving catch for the second out of the inning. Springs then allowed a second home run of the frame, a solo shot to center by Brewers’ first baseman Andrew Vaughn, his second of the season, giving Milwaukee a two-run lead. Springs now has allowed 16 home runs, the third most in the majors.

A’s Storm Back

Down two, the A’s sought to comeback again. Kurtz and right fielder Colby Thomas led off the bottom of the third with two straight singles. Harrison then walked A’s designated hitter Brent Rooker to load the bases with zero outs. Max Muncy, in his second at-bat in his first game off the injured list, tied the game with a two-run single single up the middle.

Max Muncy puts one in play and it gets under the glove of Joey Ortiz which allows the A's to tie the game pic.twitter.com/y932v8G6Mk

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 9, 2026

The A’s were not done scoring runs against Harrison. Left fielder Tyler Soderstrom hit his ninth home run of the season, a three-run 434 blast past the pool in right-center field to put the hosts up three. That was the first home run Harrison had surrendered to a left-hander this season.

ALL-STAR CALIBER 🔥#VoteAthletics ⭐️ https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/IfYY1rE0l9

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

With one out, Gelof knocked Harrison out of the game. He hit his seventh home run of the season, a solo blast to left field to put the A’s up 8-4. The Brewers replaced Harrison with right-handed reliever Grant Anderson, who got the final two outs of the third inning.

Gelof shot ☄️

🗳️: https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/a1aYvthZ3f

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

Brewers Inch Closer

In the top of the fourth, Springs worked a scoreless inning after a leadoff walk, keeping the A’s momentum going. The Brewers scored their fifth run in the fifth courtesy of Vaughn’s two-out RBI double. The A’s left-hander completed five innings with his team leading by three runs. He allowed five runs on eight hits, including two home runs, over five innings of work.

A’s Add Another Run

Former Athletics’ reliever Joel Kuhnel entered in the bottom of the sixth for his first appearance out of Milwaukee’s bullpen. With two outs, Kurtz hit his 13th home run of the season, an opposite-field solo shot to left field. So far, the A’s have taken full advantage of the hitter-friendly ballpark, hitting four home runs through six innings.

Typical Kurtzy behavior 🙂‍↕️#VoteAthletics | https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/ZciJ9xXabR

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

Bullpen Time

The Athletics looked to get two scoreless innings from reliever Luis Medina, but he allowed a two-run, two-out home run to Bauers, cutting the hosts’ lead in half. Right-hander Justin Sterner replaced Medina on the mound and allowed a single before recording the final out of the seventh inning.

Soderstrom En Fuego

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Milwaukee brought in left-hander Drew Rom to face Soderstrom. The Athletics’ left fielder responded with his second home run of the night and 10th of the season, extending his team’s lead to three. Soderstrom recorded his sixth multi-homer game of his career.

Sodey SMASHED it 🔥#VoteAthletics | https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/szTWFoMhYm

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

Potential Game-saving Play

Mark Leiter Jr. entered to pitch the eighth inning for the Athletics. He allowed a walk and a single before uncorking a wild pitch that brought home Milwaukee’s eighth run. With runners on the corners and one out, left-hander Hogan Harris replaced Leiter Jr. Harris got Brice Turang to hit into an inning-ending double play that was nicely turned by A’s infielders Williams and Gelof.

A’s Bullpen Blows Another Save

Harris remained in the game to start the ninth but was charged with a blown save. Milwaukee opened the inning with a single and a walk before Andrew Vaughn lined a two-run double to left field, tying the game at 10. Harris responded by striking out the side, keeping the game tied going into the bottom of the ninth. The A’s failed to score that inning against Brewers left-handed reliever Aaron Ashby, sending this game to extra innings.

Extra Innings: This Game is Absurd!

Scott Barlow pitched the tenth for the A’s. The Brewers took their first lead in several innings when the ghost runner scored on Chourio’s sacrifice fly. They added insurance on catcher William Contreras’s three-run home run to center.

Ashby returned to pitch the 10th for Milwaukee. With two outs, Langeliers singled to score Henry Bolte, the automatic runner, from second base. Kurtz then smacked his second home run of the night, 14th of the season to right field. The A’s sixth home run tonight trimmed their deficit to one.

👀 👀 👀#VoteAthletics | https://t.co/SBezYOtGtGpic.twitter.com/KhNXaruZ8i

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

Jonah Heim’s game-tying home run was the Athletics’ seventh homer of the game. Pinch-hitting for Lawrence Butler, Heim hit a fly ball to right field that just cleared the fence, tying the game at 14.

JONAHHHHHHHHHH pic.twitter.com/8f9kCrmimx

— Athletics (@Athletics) June 9, 2026

In the top of the 11th, Athletics’ left-handed reliever Jose Suarez stranded the automatic runner, striking out the side. Brewers’ right-handed reliever Abner Uribe pushed the game to the 12th as the Athletics stranded two runners on base.

The Brewers scored their 15th run in the 12th on Brice Turang’s RBI fielder’s choice off Suarez. Williams led off the A’s half of the 12th with a sacrifice bunt, advancing the automatic-runner Gelof to third base. Chad Patrick got the final two outs with the tying run 90 feet away, sealing Milwaukee’s victory after more than four hours of intense back-and-forth action. Jeff McNeil, who made the wild throw home on Turang’s RBI fielder’s choice, also made the final out of the game.

The teams will meet again tomorrow night. Athletics’ right-hander J.T. Ginn will look to continue his strong run of form at a familiar ballpark. He will be opposed by Brewers’ left-hander Robert Gasser, who is 0-2 with a 4.73 ERA through his first three starts this season.