DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 29: Sean Sullivan #45 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on June 29, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies kicked off the month of July with a three-game winning streak. They look to make it four on the Fourth.
After a pair of stellar games against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday and Thursday, Friday night saw 15 runs on 18 hits with three dingers from the Rockies offense, a stellar quality start from Ryan Feltner, and a scoreless Gabriel Hughes MLB debut in a series opening 15-3 win over the San Francisco Giants.
The Rockies scored 14+ runs in their last two games, becoming only the third team since 2020 to hit that mark in back-to-back games. They’ll look to carry that momentum (and hopefully some of those offensive fireworks) into the Independence Day matchup.
Tomoyuki Sugano was projected to get the start for the Rockies but was scratched from the lineup early in the day with back spasms. Instead, Sean Sullivan will take the mound.
RHP Tomoyuki Sugano has been scratched from his start today with back spasms.
LHP Sean Sullivan will start tonight’s game against the San Francisco Giants in his place.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) July 4, 2026
Sullivan’s last start was Monday to kick off the Marlins series. He went 4.2 innings, giving up five runs on six hits with a home run and five strikeouts in a 10-7 loss. On the year, he’s 0-2 across his four MLB starts with an 8.64 ERA and 12 strikeouts.
On the other end of the career playing time spectrum, 13-year veteran Robbie Ray gets the nod for the Giants. This year, Ray is 7-6 with a 3.39 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 16 starts. He managed a win in his last game, going eight innings in a 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves. Ray has already faced the Rockies this season. While he didn’t get the decision, he gave up three runs (one earned) in four innings as the Giants beat the Rockies 19-6 back on May 31st.
In the Battle of the Basement, the two squads are now neck and neck with Colorado at 36-53 and San Francisco at 36-51. The Rockies have the Giants’ number head-to-head so far, notching three wins in four tries. With the team’s confidence hitting a new peak, the Rockies will try to extend their lead against the division foe on Saturday night.
Jun 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea (59) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – 3B
Mark Vientos – 1B
Eric Wagaman – DH
Francisco Alvarez – C
Carson Benge – RF
Tyrone Taylor – CF
Brett Baty – 2B
SP: Sean Manaea – LHP
Braves lineup
Mauricio Dubon – LF
Drake Baldwin – DH
Ozzie Albies – 2B
Matt Olson – 1B
Austin Riley – 3B
Michael Harris – CF
Eli White – RF
Joey Bart – C
Jorge Mateo – SS
SP: Chris Sale – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 8:08 PM EDT TV: FOX Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 29: Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) delivers a pitch to the plate during the first inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians on June 29, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Here’s the White Sox lineup:
White Sox 7/4
M. Vargas 1B R. Grichuk DH C. Meidroth 2B C. Montgomery 3B J. Perez LF B. Montgomery RF L. Acuña SS T. Peters CF D. Romo C
Deep secrets are required to solve this pesky Guardians lineup. | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one fan base to dissolve the contractual bands which have connected them with their bullpen, and to assume, among the powers of baseball, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s commissioner entitle them — first place in the AL Central, in this case — a decent respect to the opinions of Sox Fandom requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
Thomas Jefferson was enough of a contrarian at heart that I could plausibly see him being a White Sox fan. I imagine that’s how he might have chosen to frame the complaint that’s being directed as a chorus to GM Chris Getz and the front office brain trust by much of the fanbase at the moment.
This is a good team, that could really make the playoffs. It seems to say. And their bullpen STINKS!Fix it NOW!
We’re far enough along now that we don’t have to pretend that Seranthony Domínguez is a good high-leverage addition to tout. We don’t have to pretend that another year with a league-worst bullpen is acceptable because it’s the last part of a rebuild you worry about. The last two days’ worth of extra-inning losses seem to have all but fractured any trust that was left between Sox fans, analysts, and the current group of relievers churning through their bullpen.
Holding down dedicated, continuous spots for replacement-level veterans like Trevor Richards and Chris Murphy while six kids who could actually have a real future in this bullpen play musical chairs with the last two seats in the bullpen? Not going to cut it for a team that’s locked in a battle for a division more than halfway through the year.
There are better relievers out there. The Sox simply need to go and find them. That’s a truth that I’d like to think is self-evident.
Sean Burke is going to try and make sure it won’t be necessary. He’s been on a mini-tear as of late, throwing 19 innings of four-run ball with a sterling 22-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his last three starts. He’ll also need to play stopper today against a Cleveland “A” lineup that’ll be out for blood.
The lineup that Will Venable responds with demonstrates again the offensive part of the roster’s biggest weakness, an inability to consistently field competitive lineups against certain kinds of lefties. Messick shut the Sox down for 7 2/3 innings the last time he saw them, we can only hope the Good Guys will have some adjustments this time around.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CT at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland. If you want to join us, broadcasts are available on CHSN (TV) and WMVP AM 1000 (radio), like always!
Holmes (right fibula fracture) is set to throw a bullpen Monday in Atlanta where the Mets complete their four-game series at the Braves with the 7:15 p.m. finale on SNY.
Holmes (4-4, 2.39 ERA), whom the Mets placed on the 15-day injured list May 16 before transferring him to the 60-day injured list three days later, remains ahead of schedule.
"Yeah, I think he is, a little bit," Green said when asked if Holmes is ahead of schedule, "but there's a lot of steps between now and actually taking the mound in a game. So, we're excited with how quickly he's moving along, but still some time."
Polanco, Robert 'doing well'
Rehab assignments with Triple-A Syracuse continue for Polanco (Achilles bursitis) and Robert (lumbar spine disc herniation).
As Syracuse's game against the Worcester Red Sox started Saturday evening with Polanco off and Robert starting in center field while batting second, Green gave optimistic updates on the two.
"Polanco -- really positive yesterday," Green said of Polanco's walk and run scored in Friday's 8-7 win. "He's down today, scheduled off day, but was running well yesterday, taking some big steps forward, which is exciting. Luis Robert should be in the lineup tonight in Syracuse, Polanco back in there tomorrow for a Monday off day.
"Both those guys are doing well. Both those guys still have more minor league games in front of them."
Polanco has played in four games with Syracuse since last Saturday and will return to the Mets' Triple-A lineup for Sunday's 1:05 p.m. start against Worcester.
"No, he's done well," Green said when asked if Polanco had any Achilles setbacks.
However, Green called the idea of a return date for Polanco "premature."
"I think it's premature to start to call a return date for him," Green said of Polanco. "He's going to play tomorrow, he'll play again on Tuesday and we'll see where we're at at that point in time."
Jul 2, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) steal second base past Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott (5) during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jun 26, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) looks on after giving up a two run home run in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Right-handed pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之) has been placed on the 15-day injured list with back spasms.
Sugano, 36, was scheduled to start on Saturday night. He has been one of the Rockies’ most reliable starting pitchers this season with a 4.80 ERA in 16 starts with 48 strikeouts over 84.1 innings. Although he has been prone to giving up home runs both during his career and with the Rockies, the damage has generally been limited to solo home runs. He has pounded the strike zone and given up very few walks.
Left-handed rookie pitcher Sean Sullivan (no. 8 PuRP) has been recalled from the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes to start in place of the injured Sugano.
Sullivan, 23, made his debut in June and made four starts for the Rockies before being optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque. The deceptive lefty has an arsenal of breaking pitchers but a four-seam fastball that has averaged just 87.9 MPH against Major League hitters. He has struggled to find length in his big league outings—making it through five innings just once—and has given up a lot of contact with 16 earned runs over 16.2 innings. However, in his last start against the Miami Marlins he had appeared to have started finding his strikeout stuff. He struck out an early career-high five batters.
The Rockies have also selected the contract of right-handed reliever Jordan Romano from Triple-A Albuquerque, adding him to the 40-man roster.
A former two-time All-Star with the Toronto Blue Jays, Romano has struggled to find his form after needing shoulder surgery in 2024. After signing with the Rockies, he spent roughly a month with the team’s pitching and performance lab at their Arizona Complex before being assigned to the Isotopes. In nine appearances and 8.2 innings with Albuquerque he has posted a 4.15 ERA with ten strikeouts and no walks.
In a corresponding roster move, right-handed reliever Seth Halvorsen has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
Halvorsen, 26, has spent time bouncing back and forth between the big league roster and Triple-A Albuquerque this year after recovering from an elbow injury he suffered last season. In 21 appearances with the Rockies he has posted a 4.74 ERA with 17 strikeouts. He has struggled to command his pitches, issuing 15 walks over 19 innings of work.
The Rockies’ 40-man roster is currently full. Both injured list moves are retroactive to July 1st.
May 15, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles mascot hold an American flag during the singing of God Bless American during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Detroit Tigers defeated Baltimore Orioles 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. “Mankind” — that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests.
Perhaps it’s fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution. But from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist.
And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared, in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!” We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive!
Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!
**
Orioles lineup:
SS Gunnar Henderson DH Adley Rutschman LF Taylor Ward 1B Pete Alonso C Samuel Basallo CF Colton Cowser RF Leody Taveras 2B Jackson Holliday 3B Blaze Alexander
RHP Brandon Young
Reds lineup:
SS Elly De La Cruz 1B Sal Stewart LF JJ Bleday 3B Eugenio Suárez DH Nathaniel Lowe RF Spencer Steer C Jose Trevino CF TJ Friedl 2B Matt McLain
Jul 4, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Dominic Canzone (8) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 04: Jack Flaherty #9 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jack Flaherty tossed a good game, and got a little early run support in this one. The Tigers led 3-0 from the second inning on, largely courtesy of a Riley Greene two-run homer. Nascent relief ace Keider Montero put this game on his shoulders once Flaherty departed, collecting the final nine outs to earn his first regular season save.
The Tigers were wearing their road grays in this one, but with white Fourth of July hats, USA 250 patches, and with the numbers and logos on the jersey styled the American flag. The Rangers were in all white, but with the same flag patterning in their numbers and logos on their jerseys and hats.
The good guys got right to work in this one. Cal Quantrill got Kevin McGonigle and Dillon Dinger to open the game, but Kerry Carpenter lined a single to center field. Riley Greene stepped into the box, got himself a 2-2 cutter up in the zone and hammered it to right field for a two-run shot and a 2-0 lead.
Greene’s 12th homer of the year came on the heels of a strong July with seven homers and a 133 wRC+ as he continues to heat up after a slow start in the power department this season.
Jack Flaherty gave up a leadoff single to Joc Pederson, but a rocket off the bat of Josh Smith was run down at the warning track by James Outman on a nice play. Pederson was already around second base and had to retreat in haste. Josh Jung took a called third strike, and Brandon Nimmo grounded out to Spencer Torkelson to end the inning.
Colt Keith opened the second inning, lining a single to center field. Zach McKinstry lifted a fly ball down the left field foul line and Alejandro Osuna over-ran it. The ball spun back into fair territory and got down for an error than got McKinstry to second and Keith to third. Ben Malgeri quickly grounded out to shortstop and that was enough to get the run home. 3-0 Tigers.
Outman grounded out to first base, and McKinstry had to hold at third with Kevin McGonigle up. Quantrill was struggling, and the Tigers’ rookie worked him into a walk, extending what already felt like a long inning. The right-hander was trying to pitch Dillon Dingler inside to avoid further damage, but instead he clipped him to load the bases.
So, that brought Carpenter up to bat with the bases juiced. Unfortunately, he flew out to center field to finally end the inning with just one run to the Tigers’ tally.
Osuna and Ezequiel Duran lined and grounded out, respectively, to start the bottom half. Flaherty got ahead of Evan Carter with a nasty changeup, but then clipped his back foot with a slider. That brought Rangers’ catcher Elias Diaz to the dish. He grounded one into the six hole, but McGonigle made a nice play and a strong throw to end the inning.
Quantrill got fly outs from Greene and Torkelson to open the third. Keith swung through a heater away in a full count to send us to the bottom half.
Flaherty continued to be aggressive with fastballs while the Rangers looked to be sitting soft as their lineup turned over for the first time. Nicky Lopez and Pederson grounded out to first in the bottom of the third. In a 2-2 count, Flaherty spotted a nice 95 mph fourseamer that froze Josh Smith for the third out of the frame.
Quantrill settled in with a quick inning in the top of the fourth. He got McKinstry, Malgeri, and Outman on routine contact to send it back to Flaherty in the bottom half.
Jung gave Flaherty an eight-pitch battle to start things off, but he flew out to Malgeri in front of the warning track. Nimmo tried to hold up on a high fourseamer, but he failed, striking out as Flaherty’s third victim of the outing. Osuna quickly popped out to Keith in foul territory, and that was seven straight set down by the Tigers’ right-hander.
Quantrill continued dealing as well. He got McGonigle to fly out the opposite way. Dingler and Carpenter grounded out, and we were on to the bottom of the fifth. Still 3-0 Tigers.
Flaherty got ahead of Duran with a knuckle curve down, and then a fourseamer above the zone. He missed with two pitches as Duran laid off, but a fastball away got him on a fly ball to Outman. Carter lined a single to left center where Outman hesitated after a long run, dove, and fortunately knocked the ball down to avoid giving up extra bases. Flaherty missed with two breaking balls to Diaz, but the catcher fouled off a couple of fastballs and then couldn’t quite hold up on a knuckle curve and struck out. Flaherty throughout kept a close eye on Carter at first. He got ahead of Nicky Lopez and eventually coaxed a ground out to Torkelson to end the inning. Love these walk-free Jack Flaherty starts.
Quantrill was done after five, and instead we saw our old friend, Todd the Painter, or Tyler Alexander as he’s more commonly known. The lefty looked pretty good too. He froze Riley Greene, and whiffed Torkelson. Colt Keith squared him up, but Carter ran it down in center field.
Pederson was up for the third time as the bottom of the sixth got underway. Flaherty was at 75 pitches, so right on pace for a strong six inning outing. He hadn’t had a baserunner past first base to this point, and he blew Pederson away with a high fourseamer for his fifth strikeout to start the inning. He fed Smith breaking stuff and changeups early, eventually getting him to fly out to Malgeri with a well located changeup down. The increased changeup use is an interesting development against lefties.
Josh Jung saw a mix of fastballs instead, and eventually he lined one just past Outman to the wall for a double. The Tigers had the pen warm, and that was it for Flaherty, but it was another strong effort. 5.2 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 K. That’s six quality outings in a row for the right-hander, who we all naturally wanted to punt into the sun back in late April and early May.
Tyler Holton, who replaced Alexander as the Tigers’ resident Tyler, and resident lefty all-purpose reliever, came on to get Nimmo. He did the job, inducing a grounder to McKinstry at second to turn the Rangers away in the sixth.
Right-hander Ben Peoples was up next for Skip Schumaker and the Rangers, making his major league debut. Peoples has a pretty good fastball-slider combo and he got a quick ground out from McKinstry. Ben Malgeri singled into the hole at shortstop to get the Tigers back into business with Outman up and McGonigle looming. Outman bit on a slider and punched out as Peoples first victim in the major leagues. McGonigle was swinging first pitch throughout this game, and he did again on a first-pitch fastball, grounding out to end the inning.
Keider Montero took over from Holton in the seventh, fresh off an outstanding relief appearance his last time out in which he stuffed the Yankees twice in extra innings to lead the Tigers to a sweep. The Tigers badly need him in high leverage right now, and Montero continues to deal in any role. Osuna flew out to right to start things off. The speedy Duran grounded out softly to McGonigle, who retired him with a slick transfer and a strong throw. Montero tried to start Carter off with soft stuff, but he missed twice and then missed with a pair of fastballs to walk the center fielder. It didn’t hurt him, as Diaz grounded out to McKinstry to end the inning.
The Tigers had Dingler, Carpenter, and Greene up in the top of the eighth, and some add on runs would help the cause with six outs left to collect for the bullpen. Dingler flew out in the right field corner to start things off. Carpenter climbed the ladder for a fastball, but he too flew out to Nimmo in right. Greene got jammed by Peoples really straight, almost cutting, fourseamer, but fought it off just over Nicky Lopez into right field for a single. Torkelson drove a heater hard to the warning track in center field, but Carter had it all the way and ended the inning.
Montero was at 12 pitches after the seventh, so he had plenty left for the eighth. Lopez started the bottom of the eighth, grounding one to Torkelson’s right. The Tigers first baseman made a nice diving stop and then led Montero perfectly with a firm throw for the first out of the inning. Pederson did just about the same thing for the second out, but Torkelson didn’t have to go to the ground for that one. A nasty changeup to Smith drew an even weaker ground ball to McKinstry, and Montero was through two innings with 21 pitches thrown. We hoped AJ Hinch was thinking the same thing we all were, just ride Keider to the finish line.
Veteran right-hander Chris Martin was up to handle the top of the ninth for the Rangers. He got ahead of Keith 0-2, but then missed with three straight to get the count full. Keith spoiled a couple of well located heaters, but then took another one for strike three. McKinstry got a first pitch sweeper and lined it to center for a single. Malgeri grounded to second as McKinstry took off on the pitch. That got McKinstry to second, while Lopez retired Malgeri at first. Outman flicked a soft liner to shortstop to send us to the bottom of the ninth.
It was indeed Montero hunting a nine-out save as he battled Jung, Nimmo, and Osuna. Jung gave him a real battle, and the ninth pitch of the at-bat was a hot one-hopper to third. Keith made a fine diving stop, hopped to his feet and fired a strike to Torkelson for the first out of the inning. Montero and Torkelson were fired up by that play. Nimmo got a 1-0 curveball and hit it a long way to center, but Outman was there to record the second out. Osuna padded a grounder up the middle, and McGonigle handled that for the final out.
Strong performance again from Keider Montero. Good to get right back on the horse with a Fourth of July victory after the loss on Thursday. The offense was pretty quiet, but it’s about time the Tigers win more low scoring games.
Bryse Wilson had one good outing for the Cubs and one bad one, and now he’s gone.
The Cubs signed right-hander Jake Woodford to a major league deal today and added him to the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster. Wilson was designated for assignment.
Woodford is 29 and began his MLB career with the Cardinals in 2020 and has also pitched for the White Sox, Pirates, Diamondbacks and Brewers. He was in the Cubs organization last year and threw 21.2 innings there with a 4.57 ERA before opting out.
This year he’s been in 16 games for the Brewers with a 6.94 ERA, as well as some time in Triple-A Nashville. He exercised a July 1 opt out and became a free agent. And now he’s a Cub.
When Woodford appears in his first game for the Cubs, he will become the 32nd pitcher for the team this year (not including the inning pitched by Carson Kelly June 5 in the 18-3 blowout loss to the Giants). Woodford last pitched June 27 for Nashville, so he should be available tonight.
As always, we await developments. Woodford will wear No. 40 for the Cubs.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 04: A jersey with USA 250 patches hangs in the locker of Jake Burger #21 of the Texas Rangers prior a game against the Detroit Tigers at Globe Life Field on July 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Bailey Orr/Texas Rangers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers didn’t score while the Detroit Tigers scored three runs.
The Rangers had their first day off in over two weeks yesterday and all it seemed to accomplish was cooling them off. To say they returned to the office a little flat would be a bit of an understatement.
Following a ten-run outburst in the series opener on Thursday, Texas collected all of three hits today without scoring for their first shutout loss since being blanked by Cleveland 6-0 back on June 6.
In some vintage 2026 Rangers action, the Tigers went up 2-0 in the top of the first after today’s starter Cal Quantrill allowed a two-out, two-run blast to Riley Greene. An inning later, the Tigers padded their lead when left fielder Alejandro Osuna straight up whiffed on catching a popup down the line to put two runners in scoring position.
After an RBI groundout, the scoring for the entire game concluded. The Rangers got a leadoff single from Joc Pederson but much like most games where they allow early runs, the bats were pretty much stun locked as they didn’t have their second hit of the afternoon until one out in the fifth and finished with three total.
I hear you pondering, “oh, were they up against Tarik Skubal or something?” And no, they were against Jack Flaherty, who has been among the worst starting pitchers in the AL this season and hadn’t won a game in over a month. Now he has two wins on the season.
Despite trailing 3-0 after two innings, the pitching staff did its job. Quantrill rebounded to go five innings and allowed only the two earned runs from one mistake pitch and then the bullpen tossed four scoreless frames (including one shaky one from a resurrected Chris Martin). This one was totally on the lineup in a fashion that was reminiscent of the worst days from this season.
The Detroit bullpen also hasn’t exactly been a bright spot for them this season, but they combined to toss 3.1 scoreless innings – the final three of which from Keider Montero – to help the Tigers even the series.
Player of the Game: Recently acquired reliever Ben Peoples made his MLB debut and contributed two scoreless innings.
Up Next: The Rangers and Tigers conclude this series with a Sunday showdown featuring RHP Kumar Rocker for Texas opposite RHP Casey Mize for Detroit.
The finale first pitch from The Shed is scheduled for 2:30 pm CDT and you can catch it on Peacock / NBCSN Extra.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 03: A jersey with USA 250 patches hangs in the locker of Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros before the July 4th game at Daikin Park on July 03, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (43-47) will play host to the top team in the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays (52-33), for a July 4th matchup tonight at Daikin Park.
Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown (1-0, 1.78 ERA) will get the start for Houston as he looks to snap the Astros two-game losing streak and the Rays nine-game winning streak. The Rays will counter with RHP Drew Rasmussen (10-5, 2.76 ERA).
BROTHER BROWN: RHP Hunter Brown will make his sixth start of the season tonight and his fourth since returning from a lengthy stint on the IL with a right shoulder strain. Despite showing some rust, Brown has still been effective, posting a 2.45 ERA (4ER/14.2IP) in his three starts since his return.
Overall in 2026, Brown has a 1.78 ERA (5ER/25.1IP) while allowing just 17 hits in 25.1 IP (.187 opp. avg.) with 32 strikeouts. Brown has had huge success against the Rays in his career, going 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA (7ER/28IP) in six games (four starts).
FIREWORKS ON THE 4TH: The Astros have won on the Fourth of July for eight consecutive seasons (since 2016), which is the longest active streak in the Majors. Three of those wins have come at Daikin Park (last, a 4-1 win over COL in 2023).
In 2025, the Astros beat the Dodgers, 18-1, on the Fourth of July at Dodger Stadium. It marked the Dodgers’ largest-ever margin of defeat at Dodger Stadium. It also marked the 13th time in franchise history the Astros scored at least 18 runs in a game.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have reinstated OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (right hamstring strain) from the 10-day IL and recalled OF Zach Dezenzo from Triple A Sugar Land. In corresponding moves, OF Jake Meyers and OF Joey Loperfido have been optioned to Triple A Sugar Land.
YESTERDAY’S TRADE: Announced yesterday, the Astros traded minor leaguer LHP Tom Cosgrove to the Nationals in exchange for cash considerations. Cosgrove was pitching at the Triple A level.
ALL-STAR UPDATE: Full All-Star rosters (starters and reserves) will be announced tonight beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX. DH Yordan Alvarez was a finalists on the 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot and is a strong candidate to be the AL starter at the DH position. Alvarez has been an All-Star three times in his career.
MVP-CALIBER: DH Yordan Alvarez has had a torrid first half to his season, currently leading all of baseball in OPS (1.056), OBP (.431), SLG (.625) and total bases (198). Additionally, he ranks first in the AL in extra-base hits (43), first in homers (27), tied for first in hits (101), second in batting average (.319), second in RBI (61), second in runs (60) and fourth in walks (59).
WHAT A RELIEF: LHP Josh Hader is 2-0 with eight saves (in eight chances) and a 0.69 ERA (1ER/13IP) in 13 appearances this season. He has 21 strikeouts in his 13.0 innings with a .049 (2×41) opponent average and a 0.54 WHIP. Hader has not allowed a hit in six consecutive appearances (6IP since June 21).
YOR-GONE!: DH Yordan Alvarez delivered a game-tying solo homer in the 6th inning last night, giving him 27 home runs on the year. He reached 27 homers in the Astros 90th game of the season, marking the fifth instance in club history for a player to reach 27 homers in that span and the first to do so since OF George Springer in 2017.
MY BOY BLU: RHP AJ Blubaugh worked another 2.2 scoreless innings on Wednesday vs. MIN, giving him 56.1 innings pitched on the season, which leads all Major League relievers. Blubaugh has been on a strong run since April 11, going 3-0 with a 2.06 ERA (11ER/48IP) in his last 29 appearances.
OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players on minor league rehab assignments:
• RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) started on Wednesday for Double A Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas, tossing 4.1 innings, allowing three runs with four strikeouts. He tossed 60 pitches (45 strikes) in what was his third minor league rehab start. He is expected to make his next rehab start on Tuesday.
• RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) started on Wednesday for Triple A Sugar Land at OKC, tossing 4.0 innings of one-run ball on 60 pitches (41 strikes). He is also expected to make his next rehab start on Tuesday.
• RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) began a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 innings (0ER) on 25 pitches. He is expected to make his next start on Sunday.
• IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple A on Wednesday and has started two games for the Space Cowboys, one at shortstop and one at second base.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1995 – 2B Craig Biggio sets the franchise record by scoring five runs in the Astros 16-8 win over the Rockies at Coors Field. Biggio goes 3×4 with two walks, two HR and three RBI in the shootout. 1B Jeff Bagwell also homers for Houston and has five RBI.
Since that date, an Astro has scored five runs on six additional occasions, accomplished by Biggio twice more (1995, 1996), Chris Burke (2006), Cody Ransom (2007) and George Springer twice (2014, 2019).
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 6:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: SCHN
Radio: KTRH 740 AM; KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
In one of four roster moves made before Saturday’s game against the Rays, the Astros optioned struggling outfielders Jake Meyers and Joey Loperfido to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Meyers, a Gold Glove finalist in 2024 and the Astros’ third longest tenured position player, went hitless in Friday’s 3-1 loss to the Rays, dropping his batting average to .206 for the season. He’s posted a .167/.231/.250 slash line since June 2, and he’s started just three of the Astros’ previous 10 games.
“He’s helped us to win a lot of games, helped us win a lot of postseason games,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “He’s part of this organization’s success, but he understood it. We’re going to help him. We’ve pinpointed some things that he’s going to be working on in Triple-A.”
Loperfido, who was re-acquired in a trade from the Toronto Blue Jays at the start of spring training, is batting .136 since returning from the injured list June 4.
In search of offense for an outfield struggling to muster any, the Astros recalled Zach Dezenzo from Triple-A and reinstated LaMonte Wade Jr. from the injured list.
Wade was 4 for 12 with a home run in four games with the Astros after signing as a free agent on June 4. He landed on the IL with a right hamstring strain on June 9.
Dezenzo, 26, batted .191 in 21 games with the Astros earlier this season before being optioned to Triple-A on June 5.
“(We’re trying to see) if having Wade and Dezenzo can spark something up and see if we can get something going,” Espada said.
The Astros entered Saturday’s game with a 43-47 record, three games back of Texas for first place in the American League West.
Once again, storms could hit the Chicago area Saturday, so here’s the local radar to keep handy.
Saturday notes…
IT’S LIKE NIGHT AND DAY: The Cubs are 30-20 in night games this year vs. 19-19 in day games. At home, they are 12-8 in night games and 14-10 in day games. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
HITS AND STRIKEOUTS: In their loss yesterday, the Cubs made seven hits and struck out six times. They are 31-7 when they have finished with more hits than strikeouts, 4-3 with an equal number and 14-19 when they have had more strikeouts than hits. With at least seven hits, the Cubs are 41-21; with six or fewer, 8-18. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
WALKING THE WALK: Only one Cub walked yesterday. They are 2-3 in games with a lone walk. Both previous losses also were to the Cardinals, by 7-5 on May 29 and 5-1 on May 31. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Michael Busch homered three times and the team set a franchise record with eight home runs (a mark tied this past Wednesday!). The Cubs defeated the Cardinals 11-3. It happened one year ago today, Friday, July 4, 2025.
The Cubs lineup was not available at posting time. Please check BCB social media for the Cubs lineup.
— Dealin' the Cards (@DealinTheCards) July 4, 2026
Shōta Imanaga, LHP vs. Kyle Leahy, RHP
After a rough patch in late May and early June, Shōta Imanaga has been better over his last four starts: 2.82 ERA, 1.075 WHIP, just three home runs in 22.1 innings.
One of those rough outings was May 29 in St. Louis, when Imanaga was tagged for five hits, three of them homers, in 5.1 innings. Overall, he has done pretty well vs Cardinals hitters: .228 (13-for-54), though with four home runs.
Kyle Leahy faced the Cubs May 30 in St. Louis and allowed one run on six hits in 4.1 innings.
Since then: five starts, 3.76 ERA, 1.291 WHIP, just one home run allowed in 26.1 innings in June.
Current Cubs are a small sample size 4-for-18 against Leahy.
Today’s game is on Fox-TV (regional — coverage map). A reminder that if you subscribe to MLB.TV or MLB Extra Innings, you can watch this game even if it’s not on the Fox affiliate in your market. Announcers: Joe Davis, John Smoltz and Ken Rosenthal.
Please visit our SB Nation Cardinals site Viva el Birdos. If you do go there to interact with Cardinals fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
