Aug 3, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish (56) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Happy birthday, Kyle Bradish. Now go out there and get another win for the Orioles, what do you say?
The Birds delivered exactly what they needed in last night’s opener in Toronto, erupting for five runs in the second en route to a 7-4 win. Unfortunately, the victory didn’t draw them any closer in the wild card race, because the Guardians also won in Minnesota, maintaining their three-game lead over the Orioles (which is essentially a four-game lead, since the Guardians hold the tiebreaker in case they finish with the same record as the O’s).
Orioles fans should also be keeping an eye on the AL Central race, where the Guardians are only a half game back of the swooning White Sox. If Cleveland takes over first place in that division, it’ll be Chicago that the O’s need to catch for the third wild card. The Orioles do hold the tiebreaker against the White Sox, so they would only need to finish with the same record as Chicago to punch their ticket to the playoffs. Of course, that also assumes that the Blue Jays, currently two games off the pace, get eliminated from contention before then.
That’s where the Orioles can do their part. With five games remaining against Toronto, they have every opportunity to knock the Jays off the pace for good. Today it’s Bradish, on his 30th birthday, who will try to secure the series win. Bradish has shown real signs of fatigue lately and hasn’t thrown a quality start in his last four tries. In his most recent start, he lasted only four innings and gave up three runs, though they were all unearned after a Gunnar Henderson error preceded a home run.
The Blue Jays, instead of using ace Dylan Cease on normal rest, are giving him an extra day, so he’ll start the finale tomorrow. For today they’ll go with a bullpen game, starting with Spencer Miles. Miles has been an opener on eight other occasions this year and sometimes can eat a few innings, but his season high is 4.1, so the O’s should be seeing a lot of Jays relievers today. The Orioles will use eight of the same nine hitters from last night’s productive lineup, including Heston Kjerstad, but Samuel Basallo is getting a day off before he catches Trevor Rogers in tomorrow’s finale.
Orioles lineup:
LF Dylan Beavers 1B Pete Alonso 2B Jackson Holliday DH Coby Mayo SS Gunnar Henderson 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand RF Heston Kjerstad CF Colton Cowser C Carlos Narváez
RHP Kyle Bradish
Blue Jays lineup:
CF Brett Bateman DH George Springer 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. C Alejandro Kirk RF Nathan Lukes 3B Kazuma Okamoto 2B Josh Smith SS Andrés Giménez LF Rudy Martin Jr.
Sep 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) celebrates with second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) and shortstop Mookie Betts (50) after the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Dodgers and Marlins conclude their 2026 business on Sunday afternoon at loanDepot Park in Miami.
The Dodgers haven’t listed a starter, but Emmet Sheehan is in line to pitch bulk innings after his stellar Monday start at home. Justin Wrobleski was previously listed as the Sunday starter, perhaps as an opener, as the left-hander was also warming up to potentially pitch on Friday night in relief in Miami. There’s also when the Dodgers decide to activate Roki Sasaki off the injured list to consider.
Sep 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates with pitcher Edgardo Henriquez (60) after the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Friday’s victory over the Miami Marlins was the Dodgers’ 90th win of the season, a mark that has long been seen as a sign of success in baseball and has amazingly become the floor for the Dodgers for 14 years running.
The Dodgers have won at least 90 games in each of the last 13 full seasons, dating back to 2013. During the truncated 2020 campaign the Dodgers were 43-17, which was the best record in baseball. Thirteen full seasons in a row with 90 wins is more than any other MLB team in history.
From 1947-58 the New York Yankees won at least 92 games every year for a dozen years in a row, a streak even more impressive because it was under a 154-game schedule instead of the modern 162. The 1946 Yankees won 87 games, the equivalent of 91.5 wins over 162 games, so it’s far to say these current Dodgers are at least spiritually even with those dominant Yankees teams.
There’s no question the Dodgers’ financial largesse has made it easier for them to compete, but money doesn’t always guarantee winning. The New York Mets, for instance, have spend well over $300 million last season and this year with no postseason to show for it. The Yankees, who have spent the second-most behind the Dodgers since 2013, have won 90 games seven times in that span, and will add an eighth 90-win season with only five more victories this year.
That’s still five full seasons for the Yankees with under 90 wins during that time, despite the heavy spending.
Cleveland is the only other team with even seven 90-win seasons since 2013. The Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, and St. Louis Cardinals have six such seasons, including this year for Milwaukee. The Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Milwaukee Brewers have five such seasons with an excellent chance to also win 90 games this year.
But to win 90 games in all 13 full seasons is a remarkable accomplishment, no matter how you slice it.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 06: Tyler Mahle #54 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 6, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Tyler Mahle has been great for Atlanta and will look to play executioner. With a massive win secured on Friday, they can put another nail in the coffin on Philly’s division hopes with a win tonight.
Jesus Luzardo had been scheduled to start tonight’s game, but the Phillies scratched him with shoulder soreness after the game Friday night. That feels like a bit of a white flag move from them, as the shoulder ailment seems to have been a running issue. Regardless, the Phillies will have their work cut out for them to patch innings together after using five relievers Friday night in an 11-inning thriller, even with Nola pitching into the seventh inning somehow. The Braves offense should take advantage of missing Luzardo, who dominated them last week, and give Mahle some run support early and often tonight.
Tyler Mahle continues to have success as almost a two pitch pitcher since joining Atlanta, focusing on his four-seamer and sinker with the cutter just to keep hitters off-balance. Mahle has pitched 6.0 innings in 5 of his 6 starts for the Braves and has allowed 2 runs only once, with 1 or no runs allowed in his other starts. Tyler is tracking to be the game 2 starter for Atlanta behind Sale in the playoffs and will hope to cement that status tonight.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Luis Campusano #12 of the San Diego Padres hits an RBI double scoring Jake Cronenworth #9 against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the third inning at Oracle Park on September 11, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the San Diego Padres scored seven unanswered runs in the beginning of Friday night’s game, it felt like the game was already over. It wasn’t even close to that. Robbie Ray pitched well for four innings, giving up just one run. Then, in the fifth, he loaded the bases with two walks and a single before Rafael Devers got ahold of a pitch well below the zone for a grand slam. That made the game interesting for the final four innings.
Despite some base traffic in the final four frames, the Padres and San Francisco Giants traded zeroes. The key point came in the bottom of the ninth. After getting two quick outs, close Mason Miller walked Nate Furman, allowed Jonah Cox to single and walked Devers (though that was due to a bad ball call that would have been overturned had the Friars not been out of ABS challenges). Thankfully, Miller punched out Bryce Eldridge to end the drama.
Taking the mound
Cesar Perdomo (SF) v. Michael King (SD)
Perdomo has only begun to get his feet wet at the big-league level. The left-hander has thrown just 10 innings between two appearances. But, in that time, he’s surrendered just one run. His strikeout numbers are low (8), but his command is fantastic. He’s given up just two walks in his time in San Francisco.
Perhaps Perdomo’s biggest strength is the Padres’ lack of experience against him. The young lefty may very well be able to limit the Friars if they can’t solve him quickly enough. San Diego was all over starter Anthony Molina last night. They’ll need the same kind of production form their lineup in order to win the series.
King is on the verge of lowering his season ERA below 3.00. He currently sits at a perfect 3.00 ERA with 144 strikeouts through 168 innings. King has been the Padres’ ace this season. He’s anchored the rotation and strongly aided this club in their postseason aspirations.
His biggest problem hasn’t even been his own. King has been one of the least supported pitchers in all of baseball. For whatever reason, the lineup dies when King takes the mound. The Padres have gotten some of their best pitching from the right-hander, but their lineup will need to follow suit this afternoon .
Batter up!
The Padres have won five straight games now, mostly due to some incredible offense. In those five games, the Padres have scored 5.6 runs on average. That’s well above the average runs scored by MLB teams (4.48). If the Friars keep that up, it’ll be difficult for anybody to stop their march to the postseason.
Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
Jake Cronenworth, 1B
Manny Machado, 3B
Luis Campusano, C
Jackson Merrill, CF
Austin Hays, DH
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Samad Taylor, LF
Dustin Harris, RF
With Ty France on the paternity list for the next few days, Cronenworth remains the likely option at first base with Tatis shifting to the keystone position. That should remain that way until France returns, but could change with infielder Mason McCoy being recalled from Triple-A.
Relief corps
After Ray struggled in the first inning, it seemed certain that he would repeat the command problems he dealt with in his last start versus the New York Yankees. He definitely did, though Ray worked through them well. Until the ill-fated grand slam, Ray surrendered just one run.
Additionally, making it through five innings allowed the Padres’ bullpen to get some rest. Unfortunately, the grand slam made it so that the Friars needed their high-leverage relievers. Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, Bradgley Rodriguez and Mason Miller covered the remainder of the game. That leaves San Diego with Griffin Canning, Kyle Hart, David Morgan, Wandy Peralta and Randy Vásquez once King departs.
Sep 11, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Rudy Martin Jr. (1) stands during the national anthems before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
I hate calling games ‘must win’, mostly because it is way over used. I remember, last year, Buck telling us games in June were ‘must wins’ and I wonder what happens after they don’t win. Do they not play the last 90 odd games.
But we are getting closer to ‘must win’ territory following. Falling three games back would be a tough hill to climb. With 14 games left, no team is going 14-0 the rest of the way. Or, if they do, we just tip our caps. But catching up three games would be very tough.
Anyway, today’s lineup. Rudy Martin gets into his first MLB game. I can’t imagine the feelings that will be going through him.
Today’s Lineups
ORIOLES
BLUE JAYS
Dylan Beavers – LF
Brett Bateman – CF
Pete Alonso – 1B
George Springer – DH
Jackson Holliday – 2B
Vladimir Guerrero – 1B
Coby Mayo – DH
Alejandro Kirk – C
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Nathan Lukes – RF
Christian Encarnacion-Strand – 3B
Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
Heston Kjerstad – RF
Josh Smith – 2B
Colton Cowser – CF
Andres Gimenez – SS
Carlos Narvaez – C
Rudy Martin – LF
Kyle Bradish – RHP
S. Arrighetti – RHP
This surprises me…..a few days ago they were saying all the right stuff about limiting Spencer Miles’ innings and now. My wife’s mom used to say ‘needs must’ and that kind of fits. But Spencer going from basically zero to 90 odd innings is taking a chance with his arm.
On the flip side, he was a Rule 5 pick and we had no reason to expect near this much from him, so, if his arm falls off we aren’t exactly losing someone we were counting on for the future. And who’s really to say that 90 innings is safe but 100 innings isn’t. Likely the cut off point was likely a lot lower than that.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 11: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Chase Field on September 11, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Diamondbacks won 9-1. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Diamondbacks News
Diamondbacks Stars Step Up The Diamondbacks’ offense erupted on Friday in a blowout win over the Rangers.
Diamondbacks Preparing to Face Rotation Dilemma Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, and Michael Soroka have all returned. Ryne Nelson is not far off. If everyone remains healthy, there will be some tough decisions to be made soon.
Diamondbacks, Padres Set for Play-in Series As the teams continue to swap places in the standings from day-to-day, the more likely it is looking that the playoff fates for Arizona and San Diego will be sorted in the final series of the season.
Breaking Down the Candidates for the Next MLB Expansion MLB has been teasing expansion for over a decade now. It seems that the next CBA is possibly the last hurdle to be cleared before two new teams are finally announced.
Jesus Luzardo Scratched from Start While Arizona is finally getting some pitchers to help them down the stretch, Philadelphia is now dealing with losing some.
Brewers Clinch Playoffs with 20-0 Rout The owners of the best record in baseball have officially punched their ticket to the playoffs and are now coasting toward a first round bye.
The Chicago Cubs today reinstated right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the 15-day injured list. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Trent Thornton has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left ankle sprain.
Cabrera was placed on the injured list on August 17 with a right middle finger blister. In 15 starts with the Cubs this season, Cabrera is 5-5 with a 5.68 ERA (48 ER/76.0 IP) and 67 strikeouts. The righty made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Iowa, allowing six earned runs in 3.2 innings with four strikeouts and two walks.
Thornton is 5-5 with three saves, a 3.35 ERA (18 ER/48.1 IP) and 31 strikeouts in 48 relief appearances with the Cubs this season.
Sep 11, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) celebrates at home plate with teammates Max Clark (center) and Riley Greene (right) after hitting a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Detroit Tigers (68-79) vs. Colorado Rockies (55-91)
Time/Place: 1:10 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site:Purple Row Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Andrew Sears (0-1, 4.38 ERA) vs. RHP Tanner Gordon (1-4, 5.40 ERA)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees pitches against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Petco Park on September 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been an emotional couple of days for the Yankees, with the storybook return of Anthony Volpe on Thursday almost immediately balanced by the weight of yesterday’s 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. If nothing else, the Yankees won both those games, and stand a good Gerrit Cole start away from likely taking another game, and another series, this afternoon taking on the Mets.
Cole really has one job today — do not give up four home runs. One of the strangest starts you’ll ever see came last weekend in San Diego, where the veteran righty did just that against the Padres, and while they were all solo shots (with a back-to-back-to-back to begin the game), that fateful fourth allowed in the seventh made an ultimately-doomed comeback attempt impossible. Cole’s walk rate is Mars-class, and part of that tradeoff is often pitches in-zone that can be driven with authority, but he’s got to turn those fly balls into outs rather than free handouts to fans. If he does that today, I’m comfortable every time he takes the mound.
Zac Thornton counters for the Mets, a player I’m unfamilar with overall but having quite a solid rookie turn in MLB. A 3.53 ERA is undercut but a FIP almost a full run higher, largely driven by the 2023 fifth-rounder’s low strikeout rate and a high HR rate that xFIP at least believes will be cut down a bit. The Yankee offense is looking a little more professional in recent days, but we’ve also seen how seemingly unknown lefties can torment them in 2026.
Aaron Judge gets a half day off today, as he’ll DH facing the southpaw. This opens right field up for Heliot Ramos and his adventures on defense, while Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario man the corners of the infield. Austin Wells has the catching duties even after playing in last night’s game.
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium — The Bronx, NY
First pitch: 1:35 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, SNY
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2 (NYM)
Last month, the Tampa Bay Rayssecured funding approval from local city and county governments for their upcoming $2.36 billion stadium, set to arrive in 2029.
With an expected capacity of 31,000, the future ballpark works out to a cost of $76,100 per seat — among the priciest in all of professional sports.
USA TODAY compiled data on 24 MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL venues opened since 2016 or scheduled to open in the future and estimated the cost per seat of each venue.
The Rays’ planned stadium fails to come near the $111,100 figure held by the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome, which now-suspended owner Steve Ballmer built for $2 billion total. However, it does sit near Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and San Francisco’s Chase Center.
Those venues were built at a cost of $78,300 and $77,500 per seat, respectively, just ahead of the Rays’ future home, which Rays' owner Patrick Zalupski hopes to break ground on this month. SoFi is notably the most expensive stadium ever built, with a total price of around $5.5 billion.
It’s also costlier than a few future venues. The NBA’s Spurs are developing an arena in downtown San Antonio for $70,300 per seat, while the Thunder are constructing one in Oklahoma City for $57,600.
Most markedly, it beats out all the MLB ballparks in our dataset — the closest is the Athletics’ planned Las Vegas home at $53,000 per seat.
The Rays’ stadium’s ability to transcend sports in cost per seat is part of its compelling story.
Besides it and SoFi Stadium, the remaining five in the top seven most expensive venues per seat are indoor arenas developed for basketball or hockey. That fact is not so surprising — with fewer seats, basketball or hockey arenas can balloon in cost per seat much more easily than baseball or football.
The two most recently built MLB stadiums — the Rangers’ Globe Life Field and the Braves’ Truist Park — also came in under that $40,000 line.
However, both the Rays’ and the A’s new ballparks will offer two of the most intimate settings in baseball: when they are built, they will rank No. 1 and 2 for the smallest ballparks in MLB.
That smaller setting could help explain the rising costs compared to previous baseball venues, although inflation also plays a role.
Truist Park was built in 2017, while Globe Life Field was completed in 2020. The A’s are scheduled to move into their new Las Vegas home in 2028, while the Rays plan to move into their new stadium in 2029.
However, even accounting for inflation, the Rays’ costs are still exorbitant. Adjusted for inflation, the cost per seat of the Rays’ planned venue is more than three times as high as Truist Park and nearly twice as costly as Globe Life Field.
And going further back in time, the Rays’ costs still reign supreme.
In 2009, new Yankee Stadium was completed with a price tag of $2.3 billion. With an opening capacity of 50,287, that works out to roughly $45,700 per seat — nearly the same cost as the A’s planned ballpark.
However, even adjusting for inflation, it still falls short of the Rays’ venue: $45,700 in 2009 converts to around $72,000 in 2026 money, per the BLS’ CPI inflation calculator, or 5% shy of the Rays’ $76,100 per seat.
The Rays look set to hold the crown for a while longer, too.
The Kansas City Royalsannounced plans in April for a downtown stadium project with an estimated cost of $1.9 billion, but no details on capacity. Even if that stadium seats just 30,000 fans, it’ll come in at around $63,300 per seat, well below the Rays’ figure.
That’s the only other announced MLB stadium with a price tag at the time of writing.
So, the Rays’ stadium is certainly the priciest park in baseball for the time being, and it’ll likely be that way into the future.
Methodology: USA TODAY compiled cost and seating capacity data for MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL venues opened or planned since 2016, then divided each venue’s total reported cost by its opening or planned seating capacity. Where planned venues had a range of capacity estimations, the larger number was used. Little CaesarsArena is plotted twice in the “Squeeze play” chart for both its hockey and basketball configurations.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 12: Zac Thornton #49 of the New York Mets pitches during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS Juan Soto – DH Bo Bichette – 3B Carson Benge – RF Jared Young – 1B Marcus Semien – 2B A.J. Ewing – CF Luis Torrens – C Nick Morabito – LF
Zac Thornton – LHP
Yankees lineup
Paul Goldschmidt – 1B Aaron Judge – DH Cody Bellinger – LF Heliot Ramos – RF Amed Rosario – 3B Spencer Jones – CF George Lombard – SS Anthony Volpe – 2B Austin Wells – C
Gerrit Cole – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:35 pm EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2
BASEBALL IN SUNSHINE: Yesterday’s win evened the Cubs’ record in day games this year at 32-32, including 22-16 at home. They are 13-17 this year in the second of back-to-back day games. They finished last year 24-13. They are 12-10 in the second of back-to-back day games at home. A year ago, they were 22-12. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
SATURDAY IN THE PARK: On Saturdays this season, the Cubs are 13-11 overall and 7-5 at home. They wound up 20-7 and 9-5 a year ago. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
APPROACHING 800: With their 12 runs yesterday, the Cubs’ total for the season stands at 792. They have scored an 800th run in only 12 seasons since 1901, most recently 2023, with 819, their eighth most in a season. This century, they also scored 808 in 2016, 814 in 2019, 822 in 2017 and 855 in 2008. Those 855 are the Cubs’ third most ever, behind 998 in 1930 and 982 in 1929. At their current average of 5.35 per game, the Cubs will finish this season with 867. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: The Cubs trailed the Dodgers 7-0 going to the fifth, then overcame that and led them 8-7 in the ninth before L.A. scored an unearned run in that inning to tie the game. Former Dodger Cesar Izturis singled in the winning run in the 11th and the Cubs won 9-8. It happened 20 years ago today, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006.
Clay Holmes was going along great in his first five starts for the Cubs, then had a stinker last Sunday against the Marlins.
So we’re going to try to ignore that one and focus on the rest of his 2026 season, which has been excellent.
Holmes, who began his career with the Pirates, has never faced them as a starting pitcher. The only Pirates player who’s seen him for more than a handful of at-bats is Brandon Lowe (2-for-8).
You have probably read about Paul Skenes’ somewhat down year — his ERA is well over 3, his velocity is down a few ticks, etc. (You can see that in the chart below.)
The last time he faced the Cubs was July 25 at PNC Park, and they hit him pretty well even though he struck out 10 Cubs hitters — six hits and five runs in 5.1 innings.
Since that game, Skenes has a 4.46 ERA and 1.456 WHIP in seven starts covering 34.1 innings. The Cubs have hit him well in the past — he has a 3.45 career ERA in nine starts against the Cubs, which is his highest against any team he’s faced more than four times.
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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.
Apr 20, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Maicer Izturis (3) dives back to first base on a pick-off attempt in the tenth inning against the New York Yankees at the Rogers Centre. The Yankees beat the Blue Jays, 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Today marks the 44th birthday of former Blue Jays infielder Maicer Izturis.
You might remember that Alex Anthopoulos signed Izturis as a free agent in November 2012. He agreed to a three-year contract (with a team option for a fourth year) worth $3 million annually, making it Alex’s most significant free-agent signing at the time.
Unfortunately, the signing did not go as hoped.
Alex described Izturis as the ‘leading candidate’ to play second base but still sought to upgrade the position. Around the same time, he traded Mike Aviles (and Yan Gomes) to Cleveland for Esmil Rogers—a move that also fell short of expectations. While Aviles might have been a healthier option at second, his offensive numbers were underwhelming. Notably, the Jays had just acquired Aviles from the Red Sox in exchange for John Farrell.
A few days later, Alex pulled off a major trade with the Marlins, which brought Emilio Bonifacio to Toronto. Bonifacio would share second base duties with Izturis during the 2013 season. Over the next few years, the team cycled through several other second basemen, including Munenori Kawasaki and Ryan Goins.
Over three seasons, Izturis appeared in just 118 games, spending more time on the disabled list than on the field. The Jays declined his option ahead of the 2016 season, instead issuing a $1,000,000 buyout.
He finished his Blue Jays tenure with a .240/.291/.310 slash line and 5 home runs.
In January 2016, the Jays signed Izturis to a minor-league contract, but he never played professionally again.
Izturis spent 11 seasons in the majors, compiling a .269/.331/.372 batting line with 39 home runs in 909 games. He played the majority of his career with the Angels, though he began with the Expos.
Happy Birthday, Maicer—I hope it’s a great one.
Today also marks the 43rd birthday of Clayton Richard.
Clayton Richard enjoyed an 11-year MLB career, finishing with the Blue Jays. His stint in Toronto was less memorable—he went 1-5 with a 5.96 ERA over 10 starts in 2019. The Jays acquired him in a trade with the Padres for Connor Panas, who never reached the majors but is currently playing in Mexico.
Standing 6’5” and weighing 240 pounds, Richard was an imposing left-handed pitcher, though not a hard thrower. The polite term: he was a ‘pitch-to-contact’ pitcher, rarely missing bats.
Over his 11-year career, Richard posted a 69-84 record with a 4.51 ERA across 275 games, including 210 starts.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 6: Starting pitcher Tanner Gordon #29 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field on September 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A stretch of rough streaks continues for the Colorado Rockies (55-92). The team had a tough time at home in August, losing 10 games straight at Coors Field before winning one against the Baltimore Orioles to start the month of September.
The woes are now traveling. After last night’s 6-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers (68-79), the Rockies have amassed an eight-game road losing streak. They’ll try to stop the away skid in game two of a three-game set out in Motor City.
The Rockies will start right-handed pitcher Tanner Gordon (1-4 in nine starts and 21 total games, 5.40 ERA). Gordon has oscillated between starting and relieving throughout the season. He was roughed up in his last start, a 10-8 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in which Gordon gave up five runs on eight hits. Over the course of the year, Gordon has performed better on the road than he as at home. He has an 0-3 record and a 7.47 ERA at Coors Field, compared to a 1-1 record alongside a 2.68 ERA on the road. In fact, the Rockies last road win came on a Gordon start in a 13-1 win over the Washington Nationals. They’ll turn to his mojo away from home to get things back on track.
The Tigers will send out lefty Andrew Sears (0-1 in one start and three total games), who made his MLB debut on August 23rd. He began his big-league career with two appearances out of the bullpen. He got his first start last week, a non-decision as Detroit lost to the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 in extra innings. Sears looked sharp, going 5.2 innings and giving up just one run on four hits with four strikeouts. The Tigers sent Sears back down to Triple-A after his start to clear roster space for Jack Flaherty returning from injury. That decision made a U-turn with starter Keider Montero leaving Detroit to return to Venezuela for the birth of his child, putting Sears’ services back in demand.
With Colorado up against a left-handed starter for the second straight game in the series, the faces in the batting order remain mostly unchanged. TJ Rumfield slots in and Troy Johnston moves out amidst a shuffle in the Designated Hitter and infield positions. The other eight starters from yesterday’s game take the field today. The Rockies will hope to see more power out of their bats and to cash in on their scoring opportunities as they try to even the series.
