CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 31: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the first inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are getting the national television treatment as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers in the third matchup of a four-game set at American Family Field.
The national audience will get a look at Paul Skenes for tonight’s game. Skenes is 9-9 so far this season with a 3.90 ERA, which is sound, but not up to par compared to what he showed in his first two professional campaigns.
Skenes struggled in his last start against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31. He only pitched four innings, giving up seven hits and five earned runs, as the Bucs lost 8-7 to their division rival. This marks Skenes’ third start against the Brewers so far this season. He beat the Brewers 6-0 in his last start at American Family Field on April 24, pitching seven scoreless innings with one hit. He also pulled out a win when the Brewers came to PNC Park last month. He pitched 5.1 innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs in a 14-5 victory at home.
Kyle Harrison is getting the start for the Brewers in his first appearance since July 8. The last time he was on the field, he gave up four hits, three runs, and four innings as the Brewers lost 5-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, ESPN
Pitching Matchup: Paul Skenes (9-9, 3.90 ERA) vs. Kyle Harrison (8-2, 3.01 ERA)
BD community, this is your gameday thread for today’s game. Chime off in the comments section below.
BRONX, NY - AUGUST 04: George Lombard Jr #96 of the New York Yankees defends at shortstop during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 4, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in the Borough of the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While the score only ended 2-0 and you might not have been able to tell from just the box score, last night was an exciting one in the Bronx. Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr. debuted and made quite the first impression. With a home run for his first career MLB hit and a couple nice plays in the field, Lombard helped the team to a win over the Cardinals. Now, he and the Yankees will try it again as they go for a series victory.
Following his impressive debut, Lombard is back in the Yankees’ lineup, starting at shortstop and hitting eighth. It’s actually the exact same lineup as yesterday, with just a change on the mound. Starting tonight for the Yankees will be Will Warren. After briefly being the subject of trade rumors ahead of the deadline, Warren will get the ball, looking to build on the six shutout innings he threw against the Cubs in his last start. Warren owns a 4.14 ERA on the season after that strong outing, striking out 109 batters in 108.1 innings.
As for the Cardinals, they’ll send Andre Pallante to the mound. The 27-year-old in his fifth season is enjoying his best year in the majors thus far, owning a 3.72 ERA and surpassing 2 fWAR for the first time. A strikeout machine he is not, as he’s punched out just 86 batters in 118.2 innings, but he’s been fairly good at keeping the ball in the park with a 0.76 HR/9 and a home run to fly ball ratio under 10 percent. Monday’s destructor Alec Burleson will also be back in the lineup after starting last night on the bench.
Here’s all the information you need to know on how to catch tonight’s game, and we hope you’ll come join us in the game thread for tonight’s action!
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium — The Bronx, NY
First pitch: 7:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: Amazon Prime Video (NYY), Cardinals.TV (STL)
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM (STL)
Online stream: Amazon Prime Video, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)
Newest San Diego Padres SP Casey Mize (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The San Diego Padres scored early and often in a convincing 9-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks to even the four-game series at a game apiece. It was their ninth win in the last 11 games, moving the Padres one game back of the Diamondbacks in the National League Wild-Card standings.
This sets up a crucial third game in the four-game set. The victor could gain much-needed momentum in securing the final playoff spot.
Friars hot bats
One of the catalysts in the Padres’ ability to roar back into the Wild-Card chase has been their offense. Last night, the lineup erupted for 16 hits and nine runs in the road victory. Manny Machado was the hitting star with three hits and four RBI. Jackson Merrill continued his hot streak with a three-hit night and two RBI. Jake Cronenworth also contributed with three hits and an RBI.
Since the All-Star break, the team’s hitting numbers have been outstanding. The Friars have a team batting average of .291 with 139 hits and 20 home runs. The hope is the suddenly hot offense combined with improved starting pitching will help the club to gain more ground in the heated NL Wild Card race.
Taking the mound: Casey Mize (SD) vs Mitch Bratt (ARIZ)
Tonight’s game features an intriguing pitching matchup between Casey Mize (4-6, 2.70 ERA), who is making his Padres debut, and one of the D-Backs’ prized rookie starters, Mitch Bratt (0-1, 5.23 ERA). Both teams are looking to reinforce their injury-riddled starting rotations.
The Friar Faithful will find out how much a “power pitcher” Mize has become. The right-hander offers a five-pitch mix that showcases his split-finger fastball. Each has sharp late movement away from hitters.
Tonight, expect to see Mize use his split-finger to neutralize the D-Backs right-handed-heavy lineup. If he is successful in throwing strikes, you can expect plenty of swing-and-misses or weak fly balls to the outfield.
The Snakes are hoping Bratt can slow down the Padres offense. However, the youngster has struggled with consistency in his first five MLB starts. Bratt has never lit up the radar gun, as he relies on command-and-control to record outs.
The left-hander throws a four-seam fastball, slider, and curveball. He loves to change speeds and hit his spots in the zone for strikes. The key for him is to be aggressive against the Friars. If not, the lineup will draw walks that extend the inning. Bratt must generate weak contact to be successful because he is not a strikeout pitcher.
Aug 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Jonathan Aranda (8) reacts from first after an RBI single as Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) looks on in the first inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After a dominant series sweep of the Kansas City Royals to begin the home stand, the Colorado Rockies were swept at the hands of one of the best teams in baseball. Despite solid pitching from the home team, the Rockies offense could not solve the Tampa Bay Rays staff, falling 4-0 for their fifth shutout of the season.
Tomo does his thing
The consistency of Tomoyuki Sugano on the mound has been one of the greater storylines of 2026 for the Rockies. Once again, the veteran right-hander was able to give his club a chance to win the game as he continues to eat innings.
The day started shakier than usual for Sugano as Victor Mesa Jr. led off the game with a triple to right field, followed by a single from Jonathan Aranda to give the Rays a 1-0 lead. The Rays then manufactured another run after Junior Caminero drew a walk and Chandler Simpson had a one-out single to give Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead.
Ever unflappable, Sugano settled in and continued to go to work as he has done all season. He retired the next four batters before giving up a two-out triple to Mesa in the second, but stranded him with a strikeout of Aranda. Caminero led off the third inning with a solo home run, and that would be the last hitter to reach base until Liam Hicks walked to lead off the sixth inning.
After the home run, Sugano retired the next nine batters in a row. His day ended after the walk to Hicks, having thrown five innings and giving up just three runs on five hits. He had three strikeouts and two walks, while tossing 85 pitches and 49 strikes. Sugano also induced seven ground outs and five flyouts.
The Rays have scored a lot of runs in the series, but Sugano was able to hold them at bay and give the offense a chance to compete. Unfortunately, they couldn’t solve Nick Martinez.
Trouble with Martinez
The 2026 All-Star spent four seasons in Japan before returning to MLB in 2022 and has been excellent on the mound this season. Much like Sugano, Martinez thrives on getting opponents to put the ball in play and filling up the strike zone, and that was on full display in his start.
Martinez went 5.2 innings and allowed six hits, four of which were by a hitter to lead off an inning. The best threat the Rockies started to string together was in the fourth when Mickey Moniak and Kyle Karros hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. Unfortunately, Martinez got a fly out and got Jordan Beck to bounce into a double play.
The Rockies had seven groundouts against him along with four flyouts. He didn’t get his first strikeout until the fifth inning, but then finished the day with four total strikeouts without allowing a walk.
Struggling offense
After the first strikeout in the fifth inning, it seemed to open up the floodgates for the Rockies. Tyler Wells entered the game in the sixth inning and struck out four of the five batters he faced. Garrett Cleavinger then struck out a batter in the eighth before Cam Booser closed out the ninth on six pitches, including a strikeout to end the game.
The Rockies out-hit the Rays 6-5 but had just one extra-base hit, a double from Beck. Karros was the only Rockie with multiple hits, collecting a pair of singles against Martinez. They ended up striking out 10 times as a team from the fifth inning onward, and had just two walks. Additionally, they went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
Solid day for the pen
When Sugano departed, the Rockies had a solid trio of outings from the bullpen. Parker Mushinski navigated the sixth inning with ease before giving way to Juan Mejia in the seventh.
Despite not giving up a hit, Mejia was charged with a run as the Rays played small ball. Mejia issued a leadoff walk to Taylor Walls, who then stole second base. Mejia had a play to throw him out at second, but spiked the ball on the throw. Nick Fortes and Mesa then dropped back-to-back sacrifice bunts to drive in the run to give the Rays a 4-0 lead. Mejia escaped without further damage to hand the ball to Zach Agnos for the final two innings.
Agnos continued his string of good performances over the last month, as he fired two perfect innings with two strikeouts.
Up next
The Rockies head out on a nine-game road trip, kicking off a three-game set on Friday in St. Louis. The Rockies will send out Ryan Feltner (4-5, 5.75 ERA) while the Cardinals counter with Colorado native Kyle Leahy (7-4, 3.44 ERA).
When the house needs putting back in order, call Sean Burke. The White Sox hand the ball to their hottest starter in search of a series-evening win. | (Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
The White Sox want to put Tuesday’s 14-2 Beantown beatdown behind them, and they’ll do so by turning things over to their hottest starter. Last night was a five-alarm pitching disaster: Davis Martin was apparently tipping his pitches and, as a result, got smoked for nine runs over five innings.
Enter Sean Burke (7-5, 3.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP), who has been dealing. Over his last seven starts, he owns a 1.45 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and he’s been mowing down hitters at a clip that would make a weed whacker jealous. Statcast loves him, too — 90th percentile in pitching run value, 94th with the fastball, 83rd in strikeout rate. The plan for Burke should be pretty simple. He needs to climb the ladder with heaters, then drop the hammer with a breaking ball that grades out miles better than Sonny Gray’s. The catch is that Boston’s bats are molten right now. Andruw Monasterio, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Caleb Durbin are all hitting north of .300 in the last few weeks, so Burke will need to keep the hard contact to a dull roar.
Boston throws Sonny Gray (12-2, 2.93 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) at the Good Guys, and he’s been nearly as nasty — 2.64 ERA in his last seven appearances. The fastball still pops, but Statcast says there’s a crack in the armor. The chase rate is still solid, but the breaking ball has gone soft, the strikeout rate has dipped and hitters aren’t flailing like they used to. The assignment for Chicago’s bats is to avoid getting greedy, lay off the junk, and drag Gray into deep counts where he might make a mistake.
The good news for Sox fans? Munetaka Murakami is on a heater (.292/.370/.604, .974 OPS last 15 days) and Meidroth is right there with him (.308/.417/.538, .955 OPS). If those two keep raking and Burke does his thing, the Sox have a real shot to square this series before Thursday’s getaway day.
Here’s how Will Venable sends them out against Gray.
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 20: Kyle Harrison #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates are back at it for the third game in a four-game series and this game has the most highly-anticipated pitching matchup of the group.
The Pirates will have their ace Paul Skenes on the mound tonight. Skenes hasn’t been as dominant as his first two seasons in the big leagues, though. Skenes has a 3.90 ERA in 23 starts this year, which, while it isn’t overly terrible, it’s a far cry from the sub-2.00 ERAs he posted in his rookie and sophomore campaigns.
Meanwhile, the Brewers had to make a roster move to be able to start their starting pitcher tonight. Kyle Harrison makes his long-awaited return to the rotation after a few weeks on the IL. The Brewers optioned right-handed reliever Grant Anderson to Triple-A to make roster space for Harrison. Harrison has a 3.01 ERA in 17 starts this year for the Crew. He has 101 strikeouts to just 20 walks on the year.
Grant Anderson has been a serviceable reliever for the Brewers for the past two years. He has a 3.70 ERA in 44 games this year and has been dominant against righties, allowing just a .175 batting average and .504 OPS to them. However, against left-handed hitters, Anderson has been rocked, giving up a .265 opponent batting average and a 1.029 OPS.
The Brewers are hoping to be able to rock Skenes in tonight’s game even though they’re missing one of their best lefties. Jake Bauers remains out of the lineup as he is day-to-day with abdominal soreness following his dive into home plate during Monday’s game. Pat Murphy has three true lefties in the lineup with Brice Turang leading off, Garrett Mitchell hitting third, and Christian Yelich batting fifth. Switch-hitters Luis Lara and David Hamilton are batting seventh and ninth, respectively, giving the Brewers alternating left-handed hitting options up and down the lineup against Skenes.
Joey Ortiz remains out of the lineup in favor of David Hamilton despite swinging a hot bat over the last month plus.
The Pirates keep the top of their lineup the same, rolling with Jake Mangum, Brandon Lowe, and Bryan Reynolds to begin the order. Esmerlyn Valdez, Nick Gonzales, and Endy Rodriguez make up the middle of the lineup. Then Jared Triolo, Rafael Flores Jr, and Jhostynxon Garcia round out the bottom of the order that will face Kyle Harrison.
When Skenes is on, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. Even though he hasn’t been as dominant this year, with the Brewers offense playing like they have been lately, runs could be tough to come by in this game.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 3: Manager Blake Butera of the Washington Nationals argues with umpire Manny Gonzalez #79 as he is ejected from the game during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park on August 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bill Streicher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This Nats losing streak has been an extended period of suffering for the team and the fans. They are a putrid 3 for 46 with RISP this road trip. To get back in the win column, that will have to change as soon as possible. Hopefully tonight is the night where the losing finally ends.
With a righty on the mound, the Nats are making some changes. CJ Abrams is hitting leadoff for the first time all season and is back at short. Abimelec Ortiz will man first base after sitting last night. Jose Tena and Keibert Ruiz also return to the lineup. Jake Irvin will make his second start since coming off the IL.
The Phillies literally have the exact same lineup order as yesterday. Honestly, it is quite unusual to see that these days. However, the Phillies are a veteran laden group, so not much tinkering is required. Luis Arraez will appear in his second game as a Phillie. Andrew Painter is a highly touted prospect who has not put it all together yet and he will take the ball tonight.
This team has just suddenly fallen off a cliff and has been playing a bad brand of baseball lately. Hopefully that can change tonight. The stress of the deadline is fully behind them now, so maybe the boys will settle back in. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 31: Hunter Greene #21 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Friday, July 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Colten Strauss/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It was odd when the Cincinnati Reds ran up against the August 3rd trade deadline and decided not to move veteran righty Brady Singer. The innings-eating machine is set to be a free agent, after all, and had pitched at a well above league-average level for the better part of two months.
It was even more odd when word leaked that the Reds may even decided to issue Singer a Qualifying Offer at season’s end, the one bit of leverage teams can hold over free agents as a way of maybe, maybe keeping them around for another year.
Well, the news that hit the wires on Wednesday afternoon may help explain both fractions of those decisions.
Hunter Greene, Cincinnati’s mercurial ace, has landed back on the 15-day injured list. The reason? Once again his troublesome right elbow, which once needed Tommy John surgery while in the minors with the Reds and just last March needed a further procedure to ‘clean up’ some things.
The #Reds today recalled RHP Luis Mey from Triple-A Louisville and placed RHP Hunter Greene (right elbow soreness) on the 15-day Injured List, retro to 8/2.
Veteran Reds beat Charlie Goldsmith reported that Greene will head to LA to get a ‘second opinion’ from veteran elbow-slicer Dr. Neal El Attrache, which is as ominous as it sounds. Apparently Greene felt discomfort after throwing a bullpen earlier in the week.
Nick Krall said Hunter Greene will head to get a second opinion from El Attrache. Krall said they’ll know more after that. Greene threw a side on Tuesday and felt soreness in his elbow.
As for Singer, well, the Reds need rotation depth now. If this Greene news gets any more ominous, they’re going to need rotation depth next season, too.
Not to jump the gun too much here, but my goodness what a disaster this would be from a roster building perspective. It’s enough to make you wonder just what kind of Voodoo doll is running this franchise’s fortunes.
BOSTON, MA - JULY 25: Sonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the game at Fenway Park on July 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TV: NESN
First Pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET
Sonny Gray must surely hope the Red Sox saved some runs for Wednesday night after a 14-2 trouncing of the White Sox in the series opener at Fenway Park.
Gray has been sensational all season and was wronged as an All-Star snub. With that said, the veteran has shown some regression over his last two starts. He allowed nine runs in 12 innings against the Blue Jays and Athletics. For reference, Gray had allowed just eight runs total in his previous seven starts across 45 1/3 innings of work. He looks to bounce back in hopes of seven consecutive wins for Boston.
Here’s who the Red Sox will send to the plate behind him Wednesday night at Fenway.
The White Sox counter with Sean Burke, who enters with the momentum of 20 strikeouts and just two earned runs allowed in his previous 12 innings on the mound.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 04: Christian Franklin #27 of the Baltimore Orioles walks to first base after drawing a walk in the third inning of his major league debut against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 04, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In last night’s game with the Angels, the first since the trade deadline, the lineup looked about as standard as we could expect. Christian Franklin and Carlos Narváez were in the bottom of the lineup, but everything else seemed almost normal. Today, against a lefty, things look a little weird.
Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers have been swapped out for Tyler O’Neill and Jeremiah Jackson, except Jackson is playing left field. It’s his third start in the outfield this season. And Christian Franklin, in his second big league game, is leading off. There is a Taylor Ward-sized hole in the lineup, and this is how the Orioles have decided to fill it. Franklin looks fast, so I guess that is why he’s batting first. He has shifted over to center field with Cowser out. I hope he’s good out there, because he is flanked by Jackson and O’Neill. It could get scary out there.
Trevor Rogers, who is probably wondering why nobody wanted him at the deadline, gets the start. It’s my theory that keeping Rogers is how Mike Elias can pretend this team is still trying to win this year. If you also want to do that too, you can root for the Mets over the Guardians and the Royals over the Twins tonight. Our old buddy Dean Kremer is on the mound for Minnesota. The Rangers are also ahead of the Orioles in the WC race, but they have already beaten the Giants today.
Reid Detmers is the lefty going for the Angels. He has a 4.03 ERA and 3.34 FIP for the Angels this year. Beating him won’t be an easy task for this team.
Orioles lineup
Christian Franklin (R) CF Pete Alonso (R) 1B Gunnar Henderson (L) SS Tyler O’Neill (R) RF Coby Mayo (R) D, Christian Encarnacion-Strand (R) 3B Jackson Holliday (L) 2B Jeremiah Jackson (R) LF Carlos Narváez (R) C
Angels lineup
Zach Neto (R) SS Mike Trout (R) CF Nolan Schanuel (L) 1B Vaughn Grissom (R) 3B Moisés Ballesteros (L) DH Travis d’Arnaud (R) C Josh Lowe (L) RF Jose Siri (R) LF Adam Frazier (L) 2B
Dodgers left-hander Eric Lauer pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. (Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
The Dodgers ended up with an acute need at the trade deadline after all.
Catcher Dalton Rushing’s elbow injury was diagnosed as a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament, as manager Dave Roberts first told AM 570’s David Vassegh.
“It’s a bummer because he has made a lot of strides,” Roberts said before the Dodgers’ 7-6 loss to the Cubs on Wednesday, which extended the Dodgers’ season-high losing streak to six games. “Even just this right here, you’re talking about over 125 plate appearances that you’re missing out on, and also opportunities to catch major league innings. So I feel for Dalton.”
He’ll be shut down from throwing for four to six weeks, Roberts said. But the plan is for him to resume hitting before then. Asked if Rushing could catch again this season, Roberts said he believed there was a “very small” chance.
“I hope I’m wrong,” Roberts said. “He’s a tough kid, and so for him to go through this speaks a lot. So I think that would be great if he can. Certainly a possibility with the time, but we’re certainly trying to keep the bat alive, for sure.”
Even if Rushing doesn’t return behind the plate, his left-handed bat off the bench could be valuable for the Dodgers down the stretch and even into the postseason. As constructed, the Dodgers don’t have an equivalent for pinch-hitting situations.
Next, Rushing, in conversation with the team and medical staff, will have to decide whether he needs to undergo surgery to repair the ligament. He did not make the trip to Chicago, so he was not available to comment on the situation.
“Over the next couple weeks, I think that we’ll have a better idea of how he’s responding with time,” Roberts said. “I do think that there’s really not much cost, outside of two weeks or whatever, to kind of wait and see how he responds to some treatment and some kind of stuff that they decide to do.”
Depending on the severity of a partial UCL tear, rehab and strengthening the muscles around the elbow can sometimes at least put off surgery. If that’s not a viable option, there are a range of operations to address UCL injuries — from reinforcement with an internal brace, to full reconstruction (Tommy John surgery).
Elbow surgeries tend to come with a lengthy recovery timeline. So, even if surgery becomes inevitable, as long as Rushing can hit and the Dodgers think he can contribute off the bench into the postseason, holding off any operation until the offseason could make sense.
Rushing’s injury will impact not only the catching corps but also the offense, necessitating a shift to defense-first catchers.
Taking on starting catcher duties for nearly two months with Will Smith (neck) on the injured list, Rushing had an .809 OPS when the Dodgers scratched him from the game Sunday with what they initially called minor arm irritation.
“I think that it was something that was there, and then it just showed itself Sunday,” Roberts said.
Though Smith has been at least hitting in the batting cages, he’s had a back-and-forth recovery from an injury the Dodgers initially hoped wouldn’t need an IL stint.
“Everything keeps moving forward, which is a good thing,” Roberts said. “There’s no timeline as far as when he faces pitching, let alone when he goes out on a [minor-leauge rehab assignment]. Then we’ll have more clarity on a projected date of return, but right now I don’t know.”
So, the Dodgers acquired an entirely new catching tandem before the trade deadline Monday. On Tuesday, they activated Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia, both catchers who have played for the Dodgers in recent years. They optioned Eliezer Alfonzo and designated Chuckie Robonson for assignment.
Rortvedt, who Roberts said could get the “taking a lion’s share for the foreseeable future,” caught two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal in his Dodgers debut Tuesday. Feduccia caught Lauer on Wednesday.
Lauer gave up six runs and 11 hits to the Cubs and lasted just four innings, in his worst appearance as a Dodger. Wednesday marked the Dodgers’ first loss with Lauer on the mound, snapping a streak of nine games.
The Cubs completed a three-game sweep, during which the Dodgers were outscored 22-12. They’ve been swept for two straight series, also dropping all three home games to the Red Sox last weekend. The Dodgers were last swept in consecutive series last year, getting swept by the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers July 4-9.
MVP standoff between Ohtani, Crow-Armstrong
Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani gestures towards the dugout after hitting a home run to lead off Wednesday's game. (Jessie Alcheh / Associated Press)
The frontrunners in the National League MVP race traded leadoff home runs at Wrigley Field Wednesday.
First was Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who notched the 32nd leadoff homer of his career and 29th as a Dodger, breaking a tie with Davey Lopes for the second-most in franchise history, behind Mookie Betts (32). And he made it his first multi-homer game of the season in the eighth inning, with a two-run shot that trimmed the Cubs’ lead to 7-6.
Cubs star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong matched him with a tying blast in the bottom of the first inning. In the fourth, he mashed a two-run blast off the right-field scoreboard for his third multi-homer game of the season.
Roberts irked Cubs fans a week and a half ago when, asked to evaluate Ohtani’s season overall, he said he’ll still be the NL MVP.
“I haven’t followed the race,” Roberts said. “I have followed what Pete’s doing, and he’s figured some things out with the bat. “He’s having a heck of a year. And he has rightfully made it a lot closer than most people expected. He’s had a tremendous season.”
Ohtani was considered the runaway MVP favorite early in the year, while his pitching performance also put him in the Cy Young conversation. But his extended absence from the mound (left knee issue) and Crow-Armstrong’s contributions on offense and defense have made the race more interesting.
Crow-Armstrong entered Wednesday leading the majors in fWAR (7.5), followed by Ohtani (6.4).
Ohtani is expected to begin playing catch in the near future, but Roberts didn’t have a specific day circled for catch play or his return to the mound.
The Dodgers’ rotation depth means he doesn’t necessarily need to build up to a full starter’s workload by the end of the year.
“Any innings we get from him are bonuses, given he’s a two-way player,” Roberts said. “Whether it’s one inning, two innings, three innings, I’m not too concerned about the timeline. … I certainly see him as a starter, but how much he could give us, to then have somebody [piggybacking] behind him, that we don’t know yet.”
Aug 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Victor Mesa Jr. (25) with third base coach Brady Williams (4) in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Rays were looking to complete their sweep of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon while the rest of us were just scratching our heads over the randomness of a 3pm game start time. Oh boy, we can’t wait for the Rays to get back home again. For the final game of the series, they had Nick Martinez starting up against Tomoyuki Sugano for the Rockies.
Right out of the gate, Victor Mesa Jr. got a leadoff triple to start the game. A Jonathan Aranda single then scored the runner, putting the Rays on the board nice and early.
Junior Caminero walked, then a Liam Hicks flyout moved Aranda over to third. A Chandler Simpson single brought Aranda home and the Rays were up by two.
Cedric Mullins laid down a sac bunt to advance the baserunners into scoring position, but the next batter was an out to end the inning. Martinez then came out and got the side out in order.
With two outs in the top of the second, Mesa Jr. got another triple. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be a repeat of the first as another out quickly ended the inning with no runs scored. In the home half, Jordan Beck managed a two-out double, but the Rockies left him stranded.
Junior Caminero wasn’t about to let Victor have all the fun. He came out swinging in the third and got a leadoff home run.
Three outs followed, but it was certainly a fun inning nevertheless. Ezquiel Tovar started the home half with a single. Then, with one out, Jake McCarthy hit into a force out to eliminate Tovar. McCarthy then stole second, but a groundout ended the inning with no runs scored.
The Rays went 1-2-3 for the first time in the game in the fourth. In the bottom of the inning Mickey Moniak singled, then Kyle Karros singled. Good start for those alliterative names. A flyout and a double play ended the inning.
It was another three-up, three-down inning for the Rays in the fifth, but the Rockies did much the same in the home half.
Liam Hicks got a leadoff walk in the sixth, and that was all she wrote for Sugano, who was replaced by Parker Mushinski. Simpson grounded into a force out to eliminate Hicks, then Chandler stole second. But the Rays were not able to convert the baserunner. McCarthy singled to start the home half, then with two outs Karros singled, bumping McCarthy to third. That was the end of the day for Martinez, his final line to be determined by what happened with Tyler Wells on the mound in relief. Wells got the final out with little issue so Martinez’s final line for the game was 5.2 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K on 75 pitches. A nice outing for him, though getting through one more inning would have been ideal.
Juan Mejia came in from the Rockies’ bullpen for the seventh and immediately gave up a walk to Taylor Walls. Walls stole second, then advanced to third on a sac bunt from Nick Fortes. Mesa Jr. then laid down his own sac bunt, scoring Walls.
In the bottom of the inning, Edouard Julien got a one-out walk, but two outs quickly followed to end the threat.
Zach Agnos came in to pitch the eighth and got the Rays out in order. In the home half the Rays brought in Garrett Cleavinger. Cole Carrigg got a one-out walk, but the next two batters were out in order to end the inning.
The Rays went 1-2-3 in the top of the ninth. Cam Booser was the man to get the job done in the ninth and hopefully keep the shutout intact. He got the side out in order, though the final strike was challenged, the call on the field was confirmed and the Rays claimed victory for both the game and the series.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 24: Jacob Lopez #57 of the Athletics pitches during the game between the Athletics and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Friday, July 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Turner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Last night, the Athletics opened their first series after the trade deadline with their sixth straight loss, falling 5-4 to the Cincinnati Reds after another bullpen collapse. This time, left-hander Hogan Harris—one of the team’s most reliable relievers this season—took the loss after throwing two wild pitches in the same at-bat, allowing the game-tying and go-ahead runs to score in the eighth inning.
This evening, the A’s will look to avoid a seventh-straight loss as they continue their series against the Reds. Left-hander Jacob Lopez will get the start for the Green & Gold, making his first career appearance against Cincinnati. The 28-year-old enters his 18th appearance and 15th start of the season with a 5-4 record, a 5.79 ERA, a 1.67 WHIP and 61 strikeouts across 70 innings pitched.
Lopez’s performance has improved since returning to the team’s rotation a few weeks ago. He received a no-decision in his last outing against the Boston Red Sox, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out eight over 5 1/3 innings.
Multiple A’s pitchers have struggled with their command this season, and Lopez has been one of the biggest culprits. The 42 walks he has issued are a major reason for his elevated WHIP. However, he has shown improvement lately, walking just two batters in two out of his last three starts.
Against a Reds’ offense that has drawn the seventh-most walks in the league, Lopez will need to pound the strike zone, hit his spots and find ways to retire hitters efficiently. If he cannot, the Athletics could once again find themselves trailing early and forced to rely on the bullpen sooner than expected.
Here’s how the Athletics’ lineup looks today courtesy of manager Mark Kotsay:
Right fielder Lawrence Butler remains in the leadoff spot after making the final out of yesterday’s game, stranding the tying run at second base. The A’s will need more production from Butler moving forward with first baseman Nick Kurtz and catcher Shea Langeliers on the injured list.
Further down the lineup, Henry Bolte looks to follow his three hit performance in the series opener, while shortstop Alika Williams gets his first start of the series with Jacob Wilson moving to designated hitter due to lingering soreness.
Entering professional baseball, Tommy White was viewed as more of a power-over-hit player, but since his call-up, only two of his first 17 major league hits have gone for extra bases. Additionally, his defensive limitations at third base have been exposed. Will “Tommy Tanks” finally hit his first home run, or will the wait continue?
That lineup will face Reds’ right-hander Rhett Lowder, who enters his 20th appearance and 17th start of the season with a 3-7 record, a 5.42 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP and 70 strikeouts across 83 innings pitched.
The 24-year-old, who will be making his first start against the A’s, has been pitching well recently. In his last outing, he turned in a quality start, allowing two runs on five hits over six innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The talented young pitcher has the arsenal to give an injury-depleted A’s offense trouble, but he has also been prone to inconsistency and the occasional blow-up outing. If the Athletics are to have success tonight, they will need to capitalize on any mistake pitches the former first-round pick leaves over the plate.
And here’s Cincy’s starting lineup for the middle game of the series:
Lopez will need to be careful when facing the Reds dynamic duo atop the lineup: shortstop Elly De La Cruz and National League Rookie of the Year candidate: first baseman Sal Stewart. Will old friend JJ Bleday make an impact for the Reds, or will the A’s limit the lefty slugger for a second consecutive game?
May 24, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Christian Scott (45) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Mets lineup
A.J. Ewing – CF Francisco Lindor – SS Bo Bichette – 3B Carson Benge – RF Jared Young – 1B Francisco Alvarez – C Brett Baty – LF Jorge Polanco – DH Marcus Semien – 2B
Christian Scott – RHP
Guardians lineup
Steven Kwan – LF Chase DeLauter – DH Jo Adell – RF Nathaniel Lowe – 1B Travis Bazzana – 2B Brayan Rocchio – SS Petey Halpin – CF Patrick Bailey – C Angel Genao – 3B
Tanner Bibee – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 6:40 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 05: Pete Crow-Armstrong #4 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field on August 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers’ woes in the month of August continued on Wednesday, as their losing streak reached a season-high six games in a 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Shohei Ohtani got the best of his former WBC teammate Shota Imanaga, as he turned around a center-cut fastball for another leadoff home run. It is Ohtani’s 29th leadoff home run as a Dodger, passing Davey Lopes for the second on the franchise leadoff home run list. Ohtani’s hit streak is now at nine games.
The Cubs would immediately respond against Eric Lauer, as Pete Crow-Armstrong smashed the first pitch he saw over the center field wall to tie the game.
The Dodgers added a pair of singles from Mookie Betts and Miguel Rojas in the top of the second inning, but Imanaga got out of the jam as Hunter Feduccia lined out to right field in his first Dodger at-bat since last year.
The Cubs were able to produce with men on base in the bottom of the second inning, as after a leadoff single from Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson drove him home with a double down the left field line to give Chicago a one-run lead. Lauer got Tyrone Taylor to fly out for the second out of the inning, but Crow-Armstrong had his second RBI of the game with a double of his own to extend the Cub lead to two.
The Dodgers once again put two on with a pair of singles in the top of the third, including Freddie Freeman extending his hit streak to 15 games, but Imanaga struck out Tommy Edman looking before getting Kyle Tucker to fly out to center to get out of another jam. The Dodgers would put the leadoff man on in the top of the fourth inning, but they would fail to move him over at all.
After a scoreless inning from Lauer in the bottom of the third, the Cubs gave themselves another 5-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning as Crow-Armstrong lifted his second home run of the game, giving him four RBI against the Dodger left-hander. Alex Bregman added another two-out RBI to make it a five-run lead for the Cubs.
It’s the first time that Lauer has allowed more than three runs in any game with his new club. It is also the first time he failed to log at least five innings of work since June 2, as his afternoon was done after allowing six runs over four innings while tossing 95 pitches.
Edgardo Henriquez and Kyle Hurt managed to keep Chicago scoreless over the next two innings, but the Cubs added one with an RBI double from Hoerner in the bottom of the seventh inning to make it a six-run lead, the largest they had in the series.
Mookie Betts finished Wednesday’s game going 4-5 with four singles, the first four-hit game he’s had since his two-home run barrage against the Phillies on July 20. His fourth single kickstarted a comeback attempt in the eighth inning, and Max Muncy got the Dodgers back in the game with a three-run home run against Caleb Thielbar. After a single from Miguel Rojas, Teoscar Hernández went down swinging off the bench in Feduccia’s spot. Ohtani decided to match Crow-Armstrong’s home run total on the game, as he went the other way against Ryan Zeferjahn to cut the deficit to just one run. After scoring just two runs over their last 16 innings of offense, they put up a five-spot in the eighth inning.
The Dodgers couldn’t quite cement the comeback, as Jacob Webb retired the side in order to help the Cubs complete the sweep. It is the first time the Cubs have swept the Dodgers at Wrigley Field since May 2021.
Game particulars
Home runs— Shohei Ohtani 2 (26), Max Muncy (22); Pete Crow-Armstrong 2 (26)
The Dodgers are off on Thursday but resume their road trip on Friday as they begin a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks (6:40 p.m. PT). Roki Sasaki goes for the Dodgers, while Arizona has yet to announce their starter.
