ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 29: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a two-run homer in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Ozzie Albies Game was definitely played yesterday. There was his home run to take the lead. Then his error in the top of the next inning, which aided Milwaukee into BABIPing themselves into the lead. Then there was this home run to win the game in the ninth.
Ozzie describes this game as “one of his top two games” of his career. Well, that means he has another favorite game that is equal or greater than yesterday’s game. What is it then? An easy answer is Game 6 of the 2021 World Series. That one has a star on it in my book. But how does that World Championship game compare to a regular season game, even one that he had a big part of winning? I’m not sure it does, and I believe he is considering his personal highlights. Yesterday’s game that reminded me of this one was on August 11, 2021.
This game was one that the Braves had easily in hand, but allowed the Reds to tie the game late and take the lead in the eleventh inning. I remember having this game in the background as I was working day job tasks. The stadium had the energy of resignation, and the home run seemed to come from nowhere.
There’s also this wild game from June 8, 2023 with some other Mets killers in the booth. So what is Ozzie’s “top game”?
The St. Louis Cardinals surpassed expectations for the first third of the season but things have gone back towards that low baseline in recent weeks. With minimal support brought in to help a makeshift starting rotation, it should not be surprise that the holdovers from the previous season have been pretty much as anticipated. Outside of Dustin May, the rest of the staff has been passable at best but are becoming a cause for concern in the unexpected competitive season in St. Louis.
In this fact-finding season, a rotation overhaul is unlikely outside of a May trade, but there are plenty of arms deserving of a look at the major league level so they can start to find their place within the organization’s future plans. This means that pitchers like Kyle Leahy and Matthew Liberatore may have a leash with no end in sight as the Cardinals try to make it through the dog days of the season. In a different season, their stay in the rotation could be numbered, but the current Cardinal team is in no rush to make major changes with the short-term in mind.
Cardinals can turn to Brycen Mautz and Quinn Mathews to support the struggling rotation
Through the Memorial Day checkpoint the Cardinals were sitting seven games over .500 and doing it with a starting rotation that measured as 27th-best in the league by FanGraphs fWAR. It never truly felt that bad though, especially because the offense checked in at 6th-best, scoring 4.57 runs per game to narrowly outpace the 4.55 runs per game given up by the pitchers. In recent weeks, the rotation has failed to provide both quantity and quality innings, causing a renewed call for Leahy and Liberatore to be removed from the rotation and support the also struggling bullpen.
This year, Leahy was given the Liberatore treatment and I go back and forth to how long it is going to last. He is older than Libby without the prospect pedigree, so a season-long leash may not be in the cards if Leahy is unable to work deeper into the game. In order for him to be removed from the starting five, there will have to be someone knocking on the door for a consistent run as a starter. As of today, I believe that the biggest rotation turnover will still come in the form of a May trade, meaning there may only be one spot like that open for the season.
As a Tommy John survivor, I wish continued health to the pitching staff, but an injury could also create an audition spot for a minor league arm to stake a claim to next year’s rotation. If and when May is traded, the likeliest option to slot right into his spot is Hunter Dobbins, who has had some success over a couple major league cameos this season. That move would of course keep Libby and Leahy both in the rotation, but if either of the two is demoted to the relief corps, Brycen Mautz and Quinn Mathews should begin their showcase for 2027.
While Mautz could get the first shake, he has struggled with his command in his last few starts, walking 16 batters in 18.1 innings since being sent back down after his debut. Because he is stretched out and may profile as a reliever in the long-term, I would rather Mautz fill the hole left by a JoJo Romero trade or a Justin Bruihl transaction. Mautz could be used in different situations out of the pen this year and then focus on the rotation again in the offseason.
This leaves my choice for a half-year showcase to be Quinn Mathews. After winning the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year award in 2024, the lefty looked to be on a fast track to the majors after pitching at all four levels that season. Mathews ran into trouble with his command and shoulder last season and took a step back in the prospect rankings after seeing his walk rate more than double. He was still able to limit the overall damage as opposing hitters hit .218 against Mathews, allowing him to finish with an ERA under four on the year.
If you have been reading my last couple articles, I point to the Rule 5 protection being a major talking point for multiple pitchers at the upper level of the minors. Mathews is not exception as he will need to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason and that is a foregone conclusion to happen if he does not make it to the majors this year. Service time and MLB salary be darned in my opinion and at the first chance of an extended major league look, Mathews should be near the top of the list to be promoted. Even if his command and consistency falter to a point, giving him a longer run (if the season is lost) could be better for his development rather than continuing to strikeout Triple-A hitters.
I have had this view on Cardinal pitching prospects for a bit now as I want pitchers to use their bullets at the major league level, especially with the rate that the minor league staff has been hit with injuries. If a pitcher is “close” like Mathews is, really just needing to refine his command, the major league coaching staff should have their eyes on him daily so they can work to develop him best to the major league game. That is why I am also against short stints in the bigs for prospects, because that leaves little time for them to learn and adjust to the next level and has to be difficult both physically and mentally.
If the Cardinals continue to compete this year, the minor league trio mentioned could still theoretically provide a prospect boost to the team but would be tough to count on in October. I am room temperature on adding to the rotation at the deadline, depending on who is brought in and what prospect capital is sent out. As a fan, I want the team to win and I would attempt to get to Busch Stadium for a playoff game, but I still think this team is a year or two ahead of schedule and standing pat outside of quickly expiring asset deals is the best course of option this year.
Bryse Wilson of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs delivers a pitch during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 22, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
On Monday, the Phillies are going to try some things with their fifth starter’s spot.
Phillies, for now, are going with TBA as their Monday starter in Washington. That is when they'll unveil the plan for the No. 5 spot. Could be Alan Rangel. Could be Bryse Wilson. Could be you.
Outside of the possibility that a mere fan could walk onto the field and start hurling whatever assortment of junk he/she could think of at James Wood, the Phillies will be showing their hand as to their plans. Maybe they’ll give Bryse Wilson another crack at the job, maybe it’ll be Rangel.
Maybe it’ll be the vaunted “bullpen game”, with one of these two names acting as the bulk man for the game.
In your eyes, what’s the ideal thing for the Phillies to do? The purist in me wants a starter, whether that be Wilson or Rangel, to start the game and give them an actual start, but if they deem a bullpen game to be the option, who am I to judge?
Jun 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) talks to MLB home plate umpire James Hoye (92) in the ninth inning during a game against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Bryce Harper is the 7th player in the expansion era (1961) with a cycle within the first 5 innings of a game, joining:
8/3/2015 Adrian Beltre 10/2/2009 B.J. Upton 6/18/2000 Mike Lansing (1st 4) 8/25/1995 Gregg Jefferies 4/22/1980 Ivan DeJesus 7/8/1970 Jim Ray Hart@EliasSportshttps://t.co/LO2nJ9SX1Y
Ozzie Albies is the first Braves player with multiple home runs in a game including a walk-off homer since Justin Upton on 4/6/13 https://t.co/exWZx6e1Tq
The Eiffel Tower has 108 stories and 1,710 steps. However, visitors climb up to the first platform. Not a fan of stairs? Don’t worry – there are two elevators on the Tower.
Rice is the oldest food we still eat today.
In 2003, scientists recovered 15,000-year-old burnt rice grains in Korea. This makes rice the oldest known food that we eat till the present.
Originally, tennis was played with bare hands.
During the 12th century, Tennis was first played in France. The game was played by using your palm to hit the ball back to your opponent.
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 18: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates while scoring after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Hey, remember that one-step-forward-two-steps-back pattern of injury recovery we discussed just three days ago? It’s back! Three games into his rehab assignment, Romy Gonzalez missed yesterday’s game with hip flexor soreness. The Red Sox are “collecting information” on the injury before determining next steps. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
And, unfortunately, Romy’s setback comes just as the Red Sox lose another infielder. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the much-maligned offseason acquisition who has been on the team’s better hitters of late, was placed on the 10-day IL with left forearm inflammation. There is some concern, however, that said inflammation could actually be a broken bone. He underwent an MRI yesterday in Seattle, and will undergo a CT scan when the team returns to Boston on Thursday. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Thankfully the infield is not a totally lost cause. After playing the first two months of the season as arguably the worst hitter in all of baseball, Caleb Durbin has turned this around in June, hitting .271/.294/.583 with 4 homers. (Aaliyan Mahammed, NESN)
Aroldis Chapman has never needed to turn anything around — he’s been one of the very best relievers in baseball for most of his career, and certainly from the moment he put on a Red Sox uniform. And now he’s on the verge of becoming the all-time leader for strikeouts by a reliever. (Daniel Yanofsky, NESN)
But don’t get too attached to Chapman. The 2026 team is still headed towards “massive sell-off” territory as it parallels another recent and disappointing season: 2014. “The dynamics are almost eerily familiar: A team coming off a ‘restoration’ year and believing that an emerging young core had created a title window. An offensive collapse that occurred in no small part because of a power deficiency, and because unestablished big leaguers weren’t ready. A waste of pitching excellence. The early realization that anticipated contention could give way to a massive selloff.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
Chapman is nearing the end of his career, while Connelly Early is just at the beginning of his. Maybe that’s why he needed a pep talk from Carlos Narvaez (Hey! He is still on the team! That’s great.) in the first inning of last night’s game. (Josh Kirshenbaum, MLB.com)
There are plenty of mismatches on today’s MLB schedule, and some value to be found on MLB home run props.
My MLB player props for Sunday, June 21 include Brandon Lowe and James Wood.
Read on for my full analysis.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Brandon Lowe
+218
James Wood
+288
Home run pick: Brandon Lowe (+218)
Coors Field is the most homer-friendly venue in the majors with a 112 Park Factor, and Brandon Lowe will have plenty of opportunity to go yard this afternoon.
The Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman has hit 14 of his 18 dingers vs. right-handed pitching, and Colorado Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen provides a favorable matchup.
Lefties like Lowe are batting .403 vs. Lorenzen this season, while the 34-year-old has surrendered 1.5 HR/9.
The Rockies bullpen has also been susceptible to the long ball, giving up 44 homers this year — tied for third most in MLB.
I’m playing Lowe up to +210.
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Rockies.TV
Home run pick: James Wood (+288)
James Wood hit 31 dingers last season, but the 23-year-old is already up to 20 home runs in what’s shaping up to be a true breakout year.
The Washington Nationals slugger ranks among the top percentile in the majors in xSLG, average exit velocity, and barrel %, so it’s no surprise how often he’s going yard.
Tampa Bay Rays starter Nick Martinez has given up 1.7 HR/9 over his last three appearances, while the team’s bullpen has allowed 47 dingers – second-most among all clubs.
Wood provides solid value at anything north of +275.
Time: 1:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Nationals.TV, Rays.TV
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 8-24, +1.82 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 20: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a two run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on June 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was the third home run for Kyle Schwarber in the game. The Phillies defeated the Mets 15-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
Freddy Peralta had the worst start of his career and the Mets got walloped by the Phillies 15-3 at Citizens Bank Park. If you missed this gem of a Mets game, first of all, god bless. But Bryce Harper completed his first career cycle by the fifth inning, Kyle Schwarber hit three home runs, and Zack Short pitched the eighth inning and was the only Mets pitcher in the game to not be scored upon; that tells you about all you need to know.
Though perhaps a rather ironic read after last night’s loss (which came after this was published), at Newsday Laura Albanese wrote about how recent events in sports give Mets fans reason to hope for an unlikely turnaround.
Laura also penned a feature about the Mets’ bullpen—one of the sole bright spots of the season—and their competition to throw the most “Clay innings,” named for Clay Holmes.
Francisco Lindor logged a single in his first rehab appearance on Friday for Double-A Binghamton. He is slated to play again today for either Binghamton or Triple-A Syracuse.
The Nationals’ defense shined, as they held off the Rays to win 4-3.
CJ Abrams changed his offseason routine, diet and workout approach. He and the Nationals are seeing dividends as he shows a level of maturity that his coaches, family, and teammates had not seen before.
The Braves beat the Brewers by the same 4-3 score, thanks to Ozzie Albies’ walk-off home run.
The Marlins put up a four-run fourth inning en route to a 6-3 victory over the Giants in Miami, getting a little help from the Giants’ defense, which committed four errors in the game.
In honor of Father’s Day, Manny Randhawa of MLB.com wrote about a painting that captures Freddie Freeman’s iconic World Series moment with his dad in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.
The Red Sox placed Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the injured list yesterday with left forearm inflammation. In his place, they called up Anthony Seigler from Triple-A Worcester.
The Yankees have called up top pitching prospect Elmer Rodríguez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to start today.
This Date in Mets History
It was Father’s Day on this date in 1964 as well. And a Phillies pitcher threw a perfect game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Hopefully that doesn’t happen again today!
May 22, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder (55) in action against the Washington Nationals in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Happy Father’s Day! And another baseball Sunday as the Atlanta Braves look to close out the series with a sweep against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Bryce Elder, currently boasting a 3.15 ERA, didn’t have the best outing last week against the Mets, allowing 10 hits, six runs and only two strikeouts across four innings. The game plan is the same— striking early—no pun intended. It’s the execution, however, that will be in question.
Robert Gasser for the Brewers is holding a 4.88 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. So far, across his five games, he’s yet to get any wins. He’s hoping today will change that.
The lefty has been utilizing adjustments this season to work on his efficiency with his fastballs; however, he hasn’t been known to consistently target the strike zone. With the Brewers’ slow offensive production this series, the Braves, who haven’t shown much difference, could use Gasser’s lack of execution to their advantage.
That’s only…if…the bats decide to wake up to close out the series.
Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) tagged out Boston Red Sox right fielder Wilyer Abreu (52) in the second inning stealing second base at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images
The New York Yankees, even with their current absences, are a formidable squad. It’s with that established that we can open ourselves to acknowledging some undeniable truths about who this team is, how it got here—and a particularly significant sequence of games that began during their road trip to end May with a couple of series against the Royals and Athletics.
As of the start of play on Saturday, only four teams in the big leagues have won at least 45 games, listed in the following order of descending winning percentage: Dodgers, Braves, Yankees and Brewers. What first stands out about this list of top contenders is that only one of them plays in the American League, but that’s not necessarily what we’re here to talk about. The focus lies on the Yankees’ path towards an outstanding record being unlike the other three.
While the Dodgers, Brewers, and Braves are averaging 28.3 wins against teams over .500, the Yankees have only 14 of those, and in fact, have a losing record (14-15) against said teams. The lowest single total out of the other three belongs to the Dodgers with 26 wins and 17 losses. While there is a simple math problem in that the Yankees have faced fewer teams with a winning record than these other three, partially due to being in the AL, they also feature the worst winning percentage of the bunch in those games.
Currently, the Yankees are as depleted as they have been all season long, especially offensively, with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Trent Grisham all hurt. And even on the pitching staff, while one might be glad of Gerrit Cole’s return, not having Max Fried is a blow that would hurt even the strongest of clubs. The initial hit of not having Judge didn’t generate a stumble, but inferior production is inevitable in the long run with the Yankee captain out.
If we go back to that series against the Royals at the end of May and move forward all the way through the end of an early homestand in July with the Twins coming to town, the Yankees will have faced only two teams currently with a record above .500 in a span of 12 series. Those two series were against the Guardians and one versus the White Sox in which the Yankees, to their credit, won six out of nine games.
Part of what helps drive a team’s record in a given season, particularly such an established contender as the Yankees are, is timing. Here, we see an instance where timing seems to be working in their favor. This is not about their contending status being a byproduct of an easy schedule; it’s not about them even needing this easy run to make it through this injury crisis unscathed. It just so happens that when they’re at their weakest or nearing that, from a roster talent standpoint, the Yankees got the ideal schedule to minimize the damage. In fact, if we want to get picky about reasons for such stark splits, the Yankees’ struggles in one-run games may help justify their issues against quality opposition, having lost eight of 20 in games decided by one run.
Following this series against the Reds at home, the Yankees will play the Tigers, Red Sox, Tigers again, and then the Twins before they come up against the Rays in Tampa. These are 13 straight games against opponents under .500; the only way this would be an easier run was if it had come before Tarik Skubal’s return to the mound. This stretch may just help the Yankees retain control of the AL East ahead of their next matchup with the Rays. Again, this isn’t to say that the Yankees are in pole position because they got lucky. They’ve just seemingly timed their worst injuries at the best possible stretch in their schedule.
Aug 4, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington looks on before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The 2026 MLB Draft is right around the corner on July 11-12, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes the Bucs could be willing to trade a competitive balance pick ahead of the draft.
Teams that acquire them would gain not only an additional selection in the upcoming amateur draft, but also extra bonus pool money.
Competitive balance picks are the only ones that can be traded in the draft. Pittsburgh owns one of them which is the 34th overall pick. According to Rosenthal rival clubs believe the Pirates are open to trading it.
In the past two seasons a team has traded a competitive-balance pick for a reliever, establishing precedents for the kind of deal the Pirates could end up making.
The Washington Nationals did it in 2024, trading away third baseman Cayden Wallace and the 39th overall pick for right hander Hunter Harvey.
While last year the Tampa Bay Rays traded the 37th overall pick to the Baltimore Orioles for right hander Bryan Baker.
The team also is willing to trade prospects. And it is not limiting their search for potential upgrades to bullpen help, though that is the club’s biggest area of need. You can expect Pittsburgh to be aggressive during the draft and the Trade deadline which is August 3 because of how close they are in the playoff race.
The Buccos already made a move Thursday night by trading away catcher Joey Bart for right handed pitcher Hunter Stratton from the Atlanta Braves. Bart was a nice piece for the team but there is a higher need right now for relief pitching and you would assume that will not be the last move made by the Bucs.
I think this could be a beneficial move for Pittsburgh who needs to think about the second half of the season. If trading away a competitive balance pick means you can get a relief pitcher who can make an immediate impact, then Pittsburgh should definitely consider it.
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 20, 2026:Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was tasked with extending the Dodgers’ win streak to five on Saturday, but a complete lack of run support and a “lack of feel” on the mound sunk him in.
Yamamoto was tagged for three runs against the Baltimore Orioles, the first time he had given up more than one run in any start in a month, and the majority of his issues on the mound came during a 30-pitch fourth inning where he allowed a decisive two-run double to Blaze Alexander. Yamamoto admitted post-game that he wasn’t struggling to find his splitter early in the count, which led to his inability to get hitters out efficiently, per Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“It’s kind of really small things, very subtle in my delivery,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. “Sometimes the ball moves quick. Sometimes it’s a small movement. I was kind of looking for the right feel. That was the biggest struggle for me in today’s game.”
Shohei Ohtani was back in the lineup on Saturday after he and his wife introduced their second child the previous night. He ignited an ultimately short comeback attempt with a home run against Andrew Kittredge that put the Dodgers on the board in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Although the Dodgers were unable to rally back from down three runs, Dave Roberts noted that Ohtani’s home run gave a jolt of energy both to the rest of the lineup and the remaining fans in attendance, per Courtney Hollmon and Brian Murphy of MLB.com.
“I think it’s a big part of it,” manager Dave Roberts said postgame, when asked how much Ohtani’s home run energized the ninth-inning push. “Kittredge has a good arm, but for [Ohtani] to put us on the board, Andy [Pages] had a good at-bat, [but] [Taylor] Ward makes a great play in left-center. We created something and gave ourselves a chance.”
Manny Randhawa of MLB.com writes about a new portrait by the artist Opie Otterstad of Freddie Freeman celebrating with his father after crushing his walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.
“It’s a moment you’ll always remember, but to have it captured in a way that Opie captured it, in a painting that’s hanging on my wall? Yeah, it’s special,” Freeman said. “Even my five-year-old walks by and says, ‘Is that you and grandpa?’”
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 17: San Francisco second baseman Luis Arraez (1) and shortstop Willy Adames (2) celebrate after a home run by Arraez during the MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves on June 17th, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans.
Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball comes to a close today, so let’s pick our favorite highlights from the week that was.
I’m going with the three home run inning from the second game of Wednesday’s double-header against the Atlanta Braves in which Willy Adames, Luis Arraez, and Bryce Eldridge all hit home runs.
What was your favorite highlight of the week?
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants wrap up this road series against the Miami Marlins this morning at 10:40 a.m. PT.
When I included a link to a background story about Justin Dean in Saturday’s Cub Tracks, I never expected that he would be in the headline of today’s column. Congratulations on the first hit, Justin!
Carson Kelly has to be one of the best free-agent signing of Jed Hoyer’s term as president. His elite work behind the plate is supplemented by a solid bat that has occasional pop. That was clear in Friday’s game.
Ben Brown’s outing wasn’t an overpowering performance, but he seemed show some veteran-level maturity Friday in that he induced a lot of weak contact, using his defense instead of strikeouts to stack up outs for the win.
Oh, and go vote for PCA for the All-Star game. Now.
*means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. The powers that be have enabled real sarcasm font in the comments.
Jared Wyllys (AllChgo.com): Cubs offense could be shrugging off collective slump. “An offense that can still get guys on base consistently is bound to bust out at some point. In the last week, the Cubs offense has shown signs that their collective slump could be ending.”
Mike McGraw (Daily Herald): Dean’s milestone moment highlights Cubs’ 16-run outburst. “Dean, 29, has earned a World Series ring, but he was still searching for his first major-league hit when he stepped to the plate for the first time with the Cubs”
Rodney Knuppel (Sporting News): Pete Crow-Armstrong is forcing baseball to pay attention. “For much of the 2026 season, Pete Crow-Armstrong looked like a talented young player still trying to put everything together. Now, he’s becoming something much more dangerous.”
There have been over 5 million total 18-game spans by players in MLB's modern era.
In none of them did a player have as many hits, doubles, triples, homers & steals as the @Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong over his last 18 games:
The Encyclopedia of Pop, Rock and Soul described Thornton by saying: “Her booming voice, sometimes 200-pound frame, and exuberant stage manner had audiences stomping their feet and shouting encouragement in R&B theaters from coast to coast from the early 1950s on”. Thornton’s strong and important vocal style and her confidence on stage made her a huge influence on early blues and rock and roll, even though she rarely received proper credit and compensation for her work.
Thornton was the first to record Leiber and Stoller’s “Hound Dog”, in 1952, which was written for her. It became Thornton’s biggest hit, selling over 500,000 copies and staying seven weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1953.[5] According to New York University music professor Maureen Mahon, “the song is seen as an important beginning of rock-and-roll, especially in its use of the guitar as the key instrument”.
Though later recordings of her songs by other artists sold millions of copies, she was denied royalties by not holding the publishing copyrights to her creativity. Thornton died in July 1984 of a heart attack and liver disorders, penniless in a boarding-house in Los Angeles, California. Thornton was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 under the Musical Influence category.
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
The end of another busy MLB week is here, and we have a robust, 15-game MLB Sunday slate to consider.
There is always value in the prediction markets, and I've scoured the board to find the most value for all 15 games.
Read on for my Sunday MLB moneyline predictions and MLB picks for June 21.
MLB moneyline picks for June 21
Matchup
Pick
Reds vs Yankees
-138
Brewers vs Braves
+122
Nationals vs Rays
-122
White Sox vs Tigers
-127
Giants vs Marlins
+108
Cardinals vs Royals
-100
Guardians vs Astros
-122
Blue Jays vs Cubs
-100
Padres vs Rangers
-138
Pirates vs Rockies
-133
Twins vs Diamondbacks
+156
Angels vs Athletics
-133
Orioles vs Dodgers
+233
Red Sox vs Mariners
+127
Mets vs Phillies
-150
Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 6-21.
Trade on the MLB at Polymarket!
Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $50 trading bonus after you deposit $50 to trade on any other event contracts — including MLB moneylines!
Sign Up Now at img src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/polymarketlogo.png" alt="Polymarket" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
*Eligible locations only
Expert MLB moneyline picks for June 21
Reds vs Yankees: Yankees (-138)
Yankees win probability: 58%
The Yankees are absolute money right now, hammering the ball to a top-3 ranking over the last two weeks with a 144 wRC+. Cincinnati is frozen at the plate with a cold 86 wRC+, and their tired relievers are handing out free passes at a 4.47 BB/9 clip. Back Gerrit Cole and the Yankees to dominate at home.
Brewers vs Braves: Brewers (+122)
Brewers win probability: 45%
We are catching solid plus-money value on a mismatch. Atlanta has completely bottomed out offensively, sitting dead last in baseball over the past 14 days with a miserable 74 wRC+. Milwaukee is swinging a red-hot stick at 144 wRC+, meaning they'll knock Bryce Elder out early and cash this ticket.
Nationals vs Rays: Rays (-122)
Rays win probability: 55%
Lock in the Rays at a short price before this line moves. Washington's bullpen is a flat-out disaster right now, failing to miss bats with a bottom-tier 5.31 K/9 over the last two weeks. Tampa Bay's solid bullpen counters at a sharp 9.36 K/9, giving them the weapon needed to lock down the late innings.
White Sox vs Tigers: Tigers (-127)
Tigers win probability: 55.9%
Detroit owns the night. While the offenses are close, Detroit’s 102 wRC+ slightly edges Chicago's 99; the Tigers boast a brilliant, lockdown 1.93 ERA out of the bullpen over the past 14 days. Chicago's relief unit is highly vulnerable, coughing up hard contact at a 4.96 xERA.
Giants vs Marlins: Marlins (+108)
Marlins win probability: 48.1%
Do not miss the boat on this home underdog. Miami holds the better offense right now (115 vs. 110 wRC+) and pairs it with the single most dominant bullpen in baseball over the last 14 days, pitching to a pristine 2.40 ERA and an electric 10.91 K/9. The Marlins are the easiest prediction on the board.
Cardinals vs Royals: Cardinals (-100)
Cardinals win probability: 50%
At a flat pick'em price, the edge goes directly to St. Louis. The Cardinals feature a highly functional, top-10 offense over the last two weeks with a 124 wRC+. Kansas City's bullpen is a ticking time bomb, surrendering a heavy 4.80 BB/9 and a dangerous 5.51 xFIP. Take the better bats.
Guardians vs Astros: Astros (-122)
Astros win probability: 55%
Houston is probably the safest prediction on the afternoon slate. Cleveland’s hitters are completely lost, averaging a bottom-three 80 wRC+ over the last 14 days. They don't stand much of a chance of mounting a late comeback against an elite Astros bullpen that is sporting a stellar 2.11 ERA and a 3.25 FIP over the past two weeks.
Blue Jays vs Cubs: Cubs (-100)
Cubs win probability: 50%
We get the Cubs at even money at Wrigley Field. Chicago's bats are completely outclassing Toronto right now, checking in with an elite 127 wRC+ compared to the Blue Jays' mediocre 108 wRC+. Expect Shota Imanaga to get plenty of run support to secure an easy win.
Padres vs Rangers: Rangers (-138)
Rangers win probability: 58%
Lay the short price on Texas with supreme confidence. The Padres' offense has run completely dry over the past two weeks, plunging down to a sub-par 92 wRC+. Texas brings a far steadier, above-average 112 wRC+ lineup to the plate to crack Lucas Giolito early and often.
Pirates vs Rockies: Pirates (-133)
Pirates win probability: 57.1%
This is a classic "bet against Coors Field catastrophe" spot. Colorado features the absolute worst bullpen in the majors over the last 14 days, bleeding runs to a 5.55 ERA and walking everyone with a 5.36 BB/9. Pittsburgh’s hot 112 wRC+ bats will blow this open late.
Twins vs Diamondbacks: Twins (+156)
Twins win probability: 39.1%
The markets have made a massive mathematical mistake here. Arizona's offense is anemic, sitting near the bottom tier at an 89 wRC+. Minnesota is a top-4 club over the same stretch, hammering the ball to a 133 wRC+. Grab the heavy plus-money on the superior team.
Angels vs A's: Athletics (-133)
Athletics win probability: 57.1%
Ride the hottest team in baseball. The Athletics offense has morphed into a terrifying monster, ranking 1st in the majors over the last 14 days with an elite 147 wRC+ and a massive .275 ISO. They are going to obliterate Reid Detmers and out-slug the Angels this afternoon.
Orioles vs Dodgers: Orioles (+233)
Orioles win probability: 30%
We are passing on the heavily inflated juice to grab a massive plus-money payout on the Orioles. Brandon Young matches up against Emmet Sheehan here, giving us a distinct starting edge to exploit. Back the massive underdog while avoiding the highly restrictive -245 vig.
Red Sox vs Mariners: Red Sox (+127)
Red Sox win probability: 44.1%
This is the ultimate late-inning ambush play. Logan Gilbert is tough, but Seattle’s bullpen has completely imploded over the last 14 days, putting up a disastrous 6.03 ERA and an uncontrollable 5.54 BB/9. Boston's bats can steal this one on the road.
Mets vs Phillies: Phillies (-150)
Phillies win probability: 60%
Zack Wheeler is on the mound at home, and he’s backed by a massive late-inning pitching advantage. Over the last two weeks, Philadelphia’s relief core has been locked in with a sharp 3.58 FIP. They will easily outclass a Mets bullpen that is actively bleeding runs with an ugly 4.23 FIP.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Zach and Drew Goodman before an Amarillo Sod Poodles game in 2024. | Credit: Zach & Drew Goodman
Father’s Day is a celebration of all the dads and father figures around us. But this year, it has a different meaning for Rockies broadcasters Drew and Zach Goodman.
During spring training, the Colorado Rockies and 850 KOA held auditions for a radio voice to co-host alongside longtime broadcaster Jack Corrigan. Ultimately, Zach Goodman won the job – joining his father, longtime Rockies TV broadcaster Drew. They join Ben and Dan Schulman from the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as Chip and Stefan Caray from the St. Louis Cardinals, as another set of father-son broadcasters in Major League Baseball.
For Zach, it was a step up from his previous broadcast job with the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles (Diamondbacks). He was there for two years and spent one of those years with Stefan Caray before Caray got the call to work with his dad.
After two years in the minors, it was extra special when Zach called his dad to let him know he’d won the Rockies radio job – not only because of the job news, but because of where he was when he received it.
“When he got the call, he called me immediately after and I literally burst into tears,” Drew recalled. “It was a visceral reaction, I literally was sobbing. I was so incredibly happy for him, and it was unbelievable. It’s surreal.”
The irony of learning of his son’s new gig in Toronto – where father-son duo Ben and Dan Schulman are part of the broadcast team – was not lost on Drew.
“I was in my hotel room in Toronto,” he said. “And then I go down to the ballpark, and I remember saying to Dan, ‘Hey, Zach got it!’ As a dad – and he’s such a good guy – he was genuinely so pleased for us. So a little bit of irony there, but it was pretty cool.”
A family business
Performing has always been part of the Goodmans’ lives. Drew’s parents were actors (though his dad ultimately became a litigator), so he knew he wanted to be a performer, but he also liked sports.
“Growing up, there was a show called ABC Wide World of Sports. It was an anthology show, and they would be skiing in Zermatt or cliff jumping in Acapulco. They were all over the world, and it was enrapturing watching this from afar,” he said. “I loved sports and, like [Zach], wanted to take baseball as far as I could, but I always knew that I wanted to get into sports television. So when I went to college, I decided I was just going to play baseball and the other pre-requisite was that they had a really strong communications program.”
And Zach knew very early that he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps.
“I always say that I wanted to be a player first. I wanted to play in the major leagues, but I was always realistic that it’s not an easy thing to do, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” he said. “There are pictures of me when I’m really, really young filling out the scorebook and calling games. I think all the way back through high school – I remember my first year of high school, I was immediately in the broadcasting class and then I went to college specifically looking for places I could play baseball but also did a sports communications degree so that it would set me up to be able to do this.”
And specifically, Zach chose broadcasting over print media because of the unique opportunities they have to not only tell the story of the game, but to “put a face to a name and give the players character and really humanize them so that fans can feel like they know them or they know a lot about them.
“If there’s no broadcasters, people are just playing,” he emphasized. “Of course you hear the sounds of the stadium and that’s all great, but you don’t really know the storylines and everything that goes along with it — for example, [Friday, June 12th] chronicling Sean Sullivan’s journey to the big leagues. So I think the ability that a broadcaster has to bring more to an already great game was something that intrigued me.”
Growing up in the game
One of the perks of having a dad who works in the sports industry is having a lot of unique opportunities as a family. And the Goodmans took full advantage of that as the boys were growing up.
“I have so many memories, especially when they’re little sitting on my lap, and we’d find the spare headset in the booth and put that on them,” Drew said. “And there’s so many great pictures of all of them up there – sometimes in Little League uniforms, sometimes in their own uniforms.
“And I’m pretty sentimental, so I can go to virtually any city and go ‘We played catch there’ because everywhere we go, we play catch,” he continued. “We’ve traveled as a family quite a bit. We played catch under the Eiffel Tower. We’ve played catch in different parts of the world, and we always have our gloves with us. So I can look at a patch of grass in Washington, DC or Central Park or San Diego or San Francisco and say ‘We played catch there.’ They’re all grown up now, they’re all adults, but that’s a cool feeling for me.”
And Zach has some of his own memories of being around the broadcast booth as a kid.
“I remember coming from my own baseball games, and I’d be in my uniform and be up in the booth and throw on the headset,” he added. “I remember you’d walk in – and he’s focused on the game – and you’d tap him on the shoulder and he’d get really excited. Obviously, it’s his little kids, and I remember being on air.
“But I remember that we were always going to the games,” he continued, “and my mom, Kristi, did such an amazing job to allow him to do what he did. She was taking care of us all the time, and she had to schlep us to all those Rockies games and watch a bunch of young kids.”
That all said, there was one memory in particular that stood out to Zach from when he was five or six years old.
“I remember one time I’d lost a couple of teeth, and that was somehow a part of the broadcast, because they turned it up to me and they were going through which teeth I’d lost,” he chuckled.
A different kind of Father’s Day
2026 marks a special Father’s Day for the Goodmans as it will be their first calling the same MLB game, though in different mediums.
“I still don’t know how to put it into words because it’s one thing to be able to do something with your father and work with your father for a living,” Zach said. “It’s also one thing to get to the major leagues as announcers – it’s so difficult, and I’m very aware of that and how fortunate I am to have the opportunity at such a young age – but to get to the major leagues is incredible. And then the fact that we’re both major league announcers is awesome. And then we’re both doing it for the same team – the team I grew up watching, and I get to live in my hometown. It’s great.”
“It’s really cool,” Drew added. “I usually don’t get all caught up in various dates on the calendar, and you kind of get into baseball mode. It’s day after day, and the next thing you know it’s Memorial Day, and then the next thing you know it’s the Fourth of July or whatever. That’s kind of part of what we do.
“But this one will be different and have some special meaning,” he continued. “The most important thing to me are my three boys, and I take great pride in hopefully being the best dad I can be and our time together. And obviously Zach and I are getting an immense amount of time together. I’ll never forget this. I feel so privileged to do what I do, and I’ve always felt that way. I never want to take for granted being in a big league ballpark and looking out, and now I can look across the way and my kid’s there, too. That’s so unusual. So I’m very thankful. I think I’ll feel that every day, but especially on Father’s Day.”
Baseball has always been a family business, even with the Colorado Rockies. What are some of your favorite father-son baseball moments in both Rockies and baseball history? We would also love to hear some of your favorite baseball stories that involve your dad. Let us know in the comments!
Brandon Lowe
James Wood
Reds
Yankees
Brewers
Braves
Rays
White Sox
Tigers
Giants
Marlins
Cardinals
Guardians
Astros
Blue Jays
Cubs
Padres
Rangers
Rockies
Twins
Diamondbacks
Angels
Athletics
Orioles
Dodgers
Red Sox
Mariners
Mets
Phillies
