PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 30: Luis Arraez #1 of the San Francisco Giants fields a ground-ball out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the six inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on June 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
It’s been a disaster of a season for the San Francisco Giants. And unless things dramatically turn around over the next month, that means they’ll be big sellers at this year’s deadline.
The silver lining there is twofold: the Giants have some intriguing pieces to deal, and arguably Buster Posey’s best work since taking over has been the deadline deals he made a year ago when flipping Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers, and Mike Yastrzemski for prospects.
San Francisco is looking to unload some big contracts, and they’ll likely field offers on some of their younger players as well. But the moves we can expect revolve around the players on expiring contracts. And they have two who should have quite a bit of value: Robbie Ray and Luis Arráez.
So which of those two has more value, and will return a better haul to the Giants? On the one hand, Arráez has been the better player this year, and is almost sure to be in the All-Star Game as an offensively brilliant Gold Glove candidate. On the other hand, Ray had an exceptional June, and pitchers usually have more value at the deadline than position players. That’s compounded by the fact that Ray could slide into any team’s rotation, while there are a limited number of playoff-bound squads that have a roster hole to fill with Arráez.
SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 20: Kendry Chourio #33 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Royals’ farm system may lack depth, but the higher-end talent is gaining notice on prospect lists. And during MLB’s All-Star weekend, you can get a look at the future!
Pitcher Kendry Chourio and catcher Blake Mitchell were both named to the MLB Future Game to be played at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia on Sunday, July 12 at 11 a.m. CT. The American League will be managed by former Gold Glove shortstop Larry Bowa, while the National League will be managed by former All-Star outfielder Shane Victorino.
Chourio is ranked as a top prospect by both MLB Pipeline (#70) and Baseball America (#32). The 18-year-old right-hander dominated at Low-A with a 1.88 ERA in 11 starts with 44 strikeouts and just 9 walks in 48 innings, earning him a promotion to High-A recently. Chourio throws in the mid-90s with a plus change up and has excellent command and poise on the mound.
Mitchell was the eighth-overall pick in the 2023 draft out of high school in Texas. He suffered a hamate bone injury last year, but has rebounded to hit .210/.409/.425 with 13 home runs and 16 steals in 68 games at High-A this year. He features the best plate discipline in the organization and had an impressive 24 percent walk rate in the advanced Arizona Fall League last year.
The game will feature some of the best overall prospects in the sport including Brewers shortstop Jesús Made, Nationals shortstop Eli Willits, Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula, Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries, Mariners pitcher Kade Anderson, and Pirates pitcher Seth Hernandez.
WRAPPING UP JUNE: The Cubs were 16-10 in June, for a winning percentage of .615. That was their highest percentage in any June since 1992, when they were 18-10, .643. They were better than .615 in only six more of the past 80 seasons: .677 (21-10) in 1967; .621 (18-11) in 1969; .667 (18-9) in 1971; .704 (19-8) in 1977; .667 (16-8) in 1979; .621 (18-11) in 1983. They were better in 28 seasons from 1876-1946. They were .607 in 1972 and 2007 (17-11). (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
STREAKING: A win today would give the Cubs their third-longest winning streak of the season, four games, behind their pair of 10-game streaks. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
COMPLETING SWEEPS: The Cubs have a shot at their 18th sweep of the Padres at Wrigley Field since the rivalry began in 1969, but only their fourth in 27 series on the North Side since 2000. The Cubs won all three games in 2009, 2012 and 2021. This season, the Cubs won the first two games of six previous series. They completed sweeps in five of them, including two of four games. The only third-game loss was at San Francisco. At home, they swept the Mets, Phillies and Reds. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
PCA’S JUNE: Pete Crow-Armstrong’s case for Player of the Month: 26 games, .381/.468/.781 (40-for-105) with five doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 20 RBI, 17 walks, 21 runs scored and eight stolen bases.
Colin Rea had a rough patch in early June but his last two starts, against the Blue Jays and Mets, have been very good – 10.1 total innings, one earned run.
Hopefully he can continue that tonight vs. the Padres, who he has not faced this year.
Rea has been much better at Wrigley Field (2.61 ERA in seven games, six starts) than on the road (6.60 ERA in 10 games, seven starts). Hopefully, that will come into play in this afternoon’s contest.
Walker Buehler was a free agent before 2026. He’s making just $1.5 million this year with the Padres. Coming off two pretty bad years, you can understand why teams weren’t interested.
He’s been very good this year in San Diego – 3.81 ERA and 1.308 WHIP, a 1.3 bWAR season so far. When he faced the Cubs April 28 in San Diego, he was struggling and allowed three hits, three walks and two runs in 4.2 innings, throwing 92 pitches.
Over his last nine starts: 2.64 ERA, 1.175 WHIP, 41 strikeouts in 47.2 innings. He’s not quite the guy he was with the Dodgers, but that’s really good. He turns 32 in a few weeks and if he keeps this up he’ll be a desirable free agent this offseason.
Please visit our SB Nation Padres site Gaslamp Ball. If you do go there to interact with Padres fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Charlie Condon #24 of the Colorado Rockies bats during the seventh inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 21, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The 2026 edition of the Midsummer Classic is coming up in just two weeks. While rosters for the All-Star Game at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia are still in the air, Major League Baseball has announced the teams for this year’s All-Star Futures Game.
Two Rockies prospects have been named to the National League Futures Team.
First Baseman and Outfielder Charlie Condon (no. 1 PuRP)
23-year-old Charlie Condon was selected third overall by the Rockies in the 2024 draft and is making his second All-Star Futures Game appearance after suiting up for the National League squad last year in Atlanta.
Although he got off to somewhat of a slow start in his third professional season, Condon has become a force to be reckoned with over the last month. The University of Georgia product and 2024 Golden Spikes Award winner hit .337/.462/.814 with a 1.276 OPS in June and slugged three doubles, four triples, and ten home runs with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes.
It’s expected that Condon will make his Major League debut at some point this season.
Center Fielder and Second Baseman Roldy Brito (no. 11 PuRP)
One of the rising stars of the Rockies’ farm system, 19-year-old Roldy Brito exploded onto the scene with an incredible 2025 campaign. He was named the Arizona Complex League MVP after hitting .368/.445/.555 with 13 doubles, six triples, three home runs, 21 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases with the ACL Rockies. Once the short ACL season was over, Brito continued to dominate with a promotion to the Low-A Fresno Grizzlies. In 33 games with Fresno to finish the year, Brito hit .375/.442/.463 with another seven doubles, 17 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.
Brito has regressed slightly in 2026, but even then he is having an excellent season in a second stint with the Grizzlies. He is currently hitting .312/.363/.477 with 19 doubles, seven triples, six home runs, 60 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. Brito is a likely candidate for promotion to High-A in the near future.
The 2026 All-Star Futures Game will take place on Sunday, July 12th at 10:00 AM MDT to kick off All-Star Week in Philadelphia and will be broadcast on NBC.
This evening, we’re looking to back steady, consistent arms while fading a few of the game’s more vulnerable starters.
Headlined by another strong outing from veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler, here are my favorite MLB player props and MLB picks for Wednesday, July 1.
Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today
Player
Pick
Odds
Zack Wheeler
Over 7.5 strikeouts
+114
Zac Gallen
Under 3.5 strikeouts
-103
J.T. Ginn
Over 3.5 earned runs
+122
Strikeout Prop: Zack Wheeler Over 7.5 strikeouts (+114)
One of the most reliable strikeout pitchers in all of baseball is Zack Wheeler. The Philadelphia Phillies right-hander enters Wednesday with an elite pitcher and strikeout rating on Batters-Box.
In 34 elite-rated starts, the veteran has reached at least six strikeouts in 88.24% of games, seven strikeouts in 70.59%, and eight strikeouts in 50%.
Overall this season, the Phillies starter has carried a 29% K rate at home. Tonight, he draws a Pittsburgh Pirates lineup that has been extremely swing-happy. Over their last six games, they have a 30.6% strikeout rate.
Getting plus money in this spot offers a strong opportunity to back eight Ks from one of the most consistent pitchers in the game.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSP, SNP
Strikeout Prop: Zac Gallen Under 3.5 strikeouts (-103)
Despite not being the flashiest offense in baseball, the San Francisco Giants do one thing well: they don't strike out.
In their last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, only three bats sit above a 26% strikeout rate. Six are under 20%, and four are under 13.3%.
Luis Arraez in that stretch? 0%.
On the other side, Zac Gallen has struggled all season, posting a 5.27 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP at home. Over his last three starts, the Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander owns a 9.18 ERA, 7.82 xERA, and 1.68 WHIP. In his last five outings, his strikeout rate sits at 7.75%.
Snagging nearly even money on a pitcher who has struggled this much all season long is a strong look, even playable down to -110 if needed.
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ARID, NBCSBA
Pitcher Prop: J.T. Ginn Over 3.5 earned runs (+122)
The level of heat the Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing right now is reason enough to take a look at them scoring 4+ runs against J.T. Ginn this evening. If you're worried about an error or any shenanigans, the F5 team total Over is the cleaner angle.
The Dodgers enter today with four elite-rated hitters and the highest-rated offense in Batters-Box default ratings. Over their last six games, they're posting a 153 wRC+, .388 wOBA, and .890 OPS.
Ginn owns a 4.32 xERA and a 1.62 WHIP at home with the Athletics this season. With how hot the Dodgers have been, asking them to clear just above their first five-inning run average at plus money is a risk worth taking.
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSCA, SNLA
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 248-477, -21.3 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.
The White Sox hand the ball to rookie Noah Schultz as they chase a sweep in Baltimore. | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The White Sox are staring down their first road sweep of the year, with an 11:35 a.m. CT breakfast special in Baltimore. They’ve already bagged their first road series win since the Padres in early May, and now the South Siders have a shot to roll into Cleveland with some road win momentum.
Noah Schultz, fresh off the injured list (right knee patellar tendinitis, if you’re keeping score), gets the nod. He tossed three rehab starts in Charlotte, posting a 4.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. He had some pop last time out, allowing two runs on three hits, with seven punchouts in 4 2/3 innings. Before the knee went sideways, Schultz was 2-4 with a 5.82 ERA in 38 2/3 innings. The fastball still hums at 95 mph, the pedigree is real, but command has still been a struggle. Big leaguers have been happy to watch him miss, and the walks pile up. The plan today is not rocket science. He needs to get ahead, fill the zone, and let the slider eat once he’s in control. If Schultz can actually throw strike one and keep the freebies to a minimum, the Sox might just finish the job.
Baltimore throws Dean Kremer at Chicago, making his first big league start since April 18 after a two-month right quad strain vacation. He carved up Triple-A Norfolk in rehab (1.83 ERA, 0.86 WHIP) and has been a sneaky steady arm for the O’s since coming over in the Manny Machado deal. Kremer isn’t going to blow anyone away as he lives on command, not gas. He doesn’t rack up strikeouts, but he fills the zone, gets chases with his offspeed, and keeps barrels quiet. For the South Siders, patience is the whole game. Don’t go fishing for his junk, make him throw the heater for strikes, and jump on mistakes. If they can lay off the soft stuff and wait for something hittable, they’ll have a shot against a guy who wins with location, not velocity.
Chicago’s offense has found its rhythm of late. Six wins in eight games, 17 runs in two nights, and everyone’s chipping in. Jacob Gonzalez just put up back-to-back three-RBI games, and Andrew Benintendi is finally alive with three hits on Tuesday. Still not a great value at $75 million, but he seems to be having fun and providing some solid veteran leadership in the dugout. If the bats can keep this up this afternoon, maybe, just maybe, they can finish off their first road sweep of the year. So, here’s how skipper Will Venable will send them out to try to do just that against Kremer.
Jun 30, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Alejandro Osuna (19) catches a ball hit by Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 30: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres hits a lead-off home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For a brief shining moment, it felt like the San Diego Padres might actually win this one. They did that thing they always do. They gave the Friar Faithful hope for a comeback only to snuff it out almost immediately. It’s easy to get down in moments like this one. Four consecutive losses to contending teams that have felt like beatdown after beatdown. But it’s just as important for fans to rebound as it is for the players.
It was a rough loss to take, but there were plenty of positives. Four home runs from the Friars. The last time they did that was against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. Fernando Tatis Jr. went yard twice. He hasn’t done that since April 14, 2025 against (ironically) the Chicago Cubs.
The blame for this loss is more on the back of starter JP Sears, who struggled to keep the ball in the yard the whole night. He surrendered seven runs, six of which came via the long ball. The Friars certainly made it interesting, and it was nice to see them show some fight. But, at the end of the day, a loss is a loss. And San Diego badly needs a win right now.
Taking the mound
Colin Rea (CHC) v. Walker Buehler (SD)
Rea looked great down the stretch in 2025 for Chicago. That hasn’t been the case this year. The righty owns a 4.80 ERA this season through 84 1/3 innings pitched. It hasn’t been much better lately, with Rea posting a 4.58 ERA across his last seven games.
The Padres haven’t faced the right-hander very much. But, when they have, they’ve managed to string plenty of hits together. The lineup owns a combined .385 batting average across 26 at-bats against Rea. They’ll need to replicate that to stave off the sweep against Chicago.
Buehler, on the other hand, has been fantastic for San Diego. Despite a seemingly high 3.81 ERA on the season, he owns a 2.45 mark across his last 36 2/3 innings. It’s been a renaissance for the veteran right-hander, and he’ll seek to continue that production Wednesday afternoon.
The Padres righty just pitched a gem against his former team, limiting the Dodgers to one run across 5 1/3 innings pitched. If Buehler can do the same against the Cubs lineup, it would go a long way towards a victory for the Friars.
Batter up!
As stated, the lineup has looked pretty healthy. It’s certainly been inconsistent, but the runs have come in bunches. Excluding Tuesday night, across all 2026 games in which the Padres have scored seven-plus runs, they’ve won 17 of 19 contests. If the offense can do it again this afternoon, the odds are good they’ll win the finale.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Samad Taylor, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Gavin Sheets, 1B
Miguel Andujar, DH
Jackson Merrill, CF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Rodolfo Durán, C
Cronenworth went 0-for-3 in his return to the lineup Monday night. He’ll likely be back in today’s game after sitting for most of Tuesday night. He pinch-hit in the ninth for the Friars but lined out to left field for the first out. The second baseman owns a career .500 batting average against Rea and will hopefully show that off tonight.
Relief corps
The bullpen has been taxed lately. If Buehler is able to work deep into the game, it would be a Godsend for the Friars. Thankfully, Sears was able to work relatively deep into yesterday’s game, meaning only Ron Marinaccio and Wandy Peralta pitched. Marinaccio looked rough but Peralta covered 1 2/3 scoreless innings for San Diego.
That leaves plenty of options for the Friars. Jason Adam, Kyle Hart, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez are all available for the Padres to turn to. Morejon and Adam may not come out after being made to throw 22 and 24 pitches, respectively, on Monday night. The rest all figure to pitch in relief once Buehler exits.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 13: Starting pitcher Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles works the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is July 1 and it doesn’t matter if the Orioles win today.
It would be nice if they won. That’s always true. It’s just that this swoon over the past four games, added on top of the overall underwhelming play, is a strong sign that they are cooked for their postseason hopes.
How cooked? I’ll tell you how cooked. They are “Mark throws off the cloak of normalcy and wades deep into nerdiness to try to amuse himself rather than be despondent about the Orioles” cooked. To that end, they are at the point where the Twitch streamer asks, “Chat, are we cooked?” Friends, once they ask that, they’re always already cooked.
For absolutely no useful reason, here are some Twitch global emotes that would be appropriate to use in a variety of situations that the 2026 Orioles have encountered this year. See if you can guess their general meme meaning from context.
4Head – Why doesn’t Cal just teach everyone better fundamentals?
DansGame – Trey Gibson walked six batters last night
Jebaited – The Orioles lost four in a row immediately after Mike Elias said “We’re going for it”
Kappa – It’s a good thing that Bodine, Forret, and Overn are struggling in the Rays system
ResidentSleeper – Alby when a controversial call goes against the Orioles
riPepperonis – The White Sox are using a lefty starter with a high ERA today
Orioles lineup
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Adley Rutschman – C
Taylor Ward – LF
Pete Alonso – DH
Coby Mayo – 1B
Tyler O’Neill – RF
Leody Taveras – CF
Jackson Holliday – 2B
Blaze Alexander – 3B
Dean Kremer is returning from the injured list to make this start. He’s been gone since late April due to a quad strain. This season began with the Orioles telling Kremer, nope, we don’t need you, and sending him to Norfolk. They continued to jerk him around even when Zach Eflin suffered a season-ending injury during his first start. Kremer only made two starts after arriving before he had to be put on the IL. If he can pitch something like his career numbers, that will be an improvement over Trey Gibson or Chris Bassitt.
There was some roster juggling before the game today, in part to get Kremer activated from the 60-day injured list. The team optioned Gibson and lefty reliever Josh Walker, and in addition to activating Kremer, recalled reliever Cameron Weston, and designated catcher Dom Keegan for assignment. If you have ever previously thought about Dom Keegan before right now, you might be an Orioles sicko.
White Sox lineup
Sam Antonacci – LF
Miguel Vargas – 3B
Andrew Benintendi – DH
Braden Montgomery – RF
Jacob Gonzalez – 1B
Chase Meidroth – 2B
Tristan Peters – CF
Luisangel Acuña – SS
Drew Romo – C
The White Sox starting pitcher today is Drew Schultz. He’s left-handed. riPepperonis, chat. riPepperonis. Except they would never use punctuation on Twitch. I can’t stop myself from using proper punctuation. It may be my most boomer trait.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 13: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers anticipates a pitch during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field on May 13, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers have placed Corey Seager on the 10 day injured list with lower back inflammation, the team announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have recalled infielder Josh Smith.
Disappointing news here on Seager, made worse by the fact that he technically appeared in yesterday’s game, as he was in the lineup, but was pinch hit for by Cam Cauley. That means the soonest Seager can be activated is July 11 — the Saturday before the All Star Break. My guess is that Seager isn’t activated until after the All Star Break, giving him two weeks to recuperate, at which point he hopefully will be back to 100% for the second half. Seager appeared in just four games — one of which was yesterday’s non-appearance — since being activated from the concussion injured list.
Smith now returns after being sent down a couple of weeks ago. He didn’t play in yesterday’s Round Rock game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was already in Cleveland because of the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Nimmo, who was banged up running into the wall to end Sunday’s game. Smith started the season as the team’s regular second baseman, but was displaced by Ezequiel Duran. Smith is slashing .218/.316/.248 this year in 117 plate appearances.
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 21: Gage Wood #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Nathan Ray Seebeck/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Futures Game is a chance for people to see how the prospects they read so much about perform on the field. The game is played during All-Star Week, inexplicably buried on a Sunday prior to the draft occurring. This year, the Phillies have two representatives this year in Gage Wood and Wei-Hui Pan.
The future is headed to Citizens Bank Park 🤩
Congratulations to Fightin Phils pitchers Gage Wood and Wen-Hui Pan on being selected to the 2026 All-Star Futures Game! ⭐
— Reading Fightin Phils (@ReadingFightins) July 1, 2026
Wood was almost a guarantee to make the team, but Pan is something of a surprise. With Aidan Miller injured, his participation was not expected, but it is nice to see the Phillies get two players in the game. Now, whether they actually pitch in the game? That’s another story.
Mar 30, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) talks with general manager J.j. Piccolo in the dugout prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2026 Royals are bad. This fact is inescapable. Some will argue that they’ve had some bad luck, but you don’t become as putrid as the 2026 Royals without both bad luck and bad execution. In fact, you don’t become this bad without bad luck and bad execution in all phases of roster construction, coaching, and play. But…which aspect is the most to blame for this result?
Is it the roster construction of the front office hampered by what seems clear in retrospect to be an ownership edict not to significantly increase the payroll? Is it the poor bullpen and lineup decisions made by manager Matt Quatraro? Is it the coaching that has led to one of the worst outfield defenses in baseball and numerous baserunning blunders? Or is it the players themselves simply underperforming all reasonable expectations? I have my own thoughts, but before I share them, won’t you please share yours?
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 29: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts during batting practice before a game against the New York Mets at Rogers Centre on June 29, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Now, just cause I think of George Springer as an old man, doesn’t mean, in real life, he’s young and can have a growing family. He has two children already, one also named George, the fourth George Springer.
Jonatan Clase is up with the team. Paternity Leave in the MLB is only for up to three days, so Clase won’t be here long.
To file under damning with faint praise:
It's too hot out to be throwing mind-fucking statistics like this out there, so I apologize in advance, but by wRC+, SLG, OPS, ISO, BABIP and batting average, June was the best calendar month of the season for Blue Jays hitters as a group.
The San Diego Padres hope to snap a four-game losing streak with an upset against the red-hot Chicago Cubs.
Chicago has taken the first two games of the series and has four straight wins heading into what’s expected to be a daytime slugfest at Wrigley Field.
San Diego has a favorable pitching matchup, which could cross up everyone’s expectations. My Padres vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks have the Padres getting a win on Wednesday, July 1.
Who will win Padres vs Cubs today: Padres moneyline (+109)
The San Diego Padres have struggled, but their last three series have been against playoff contending teams.
They’ll startWalker Buehler, who had a 1.71 ERA and struck out a quarter of all batters he faced in June. He hasn’t allowed multiple runs in five straight.
Padres hitters have not been the problem lately. They’re 28% over league average, with a .272 average and .816 OPS over the last week and 18% over, .268, .790 for the last two weeks.
They’ll face Colin Rea, who had a 5.04 ERA and 1.520 WHIP in June. San Diego as an underdog are a no-brainer today.
COVERS INTEL:Rea’s fastball is in the 9th percentile in MLB and his breaking stuff is in the 44th. He’s finding success with his offspeed pitches, but San Diego has two of the top batters in MLB against the changeup—Gavin Sheets and Jackson Merrill. Plus, Ty France is hitting .433 against offspeed.
Padres vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 11.5 (-119)
This might be the largest Over/Under cutoff I’ve seen this season. Yes, balls fly out of Wrigley during the day, and yes, the two teams combined for 16 runs yesterday. However, they also combined for five on Monday.
Buehler has been in All-Star form, and the two Chicago Cubs batters who’ve faced him the most both hit below .154 with .445 OPS against him.
The Padres have been under in five of the last nine with most of those cutoffs being far below 11.5 runs. The Cubs have been hitting but yesterday was their first 12+ run total in the last six games.
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 24-30 -3.15 units
Over/Under bets: 31-27 +3.30 units
Padres vs Cubs weather
Padres vs Cubs odds
Moneyline: San Diego +111 | Chicago -115
Run line: San Diego +1.5 (-167) | Chicago -1.5 (+160)
Over/Under: Over 12 (-117) | Under 12 (-108)
Padres vs Cubs trend
The Chicago Cubs have hit the Team Total Under in 13 of their last 19 games at home (+6.60 Units / 30% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Padres vs. Cubs.
How to watch Padres vs Cubs and game info
Location
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
First pitch
2:20 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, MASN
Padres starting pitcher
Walker Buehler (5-3, 3.81 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcher
Colin Rea (5-5, 4.80 ERA)
Padres vs Cubs latest injuries
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.
TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 4: Fans of Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays display a sign on the facing of the upper deck making a reference to his relief pitching appearance three days earlier during MLB game action against the Kansas City Royals on July 4, 2016 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ten Years Ago Today
The Jays and Cleveland faced off in a marathon 19-inning game, marking the second-longest contest by duration and tying for the most innings the Jays have ever played.
Games like this are unforgettable; I wish we saw more of them.
I’m fairly certain Matt set a record with his recap—these epic games always generate a lot of writing.
We ended up losing 2-1, giving Cleveland their 14th consecutive win. Fortunately, the Jays snapped their streak the next day and won the last two games of the series.
Over the course of the game, the Jays used ten pitchers—well, eight pitchers and two utility infielders.
Marcus Stroman started the game and pitched 6.2 innings, allowing just one run. In the third, Carlos Santana led off with a double, and Jason Kipnis drove him in with a single. Stroman gave up five hits, one walk, and struck out six, throwing 96 pitches before exiting in the seventh with the bases loaded after a single, an error by Justin Smoak, and a walk.
Brett Cecil came in and got the final out of the inning. With hindsight, John Gibbons might have let him pitch the eighth—but who could have predicted the game would go 12 more innings?
Jason Grilli pitched a clean eighth inning.
Roberto Osuna gave up a leadoff single but managed to escape the inning unscathed.
Joe Biagini pitched the tenth, hitting a batter and surrendering a single. Again, if Gibby had known the game would last 19 innings, Osuna and Biagini likely would have pitched longer.
Jesse Chavez delivered three perfect innings. Later that season, he would pitch three innings in another extra-inning game against the Padres, earning the win in the 12th.
Drew Storen handled the 14th and started the 15th, leaving after a walk and a strikeout.
Bo Schultz (remember him?) induced a double play to end the 15th. He pitched two more innings, leaving the game after 48 pitches. That’s when things got interesting.
Ryan Goins pitched the 18th inning, surrendering two singles that put runners on the corners with no outs. He then got a force at the plate on a grounder to second. The Jays intentionally walked Tyler Naquin—a bold move with a utility infielder on the mound—but it paid off. Goins coaxed Chris Gimenez into an inning-ending double play.
Darwin Barney took over for the 19th, giving up a leadoff homer to Carlos Santana but then retiring three straight, ending the inning with a strikeout.
Unfortunately, we could only manage one run against nine Cleveland pitchers. Our lone score came in the sixth on a Justin Smoak home run. Trevor Bauer, Cleveland’s scheduled starter for the next day, threw the final five innings and earned the win.
In total, we collected just 11 hits over 19 innings. Darwin Barney, who started at second base, had three; Troy Tulowitzki also recorded three, and Kevin Pillar chipped in with two.
Ezequiel Carrera (0 for 7), Josh Donaldson (0 for 6), and Michael Saunders (0 for 7) all went hitless.
Not everything about the game was enjoyable.
Vic Carapazza, the home plate umpire, struggled as usual with calling balls and strikes. Edwin Encarnacion was ejected in the bottom of the first after a polite dispute over the strike zone. Vic, as you may recall… Well, Matt told it better:
Maybe that name seems familiar—Carapazza was behind the plate in Game 2 of the ALDS when the Blue Jays were not too happy with the strike zone. In any event, the 1st was a harbinger of things to come, as Carapazza was very liberal in giving Josh Tomlin the corners at the top of the strike zone. Over the first eight innings, eight Blue Jays were set down looking, only the first and last were clearly the correct call. Besides the one above, there was another bad one to Ezequiel where the pitcher totally missed his spot yet got a very borderline call. The frustration all came to a head with more fireworks in the 13th inning, but we’ll get to that in a bit.
In the 13th:
Donaldson was hit leading off, but a fielder’s choice by Travis brought up Saunders. He was called out on a fastball on the inside corner that he thought was inside, and just barely avoided drawing a line in the dirt which would have surely provoked an ejection. Russell Martin was behind him, and was called for a swing on 1-2 curve on which he he didn’t come close to going around. After an afternoon of having calls go against him, he had a few words for Carapazza, who tossed him, at which point Martin went absolutely ballistic and was barely restrained by DeMarlo Hale and Luis Rivera.
Goins went on the DL the next day with forearm tightness. He hit 90 MPH on his fastball in his inning. Ryan would be out until early August and then was sent to Buffalo until late August. That’s likely why he didn’t come out for a second inning of work. He was surprisingly impressive on the mound.
Schultz would also be sent down to the minors after the game.
From the recap:
Super Jays of the Day: Schultz (+0.595), Chavez (+0.410)
Jays of the Day: Basically all the pitchers, even a fake one. Stroman (+0.156 WPA), Cecil (+0.121 WPA for 3 pitches), Grilli (+0.106), Osuna (+0.137), Biagini (+0.137), RYAN FREAKING GOINS (+0.137). Tulowitzki was the lone hitter (+0.159, 3/6, 2 BB).
Super Suckage: Barney (-0.573, -0.272 as a hitter and -0.301 as a pitcher). I feel bad doing that, since it’s not really his fault he had to pitch. Also, Vic Carapazza. Let’s turn him away at the border next time.
Suckage: Basically, all the hitters. Carrera (-0.395), Saunders (-0.369), Travis (-0.342), Martin (-0.181), Smoak(-0.185), Donaldson (-0.162), Thole (-0.099).
Zack Wheeler
Zac Gallen
J.T. Ginn
COVERS INTEL: