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MLB Lineup Report: Taylor Ward's new role, Bryce Harper shifts to right field

This is arguably the biggest lineup article through the rest of the season, given the trade deadline passed on Monday. It's only been a few days, but we've been able to see the initial ways in which teams are deploying their new players, in addition to who is stepping into vacated opportunities. This week's piece will focus more on players traded and those taking on new roles.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar could return from the injured list soon, but simply finishing the season healthy would be a developmental win at this point. Ryan Waldschmidt is still with the big league club, but he isn't playing every day. Lars Nootbaar has started every game since coming over from the Cardinals, but the Diamondbacks have yet to face a lefty.

Athletics

Injuries have wiped out what projected as such a fun offense in a great home park entering the season. That has helped Lawrence Butler get more playing time, and he's been in the lineup against four consecutive LHP. Jonah Heim is catching every day and hitting in the middle of the order. Tommy White has started all but one game since being called up on July 17.

Atlanta Braves

Austin Riley has hit seventh or eighth in each of his starts since July 25. Ha-Seong Kim returned from the IL this week but has yet to start. Lane Thomas has been in the lineup for just one of our games since arriving from the Royals, which really hurts his fantasy value given he was playing every day in Kansas City.

Baltimore Orioles

Dylan Beavers has led off against nine straight righties, and he'll have chances to keep hitting high in the order now that Taylor Ward is in Seattle. Christian Encarnacion-Strand has started 14 of 19 since being called up to begin the second half, every one of them at third base, which has limited Coby Mayo's opportunities. Jackson Holliday has drawn four of six starts against lefties in the second half, and he's been in the lineup for every right-hander during that stretch.

Boston Red Sox

Ceddanne Rafaela has started every game since June 21, primarily hitting second. At first it felt like necessity. Now it's deserved. Jarren Duran is finally heating up, though he's still in the bottom third of the order. Andruw Monasterio has started 14 straight as the everyday shortstop. Nick Sogard has taken over the primary leadoff and second base duties from Anthony Seigler.

Chicago Cubs

Tyrone Taylor, acquired from the Mets, appears to have a role against southpaws, possibly in a platoon with Michael Conforto. Otherwise, there's still plenty of consistency here. James Triantos has been in the lineup only once since he was called up on July 24.

Chicago White Sox

Sam Antonacci has sat against four consecutive southpaws, but he still leads off vs. RHP. Brenton Doyle has drawn two starts against lefties since he was acquired from the Rockies, seemingly in a platoon with Tristan Peters. Andrew Benintendi and Randal Grichuk continue to split time.

Cincinnati Reds

Héctor Rodríguez has been in the lineup for two of three since being called up, sitting against a lefty. He has essentially inherited Nathaniel Lowe's role. Matt McLain is the everyday second baseman since coming off the IL, with Edwin Arroyo back at Triple-A.

Cleveland Guardians

Nathaniel Lowe has hit cleanup against both righties since being acquired while sitting against the lone LHP. Jo Adell has played two of three in that same stretch, resting against one of the two right-handers. Chase DeLauter has started all but one game since coming off the IL on June 28. Brayan Rocchio is no longer hitting in the top part of the lineup, but he remains the everyday shortstop.

Colorado Rockies

Jake McCarthy has started every game since June 29, mostly hitting leadoff. It's been a surprisingly steady lineup for such an obvious rebuilding team, and the deadline didn't open up much opportunity. We know which of their hitters to stream at Coors at this point of the summer.

Detroit Tigers

Max Clark has started in center field and hit seventh in all six games since being called up, including two contests against lefties.

Houston Astros

Daulton Varsho has hit cleanup in every game since he was acquired, all versus righties. Jose Altuve is finally heating up a bit, though he's been dropped to sixth in the order on recent occasions. Taylor Trammell has been an everyday player the past 10 days.

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros
One Giant Leap: Astros soaring behind Yordan Alvarez
The Astros have surged into first place in the American League West while Alvarez aims for the first Triple Crown in MLB since Miguel Cabrera in 2012.

Kansas City Royals

John Rave and Kyle Isbel appear to be the beneficiaries of Lane Thomas being dealt to Atlanta. Jac Caglianone is getting more run at first base with Vinnie Pasquantino out. This lineup desperately needs a new leadoff hitter next season, as Carter Jensen continues to flirt with an OBP around .300.

Los Angeles Angels

Zach Neto shifted from leadoff to cleanup on Thursday. Moisés Ballesteros has started three straight since arriving from the Cubs, including two against left-handers. Two of those came at DH and one behind the plate. There are DH opportunities available with Jorge Soler recently designated for assignment.

Los Angeles Dodgers

They've faced five lefties in their past six games, and Max Muncy got in the lineup for three of those southpaws. Tommy Edman bats third or fourth against most left-handers. Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt are set to split catching duties with Will Smith and Dalton Rushing both sidelined. This lineup looks old, which will be a key storyline as they go for a third consecutive World Series title.

Miami Marlins

Liam Hicks' departure has allowed Griffin Conine to move into the top half of the order. As previously mentioned, Kyle Stowers is primarily a first baseman now. Heriberto Hernández is still getting a long look here in the second half.

Milwaukee Brewers

Luis Lara's playing time is still a bit sporadic, but he's in there more often than not. Garrett Mitchell has sat only twice since June 30. Christian Yelich has been hitting fifth this week, which is unusual for him. Joey Ortiz and Gary Sánchez are the odd men out at the moment.

Minnesota Twins

Trevor Larnach has held his leadoff role against righties since mid-June. Luke Keaschall continues to get most of the center field starts with Byron Buxton back on the injured list. Royce Lewis is heating up, mostly playing first base while mixing in some time at second.

New York Mets

Luis Robert Jr. wasn't traded. He hasn't started more than three in a row since coming off the injured list. Brett Baty's playing time has cratered in the second half. Jorge Polanco is in there roughly half the time. A.J. Ewing and Carson Benge continue to get all the reps they can handle.

New York Yankees

Luis García Jr. has played first base and hit third in all three games since being acquired, all vs. righties. Heliot Ramos has hit cleanup in his two contests since the trade. George Lombard Jr. has been the shortstop in both games since replacing Anthony Volpe on the major league roster. Spencer Jones is getting everyday opportunities, and Jasson Domínguez is now at Triple-A. It goes without saying, but this offense misses Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton.

Philadelphia Phillies

They brought in Luis Arraez to play second base instead of trading for an outfielder. That has shifted Bryce Harper to right field, Bryson Stott to third base, and Alec Bohm to first base. They've used that defensive setup and the same nine regulars in all three games since the trade.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Esmerlyn Valdez got a day off Thursday after hitting cleanup in every game since July 1. Endy Rodríguez has started eight of 11 since coming off the IL, mixing in some speed as a catcher-eligible bat. Spencer Horwitz is back too, hitting fifth against RHP. Oneil Cruz still doesn't have a timeline to return.

San Diego Padres

Luis Rengifo has started 12 in a row, mostly in left field. Ty France has hit cleanup in every game since July 19.

San Francisco Giants

Big shakeup at the deadline, which really hurt this lineup's depth. It doesn't help that Bryce Eldridge has been slumping, though he's still hitting at or near the top of the order. Osleivis Basabe has swung a hot bat this week, taking advantage of the playing time that has opened up. Similar to the Angels, the bottom half of this lineup is extremely weak. Matt Chapman might not return this season.

Seattle Mariners

Taylor Ward has hit eighth against two righties since being traded and led off vs. the one lefty he's seen. That could be a significant playing time downgrade, as he was consistently hitting at the top of the order in Baltimore. Meanwhile, Cole Young has continued to lead off against righties while still playing against LHP. Dominic Canzone has also started against six straight left-handers.

St. Louis Cardinals

JJ Wetherholt made his fourth start at shortstop on Wednesday, but he's unlikely to get enough opportunities there down the stretch to earn 2027 eligibility. It's been less than a week, but so far Bryan Torres has been the beneficiary of the Lars Nootbaar trade. Joshua Báez still has upside, though the hype has quieted over the past month-plus.

Tampa Bay Rays

Liam Hicks has hit cleanup in the two games he's been active for since arriving from the Marlins, both against righties. That slid Cedric Mullins a few spots down in the order. Chandler Simpson still isn't leading off, but he's been productive and running more lately. Victor Mesa Jr. continues to get regular run against righties.

Texas Rangers

Joc Pederson is having a great year while continuing to lead off versus RHP. Josh Jung remains sidelined, but they've finally got everyone else healthy at the same time. Ezequiel Duran shifted from shortstop to third base once Corey Seager returned, and he's started every game since June 28 while playing all over the diamond.

Toronto Blue Jays

Trading away Daulton Varsho has given Myles Straw four consecutive starts in center field. Jesús Sánchez is back from the IL and playing against RHP, platooning with Davis Schneider in left field. Nathan Lukes is leading off against righties with Yohendrick Piñango back at Triple-A.

Washington Nationals

Really interested to see how the highest-scoring lineup in MLB fares without Curtis Mead, Luis García Jr., and most importantly, James Wood, who is sidelined by an oblique issue. It's too early for trends to have emerged, and they've faced two lefties this week, but there's plenty of opportunity in an organization that has been able to meaningfully improve individual offensive ceilings.

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Cubs vs Royals Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game

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The Chicago Cubs are -170 moneyline favorites in Kevin Gausman's first start for the team when they visit the Kansas City Royals.

Paired with a red-hot offense, I see some value in backing Chicago as heavy favorites with my Cubs vs. Royals predictions and MLB picks.

Who will win Cubs vs Royals today: Chicago Cubs (-170)

Kevin Gausman’s2.27 FIP over the past 30 days indicates he has pitched much better than the 4.71 ERA, and the tide should start to turn in his Chicago Cubs debut.

He is limiting hard contact well, and hasn’t allowed a homer over 21 innings during that span. Gausman’s well-equipped to limit power against the Kansas City Royals, who only rank 25th in homers this season.

The Cubs are a distant first in OPS and wOBA vs. lefties the last month, and should cause problems for Daniel Lynch in his debut start of the season.

Bet to -182.

Cubs vs Royals Over/Under pick: Under 9.0 (+100)

I’ve talked about Gausman’s power prevention, and his ability to limit walks should help him keep traffic off the basepaths against a Royals team that can really run.

Chicago’s bullpen – although a little taxed – also sits 11th in xFIP the past 30 days. The Cubs are set up well to limit runs throughout this game.

I do project the Cubs for 5.2 runs against Lynch and a struggling batch of relievers, but my model still sees this game going Under the number.

I would play this to -114.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 71-66, -9.65 units
  • Over/Under bets: 76-55-6, +12.09 units

Cubs vs Royals weather

The forecast calls for temperatures in the mid 80s with small winds blowing out. Boost to the bats.

Cubs vs Royals odds

  • Moneyline: Cubs -170 | Royals +145
  • Run line: Cubs -1.5 (-105) | Royals +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: Over 9.0 (-120) | Under 9.0 (+100)

Cubs vs Royals trend

Kansas City has hit the Game Total Under in 11 of the last 15 games (+7.85 units, 48% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Royals.

How to watch Cubs vs Royals and game info

LocationKauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
DateFriday, August 7, 2026
First pitch8:10 p.m. ET
TVMARQ, Royals.TV
Cubs starting pitcherKevin Gausman
(5-10, 4.38 ERA)
Royals starting pitcherDaniel Lynch
(4-2, 1.96 ERA)

Cubs vs Royals latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Red Sox News & Links: Garrett Crochet to the bullpen?

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 24: Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox walks to the bullpen before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 24, 2025 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Before the trade deadline, I asked who the Red Sox shortstop would be in the month of September. Nine days later, we only have a slightly clearer idea of that answer. Andruw Monasterio is hardly a wizard with the glove, but he has put up an OPS above .900 over the last 13 games, all of which he’s started. But Franklin Arias is tearing it up in his introduction to AAA and Trevor Story is said to be close to starting a rehab assignment. So who is it going to be? “Physical gifts and tools wise, you can watch Franklin and feel like this guy’s going to play in the big leagues. But you never know,” Chad tracy said of Arias. “The best thing you could do is [ask], does he have the physical skills to do it? And do you like the character and the mental capacity and the ability to overcome things when they aren’t going right? Those are two big ones. By all intents and purposes, from what I know about the kid, he’s got those skills.” (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)

If you’re a believer in momentum, then the answer to the shortstop question is don’t mess with what’s working and keep Monasterio where he is. But the history of Major League Baseball suggests that momentum doesn’t exist — that’s the underlying message of the whole “momentum is the next day’s starting pitcher” thing we’ve been hearing forever. But in light of how this season has played out, it’s hard not to rethink things. “As it turns out, baseball streaks tend to be somewhat self-sustaining. A Globe analysis of Retrosheet data that includes the outcome of every MLB game from 1901 through 2025 revealed a striking pattern: The longer a winning streak lasts, the higher a team’s winning percentage in the next game.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)

Garrett Crochet has missed this entire run, of course. And while he’s finally started throwing baseballs again, he has likely run out of time to complete a full rehab that would see him return as a starter. So will he come back in a relief capacity? “If he’s healthy and right, and he looks like Garrett Crochet, I think we’d be foolish not to consider that,” said Chad Tracy. (Ian Browne, MLB.com)

If Crochet does join the bullpen, Crochet will find himself alongside some of the best relievers in baseball, a list that no longer just includes Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock, but Brayan Bello now as well. (Colin Kennedy, 98.5)

And when he comes back, hopefully he’ll be throwing to a completely healthy Adley Rutschman, who looked good on the field before last night’s game:

Regardless of what happens with Crochet, this season has already been one of the most improbable campaigns in Red Sox history. And it may end with one of the most improbable Manager of the Year awards in MLB history. (Matt Vautour, MassLive)

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The Washington Nationals still can’t beat divisional opponents

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 06: Luis Arraez #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies is thrown out at home plate in the first inning during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 6, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Nats playoff dreams got buried this week with a 1-7 road trip against the Braves and Phillies. These veteran laden squads taught the young Nats a lesson and showed they were not ready yet. In a season where the Nats have taken so many steps in the right direction, winning against divisional foes remains a challenge.

On the season, the Nats have gone 11-24 against NL East foes according to my count. If you take out the last place Mets, the Nats are 7-21. These numbers are why the Nats are not going to be battling for a playoff spot down the stretch. If the Nats did not have such massive issues with the Marlins and did not blow all those leads against the Phillies, we could be in a very different spot.

However, the reality is that the Nats sit here on August 7th with a 56-61 record and have their tail between their legs. The roster is now depleted due to trades and injuries. It also looks like the confidence is starting to waiver. Given the lack of pitching on this roster, this day was likely inevitable, but it is still painful.

This week showed that the Nats still have a long way to go to catch these monsters of the east. You are not going to be a playoff team if you cannot beat teams in your own division. The inability to pitch to these veteran lineups is probably a reason Paul Toboni invested so heavily in pitching at the deadline.

Elite offense makes a team fun, but you need pitching to win championships. This lack of pitching shows up the most against teams that see your arms consistently. Braves and Phillies hitters were just all over Nats pitching this week.

That Braves series was particularly ugly. It just felt like the Braves took the Nats soul that weekend. Even Braves writers were struck at how much they absolutely buried the Nats. They showed this team levels.

As you would expect from a team that has been bad for a long time, teams in the division have feasted on the Nats. However, even last year it was not this bad. In 2025, the Nats went 21-31 against the NL East. The Nats would have to go on a real run to match that number this season.

Heading into 2027, whenever that season starts, a big goal needs to be winning against divisional foes. Teams like the Phillies and Braves in particular are measuring sticks for this team. Back in 2012, we knew that team was legit because they kept beating the Phillies, who had slapped them around for years.

Those Phillies, who feature former Nats extremely prominently will always be the ultimate measuring stick for this team. They are our biggest rival and have ruled the division with the Braves this decade. You cannot beat teams like this if you go 0 for 11 with RISP like the Nats did on Tuesday.

Under the new regime, this team has made a lot of progress. The offense has exploded and there has been so much development. However, this team is not where they need to be yet. It would be unrealistic for the regime to turn everything around in one year. Next year though, this team is going to have to be a lot better against the NL East.

This season has raised expectations moving forward. If the Nats are not in the playoff hunt down the stretch, that will be disappointing. This puts even more pressure on this group to beat the beasts of the east, which they have not shown the ability to do yet. Hopefully that will come as this team gains experience.

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How to watch the Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres: Live stream info, schedule, preview

Head to NBC and Peacock this Sunday for an exciting day of MLB action. First, at 12:00 PM ET, the Cincinnati Reds meet the Washington Nationals in the nation's capital for the MLB Sunday Leadoff game. Then, at 8:00 PM ET, it's the Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres on Sunday Night Baseball. See below for additional information on how to watch both games.

2005 World Series champion Geoff Blum, making his Sunday Night Baseball debut, joins Sunday's broadcast alongside 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy and play-by-play voice Jason Benetti. Ahmed Fareed will host the pregame show alongside CC Sabathia, who will also provide “Inside the Pitch” commentary.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

How to watch the Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres:

  • Where: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
  • When: Sunday, August 9
  • Time: 8:00 PM ET
  • TV Channel: NBC
  • Live Stream: Peacock

What other MLB games are on Peacock this Sunday?

Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals- 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock

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MLB Power Rankings: Dodgers go all-in with Tarik Skubal, trade deadline fallout
With MLB’s trade deadline behind us, here’s how all 30 teams stack up entering the stretch run.
  • DJShortBW.jpg D.J. Short
    ,

How to watch MLB on NBC and Peacock:

MLB Sunday Leadoff is a weekly Major League Baseball showcase featuring live Sunday daytime games. It highlights marquee matchups throughout the regular season and streams primarily on Peacock, with some games also airing across NBC Sports and NBC.

MLB Sunday Night Baseball is a weekly primetime Major League Baseball showcase, featuring marquee matchups each Sunday night during the regular season. The games air on NBC and Peacock and anchor NBC Sports’ Sunday night programming lineup.

NBC Sports will also stream one out-of-market game each day of the 2026 MLB season nationally on Peacock. Telemundo Deportes will present all NBCUniversal-produced MLB games in Spanish, with Universo televising all games broadcast on NBC.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits for whatever suits your mood.

MLB on NBC 2026 schedule:

Click here to see the full list of MLB games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

Why are some MLB games unavailable to stream on Peacock?

Due to territorial blackout restrictions, select regular season, special event, and Postseason games may be unavailable on Peacock. Television territory blackout restrictions apply regardless of whether a Club is home or away and regardless of whether a game is televised in that Club's home television territory. For more information, visit Peacock’s Help Center.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

nbc_roto_garciajr_260803.jpg
2026 MLB Trade Deadline: Luke Weaver, Zach Neto, other fantasy baseball winners and losers
The Rotoworld staff list their picks for the players that gained or lost the most fantasy value at the MLB Trade deadline

Check out the latest MLB player news here!

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MLB Predictions and Moneyline Picks for Friday, August 7

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Full slate Friday is here!

Let's get this weekend off and running by diving into my MLB moneyline predictions for every game on today's slate. 

Here are my latest MLB picks for Friday, Aug. 7.

MLB moneyline picks for August 7

MatchupPick
MetsMets
vs
PiratesPirates		Mets
+125
Blue JaysBlue Jays
vs
PhilliesPhillies		Phillies
-203
RedsReds
vs
NationalsNationals		Reds
+108
BravesBraves
vs
YankeesYankees		Braves
+135
AngelsAngels
vs
MarlinsMarlins		Marlins
-156
AthleticsA's
vs
Red Sox Red Sox		Athletics
+245
GuardiansGuardians
vs
White SoxWhite Sox		Guardians
-133
TwinsTwins
vs
BrewersBrewers		Twins
+170
CubsCubs
vs
RoyalsRoyals		Cubs
-160
OriolesOrioles
vs
RangersRangers		Orioles
+135
RockiesRockies
vs
CardinalsCardinals		Cardinals
-156
AstrosAstros
vs
PadresPadres		Padres
-115
DodgersDodgers
vs
DiamondbacksDiamondbacks		Dodgers
-167
RaysRays
vs
MarinersMariners		Rays
+104
TigersTigers
vs
GiantsGiants		Tigers
-122

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 8-7.

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Expert MLB moneyline picks for August 7

Mets vs Pirates: Mets (+125)

Mets win probability: 44%

I like the Mets as a dog, mainly because their offense has been heating up, sporting a 121 wRC+, .339 wOBA and .778 OPS while making a ton of hard contact and barrels over their last six games.

On the other hand, the Pirates have posted a 60 wRC+, .251 wOBA and .534 OPS during that stretch.

Carmen Mlodzinski has been great for the Pirates, but he has allowed nearly 55% hard-hit and almost a 14% barrel rate to opposing hitters over his last three outings.

I want the dog!

Blue Jays vs Phillies: Phillies (-203)

Phillies win probability: 67%

From a moneyline standpoint, I hate that I wrote, “take the -203 favorite,” but there is nothing offensively for the Blue Jays that gives me even an ounce of hope here.

Over their last 12 games, they have not made hard contact or barrels, and their wRC+ is below 90. What am I supposed to believe in?

Meanwhile, the Phillies are making hard contact and own a 117 wRC+ and .775 OPS over their last 12 games.

Plus, Zack Wheeler has been phenomenal, while Jose Soriano, who is making his Blue Jays debut, has not been good since May.

Phillies.

Reds vs Nationals: Reds (+108)

Reds win probability: 48%

Question: what is with the Reds having pitchers with country-singer names? Rhett Lowder, now Chase Petty? I hear a dirt road lyric in the distance....

Anywho...

With the sudden coldness from the Nationals’ bats, plus losing James Wood to injury and Luis Garcia Jr. to the Yankees at the deadline, it is mainly CJ Abrams holding things down. Cade Cavalli has done a great job holding things down across his last few outings, but I can’t back a team that can’t score.

Reds.

Braves vs Yankees: Braves (+135)

Braves win probability: 42%

Do we not think this price is a little nuts?

Tyler Mahle has been solid in his last few outings, posting a 3.17 xERA over his last five starts and a 3.16 xERA over his last three. Max Fried makes the Yankees a -138 favorite? I’m good.

The Braves’ bats have been on fire as of late, while the Yankees can seemingly only score via the home run. Yeah, that’s one of the most sustainable ways to score. (Sarcasm.)

Angels vs Marlins: Marlins (-156)

Marlins win probability: 61%

I am not in love with paying this much juice for a lineup that has been pretty chilly as of late, but the Angels’ bats have been far colder.

Plus, Tyler Phillips has looked far better over his last five outings than George Klassen, who owns a 13.50 ERA over his last three starts while allowing a 50% hard-hit rate and 25% barrel rate.

I will happily take the fighting fish!

A's vs Red Sox: Athletics (+245)

Athletics win probability: 29%

The Boston Red Sox are easily the hottest team in baseball, coming off back-to-back sweeps against the Dodgers and White Sox. They needed extra innings to take down the White Sox on Thursday night, and I think continuing to back them as such a heavy favorite is silly.

Especially at -251. Should they really be this heavy of a favorite tonight? I don’t think so.

Yes, the Athletics’ offense has been a no-show as of late, but Jack Perkins has maintained a 3.61 xERA on the road this season. He also does not give up much hard contact or barrels.

For the price, I think it has to be the cityless Athletics.

Guardians vs White Sox: Guardians (-133)

Guardians win probability: 57%

Simply leaning with the better pitching in this spot, with both offenses being pretty lifeless. The White Sox are coming off a big loss to the Red Sox last night, while both teams are coming off getting swept.

Left-hander Parker Messick owns a sub-3.00 road ERA and a 1.46 ERA over his last three starts. Meanwhile, Noah Schultz has a 5.73 ERA over his last five.

I am out on the White Sox this evening.

Twins vs Brewers: Twins (+170)

Twins win probability: 37%

Trusting Zebby Matthews was not on my bingo card this morning, but here we are.

I’ll keep it simple. I am not paying near -180 for the Brewers here when their offense is cold. Sure, Shane Drohan has been lights out, but I just do not like the price.

Twins.

Cubs vs Royals: Cubs (-160)

Cubs win probability: 62%

Cubs or nothing here.

Mason Black has been horrendous over his last five outings and owns a 9.73 xERA on the road this season. The Royals are back to a wRC+ below 90 over their last 12 games, while the Cubs are absolutely scorching hot.

Pay the juice. Cubs or nothing.

Orioles vs Rangers: Orioles (+135)

Orioles win probability: 42%

Given how poorly Nathan Eovaldi has pitched over his last five starts, sporting a 5.67 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, I want to trust the Orioles as underdogs on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Shane Baz owns a 2.63 ERA over his last five starts. Both offenses have been pretty lifeless, so this feels like a spot to lean into the arm that has been performing at a higher level lately.

Rockies vs Cardinals: Cardinals (-156)

Cardinals win probability: 61%

I will make this one easy.

Ryan Feltner owns an 8.75 ERA, 5.18 xERA and 1.94 WHIP over his last five starts. Over their last 12 games, the Rockies have a sub-90 wRC+, 3.2% barrel rate and 25% strikeout rate.

On the other side, Kyle Leahy has been shoving, posting a 1.38 ERA and 0.89 WHIP over his last five starts.

I do not care how much the Cardinals’ offense has been underperforming; Feltner will wake those bats.

Astros vs Padres: Padres (-115)

Padres win probability: 54%

Ronel Blanco could get shelled in this spot tonight against the Padres. The right-hander has yet to put together a solid start this season, and with how hot the Padres’ bats have been, I think they get to him early.

On the other side, Robbie Ray has been lights out, posting a 2.00 ERA over his last five outings.

I like San Diego here.

Dodgers vs Diamondbacks: Dodgers (-167)

Dodgers win probability: 62%

As wild as it is to type this, is there another team in baseball that needs a win more than the Dodgers?

They have been swept in back-to-back series and now draw Merrill Kelly and the Diamondbacks.

With it being Merrill Kelly, who owns a 7.23 xERA at home this season, and Roki Sasaki having far better numbers across his last three starts, I trust the Dodgers here.

Rays vs Mariners: Rays (+104)

Rays win probability: 49%

Simple.

I will not touch the Mariners until I see their team wRC+ climb back above 100. It has been sitting below 100 for over a month, and I want no part of this lifeless offense.

On the other side, you have one of the most consistent teams in baseball, and you are giving me them at plus money?

Rays, PLEASE!

Tigers vs Giants: Tigers (-122)

Tigers win probability: 55%

The Giants’ offense since the deadline has mainly been Rafael Devers and Jung Hoo Lee. The team owns an 80 wRC+, .277 wOBA, and .615 OPS over their last six games.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have posted a 172 wRC+, .414 wOBA, and .947 OPS during that stretch. They are on fire!

Keider Montero has been lights out on the road this season, posting a 2.11 ERA, 3.08 xERA and 0.70 WHIP.

I want to be on the Tigers tonight on the road!

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Padres handle business against D-backs, split series

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 06: Luis Rengifo #21 of the San Diego Padres beats a throw to Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks at first base during the third inning at Chase Field on August 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres took a business-like approach to their final game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night. The end result was a 5-1 win that allowed the Padres to earn a series split and remain one game behind the Diamondbacks in the chase for a Wild Card berth in the playoffs. There are still a lot of games to be played, but San Diego manager Craig Stammen treated this game like a must-win.

Walker Buehler got the start on the mound for the Padres and was not overly dominant, but he did enough to hold the Diamondbacks to one run on six hits with one walk and three strikeouts over four innings. San Diego gave him a lead with a run in the first and two in the third and that was all the Padres would need.

Buehler departed the game and Bradgley Rodriguez took over. He worked two scoreless innings without allowing a hit or a walk and recorded a strikeout. That allowed Jeremiah Estrada to work a scoreless seventh inning, Adrian Morejon to work a scoreless eighth inning and Mason Miller to close out the game in the ninth inning despite it not being a save situation.

San Diego tacked on a run in the sixth and one in the seventh. What was notable about the way the Padres scored their runs was how they did it. The first run scored on a double play groundout and the second also scored on a ground out. Ty France hit a sacrifice fly to bring home the third run. Freddy Fermin recorded the first hit to score a run with a single in the sixth and Jackson Merrill did the same with a single in the seventh.

The Padres return home today to host the Houston Astros to open a three-game series at Petco Park. Robbie Ray is scheduled to make his first start for San Diego at 6:40 p.m. The Trade Deadline acquisition will look to make a better first impression with the club than Casey Mize did against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Padres News:

  • The Padres made three additions at the Trade Deadline and with the game tonight, the Friar Faithful will have had an opportunity to see all three perform in a San Diego uniform. There was a ton of speculation about what the Padres could, would and should do. With the deadline passed and moves made, how do you feel?

Baseball News:

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Florida Bettor Turns $15 Parlay into Massive $149K Win

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A Hollywood, Florida bettor has turned an incredible stroke of luck into an improbable payout fit for the big screen.

Key Takeaways

  • A Florida bettor turned a $15, 15-leg MLB parlay into a $149,477 payout after correctly picking every game on Tuesday's slate.

  • The ticket included 14 moneyline picks and one runline bet, with upsets by the Mets, Cubs, and Tigers among the biggest results.

  • The Rays' extra-inning comeback over the Rockies proved to be the bettor's closest call before the parlay was completed.

An unnamed bettor in the Sunshine State has won $149,477 thanks to a remarkable 15-leg parlay of MLB games across baseball’s Tuesday slate, nailing every single pick and returning nearly 10,000 times his mere $15 wager.

Per Hard Rock Bet, the sportsbook where the unidentified individual placed the parlay, the customer locked in his bets in the early hours of the morning at 6:35 a.m., putting together a parlay of 14 moneyline bets and one run line bet. 

The full ticket included:

  • Kansas City Royals +1.5 -125 (vs. Minnesota Twins)
  • New York Yankees -165 (vs. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • Cincinnati Reds -130 (vs. Athletics)
  • Texas Rangers -185 (vs. San Francisco Giants)
  • Philadelphia Phillies -230 (vs. Washington Nationals)
  • Boston Red Sox -125 (vs. Chicago White Sox)
  • Atlanta Braves -150 (vs. Miami Marlins)
  • Houston Astros -125 (vs. Toronto Blue Jays)
  • Milwaukee Brewers -155 (vs. Pittsburgh Pirates)
  • Detroit Tigers +125 (vs. Seattle Mariners)
  • Tampa Bay Rays -135 (vs Colorado Rockies)
  • Mets +135 (vs. Cleveland Guardians)
  • San Diego Padres +120 (vs. Arizona Diamondbacks)
  • Chicago Cubs +190 (vs. Dodgers)
  • Baltimore Orioles -145 (vs. Angels)

How the bettor won big

The bettor’s day started strong thanks to an Orioles win over the Angels; however, it didn’t take long for things to start falling in the Hollywood-native’s favor. 

In just the second game of the evening, the lowly New York Mets, who had sold off at the MLB trade deadline mere days before, upset the Cleveland Guardians 6-2 thanks to a trio of Mets home runs, including just the fourth of the year from Luis Torrens in the second inning to help New York out to a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The bettor’s next big stunner and perhaps most shrewd pick came thanks to the Chicago Cubs, facing newly acquired Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal in his debut in Dodger Blue following a blockbuster trade over the weekend. Despite the southpaw’s six punchouts, the Cubs mustered enough offense and shut down the L.A. bats in a massive 5-1 upset as home underdogs.

“You’ve got to kind of pick pitches at times,” Cubs skipper Craig Counsell said of facing Skubal. “With the great ones, that’s what you have to do. You have to pick pitches. We did a good job kind of creating a couple other scoring opportunities. That’s how you have to beat guys like that.”

The bettor’s' biggest scare, meanwhile, came from the ballclub just across the I-75 in the Tampa Bay Rays. On a day defined by good fortune for Florida sports betting, however, perhaps the Rays took inspiration, erasing a late deficit with a two-run ninth inning to force extra innings before knocking off the Colorado Rockies on the road in the 11th inning.

From there, it was smooth sailing until Detroit Tigers reliever Yilber Díaz slammed the door on the Seattle Mariners on their own home field in an 8-0 rout to conclude the day’s games and make the bettor a very wealthy man.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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One Giant Leap: Astros soaring behind Yordan Alvarez

Sunday Night Baseball returns to Petco Park this week for a game between the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres beginning at 7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Houston has been red-hot since July 20. Of course they have.

On July 20, 1969, Astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, the first human being to walk on the moon. Buzz Aldrin followed him 19 minutes later.

On July 20, 2026, the Astros defeated the Marlins 8-5. It was “one small step” for Joe Espada, as his Houston team began “one giant leap” in the American League.

The Astros swept the Marlins and then took a series against the White Sox in Chicago. After that, Houston swept a series in Anaheim and came home and swept the Rangers.

I’d say Houston’s Yordan Alvarez is in a season long hot streak. He leads the league in batting average (.329), on-base percentage (.442), slugging percentage (.650), OPS (1.083), OPS+ (202), wRC+ (194), runs (78), hits (136), fWAR (5.7), HR (35), and RBI (85).

With Aaron Judge sidelined since the end of May, Alvarez is the only logical choice for American League MVP.

Alvarez is not a one-year wonder. He’s been one of the best hitters in baseball since debuting with Houston in 2019.

Whenever I see Yordan step into the batter’s box, my 64-year-old eyes see a different 6-foot-4, 237-pound left-handed hitter that wears uniform number 44. I “see” Hall of Famer Willie McCovey. It’s not a stretch to compare him to the man they called “Stretch”.

McCovey won the Rookie of the Year award in 1959; Alvarez won the Rookie of the Year in 2019. Willie Mays was the Giants’ superstar that preceded McCovey by 8 years. Jose Altuve was the Astros’ superstar that preceded Alvarez by 8 years.

As of August 7, Alvarez’s .329 batting average is leading an American League that has just one other .300 qualified hitter (.300 -- Tampa Bay's Yandy Díaz). The league is batting just .244 this season.

Willie McCovey batted .320 in his MVP season of 1969, when the National League batting average was .250.

In that 1969 season, McCovey led the league in OBP (.453), slugging (.656), OPS (1.109), OPS+ (209), HR (45), RBI (126), and WAR (8.1). It was the first summer I paid attention to baseball. I was mesmerized by McCovey. Even if I didn’t see him play much, I “saw” his prowess by playing dice tabletop baseball games. He walked 121 times, something I knew from those tabletop games.

McCovey from 1959-1970, put up a slash line of .283/.387/.557 for an OPS of .944 and an OPS+ of 161.

Alvarez has a career slash line of .301/.397/.582 for an OPS of .979 and an OPS+ of 169.

They are a matched set if I ever saw one.

If Alvarez’ .979 career OPS opens your eyes, it should. Only one active player with 3,000+ PA has a higher OPS. That is Aaron Judge, with 1.022. Trailing Alvarez is Mike Trout (.970) and Shohei Ohtani (.955).

Yordan is the only player in 2026 with an OPS over 1.000. He belongs in a group with Judge and Ohtani and perhaps Soto as the best hitters in the game.

As Altuve approaches 2,500 career hits and the back end of his great career, the question will be if Alvarez can lift this entire team to the top of the American League.

MLB: APR 18 Giants at Nationals
How to watch the Cincinnati Reds vs Washington Nationals: Live stream info, schedule, preview
Live coverage begins at 12 PM ET on NBCSN and Peacock.

Astros-Padres connection: Remembering Ken Caminiti

And when I see the Astros and Padres in a game, I cannot help but recall the late Ken Caminiti, who was an All-Star for both franchises.

When NBC Sports was broadcasting the 1996 All-Star Game from Philadelphia, I was lucky enough to be in the booth with Bob Costas, Joe Morgan, and Bob Uecker. I’ve never seen a team so stacked as the 1996 National League squad, which won the game 6-0. The NL team featured no less than 10 future Hall of Famers.

The best player on that team, Barry Bonds, is not one of the 10 as he did not make the Hall of Fame.

The best player on that team that season—the 1996 NL MVP—also did not make the Hall of Fame. Ken Caminiti, who homered in the 6-0 NL victory, died in 2004 at the age of 41.

Thirty summers ago, Caminiti batted .326 with 40 HR and 130 RBI for the Padres. He slugged .621 and had an OPS of 1.028. He hit a home run in the All-Star Game. He hit three homers in three postseason games. He won a Gold Glove as well in 1996.

I can understand if you’re not that impressed with the slugging. There were 15 qualifying players with an OPS over 1.000 in 1996. Caminiti was only 11th-best, trailing players like Mark McGwire, Gary Sheffield, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Brady Anderson.

An OPS over 1.000 wasn’t big news in 1996.

Caminiti played for the Astros from 1987 to 1994, playing alongside teammates Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. Then he played four seasons with the Padres, alongside Tony Gwynn. He is a member of the Astros Hall of Fame and Padres Hall of Fame.

Caminiti has a place in baseball history, but not the place anyone wants to be remembered for. A year after his retirement, he admitted to using steroids during his 1996 MVP season and for years afterwards. He died of a cocaine and heroin drug overdose in October of 2004.

nbc_roto_maxclark_260730.jpg
Moving on up: A look inside what happens when minor league prospects get promoted
Eric Samulski talks to players and coaches about what happens during a minor league player promotion

The Padres’ Wait Continues

The Padres have played 58 seasons and have never won a World Series. They have reached the World Series twice, only to run into the 1998 Yankees (114-48) and the 1984 Tigers (104-58).

They had a very real chance to capture the championship in 2022, after the Pads eliminated the 101-win Mets in the Wild Card Series and the 111-win Dodgers team in the Division Series. In the NLCS against the Phillies, the Padres took an early 4-0 lead in Game 4 trying to even the series. A Juan Soto homer put the Padres back on top 6-4 in the top of the fifth. Sean Manaea got battered around in the bottom of the fifth, and the Phillies won the game 10-6. The next day, the Padres lost a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning as Bryce Harper hit a 2-run homer that vaulted Philly into the World Series against the Astros.

What would have happened if San Diego had defeated Philadelphia, and played Houston in the 2022 World Series? Could they have defeated the 106-win Houston team? It would have represented the greatest postseason run ever.

And it would have been the first World Series game ever hosted by Petco Park. The Padres have played nearly 1,800 games there since opening in 2004 at the stunning ballpark. It is a top-tier MLB stadium which is the central feature in the Gaslamp Quarter, the historic district that is a stone’s throw from the waterfront.

If you’re a baseball fan and haven’t been there, make a pilgrimage. You won’t be sorry.

Editors’ Note: Elliott Kalb - dubbed “Mr. Stats” decades ago by Marv Albert and Bob Costas - is the former Senior Editorial Director at MLB Network and a longtime contributor of research and information to NBC Sports’ telecasts.

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Tigers move on to San Francisco to face Giants starting on Friday

The Detroit Tigers managed to take two of three from the Seattle Mariners with an 11-0 shellacking of the home team at T-Mobile Park on Thursday evening, making it seven of the last eight that they have scored eight runs or more. Framber Valdez gave his team seven shutout innings while Dillon Dingler and Kevin McGonigle both homered to help power the offense.

The Motor City Kitties now move on to San Francisco, where they play the final leg of their West Coast road swing against the Giants. Right-hander Keider Montero gets the start in the opener on Friday night looking to claw his team closer to the .500 mark as the season hits the home stretch.

The 26-year-old’s last start against the Athletics in Sacramento was a strong one, tossing six frames of scoreless ball on two hits and two walks while striking out two and hitting a batter. Montero’s efforts earned him his eighth win of the 2026 campaign in another 11-0 final.

The Giants’ starter for Friday’s game has yet to be announced as of the time of publication.

Detroit Tigers (56-59) vs. San Francisco Giants (48-67)

Time (ET): 10:15 p.m.
Place: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California
SB Nation Site:McCovey Chronicles
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 116: RHP Keider Montero (8-6, 3.17 ERA) vs. TBD

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Montero24116.117.45.441.43.702.2
TBD–––––––

MONTERO

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Mets vs Pirates Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are -135 moneyline to end their three-game losing streak tonight when they host the New York Mets. 

I'm skeptical they'll be able to do so, and see value in backing New York with my Mets vs. Pirates predictions and MLB picks for Friday, Aug. 7. 

Who will win Mets vs Pirates today: New York Mets (+115)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are struggling at the dish, hitting .234 the past month while striking out at the fourth-highest rate. Their outputs underwhelm against righties and lefties.

Zac Thornton has suppressed power effectively (0.79 HR/9) and held opponents to a .211 average this season. His counting numbers are a little deceiving, but this isn’t a matchup regression should come calling.

The New York Mets sit 15th in wOBA vs. righties over the last 30 days, and have shown good power with the fourth highest HR/FB rate.

I see plenty of value at this price. Bet to +100.

Covers COVERS INTEL:The Pirates slot 22nd in ISO against lefties the last 30 days, playing further into Thornton's excellent home run prevention.

Mets vs Pirates Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-120)

The best way to score runs in bulk is power, and I don’t see a recipe for a lot of quick strike offense in this game.

Thornton has his faults but has done an exceptional job at keeping the ball in the park. The Pirates rank 29th in hard hit rate against lefties the past month, so they don’t profile as likely to change that.

Carmen Mlodzinski has also done a superb job of limiting homers (0.54 HR/9), and he has the seventh-best bullpen by xFIP the last month backing him up.

I make fair price -133.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 71-66, -9.65 units
  • Over/Under bets: 76-55-6, +12.09 units

Mets vs Pirates weather

Temperatures are expected to hover around 80, with showers and winds blowing from the west. No real impact on bats.

Mets vs Pirates odds

  • Moneyline: Mets +115 | Pirates -135
  • Run line: Mets +1.5 (-170) | Pirates -1.5 (+145)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-120) | Under 8.0 (+100)

Mets vs Pirates trend

New York has hit the moneyline in eight of the last 11 away games (+5.55 units, 41% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Pirates.

How to watch Mets vs Pirates and game info

LocationPNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
DateFriday, August 7, 2026
First pitch6:40 p.m. ET
TVWPIX-11, SNP
Mets starting pitcherZac Thornton
(2-2, 2.88 ERA)
Pirates starting pitcherCarmen Mlodzinski
(6-3, 3.15 ERA)

Mets vs Pirates 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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Has Andrew Painter turned a corner?

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 31: Andrew Painter #24 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 31, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Andrew Painter was a bit of a surprise call-up last week, as the 23-year-old was preparing to make another start in Triple-A when the Phillies decided to bring him back to the majors after a two-month demotion. He performed well in that spot start last Friday, going six innings while allowing two runs on just three hits with six strikeouts. 

Not only did the Phillies opt to keep him in the majors for another start, but they also essentially made him the de facto fifth starter once again when they did not acquire another starter before Monday’s trade deadline. That second start came Wednesday night where Painter pitched in and out of trouble, allowing one run on three hits in just four innings before leaving with a hamstring injury that occurred after he slipped on the wet mound. Painter insists he could have kept going, but the Phillies elected to be cautious considering their extremely fragile starting pitching depth. Yesterday it was announced that further tests did not show any cause for alarm and that Painter will make his next scheduled start. Until he takes the mound again, we will have to take his and the Phillies word that the injury was indeed a minor one and that it won’t affect him.

If Painter is indeed healthy and doesn’t require an IL stint, it’s hard to say these last two starts were not encouraging even if the second one was abbreviated. He looks much better and more comfortable on the mound, and his fastball appears to be a viable pitch once again. It is just ten total innings, so the small sample caveat still remains, but it appears he has corrected some of his earlier woes. So, do you think Andrew Painter has turned a corner? 

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Do you still think of Max Fried as “our” guy?

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 03: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees looks on during the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on June 3, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tonight, the Braves will face Max Fried for the first time ever — they missed facing him when the Yankees visited Atlanta last year. (The three games in that series involved a bullpen game, a Will Warren start, and a Marcus Stroman start.) Fried’s been a Yankee for about a season and a half now, though headlines on him have been a bit muted this season because he missed over two months with a bone bruise on his pitching elbow. Still, he was dominant in his first year in pinstripes (4.8 fWAR, a career high in starts and innings, and a pitching line akin to his career line), and has been similar this year (with an added bonus of a lower HR/FB because he was out when the drag on the ball precipitously fell in June).

Anyway, it’ll be kind of weird for the Braves to face down Max Fried. Will it be weird for you? Do you still think of him as a Brave in some fashion? Or, has there been enough drama since his departure that even 2024 feels like ages ago at this point?

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Friday morning Rangers things

Apr 23, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Degrom (48) throws during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Good morning, LSB.

The Rangers were off yesterday.

Evan Grant’s weekly stock report details the slamming closed of the wallets by Rangers ownership.

FanGraphs ranks all 94 prospects moved at the trade deadline.

And longtime Giants broadcaster and voice of MVP Baseball 2005 Mike Krukow is retiring at the end of the season.

That’s all for this morning. Happy Friday!

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The Orioles’ next wave: Nine young players whose roles just got bigger

Whatever speculation there was about Orioles GM Mike Elias being both a buyer and seller at the trade deadline, he didn’t do any buying, and he didn’t just tinker—the front office broke all our hearts, of course, by trading Adley Rutschman, their franchise catcher and 2019 first-overall pick, to the Red Sox. But they also created roster holes to patch in the short term by trading outfielder Taylor Ward and two trusted arms in starter Dean Kremer and reliever Tyler Wells.

This past week, Eno Sarris of The Athletic rounded up young players across the game who stand to inherit bigger roles from departed veterans in the wake of the trade deadline. This question is now particularly relevant for Baltimore, which has seen its org chart reshuffled at multiple positions over the last week.

So I thought I’d give it some thought. Below are nine (-ish) Orioles young players with the most to prove, and what a greater runway this season could tell us about them.

Samuel Basallo, C/DH

Let’s start with the biggest beneficiary of the Rutschman trade, full stop. The 21-year-old Basallo was already getting regular at-bats as Baltimore’s DH before having to miss time with a shoulder injury, but Rutschman’s departure hands him the starting catcher job outright. Basallo’s 2025 Triple-A season (.270/.377/.589, 23 home runs in 76 games) was one of the most impressive in the minors at any level, and while his MLB debut was a rough introduction (.165/.229/.330 in 31 games) and a shoulder issue has nagged him in 2026, the hit tool and raw power are both plus-plus. He’s looked ready, especially in the month of May, where he averaged .338 and OPS’d .973.

Coby Mayo, 3B/1B

No sugarcoating it: Mayo has been the toughest watch on this list in 2026. A .201 batting average, a .271 OBP, and a strikeout rate north of 33% are not what the Orioles need from a presumed power bat in the middle of the lineup. But on the flip side: Mayo is still just 24, the raw power (15 home runs in 89 games) is still worth remarking on, and he’s progressing. Over Mayo’s last 15 games, the big bopper has a .268/.302/.610 slashline (look at that power!). Mayo always seems to be a few adjustments away from tapping into 30-homer thump, but he really seems to be knocking on the door right now. If he can bust through it’ll help us know whether he figures in the Orioles’ infield plans, or as future trade bait.

Colton Cowser, OF

Cowser is the most “seasoned” player on this list and, in a way, the cautionary tale for the others: a former first-rounder who’s now several thousand big-league plate appearances in and still searching for consistency. Cowser had an excellent rookie season in ’24, hitting .242 with 24 home runs in 153 games, and earning runner-up Rookie of the Year honors. But since, there’s been a lot of excuses and not a lot of great performances. Whatever the reason, Cowser’s career line — .214/.302/.386 with a .688 OPS and 48 home runs in 372 games — is not what the O’s thought they were getting when they signed the high-contact sweet-swinging outfielder from UT.

Jackson Holliday, 2B

Another former first-rounder (and No. 1 overall) whose hitting hasn’t fully caught up to the hype. But Holliday still has the youth, the pedigree, the plate discipline, and the defensive versatility, and it’s easier to see him reaching his All-Star caliber potential. The issue has always been how quickly the performance catches the profile. Holliday missed some time early this season with a badly timed hand injury, and he’s been kind of buried in the conversation behind other pressing matters (including why the team played so badly in the first half), but he’s still doing what he’s paid to do. There are some good signs: for instance, in the month of July Holliday hit .368 and OPS’d .921.

Blaze Alexander, IF

Acquired from Arizona in the offseason, Alexander has been one of the most pleasant surprises on the whole roster. Out of nowhere, the 27-year-old hit .312 with 4 home runs and 31 runs in 36 games before, alas, going down with a fractured hand. He’s also filled in capably at nearly every position beside catcher, first, and pitcher. The ceiling here isn’t superstar, but if Alexander recovers quickly from a fractured hand, it could be everyday infielder. How the team uses Alexander down the stretch is a really interesting question, at least to me.

Brandon Young, SP

Speaking of surprises on the roster, Brandon Young has quietly been one of the better stories on the pitching staff. A guy left off the Opening Day roster and now perhaps their best starter, Young has an 8-3 record, a 3.43 ERA, and a strong strikeout-to-walk profile across a full workload. At 27, he’s older than most “prospect” conversations, but the success this season been sustained, thanks in part to a new splitter pitch, and the Orioles are totally winning a lot of his starts. His ceiling looks like a mid-rotation starter—can he hit this?

Cade Povich, SP

Povich, part of the return for Jorge López a few years back, has bounced between flashes of real promise (a 2.19 ERA in a recent stretch, a 19:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his most extended big-league look) and injury (a shoulder issue that’s cost him time in 2026) or frustration. When healthy, Povich has shown the swing-and-miss stuff of a mid-rotation-or-better left-hander. The the real variable on his ceiling right now is the same one it’s always been: control. However, this week, Povich turned in a real big-boy start, silencing the Angels over six scoreless innings. With the rotation thinned out, could this be the runway Povich needs to run?

Grant Wolfram, RP

The best-kept secret on this list. Acquired in April 2025 after Milwaukee squeezed him off its roster, the 29-year-old lefty has been outstanding in relief: a 3.47 ERA with a strikeout rate in the 98th percentile of all big-league pitchers over his first stretch of appearances this season. Relievers are volatile by nature, so Wolfram’s ceiling seems likely “high-leverage bullpen piece” rather than rotation arm. But for a player who was nearly out of a job a year ago, that’s a dramatic outcome.

Norfolk Guys (Trey Gibson, Levi Wells, Luis De León)

OK, I’m cheating with this bundle of three pitching prospects currently in Triple-A. But there are a few promising arms down in Norfolk, and the Orioles’ ransacking of the MLB bullpen could be a career-maker for any of these. First is Trey Gibson, who already made his big-league debut back in May: he got rocked in a spot start in early July (eight runs in 2.2 innings) and was optioned back to Norfolk, where he’s since stabilized (3.55 ERA, 38:19 K:BB over his last nine starts).

Levi Wells is another interesting name: his fastball will touch triple digits and his cutter/sweeper/curveball mix is arguably the best “stuff” package in Norfolk’s rotation. However, he doesn’t miss as many bats as the raw grades suggest, raising doubts about his ceiling and effectiveness. Wells has been sidelined since May after undergoing core muscle surgery.

Luis De León is the freshest riser of the bunch: a lanky lefty with a heavy 70-grade fastball and a plus slider who barely allowed a homer all last season and dominated the Arizona Fall League before being bumped up to Norfolk in late July after a strong Double-A run (100 strikeouts in 81 innings). De León is now described as one step from his own debut. He’s the one with real prospect juice—mid-rotation-starter potential if the below-average control improves.

Gibson, as the org’s presumptive No. 1 prospect with a mid-90s heater and two above-average breaking balls, is the most likely of this group to be back in Baltimore this fall, and he still carries the highest ceiling: a mid-rotation starter with swing-and-miss stuff, a power-reliever floor if the command doesn’t sharpen.

What do you make of this list, Birdland? Are there any current Orioles you think are knocking on the door to a bigger role? Or whom you’re most excited to watch down the stretch?