Top prosecutors across the US are taking action against Major League Baseball for issuing warnings San Francisco Giants players for displaying Bible verses on their hats during a Pride Night game.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Saturday morning that he sent an investigative subpoena to the league “to determine how their selective enforcement of uniform rules may discriminate against Christians.”
It comes after Missouri Attorney General
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp John Hefti-Imagn Images
“By forcing players to promote political and religious beliefs that they disagree with on pain of discipline, MLB is betraying a core tenet of American law and civic culture,” Hanaway said.
On Thursday, DOJ Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced that her office had referred the matter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for investigation.
“They don’t mind when players are taking a knee and exhibiting all kinds of stuff on the job, but when people are pushing back on being forced to promote a sexual practice that is against their religion, they’re threatening them,” Dhillon told The California Post.
The controversy erupted after Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote “Gen 9:12-16” on their rainbow-themed Pride Night caps during a game last week against the Chicago Cubs. The Bible passage references God’s covenant with Noah and describes the rainbow as a sign of that promise.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier Getty Images
After an MLB spokesman confirmed the players had received a uniform warning, the league later clarified that the warning was “not disciplinary” and “had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message.”
The league noted that MLB’s uniform regulations prohibit players from writing any messages on apparel or equipment and that similar warnings have been issued for personal messages such as “Dad” or “Happy Mother’s Day.”
Dhillon rejected the MLB’s rationale, pointing to the fact that the league allowed players to wear “Black Lives Matter” patches on uniforms, calling it a “double standard.”
Uthmeier praised the federal inquiry and said Florida would determine if MLB’s uniform rules discriminated against Christians. The league has two teams in Florida, while many more hold spring training in the Sunshine State.
Missouri AG Catherine L. Hanaway Office Of The MIssouri Attorney General
“Major League Baseball claims it does not tolerate discrimination based on religion, yet its actions tell a different story,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
His office asked MLB to produce documents by July 23 on uniform rules, enforcement history and other internal documentation. The subpoena was issued under the Florida Civil Rights Act and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
In her letter to the MLB, Hanaway said she would open a probe unless the league promised not discipline players for refusing to wear Pride Night uniforms and for writing Bible verses on hats. Missouri also has two MLB teams.
“As America’s pastime, baseball should not discriminate against the moral, political or religious beliefs of any player,” she said.
The Post contacted the MLB for comment.
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Jun 7, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy (31) is unable to come down with a line drive in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies always seem to a find their way into an outfield logjam. Admittedly, it took them slightly longer this year, but with Mickey Moniak beginning a rehab assignment with the Triple-Albuquerque Isotopes on Thursday—while Brenton Doyle and Jordan Beck are potentially nearing their own rehab assignments—things are about to get more crowded.
The Rockies currently have six players on the active roster designated as or able to play as outfielders. Including the three on the injured list, they’ve fielded nine different outfielders this season. The team also has two prospects in Triple-A that are getting closer and closer to big league call-ups. Once Moniak returns to the active roster—which is expected to happen as early as this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates—the Rockies will have decisions to make when it comes to their outfield.
Here are the outfielders the Rockies have used to far.
Willi Castro, 1.0 rWAR
The switch-hitting Willi Castro is mostly an infielder for the Rockies this year, regularly playing a serviceable second base with a smattering of shortstop. However, he has decent experience playing in the outfield and has made nine appearances with 27 innings in the outfield. Most of his reps have come in left field, though he’s also had time in center. During that time he has five putouts with an assist and took part in a double play.
At the plate, Castro has turned into a consistent contributor. As of today he’s hitting .282/.359/.409 with 13 doubles, five home runs, and 32 RBIs, a 24.6% strikeout rate, and a 9.4% walk rate.
Troy Johnston, 0.2 rWAR
Johnston’s big personality and quality hitting has been one of the most delightful adds to the Rockies roster this season. Johnston is hitting .312/.373/.440 with three home runs, 34 RBIs, a 17.7% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate. His 21 doubles are the second most in Major League Baseball.
Defensively, Johnston has been… an adventure, worth -5 defensive runs saved, -2 outs above average, and a -2 fielding run value. Most of his reps have come in right field, though he’s fared slightly better in left. The less said about his glove-work at first base, the better.
Before hitting the injured list with an oblique contusion, Doyle had been hitting just .207/.279/.270 with just four doubles, one home run, and four RBIs. He had also stolen nine bases. In center field his defense had been—by the standard he has set in previous seasons—poor with -2 defensive runs saved, zero outs above average, and a -1 fielding run value.
Much like Doyle, Jordan Beck was off to a difficult start in 2026 before landing on the injured list. Beck was hitting only .183/.227/.305 with five doubles, one triple, one home run, and ten RBIs until getting sidelined with a hamstring strain. While hitting well against left-handed pitchers, his bat against right-handed pitchers was dire with just three total hits in 44 at-bats.
Beck’s defense has been fine this season, though he does better in left field than he does in right. As a left fielder he’s been worth two defensive runs saved with both zero outs above average and fielding run value. In right field he’s worth zero defensive runs saved and outs above average with a -2 fielding run value.
The surprise in-division trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks this off-season that brought Jake McCarthy into the fold seems to be paying off. McCarthy is hitting .288/.332/.445 with 12 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 27 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases.
Defensively, McCarthy has been a bit of a mixed bag. His truly excellent sprint speed and range makes him an ideal fit for center field, but he’s hindered by a weak arm. In center field he’s worth -4 defensive runs saved, zero outs above average, and has a fielding run value of one. With the emergence of other center field options, McCarthy has recently been playing more left field where he’s worth one out above average but zero defensive runs saved.
Tyler Freeman, -0.5 rWAR
Tyler Freeman has been one of the Rockies’ most consistent hitters over the last two seasons. While he doesn’t have much power—despite three home runs this season—he doesn’t strike out much and gets on base. He’s hitting .267/.348/.366 with just an 11.9% strikeout rate.
Freeman has found himself as a regular in right field for the Rockies, but his defense has dragged down his player value by wins above replacement into the negatives. He has a strong, but inaccurate arm and is worth -5 defensive runs saved and -1 outs above average. Freeman has made some legitimately good plays in right field this year, but more often than not his defense is subpar.
Before hitting the injured list with ankle tendonitis and foot swelling, Mickey Moniak looked to be a potential All-Star candidate for the Rockies. He was hitting .280/.335/.607 with nine doubles, two triples, 12 home runs, and 28 RBIs—though most of his success came against right-handed pitchers.
Like Freeman, Moniak’s value in 2025 suffered immensely due to poor defense. In 2026, Moniak was already worth -2 outs above average and fielding run value in right field over just 66 innings. However, a move to left has cleaned things up immensely. Moniak’s left field defense has been perfectly serviceable with zero defensive runs saved but one out above average and fielding run value. Ironic considering he can’t hit against lefties (5-for-28).
Sterlin Thompson, -0.2 rWAR
The first of two outfield MLB debuts this season, Florida product Sterlin Thompson (no. 13 PuRP) has been taking good at-bats but hasn’t quite unlocked the results to go along with them. Thompson is hitting .234/.319/.391 with four doubles, but recently hit his first two home runs and even got to experience some walk-off heroics.
Thompson has played a lot of defensive positions in his collegiate and professional career, but seems to have settled largely in left field. Right now he’s worth -1 in both defensive runs saved, outs above average, and fielding run value. Interestingly, Thompson has more big league starts as a designated hitter than he does in the outfield.
Cole Carrigg, 0.2 rWAR
One of the Rockies’ top prospects, Cole Carrigg (no. 4 PuRP) was a surprising relatively early call-up this season after a red-hot start in Triple-A Albuquerque. While he’s not quite hitting for average while slashing .222/.333/.528, four of his first eight big league hits are for extra bases and three have been home runs. Carrigg has more home runs and RBIs (8) than Brenton Doyle in a fourth of the games played and is four years younger than his center field teammate.
While his defense still needs to be refined, Carrigg has both the speed and range for center field and an absolute cannon of an arm—one of the best in the Rockies’ system and on par with Doyle’s. He represents one of the more difficult decisions the Rockies might need to make when Doyle begins a rehab assignment. Do you go with the two-time Gold Glove winner, or do you go with the much younger prospect with higher upside?
The Rockies have used nine different outfielders so far this season, but those outfielders have combined for just 0.8 wins above replacement per Baseball Reference. That’s also being generous by including Willi Castro, who has accumulated most of his WAR in the infield. Without Castro, the group is worth -0.2 rWAR.
It’s worth noting just how bad the group as a whole has been defensively. The Rockies outfield group is the second-worst in Major League Baseball with -20 defensive runs saved and are in the bottom ten league-wide when it comes to outs above average (-6) and fielding run value (-7).
At the plate there have been plenty of contributions, but outside of Moniak and Freeman it’s all been from newcomers. Doyle and Beck have both struggled at the plate before their respective injuries and now it feels like the pair—once potential pillars of the team’s future—could now be very replaceable. Especially when there are two more top prospects preparing to break down the door in Triple-A Albuquerque right now.
After a disastrous MLB debut last season, a newly sober and bulked up Zac Veen (no. 9 PuRP) has been tearing the cover off the ball with the Isotopes. He’s hitting .328/.416/.573 with 18 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, and 48 RBIs. He’s seeing the ball well, drawing walks, and still has the speed to make him dangerous despite his new size. Veen can also play all three outfield positions.
Meanwhile, with the emergence of TJ Rumfield as a potential first baseman of the future, 2024 first round pick Charlie Condon (no. 1 PuRP) has been getting plenty of work in right field this season with the Isotopes. After a slow start, he’s also found his power stroke and is hitting 261/.392/.517 with 13 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs, and 44 RBIs.
It would be shocking of president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and his new-look Rockies front office wasn’t already using the information above to plan for the Rockies’ future in the outfield. However, the time to start making decisions with this crowded group is coming up quicker than expected. Two rookies have already made their debut with another on the way and Veen is making a strong case for another crack at the bigs. Three injured outfielders are coming closer to returning.The trade deadline is less than two months away.
You can’t carry 11 outfielders on a 26-man active roster. At the same time, simply saying “trade everyone you can and designate everyone else for assignment” isn’t necessarily realistic. Sometimes trades don’t materialize, or a return simply isn’t good enough. On the other hand, do you designate someone like Brenton Doyle for assignment if you can’t trade him when he is capable of elite center field defense when healthy?
What does the outfield group look like—both starters and bench players—after Moniak is reinstated? What does that group look like after the August 3rd trade deadline? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A bipartisan crowd of NYC Council members are crying foul over the slew of streaming services gobbling up Mets and Yankees games -- and demanding the feds explore ways to improve the availability of baseball and other pro sports on free TV.
A bipartisan crowd of NYC Council members are crying foul over streaming services gobbling up Mets and Yankees games — and demanding the feds find a way to improve the availability of pro sports on free TV.
Councilmen Frank Morano (R-Staten Island) and Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan) introduced a non-binding resolution on June 11 calling on Congress to review MLB’s antitrust exemption — which allows it to essentially operate as a monopoly — and “promote the availability of professional sports programming on free, over-the-air broadcast television.”
The measure stems from growing frustration over the increasing number of games being placed behind streaming paywalls and spread across a confusing web of subscription services.
A bipartisan crowd of NYC Council members are crying foul over the slew of streaming services gobbling up Mets and Yankees games — and demanding Congress explore ways to improve the availability of baseball and other pro sports on free TV. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
It notes both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field were built with significant public funding, providing MLB and the feds the chance to study the 1922 Supreme Court antitrust precedent and determine whether current broadcasting practices serve the public interest.
It also makes sense to grow the sport, the pols said.
“If a kid can’t easily watch the Mets or Yankees, that kid is less likely to become a lifelong fan,” said Morano, a longtime Mets fan. “The future of baseball depends on the next generation being able to experience the game.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t need five subscriptions just to watch their hometown team.”
The measure stems from growing frustration over the increasing number of games being placed behind streaming paywalls and spread across a confusing web of subscription services. Getty ImagesCouncilmen Frank Morano (a Republican from Staten Island pictured), and Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan) introduced a non-binding resolution calling on Congress to review MLB’s antitrust exemption — which allows it to essentially operate as a monopoly — and “promote the availability of professional sports programming on free, over-the-air broadcast television.” Robert Miller
Most Mets and Yankees games are predominantly televised on their respective pay-service regional networks, SNY and YES, and on free TV, but fans also must shell out additional bucks for streaming services like Apple TV+, which holds exclusive rights to MLB’s Friday Night baseball package and costs $12.99 a month.
Amazon also holds regional streaming rights for 21 New York Yankees games this year, while Netflix scored rights to the Home Run Derby and other exclusive MLB games.
In the mid-1970s, nearly all Mets games and most Yankees games were on free TV.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Joey Bart #14 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits an RBI single scoring Konnor Griffin #6 against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the six inning at Oracle Park on May 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Braves are giving former Georgia Tech catcher Joey Bart his debut, catching and batting seventh. Bart was once a top prospect in baseball, but has settled in as a bat first serviceable veteran behind the plate. Michael Harris makes his return to the lineup, batting fifth and playing center in a huge boost to the Braves. Baldwin will DH and bat second, with Mauricio Dubon leading off and playing center. Jorge Mateo starts at shortstop and bats ninth.
Kyle Schwarber currently leads the big leagues in home runs with 25, and while he's only gone deep twice in his last 12 games, there's reason to believe No. 26 is around the corner.
Schwarber is consistently getting under the baseball, and he's up against Freddy Peralta tonight. The righty has allowed 1.26 HR/9 over his last five appearances, and Schwarber has taken Peralta yard twice in 15 at-bats.
He's homered four times over his last six games and six times across his previous 12 contests. The Chicago Cubs star carries a mind-boggling .640 ISO in the last week into today's matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The matchup isn't overwhelmingly favorable, but Crow-Armstrong is squaring up everything right now and generating the type of contact that can overcome even solid pitching.
I'll play this pick up to +400.
Time: 2:20 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Marquee Sports Network, Sportsnet
Home run pick: Bryan Reynolds (+379)
Bryan Reynolds is tearing the cover off the baseball right now, carrying a .571 ISO and 29.4% barrel rate over his last six games. His average exit velocity during that span sits at 98.1 mph, and Reynolds has gone deep three times over the last week. Tonight's matchup only adds to the appeal.
Reynolds will face Tomoyuki Sugano at Coors Field, where the ball tends to carry due to the high elevation. The right-hander has allowed 1.80 home runs per nine innings across his last two starts while surrendering a 38.5% hard-hit rate. He's also struggled immensely against left-handed hitters, allowing 2.27 home runs per nine innings.
Lock this one in. I'll play this pick up to +300.
Time: 9:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Rockies.TV
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 10-66, -17.58 units
Today’s HR parlay
Kyle Schwarber
Bet Now +8703
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Bryan Reynolds
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 Philadelphia Phillies look to get back into the win column tonight when they send Cristopher Sanchez to the mound against the New York Mets.
Both clubs have been near the bottom of the barrel offensively over the past month, but Sanchez gives the hosts the edge in our MLB odds.
I’m taking Philadelphia in my Mets vs. Phillies predictions and free MLB picks in what should be a low-scoring contest on Saturday, June 20.
Who will win Mets vs Phillies today: Phillies moneyline (-190)
It’s early, but Cristopher Sanchez is already making his case for the NL Cy Young. In fact, he is FanGraphs’ current favorite to win the award.
The Philadelphia Phillies starter ranks in the 99th percentile in pitching run value while boasting a stingy 2.95 xERA and .222 xBA. Sanchez also ranks second in the majors in strikeouts (116) thanks to his nasty changeup.
The New York Mets are 23rd in runs scored (102) as well as batting average (.235) over the last 30 days. They’ll look even worse against Sanchez as the team is collectively hitting .238 against southpaws.
Mets vs Phillies Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-110)
The Mets (102; 23rd) and Phillies (99; 24th) both rank near the bottom of the MLB in runs scored over the last 30 days, and I’m expecting both starters to have the upper hand tonight.
Mets starter Freddy Peralta has historically had success vs. the Phillies lineup, with only Bryce Harper (3-for-14; .214) and Edmundo Sosa (2-for-5; .400) batting better than .200 vs. the right-hander.
Unsurprisingly, the Under has cashed in each of Sanchez’s last seven starts.
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 2-1, +0.71 units
Over/Under bets: 1-2, -1.12 units
Mets vs Phillies weather
Notes on the weather and its impact.
Mets vs Phillies odds
Moneyline: New York +170 | Philadelphia -178
Run line: New York +1.5 (-122) | Philadelphia -1.5 (+117)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-104) | Under 7.5 (-100)
Mets vs Phillies trend
The Mets are just 2-9 as the road underdog this season, the second-worst win percentage in the majors. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Phillies.
How to watch Mets vs Phillies and game info
Location
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Saturday, June 20, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Mets starting pitcher
Freddy Peralta (5-5, 3.90 ERA)
Phillies starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez (8-3, 1.82 ERA)
Mets vs Phillies 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.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 15: MacKenzie Gore #1 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Globe Life Field on June 15, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for June 20, 2026 against the San Diego Padres: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Walker Buehler for the Padres.
Texas will look to build on last night’s win against San Diego. They will be doing so with MacKenzie Gore making the start instead of Nathan Eovaldi, who has been scratched due to knee soreness. Jarred Kelenic gets his first start as a Ranger.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Jung — 3B
Langford — CF
Nimmo — RF
Duran — SS
Kelenic — LF
Burger — 1B
Lopez — 2B
Higashioka — C
3:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -131 favorites.
BRONX, NY - MAY 19: New York Yankees Pitcher Will Warren (29) delivers a pitch during the first inning of a Major League Baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees on May 19, 2026, at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cam Schlittler shoved on center stage in the series opener against the Reds, tallying a career-high 13 strikeouts in his six shutout innings. His start along with early home runs by Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice carried the day as the Yankees opened the final series of a long home stand with a 5-0 victory. We’ll see if Will Warren can follow the example set by his rotation mate on what is shaping up to be a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Stadium.
Warren hasn’t looked as sharp over his last seven starts as he did in his first seven. While he’s done well to limit walks and home runs, he has a habit of letting a single inning spiral particularly when an error is made behind him. In those situations he tends to become predictable with too many in-zone fastballs and the result is he often gives up a string of base knocks. He has failed to complete five innings in his last two starts and the Yankees will be hoping for a little more length tonight. In the aggregate, he certainly looks like an improved pitcher from last season, with a 7-1 record in 14 starts posting a 3.47 ERA (121 ERA+), 3.33 FIP, and 76 strikeouts in 72.2 innings.
Andrew Abbott has been the Reds’ second-best starter behind Chase Burns with Hunter Greene still on the IL. He’s faced the Yankees once in his career, holding them to a run on three hits and four walks in the Bronx on July 3, 2024. His four-seamer was one of the best in MLB last year accruing 15 Statcast Runs above average on account of precise command rather than velocity (92.7 mph average). This year, he has been one of the best starters at preventing the opposition from pulling the ball in the air as he lives low in the zone with most of his pitches. He throws the fastball about half the time, using the sweeper as his main put-away pitch against righties while reserving the changeup and curveball almost exclusively for lefties. In 15 starts, Abbott is 4-4 with a 3.95 ERA (111 ERA+), 4.79 FIP, and 58 strikeouts in 79.2 innings.
The Yankees make a handful of changes to their lineup with a southpaw on the mound. José Caballero comes in to play left field, moving Cody Bellinger to center and Spencer Jones to the bench. Lefty killer Amed Rosario gets the start over Ryan McMahon at third while Ali Sánchez replace J.C. Escarra behind the plate.
The Reds meanwhile make just a pair of changes to the lineup that got shut out last night. Noelvi Marte gets the start in right, which moves Spencer Steer to first, Sal Stewart to third, and Eugenio Suárez to the bench following his three strikeouts last night. Old friend Jose Trevino starts behind the dish in place of Tyler Stephenson.
Jun 19, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The American and Canadian flags are seen above the scoreboard during a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
So yesterday didn’t go to plan. The Cubs treated Kevin Gausman like a nine-man Qatari soccer team, dissipating the good vibes from the sweep of the Red Sox. But it’s a new day. Patrick Corbin (2-3, 4.57) is no great shakes at this point in his career, but I think he can give us more than we got yesterday. The offense should be able to score more than two off Colin Rea (5-5, 5.35).
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 09: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton (52) pitches during the first inning of a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on June 9, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sean Newcomb gets the nod as an opener this afternoon. | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Last night was a little bit of a clunker. You wouldn’t know it from the one-run, 4-3 final score, but it did sting just a little more than usual, because it felt like those are the types of games this White Sox team has been improbably winning all season. But I suppose the operative word there is improbable. The 32-19 record they posted from April 17th to June 14th works out to a .627 winning percentage. I love this team as much as the rest of us, but they’re not a .600 club just yet. Games like yesterday were bound to happen with a bit more frequency than they have been.
The Sox had their chances to win yesterday’s game. They put a baserunner on against Tarik Skubal in all five innings he pitched, a rare feat against a back-to-back Cy Young winner with a sub-1.000 WHIP over his last 600 innings. They loaded the bases with one out in a tie game against him, and came away with nothing. Skubal doesn’t even give teams the chance to get there, most of the time. If you fail to capitalize in the rare moments in which he does, you’re probably not going to win. They took a lead in the back half of a game and their piecemeal bullpen just couldn’t hold it. There are some pitchers you can only give so many high leverage innings to before it bites you.
Sean Newcomb is being given the ball to start this one, and as far as I can tell about an hour and a half before first pitch, we’re not entirely clear on who will be working behind him as a bulk man. This is the rotation spot previously occupied by Noah Schultz, and though last Monday’s off day allowed them to skip it their last time through the rotation, they’ll have to find an alternate option today.
Given the mystery, I can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the fact that Grant Taylor hasn’t emerged from the bullpen in nearly a week.
Taylor has pitched two innings in four of his last five appearances, and his innings total is still on pace to check in a little below their stated preseason goal of 100 for the year. I could be completely wrong, but if Will Venable thinks he can get two innings out of Sean Newcomb — a pretty reasonable proposition, given how he’s pitched lately and the quality of Detroit’s lineup—then I suspect this may be the day we get to see Taylor try at a third inning of work. Let’s just see what happens.
We’ve got an early one today, as first pitch is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. CT at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit. You know, Comerica might be a big corporation like any other sponsor, but at least they have a long history in Detroit and the Ilitch family hasn’t sold those naming rights out from under them to UltraCryptoMaxx LLC like the rest of the world. Boy is the bar low, huh? Anyhow, if you want to join us, broadcasts are available on CHSN (TV) and WMVP AM 1000 (radio), like always!
Things couldn’t have gone worse for Giants starter Trevor McDonald against the hottest team in June in Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins.
McDonald ran into immediate trouble in the bottom of the first inning. The rookie right-hander struggled with his command, issuing multiple walks that allowed Miami to quickly load the bases. However, the free passes only resulted in the Marlins taking an early one-run lead.
McDonald never fully settled in, and the Marlins continued to take advantage throughout his outing. He allowed three hits, three runs (three earned), three walks, three HBP and one strikeout through three innings.
Twelve Miami batters reached base without a hit, via walk, hit by pitch or error, in the first six innings. It was the first time since the Giants moved to San Francisco that they had four errors and hit four batters in a single game.
Outside of Casey Schmitt’s 16th home run of the season, San Francisco’s pitching and poor defense were too much for the offense to overcome.
And Miami’s pitching staff limited San Francisco’s scoring opportunities in key moments, preserving the Marlins’ advantage as the game moved into the later innings.
The loss leaves the Giants searching for answers after another difficult outing from a young rotation arm. San Francisco will look for a cleaner start on the mound and more timely hitting as it attempts to avoid a sweep in Miami on Sunday.
RUN DIFFERENTIAL: The Cubs’ 16-2 demolition of the Jays yesterday sent their run differential soaring to +23. It had not been that high in 16 games, since May 30, following a 6-1 win at St. Louis. It has not been higher than +23 in 25 games, since it was +26 on May 22, following a 4-2 loss against Houston. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
WINNING IN DOUBLE FIGURES: The Cubs have scored at least 10 runs in seven games this season. They have won them all, extending their streak to 39 consecutive wins with double-digit runs since a 12-11, 10-inning loss at Arizona on April 16, 2024. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
WALKING THE WALK: Cubs batters walked 11 times yesterday and struck out only four. They had had 23 previous games since 1901 with at least 11 walks and no more than three whiffs, but not since Sept. 5, 1988, when they had 12 and 4 while beating the Phillies at home, 14-3. Yesterday’s game was their 5,926th since then. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
PLAYER OF THE WEEK, AGAIN?: Pete Crow-Armstrong was NL Player of the Week last week. He’s making a case to win the honor again. In four games so far this week: .563/.600/1.313 (9-for-16) with a double, a triple and three home runs.
Colin Rea had made some decent starts early this year but the last seven, yikes. In those seven: 6.75 ERA, 1.556 WHIP, eight home runs in 36 innings. His season ERA is 5.35, the highest it’s been since it was 6.00 after his first season outing (two runs in three innings).
Okay, so what can we find in his record vs. Blue Jays hitters? Not much, 3-for-17 in a very small sample size. One of those three hits was a home run by Alejandro Kirk.
Good luck today, Colin.
Patrick Corbin signed a six-year deal with the Nationals after six pretty good years in Arizona.
Well. He had one good year there (2019) and got himself a World Series ring but the rest of his time in Washington was just awful — 137 starts with a 5.62 ERA and he led the league three times in runs allowed, hits allowed and losses.
In Toronto he’s been… okay. Positive bWAR (0.8), for whatever that’s worth. This month, though, in three starts, it’s gone back to bad: 8.49 ERA, 1.971 WHIP, K rate down, BB rate up… maybe this is a good time for the Cubs to face him.
Current Cubs are batting .316 (49-for-155) against Corbin. Michael Conforto, in particular, has hit him well: .333 (12-for-36) with five home runs. Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson have also both homered twice off Corbin.
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
Jun 19, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Alex Call (12) slides into home plate to score in the ninth inning as Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) watches at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Every Dodgers game in the 2026 season has been decided in nine innings, and the lack of extras hasn’t been for lack of trying. The Tampa Bay Rays loaded the bases in the ninth inning, coming dangerously close to bringing home the equalizer. On Friday, Dalton Rushing’s RBI single should have tied the game with two outs in the ninth.
“With the base hit, I was thinking about extra innings. I was thinking the play was going to be made, and I actually didn’t see it get by the catcher,” manager Dave Roberts said Friday night. “I wasn’t in tune, I was kind of moving to the next play.”
But the ball did get by Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, allowing a second, winning run to score, and the Dodgers decided yet another game before having to deal with the automatic runner on second base.
The Dodgers are nearly at the halfway point of their season, as Friday was their 76th game of the campaign, and have still not played in extra innings in 2026. The Texas Rangers have played in two such games and the San Diego Padres in three. Every other team has played in at least four extra-inning games by now, with the MLB average about six per team. Last year the Dodgers played in 15 extra-inning games in the regular season, tied for seventh-most in the league, including nine games by this point in the year.
To start a season, the Dodgers’ streak of 76 games with none in extra innings is the second-longest in MLB history. They trail only the 2005 Boston Red Sox, who went 98 games into that year before playing in extra innings.
Four games is the Dodgers’ longest streak of wins all by one run since May 30-June 2, 2010 against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers on Saturday have a chance to tie their franchise record for longest streak of one-run victories. They’ve had three such five-game streaks, the last coming 32 years ago:
May 17-22, 1961 vs. Braves (one game), at Giants (three games), Reds (one game)
July 4-8, 1966 vs. Reds (three games), vs. Braves (two games)
May 9-14, 1994 vs. Astros (three games), vs. Padres (two games)
Friday evening’s debacle in the Bronx would have, in a just world, been the kind of thing that would have pissed off a wide swath of Cincinnati Reds fans. They gave up big hits early on bad pitches. They looked positively overmatched all up and down their lineup. They lost, they didn’t score, and looked defeated throughout the entire process.
It somewhat went over without so much as a groan, though. This is the Reds we have come to know for oh so long after all, and losing games like that in ways like that have become so predictable that you see them coming from weeks away. So, by the time it materializes in perfect form, you’ve already checked out.
A couple dozen strikeouts later, and the Reds are back in action again today in Yankee Stadium, this time with lefty Andrew Abbott on the mound. At the rate he’s been pitching (2.47 ERA in 51.0 IP over 9 starts dating back to April 30th) and at the rate the Reds have been precipitating down the standings, Abbott should probably get traded this summer for something the Reds can use down the road. That’s a compliment, Andrew.
Will Warren will start for New York as they look to clinch the series over Cincinnati. He’s 7-1 with a 3.47 ERA on the season, and while I long ago moved past the idea that a pitcher’s record was worth more than a cold slice of dirt, the idea that a pitcher could actually be 7-1 for a team means that team has actually won enough games to make that happen, and that’s foreign enough for me to sound cool right now.
First pitch in today’s matinee action is set for 1:35 PM ET as the Reds – who will be in last place through the weekend regardless of how the next two games play out – look to figure out how to play baseball once again.
Kyle Schwarber
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Bryan Reynolds
COVERS INTEL:
