WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 02: The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is fenced off in preparations for Independence Day fireworks on July 02, 2026 in Washington, DC. The "Salute to America" Freedom 250 Independence Day firework celebration on the National Mall will feature over 800,000 fireworks and will attempt to break a world record. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Arizona Diamondbacks fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Since I was out of range this week – I will be leaving a one-star review on Yellowstone’s TripAdvisor page, due to the lack of wifi – there was no specifically D-backs related question this week. So let’s just discuss the national poll, sent out to those on the list (and if you aren’t on it, the link above has you covered). There were three questions. The first was in regard to which executive was on the hottest seat. You probably won’t be surprised to discover that the Mets’ David Stearns was the clear winner there, at 62%. However, the Giants’ Buster Posey (20%) while the Red Sox – and former D-back – Craig Breslow (18%) also got significant support.
These are all examples of teams with large payrolls, in excess of $210 million cash value per Spotrac, putting them comfortably in the top half of MLB spending this year. But they are also all struggling: the Red Sox, at 38-48, have the best record. We’re still not even at the All-Star break, and they only have a fifteen percent chance of making the playoffs, according to Fangraphs – and that feels generous to me. The Mets and Giants might as well pack it up and go home. New York and Boston have already fired their managers, and one wonders how long San Francisco will stick with Tony Vitello, the first man to go straight from a college job to MLB management.
Related: another question was “Who won the Rafael Devers trade?” and a resounding victory there was “No one” at 69%. However, the Red Sox did beat the Giants in the remainder, by a 22-9 percent margin. That seems fair. Boston did get to dump a massive contract for a player who was increasingly toxic there. However, the players they got back have either fizzled, or been traded on. For example, Kyle Harrison was yesterday’s starter for the Brewes against the D-backs, and despite his struggles there, is 8-1 with an excellent 2.82 ERA. Meanwhile, Devers has been worth just 3.2 bWAR over a year and a half. He’s on the SF books for seven more seasons and $225 million. Yep. Happy not to be them.
However, I want to focus on, and ask you here about, the result above. Almost half of respondents think it’s time to revamp the MLB draft, which will be coming up in a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I do not have any data on exactly how things should be changed. Are we talking about timings? Draft order? An international draft? [Something which was part of the owner’s proposals during the current CBA negotiations] So, basically: what are your thoughts? If you had unfettered power to re-arrange and re-organize the draft to your liking, what would you do? That would be what the comments section is for…
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 03: Garrett Mitchell #5 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with third base coach Matt Erickson #68 after hitting a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Chase Field on July 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brewers have a chance to win their second series in a row and their first of July this evening in Arizona as they get set to take the season series against the Diamondbacks.
After a late night yesterday with over eight innings thrown by the Brewers bullpen, they’ll lean on Brandon Woodruff to provide them with rest. Woodruff will be making his third start on the mound since returning from the injured list and his ninth overall on the season. Since returning, Woodruff has thrown 11 2/3 innings, giving up just two hits, no runs, and has struck out 16. That brings his season total to a 2.59 ERA with 41 strikeouts.
Tonight’s start will be Woodruff’s ninth against the Diamondbacks in his career. Most recently, he was sent to the injured list after he completed 1 1/3 innings at the end of April. Overall, he has been up-and-down throughout the course of his career against the Diamondbacks, posting a 4.65 ERA with 51 strikeouts.
Pressure on getting long outings from the starting pitching was just increased as right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder injury, retroactive to July 3. Craig Yoho was recalled from Nashville. In five games this season with the Brewers, Yoho has a 6.00 ERA in six innings pitched with eight strikeouts.
For the Diamondbacks, Merrill Kelly will be handed the ball to make his 15th start of the season. He’s been in the midst of his worst season up to this point in his career as he enters tonight with a 5.84 ERA, having allowed 18 home runs, 33 walks, and only striking out 33. He finished the month of June with a 7.31 ERA, as in his last start, he allowed five runs to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lifetime against the Brewers, Kelly has been successful, posting a 3.41 ERA in 11 games. However, in his last outing against the Brewers in April, he gave up five runs on six hits and five walks.
Both of these lineups have faced both teams’ starting pitcher. For the Brewers, Sal Frelick and Brice Turang have witnessed the most success against Kelly, as they hope to replicate what they did in Milwaukee back in April tonight.
You’ll be able to listen to tonight’s game on the Brewers Radio Network on WTMJ 620 while being able to watch it on Brewers.TV. First pitch will be another late one as it’s slated for 8:40 p.m.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28, 2026: Hunter Greene #21 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields of Phoenix on February 28, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds have been beseiged at Helm’s Deep for four days running. They sit at just 40-47 on the season, mired in last place in the National League Central and 7 full games back of the final NL Wild Card spot. That’s closer to the team in last place in the NL Wild Card standings (the Colorado Rockies at 12 games back) than they are to the St. Louis Cardinals, who occupy that final playoff position.
Today, though, is dawn on the fifth day. At least, that’s what the team must hope lest they barrel into trade season needing to blow this whole operation up and begin once again.
Reds ace Hunter Greene was activated on Saturday ahead of the team’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, their two-time All Star finally ready to make his 2026 debut after his March surgery to clean up debris in his prized right elbow. His minor league rehab starts have been basically perfect, his touted velocity once again there, and the Reds will now turn to Greene to help miraculously turn around their fortunes before it’s all too late.
He’ll start opposite Orioles starter Brandon Young, who pitched to an impressive 2.76 ERA across 29.1 IP (5 GS) during the month of June. That backed up an equally impressive May where he pitched to a 2.86 ERA in 28.1 IP (5 GS) as he has settled in as a force within the O’s rotation.
First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET this 4th of July, with a massive fireworks display scheduled for after the game at Great American Ball Park.
With Ha-Seong Kim hitting the IL, Jorge Mateo gets the start at shortstop over Jim Jarvis, facing the lefty Manaea. Elsewhere, Joey Bart starts at catcher, with Baldwin DHing and batting second. Austin Riley bats fifth, ahead of Michael Harris for reasons that are clearly more about mixing lefties and righties than recent production. They have a clear pitching advantage on paper and can hopefully continue their offensive momentum they showed, hitting four homers on Friday night. If they can, it should be a fun national TV game for Braves fans on this country’s 250th birthday.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: A general view as a large U.S. flag is unfurled on the field before the game between the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on July 4, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the game, I was playing catch with my dad, thinking about what to write. The performance on the field by the Washington Nationals was pretty unremarkable. They lost 7-1, falling behind early and then looking sluggish in the heat. However, some of the pre-game ceremonies and the occasion itself were remarkable. Those moments captured me on the 250th birthday of this nation.
Between Artemis astronauts throwing out the first pitch, to all of the ceremonies, it was a special day at the yard. In America’s 250 year history, baseball has played a key role in much of it. The National Pastime has become central to American culture, as well as our image both internally and around the world.
In so many ways, baseball has been a cultural zeitgeist for this nation. Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier is an iconic moment in history, and in some ways kicked off the Civil Rights movement. It took a long time for integration to happen, and race relations in the US are far from perfect even today. However, Jackie paved the way for so many both on and off the field.
This country likes to think it is based on a true meritocracy. However, that is not really the case despite the great imagery of the American Dream. In baseball though, it is more of a meritocracy. That is a big reason why Jackie got a shot in the MLB long before the Civil Rights Act. Baseball is a game where differences can be put to the side in the name of winning and competing.
The game can also be a great unifier. After 9/11, baseball played a key role in the country’s healing process. That Mets game just 10 days after the horrific tragedy was a truly iconic moment, and ended in storybook fashion. George Bush throwing out the first pitch in New York during the World Series was a similarly emotional moment.
In so many of America’s biggest moments, you can easily find a connection to baseball. During World War II, many of baseball’s biggest stars such as Ted Williams and Joe Dimaggio served our country. They fought for our freedom in years that would have been the prime of their career.
That is why baseball is such a big part of the July 4th holiday. It is a quintessentially American game and has been part of so many American moments. Even if the game did not go the Nats way today, there is always something special about playing baseball in DC on the 4th of July.
It is a big stage for these players. We saw James Wood homer today, and Nats stars have come to life on the 4th in the past. Mr. National Ryan Zimmerman had a great track record on Independence Day. He hit .361 with 4 homers in 11 July 4th games.
To play America’s game in America’s capital is a great honor. Even though they lost, it really did seem like the players appreciated that. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we cannot tell the story of this country without talking about baseball. This game is so special, and it is always a treat to watch those 11:05 games at Nationals Park.
ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 08: LaMonte Wade Jr. #31 of the Houston Astros bats in the six inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Monday, June 8, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Tony Macon/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today, the Houston Astros announced a series of moves affecting their outfield:
Wade Jr., 32, was signed by Houston on June 4 to a 1 year, $1M contract. He made an immediate impact, going 4×12 in 4 games with 2 doubles, a HR, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored before a hamstring injury landed him on the IL.
Wade had gone only 1×10 on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land, but batted .250 with a .420 OBP and .861 OPS for Triple-A Charlotte Knights, part of the Chicago White Sox system, this season before requesting his release and being signed by the Astros. His patience and plate discipline were reasons cited by Astros GM Dana Brown for why the team signed him, and why the team had interest in him in the offseason.
Dezenzo, 27, was hitting .264 with a .417 OBP and .780 OPS at Sugar Land this season. He has demonstrated better plate discipline this season, with a 22/25 BB/K ratio in 115 PA at Triple-A. The Astros are looking for better plate discipline and less strikeouts out of their outfield.
Dezenzo has played small parts of 3 seasons in Houston with the Astros, never really getting a consistent opportunity and not being successful in the small opportunities he’s had to date. This season with the big league club, Dezenzo was batting .191 with 4 doubles, 1 HR and 2 RBI in 47 AB across 21 games. He also struck out 19 times.
Meyers, 30, has followed up a career-best .292 average last season with what would be a career-worst .206 average so far this season. Meyers missed 2 months of last season with a calf injury. He was batting .308 when he went on the IL after play July 6, and returned September 6. He batted just .204 in the month of September last year, finishing the year at .292.
This season so far has been more of September 2025 for Meyers, who hit just .183 in June.
In 2024, Meyers finished with 13 Outs Above Average per Statcast, and was a finalist for al AL Gold Glove in CF. Despite missing two months last season, he finished with 9 Outs Above Average in 2025. Meyers has only 2 Outs Above Average this season, partly due to missing 38 games due to injury and partly due to poor offensive performance.
Loperfido, 27, got off to a decent start this season, albeit without any power. He was batting .276 with a .348 OBP on April 17 when he went on the IL with a right quad strain. He returned June 9, but struggled badly, batting just .122 in 41 AB in June. He did have 2 heroic moments, a 3-run HR in extras to beat Toronto June 23, then tripled late in a tie game the next day and scored on a throwing error as the pitcher tried to pick him off. He was just unable to capitalize on those moments or gain momentum, going 1×15 since.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: An overall view during the national anthem with an American flag on the baseball field before the game between the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies at Comerica Park on September 11, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (38-50) vs. Texas Rangers (45-43)
Time/Place: 4:05 p.m., Globe Life Field SB Nation Site:Lone Star Ball Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Jack Flaherty (1-8, 4.97 ERA) vs. RHP Kumar Rocker (2-6, 3.83 ERA)
Jul 4, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) reacts after the final out of the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The Mariners have scored one run, on a bases-loaded walk, in their last 20 innings of baseball.
Logan Gilbert takes on the Blue Jays today approaching a career milestone – he’s nine strikeouts away from his 1,000th career K. That’s a heavy lift for a day’s work, but it would be so special if he could hit that milestone in front of the fans at home, especially since there hasn’t been much to cheer about for Mariners fans lately.
Lineups:
News:
While today was originally scheduled to be a Gilbert/Hancock piggyback, instead the Mariners are going back to a six-man rotation until the All-Star Break in order to get the starters some extra rest. Hancock will pitch tomorrow, and the rest of the rotation will continue to slot in as normal.
Injury updates:
Julio Rodríguez was at the park today and did some light jogging on the treadmill but is still experiencing concussion symptoms (headache, nausea, lightheadedness).
Brendan Donovan was also at the park working on baserunning and fielding drills. He’ll go out on a rehab assignment when the Mariners are out of town next week; unfortunately, the Rainiers and AquaSox are both out of town as well, so Donovan will head to Arizona to get in some work at the complex. Thoughts and prayers to the 18 year old complex kids getting to pitch to Brendan Donovan.
Today’s game information:
Game time: 1:10 PT
TV: Mariners TV with Aaron Goldsmith and Ryan Rowland-Smith
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.; ESPN radio with Roxy Bernstein and Madison Shipman
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
How quickly does one get hit in the face with a reality check? Why don’t we ask the San Diego Padres, a team that, when it faced the Dodgers for the first time this season, trailed in the race for the NL West by just half a game? And no, this series didn’t occur so early in the year as to make this point irrelevant—it happened on May 18th, well short of two months ago. Now, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets ready for a second straight matchup against the Friars, the Dodgers possess a 14-game lead, one that sounds like a lot, but it’s even bigger when you put it into a certain context.
If the Dodgers were to beat the Padres tonight, their lead over the Padres—who are currently tied with the Diamondbacks for the second spot in the NL West—would represent the second largest lead any team has against any opponent in their own division. As things currently stand, the Padres are much closer to the Rockies and the worst team in baseball (Royals) than they are to the Dodgers—the numbers show that, even if reality often brings much closer games such as Friday’s night one-run win thanks to a Teoscar Hernández grand slam.
Addressing tonight’s specific matchup, Yamamoto is still working on fixing what was initially a rather poor track record against the Padres. Despite allowing just three runs in the 15 innings he has pitched against San Diego this season, Yamamoto only has a 4.60 ERA versus the Friars, his second-worst mark against any National League team.
Aug 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; General view of T-Mobile Park during the sixth inning of a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Game number 89…..the season is flying by. Winnning a second game in a row would be nice.
George Springer is still away, moved to the Family Medical Emergency list, but there is no emergency, just letting George have more time with his son.
Unfortunately, it looks like Canada’s time in the World Cup is over. They did great. I would have been good with a couple more wins, but they played well.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 2: Ezequiel Duran #20 of the Texas Rangers prepares to bat against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Globe Life Field on July 2, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jun 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (51) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
The Braves are exiting a June that was absolutely miserable, but they finally hit a handful of homers on Friday night, hosting the Mets. They’ve got another favorable matchup here, with Chris Sale on the mound and facing the imminently hittable Sean Manaea for New York. We’ve got a national TV matchup on the 250th anniversary of this great country’s founding. The Braves have lived up to expectations, despite their horrid June, but FOX will be a bit disappointed in the Mets, relative to what they expected before the season when this matchup was scheduled.
Chris Sale has been brilliant of late, and really all year, but the struggles of Atlanta’s offense have prevented the team from capitalizing on that in the form of wins since May. One would think that this would be a game that the Braves could put some runs up against Manaea at home, perhaps building on the power they showed Friday, but this is the type of game they have frequently been losing lately. Sale may figure out a way to score a run off the pitching mound out of pure fury if he doesn’t get any run support today.
Manaea has been ever so slightly above average in most things other than ERA this year, getting the opener treatment frequently and starting only 4 games. His elite extension props up a pretty uninspiring arsenal of primarily a four-seamer, sinker, and sweeper, with a cutter and changeup sprinkled in. His four-seamer and sinker have a lot of arm-side run, while the rest of his pitches have quite average movement with well-below-average velocity. He’s perhaps been getting some HR/FB rate luck this season, so hopefully he gets some regression in favor of Atlanta’s bats.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 26: Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the Atlanta Braves waits for a hit against the San Francisco Giants in the fourth inning at Oracle Park on June 26, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves have made handful of moves this July 4th, with the team placing struggling shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on the injured list with right middle finger inflammation. Taking his place on the roster is utility man Kyle Farmer, who was activated from the IL.
Additionally, the team re-called pitcher JR Ritchie and opted reliever Anthony Molina back to Gwinnett.
Kim’s roster spot has become increasingly precarious as his struggled continued to mount after a late start to the season. He’s hit an unfathomable .239 OPS in 27 games with Atlanta. Shortstop Jim Jarvis was recalled from Gwinnett and started in his first game in Atlanta, with Jorge Mateo getting the call at short in last night’s contest.
Farmer, who saw limited action earlier this season on the end of Atlanta’s bench, does give the team roster flexibility with his ability to play infield, outfield and catch – something he worked on while rehabbing. His ability to the the team’s 3rd catcher – he spend time behind the plate early in his MLB career – provides late-inning flexibility.
Ritchie returns as a rotation and long-man in the bullpen option, but doesn’t resolve the team’s bullpen issues, which is short at least one dedicated reliever. Molina has pitched three times for Atlanta in 2026.
Even defensive whiz Michael A. Taylor (standing) was impressed with a Colson Montgomery diving catch, made one year ago today. | (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
1911 Ty Cobb brought a 40-game hit streak into a game facing Ed Walsh, and the White Sox sace shut him down at 0-for-4 in a 7-3 win over the Tigers. Walsh earned his 14th win and chiseled his ERA down to 0.55 (!). Interestingly, he gave up 10 hits in his complete-game win — just none to the Detroit center fielder.
1928 With the White Sox floundering at 32-42, but more importantly after squabbling with owner Charles Comiskey over his salary, Ray Schalk resigned as White Sox manager.
Lena Blackburne took over and managed at a .500 clip for the rest of the season, spurring the team to a 72-82 finish. The 1929 season was not so kind, however, as the White Sox sputtered to a 59-93 record. Blackburne, an ex-infielder for the White Sox, even inserted himself into a game that season, getting one out — as a pitcher!
Blackburne would begin the most famous phase of his baseball career the next year, as the purveyor of rubbing mud from the Delaware River, which he sold to MLB to rub the shine off of new baseballs (and which to this day is the mud used to treat league baseballs).
Schalk finished his career with a 102-125 record and -0.1 mWAR as a manager. Blackburne turned in a 99-133 tally, and -4.7 mWAR.
How about even MORE manager news? Well also on this very day, future White Sox skipper Chuck Tanner was born.
1939 In the category of great feats by players you’ve never heard of, this one ranks near the top. White Sox third baseman Eric McNair finished the best run of at least 10 plate appearances in club history: 12-of-13 (.923) with a home run and five RBIs.
McNair started the run in an 8-3 win over the Browns on July 3, going 5-for-5 with five singles. The win kicked off a five-game winning streak and pushed the club back over .500, at 33-32.
In the opener of the July 4 doubleheader, McNair led off the third inning with a solo homer (a blast to left that curved around the foul pole and caused St. Louis to protest the game, feeling the third-sacker’s blast was a foul ball) and then singled three more times. Not only did that run McNair’s streak to 9-for-9, he drove in three runs in Chicago’s 7-3 win.
The nightcap dispensed with any tension over McNair’s streak, as he was retired in his first at-bat. From there, however, the righty slapped another three singles, including an RBI single as part of a five-run flurry in the top of the ninth that flipped the game from a 3-2 deficit to 7-3 margin.
1960 Bill Veeck’s exploding scoreboard was featured in a night shot on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The headine read: Fireworks at Comiskey Park.
1972 White Sox catcher Ed Herrmann was involved in three double plays, which tied the record for most involving a catcher in a single game. (In fact, he tied former teammate J.C. Martin for the honor.) The three included Herrmann in the middle of a pitcher-catcher-first base double play, a strike out-caught stealing twin killing, and an out at home/out at second double play. The Sox turned five double plays in the game against Baltimore — but lost, 2-1!
1978 At the urging of new manager Larry Doby, the White Sox brought up Tony La Russa to become the club’s new first-base coach. La Russa cut his teeth managing Knoxville with success in the minor leagues, and was deemed ready by Doby and others to take the next step.
La Russa would soon be named White Sox manager and led the Sox to the 1983 Western Division title, then win numerous pennants and championships as a manager of the A’s and Cardinals. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014 with 2,728 wins over 33 seasons.
In 2021, he came out of retirement to lead the White Sox to a division title, and moved into second place all-time on the managerial wins list. He was forced to resign from the club in September 2022 due to a heart condition.
2000 Ray Durham and José Valentín led off the White Sox half of the first inning in Kansas City with back-to-back home runs. It was the second time in team history a game started that way, and the first since 1937. The game also marked the major league debut for Jon Garland, who only lasted three innings in a 10-7 loss.
The loss was the end of a 12-game road winning streak. The last 10 of those 12 road wins came against teams with records of at least .500, making the White Sox the only team since 1900 to accomplish that feat.
2022 Fundamentals win (or lose) games, and for years the White Sox had suffered because they don’t execute those fundamentals. On this night, though, what they did made the record book.
In the seventh inning of a tie game against the Twins, AJ Pollock hit a long drive to right-center field that was caught on the warning track by Byron Buxton, who immediately threw the ball back to the infield.
What happened next had never happened before in the history of baseball.
Adam Engel and Yoán Moncada both lost track of the ball, assuming it hit the wall and was in play. Engelwas already at third base but had never tagged up, whileMoncada was right motoring right behind him in hopes of scoring from first. As Buxton’s throw bounced in to the infield, Twins third baseman Gio Urshela was in perfect position between third and second base to field the ball and tag Moncada for the second out, then run to touch second base to put Engel out.
It was an 8-5 scored triple play — the first in baseball history. The White Sox would lose a key game, 6-3, in 10 innings, with the triple play helping to cost them an important win.
2025 Colson Montgomery was one of Chicago’s top prospects, and his major league debut in Colorado was one for the record books.
In his first plate appearance, which came in the second inning, he was awarded first base because of catcher’s interference. That made him the first player in the Expansion Era (since 1961) to do so in his first MLB plate appearance, per the Elias Sports Bureau.
Then in the last of the second, Montgomery made a full-out diving catch, with his back to home plate, of a flare off the bat of Ryan Ritter that saved a run. After making the incredible catch, Montgomery — a 6´3´´, 230-pound shortstop — turned from his face-down position in the outfield grass and showed that he had the baseball:
Also on this day Bobby Jenks, a larger-than-life figure with a triple-digit fastball, died at the age of 44 from a form of stomach cancer.
Jenks closed out the White Sox first World Series title in 88 years, then went on to save 173 games in a six-year South Side career. But on this day he became the first member of the 2005 club to pass away.
Jenkswas called up from Double-A in July 2005 and stabilized Chicago’s bullpen down the stretch. He became an All-Star in 2006 and 2007 and at one point retired 41 consecutive batters, which tied the major league record at that time. He posted a 3.40 ERA across 329 relief appearances, and those 173 saves are the second-most in franchise history behind Bobby Thigpen (201).
The Toronto Blue Jays look to make it two in a row when they face the heavily favored Logan Gilbert and the Seattle Mariners in Game 2 of a three-game set.
Shane Bieber has always had electric stuff, and my Blue Jays vs. Mariners predictions expect him to rack up the punchouts against the swing-and-miss Mariners.
Find out more in my MLB picks for Saturday, July 4.
Blue Jays vs Mariners predictions
Blue Jays vs Mariners best bet: Shane Bieber Over 4.5 strikeouts (-155)
Toronto Blue Jays starter Shane Bieber is in an ideal spot to rack up multiple punchouts against the Seattle Mariners today. Over the last 14 days, Seattle’s lineup has been highly prone to chasing, posting a glaring 27.0% strikeout rate.
Bieber’s lifetime rate of over one strikeout per inning, combined with a five-pitch mix that generates heavy horizontal and vertical movement, gives him multiple paths to exploit this matchup.
Facing a Mariners lineup currently whiffing at a top-five rate, five strikeouts projects as a very attainable floor.
COVERS INTEL: The Mariners are striking out at a 27% clip across the last 14 days, sporting a 77 wRC+.
Blue Jays vs Mariners same-game parlay (SGP)
Bieber should exploit a lost Seattle lineup that is striking out at a 27% clip. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays, anchored by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., look to ruthlessly hammer a vulnerable Logan Gilbert, who is coming off a tough outing in Cleveland.
With both bullpens sporting unstable peripherals and constant late-inning traffic expected, the game projects to eclipse 7.5 total runs, with Toronto securing a moneyline victory.
Blue Jays vs Mariners SGP
Shane Bieber Over 4.5 strikeouts
Blue Jays moneyline
Over 7.5
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Blue Jays vs Mariners home run pick: Vladimir Guerrero Over 0.5 home runs (+575)
Guerrero should leave the yard against Gilbert today. Vladdy completely dominates this head-to-head matchup, boasting a massive 1.309 OPS and two career home runs off the Mariners' right-hander.
Gilbert is highly vulnerable following a shaky four-earned-run shellacking against Cleveland, making him target practice for Guerrero’s elite hard-hit ability.
Blue Jays vs Mariners odds
Moneyline: Blue Jays +140 | Mariners -169
Run line: Blue Jays +1.5 (-149) | Mariners -1.5 (+124)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-110) | Under 7.5 (-110)
Blue Jays vs Mariners trend
Toronto has hit the moneyline in 12 of its last 21 road games (+4.75 Units / 21% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Mariners.
How to watch Blue Jays vs Mariners and game info
Location
T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
Date
Saturday, 7-4-2026
First pitch
4:10 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, KING 5
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Shane Bieber (0-0, 6.00 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcher
Logan Gilbert (6-5, 3.42 ERA)
Blue Jays vs Mariners latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Mariners weather
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