Joe Morgan, who spent 18 years in the Boston Red Sox organization as a manager, coach and scout and guided them to the 1988 American League East championship, died Saturday, Sept. 5, the club announced Sunday.
He was 95.
Morgan, a Walpole, Massachusetts native who played at Boston College, managed the Red Sox from 1988-1991, taking over for the fired John McNamara at midseason. The Red Sox were 43-42 at the All-Star break and nine games out of first place when Morgan took over.
He guided them to a 46-31 record and an improbable East title behind pitchers Roger Clemens and Bruce Hurst, who each won 18 games; Clemens led the majors with 291 strikeouts. The Red Sox were swept 4-0 in the AL Championship Series by the Oakland Athletics.
"Joe Morgan holds a special place in Red Sox history," said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry in a statement released by the team. "When he took over in 1988, he changed the course of a season and created one of the most memorable chapters in the history of this club. The two division titles that followed only strengthened a bond with Red Sox fans that endured for the rest of his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him."
Added chairman Tom Werner: "'Morgan Magic’ is forever part of Red Sox lore. Joe took over in 1988 and gave New England a summer it would never forget. How fitting that, in his final season watching the Red Sox, he saw another team respond to adversity with a remarkable run of its own."
Morgan won 83, 88 and 84 games in his three full seasons managing the club, guiding them to the East title in 1990 before another postseason elimination by Oakland. He was fired shortly after the 1991 season and replaced by Butch Hobson.
Morgan, an infielder, played in 88 major league games with the Milwaukee Braves (1959), Kansas City Athletics (1959), Philadelphia Phillies (1960), Cleveland Indians (1960-61), and St. Louis Cardinals (1964) and began his minor league maangerial career in 1966. He is a member of the Red Sox hall of fame.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 05: John Rave #16 of the Kansas City Royals hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Royals have struggled in the month of September and to open this homestand, sitting at 1-4. For the second straight series they will look to avoid being swept. The Royals are 63-80 on the season.
Today, it was announced that Jac Caglianone, who left the game last night, has a grade 1 flexor strain.
Jac Caglianone has a Grade 1 flexor strain, manager Matt Quatraro said. He’ll get a few days off and then progress back to baseball activity. With the low grade, the #Royals don’t expect an IL stint as of now.
The Blue Jays are streaking currently, winning 8 of their last 10 after it looked like they were dead in the water, after the Royals dominated them in Canada. Them and the Guardians are tied for the last wild card spot right now, both sitting at 72-71, but the Blue Jays own the tiebreaker. Also, after last night’s win, they are above .500 for the first time in a very long time.
Spencer Arrighetti starts for them today. Here is the Jays lineup against Dobnak.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 01: Brandon Nimmo #24 of the Texas Rangers reacts to a double against the Athletics during the first inning at Globe Life Field on September 01, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Peter Lambert #38 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Daikin Park on August 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The first-place Houston Astros (73-70) will host the Arizona Diamondbacks (75-68) for the rubber game of their three-game series today at Daikin Park.
RHP Peter Lambert (8-7, 3.66 ERA) will close out the homestand for the Astros today as he starts opposite All-Star LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (14-5, 2.59 ERA) and the Snakes.
SLOW AND STEADY RECOVERY: Since starting the season with a 20-31 record after 51 games, the Astros are 53-39 (.576) in their last 92 games (since May 22). That is the second-best record in the AL in that span, behind only the Red Sox (55-38).
IN THE WEST: The Astros currently hold a 3.0- game lead in the AL West over the second-place Rangers, which ties as their largest division lead of the season. The Astros have stretched this lead lately thanks to an 8-4 record in their last 12 games.
STARTING BLOCKS: Astros starters have a 1.74 ERA (6ER/31IP) with 31 strikeouts, a .171 opponent average (19×111) and a 1.13 WHIP in the six games of this homestand. Stretching back over the Astros last 12 games, in which they’ve gone 8-4, Astros starters own a 2.78 ERA (18ER/58.1IP).
MEASURING UP: The Astros are within a streak of playing four straight teams with winning records (CWS, ARI, PHI, TB). The Astros are 29-19 (.604) vs. teams currently at .500 or above. Clubs that the Astros have winning records against include BOS (5-1), CHC (3-0), CWS (5-2), CLE (4-2), and TB (2-1).
VS. THE D-BACKS: The Astros have won nine of their last 11 games against the Diamondbacks, a streak that dates back to Sept. 29, 2023. This run includes a three-game sweep of the D-backs in Arizona last season from July 21-23, 2025.
TODAY’S BROADCASTS: Today’s game will be televised by Space City Home Network with Kevin Eschenfelder, Geoff Blum and Julia Morales on the call. The English radio broadcast will be on SportsTalk 790 AM with Robert Ford and Josh Reddick behind the mic. As always, the Astros Spanish radio broadcast features Francisco Romero and Alex Treviño on TUDN 102.9 FM.
ROAD WARRIORS: After today’s game, the Astros will embark on a six-game road trip that will take them to Philadelphia (3g) and Tampa Bay (3g). The Astros are 36-33 on the road, compared to their 37-37 record at home. Since going 1-9 on the first road trip of the 2026 season, they have gone 35-24 (.593) on the road since April 14, which ranks third in the Majors in that span. More recently, they are 19-12 (.613) on their last five road trips.
ASTROS ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have recalled RHP Miguel Ullola from Triple a Sugar Land. He takes the roster spot of RHP Kai-Wei Teng, who was optioned to Triple A after last night’s game.
TWO-OUT MAGIC: The Astros lead the American League in two-out runs (293) on the season, topping the second-place Rays (255) by close to 40 runs. 3B Isaac Paredes has led this effort, as he leads the AL in two-out RBI with 39, trailing only 1B Rafael Devers (40 RBI) in the Majors.
ISAAC’S FABLES: 3B Isaac Paredes has posted a 13-game on-base streak, in which he owns a .404 OBP, which ties as his second-longest on-base streak of the year. He also has hit safely in six consecutive games, batting .318 (7×22) with six RBI and a .945 OPS in that span.
THE HIT MAN: 2B Jose Altuve has 2,496 career hits, needing just four hits to reach 2,500 for his career. Among active players, Altuve ranks second in hits, trailing only 1B Freddie Freeman (2,586).
THREE-BAGGERS: RF Cam Smith tripled again last night, giving him three triples in his last 11 games and six triples on the season, which ranks tied for first in the AL. These are the most triples in a single season by an Astro since OF Kyle Tucker recorded six triples in 2020.
1K BEHIND THE DISH:C Christian Vázquez played in his 1,000th career game as a catcher last night, becoming just the third active catcher to reach 1,000 career games behind the dish. He joined C Salvador Perez (1,427) and C J.T. Realmuto (1,384) in that exclusive group.
THE LAMBO: RHP Peter Lambert has been the most consistent starter for the Astros this season, as he leads the club in wins (8), starts (24), innings pitched (132.2) and strikeouts (131). He’s allowed two-or-fewer earned runs in 18 of his 24 starts on the year and has done so in 10 of his last 11 starts.
STREAKING: LHP Josh Hader has worked 21 consecutive scoreless appearances, spanning 22.0 innings (since July 21). This is the longest streak by an Astros hurler this season and the second-longest active streak in the Majors. Opponents are just 5×71 (.070) vs. Hader during the streak.
THE CLOSER: LHP Josh Hader recorded his 250th career save on Friday night, becoming the 41st player in modern MLB history to reach 250 career saves. Hader has 23 of those saves this season, in 23 save chances, giving him the most save chances in the Majors this season without a blown save.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1979 –RHP J.R. Richard tosses a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits in a 2-0 Astros win over the Padres in the Astrodome. This marked Richard’s ninth consecutive complete game, a club record that will never be topped.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, September 6, 1:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 03: Wide angle view of Minute Maid Park showing downtown Houston skyline before an MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners on April 3, 2017, at Minute Made Park in Houston, TX. (Photo by Juan DeLeon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
ASTROS
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Jeremy Pena – SS
Ketel Marte – 2B
Yordan Alvarez – DH
Gabriel Moreno – DH
Isaac Paredes – 3B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Jose Altuve – 2B
Corbin Carroll – RF
Christian Walker – 1B
Tommy Troy – LF
Nelson Velazquez – LF
James McCann – C
Daulton Varsho – CF
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Cam Smith – RF
Jordan Lawlar – CF
Christian Vazquez – C
E. Rodriguez – LHP
Peter Lambert – RHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ active roster is at 28 and the 40-man roster is at 38.
Recalled from Triple-A Reno: C Adrian Del Castillo
Designated for assignment: OF Max Kepler
Good riddance.
Hey, it IS possible to get hits with a runner in scoring position! Who knew? Hopefully, that comeback, from two down through six innings, will have unclogged the pipes as it were. The offense can then do their part to make things easier on the pitching. Five of Arizona’s last seven wins have been by one or two runs, which perhaps plays into the sense of tension lately. Easy victories have been the exception, rather than the rule. But another factor is the team’s inability to put together a winning streak. Never mind seven games, the Diamondbacks have not won more than two in a row since August 1, a span of 32 games.
As a result, the team’s recent progress towards the postseason has felt like one step forward, one step back. The chart above shows their playoff odds (per Baseball Reference) over the past couple of weeks, and the whiplash is real. Since August 24, there have been seven days in which their postseason percentage has changed by 7.5% or more – over half the time. Yesterday’s win, combined with results elsewhere (most obviously the Padres’ loss to the Yankees), resulted in an improvement by 12.2% to 56.8%. That’s the highest since August 15, and despite all the “alarums and excursions” of late, the trend is up. Before the game in Boston where KetelGate started, the odds were 51.4%, so the team is slightly better off now.
A win today – ideally combined with a San Diego loss – would definitely be helpful. Victory would ensure another series crossed off the schedule, with Arizona at least retaining a wild-card spot. That’s all we need to keep doing: reducing the window for the Padres to catch us, until it closes entirely. The D-backs have been almost relentlessly mediocre of late: 5-5 in the last ten, 10-10 over the last twenty, and 15-15 in their last thirty games. But the Padres have been little if any better. If we play out the remaining 19 games, as we have the last 19, Arizona will go 9-10 end at 84 wins. If San Diego do the same over their final 20? They are 9-11, to end the year at 83 wins…
Sep 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Detroit Tigers (65-77) vs. Cleveland Guardians (72-71)
Time/Place: 1:40 p.m., Progressive Field SB Nation Site:Covering the Corner Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Jackson Jobe (1-2, 4.63 ERA) vs. RHP Gavin Williams (13-7, 3.81 ERA)
Sunday Night Baseball between the Twins and White Sox should be an exciting matchup.
I'll be highlighting why Kody Clemens is a great look in my Twins vs. White Sox props and MLB picks for Sunday, Sept. 6.
Twins vs White Sox props for September 6
Pick
Odds
Munetaka Murakami 1+ Hit
-170
Kody Clemens Over 1.5 Hits, Runs, RBI
+100
Tristan Peters 1+ Hit
-160
Twins vs White Sox player prop picks
Munetaka Murakami 1+ hit (-170)
Despite the Chicago White Sox superstar rookie’s recent issues at the dish, Munetaka Murakami is still the most lethal bat in this lineup. The South Side slugger enters Sunday night with the highest matchup rating on both of Batters-Box’s datasets. The model has him covering nearly 85% of Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober’s arsenal.
So far this season, across 31 elite ratings at home, Murakami has recorded at least one hit 67.74% of the time. Overall, across 66 elite ratings, he is still recording a hit 65% of the time.
Although he has been slumping over the last few weeks, Murakami has posted a 33% ground-ball rate, 55.6% hard-hit rate and 11.1% barrel rate over his last five games.
Over the last 60 left-handed hitters Ober has faced, they own a sub-.300 xBA, .525 xSLG and .342 xwOBA.
Is this a juicy price? Yes. But 67.74% implies -210, so we are getting a great edge even though we are paying $1.70. Do not pay more than this because I wouldn’t. If you want to add some value, sprinkle on his double and home run.
Kody Clemens Over 1.5 Hits, Runs, RBI (+100)
White Sox right-hander Jose Urquidy has been pure nails for the South Side since joining the team. He does not give up a lick of hard contact, but he does allow hitters to elevate the ball at a high rate. Twins second baseman and son of Roger, Kody Clemens, has been keeping the ball elevated while making plenty of hard contact.
Over the 30-year-old's last 10 games, Clemens owns a .694 xSLG and .265 ISO while generating a 33.3% ground-ball rate, 55.6% hard-hit rate and sub-15% barrel rate. Clemens owns the hottest bat in the Twins lineup, and snagging his HRR prop at even money feels like a steal.
Do not pay juice for this prop. Plus money, or nothing.
Tristan Peters 1+ hit (-160)
I am not thrilled with telling you all to pay this much juice for a seven-eight-hole hitter, but the way Tristan Peters has been hitting the ball lately, asking for the bare minimum is very doable. The former Banana Ball player owns a .296 BA, .519 SLG, and .886 OPS while posting an almost 61% hard-hit rate.
If Ober is allowing left-handed hitters to own a sub-.280 BA and .486 SLG while allowing a 70.5% elevation rate on the road, asking Peters to find some grass at $1.60 is not a big ask.
Shop around; there are far shorter prices. Do not pay more than this.
How to watch Twins vs White Sox and game info
Location
Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
First pitch
7:20 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
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.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 01: Cesar Perdomo #83 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in his major league debut in the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 1, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s series finale time, and it’s the rubber match between the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, a pair of teams who expected to be a whole lot better than they are.
On the mound for the Giants is left-hander César Perdomo, who makes his second career appearance. The 24-year old, who was only just added to the roster, made his MLB debut on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and gave up just one run in four relief innings. Now he’ll get a chance for his first Major League start, and his first Major League win. In nine starts with AAA Sacramento this year, Perdomo had a 5.10 ERA and a 5.33 FIP, with 36 strikeouts and 20 walks in 47.2 innings.
For the Mets, it’s right-hander Christian Scott, a 27-year old in his second career season. Scott has made 20 starts this year, and is 4-4 with a 3.80 ERA, a 3.76 FIP, and 113 strikeouts to 44 walks in 94.2 innings. In his last outing, Scott gave up three runs in 5.1 innings against the Houston Astros.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 18: Miguel Ullola #66 of the Houston Astros pitches in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Daikin Park on August 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros announced this morning that they are recalling reliever Miguel Ullola from Triple-A Sugar Land. The team optioned reliever Kai-Wei Teng to Sugar Land following last night’s game.
Ullola, 24, is 0-0, 4.50 ERA for Houston in 4 appearances spanning 6 innings. He has allowed 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 1 and struck out 9. He did allow 2 HR.
At Sugar Land this season, Ullola converted from a starter to a reliever, as the team believed it would help with his control issues. He is 5-4 with a 4.21 ERA for the Space Cowboys this season. In 39 appearances (including 10 starts) Ullola has allowed 45 hits and 42 walks in 66.1 IP, with 90 strikeouts.
Teng, 27, started the season well but has struggled since developing arm fatigue and then landing on the IL with a knee sprain in late June. Teng is 5-7 this season with a 4.76 ERA. In 30 appearances (including 10 starts), Teng has allowed 69 hits, 33 walks and 10 HR in 73.2 IP. He has struck out 73, but he has hit 13 batters.
Teng had allowed a run in each of his last 3 outings. In that time, he has allowed 6 ER in 3.1 IP on 6 hits, 3 walks and only 2 strikeouts. He took the loss on Tuesday Sept. 1 when he allowed 3 runs in 2 innings against the White Sox.
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 1: Starting pitcher Kyle Bradish #38 of the Baltimore Orioles delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been a tough week in Birdland. After beginning the week with two heartbreaking losses in Denver, the Orioles have been thoroughly outplayed in three straight losses to the Red Sox.
Pitching hasn’t been the problem for the O’s. During their current five game losing streak, Baltimore has three quality starts and none of their starters have allowed more than three runs.
Offensively, the Orioles have been a disaster. Over the last fives, Baltimore is averaging just 2.4 runs/game. The O’s haven’t scored any runs since Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s two-run homer in the 9th inning of Thursday’s Game 1 vs. the Red Sox. Friday and Saturday’s shutout losses was only the second time all season the O’s were shutout in back-to-back games.
The Orioles’ playoff chances are on life support, and if they want to stop them from flatlining, they’ll have to score some runs against stingy southpaw Payton Tolle. The rookie left-hander has faced the Orioles twice this season, both times in Fenway Park.
His first matchup with Baltimore back in June saw him toss 6 shutout innings while punching out five. A month later, the Orioles tagged Tolle for 4 runs, though he struck out 9 in a game Boston won 6-5.
Much like Brandon Young for the Orioles, Tolle pitching has meant wins for Boston. The Red Sox are 9-1 in the left-hander’s last 10 outings.
The Orioles will turn to right-handler Kyle Bradish as they look to end they five-game skid. Bradish has faced Boston twice this year, guiding the O’s to a win in Boston in July, but taking the L against the Red Sox back in April. His last six starts have been a bit rocky for the Orioles’ former ace, putting up a 5.10 over 30 innings.
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 05: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox takes the field before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 5, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Baltimore Orioles are clinging to their playoff lives. They’ve dropped five straight games and sit three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the final Wild Card spot, with two teams between them. With just 19 games remaining, they’ll need to turn things around in a hurry to sneak into the final spot.
Unfortunately for Baltimore, they have an opponent with added motivation. After Blaze Alexander’s questionable slide and subsequent hyping of the crowd on Friday, the Red Sox weren’t happy. Last night, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa mocked Alexander’s slide, and Sonny Gray said they wanted to “bury” the Orioles. If last night wasn’t the final nail in the coffin for Baltimore, a sixth straight loss could be.
Payton Tolle goes for the Red Sox, who went 5.2 against the Seattle Mariners last Monday. He looked fatigued throughout the start, so the extra rest is very welcome for Tolle. The team has an off day each week to finish the season, making the pitching management much simpler. The Orioles will throw Kyle Bradish. He held the Sox to one run over six innings back in July, but has a 5.71 ERA over his seven starts since then.
In roster news Ceddanne Rafaela went on the injured list retroactive to September 3rd with a quad sprain, while Nate Eaton was recalled to take his place. Eli White gets his fourth straight start in center field today.
We’re still 3.5 games behind the Yankees, but dates with the Angels and Royals on the horizon represent a chance to stack wins and gain ground if New York scuffles. Taking care of the O’s is up first, though, at 1:35 PM EST on NESN and WEEI.
Lineups
Red Sox look to sweep the Birds:
Anthony RF, Gasper 1B, Rutschman C, Story SS, Sogard 2B, Durbin 3B, Duran LF, Monasterio DH, White CF, Tolle P
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 10: Starting pitcher Christian Scott (45) of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during the Monday evening MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets on August 10, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – DH
Bo Bichette – 3B
Carson Benge – RF
Mark Vientos – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
Nick Morabito – LF
A.J. Ewing – CF
Luis Torrens – C
SP: Christian Scott – RHP
Giants lineup
Drew Gilbert – CF
Rafael Devers – DH
Bryce Eldridge – 1B
Jonah Cox – 2B
Jung Hoo Lee – RF
Osleivis Basabe – 3B
Grant McCray – LF
Drew Cavanaugh – C
Christian Koss – SS
SP: Cesar Perdomo – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:40 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
Over his last few games, Stowers has been generating too much hard contact to ignore. Over his last 30 at-bats against right-handed pitching, he has an 83.3% hard-hit rate and a 25% barrel rate. On top of that, he owns a .577 SLG, .977 OPS, and .269 ISO.
According to Batters-Box, where he owns an elite rating today, Stowers covers more than 83% of Holmes' pitch mix.
Despite Holmes' success against left-handed hitters this season, the way Stowers sees and hits the ball makes this hard to pass up.
Jones has been crushing right-handed pitching over his last 30 at-bats, owning a .538 SLG and .307 ISO while generating a 62.5% hard-hit rate and 25% barrel rate.
Over the last 60 left-handed hitters Padres starter Michael King has faced, they are generating a barrel rate of nearly 10%, while posting a .291 xBA, .548 xSLG and .406 xwOBA.
Five of Jones' last 10 batted balls have been at least 102 mph off the bat. It is hard to pass up backing a guy making that much hard contact.
Take this down to 20%.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: YES, SDPA
Home run prediction: Rafael Devers (22%)
Another heavy hitter who has been making a boatload of hard contact is San Francisco Giants slugger Rafael Devers. Over his last 10 games, he has generated the third-highest barrel rate while posting a 62.1% hard-hit rate and .949 SLG.
This afternoon, he draws New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott, who has been getting lit up by left-handed hitters. The last 30 lefties he has faced own a .346 xBA, .526 xSLG and .383 xwOBA. Scott is also allowing 2.70 HR/9 during that span.
Devers enters Sunday with the second-highest matchup rating on Batters-Box, where he covers 100% of Scott's pitch mix.
Ride the hot bat.
Take this down to 24%.
Time: 1:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNY, NBCSBA
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 120-411, +25.3 units
Best home run combo for Sept. 6
Kyle Stowers
Trade Now 118.00x
Spencer Jones
Rafael Devers
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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.
Sep 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Through two games of this Braves-Phillies series, we’re exactly back where we started.
After one win apiece, the Braves’ NL East lead remains four games.
Atlanta can push that back to five or the Phillies can reduce it to three during Sunday afternoon’s 1:10 p.m. ET matchup at Citizens Bank Park, which will be a national broadcast on NBC.
The Braves are turning to Tyler Mahle, who has made a strong case for best deadline rotation addition through his first five starts with Atlanta, while the Phillies will counter with Aaron Nola, who is in the midst of a resurgent stretch himself.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders logo is seen on a hat before a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 23, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
It should be a very interesting final two weeks to the International League season.
Entering Triple-A play on Sunday, nine teams are within 4.5 games of first place in the second-half IL standings. At the top of those standings are the Rochester Red Wings, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, with a 37-25 record. One game back are the Yankees’ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders with a 35-25 record. Those teams will meet in a six-game series starting Monday* at ESL Ballpark in New York.
*There’s a rare Monday game on Labor Day; the two teams will be off on Tuesday and resume the series on Wednesday.
At 82-53 overall, Rochester has the most wins in the IL this season. In the first half, the Red Wings finished one game behind the champion Memphis Redbirds. The RailRiders are 72-62 overall.
In the season series, the RailRiders hold a 10-8 edge, outscoring the Red Wings, 101-94. They took four of six games from April 1-5 in Rochester and four of six from April 21-26 at PNC Field in northeastern Pennsylvania. When Rochester returned in an August 4-9 series, it won four of six.
Both teams are evenly matched. Rochester ranks second in the league in team batting average at .264 and the RailRiders rank third at .262. The RailRiders are second in the league in home runs with 195 and the Red Wings tied for third with 189. Rochester is third in team earned-run average at 4.44, the RailRiders fourth at 4.47.
Trey Lipscomb leads the way for the Red Wings, batting .292 while ranking second in the league in home runs (30) and RBIs (88) and tied for second in hits (135). Phillip Glasser bats .271 with 44 RBIs. Andrew Pinckney hits .270 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. Seaver King is the No. 4 prospect in the Nationals organization and is batting .301 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. One of his home runs came off Carlos Rodón when the Yankees’ 2025 All-Star lefty was making a rehab start on August 8th at PNC Field.
On the mound, Red Wings right-hander Chander Champlain is 8-5 with a 3.68 ERA, which ranks second in the league, and 85 strikeouts in 120 innings. If his name rings a bell, he was a 2021 ninth-round pick by the Yankees and part of the Royals’ return for Andrew Benintendi in the trade at the 2022 deadline; he signed with the Nats as a minor-league free agent this past offseason. He combined with four relievers on a two-hit shutout of the RailRiders on April 22nd. Two more familiar faces in the bullpen are former RailRiders Yovanny Cruz and Jake Bird, who were in the trade the Yankees made with the Nationals to acquire Luis García Jr. Both were briefly in the Nats’ big-league bullpen after the deadline but have since been sent back to Triple-A.
Oswaldo Cabrera leads the RailRiders in batting at .291 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He is tied for fifth in the league in hits with 128. Yanquiel Fernández is tied for sixth in the league with 24 home runs and tied for third with 78 RBIs. Duke Ellis ranks second in the IL with 49 steals.
Anthony Volpe has provided an offensive spark since being sent down by the Yankees in early August. In 26 games, he is batting .300 with seven doubles, one triple, 10 home runs and 20 RBIs. Five of his home runs have come in the last six games.
“He looks like a man on a mission,” RailRiders manager Shelley Duncan said. “We’re getting a good glimpse of the Anthony Volpe that a lot of the people in New York have fallen in love with. It’s fun to see him play with that freedom, that energy that he has.”
Brendan Beck is the top pitcher in the league, ranking first in innings (125.2), strikeouts (140), ERA (2.86), opponents’ battings average (.204) and WHIP (1.04) and second in wins (9). Rochester did inflict one of Beck’s two losses this season April 26th. However, the right-hander has not lost since, winning seven games with 10 no-decisions. One of the wins came against the Red Wings on August 4th when he tossed six shutout innings and struck out a career-high 12.
While the RailRiders can help themselves against Rochester this week, they also have to be aware of the teams behind them in the standings. The Worcester Red Sox, Indianapolis Indians, St. Paul Saints, Durham Bulls, Syracuse Mets, Columbus Clippers, and Nashville Sounds are all still in the mix and have ideas at making a run at first place.
However, Duncan said the RailRiders can’t get too caught up in scoreboard watching.
“We can only control what we can control and that’s what we’re going to put all our energy into,” Duncan said. “When those games happen, they bring enough energy on their own. To try to induce it by worrying about all that stuff, it’s a trap. Any time you start hunting those on the scoreboard and start letting it get in your head, it’s a trap to get you out of who you are. These guys play hard every single day no matter what situation they’re in. It’s fun to just go out there and win a game regardless.”
While the second-half title likely won’t be clinched this week, the series between the RailRiders and Rochester could go a long way in determining who does.
“I feel like we’re in a good spot to get that first place,” RailRiders pitcher Alexander Cornielle said. “The guys are rolling, coming together more, speaking on stuff as a team that we need to get better at. We support each other and I feel like we’ve hit that point in the season where everything is falling in place. I feel like we have a pretty good chance of making first place. I don’t like to speak on the future, but I’m pretty confident that we have the tools here to make it.”
Munetaka Murakami 1+ Hit
Kody Clemens Over 1.5 Hits, Runs, RBI
Kyle Stowers
Spencer Jones
Rafael Devers
