Category: MLB

It’s as though Kyle Tucker accidentally became important at work and it ruined his life.

He just so happened to be the best available right fielder on the free agent market at the moment in time that the Dodgers were craving an uptick in right field and another functional bat to further fortify their lineup.

Basically, they wanted just another cog in the machine to help clear a path to a third consecutive World Series championship.

And because money is no object — to the objection of the rest of baseball — instead of offering Tucker a long-term deal with annual pay more in line with his talents, the Dodgers slapped a four-year, $240-million deal on the table.

Said, essentially: Hey, guy, how would you like a Major League Baseball record for average annual value — about $57.1 million per year — not to be the man, but to be a guy?

Not to outshine Shohei Ohtani and his starry pals, not to move merch off the field or do huge numbers on it. Just to quietly do what he did the previous season as a Chicago Cub, when he slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in 136 games.

It must have felt like winning the lottery. All the introverted Tucker had to do was be his normal self with the understanding that no one expected him to live up to that Ohtani-type contract, that Juan Soto-esque dough, that Aaron Judge-level cheddar.

It wasn’t that too much was expected of Tucker, it was that only so much was.

That was a weird place to start. And it obviously didn’t help him find his footing as a Dodger, because he still hasn’t gained traction.

“I mean, it’s been a struggle in the sense that I’d like to help our team win and perform better for the guys in the clubhouse and the fans that come to the games,” Tucker said Friday. “In that aspect, I wish I would’ve done better this year. But like I said, we’ve still got a month and a half left and the playoffs coming up, so it’s not over yet.”

Read more:Kyle Tucker finally breaks hitless streak in Dodgers' win, searches for light in dark season

We can’t, of course, say “poor Kyle Tucker” as he strains — less stoically now — to figure it out with the postseason closing in.

But we can wonder if it was a poor decision by the Dodgers, with all of their top-flight minor league outfield prospects, to splurge so steeply?

We can ask whether they should have taken into account the mental makeup of a man who they were asking to carry the weight of a contract so unwieldy he should be embarrassed by it — which is how Tucker looks when he does his inhibited version of the hip-lock, arm wiggle-and-wave dance moves all the Dodgers do when they reach base.

Tucker just hasn’t looked like a true blue Dodger yet; he hasn’t been able to cut loose — especially not here in L.A.

After going 0-for-4 in Friday’s 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tucker is hitting .186 with a .552 OPS at Dodger Stadium. He went 0-for-19 in the Dodgers’ last homestand, when even a game off did nothing to unscramble his mind.

Overall, he’s had it rough in the outfield too, where Statcast’s Fielding Run Value (FRV) measuring a player’s overall defensive value has him rated 96th of 97 right fielders this season.

At present, it doesn’t help that Tucker is one of two high-profile Dodger free-agent busts-so-far.

All-Star closer Edwin Díaz has blown four saves while saving just seven games this season in between stints on the injured list — Tucker and Díaz, insult to injury. For the high-high price of a combined $309 million.

Still, the Dodgers are 78-51. They have the second-best record in baseball, with two fewer wins than the Milwaukee Brewers.

Read more:Shaikin: Why Dodgers aren't panicking over their $60-million bet on Kyle Tucker

And on the road, Tucker has given the Dodgers more of their money’s worth, hitting.272 with a .820 OPS.

So after Wednesday’s two-hit game to close out a sweep in Colorado on Wednesday, Tucker came home and tried the slump-busting tactic of taking batting practice outside on the field Friday for the first as a Dodger.

“Just trying to put up good swings tonight, good at-bats,” he said. “Just trying to move guys over, get guys in, do my part to try to win.”

The crowd participated too Friday, giving Tucker ovations more befitting a hitter on a heater than one on ice each time he stepped to the plate, where he put up a fight all night.

He saw 31 pitches, walked and hit into a 10th-inning fielder’s choice that moved Kiké Hernández to third base before he scored on Tommy Edman’s walk-off single.

Read more:Why the vitriol for the Dodgers' Kyle Tucker was so thick at Wrigley Field

Moral victories for $240 million, Alex? That’s not what the Dodgers bargained for.

But they’ll take it.

“I loved his at-bats,” said Roberts after Friday’s victory, picking up where the Dodgers’ crowd left off. “That’s one of the things I’m going to make sure I do, is encourage him.”

Because one magic moment in October will make it all worth it.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Good morning, baseball fans!

Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball comes to a close this weekend, so it’s time to make our picks for Player of the Week!

This week, I’m going with a player who made their MLB debut and did pretty well, all things considered. My pick this week is pitcher Matt Wilkinson, who made his debut in the Giants’ 1-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. Wilkinson allowed just one hit in his two inning start. Is it a small sample size? Absolutely. But two innings of scoreless baseball in your debut is nothing to sneeze at.

Good job, rook!

Who is your pick for this week’s Player of the Week?

What time do the Giants play today?

The Giants continue this three-game series against the Boston Red Sox this afternoon at 4:15 p.m. PT.

Good morning Birdland,

The Orioles four-game skid came to an end on Friday night as they beat the Rays 5-3. Pete Alonso stole the show with his 30th home run of the season and a snazzy diving put out to lead the O’s to the win. But Trevor Rogers also made a difference, delivering seven innings and allowing just three runs on six hits, one walk, and six strikeouts.

The losing streak did cost the Orioles in the standings. They are now two games back of the final AL wild card spot rather than controlling their own destiny like they were a few days ago. But I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that if they go undefeated from here on out they will make the playoffs anyway. So just do that? Seems simple!

More seriously, the win on Friday was a blueprint for how the Orioles have wanted to play all season. They got a good start from Rogers and limited exposure of the bullpen. They also hit two home runs. The 157 home runs that the Orioles have hit rank ninth in MLB this season, which is good, but they probably expected to be even higher.

Dylan Beavers launched a solo shot in the third inning, his third home run in as many days. He is one of several Orioles that the team has needed more out of. His recent hot streak has improved his overall numbers to the point that he now owns a league average 100 wRC+ on the year.

Coby Mayo (98 wRC+) and Jackson Holliday (96 wRC+) are two other names that have seen their numbers improve post-all star break. A continued upward trend from this young trio is needed in order for the Orioles to make an honest run at a playoff spot. And don’t forget Gunnar Henderson (99 wRC+), who may have to finally find his “MVP” form as September nears.

Another matchup with the Rays awaits tonight. That has been good news for the Orioles recently. First pitch is set for 7:05.

Links

Holliday’s Players’ Weekend bat features … his dog Coconut! | MLB.com
Many of the players will be rocking custom bats, cleats, and other gear this weekend. Jackson Holliday is featuring his dog, Coconut. Samuel Basallo reps the Dominican Republic. Beavers has…well, a beaver. It’s good stuff!

O’s closer Bautista (shoulder surgery) to begin rehab assignment Sunday | MLB.com
This is exciting! The version of Félix Bautista we saw in 2025 was not as dominant as the 2023 iteration. That was after elbow surgery. Could we see another dip in form following a shoulder procedure? Maybe. But even that feels like a vital upgrade to a bullpen that desperately needs a late-inning arm. Whatever he can provide in 2026 feels like a bonus to what he can do in 2027 and beyond.

Orioles Designate Albert Suárez For Assignment | MLB Trade Rumors
Yet again, Suárez has drawn the short straw for the Orioles. This move was all about getting a fresh arm in the bullpen. The 36-year-old threw 36 pitches on Thursday, and the team needed reinforcements. This is the fourth time the Orioles have DFA’ed him this year alone. Odds are he ends up sticking with the Orioles, but he will need to go through waivers first. A team in need of some bullpen depth might snag him.

Orioles’ Christian Franklin has shown a knack for getting on base. His unique approach helps. | The Baltimore Banner
There is some consternation around Franklin’s presence amongst the Birdland faithful. Why him over Enrique Bradfield Jr.? Well, Franklin has played better at Triple-A this year, and he’s right-handed. The fit for what the Orioles need right now was just better. He’s probably never going to be an everyday player, but could work in the mold of Ryan McKenna from a few seasons ago. There is value there. Just don’t drop any can-o-corn pop ups, in Boston, Christian!

This, that and the other | Roch Kubatko
The question of who gets promoted when the rosters expand on September 1 is bandied about here. Blaze Alexander feels like a no-brainer, and the timing could be just about right. Maybe he is up a couple of days sooner even. Bautista feels less likely, simply because I expect the Orioles to take things slow there. Luis De León is also mentioned. The Orioles didn’t move him to the bullpen so suddenly for no reason. They seem keen to give him a big league audition.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

• Chayce McDermott turns 28 today. Acquired from the Astros as a prospect in the Trey Mancini trade, McDermott emerged in the big leagues with Baltimore in 2024. He would end up pitching in just five total games through 2025 before he was dealt to the Dodgers earlier this year.
• Randy Wolf is 50 years old. The lefty came to Baltimore near the end of his 16-season MLB career. During the magical 2012 season in Baltimore, Wolf was signed at the end of August and appeared in five games for the squad.
• Steve Kline turns 54. The southpaw spent the 2005 season working out of the Orioles bullpen, where he had a 4.28 ERA over 61 total innings. The O’s traded him to the Giants after the season in exchange for fellow reliever LaTroy Hawkins.
• The late Angelo Dagres (b. 1934, d. 2017) was born on this day. He played in eight MLB games, all of which came with the 1955 Orioles.

This day in O’s history

1966 – Frank Robinson nearly drowns after falling into a pool at a private party, but he is saved by Andy Etchebarren, who dives in to rescue him.

1998 – Cal Ripken Jr. scores his 1,500th career run as part of Baltimore’s 6-3 win over Cleveland.

2007 – The Orioles are torched by the Rangers, 30-3. The game sets several records, all of them embarrassing for the Orioles. What’s worse, that was the first game of a double-header. The Orioles lose the nightcap too, though with a more respectable 9-7 scoreline.

Today’s Reflections

So, the White Sox have in Jose Urquidy the equivalent of the Cubs’ Javier Assad. For example:

August 19th, Urquidy, planned reliever in the third inning for an opener: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K.

June 6th, Assad, emergency reliever in the second inning for a Jameson Taillon implosion: 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K.

Not taking anything away from Urquidy; just thought it was an interesting comparison.

The Cubs’ couldn’t solve Urquidy Wednesday, or the other two White Sox relievers, as they were held to two hits and were victims of 10 strikeouts. That was the game.

The Cubs won the series, so we can look back on these interesting tidbits and very mildly chuckle, because in recent weeks, a stymied offense has been a rarity. But with all the big bats in the Cubs’ line-up and bench? Tyrone Taylor was the dominating Cubs hitter of the game after beating out stunning infield single, followed by a screeching double to left field!

Clay Holmes did well, holding the White Sox to a run, six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings pitched. The bullpen did get a good combined performance by Caleb Thielbar, Trent Thorton and Aaron Civale, pitching scoreless ball over three innings, allowing just one hit, but did walk four. It was the second breakdown in three games by Ryan Rolison that makes me wonder if he has passed his run of peak performance. He surrendered two runs by allowing consecutively a walk, a double and a two-RBI double in 0.2 IP.

And I’d be remiss in failing to mention the solid infield defense by the Cubs. Twelve of Holmes’ 14 balls in play were ground balls. Alex Bregman and Nico Hoerner had notable plays among several other good ones from the team.

The Cubs received their second day off in 11 days Thursday as they traveled to Seattle.

*means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. The powers that be have enabled real sarcasm font in the comments.

Wednesday Game Stories:

• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): City Series: 3 takeaways from the Cubs’ series win, including Clay Holmes’ value — and walk-off magic. “The Cubs (74-54) failed to homer Wednesday for only the third time in their last 19 games.”

• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): White Sox hold Cubs to two hits, avoid sweep with shutout win in Crosstown series finale. “Sox pitching, led by six scoreless relief innings from Jose Urquidy, kept baseball’s second highest scoring offense off the scoreboard to prevent a sweep at Wrigley Field.”

Hitters’ Stories:

• Max Ralph (MLB.com): Red-hot Hoerner’s luck is turning, adding another year to his robot-like consistency. “Since becoming an everyday player in 2022, his .294 batting average with runners in scoring position ranks 21st among MLB players with at least 500 chances.”
• Patrick Warren (Los Angeles Dodgers On SI): Rival Players Overwhelmingly Agree Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Does Not Deserve MVP Over PCA. “PCA is leading the charge in the National League MVP race.”
• Carson Wolf (Just Baseball): How Alex Bregman Turned His First Cubs Season Around. “After a rough first half, Alex Bregman made key adjustments at the plate and turned his season around. Here’s what changed.”
• Sam Caulder (North Side Baseball): Michael Busch is Slumping Again, But This Time, It’s Different. “Michael Busch’s numbers may not be as ugly as they were during his disastrous April, but his current slump comes with a couple of troubling developments.”

Pitchers’ Stories (Starters’ Version):

• Sam Caulder (North Side Baseball): Comparing Cubs’ Improved Rotation Against Other National League Contenders. “The Cubs made starting pitching a priority at the trade deadline, but how does their new-look rotation stack up against the National League’s best?”
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs quickly undo puzzling David Peterson decision that never made sense. “He’s back where he deserves to be.”
• Brandon Glick (Cubbies Crib): Cubs must solve Shota Imanaga conundrum before it’s too late. “He’s still flawed, but is it fatal?”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): How are Cubs liking trade-deadline acquisitions Kevin Gausman, Clay Holmes? ‘They’re going to help us a lot’. “After three starts apiece since the trade deadline, Gausman and Holmes have, mostly, looked the part of top-of-the-rotation additions, with the Cubs seeing them as big contributors for a planned October run.”

Pitchers’ Stories (Relievers’ Version):

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Palencia Activated, Arias Added, Assad Optioned, Miller Designated. “The Cubs made a flurry of roster moves ahead of Friday night’s game in Seattle.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs want to get Daniel Palencia back to postseason form: ‘I just want to be The Gasolina, throwing heat’. “Palencia returned from a two-month stay on the injured list to find his closer’s job taken. But he’s open to whatever the Cubs have in mind to get him back to the big-time weapon he was last year, one they can deploy in a postseason series.”
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Jacob Webb is proof why it’s too early to worry about one Cubs trade deadline addition. “No need to panic yet.”
• Zachary Draves (ClutchPoints): Edward Cabrera set for new role once he returns from injury. “The Cubs will assign pitcher Edward Cabrera a new role as he is expected to make a return from a finger injury.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Shelby Miller’s Incredible Comeback Gains Steam, Jaxon Wiggins Strengthens Case for Bullpen Role. “Back in 2021, Shelby Miller was little more than a punchline about former Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart saying he was a $200 million player because he’d been traded for Jason Heyward.”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): What we’re hearing about the Cubs pitching as more arms start to get healthy. “One pitcher who may best exemplify this group’s versatility and willingness to do whatever is asked is Javier Assad.”
• Andrew Wright (Yardbarker): Javier Assad’s role versatility has been invaluable for the Cubs. “The surplus of (starting pitching) depth has led to frequent roster moves and role changes that have often affected no one player more than right-hander Javier Assad.”

Prospect Stories:

• Michael Cerami (Bleacher Nation): You Gotta Be Kidding Me: Cubs Will Face the Top Pitching Prospect in Baseball This Weekend. “Cool. Thanks, Mariners. First you drop two of three to the Brewers, and then you call up the top pitching prospect in MLB, Kade Anderson, to face the Cubs immediately thereafter.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Cade Townsend is Cubs pitching’s far future, but what’s near future look like when starters hit free agency? “The team’s first-round draft pick this summer is far from the major leagues, but there’s pitching turnover on a much nearer horizon, with the entire at-this-moment starting rotation possibly departing via free agency after this season.”
• Sahadev Sharma (The Athletic {$}): What Cubs first-rounder Cade Townsend lacks in size, he makes up for in confidence. “A 6-foot-1 top pitching prospect for the Cubs, Townsend has the edge to be a potential starter for Chicago.”
• Jared Bloom (Sporting News): Cubs could spark offense with red-hot Triple-A catcher promotion. “Even with a stacked backstop, the Cubs could still give the No. 2 prospect looks.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Cubs Prospect Jaxon Wiggins is Currently Pitching Very Well in Relief, You Say? “An elbow injury got him early in the year, kept him out for months, and when he finally returned, he was not finding success. The Iowa Cubs moved Wiggins into the bullpen a few appearances ago, and he has thrown three strong single-inning outings since.”

Assorted Stories:

• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Former Cubs free agency flop retires as old Jed Hoyer flaw has become a strength. “We’ve come a long way.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs showed off playoff potential with Crosstown series win over postseason-caliber White Sox team. “Though they were blanked in the finale Wednesday, the Cubs won another series against a playoff-caliber team, showing what they’re capable of come October.”
• Zoe Grossman (Chicago Cubs On SI): How the Cubs Can Still Catch the Brewers in the NL Central Race. “Over the last two months, the Chicago Cubs have been playing arguably their best baseball all season.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Dansby Swanson’s presence will be part of Cubs’ efforts to weather his absence: ‘He turns into another coach’. “Swanson will miss the next four weeks while recovering from a strained oblique, but he’s not expected to stop contributing, with teammates describing him as a coach-type presence.”

Food For Thought:

Vel Omarr is a celebrated soul singer whose voice has captivated audiences across the world. Born and raised on a small farm in the Mississippi Delta, his earliest musical experiences were steeped in Southern gospel traditions—sounds that would shape the emotional depth and expressive power of his artistry. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Sam Cooke, Vel developed a signature vocal style marked by its warmth, clarity, and unmistakable soul.

Vel Omarr’s rise reflects a journey of perseverance and musical devotion. He has performed on stages from the Delta to Chicago and ultimately Los Angeles, the entertainment capital where his career flourished. Along the way, he has shared the stage with iconic artists including James Brown, Etta James, Little Richard, and others. Experience an artist who continues to carry forward the rich legacy of soul and blues with authenticity and heart.

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.

We assume that being on the IL is only about physical recovery. The hard work of physical recovery is arduous and some days, a return to health feels entirely out of reach. It’s also not necessarily a linear progression, but very much a two-steps-forward-one-step-back scenario.

There’s a huge mental piece too.

I’m no ballplayer, of course, and not a star, either—but I understand the simmering anxiety of the injured superstar. I’ve been where they are and have been on the IL myself since May 2025. Since my initial ailment, I went down with another and underwent surgery that completely stalled my initial rehab. I’m the Triston Casas of Northeast Seattle.

Though my version of the IL obviously looks a lot different from Trevor Story’s or Triston’s, I’m sure that the most foundational, human parts of it are the same: physical pain of course, persistence, anger, surprises (both good and bad), sadness, victory, and more.

Trevor Story Battles Back

Since Story recently began a rehab assignment in Worcester, let’s look at his situation first. I’m positive he’s been worried about his job; I know this because I worried (and still do) about mine. I went on official medical leave for a while; I’ve had to ask for favors and some grace. My boss has been wonderful but that hasn’t stopped me from being concerned that I was overlooking something. I don’t want people to think I’ve checked out. Sometimes I try to do more so people don’t think I’m doing less. On top of that, several coworkers told me they hadn’t even realized I was gone when I was on medical leave, which felt…awful.

There’s a lot at play here.

Put yourself in Trevor Story’s shoes, under the magnifying glass of a big-market team in a playoff hunt. You’re at home recovering, or more recently, sitting on a bench in Triple-A Worcester watching guys like Nick Sogard an Mickey Gasper hit home runs in the big leagues in your place. Imagine the existential, psychological panic. How do you not think of Wally Pipp?

Who Was Wally Pipp?

Pipp led the American League in home runs twice, and won three consecutive American League pennants and a World Series with the Yankees. In June 1925, he was benched for sub-par performance, then permanently lost his starting job to Lou Gehrig, who took the field instead and notched the second game in what would become a streak of 2,130 consecutive games played.

Legend has it that the manager overheard Pipp request two aspirin for a headache and told him to sit it out and feel better. Enter Gehrig and the rest was history. Not true (see The Luckiest Man by Jonathan Eig, one of the best baseball books there is). Pipp himself helped create that legend because he preferred to shake his head over the (imaginary) power of two little aspirin and a lot of bad luck; maybe he found this easier to swallow than admitting his poor play had forced the manager’s hand. Maybe he wanted to go out on his own terms, as the butt of his own aw-shucks joke, becoming part of the Lou Gehrig story, rather than being erased.

Imagine that terrifying realization—that your team might be more fun, more cohesive, or simply better without you. That is definitely the case with the Red Sox without Story. He will never have the 15-win streak, the records, even the trauma-bonding that preceded the highs of this impossible summer. It all happened without him.

Is it any wonder that Story has been publicly pushing to come back, possibly as soon as this weekend?

Injured players aren’t just fighting their own bodies as they try to mold them back into form through PT, macronutrients, and sheer will; they are fighting real demons. It can get pretty dark on this big, beautiful journey [sarcasm font] back to health.

Self-Imposed Pressures

Because the replacement players have so completely raised the bar, the pressure Story has put on himself to perform immediately is probably so thick he could choke on it. And of course, we’re all watching. And waiting. And ready to talk about what he does (or doesn’t) do.

While Story is freaking about potentially being Wally Pipped by any one of Andruw Monasterio, Nick Sogard, or even Anthony Seigler (if we throw Story’s experience at second base into the mix), he’ll be back. His contract practically guarantees it. Trevor Story knows thatmodern front offices do not care about a feel-good story (no pun intended, though I’m a sucker for a brilliant New York Post-style headline). Craig Breslow is looking at numbers: data, production, salary. In Story’s case, the data (namely the salary) favors the return of the injured star, not the continued journey of the underdog. The front office doesn’t want him (and his big paycheck) to sit on the bench if they can help it.

But think of Tanner Houck.

I strongly identified with Houck when we both went on the IL at more or less the same time. But then we went on our respective journeys and it’s fitting that Dan Secatore just this week called Tanner Houck the “former Red Sox All-Star who has become something of a forgotten man.” That’s what happens when you’re on the shelf for an extended period.

Think of Triston Casas, who is too young and hasn’t played nearly long enough to be where Wally Pipp once was. After his latest setback, you have to wonder if Casas has maybe started to entertain the idea of a career in commercial real estate or something instead of baseball. I don’t say that to be unkind, but that’s the sort of thing that goes through your mind when it feels like you’re watching the world go by. I know a little about this.

I have talked extensively with my therapist about all of this, and I’m absolutely certain any pro athlete on the IL has talked with the team’s sports psychologist. About the frustrations—those pile up. The fear of missing out. About watching everyone else have fun, being carefree, pain-free, med-free. The victories, as tiny as they are sometimes.

There’s certainly no Lou Gehrig waiting in the wings to take Story’s job…simply some lesser-known players who have stepped up in a big way, filled in while he and others were gone, and succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. That must be giving Trevor fits, and I feel for the guy.

We’ll see how this continues to unfold.

You could have fooled me that this was Player’s Weekend until I started seeing different bats and cleats showing up on my timeline. I miss the days when they had different uniforms for the weekend. At least it was something different.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

• Bryson Stott and his approach at the plate has fueled the offense that has been on fire since the All-Star break ($).
• Luis Arraez is one of the best pure hitters in the game today. Having batting practice in his hotel room helps with that ($).

MLB news:

• The Padres were considered a small market team. Then they started spending and winning. Now, they’re a $3.9 billion monster in the sport ($).
• The Ketel Marte saga continues as he meets with the front office and team, then goes on the injured list with a knee issue.
• If teams were looking to add a prospect to their roster in these final weeks from their farm system, here is a candidate for each team.

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Our Saturday MLB moneyline predictions have a nice mix of short favorites and solid underdogs in terrific individual and team matchups, including the San Diego Padres as -156 home favorites when they host the Minnesota Twins. 

Read on for my MLB moneyline predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, Aug. 22.

MLB moneyline picks for August 22

Matchup	Pick
Blue Jays vs Yankees	-117
Braves vs Brewers	-127
Nationals vs Marlins	-170
Cardinals vs Phillies	-127
Rays vs Orioles	-122
Angels vs Rangers	-144
Athletics vs Astros	+213
Mets vs White Sox	-108
Giants vs Red Sox	+178
Tigers vs Royals	-113
Cubs vs Mariners	-108
Pirates vs Dodgers	+233
Guardians vs Rockies	-122
Reds vs Diamondbacks	-138
Twins vs Padres	-156

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 8-22.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for Aug. 22

Unless otherwise indicated, all stats are from the previous two weeks.

Blue Jays vs Yankees: Yankees (-117)

Yankees win probability: 53.9%

New York holds a massive bullpen advantage with a 2.94 SIERA compared to Toronto’s league-worst 5.30 SIERA. While Toronto posted a higher BABIP (.319 vs. .290) and wOBA (.321 vs. .295), the Yankees' late-inning relief dominance provides the decisive edge to lock down the victory in the late frames.

Braves vs Brewers: Brewers (-127)

Brewers win probability: 55.9%

Milwaukee’s bullpen boasts an elite 3.43 SIERA, easily outclassing Atlanta’s 3.64 mark. Over the last two weeks, the Brewers’ offense has been far superior, posting a .325 wOBA and .330 BABIP against Atlanta’s ice-cold lineup (.264 wOBA, .258 BABIP). Milwaukee holds clear command across the entire plate-discipline and run-prevention profile.

Nationals vs Marlins: Marlins (-170)

Marlins win probability: 63%

Miami holds offensive leverage over Washington during the last two weeks, generating a .329 wOBA and .319 BABIP compared to the Nationals’ .306 wOBA and .299 BABIP. While Washington’s bullpen holds a slight SIERA edge (3.44 vs. 3.77), Miami’s superior efficiency and run creation at the dish should deliver the home victory.

Cardinals vs Phillies: Phillies (-127)

Phillies win probability: 55.9%

Philadelphia matches up cleanly against St. Louis with a superior bullpen SIERA of 3.91 versus the Cardinals' 4.53 mark. The Phillies' lineup also holds a distinct offensive edge, posting a higher wOBA (.332 to .329) and BABIP (.297 to .288) to control the scoreboard in this home matchup.

Rays vs Orioles: Rays (-122)

Rays win probability: 55%

Angels vs Rangers: Rangers (-144)

Rangers win probability: 59%

Texas gets home-field positioning despite the Angels boasting a slate-best 2.92 bullpen SIERA over Texas’s 4.40 mark. While Los Angeles produced a slightly higher wOBA (.285 vs. .267) and BABIP (.299 vs. .264) recently, the Rangers’ overall lineup and starting pitching edge should carry them through.

Athletics vs Astros: Athletics (+213)

Athletics win probability: 31.9%

The Athletics hold significant offensive leverage over ice-cold Houston, outproducing the Astros in wOBA (.319 vs. .269) and BABIP (.273 vs. .226). While Houston maintains a bullpen edge (3.52 vs. 4.36 SIERA), laying -223 chalk on a sub-.270 wOBA lineup is unwise, making the A’s a live dog.

Mets vs White Sox: White Sox (-108)

White Sox win probability: 51.9%

The White Sox offense has been scorching, posting a slate-best .341 wOBA alongside a .291 BABIP to outpace the Mets (.321 wOBA, .285 BABIP). With Chicago’s bullpen also holding a clear SIERA advantage (4.00 vs. 4.35), the White Sox are primed to take this near coin-flip contest.

Giants vs Red Sox: Giants (+178)

Giants win probability: 36%

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The Detroit Tigers opened up the second half of their six-game road trip on Friday night with a 5-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals, extending the latter’s winning streak to seven games. Troy Melton came close to throwing a quality start, but the bullpen did as it has been wont to this season and the offense sputtered, resulting in the defeat.

Making his fifth start of the season for the Tigers is right-hander Drew Anderson, who had done well as an extended opener over two outings before his last one, posting a 1.17 ERA but a suspicious 4.91 FIP before getting tagged in his most recent appearance. Against the Chicago White Sox in Detroit, he surrendered three runs on four hits (one home run) and two walks in what ultimately resulted in a 7-5 loss.

Anderson’s relief efforts against the Royals this season have been… less than optimal, to say the least. On April 16, he coughed up three runs in 1/3 inning of work; on May 10, he surrendered three runs in two innings; on July 23, he gave up a run in one inning of work. It is hard to trust him much on Saturday with that track record.

Against Anderson for Kansas City is Michael Wacha, who has struggled over his last two starts after a mostly strong showing this season. Stretching across his last 11 2/3 innings of work, the 35-year-old has posted a 5.40 ERA and 6.17 FIP, surrendering 13 hits (four home runs) but nary a walk while striking out eight, earning a win in the process.

However, in his two outings against the Tigers this season, Wacha has been solid, throwing a pair of quality starts. On May 9, he threw seven scoreless frames on two hits and two walks while striking out six; on July 25, he tossed another seven innings of two-run ball on six hits (one home run) and two walks and three strikeouts — both for team wins.

Here’s how the two match up on paper for the second of the three-game series. But first, a look at how bad the Tigers’ bullpen has been in high-leverage situations before Friday night. 

Detroit Tigers (61-67) vs. Kansas City Royals (56-74)

Time (ET): 7:15 p.m.
Place: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
SB Nation Site:Royals Review
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 129: RHP Drew Anderson (4-4, 4.01 ERA) vs. RHP Michael Wacha (6-8, 3.58 ERA)

ANDERSON

WACHA

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Ortiz had a truly dismal first two months of the season — across 48 games, he hit .188/.287/.231 with one homer, two doubles, 11 RBIs, and 15 runs. He had a slightly better month of June — .250/.283/.357 over 22 games — but he’s come out of nowhere since that time as one of the better hitters in all of baseball. Since July 4, Ortiz has played in 32 games (110 plate appearances), batting .343/.391/.596 with five homers, six doubles, two triples, 19 RBIs, and 17 runs. That stretch has helped push his season line to a much more respectable .252/.317/.381 line while also providing some of the best defense in baseball.

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Iowa Cubs 8, Toledo Mud Hens 3 (box)

Jackson Wolf’s outing crumbled in the fourth as the Cubs roared back to win and even the series on Friday.

The left-hander was actually pitching well until he got into a jam in the top of the fourth. With runners on, Wolf failed to make a good throw on a comebacker, then hit a batter, then walked in a run. Tyler Mattison allowed two of Wolf’s runners to score as well. When the smoke cleared the Cubs had a five-run inning and the lead.

That was unfortunate, because things were promising early on. Josue Briceño led off the bottom of the second with a single and took second on a Chris Meyers ground out. Cal Stevenson tripled him in, then scored on a Michael Siani sacrifice fly.

In the third, Wolf gave up a leadoff double, but he got a ground out and then Siani made a great catch and throw in to Bennett Lee at the plate to cut down the runner trying to tag and score from third. The defense couldn’t do much to help Wolf in the fourth.

So, it was 5-2 in the fifth when Mattison left the game with one on and one out. Hayden Minton, freshly converted to relief work, made his debut with a runner on base. Unfortunately he gave up a pair of singles that allowed the inherited runner to score. Minton did handle the sixth without any issues.

Andre Granillo wild pitched in a run in the seventh for a 7-2 Iowa lead. Siani singled and scored on a Justice Bigbie single in the ninth. Brenan Hanifee surrendered a run in relief before it was over.

Cruz: 2-5, 2 K

Meyers: 1-3, 2B, BB, K

Stevenson: 1-3, R, RBI, 3B, BB, K

Wolf (L, 1-1): 3.2 IP, 5 R, ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

New Hampshire Fisher Cats 4, Erie SeaWolves 2 (box)

Max Alba threw a good game but the bats were pretty quiet in this one.

Alba went six innings with just one earned run allowed for his best start of the year. He struck out five and walked one, giving the SeaWolves every opportunity to win this one.

They did strike first in this one. Peyton Graham ripped a two-out double to left in the bottom of the first, and Thayron Liranzo nearly decapitated pitcher Johnny King with a screamer that clipped him in the ribcage as he ducked and then carried out into center field. A 1-0 lead was all they mustered there though, and Alba gave up the tying run in the fourth on a pair of doubles.

Moises Rodriguez coughed up three runs in the top of the ninth to lose this one. Woody Hadeen hit his first Double-A homer in the bottom of the ninth, but the solo shot didn’t spark any magic.

Hadeen: 1-4, R, RBI, HR, K

Graham: 1-4, R, 2B, 2 K

Liranzo: 1-4, RBI, K

Alba: 6.0 IP, ER, 4 H, BB, 5 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:05 p.m. ET start with the series now tied up.

South Bend Cubs 7, West Michigan Whitecaps 5 (box)

JoJo Ingrassia struggled in his start and the bullpen didn’t do much better as South Bend evened up the series on Friday.

Ingrassia surrendered three runs in three innings of work, all of them in the bottom of the third inning. Preston Howey took over and gave up a run in the fourth before throwing a scoreless fifth. Ethan Sloan handled the sixth, and then the offense finally got something going in the top of the seventh.

Cristian Santana started the inning with a single and rode home on Carson Rucker’s first High-A home run. Nolan McCarthy followed with a single, and with one out, Jackson Strong doubled him to third. Bryce Rainer was pitched carefully and walked. He would not extend his five-game homer streak, sadly. Beau Ankeney did lift a sacrifice fly to score a run and make it 4-3 South Bend.

Unfortunately, Sloan then gave up three runs in the bottom half, and the ‘Caps were right back where they started. In the top of the eighth they made another push, as Andrew Sojka led off with a single and stole second. Santana walked, and they pulled off a double steal. Rucker got Sojka home with a ground out, and McCarthy lifted a sacrifice fly to score Santana, but that made it 7-5 Cubs, and they wouldn’t get any closer.

McCarthy: 3-3, R, RBI, 2B

Strong: 2-5, 2B, 2 K

Rainer: 1-2, 3 BB, SB, CS

Santana: 1-3, 2 R, BB, 2 K, SB

Ingrassia (L, 0-1): 3.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start in South Bend on Saturday, and this series is now also tied up at two games apiece.

Lakeland Flying Tigers 6, St. Lucie Mets 3 (box)

The Flying Tigers just keep rolling. They did a nice job taking advantage of seven walks while issuing just one free pass to make it four straight over the Mets.

Malachi Witherspoon got the start, and they kept it a short one though he and Michael Oliveto behind the dish worked well together. He blanked the Mets for three innings and threw 25 of 37 pitches for strikes. The right-hander allowed three hits, but zero walks! and struck out five. I’m not sure how to proceed with Witherspoon, but it’s his first year of pro ball, so probably they’ll keep him starting and try to get his mechanics into a more consistent place next year.

Jude Warwick opened the scoring with a solo shot in the top of the second inning, his ninth of the season.

Javier Osorio followed with a walk and then moved to third on an Enderson Delgado double. Jordan Yost singled in Osorio and Oliveto singled in Delgado for an early 3-0 lead.

Lefty Carlos Rodriguez took over from Witherspoon in the fourth and collected two outs before the standard August in Florida rain delay. Xiomer Guacache took over when play did resume.

In the top of the fifth, Jesus Pinto walked and stole second with one out. He then took third as Zach MacDonald struck out, and Anibal Salas singled him home for a 4-0 lead.

Guacache allowed a run in the bottom of the fifth and then a solo shot to start the bottom of the seventh. So it was 4-2 Lakeland. Jose Guzman then allowed a solo shot in the eighth to pull the Mets within one.

In the top of the ninth, the Flying Tigers were looking to restore some cushion. Pinto and MacDonald walked to lead off the inning, and a wild pitch let them both advance. Warwick hit one to second but it got booted, allowing Pinto to score. Osorio later lifted a sacrifice fly to score MacDonald for a 6-3 lead.

Guzman collected the save, his fifth on the year.

Pinto: 1-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 SB

Oliveto: 1-3, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K

Salas: 2-5, RBI, 3 K

Delgado: 3-5, R, 2B, K

Witherspoon: 3.0 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:10 p.m. ET start in St. Lucie on Saturday as the Flying Tigers hunt for a sweep.

The Yankees lost a pair of annoying close games to the Blue Jays to begin last weekend in Toronto, so it was nice to see New York return the favor last night while also trimming the Rays’ AL East lead to three games. Cam Schlittler bent but did not break, a close call went the Yanks’ way on Spencer Jones’ decisive high, majestic homer down the right-field line, and they held on for a 3-1 win. Hell yeah. They lost Cam’s most recent start against the Jays and had to win a game started by his top AL Cy Young foe, Dylan Cease, to avoid a sweep a week ago. The Bombers still obviously want to win today no matter what, but the stakes are at least a little less high with Cease aiming for his own revenge. Don’t grant it!

Today on the site, John will discuss a forgotten figure from baseball history who has had a profound effect on the game: Abner Powell, innovator of the rain delay tarp and much more. Madison will run through the Rivalry Roundup, and Jeff will salute the 137th birthday of the Yankees’ first World Series-winning behind the plate, Wally Schang. Nick will also discuss former top Giants prospect Marco Luciano, who has found new life in the Yankees’ system.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Time: 1:35 p.m. EST

TV: YES Network, Sportsnet, TVA Sports

Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

Questions/Prompts:

1. Ryan Weathers has been electric lately with a sparkling 0.85 ERA over the last month of play. How does he hold up today? Predict his pitching line.

2. I feel like one of the other editors or I asked this recently, but how about a pulse check: Do you think the Blue Jays will end up in the playoffs despite all the various 2026 disappointments?

New York Daily News | Peter Sblendorio: Spencer Jones has been at the heart of the Yankees’ last two wins, homering on Thursday to help secure the sweep over the Orioles and following it on Friday with a two-run moonshot against the Blue Jays. Aaron Boone made sure to highlight the adjustments Jones is making to opposing pitchers’ strengths and weaknesses with each game of big league experience under his belt. With Cody Bellinger likely one more rehab appearance away from rejoining the major league team after a month-long absence, Jones’ recent performances are making it very difficult for the Yankees to justify demoting him when Bellinger returns. In 55 games, Jones is slashing .229/.306/.425 with seven home runs, seven doubles, 21 RBIs, and a 104 wRC+ across 170 plate appearances.

ESPN | Jorge Castillo: The Yankees maintained optimism that Max Fried’s absence with a recurrence of the left elbow bone bruise that cost him over two months would require a far shorter stint on the IL this time around. It appears that is the case, with the lefty already scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time on Saturday after suffering the injury on Tuesday. Fried said the key during his time out will be refining his mechanics — which he admitted he has been “fighting… a lot this year,” — to allow his arm a full proper follow through, which he believes should prevent a future setback. Fried has a 2.81 ERA in 15 starts and needs to ensure a complete recovery given his paramount importance to making a deep postseason run.

MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: We received conformation that Ryan McMahon was placed on the 10-day IL with a sprained left thumb, Max Schuemann taking his place on the active roster on Friday. McMahon suffered the injury when he jammed his thumb into second base on a slide getting thrown out trying to stretch a double in the second inning of Thursday’s win over the Orioles, the third baseman eventually departing in the eighth following a pair of uncomfortable ABs. McMahon and Boone remained optimistic that the injury will require a minimum IL stint, José Caballero expected to take over primary third base duties in his absence.

USA Today | Gabe Lacques: George Lombard Jr. has been in the big leagues for just two week, but he already has made an impression on his teammates and coaches. The star rookie has already accumulated more fWAR (1.3) in 14 games than the man he replaced, Anthony Volpe, accrued in 56 games. Aaron Boone praised the work he does behind the scenes to be ready for every matchup, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. called Lombard a “veteran at shortstop,” despite being just 21 years old. Lombard credited the welcome he received as a kid in the Dodgers clubhouse when his father was their bench coach, and would use those opportunities learn through observation about the lifestyle, preparation, and routine needed to post at the big league level day in and day out.

MLB Trade Rumors | Steve Adams: The Yankees announced that they had agreed a minor league deal with right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan, who will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Morgan was recently designated for assignment by the Royals and elected free agency. Morgan spent the first four years of his career with the Guardians as a middle-inning reliever—some fans might remember him facing the Yankees in the 2024 ALCS—but serious elbow and shoulder injuries limited him to just 26.2 innings with the Cubs and Royals over the last two seasons. In six big-league seasons, Morgan has made 184 appearances (19 starts), pitching to a 4.25 ERA (97 ERA+), 4.45 FIP, and 282 strikeouts in 292 innings.

CHICAGO — Luis Robert Jr. returned to his roots Friday, but the vibe sure had changed since his departure.

A White Sox team that had become something of a punchline in recent seasons was first in the AL Central, firmly in position to bring rare October baseball to this city’s South Side.

“This is a team that will always have a special place in my heart,” Robert said through an interpreter before going 1-for-3 with a double in the Mets’ 6-4 loss to the White Sox on a walk-off home run at Rate Field. “I keep tabs of the results of the games, and I am really proud to see how they are performing this season.”

Robert, 29, played his first six major league seasons for the White Sox before the Mets acquired him in a January trade that included Luisangel Acuña departing Queens.

But Robert’s experience with the Mets has mirrored his last seasons with the White Sox, in which he spent significant time on the injured list and played for teams well removed from the playoff race by August. Robert spent nearly three months on the injured list this season with lumbar disc herniation before rejoining the team July 20.

Robert entered play with an underwhelming .652 OPS. And the Mets, despite 11 victories in 15 games, began the day 58-70 and 10 games behind in the race for the NL’s final wild-card spot.

“This season has been pretty similar to how other parts of my career have gone, where I have been hurt, where I have been off the field,” Robert said. “But right now I think the most important thing for me is to finish the season strong and go out there and try to be the best version of myself.”

The Mets tried to trade Robert before the Aug. 3 deadline, but were unsuccessful. It has left Robert as a spare part who is receiving playing time as Juan Soto rehabs a calf strain.

Rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing are pieces in the team’s future, and Soto remains a fixture with his record $765 million contract. It has left Robert in the position of knowing the Mets are unlikely to exercise their $20 million option on him for next season.

“When you are talking about the young guys, you are talking about guys who have a really bright future, who are really impactful,” Robert said. “And then you have Juan Soto, who is a veteran, who is going to be here for a while. I think from the perspective of the outfield construction, [the future] is really bright.”

The present includes Robert sometimes in left field — a position he played Sunday for the first time in his major league career after appearing exclusively in center. Robert returned to left field for Friday’s series opener.

“I have only played one game there and honestly I can say it was pretty easy,” Robert said. “I didn’t get any balls hit to me, no fly balls, no ground balls. I hope there can be a little more activity or I can be a little more a part of the game out there.”

The White Sox lost at least 100 games in each of Robert’s final three seasons with the club. Included was a 2024 nightmare in which the White Sox set a modern major league record with 121 losses.

But an infusion of young talent, along with the signing of Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, has helped revive the franchise.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Robert said of the White Sox success. “Before I got traded in the offseason, I saw the moves they were making, the necessary moves to improve the team and that is what they are doing.”

The Dodgers are hopeful Andy Pages’ season isn’t over.

But after he was drilled in the hand by a 100 mph fastball on Friday, the All-Star’s status is suddenly in some doubt.

According to manager Dave Roberts, Pages suffered a fracture on the back of his hand in the Dodgers’ 5-4 walk-off win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

Roberts said Pages is expected to return this season, but could be sidelined for up to 4-5 weeks.

“It’s just really unfortunate, obviously,” Roberts said. “I would expect him back, knowing him, on the earlier side … But I feel for him because he was having such a good year and he likes to play. But yeah, we’ve got to move on and hold down the fort until he’s back.”

Pages had been having a breakout campaign in 2026, emerging as one of the majors’ best center fielders with both his bat and his glove.

Offensively, the 25-year-old entered Friday hitting .272 with 21 home runs, 80 RBIs and a career-best .797 OPS in his third MLB season. Defensively, his plus-18 mark in defensive runs saved was fifth-best in the majors at any position, and behind only Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox among center fielders.

Without Pages –– who will be further evaluated this weekend to see if surgery on his injury is required –– the Dodgers will have to scramble to find a replacement in their lineup.

Kiké Hernández is the most obvious option, as a veteran bat with ample center-field experience in his career. However, he has played only 16 games this season because of injuries, and has gone just 4-for-30 at the plate since most recently returning from the IL last month. As a right-handed hitter, the Dodgers might also prefer him in more of a platoon role.

Switch-hitting utilityman Tommy Edman is another center field option for the Dodgers, and is under consideration to factor in at the position moving forward, Roberts said. However, the team has largely used him at only second base and left field so far this year, and might be hesitant to give him regular starts in center following his ankle surgery this offseason.

In the minor leagues, the Dodgers’ only 40-man roster member with extensive center field experience is Alek Thomas, a five-year MLB veteran who was traded to the Dodgers earlier this season after being designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Thomas, a left-handed hitter, has hit .297 in 54 games in triple-A this year.

The Dodgers do have a deep crop of outfield prospects, including James Tibbs III and (in Double-A) Josue De Paula. Nevertheless, they are both primarily corner outfielders with defensive question marks at that. Another triple-A prospect, Zach Ehrhard, is having a productive season in Oklahoma City, but would have to be added to the 40-man roster in order to be called up.

“We’re going to huddle up tonight and see who we bring,” Roberts said. “You’ve got to be mindful of the defense, certainly in center field … We’ll piece it together. I’m not sure right now, but I do think that the main thing is locking down center field.”

Ideally, whatever plan the Dodgers come up with will only have to be short-term.

Roberts said he didn’t expect Pages’ timeline to change depending on whether or not he needs surgery. He reiterated his expectation of having the slugger back in time for the beginning of a postseason in which the Dodgers will be pursuing a third-consecutive World Series title.

For now, however, the team will have to wait and see, only able to hope Pages’ hand recovers quickly enough.