JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Gavin Fien #8 of the Washington Nationals bats during the first inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
When Gavin Fien was drafted by the Rangers 12th overall, he was listed as a shortstop. However, most evaluators expected him to slide over to third base. When the Nats traded for Fien in the MacKenzie Gore trade, fans envisioned a third baseman of the future. There has been a plot twist though. Gavin Fien has exclusively played in the outfield this season.
This season, Fien has played 22 games. In those games, he has played 10 in right field, 7 in center field and 5 at DH. I get the sense that most fans still view Gavin Fien as an infielder, but that view should change. Nats fans should look at Fien as an outfield prospect now.
Interestingly, Gavin Fien has not played a single inning in the infield this season. Really think fans should think of him as an outfielder now
Before the season, people were wondering what the Nats would do with all their shortstop prospects. The great thing about shortstop prospects is that they have the athleticism to move all around the diamond. At the beginning of the year, Fien, Devin Fitz-Gerald, Luke Dickerson and Coy James were all grouped as shortstop prospects. However, none of those guys have played much shortstop this year.
Things have sorted themselves out, with Fien being an outfielder, Fitz-Gerald being a second baseman and James being a third baseman. All three have bright futures, but not at shortstop. For Fien, I think right field is a nice fit for him. Fien is not slow, but he is a bit stiff for the infield. What he does have is a cannon of an arm, which should play well in right field.
The fact he is in the outfield at such a young age is slightly surprising, but it is not a total shock. In his draft report, MLB Pipeline mentioned that the corner outfield or first base was a possibility for Fien. Teams that liked Fien were drafting the bat, not the glove.
Speaking of his bat, Fien has been on a roll at the plate lately. He struggled in a very small sample size, and then got hurt. Once Fien got back, he has been quite productive, especially lately. This past week he was the Carolina League player of the week, with a .500 batting average and an insane 15 RBI’s. Getting 15 RBIs in a week is tough to do at any level.
NEWS: @FXBGNats standout and @Nationals No. 8 prospect Gavin Fien was named Carolina League Player of the Week for his performance last week
For a while, Fien’s numbers were in a rough spot, but this week has changed that. For the season, Fien is now hitting .235 with a .731 OPS. He also has 3 homers and 24 RBI in 22 games. These are not otherworldly numbers by any means, but for a first year guy out of high school who dealt with an injury, this is very respectable. I expect those numbers to continue to climb as he keeps adapting to pro ball.
We are starting to see the version of Gavin Fien that showed up at the Spring Breakout game. In that game, Fien put on a show, lacing doubles into the gap at will. Well, he is back to doing that and it is fun to watch. Some of his best swings remind me a little bit of Ryan Zimmerman.
— Fredericksburg Nationals (@FXBGNats) June 7, 2026
While he is not going to stick at third base like Zim, Fien has that sort of offensive ceiling. He still has some kinks to sort out in his swing, but the youngster has an exciting combination of hitting ability and power. The strikeout rate of 29% is higher than expected, but his overall contact rate of 74.6% is actually pretty good. That makes me think the strikeout rate is destined to come down. He may need to be more aggressive early in counts though.
Fien has not had the type of season to propel him onto top 100 lists like a Devin Fitz-Gerald or Seaver King, but he is getting on track. I think Fien is poised to have a strong finish to the season. With Eli Willits gone, I wonder if he gets some reps on the infield as well.
It has been an odd season for Fien, but he is coming around. The Nationals need outfield prospects in the lower minors, and they found one in an unlikely source. Right now Gavin Fien is the top outfield prospect in the Nationals organization.
There’s a full slate of action on the diamond Tuesday, June 9, and I’ve got a trio of MLB same-game parlay predictions to cover you throughout the night on June 9.
My top MLB picks call for a high-scoring game between the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets to begin the betting card and wrap up with the Washington Nationals topping the San Francisco Giants again in the late window.
Cardinals vs Mets SGP: Bats light up Citi scoreboard
The wind is forecast to be blowing straight out at Citi Field on Tuesday, and the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively, rank third and ninth in xwOBA over the past 30 days, so I’m anticipating both offenses chipping in to hit the Over.
Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has posted a high-end .394 wOBA and .240 ISO against right-handed pitchers this season. Mets star Juan Soto rounds out the SGP, and he’s teed off on righties to the tune of a .419 wOBA and .291 ISO over the past three years.
There is value in this SGP even if the total climbs to 8.0, and I’d recommend it to +310.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNY, CARD
Cubs vs Rockies SGP: Cubbies crush in Coors
Not only has Colorado Rockies righty Tomoyuki Sugano served up a monster .396 wOBA to left-handed hitters this season, but his 7.52 xERA is also the highest in baseball among starters with at least 60 innings.
Additionally, Chicago Cubs righty Colin Rea has surrendered a .191 batting average while allowing just seven runs across his past three starts, so I’m confident he can limit the damage enough for the Cubbies to pull away.
Turning to the Chicago hitters, Ian Happ sports a .409 wOBA with 23 extra-base hits against righties this year, and Michael Busch checks in with a .352 wOBA and 16 XBH.
I’d recommend this SGP to +315.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: COLR, MARQ
Nationals vs Giants SGP: Nats tee off on Houser
The Washington Nationals lineup draws a soft matchup against San Francisco Giants righty Adrian Houser, with the veteran allowing a monster 38.4% squared-up contact rate to go along with a 5.42 xERA.
As a result, I’m anticipating the Nats putting enough runs on the board to win, and I’m targeting Washington stars James Wood and C.J. Abrams to lead the charge.
Houser has surrendered a massive .452 wOBA to lefty bats this season, and Woods and Abrams sport matching .420 marks against right-handed pitchers, while also respectively posting monster .286 and .280 ISOs.
This SGP is playable down to +285.
Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSBA, NATS
Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record
SGP picks: 4-11, +4.2 units
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.
Retired American baseball players Whitey Ford (left) and Bill White (right) congratulate Bill Virdon who had just signs a managerial contract with the New York Yankees, New York, New York, early 1974. Both Ford and White were former Yankees. (Photo by Transcendental Graphics/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s iteration of our birthday series brings us to an unusual spot relative to some of the entries thus far. With limited options of players born on June 9th, we instead will be celebrating and looking back on Bill Virdon, a solid player, but a man who made his mark on the Yankees in a managerial role.
A 12-year big league veteran, and winner of multiple awards over the course of his career, his time in the game was far from insignificant. With the Yankees, his chapter is rather short, though there is still plenty to look back on with regard to the career of Virdon.
Bill Virdon Born: June 9, 1931 (Hazel Park, MI) Died: November 23, 2021 (Springfield, MO) Yankees Tenure: 1950-53 (minors); 1974-75 (manager)
Born during the Great Depression in Michigan, Bill Virdon actually kicked off his professional baseball career with the Yankees, signing a contract with the club prior to the 1950 season and peaking with a .317/.381/.439 showing in 42 games with the Double-A Birmingham Barons in 1953. A promotion to Triple-A Kansas City didn’t go as well though, and before making it to The Show, he was gone. Virdon was dealt away in the deal that brought veteran bench bat Enos Slaughter to New York leading up to the 1954 campaign.
A year later, the acquisition would pan out for the Cards. In 1955, Virdon broke onto the scene with a 17-homer season and a .281/.322/.433 slash line that was good enough for National League Rookie of the Year honors. His sophomore campaign was even better, splitting time with St. Louis and, following a mid-season trade, the Pirates.
Virdon would actually spend the rest of his playing days in a Pittsburgh uniform, starting his tenure there with a rather impressive stretch. He was consistent and an above-average contributor for the Buccos, as he put up at least 2.0 bWAR in every season with the Pirates through 1960, as a slightly below-average hitter with a good glove in the outfield. Along with several others, Virdon was part of a formidable defensive unit for Pittsburgh in 1960, a team that beat the Yankees in that year’s World Series. He had two hits in the Game 7 stunner, including an infamous infield single that hit a pebble and struck Tony Kubek in the throat, helping spark a five-run rally in the eighth before teammate Bill Mazeroski’s memorable shot.
Although his overall production waned as he entered his 30s, Virdon won a Gold Glove Award in 1962, and remained with the club through the mid-’60s. His playing career came to a close after a brief six-game cameo with the club in 1968 at the age of 37. By the time his retirement came around, Virdon had already spent time as a minor league manager, and as a player-coach with the Pirates, serving as a precursor to the rest of his time in the baseball world.
Post-retirement, Virdon immediately got in on the coaching game, and would reach the top of the hill in the 1972 season. That year, he was hired as the manager of his old Pirates club, and he kicked off his tenure on a good note, winning their division before losing the NLCS to the Reds that season. He was the manager during Roberto Clemente’s tragic passing, and eventually lost his job after a middling start to the 1973 season.
For the 1974 campaign, George Steinbrenner brought him on board to manage the Yankees, replacing the burnt-out Ralph Houk. Virdon once again got things kicked off successfully. That year, Virdon captured his first Sporting News Manager of the Year award, leading the Yankees to a 89-73 record after a sub-.500 showing in ’73.
Virdon got the Bombers off to a fine start in 1975, but his time as the head honcho was cut short when the skipper who would become Steinbrenner’s main man suddenly hit the market. After being fired by the Rangers, Billy Martin came on to become the new Yankees manager mid-season (his first stint), obviously resulting in Virdon being let go.
That wasn’t the end of his managerial career, however, as he latched on to the Astros job during that same season, and never looked back. Virdon would spend eight seasons as Houston’s manager, and although they were mediocre to begin his time there, they eventually won a division title in Game 163 of 1980, netting him another Manager of the Year Award. Both distinctions were the second such of his managerial career. In the Astros’ first foray into postseason play, they took a 2-1 NLCS lead over the Phillies, only to drop back-to-back games in extras at the Astrodome to concede the pennant to the Phils. They returned to October play as second-half champs in the split-season of ’81, but for the second year in a row, the eventual champs knocked them out as the Dodgers enacted their vengeance for losing in 1980.
Dismissed following an ugly start to ’82, Virdon wrapped up his time on the big league stage with two years as the manager of the Expos from 1983 to ‘84, finishing just around .500 in Montreal. He would spend further time on Major League coaching staffs, but would never again be a manager.
On the whole, it was a successful run for Virdon in baseball, as a 12-year career, Rookie of the Year Award, and multiplte Manager of the Year Awards are not things everyone can boast. Although his time with the Yankees was minimal, his mark would be hard to deny as a baseball-lifer, and a pretty good one at that.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, ranked first in the NL West with a 42-24 record, face the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are third in the NL Central with a 34-32 record. The game is essentially a pick'em, with Pittsburgh at -110 and the Dodgers at -110. Starting pitchers are Eric Lauer for the Dodgers, with a 5.74 ERA, and Paul Skenes for the Pirates, with a 2.83 ERA.
How to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
The New York Yankees, ranked second in the AL East with a 39-26 record, face the Cleveland Guardians, who are first in the AL Central with a 37-31 record. The New York Yankees are favored with a -120 moneyline compared to the Cleveland Guardians' +110. Starting pitchers are Gerrit Cole for the Yankees, with a 2.00 ERA, and Slade Cecconi for the Guardians, with a 4.92 ERA.
How to watch New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians
Date: Tuesday, June 9
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m. PT
Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
TV Channels: TBS, Guardians.TV Presented by Progressive, WKYC 3, Amazon Prime Video
I'm looking to get in and get out of a few games this evening by attacking the YRFI/NRFI market for my MLB picks.
Both Sox games immediately caught my attention this afternoon, and so did the matchup out in Las Vegas. A few strong spots stand out on the board tonight, so let's dive into my best NRFI/YRFI predictions for June 9.
Eric Fedde takes the mound for the White Sox this evening, sporting a 9.00 first-inning ERA after allowing eight runs across eight starts.
Opposing hitters own a .294 batting average, .824 slugging percentage, and 1.118 OPS against him in the opening frame. Over his last five starts, the White Sox right-hander has posted a 68.4% elevation rate and a 2.21 HR/9.
Grant Holmes gets the ball for Atlanta, and he has struggled in the first inning as well, allowing eight runs on 10 hits through 12 starts. Over his last five outings, Holmes has surrendered plenty of hard contact, giving up a 51.4% hard-hit rate and a 12.9% barrel rate. He also owns a 2.10 HR/9 and a 62.9% elevation rate during that span.
Using the current season timeframe on Batters-Box, these lineups feature six elite-rated bats and three additional hitters with strong ratings. That gives us nine total bats in favorable spots to do damage at the plate this evening.
Both teams also rank inside the top 10 in YRFI percentage. The Braves own the second-highest road YRFI rate at 39.39%, while the White Sox rank 10th overall at 32%.
With this being the best number available, I'd be comfortable playing it up to -125 if needed.
Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, BravesVsn
Red Sox at Rays: NRFI (-135)
I am all over both Sox games today, but for this pick, I want NO RUNS.
The Red Sox southpaw enters today having allowed just two runs through eight games, both coming on solo home runs. Aside from that, he has surrendered only one other hit during that span. Over his last five outings, he has done an excellent job limiting hard contact while posting a 0.61 HR/9.
On the other side, Martinez has put up similar numbers over his last five appearances, allowing just 36.5% hard contact with a 6.7% barrel rate, while carrying an elite 2.4% walk rate.
Through 12 games this season, the first inning has been where the Rays right-hander has shone most, sporting a 0.75 ERA and allowing just one run.
Offensively, we only have to worry about two hitters with strong matchup ratings: Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero. Both profile well against left-handed pitching, but I'm willing to take that risk given the edge the starting pitchers hold in this matchup.
Polymarket is currently offering the best price on this prop, so I would aim to find a number as close to that as possible.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: RAYS, NESN
Brewers at Athletics: NRFI (+150)
Someone is going to see this and want to chirp me, so I'll make it real easy for you: it's @ColbyMBets.
Now, back to why you're here, the logic.
First of all, yes, I am aware of the elevation in this matchup. I saw the fireworks last night. However, at this price, I think we're getting some real value on the Milwaukee Brewers and Athletics to stay scoreless through one inning.
On the bump for Milwaukee is left-hander Robert Gasser (great pitcher name), who, despite a lower ground-ball rate, isn't allowing much hard contact. Through his first couple of starts this season, opposing hitters own just a .192 xBA and .335 xSLG against him.
On the other side, Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn has been dealing over his last five outings, posting a 1.59 ERA while carrying a 42.6% ground-ball rate.
Opposing hitters are producing just a 38.2% hard-hit rate and a 5.9% barrel rate, while owning a .197 xBA. Through 11 appearances this season, Ginn has posted a 1.64 ERA in the first inning, allowing only two runs on nine hits.
People are going to harp on the elevation because it's second only to Coors Field, as if Coors has never had a scoreless first inning. If I'm wrong, it won't be the first time, and it certainly won't be the last.
At +150, the price is simply too sexy to pass up.
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSCA, BREW
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
2026 MLB Record picks: 197-345-29, +1.30 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.
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.
Vincent Perozo of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies enters the field before a Minor League Baseball game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, United States, on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Venezuelan catcher Vincent Perozo was signed on July 2, 2019, the first day of the 2019-2020 international free agent signing period. He missed the 2020 due to the coronavirus cancelling the minor league season and made his professional debut in 2021, skipping over the Dominican Summer League completely and playing with the FCL Mets. Battling through a shoulder injury for much of the season, the backstop appeared in 18 games and hit .173/.349/.269 with 1 home run, 0 stolen bases in 2 attempts, and 10 walks to 21 strikeouts. He began the 2022 season promoted to Single-A St. Lucie but only spent about a week there before being sent back down the Florida Complex League. He appeared in 36 games for them and hit .283/.387/.475 with 4 home runs, 1 stolen base in as many attempts, and 11 walks to 32 strikeouts. He was promoted back to the St. Lucie Mets at the end of August and went 3-14 with a double and a homer, giving him a .129/.200/.323 batting line in 9 games with St. Lucie with 1 home run, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts. He remained in St. Lucie for the 2023 season, spending the entire year there, and hit .226/.322/.381 with 8 home runs, 1 stolen base in 2 attempts, and 32 walks to 103 strikeouts in 88 games. The Mets had the 21-year-old repeat the level in 2024 and the youngster regressed, hitting .173/.280/.229 in 78 games with 10 doubles, 1 home run, 4 stolen bases, and drew 27 walks to 81 strikeouts.
Perozo began his fourth consecutive season with St. Lucie and was a bit better this time around, hitting .259/.376/.378 in 58 games with 9 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs, 3 stolen bases in 7 attempts, and 25 walks to 42 strikeouts. He was promoted to High-A Brooklyn in August and finished the season with the Cyclones, hitting .167/.265/.200 in 20 games with 2 doubles, 0 home runs, 2 stolen bases in 4 attempts, and 5 walks to 19 strikeouts.
The backstop began this season with Brooklyn, but has bounced all over the Mets’ minor league system since the beginning of the year, filling in wherever needed. Perozo was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse for a single game in mid-April, was then sent to Binghamton for a pair of games, and then sent back to Brooklyn. In mid-May, he returned to Binghamton in what appears to be his actual, permanent assignment.
At the plate, the left-handed Perozo stands square at the plate, standing tall and holding his hands low. The 5’11”, 170-pound backstop has a smooth, uppercutty planar swing that gives him good coverage low in the zone but makes him weak to pitches upstairs. When he connects with a ball, particularly low balls, he shows unexpected power, but his aggressive approach at the plate has led to an elevated strikeout rate, depressed walk rate, and a great deal of poor contact. Perozo is having more success now in Binghamton than he has almost anywhere, and it is no coincidence that his Pull% is down slightly, his Cent% and Oppo% are up, his Line Drive rate is up, and his groundball rate is down.
Behind the plate, Perozo will never be a standout defensive catcher because his arm is only average at best, but scouts and evaluators give him good grades for his mobility behind the plate, framing and receiving abilities, and his ability to work with his pitchers.
Frank Camarillo
Week: 1 G (1 GS), 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (High-A)
So-Cal native Frank Camarillo was drafted by the Mets in the thirteenth-round of the 2025 MLB Draft, the 403rd overall pick overall. A right-handed pitcher who attended the University of California: Santa Barbara, Camarillo did not have that many innings under his belt when selected. In 2023, his freshman year, he appeared in 4 games in total, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits and a walk over 2.2 innings, striking out 2 batters. In his sophomore season, he appeared in 13 games and posted a 7.97 ERA in 20.1 innings, allowing 27 hits, walking 12, and striking out 18. In his junior year, he posted a 6.53 ERA in 20.2 innings over 8 games, allowing 25 hits, 8 walks, and 19 strikeouts. While he supplemented the innings he pitched by pitching in collegiate summer leagues, he still had only 98.2 innings of work under his belt prior to being drafted- and with poor results, to boot.
The Mets did not have the right-hander appear in any games for the rest of 2025, and when the 2026 season began, assigned him to the Single-A St. Lucie Mets. The 22-year-old appeared in 7 games for them, starting all 7, and was serviceable, posting a 4.35 ERA in 31.0 innings, allowing 27 hits, walking 11, and striking out 28. Near the end of May, he was promoted to the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones and has since made 3 starts with them, allowing 7 earned runs in 17.2 innings, good for a 3.57 ERA, while allowing 17 hits, walking 4, and striking out 8. Altogether, he has a combined 4.25 ERA over his first 10 professional starts, allowing 44 hits, walking 15, and striking out 36 in 48.2 innings.
With a pronounced high leg kick, the 6’4”, 210-pound right-hander throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot, dropping down and pushing off the mound with a decent amount of extension. His repertoire consists of a fastball, slider, changeup and splitter. By and large, he uses his fastball almost half of the time, his slider and changeup almost half that, and his splitter sparingly.
His fastball- which statcast registers as a distinct four-seam fastball and a distinct two-seam fastball, which may actually only be a two-seam fastball or a four-seam fastball, based on its characteristics- sits in the mid-90s, ranging 90-96 MPH. With a low spin rate hovering around 2,000 RPM, the pitch has slightly above-average vertical drop and horizontal movement compared to other fastballs, as the magnus force its spin produces is not strong enough to counter the force of gravity. When thrown up in the zone, the pitch produces slightly above-average induced vertical break readings- as high as 18 inches while playing with the St. Lucie Mets- due to the fact that Camarillo releases the ball from a flat approach angle thanks to his extension off the mound and arm slot.
His slider sits in the low-to-mid-80s, ranging 81-85 MPH. It, too, features a low spin rate, giving it gyroscopic break that results in an average amount of vertical drop but almost no horizontal movement. His changeup sits in the same velocity band and features as much vertical drop as his slider, but with much more horizontal movement, averaging about 18 inches while he was pitching in St. Lucie. His splitter is very seldom used, only seeing action a handful of times per game, but it has been his most effective strikeout pitch. Sitting in the high-70s-to-low-80s, the pitch has averaged 1,000 RPM when used, causing it to absolutely fall off of the table with sharp, sudden vertical drop.
All in all, Camarillo does not have high-octane strikeout stuff, which is why he has been a bit hittable in both St. Lucie and Brooklyn. He gives up a lot of line drives and a lot of pulled flyball contact, which is not optimal- but may be hidden in Brooklyn to a degree, where the stadium is extremely tough on left-handed hitters.
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 08: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates the win with Brandon Marsh #16 after the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on June 8, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On April 26, the Phillies lost to the Atlanta Braves, 6-2. The lonely two runs scored by the team were thanks to a home run by Kyle Schwarber, but it felt like an exercise in futility. Aaron Nola had given up six runs in the initial two innings of the game, a game that was closed out not by the intended trio of Orion Kerkering-Brad Keller-Jhoan Duran, the plan that the team had put forth earlier in the year, but instead by Tim Mayza-Chase Shugart-Nolan Hoffman. It was a Sunday and Chris Sale was on the mound, so right handed hitters dominated the lineup, with Edmundo Sosa, Dylan Moore and Felix Reyes all getting the start. Alec Bohm had a .412 OPS after the game.
The team was then 9-19.
The vibes were low.
Fast forward to today.
The Phillies are six games over .500 and they have possibly the leading Cy Young candidate in Cristopher Sanchez, another starter in Zack Wheeler that might join Sanchez in the top five in voting, a potential group five All-Stars in Sanchez, Wheeler, Schwarber, Duran and Bryce Harper with Brandon Marsh looking more and more a choice every day. They’re beating good teams again, playing capable offense and being supported by (mostly) good starting pitching at the front and the aforementioned trio at the end.
It was the perfect time to ask a question that had to do with the playoffs since, well, we’re in June and it’s time to being considering such things.
Ask that question earlier in the year and it’s more than likely that the results would be flipped, if not decidedly so, in the other direction.
It truly is amazing what some good play will do not only to a team that isn’t playing particularly well, but for a fanbase that is so caught up in the daily doings of the team. Scroll back even though these very pages and you will sense the doom and misfortune that had fallen on us all. The gamut was run between the very last shreds of optimism to even a total and complete rebuild. Now this poll has the team making the playoffs with time to spare?
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 07: Ezequiel Duran #20 and Justin Foscue #14 of the Texas Rangers salute each other after a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Globe Life Field on June 07, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Season Record: 32-33
Week Record: 4-2
Series Record: 10–10, 1 split
GAME 60: 2-1 Win @ St Louis Cardinals
GAME 61: 7-4 Win @ St Louis Cardinals
GAME 62: 3-5 Loss @ St Louis Cardinals
GAME 63: 3-2 Win vs Cleveland Guardians
GAME 64: 0-6 Loss vs Cleveland Guardians
GAME 65: 10-0 Win vs Cleveland Guardians
The Rangers had one of their best weeks of the season. Starting the week off with a win streak that extended to five games, the longest of the season. Texas went 4-2 for the week and won three series in a row, again, the longest streak of series wins for the season.
Currently the Rangers are just a game under .500 and second place in the division. They outscored their opponents 25-18 and managed to get hits together with runners in scoring position.
Dare I say, they look good?
For what it’s worth, this time last year the Rangers were 30-35
On Tuesday, they’ll start a quick, six game road trip. First to Kansas City to play a team they very recently swept to kick off the series and game winning streak.
They will then go to Boston to play a team that is far below .500 and hopefully keep up a continued streak.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 08: Samad Taylor #0 of the San Diego Padres bunts in a run on a suicide squeeze during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Petco Park on June 08, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you managed to stay up late enough on Monday to watch the Cincinnati Reds lose to the San Diego Padres, I applaud you. I apologize to you for your pain and suffering, but I applaud you for your diligence.
The Reds are an absolute mess right now. Depending on the depth of your parameters, you can claim they’ve been a mess for a whole lot longer time frame, but lately they’ve been proponents of some of the worst-played baseball I can remember. Their pitching, for the most part, has been awful – particularly in the bullpen, where it’s been a turnstile of pitchers out-of-options and on the fringes. The hitting has been untimely.
And, on Monday in San Diego, it was their defensive fundamentals that got the laugh-tracks going.
During a 7th inning rally, the Padres once reached on three consecutive bunts, the first two being labled ‘singles’ while the final one officially going into the books as an error by reliever Tejay Antone. At least one of the singles could’ve been labeled an error on a number of different Reds. Defensive indifference? Defensive incompetence? Whatever it was, it blew open a game that, to that point, had been controlled rather well by starter Andrew Abbott, who allowed just a lone earned run through 6.0 IP before being tasked with beginning the 7th by manager Terry Francona in a move that backfired almost instantly.
3 straight bunts by the #Padres, this one by Fermin and there are STILL no outs! Fielding error by Reds' Teejay Antone pic.twitter.com/GbuD4CYHk4
To be quite clear, the Reds offense scored just 2 runs on the night, the latest in a run of poor offensive form that has seen their roaring May crumble into a brutally austere June. The bullpen, to its credit, at least kept the ball on the infield (even if the Pads, by design, took advantage of that). Even poor Zach McCambley, who came on to pitch the Bottom of the 8th, at least threw strikes and mostly hit his spots before an inability to get guys out led to a 30+ pitch inning in which he was gassed and punished by the end.
All told, it was a 6-2 loss for the Reds, another game in which they both led late and lost.
They’re really finding new, impossible ways in which to lose these days. Now, they’re 3 games under .500 and at risk of flushing this entire season down the toilet before the middle of June.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 08: Jeffrey Springs #59 of the Athletics pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning of a game at Las Vegas Ballpark on June 08, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Tuesday A’s fans!
Yesterday was a wild affair in our future home city. The Athletics’ kicked off their Las Vegas homestand with a contest against the Brewers and it was a wild one. The hitter-friendly ballpark lived up to its reputation as both teams combined for 34 hits, 29 runs, and 11 (!) home runs. Seven of those came off the bats of the home team. No lead in this ballpark is safe, no matter how large it is. If there’s a field where massive comebacks can and do happen, it’s this one. They were on the losing end last night but it was a barrage that was lots of fun regardless, and fans got their money’s worth with a four-hour, 14-minute game time.
The temperature at first pitch was a balmy 87 degrees, with the city hitting triple-digits earlier in the afternoon. A’s players, fans, and coaches will all need to get used to that because that’s going to become the new normal during the coming summers. The new ballpark is going to have a retractable roof and under-seat AC for the fans so it shouldn’t be miserable all the time. One can’t imagine them opening the roof during the middle of summer so how the ball flies in the stadium when the roof is closed will be a huge thing to watch when the park opens up. It’s hard to say exactly how the park will play on the field until we get some baseball on it, but all indications are that it’s going to be a hitter’s dream, a complete 180 flip compared to the Oakland Coliseum and its massive foul territory and marine layer.
Who else is excited to see what Round 2 looks like tonight? The A’s could certainly use an extended performance out of scheduled starter J.T. Ginn, and he may be the type of pitcher that can keep runs down in Las Vegas. As a groundball-focused pitcher Ginn will do his best to get his infield defense to work and keep the ball down and in the park. After using seven pitchers yesterday the team can’t really afford a short start from Ginn or else dip into the minor leagues for some fresh arms. Last night was just the first of six games in the future home so hopefully Mark Kotsay knows to do his best to keep his bullpen fresh for the rest of the series.
First pitch is at the same time tonight, folks. 7:05, and based off last night we may have another long evening ahead of us. Until then, have a great day everyone.
— Chad Pinder’s Burner (@sadAssleticsfan) June 8, 2026
Ha!
If a reverse unicorn is a home run in only 1 of 30 stadiums. What’s this called? Impossible? Because Jonah Heim just hit a ball that’s a home run in 0/30 stadiums pic.twitter.com/vwwwMBx7oy
When I said I wish there was a way for the Cubs to get healthy enough to force Jameson Taillon from the rotation, this wasn’t what I meant nor the order I wished it came in.
But let’s talk about the performance put in by Javier Assad!!! I know an unexpected, lengthy, nearly-perfect relief appearance happens a 2-3 times each year, but that was one stellar performance, that ended up getting wasted by the offense! AGAIN! But let’s look at the positive side of this. Omitting his two disastrous outings in April, in 25.2 IP, Assad has allowed 7 hits, 4 walks and 2 earned runs for a 0.71 ERA and a 0.44 WHIP with 19 K. Hopefully, when he gets the ball put in his hand every fifth day (I’m assuming), he will continue with this mindset and performance level. It would have been great to see if Taillon could have continued the solid work he put in against the A’s last week. Maybe he will be the replacement and Assad can keep this run going on the way to a healthy rotation. And here’s a little tidbit I came across:
Javier Assad: first Cubs scoreless relief appearance of more than 6 innings since Tom Dettore (also 6.1 IP) 8/16/1974
This weekend was “Pile on Alex Bregman” time. There were several repetitive articles (almost as many as during PCA’s chatting-to-the-fans weekend), so I plucked one for your reading (dis)pleasure.
*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.
Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Matt Shaw Reportedly Being Activated Tuesday, Kevin Alcántara’s Clock Ticking. “Alcántara will be out of options after this season, and it’s really difficult to imagine the organization suddenly getting comfortable with him being a full-time member of the roster in 2027 and beyond.”
Cory Sparks (North Side Baseball): 3 Cubs Right-Handed Hitters Who Need to Step Up. “The Cubs’ lackluster-at-times offense needs to see more from it’s contingent of right-handed sluggers in order to get back on track.”
The Buddaheads (also known as BB Chung King & The Screaming Buddaheads) were a Los Angeles-based blues-rock band founded in 1989 by Japanese-American guitarist and producer Alan Mirikitani, who performed under the stage name B.B. Chung King. The band earned widespread acclaim for their high-energy electric blues, extensive touring, and control over their own independent music releases before disbanding in July 2015 following the sudden death of Mirikitani from a heart attack.
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.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 18: Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (left) and Philadelphia Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton (right) applaud and the Phillie Phanatic reacts after the 2026 MLB All-Star Game logo is revealed during Philadelphia's 2026 All-Star Game Declaration on July 18, 2025, at Dilworth Park, in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
We are one week into Phase 1 of the 2026 All Star Game voting. There have not been any voting updates, but I felt it was worth a reminder to get those votes in while you can!
Last week, I recommended that we prioritize voting for just two San Francisco Giants players: Luis Arraez and Casey Schmitt.
And while that’s still the case, I’m going to also request we throw some votes Jung Hoo Lee’s way, after the tear he’s been on lately.
But that’s up to you! Regardless of who you vote for, you should make sure to get your votes in here.
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants continue this three-game series against the Washington Nationals tonight at 6:45 p.m. PT
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 20: Enrique Bradfield Jr. #99 of the Baltimore Orioles bats during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
As is our Tuesday tradition here at Camden Chat, it’s time for our recap of the last six days of minor league baseball, with a particular focus on Camden Chat’s top 20 Orioles prospects.
Triple-A Norfolk Tides
Last week: 3-3 at Gwinnett Stripers (Braves)
Coming week: vs. Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals)
Season record: 25-38, ninth place (13.5 GB) in International League East
Creed Willems has been a bit of an overlooked prospect as he’s moved up the minor league ladder, but he’s trying to make sure we don’t forget him. We certainly won’t forget his hair. He’s been crushing the ball in his first season at Triple-A, batting .283/.370/.511, and this week he added his 12th and 13th home runs to his tally. His AVG, OBP, and SLG are all the highest of his professional career. The O’s aren’t in urgent need of a first baseman or catcher, Creed’s two primary positions, so they can afford to let him cook at Triple-A for a while longer. But his breakout year means the Orioles may well add him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft (which they declined to do last year, but he went unselected).
Beyond Willems, the Norfolk lineup is a mishmash of former prospects and veteran journeymen. Former Reds prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand continues to hit, bashing three homers this week. He has a .949 OPS for the Tides this year and could be the next man up if the O’s have an infield injury. Heston Kjerstad was 7-for-27 with seven strikeouts and no walks. With a .669 OPS, he’s not exactly beating down the door for a big league promotion, even if Tyler O’Neill is beating down the door to be released.
On the mound, Trey Gibson (#5 prospect) was the only Tides pitcher to record a quality start — 6.1 innings, two runs, prior to returning to the majors yesterday — while Nestor German (#11) and Trace Bright delivered identical 5.2-inning, three-run outings. The weirdest pitching line was that of Yaqui Rivera, who allowed seven hits and four walks in five innings, but somehow no earned runs (though he did give up four unearned ones). Lefty reliever Andrew Magno continued to shine with two scoreless outings, lowering his ERA to 0.72 in 22 games. Could the 28-year-old, who spent seven years in the Tigers’ organization without a call-up, finally make his MLB debut this season?
Season record: 23-33, last place (14.0 GB) in Eastern League Southwest
Just like with the Tides, the best hitter on the Baysox is a catcher. In this case it’s Ethan Anderson, the Orioles’ second-round pick in 2024, who’s rocking an .866 OPS and 11 home runs in 47 games after hitting three more dingers this week. Anderson had all but fallen off the Birds’ prospect lists after a forgettable 2025 in which he OPS’d .677 and hit just four homers in 90 games, but he’s taken a big step forward this year.
Infielders Aron Estrada (#13 prospect) and Frederick Bencosme each had a seven-hit, two-homer week. Estrada has turned his season around in a big way after posting a paltry .176 AVG and .490 OPS through his first 18 games; he’s now up to .277 and .791, not far off from his career averages. And he’s doing it while being nearly three years young for the Double-A level. Not too shabby.
But enough about that; how did Joseph Dzierwa (#14) do? I’m pleased to report that the Orioles’ fastest-rising pitching prospect delivered another quality start, holding Akron to one run in 6.2 strong innings. I may be tempting fate by saying this, but Dzierwa has really never had a bad outing in his professional career. He hasn’t given up more than three earned runs in any of his 11 starts. Across High-A and Double-A, he’s sporting a 2.51 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 11.46 K/9. The lefty strikes out a ton of batters, doesn’t walk many, and doesn’t give up homers. Just stay healthy, buddy, and the sky’s the limit.
Last week: 4-2 vs. Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees)
Coming week: at Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets)
Season record: 35-19, first place (1.5 games ahead) in South Atlantic League North
The offense was alive for Frederick this week, as it’s been for most of the year. The Keys tallied double-digit runs in half of their games this series, including blowout wins of 16-3 and 10-3 and a barnburner of a 14-13 defeat. It was enough for the Keys to reclaim first place in the division after briefly falling into second a week ago.
Slugging first baseman Victor Figueroa crushed four homers and leads all O’s minor leaguers with 15 roundtrippers this year. The 22-year-old was part of the five-player package the Orioles received from San Diego in the Ryan O’Hearn/Ramón Laureano trade last year, and while he’s more of a lottery ticket than a real prospect, that power is undeniable. Time to move him up to Double-A and see what happens.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. (#7 prospect) has heated up as he rehabs a left hand injury. He was a spark plug atop the lineup, reaching base 12 times, scoring 10 runs, and stealing five bases. He should be ready to return to Norfolk shortly. Another rehabbing outfielder, Douglas Hodo III, hit three homers as he prepares to head back to Double-A. And hey, it was even a good week for the much-maligned Vance Honeycutt. The struggling former first rounder hit two dingers and struck out only three times in 18 at-bats.
Surprisingly missing from the offensive surge were Ike Irish (#4) and Wehiwa Aloy (#6), each of whom had just four hits in the series. Aloy is in a 4-for-32 rut if you include his three games before that. Even still, both guys had seven RBIs, tied for the most on the team this week besides Figueroa’s 10.
As for the pitchers, righty Yeiber Cartaya continued to cruise through 2026 with a five-inning, one-earned-run effort that featured seven strikeouts and no walks. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has a 1.42 ERA in 44.1 innings. Elsewhere, Twine Palmer worked five scoreless innings of bulk relief. But 6-foot-8 lefty Boston Bateman, who’d been on a nice roll in May, opened June with a tough outing, giving up three runs and walking four in three innings.
Season record: 22-35, last place (19.0 GB) in Carolina League North
Break up the Shorebirds! They’re riding a five-game winning streak and just bagged their first series win since the end of April. It didn’t get them out of last place, but, you know. Baby steps.
Pitching led the way for the Shorebirds, who held Augusta to three or fewer runs in all but one game. It was a true team effort, with 17 different Delmarva pitchers taking the mound this week, 12 of whom gave up no earned runs. The Shorebirds got a boost from newcomer Stephen Still, a 24-year-old lefty signed by the Orioles after two years in independent ball. I’d like to learn more about him, but my Google search keeps defaulting to Stephen Stills from Crosby, Stills and Nash. Anyway, this Stephen Still debuted with 5.1 scoreless innings and nine strikeouts. Nice!
Another pitcher I’m not familiar with, Andrew Herbert, dazzled with nine scoreless innings and 10 strikeouts. It would’ve been especially awesome if it all happened in one game, but it was two long relief appearances. It’s still impressive! The 25-year-old righty is another recent addition from the independent league, signed the same day as Still on May 21.
No Shorebirds batter had more than five hits this week, but four of Edwin Amparo’s went for extra bases, including two homers. And 2025 fifth-round pick Jaiden Lo Re also homered in his first week at Delmarva. He’s a natural fit at this level, because “Lo Re” rhymes with “Low-A.” When he gets moved up to the next rung, he’ll have to change his name to Jaiden Hi Re. It’s the rules.
Creed Willems was the runaway winner in last week’s player of the week poll, earning 67% of the vote. He joins previous winners Payton Eeles, Braylin Tavera, Caden Hunter, Ike Irish, and Wehiwa Aloy. There have been no repeat winners, and there still won’t, because there are two new candidates on the ballot this week. Who gets your vote?
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 07: Mickey Gasper #30 of the Boston Red Sox throws the ball during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Blah blah blah transaction news.
Carlos Narvaez appeared in 112 games at catcher last season, tallying 15 home runs and playing solid defense, though he’s struggled at the dish this season and has taken a back seat to Gasper since Chad Tracy took over. He’s 27 years old and still pre-arbitration, meaning he’s under team control for the foreseeable future. Connor Wong had a miserable 2025 at the plate but has bounced back this year, although the power still hasn’t returned. He’s 30, but still has a few years of team control left. Mickey Gasper is the surprise addition to the group. He’s been the best of the group offensively, but also is the wrong side of 30 and has only just made the major leagues.
So, what should they do for the rest of this season? Do they let Narvaez work through his slump at the plate because he’s the most likely of the group to be the catcher of the future? Do they continue to run Gasper out to try to give a boost to the struggling offense? Do they let Connor Wong continue to handle the staff, because pitchers seem to like him? Do they trade for Ethan Salas? I don’t know. You tell me.
Talk about whatever you want and be good to one another.
STL vs 
CHC vs 
COL
SFG
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- Braves vs. White Sox YRFI
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- Red Sox vs. Rays NRFI
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- Brewers vs. Athletics NRFI
