Category: Baseball

A familiar feeling unfolded for me as I watched the Guardians’ lose to the Twins last night.

Earlier this season, I wrote about how acting Guardians’ manager Tony Arnerich set off alarm bells for Steven Kwan against these same Twins by asking him to sacrifice bunt with a runner on, no outs, and a 3-1 count against a bad reliever. After that article, the Guardians dropped Steven Kwan in the batting order and started cutting back his playing time (despite the usual public lies about “We have total confidence in Steven Kwan”). Yesterday, a similar situation unfolded with Kyle Manzardo, part of a continued pattern with the Guardians’ young hitter.

In the top of the 9th inning, down 3-1, Chase DeLauter, God bless him, put up a great at-bat against left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and drew a two-out walk. Manager Stephen Vogt decided to pinch-hit for the next hitter, Kyle Manzardo, with the only right-handed hitter available on his bench, Gabriel Arias. Now, this incensed me because, flatly, Arias is a bad hitter. He has a 76 wRC+ for his career, an 80 wRC+ this season, and a career 48 wRC+ against LHP. Now, Vogt may have made this move to get the Twins to bring in their closer, right-hander Yoendrys Gomez. Arias has a career 90 wRC+ against RHP, and the Twins are forced to pitch their closer, which may pay benefits later on down the road in the series. Because of these two factors, I know I was wrong to hyperbolicly tweet during the game that pinch-hitting Arias was a “fireable offense.” I don’t want Vogt fired and I didn’t want to imply that… only to express my incredulity at the move.

This is an incredulity that I still feel, but for perhaps a different reason. Kyle Manzardo has a 97 wRC+ this season and a career 94 wRC+ against RHP, but a 108 wRC+ against LHP. Had you brought Manzardo in to face Rogers, so far, for his career, he would offer +60 in wRC+ against the lefty over Arias, +18 vs Arias against RHP, and STILL +4 against RHP. Does this all mean that I believe Manzardo is good? Absolutely not. Manzardo has been wildly disappointing this season following a 113 wRC+ in his age 24 season in 2025. His ISO is down .070 points. The team DESPERATELY needed him to take a step forward this season and instead, so far, he has taken a significant step back. With all that said, he has still been a significantly better hitter than Gabriel Arias… because Arias is one of baseball’s worst 10 hitters of the past four years. The bar for Manzardo to clear, here, is on the floor.

So, why did Arias bat last night? Aside from the aforementioned “Get their closer in the game” theory above, I would posit, as some CTC commenters have suggested, that Vogt felt like he was rolling the dice with Arias for a better chance of a once-in-a-blue-moon game-tying homer. Take that in – Stephen Vogt felt subbing for his CLEANUP hitter for one of the absolute worst hitters in MLB since 2022 would increase his chances at getting a home run to tie the game. And, you know what? Despite my angry tweets last night, I get it! Arias has an underwhelming ISO of .179, but it’s still .024 better than Manzardo’s current .155. Yes, Arias swung and missed at three straight pitches (I discovered that 10% of his at-bats since 2024 have ended in a three-pitch K, fun fact!) including two sweepers in the zone and a fastball six inches above the zone. But, as just about everyone and their uncle has pointed out to me, I have no confidence that Manzardo would not have also struckout against Rogers. I suspect it would have been on a 2-2 count, but the end result would be exactly the same… and the Twins would not have had to get their closer up. So, on one hand, an apology to Stephen Vogt from me is owed. And, I’m glad this move wasn’t as inexplicable as I thought it was.

On the other hand, however, I am still firmly convinced pinch-hitting Arias for Manzardo was 100% the wrong-move for the longterm. It very, very likely had ZERO impact on the final outcome of last night’s game. But, the issue is on where the Guardians need to go from here. The Guardians NEED to determine if Kyle Manzardo can be a reliable middle of the order hitter or not and that should be one of the top five priorities for the rest of this season, unless the team is planning at least TWO huge moves for proven middle of the order hitters to make a World Series run in August (Oh, what’s that you say, Mike Chernoff? You’re too busy turning down great deals for your veteran players like Kwan like you did last season? Ok, got it). Manzardo is 25 years old. This is the last season where you can say “He’s still young, he may figure this out.” I don’t understand why Manzardo is an automatic pinch-hit against left-handed pitching when he had decent splits against them in the minors and has a 108 wRC+ against them in the majors.

I don’t understand why we are pinch-hitting Manzardo EVERY TIME a lefty is on the mound and even playing these little games with despicable hitters like Arias batting for him instead of saying “Figure this out, big fella, because we are riding you till the wheels completely fall off.” Vogt’s strength is “believing in his guys.” It would seem to me that the only way out for Manzardo is through; to either sink or swim, you need to let that big kid flounder in the deep end until he either figures something out or drowns. You have a chance, here, the rest of the season to see if he can show you something or not, and move him to a team that believes they can fix him before the lockout if he fails.

And, is there anyone here who can say another team would not be able to fix Manzardo? He has useful tools. He looked like a can’t-miss hitter in the minors. The Guardians’ hitting team has been unable to finish his development as they have with numerous other hitters. Is it a pull-lift heavy approach? Maybe. Is it a lack of focus on bat speed development? Possibly. Is it hiring too many Driveline guys instead of some old-school guy with the ability to fix mental struggles from just good vibes? I can’t rule anything out. What I can tell you is that when I see social media influencers ask “What trade would you want your team to make at the deadline?” my answer is, currently, “Trading whoever we need to for the Brewers to send us their hitting development folks.” The team needs to overhaul their hitting development program and pay the money to poach talent from organizations who have figured it out, full stop. And, probably nothing else they do will matter until that happens.

Last night should be an inflection point for the Guardians and Manzardo. Are they really convinced he is only a platoon hitter capable of playing slightly below average defense at first? If so, carry on, I guess, and line up a trade for him to someone who thinks they can fix him as soon as possible, at the deadline if it’s there. But, if they still have hope he can find himself at the plate, then stop pinch-hitting for him at the first opportunity. Stick him in the lineup everyday and let him sink or swim so you know the final answer on this hitter. Believe in your guy, Vogter, until he removes all doubt about that belief being wrong. The potential upside on subbing Arias, Hoskins or even Fry in for him is simply not worth it at this point in the game.

With the draft just a few days away, most of the attention has rightly gone to the Nationals first pick at 11th overall. However, I wanted to discuss a few names that could fit for the Nats with their second round pick at 42nd overall, or maybe even their third rounder at 78. With pitching being the Nats biggest organizational need, I am breaking down three college arms.

Despite the Nats badly needing pitching, most of the rumors about the Nats 11th pick have been about hitters. Infielders Ace Reese and Chris Hacopian have been linked, as has high school two-way player Jared Grindlinger, who they seem to prefer as a hitter. I do not have a problem with the Nats taking a bat in the first round, but if they do, Paul Toboni and co. will need to focus on pitching down the board.

The Nats biggest need in the system is pitching, but more specifically close to big league ready pitching. That is why I think the Nats need to explore college arms with their second and/or third round picks. While Paul Toboni was with the Red Sox, they had success developing post-first round college arms. Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, and now Anthony Eyanson are three good examples of that. Without further ado, let’s dive into the pitchers.

The first name I want to talk about is Jack Radel from Notre Dame. Radel is a physically imposing 6’5 250 pound right hander who is expected to go in the 35 to 45 range. He has been a work horse for the Fighting Irish, and has gotten better in each of his last three seasons. Radel pounds the zone with a five pitch mix that is headlined by a mid-90’s fastball that plays up due to elite extension.

Radel just seems like a great fit for the Nats who need high floor pitching that can get to the big leagues quickly. The burly right hander just feels like he can be at least a back of the rotation starter who can eat 170 innings for breakfast. None of Radel’s secondary pitches are elite, but he throws a variety of different offerings. As we are seeing with Foster Griffin, a deep arsenal can go a very long way.

The other two pitchers I will discuss probably have higher ceilings and are more exciting developmental projects, but neither have the floor of Radel. I really think Radel could be one of those guys who flies through the minors and could get to the big leagues by 2028. Radel is built to eat innings, and could be a near plug and play number 4 starter.

Ethan Kleinschmit from Oregon State is the next pitcher I want to discuss, and he is a very different profile. Of the three names we will talk about, Kleinschmit is the lowest ranked, and could be available in the third round. He is ranked 69th by MLB Pipeline and 78th by Baseball America. However, there are sharp people in the industry like Lance Brozdowski who really like Kleinschmit, especially if his velocity could tick up.

Right now velocity is the missing piece for the southpaw. His heater averages 92 MPH, which is light these days. However, Brozdowski wrote in his college pitcher ranking list that there are those in the industry that believe Kleinschmit could have the ability to sit 94ish with a year of professional development.

If the southpaw can actually do that, it would be a gamechanger for him. The rest of Kleinschmit’s game is already very advanced. He has a sweeper, slider and changeup that can all be at least above average. Kleinschmit also has a good fastball shape, and could probably add a sinker in pro ball. His command is also at least average, and he has a multi-year track record of success at Oregon State.

The Nats could grab the lefty in the second round if they feel convicted about him. However, the dream would be to get Radel in the second and Kleinschmit in the third. That duo would give the Nats a really high floor arm, as well as a super exciting development project. Mason Edwards of USC is expected to go in the first round, and I don’t really think his profile is all that different from Kleinschmit, so getting him in the third would be outstanding.

Ben Blair out of Liberty is the last pitcher I want to discuss. Unlike Kleinschmit, Blair is firmly a second rounder. Funk is the name of the game for the 6’3 righty. His delivery is wild to watch, but he has found a way to pound the zone despite those unorthodox mechanics.

Blair has a super low release which creates a ton of deception. He has solid velocity, averaging 94 on his heater, but the unique look helps the pitch play up. Blair also has a cutter, a sweeper and a lightly used changeup. Between his deception, and his ability to pound the zone, this is a very intriguing package.

I have mentioned it a couple times, but it is hard to overstate Blair’s control. He only walked 1.6 batters per 9 innings. The low release, sweeping breaking balls and elite control give me shades of guys like Joe Ryan and Bryan Woo. That is what you are dreaming of here.

However, there is some real relief risk here. All you need to do is watch Blair’s delivery to have questions of whether he could hold up as a starter. He has a track record of durability in college, but those mechanics sure look like reliever mechanics.

I think Blair could be a good, or even very good reliever. However, I am not sure if he quite has the stuff to be a lights out closer type. If you are taking a guy who will be a reliever in the second round, you want that guy to be a lights out reliever.

If the Nats have faith that Blair can hold up as a starter with those mechanics, it would be a pick that makes a lot of sense. He has a nice combination of ceiling and floor. However, those mechanics are just so weird, which is both a blessing and a potential curse.

Even if the Nats don’t take an arm in the first round, there are still plenty of good choices that will be available down the board. If you want a high floor, innings eating righty, Jack Radel is the guy. If the new regime wants to bet on their ability to improve velocity, Ethan Kleinschmit is the man. Lastly, if they want a funky arm who has good stuff and pounds the zone, Ben Blair is the option for them.

Diamondbacks News

One Step Forward, One Step Back
Zac Gallen surrendered four runs in the first inning before settling down and pitching decently afterward. Arizona’s offense, after an eight-run outburst on Monday, left their mojo at home and managed to only claw across one run.

Padres Beat Gallen, Snakes in First Inning
Zc Gallen had yet another bad first inning, allowing four earned runs in the frame. Despite 27 outs to get tie things back up and then take a lead, Arizona’s offense only managed to scratch out one run, despite having base runners.

How to Watch Diamondbacks Baseball Tonight
This is yet another game that yet another service is required to view the Snakes take on the Friars tonight in a battle for second place in the NL West. Tonight’s coverage will be brought to you by ESPN.

Other Baseball News

Jake McCarthy Experiencing Career Resurgence in Colorado
Old friend alert. Good for Jake to turn things around after not quite getting it right, despite many opportunities in Arizona.

ZiPS zStats for Hitters at the Midway Point
The Arizona Diamondbacks, despite their offensive woes, do not show up here in the categories of underachievers like it feels like they should for those of us watching them all the time.

First-Half MVPs for Each Team
Corbin Carroll makes the list with honourable mention going to Eduardo Rodriguez for his all-star caliber pitching.

Justin Verlander to Retire at End of Season
Well, the guys at Cooperstown have five years to get his plaque ready.

We are now just a few days out from the start of the 2026 MLB Draft. Both here at Pinstripe Alley and around the media, you’ll fine plenty of analysis and mock drafts projecting who the Yankees and the rest of the teams will be selecting, and how those players could pan out in the future.

This is not that. Instead, we’re going to be taking a look at the history of the 35th, 63rd, and 99th overall picks, the Yankees’ first three available slots in 2026 (due to some tax and free-agent signing penalties), and looking back at who have managed to make something from those slots over the years. Those three picks aren’t going to have the hype or pedigree that come with an early selection, but it’s definitely still possible to get some talent from those picks. Let’s see what history can tell us.

Pick 35

The best player to ever come out of the 35th pick wasn’t selected by the Yankees, but does have a history in the Bronx: Johnny Damon. The Royals took him 35th overall in 1992, and he went on to an 18-year MLB career. The most notable of which, of course, came with the Yankees and Red Sox, helping each franchise to a World Series title.

Another “Hall of Very Good-er” was taken at this spot, with four-time All-Star pitcher Mark Langston going there in 1981. Super center fielder Aaron Rowand also went there, as seven 35th picks overall have had career rWARs over five. One of those is the most notable recent 35th pick: Brent Rooker. The A’s DH and outfielder is already done for 2026 following knee surgery, but has been a very productive hitter in recent years, swatting 99 homers between 2023-25.

The Yankees only ever selection at 35 came back in 1969. They selected New Jersey high school pitcher Peter Helt, but didn’t come to an agreement to sign him. At least according to this Facebook post, he went on to play college baseball at Michigan (where he was a captain), but didn’t get drafted after that and never played minor-league ball.

Pick 63

The team’s next pick will come at 63rd overall. That spot has produced a no-doubt Hall of Famer, as the Orioles took slugger Eddie Murray there back in 1973. The O’s inked him to a deal and “Steady Eddie” went on to hit 504 home runs, over 300 of which came with Baltimore.

If the early career hype can keep going, it’s certainly possible another star could come out of No. 63. That’s where the Brewers took their flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski in 2022 out of a little known JuCo, Crowder College. There’s obviously still a long way to go in his career, but “The Miz” definitely has Hall of Fame potential at his peak.

Darren Oliver, Jason Kipnis, Zane Smith, and former Yankee Elliott Maddox all had 15+ rWAR career after going 63rd. (However, Maddox didn’t sign that year and ended up getting re-drafted two years later.)

The Yankees have had this exact pick twice, both in the 2000s. They took Jason Arnold in 2001 and J.B. Cox in 2005, but neither ended up reaching the major leagues.

Pick 99

The team’s last top 100 pick will come at 99th overall. There are no elected Baseball Hall of Famers from this spot, but there’s someone who arguably should be, as the Tigers picked Lou Whitaker there in 1975. Whitaker had a productive 19-year career in Detroit, winning the 1984 World Series, and eventually getting his No. 1 retired by the team. It took his longtime double-play partner Alan Trammell a long time to get to Cooperstown, but Whitaker has never gotten remotely close. He only garnered 2.9 percent when he appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2000, but further reexamination of his career with more modern metrics make him look much more favorable, as he was a stud both at the plate and in the field.

There are not a ton of success stories in recent years from the 99th overall pick. Reliever/opener pioneer Ryne Stanek is probably the most recognizable name to come out of this slot in the last 20 years.

Over the years, the Yankees have had the 99th pick on three occasions. They took outfielder Steve Madden there in 1980, but didn’t come to terms with him. In 2004, they selected pitcher Christian Garcia. He never made the majors with the Yankees, eventually getting released in 2010. Garcia did end up having a brief MLB career with the Nationals. Most recently, the team picked Trevor Hauver 99th in the COVID-shortened 2020 draft. The Yankees later used him as part of the Joey Gallo trade with the Rangers. Hauver is still in Texas’ organization, but hasn’t made the big league level as of yet.

As said before, the 99th pick hasn’t produced any Baseball Hall of Famers, but there’s a reason I specified “Baseball.” In 1979, football legend Dan Marino was taken by the Royals out of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He probably made the right choice in attending Pitt and later going to the Dolphins in the NFL.

For a bonus, here’s a quick rundown of some famous picks from the Yankees’ other spots this year (focusing on anyone who actually signed), if not only to offer a reminder that gems and contributors can be found anywhere:

• 127th: Starter Marty Pattin (1965), reliever Mike Timlin (1987), infielder Dee Strange-Gordon (2008)
• 160th: Reliever Hunter Gaddis (2019)
• 189th: Infielder Casey Blake (1996)
• 218th: Utilityman Mark McLemore (1982) and outfielder Will Venable (2005)
• 248th: Infielder Ben Oglivie (1968) and reliever Scott Eyre (1991)
• 278th: Relievers Scott Williamson (1997) and Tony Watson (2007)
• 338th: Infielder Dan Uggla (2001) and catcher John Jaso (2003)
• 428th: Outfielder Kenny Lofton (1988)
• 458th: Outfielders Mike Cameron (1991) and Jermaine Dye (1993)

So, there’s the history of the Yankees’ first few picks in this year’s draft. Hopefully, they can take some players who can rewrite the history of those numbers in the coming years.

Worcester and Portland were both victims of rain-outs on Tuesday night, but there was still good baseball being played from the farm. Let’s get into it.

Worcester: PPD, Rain: Make-Up Today

Portland, PPD, Rain: Make-Up Today

Greenville: W, 6-2 (BOX SCORE)

Outside of Ronny Hernandez going 3-for-3 with a home run and Yoelin Cespedes hitting his 15th long ball of 2026, the Grasshoppers (Braves High-A) didn’t really allow too much offensive contact from Greenville, but when you have a start like the one Jojo Ingrassia had, you don’t need too much help (though it’s always nice to reach that six-run mark.) Ingrassia, the lefty from Cal State Fullerton who turns 24 this month, was absolutely dealing; he had a perfect game going through five innings and only ended his night from giving a home run up that scored the first two baserunners he allowed. Still, retiring 17 of your first 17 is nothing to sneeze at. He struck out ten and between him and Griffin Kilander, only one Greensboro runner even reached scoring position all night.

Salem: W, 14-5 (BOX SCORE)

Salem was certainly aided on Tuesday by a six-run eighth inning to put this one on ice, but a big factor in this big win against the Fireflies was their nine hits with runners in scoring position. The team had 21 total on the night, and five batters had at least three hits, but none were as important as the 4-for-6 line leadoff hitter Skylar King amassed over the night, starting with a home run that you can watch below with the very first at-bat of the game. By the next inning, the 2025 15th round draft pick had his triple hitting into the gap in right field. The rest was history. It’s even sweeter that this cycle came in King’s hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Although King is hitting just .231 even with these four hits, he definitely has power potential.

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The San Diego Padres are -140 favorites to take the series lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.

I think the home team is overpriced, and my Diamondbacks vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks reflect that on July 8.

Who will win Diamondbacks vs Padres today: Diamondbacks moneyline (+120)

Michael King’s profile is littered with red flags. His 5.08 xERA and 5.14 FIP are noticeably higher than his 3.81 ERA over the last month, indicating he is poised to take a step back.

The Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t hit righties well of late but they’ve avoided strikeouts, ranking 25th in K% over the last two weeks. That should allow them to put the ball in play consistently.

The San Diego Padresrank dead last in GB% vs. righties the past 30 days, putting a cap on their offensive ceiling.

Back Arizona to +110.

COVERS INTEL:King's 28th percentile ranking in fastbal velocity should allow for the Diamondbacks to make plenty of contact.

Diamondbacks vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-115)

For King’s faults, he does a good job of keeping the ball in the park. He has allowed 0.88 homers per nine innings this season, and playing in a pitcher-friendly environment against a team sitting dead last in homers per fly ball will make his life easier.

The Padres have improved their averages of late but they are still consistently putting the ball in the dirt, limiting their power.

Neither team is much of a homer threat, and it’s difficult to score in bulk without quick-strike attacks.

Bet the Under to -125.

Diamondbacks vs Padres weather

Temperatures in the low 70s are projected with winds blowing east. Pitcher-friendly conditions for this time of year.

Diamondbacks vs Padres odds

• Moneyline: Arizona +125 | San Diego -145
• Run line: Arizona +1.5 (-165) | San Diego -1.5 (+140)
• Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)

Diamondbacks vs Padres trend

Arizona has hit the Game Total Under in 29 of the last 45 games (+14.85 units, 30% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Diamondbacks vs. Padres.

How to watch Diamondbacks vs Padres and game info

Diamondbacks vs Padres latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (-228) host the Colorado Rockies in a series-deciding Game 3.

My Rockies vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks expect some offense given the weather and starting pitching matchup between Gabriel Hughes and Roki Sasaki.

Who will win Rockies vs Dodgers today: Rockies moneyline (+206)

I can't lay the juice with Roki Sasaki, who's allowed 19 earned runs in his last four starts (1.88 WHIP and 8.82 FIP).

The Colorado Rockies have the better numbers at the dish in the last 14 days (134 wRC+ and .390 wOBA), as the Los Angeles Dodgers have been struggling (99 wRC+ and .317 wOBA). 

Since L.A. has been held down by ineffective starters like JP Sears and Michael Lorenzen lately, it's not a bad time for Gabriel Hughes (2.94 FIP in the Minors) to make his first MLB start. Play this to +200.

COVERS INTEL: The Rockies are poised for success against Roki Sasaki's three-pitch arsenal as they have strong numbers against four-seamers (sixth in runs above average), splitters (ninth), and sliders (11th).

Rockies vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-118)

With temperatures in the high-70s and the wind blowing out to center field at 8 mph at the time of first pitch, runs should come in bunches. 

Sasaki's allows a wealth of hard contact (fourth percentile barrel rate, ninth percentile hard-hit rate). He's walked 11 batters in his last four starts alone, and Colorado (9.6% walk rate against RHP in the last 14 days) will be happy to take the free passes.

L.A.'s bullpen has an unsavory 1.48 WHIP (24th) in the last 14 days, while Colorado has a 4.39 SIERA (24th).

Rockies vs Dodgers weather

Rockies vs Dodgers odds

• Moneyline: Rockies +223 | Dodgers -228
• Run line: Rockies +1.5 (+108) | Dodgers -1.5 (-115)
• Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-115) | Under 9.5 (-103)

Rockies vs Dodgers trend

The Dodgers have cashed the Over in nine of Roki Sasaki's last 12 starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Dodgers.

How to watch Rockies vs Dodgers and game info

Rockies vs Dodgers latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

It’s just what it says on the tin.

While Jac Caglianone is not (currently) an All-Star, though there’s still a remote chance he could be selected as an alternate for a player who is injured or opts out between now and then, but he will still be participating in the Home Run Derby.

Caglianone is tied for 19th in the American League with 14 home runs, but as noted in the above clip, he is tied for the longest average home run distance this year in a minimum of 10 blasts. The Royals also provided a bevy of home run-related trivia for Jac in their press release this morning:

Caglianone, 23, will be the sixth Royal to participate in the Home Run Derby, following Bo Jackson (1989), Danny Tartabull (1991), Mike Moustakas (2017), Salvador Perez (2021) and Bobby Witt Jr. (2024). No Royal has won the Home Run Derby but Witt Jr. was the runner-up in 2024, when he hit 50 home runs in total, including 13 in the final round, 1 shy of Teoscar Hernández’s 14.

He hit 6 home runs in a span of 5 games from June 18-23, including a 2-HR game on June 21 vs. St. Louis and another 2-HR game two days later on June 23 at Tampa Bay.

Among American League players age 23 or younger, his 14 home runs rank tied for 3rd, trailing only Junior Caminero (26) and Nick Kurtz (20).

Caglianone participated in the 2024 Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby. During his collegiate career at the University of Florida, he set the school’s single-season home run record (35) and the career record (75). He homered in 9 consecutive games from April 6-19, 2024, matching the NCAA Division I record.

Only Junior Caminero, Nick Kurtz, and Kody Clemens have hit more home runs in the AL since the beginning of June. Caglianone joins the Yankees’ Ben Rice and the Rays’ Caminero in the field of competitors, but we’re still waiting to see who the other five will be. Kyle Schwarber has indicated he will participate if his back feels alright, but that’s still to be determined.

If Jac could become the first-ever Royals’ Home Run Derby Champion, he would also be awarded this sick Home Run Derby Victory Chain.

I’d love to be able to get a replica during next season after Jac hammers his competition. I hope you’re all looking forward to Monday night on Netflix at 8 PM EDT/7 PM CDT. I know what I’ll be doing!

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Wednesday's MLB slate offers no shortage of player prop value, especially for a couple of Phillies sluggers this evening. 

Check out my favorite MLB player props and MLB picks below.

Best MLB player props today

Player	Pick	Odds
Kyle Schwarber	1+ hits	-161
Bryce Harper	Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI	-116
Dillon Gingler	Over 1.5 total bases	-102

Kyle Schwarber 1+ hits (-161)

Before we cast our stones for me writing up a $1.61 priced prop, let us all take a moment to appreciate how cheap this is for one of baseball's premier hitters to simply do the floor.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber enters today with an elite rating on Batters-Box, while also carrying nearly 70% arsenal coverage against Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns. Across 262 elite ratings dating back to the last three seasons, Schwarber records at least one hit 61.07% of the time.

Over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, Schwarber is batting .320 with a .560 SLG, .977 OPS, and a hard-hit rate north of 74%.

Meanwhile, Burns has struggled against left-handed hitters in his recent outings. Over his last 60 left-handed batters faced, he is allowing a 70.4% elevation rate, a 10.8% barrel rate, and an expected slugging percentage of .501.

At home against lefties this season, Burns is allowing them to elevate the baseball nearly 72% of the time. We just need a base knock, but I would not go much further than this -161 price.

• Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: ESPN

Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-116)

Another mispriced prop in my book is Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI, currently priced at -116.

This season, when Harper has received an elite rating on Batters-Box, he's gone Over this prop 73% of the time. Sure, the sample size is only 15 games, but over the last three seasons, he has gone Over 1.5 HRR in 55% of his 191 opportunities.

On top of that, Harper owns a 95% arsenal coverage rating against Burns' entire pitch mix. He has been locked in against right-handed pitching as of late, batting .320 with a .400 OBP, .607 SLG and .957 OPS over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching. During that stretch, he's also producing a 61.5% hard-hit rate and a 12.8% barrel rate.

We already know how much trouble Burns has had against left-handed bats in his recent outings. I think both Harper and Schwarber are in excellent spots this evening. Take this up to -120.

• Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: ESPN

Dillon Dingler Over 1.5 total bases (-102)

One of my favorite looks on the day is Detroit Tigers slugger Dillon Dingler to go over his bases prop this evening.

The Tigers catcher has been seeing the ball extremely well over the last few weeks, posting a .510 SLG and .827 OPS while generating a 54% hard hit rate and 71.8% elevation rate against the last 60 left-handed pitchers he has faced.

Dingler also owns an elite rating on Batters-Box today, where he has an 85% arsenal coverage against Athletics left hander Jeffrey Springs' pitch mix.

Springs has struggled in his most recent outings, especially against right-handed bats. The last 60 righties he has faced are elevating the baseball at nearly an 80% clip. Yes, nearly 80%!

Those hitters are also posting a .358 xBA, .781 xSLG and .372 xwOBA, while generating a 16.3% barrel rate during that span. Getting this near even money is well worth the squeeze. I would play this down to -110 at the most.

• Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: DSN, NBCS-California

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

1928
The White Sox pounded out 20 hits in a 13-7 win at Washington, which remains tied for 71st-most in club history. Everyone in the lineup had at least one safety except for catcher Buck Crouse, who at least walked once in the game. Leadoff man Bill Hunnefield led the way with four hits, going 4-for-6 with three runs scored, including a double and triple. The White Sox hit no homers as a team, but stole four bases. Ted Lyons went the distance for the win, improving to 8-7 on the season.

With the win, the White Sox pulled even with the Senators in the standings, at 34-43 and tied for fifth in the American League.

1941
Edgar Smith became the first White Sox pitcher to win an All-Star Game. He got the decision in the AL’s 7-5 win, even though he gave up two runs in two innings. This was the game where Ted Williams hit a three-run home run in the last of the ninth to win it in Detroit. Smith was joined on the team by Luke Appling (SS) and Thornton Lee (P).

1943
White Sox pitcher Orval Grove almost got himself a no-hitter — and against the Yankees, to boot. Joe Gordon’s bloop double with two outs in the ninth spoiled it, but Grove did win the game, 1-0, at Comiskey Park. It ran his record to 7-0; he’d finish the year 15-9, with a 2.75 ERA.

1947
White Sox shortstop Luke Appling played a key role in the AL’s 2-1 All-Star Game win, held across town at Wrigley Field. Appling, 40, had been named to his seventh and final All-Star Game as a sub. With the AL trailing, 1-0, Appling pinch-hit for Washington’s Buddy Lewis to lead off the sixth inning and singled off of Harry Brecheen. Ted Williams singled Appling to third, and Ol’ Aches and Pains ambled home with the tying run when Joe DiMaggio grounded into a double play.

The next inning, pinch-hitter Stan Spence singled in Bobby Doerr for the AL’s eventual game-winner. The other White Sox representative that year was Rudy York (1B).

1950
With two singles as the leadoff man in an 11-5 doubleheader nightcap loss to the St. Louis Browns, White Sox shortstop Chico Carrasquel began a 24-game hit streak. The rookie slashed .359/.433/.478 throughout his run, during which the White Sox went 7-17 in their last poor season before a historic, 17-year run of winning seasons. Chico finished the season with 2.8 WAR and ended up third in Rookie of the Year and 12th in MVP voting.

Carrasquel’s 24 straight games with a hit qualified as the third-longest in White Sox history in 1950, and remains sixth all-time in franchise annals.

1958
White Sox ace Early Wynn got the win in the All-Star Game in Baltimore, as the American League defeated the NL, 4-3. Wynn entered the game in the sixth inning with the score tied, 3-3, and pitched a perfect inning. In the bottom half of that inning, the AL scored the eventual winning run on a single by the Yankees Gil McDougald, scoring Frank Malzone of the Red Sox.

In addition to Wynn, the Sox representatives were Luis Aparicio (SS), Nellie Fox (2B), Sherm Lollar (C) and Billy Pierce (P), with Fox and Aparicio named starters. 

1982
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Jerry Hairston hit a high, 1-0 fastball into the first row of the right field stands at Comiskey Park for a sayonara home run win over the Tigers, 3-2. The pinch-hitting specialist hadn’t played at all in five days, and with 30 career homers over 2,023 plate appearances and 14 years wasn’t considered much of a longball threat. The win improved the rising White Sox to 43-36.

2008
During a strange, back-and-forth game, A.J. Pierzynski drove home two runs in the 11th inning on a single sacrifice fly.

With the bases loaded in extra innings, Pierzynski ripped a long drove into right-center that Royals center fielder Joey Gathright tracked down. But a collision with right fielder Mark Teahen forced Gathright to the ground, scoring both Joe Crede from third and Alexei Ramírez at second base. Orlando Cabrera also moved from first to third on the fly.

Kansas City rallied for two runs in its half, but two innings later Cabrera gave the first-place White Sox the lead for good, 8-7, with an RBI double.

2016
In a game at home against Atlanta, the White Sox pulled off their third triple play of the season. That hadn’t happened in Major League Baseball since 1979. 

It happened in the third inning of an 11-8 loss. Shortstop Tim Anderson fielded a Freddie Freeman ground ball, tagged out lead runner Chase d’Arnaud before stepping on second base to force out former White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham and then threw to first baseman José Abreu to retire Freeman. 

Both the Red Sox and A’s accomplished the feat of three triple plays during the 1979 season, according to the Society for American Baseball Research’s triple play database.

The White Sox had turned a triple play on April 22 against the Rangers, and completed a second triple play on May 18 against the Astros.