ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 26: Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks is removed from the game against the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 26, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Diamondbacks News
Diamondbacks Reach Halfway Point with Same Record as Last Year Zac Gallen had another terrible first inning. There’s no getting around that fact. But then, Gallen found his groove and looked much like the Gallen of old as he mowed down the next 15 hitters. But then, his luck ran out in the seventh when Torey Lovullo tried to get one last inning out of him, given he was on a low pitch count and was dealing. The Diamondbacks offense fell flat though, failing to turn in a competitive performance in support of what was a decent start by the former ace of the team.
Corbin Carroll Sets Triples Record Corbin Carroll stands alone as the Diamondback with the most triples, surpassing the mark previously held by Stephen Drew. Carroll will likely double that number or more by the time he is done in the desert, given how rapidly he reached his current number.
Yilber Diaz Claimed by Tigers Yilber Diaz did not make it through waivers and is now headed to Detroit after having found no success in Arizona.
Other Baseball News
Angels Fire Minasian, Hire Mozeliak The Angels announced a surprise change at the top of baseball operations. Los Angeles has fired general manager Perry Minasian and hired longtime Cardinals executive John Mozeliak as interim GM.
White Sox Rout Royals 22-1 The game featured the most runs scored in a game by the Southsiders since 1970. It was also the Royals’ first-ever loss by 20 or more runs.
Strong bullpen pitching and very clutch hitting was the recipe for success for the Stripers come from behind victory. Three bullpen arms got it done, after starter Garrett Baumann was forced out in the third inning.
It was a very rough start for Garrett Baumann who lasted just two innings after surrendering six hits, and two walks, along with a wild pitch. The runs came early for Garrett who surrendered two runs in the first, including an RBI triple that drove in Luis Lara to put the sounds up 1-0. He would then give up a sacrifice fly to the next batter to push the lead to 2-0. Fast forward to the third inning and things really fell apart for Garrett as he went 2B, BB, 1B, WP, BB, Grand Slam, 3B to start the inning. He was replaced by Connor Thomas (4IP 4H 2ER 1BB 4K) who came in rushed and subsequently gave up a run scoring single of his own, and a two run home run to push the lead for the Sounds to 10-2 in the third. Connor would then settle in and pitch three more scoreless innings. He was relieved by Joel Payamps (2IP 2H 0R 0BB 1K) and Rolddy Muñoz (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K) would who pitched the final three innings of the game, registering a combined three scoreless innings, allowing the Stripers to mount their furious comeback.
After scoring a pair of runs in the second, the Stripers found themselves down 10-2 entering the fifth inning when the Stripers offense started to make things interesting. Run scoring singles by Luke Williams, and Brewer Hicklen, along with a run scoring ground out by Brett Wisely allowed the Stripers to close the gap to 10-6. A run scoring sacrifice fly by Brett Wisely, that drove in Jim Jarvis who singled earlier in the inning and went first-t0-third on a DaShawn Keirsey single, lessened the gap to 10-7 in the seventh inning. Ben Gamel would get back into the action in the eighth inning when he drove in Aaron Schunk to make it 10-8, and Jair Camargo would drive in José Azócar via a ground out to make it 10-9 in the eighth. The Stripers would then load the bases in the ninth inning with one out and Aaron Schunk would come through with game tying sacrifice fly to even the score at 10-10 with 2 outs. Azócar and would then hit the game winning single, driving in Brett Wisely, to make it 11-10. Azócar would then steal second, and come into score, along with Brewer Hicklen, on a field error by Luis Matos to give the Stripers two more runs, and making it 13-10 before Rolddy Muñoz struck out the side to end the game and give the Stripers the dramatic come from behind victory, the largest in franchise history.
Hope you've got your popcorn cus here's every run from the LARGEST COMEBACK IN CLUB HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/vv0d6gebIM
Timely hitting, as the Clingstones went 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position, along with extremely strong pitching by five pitchers gave Columbus the shutout victory over the Trash Pandas.
Lucas Braun got the start for the Clingstones and while he danced around some trouble, allowing nine batters to reach base, he worked out of every jam, allowing only five singles. Every time there was some trouble, Lucas was either able to induce really weak contact or striking out batters. Following Lucas was a masterful, and dominant performance by a quartet of Clingstone arms. First up was the rehabbing Danny Young (1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K) who pitched a scoreless sixth inning, needing just 13 pitches to retire the side. He was followed up by Ian Mejia (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K) who finally got an outing to go his way – pounding the zone and needing just 11 pitches to register the scoreless inning. Blake Burkhalter (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K), who is slowly returning to form after multiple injuries in the off-season, needed just 10 pitches as he induced a pair of fly outs in a scoreless eighth inning. Finally came in Tyler LaPorte (1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K) who pitched the final inning, preserving the shutout for the Clingstones.
Offensively, much like the Stripers, it was some timely hitting by the Clingstones who as a team went 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Their first run came in the second inning with an Ambioris Tavarez RBI single that gave the Clingstones a 1-0 lead. In the next inning, five Clingstones in a row reached base, to push the lead to 3-0. In the fifth, it was catcher Archer Brookman who hit his fifth home run of the season to push the lead to 4-0. The fifth run came in the sixth inning in a rather unconventional way with Patrick Clohisy drawing a walk, stealing second and third, before coming around to score on a throwing error by the catcher to make it 5-0. Finally, it was Jordan Groshans in the eighth inning, that connected on his 11th home run of the season to extend it to 6-0.
The vaunted Emperors offense was never able to really get it started as they faced one of, if not the best, minor league baseball’s top arms in Seth Hernandez.
Zach Royse got the start for the Emperors and was just okay, as he gave up four extra-base hits including two home runs and a pair of doubles, in his start. Zach exchanged zeroes with Seth Hernandez for most of the game, until things fell apart for him in the decisive sixth inning. Zach gave up a pair of solo home run to start the inning. He would also give up a pair of doubles, and a run scoring balk, before being removed from the game with 2 outs in the fifth, and replaced by David Rodriguez (1.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K) who would end the threat, and pitch a scoreless seventh. Much like the Clingstones pitching staff, the Emperors relief core pitched the final 3.1 innings without allowing a single hit. Following David was Drew Christo (1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K) who pitched a scoreless eighth before turning the ball over to Jacob Kroeger (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 2K) who struck out a pair in the games final inning.
Offensively, everyone outside of Isaiah Drake struggled mightily. The Emperors went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, stranding eight on base as a team. The teams’ first run came in the in the fourth inning when the Emperors would load the bases with two outs for Mason Guerra who promptly drew a walk, driving in Isaiah Drake. Colin Burgess would fly out to end the threat. The Emperors would then be held in check until the eighth inning when it was, once again, Isaiah Drake that connected on his 11th home run of the season.
The much anticipated, at least by me, Cream (Aidan Cremarosa) – Cheese (Landon Beidelschies) pitching matchup went the way of the cream, as Landon Beidelschies struggled in his four innings of work for the GreenJackets.
After a relatively easy first inning, Landon ran into some problems in the second as he gave up a lead off double, and then a two run home run to put the RiverDogs on the board and giving them a 2-0 lead. He would allow four more runs in the fourth inning as he allowed five hits, including two doubles, pushing the lead for the RiverDogs to 6-0. Landon was replaced by Logan Forsythe (3IP 3H 1ER 0BB 6K) who pitched well, striking out six across three innings of work. He was clipped for one run in the seventh inning but otherwise filled in admirably, giving the bullpen much needed length. Kendy Richard (1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K) pitched the final inning of the game.
Offensively, the team was really carried by three players – Alex Lodise, Tanner Smith, and Michael Martinez. After being held scoreless through the games first four innings, the GreenJackets broke out for three runs in the fifth inning – highlighted by a pair of home runs including a solo one by Tanner Smith, and a two run home run by Michael Martinez.
— Augusta GreenJackets (@GreenJackets) June 27, 2026
The GreenJackets would then be held scoreless until the seventh inning when the surging Alex Lodise drove in Cooper McMurray to make it 6-4 in the seventh inning. Over his last month of play Alex has appeared in 21 games and is hitting .272/.374/.605 with 6 home runs, seven doubles, and a triple.
Bryce Harper is tearing the cover off the baseball right now. He's hit three home runs over his last seven games while carrying a ridiculous .448 ISO, 54.2% hard-hit rate, and .646 xSLG during that span.
Harper has consistently been driving the ball with authority and looks primed for another big swing tonight.
Scott has also struggled to keep the ball in the park at Citi Field, allowing 1.72 home runs per nine innings at home compared to just 0.89 overall this season.
I'll play this pick up to +300.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNY, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Home run pick: Junior Caminero (+278)
It'll be difficult to find a hotter hitter in baseball right now than Junior Caminero.
He's consistently squaring up the baseball and generating elite power.
The Arizona Diamondbacks hand the ball to rookie Jose Cabrera, who is making just his second major league appearance. Facing one of the hottest power hitters in baseball is a difficult assignment, especially with Caminero producing this type of contact quality.
When a hitter is barreling the ball this consistently, he's capable of leaving any yard.
I'll play this pick confidently to +200.
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rays.TV, DBacks.TV
Home run pick: Freddie Freeman (+422)
Freddie Freeman may have just one home run over his last six games, but the underlying metrics suggest another one is coming. The Dodgers first baseman owns a 73.3% hard-hit rate, a .286 ISO, and a 16.3-degree launch angle during that span, consistently driving the ball with authority.
He'll face Randy Vasquez, who has allowed 40.6% of his contact in the air over his last two starts while surrendering a 46.2% hard-hit rate across the last month. That's a dangerous combination against one of baseball's hottest hitters.
I'll play this pick up to +350.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MLB Network
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 12-69, -11.75 units
Today’s HR parlay
Bryce Harper
Bet Now +8601
Freddie Freeman
Junior Caminero
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.
Dodgers vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.0 (-110)
Only three of the past 10 head-to-head meetings have gone Over the total, and I expect another low-scoring game in the cards here.
It’ll be very difficult to string together hits against Yamamoto and the Padres lack power for quick-strike offense.
The Dodgers are missing a couple of key bats in Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith. They’re also playing in a pitcher-friendly park, which will lower their offensive floor and ceiling.
I see this being a 5-2 type of game, and would play the Under to -120.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 44-32, +3.20 units
Over/Under bets: 40-32-4, +3.99 units
Dodgers vs Padres weather
Temperatures in the high 60s are expected with winds blowing east. Slight boost to the pitchers.
Dodgers vs Padres odds
Moneyline: Dodgers -200 | Padres +165
Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (-115) | Padres +1.5 (-105)
Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-110) | Under 8.0 (-110)
Dodgers vs Padres trend
San Diego has been generous to Under bettors this season, owning a 35-44 O/U record. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Padres.
How to watch Dodgers vs Padres and game info
Location
Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date
Saturday, June 27, 2026
First pitch
8:40 p.m. ET
TV
SNLA, KFMB-CBS8
Dodgers starting pitcher
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5, 2.65 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher
Randy Vasquez (6-5, 4.17 ERA)
Dodgers vs Padres latest injuries
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.
I’m back with more MLB picks following last week’s 3-for-3 showing at the plate, and this time I’ve found some great value in a plus-money prop for Freddie Freeman, as well as picks for Byron Buxton and Chase Burns.
I’ll break down all three in my MLB player props for Saturday, June 27.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Freddie Freeman
Over 1.5 total bases
+118
Byron Buxton
Over 1.5 total bases
-126
Chase Burns
Over 6.5 strikeouts
-156
Freddie Freeman Over 1.5 total bases (+118)
Freddie Freeman is putting together another great season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he’s only getting better as the summer wears on, batting .429 over the past week with Over 1.5 total bases in each of his last three games.
The southpaw carries a bloated 6.91 ERA over his last six starts, which comes as no surprise given his underlying stats – Vasquez sits in the second percentile in xERA (6.47), xBA (2.97), and barrel %.
Vasquez goes to his cutter nearly a quarter of the time, though it’s been his worst pitch, with batters hitting .345 and slugging .655 against it.
Freeman himself is batting .375 vs. the cutter this season, with a .708 SLG and six extra-base knocks (out of 9 total hits).
I’m surprised this prop is plus-money tonight, but I’m playing it all the way to -110.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health, SportsNet LA,
Byron Buxton Over 1.5 total bases (-126)
The Byron Buxton breakout bash continues. The Minnesota Twins slugger ranks in the 98th percentile in barrel % and 94th percentile in xSLG (.528). Oh, and his 25 dingers are also tied for the second most in the majors.
Buxton has smacked Over 1.5 total bases in five of his last seven games, highlighted by a three-hit outing in yesterday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. Buxton will make easy work of the Rockies and starter Michael Lorenzen tonight.
Lorenzen has been one of the worst pitchers in baseball this year, sitting in the bottom percentile in pitching run value and second percentile in xBA (.297).
The right-hander relies heavily on his four-seamer, which has been one of Buxton’s favorite pitches to hit. Buxton is batting a team-leading .364 against the four-seamer from righties, with an insane .891 SLG – the ninth-best mark in MLB.
I’ll play this one up to -135.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rockies.TV, Twins.TV
Chase Burns Over 6.5 strikeouts (-156 at DraftKings)
Chase Burns is averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine this year, tied for the fourth most in MLB. The Cincinnati Reds sophomore has punched out 7+ batters in seven straight starts, and I foresee him topping that number again vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates today.
Pittsburgh’s 9.27 strikeouts per game are the third most in the majors, and the Pirates will struggle against Burns’ nasty slider.
Burns has finished off 69 of his 102 strikeouts via the slider, which batters are whiffing on more than 51% of the time.
The Pirates, as a team, have gone down swinging 214 times vs. the slider this season (4th-most), while their K% ranks 7th among all clubs (29.9%).
This one is chalky for good reason, but I’ll play it up to -160.
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Reds.TV
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 6-5, +0.09 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.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: Cooper Ingle #30 of the Cleveland Guardians runs off the field after the fourth inning of his Major League debut against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians have a real hitting problem. The Pope is Catholic. Water is wet.
Yes, José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter are out. But, Luis Castillo waltzed into Progressive Field with a 5.22 ERA and shut this lineup down. There is something wrong.
Is it a pull/lift philosophy? Every team in baseball wants to pull the ball in the air, so I’m not sure. They definitely don’t hit the ball hard or barrel the ball often enough. Is that because of pull/lift? Or because their players are just not good enough? The organization needs to do some soul searching… and make some hires from organizations that know what the heck they are doing here (Milwaukee comes to mind).
I was at the game and had a great time with my daughter who is three and does not care about the score. Props to the team for fixing up the kids’ clubhouse from earlier in the year. Now, fix the offense.
Cooper Ingle debuted and looked like he had a solid approach. Hope he gets his first hit tonight. Here is his pre-game interview:
AROUND MLB
The White Sox and Tigers scored a million runs each and won their respective games.
May 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández has played in three games in his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, and he’s hit a two-run home run in all three games.
Tulsa left-hander Adam Serwinowski allowed only a single and two walks in his seven scoreless innings, with six strikeouts. Seven innings matched a season and career high for Serwinowski, also done on May 22 this year at Wichita.
Over his last seven starts, Serwinowski has a 1.58 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 12 walks in 40 innings.
Triple-A Oklahoma City
The Comets scored four runs in the eighth inning to beat the Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) on the road.
The bottom of the order keyed the comeback. Hyeseong Kim, batting seventh, singled twice and scored twice. Next up was catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, who had a double and two singles. Noah Miller, batting ninth as the designated hitter, tripled, doubled, and scored twice.
Miller’s two-run double tied things in the eighth before RBI singles by James Tibbs III and Ryan Fitzgerald provided the lead.
Double-A Tulsa
After Serwinowski, Roque Gutierrez pitched two scoreless innings to save the Drillers’ shutout win over the Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros).
Jake Gelof homered. Second baseman Sean McLain had two hits, scored a run, and drove in another.
High-A Great Lakes
Down 4-3 early, the Loons scored the final six runs to beat the Lansing Lugnuts (A’s). First baseman Jose Hernández homered twice in the win.
Third baseman Logan Wagner homered, doubled, and drove in three runs. Since returning from the injured list last week, Wagner has a hit in all four games, with two home runs
Robby Porco helped pave the way for the comeback with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief with five strikeouts
Class-A Ontario
Hyun-Seok Jang had his best start of the season in the Tower Buzzers’ win over the Visalia Oaks (D-backs). Jang struck out a career-high 10 batters in five scoreless innings, one start after striking out a then-career-high nine in 4 2/3 innings.
Mairo Martinus has been a solid constant for Ontario this season, hitting .309/.360/.506 with 33 extra-base hits, including two doubles, two singles, and three runs scored on Friday, his second straight four-hit affair. Martinus this season has started right field and center field this season, plus all four infield positions. Friday was his seventh start at third base.
Shortstop Joendry Vargas doubled and singled on Friday, and first baseman Oswaldo Osorio homered.
Triple-A: River Ryan, who was originally slated to start Thursday this week, was instead scratched and placed on the injured list Friday. It’s his hamstring again, per Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo at The Athletic, the same injury that sidelined Ryan for a month this April and May. Right-hander Keynan Middleton was activated off the development list.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 7: Miguel Bleis #44 of the Boston Red Sox bats during a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 7, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Before many were in their seats at Polar Park, Seth Martinez had already been tagged for a home run and five runs from the Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers AAA) and it didn’t get any less ugly from there. Noah Song also gave up five runs in relief, and the WooSox only had five hits on the night. A couple of depth catchers made their presence somewhat known in the lineup tonight: 24-year-old Juan Montero pinch hit for Jason Delay and Andrew Knizner, who played for the Cardinals for parts of five seasons, DH’d and got his first knock in the organization. Also, Mikey Romero had his fifth home run of 2026. Still, all of that was inconsequential, as the damage was done far, far too early.
John Holobetz continues to string together good starts with another six-inning, three-hit performance in Hartford facing the Yard Goats. (Rockies AA) The Sea Dogs’ offense, besides Miguel Bleis, had just three hits on the night. In fact, Bleis was about the only one keeping it interesting. He led off the game with a home run and also hit another solo shit in the top of the fifth. Sadly, there were already two outs in the inning and Portland could not get any further momentum going to extend their lead, and the bullpen allowed runs in both the seventh and eighth innings. Miguel Bleis has just six home runs on the season and an OPS hovering around just .650, but Friday night was a nice reminder he can have some power.
Kyson Witherspoon pitched six one-run innings but the bullpen let Asheville (Astros High-A) back in the game and then some. It’s disheartening because Steven Brooks just had a solid bullpen outing, but Friday he allowed four hits, five runs and recorded just three outs. Ronny Hernandez and Antonio Anderson (the latter of whom is celebrating a birthday Sunday) both had home runs to pad the lead, but the lead couldn’t stay intact.
The RidgeYaks will be seeing 3-ball counts in their nightmares for a few days. Brady Tygart walked five Pelicans (Cubs A) while recording just five outs, and it didn’t get any better. All together, the pitching staff allowed FIFTEEN walks on the night and was also extremely easy to run on, allowing five stolen bases. As handily as Salem was beat, and as helpful as Andrews Opata (who had a stolen base of his own, his 31st on the season) ended up getting an RBI knock was at the time, this game could have been a lot uglier had Myrtle Beach not stranded fifteen. Yuck.
Jun 11, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) watches from the dugout during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Good day fellow Mariners fans, and happy Saturday!
The M’s still haven’t scored 4 runs in a game, but they won anyway in the series opener against the Guardians last night by a 3-1 final.
Between Cole Young and Colt Emerson, it’s been a road trip of fantastic homecomings. Who’s your pick to click tonight and why is it fellow son of Ohio Dominic Canzone?
In Mariners news…
Last night provided a rare benches-clearing incident in a minor league game.
Amidst yet another lost season, the Angels made the decision to fire general manager Perry Minasian and have installed former Cardinals POBO John Mozeliak as their interim GM.
The Mets decided they had to do something as well, canning manager Carlos Mendoza and appointing Andy Green as interim manager.
Alex Coffey at The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote about Roy Halladay’s final spring before his death, during which he rediscovered his love for baseball by coaching his son’s high school team.
Anders’ pick…
Last night was the first night of the NHL Draft, with the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting Gavin McKenna first overall. The pick was announced by none other than Justin Bieber. This got me thinking: who would be the perfect celebrity to host the MLB Draft?
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles prepares to pitch during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Triple-A: Durham (Rays) 4, Norfolk Tides 1
Rehabbing major leaguer Dean Kremer gave this one a good shove, with 6.2 scoreless innings where he gave up only two hits and a walk, notching eight strikeouts along the way. This was an efficient outing as well, as it only took him 79 pitches to do all of that. This was his second outing of this rehab assignment. I’d guess he’ll get a couple more just to be sure he’s built back up all the way, but this was a great step along the way.
Unfortunately for the Tides, reliever Josh Walker managed to give up three runs in a 1.1 inning stint, all of which scored in one swing on a three-run home run.
Tides batters were limited to just six hits across the whole game. Half of these were picked up by Enrique Bradfield, who managed to steal four bases across those three times on base. That’s fun. Creed Willems had two hits. Also fun. The Tides were 0-9 with RISP. That’s less fun. The Dylan Beavers rehab assignment is also not fun. He went 0-4 and is batting .091 in his games with Norfolk.
Former Orioles prospect Michael Forret tossed five scoreless innings for the Bulls.
Cade Povich does not have as good of a rehab start to talk about as Kremer did. Povich, facing Double-A competition, was touched up for four runs (three earned) over only 3.2 innings. The minor leaguers got five hits and drew one walk against him.
This game also featured some bulk relief from Joseph Dzierwa. Not great, unfortunately, as three hits and three walks across three innings led to two runs scoring. He did strike out five guys, so there’s that.
Chesapeake’s offense did not have enough to overcome this, probably since they left ten men on base. One guy who was making good things happen was catcher Ethan Anderson, on base three times with a two-run home run, his 15th dinger of the season. My guy Aron Estrada took an 0-5. He’s still my guy.
High-A: Wilmington (Nationals) 8, Frederick Keys 6
Finally, some offense! And yet the Orioles affiliate still lost. Starting pitcher Yeiber Cartaya failed to get through the first inning, taking 38 pitches to get two outs and give up two runs. The Keys actually still led at this point, given that they’d scored three runs in their half of the first inning. That included the 21st home run of the season by the big man, Victor Figueroa, who leads the entire organization. Figueroa also had a double. He’s OPSing .955 through 64 games.
Though the game was tied in the fourth, Frederick scored again in the fifth and sixth to retake the lead before some unfortunate relief sent the game the wrong direction.
Last year’s third round pick RJ Austin, who’s usually an outfielder, made his second start at third base. Austin led off the game and he had two hits and two stolen bases. Ike Irish, serving as the first baseman, was on base three times and also stole a base.
This one was suspended after only five innings completed due to wet grounds in Fayetteville. Not a whole lot to say about that. The one Delmarva run scored with catcher Miguel Rodriguez hitting his first home run of the season across 19 games played for the Shorebirds and another eight for the FCL rookie team.
That’s four losses by the full-season affiliates. Bummer! If you want to feel a little bit better about the farm, the FCL Orioles team was victorious with an 11-2 score, and each of the DSL Orioles teams (Orange and Black) were also victorious. Orange blasted a Cleveland team for 23 hits.
Saturday’s Scheduled Games
Norfolk: vs. Durham, 6:35. Starter: Nestor German
Chesapeake: vs. Harrisburg, 6:35. Starter: Sebastian Gongora
Frederick: at Wilmington, 6:05. Starter: Boston Bateman
Delmarva: at Fayetteville, 7:05. Starter: Brayan Orrantia
KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 08: Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) on the mound against the Detroit Tigers on May 8th, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He spoke before the season about wanting to use his fastballs more. I’m assuming that was his four-seamer, sinker and cutter. He’s thrown them about 52 percent of the time last year after throwing them about 50 percent of the time last year. I would argue that the extra two percent is somewhat meaningless. So I’m not sure why he’s veered from that, other than the fact that his curve is theoretically his best pitch. It’s one of the highest-spin pitches in all of baseball. Last year, hitters hit .220 with a .352 SLG on it. Coming into yesterday, they were hitting .214 with a .339 SLG. But still, he threw it 18.2 percent of the time last year and had thrown it 14.6 percent of the time this season. To his credit, the sinker, four-seamer and cutter have led the way, while last year, the curve was his number two.
The Royals’ lefty was a great story after converting from relief to put up a pristine ERA in over 100 innings in 2025, but he’s struggled to stay on the mound this year. He’s coming back from shoulder and elbow issues and will have to at least demonstrate that those joints are working. Teams will also have to wonder how much of last year’s work was a fluke, given only slightly above-average strikeout rates and well below average velocity. He’s worth a shot in this year’s market either way.
Bubic is an impending free agent on a Kansas City team that sits 14 games under .500. He’d be an obvious trade candidate if he’s healthy. The southpaw has missed the past five weeks with elbow soreness. He began a rehab assignment a couple weeks ago, reported shoulder discomfort, and was pulled off. That was a seemingly minor issue, as Bubic resumed his rehab stint with Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.
The recent history of arm issues is an obvious red flag. Bubic also has a 2023 Tommy John surgery and a ’25 rotator cuff strain on his medical chart. He’s a good pitcher when healthy, making an All-Star team and posting a 2.55 ERA season last year. An uncharacteristic jump in walks has pushed his ERA to 4.11 across 50 1/3 frames this season. He has fanned a quarter of opponents and would fit into the middle of a contending rotation at full strength.
Prospects change constantly and emerge quickly so it is possible someone could help sooner than later. But where it stands today it does not look good. Not only does this raise concerns on internal help but also an ability to pull off a trade using high-end prospects to bring back major league talent, leading to my next question.
How much do you trust this organization with trading for major league talent? The trade for Ragans, based on talent alone, was a home run. No doubt about it. But the other trades in recent memory have not been what you would hope for.
While I don’t think Schreiber would command a top prospect, he could help the Royals net a “turnaround” project or two in return.
Two names that could be included in a Schreiber deal are outfielder Robert Hassell III and pitcher Andry Lara. Both are post-hype prospects who have failed to do much in the Majors and are currently languishing in Triple-A.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 26: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with Ha-Seong Kim #7 after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on June 26, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Early contact seemed to promise an offensive outburst. Like a summer storm, clouds gathered their arms and threatened rain in the 1st. Distant light flashed, thunder rumbled under the evening’s dark breath. Luis Arraez and Rafael Devers peppered extra base hits off faraway walls in center and right-center. Loud doubles that would’ve disappeared over walls in the majority of Major League parks. Jung Hoo Lee smoked a liner past Braves’ starter Reynaldo López’s ear that seemed destined for the outfield — if not for Ha-Seong Kim’s ensnaring lunge into the gap.
Instead of a second run scoring, the Giants first half-inning ended, and the burgeoning storm dissipated — because there are no summer storms in San Francisco, just the smothering, knock-down damp of the marine layer. Rare is the release, when the heavens open up and rain buckets down, refreshing everything below. There is no cool, just blanket-wrapped-around-the-knees cold in San Francisco.
Devers’s RBI double scored Casey Schmitt from first in the 1st, and that was it for the Giants in Friday’s 3-1 loss to the Braves.
There certainly could’ve been more production. More bang and boom, but the order went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. They left 9 runners on base, not to mention the outs they ran into on the base paths.
Excited after his lead-off double, Arraez either misread the ball off Bryce Eldridge’s bat, or lost where shortstop Kim was positioned behind him, but the decision to bolt for third on contact got him thrown out there for the first out of the first inning. While Devers’ double did make-up for some of that mistake, the gaffe just felt all too familiar. A here-we-go-again type thing, a reminder that the game of baseball was a buttered watermelon for this team: one second it can be safely secured in their hands, the next, it’s split open and splattered over the pavement.
The disappearing baserunning act returned in the 2nd. Willy Adames was doubled up by centerfielder Michael Harris after he couldn’t scramble back to first in time after a botched hit-and-run play. He picked up where the ball was struck too late, hesitating for a moment near second, thinking the bloop might drop, before cartoonishly turning-tail when he realized the trouble he was in.
That was a tough position to be in — but those are the kinds of cruel breaks a team gets when they’re knee-deep in the muck. Aggressive plays turn around and bite the hand. Leadoff knocks are somehow just outs yet to be recorded. Extra base hits have a rapdily expiring shelf-life. Meanwhile, for the NL East leading Braves, baserunners seem to multiply. Dinky flares turn into runners in scoring position. As Duane Kuiper put it from the booth: Atlanta was winning the battle of 90 feet. Sandwiched between Arraez getting thrown out at third and Adames getting thrown out at first, Austin Riley’s one-out bloop single became an unearned double after starter Trevor McDonald balked him over into scoring position. Immediately after Dom Smith slapped a single up the middle to tie the game.
In the 3rd, Atlanta would take the lead on another gift of 90 feet after Arraez scuttled a routine double play with a throwing error that skipped past Devers at first into the visiting dugout. Instead of two outs and the bases empty, Mauricio Dubón stood in scoring position and continued to advance around the bases on a groundout and Ozzie Albies’s single. Albies would add on again in the 5th with a sac fly set-up by a Dubón infield single and a Matt Olson double — the Braves’ first, and only, extra base hit of the game.
The ball was hit hard, the wind wasn’t making things easier — still, it seemed catchable. Lee, patrolling centerfield, was asked to go to the wall again and couldn’t. He appeared to get spooked by the fence and pulled up short. Maybe that was wise in the long-term, it’s just the tentativeness isn’t what the Giants needed in the short-term.
That double shouldn’t have been decisive. After the 5th, Atlanta’s offense produced little while clouds gathered and darkened overhead for San Francisco. Facing a two-run deficit, the tying run was either on base or at the plate for a hitter in every home frame but the 9th.
Catcher Drew Cavanaugh, in his MLB debut, and number-9 hitter Victor Bericoto did their job. They helped load the bases with one-out in the 5th and reached second-and-third with one out in the 7th.
Both times Bryce Eldridge stood at the plate with a chance to tie the game (or more) with a hit, or at the very least, score a run with something as simple as a fly out. Both times he came up empty. Eldridge couldn’t lay off the disappearing sliders from Hurston Waldrep in the 5th and went down chasing. In the 7th, in an unfavorable matchup against lefty Dylan Lee and not wanting to go too deep into the count, he swung at the first pitch he saw and popped it up to second. Schmitt couldn’t pick-up his teammate and deliver a knock of consequence in either instance.
McDonald finished his night with a nasty front door sinker to bag Riley, pitching into the 6th for the first time in four starts while snapping a string of games in which he walked at least three. The outing was a step in the right direction for the starter after a handful of rough-and-ragged appearances. A trio of relievers — Matt Gage, Sam Hentges, and Adrian Houser — also held their ground over the final 3.2 innings. Frustratingly, considering the hole the team was already in when they took over and what happened on Thursday, the ground they protected so admirably wasn’t worth much.
The pitching did a decent job of holding the Braves at bay, but the bats couldn’t find a way to storm back or storm ahead. The result: another disconnected performance for these Giants.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: (L-R) Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton attend the Los Angeles premiere of A24's "The Invite" at DGA Theatre on June 24, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brianna Bryson/WireImage)
Hickory starter Dan Keaney made his second start for the Crawdads this season, and still hasn’t allowed a run, going 4.1 IP, striking out six and walking one.
Yolfran Catsillo homered. Dewar Tovar homered and walked. Marco Argudin drew three walks and stole a base. Angel Arredondo had a hit. Daniel Flames had a hit and a walk.
Caden Scarborough started for Hub City and had his first rough outing of the season for the Spartanburgers, giving up four runs in four innings, walking two, striking out three and giving up a homer. Izack Tiger made his second appearance for Hub City this season, striking out two in a shutout inning.
Gleider Figuereo was 2 for 5. Maxton Martin doubled.
Frisco starter Dalton Pence allowed four runs in five innings, striking out five, walking two and giving up a homer.
Rehabbing Evan Carter played center and went 2 for 2 with a walk and a homer before his scheduled departure from the game. Arturo Disla was 2 for 5 with a double. Ian Moller was 2 for 5 with a double. Max Wagner, a second round pick by the Orioles in 2022 who the Rangers signed back in April after Baltimore released him at the end of spring training, had a career game with three homers.
Round Rock starter Josh Stephan went seven innings, allowing four runs, walking two and striking out three. Luis Curvelo allowed two runs in an inning, walking one, hitting one and striking out two. Emiliano Teodo alwo walked one, hit one and struck out two in an inning, though he allowed just one run.
Josh Smith was 2 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. Cam Cauley had a hit and a stolen base. Aaron Zavala had a hit.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - JULY 10, 2025: Yonny Hernandez #66 of the Syracuse Mets throws the ball during an International League game against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at NBT Bank Stadium on July 10, 2025 in Syracuse, New York. The IronPigs beat the Mets, 2-0. (Photo by Rodger Wood/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Jonah Tong still just doesn’t quite have it. Sure, he only gave up two runs, but the swing and miss isn’t there. The fastball has backed up. The breakers aren’t clicking. Just a lost season as he looks to find a consistent left-right option to use in the big leagues. Anyway, the Mets blew a ninth inning lead but won in extras. Yonny Hernandez had four hits.
The Cyclones managed to overcome a five run inning for the Blue Claws, taking the lead in the seventh and making it stand up. There’s still not a ton of interesting stuff on this roster, but at least they stole a bunch of bases, so that’s fun.
Rough day for Elian Peña who made two errors and got caught stealing in a 6-2 loss. He remains the only real prospect of note on this roster and has cooled off significantly from his early season.
SS Elian Peña: 2-3, RBI, 2 BB, SB (24), 2 E (14), CS (7)
Bryce Harper
Freddie Freeman
Junior Caminero
COVERS INTEL: Randy Vasquez ranks in 
Byron Buxton
Chase Burns
