MINNEAPOLIS — Shohei Ohtani forcefully rebounded from a rough inning on the mound to earn yet another win for the major league -leading Los Angeles Dodgers.
The two-way superstar carried his struggling catcher Dalton Rushing along with him, showing there’s even more to his marvelous game than simply pitching and hitting.
Ohtani had eight strikeouts over six innings before yielding to the bullpen in the 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins, and he helped himself at the plate with an RBI single to spark a three-run third inning that put the Dodgers in front for the rest of the night.
But the bottom of the second at Target Field — where the Twins announced their first sellout of the season — was ugly.
Three hits off Ohtani loaded the bases with one out, before he and Rushing got crossed up on a pitch that escaped the catcher’s glove and zipped toward the backstop to let in a run. Two more scored on Ryan Kreidler’s single that gave the Twins a 3-1 lead.
Rushing, the 2022 second-round draft pick who temporarily has taken over as the primary catcher while three-time All-Star Will Smith is on the injured list with neck inflammation, was expecting an off-speed pitch. Ohtani threw a 101 mph fastball, wincing with slumped shoulders as he saw the run come across. Rushing was charged with a passed ball, making one of the three runs against Ohtani unearned.
“They were just out of sync early, and you could tell,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think both guys were frustrated and trying to get on the same page.”
Ohtani, through his interpreter after the game, offered his usual diplomatic assessment about his work with Rushing, who’s in his second major league season.
“The in-game flexibility, reading the swings, reading how the hitters are really taking their approach during the game — that’s how I see what adjustment needs to happen,” Ohtani said. “In that sense, I personally realized we just have to be better at being on the same page and communicating throughout the game.”
Rushing, for his part, particularly was upset with himself that Ohtani had to essentially take over the pitch calling process to get through the night.
“Good thing he’s as good as he is and he can take control of the game, but it’s pretty embarrassing,” said Rushing, who also went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts and a foul pop out at the plate. “They’ve always got my back. Once again, it’s embarrassing that I need support like that. I’m a grown man, and it’s a pretty tough pill to swallow.”
Ohtani, who has pitched through lingering soreness in his left knee and a blister on his right middle finger, has logged quality starts of six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs in 11 of 13 turns. The four-time MVP award winner has also reached base safely in 23 straight road games, batting .381 with 24 RBIs over those contests.
Ohtani had an 0.74 ERA over his first 10 starts with Smith as his catcher. Since the injury, over three turns with Rushing behind the plate, Ohtani has a 4.34 ERA.
“Showing Rush my pitching style I’m capable of, that’s really another way of being able to communicate,” Ohtani said. “In an ideal world, where I want to be is both of us to pitch in and really be able to shine because we have very different talents.”
Rushing doesn’t have to be concerned about losing his role, Roberts said.
“It’s a work in progress. He wants to do really well and he expects a lot of himself, so when he’s not doing what he expects then he gets frustrated,” Roberts said. “I think the good thing is he still understands his priority is to serve the pitchers and be behind the plate, but the last few games he’s had a tough go of it.”
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel has been recommended for arthroscopic elbow surgery after a recent setback in his injury recovery.
After an assessment by orthopedic specialist Dr. Keith Meister, the Twins announced Abel will undergo the minor procedure more than two months after he first landed on the injured list. The timetable for Abel’s return won’t be determined until after the surgery.
The Twins had Abel lined up to rejoin the rotation after he made two smooth rehab starts for Triple-A St. Paul. But he reported soreness after his bullpen session and was shut down from throwing.
Abel was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies with minor league catcher Eduardo Tait the day before the trade deadline last season for closer Jhoan Duran.
The 24-year-old had a 3.98 ERA in four appearances this year, throwing 14 consecutive scoreless innings before he was sidelined by elbow inflammation following his start on April 14.
Minnesota’s starting pitching has been depleted by injuries. Left-hander Pablo López, an All-Star in 2023, is out for the season following elbow surgery. Right-hander Bailey Ober has been sidelined for the last three weeks with elbow inflammation and won’t return until after the All-Star break.
Left-hander Kendry Rojas after his most recent start in the latest round of pitching roster moves made by the Twins.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 24: Pittsburgh Pirates fans pose while holding a Topps cards for the 75th anniversary before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 24, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Many years, the Seattle Mariners reaching the midway point of the season above .500 would be seen as a distinct success. Similarly, reaching Game #82 in first place by 2.5 games would be a state of abject glee. But the expectations are different in 2026, and the rubber match of Seattle’s series with the Pittsburgh Pirates will once again give Seattle a shot to win a series or drop to .500.
On the heels of Wednesday’s drubbing, the M’s will run out nearly the same lineup as a night ago against Pirates rookie RHP Bubba Chandler. Chandler entered 2026 as one of the sport’s top pitching prospects, albeit of a lesser caliber to Paul Skenes when he arrived on the scene a few years prior. Bryce Miller will oppose him, Seattle’s least-heralded hurler at times whose start to 2026 has been outright dominant.
Lineups
The lineup looks potent still, albeit with Cal Raleigh taking a DH day to let Mitch Garver work behind the dish. That puts Dominic Canzone on the bench for now.
Pittsburgh made a roster move before the game today, placing disciplined leadoff hitter INF Spencer Horowitz on the injured list with a hamstring strain and recalling INF Jack Brannigan in his place.
Game Information
First Pitch: 9:35 a.m. PDT
TV:Mariners.TV, with Aaron Goldsmith, Angie Mentink and sideline analyst Brad Adam
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Gary Hill Jr. and Shannon Drayer
Mar 1994; West Palm Bch, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Toronto Blue Jays infielder Carlos Delgado signs autographs during the 1994 spring training season at Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Imagn Images
Today marks the 54th birthday of Carlos Delgado.
Carlos Delgado was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The Blue Jays signed him as an amateur free agent in 1988 when he was just 16. He climbed through the minor league system as a catcher. He quickly became our top prospect; he hit 30 home runs in Dunedin in 1992 at 20 years old and 25 the following season at Double-A Knoxville.
Carlos was called up to Toronto at the end of the 1993 season, the team’s second World Series-winning year, but he only appeared in a few games. Nonetheless, the Jays awarded him a World Series ring. The following season, Carlos began the year with Toronto and played most of the early games in left field. He started strong, posting a 1.028 OPS on April 24th with 8 home runs, but then struggled and was sent back to the minors in early June, hitting .215/.352/.438 at the time. Manager Cito Gaston was known for his lack of patience with young players, and it’s possible Delgado could have benefited from more time to adjust. Notably, Bill James predicted he’d be an MVP candidate by 2000, and Carlos fulfilled that potential several times.
In 1995, the Jays brought Delgado up at the end of April, but Cito used him mainly as a pinch hitter, and he didn’t hit much in the 25 at-bats he was given that month (it was more important to keep Joe Carter’s .300 OBP in the lineup). The Jays sent Delgado back down. They brought him back up in September, where he played more, but still didn’t hit much.
Finally, in 1996, Carlos got to stay up with the Jays for the entire season. DHing most of the time, he hit .270/.353/.490 with 25 homers and 82 RBI. After the season, the Jays traded John Olerud to make room at first base for Carlos.
Carlos opened 1997 as the DH while Joe Carter played first base, but by late May, Delgado took over at first and kept the job for the next eight years. He had a great year, hitting .262/.350/.528 with 30 homers and 91 RBI.
In 1998, Carlos played first base full-time, and his numbers took another big jump. He hit .292/.385/.592 with 38 homers and 115 RBI. He received MVP votes and finished fifth in the league in slugging average.
Delgado followed with another terrific season in 1999, hitting .272/.377/.571 and setting career highs in home runs (44), RBI (134), runs (113), and walks (86). He won his first Silver Slugger award and finished 12th in MVP voting. Additionally, he tied George Bell’s single-season team record for RBI. Delgado likely would have set a new record if he hadn’t broken his tibia after fouling a ball off his leg and missing the final ten games.
In 2000, Carlos played in all 162 games and led the league with 57 doubles. He hit .344/.470/.664, had 41 homers, and set a new team record with 137 RBI. Carlos also took 123 walks and led the league, being hit by a pitch 15 times. He made the All-Star team for the first time, came in 4th in MVP voting, won the AL Hank Aaron Award (for best hitter), and was the Sporting News Player of the Year. He also got his second Silver Slugger award. Also, Carlos finished 4th in the league in batting average, 2nd in on-base average, 2nd in walks, 2nd in slugging, and first in total bases.
His .664 slugging average is the Jays’ single-season record, and his .344 BA and .470 OBP are the second-best in Jays’ history. He also had the Jays’ season-highs in total bases, doubles, walks, extra-base hits, and runs created. He was AL Player of the Week twice and had a 22-game hit streak. He was one of seven Jays to hit 20 homers and one of three with 30.
Delgado appeared in all 162 games again in 2001. Although his numbers declined from the previous year, he still produced a solid .279/.408/.540 line with 39 home runs, 102 RBI, and 111 walks—impressive for what was considered a down season. It marked his fourth straight season with over 35 home runs and 100 RBI. He also recorded the first stolen base of his MLB career.
His numbers fell more in 2002. He hit .277/.406/.549 with 33 homers, 108 RBI, and 102 walks. He finished 4th in the league in OBP, 8th in slugging, and 4th in walks. Carlos was the first Jay to hit 30 homers in 6 consecutive seasons and 100 RBI in 5. He missed a game on August 4th to snap a streak of 432 straight games played. Then he went on the DL for just the second time in his career in late August with a stiff back.
Carlos had a bounce-back season in 2003, hitting .302/.426/.593 with 42 home runs and a new career and franchise high in RBI with 145, which led the league. He made the All-Star team, got the Silver Slugger award, and came second in the MVP voting. He finished 2nd in slugging, on-base, home runs, and walks.
It was his seventh straight year with 30 home runs, sixth with 100 RBI, and fifth with 100 runs. Among other achievements, he had 97 RBI at the All-Star break and four home runs in a game on September 25th. In addition, he reached base 334 times, setting another team record.
The 2004 season was Delgado’s last with the Blue Jays. He missed about a month due to a strained rib cage and, for the first time since 1997, didn’t reach 100 RBI. Still, he finished with 32 home runs and a .269/.372/.545 batting line.
After the season, Carlos was a free agent, and the team decided not to sign him. JP wanted to cut the salary, and Carlos had made $19.7 million in 2004. He signed a four-year contract with the Florida Marlins. When the team missed the playoffs, Carlos got the blame. I find bad organizations, and often fans, will blame the team’s best player for the team’s shortcomings.
After one season with the Marlins, they cut payroll and traded Delgado to the Mets for Mike Jacobs, Yusmeiro Petit, and Grant Psomas. Carlos then played four seasons for the Mets, making the playoffs for the first time in 2006 and losing to the Cardinals in the NLCS in 2007.
Carlos retired with a .280/.383/.546 line and 473 home runs in 2035 games. He was one and out on the Hall of Fame ballot, only getting 3.8% of the votes in 2015. He deserved better. He may have lost some votes because he would stay in the dugout for the God Bless America, making a silent protest against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Rob Neyers’ Big Book of Baseball Lineups lists him as the best Jays first baseman and the worst defensive first baseman in the Jays’ history. Considering John Mayberry played first for us, that’s saying something. He’s right; Delgado was never very good with the glove, but we never had a better hitter.
Carlos was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award in 2006 for ‘good play and strong work in the community.’ He does work for many charities in Puerto Rico.
He has had his moments of controversy. He protested the war in Iraq by not standing during ‘God Bless America’ (he was ahead of his time). He said,” I feel so sad for the families that lost relatives and loved ones in the war. But I think it’s the stupidest war ever.”
He is married and has two children, a son and a daughter.
It is also Mike Stanley’s birthday; he turns 63 today.
Stanley had a 15-year MLB career. He was an offence-first catcher, hitting .270/.370/.458 in 1467 MLB games, with 187 home runs. He was never a good defensive catcher, but when you can get a corner infielder’s type of bat from your catcher, you put up with the less-than-great defense.
Stanley signed with the Jays as a free agent before the 1998 season, hitting .240/.353/.472 with 22 home runs before being traded to the Red Sox at the trade deadline. The trade worked out well for the Red Sox, and they made the playoffs that year.
It didn’t do much for the Jays. We received Jay Yennaco and Peter Munro. Yennaco never made it out of the minors. Munro pitched in 40 games for the Jays, starting 5, and put up a 1-3 record and a 6.00 ERA.
Happy Birthday to both Carlos and Mike. I hope you both have a great one.
ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 14: Chandler Simpson #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays runs during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 14, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | Getty Images
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 13: Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on May 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lance McCullers Jr., on the IL since May 19 with a right rotator cuff impingement, is scheduled to make his first rehab start tonight with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Constellation Field.
🚨 REHAB ALERT 🚨
RHP Lance McCullers Jr. is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with the Space Cowboys tonight (6/25)! Subject to change without notice.
— Sugar Land Space Cowboys (@SLSpaceCowboys) June 25, 2026
Josh Hendrickson is currently listed as the Space Cowboys starter tonight when the team hosts the El Paso Chihuahuas.
That, combined with the wording of the tweet from the Triple-A team, indicate McCullers will likely get a 1 inning appearance out of the bullpen.
McCullers showed promise in spring and had a terrific first start of the season, but it has been a struggle for the veteran ever since with fluctuating velocity levels and intermittent command.
McCullers currently sports a 2-3 record with a 6.86 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 8 starts in 39.1 IP.
Jun 24, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey (19) celebrates after hitting a double in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Yes, good morning, everyone. To conclude their four-game series in St. Petersburg, the Royals and Rays face each other on this fine Thursday a.m. It’s not every day that you can watch baseball before noon–well, maybe it is if you live out west, but rare is this chance for Kansas Citians.
At stake: the series! The Royals won the first two games against the Rays in vastly different fashions before dropping last night’s ho-hum contest. Now, Kansas City can take the series with a victory while the Rays, bless their hearts, can only split the series.
Let’s check out the lineups with the Royals first, of course.
Once more, Bobby Witt Jr. is not in the lineup, nor has he been placed on the Injured List. Maybe he’ll show up in Chicago.
But focusing on those starting, Carter Jensen remains in the leadoff spot, where he’s hit very well. I’m glad to see Nick Loftin getting another start, although, I mean, who else is there to play over him? Jac Caglianone didn’t hit a home run yesterday, so he’s clearly a bust. Lane Thomas is batting cleanup. Sure, whatever. Salvador Perez remains in the sixth spot, Isaac Collins and Starling Marte round out the outfield, and Tyler Tolbert starts at short.
The Royals face Opener–I refuse to call this man a starting pitcher–Casey Legumina. Have you heard of him? If so, kudos. I hadn’t, though I’m not exactly a Rays fan. It’ll be his 17th appearance for the Rays after appearing in eight games to start the season with the Mariners. Looking at his numbers…he’s fine.
Seth Lugo is on the mound for the Royals. Recently on 810 Sports Radio, ESPN’s Jeff Passan named Lugo as the biggest Royal name to be moved at this year’s deadline. Makes sense. I like Lugo a lot, but he’s probably better off pitching for a contender (he’s already 36) while bringing back a younger piece or two to Kansas City.
Lugo’s last outing was an odd one. He picked up the win against the Cardinals after surrendering only one earned run (two runs total) through six. He gave up five hits and allowed three walks while not striking out a single batter. In fact, his strikeouts have decreased each of his last four starts from six to four to two to zero. Expect negative strikeouts today.
DENVER, CO - JUNE 19: Bubba Chandler #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Friday, June 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting the Mariners for their final game of a three-game set in a Thursday matinee at PNC Park.
Bubba Chandler is drawing the start for the Buccos, and he’s coming off a game in which he pitched six innings against the Colorado Rockies on June 19 at Coors Field. Chandler went six innings, giving up just two earned runs, but could not grab the win as he failed to generate any run support. The Pirates offense will have to step up against the Mariners, but they won’t have it easy against Bryce Miller.
Miller has been very impressive since entering the rotation in the middle of May. He has a 3-0 record with a 1.58 ERA. He hasn’t given up more than two earned runs in any start this season and has gone at least five innings in every appearance he’s made. This doesn’t bode well for the Pirates, who have been inconsistent with their offense as of late.
With the Pirates slipping in the standings, they need to ensure that they aren’t dropping too many games, especially at home. The halfway point of the season has come and gone, so the Pirates’ margin for error is growing increasingly thin for the standings.
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Bryce Miller (3-1, 1.58 ERA) vs. Bubba Chandler (2-7, 4.62 ERA)
BD community, chime off in the comments section below.
The WooSox got out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on Wednesday against the Mud Hens (DET), thanks to a two-run double from Allan Castro. The pitching was unable to hang on, though, with starter Raymond Burgos allowing four runs (three earned) in four innings. Reliever Tyler Samaniego gave up a home run in the fifth, to get the loss, falling to 1-1 with a 5.56 ERA in his time at Triple-A. Samaniego had a 2.66 ERA in the big leagues over 20 1/3 innings, but has struggled at Worcester over 11 1/3 minor league innings.
Braiden Ward had two hits for the Woo Sox in the leadoff spot, stealing his 33rd and 34th bags of the season. Ward would be a great September call-up when the rosters expand for his speed, or even the last guy on the bench in a playoff series … never mind.
Brayan Bello (0-0, 5.19) will get the ball for the Woo Sox on Thursday at 6:45.
Lastly, when I used to read the Boston Globe box scores meticulously every day as a kid, my favorite team name in any sport or level was the Toledo Mud Hens. I’m just glad this team name still exists in the same form.
The Sea Dogs exploded for 14 hits against the Yard Goats (COL) on Wednesday, in a 10-4 rout. Portland also had eight walks and a hit by a pitch on the day. By my math, that’s 23 baserunners. Tons of multi-hit efforts, including three from Matt Fraizer, and two from Franklin Arias, Nate Baez, Jack Winnay, and Marvin Alcantara.
Franklin Arias RBI-single.
The Boston Red Sox prospect is hitting .321 with 38 RBI in Double-A this season. pic.twitter.com/feKm3I3tq9
Starting pitcher Hayden Mullins fell one out short of qualifying for the win, going 4 2/3 with 6 strikeouts and 2 runs allowed. Michael Sansone took it from there, going the final 4 1/3 for the win, allowing 2 runs. Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction for Mullins, who was excellent a year ago (2.21 ERA between High-A and Double-A) but had not gotten out of the fourth inning in three consecutive starts.
Gage Ziehl (3-2, 4.56) will start for the Sea Dogs on Thursday at 7:10.
The best performance of the day throughout the minor leagues for the Red Sox was from last year’s eighth-round pick, Dylan Brown. Brown dominated Asheville (HOU) hitters over seven innings, striking out 11. Brown has a 3.34 ERA combined between Salem and Greenville this season, in 12 games.
Red Sox prospect Dylan Brown threw 7 shutout innings yesterday with 2 hits allowed, 0 BB, and 11 strikeouts. Simply phenomenal. Watch the full highlight right here 👇 https://t.co/Y7kTCQ5YWA
Luke Heyman hit a two-run homer for the Drive, his fifth, and Antonio Anderson had a two-hit day.
This line in the box score made me laugh. I wish I could find a video. “Ejections: Drive hitting coach Jarrett Pico ejected by HP umpire Natanael Rodriguez Garcia (2nd).”
Jojo Ingrassia (1-0, 1.52) takes the hill for Greenville at 6:45 on Thursday.
Starter Leighton Finley, a sixth-round pick a year ago, took it from there, pitching great against the Pelicans (CHC) to pick up the win on Wednesday. He struck out ten batters in five innings, allowing two runs. Williams Rodriguez picked up a seven-out save, not allowing a run.
Cole Tolbert (1-0, 2.55) will toe the rubber for Salem on Thursday at 6:35.
Finally, a reminder that if you want to chat about major league or minor league Red Sox baseball, you can reach me on Twitter @BobOsgood15 or by email at redseatpodcast@gmail.com
NEW YORK - CIRCA 1992: Mike Stanley #20 of the New York Yankees bats against the Milwaukee Brewers during a Major League Baseball game circa 1992 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Stanley played for the Yankees from 1992-95 and in 1997. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 1993 Yankees were a pivot point. After posting four straight losing seasons for the first time in nearly 80 years, the ’93 squad climbed out of the morass with an 88-win season. While that finish left them with the third-best record in a two-team AL playoff picture, it served notice that the Gene Michael and Buck Showalter-led Yankees were on the rise. On a team laden with veteran stars like Don Mattingly, Wade Boggs, and Paul O’Neill alongside up-and-comers like Bernie Williams, the team’s most valuable position player was a much less heralded player who, at the age of 30, was getting the chance to start full-time for the first time in his career.
Robert Michael Stanley Born: June 25, 1963 (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Yankees Tenure: 1992-95, 1997
Mike Stanley grew up in Florida, where he starred on both sides of the ball at the University of Florida, earning all-scholastic SEC team honors. Taken by Texas in the 16th round of the 1985 MLB Draft, the catcher quickly rose through the Rangers’ system, hitting .327 across three levels of the minor leagues to turn himself into a legitimate prospect. Stanley made his debut on the day before his 23rd birthday in 1986 and the future looked bright.
However, he struggled to translate his offensive profile into big-league success. Over parts of six seasons, he never held down a regular job while posting a subpar .699 OPS. “I never knew until about the last day (of spring training) whether I had a job,” said Stanley of this frustrating period. Things got bad enough that he considered walking away from the game altogether. “I love fishing,” he later said. “I thought I might open a tackle shop.”
The Rangers did not offer Stanley a contract after the 1991 season, letting him become a free agent. With his career on the brink, Michael offered him an opportunity as a non-roster invitee to compete in Yankees camp for a backup role behind Matt Nokes. The legendary talent evaluator saw enough in the consistent, “quality at-bat” and ability to handle a pitching staff Stanley demonstrated with Texas. “I made calls around to ask people I respect about him, and I liked what I heard,” said the Yankees GM of the fortuitous decision.
Stanley indeed won a role with the ’92 Yankees and began to show some offensive upside, hitting a career-high eight homers in just 173 at-bats while posting an .800 OPS. He also contributed positively to the clubhouse culture, making “gooners” t-shirts for himself, Pat Kelly, Mike Gallego, Jim Leyritz, and Randy Velarde to wear in a tongue-in-cheek embrace of their roles as part-time players.
That performance was enough to net Stanley a two-year extension after the season, giving him some welcome stability for the first time in his career. “When you’re not a superstar and not one of the top five players in the game, you feel fortunate to be in the majors,” Stanley said upon receiving the deal. “I think you sit back and appreciate it more when you’ve been the 25th man. I know I do.”
Expected to serve as a backup once again, Stanley quickly overtook a struggling Nokes and ended up playing in 130 games, by far the most of his career. He emerged suddenly and unexpectedly as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, slashing .305/.389/.534 with 26 homers and 84 RBI while leading Yankees regulars in everything from WAR to OPS and OPS+ and earning a Silver Slugger.
Even the man himself was caught off guard by his sudden dominance. “There is no explaining it. I never hit like this on the big-league level,” said Stanley. ”I feel good, don’t feel any extra pressure. I feel I belong.”
His manager agreed. “Mike Stanley exemplifies what in a lot of ways our team is about this year,” said Showalter. “He’s a gamer.”
Entering the ’94 season with higher expectations, Stanley proved his first season as a starter was no fluke, once again hitting .300 and improving on his OPS in the strike-shortened season. By the time baseball returned in ’95, Stanley was firmly entrenched in the middle of the Yankees’ order, making his first and only All-Star. In the first game of a doubleheader on August 10th, he set career-highs against the Cleveland team that would romp to the pennant, clobbering three homers and driving in seven runs.
That October, Stanley joined most of his teammates in seeing the first playoff action of his career. He rose to the challenge against Seattle, recording at least one hit in each of the four ALDS games in which he played. He particularly shone as a bright spot in his team’s losses, reaching base in six of his 14 plate appearances in Games 3-5.
The Yankees’ heartbreaking first-round exit prompted many changes before the ’96 season. Michael and Showalter were out at GM and manager, with Bob Watson and Joe Torre taking their places. With Stanley a free agent and his greatest internal champions no longer calling the shots, the new administration chose to trade for the more defensively sound Joe Girardi to man the backstop and let Stanley walk.
Stanley signed with the Red Sox that offseason and was magnanimous after his departure, offering his best wishes to Girardi when the latter was booed at a fan festival by Yankees fans upset with Stanley’s departure. “I appreciate immensely the fanfare I had in New York,” Stanley said. “But it’s not (Girardi’s) fault. What’s done is done. It’s time for me to move on and for him to come in and do a job for them.”
Perhaps in part due to the grace with which he handled his exit, Stanley had a brief second act in pinstripes. To augment an aging roster at first base and DH, Watson traded for Stanley in August of 1997 in what would be the last trade between the Yankees and Red Sox for 17 years. So beloved was Stanley among his former teammates that Wade Boggs and Paul O’Neill had made sure his locker, situated between theirs, remained empty after his departure. With his locker reclaimed, Stanley posted an .871 OPS in 28 games before going 3-for-4 during another futile ALDS tilt, this time at the hands of Cleveland.
Despite Watson expressing an interest in retaining Stanley, he signed with Toronto that offseason. He’d play three more seasons, splitting time between the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Athletics before retiring at the age of 37. The 16th-rounder who didn’t earn a regular role until the age of 30 ended his career with 1,138 hits and 187 home runs to go with a sterling .827 OPS.
After hanging up his spikes, Stanley briefly served as a bench coach for Boston in 2002 before retiring to Florida for good. He remains a fan favorite among the Yankees faithful for his underdog narrative, prowess on both sides of the ball, and reliability during a time when baseball in the Bronx became exciting again. Please join us in wishing a very happy 63rd birthday to Mike Stanley.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
May 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington observes batting practice before the Pirates play the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates had struggled in the month of June but despite the 40-40 record the Bucs are still three games out of a Wild Card spot.
What’s clear is the team has to improve before this year’s MLB Trade Deadline, and that marker is quickly approaching. With limited time, the Pirates have to accomplish these three things before the deadline passes.
Add to the bullpen
The biggest issue right now with the bullpen is that there isn’t a single pitcher that you can rely on in the late innings. Guys like Mason Montgomery, Gregory Soto, Yohan Ramirez and Denis Santana have been too inconsistent. Since there has been that inconsistency that has put a lot of pressure on the starting rotation which of late has been shaky as well. Going six innings isn’t enough anymore, as turning the ball over to the pen is a gamble manager Don Kelly seems hesitant to play.
The Bullpen right now ranks 18th in the league with a 4.38 ERA. That needs to improve if Pittsburgh wants to stay in the National league Wild Card race.
The Pirates adding Hunter Stratton is fine but its not a piece that will completely change the bullpen and make them better. A reunion with Aroldis Chapman is something that could work. Antonio Senzatela from the Colorado Rockies is another pitcher that could come in and change the bullpen for the better.
Finding a consistent DH
Consistency can go a long way for this team, especially offensively. The Bucs made a big move in the offseason to bring in 35 year old veteran Marcell Ozuna as the designated hitter. However, Ozuna has struggled with a .201 batting average and six home runs with 25 RBIs.
Those stats don’t warrant him starting on an everyday status. The Buccos have been putting different guys like Bryan Reynolds, Henry Davis and Spencer Horwitz. The lack of consistency in this lineup is caused by injuries to Konor Griffin and Oneil Cruz. It’s clear to me that the Pirates need to move on from Ozuna, and it starts by finding someone they can put at the DH spot everyday that can produce.
Add another outfielder
With Oneil Cruz expected to miss more time, the Pirates really need to find another outfielder. Jake Mangum hasn’t been horrible but Billy Cook and Tyler Callihan aren’t reliable options.
Even when Cruz comes back he could be the reliable designated hotter that the pirates need. His defense is still not great and there is nowhere else on the field to put him. I don’t think Bryon Buxton is realistic but someone like Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles could be someone to target and be that reliable piece with Ryan O’Hearn and Bryon Reynolds.
Adding another strong right handed bat like Ward would help the lineup as well with the injury of Konnor Griffin.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 23: Jac Caglianone #14 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 23, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Kansas City Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Earlier this week, we asked if y’all wanted to watch Jac Caglianone play in the home run derby
I have to admit, I’m surprised by these results. Almost all of the comments I saw on the poll were quite negative in one way or another toward Jac Caglianone participating, but perhaps I should take that as a sign that the comments aren’t actually representative of much.
In the end, not just a plurality, but a full majority of voters think Jac belongs in the Home Run Derby, hitting his hammers, jacks, and whatever other word play we can come up with to signify his home runs. A full 53%! And yeah, after this poll question went up, Jac had a two bomb night in Tampa Bay, including a mammoth shot that absolutely went further than the 444-foot estimate and line drive hit so hard that it cleared the centerfield fence before it could drop enough to stay in the park.
31% of voters felt that while Jac might “deserve” a trip to the derby, they hoped he wouldn’t go. Most of you who voted that way fear that it would wreck his swing, I imagine. If he does get to participate, you can take solace in the fact that every study on the subject has debunked this myth.
16% of fans just don’t think Jac would be one of the best possible contestants. And to those people, I submit the above highlight video. Watch those two bombs again and tell me the guy who can hit those doesn’t have a place in the derby. At the very worst, Jac Caglianone deserves to go on the same merits that saw Oneil Cruz selected last year. He hits the absolute tar out of the ball on a regular basis, and there simply can’t be eight more people in MLB who would be more fun to watch strut their stuff like that.
Last year, MLB The Show developer Sony San Diego studios brought back an in-game prediction game that had been part of the series previous for the Home Run Derby. Players were encouraged to guess who would win the derby, who would hit the longest home run, who would hit the most home runs in a round, and which league would win the All-Star Game itself. Once I knew who was in the field, guessing who would hit the longest dinger was a no-brainer for me; it was always going to be Oneil Cruz. Cruz indeed hit the longest blast at an estimated 513 feet. Outside of maybe Giancarlo Stanton or Cruz again, Jac has the best chance among current MLB players to outdo that.
They should get to Freddy Peralta, who has allowed four runs or more in four of his past six starts — and has simply not lived up to expectations with the New York Mets.
Matthew Boyd is unlikely to provide much length in his return, but the Cubs should be able to patch things together against an offense sitting 22nd in runs and 29th in OBP.
Back Chicago to -120.
COVERS INTEL: Freddy Peralta ranks in the 31st percentile in pitcher run value.
Cubs vs Mets Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-115)
At least 13 runs were scored in each of the first three games, and I’m expecting more fireworks in tonight's finale.
Chicago has plated 6+ runs in six consecutive games and scored five or more in eight of the past 10. The Cubs are firing on all cylinders at the plate and can be relied upon to do heavy lifting.
Boyd has given up multiple runs in four of five starts and will be making his first MLB appearance since May 3. Behind him is a taxed bullpen; New York should score.
Play the Over to -130.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 40-31, +0.20 units
Over/Under bets: 37-30-4, +3.39 units
Cubs vs Mets weather
Temperatures are expected to approach 80 with 15-mile-per-hour winds blowing out. Clear boost to the offenses.
Cubs vs Mets odds
Moneyline: Cubs -110 | Mets -110
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+155) | Mets +1.5 (-180)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)
Cubs vs Mets trend
The Mets have cashed the Over in 13 of their last 23 games for +6.3 units and a 25% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Mets.
How to watch Cubs vs Mets and game info
Location
Citi Field, Flushing, Queens
Date
Thursday, June 25, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
MARQ, SNY
Cubs starting pitcher
Matthew Boyd (2-1, 6.00 ERA)
Mets starting pitcher
Freddy Peralta (5-6, 4.83 ERA)
Cubs vs Mets 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.
Welcome in to Friday Junior's MLB player props & best bets for June 25.
One pitcher is entirely unhittable right now, while the other is a prime target for a blowout. Tonight’s card centers around two massive pitching angles: backing the sheer dominance of Cristopher Sánchez and aggressively fading a fading Zac Gallen. Here is how we are exploiting the mismatch.
Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today
Player
Pick
Odds
Cristopher Sánchez
Over 6.5 Strikeouts
+107
Zac Gallen
Under 3.5 Strikeouts
-103
Zac Gallen
Over 2.5 Earned Runs
-141
Strikeout prop: Cristopher Sanchez Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+107)
Sure, the Washington Nationals have been one of the most dangerous offenses in baseball this season, but they have yet to face a pitcher of Cristopher Sánchez's caliber. On the year, Washington owns a 38.1% strikeout rate against left-handed pitching at home. Over their last 12 games against southpaws, that number still sits at 25%.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies' ace has been on an absolute tear, posting a 28.54% strikeout rate and 31.09% whiff rate this season. He draws a Nationals lineup that features five hitters striking out above the league average. Sánchez also enters with an elite rating on Batters-Box. In 47 elite-rated starts, he has recorded 6+ strikeouts 57.45% of the time and 7+ strikeouts 42.55% of the time.
Take this down to even money, but do not pay any juice.
Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NATS, NBCSP
Strikeout prop: Zac Gallen Under 3.5 Strikeouts (-103)
If you enjoy my write-ups, first off, thank you. Secondly, you are going to hear me mention Zac Gallen's name a lot today.
The Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander draws an offense that is not only on fire, but simply does not strike out. According to Batters-Box's current season dataset, the St. Louis Cardinals have zero hitters above the league-average strikeout rate.
They also have five hitters in their projected lineup with a strikeout rate of 15% or lower over their last 60 at-bats against right-handed pitching. As a team, St. Louis owns just a 15.9% strikeout rate over its last 12 games.
On the other side, Gallen owns the lowest matchup strikeout rate on the board today, per Batters-Box. Over his last five starts, his strikeout rate has dipped below 10%.
I find it hard to envision him shoving here. He has struggled for much of the season, the Cardinals' bats have been scorching hot, and I expect that to continue.
Go for the Under.
Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CARD, ARID
Earned Runs Prop: Zac Gallen Over 2.5 Earned Runs (-141)
One of the worst-rated pitchers on today's slate happens to be Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen, who brings a poorly rated matchup ISO, hard contact rate, and ground ball rate to the table.
Away from home this season, Gallen owns a 7.68 ERA and 6.00 xERA while allowing 48% hard contact and an 11.5% barrel rate.
To make matters worse, he draws seven, yes, SEVEN elite-rated St. Louis Cardinals hitters, according to Batters-Box's current season ratings.
Over their last 12 games, the Cardinals have been squaring the ball up all over the yard, posting a 122 wRC+, .782 OPS, .345 wOBA, and .151 ISO. With that many bats in a premium spot tonight, how could I not back the Cardinals against Gallen's noodle arm?
If you are not in the juice-paying business, the Cardinals First Five Team Total Over 2.5 is another great way to attack this matchup.
Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CARD, ARID
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 239-440, -6.7 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.
I want everyone to be honest with themselves. Ignoring the sequencing, did you think the Cubs would be on a pace for more than 87 wins? I did. So yeah, I’m a little disappointed where this half of baseball ended up. I don’t have to convince any of you that this team left wins on the table. Though if we are being honest, this team stole a ton of games in the first half too. It absolutely won more than a handful of games that should probably have been lost while losing more than a handful that probably should have been won. It has been that kind of an odd season.
But the team approaches today’s halfway point of the season at 43-37 and going 9-3 over their last 12 after having dropped to 34-34. Certainly, if you’d listed all of the injuries this team would face over the first 80 games, I wouldn’t have thought they’d win even 43. And yet, we’re left feeling a bit like they’ve underachieved. The only reason that ends up mattering is that the road ahead looks really bumpy and problematic.
I’ve always said that the whole thing about too many teams being in front of you is fairly overrated. The only question that matters when you fall behind the pace is if you are capable of stringing together the type of 10-game winning streak or 15 wins in 20 games type of stretch that really makes up ground. If you are that type of team, you can work your way through a crowd.
The problem for this team is that the projection going forward just can’t be very optimistic. Maybe the lineup and some let up in new injuries in the second half allows the team to play .500 or a little better ball the rest of the way. Playing .500 the rest of the way nets 84 wins. I’ll eat my hat if that is even within a few games of a playoff spot in this year’s NL.
I don’t see how this team can get on any kind of sustained streak and I don’t know how you’d convince this front office and ownership group that you can give up the kind of talent necessary to swing a needle moving trade. Without a needle moving trade, you are relying on healthy productive returns and development from within. I can allow myself to think of Matthew Boyd making strong contributions down the stretch. Do I think Jameson Taillon can? What would I be basing that on? He hasn’t had real sustained success in quite some time.
This team has been excellent against NL East teams struggling at the time the teams meet. This team has otherwise been extremely ordinary. The Cubs are 12-1 against the Phillies and Mets and 31-36 against the rest of the league. After this series, the Cubs will be done with both. The Cubs presently have more wins against the NL East (14 in 19 games) than the Central (8 in 17 games). There are a heck of a lot more games left against the Central than the East.
This series has been a lot of fun. Just prepare for a rough road ahead.
Game 79 Positives:
The Dansby Swanson game, the Dansby Swanson series. Holy cow. Two homers, seven runs driven in.
Michael Busch, a solo homer, a walk, a hit by pitch. Two runs driven in and one scored.
Ian Happ, a double, a walk and a hit by pitch. He scored a run.
Game 80 Positives:
The Mets defense isn’t ours and their pitching may be in further disarray as a result.
Nico Hoerner with a three-double game and three runs scored.
Dansby Swanson, three more hits, one a triple and four runs driven in and one scored. Stole a base. First Cub ever to have three straight four+ RBI games. 15 runs driven in already in the series. Already a record vs. the Mets.
Pedro Ramirez with a three-hit, four-run, two RBI, two stolen base game.
Game 79, June 24: Cubs 10, Mets 3 (42-37)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
Billy Goat: Shōta Imanaga (-.167). 5.1 IP, 20 BF, 4 H, BB, 4 ER, 4 K (W 5-6)
Goat: Michael Busch (-.137). 0-5
Kid: Seiya Suzuki (-.103). 0-5, DP
WPA Play of the Game: A.J. Ewing’s two-run homer with two outs in the second gave the Mets a two run lead.(.207)
Cubs Play of the Game: Dansby Swanson’s RBI-triple with a runner at second and no outs in the sixth inning gave the Cubs a 5-4 lead (.182).
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 78 Winner: Pete Crow-Armstrong over Dansby Swanson 59-50 (113 total votes).
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Michael Busch +20
Pete Crow-Armstrong +19
Ben Brown +13.5
Carson Kelly +12.5
Michael Conforto +9
Jacob Webb/Jameson Taillon -8
Edward Cabrera -9.5
Phil Maton -10
Caleb Thielbar -13
Seiya Suzuki -22.5
Dansby Swanson is +7 over the Cubs last six games to leave the bottom of the leaderboard.
Up Next: The fourth and final game of this series and seventh and last game of the season series. The Cubs are a perfect 3-0 in the series and 6-0 on the season against the Mets. Matthew Boyd (2-1, 6.00) returns. He’ll face Freddy Peralta (5-6, 4.83).
COVERS INTEL: Freddy Peralta ranks in the 31st percentile in 
Cristopher Sánchez
Zac Gallen
