LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a three run home run in the second inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, July 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
San Diego Padres (43-43) at Los Angeles Dodgers (57-31), July 3, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST
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The Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, US, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. There are now about 100 EV charging stations in US national parks, almost all of them relatively slow, so-called Level 2 facilities. Photographer: Erin Trieb/Bloomberg via Getty Images | Bloomberg via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
BREWERS
DIAMONDBACKS
Christian Yelich – DH
Ketel Marte – 2B
Jackson Chourio – LF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Brice Turang – 2B
Corbin Carroll – RF
William Contreras – C
Gabriel Moreno – C
Jake Bauers – 1B
Lourdes Gurriel – LF
Garrett Mitchell – CF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Sal Frelick – RF
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Cooper Pratt – SS
LuJames Groover – DH
David Hamilton – 3B
Tommy Troy – CF
Kyle Harrison – LHP
Jose Cabrera – RHP
Back to the grind – for both the D-backs and me. I’ve returned from a very pleasant week in Wyoming, Mrs. SnakePit and I visiting a friend in Jackson Hole. Expect pics of the places we visited to be appearing in the Gameday Threads for this series! It was a very pleasant trip: the air and scenery up there are both amazing. I also enjoyed the whole de-stressing thing. Getting off social media and, to a large extent, the Internet in general, for a few days is something I highly recommend. It’s tough initially: I kept wanting to reach for my phone. But after a while, I realized life elsewhere was going to continue, regardless of whether or not I was checking in on an hourly basis.
The D-backs went 2-2 in my absence, being swept by the Rays, before taking two of three from the Giants. Though losing even a single game to San Francisco feels like a defeat. That leaves them at a perfectly even 43-43 record, and a tough series beckons against the Brewers, who have the second-best record in all baseball, behind only (and this is my unsurprised face) the Dodgers. This season, LA has scored more runs per game and conceded fewer, than any other team in baseball. Milwaukee, however, are not exactly slouches – by the same metric, they rank fifth- and second-base respectively. Nope, it ain’t going to be easy. One win will be okay. Two? A triumph.
Arizona are still desperately short of production at 1B. Their seasonal OPS is a woeful .559, which remains the worst at the position by any team since 1920. It’s sixty-six points worse than anyone else. Mind you, center field is hardly any better at .587. At least that is ahead of someone: specifically, the Cleveland Guardians, whose CFs are collectively sixteen points below us. Designated Hitter, at .620, completes the trifecta of positional suck, ranked 28th (above the Tigers and Royals). With basically three positions – two of them generally considered offensively minded ones – acting as black holes, it’s kinda impressive the D-backs are still at .500. Whether they will be by Sunday night remains to be seen…
TORONTO, ON - MAY 10: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners poses with the ball used to record the final out of his no-hitter two days earlier before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 10, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Paxton | Getty Images
Not satisfied with hosting all these international visitors for the World Cup, Seattle will now tolerate the presence of 30,000 Candians for the annual series against the Blue Jays. The Mariners will look to get a little revenge for their Game 7 loss in last years ALCS, but they’ll have to do it without their star centerfielder. Julio Rodríguez was transferred to the 7-day concussion IL after getting hit in the back of the head by an errant throw on his way to second base last night. Víctor Robles was also taken out of last night’s game after getting hit by a pitch on the forearm, but he is doing OK today and will take Julio’s place in centerfield. Miles Mastrobouni takes Julio’s place on the 26-man (and gets on the 40-man by way of Cooper Criswell being transfered to the 60-day IL).
Lineups
Sorry for the bad graphic. Elon now wants you logged in to get access to the team’s fancier graphics they post on Twitter. Such are the limits of my service journalism.
Tonight’s starting pitchers will be Dylan Cease for the Jays and Luis Castillo for Seattle. Cease was Tornoto’s big offseason acquisition, and has totally delivered. Rocking the second-lowest ERA, xERA, FIP, and xFIP of his career, Cease is right in the thick of the AL Cy Young conversation as the second half gets rolling. Castillo’s season is unfolding . . . differently.
Game Info
First Pitch: 7:10 PDT TV: Simulcast on Mariners TV and over the airwaves on KING 5 Radio: Old reliable
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 15: A general view inside the stadium and of the skyline during Game Three of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Late night baseball, especially for you guys out east. I’m going to put the thread up early, mostly so I don’t forget.
There is a little bit of news:
George Springer has a new baby boy.
Max Scherzer threw three innings and 49 pitches for the Canadians. He gave up 3 hits, 2 earned, 2 walks with 3 strikeouts. He’ll be doing a couple more rehab starts (at least).
Yimi Garcia, Addison Barger and Jesus Sanchez are all in Florida, building towards playing again.
Jun 27, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins (50) delivers during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | William Liang-Imagn Images
Tonight, the Athletics kick off a three-game Independence Day weekend series against the Miami Marlins, who have been arguably the hottest team in baseball, as evidenced by their MLB-best 20-6 record in June. After dropping two of three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week, the A’s will look to bounce back against the Marlins in the second and final series of the team’s latest homestand.
Earlier today, the “Green and Gold” shook up their bullpen, activating Mark Leiter Jr. off the injured list and welcoming back Jose Suarez from the paternity list. The team made room in its bullpen by designating right-handed reliever Geoff Hartlieb and left-hander Matt Krook for assignment. The two journeymen relievers will likely either clear waivers and remain in the organization, most likely at Triple-A Las Vegas, or be claimed by another club.
While Leiter Jr. and Suarez could see action out of the bullpen, they will follow right-hander Jack Perkins, who gets the start for the A’s in the series opener. Perkins enters his 23rd game and sixth start of the season with a 2-3 record, a 6.00 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and 62 strikeouts across 51 innings.
The 26-year-old delivered his best start of the season in his most recent outing, holding the Los Angeles Angels to two runs on four hits over five innings. Despite pitching well, he received a fourth straight no-decision. Perkins will aim to change that this evening as he chases his first win since April. He will need to keep the ball on the ground, avoid giving up the long ball and work efficiently on the mound.
This is one of the most interesting lineups the Athletics have used this season. Their two likely All-Stars sit atop the order, with first baseman Nick Kurtz leading off after catcher Shea Langeliers hit first in the A’s previous game.
The middle of the lineup features several players in unfamiliar spots. Slumping right fielder Lawrence Butler will hit third, rather than his usual position closer to the bottom of the order. An injury to starting left fielder Tyler Soderstrom has opened up everyday playing time for Colby Thomas, who gets a rare chance to face a right-handed starter. Designated hitter Carlos Cortes has seen limited action lately amid a prolonged slump at the plate.
For the hosts to emerge victorious, they will need offensive production from these three players, as well as rookies Joshua Kuroda-Grauer and Henry Bolte. Kuroda-Grauer, making his fourth straight start, looks to build on his strong 5-for-11 start to his MLB career.
The A’s offense will face Marlins right-hander Tyler Phillips, who enters his 23rd game and seventh start with a 1-3 record, a 3.02 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 65 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old recorded his first MLB win against the A’s when he was on the Phillies in 2024. Last year, Phillips threw three scoreless innings when the “Green and Gold” faced the Marlins in Miami.
The right-hander comes into this outing full of momentum after a 7 1/3-inning, two-run performance in a losing effort against the St. Louis Cardinals. In his start before that, Phillips held the Texas Rangers to two runs over six innings. If Miami’s starter continues pitching this well, the A’s may have trouble scoring runs tonight. However, he could be prone to a letdown outing, especially in the hitter-friendly confines of the A’s home ballpark.
The Marlins’ offense contrasts with how the Athletics and many other teams operate. Miami scores much of its runs through speed and small ball rather than home runs. Liam Hicks and Kyle Stowers provide the power, while the middle-infield duo of Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards supply on-base ability and speed.
As a result, Perkins must pitch carefully and avoid leaving pitches over the middle of the plate. His battery mate, Langeliers, will need to help him control the running game and throw out potential base stealers.
Time to start this series on the right foot with a Friday night win. Let’s go A’s!
Jul 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) reacts to getting hit in the back of the helmet by a thrown ball during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
A tough run of injuries for the 2026 Mariners continues. The latest blow: Julio Rodríguez is being placed on the 7-day concussion IL after being struck in the back of the head by an errant throw by Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel in Thursday’s game.
Julio initially stayed in the game for the rest of the inning plus a defensive half-inning, but by the time the adrenaline wore off, he was feeling light-headed. He contacted a trainer and was removed from the game in the third inning. Rodríguez came to the park to be evaluated this morning and was still feeling concussion-like symptoms, at which point the team opted to place him on the seven-day concussion IL
“Obviously, with head injuries, you have to be so careful,” said manager Dan Wilson. “Obviously it’s a tough break, but we’ve been through it before here, so we’ll keep grinding away.”
The concussion IL is a minimum stay of seven days, but shouldn’t require any additional rehab beyond that. Rodríguez will be able to return to baseball activities as soon as he feels up to it, although for today, and likely tomorrow, he’s at home and resting.
To take Julio’s place, utility player Miles Mastrobuoni has been selected to the big-league roster. Mastrobuoni was the subject of an unfortunate DFA on June 19 when the team needed another right-handed bat while Randy Arozarena was on the 10-day IL. He cleared waivers and remained with the Mariners, however, and now will rejoin a team that’s suffered more than its fair share of position-player injuries. Mastrobuoni – or “Mister Bunny” as we like to call him around here, thanks to my Otter transcription app, which cannot parse his name – doesn’t help the Mariners with their lefty-heavy problem, a big part of the reason he was DFA’d in the first place, but he does help solve the outfielder problem, at least partially, as he’s more of an outfielder than the righties Buddy Kennedy and Weston Wilson.
In order to make room for Mastrobuoni, RHP Cooper Criswell has been transferred to the 60-day IL with a right shoulder strain (originally this was called a pec strain, but the injury classification has been updated). He’s eligible to return August 8, so still on track for the post All-Star-Break timeline Justin Hollander gave in his last injury update.
Also injured in last night’s arcade shootout game with the Angels were outfielders Victor Robles and Randy Arozarena, who were both hit by pitches. Both are in the lineup today, although Arozarena was seen pregame with kinetic tape wrapped around the sore biceps where he was hit. Robles said pregame he’s feeling “better” – he’ll take over center field duties the majority of the time Julio is out, along with Luke Raley.
Jun 24, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) celebrates his RBI double in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
While this is a night-owl game at the start of a holiday weekend, there are reasons to tune in. Can Jake Bennett, who looked great against the Yankees, do it again? Can the Red Sox unleash some emotion on the Angels? This is a good time to get something going, in a season that’s running out of chances.
Most importantly, let’s enjoy Willson Contreras while we can. He’s on the field tonight while the appeals process plays out, but unless his suspension is dismissed or shortened, he’s about to go on the shelf for seven games. Longer term, will he still be on the team by this time next month?
All together for Willson, and for Venezuela. ¡Fuerza!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 20: Grounds crew members cover the field with a tarp after a rain delay was announced before the start of the first inning between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 20, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees are in the midst of trying to stop a seven-game losing streak with the Twins in town to begin a three-game series. Minnesota took a quick lead off Gerrit Cole thanks to a solo shot by Kody Clemens, but Yankees leadoff hitter Trent Grisham welcomed himself back from the IL by belting a bomb of his own at the start of the game to tie it at 1-1.
Although Cole has since settled down a bit with two scoreless innings, we must now wait before we get baseball again. They’ve put the tarp on the field at Yankee Stadium with heavy rain expected shortly. The forecast looks like it will clear up in a little while, but for now, it’s a rain delay. I would say that I hope it cools people off on this hot, hot day, but it might just end up being steamy. Alas.
Well, that didn’t take too long! Assuming nothing crazy happens (outside of Cape Verde vs. Argentina anyway), we’ll have baseball again in just a little bit. This delay should hopefully end up being about 50 minutes or so.
So remember in Wednesday’s recap when I said maybe games like this make me reconsider my desire for MLB to have a mercy rule?
Can I take that back?
The Cubs put a +20 on their run differential with Wednesday’s win — and gave 16 of that back Friday afternoon in a 17-1 blowout by the Cardinals.
First, about that blowout loss after the blowout win, from BCB’s JohnW53:
The most runs that the Cubs ever had allowed before in a game immediately after one in which they had scored at least 20 was 10. They lost to the Reds, 10-5, at home on Aug. 14, 1937, one day after winning, 22-6.
So 89 years later, the Cubs pretty much shattered that “record,” for whatever that’s worth.
More from John:
The Cubs’ worst loss ever to the Cardinals was by 18 runs, 21-3, at Wrigley Field on April 27, 1977. They lost to them, 19-2, at the West Side Grounds in 1904, and by 15 three times, the last in 1925. ….. The Cubs’ worst loss since 1901 was by 22-0 at home vs. the Pirates on Sept. 16, 1975, then by 20 runs, 22-2, at Cincinnati on June 1, 1957. This was their 17th loss by at least 16 runs and the 11th of them at home.
Okay, you probably do want to hear something from me. What I want to say about David Peterson’s first Wrigley Field start as a Cub is this: He just could not put away hitters, or innings. After a pretty easy first, which could have been better if Michael Busch hadn’t dropped a possible double-play relay after Dansby Swanson caught Ivan Herrera’s line drive, Peterson then retired the first two hitters in the second. After that: Double, single, home run. In the third, after the first two hitters reached, a sac fly and a ground out made it 4-0, but again, Peterson couldn’t put away Masyn Winn, who hit an RBI single, followed by an RBI double by Jose Fermin. In the fourth, after he got the first two hitters out on routine fly balls, Peterson walked the bases loaded, then gave up a two-run single. Bryse Wilson then relieved Peterson and served up a three-run homer to Winn, with two of the runs charged to Peterson.
Peterson threw 91 pitches to record 11 outs and was ahead of quite a few hitters, but simply could not put them away. Was it the Cardinals? As I mentioned in today’s game preview, the Cardinals pounded Peterson for seven hits and six runs in 3.2 innings just three weeks ago in New York.
So, Peterson vs. the Cardinals this year: 7.1 innings, 16 hits, 16 runs, 19.64 ERA. Maybe just don’t start him against the Cardinals?
Wilson wasn’t any better, serving up another homer in the sixth and being charged with seven runs in 3.1 innings. One can see why Wilson has been in five organizations in the last four years.
Here, let me break up this wall of text by showing you the Cubs’ only run of the game. In the seventh, Pedro Ramirez (who had taken Swanson’s place in the lineup) tripled, and one out later Alex Bregman doubled him in [VIDEO].
So, yay? Bregman had two of the Cubs’ seven hits. Maybe he’ll start hitting.
Drew Pomeranz, just returned to the Cubs, threw a 1-2-3 ninth in garbage time, on just 11 pitches, so he should be available tomorrow. That’s about all I’ve got on this one.
One more game note: It rained really hard in the area around Wrigley Field for about an hour starting just as the gates were opening at 1:30. Fortunately, it cleared the area, though a light rain fell during the first inning, and the game started just 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time of 3:05. Had this been a normal Friday 1:20 start, it probably would have started at… around 3:15.
Games like this, you do have to eventually laugh. They only count as one loss, fortunately, and one of the best things about baseball is that there’s almost always another game the next day. The Cubs and Cardinals will play Saturday evening at Wrigley Field. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Kyle Leahy goes for St. Louis. Game time is 7:08 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Fox-TV (regional — coverage map).
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 25: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 25, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Earlier this week, Dave Roberts was unsure if Shohei Ohtani would pitch in this year’s All-Star Game.
In the days since, the Dodgers’ reshuffled pitching plans have essentially made the decision for him.
With Ohtani having his originally scheduled outing on Wednesday against the Athletics pushed back a couple days to Friday night against the Padres, the two-way star is now unlikely to take the mound in the Midsummer Classic, even if he is selected to the National League pitching staff as expected.
Earlier this week, Dave Roberts was unsure if Shohei Ohtani would pitch in this year’s All-Star Game. Getty ImagesWith Ohtani having his originally scheduled outing on Wednesday against the Athletics pushed back a couple days to Friday night against the Padres, the two-way star is now unlikely to take the mound in the Midsummer Classic, even if he is selected to the National League pitching staff as expected. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong“I haven’t formally said it, but if you just do the math, it would be hard to imagine,” said Roberts, who is also the NL manager this year thanks to the Dodgers’ pennant last year. “But I don’t have to make a decision quite yet.” David Banks-Imagn Images
After Friday’s start against the Padres, Ohtani’s final pitching appearance of the first half will come next Friday against the Diamondbacks, knocking him off schedule to be available to the All-Star Game in Philadelphia that following Tuesday.
“I haven’t formally said it, but if you just do the math, it would be hard to imagine,” said Roberts, who is also the NL manager this year thanks to the Dodgers’ pennant last year. “But I don’t have to make a decision quite yet.”
Already, it was going to be difficult for Ohtani –– who has clinched the NL’s starting designated hitter slot via fan voting –– to make what would have only been his second career pitching appearance in the All-Star Game.
To do so, Roberts confirmed earlier this week, Ohtani likely would have had to start the game, given the logistical challenges that would have gone into trying to warm up in the bullpen while also taking at-bats in the NL’s lineup.
The NL, of course, has more obvious candidates to handle the starting honors, from Cy Young frontrunner Jacob Misiorowski to local Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez.
Based on their own pitching schedules, however, it still might have been possible for Ohtani (whose 1.58 ERA entering Friday trailed only Misiorowski among pitchers with 70 innings) to warrant the starting pitcher nod.
Now, he has been all but knocked out of consideration, with the Dodgers’ preference to give him a couple extra days of rest as a pitcher this week likely to limit his All-Star Game involvement to DH duties only.
DENVER, CO - 2009: The Bulova clock and American Flag adorn the entrance to Coors Field as seen in this 2009 Denver, Colorado, spring cityscape photo. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants head to Coors Field tonight to begin a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies.
As of the time this is being written, the Giants have not yet announced a starting pitcher. But check out the comments below for more up-to-date information.
Whoever it ends up being will be facing off against Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner, who enters tonight’s game with a 4.42 ERA, 4.94 FIP, with 35 strikeouts to 20 walks in 53 innings pitched. His last start was in the Rockies’ 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, in which he allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits in six innings.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 26: Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on June 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (43-46) will welcome in the top team in the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays (51-33), for a three-game holiday weekend series at Daikin Park beginning tonight.
RHP Spencer Arrighetti (7-4, 4.00 ERA) will get the Friday night start for the Astros opposite the veteran RHP Nick Martinez (7-2, 2.66 ERA) and the Rays.
SPENCER’S GIFTS: RHP Spencer Arrighetti is 7-4 in his 13 starts, leading the club in wins and ranking 10th in the AL in opponent batting average (min. 70IP). He has allowed just 56 hits in his 72.0 innings, averaging 7.00 hits per 9.0, which ranks eighth in the AL.
Arrighetti had a rough June (9.00 ERA), but was the AL Pitcher of the Month for May, posting a 4-1 record with a 0.93 ERA.
RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won six of nine, seven of 11, and are 10-5 in their last 15 games. The Astros 16-11 record in June tied as the best in the AL, along with their rival Rangers.
SERIES-LY SPEAKING: Prior to the Astros losing two of three to the Twins earlier this week, the club had won five consecutive series dating back to June 12. The last time the Astros won five straight series was from June 20-July 6 of last season.
WINNING THE CLOSE CALLS: The Astros are 9-5 in one-run games and 19-10 in two-run games. Each of the Astros last seven wins and 12 of their last 13 victories have come by two-or-fewer runs.
NEYENS ADDED TO FUTURES GAME: IF Xavier Neyens has been added to the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, which will be played on July 12 in Philadelphia. Neyens, the Astros first-round selection last year, joins the club’s top prospect OF Kevin Alvarez on the American League squad.
MY BOY BLU: RHP AJ Blubaugh worked another 2.2 scoreless innings on Wednesday vs. MIN, giving him 56.1 innings pitched on the season, which leads all Major League relievers. Blubaugh has been on a strong run since April 11, going 3-0 with a 2.06 ERA (11ER/48IP) in his last 29 appearances.
ASTROS ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have reinstated RHP Cristian Javier from the 60-day IL and have transferred LHP Bennett Sousa to the 60-day IL to make room for Javier on the 40-man roster. Postgame on Wednesday, the Astros optioned RHP Miguel Ullola to Triple A.
ALL-STAR UPDATE: Full All-Star rosters (starters and reserves) will be announced tomorrow night beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX. DH Yordan Alvarez was a finalists on the 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot and is a strong candidate to be the AL starter at the DH position. Alvarez has been an All-Star three times in his career.
MVP-CALIBER: DH Yordan Alvarez has had a torrid first half to his season, currently leading all of baseball in OPS (1.053), OBP (.433), SLG (.620) and total bases (194). Additionally, he ranks first in the AL in extra-base hits (42), tied for first in homers (26), tied for first in hits (100), second in batting average (.319), second in RBI (60), tied for second in runs (59) and fourth in walks (59).
TAP FOR SUCCESS: Astros hitters have won an MLB-best 63 ABS challenges and lead the Majors in challenge success rate (60%). 3B Isaac Paredes (9-for-9) has the most successful challenges in the Majors without losing one. 2B Jose Altuve has been successful on 15-of-21 challenges (71%), ranking second in the Majors in challenges won.
OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players on minor league rehab assignments:
• RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) started on Wednesday for Double A Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas, tossing 4.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits with four strikeouts. He tossed 60 pitches (45 strikes) in what was his third minor league rehab start.
• RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) started on Wednesday for Triple A Sugar Land at OKC, tossing 4.0 innings of one-run ball, fanning three. He tossed 60 pitches (41 strikes) in what was his second minor league rehab start.
• RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) began a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 innings (0ER) on 25 pitches.
• IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple A on Wednesday and has started two games for the Space Cowboys, one at shortstop and one at second base.
• OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (rt. hamstring strain) began a rehab assignment at Triple A on Tuesday and has started two games so far for the Space Cowboys, one at first base and one in left field.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2020 – In a year unlike any other, the Astros begin Summer Camp workouts at Daikin Park and the University of Houston. It was the first workout day for all clubs as MLB returned following nearly a three month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the club’s first day back on the field since Spring Training was halted on March 13.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, July 3, 7:15 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Apple TV
Radio: KTRH 740 AM; KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 03: Nathan Church #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You could sense that the St. Louis Cardinals entered Wrigley Field Friday afternoon feeling the momentum of their inspiring series-winning comeback victory in Atlanta on Thursday. The Cardinals took the Cubs to Church in a Nathan kind of way to win Friday’s contest easily in Chicago.
St. Louis did not wait long before they jumped all over Chicago Cubs starter David Peterson. They literally hit him hard in the top of the 2nd inning as José Fermín hit a two-out double and Blaze Jordan lined a ball off of Peterson’s right triceps. He was fortunately not injured and stayed in the game. On the 8th pitch of his at-bat, Nathan Church did not miss a 79 mph curveball that didn’t curve enough with a 3-run homer that soared 384 feet into the right field stands.
The bottom of the 2nd inning would include a defensive highlight that shows just how far Jordan Walker has come both offensively and with the glove. Sliding catches by our right fielder for the win!
The Cardinals would continue to add to their lead in the top of the 3rd inning when Iván Herrera singled followed by a Jordan Walker double. Nelson Velázquez lifted a sacrifice fly to center making it 4-0 St. Louis. The Cardinals weren’t done, either. After Alec Burleson grounded out to first, Masyn Winn singled which scored Walker upping the St. Louis lead to 5-0 then José Fermín launched a shot into the right-center field gap scoring Winn all the way from first making it a commanding 6-0 lead for the Cardinals.
The St. Louis words for the day were relentless and merciless. The Cardinals would continue to pile on the hapless Cubs in the top of the 4th inning when Iván Herrera , Jordan Walker and Nelson Velázquez drew two-out walks. Alec Burleson then walked to the plate and said “thank you for throwing a meatball 84 mph slider on the first pitch” lancing it into right field scoring Herrera and Walker giving St. Louis a remarkable 8-0 lead. But wait, there’s more. Masyn Winn decided to put an exclamation point on an already big lead as he lifted a 391 foot homer over the left field wall making it 11-0 Cardinals.
While the Cardinals offense was going ballistic, Andre Pallante was quietly keeping the Cubs from mounting much of a threat. Through the first 4 innings, all the Cubs had to show for their efforts were a couple of infield singles and a double from PC Armstrong who’s name I refuse to write out completely. Andre gave St. Louis the exact kind of start they needed after an exhausting bullpen game on Thursday. The bats made the headlines today, but Pallante deserves major kudos, too. By the time he was taken out of the game in the bottom of the 6th inning Andre’s line was an impressive 5 2/3 innings allowing just 5 hits, absolutely no Cubs runs with 2 strikeouts and just 1 measly walk. Just what the Cardinals bullpen needed.
It is with great pleasure that I let you know that the Cardinals did not stop at 11 runs. In the top of the 5th inning, Blaze Jordan led off with a single. Three batters later, Herrera singled to center and then Jordan Walker was hit by a pitch to load the bases. The Cubs then decided that they’d like to score on themselves by walking Velasquez giving St. Louis an even dozen runs. Alec Burleson and his bat then added to the delightful Cubs misery by ripping a single into right scoring 2 more and giving the Cardinals a football lead of 2 touchdowns and 2 extra points at 14-0.
The top of the 6th inning saw St. Louis load the bases AGAIN (and that’s not a complaint). With one out, Blaze Jordan collected his 3rd hit of the game which was a single to left which Nathan Church followed with a single of his own. JJ Wetherholt was hit by a pitch to load the bases which gave Iván Herrera the opportunity to add to his RBI total which he did with a ringing single to center scoring 2 more and giving the Cardinals a whopping 16-0 lead.
I have a life motto that there is no such thing as scoring too many runs when you’re playing the Cubs and Bryan Torres obviously agreed. Oli Marmol decided to give Masyn Winn the rest of the game off and Bryan honored that opportunity by crushing his own home run over the right field wall increasing the Cardinals obliteration of Chicago to 17-0.
The Cubs did end up getting a consolation run in the bottom of the 7th inning off of reliever Max Rajcic, but who cares. That reduced our lead to a nerve-racking 17-1 and yes, that’s sarcasm. Max did a fine job of eating innings in a blowout so the Cardinals bullpen will enter Saturday night’s national broadcast game fully-rested. Ryne Stanek, back from paternity leave after becoming a new dad (congrats, btw), took care of the Chicago Cubs in the bottom of the 9th.
The St. Louis Cardinals will continue a very enjoyable stay in the Windy City so far as they’ll do battle with the evil empire Chicago Cubs Saturday night. The Cardinals will send Kyle Leahy to the mound for a 4th of July national broadcast while the worst franchise in baseball Cubs give Shota Imanaga the ball. First pitch is set for 7:08 central time as this will be a TV broadcast handled by Fox.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 28: Ryan Feltner #18 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Sunday, June 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Ritter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies (35-53) open a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants (36-50) tonight at Coors Field.
Colorado is still in last place, but the Rockies enter just two games behind the floundering Giants, adding a little division-floor intrigue to the weekend.
The Rockies also enter with some momentum after splitting a four-game series with the Miami Marlins. Miami took the first two games to close June with 20 wins for the month — the winningest month in their franchise history — before Colorado answered by taking the final two to open July undefeated.
Ryan Feltner gets the ball for Colorado. The right-hander enters at 2-2 with a 4.42 ERA and 35 strikeouts through 11 starts. Feltner posted a 4.00 ERA across five June starts and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four outings, including his June 28 start against the Minnesota Twins, when he allowed two runs over six innings with no walks.
His six-pitch arsenal has been anchored by his slider, changeup, and sweeper, all of which have produced positive run value this season. His four-seam fastball and curveball have been more hittable, which puts more weight on how he gets through the lineup. Feltner is not overpowering hitters right now, so sequencing and execution will matter.
Ace right-hander Logan Webb will start for San Francisco and enters on a roll. Across five June starts, Webb went 3-1 with a 0.71 ERA, allowing just three earned runs over 38 innings while striking out 29 and walking four — leading to National League Pitcher of the Month honors. On the year, Webb is 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA through 14 starts, and he has already faced Colorado once this season, allowing one run over 4 ⅓ innings on May 29 in a game the Rockies eventually won 8-6.
Webb is not built around premium velocity — his four-seam fastball sits around 92.5 mph — but he controls contact with a sinker-heavy mix. He throws his sinker 32.2% of the time, and it has produced +11 run value this season. The changeup sits next at 24.5%, followed by the sweeper at 19.7%. He also enters with a 53.1% ground-ball rate.
San Francisco’s bullpen gives Colorado its best opening, entering with a 4.36 ERA, 4.45 FIP, 4.76 xFIP and negative collective WAR.
First-year Giant Luis Arraez remains a tough out, entering with a 126 wRC+ and a 3.6% strikeout rate. Casey Schmitt has supplied some power with 16 home runs and a .489 slugging percentage, while Jung Hoo Lee has been one of San Francisco’s steadier bats with a 124 wRC+ and a 9.2% strikeout rate.
T.J. Rumfield has been productive all year and now has back-to-back National League Rookie of the Month honors to show for it. Rumfield enters the series with a .293/.373/.487 line, 12 home runs, 46 RBI, and a 125 wRC+. Mickey Moniak has also been hot over his past three games, going 7-for-13 with three home runs and eight RBI, while Hunter Goodman continues to chase the MLB home run lead with 27 home runs, second only to Kyle Schwarber.
If the Rockies can stay close against Webb and force the game into San Francisco’s bullpen, Coors Field might leave room for a little LoDo Magic.
