Bo Bichette is red hot, and Shohei Ohtani is facing his old team. That means the possibility of fireworks for both batters on a busy Sunday of baseball.
The Chicago Cubs also need a long start in the worst way, and Jameson Taillon is ready to take the ball, even if it ends up being "the worst."
The Chicago Cubs need a long outing from Jameson Taillon, effective or otherwise. And with a 5.13 ERA and 1.260 WHIP, there’s a good chance he won’t be.
After giving up 18 runs to the San Francisco Giants on Friday and playing extras on Saturday, the Chicago bullpen is spent. Cubs relievers have pitched 17 1/3 innings in the last three, posting a 5.19 ERA. So, Taillon is going to wear one.
He pitched 6 1/3 innings in his last start, and has gone at least six in half his starts this year. So our MLB picks expect length and hits in abundance.
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC
Bo Bichette Over 1.5 total bases (+121)
New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette has been on a tear, picking up seven hits in 12 at-bats with two extra-base hits since Wednesday.
Bichette is turning things around after a slow start. He’s hitting .368 with a .526 slugging percentage over the first week in June. He also hits 27 points higher on the road with 73 more points of slug.
San Diego Padres starter Randy Vasquez has a 1.62 WHIP over his last five starts, and the bullpen has given up five runs in 11 innings pitched over the last three days.
He’s hitting .480 with 1.312 OPS over the last week, posting a 254 OPS+ (154% over league average). For the last month, he’s at .378, 1.139, and 218.
Angels starter Jose Soriano has imploded over the last month, with a 5.34 ERA in May. His sinker is down 1 mph from April, and his four-seamer has also lost velocity, while his offspeed stuff isn’t finding the strike zone. That could mean throwing a heater to Ohtani, who already has eight fastball homers this year, after falling behind in the count.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ABTV, SportsNet LA
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 4-6, +1.39 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.
The Rockies’ Tyler Freeman took the brunt of Brewers star pitcher Jacob Misiorowski’s record-setting night on the mound Saturday.
In the sixth inning of the Rockies’ 7-1 loss to Milwaukee, Freeman absorbed a 98.2 mph cutter that knocked off his batting helmet. He doubled over for a moment before a trainer promptly came out of the dugout to check on him.
Freeman was immediately removed from the game, but manager Warren Schaeffer and his Rockies teammates assured that the utility player was fine.
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 7, 2026
“They were talking about amputating his head, but I think they advised against that,” outfielder Troy Johnston joked to reporters. “Other than that, he’s fine, seems in good spirits.
At Coors Field, Misiorowski set a new record with 45 pitches reaching at least 101 mph. His 52 pitches of at least 100 mph was exceeded in this era only by the 57 he unloaded on May 25 against the Cardinals.
Misiorowski, a 24-year-old in his second MLB season, is an early candidate for the National League Cy Young with his 1.50 ERA. He’s played a key role in the Brewers’ considerable lead at the top of the NL Central.
Rockies outfielder Tyler Freeman gets hit in the head by Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski’s 98 mph pitch on June 6, 2026. AP Photo/David ZalubowskiTyler Freeman (c.) is tended to by a trainer after getting hit in the head by a pitch on June 6, 2026. AP Photo/David Zalubowski
Hitting Freeman seemingly rattled Misiorowski, who went on to walk Hunter Goodman and load the bases. The Rockies, however, were not able to capitalize on the opportunity.
Freeman was still being evaluated postgame and was not made available to the media.
“Obviously I don’t want that to happen … lost the ball, lost grip on it,” Misiorowski told reporters. “Obviously, not aiming for him. There’s also the moment, I’m standing behind the mound trying to pray for him a little bit.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 12: Hunter Brown #58, Jeremy Peña #3, Isaac Paredes #15 and Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pose with their 2025 MLB All-Star jerseys during a pregame ceremony before a game against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park on July 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Astros fans, where are you on your frustration level with General Manager Dana Brown and this year’s team?
There is no denying that injuries have played a significant role in the Astros’ disappointing season to this point. It’s impossible to ignore the impact of losing key contributors for extended periods of time. Many of us entered this season expecting another division championship run and another successful year for one of baseball’s premier franchises. Instead, we’ve watched a team struggle to meet those expectations.
Both things can be true. The injuries are real, but they also can’t be used as the only explanation or the only solution moving forward.
The bigger question now is what happens when these players return. Will the Astros simply rely on getting healthy, or will they aggressively pursue moves that can improve this roster before it’s too late?
Despite digging themselves into an early hole, the Astros remain within striking distance. Their climb back to relevance has been steady, and they continue working toward getting back above .500, re-entering the Wild Card race, and eventually challenging for the top spot in the American League West. Considering they remain within single digits of first place, the division is far from out of reach.
However, Dana Brown can ill afford to wait until July to begin addressing this roster’s shortcomings.
With players such as Jose Altuve and Josh Hader back in the lineup and others like Yainer Diaz, Christian Javier, and Hunter Brown expected back sometime between now and the end of the month, the Astros will certainly receive a boost. The question is whether that boost alone will be enough.
I don’t believe it will.
When you look at the inconsistencies in the starting rotation, though better of late, and the struggles we’ve seen from Bryan Abreu, it’s clear that adding pitching should be a priority. Another arm or two could go a long way toward stabilizing a staff that has been far too unpredictable.
Beyond pitching, the outfield remains a glaring concern. While the infield possesses plenty of offensive firepower and talent, the outfield continues to lack the production and power needed to support a legitimate postseason run. If the Astros expect not only to make the playoffs but also do damage once they get there, additional offensive help in the outfield feels necessary.
The reality is that the clock is ticking for Dana Brown.
As he traverses the final year of his contract, Brown faces increasing pressure to prove he is the right person to lead this franchise moving forward. If he wants to save his job and remain in the good graces of owner Jim Crane, now is the time to be proactive rather than reactive.
The recent addition of LaMonte Wade Jr. is just the latest example of Brown attempting to find value on the margins and catch lightning in a bottle. Sometimes those moves work, but this team may require something much bigger than a low-risk gamble.
Astros fans aren’t accustomed to mediocrity. This city, this fan base, and this organization have spent the better part of the last decade expecting excellence. Championships, playoff appearances, and division titles have become the standard.
Because of that, simply sitting back and hoping health alone fixes everything is not a strategy.
Dana Brown needs to be exploring every possible avenue to improve this roster. The Astros still have time to turn this season into something special, but that window won’t stay open forever. Waiting until the trade deadline may ultimately be waiting too long.
The message is simple: the Astros still have a chance, but action needs to happen now.
Rafael Devers has piled up 16 total bases over his last four games against right-handed starters and is in a great spot to build on those outputs.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon has struggled mightily to slow left-handed bats, ranking in the 15th percentile or worse in xwOBA, xSLG, and ISO.
Devers has feasted in similar matchups, recording multiple total bases in 61% of games against righties who sit in the 40th percentile or worse in xwOBA and xSLG vs. lefties.
That number spikes to 67% on the road, which is notable as Devers plays home games at a pitcher-friendly park.
Play to -110.
Jung Hoo Lee Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-110)
Jung Hoo Lee has averaged a whopping 3.7 H+R+RBI over the last 10 games, and there's no reason to expect him to slow down tonight.
He has cleared this line in 75% of his away games and couldn't profile better against Taillon and his pitch mix.
Fastballs and changeups account for more than 60% of Taillon's pitches. Lee has excelled against both, posting a .322 xBA against the fastball and .432 against the changeup when facing right-handed pitching.
Expect Lee's hot streak to continue. Betable to -130.
Ian Happ Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-115)
Ian Happ ranks in the 83rd percentile in xwOBA and 85th percentile in xSLG when facing right-handed pitching. He is very dangerous.
He has a nice matchup against San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald, who has had a difficult time against left-handed batters. McDonald ranks in the 17th percentile in xBA and 25th in xWOBA.
In terms of counting stats, McDonald has allowed lefties to hit .284 on the season – a far cry from the .177 average he's held righties to.
Look for Happ to take advantage. Play to -120.
How to watch Giants vs Cubs and game info
Location
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Sunday, June 7, 2026
First pitch
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
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CHICAGO — He was batting a paltry .265 less than a month ago.
Now, Jung Hoo Lee is keeping company with the likes of Willie Mays and Buster Posey.
The Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee is batting close to .600 since returning from the injured list. Getty Images
There hasn’t been a Giant since Posey to record more hits over a 14-game stretch than Lee’s 27 during his hitting streak. You have to go all the way back to Mays in 1958 to find the last Giant with as many knocks as the 22 belonging to Lee in nine games since returning from the injured list.
The secret behind all those successful swings? Not swinging at all.
“When I was on the IL, I didn’t just try to take time off the field,” Lee said through team interpreter Justin Han. “What I did was I went to the cage and just stood there.”
Lee missed only the minimum 10 days with a mild back strain, but he made the most of his time. Unable to swing, he stood in against the Trajekt pitching machine, which can replicate the characteristics of any offering from any pitcher in the major leagues.
Han, his interpreter, fed the machine.
“I didn’t take any swings, but just tried to feel out the pitches on the Trajekt, which helped out a lot,” Lee said. “I stood in there and [Han] just kind of randomly threw out pitches located everywhere. We would just communicate on whether it was a strike or a ball.”
Since returning from the IL, Lee is batting a remarkable 22-for-37 (.595).
His batting average is up to .324, tied with Luis Arraez among the top five qualified hitters in the majors, after he rapped two more base hits Saturday — with only three more from the rest of the Giants’ lineup in a 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Cubs.
In the words of manager Tony Vitello, it’s the product of “Jung Hoo being Jung Hoo.”
One of Jung Hoo Lee’s heroes is Ichiro. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
“I know Ichiro is a hero of his,” Vitello said. “That style of hitting that I think we’re kind of familiar with from a lot of Asian players has got a little bit of rhythm, a little bit of movement going forward. But Ichiro was always going forward and in line with the pitcher. … I just think he’s a really good hitter. I boil it down to the mentality, but I do see him staying in line a lot better.”
Before coming to MLB, Lee led Korea’s highest level in batting three times — a career .340 hitter over seven seasons. His first two seasons in San Francisco, however, produced merely a .265 mark at the plate.
He’s not allowing himself to look too far ahead about a possible MLB batting title.
“I don’t really want to be happy about it right now. I just want to be consistent on where I’m hitting right now and see where I’m at at the end of the season.”
The Seattle Mariners, first in the AL West with a 34-31 record, face the Detroit Tigers, who are fourth in the AL Central with a 26-39 record. Seattle is favored with a -119 moneyline compared to Detroit's -100. Starting pitchers are scheduled to be Luis Castillo for Seattle, with a 5.53 ERA, and Jack Flaherty for Detroit, with a 5.31 ERA.
The Chicago Cubs are short home favorites against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday Night Baseball, but my Giants vs Cubs predictions are taking the plus-money side.
Jameson Taillon’s barrel issues create a better offensive path for San Francisco, while Trevor McDonald’s ground-ball profile gives the Giants the cleaner starter fit.
COVERS INTEL: Jameson Taillon’s 38.5% fly-ball rate is nearly four times Trevor McDonald’s 10.1% rate.
Giants vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Over 8 (-105)
There's not an enormous edge here, but I like the Over. I'd play this down to around -122 with my projected run total sitting at 8.3.
McDonald is the better starter, but his groundball reliance is not a perfect matchup against the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs own a below-average 40.4% ground-ball rate and above-average 28.1% fly-ball rate, so they are not an offense I want to automatically suppress with a contact-oriented arm.
The Cubs will do their part and score, but the Giants have a much more direct route to getting after the opposing pitcher.
Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 27-22, +4.54 units
Over/Under bets: 31-18, +16.07 units
Giants vs Cubs odds
Moneyline: Giants +105 | Cubs -130
Run line: Giants +1.5 | Cubs -1.5
Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Giants vs Cubs trend
The San Francisco Giants have hit the first five innings (F5) team total Over in 15 of their last 20 games (+9.65 Units / 38% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Giants vs. Cubs.
How to watch Giants vs Cubs and game info
Location
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Sunday, June 7, 2026
First pitch
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Giants starting pitcher
Trevor McDonald (2-3, 4.50 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcher
Jameson Taillon (2-5, 5.13 ERA)
Giants vs Cubs latest injuries
Giants vs Cubs weather
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.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Petco Park on June 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After last night’s win over the New York Mets, the San Diego Padres have forced just their second rubber match in the last two weeks. The win came against New York’s young pitcher Nolan McLean, with the Friars tying the game early after Griffin Canning gave up a run in the second inning.
Canning navigated trouble, pitching five innings and allowing just three hits to the Mets. McLean pitched an extra inning but allowed the same amount of hits and runs as Canning.
Austin Warren came on in relief in the seventh inning and got two easy outs by inducing a lineout from Xander Bogaerts and a flyout from Miguel Andujar. Sung-Mun Song singled on a full-count sweeper outside the zone. He barely beat out the play at first base to keep the inning alive.
Catcher Freddy Fermin came up and took the first pitch he saw, a 94.4 mph sinker, into the left field seats. It was a lead the Padres held onto, despite some trouble in the eighth. Jason Adam gave up back-to-back singles before inducing a double play after Song made an incredible catch at second base.
Mason Miller pitched with a lead in the ninth for the first time in over a week. It was a one-run game with no margin for error and the closer delivered, getting two easy outs before allowing a walk to A.J. Ewing. He struck out Mark Vientos to end the trouble.
Taking the mound
Sean Manaea (NYM) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)
Manaea is the likely starting pitcher for today, though the Mets have been using an opener for him lately. They’ve announced that Huascar Brazobán will start the game. The reliever pitched in Saturday’s contest and will likely pitch an inning before Manaea pitches in bulk relief.
New York’s starter has had a rough season, posting a 5.08 ERA. But, since the Mets have begun using an opener for Manaea, he’s pitched much better. In spite of his frustration about not being able to start pitching in the first inning, the situation has helped out Manaea thus far.
The burgeoning San Diego ace has had a rough go of things lately. Vásquez has been saddled with a 4.42 ERA in his last seven starts. Across the season he owns a 3.31 ERA through 65 and 1.3 innings pitched. His last start against the Philadelphia Phillies was much better, going five innings and allowing just two runs.
The Mets haven’t had an abundance of success against Vásquez in the past. New York’s lineup has gone a combined 4-for-22 against the right-hander with one homer and five RBI.
Batter up!
Fernando Tatis Jr. continued to flash his bat, going 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Friars. Despite Fermin’s homer being the difference maker, it was Song’s production that won the game for San Diego. He went 2-for-2 with a walk and scored two of the Friars’ three runs.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Ty France, 1B
Manny Machado, 3B
Gavin Sheets, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Miguel Andujar, DH
Sung-Mun Song, 2B
Rodolfo Durán, C
France has effectively become the starting first baseman with Ramón Laureano now out for the season. That gives the Padres some ability to shake things up in the outfield. France at first base paid off well yesterday, with him making multiple plays in the cold corner that saved the game early.
Machado went 0-for-4 at the plate but it looked like he had a home run in the bottom of the sixth inning against the starter McLean. Instead, it was a 315-foot flyout to Juan Soto. Machado was visibly frustrated, slamming his bat against the ground. He’s shown some pop lately but still can’t seem to bat for average.
Relief corps
San Diego had the benefit of Canning going a solid five innings. He had only thrown 86 pitches through that time, but the Padres favored Adrian Morejon to face the lefty Soto for the third time. Bradgley Rodriguez gave up a run in the seventh to end the tie game, though he was credited with the win after the Friars scored in the bottom frame of the inning.
Adam and Miller pitched well, with Adam navigating the trouble he faced. The problem now is that San Diego will have none of their high-leverage relievers available. Their only options are Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta. That said, Matsui boasts a 0.53 ERA this season.
The Boston Red Sox (27-35) take on the New York Yankees (37-26) on Sunday. Saturday’s game between the two teams was postponed. The scheduled starting pitchers are Ranger Suarez for Boston, with a 3.38 ERA, and Cam Schlittler for New York, with a 1.89 ERA. The Yankees are favored with the over/under set at eight runs.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 06: Jacob Young #30 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a triple against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Chase Field on June 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Nationals won 6-1. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With back to back convincing wins against the Diamondbacks, the Nationals are back above .500. They have also made up all the ground they lost in the Wild Card race, sitting just one game back of a playoff spot on June 7th. The fact that the Wild Card is even worth mentioning speaks to the craziness of this turnaround.
#ICYMI: BIG BIG Series: The Washington Nationals’ May surge is real: 2nd in the NL East, 1 game back in the Wild Card, and an offense that leads MLB in runs, home runs and extra-base hits.
James Wood is leading the way, Keibert Ruiz is catching fire, and the Marlins are next.… pic.twitter.com/NUySjMGDDg
— TheNatsReport 🇺🇸 ⚾ (@TheNatsReport) June 1, 2026
Since 2021, the Nats have never truly been in the hunt this deep in the season. Now, we are just one game behind the Padres, Pirates and Cubs in a crowded National League. I wish the Nats were in the American League because the playoff race in that league truly feels like a race to the bottom. Right now, the 31-33 Rangers hold a playoff spot.
As a whole, the National League is the much stronger one this year. You can see that in the records. NL division leaders are 45-24 against the AL, while AL division leaders are only 31-29 against the NL. The Nats would only be one game back in the AL West right now, despite being 11 games out of their own division.
There are a lot of good teams in the National League, and the Nats have fared well against those opponents. The Padres and D-Backs are in the Wild Card hunt, and the Nats have now won series against both. They swept the Brewers earlier in the year and took a series off the Braves in Atlanta. This team has the firepower, but competing in this hard scrabble NL is tough.
If the Nats were in the AL, I would be more bullish on our postseason hopes. However, in this league, there are so many teams that are looking to win now. For me, a realistic goal is to stick close to .500. Staying in a playoff race is just a cherry on top.
I do think that being competitive is good for this team long term. Core players like Wood and Abrams have mostly just seen losing in DC. It is good for them to know what it is like to consistently win ballgames. There is a standard being set in DC, and the league is taking notice. Hopefully, this will make free agents want to play in DC moving forward.
A winning culture is sprouting, but the Nationals are also becoming a place where players can develop. These players are always looking to improve, and Washington, DC is full of success stories. Just look at Zack Littell, who was brutal to start the season after signing late. The Nats coaching staff and front office stuck with him, and after making adjustments, he is throwing the ball at a near elite level.
Zack Littell is 6-0 with a 2.27 ERA over his last seven appearances dating back to May 1. Quite the turnaround. Credit to Littell, the coaches, and analytics staff. 🤯 https://t.co/2oBd8uRZri
If you are a free agent hitter, you should also want to be coming to DC. Just about everyone on this team has gotten better. Curtis Mead has been a massive organizational win, finally living up to his prospect pedigree at 25 years old. Jacob Young has been turned into a power hitter, and Keibert Ruiz went from a lost cause to a solid starting catcher.
There are also young stars to build around here. James Wood has become one of the best players in the entire league this season. CJ Abrams also looks poised to become an All-Star starter. These are pillars of the franchise, and the next step will be building around those guys.
James Wood hit his 17th home run of the season. He leads National League outfielders in the next categories:
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) June 6, 2026
The Nats are only one game back of a playoff spot in what was supposed to be a rebuild year. Really, I still think this is a rebuilding year. There are so many clear holes on the roster, yet this team is still succeeding. If they get into the playoffs this year, it would be a truly miraculous turnaround. However, I think this year is that season where the Nats finish around .500 and then build on it in the future.
For a long time, fans have wondered when the next version of that 2011 season would come. Despite going 80-81, that 2011 season was a very important one in Nats history. It was the year where fans felt like the rebuild was starting to push towards something. Playoff success and division titles felt like they were on the horizon.
In 2024 and 2025, Nats fans wondered if the next 2011 would come. However, both years, they fell short of that and remained deep in a rebuild. With a new regime coming in and trading MacKenzie Gore, the Nats felt further away from that than ever entering this season. However, on June 7th, the Nats appear ahead of schedule.
The new 2011 is finally here, and this offseason would be a good time for Mark Lerner and Paul Toboni to push their chips to the middle of the table. Now would be the time for that Jayson Werth signing and Gio Gonzalez trade. Let’s see how the rest of the season plays out, and just go along for the ride. The Paul Toboni/Blake Butera ride has been fun so far, and I am trusting the process.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 06: Jack Leiter #22 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the first inning of a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Globe Life Field on June 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, folks…
The Texas Rangers fell to the Cleveland Guardians last night by a score of 6-0.
May 30, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
On a Friday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 6-3 to the Atlanta Braves on the road. With that loss, a new issue is opening up for the team, and the issue is starting pitcher Mitch Keller.
Keller started the game, and he went 4.2 innings allowing seven hits, six earned runs and walking three batters. He threw 99 pitches in not even four complete innings of the game.
Friday night’s loss is not the first time we saw the 30-year-old pitcher struggle. The last game Keller pitched was on May 30 against the Minnesota Twins. In that game, he allowed 10 hits and seven earned runs in just four innings pitched.
The right-handed pitcher also had mediocre performances lately against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Colorado Rockies. In the game against the Cards, he allowed 4 earned runs in the 9-6 loss, and in the game against the Rockies, he allowed seven hits and six earned runs in a 10-4 loss against one of the worst teams in baseball.
The recent struggles bring up the tough question. Has Mitch Keller lost his touch ?
I think they do, which is not easy for me to say. Some of his most recent struggles are coming against non playoff teams like the Twins and the Rockies. To start the season, a lot of people believed that the Bucs had one of the strongest starting rotations in the Majors, but because of his mediocre performances of late, it looks like Keller is towards the bottom of the rotation.
Keller had two really solid seasons in 2023 and in 2024 for Pittsburgh. During his only All-Star campaign in 2023, he set a career-best in strikeouts (210) and innings pitched (194.1) while posting 13 wins and a strong 4.21 ERA. That year he cemented himself as the ace of the Pirates rotation.
Last year, Keller had a rough 6-15 record, but I thought a lot of those losses were on the struggling offense. His ERA last season was actually pretty solid at 4.19, and he had 150 strikeouts, which wasn’t bad either.
To start this season, he has a 5-3 record which is a little deceiving. Right now he has a 4.81 ERA in 13 games pitched, which is high. I don’t think Mitch Keller has been terrible, but he definitely has been disappointing of late after a decent start.
The Pirates also need to have Keller go longer into games. The former All Star hasn’t gotten past the sixth inning since May 1. With the bullpen still being shaky, it is important to have the starters go longer into their starts so the bullpen is relied on as much.
I like Keller a lot, and I don’t like that he has been terrible, but he is pitching as well as the team needs him to do right now. If the Pirates want to keep pace with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, they need the pitching to be better, and it starts with Mitch Keller.
Comment below if you think Mitch Keller has touch his touch on the mound.
Aug 2, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; GreenJacket outfielder Eric Hartman (17) throws the ball during the Augusta GreenJackets and Carolina Mudcats game at SRP Park. The GreenJackets won the fifth game of the series 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK | Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Saturday’s big story in the Atlanta Braves system seemed like it would be Tate Southisene making his High-A debut after being promoted earlier in the day – but one of his teammates stole the show, as Eric Hartman knocked two home runs and stole a base to continue his impressive run in Rome. Southisene’s High-A debut went about as good as anyone could have hoped for, while Manuel Campos and Jose Manon also had big games, and Hurston Waldrep made his second rehab start.
Austin Gomber got the start and went one out shy of a six inning start, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk. Gomber also struck out five and picked up 10 whiffs before Anderson Pilar came in to get the final out of the sixth inning. Hayden Harris, Joel Payamps, and James Karinchak each threw a scoreless frame in relief, with Karinchak striking out each of the three hitters he faced.
Brewer Hicklen continued to lead the Stripers offense, as he went two for four with his 10th homer of the season and batted in four of the team’s six runs. Brett Wisely was the only other player with a multi-hit game, going two for four with a double, but Rowdy Tellez and Aaron Schunk each added doubles. Jim Jarvis was held out of the hit column in this one, but he did walk, score a run, and bat one in.
Rocket City Trash Pandas 2, Columbus Clingstones 1
Lucas Braun turned in his best start in Double-A this year, and possibly his best start overall. He went six shutout innings, allowing four hits and two walks with a season-high seven strikeouts to go with 12 whiffs. Jhancarlos Lara followed and allowed a run on a hit and two walks in the seventh, though he did strike out one batted and collected six whiffs. Tyler LaPorte picked up the loss, as he came in for the eighth and allowed an unearned run to score.
Ethan Workinger led the offense, going two for three with a walk and the lone run batted in. Logan Braunschweig added a double and scored the run, while David McCabe had a single and walk in the loss. Luke Waddell and Kevin Kilpatrick were the only other Clingstones to reach base, as each had a single.
Colin Daniel turned in a quality start, going six innings and allowing three runs on five hits and a walk. Daniel also struck out four and had nine whiffs, needing just 79 pitches to get his quality start. Things blew up from there, as Jacob Shafer came in and allowed three runs while recording just two outs. After a scoreless inning and a third from Justin Long, Drew Christo allowed an unearned run to come in during his inning of work.
Tate Southisene had a strong debut, but it was overshadowed by a monster night from Eric Hartman. All Hartman did was hit a pair of homers, walk, and steal a base in his four plate appearances. With these two solo shots, Hartman is up to 15 homers on the season, and his steal takes him to 25 bags stolen. Southisene reached base three times in five plate appearances in his debut, recording a double and a pair of walks. Colby Jones also added a homer, giving him three on the year. Both Isaiah Drake and Dixon Williams had base hits, and Williams had an RBI as well. John Gil was hitless in five at bats.
Delmarva Shorebirds 7, Augusta GreenJackets 3
Alex Lodise, SS: 1-3, BB, RBI, .247/.331/.388
Conor Essenburg, CF: 1-4, BB, .246/.380/.446
Luis Guanipa, RF: 2-4, .310/.358/.507
Zach Royse, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 4.56 ERA
Zach Royse turned in another solid start, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings. He also struck out seven with 14 whiffs, bringing him to over a strikeout per inning on the season. Cristobal Abreu was next and he threw a scoreless inning, walking two and striking out one with four whiffs among his 18 pitches. Logan Forsythe also added a scoreless inning before Luis Arestigueta allowed four runs in just one third of an inning to break this game open for Delmarva. Styven Paez pitched the final inning and two thirds of scoreless baseball, and struck out four batters for the five outs he recorded.
Even without Tate Southisene the prospects at the top of the order were the catalysts for the Augusta offense in this one. Luis Guanipa had a two-hit day, while Conor Essenburg and Alex Lodise each singled and drew a walk, with Lodise picking up an RBI. Taking Southisene’s place was the recently demoted Cody Miller, who singled and batted in a run. The real star of the day was Cooper McMurray, who doubled and homered, and brought his OPS up to .703 – which is impressive as he was at just .488 after April. Michael Martinez also added a single, but did strike out in each of his other three at bats.
FCL Braves 4, FCL Rays 3
Manuel Campos, SS: 2-4, 3B, R, RBI, .264/.380/.407
Hurston Waldrep’s second rehab start also went two innings, just like his first one. Waldrep battled his command a bit, giving up two hits and three walks plus a wild pitch, but struck out hitters for four of the six outs he recorded. After Robinson Narciso allowed a run during his inning, normal starter Gensi Angeles came in and pitched five strong innings of relief, allowing a run on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts. That takes Angeles’ ERA to 1.98 through 27.1 innings – though his velocity being more upper 80’s has a bit of a limit on his ceiling despite his success. Yander Pinero pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save.
The star today on the hitting side was again Manuel Campos, who was two for four with a triple, run scored, and one batted in. Caden Merritt actually won the game when he hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to put the Braves ahead. Yamvier Carrero singled, stole a base, scored, and batted in a run, while Owen Carey walked and doubled in the win – joining Manuel Dos Passos, who singled and doubled, as players who had an extra base knock. Top prospect Diego Tornes was hitless in three at bats, but did draw a walk.
DSL Braves 12, DSL Cubs 10
Jose Manon, SS: 1-2, 2B, 3 BB, 2 R, 3 RBI, SB
Starlyn De La Cruz, CF: 0-2, 3 BB, R
Jorwin Pulido, DH: 2-3, 2B, BB, 2 R, 2 RBI
Cesar Navarro, SP: 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
This game perfectly sums up what DSL baseball can look like. There were 22 runs scored on just 14 hits, with 10 errors and 18 walks. Started Cesar Navarro had glimpses of a solid start, but did allow four runs (two earned) over his four innings. Two scoreless innings from Ernesto Meza to finish this game off in seven innings was the biggest positive from the pitching side.
Top international signee Jose Manon continued to impress here, going one for two with a double, taking three walks, scoring a pair of runs, batting in three, and stealing a base. Catcher Jorwin Pulido got the start at DH and went two for three with a double, walk, two runs scored, and two batted in. Even Starlyn De La Cruz reached base three times, all via walks, and scored a run. Luis Fortunato singled three times in three at bats and drew a walk, while Osmar Torrealba singled and walked in his four plate appearances plus stole a base. The other key prospect here is Edelson Cabral, who was hitless in four at bats, but drew a walk and stole a base.
Jun 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) claps for Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman LuJames Grover (16) after a collision at first base against the Washington Nationals in the seventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
If you’re single by the time you’re 30 in Germany, you’ll have to do chores.
Once an unmarried woman reaches her 30th birthday, they must clean the doorknobs of their best friends’. On the other hand, unmarried 30-year old men will get other cleaning chores. However, there is a way out: you can forego all the cleaning if someone of the opposite sex kisses you.
A giraffe cleans its ears with its tongue.
This is one of our most surprising did you know facts about these tall creatures. A giraffe’s tongue is over a foot and a half long or 21 inches. They also use their tongues to get around thrones and acquire the leaves they want to eat.
Mr. Potato head used to be made of actual potato.
When Mr. Potato Head was first released in 1952, the toy only included eyes, noses, and mouths. For the potato body, kids were expected to provide their own. However, due to the possible safety hazards of the sharp pieces, the plastic body was provided in 1964.
Jun 6, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) dives in safe at home ahead of the tag by Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Before Pride Night at Dodger Stadium last night, the Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled a new, permanent display honoring the lives of Glenn Burke and Billy Bean.
The trade deadline is now less than two months away, and some teams are having to come to terms that 2026 might not be their year. One such team is the Boston Red Sox, who have a surplus of catchers on their roster, as well as some effective arms in their bullpen. The Sox aren’t truly out of it (yet) but their upcoming schedule may solidify them as sellers within the next couple weeks.
Jameson Taillon
Bo Bichette
Shohei Ohtani
Rafael Devers Over 1.5 total bases
COVERS INTEL: Jameson 
