In the 1800s, the best graphite in the world came from China. The Americans wanted to give a tribute to the Chinese for the graphite used in their pencils. Yellow means royalty and respect in China, which is why the Americans manufactured their pencils in yellow. To this day, the default color for pencils is still yellow.
Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.
Most planets rotate on their axis in an anti-clockwise motion. However, Venus rotates clockwise in retrograde once every 243 Earth days.
Star Trek: Generations was the first film to have a website.
The 1994 film Star Trek: Generations was the first movie to ever have an official website. Since then, the trend seems to have caught on, now it’s strange not to have a website for a movie.
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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Twins moneyline
Price: 50¢ (+100) at Polymarket
The Minnesota Twins are slight 50-cent "home" underdogs for their "Field of Dreams" game in Iowa today at the new permanent Dyersville Stadium.
I know everyone thinks the Philadelphia Phillies are the better team on paper, but how they’re perceived and how they produce are two different things.
The Twins have the pitching edge, as lefties are hitting just .206 against Taj Bradley, while Aaron Nola could be vulnerable to the long ball with the low Iowa fences. No pitcher has allowed more home runs than Nola this year.
The Minnesota bullpen is also the better unit. The Phillies' pen has been overworked of late and is pitching to a 4.94 ERA over the last week, compared to 2.31 for Minnesota. There are also two very good sub-3.00 ERA lefties available to throw against this heavily left-handed Philly lineup.
In what is being priced as a near coin-flip, I have the Twins at around 53%-54% probability.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
How to watch: Netflix
Jon Metler's expert pick: Dodgers moneyline
Price: 58¢ (-138) at Polymarket
This is straight-up appointment television.
We're looking at a potential NLCS matchup between the two top teams in the National League, but unfortunately, tonight's game could be a preview of how that series ultimately plays out.
I'm taking the Los Angeles Dodgers on the moneyline. They're trading at 58 cents on Polymarket, but this number should be closer to 60 cents.
Roki Sasaki has arguably been the Dodgers' best starting pitcher over the last month, and his swing-and-miss stuff should play extremely well against a Milwaukee Brewers lineup that wants to work counts, put the ball in play, and create pressure on the basepaths. That's a difficult approach to execute when you're facing a pitcher capable of taking the bat out of your hands and sending you back to the dugout via the strikeout.
Max Scherzer has a history of showing up in big games (look no further than last year's Game 7 of the World Series), and has actually been pretty serviceable for the Toronto Blue Jays as of late after struggling out of the gate.
The veteran has allowed just three earned runs across his last 11 1/3 innings pitched, and the stage might be the brightest of the season tonight as Toronto looks to sweep the Boston Red Sox and continue its ascent in the Wild Card standings.
He's looked good in this specific matchup, too, limiting Willson Contreras, Adley Rutschman, and Jarren Duran to a .165 xBA or worse across 25 combined at-bats. The Jays have won 10 of their last 14 games, and the offense has scored five or more runs in five of their last six.
I'm a buyer at 55 cents as a result.
Time: 3:07 p.m. ET
How to watch: NESN, Sportsnet
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Yankees moneyline
Price: 58¢ (-138) at Polymarket
The New York Yankees are available at a very fair price at home today with Max Fried on the mound, especially considering the state of their opponent.
Fried has been excellent since returning to action, allowing one run or fewer in three of his last four starts. While Seattle Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert has been solid, New York holds a major edge in the recent form of both its offense and bullpen.
Over the past week, the Yankees rank eighth in OPS compared to 26th for the Seattle, while their bullpen ranks fourth in ERA compared to 29th for the Mariners. Seattle has now lost six straight and 15 of its last 20 games in what's been a disaster of a second half.
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 Dodgers and Brewers may serve up another memorable moment or two during their four-game series that starts Thursday, Aug. 13 at Dodger Stadium. But their postseason history already is rich.
The Brewers had won 11 straight heading into the best-of-7 series. The streak reached 12 games when the Brewers won the opener, 6-5.
Three of the games were decided by a single run during the tightly contested series.
Clayton Kershaw was in top form in Game 5, striking out nine and allowing just one earned run in seven innings in the Dodgers’ 5-2 victory. Of course, it all culminated with Game 7.
That night Yasiel Puig powered the Dodgers with a three-run homer. The Dodgers also got a home run from Cody Bellinger, who was voted NLCS MVP. The Brewers got a home run from DH Christian Yelich.
2020 National League wild card series
These days, the Dodgers wait and wonder if Edwin Diaz can regain the form he showed before they signed him in the off season. There was no such worrying in 2020, including when the Dodgers and Brewers met for a best-of-3 wild card series.
Kenley Jansen recorded the save in Game 1 for the victorious Dodgers.
There was no need for Jansen in Game 2 after Kershaw stuck out 13 batters and allowed just three hits over eight shutout innings. Brusdar Graterol did the honors, pitching a scoreless ninth to seal the Dodgers’ series-clinching, 3-0 victory.
2025 NLCS
The Brewers finished the regular season with the best record in baseball, then ran into the biggest payroll in baseball.
The Dodgers did not demolish the Brewers, so much as exert their superiority as they swept the best-of-7 series.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 12: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers high-fives teammates after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 12, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Morning, all!
Cody Bradford has impressed Skip Schumaker in his first two outings after a long road back from injury, and is providing some much needed stability to a rotation that is showing the wear and tear of a major league season.
The Rangers released an injury update wherein we learn that Jack Leiter will be making a rehab start on Friday and that Josh Jung still has not resumed baseball activities.
Wyatt Langford acknowledges that he’s been slumping, saying ““yeah, I’ve been pretty bad.”
The Angels have also been pretty bad this season unless they’re playing the Rangers, apparently, with the Rangers dropping another game to them last night.
Maybe Corey Seager finally getting healthy will fix all of this tram’s problems.
The New York Yankees are -138 favorites to break out the brooms when they host the Seattle Mariners in Game 3 of their three-game series at Yankee Stadium.
Max Fried has dominated this current collection of Seattle bats, and my Mariners vs. Yankees predictions and MLB picks expect the southpaw's strong play to lead to a comfortable New York victory on Thursday, Aug 13.
Who will win Mariners vs Yankees today: Yankees -1.5 (+152)
I’m laying the run line with the New York Yankees because this is a better pitching matchup than the numbers suggest.
Max Fried has been outstanding, and the Seattle Mariners offense has been awful outside of Tuesday’s outburst.
Logan Gilbert can miss bats, but he’s allowed at least three earned runs in each of his last three road starts, and that puts pressure on a Seattle bullpen that owns a 6.94 ERA over the last two weeks. He's also been homer-prone, allowing 19 long balls in 139 1/3 innings, which won't help him at Yankee Stadium.
I’m not chasing yesterday’s 10-5 score, either. I trust Fried to control this game and New York to create separation late.
I’d play -1.5 to +135.
COVERS INTEL:Seattle has a .566 OPS against Fried in 77 at-bats. Tuesday’s five runs don’t change how badly this lineup matches up against the Yankees lefty.
Mariners vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-102)
I’m playing the Under because I don’t think Tuesday’s 10-5 game changes what this matchup is about.
Seattle has posted a 75 wRC+ over the last two weeks, and the Yankees have been almost as bad at 79.
Fried gives me the strongest starting-pitching edge in the game, and Seattle’s .566 OPS against him tells me this lineup has struggled to square him up.
Gilbert has been better overall than his recent road results suggest, and I’m willing to trust his 3.42 ERA and 0.99 WHIP to keep a struggling Yankees offense from doing big damage.
I’d play Under 7.5 to -120.
Mariners vs Yankees home run prediction: Ben Rice (+310)
Ben Rice is my favorite home-run look today. He’s up to 32 home runs and has been one of the better power bats in baseball, averaging 92 mph off the bat with a 15.6% barrel rate.
Gilbert throws his four-seam fastball nearly 40% of the time, and Rice is hitting .290 with a .662 slugging percentage against fastballs this season.
That’s the matchup I want. I’d play Rice to +300.
Phil Naessens' 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 11-13, +0.20 units
Over/Under bets: 11-11, -1.55 units
Mariners vs Yankees weather
It will be a humid day in the Bronx, with 10 mph winds blowing out to right-center field today.
Mariners vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Mariners +133 | Yankees -138
Run line: Mariners +1.5 (-163) | Yankees -1.5 (+156)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-100) | Under 7.5 (-104)
Mariners vs Yankees trend
The Under is 8-0 in the Yankees' last eight games when their opponent allowed five runs or more in their previous game. Find more MLB betting trends for Mariners vs. Yankees.
How to watch Mariners vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Thursday, August 13, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
Mariners.TV, YES
Mariners starting pitcher
Logan Gilbert (8-7, 3.42 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Max Fried (4-3, 2.88 ERA)
Mariners vs Yankees 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.
With the first Field of Dreams game in five years, what better time to debate the best baseball movies of all time? Here's just one seamhead's list (let the angry comments begin):
Best baseball movies of all time
Bull Durham (1988) - "We need a live rooster ... was it a live rooster? We need a live rooster to take the curse off Jose's glove."
Field of Dreams (1989) - I love it because it's sappy. Sorry ... not sorry.
A League of Their Own (1992) - Tom Hanks deserved best actor consideration.
The Sandlot (1993) - "You're killing me, Smalls!", Wendy Peffercorn, Squints. What's not to love?
Major League (1989) - Bob Uecker deserved best supporting actor consideration.
Moneyball (2011) - Every time I run across it on TV, I'm stopping to watch it.
Long Gone (1987) - The best baseball movie you've never heard of. Came out on HBO. Must watch if you can find it.
Pride of the Yankees (1942) - A classic that still holds up well.
Eight Men Out (1988) - I get it, yes, there are inaccuracies but still a good watch.
The Natural (1984) - A lot of people hate it. I'm not one of them.
Honorable mention in no particular order:
Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
The Bad News Bears (1976)
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
Aug 12, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Brandon Marsh (16) reacts as he is called out on strikes by umpire Dan Iassogna (58) during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This week has been brutal for the Phillies, but at least you’ll be able to watch them ground into double plays with the majestic backdrop of a cornfield in Iowa tonight at the Field of Dreams game. Well, if you have Netflix. And if it doesn’t rain.
The Detroit Tigers failed to secure the series win on Tuesday night, falling to the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park, 6-4. Framber Valdez was not sharp and the offense could not keep up with the visitors after the two teams opened things up with a pair of runs in the first inning.
Climbing the hill for the Motor City Kitties in the series finale is right-hander Keider Montero, who is looking to bounce back from one of his weaker starts last time out. The 26-year-old was tagged for five runs on five hits (two home runs) and three walks while striking out five San Francisco Giants over six innings of work to earn his seventh loss of the season in a 5-2 final.
Montero saw Cleveland once before this season back on May 19, when he threw five frames of three-run ball on two hits (one home run) and four walks while striking out one. He did not figure in the decision as Detroit fell, 4-3.
For the Guardians, left-hander Parker Messick gets the start on the heels of a superb six-game stretch. Since the start of July, the 25-year-old has put up a 1.77 ERA and 3.61 FIP over his last 35 2/3 innings, allowing 26 hits (four home runs) and nine walks while striking out 30 and tossing a pair of wild pitches. Up until his most recent outing, he had not allowed more than one earned run over that span.
When Messick last saw the Tigers, he also faced Montero, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits (one home run) and three walks while striking out seven over five frames. Much like his Detroit counterpart, he did not figure in the decision that day.
Take a look below at how the two match up on paper for their second head-to-head meeting this season.
Detroit Tigers (59-61) vs. Cleveland Guardians (59-62)
Time (ET): 1:10 p.m. Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan SB Nation Site:Covering the Corner Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 121: RHP Keider Montero (8-7, 3.38 ERA) vs. LHP Parker Messick (9-6, 2.57 ERA)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 11: Jihwan Bae #0 of the Milwaukee Brewers reacts after being hit by a pitch during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on August 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Brewers are dealing with a serious depth problem on the left side of their infield. Cooper Pratt is out for a few more weeks with a hamstring strain. Joey Ortiz has been dealing with a neck/back injury. Those are the two top shortstops on the Crew’s depth chart.
The Brewers have a large number of infield prospects in their minor league system, including several in the upper levels. However, they have not called on any of them to this point since Cooper Pratt came up in June. When Pratt needed to go on the IL, the Brewers opted not to dip back into that farm system for more help, but instead signed free agent Ji-hwan Bae.
It was understandable that on such short notice, Bae might have been the only one who could get to Milwaukee in time for Sunday’s game.
Bae struggled defensively in his lone start so far. He dropped a couple of successful bunts in his Brewers debut, but it’s been mostly downhill since. With Ortiz also battling an injury, that’s left the Brewers a man down on the bench.
Pat Murphy has had to turn to Andrew Vaughn starting at third base, moving Brice Turang over to shortstop, and other creative solutions just to put a healthy lineup out there. Ortiz was able to make it back for the series finale against the Padres, but it’s become quite obvious there is still a problem in the infield with Pratt on the IL.
One solution the Brewers should turn to is right in their farm system with one of their top prospects and it’s not Jett Williams.
It’s Luke Adams.
Adams has a great combination of power and on-base ability that he has proven at Triple-A Nashville this year and he has been solid at third base defensively. His glovework there should be passable enough that the Brewers can feel comfortable putting him at the hot corner and have a chance to fortify this lineup a little bit more.
This season, Adams is hitting .260/.407/.544 with 16 homers, 35 walks, and 40 strikeouts with a .944 OPS.
Adams is Rule 5 eligible this winter and will need to be added to the 40 man roster anyway in a few months, especially since it’s highly likely they would want to protect him. Why not take this opportunity to get to see him in the big leagues for a little bit?
Jett Williams would have been the choice, but he’s been dealing with a wrist injury and on the same night that Pratt and Ortiz got injured, Williams also re-aggravated his wrist injury in Triple-A and has since been placed back on the IL.
Brock Wilken has been healthy, but is hitting just .177 with 12 homers and 118 strikeouts in 100 games. Tyler Black is not an option on the left side of the infield at this point, and that leaves Luke Adams as really the only viable option that can handle a position on the left side.
Adams is an on-base machine, which is what this offense could use more of right now. He also has plenty of over-the-fence power, which this Brewers offense also could use more of.
While he’s not a shortstop solution with Pratt on the IL, Adams can shore up this infield, shore up this offense, and maybe provide another spark here, because after this series in San Diego, it sure looks like they could use one.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 08: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees walks off the mound after throwing his 1000th strikeout pitch as a Yankee during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium on August 08, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What is a Hall of Fame starting pitcher in today’s MLB? We know of a few retiring legends who’ve transcended eras and will be in Cooperstown: namely Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer. But the game and the position itself have evolved in such a way that the traditional stats that used to define a Hall of Fame starter are no longer achievable.
300 wins used to be the goal, but after Verlander’s quest to get it came up short, it seems nobody will come close for a long time, if ever. 3,000 strikeouts have also been used as a moniker to make you a lock, but with innings being managed and injuries plaguing even the most durable starters, how many people can realistically get to that?
Two older pitchers who are viewed as the best chances to get inducted from this era were on display this past weekend against Atlanta, as Chris Sale and Gerrit Cole went head-to-head on a Saturday afternoon in the Bronx. The two aging aces are two men on the same warpath as their careers wind down, having fought the same battles to get here.
Sale was younger than Cole when he went under the knife for Tommy John surgery, but it was part of a stretch of ailments that cost him a large portion of his prime. He missed eight starts in 2019 before making a grand total of 11 starts from 2020 to 2022, throwing his entire $150 million contract extension into the shredder. He’s enjoyed a career renaissance in Atlanta, but has still battled injuries, being held to just 20 starts in both 2023 (his last year in Boston) and 2025.
As Cole enters his mid-to-late 30s, he’s entering the same part of his career that Sale struggled to stay on the field with Boston. The normally durable ace, who had not been on the injured list since 2016, missed several months in 2024 with an elbow flare-up before going under the knife for Tommy John in March 2025. The internal brace procedure allowed him to return relatively quickly, making his 2026 debut on May 22, but questions existed about whether he’d be able to recapture his old form quickly or face the lagging effects that others have in the past.
Those lagging effects can come in a bunch of different forms. It can hit your velocity, as it did with Spencer Strider. It can hurt your command, as it did with Sandy Alcantara. It can leave you more susceptible to future injuries. At age 35, Cole isn’t in a position to have a multi-year ramp-up if he wants to stay on a Cooperstown path. Fortunately for him and the Yankees, he seems to be right where he wants to be.
There have been some hairy patches, but Cole’s first few months back after a long absence have seen more life on his fastball than he had when healthy in 2023 and 2024, good control of the strike zone, and an ability to work deep into games. He’s been bitten by shoddy command at times, which is often considered the last thing to come back from an injury, but the results have been excellent. A 3.35 ERA across 80.1 innings with 87 strikeouts to a mere 17 walks. In a 2026-centric view of it, the Yankees might be getting a fresher version of the ace they signed back in 2020.
But this article is thinking long-term. When MLB.com analysts ranked Hall of Fame likelihood in 2023 and 2024, Cole was pretty high up due to his body of work and durability, but the elbow injuries knocked him down a few tiers in recent editions. With how Tommy John has impacted dozens of veterans in recent years, it was impossible to know if he would be able to get the train back on track.
Entering his 15th start of the season against Toronto this weekend, Cole has 159 career wins and 2,338 strikeouts. In the two traditional categories that Hall of Fame voters care about most, he likely won’t get the opportunity to hit any incredible milestone, but there are two numbers that, should he hit them, should make him a lock to eventually be enshrined in this era of baseball.
200 wins used to not be a big deal. There are 122 200-game winners in MLB history, with many of them never getting to Cooperstown. The mark that has been used as more of a moniker since guys stopped pitching 40+ games a year in the 1980s is 250, and predictably, only seven of the 49 pitchers who have achieved it have been left out (with multiple being shunned due to PED use).
But in the ever-changing game, 200 might need to be the new standard. Only six pitchers who’ve thrown a pitch in the last 10 years have more than 200, and all of those guys started their careers in the 2000s, a time when pitchers were given a lot more rope. In that case, does Cole only need to get 200, assuming the voters will adjust with the times? 41 wins might be difficult for a 35-year-old to attain, but if he can stay on teams with good offenses and continue to be good for at least five innings, it’s not out of the question.
The fun one is the number that he’s banking on more: strikeouts. The magic number is 3,000, a mark that has virtually ensured induction, with every single one of the 17 eligible pitchers who’ve reached it being inducted except Curt Schilling and Roger Clemens, who aren’t in for reasons you probably already know. While big, round numbers are what we all love, the number that has virtually guaranteed induction is actually closer to 2,564. The only non-controversial players who were left out were David Cone, Mickey Lolich, Frank Tanana, and Chuck Finley.
That lower number is a lock for Cole as long as he stays healthy and has already been exceeded by Sale. As someone who’s still averaging more than five strikeouts per start, he might only need another 40-45 starts to do so, which he might achieve as early as April-May 2028 (barring a lengthy lockout). From there, it’s all gravy, with the more strikeouts he can accrue, the better.
Cole has just two years left on the nine-year megadeal that he inked in the winter of 2019, but his efficacy immediately after a lengthy absence makes you believe that he’ll still be pitching beyond the 2028 season. A guy like him who eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball feels like someone who will go as long as possible, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was still pitching past his 40th birthday in the early 2030s, which at that point, these round numbers become more attainable.
Let’s say Cole wants to plays into his 40’s, and pitches five more years and retires at age 41 in 2031. If he managed to be fully healthy, which is unlikely, that’s 160 more starts. Let’s be more conservative and say he has 100-120 left in his career. In those 100-120 starts, is it possible he can get those 41 wins and 662 strikeouts? It might be hard, but this is a guy who’s consistently picked up a win in 40 percent of his starts since 2021 with new life on his fastball that can will him up the strikeout leaderboards.
Would 190 wins and 2,800 strikeouts be enough? It should be, because if it isn’t, you’d be shutting the door on the rest of baseball history.
Aug 12, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Christian Franklin (27) can’t get to a fly ball against the Minnesota Twins during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
This past week was the Orioles’ chance to decide whether they want to be serious contenders in the postseason race. Unfortunately, it appears they have made their decision quite clear.
Presented with a golden opportunity to make up ground against two wild card opponents, the Orioles lost their series to both the Rangers and Twins, all but burying themselves in the race. The O’s controlled their own destiny, and they steered it right into a ditch. Their latest failure came in yesterday’s rubber game in Minnesota, with Shane Baz imploding in a 7-5 loss. Mark Brown recapped the action.
Even in a mediocre American League, a 2-4 stretch just isn’t going to cut it. As of this writing, the Orioles sit 2.5 games out of the third wild card spot, pending the results of the Rangers’ late game last night. The O’s also trail the Twins, the Tigers, the Guardians, and now the Blue Jays, who pulled a half game ahead of the Birds by winning three straight against the Red Sox. That means the Orioles now sit alone in last place in the AL East.
The fact that the Orioles squandered their chances against mediocre teams like the Rangers and Twins is all the more painful considering what’s coming next. Starting tomorrow, the Birds will spend the next 10 days playing exclusively against the two best teams in the American League. Seven of those are against the Rays (74-46), who are riding a nine-game winning streak after completing a perfect 9-0 road trip. A three-game set versus the Yankees (68-52) is sandwiched in between.
If you’re looking for a sliver of hope, I’ll point out that the Orioles have won a series each against the Rays and the Yankees this season, including a sweep of Tampa Bay in May. Of course, the O’s have also gotten swept by both teams, too. On paper, these are the worst possible opponents for the Orioles at the worst possible time. It’s two teams that are clicking on all cylinders against a Baltimore squad that is again struggling to even win two games in a row.
Call me pessimistic if you like. But it’s hard to imagine any scenario where the Orioles remain even on the fringes of the postseason race after this punishing 10-game stretch is over. Not unless they find another gear and bring their all-too-rarely-seen A game to these upcoming series.
For all intents and purposes, this could be the 2026 Orioles’ last stand. Will they show up?
The Orioles added yet another top-30 prospect as the player to be named in the Rutschman trade. That still doesn’t make it any easier for me to stomach.
I’m not bullish on Kjerstad’s chances of ever contributing in the majors again, but we’re getting to the point that there’s no harm in giving him one more try. What’s he going to do, cost them a playoff spot?
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! And happy 22nd to Samuel Basallo. The Orioles’ catcher is having a solid rookie season at the plate, with 16 homers and a .756 OPS, but has been sidelined since July 19 with right shoulder inflammation. There’s no word yet on his potential return. Once he comes back, the primary catcher position is Basallo’s for good, which the O’s made clear by trading Adley Rutschman earlier this month.
Former Orioles born on Aug. 13 include right-handers Cory Doyne (45) and Tom Niedenfuer (67), lefties Will Ohman (49) and Jeff Ballard (63), and outfielder Corey Patterson (47).
Aug. 13 has been a big day for Hall of Fame Orioles, none bigger than in 1969, when Jim Palmer threw a no-hitter against the Athletics. Palmer was effectively wild, scattering six walks throughout the game — three of them to fellow Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson — but blanked the A’s lineup with a masterful 0-for-29, eight-strikeout performance. Palmer improved to 11-2 after missing the entire previous season with back and shoulder problems.
In 1977, Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson played the final game of his legendary 23-year MLB career. Well, he didn’t technically play in it. Brooks was announced as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth against left-hander Bob Lacey, but when the Athletics brought in righty Doug Bair, Robinson was replaced by Tony Muser without ever batting.
In 1978, Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver stole a win for the Orioles through some crafty gamesmanship. The Orioles were leading the Yankees 3-0 after six innings before New York rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh. But when heavy rains arrived, Weaver stalled the game long enough (with help from the groundskeepers) that the field was deemed unplayable. According to the rules at the time, the score reverted to the last completed inning, giving the O’s a 3-0 win. The rule was changed two years later.
And on this date in 1998, Hall of Famer Harold Baines became MLB’s all-time leading RBI leader as a designated hitter, driving in his 824th run with an RBI single in the sixth off Cleveland’s Dwight Gooden. That record has since been demolished, like a dugout phone, by David Ortiz of the Red Sox (1,343).
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 18: Eric Wagaman #39 of the New York Mets fields the ball prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, July 18, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Trevor Hayes/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Jacksonville lead and controlled this game in the early portion of the proceedings, as the Jumbo Shrimp were up 3-0 after five innings. The Syracuse offense finally arrived in the sixth, with MJ Melendez starting the scoring with a two run home run. Zack Short followed it up with a three run home run, putting a five spot on the board for the Mets. Eric Wagaman continued the scoring in the seventh with a double, and Melendez singled him home, as the Mets ran out to a 7-3 lead.
The Jumbo Shrimp did not take this lightly, and scored five in the bottom of the eighth to take a 8-7 lead. The Mets, who simply would not be denied on the day, took the lead back in the top of the ninth with a Christopher Morel two run home run. Wagaman went back to back with Morel, making it 10-8. Jacksonville would hit a solo home run to get a run back in the ninth, but Zach Franklin closed the door for the save.
CF Nick Morabito: 0-4, BB, SB (36)
SS Ronny Mauricio: 1-5, R, 2B
RF Christopher Morel: 2-4, 2 R, HR (11), 2 RBI, BB, 2 E (3, 4)
Binghamton, who have been doing their best 1927 Yankees impression since the trade deadline, are at it yet again, winning their ninth in a row in dominating fashion.
Jefferson Rojas started the scoring in the first, notching an RBI single, and they were off from there. They scored five in the second, one in the third and fourth, and five in the sixth. Everyone except John Bay got a hit in the game, and only Rojas, Chris Suero, and Billy Amick had one hit (though Amick’s was a three run home run, so he made it count). Mitch Voit notched two hits (and dropped his batting average to .533 in the process), and Émilien Pitre had three. It was a dominating performance.
On the pitching side, Gary Gill Hill got the start and was up and down, going six innings but surrendering all five of the runs (with four being earned). He only surrendered five hits and one walk, but was done in by two home runs. He struck out five. The bullpen coasted through the final three frames.
SS Mitch Voit: 2-5, 2 R, 2B, BB
3B Émilien Pitre: 3-4, R, 2 RBI
LF JT Benson: 1-2, K
2B-3B Jefferson Rojas: 1-3, 2 R, 3 RBI
DH Jacob Reimer: 2-4, R, 2B, RBI, K
C Chris Suero: 1-5, R, HR (15), RBI, 3 K
1B Billy Amick: 1-3, 3 R, HR (6), 3 RBI, BB, K
CF John Bay: 0-4, R, BB, 2 K
LF-2B D’Andre Smith: 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI
RF Yohairo Cuevas: 2-5, 2 R, 2B, RBI, K, SB (1)
RHP Gary Gill Hill: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 WP. W (2-0)
RHP Carlos Guzman: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Brendan Girton: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Justin Armbruester: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
After four scoreless frames for both teams, the Cyclones finally got on the board in the fifth, when Daiverson Gutierrez singled home Ronald Hernandez. That 1-0 score held until the eighth, until Jersey score tied it at one and took a 2-1 lead in the ninth (on a Chase Meggers error). Yonatan Henriquez tied it in the bottom of the ninth with a sacrifice fly, pushing us to extras.
The teams traded runs in the tenth, with the Cyclones scoring on a Gutierrez double. Jersey Shore scored on a fielder’s choice in the tenth, and held off the Cyclones in the bottom of the frame.
SS Sammy Stafura: 0-5, 2 K
CF Aidan Smith: 1-4, R, BB, 2 K
RF John Spikerman: 1-4, BB, K
DH Ronald Hernandez: 1-5, R, 2B, 2 K
LF Yonatan Henriquez: 0-4, RBI, K
3B Colin Houck: 1-3, R, 2B, BB, E (16)
C Daiverson Gutierrez: 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI
2B Eddinson Paulino: 1-4, 3B, K, E (1)
1B Chase Meggers: 0-4, K, E (3)
RHP Emilio Obispo: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Elwis Mijares: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, H (1)
RHP Ryan Dollar: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, H (2)
For a game that ended in a such lopsided way, it was actually an interesting game for a while. Jupiter ran out to a 6-0 lead after two, and a 7-3 lead after five, before St. Lucie came roaring back in the sixth. A Bohan Adderley bases loaded walk made it 7-4, and singles by Dylan Carey and Aiden Robbins flipped the game on its head, giving the Cyclones a 8-7 lead.
The good times woukd end there, though.
Jupiter scored two in the bottom of the sixth and seven in the eighth, putting the game to bed.
Dodgers owner Mark Walter in 2019 (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)
In 2012, on the day after Mark Walter and his partners bought the Dodgers, I sat next to Walter in a conference room. To the sports fan, Walter was virtually anonymous: a super rich guy who had made his money running investment and insurance companies.
Walter’s purchase valued the Dodgers and its related assets at a then-record $2.15 billion. That value stunned the sports world. Mark Cuban had bowed out of the bidding, believing the Dodgers were not worth even $1 billion.
I asked Walter why he believed it made business sense to pay three times as much as any major league team had sold for.
“I think you have a few moments in life where you have the opportunity to own an asset and really be a custodian of something that should be multigenerational and iconic,” he said then. “I understand it’s a lot of money. But it’s not as if you can go buy another one tomorrow. … We hope we never, ever are going to sell it.”
That was essentially the point someone who travels within the inner circles of pro sports made to me Wednesday morning, as news broke that Walter had sold the Lakers to Bob Iger, the former Disney chief, and Joshua Kushner.
The Steinbrenner family has owned the New York Yankees for 53 years. Jerry Jones has owned the Dallas Cowboys for 37 years. The Buss family owned the Lakers for 46 years.
These trophy assets are few and far between. Walter had sold the Lakers after less than one year of ownership ratified by the NBA board of governors — and not through a comprehensive bidding process, but to an inquiring caller during the weekend?
“This has more red flags than a May Day parade,” an industry insider said, speaking on condition of anonymity so as not to jeopardize his professional relationships.
The deal, which valued the Lakers at $12.5 billion, was motivated by the spiraling price for an NBA expansion team in Las Vegas, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. After all, if Iger and Kushner might have to pay $10 billion for a startup team, why not call and see if Walter might accept a bit more for one of the marquee franchises in American sports?
Was this a blind call or was Walter looking to sell?
“It was suggested to us that maybe Mark Walter would be interested in selling his stake in the Lakers,” Iger told the California Post.
What did Dodgers president Stan Kasten have to say about that?
“I never knew that. He never said that to me,” Kasten said. “I think he was surprised by it. That’s what he has expressed to me. Mark had no plan to do this. This just came up, and he thought about it and said yes.”
Why might Walter have been interested in selling?
Mark Walter acknowledges a fan before a game against the Cubs in Chicago this month. (Melissa Tamez / Associated Press)
Only he can say for sure, but his companies are under federal investigation for failing to disclose and properly account for billions of dollars of loans among related entities. Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Walter’s holding company is trying to raise money that could help pay off or at least pay down those loans, and the Financial Times reported that company assets could be sold or restructured.
No charges have been filed, and investigations can conclude without charges. No allegations of wrongdoing have been made against Walter.
Is there a baseball angle to this?
Among the investment firms Walter’s holding company approached about “deals to raise cash,” according to Bloomberg: the asset management firm owned by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Cohen’s firm passed, according to the Financial Times.
When Walter and his partners bought the Dodgers, the runners-up: the bid team of Cohen and Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong.
Does Kasten believe the Lakers sale is related to the federal investigation?
“No, that never came up. And Mark and I discussed it,” Kasten said. “So, no, we don’t have any reason to think that. I certainly have no reason to think that.”
What does Walter’s sale of the Lakers mean for the Dodgers?
“It means nothing for the Dodgers,” someone who speaks regularly with Walter said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He owned them long before the Lakers and will own them long after.”
If Walter should later sell the Dodgers, what might have the greatest impact on the team?
Shohei Ohtani has an out clause in his contract if Mark Walter sells the team. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers includes an unusual escape clause: If Walter is no longer the controlling owner, or if Andrew Friedman is no longer running the Dodgers’ baseball operations department, Ohtani can opt out of the contract.
Would he?
Way too soon to tell. If major league owners get their way in collective bargaining, the proposed salary cap would mean Ohtani at $70 million could eat up just about one-third of any team’s payroll. And, in his third year with the Dodgers, he has yet to complete a full season as a pitcher, and a left knee in which manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani suffers from “wear and tear” could make him less of a two-way player as the contract winds down.
On the other hand, playing salary might be less of an issue for him than for any other player in baseball. Ohtani is making more than his annual salary — an estimated $125 million this year — from sponsorships and endorsements, and he famously deferred $68 million of each year’s salary so the Dodgers could spend more freely on players that could help him and the team win. After six losing years with the Angels and two World Series championships in two years with the Dodgers, a losing team might not entice Ohtani, no matter how much room it might have under a proposed cap.
Iger used to run Disney. How did Disney’s experience owning the Angels and Mighty Ducks go?
Disney chairman Michael Eisner, left, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, NHL chairman Bruce McNall and Mighty Ducks chairman Jack Lindquist blow duck calls announcing the name of the team in 1993. (Doug Pizac / Associated Press)
Disney dressed the Angels in uniforms derided by one player as “pinstripe pajamas,” put cheerleaders on the dugout roof, and installed a loud “countdown to first pitch.” This all seemed awful at the time but, given the plagues of in-game hosts and teams sporting jerseys in colors far beyond home white and road gray, perhaps Disney was just ahead of its time. And, for the first few years of the franchise, Mighty Ducks gear was some of the hottest merchandise in American sports.
Ultimately, Disney wanted the Angels and Mighty Ducks to launch an “ESPN West” regional sports channel. When that channel collapsed, Disney no longer needed the teams and eventually sold them. The Angels were such a minimal part of Disney’s portfolio that then-chief executive Michael Eisner showed up in the clubhouse and the players had no idea who he was.
Who owned the Angels when they won their one and only World Series championship?
Angels players waive to fans during the World Series title parade in Anaheim in 2002. (Jean-Marc Bouju / Associated Press)
One more try: Why did Walter really sell the Lakers?
“I think it was opportunistic and he found something that made sense to him,” Kasten said. “Mark’s a very sensible guy. But that’s really the only way I can explain it.
“You’ll have to talk to Mark about a more in-depth explanation and good luck.”
Times staff writer Maddie Lee contributed to this report.
This will be third the Field of Dreams Game and first since 2022, held at a venue inspired by the beloved 1989 film starring Kevin Costner. But the site has undergone major renovations since hosting its last MLB game and those upgrades should be on full display during the broadcast.
The Phillies are wearing road gray uniforms inspired by the ones the club wore from 1939-41. Meanwhile, the Twins will don home whites that harken back to 1961, the franchise's first season in Minneapolis.
More than 25 Baseball Hall of Famers are set to walk through the outfield as part of a cinematic pregame ceremony, before the Twins' Taj Bradley takes the mound, opposed by Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola.
Where to watch MLB Field of Dreams game
Philadelphia and Minnesota will be playing a regular-season MLB game at the "Field of Dreams" ballpark. Here's everything you need to know to watch it.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (pregame coverage begins at 6:30)
Location: Dyersville, Iowa
Streaming: Netflix
What time is Phillies vs Twins at Field of Dreams?
First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 13.
A sneak preview of the 2026 National League Championship Series might be set to unfold at Dodger Stadium starting Thursday night, Aug. 13.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers, both still vying for the best record in baseball, will begin a four-game series. It will feature Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani at the plate, Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski on the mound, and the requisite turnout of LA celebrities.
Last year, the Dodgers swept the Brewers in the NLCS on the way to their second straight World Series title. The Brewers are among the biggest obstacles preventing the Dodgers from a three-peat.
To assess who’s got the better team – at least before they play – it’s best to determine who has the edge at each position.
Dodgers vs. Brewers: Who has the edge?
Stats entering Wednesday's games.
First base (edge, Dodgers)
Jake Bauers, the Brewers’ primary first baseman, is having a career year with a team-high 21 homers and a team-best slugging percentage of .499. Dodgers stalwart Freddie Freeman has suffered a slight dip in HRs − and had a big scare Wednesday night − but leads the team with 135 hits and a batting average of .305 while remaining an asset on defense.
Second base (edge, Brewers)
Tommy Edman has been productive for the Dodgers since returning from a right ankle injury in mid-June. But Milwaukee’s Brice Turang has been instrumental for the Brewers, leading the team with 121 hits, including 16 home runs and 28 doubles, and a team-best 76 RBIs.
Shortstop (edge, Dodgers)
As bad as things have gone for Mookie Betts, he’s still slugged 14 homers and provides power the Brewers lack at this position. Cooper Pratt, a promising, 21-year-rookie for the Brewers, is out with a hamstring injury, forcing Milwaukee to plug in third baseman David Hamilton.
Third base (edge, Dodgers)
Max Muncy remains a power threat for the Dodgers. His 22 home runs this season are second best on the team, behind only Shohei Ohtani’s 26. Meanwhile, the Brewers’ lack of power at this position is almost as notable as what Muncy supplies.
Catcher (edge, Brewers)
Will Smith appears to be on his way back for the Dodgers from a neck injury. But until then, it’s duct tape, glue and staples holding together this position. The Brewers’ William Contreras is having a subpar year at the plate, but this season he still made the All-Star Game for the third time in five years.
Left field (edge, Brewers)
For the Dodgers, it’s become left field by committee because no one’s good enough to win the job. By contrast, Jackson Chourio, a rising star for the Brewers, is batting .275 with 17 homers and slugging at a .480 clip.
Center field (edge, Dodgers)
For the Dodgers, Andy Pages is batting .270 with 19 home runs and his WAR is a team-best 5.2. The Brewers have yet to find a player who merits the full-time job.
Right field (edge, Dodgers)
The Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal and still are waiting for the payoff. But Brewers’ speedster Garrett Mitchell is more underwhelming at the plate than Tucker and his potential upside.
Designated hitter (edge, Dodgers)
Shohei Ohtani is batting .290 with a team-best 26 home runs, .392 OBP and .929 OPS. Christian Yelich, a three-time All-Star, has struggled so much this year that he slipped in the batting order as low as No. 7.
Starting rotation (edge, Brewers)
The Brewers have the best pitcher in baseball in Jacob Misiorowski − his fastballs have been clocked as high as 105.5 mph − and ample talent around him. The Dodgers’ rotation should be world-class with the addition of Tarik Skubal, but it remains a work in progress.
Bullpen (edge, Brewers)
The trumpets are blaring again for Edwin Diaz, but elbow surgery did not solve his early-season struggles. Trevor Megill is an elite closer for the Brewers.
Manager (pick 'em)
The Brewers’ Pat Murphy is the back-to-back National League Manager of the Year. Dave Roberts has guided the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series titles.
COVERS INTEL:
