Category: Baseball

CINCINNATI — Growing up, Chase Burns dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees.

He’s about to make his major league debut against them.

The 22-year-old Burns will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds less than a year after being the second overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft.

“I wanted to be like Derek Jeter and play shortstop. I’m excited to have a Reds uniform, though,” Burns said before Cincinnati opened a three-game series against the Yankees.

The right-hander went 7-3 with a 1.77 ERA in 13 starts with Class-A Dayton, Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville before Reds brass declared him big league ready. He was elevated to the taxi squad and will be added to the active roster.

“I talked about it a lot. I wanted to move up quick and make an impact, but when it happens it’s surreal. Just the other day it felt like I was in Dayton and making my first start,” Burns said.

Burns will be the fifth first-round selection from last year’s draft to reach the majors, joining Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone, Angels second baseman Christian Moore and Astros outfielder Cam Smith, who was selected by the Cubs before going to Houston in the Kyle Tucker trade last December. Burns and Kurtz both attended Wake Forest.

Burns’ strength is his fastball, which is averaging 97 mph and regularly hits triple digits. He also has an above-average slider as a secondary pitch and has improved his changeup.

He led full-season minor league pitchers with a 0.77 WHIP, ranked fifth in ERA, was sixth with 89 strikeouts and tied for sixth with an opponents’ batting average of .167.

“He’s electric on the mound. He throws hard and his off-speed stuff is great,” Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott said. “He comes in with the right makeup and mentality. With all of those things combined, he’ll be ready.”

Making a big league debut creates its own special kind of stress. Doing it against one of the top lineups in the majors takes that to another level.

The third hitter Burns will likely face is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who hit his 28th home run during the first inning in the first game of the series.

Burns, though, is trying to remain level-headed.

“I know he’s there. Just enjoy the moment,” Burns said. “There’s going to be pressure in anything you do in life. That’s what my dad instilled in me. And, of course, being the No. 2 overall pick, you’re going to have a lot of pressure. At the end of the day, you just have to have fun.”

According to baseball-reference.com, Burns will be the 58th starting pitcher since 1961 to make his major league debut against the Yankees. Included on that list are Luis Tiant, Blake Snell, Jacob deGrom, David Wells and Jake Peavy.

Another person who isn’t concerned about Burns’ debut coming against the Yankees is his manager.

“I don’t think you give a (darn) about the mystique. If we did that, we probably made a mistake,” Terry Francona said. “We don’t make decisions because of that. That’s maybe for social media, not for what we’re doing.

“You can’t replicate your first game in the major leagues. It might be the most exciting day in your life, and don’t back away from that. But whatever happens tomorrow is not going to define his career. You know, if he throws seven shutout innings, everybody is going to put him in the Hall of Fame. If he gives up four runs in three innings, they will want to send him down. I told him, just be who you are and let’s see if they can hit you.”

The Reds (41-38) opened the series with a 6-1 win having won 11 of 16 to get within two games of the final NL wild-card spot.

Cincinnati is 12-8 in June, tied for the third-best record in the NL.

Burns’ promotion and high-priced infielder Jeimer Candelario being designated for assignment indicate the Reds think they can make a run at a postseason spot in Francona’s first year as manager.

“The front office and ownership could have stalled out Burns, but he’s an extremely talented player that everyone can see can help us win now. It reinforces and shows they believe in us as well, which is pretty cool,” said outfielder Gavin Lux, who homered in the win. “Guys are pulling for each other and we’re starting to gain some momentum.”

CINCINNATI — Jeimer Candelario — the Reds’ highest-priced signing of the past six seasons — has seen his tenure in Cincinnati end.

The Reds designated the oft-injured infielder for assignment before their game against the New York Yankees.

Candelario signed a three-year, $45 million contract in December 2023. He is owed nearly $23 million, including $7,983,871 for the remainder of this season, $12 million for next season and a $3 million buyout for 2027.

“It was hard to get a hold of him. And (general manager) Nick (Krall) finally talked to him and said it was, as you can imagine, (difficult),” manager Terry Francona said. “I have tried to reach out to him, and he understandably, it was just going to voicemail, and I get it. But again, I will say, it’s tough. I know that’s not an easy decision, but we think it can help make us better.”

The 31-year old Candelario was batting .113 (9 of 80) in 22 games this season. He had been sidelined since late April due to a lumbar spine strain. He was on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville before returning to Cincinnati.

Candelario played 131 games for Cincinnati and batted .207.

The Reds, who have won 11 of their last 16, have been encouraged by the play of Christian Encarnacion-Strand at third base and Spencer Steer at first.

NEW YORK — Rookie infielder Luisangel Acuña was sent to the minors by the slumping New York Mets amid several roster moves.

New York also signed left-handed reliever Richard Lovelady to a one-year deal and selected the contract of outfielder Travis Jankowski from Triple-A Syracuse. Both were available for the opener of a four-game series against Atlanta.

Acuña, the younger brother of Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., was optioned to Syracuse along with right-handed reliever Tyler Zuber following a 7-1 loss at Philadelphia.

Before that game, the Mets demoted another touted youngster to Syracuse: catcher Francisco Alvarez.

New York has lost nine of 10, falling 1.5 games behind the first-place Phillies in the NL East.

Acuña, acquired from Texas in 2023 for three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, has scuffled lately at the plate after hitting .308 with six steals to earn NL rookie of the month honors for March/April. The 23-year-old has slumped to a .241 batting average and largely been relegated to pinch running and defensive-replacement duties. He is expected to receive regular playing time at Syracuse.

In other news, ace pitcher Kodai Senga, speaking through a translator, told reporters his injured right hamstring feels “great” and he hopes to throw off a mound soon. Senga, injured covering first base June 12 against Washington, believes a rehab assignment is “on the horizon.”

“The good thing is that he kept throwing, even right after the injury, so he was able to keep the arm going,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I was told that he was going to play catch off the mound. Not necessarily a bullpen, but he’s already getting on the mound and letting the ball go with some type of intensity. That’s a really good sign.”

After being limited to one start during the 2024 regular season because of shoulder and calf injuries, Senga was brilliant in his first 13 starts this year, going 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA.

“I feel great and I am recovering really well,” he said. “I want to take it day by day. Maybe some days I can push it a little bit further, while some days I need to take it a step back and take it easy. So those are the types of conversations I’m having every day and those are very helpful.”

Jankowski signed a minor league contract with New York on June 10. He is playing on his third major league team in 2025, after spending time with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. He received a spring training invite from the Chicago Cubs but was released on March 12.

Jankowski appeared in 43 games for the Mets in 2022. He played college ball at Stony Brook University, located on Long Island less than 40 miles from Citi Field.

Lovelady had been pitching at Triple-A St. Paul in the Minnesota Twins organization before getting released. The 29-year-old reliever had a 1.31 ERA in 19 outings.

Lovelady made two appearances for Toronto in March and also has pitched for the Royals, Rays, Athletics and Cubs during a six-year career. He is 5-13 with a 5.26 ERA and three saves in 110 games, holding left-handed hitters to a .232 batting average.

“Lefty, kind of the low slot, the sinker, the slider, and now he’s got a sweeper, too,” Mendoza said. “He’s just another weapon for the bullpen that we can use to mix and match.”

Right-hander Frankie Montas is expected to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list to make his Mets debut. Montas, signed to a two-year, $34 million contract in December, has been sidelined since spring training with a right lat strain.

“He’s a guy, when we signed him in the offseason, that was going to be a big part of this rotation,” Mendoza said. “I’ve seen him pitch for a lot of years at this level and have success. ... The expectation is to go out there, compete and give us a chance to win a baseball game every time he takes the ball, starting tomorrow.”

In another roster move, outfielder Jose Siri (left tibia fracture) was transferred to the 60-day IL.

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Brewers pitchers Brandon Woodruff and Nestor Cortes finally are getting closer to returning after lengthy recoveries from their respective injuries.

Woodruff and Cortes both pitched in simulated games. Woodruff, who hasn’t pitched in a major league game since September 2023, threw 60 pitches. Cortes, who made just two starts this year before going on the injured list in early April, threw 22-23 pitches in the simulated game and about 25-30 more in a bullpen session.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said the staff would work together to determine the next steps for Woodruff, who is hopeful he might need only one more rehabilitation outing before making his long-awaited return from postseason shoulder surgery in 2023.

“I’ve always been a guy, when I’m ready, I’m ready,” Woodruff said. “I kind of know that. I’m not saying that’s going to lead to results, but I know that I’m ready to go pitch and compete. I think I’m to that point now.”

Cortes says he’s aiming to start a rehabilitation appearance in early July before rejoining the Brewers just after the All-Star break as the 30-year-old left-hander recovers from a flexor strain in his throwing elbow.

“That’s when we believe is the safest — and I guess the safest and quickest way to get back — combination of both,” Cortes said.

Woodruff, 32, already has been on two separate rehabilitation stints this year.

The two-time All-Star right-hander left the first one with tendinitis in his right ankle. He was pitching for Triple-A Nashville again on June 3 when a 108-mph line drive struck him in the right elbow, leaving a bruise that delayed his return.

“It’s been the hardest thing,” Woodruff said. “If you don’t stay positive with it, it makes coming to the field miserable, to be honest. When the team’s on the road and I’m here, me and Nestor are here by ourselves, it’s a pretty lonely place.”

Woodruff said his family has helped him stay positive. That’s also worked for Cortes.

Woodruff and his wife, Jonie, have a daughter named Kyler who turns 5 in August and a son named Bowen who was born last July. Cortes’ wife, Alondra, gave birth to Nestor Cortes III in April.

“That’s been the biggest help for me,” Woodruff said. “I was thinking about it last night. Getting to feed my little boy a bottle at night before he goes to bed, you don’t get that when the team’s on the road. All these experiences, and getting to see him about to start walking, getting to see that day to day, family’s been the biggest thing for sure. That’s filled the time up until the game starts and I’m watching the games. Having two kids has definitely kept me busy.”

While Woodruff and Cortes move closer to a return, the Brewers await word on the severity of a minor league prospect’s injury.

Third baseman Brock Wilken, the 18th overall pick out of Wake Forest in the 2023 draft, hurt his knee during Double-A Biloxi’s celebration of its Southern League South Division first-half title. Murphy said Wilken had a dislocated patellar tendon and was awaiting a second opinion regarding the injury.

Wilken, 23, was hitting .230 with a .392 on-base percentage, 18 homers, 41 RBIs and 57 walks in 65 games with Biloxi.

ST. LOUIS — The Chicago Cubs selected the contract of right-hander Michael Fulmer from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-hander Nate Pearson to Iowa ahead of a four-game series against the Cardinals.

Fulmer, 32, returns to the Cubs after going 3-5 with two saves and a 4.42 ERA in 58 appearances for Chicago in 2023.

Fulmer missed the 2024 season after undergoing UCL revision surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 18, 2023.

Fulmer, who was the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year with Detroit, had Tommy John surgery on March 27, 2019, and returned to the major leagues on July 27, 2020, just after the start of the pandemic-shortened season.

“It took me a few months to get stuff and velo back,” Fulmer said about his first Tommy John surgery. “Once I got all the game reps I needed, my stuff came back. So, I think we’re getting on that timeline now where I’m feeling good, body’s feeling great, no complaints, stuff’s starting to come back a little bit and I’m really just excited.”

Fulmer signed a minor league deal with Boston on Feb. 2, 2024, but did not play for the rest of the season. He allowed three runs on four hits in his lone appearance with Boston in April at Tampa Bay before the Red Sox designated him for assignment four days later.

Fulmer inked a minor league contract with the Cubs on April 22 and went 1-0 with a 2.96 ERA in 24 1/3 innings over 15 games with Iowa.

“You know he’s went through a lot, you know he’s sticking with it,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “It’s a sign of what you’re made of, I think. It really is. I know moments like getting back to the big leagues are important, and they validate a lot of the hard work and a lot of the rehabs and a lot of the things like that. You’re happy for guys like Michael who get a shot again.”

Pearson was recalled from Iowa and allowed five runs on five hits and two walks in two innings on versus Seattle.

Chicago (46-31) enters play with a 3 1/2 game lead over Milwaukee and a 4 1/2 game lead over St. Louis in the NL Central Division.

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — Dominican prosecutors requested that suspended Tampa Bay Rays player Wander Franco, who faces charges of sexual abuse involving a girl who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, be sentenced to five years in prison.

The prosecutors said in court there is sufficient evidence to prove Franco had a relationship with the minor for four months and that he transferred large sums of money to the minor’s mother to consent to the illegal relationship.

During raids on the house of the minor’s mother, prosecutors say they found $68,500 and $35,000 that they allege was delivered by Franco.

“We are requesting a five-year prison sentence for the proven crime of sexual abuse against a minor,” said prosecutor José Martínez.

The prosecutors also requested that Wander be sentenced to prison in Puerto Plata and that the minor’s mother be sentenced to 10 years in prison, arguing she sexually trafficked her daughter.

In a previous hearing, prosecutors described the evidence presented as “convincing” and “compelling.”

“What is Wander? Is he an accomplice of Vanessa or is he the material author of the criminal conspiracy offense?” said Irina Ventura, one of Franco’s lawyers arguing ambiguities on the part of the prosecutors.

Franco’s lawyers also asked the court to clear Franco of the charges and to dismiss the case.

After the closing arguments from both, the collegiate court of Puerto Plata, in northern Dominican Republic, where Wander Franco’s trial is being held, announced that they are going to issue the final decision on the case.

Documents that prosecutors presented to the judge last year and were viewed by The Associated Press alleged that Franco, through his mother Yudelka Aybar, transferred 1 million pesos ($17,000) to the mother of the minor on Jan. 5, 2023, to consent to purported abuse.

Franco was in his third major league season when his career was halted in August 2023. He agreed to an 11-year, $182 million contract in November 2021. He is currently on Major League Baseball’s restricted list after initially being placed on administrative leave.

Arizona signed James McCann to a major league contract following his release from the Atlanta Braves, and the 35-year-old catcher joined the Diamondbacks for their game against the Chicago White Sox.

Arizona also designated catcher Aramis Garcia for assignment.

McCann agreed to a one-year contract for the $760,000 minimum while in the major leagues and $180,000 while in the minors. With 99 days remaining in the season, McCann would receive $404,516 should he remain in the majors the rest of the way.

He signed a minor league deal with the Braves on April 8 and was released, which allowed him to sign with Arizona. Over 41 games with Triple-A Gwinnett, he hit .297 with six homers and 30 RBIs.

A second-round draft pick in 2011 by Detroit, McCann has played 11 seasons in the majors with the Tigers (2014-18), White Sox (2019-20), Mets (2021-22) and Orioles (2023-24). He has batted .241 over his career with 92 homers and 373 RBIs.

McCann was selected to the 2019 All-Star Game. That season with the White Sox, he set career highs in hits (120), homers (18) and RBIs (60).

Its Tuesday, June 24 and the Dodgers (48-31) are in Denver to take on the Rockies (18-60).

The Dodgers have yet to announce their start for today. Germán Márquez will be on the bump for Colorado.

Los Angeles sits atop the National League West. Their lead has grown to 3.5 games over San Francisco following a stretch of seven wins in their last ten games. The Rockies are racing towards infamy with just 18 wins in their first 78 games. They sit 29.5 games behind the Dodgers. Colorado's run differential is a jaw-dropping -202.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two in the series opener.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Dodgers at Rockies

• Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
• Time: 8:40PM EST
• Site: Coors Field
• City: Denver, CO
• Network/Streaming: SNLA, COLR

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Dodgers at the Rockies

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

• Moneyline: Dodgers (-230), Rockies (+190)
• Spread:  Dodgers -1.5
• Total: 11.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Dodgers at Rockies

• Pitching matchup for June 24, 2025: TBD vs. Germán Márquez
  
  • Dodgers: TBD
  • Rockies: Germán Márquez (3-8, 6.11 ERA)
    Last outing: 6/18 at Washington - 5.2IP, 0ER, 6H, 2BB, 2Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Dodgers at Rockies

• The Dodgers have won 7 straight games against the Rockies
• 4 of the Rockies' last 5 games against National League teams have gone under the Total
• Shohei Ohtani is 4-15 over his last 4 games
• Mookie Betts has 1 hit in each of his last 3 games (3-13)

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Rockies

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Dodgers and the Rockies:

• Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Dodgers on the Moneyline.
• Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Colorado Rockies at +1.5.
• Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 11.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

• Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
• Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
• Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
• Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

Its Tuesday, June 24 and the Phillies (47-31) are in Houston to open a series against the Astros (45-33).

Ranger Suárez is slated to take the mound for Philadelphia against Framber Valdez for Houston.

Monday was a travel day for both clubs. The Astros returned home after a trip to the West Coast that saw them win four of seven games while the Phillies head to Texas following a brief but successful, three-game homestand as they took two of three against the Mets.

Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Phillies at Astros

• Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
• Time: 8:10PM EST
• Site: Minute Maid Park
• City: Houston, TX
• Network/Streaming: NBCSP, SCHN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Phillies at the Astros

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

• Moneyline: Phillies (+119), Astros (-142)
• Spread:  Astros -1.5
• Total: 7.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Phillies at Astros

• Pitching matchup for June 24, 2025: Ranger Suárez vs. Framber Valdez
  
  • Phillies: Ranger Suárez (6-1, 2.20 ERA)
    Last outing: 6/18 at Miami - 7IP, 1ER, 4H, 2BB, 8Ks
  • Astros: Framber Valdez (8-4, 3.09 ERA)
    Last outing: 6/18 at Athletics - 6IP, 2ER, 5H, 5BB, 3Ks

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Phillies at Astros

• The Phillies have won 4 of their last 5 games against teams with winning records
• In 7 of the Astros' last 8 home games the Under has cashed with Framber Valdez as the starter
• It has been 4 games since the Astros last covered the Run Line
• Jeremy Pena has hit safely in 4 of his last 5 games (10-23)
• Trea Turner was 4-13 against the Mets this past weekend
• Kyle Schwarber has hit in 4 straight games (6-14)

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Astros

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Phillies and the Astros:

• Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
• Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Philadelphia Phillies at +1.5.
• Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

• Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
• Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
• Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
• Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)