Jeanie Buss’ attorney, Adam Streisand, filed a continuation (postponement) in her petition in Los Angeles Superior Court after the hearing was initially scheduled for Nov. 5.
The continuation request was granted, with the hearing being rescheduled for Dec. 8.
Streisand, Buss’ lead counsel, requested the continuation because he’s scheduled to be in Europe for two speaking engagements and isn’t returning to Los Angeles until Nov 18.
Buss originally filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court last week looking to block her siblings’ attempted sale of their minority ownership stake of the franchise.
Jeanie Buss is seen during the statue unveiling for former Lakers coach Pat Riley in Star Plaza in front of Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Los Angeles. Riley won four championships as Lakers head coach. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Jeanie Buss called her siblings’ behavior “devious” in the 97-page petition, which was obtained by the California Post. The petition stated Jeanie was “blinded” by the attempted sale and that the family’s statement provided to ESPN was “knowingly false: Jeanie never agreed to any sale, was never consulted, and was never even informed.”
“Jeanie thought she had put all of her siblings’ scheming and manipulations behind her in 2017,” the petition stated. “Sadly, that was not the case — and Jeanie must respectfully request relief from this Court a second time.”
Siblings Joey and Jesse Buss, from left, recently became minority owners in the San Diego Padres amidst the family controversy. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The petition includes five orders:
Instructing trustees to comply with 2017 court order;
Declaring purported trustee resolution void;
Surcharging and removing co-trustees Joey H. Buss and Janie M. Buss for breach of fiduciary duty;
Holding Joey H. Buss and Janie M. Buss in contempt of court;
Holding James, Johnny and Jesse Buss in contempt and liable for aiding and abetting.
Jeanie Buss, the third-oldest child of the late Dr. Jerry Buss, first made it clear she opposed her siblings’ vote to sell the family’s share of the Lakers, according to a letter from Streisand that was obtained by The Post, arguing her siblings can’t legally execute a sale without her approval and that any vote of the Buss family selling would be “void.”
To remain the Lakers governor, Jeanie or the Buss family would need to maintain control of at least 15% of the franchise, per NBA rules.
Jeanie has been team’s governor since 2013 after Jerry’s death.
When Walter purchased the majority ownership of the Lakers from the Buss family, the league announced that Buss would remain the team’s governor for at least five years (through 2030).
The Buss family’s litigation isn’t expected to impact the sale of the Lakers from Mark Walter to Josh Kushner (pictured) and Bob Iger. Getty Images
Streisand’s original letter to lawyers for the other siblings demanded that they retract the announcement of the proposed sale, insisting that rules of the family trust and a 2017 court ruling make clear that Jeanie Buss will remain a controlling owner of the team.
Jeanie Buss argued her attempting to stop her siblings’ sale of the Lakers, which would prevent her from continuing as the franchise’s governor, is not only a way to “enforce her parents’ intent” but also “protect the strategic decision by the trustees less than a year ago to sell a portion of the team and retain an interest sufficient to maintain control and to benefit from the continuously skyrocketing value.”
The petition also states that other minority owners support Jeanie Buss staying as governor.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: James Hicks #21 and Walker Janek #6 of the Houston Astros walk off the field prior to a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Miami Marlins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 19, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Houston Astros are scheduled to play the first game of the 2027 Spring Training season on Friday, Feb. 19 when they host the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.
The 2027 season will mark the Astros 11th Spring Training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, located in West Palm Beach, Fla. The ballpark is shared with the Nationals, with separate training facilities located on opposite sides of the ballpark.
The Astros are scheduled to play 15 Spring Training home games in West Palm Beach vs. a variety of popular opponents. Houston is scheduled to play 30 official Spring Training games overall in Florida in 2027.
Highlights from the Astros Grapefruit League home schedule include four games against the New York Mets (Feb. 22, 25, Mar. 12, 16) and three games vs. the St. Louis Cardinals (March 7, 15, 21). The 2027 schedule will also include rare visits from the New York Yankees (March 6) and Detroit Tigers (March 2). Additional opponents include the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals.
The Astros home schedule will include several weekend options, with two Friday games, four Saturday games and two Sunday games.
Major League Baseball’s Spring Breakout Games will return in 2027, showcasing baseball’s future stars as clubs assemble their top prospects to play in exhibition games against one another. The date of the Astros Breakout Game will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Game start times for 2027 Astros Spring Training schedule will be released at a later date.
The Los Angeles Sparks are hiring Philadelphia 76ers vice president of player personnel Ariana Andonian as their new general manager, the team announced Friday.
Andonian is replacing Raegan Pebley, whom L.A. parted ways with in July following 2 1/2 years with the organization.
The Sparks significantly built out their front office during the past offseason after failing to invest in the team’s basketball operations for several years. Many of those hires came from the NBA, and Los Angeles still lacks personnel with a significant background in women’s basketball.
The search for Pebley’s replacement was conducted by Farhan Zaidi, special advisor to Sparks owner Mark Walter. This is the third executive hire the Sparks have made out of the NBA in the past year.
They hired assistant general managers Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen from the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively, before the 2026 season. Andonian has been with the 76ers for two seasons after seven years with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies. She also consulted with Duke’s basketball program while getting her MBA.
Andonian is tasked with revitalizing one of the WNBA’s legacy franchises, which has fallen out of relevance of late. The Sparks will miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season, but win-now trades have left them with only two first-round picks from that stretch on their roster: Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell.
Andonian will be the public face of an organization that has been mostly quiet since Pebley’s departure, besides the seismic move to deal Kelsey Plum at the trade deadline.
Andonian will also get to decide the future of coach Lynne Roberts, who is 36-48 in her two seasons in Los Angeles. Roberts has an uneven track record developing the Sparks’ young players; while Burrell has taken significant steps forward, Brink has been relegated to a bench role and hasn’t made the same impact as other members of the highly touted 2024 draft class.
The franchise is on track to open a new practice facility in 2027, finally giving the team a home after years of being displaced across the expanse of Los Angeles County.
We’re still in the stretch run for the 2026 postseason, but today Major League Baseball and the Cubs announced Spring Training schedules for next year.
As is the case for the regular season schedule, there will be the earliest-ever date for the beginning of Spring Training games. This, of course, is subject to the labor negotiations for the next MLB/MLBPA collective bargaining agreement, which could include an owners lockout. Thus these dates are all subject to change.
Here is the complete Cubs 2027 spring schedule. Home games in boldface. (ss) denotes split squad. The Cubs have two split squad games, Feb. 28 and March 12.
Game times will be added when available, all times Central. The Cubs say you can call 480-668-0500, email mesa@cubs.com or visit the Sloan Park website for additional information.
Fri 2/19: vs. Athletics at Mesa Sat 2/20: vs. Reds at Sloan Park Sun 2/21: vs. Padres at Sloan Park Mon 2/22: vs. Diamondbacks at Scottsdale Tue 2/23: vs. White Sox at Sloan Park Wed 2/24: vs. Royals at Surprise Thu 2/25: vs. Angels at Sloan Park Fri 2/26: vs. Padres at Peoria Sat 2/27: vs. Rockies at Sloan Park Sun 2/28: vs. Royals at Sloan Park (ss) Sun 2/28: vs. Rangers at Surprise (ss) Mon 3/1: vs. Angels at Tempe Tue 3/2: OFF DAY Wed 3/3: vs. Guardians at Goodyear Thu 3/4: vs. Rangers at Sloan Park Fri 3/5: vs. Dodgers at Glendale Sat 3/6: vs. Mariners at Sloan Park Sun 3/7: vs. Brewers at Phoenix Mon 3/8: vs. Giants at Sloan Park Tue 3/9: OFF DAY Wed 3/10: vs. Athletics at Sloan Park Thu 3/11: vs. Rockies at Scottsdale Fri 3/12: vs. Guardians at Sloan Park (ss) Fri 3/12: vs. White Sox at Glendale (ss) Sat 3/13: vs. Diamondbacks at Scottsdale Sun 3/14: (DST begins) vs. Athletics at Sloan Park Mon 3/15: vs. Dodgers at Sloan Park Tue 3/16: vs. Reds at Goodyear Wed 3/17: vs. Brewers at Sloan Park Thu 3/18: OFF DAY Fri 3/19: vs. Diamondbacks at Sloan Park Sat 3/20: vs. Giants at Scottsdale Sun 3/21: vs. Mariners at Peoria Mon 3/22: vs. Brewers at Sloan Park Tue 3/23: vs. Brewers at Sloan Park
Here’s a calendar style schedule if you prefer that format.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 29: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from the dugout in the second inning while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On September 1, it was announced that Stan Kroenke would buy the Anaheim Angels from Arte Moreno for more than $4 billion, eclipsing the highest sale price for an MLB team, set recently by the San Diego Padres. The Angels deal is noteworthy because the team’s lease on the city-owned land runs through 2032.
On August 28, Gov. Newsom signed AB-2512, “The Home Run for Anaheim Act.” Per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, the law provides the city of Anaheim with an incentive if the team wishes to develop the 150-acre Angel Stadium property; state law would prioritize affordable housing within the site. If the team sought an exemption to this requirement:
In an era when team owners covet the profits from development around stadiums and arenas — including places for fans to eat, drink and shop 365 days a year, not just on game days — Anaheim could seek an exemption from the affordable housing law. That wouldn’t rule out housing on the site, but it would give a team more flexibility to build whatever project might be considered most profitable.
If the city obtains the exemption, the new law says, “then any materials, including, but not limited to, a lease, deed of sale, and promotional or marketing materials, shall refer to that team as the Anaheim Angels.
If you are thinking that this law is a roundabout way to fix the name of the Anaheim team, you would not be wrong. While the Angels have officially been known as the Los Angeles Angels in recent years, I have made it a point to refuse to capitulate for three reasons:
It’s geographically wrong – Anaheim is not Los Angeles, nor is Anaheim in Los Angeles County
It’s a linguistic nightmare – Los Angeles in Spanish is the angels, so effectively, the organization is adopting the the angels angels as a name
I’m petty – I refuse to let Arte Moreno’s gambit to pander to Los Angeles work
Arte Moreno is set to make a massive profit, having bought the team for $184 million in 2003. We have made much merry as to the organization’s staggering incompetence over the past five years. The Angels had prime Mike Trout and prime Shohei Ohtani and could not get close to a .500 record, much less a championship after the pair’s first year together.
Ohtani has gone two-for-two in championships since arriving in Los Angeles. It is striking that the Dodgers have something in common with the Angels: they are bungling their handling of Shohei Ohtani.
Ignore your lying eyes?
There is something physically wrong with Shohei Ohtani. Only now, the Dodgers might finally be doing something about it.
As a fan, you’ve seen it with your own eyes for months. First, Ohtani hurt his left knee, which sidelined him from the start on July 3. On July 29th, Dave Roberts announced that Ohtani was also dealing with a right bicep issue.
Ohtani has not pitched in the second half.
The Japanese Superman has looked far more like Clark Kent at the plate in the second half, with a slash line of .250/.333/.476 with 9 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 22 RBI, 5 SB (out of 6 tries), 19 BB, and 49 Ks. This slash line would be fine for a player with a lower ceiling, but over the past two years, Ohtani has been a dynamic force on offense, outside of the 2024 World Series when he injured his shoulder.
Now, Ohtani just looks normal, which should be setting off alarm bells all over Dodger Nation. This offensive malaise, which feels overly dramatic here but Ohtani has set the bar ridiculously high in his two previous campaigns, came to a head on September 2 when Ohtani had one of the more physically uncomfortable at-bats in memory, mimicking the Tin Man (sans oil) of “The Wizard of Oz.”
It was heroic when Kirk Gibson essentially was “all arms, no legs” against Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. But circumstances and context matter. For Ohtani to be in the same position on September 2 borders on professional malpractice.
GM Brandon Gomes added fuel to this argument by disputing Ohtani’s struggles can be tied to how he’s been feeling physically. I do not see how one can credibly make this argument.
One need only compare Ohtani to Kyle Tucker, who is clearly physically fine but mired in an existential mental crisis that seems to deepen with each lazy pop up while at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani looks to be physically impaired, which is not the same thing.
Dustin Nosler of Dodgers Digestwrote an excellent, comprehensive breakdown of how Ohtani has been struggling at the plate in the second half of 2026. Rather than repeat or duplicate his work, I will instead heartily recommend that everyone read it, while I summarize the key points.
Ohtani’s average and whiff rate are getting worse
Pitchers are starting to work Ohtani up and away, but are also challenging him in the heart of the plate.
As a result, Ohtani’s chase rate has gone up
Nosler comes to a stark conclusion based on what we have seen before:
Now, Ohtani didn’t suddenly forget how to hit. Superhuman ball players don’t just lose it in the span of a couple months. It can all be traced back to the knee injury (and, possibly, the bicep injury).
While this version of Ohtani is productive — and we’ve seen some flashes of him being pre-June 13 Ohtani — he isn’t what the struggling Dodgers’ offense needs. They need the guy he has been the last two years, but it’s increasingly unlikely he’s going to be that guy while managing the knee injury.
At some point, if/when do the Dodgers force the issue and put Ohtani on the injured list? Because if this is the version of Ohtani we get for the rest of 2026, coupled with no pitching, might not be enough to secure a 3-peat. Yes, the other hitters in the lineup have to do their respective part, but it all starts and ends with Ohtani.
[Emphasis added.]
The MVP cake is baked
When one takes a broader view of what is left in the year, a lot of the noise falls away when one remembers what the actual goal is.
While the Dodgers have played footsie as to when Ohtani will return to the mound, circumstances surrounding whether the team was asking the right question came to a head after the Dodgers coughed up another game against a sub-500 opponent in 2025-fashion. Dave Roberts spoke to Fabian Ardaya of The Athleticafter Game 2 of the Cardinals series about Ohtani’s status:
“Tonight was kind of the tip of the iceberg,” manager Dave Roberts said of his star, whose every limp and wince has become a major talking point for the reigning back-to-back World Series champions.
“I’ve seen it over the last couple weeks, where he hasn’t been who he is.”
Roberts downplayed Ohtani going on the injured list, while acknowledging that he and the training staff would talk to Ohtani about what to do in the remaining 22 games of the regular season.
“I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup,” Roberts said. “(That) if he’s upright, he should play. I respect that. But if he’s feeling the way that visibly looks, then really not helping anyone.”
“I saw the same thing that everyone saw,” Roberts said. “I saw the shaking of the arm. I saw the wincing. Clearly, the swings aren’t who he is.”
“I think he’s just going to have to find a way to make do and do the best he can,” Roberts said. “But what can I do? Have the conversation. Get him off his feet. Kind of try to get some strength back. Get him feeling better, and then run them out there.”
[Emphasis added.]
For all the talk of Ohtani not having any restrictions this year as a two-way player, it sure is helpful that he expended all that effort on starts in Houston and San Francisco in May. Hindsight is 20/20, but it feels that everyone took their eye of the ball here.
The Dodgers’ personnel moves with the September roster expansion, which merit their own rant/discussion, only make sense if Ohtani is finally put on the injured list to recuperate. The Dodgers have a catcher on the roster who literally cannot catch right now: Dalton Rushing.
While no one is eager to relive the “Dalton Rushing is now accidentally important at work” arc, half measures of giving Ohtani a day off here and there seem woefully inadequate and short-sighted. Plus, Rushing has been out of action, so some daily reps might get him back to speed, especially if he ends up on the playoff roster.
Moreover, there’s no real point to having Ohtani drag himself to play right now, as battered as he is.
At worst, barring a collapse that would require people to be retired/forced out/sacked, the Dodgers will finish no worse than the third seed. That scenario is not ideal and likely creates the possibility of some darkly ironic situations in October. But the fact remains true with or without Ohtani.
As things stand, Shohei Ohtani’s streak of Most Valuable Player Awards is likely over, as the Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong is having a bar trivia year (“Name the player to win the 2026 NL MVP award.”; see also “Name the player to win the 2018 World Series MVP.” — if you said Mookie Betts, you’d be wrong; it was Steve Pearce.).
The question I would ask
Ohtani wants to play every day, but it’s clear that every time he tries to take an extra base and every at-bat, he’s risking making his injuries worse.
If Ohtani still resists a stint on the injured list to recover, I would ask him the following question. And I apologize in advance for my awkward Japanese, as my studies are not to the point to let me communicate how I would in my native tongue even after two years plus of study:
(Mr. Ohtani, which is more important to you: an individual award of a team championship?)
At least, Ohtani demonstrated good sense in accepting sitting out Thursday’s finale against the Cardinals.
It appears unlikely that Ohtani will be stretched out or healthy enough to retake the mound as a starting pitcher in 2026. There have been rumblings that Ohtani should return to left field, which, honestly, is a terrible idea given the injuries we have covered in this article. If Ohtani can get back to some semblance of form, it might be wise to use him in a Sasaki-esque/World Baseball Classic-esque reliever role, which is fodder for later.
Frankly, if the Dodgers are going to go down in their title defense, I would rather Ohtani be on the mound than Tanner Scott or Edwin Diaz. I am hardly chicken on the matter, either.
No disrespect to Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Teoscar Hernandez, but if Ohtani ends up going down for the year, the chance of a three-peat goes kaput, right quick.
On Thursday, it was announced that former Winnipeg Jets netminder Michael Hutchinson is staying in the game, just from a different vantage point.
The Selkirk Steelers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League have brought Hutchinson on as their new goaltending coach, giving the club a bona fide NHL veteran to work with its young goaltenders.
The move comes just weeks after the 36-year-old announced his retirement from professional hockey at the end of July, closing the book on an 11-season NHL career that saw him suit up for six different organizations.
Hutchinson signed with the Winnipeg Jets organization in 2013 and quickly turned heads, starring with the AHL's St. John's IceCaps before earning a full-time NHL job. His best season came in 2014-15, when he went 21-10-5 with a 2.38 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage while splitting time with Ondrej Pavelec, a performance that helped push Winnipeg back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the franchise relocated from Atlanta.
The Barrie, Ont. native would go on to play 102 games for the Jets across parts of five seasons before later stints with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings. In total, he appeared in 154 NHL regular-season games, finishing with a 57-62-18 record, a 2.94 GAA, a .903 save percentage and six shutouts.
When word of his retirement broke, the Jets paid tribute online, congratulating Hutchinson and adding they "can't wait to see you at the Alumni Game," a nod to the lasting connection between the goaltender and the city where he found his greatest success.
Hutchinson has chosen to remain in Winnipeg, where he already runs a local goaltending school, Hutchinson Goaltending. Now, with the Steelers, he takes the next step in his hockey journey, moving behind the bench and is helping bring over a decade of NHL experience to the next generation of Manitoba netminders.
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RICHMOND, VA - AUGUST 25: Henry Godbout #21 of the Portland Sea Dogs looks on during the game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Richmond Flying Squirrels at CarMax Park on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Matthew Mitrani/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Worcester Red Sox 3, Buffalo Bisons 3 (Suspended after 9 innings)
Rain hit at Sahlen Field in Buffalo at the most inopportune time, moments after the Bisons tied the game with a run in the bottom of the ninth. In to close the game, Hobie Harris walked four Bisons (TOR) hitters before it started raining. Kristian Campbell stood at the plate with a 1-1 count to start the top of the tenth when the skies opened up, and the game could not resume.
Blake Wehunt started the game and went six innings, allowing one run and striking out six. At the dish, the Woo Sox had multi-hit games from Franklin Arias, Mikey Romero, Romy Gonzalez, and Vinny Capra. Gonzalez was 4-for-5 with one RBI.
Romy has been on fire in recent weeks after getting the short end of the stick with the big league club. Rushing back from his rehab, Gonzalez was given just 65 at-bats (.185 BA) before his demotion. He deserves another shot this season, but it will be tough to find a spot for him with an already crowded infield, which just got more crowded with the return of Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and with Curtis Mead possibly returning later this month. Gonzalez is 9-for-14 in the past three games and is slashing .371/.423/.557 since returning to Worcester on August 7th, with three home runs and 16 RBI.
Tonight’s game will restart at 5:05 PM before the regularly scheduled game to follow. John Holobetz (1-4, 5.47) will throw in that one.
The Sea Dogs made a late-inning comeback on the road last night, scoring two runs in the seventh and a run in each of the final two innings to pull out the 5-4 win.
Brooks Brannon got the scoring started for Portland with his 21st home run in the second inning, off Baysox (BAL) starter Anthony Eyanson. It was Eyanson’s only blemish, striking out eight over six innings.
Brooks Brannon takes old friend Anthony Eyanson deep!
The Boston Red Sox prospect is hitting .286 (.941 OPS) with 21 home runs and 66 RBI in Double-A this season. pic.twitter.com/Hp49gFtRZE
Once Eyanson was out of the game, Henry Godbout and Max Ferguson hit back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning. After a Justin Gonzales sac fly tied it, Godbout came up again to hit the game-winner, his seventh home run since being promoted to Double-A.
On the mound, when’s the last time you’ve seen a line like this?
Futrell “scattered” 13 hits and ended up with a no decision. Max Carlson got the win and Caleb Bolden the save, combining for three shutout innings.
Michael Sansone (3-3, 5.36) will get the ball Friday at 7:05.
Bowling Green Hot Rods 7, Greenville Drive 6 (BOX)
Dylan Brown started against the Hot Rods (TB) on Thursday and while the results weren’t elite, he continued his stretch of excellent command, striking out 8 and walking nobody. He has a 46:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his past seven starts (3.09 ERA). He left with a no decision, allowing three runs over 5 ⅓ innings.
Ronny Hernandez, Givian Sirvania, and Nazzan Zanetello all homered for the Drive, with Zanetello dropping a two-run shot to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning.
Down to Greenville’s last strike, Nazzan Zanetello ties it up in the top of the ninth with a two-run home run!
The Boston Red Sox prospect had six home runs and 15 RBI in High-A this season. pic.twitter.com/5dLcAjfjEH
Unfortunately, Matt McShane gave up a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to Tony Santa Maria, his second of the night. What a shame that Matt Vasgersian couldn’t be on the call for that one.
Yordanny Monegro (0-0, 0.00) makes his second start since returning from Tommy John on Thursday at 7:35.
Starter Cole Tolbert was dealing on Thursday, getting through 5 ⅓ shutout innings on 63 pitches. He couldn’t get the win as the offense didn’t show up, as they were shutout on six hits. Franklin Primera had the lone multi-hit effort, improving his average to .327 at Low-A.
Cam Padgett (0-0, 4.22) will be on the bump at 6:35 Friday.
The Cubs last played the Marlins May 21, 2025. They won that game 2-1. That was 471 days ago, so long ago that it was the day of Cade Horton’s second MLB start and Matt Mervis was the Marlins’ designated hitter.
Things are, obviously, very different now for both teams.
The good news here is that the Cubs won’t have to face Miami’s best starter (and one of the best in the league), Sandy Alcántara.
For more on the Marlins, here’s Ely Sussman, who runs the Marlins site Fish On First.
The 2026 Marlins are an incomplete team, but that’s still good enough to hang around in the race for the National League’s third wild-card spot.
There have been extreme inconsistencies on an individual level. During the first half of the season, Otto Lopez, Max Meyer and Liam Hicks did a lot of the heavy lifting. Since then, Lopez’s bat has dramatically cooled, Meyer landed on the injured list and isn’t expected back this year, and Hicks was traded to Tampa Bay. As of late, Javier Sanoja and Eury Pérez have elevated their games to compensate for that.
The Marlins quietly have baseball’s lowest starting rotation ERA over the past month, but aside from Pérez and Sandy Alcántara, they keep their starters on a very short leash. That applies pressure to a bullpen which is lacking in experience with both Pete Fairbanks and Anthony Bender on the IL (and John King recently released). Until Fairbanks gets back, it’s a closer-by-committee approach.
In any matchup, the Marlins’ success largely hinges on how they navigate opposing right-handed batters without any reliable left-handed arms and how much damage they do to the other team’s southpaws given their own lack of pop from the right side of the plate.
Fun facts
The Cubs’ first visit of the year to Miami has come even later than today’s date in four seasons:
Their Sept. 22 game at Wrigley Field will be their latest first meeting there, breaking the record of Sept. 10 in 2004. ….. The Cubs are 56-59 in games at Miami, including 20-23 at loanDepot Park.
Since sweeping three games there in April of 2019, the Cubs lost three straight in 2021, won two of three in 2022, were swept in 2023, then won two of three in 2024 and 2025.
Two years ago, the Cubs won the first two games and lost the third. Last year, they lost the first, 8-7, then won the next two, 14-1 and 2-1.
The Marlins’ eighth run in this year’s series will make them the 14th team to tally 1,000 vs. the Cubs. The only other current National League team with fewer than 1,000 is the Diamondbacks, with 935.
NOTE: The Cubs do not yet officially have starters listed for Saturday and Sunday. Holmes and Boyd should get those starts based on the current rotation.
Times & TV channels
Friday: 6:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Saturday: 3:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Sunday: 12:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Prediction
Honestly, I have no idea. The Marlins have played well at times, not so well at other times. They’ve been good at home, with a 42-27 record at loanDepot Park. But they are 20-39 against teams at or better than .500 and since the beginning of August they’re 1-8 against such teams.
Further, Miami is 16-23 against left-handed starters.
So I’m going to say the Cubs should, and will, take two of three.
Up next
The Cubs travel to Milwaukee for a three-game series against the Brewers beginning Monday afternoon.
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 27: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves reacts in the ninth inning during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on August 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A stretch that will likely determine the fate of the Braves’ pursuit of an NL East title begins Friday night in Philadelphia.
Atlanta, which holds a four-game lead over the Phillies in the division, kicks off a four-game series in Philadelphia at 6:40 p.m. ET, also beginning a run of seven games against the Phillies in 10 days which continues next weekend in Atlanta.
Luckily for the Braves, they do it with Chris Sale (13-9, 2.06 ERA) on the mound.
Unfortunately for them, they’ll have to face Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez (16-4, 2.52 ERA) in what sets up to be quite a matchup of southpaw aces.
Sale was given three extra days of rest after throwing a season-high 109 pitches in his complete-game shutout of the Dodgers last time out on August 27.
His first shutout since 2019 capped off another stellar month for the left-hander, even if his record didn’t show it. He was 1-3 despite posting a 2.00 ERA over 27 innings with 34 strikeouts to two walks in four August starts.
Sale now begins his final month of the regular season with his third start of the season against the Phillies. He made consecutive starts against Philadelphia back in April, recording a pair of wins while allowing one combined run on six hits over 13 innings, striking out 16 and walking three.
In nine career starts against the Phillies, Sale is 4-2 with a 3.23 ERA, 70 strikeouts and 11 walks.
This will be the second time this season Sánchez starts a game opposite Sale. They opposed each other in an April 18 game in Philadelphia, with Sánchez taking the loss that night as he allowed three unearned runs on eight hits over six innings.
While he fell to a 2-2 record at that time, Sánchez has had much better luck with results since, losing just two of his 16 decisions since that point. After the left-hander appeared to hit a wall of sorts when he posted a 6.65 ERA in four July starts, he bounced back with a vengeance in August, going 3-0 in six starts with a 1.72 ERA.
Sánchez, who debuted in 2021, has never earned a win against the Braves. He’s 0-4 with a 3.09 ERA in eight career appearances (seven starts) against Atlanta.
There’s an approximately 50% chance of rain in Philadelphia Friday afternoon, but that percentage falls lower into the evening, hopefully paving the path for uninterrupted outings for Sale and Sánchez.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a massive home favorite over the Washington Nationals ahead of the 10:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Sept. 4.
My top Nationals vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks call for Los Angeles to win the series opener convincingly tonight.
Who will win Nationals vs Dodgers today: Dodgers -1.5 run line (53.7%)
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Kent has spun a5.35 xERA and 4.83 xFIP across his four starts while walking 15 batters over just 19 1/3 innings. Issuing too many free passes is a major concern considering Los Angeles ranks sixth in wOBA against lefties for the season and sixth in xwOBA across the past 30 days.
The Dodgers are countering with veteran Blake Snell, and after a so-so season debut, he’s allowed just three runs across his past four starts with a sterling 1.82 xERA and dominant 34.1 strikeout percentage.
Nationals vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (53.5%)
With Snell’s highlighted run on the mound, I’m not anticipating the Nationals mounting enough offense to help send this total Over the number. After all, Washington has dipped to 18th in wOBA on the road in the second half.
The Nationals have played to their team total Under in 13 of their past 17 road games, and to the game total Under in 12 of their past 18 away games. Similarly, Los Angeles has played to the team total Under in 15 of its past 24.
Nationals vs Dodgers home run prediction: Teoscar Hernandez (16.8%)
With just a single home run across his past 26 games, Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is eyeing statistical correction at the dish and has the handedness advantage against Kent this evening.
Hernandez’s .184 ISO against lefties this season is also well below the high-end .255 mark he posted across the past three years. Meanwhile, Kent has surrendered a healthy .215 ISO to right-handed hitters.
Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 52-23, +31.2 units
Over/Under bets: 25-22, +1.63 units
Nationals vs Dodgers weather
Clear skies and comfortable temperatures at Dodger Stadium tonight will offer excellent playing conditions, potentially giving a slight boost to ball carry for hitters.
Nationals vs Dodgers odds
Moneyline: Nationals 31.7% | Dodgers 73%
Run line: Nationals +1.5 (48.8%) | Dodgers -1.5 (53.7%)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (52.4%) | Under 8.5 (53.5%)
Nationals vs Dodgers trend
Los Angeles has hit the Under in eight of its last 11 games (+4.70 Units / 39% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Nationals vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Nationals vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Calif.
Date
Friday, Sept. 4, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
Nationals.TV, SportsNet LA
Nationals starting pitcher
Jackson Kent (1-2, 5.59 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Blake Snell (2-1, 2.42 ERA)
Nationals vs Dodgers 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.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - JUNE 04, 2026: Austin Peterson #46 of the Columbus Clippers throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Omaha Storm Chasers at Huntington Park on June 04, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Guardians announced today that they are designating Carlos Hernandez for assignment and bringing Austin Peterson up to the major league office.
Peterson is a 6 foot 6 right-hander, 26 years old and a 9th round pick in the 2022 draft. This year, in a tough environment for pitchers, he has put up a 4.27 FIP and a 9.6/3.2 K/BB% in Columbus. He has a six-pitch mix with a four-seamer, a cutter, a sinker, a slider, a curveball and a change-up. He has been throwing his slider the most at Triple-A at 27%, a four-seamer and sinker coming in for basically a second-place tie in frequency of use ratings.
I would like to see if Peterson can lower his 14% home run to fly ball rate outside of Columbus. If so, he can certainly be a decent back-of-the-rotation starter. I hope he will be a piggy-back option with Logan Allen here in an hour so for game one of the doubleheader. While Peterson’s splits have been mostly even in the past, ij Triple-A, left-handed hitters have an OPS about 100 points higher than right-handed hitters do. So, it may be a good idea to bring Peterson in early today to face hopefully a good amount of right-handed hitters in the lineup to face lefty Logan Allen.
Mar 5, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez reacts from the sideline against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In our latest offseason fan poll, 58% of Brooklyn Nets fans predict the team will finish between the 11th and 15th seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, 36% see a path into the Play-In Tournament, and 6% expect a top-6 guaranteed playoff berth.
We’re wrapping a three-part series asking a similar question among all Brooklyn Nets fans: Who is this team we’re about to watch? Offseason additions Mikel Brown Jr., Julius Randle, Michael Porter Jr., Moe Wagner, Keon Ellis, and Joshua Jefferson join a re-tooled depth chart. Nicolas Claxton highlights the list of summer departures.
In the first poll, we asked Nets fans how many games they’ll win, which 56% voted 30-39 range. In the second poll, we asked if the Nets will be in the postseason race and 48% of fans voted “No.”
In the third and final poll, we asked fans: What seed in the East will the Nets finish?
The 58% Majority: 11–15 Seed
Netstradamus: “I think that Randle will be an innings eater, and Day’Ron and MPJ will contribute enough to winning to lift us out of the basement. I say 31-51, 12th in the East ahead of Milwaukee, Chicago and DC.”
kno: “come on people…the NETS are not not going anywhere this season unless MARKS has some special deals/signings up his sleeve…………………”
Scoot21: “10-11 IF the extreme load management is reined in. We have plenty of back to backs to we will know pretty fast if they did it for the tank last year or if it was player protection at the expense or wins”
The Play-In Believers: 7-10 Seed
JWil5: “They’ll be in the hunt for the final play-in spot.”
Z.A.M.I: “7 – 8 but they have the potential to surprise everyone by making a deeper than expected playoff run. You gotta appreciate what Marks has done with this team.”
sannuik: “I think we’ll see enough of Stephulius Currandle vs the bad teams that he raises the floor and we can sneak into the play in as a 9-10 seed before bowing out. Against the good teams though we are sure to see plenty of his alter ego/true self, Dubious Handles”
Thanks to everybody who voted and/or participated.
This is a sponsored post. Check out the latest lines, futures, and player props by visiting FanDuel.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 2: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets looks on in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on September 2, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Two teams. One direction.
When the season began, there were some high expectations for the New York Mets, which had been remade in the offseason by their allegedly awesome President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns. For one brief moment in time, it seemed as though things were going to work out okay. After taking 3 of 4 in San Francisco back in April, the Mets were 6-4. But then, Juan Soto hit the IL and along with some other bad play, the Mets went just 41-60 through July. It has been a disastrous season.
In addition to the attendance loss, the Mets also have a different manager from the one who was leading the team in San Francisco back in May. Former Diamondback and one-time Met utility infielder Andy Green is now the manager.
When the season began, there were modest expectations for the San Francisco Giants, which was left largely untouched — basically, some flaps for wind resistance and some racing stripes — by their allegedly winning President of Baseball Operations, Buster Posey. There was never a brief moment in time when it seemed like things were going to turn around. The Giants haven’t won more than three games in a row all season.
Of course, Giants attendance is up and Tony Vitello is, unfortunately, staying put. Maybe that’s just credit to San Franciscans being generally more positive, less judgmental, and having lower expectations than New Yorkers.
Neither team came close to what was expected of them and both have played so badly that their futures are uncertain. For the true fans, both are just an offseason away from turning around their fortunes. But Mets fans have been saying that for decades now. Giants fans for a decade.
The Mets went 15-12 in August, though, so… maybe they’re setting themselves up to be better in 2027 (whenever that season actually begins)? For Giants fans, it’s about seeing which of the current players on the roster are able to play well enough to make themselves undeniable for the next roster and hoping that the farm system — which has famously been unable to produce quality talent for the MLB roster — can provide the next crop of mainstays.
The Mets are still in a better position than the Giants even in that respect, though, as the long summer of losing has still helped them figure out which of their young players are undeniable. 23-year old outfielder Carson Benge had a triple slash of .248/.312/.374 (.686) through his first 60 games of this season (234 PA), but has hit .300/.356/.454 (.810) since (320 PA / 74 G). He leads them team in wins above replacement (3.2 fWAR)!
24-year old catcher Francisco Alvarez has proven himself with another solid season. Brett Baty has affirmed himself as a utility player (78 wRC+, +0.3 fWAR) while Mark Vientos has probably played his way out of being in the team’s long-term plans (79 wRC+, -1.0 fWAR). Their youngish rotation fronted by 24-year olds righty Nolan McLean (3.0 fWAR in 27 starts) and lefty Zachary Thornton (0.9 fWAR in 11 starts) is off to a great start. The Mets have been middle of the pack all season in terms of their pitching (13.3 fWAR — 15th in MLB), but McClean, Thornton, and 27-year old Christian Scott (1.7 fWAR in 20 starts) have set them up to be even better in the future. They also have a solid bullpen (4.5 fWAR — 10th in MLB), helped in part by the recent move of Kodai Senga to the ‘pen (1.74 ERA in 10.1 IP since August 4th).
That group along with Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Bo Bichette seems like a pretty strong foundation for a successful baseball team. The Giants are hoping to find a similar crop of young players to go with Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, and Willy Adames.
There’s, of course, Bryce Eldridge, who is playing so well that it’s clear he should’ve been on the Opening Day roster. Drew Gilbert has played himself into a backup outfielder role. Jonah Cox is making the case that he should be the starting centerfielder. Turner Hill is having a nice moment, and the Giants seem to be pretty set at catcher given their soup of Daniel Susac, Drew Cavanaugh, etc. Meanwhile, Grant McCray and Osleivis Basabe seem like they’ve played their way out of long-term consideration.
This weekend’s pitching matchups will feature what the Mets have figured out versus what the Giants are still hoping to make work. If you sent “Matt Wilkinson and Anthony Molina will be starting for the Giants in games 1 & 2” back to Opening Night, you’d have imagined the Giants’ season going as poorly as it has. At the same time, with so many players on the 60-day IL and a preposterous number of DFAs expected this offseason, every pitcher has the chance to make his case with every successful inning. Tugboat’s not going anywhere with his three options and Anthony Molina is probably in a good position as well (he has 2 options remaining) — but, figuring out who’s a reliever and who’s a starter might be something this final month of the season helps determine.
But make no mistake, this is a battle of two laundry piles and both teams are trying to figure out how to sort the stained clothes, find which clothes are clean, which need to be donated, and which need to be repurposed as cleaning rags or thrown away (although, you’re not supposed to throw out clothes, I think).
The Mets are slightly better off when compared to the Giants, but if history’s any guide, that usually doesn’t mean much. This weekend might not feature much in the way of enjoyable baseball, but we might reasonably expect some silliness.
Series Overview
Who: San Francisco Giants (58-83) at New York Mets (63-77) Where: Citi Field | Flushing, New York When: Friday at 4:10pm PT, Saturday at 1:10pm PT, Sunday at 10:40am PT National broadcasts: None.
Projected starters Friday: Matt Wilkinson (LHP 0-2, 4.63 ERA) vs. Nolan McLean (RHP 10-8, 3.06 ERA) Saturday: Anthony Molina (RHP 2-0, 3.77 ERA) vs. Zac Thornton (LHP 3-4, 2.93 ERA) Sunday: TBD vs. Christian Scott (RHP 4-4, 3.80 ERA)
Friday! The weekend has finally arrived. While some will be gearing up for Week 1 of college football, some of us will still be sweating out longballs.
Without further ado, here are my favorite home run props and predictions for tonight’s MLB slate, highlighted by Carter Jensen, Jac Caglianone & Jordan Walker.
Here are my favorite MLB picks for Friday, Sept. 4.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
MLB home run props for today
For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Player to hit a HR
Chance
Carter Jensen
18%
Jac Caglianone
19%
Jordan Walker
21%
💲Today's HR parlay
104.89x
Home run prediction: Carter Jensen (20%)
The Kansas City Royals find themselves in a mouthwatering spot against Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jameson Taillon, who is the worst-rated pitcher in Batters-Box’s current-season dataset this evening. In that same dataset, Carter Jensen owns the third-highest matchup rating, behind only Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez and teammate Jac Caglianone.
Jensen has been tearing the cover off the baseball over his last 10 games, sporting a .914 SLG and .543 ISO while posting a 63% hard-hit rate and 22.2% barrel rate.
Over his last 60 left-handed hitters, Taillon has allowed a 14.3% barrel rate and 71.4% elevation rate. Those hitters also own a .360 xBA, .597 xSLG and .388 xwOBA.
With the entire Royals lineup likely humming around Jensen, the home run upside is even more amplified.
Take this down to 25%.
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ROYL, Sportsnet
Home run prediction: Jac Caglianone (23%)
It was nearly impossible for me to pinpoint which Royal was in a better spot, so I took both Carter Jensen and Jac Caglianone.
The Royals’ young power hitters find themselves with one of the highest matchup ratings on the day, while covering nearly 100% of Taillon’s entire pitch mix. Through 30 elite ratings this season on Batters-Box, Caglianone has left the yard 22% of the time.
Across the big fella’s last 10 games, he sports a .512 SLG and .186 ISO, while generating a 50% hard-hit rate and 10% barrel rate.
The entire Kansas City Royals lineup in a great spot, Jensen and Caglianone are the two that stood out the most.
Take this down to 25%.
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ROYL, Sportsnet
Home run prediction: Jordan Walker (21%)
For this game being played at Coors Field, still getting a price around 20% is great, especially when backing a power hitter like St. Louis Cardinals big man Jordan Walker.
In his last 30 at-bats against a right-handed pitcher, Walker has been creating a ton of hard contact while owning a .483 SLG and .207 ISO. Over his last 10 games, he has posted a 61.5% hard-hit rate and 11.5% barrel rate, while producing just a 30% ground-ball rate.
Walker draws Colorado Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner, who has allowed a barrel rate over 15%, 4.05 HR/9 and a .720 SLG to opposing hitters in his last three starts at home.
Hopefully, Walker can stay hot and connect with a weak offering from Feltner.
Take this down to 24%.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: COLR, CARD
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 120-407, +26.6 units
Best home run combo for September 4
Carter Jensen
Trade Now 104.89x
Jac Caglianone
Jordan Walker
Want more baseball parlays? Check out our MLB parlay picks page!
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 Los Angeles Sparks are hiring Philadelphia 76ers vice president of player personnel Ariana Andonian as their new general manager, the team announced Friday.
COVERS INTEL: The Los Angeles Dodgers pace the majors in 
Carter Jensen
Jordan Walker