Sports News – Page 1155 – Worldwide Sports News

June 23, 2026

Carlos Rodón’s Yankees tenure is harder to define than you think

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Carlos Rodón #55 of the New York Yankees warms up in the bullpen during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With summer upon us, I recently found myself alone on a long, quiet drive home after dropping my daughter off for camp with her grandparents. As the miles rolled by and the hum of the tires turned over old memories, I wandered down a self-inflicted rabbit hole about how the brain works. Eventually, I landed on a fun mental exercise: if a buddy had gone into a coma before a Yankees player’s first start in pinstripes and woke up today, how would I explain everything they had missed?

Several players proved better than others at filling time, but one player actually occupied the entire back nine of my drive as I found myself questioning both my own conclusions and the results from my hands-free mobile assistant. That player was none other than tonight’s starter, Carlos Rodón.

Using what you know now about Rodón, how would you describe his time in pinstripes to a friend who has missed this ride? For me, the starting point was to describe him as the Yankees’ new “big” lefty. Essentially the Ozempic CC Sabathia. Yes, I did crack myself up knowing I then have to explain what that meant. But, Rodón is the latest power lefty Brian Cashman has fallen in love with.

That was where that comparison stopped though. Rodón is no CC. However, his overall numbers in pinstripes actually line up well compared to another pitcher from the end of that era and the torch barrier after, Masahiro Tanaka. What numbers could those possibly be? Winning percentage, ERA, and WHIP.

For Rodón and Tanaka, respectively, those numbers in their Yankees careers are .588 and .629, 3.96 and 3.74, and 1.183 and 1.130. It is also worth noting that Tanaka was excellent during his first three seasons. If you isolate his final four regular seasons in New York, however, he posted a .565 winning percentage, 4.27 ERA, and 1.203 WHIP.

Tanaka ended up being a great comparison. In addition to the statistical similarities and being able to say, “we have a regular-season Tanaka chance to win tonight,” their first impressions were literally the exact opposite. Tanaka rode in on a big stallion, taking the city by storm before that dang UCL cut his dominant rookie campaign short. Rodón, on the other hand, got hurt in March and then turned in one of the worst seasons of his career.

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Rodón’s debut season also had him send the kiss rejected around the Bronx. That moment, along with his body language when things go either right or wrong, reminded me of another Yankees pitcher: former big-ticket free agent signing A.J. Burnett. The righty from central Arkansas helped the Yankees to the 2009 World Series title, but other than that his time in pinstripes is remembered for the lows.

Burnett was famously intense, and the energy was infectious. However, that infection happened whether the energy was good or bad. Rodón is cut from that same cloth. There might be a game when you watch and say you’re glad the Yankees have that guy as he works himself into and out of a jam. Then the next start he issues five walks, give up a couple long home runs, and give some objects the old Paul O’Neil treatment in the dugout.

Rodón has never hidden his emotions, for better or worse. That emotional volatility has become just as much a part of his Yankees identity as his mid-90s fastball. It is also what makes every turn through the rotation feel like a rollercoaster ride and a true dice roll.

Like a true Yankees fan, my hypothetical friend always wanted to know what the guy has done in October. That is where I had to give them the happy/sad update that the Knicks have won a title, but our Yankees had not.

In addition to not having a ring, in 2024, Rodón went 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA and in 2025 he went 0-0 with a 9.72 ERA in two October starts. Unlike Tanaka, whose performances in the clutch, or when the lights are brightest if you will, elevated him to near-legendary status among Yankees fans, Rodón is still waiting for the playoff run that changes how people view him. A ring would help insulate him from criticism down the road, much like it has done for Burnett, but Rodón still has a lot of work to do to fully earn his pinstripes for most fans.

Essentially, where I landed on any other Tuesday night in June, just after the summer solstice: Rodón is a lot like watching Tanaka pitch in the regular season. However, if he does not have his command, it is hard not to feel like you are watching a left-handed version of Burnett. After a bad first impression, Rodón has proven to be easy to cheer for, even though sometimes he is hard to watch.

Most nights when he takes the ball, he gives the Yankees a chance to win. Some nights he even looks dominant enough that if you pulled out a notebook and pencil you just might find yourself writing down ace-like stuff. But then occasionally, the engine overheats and the tires come off. Either way, tonight the Yankees hand the ball to their big lefty. Here is to hoping we get Dón Dominance tonight, and not a dud.

June 23, 2026

A Toast to the Champions: Thank You, 2025-26 Knicks

TOPSHOT - Members of the New York Knicks attend a championship celebration and Key to the City ceremony at City Hall Plaza after a ticker-tape parade honoring the team's NBA Finals victory in New York City on June 18, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Dear 2025-26 Knicks,

With the NBA draft hours away, the championship parade over, and the memorable and clinching game 5 over a week in our review mirror, it felt like the perfect time to pen (electronically) a letter to you.

Man, what a ride it’s been. For some the ride has been just a few weeks long. So many around the world joined to root for the Knicks at different points during the playoffs because they wanted to see their partner, family, friends, and or neighbors happy. And you captured their hearts as their fandom quickly evolved from that. It went from clueless bystanders to fans that witnessed the on-court dominance and the chemistry and characters that made this team so likeable.

For others, that journey has taken place over years. They watched Kristaps Porzingis become the beacon of hope for a franchise and a city that was starving for something to believe in. And then they sat there and watched as his injury and eventual trade took all of that away in what felt like a matter of days.

And for many, it’s the last decades. Generations of embarrassing ineptitude, directionless leaders, heartbreaking losses, and foolishly convincing ourselves that the impossible was actually possible.

Regardless of how long the journey has been, though, it’s led us to you, this team, and this season. A team that was so relatable because of the way you carried yourselves and embodied the city. Like Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at the championship parade just last week, you not only won in New York City, you won like New York City. The 25-26 Knicks had their blemishes. You guys weren’t perfect. There was the 2-9 stretch during the cold and dark days of the New York winter. There were games two and three against the Hawks. Jalen Brunson, and even in your wins, there were slow starts, and plenty of stretches that made fans want to pull their hair out. But that made you guys oddly easy to root for and easy to love, kind of like a family member.

Sure, you guys annoyed us at times. Many times, actually. But amidst the very clear imperfection, there was a group of guys that made it their ultimate goal to win in and for the city. You guys sacrificed. You guys trusted and believed in each other. You guys became more than the sum of your parts. And most importantly, you guys always came through.

And you gave us THE season. A season to remember. A season to talk about for ages. A season that many can die happily knowing they got to witness and experience. And all of the trauma from the past and the frustrations from earlier were part of a journey we can now look back at and smile at. Because you guys, through balanced offense, intense defense, unrelenting will, and dramatic comebacks, rewarded us for years of patience and loyalty with the long coveted Larry O’Brien trophy

What’s interesting, though, is that for other championships I’ve witnessed, the main thing that comes to the top of my mind is the trophy itself and maybe the championship game(s). But with this one, it’s so much more than that. Media outlets will measure this championship with the usual metrics. They’ll talk about the net rating, the point differential, and the records of the teams you’ve beaten. And all of those things are nice to recognize. But for so many Knicks fans, this championship will be measured in memories. This triumph is that much sweeter because of the memories of fathers and mothers watching with their kids, because of the fans who wiped away tears after the Reggie Miller shot and the Tyrese Haliburton shot, because of the time spent believing in Michael Sweeney, Felton Spencer, Clarence Weatherspoon, Eddie House, Andy Rautins, Sergio Rodriguez, Moochie Norris, and because of everything that you guys went through.

Jalen getting overlooked. KAT losing his mother and so many other family members to COVID. OG losing both his parents and then not being able to play in the Finals when he was a Raptor. Mikal watching his 2-0 lead to Milwaukee slip through his fingers. Josh being traded multiple times. Mitch battling back from multiple injuries.

They all sucked in the moment. It hurt. But all of the heartbreak, setbacks, and doubters also made watching you guys lift the trophy that much sweeter. I’ve never wanted a championship more for any group of players.

To Jalen, the overlooked, All-NBA silent assassin and the savior of not just a franchise but a city, scratch that, entire state. To KAT, the selfless, continuously evolving big man, who proves on a nightly basis that being an elite person matters just as much as being an elite player. To OG and Mikal, the wingstop duo that continued to do the dirty work and made the team function the way it needed to. To Josh, the heart and soul of the team. To Mitch, Deuce, Landry, Jose and the bench unit that always had at least one guy ready to change the game. To Mike Brown, the head coach who came in under almost impossible circumstances, yet managed to take the team over the top with his humility, willingness to change, and collaborative attitude. Thank you.

Thank you for the countless unseen hours in hot, humid gyms in the summer. Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for a lifetime of unforgettable memories during an unforgettable year. And thank you for bringing us a feeling we had been chasing for half a century, and thought we may never get to experience.

Here’s a toast to you, a team that ended a 53-year drought and will forever be etched into history.

June 23, 2026

What I would do with the Suns’ lone draft pick

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm slam dunks against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is finally here. Draft day, the day in which franchises hitch their hopes to the prospect of a prospect prospering under their colors. And while I still don’t like that the NBA Draft has become a two-night event, that doesn’t mean it comes without intrigue for the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns currently hold the 47th overall pick and aren’t scheduled to make their selection until tomorrow night. But given the aggressiveness we’ve seen from the organization in recent drafts under the direction of Brian Gregory, no night is safe. If Phoenix somehow finds a way into the late first round, I wouldn’t be surprised. That’s part of what makes tonight interesting. The Suns may not be scheduled to participate, but that doesn’t mean they won’t.

So what should they ultimately do?

It’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves for the better part of two months. We’ve tried to balance need versus talent, knowing that whoever is drafted isn’t expected to make an immediate impact. That’s reserved for teams at the top of the lottery that are desperate for instant contributors. For Phoenix, this selection is more about depth and development.

What would I like them to do? I see two paths.

If they stay at 47, I think Jaden Bradley is the move. He would likely be a two-way contract player, leaving an open roster spot on the big league club and allowing the Suns to maintain both flexibility and cost control. That doesn’t mean he isn’t someone who could eventually impact the team.

He’s the type of guard I find myself liking more the longer I watch him. He plays fearlessly, gets into the paint, finishes through traffic, and displays many of the traits modern combo guards need to survive offensively. What stands out most is the combination of pace, toughness, and playmaking. He’s a really good distributor, especially when navigating traffic, and he has a natural willingness to attack defenders.

Bradley also has sneaky athleticism and creates separation in ways that look very similar to what many successful smaller guards do at higher levels. I see a little Brunson in him. He knows how to touch the paint and still create separation.

Defensively, he’s probably never going to wow anyone, and he still needs to improve fighting through screens. As a playmaker, there’s room to grow when it comes to seeing the entire floor. But the shooting numbers are encouraging, the jumper looks smooth, and there’s enough skill here that if developed properly, he can become a very useful NBA guard.

At minimum, he feels like an ideal two-way contract candidate with a pathway toward becoming a rotation player. At maximum, he could become the backup point guard to Collin Gillespie two years from now if the Jalen Green experiment ultimately runs its course.

But what if the Suns move up?

I don’t know what it would take to get there. With multiple teams holding multiple picks, including the Knicks, Kings, and Grizzlies, there’s certainly opportunity for movement. If Phoenix can find its way into the late first round or early second round, I’d love to see them draft Zuby Ejiofor.

If you’ve been reading along this offseason, you know this is the guy I love most. When I wrote my article outlining how to fix the Suns from start to finish, the plan involved trading Royce O’Neale and a pick to Memphis for Taylor Hendricks and an earlier draft selection. The reason was simple. I wanted a shot at Zuby.

Why?

Because he embodies everything the Suns claim to value when it comes to player traits. He brings qualities that directly contribute to winning basketball. He’s technically sound, attacks the glass, plays aggressively, and consistently makes the kinds of plays coaches love. What stands out most is the motor. He plays with heart, desire, and toughness every possession. He’s the kind of player who embraces physicality and competes with an energy that can change the feel of a game.

Simply put, he’s a motherfucker in all the right ways. When I watch him, I think back to my pre-draft lover affair with Obi Toppin in 2020. This is Temu Toppin, and I’m here for it.

The shooting still needs work, and he may not be the cleanest fit in Phoenix. But considering where he’s projected to be drafted, the value is incredibly appealing. You could bring him off the bench, play him at the small forward spot, and suddenly become bigger, more athletic, and tougher as a team. Players with his mindset and willingness to do the dirty work are always valuable.

Yes, lineups featuring him and Oso Ighodaro would be interesting. That might not be something you seriously explore until next season or even the season after that. And who knows where the Suns will be by then.

So now that we’ve arrived at draft day, those are the two paths I’d prefer to see Phoenix take. There are plenty of prospect names out there. There are plenty of paths available.

That’s the beauty of draft night. Months of scouting reports, mock drafts, workout rumors, and thought exercises all give way to a few decisions that can alter the direction of a franchise. Maybe the Suns stay patient and take a developmental swing at 47. Maybe Brian Gregory gets aggressive and moves up the board again. Either way, the philosophy remains the same: find players who fit the culture, embrace the work, and help build whatever comes next.

June 23, 2026

Becky Hammon won’t apologize for Jalen Brunson take — and tries to ‘piss off Knicks fans again’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon during a game against the Valkyries on June 21, 2026, Image 2 shows Jalen Brunson carries the Larry O'Brien trophy during the Knicks' championship parade on June 18, 2026

LAS VEGAS — Aces coach Becky Hammon sees no reason to apologize for her take that 2026 NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson wasn’t a “1A” star.

But Hammon did acknowledge Tuesday that Brunson showed “he was that 1A dude” as he led the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years.

“Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he’s an outlier,” Hammon said after the Aces’ shootaround. “So you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch.

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon during a game against the Valkyries on June 21, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

“I mean, he was that 1A dude,” Hammon continued. “But apologize, I’m never gonna apologize for having an opinion. That’s what ESPN pays me for.”

Hammon infamously said in 2023 that the 6-foot-2 Brunson was too small to be the lead star on a championship team.

“If your best player is small, you’re not winning,” Hammon said on ESPN’s “NBA Today” back then.

Jalen Brunson carries the Larry O’Brien trophy during the Knicks’ championship parade on June 18, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

When the Knicks got on a roll during the playoffs, Hammon doubled down on her stance.

“I’m speaking historically on the NBA with what I said,” Hammon said in May. “I don’t know why everybody’s so stuck on that. I said it two years ago, I stand by it. There’s no air to be cleared. I said what I said.

“(If) he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong. Good for him.”

Brunson cemented himself as one of the Knicks’ best players in franchise history.

Hammon would argue that he’s the best.

“Let me just piss off Knicks fans again and say, I think he’s the greatest Knick ever,” she said. “Give them something else to talk about… I’ve always been a Jalen Brunson fan. I was a fan of his at Villanova, in Dallas and why this comment went off the rails, I have no idea because it was clearly a historical and analytical take.”

June 23, 2026

Ice Cube wants fans to own a piece of Big3 in blockbuster public offering

For nearly four decades, Ice Cube has helped shape Los Angeles culture.

From helping launch N.W.A. and putting South Central Los Angeles on the global map through music, to starring in iconic films like Boyz n the Hood and becoming a fixture in the city’s sports scene, Cube has spent his career building brands rooted in his hometown.

Now, the Los Angeles native is betting on the future of another one of his creations: the BIG3.

Ice Cube says Big3 is built to last 100 years as the league goes public in a $290 million deal despite NBA investment hurdles. Getty Images for Red Lobster x BIG3

The 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz announced plans to go public through a SPAC merger with Graf Global Corp. at a reported $290 million valuation. If completed, the deal would allow everyday investors to buy stock in the league under the ticker symbol TONT later this year.

For Cube, the move is about more than raising capital. It’s about changing who gets to participate in the business of sports.

Head coach Stephen Jackson of the Trilogy, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Ice Cube and the Trilogy team pose for a photo with the trophy after Trilogy defeated Power during the BIG3 Championship Getty Images for BIG3

“Most leagues are owned by a bunch of billionaires,” Cube told Front Office Sports. “Fans, all they get to do is watch, buy some merch, get a ticket, and bet on the games. But they can’t invest. We want to change that. In my vision, we’re here 100 years, not just 9.”

That vision has helped carry BIG3 from a startup idea in 2017 into a league entering its ninth season. The concept was simple: give former NBA players a competitive platform to continue playing at a high level in a faster-paced 3-on-3 format.

The league has attracted recognizable names throughout its run, including Allen Iverson, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers. Games are broadcast nationally on CBS, while ratings reportedly increased more than 25 percent last season.

Gerald Green of Bivouac goes up against Nasir Core of 3’s Company during the BIG3 championship game Boston Globe via Getty Images

Cube believes the appeal goes beyond nostalgia.

“We don’t just want your name,” he told Front Office Sports. “We want your game.”

The public offering also comes after years of challenges attracting investors. Cube told Front Office Sports that NBA ownership rules prohibiting team owners from investing in competing men’s basketball leagues have complicated fundraising efforts for BIG3.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2026 NBA Finals Legacy Project as part of the 2026 NBA Finals NBAE via Getty Images

Despite those obstacles, the league continues to expand. Four franchises currently have ownership groups in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Detroit, while additional teams remain available for purchase as BIG3 pursues long-term growth.

BIG3 opened its ninth season at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, where all eight teams tipped off the season before the league embarks on a nationwide tour, a fitting backdrop as Ice Cube’s league prepares to go public and pursues its biggest growth phase yet.

For Cube, the goal isn’t simply to build an alternative basketball league. It’s to create a sports property where fans can become stakeholders in the future he believes can last generations.

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June 23, 2026

Can the front office turn the Lakers into contenders?

Rob Pelinka, President of basketball operations and general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, attends the FIBA EuroBasket match between Slovenia and Poland in Katowice, Poland, on August 28, 2025. This is a European Basketball Championship game, group phase, Group D competition at Spodek Arena. (Photo by Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The summer of optionality is here for the Lakers. With few players on the books, the Lakers can have more cap space than any other team, allowing them to be as aggressive as they want this offseason.

However, having flexibility is only good if you know what to do with it.

Under the leadership of President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, the Lakers had some great hits and some tough misses.

Pelinka was able to trade for Anthony Davis, win a title and then move on from AD to acquire Luka Dončić in what’s considered one of the most one-sided deals in NBA history. But he also broke up his championship team, traded for Russell Westbrook and hasn’t found a long-term solution at center for the Lakers.

So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask fans how much belief they have in the team’s decision makers ahead of free agency.

This feels like a litmus test of one’s Lakers optimism.

If you look at the good Pelinka has done, then voting on having a lot of confidence makes sense. This means you value his big trades and recognize how he has made small deals that have had a big impact, like trading Gabe Vincent for Luke Kennard at the deadline this year.

Now that the Lakers have open roster spots, cap space and their superstar in place, Pelinka will cook and turn this franchise into title contenders.

Another positive is that Pelinka has new people in the organization to help him improve this team. The Lakers hired Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager and brought on Tony Bennett as an NBA Draft advisor. With these additional people on the payroll, the Lakers front office will find a quality player with the No. 25 pick and make the right moves in free agency.

But if you see that the Lakers were not much of a factor in attracting interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and think the reason LA doesn’t have a center is that the front office can’t get a deal done, then voting with little to no confidence makes sense.

From that pessimistic angle, the Lakers’ optionality will amount to minimal changes. They’ll likely re-sign Austin Reaves, bring back LeBron James and sell the fanbase on end-of-the-rotation players other teams walked away from as being diamonds in the rough that will blossom with Luka as their teammate.

The Lakers will end this summer still far away from being a threat to the Spurs or the Thunder in the West.

So, what do you think? Do you believe the Lakers front office can build out a better team, or will this summer end with more excuses and less execution? Let us know by participating in our SB Nation Reacts survey.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

June 23, 2026

The Warriors had no chance of landing Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo (in a jersey) and Steph Curry (in regular clothes) embracing at halfcourt. — MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk after a game at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

At long last, the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga is over … on paper, at least. On Monday, the day before the 2026 NBA Draft, news broke that a deal had been struck to send the two-time MVP to the Miami Heat. While the trade can’t be made official until July 6, it was hashed out long in advance of that date to ensure that the draft picks were handled before selection day (the Heat are sending the No. 13 overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks).

And with that, we can fully end any hope of the Golden State Warriors acquiring the 31-year old superstar. The Dubs made a strong push at this year’s trade deadline, only for Antetokounmpo to stay put in Milwaukee. By the time the season ended, any momentum the Warriors had towards an acquisition had been drained. For weeks now, we’ve heard that the Warriors were no longer heavily involved in any Giannis discussions. And now it’s pretty easy to see why.

Golden State never had a chance at competing for Antetokounmpo, now that we can see what the winning bid was. The Warriors could match the pick haul that the Heat gave up (unprotected first-rounders in 2026, 2031, and 2023, a pick swap in 2030, and a second-rounder in 2033). They could compete with the intriguing, but unproven young talent that Miami is sending to Wisconsin (Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakučionis).

But there were two things that the Dubs simply could not compete with: Tyler Herro, and Giannis’ desires. Any trade for Antetokounmpo was going to involve a player on a large contract to make salaries work. For the Warriors, that would have meant Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler III — aging players entering the final years of their deals. Herro, on the other hand, is an extension-eligible 26-year old All-Star, who the Bucks can either build around, or flip at the deadline to signal a full-on rebuild.

And then, of course, there’s the case of what Antetokounmpo wanted. While there had been speculation that Antetokounmpo would be excited at the possibility of pairing up with Steph Curry, reports had surfaced that there was a limited number of teams that he would be willing to sign an extension with. The Heat were one of those teams; the Warriors were not. And so it seems that Golden State would not have been willing to risk a trade for Antetokounmpo, even if they possessed the pieces necessary to get it done.

In the end, it’s just good news for the Dubs that he is staying in the Eastern Conference. Whatever hopes Golden State has of contending in the coming years are benefitted from Antetokounmpo not making his way to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

June 23, 2026

Aaron Boone irked by Jazz Chisholm eating lollipop at second base: 'That pisses me off'

Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr.took a lollipop out to the field on Monday night in the middle of New York's loss to the Tigers in Detroit.

ManagerAaron Boonedidn't find out about it until after the game, and he wasn't pleased.

"Oh yeah, that pisses me off," Boone said on the Talkin' Yanks podcast on Tuesday. "I didn't know about it until after the game. So he and I talked about that. That won't be going on."

Told by the hosts of Talkin' Yanks that Chisholm took an at-bat with a lollipop in his mouth earlier this season in Boston against the Red Sox, Boone was bothered.

"That was the second time? There was another time? Yeah, that's -- I'm not on that," he said.

Chisholm is hitting .226/.312/.404 (.716 OPS) with 11 homers and 23 stolen bases in 74 games this season.

He was an All-Star last season and also won a Silver Slugger, during a year where he slashed .242/.332/.481 with a career-high 31 homers.

Chisholm's big 2025 campaign led to his spring training proclamation ahead of the 2026 campaign that he was aiming for a 50 homer/50 steal season.

June 23, 2026

How much of Giancarlo Stanton will the Yankees see in 2026?

Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (27) before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

We recently put out a call in The Feed to take the temperature of Yankees fans on Giancarlo Stanton’s outlook for the remainder of 2026. The story of Stanton’s season is unfortunately the same as it ever was, at least since 2019.

Following a 158-game debut in pinstripes, the former NL MVP had several issues that restricted him to 18 games and a limited postseason role that year. Every season from that point onward has seen some kind of injury wreak havoc on Stanton. He was held to 23 games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and though only a quad strain held him back in a 139-game 2021, he has failed to exceed 115 in the years that followed. He’s now an exclusive DH, and even his jogging run on the basepaths has led to lower-body injuries like his most recent calf strain.

It’s a conundrum for the Yankees because when healthy, Stanton remains one of the most initimidating hitters in baseball. In fact, just last year, he posted his best season by OPS+ (156) since winning MVP with the Marlins in 2017. And of course, in 2024, his sterling postseason reputation shined brighter than ever, slamming seven homers and four in the ALCS to win MVP honors during the five-game win over Cleveland. Stanton has a .926 OPS and 18 career playoff homers in just 48 games — no small feat since he’s tied with Yankees legends Mickey Mantle and Reggie Jackson on the all-time postseason list in that category and they did so in far more chances (65 games for The Mick and 77 for Mr. October).

The problem is that dreaded qualifier from the first sentence of that paragraph: “when healthy.” The Yankees just can’t count on that, and they know it. GM Brian Cashman said as much after 2023, and they’ve constantly built their roster knowing that DH time will be open at one point or another for the likes of Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, Ben Rice, and Jasson Domínguez. For Domínguez in particular, the Yanks have been loathe to give up on the 23-year-old despite limited openings in the outfield for this very reason. For a win-now team like the Yanks, unless a trade offer bowls them over, he’s likely more valuable to them as fourth outfielder/DH depth than as a trade chip, given Stanton’s ailments.

Right now, Stanton’s again stuck in IL limbo. He was on the verge of activation the weekend before last, but suffered a setback with his calf. So it’s hard to say when exactly we might see Stanton again in 2026. It’s tough to watch because he’s not only an electric hitter at his best but a great guy off the field who has never tried to shirk responsibilities or anything like that. It’s plain to see that he’s just as disappointed that he’s been unable to stay healthy, and it’s not just because he wants to reach 500 homers (though he obviously wouldn’t mind it). Stanton wants a World Series ring as much as anyone in that clubhouse, or at least on the same level as Judge.

That brings us back to the original prompt. When do you think we’ll see Stanton in 2026? Here’s where the survey stands:

Most fans expect Stanton to return, but not until much later in the second half. The plurality forecast a September return when rosters expand to 28 and there’s a little more flexibility for a DH-only player. The possibility of a healthy Stanton in October has to be tantalizing and is on the Yankees’ radar.

It’s certainly something that a couple commenters considered, like JRbasebal and NeverPlayed:

If Stanton’s body at least allows him to take healthy cuts in a September warm-up, then Yankees brass can make a decision about whether or not they think he can be ready for the postseason.

An example I always think of with this exercise is 1999 Darryl Strawberry, who due to his own more serious personal demons was off the field until September. But there was a DH opening and he hit .327/.500/.612 during that last month, earning a spot on the playoff roster. Skipper Joe Torre picked his spots with Straw and he went 5-for-15 with three walks and two homers as the Yanks romped to another championship, with just one loss that October. The other side of the equation is 2022 DJ LeMahieu, who was terrific in the first half but suffered a broken toe in early August that led to a nagging foot injury. Although it was a smaller sample than ’99 Strawberry, the Yankees did give LeMahieu a look at the end of the regular season, but they ultimately decided that they weren’t comfortable enough with how he looked to roster him.* Stanton could find himself in a similar test later in 2026.

*They probably should have done the same with Matt Carpenter. Oh well.

Plenty of respondents were understandably skeptical of Stanton’s ability to recover at this point. After all, he said that he initially felt something in his calf while jogging from first to second on a walk — not even a play in the field. The setback reportedly came on the bases in workouts as well. If these seemingly simple acts are taxing him (even acknowledging that it involves ripple effects from practice too), it’s hard to be confident about both his short- and long-term future.

Pan1953 and The Boss both mused on this awkward situation, albeit while reaching different conclusions:

Whether he returns and mashes in October again or has to figure out a DFA scenario in the offseason as suggested by The idiot that said, “Harper is coming,” it’s going to be a tricky. Stanton is beloved in the Yankees clubhouse, though LeMahieu absolutely was as well when the Yanks cut ties with him last July. I doubt that any such machinations would happen until the offseason at the earliest, given that it doesn’t seem like Stanton will be in play to even get in the lineup again until deep into 2026. And LeMahieu just wasn’t doing much at all as his career came to a close with a 67 OPS+ across his final two campaigns. Stanton clearly offers more.

The big guy may be in IL limbo, but as JRbasebalsaid in a reply later in the thread, the Yankees are on the hook for his contract regardless (I don’t think any kind of trade is plausible). Right now, they have the flexibility to see how Stanton’s rehab goes and to check in on how his bat looks if he can get back into playing shape. If the bat plays, then he plays in some way, shape, or form. If not, then that will be a discussion we can have another day.

June 23, 2026

How Heat trade turns into massive cash windfall for Giannis Antetokounmpo

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo smiles while wearing Dior sunglasses and a beige t-shirt, Image 2 shows Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball in a white Milwaukee Bucks jersey

Giannis Antetokounmpo will make a bag in Miami.

The former Bucks star could sign a lucrative four-year $275 million extension with the Heat until the 2030-31 season as soon as six months from now, or $214 million for three years should he take advantage of his player option.

Antetokounmpo’s willingness to sign a long-term extension played into the Heat’s interest to trade with Milwaukee to avoid a one-year rental situation.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat. AP Photo/Marta Lavandier

Antetokounmpo is set to make $58.4 million in his 2026-27, with a player option for $62.7 million the following season.

The Heat had an advantage in terms of contract value because Florida is one of nine US states without an income tax.

In contrast, Massachusetts, home of the trade talk runners-up Celtics, has a 9% millionaires tax, and Wisconsin has a 7.65% income tax on earnings in excess of $431,060, according to Sportico.

Sportico estimates, assuming all factors remain the same, the 10-time All-Star would make $198.3 million after taxes if he signs an extension with the Heat, compared to $181.7 million if he joined the Celtics.

Antetokounmpo’s current contract is the seventh-highest annual salary in the NBA, but it would become the highest should he sign the four-year extension.

NBA Basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo seen arriving to Nice Airport ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. Malu Pictures / SplashNews.com

The 31-year-old joined the Heat on Monday in a trade that also brings Bobby Portis to Miami. The Bucks got Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, one pick swap and one second-round pick in return, per ESPN.

Milwaukee chose the Heat package over the Celtics’ in order to allow new head coach Taylor Jenkins the chance to imagine the next generation of the Bucks, rather than focusing on another veteran-filled team with win-now aspirations.

The Heat title odds jumped from 30-1 to 18-1 after the trade and 6-1 to win the Eastern Conference, behind the Knicks and Celtics.

Antetokounmpo will chase his second career title after leading the Bucks to the championship in 2021.

June 23, 2026

The Short Porch is looking ahead to the All-Star Game

The good news about yesterday’s rainout is that the back-to-back canceled games gave the Cubs’ battered bullpen another day to rest and recover heading into their series with the Mets. Healthy arms are a scarce commodity on the North Side of Chicago these days, so anything that gives pitchers a shot at a little more rest and recovery probably allows manager Craig Counsell and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy to breathe a sigh of relief.

Speaking of a bit of extra recovery time, most of the Cubs roster will likely get a few extra days to recover in July during the All-Star break. However, there is one Cubs starting pitcher who might have a solid case to pitch in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia.

Ben Brown has been one of the best stories in Chicago this summer. He started the season in the bullpen after struggling to get guys out later in games as a starter last season. However, he also added a sinker he’s throwing about 21% of the time this season and that pitch has proven to be a game-changing weapon for Brown. Batters are hitting just .224 off Brown’s sinker and they are slugging an abysmal .245 against it. It’s a visible improvement:

Brown has improved in his effectiveness across the board. He’s sacrificed a bit of pure strikeout stuff and about a percentage fewer whiffs for more effective outs and better results. You can see how that all comes together in this highlight reel from his seven inning, three hit effort in St. Louis at the end of May. He’s basically still using his knuckle curve and four-seamer for most of his strikeouts, but the sinker gives him a way to induce weak contact when necessary [VIDEO].

With a 1.85 ERA off a 2.50 FIP through 68 innings this season, Brown has been outstanding. In eight games and 42.1 innings as a starting pitcher he’s got an even better 1.70 ERA and 2.39 FIP. Opposing batters are slashing just .179/.244/.245 against Brown as a starting pitcher this season.

Brown has been the most valuable pitcher on the Cubs by a wide margin with 2.0 fWAR in 68 innings compared to Shōta Imanaga’s 0.9 fWAR in 86.2 innings. That all seems worthy of a trip to Philadelphia to my eyes. It’s hard to imagine this Cubs team being over .500 without the work that Brown has put in this season both in the bullpen and as a starting pitcher.

June 23, 2026

White Sox vs. Guardians prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for June 23

Tonight is the second game of a three-game set between the White Sox (40-37) and the Guardians (41-38). Chicago pulled into a tie atop the American League’s Central Division last night with a 6-5 win over Cleveland.

Sam Antonacci rescued the Sox with a walk-off two-run single after the Chicago bullpen blew a 4-3 lead in the top half of the ninth. The Guardians rallied in the seventh scoring three times to tie the game at three apiece. Chicago retook the lead after the seventh inning stretch before imploding in the ninth. Anthony Kay started for the White Sox and threw six scoreless innings. Chris Murphy closed out the ninth for Chicago to earn the win. Cade Smith took the loss giving up two runs over 1.2 innings.

The Guardians have now lost three of their last four while the White Sox snapped a three-game losing streak.

Parker Messick takes the mound for Cleveland tonight. The right-hander owns a record of 7–3 with a 2.70 ERA, and 1.10 WHIP across 86.2 innings. He has struck out 91 while walking just 28. The rookie has allowed just eight home runs on the campaign which equates to slightly more than one every two outings. Taking the ball for Chicago is Sean Burke. The righty brings a 4–4 record, 3.89 ERA, and 1.22 WHIP over 81 innings with him to Rate Field tonight. Burke has fanned 81 hitters with 29 walks while allowing 10 homers.

Lets dive into tonight’s 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 first pitch, 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.

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Game Details and How to Watch: Guardians vs. White Sox

Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2026
Time: 7:40PM EST
Site: Rate Field
City: Chicago, IL
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, CLEGuardians.TV, CSN

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.

The Latest Odds: Guardians vs. White Sox

The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:

Moneyline: Cleveland Guardians (-115), Chicago White Sox (-105)
Spread: Guardians -1.5 (+153), White Sox +1.5 (-186)
Total: 7.0 runs

Probable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Guardians vs. White Sox for June 23

Guardians: Parker Messick
Season Totals: 86.2 IP, 7-3, 2.70 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 91K, 28 BB
White Sox: Sean Burke
Season Totals: 81.0 IP, 4-4, 3.89 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 81K, 29 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Guardians vs. White Sox

Sam Antonacci has hit safely in 7 of his last 8 games (10-27)
Colson Montgomery is 0-15 over his last 4 games
Andrew Benintendi has been on base one time over his last 4 games
Brayan Rocchio has hit safely in 4 of his last 5 games (8-21)
Steven Kwan has 1 hit in his last 8 games (1-15) and 3 in his last 11 (3-25)

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: Guardians vs. White Sox

The Guardians are 43-36 on the Run Line this season
The White Sox are 44-33 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 45 times in Chicago’s 77 games this season (45-30-2)
The OVER has cashed 39 times in the Guardians’ 79 games this season (39-40)

Expert picks & predictions: Guardians vs. White Sox

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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 tonight’s game between the Guardians and the White Sox:

Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Guardians on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Guardians on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 7.0

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June 23, 2026

MLB Predictions and Moneyline Picks for Tuesday, June 23

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All 30 MLB teams are in action tonight, and I've got MLB picks for all 15 games.

Here are my favorite leans and looks for MLB moneyline predictions for Tuesday, June 23, featuring the underdog Rockies.

MLB moneyline picks for June 23

Matchup	Pick
Astros vs Blue Jays	+120
Royals vs Rays	+170
Yankees vs Tigers	-106
$Rangers$ Rangers vs Marlins	-147
Mariners vs Pirates	+115
Phillies vs Nationals	-156
Brewers vs Reds	-102
Cubs vs Mets	-106
Dodgers vs Twins	+160
Guardians vs White Sox	-104
Diamondbacks vs Cardinals	-106
Red Sox vs Rockies	+150
Orioles vs Angels	-135
Braves vs Padres	-106
Athletics vs Giants	+125

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 6-23.

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Expert MLB moneyline picks for June 23

Astros vs Blue Jays: Astros (+120)

Astros win probability: 46%

Shane Bieber makes his first start of the season, and while Houston’s offense has been inconsistent lately, this is still a spot I am hesitant to trust a pitcher who has not taken a major-league mound since November 1, 2025.

Early-season timing, rhythm, and command are always questions in a return like this.

On the other side, Peter Lambert has been steady and serviceable for the Astros, giving them a more stable and warmed-up option in this matchup.

In a spot that could swing on execution rather than talent, I prefer the arm that is already in midseason form and operating with a defined recent workload.

Royals vs Rays: Royals (+170)

Royals win probability: 37%

“But Colby, you said you could never trust this offense yesterday.”

Yeah, I still do not fully trust them, but over their last 12 games, they have posted a 135 wRC+, .825 OPS, and a .362 wOBA while also generating a 33.6% hard-hit rate.

Meanwhile, the Rays have cooled off over that same stretch, sitting under a 34% hard-hit rate and below a 6% barrel rate.

Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan has been inconsistent lately, while Royals right-hander Luinder Avila has also shown some volatility. Away from home, McClanahan has been much sharper, owning a 1.80 ERA, 3.16 xERA, and a 1.08 WHIP.

I will side with the hotter offense in this spot.

Yankees vs Tigers: Yankees (-106)

Yankees win probability: 52%

Casey Mize has been strong for the Tigers this season, but I still cannot trust their offense. Over their last six games, Detroit has posted a 96 wRC+, .682 OPS, and .146 ISO, showing limited impact at the plate.

On the other side, the Yankees offense has stayed consistent, producing a 121 wRC+, .791 OPS, and .348 wOBA over their last 12 games. Carlos Rodon has also been steady overall, carrying a 3.50 ERA on the season with a 3.37 expected ERA.

In this matchup, I will side with the more consistent offense.

Rangers vs Marlins: Marlins (-147)

Marlins win probability: 60%

Cal Quantrill makes his first start of the season after working out of the bullpen, carrying a 3.68 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in that role. Miami’s offense has been productive lately, and this is a spot where I can see their bats staying hot against a below-average arm.

Sandy Alcantara has not been at his sharpest this season, but I would still rather trust him in this matchup than Quantrill. The veteran right-hander's recent profile raises concern, with a 50% hard-hit rate and a 10% barrel rate over his last few outings.

In a game with scoring potential on both sides, I will side with the Marlins offense.

Mariners vs Pirates: Pirates (+115)

Pirates win probability: 46%

I will happily take the Rally Rats in this spot at home. They have played their best baseball all season in their own ballpark and are seeing the ball well lately.

Mitch Keller has been fairly unreliable, but I view this as a spot where Pittsburgh’s offense can be the driving force behind a win.

Seattle has been ice cold over its last 12 games, posting a 70 wRC+, .087 ISO, and just a 31.5% hard-hit rate. George Kirby has also struggled in his recent outings, carrying a 5.60 ERA and a .161 WHIP over his last five starts.

I expect this Pirates offense to get on top of his stuff early and often.

Phillies vs Nationals: Phillies (-156)

Phillies win probability: 61%

Nationals right-hander Zack Littell profiles for trouble in this spot.

At home this season he carries a 6.31 ERA and 6.96 xERA while allowing a 45% hard-hit rate and nearly a 15% barrel rate, all indicators of sustained damage risk. With that in mind, Bryce Harper stands out individually, and it also strengthens the case for backing the full Phillies offense.

On the other side, Jesus Luzardo has been excellent on the road, posting a 1.55 ERA while limiting hard contact consistently.

Even with the elevated price, the underlying profile and matchup point toward Philadelphia as the side worth backing.

Brewers vs Reds: Brewers (-102)

Brewers win probability: 50%

This one came down to the wire last night, but I still believe the Brewers are the right side here.

Cincinnati right-hander Nick Lodolo has been shaky at home this season, carrying a 7.27 ERA and 6.76 xERA while allowing plenty of hard contact and barrels to opposing hitters. On the other side, Brandon Sproat has not been much better, but he limits free passes and benefits from a lower BABIP profile.

Offensively, Cincinnati has been ice cold over the last 20 games, posting an 87 wRC+, 26.3% strikeout rate, and a .675 OPS as a team. Milwaukee, meanwhile, has stayed locked in with a 131 wRC+, .819 OPS, and .182 ISO over that same stretch.

Once again, this comes down to the more consistent offense, and that edge clearly belongs to Milwaukee.

Cubs vs Mets: Mets (-106)

Mets win probability: 52%

My MLB player props are already high on Juan Soto to do damage at the dish tonight, especially given how much Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera has struggled since returning from injury.

On the other side, Kodai Senga has also been inconsistent, so this is less about trusting either arm and more about targeting the spot.

The Cubs have been swinging it well, but I am leaning into the Mets offense to jump on Cabrera early and set the tone in this one.

Dodgers vs Twins: Twins (+160)

Twins win probability: 38%

As surprising as it is to say, the Twins have been rolling lately. Over their last 12 games, they are posting a .380 wOBA, 129 wRC+, and an .811 OPS, showing real life at the plate.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have cooled off over their last six games with a .300 wOBA, 92 wRC+, and .664 OPS.

Los Angeles sends southpaw Justin Wrobleski to the mound, who carries a 4.61 expected ERA on the road while allowing a 43% hard-hit rate and a 9.29% barrel rate to opposing hitters. For Minnesota, Kendry Rojas gets the ball with a 1.26 ERA this season, though the walk rate is a concern.

Even so, given how hot the Twins offense has been, I am willing to take the shot on their bats continuing to produce.

Guardians vs White Sox: Guardians (-104)

Guardians win probability: 51%

Guardians right-hander Parker Messick has been excellent this season, entering today with one of the highest pitcher ratings on the slate. On the other side, Sean Burke takes the mound for the White Sox, and he has not been the most consistent option in their rotation.

Chicago also comes in off a walk-off win last night, which adds a potential letdown spot into the mix. Burke has shown vulnerability to hard contact, and I expect Cleveland to take advantage and get to him early this evening.

Diamondbacks vs Cardinals: Cardinals (-106)

Cardinals win probability: 49%

It is the Cardinals again, and I am very high on Ivan Herrera in this spot against Eduardo Rodriguez. That alone makes it hard to ignore the rest of the St. Louis lineup.

Per Batters-Box, the Cardinals rank as the seventh highest rated offense on the slate, while Rodriguez enters with the fourth-worst pitcher rating in the current season sample. That is a tough combination to overlook.

Arizona’s offense has cooled off over the last few weeks, while St. Louis has been one of the hotter lineups in baseball recently. In a spot like this, I want the offense that is trending up, and that points directly to the Cardinals.

Red Sox vs Rockies: Rockies (+150)

Rockies win probability: 40%

Run it back with the Rockies.

Simply put, the Red Sox have looked lifeless at the plate, while Colorado is starting to find some rhythm offensively. Even with last night coming down to a walk-off win, I am still willing to back the Rockies here at plus money.

At +150, the price is too strong to ignore given the current form on both sides. Colorado’s offense is showing signs of life, and in a spot like this, I am willing to ride the hotter bats and fade a Boston lineup that just has not been consistent.

Orioles vs Angels: Orioles (-135)

Orioles win probability: 57%

Simply put, this is a fade of a struggling arm in a favorable matchup. Ryan Johnson has been ice cold for the Angels, carrying a 12.83 ERA and 2.33 WHIP on the season, making it difficult to trust him in any competitive spot.

On the other side, the Orioles offense has started to heat up, posting a 116 wRC+, .195 ISO, and .339 wOBA over their last 12 games, showing real improvement at the plate.

The Angels lineup does not offer much resistance here either, with only two strong-rated hitters in this matchup. In a spot like this, I will side with the Orioles offense against a pitcher I am fading.

Braves vs Padres: Braves (-106)

Braves win probability: 52%

If German Marquez is on the mound tonight for the Padres, the Braves are an automatic look for me. He owns a 10.38 ERA at home this season while allowing a near 50% hard-hit rate and an 11.11% barrel rate to opposing hitters, which is a tough combination to trust in any matchup.

According to Batters-Box, Atlanta also brings seven elite-rated bats into this spot against him, which is more than enough firepower to create damage throughout the lineup.

Athletics vs Giants: Athletics (+125)

Athletics win probability: 44%

Aaron Civale is on the mound for the Athletics this evening, but I am not fully willing to trust that clubhouse with everything going on around Rafael Devers.

Instead, I am willing to take a shot fading Robbie Ray at plus money. The Athletics offense has been swinging it well lately, and getting value against a pitcher who has not been at his sharpest this season feels like the right side.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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June 23, 2026

Yankees vs Tigers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The New York Yankees are -110 favorites on the road against the Detroit Tigers tonight at Comerica Park, with the total set at 7.5 for the middle game of a three-game series.

New York limps in having dropped three straight and four of its last five, while Detroit rides a four-game winning streak.

My Yankees vs Tigers predictions and MLB picks for Tuesday, June 23, expect those trends to continue.

Who will win Yankees vs Tigers today: Tigers (-104)

I've faded Carlos Rodon a good deal this season, and I'm doing it again, backing the Detroit Tigers. He has elite strikeout stuff, but there's a notable issue in this matchup.

His Bottom 9th percentile walk rate at just over 13% puts free runners on against a Tigers offense that has heated up as of late and does a good job of putting the ball into play.

Casey Mize has historically handled this group with a 3.63 ERA across four career starts, including two quality starts against the New York Yankees last season.

That makes sense, too, given his swing-and-miss stuff that has peaked this season with a 25%+ strikeout rate. I'd play this to -120.

COVERS INTEL:Carlos Rodon's average exit velocity allowed sits in the 8th percentile in 2026 at 90.9 mph.

Yankees vs Tigers Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-116)

Both starters carry command issues, and both lineups are built to exploit them.

Mize returned from his second IL stint of the season last Wednesday and admitted his last outing was undone by too many three-ball counts — allowing three runs in just over four innings against a similar-hitting-profile team in the Houston Astros.

The Yankees lineup still has Paul Goldschmidt turning time back with a .898 OPS and Ben Rice (.389 xwOBA) doing damage. While I think Mize has some success, he'll give up enough here with the Tigers doing the heavy lifting. Play to 8.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record

ML/RL bets: 30-26, +6.67 units
Over/Under bets: 35-22, +16.82 units

Yankees vs Tigers weather

Temps are expected to hover around 70 degrees F come game time, with little chance of rain and slight winds.

Yankees vs Tigers odds

Moneyline: Yankees -115 | Tigers +100
Run line: Yankees -1.5 | Tigers +1.5
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5

Yankees vs Tigers trend

The Detroit Tigers have hit the moneyline in 12 of their last 18 games (+5.65 Units / 26% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Tigers.

How to watch Yankees vs Tigers and game info

Location	Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Date	Tuesday, June 23, 2026
First pitch	6:40 p.m. ET
TV	YES, DSN
Yankees starting pitcher	Carlos Rodon (3-2, 3.50 ERA)
Tigers starting pitcher	Casey Mize (2-4, 2.58 ERA)

Yankees vs Tigers latest injuries

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June 23, 2026

Will we ever see TJ Friedl in a Cincinnati Reds uniform again?

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 13: TJ Friedl #29 of the Cincinnati Reds in the dugout ahead of the game against the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park on May 13, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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We are aren’t yet to the 2026 season’s halfway point yet, with the Reds having played 77 games so far. We are still at the point where it’s recent memory to point out that TJ Friedl was the team’s starting CF for over half of those games (39), and the team’s leadoff hitter for nearly half of them (35).

It both feels like ages since Friedl was optioned to AAA Louisville after his awful start to the year and that he was an everyday regular for years just minutes ago. However, the timing of his play falling off a cliff coinciding with several other factors begs the question of not just if we’ll see him back with the Reds at some point this season, but if we’ll ever see him in a Cincinnati Reds uniform again.

Friedl, who’ll turn 31 in August, is making some $3.8 million this season after his first trip through the arbitration process over the winter. The nature of the arbitration system dictates that he’ll get at least that, and likely a raise, when he goes through it next winter – if the Reds choose to tender him a contract for the year he’ll turn 32.

As his offensive production cratered this year, it’s worth pointing out that some of the things that also showed significant diminishment, too. His sprint speed dipped to just the 32nd percentile, per Baseball Savant, down to just 26.7 feet per second – decidedly not bueno for a guy with little power who plays a premium defensive position and typically bats atop the order. Just three seasons ago (before his hamstring problems), he was at 28.3 feet per second, and his range metrics were much, much better accordingly. Father time, as we know, may not be linear, but is undefeated.

Beyond that, Blake Dunn has simply been better in CF than Friedl, and has the speed and baserunning chops to lap him. Dane Myers has beenprecisely the addition the Reds hoped from the right-side of the plate in that mix, while the corner spots in the outfield seem seized by JJ Bleday and a resurgent Noelvi Marte. And if the Reds want to add another left-handed outfielder to the mix, they’ve got Hector Rodriguez on the 40-man roster and on a heater himself at AAA right now, too.

Friedl’s path back to the active roster in 2026 seems overgrown with obstacles galore. His age and contract situation make seeing him tendered a contract this winter cloudy, at best. That means the Reds might well try to trade him for whatever they can get before the August 3rd deadline, though for all the reasons I’ve already laid out above they might not get any takers.

TJ owns an .840 OPS in the 15 games he’s played at AAA, so he’s not been nearly as bad down there as he was with the Reds. He has popped 3 homers, and is slugging .492. There’s obviously a chance that there are tweaks he’s made to make him more akin to the guy who posted a 2.4 bWAR season at the big league level just last year while owning a .364 OBP. The issue is, though, that he’s running out of time to make that impression sink in deep enough with the Reds brass before they have to make the call.

So, what say you for this week’s MLB Reacts question? Has TJ played his last game for the Reds, or not?