Snake Bytes 5/30: Not Quite

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 29: Geraldo Perdomo #2 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws out a runner during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 29, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Diamondbacks News

Marte’s Hit Streak, Snakes Fall to Mariners in Extras
Geraldo Perdomo broke ot of his funk, but Zac Gallen was unable to keep the qality start streak alive. In the end, the Diamondbacks were unable to capitalize on some opportunities and fell in extras.

Diamondbacks Walked Off in 10
A bit better timing by either Zac Gallen or the offense (if not both) and this game goes the other way.

I expect there will be plenty more posts like the one above until after Gallen is gone from the team, regardless of how the rest of the season goes. Gallen certainly is doing himself no favours, but it isn’t as though there were better options to be had at the time.

Former AZ Reliever John Curtiss Heads to Mexico
Not at all where I expected this old friend alert to end up.

Other Baseball News

MLB CBA Panic Check
Jeff Passan and others are still trying to keep a positive spin on tings and point out that it is entirely too early to panic.

Spencer Striders Fascinating First Examined
Diamondbacks fans are well aware that simply giving up three in the first inning is not the end of the world if the pitcher can buckle down moving forward.

What Should Giants Do with Robbie Ray
Another old friend alert. After bouncing back from injury in Arizona, Robbie Ray went on to be one of the better pitchers in the American League for a spell. Now, he’s starting to show signs of aging jst as the Giants are looking at the possibility of unloading him at the deadline.

MLB Power Rankings Week 9 – End of May Edition
The Diamondbacks recent run of games against the Giants and Rockies has lifted them to #8 in the latest rankings.

Murakami Exits Game Due to Hamstring Tightness

The South-sider’s slugging rookie phenom left last night’s tilt against the Tigers early after suffering a tweak in his right hamstring running to first base. He will undergo imaging today and is likely headed to the IL.

With Game 7 Of The WCF Saturday, Here’s A Jared McCain Links Run

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 22: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to shoot the ball against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter in Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center on May 22, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs will play Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals, and it’s become one of the most compelling series in recent memory as two young teams are emerging into potential greatness.

OKC is very young and remarkably deep and flexible, while San Antonio is even younger. We can’t remember if it’s the core or the overall team, but we read that this is the youngest team ever to get to a conference finals.

And of course both teams feature a member of the Brotherhood, with Mason Plumlee on the Spurs and Jared McCain on the Thunder.

McCain has emerged as a major factor, with his upbeat nature and boundless confidence fueling his game and, in turn, his team.

We thought we’d put together a links run for tonight’s game featuring McCain. There are a few themes: 1) his surprise emergence, 2) the hard fouls that Plumlee and Bismark Biyombo gave McCain in Game 5, and 3) that OKC will rely on him in Game 7.

Game time is 8:00 p.m. Quite frankly, most NBA basketball has been reduced to threes and dunks and is no longer compelling. This series is incredible, and these two teams, as young and talented as they are, are going to change the trajectory of the league. The Warriors did that during their era, and a lot of teams went with small ball.

These teams are not about that, and it could save the NBA from death by boredom. It’s too bad they’re both in the West though. This rivalry could become historic, and if they met in the Finals, it would be amazing for the league.

Go to the DBR Boards to find Blue Healer Auctions || Drop us a line

Texas Rangers minor league update for 5/29/26

20 June 2023, Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel: The sailing competitions of Kiel Week 2023 will be held in front of the Olympic Center in Schilksee. At the start on the sea lane there is a dense crowd of ORC yachts. Photo: Sascha Klahn/dpa (Photo by Sascha Klahn/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Hickory starter Aidan Deakins allowed three runs in 4.1 IP, striking out four and walking two.

Yolfran Castillo went 3 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base. Paulino Santana had a pair of walks and a stolen base. Hector Osorio had a pair of walks. Josh Springer had a hit.

Hickory box score

Hub City was no hit.

Caden Scarborough made his first full season start of the season, allowing a solo homer in four innings while striking out three.

Hub City box score

The Roughriders played two. Rafe Perich joined the Roughriders from Hub City, making his AA debut.

In Game One, Frisco starter Winston Santos struck out eight in 5.2 IP, walking three and allowing three runs, including a home run. Eric Loomis faced three batters and allowed a run on one hit and one walk, striking out one.

Arturo Disla went 3 for 3. Dylan Dreiling had a hit.

In Game Two, Dalton Pence struck out six and walked one in six shutout innings.

Ian Moller was 2 for 3 with a homer and a walk. Dylan Dreiling homered. Rafe Perich walked. Keith Jones II walked twice and stole a base.

Frisco Game One box score

Frisco Game Two box score

For Round Rock, Robbie Ahlstrom allowed a run in 0.2 IP, striking out one and walking one. Joe Ross struck out three in two shutout innings. Ryan Brasier threw a shutout inning. Michel Otanez struck out one, walked one and allowed a solo homer in an inning of work. Emiliano Teodo needed just 9 pitches (7 strikes) to retire the side in the ninth, striking out two.

Cam Cauley had two hits, two walks and a stolen base. John Taylor, promoted to Round Rock from Frisco, tripled. Aaron Zavala had a hit and three walks.

Round Rock box score

ACL Rangers box score

It hasn't been pretty, but Mets finding ways to pull out gutsy wins: 'Whatever it takes'

The Mets' wins haven't been pretty, but they are finding a way. 

That was again the case on Friday night, as New York blew a late lead but battled to open a three-game weekend set with a much-needed gusty walk-off win over the Marlins in 10 innings. 

It was their league-high 11th extra-inning victory to this point, and here’s how it played out: 

Unlike last weekend in Miami, New York was able to come through with some timely hits early on against Max Meyer, scratching across four runs in the bottom of the first.

“The guys put together some really good at-bats there,” Carlos Mendoza said. "We saw Myers over the weekend and he was nasty, so it was good to see them set the tone out of the gate."

Freddy Peralta followed that with a scoreless second inning, but then the Marlins were able to get themselves on the board after making him work through a 38-pitch third. 

The righty ended up being chased with four runs allowed (two earned) in 4.2 innings of work. 

“Give those guys a lot of credit,” Mendoza said. “They made him work and grinded out some long at-bat's, we didn’t make some plays in the field which cost him some pitches, but they made it tough on him.”

The skipper was forced to lean heavily on his bullpen once again, and things went as planned until Tobias Myers allowed a game-tying two-run homer in the top of the eighth.

The struggling Myers ended up being optioned to Triple-A following the game.

Before that, though, this one was pushed to extras where Austin Warren did a tremendous job stranding the ghost runner at second which set up MJ Melendez to send the fans home happy with a towering two-run blast.

It was the first walk-off knock of Melendez’s big-league career. 

“Honestly pretty speechless, kind of a surreal feeling,” the lefty said. “It’s something that I’ve never done before at the major league level, so it was a really crazy feeling.”

The Mets have now won back-to-back games for just the seventh time this season. 

Three of their last five victories have come in extras, with the other two being a one and two-run ballgame. 

It’s a trend that they know isn’t sustainable, but they’ll take it for now. 

“At the big-league level you take the wins however they come,” Mendoza emphasized. “Especially with how hard it’s been for us this year -- ideally on a night like tonight, we had to use pretty much everyone that was available.

“Is that sustainable? Of course not. But at this level it’s just whatever it takes day in and day out, we worry about tomorrow tomorrow, and I’m glad that the boys were able to come through today.” 

Curtis Mead is living up to his prospect hype with the Washington Nationals

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 25: Curtis Mead #45 of the Washington Nationals watches his solo home run during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We have talked about him quite a bit this season, but Curtis Mead’s production at the plate continues to amaze me. The Aussie has gone from a short side of a first base platoon to the everyday third baseman on the strength of his bat. As a prospect, Mead was supposed to be an elite bat, and he is showing it now with the Nats.

When the Nats traded for the recently DFA’d Curtis Mead, he was known as the failed prospect who was traded for Cristopher Sanchez. While Mead was fizzling out with the Rays and White Sox, Sanchez was becoming one of the premier arms in the National League. It is one of the few times where the Rays were fleeced.

After the trade went down in 2019, it seemed like the Rays had done it again. MLB Pipeline even wrote in their 2023 preseason scouting report that Mead has become the poster boy of why teams should be hesitant to trade with the Rays. This was when Mead was a top 35 prospect in baseball and Sanchez was struggling to carve out a big league role in Philly.

However, in the years that followed, Sanchez thrived, while baseball began to kick Mead in the teeth. It felt like Mead was becoming one of those AAAA players. The Aussie always put up big numbers in AAA, but it did not translate to the big leagues. In 2025, Mead posted a .620 OPS with the Rays and the White Sox, where he was traded after the Rays gave up on him.

Right as the season was about to kick off, the White Sox also gave up on Mead. With a crowded infield group, the White Sox decided to DFA the 25 year old Mead. The Nats jumped on this opportunity, and it did not hurt that they knew the person as well. When Mead was in Single-A, a young Blake Butera was his manager. That connection helped convince Paul Toboni to jump the waiver line, and trade 2025 6th rounder Boston Smith for Mead. Smith is actually doing quite well, but with the way Mead is hitting, it does not matter.

While Curtis Mead has always been able to hit, he has not been able to show power or patience at the MLB level before this season. Now, he is doing both at a very high level. Mead and Bryce Harper are the only NL first baseman with at least a .350 OBP and 140 wRC+. That is obviously great company to be keeping.

Calling Mead a first baseman would not be totally correct though. For most of the year, Mead has been at first, in a platoon with Luis Garcia Jr., but that has changed lately. After Brady House got sent down, Mead became the everyday third baseman. 

Having Mead face right handed pitching has been a master stroke so far. He actually has reverse splits this season, with a .730 OPS against lefties and a .979 OPS against righties in a nearly identical number of at bats. At first, he was pigeon holed into a platoon role, but eventually the Nats realized that this dude can mash against anyone.

You can see that in the numbers. After hitting 4 homers in his first three seasons as a big leaguer, Mead already has 8 this season. His walk rate has also gone from 5.7% to 14% between 2025 and 2026. When I talked to Mead, he told me that finding the right pitches to hit and swinging at pitches he could do damage on were his big goals in the offseason. Well, he has certainly accomplished those two things, and it has totally unlocked his game.

Honestly, this is the sort of player Mead was supposed to be when he was a prospect. He is a bat first guy who can play all over the infield, even if the defense is not stellar. There is a reason this guy had a 65 grade hit tool as a prospect. That is not a grade that is just handed out like candy.

Mead just needed to make a few adjustments to get there. When the Nats picked him up, you could tell that his approach needed to improve when you looked at his data. He hit the ball pretty hard, but it just did not result in power because he was swinging at everything. Mead also struck out a lot for a guy who did not whiff a ton, meaning he also fell behind in counts.

He has completely turned those weaknesses into strengths this year. Mead has 21 walks and just 25 strikeouts this season. When you are walking almost as much as you are striking out while hitting for power, you are in the sweetstop. Over half of Mead’s hits have gone for extra bases this year as well.

I also think there is reason to believe that Mead’s batting average should improve as well. That is the only part of his offensive game that is not overly impressive right now. Despite having an .856 OPS this year, Mead is hitting just .244. This is not due to his striking out a ton either, with his K rate sitting at just 16.7%. His BABIP is extraordinarily low at .245, way below his .294 career mark. 

Mead’s expected batting average this season is .264. His BABIP will probably always be on the lower side due to his lack of speed and fly ball heavy attack. However, .245 is too low for anybody. If he raises his average to .260, that OPS will only go up.

Curtis Mead has been the best find for this front office so far. The Aussie has been the Nats third best hitter this season, behind just James Wood and CJ Abrams. He is a big reason why this offense is so electric. The Aussie has become that right handed bat that compliments the two dynamic lefties the Nats have. I love watching Mead hit, and I hope to see him do his thing in DC for years to come.

Marlins vs Mets Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The New York Mets won the series opener in dramatic fashion, hitting a walkoff home run in the bottom of the 10th inning.

My Marlins vs. Mets predictions expect the home side to pick up its third straight win Saturday afternoon.

Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for May 30.

Who will win Marlins vs Mets today: New York Mets (-135)

Neither offense is above average at generating runs so I’m looking towards pitching to find my edge.

The New York Mets have the advantage with Christian Scott taking the bump. He owns a 2.8 FIP and 3.0 ERA over the past month despite a .328 batting average on balls put in play, which should drop moving forward.

His stuff has been excellent, allowing him to sit down 27.9% of opposing batters by strikeout. 

Tyler PhillipsxERA is more than two runs higher than his ERA, suggesting regression could be coming. Back the Mets to -145.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Christian Scott ranks in the 98th percentile with a 1.5% barrel rate, allowing him to neutralize power effectively.

Marlins vs Mets Over/Under pick: Under 7.0 (-105)

The easiest way to score runs is with power and both teams are lacking.

The Miami Marlins are tied for 27th in home runs and the numbers under the hood don’t provide any reason for optimism. The Marlins have posted an ISO of .117 against right-handed pitching this month, ranking them 29th in the majors.

While the Mets have fared a little better, it’s still not pretty. They sit tied for 21st in homers, 30th in SLG, and 30th in OPS. 

There is very little juice in their offense, even with Juan Soto lighting it right now. Play to -115.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 20-16, -1.08 units
  • Over/Under bets: 17-18-1, -3.61units

Marlins vs Mets odds

  • Moneyline: Marlins +115 | Mets -135
  • Run line: Marlins +1.5 (-190) | Mets -1.5 (+160)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+110) | Under 7.5 (-130)

Marlins vs Mets trend

New York has hit the Game Total Under in 32 of their last 45 games (+18.15 units, 36% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Marlins vs. Mets.

How to watch Marlins vs Mets and game info

LocationCiti Field, Flushing, NY
DateSaturday, May 30, 2026
First pitch4:10 p.m. ET
TVMarlins.TV, SNY
Marlins starting pitcherTyler Phillips
(0-0, 1.07 ERA)
Mets starting pitcherChristian Scott
(0-0, 3.20 ERA)

Marlins vs Mets latest injuries

Marlins vs Mets weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Spurs vs Thunder Expert Picks & Game 7 Best Bets

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

It all comes down to this: Game 7 between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

With tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET at Paycom Center and the Thunder listed as 3.5-point favorites, our Covers experts are ready to dish out their best NBA picks for Saturday, May 30.

Spurs vs Thunder Expert Picks Tonight

PickOdds
Jon Metler Jon Metler: Spurs Spurs ML+135
Jason Logan Jason Logan: Thunder Holmgren double-double+185
Joe Osborne Joe Osborne: Thunder Thunder TT o107.5-115

Odds courtesy of bet365.

Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!

Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!

Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!

Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Jon Metler's expert pick: Spurs moneyline

Price: +135 at bet365

The Oklahoma City Thunder are simply lacking the level of efficient offense needed to win this series right now.

Jalen Williams is still battling a hamstring injury and doesn’t look fully healthy, while Ajay Mitchell could also be limited if he’s able to play. That leaves a heavy burden on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the matchup hasn’t been easy for him. Stephon Castle has consistently pressured him at the point of attack, and when he does get into the paint, Victor Wembanyama is waiting at the rim.

From a matchup standpoint, I don’t see Oklahoma City having enough answers for what the San Antonio Spurs are doing. The injuries matter, and Chet Holmgren hasn’t provided the offensive impact the Thunder need from him in an expanded role.

I picked San Antonio to win this series in seven games before it started, and my conviction has only grown stronger. With the Spurs trading at +135 on bet365 and my number closer to +110, there’s clear value at the current price.

Jason Logan's expert pick: Chet Holmgren to record a double-double

Price: +185 at bet365

My best bet for Game 7 is the Over on Holmgren's points total, but I also like what I’ve seen from OKC’s 7-footer on the glass in recent games. He’s totaled 22 rebounds on 36 rebounding chances in the past two outings, despite not playing much in the second half of those blowouts.

Holmgren’s been active on the offensive glass too, racking up seven collective offensive boards in those contests. This is the lowest total of the series, with defense expected to be drum tight. That means more misses and ample rebounding chances.

His projections for Game 7 sit as high as 9+ boards and 17+ points. I’ll ask for at least 10 and 10 from Holmgren, who will see more minutes if game script holds up and we get a tight do-or-die contest.

Joe Osborne's expert pick: Thunder team total Over 107.5

Price: -115 at bet365

The Thunder have consistently responded well to adversity in this series, scoring 122 and 127 points in their two previous games following a loss.

OKC's offense has also been far more explosive at home, averaging 121.3 points across three contests while posting an effective field-goal percentage nearly eight points higher than on the road. 

While Game 7s are often expected to be lower scoring, that narrative is already baked into a total that has fallen seven points from Game 6.


More Spurs vs Thunder Game 7 picks


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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Blackhawks Urged To Swing Trade For Maple Leafs Star

The Chicago Blackhawks should be looking to improve their roster this off-season after another tough season. Their biggest need is a proven star winger in their top six. 

Due to this, the Blackhawks have now been recommended to strike a deal for one of the NHL's top off-season trade candidates.

In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Adam Gretz urged the Blackhawks to make a trade for Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Matthew Knies. 

"Toronto might also be looking to move him to get more long-term assets into the organization as John Chayka tries to rebuild it. Could he get the No. 4 overall pick for Knies? Would Chicago do that? It shouldn't be off the table. Especially since they are likely to miss out on the Gavin McKenna/Ivar Stenberg duo at the top. Get some help for Connor Bedard. Get some help that can grow with him," Gretz wrote.

It is not difficult to understand why Knies is being viewed as a prime potential trade target for the Blackhawks. This is because the Phoenix, Arizona native would not only provide the Blackhawks' first line with a major boost but is also still only 23 years old. Due to this, he would be an incredible fit on a young Blackhawks team that is looking to take that next step. 

If the Blackhawks acquire Knies, he would also be guaranteed to be a long-term part of their core. This is because the 6-foot-3 forward is signed until the end of the 2030-31 season, carrying a $7.75 million.

It is also important to note that Knies is a player that the Blackhawks like. The Blackhawks were among the teams very interested in Knies leading up to this year's deadline, so it would not be shocking in the slightest if they kicked tires on him again during this off-season. 

In 79 games this season with the Maple Leafs, Knies recorded 23 goals, 43 assists, 66 points, and 152 hits. 

Braves vs Reds Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Atlanta Braves look to grab another series win tonight when they face the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

Ronald Acuna Jr. has suddenly caught fire, and my Braves vs. Reds predictions and MLB picks are backing this dangerous Atlanta lineup to put up big numbers on the reeling hosts. 

Who will win Braves vs Reds today: Atlanta -1.5 (+113)

Cincinnati Reds starter Brady Singer has lost a full MPH off his sinker, an inch of vertical break compared to 2025. That’s why hitters are rocking a .404 wOBA and .501 xSLG vs. his primary pitch.

Add in a fastball RV/100 of -16.8 RV/100 and a cutter with an xSLG of .871, and it’s easy to see why his 4.8 HR/9 is the highest of any qualified starter in May.

That’s a recipe for disaster at Great American Ballpark in warm conditions, especially given the Atlanta Braves' fifth-lowest 0.94 GB/FB rate in May.

I’m backing the Braves -1.5 up to even money.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Hitters are pulling Singer’s offerings at a clip of 50.8% this month, while registering a HR/FB rate of 36%—the highest of any starter with at least 15 innings pitched.

Braves vs Reds Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (+100)

Graham Ashcraft is the latest Cincinnati bullpen arm lost to injury. The pieces left in place are getting rocked.

That’s going to happen when you allow a 53.5% FB rate over the past two weeks, with 19.1% of them clearing the fences. Both those marks are the worst in the majors in that span.

The weather conditions at GABP rank fifth-best in the league on Saturday, and Martin Perez’s1.46 HR/9 and 14.8% HR/FB road metrics will help push the scoring into double-figures.

Take the Over to -120.

Jason Ence's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 7-12 -6.11 units
  • Over/Under bets: 12-7, +4.28 units

Braves vs Reds odds

  • Moneyline: Braves -138 | Reds +133
  • Run line: Braves -1.5 (+113) | Reds +1.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under: Over 9.5 (+100) | Under 9.5 (-104)

Braves vs Reds trend

The Atlanta Braves have covered the Run Line in 39 of their last 50 away games (+31.65 Units / 52% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Reds.

How to watch Braves vs Reds and game info

LocationGreat American Ballpark, Cincinnati, OH
DateSaturday, May 30, 2026
First pitch7:15 p.m. ET
TVFOX
Braves starting pitcherMartin Perez
(2-3, 2.70 ERA)
Reds starting pitcherBrady Singer
(2-4, 6.26 ERA)

Braves vs Reds latest injuries

Braves vs Reds weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Where Rockets Tari Eason ranks among top free agents

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Tari Eason of Rockets warms up before the NBA playoffs game 5 between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets at the Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason is a free agent for the first time in his career.

The former first-round pick out of LSU has grown in each of his four seasons with the Rockets. In the 2025-26 campaign, Eason averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Rockets, making 60 appearances (34 starts) for the team.

His player profile and potential for even more growth is why Bleacher Report writer Eric Pincus listed him at No. 13 in his free agent rankings.

“Eason represents part of the team’s young core, but he’s expecting a significant pay raise,” Pincus wrote.

“If Houston pays Eason in the $20-30 million starting range, the franchise could face apron restrictions. If the Rockets pass, letting him leave as a restricted free agent (or sign-and-trade him), the team loses youth, depth, and a tough wing who is shooting 46 percent from three-point range on nearly five attempts.”

The only players that ranked higher than Eason in the rankings are Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson, Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton, Miami Heat guard Norman Powell, Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu, Washington Wizards guard Trae Young, Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder big man Isaiah Hartenstein, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.

The Rockets have a big decision when it comes to Easton’s future. It’s clear that the team wants to invest in him, but it comes at a certain price. The Rockets would lose a lot of their rebounding prowess and physical toughness by letting Easton walk, but they could have a lot of cap flexibility if they choose to move on.

It’s a conundrum that the Rockets have to solve this offseason. There’s reason to believe the Rockets can improve with Eason on the roster, but if they don’t bring him back, they will need to make several moves to replace his value.

TDS community, how much would you pay Eason this summer? Can the Rockets afford to let him go? Let us know in the comments section below.

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

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The New York Yankees visit the Athletics tonight in Sacramento as -155 favorites, with the total set at 9.5.

Ryan Weathers' 85th-percentile strikeout rate lines up against an A's lineup that ranks 19th in MLB in runs scored, while J.T. Ginn's 29th-percentile walk rate hands a stacked Yankees offense exactly what it wants.

Here are my Yankees vs Athletics predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 30.

Who will win Yankees vs A’s today: Yankees -1.5 (+105)

The New York Yankees' offense will slump at some point, but today is not that day. For the second straight night, I'm grabbing New York to cover and would play it to -110. 

This is a pitcher-strength-on-team-weakness angle. Ryan Weathers has, somewhat to my surprise, been impressive for the Yankees, carrying a Top-15 percentile strikeout rate (28.3%) that plays against an Athletics group whiffing at an above-average clip.

On the other side, J.T. Ginn's10.6% walk rate forces him into hitter's counts, where he's allowing a .308 xwOBA, exactly the spot a hot Bronx offense feasts.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Ginn's 83rd-percentile fastball run value is his best pitch, but he throws it only 13% of the time.

Yankees vs A’s Over/Under pick: Under 9.5 (-105)

We cashed the Over last night due to the A's pushing over a late run. Tonight offers a lower-scoring environment.

Both pitchers have expected ERAs that sit below four, and both are genuinely solid arms from a metric perspective. 

While I expect the Yankees to score enough to cover the run-line, Ginn will still be decent. He does a great job limiting hard contact with a hard-hit rate that ranks in the Top 14% of baseball, which is essential against the Yankees.

On the other side, we've already spoken about how Weathers whiff-inducing stuff should carry him. I'd play this to -122.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 25-19, +5.64 units
  • Over/Under bets: 29-15, +16.34 units

Yankees vs A’s odds

  • Moneyline: Yankees -155  | A’s +125 
  • Run line: Yankees -1.5 | A’s +1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5

Yankees vs A’s trend

The New York Yankees have covered the 1st Five Innings (F5) Run Line in 31 of their last 50 away games (+9.60 Units / 16% ROI)

How to watch Yankees vs A’s and game info

LocationSutter Health Park, Sacramento, CA
DateSaturday, May 30, 2026
First pitch10:05 p.m. ET
TVYES, NBC Sports California
Yankees starting pitcherRyan Weathers
(2-2, 3.14 ERA)
A’s starting pitcherJ.T. Ginn
(2-3, 3.19 ERA)

Yankees vs A’s latest injuries

Yankees vs A’s weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Peter Heubeck, Ryan Fitzgerald, Griffin Lockwood-Powell shine

FRISCO, TX - JUNE 26: Peter Heubeck #25 of the Tulsa Drillers pitches during the game between the Tulsa Drillers and the Frisco RoughRiders at Riders Field on Thursday, June 26, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Homero Amador/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)

Friday night in the Dodgers minors included a few multiple home run games and a dominant pitching outing for someone freshly back from the injured list.

Player of the day

Peter Heubeck retired nine of his 10 batters faced in three scoreless innings, with six strikeouts on Friday night for Double-A Tulsa. He allowed only a two-out single in the second inning, shortly after the right-hander struck out his first four batters of the game.

Heubeck returned from the injured list last Saturday, making his first start for Tulsa since suffering a shoulder injury last July. He’s struck out nine of his 19 batters faced in five innings thus far.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Comets homered four times to beat the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Astros). Ryan Fitzgerald hit the first two of those homers, solo shots in the second and seventh innings.

Oklahoma City broke things open with four runs in the eighth, including home runs by Tyler Fitzgerald and James Tibbs III. Tibbs has been limited to designated hitter and pinch-hitting duties for three weeks, last playing the field on May 7. He’s dealing with a forearm issue, per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic.

Logan Allen allowed a run in five innings for the win, and Carlos Duran struck out three in two scoreless innings of relief.

Chayce McDermott began the eighth inning in relief but only faced one batter, as he was struck on the right knee on an infield single, and had to exit the game. He walked off under his own power.

Rehab update

After playing five innings at second base in each of his first two games, Tommy Edman was the designated hitter on Friday, playing on back-to-back days for the first time. He had an infield single in three at-bats on Friday and has four hits in nine at-bats with a walk thus far for the Comets.

Double-A Tulsa

The Drillers swept the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals) in a doubleheader, walking them off in the first game and allowing just one hit in a shutout win in the second game.

Griffin Lockwood-Powell homered twice in the opener, and also delivered the walk-off double in the seventh inning.

Elijah Hainline homered in the opener, and had two hits in the nightcap. Josue De Paula doubled and scored in Game 2.

After Heubeck on the mound in the nightcap, Carson Hobbs and Kelvin Ramirez each pitched two scoreless innings.

High-A Great Lakes

Five runs in the second inning set the tone for the Loons’ road win over the Dayton Dragons (Reds). Emil Morales hit a three-run double in the big frame.

Eduardo Quintero reached base four times with two singles and two walks, and stole two bases, giving him 21 steals on the season. Jose Meza homered in the sixth inning for Great Lakes.

Christian Zazueta gave up three runs in the third inning, including a home run, but nothing else in his 4 1/3 innings. His two strikeouts were three fewer than the next-fewest of his other seven starts this season. After a 41.4-percent strikeout rate in April, Zazueta had a 25.9-percent strikeout rate in May. On the season he’s at 50 strikeouts against only nine walks in 37 1/3 innings.

Alex Makarewich (five outs), Nicolas Cruz (two innings), and Matt Lanzendorfer (one innings) closed out the game in scoreless fashion, combining for eight strikeouts and no walks.

Class-A Ontario

The Tower Buzzers lost a wild, back-and-forth game to the Visalia Oaks (D-backs) in 10 innings.

Jecsua Liborious had an outing befitting his name on Friday. He pitched a scoreless eighth inning, but allowed the tying run in the ninth inning by hitting the leadoff batter, who advanced to third base on two outs before Liborius wild-pitched him home. In the 10th inning, Liborius started the frame with a wild pitch and a balk to score the free runner for the go-ahead run. With one out in the 10th inning, Liborius walked a batter, then was removed after 2 1/3 hitless, yet wild innings. Then Seamus Barrett came in and allowed a two-run home run that padded Visalia’s lead, plus another run of his own after a pair of errors.

The Ontario outfielders made their mark in this one.

Right fielder Jaron Elkins hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning, giving Ontario a lead after trailing 8-2 just two frames earlier. Elkins also walked, was hit by a pitch, and scored three runs. Center fielder Landyn Vidourek doubled, walked twice, drove in a pair, and scored a run. Right fielder Ching-Hsien Ko singled, walked twice, drove in two, and scored two. All three outfielders each stole a base as well, and the trio combined to reach base nine times, with six runs scored and six RBI.

Transactions

Triple-A: Ryan Ward was called up to the Dodgers to time share in left field. Hyeseong Kim was optioned.

Friday scores

Saturday schedule

  • 4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Brooks Auger) at Dayton (Julian Aguiar)
  • 4:05 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Charlie Barnes) at Sugar Land (Ryan Weiss)
  • 5 p.m.: Tulsa (Patrick Copen) vs. NW Arkansas (Frank Mozzicato)
  • 6:05 p.m.: Ontario (TBA) vs. Visalia (Daury Vasquez)

Mariners News: Luis Severino, Eury Pérez, and Brandon Marsh

May 21, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Luis Severino (40) delivers during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | William Liang-Imagn Images

Hello friends and happy Saturday!

The Mariners completed their climb back to .500 yesterday with a 7-6 walk-off victory over the Diamondbacks. Julio Rodríguez and Luke Raley continued their hot starts at the dish with a home run each, while J.P. Crawford had his first multi-homer game as a Mariner.

Raley leads the M’s with 12 dingers so far this year, Julio has 11, and J.P. rounds out the top three with 9. Who do you think will lead the club in homers by the end of the season?

In Mariners news…

Around the league…

Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Rays better at baseball than Angels

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 29: Richie Palacios #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after hitting a two-RBI triple in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field on May 29, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

What John Sterling always said was true. You can’t predict baseball, Suzyn. Except sometimes you can have a pretty fair guess. The expected outcomes for the American League’s top two teams came to pass last night because both the Yankees and Rays are better than the A’s and Angels. If you’ll forgive getting blue from the jump with a Sandor Clegane quote, sometimes it’s as simple as your opponent not having armor or a big fucking sword (to admittedly stretch a metaphor). The Yankees won 8-2, and the Rays won 8-5. Yup.

Here’s what what went on among some top AL foes.

Tampa Bay Rays (35-19) 8, Los Angeles Angels (22-36) 5

I suppose I’m being a tad uncharitable to the Angels, who did lead the Rays for the middle part of this ballgame at the Trop. But if the Halos have proven anything over their past decade of misery, it’s that they’re never to be trusted. Walbert Ureña did a nice job of matching Nick Martinez, allowing a leadoff homer to Yandy Díaz and really not much else across six innings of one-run ball. And the Angels had a 2-1 advantage by the time Ureña left at the end of the sixth, thanks to a pair of RBI knocks from Vaughn Grissom and Zach Neto. It could’ve been more, as they went 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position on the night. Oh well.

Ryan Zeferjahn took over for Ureña in the seventh and saw it fitting to then give up seven. Okay fine, the last three runs were charged to Brent Suter, but this was some bad relief pitching. Zeferjahn didn’t record his only out until after walking Cedric Mullins, allowing back-to-back homers to Díaz and Jonathan Aranda (Yandy putting the Rays ahead), and yielding a single to Junior Caminero.

Grissom didn’t help matters for Suter upon his entrance, bobbling a Chandler Simpson grounder for an error. Oliver Dunn then reached on a squeeze single, Richie Palacios cleared the bases with a two-run triple, and he scored on a Nick Fortes sacrifice fly. A 2-1 lead had become an 8-2 deficit in an inning. That’s Angels baseball, baby.

Two walks, a Grissom double, and a pair of productive outs helped the Halos trim the score to 8-5 in the eighth. For as lousy as the pitching is, the Orange County offense did manage to get the go-ahead run to the plate down to their last gasp against closer Bryan Baker. With one down, he walked Logan O’Hoppe, allowed a single to erstwhile Rays pest Jose Siri, and despite fanning Neto, he walked Trout to load the bases for Grissom — who actually had a go-ahead slam earlier this week in Detroit. No dice this time around, as Baker got Grissom to pop up to end it. The Rays retain their 1.5-game lead in the AL East.

Other Games

Toronto Blue Jays (29-29) 6, Baltimore Orioles (26-32) 5: It looked like the O’s had a handle on this one, as they seized a 5-0 lead at Camden Yards on the strength of homers from Jackson Holliday, Pete Alonso, and Samuel Basallo. Trevor Rogers threw six scoreless innings on under 75 pitches, and it wasn’t controversial to see him return for the seventh. Four batters later, he was gone and it was quickly a 5-4 ballgame on a pair of two-run dingers from Kazuma Okamoto and the debuting Charles McAdoo. Whoops. As the Toronto bullpen after Austin Voth threw no-hit relief, the Jays finished the comeback in the eighth, blitzing Yennier Cano as well with back-to-back singles and a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. double to plate both runners before an out was recorded. Adley Rutschman had a chance to walk it off in the bottom of the ninth as the winning run at the plate following an error by Ernie Clement, but Braydon Fisher got him to ground out, Clement succeeding in his mulligan. Toronto is back to .500 for the first time since April 4th.

Seattle Mariners (29-29) 7, Arizona Diamondbacks (31-25) 6 – 10 innings: The Jays’ 2025 ALCS foes are back even at .500 as well, and while it hadn’t been quite as long for the M’s, it had still been almost exactly a month. Seattle outhomered Arizona 4-1 on Friday, with J.P. Crawford slugging a pair off Zac Gallen himself. However, three singles, two doubles, and a walk helped the D-backs come back from down 5-1 in the sixth against George Kirby and Matt Brash. Luke Raley countered with a solo shot to make it 6-5, M’s, but Andrés Muñoz’s tough 2026 continued when he blew the save in the ninth. He was honestly fortunate to escape the bases-loaded, no-out jam he put himself in on two singles and a plunking of Nolan Arenado with just one run scoring on a slow grounder that turned into an RBI fielder’s choice. The game went extras, and after Cooper Criswell stranded the zombie runner with two grounders to short and one to second, Randy Arozarena responded to the challenge of Josh Naylor being intentionally walked in front of him, doubling to center to walk it off. The M’s lead the A’s in the AL West by a game and a half.

Cleveland Guardians (34-25) 4, Boston Red Sox (23-33) 3: No one outside of the Buckeye State has really been looking all that much, but the Guardians are putting the finishing touches on an outstanding month of May. They began it dead even at .500; since then they’ve gone 18-9, and that’s even including the recent, weird home series loss to the Nationals. Cleveland got back on track last night with the last-place Red Sox in town, burning Boston’s “opener + Brayan Bello” strategy by crushing said opener, Tyler Samaniego.

Angel Martínez’s two-RBI single paced a four-run first, and though Bello kept it close with seven shutout innings while his offense tallied three in the fifth off Slade Cecconi, the Red Sox never mustered that game-tying score. Reliever Colin Holderman stranded Cecconi’s remaining runner in scoring position, and Boston could only scatter a few singles against the Cleveland bullpen. Cade Smith allowed a leadoff hit in the ninth before striking out the side for his MLB-leading 20th save.

Orioles minor league recap 5/30: Baysox offense explodes, others sleep

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 13: The Baltimore Orioles mascot performs before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 13, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Triple-A: Durham (Rays) 7, Norfolk Tides 4

Friends, it’s depressing looking at this Norfolk box score. No help is on the way and chaos reigns. The Orioles signed a pitcher more or less off of his couch to start this game. That’s Chris Kachmar, part of the Cubs organization last year, who pitched his first game of the year here. His 3.1 innings were scoreless.

Behind him for three innings was Riley Cooper, a guy the team appears to have bumped up from Delmarva for this game out of desperation. Cooper gave up two runs, then random 40-man roster fodder Eduarniel Núñez managed to give up five (three earned) in one-third of an inning.

There is just nothing to hang your hat on. The outfield was Michael Siani (also 40-man fodder), Tommy Pham, and Jud Fabian. There are no infield prospects in this box score. Designated hitter Heston Kjerstad drove in a run while going 1-4 with a double. I’m a little bit interested in seeing how Kjerstad does now that he’s officially been optioned. I hope he can pull off yet another career revival and end up displacing Tyler O’Neill in the Orioles lineup.

Box score.

Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox 14, Erie (Tigers) 2

It’s nice for me to get to look at a butt-kicking by the Orioles affiliate here after that last one. Chesapeake exploded for seven runs in the second inning and they never looked back from there. The team had 19 hits and six different batters had multi-hit games. Among these were my guy Aron Estrada (hit his seventh homer of the year), Ethan Anderson (three hits), and Griff O’Ferrall (four hits). O’Ferrall needs some more four hit games to raise his season OPS, which now sits at .633. Estrada has a .757 OPS, while Anderson has rebounded nicely from last year’s time at Aberdeen, sitting at an OPS of .833.

The Baysox starting pitcher here was Sebastian Gongora, one more guy in the Orioles system who isn’t really a prospect but he’s also not a total non-prospect. The 24-year-old lefty, an 11th round pick by the Orioles two years ago, allowed two runs over a 6.2 inning start where he gave up just two hits and one walk. Gongora now has a 3.56 ERA in ten starts.

Box score.

High-A: Jersey Shore (Phillies) 8, Frederick Keys 3

Does this box score let me report something good to you about Wehiwa Aloy? Sort of, he was hitless in three at-bats but walked twice. Okay, what about lately-warming-up outfielder Braylin Tavera? Also hitless, but he had a walk and a sacrifice fly. Early-season sensation Victor Figueroa? 0-3 with a walk. Vance Honeycutt didn’t strike out, because he didn’t play. Nate George remains on the injured list with an undisclosed illness. The Keys only had seven hits in all, just one of which went for extra bases, and they were 1-9 with RISP. It’s a rough way to try to win a game.

Frederick faced an early hole they were dug by their starting pitcher Kiefer Lord and never recovered from there. Lord sported an unenviable 3 WHIP for the game: Six hits, three walks in three innings. He was lucky to allow “only” three runs. Lord, who’s scarcely been healthy to pitch since being drafted in 2023, has a 6.19 ERA after five starts with Frederick following a promotion up from Delmarva.

Box score.

Low-A: Fredericksburg (Nationals) 2, Delmarva Shorebirds 1

Each of these teams had six hits. The Shorebirds hits were all singles. Fredericksburg had two doubles and a triple. That was pretty much the difference. It didn’t help that there was an error right after the triple, allowing that run to score with two outs. Shortstop DJ Layton, an interesting young guy from last year’s draft, committed the error. He made up for it a little bit with one of the Shorebirds hits, and scored Delmarva’s lone run.

Another guy appearing in this box score is Enrique Bradfield Jr., who’s rehabbing the injury that’s had him out of action with Norfolk since his last game on April 21. Bradfield came up to bat four times out of the leadoff spot, going 0-3 with a walk. Norfolk’s lineup will be a bit more interesting once he returns there.

Box score.

Saturday’s Scheduled Games

  • Norfolk: vs. Durham, 6:35. Starter: Trace Bright
  • Chesapeake: at Erie, 6:05. Starter: Luis De León
  • Frederick: at Jersey Shore, 7:05. Starter: Caden Hunter
  • Delmarva: vs. Fredericksburg, 7:05. Starter: Esteban Mejia