Category: Sports News

David Lesky has a Royals trade primer that includes the possibility they trade Michael Wacha.

The Royals have said that they will listen, but the offer would have to be astronomical. First of all, that’s probably the correct mindset to have this far from the deadline, at least on what they’d accept. But I hate the idea that they aren’t doing some of the shopping as well. I mentioned above that this would be a good time to jump the market. It’s risky, but if they wait, teams could get more desperate too. But either way, they should at least be actively reaching out and telling teams what they want for Wacha.

I’m fine if they don’t trade him because a deal just didn’t materialize. All the reasons he’s attractive in a trade are reasons the Royals would want to keep him. His salary goes down to $14 million next year, and then he has an affordable $14 million team option in 2028. Now, he’s 35 years old and age doesn’t typically help a pitcher once they get to the mid-30s. But he’s having another pretty solid season, though he’s struggled lately. He’s steady and gives you innings. Teams would be lining up to get Wacha.

Anne Rogers has some injury updates and reports that Stephen Kolek won’t be activated for today’s game.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic previews the trade market for sellers like the Royals.

Potential trade chips: Veteran starters, relievers, Lane Thomas

The Royals have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball this year, and they really have no choice but to sell. The most likely Royals to be traded are All-Star right-hander Michael Wacha and veteran right-hander Seth Lugo….

This is an important trade deadline for Kansas City, and they need to take advantage of the sellers’ market.

Royals prospect Angeibel Gomez is a Dominican Summer League All-Star highlighted by Baseball America.

Gomez signed with Kansas City this past January and immediately translated his strong amateur track record to pro ball. He’s been one of the league’s most electric players in the first half of the season and has a good chance to rank No. 1 in the league after the year concludes. His plus-plus speed and plus arm strength give him a strong chance to stick in center field, and he’s been one of the league’s standouts in the batter’s box as well. Gomez has already posted exit velocities better than 110 mph, and he rarely misses or chases. Through 27 games, the 17-year-old is hitting .330/.459/.602 with nine doubles, five home runs and 10 stolen bases. He’s also racked up more walks (18) than strikeouts (13).

MLB Pipeline adds Royals prospect David Shields to its top 100 prospect list.

The Orioles acquire outfielder Rudy Martin from the Royals.

The Pirates/Guardians games is postponed due to poor air conditions from Canadian wildfires.

A’s slugger Brent Rooker has season-ending knee surgery.

Dayn Perry ranks the top 50 players in baseball.

Are the Red Sox for real?

Adam Ottavino accuses the Mets of being the reason why MLB is cracking down on iPad usage.

Dan Szymborski at Fangraphs updates ZIPS standings.

The Brewers will use newly-acquired pitcher Lance McCullers in the bullpen.

Jeff Passan has the latest he is hearing on the trade market.

Aaron Judge is not ready for baseball activities.

FOX, ESPN, and Netflix are reportedly interested in bidding on MLB World Series rights.

Former Mets All-Star Ron Hunt dies at age 85.

The NFL suspends a Cardinals executive for gambling.

Caitlin Clark scores a career-high 45 points in a Friday comeback win.

Apple unseats Nvidia as the world’s most valuable company.

Astronomers say a meteorite that hit a home in New Jersey contains “alien world chemistry.”

Chipotle opens its first location in Mexico.

Your song of the day is The Four Tops with It’s the Same Old Song.

Fresh off of the All-Star break, the Yankees had a disappointing start to the second half of the season. New York’s offense was quiet, while a clutch homer from Max Muncy sealed the deal for the Dodgers later in the game. Despite the unfortunate return in Yankeeland, there was plenty of baseball going on elsewhere, so let’s take a look at the goings on coming out of the break.

Boston Red Sox (47-48) 10, Tampa Bay Rays (56-39) 0 (Game 1)

With a doubleheader on tap between the Rays and Red Sox, Boston was looking to stay hot on Friday, and that they did. Sox starter Jake Bennett had the good stuff on the mound, while the bats put up double-digit runs on Tampa Bay’s pitchers.

The Red Sox kicked off scoring in the second inning when a sacrifice fly followed by Carlos Narváez’s RBI single had them up 2-0. Later on, a Masataka Yoshida solo homer off Griffin Jax had them up by three, but Boston’s six-run sixth inning was where they really separated themselves. In that inning, Jarren Duran tallied his second and third RBIs of the afternoon, while three other Sox notched ones of their own.

All the while, Bennett was dealing on the mound, as the lefty worked six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out three. His effort was the driving force in keeping the Rays out of the run column in game one.

Narváez’s capped off his big day with a solo shot in the seventh, which put Boston up by the final of 10-0. It was their 10th consecutive win, with more to come on the day.

Boston Red Sox (48-48) 5, Tampa Bay Rays (56-40) 3(Game 2)

In the nightcap of the doubleheader, though the process was a bit different, the results were not. The action started early in this one, with Jonny DeLuca’s single scoring a pair, before homers from Wilyer Abreu and Willson Contreras flipped things in favor of Boston in the bottom half of the first.

Junior Caminero smacked his 29th home run of the season in the top of the third, which knotted things back up, as both Eduardo Rivera and Mason Englert had forgettable days on the mound. In the bottom half of that inning, Wilyer Abreu stayed hot and belted his second homer of the game, one that gave his crew a lead they would hold onto the rest of the day.

The second win of the day was the 11th straight for the smoking-hot Red Sox, as they are charging back into contention at the expense of the Rays to kick off the second half. It’s Boston’s longest winning streak since 2016. So while the Yankees did gain a half-game on Tampa Bay despite their own loss to the Dodgers, it’s at least an uneasy feeling with Boston now in a virtual tie with Minnesota (who beat the Cubs 5-2) for the last Wild Card spot.

Other Games

Chicago White Sox (51-45) 12, Toronto Blue Jays (45-52) 5: It was a good day for sock teams, as those of the Chicagoan variety also put up double-digit runs on Friday. A five-run second inning, fueled in part by Sam Antonacci’s two-run homer had them in business early, while three runs in the fifth and four in the seventh just about sealed the deal. It was too much to keep up with for the Jays, as the White Sox were able to maintain their slim lead in the Central for at least another day. (The Guardians’ game against the Pirates was postponed due to the wildfire smoke conditions in Cleveland.)

Atlanta Braves (55-40) 15, Texas Rangers (47-45) 1: Keeping with the theme of the day, the Braves also put a hurtin’ on the Rangers by putting up 15 runs at home. Atlanta plated multiple runs in five different innings, forcing an early and unfortunate exit for Cal Quantrill, though his pals out of the bullpen didn’t fair any better. The Rangers tallied just one run on five hits, while the Braves managed 19, three of which left the park. Most amusingly, an actual pitcher got a hit in garbage time, with Atlanta reliever Victor Mederos singling off old friend Kyle Higashioka.

San Francisco Giants (41-55) 7, Seattle Mariners (48-49) 0: In the late slate of games, the Giants took an easy win from the Mariners in a west coast matchup. Landon Roupp was excellent on the mound for San Francisco, as he tossed seven shutout innings, with Willy Adames’ grand slam being the big blow on the offensive side. With both the Mariners and Rangers losing (as did the Astros, for good measure), Texas retains their 1.5-game lead in the West despite sitting just one game over .500.

It was a rough first night back after the All-Star break for the Phillies’ affiliates. The Clearwater Threshers were the only team to come away with a win, and even that required extra innings.

Omaha 2, Lehigh Valley 1

The IronPigs’ bats looked like they were still on a break, mustering just one run on two hits. However, one of those hits was a solo home run by Dylan Moore.

On the bright side, it was a solid night for the IronPigs’ pitching staff with starting pitcher Brian Keller giving up a lone run while striking out six in six innings. Tucker Davidson covered two innings in relief and suffered the loss by giving up a home run in the seventh inning.

Altoona 6, Reading 2

The Fightin’ Phils’ offense wasn’t much better as they scored only two runs in their loss to the Altoona Curve. The lone offensive highlight came in the fourth inning when outfielder Raider Tello had an RBI single to tie the game at two runs apiece.

Starting pitcher Luke Russo gave up three runs in his 5.1 innings of work and then Jack Dallas gave up two more in 1.2 inning of relief.

Wilmington 5, Jersey Shore 4

A bad first and ninth innings doomed the BlueClaws in their loss to the Blue Rocks on Friday. Starting pitcher Sam Highfill allowed three hits and a walk in the opening frame to put the ‘Claws in a 0-3 hole. But the relief pitching stabilized things, allowing the ‘Claws to come back. Brandon Lewis and Carter Mathison homered before second baseman Daunte Stewart’s RBI single in the ninth put them up 4-3.

Unfortunately, reliever Titan Kennedy-Hayes gave up two runs in the ninth as the Blue Rocks walked it off.

Clearwater 16, Dunedin 11

The Threshers had a big offensive night, including a six run tenth inning to surge past the Blue Jays in an extra-inning slugfest. The biggest offensive star of the game was Juan Villavicencio who hit two home runs. Matthew Ferrara had four hits and four RBI, and Nolan Beltran added three hits, including a two-run game tying single in the ninth.

It wasn’t a great night for the Threshers’ pitching staff as every pitcher who appeared in the game allowed at least one run. Marty Gair earned the win by allowing just one run over the final two innings.

FCL Blue Jays 9, FCL Phillies 2

FCL Blue Jays 4, FCL Phillies 1

A doubly bad night for the Phillies’ FCL affiliate. First, they lost the resumption of a suspended game and then recorded just a single hit in the second game. At least the hit was a two-run home run by catcher Cesar Mujica.

DSL Twins 10, DSL Phillies 7

The DSL Phillies got off to a 5-0 lead, thanks in part to a first inning home run by first baseman Nelson Prieto. But the pitching staff was unable to hold it. Releiver Filippo Sabatini gave up five runs (three earned) in three innings, and Justin Burgos gave up three runs without recording a single out.

Last night the Nats delivered a beatdown the likes of which I have not seen in many years. Everyone ate in Sacramento, with the Nats putting up an absurd 23 runs. Those 23 runs are tied for the second most in franchise history. Once the Nats got into the A’s bullpen, things just spiraled out of control.

In a season full of dominant offensive performances, this was the best of them all. After struggling to get going in the Yankees series, especially with runners on base, this Nats offense was angry. A bad Athletics pitching staff got to feel the full wrath of an offense that has been chomping at the bit for nearly a week.

The crazy thing is that the offense looked to be in for a long day at first. A’s starter Gage Jump looked electric out of the gates, retiring the first seven hitters, with five of them coming via the strikeout. Jump was consistently in the upper 90’s, and even touched 100 MPH once. However, even when they were struggling to make contact, they were still making Jump work.

It was the third inning when the scoring opened, with Curtis Mead and Andres Chaparro cashing in with two out RBI’s. Mead and Chaparro each had four hit days, and started their second halves in style. Everyone was eating though. There was not a hitter in the lineup who did not get a hit.

While everyone was hitting, nobody was better than Andres Chaparro. He had one of the best games in Nats history. The husky slugger had four hits and a walk, driving in 8 runs and hitting two homers. It was an impressive night, but that first home run was just mind blowing. His 467 foot blast was the fourth longest Nats home run of the statcast era and looked like it went about 600 feet.

Before this game, Chaparro had a .586 OPS and was drawing the ire of fans because he was taking at bats away from Luis Garcia. However, he exited the game with a .776 OPS after his massive night. We need to see Chaparro be consistent, but it is worth noting that he was getting very unlucky before last night. The 27 year old turned around his season in one night though.

The Nats other big star from this game was just getting his MLB season started. Harry Ford got off to a dreadful start in the minor leagues, but has been getting better and better each month. With Drew Millas going down with injury, it was Ford’s time to shine and he made quite the first impression.

After an inauspicious start where he struck out and blew a challenge, Ford came to life. His second at bat was exactly the kind of thing he has been doing in the minors for about  a half decade now. He worked a walk while spitting on several very close pitches. The athletic catcher also got to second base on a wild pitch that did not get too far away from Shea Langeliers. That helped the Nats manufacture a run.

His biggest swing of the game came in the next inning, when the 23 year old hit his first career big league homer. The former first rounder crushed a ball to left center that left the yard. For a big name prospect who has played over 500 games in the minors, that had to be a special moment. 

Ford had not shown the power he did in previous seasons this year. However, he was starting to find it the last few weeks, as his nagging shoulder injury seems to be getting a lot better. It is no surprise, but I found myself very impressed with the quality of Ford’s at bats. He may not have great power or contact skills, but his elite plate discipline really elevates the entire profile.

The offense was undoubtedly the star of the show last night, as it has been for the whole season. However, I do not want to ignore Cade Cavalli’s performance in a very hitter friendly ballpark. Cavalli went six innings, allowing just two runs while striking out 9 and walking nobody. He didn’t throw his curveball as much as he normally does, but it was devastating when he used it. Cavalli used his curveball as a put away pitch, getting a lot of strikeouts with the hook.

It is easy to forget that this is Cavalli’s first full big league season. With that in mind, what he is doing is very impressive. He has a 3.78 ERA and 3.20 FIP with 119 strikeouts in 104.2 innings. That is rock solid production for a guy who has taken a winding road to get here. Cavalli should be a fixture in the Nats rotation for years to come.

I could go on and on about the offensive performances, but I do not want to be here all day. The Nats ended the first half tied for the league lead in runs scored. Apparently that did not sit well with them because they are now way ahead of the pack again.

I don’t want to jinx anything, but let’s just say that I am excited to see what this offense can do in Sacramento and in Coors Field to start next week. That league lead in runs could get even wider. 

Whenever I resign myself to the Nats selling at the deadline, they do something like this and it makes me want to buy again. I can only imagine the inner struggle Paul Toboni is facing with the deadline looming. This offense is so special, but this team is also very flawed and the plan was for this to be a long term ordeal.

However, the offense has put a wrench in that plan by being so good, so quickly. This road trip will tell us a lot about where the Nats stand. If they can go 4-2 or better, it will put Toboni in a real bind. This offense is just so special, and I can’t wait to see them paired with a better pitching staff in the years to come.

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The Chicago Cubs are -145 favorites to get revenge following a 5-2 loss in the series opener.

Given Taj Bradley's incredible recent form, my Twins vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks see value in backing the road team at a healthy plus-money price on Saturday, July 18.

Who will win Twins vs Cubs today: Twins moneyline (+125)

Matthew Boyd posted a 2.86 ERA over the past month despite a 4.82 xFIP and 5.59 xERA – strong signals his numbers could soon take a turn for the worst.

He has had a more difficult time against right-handed bats and, including switch-hitters, the Minnesota Twins could throw as many as seven at him on Saturday afternoon.

Taj Bradleyowns a 2.32 ERA the past month with much better indicators to boot (2.49 xERA, 3.25 xFIP).

He should keep the Chicago Cubs in check, positioning the Twins to pull off the upset.

Bet to +110.

COVERS INTEL:Taj Bradley ranks in the 93rd percentile in Fastball Run Value, and he throws that pitch more than double anything else.

Twins vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 9.0 (-110)

Boyd has his flaws but he limits homers effectively andthe Twins rank 28th in OPS vs. lefties the past two months. They severely quick-strike offense against southpaws.

Bradley is a high strikeout pitcher who has held opponents to a 33% hard hit rate over his last five starts. That has helped him limit the longballs, allowing just 1.16 per nine innings.

We shouldn’t see much power in this game, which will make it difficult for both teams to score in bulk and push this game Over.

I like the Under and would play it to -120.

Twins vs Cubs weather

Temperatures are expected in the mid 80s with winds blowing east. Boost to the offenses.

Twins vs Cubs odds

• Moneyline: Minnesota +125 | Chicago -145
• Run line: Minnesota +1.5 (-160) | Chicago -1.5 (+140)
• Over/Under: Over 9.0 (-110) | Under 9.0 (-110)

Twins vs Cubs trend

Minnesota has hit the moneyline in 11 of the last 15 away games (+9.10 units, 59% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Twins vs. Cubs.

How to watch Twins vs Cubs and game info

Twins vs Cubs latest injuries

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.

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Miguel Vargas is one of the league's hottest hitters against right-handed pitchers, and he draws a struggling righty this afternoon in Shane Bieber.

With such an advantageous matchup, Vargas headlines my three MLB player props and MLB picks for Saturday, July 18.

Best MLB player props today

Player	Pick	Odds
Miguel Vargas	Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs	-132
Samuel Basallo	Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs	+101
Luis Garcia Jr	Over 1.5 total bases	-107

Miguel Vargas Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs (-132)

Things have not gone well for Shane Bieber. He is sporting a 7.64 ERA and 2.04 WHIP through just under 18 innings of work. He has also allowed a ton of power, conceding seven homers.

He has struggled even more so against right-handed hitters, allowing an absurd .419 average to date.

That puts Miguel Vargas in a very good spot. He has hit .346 vs. righties with a remarkably strong 20.4% barrel rate over his last 20 games.

He’s hitting for contact, he’s hitting for power, and Bieber is consistently giving up both.

Bet to -150.

• Time: 3:07 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: CHSN, Sportsnet

Samuel Basallo Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBIs (+101)

Samuel Basallo mashes right-handed pitching. He ranks in the 92nd percentile in xwOBA, the 96th percentile in xSLG, and consistently makes hard contact.

He is going to cause problems for Spencer Arrighetti, whose profile against lefties is littered with red flags – and only getting worse.

Arrighetti has allowed a .321 average, .426 ISO, and .491 wOBA when facing left-handed bats over his last five starts. 

He is in miserable form, and Basallo is a likely candidate to take advantage.

Back the Baltimore Orioles’ slugger to -135.

• Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: MASN, SCHN

Luis Garcia Jr. Over 1.5 total bases (-107)

J.T. Ginn has conceded a .268 average against left-handed hitters over his last 10 starts, which is over .100 points higher than what he held righties to during the same stretch. 

Isolating starters who rank in the 45th percentile or worse in xSLG and xwOBA vs. lefties, Luis Garcia Jr. has cleared 1.5 total bases in 68.4% of his games and averaged 3.5 bases along the way.

Garcia also owns ISOs of .320 or higher against three of Ginn’s four most-used pitches. 

This is a great spot to deal damage.

Bet to -125.

• Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: NATS, NBCSCA

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.

San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller threw 16 pitches in the bottom of the ninth inning. He opened the inning allowing a single to Isaac Collins and a double to Carter Jensen. Miller issued an intentional walk to Bobby Witt Jr. to load the bases with no outs for the Kansas City Royals. The All-Star reliever then recorded three consecutive strikeouts to end the Kansas City threat and the inning to send the game to extra-innings.

San Diego scored three runs in the top of the 10th inning to take what looked to be a comfortable 6-3 lead. However, instead of Miller returning to the mound for the bottom of the 10th inning, Kyle Hart took the mound for the Padres. The left-hander was looking to secure the win and earn his first MLB save; however he allowed four runs to score on four singles and a groundout, and the Padres opened the second half of the season with a 7-6 extra-inning loss at Kaufman Stadium. It was a heartbreaking result for a team with its season on the line and could have a disastrous effect if San Diego cannot bounce back in the second game of the series today.

The Padres were on an emotional roller coaster throughout the final innings of the game. San Diego was trailing 3-2 with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. It appeared the game was all but over before Ty France hit a solo home run to tie the game at 3-3. After the Houdini act by Miller in the bottom of the ninth and the offense scoring three runs in the top of the 10th it appeared the Padres would push their win streak to three games, but that was not the case.

Michael King started the game on the mound for San Diego and he labored through five innings. He allowed just one run, which came on a solo home run by Lane Thomas, but he used 97 pitches to get through the outing. King limited Kansas City to four hits and issued two walks before turning the game over to the bullpen.

The Padres offense scored six runs with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Miguel Andujar each having three-hit games. Xander Bogaerts and France were the only other players in the San Diego lineup to record hits.

The Padres will try to get back to .500 with a win when they take on the Royals today at 1:10 p.m.

Padres News:

• A lot of questions surrounding the Padres will be answered over the next 16 games. Even more will be answered throughout the second half of the season. Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball gives readers some insight as to what they can expect to see from San Diego as play resumes following the All-Star break.

• Freddy Fermin was activated off the IL and with Luis Campusano back with the big-league club, Rodolfo Duran was sent back to the minors.

• The San Diego farm system benefits from the influx of players after the 2026 MLB Draft.

• Jim Bowden of The Athleticdoes not list the Padres as one of his six teams in position to sell at the trade deadline, but he adds they could become sellers depending on their start to the second half.

Baseball News:

• The Boston Red Sox extended their win streak to 11 games with doubleheader sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays.

• Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch Wednesday for the Los Angeles Dodgers following knee injection. The Dodgers opened the second half of the season with a win over the New York Yankees.

• The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Miami Marlins in 10 innings.

• Five-run second inning propels the Chicago White Sox to a win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

• The Washington Nationals thumped the Athletics, 23-4.

• The St. Louis Cardinals scored a run in the ninth to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks.

• San Francisco shuts out the Seattle Mariners to give Giants 7-0 win.

• Brady Singer throws seven innings to lead the Cincinnati Reds past the Colorado Rockies.

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It's a busy Saturday across the Majors, and there's no shortage of intrigue in my same-game parlay predictions. 

I'm eyeing another gem from Trevor Rogers, while two struggling starters present value in a higher-scoring game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. 

See more in my MLB picks for Saturday, July 18.

Today's best MLB SGP picks

Game	SGP Odds
BAL vs HOU	+525
STL vs ARI	+420
SFG vs SEA	+360

Orioles at Astros SGP: Rogers Continues to Deal

Trevor Rogers has really turned a corner over the last month. The left-hander owns a 3.02 FIP over his last four outings, and has allowed Under 2.5 earned runs in five straight appearances.

Across his last two starts, the southpaw has given up just one earned run. 

However, one hitter who could have some success against him tonight is Yordan Alvarez. The slugger has a .286 average against left-handed hurlers, and he's cashed the Over in total bases in four of his previous five contests.

Alvarez also owns a .400 ISO over the last two weeks. 

Gunnar Henderson has five hits in his last four games, and Houston Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti is in horrible form, compiling a 9.10 FIP in the last month. 

• Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: MASN, SCHN

See full analysis of this game in our Orioles vs. Astros predictions.

Cardinals at Diamondbacks SGP: Pfaadt Carves Up Struggling Cards

Brandon Pfaadt is dominating lately for the Arizona Diamondbacks, compiling a phenomenal 2.50 xERA across his last four outings while allowing just 0.57 BB/9 and HR/9.

Pfaadt hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a single outing since May 17, and tonight's matchup is a clear opportunity to keep dealing. The St. Louis Cardinals are in horrible offensive shape, posting a 64 wRC+ over their last 11 games. 

Gabriel Moreno is one of Arizona's hottest hitters at the moment, batting .405 over his last 10 contests. The catcher has three multi-hit games in his previous four games, and Dustin May is vulnerable to hard contact right now, allowing a 42.9% hard-hit rate over the last month. 

• Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Cardinals.TV, DBacks.TV

See full analysis of this game in our Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks predictions.

Giants at Mariners SGP: High-Scoring Affair in Seattle

The Over has appeal tonight in Seattle. Logan Webb enters in poor form, posting a 4.82 FIP over his last four outings, and he has allowed 12 earned runs across his previous two starts.

Bryan Woo has a 4.05 xERA over the last month, which is manageable, but he has allowed at least two earned runs in back-to-back outings. With the total sitting at just seven, scoring could build before the bullpens fully factor in.

Bryce Eldridgehas scored six runs in his last 10 contests, including three straight, and San Francisco owns an 119 wRC+ over the last two weeks. Josh Naylor is also riding a nine-game hitting streak.

• Time: 8:08 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: FOX

See full analysis of this game in our Giants vs. Mariners predictions.

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.

The Detroit Tigers came charging out of the All-Star break with a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim on Saturday night. Troy Melton and Keider Montero combined to hold the opponent to just one run while a ninth-inning rally that saw Hao-Yu Lee plate the two winning runs gave the visitors all they needed to prevail.

On Saturday night, the two teams meet again with left-hander Tarik Skubal taking the mound for AJ Hinch’s squad. The 29-year-old has looked strong over his last three starts heading into the break, posting a 2.25 ERA and 2.79 FIP stretching across 16 innings, recording 23 strikeouts against just three walks.

Meanwhile, the Angels have right-hander Grayson Rodriguez climbing the hill looking to even up the three-game series. The 26-year-old began the season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation and missed some time with lower back tightness before returning just ahead of the All-Star break.

In that game against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis before the break, Rodriguez lasted 5 1/3 frames, surrendering three runs on six hits and a walk, failing to strike out a batter while throwing a wild pitch. He managed to earn his third win of the season for his efforts that day.

The Tigers faced Rodriguez earlier this season on May 28 in Detroit, where he held the Olde English D to just one run on two hits (including a solo home run) and two walks while striking out five over five frames. The Angels prevailed, 7-1, giving him his second win of the 2026 campaign.

Here is a look at how the two pitchers match up on Saturday night.

Detroit Tigers (45-52) vs. Los Angeles Angels (38-60)

Time (ET): 10:07 p.m.
Place: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, California
SB Nation Site: N/A
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 98: LHP Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. RHP Grayson Rodriguez (3-2, 7.55 ERA)

SKUBAL

RODRIGUEZ

The Mets pick up their three-game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia after the day off on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. on SNY.

Mets Notes

• Francisco Alvarezbelted two home runs in the series-opening win, and in his last eight games has 10 hits in 28 at-bats with a 1.009 OPS. The catcher now has his season slash line up to .259/.325/.448 (113 OPS+, 116 wRC+)
• Sean Manaea climbs the hill after his best start in a long while: 7.0 innings, three runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk with two strikeouts last time out. In his last start in Philly last month, he allowed three runs (two earned) in 5.1 innings of a Mets win
• The Phillies are starting a lefty of their own in Jesus Luzardo, who posted a 3.51 ERA and 1.224 WHIP in 110.1 innings in his All-Star first half. In his start against the Mets in late June, he allowed one run on four hits over 5.0 innings

Today's Lineups

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Triple-A: Syracuse Mets (46-47)

BUFFALO 7, SYRACUSE 5 (BOX)

Never seen this before – Syracuse had three homers and three errors on the night from the same three players. Cool little oddity. Luis Robert also played a full game in center as he nears a major league return (and likely trade). Unfortunately, Joey Gerber gave up two runs in the ninth that proved to be the difference.

• REHAB ALERT: CF Luis Robert Jr.: 1-3, R, 2B, 2 BB
• 1B Ryan Clifford: 0-4, BB, K
• SS Ronny Mauricio: 2-5, R, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 K, E (4)
• LF Nick Morabito: 0-4
• RF MJ Melendez: 3-4, 2 R, HR (8), RBI, K, E (3
• 3B Christopher Morel: 2-4, R, HR (6), 2 RBI, E (1)
• 2B Ji Hwan Bae: 0-4
• DH Christian Arroyo: 0-4, 2 K
• C Hayden Senger: 0-4, 2 K
• RHP Jack Weisenburger: 3.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• RHP Jonathan Pintaro: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
• RHP Ofreidy Gómez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
• LHP Nate Lavender: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• RHP Daniel Duarte: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• LHP Jefry Yan: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• RHP Joey Gerber: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, L (1-2)

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (33-55)

AKRON 11, BINGHAMTON 0 (BOX)

Oof.

• C Chris Suero: 1-4, K
• CF Jose Ramos: 1-3, K, CS (4)
• 3B Nick Lorusso: 0-3, 2 K
• 1B JT Schwartz: 0-2, BB, 2 K
• DH Kevin Parada: 0-3, 2 K
• RF Matt Rudick: 0-2
• SS Wyatt Young: 0-3, 2 K
• LF Nick Lucky: 0-3, 3 K
• 2B Kevin Villavicencio: 0-3, K
• RHP R.J. Gordon: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, L (1-6)
• RHP Douglas Orellana: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• LHP Felipe De La Cruz: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• RHP Saul Garcia: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
• RHP Zach Peek: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (37-49)

BROOLYN 4, HUDSON VALLEY 0 (BOX)

Mitch Voit’s surge continues. Three more hits, three more steals, and suddenly his OPS is approaching 800. Couple that with a shutout pitching performance from four Cyclones and you get a real nice start to the second half.

• SS Mitch Voit: 3-4, R, RBI, BB, 3 SB (34)
• 3B Yonatan Henriquez: 1-5, K
• CF John Bay: 3-5, 2 R, 3B, RBI, K
• 1B Corey Collins: 2-4, RBI, SB
• DH Ronald Hernandez: 0-3, BB, K, SB (18)
• C Daiverson Gutierrez: 1-3, RBI, E (8)
• RF JT Benson: 0-3, BB, 2 K
• 2B Colin Houck: 0-4, 2 K
• LF Trace Willhoite: 0-3, R, BB, SB (1)
• LHP Luis R. Rodriguez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• RHP Noah Hall: 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, W (3-6)
• RHP Juan Arnaud: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• RHP Parker Carlson: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Single-A: St. Lucie Mets (40-46)

ST. LUCIE 3, PALM BEACH 2 / 10 (BOX)

Antonio Jimenez’s surge did not continue. But Elian Peña homered and the Mets won in extras. Take the wins you can.

• 3B Antonio Jimenez: 0-3
• SS Elian Peña: 2-4, R, HR (4), RBI, K, E (21)
• CF Trey Snyder: 0-4, K
• RF Randy Guzman: 2-3, R, HR (10), RBI, BB
• DH Julio Zayas: 0-3, BB, K
• 1B AJ Salgado: 1-4, R, K, CS (3)
• LF Branny De Oleo: 0-3, K
• C Chase Meggers: 0-3, RBI, 2 K
• 2B Jeremy Rodriguez: 1-3, BB, CS (4)
• RHP Joel Lara: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
• RHP Zack Mack: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• RHP Elwis Mijares: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, W (4-4)
• RHP Miguel Mejias: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, S (2)

Rookie: FCL Mets (23-29)

FCL METS 3, FCL CARDINALS 2 (BOX)

• SS Marco Vargas: 0-4, K
• CF Bohan Adderley: 1-4, K
• DH Yovanny Rodriguez: 1-3, R, HR (7), RBI, BB
• C Josmir Reyes: 1-3, R, BB
• 3B Roybert Herrera: 1-2, BB, K
• 2B Anthony Frobose: 0-3, 2 K, E (9)
• LF Vladi Gomez: 1-3, RBI, 2 K, SB
• 1B Yeider Mindiola: 1-2, 2B, BB, K, E (9)
• RF Adolfo Miranda: 0-3, K
• RHP Jean Brito: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, E (3)
• RHP Jun-Seok Shim: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
• RHP Yoralbert Cadiz: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Rookie: DSL Mets Orange (17-18)

DSL MARINERS 8, DSL METS ORANGE 2 (BOX)

• SS Wandy Asigen: 0-4, K
• DH Cleiner Ramirez: 1-4, K, SB (11)
• 1B Cesar Acosta: 2-4, 2B, 2 K
• 3B Sebastian Toro: 0-4, K
• LF Jhonael Cuello: 1-4, R
• C Yadier Fuentes: 0-3, K
• C Adrian La Rosa: 1-1, SB (4)
• RF Ryan Rudas: 1-3, RBI, K, SB (12)
• 2B Oscar Pena: 0-4, R, 2 K, SB (3), 2 E (2)
• CF Aiberson Blanco: 1-3, 2B, RBI, 2 K
• RHP Oscar Montero: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
• LHP Mauricio Nunez: 0.0 IP, 0 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 0 K, L (0-2)
• RHP Wranigher Navas: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
• RHP Alvaro Carrillo: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
• RHP Olmedo Barria: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Rookie: DSL Mets Blue (14-20)

DSL COLORADO 8, DSL METS BLUE (BOX)

• SS Johnderis Sanchez: 2-3, 2 R, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (21)
• RF Jonnhan Sanchez: 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, K
• 1B Frank Moreno: 0-4, K
• 2B Dayron Oramas: 0-4, K
• CF Henry Manrique: 1-2, R
• LF Emerson Estevez: 0-2
• DH Royner Bravo: 0-4, 3 K
• 3B Michalle Mercedes: 1-4, R, 2B, 2 K, 3 E (13)
• LF-CF Elvis Teran: 0-4, R, 2 K, SB (7)
• C Adrian Silva: 0-2, 2 R, 2 BB, K
• RHP Anderson Ozuna: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
• LHP Cesar Morales: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• LHP Cristopher Hernandez: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, BS (1)
• RHP Yunior Canario: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• RHP Enmanuel Feliz: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, E (2), L (1-2)
• RHP Edgardo Rodriguez: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Mitch Voit

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

The Rumble Ponies