PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24: Bob Myers looks on during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Earlier this offseason, Bob Myers went on the Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul and pitched LeBron James coming to Philadelphia. I don’t know how much of a direct impact that had on King James selecting the Sixers in his free agent search, but consider me officially on board with any future podcast appearances Myers would like to make.
This week, Myers appeared on the Cousins podcast with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. While it won’t have the league-altering ripple effect of LeBron choosing the City of Brotherly Love, we did receive a couple interesting nuggets centered around Jaylen Brown.
Here’s Myers on the early parts of the negotiations with Boston.
“You start hearing there was a possibility, and the job then became is this a real thing with Jaylen Brown? Is it a real thing? I think Brad Stevens is one of the most straight shooters in the league. So when you, when you work in the NBA as an executive, you usually have at least one or two, I don’t want to say transactions with every other GM. So you know, if I call Tracy, I go, hey, you want to make a deal? He might be like, yeah, yeah, yeah, and then he does, I mean, that’s like, I know not you’re not this way. But I, you have to understand like he’s honest, or he, he might tell me what I want to hear, or he might lie to me. This dude just might just lie. He lied to me two years ago, he’s going to lie to me again. That’s not Brad Stevens. So when Brad Stevens, um, responded with, what are you offering? Then you knew that there was a shot. Yeah. And so then it becomes 50 conversations, um, towards one, both organizations did a great job not leaking that, which is impossible. That’s literally impossible.”
The first job of an executive is to make the calls, but the harder job is to be able to sniff out during a conversation when there’s a real opportunity, which Myers describes here. It was one thing to trade for Brown, but the Sixers getting him for the eventual package they used has to be seen as a huge coup. That’s all on Mike Gansey, Myers, and whoever else was a part of the discussion from the Sixers’ side recognizing how highly motivated Boston actually was to move on from Brown. Also, the trade announcement did come completely out of left field, so Myers makes a good point that both sides kept an airtight lid on all those conversations.
Myers also described his first interaction with Brown following the trade:
“We needed an edge, and I think Jaylen Brown sets an edge. To win a championship, you need guys that are of that ilk, that are comfortable being uncomfortable… I talked to him the day after [the trade] and said ‘don’t ever underestimate that you are a champion. And that there is power in that, so use that with this team.’ And I said, we need you to lead, so I’m going to ask you to lead.”
I don’t think we can talk speak highly enough about the benefits in bringing in two guys with the “been there, done that” pedigree of Brown and James. That’s two guys with multiple NBA Finals appearances each who are among a group of only 37 individuals to ever win a Finals MVP award. There’s basically no situation the Sixers can go through that they haven’t already seen and overcome. For a Sixers core group that has been repeatedly stymied by the second round of the playoffs, that’s a huge boon.
Be sure to check out the whole interview on Cousins. I, for one, am happy to soak up any content related to this Sixers’ dream offseason.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 12: Ralphy Velazquez #22 of the Cleveland Guardians bats in the MLB All-Star Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
To sleep, aye, perchance to dream of a World Series title, there’s the rub.
Since the August 3rd trade deadline, Cleveland has made a solid progression as an offense. They went from the 27th-ranked offense in MLB with a 92 wRC+ and a slashline of .231/.310/.370 to the tenth-ranked offense in MLB at 103 wRC+ with a slashline of .263/.340/.374. You can see, of course, the issue with the growth; the Guardians’ slugging percentage has barely moved as they remain one of the worst teams in MLB at hitting home runs (29th-ranked in homers for the season and for the month of August so far).
Far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth: I am very happy with the advancements the team made at the deadline acquiring Nathaniel Lowe and Jo Adell, as well as promoting Angel Genao. I am thrilled that Steven Kwan has become the third best hitter in baseball over the past two months and optimistic about Jose Ramirez’s chances of regaining consistent doubles power (at least) as his surgically-repaired hand continues to gain strength. Also, Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana SHOULD find their way to a few more homers as they continue to adjust to the league in their rookie seasons (provided DeLauter can remain healthy).
But, there’s little doubt the Guardians could use some more pop in their lineup if they really want to make a run to end the season and, then, to aim for a pennant. Good news – the Columbus Clippers lead all of minor league baseball in home runs. Yes, Columbus plays in a bandbox. Yes, Triple-A pitching is horrible. But, there are some legitimate power threats on the Guardians’ Triple-A team. Should one or more of these sluggers be added to the major league team – perhaps in time for tomorrow’s homestand against the Royals?
The most attractive candidates are:
Ralphy Velazquez, 21 years old, LHH, 1B/LF – 133 wRC+, .275 ISO, .970 OPS vs. RHP/.840 OPS vs. LHP, .1.061 OPS at Columbus, .800 OPS away.
Cooper Ingle, 24 years old, LHH, C/LF/DH – 154 wRC+, .244 ISO, 1.021 vs. RHP/.534 OPS vs. LHP, 1.009 OPS at Columbus/.854 OPS away
Kody Huff, 25 years old, RHH, C/1B – 130 wRC+, .247 ISO, .893 OPS vs. RHP/.842 vs. LHP, .896 at Columbus/868 away.
Milan Tolentino, 24 years old, LHH, UIF – 108 wRC+, .231 ISO, .811 OPS vs. RHP/.776 vs. LHP, .780 at Columbus/.826 OPS away
I think it’s probably helpful to look at how these players have been handling specific pitches over the past two months as they’ve been developing. So, here’s their wOBA/xwOBA vs. all fastballs since 7/1:
We have discussed the dilemma for the Guardians regarding Ralphy. If they call him up, they will miss out on his continued development in 2027 if there is a lockout that costs them major league games. Certainly, Chris Antonetti is far more qualified than I am to judge on how likely that outcome should be considered. I do not believe, in any case, it is a compelling argument against calling Velazquez up IF he can help the team. And, I think, looking at the numbers above, there is a decent chance Ralphy could help the team… BUT he will need consistent, almost daily, at-bats and they should be prepared for the usual adjustment period. Given DeLauter’s hamstring troubles, one would have to assume Chase will mostly be limited to the DH role, meaning Ralphy will have to be comfortable playing left field with Kwan in center and Adell in right field. Ralphy would then replace either Angel Martinez or Petey Halpin, depending on team’s comfort level with Martinez in centerfield.
Is Velazquez ready for full-time left field reps? Only the team can hazard a guess on this. We know Cooper Ingle wasn’t ready on his call-up. Is the team capable of enduring what will likely be a 3-weekish adjustment period for Velazquez to acclimate himself to big league pitching in hopes he will be ready to crush pitches in time for the end of the season/playoffs? We should be very excited about Ralphy’s numbers given his age at Triple-A. This is very likely to be a middle-of-the-order hitter when he is big league ready… but the chances are fairly slim that he is currently ready given his age. Now, there is a chance he is making the adjustments currently to demonstrate that he IS ready for the challenge, seeing breaking balls and offspeed well-enough to get challenge by the best versions of those pitches. But, this is no sure thing. Do you take the risk he may help now… or carefully do whatever you can to give him the best shot at being ready to help in 2027? That’s the quandry before the Guardians’ front office right now and I cannot say that I know the solution with any certainty.
As for the other options, Tolentino is a great depth option to have. Should (God-forbid) Brayan Rocchio, Bazzana or Genao get hurt, I think Tolentino should be the next player called up. He has potential to provide some pop (and a lot of strikeouts) while playing great defense. But, he is a utility player at best. Personally, I would like to see Kody Huff replace David Fry on the roster, but I can understand why the team continues to believe Fry has a better chance of providing something in that bench role. Huff’s struggles against fastballs are likely a fatal flaw if he doesn’t figure something out there, even though a role as a backup catcher role would still be within reach.
Finally, Ingle still shows the signs of being a hitter who needs the challenge of big league opportunities. The problems with him revolve around positional fit and platoon issues. The team clearly doesn’t trust that he’s a big league-quality catcher (and the position is ably manned by Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges, currently) and we saw his defense in left-field earlier – alarming and undesirable! Has he improved enough in left field to earn another look? I cannot claim to know the answer, but I would guess it is probably “no.” I think Ingle might be a guy to get DH/LF/3rd Catcher reps during September call-ups, if anything, but I’m beginning to wonder if he ends up being a trade chip in the offseason.
The Guardians could look at acquiring Eugenio Suarez, recently put on waivers by the Reds. Suarez has a .248 ISO since July 1st with 11 homers. As a right-handed slugger, Suarez could probably play the Fry/Hoskins role (without being able to play outfield as Fry can) better than what we could hope Huff could play that role (again, without outfield abilities). I certainly would not oppose that move, but I’m also not desperate for the team to make it given the volatility of Suarez’s value due to his age and positional limitations.
It will be interesting to see what the Guardians do – or DON’T do – over the next few weeks to try to find some more slugging for their improved lineup. Is it hoping for natural development/positive regression? Is it a September call-up of a guy like Cooper Ingle? Is it finding a cast-off vet like Suarez, capable of providing a little punch? Or, is it something a little more daring in the much anticitpated call-up of Ralphy Velazquez? Stay tuned to find out.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on September 14, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One is the number. What number, you may ask? One win that the Dodgers look for before leaving Atlanta? One-run losses as the theme of this series against the Braves? One unequivocally poor performance in a season’s worth of games for Chris Sale, who in all but one of his 23 starts this season has allowed no more than three earned runs? There are ones all over the place.
For as dominant as Sale has been in 2026, the veteran southpaw has also gone through an issue in that the Braves’ record in his starts doesn’t accurately reflect his level of dominance. It’s not even entirely a run support issue given that Atlanta averages a little over 5 runs per game in his starts but more of a distribution problem. Despite the Braves’ outstanding campaign, they’ve too often failed to capitalize on dominant starts by their ace, possessing only a 13-10 record when Sale takes the mound. One of those losses came against the Dodgers when these two clubs last met in early May. The former Cy Young winner did his usual thing with seven quality innings, but the Braves offense had no answers to Emmet Sheehan and the Dodgers’ bullpen in a 3-1 loss.
In fact, Sale comes into this game having pitched three straight quality starts in August only to lose each one of them as the Braves offense has let him down with just five runs across three games. Meanwhile, the Dodgers starter, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, relishes the challenge of pitching on the road against a Braves offense with far superior numbers at home (.760 OPS at home and .690 away). Yamamoto comes into this game having helped the Dodgers to a win in each of his last six starts away from home.
Baseball: 1991 NLCS Playoffs: Atlanta Braves pitcher Steve Avery (33) in action, pitching vs Pittsburgh Pirates. Game 2. Pittsburgh, PA 10/10/1991 CREDIT: John Iacono (Photo by John Iacono /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X42012 )
It’s been 35 years since the 1991 Atlanta Braves changed the trajectory of the franchise with an improbable run to the World Series and a classic encounter with the Minnesota Twins.
Though Atlanta came up short in that seven-game showdown, that season launched a sustained run of success for the team and introduced a new generation of Braves that would star throughout the decade.
Steve Avery was anything but a household name when he entered the 1991 season but found himself throwing some of the most important games in franchise history by year’s end.
The third overall selection in the 1988 draft out of Taylor, Michigan, Avery made it to the big leagues in roughly two years. He took his lumps as a 20-year-old rookie in 1990, finishing 3-11 with a 5.64 ERA in 20 starts for Atlanta following his June promotion.
With the first full season of his major league career ahead of him in 1991, Avery’s spring training goals mirrored the Braves as a whole – just find ways to improve.
“I was just hoping to get better,” Avery said. “I was 3-11 as a rookie, but I was always confident. I wasn’t really questioning that I would get better, but if you haven’t felt the success at that level, then it makes you wonder a little bit. I just wanted to get off to a good start in spring training and kind of took that a little more serious.”
One of the major factors working in Avery’s favor was the unwavering support of manager Bobby Cox. Even though Avery struggled mightily as a rookie, Cox believed the young lefty was primed for a breakout season and insisted Avery be included on Atlanta’s opening day roster.
That opinion was not universal, however. Newly hired general manager John Schuerholz was not convinced. One look at the 1990 numbers certainly supports Schuerholz’s assessment, but Cox went to bat for Avery to break camp with the Braves and Schuerholz reconsidered.
“I’m sure there was talk about me not even making the team, going to Triple-A, and trying to get stronger or better,” Avery said. “Bobby fought for me to stay. He actually told me that after I retired and I came back to spring training a couple of times. He said Schuerholz was in favor of sending me back down and Bobby just told him, “No.” I mean, that’s just the kind of person he was, the kind of manager he was. He had confidence in you and wasn’t afraid to take chances, too.”
The gambit by Cox paid off and it did not take Avery long to prove his worth to the Braves as the 1991 season got underway.
Atlanta won eight of Avery’s first 10 starts as he compiled a 6-2 record with a 3.19 ERA in 59 1/3 innings. The Braves raced out to a 25-19 start and trailed the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers by just a half-game in the old National League West standings after two months.
Strong starting pitching was the foundation for the Atlanta’s new-found success.
Tom Glavine was putting together what would turn into a Cy Young Award campaign, while Avery and veteran Charlie Liebrandt were supplying quality innings. The biggest issue for the rotation was the early struggles of John Smoltz, who went 2-11 in the first half before rediscovering his form down the stretch.
While the Braves enjoyed their best start in nearly a decade, June tested their mettle in ways many of the younger players had yet to experience. It was with those challenges in mind that new Atlanta signed several veterans to strengthen the roster over the winter.
Longtime St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Terry Pendleton brought Gold Glove excellence to the hot corner while first baseman Sid Bream and slick-fielding shortstop Rafael Belliard were signed away from the Pittsburgh Pirates to help shore up the infield defense.
“The leadership was Sid and Terry,” Avery said. “Those guys came over and just changed the way our defense played. We weren’t nearly as strong defensively in 1990. Terry also had an MVP season at the plate. Just a bunch of perfect things came together – young guys that got better and then veterans that were hungry and came out and showed us how to take the field every day with the chance to win.”
The Braves weathered the storm during the summer months and found themselves back on sure footing as the second half began. Just as Atlanta won 9-of-11 coming out of the All-Star break, the Dodgers dropped 9-of-11 and the race was on for the division crown.
“Right after the All-Star break, we had a good stretch, they had a bad stretch, and we cut the lead,” Avery recalled. “From then on, it was close all the way to the last day. So, we felt like it was almost playoff baseball, even during the season for the last month. Then, when we got in the playoffs, it was like we were already ready and tested a little bit. We played well against Pittsburgh and played well against Minnesota. Just fell one run short.”
Over the final 38 games, Atlanta and Los Angeles traded the division lead back and forth eight times as they battled all the way down to the very last series of the regular season.
Tied with three games to go, the Braves took the first two games from the Houston Astros to complete an eight-game winning streak while the Dodgers dropped 2-of-3 to the Giants. Just like that, Atlanta celebrated its first division title since 1982.
The ride was just getting started, however.
Atlanta’s next challenge was a National League Championship Series battle against the Pirates, a team led by future Hall of Fame manager Jim Leyland and starring All-Star sluggers Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, and former Cy Young winner Doug Drabek among others.
Pittsburgh was seeking redemption after losing the 1990 NLCS to the Cincinnati Reds and cruised to a 5-1 victory as Drabek bested Glavine to open the series.
The Braves had an answer, however. Avery was waiting in the wings to give the first of two electric pitching performances at a chilly Three Rivers Stadium in Game 2.
With the gametime temperature a brisk 51 degrees, Avery had no trouble heating up.
“I was really never a nervous person,” Avery said of his preparation for that Game 2 start. “I was always pretty confident. So, I treated it like another start. Obviously, I was used to the cold weather being from Michigan. I think that was a big factor for me, but I just felt good.”
Avery delivered 8 1/3 innings of shutout baseball before finally giving way to Alejandro Peña with the tying run in scoring position in a 1-0 game. The veteran righty recorded the final two outs and sent the series to Atlanta tied at a game apiece.
Unfortunately for the Braves, they went on to lose 2-of-3 at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium. Back in Pittsburgh with their season on the brink, Avery once again took the ball for Atlanta in hopes of forcing a decisive Game 7.
Just like his postseason debut six days prior, he would not disappoint.
This time Avery tossed eight scoreless innings against Drabek as Atlanta won another 1-0 game with Peña slamming the door. The next day, Smoltz continued his redemption arc with a complete game shut-out in Game 7 to send the Braves to their first World Series since 1958.
Avery’s masterclass – 16 1/3 shutout innings and 17 strikeouts – earned him NLCS MVP honors and still stands as one of the greatest postseason pitching performances in franchise history. All of that from unproven young pitcher who almost didn’t make the opening day roster.
Cox’s insistence that Avery be a part of the rotation from Day 1 instilled a confidence that only grew as the lefty gained more and more valuable experience throughout the season. Avery finished the regular season 18-8 with a 3.39 ERA in 35 starts and 210 1/3 innings.
“I got better and better as it went on and then by the time the playoffs came, I was really confident,” Avery said.
Experience was one part of the equation, but youth also worked to Avery’s advantage against the Pirates. He was seemingly unphased by the October stage.
“I mean, I went out and I was 21 years old,” Avery said. “Sometimes, it’s good to be young enough to where you don’t really know what’s going on. I didn’t really know about being nervous yet. If it was later in my career, I probably would’ve realized it was a little more serious. But at the time, I just went out and treated it like another start.”
Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone was one of the many who marveled at Avery’s calm demeanor in the biggest games the team had played to that point.
“We used to go over the lineup, but at no time did I ever say, ‘You can’t throw this guy this (pitch),’” Mazzone recalled of the Game 6 preparations. “After we do that, I’m walking down to the bullpen with Steve and I said, ‘Steve, you got this figured out?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah.’ So, I said, ‘Good, tell me.’ And says, ‘I’m going to warm up, find out what I’ve got, and then pitch accordingly.’ That’s the best scouting report I’ve ever heard.”
Even with Bonds, Bonilla and a host of other veteran hitters in the lineup, Avery remained cool, calm, and collected. And he stayed with his tried-and-true game plan.
“I always knew my strengths, so even if the hitter’s report is that he’s got the same strengths that I do, I’m going to take my chances,” Avery said. “If I felt good with a certain pitch, I was going to use it whether he was good against it or not. I just tried to put it in a spot that I couldn’t get hurt with it. I always had pretty good control and, when I was younger, I had good stuff. That combination is pretty good when it’s going right.”
After taking the Pirates to seven games and prevailing in the NLCS, the Braves headed to the World Series against Minnesota, another worst-to-first team. The Twins won the American League pennant in five games over the Toronto Blue Jays, a future World Series foe for Atlanta.
The Braves and Twins delivered an instant classic in which each team won all its home games. Minnesota went up 2-0 in the Fall Classic before Atlanta brought the series home and won three straight.
Avery started the first World Series home game ever played in Atlanta, delivering seven innings and allowing just two earned runs. The Braves won in dramatic fashion in extra innings as Mark Lemke singled home David Justice for a 5-4 victory in the bottom of the 12th inning.
Up three games to two, Atlanta had two chances to win the series back in Minnesota, but Kirby Puckett’s walk-off home run in Game 6 was followed by the epic Game 7 duel between future Hall of Famers Jack Morris and John Smoltz.
Smoltz pitched scoreless ball into the eighth, but Morris fired a 10-inning shutout and Gene Larkin’s pinch-hit single with the bases loaded gave Minnesota the series with a 1-0 victory.
Atlanta returned to the World Series in 1992 against Toronto, falling short in six games. The Braves’ next opportunity to win it all would not come for three more years, but the 1995 team finally broke through. Justice hit a solo home in Game 6 to back Glavine’s 8-inning masterpiece as the Braves beat the Cleveland Indians for their first world title since 1957.
Avery was among 10 remaining members of the 1991 team on Atlanta’s 1995 World Series roster. After four years of October battles, the Braves finally won it all.
“It’s the best,” Avery said of the celebration. “That’s why we play, to try and run on a field after the last out of the World Series and be able to tell everyone you’re the best team in the world. To go through the losses almost made 1995 even more sweet, you know? We came close an awful lot of times and you realized that it’s not easy no matter what. For us to be able to complete that season on top was pretty special.”
All of those Octobers and the memories those teams created still echo to this day.
Avery closed out an 11-year career in 2003, back in Michigan as a member of the Detroit Tigers. He finished 96-83 with a 4.09 ERA in 297 career appearances.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21: David Bednar #53 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees bullpen suffered a rare meltdown on Tuesday night, squandering multiple leads to fumble the series opener against the Astros, 9-7. That being said, the relief corps has been an unequivocal strength of the team during a summer light on offensive contributions, second in MLB in ERA (3.06) to help keep the team afloat in the absence of multiple star sluggers. Anchoring that bullpen is the steady presence of David Bednar, who earns Sequence of the Week honors for locking down the save against the Blue Jays in that series’ opener.
We join Bednar with two outs in the ninth inning last Friday against the Blue Jays. It’s a nail-biter of a game with the offense still sputtering, made all the more tense by Brandon Valenzuela’s double to lead off the frame. That brings Brett Bateman to the plate as the tying run, the pesky center fielder already 3-for-5 with a double and a triple.
Bateman collected two of his three hits against fastballs up in the zone, so Bednar tries to exploit that strength by throwing a splitter that looks like a strike out of the hand, relying on the downward movement to extract a chase from the hitter.
This pitch is a little too far away from the zone to get the chase that Bednar was after. Even though it’s a ball in the dirt, it isn’t a complete waste pitch. A ball like this can serve to set up pitches later in the AB, as we will see in a short time.
Austin Wells calls for another splitter, setting a firm target to indicate that he wants Bednar to land this one closer to the bottom edge of the zone.
In order to get the hitter to chase your secondary pitches, sometimes you have to show that you can land them in the zone for a called strike. It’s a dangerous proposition for a pitch like the splitter, particularly like this one that lands pretty much middle-middle. However, Bednar is able to fool Bateman, who gives up on this pitch early given it leaves Bednar’s hand looking like a ball above the zone.
Banking that the pair of splitters have slowed down Bateman’s bat, Bednar throws his first four-seamer of the encounter.
You might wonder why Bateman would watch this fastball down the middle go by for strike two. That is the effect of that first pitch splitter in the dirt.
While not perfectly tunneled with that first pitch splitter, this four-seamer looks similar enough out of Bednar’s hand to cause the hitter to pause. To me, this suggests that Bateman is sitting on the splitter, and after having observed the way the first pitch broke down out of the zone, he is likely eliminating any pitch that leaves Bednar’s hand aimed belt-high or lower.
Despite not throwing the three best pitches to open this AB, Bednar nonetheless has the count leverage in his favor, 1-2. Landing that four-seamer for a called strike reset the hitter’s eye level up and forces him to defend against another heater, which creates a perfect opportunity to go for a chase against the splitter below the zone.
This is by far the best pitch Bednar has thrown in this sequence and it deservedly gets the strikeout swinging to end the game. It looks like an inside strike out of Bednar’s hand before plummeting off the table and below Bateman’s bat.
After a minor blip in mid-May, Bednar has reclaimed his rightful place among the game’s most reliable closers. He reaches 30 saves for the second time in his career and has been an anchoring presence late in games with a 0.74 ERA in his last 32 appearances and 36.1 innings pitched. Dominant pitching has been the primary driving force behind the Yankees remaining in touching distance of first in the AL East, Bednar leading the rest of the bullpen by example.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (l.) with his son Stephen (r.) in the team's war room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The older Jerry Jones gets, the more eyes turn to his son Stephen, Jerry’s right-hand man.
And while Stephen is expected to take control of the franchise at some point, Jerry sounds like he wants to keep going until his body gives out.
“I don’t have a succession plan, I don’t,” Jerry, 83, told The Athletic. “One day I just won’t be here to toss my two cents in.”
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (l.) with his son Stephen (r.) in the team’s war room during the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag
The Jones patriarch bought the Cowboys 37 years ago for $140 million and within a few years restored the franchise to glory, winning three Super Bowls across four seasons.
The Cowboys are now worth an estimated $15.5 billion, according to Sportico, but their championship drought has reached 30 years — they haven’t even made a conference championship game since their last Super Bowl victory in 1995.
Jones has perhaps made more headlines than he has victories during that time, with some fans worried he’s more concerned about being the center of attention than winning.
That’s not how things will look if and when the 62-year-old Stephen grabs the reins.
“I’m not pushing Jerry out by any means, but when that day comes, it’s gonna feel a lot different,” Troy Aikman, the legendary quarterback of those three ’90s Super Bowl teams, told The Athletic.
Aikman’s teammate, Darren Woodson, told the outlet that Stephen has “a little bit more motherf–ker in him.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (r.) and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (l.) at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Canton, Ohio. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Woodson has taken issue with the Cowboys making “emotional decisions” under Jones, whom Woodson says keeps guys because of personal feelings.
“I don’t think that leash will be as long with Stephen,” Woodson said.
Stephen doesn’t have as big of an ego as his father, according to Aikman, something the Hall of Famer believes will “serve (Stephen) well.”
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones (left) and owner Jerry Jones attend a training camp opening press conference at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Stephen himself outlined how he and his father differ in contract negotiations.
“With agents these days, you give them an inch and they’ll take a mile,” he told The Athletic. “He doesn’t like giving an inch, never has. “If a deal’s within striking distance, Jerry will lose this point and this point and this point and if it gets done, he’ll live with it. It’ll eat at me a little more.”
Jerry admitted that his son has helped keep him in check over the years.
“He’s about as good as anybody I’ve ever been around in giving deference when he should. Now, don’t confuse that with lack of intensity,” he said. “He’ll bite back real hard when he has to. Real hard. He just does it with more grace than I do.”
One thing father and son seem to agree on is they want to keep the team in the family and avoid the temptation to cash out.
“We certainly don’t wanna think about that,” Stephen said of the Joneses not owning the Cowboys. “We don’t want it to be that way.”
The home run heat is flickering heading into an important Thursday MLB player prop slate, and although there are fewer home run props to look into, there are a handful of spots today that have to be on the card.
Jackson Chourio has a great right-vs-lefty matchup vs. Sean Manaea — who is one of the hardest-hit pitchers over the last 30 days — and Bryce Eldridge has a price in the Bay Area that's too good to pass up.
These are my favorite home run props for Thursday, Aug. 27.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
MLB home run props for today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Cole Carrigg
+680
Jackson Chourio
+390
Bryce Eldridge
+710
💲Today's HR parlay
+22219
Home run prediction: Cole Carrigg (+680)
The Rockies have a great home run matchup today against Jake Irvin in one of the best hitting parks on the slate, and I'm taking a No. 2 hitter with an OPS above .800 who went yard last night at nearly +700.
Cole Carrigg is a name lost on most — much like the entire Rockies lineup— but the switch-hitting 24-year-old is paying a big price. He has an OPS above .800 against both lefties and righties and took lefty reliever Will Dion 400 feet deep last night.
The entire Rockies lineup has a good chance to go deep today after putting up four homers yesterday. Hunter Goodman has gone yard in back-to-back games, but I struggle to play +250 to +270 odds on a home run.
Irvin is the best HR target on the board today. He has the fifth-worst HR/9 among all MLB starters over the last 30 days, the 20th-worst HR/FB rate, and the 25th-worst HardHit%. There could be a handful of dingers in this game.
Time: 1:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Nationals.TV, Rockies.TV
Home run prediction: Jackson Chourio (+390)
I debated this pick with William Contreras at +450ish, but settled on the more probable home run after taking a long shot in the Rockies game.
Sean Manaea gets hit hard by right-handed bats, and Jackson Chourio could see five plate appearances today out of the leadoff spot. With Jake Bauers on the bench, Chourio is the best HR hitter in this lineup, head and shoulders above Brice Turang, who struggles against left-handed pitching.
The Mets starter has allowed 13 home runs across his last 54 innings and five long balls over his last three games, including a trio of homers in his last outing against the White Sox.
He ranks in the Bottom 20 among all MLB starters in HR/9 and HR/FB rate over the last 30 days, along with the third-worst hard-hit rate (HardHit%) at 49.4%.
I would bet this down to +350 and think the Brewers have a Top 3 dinger matchup on the slate today.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNY, Brewers.TV
Home run prediction: Bryce Eldridge (+710)
This is one of the few HRs today showing expected value in Covers' projections. Bryce Eldridge missed the last series to attend his grandfather's funeral, but before that, he was slugging .500 over his previous four series with three homers.
He gets a tasty matchup with Arizona calling up Triple-A starter Jose Cabrera, who has been hit hard in his limited MLB innings, allowing three home runs in 17+ innings while posting a 5.80 ERA at Triple-A this year. He also just gave up three homers and eight runs in his last start for the Reno Aces.
This is a great outlier price, with some books pricing Eldridge around +350 and a fair price closer to +500.
I don't love dingers at Oracle, but Eldridge has hit eight of his 14 homers there this year and is slugging at the same rate at home as he is on the road.
Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
Where to watch: One National or Two local
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 32-166, -13.7 units
Best home run combo for August 27
Cole Carrigg
Trade Now +22219
Jackson Chourio
Bryce Eldridge
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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.
It's the most fitting possible date. Toronto had to retire the number of its greatest player when it faced the team from the city where he was born and raised, and where he's also adored.
The Raptors announced that Lowry's No. 7 will be retired on Jan. 10 against the Philadelphia 76ers, coached by Nick Nurse, who led Toronto to its 2019 title. That will come after a series of events in September honoring the player they are calling the GROAT (Greatest Raptor of All Time).
"I've been looking forward to this moment for years. I always said that Toronto is home, and that I'd retire a Raptor, and to see my No. 7 go up in that building is going to mean everything to me," Lowry said in a release announcing the news. "We built something special here — my teammates, the organization, the city and the fans, and all of Canada. We became champions together, and to be able to share this night with all of them, and with my family, is going to mean a lot to me."
Lowry was born in Philly and played high school ball in the city, then spent two seasons at Villanova in the years that helped establish the Wildcats as an NCAA powerhouse.
He was drafted No. 24 in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies and played two and a half seasons there before going on to Houston and spending another three.
Then he came to Toronto and changed that franchise.
In nine seasons in Toronto, he led them to the greatest stretch of Raptors basketball: Seven playoff appearances, five consecutive seasons of 50+ wins, two Eastern Conference Finals and the franchise's lone championship in 2019. With Toronto, Lowry was a six-time All-Star who averaged 17.5 points, 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game while hitting 37.7% of his shots from 3-point range. Lowry remains the Raptors' all-time leader in assists, steals, and 3-point field goals.
Lowry will join Vince Carter as the only other player with his number retired by the Raptors.
Red Bull New York locked up its biggest star to a new contract.
Julian Hall, the extraordinary 18-year-old striker who has become a household name for soccer fans this season, signed a four-year MLS contract through the 2029-30 season, occupying a U-22 initiative spot on the Red Bulls’ roster. Hall is now the youngest player in MLS history to sign a U-22 initiative deal at 18 years, 156 days old.
The Manhattan native’s deal with the Red Bulls had been set to expire next winter, The Athletic reported, and the new one puts in place a mechanism for the MLS club to be in a good position when the highly touted player eventually moves on to the next stage of his career.
Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall (16) kicks the ball against Orlando City SC during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Harrison, New Jersey. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“This club has been a huge part of my development, and I’m grateful for everyone who has believed in me and helped me get to this point,” Hall said in a statement released through the Red Bulls. “I feel like I’m continuing to grow as a player, and I’m excited to keep working, keep improving and help this team achieve our goals.”
Hall has been nothing short of impressive this season, recording 12 goals and five assists across all competitions and becoming the youngest player to record a hat trick in MLS history when he did so in a May 13 win over the Crew.
The impressive campaign has drawn the attention of a number of European clubs that are showing interest in bringing the teen overseas.
Marseille of France’s Ligue 1, Newcastle United of England’s Premier League, Atletico Madrid of Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Red Bull Leipzig — owned by Red Bull New York’s parent company Red Bull GmbH — and Premier League side Hull City are all said to be interested in Hall, amNewYork reported.
The new deal with the Red Bulls will keep Hall from leaving the club for free as he would have if he departed after his current contract expired.
In an interview with ESPN, Hall said that “as a kid it’s always been a dream to go to Europe,” but his focus right now is to “help the team and progress forward.”
Julian Hall has signed a four-year contract extension with the Red Bulls. ISI Photos via Getty Images
Hall’s international services are still up in the air, with Poland having attempted to recruit him to play for its national team, which he is eligible to play for through his heritage. Hall came up through the U.S. youth national team program.
In a conversation with The Post earlier this month, head of Sport Julian de Guzman said that he “would not be surprised if Julian gets called up to a senior men’s national team before the end of this year.”
That group includes his dad — longtime Lakers star Mychal Thompson. The elder Thompson made that clear during an appearance on the “Locked On Heat” podcast on Wednesday.
Los Angeles Lakers icon Mychal Thompson looks on from the sidelines. NBAE via Getty Images
When speaking about Klay’s fit with the Heat and the Lakers, Mychal said, “Very similar fit; it have been perfect on either [team]. He fit perfectly here with Luka [Dončić], and Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, and the outside shooting the Lakers need, the outside shooting that Luka Dončić loves to have around him. But it’s the exact same of perfect fit in Miami too.”
Klay ended his 13-season tenure with the Warriors after joining the Dallas Mavericks via free agency in 2024.
The Lakers reportedly offered Thompson a huge contract at the time, but Klay signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks instead, largely because he thought the team had a clearer path to winning a championship.
Klay Thompson of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on August 25, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Getty Images) Getty Images
“I wanted him to be [on the] Lakers; I thought the Lakers would be perfect for him the last three years, especially when he became a free agent a few years ago, when the Lakers are pursuing him heavily,” Mychal said. “I thought he’d be perfect at the time to team up with LeBron and Anthony Davis to provide that outside shooting, along with Austin Reaves, that we needed.”
Mychal, who has worked as a Lakers radio color commentator for over 20 years, was then asked what the problem with his Lakers pitches to Klay.
“The only thing I could figure out is, since I work for the Lakers, and I travel with the Lakers, I guess he just don’t want to be on the road with me, in [the] hotel,” Mychal said somewhat jokingly.
“He don’t want me knocking on his door to be checking on curfew, make sure he’s there. So I guess that’s why [he] figured, ‘I’m not going there to have my dad follow me on the road!'”
Klay will instead joining a retooled Heat team after it acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with the Bucks this offseason.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 24: Gabby Williams #1 and Janelle Salaun #13 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate the win against the Minnesota Lynx after the game at Target Center on August 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Valkyries defeated the Lynx 80-66. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 24: Gabby Williams #1 and Janelle Salaun #13 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate the win against the Minnesota Lynx after the game at Target Center on August 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Valkyries defeated the Lynx 80-66. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Liberty are back in the win column following a 109-102 victory over the Indiana Fever. Leonie Fiebich came up big with 20 points, helping the Liberty hold off a stellar Indiana backcourt led by Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.
On Thursday, the Liberty will face one of their toughest remaining tests before the WNBA’s FIBA World Cup break. New York enters the matchup at 23-15 and clinched a playoff berth on Sunday after a Fire loss.
On the other side, the Golden State Valkyries are 27-11 and have won both matchups this season.
Game Info & Broadcast Details
Matchup: New York Liberty (23-15) vs. Golden State Valkyries (27-11)
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Tip-off Time: 8 PM ET/5 PM PST
Venue: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)
TV Channel: Prime Video
Livestream: Prime Video
Head to Head: Liberty vs. Valkyries
Golden State leads the season series 2-0.
The Valkyries won the first matchup 87-70 at Barclays Center on May 21, then defeated New York 76-67 in San Francisco on June 28. That makes Thursday’s game the final regular-season meeting between the two teams — and potentially a preview of a playoff matchup.
The Liberty are hoping to put another good outing together against a playoff team. After struggling to generate consistent offense in both meetings, Thursday provides New York with one final regular-season opportunity to solve Golden State before the FIBA break.
“It’ll be a really good test for us,” Sabrina Ionescu said, “especially toward the end of the season at seeing where we’re at, what we need to improve on, what we need to work on, but also knowing our strengths and what we do offensively and really trusting in that. Not letting their defense … make us tentative or soft.”
The Liberty have the size advantage — it’s crucial they create looks for Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart. Golden State is tops in the WNBA in opponent field goal attempts inside the restricted area and opponent’s field goal percentage.
Getting into and finishing in the paint against this team is incredibly challenging and will take a lot of determination if the Liberty want to get into the paint. The Liberty are second on offense in field goal percentage inside the restricted area — they should find quality scoring opportunities on each possession.
New York has the rest advantage as well. This is New York’s first game since Saturday night while this is Golden State’s third game this week. To make matters worse for the Valkyries, they’ve been on the road all week with one more game to go… all the way in Portland. Oof.
The key tonight will be three point shooting. The Valkyries lead the WNBA in three pointers attempted per game at 30, but are seventh in percentage at 34.6 percent. How will that look on tired legs? We’re about to find out.
Note: The World Cup break is drawing closer, and players will be making their way to Berlin soon. Golden State’s Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini are among those expected to depart following this game, while New York will soon lose Breanna Stewart, Marine Johannes, Pauline Astier and Leonie Fiebich to their national teams.
Liberty vs. Valkyries Injury Report
Liberty: Satou Sabally – Not with team (head)
Valkyries: No players listed on the injury report
Player to Watch: Janelle Salaun
Janelle Salaün has emerged as one of Golden State’s most important offensive weapons, particularly when the Valkyries need someone to create a shot.
Salaün is second on the team in scoring and leads the Valkyries in both three-point attempts and three-point percentage. She comes off the bench and it’s no wonder why she’s the leading candidate for Sixth Player of the Year.
Salaün can get buckets from anywhere on the court, and when games slow down and scoring becomes more arduous, her ability to create her own shot will become even more valuable. Salaün only played 18 minutes last night, so we’ll see how Natalie Nakase manages her rotations tonight.
Leonie Fiebich Returns: What to Watch in Her Second Game Back
BROOKLYN, NY – AUGUST 22: Leonie Fiebich #13 of the New York Liberty is introduced before the game against the Indiana Fever on August 22, 2026 at Barclays Center Arena in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With Leonie Fiebich back in the saddle, the Liberty can start thinking of what a potential playoff rotation will be. Fiebich allows Chris DeMarco to experiment with more lineup combinations, keep two starters on the court in non-garbage time minutes at all times, and make life easier for everyone on the team. Fiebich does a lot of things at a high level, and that versatility allows the Liberty to look like their true selves. Leo’s not on a minutes restriction, so she’ll be out there for as long as she needs to be.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 26: Jake McCarthy #31 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates in front of Nasim Nuñez #26 of the Washington Nationals after hitting a double during the first inning at Nationals Park on August 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night was not the worst loss of the season, but it was the most humiliating. They got taken to the woodshed by a bad Rockies team. It will be a quick turnaround from that disaster, as they play a day game this afternoon. The boys will look to salvage a split.
The struggling CJ Abrams is still limited to DH duties. He is one of only a couple lefties in the lineup though. With Gabriel Hughes’ reverse splits, we will see a lot of righties. Andres Chaparro is at first base over Abimelec Ortiz in this one. Brady House, Jorbit Vivas and Keibert Ruiz are also back in the lineup. Jake Irvin will be on the mound.
The Rockies are making some changes at the bottom of the order. Superstar Hunter Goodman is out of the lineup, with Brett Sullivan catching instead. Zac Veen is also back in the lineup and is playing left. That moves Jake McCarthy to DH. As mentioned, Gabriel Hughes is on the mound.
After last night’s loss, this team has a lot of soul searching to do. Blake Butera rightly called out his team’s poor effort. Hopefully this lights a much needed spark under these players. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are sitting as a slim -107 moneyline favorite at Oracle Park tonight as they begin a four-game set with the San Francisco Giants.
However, my Diamondbacks vs. Giants predictions are targeting San Fran on the moneyline amid their impressive offensive form, and Landen Roupp's success in the Bay Area.
Find out more in my MLB picks for Thursday, Aug. 27 before first pitch at 9:45 p.m. ET.
Who will win Diamondbacks vs Giants today: Giants (-103)
The San Francisco Giants enter this contest swinging it well, carrying a 113 wRC+ across the last week. That profile plays against Jose Cabrera, who has allowed seven earned runs over his last two outings while struggling with command.
Cabrera has not pitched in the big leagues since July 8 and owns a 5.46 FIP across four appearances this season, making him tough to trust.
Landen Roupp is not in peak form either, but he has been more reliable at Oracle Park, posting a 3.50 FIP while allowing just 0.60 HR/9 at home.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are hovering around league average offensively, and Roupp’s home profile gives San Francisco the cleaner edge.
Play this pick up to -130.
COVERS INTEL: The Giants are consistently squaring up the baseball with a 47.9% hard-hit rate and 13% barrel rate in their last seven games. For the season, San Fran's hard-hit rate sits at 37.5%.
Diamondbacks vs Giants Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (+109)
I’m targeting the Over 8.5 in the Bay Area.
Arizona has a 101 wRC+ over the last week, which is respectable enough to contribute here. Roupp has held his own at Oracle Park, but he is not untouchable, and San Francisco’s bullpen owns a 4.03 FIP over its last 31.2 frames.
The Diamondbacks’ relief corps has been even more vulnerable. Over the last week, Arizona’s pen owns a 5.95 FIP while surrendering 2.36 HR/9. The Giants should have a clear scoring path against both Cabrera and a struggling bullpen given their recent offensive form.
Arizona has enough offensive life to chip in, strengthening the Over case.
Play this pick down to +100.
Diamondbacks vs Giants home run prediction: Rafael Devers (+442)
Rafael Devers is one of the hottest power hitters in baseball at the moment. He has smacked four home runs over his previous seven games while carrying a ridiculous .500 ISO during that span.
The slugger owns a 48.5% fly-ball rate at home this season and a 55% fly-ball rate over the last week. Even better, he has turned 36.4% of those recent fly balls into home runs.
With Cabrera prone to the long ball at 1.53 HR/9 this season and Arizona’s bullpen also allowing too many homers lately, Devers has multiple paths to another bomb tonight.
Play this pick down to +400.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 58-70, -20.33 units
Over/Under bets: 70-54, +5.77 units
Diamondbacks vs Giants weather
Weather at Oracle Park looks cool and clean tonight, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures falling from 66°F to 63°F. Winds start around 9 mph before easing to 3–5 mph, and rain chances sit at 0% throughout. No delay concern, though the cool air could slightly limit carry.
Diamondbacks vs Giants odds
Moneyline: Diamondbacks -107 | Giants -103
Run line: Diamondbacks -1.5 (+152) | Giants +1.5 (-168)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+109) | Under 8.5 (-126)
Diamondbacks vs Giants trend
The Over is 5-0-2 in Roupp's last 7 starts as an underdog. Find more MLB betting trends for Diamondbacks vs. Giants.
How to watch Diamondbacks vs Giants and game info
Location
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Date
Thursday, August 27, 2026
First pitch
9:45 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Jose Cabrera (0-2, 5.60 ERA)
Giants starting pitcher
Landen Roupp (7-13, 4.34 ERA)
Diamondbacks vs Giants latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Atlanta Braves (78-55) have announced themselves as World Series contenders this week with a pair of wins over the LA Dodgers (80-53). Tonight, they go for the sweep.
Last night's game had the feel of a playoff game. Atlanta struck first when Matt Olson launched his 37th home run of the season in the first, but Los Angeles answered quickly scoring once in the second and twice in the third thanks to a two-run blast from Tommy Edman that gave Los Angeles a 3-1 lead. The Braves rallied in the fourth. Austin Riley drove in a run with a sacrifice fly before rookie catcher Drake Baldwin ripped a two-run double, turning a deficit into a 4-3 Atlanta advantage. Baldwin finished with three hits and two RBIs. Atlanta added another run in the sixth when Sean Murphy connected for a solo homer to make it 5-3. The Dodgers battled back in the seventh. Mookie Betts singled home Shohei Ohtani, and Edman later drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 5-5. The game ultimately was decided in the ninth. Lane Thomas doubled against Dodgers’ closer Tanner Scott before Riley was intentionally walked. Atlanta manager Brian Snitker countered with Ha-Seong Kim, who delivered a two-out walk-off single to left field, scoring Thomas and sending the Braves to a dramatic 6-5 victory.
The victory gave Atlanta consecutive one-run wins to open the series. It was their third win in a row and maintained their lead in the NL East at 4.5 games over the Phillies. The Dodgers are still comfortably ahead in the NL West but now its game on in the race for the top two seeds in the National League. Milwaukee has a two game lead over the Dodgers for the top seed and the Braves are now within two games of the Dodgers.
Los Angeles hands the ball to its ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12-7, 2.61 ERA). The righthander takes the mound tonight in excellent form. Over his last five starts, he has compiled a 1.97 ERA and recorded quality starts in four of those five outings. The Dodgers have won his last three starts and five of his last six. Atlanta counters with veteran left-hander Chris Sale (12-9, 2.20 ERA). The southpaw has been nearly untouchable at Truist Park carrying a 1.65 home ERA. Sale has posted a 2.70 ERA over his last five starts overall and produced a quality start in each of the five.
The Game within the Game Tonight: Chris Sale has allowed just eight home runs in 135 innings. The Dodgers rank fifth in the National League with 168 home runs. Who blinks tonight?
Lets dive further into today’s game 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: Dodgers vs. Braves
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 7:15PM EST
Site: Truist Park
City: Atlanta, GA
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, FS1, BravesVision, Spectrum SportsNet LA
Peacock offers one of the most comprehensive live sports streaming lineups available today, bringing together the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, Premier League, NCAA football, NCAA basketball, golf, motorsports, and major global sporting events in a single service.
The Latest Odds: Dodgers vs. Braves
The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: LA Dodgers (+111), Atlanta Braves (-119)
Spread: Dodgers +1.5 (-217), Braves -1.5 (+177)
Total: 6.5 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers – Dodgers vs. Braves for August 27
Braves: Chris Sale Season Totals: 135.0 IP, 12-9, 2.20 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 166K, 28 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Dodgers vs. Braves
Mookie Betts is 5-14 including 1 HR in his career against Chris Sale
Freddie Freeman is 4-12 including 2 HRs against Sale
Teoscar Hernandez has struck out 8 times in 20 ABs against Sale
Ha-Seong Kim is 2-5 including 1 HR in his career against Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has struck out 9 batters in each of his last 2 starts
Chris Sale has struck out 6+ hitters in each of his last 6 starts and 8+ in 4 of the 6
Matt Olson’s HR last night was his 1st since August 16
Drake Baldwin is riding a modest 3-game hitting streak (6-12)
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Dodgers vs. Braves
The Dodgers are 54-79 on the Run Line this season
The Braves are 72-61 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 60 times in Atlanta’s 133 games this season (60-67-6)
The OVER has cashed 62 times in LA’s 133 games this season (62-70-1)
Expert picks & predictions: Dodgers vs. Braves for August 27
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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 Dodgers and the Braves:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Dodgers on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 6.5
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The resurgent Boston Red Sox are headed to the Bronx to take on the New York Yankees in their biggest series of the 2026 regular season.
Things were much different the last time these clubs faced off in late June at Fenway Park. Boston entered that four-game series seemingly at rock bottom with a 32-46 record, while New York sat pretty atop the American League East standings at 48-31.
The Red Sox pulled off a stunning sweep of their storied rival, marking the start of a historic run that included a franchise-record-tying 15-game win streak. Since the start of that series on June 25, Boston has been the best team in baseball with a 41-14 record.
That remarkable turnaround has placed the Red Sox in the second AL Wild Card spot with one month left in the campaign. This weekend’s series is a likely playoff preview, as New York would host Boston in the AL Wild Card Series if the season ended today. If the Sox take at least three of four at Yankee Stadium, they will overtake the Yankees for the top spot in the Wild Card standings.
Suffice to say, there’s plenty at stake heading into Friday’s series opener. Here are the top storylines for the weekend:
“They can say whatever they want… but they’re not really in a position to be talking, considering how the standings are,” he said of Sox fans trolling him. “Whatever they want to say, it’s just kind of useless. It just goes in one ear and out the other.”
The Red Sox were seven games behind the Yankees when Schlitter made those comments. Now, they’re 2.5 games back with a chance to overtake their archrival for the top AL Wild Card spot and second place in the AL East.
Boston owns a 41-14 record since June 25, when it started its four-game sweep of New York. The Yankees have gone a modest 27-26 in that span.
Postseason implications
If the Red Sox win at least three of their four games in the Bronx, they will overtake the Yankees and move into position to host the Wild Card Series at Fenway Park as the No. 1 AL Wild Card.
Last year, New York hosted Boston in the Wild Card Series and won in three games.
Reinforcements coming?
Outfielder/designated hitter Roman Anthony, shortstop Trevor Story, and utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa are currently rehabbing at Triple-A Worcester. All three are in Worcester’s lineup for Thursday night, but there’s a chance at least one of them will join the big-league club in New York this weekend.
The question is, who gets sent down? Role players like Nick Sogard, Mickey Gasper, Anthony Seigler, Andruw Monasterio, and Jahmai Jones have stepped up during Boston’s remarkable turnaround.
Inserting Anthony back into the lineup should be relatively simple, but Story and Kiner-Falefa will shake up the infield mix, and it’s far from a guarantee that either will be impactful. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has some difficult decisions to make.
Who’s hot
Red Sox
Mickey Gasper: .417/.576/1.167, 5 HR, 12 RBI in nine games since call-up on Aug. 17.
Jarren Duran: .321/.345/.643, 2 HR, 5 RBI over last eight games (game-winning extra-innings grand slam on Tuesday).
Erik Miller: 0.00 ERA, 18 K, 3 BB in 10 appearances since joining Boston at Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline (10.1 IP).
Yankees
Luis Garcia Jr.: .306/.354/.569, 5 HR, 11 RBI in 19 games since joining New York at Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.: .435/.519/.739, 1 HR, 5 RBI over last seven games.
Cam Schlittler: 1-0, 1.47 ERA, 22 K, 6 BB over last three starts (18.1 IP).
Who’s not
Red Sox
Wilyer Abreu: .048/.130/.095, 0 HR, 1 RBI over last five games.
Jake Bennett: .5.73 ERA, 21 K, 7 BB over last four starts (22 IP).
Patrick Sandoval: 5.66 ERA, 21 K, 12 BB over last four starts (20.2 IP).
Yankees
Heliot Ramos: .113/.230/.189, 0 HR, 1 RBI in 16 games since joining New York at Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.
Trent Grisham: .162/.326/.324, 2 HR, 5 RBI over last 10 games.
Jose Caballero: .100/.222/.100, 0 HR, 3 RBI over last 13 games.
Cole Carrigg
Jackson Chourio
Bryce Eldridge
COVERS INTEL: The Giants are consistently squaring up the baseball with a