Category: Sports News

Mark Bowman of mlb.com provided several updates on the Atlanta Braves ahead of Friday’s contest at Truist Park. Most notably, Spencer Schwellenbach is in Atlanta and will throw a couple bullpens. Though just now ramping up baseball activities, he is hopeful for a return this September. 

Bowman also provided updates on Ha-Seong Kim and Hurston Waldrep. Kim’s rehab assignment has expired, and Waldrep continues to be evaluated after experiencing arm discomfort. 

Schwellenbach’s return to baseball activities is an encouraging step in his recovery, even if there’s still work to be done before he’s back on the mound. The Braves will continue monitoring his progress, as well as the statuses of Kim and Waldrep, in the coming weeks.

More Braves News:

Bryce Elder put together a solid outing as the Braves defeated the Washington Nationals 6-2.

Our midseason prospect rankings have come to an end, and outfielder Eric Hartman comes in at No. 1.

The farm teams tallied 44 combined runs on Thursday. More in the minor league recap. 

MLB News:

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed reliever Brock Stewart on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort. 

The Baltimore Orioles have extended right-hander Yennier Cano. He received a two-year, $7.5M contract extension. 

From the Feed:

Cast your vote for Braves Player of the Game here. 

There have been some rumblings that Adley Rutschman could be a trade target for the Rays following the 2026 All-Star Game. Rutschman and Drew Rasmussen were college teammates at Oregon State, while Bryan Baker was teammates with Rutschman in Baltimore before being traded to Tampa Bay last season. Two of the three Rays pitchers attending had a chance to throw to Rutschman during the Midsummer Classic, and Baker told reporters afterward that he and Rutschman have discussed the “hypotheticals of being teammates again.”

Adley is one of the better defensive catchers in the league and an above-average hitter. The Rays are roughly league average on both sides of the ball at catcher. Rutschman would improve the position, even if there are other areas of the roster with more pressing needs. He’s also under team control through the 2027 season.

What could it cost for Baker’s hypothetical to come true? And what is the opportunity cost of bringing in a catcher like Rutschman when there are other positions in greater need of reinforcements?

I like to use recent trades as a starting point to try to calibrate the cost to acquire a player. It’s pretty difficult in this care; plus catchers rarely get traded. The last time a catcher of Rutschmans’s caliber was traded was back when Sean Murphy and William Contreras were involved in a three-team deal in 2023. Unfortunately, Oakland accepted a return that most evaluators viewed as light, making it a difficult trade to use as a benchmark.

Because comparable catcher trades are so rare, the next best reference point is a controllable frontline starter. While the positions are obviously different, both represent premium assets that rarely become available. Freddy Peralta was one of the more recent high-end starters who was traded this past offseason. He went from Milwaukee to New York for a pair of back-of-the-top 100 prospects in Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams. Sproat profiles as a number three or four type of starter and Williams as a fringy up-the-middle defender but maybe not an everyday guy. Peralta came with just one year of control, so his value was understandably less than what Rutschman’s value is now.

I think Rutschman could be acquired for a small package of players from the Rays. I would be surprised if the Rays were willing to move Theo Gillen for roughly a year and a half of control, particularly given the unknowns of if a season happens next year (due to MLBPA negotiations). The next tier of Rays prospects includes Nathan Flewelling and Brody Hopkins. I think it would take one of these guys plus another prospect in one of the next tiers below them. It’s hard to say exactly who would be included in this package, but the Rays certainly have the resources to acquire Rutschman if they really want him.

The bigger question isn’t whether Rutschman would make the Rays better – he obviously would. It’s whether catcher represents the best place to invest significant prospect capital. Second base has been one of the least productive positions on the roster, the outfield might still be in need of an impact bat, and the rotation will likely need reinforcements as several starters approach workload limits.

Sure, the Rays could decide to push their chips in by acquiring Rutschman, adding an impact second baseman such as Luis Arraez, and bolstering the rotation with another starter. This seems unlikely given the Rays’ tendencies to buy and sell at each trade deadline, keeping windows open today and in the future simultaneously, but they do have the prospect capital to make something like this a reality. The opportunity cost of trading for Rutschman is something to consider, and I think that exploring other more affordable catching options would be a better use of their resources while allowing them to make a more impactful addition at another area of need.

Erik Neander and his team will be incredibly busy for the next couple weeks, and I’m excited to see what kind of creative solutions they come up with to solve their roster puzzle.

1901
In a 4-0 masterpiece hosting Detroit, Nixey Callahan tossed the first one-hitter in White Sox history. Only his Tigers counterpart, Joe Yeager, had a safety. Callahan himself had two hits in his win, while the White Sox also tapped out three triples and left fielder Herm McFarland went 3-for-4 with three singles.

1925
Ted Lyons threw 14 1⁄3 IP — all but two outs — of a 15-inning, 5-3 win at Philadelphia.

The 24-year-old allowed 13 hits, three earned runs and three walks — and whiffed just two batters, earning a very modest 74 game score. Lyons would have completed the game, but after the White Sox struck for two runs in the top of the frame (Ray Schalk double, Ike Davis sac fly), the A’s rallied. With two on and one out, Sarge Connally took the pill and ended the game on a bizarre note: a strike ’em out (Sammy Hale), throw ’em out at third base on a CS (Bill Lamar).

The White Sox improved to 55-46 and climbed to within 10 of the first-place A’s (62-33).

Amazingly, this marathon start was not the longest of Lyons’ career, as he went 21 innings — yes, 21 — in a complete-game, 6-5 loss in 1929.

1962
Early Wynn had a 62 game score complete game, allowing eight hits and four walks while striking out five, and giving up one run. But the veteran lost, as Red Sox righty Bill Monbouquette tossed a no-hitter in front of 17,185 at Comiskey Park. Only a walk to Al Smith in the second inning prevented this from becoming a perfect game, as no White Sox batter even reached second base.

1982
With the White Sox up, 3-0, in the top of the sixth at Comiskey Park, Ron LeFlore committed the worst error of his career. Catcher Gary Allenson lofted a soft liner to center field, and the ball struck LeFlore on his forehead as he drifted back to make the catch. A crazy bounce aided Allenson’s romp around the bases, to trim starter Jerry Koosman’s lead to 3-1.

LeFlore, however, had a great day at the plate, leading off and going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. It was his double in the third inning that game the White Sox a 1-0 lead that they would not relinquish.

Dennis Lamp earned the save, making him only the second White Sox pitcher at least since 1969 to take the ball as the starting pitcher in the opener of a series and earn a save in the finale of the same series. (Francisco Barrios was the first known White Sox pitcher to do so, in 1976.)

1983
On a nationally-televised ABC Monday Night Baseball game, Greg Luzinski drove a Ray Fontenot pitch over the left-field roof at Comiskey Park. It was a record-breaking series for the White Sox, as 44,812 attended on this Monday night to push the four-game series box office to 172,264 — the biggest four-game series in Chicago history.

The homer was the Bull’s second roof shot in 1983, and the first home run ever allowed by Fontenot. The Sox beat the Yankees, 4-1, starting a torrid stretch where they went an incredible 46-15 to close out the regular season and finish with 99 wins.

Before the game, the White Sox announced that struggling starter Britt Burns would head to the bullpen in hopes of ironing out his problems — which he did, finishing the 1983 season extremely strong and then pitching a classic, extra-inning loss to the Orioles in Game 4 of the ALCS.

1995
After losing an appeal of his four-game suspension, Terry Bevington sat out this game to begin the penalty, leaving coach Joe Nossek to manage the club in his absence. The suspension stemmed from a July 22 brawl vs. the Brewers, as Bevington and Milwaukee manager Phil Garner scuffled in the aftermath of a dustup between Ozzie Guillén and Milwaukee’s Jeff Cirillo. Players had to intervene and break up the fight between fiery skippers.

2003
The White Sox won their 8,000th game in franchise history, as they buried the Mariners in Seattle, 12-1. Carl Everett had a huge evening, going 2-for-4 with five RBIs, including a three-run home run off of future teammate Freddy García. 

2005
Pitcher Mark Buehrle’s streak of 49 straight starts pitching six or more innings ended when he was thrown out of a game with two outs in the sixth in Baltimore — without even a warning — by umpire Brian Gorman. 

White Sox TV announcer Hawk Harrelson became extremely upset in the TV booth (“You’ve GOT to be kidding me!”). Buehrle got tossed, without warning, for hitting B.J. Surhoff after White Sox hitters. A.J. Pierzynski had been hit by a pitch in the top half of the inning. (A.J. exacted some revenge in his next at-bat, leading off the eighth inning with a homer.)

Buehrle’s streak was the longest in the majors since Steve Carlton, between 1979 and 1982.

The Sox would get the last laugh, however, winning the game, 6-3, and sweeping the four-game series to increase their division lead to a season-high 15 games over Cleveland.

Baseball's eyes are on the Motor City for the next two days with back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal widely expected to be traded by the Detroit Tigers ahead of Monday's MLB deadline.

The 29-year-old lefty is a free agent this winter and expected to command a record-breaking contract, but whichever team rents him for the next two months would be giving itself the best chance possible to win a World Series in the fall.

One of the AL favorites heading into the season, the Tigers nearly buried themselves with a 6-22 record in May and enter Saturday six games under .500. Though Detroit is (like most teams) in contention for a wild card spot, the Tigers' devastating loss in what may have been Skubal's final start may have sealed his fate.

Two teams to watch in the Skubal sweepstakes are the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers, who happen to have the best records in baseball.

Keep up on the latest rumors and Tigers news:

Kiké Hernández returned from the injured list on Tuesday after missing 51 games with a strained oblique, and got into his first game on Thursday. He talked Thursday about his anxiety at receiving the news of the oblique injury, his second extended IL stint this season. From Matt Borelli at Dodger Blue:

“I was driving, sitting in traffic, I had to call my wife and I could barely talk but I was like, ‘This is what happened. I don’t know what’s going on with my body. Maybe I’m too old.’ Just hearing her calm me down, I took a couple deep breaths and I was good to go. 

“I did the two months before that and I realized all you can do is take it one day at a time, and the best way you can take things one day at a time is focusing on what you can do today to get better. That’s what I did. I thought about today. I wasn’t really thinking about how far along or anything like that. I was literally just going one day at a time and trying to be the best rehabber I could.

Links

• Tim Brown at his The Long Game newsletter recounted a fantastic story about covering former Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis, and how his father sold his truck — called “Old Goat Face” — to buy new baseball gloves for Cesar and his brother Maicer Izturis.
• Loyola Marymount in July launched ‘Chavez Ravine: An Unfinished History,’ a library archive that is curated by community members themselves, including multiple generations of families who were displaced in order to make room for what became Dodger Stadium. Antonia Cereijido & Jessica Garrison at LA Material wrote about the project, with interviews from those involved.
• Baseball Prospectus added an Injured List Triage to its tools section this week, to visualize how long a player with a specific injury might be out based on similar maladies over the past few years. Derek Rhoads and Rob Mains described the new site tool.

Good morning, baseball fans!

Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball comes to an end this weekend, so it’s time to decide who will be your Player of the Week!

There were a few strong candidates this week, but most of them were players I’ve picked fairly often this season so I’m going to go with Luis Arraez! For my purposes, I’m including everything from July 24th through today, and in that time Arraez has racked up 13 hits and six RBI. He may not have had the biggest hits of the week, but that kind of steady and consistent production is definitely worthy of a shout out! (While I can still shout him out, as I assume he will be traded soon and I will be very sad.)

Who is your pick for Player of the Week?

What time do the Giants play today?

The Giants continue this four-game road series against the Padres tonight at 5:40 p.m. PT.

Today’s Reflections

What an interesting way to end a series — consecutive extra-inning games. With the Manfred Man, the 10th inning is a toss-up, which was evident as the Cubs and Cardinals split the games in extra time (World Cup, go away!). That gave Chicago the three-games-to-one win in the series.

The MVP of the series has to be Alex Bregman, who really stepped up to be the team’s table setter, going 10-for-18 with a walk, seven runs scored, 3 RBI, a home run and six doubles. For Wednesday and Thursday, he combined for 3-for-8 with a walk, two runs scored, two doubles and an RBI, including his game-winning RBI-double on Thursday.

Nico Hoerner also had a big series, going 6-for-16 with three runs scored, six RBI, a home run and a stolen base. After having a hitless pinch-hitting appearance on Wednesday on a day-off, Hoerner went 3-for-5 with the stolen base on Thursday.

Seiya Suzuki had a solid series, also going 6-for-16 with three walks, four runs scored, two RBI and two doubles. Most of that was in the first two games as he went for 1-for-6 with two walks and a run scored in the final two.

Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ get mentions for their extra-inning contributions. PCA drove in two runs with a home run in the 10th inning on Wednesday, while on Thursday, Happ added an insurance run with an RBI-double.

The Cubs had a 5-2 roadtrip. PCA had a drastically different pair of series. Against the Pirates, he went 7-for-14 with a walk, four runs scored, five RBI, two home runs, three doubles and a triple. Meanwhile, in the Cardinals’ series, PCA went 3-for-17 with just one walk, a run scored, 3 RBI, and the home run as his only extra-base hit.

I bring that up because the Cubs took three-of-four from the Cards without much contribution from PCA. If that sinks in for the rest of the team, that has to be an extra boost for them. And I’m sure PCA noticed it for sure.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Cubs almost wasted a pair of pitching performances — one excellent and one solid. Both kept the Cubs in the games with a chance to win in extras.

Matthew Boyd put together what I think was his best performance of the year Wednesday with seven shutout innings, stranding four hits and two walks while striking out five. That’s the first time since April that he’s pitched back-to-back homerless games.

Javier Assad also kept the ball in the ballpark as he stepped into the open spot in the Cubs rotation Thursday. He managed 4.1 innings and had to work out of some jams due to allowing six hits and two walks. Assad used his defense and six strikeouts hold the Cards to one run. His 83 pitches were the most he has thrown since June 17th.

So it was a good series and road trip with two winnable games the team dropped. But there were a lot of overall very positive performances for the team to build on heading into the dog days of August.

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Thurday’s Game Stories:

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/30/26): Cubs 4, Cardinals 2 F/10 – Extra-Inning Win Takes Series in St. Louis. “The Cubs and Cardinals played a very tight contest at Busch Stadium Thursday afternoon that required extra innings for the second consecutive day.”

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): Bregman’s 10th-inning double helps Cubs take series from rival Cardinals. “With a pair of two-base hits on Thursday, Bregman finished the series with a 10-for-18 showing (.556 average) that included seven extra-base hits and seven runs scored.”

Wednesday’s Game Stories:

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): PCA’s tiebreaking blast can’t save Cubs from 10th-inning loss. “Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a must-see moment for the Cubs when they needed it most, but the Cardinals found their way to three runs in the 10th inning to send Chicago to a 3-2 loss in walk-off fashion.”

• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/29/26): Cardinals 3, Cubs 2 F/10 – PCA Homer Not Enough in Extras Loss. “The Cubs and Cardinals played a full nine innings that were largely uneventful on Wednesday night, with no runs crossing the plate. ”

Down-the-Stretch Trade Deadline Stories:

• Skubal Stories:
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Sun-Times): Column: If Tarik Skubal truly is on the Chicago Cubs’ radar, the only question is ‘How soon is now?’ “History suggests they’ll shoot for the moon, settle for a middle-of-the-road starter and keep the prospects, explaining later that the price was too exorbitant.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Cubs’ trade-deadline search for pitching includes Tarik Skubal: Sources. “Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has a close relationship with his Detroit counterpart, Scott Harris.”
• Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs On SI): Are the Cubs Fully Back in On a Tarik Skubal Blockbuster Trade? “The Chicago Cubs were seemingly out on pursuing one of the biggest names on the market, but a new report suggests that’s not the case at all.”

• Peralta/Holmes/Mets Stories:
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Mets-Twins trade confirms the easiest need Cubs can address at 2026 trade deadline. “The New York Mets’ trade with the Minnesota Twins involving A.J. Minter is a good sign for one thing the Chicago Cubs want to accomplish at the MLB trade deadline.”
• Matt Sullivan (Sporting News): Cubs predicted to trade for Mets’ 2.39 ERA starting pitcher amid dire need. “This Cubs prediction would make a lot of sense amid the team’s dire deadline need.”
• Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Cubs in deadline mix for Freddy Peralta as Mets seek top-100 prospect in trade: Sources. “Peralta was scratched from his scheduled start Friday night as his trade market heats up.”
• Garrett Kerman (ClutchPoints): Cubs must finally pull trigger on this Freddy Peralta trade with Mets. “Cubs pursue Freddy Peralta trade with Mets, offering Jefferson Rojas and Jaxon Wiggins for the proven starter’s rotation boost.”

• Angels-Related Stories:
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): 3 reasons why Reid Detmers makes too much sense for the Cubs at 2026 trade deadline. “Reid Detmers has emerged as a Cubs’ trade deadline fit, and it’s easy to see why.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs may have gotten unexpected trade deadline boost from Angels-Rangers deal. “All signs point to Los Angeles being very open to moving controllable pieces.”
• Josh Davis (ClutchPoints): Next move Angels should make after Chase Silseth, Logan O’Hoppe trade. “The Los Angeles Angels should trade Reid Detmers to the Cubs for Owen Ayers after moving Logan O’Hoppe and Chase Silseth to the Rangers next.”

• Carson Kelly???
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Carson Kelly’s name unexpectedly pops up in latest Cubs trade deadline rumor. “Not a name I had on my ‘tradeable pieces’ bingo card.”
• Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs On SI): A Carson Kelly Trade May Be On the Table for the Cubs – But Should It Be? “The Chicago Cubs have reportedly talked about their No. 1 catcher with teams as the deadline approaches.”

• Blocked Minor Leaguers:
• Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): Why Cubs Have Talked About 3 Buy-Low Starters Mired in Minor Leagues. “Working to shore up their rotation for the balance of 2026 and to get a head start on a longer-term improvement, the Cubs have discussed controllable arms whose stock is down, sources say.”
• Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs’ controllable starter could come from Marlins, and it’s not Sandy Alcantara. “After dumping Jameson Taillon, Chicago’s trade deadline takes on added importance.”

• Emerson Hancock Stories:
• Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs On SI): Why Would the Cubs Ever Pay This Absurd Price for Emerson Hancock? “A new rumor has some believing the Cubs could land Emerson Hancock … but for an arm and a leg.”
• Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Carson Kelly, Seiya Suzuki absence vs Yankees adds curiosity to looming Mariners-Cubs rumor. “Carson Kelly and Seiya Suzuki, both subject of trade rumors, are not in the Chicago Cubs’ lineup against the New York Yankees on Friday.”

• Various Other Trade Stories:
• Matthew Lenz (North Side Baseball): Should the Chicago Cubs Pursue Hunter Greene? “Multiple MLB insiders are reporting that Hunter Greene is drawing significant trade interest. Should the Chicago Cubs bite?”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): Coming off a series win in St. Louis, can the Chicago Cubs capitalize at the trade deadline? “Perhaps nothing embodies the state of the Chicago Cubs bullpen through four months more than this: It already set a franchise record for most pitchers to record a save in one season.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): This trade deadline is the moment that Cubs president Jed Hoyer has been waiting for. “Jed Hoyer’s personal stake in this venture is enormous.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation): Allowing Myself Some Silly September Bullpen Dreams. “That discussion got me thinking bigger picture about how the bullpen situation COULD look come, say, September.”
• Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): Live Little Lies, Lose Big Games: Cubs Get Stern Reminder of Key Trade Deadline Need. “Chicago has a real opportunity to add a proven starter without dismantling its big-league roster.”
• Rich Eberwein (Cubbies Crib): Pedro Ramirez has forced Cubs into difficult 2026 trade deadline decision. “Pedro Ramirez’s breakout hot streak has given the Cubs a major trade deadline dilemma.”
• Paul Niemiec (North Side Baseball): Could Cubs Acquire a Platoon Partner for Ian Happ at MLB Trade Deadline? “Ian Happ has struggled all season against left-handed pitching, but his excellent defense and his status in the clubhouse put the Cubs in an awkward spot if they look for a platoon partner.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): As Cubs aim to upgrade pitching at trade deadline, high-scoring hitters show what’s possible in playoffs. “Pitching will be the Cubs’ obvious focus at the trade deadline, but in the days leading up to Aug. 3, the position-player group is putting up big run totals and showing the winning foundation they can be come October.”

Assorted Stories:

• Injury Updates:
• Andrew Seligman (Chicago Sun-Times): Cubs’ Justin Steele says recovery is progressing, but no timetable for his return. “Steele said he is pain-free. He has been rehabbing at the team’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, and in Chicago during homestands. He played catch on Friday and plans to throw about 20 pitches off the mound on Saturday.”
• Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Cubs Place Gavin Hollowell on IL, Promote Antoine Kelly. “I was a few weeks early on the idea of lefty Antoine Kelly earning a promotion, but the time has now come.”

• Bregman/PCA/Ramirez Stories:
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Big series vs. Cardinals shows what Cubs can do when Alex Bregman is hot: ‘Hopefully, I keep that rolling’ “Bregman bashed out 10 hits, seven of them extra-base knocks, in a monster four-game series in St. Louis, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what this Cubs team can do when he’s swinging a dangerous bat.”
• Andrew Wright (Yardbarker): Alex Bregman is slowly turning into exactly who Cubs paid him to be. “His recent production is a promising sign that hasn’t been prevalent at any point during the season.”
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong gets praise from Kevin Kiermaier after passing outfielder for 5-star catches. “Pete Crow-Armstrong, on his way to completing his third full big-league season, has already made his case as the best outfielder in the game.”
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Trade chip or future piece? Right now, Pedro Ramirez happy to help Cubs: ‘It’s always been a dream of mine’. “Fans are speculating that Ramirez could be the Cubs’ most attractive young trade chip as they shop for pitching ahead of the trade deadline, and his performance is backing up that idea.”

• Pitching Staff/Etc. Stories:
• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): With Cubs on search for starters at Deadline, the rotation has quietly stabilized. ““There was a time when we were like, ‘Who is going to start games for us?’” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said.“
• Vinnie Duber (Chicago Sun-Times): Ahead of expected trade-deadline pitching adds, Cubs starters rolling: ‘A lot of talent in our rotation’. “The Cubs are expected to add arms ahead of Monday’s deadline, but the starting rotation is pitching terrifically at the moment, showing what’s possible if and when more depth or big names join the party.”
• Aldo Soto (Sports Mockery): Trent Thornton Should Be Booted from the Chicago Cubs Bullpen. “If you have been paying any attention to the Chicago Cubs in recent weeks, then you weren’t surprised when Trent Thornton blew Wednesday night’s game vs. the St. Louis Cardinals.”
• Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times): Yankees making themselves at home during week in Chicago. “With four games against the White Sox at Rate Field and three against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Yankees are spending the week in the same hotel. They might as well get comfy.”

Food For Thought:

Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 16, has carved out an impressive niche for herself in the world of blues-rock. After witnessing her remarkable guitar playing, Stewart immediately invited her to join his supergroup, D.U.P., setting the wheels in motion for a flourishing musical career. Her prodigious talent on the guitar earned her accolades from several industry giants, including Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox.

Now in her 30s, Joanne has emerged as one of the most coveted guitarists in the rock domain. The journey over the past two decades has seen her evolve into a prolific songwriter, with each of her acclaimed albums being more successful than the last. Her 2019 album, Reckless Heart, broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart, solidifying her standing as one of the most important British blues-rock exports.

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.

Triple A: Syracuse Mets (51 – 54)

ROCHESTER 10, SYRACUSE 1 (BOX)

Jack Weisenburger got shelled for six runs over two innings pitched, and the Mets could only muster one run. That run, driven in by domestic abuser Ji Hwan Bae, was scored by Cristian Pache. If you’re looking for a bright spot, Syracuse walked four times and stole two bases.

• 2B Ji Hwan Bae: 1-5, 2B, RBI, K, SB
• CF Nick Morabito: 0-5, K
• DH Ronny Mauricio: 1-4, K, SB
• RF Ryan Clifford: 0-4, 3 K
• 3B Christopher Morel: 1-4
• LF MJ Melendez: 0-1, BB, K
• LF Cristian Pache: 0-1, R, BB, K
• 1B Christian Arroyo: 1-4, K
• C Ben Rortvedt: 1-3, BB, K
• SS Zack Short: 2-3, BB, K
• P Jack Weisenburger: 2.0 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Dan Hammer: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
• P Matt Seelinger: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• P Joe Jacques: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• P Ofreidy Gómez: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (36 – 63)

READING 6, BINGHAMTON 5 (BOX)

Chris Suero, Nick Lorusso, and JT Schwartz all homered in a walk-off loss to Reading. R.J. Gordon went seven innings, striking out seven while giving up three earned runs. The newly called up Mitch voit with two for four with walk.

• 2B Mitch Voit: 2-4, BB
• DH Chris Suero: 2-5, 2 R, HR, RBI, K
• 3B Nick Lorusso: 2-5, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• RF Jose Ramos: 1-5, R, 2 K
• CF D’Andre Smith: 1-4, BB, K, SB
• C Kevin Parada: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, K
• 1B JT Schwartz: 1-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• LF Matt Rudick: 0-4, 2 K
• SS Wyatt Young: 1-2, 2 BB
• P R.J. Gordon: 7.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
• P Saul Garcia: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• P Garrett Stratton: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (41 – 57)

WINSTON-SALEM 14, BROOKLYN 4 (BOX)

The Cyclones got shellacked behind a series of poor pitching performances, including both Frank Camarillo and Josh Blum giving up four earned runs. Blum managed to do so in just two-thirds of an inning.

• CF Yonatan Henriquez: 1-5, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
• RF JT Benson: 1-5, R, 3B, 3 K
• LF Randy Guzman: 2-4, RBI, K
• DH Ronald Hernandez: 0-3, R, K
• 3B Jamari Baylor: 1-2, 2 BB, SB
• SS Antonio Jimenez: 0-3, R, K
• 2B Colin Houck: 1-4, RBI, E
• 1B Trace Willhoite: 0-3, BB, 2 K
• C Chase Meggers: 0-3, RBI, BB, K, E
• P Frank Camarillo: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• P Juan Arnaud: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Austin Warren: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
• P Joel Díaz: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
• P Calvin Ziegler: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
• P Cristofer Gomez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
• P Josh Blum: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
• P Ryan Dollar: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 1 K

Low-A: St. Lucie Mets (45 – 54)

DUNDEIN 5, ST. LUCIE 0 (BOX)

St. Lucie was blanked, and wasted a good start from Ethan Lanthier, who went four innings of one-hit ball before Christian Rodriguez coughed up five runs in the bottom of the eighth in just a disaster of an inning.

• 2B Branny De Oleo: 0-3, BB, 2 K
• SS Marco Vargas: 0-4, 2 K
• RF Aiden Robbins: 1-2, BB
• 1B Cole Mathis: 1-4
• C Yovanny Rodriguez: 1-4, K
• DH Simon Juan: 1-4, 3B, K
• LF Kuhio Aloy: 0-3, 2 K
• CF Bohan Adderley: 1-4, 2 K, E
• 3B Dylan Carey: 0-4, 2 K
• P Ethan Lanthier: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• P Christian Rodriguez: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

Rookie: FCL Mets (24-32)

NO GAME

Rookie: DSL Mets Orange (22 – 22)

DSL METS ORANGE 9, DSL TIGERS 2 (BOX)

• DH Wandy Asigen: 0-3, 2 R, BB, K
• LF Jonnhan Sanchez: 1-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
• 1B Cesar Acosta: 2-3, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
• 3B Sebastian Toro: 2-3, R
• 2B Roni Garcia: 0-0
• CF Jhonael Cuello: 1-4, 2B, RBI
• C Yadier Fuentes: 1-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
• SS Johnderis Sanchez: 0-4, K
• 2B-3B Jose Padilla: 1-3, R, BB, 2 K, E
• RF Aiberson Blanco: 1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, K
• P Abner Meza: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
• P Bigey Santana: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
• P Derlin Rojas: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Rookie: DSL Mets Blue (16 – 27)

DSL MARLINS 10, DSL METS BLUE 6 (BOX)

• LF Royner Bravo: 3-4, R
• CF Henry Manrique: 0-3, R, BB, K
• 3B Dayron Oramas: 2-4, 2 R, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, E
• SS Michalle Mercedes: 1-4, RBI, 2 K, E
• 1B Adrian La Rosa: 0-0, BB
• 1B Cristopher Jaquez: 1-2, R, 2B, RBI, K
• 2B Oscar Pena: 0-3, R, BB, K
• DH Elvis Teran: 0-3, K
• C Adrian Silva: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, K
• C Frank Moreno: 0-0
• RF Yeremy Reyes: 0-3, 2 K
• P Leyvi Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 1 K
• P Cristopher Hernandez: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
• P Arnaldo Tejed

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Ethan Lanthier

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Christian Rodriguez

Two days out from the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline and things are still quiet, but the impending move of back-to-back Cy Young winner has the league on the edge of its seat.

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal appears likely to be traded in the 48 hours to come, a deal that could potentially shift power with just two months until the playoffs begin. Other big names said to be on the trading block include the New York Mets' Freddy Peralta, San Francisco Giants' Luis Arraez and perhaps All-Star closer Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres.

The trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, August 3.

Stay with USA TODAY Sports as the deadline draws near for the latest rumors, news and deals:

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Saturday is upon us, and that means we have a full, 15-game MLB slate to attack.

I've scoured the MLB odds and have found a nice mix of underdogs and short favorites that will hopefully help you increase your bankrolls. 

Read on for our MLB moneyline predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, August 1. 

MLB moneyline picks for August 1

Matchup	Pick
Cardinals vs Blue Jays	-127
Marlins vs Mets	-122
White Sox vs Rays	-144
Twins vs Mariners	+144
Pirates vs Reds	-117
Phillies vs Orioles	-127
Rangers vs Astros	-113
Diamondbacks vs Guardians	-138
Nationals vs Braves	+178
Yankees vs Cubs	+104
Royals vs Rockies	-108
Giants vs Padres	-122
Red Sox vs Dodgers	+156
Brewers vs Angels	-122
Tigers vs Athletics	-122

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of August 1.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for August 1

Cardinals vs Blue Jays: Blue Jays (-127)

Blue Jays win probability: 55.9%

St. Louis enters cold, dead last in MLB over the past 14 days with a paltry 67 wRC+ and .588 OPS. Kevin Gausman gives Toronto the edge on the mound over Quinn Mathews, while Toronto’s 3.49 SIERA bullpen should suppress the recently anemic Cardinals lineup.

Marlins vs New York Mets: Mets (-122)

Mets win probability: 55%

The Mets hold a distinct advantage across overall run creation and run prevention. New York’s pitching staff ranks eighth in SIERA (3.40) while posting a sparkling 2.00 ERA recently. Miami’s lineup remains stagnant (84 wRC+), giving Zac Thornton and the Mets bullpen the edge over Tyler Phillips.

White Sox vs Rays: Rays (-144)

Rays win probability: 59%

Drew Rasmussen and the Rays bullpen continue to stifle opposing bats, carrying a dominant 0.85 WHIP and 2.17 ERA over their last two weeks. While Chicago’s offense has lagged at an 89 wRC+, Tampa Bay’s elite run suppression creates strong value on the home team. 

Twins vs Mariners: Twins (+144)

Twins win probability: 41%

The Twins are undervalued here. While Logan Gilbert presents a tough matchup, Minnesota offers prime plus-money value. Connor Prielipp can keep this game close against a Mariners offense that ranks 17th in wRC+ (94) with a subpar .295 OBP.

Pirates vs Reds: Pirates (-117)

Pirates win probability: 53.9%

Pittsburgh’s pitching efficiency carries the day here, posting a sixth-ranked 3.10 SIERA alongside a robust 19.7% K-BB% rate. Braxton Ashcraft matches up against Andrew Abbott, where Cincinnati’s offensive struggles (83 wRC+) and high strikeout tendency (26.4% K%) over the past 14 days make the Pirates a strong road target.

Phillies vs Orioles: Phillies (-127)

Phillies win probability: 55.9%

Cristopher Sánchez gives Philadelphia a steady starting baseline against Shane Baz. Baltimore’s pitching results look highly fraudulent; despite a 2.18 ERA, their 4.91 FIP and 4.40 SIERA point toward massive regression. Philadelphia’s league-average bats (99 wRC+) across the past 14 days should capitalize on Baltimore’s flawed bullpen.

Rangers vs Astros: Rangers (-113)

Rangers win probability: 53%

Jacob deGrom on the mound at close-to-pick-'em odds is prime MLB moneyline value. Texas features a surging offense over the past two weeks, ranking sixth in MLB with a 112 wRC+ and .453 SLG. Expect deGrom to outperform Ronel Blanco in this divisional clash.

Diamondbacks vs Guardians: Guardians (-138)

Guardians win probability: 58%

Cleveland’s pitching staff remains lethal, missing bats at a league-leading 31.8% strikeout rate alongside a 3.01 SIERA. Parker Messick gets a favorable home environment to neutralize Arizona’s hot bats, making Cleveland a solid choice at reasonable juice below the -150 threshold.

Nationals vs Braves: Nationals (+178)

Nationals win probability: 36%

Atlanta’s heavy -186 line automatically rules them out, but Washington is a live dog regardless. The Nationals represent MLB’s top offense over the last 14 days, pounding out a 143 wRC+, .369 OBP, and .893 OPS. Miles Mikolas needs only a modest outing to cash this prediction.

Yankees vs Cubs: Cubs (+104)

Cubs win probability: 49%

The Cubs offer exceptional home underdog value against a reeling Yankees squad. Chicago ranks third in MLB hitting over the last two weeks (127 wRC+, .814 OPS), whereas New York’s offense has collapsed to a .206 average and 70 wRC+. Back David Peterson and Chicago’s bats.

Royals vs Rockies: Royals (-108)

Royals win probability: 52%

Coors Field games carry variance, but Colorado remains one of the coldest lineups in baseball (73 wRC+, 28th). Luinder Avila and Kansas City get a fair price against Ryan Feltner and a Rockies pitching unit surrendering a 1.60 WHIP and .346 BABIP over their last two weeks.

Giants vs Padres: Padres (-122)

Padres win probability: 55%

San Diego is clicking on all cylinders, boasting the second-best offense (138 wRC+, .856 OPS) and second-best bullpen (2.82 SIERA) over the past 14 days. Walker Buehler gets prime run support against Tyler Mahle and a Giants lineup operating below league average (98 wRC+).

Red Sox vs Dodgers: Red Sox (+156)

Red Sox win probability: 39%

With Los Angeles priced at -163, market discipline forces a play on Boston. However, the Red Sox present real analytical value: their pitching staff boasts an MLB-best 1.63 ERA and 3.02 SIERA over the last two weeks. Expect prospect Payton Tolle to compete and beat the Dodgers. 

Brewers vs Angels: Brewers (-122)

Brewers win probability: 55%

Milwaukee’s lineup is in form, producing a 110 wRC+ with high-level plate discipline (10.3% BB%). Robert Gasser takes the mound against Jose Soriano and an Angels lineup generating just an 84 wRC+ and a .330 SLG. The Brewers hold the clear edge, and should get over the line. 

Tigers vs Athletics: Tigers (-122)

Tigers win probability: 55%

Framber Valdez gives Detroit a major starting pitcher advantage over Jack Perkins. While Detroit’s staff carries regression warnings (4.50 SIERA), the Athletics feature the second-worst underlying pitching profile in MLB with a 4.71 SIERA, 1.88 WHIP, and an 8.19 ERA over their last two weeks.

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.