Category: Sports News

As we all know, it has not exactly been a banner year for the Nats bullpen. They have spent most of the season blowing games for fun. However, there is one reliever who has really impressed me this season. Orlando Ribalta has had a breakout year for the Nats, and looks like a guy who can be a piece for years to come.

Don’t get me wrong, Ribalta has not been perfect by any means. A 3.44 ERA and 1.21 WHIP is nothing that will knock your socks off. However, it is very solid in a bullpen that desperately needs that. Ribalta has the high octane stuff and has taken big strides with his command this season.

My favorite thing about the 6’7 right hander is his poise in big moments. He is the one guy in this bullpen who has proven to be a capable fire fighter. With the bases loaded, batters are 0-10 with 5 strikeouts against the Cuban. That is a testament to his stuff but also his slow heartbeat on the mound.

Ribalta is one of those guys who never gets too high or two low on the mound. That really helps him in these big spots. He is not scared to compete in those moments, but he also does not get overly excited either. It is just like any other situation for him, except it feels like he locks in more.

However, his loud stuff is another big factor in his success. Ribalta has the best raw stuff in the bullpen, at least before Yovanny Cruz arrived. His fastball and sinker both sit at 97 MPH, with the 4-seamer doing a great job generating whiffs while the sinker is a soft contact pitch. 

The right-hander’s most used pitch is actually his slider. Unlike many slider’s which are used as putaway pitches, Ribalta’s sets the table for his 4-seamer and devastating changeup. The changeup is my favorite pitch in Ribalta’s arsenal. Even though stuff+ models much prefer the slider, the way he sells the changeup just devastates hitters.

His changeup looks just like a fastball and moves a lot like his fastball before dying as it gets to home plate. The 10 MPH speed difference has hitters swinging at air 48.4% of the time. Honestly, it is a pitch he should be throwing more than 14.4% of the time.

Ribalta has been an arm who has intrigued me for a while. He has always had the stuff, and when he came up in April, I was very excited by him. The biggest leap he has taken has been in terms of command though. His walk rate has been cut from 14.2% to 9.3%. Ribalta’s Location+ grade has also gone from a below average mark of 94 to well above average at 106. 

Ribalta’s new found command has made him a very effective reliever this year. His 3.44 ERA is supported by the underlying numbers, which have him in the same range. He is a well rounded pitcher who I think will only get better.

This season, Ribalta has done a great job limiting hard contact with an average exit velocity against of 84.2 MPH which is elite. He is also great at getting hitters to chase outside the zone as well. When you look at his Baseball Savant page, there are not a lot of holes to poke. 

The swing and miss numbers are middling, but I think those could improve if he threw the changeup more often. He has also been getting more strikeouts lately, with 18 K’s in his last 13.2 innings. Orlando Ribalta is easily the reliever I trust the most in the Nats bullpen.

Even when he does give up runs, a lot of the time it seems like he is getting unlucky. I remember an outing against the Blue Jays where Ribalta gave up the lead thanks to 3 bloop hits. Sure he blew it, but it is tough to blame him too much.

Moving forward I think Ribalta can be a solid high leverage arm. He is probably not a closer, or even an 8th inning guy. However, I like the 28 year old as a 7th inning guy who can put out fires in big spots. The Nats have traded promising relievers with control the past couple off-seasons, but they need to learn their lesson here. Ribalta needs to stick around for a while.

He is not exactly Mason Miller, but Ribalta is a steady presence at the back of the bullpen. That is exactly what the Nats need entering 2027. In a bullpen that does not have many keepers, they found one in Orlando Ribalta.

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A shorter slate isn't short on value picks, and today's MLB expert picks are hitting a pair of moneylines, beginning in the early afternoon with the Cleveland Guardians.

Later, our MLB picks expect the Atlanta Braves to continue their hot streak against the Miami Marlins on Thursday, Aug. 6.

MLB expert picks for today

Pick	Odds
Jon Metler: CLE ML	-113
Joe Osborne: ATL ML	-138

Prices courtesy of Polymarket.

Jon Metler's expert pick: Guardians moneyline

Price: 53¢ (-113) at Polymarket

New York Mets rookie Nolan McLean has electric stuff and a 10.60 K/9 this season, but betting is about price and matchup, not talent alone, and this is a tough draw for the young right-hander. 

The Cleveland Guardians are expected to load the lineup with eight left-handed bats, significantly reducing the effectiveness of McLean's biggest weapon. His hard, sweeping slider is designed to finish hitters, but it breaks into the barrel against lefties rather than away from it. 

The Guardians also have one of the most disciplined approaches in baseball, consistently working deep counts and refusing to chase pitches out of the zone. That combination should drive up McLean's pitch count and increase the likelihood of an early exit. 

Polymarket has Cleveland priced as a 53-cent favorite, but I make the Guardians closer to a 59-cent favorite, which is why I'm hitting the button.

• Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
• How to watch: SNY, Guardians.TV

Joe Osborne's expert pick: Braves moneyline

Price: 58¢ (-138) at Polymarket

The Atlanta Braves are in a great spot to extend their winning streak to eight games tonight.

Martin Perez has done his best work at home, posting a 2.36 ERA in 12 starts. His last two home starts saw him allow just two combined hits and zero earned runs.

Perez should have his way with a Miami Marlins lineup that ranks 26th in OPS against left-handed pitching over the past month.

On the other side, Janson Junk owns a shaky 5.28 road ERA and was crushed for eight earned runs when he faced Atlanta in May. Atlanta has been obliterating baseballs at home, ranking first in slugging percentage over the past month.

• Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• How to watch: Marlins.TV, BravesVsn

More MLB best bets for today

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.

Good morning A’s fans!

The Athletics began the year strong and were in first place in the AL West longer than many analysts and baseball people expected. The squad got there on the strength of their lineup and a few key early runs from their pitching. It looked like the club could hang around for the long haul, through summer at least.

Well, then June and July came around and sunk the A’s chances at meaningful September baseball, just like last year. Except while last year it was a roughly 20-game stretch that sunk the club, this year it’s been an extended run of poor luck and poor performance. The A’s are now only two games ahead of the division-rival Angels for the worst record in the American League. For the guys in the clubhouse, avoiding the cellar of the league should be the driving goal the rest of the way.

A lot of the struggles this year has to due with injuries, and the A’s have dealt with more than their fair share this season. Still, every club deals with injuries. It’s how the team responds and adapts to those that make decent teams good and solid teams great. This club has that ceiling in them thanks to the core position player group they’ve assembled, it’s about supplementing them now with some pitching, which has been clear for the past two months at this point.

That’ll obviously be the offseason goal for the front office. Whether it’s adding to a starting rotation that really only has three locked in spots (Ginn, Jump, Severino). Obviously the club has other depth pieces like Jacob Lopez, Mason Barnett, and Jack Perkins. The hope is that one or multiple of them can show they deserve a shot at starting next year but for the offseason’s sake the front office has to consider those depth pieces at best.

The club won’t be playing at the top of the free agent market for guys like Skubal, Mize, Peralta, or King. They’re much more likely to look on the trade market. But could a lower-tier arm like Robbie Ray, Brady Singer, or even old friend Sonny Gray be options the club would consider spending money for? The club needs to add at least one, probably two arms if we’re being serious. And that’s not even getting to the bullpen, which needs a complete overhaul in the worst way possible.

So which free agent starting pitchers would you like to see the team go after this offseason? Discuss below! And have a great one guys.

A’s Coverage:

• A’s Losing Streak Continues with 3-2 loss to Reds
• A Seemingly Rock Bottomless Glass
• A’s Fall To Reds 5-4
• A’s roster moves: Kurtz & Springs to IL, Ginn activated, Muncy recalled
• MLB Trade Grades: A’s Have Quiet Trade Deadline
• Fustercluck 2026: The Real Reasons For A Disappointing Season
• A’s Late Comeback Not Enough in 8-6 Loss to Tigers
• Signs Of Hope And Signs Of Hopeless
• Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko says feeling in his legs returning
• Cuban’s investment group purchases minority stake in Athletics
• Chan Ho Park joins A’s group; 1st Korean to buy stake in MLB club
• Blogfather Saves The Day With Pearls Of Most Excellent Advice

MLB News and Interest:

• Rushing (partial UCL tear) unlikely to catch in ’26; could return as bench bat
• Pirates To Release Marcell Ozuna
• Blue Jays Place Trey Yesavage On Injured List
• Sources: Freddy Peralta initiated sitdown between Mets’ Soto and Lindor
• Latest Rookie of the Year poll features a TIE atop the National League
• How To Acquire Players After The MLB Trade Deadline
• Luke Raley Expected To Miss Remainder Of 2026 Season
• Yankees SS George Lombard Jr. homers in debut, joining brother
• Power Rankings, post-Trade Deadline edition
• Sho-starter! Ohtani closer to Dodgers history with 29th leadoff blast
• White Sox Designate Austin Hays For Assignment
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Athletics’ first-round pick Drew Burress hit a home run in his first at bat (and first swing) since joining the org!

Zack Gelof had a home run in his first rehab game:

Tuesday’s prospect of the day:

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The Boston Red Sox are significant -190 favorites against the Chicago White Sox, and rightfully so.

I see edges for Boston across the board, and am attacking the run line with my White Sox vs. Red Sox predictions and MLB picks for Thursday, Aug. 6.

Who will win White Sox vs Red Sox tonight: Red Sox -1.5 (+105)

The Chicago White Sox rank dead last in ISO against lefties over the last month, and there’s no reason to expect any boost in power against Ranger Suarez.

He ranks in the 89th percentile in barrel rate allowed and has conceded 0.45 HR/9 on the season.

Scoring against Suarez will be like pulling teeth, and Chicago will have to contend with the league’s best bullpen by xFIP after he exits.

The Boston Red Sox are in a great spot to produce against Luis Castillo, who owns an alarming 1.71 WHIP the past 30 days.

Play the run line to -110.

COVERS INTEL:Castillo has allowed an alarming 3.71 HR/9 the past month, and the Red Sox are tied for ninth in homers against righties during that span.

White Sox vs Red Sox Over/Under pick: Under 9 (-115)

Chicago is hitting for zero power against lefties, and it has struck out at the ninth-highest rate the last month. That sets up well for Suarez and his career-best 25.7 K rate — not to mention Boston’s strikeout-heavy bullpen.

The Red Sox are admittedly in a good matchup against Castillo, but I’m not sure it will matter. I project the White Sox for less than three runs, meaning the Red Sox would have to plate seven to push this game Over.

I see a big edge on this total, and would recommend the Under to -130.

White Sox vs Red Sox weather

Temperatures in the mid 80s with slight winds blowing out will provide a boost to the bats.

White Sox vs Red Sox odds

• Moneyline: White Sox +160 | Red Sox -190
• Run line: White Sox +1.5 (-125) | Red Sox -1.5 (+105)
• Over/Under: Over 9.0 (-105) | Under 9.0 (-115)

White Sox vs Red Sox trend

Boston has hit the run line in 28 of its last 45 games (+14.00 units, 24% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Red Sox.

How to watch White Sox vs Red Sox and game info

White Sox vs Red Sox latest injuries

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

Team News

‘Couldn’t feel my legs’: Bratt outduels Mize for first MLB win in stellar outing

“It’s great,” Bratt said. “It’s a surreal feeling, to be honest. I don’t think it’s going to sink in for quite some time. But just thankful for [catcher James McCann] and thankful for everybody that’s been a part of this journey to get to this point.”

https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/mitch-bratt-outduels-casey-mize-for-first-mlb-win-over-padres

Who needs a SP? Bratt bests Mize in D-backs W over Padres

https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/d-backs-bratt-mize-padres

Missing Out On Casey Mize Doesn’t Look So Bad For Diamondbacks Nowhttps://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/onsi/missing-out-casey-mize-look-bad-diamondbacks-now

Diamondbacks send Ryan Thompson to IL, recall Philip Abnerhttps://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/diamondbacks-ryan-thompson-sent-to-il

How Michael Soroka, Justin Martinez Did in Their 1st Rehab Gameshttps://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/onsi/michael-soroka-justin-martinez-rehab-games

What a start! No. 15 Draft pick Helfrick homers, has 3 hits in pro debut
https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/diamondbacks-prospect-ryder-helfrick-homers-in-pro-debut

Other Baseball

Crow-Armstrong, Ohtani each hit 2 HRs; Cubs OF now MVP favoritehttps://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49541111/crow-armstrong-ohtani-hit-2-hrs-cubs-now-mvp-favorite

Aaron Judge cleared for light activity, confident of return this seasonhttps://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49540726/yankees-aaron-judge-cleared-light-activity-confident-return-season

Brewers P Kyle Harrison strikes out 8 consecutive batters in return from IL, but exits with calf cramps

https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/brewers-p-kyle-harrison-strikes-out-8-consecutive-batters-in-return-from-il-but-exits-with-calf-cramps-012452226.html

Padres P Casey Mize gives up career-high 8 ER in debut after trade deadline acquisition: ‘Frustrated and embarrassed’

https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/padres-p-casey-mize-gives-up-career-high-8-er-in-debut-after-trade-deadline-acquisition-frustrated-and-embarrassed-044450107.html

Reds Place Hunter Greene On Injured List

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/08/reds-hunter-greene-injured-list-elbow.html

5 HBPs, 2 ejections: Benches clear in latest tension between Mariners and Tigershttps://www.mlb.com/news/gabe-speier-dan-wilson-ejected-after-benches-clear-mariners-tigers

Leonard caps 9-year journey to the Majors with 1st big league hit
https://www.mlb.com/giants/news/eddys-leonard-first-major-league-hit-giants-rangers

Cameron caps season-long Twins dominance with 8-inning gem
https://www.mlb.com/royals/news/noah-cameron-throws-8-innings-in-royals-win-over-twins

‘He’s gonna be a superstar’: Genao delivers 1st 4-hit MLB debut in franchise historyhttps://www.mlb.com/guardians/news/angel-genao-becomes-first-cleveland-player-with-4-hits-in-mlb-debut?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage

Mikolas’ unlikely pinch-hit squeeze bunt in 11th helps resilient Nats end skidhttps://www.mlb.com/nationals/news/nationals-snap-seven-game-losing-streak-vs-phillies

Anything Goes

This day in history:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/august-6

Peace Memorial Park

https://dive-hiroshima.com/en/explore/2621/

This day in baseball:

https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/August_6

Chalk is edible.

Chalk is not toxic, but digesting large amounts is still not advisable. Eating your classroom chalk is also not advised. 

Plants do a lot for your room aside from making you happier.

Rooms with plants have up to 60% less airborne mold and bacteria.

A cat spends most of its life sleeping.

A cat will spend an average of 15 hours a day sleeping. Some cats can sleep longer to a total of 20 hours a day. These felines do most of their sleeping during the day as they are generally active during the night.

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Polymarket has secured a partnership deal with one of the most recognized sports brands in the world, the New York Yankees.

Polymarket’s company logo will appear on signage throughout Yankee Stadium as the team’s “official prediction market partner.”

Key Takeaways

• The platform was already the official prediction market partner of MLB.
  
  
• The Yankees are seen by tens of millions of people via broadcast and in-person annually.
  
  
• Polymarket generated $12.9 billion in notional trading volume in July.

The Yankees’ $8.2-billion valuation makes them the 10th most-valuable sports franchise in the world, according to information published by Statista in December. 

Polymarket, one of the leading operators responsible for the surge in the prediction market popularity, now has a fast track to growing its audience of sports fans even further. 

“We are proud to become a partner of one of the most iconic teams, not just in baseball, but in all of sports,” said Ari Borod, president of sports business development at Polymarket, in an announcement. “Yankees fans are among the most passionate in sports, and Yankee Stadium is a natural home for Polymarket, where the questions driving our markets come to life throughout the season.”

The partnership will result in Polymarket receiving exclusive marketing opportunities on the team’s LED displays throughout the stadium and rotating digital signage behind home plate “any game now.” 

Borod also said that the advertising displays will be visible on team broadcasts shown on YES Network and Amazon Prime. 

Additionally, Polymarket will hold exclusive fan experiences, including an outfield catch for children, Kids Run the Bases, and lineup card delivery. It will also give away Ford Field MVP Club tickets and single-game tickets in luxury suites. 

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Gaining audience and access

Polymarket became the exclusive prediction market partner of MLB in March. Its deal with the Yankees is the first that it signed with a team in the time since.

“We are excited to begin a relationship with Polymarket – Major League Baseball's prediction market partner,” said Michael Tusiani, New York Yankees senior vice presidentvof partnerships. “Through signage and fan experience opportunities, we look forward to elevating Polymarket's brand awareness both at Yankee Stadium and across our fan base.”

Polymarket had opportunities to partner with other MLB teams before ultimately settling on the Yankees, who draw nearly 3.5 million people to their games annually, per ESPN’s MLB attendance report. 

Including broadcast viewers, the Pinstripers regularly reach tens of millions of people every year.

Polymarket now possesses a growing list of relationships in the world of sports. After also recently teaming up with the German and Mexican soccer leagues Bundesliga and Liga MX, the company’s prediction platforms are partnered with:

• MLB
• MLS
• Leagues Cup
• NHL
• UFC
• Bundesliga
• Liga MX
• LaLiga
• Serie A
• ATP Tour
• New York Yankees
• S.S. Lazio

Polymarket valued at $20 billion

Prediction market news broke earlier this week that Polymarket is seeking $1 billion in funding at a $20-billion valuation – 33.3% more than it was valued at during an April round of fundraising.

That builds on a report that Kalshi, Polymarket, and Polymarket US generated a combined notional trading volume of $50.6 billion during July. Polymarket’s global and American platforms contributed $12.9 billion of that, with its American hub growing 54% to $5 billion.

However, the overall figure was down 7.9% from a $14 billion total in June, a rare decline for a booming prediction market industry. 

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

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The Seattle Mariners are -130 favorites to take the rubber match against the Detroit Tigers.

With a red-hot offense set to take on a struggling pitcher, my Tigers vs. Mariners predictions are backing the underdogs to come out on top in a relatively high-scoring affair.

Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for Thursday, Aug. 6.

Who will win Tigers vs Mariners today: Tigers moneyline (+110)

Bryce Miller has posted a 5.48 ERA over the last month, and it’s not entirely undeserved. He owns a 5.88 xFIP, has allowed 2.11 homers per nine innings, and struck out only 12.4% of opposing batters.

He is vulnerable heading into a difficult matchup against the Detroit Tigers, who rank first in wOBA, ISO, and OPS against righties the last 30 days.

Framber Valdez has posted a solid 3.51 xFIP during that span, and will make things difficult for a cold Seattle Mariners offense to keep up.

Back Detroit to -115.

COVERS INTEL:Valdez owns a sky-high 63.6 GB% rate over the last month, topping all of today's projected starters with room to spare.

Tigers vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Over 8.0 (-105)

Miller is allowing a lot of good contact, and he can’t keep the ball on the ground. Only Kohl Drake posted a higher FB% over the past 30 days among today’s projected starters.

The Tigers are hammering baseballs, ranking Top 8 in both FB% and HR/FB% over the same time frame. If Miller can't decrease his FB%, Detroit’s power will show up.

While Valdez’s elite ground-ball rate will make it hard for Seattle to hit for power, the Mariners do rank 13th in average and 12th in wOBA vs. lefties in the last 30 days.

Play the Over to -117.

Tigers vs Mariners weather

Temperatures are expected to flirt with 80 while winds blow east. Small boost to the bats.

Tigers vs Mariners odds

• Moneyline: Tigers +110 | Mariners -130
• Run line: Tigers +1.5 (-190) | Mariners -1.5 (+160)
• Over/Under: Over 8.0 (+100) | Under 8.0 (-120)

Tigers vs Mariners trend

Detroit has won 17 of the last 25 road games (+9.05 units, 31% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Mariners.

How to watch Tigers vs Mariners and game info

Tigers vs Mariners latest injuries

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

In baseball circles, his reputation proceeds him.    Bob Nightengale has been covering America’s Past Time for USA Today since before Isaac Parades was even born.    We ask Bob three questions for the loyal followers exclusively at The Crawfish Boxes.   

Q: Do you feel the Astros did “enough ” at the deadline?    Was there a move you would’ve liked them to make?

A: I would have loved to see the Astros get another starting pitcher, but the asking price was exorbitant, as we saw. We’ll see if they can survive the final two months without another veteran starter. I do love the fact they obtained Daulton Varsho. He’s having a down year, but he’s an outstanding center fielder and is considered an ultimate gamer. He’ll fit in great in the Astros’ clubhouse with his fiery personality. 

Q: Who challenges the Astros the rest of the way in the west if you had to choose one?    Seattle or Texas?

A: I still think Seattle is the team you have to watch. Their starting rotation is nothing short of phenomenal. They just can’t seem to hit. If they ever put it together offensively, they’ll be awfully dangerous.

Q: Finally, Yordan.  If he continues this blistering pace the final two months, where would rank that in terms of individual performances the past quarter century?

A: Alvarez is producing the greatest single season since future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Cabrera was the last Triple Crown winner, hitting .330 with 44 homers and 139 RBI. Now, Alvarez could be joining the exclusive club. If Alvarez simply stays healthy and produces anything like he has the past four months, he will be the unanimous MVP winner.

With two teams scoring 12 or more, and the other two scoring three or fewer runs, it was a day of extremes across the Dodgers minor-league affiliates.

Player of the day

Setting the tone as the leadoff batter, Charles Davalan provided a three-hit performance in a 13-run effort for the Loons on the road. Outstanding offensively as of late, in particular, Davalan has recorded multiple hits in 11 of his last 12 appearances.

Coming around to score three times, Davalan also benefited from the success of those behind him, with five of the Loons’ first six hitters recording multiple hits. Elected player of the month for his success in July, Davalan is intent on not slowing down in August.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

In Bobby Miller’s return, the talented right-handed pitcher punched out three and allowed a solo shot as the Comets thrashed the Bees in a win with a 10-run gap between the two teams. All nine starting hitters for the Comets reached base safely and scored a run—Zach Ehrhard and Alex Fitzgerald led the team with three RBI each.

Because of Miller’s short outing, the Comets turned to Landon Knack for length, with the young right-hander providing 5.1 innings, also allowing just one run. Between the two of them, Knack and Miller allowed no free passes.

Double-A Tulsa

Committing nearly as many errors (3) as they had hits (4), the Drillers lost 5-2 to the Hooks with Logan Wagner hitting a solo shot in his first game in Double-A. This Wagner home run was only one of two extra-base hits for the visiting Drillers.

Only a day after he recorded three free passes, Josue De Paula had a more trying performance, striking out three times, although he was responsible for scoring one of the Drillers’ two runs.

After reaching 100 innings on the year by covering 5.1 frames in this game against the Hooks, Adam Serwinowski suffered his third loss in his last four starts, allowing three runs.

High-A Great Lakes

Leadoff hitter Charles Davalan is closing in on a .300 average with a three-for-six performance to lead a magnificent offensive effort as the Loons put 13 past the Dragons in a win on the road. Davalan, alongside Emil Morales, hit multi-run home runs.

You can’t get to a number quite as high as 13 without contributions from several different names, and near the bottom of the order, it was Jaron Elkins standing out. The center fielder recorded four RBI on a pair of hits. Lastly, Hyun-Seok Jang’s dominant outing is worthy of praise, striking out 10 in 5.1 innings.

Single-A Ontario

For eight innings, the Tower Buzzers held the Storm to zero runs, and while Jholbran Herder nearly cost them the game in the ninth, he stranded a pair to take the 3-2 win. This outstanding pitching performance from the Tower Buzzers staff included four scoreless innings out of the bullpen from Javier Bartolazzi.

The Tower Buzzers double play combination provided the scoring, with shortstop Joendry Vargas hitting a two-run triple in the first and a few innings later, second baseman Kellon Lindsey delivering a solo shot.

Transactions

The Tower Buzzers activated right-handed pitcher Cam Leiter off the injured list. Right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller began a rehab assignment with the Comets.

Wednesday’s scores

• Salt Lake 2, Oklahoma City 12
• Corpus Christi 5, Tulsa 2
• Dayton 5, Great Lakes 13
• Lake Elsinore 2, Ontario 3

Thursday’s schedule

• 4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Jacob Frost) at Dayton (Stharlin Torres)
• 4:35 p.m. PT: Tulsa (Zach Root) at Corpus Christi (Brett Gillis)
• 5:35 p.m. PT: Oklahoma City (Gavin Stone) at Salt Lake (TBD)
• 6:05 p.m. PT: Ontario (TBD) at Lake Elsinore (Lan-Hong Su)

Good morning friends, and happy Thursday!

Tempers flared last night as benches cleared in a 4-2 Mariners victory after both squads traded hit-by-pitches.

Importantly, it was also a comeback outing for Bryan Woo who tossed seven shutout innings. Is this the moment he finally reverts to ace form?

In Mariners news…

• Kate Preusser broke down the changes Taylor Ward made at the plate this year and what makes him such a good fit for this Mariners lineup.
• Carlos Vargas was seen throwing to live hitters yesterday as he continues to progress in his rehab.
• Every interaction between these two is a joy to witness.

Around the league…

• The Guardians called up top infield prospect Angel Genao to make his big league debut.
• Young Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is out indefinitely after suffering a “slight” tear in his UCL.
• The Reds placed ace right-hander Hunter Greene on the injured list with soreness in his right elbow.
• Aaron Judge, who has been out since late May with a stress fracture in his rib, was cleared for “light activity” and says he is confident he will be back this season.
• The Pirates are releasing designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
• Eric Longenhagen and Brendan Gawlowski at Fangraphs ranked the prospects traded at the deadline.
• Baseball America updated their list of the top 100 prospects in baseball with the draft and deadline now passed. ($)
• Jen Ramos-Eisen profiled Brittany Apgar, a WPBL player who is learning to overcome her disability to compete at the top level.
• Man, baseball players are weird.

Hi there!

As you know, Thomas Smith is away on vacation.

To keep this feature going, I’m going to post simply the WPA numbers and plays of the game, and a poll so you can vote on your choice for Player of the Game. Thomas will update the Rizzo Award standings when he returns.

Game 115, Aug. 4: Cubs 7, Dodgers 6

Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.

THREE HEROES:

• Superhero: Pete Crow-Armstrong (.317). 3-5, 2 HR, 2B, 4 RBI
• Hero: Shōta Imanaga (.130). 5 IP, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K
• Sidekick: Dansby Swanson (.104). 1-4, 2B

Nico Hoerner’s three-hit day was next at .028.

THREE GOATS:

• Billy Goat: Caleb Thielbar (-.065). 0.1 IP, 4 R
• Goat: Ryan Zeferjahn (-.059). 0.2 IP, HR
• Kid: Ian Happ (-.056). 0-4, 2 K

WPA Play of the Game: PCA’s two-run homer in the fourth (.132).

Dodgers Play of the Game: Shohei Ohtani’s two-run homer in the eighth (.113).

Up next: The Cubs wrap up the homestand with a makeup game against the Blue Jays. David Peterson will go for the Cubs and Dylan Cease starts for Toronto.

A win would make it a 5-2 homestand.

Yordan Alvarez has played at an MVP level all season. Now healthy, Josh Hader and Jeremy Peña have performed like All-Stars, while Hunter Brown appears to be rounding into form.

Those four are the Astros’ best players, and losing any one of them would be a major blow to the team’s postseason hopes. But it will take more than those four for Houston to maintain its lead in the American League West. These three players could go a long way toward determining the Astros’ fate:

Cristian Javier
Javier followed up his five-scoreless-inning relief appearance last week in Anaheim with a quality start Monday against the Blue Jays, allowing three runs over six innings. His velocity was up, he threw first-pitch strikes to 16 of 24 hitters, held Toronto to an 86.1 mph average exit velocity and generated a 42% chase rate.

The Astros did not add a starting pitcher at the trade deadline, so they are counting on Peter Lambert to sustain his surprising season while Javier, Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski regain their form after lengthy injury layoffs.

Javier is the most accomplished of the group, but even after allowing three runs over his last 11 innings, he will take the mound next with a 6.59 ERA. He showed flashes of his old self after returning from Tommy John surgery last season, but a shoulder strain has derailed much of his 2026 campaign.

Isaac Paredes
Paredes’ .249/.346/.413 slash line is right around his career mark, but the Astros need more if he’s going to bat directly behind Yordan Alvarez, whose 81 walks are the second most in the league. Alvarez has also been intentionally walked 23 times this season; no one else has more than nine.

With Alvarez and Jeremy Peña batting ahead of him, Paredes is going to come to the plate with runners on base more often than not. That has been the case in 20 of his last 30 plate appearances. In those situations, Paredes is 1-for-16 with three walks and a hit by pitch.

Mired in an 0-for-16 slump, Paredes popped out in his only at-bat Wednesday after Joe Espada said he wanted to give him “a mental break.” Unexpected production from the bottom of the lineup has helped offset Paredes’ recent slide, but the Astros will need him producing at a much higher level when he returns to the starting lineup Friday in San Diego. Otherwise, opponents will have little reason to pitch to Alvarez.

Bryan Abreu

Abreu tossed a 1-2-3 inning against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, extending his scoreless streak to 10 appearances. He now owns a 1.27 ERA over his last 22 outings after posting a 7.91 ERA through his first 22.

It’s been a tale of two seasons for Abreu. With Josh Hader on the IL, he opened the year as the Astros’ closer before quickly being banished to mop-up duty. He has since reclaimed his role as Houston’s top right-handed reliever.

 
He entered the season with a career 32.7% strikeout rate and a 10.8% walk rate. His velocity has started to climb, and while his chase rate remains near the bottom of the league, it has gradually improved.

Abreu’s dreadful start was a major reason the Astros found themselves 11 games under .500 through their first 51 games, but it may have an unexpected benefit.

Wednesday marked his 44th appearance in the Astros’ 116th game of the season. At the same point in 2025, he had already pitched in 52 games. Through 116 games in 2024, he had made 58 appearances, and in 2023, he had made 54.

He should be one of the freshest late-inning relievers in the American League heading into the stretch run.

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It's a slightly reduced slate on getaway day, but there is MLB action from noon until late, and I'm breaking down all the action with today's MLB moneyline picks.

I'm going with a chalk-heavy approach in these MLB picks, but there is some value to be found on underdogs, notably the San Diego Padres at even money against the Arizona Diamondbacks to cap off Thursday, Aug. 6.

MLB moneyline picks for August 6

Matchup	Pick
Angels vs Orioles	-186
Athletics vs Reds	-156
Mets vs Guardians	-104
Pirates vs Brewers	-127
Blue Jays vs Cubs	-113
Tigers vs Mariners	+117
Nationals vs Phillies	-317
White Sox vs Red Sox	-178
Marlins vs Braves	+133
Twins vs Royals	+117
Padres vs Diamondbacks	+100

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of August 6.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for August 6

Angels vs Orioles: Orioles (-186)

Orioles win probability: 65%

I want to bet against the juice, but the Los Angeles Angels have one of the worst offenses over the last 30 days, strike out more than anyone, and are deploying a starter in Ryan Johnson who suppresses hard contact but not much else. They traded one of their best hitters, Jo Adell, at the deadline, and simply won't put up much resistance against Brandon Young.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles have about a league-average offense in the last month. That'll be enough.

Athletics vs Reds: Reds (-156)

Reds win probability: 61%

The A's showed some promise early, but with Nick Kurtz sidelined again, Brent Rooker out for the season, and Zack Gelof not quite game-ready, the offense has completely dried up.

And even aside from the injuries, the Athletics own the second-worst road offense in baseball this season with an 82 wRC+ (league average is 100). Even at a hitter-friendly park like Great American Ballpark, I give the Cincinnati Reds the edge to get the job done at home. 

Mets vs Guardians: Guardians (-104)

Guardians win probability: 51%

We've only got coin-flip odds here because Nolan McLean is starting for the New York Mets, so I'll grab the home team. Foster Griffin makes his Cleveland Guardians debut, and the Mets have already waved the white flag on the season. I don't necessarily believe in Griffin's long-term success with one of the slowest fastballs in the game, but as long as he keeps locating, he should keep the Mets at bay.

Pirates vs Brewers: Brewers (-127)

Brewers win probability: 56%

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft has hit a wall. Over his last six starts, he owns a 6.75 ERA and has allowed nine home runs in 30 2/3 innings. Ignore the 4-1 record in that span, because the Pirates have given him enough run support to withstand those headwinds. Ashcraft did not, however, pick up the win against the Milwaukee Brewers when he surrendered five runs in five innings on July 11. Milwaukee's a well-oiled machine and has the third-best home record in MLB.

Blue Jays vs Cubs: Blue Jays (-113)

Blue Jays win probability: 53%

Very tempted to take the hometown Chicago Cubs as underdogs here, but the starting pitching matchup between Dylan Cease and David Peterson is too lopsided to ignore. The Toronto Blue Jays should be somewhere around -125 on the moneyline even with an offense that wouldn't hit water if it fell out of a boat.

Tigers vs Mariners: Tigers (+117)

Tigers win probability: 46%

Framber Valdez is an extreme ground-ball pitcher, which will help him navigate the winds blowing to right field at T-Mobile Park tonight. I don't give him the edge over Bryce Miller, who has been excellent, but this is a terrific value play on the Detroit Tigers, who have won four of five on this West Coast road swing.

Nationals vs Phillies: Phillies (-317)

Phillies win probability: 76%

It's Miles Mikolas vs. Cristopher Sanchez. It's as lopsided a pitching matchup as you'll see. I can't, in good conscience, go with the underdog in a cheeky bit of counterprogramming. 

White Sox vs Red Sox: Red Sox (-178)

Red Sox win probability: 64%

Until the Chicago White Sox can wake up an offense that owns an 81 wRC+ over the last 30 days, I won't be backing them in a matchup like this. While Ranger Suarez hasn't gone deep into either of his starts since coming off the injured list, the Boston Red Sox have the best bullpen ERA in baseball this year, so they are equipped to deal with extra use if the lefty gets the early hook.

Marlins vs Braves: Marlins (+133)

Marlins win probability: 43%

As good as the Atlanta Braves have been at Truist Park, this is a rock-solid value play. The Miami Marlins aren't especially good, but veteran lefty Martin Perez has largely been smoke and mirrors, with his 4.42 expected ERA far higher than his actual 3.24 ERA on the season. 

Twins vs Royals: Twins (+117)

Twins win probability: 46%

The Minnesota Twins have hit the skids offensively, especially since Byron Buxton went down with yet another injury. But I like getting plus money on the better overall team, as I don't think the starting-pitcher matchup between Bailey Ober and Michael Wacha gives the Kansas City Royals this much of an advantage.

Padres vs Diamondbacks: Padres (+100)

Padres win probability: 50%

Kohl Drake ain't it. Look, Walker Buehler ITYOOL 2026 isn't either, but Drake has allowed three home runs in 13 innings at the MLB level and 11 more in 66 frames at Triple-A this season. The San Diego Padres don't handle lefties, which is somewhat surprising, but Fernando Tatis Jr. has been exemplary in the split. At even money, the Friars are the pick.

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