Sunday afternoon game thread: At Yankees, 1:35

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Trey Gibson #88 of the Baltimore Orioles poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at Ed Smith Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is an understatement to say that things have not gone well for the Orioles in New York this weekend. They have been outplayed at every turn over the last two games and it’s hard to imagine things turning around today.

Top Orioles pitching prospect Trey Gibson is in New York to make his Major League debut, which is exciting. But this Yankees lineup has been relentless and he might be in for a rude welcome to the big leagues.

On top of that, Max Fried is scheduled to pitch for the Yankees. Not only is Fried an ace, he’s a lefty. He has a 2.09 ERA and 0.803 WHIP. He doesn’t give up many homers. Heck, he doesn’t give up many hits.

I try to remain optimistic on a game-by-game basis. Any given day yadda yadda. But it’s very tough to do in this instance. Here’s hoping they surprise us.

Orioles lineup

Taylor Ward – LF

Adley Rutschman – C

Pete Alonso – DH

Tyler O’Neill – RF

Coby Mayo – 1B

Leody Taveras – CF

Jeremiah Jackson – 2B

Weston Wilson – 3B

Blaze Alexander – SS

Yankees lineup

Trent Grisham – CF

Ben Rice – 1B

Aaron Judge – RF

Cody Bellinger – LF

Jazz Chisholm – 2B

Jasson Domínguez – DH

Austin Wells – C

Ryan McMahon – 3B

José Caballero – SS

Let’s go O’s!


Royals vs Mariners Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Kansas City Royals will look for a road series sweep on Sunday when they face the Seattle Mariners.

Cal Raleigh is day-to-day after being scratched before Saturday’s game, but MLB odds still have them favored regardless of his status. 

My Royals vs. Mariners predictions have MLB picks for the side and total for their game on Sunday, May 3.

Who will win Royals vs Mariners today: Royals moneyline (+105)

Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo has been getting rocked, ranking in the Bottom 10% in average exit velocity. 

That’s going to happen when your sinker loses 1.4 inches of both vertical break and drop. Add in command issues, and opponents posting an xBA of .299 and a .423 xwOBAcon, and it's been ugly for the veteran hurler.

The Kansas City Royals rank eighth in ISO and fourth in wRC+ over the past two weeks. I expect them to get some early runs against Castillo.

Kris Bubic is doing a good job of avoiding hard contact (75th percentile) and will help the Royals win their seventh game in nine outings.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Castillo is allowing a 30.5% line-drive rate, compared to an average of 22.6% over the past two seasons.

Royals vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-128)

Both teams are swinging with power, each ranking in the Top 10 in ISO over the past two weeks, and in the Top 5 in wRC+.

While yesterday’s pitching matchup was conducive to a lower score, this one isn’t. 

Bubic isn’t immune to issues, given his 0.80 HR/9 rate and a barrel rate of 9.5%, which has led to a .408 xSLG.

As long as this number stays below a flat 8.0, I like the Over, which is 14-8 in Seattle’s last 22 home games.

Jason Ence's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 2-5, -3.5 units
  • Over/Under bets: 5-2, +2.91 units

Royals vs Mariners odds

  • Moneyline: Royals +108 | Mariners -113
  • Run line: Royals -1.5 (+186) | Mariners +1.5 (-194)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-117) | Under 7.5 (+108)

Royals vs Mariners trend

The Kansas City Royals have hit the Moneyline in 6 of their last 8 games (+4.35 Units / 50% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Mariners.

How to watch Royals vs Mariners and game info

LocationT-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
DateSunday, May 3, 2026
First pitch4:10 p.m. ET
TVMariners.TV, Royals.TV
Royals starting pitcherKris Bubic
(2-1, 3.74 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcherLuis Castillo
(0-2, 6.35 ERA)

Royals vs Mariners latest injuries

Royals vs Mariners weather

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

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

The historic numbers behind Sixers’ Game 7 win vs. Celtics

BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Tyrese Maxey #0, Kyle Lowry #7 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers high five after the game against the Boston Celtics during the game during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Thirty-two times. That’s how many times the Celtics held a 3-1 series lead and won. Until Saturday.

The Sixers hadn’t beaten Boston in a playoff series since 1982. On Saturday night they ended that too, taking down the secon- seeded Celtics in a series Philadelphia had no business winning on paper.

The Celtics were 32-0 all time when holding a 3-1 series lead. The Sixers were 0-18 in the same spot. Both of those numbers changed in one night. It’s 32-1 and 1-18 now.

But the franchise history is only part of the story.

Tyrese Maxey & Joel Embiid

Maxey and Embiid were the first duo in NBA history to each record 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a Game 7. They combined for 17 of Philadelphia’s 21 fourth-quarter points and essentially willed this team to a victory.

Per ESPN Insights, they’re also just the third pair in NBA history to each put up 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a Game 7. The only others were Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in 1963, and Baylor alongside Wilt Chamberlain in 1970. The last time two players put together that kind of production in a Game 7 was over 50 years ago.

Maxey’s series as a whole deserves its own recognition. He’s been grinding with a decimated roster all year, playing through a finger injury and a splint, and consistently drawing Boston’s best defenders. Derrick White and Jordan Walsh were primarily tasked with slowing him down. It didn’t work. His assist to turnover ratio across the series tells the story best: 46 assists to just 9 turnovers in 286 minutes of basketball at a 27.6% usage rate. Maxey showcased elite ball security in this series.

VJ Edgecombe

Edgecombe had a strong closeout game in his own right. The 20-year-old finished with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists with a game-best +19 in a nine-point victory. Per Statmuse, he’s now the first rookie in NBA history with 20+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ made threes in a Game 7.

What made his night more impressive was the defensive adjustment he made on White. White was cooking early, scoring in double figures and hitting threes. Postgame, Nick Nurse noted that Edgecombe called his shot: “‘I got White and I’m gonna do better on him.’” The tape backed it up. White shot 3-of-13 in the second half, 1-of-9 from three, and Boston’s offense largely devolved into Jaylen Brown isolations.

Paul George

George’s time in Philadelphia has been rocky, dealing with injuries and a regular season suspension. But he’s been an impactful player since his return and was a major part of this series. He took on the tough perimeter assignments and made guys work for every shot. Offensively, he was equally impressive, shooting 55% from three on 40 attempts while averaging 17.4 points per game through the series.

Joel Embiid

Even Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged what changed things: “What changed the series is Joel Embiid came back and they’re a completely different team.” He averaged 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists on 44.3% shooting across his four games. His scoring carried them through stretches, but his playmaking might have been the most underrated part. He finished the series with a 28-8 assist to turnover ratio, and the turnovers being down feels just as important as the assists being up.

The Sixers weren’t supposed to win this series. They did anyway. Next up is the Knicks in the second round, the second time in three years these two teams have faced off in the playoffs.

Resurgent Ducks giving fans reason to believe after knocking off Oilers

Ducks center Leo Carlsson (l.) celebrates his empty-net goal with Chris Kreider (20) during their Game 6 win over the Oilers on April 30, 2026.
Ducks center Leo Carlsson (l.) celebrates his empty-net goal with Chris Kreider (20) during their Game 6 win over the Oilers on April 30, 2026.

The scene from inside the Honda Center on Thursday said it all. There was the fist pump from goaltender Lukas Dostal. The sea of orange-clad fans, scattered across the seats, descending into a frenzy as the horn sounded and Game 6 — a 5-2 win to secure a first-round series win — ended. The dozen-plus Ducks flipping over the boards and gliding across the ice, starting a celebration absent from the franchise for nearly a decade.

“Unreal,” Dostal, who backstopped all four wins over the Oilers, told reporters from his locker room stall postgame, and that really was a fitting word to describe the statement they’d just made. Edmonton had advanced to the past two Stanley Cup Finals. The Oilers possess one of the game’s most dynamic players in Connor McDavid. But they ran into the buzz saw of the Western Conference, the Ducks suddenly relevant again well ahead of schedule. The last time Anaheim won a playoff series, Ryan Getzlaf was captain and topped 70 points for the final time in his career — back in the 2017 tournament, near the end of a stretch that included nine postseason berths in 12 years and one Stanley Cup.

So much has changed since then. A rebuild sucked the life out of Anaheim for so long. In many ways, a season like this would’ve certainly seemed unreal back in July. But behind a blend of veterans and youth on the roster, and with a controversial head coach behind the bench, the Ducks will start their series against the Golden Knights — whom they defeated in all three regular-season matchups — next week as one of eight teams left standing. They sit 12 wins from the second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Ducks center Leo Carlsson (l.) celebrates his empty-net goal with Chris Kreider (20) during their Game 6 win over the Oilers on April 30, 2026. AP

“We’ve got a taste of playoff hockey,” Ducks coach Joel Quenneville told reporters after securing a spot in the conference semifinals, according to NHL.com. “Now, we get to experience another round, and I think this is healthy for us. … You don’t know how they’re going to play, but you’re certainly excited about what the upside is.”

The pieces that carried the Ducks in the opening round captured their balanced foundation. Defenseman Jackson LaCombe, 25 and a former second-round pick, led them with nine points, including one goal. Cutter Gauthier led Anaheim in goals against Edmonton with four, just as the No. 5-overall pick in 2022 — acquired from the Flyers in January 2024 after refusing to sign in Philadelphia out of college — did during the regular season (41 goals) too. Leo Carlsson, 21, added three goals against Edmonton. Beckett Sennecke, 20 and the No. 3-overall pick in 2024, chipped in a goal during his first taste of the postseason too.

“A lot of us young guys are learning a lot as we go along, and I thought we got better throughout the series,” LaCombe told reporters after the Edmonton series, according to The Associated Press. “It means a lot for us.”

And then there were the veterans. Troy Terry, the longest-tenured Duck at nine seasons who has seen it all, collected three goals. Chris Kreider, the longtime Rangers star shipped to Anaheim in the offseason when they overhauled their core, added one goal and five points. The Ducks also have Alex Killorn — who won a pair of Stanley Cups with the Lightning — and veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba too.

But even with all those pieces, both brimming with potential and already established, the Ducks were still an unpredictable team. They finished third in the Pacific Division with 92 points — eight wins and 12 points better than 2024-25 — but lost eight of 10 games to close the season. They only had four players with 20 or more goals during the regular season. And at the macro level, they’d hired and fired three different coaches since their last postseason appearance in 2018.

In the offseason, the Ducks hired Quenneville, who was previously banned and then reinstated by the NHL for how he handled the Blackhawks’ sexual assault scandal while coaching in Chicago, as head coach in a controversial decision met with plenty of backlash. They brought in centers Mikael Granlund and Ryan Poehling via free agency and trade, respectively. They added veteran defenseman John Carlson from the Capitals in a shocking deal at the deadline too.

Ducks players celebrate after defeating the Oilers on April 30, 2026. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“It’s been a long time,” Terry told reporters recently, according to NHL.com. “We’ve had fans that have been super loyal. They’ve always showed up for us. They deserved this. A lot of us live in the Newport [Beach] area and, all of a sudden, you’re seeing cars with Ducks flags everywhere. You really start to see what this means to Orange County.”

And for at least two more nights, a scene familiar to Game 6 will unfold inside Honda Center. There will be the orange. The sellout crowd. Maybe a fist pump or two too. That’s what happens during a hockey revival, when an assortment of defensemen and forwards and goaltenders slowly capture the attention of a fan base and — with each dose of magic along the way — simply, and defiantly, refuse to let go.

Lack of timely hitting dooms No. 4 Texas in 7-4 loss to No. 10 Mississippi State

The No. 4 Texas Longhorns and No. 10 Mississippi State Bulldogs are heading for a decisive Sunday series finale at UFCU Disch-Falk Field after Brian O’Connor’s team took advantage of the Longhorns bullpen and Texas couldn’t come up with game-changing, two-out hits.

“We obviously left a ton of guys on base, but they were all with two outs — I don’t think we had a runner at third base with less than two outs, and so you’re counting on a timely hit. And the difference in the game was the swings they got with two outs,” Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle said.

In an attempt to keep senior right-hander Ruger Riojas fresh for the postseason, Schlossnagle removed the UTSA transfer after five innings and 71 pitches even though Riojas was still throwing at a high level, allowing one run on three hits and commanding his pitches well enough to strike out seven batters without allowing a walk, hitting a batter, or throwing a wild pitch.

The move to freshman right-hander Brett Crossland worked well in the sixth inning when the 6’5, 255-pounder struck out the side. In the seventh, Crossland was able to work around hitting the leadoff batter by immediately inducing a double play, but hitting the next batter in an 0-2 count ultimately proved catastrophic for Texas when junior right-hander Thomas Burns came on and gave up an RBI single on a 1-2 pitch and then had a 1-1 fastball down and in to Drew Wyers launched over the left-field fence for a three-run home run.

The Bulldogs scored two more runs in the eighth inning, both credited to sophomore right-hander Jason Flores, who allowed a leadoff walk and a first-pitch single. After freshman right-hander Brody Walls entered the game, a wild pitch allowed both runners to advance, setting up an RBI groundout and a run-scoring double that put the Horns in a 7-1 hole.

Despite the struggles in the bullpen, Schlossnagle isn’t worried.

“If the bullpen has a bad day, does that make it a concern? I mean, it doesn’t to me, it may to you, but they’re not going to be perfect,” Schlossnagle said. “So, I mean, that’s our bullpen those guys. Burns has been awesome about four or five times in a row. I mean, yeah, it’s not a concern in any form, to me.”

When Texas threatened for the first time in the fourth, it was with two outs, so when junior designated hitter Ashton Larson grounded out to short on the first pitch he saw, it negated the two singles that preceded his at bat.

After a solo home run by junior first baseman Casey Borba in the fifth inning, Texas put runners on first and second in the sixth with one out, but Jayden Duplantier struck out pinch hitting for Larson and freshman center fielder Maddox Monsour grounded out to short after Borba drew a four-pitch walk to load the bases.

A similar situation unfolded in the seventh when the Longhorns loaded the bases with two outs with the help of an error and two full-count walks, but in a familiar trend, redshirt senior third baseman Temo Becerra hit a grounder to the shortstop that turned into a fielder’s choice.

In the eighth, Texas was unable to take advantage of three walks when freshman left fielder Anthony Pack Jr. took two strikes before flying out to left field.

The ninth inning saw the home team try to mount a furious comeback started by a solo home run by sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez, who is still battling enough discomfort in his surgically-repaired left hand that he’s made the decision to only bat left handed for the remainder of the year.

It was only the second home run of the season for Rodriguez.

Texas was able to load the bases with one out after an infield single and two walks, but the momentum slowed when Monsour struck out swinging before junior catcher Aiden Robbins came through with a two-run single to narrow the deficit to 7-4.

When Tinney was hit by a pitch, the Horns loaded the bases once again, but Pack wasn’t able to take advantage, striking out swinging on a 2-2 pitch to end the game.

The seven baserunners left stranded by the freshman standout were among the 17 left on base by Texas on Saturday. But just like the bullpen, Schlossnagle didn’t come away concerned about the lack of timely hitting.

“As I always say, batters left on base never, ever, ever bother me, ever, unless they’re less than two outs with a runner on third. What bothers you is when you’re not getting on base. That’s really stinks, because then you have no chance to score,” Schlossnagle said.

So after making four Mississippi State relievers combine to throw 121 pitches on Saturday, Schlossnagle heads into Sunday’s matchup at 1 p.m. Central on ESPN with a high level of confidence in his team’s ability to win the series.

“Super confident. Super confident,” Schlossnagle said. “I mean, we’re facing a great team, but we’ve got Luke [Harrison] on the mound and they’ve got a good lefty going for their team, and I was glad to see us fight back.”

Manchester United seal Champions League return as Mainoo ends Liverpool comeback

On 75 minutes up stepped Kobbie Mainoo with the coolest of winners before the Stretford End to cause bedlam among home fans and wrest the bragging rights Manchester United’s way.

After a raid down the left Alexis Mac Allister’s weak clearance rolled to the midfielder who beat Dominik Szoboszlai to punch home a finish that bested Freddie Woodman to the Liverpool goalkeeper’s right.

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Game #35: Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 28: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on April 28, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, May 3, 2026, 1:35 p.m. ET

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Chase Burns (3-1, 2.65 ERA) vs. Braxton Ashcraft (1-2, 3.71 ERA)


The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at beautiful PNC Park looking for a win.


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Knicks vs 76ers – Game 1 NBA Playoffs – predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for May 4

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers meet in the Eastern Conference semifinals for a chance at the conference finals. New York beat Atlanta in six games, while Philadelphia came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Boston in seven games.

Both New York and Philadelphia are on three-game winning streaks entering this series. The Knicks trailed 2-1 in the series before ripping off three straight wins, while the 76ers trailed 3-1 and won three consecutive.

All four of the Knicks' wins have come by double digits in the playoffs, while there two losses came by a combined two points. The Knicks average the second-most points per game in the playoffs as a team (117.8) and have the third-best three-point percentage (38%). New York is led by Jalen Brunson (26.3) and Karl-Anthony Towns (18.7) averaging 45 points per game.

Joel Embiid returned in Game 4 of the first round and the 76ers are 3-1 since then. Embiid changed the course of the series versus Boston and his appearance adds a wrinkle or two to New York's game plan. Embiid averages 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists over 36.5 minutes per game in four playoff games.

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content. 

Game Details and How to Watch Live: 76ers vs. Knicks

  • Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2026
  • Time: 8:10 PM EST
  • Site: Madison Square Garden
  • City: New York, NY
  • Network/Streaming: NBC Sports / Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: 76ers vs. Celtics

The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers (+240), New York Knicks (-298)
  • Spread: Knicks -7.5
  • Total: 212.5 points

This game opened Knicks -8.5 with the Total set at 213.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Celtics vs. 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers

  • PG Tyrese Maxey
  • SG VJ Edgecombe
  • SF Kelly Oubre Jr
  • PF Paul George
  • Joel Embiid

New York Knicks

  • PG Jalen Brunson
  • SG Josh Hart
  • SF Mikal Bridges
  • PF OG Anunoby
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

Injury Report: Knicks vs. 76ers

New York Knicks

  • None

Philadelphia 76ers

  • None

Important stats, trends and insights: 76ers vs. Knicks

  • New York is 48-41 ATS and 48-41 to the Under this season
  • New York is 29-14 ATS at home, ranking first
  • New York is 23-20 to the Under at home
  • Philadelphia is 27-18 ATS as the road team
  • Philadelphia is 14-13 ATS and 11-16 on the ML as a road underdog
  • Philadelphia is 49-41 ATS
  • Philadelphia is 48-42 to the Under and 24-21 to the Under as the road team

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections 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 Tuesday’s Knicks and 76ers’ game:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Knicks’ Moneyline
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the 76ers +7.5 ATS
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 212.5

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

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Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks preview, Sunday 5/3, 1:20 CT

Today’s roster move: Here

Sunday notes…

  • STREAKING AT HOME: The Cubs have won 10 straight games at home. It is their 19th double-digit win streak of the Modern Era, which began in 1901, their 15th at Wrigley Field, their home since 1916. This is their first such streak since they won 14 in a row, May 18-June 22, 2008. A 13-game streak in 2001 and a 10-game streak in 1998 are their only others of the kind since 1970. Their record is 18 straight, Sept. 4-22, 1935, during a surge that lifted them to the pennant. The 2008 streak was one of five of 14 games. The 2001 streak was the only one of 13. They also had a lone streak of 12, in 1927, and of 11, in 1910. Eight of the streaks ended after 10 games. The most recent, May 29-June 15, 1998, was snapped when the Cubs were routed by the Brewers, 11-2. They then lost five of seven to wrap up a home stand. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • STREAKING EVERYWHERE: The Cubs had won 10 in a row everywhere last month. Yesterday’s win makes 2026 just the 13th of the 126 seasons starting in 1901 in which they have enjoyed double-digit streaks overall and at home. The previous season was 2001, when the Cubs won 12 in a row, the first seven at home, May 19-June 2. After a loss at Milwaukee, they won three at home, went 2-4 on the road and won three more at home. Then came a 2-2 road trip, followed by a return to Wrigley Field, where they lost to the Brewers, 2-1, snapping their home streak at 13 games. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • AGAINST ARIZONA: This is the Cubs’ 30th series at home against the Diamondbacks since Arizona began play in 1998. The Cubs have swept four of them, in 2005, 2008, 2012 and 2015. This is the 10th series at Wrigley Field since the last sweep. The Cubs won the first two games last year, then lost the third, as they had in 2011 and 2016. In 2014, they won the first two, then lost two. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: The Cubs trailed 2-1 going to the bottom of the ninth, with just two hits off the Mets’ Paul Wilson. Scott Bullett led off the ninth with a single and stole second. After two strikeouts, Mark Grace was intentionally walked. Sammy Sosa then hit a three-run walk-off homer and the Cubs won 4-2. It happened 30 years ago today, Friday, May 3, 1996. Here are the last few minutes of that game:

Cubs lineup:

Diamondbacks lineup:

Matthew Boyd, LHP vs. Merrill Kelly, RHP

Matthew Boyd’s numbers aren’t good (7.00 ERA, 1.444 WHIP) but I can’t help thinking he’s pitched better than that record. For one thing, in his two bad starts a run scored in each after he left the game. If the bullpen had prevented those runs, that ERA drops by a full run.

Anyway.

Boyd has struck out a lot of hitters —26 in 18 innings — with only five walks. I can’t help thinking that eventually, he’ll break through with a really good outing. Hopefully, this afternoon.

Merrill Kelly was traded from the D-backs to the Rangers at last year’s deadline. He was one of the most in-demand pitchers at that deadline.

Kelly went to high school in the Phoenix area and attended Arizona State and makes his home there. He really wanted to come back to the D-backs in free agency and they wanted him back.

Maybe they were too hasty. Kelly’s return was delayed by a nerve injury. His first start this year was okay, the two since then have been terrible — 16 hits, 13 earned runs, four home runs in 9.1 innings (12.54 ERA). Oh, also, eight walks.

Kelly made two starts against the Cubs last year and posted a 1.64 ERA (two earned runs in 11 innings) with no home runs allowed.

But I’m wondering if he’s past his sell-by date.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Diamondbacks site AZ Snakepit. If you do go there to interact with D-backs fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

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Daniel & Henrik Sedin Will Represent The Vancouver Canucks At The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery

The Vancouver Canucks are sending two Hall of Famers to represent the organization at the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery. According to a report from Patrick Johnston of Postmedia, Daniel and Henrik Sedin will be the Canucks representatives at this year's draft lottery. The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 4:00 pm PT. 

Vancouver enters the draft lottery with the best odds at first overall. The organization has never selected first, but has made multiple selections in the top three in its history. Daniel and Henrik are two examples of top three picks, as they were selected second and third overall in 1999. 

As for the odds, the Canucks have a 25.5% chance of selecting first overall. This comes after Vancouver finished 32nd in the NHL with a 25-49-8 record. This year's draft does not have a consensus first-overall pick, as most draft boards are split between Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg. 

The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27, 2026, in Buffalo. The Canucks currently have 10 picks, including four in the first two rounds. The last time Vancouver held two first-round picks was in 2014, when they selected Jake Virtanen sixth overall and  Jared McCann 24th. 

Feb 12, 2020; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Twin brothers Daniel Sedin (22) and Henrik Sedin (33) of Sweden speak while being honored in a ceremony held prior to a game between the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2020; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Twin brothers Daniel Sedin (22) and Henrik Sedin (33) of Sweden speak while being honored in a ceremony held prior to a game between the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

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Rangers vs Tigers Prop Picks for Sunday Night Baseball

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Sunday Night Baseball returns for the first time in May as the Texas Rangers face the Detroit Tigers on Peacock at 7:20 pm ET.

I’m focusing on three hitters in the player prop market with my favorite Rangers vs. Tigers MLB picks for Sunday, May 3.

Rangers vs Tigers props for May 3

PickOdds
Tigers Riley Greene Over 1.5 total bases+132
Rangers Josh Jung Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI-135
Tigers Kerry Carpenter Over 0.5 doubles+538

Rangers vs Tigers player prop picks

Riley Greene Over 1.5 total bases (+132)

Detroit Tigers star outfielder Riley Greene is swinging a hot stick, slashing .298/.397/.463 with a 143 wRC+. With very strong underlying metrics (91st percentile xSLG, 84th percentile barrel rate), he appears primed to continue doling out damage.

Throughout his career, he’s been particularly lethal against right-handed pitchers, sporting a .825 OPS and 130 wRC+ against them. That’s good news against starter Jack Leiter, who has a 5.80 FIP against left-handed bats while allowing them to hit .304.

Josh Jung Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-165)

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung was a man on fire in April with a 1.103 OPS while slashing .381/.448/.655. That hot streak has carried over to May, as he’s 4-for-9 through the first two games of this series. 

He carries an 11-game hitting streak into the series finale, and he’s reached base safely in 22 of his last 23 games. There aren’t many hitters in finer form, so here’s looking to take advantage in the prop market during Sunday Night Baseball. 

FanDuel lists his odds of recording Over 1.5 HRRBI at -165 against a Detroit team set up for a bullpen game. The former Texas Tech product has either plated a run or scored one himself in 16 of his last 20 contests. 

Kerry Carpenter Over 0.5 doubles (+538)

Kerry Carpenter is a well-known righty-masher who has a career 136 wRC+ against them while hitting for a ton of power (.261 ISO). 

Carpenter has had trouble hitting for average (.197 xBA, 33.3% K rate), but is dangerous when he does get a hold of something, ranking in the 93rd percentile for hard-hit rate and 88th percentile for average exit velocity. 

Leiter throws one of his three fastball varieties 59% of the time against lefties. Carpenter demolishes all three and likes to sit on heaters with a 161 wRC+ against four-seamers, 186 against sinkers, and 211 against cutters, making it a strong matchup.

How to watch Rangers vs Tigers and game info

LocationComerica Park, Detroit, MI
DateSunday, May 3, 2026
First pitch7:20 p.m. ET
TVPeacock

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.

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Gamethread 5/3: Phillies at Marlins

After the Phillies delivered a one-hit offensive outburst on Saturday, they’ll try to get the bats going on Sunday in game three of their four-game series in Miami.

Jesus Luzardo gets the ball for the Phillies. The former Marlin hasn’t had a great season so far, but he’s coming off a strong start of seven shutout innings.

The Marlins counter with journeyman Chris Paddack. The righty is 0-4 with a 6.11 ERA in his first season in Miami.

Game time is 1:40 PM and will be televised locally by NBCSP.

Knicks Bulletin: ‘Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like MSG East’

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 30: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks and Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks fight during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Could it get any better?

I bet it couldn’t.

New York Knicks. Philadelphia Numbers. Bring it on.

Mike Brown

On the Game 6 scuffle and his glasses:

“When I got in the middle of it, [those thoughts] all went out the window for some reason. And the only thing I could think of was [the fact that] all I had was one pair of glasses.

“I cannot — I can’t see anything. Like, I can’t even see if you’re smiling at me or not. I’m blind as a bat. So I was like, ‘My glasses! My glasses!’ Because I didn’t have another pair with me, and it was too long, too much of game left for me to coach blind. So [the altercation] helped me because now I will carry a second pair of glasses in my backpack.”

On Robinson’s fine and playoff physicality:

“The playoffs are a lot more physical than the regular season. Stuff happens. Everybody is human, we just have to keep making sure that for us we don’t do anything that costs us the rest of that game or the next game. I applaud all of our guys, our security guys . . . and then our players because again everybody is human and sometimes things happen and to get help from everybody else is huge. Then, even our assistants. When I went and turned and looked at the bench, I don’t know what Atlanta’s bench was but I know our entire bench was on the sidelines. It’s extremely important in that situation to not have anything result in a future suspension or anything like this.”

On the double-big lineup:

“They helped us get better. We had to continue trying to think of different ways to help put our players in the best possible position to win, and part of that is how can we try to throw the double-big out there — because both Mitch and KAT are starters on any team out there. And it’s — how can you try to get those guys on the floor? Because it makes us unique with the size. How can we get them out on the floor together? And as the series went along, we started to figure it out — and based on your opponent, it may change, I don’t know. But we do feel like Atlanta helped us get better, and we’re in a better spot now because of them.”

On the need for improving no matter the opponent:

“Well, you can always get better. It’s about us. And a lot of times, it’s about us even if we know who we’re playing. There’s plenty that you can work on without knowing who your opponent is because you’re trying to get better, or sharper, in the areas that make you who you are.”

On comparing this group to past Finals teams:

“The first thing is they’re resilient because in the playoffs you’re going to have a lot of highs and a lot of lows, which means you’re going to face some adversity, so when [that happens], can you stay connected? And this group can. So the connectedness that this group has is similar. The sacrifice that this group has is similar, the competitive spirit that this group has is similar and then the belief is similar as well.”

On Brunson’s screening being on par with some elite’s:

“Steph is good, but there’s one other person. John Stockton. He was good. Especially for a little guy, John.”

Jalen Brunson

On blocking out noise:

“I haven’t heard of it. And I don’t care.”

On potentially having home-court advantage through the ECF:

“I haven’t really thought about it. It’s one of those things where you can’t really worry about. You have to control what you can control. Focus on one day at a time and focus on the task at hand. Those things you try not to think about, because you just can’t control those things.”

On using the iPad during games:

“It’s reminding myself of technique stuff, for me. Small things can make a big difference when it comes to shooting or reads. Just being able to see things and learn from them quickly.”

On playing off-ball more:

“We had done it before. The frequency we were doing it, obviously, it was asked to do more of. Knowing if I get a good hit on somebody’s defender, it puts my defender in the position to switch. They were trying to keep bodies on bodies and not switch off me, and a good screen puts them in position to have to make a decision.”

On Robinson’s importance:

“He’s more important than I think we realize, hence why we had coaches and security and players doing whatever we could to try and stop him from doing any more damage than he did in Game 6. He’s very important to what we do on both sides of the ball. He’s way more important than I think a lot of people realize.”

Karl-Anthony Towns

On Robinson’s value to the Knicks:

“I forgot he wrote that on his ankle tape. I mean, Mitch is a big part of our locker room. What he does on the court, obviously I know he impacts winning, and he does a lot of things that sometimes don’t end up on the stat sheet but makes us come out with a W. So, Mitch is very vital for our locker room, for our team, and we’re always going to support him. We’re always going to stand behind him when he wants to, I guess, quote unquote ‘Stand on business.’”

On the need for resetting before Round 2:

“Just resetting. Understanding that we got to get ourselves ready for the next series. Obviously, today we don’t know, so we watch tonight, like all of us. But just making sure that we get ourselves ready to be the best version of ourselves first.”

On blocking out the East-best talk:

“Nah, we not listening to no noise. At the end of the day, we just got to continue to work on being the best version of ourselves. When we step on that court and give ourselves a chance to win every night, the only thing we got to do is in our locker room, continue to believe in each other.”

“No, no. I know you really want me to say yes, but unfortunately for you, it’s a no.”

On his day off after the Game 6 win:

“[The off day is] not as exciting as I think fans think. Yesterday was a great day to just rejuvenate the soul and mental. I just spent the whole day with my family. I took my niece to the mall in Jersey and took her to the park, took them on a pizza day, my niece and nephew. So kinda really just spending time with the family. I didn’t really do anything that people would think is exciting or anything, but to me it was the greatest day. It was the greatest thing to do on a day off, especially after a big win. I would love to celebrate it with no other people than my family, my niece and nephew.”

On his cameo in The Devil Wears Prada 2:

“It was an honor. It was an honor and it was awesome to just see the masses of work at work in the acting world, and to be able to see them just do what they do at the highest level, it was such an honor.”

Nick Nurse

On facing the Knicks:

“Listen, I think they’re very good. I think their starting lineup’s incredible, I think they continue to bolster their bench… I think they’re very, very good. I think it’s going to be a tremendous challenge.”

Joel Embiid

On Knicks fans in Philadelphia:

“I just have a message for our fans. Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like [Xfinity Mobile Arena] was Madison Square Garden East. So, we’re going to need the support. Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys. The atmosphere that we’ve had the last couple games in Philly, especially the last one, pushing it to Game 7. We need all of it. If you need money, I got you.

“Knicks fans, they travel. They’re going to buy the tickets and there’s going to be some people that need the money and are probably going to sell tickets. But don’t do it. We need you guys. We got a pretty good chance. We’re going to need our support. We’re going to need them to be extremely loud.”

On beating Boston once and for all:

“It feels good to win. Obviously we got a bigger goal in mind. But finally beating these guys feels pretty good.”

On his knee health after the Game 7 injury scare:

“I felt great, I feel amazing. I was faking it.”

On his team’s mindset:

“We have a lot that we want to accomplish. We have a lot of work to do. No shades to the guys that have played here, but this is different. The fight is just there. I’ve been a part of some of these teams, and this team is different.”

V. J. Edgecombe

On the Knicks:

“The Knicks are a really great team. A really great team. Obviously, they’ve played together for a minute. They have a lot of great chemistry. They have one of the best starting five groups in the league and they play really hard.”

On his thoughts on MSG:

“I’ve played at the Garden. I love the Garden.”

Tyrese Maxey

On the Sixers’ confidence:

“We’ve had this weird swag about us all year. We’ve had this confidence in that we know who we can be. And, we know who we are. We have never wavered. This group has always believed in each other. This group really likes each other, and we want to see each other succeed.”

Game #34 GameThread: Jays @ Twins

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 03: Fans of the Minnesota Twins look out over Target Field prior to the game between the Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matt Krohn/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Game four of four. A win would mean a series win. And a win would bring us back to .500 for the first time since April 4th. They are 6-2 over the last 8 games.

And it is a Trey Yesavage start. 5.1 shutout innings in his first start.

The Jays made some minor league news:

  • Nolan Perry moves from Dunedin to Vancouver.
  • Austin Cates moves from Vancouver to New Hampshire.
  • Arjun Nimmala moves from Vancouver to New Hampshire.

The Jays tell us that George Springer didn’t re-break his toe yesterday. He’s not in the lineup today, but they say it was a planned day off. I would think he’ll have a couple of days off, but that’s just guessing.

The lineup looks a little different today. Lips leads off and Okamoto bats second. Pinango is batting .500 in his first 10 at bats.

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSTWINS
Yohendrick Pinango – LFByron Buxton – DH
Kazuma Okamoto – 3BTrevor Larnach – LF
Vladimir Guerrero – DHAustin Martin – CF
Jesus Sanchez – RFVictor Caratini – C
Lenyn Sosa – 1BLuke Keaschall – 2B
Daulton Varsho – CFKody Clemens – 1B
Ernie Clement – 2BRoyce Lewis – 3B
Andres Gimenez – SSMatt Wallner – RF
Tyler Heineman – CBrooks Lee – SS
Trey Yesavage – RHPJoe Ryan – RHP

Go Jays Go.

Aaron Boone: Yankees still weighing Anthony Volpe-Jose Caballero shortstop decision

The Yankees have an importantAnthony Volpe decision to make on Sunday, but manager Aaron Boone didn’t give any clues ahead of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. 

Sunday marks Volpe’s 20th day on his rehab assignment, the maximum allowed by Major League Baseball. The Yankees must either activate Volpe, or option him to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes/Barre.

“We’ll get through today and talk through that,” Boone said. “Just wanting to do what’s best for the team, for Anthony, so we’ll have those conversations.”

Complicating matters for the Yankees is the fact that Jose Caballero, the primary starter while Volpe has been sidelined while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, has filled in more than adequately. 

In 32 games this season, Caballero has a .719 OPS with four home runs, 12 RBI, and 14 runs scored, playing solid defensively as well.

"Well, one, Caballero's playing the heck out of the position and playing really well, so that complicates it,” Boone said, “Just deciding, what's the role that exists right away? Those are things we've got to continue to work through."

Boone said he does “love the idea” of Caballero playing a “kind of super-utility role because he's so good at it,” but reiterated that Caballero has played a great shortstop, and the manager must do what’s best for the ballclub.

“You also can't ignore that he's played so well defensively at shortstop, been a real spark for us offensively, especially after kind of getting off to a slow start probably the first 10 days, two weeks of the season,” Boone said. “He's really picked that up and been in the middle of us winning games.

“At the end of the day, we're going to try and do what's best for our team and then individual players that we care about too and know that are going to be important contributors to our team. We weigh all that."