Los Angeles Lakers' Luke Kennard L goes for the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder's Jared McCain during the 2025-2026 NBA regular season basketball game between Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles, the United States, April 7, 2026. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua via Getty Images)
In Saturday’s Brotherhood Playoff Action, Jared McCain and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled right on by Luke Kennard and the Los Angeles Lakers, 131-108. OKC now has a 3-0 lead and will win the series. This team is 7-0 so far in the playoffs. There will be no collapse.
McCain didn’t score as well as he has recently, but didn’t need to. He finished with one three-pointer in 10 minutes and also had one assist.
For the Lakers, Kennard had a nice night with 18 points on 7-10 shooting, including 4-6 from behind the line.
On Sunday, Mason Plumlee and the San Antonio Spurs will square off with the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4. The Spurs currently lead, 2-1.
BINGHAMTON, NY - SEPTEMBER 18: Ryan Lambert #19 of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies looks on during the game between the Somerset Patriots and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Mirabito Stadium on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Binghamton, New York. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Brooklyn took an early lead, lost it, clawed back the tie in the seventh (the end of regulation for a doubleheader), then traded runs two extra innings before ultimately falling in walkoff fashion in the tenth. Vincent Perozo and John Bay went deep, while Mitch Voit – by far the most notable prospect in the lineup – had three strikeouts and was hitless in five at bats.
You’ll never guess what happened in game 2. If you said the same thing as game 1, you’re basically correct. Brooklyn got down early, clawed back to equalize in the top of the seventh, then lost in walkoff fashion. At least it only took seven innings this time. Yonatan Henriquez, Ronald Hernandez, and Trace Wilhoite deep in the loss.
This game featured a 3-for-13 performance with RISP, only four strikeouts for the Mets’ pitching, and a caught steal of home, but St. Lucie won anyway. Jose Chirinos made another strong start to lower his ERA to 2.52 on the season despite middling stuff metrics and is perhaps a name to monitor.
May 8, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
While the Atlanta Braves split the series against the Dodgers on Saturday with a 7-2 victory, the team and fanbase were saddened with the news that their former longtime manager, Bobby Cox, passed away at the age of 84.
Cox had managed the Atlanta Braves for parts of 25 years between 1978-2010, earning five National League pennants throughout the 1990’s and helping Atlanta win the World Series in 1995. At the tail end of his Hall of Fame managerial career, a 21-year-old Freddie Freeman was under his tutelage for 20 games, and the impact Cox had on Freeman was immense.
Freeman reacted to the news of Cox’s passing as he spoke about him candidly with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA prior to the start of Saturday’s game. The Dodgers held a moment of silence for both Cox and Ted Turner, the late media mogul responsible for the creation of the 24-hour news cycle.
“I’ve been thinking all morning about memories and interactions with him, and a lot of it is baseball, but my favorite memory of Bobby is 2017 spring training… Most of my interactions at that time with Bobby had been all baseball, and to see Hall of Famer Bobby Cox— the joy on his face once he saw my six-month-old son— that’s stuff I’ll never forget… He lived a great life; everyone loved him in baseball, Braves country loves him… I think a lot of people have heavy hearts, but they’re also having a good time thinking about all the wonderful memories and impacts that Bobby had on their lives today… we’re going to miss him immensely.”
“He was a Hall of Famer. He did it the right way. He loved his players, loved this game, loved the way he wore spikes as a manager— that’s pretty cool. He was a guy that wore his uniform. Guys like Tommy [Lasorda], Bobby, I look to, and we lost a great one. We lost a legend.”
Links
After missing the Dodgers’ first 38 games of the season, Blake Snell made his 2026 debut, and it lasted all of three innings after tossing 77 pitches and allowing five runs to score.
Snell was originally slated for a final rehab start on Saturday, but opted to face a team like Atlanta to see where he’s at. Saturday proved that is still some ways to go until he’s at a point where he can stretch deep into games, per Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“I said yes before they even asked,” Snell said. “I wanted this start. Facing a team like Atlanta, really good, it’s going to let you know where you’re at pretty quickly… I feel really good. I feel like I’m going to recover good. So I’m excited about that,” Snell said. “But yeah, I got a lot of work to do to get ready for the next start. Put the bullpen in a position not to cover six innings.”
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Christian Yelich appeared on the Old Man and the Three podcast where he discussed the feeling of losing last year’s NLCS in the manner they did, which featured Shohei Ohtani having one of, if not, the greatest single game performance of all time.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 8: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Keep the broom handy. The Knicks will face the 76ers on Mother’s Day in Game Four of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Xfinity Mobile Arena. New York holds a commanding 3-0 series lead and sits one win away from a second straight trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Sixers, meanwhile, are desperate to extend their season, to avoid a sweep on their home floor. The Knicks have ripped through six straight playoff wins, while Philly has looked washed and pressed after tumbling with the Celtics in the first round.
Much of the Knicks’ success has come from dominating in the paint and on the glass, repeatedly turning missed shots into crushing second-chance points. Philadelphia has struggled to match New York’s conditioning, size, and physicality for a full 48 minutes.
In Friday’s Game Three, the Knicks pulled away for a 108-94 win behind another sterling performance from Jalen Brunson, who finished with 33 points and nine assists. Mikal Bridges added 23 points while Josh Hart chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Sixers with 22 points, while Tyrese Maxey added 17 points and seven assists. Paul George piled up 15 first-quarter points before vanishing, missing his final nine shots.
The postseason has exposed Philly’s lack of depth and heavy reliance on star creation. The Cheesesteaks can still generate bursts of offense, but not for long. New York’s defense (especially the wings) has simply suffocated them.
Maxey remains the engine of Philly’s offense, but the Knicks have neutralized him effectively for most of the series. Joel Embiid continues to battle through all sorts of aches and pains, relying on flops and dirty plays to make any headway. Oubre has been one of Philadelphia’s few consistently aggressive contributors, attacking the rim and crashing the boards. George remains an aging veteran; he can light up the first quarter and then fades into the ether. Rookie VJ Edgecombe offers athleticism and defensive energy, but has been unreliable offensively.
New York looks fully in control right now. Brunson has dictated the pace of the series, Towns has turned his passing ability into a true weapon, and Bridges has stepped seamlessly into a larger defensive role, especially with OG Anunoby sidelined. Hart continues doing it all on the margins—rebounding, defending, pushing pace, and playing massive minutes without slowing down. Landry Shamet also gave the Knicks an unexpected offensive lift in Game Three off the bench.
Anunoby remains day-to-day with a hamstring strain and is unlikely to play. For Philadelphia, Embiid is expected to play despite ongoing problems with his ankle, hip, etc.
Prediction
ESPN gives New York roughly a 66% chance to close out the series. Right on. Expect the Phillies to play with desperation early, but if the Knicks continue winning the rebounding battle and forcing Maxey into difficult half-court possessions, New York should pull away again. For the Knicks to finish the sweep: keep Brunson in attack mode, keep Towns out of foul trouble, and continue turning missed shots into extra possessions. The formula has worked three straight times already.
Interesting fact: the Knicks have not completed a best-of-seven playoff sweep since 1999. Today, the fatigue factor favors New York. Philadelphia’s core players have logged enormous minutes throughout the postseason. Maxey already leads all playoff players in total minutes played, and his legs have turned to rubber in the last two fourth quarters. He’s a fine young player. He’s no Jalen Brunson. Look for Cap to lock this game down in the third quarter and a party in the fourth. New York by 15!
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (3-0) at Philadelphia 76ers (0-3) Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026 Time: 3:30 PM ET Place: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA TV: ABC Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
By the time Mitch Marner completed a natural hat trick and added a shorthanded assist in Friday night’s Game 3 rout of the Anaheim Ducks, the narrative around his playoff pedigree had been flipped on its head. The Vegas Golden Knights thumped Anaheim 6-2 to take a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals, and Marner’s four-point explosion wasn’t just the game’s highlight—it was the latest chapter in a postseason renaissance that has Leafs Nation asking uncomfortable questions.
John Tortorella, Vegas’ no-nonsense head coach, didn’t mince words when asked about the long-standing doubts that followed Marner out of Toronto. In a clip that quickly went viral, Torts looked straight into the camera and delivered a blunt verdict: “That narrative is a bunch of bullsh*t.”
It was classic Tortorella—fiery, protective of his player, and dismissive of years of Toronto media and fan scrutiny. The comment landed like a body check, forcing everyone who had labeled Marner a playoff underachiever to confront the numbers now staring back at them.
Let’s put the numbers side by side, because the contrast is stark.
Toronto Maple Leafs Playoffs (2016-17 through 2024-25, nine postseasons, 71 games): 18 goals, 53 assists, 71 points, +10 rating.
That works out to roughly 0.25 goals per game and a 1.00 points-per-game average. Marner was a playmaking machine—his assist totals often masked modest goal output—but the production never quite matched his regular-season dominance or the expectations that came with a top-line role and massive cap hit. Year-by-year highlights tell the story of consistent but rarely transcendent playoff hockey:
A NATURAL HAT TRICK FOR MITCH MARNER!!! 🚨🚨🚨
And it's his first hat trick in a #StanleyCup Playoffs game!
Across those 71 games, Marner posted just one career playoff hat trick, none, actually, until Friday night in Anaheim. Shooting percentage hovered around 12 percent. He was often the target of criticism in high-stakes moments: second-round exits, Game 7s, and series against heavy defensive teams like Boston and Tampa Bay. Pundits and fans alike pointed to the gap between his 90- to 100-point regular seasons and what they saw as vanishing acts when the lights were brightest. The “Mitch Marner playoff disappearances” memes were relentless.
Vegas Golden Knights Playoffs (2025-26, nine games):
6 goals, 7 assists, 13 points, +5 rating.
That’s a 1.44 points-per-game clip—nearly 50 percent higher than his Toronto postseason average. More telling: Marner has already matched or exceeded his single-postseason goal totals from several Toronto runs in just nine contests. His shooting percentage is a scorching 24 percent. He’s not only setting up teammates; he’s finishing. The natural hat trick Friday—power-play tap-in, patient wrister, and a sharp-angle squeeze—marked the first three-goal playoff game of his career. He also added a shorthanded helper.
The eye test matches the stats. Marner is playing with confidence, pace, and an edge that Tortorella has clearly unlocked. “I’ve watched this guy play for so many years in this league,” Torts said earlier in the postseason. “Up close and personal with him now, he’s a hell of a player. He does so many good things away from the puck. I think that helps him offensively have the puck more. How patient he is with the puck. It was fun to watch.” The coach’s pre-series comments about the “bullsh*t” narrative were even more pointed—evidence that Tortorella sees Marner not as a fragile star, but as a misunderstood one.
Your new playoff point leader (13) and co-goal leader (6):
Context matters, of course. Vegas’ path so far has included a first-round matchup against Utah and now Anaheim—teams many view as lighter lifts than the Eastern Conference gauntlets Marner faced annually in Toronto.
Critics have already begun the “he’s feasting on weaker competition” counter-narrative. Yet Marner’s underlying metrics—shot attempts, scoring chances created, and even defensive contributions—remain elite. Vegas controls play when he’s on the ice at even strength, and his chemistry with Jack Eichel and the power-play unit has been immediate.
So were Toronto fans and pundits wrong?
The honest answer is layered. Marner’s Toronto playoff numbers were not bad—they were good, often very good by most standards. He led or co-led the Leafs in playoff points multiple times and posted career-best runs in 2022-23 and 2024-25. But in a market that measures success by Stanley Cup contention rather than first-round exits, “good” was never going to be enough for a player drafted fourth overall, paid like a superstar, and paired nightly with Auston Matthews.
The pressure cooker of Scotiabank Arena, the annual Boston series disappointments, and the endless media scrutiny created a feedback loop that amplified every turnover and quiet game. Marner himself has never been one to dodge the conversation. He heard the noise in Toronto and, by all accounts, internalized some of it. In Vegas, the spotlight is different—fewer Canadian national broadcasts, a front office and coaching staff that seem genuinely invested in his strengths rather than frustrated by perceived flaws.
Marners joined the boys mid Biz cry session (over missing him) to talk about his hat trick and the Knights taking game 3😂⚔️ pic.twitter.com/2AgAD4h1cN
Tortorella’s blunt motivational style appears to have been the perfect antidote to years of second-guessing. None of this erases what happened in Toronto. The Leafs invested heavily in Marner expecting him to be the difference-maker in May and June. He wasn’t ,through no single fault of his own, but as part of a larger roster and cultural dynamic that repeatedly came up short. Yet the speed with which he has reinvented himself in Vegas raises legitimate questions about whether the narrative was ever fully fair. Was it the player, or the environment? As the Golden Knights prepare for Game 4 in Anaheim on Sunday, with a potential second-round clash against Colorado looming, Marner’s story is still being written. One hat trick and nine dominant games do not a legacy make.
But they do force a reevaluation. Toronto fans who spent nearly a decade questioning Marner’s playoff mettle now watch him lead the NHL in postseason scoring while wearing a different logo. Tortorella’s “bunch of bullsh*t” line will echo for years. Whether the narrative was entirely wrong or simply incomplete is up for debate. What’s undeniable is this: Mitch Marner, freed from the weight of Maple Leafs expectations, is finally playing like the difference-maker many always believed he could be.
Apr 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) high fives his team after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we revisit every player who suited up during the 2025–26 campaign through the lens of expectation, reality, and what it ultimately meant.
Player Snapshot
Position: SF/PF
Age: 23
2026-27 Contract Status: $2.8 million (team option)
SunsRank (Preseason): 6
SunsRank (Postseason): 11
*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.
Season in One Sentence
Dunn’s development stalled out as he declined from a key rotation player to being out of the rotation.
By the Numbers
GP
MIN
PPG
RPG
APG
STL
FG%
3PT%
FT%
OFFRTG
DEFRTG
+/- (TOTAL)
70
19.4
5.8
4.2
1.5
0.9
45.3%
33.1%
48.9%
110.4
108.7
+4
The Expectation
Going into this season, everyone (myself included) hoped that Dunn would build off of a promising rookie season and continue to grow into a solid rotation player for the Suns’ future. Whether he started or came off the bench, we expected him to play high minutes and have a positive impact on games with his defense and rebounding. Offensively, the expectation was that he would continue to improve his three-point jumper and get comfortable in the new Jordan Ott offense.
The Reality
It was a frustrating season for Dunn as he showed the limitations and holes in his game during his sophomore campaign. He started the first six weeks of the season playing about 24 minutes a game in October and November, averaging over 8 points per game and shooting well from distance. As with many young players, the Dunn experience was highly volatile, and Ott opted to play more experienced players in his place, including Royce O’Neale, Jordan Goodwin, Haywood Highsmith, and Rasheer Fleming.
Dunn showed slight improvement in some areas this season; his three-point percentage ticked up from 31.0% to 33.1%, and he averaged more rebounds and assists than last season, too. However, the concerns remain about his shooting. He has yet to shoot over 50% from the free-throw line in his career, and while improving his three-point percentage from his rookie season, Dunn still looks hesitant and uncomfortable shooting wide-open threes. He only made 12 total threes above the break this year.
His strengths as a cutter and mover on offense do not outweigh his inconsistencies. So, until Dunn can become a reliable shooter, teams will opt to leave him open or foul him at the rim without any concerns because of his limitations.
Defensively, Dunn still gets whistled for fouls, making it hard for him to stay on the court against the league’s best players, and his energy and hustle did not match those of others around him. What we were hoping to get from Dunn this season was what Jordan Goodwin actually provided, and now the Suns have to decide if Dunn is worth building around moving forward.
What It Means
Dunn’s overall lack of development has him on the outs of the rotation heading into next season. He will not fetch much in return as a trade piece in any deal the Suns could pull off this summer, and his offensive limitations do not align well with the current roster, which relies heavily on spacing and three-point shooting.
Dunn is one of the most intriguing pieces on the Suns’ roster, as one of the few first-round draft picks of the decade. If Dunn can elevate his shooting and defensive impact, then the Suns could look to sign him to a team-friendly extension next season. If he continues to bounce in and out of the rotation, the Suns could move on after this season or next, when he has a team option for the fourth and final year of his contract.
Dunn has a lot of pressure to take a big leap in his third season. Right now, he is fifth in the pecking order of the Suns’ young players who need development. Jalen Green, Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Oso Ighodaro are all ahead of Dunn in priority because of their untapped potential. Last offseason, Ryan Dunn was a core piece to the Suns’ future; this offseason, he has become almost an afterthought.
Defining Moment
Dunn’s defining moment came early in the season against the San Antonio Spurs in November when he scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds in a dominant win. He showcased everything he could be for the franchise if he could consistently knock down open threes, attack the rim, and play aggressive defense against one of the best teams in the NBA. Unfortunately, that confident version of Dunn rarely showed up in games the rest of the season.
Grade: C
Ryan Dunn deserves a C because even though his minutes in the rotation were inconsistent, he never detracted from the Suns’ identity and was always ready when his number was called on. It was not the big season we were hoping for, but he still contributed 19 minutes of hard-nosed, Suns brand of basketball every game this year.
Sep 29, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh poses for a photo during Media Day. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The day has finally arrived.
Today, we’ll know the final order of the upcoming NBA draft where the Hawks are slated to have three picks — one of those landing in the lottery despite Atlanta making the playoffs.
Last year, the Hawks acquired a valuable pick swap by sending out the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to pick up the 23rd overall pick in that draft — Asa Newell — and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick swap between the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans.
Both teams missed the playoffs (and the Play-In Tournament entirely), giving the Hawks extra lottery balls to jump into the top 4.
Now let’s answer a few questions about today’s proceedings:
What are the lottery odds for this pick swap?
There has been some misinformation floating around about the true odds of where this pick will end up. Due to the statistical complexity of all of the lottery scenarios — as well as the chances both Milwaukee and New Orleans both see their combinations drawn — it’s not as easy as adding the two teams’ odds together.
The final odds, corroborated by a recent release from the NBA:
First overall pick: 9.700%
Second overall pick: 9.965%
Third overall pick: 10.135%
Fourth overall pick: 10.304%
Top-4 pick: 40.204%
What happens if the Hawks don’t hit the lottery?
In this case, the Hawks could finish no higher than seventh and no lower than 11th (although 11th would be a statistical improbability). The Hawks have a roughly combined 50-50 shot at receiving the seventh or eighth overall pick.
Seventh overall pick: 19.75%
Eighth overall pick: 30.18%
Ninth overall pick: 9.19%
10th overall pick: 0.67%
11th overall pick: less than 0.01%
Who is representing the Hawks at the draft lottery?
In years past, it has been the wife of the principal governor, Jami Gertz, on stage. However, the Hawks didn’t manage to have any luck with her as the talisman from 2018 to 2020.
Two years ago, the Hawks grabbed the number one pick with the top executive at the time, Landry Fields, present for the ceremony. This time, it will be new general manager Onsi Saleh to answer the call.
What about the other Hawks picks?
The Hawks will also have the 23rd overall pick (via the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs) as well as the 57th overall pick (via the Boston Celtics).
What else to watch for this draft lottery?
One of the most interesting things to look for is where Indiana’s pick lands. If it stays within the top four, the Pacers keep the pick. If it slides to fifth or sixth — and there’s a roughly 50% chance at this scenario — the pick goes to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Speaking of the Clippers, their own pick goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder no matter what happens today, owing to the Paul George and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade way back in the 2019 offseason. There’s even a roughly 7% chance that the pick jumps into the top 4.
How and when can I watch, stream, or listen to the lottery?
Location: Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
Start Time: 3:00 PM EDT
TV: ABC
Radio: ESPN Radio
Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, Fubo, YouTube TV
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 01: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the National League Wild Card game at PNC Park on October 1, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
And Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Giants moms out there!
We are in the middle of a new feature for May that I’m calling the “12 Days of Mays-mas” because I won’t be around for this week, and I want to leave you guys with some fun things to watch while I’m gone.
For the tenth day of Mays-mas, I thought we’d take another look at a game that deserves to be remembered, but didn’t exactly lead to further playoff success. And that would be the 2016 NL Wild Card Game!
While the rest of the playoff adventure that year might be best forgotten, this game specifically deserves some love because it was yet another masterpiece of a complete game shutout from Madison Bumgarner, and gave us such popular memes as “Literally Conor Gillaspie!”
So grab your coffee, call your mom if you haven’t yet, then settle in and enjoy!
What time do the Giants play today?
The San Francisco Giants wrap up this three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon at 1:05 p.m. PT.
May 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the socks and shoes of Colorado Rockies first baseman Mark Reynolds (12) to commemorate Mother's Day during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
It ended up being a tough week for the Colorado Rockies. They kicked things off on Sunday by giving up 11 runs to the Atlanta Braves to complete a sweep, and it didn’t get much better when the New York Mets came to town.
The Rockies lost to the Mets on Monday before the snow—yes, snow—rolled in and postponed Tuesday’s game and delayed the start time on Wednesday. As the snow cleared, the Rockies lost 10-5 in a chilly affair before snapping what had become a six-game losing streak on Thursday.
The Rockies have just two wins so far this month. They’ll wrap up the series against the Phillies later this morning before heading across the state of Pennsylvania to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With that being said, here’s what our staff here at Purple Row had to say this week:
On Mother’s Day in 2017, Nolan Arenado and Pat Valaika hit a combined three home runs to topple the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Valaika was responsible for two of them, both of which were two-run home runs.
Our Sunday 15-game MLB slate is ripe with solid betting possibilities throughout the day.
Our moneyline predictions target a good mix of struggling bullpens and bats to attack, and we've found a number of strong underdogs to go along with favorites in favorable matchups.
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Expert MLB moneyline picks for May 10
Nationals vs Marlins: Nationals (+117)
Nationals win probability: 46.1%
Cade Cavalli draws a favorable matchup against a Miami Marlins offense posting an 80 wRC+ over the last seven days, one of the coldest lineups in baseball. The Washington Nationals rank third in wRC+ this week. Back the Nats at plus money.
Athletics vs Orioles: Athletics (-104)
Athletics win probability: 51%
The Athletics rank fifth in wRC+ this week at 118, while the Baltimore Orioles bullpen has posted a brutal 4.66 ERA over the last seven days. The A's hot offense gives value at a near pick'em price.
Rockies vs Phillies: Rockies (+203)
Rockies win probability: 33%
The Colorado Rockies are slugging .433 across their previous seven games. Cristopher Sanchez may be dealing, but the Philadelphia Phillies' .290 on-base percentage means they shouldn't be nearly 2/1 favorites against anyone. Hold your nose and play Colorado.
Rays vs Red Sox: Rays (-113)
Rays win probability: 53.1%
The Tampa Bay Rays' bullpen has been dominant over the last seven days, posting a 0.62 ERA in relief. Drew Rasmussen faces a Boston Red Sox offense ranked 18th in weekly wRC+. Tampa Bay owns the pitching edge from top to bottom.
Angels vs Blue Jays: Angels (-100)
Angels win probability: 50%
Eric Lauer has coughed up eight home runs across 31.1 frames. Jose Soriano is striking out 10 hitters per nine, and meets a Toronto Blue Jays offense that seems stuck, as evidenced by their 82 wRC+ across the past seven days.
Astros vs Reds: Astros (+117)
Astros win probability: 46.1%
Two of the sport's worst bullpens meet today, and it appears the Houston Astros will be in a bullpen game. Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott is walking 4.24 hitters per nine, and the Cincy bullpen boasts a 9.23 ERA across the last week. Back the 'Stros bats in a slugfest.
Twins vs Guardians: Guardians (-133)
Guardians win probability: 58%
We should see good starting pitching on Sunday. The problem is the Minnesota Twins' bullpen is carrying a whopping 9.24 ERA across their last 21 1/3 frames. The Cleveland Guardians bullpen isn't much better, but we'll back the better offense, and that's the Guardians.
Yankees vs Brewers: Brewers (+122)
Brewers win probability: 45%
Logan Henderson faces the best offense in baseball, but Carlos Rodon is making his first start and could be rusty. The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen has posted a 2.10 xERA in relief over the last seven days. The Brewers are worth backing at a good price.
Mariners vs White Sox: White Sox (+117)
White Sox win probability: 46.1%
Logan Gilbert has been inconsistent lately, and the Chicago White Sox offense has quietly improved, ranking 10th in batting wRC+ over the last seven days at 103. Chicago sticks and dynamite Davis Martin (5-1, 1.64) on the mound offers value at plus-money against a vulnerable Gilbert.
Cubs vs Rangers: Cubs (+108)
Cubs win probability: 48.1%
The Chicago Cubs are the hottest team in baseball, and rank second in wRC+ this week at 126. Jameson Taillon has been better than his numbers suggest, and I'll back him and the Cubbies as the Texas Rangers continue to struggle out of the bullpen.
Pirates vs Giants: Pirates (-100)
Pirates win probability: 50%
The San Francisco Giants rank dead last in batting wRC+ this week at 67 and continue to struggle badly offensively. The Pittsburgh Pirates offense has quietly been solid over the same stretch. With two struggling starting pitchers on the hill, we'll back the Bucs' bats.
Braves vs Dodgers: Dodgers (-122)
Dodgers win probability: 55%
Two spectacular starters on the hill, but the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen has posted a 0.84 ERA in relief over the last seven days, the second-best in baseball. The Dodgers' offense is slightly better than the Atlanta Braves' sticks, and we'll roll with the L.A. pitching.
Mets vs Diamondbacks: Diamondbacks (-113)
Diamondbacks win probability: 53.1%
Eduardo Rodriguez takes the mound at 3-0, and the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen has posted a 2.12 ERA in relief over the last seven days. The New York Mets haven't named a starter with a struggling lineup and the 20th-best bullpen in the past week.
Cardinals vs Padres: Cardinals (+127)
Cardinals win probability: 44.1%
The St. Louis Cardinals own the better offense, and Kyle Leahy gets a San Diego Padres one of the coldest lineups in baseball with a 68 wRC+ over the last seven days. St. Louis' bullpen has been good enough to trust the Cardinals to outscore the Padres.
Tigers vs Royals: Royals (-122)
Royals win probability: 55%
Kansas City Royals' bullpen ranks eighth in baseball this week, while the Detroit Tigers offense ranks 27th in wRC+ at 72 during that same period. The Royals have both the hotter bats and stronger relief pitching at a reasonable price.
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.
I would say, “Mr. Brown! You did an excellent job!”, but you would probably think I was talking to myself.
So, ….. “Ben-nie, Ben-nie, Ben-nie and the Cubs!” Hmph, cheesy.
Ben Brown delivered Friday night, four innings pitched, no runs, no hits, 31-of-46 pitches for strikes, one batter over the minimum. Excellent. What ever else could the Cubs need from the mound?!
Javier Assad, come on down! 3.2 IP of shutout ball, a hit and walk, 26-of-41 pitches strikes. And if the Cubs needed any more — Ethan Roberts pitched a solid inning and didn’t hurt himself on a chunk of metal!
The offense showed itself off below. Hope they keep it going during the rest of the road trip!
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Paranjoy Goswami (Total Pro Sports): MLB Rumors: Two Teams Emerge As Early Landing Spots For Freddy Peralta. “The Athletics are in a playoff race this year, but need some help with their starting pitching to sustain their challenge” said Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated. ….. “The Cubs need somebody to eat innings and carry the torch in the rotation. A trade to the Cubs would also reunite him with his former manager, Craig Counsell.”
With his astonishingly accomplished guitar playing, Stevie Ray Vaughan ignited the blues revival of the ’80s. Vaughan drew equally from bluesmen like Albert King, Buddy Guy, and Albert Collins and rock & roll players like Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Mack, as well as jazz guitarists like Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery, developing a uniquely eclectic and fiery style that sounded like no other guitarist, regardless of genre. Vaughan bridged the gap between blues and rock like no other artist had since the late ’60s. From 1983 to 1990 Stevie Ray was the leading light in American blues, consistently selling out concerts while his albums regularly went gold. His tragic death in 1990 at age 35 cut short a brilliant career in blues and American rock & roll just as he was on the brink of superstardom.
Albert King (1923-1992), who was billed as “King of the Blues Guitar,” was famed for his powerful string-bending style as well as for his soulful, smoky vocals. King often said he was born in Indianola and was a half-brother of B. B. King, although the scant surviving official documentation suggests otherwise on both counts. King carved his own indelible niche in the blues hierarchy by creating a deep, dramatic sound that was widely imitated by both blues and rock guitarists.
An Illinois man who collects Bearbricks toys earned a Guinness World Record when his collection was tallied at 3,482 pieces.
Daniel Park, aka BrickChicago on social media, officially cataloged his collection in March, and it was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the largest collection of Bearbrick bears. Park said he started collecting the colorfully painted plastic figures after opening a blind box about five years ago. “What captivated me then, and continues to drive me now, is the brilliance of the standard platform,” Park told Guinness World Records. “It is a remarkable canvas that allows for infinite creative expression, while maintaining a consistent, iconic silhouette.”
“2026 is shaping up to be the biggest travel year of the decade — and this video is your ultimate cheat code. 🌍✈️ We’re counting down the TOP 25 places to visit in 2026, spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, the Middle East, and beyond. From iconic cities you’ve dreamed about your whole life to wild, unexpected destinations most travelers never dare to visit, this list has it ALL.
“We’re talking jaw-dropping landscapes, legendary food scenes, once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences, and places that will absolutely blow up on social media this year. One destination even has a famous street food where the local favorite is literally mice on a stick 🐭🔥 — and yes, we’re telling you why people LOVE it.Whether you’re planning your next big international trip, building your travel bucket list, or just dreaming about escaping everyday life, this is the most important travel video you’ll watch for 2026.
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.
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 28: A Baltimore Orioles bucket and baseballs on the field field a game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 28, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Starting pitcher Trace Bright had a rough night, including a six-run second inning where he faced 11 batters and allowed six hits, including a home run, two walks, and three stolen bases. Overall, he gave up eight runs in four innings pitched.
Relief pitchers Cameron Foster and Alex Pham combined to allow three more runs in three innings. Josh Walker was the lone pitcher to not allow a run.
On offense, both Creed Willems and Jud Fabian hit their seventh home runs of the year. Both had two-hit games. As a team, they struck out 15 times with every batter in the lineup racking up at least one.
This was a great game for the Baysox through the first 5.1 innings, because that’s how long Evan Yates had a no-hitter going. Yates retired the first 10 batters he faced before issuing a one-out walk in the fourth inning. Post walk, he got six more outs before finally surrendering a hit with one out in the sixth inning.
Yates was immediately removed for relief pitcher Ben Vespi, and that’s when things went south. Before getting out of the inning, Vespi gave up both a three-run homer and a two-run homer.
The offense had just five hits and scored their only run on a Griff O’Farrell double followed by a Maverick Handley single. Heston Kjerstad began his rehab from a hamstring strain with a 1-for-3. Jackson Holliday is also on a rehab assignment with Chesapeake, but had a scheduled day off.
High-A: Jersey Shore BlueClaws (PHI) 10, Frederick Keys 5
Kiefer Lord allowed three runs in the top of the first inning, and things didn’t get much better. He lasted just three innings and exited the game with four runs allowed. His relief, Carson Dorsey, allowed a whopping nine hits in four innings. That resulted in six more runs for the BlueClaws. It was a sloppy defensive game, with four errors. Two were by Dorsey.
Four of the Keys’ five runs came in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally ended when Ike Irish flew out to end the game. Irish went 0-for-4 in the game. Reed Trimble and Wehiwa Aloy each singled in the contest.
Low-A: Salem RidgeYaks (BOS) 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 4
Denton Biller allowed three runs in 4.2 innings and Dalton Neuschwander followed with four runs in 3.2 innings. Just two of those runs were earned as the Shorebirds made four errors in the game.
It was a rough night for offense, who went just 2-for-21 with runners in scoring position. DJ Layton continued his hot play with a three-hit game. Jose Perez doubled, homered, and walked. Stiven Martinez had two hits as well.
We’ve been blessed with a 15-game Mother’s Day MLB Sunday schedule, which means plenty of plus-money opportunities to be had.
I’ve scoured the MLB odds and have found three hitters in solid matchups, including Detroit Tigers OF Riley Greene facing Kansas City Royals lefty Noah Cameron.
Read on for my MLB player props and MLB picks for Sunday, May 10.
That is dangerous against Judge, who is slugging .692 against four-seamers this season while continuing to produce elite hard-contact numbers.
Henderson also mixes in cutters and sinkers, two more pitch types Judge has handled extremely well throughout his career.
Judge saw his six-game hitting streak snapped last night, but has strong value at plus money to record two total bases.
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Brewers.TV, YES Network
Riley Greene Over 1.5 total bases (+140)
Detroit Tigers OF Riley Greene has been crushing left-handed pitching this season, posting a .368 batting average and 1.053 OPS in the split.
He also draws a favorable matchup against Kansas City Royals starter Noah Cameron, who has struggled badly against left-handed hitters, allowing a .677 slugging percentage and .430 wOBA.
Greene continues to produce elite hard-contact numbers with a 52.1% hard-hit rate and strong barrel metrics.
At plus money, this is an appealing spot for Detroit’s best hitter to deliver extra-base damage.
Time: 7:20 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Peacock
Phil Naessens' 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 3-2, +6.30 units
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.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 05: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on May 5, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians lost to the Twins 2-1 and frustrations are high.
The Guardians went 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Two innings, a fly ball to medium deep outfield would have scored the winning run, as would likely a deep ground ball. The offense was pathetic against a horrible Twins bullpen.
With that said, Stephen Vogt either allowing or calling for Angel Martinez to sacrifice against a pitcher who had yet to throw a strike was dumb, but not quite as dumb as not intentionally walking the only player in the Twins lineup who is any good in the 11th. But, I suppose he saved us all another inning of frustration.
On the bright side, Tanner Bibee was very, very good, as was the bullpen. Peyton Pallette especially stood out. Both Bibee and Pallette made one mistake- to Byron Buxton who made them pay both times (not even sure Bibee’s pitch that Buxton hit for a homer was a mistake).
The Guardians managed to address their team problems yesterday by trading for Patrick Bailey who currently has a wRC+ of 16. Sense my sarcasm, please. It’s a fine trade but I hope everyone realizes that Bailey coming here is likely the end of Hedges’ tenure in Cleveland come 2027. That’ll be a tough pill to swallow for some. And I hope no one thinks Bailey will be a good hitter because he will not. Our hitting team is not capable of “fixing” anyone. Breaking someone? Yes.
They released another Guardians’ Weekly yesterday. Rosenhaus interviews David Fry and Rhys Hoskins.
AROUND MLB:
The Royals beat the Tigers and the White Sox beat the Mariners.
Montreal Canadiens fans have been used to Carey Price’s even-keeled demeanour over the years; not much could rattle the Habs’ goaltender. He did lose his cool once and went to town on Kyle Palmieri with his blocker, but that was the exception and not the rule. The Sainte-Flanelle’s current goaltender, Jakub Dobes, is a whole different animal.
The Czech netminder has shown over the last two seasons that he’ll do what he needs to do to protect his crease, but he stepped it up a notch in these playoffs. He’s no Battlin Billy (New York Islanders great Billy Smith) or Hexy (Philadelphia Flyers’ long-time goalie Ron Hextall), but there’s serious gamesmanship there.
On Friday night, there was a scrum around his net, and he took the opportunity to throw a couple of sneaky hits on Zach Benson, who’s fast becoming the Canadiens’ players’ nemesis. Whenever someone gets too close, he doesn’t hesitate for a second to shove them forward or give them a little slash on the calf.
Here's the entire play that involved Benson and Dobes. #GoHabsGo
Oftentimes, goaltenders are focused individuals who avoid any kind of interaction with the opponent, but not Dobes. Not only does he make his presence felt physically, but he’s right in the mix when it comes to chirping. That’s something we’ve seen from him in last year’s series against the Washington Capitals, which prompted the Caps to stand in his way as he was trying to go back to the Canadiens’ bench at the end of a period.
On Friday, as time was winding down and both teams were slashing and shoving like there was tomorrow, when Benson was given a penalty as the ref had seen enough, Dobes was quick to rub salt in the wound.
Asked about his goaltender’s extracurricular activities on Friday night, Martin St-Louis explained:
I don’t know, I don’t see everything, but for me, he’s a competitor. That’s all he’s doing; he’s competing out there. But I feel like he’s doing that and just being himself. I don’t overthink it; I let him be.
- Martin St-Louis on Dobes' extracurricular activities
The fact that he’s able to stay in his game while taking an active part in the rough stuff will no doubt make Dobes a fan favourite sooner rather than later, if he isn’t already. On top of what he does on the ice, he’s also a refreshing guy to interview; he doesn’t just stick to the clichés, and he wears his heart on his sleeve.
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