SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres looks on after striking out against the New York Mets to end the sixth inning at Petco Park on June 05, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The day went from bad to worse for the San Diego Padres. Before the start of their game against the New York Mets, Padres manager Craig Stammen announced left fielder Ramon Laureano had hip surgery and would be out until the end of the regular season and would likely miss the entire season should San Diego find some way to get into the playoffs. Stammen also announced reliever Jeremiah Estrada was headed to the injured list with knee inflammation and that David Morgan was recalled from Triple-A to take his spot in the bullpen.
Then the game started and maybe it was fitting, considering the pregame news, that a pitcher the majority of Padres fans and probably some of the players never heard of dominated the San Diego lineup and handed the Padres their sixth consecutive loss in shutout fashion. Christian Scott allowed just three hits over 5.2 scoreless innings and allowed two walks with three strikeouts en route to a 5-0 win for New York. Michael King completed six innings for San Diego, but allowed four runs on six hits, two of which were home runs, with four strikeouts.
The depleted Padres lineup looked as anemic as it has all season, with only Fernando Tatis Jr. Manny Machado and Ty France recording hits — all singles. Rodolfo Duran still has a batting average of .080, but to his credit he was able to get on base thanks to two walks, which were the only free passes San Deigo earned in the contest. The Padres will try to stop their six-game skid tonight at 7:10 p.m.
Padres News:
Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribuneagrees with Manny Machado when he says the Padres are a better team than what they have shown lately and Padres fans are waiting to see it.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Mikal Bridges #25, Miles McBride #2 and OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SAN ANTONIO – New York ran up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals on Friday. Shoved past the Spurs in Game 2 by a 105-104 score after Victor Wembanyama unleashed a too-strong 17-footer in the final seconds, the 22-year old center clanging an opportunity to tie the series.
On San Antonio’s previous defensive possession Wembanyama fouled Jalen Brunson, and Brunson’s 84 percent free throw percentage, Brunson split a pair for the game’s deciding points. During San Antonio’s previous offensive possession, the 2024 Rookie of the Year (Wemby) threw the ball off the back of the 2025 Rookie of the Year (and Spurs teammate) Stephon Castle, Brunson gathering the loose ball ahead of that Wembanyama foul. It was an odd ending.
There is an odd-sounding word, it is gestalt, I learned it in 1996 when the NBA used its 50th anniversary season to spend an inordinate time celebrating the two-time Knick championship teams from the 1970s. Gestalt theory is an idea I return to about once a year and usually in June, when a team turns a corner, providing proof of something stronger that what’s listed in the lineup.
This year’s Knicks may not take the 2026 NBA title, there are still two wins left to grab before it turns official, but the Knicks have grown taller than all of themselves stacked together. This group improves with every outing and against competition which stiffens with each round. You’d need anti-inflammatories too, after battling these Knicks.
The development, the advancement from April through June and 13 consecutive playoff victories, would be unique among NBA champions. What is typical is the gestalt, the way we’re assured something larger than the image New York presents.
Nothing’s fazed them in Mike Brown’s first postseason with the Knicks. Be they down 2-1 to C.J. McCollum’s third team in 12 months, debated as favorites in the second round because Joel Embiid looked OK for four days, and then, well, Cleveland. There was no dramatic or even minor obstacle in the Cleveland series, analytically or otherwise.
San Antonio, once favored by many, isn’t fazed. Maybe a little tired, probably a more than a little impressed. Nobody doubted the talent on this Knicks team, individual or collected. What is astonishing is how well the talent on the New York Knicks performs when it works alongside one another. The elastic defense and deliberate offense, the absence of self, the dedication, devotion, the turning on the nighttime into the day.
That’s a Dire Straits song, and not an example of gestalt theory, but straits certainly indicating where the San Antonio Spurs while boarding the flight to New York. Five games to win four, three in NYC, they ain’t won a first yet.
San Antonio came close on Friday, reeling in Knick momentum long enough to eliminate the 14-point lead the visitors established with six minutes remaining in Game 2. De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper combined to battle for buckets until the contest was tied, ten seconds left, Wemby with the ball and, uh oh, here comes infamy.
Threw it right off Stephon Castle’s back. Ball bounced to Brunson whom Wemby fouled, sending Jalen to the line for a game-winning free throw.
Stephon wasn’t looking while running up the court, I noticed this before Wemby let loose and said “heads up!” while standing at press row but there was no way Castle heard me. I’m sensitive to these things because I let a ball bounce off my back on the same spot in the court in an intramural basketball tournament in college, and I don’t think I will get over what happened to me before Game 3 on Monday and it happened 26 years ago. So I’m not sure how Stephon can blot his out in three days.
The Spurs will need other exhibits to shape up. The transition defense was strong but not strong enough, New York scored 19 points on the break, San Antonio’s worst mark of the postseason. New York’s offensive rebounding was bound to happen, but did it all have to happen in the second half? And when did San Antonio start missing dunks?
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow torquing cleanly under each three-pointer is an absolute picture of actualized alignment and precision. Towns scored 17 in the first half. His dives from the Domantas Spot turned this series, it isn’t an adventure when KAT (21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) puts the ball on the floor and against a team with Wemby on that floor.
The word “gestalt” entered my mind repeatedly in that second quarter, watching the Knick bust tail defensively, one movement anticipating another. We’ll hear a lot about the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks over the next few days, and I’m glad the first guy who reminded me of them was the Knick fan with the inexpensive “HARLEM” tattoo up in the 200 section of the Spurs’ arena, weeping, well, no, crying while he walked with his buddy a few minutes after Game 2. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he told his friend, and I’m assuming this isn’t about visiting the Alamo on Saturday.
If it was about the Alamo, wow. What a weekend for him!
He’d removed himself from the upper concourse’s PG-rated pogo pit, Knick fans streaming and phoning home and popping jerseys together. It was a block party and I posted up inside a closed nachos stand, happy to watch one pleasant New Yorker after another thanking San Antonio fans for their grace and hospitality and congratulating the Spurs on its bright future, Knick fans going out of their way to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle, clearing room for the elderly, the infirm, the small children in Spurs uniforms squeaking by the sea of blue and orange.
The next time I saw nachos was in a gas station parking lot, in the hand of the single publicly inebriated Knick fan I saw among hundreds of publicly Knick fans during three nights in the heart of San Antonio.
Clinging to his nachos and teetering around the parking lot with the rest of us who decided the rideshare rate from the arena was too much and decided to walk to a more affordable spot. My Nacho Guy was in an Allan Houston uniform, beaming, 20 minutes after I’d walked by Allan Houston in a sweater, beaming.
While I gathered to call my wife to tell her how cheap I was, another Knick fan plopped down on the gas station stoop next to me, awaiting his rideshare, cordial and curious, noshing, asking me who I wrote for and what I thought about Game 2 while offering immediate analysis: Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado down the stretch of the third quarter with Towns and Brunson off the floor, San Antonio’s youth and inability to get to their spots, Wemby’s obvious fatigue, the growing capability of Mike Brown.
You know, pal, I was gonna write all that.
The young man was irrepressible, hopping in his rideshare Mercedes right next to a mother and kids cleaning out their van at a gas pump minutes past midnight on a Saturday morning. The gas station was so replete with polite Knick fans that the families selling shaved ice in the parking lot began courting them with Knick chants. Kids on their first Friday night off from school chased each other around the tire inflator/car vacuum machine, one of them in a DeMar DeRozan Spurs jersey likely as old as she is.
Every bus stop on Commerce St. featured a Knick couple waiting on that rideshare, completely unsure of what they just watched less than a mile away, less than an hour ago. San Antonio on a Friday night, streets filled with New Yorkers. It’s almost like it’s their world, and we just live in it.
With a busy day across the big leagues, I've found huge value in my MLB same-game parlay predictions.
Bryce Miller is in line for another quality start against the Detroit Tigers, while Braxton Ashcraft should also toss a gem against the Atlanta Braves.
Mariners at Tigers SGP: Dingler Keeps Raking (+415)
Dillon Dingler is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now. Over the last week, he owns a 63.6% hard-hit rate and 18.2% barrel rate. During that span, he's posted a .476 ISO while going 7-for-21 with 10 RBIs. Another hit should be well within reach here.
Bryce Miller has averaged nine strikeouts per nine innings across his last two outings, and he's cashed the Over in two of his last three starts. The Detroit Tigers own a 22.6% strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season and struck out 10 times in the series opener.
Keider Montero is averaging 8.49 strikeouts per nine innings over his last two appearances, and the Seattle Mariners carry a 22.5% strikeout rate on the road this season. They're also 24th in MLB in team strikeouts, creating another favorable spot for Montero to rack up punchouts.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Mariners.TV, DSN
See full analysis of this game in our Mariners vs. Tigers predictions.
Pirates at Braves SGP: Ashcraft Deals (+430)
Braxton Ashcraft has been one of Pittsburgh's most reliable starters lately, posting a 2.34 xERA and 2.30 FIP across his last two starts while limiting opponents to a 6.3% barrel rate.
The right-hander has also shown excellent command, issuing just 0.73 walks per nine innings during that span, which bodes well for both Ashcraft Under legs.
Oneil Cruz rounds out the SGP after posting a 16.7% barrel rate and 92.3 mph average exit velocity over the last week. The Pittsburgh Pirates slugger is 6-for-14 in June, with five of those hits coming via singles.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, BravesVision
See full analysis of this game in our Pirates vs. Braves predictions.
Rays at Marlins SGP: Caminero Stays Hot (+288)
The Tampa Bay Rays send Shane McClanahan to the hill today against the Miami Marlins. He owns a 2.82 FIP across his last 10.1 innings of work and has cashed the Under on earned runs allowed in both starts. McClanahan has also limited opponents to a barrel rate below 10% during that span.
The matchup is favorable as well. Miami is hitting just .199 over the last week while carrying a .299 wOBA. McClanahan has surrendered only seven hits across his last two starts, putting both Under legs in a strong position.
Junior Caminero rounds out the SGP. The Rays slugger owns a 66.7% hard-hit rate and .500 batting average over his last six games, recording a single in three straight contests.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rays.TV, Marlins.TV
See full analysis of this game in our Rays vs. Marlins predictions.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
SGP picks: 0-1, -1.00 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.
The New York Mets visit the San Diego Padres tonight, and I'm expecting first-inning fireworks at Petco Park.
That matchup will headline my top MLB picks today for the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best NRFI predictions and YRFI picks for Saturday, June 6.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
Pick
Odds
/ - NRFI
-115
/ - NRFI
-115
/ - YRFI
-105
Mariners at Tigers: NRFI (-115)
The Seattle Mariners hand Bryce Miller the ball today, and he's been dominant over his last two outings, posting a 1.87 xERA while walking just 0.90 hitters per nine innings.
While the Detroit Tigers have been red-hot offensively, Miller's command and impressive 20.8% hard-hit rate across his last 10 innings should keep them at bay in the first.
As for Detroit, they hand Keider Montero the baseball, and he's been incredibly reliable. He owns a perfect 11-0 NRFI/YRFI record in 2026 and has posted a 2.85 FIP and 2.36 xERA across his last two starts.
Those underlying numbers suggest he's well positioned to continue that success against Seattle.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DSN, Mariners.TV
Orioles at Blue Jays: NRFI (-115)
The Baltimore Orioles send Kyle Bradish to the mound in Game 2 of the series, and he's allowed a run in the first inning just once in 12 starts.
Bradish owns a 3.58 xERA across his last 13 innings of work and a hard-hit rate of just 30% during that span. Additionally, 52.5% of the contact against him in his last two outings has been on the ground, suggesting he's doing a good job of keeping hitters from elevating the baseball right now.
Braydon Fisher, meanwhile, will be the opener for the Toronto Blue Jays before they turn it over to the rest of the bullpen. He has a 2.15 FIP at home this season, and Fisher has yet to allow a first-inning run across the three starts he's made.
His 2.95 xERA over the last month only adds appeal here.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Time: 3:07 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, Sportsnet
Mets at Padres: YRFI (-105)
New York Mets SP Nolan McLean has allowed a 42.9% hard-hit rate over his last 27 innings of work, and he owns an alarming 6.30 FIP during that span.
The San Diego Padres have only scored 11 times in the first inning this season, but this is a favorable matchup against a pitcher who has struggled to limit hard contact and owns an 8-4 NRFI/YRFI record.
As for Griffin Canning, he has a 6.79 xERA across his previous two starts while allowing a 53.1% hard-hit rate and 15.6% barrel rate. In other words, Canning is getting absolutely torched lately, and he's also walked 3.69 hitters per nine innings over his last 11 2/3 frames.
Between the consistent hard contact and inability to pound the zone, the Mets could jump on him early.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Padres.TV, SportsNet New York
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
NRFI/YRFI picks: 15-30, -4.35 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The New York Yankees have teed off on left-handed pitching all season long.
My Red Sox vs. Yankees predictions expect their success to continue against Ranger Suarez on Saturday.
Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for June 6.
Who will win Red Sox vs Yankees today: New York Yankees (-135)
Ranger Suarez has started four games against teams ranking Top-10 in OPS vs. left-handed pitching – and they didn’t go so well. He allowed 13 runs and posted a 6.13 ERA during those games.
The New York Yankeeslead the majors in OPS against lefties so they’re a prime candidate to cause Suarez problems.
Even without Aaron Judge, they’re well-equipped to do so. They have five lefties in their projected lineup – Suarez has struggled against left-handed hitters – as well as lefty masher Paul Goldschmidt.
Look for the bats to lead the Yankees to victory. Playable to -145.
Red Sox vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-110)
The Yankees rankTop-3 in OPS, ISO, OBP, xWOBA, and hard hit rate when facing left-handed pitching. They’re an elite offense across the board and should do plenty of damage against Suarez.
The Boston Red Sox are capable of chipping in a few runs. They have hit righties very well over the past four weeks, sitting ninth in wOBA, ninth in ISO, and fourth in batting average.
Will Warren has a brutal track record against the Sox as well. He allowed 15 runs over three starts against them last season while averaging just 14.3 outs.
Play the Over to -120.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 24-19, -0.68 units
Over/Under bets: 20-21-2, -3.71 units
Red Sox vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Red Sox +115 | Yankees -135
Run line: Red Sox +1.5 (-175) | Yankees -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)
Red Sox vs Yankees trend
New York has hit the Game Total Over in five of their last seven games (+3.9 units, 52% ROI) Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Yankees.
How to watch Red Sox vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Saturday, June 6, 2026
First pitch
7:35 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Red Sox starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (2-3, 3.38 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Will Warren (7-1, 3.22 ERA)
Red Sox vs Yankees latest injuries
Red Sox vs Yankees 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.
A busy Saturday in the MLB features a full 15-game slate and tons of juicy MLB player props to pick from.
Shohei Ohtani, Jeremy Pena, and Jacob Misiorowski are all featured in my favorite MLB picks for Saturday, June 6.
I’ll break down why all three will dominate on the diamond today.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Jeremy Pena
Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI
-142
Jacob Misiorowski
Over 8.5 strikeouts
+120
Shohei Ohtani
Over 1.5 total bases
-116
Jeremy Pena Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI
Jeremy Pena has been on fire this past week, batting an even .500 with Over 1.5 hits, runs, and RBI in four straight and nine of his last 12 outings.
Pena and the Houston Astros will face Athletics starter Kade Morris, who is set to make his MLB debut on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has not exactly been impressive in Triple-A this season, posting a 4.45 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 11 starts, but the Athletics are desperate for arms of any kind with starters Luis Severino and Aaron Civale both sidelined.
Pena is hitting .304 vs. righties this season, and a ridiculous .375 at Daikin Park.
A scorching Pena facing a 23-year-old making his MLB debut? Play this one up to -150.
The Milwaukee Brewers sophomore leads the majors in strikeouts (108) and K/9 (13.7), while ranking first among starters in WHIP (0.79).
Misiorowski has punched out at least eight batters in eight straight starts, with Over 8.5 strikeouts in five of those contests. He’ll enjoy the upper hand against the Colorado Rockies tonight, one of five teams in the MLB to average more than nine Ks per game.
Misiorowski’s Whiff% is in the 98th percentile, thanks to his four-seamer and curveball, which are both getting whiffed nearly 50% of the time.
Seventy-four of Misiorowski’s 108 strikeouts have come by way of his fastball, which averages out at 99.9 mph. He’ll match up very well against the Rockies, who have struck out 190 times against the four-seamer this year — more than any other team in the majors.
I’m playing this prop up to +100, and I’d recommend looking at Misiorowski Under 1.5 earned runs as well.
Time: 9:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rockies.TV, Brewers.TV
Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 total bases
After getting off to a sluggish start, Shohei Ohtani has officially returned to his MVP form.
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar leads the majors with a .362 batting average over the last 30 days to go along with a stunning 1.056 OPS.
Ohtani has smacked Over 1.5 total bases in six of his last eight games and is poised to pad his stats tonight against the rival Los Angeles Angels and their brutal pitching staff.
Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz posted a 7.85 ERA and 1.81 WHIP over six starts in May, while his xBA and Hard-Hit% both rank in the Bottom 25th percentile this season.
Kochanowicz throws his sinker nearly 40% of the time — a pitch that Ohtani is hitting .313 against when facing righties. He’ll be backed up by the worst bullpen in the majors, which sports a 5.14 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.
I’d play this prop to -130. You could also look at the extra-base hit market, where Ohtani’s getting pretty juicy odds.
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ABTV, SportsNet LA
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 1-4, -3.1 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.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses with the Los Angeles Rams mascot prior to the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Many football fans will hate-watch the Los Angeles Rams in 2026 following their blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett. The Rams have become the NFL’s version of the Dodgers, a star-studded powerhouse willing to do whatever it takes to win, and being disliked comes with the territory.
If you know anything about the MLB, you already know that the Dodgers are pretty darn good. This is a team that has won back-to-back World Series and has five 100-win seasons in the last decade. Much of their latest success can be attributed to superstar Shohei Ohtani, who, like his team, is also pretty darn good.
All great hated teams like the Dodgers have that one player who can do it all, and Ohtani is that guy for them — and he was a luxury addition for them, like Garrett is for the Rams. He signed with Los Angeles in the 2024 offseason after the team was coming off an early postseason exit. Since then, he has won two straight NL MVP awards while leading the two-time reigning champs, with a third in sight.
Seeing the rich keep getting richer drives opposing fanbases bananas, and there is little that anyone can do about it, no matter how much they complain.
It almost feels unfair when the elite squads add the best players in their sport, but they’re only playing by the rules. Don’t hate the player or the game; instead, hate the league powers that be who have allowed it to happen.
No one should hate on the Rams or Dodgers for having the killer instinct that most everyone lacks.
Historic: The 2026 Rams are now the first team in NFL history to have a roster with the most recent NFL MVP and most recent Defensive Player of the Year.
Perhaps the aggressive roster-building strategy from both teams can be attributed to where they play. Los Angeles is a crowded entertainment market as it is, and more so on the sports scene.
This is a city forced to choose between multiple teams in each of the four major North American sports leagues. If you cannot figure out a way to stay nationally relevant in L.A., you risk becoming an afterthought in an oversaturated market or becoming the Angels.
The Rams were already must-see TV following their NFC Championship run last season. They have an NFL-record seven primetime games in tow, and that was before acquiring Garrett. Whether or not this is their year, their all-in approach will draw more eyes to them than ever before.
That is why Hollywood’s current sports scene is unmatched.
So go ahead and hate away, ya stinky rotten haters. Get the popcorn ready if you must because this is the price of embracing an all-in mentality. The Dodgers have thrived for years under that spotlight, and the Rams appear destined to follow in their footsteps this season. It’s lonely at the top, but in L.A., attention is money, and no one’s spending it better than the Rams and Dodgers.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Christian Scott #45 of the New York Mets prepares to pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park on June 05, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets shut out the Padres 5-0 behind a strong performance from Christian Scott, who earned his second major league victory. Jared Young and Luis Torrens both homered for the Mets and Bo Bichette contributed a key RBI triple in the third. The Mets’ bullpen was solid yet again with Huascar Brazobán helping Scott navigate out of trouble in the sixth and Luke Weaver and A.J. Minter logging a scoreless inning apiece.
A four-hit night from Kyle Schwarber powered the Phillies to an 8-6 victory over the White Sox, as the Phillies find themselves in playoff position for the first time since April 7.
Despite the Phillies’ incredible turnaround since Don Mattingly took over as manager, Mattingly still has mixed feelings due to the reason he is in his current position to begin with.
Over at The Good Phight, they opined that the Phillies may need to change up their lineup again to kickstart the struggling offense.
Mauricio Dubón drove in three of the Braves’ six runs in their 6-3 win over the Pirates at Truist Park.
Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach is throwing on flat ground but still has “a long way to go” in his recovery timeline.
The Nationals’ high-octane offense was at it again as they walloped the Diamondbacks 14-1.
Nationals lefty DJ Herz, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, made his first rehab appearance yesterday in the Florida Complex League.
The Marlins were blanked by Drew Rasmussen and the Rays 5-0 in Miami.
Marlins top pitching prospect Thomas White has been diagnosed with a capsular sprain in his throwing shoulder and may miss the rest of the 2026 season.
MLB owners are framing the salary cap as a way to end local TV blackouts, as their proposal to the union involves eliminating the territory system that defines the current media landscape in baseball.
Ginny Searle of Baseball Prospectus took a look at the current playoff odds picture and how it has changed from Opening Day. Not surprisingly, the Mets’ playoff odds have dropped the most of any team.
Michael Baumann of Fangraphs wrote about the Gerrit Cole contract now that there are just two and a half years remaining on his pact with the Yankees.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 13: The Baltimore Orioles mascot performs before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 13, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tides gave up three runs in the first inning and it was basically over from there. At least starter Trace Bright nearly threw a quality start despite that first-inning run outburst, holding the Stripers scoreless for the rest of his 5.2-inning performance. But two runs apiece off Cameron Weston and Josh Walker put the game out of reach.
Norfolk’s offense was a no-show. They managed only four hits, though two of them were solo homers by Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Luis Vázquez. Tides hitters struck out nine times and walked only once, and they had only a single at-bat all game with a runner in scoring position. Heston Kjerstad and Creed Willems each went 1-for-4.
Um…ouch. You didn’t misread that score. The Baysox really did lose 19-3. They were down 10-1 by the third inning, then gave up eight runs in the ninth inning. Before delving into the box score, I assumed that all those ninth-inning runs came against a position player on the mound, but sadly, no. It was an actual pitcher, Daniel Lloyd, who gave them all up, including a grand slam and a two-run homer. His ERA rose from 4.63 to 7.23 in a single outing. He’ll have better nights.
Starting pitcher Luis De León, one of the Orioles’ top pitching prospects, had the worst performance of his professional career. In 2.1 innings, he was torched for 10 (ten!) runs, on nine hits and four walks. Like Lloyd, the outing blew up his season ERA, from 4.89 to 6.80. Meanwhile, Chesapeake’s offense was held in check besides Ethan Anderson’s solo homer and Carter Young’s two-run single, which did little to change the final result.
High-A: Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees) 14, Frederick Keys 13
What a humdinger this one was. The Keys, one night after getting held hitless through six innings, certainly found their bats again with a 13-run explosion. They scored seven runs in the fifth inning alone and at one point led this game 10-3. But the Renegades responded with a seven-run frame of their own in the eighth to steal the game away.
Let’s start with the positive stuff. Nearly every Keys hitter did something good, sparked by rehabbing leadoff man Enrique Bradfield Jr., who reached base three times, scored three runs, drove in two, and stole a base. Unheralded hitters like Douglas Hodo (4-for-5 with a homer) and Colin Yeaman (3-for-5, two RBIs) had big days. Top prospects Wehiwa Aloy and Ike Irish went just 1-for-9 combined, but Aloy drove in three runs and Irish one. The Keys went 7-for-22 with runners in scoring position.
Now for the bad news, which was, obviously, the pitching. Four of Frederick’s five pitchers gave up at least three runs, including starter Caden Hunter. The quintet issued nine walks in the game. Reliever Raimon Gomez particularly struggled, giving up five runs in less than an inning, while Jacob Cravey took the loss by allowing the last three.
Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 6, Augusta GreenJackets (Braves) 0
Thank goodness for the Shorebirds, who kept the O’s affiliates from being swept on this day. It was a whale of a performance from Delmarva’s pitching staff, led by left-hander Stephen Still, a recent free agent signing out of independent ball. Still worked 5.2 scoreless innings and struck out nine. Relievers Brendan Parks, Eccel Correa, and Zac Lampton combined to complete the shutout.
This was a 0-0 game into the late innings before the Shorebirds erupted for three runs in the seventh and three more in the ninth. First baseman Miguel Rodríguez broke the scoreless tie with a two-run single, and later Braylon Whitaker contributed a two-run knock of his own. Jaiden Lo Re, a fifth-round pick last year, hit his first Low-A home run, off of a guy named Landon Beidelschies. I can’t decide which of those names is more fun.
May 22, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) reacts after the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Last week, when I was reading Sam’s piece about the messy state of much of the American League, I was struck by how many teams now mired in a rut were considered by many prognosticators to be contenders coming into the season. The AL East was supposed to be a four-horse race between New York, Boston, Baltimore and Toronto, with Tampa Bay bringing up the rear; instead, it’s been the Rays and Yankees vying for the lead, with the Orioles, Blue Jays and Red Sox still on a long march to .500 ball.
If we look over to the AL Central, the Tigers offer a harrowing picture of how fast baseball can come at you. Although they did fritter away a huge division lead to the Guardians last year, they exacted revenge on them in the Wild Card Series, and took the Mariners to Game 5 in a tightly contested ALDS. In the offseason, they declared their intent to claim the division title by signing Framber Valdez on February 4th. Four months later, they now find themselves nearly sharing the cellar with the Royals — themselves a preseason dark horse candidate — with a 26-38 record, 9.5 games out of first place.
The National League offers even more examples of unmet expectations. The Mets had a weird offseason resulting in many awkward fits on the roster, but the collection of talent was undeniable. No one would have batted an eye if they had brute-forced their way to a 90-win campaign this year. Instead, they’re last in the division, 14.5 games back of the first-place Braves, and 5.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot, trailing everyone in the Senior Circuit except for the Giants and Rockies. The Cubs haven’t collapsed to that extent, but compared to their preseason hype—FanGraphs gave them the highest playoff odds in their division—their 33-31 record is certainly underwhelming; they’ve been extremely streaky at best. And while the Phillies have done well to scrape their way back up the standings after a horrific start and the ousting of their manager, they’re still barely hanging on to a Wild Card spot under interim skipper Don Mattingly with a -20 run differential.
What does this all mean? The most obvious, and nonetheless true, answer, is that baseball is unpredictable. However, although it certainly has its fair share of random variance, that isn’t to say that teams have absolutely no control over how their seasons will play out. If that were the case, why even spend so much time and money trying? Even in a topsy-turvy season like this one, certain teams are making good on their preseason promise – think of the Dodgers, Braves, Brewers, and (perhaps to a lesser extent) the Guardians and Mariners.
Turning our focus to the Yankees specifically, why have they fared relatively well in a season where so many other would-be contenders have not? My view is that design and luck are equally involved; and cleanly separating the two is harder than you’d think.
First things first: I think the Yankees are, on the whole, a well-run organization. Shocking, I know. But with the sheer amount of criticism directed towards the front office, manager, and coaching staff every day, it’s easy to lose sight of this. By and large, the Yankees do things right. They’ve developed core talent (Schlittler, Rice) and solid role players (Warren, Schmidt, Volpe, Wells). They’ve shelled out for top-of-the-market talent when the opportunity arises (Judge, Cole, Fried, Rodón, Bellinger). They’ve made savvy trades for impact players (Chisholm, Bednar, Cruz) while retaining their most coveted prospects (Lombard Jr., Rodríguez, Kilby, Lagrange). They haven’t remained contenders for the better part of a decade now out of sheer luck; their success is deserved in many ways.
But while the Yankees have done a lot of things right, they’ve also had a lot of things go right for them (at least until Judge’s stress fracture). This becomes apparent when you consider the various pitfalls that befell other teams this year. Say, for example, you’re trying to build a contender on the backs of highly regarded young talent – that’s great! But consider the Orioles. Adley Rustchman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, and Samuel Basallo are definitely a fearsome foursome. But for a team with postseason aspirations, the trick is to have them all be good at the same time, and that hasn’t happened yet.
That isn’t a comment on the talent of the four youngsters; I fully expect all four to have productive careers. It’s a comment on the unpredictability and non-linear-ness of player development. Even the most highly regarded prospects can struggle at the MLB level, and even young stars can take a step back after a breakout year. The fact that both Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler have built on their strong showings last year and are posting elite numbers this year does suggest that the Yankees’ player dev is working well. But the fact that both young stars’ upward trajectories are so closely aligned, I think, is close to a miracle — at least, it’s not something that you can engineer, or count on.
Likewise, there is an element of luck with any aspect of roster-building. Marquee free agents or trade acquisitions can bomb (Bo Bichette) or get injured (Dylan Cease, Garrett Crochet); you can try to gauge which players are at risk, but you can’t predict them with 100% accuracy, and that’s where chance gets involved. And when you trade prospects for big-league pieces, there’s always the risk of the player you got underperforming while the prospects you traded away flourish (Caleb Durbin for Kyle Harrison; Dustin May for James Tibbs III). It’s easy to criticize these moves with the benefit of hindsight, but the reality is that there’s always risk involved, and the Yankees are not impervious to that.
So, when you consider the fact that the Yankees have managed to stay competitive for as long and as consistently as they have, it’s important to acknowledge the things they did right — and the things that went right for them. Hopefully, the Yankees’ brass themselves do so too. If they focus only on the former while paying no mind to the latter, that would lead to complacency and a false sense of security — something that they might already be guilty of.
Jun 5, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Mauricio Dubon (14) hits a two-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Mauricio Dubón and the Atlanta Braves had a successful night after Friday’s 6-3 defeat of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Braves improved to 43-21 and are 20-11 at Truist Park. Dubón continued his hot streak, and in four at-bats, he recorded two hits, three RBI, and two runs.
He’s homered in three straight games and is hitting well over .300 with runners in scoring position. Dubón and the Braves aim to ride the momentum as the series continues this afternoon at 4:10 ET.
More Braves News:
Walt Weiss provided an update on the injured Spencer Schwellenbach, who “has a long way to go” in his recovery timeline.
Cade Kuehler struck out eight on Thursday down on the farm. More in the minor league recap.
In MLB Pipeline’s latest mock draft, the Braves are projected to take a LHP and an outfielder.
The New York Yankees have officially placed Aaron Judge on the 10-day injured list with a stress fracture in his rib. The move is retroactive to June 2.
From the Feed:
Cast your vote here for Braves Player of the Game.
Chris Sale spoke with 680 The Fan to discuss Didier Fuentes.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a block during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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
There’s not much question that Victor Wembanyama is the future of the NBA, but at the end of the day, he’s also a skinny 22-year-old, and most young players have a lot to learn. Wembanyama, for all his freakish talent, is no exception to this.
He’s a brilliant talent, but he also made a devastating turnover down the stretch, then missed a last-second shot that would have still won the game.
As we’ve seen often during the playoffs, former Blue Devil Mason Plumlee got a DNP from the Spurs. And with New York on a 13-game playoff win streak, and the series shifting to NYC, the odds of him getting a ring in what may be his final season are dropping fast.
Jun 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Roki Sasaki did not figure in the decision on Friday night, through no fault of his own as he struck out his MLB-high 10 Angels in seven scoreless frames. The right-hander has allowed five total runs (four earned) over 24 1/3 innings in his last four starts, with 29 strikeouts against only five walks.
You might have seen after Sasaki’s seventh inning on Friday, he was seen in the dugout smiling and laughing in a long conversation with Dodgers strength and conditioning coach Travis Smith. Maddie Lee at the Los Angeles Times wrote about Sasaki’s maturity in his second major league season, as well as his relationship with Smith and the coaching staff:
“This year, especially, I feel like we’re focusing on talking about game plan and sequencing, because I feel healthy right now,” Sasaki said. “Last year I got hurt, so I’m thinking about my mechanics, all that stuff. So this is a big difference right now.”
Jay Jaffe earlier in the week at FanGraphs looked at Sasaki’s strong May performance, and dug into the details. “Sasaki’s better command and reconfigured repertoire have made for a most welcome development.” Jaffe wrote.
After Wednesday’s win in Arizona, during which Ohtani allowed two hits and a walk in six scoreless innings and also reached base five times while batting, catcher Will Smith said, “He’s the best player that’s ever walked this earth,” per Katie Woo at The Athletic.
(Original Caption) Reds-Braves. Cincinnati: Braves owner Ted Turner gives some over the dugout advice to his field general, Eddie Haas, before his Atlanta team took the field against Cincinnati, April 30. Atlanta won the game, 8-4.
Yesterday, it was reported that Eddie Haas, former Atlanta Braves manager – and long-time member of the organization – passed away on June 4 at 91.
Eddie has had a brief MLB career, debuting with the Chicago Cubs in 1957 and then playing in 41 games with the Milwaukee Braves across the 1958 and 1960 seasons. The outfielder hit his only career home run with the Braves in 1960. He twice played with the organization in the minors, including the last three seasons of his playing career, ending in 1964 at age 29 playing for the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Denver.
Haas transitioned to coaching after his playing career ended and debuted as manager with the Braves organization in 1966 in Yakima Valley. He’d managed each season in the Braves organization until 1973 when he transition to minor league hitting instructor. He joined Atlanta’s major league staff in 1974 and spent four seasons with the big league club before returning the minor league managerial ranks in 1978.
Haas would take over as manager at Triple-A Richmond in 1981 where he would manage until midway through the 1984 season when he returned to the big leagues, joining manager Joe Torre’s staff. After Torre was dismissed following the ‘84 season, the organization named the then 50-year-old Haas as Torre’s replacement.
Haas would spend only 121 games at the helm of Atlanta, going 50-71, before being relieved of his duties by Bobby Wine.
Haas would remain in the game as a scout, joining the Montreal Expos organization in 1986 where he’s stay through 1994 before joining the Boston Red Sox in 1995 where he’d work until retiring after the 2003 season.
Bill Shanks was the first to report the news of Haas’ passing, which was first covered on The Feed.
SEA vs 
DET
PIT vs 
ATL
TB vs 
MIA
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- NRFI
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- YRFI
COVERS INTEL:
Jeremy Pena
Jacob Misiorowski
Shohei Ohtani
