MLB Home Run Props & Predictions Today: Best HR Picks & Parlay for Sept. 6

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Let's kick off this beautiful Sunday with three of my favorite home run props and predictions for today's MLB slate.

Find out why I am backing Kyle Stowers, Spencer Jones, and Rafael Devers.

Here are my favorite MLB picks for Sunday, Sept. 6.

MLB home run props for today

For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Player to hit a HRChance
Reds Kyle Stowers17%
Reds Spencer Jones16%
Reds Rafael Devers22%
💲Today's HR parlay118.00x

Home run prediction: Kyle Stowers (17%)

Miami Marlins slugger Kyle Stowers has been on a heater, and we have to back him to leave the yard against Chicago Cubs right-hander Clay Holmes.

Over his last few games, Stowers has been generating too much hard contact to ignore. Over his last 30 at-bats against right-handed pitching, he has an 83.3% hard-hit rate and a 25% barrel rate. On top of that, he owns a .577 SLG, .977 OPS, and .269 ISO.

According to Batters-Box, where he owns an elite rating today, Stowers covers more than 83% of Holmes' pitch mix.

Despite Holmes' success against left-handed hitters this season, the way Stowers sees and hits the ball makes this hard to pass up.

Take this down to 20%.

  • Time: 1:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: MIAM, MARQ

Home run prediction: Spencer Jones (16%)

In my Yankees vs. Padres predictions, I wrote that I liked Ben Rice over Spencer Jones, but I kept coming back to Jones. He is 100% a go this evening.

Jones has been crushing right-handed pitching over his last 30 at-bats, owning a .538 SLG and .307 ISO while generating a 62.5% hard-hit rate and 25% barrel rate.

Over the last 60 left-handed hitters Padres starter Michael King has faced, they are generating a barrel rate of nearly 10%, while posting a .291 xBA, .548 xSLG and .406 xwOBA.

Five of Jones' last 10 batted balls have been at least 102 mph off the bat. It is hard to pass up backing a guy making that much hard contact.

Take this down to 20%. 

  • Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: YES, SDPA

Home run prediction: Rafael Devers (22%)

Another heavy hitter who has been making a boatload of hard contact is San Francisco Giants slugger Rafael Devers. Over his last 10 games, he has generated the third-highest barrel rate while posting a 62.1% hard-hit rate and .949 SLG.

This afternoon, he draws New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott, who has been getting lit up by left-handed hitters. The last 30 lefties he has faced own a .346 xBA, .526 xSLG and .383 xwOBA. Scott is also allowing 2.70 HR/9 during that span.

Devers enters Sunday with the second-highest matchup rating on Batters-Box, where he covers 100% of Scott's pitch mix.

Ride the hot bat.

Take this down to 24%.

  • Time: 1:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: SNY, NBCSBA
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
  • HR picks: 120-411, +25.3 units

Best home run combo for Sept. 6

Reds Kyle StowersTrade Now
118.00x
Reds Spencer Jones
Reds Rafael Devers

Want more baseball parlays? Check out our MLB parlay picks page!

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.

US Open tennis 2026: Aryna Sabalenka and Marta Kostyuk in action on day eight – live

  • The latest fourth-round updates from Flushing Meadows

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We’re 4-4 in the doubles and knocking up on Ashe. Thinking more about the match, I’d expect Townsend to use top spin to hit cross at Sabalenka’s backhand, taking her outside the lines if possible. She’ll also try and slow the game down, I think, and frustrate the champ, who doesn’t enjoy the wind-ups.

Townsend comes out wearing a coat that wouldn’t be out of place in the Night’s Watch, photo to follow but, in the meantime:

Continue reading...

Braves at Phillies chat and discussion: Tyler Mahle vs. Aaron Nola

Sep 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Through two games of this Braves-Phillies series, we’re exactly back where we started.

After one win apiece, the Braves’ NL East lead remains four games.

Atlanta can push that back to five or the Phillies can reduce it to three during Sunday afternoon’s 1:10 p.m. ET matchup at Citizens Bank Park, which will be a national broadcast on NBC.

The Braves are turning to Tyler Mahle, who has made a strong case for best deadline rotation addition through his first five starts with Atlanta, while the Phillies will counter with Aaron Nola, who is in the midst of a resurgent stretch himself.

Follow along and share your thoughts below.

Game Info

Preview

Lineups

Yankees’ Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders face huge series in Rochester

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders logo is seen on a hat before a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 23, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

It should be a very interesting final two weeks to the International League season.

Entering Triple-A play on Sunday, nine teams are within 4.5 games of first place in the second-half IL standings. At the top of those standings are the Rochester Red Wings, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, with a 37-25 record. One game back are the Yankees’ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders with a 35-25 record. Those teams will meet in a six-game series starting Monday* at ESL Ballpark in New York.

*There’s a rare Monday game on Labor Day; the two teams will be off on Tuesday and resume the series on Wednesday.

At 82-53 overall, Rochester has the most wins in the IL this season. In the first half, the Red Wings finished one game behind the champion Memphis Redbirds. The RailRiders are 72-62 overall.

In the season series, the RailRiders hold a 10-8 edge, outscoring the Red Wings, 101-94. They took four of six games from April 1-5 in Rochester and four of six from April 21-26 at PNC Field in northeastern Pennsylvania. When Rochester returned in an August 4-9 series, it won four of six.

Both teams are evenly matched. Rochester ranks second in the league in team batting average at .264 and the RailRiders rank third at .262. The RailRiders are second in the league in home runs with 195 and the Red Wings tied for third with 189. Rochester is third in team earned-run average at 4.44, the RailRiders fourth at 4.47.

Trey Lipscomb leads the way for the Red Wings, batting .292 while ranking second in the league in home runs (30) and RBIs (88) and tied for second in hits (135). Phillip Glasser bats .271 with 44 RBIs. Andrew Pinckney hits .270 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. Seaver King is the No. 4 prospect in the Nationals organization and is batting .301 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs. One of his home runs came off Carlos Rodón when the Yankees’ 2025 All-Star lefty was making a rehab start on August 8th at PNC Field.

On the mound, Red Wings right-hander Chander Champlain is 8-5 with a 3.68 ERA, which ranks second in the league, and 85 strikeouts in 120 innings. If his name rings a bell, he was a 2021 ninth-round pick by the Yankees and part of the Royals’ return for Andrew Benintendi in the trade at the 2022 deadline; he signed with the Nats as a minor-league free agent this past offseason. He combined with four relievers on a two-hit shutout of the RailRiders on April 22nd. Two more familiar faces in the bullpen are former RailRiders Yovanny Cruz and Jake Bird, who were in the trade the Yankees made with the Nationals to acquire Luis García Jr. Both were briefly in the Nats’ big-league bullpen after the deadline but have since been sent back to Triple-A.

Oswaldo Cabrera leads the RailRiders in batting at .291 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He is tied for fifth in the league in hits with 128. Yanquiel FernĂĄndez is tied for sixth in the league with 24 home runs and tied for third with 78 RBIs. Duke Ellis ranks second in the IL with 49 steals.

Anthony Volpe has provided an offensive spark since being sent down by the Yankees in early August. In 26 games, he is batting .300 with seven doubles, one triple, 10 home runs and 20 RBIs. Five of his home runs have come in the last six games.

“He looks like a man on a mission,” RailRiders manager Shelley Duncan said. “We’re getting a good glimpse of the Anthony Volpe that a lot of the people in New York have fallen in love with. It’s fun to see him play with that freedom, that energy that he has.”

Brendan Beck is the top pitcher in the league, ranking first in innings (125.2), strikeouts (140), ERA (2.86), opponents’ battings average (.204) and WHIP (1.04) and second in wins (9). Rochester did inflict one of Beck’s two losses this season April 26th. However, the right-hander has not lost since, winning seven games with 10 no-decisions. One of the wins came against the Red Wings on August 4th when he tossed six shutout innings and struck out a career-high 12.

While the RailRiders can help themselves against Rochester this week, they also have to be aware of the teams behind them in the standings. The Worcester Red Sox, Indianapolis Indians, St. Paul Saints, Durham Bulls, Syracuse Mets, Columbus Clippers, and Nashville Sounds are all still in the mix and have ideas at making a run at first place.

However, Duncan said the RailRiders can’t get too caught up in scoreboard watching.

“We can only control what we can control and that’s what we’re going to put all our energy into,” Duncan said. “When those games happen, they bring enough energy on their own. To try to induce it by worrying about all that stuff, it’s a trap. Any time you start hunting those on the scoreboard and start letting it get in your head, it’s a trap to get you out of who you are. These guys play hard every single day no matter what situation they’re in. It’s fun to just go out there and win a game regardless.”

While the second-half title likely won’t be clinched this week, the series between the RailRiders and Rochester could go a long way in determining who does.

“I feel like we’re in a good spot to get that first place,” RailRiders pitcher Alexander Cornielle said. “The guys are rolling, coming together more, speaking on stuff as a team that we need to get better at. We support each other and I feel like we’ve hit that point in the season where everything is falling in place. I feel like we have a pretty good chance of making first place. I don’t like to speak on the future, but I’m pretty confident that we have the tools here to make it.”

Potential Sabres Trade Or Free Agent Acquisitions – Teuvo Teravainen

The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures. 

We are continuing to look at potential options for the Sabres, now that veteran Patrick Kane has returned with Chicago.  Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.

Other Sabres Stories

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Kekalainen ideally is looking for someone who could make up as much of the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, or someone who can fill the leadership gap and/or add some snarl and sandpaper to the middle-six, either before the start of the season or before the NHL Trade Deadline. 

Where will Connor Hellebuyck end up?

Veteran Teuvo Teravainen has 90 games of Stanley Cup Playoff experience, something that will likely not be a factor for the Blackhawks, who will be without star center Connor Bedard to start the season. The 31-year-old was a first round pick of the Hawks in 2012, and won a Cup in Chicago in 2015, before being dealt for cap reasons to Carolina in 2016.  

Teruvainen spent eight seasons with the Hurricanes, where he scored more than 20 goals four times, and more than 50 points five times. In 2024, the rebuilding Hawks looked to surround Bedard with veteran talent to take some of the offensive burden off of the top overall pick. After scoring 58 points in his first season, his numbers dropped to 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 75 games. 

The Hawks are expected to be at the bottom of the Western Conference once again, which would put GM Kyle Davidson in the position of being a seller at the deadline, as he was last March when he dealt Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach to Edmonton, and Nick Foligno to Minnesota. 

Davidson and Kekalainen already made a significant transaction with the Byram/Greenway deal last June, and the Sabres could be looking to add a versatile veteran forward (who the Sabres GM is familiar with based on his playing internationally for Finland) on an expiring contract closer to the deadline.

Teravainen has an eight-team no-trade list and a $5.4 million cap hit in the final year of his deal, which might make it necessary for Chicago to retain salary to get an asset, but the cost of a draft pick might be what Buffalo is willing to give up for some late-season offensive help.  

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Mets' Jonah Tong 'excited for the opportunity,' will remain in rotation for remainder of season

When Jonah Tong takes the mound for the Mets on Monday afternoon against the Miami Marlins, it will mark his first action in the majors since June 2, and just his fourth appearance overall in the bigs this season. 

But interim manager Andy Green made it clear that Tong will stay in the Mets' rotation for the remainder of the season, giving the young pitcher more clarity than he's had in past call-ups.

"He’s had a good run here recently (with Syracuse) and we want to see him build on it," Green said. "So, I think we’re all excited to see it, and we’ll continue to hand him the ball for the rest of this year. We’re not going to make a secret of that. He’s going to post when it’s his turn to pitch, and he hasn’t really had that knowledge at any point in his big-league career."

"We recognize there’s not a lot of season left, but the season that is left, he’s going to be in the rotation and he’s going to get the baseball."

While his 2026 season hasn’t necessarily gone the way that Tong and many others have hoped, the young right-hander is ready for his next opportunity. 

“Just continue what I’ve been doing all year. Just stacking days and honestly just going out there and having fun,” Tong said on Sunday in the Mets clubhouse. “I find we play our best when we’re out there having fun.”

The 2025 season was certainly a lot of fun for Tong, as he dominated the minor leagues to the tune of a 1.43 ERA and a whopping 179 strikeouts in 113.2 combined innings between Binghamton and Syracuse (mostly with Binghamton).

But his 2025 call-up was a struggle, as he pitched to a 7.71 ERA in five starts, looking like he needed more seasoning before coming back to the majors, and his minor league numbers this season have not been nearly as dominant. 

In 23 games with Syracuse this season, Tong has pitched to a 4.54 ERA, and his strikeout numbers, while still impressive at 126 punchouts in 107 innings, aren’t quite as overpowering as they were a year ago.

“There are so many things that we have control over in our career, and sometimes there are just lessons that have to be learned,” Tong said. “I’m just really excited to see the person that I’ve become out of it.”

Tong, knowing that he's in the rotation for the remainder of the season, is still taking things one day at a time, and he’s focused on being where his feet are, as he likes to say.

“I think just day by day and brick by brick. I’m the same kid I was last year as I am this year,” he said. “The only difference is I just have a boatload of experience that I didn’t have last year. 

“Excited for the opportunity … Just enjoy the process and really take each day as it is.”

Twins vs White Sox Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins wrap up a series on Sunday Night Baseball, with the White Sox installed as a modest favorite and the total set at 8.5.

The White Sox are turning this into a bullpen day. Bryan Hudson opens, Jose Urquidy follows in bulk relief, and the Twins counter with Bailey Ober, who ranks in the Bottom 10 percentile of baseball in both strikeout rate and whiff rate this year.

Chicago's late-season form is clearly the better of these two clubs, and the way this game is being pitched has my White Sox vs. Twins prediction backing the home team. See why I'm also backing the Over in my MLB picks on Sunday, Sep. 6.

Who will win Twins vs White Sox today: White Sox -1.5 (39%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Minnesota Twins arm Bailey Ober ranks in the Bottom 10th percentile in K rate and whiff rate, and his fastball sits in the Bottom 1st percentile for velocity in baseball. That's why I'm fading him.

That's a specific problem against a Chicago White Sox lineup that already ranks above MLB average in both fly-ball rate (27.8%) and barrel rate (8.4%): they don't need to grind through counts against a low-whiff arm; they need to lift the ball, which is exactly what his profile will invite.

On the other side, you'll get Bryan Hudson as an opener against a lineup he should have success against for at least one frame. Jose Urquidy follows him in an expected bulk role. He hasn't had a great season, but the underlying metrics tell a different story: an actual ERA exceeding 5.00 but an expected ERA at around 3.00.

I'm banking on some of that positive regression coming here against a below-average offense. I'd play this to 41%.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Jose Urquidy's contact profile is generally elite, ranking in the Bottom 20th percentile in both hard-hit and barrel rate allowed

Twins vs White Sox Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (50%)

I'm on the Over for two units up to 54%. 

I've covered why I think Ober will struggle enough, which means the White Sox should do the heavy lifting. There's a bit of guesswork on the other side with a semi-bullpen profile game; however, Sean Newcomb is unlikely to be available today, removing one of Chicago's better late-inning arms.

For me, there's a real crooked number threat posed by Chicago, so anything the Twins do is a bonus. However, a thinner White Sox pen behind a short-outing opener does give Minnesota its own window to score. Two lineups with real paths to damage is the Over profile I want. 

Twins vs White Sox home run prediction: Josh Bell (14%)

Josh Bell is a switch-hitter who bats left-handed against right-handers, and it's been his best power split of the year: 12 dingers and a .432 slugging mark in just over 300 ABs against right-handed pitching, ahead of his output against lefties.

Urquidy's extension ranks in the Bottom 9th percentile in baseball, and his fastball velocity in the Bottom 21st, a below-average combination that gives hitters more time to read the ball. I like this matchup for a guy with enough power and a platoon advantage, especially at the price.  

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 50-45, +7.44 units
  • Over/Under bets: 56-39, +19.44 units

Twins vs White Sox weather

Conditions at Rate Field are expected to be mild: mid-70s, partly cloudy, 10 mph winds and no rain. Nothing here materially juices the total or knocks down fly balls.

Twins vs White Sox odds

  • Moneyline: Twins 43% | White Sox 58%
  • Run line: Twins +1.5 | White Sox -1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5

Twins vs White Sox trend

The Over is 6-1-1 in Minnesota's last eight games during Game 3 of a series. Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Phillies.

How to watch Twins vs White Sox and game info

LocationRate Field, Chicago, IL
DateSunday, Sept. 6, 2026
First pitch6:20 p.m. ET
TVNBC/Peacock
Twins starting pitcherBailey Ober
(7-4, 4.37 ERA)
White Sox starting pitcherSean Burke
(8-6, 3.20 ERA)

Twins vs White Sox latest injuries

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.

Padres seeking rubber match victory for first series win of September

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Griffin Canning #17 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the fifth inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Petco Park on September 05, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

No matter what may you look at it, this was a tough one. After the San Diego Padres walked off the New York Yankees on Friday night, they took a gut punch in Game 2, losing 5-1. Much of that was thanks to starter Robbie Ray failing to get out of the third inning.

After setting down the first three batters, Ben Rice singled to lead off the second inning. Ray got the next two batters out before giving up a double, three consecutive walks and a two-run single. Ray’s command completely eluded him, after he had looked strong to start the night. That, along with a quiet offense, marked the death of the Padres on Saturday night. They’ll now face New York in the rubber match this afternoon, trying to win their first series in two weeks.

Taking the mound

Gerrit Cole (NYY) v. Michael King (SD)

Cole spent the beginning of 2026 stuck on the injured list. The veteran’s first start of the year came on May 22 after receiving from Tommy John surgery. He’s been solid in that time, pitching to a 3.29 ERA through 104 innings. The strikeout numbers are modest, with 110 K’s in that same time.

But, in his last seven starts. Cole has turned up his game. He’s pitched to a 2.36 ERA across 42 innings. That being said, the last two games have been his worst in that time. Cole has surrendered six runs over his last 11 1/3 innings, giving up three runs in each of his two recent starts. San Diego will try to take advantage of that to win the series finale.

King has been fantastic this year, with a 3.11 ERA to back up that claim. Through 162 innings, King has proved that 2024 was not a fluke, posting incredibly consistent numbers through most of the season. King has been especially fantastic lately, with a 2.86 ERA across his last 15 starts.

Even more so, King hasn’t surrendered a single run since Aug. 19, pitching 16 consecutive scoreless innings. King will look to follow that up versus his former team. The right-hander came over from New York in 2024 in the trade that sent superstar Juan Soto to the Bronx.

Batter up!

It’s no secret that the Padres’ lineup has struggled in their last few games. The offense hasn’t scored more than three runs since last Monday when they scored five against the Cincinnati Reds. In the last four games, San Diego has scored just 2.43 runs per game, on average. They’ll need to do much better to back up King today.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  2. Samad Taylor, LF
  3. Manny Machado, 3B
  4. Ty France, 1B
  5. Jackson Merrill, CF
  6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  7. Luis Campusano, DH
  8. Jake Cronenworth, 2B
  9. Ethan Salas, C

The Padres walked (6) more than they hit (3) on Saturday night, with a truly disheartening performance from the offense. They struck out (12) more times than they reached base. If San Diego can turn the tables on Cole, and win their first series of September, it would be a major turning point for the Friars.

Relief corps

With Ray making it through just 2 1/3 innings, the bullpen was taxed a bit. Thankfully, Griffin Canning and Jhony Brito each covered two-plus innings of work, with Wandy Peralta and David Morgan covering the final two frames. That saved San Diego’s ‘pen for the rubber match just enough.

The Padres will have their high-leverage options in full force. Kyle Hart, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez will all be available for the rubber game. That, plus King on the mound, should give the Friars all the edge they need to beat New York.

Los Angeles Angels at. Pittsburgh Pirates: Walbert UreĂąa vs. Paul Skenes

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 25: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on August 25, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Los Angeles Angels vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, September 6, 2026, 1:35 p.m. ET

Location: PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: 93.7 The Fan (KDKA-FM), SportsNet Pittsburgh / MLB.TV

Pitching Matchup: Walbert UreĂąa (9-9, 2.85 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (9-11, 3.97 ERA)

The Angels dominated Pittsburgh 6-1 on Saturday thanks to six scoreless innings from Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi entered action with a 5.65 ERA, but was another lefty who shut down the Pirates this year. The Bucs only managed a solo home run from Bryan Reynolds in the bottom of the eighth.

Arizona won, but San Diego lost, meaning the Pirates are five games back of the Diamondbacks for the final wild card. Paul Skenes is on the mound looking to bounce back from a difficult outing against the Giants. Skenes allowed five runs over 4.2 innings and also walked three hitters. A win today would be Skenes’ 10th of the year and match last season’s win total. The Pirates need to win today to have any chance to make up the ground necessary with only 19 games left in the season. 

Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins preview, Sunday 9/6, 12:40 CT

Sunday notes…

  • TRYING TO EVEN THINGS UP: The Cubs have not swept a series at Miami since April of 2019. Two years ago, they won the first two games and lost the third. A win today will make the Cubs’ all-time record at Miami 59-59 and their record at loanDepot Park 23-23. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE; This is the 14th of the Cubs’ 46 series in which they have won the first two games. They are 7-6 in previous third games, but only 1-5 on the road. Their only win was at New York vs. the Mets on June 24. They lost at San Francisco in June; Pittsburgh, Baltimore and St. Louis in July; and Washington on Aug. 13. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • A MATCHING SET: If the Cubs win today, they will be 41-31 on the road — exactly the same as their record at home. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • HOME RUN FACTS: Since hitting a team-record nine home runs last Monday at home vs. the Brewers, the Cubs have hit a total of four: none in their next game, then one in each of the last four. The Cubs won yesterday despite being outhomered, 2-1. They are 18-36 when they have hit fewer homers than they have allowed, 27-18 when they have hit the same number and 36-8 when they have hit more. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: The Cubs homer five times, including three by Alfonso Soriano, and lead the Reds 11-1 going into the bottom of the eighth. They have to hold off four-run rallies by the Reds in both the eighth and ninth to win 14-8. It happened 18 years ago today, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008.

Cubs lineup:

Marlins lineup:

Clay Holmes, RHP vs. Tyler Phillips, RHP

Clay Holmes with the Cubs: Five starts, 1.55 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, just one home run allowed in 29 innings.

As a member of the Mets last year, Holmes faced the Marlins four times and posted a 3.00 ERA in 21 innings — with NO home runs allowed.

Just keep the ball on the ground, Clay. Current Marlins are batting .209 (9-for-43) against him with no home runs and 15 strikeouts.

Tyler Phillips was the Texas Rangers’ 16th round pick in 2015 out of high school in Texas. Eventually he went to the Phillies on waivers in 2021 and to the Marlins for cash considerations last year.

His only career appearance against the Cubs was a scoreless inning of relief May 21, 2025 in Miami. He began this year in the Marlins bullpen, but has been in the rotation since June 16, posting a 4.65 ERA and 1.355 WHIP and 12 home runs allowed in 62 innings. His last start, Sept. 1 vs. the Royals, was very good: five one-hit innings. The Cubs offense, though, is a lot better than Kansas City’s.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network. For Cubs fans in the UK, this game will be on BBC as well as other European channels. Details here.

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

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit the Marlins site Fish On First. If you do go there to interact with Marlins 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.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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The Suns need Khaman Maluach to become more than a prospect

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns defends against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As we saw with the steep punishment that the NBA handed out to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week, one of the most valuable assets an NBA team can have is draft picks, especially lottery selections. While many people believe that Los Angeles is in the toughest situation in the NBA after getting stripped five first-round picks, one of the reasons many don’t believe so is because they got to select Keaton Wagler fifth overall out of Illinois in this year’s draft.

While the Phoenix Suns had to give up Kevin Durant last offseason, they acquired the 10th overall pick, where they selected Khaman Maluach, which at the very least, helped them add young talent with a roster thin on draft picks and young players. Similar to the Clippers, Phoenix is thin on picks, just not for the same reason as the Clippers, but just like Los Angeles, a lot of their future relies on the development of their young players, with the former Duke center at the forefront of their best and most valuable young players.

That is why Phoenix needs to consider starting him earlier than later.

Whether it’s fair to believe or not, considering what many may think to be lofty expectations, one of owner Mat Ishbia’s most consistent messages is that the plan is to win a championship around Devin Booker.

With his physical traits, flashes of being able to stretch the floor and an encouraging sign, because of the Suns’ lack of assets and abundance of cap space over the next few seasons thanks to a variety longterm deals and Nassir Little and Bradley Beal’s contracts still on the books, Maluach may be the person with the best chance to be Booker’s running mate to help achieve the franchise’s goal.

While he didn’t play a lot during his rookie campaign and most of his minutes came when games were decided or the team was dealing with injuries, a strong summer has many excited about his prospects coming into the season. With Mark Williams now signed to a three-year deal for less than the mid-level exception and his future under team control, the team can feel more free in how they operate at the center position, not having to think about contract negotiations with a player they traded two first-round picks to acquire. In 60 games last season, Williams averaged 11.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. He missed the playoffs with a foot injury, and his numbers dipped once the 2026 part of the season started.

Receiving 2026 NBA All-Summer League Team honors, the player they call “Man Man,” averaged 19.5 points, 2 blocks, and 12.8 rebounds per game, which led Summer League.

To get back to the Finals and for the franchise to win its first playoff game since 2023, major development will be required. Players who weren’t key contributors last season need opportunities to contribute in new ways, and thanks to his raw talent and strong Summer, Khaman Maluach could be the perfect player to help the team improve and accomplish its main goal.


Texas Rangers lineup for September 6, 2026

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 05: Justin Foscue #14 of the Texas Rangers hits an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field on September 05, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Texas Rangers lineup for September 6, 2026, against the Tampa Bay Rays: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Ian Seymour for the Rays.

Its the final game of a disappointing homestand, with the Rangers needing a win to split the series against the Rays and avoid a losing record in the homestand.

The lineup:

Duran — CF

Seager — SS

Foscue — 2B

Nimmo — RF

Langford — LF

Burger — 1B

O’Hoppe — DH

Diaz — C

Freeman — 3B

1:35 p.m. Central start time. The game is a pick ‘em.

Gamethread 9/6: Phillies vs. Braves

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 19: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadephia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on August 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Phillies and Braves will square off on Sunday afternoon in the third game of their four-game series. The teams split the first two with the Braves winning on Friday and the Phillies rebounding to take the second game.

Aaron Nola will start for the Phillies. The veteran righty has been very good lately, going 3-1 with a 2.65 ERA in August.

Tyler Mahle goes for the Braves. The righthander was acquired via trade at the end of July and has been a solid addition to the Atlanta rotation with a 1.48 ERA in five post-trade starts.

Game time is 1:10 PM and will be televised locally by NBCSP.

Yankees vs Padres Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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My Yankees vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, Sept. 6, back New York as a 51% favorite.

After a 5-1 N.Y. win on Saturday, the Yanks look to Gerrit Cole to keep their winning ways alive. First pitch comes to you live from Petco Park at 4:10 p.m. ET.

Who will win Yankees vs Padres today: Yankees (51%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Very simple get-in-and-get-out reasoning: The San Diego Padres have been lifeless at the dish.

Over their last 12 games, they own an 82 wRC+, .128 ISO, and .631 OPS while producing just a 5.9% barrel rate.

That lineup now draws New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who has been nails over his last five starts, owning a 2.97 ERA and 3.02 xERA while allowing just a 3.49% barrel rate to opposing hitters.

Padres starter and former Yankee Michael King has been very solid over his last three starts as well, but the Yankees have been light-years better than the Padres at the dish this past week. Lean on the hot bats and the more consistent arm.

Play to 54%.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Spencer Jones has been crushing right-handed pitching over his last 30 at-bats, owning a .538 SLG and .307 ISO while generating a 62.5% hard-hit rate and 25% barrel rate.

Yankees vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 6.5 (44%)

With how poorly the Padres have been swinging the bat lately and how well Gerrit Cole and Michael King have been on the rubber, this game should stay under this low total.

Cole has been allowing a ton of hard contact over his last five starts, but that comes with being a heavy fastball pitcher.

He still has a 1.12 WHIP over that stretch. King has done a great job limiting hard-hit balls across his last five starts, where he also sports a 1.71 ERA and 1.04 WHIP.

This feels like a 3-2 ballgame.

Yankees vs Padres home run prediction: Ben Rice (18%)

Yankees young slugger Ben Rice was the one guy who really stood out to leave the yard in this matchup. I also didn’t mind Spencer Jones or Fernando Tatis Jr., but Rice has been making a ton of hard contact while posting a 15% barrel rate over his last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers.

Over his last 10 games, he also sports a .600 SLG and .659 xSLG while elevating the ball 65.6% of the time.

Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
  • 2026 MLB bets: 465-926, -6.9 units
  • Home run bets: 120-411, +25.3 units

Yankees vs Padres weather

Ideal baseball weather this afternoon, with temperatures in the mid-80s and a 9 mph wind blowing in. Should make for a beautiful day at the ballpark and a great game to take in.

Yankees vs Padres odds

  • Moneyline: Yankees 51% | Padres 50%
  • Run line: Yankees -1.5 (38%) | Padres +1.5 (63%)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (57%) | Under 6.5 (44%)

Yankees vs Padres trend

The New York Yankees have hit the Game Total Under in 23 of their last 35 away games (+9.85 Units / 25% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Padres.

How to watch Yankees vs Padres and game info

LocationPetco Park, San Diego, CA
DateSunday, Sept. 6, 2026
First pitch4:10 p.m. ET
TVYES, Padres.TV
Yankees starting pitcherGerrit Cole
(8-7, 3.29 ERA)
Padres starting pitcherMichael King
(9-9, 3.11 ERA)

Yankees vs Padres latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Sabres Top 40 Prospects – Buffalo Hopes To Get Golden Gophers Leading Scorer Under Contract

The Buffalo Sabres have been considered to have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which is in part due to them selecting high in recent drafts because of their not qualifying for the playoffs. The Sabres have displayed an eye for talent, and the organization’s developmental model has begun to yield results, with 2023 first rounder Zach Benson making an impact in the playoffs, and 2024 top pick Konsta Helenius appearing as one of the AHL’s top prospects the last two seasons.  

Leading up to the opening of training camp in mid-September, we will look at the club's top 40 prospects. These players are all 25 years old or younger, whose rights are currently held by the Sabres or are on AHL or NHL deals, and have played less than 82 NHL games. 

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5. Brodie Ziemer – Right Wing (Minnesota - NCAA)

Ziemer was the Sabres third-round pick at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas after scoring 70 points (27 goals, 43 assists) in 61 games as part of the US National Development Program’s Under-18 squad, and after posting a dozen points and serving as team captain of Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Under-18s.

Where will Connor Hellebuyck end up?

The Minnesota native was a standout for Team USA at the 2025 World Junior in Ottawa last January in their gold medal-winning effort, and he put up good numbers (12 goals, 11 assists in 38 games) as a freshman at the University of Minnesota. Ziemer is a high-motor player with good two-way skills and possesses leadership abilities.

Those abilities led to him being named captain of Team USA for the 2026 WJC, where he scored six points in five games. The 20-year-old winger led the Golden Gophers in scoring in his sophomore campaign, posting 36 points (23 goals, 13 assists) in 36 games. 

After his third Development Camp in July, Ziemer indicated that he hopes to work on his skating during his junior season, and it is expected that the Sabres will try to get him to turn pro and sign his entry-level deal after his junior season. 

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