ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 20: Dylan Crews #3 of the Washington Nationals celebrates his home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 20, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday, we saw the best of Dylan Crews. He was hitting rifles all over the yard, including a 442 foot nuke to give the Nats an insurance run they desperately needed. This was Dylan Crews at his best, something we unfortunately do not see often enough. Crews has these great games, they just do not happen often enough.
Even after yesterday’s great performance, Crews’ overall numbers are far from impressive. He is hitting .198 with a .602 OPS on the season. There have been times this year where Dylan Crews has looked really good, but it is usually followed by several games where he does nothing.
A perfect example of that just happened recently. Crews hit a massive 3-run homer against the Royals, and then followed it up by going 1 for 11. That just feels like the story of Crews’ season, and really his big league career. It is one step forward, two steps back.
Dylan Crews since his big 3-run HR vs the Royals earlier this week:
However, when you look at the underlying data, there is some reason for optimism, though I will show one area of weakness to explore. Crews’ xwOBA is .342, which is above average, and way better than his .264 wOBA. He is hitting the ball hard, swinging hard, and actually hitting way fewer ground balls.
Crews has had a major ground ball problem in the past, so many fans including myself assumed that was still the case this year. However, that is not his big issue right now. Crews’ 41.5% GB rate is actually lower than average and way down from his 50.2% rate from last year.
If ground balls are not the problem for Crews, then what is? In my opinion, he has two issues. The first one is pretty straightforward, he is chasing a ton and not walking at all. Crews’ chase rate this year is a career high 37.6%. In 2024 and 2025, Crews’ chase rate was under 30%. The lack of chase, as well as the lack of fear he brings pitchers is why he is not walking at all. Crews only has 2 walks all season, which is a 1.9% BB rate.
Crews’ second problem is actually a bit counterintuitive. He is hitting the ball to the middle of the field too often right now. Dylan Crews is hitting the ball straightaway 48.8% of the time, over 10% more often than the average hitter. As kids, we were all taught to use the middle of the field, but in 2026 major league baseball, that strategy has drawbacks.
Lance Brozdowski made a video about how balls hit to center field, even barrels to center are outs more than ever in the past few seasons. One of the big reasons for this is pretty simple, center fielders have gotten insanely good at defense. From Jacob Young to PCA to Ceddanne Rafaela and more, there are just so many good center fielders right now.
The average center fielder is also much better at defense. Even Dylan Crews himself is a good example of a good center field defender, at least when he is out there. With positioning being very good and all these hyper athletes in center, it is tough to live off the middle of the field.
You also have to really destroy a ball to hit a homer to center field. Dylan Crews can obviously do that, as we saw yesterday. However, it is a tough way to live, especially if you are not an 80 grade power guy like James Wood. Honestly, as we see from Wood, flyballs the other way are more productive than ones to center.
Crews’ heavy use of the middle of the field could explain why his xwOBA is so much higher than his raw numbers. Part of this is bad luck, but Crews also has a bad habit of hitting the ball to the other team’s best defenders. Even with that in mind, I do think Crews is getting unlucky.
However, until he starts pulling the ball more, or even just not hitting half his balls up the middle, he is going to underperform his expected stats. It is an interesting dilemma that would not have been as much of a problem even 10 years ago. However, the up the middle athletes these days are just insane.
For these reasons, Dylan Crews is still searching for that consistency. He is doing a lot of things well, like hitting the ball hard, whiffing less and elevating more. You would think his luck will turn around some, but there are some interesting factors at play with Crews.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Jake Burger #21 of the Texas Rangers reacts after being hit by a pitch during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field on June 20, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, folks…
The Texas Rangers fell to the San Diego Padres yesterday by a score of 6-4.
Shawn McFarland’s game story talks about the problems the Rangers have in the bullpen when they get past Jakob Junis and Jacob Latz.
Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday, but will be starting today.
The Atlanta Braves will look to complete a three-game sweep as they host the Milwaukee Brewers once more on Sunday afternoon.
Milwaukee’s Robert Gasser has let batters get the ball in the air, and that could mean bad news against Atlanta, which I’m taking to complete the sweep in my Brewers vs. Braves predictions.
Read on for full analysis of this afternoon matchup as I share my free MLB picks for Sunday, June 21.
Who will win Brewers vs Braves today: Braves moneyline (-131)
Atlanta Braves starter Bryce Elder hasn’t been missing as many bats as he’d like, but he has generated poor contact.
Brewers starter Robert Gasser has arguably underperformed his metrics, but his 24.6% ground-ball rate is among the lowest in MLB. That’s a bad sign against a Braves team that hits 59.8% of its balls in the air.
I like Atlanta to win at -140 or better.
COVERS INTEL: Gasser has struggled with his sinker this season, allowing a .398 wOBA on the pitch – one that the Braves pull in the air a solid 11.1% of the time.
Brewers vs Braves Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (+101)
As I noted above, Gasser does have some promising advanced metrics that suggest we should expect more from him.
He has a sterling .186 xBA and holds the opposition to a 29.0% hard-hit rate. That’s a measure where Atlanta is pretty mediocre at 40.1%.
Combine that with Elder’s ability to avoid hard contact, and we could be in for a well-pitched game despite the quality of these offenses.
The first two games of this series ended with totals of seven runs or less, and I like the Under again in today’s game as long as the total stays at 8.5.
Ed Scimia's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 13-19, -6.84 units
Over/Under bets: 12-18, -6.74 units
Brewers vs Braves weather
No rain is expected on a sunny day in Cumberland, GA with calm winds blowing in from right-center.
Brewers vs Braves odds
Moneyline: Brewers +107 | Braves -127
Run line: Brewers +1.5 | Braves -1.5
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Brewers vs Braves trend
The Brewers are 1-4 straight up in Gasser’s last five starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Braves.
How to watch Brewers vs Braves and game info
Location
Truist Park, Cumberland, GA
Date
Sunday, June 21, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
Brewers.TV,BravesVision
Brewers starting pitcher
Robert Gasser (0-3, 4.88 ERA)
Braves starting pitcher
Bryce Elder (5-4, 3.15 ERA)
Brewers vs Braves 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.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres watches his three-run home run during the tenth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on June 20, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A day after the big four of Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts combined to go 0-for-17 at the plate in a 9-7 loss, the same group went 8-for-19 with a home run, three doubles, four runs scored, six RBI, a walk and three strikeouts en route to a 6-4 win in 10 innings over the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Machado finished with five RBI in the game and launched what proved to be the game-winning three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning that gave the Padres a 6-3 lead. Mason Miller came on for the bottom of the 10th inning and allowed the Manfred Man from second base to score on an infield hit by Wyatt Langford with two outs in the inning, but a earned his 20th save of the season when he struck out the next batter, Bandon Nimmo, to end the game.
San Diego was able to force the game to go to extra innings when Merrill hit a ground ball into right field with the Padres trailing 3-2 in the top of the eighth inning. The single allowed Samad Taylor to score from second base to tie the game. Adrian Morejon came on to replace Jason Adam for the bottom of the eighth inning after he allowed two runs on two hits in the bottom of the seventh. Morejon faced four batters and recorded three strikeouts in the eighth and returned to the mound for the bottom of the ninth. He faced four batters in the ninth as well and recorded two more strikeouts to give him five in just two innings of work. That set the stage for the Padres to score in the top of the 10th to get Miller to the mound for the save.
San Diego got the first run of the game in the top of the third inning when Machado lined a ball into right-center field, which was just beyond the reach of Langford and kicked off the tip of his glove and rolled to the wall. Tatis Jr., who was on second base after a one-out double, came around to score to give the Padres a 1-0 lead.
San Diego held the lead until the bottom of the sixth inning when starter Walker Buehler allowed back-to-back one-out doubles, which allowed Texas to tie the game at 1-1. Buehler came out after the run scored after completing 5.1 innings with one run allowed on five hits with one walk and seven strikeouts. It was another strong performance turned in by the right-hander who has allowed just three runs over his last three starts with three walks and 16 strikeouts. Buehler has quietly been the one of the best pitchers in the San Diego rotation.
The Padres will try to win the series against the Rangers with a win in Game 3 today at 11:35 a.m.
Padres News:
Catcher Blake Hunt has spent his entire career in the minor leagues with multiple organizations, but he finally got to make his MLB debut with the team that drafted him, San Diego. A day after making his debut, he got his first start in the majors.
San Diego’s top prospect Ethan Salas has cooled off at the plate recently, but now he will be unable to contribute at all thanks to an oblique injury.
Batting leadoff should give the Cleveland Guardians 2B Travis Bazzana four to five plate appearances against Houston Astros righty Kai-Wei Teng, boosting his chances of clearing 1.5 total bases.
Bazzana is red-hot, hitting .375 over his last seven games while carrying a strong .845 OPS on the season. He has also excelled against right-handed pitching, batting .327.
Teng is a favorable target, carrying a -6 Run Value on his fastball while allowing lefties to slug .592 against his changeup.
With a disciplined 22.2% chase rate, Bazzana should force Teng into the zone and get pitches he can drive for extra bases. Play this to +100.
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Guardians.TV, Space City Home Network
Brandon Lowe Over 0.5 home runs (+255)
Pittsburgh Pirates 2B Brandon Lowe is in an excellent spot to go deep against Colorado Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen.
Lowe has already launched 18 home runs while posting an .842 OPS this season, and his underlying metrics remain strong, ranking in the 79th percentile in Barrel Rate and the 83rd percentile in expected slugging percentage (xSLG).
Lorenzen has struggled badly in 2026, carrying a 7.13 ERA and 5.60 xERA while allowing opponents to post a .478 xSLG.
His four-seam fastball, changeup, and cutter all carry negative Run Values, giving a power hitter like Lowe multiple pitches he can punish.
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rockies.TV
Freddie Freeman Over 1.5 total bases (+116)
Freddie Freeman is in an excellent position to clear 1.5 total bases against Baltimore Orioles right-hander Brandon Young.
The Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman owns an .834 OPS this season and continues to generate elite contact quality, ranking in the 91st percentile in xwOBA, 88th percentile in xSLG, 75th percentile in Barrel Rate, and 70th percentile in Hard-Hit Rate.
The matchup is favorable as well. Young carries a 4.32 xERA with a modest 16.6% strikeout rate, while opponents are batting .389 and slugging .528 against his sinker.
Freeman has crushed sinkers this season, boasting a .340 wOBA with a .404 slugging percentage and a +9 Run Value against four-seamers, making him a strong candidate to cash this total bases prop. Play to -110.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, SportsNet LA
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.
After taking two of the three from the Mets, the Cincinnati Reds look for consecutive series wins in New York as they play the rubber match of their three-game set with the Yankees today.
With the Reds trotting out budding ace Chase Burns, my Reds vs. Yankees predictions and free MLB picks have Cincy in prime position to take this series against the AL East leaders.
Who will win Reds vs Yankees today: Reds moneyline (+105)
Injuries have pushed 23-year-old Chase Burns into the ace role, and he's responded by allowing two or fewer runs in 13 of 14 starts.
The New York Yankees punish mistakes, leading the majors in home runs, but Burns avoids the big inning.
The Cincinnati Reds face highly-touted prospect Elmer Rodriguez, making just his second career start, against a Reds lineup whose best 2026 hitting split is on the road (.237 average).
Cincinnati has won six of its last eight meetings with New York, so I'd play the Reds up to -150.
COVERS INTEL: New York is well aware of what Burns is capable of. They were the team that he faced off against in his big league debut, nearly a year ago to the day, and his effort was described as electric.
Reds vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-116)
Burns’ ability to shut down a batting lineup has been remarkable, which lends itself more to the Under. The total has gone Under 9 in five of his last eight starts.
New York is in a mini power outage, losing two of three and scoring just three runs in those losses.
On the other side, even if the Reds can chase Rodriguez out after plating a few runs, they’ll have to deal with a Yankees’ bullpen that’s currently seventh in ERA.
The Under has cashed in five of the last seven matchups between these teams, and that trend should continue today.
Anything better than -125 is acceptable.
Eric Rosales' 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 10-11, -1.40 units
Over/Under bets: 14-6-0, +8.13 units
Reds vs Yankees weather
The bats will get a slight bump with 81F temperatures and sunny conditions, and an 8 mph wind blowing out to right-center.
Reds vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Reds -106 | Yankees -110
Run line: Reds +1.5 | Yankees -1.5
Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Reds vs Yankees trend
The Reds have covered the F5 Run Line in seven of their last nine games (+4.80 Units / 47% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. Yankees.
How to watch Reds vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Sunday, June 21, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
Reds.TV, YES
Reds starting pitcher
Chase Burns (8-1, 2.01 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Elmer Rodriguez (0-1, 4.15 ERA)
Reds vs Yankees 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.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 29: Ozzie Albies #1 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after hitting a two-run homer in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Ozzie Albies Game was definitely played yesterday. There was his home run to take the lead. Then his error in the top of the next inning, which aided Milwaukee into BABIPing themselves into the lead. Then there was this home run to win the game in the ninth.
Ozzie describes this game as “one of his top two games” of his career. Well, that means he has another favorite game that is equal or greater than yesterday’s game. What is it then? An easy answer is Game 6 of the 2021 World Series. That one has a star on it in my book. But how does that World Championship game compare to a regular season game, even one that he had a big part of winning? I’m not sure it does, and I believe he is considering his personal highlights. Yesterday’s game that reminded me of this one was on August 11, 2021.
This game was one that the Braves had easily in hand, but allowed the Reds to tie the game late and take the lead in the eleventh inning. I remember having this game in the background as I was working day job tasks. The stadium had the energy of resignation, and the home run seemed to come from nowhere.
There’s also this wild game from June 8, 2023 with some other Mets killers in the booth. So what is Ozzie’s “top game”?
One specific area that the Blue Jackets should look to improve this off-season is their defensive depth. When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea stands out as an interesting potential target for them to consider.
When Sergei Bobrovsky decided that he didn’t want to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets any longer, fans were gutted. How could the best goalie to ever wear the Union Blue want to leave? He owns just about every organizational record there is for goalies, including games played, wins, goals-against, saves, shutouts, minutes played, and points scored.
First up will be the 2026 NHL buyout window. The first buyout period this year starts 48 hours after the Stanley Cup playoffs end. So, with Carolina ending it last night, clubs will start the process of figuring out if they wish to buy a player out, and that process must conclude by June 30th at 5pm ET.
According to BetMGM's odds, the CBJ are listed at +5000 to win the 2027 Stanley Cup. That's the 16th-best odds in the league. Other teams at +5000 are the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.
After being drafted 1st overall, Nash went on to sign his first NHL contract, a deal that was signed minutes before the deadline. That contract, at the time, was the most lucrative ever signed by an NHL rookie, valued at $1.2 million per season, with bonuses and incentives ranging from $8 million to $12 million.
When looking at this year's pending UFAs, one players who stands out as a potential option for the Blue Jackets to consider is Minnesota Wild forward Vladimir Tarasenko.
Adam Fantilli is the future of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and with him needing a new deal, many fans are worried that he won't get signed before July 1st, leading to an offer sheet that the CBJ won't be able to afford.
I'm here to tell you that there's nothing to worry about. At least, that's my humble opinion.
Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward and Cleveland Monsters Captain Ryan Craig has been promoted by the Vegas Golden Knights to be their next head coach. He replaces John Tortorella, who just took the VGK to the Stanley Cup Final. It was announced on June 16 that Tortorella would not be back to coach Vegas.
One way that the Blue Jackets could look to improve their group this summer is through free agency. There are some interesting pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who could hit the market on July 1, and one of them is Dallas Stars forward Michael Bunting.
"The league has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith. Our investigation has concluded that, even in the light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the league."
Everyone is the media expects and hopes GM Don Waddell does something to bolster the lineup. From trading up to trading down, to trading players, everything seems to be on the table.
When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), one player who could be an intriguing addition to the Blue Jackets' roster is Seattle Kraken forward Eeli Tolvanen.
The Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed defenseman Corson Ceulemans to a one-year, two-way contract extension. At the NHL level, the 6-foot-2 defenseman will have an $850,000 cap hit. He will have an AHL salary of $95,000.
Jake Christiansen has a lot to prove next season if he wants to remain a member of the CBJ. He'll be a UFA at the end of 26-27, and will be playing for his future.
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.
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That's maybe the most heard piece of analysis around the 2026 NBA Draft. The top four teams (Washington, Utah, Memphis, Chicago) are not trading down or out of those spots, and they are going to select the top four players (AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, Caleb Wilson) in whatever order.
From there, anything could happen — and that includes trades, too. There will be plenty on draft night. Let's break down some of the trade rumors already and ones we might see during the first round of the NBA Draft.
Will Clippers trade No. 5 pick?
While there was a lot of talk about this early, it likely isn't happening, according to the latest reports. The Clippers did explore the market for trading their pick, league sources told NBC Sports, and they should as a team at a crossroads — retool and continue to try to win now around Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, or start to rebuild to whatever is next. That uncertainty fueled speculation that Lawrence Frank and the front office might trade the No. 5 pick in favor of a win-now player.
Instead, the Clippers are now operating like a team that is going to keep the pick, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. What would it take to get the Clippers to change their mind about that? Multiple first-round picks — especially in outlying years, picks the league can't take away in any punishment tied to the Aspiration scandal (we're all still waiting to see how that plays out) — and young players. Oklahoma City has the assets, but isn't likely to send them to Los Angeles.
The strongest buzz in league circles is that the Clippers will use that pick on Keaton Wagler out of Illinois, or maybe Mikel Brown Jr. out of Louisville. However, when the Clippers have made big moves in recent years — including trading away Ivica Zubac this season — they have come out of the blue. This is not a leaky organization, and with that anything could happen.
Oklahoma City wants to trade up
Just what the rest of the league wants to see, the Thunder with another elite young player.
That's likely going to happen one way or another. Oklahoma City controls the No. 12 (via the LA Clippers) and the No. 17 (via Philly) picks in this draft, and the Thunder are looking to package those picks, possibly with something else (a future pick or player on a minimum deal such as Thomas Sorber), to move up in this draft, according to multiple reports (most recently ESPN’s Marc Spears). Maybe to the Bucks' pick at No. 10, or even Atlanta at No. 8 can be in play — OKC has the depth of assets to make that happen if they want to.
The Thunder have been linked to three Michigan players: Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and center Aday Mara. While at least one of them is very likely on the board at No. 12. However, if the Thunder have eyes on one of them in particular — specifically Johnson — they very likely will need to trade up to get him. While there very much is a "don't help out the Thunder" sentiment around the league (Darryl Morey apparently didn't get the memo), teams have to do what is in their own best interest, and if the Thunder makes a good enough offer, they will be able to get their man. And get even deeper and better.
Also, league sources have told NBC Sports that if the Thunder keep the No. 12 pick and use it, look for them to trade out of the No. 17 pick.
Does Miami trade No. 13 pick for Giannis?
To say it's the worst-kept secret in the NBA suggests it's still a secret. It's not. Miami is trying to send the No. 13 pick to Milwaukee as part of a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo (one that will include three or four teams if it all comes together).
Milwaukee has been acting for a month like a team that will have multiple lottery picks in this draft. (There was speculation they would try to package those picks to move up, but none of the top four teams are selling.) The only question now is if the trade happens. If it does, Milwaukee will pick tenth and thirteenth in the first round.
Warriors might trade down
While the Thunder are looking to trade up, the Warriors might be open to trading down out of the No. 11 pick, reports Brett Siegel at ClutchPoints. He also said the Warriors would love to add a second first-round pick later in the teens.
If the Warriors keep the No. 11 pick, they have been heavily linked to Arizona guard Brayden Burries, except there is little chance he is still on the board at that point. After that, they also like the Michigan trio of Lendeborg, Mara and Johnson.
If the Warriors use their pick, this remains a win-now team in the Stephen Curry era and they will want a player who can contribute now, not a project.
Chicago looking to trade up
It's not just the Thunder looking to move up; the Chicago Bulls — with the No. 15 pick plus two early second-rounders (36 and 38) — are looking to move up, specifically to get Michigan's Mara, reports Siegel of ClutchPoints. There's logic to that. The Bulls traded Nikola Vucevic midseason to Boston and Zach Collins was on an expiring deal, the Bulls need their center of the future and Mara would be a great fit with Josh Giddey. The question becomes, do they have enough to offer a team like the Bucks or Warriors to move up in the draft? It's something to watch.
Boston, Denver, Minnesota want to trade up
Denver, Boston and Minnesota are set to pick at the end of the first round — picks No. 26, 27 and 28, respectively — as happens to good teams with good records.
However, all three are looking for ways to move up in the first round, reports Jake Fischer at The Stein Line. To do that would require attaching a player or a future draft pick of real value — teams are not eager to trade into the back end of the first round — but these picks could be part of a larger deal. Boston, for example, is listening to calls about Derrick White (even if it's unlikely they move him).
Denver is looking to add youth and athleticism to its young core (which is why they likely re-sign Peyton Watson), and moving up in the draft could help with that. Boston also is looking to add depth to a roster it expects will contend for the East crown and a title next season. A good draft pick helps both those teams, but can they afford to move up to make it happen?
Fischer adds if Minnesota keeps the pick (a swap with Detroit, which has Minnesota's No. 21 pick) general manager Tim Connelly may take Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea.
The St. Louis Cardinals surpassed expectations for the first third of the season but things have gone back towards that low baseline in recent weeks. With minimal support brought in to help a makeshift starting rotation, it should not be surprise that the holdovers from the previous season have been pretty much as anticipated. Outside of Dustin May, the rest of the staff has been passable at best but are becoming a cause for concern in the unexpected competitive season in St. Louis.
In this fact-finding season, a rotation overhaul is unlikely outside of a May trade, but there are plenty of arms deserving of a look at the major league level so they can start to find their place within the organization’s future plans. This means that pitchers like Kyle Leahy and Matthew Liberatore may have a leash with no end in sight as the Cardinals try to make it through the dog days of the season. In a different season, their stay in the rotation could be numbered, but the current Cardinal team is in no rush to make major changes with the short-term in mind.
Cardinals can turn to Brycen Mautz and Quinn Mathews to support the struggling rotation
Through the Memorial Day checkpoint the Cardinals were sitting seven games over .500 and doing it with a starting rotation that measured as 27th-best in the league by FanGraphs fWAR. It never truly felt that bad though, especially because the offense checked in at 6th-best, scoring 4.57 runs per game to narrowly outpace the 4.55 runs per game given up by the pitchers. In recent weeks, the rotation has failed to provide both quantity and quality innings, causing a renewed call for Leahy and Liberatore to be removed from the rotation and support the also struggling bullpen.
This year, Leahy was given the Liberatore treatment and I go back and forth to how long it is going to last. He is older than Libby without the prospect pedigree, so a season-long leash may not be in the cards if Leahy is unable to work deeper into the game. In order for him to be removed from the starting five, there will have to be someone knocking on the door for a consistent run as a starter. As of today, I believe that the biggest rotation turnover will still come in the form of a May trade, meaning there may only be one spot like that open for the season.
As a Tommy John survivor, I wish continued health to the pitching staff, but an injury could also create an audition spot for a minor league arm to stake a claim to next year’s rotation. If and when May is traded, the likeliest option to slot right into his spot is Hunter Dobbins, who has had some success over a couple major league cameos this season. That move would of course keep Libby and Leahy both in the rotation, but if either of the two is demoted to the relief corps, Brycen Mautz and Quinn Mathews should begin their showcase for 2027.
While Mautz could get the first shake, he has struggled with his command in his last few starts, walking 16 batters in 18.1 innings since being sent back down after his debut. Because he is stretched out and may profile as a reliever in the long-term, I would rather Mautz fill the hole left by a JoJo Romero trade or a Justin Bruihl transaction. Mautz could be used in different situations out of the pen this year and then focus on the rotation again in the offseason.
This leaves my choice for a half-year showcase to be Quinn Mathews. After winning the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year award in 2024, the lefty looked to be on a fast track to the majors after pitching at all four levels that season. Mathews ran into trouble with his command and shoulder last season and took a step back in the prospect rankings after seeing his walk rate more than double. He was still able to limit the overall damage as opposing hitters hit .218 against Mathews, allowing him to finish with an ERA under four on the year.
If you have been reading my last couple articles, I point to the Rule 5 protection being a major talking point for multiple pitchers at the upper level of the minors. Mathews is not exception as he will need to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason and that is a foregone conclusion to happen if he does not make it to the majors this year. Service time and MLB salary be darned in my opinion and at the first chance of an extended major league look, Mathews should be near the top of the list to be promoted. Even if his command and consistency falter to a point, giving him a longer run (if the season is lost) could be better for his development rather than continuing to strikeout Triple-A hitters.
I have had this view on Cardinal pitching prospects for a bit now as I want pitchers to use their bullets at the major league level, especially with the rate that the minor league staff has been hit with injuries. If a pitcher is “close” like Mathews is, really just needing to refine his command, the major league coaching staff should have their eyes on him daily so they can work to develop him best to the major league game. That is why I am also against short stints in the bigs for prospects, because that leaves little time for them to learn and adjust to the next level and has to be difficult both physically and mentally.
If the Cardinals continue to compete this year, the minor league trio mentioned could still theoretically provide a prospect boost to the team but would be tough to count on in October. I am room temperature on adding to the rotation at the deadline, depending on who is brought in and what prospect capital is sent out. As a fan, I want the team to win and I would attempt to get to Busch Stadium for a playoff game, but I still think this team is a year or two ahead of schedule and standing pat outside of quickly expiring asset deals is the best course of option this year.
Bryse Wilson of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs delivers a pitch during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 22, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
On Monday, the Phillies are going to try some things with their fifth starter’s spot.
Phillies, for now, are going with TBA as their Monday starter in Washington. That is when they'll unveil the plan for the No. 5 spot. Could be Alan Rangel. Could be Bryse Wilson. Could be you.
Outside of the possibility that a mere fan could walk onto the field and start hurling whatever assortment of junk he/she could think of at James Wood, the Phillies will be showing their hand as to their plans. Maybe they’ll give Bryse Wilson another crack at the job, maybe it’ll be Rangel.
Maybe it’ll be the vaunted “bullpen game”, with one of these two names acting as the bulk man for the game.
In your eyes, what’s the ideal thing for the Phillies to do? The purist in me wants a starter, whether that be Wilson or Rangel, to start the game and give them an actual start, but if they deem a bullpen game to be the option, who am I to judge?
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 15: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Round Two Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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
Most of the time when we run these SB Nation Reacts polls at Canis Hoopus, I have a pretty good idea where the results are headed before the votes even start rolling in. It is a product of spending time in the comments section, and understanding the mood of Wolves Nation. There are certain questions where the answer feels almost preordained.
This week, though, I was caught a little off guard. Not necessarily by the winner, because the answer makes a painful amount of sense. What surprised me was the margin. We asked the Canis Hoopus faithful what the biggest thing standing between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the 2027 NBA title is, and the options were legitimate. We listed real, championship-level threats.
There was Oklahoma City, sitting there like the league’s fully weaponized basketball laboratory. The Thunder have the two-time league MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a championship already tucked into their belt, a roster that plays with relentless intensity, and more assets than just about anyone else in the league to keep tinkering, adjusting, and improving. They are young, loaded, battle-tested, and somehow still positioned to get better.
There was San Antonio, the team that ended Minnesota’s season in the second round and then kept right on moving. The Spurs are the reigning Western Conference champions, led by Victor Wembanyama. He headlines a young core that is still learning, still growing, and already ahead of schedule. That is the scary part. The Spurs were not supposed to be this far along this quickly, and yet there they were, sending the Wolves home and announcing that their timeline may not care about anyone else’s plans.
And then there were the newly crowned NBA champion New York Knicks, who now stand at the top of the league with Minnesota’s former franchise star Karl-Anthony Towns and the impossible-to-rattle Jalen Brunson leading the way. The Knicks did what the Timberwolves could not do. They took down San Antonio convincingly in the NBA Finals, winning the title and putting an end to one of the longest droughts in professional sports. That team is not going anywhere either. They have toughness, identity, star power, and the kind of championship validation that turns confidence into something more dangerous. If the Wolves can claw their way through the Western Conference gauntlet, there is every chance New York could be waiting on the other side.
Those are three extremely legitimate answers. Any one of them would have made sense. You could have voted Thunder, Spurs, or Knicks and defended the choice without breaking a sweat. But according to Wolves fans, none of those teams represented the biggest threat to Minnesota’s title hopes.
Neither did injuries, which is a little remarkable considering injuries absolutely helped cripple the Wolves this past postseason. Anthony Edwards was dealing with two bad knees. Naz Reid had the shoulder issue. Ayo Dosunmu was slowed by the calf. And most significantly for next season, Donte DiVincenzo will be recovering from a ruptured Achilles, leaving a major question mark hanging over Minnesota’s rotation before the 2026-27 season even begins. Ant, Naz, and Ayo’s issues should theoretically improve with an offseason of rest and recovery. DiVincenzo’s injury is different. Donte is not walking through that door in October ready to pick up where he left off. Whether Wolves fans see him at all next season remains very much up in the air, and even if he does return, it is fair to wonder when he will look anything like the version of himself this team expected to have.
For those who have watched DiVincenzo closely over the last two seasons, his absence cannot simply be waved away. It is easy to look at his role statistically and convince yourself that Minnesota can paper over the loss with Dosunmu, more minutes for others, or some clever reshuffling from Chris Finch. But Donte’s value was never just the box score. It was the toughness. It was the willingness to dive across the floor for a loose ball in January. It was the hustle plays, the defensive pressure, the edge, the three-point shooting, and the little bursts of energy that helped raise the team’s temperature when things started to drift. Anyone who thinks losing that will not matter does not fully understand what he brought to this roster. Going to war without the Big Ragu puts the Wolves behind the eight ball before the first game has even tipped.
And still, even with all of that, the injury bug was not the top answer.
No, Canis Hoopus voters overwhelmingly declared that the biggest thing standing between the Timberwolves and the 2027 NBA title is the Timberwolves themselves. When I put that option in the poll, I will admit, it was at least partially tongue-in-cheek. But the more you sit with it, the more obvious it becomes that the answer was not a joke at all. It was probably the most accurate option on the board.
If you understand this roster, if you have watched the Wolves at their best, you know there is enough talent here to compete with anyone. That is what makes the frustration so intense. This is not a team trying to convince itself it belongs in the conversation. This is not a scrappy overachiever hoping to steal a round. The Timberwolves have a top-tier superstar, elite defenders, versatile bigs, real depth, and enough shot-making to run with the best teams in the league when everything is connected. They have already proven they can beat Denver. They have shown they can hang with Oklahoma City. They took games from San Antonio despite being compromised. The ceiling is not imaginary. We have seen it. That is why the floor stings so much.
It starts, of course, with Anthony Edwards. He will be 25 when next season tips off, right on the doorstep of his prime, and at some point the conversation has to shift from what Ant might become to what Ant is willing to demand from himself and everyone around him. He has been through multiple NBA seasons now. He has played in multiple long postseason runs. He has seen what happens when a team tries to flip the switch too late. He has felt the physical toll of getting to the Conference Finals and the emotional toll of coming up short when the path is sitting right there in front of you.
A fully mature, fully locked-in Anthony Edwards may very well be the most dangerous weapon the NBA has to offer. That is not hyperbole. When he combines his athleticism, shot-making, defensive force, playmaking growth, and competitive fire, there are very few players in the league who can match the total package. The question is whether that version shows up consistently over 82 games and four playoff rounds. Is next season the year Ant stops saving his highest engagement level for the biggest opponents and starts setting the tone every night? Is this the year he stops drifting into hero-ball possessions when the offense bogs down and instead learns how to manipulate the entire floor like the best postseason performers do? Has the pain of the last few playoff exits burned into him what it actually takes to win a championship, not just in moments, but as a daily standard?
That is the next step. Not another highlight. Not another fourth-quarter explosion that makes everyone remember why he is special. The next step is leadership through consistency. It is setting the temperature in November so the team is not scrambling to rediscover its identity in April. It is understanding that the regular season is not a chore to endure, but the place where habits are built. It is realizing that the great ones do not simply rise to the moment; they prepare so relentlessly that the moment has no choice but to meet them.
Then there is Julius Randle, assuming he remains on the roster. There may not be a more fascinating, maddening, and important swing piece on this team. When Randle is right, he gives Minnesota something it desperately needs: a second offensive force who can create his own shot, bully smaller defenders, punish mismatches, and draw attention that opens the floor for everyone else. Peak Julius is not some theoretical concept. We have seen it. There are nights when he looks like exactly the kind of co-star Edwards needs, a bruising, playmaking, downhill force who makes the Wolves more physical and more difficult to guard.
But the issue has never been whether Randle can reach that level. The issue is whether he can live there often enough. Can he get out of his own way? Can he avoid the moodiness, the inconsistency, the possessions where the ball sticks and the offense turns into a wrestling match against five defenders? Can he be the reliable second option this team needs rather than a nightly mystery box? The Wolves do not need Randle to be perfect. They need him to be dependable. They need the version that wears opponents down, rebounds with force, defends with engagement, and understands that his greatest value comes when he is not trying to prove everything on one possession.
Jaden McDaniels faces a different kind of challenge. We saw against Denver what it looks like when Jaden turns defense into a personal vendetta. There were stretches where he looked like he was trying to remove Jamal Murray from the concept of basketball. That version of McDaniels is terrifying. The question is whether he can bring that edge night after night over the long grind of the regular season. Can he turn that playoff defensive intensity into an 82-game reign of terror on opposing offenses? Can he pair it with enough offensive aggression to punish teams that ignore him, get to his spots, and avoid becoming a corner statue waiting for the occasional kick-out three?
That matters because the Wolves are not at their best when Jaden is simply a defensive specialist. They are at their best when he is a two-way problem. When he is defending the other team’s best perimeter player on one end and then attacking with confidence on the other, Minnesota’s ceiling rises dramatically. He does not need to become a 22-point-per-game scorer. He needs to be assertive enough that opponents cannot treat him like a passenger.
The broader question is whether the entire team can finally get off the roller coaster. That was the theme of last season, and frankly, of too many stretches before it. The Wolves would look like a championship team one night and then spend the next game wandering around aimlessly. They would build a lead, then act personally offended by the idea of maintaining it. They would put an opponent on the ropes and then inexplicably step back, allowing the other team to breathe, regroup, and punch back.
That cannot be who this team is if it wants to win a championship. The small plays have to become non-negotiable. Rebounds. Rotations. Closeouts. Free throws. Taking care of the ball. Not letting a 14-point lead become a two-point game because everyone decided to chuck threes and stop defending. Not treating lower-tier opponents like optional homework. If the Wolves want a top seed, and they should, it cannot be because someone tells them home court is important. It has to come from pride, from competitiveness, from the desire to build habits that survive the playoffs.
Because yes, the Wolves have proven they do not need a top seed to win a series. They have won on the road, they have won as underdogs, and they have survived hostile environments. But that does not mean seeding does not matter. It does not mean habits do not matter. It does not mean you can sleepwalk through half the regular season and assume the best version of yourself will magically appear when the lights get brighter. The postseason exposes whatever you have been all year. If you have spent six months cutting corners, eventually the bill comes due.
That is why the poll result hit harder than expected. Wolves fans are not saying Oklahoma City is not dangerous or that San Antonio is not terrifying. They are saying that the Timberwolves already have enough to make the fight real. They are saying this team’s greatest obstacle is not talent. It is execution. It is maturity. It is consistency. It is whether the Wolves can finally stop being their own worst enemy long enough to become the team they have teased us with for the last three years.
Tim Connelly can and should make tweaks. The point guard situation still needs attention. DiVincenzo’s absence creates a real hole. The roster can be sharpened. There are moves that could matter enormously. But this is not a team that needs to be saved from itself by one massive transaction. The bones of a contender are already here. The superstar is here. The defensive infrastructure is here. The playoff experience is here. The question is whether the lessons have actually sunk in.
So when the summer ends, when the standings reset, when the new uniforms are hanging in the locker room and the Wolves get another crack at this thing, we will find out what kind of team they want to be. Are they going to sleepwalk through the regular season again, bide their time, flip the switch when they feel like it, and hope April adrenaline can cover up six months of bad habits? Or are they going to show up from the opening tip and announce that something has changed? That they have grown up. That they have had enough of almost.
In the end, that is what stands between the Timberwolves and true title contention. Not SGA. Not Wembanyama. Not Brunson. Not even the injury gods, cruel as they can be. The biggest obstacle is the man in the mirror, the nightly choice between discipline and drift, between maturity and excuses, between being a team that talks about championship standards and one that actually lives them.
The Wolves have the talent to win the title.
Now they have to decide if they are willing to become the team that does.
The NBA season may be over, but FanDuel Sportsbook has you covered for all of your betting needs, including the NBA draft and 2026-27 season futures. Wolves +3300 for the title, anyone?
Jun 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) talks to MLB home plate umpire James Hoye (92) in the ninth inning during a game against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Bryce Harper is the 7th player in the expansion era (1961) with a cycle within the first 5 innings of a game, joining:
8/3/2015 Adrian Beltre 10/2/2009 B.J. Upton 6/18/2000 Mike Lansing (1st 4) 8/25/1995 Gregg Jefferies 4/22/1980 Ivan DeJesus 7/8/1970 Jim Ray Hart@EliasSportshttps://t.co/LO2nJ9SX1Y
Ozzie Albies is the first Braves player with multiple home runs in a game including a walk-off homer since Justin Upton on 4/6/13 https://t.co/exWZx6e1Tq
The Eiffel Tower has 108 stories and 1,710 steps. However, visitors climb up to the first platform. Not a fan of stairs? Don’t worry – there are two elevators on the Tower.
Rice is the oldest food we still eat today.
In 2003, scientists recovered 15,000-year-old burnt rice grains in Korea. This makes rice the oldest known food that we eat till the present.
Originally, tennis was played with bare hands.
During the 12th century, Tennis was first played in France. The game was played by using your palm to hit the ball back to your opponent.
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 18: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates while scoring after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Hey, remember that one-step-forward-two-steps-back pattern of injury recovery we discussed just three days ago? It’s back! Three games into his rehab assignment, Romy Gonzalez missed yesterday’s game with hip flexor soreness. The Red Sox are “collecting information” on the injury before determining next steps. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
And, unfortunately, Romy’s setback comes just as the Red Sox lose another infielder. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the much-maligned offseason acquisition who has been on the team’s better hitters of late, was placed on the 10-day IL with left forearm inflammation. There is some concern, however, that said inflammation could actually be a broken bone. He underwent an MRI yesterday in Seattle, and will undergo a CT scan when the team returns to Boston on Thursday. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Thankfully the infield is not a totally lost cause. After playing the first two months of the season as arguably the worst hitter in all of baseball, Caleb Durbin has turned this around in June, hitting .271/.294/.583 with 4 homers. (Aaliyan Mahammed, NESN)
Aroldis Chapman has never needed to turn anything around — he’s been one of the very best relievers in baseball for most of his career, and certainly from the moment he put on a Red Sox uniform. And now he’s on the verge of becoming the all-time leader for strikeouts by a reliever. (Daniel Yanofsky, NESN)
But don’t get too attached to Chapman. The 2026 team is still headed towards “massive sell-off” territory as it parallels another recent and disappointing season: 2014. “The dynamics are almost eerily familiar: A team coming off a ‘restoration’ year and believing that an emerging young core had created a title window. An offensive collapse that occurred in no small part because of a power deficiency, and because unestablished big leaguers weren’t ready. A waste of pitching excellence. The early realization that anticipated contention could give way to a massive selloff.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
Chapman is nearing the end of his career, while Connelly Early is just at the beginning of his. Maybe that’s why he needed a pep talk from Carlos Narvaez (Hey! He is still on the team! That’s great.) in the first inning of last night’s game. (Josh Kirshenbaum, MLB.com)
There are plenty of mismatches on today’s MLB schedule, and some value to be found on MLB home run props.
My MLB player props for Sunday, June 21 include Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Lowe, and James Wood.
Read on for my full analysis.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Kyle Schwarber
+264
Brandon Lowe
+218
James Wood
+288
💲Today's HR parlay
+4391
Home run pick: Kyle Schwarber (+264)
Kyle Schwarber hit a hat trick of home runs on Saturday, but he’s got at least one more in the tank for tonight’s series finale against the New York Mets.
The Philadelphia Phillies slugger is enjoying strong reverse splits with a 1.013 OPS vs. lefties this season, while New York Mets southpaw David Peterson has surrendered three dingers over his last 6 2/3 innings.
Peterson throws his sinker more than any other pitch (28.9%), and Schwarber has feasted against the sinker this year with a .385 average and four homers.
I’m playing this up to +250.
Time: 7:20 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC/Peacock
Home run pick: Brandon Lowe (+218)
Coors Field is the most homer-friendly venue in the majors with a 112 Park Factor, and Brandon Lowe will have plenty of opportunity to go yard this afternoon.
The Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman has hit 14 of his 18 dingers vs. right-handed pitching, and Colorado Rockies starter Michael Lorenzen provides a favorable matchup.
Lefties like Lowe are batting .403 vs. Lorenzen this season, while the 34-year-old has surrendered 1.5 HR/9.
The Rockies bullpen has also been susceptible to the long ball, giving up 44 homers this year — tied for third most in MLB.
I’m playing Lowe up to +210.
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Rockies.TV
Home run pick: James Wood (+288)
James Wood hit 31 dingers last season, but the 23-year-old is already up to 20 home runs in what’s shaping up to be a true breakout year.
The Washington Nationals slugger ranks among the top percentile in the majors in xSLG, average exit velocity, and barrel %, so it’s no surprise how often he’s going yard.
Tampa Bay Rays starter Nick Martinez has given up 1.7 HR/9 over his last three appearances, while the team’s bullpen has allowed 47 dingers – second-most among all clubs.
Wood provides solid value at anything north of +275.
Time: 1:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Nationals.TV, Rays.TV
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 8-24, +1.82 units
Today’s HR parlay
Kyle Schwarber
Bet Now +4391
Brandon Lowe
James Wood
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.
COVERS INTEL: Gasser has struggled with his sinker this season, allowing a .398 wOBA on the pitch – one that the Braves pull in the air a solid 
Travis Bazzana 
Brandon Lowe
Freddie Freeman
Kyle Schwarber
James Wood
