The Wieners Circle mocked the Dodgers after they were swept by the Cubs. Instagram/wienerscircle
“Swept those mothertuckers back to La La Land,” the marquee sign read.
The restaurant’s Instagram caption continued to poke fun at the Dodgers, who signed top free agent of the winter Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal in the offseason.
“Goliath @dodgers came to town with their all star team and the @cubs brought out the @ktuck_30 is a $60 mil a year replacement level player #mvpete,” the caption read.
Kyle Tucker spent the 2025 season with the Cubs, earning his fourth consecutive All-Star selection. Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Tucker spent the 2025 season with the Cubs, where he batted .266 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs across 136 games. The performance in Chicago earned him an All-Star selection, while Tucker also dealt with multiple injuries throughout his first and only campaign with the Cubs.
Many Cubs fans felt burned by Tucker’s decision to sign elsewhere in free agency last winter, and evidently that feeling still exists amid the outfielder’s visit to Wrigley Field this week. The Cubs, one of the premier teams in the National League, present a threat to LA in the postseason.
Though the Dodgers certainly have their best performance throughout the road series, the playoffs typically tell a different tale for the juggernaut.
The Cubs pose one of the biggest threats to the Dodgers in the playoffs. AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh
The Dodgers have lost eight of their last 10 games, suffering consecutive sweeps in their last two series against the Cubs and Boston Red Sox. Despite the rough stretch of games, manager Dave Roberts assured the media his team isn’t spiraling down the stretch.
“There’s certainly no panic,” Roberts said. “We’ve been through a lot of these things, this core group of guys. I think that you just got to kind of reset, flush it, find a way to win a game, and not let it just compound.”
Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Wrigley Field on Aug. 5, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. (Getty Images)
The center fielder became the first Cubs player with consecutive 25 home run, 25 stolen base seasons in the Cubs’ 7-6 win over the Dodgers Wednesday, which clinched a series sweep.
Chicago Cubs designated hitter Pete Crow-Armstrong gestures while running the bases after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Chicago on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh
Crow-Armstrong went 3-for-5, blasted two home runs and drove in four.
Down 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning, Crow-Armstrong smoked the first pitch he saw from Dodgers starting pitcher Eric Lauer for a home run to tie the score.
After driving in Dansby Swanson with a double the next inning, Crow-Armstrong hit a two-run homer in the fourth to put the Cubs up 5-1.
Wednesday’s masterpiece was nothing new from the 24-year-old, as he’s hitting .288 with 26 homers and 69 RBIs on the season.
He’s also stolen 28 bases and drawn 60 walks.
Last season, Crow-Armstrong helped the Cubs to their first playoff appearance since 2020 with 31 home runs and 95 RBIs, though he hit just .247.
Crow-Armstrong’s three-hit day Wednesday was an example of how much he’s improved against lefty pitchers, too.
Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs hits an RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Wrigley Field on Aug. 5, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Getty Images
In 2025, Crow-Armstrong had just a .594 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
This year, that number has ballooned up to .937, and he made quick work of a lefty in Lauer on Wednesday.
Crow-Armstrong blossoming into an MVP candidate has been a key reason for the Cubs’ recent success, as the team is 66-49 after starting just 34-34.
The Cubs hold the first NL wild-card spot and are five games back of the Brewers for the NL Central lead.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 20: Grounds crew members cover the field with a tarp after a rain delay was announced before the start of the first inning between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 20, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees’ Tuesday night showdown against the Cardinals had more buzz to it than the majority of the 2026 season to date, as rookie George Lombard Jr. was called up to make his MLB debut. It went swimmingly, with Ryan Weathers and company combining on a shutout that featured excellent defense from Lombard at the six as well as a solo shot off Hunter Dobbins for his first career homer.
So there’s an energy in the Bronx again today with Lombard preparing for Act II (as it were) while the Yanks go for the series victory over St. Louis to keep pace with the surging division rival Rays and Red Sox. But we’re going to have to wait at least a little while to get this one underway. The tarp is on the field at Yankee Stadium and they’ve already announced that the game will not begin at 7:05pm ET as originally planned.
There’s some more rain in the forecast, but there should hopefully be a window if AccuWeather is correct. In the YES Network clip below, announcer Ryan Ruocco also noted that they “are expecting baseball.” The Yankees and Cardinals have a mutual offday tomorrow, so it’s possible that the finale could get pushed to then, but they would probably like to just get this one over with and have a more natural breather on Thursday. The Cardinals also do not return to New York this year, as they’ve finished their season series with the Mets.
It looks like this will only be an hour-long rain delay, as the Yankees have announced an 8:05pm ET start time. Will Warren will be on the bump to deliver the first pitch for New York.
Sunday’s Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Boston Red Sox began like thousands before it: Fans filtered in through the gates at Dodger Stadium, bought their concessions and found their seats.
But when Dodgers’ public address announcer Todd Leitz asked the crowd of 46,834 fans to direct their attention to the videoboards moments before the first pitch game against the Red Sox, few realized that the most emotional moment of the day was about to unfold.
Romy Reiner (L), Rob Reiner, Jake Reiner and Michele Reiner (R) at a Dodgers game. X/@Reiner_Jake
What unfolded over the next few minutes became something far greater than an ordinary ceremonial first pitch: It became a family’s love letter to two parents who’d spent a lifetime making Dodger Stadium feel like their second home.
The Dodgers had reached out to the Reiner family before the season began to let them know if they ever needed anything, the organization was there for them.
The family’s oldest son Jake reached out in early July with a simple request: Could he and his sister honor both of their parents by throwing out a ceremonial first pitch for each of them?
The answer came back immediately: Yes.
“Whatever you guys want to do, we’ll do it,” a Dodgers spokesperson said they’d told the family. “It was something they felt very passionate about. It was their happy place, so we wanted them to have some joy.”
If you’re familiar with the relationship between the Reiner family and the Dodgers, that response should not surprise you. Rob Reiner wasn’t just another celebrity fan.
Jake Reiner and Romy Reiner walk off the mound at Dodger Stadium after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Instagram/jakereiner
Long before he became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, he was just another baseball-loving kid from New York who wore No. 6 growing up. After moving to Los Angeles as a teenager, his loyalty shifted from the Yankees to the Dodgers, beginning a relationship with the franchise that lasted over a half-century.
He became a season-ticket holder, threw out the ceremonial first pitch on several occasions, including in 2012 and 2014, and more importantly, he passed his love of baseball down to his children.
That initial introduction turned into a friendship that lasted over two decades.
“Rob and Michele were good friends,” Steiner told The California Post in an exclusive interview.
The family’s oldest son Jake reached out to the Dodgers in early July with a simple request asking to honor his parents with a ceremonial first pitch. Getty Images
“I first met Rob maybe 20 years ago. We immediately hit it off and became friends. Rob is a year or two older than I am. He once told me, ‘Do you know why we’re friends? We have similar interests in sports, politics and movies.'”
When Jake reached out to the Dodgers, Greg Taylor, the team’s Emmy Award-winning vice president of media productions, immediately began building a tribute to Rob and Michele, knowing exactly who he wanted to write and narrate it: Steiner.
“I had no idea this thing was in the works until Greg called me and asked me if I wanted in,” Steiner said. “That was the easiest part of the whole process. Of course I’ll do it. I was all in.”
For Steiner, the assignment was both an honor and a much-needed therapy session.
Romy Reiner and Jake Reiner hug after throwing the ceremonial first pitch, honoring their father, who was a longtime baseball lover and Dodgers fan. Getty Images
“The Reiners meant a lot to me,” he said, fighting back tears. “Being able to do it was therapeutic and difficult. That’s the best way to describe it. It was hard to do because it hurt, but therapeutic because this is part of the process. If it makes Jake or Romy feel any better at all, I was happy to do it.”
Before every homestand the Dodgers release a breakdown of the theme nights, promotional giveaways, anthem singers, performances and ceremonial first pitch participants for the slate of games.
But they did not announce the Reiners for the next three weeks as production remained under lock and key. Out of respect, the Dodgers, the Reiner family and Steiner kept everything quiet so that Sunday’s appearance could unfold naturally.
It also ensured the crowd would also experience the moment together organically. When the tribute video played, a stadium known for its noise suddenly became remarkably still.
Even Steiner admitted he underestimated the impact it would have.
Nice Rob Reiner tribute before today’s Dodgers game. His kids Jake and Romy threw out first pitch…. pic.twitter.com/gQUChkpMMe
“It surprised me how much attention this received,” he said. “It was just five minutes before the first pitch. There was no promotion. The fans got quiet in a hurry. The reaction was rewarding.”
Then came the moment everyone will remember: Jake walked to the mound wearing a custom Dodgers jersey bearing his father’s childhood No. 6.
Romy followed wearing No. 97, a nod to the year she was born.
Normally, multiple ceremonial first pitch participants throw simultaneously, but the Dodgers allowed Jake to throw first, and Romy followed, giving each sibling an individual moment before sharing one together.
Jake fired a strike to Dodgers’ outfielder Alex Call.
Romy toed the rubber — a rarity for many ceremonial first pitches — and delivered hers all the way to the plate without a bounce, where it was caught by 2025 World Series Game 7 hero, Miguel Rojas.
Afterwards, brother and sister wrapped their arms around each other on the same mound where their father had once stood. It was a beautiful, full-circle moment.
“I was rooting for them as if they were players,” Steiner said. “The emotion they were both dealing with was incomprehensible. When I saw them hug, I thought, ‘This is too much.'”
After the pitch, brother and sister wrapped their arms around each other on the same mound where their father had once stood. X/@Reiner_Jake
Around them, Dodger Stadium rose together, cheered and applauded.
“That was enormously gratifying,” Steiner said of the crowd’s reaction. “It was a beautiful day. It really was.”
A source close to the family called every detail — from the custom jerseys, to the inclusion of both parents in the tribute video, to allowing Jake and Romy to throw separately — “a true testament to what a world-class organization the Dodgers are.”
Steiner agreed. “That’s why they’re the best fans in baseball,” he said.
On Tuesday, Jake Reiner publicly thanked the organization that had quietly helped his family heal. “The Dodgers have always been a huge part of our family,” he wrote on Instagram and X. “My dad and I could talk baseball for hours and I truly never felt closer to him than when we’d watch games together.
“Dodger Stadium is a place we’d love to come to as a family,” he continued. “Romy and I wanted to honor our mom and dad by throwing out a ceremonial first pitch for each of them. We’re grateful the Dodgers helped make this moment so special.”
Sometimes baseball’s greatest moments can’t be found inside a box score. They’re found in the reverence and silence of 50,000 people honoring grief; the embrace of two siblings on a pitcher’s mound.
And sometimes, they’re found in a place a grieving family can make feel like home again.
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ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 2: Hitting coach George Brett #5 of the Kansas City Royals, umpire Dale Scott #5 and Nolan Ryan, CEO of the Texas Rangers, exchange line-up cards, marking 20 years ago since all three exchanged line-up cards at the old Arlington Stadium (former home of the Texas Rangers) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on June 2, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Usually, tonight’s Minnesota Twins vs Kansas City Royals clash would be serenaded with a Matt Monitto song selection. I’m filling in for Matt tonight, so we’ll have a different sort of medium to sort through—print—on this game thread edition of Twinkie Town Book Club.
I recently read Nolan: The Singular Life of an American Original by Tim Brown. Because Ryan’s career took place entirely before my baseball-watching time and is seemingly such a contradiction in terms, he has always been a fascinating subject to me.
In this tome, Brown looks at Ryan very much through the lens of Texas myth-making. Fair, in that there are few (if any) other MLB players as associated with a state as Ryan with TX. When I was last in the Lone Star State for baseball, I can certainly corroborate…
Brown also digs into Nolan’s unique career arc, which saw him be one of the first pitchers to embrace weight training for endurance purposes and one of the first true “max effort” hurlers (i.e. everything he had went into every pitch—nothing saved for later). This all set up an overall line that is somewhat baffling.
On one hand, his career (773 games started, 807 total appearances) with the Mets, Angels, Astros, & Rangers produced a 1.247 WHIP. Solid—but not necessarily spectacular. He also holds the all-time MLB record for walks allowed—2,795. On eight occasions he led the league in BB—with that number twice eclipsing 200!
On the other hand, his workhorse status was unparalleled. Pitching from 1966-1993 would be unprecedented even if one possessed a noodle arm. Ryan was of course the exact opposite, maintaining 90+ mph velocity on his Ryan Express (fastball) into his mid-40s. His 5,714 strikeouts are an all-time MLB high, as is his 6.6 hits-per-nine innings. He completed 222 games (61 of those shutouts!) and tossed in three saves for good measure!
Ryan tossed seven no-hitters, twelve 1-hitters, eighteen 2-hitters, & thirty one 3-hitters. One could make a compelling argument that when possessed with control over his arsenal (if a somewhat fleeting circumstance career-wide), Nolan was the most un-hittable pitcher to ever ascend the bump.
Getting back to Brown’s text for a moment, it is a solid—if unorthodox—look at the entirety of Ryan’s oeuvre. The Texas imagery may wear on the reader at times, but when the prose shifts to Nolan’s on-field performance, rapport with teammates, and general personality, it shines. Worth a read if you are interested in better understanding the literal dominance, legend, and even limitations of Nolan Ryan.
One thing is for sure: neither starter in suburban Kansas City this evening will likely get even half way to the reported (though not officially verified by Baseball-Reference.com) total of 235 pitches Ryan heaved on June 14, 1974 at the Big A in Orange County!
PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 19: Andre Pallante #53 of the St. Louis Cardinals leaves the field during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sunday, July 19, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Julia Jacome/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s game 3 as the St. Louis Cardinals tackle the New York Yankees again Wednesday night. Andre Pallante hopes for another strong start for the Cardinals while the Yankees will start RHP Will Warren who’s 8-5 on the season with a 4.14 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05pm central time at Yankee Stadium and the TV broadcast will be available via Cardinals.tv.
Angel Genao of the Cleveland Guardians warms up prior to making his major league debut against the New York Mets on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images)
Welcome to the big leagues, Angel Genao.
Before their 6-5 loss to the Mets on Wednesday night, the Guardians called up Genao, their No. 2 prospect on MLB Pipeline, from Triple-A Columbus.
Despite the defeat, Genao delivered a four-hit game, the first time a player had done that in Cleveland franchise history.
After beginning the season with Double-A Akron, Genao was called up to Triple-A, where he hit .309 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs in 72 games.
Genao was particularly hot as of late, going 37-for-97 (.381) with four home runs and 18 RBIs since July 1.
While he’s primarily a shortstop, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Genao will also see time at second and third base and will start at third in his debut.
Cleveland Guardians’ Angel Genao walks from the batting cage as he warms up before a baseball game against the New York Mets on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in Cleveland. Genao was making his Major League debut. AP Photo/Phil Long
“Angel has been pushing the meter all season, and we felt like it was time,” Vogt told reporters. “It was Angel’s time.”
The 22-year-old grew up idolizing former Guardian and current Met Francisco Lindor, who’ll be in the opposing dugout for his debut. Genao watched highlight videos of Lindor growing up.
The two nearly overlapped in the Guardians organization, though Lindor was traded to the Mets eight days before Genao signed with Cleveland.
In a corresponding move, the Guardians designated infielder Gabriel Arias for assignment, who had a throwing error in the second inning of the Guardians’ 6-2 loss to the Mets on Tuesday.
Angel Genao of the Cleveland Guardians warms up before making his major league debut against the New York Mets on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
Genao will become the 10th player to make their MLB debut with the Guardians this season, as the team has been hampered by injuries, notably to star third baseman Jose Ramirez.
Cleveland (57-57) is just 6-11 since the All-Star break and is hanging on by a thread in the AL wild-card picture, a half-game ahead of the Twins for the final playoff spot.
Cleveland is three games back of the White Sox for the American League Central lead.
“It’s very special to know that the team is thinking about you when they’re trying to win, especially in this particular moment of the season,” Genao said. “I try to give 100 percent and be positive 100 percent of all the time, try to help the team in any way they need me.”
With marquee players signed and most impact moves already made, the NBA offseason is deep into a lull.
Yet, that doesn’t mean there are still some difference makers who could find new homes.
One of those players with an unresolved future is current Dallas Mavericks shooter Klay Thompson. As Dallas is looking to build for the future around soon-to-be second-year forward Cooper Flagg, Thompson might not figure into the team’s plans. That’s only magnified, given he has one year left on his deal, worth $17.5 million.
That makes Thompson a prime trade or buyout candidate. The tricky part about a trade is that teams might be reluctant to part with assets — whether draft capital or personnel — for a 36-year-old who shot a career low in 3-point percentage last season.
Granted, that was still a very respectable 38.3%, but it’s clear Thompson is more of a role-playing shooting specialist at this point of his career. A buyout, however, would allow Thompson to pick his preferred destination. But the Mavericks likely don’t want to let him walk without getting anything in return.
Thompson was born in Los Angeles and still has ties to the area, so this would be a nice fit. The roster is very different from last season’s, but the Lakers ranked just 23rd in made 3-point field goals per game (11.8). Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves will dominate ball-handling duties, and Thompson excels at slipping past defenders without the ball in his hands. Coach JJ Redick, who was a sharpshooter in his own right, also knows how to maximize a talented sniper like Thompson. When Thompson signed with the Mavericks in July 2024, Thompson acknowledged that playing alongside Dončić was a big reason why.
When Thompson is at his best, he has plenty of space to find soft spots in opposing defenses. Now that Miami landed Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat should have far better spacing, given Antetokounmpo’s ability to slash into the paint and draw multiple defenders. Miami also needs shooting help, though the Heat don’t have a lot of cap space to work with so this would appear to be more of a buyout scenario, unless Miami makes a player like Nikola Jović available.
After failing to land Antetokounmpo and LeBron James, the Warriors are very clearly running it back. Why not, then, really run it back? The money would have to work, but there would be no fit better for Thompson than Golden State. Coach Steve Kerr is still there. Stephen Curry is still there. Thompson knows the system intimately and the Warriors — who tied for 17th last season in 3-point percentage (35.6%) — could definitely use a shooter like him. Highlighting that point: No team took more 3s per game (44.1) last season than the Warriors. Golden State, however, needs to get younger.
If teams don’t bite with any trade offers, and if a buyout becomes the only option, there is the case to be made for Thompson to stay with the Mavericks. His deal will expire at the end of the season, so Dallas will clear his cap space when that time comes. But, Thompson’s market could intensify closer to the trading deadline; perhaps a possible contender will need to add a shooter, or perhaps a team looking ahead to the 2027 offseason will want to enter free agency with more financial flexibility. If the objective for Dallas is to get something in return, patience might prove to be worthwhile.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 4: Luis Arraez #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies salutes the crowd after the game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 4, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 5-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves are taking on the Miami Marlins as they look to win their seventh game in a row. On paper if you just look at the ERAs it looks like it may be a pitcher’s duel between Bryce Elder and Eury Pérez.
If we dig deeper we see that Bryce Elder has a FIP north of seven in his past four starts despite his 3.00 ERA and the Braves have a recent history of having no issues tagging Eury Pérez for runs. The Braves have seven regular starters with a career OPS of .762 or better against Pérez in their career. Pérez has an ERA of 1.69 since the start of July, so we will see if the Braves simply have his number, or if he was just in a funk the few times he has faced them.
Pete Crow-Armstrong got a day off from playing center field, a good idea as the Cubs are still in their stretch of playing 17 days in a row. To keep his bat in the lineup, Craig Counsell made PCA the designated hitter for the afternoon. He’d done that just one other time before this game, Sept. 8, 2025 at Atlanta. He went 0-for-4.
This time, PCA took the “hitter” part of the DH role to heart, smashing two home runs — including one leading off the first inning — and going 3-for-5, helping the Cubs to a 7-6 win over the Dodgers and a series sweep.
Shohei Ohtani, who’d been pretty quiet in this series, led off the game with a home run. Shōta Imanaga settled down and retired the next three Dodgers in order and then PCA got to work.
Fun facts about Cubs leadoff homers from BCB’s JohnW53:
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s home run was the 245th by the Cubs’ first batter of a game since 1910, first season for which baseball-reference.com has searchable play-level data: 129 at home and 116 on the road.
It was PCA’s fourth. The first three were in a span of five days: June 13 at San Francisco, then June 15-16 at home vs. the Rockies.
Six Cubs have hit five such homers, including Michael Busch and Anthony Rizzo. Five hit more: Alfonso Soriano, 22; Rick Monday, 17; Dexter Fowler, 12; Ian Happ, 10; and Brian McRae, 8.
And one more fact about the two leadoff homers in this game:
According to our friends at Sportradar, this is the first game in MLB history where both teams had a leadoff homer by a lefty against a lefty.
Shohei Ohtani off Shota Imanaga Pete Crow-Armstrong off Eric Lauer
So very quickly, this game is 1-1. Imanaga had a long second inning allowing a pair of hits, but got out of it scoreless.
Then the Cubs got to work again in the bottom of the inning. Nico Hoerner led off with a single and one out later, scored on a double by Dansby Swanson [VIDEO].
Imanaga had another long third inning, allowing two more hits, but no runs. The Cubs didn’t score in the third but put together a three-run fourth, all after the first two hitters were routine outs.
The 26 homers go with his 28 steals and put him ever closer to another 30/30 season.
The Cubs weren’t done in that inning, either. Seiya Suzuki followed the homer with a double and scored on this single by Alex Bregman [VIDEO].
So it’s 6-1 Cubs going to the fifth. Imanaga was lifted after five innings and 89 pitches. He ran a lot of long counts and got himself out of jams, allowing just the one run on the Ohtani homer. He didn’t walk anyone and struck out six [VIDEO].
Tyler Ferguson threw two very good scoreless innings in what might be his last game for the Cubs for a while — he’s the likely optionee to Triple-A Iowa whenever Clay Holmes is added to the active roster.
So that’s where the score stayed, 6-1 Cubs, until the bottom of the seventh. Michael Busch led off with a single and then Nico doubled him in [VIDEO]. That was Nico’s third hit of the game and fifth of the series.
But hold on a second, said the Dodgers. Left fielder Tommy Edman held his arms up, because the ball briefly disappeared into the ivy. But third base umpire Laz Diaz signaled “in play,” and so Busch scored. The Dodgers challenged, but it was ruled “call confirmed” [VIDEO].
That would turn out to be a very, very, VERY important run.
That’s because Caleb Thielbar got hit hard in the eighth. Even the one out he recorded, a fly to left, was hard hit. After that he gave up four hits in a row: Two singles, a homer by Max Muncy that made it 7-4, and another single. Craig Counsell called on Ryan Zeferjahn, who struck out pinch-hitter Teoscar Hernández for the second out. However, he then had to face Ohtani, who smacked his second homer of the game to left to make it a one-run game. Zeferjahn got out of the inning by striking out Enrique Hernandez.
I suspect Thielbar might have reached the end of his time with the Cubs. Hoby Milner is due back soon and that might mean a DFA of Thielbar.
At that point it started to rain pretty hard, but the umpires let play continue. The Cubs got a runner on in the bottom of the eighth when Carson Kelly singled, but he was stranded.
That meant Jacob Webb would enter to close, something I’m sure Counsell didn’t want to have to do, not with four more games before an off day.
The Cubs are a season-high 17 games above .500, have won six in a row at home vs. Dodgers and swept Dodgers at home for first time since 2021.
…..
Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong both had three hits.
They are the top two among the Cubs this season in games with at least three. Hoerner has 10; PCA, nine. Seiya Suzuki has seven; Alex Bregman and Michael Busch, six; and Dansby Swanson, five. Carson Kelly joined Ian Happ with three. Three other have two, for a total of 11 players with 55 games.
And some notes on the scoring in this series:
Dodgers’ scoring in this series: Monday: three-run homer single and error (unearned) solo homer Tuesday: solo homer Wednesday: solo homer three-run homer two-run homer Twelve total runs, 11 of them on six homers Cubs scored 21 runs, 12 of them on eight homers
The Cubs’ series sweep was very satisfying, even if a bit nervous at the end Wednesday. They showed the supposedly invincible Dodgers that they can play right with them. The sweep also gave the Cubs the season series over the Dodgers and thus the tiebreaker for postseason, if that’s meaningful. The Cubs are now just three games back of the Dodgers in the overall league standings, 66-49 to 69-46, and trail the Brewers by five games in the NL Central, pending Milwaukee’s game at home against the Pirates this evening.
The Cubs have one more game at home before embarking on a road trip Friday, when we will see the first starts of Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes for the team. They will face the Blue Jays Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field, a makeup of a game postponed June 21. David Peterson will start for the Cubs and Dylan Cease goes for the Jays. Game time is 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.
KANSAS CITY, MO - JULY 06: Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a warmup pitch before a MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Kansas City Royals on July 06, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It was nice to see Bobby Witt Jr. back in action and looking at his full power last night. Game two of the series will commence tonight. Which Noah Cameron will we see? He put up 8 innings of 1 hit baseball last time out against this same Minnesota team. It was his second dominant start in a row, so maybe he has it all figured out again. And still, that season ERA of 4.59 says that you should not get too comfy with him on the mound.
The Twins, who are going for it I guess, are sending Dean Kremer to the mound. They just traded for him and this will be his Minnesota debut. Kremer has been a perfectly fine starter for several years now after a pretty great first full season in 2022. This year has not gone well yet for Dean and has been by far his worst in the majors. After just two starts in April, he hit the IL with a quad injury. He returned at the beginning of July and has a 7.56 ERA since returning.
Looks like Jac Caglianone will be at first and Salvador Perez behind the plate to get Carter Jensen out from behind the dish for the night.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 31: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the first inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are getting the national television treatment as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers in the third matchup of a four-game set at American Family Field.
The national audience will get a look at Paul Skenes for tonight’s game. Skenes is 9-9 so far this season with a 3.90 ERA, which is sound, but not up to par compared to what he showed in his first two professional campaigns.
Skenes struggled in his last start against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31. He only pitched four innings, giving up seven hits and five earned runs, as the Bucs lost 8-7 to their division rival. This marks Skenes’ third start against the Brewers so far this season. He beat the Brewers 6-0 in his last start at American Family Field on April 24, pitching seven scoreless innings with one hit. He also pulled out a win when the Brewers came to PNC Park last month. He pitched 5.1 innings, giving up three hits and two earned runs in a 14-5 victory at home.
Kyle Harrison is getting the start for the Brewers in his first appearance since July 8. The last time he was on the field, he gave up four hits, three runs, and four innings as the Brewers lost 5-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, ESPN
Pitching Matchup: Paul Skenes (9-9, 3.90 ERA) vs. Kyle Harrison (8-2, 3.01 ERA)
BD community, this is your gameday thread for today’s game. Chime off in the comments section below.
BRONX, NY - AUGUST 04: George Lombard Jr #96 of the New York Yankees defends at shortstop during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 4, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in the Borough of the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While the score only ended 2-0 and you might not have been able to tell from just the box score, last night was an exciting one in the Bronx. Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr. debuted and made quite the first impression. With a home run for his first career MLB hit and a couple nice plays in the field, Lombard helped the team to a win over the Cardinals. Now, he and the Yankees will try it again as they go for a series victory.
Following his impressive debut, Lombard is back in the Yankees’ lineup, starting at shortstop and hitting eighth. It’s actually the exact same lineup as yesterday, with just a change on the mound. Starting tonight for the Yankees will be Will Warren. After briefly being the subject of trade rumors ahead of the deadline, Warren will get the ball, looking to build on the six shutout innings he threw against the Cubs in his last start. Warren owns a 4.14 ERA on the season after that strong outing, striking out 109 batters in 108.1 innings.
As for the Cardinals, they’ll send Andre Pallante to the mound. The 27-year-old in his fifth season is enjoying his best year in the majors thus far, owning a 3.72 ERA and surpassing 2 fWAR for the first time. A strikeout machine he is not, as he’s punched out just 86 batters in 118.2 innings, but he’s been fairly good at keeping the ball in the park with a 0.76 HR/9 and a home run to fly ball ratio under 10 percent. Monday’s destructor Alec Burleson will also be back in the lineup after starting last night on the bench.
Here’s all the information you need to know on how to catch tonight’s game, and we hope you’ll come join us in the game thread for tonight’s action!
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium — The Bronx, NY
First pitch: 7:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: Amazon Prime Video (NYY), Cardinals.TV (STL)
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM (STL)
Online stream: Amazon Prime Video, MLB.tv (out-of-market only)
Newest San Diego Padres SP Casey Mize (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The San Diego Padres scored early and often in a convincing 9-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks to even the four-game series at a game apiece. It was their ninth win in the last 11 games, moving the Padres one game back of the Diamondbacks in the National League Wild-Card standings.
This sets up a crucial third game in the four-game set. The victor could gain much-needed momentum in securing the final playoff spot.
Friars hot bats
One of the catalysts in the Padres’ ability to roar back into the Wild-Card chase has been their offense. Last night, the lineup erupted for 16 hits and nine runs in the road victory. Manny Machado was the hitting star with three hits and four RBI. Jackson Merrill continued his hot streak with a three-hit night and two RBI. Jake Cronenworth also contributed with three hits and an RBI.
Since the All-Star break, the team’s hitting numbers have been outstanding. The Friars have a team batting average of .291 with 139 hits and 20 home runs. The hope is the suddenly hot offense combined with improved starting pitching will help the club to gain more ground in the heated NL Wild Card race.
Taking the mound: Casey Mize (SD) vs Mitch Bratt (ARIZ)
Tonight’s game features an intriguing pitching matchup between Casey Mize (4-6, 2.70 ERA), who is making his Padres debut, and one of the D-Backs’ prized rookie starters, Mitch Bratt (0-1, 5.23 ERA). Both teams are looking to reinforce their injury-riddled starting rotations.
The Friar Faithful will find out how much a “power pitcher” Mize has become. The right-hander offers a five-pitch mix that showcases his split-finger fastball. Each has sharp late movement away from hitters.
Tonight, expect to see Mize use his split-finger to neutralize the D-Backs right-handed-heavy lineup. If he is successful in throwing strikes, you can expect plenty of swing-and-misses or weak fly balls to the outfield.
The Snakes are hoping Bratt can slow down the Padres offense. However, the youngster has struggled with consistency in his first five MLB starts. Bratt has never lit up the radar gun, as he relies on command-and-control to record outs.
The left-hander throws a four-seam fastball, slider, and curveball. He loves to change speeds and hit his spots in the zone for strikes. The key for him is to be aggressive against the Friars. If not, the lineup will draw walks that extend the inning. Bratt must generate weak contact to be successful because he is not a strikeout pitcher.
