Apr 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
In last week’s episode of the podcast, I remarked on the new Orioles slogan for 2026, fly different, and how important it is that the O’s actually do things differently compared to last season. Since then, they’ve gone 1-5 and things are feeling all too familiar from what we’ve now been seeing since around the All-Star Break in 2024. It’s not great.
For this week’s episode, I’m reacting to all the ugliness we’ve seen over the last week. It hasn’t been good. You could fairly put more than half of the Opening Day roster on the list of players who are stinking so far. It’s still early, so at least there’s that.
We’re going to find out pretty quickly whether these guys have sterner stuff than last year’s team. If they pull it together and avoid a deep early hole, then they’ve got something they weren’t able to do last year. If they just keep falling, especially with their next opponent being a presumably-weak White Sox team, well, we’ve seen that story before. It wasn’t fun the first time around and it would feel even worse the second time after they had an offseason to try to fix everything.
This is my weekly podcast about whatever is going on lately with the Orioles. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe. You can get the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to access your podcasts.
How are you feeling about the way things have gone over the first nine games? Answers could make it into the mailbag section of the next episode of the podcast.
JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Miguel Sime Jr. #55 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the current state of the Nationals being widely viewed as far from a legitimate contending window, fans should begin to get familiar with their next generation of top prospects. An impressive crop of talent tops the Washington prospect rankings, including SS Eli Willits, RHP Travis Sykora, and C Harry Ford, among others, but the system has already seen early success further down the list.
One player in particular who has made waves among Nats fans since his selection in the 2025 MLB Draft is right-handed pitcher Miguel Sime Jr., a flamethrowing starting pitcher.
Sime Jr., taken with the 111th overall pick in the draft out of Brooklyn’s Poly Prep Country Day School, lit up the pre-draft scene with multiple record-setting appearances in the MLB Draft League and the national travel baseball circuit. He consistently reached triple-digits with his fastball and was one of the most polarizing arms in the entire class.
The lack of polish with his secondary offerings and overall “pitchability” caused most scouts to view him as more of a project, but his 70-grade fastball alone makes his potential sky high. Washington was enamored enough with his arsenal to hand him a hefty $2 million signing bonus to secure his services, and they are banking on their ability to mold the teenager into an impact arm down the line.
The 18-year-old flashed at times in the Nationals’ minor league camp outings during 2026 Spring Training and was assigned to Single-A Fredericksburg to open his first professional season. He saw the first action of his minor league career on Easter Sunday, and, while not perfect, he put together a start that should already begin to draw more eyes to his development.
Miguel Sime Jr. registers his first pro strikeout!
Facing the Augusta GreenJackets, the Atlanta Braves’ Single-A affiliate, he began his pro career with 2.1 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 6 batters, walking just 1, and giving up a single hit. The metrics looked the part as well, sitting around 100 MPH with his fastball and showcasing some early action with his offspeed pitches, including getting 2025 1st-round pick Tate Southisene to chase on a breaking ball out of the zone.
Stadium radar gun is broken, but Miguel Sime Jr’s SLOWEST fastball so far was 98.9 mph. Pro debut for the Nats’ 4th rounder, he had punched out 5 of 6 hitters and topped 101.3.
NASTY.
— Noah Adcock-Howeth (@n_adcock_howeth) April 5, 2026
Sime Jr. isn’t someone who will impact the 2026 Nationals, or the 2027 Nationals, and likely not even the 2028 Nationals. However, he’s more than worth keeping tabs on, especially as Washington continues to revamp their pitching development program under new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.
The focus remains, at least this early in the season, on the performance of the MLB roster. With that being said, it’s no secret that not many analysts are projecting the Nationals to be a playoff team in 2026. All eyes are pointed toward the future, and the emphasis on the development of their prospects will only continue to grow under the new front office, with Sime Jr. a prime candidate to rise up the ranks if he can maintain the early growth he’s displayed.
JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Miguel Sime Jr. #55 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the current state of the Nationals being widely viewed as far from a legitimate contending window, fans should begin to get familiar with their next generation of top prospects. An impressive crop of talent tops the Washington prospect rankings, including SS Eli Willits, RHP Travis Sykora, and C Harry Ford, among others, but the system has already seen early success further down the list.
One player in particular who has made waves among Nats fans since his selection in the 2025 MLB Draft is right-handed pitcher Miguel Sime Jr., a flamethrowing starting pitcher.
Sime Jr., taken with the 111th overall pick in the draft out of Brooklyn’s Poly Prep Country Day School, lit up the pre-draft scene with multiple record-setting appearances in the MLB Draft League and the national travel baseball circuit. He consistently reached triple-digits with his fastball and was one of the most polarizing arms in the entire class.
The lack of polish with his secondary offerings and overall “pitchability” caused most scouts to view him as more of a project, but his 70-grade fastball alone makes his potential sky high. Washington was enamored enough with his arsenal to hand him a hefty $2 million signing bonus to secure his services, and they are banking on their ability to mold the teenager into an impact arm down the line.
The 18-year-old flashed at times in the Nationals’ minor league camp outings during 2026 Spring Training and was assigned to Single-A Fredericksburg to open his first professional season. He saw the first action of his minor league career on Easter Sunday, and, while not perfect, he put together a start that should already begin to draw more eyes to his development.
Miguel Sime Jr. registers his first pro strikeout!
Facing the Augusta GreenJackets, the Atlanta Braves’ Single-A affiliate, he began his pro career with 2.1 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 6 batters, walking just 1, and giving up a single hit. The metrics looked the part as well, sitting around 100 MPH with his fastball and showcasing some early action with his offspeed pitches, including getting 2025 1st-round pick Tate Southisene to chase on a breaking ball out of the zone.
Stadium radar gun is broken, but Miguel Sime Jr’s SLOWEST fastball so far was 98.9 mph. Pro debut for the Nats’ 4th rounder, he had punched out 5 of 6 hitters and topped 101.3.
NASTY.
— Noah Adcock-Howeth (@n_adcock_howeth) April 5, 2026
Sime Jr. isn’t someone who will impact the 2026 Nationals, or the 2027 Nationals, and likely not even the 2028 Nationals. However, he’s more than worth keeping tabs on, especially as Washington continues to revamp their pitching development program under new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.
The focus remains, at least this early in the season, on the performance of the MLB roster. With that being said, it’s no secret that not many analysts are projecting the Nationals to be a playoff team in 2026. All eyes are pointed toward the future, and the emphasis on the development of their prospects will only continue to grow under the new front office, with Sime Jr. a prime candidate to rise up the ranks if he can maintain the early growth he’s displayed.
The Cubs continue their early-season interleague tour through American League divisions. They began with an AL West club (Angels), played an AL Central team (Guardians) over the weekend, and now it’s an AL East matchup with the Rays, who come into this series with the same record as the Cubs — 4-5. But Tampa Bay has played all nine of its games on the road so far, scheduled that way to make sure the renovated Tropicana Field was ready to go. The Rays will be the last of MLB’s 30 teams to play their home opener this year.
As you likely know, BCB’s Ashley MacLennan also writes for the SB Nation Rays site DRays Bay. Here’s Ashley with some comments on the Rays for us.
The start of the 2026 season hasn’t really gone the way the Rays had hoped, though of course the very small sample size is at play. One of the highlights of the season so far, though, has been the return of Shane McClanahan, the All-Star pitcher the Rays had to live without for two seasons. In his one start this year against Milwaukee he looked really good, despite the Rays not being able to get much run support to get him the win.
Drew Rasmussen has also had a good start to the year so he’ll be a pest to Chicago bats. The fielding for the Rays has been a difficulty so far, with plenty of errors and inconsistent results. They’ll hopefully get their feet under them soon, but right now they’ve had struggles with keeping game leads and providing their pitching staff run support when needed.
Chandler Simpson, as always, will be one to watch out for if he gets on base, as he has incredible speed and great steal instincts and he’s not afraid to be aggressive.
Fun facts
The Cubs have played only 25 previous games against the Rays. They have played fewer against only one current team: 24, vs. the Athletics. They also have played 25 vs. the Orioles.
The Cubs are 11-14 overall against the Rays, but only 2-6 at Tampa, where they lost three straight in 2008, split two games in 2017 and went 1-2 in 2024. Last year, the Cubs won two of three at Wrigley Field. … This will be the Cubs’ third consecutive series against an American League team, their longest such stretch of the season.
Wednesday: Colin Rea, RHP (0-0, 4.26 ERA, 1.421 WHIP, 3.18 FIP) vs. Joe Boyle, RHP (0-0, 3.18 ERA, 0.882 WHIP, 1.68 FIP)
NOTE: Colin Rea is not officially listed as the Wednesday starter as of the time this series preview posted, but it does seem likely that he’ll be the guy on Wednesday.
Times & TV channels
Monday: 3:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Tuesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Wednesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Prediction
I keep saying “two of three” and at some point, I’m going to be right. Maybe this time.
Up next
The Cubs have Thursday off, then return to Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the Pirates beginning Friday afternoon.
The Cubs continue their early-season interleague tour through American League divisions. They began with an AL West club (Angels), played an AL Central team (Guardians) over the weekend, and now it’s an AL East matchup with the Rays, who come into this series with the same record as the Cubs — 4-5. But Tampa Bay has played all nine of its games on the road so far, scheduled that way to make sure the renovated Tropicana Field was ready to go. The Rays will be the last of MLB’s 30 teams to play their home opener this year.
As you likely know, BCB’s Ashley MacLennan also writes for the SB Nation Rays site DRays Bay. Here’s Ashley with some comments on the Rays for us.
The start of the 2026 season hasn’t really gone the way the Rays had hoped, though of course the very small sample size is at play. One of the highlights of the season so far, though, has been the return of Shane McClanahan, the All-Star pitcher the Rays had to live without for two seasons. In his one start this year against Milwaukee he looked really good, despite the Rays not being able to get much run support to get him the win.
Drew Rasmussen has also had a good start to the year so he’ll be a pest to Chicago bats. The fielding for the Rays has been a difficulty so far, with plenty of errors and inconsistent results. They’ll hopefully get their feet under them soon, but right now they’ve had struggles with keeping game leads and providing their pitching staff run support when needed.
Chandler Simpson, as always, will be one to watch out for if he gets on base, as he has incredible speed and great steal instincts and he’s not afraid to be aggressive.
Fun facts
The Cubs have played only 25 previous games against the Rays. They have played fewer against only one current team: 24, vs. the Athletics. They also have played 25 vs. the Orioles.
The Cubs are 11-14 overall against the Rays, but only 2-6 at Tampa, where they lost three straight in 2008, split two games in 2017 and went 1-2 in 2024. Last year, the Cubs won two of three at Wrigley Field. … This will be the Cubs’ third consecutive series against an American League team, their longest such stretch of the season.
Wednesday: Colin Rea, RHP (0-0, 4.26 ERA, 1.421 WHIP, 3.18 FIP) vs. Joe Boyle, RHP (0-0, 3.18 ERA, 0.882 WHIP, 1.68 FIP)
NOTE: Colin Rea is not officially listed as the Wednesday starter as of the time this series preview posted, but it does seem likely that he’ll be the guy on Wednesday.
Times & TV channels
Monday: 3:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Tuesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Wednesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Prediction
I keep saying “two of three” and at some point, I’m going to be right. Maybe this time.
Up next
The Cubs have Thursday off, then return to Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the Pirates beginning Friday afternoon.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres bats during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on March 28, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Some of us hardcore fans track Royals players from the moment they are signed. Some of these players spend some time in Royals blue at the big league level, only to depart, others never make it to Kansas City, but continue their career bouncing around in other organizations.
Some former Royals signed multi-year contracts last winter, including Ryan O’Hearn with the Pirates, Brad Keller with the Phillies, and Mike Yastrzemski with the Braves. Some were former top prospects that could use a change of scenery, like MJ Melendez with the Mets and Nick Pratto with the Rangers. Former first round pick Foster Griffin returned from a stint in Japan to become a sought-after free agent, signing with the Nationals. Some players have changed positions – Fernando Cruz and Erick Mejia were infielders when they were in the Royals farm system, and now they are pitchers.
Here’s a compilation of players that once played in the Royals organization either as big leaguers or minor leaguers, that are on MLB-affiliated rosters or in Asia to begin the year. These rosters are as of today, and are subject to change.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres bats during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on March 28, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Some of us hardcore fans track Royals players from the moment they are signed. Some of these players spend some time in Royals blue at the big league level, only to depart, others never make it to Kansas City, but continue their career bouncing around in other organizations.
Some former Royals signed multi-year contracts last winter, including Ryan O’Hearn with the Pirates, Brad Keller with the Phillies, and Mike Yastrzemski with the Braves. Some were former top prospects that could use a change of scenery, like MJ Melendez with the Mets and Nick Pratto with the Rangers. Former first round pick Foster Griffin returned from a stint in Japan to become a sought-after free agent, signing with the Nationals. Some players have changed positions – Fernando Cruz and Erick Mejia were infielders when they were in the Royals farm system, and now they are pitchers.
Here’s a compilation of players that once played in the Royals organization either as big leaguers or minor leaguers, that are on MLB-affiliated rosters or in Asia to begin the year. These rosters are as of today, and are subject to change.
A new week of NBA action tips off with a light slate of just five games, but I’ve found some slam dunks when it comes to NBA player props.
My best bets include Nickeil Alexander-Walker making it rain on the Knicks from downtown, and Victor Wembanyama continuing his block party against Joel Embiid and the Sixers.
Those and more NBA picks for Monday, April 6, below.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been letting it fly from beyond the arc for most of this season, but he’s been really locked in for the last month and is a big reason why the Atlanta Hawks have climbed all the way to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Alexander-Walker is shooting a crazy good 48% from 3-point range on a big 7.8 attempts from deep per game over his last 16 games, and I like him to keep raining treys in tonight’s matchup with the New York Knicks.
The Knicks have taken advantage of a soft schedule down the stretch, but they’ll need to improve their perimeter defense if they want to have a deep playoff run. New York ranks 22nd in opponent 3-point attempts per game and 20th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
Alexander-Walker has drained four or more threes nine times in the last 16 games.
It is fair to say that Wembanyama has surpassed Embiid in the big man hierarchy and will be a staple in the MVP conversation for years to come.
You can make the case Wemby deserves the award this year, but for now, he's got Defensive Player of the Year locked down.
He’s always been impactful on defense, but he’s taken it to another level in the second half of the season. Wembanyama is swatting a ridiculous 3.9 blocks over 22 games since coming out of the All-Star break, and has rejected four or more shots in 15 of those 22 games.
The Sixers rank 19th in opponent blocks per game. At even money, I love backing Wemby to have another block party in San Antonio tonight.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSP, FDSN SW
Prop #3: Cam Johnson Over 12.5 points
-115 at bet365
The Denver Nuggets are the best offense in the NBA. A lot of that has to do with Nikola Jokic, but they are so hard to contain because they have so much depth and so many players who can hurt you.
Look at Cam Johnson. He’s probably the Nuggets' fourth or even fifth option most nights. But when he gets in a groove, he can put up some great numbers.
Johnson is averaging 14.8 points while shooting a crazy good 48.7% from 3-point range over his last 13 games. He’s the type of player that can get overlooked even by a good Portland Trail Blazers defense.
He's topped this number in nine of those 13 games, including putting up 19 when these teams last met back on March 22.
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With this homer, 14 years ago on this day, Adam Dunn hit his record-tying eighth Opening Day home run and signaled that 2012 would be better than his disastrous 2011 season. | Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
1993 The divisional championship season began with a night game in Minnesota, and a big 10-5 win over the Twins. Tim Raines had a three-run home run, and scored two runs. The White Sox would wind up winning the division by eight games, compiling 94 victories. Jack McDowell picked up the first of his 22 wins on the year in a six-inning effort.
2002 Mark Buehrle cruised to an easy win in Kansas City, allowing five hits over six innings of a 14-0 whitewash. Paul Konerko scored three times, and he and Magglio Ordoñez drove in three runs apiece. Down 9-0 to start the eighth inning, the Royals summoned the youngest pitcher in the majors, Miguel Asencio, into the game for his MLB debut. Asencio walked Kenny Lofton on four pitches, then did the same to Ray Durham, Frank Thomas, and Ordoñez. All 16 of Asencio’s pitches were outside the strike zone.
The rookie was removed, replaced by Cory Bailey. Bailey managed to throw a strike — but then walked Konerko to surrender another free run.
2003 After starting the season 0-3, the White Sox won two and then pulled back to .500 with a crazy win over the Tigers, ensuring a sweep. Detroit led, 2-1, in the eighth when Chicago ran off nine runs to pull ahead by the eventual final of 10-2.
The nine Sox runs were scored on just four hits; Magglio Ordoñez had the first hit of the inning (single) and the last (three-run homer).
For Detroit, the loss made them the first team in 40 years to start two seasons in a row with an 0-6 record.
2009 For the first time in new Sox Park history (and the first time since 1982) the White Sox home opener was snowed out.
Players arrived at the park to three inches of snow, with Alexei Ramírez playing and throwing snowballs in what he said was his first experience with it. Groundskeeper Roger Bossard and his crew arrived at the park at 6 a.m. to shovel and hose down the snow to melt it into the drainage system.
The White Sox won the rescheduled opener the next day, 4-2, but dropped the next two of the opening home series to the Royals en route to a 79-83 season.
2011 Adam Dunn underwent an emergency appendectomy with the White Sox on the road in Kansas City, just days after Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday suffered same.
Dunn had gotten off to a terrific start for the 2-2 White Sox, slashing .286/.474/.571 with a homer and five RBIs. Although he pronounced himself fit to at least pinch-hit just a day after his procedure, Dunn would sit out a week and see his hitting evaporate in his first season after signing a mulit-year deal with Chicago. His average dipped as low as .149 before settling at .159. Dunn’s -2.9 WAR remains the worst single season in White Sox history, and some 16% worse than his nearest challenger, and ranks as the 13th-worst in MLB history among hitters.
2012 What a difference a year makes.
Adam Dunn, coming off of the worst season in White Sox history and one of the worst of any MLB hitter, ever, homered on Opening Day to tie a record held by Frank Robinson for most in history (eight). While the White Sox lost against the defending World Series champs in Texas, 3-2, Dunn would go on to swing his season WAR back up 4.5 from 2011 and finish at 1.6. His 41 homers in 2012 would stand as the second-most of his career and remain tied for sixth in White Sox history.
With this homer, 14 years ago on this day, Adam Dunn hit his record-tying eighth Opening Day home run and signaled that 2012 would be better than his disastrous 2011 season. | Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
1993 The divisional championship season began with a night game in Minnesota, and a big 10-5 win over the Twins. Tim Raines had a three-run home run, and scored two runs. The White Sox would wind up winning the division by eight games, compiling 94 victories. Jack McDowell picked up the first of his 22 wins on the year in a six-inning effort.
2002 Mark Buehrle cruised to an easy win in Kansas City, allowing five hits over six innings of a 14-0 whitewash. Paul Konerko scored three times, and he and Magglio Ordoñez drove in three runs apiece. Down 9-0 to start the eighth inning, the Royals summoned the youngest pitcher in the majors, Miguel Asencio, into the game for his MLB debut. Asencio walked Kenny Lofton on four pitches, then did the same to Ray Durham, Frank Thomas, and Ordoñez. All 16 of Asencio’s pitches were outside the strike zone.
The rookie was removed, replaced by Cory Bailey. Bailey managed to throw a strike — but then walked Konerko to surrender another free run.
2003 After starting the season 0-3, the White Sox won two and then pulled back to .500 with a crazy win over the Tigers, ensuring a sweep. Detroit led, 2-1, in the eighth when Chicago ran off nine runs to pull ahead by the eventual final of 10-2.
The nine Sox runs were scored on just four hits; Magglio Ordoñez had the first hit of the inning (single) and the last (three-run homer).
For Detroit, the loss made them the first team in 40 years to start two seasons in a row with an 0-6 record.
2009 For the first time in new Sox Park history (and the first time since 1982) the White Sox home opener was snowed out.
Players arrived at the park to three inches of snow, with Alexei Ramírez playing and throwing snowballs in what he said was his first experience with it. Groundskeeper Roger Bossard and his crew arrived at the park at 6 a.m. to shovel and hose down the snow to melt it into the drainage system.
The White Sox won the rescheduled opener the next day, 4-2, but dropped the next two of the opening home series to the Royals en route to a 79-83 season.
2011 Adam Dunn underwent an emergency appendectomy with the White Sox on the road in Kansas City, just days after Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday suffered same.
Dunn had gotten off to a terrific start for the 2-2 White Sox, slashing .286/.474/.571 with a homer and five RBIs. Although he pronounced himself fit to at least pinch-hit just a day after his procedure, Dunn would sit out a week and see his hitting evaporate in his first season after signing a mulit-year deal with Chicago. His average dipped as low as .149 before settling at .159. Dunn’s -2.9 WAR remains the worst single season in White Sox history, and some 16% worse than his nearest challenger, and ranks as the 13th-worst in MLB history among hitters.
2012 What a difference a year makes.
Adam Dunn, coming off of the worst season in White Sox history and one of the worst of any MLB hitter, ever, homered on Opening Day to tie a record held by Frank Robinson for most in history (eight). While the White Sox lost against the defending World Series champs in Texas, 3-2, Dunn would go on to swing his season WAR back up 4.5 from 2011 and finish at 1.6. His 41 homers in 2012 would stand as the second-most of his career and remain tied for sixth in White Sox history.
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks bolstered their inside depth for their playoff run on Monday by signing center Tony Bradley, who played in 38 games for the Indiana Pacers this season.
The 6-foot-10 Bradley, in his eighth NBA season, began the 2024-25 season with the Hawks' College Park G League team before finishing the season with Indiana.
In his 38 games, including three starts, for the Pacers this season, Bradley averaged 4 points and 2.8 rebounds.
Bradley also has played for Utah, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City and Chicago. He has appeared in 20 career playoff games.
Atlanta is fifth in the Eastern Conference entering Monday night's game against the New York Knicks.
The Hawks requested waivers on forward Caleb Houstan, clearing the roster spot for Bradley. Houstan signed a two-way contract with Atlanta on Oct. 18, 2025. His deal was converted to a standard contract on Feb. 19. He averaged 2.3 points in 18 games.
The San Francisco Giants enter a home series with the Philadelphia Phillies faltering, having dropped three consecutive games.
However, I believe San Francisco can get back on track tonight. See why with my Phillies vs. Giants predictions and MLB picks for Monday, April 6.
Who will win Phillies vs Giants today: Giants (+105)
These teams have played vastly different schedules to start the year, creating value on the home team.
The San Francisco Giants are just 3-7 but have faced three quality teams (Yankees, Padres, Mets) and will be playing their fifth consecutive home game.
The Philadelphia Phillies are 5-4, but their series wins came against two of the worst teams in the league (Rockies and Nationals). It’s not an ideal travel spot, coming off an uninspiring 4-1 loss in Colorado.
Adrian Houser’s 117 Pitching+ in his Giants debut will play in pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
COVERS INTEL: Much was made about Phillies starter Andrew Painter’s impressive MLB debut (1 ER, 4 H, 8 Ks). Keep in mind that was against a poor Nationals lineup, however.
Phillies vs Giants Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-102)
There’s too much talent and past production in San Francisco’s lineup for these results to hold for too long, but right now they paint an undeniable picture — this lineup is riding the struggle bus.
The Giants are 23 points worse in wRC+ (45) and 58 points worse in wOBA (.229) against RHP than any other team. They’ve plated three or fewer runs in in eight of their 10 games.
Both starting pitchers had a 117 Pitching+ in their respective debuts, and both bullpens are due for positive regression with Top-12 SIERA marks but Bottom-10 ERAs.
JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 2-1, +0.87 units
Over/Under bets: 2-2, -0.09 units
Phillies vs Giants odds
Moneyline: Philadelphia -116 | San Francisco -102
Run line: Philadelphia -1.5 | San Francisco +1.5
Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Phillies vs Giants trend
The Phillies have cashed the Under in 44 of their last 79 away games. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Giants.
How to watch Phillies vs Giants and game info
Location
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Date
Monday, April 6, 2026
First pitch
9:45 p.m. ET
TV
MLBN
Phillies starting pitcher
Andrew Painter (1-0, 1.69 ERA)
Giants starting pitcher
Adrian Houser (0-1, 1.69 ERA)
Phillies vs Giants latest injuries
Phillies vs Giants weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The San Francisco Giants enter a home series with the Philadelphia Phillies faltering, having dropped three consecutive games.
However, I believe San Francisco can get back on track tonight. See why with my Phillies vs. Giants predictions and MLB picks for Monday, April 6.
Who will win Phillies vs Giants today: Giants (+105)
These teams have played vastly different schedules to start the year, creating value on the home team.
The San Francisco Giants are just 3-7 but have faced three quality teams (Yankees, Padres, Mets) and will be playing their fifth consecutive home game.
The Philadelphia Phillies are 5-4, but their series wins came against two of the worst teams in the league (Rockies and Nationals). It’s not an ideal travel spot, coming off an uninspiring 4-1 loss in Colorado.
Adrian Houser’s 117 Pitching+ in his Giants debut will play in pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
COVERS INTEL: Much was made about Phillies starter Andrew Painter’s impressive MLB debut (1 ER, 4 H, 8 Ks). Keep in mind that was against a poor Nationals lineup, however.
Phillies vs Giants Over/Under pick: Under 8 (-102)
There’s too much talent and past production in San Francisco’s lineup for these results to hold for too long, but right now they paint an undeniable picture — this lineup is riding the struggle bus.
The Giants are 23 points worse in wRC+ (45) and 58 points worse in wOBA (.229) against RHP than any other team. They’ve plated three or fewer runs in in eight of their 10 games.
Both starting pitchers had a 117 Pitching+ in their respective debuts, and both bullpens are due for positive regression with Top-12 SIERA marks but Bottom-10 ERAs.
JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 2-1, +0.87 units
Over/Under bets: 2-2, -0.09 units
Phillies vs Giants odds
Moneyline: Philadelphia -116 | San Francisco -102
Run line: Philadelphia -1.5 | San Francisco +1.5
Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Phillies vs Giants trend
The Phillies have cashed the Under in 44 of their last 79 away games. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Giants.
How to watch Phillies vs Giants and game info
Location
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Date
Monday, April 6, 2026
First pitch
9:45 p.m. ET
TV
MLBN
Phillies starting pitcher
Andrew Painter (1-0, 1.69 ERA)
Giants starting pitcher
Adrian Houser (0-1, 1.69 ERA)
Phillies vs Giants latest injuries
Phillies vs Giants weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The soccer calendar has been particularly quirky this year. There’s always an international break in March, but because this year’s edition involved World Cup qualifying playoffs, most games were scheduled for the Thursday and the Tuesday, which meant there was very little soccer played over the weekend; barely even a smattering of friendlies.
For a Saturday in early spring, it all felt very weird; it was a day for pacing the floors, wondering how on earth people who don’t like soccer fill the time. And with the Carabao Cup final falling the previous Sunday, and the FA Cup sixth round this weekend, that has meant a three-week hiatus in the title race. Which has been disorienting and, perhaps, not entirely to Arsenal’s benefit.
It's a full MLB slate today, and we're kicking off the week with some MLB best bets based on prices at the prediction market Polymarket, which allows bettors all across the country to join in on the baseball action.
Our expert MLB picks are below, with a distinct National League flavor to our April 6 plays.
Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $20 trading bonus after you deposit $20 to trade on any other event contracts — including MLB expert picks!
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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Pirates moneyline
Price: 56¢ (-127) at Polymarket
The Pirates draw one of the best matchups on the board against Germán Márquez, who was hit hard in his debut, allowing eight hits in just nine outs, including two home runs. THE BAT projects Márquez to allow the most earned runs of any starter today, with a fair price on the Pirates moneyline at -178. With 14 mph winds blowing out and Márquez’s fly-ball profile, Pittsburgh is in a strong spot to generate offense. On the other side, Bubba Chandler brings elite velocity and should be able to keep a light-hitting San Diego Padres lineup in check.
Jon Metler's expert pick: Rockies moneyline
Price: 38¢ (+163) at Polymarket
The Rockies cashed a parlay for me yesterday, and I wasn’t expecting to back them again on the moneyline today... but here we are — Go Rockies! The Houston Astros are sending Cody Bolton out for his first career start due to Hunter Brown’s injury. Even if Bolton manages to navigate Coors Field, he’s a career reliever, which means Houston will likely lean heavily on its bullpen — just one day after playing a 10-inning game against the Athletics in Sacramento. This sets up as a tough scheduling spot for the Astros, and the price on Colorado feels too strong to pass up. The Rockies are trading at 38% on the moneyline, but I make them closer to 44%.
Neil Parker's expert pick: Phillies moneyline
Price: 53¢ (-113) at Polymarket
The San Francisco Giants check in last in baseball in wOBA and wRC+ against righties, and they’ll face an elite young pitcher in Andrew Painter, who impressed in his MLB debut with eight strikeouts and a 31% Called Strike + Whiffs rate. In the opposite dugout, the Phillies sit fifth in wOBA and wRC+ against right-handed arms, with San Fran sending veteran Adrian Houser to the bump. He sports a run-of-the-mill 4.29 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 4.51 xFIP across 413 1/3 innings since the beginning of 2022, so I'm expecting the Phillies to put enough runs on the board to pull away.
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.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Victor Wembanyama
Cam Johnson
COVERS INTEL: Much was made about Phillies starter Andrew Painter’s impressive MLB debut (1 ER, 4 H, 8 Ks). Keep in mind that was against a poor Nationals lineup, however.
