19 Jun 1994: James Mouton of the Houston Astros swings at the ball during a game against the San Diego Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport | Getty Images
Our 35th entry is James Mouton, who’d debut with the Astros in the outfield in 1994 on Opening Day. He’d play in over 400 games for Houston throughout portions of four seasons, and he joins us exclusively at The Crawfish Boxes.
Q: You didn’t stay in the minors that long; you were promoted fairy quickly. Did the rapid ascension surprise you?
A: Not really. I was older. I had graduated St. Mary’s College and came out as a Senior. They knew they could push me a little bit harder and a little bit quicker because I was older and a little bit more mature than some guys. It felt very natural the pace I was on.
Q: Opening Day 1994 was one of the more thrilling openers in Astros history. It culminated in walk-off fashion in a 6-5 extra inning win over the Expos, which was your first opening day start. What does that day conjure up for you?
A: It was terrific! We were a team that were coming into our own. We were trying to build something there. The Astros were back to being a formidable opponent. That was a great win because it signified what was ultimately coming ahead from us at that time.
Q: Of course, 1994 ended prematurely with the lockout. When you hear the rhetoric going on present day and the uncertainty of the 2027 season, what goes through your mind?
A: I hope things get done. Baseball is in a great place right now and it can only get better and better, but we cannot have a work stoppage. Things have to keep going and getting better in order for the game to thrive. There was a time during that 1998 season where they were at a crossroads and without the homerun chase, I think we would’ve been in real trouble. It’s pretty simple. We need baseball to continue, and the product needs to be on the field.
Q: You played multiple seasons with Bagwell and Biggio. Did you know way back then that they’d ultimately land in Cooperstown?
A: You know, Biggio was always super athletic. He came out every single day looking to play hard and go hard. When he surpassed 3000 hits, that was just awesome. Bagwell, I thought he’d get there eventually but the injuries impacted his numbers. His stats would be even more impressive without some of those injuries.
Q: You’ve been around the game as a scout. How do you go about measuring the intangibles? Such as a guy’s work ethic or love of the game and their passion? Things that don’t always show up in the box score.
A: I like to watch players in situations. I like to see what happens when things don’t go well. How will a guy handle adversity? What does a guy expect from himself? What does he expect to happen next? Everyone can be good when things are going well but what happens when things go sideways? How does a guy get past that? Do they have a positive attitude and work past that? Those are the guys that I find that are ready to play pro ball.
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - MARCH 20: Jake Brown #7, Derek Curiel #6 of the LSU Tigers in action against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Alex Box Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Mitchell Scaglione/LSU/University Images via Getty Images)
The MLB Draft took place on July 11th and 12th, but the deadline for teams to sign their draftees was on Monday, July 27th at 5 pm eastern. Most of the negotiations between organizations and players occurs before the name is ever called, but there’s still work to be done to finalize the details in the two weeks post-draft.
In some situations, i.e. Logan Schmidt, there’s a lot that has to happen in those 15 days. For the most part, things eventually get settled and scenarios play out the way they were expected once selections are made during the draft. All 8 of LSU’s players that got drafted have signed their professional deals as they take the next step in their career.
As you have likely heard by this point, the Tigers were able to get 6 of the top-100 ranked high school players through the draft and on their way to Baton Rouge. It’s not just top-heavy, either. There’s true depth up and down the class, making for an exciting future.
Although it’s fairly self-explanatory, each player listed will include the amount he received for his signing bonus. The slot value for their selection is also included, showing what was negotiated between player and team. For rounds 11-20, the slot value is a static number that is built in to MLB teams’ bonus pool. Anything over $150K comes out of their pool, but as long as they stay at or under that figure, the bonus does not count against them in total.
Curiel was the last of any LSU-related draftee to sign his deal, but it was never in doubt that he eventually would. Signing for $2 million under slot is a tad surprising, but the $6.2 million figure that he got does line more up with picks 9-12, which is mostly where he was expected to be selected heading in to the draft. Pittsburgh got to save 25% of the slot value for the #5 pick to utilize later and the sophomore CF gets to join former Tigers Paul Skenes and Jared Jones in an organization on the rise.
We believed based on end-of-season and pre-draft conversations that there was a slight chance that Jake Brown could choose to return for his senior season at LSU. He would have had to slide in to the 3rd round and get offered less than seven figures for that to happen, though. At the end of the day, the Mariners made a fantastic decision and Brown gets to join Kade Anderson in hopes to quickly move up the minors, as well.
Not many anticipated the possibility of Sheerin returning for another year in Baton Rouge, but he did have two more season of eligibility even regardless of the new 5-for-5 rule. For him to get selected in the 4th round as a relief pitcher shows how high he was valued, though. Getting drafted that high and offered that much money as a non-starter is typically rare. Sheerin has a bright future with the Phillies as he continues to refine his mechanics and get even stronger.
Getting as much money as Fontenot did as a senior-sign is fantastic. Especially for a guy that did not pitch a whole lot in his college career. Upper 90s and strike-throwing is a good combination, though, and will always get you an opportunity.
I was actually a bit surprised that Garcia lasted as long as he did and he only got the base $150K. A lefty that throws mid-90s and still had eligibility can often garner a higher offer, but a call from a solid organization like the Blue Jays can factor in to taking less than a player’s number if he feels like it’s the right opportunity.
It was amazing to see Guidry get this opportunity with how his LSU career finished. He burst on to the scene after moving from SS to P during his freshman year and became one of the most important pitchers on a championship team. He followed that up with a better sophomore year, but the troubles started with a back injury that shut him down for his entire junior season. His return in 2026 got off to a great start, but I am of the belief that as the season went along, his arm/back wore down and his performance slipped. His upside is still through the roof, though. The Mets made a great call by getting Guidry in to their system.
Cowan will be an interesting career path to watch. As good as he was in college, he’ll need to add more to his repertoire if he hopes to ascend in the Guardians system. His changeup is elite, but we saw, at times, how he could get in trouble if that pitch wasn’t as sharp as it could be. Cleveland will likely try to add some velocity to his low-90s fastball, but if he can turn his slider in to another plus-pitch, it would work great with the changeup.
By far the most interesting story of the draft (and post-draft) for LSU, possibly overall. It was immediately assumed that he would sign with Cleveland after his name was called, rightfully so, but the deadline came and went and the fresh 18 year old decided to stick to his higher asking price and reject the $1.7 million offer that the Guardians had left in their bonus pool. He is now weighing the decision of upholding his commitment to LSU or taking the path of JUCO and re-entering the draft in 2027. Here is my full breakdown of the entire situation, explaining what has already happened and what is to come.
Although he was considered a longshot to make it to campus, the possibility of Hirschkorn slipping through the draft was increasing throughout day 1. That was until the Braves called and offered him a record-breaking $3 million over-slot offer.
Another one that was never really expected to make it to campus, Roberson nearly doubled up on his slot value and will head straight to the Marlins organization. With LSU getting guys like Malachi Washington and Nate Davis to campus, this was one that you could live with as the outfield is already jam-packed.
Thought as more likely to make it to campus, Blomker had a reported asking price of $800k-$1 million according to Koki Riley of The Advocate and that’s exactly what he got. He’ll head to the Cubs farm system after doubling his slot value.
This was probably the most surprising loss to the recruiting class, as Evans was thought to be a pretty sure bet to make it to Baton Rouge. This was also around the time that it was becoming clear that high-level prep pitchers across the country were deciding not to take less than their asking price and staying patient. Pittsburgh saw an opportunity to offer much more than Evans may have been anticipating and can start working on making him a steal.
Considered a 50/50 guy to make it to LSU, it was going to take a heck of an offer to get him to pass on college. That’s exactly what Detroit gave him, allotting $850,000 extra out of their bonus pool after saving money earlier in the draft. The Tigers are getting a versatile player that can play 1st base or corner outfield and already considered a polished hitter.
Of all of the outfielders in LSU’s recruiting class, Murphy was the least likely to make it to campus. Somehow, he was unable to find a landing spot with his requested number and he slipped to this point where the Nationals drafted him to try and cash in on his desire to go straight from high school to pro ball. Murphy, instead, chose to head to college, but it will not be with his original commitment, LSU. Due to his age, he’ll again be eligible for the draft following his sophomore season in 2028. With just two years to make his case to get drafted higher, he was seeking a clearer path to playing time and due to how deep Jay Johnson’s outfield is, that would not be the case with the Tigers. He requested to be released from his commitment, which he was, and has since committed to Miami.
Taken as a lottery ticket by the Pirates, Washington was set on heading to LSU by this point in the draft, but Pittsburgh selected him in case something fell through with one of their top picks and they’d have the bonus pool money available to spend here.
This was the exact same situation as Malachi Washington. Santarelli didn’t get the offer he was looking for earlier and was preparing his purple and gold, but the Mariners selected him just in case something change.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 30: Matt Strahm #25 of the Kansas City Royals reacts to giving up a walk-off, grand slam to Kody Clemens #2 of the Minnesota Twins (not pictured) in the ninth inning at Target Field on July 30, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Royals 4-3. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I remember when the internet wasn’t everywhere. When I was in high school in the aughts, you had to go to a computer to log onto Myspace or Facebook or to browse ESPN. In my freshman year of college at the tail end of the decade, my school didn’t even have WiFi in the dorms—you had to physically plug into the ethernet ports. Connecting while traveling abroad meant buying a physical, temporary SIM card or a burner phone. And airplanes? Forget about it. That’s what the seatback screen is for.
Nowadays, that’s not the case. On our most recent trip abroad, we had fast and reliable 5G service via a digital eSIM card. On the flight back, the plane had satellite internet via Starlink that I measured at a ludicrous-for-30,000-feet-in-the-air 138 megabits per second. Two weeks ago, we set off on a family vacation: an Alaskan cruise. Internet was, naturally, available for purchase on a per device basis.
But I didn’t buy the internet package. For the first time in over a decade, I didn’t have access to any Royals information whatsoever. No scores. No news. No social media posts. And let me tell you: it was bliss.
Make no mistake; I still love the Royals. I love baseball. I enjoy writing for a passionate audience. However, this season, and really the last few years, has worn me down. And the core reason, I’ve come to realize, is just how many Royals games just haven’t mattered in the standings for over the past decade.
Ever since the Golden Age Royals peaked in 2015 by winning a World Series, baseball in Kansas City has been a struggle. Teams have been bad early, and they’ve been bad often. And with the huge number of games every year, the deluge of meaningless contests has grated against my psyche like the relentless river smoothing out the rock.
I wanted to quantify just how bad it’s been over these last 11 years. While games played mathematically eliminated from contention might be technically correct, it doesn’t cover those games in June and July and August whose outcomes don’t change the trajectory of the team whatsoever, and it doesn’t cover those games in September where a decent team is just far enough out of realistic hope for wins to really make an impact. So I chose a big round number: 10 games behind first place in the American League Central. I took a look at when each team first got there, how many they played in a given season, and the percentage of games played 10 games behind.
The results are harrowing. The Kansas City Royals have fallen to 10 or more games behind first place every yearin the last 11 seasons at least once. In total, they’ve played 1,626 games over that time period—nearly 47% of which have been played that far back in the standings. And the average time the Royals reached 10 games back? Game 63, which lines up around the first week of June.
Season
G played on 1st 10 GB
Total G played 10 GB
Total G played
Percentage 10 GB
2026
51
42
110
37.0%
2025
69
48
162
29.6%
2024
81
1
162
0.6%
2023
27
129
162
79.6%
2022
40
123
162
75.9%
2021
64
98
162
60.5%
2020
39
22
60
36.7%
2019
36
127
162
78.4%
2018
54
107
162
66.0%
2017
130
32
162
19.8%
2016
102
36
162
22.2%
AVG
63
69
N/A
46.9%
Sports games are fun in and of themselves, but they are most fun when the games are played competently and when those games matter. And in nearly half of all games played over the last decade plus, those games just haven’t mattered; win or loss, the season’s outcome was all but settled anyway.
One time when I was a kid, I thought about shifting my allegiance across state lines. The St. Louis Cardinals were good. They had a fun hat with a bird on it. Why not root for them? That would be more fun, wouldn’t it?
But I just couldn’t do it. I cared about the Royals in a way that I didn’t care about the Cardinals and never would. The Royals were, are, my team. It’s irrational, but so is much about what we love. Relationships with sports teams are tied up in family, in history, in civic pride, in emotion. I couldn’t decouple my affinity for this team. I have tried not to care. It has not worked.
The first game I wrote about after I got back from my trip was Tuesday’s game against the Twins, which was a painful walkoff loss following an excellent start by Seth Lugo. Or, it should have been painful. When it happened, I just sort of shrugged. Another bullpen implosion, another day ending in ‘Y’, as it were. The Royals’ playoff odds were already below ground level.
I don’t have a point here much beyond this, but that’s fine. I’m just tired of meaningless baseball. I’ve followed so much meaningless baseball—and there was much of it before the Royals’ mid-2010s run, too. The weight of it has built up like plaque on my teeth, and I fear that it will be years before we experience meaningful baseball again.
Gabriel Moreno is on a tear, having started every game since June 29. Max Kepler has been a regular against righties in the second half. Ryan Waldschmidt is back with the big league club but isn't playing consistently.
Athletics
Jonah Heim was already getting plenty of plate appearances, and he's started every game since Shea Langeliers went down last weekend. Tommy White has started all but one game since being called up to open the second half, mostly at the hot corner. Henry Bolte is hitting too many grounders, but he's the primary center fielder with plus bat speed and sprint speed.
Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Drake Baldwin hit 1-2 against lefties and flip spots against righties. Jim Jarvis remains the primary shortstop. Austin Riley is back down in the bottom third of the order.
Baltimore Orioles
Christian Encarnacion-Strand is getting most, though not all, of the opportunities at third base in the second half. Dylan Beavers has begun hitting leadoff against righties. Jackson Holliday is seeing plenty of run and hitting the ball well lately.
Boston Red Sox
Curtis Mead's tenure with the club this season might have lasted one game, which puts Anthony Seigler back at second base against righties, hitting leadoff. Caleb Durbin has started all but one game since May 28. Masataka Yoshida remains a fixture against righties. It feels like a big trade is coming.
Chicago Cubs
Alex Bregman is off to a strong start in the second half and has settled in as the cleanup hitter. The same seven regulars are in place, with some rotation at catcher and DH.
Chicago White Sox
Sam Antonacci has sat against two of three lefties since the All-Star break. Braden Montgomery's playing time remains strong. He's sat just twice since his June 9 call-up. Andrew Benintendi keeps hanging around in a strong-side DH platoon.
Cincinnati Reds
Edwin Arroyo was sent to Triple-A when Matt McLain came off the IL on Thursday, and McLain started at second base. Noelvi Marte isn't playing enough to be a fantasy factor, even in deeper leagues.
Cleveland Guardians
Steven Kwan has regained the leadoff role over the past two weeks. His rebound, strong rookie showings from Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter, and Brayan Rocchio's growth have lengthened this lineup, at least on paper.
Colorado Rockies
Cole Carrigg has been getting more looks at the top of the order in July. There hasn't been much other movement, so we'll see what the deadline brings. It's surprising that Ezequiel Tovar is still getting the primary reps at shortstop, not that he's startable in any fantasy format.
Detroit Tigers
Max Clark is set to debut in Sacramento this weekend, though expect him to hit in the bottom third initially. Hao-Yu Lee has been productive despite not playing every day, and he could get extra looks at second base if Gleyber Torres is moved.
Houston Astros
It's a very top-heavy lineup, especially with Jose Altuve finally showing signs of aging. He's been even worse to start the second half. Yordan Alvarez has missed only two games all year. Imagine knowing that back on draft day.
Kansas City Royals
The Carter Jensen leadoff experiment continues despite a .306 OBP. He, Lane Thomas, and Salvador Perez occupy three of the top four spots on a regular basis, alongside the streaky Jac Caglianone. This lineup is really hurting without Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia.
Los Angeles Angels
All eyes are on whether Zach Neto gets traded before Monday night, which would downgrade a lineup already full of holes. Vaughn Grissom has played consistently since the All-Star break. Josh Lowe hasn't.
Los Angeles Dodgers
It's still strange seeing Kyle Tucker hit sixth or seventh most days. Teoscar Hernández has been in the bottom third since the All-Star break. Tommy Edman was eased in on his return, but he's sat just once since July 7.
Miami Marlins
Heriberto Hernández leads the team in homers and has started 18 straight. Griffin Conine is a fixture against righties. Kyle Stowers has become the primary first baseman, with no outfield starts since July 1.
Milwaukee Brewers
Luis Lara's playing time is ticking up with five starts in the past six games, and he's been impressive in a small sample. Cooper Pratt has been the primary shortstop since mid-June. Andrew Vaughn's opportunities remain scarce. David Hamilton is off the IL and looks like the preferred third baseman over Joey Ortiz against righties.
Minnesota Twins
They've faced a lot of lefties to open the second half, which has capped Trevor Larnach's opportunities. Royce Lewis is still mostly at first base while getting exposure at second and third. Luke Keaschall is a full-time outfielder now. Kody Clemens isn't coming out of this lineup all summer.
New York Mets
Luis Robert Jr. has started seven of ten since coming off the IL. Jorge Polanco is DHing roughly every other day. Marcus Semien isn't starting every game. Tyrone Taylor has been in the lineup four of six times since Juan Soto returned to the IL. Carson Benge is batting fourth against righties.
New York Yankees
Jasson Domínguez has been an everyday player for six weeks. Spencer Jones should start against righties with Cody Bellinger on the IL. With Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton still sidelined, this lineup has struggled to score over the past 30 days.
Philadelphia Phillies
Brandon Marsh recently sat against two straight lefties for the first time since April. Bryson Stott has sat once since May 15. Expect outfield reinforcements in the coming days.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Esmerlyn Valdez has hit cleanup in every game this month. Ryan O'Hearn has started all but one game since June 12. Jake Mangum is getting most of the recent leadoff opportunities.
San Diego Padres
Fernando Tatis Jr. has started at second base just once in July, though he's played there enough to lock in 2027 eligibility, of course. Ty France has become the everyday cleanup hitter during his recent heater. Xander Bogaerts has been pushed to the bottom third of the lineup.
San Francisco Giants
Matt Chapman could return this weekend and slide back in at third base, with Casey Schmitt likely done for the season. Heliot Ramos has mostly hit inside the top three this month.
Seattle Mariners
Cole Young has hit leadoff in all but one game since July 21, taking the role from J.P. Crawford. Cal Raleigh has mostly hit sixth against righties to open the second half. Dominic Canzone has started against four straight southpaws.
St. Louis Cardinals
Jordan Walker moved up from cleanup to second, flipping with Ivan Herrera after the catcher finally got his first day off last Thursday. Blaze Jordan is back to near-everyday playing time after an inconsistent start to July. Lars Nootbaar has started two of five games against lefties in the second half.
Tampa Bay Rays
Nothing new, even with half the lineup serving as rotational pieces. Victor Mesa Jr. sits against lefties, as do Cedric Mullins and Richie Palacios. Yandy Díaz has led off in every start since June 6, limiting Chandler Simpson's opportunities at the top.
Texas Rangers
Corey Seager is set to return Friday, which likely bumps Ezequiel Duran to third base with Josh Jung sidelined. Joc Pederson has been hot at the plate lately and remains the primary leadoff option against righties.
Toronto Blue Jays
George Springer has started just one game in the outfield this season, putting him on track to be a UTIL-only bat in 2027. Yohendrick Piñango and Nathan Lukes have handled the top of the order against righties over the past week. Ernie Clement plays every day, bouncing between second, third, and short.
Washington Nationals
Jorbit Vivas has started three of five games at third base since Curtis Mead was traded to Boston. Brady House has started the other two, including against the only lefty they've faced. Dylan Crews looks like the biggest lineup-placement beneficiary of the Mead trade, hitting third in three of his four starts since the deal. Harry Ford has started six of 13 games since being called up from Triple-A, splitting catching duties with Keibert Ruiz.
Sunday Leadoff and Sunday Night Baseball both head to Los Angeles this week, with Brewers vs. Angels starting things off at 3p ET on NBCSN and Peacock before the Red Sox and Dodgers clash later in the night.
In the booth, Matt Vasgersian will lead things on play-by-play, where World Series champion Mark Gubicza and five-year MLB veteran Vinny Rottino will serve as the game's analysts. With veteran star Mike Trout and elite catcher William Contreras among the big names set to face off at Angel Stadium, dive into full streaming and preview information below.
How to watch the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Angels
The Brewers (67-41) enter Sunday Leadoff as one of the National League's premier teams. Pat Murphy's club has been powered by elite pitching across the board, boasting the second-best team ERA (3.51) in all of baseball. Anchoring the rotation and much of Milwaukee's success is flame-throwing ace Jacob Misiorowski, who has put up video game numbers this year as he solidifies his status as arguably MLB's top starting pitcher. The 24-year-old leads the entire sport in ERA (1.58), WHIP (0.750) and K/9 (13.9).
Behind Miz, Logan Henderson (2.66 ERA) and Shane Drohan (3.51 ERA) have emerged as consistent forces for the Brewers' staff. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's offense has produced as one of the game's most well-rounded units, currently boasting top-five numbers in total runs scored (546, fifth), batting average (.255, fourth), OBP (.337, third) and walks (443, second).
Driving much of the Brewers' offensive success has been William Contreras, who has taken his place among the game's top offensive catchers. Brice Turang has continued where he left off after his breakout 2025 season, becoming a trusted producer near the top of Milwaukee's lineup alongside Jackson Chourio (.274 BA), who has been the definition of consistency while still just 22 years old.
The Angels (42-67) find themselves on an opposite path this year, with all signs pointing to selling at the trade deadline despite the AL West's wide-open nature. They enter their series with the Brewers fresh off a sweep at the hands of the Astros, with a 1-6 record in their last seven.
Though the Halos have underwhelmed this year, Zach Neto has provided a spark offensively, with his 19 home runs paving the way for a potential career-high in long balls. Mike Trout has mostly cooled off after a throwback start to his year, but his .393 OBP remains the seventh-best mark in MLB. On the mound, Angels pitchers have combined for 971 strikeouts, good for eighth-best in baseball.
What other MLB games are on Peacock this Sunday?
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday Night Baseball at 7:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
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INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 22: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics speaks with Jayson Tatum #0 during the game against the LA Clippers on January 22, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I still have a lot of unanswerable questions bouncing around in my head about the Boston Celtics and thought I’d go to the smartest minds in the game for answers (our staff)!
The first question I had was about play style: How different will the Celtics play style be next year with Jaylen Brown gone? (If at all)
Below are the staff’s answers.
Ian Inangelo
I really don’t see the play style changing much without Brown next year. In my mind I think Boston will have a similar play style with Tatum just stepping in. Tatum will be the driving force of the offense and do most of the creating with Payton Pritchard, Paul George, and Derrick White as back up options. Three pointers might increase more with Brown’s departure as he was known for his midrange game but it shouldn’t change the offense that much. The defense shouldn’t take a step back either, making that a priority on top of rebounding which should be improved thanks to the addition of Mitchell Robinson.
Trevor Hass
I think the play style will be very similar to this year, with Jayson Tatum sliding back in as the alpha and Derrick White and Payton Pritchard handling the ball even more in Jaylen Brown’s absence. I do think they’ll attempt fewer 3-pointers per game next season and try to diversify their arsenal. More paint touches and post-ups for Tatum would be a welcome addition.
Steve Hooper
I’m not sure right now. The fact that we still have so many young wings on the team I would hope the the pace will be high and similar to the regular season last year. If the pace is slow, I think that is bad news for Boston. If the ball isn’t zipping around the key and finding paint touches, we might be in a for a long year.
Jake Issenberg
Last season the Celtics started to scratch the surface of maximising their advantage in the possession game. They did this by emphasising offensive rebounding and continuing to minimise their own turnovers. Then Brad Stevens doubled down. He sent out Jaylen Brown who was the one weak link in the turnover aspect of their identity. The Celtics also signed one of the best offensive rebounders of all time in Mitchell Robinson. The final piece of the Possession Maxxing identity for the Celtics is forcing their own turnovers when on defense. Paul George and Robinson are elite in this category as well. I expect Mazzulla to crank up the ball pressure in a way we haven’t seen during his tenure until now.
Nate Moskowitz
Offensively, I don’t believe the personnel changes are drastic enough to force a major shift in the way they look to attack. To amplify Mitchell Robinson and Paul George’s skill sets I think we can expect them to lean into some additional pick and roll possessions along with more pull-up threes, but they ranked high in both of those categories already.
The biggest change that I envision is on the defensive end. I feel confident about that being a real strength for this group. They could benefit a lot from turning up the pressure and taking a few more risks each game. They have young wings that can get into ball handlers and make them uncomfortable, and then there’s the off-ball defensive playmaking of White, Tatum and George. Pair all of that with rim protection from Queta and Robinson and you’ve got a versatile and disruptive group. They’ll miss Jaylen’s point of attack defense against some of the top perimeter options, but that’s the role you’d ideally like to thrust Hugo and Walsh into anyways.
Grant Burfeind
I think this is the first time we’ll really get to see Tatum with the keys to the car. We’ve seen flashes over the years, but this is the first season where there’s no debate about whose team it is. I’m really curious (and optimistic) about what that does for him. My hope is we get the best version of Tatum yet. More usage, more responsibility, and a legitimate MVP push.
Beyond that, I think this team is going to wreak havoc defensively, and I am HERE for it. Brad may not have gotten the rim punisher he was looking for in PG, but he got his rim denier in Mitch Robinson. Between Mitch and Queta down low coupled with White, Tatum, and George on the perimeter, I think the Celtics will guard their yards, dominate both ends of the glass and give themselves a chance to win a lot of ugly games.
Jeff Clark
Last year when Brown was given the opportunity and burden of being the number one option, he had his most productive year, but (as many have pointed out) some struggles with efficiency. At a high level, I could see Tatum going through some similar struggles as his usage increases and he can’t hand things off to Brown anymore. Jayson is more than capable of carrying the offensive load, but that can also wear you down over a full year as well. The good news is that Tatum is a more naturally gifted passer and play-initiator than Jaylen is (though he made strides every year in that department). I wonder if that takes enough burden off of Derrick to help him regain his shooting touch. It will be also interesting to see how many “layups and dunks” we can get out of our rim attacking bigs out of the pick and roll.
Defensively I could see them leaning even further into having waves of young and athletic wings to throw at teams with multiple looks. I’m pretty excited to see the center rotation now that they’ve added Robinson to the mix as well.
Robby Fletcher
As much as outside voices love to bash Boston’s tendency to fire from beyond the arc, I don’t think they’re quite prepared for how much more 3-oriented they’ll be without Jaylen Brown.
Brown’s mid-range scoring was instrumental to last year’s offensive success. Boston as a team was fifth in the league in mid-range attempts, mostly generated by Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard before Jayson Tatum returned. Between the addition of Paul George, an excellent 3-point shooter, and Mitchell Robinson, a dominant offensive rebounder, I’m expecting Boston to continue working its rotation-forcing drive-and-kick game to attack from distance and look to generate extended possessions through their improved frontcourt.
Ryan Paice
I’m of the same mind as Robby; Boston’s going to lean even more heavily into its already 3pt-heavy offensive approach. But not by design. One of the Celtics’ weakest aspects since losing Jrue Holiday has been its lack of a strong tertiary playmaker who can reliably beat an opponent’s defense off the dribble when the first options can’t. Unfortunately, one of the results of that weakness is a higher number of desperation 3s. Even more unfortunately, I think that weakness gets even worse this year without Brown.
Now, to be fair, Tatum is a better primary playmaker than Brown. And Pritchard will slot in as a decent secondary option, as he did behind Brown last season. Nevertheless, I think Brown’s a superior #2, and I’m not sold on White and George as tertiary playmakers — especially White. It was tough watching him struggle to gain an advantage on offense against the Sixers in the first round. Maybe George can excel as a tertiary playmaker in the C’s system, but his lack of availability has been a huge concern in recent years. If White continues to struggle from 3pt range and George struggles to stay on the court, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the team launching more last-minute, desperation 3s than anyone would like to see.
Mike Dynon
If Jayson Tatum returns to point forward duties, probably not much different. Still expecting plenty of threes, because that’s the league now. I do hope the Celtics ramp up the pick and roll, because with Mitchell Robinson joining Neemias Queta, Boston now has two legit high fliers to get up and throw it down.
Rich Jensen
I’m hoping that the ball is a bit less sticky. Two years ago, in his last full season, Jayson Tatum’s averaged 3.71 seconds per touch, less than Jaylen Brown’s 4.17 seconds that season, and even more significantly less than his average of 4.34 seconds per touch this past season.
The C’s were better at passing the ball this past season than the season before, but they were still pretty pedestrian when it came to passing and generating assists. I’m hoping that a lineup of Jayson and Friends will move the ball a bit more freely than last year’s lineup of Jaylen and Friends, based on Jayson’s larger toolkit as a passer and facilitator.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are -120 favorites Friday night as they play host to the hottest team in baseball, the Boston Red Sox.
With Ranger Suarez at the top of his game and backed by an elite bullpen, my Red Sox vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks believe the value lies with the road team.
Who will win Red Sox vs Dodgers tonight: Boston Red Sox (+105)
Red Sox vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (+100)
Suarez (3.02 ERA, 3.19 xFIP) has posted excellent run suppression numbers and deservedly so.
He has not only done a great job of limiting fly balls, but also homers. Suarez has allowed 0.47 homers per nine innings, and 0.36 HR/9 on the road.
The Dodgers aren't in great form offensively, and that's not handedness specific. Los Angeles slots 18th against lefties in wOBA this month.
I don't see the Red Sox, who are 16th in wOBA vs. righties in July, lighting up the Dodgers bullpen, and that's probably necessary to go Over.
Play the Under to -120.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 65-59, -7.30 units
Over/Under bets: 68-51-5, +8.49 units
Red Sox vs Dodgers weather
The forecast calls for temperatures hovering around 80 with winds blowing out. Bats will see a boost.
Red Sox vs Dodgers odds
Moneyline: Red Sox +100 | Dodgers -120
Run line: Red Sox +1.5 (-200) | Dodgers -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-120) | Under 8.5 (+100)
Red Sox vs Dodgers trend
Los Angeles has hit the Game Total Under in 30 of its last 50 games at home (+815 units, 15% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Red Sox vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Friday, July 31, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
NESN, SportsNet LA
Red Sox starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (4-3, 3.02 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Edgardo Henriquez (4-1, 2.79 ERA)
Red Sox vs Dodgers 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.
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23, 2026: A closeup view of the Spring Training logo on a New Era Cleveland Guardians hat during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Goodyear Ballpark on February 23, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Today’s news and notes will be combined with a series preview since I am short on time headed to the Trade Deadline.
Tonight, the Guardians begin a weekend series with the Arizona Diamondbacks leading up to Monday’s MLB trade deadline. Tonight’s forecast looks wonderful but Saturday and Sunday MAY be challenges with thunderstorms rolling in.
The Diamondbacks are tied with Cleveland in team wRC+ at 93, and their starting pitching is 14th in ERA while their relief pitching is 17th. They are somehow 57-52 with a 0 run differential, though, and in second place in the NL West. Teams are hoping to trade for players from Arizona, but I’d guess the DBacks will be buying.
Pitching Matchups: Friday, 7:10PM ET, Bibee RHP, 3.89 ERA vs. Bratt LHP, 6.32 ERA; Saturday, 7:15PM Messick LHP, 2.59 ERA vs. Drake LHP 5.00 ERA; Sunday, 1:40PM Williams RHP 3.71 ERA vs. Kelly 4.66 ERA. Sure would be nice to see the Guardians dominate a National League team this weekend with favorable pitching matchups on deck.
AROUND MLB:
The White Sox and Twins won in walk-offs and the Twins added lefty reliever A.J. Minter from the Mets. None of those items of news are positive for us.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 30: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres catches a fly ball hit by Rafael Devers #16 of the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a game at Petco Park on July 30, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
JP Sears got the start for the San Diego Padres and allowed three runs on seven hits over 3.2 innings. The 3-0 deficit after an inning-and-a-half proved to be too much for the Padres to overcome as they suffered a 4-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants in the series opener at Petco Park on Thursday night.
Sears got Luis Arraez to pop out for the first out of the game but then issues a walk and allowed a single to put runners at first and second for the Giants. With runners at first and third, Sears allowed a sacrifice fly, which was really a home run robbery by Fernando Tatis Jr. at the wall in right-center field, to Rafael Devers which gave San Francisco a 1-0 lead just four batters into the game. Sears got out of the inning one batter later on a ground out, but San Diego was playing from behind before the first turn at-bat.
The top of the second inning started worse for Sears as he allowed a leadoff single to Willy Adames before allowing a two-run home run to Daniel Susac that put the Giants ahead 3-0. Sears bounced back to retire the next three batters. The Padres responded with a run in the bottom of the second inning when Xander Bogaerts hit a two-out RBI-single to cut the deficit to 3-1.
That was all the San Diego lineup was able to get off San Francisco starter Robbie Ray. The left-hander completed six innings and allowed one run on four hits with one walk and six strikeouts. The Padres were only able to manage one additional hit off Giants relievers. San Francisco was able to add another run in the top of the fifth inning when Susac collected his third RBI on a sacrifice fly to center field which allowed Devers to score to put the Giants ahead, 4-1.
The Padres will try to get back to their winning ways tonight when they take on the Giants for the second game of the series at 6:45 p.m.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 30: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays walks off the field with athletic trainer Joseph Benge after an injury in the fourth inning against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on July 30, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welp, it looks like the Yankees offense is back in the toilet after a promising start to their series against the White Sox. They have failed to score in 28 of their last 32 innings played, scoring just two unearned runs in their last 22 innings. With just one dependable hitter in their lineup in Ben Rice, you just don’t seen an avenue toward improvement until the likes of Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton return from injury as it remains highly improbable that they add multiple impact bats before the MLB Trade Deadline on Monday. Instead, their pitching staff will have to continues to shoulder the load while they await the returns of their big boppers.
Tampa Bay Rays (64-44) 3, Texas Rangers (55-54) 2
Looking at the starting pitching matchups — the Rangers opting for a bullpen game while the Rays threw out their ace Shane McClanahan — you wouldn’t have thought this would have finished as close as it did. Part of that is down to the performance of the Rangers’ opener and bulk reliever, Cole Winn and Marco Gonzales combining to throw four innings of one-run ball. The other part is down to the misfortune suffered by Shane McClanahan.
Despite pitching a no-hitter through the first three innings, McClanahan’s velocity dropped precipitously when he came back out for the fourth and his command abandoned him. He plunked Ezequiel Duran and walked Brandon Nimmo to open the frame, prompting the trainer to come out and check on him, McClanahan immediately exiting the game. The injury is described as mid-back tightness, which is notable given McClanahan endured IL stints in 2021 and 2023 with back tightness and missed the entirety of the 2024 and 2025 seasons to Tommy John surgery and left triceps surgery, respectively. The Rays were already rumored to be one of the four teams most aggressively pursuing Tarik Skubal alongside the Dodgers, Brewers, and Braves, and you wonder whether this injury creates further impetus for Tampa to pull off that blockbuster despite it running counter to the way they normally conduct business.
Back to the game, the Rays opened the scoring in the third as Hunter Feduccia reached on a two-out double and Yandy Díaz plated him with a single. They would load the bases from there on a Jonathan Aranda single and Junior Caminero walk, but Gonzales got Cedric Mullins to ground out to strand all three in place. After McClanahan departed with a pair on and no outs in the fourth, Duran advanced to third on a Jake Burger fly out and scored on a fielding error by Taylor Walls on a Joc Pederson grounder.
Wyatt Langford grabbed a lead for his team the following inning with an RBI double after Alejandro Osuna reached on a one-out single. However, the Rays bullpen was shutdown from there, allowing Jonny DeLuca and Mullins to complete the comeback. DeLuca tied the game with a solo shot in the sixth and Mullins got just enough of a first-pitch fastball from Ben Peoples for the game-winning solo shot with two outs in the eighth. With the win and Yankees loss, the Rays extend their lead in the division to 3.5 games.
Sonny Gray did manage to give the Red Sox seven innings, though he did surrender four runs on seven hits and two walks in the process. The Athletics meanwhile got five innings of three run ball from rookie Mason Barnett. The A’s jumped out to an early lead, opening the scoring on a third inning RBI single from Jacob Wilson before adding two more in the fourth on an RBI double from Lawrence Butler and an RBI single from Donovan Walton, the A’s then loading the bases only for a Wilson pop out to end the inning.
Boston immediately made them pay for stranding those three runners by scoring three in the top half of the following frame. Andruw Monnasterio hit an RBI single and Ceddanne Rafaela a two-run double, the Red Sox aided by a pair of errors in the inning. Carlos Cortes grabbed the lead back for the A’s in the sixth with a sac fly after Butler led off with a double. However, Wilyer Abreu and Willson Contreras called game in the eighth, leading off the inning with back-to-back home runs as the win takes the Red Sox within 3.5 games of the Yankees for second place — just as close as the Yankees are to the first-place Rays.
Los Angeles Dodgers (69-40) 6, Seattle Mariners (53-57) 2
Bryan Woo made the shortlist of several publications’ preseason Cy Young candidate rankings, but his nightmare season continued tonight with five runs allowed on five hits and two walks in five innings. Meanwhile, Roki Sasaki continued to enjoy improved velocity and an uptick in strikeouts with 5.1 innings of two-run ball, striking out seven. Mookie Betts struck in the first with a two-out, two-run double after the first two batters reached. Dalton Rushing added three more in the fourth with a three-run tank after Kyle Tucker walked and Teoscar Hernández singled. Seattle broke up the shutout in the sixth, Cole Young leading off with a triple and scoring on a Randy Arozarena double before a Cal Raleigh walk with the bases loaded brought Arozarena home, the Mariners going on to strand three ducks on the pond. Teoscar wrapped up the scoring with a solo shot in the seventh.
To keep this feature going, I’m going to post simply the WPA numbers and plays of the game, and a poll so you can vote on your choice for Player of the Game. Thomas will update the Rizzo Award standings when he returns.
Game 109, July 30: Cubs 4, Cardinals 2 (62-47)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
Superhero: Jacob Webb (.213). 1.1 IP, H
Hero: Alex Bregman (.209). 2-4, 2 2B, 2R
Sidekick: Aaron Civale (.116). 0.2 IP, K, SV
THREE GOATS:
Billy Goat: Michael Conforto (-.157). 0-4.
Goat: Caleb Thielbar (-.145). IP, R, HR
Kid: Carson Kelly (-.133). 1-4.
Ian Happ’s RBI double in the 10th has him at .102, good for fourth place for this game.
WPA Play of the Game: JJ Wetherholt’s game-tying homer off Caleb Thielbar in the seventh (.243).
Cubs Play of the Game: Michael Busch’s RBI single in the top of the seventh (.191).
The two plays above were the top two WPA plays of the entire game. Bregman’s RBI double in the 10th was next at .165.
Up next: The Yankees visit Wrigley Field. Shōta Imanaga will throw the series opener Friday against Yankees right-hander Will Warren.
Dec 3, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) reacts after beating the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Welcome to Pounding the Rock’s 2025-26 player reviews! The series will look at the players who finished the season with the San Antonio Spurs on guaranteed contracts and who played consequential minutes and/or a vital role (so no two-way players because we hardly saw them this year, no players who were traded away, and none of the deep bench centers, since they were both irrelevant and are now all gone).
Contract Status: 3 years, $29.7 million remaining (team option for 2028-29)
Age: 31
Following the 2024-25 season, the Spurs knew their biggest weakness was size and production behind Victor Wembaynama. After trading Zach Collins as part of the De’Aaron Fox trade, losing Charles Bassey to yet another knee injury and finally Wemby to deep vein thrombosis, they were left scrambling for size, resulting in the signing of Bismack Biyombo and more than enough small ball. It was fine since the postseason became a far reach without Wemby (although to the remaining players’ credit, they never stopped trying), but the Spurs would have to get better at backup center if they wanted to reach new heights this season.
They did just that with the under-the-radar signing of Luke Kornet — a veteran, championship-winning center from the Boston Celtics — on a team-friendly deal. Not much was made of it at the time, but it was soon seen as one of the best pick-ups of free agency. Not only was the Spurs’ defense drastically improved overall, but there was much less drop-off when Wemby left the court compared to previous seasons thanks in part to Kornet’s size and underrated (if unspectacular) rim protection. Players who thought they had a free lane to the basket once Wemby left the court quickly learned otherwise. (It may have been less daunting, but certainly not free.)
Kornet especially got to shine early in the season, with Wemby missing 12 straight games between November and December with a calf strain, followed by 6 coming off then bench on a minutes restriction, resulting in Kornet starting for 17 of 18 games (he missed one of his own). In those games, the Spurs went 15-2 with Kornet’s numbers remaining consistent on a per-minute basis without much drop-off as a team. One of his best performances of the season came in that time frame, with a 20-12 double-double in a win in Washington, and of course there was his best play of the regular season: a game-winning, buzzer-beating block of Franz Wagner in Orlando.
He continued to be steady and productive even back in a bench role for the rest of the regular season, with his main weakness being availability (he missed 14 games with various ailments, fortunately without too much overlap with Wemby). However, the playoffs were another story, as he (and seemingly every other bench player not named Dylan Harper) saw his production plummet as the strength of opponent rose, likely skewing his final grade here a bit.
After three straight games scorning in double figures and posting a positive plus-minus to open the playoffs against Portland, his highest scoring game the rest of the way was 7 points in a Game 5 loss to Minnesota (the Wemby ejection game), and the only time he posted a positive plus-minus in a non-blowout game was Game 7 against the Thunder, but what a big game it was. Even though it wasn’t a huge night statistically for Kornet, he provided perhaps their most important play of the postseason: a chase-down block of Isaiah Hartenstein in the fourth quarter that sucked the life out of the Thunder as they made a last ditch effort to come back while Wemby sat with foul trouble.
It’s a play that helped the Spurs win the Western Conference Finals and will go down as one of their best postseason blocks ever, etching Kornet into Spurs playoff lore. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t carry over to the Finals — for Kornet or the Spurs.
Looking ahead
Kornet will likely play the same role next season: backing up Wemby. There won’t be much doubt in the regular season, but the Spurs will need better production from him (and again, the entire bench) in the playoffs if they hope to win a championship, especially considering exhaustion appeared to play a big role in their Finals loss. Also, it may not be immediate, but Kornet will eventually be looking over his shoulder with the Spurs going for size in the draft with Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed, the latter who is healthy and possibly NBA-ready if he gets hurt or his production stumbles.
Kornet’s contract makes him a very tradable asset should the Spurs see the need to shake things up at any point in the next few seasons, but it also gives them a very productive bench player on the cheap in a time when they’ll have to start making some tough financial decisions. He was arguably the best backup center in the league last season by providing exactly what they needed: solid minutes to back up and even replace Wemby at times without a massive drop in production. Expecting much more from him is a stretch, but simply hoping it carries over into the playoffs doesn’t seem like too much to ask, especially from a player who has won a championship playing the same role before.
Top Performance
14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks in Round 1, Game 3 @ Portland Trail Blazers
While Kornet had games with bigger numbers early in the season when Wemby missed extensive time and more memorable moments (such as the Wagner and Hartenstein blocks), this was by far his most important performance for the Spurs, with Wemby out with a concussion and the series tied 1-1 heading out on the road. While Wemby only ended up missing one game, Kornet’s stabilizing performance was certainly reassuring in an uncertain time and helped put the Spurs back in the driver’s seat with a crucial 120-108 win.
The first-place Tampa Bay Rays open their series against the Chicago White Sox tonight as -144 favorites at home, with veteran right-hander Nick Martinez getting the start.
Martinez has been one of Tampa Bay's most reliable arms this season, and my White Sox vs. Rays predictions back the Rays to extend their winning streak to three games.
Who will win White Sox vs Rays today: Rays moneyline (-142)
The Tampa Bay Rays continue to play well, and they will be confident with Nick Martinez on the hill. The righty is in impressive form, posting a 3.21 xERA across his last four appearances.
During that span, he's allowed just 1.19 BB/9 and 0.79 HR/9 while limiting opponents to a 27.4% hard-hit rate. The Chicago White Sox aren't exactly thriving offensively either, posting a 92 wRC+ over the last week.
As for Erick Fedde, he is having real trouble lately. Fedde sports a 7.78 FIP in his previous two outings, giving up an alarming 4.32 HR/9. The Rays aren't lighting it up at the dish right now, but their home wRC+ sits at 114, compared to a 97 mark on the road.
Martinez throws another gem, and the Rays capitalize on Fedde's vulnerabilities.
I'll play this pick up to -160, but no higher. Given Fedde's issues with the long ball, the runline offers value as well.
COVERS INTEL: Erick Fedde has allowed a 55.6% hard-hit rate over the last month, compared to his season average of 40.5%. This is a clear opportunity for the Rays to jump on him.
White Sox vs Rays Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 runs (-116)
The Under feels like the logical play tonight. Even though the Rays swing it much better at home, they have produced just a 92 wRC+ over their last six games, matching Chicago’s recent mark. Both bullpen profiles also point to fewer late-game runs once the starters depart.
The Tampa Bay relief corps owns a solid 1.88 xERA over its previous 25.1 frames while holding opponents to a mere 1.6% barrel rate. As for the White Sox pen, it has posted a 3.85 FIP over the last week while surrendering just 0.56 HR/9.
I do expect Fedde to give up some runs, while Martinez should keep Chicago quiet. But once both starters exit, runs could be difficult to come by considering the current form of these bullpens.
I’ll play this pick up to -130.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 38-51, -17.97 units
Over/Under bets: 48-39, +2.61 units
White Sox vs Rays weather
Outside conditions around Tropicana Field look warm and humid tonight, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-80s. There is some shower risk in the area, but Tropicana Field’s indoor setup means weather should not affect scoring, ball carry, or delay risk.
White Sox vs Rays odds
Moneyline: Chicago +133 | Tampa Bay -138
Run line: Chicago +1.5 (-156) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+108) | Under 8.5 (-113)
White Sox vs Rays trend
The Under is 5-0 in Rays' last 5 games as a home favorite. Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Rays.
How to watch White Sox vs Rays and game info
Location
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Date
Friday, July 31, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, Rays.TV
White Sox starting pitcher
Erick Fedde (5-6, 4.25 ERA)
Rays starting pitcher
Nick Martinez (10-2, 2.45 ERA)
White Sox vs Rays 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, GA - JULY 30: Washington third base coach Victor Estevez (7) congratulates left fielder Daylen Lile (4) after he hit his second home run during the MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves on July 30th, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Nats are now 110 games into the season, and sit at an even 55-55. As we all know, the offense has been electric, even if they have struggled late in games lately. However, the pitching staff, especially the bullpen has been holding this team back. When you add it all up, you get a perfectly average team.
With the third Wild Card in place, being mediocre means you are right in the middle of the playoff race. Before last night’s loss, the Nats were only two games out of a Wild Card spot. With everyone around them losing, the Nats are still only 2.5 games out, in a cluster of five teams that are all within a game of each other.
Should the Nationals put their chips in with the goal of claiming that third Wild Card spot, or should the front office continue to build for the future? Right now, prognosticators give the Nats around a 10% chance of making the playoffs. However, this next week will give us a lot more clarity.
Between the deadline and this 8 game run against the Braves and Phillies, we will learn a lot about where the Nats truly stand. The Nats certainly have a chance to make the playoffs, but this is definitely not a year where I would go all in. There are so many teams clustered together, and the Nats will have to play better than all of them down the stretch to make it in. Is that possible? Sure, but I do not think it is very likely.
There are experienced teams like the Padres, D-Backs and Phillies that the Nats will have to contend with. History tells us that it takes somewhere between 83 and 89 wins to get that third Wild Card spot. Right now, the Phillies and D-Backs are on pace for 85. It is worth pointing out that the Nats have the tiebreaker over the D-Backs.
To get to that mark, the Nationals will need to truly make a run down the stretch. With their offense, you would think that they have the capability to do that. After all, this team does lead all of baseball in runs, homers and steals, joining an illustrious group.
The Nationals lead MLB in HR, SB & runs
teams to lead MLB in HR, runs and SB for a season since SB tracked (1886):
However, the Nats have not really shown the ability to go on long win streaks. The longest win streak of the season is only 4 games, and they only have one sweep all year. This just feels like a team that will hover around .500, but never go on that run because that is who this team has been all season long.
After years of terrible teams, a mediocre one looks amazing in contrast. However, this still is a deeply flawed baseball team. For one, the pitching is not where it needs to be. While the Nats could make moves at the deadline for pitching, this staff is more than just one arm away. There has also been plenty of talk about the Nats trading one of their best arms in Foster Griffin.
While you can make a very strong argument that trading Griffin is good process, it would also be waving the white flag. We have seen how vital Foster Griffin is to this team. He is not someone who can easily be replaced, especially in this pitching starved organization.
This will be something Paul Toboni has to keep in mind at the deadline. There have been conflicting reports on a Foster Griffin extension, but if that could happen, it would be fantastic. However, if that cannot be done, it is likely that Griffin is moved, and it would probably be the right move if you get a good return.
These last four games have shown us that the Nats are just probably not quite ready to go on a run. They are still too young and green. The pitching has not even been the biggest problem in this stretch. Lately, the Nationals have been putrid in high leverage situations and have not been playing clean baseball.
Small sample, but the Nats are slashing .159/.231/.295 this month in what FanGraphs classifies as high-leverage situations. Down 2-1 in the 7th with the deadline looming, this would be a big spot to come through.
It is probably too premature to say this outright, but last night was a strong indication that this team does not have what it takes to make the playoffs. They were too sloppy, not good enough with RISP and got outfoxed by the Braves. It really looked like a veteran team who has seen it all against a group of green youngsters.
At just 2.5 games back, the Nats are still in the hunt. However, they need to start winning games again, or they will play themselves out of the race. It is painful, but the Nats should trade pieces such as Foster Griffin and Luis Garcia Jr. if the right offer presents itself. If the Nats can snag a controllable reliever though, I would be for that in addition to selling.
I would not trade CJ Abrams though. The goal for this front office should be to do whatever it can to win in 2027 and 2028. This season has shown us that the Nats are close. They just need a lot more pitching and a little bit more experience. Once the offseason rolls around, it is time for the Nats to start going all in.
However, it is starting to look like buying could be a futile exercise in 2026. 2.5 games does not seem like a lot, but with all the teams the Nats need to pass, it is harder than it looks. 2026 is just the appetizer, these next few years will be the entree.
Somewhere in Oklahoma City right now there’s a front office that understands something the rest of the league is still catching up on. Seventy-three wins isn’t a number. It’s a dare. And this year the Thunder walked right up to it, put their hand on the door, and found out the same thing Dub Nation found out a decade ago. The record doesn’t just test your talent. It tests what’s left of you in the postseason.
Ten years ago the Warriors ran a 73-9 season that nobody has sniffed since, chasing history for six straight months while the whole league lined up to see if the Dubs would flinch or crack. They eventually fell short in the when it actually counted, when a 3-1 Finals lead evaporated against a Cleveland team that pulled off a miracle, and every talking head in America got to spend a summer calling the greatest regular season ever played a punchline. Nobody remembers the 73 wins the way they remember the collapse. That’s the tax folks. Chase the ghost and if you don’t finish the job, the ghost chases you back.
So when Oklahoma City opened this season 20-1, then 24-1, matching GSW’s pace game for game a decade later, I’ll admit there was a part of me that wanted to see it happen. Not for them but for the conversation. Let somebody else carry that weight for a change. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did, standing at a podium in Vegas, telling reporters the record means something to him and his group because winning matters “no matter what form it looks like.” They fell short of the record, but at least had the idea of the repeat fresh in their eyes. OKC responded the way champs do. They swept the Suns and the Lakers, rolling into the Western Conference Finals looking every bit like the machine that was supposed to run this whole league over for the next five years.
And then, right on cue, San Antonio showed up and ruined their back-to-back dreams. Spurs in seven, Thunder’s Finals repeat bid buried before the calendar even hit June, San Antonio marching on to face the Knicks for the whole thing while Oklahoma City packed lockers early for the first time since they climbed this mountain.
OKC was missing their 2nd best player who dropped 40 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals all series and their best shot creator off the bench. Incredibly important.
But the discourse after 2015 ruined how people talk about this sport forever so that's that.
I know that feeling. Dub Nation built a statue to the 73 wins and then had to watch somebody else hoist the trophy that summer too. So let me be the first team from the other side of this specific heartbreak to say it plainly: welcome to the club nobody wants a membership card for. You built the best regular season we’ve seen since ours. You still walked out of the postseason owing more than you won. The house always finds a way to collect on that kind of debt, and it doesn’t care how many national TV games you won along the way.
The Thunder don’t get to chase 73 wins and repeat titles and skip the part where it humbles you. Nobody gets that discount. We know exactly how loud the outside noise gets when you’re the best team in basketball for the regular season and somehow still be humiliated in the end. It’s the worst kind of quiet, the one where everything you spent seven months building gets rewritten in two weeks.
VIDEO: Earlier in the season Jalen Williams said OKC would beat the 2017 Warriors and the 1996 Bulls.
Today OKC players are booking their trip to Cancun.
But here’s the other half of it: Get up. GSW did. It took real work and a full year of people doubting whether that Warriors core still had a beating heart in it, and they came back and buried the noise under a parade. That’s the only way this story ever gets rewritten. Not by chasing a number. By going back to the mountain and finishing the job the second time, when everybody’s already decided you can’t.
Prove you’re the dynasty everybody thought you were. Or fade into the background like all the other would be dynasties who were exposed as one and done.
Jorge Montanez
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