Jun 16, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle (70) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Happy Sunday, folks! The Red Sox are playing at a reasonable hour tonight after two straight wins that started after 10 pm EST. If they win, it will be their third series sweep of the season, and first of a non-AL Central team. Of course, they were immediately swept following each of the sweeps. At the same time, they head to Colorado to face the hapless Rockies next, before going back to Fenway to face the Yankees. If there ever were a time to build some momentum and turn this ship around, this would be the road trip to do it. Win six straight and have some energy on a Friday night against the Yankees — why not? Payton Tolle gets the ball against Logan Gilbert today — a top-tier pitching matchup.
Apr 22, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) juggles the ball after hitting an Athletics batter during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The Mariners will try to avoid a sweep today at the hands of the Red Sox, who have stacked three lefty starters to force the Mariners into using their weaker right-handed lineup.
It’s also Father’s Day. Pregame the Mariners were wearing these Taylor Swift Eras tour-inspired shirts. Most featured the Moose as the central image but some of the pitchers had ones with Bryce Miller (Bryce, for his part, opted for just the regular Steelheads compression shirt).
Lineups:
It’s a scheduled day off for Colt Emerson, who doesn’t have a hit in this series and looked visibly frustrated after some of his at-bats last night after going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts – uncharacteristic for the young infielder both at the plate and as a player who tries to stay even-keeled.
News:
It looks like Randy Arozarena is tracking towards an on-time return from the IL. He’s eligible to come off it on Tuesday.
23 years ago today, the NHL held its annual draft, and it was one for the ages. One of the most spectacular crops of first-round talent seen in years. That year, the Montreal Canadiens had the 10th overall pick, and they opted for Belarus-born forward Andrei Kostitsyn.
While he was no doubt a talented player, Kostitsyn played only 398 NHL games, during which he recorded 222 points. When the Canadiens gave up on him and traded him to the Nashville Predators for a couple of draft picks at the 2011-12 deadline, he finished the season with them, then headed to the KHL and never looked back.
In an average draft year, taking the Belarusian might not have been a bad pick, but in 2003, when the Canadiens drafted him, there were plenty of highly talented players still available. At number 11, the Philadelphia Flyers picked Jeff Carter, who would go on to play 1321 games in the NHL, putting on 851 points and winning two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings.
Speaking of the Kings, at number 13 they picked Dustin Brown, who played 1,296 NHL games, scoring 712 points, and led them to two Stanley Cups as team captain, with Carter as a teammate. In 2023, Los Angeles installed a statue of Brown outside its arena.
Just after the Kings, at number 14, the Chicago Blackhawks grabbed Brent Seabrook, who spent his whole 15-season career in Chicago, playing 1114 games, and was an integral part of the core that netted the Hawks two Stanley Cups.
At 17, the New Jersey Devils picked Zach Parise, another member of the 1,000 games club. At 19, the Anaheim Ducks selected Ryan Getzlaf, and they made out like bandits when they also picked up the almost immortal Corey Perry, who has yet to retire at 28th overall. The pair would lead them to a Stanley Cup win a couple of years later. The list goes on and on. Brent Burns, Ryan Kessler, Mike Richards, and Brian Boyle were also picked in the first round.
But the steal of the draft was the Boston Bruins, who selected Patrice Bergeron with the 45th overall pick, straight out of the Canadiens’ system. The elite two-way center became a regular Frank J. Selke trophy winner, led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup, and will likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame shortly. The Nashville Predators are a close second, though, as they acquired Shea Weber with the 49th overall pick. It’s also worth mentioning that in the seventh round, the San Jose Sharks landed Joe Pavelski, while the Hawks also landed Corey Crawford in the second round and Dustin Byfuglien in the eighth round.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens also added Cory Urquhart, Maxim Lapierre, Ryan O'Byrne, Corey Locke, Danny Stewart, Christopher Heino-Lindberg, Mark Flood, Oskari Korpikari, Jimmy Bonneau, and Jaroslav Halak, who can probably be seen as their best selection, in the ninth and final round.
Hindsight is always 20/20, as they say, but it’s hard to fathom how the Canadiens could leave so much talent on the table when it was right there ripe for the picking.
Jun 19, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) celebrates with first baseman Pete Alonso (25) after hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Orioles will look to take the series today with Brandon Young on the mound at Dodger Stadium. The team let Friday’s game slip away and nearly lost control in the ninth inning last night. Can the Orioles manage to secure a drama-free victory, or are the Dodgers due for a dominant win?
Taylor Ward will bat leadoff and play left field for Baltimore. He’ll be joined in the outfield by Colton Cowser (center) and Leody Taveras (right). Coby Mayo will bat fifth and serve as the DH against right-handed starter Emmet Sheehan. Jeremiah Jackson will play second, Gunnar Henderson will take short, and Blaze Alexander will head to the hot corner.
Samuel Basallo will catch the day game despite starting behind the plate last night. The Orioles placed Adley Rutschman on the 7-day injured list, and Craig Albernaz will decline to send out backup backstop Sam Huff.
Young (5-2, 3.18 ERA) has given the Orioles a chance to win almost every time out. Dean Kremer and Cade Povich are both starting rehab appearances today, so Young would benefit from another solid outing.
Seven-time champion, now 44, continues on-court return
She will also compete in doubles with sister Venus
Serena Williams will make a stunning return to singles competition at Wimbledon after being announced as the tournament’s final wildcard on Sunday.
Wimbledon will mark Williams’s first singles appearance in nearly four years after retiring from the sport at the 2022 US Open and it marks a dramatic escalation in her comeback.
For well over a century now, the sport of hockey at its various levels has helped galvanize the bonds between fathers and their children. Whether it's playing on an outdoor rink, at the local arena, or just watching on TV, when a game of hockey breaks out, even the grumpy or stoic tend to open up with the people around them.
Not a single player in the NHL, including the Senators, would be where they are today without the support of at least one of their parents or guardians. But quite a few current Senators had a little extra nudge, with fathers who actually played in the NHL.
As kids, they heard all the NHL war stories from their dads, who coached them and shared what it takes to play in the league.
The list has grown smaller over the past few years with the exits of Josh Norris, Jakob Chychrun, Mark Kastelic, Patrick Brown, and Roby Jarventie, who all had Dads who played in the league.
Here are the current Ottawa Senators who grew up completely immersed in NHL hockey before stepping out of their father's shadow and into the limelight.
Drake and Norm Batherson
Imagn Images
Okay, we're taking liberties. Drake's father, Norm, never actually played in the NHL, but since he was briefly part of the Senators organization, playing for their top farm club in PEI, we're going to make an exception. Former Senators enforcer Dennis Vial is Batherson's uncle.
Ridly and Mark Greig
Imagn Images
Ridly Greig's father, Mark, played nine seasons in the NHL, suiting up for the Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers. Ridly's late uncle, Bruce, briefly played for the California Golden Seals. Greig's sister, Dara, will play for the Ottawa Charge this fall.
Jake and Geoff Sanderson
Imagn Images
With Geoff having eight different NHL stops in his career, the Sanderson family moved around a lot. Geoff had 700 points in just over 1100 NHL games, with stops in Hartford, Carolina, Vancouver, Buffalo, Columbus, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Edmonton. The Sandersons may have chosen to play different positions, but they share the gift of phenomenal skating ability.
Brady and Keith Tkachuk
Imagn Images
Keith had an outstanding NHL career with Winnipeg, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Atlanta. He's one of the NHL's few 500-goal scorers not in the Hall of Fame. It will be interesting to see if he gets the call on Monday to be part of the 2026 class.
Jorian and Shean Donovan
Imagn Images
The Donovans hold the distinction of being the only father-son team to both play for the modern-day Senators. With the wild number of injuries on Ottawa's blue line, Jorian got into his first two NHL games this season. Shean had a well-travelled NHL career, playing 951 games with seven organizations. His final three seasons were in Ottawa.
With the emergence and success of the PWHL, it won't be long before we can do this list on Mother's Day, making a list of Senators whose moms played pro hockey.
For now, whether you're celebrating your dad or you're the one being celebrated (or both), we wish you a Happy Father's Day.
By Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was published first at The Hockey News, read more at THN at the links below:
The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with goaltender Dylan Garand on a two-year contract extension.
The first year of the deal is reportedly a two-way contract worth the league minimum salary of $850,000 at the NHL level, while the second year is a 1-way contract for the league minimum of $900,000.
Garand was selected by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and he’s spent much of the past seasons in the American Hockey League playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack.
The Rangers finally gave the 24-year-old goalie a look toward the latter half of the 2025-26 campaign, as he started in three games, recording a 2-0-1 record, 1.62 goals against average, and a .948 save percentage.
“It was great, such a good experience,” Garand said of his time with the Rangers to close out the season. “Obviously, waited my whole life for an opportunity like this, and yeah, it was everything I dreamed of.”
Now, with Jonathan Quick officially retired, this new contract extension positions Garand well to take over the backup goaltending vacancy left by Quick.
Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury confirmed during his exit interview that Garand will be considered for the backup goaltending position.
“As far as Dylan, I couldn’t be happier for him, coming up and playing as solid as he did,” Drury said. “I was excited about what we saw, and we're certainly looking at him and among other options as to see who could be backup.”
The show must go on — even if the air quality isn’t ideal.
The Dodgers’ game against the Orioles on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium was scheduled to proceed, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, even though some might find the conditions uncomfortable as thick smoke from a massive warehouse fire continued to blanket large parts of the city.
“From what I’ve heard is, we’re going to move forward, we’re not in any jeopardy,” Roberts said about two hours before game time, “so the league as of now feels like we’re going to just play.”
Smoke from a massive warehouse fire in Boyle Heights continued to blanket large parts of LA including Dodger Stadium. Ben Bolch for the California Post
Conditions appeared to be improving as the day progressed, with air quality readings deemed acceptable, after the stadium took on a gloomy feel earlier in the day.
More than four hours before the scheduled first pitch, smoke from the nearby Boyle Heights warehouse fire had enshrouded the stadium in an acrid, nasty haze.
Conditions surrounding the stadium appeared to be improving as the day progressed. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“It’s a little dark out there, a little Gotham City as I was driving up,” Roberts said, “but I’m hopeful that we’re getting this in.”
Stadium workers and media who did not come prepared scrambled to find masks, though the grounds crew prepping the field around 9:30 a.m. went unprotected.
The smoke was so thick that the hillside trees beyond the outfield and adjacent parking lots were barely visible. Breathing without a mask was uncomfortable.
The Orioles aren’t scheduled to return to Southern California after a three-game series against the Angels that starts Monday. Getty ImagesRescheduling the game might have been difficult given the Dodgers are heading to Minnesota after this game. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A state of emergency had been declared in the region a day earlier as firefighters battled the blaze that had started Wednesday inside a massive commercial building that housed millions of pounds of frozen food.
“I didn’t know there was a fire until 10 seconds ago,” Betts said after reaching his locker inside the clubhouse. “I know nothing about that [Boyle Heights fire]. I didn’t even notice it, to be honest. I just smelled something, but I was walking and I wasn’t paying any attention. We’ll see how it goes.”
Rescheduling the game might have been difficult given the Dodgers are heading to Minnesota after the game and the Orioles aren’t scheduled to return to Southern California after a three-game series against the Angels that starts Monday.
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Roberts said an MRI exam on reliever Blake Treinen’s right elbow revealed no structural damage.
“There was just a lot of inflammation that, I think, with wear and tear, sometimes things just spur that,” Roberts said of a setback that landed Treinen on the injured list. “So I don’t think it’ll be a long thing. Obviously, he’s on the IL, so it’s gonna be two weeks, but hopefully it’s not much more beyond that.”
Will Smith’s return timetable
Roberts said catcher Will Smith, who’s dealing with neck stiffness, would not travel with the team on its upcoming 10-day, three-city trip, signaling a longer stay on the injured list.
In a best-case scenario, Roberts said, Smith could begin baseball activity next week and return to the lineup early next month. A rehabilitation assignment would not be required unless Smith does not progress as expected.
Rehab plans
Roberts said outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, recovering from a strained left hamstring, would start a rehabilitation assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Oklahoma City before rejoining the team in Sacramento for a three-game series starting June 29.
A day off on Father’s Day
With the Dodgers playing a day game after a night game, utilityman Tommy Edman and catcher Dalton Rushing were out of the starting lineup as part of a planned day off.
CJ McCollum was a spark Atlanta needed when he arrived midseason from Washington as part of the Trae Young trade. He averaged 18.7 points and 4.1 assists a night and provided shooting, floor spacing and a little shot creation when needed — and then he stepped it up against the Knicks in the playoffs. McCollum will be back in Atlanta next season on a one-year, $21 million contract, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by others. McCollum has a 7.5% trade kicker in this deal, should the Hawks end up looking to move him midseason.
McCollum returning on a good-sized one-year contract was expected, and this is a good deal for both sides. McCollum proved he still has something to contribute, but he will turn 35 before next season starts and is not in the Hawks' long-term plans. This also fits a pattern for McCollum, who, each time he could reach free agency in his career, has signed an extension with his existing team, notes Bobby Marks of ESPN.
Atlanta has the No. 8 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and, if they keep it, likely will draft a player they see as the point guard of the future. In the latest NBC Sports Mock Draft, we have Atlanta taking Kinston Flemmings out of Houston to fill that role. However, keeping McCollum around as a mentor and for the scoring punch for a season makes a lot of sense.
This signing also means the Hawks will operate as an over-the-cap team this offseason. Atlanta now faces its next financial question: Whether to pick up its $24.3 million option on Jonathan Kuminga.
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 01: Jason Kubel #13 of the Arizona Diamondbacks runs out onto the field as he is introduced to the MLB Opening Day game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field on April 1, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Cardinals 6-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hello from Chase Field in Phoenix! As I take in this weekend series in the desert, let me set up the final contest with my stream-of-consciousness thoughts on this uncommon Minnesota Twins opponent (I’m sure I’ll have more informed opinions when I return!):
The Arizona Diamondbacks were an expansion club in the 1998 season. After struggling (65-97) that inaugural year like so many new clubs do, they immediately jumped to 100-62 in 1999, reaching the NLCS before losing to the Subway Series-bound New York Mets. Having four sluggers (Jay Bell, Matt Williams, Luis Gonzalez, & Steve Finley) eclipse 25 homers and seeing pitching staff ace Randy Johnson post a 9.1 WAR campaign (17-9, 2.48 ERA, 12 CG, 271.2 IP, 184 ERA+, 1.02 WHIP) were the primary drivers of such a quick turnaround.
They got over the hump in 2001 by pairing the Big Unit (10.1 WAR) with Curt Schilling (8.8 WAR) and riding those dual horses to the World Series. My personal story about that Fall Classic is driving back from a weekend of deer hunting in Bemidji, MN the night of Game 7. Despite arriving dog-tired from days of tromping through the woods, I had to stay up to see the season’s conclusion. I’m glad I did—it was a doozy…
After another wonderful (98-64) season in ‘02 that saw them swept out of the ALDS by the WS-bound San Francisco Giants, the D-Backs wandered the proverbial (perhaps literal, in this case) desert for the next two decades. They’d pop up every once in awhile with a solid campaign but never make it deep into October.
Twins fans may recall Jason Kubel crushing 30 bombs for the Snakes in ‘12 (see header image) or Eduardo Escobar jacking 35 taters for AZ in ‘19.
But personally, despite a fantasy baseball affinity for their notable masher Paul Goldschmidt, I can’t say I followed the Diamondbacks too closely those years.
Somewhat inexplicably considering their pedestrian 84-78 record and final NL Wild Card berth in 2023, Arizona swept the Brew Crew in the WC Round, swept division-rival LA in the NLDS, and nipped Philly in a 7-game NLCS to advance to the World Series. Despite two-stepping out of Texas at 1-1, the D-Backs were then swept at Chase Field by the Rangers.
Arizona hasn’t been back to the playoffs since, though they are certainly in the mix so far in 2026.
Like I said, I’m sure I’ll have more stories/pics when I return to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But for now, let’s hope I’m able to cheer for a visitor victory before they return home to duke it out with the Los Angeles Dodgers (yikes).
Zakhar Bardakov’s exit from the Colorado Avalanche wasn’t a surprise inside the organization. It was a path that had always been on the table.
When the Avalanche signed Bardakov out of Russia, his contract included a clause allowing a return to the KHL if he was assigned to the American Hockey League — a detail that quietly shaped the ceiling of his NHL opportunity from the start.
When he arrived in Denver ahead of training camp, his struggles in defensive-zone drills were noticeable. Still, he gradually adapted to the North American game and earned praise from captain Gabriel Landeskog for his work ethic and physical tools.
"He's a really good skater, a powerful guy, and he continues to adapt to this game here," Landeskog said following a December win over the Vancouver Canucks. "I thought he's done a great job. Training camp, he earned that spot, continues to work well and work hard, and it's not easy for anybody."
That early progress, however, never fully translated into a consistent role.
Bardakov scored his first career goal in an 8-4 win over the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 28 and finished the season with one goal and nine assists in 60 games. While he showed flashes of effectiveness, his role remained limited throughout the year.
For much of the season, he averaged roughly six minutes of ice time per game, often buried near the bottom of Colorado’s forward rotation. There was a late-season bump in usage, with his average climbing to just over seven and a half minutes per night down the stretch as injuries and lineup adjustments created additional opportunity, but it didn’t meaningfully change his standing within the group.
The Avalanche also briefly assigned Bardakov to the Colorado Eagles, where he scored a goal in his lone AHL appearance. Under normal circumstances, that assignment would have marked the beginning of a longer developmental stretch in the minors. Instead, it became a turning point.
Because Bardakov wasn’t a traditional prospect.
At 25 and already established in Russia’s top league, he wasn’t arriving in North America as a long-term project meant to spend extended time in the AHL. And with a contractual clause allowing him to return to the KHL if that scenario came into play, the framework of his decision was already in place.
Most players in Colorado’s system work through the AHL to earn NHL opportunity. Bardakov’s path was built differently from the start.
With no clear route to a larger role in Colorado and the option to return home still available, he ultimately chose to continue his career in the KHL.
For the Avalanche, it’s another roster departure in a season defined by turnover. For Bardakov, it’s a return to a league where a more defined role — and more consistent ice time — already awaits.
Bardakov’s departure also doesn’t necessarily close the door on a future NHL return. In most cases involving European signings, the organization retains the player’s NHL rights for a set period of time, meaning the Avalanche would still control his path back to the league if he chooses to revisit North America later.
For now, however, the forward shifts his focus back to a more familiar environment in Russia after a brief and limited stint in Colorado.
June 8, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Kendrick Perkins (21) during the second quarter in game four of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to complete a four-game sweep. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Former NBA player and 2007-08 league champion Kendrick Perkins has agreed to become the general manager for Jackson State’s men’s basketball team.
ESPN.com first reported the deal on Friday. Perkins has been working as an analyst for the network, which also reported Perkins intends to continue in his current television role and will have ties to the university’s broadcast and journalism program.
School officials have not yet made an announcement. Perkins will be working with new Jackson State coach Trey Johnson and athletic director Ashley Robinson. The Tigers went 12-21 last season and have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2007.
Perkins spent 14 seasons in the NBA, playing for the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, the New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers. He won his title with the Celtics and joined ESPN in 2019.
Satirical grave marker for Lester Moore, reading Lester Moore, Four Slugs from an A44, No Les No More, Tombstone, Arizona, 1966. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
TWINS
DIAMONDBACKS
Trevor Larnach – LF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Byron Buxton – DH
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Kody Clemens – RF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Royce Lewis – 1B
Gabriel Moreno – C
Brooks Lee – 3B
Pavin Smith – DH
Luke Keaschall – 2B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Ryan Kreidler – SS
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Kyler Fedko – CF
Jorge Barrosa – CF
Alex Jackson – C
Tommy Troy – LF
Mike Paredes – RHP
Jose Cabrera – RHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
Selected from Triple-A Reno: RHP Jose Cabrera (No. 53)
Recalled from Triple-A Reno: LHP Kohl Drake (No. 58)
Optioned to Triple-A Reno following last night’s game: LHP Philip Abner
Designated for assignment: RHP Yilber Díaz
I thought the bullpen chart had misfired and not loaded any data for yesterday’s game. But it’s actually accurate. The only relievers used were Diaz and Abner, who are both no longer on the active roster, plus position player Ildemaro Vargas. The currently active bullpen all got the day off, not something you often see when your team conceded 16 runs the previous day. I do feel slightly badly for Abner, who gave the team 2.2 scoreless innings. But having thrown 44 pitches, he would have been dead space in the bullpen for several days. Hence the return of Kohl Drake instead, who like Cabrera, will be making his major-league debut.
Be fun if they both did so in the same game. From what I can see, the last time the D-backs had two debuts on the same day was on April 1, 2019, when Merrill Kelly and Jon Duplantier both made their first appearance in the majors. Meanwhile, Diaz may be toast. His ERA is 94.50, tied for third on the franchise single season list. Edgar Gonzalez had a 108.00 ERA in 2005, and Matt Koch had an undefined ERA in 2017, allowing three runs without retiring a batter. The math nerd in me is amused by the exponential progression of Diaz’s ERA. 3.81 in 2024, became 9.00 last year, and now 94.50 this year. If he pitches in 2027… I dread to think.
Cabrera is actually in his 6th professional season, though if you’ve never heard of him, that’s probably not a surprise. He is not to be found on MLB Pipeline’s top 30 Arizona prospects list, and was listed at #48 on Fangraphs pre-season rankings. He’ll likely have the advantage of surprise, since I doubt the Twins will have much in the way of advanced scouting information on him, but whether he can spin that into a decent outing, will have to be seen. He only needs an ERA of 6.00 to be better than Zac Gallen, so the bar for “success”, at least in relative terms, isn’t exactly high.
Today’s game is on Peacock. You have fun with that. I have to go get a haircut and call my Dad (it’s not Father’s Day in Scotland, but the principle stands, I guess), so we’ll see. Or maybe won’t see. Memo to guest recapper TheRealRamona: cancel that Instacart subscription on game completion. 🤔
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 15: Jared Jones #17 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the first inning at Sutter Health Park on June 15, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are in Denver for the series finale of a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies.
The Pirates want to finish their road trip on a high note and are giving the ball to Jared Jones for his fifth start of the season. In his last appearance on June 15 against the Athletics, Jones pitched just four innings, giving up five earned runs in an 11-2 loss in Sacramento. Jones is still recovering from missing all of 2025 with Tommy John surgery, and he’s slowly getting back into the groove of things. Perhaps a game against the Rockies, who boast one of the league’s worst records, is what he needs to get back on track.
The Rockies are countering with Michael Lorenzen, a 12-year veteran who is in his first year with the Rockies. Things have not gone off to the greatest of starts for Lorenzen, who is 2-8 to start the year in 15 starts with the team. His last appearance against the Chicago Cubs was one of his better outings, giving up just one earned run on five hits in five innings. The Rockies fell short in the later innings and lost 5-4 at Wrigley Field.
A win would make this a successful road trip for the Pirates going into the off day, so they need to put their best foot forward on Father’s Day.
Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones (1-1, 6.23 ERA) vs. Michael Lorenzen (2-8, 7.13 ERA)
BD community, chime off in the comments section below.
Jun 10, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) pitches in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Be ready to bust out the brooms on a sunny Father’s Day afternoon. After back-to-back nights with nail-biting conclusions in the ninth inning, the Colorado Rockies are somehow on the verge of sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Denver. It’s the first day of summer, the forecast is for clear skies and high temperatures, and the ball might be flying with today’s pitching match-up.
Right-handed veteran Michael Lorenzen has struggled through the spring with the Rockies. His 12 home runs allowed are the second-most among the pitching staff and his ERA has been below 6.00 just once so far. He has especially struggled at Coors Field with an 8.44 ERA over seven starts.
However, Lorenzen might finally be turning a corner. The 34-year-old is coming off of his best two starts of the season—interestingly enough both against the Chicago Cubs. In both starts—one on the road and one at home—Lorenzen gave up just one earned run with minimal walks and at least five strikeouts while working for five innings.
Right-handed pitcher Jared Jones will be on the bump for the Bucs this afternoon. Jones is making his fifth start of the season after completing his rehab from Tommy John surgery, which robbed him of his 2025 campaign after a promising 2024.
Jones enters today’s game with a 6.23 ERA and four home runs allowed, but 18 strikeouts over 17.1 innings of work. His last outing came against the Sacramento Athletics, where he worked four innings and gave up five earned runs on eight hits—two of which were home runs.
In two career starts against the Rockies, Jones has given up six earned runs on seven hits with a home run and has struck out 16 batters in 11.2 innings. His primary pitch is a high velocity four-seam fastball that averages 98.8 MPH and he backs it up with a slider, a changeup, and a curveball.
