The Kansas City Royals have reached the season midpoint at 34-48, fourteen games below .500 and sitting in last place in the AL Central. It is not where anyone wanted to be, but Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco find more to talk about than the record alone would suggest.
The headline story continues to be Jac Caglianone, who leads the team with 14 home runs and is flirting with franchise records for June production. We break down the adjustments that have fueled his recent surge, the mechanical changes that are translating into real power output, and the realistic conversation about a Home Run Derby bid.
Carter Jensen’s 16-game hitting streak is a remarkable run for a rookie catcher and a reminder that the development pipeline is producing players who can contribute at the major league level. We examine his progress alongside a broader conversation about the coaching staff’s impact on hitting, with offensive metrics improving notably in June even as the overall record continues to disappoint.
Injury management remains a recurring concern. The decision-making around IL placements and strategic rest periods gets a candid evaluation, and we wonder whether the organization’s approach is protecting players for the long term or simply creating more instability in the short term. Bobby Witt Jr.’s All-Star candidacy and the latest voting updates are also covered, even as his health remains something fans are monitoring closely.
The episode rounds out with a look ahead to the upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox, including pitching matchup breakdowns, a discussion of the Royals’ draft prospects and the college-versus-high-school player development debate, and John Rave’s recent stance change and what it could mean for his offensive ceiling.
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 05: Detailed view of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery set at the NHL Network Studio on May 5, 2026 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
While it isn’t expected to be a big night for the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night for the opening round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Saturday might be a different story as the organization currently holds 10 picks on the second day of the draft including two top 100 picks starting with 43rd overall in the second round and 74th overall in the third round. Will Colorado make either of these picks or will they get moved in a draft weekend trade?
To begin the festivities, tonight the first round of the draft commences from Buffalo, NY. It will be televised on ESPN and ESPN+ beginning at 5 p.m. MT. Saturday morning rounds 2-7 start bright and early at 9 a.m. MT on NHL Network and ESPN+.
Since Sunday, FOUR first-round picks in the 2026 #NHLDraft have been dealt in FIVE different trades (No. 4, No. 9, No. 16, & No. 25)! 😳
Here's an updated look at the order of selection for Friday's first round!
There have been some major trades in the league leading up to this event and even more could be on tap before the weekend has concluded. Stay up to date with the NHL’s entire official draft order, which has been updated continually with the recent flurry of exchanges.
Follow along for a busy two days of action in the comments!
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards smiles before the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 19, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
But with draft night officially in the rear-view mirror, the next domino to fall is whether 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis still fits into those long-term plans.
Following the conclusion of the draft, Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said the organization wants to keep Davis in Washington, and set a timeline for contract talks to begin later this summer.
“With AD again, he wants to be here and we want him here,” Dawkins said on ESPN. “We’ll have that conversation in the middle of August when we can officially have that.”
Washington acquired Davis from the Dallas Mavericks in an eight-player trade on Feb. 4 with hopes that the veteran big man could help stabilize a rebuilding franchise that finished last in the Eastern Conference each of the past two seasons.
But the Wizards’ timeline changed dramatically after landing Dybantsa with the first overall pick and locking up Young as the face of the offense. Now the front office must determine whether a 33-year-old Davis fits alongside two players expected to anchor the franchise as it seeks an identity that includes more then 20 wins in a season.
Davis remains one of the NBA’s premier two-way players when healthy, giving Washington an elite defender and interior scorer to complement Young’s and Dybantsa’s playmaking. But the same time, committing to another massive contract for an aging star could limit the franchise’s financial flexibility as its young core develops.
Davis has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract, worth $58.5 million in 2026-27, and holds a $62.8 million player option for the following season. Beginning Aug. 6, he’ll become eligible to sign a four-year extension worth as much as $275 million.
That presents a difficult decision for a front office balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term roster construction.
Over the past five seasons, Davis has averaged just 48.6 regular-season games, making durability another key factor as Washington evaluates whether to make a long-term commitment.
While Davis has surfaced in trade speculation since arriving in Washington, Dawkins’ comments suggest the Wizards’ priority is exploring an extension rather than moving the veteran forward.
The organization appears intent on seeing whether Davis can help bridge the gap between its current roster and the future built around Dybantsa and Young. Whether that bridge extends another four years will likely depend on the conversations that begin in August.
For now, it feels like Washington believes Davis wants to stay, but the bigger question is whether he still fits the timeline of a franchise whose future is rapidly getting younger by the season.
ST. LOUIS — The Arizona Diamondbacks activated outfielder Max Kepler from the restricted list following his completion of an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
Kepler, who signed a free agent deal with the Diamondbacks on June 7, hit .333 with two home runs in 10 minor league games. He was fifth in the batting order and played left field for the Diamondbacks against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kepler was suspended in January for a positive test for Epitrenbolone, a metabolite of Trenbolone that’s contained in some products used in body-building stores and has been used in products to promote cattle growth. Kepler was the first player suspended by MLB for the substance since public announcements of the penalty details began in 2005.
“It’s a great opportunity for him,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “I’m glad that he’s here. … He’s been working his tail off to get back here as soon as possible, and the fact that he’s in this lineup tonight is not surprising to any of us. He’s going to go out there and help us win a baseball game by impacting it the right way.”
Kepler, 33, hit .216 with 18 homers and 52 RBIs with Philadelphia last year after agreeing to a one-year, $10 million contract. He was slowed in 2024 by left patellar tendinitis and had core surgery after the season to repair a sports hernia.
He has a .235 average with 179 home runs and 560 RBIs over an 11-year career.
“I don’t know what happened, but he paid his penalty,” Lovullo said. “He served it, and he’s here, and he wants to show the world that he can still play this game at a very high level.”
To make room for Kepler on the 40 man, the Diamondbacks moved RHP Ryne Nelson (strained right elbow) to the 60-day disabled list. Arizona also optioned OF Tim Tawa and LHP Mitch Bratt to Triple-A Reno and recalled RHP Juan Burgos.
Despite being selected third in the 2026 NBA Draft, Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer is the opening favorite in Rookie of the Year odds.
Boozer, the 2026 NCAA Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American, has an implied 29.4% chance to win the award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Key Takeaways
The last player to win the Rookie of the Year after being drafted third overall was LaMelo Ball in 2021.
Four of the last nine (44.4%) ROTY winners were taken first overall.
The Washington Wizards have the best Finals odds (+12,000) of teams with a top ROTY candidate.
Boozer is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his Duke predecessor, Cooper Flagg, a fellow forward who went to the NBA after one year of college and won the Rookie of the Year award.
The son of 13-year NBA veteran Carlos Boozer leads FanDuel’s odds board at +240. Just behind him are the top two picks in the draft, Washington Wizards guard AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson (Kansas), both at +400.
Dybantsa, also a consensus first-team All-American, led the NCAA in scoring last year and was the first player taken in the draft. Peterson was a second-team All Big 12 member, whose only college season was mired by severe cramping and missing 21.4% of his games.
Dybantsa and Peterson’s +400 odds to win NBA Rookie of the Year carry 20% implied probability each.
The final player who is within close proximity of the leaders is Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas), who was taken seventh during Tuesday’s event. Another consensus first-team All-American, Acuff Jr. was one of the most outstanding players in March Madness, during which he averaged an efficient 29.3 points and 5.3 assists across three games.
NBA Rookie of the Year challengers and trends
According to FanDuel, there are two standout players — Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) and Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) — who are chasing the leaders.
Wilson, the fourth pick and another consensus first-team All-American, is +950 in NBA Rookie of the Year odds. Brown Jr., a third-team All-ACC performer, is +1,500 (6.3% chance) in odds.
Four of the last nine Rookie of the Year winners were selected with the first pick in the draft. If that trend continues, Dybantsa has nearly a coin flip’s chance of claiming the hardware.
During that same nine-year period, no players drafted lower than fourth overall won the Rookie of the Year honor. That would theoretically eliminate all players not named Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, or Wilson.
The one outlier in recent history occurred in 2017, when second-round and 36th-overall selection Malcolm Brogdon was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, despite a mundane 10.2-point, 4.2-assist, 2.8-rebound stat line. The 36th pick in this year’s draft was Cincinnati forward Baba Miller, now of the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA Finals odds lookahead
While NBA Finals oddsare not available on FanDuel at the time of writing, the other top online sportsbooks have theirs published.
According to DraftKings, none of the teams with a perceived top candidate to win the award have better odds to win the Finals than the Wizards (+12,000). The Jazz (+18,000) are the next team in line, followed by the Nets (+25,000), Grizzlies (+50,000), Bulls (+70,000), and Kings (+100,000).
The Wizards’ Finals odds are tied for 22nd in the league.
They’ve had a more potent offense than the Chicago Cubs over the course of the season, and the recent numbers are better as well.
Milwaukee ranks fourth in wOBA and OPS against right-handed pitching in June. Even with recent improvements, Chicago sits 16th and 18th over the same period.
Misiorowski has allowed 0.33 runs per start since May 1, making it impossible for any offense to get going in the slightest.
He faced the Cubs during that stretch and pitched six innings of shutout ball while striking out eight batters. Predictably, that game went Under 7.5 runs.
I don’t see the Cubs scoring more than a run or two here, which puts a lot of pressure on the Brewers to score in bulk.
I expect a 5-1 type of game, and see plenty of value on an Under of 7.5 runs. Bet to -140.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 42-31, +2.20 units
Over/Under bets: 38-31-4, +3.24 units
Cubs vs Brewers weather
Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected tonight with temperatures dipping into the mid-fifties tonight.
Cubs vs Brewers odds
Moneyline: Cubs +210 | Brewers -260
Run line: Cubs +1.5 (+100) | Brewers -1.5 (-120)
Over/Under: Over 7.0 (-125) | Under 7.0 (+105)
Cubs vs Brewers trend
Milwaukee has hit the run line in 23 of the last 40 home games (+10.25 units, 22% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Brewers.
How to watch Cubs vs Brewers and game info
Location
American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Friday, June 26, 2026
First pitch
7:45 p.m. ET
TV
Apple TV
Cubs starting pitcher
Colin Rea (5-5, 4.99 ERA)
Brewers starting pitcher
Jacob Misiorowski (8-3, 1.45 ERA)
Cubs vs Brewers 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.
The Colorado Avalanche enter the 2026 NHL Draft with 10 selections, including Nos. 43, 74, 126, 128, 149, 152, 195, 214, 215, and 222.
After a stretch of aggressive roster maneuvering, Joe Sakic has steadily rebuilt Colorado’s draft capital as part of a broader reset of the organization’s prospect pipeline. Moves such as sending Ross Colton and Isak Posch to the Nashville Predators for two third-round picks, followed by the deal that sent star winger Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for three additional selections, have significantly expanded the Avalanche’s draft flexibility heading into 2026.
Even after those moves, the Avalanche still have clear roster gaps to address. Chief among them is a need for added center depth and more physical presence down the middle.
43. Liam Lefebvre, C.
Lefebvre could come off the board before the Avalanche even get a chance to pick, but if he’s still available, Colorado should not hesitate. The Montreal native is a hard-charging, physical forward who can slide into multiple roles and contribute in different situations. He finished the season with 32 goals and 27 assists for 59 points in 59 regular-season games split between the Océanic and Saguenéens, and added 12 points in 20 playoff games.
If Lefebvre is gone, however, Colorado may pivot to Alessandro Di Iorio—and that wouldn’t be a downgrade. In many ways, Di Iorio could be an even cleaner fit within the Avalanche system. He brings a strong mix of speed, physical play, vision, and a dangerous shot, allowing him to impact the game in multiple ways. Over the years, Colorado has consistently leaned toward versatile forwards like Di Iorio, making him a natural target in their draft approach.
74. Lucas Ambrosio, D.
Ambrosio profiles as a defensive-minded defenseman who moves well and still has some untapped potential on the offensive side of the puck. He has the skating ability to keep up with quicker forwards, while also bringing a large frame that allows him to close gaps and knock opponents off the puck.
For a Colorado blue line that could stand to get tougher, Ambrosio fits the mold. He brings a physical edge, plays with structure in his own zone, and projects as a steady, defensive presence.
126. Sawyer Dingman, LW.
Dingman offers the kind of size that can't be taught. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, the Edmonton, Alberta native plays a physical, north-south game while showing the skating ability and offensive tools to develop further. His upside made him a player worth watching throughout the draft process, finishing No. 145 on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings among North American skaters.
128. Giorgos Pantelas, D.
Pantelas projects as a potential two-way defenseman with the tools to grow into a puck-moving role. He has decent skating ability and can contribute to transition play, including joining or leading rushes when given space. However, his skating still needs refinement before it reaches a reliable NHL level.
The biggest concern in his game is how he handles pressure. When facing an aggressive forecheck, he can get rushed into mistakes and will occasionally cough up possession in his own zone. Improving his decision-making and composure under pressure will be key to unlocking his full potential.
149. Dmitri Yakutsenak, C.
Yakutsenak's game is defined by his skating as well as his excellent puck control and sharp offensive instincts. At 6'1 and 201 pounds, Yakutsenak uses his size well on the ice to win board battles and is known for being effective on the power play from the bumper spot.
152. Joby Baumuller, LW.
Baumuller is a hard-charging checking forward who excels in the forechecking role, using his positioning and hockey sense to disrupt opposing plays and force turnovers. His ability to read and react to breakouts is a key strength, as he consistently gets into effective lanes to take away time and space or steer his opponents into traps. Baumuller’s excellent stick work keeps defenders alert, and he frequently comes close to intercepting passes, adding pressure to the opposition’s breakout. This player has a little bit of Valeri Nichushkin and Devon Toews.
195. Michel Myloserdnyy, D.
The Avalanche appear to be shifting toward a more physical identity this season, targeting players who make life difficult for opponents. Myloserdnyy fits that mold perfectly. At 18 years old, he already stands 6-foot-7 and weighs close to 230 pounds, and he doesn’t hesitate to engage physically or step into confrontations. He brings a clear edge to his game and projects as a heavy, intimidating presence on the ice.
214. Danil Sysoyev, C.
Sysoyev projects as a reliable two-way center with the tools to develop into an effective fourth-line player at the NHL level. He's strong in the faceoff circle, moves the puck well, and makes smart, simple plays with possession. While his offensive upside appears limited, his hockey IQ, passing ability, and defensive reliability give him a solid foundation
215. Adel Kalimullin, RW
Kalimullin plays with relentless energy and isn't afraid to throw his body around, delivering big open-ice hits while constantly pressuring opponents. He's an aggressive player who attacks with speed and creates offense through his motor, but his game can get rushed at times. As he continues to refine his puck-handling and learns to better control the pace of play, he should cut down on unnecessary mistakes and become a more consistent offensive threat.
222. Darian Anderson, RW.
Anderson profiles as a reliable depth forward who has a knack for slipping through defensive coverage and finding soft areas in coverage. He does a lot of his damage around the net, tracking down loose pucks and capitalizing on rebound opportunities that can swing momentum in tight games.
Antetokounmpo took the stage alongside Olympic medalist Emmanouil Karalis, joining Stavros Niarchos Foundation Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos for a wide-ranging conversation. The trio discussed the values underpinning athletic excellence and how these principles could inspire athletes to give back, strengthen their communities, and create opportunities for future generations.
Antetokounmpo did not take any questions about his trade to the Heat, and instead he focused on his philanthropic work off the court.
"I came from nothing. Growing up, my family relied on community organizations for food and basic necessities. I remember asking why these people helped us, and they said it was from the heart," Antetokounmpo reflected. "As a kid, I didn’t grasp the meaning, but now I understand the power of compassion and generosity. We may not be able to solve every problem, but we can always do something to ease someone’s load."
During the event, Antetokounmpo revealed that a conversation with former U.S. President Barack Obama was a turning point for him. Obama encouraged him to use his platform not just for personal success, but to advocate for causes he believes in and inspire others to dream big. This guidance motivated Antetokounmpo to step outside his comfort zone, raise awareness for critical issues that shaped his childhood, and instill hope in people.
"Although I prefer to keep my personal life private, that conversation made me realize the importance of speaking out and sharing my journey and platform," Antetokounmpo said. "I’m extremely proud of the foundation and the real difference it’s making in people’s lives."
Those early experiences shaped Antetokounmpo’s deep commitment to making a difference beyond basketball. In 2022, he and his family established the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation in honor of his late father. The foundation’s mission spans three places he considers home: Milwaukee, Greece and Nigeria, providing food security, access to education, youth sports programs and emergency relief.
The two-time NBA MVP appearance comes after being traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat in exchange for five future picks and four players. The trade involves Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis going to the Heat, while the Bucks receive Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including the No. 13 overall pick in this year's draft), a pick swap in 2030, and a second-round pick in 2033.
Green comes down from the Mets' front office, having served as the team's vice president for player development since before the 2024 season. In that role, he oversaw the entire farm system and minor league operations.
Past managerial experience
Green does have some experience in the managers' seat, having previously served as the head man for the Padres for close to three seasons until he was fired late in the 2019 campaign.
San Diego was in the midst of a rebuild during his time there, and he led them to a 274-366 record.
Following his departure, he joined David Ross' staff as the Cubs' bench coach, a role that he filled until Chicago decided to bring in Craig Counsell to replace Ross, ultimately bringing him to the Big Apple.
Playing career
Green was selected by the Diamondbacks in the 24th round of the 2000 MLB Draft. He was a consistent .300 hitter throughout his journey through the minors, and ended up making his big league debut during the 2004 season.
Green, a utility man, never quite stuck as a regular in the majors and ended up taking his talents over to Japan, where he played for the Nippon Ham Fighters for a year.
He spent time in the Reds organization upon his return to the U.S., then ended up back at the big league level with the Mets for a very brief stint during the 2009 season.
Green had 46 hits in 230 at-bats during his four MLB seasons.
We all need a break from unreliably sourced Jaylen Brown trade rumors.
Instead, we need Jaylen Brown trade rumors that are completely unsourced (well, not completely, my brother helped out with a couple).
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks have offered to trade back Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan for Jaylen Brown, but this might be an overpay.
Brooklyn Nets: The Nets will agree to an admission that the fancy floor at the Barclay Center was just an attempt to one-up the Celtics, and that they’re really sorry about that.
Charlotte Hornets: Michael Jordan (yep, he’s still a minority owner) has promised to give Stevens some advice on how to identify talent in the draft. The Celtics are letting this one ride.
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have offered up usage rights for “Sirius” as the team’s walk-on music.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs haven’t actually put an offer in. They’re waiting for Jaylen to suffer a hip injury before they pull the trigger.
Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs’ offer centers around an explanation for how the heck they won the lottery the same year that they traded away Luka Doncic for what was left of Anthony Davis and some allegedly magic beans.
Denver Nuggets: They’ll pressurize Ball Arena to sea level for Celtics road games.
Detroit Pistons: The key piece in Detroit’s package is a formal apology for trading for Bill Laimbeer.
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors will pass on the secret of Draymond Green’s popularity—and why the heck anybody wants to listen to what he has to say off the court.
Indiana Pacers: The Pacers have promised that they’ll release Larry Bird from the cell they’re keeping him in under the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
L.A. Clippers: The Clippers haven’t offered Boston anything directly, but they do have a nice endorsement deal for Jaylen.
L.A. Lakers: Did you know that the C’s have only executed three trades with the Lakers in their collective history? It’s been almost 22 years since the last trade. Anyway, the Lakers don’t really have any players to offer, but they have a bunch of AI-generated images of Jaylen in a Lakers jersey.
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies offer includes a like-new, low-mileage Ja Morant complete with intermittent social media presence.
Miami Heat: Pat Riley will give Brad Stevens five free lessons in hair greasing. He assures Brad that, no, the dry look really is out, and soon everybody will be once again styling their hair like 1970s Henry Winkler.
Milwaukee Bucks: They have inherited the Miami Heat Trade PackageTM, and have offered it to Boston.
Minnesota Timberwolves: The Timberwolves have offered two things—Lamelo Ball as well as Lamelo’s promise that he’ll do all his in-town driving in a Cozy Coupe.
New York Knicks: Knicks superfan Spike Lee will spend an entire season dressed up as Lucky, the Celtics mascot. It’s potentially a good fit as Spike is already slightly shorter than most leprechauns.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Team management will sign over the contract with the devil that is the secret behind SGA’s foul grifting.
Orlando Magic: They’ll change their nickname to the Orlando Larry Legends.
Philadelphia 76ers: Sixers president of basketball operations and secret voodoo practitioner Daryl Morey will give Boston the phone number of the witch doctor they used to hex Boston in the playoffs this year
Phoenix Suns: The offer from the Valley of the Sun is several truckloads of warm weather to be delivered in January of each year.
Portland Trail Blazers: Boston has secured a promise that they’ll change their name to Trailblazers, because, I mean, come on, nobody uses two words to spell ‘trailblazer.’
Sacramento Kings: The Kings, well, the Kings just want everybody to know that Oscar Robertson once played for them three towns and a nickname ago, and if you could help spread the word, that would be great. Oh, and also, they won an NBA title in 1951.
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs have offered the Payaya artifact which enabled them to draft Tim Duncan and Victor Wembyama—but only for the next three seasons.
Toronto Raptors: The Raptors want to build Boston a copy of the CN tower. Their belief is that the Boston skyline isn’t pointy enough.
Utah Jazz: Danny Ainge will send over his lifetime Chipotle card. The Celtics are seriously considering this one.
Washington Wizards: The Wizards package includes one eyebrow waxing coupon from Anthony Davis (never used), and a game worn ‘That’s All Folks’ T-shirt.
30 May 1998: Trever Miller of the Houston Astros in action during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The Rockies defeated the Astros 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport | Getty Images
Trever Miller pitched 13 seasons in the majors. He’d appear in 230 games as a reliever for the Astros and was a member of the 98′ squad that won 102 games. Trever joins us exclusively at The Crawfish Boxes.
Q: You came to Houston as part of a big trade. Where were you when you heard the news?
A: I remember exactly where I was. I was in the hospital; my son was born the day before that. I was actually holding him and taking the phone call, and they told me I was traded. At the time, I could care less, I was just caught up in the emotions of welcoming my son into the world. I was a proud papa at the time.
Q: How much did you know about Houston?
A: I didn’t know anything, really. I had never been there before. I was east coast, brought up through the Tigers organization so I had never really been over there but once I got there, I fell in love with the town and the people.
Q: You came to a good situation as well. That 1998 team was one of the greatest assembled in franchise history. What do you most remember about that season?
A: 1998 was fantastic. We had a lot of future Hall of Famers, and we won lots of ball games. That was my first experience in the playoffs and focusing on the playoff picture.
I was the long man that season coming out of the bullpen, and I went 18 days without getting into a ballgame. That’s how good our starters were. I had to go and do short bullpen sessions with the burn rule just to try to stay sharp.
Q: What happened when you finally got in after such a long layoff?
A: We were playing in Montreal. I’m going back to the hotel with Sean Bergman, who’s scheduled to start the next day. I said to him “tomorrow, you go six innings and get the win by a score of 10-0, and I’ll come in the final three innings and close it out to get my first save.”
Well, it turns out that he pitched six innings, the score was actually 8-0, he left in the 7th with the bases loaded, I came in and got out of that jam by some miracle (laughs) and I pitch two more innings to get the save. In the process, I also got my first big league hit. I hit a double, and that wound up being the 10th run scored. I got my first hit and my first save in the same game! I also pitched for the first time in 18 days!
Q: Did you like playing for Phil Garner?
A: I did. Phil used me a ton. The end of one year I had like 76 appearances.
At the end of that season, Phil looked me right in the eye and said, “I rode you pretty hard this last month, didn’t I?” I was like “yes you did, I did my best.”
So, I get home, and I go to do my first off-season workout, and I can barely even lift a 10 lb. dumbbell to curl. My arm was fried and I spent that whole offseason just trying to get back to neutral.
Q: What do you think of pitching today?
A: The fans seem to love it, so I like it for them. I think there’s too many reviews and I hate the pitcher’s clock. My wife thinks that the clock has created a deal where the romance of baseball is gone. I tend to agree with that.
I don’t see pitching anymore, I see guys trying to throw it as hard as they can. I don’t think I’d get a look from a scout if I only threw in the low 90’s which is what I threw back then.
Q: Final question. Jose Lima was one of your teammates. Do you have a favorite story about Lima?
A: We came up together with Detroit. We had a guy that would serve soup to us in the fall league. Jose was always loud and boisterous. We all loved him, but he irked some of the older people.
So, we are going through the soup line one day, and the man pours soup into our bowls and Lima says something that the man doesn’t like and he takes the giant soup spoon and hits him right over the head with it! (laughs). Soup went flying everywhere.
Jose wanted to fight him, we had to hold him back, we were all dying laughing. It was the funniest thing I’d ever seen.
The Houston Astros were able to grind out a 2-1 win in the series opener Thursday night.
While Detroit is slightly favored to even things up Friday, my Astros vs. Tigers predictions and MLB picks see value in backing the road team.
Who will win Astros vs Tigers today: Houston Astros (+100)
Spencer Arrighetti was borderline untouchable the first couple of months despite rocky numbers beneath the surface.
The pendulum has swung a little too far the other way over the last month, with Arrighetti posting a 5.79 ERA despite a respectable 3.89 FIP.
He is poised to get back on track against the Detroit Tigers, who sit 26th in wOBA vs. righties the past two weeks.
The Houston Astros rank 16th in wOBA and eighth in ISO during the same period. They should cause trouble for Keider Montero, whose 4.68 xFIP signals regression is coming.
Back Houston to -115.
COVERS INTEL:Montero ranks in the the 13th percentile in K%, which should lead to a lot of balls put in play by an Astros attack sitting eighth in hard hit rate vs. righties the past two weeks.
Astros vs Tigers Over/Under pick: Under 9.0 (-115)
The Astros have struggled to deliver ceiling-level offensive performances, scoring four runs or fewer in eight of their last 10 games.
It’s been a similar story for the Tigers. They plated just 28 runs over the last nine games (3.11 per), eight of which came Under the pre-game total.
While Arrighetti and Montero have both pitched worse than their season outputs suggest, these are not the offenses to truly take advantage.
The bullpens are also in great shape, and each team sits Top-3 in bullpen FIP during the month of June.
Bet the Under to -125.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 42-31, +2.2 units
Over/Under bets: 38-31-4, +3.24 units
Astros vs Tigers weather
Temperatures in the high 60s are expected with slight winds blowing inwards. Small boost to the pitchers.
Astros vs Tigers odds
Moneyline: Astros -105 | Tigers -115
Run line: Astros +1.5 (-210) | Tigers -1.5 (+170)
Over/Under: Over 9.0 (-105) | Under 9.0 (-115)
Astros vs Tigers trend
Houston has won 12 of the last 18 away games (+7.50 units, 40% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Tigers.
How to watch Astros vs Tigers and game info
Location
Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Date
Friday, June 26, 2026
First pitch
6:40 p.m. ET
TV
SCHN, DSN
Astros starting pitcher
Spencer Arrighetti (7-3, 3.31 ERA)
Tigers starting pitcher
Keider Montero (3-5, 3.68 ERA)
Astros vs Tigers 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.
It’s Draft Day in the NHL, and this week has lived up to promises of years past from an entertainment standpoint. Tuesday was one of the most impactful landscape shakeup days in the history of the NHL, with four major trades finalized and the NHL coaching carousel finally coming to a stop for the time being.
The Anaheim Ducks didn’t get in on the week’s trade action, but were able to re-sign young right-shot defenseman Ian Moore to a two-year, $1.15 million AAV contract. The Mason McTavish trade saga seems to be on the verge of a conclusion, but until then, here’s what some of the top NHL insiders have been reporting or speculating on when it comes to the Ducks this offseason.
A McTavish trade seems imminent at this point in time. If a deal does go through, he’ll be the third straight former top-ten pick to take contract negotiations into a training camp following the expiration of his ELC, only to be eventually traded before that contract concluded.
Anthony Di Marco from dailyfaceoff.com reported earlier in the week that the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers have either called or have been keeping tabs on McTavish’s availability.
“Among the teams who have called on McTavish are the Calgary Flames, Daily Faceoff was told. According to a team source, the Flames don’t feel like they have what the Ducks are looking for in exchange for McTavish; the same source said that Verbeek is looking to make ‘hockey deals,’” Di Marco reported in his column.
“When speaking with an Eastern Conference executive, DFO was told McTavish’s value is not as high across the league as it was a season ago,” He continued
“One team who is believed to be keeping tabs on McTavish is the Philadelphia Flyers, who have been on the lookout to add a center all offseason. Despite McTavish playing on the wing for large stretches of last season, the Flyers believe he is a true center, according to a team source.”
It now seems the Ducks are deciding between two offers: one from the St. Louis Blues and one from the New York Rangers. Frank Seravalli first reported the Rangers’ involvement on Thursday evening, followed by TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reporting that another offer was on the table from the Blues.
SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman furthered the reporting late Thursday night on his “32 Thoughts” podcast, when he hinted at potential pieces from each organization.
“I think the Blues, one of the key parts of their offer, is the 11th overall pick, and the Rangers, it’s a player, I believe,” Friedman said. “I don’t want to guess the name of the player. I’m not sure”
Friedman went on to report Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek’s desire for win-now pieces as opposed to draft picks.
“I don’t think the Ducks want picks. I think they want someone that can help them now,” Friedman continued/ “They’re in win-now mode. They want someone that can help them now. He (Verbeek) thinks he takes his time. So, we’re on his timetable, not ours. If I’m right about the St. Louis pick, the 11th overall pick, being the key part of their offer, I don’t think it’s necessarily something he wants to keep. So, if he does take the Blues offer, one of the things I think here, he might be saying, ‘Okay, I have the 11th pick, what can I do with it?’”
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen has connected McTavish to the Ottawa Senators throughout this process, reporting the organization’s interest. It appears now that the price has become too rich for the Sens. Friedman confirmed Garrioch’s report.
“I don’t believe the Senators are in on McTavish. The asking price has gone up,” Garrioch reported on Twitter.
“Ottawa, I heard, was in this. It was believed Ottawa had a lot of interest in Mason McTavish,” Friedman said. “There are a lot of ties in there. I think at the end of it, Verbeek liked what was being offered more from St. Louis and the Rangers.”
Defensemen
Last week, defenseman John Carlson relayed his intention to forgo re-signing with the Ducks after the organization traded for him at the 2026 trade deadline. It seems like the Tampa Bay Lightning are the frontrunners for Carlson, and fellow right-shot blueliners Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba will likely join him in free agency.
“Anaheim’s D, Carlson, is now going to market. I think a lot of people wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up in Tampa Bay,” Friedman said. “Trouba, I think, is going to market, and it looks like Gudas is too. There was some talk about Gudas in Toronto. But I don’t think that’s going to be happening.”
Seravalli reported on Twitter that the Ducks are hoping to trade Carlson’s signing rights for a draft pick before the veteran defenseman hits the market.
“Preference of the Ducks is to move the rights to John Carlson in exchange for a pick, but it sounds like the handful of teams interested in jumping the queue for the top free agent D have irons in the fire at the moment,” Seravalli tweeted.
Finally, the Ducks have been connected to Blues defenseman Colton Parayko since the trade deadline, but Seravalli reported via Twitter that the Blues have removed Parayko from the trade block and are no longer taking calls on him.
“One player coming off the trade targets board today is Colton Parayko. The Blues have told inquiring teams Parayko is unavailable, same answer for Robert Thomas,” Seravalli said.
The Mariners and Guardians open a weekend three‑game set tonight in Cleveland. The Guardians are home after salvaging the final game of their three-game series against the White Sox. Cleveland won, 4-3, in ten innings last night. Cade Smith gave up solo home runs to B Montgomery and Randal Grichuk to blow a 3-1 lead last night but Cleveland prevailed in the tenth thanks to a Kahlil Watson single that scored Petey Halpin. The Mariners dropped their second straight in Pittsburgh last night. Bubba Chandler was elusive last night, limiting the Mariners to one run over 5.1 innings despite giving up five hits and walking three hitters. Seattle was 1-10 with runners in scoring position as they fell back to .500 for the season (41-41). The Mariners have scored three or fewer runs in 11 straight games.
It is not surprising that the season series between Seattle and Cleveland is tied 2–2 heading into tonight’s matchup. Both teams have shown similar statistical profiles on the mound and at the plate. Seattle owns a .231 team batting average with 100 home runs, while Cleveland sits at .228 with 75 homers. Seattle carries a 3.71 ERA (5th in MLB), and Cleveland follows closely with a 3.79 ERA (6th).
Tonight’s pitching matchup features Luis Castillo for Seattle and Joey Cantillo for Cleveland. Castillo enters at 2–6 with a 5.22 ERA, 69 strikeouts, and a 1.40 WHIP across 70.2 innings. Cantillo’s season has been far more positive with an overall record of 6–3, a 4.05 ERA, 76 strikeouts, and an identical 1.40 WHIP over 80 innings.
Seattle’s hottest hitter over the last week plus is Dominic Canzone. The fact he is considered a hot hitter despite going just 8‑for‑30 in his last 10 games is a testament to just how bad Seattle has been at the plate. Julio Rodríguez is 3-9 over the last two games but is hitting a mere .198 in June. Cleveland’s Travis Bazzana is 11‑for‑36 with two doubles, three home runs, and seven RBI over his last 10 games.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game Details and How to Watch: Mariners vs. Guardians
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: Mariners vs. Guardians
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Josh Naylor picked up at least 1 hit in each of the 3 games against Pittsburgh (5-11)
Randy Arozarena is just 2-20 over his last 6 games
Cal Raleigh has hit in 3 straight games (3-12)
Brayan Rocchio was 4-14 in the 3 games against the White Sox earlier this week
Rocchio is 9-30 over his last 7 games
Kyle Manzardo was 1-9 against the White Sox
Steven Kwan was 3-8 against the White Sox the past 2 games after going hitless in his previous 4 games (0-8)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Mariners vs. Guardians
The Mariners are an MLB-worst 31-51 on the Run Line this season
The Guardians are 43-38 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 39 times in Cleveland’s 81 games this season (39-42)
The OVER has cashed 39 times in the Mariners’ 82 games this season (39-40-3)
Expert picks & predictions: Mariners vs. Guardians
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s game between the Mariners and the Guardians:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Guardians on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 7.5.
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
The National Hockey League is set to host the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York, over the course of the weekend. The first round will take place on Friday night, while the rest of the event will take place on Saturday.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently on the clock for another day, as they will make the first overall pick. They will be followed by the San Jose Sharks, who won the second lottery spot. The Vancouver Canucks, who had finished in last place in the league in 2025-26, will round out the top three.
Although the New Jersey Devils had a lackluster season, the 12th overall pick is a decent consolation prize. They may use the selection on a player that they believe will help them down the line, or they will trade it for immediate help.
Surrounding New Jersey's selection are the 16 picks that were involved in the lottery. Lots of parts have already been moved through trades this week, and more are sure to follow. This is a mock of all those lottery picks, including New Jersey's selection at 12:
1. Toronto Maple Leafs - Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State
The Toronto Maple Leafs had one rough year and lucked into the top spot via the lottery. Now, they have the right to select Gavin McKenna, who has superstar NHL potential.
2. San Jose Sharks - Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda
After some moves made this week, the San Jose Sharks select Ivar Stenberg out of Sweden. They had some lottery luck once again, and now they have a legit star winger in the making coming to play with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
3. Vancouver Canucks - Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford
The Vancouver Canucks could use some help down the middle of the ice in the short and long term. They address that need with their new head coach's son, Caleb Malhotra, at third overall.
4. Buffalo Sabres via Chicago Blackhawks - Chase Reid, D, Sault St. Marie
After trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Buffalo Sabres have the fourth overall pick. With it, they use it on a defenseman in Chase Reid. One day, the hope for them will be that Reid is as good as Byram but much younger.
5. New York Rangers - Carson Carels, D, Prince George
The New York Rangers have their pick of defensemen outside of Reid here, and they opt to go with Carsen Carels for a safer pick.
6. Calgary Flames - Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota
The Calgary Flames need help everywhere, but they have a wonderful pipeline in the making. If Keaton Verhoeff, who has tremendous puck skills, can reach his potential at the pro level, the Flames will have an even brighter future.
7. Seattle Kraken - Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djurgarden
The Seattle Kraken need a star with some offensive flair. They have had Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson turn them down over the last couple of months, despite big money. Viggo Bjorck has that type of talent worth taking a risk on.
8. Winnipeg Jets - Alberts Smits, D, Jujurit
The Winnipeg Jets have a wonderful ability to draft and develop defensemen. Alberts Smits, who is kind of a buffer to the next wave of blue-liners in the draft, makes great sense for the Jets organization.
9. San Jose Sharks via Ottawa Senators via Florida Panthers - Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert
This pick has had its fair share of movement. It was supposed to belong to the Chicago Blackhawks, but then the Florida Panthers protected it by being in the bottom ten. Then, they traded it to the Ottawa Senators for Brady Tkachuk, who flipped it to the San Jose Sharks for William Eklund. If they use the second overall pick on a forward, which all signs point to, they are likely to use the ninth pick on a defenseman. Daxon Rudolph would be great for their organization.
10. Nashville Predators - Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University
The Nashville Predators take Tynan Lawrence here, who was once a top-three pick possibility. Boston University wasn't as smooth a transition for him, so his stock fell a little bit. A team like Nashville would love to take him on as a project who could become a star forward.
11. St. Louis Blues - Oscar Hemming, RW, Boston College
The St. Louis Blues have four picks in the first round, and three of them are in the lottery portion of the draft. They could go with any position at any time, especially with the needs that they have. Boston College forward Oscar Hemming is the selection for them here. With Jordan Kyrou gone, they will need eventual help up front.
12. New Jersey Devils - Wyatt Cullen, F, USNTDP
The New Jersey Devils are, as currently constructed, a team designed to use their speed and skill. They didn’t score a lot of goals in 2025-26, and they’d like to stock their pipeline with players who can help them be a fast team over the course of the next few years. Wyatt Cullen is someone who fits that mold as a prospect. It will take some time to become a full-time NHL player, but he is worth considering if the Devils don’t trade the pick.
13. New York Islanders - Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor
The New York Islanders made two incredible picks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, headlined by rookie superstar Matthew Schaefer. Now, they can follow that up with a great selection in Ethan Belchetz of the Windsor Spitfires.
14. Columbus Blue Jackets - Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a lot of question marks within their organization, including Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski. For now, however, a forward in Alexander Command could help them brighten their future.
15. St. Louis Blues via Detroit Red Wings - Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71
The St. Louis Blues make their second of three picks within the top 16 using the 15th overall pick acquired in the Justin Faulk deal. Malte Gustafsson, a defenseman, helps them re-stock their prospects at the position as they retool.
16. St. Louis Blues via Washington Capitals - Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver
Making consecutive picks is scheduled to be the reality for the Blues, as they also hold 16 from the aforementioned Jordan Kyrou deal. Another defenseman makes sense for them, and this time it's Ryan Lin.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.
COVERS INTEL:
