NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves ends the game by striking out as the New York Mets win 3-2 during their game at Citi Field on July 29, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But, will they, before the season is done?
On the one hand — no. They don’t really have other options (at least not right now), they haven’t done it yet, and Riley has at least shown temporary signs of righting the ship, even if they’ve evaporated as quickly as they appeared.
On the other hand — whatever hope there was that Riley was getting back on the horse has been arrested, and perhaps deferred indefinitely again. To the extent that the Braves are legitimately concerned about their offense, doing something about Riley’s playing time is a perhaps-sour, but nonetheless lower-hanging fruit than a bunch of other things they could try.
Riley went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the day game yesterday, and 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a hit-by-pitch in the nightcap. He had a sub-.300 wOBA and sub-.200 xwOBA in the Orioles series. Basically, he hit well in the three series wrapping around the All-Star Break, and has gone back to struggling in the two series since. Whereas his good stretch involved less chasing and relatively more swinging at strikes, an excellent collective sign, he’s spent his time at the plate since more or less swinging at everything. In some ways, that’s better than taking strikes and swinging at balls, but the swings haven’t exactly been on target.
Combine Riley’s continuing-and-apparently-not-interrupted-by-three-good-series offensive issues without any real defensive improvement (he’s been marginally below average or worse at third base in every year of his career per Statcast’s OAA-based measure, aside from his tiny handful of innings at third in his debut year), and the only real upside is the hope that he suddenly figures it out on a go-forward basis. Again, it looked like maybe that was going to be the case a couple of weeks ago, but any optimism from that time has been seriously dented over the last week.
So, will the Braves take some sort of action to shore up their lineup given all of this? Or is ride-or-die with Riley, figuring that if they survived 430-plus PAs with him not producing, what’s 200 more?
As you know, the Cubs have had an inordinately large number of injuries to the pitching staff, to the point where there have now been five pitchers who have appeared in exactly one game for the team and several others who have been riding on the DFA train. I give Craig Counsell a tremendous amount of credit for managing this staff and bullpen to the point where the Cubs are in command of the top NL wild card spot and still in the running for the NL Central title.
They are missing a lockdown closer since Daniel Palencia went down. Wednesday night, Counsell tried Trent Thornton in this role. Thornton has generally pitched pretty well this year and going into this game was second on the team in saves… with three. He had not blown a save opportunity as a Cub.
Welp. It didn’t work this time. What are you gonna do?
Before the disaster mentioned in the headline, this was a spectacularly good pitchers’ duel. Matthew Boyd, who has been lights-out since returning from his knee injury, threw seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and two walks, striking out five. He was in real trouble only in the sixth, when two singles followed by a two-out walk loaded the bases.
Boyd got Blaze Jordan to pop up in foul territory to end the inning [VIDEO].
More on Boyd’s evening from BCB’s JohnW53:
Boyd is the second Cubs pitcher to throw seven shutout innings this season, and the first on the road. Shota Imanaga did it at home vs. the Diamondbacks on May 2 and vs. the Twins on July 19.
Boyd gave up four hits, matching Imanaga vs. the Diamondbacks. He gave up six vs. the Twins.
Boyd’s start was the Cubs’ 153rd of its kind vs. the Cardinals since 1901 and the 22nd since 2000. Each of the last five has been at St. Louis: Kyle Hendricks in 2019 and 2022, Marcus Stroman later in 2022 and Hendricks again on July 12, 2024. Hendricks pitched 7.1 once; the others all were 4.0. Hendricks gave up seven hits in 2019. The others all were five-hitters.
This prompted waves of speculation on social media that May had been traded in the middle of the game. This hasn’t happened — yet. May seems very likely to be dealt somewhere by Monday’s deadline, so this was almost certainly his last start for St. Louis.
Anyway, the Cubs couldn’t do anything with Cardinals relievers Justin Bruihl, Ryne Stanek, George Soriano or Riley O’Brien, who combined for four hitless innings, though the Cubs did pile up four walks between the sixth and ninth.
Cubs relief pitching did well to send the game to extras. Jacob Webb and Caleb Thielbar combined for two scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth, striking out five. Here’s the popup that sent the game to extras [VIDEO].
For a time, it looked like the Cubs would pull this one out. Dansby Swanson was the placed runner in the 10th. Nico Hoerner, who had been given the night off, pinch hit for Miguel Amaya and laced a line drive that was hit, unfortunately, right at JJ Wetherholt for an out.
That was PCA’s 65th career home run. It was his first ever in extra innings. Now, that would have been a great way to lead this article, wouldn’t it?
It was not to be. Seiya Suzuki singled after the home run, just the Cubs’ third hit of the night, but Michael Busch hit into an inning-ending double play.
And then, the disastrous bottom of the 10th. A single and walk loaded the bases after the placed runner, and Thornton did get one out on a force at third that scored one run. This game is still winnable at this point, but Thornton gave up a two-run double to Ivan Herrera and that, as they say, was that.
Not the end of the world. But the Cubs need Palencia back, or who knows, maybe Ben Brown (who’s reported as symptom-free and beginning to throw in Arizona) can throw some lock-down relief for the big league team in a few weeks.
The Cubs didn’t lose any ground to either the Brewers or Phillies, as both those teams also lost Wednesday.
The Cubs still have a chance at a series win in the finale Thursday afternoon in St. Louis. Javier Assad will start for the Cubs and Andre Pallante goes for the Cardinals. Game time is 1:15 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network. The BCB game preview will post at 11 a.m. CT.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 29: Cam Cauley #27 of the Texas Rangers fields the ball during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Rays 3, Rangers 0
Well, that was a weird one.
MacKenzie Gore gave up a double and a pair of homers in the first inning. The Rangers were down 3-0 with one out in the first, and it seemed like we’d be seeing Marco Gonzales, and maybe Ezequiel Duran, pitching in this game.
Then Gore didn’t allow another hit, ultimately going seven full innings. The only batter he allowed to reach after the second homer, reached on an HBP.
Ben Peoples also didn’t allow a hit in an inning of work. So the Rangers have seven straight no hit innings going by their pitchers.
The Rangers, meanwhile, had four hits. All four hits were doubles.
Per B-R, its the 21st time that a team has had four hits in a game, with all four hits being doubles.
However, the last time it happened was just five days previous. On July 24, the Royals had four hits, all doubles, in a 2-1 loss to Detroit.
Remember how, after the last game, I marveled that the Rangers won with a .129 xBA?
The Rays won this game with a .128 xBA. They did the Rangers 1 better. Or .001 worse, I guess.
Per Statcast, Gore allowed just three hard hit balls in the game. Those were the three hits that the Rays had in the first inning.
It does illustrate that Gore was really, really good after that bad beginning.
Baseball is strange, sometimes.
MacKenzie Gore touched 96.3 mph with his fastball. Ben Peoples reached 97.7 mph with his fastball.
Jake Burger had a 110.2 mph double and a 100.7 mph fly out. Brandon Nimmo had a 100.3 mph double.
Draymond Green is no stranger to being vocal. He has no qualms with talking trash and no reservations about speaking up when he disagrees with something.
So when Green disagreed with being ranked ninth on Bleacher Report’s list of the top 50 trash-talkers in NBA history, he did exactly what he does to earn his spot on that list: “Talk that s–t.”
“This is trash talking. And this is talking that s–t. And that’s what I do. I talk that s–t,” Green said on a recent episode of his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show.” “So No. 9, I think, is a bit wild. I’ll go toe-to-toe with any of these guys when it comes to doing that.”
Draymond reacts to @BleacherReport Top 50 Trash-Talkers Ever list
"This one I will argue, I think I'm above all these guys, ah man it's defense, it's offense, it's 3-point… this is trash talking and this is talking that s**t and that's what I do, I talk that shit, so number 9… pic.twitter.com/PRHEaOouvD
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) July 27, 2026
The eight players ranked above Green, in order, are Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Michael Jordan, Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley and Rasheed Wallace.
“This one I will argue. I think I’m above all these guys,” Green said.
Green ultimately expressed gratitude for his inclusion in the top 10 and appreciation for the elite company he is among on the list.
“Needless to say, these are all Hall of Fame basketball players. And another top-10 list that I’m happy to be on,” Green said.
Green is the highest-ranked active player on the list, and he almost certainly will be joining seven of the eight players ranked above him in the Hall of Fame after his retirement.
On July 27, the Anaheim Ducks traded AHL forward Sasha Pastujov to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for AHL forward Sean Farrell. The next day, Farrell was signed to a one-year, two-way contract worth an AAV of $850k.
Farrell (24) was selected by the Habs with the 124th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft out of the Chicago Steel of the USHL. The versatile forward had been highly productive at every level he’d played at prior to professional hockey.
He returned to the USHL for the season following his draft and scored 101 points (29-72=101) in 52 games. He played the next two seasons (2021-2023) at Harvard University in the NCAA, where he totaled 81 points (30-51=81) in 58 games. He finished the 2022-23 season in the NHL and scored a goal in six games.
Farrell spent the next three seasons with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, unable to translate his prior production, and scored 125 points (46-79=125) in 186 games, adding 12 points (3-9=12) in 18 playoff games.
He has every skill necessary to play a role as at least a middle-six NHL forward except for size (5-foot-10, 174 pounds). He’s shifty and smart with plus puck skills and creativity to find teammates in dangerous locations in any situation. His lack of a “B game” and need for an offensive role have likely been the primary factors in his inability to break into the NHL.
Farrell has ties within the Ducks organization, dating back to playing alongside forward Sam Colangelo (36th overall in 2020) at the U16 AAA level with the Boston Jr. Bruins in 2015-16. He played alongside Colangelo and defenseman Ian Moore (67th in ’20) with the Steel. He played with forward Judd Caulfield (145th in ’19) and defenseman Drew Helleson (47th in ’19) at the USNTDP U17 division. At Harvard, again, he played two seasons alongside Moore (67th in ’20).
Farrell has represented the United States at the U18 World Championships in 2019 (alongside Helleson), where he notched two assists in seven games, the 2022 Olympic Games (alongside Helleson), where he led the team in scoring with six points (3-3=6) in four games, and at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships (alongside forward Cutter Gauthier), totaling eight points (3-5=8) in 20 games.
Farrell can play either on the wing or in the middle of the ice, and with the Ducks organizational depth chart projecting somewhat thin at center, it’s possible he could have a role as the San Diego Gulls top-line center in the AHL and have a shot for an early call-up, should the Ducks sustain an injury at the position.
In the trade, the Ducks parted ways with Pastujov (23), who the Ducks had previously selected in the third round (66th in ’21) of the NHL Draft. He provided two consecutive productive seasons for the Gulls in 2024-25 and 2025-26, leading the team in points per game with 102 (38-64=102) in 114 games, and finishing his Gulls career with 125 points (48-77=125) in 160 games.
Pastujov, like Farrell, needed an offensive role if he were to be awarded a shot at the NHL level and lacked a refined game away from the puck. His skating was always a significant drawback and the likely reason for a lack of development in terms of a forechecking or two-way game.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely a prolonged NHL career is in the cards for either Farrell or Pastujov at this point in their careers. For the Ducks, Farrell offers them more of a stylistic fit as well as versatility in the lineup at whatever level he plays at.
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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 29: A general view of Tropicana Field as fans sing during the seventh inning stretch of the game between the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Well, that was a horrible way to lose a baseball game. You just can’t lose when your ace has a four-run lead late. You just can’t lose when you twice survive five-man infield plays with a runner on third in extras. You just can’t lose when you’re an out away from a win and your third baseman and catcher (or perhaps a coach) is too focused on getting cute with the runner at third than getting the actual batter out at the plate. But that’s what happened last night in Chicago. It was extremely stupid, and it cost the Yankees a game in the standings, too.
Here’s what else was going on around the American League’s best yesterday.
Tampa Bay Rays (63-44) 3, Texas Rangers (55-53) 0
The Rays hit two homers and scored three times in the bottom of the first, and that was pretty much the ballgame. That’s a testament to both how good Tampa Bay pitching was against Texas and how nicely MacKenzie Gore rebounded after that rocky beginning. The Rays now lead the AL East by 2.5 games thanks to the Yankees’ idiocy last night.
Three of the first four Rays batter reached base with a hit, with Yandy Díaz belting a leadoff homer, Jonathan Aranda doubling, and Ryan Vilade boosting the lead over Gore to 3-0 with an impressive 420-foot shot off the C-ring of the catwalk. Tampa Bay was then held hitless for the next 7.2 innings as Gore fanned nine on the night, walking none. But it was to no avail.
I’m not going to act like what the Rays did was exciting or particularly compelling baseball. They were just quite efficient. Casey Legumina retired five of the six batters he faced as the opener, Ian Seymour did his Ian Seymour thing as the “bulk guy” and threw up zeroes until departing with one down in the sixth, allowing just two hits and a walk. Garrett Cleavinger, Kevin Kelly, and Bryan Baker were nearly perfect in recording the final eight outs, with Kelly striking out the side. Despite four doubles, the Rangers never seemed very close to making this a game.
Of note: The Rangers made a trade to bolster their roster after the game ended, trading a 19-year-old infielder in A-ball named Angel Arredondo to the Angels (duh) for bullpen righty Chase Silseth and disappointing catcher Logan O’Hoppe. For as “whatever” as Texas looks, they do lead the AL West over Houston and Seattle, so might as well supplement, right?
Other Games
Boston Red Sox (56-51) 4, The Athletics (45-63) 2: Boston gained a game on the Yankees as well, closing to within 4.5 games of the top Wild Card spot. This is the problem with giving away games when the biggest rivals rarely lose, especially on the same day. Solo shots by Jonah Heim and Lawrence Butler kept this one close, and the A’s had a golden chance to win it when Butler doubled off Aroldis Chapman in the bottom of the ninth with the score at 2-2. He was bunted to third, only to be stranded there when both Tyler Wilson and Jeff McNeil struck out. Boston’s Andruw Monasterio promptly hit a two-run homer against José Suarez to begin the 10th, and Greg Weissert pitched a perfect 10th for the save.
Imagine winning a road game in extras! Couldn’t possibly be the Yanks.
Seattle Mariners (53-56) 2, Los Angeles Dodgers (68-40) 4: We may be nearing the end of our coverage of the defending AL West champs in the Rivalry Roundup, at least for now. The Astros beat the Angels handily and are a game and a half up on the third-place M’s, who got blanked over six innings of one-hit ball by … Eric Lauer. LA built a 4-0 lead on a homer by Andy Pages, a couple RBI infield hits, and a booming double from Shohei Ohtani in the sixth to plate Dalton Rushing. In his first game back after a long IL stay, Edwin Díaz allowed his old Mariner friends to score and bring the tying run to the plate with two down in the ninth, but he got pinch-hitter Luke Raley to line out to save it.
Cleveland Guardians (56-54) 6, Cincinnati Reds (50-57) 1: The Ohio Cup goes to Cleveland this year, as they won their fourth of six games against Cincinnati this year. Joey Cantillo needed 89 pitches to get through four scoreless for the Guardians, so Stephen Vogt needed six of his relievers to combine for the final five. Fortunately, the shaky Reds defense and poor control from Brady Singer led to four Cleveland runs in the fifth, two on bases-loaded walks after an RBI single by Travis Bazzana. Kyle Manzardo at least went yard off Chase Petty in the seventh for another more conventional run.
Who will win Mariners vs Dodgers tonight: Dodgers moneyline (-144)
It's been a rough campaign for Los Angeles Dodgers righty Roki Sasaki, but he is finding his best lately. The Japanese phenom has posted a 2.64 FIP over his last two appearances, allowing just 0.71 HR/9 during that span.
Sasaki has limited opponents to a 36.9% hard-hit rate, and he hasn't allowed a single barrel between those two starts. The Seattle Mariners aren't exactly thriving offensively either, sitting around the league average over the last week.
As for Bryce Miller, he's been hit around lately. The right-hander sports a 6.38 FIP over his last 11 frames, allowing 2.45 HR/9.
Sasaki gives Los Angeles a better path than the full-season numbers suggest, and the Dodgers’ recent offensive form gives them a strong chance to add to Miller’s struggles.
I'll play this pick up to -160. The run line is also a secondary option.
COVERS INTEL: The Dodgers are swinging it well, posting a 118 wRC+ in their previous five contests.
Mariners vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-108)
This total sits at 8.5, and the Over still has a reasonable path despite Seattle’s bullpen being in strong form. Despite their shortcomings, the Mariners have been respectable offensively, posting a 103 wRC+ over their last six games, and they get a late-game boost against a Dodgers bullpen that owns a 6.54 FIP over the last week.
Seattle’s relief corps has been excellent with a 1.86 FIP during that same span, but the Dodgers’ lineup has the better early-game path against Miller.
If Los Angeles does damage before the Mariners’ bullpen becomes a major factor, Seattle only needs to chip in against L.A.’s shaky relief group.
With enough vulnerability on the Dodgers’ side late, I lean Over 8.5.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 37-50, -17.66 units
Over/Under bets: 47-38, +2.56 units
Mariners vs Dodgers weather
Weather looks ideal at Dodger Stadium tonight, with clear skies and temperatures falling from around 80°F into the low 70s.
Winds should be light to moderate early before settling down later, and there is no rain concern. Conditions should have minimal impact, though the warm early air could slightly help carry.
Mariners vs Dodgers odds
Moneyline: Mariners +138 | Dodgers -144
Run line: Mariners +1.5 (-144) | Dodgers -1.5 (+138)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-108) | Under 8.5 (+104)
Mariners vs Dodgers trend
Seattle has hit the game total Over in 15 of its last 25 games (+7.25 Units / 26% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Mariners vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Mariners vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Thursday, July 30, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
Mariners.TV, SportsNet LA
Mariners starting pitcher
Bryce Miller (4-5, 2.75 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Roki Sasaki (4-5, 4.71 ERA)
Mariners 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.
Jul 29, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Santa poses for a photo with Mr. Met after throwing out the first pitch before the game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Meet the Mets
The Mets split a doubleheader with the Braves and look to win the series overall after a win on Monday. In the first game Carson Benge drove in the go-ahead run and Sean Manaea was solid in the victory. In game two Christian Scott was great but the offense couldn’t figure out Chris Sale so they lost by a final score of 1-0.
A.J. Smith-Shawver returned to the mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John but he was optioned back to Triple-A after his start in game one of the doubleheader.
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 9: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 9, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With all the moves the Atlanta Hawks have made this season, some would think that they would done trying to add players. I mean, they have over the standard amount of players on the team, which means somebody is either going to be traded or waived at some point before the start of the season. Nonetheless, the Hawks are still being mentioned in rumors as they try to acquire another player on the team.
The latest rumor came from Shams Charania, as he named the Hawks as one of three teams looking to pursue restricted free agent Peyton Watson. The Denver Nuggets have been trying to find a way to retain him, but his price tag might be too high for them, and they’re currently the only team in the second apron.
The Nuggets can still find a way to keep him and not be too deep in a financial hole, but it would either require them trading other players or him playing on his qualified offer. If neither one of those options works out, there’s a good chance that he’s on a new team next season.
That’s where the Hawks could potentially come into play.
How Peyton Watson fits with the Hawks
It makes sense why the Hawks might be interested in Watson, and he fits everything they want to do on both sides of the ball.
On offense, Watson’s 6’8 frame makes him hard to guard, especially when he’s driving to the paint, which is something he did a lot with the Nuggets. He’s pretty athletic as well, and can get shifty when he’s going up for a layup. The Nuggets didn’t need Watson to create his own shot all the time, but when he did have the ball in his hands, he knew what to do with it.
As far as off-the-ball goes, when you have a player like Nikola Jokic on the team, cutting is essential, and Watson was good at creating shots by doing so. Whether he’s on or off the ball, Watson’s strengths would fit in perfectly with what the Hawks want to do on offense, strictly because he’d thrive with the constant ball movement. Not to forget to mention, Watson shot 41.1% from the 3-point line this past season, and the Hawks are consistently getting those shots up.
On defense, Watson’s length comes into play once again, and he’s good for meeting people at the rim if he has the right angle. He’s good for using his wingspan to get steals, and once he’s in transition, it’s hard to stop him.
The Hawks already have several wings on their team, but he’d be one of the tallest next to Jalen Johnson, who is also 6’8. That would be a plus for the team, and his skill set would go well with the Hawks.
How could the Hawks acquire Peyton Watson?
The Hawks would have to acquire Watson through a sign-and-trade, and the Nuggets are rumored to want a really good high-level player and a first-round pick. The Hawks have some assets that they could offer the Nuggets, but it may get complicated when looking at both of their current situations.
The Nuggets are in the second apron, and their goal shouldn’t be to get themselves deeper in a hole. That means they may have to trade more players, or they might just have to ask for more picks.
With the Hawks having 17 players currently on the roster, they could trade players such as Buddy Hield and Corey Kispert, but those aren’t the level of players they’re looking for in return. Other than that, it’s hard to see the Hawks giving up any of their core players, especially since acquiring Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort in a trade.
In that case, the Hawks and Nuggets may have to find a third team to get into the deal, but it may be even harder to pull that off unless that team is getting something valuable in return.
Out of the current teams who have interest in Watson, the Hawks might have the hardest path, but with them actually being interested shows that they know a path in getting him without making things complicated.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 31: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with Edwin Diaz #3 after the win against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
T-minus four days until the trade deadline, and of course all of the conversation is revolving around who Tarik Skubal would be traded to, if he is, and will it be the Dodgers. The conversation has ramped up with Shohei Ohtani revealing that he is dealing with a biceps issue.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic says that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers “bully their way” into getting Skubal, as they often do with big name players.
Is it really bullying if you simply have a better package to send to the team that is offering up their player to be traded or is it just sour grapes, as usual? As he also likens the Kyle Tucker to just another “flavor of the month”, it leads one to assume that it is the latter.
Of course, the Dodgers are one of the very few teams who could weather an injury to a superstar like Ohtani and still be in World Series contention. And they also have the luxury of being able to keep their intentions close to the vest before the trade deadline, and after.
Max Ralph on Dodgers.com covers thoughts of how the current state of Ohtani’s body impacts the team now and in the foreseeable future.
“The knee is getting better and the goal is to get to the 100% mark,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “But I do have to focus on the hitting side, the position-player side of things. … It is still July, so I think the conversation [about pitching] will be a little different if we’re in August or September.”
One of the biggest additions to the team would be the return of Will Smith to the backstop and lineup. There was good news on Tuesday, when manager Dave Roberts announced that Smith was finally pain free and resuming some baseball activities.
Joaquin Ruiz covers that and other injury updates here.
Edwin Diaz, one of the other flavors of the month the Dodgers acquired in the off season, made his return to the team on Wednesday evening, which also coincided with his bobblehead night.
“I want to help this team to win,” Díaz said. “I’ve been on the sideline for a long time. Just can’t wait to get back.”
Diaz made seven appearances with the team before his injury, posting a not so great 10.50 ERA. It was not the start that neither he nor the team envisioned.
“There were some games I felt great, and there were some games I was trying to battle with the soreness and everything,” Díaz said. “At some point, I understood I needed to get everything done and check my arm, check my body, and if I have something, go and remove it.”
Diaz returns to help a bullpen that has struggled a bit as of late. Jack Harris of the California Post covers more details of Diaz’s return and the recent bullpen woes here.
The Atlanta Braves return to Truist Park tonight as a -138 moneyline favorite for their series opener against the Washington Nationals.
However, my Nationals vs. Braves predictions see value in the visitors due to their impressive offense.
Read more in my MLB picks for Thursday, July 30, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Who will win Nationals vs Braves today: Nationals moneyline (+129)
Jake Irvin returns to the hill tonight after missing over two months with a shoulder injury. He'll be on a short leash, which means the Washington Nationals bullpen will likely be called upon earlier. That's not a bad thing, either.
Washington's relief corps owns a 3.45 xERA across the last week while allowing just 0.31 HR/9. They're also up against an Atlanta Braves offense carrying a 77 wRC+ across their last seven contests.
As for Atlanta starter Grant Holmes, he has posted a 6.16 xERA over his previous two appearances, allowing a 40% hard-hit rate during that span. The Nats are raking right now, collecting a 143 wRC+ in the last two weeks.
The Nats’ pen holds down a cold Braves lineup, and Washington’s bats capitalize against Holmes early.
I'll play this down to +100.
COVERS INTEL: Holmes has been worse at home this season, posting a 5.05 FIP, giving the Nats a clear path to generate runs.
Nationals vs Braves Over/Under pick: Under 9.5 (+105)
With a relatively high total of 9.5, the Under still has appeal. Washington has the better offensive path, but this doesn’t need to turn into a full-blown shootout for the Nationals to cash as an underdog.
The Braves are around league average offensively at home, and their current form makes it difficult to project them for a huge performance at the plate. Atlanta should still have chances, but this total requires both lineups to contribute consistently.
The concern is Atlanta’s bullpen, which has struggled with a 6.03 FIP over its last 26 2/3 frames while allowing 2.03 HR/9. Still, if most of the scoring comes from Washington, this can stay Under 9.5.
Play to -110.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 37-50, -17.66 units
Over/Under bets: 47-38, +2.56 units
Nationals vs Braves weather
Weather should be favorable at Truist Park tonight, with clear skies and temperatures falling from the upper 80s to the upper 70s. Winds look light, and there is no rain concern.
The warm early conditions could slightly help carry, but overall weather should not be a major factor.
Nationals vs Braves odds
Moneyline: Nationals +129 | Braves -138
Run line: Nationals +1.5 (-150) | Braves -1.5 (+144)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-113) | Under 9.5 (+105)
Nationals vs Braves trend
Washington has hit the moneyline in 31 of its last 50 road games (+21.65 Units / 42% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Nationals vs. Braves.
How to watch Nationals vs Braves and game info
Location
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Date
Thursday, July 30, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Nationals starting pitcher
Jake Irvin (2-4, 5.23 ERA)
Braves starting pitcher
Grant Holmes (6-4, 3.79 ERA)
Nationals vs Braves 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.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 29: Randy Dobnak #62 of the Kansas City Royals delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on July 29, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Randy Dobnak threw 7 scoreless innings, and Salvador Perez tripled for the first time since 2022, in Royals 4-0 win.
And in the fourth, Royals captain Salvador Perez hit a leadoff triple — his first since the 2022 campaign. Perez chugged around the bases before belly-flopping into third base with his trademark smile. “Somebody told me it was four years ago,” Perez said. “So yeah, I saw the center fielder and kind of the ball got away from him. And I was touching second base. You know, I was thinking I can make it. So I go for it.”
Here are the key stakeholders involved in the Royals new stadium project
Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the Injured List yesterday with a sore wrist
Almost three weeks after Vinnie Pasquantino returned following surgery on a right hamate fracture, the Royals first baseman is on the injured list again as he deals with right wrist soreness.
Kansas City on Wednesday placed Pasquantino on the 10-day IL, calling up outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Pasquantino exited Tuesday night’s 3-2 loss to the Twins in the ninth inning with right hand soreness after it had progressed throughout the game. He had felt some discomfort on a diving play at first base in Detroit over the weekend, and that discomfort hadn’t subsided.
Maikel Garcia felt pain in first rehab start and has gone back to KC for further evaluation
Maikel Garcia (left hand muscle strain) faced a setback in his rehab assignment, and is headed back to Kansas City for further evaluation.
Garcia went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and played five innings at third base on Tuesday night in his first rehab game with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. During his last at-bat, Garcia felt similar discomfort in his hand that had initially caused his injured list stint a month ago.
Some actual positive injury news, Kyle Isbel, who is rehabbing is on track to return in early August
Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel continued his Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday as he nears his return to the Major League club after being sidelined by plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Isbel, who has been on the injured list since June 10, has played in seven rehab games so far with Omaha and is ramping up his workload, especially in center field as he gets ready for a return that could come as soon as the first week of August when the Royals return home after their road trip.
David Lesky posted his top 25 prospects in the Royals organization
Caleb Moody of Kings of Kauffman had some thoughts on what the Royals should do at the trade deadline
Angels trade catcher Logan O’Hoppe to Rangers, along with reliever Chase Silseth
Tarik Skubal notched his 1,000th career strikeout in potentially final start for Tigers, as they also blew a huge lead and lost to Baltimore
Chris Sale remains unbelievably talented for someone his age.
Here is your song of the day, Take it Easy by the Eagles
The first two games of the four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals have been a dream of near-perfection for the Cubs. (I hope I’m not jinxing the team when I write this Tuesday afternoon)
Alex Bregman, Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki had two games where they were playing out of their collective minds. Yes, it’s just two games, and yes, we don’t know how long Dansby Swanson will let Bregman use his bat (my guess is as long as Bregman wants).
Bregman was the table-setter for the team, going 7-10 with five runs scored and two RBI, including a home run and three doubles. He was a triple short of a cycle on Monday. The disclosure of Bregman using Swanson’s bat is a little funny, but as superstitious as baseball players are, he might be sleeping with the bat right now (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
Hoerner cleared off the table, going 5-for-10 with three runs scored, six RBI and a HR. As an example of Hoerner settling in, of his four hits Monday, the first two were up the middle on each side of second base. After a solid single to left field, his home run was in the left field seats. He’s still showing the occasional signs of his natural tendencies of not depending on pulling the ball. Hope he keeps building on that.
Suzuki was 5-for-10 with three runs scored, two RBI and a pair of doubles.
Carson Kelly DH’d one game, so he contributed in both games, going 3-for-9 with two runs scored and two RBI.
On Monday, Miguel Amaya went 2-for-4 with an RBI. On Tuesday, Ian Happ went 2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and two RBI on two doubles. Also, Pedro Ramirez, went 3-for-5 Tuesday with a run scored, an RBI and a double.
Colin Rea and David Peterson, enjoying the offensive support, posted solid performances. Monday night, Peterson went 5.2 innings allowing just three hits and a pair of walks while striking out three. He allowed two runs, one on a solo homer for his only mistake.
Tuesday, Rea went six innings of four-hit ball, allowing two walks and one run scored while picking up a pair of strikeouts.
There are still two games left in this key series. Hoping the hitting/pitching combo keeps chugging on.
I’m not ignoring the trade deadline. You all know the needs, and there are plenty of opinions below to pique your interests. A lot of the usual names, plus a couple of “yeah, right” names, but that keeps things interesting. My hopes? If they swing big, Detmers or Holmes for starting pitching, maybe with Gausman. For relievers, continue with the Mets by trying to pair Weaver with Raley or Minter. Adrian Morejon has entered the chat and is quite intriguing if the Cubs choose a non-Met route. This will clean out most of the top of the minors for the Cubs, though.
I tend to be pessimistic about the trade deadline, but where there’s smoke, there’s at least a bunch of sizzling embers. And the names above are just dreams, not predictions or expectations. And compared to usual years, my expectations are on a medium setting. The above fun thoughts won’t happen, so it will be more like one SP and one RP, then continue to scour the wire for RPs after the deadline.
I thought I’d add this on — I’m sure many feel discussion about Sandy Alcántara after this length of time is exhausting. But this line in one of the stories had me thinking: “He may not yet have returned to his elite form from a few years back, but the big right-hander is still a workhorse – and can be controlled through 2027 via a team option.”
A WORKHORSE! As nice as it would be to get an ace, a guy that you can (hope to) carry you deep into a game every fifth day would be a major gain. Alcantara has averaged seven innings and 102 pitches in his last five games. It would be nice to have one pitcher who when he starts the fourth inning, you don’t have to start wondering how fast the bullpen can warm up. In my fun game above, I’d put him in as a Gausman-like addition. But as a stand-alone option, gambling on him instead of Detmers would not be the most horrendous thing, especially if it opens options on other deals, like Holmes and a couple of Mets relievers. Just another out-there thought is all.
Let the dealing began!
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Brock Beauchamp (North Side Baseball): Four Popular Cubs Trade Targets, According To Fans. “We asked our community which trade candidates were drawing their attention. Here are the top four players on the list.”
Aldo Soto (Sports Mockery): Trade Rumors: New York Mets Scouts Checking Out Cubs’ Double-A Team. “The New York Mets are one of the few teams in MLB that are clearly sellers at this year’s MLB trade deadline, and despite their disaster of a season, they have plenty of intriguing pitching targets that the Chicago Cubs would love to acquire.”
Carson Wolf (Just Baseball): 3 Mock Trades That Would Make for a Perfect Cubs Deadline. “Jed Hoyer has a chance to capitalize on one of the best teams he’s assembled in Chicago, and an aggressive deadline could be the move that defines the Cubs’.”
Spotted pitcher Ben Brown in Cubs camp in Arizona on Monday. He appeared to be throwing well during his session and had a lot of pace on the ball. #Cubspic.twitter.com/eUQ3KkWuiI
Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Former Cubs first-round pick’s injury saga was even more heartbreaking than believed. “It’s easy to simply put Ed Howard in the ‘draft pick bust’ basket and move on, but there is a lot more to the story of this Chicago Cubs infield prospect. The local prep product hasn’t given up on his big-league dreams just yet.”
Ron Luce (OnTapSportsNet): David Peterson Has Been an Unsung Hero for Cubs. “One lousy game against the Cardinals aside, David Peterson has been an unsung hero for the Cubs in their starting rotation.”
(It doesn’t fail — no matter how many times I listen to SRV, the song I’m listening to is his best and my favorite. Until the next song.)
Through the early 1980s Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble played the Texas club circuit, becoming one of the most popular bands in the area. In 1982 the band played the Montreux Jazz Festival and their performance caught the attention of David Bowie and Jackson Browne. After Double Trouble’s performance, Bowie asked Vaughan to play on his forthcoming album, Let’s Dance, which, with Stevie’s lead guitar on six of the eight songs, became Bowie’s best selling record to date. After an after-hours jam in the artists’ bar Jackson Browne offered the group free recording time at his Downtown Studio in Los Angeles. Shortly afterward, legendary producer John Hammond landed Vaughan and Double Trouble a record contract with Epic, and the band recorded its debut album in two days over the Thanksgiving weekend at Downtown Studios.
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Part I explored the rationale to start Myles Turner. Part II argued for his demotion to the bench. In each of those scenarios, Turner plays a pivotal role in Milwaukee. Of course, it may just be best to cut (ties and trade) him before the season even begins.
Cut (okay, trade): Committing to the reset
Look, this one goes against the cardinal rule I outlined in Part I. But sometimes even the most steadfast of rules needs to be broken. And in the Bucks’ case, breaking this rule would signal a whole-hearted commitment to the reset, clearing away the last real remnants of desperation that came with going “all in” with Giannis (well, besides Gary Trent Jr.).
Turner’s arrival in Milwaukee was met with skepticism from the moment news broke of his signing. Yes, there was buzz—no one foresaw Jon Horst even thinking about waiving and stretching Damian Lillard, let alone following through with it to sign the best free agent available, from the team’s biggest rival no less—but after the shockwave passed, few thought it could really help the Bucks contend. As we know, they were right. And now that Giannis has gone, moving on from Turner would give the new young Bucks a chance to start with a truly clean slate.
But would trading Turner now really be selling him for ten cents on the dollar? If you haven’t seen our numerous articles about it, recent scuttlebutt has linked the Bucks to Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson. And while this is without a doubt intriguing, the Nuggets’ alleged asking price of a Walker Kessler-like deal has all but ruled that out (especially with Ryan Rollins off the table).
As a reminder, the Los Angeles Lakers gave up two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round swaps to acquire Kessler in a sign-and-trade from the Utah Jazz. Yet Kessler, a rim protecting centre who doesn’t have Turner’s floor-spacing, commanded that trade despite playing just five games this past season. And he’s never averaged more than 11.1 PPG, a number Turner has only failed to surpass once in his 11-year career—and that came as a rookie.
Slate-cleaning and underrated trade value aside, moving on from Turner might also be a wise thing to do as part of Milwaukee’s bid to build its culture. Yes, Turner may be one of the team’s elder statesmen and, yes, it’s true that the 2025-26 Bucks were a complete mess of a team. But Turner airing the team’s dirty laundry on his podcast after the season isn’t what you want from a leader either. For a reminder, here’s what Yahoo Sports’ Andy Backstrom reported about it:
Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner revealed on his podcast with New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart that former Bucks head coach Doc Rivers “didn’t fine anybody ever” this past season, and that superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was the teammate who was most likely to be late for team events.
“Guys were late all the time,” Turner told Stewart on a new episode of “Game Recognize Game” that was released Thursday. “Guys were showing up to film whenever they wanted to show up. Guys were missing meetings. It was one of the craziest things I personally ever experienced.”
As Backstrom reported, Turner didn’t stop there:
“If the plane took off at 2 o’clock, we weren’t leaving till 4:30,” said Turner, who left the Pacers last offseason to sign a four-year deal worth more than $100 million with Milwaukee after it waived Damian Lillard.
Turner continued: “I’m being so serious, bro. It was crazy, dawg. Guys were an hour late to the plane. It got to the point where I knew not to show up until an hour after they said the plane was taking off. It was crazy.”
When Stewart asked Turner which teammate was most likely to be late, he didn’t have to do much thinking.
“Oh, that’s easy,” he said. “Giannis. Giannis is going to show up whenever he wants, really. I think that this kind of just came with the territory that — and once I saw it was going down, I was like, ‘Hey man, s***, more power to you. They ain’t going to fine you. S***, do what you do.’”
In reality, these are not the worst collections of comments a player could say about his team, but they’re certainly not a good look either. Especially if Turner didn’t actively try to do anything about it when it was happening. So, with the Bucks loaded with impressionable young talent, a move that ships off Turner for draft capital—and potentially a wiser presence—may be preferable.
The most obvious partner is the Toronto Raptors, who are in a position to be competitive, have a need at centre—especially one who can space the floor—and would likely give up draft picks to move Jakob Poeltl and the $104m he’s owed through the 2029-30 season. Another team that might be interested is the Los Angeles Clippers, who currently project to start 38-year-old Brook Lopez (no offense, Splash, we’ll always love ya). Heck, there are even scenarios where the Phoenix Suns, who are rightly or wrongly trying to win, and Brooklyn Nets, whose only legitimate centre is Day’Ron Sharpe, are suitors. For this thought exercise, though, it’s the notion that’s important; the team doesn’t really matter.
All options considered—start, bench, or trade—I’d like to see Turner stick around in Milwaukee, with the caveat that Kel’el Ware starts from day one. Myles, it’s time to embrace the bench and become the voice that unites and guides the Bucks back to relevancy.
There you have it, Brew Hoop community, the complete range of Myles Turner scenarios—unless this writer has missed something. If so, let me know in the comments and share your thoughts on what you think Taylor Jenkins—and/or Jon Horst—should do with last year’s prized free agency addition.
COVERS INTEL: The Dodgers are swinging it well, 
