CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended by Miles McBride #2 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today, Shams Charania reported that Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal includes a player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker.
BREAKING: Cleveland Cavaliers All-NBA star Donovan Mitchell has agreed on a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension that includes a player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker, CAA's Co-Head of Basketball, Austin Brown, tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/7gfOG4n5l1
So, the Cavaliers aren’t losing their franchise player anytime soon. Any lingering speculation about Mitchell eventually reaching the open market or forcing his way elsewhere can be put to rest. Cleveland has put its faith in the championship potential of its core: Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. And there’s potential for bringing back their favorite son.
This summer, Harden declined his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27 to become an unrestricted free agent. He and the Cavs are actively working on a new multi-year contract that would bring him back, with expectations of a deal worth roughly $30-38 million annually, likely spanning two to three years. That would provide the team with improved salary cap flexibility while securing an extended stay in Cleveland for the soon-to-be 37-year-old. Don’t worry about Jim, he’ll still make enough to cover his monthly supply of Just For Men beard dye.
Mitchell could have waited another year to become eligible for an even richer contract, reportedly worth roughly $80 million more over five years, but instead chose to commit now, after leading Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals (where the Knicks swept them handily).
We remember well 2022’s Summer of Donovan, when the Knicks aggressively pursued a trade for the Utah Jazz star, a New York native, reportedly offering packages centered around RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, and multiple first-round picks. Talks stalled over Utah’s high demands, including Quentin Grimes, whom New York refused to include. Mitchell landed in Cleveland instead, a move that proved to be a blessing in retrospect. You may have heard that the Knicks won the championship?
Unsurprisingly, Spida has been the franchise’s cornerstone. Over his first four seasons with the team, he has averaged 26.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 264 games while earning multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA honors (including First Team in 2025), and setting a Cavaliers franchise record with a 71-point, 11-assist performance. He has led Cleveland to strong regular-season finishes and multiple playoff appearances.
On the first day he was eligible, Donovan Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension with the Cavaliers that includes a player option for the 2030-31 season and also a trade kicker.
The extension locks the Cavaliers in as one of the most expensive teams in basketball as they attempt to lure LeBron James back to Cleveland for his third and final stint with the team.
Donovan Mitchell signed a massive contract with the Cavaliers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
ESPN reports that Mitchell would be happy to join forces with James as they hope to compete for a title in Cleveland after being bounced last season by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Cavaliers are already locked in as a second-apron team, making most roster moves nearly impossible, including trades and other signings.
James will be meeting with teams in the coming days and weeks as the Cavaliers hope to be among the lucky teams to land an all-time great on a league-minimum contract.
Mitchell will make $60.1 million in his first season with the new contract, beginning in 2027-28.
Could LeBron James join Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland? IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He will then make $65.8 million, $70.6 million, and $75.5 million in his player-option season in 2030, respectively.
Mitchell’s statistical contributions are rarely questioned, as he averaged 27.3 points per game on 47.5 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from 3-point range in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Cavaliers were swept in that series, and three of those games were double-digit losses, including a 37-point blowout in Game 4 against the Knicks.
James could help reverse those fortunes for the Cavaliers, although entering his age-42 season, Cleveland will need role players like Evan Mobley to step up and James Harden to reclaim prior glory.
As one key member of the 2019 Raptors title team returns, another is saying goodbye to the sport.
Veteran guard Kyle Lowry announced his retirement Tuesday morning with an Instagram video, ending a 20-year run that included nine seasons with Toronto.
Lowry, 40, appeared in 14 games with the 76ers this past season, and said in a video Tuesday that he will be retiring with Toronto, which he called his “home.”
Kyle Lowry announces his retirement Tuesday. @raptors/X
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play this game for two decades,” Lowry said.
“I’m retiring as a Toronto Raptor, 20 years and one day. Seven (his jersey) forever.”
It’s only fitting that Lowry will end his career with the Raptors since he enjoyed his best years with the team from 2012-21 and helped the franchise — alongside Kawhi Leonard, who is re-joining Toronto after being acquired in a recent trade with the Clippers — win its only championship.
The former Villanova star began his career with the Grizzlies and Rockets before being traded to the Raptors ahead of the 2012-13 season.
Lowry blossomed with Toronto, averaging 17.5 points per game across 601 games and making six straight All-Star teams from 2015-20.
Kyle Lowry in 2023 with the Raptors. EPA
He enjoyed his best season of his career in 2015-16 when he finished 10th in MVP voting and earned Third-Team All-NBA honors.
During the team’s championship run in 2019, Lowry averaged 19.2 points to down the Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals and 16.2 points per game against the Warriors in the Finals.
“We knew what we were playing for,” Lowry said of the 2018-19 title team. “The city of Toronto and the country of Canada.”
Kyle Lowry celebrates winning the NBA title in 2019. Getty Images
Lowry eventually moved on from the Raptors, joining the Heat for two-plus seasons before finishing his career with two-plus season with the 76ers, mostly as a reserve.
For his career, Lowry averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 assists and 4.2 rebounds across 1,187 games.
His Instagram video Tuesday included him thanking his brother, mother, grandma, wife and children — along with Villanova coach Jay Wright and his ex-Raptors teammates and coaches.
Lowry took pride in what his No. 7 jersey meant to him and others during his career.
“That represents me. It represents my family, it represents everything I’ve gone through, the growth, the maturity, the everything I put into the game of basketball,” he said. “It just represents Kyle Lowry.
“It’s hard work, grit, passion and, of course, a champion.”
Milwaukee (56-33) beat St. Louis (47-41), 4-3, thanks to a four-run seventh inning. The Brewers are 11-4 in their last 15 games and 5-1 versus the Cardinals this season with five-straight wins.
Jacob Misiorowski will pitch for the Brewers and that's normally been good news. The 24-year-old is the current Cy Young favorite and dealt two or fewer earned runs in 11 consecutive starts. Milwaukee is 6-2 in his last eight starts. The Brewers have started July with a 4-2 record and the pitching staff ranks fourth in ERA (2.45).
The Cardinals' pitching staff, like the Brewers, are top five in ERA (2.42), plus ranks top six in WHIP (1.12) and OBA (.214). St. Louis has now dropped two straight as they've started the month 3-3. The Cardinals have lost both of their past two games with a collapse in the sixth inning or later.
Let’s dive into the 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.
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Game details & how to watch Brewers at Cardinals
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Time: 2:15 PM EST
Site: Busch Stadium
City: St. Louis, MO
Network/Streaming: MLB TV / ESPN
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.
Odds for the Brewers at the Cardinals
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
Moneyline: Milwaukee Brewers (-198), St. Louis Cardinals (+162)
The Brewers’ William Conteras is hitting .291 with 95 hits, 9 home runs and 51 RBI over 326 at-bats
The Brewers’ Joey Ortiz is hitting .209 with 39 hits and 39 strikeouts over 187 at-bats
The Cardinals’ Jordan Walker is hitting .290 with 96 hits, 20 home runs, and 67 RBI over 331 at-bats
The Cardinals’ Pedro Pages is hitting .218 with 31 hits and 37 strikeouts over 142 at-bats
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Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Brewers at Cardinals
Milwaukee is 49-40 ATS, ranking fifth-best
St. Louis is 51-37 ATS, ranking fourth-best
Milwaukee is 48-39-2 to the Under, ranking fourth-best
St. Louis is 46-37-5 to the Under, ranking third-best
Milwaukee is 22-17 ATS on the road, ranking sixth-best
St. Louis is 25-20 ATS at home, ranking sixth-best
Expert picks & predictions for today's game between the Cardinals and the Brewers
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Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Cardinals and the Brewers:
Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Brewers on the Moneyline.
Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Brewers at -1.5.
Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Under on the Game Total of 7.5
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The deal includes a player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker. With this new deal, Mitchell won't join the star-studded free agent class next season, which includes Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Mitchell's previous contract included a 2027 player option worth $53.8 million.
The 29-year-old Mitchell averaged 27.9 points, 5.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds last season for the Cavaliers, who got to the Eastern Conference Finals before they were swept by the New York Knicks, who went on to win the NBA championship. He was named a second-team All-NBA selection.
The Cavaliers might not be done with the offseason as they try to retool their roster, and they are thought to be among the favorites to land free agent LeBron James, who informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not be returning for a ninth season.
Mitchell, a seven-time NBA All-Star, was originally traded to Cleveland from the Utah Jazz for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, a 2025 first round pick, a 2026 first round pick, a 2027 first round pick, a 2028 first round pick, and a 2029 first round pick
I'm back from a solid vacation and ready to smash some more dingers. I've run up over 24 units of profit over the last nine articles and am looking at some All-Stars today to keep the good times rolling with today's MLB player props and homers.
Bobby Witt Jr. will get to feast on a tired Mets bullpen all game, while the best AL rookie has a great price vs. a starter that should regress and a bullpen that gives up bombs.
These are my favorite home run predictions for Tuesday, July 7.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Bobby Witt Jr.
+454
Kevin McGonigle
+575
Home run pick: Bobby Witt Jr. (+454)
It's a big name at a big price with a nine-inning home run edge. Bobby Witt Jr. and this Kansas City Royals offense get to face a tired Mets bullpen that used six arms yesterday and has leaned on its three best relievers in back-to-back games. New York is going with a bullpen game to add injury to insult, and this staff has allowed 29 runs over its last three games.
Witt might only have three homers over the last 30 days, but he also missed a week, has nine games under his belt since returning, and ranks 10th in all of baseball in BlastContact% (23.2%) over that span. The home runs and hard contact are coming, and there could be a handful before the All-Star break.
The Royals' shortstop might see three or four different pitchers today, but that also means he'll get plenty of plate appearances against the weaker arms in New York's bullpen over nine innings.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNY, Royals.TV
Home run pick: Kevin McGonigle (+575)
Let's add another All-Star to the home run card at a +EV price of +575 with a fair price closer to +475. The Rookie of the Year frontrunner, Kevin McGonigle, is leading off and should get five plate appearances today against J.T. Ginn, who has been pitching above his underlying numbers all season.
The Athletics' starter has also cut his HR/FB rate in half despite generating more fly-ball outs. Regression is coming.
Detroit's offense also gets to tee off on an Athletics bullpen that owns the worst HR/FB rate in baseball over the last 30 days, the worst HR/9, and the second-worst ERA.
Anything at +500 or better is a play on the rookie. There could also be multiple Tigers home runs today, with Spencer Torkelson (+469) and Riley Greene (+372) joining him as Detroit's most likely long-ball threats.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Detroit SportsNet, NBCS-California
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 21-123, -13.63 units
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.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres walks to the dugout after striking out during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on July 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the second time in as many starts, the pitcher who had been the most consistent this season was pummeled by an opposing lineup. Walker Buehler was hit early and often, and the result was an embarrassing 8-0 loss for the San Diego Padres against the Arizona Diamondbacks to open their four-game series at Petco Park.
The thought heading into the game was the Padres might carry some momentum from their win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday into Monday night. That was not the case in any area of the game as the pitching was bad, the defense was ugly early and the offense reverted back to being dominated by a subpar pitcher.
Buehler last five innings in the loss, but that was more out of necessity because manager Craig Stammen did not want to burn his bullpen in the midst of their current 17 games in 17 days schedule leading into the All-Star break. The right-hander was tagged for seven runs on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. He also allowed two home runs. Alek Jacob pitched three innings in relief and allowed a run on two hits, which came on a solo home run before giving way to Ron Marinaccio who pitched a scorless ninth inning.
As bad as Buehler was allowing two runs in the first, four in the third and one in the fourth, the San Diego lineup was equally ineffective. The Padres managed eight hits with Jake Cronenworth and Jackson Merrill providing half of those with two hits apiece, but the team managed to put just one runner in scoring position all game. Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt like Buehler lasted five innings, but he did not allow a run and surrendered just four hits with no walks and six strikeouts. Ryan Thompson was just as good and he allowed just two hits over two innings of work with four strikeouts before Drey Jameson came on for the final two innings, allowing two hits with a strikeout.
San Diego returned to two games below .500 and will try to keep from adding to that total today against the Diamondbacks at 6:40 p.m.
Mason Miller is used to navigating his way through opposing lineups, but after the Padres’ recent losing streak and struggles he is learning how to deal with limited usage.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 06: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after hitting a grand slam in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park on July 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night was just an absolute caricature of the 2026 Nationals. They have so much heart and offensive firepower, but the pitching is so shaky. In the end, they came out on top, just barely in a 12-11 thriller. I have never seen such a disparity between a pitching staff and an offense in my life.
Usually, when one part of your team is so bad like the Nats pitching staff, the other side of the ball is not elite. That is not how things usually work, and there was actually a good article on Fangraphs about this. The 2026 Nationals are not most teams though. They are a wacky, wonderful, hideously flawed bunch that we have all fallen in love with.
The Nats have scored the most runs in baseball, while being bottom 3 in runs allowed. That was on complete display from the jump against the Astros. It looked like this would be a beatdown early on, with Houston taking a quick 6-1 lead in the top of the 3rd inning. However, in peak 2026 Nationals fashion, the game was tied by the time the third inning was over.
Like the Nats have done so many times this year, they just blitzed the Astros. A 6-1 deficit turned into a 6-6 ballgame within five batters. CJ Abrams put the cherry on top of the rally with a 3-run homer to tie the game. That was a big and important swing for Abrams, who had been struggling recently. He made a statement today going 3 for 5 with that homer.
CJ Abrams has matched his home run total (19) from 2025 and is now one homer shy of his career high of 20 in 2024. pic.twitter.com/4kfCzk32yH
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) July 7, 2026
You can never take your eyes off this team because if you blink, you could miss five runs from either team on the field. There have been so many times this year in Nationals games where pitchers just can’t get outs at all. Sometimes it is Nats pitchers, other times it is the opposing team.
Last night we saw both sides of the coin. So many of these rallies just came from consecutive hits capped off by a homer. The Astros actually scored 10 of their 11 runs with two outs. That is a ridiculous stat, but it is also fitting for this Nats team. There have been too many times this year where the Nats are so close to getting out of a jam before getting their hearts broken with two outs or two strikes. Most of the Nats pitchers just don’t have the raw stuff to put guys away.
Thankfully for them, the Astros pitchers were overmatched against this fierce Nats offense. The Nats did most of their damage in just two innings, but they put up 11 runs in their pair of big innings. We talked about the third inning, but the fifth inning was the Nats other big frame.
Warning signs should have been ringing in the Astros dugout when Curtis Mead took Mike Burrows deep to start the inning. However, Burrows was allowed to face four more batters, only getting one out. He left with the bases loaded, but that was when the games began.
Drew Millas hit a sac fly before Nasim Nunez got an infield hit thanks to his elite speed. Nunez beating out that seemingly routine play ended up looming very large. James Wood was at the plate, and he was looking for his first out of the park grand slam. After he fouled off a high fastball, the Astros went back to the well again, and the Nats big slugger did not miss it. He walloped a 446 foot home run to make it a 12-6 game in the 5th inning.
For most teams a 12-6 lead should feel safe, but the 2026 Nationals are not most teams. After all, this group couldn’t hold an 8-1 lead in the 8th. The Astros got a run back in the 6th, but after a scoreless 7th by Cole Henry, things seemed to be under control.
However, this is where manager Blake Butera made a rookie mistake. He has made a habit of trying to extend relievers for multiple innings even if that is not really their strength. That is exactly what he did with Henry, and it backfired massively.
Cole Henry got sent down to Rochester in the beginning of June and made 10 appearances. The right hander did not throw more than one inning in any of those outings. In AAA, Henry had settled into a routine of being a one inning guy.
Butera tried to push Henry for a second inning, and it nearly cost them the game. Henry got the first out, but after a single and a walk, he was in trouble. Despite this, Butera stuck with Henry. The righty got a force out for the second out. However, that Astros two out magic showed up again. As his pitch count climbed into the 40’s, Henry allowed a double and a home run. Just like that, the game was 12-11.
Finally, Henry was pulled for Clayton Beeter, the Nats top high leverage arm. Beeter had a heroic performance, securing a four out save without allowing any baserunners. Clayton Beeter has his issues with control, but when he is on, he can be a dominant force as we saw last night. That was the game, the Nats secured a 12-11 win in the most 2026 Nationals way possible.
I hate to get on Blake Butera like this because he has done an outstanding job with this team. He has created a great culture and built a great staff. His lineup construction can be confusing at times, but it always feels like there is a method to the madness. However, he has to know his reliever’s limits. It should be clear by now that Cole Henry is not a multi-inning guy.
Butera has been dealt a very poor hand when it comes to the bullpen, but some of his decision making can be frustrating. Fans of every team second guess their manager’s bullpen decisions, but it feels like there are some correctable mistakes he keeps making. At the end of the day, the Nats are 47-45 and have an elite offense. If you told me that at the beginning of the season, I am not sure I would have believed you.
This team has so much heart and firepower, they just need pitching. Whether it is at the deadline or in the offseason, Paul Toboni has to address this pitching staff, the bullpen especially. This has been a great season so far, but hopefully this is just the beginning for this Nats core. To take the step from exciting young bunch to legitimate contender, the Nats need pitching, pitching and more pitching.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 3: New Orleans Saints Marcus Williams and Terron Armstead smile during a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks on December 3, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Former New Orleans Saints teammates Terron Armstead and Marcus Williams built a strong bond during their time together in the Big Easy, and that relationship remains as strong as ever.
#Saints legend Terron Armstead speaks on his relationship with Marcus Williams at the MWAthletics x GutCheck Combine. pic.twitter.com/fuEslDMrzt
Armstead was in attendance for the MW Athletics and GutCheck Combine, an event hosted through Williams’ youth training program, where he spent time supporting the next generation of athletes while praising the work his former teammate has done in the community.
When asked about Williams and the event, the Saints Hall of Famer made it clear their connection goes well beyond football.
“That’s my little brother, literally, my little brother, love him to death. We’ve been locked in for many, many years. I’ve been to every camp. So all these kids that’s been here since they was five, six years old, and now they compete in high school. I got pictures with them as youngsters and now they, you know what I mean, growing up, so it’s been incredible to see the evolution of it. I love what he’s doing with the academy, the gym, I’m just, I’m proud of it,“ Armstead said.
His praise shines a light on Williams’ commitment to giving back. Through MW Athletics, the former Saints second-round pick has created opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the field, and Armstead has been there from the beginning, attending every camp and watching many of the participants grow up over the years.
For Saints fans, it’s another reminder that the bonds built in New Orleans continue long after players leave the organization, with two former teammates making an impact together in the community.
His biggest swing was the two-out, three-run, go-ahead homer off All-Star closer Raisel Iglesias in the ninth inning of Monday's game, which the Mets eventually won in 10 innings.
Overall this season, Soto is slashing .301/.414/.570 (.984 OPS) with 19 homers in 72 games. He leads the National League in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS+, and is arguably second right now in the MVP race -- behind Shohei Ohtani, who is having another ridiculous year at the plate and on the mound.
Despite missing roughly three weeks earlier this season due to a calf strain, Soto is on pace to finish the season with 34 homers -- just a tick below his 162-game average of 36.
The starting pitching situation
The Mets continue to operate with four regular starting pitchers and one question mark.
Nolan McLean and Freddy Peralta started the final two games in Atlanta, and Christian Scott and Sean Manaea will start the final two games against the Royals.
That leaves Tuesday as a night where New York will have to piece things together, which could be especially challenging since they could be without high-leverage relievers Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver, and Devin Williams, who all had heavy workloads in Atlanta.
Weaver hasn't allowed an earned run since April 30 -- a span of 24 appearances over 26.0 innings.
During that time, he has given up just 11 hits while walking seven and striking out 34.
New York Mets pitcher Luke Weaver (30) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In 38.0 innings over 36 appearances this season, Weaver has a 1.89 ERA (2.53 FIP) and 0.84 WHIP with just 21 hits allowed. But it's possible his Mets tenure could soon be coming to an end.
Former Met Seth Lugo gets the start for Kansas City on Tuesday.
Lugo has taken a bit of a step back since his phenomenal 2024 season, when he had a 3.00 ERA in 206.2 innings and finished second in voting for the AL Cy Young award.
The 36-year-old has a 4.20 ERA (4.15 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP this season, and has allowed more hits (103) than innings pitched (96.1).
Lugo has been especially susceptible to the home run ball lately, surrendering five taters in 11.0 innings over his last two starts.
The Bobby Witt Jr. Show
Witt, who has finished in the top four in MVP voting each of the last two seasons, is having another tremendous year.
He is hitting .292/.364/.467 and is leading the AL in bWAR (4.8) and stolen bases (30).
The Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals meet this afternoon at Busch Stadium, with Jacob Misiorowski on the hill for the visitors.
My Brewers vs. Cardinals predictions and MLB picks are targeting Milwaukee to take this contest behind the dominance of their ace.
Who will win Brewers vs Cardinals today: Brewers -1.5 (-107)
The Milwaukee Brewers hand Jacob Misiorowski the ball in the first game of this doubleheader. The right-hander had a tough outing last time out, allowing five runs, although just one was earned. Overall, he's still been dominant, though.
Over the last month, Misiorowski owns a 2.11 FIP while holding opponents to a mere 4% barrel rate. Misiorowski relies heavily on his four-seamer, throwing it 63.4% of the time, and opponents are hitting just .172 against the pitch.
Some of St. Louis' top bats have handled four-seamers well this season, but Misiorowski's ability to overpower hitters with his primary offering gives Milwaukee a clear advantage on the mound.
The St. Louis Cardinals are likely to go with an opener here. This Cards bullpen has a solid 2.77 FIP, but I'm really liking how the Brewers are swinging it right now. They have a 42.2% hard-hit rate and a 105 wRC+ over their last seven games. Several Milwaukee hitters are red-hot right now as well.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
COVERS INTEL: Misiorowski has been even more dominant on the road this season, posting a 1.62 FIP compared to a 2.20 mark at American Family Field.
Brewers vs Cardinals Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (+102)
This is a relatively low total, but there are reasons to expect a low-scoring contest. As mentioned, this Cardinals bullpen enters with a 2.77 FIP, while Misiorowski has consistently worked deep into games and often covers six or seven innings.
Milwaukee's relief corps has also been excellent lately, posting a 2.89 xERA over the last week while allowing just 0.28 HR/9.
Neither of these teams is hitting for much power right now. The Cardinals have a .162 ISO over their last seven games, while the Brewers sit at .151 over the same span.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 33-21, +0.97 units
Over/Under bets: 35-28, +1.41 units
Brewers vs Cardinals weather
Conditions should be neutral in St. Louis this afternoon, with temperatures sitting in the mid-to-upper 80s throughout the game. Humidity will be moderate, while winds remain light at around 8 mph. Rain is unlikely to be a factor, with precipitation chances staying below 25%, so weather should not cause any meaningful disruption.
Brewers vs Cardinals odds
Moneyline: Brewers -170 | Cardinals +163
Run line: Brewers -1.5 (-100) | Cardinals +1.5 (-104)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-111) | Under 7.5 (+104)
Brewers vs Cardinals trend
The Brewers have cashed the Under in 16 of their last 25 games for +7.30 units and a 27% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Cardinals.
How to watch Brewers vs Cardinals and game info
Location
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Date
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
First pitch
2:15 p.m. ET
TV
Brewers.TV, Cardinals.TV
Brewers starting pitcher
Jacob Misiorowski (9-4, 1.47 ERA)
Cardinals starting pitcher
Undecided
Brewers vs Cardinals 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 Utica Comets have undergone a massive overhaul this offseason.
Since taking over as New Jersey Devils general manager, Sunny Mehta has made the organization's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate a clear priority. One of his first decisions was not to renew the contract of Comets general manager Dan MacKinnon, paving the way for Braden Birch to take over the role just days later.
“When I got here and talked it through, even with ownership, David Blitzer and I talked about what are some of the things we really want to focus on,” Mehta said during his media availability on July 2nd. “He himself brought up Utica also. That needs to be something that we make more of a priority, that we think more about in terms of both not just the success of that organization in terms of wins and losses, but just also in terms of player development.
“As much as we used this sort of decision-making process that I talk about to focus intently on our decisions at the NHL, we really have done the same thing at the AHL,” Mehta continued. “On the screen, when we put up our NHL roster, we've got the AHL roster right next to it, and we're thinking of it all as one big thing, where we are trying to use that same roster strategy in Utica.”
The 2025–26 Comets roster has been reshaped dramatically over the past several days. Below is a complete rundown of every move the organization has made.
Forwards
New Additions
Jeremy Wilmer signed a one-year AHL contract.
Amadeus Lombardi signed to a two-year, two-way contract.
Ben Steeves re-signed a one-year, two-way contract.
Riley Tufte signed a one-year, one-way contract.
Gabe Klassen signed an AHL contract.
Zach Gallant signed an AHL contract.
Returning
Ryan Schmelzer signed an AHL contract.
Xavier Parent re-signed a one-year, two-way contract.
Marc McLaughlin re-signed a one-year, two-way contract.
Jack Malone signed an AHL contract.
Departures
Angus Crookshank was traded to the Florida Panthers along with Jacob Markstrom.
Brian Halonen signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Daniel Pierce #7 of the Tampa Bay Rays warms up during the first inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the New York Mets at Clover Park on March 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
This was the 13th week of full minor league play (stats are entering play on Tuesday, July 6th).
According to FanGraphs (which factors in age and proximity to the big leagues), prospect Caden Bodine remains the top performer in the system. His full season statline is further below.
Meanwhile, Aidan Cremarosa continues to be the top performing pitcher in the system. The 22-year old Cremarosa is having a solid debut season within the Rays system. The 2025 8th round pick is currently in Single-A and holds a 2.68 ERA | 2.68 FIP with a 32.1 K% & 4.6 BB% over 57 IP.
RUMBLINGS
Going to shine a spotlight on Ryan McCoy. The Rays picked him up from the Indy Leagues last year. The 24-year old is currently in High-A and has been on a tear the past few weeks. Since June 13th, McCoy is hitting .290/.436/.645, registering a 169 wRC+; he has 5 HR over his last five games as well.
Jackson Baumeister has been solid since returing from the Injured list in late May. Over his last 8 starts, he has a 2.92 ERA | 3.71 FIP with a 33.1 K% & 12.7 BB% over 37 IP. His latest outing was fantastic as he delivered five no-hit innings while racking 10 strikeouts and yielded two walks.
Baseball America had injury updates for several of the Rays top prospects
Daniel Pierce likely out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery
Anderson Brito suffered a minor right forearm strain but is expectecd back soon
Adrian Santana is dealing with a hamstring injury
Taitn Gray had surgery to remove a bone chip and is expected back later this month
TEAM LEADERS
Must currently be assigned to that team
Baseball America’s top ten prospects are featured below each team they’re currently assigned to.
(minimum of 140 TBF & PA)
Tampa Bay Rays
Top 10 Prospects
None currently on active roster
Durham Bulls
Team Offensive Leaders: AVG: .265, Blake Sabol OBP: .332, Logan Davidson SLG: .448, Blake Sabol HR: 10, Carson Williams & Blake Sabol wRC+: 99, Blake Sabol SB: 16, Homer Bush Jr
Team Pitching Leaders: ERA: 1.96, Evan Reifert FIP: 3.84, Ty Johnson K%: 33.0% Ty Johnson BB%: 7.9%, Chase Solesky WHIP: 0.99, Ty Johnson AVG: .171, Ty Johnson WHIFF%: 15.2%, Ty Johnson
Team Pitching Leaders: ERA: 2.96, Chris Clark FIP: 3.92, Chris Clark K%: 27.9%, Jackson Baumeister BB%: 3.6%, Santiago Suarez WHIP 1.04, Chris Clark AVG: .206, Jackson Baumeister WHIFF%: 15.6%, Jackson Baumeister
Team Offensive Leaders: AVG: .314, Connor Hujsak OBP: .435, Tony Santa Maria SLG: .603, Connor Hujsak HR: 18, Connor Hujsak wRC+: 145, Ryan McCoy SB: 31, Tony Santa Maria
Team Pitching Leaders: ERA: 1.97, Jacob Kisting FIP: 2.68, Jacob Kisting K%: 28.8%, Anderson Brito BB%: 4.7%, Dominic Niman WHIP: 0.94, Jacob Kisting AVG: .197, Jacob Kisting WHIFF%: 16.9%, Noah Beal
Jul 5, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Nicky Lopez (33) turns a double against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Good morning.
While the sporting world was losing its mind over the USMNT calling in all of their favors to have a red card suspended at the World Cup, and how that affected the integrity of an ongoing tournament, only for the US to get embarrassed by a European soccer power anyway, not much was written about the Texas Rangers on their day off.
Kennedi Landry has a MLB Draft preview where the Rangers will hope to add more talent to a farm that has produced recent first-round contributors.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 01: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Selecting players for the All-Star team is more complicated than we sometimes admit. The requirement for every team to have a representative no matter their quality can sometimes make things messy, as does the complicated voting process for selecting starters. Naturally, this process is going to omit some players whose performance on merit deserve to be recognized.
One of those players this year could be Zack Wheeler. The Phillies co-ace was not selected to be on the initial NL roster despite having an 8-1 record and 2.36 ERA across 13 starts since returning from thoracic outlet surgery. Wheeler’s recovery has been stunning, as he hasn’t missed a beat despite having such a major surgery at age 35.
Part of the reason Wheeler wasn’t named an All-Star was likely his innings total. His late start to the season has limited him to only 80 innings pitched this season, putting him 90th among all starting pitchers entering play on Monday. However, the controversial All-Star selection of Jacob Misiorowski last season despite the blossoming ace only having thrown 25.2 innings for his career to that point has set an uneasy precedent when it comes to innings totals and All-Star selections.
There’s still a chance Wheeler could be nominated as replacements start to roll out, but as it stands right now, Wheeler is tentatively scheduled to pitch the last game before the break on July 12th. It’s unlikely he will be named as a replacement seeing that he may not be available to actually pitch two days after his last start. The Phillies would almost certainly prefer the 36-year-old doesn’t pitch any more innings than he needs to. In addition to that barrier, there’s also the fact that the Phillies already have five players headed to the festivities. It’s likely that MLB will look elsewhere for replacements as it may be deemed that the Phillies have enough representation already.
Bobby Witt Jr.
Kevin McGonigle
COVERS INTEL: Misiorowski has been even more dominant on the road this season, posting a 
