The cloud over the Boston Red Sox's 2026 season keeps getting darker.
Left-handed starting pitcher Garrett Crochet said the lat injury that put him on the injured list in late April is "a lot worse than we thought," according to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe. Crochet added he has "no idea" when he'll be cleared to throw again.
Crochet, who finished second in American League Cy Young voting last year, slumped out to a 3-3 record with a 6.30 ERA after six starts in 2026. He went on the IL on April 29 with what was described as left shoulder inflammation.
Crochet began a gradual throwing program in early May, but interim manager Chad Tracy said on May 31 that his ace was experiencing shoulder tightness and would be shut down from throwing.
An MRI showed a low-grade lat strain and Crochet was moved to the 60-day IL on June 2.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, have struggled out to a 27-39 start, which has them in last place in the AL East and 13½ games out of first.
The San Antonio Spurs hope to take their momentum after getting their first win of the series two nights ago to pull even in Game 4 on Wednesday, June 10. The New York Knicks are determined to get their first NBA Finals win at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
This is only the second time in NBA Finals history that the first three games in the title series were won by the road team.
In the tunnel for Game 4, players from both teams looked extremely focused. Pants were the statement piece for this matchup. There was checkerboard, leather and more.
Victor Wembanyama looked a little bit like he rolled out of bed in this comfy outfit. But the checkerboard pants and lemon yellow Nike sneakers show that he did have some intention with it. The pants are super long, which is right on trend.
Stephon Castle took a break from his cozy fits and broke out the Chrome Hearts pants. His are a gritty gray color with pink crosses. He paired them with a longsleeve white Black Flag graphic tee and some black Jordan IVs.
Mohamed Diawara was ready for work in this gray chore jacket. It fits him well and he was smart to wear all black underneath with matching gray sneakers.
Karl-Anthony Towns repped his team in a really cool vintage jacket. It was orange and blue and had a white star that stretched across the back, across the sleeve and onto the front. The New York Knicks center let the jacket do the talking and wore it with well-fitting chinos and white sneakers.
Karl-Anthony Towns wore this super cool vintage jacket in team colors.#NBAFinals
Devin Vassell's bold choices continue to impress. The San Antonio Spurs guard wore a cozy black knit sweater with crosses on the arms and turned heads with these luxe burgundy leather pants. The shades, his signature rosary necklace and chunky black boots complete another rockstar look.
Devin Vassell rockin the leather pants. 🎸 #NBAFinals
Madison Square Garden’s Celebrity Row was stacked for Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Taylor Swift was in the building with best friends Alana and Este Haim after Page Six reportedthat the 14-time Grammy winner was attending Wednesday’s game between the Knicks and the Spurs.
Swift, who owns multiple properties in New York City, and fiancé Travis Kelce, a veteran tight end for the Chiefs, reportedly shelled out about $3 million dollars to rent MSG for their July 3 wedding.
The couple also attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals series between the Knicks and the Cavaliers in Cleveland last month. New York completed a four-game sweep of Cleveland.
Taylor Swift walks on the court to her seat wearing a shirt that says Stevie Knicks and greets actress Christine Taylor and her husband Ben Stiller before the start of NBA Finals Game 4 on June 10, 2026. Jason Szenes for the New York PostFilmmaker Spike Lee, left, and actor Ben Stiller watch warm ups prior to Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Knicks diehards — comedian Tracy Morgan, director Spike Lee, and actors Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet, along with girlfriend Kylie Jenner — all were in attendance.
Celebrity row regulars, actress Mariska Hargitay — aka, a close friend of Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson — rappers Fat Joe and Jadakiss, late night host Jimmy Fallon, actor Steve Schirripa, actress Edie Falco and actor Micheal J. Fox, occupied their usual courtside seats.
Hailey Bieber enters Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in New York. X/New York Post
Giants’ quarterback Jaxson Dart, backup Jameis Winston, running back Tyrone Tracy, running back Cam Skattebo, receiver Odell Beckham, tight end Theo Johnson and former two-time Super Bowl champ with Big Blue, Lawrence Taylor, were all there, as well as Jets owner Woody Johnson.
Other notable celebs in attendance included Hailey Bieber, Adam Sandler, Tate McRae, Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, Liam Neeson, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Matthew Modine, Julianne Moore, Jimmy Fallon and Jerry Seinfeld.
Ben Stiller, left, takes selfie with a fan prior to Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
The heightened security measures that were in place outside of MSG for Monday’s Game 3 — when President Donald Trump attended and sat in a suite with Knicks owner James Dolan — rolled over to Game 4, the New York Police Department said in an advisory.
Fans were instructed to leave their bags at home and arrive early to be screened in the secure zone, which was set up around the arena.
The watch party for Game 4 outside of MSG was a ticketed event with only one entrance and no reentry, per the NYPD.
The rematch of the 1999 finals, a 4-1 series win by the Spurs, has New Yorkers celebrating all over the city — with some contributing to chaos fueled by the rivalry.
Timothée Chalamet & Kylie Jenner arrive to NBA Finals Game 4 in matching fits. Presented by Tri State Cadillac. #sponsoredpic.twitter.com/MGBl1nl9s4
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 11, 2026
After San Antonio’s 115-111 road win over New York in Game 3, Spurs players were greeted with boos from a crowd of people waiting outside the Ritz Carlton in New York on Tuesday.
A total of 21 people were taken into custody after an “incredibly reckless” post-game reaction that resulted in multiple injuries and people piled on top of police cars, the NYPD said.
Two people were charged with assault on a police officer, and five cops were hurt.
The 2026 NBA Finals shifts back to San Antonio for Game 5, with Game 6 taking place in New York. If necessary, a Game 7 will be hosted by the Spurs.
As each individual player was introduced during the starting lineup ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Finals, one name drew more noise from the Madison Square Garden crowd than any other.
The loudest reaction wasn't the boisterous cheering for any of the Knicks stars; it was the torrential rain of boos aimed at Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama is introduced to the Madison Square Garden crowd before the game pic.twitter.com/umaBkYYNkJ
Wembanyama was not assessed with a foul on the play, clearly a missed call by the officials. And the NBA decided not to give the Spurs center a flagrant foul upon review of the play on Tuesday.
Asked for his thoughts about the league not handing Wembanyama a retroactive Flagrant-1 foul, Knicks head coach Mike Brown said on Wednesday that the “league is gonna do what they’re gonna do” and that “you gotta live with it.”
“They ain’t gonna listen to me, they ain't gonna listen to nobody else,” Brown said, adding that he gave his thoughts on the officiating in Game 3 after the game, and, “you just hope at the end of the day, everything is consistent on both ends throughout the whole game, that’s it.
“It is what it is.”
Brown said that he spoke with his team about those situations and, during the game, to the referees that, “Stuff like that can cause a fight.”
“Obviously, they didn’t see it," he said, adding later, “If it happens in the future, fingers crossed the officials see it and call it, but again, it’s out of my control. The officials are human; they’re gonna miss stuff. You hope that they miss stuff for both teams, but they’re gonna miss stuff.”
Following the Spurs' 115-111 victory to gain a toehold in the series, Brunson was short with his answer on the incident. "Whatever you saw is what you saw," the diminutive point guard, who scored 32 points of his own, said.
“I think that’s not basketball,” Alvarado said Tuesday. “That’s something that they gotta look at. But he got away with one. That’ll be the last one.”
For his part, Wembanyama clearly has no qualms about becoming public enemy number one in New York City. He smiled as he answered questions about his newfound status as the Knicks' newest villain, but also paid homage to an unforgettable fellow foe from recent playoff history, chuckling as he remarked that he is "nowhere near Trae Young's level."
Ultimately, the outcome of this series will determine where the lanky French 22-year-old lands in the pantheon of all-time Knicks villains.
Fans then chanted, “F–k you, Wemby,” for the second straight game after the Spurs challenged a foul call on the big man a little more than a minute into the game.
Victor Wembanyama before Game 4. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Wembanyama was awesome in Game 3, exploding for 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks. He scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds but also picked up a flagrant foul in their Game 4 loss.
The early Game 4 booing was more a byproduct of him throwing Jalen Brunson to the court in the first quarter of Game 3.
“Hey, the league’s going to do what they’re going to do,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said before Game 4. “They ain’t going to listen to me. They ain’t going to listen to nobody else.”
A New York Knicks fan reacts in the crowd in during Game 3. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Wembanyama already has two penalty points for being issued a Flagrant 2 foul in the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves.
A Flagrant 1 foul is one penalty point.
If a player gets up to four penalty points in the postseason, an automatic one-game suspension is given.
Taylor Swift at MSG for Game 4 of the NBA Finals between Knicks and Spurs. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Swift is set to marry Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on July 3.
Her appearance at MSG on Wednesday night — alongside singing sisters Este and Alana Haim — comes a month after she and Kelce attended Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals in Cleveland, a series the Knicks swept in four games.
Taylor Swift & The HAIM Sisters are cheering on the Knicks courtside for NBA Finals Game 4! pic.twitter.com/K5spBWG5BL
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 11, 2026
The trio wore t-shirts in blue and orange, Knicks’ colors, that said: “Stevie Knicks.”
Swift and the Haim sisters all are friends with Knicks.
They were seen cheering in their courtside seats — and at one point, Swift blew a kiss to the camera while shown on the ABC broadcast.
(L-R) Alana Haim, Taylor Swift and Este Haim attend Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 10 at Madison in New York, New York. NBAE via Getty ImagesTaylor Swift cheering at Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 10 at Madison in New York, New York. NBAE via Getty Images
“She’s a huge fan of the Knicks and really wants to be there to support them. She is going with friends,” a source told Page Six early Wednesday.
Swift’s presence and attire further solidifies her loyalty to the New York, where she has upheld residency since 2014, purchasing multiple properties through the years.
Taylor Swift at Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 10 at Madison in New York, New York. X
The “Welcome to New York” singer has attended multiple Knicks games in years past, often sporting the blue and orange.
Kelce was not in attendance Wednesday, as his Chiefs are in the midst of mandatory minicamps.
Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a successful ABS Challenge during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on June 5, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is heading to the injured list once again.
The Braves star strained his left hamstring trying to run out a ground ball and left the game during the fourth inning of Tuesday’s game against the White Sox.
Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves reacts after a successful ABS Challenge during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on June 5, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images
The latest issue adds to a long list of lower-body problems the 2023 National League MVP has dealt with in recent years.
He tore his ACL in May 2024, ending that campaign after just 49 games, and returned last year to play in 95 games.
In 2021, Acuna tore his right ACL, which took him out for about a year.
When healthy this season, Acuña hasn’t quite looked like his MVP-like self.
In 52 games, the five-time All-Star is hitting .251/.373/.421 with seven home runs and 15 stolen bases.
Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Getty Images
Acuña’s hamstring issue adds to what has been an injury-marred season in Atlanta.
Pitchers Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver and Spencer Schwellenbach, among others, have all spent varying amounts of time on the IL.
Catchers Sean Murphy and Drake Baldwin both hit the IL days apart last month, forcing the Braves to shake up their backstop rotation.
Despite seemingly endless injuries, the Braves haven’t missed a beat this season.
Heading into Wednesday’s play, Atlanta sits at 45-22, which is the best record in baseball and nine games clear of the rest of the National League East.
It was just under a week ago that a stunning report from NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman was released, in which he indicated Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade.
The reported request set off a flurry of reactions from across the Detroit sports scene as well as the rest of the NHL, especially after Larkin's alleged trade list including a mere three clubs.
So far, neither Larkin nor the Red Wings/GM Steve Yzerman has commented on the ongoing drama between the two sides. And just days later, a report surfaced that Larkin and Yzerman aren't in regular contact with one another, adding another layer of complexity to the already delicate situation.
But now, former Red Wings forward Darren McCarty, who won the Stanley Cup four times with the club during his career, is weighing in on the situation.
"I automatically think about the guys who persevered, right? The guys in St. Louis, (Aleksander) Barkov in Florida," McCarty said via Woodward Sports. "That's a great example. Ovi (Alex Ovechkin). I don't understand. Obviously, he's got his reasons, but when you bring up the fact that they haven't talked in a year and there's contention and stuff like this, what do I always say? You're either in, or in the way. So you're definitely in the way."
Detroit Red Wings Legend Darren McCarty reacts to the Dylan Larkin trade request. pic.twitter.com/l9tRQCkrEY
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) June 9, 2026
McCarty concluded by saying he believes the situation will ultimately result in a better outcome for the Red Wings organization.
"We can put blame on this and that, but I don't want a guy, no matter if you're the top guy or the bottom guy, I don't want you here. This, I believe, will be one of the best things to happen to the Red Wings organization."
This is an extremely unusual situation in the history of the Red Wings, and there's no telling when the next domino is going to fall.
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Scott Hastings and Chris Marlowe smile before the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on March 14, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
The Nuggets are moving on from two broadcasters after multiple decades together.
Altitude Sports has decided not to renew contracts with either Scott Hastings or Chris Marlowe as part of a talent shakeup.
Marlowe has spent the last 22 years working as the team’s regional TV play-by-play announcer.
Scott Hastings and Chris Marlowe smile before the Nuggets’ win over the Lakers on March 14, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver. NBAE via Getty Images
“All good things must come to an end,” Marlowe wrote on social media. “I wanted to let you know personally that I will not be returning as the play-by-play announcer for the Denver Nuggets next season. Altitude Sports is moving in a different direction and decided not to renew my contract.”
The former Olympic volleyball player has spent 40 years as a broadcaster, covering events such as USC basketball, college football, and NCAA championships in swimming, gymnastics and volleyball, in addition to his Nuggets duties.
Marlowe made it clear in his statement that he has no plans to retire.
Hastings, an 11-year NBA veteran as a player, is also a sports broadcasting staple, especially in Denver, having spent time with the Broncos before his role at Altitude Sports.
Team reporter and studio analyst Chris Dempsey was also let go.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver presents the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy to Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke. Getty Images
Altitude Sports was founded in 2004 as a regional sports cable and satellite television channel owned by Stan Kroenke’s Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
Kroenke also owns the Nuggets, Avalanche, Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal FC.
“For more than a decade, Chris Marlowe, Scott Hastings and Chris Dempsey have been synonymous with Nuggets basketball, bringing energy, insight and a genuine love of the game to every broadcast,” president of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment media ventures Steve Smith said in a statement to the Denver Post.
“They have been part of many of the most memorable moments in franchise history, including the 2023 championship run, and have helped shape how generations of fans experience Nuggets basketball. Each has been an outstanding ambassador for our organization, leaving a lasting impact on our company, our fans, and the broader Nuggets community.”
The Padres trailed 4-2 going into the bottom eighth inning where Jackson Merrill got things going with a double to left field. Merrill scored after Gavin Sheets hit a double at right field, giving him an RBI. Jase Bowen went in as pinch runner for Sheets. Bowen scored after a single from Samad Taylor allowed him to cross home.
The score was 4-4 going into the ninth inning. And with two outs on the board, Tatis took a swing of his bat, ate the pitch and left no crumbs in a walk-off fashion as his teammates embraced him and the victory at home plate.
Take a glance at his batting stats alone, Tatis has looked a bit unfamiliar early in the season, but he's finding his way back. The 27-year-old has a .281 batting average and .695 OPS in 2026. He's hit two homers and is responsible for 21 RBIs.
His two homers have come in the last week, and compared to how he started the season, that's a massive improvement and a sign that good things are to come for Tatis and the Padres.
Fernando Tatis Jr. career stats
Tatis Jr. hasn't looked like the guy we remember from his breakout 2021 season. It's been that way for a couple of seasons.
It's no knock on his play. It's been solid. Consistently average, or just above. He finished 2025 with 594 plate appearances through 155 games, registering 159 hits, 25 home runs, 71 RBIs and 129 strikeouts with an .814 OPS.
He appeared in fewer games in 2024, suiting up for 102 games where Tatis Jr. saw the plate 398 times. He suffered a right quad injury that limited his games. He still batted .276 with an .833 OPS while launching 21 home runs.
A long way from 2021
However, Tatis Jr. hasn't put together a season like the 2021 season, where he was the NL home run leader with 42. His offensive numbers included a .282 batting average, .364 on-base percentage, and .611 slugging percentage with 97 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. He was third in NL MVP behind Bryce Harper and Juan Soto.
He missed the 2022 season with a broken wrist and an 80-game league suspension for testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance Tatis said he used to treat ringworm. It caused questions about his career in 2021.
In his MLB debut in 2019, Tatis finished the season hitting .317/.379/.590 with 22 home runs, 61 runs, and 106 hits, appearing in 84 games. He finished third in NL Rookie of the Year behind Pete Alonso and Mike Soroka. Following his rookie season, he batted .277/.366/.571 with 17 home runs and 45 RBIs in 2020.
When he returned in 2023, following the suspension and return from injury, Tatis won a Gold Glove Award after moving to right field. As for his batting stats, they weren't the astonishing numbers from 2021, but they still weren't shabby. Tatis batted .257/.322/.449 with 25 home runs and 78 runs batted in in 141 major league games.
One thing's for sure, two for certain.
Does one breakout year still cause for questioning years later? Maybe. However, based on other years that Tatis Jr. has put together, he's more than capable of turning around his 2026 season.
His walk-off home run happening a little over a week after his first homer of the season is the indicator.
Jasson Domínguez #24 of the New York Yankees warms up prior to the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in New York, New York.
The Martian is learning to inhabit a new planet.
Jasson Domínguez played right field Tuesday at Triple-A and was scheduled to do so again Wednesday, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
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Dominguez has never played right field in the majors — and only done so once in his minor-league career — but could be preparing to take the injured Aaron Judge’s vacated spot.
“The good thing is reports [are] that he was very comfortable doing it,” Boone said before the series-sweeping 8-4 victory against the Guardians. “Seems like it went off without a hitch. His pregame [drill work] was apparently good, too. I think he was happy to do it to add to different ways he can help us.”
The Yankees could move versatile left fielder Cody Bellinger to right field to accommodate Domínguez, though Bellinger’s defense has been elite. And left field at Yankee Stadium is the more spacious ground.
Jasson Domínguez warms up before the Yankees’ win over the Rangers at the Stadium on May 7, 2026. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Of course, that thinking assumes Dominguez (shoulder) will be promoted to the majors once his rehab is complete, which is no guarantee as Boone lives in the “day-to-day” world and prospect Spencer Jones continues to hit well in his second promotion.
“We invested so much because we switched Jasson to left field before last year to help with the transition so we wanted him to really focus on that,” Boone said. “But to be able to have the versatility, I think, is important. Spencer has done a good job of getting some real reps in both corner spots as well as continuing to have center field in play. I think it just adds to their overall value a little bit.”
Jasson Domínguez looks on from the dugout during the Yankees’ loss to the Blue Jays on May 20, 2026 at the Stadium. Getty Images
Ryan Weathers, who will start Friday’s game on six days’ rest, was warming up in the fifth inning in case Carlos Rodón’s start was cut short.
He would’ve pitched an inning on regular rest to help a bullpen that threw 10 ²/₃ innings the previous two games.
“He was very much in play today — not just in an emergency situation, either — which is awesome in and of itself,” Boone said. “He was ready for whatever we needed. He could’ve factored in in a winning way.”
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If used, Weathers would’ve slotted back into the rotation on his next turn after off days.
“I think I’m glad we didn’t use him,” Boone quipped. “I was going to go to him in the sixth, but Carlos having a really efficient fifth and feeling like he was good to go back out for the sixth took [Weathers] out of it for at least the time being.”
The humidity that admittedly fatigued Gerrit Cole during Tuesday’s four-inning start, including a 29-pitch inning, was back (and worse) Wednesday afternoon.
Cole and Rodón both are working their way back after starting the season on the injured list.
“It’s definitely summer now,” Rodón said. “It was warm. It’s part of the gig. It’s what we do. There is a job to be done. Go out there and compete.”
Angel Chivilli (shoulder) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A. He pitched in two games for the Yankees earlier this season.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 03: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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
Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
When: Wednesday, June 10 at 8:30 PM EST
How to watch: ABC
Betting Line: NY -2.5 (subject to change), O/U 216.5 (subject to change) via FanDuel
HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 05: Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins (50) throws a pitch in the bottom of the second inning during the MLB game between the Athletics and Houston Astros on June 5, 2026 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Tonight, the Athletics will take on the Brewers in the series finale of the first of two series at Las Vegas Ballpark this week. After dropping the opener 15-14 in the highest scoring game of the season so far, the A’s rebounded last night with a 7-5 victory, hitting five more home runs and getting strong relief outings from Elvis Alvarado and Mason Barnett.
Having launched 12 home runs through their first two games in Las Vegas, the A’s powerful offense looks well-positioned to keep the long-ball barrage going in another matchup that figures to produce plenty of runs.
Making his second start and 19th appearance of the season, A’s right-hander Jack Perkins brings a 2-3 record, 6.19 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts in 32 innings into today’s matchup. The 26-year-old struggled in his first start against the Houston Astros, allowing five runs on five hits over four innings while taking the loss.
Like Ginn, Perkins is very familiar with this hitter-friendly ballpark. He made nine starts for Triple-A Las Vegas last season and three more appearances with the affiliate this year before earning his promotion to the majors. Perkins’ high-velocity arsenal gives him the ability to miss bats and limit damage, even in a venue that tends to favor hitters.
However, inconsistency and occasional command issues have plagued him during his brief MLB career, which is not uncommon for a young pitcher. If Perkins can trust his stuff, pound the strike zone, and keep the ball on the ground, he should have success this evening. Otherwise, the Brewers’ lineup could capitalize on his mistakes the way the Astros did in his previous outing.
Here’s the Athletics’ lineup for this series-deciding contest:
This is an interesting lineup that A’s manager Mark Kotsay has put together for tonight’s game. Nick Kurtz and Tyler Soderstrom, the team’s two hottest hitters in this series, occupy the first two spots in the order. Meanwhile, Carlos Cortes is making his first start of the series as the designated hitter and is surprisingly slotted into the cleanup spot rather than leading off.
Given how well Kurtz has been swinging the bat, it would seem to make more sense to flip him and Cortes in the lineup to maximize Kurtz’s RBI opportunities with runners on base. Another notable development is Brent Rooker’s absence from the starting lineup for a second consecutive game. The A’s have not indicated any issues, but they can ill afford to lose one of their most dangerous hitters to another stint on the injured list.
Cortes is not the only A’s player making his first start in Vegas. He is joined by outfielder Lawrence Butler and second baseman Jeff McNeil, two players who have had their playing time drastically reduced lately due to major offensive slumps. Zack Gelof moves back to third base with Max Muncy getting the night off, while Alika Williams earns his third straight start at shortstop.
That starting nine will be facing Brewers right-hander Brandon Sproat, who was involved in one of the biggest trades of the offseason. The New York Mets sent Sproat and a minor league infield prospect to Milwaukee in exchange for Freddy Peralta.
The 25-year-old has gone 1-4 with a 6.17 ERA through his first 12 appearances with the Brewers, including ten starts. In his most recent outing against the Colorado Rockies, Sproat received a no-decision after allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings.
Only A’s backup catcher Jonah Heim, who is not in tonight’s lineup, has previously faced Sproat. While the element of unfamiliarity could work in the young right-hander’s favor against A’s hitters, the A’s may benefit from the fact that Sproat has likely never pitched in this ballpark before. If the hosts can repeat the approach and offensive execution they displayed over the first two games, they should have opportunities to score against this talented but inexperienced pitcher.
The Brewers’ lineup features most of their regulars, with the lone exception coming behind the plate, where Gary Sànchez gets the start in place of William Contreras. The top of Milwaukee’s order is especially dangerous now that Andrew Vaughn is back in the lineup after appearing as a pinch-hitter last night.
As a result, Perkins will need to be careful when attacking the strike zone and do his best to keep the ball in the ballpark, something his teammate J.T. Ginn handled well in yesterday’s outing.
Time to win the series and head into tomorrow’s off day with good vibes. Let’s go A’s!
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 5: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs defends Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the game during Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Here we are again. Another NBA Finals game. The Spurs narrowly won game three with some clutch shooting, both of shots from the floor, and free throws. Now that the series isn’t going to be a sweep, will be get something other than “Assault: It’s not assault if you’re from South Texas.” reffing. We have Zach Zarba on the call, and in the conference finals, I’ve liked his refereeing the most.I’m not sure how the Knicks got away from having KAT cook Wemby off the dibble, but they did.
Anyhow, it should be interesting, and you can talk about it all right here!
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 18: Mitchell Parker #70 of the Washington Nationals watches a hit ball during a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on May 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well that sucked. Just when it looked like the Nationals had a sweep in the bag, the bullpen completely melted down. The Giants rallied from 9-1 down to stun the Nats. DMV product Bryce Eldridge hit a walkoff grand slam to finish off a humiliating defeat for Blake Butera and the Nats.
What happens after this game will be telling. For a more traditional front office and coaching staff, heads would absolutely roll after this kind of loss. However, I am not sure whether this analytically minded front office will deviate from their plan. As we have seen this season, there is a long term vision in place and we are seeing that translate on the field.
After this one though, I think it is time for some old school behavior. Blake Butera and Paul Toboni need to send a message to the players and the fans that what happened this afternoon was not acceptable. The two primary culprits of this bullpen meltdown were Mitchell Parker and Paxton Schultz, and their places on the team need to be examined.
For Parker, I honestly have no idea what this braintrust sees in him. The results have not been there, his stuff is below average and he does not seem to have the mentality to be a high leverage arm. Despite all of this, Parker constantly gets thrown into big spots, rarely succeeding. In the past month, Parker has an ERA over 8, and has allowed 7 homers in 16 innings.
This is not a team that is in the gutter, and the front office needs to act that way. When guys aren’t producing, they should be let go. Parker has been consistently terrible for over a year now. Since May 1st of 2025, he has a 6.44 ERA in 159.1 innings. What more do you need to see from this guy? As the saying goes, insanity is trying the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
I mean that has to be the last pitch Mitchell Parker throws in a Nationals uniform
Mitchell Parker pitching on this upcoming home stand would give fans a pretty good indication that this front office and coaching staff has no interest in winning this season. Going all in on 2026 is not logical either. This team is still in year one of a new era. However, we know what we have in Mitchell Parker. It is unfair to the fans and the pitchers in Rochester to keep trotting this guy out there.
The other culprit of this meltdown requires a more nuanced conversation. Paxton Schultz has had a very strange season. He has been solid in 18 of his 20 outings. However, in the other two appearances, he has had some of the worst meltdowns you will ever see. He has shown the ability to be a quality arm, he has just been completely unable to stop the bleeding.
On the one hand, if you can’t be trusted to protect a 9-1 lead, you should not be on the roster. However, I think Schultz has some traits to be a fine reliever. In the heat of the moment, you would like to see a change, but I would understand if they stuck with Schultz. Today was absolutely dreadful, and he is arguably the biggest reason for the collapse, but you cannot be overly reactionary.
Paxton Schultz is so interesting because he has the best FIP and K-BB% on the team (not anymore undoubtedly), and yet I feel like I don’t trust him at all when he pitches https://t.co/N2UoF09sQP
What happens next will tell us a lot about this new regime. They have some very important decisions to make heading into this home stand. This team has a playoff caliber offense, but the bullpen can explode at any time. Will this front office send a message or will they continue to only look at whatever numbers are telling them Mitchell Parker is a major league caliber pitcher? The roster moves or lack thereof will tell Nationals a lot about Paul Toboni and Blake Butera.
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