CLEVELAND, OHIO, UNITED STATES - 2016/10/07: City skyline and the Cuyahoga River. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images) | LightRocket via Getty Images
We have a very early game today. Living in the west, I hate these games cause they get in the way of what I’d normally be doing. But then, today I don’t feel like doing anything. I have been going to gym a fair bit lately, as I’m playing squash this winter, and I’ve reached the age where it is pretty tough on the body and I have to be in as good of cardio shape as I can get and get my strength up, because, at my age, knees and stuff tend to hurt if I’m not strong. Or I could give up on squash.
Anyway, there is a game today, an important one. The Jays are 1.5 games back of the Guardians for the final Wild Card spot (the Rangers and Orioles are tied with the Jays). Being half a game out would be better than being 2.5 games out, not that they couldn’t come back from 2.5 back. We aren’t at the ‘they have to win every game to make the playoffs’ point of the season yet. Which is good, because they won’t.
Jose Soriano has a 4.13 ERA in his five starts with the Jays. Teams are hitting .271/.345/.364 against him, which is better than they were hitting off him as an Angel. But then, small sample size and all.
Tanner Bibee has a 3.88 ERA but a 5-14 record in 28 starts. The Guardians are only scoring 3.07 runs per game in his starts. Since they are averaging 4.05 runs per game on the season, Tanner’s being hard done by.
The I-94 Rivalry wraps up tonight at Wrigley Field (7:15 p.m. ET), with the Milwaukee Brewers laid as short road favorites over the Chicago Cubs.
Expect another high-scoring battle in the Friendly Confines as my top Brewers vs. Cubs prediction and MLB picks are backing Milwaukee to lock up the series win.
Who will win Brewers vs Cubs today: Brewers moneyline (50.7%)
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
The Milwaukee Brewers have a sizable pitching edge in this series finale.
Twenty-four-year-old Logan Henderson has allowed just three runs across his past three starts while posting an elite 2.82 xERA that’s right in line with his 2.73 year-long mark, ranking fifth among starters with at least 70 innings pitched.
Chicago Cubs veteran Kevin Gausman hasn’t been nearly as consistent, and he’s allowed three runs or more in three of his five starts with the club for a solid but unspectacular 3.69 xERA and 3.60 xFIP.
Both offenses are raking, and 47 runs have scored through the first three games of the series, so I’m siding with the superior starter tonight and would back the Brewers to 54.5%.
COVERS INTEL: Henderson ranks eighth in xOBP and 19th in xwOBA among pitchers with 50 innings pitched this season.
Brewers vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (49.8%)
Even with both starters showing excellent underlying numbers, I still expect both teams to put runs on the board.
Chicago ranks second in xwOBA over the past 30 days, and Milwaukee checks in at seventh.
Additionally, the teams have emptied their bullpens through the first three games of the series, with the Cubs relying on relievers for 12 innings and Milwaukee's pitching 14.
As a result, late-innings runs are also in the cards tonight.
Brewers vs Cubs home run prediction: Brice Turang (11.1%)
Brewers second baseman Brice Turang has hit 16 of his 17 homers against righties this season with a high-end .216 ISO, and he’s eyeing statistical correction at the dish with just a single home run across his past 26 games. With Gausman allowing a .204 ISO to left-handed hitters since joining the Cubs, the matchup checks out, too.
The smart money at Polymarket is fully aligned on the Brewers in tonight's matchup against the Cubs, according to the latest market trends:
Brewers vs Cubs weather
The weather forecast calls for a first-pitch temperature around 71 degrees and gentle 6-mph crosswinds blowing out to left field as the game progresses at Wrigley Field tonight. Overall, these are neutral conditions for hitters.
Brewers vs Cubs odds
Moneyline: Brewers 53.5% | Cubs 51.2%
Run line: Brewers -1.5 (40.8%) | Cubs +1.5 (63%)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (54.5%) | Under 8.5 (50%)
Brewers vs Cubs trend
The Milwaukee Brewers have won 13 of their last 19 games (+6.25 Units / 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Cubs.
How to watch Brewers vs Cubs and game info
Location
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Thursday, September 3, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Brewers starting pitcher
Logan Henderson (9-2, 2.48 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcher
Kevin Gausman (8-11, 4.52 ERA)
Brewers vs Cubs 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 Chicago Cubs (78-62) took the field Tuesday for the second game of their four-game series against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers (87-53) fresh off a 17-3 win that pulled them to within seven games of the division lead. Far-fetched to believe the division was within reach but at the very least, the Cubs were on their way to sending a message to the Brewers. A couple days and a couple of lopsided losses later, and the Cubs sit nine games behind the Brewers. Their reality today is to avoid losing the series at Wrigley to Milwaukee.
The Brewers scored nine runs for the second consecutive game against the Cubs last night, winning 9-5. The star of the evening was Jackson Chourio, who continued his torrid start to September (6-11) with four hits including a home run and two runs scored. Chourio has now hit safely in seven games (14-33). William Contreras and Christian Yelich each chipped in with a couple of hits as Milwaukee totaled 14 hits for the evening. Jake Bauers was the only starter not to pick up a hit for the Brew Crew…but he did walk three times.
Logan Henderson (9-2, 2.48 ERA) takes the mound for Milwaukee today. The righthander has been a revelation this season and of late he has been elite. He has allowed single runs in each of his last three starts totaling 20 innings in the process. For the season, opponents have managed just 49 hits against him over 76.1 innings. Kevin Gausman (8-11, 4.52 ERA) is expected to start for the Cubs. The righthander has been inconsistent since arriving in Chicago at the Trade Deadline. Last Saturday, he allowed five runs in five innings against the Reds but the start before he threw seven shutout innings in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch: Brewers vs. Cubs
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time: 7:15PM EST
Site: Wrigley Field
City: Chicago, IL
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, FOX
Peacock offers one of the most comprehensive live sports streaming lineups available today, bringing together the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, Premier League, NCAA football, NCAA basketball, golf, motorsports, and major global sporting events in a single service.
The Latest Odds: Brewers vs. Cubs – September 3
The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Milwaukee Brewers (-115), Chicago Cubs (-105)
Spread: Brewers -1.5 (+148), Cubs +1.5 (-180)
Total: 8.5 runs
Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Brewers vs. Cubs for September 3
Cubs: Kevin Gausman Season Totals: 155.1 IP, 8-11, 4.52 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 156K, 43 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Brewers vs. Cubs
Jackson Chourio is hitting .348 over his last 10GP
Logan Henderson has struck out 7+ hitters in 5 of his last 7 starts
Gary Sanchez, Andrew Vaughn, and Jake Bauers have each homered in their careers against Kevin Gausman
Brice Turang has struck out 6 times in 9ABs against Gausman
Kevin Gausman has struck out 6+ hitters in 3 of his last 4 starts
Pete Crow-Armstrong is 2-12 in this series
Alex Bregman is riding a 6-game hitting streak (11-28)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Brewers vs. Cubs
The Brewers are 74-66 on the Run Line this season
The Cubs are 67-73 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 62 times in games involving Milwaukee this season (62-74-4)
The OVER has cashed 78 times in games involving the Cubs this season (78-60-2)
Expert picks & predictions: Brewers vs. Cubs
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Cubs:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Brewers on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 8.5.
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LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saw a physically compromised Shohei Ohtani at the plate the four-time MVP was 0 for 4 with four strikeouts.
He plans to have a conversation with the training staff and Ohtani to “really try to figure out where he’s at physically” and weigh giving him a day off, although Roberts said he doesn’t think a stint on the injured list is necessary.
“I saw the same thing that everyone saw,” Roberts said after an 8-6 loss in 10 innings to the St. Louis Cardinals. “You could see the swing wasn’t the swing that we’re used to seeing. He’s not close to optimal.”
The two-way superstar hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 because of lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps, which may be affecting his offense. He is hitting .279 after striking out four consecutive times for the first time this season.
“I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup and if he’s upright he should play,” Roberts said. “I respect that, but if he’s feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it’s really not helping anyone.”
Roberts had said he had no indication that Ohtani was physically ailing.
After the game, the manager said, “I’ve seen it over the last couple weeks where he hasn’t been who he is.”
Ohtani hasn’t spoken to the media in two weeks.
“I still feel there’s enough days on the calendar of the season that we have plenty of time to make whatever decision we make and to have him come out of it in a better spot,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers remain uncertain whether Ohtani will pitch again this season.
He threw a 20-pitch bullpen session but was scratched from a potential start at Detroit two days later. Roberts said that until he sees Ohtani throw another bullpen he won’t know the next step in his pitching progression.
Asked if it’s possible Ohtani won’t pitch again this season, Roberts said, “It’s an option.”
Before being shut down, Ohtani was 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts.
If Ohtani can’t start on the mound, would he be a candidate to play at an outfield corner?
“Not on the table right now,” Roberts said.
Ohtani hasn’t played the outfield in the major leagues since 2021, when he appeared there in seven games for the Los Angeles Angels.
If Ohtani isn’t physically capable of starting a game, it’s possible he could enter as a reliever.
If he starts as the designated hitter and then moves to the mound, the so-called Ohtani Rule would kick in and the Dodgers would lose their DH for the rest of the game. But if he moves from the mound to the outfield, he could remain in the lineup.
Amen Thompson's rise in the NBA will continue with the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets and Thompson have come to terms on a new lucrative contract extension that will make the 23-year-old a franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future, according to multiplereports on Thursday, September 3.
Thompson has agreed to sign a 5-year, $208-million contract extension with the Rockets, ESPN reported. The uber-athletic two-way guard was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He just completed the most productive season of his career, despite being playing out-of-position at point guard at times.
Here are more details on Thompson's new contract extension, as well as what it could mean for the Rockets this season and into the future:
Thompson agreed to a 5-year, $208-million contract extension with the Rockets and it includes a 10% trade kicker, according to ESPN.
The deal carries an average annual value of $41.6 million, which is below what Thompson would have received had he signed a max contract extension. The new deal won't begin until the 2027-28 season. Thompson is set to earn about $12.2 million for the 2026-27 season as part of his rookie contract.
What Amen Thompson's contract extension means for Rockets
This contract locks Thompson in as one of the Rockets' foundational players moving forward along with Alperin Sengun, who the team signed to a long-term extension in October 2024. Thompson is already one of the league's best perimeter defenders and his athleticism can change the momentum of games on both ends of the floor.
That Houston got Thompson to agree to a deal below the maximum salary level is notable for future salary cap flexibility. It could become a relative bargain if Thompson's upward trajectory continues and he develops more as a shooter and ballhandler.
Amen Thompson stats
Thompson is coming off the best statistical season of his NBA career. He averaged a career-high 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals while appearing in a career-high 78 games for the Rockets during the 2025-26 season.
Jan 31, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen (20) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Stephen R. Sylvanie/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
NEW YORK — The New York Rangers agreed to terms with winger Eeli Tolvanen on a one-year, $1.5 million contract, the team announced.
The Rangers and Tolvanen reached the deal with a little more than two weeks before the start of training camp.
Tolvanen is coming off a 36-point season with Seattle, skating in 78 of 82 games. He set career highs with 23 goals in 2024-25 and 41 points in ’23-24.
Tolvanen figures to slot in on New York’s second or third line. The 27-year-old Finn is joining his third organization after being drafted by Nashville in 2017 and getting claimed off waivers by the Kraken in 2022.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 02: Josh Smith #9 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 02, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There isn’t much for Jays news this morning.
The starters against the Royals:
Friday: Likely Jameson Taillon (just off the IL, 3.38 ERA in two starts for the Jays) vs Daniel Lynch (3.06 ERA, 4-4, 51 games,5 starts, all in August with a 6.32 ERA in 15.2 innings).
Saturday: Max Scherzer (2-7, 6.16, coming off his best start of the season, 7 innings, 1 hit, 10 k) vs. Seth Lugo (6-8, 5.03).
Sunday: TBD vs Randy Dobnak (2-3, 2.65, 11 games, 9 starts). People on Twitter are suggesting that Johnny King would be on rotation for Sunday. He’s pitching in New Hampshire and isn’t on the 40-man roster. It would be a big step to start his clock and all, but, you know, they need wins and should use whoever they think will give them their best chance to win.
And, our weekly Anthony Santander rumour:
John Schneider said Anthony Santander is making progress:
“He’s hitting off live pitching down in Florida “today and this weekend, and then optimistic me says if he can get into some rehab games in AAA next week,” Santander could be back before season’s end.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 02: Trevor Megill #29 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field on September 02, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the first time this season, the Brewers have won one of MLB’s monthly awards, as closer Trevor Megill was named NL Reliever of the Month.
Megill, who got off to a truly dismal start this season, hasn’t allowed an earned run since July 22, a stretch spanning 14 outings (14 1/3 innings), with just one unearned run scoring in Milwaukee’s loss to the Mets last week. Over that stretch, Megill has allowed four hits and three walks (two of which came intentionally), striking out 11.
Megill has converted each of his last 17 save opportunities, bringing him to 25-for-27 in save chances this season. After allowing eight earned runs in his first six appearances (five innings) this season, Megill has allowed just five earned runs over his last 35 appearances (34 1/3 innings) for a 1.31 ERA and 1.14 FIP, picking up 44 strikeouts. The Brewers are also 30-5 in those appearances. A great turnaround for the 32-year-old veteran, who looks like he’ll finish with the best season of his career.
While many (including yours truly) believe Jacob Misiorowski should have won NL Pitcher of the Month back in May after going 5-0 with a sterling 0.23 ERA, allowing one run over 38 1/3 innings on just 14 hits and six walks while striking out 57, it instead went to the Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez (4-0 with no earned runs over 39 innings on 25 hits and three walks, striking out 45).
And while Misiorowski won a pair of NL Player of the Week honors (and Jackson Chourio also picked one up in early June), Megill’s NL Reliever of the Month honor for August is the first monthly award for a Brewer since 2025, when Freddy Peralta was named NL Pitcher of the Month and Brice Turang was named NL Player of the Month for August (Jacob Misiorowski and Isaac Collins were also named NL Rookie of the Month in June & July, respectively).
Megill is also the first Brewer winner of the NL Reliever of the Month honor since Devin Williams won it in July 2023.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 02: Connor Norby #35 of the Colorado Rockies is seen on the field during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Connor Norby finally had an opportunity to square off against someone who will be forever linked to him.
Back in July 2024, when Norby was with Baltimore—the team that drafted him in the second round that year—the native of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was traded to the Miami Marlins for Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers.
While still with the Marlins a year ago, Norby had a chance to possibly face the talented left-hander for the first time since the trade. But an injury to Norby the night before Rogers was scheduled to start the next day scrapped any such meeting.
Fast forward the clock to August 2026 when Colorado acquired Norby from the Marlins in exchange for relief pitcher Victor Vodnik.
Finally, as destiny would have it, the paths for the two crossed on September 2 when both started for their respective teams as Baltimore and Colorado completed a three-game series at Coors Field.
Rogers might have won the individual battle between the two but, in the end, Colorado won the battle of the game as Brett Sullivan’s two-out, two-run walkoff single capped a three-run 11th inning in the Rockies’ wild 6-5 come-from-behind win in the rubber game of the series.
Norby went hitless in three at bats against Rogers, who gave up just six hits and fanned a career-high 11 while issuing no walks in 6.2 innings. He left the game clinging to a 3-2 lead.
But the Orioles bullpen, just one out away from closing out the contest and a series win for the O’s, surrendered back-to-back doubles to Cole Carrigg and Zac Veen to knot the game and send it to extra innings.
For his part, Norby made a key defensive play in the top of the 11th inning. With one out, he recorded an unassisted out at third base with runners on first and second bases after Baltimore had scored twice in the inning to take a 5-3 advantage.
In the bottom of the 11th, the Rockies third baseman was the placed runner at second base and scored on T.J. Rumfield’s single to bring Colorado within a run. Two outs later, Sullivan tallied his walkoff hit.
The day before his matchup with Rogers, Norby recalled that the two would see each other on the field for the first time after last year’s near miss while the ex-Oriole was still with the Marlins.
“I would have (faced him) but I broke my hand the night before so I missed that one,” the East Carolina product recalled.
“He is really good and you can’t make it more than it is. I’m sure he probably looks at it that way, too. You can’t make the game bigger than what it is. It’s pitcher vs. hitter. My job is to put up a good at bat and that (Rogers) is a good arm.”
Rogers certainly left an impression on the Rockies on Wednesday, striking out six in a row at one point, including Colorado’s top 3 hitters in lineup in the sixth inning. He threw 71 of 94 pitches for strikes in his outing.
Norby fondly recalls his short stint with Baltimore—he played in just nine games in 2024 before being traded to the Marlins.
“This is now my third time playing them so I have seen them a couple of times,” he said. “It’s always good to see all those guys I came up with. There were a lot of them. We still stay in touch. You’re close with them so it’s always good to see them.”
Norby admits there might be a little added incentive when he matches up against the team that drafted him 41st overall in 2021.
“Does it mean a little more? Do I want to beat them a little bit more? Maybe,” he said.
The third-year MLB player has been pleased with his first month at 20th and Blake.
“I feel like it’s probably been my best month, collectively,” he said.
“I’m still young,” he added. “I’m still trying to make a name for myself and solidify myself. I feel like I am doing a lot of good things and I am giving them reasons to play me. So that’s always good.”
In his first 21 game with Colorado, Norby is slashing .223/.326/.681. He has scored 10 runs, has a pair of homers, 10 RBI and nine walks drawn.
Norby has reached base in 19 of those 21 games while hitting safely in 15 contests. He has compiled 12-game hitting and 15-game on-base streaks—both career highs—since joining the Rockies.
“I am keeping my strengths my strengths, and when I get into the game, taking those strengths—and what I do best—and playing my game,” he said. “I try not to play someone else’s game or be someone else.
“Just be me.”
After being acquired on August 3, Norby has already seen extensive action for the Rockies in his first month with the club. Do you see Norby as being a long-term answer in the infield for Colorado for 2027?
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 26: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates takes the field before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on August 26, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, September 3, 2026, 12:35 p.m. ET
Pitching Matchup: Blade Tidwell (0-1, 4.54 ERA) vs. Luke Bachar (0-1, 3.74 ERA)
The Bucs are back in action today to wrap up their series against the San Francisco Giants. The Bucs currently sit at 68-72 and are 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot with 22 games left in the season. Their chances are fast dwindling. Is it impossible? No. But there’s only a couple little grains of sands left in the hourglass. The Bucs need to get hot and they need to do it now.
It was back to the winning ways yesterday and one strikeout short of the sweep, but that doesn't matter as it's time for Thursday's profits in the pitcher and MLB player prop market, and I have all-day action.
Kade Anderson hasn't even shown his strikeout potential, but his third start might be a market low. Shane McClanahan has to be on a tight leash for a playoff run, and his strikeout market is falling, while Brandon Young's luck should run out in a pivotal series vs. Boston.
These are my favorite pitcher props for Thursday, Sept. 3.
Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today
Player
Pick
Odds
Kade Anderson
Over 5.5 strikeouts
-105
Shane McClanahan
Under 4.5 strikeouts
+105
Brandon Young
Under 17.5 outs
-125
Strikeout prop: Kade Anderson Over 5.5 strikeouts (-105)
This projects as the best strikeout Over on the board today, with 6.56 Ks projected on 84 pitches, which could be a short pitch count.
The Mariners brought up their 2025 third-overall pick after he struck out 135 Double-A batters across 93 innings this year. This will be Kade Anderson's third start, and he has gone 81 and 85 pitches with eight Ks in each, while getting his best K-rate (K%) matchup today against the Athletics.
The lefty has faced the Cubs and Blue Jays, who are both among the 10 worst K-rate matchups for a pitcher. The A's own the seventh-worst K% against left-handed pitching at 24.6% and the seventh-worst K% on the road at 23.8%.
Anderson could see more than 85 pitches, but he can still get to six punchouts in just 15 outs in this matchup.
The market is respecting the projections and moving toward the Over, with some books as short as -140, closer to the -150 fair price. Anderson is a big reason why this Under 7.5 went on the free MLB picks page this morning.
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Mariners.TV, NBCSCA
Strikeout prop: Shane McClanahan Under 4.5 strikeouts (+105)
This market is falling for good reason, as Shane McClanahan's leash, recent output, and projections point toward the Under.
The Tampa starter is being handled with baby gloves, as he has gone 80, 74, 57, 49, 71, and 87 pitches since the break while going 1-5 O/U on this strikeout total. The Rays are being careful with the oft-injured lefty and need him healthy for a playoff run.
McClanahan missed all of 2024 and 2025 due to Tommy John surgery and a nerve injury. He last threw 115 innings in 2023 and is already up to 113 innings this year, so it's easy to see why the organization is being cautious with him — especially with the Rays owning the best record in the AL.
THE BAT is projecting 79 pitches and 4.55 Ks today, making this a fair price around -120/-115.
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rangers Sports Network, Rays.TV
Pitcher out prop: Brandon Young Under 17.5 outs (-125)
Brandon Young has been one of the luckier pitchers in the second half of baseball, with an xERA more than a full point higher than his 3.33 ERA. He is giving up homers and has the worst HR/FB rate in the second half among any starter on today's slate.
With Baltimore in a tight playoff race and all but two arms likely unavailable in the bullpen today, any issues could be enough to get the hook for a pitcher who is 50% to the Over since the break and has been on the good side of some luck.
The projection for the right-hander against the No. 2 scoring offense in the second half is 86 pitches and 15.68 outs, which would give bettors value on the Under if/when this number flips to 16.5.
If this gets any shorter on 17.5, I'd suggest waiting for the move to 16.5 and playing that to -110.
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FOX
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 30-26, +6.52 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.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Shane Lachance #20 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench in the third period against the Washington Capitals during a preseason game at Prudential Center on September 28, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. The Washington Capitals defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2 after a shootout. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New Jersey Devils NHL roster is looking crowded for the time being, particularly after the acquisition of Luke Evangelista earlier this week. Even players who a couple of weeks ago seemed as though they could be on the NHL roster, such as Lenni Hameenaho and David Rittich, may find themselves in Utica for at least a part of the season due to contract situations. Unless a trade is made before or early in the season, there may not be a lot of room for call-ups this season even if injuries occur. In that case, some players might need to raise their games in the AHL to eventually get NHL time.
A full season in the AHL for someone like Rittich isn’t great for him, because he’s already the player he will be at this point in his career. For guys like Hameenaho, however, as younger players there are still areas for growth and adjustment within their game. The Devils have a number of prospects in Utica, all in different places in their development. Some will be NHL players some day while other may not; for today, let’s look at three players that I believe could use to take a step forward in Utica this season in order to eventually become NHL players. As a quick note, I’m not including Hameenaho on this list, as I think he still stands to realistically spend some time in the NHL, especially if the Devils do swing a trade early on.
Matyas Melovsky
Melovsky was a sixth round selection of the Devils not too long ago in 2024, and the 2025-26 season was his first as a pro. Utica struggled as a whole to start the campaign, but Melovsky still managed to put up a respectable 26 points in 55 games. He didn’t produce like a superstar by any means, but being tied for eighth in scoring on a struggling team as a rookie isn’t bad either. Melovsky played last season on an AHL deal, but his performance was good enough for him to earn a two year entry level NHL deal after the season concluded.
Matyas is interesting for sure because not much is expected from sixth round picks, but there’s always the potential for them to turn into something as well. While the Devils currently have enough NHL centers, it’s always good to have some useful players waiting in the pipeline, be it for call-up or trade purposes. If Melovsky can grow his scoring (I’d hope for at least 40-50 from him this season) while also continuing to develop the rest of his game, the Devils could find themselves with another late round gem who could contribute at the NHL level sooner rather than later.
Shane Lachance
Lachance is an interesting player for a different set of reasons as a forward. Originally a sixth round choice of the Oilers in 2021 (both forwards discussed today being sixth round picks is a coincidence, I swear), the Devils acquired him as part of the trade where they retained salary on Trent Frederic on his way from Boston to Edmonton. Lachance would sign his ELC with the Devils just over a month after the deal in April of 2025 after two years of NCAA hockey. While an older prospect, Lachance scored slightly less than Melovsky, with 25 points in 62 games.
Lachance is interesting because he provides a different skill set for the Devils; he brings a larger frame and he isn’t afraid to be at least somewhat physical. That’s not saying he’s a goon and he’s going to take runs at players, but it is to say that he’s willing to use his size and body to separate players from the puck. If Lachance adds a bit to his AHL point totals in a second full season with the Comets, he could be on an even faster track to New Jersey. A player on a cheap deal (Lachance will need a new deal for 2027-28) bringing physicality and Bottom Six scoring is always useful. It’s up to Shane’s development to see if he can be that type of player.
Jakub Malek
Goaltending continues to be a gigantic question mark for the Devils, and any player emerging to be a full time starter would be helpful. While Nico Daws might be getting his chance this season in the NHL, there are still some prospects who could be the long-term solution. One such player is Jakub Malek who is seemingly slated to be Utica’s starter this season. Malek was selected the same year as Lachance, but in the fourth round at pick #100. He also would wait until this past season to make his debut for a team within the Devils organization, although Malek got games in with both Utica (31) and Adirondack (two) of the ECHL.
Malek’s .895 AHL save percentage doesn’t scream “goalie of the future” but others have struggled in their first seasons before going on to become solid NHL players or better. Malek also wasn’t playing behind the best team last season, and Devils GM Sunny Mehta has taken some steps to improve that group. 2026-27 could wind up being a better indicator of what Malek is really capable of if the group in front of him truly is better. Regardless of if they are or aren’t, Malek stepping up his game and improving his stats could go a long way. The organization probably moves him up the depth chart if he plays well as Utica’s starter, so this next year could be important both for him and for the team’s potential to succeed.
Final Thoughts
There are definitely other names that could have been on this list, but I wanted to look at a few guys who seem to be depth options/AHL guys but maybe could emerge to be solid, long-term contributors. The Devils have been re-shaped to hopefully be a better team this season, but growth and development of young players and prospects could be just as important for the Devils to level up.
What are your thoughts on the development of Melovsky, Lachance and/or Malek; do you believe any of them could realistically be an important piece for the Devils on their roster? Do you think they could eventually be decently useful trade pieces for the team? Which one do you think has the most potential? Which one are you most rooting for to succeed. Leave any and all comments below and thanks as always for reading!
Amen Thompson is poised for a breakout year. Already one of the league's best perimeter defenders whose offensive game keeps improving each season, the 23-year-old is on the verge of becoming one of the league's brightest young stars.
The Houston Rockets are paying him like one. Thompson and the Rockets have agreed to a five-year, $208 million contract extension, a deal broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania and since confirmed by other reports. The contract includes a 10% trade kicker.
This is a win for both sides. It's a big payday for Thompson (starting next season), an average of $41.5 million per season for five years is generational wealth. For Houston, they lock a young star in at less than the 25% max he might have gotten in the non-apron era ($252 million), giving them a little more flexibility in future years.
Thompson's value starts on defense: He has been top 10 in Defensive Player of the Year voting each of the last two years, and two seasons ago was named First Team All-Defense. Thompson led the NBA in total minutes played last season at 2,953. On offense, with point guard Fred VanVleet out for the season, coach Ime Udoka asked Thompson to take over more of that role and he responded with 18.3 points (a career high), 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, and the team had a +6.6 net rating in his minutes.
With VanVleet back, Thompson can return to his more natural off-ball, secondary-creator role. He still does his damage attacking the rim, with 72% of his shot attempts coming within 10 feet of the basket and shooting 21.6% from 3-point range last season.
Thompson is only the second player from the 2023 draft class to sign a rookie extension after three seasons, joining Victor Wembanyama. Thompson will make $12.3 million this season on the last year of his rookie deal before the new contract kicks in.
Houston has now locked down much of its young core with extensions already in place for Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason.
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 01: Eric Plunk #33 of the New York Yankees pitches during a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians on July 1, 1991 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Trivia nights are a fun activity at local bars, breweries, and restaurants. The best part of trivia is confidently knowing the answer once it is asked. If you ever find yourself faced with the question, “Who is the only Major League Baseball player to be traded for the same Hall of Famer twice in their career?” the answer is former Yankee Eric Plunk. Another trivia tidbit: Plunk is not the reason behind the phrase or term “plunk,” meaning to hit a batter. No, that is simply a fun coincidence, as the term was coined well before Plunk was born or started throwing baseballs.
Eric Vaughn Plunk
Born: September 3, 1963 (Wilmington, CA)
Yankees Tenure: 1989-1991
Plunk grew up in California and attended Bellflower High School. He was drafted by the Yankees in the 4th round of the 1981 MLB June Amateur Draft. The 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher had a plus fastball to go along with a good curveball, but scouting reports noted that Plunk would occasionally lose command of his offerings.
The Yankees had Plunk report to the Gulf Coast League after being drafted. Plunk went on to make 11 starts that season, most of them before his 18th birthday. In 1982, Plunk stayed in rookie ball, this time playing in the Appalachian League. After getting his feet wet playing professional ball, Plunk played the 1983 and 1984 seasons for the Yankees farm team in Fort Lauderdale. Over those two seasons at Single-A, Plunk posted a 20-22 record over 48 starts with a 2.81 ERA in 301.1 innings and had established himself as one of the Yankees’ top prospects.
Everything changed for Plunk on December 5, 1984. On that day, he was traded by the New York Yankees with Tim Birtsas, Jay Howell, Stan Javier, and José Rijo to the Oakland Athletics for star leadoff man Rickey Henderson, Bert Bradley, and cash.
Oakland assigned Plunk to their Double-A affiliate to start the 1985 season. Plunk made 13 starts in Double-A, going 8-2 with a 3.52 ERA. That was good enough to get the call-up to Triple-A Tacoma. Plunk would struggle and have to grind out the rest of the season, going 0-5 with a 5.77 ERA.
To start the 1986 season, Plunk was back in Tacoma. After making six starts, Plunk received his first call-up to the major leagues. Plunk made his debut against Toronto on May 12. Plunk stuck on the roster and finished the season with the Athletics, logging 120.1 innings, making 15 starts and appearing in 11 more games as a reliever.
After the season, the Athletics decided they wanted to see what Plunk could be as a reliever. He started the 1987 season back in Tacoma, but was called back up after tossing 34.2 innings with a 1.56 ERA out of the pen, picking up 9 saves in less than a month. Over the rest of the 1987 season in the show, Plunk appeared in 32 games, 11 of which were starts. His final line was 4-6 with a 4.47 ERA and two saves in 95 innings.
Heading into the 1988 season, the Athletics decided to use Plunk as one of the primary set-up men for Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley. In 1988, Plunk threw 78 innings, all out of the pen, and posted a 3.00 ERA to go along with a 7-2 record. The Athletics made the playoffs after winning the AL West, eventually losing to the Dodgers in the World Series. Plunk worked 2.0 clean innings in the 1988 playoffs.
In 1989, Plunk would make history. After a solid start to the season, on June 21, he was traded from Oakland along with Greg Cadaret and Luis Polonia to the New York Yankees for Rickey Henderson. This was the first and only time to date that a player was traded for the same Hall of Famer twice. The Athletics, with Henderson, would go on to win the World Series in the Battle of the Bay. Plunk, coming full circle back to the team that drafted him, went 7-5 with a 3.69 ERA in pinstripes in 20 relief appearances and 7 starts. The Yankees would finish the season in 5th place in the division.
The Bombers would move Plunk back into his full-time relief role for the 1990 season. Plunk tossed 72.2 innings in 47 games. His ERA was 2.72. The team, however, was not good at all. Posting a record of 67–95, it was the Yankees’ first last-place finish since 1966 and the first last-place in the division era. 95 losses is the most ever by the Yankees, as the 103 losses in 1908 were by the Highlanders.
Plunk was with the Yankees for all of the 1991 season. The team was better, but still not very good. Despite being such a strong reliever, the Yankees decided to use Plunk for spot starts in addition to relieving. Plunk’s ERA went up more than 2 full runs, and he was released by the Yankees following the season.
Prior to the 1992 season, Plunk signed with the Blue Jays but was cut after spring training. He then landed in Cleveland. The Land is where Plunk would spend the next seven seasons. Just like when he arrived in Oakland, Plunk found himself on another team that was on the verge of making a few World Series runs. In another fun piece of trivia Plunk was the first pitcher to win a game at Jacobs Field. Across those seven years in Cleveland, Plunk pitched 462.0 innings, all in relief. His record was 36-33 with a 3.25 ERA, and he picked up 26 saves.
In July of 1998, Plunk was traded by Cleveland to the Milwaukee Brewers for Doug Jones. Plunk pitched the rest of 1998 and the 1999 seasons for the Brewers. In 107 innings, he posted a 4.63 ERA and went 5-6. Plunk tried to play the 2000 season but appeared in 7 games for the Cubs’ Double-A affiliate before hanging up his spikes.
Over a 14-year career, Plunk went 72-58 with a 3.82 ERA. In total, at the major league level, he threw 1,151.0 innings and pitched in two World Series. He was hurt for Cleveland’s 1995 loss, but his teams could not pull off the win in either.
After his playing days ended, Plunk remained attached to baseball. Back in California, he started coaching and working privately with players looking to further their development at The Institute of Sports & Education in Corona, CA.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 05: Pitcher Noah Cameron #65 of the Kansas City Royals is doused with water by Tyler Tolbert #2 and Jac Caglianone #14 after the Royals defeated the Minnesota Twins 2-1 to win the game at Kauffman Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The only thing hotter than the August weather in Kansas City has been the performance of Jac Caglianone and Noah Cameron. Today, the pair was recognized with Caglianone named American League Player of the Month for August, and Cameron named American League Pitcher of the Month. It is just the fourth time in Royals history they have had a player and pitcher win league honors in the same month
July 1980 – George Brett and Larry Gura
September 1981 – Willie Wilson and Larry Gura
July 1985 – George Brett and Bret Saberhagen
Caglianone led all MLB hitters in wRC+ in the month of August at 208. He was scorching hot, hitting .411/.429/.684 with six home runs in 24 games. He is just the 16th Royals hitter to hit .400 for an entire month with at least 80 plate appearances. He hit safely in 21 of his 24 games in August and registered a career-high 13-game hit streak. He is the first Royals hitter to win AL monthly honors since Bobby Witt Jr. in July of 2024.
Highest batting avearge for a Royals hitter in a month (min. 80 PA)
Cameron was 4-0 with a 1.87 ERA in five starts for the Royals, and had a 19-inning scoreless streak in August. He is the first Royals pitcher to win AL monthly honors since Kris Bubic in May of 2025.
It has been quite a comeback for both players this season. By the end of May, Jac Caglianone was struggling with an OPS below .700 while Noah Cameron had a 4.61 ERA. But Caglianone has seemingly figured out MLB pitching, hitting .310/.350/.564 with 18 home runs in 74 games since that point. Cameron began calling is own pitches, transforming his season. In his last eight starts he has a 7 percent walk rate, .143 opponent’s batting average, and 1.84 ERA.
Royals named American League Player and Pitcher of the Month
COVERS INTEL: Henderson ranks 
Kade Anderson
Shane McClanahan
Brandon Young
