May 31, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryce Miller (50) walks off the field after the final out of the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images | John Froschauer-Imagn Images
Well, yesterday’s kickoff of a ten-game, three-city ~East Coast road trip could have gone better, with the M’s falling 7-3 to the Tigers in a rainy, muddy mess and J.P. Crawford needing to leave the game thanks to a Framber Valdez hit-by-pitch. It’s a new day today, though, and what better time to bounce back than some breakfast ball and a newly piggyback-less Bryce Miller on the mound?
Lineups:
X-rays for Crawford’s hand yesterday were thankfully negative, but it is zero surprise at all that he is out of the lineup today. Colt Emerson will move over to shortstop, Patrick Wisdom steps in at the hot corner, and Cole Young will slide up to the leadoff spot for the second time of the season.
Detroit’s first seven hitters are unchanged from yesterday, with the exception of rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle being at shortstop rather than third base and Colt Keith taking over duties there, but Matt Vierling and Wenceel Pérez will be patrolling center and right field respectively.
PICKING UP THE PIECES: The Cubs are 10-10 in second games of series, but have lost seven of eight, with their only win at St. Louis on May 30. They are 5-5 in second games at home, but 1-4 after having lost first games. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TOO MANY RUNS ALLOWED: Yesterday’s 18-3 debacle was the fifth game this season in which the Cubs gave up double-digit runs. They won the next game after three of the previous four, most recently by 10-4 at Pittsburgh on May 27, the day after a 12-1 loss. They did it once at home, losing to the Nationals on Opening Day, 10-4, then beating them, 10-2. Since 2014, the Cubs are 64-60 in games after allowing at least 10 runs. They have given up an average of 4.6 runs in those games. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RUN DIFFERENTIAL: With their 18-3 loss yesterday, the Cubs’ run differential for the season is down to +3: 299 scored, 296 allowed. The last time it was lower was April 6, when it was +1, 41-40, after a 6-4 loss at Tampa. That was their 10th game of the season. Their peak was +56, 215-159, on May 8, after a 7-1 win at Texas that was the last of the Cubs’ second 10-game winning streak. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
PCA, STREAKING: Pete Crow-Armstrong is on a 10-game hitting streak in which he is batting .366/.447/.659 (15-for-41) with three doubles, three home runs, seven RBI and seven runs scored.
— MLB Daily Lineups (@DailyMLBLineups) June 6, 2026
Ben Brown, RHP vs. Landen Roupp, RHP
Ben Brown has been just outstanding since he joined the Cubs rotation.
Over those five starts: 1.73 ERA, 1.79 FIP, 0.846 WHIP, 29 strikeouts in 26 innings. NO home runs. In fact, Brown hasn’t allowed a home run since he gave one up to Jacob Young of the Nationals on Opening Day — the very first batter he faced this year.
Keep up the great work, Ben.
Landen Roupp had a decent year for the Giants in 2025, and this year was doing all right until the Brewers pounded him this past Monday with eight runs in five innings. He walked five Brewers, and walks have been an issue for him at times this year.
Roupp last faced the Cubs May 5, 2025 at Wrigley Field and allowed four runs (two earned) in five innings. Ian Happ homered off him.
Please visit our SB Nation Giants site McCovey Chronicles. If you do go there to interact with Giants fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
With the Avalanche’s front office reshuffling bringing Joe Sakic back into full control, Colorado suddenly finds itself steady at the top—but staring down a series of decisions that will quietly define whether its championship window stays wide open or starts to narrow.
Chris MacFarland’s departure has shifted day-to-day authority back to Sakic, even if his fingerprints were already all over the organization’s recent direction. The core remains elite, but maintaining that status in a rising Western Conference will require precision work across contracts, roster balance, and internal stability.
Cale Makar
Cale Makar is arguably the Avalanche’s most impactful player, but Colorado isn’t built around any single name—it’s built around a group that all feeds into what they’re trying to accomplish as a team.
Cale Makar takes the ice against the Vegas Golden Knights on May 24. Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie
Still, it’s impossible to ignore how central he is to everything they do.
Eligible for an extension beginning July 1, Makar is in position to reset the market entirely for defensemen, with projections climbing into the $20 million range annually. He will be 27 at the start of the 2026-27 season, still squarely in his prime years, with the kind of runway that makes long-term investment less a question of “if” than “how much.”
Colorado’s cap outlook suggests they can make it work, with roughly $37.7 million projected for 2027-28 when a new deal would likely kick in. But the challenge isn’t just fitting Makar in—it’s building everything around him while also planning for future extensions for key pieces like Artturi Lehkonen and Nicolas Roy.
This isn’t just a contract negotiation. It’s the framework for the next era of Avalanche hockey.
Fixing The Back End With A Left-Handed Defenseman
If Makar is the centerpiece, then the real question for Colorado is what the blue line looks like around him—and right now, that’s where they still have some work to do.
One of the most obvious needs is a dependable left-handed defenseman. Not a flashy swing-for-the-fences pickup, but someone who can settle things down in the second and third pairings, take some pressure off the top guys, and survive the long grind of an 82-game season before things get even heavier in April.
Around the league, that kind of addition usually isn’t about headlines—it’s about trust. It’s the type of defenseman who can handle tough minutes, move the puck cleanly, and not get exposed when the game tightens up in the playoffs. In a win-now window, those quieter pieces often matter more than people realize.
If I were Colorado, Ryan Shea is exactly the kind of player I’d be looking at.
He’s simple in the best way. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, stays in the right spots, closes quickly, and uses an active stick to take away plays before they really develop. A lot of what he does doesn’t jump off the screen, but you notice it in the flow of the game—broken-up passes, plays killed early, pressure diffused before it turns into chaos.
Shea before taking on the New York Islanders on April 9. Credit: Luther Schlaifer
He’s also got enough size and strength to hold his own in a bottom-four role over an NHL schedule. Add in penalty-kill ability, and you’re already checking off an important box for a contender. And when he’s moving the puck well, he’s not just throwing it away—he can make a clean first pass and help Colorado get out of their zone with control, which is something they’ve had lapses with at times.
It’s not a glamorous move, but it’s the kind of one that helps good teams stay stable when everything tightens up.
Center Depth Behind Nathan MacKinnon
No matter how strong the top of the lineup looks, depth down the middle remains the Avalanche’s most persistent concern.
Nathan MacKinnon continues to drive everything offensively, but the group behind him has yet to fully settle into reliable, consistent roles. Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, Nic Roy, and Jack Drury have all flashed usefulness in different situations, but the overall structure still leans heavily on MacKinnon carrying the hardest matchups and most demanding minutes.
That imbalance becomes more pronounced in the playoffs, where depth centers aren’t asked to be stars—but are expected to avoid being liabilities. Even modest improvements in that area would give Jared Bednar more flexibility in managing matchups, distributing minutes, and protecting his top players over long stretches.
For a team built to contend, it’s less about finding another headline scorer and more about closing the gaps that opponents inevitably try to expose.
Stability Behind The Bench And The Bednar Question
Beyond roster decisions, there’s another piece of stability Colorado can’t really afford to overlook—what’s happening behind the bench.
Jared Bednar has been a constant through everything the Avalanche have built, and his system is a big reason they’ve stayed in the contender conversation year after year. That’s why an extension feels less like a formality and more like something that would settle things down. It’s not about rewriting his resume—it’s about removing a question that can quietly linger as a season moves along.
Keeping Jared Bednar should be a priority to eliminate a distraction with the Cup window still open. Credit: Winslow Townson
Because even when everything is going well, you don’t want unnecessary uncertainty creeping in. Once a coach is heading into the final stretch of a contract, it can become a talking point whether the team wants it to or not. Locking Bednar in longer would simply take that off the board and let the focus stay on the ice.
It also helps keep things steady at a time when Colorado is already adjusting parts of the roster around a core that knows exactly what winning hockey looks like. The less distraction around the edges, the easier it is to stay locked in on the bigger goal.
With Sakic back in full control, the real question is whether that stability turns into another real push at a championship—or just another strong season that falls a little short when it matters most.
The Pittsburgh Penguins should not be afraid to add to their roster this off-season. This is especially so if an addition would have the potential to benefit them in the long-term.
When looking at trade candidates around the NHL, New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal stands out as an interesting potential option for the Penguins to target.
The Ottawa Citizen's Bruce Garrioch recently reported that the Islanders are exploring Barzal's market. With Barzal being a top-six forward who is right in his prime and locked up until the end of the 2030-31 season, it would make a lot of sense for the Penguins to at least kick tires on him.
If the Penguins signed Barzal, he could slot nicely as their second-line center behind Sidney Crosby. Barzal centering a line with Egor Chinakhov and Evgeni Malkin would undoubtedly give Pittsburgh's forward group a real boost.
Furthermore, with Sidney Crosby and Malkin both being in their last 30s, bringing in a star center like Barzal would make a lot of sense for the Penguins.
In 81 games this season with the Islanders, Barzal posted 19 goals, 53 assists, and 72 points. With numbers like these, he would be a major pickup for the Penguins' top six and power play if brought in. Let's see if they target him from here because of it.
The 2026 NHL offseason continues as the Stanley Cup Final has a maximum of five games remaining, the NHL Draft approaches, and free agency follows closely. No major transactions have been completed, but the rumor mill continues to churn.
Discussion surrounding the Anaheim Ducks has quieted a bit now that their season is further in the rearview and most of the major national outlets' offseason trade boards have been released.
Three items that remain in reports, rumors, and speculations are the future of young Ducks forward Mason McTavish (23), open head coaching vacancies, and the potential for a trade with the St. Louis Blues.
Mason McTavish
Numerous NHL clubs are interested in adding to their center crop this offseason, but the list of available targets is minuscule. McTavish, as one of the few speculated as available, given his lack of production in 2025-26 and healthy scratches down the stretch, remains in potential trade discussions with reports of interested teams emerging.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen and TSN wrote about the potential of the Ottawa Senators acquiring McTavish. The speculation is driven by McTavish’s connection to owner Michael Andlauer and president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staois from their time together with the then Hamilton Bulldogs. The Sens also employ McTavish’s father, Dale, as a pro scout for the organization.
In his column, Garrioch reported teams who are believed to have an interest in adding McTavish.
“Teams have been calling to see if he’s available,” Garrioch wrote. “It’s believed the Philadelphia Flyers would be among the teams that would show interest in McTavish because they need help in the middle, along with the Montreal Canadiens. But the Senators and any other suitors for McTavish would have to be willing to pay a high price, including a first-round pick and someone who can help the Ducks immediately, although the term and money left on McTavish’s contract may lower the asking price a bit.”
Philadelphia-based writer Anthony Di Marco from Daily Faceoff furthered the connection between the Flyers and McTavish in a piece on the club’s reported interest in Ducks pending UFA defenseman John Carlson.
“The Flyers’ top priority remains finding a center capable of playing in the top-six,” Di Marco wrote. "The options for high-end centers who are available are few and far between across the league. But two targets that the Flyers like are the Ducks’ Mason McTavish and Seattle Kraken’s Matty Beniers.”
As the draft approaches, through free agency, and likely beyond, McTavish’s name will remain a fixture in potential trade discussion and speculation unless, of course, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek states he’s unavailable or a credible report surfaces claiming the same.
Jay Woodcroft/Coaching Vacancies
The Vancouver Canucks recently announced the hiring of new head coach Manny Malhotra, leaving just three NHL head coaching jobs vacant for the 2026-27 season: Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vegas Golden Knights. The Los Angeles Kings have DJ Smith listed as their “interim” head coach, but they’re in the midst of a search as well.
Conflicting reports have emerged out of Toronto on whether Ducks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft interviewed with the Maple Leafs. Insider Frank Seravalli has stated Woodcroft interviewed via Zoom with Toronto, but Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the opposite and claimed Woodcroft is a frontrunner for the Kings’ job.
“I do not believe Toronto has asked permission to talk to him,” Friedman said on his ’32 Thoughts’ podcast. “I think it’s quite possible Toronto doesn’t ask to talk to him. He’s interviewed in LA, and I think he’s got to be a legit contender there.”
Friedman reiterated his thoughts later in the week on a more recent episode of his podcast, saying, “LA, it sounds like Jay Woodcroft and DJ Smith. But if there’s someone else there, I’m not seeing it right now.”
What it appears Friedman and Seravalli can agree on is that Woodcroft’s future as an NHL head coach to start the 2026-27 season is more of a “when,” not an “if.”
“I do believe he’s going to be a head coach in this cycle. The question is, where?” Seravalli stated on Sportsnet’s ‘Big Show with Rusic & Rose.’
The Leafs are reported to be casting a wide net when it comes to their coaching search. Names like Peter Laviolette and Patrick Roy are reported to have been interviewed, as has a blast from the Ducks’ past, Dallas Eakins.
“He (Eakins) interviewed with the Maple Leafs,” The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta stated on the ‘Daily Faceoff Rundown’ show. “Add him officially to the list of candidates in the mix for the job in Toronto.”
Eakins coached for eight seasons in the Anaheim Ducks organization from 2015 to 2023, including four as head coach of the San Diego Gulls from 2015 to 2019 and four as head coach of the Ducks from 2019 to 2023. For the last four seasons, Eakins has been head coach and sports manager for Alder Mannheim of the DEL, Germany’s top professional men’s ice hockey league.
Ducks X Blues
Lastly, the St. Louis Blues continue to have interesting rumors swirling around them in the infancy stages of the offseason. They were the NHL’s second-worst team (tied) at the 2026 trade deadline, but finished just four points out of a playoff spot. Roster pieces like Robert Thomas (26), Jordan Kyrou (28), and Colton Parayko (33) had surfaced as options to be moved as the team shifts to a younger core.
As of Friday night, Thomas’ name can be erased from that list, as St. Louis-based reporter/host Andy Strickland tweeted, “Robert Thomas trade rumors can be put to rest,” and to expect Thomas in a Blues jersey at training camp.
However, Kyrou and Parayko remain seemingly available, with Pagnotta continuing to link the Ducks and Blues via thefourthperiod.com.
“The Anaheim Ducks were linked to the St. Louis Blues blueliner Colton Parayko prior to the trade deadline. It wouldn’t come as a shock if these talks are revisited,” Pagnotta wrote.
The NHL Draft Combine is in full swing, an event that has become a marquee date on the NHL schedule, as all 32 teams have front office representation at the week-long event. One has to imagine temperatures will be taken, tires will be kicked, and potential frameworks for deals will be discussed.
Jeremy Lin and Carmelo Anthony appear to be inching closer to a resolution.
In an exclusive interview with The Post, Lin said his team and Anthony’s are in talks to “clear the air” with a podcast appearance, with one important caveat.
“I know our teams are in contact,” Lin said after being invited by Anthony to appear on his podcast. “My desire is still the same. I’d like to have a private conversation before having a public recorded conversation. That’s my goal right now — to be able to have that private conversation. Would love, of course, to go on the podcast and talk about those things. And talk about things publicly afterward.”
Carmelo Anthony talks before the State Farm 3-Point Contest as a part of State Farm All-Star Saturday on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images
Lin added that he wasn’t sure exactly what the issues were with Anthony, or whether it was related to how they played together.
“I can guess [what the issues are], but I don’t think it would do Melo justice for me to guess what I think he might mean,” Lin continued.
Anthony had said he wanted Lin to come on the podcast to “come speak the truth.”
“Let’s have a conversation, let’s clear the air on a lot of bulls–t that’s out there, please,” Anthony continued. “And I love what you’re doing right now, man.”
Jeremy Lin speaks onstage during TAAF Heritage Month Summit and Celebration on May 14, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images for The Asian Ameri
“I do think a private conversation would go a long way in terms of being able to work through, talk through, go back and hash things out about how things ended,” Lin added. “I think that would be super healthy, so I think that would be amazing. You can sense and tell that there’s not that hostility or ill will. Or not rooting for the other person. It’s just something that we can go back and have that discussion about.”
Lin’s exit from the Knicks was a bit controversial, as he ignited New York for a few weeks during the 2011-12 season while Anthony was out with a groin injury before the Knicks season fell apart, leading to a first-round playoff exit.
Lin departed from the Knicks in free agency when he signed the infamous “poison pill” three-year $25 million contract with the Rockets, which was backloaded to be worth $15 million in year three.
At the time, Anthony called the contract “ridiculous.”
According to authorities, an officer was punched while trying to stop a fan who refused to leave the area. The woman jumped a barricade and ran into a restricted area.
Nearly 7,000 fans showed up to the World's Most Famous Arena to celebrate New York's 105-104 victory, bringing them two wins closer to their first championship since 1973. But authorities said 26 of those fans left the area in handcuffs, as 17 people were arrested and charged and nine others were issued criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct and released.
Karely Reyes, 29, was charged with assault, resisting arrest and obstruction of government administration for the incident with the police officer.
“A victory celebration shouldn’t end with blood pouring down a police officer’s face,” Police Benevolent Association President Pat Hendry said in a statement. “Our sister was just doing her job, trying to keep everyone safe in the pandemonium following the Knicks Game 2 win when an individual jumped over a barrier and punched her in the face hard enough to leave a bloody gash.”
“This is completely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” Hendry added. “We will be in court to make sure this individual faces the consequences she deserves.”
The NYPD had more than 1,000 officers on patrol at the MSG watch party.
Game 3 is Monday, June 8 at Madison Square Garden, and security will be on high alert once again as President Donald Trump is expected to attend.
A superfan who works as a nail technician paid homage to New York’s basketball team by painting its players on her nails — and the results are All-Star adorable.
The talented tech, who goes by Tamami, painstakingly drew the faces of Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson and Karl-Anthony Towns with polish — down to even the details of their facial hair — on one hand.
The talented tech drew the faces of Jalen Brunson, Jordan Clarkson and Karl-Anthony Towns with polish on one hand. Instagram/tamaminails
Then, she painted each of their jerseys — home white, blue away and black alternates — on the same fingers of her other hand, so when she placed her two hands together, their entire bodies were formed.
During Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday, she posted her impressive artwork on Instagram — and it won the hearts of fellow Knicks fans — who rushed to the comments section, calling them “iconic.”
“You slayed these,” one gushed.
“THESE ARE EVERYTHING,” another added.
Even a Knicks hater shared her admiration of the nail art, saying:
“Ok these are TOO good! Sincerely, a Celtics fan!”
The Stanley Cup Finals head to T-Mobile Arena for a pivotal Game 3 as the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes fight for a 2-1 series lead.
Some of the top scorers in the series are still undervalued, which is why my Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights goal-scorer props highlight Pavel Dorofeyev, Logan Stankoven, and Brett Howden.
Read my full NHL picks for Saturday, June 6, below.
Hurricanes vs Golden Knights goal scorer predictions for Game 3
Player to score a goal
Odds
Pavel Dorofeyev
+205
Logan Stankoven
+240
Brett Howden
+280
💲Goal scorer parlay
+1750
Goal scorer pick: Pavel Dorofeyev (+205)
Pavel Dorofeyev hasn’t found the back of the net yet in the Stanley Cup Final, but the Vegas Golden Knights winger is on the precipice of breaking out.
Dorofeyev leads all skaters in the Final in individual expected goals (0.94), with nine shot attempts and six scoring chances through the first two games.
He’s been a relatively slow starter in each series this postseason – he didn’t score until Game 4 of the first and second rounds. But when Dorofeyev does score, the goals tend to come in bunches.
I think he’s fairly priced tonight – don’t play this past +200.
Eight of his goals have come at even strength, where he leads all players this postseason in shots (43). His 18 high-danger chances at even strength are tied for sixth among all skaters, and he’s had one in each game of the Final so far.
Stankoven is part of Carolina’s dangerous second line, which has been the best trio in the series. They controlled 74% of expected goals in Game 2 and 63% in Game 1.
Play Stankoven up to +200.
Goal scorer pick: Brett Howden (+280)
After scoring just 12 goals in the regular season, Brett Howden has been an unlikely source of offense for the Golden Knights these playoffs, leading the league with 13 tallies.
Howden has found the back of the net in each of the first two games of the Final, using his speed to get in behind the Hurricanes' defense.
His four high-danger chances at even strength are tied for the most among all skaters in the series, while his 19 high-danger looks this postseason are tops on Vegas.
I’ll play Howden’s hot hand up to +240 tonight.
Hurricanes vs Golden Knights anytime goal parlay
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.
CINCINNATI, OH - MAY 31: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, May 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Colten Strauss/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Hey, you, reading this. Who is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ best starter? Paul Skenes, yeah? That’s an easy one. But, who’s the Pirates’ second-best starter? Well, if you read the title of this post, you probably have an inkling… it’s Braxton Ashcraft.
The 26-year-old Texan was taken 51st overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. Despite a series of serious injuries (meniscus, Tommy John Surgery) as he developed in the minors, he made his MLB debut last year in a swing role, and seriously impressed in a manner commensurate with his draft pedigree and top prospect status: a 63 ERA-, 68 FIP-, and 86 xFIP- in 69 2/3 innings spanning eight starts and 18 relief appearances, good for 1.6 fWAR.
Fully ascended to the rotation in 2026, Ashcraft has nearly rivaled Skenes in effectiveness so far. He’s made 12 starts, lasted 74 2/3 innings, and already has 2.0 fWAR with a 66/74/76 line. For the record, Skenes is at 74/64/71 this year (2.2 fWAR in 13 starts), so… that’s quite a one-two punch they’re packing in Pittsburgh these days.
How does Ashcraft do it? Well, mostly how you’d expect. He throws really hard (97 mph average on his heater) and has almost-excellent command. The only pitch that has notable inconsistency in mechanics is his curve, but when you’re fending off a 97 mph four-seamer and a 91 mph slider-cutter thing, it gets harder to punish an 85 mph curve that works more like a traditional slider with a bunch more depth, even if Ashcraft mostly tends to throw it in the zone. Does he have any weaknesses? Lefties tend to do okay against him when they’re not swinging through that curve, so the Braves’ best bet might be for Michael Harris II and company to guess a fastball or slider/cutter and let loose.
Ashcraft is also coming off a pretty dominant outing against the Twins with an 11/0 K/BB ratio in six innings, so… good luck, Braves!
On the flip side, the Braves will hand the ball to a once-dominant phenom who is still figuring out what his career will look like going forward. Spencer Strider comes into the game with a 91/116/93 line in 31 innings (six starts). The run prevention results for him and his defense are above-average, and his pitching’s been in that range as well… but boy, those homers. Strider started his season with just one longball against him in his first three starts, but then the Marlins hit three off him, and the Red Sox tagged him for two first-inning dingers in Boston. He rebounded with a very nice outing against the Reds (8/2 K/BB ratio, his best start of the year in six tries so far)… except that Ronald Acuña Jr. concentrated a series of defensive flubs in right field into the same game, and things didn’t go quite so great for the Braves in a loss — their first defeat in a Strider start this year.
Will the Braves win the set this afternoon, or will they need to rely on a rubber game victory to do so? Stay tuned and find out.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, June 6, 4:10 p.m. EDT
Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
TV: BravesVision
Streaming: MLB.tv
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
While he did not pitch in the big leagues with the Mets, Severino went 2-0 with five saves, 20 strikeouts, and a 1.31 ERA over 18 appearances with Triple-A Syracuse.
Severino signed a minor league contract with New York in November 2025 and played in three spring training games this year, but struggled with a 13.50 ERA over 2.2 innings. He was then reassigned to minor league camp on March 1.
For his major league career, the left-hander has appeared in six games (all with the Chicago White Sox in 2022) and owns a 6.14 ERA with nine strikeouts over 7.1 IP.
The Texas Rangers opened their series against the Cleveland Guardians with a low-scoring victory.
My Guardians vs. Rangers predictions are banking on more of the same Saturday night.
Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for June 6.
Who will win Guardians vs Rangers today: Texas Rangers (-115)
Tanner Bibee has really struggled on the road, posting a 5.96 ERA and alarming underlying metrics to boot.
Bibee has induced soft contact just 6.5% of the time on balls put in play, the lowest among today’s starting pitchers. He has also allowed a sky-high 26% line drive rate.
Guardians vs Rangers Over/Under pick: Under 8.0 (-115)
Leiter has made three starts at home against Bottom-15 offenses in OBP vs. right-handed pitching. He allowed a total of five runs while averaging just under 17 outs.
The Rangers average almost a full run less per game at home. Playing in such a pitcher-friendly environment should help Bibee mask his problems.
Play the Under to -125.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 24-19, -0.68 units
Over/Under bets: 20-21-2, -3.71 units
Guardians vs Rangers odds
Moneyline: Guardians -105 | Rangers -115
Run line: Guardians -1.5 (+160) | Rangers +1.5 (-190)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-115) | Under 7.5 (-105)
Guardians vs Rangers trend
Texas has hit the Game Total Under in 23 of their last 35 home games (+12.20 units, 32% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Guardians vs. Rangers.
How to watch Guardians vs Rangers and game info
Location
Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
Date
Saturday, June 6, 2026
First pitch
7:35 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Guardians starting pitcher
Tanner Bibee (0-7, 4.57 ERA)
Rangers starting pitcher
Jack Leiter (3-4, 4.34 ERA)
Guardians vs Rangers latest injuries
Guardians vs Rangers weather
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.
MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 04: Luis Arraez #1 of the San Francisco Giants looks on with teammates Willy Adames #2 and Matt Chapman #26 prior the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kylie Bridenhagen/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
With the uncertainty surrounding Gavin Lux’s health, the Rays are relatively thin in the middle infield. Richie Palacios (103 wRC+ vs righties) and Ben Williamson (92 wRC+ vs lefties) have done their best to platoon the second base position into close to league average production, but the Rays would be wise to consider some external candidates to take over if Lux remains on the IL much longer.
A potential trade target is Giants second baseman Luis Arraez. Arraez hadn’t played much second base since 2023, but the Giants seem to have helped him find another gear defensively at the position. While I don’t think he is as good as his early-season Outs Above Average (OAA) numbers suggest, I do believe that he’s a passable defender there who will make the plays he’s supposed to make. But the Rays wouldn’t be trading him for his glove.
Arraez is as consistent as they come in his ability to spray line drives all over the field. His contact-oriented profile fits the Rays new offensive identity well, and his career 126 wRC+ against righties makes him even more enticing. It’s rare for a team in contention like the Rays to be able to improve second-base production from roughly league average to comfortably above average without a tradeoff in defensive quality. As a pending free agent, Arraez is one of the few veterans on the roster who could bring back meaningful prospect value if San Francisco decides to sell. His positional fit, production, and status on his current team make him an ideal trade target for the Rays.
It might feel like a slight overpay to give up one of these guys to get a rental bat, but that’s generally what happens heading into the trade deadline; the Rays would not just be trying to give something of value to land Arraez – they would be trying to make a better offer than several other teams. The Rays may even need to throw in an additional low-minors level lottery ticket type to get the deal done.
The appeal of a move like this is that it addresses a legitimate need without materially changing the organization’s long-term outlook. Arraez would deepen the lineup for a postseason run, the acquisition cost should remain manageable, and the Rays would still retain enough prospect depth to address other needs before the deadline.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The pre-series narratives painting the Knicks as pushovers were bizarre. New York had been a juggernaut, entering the Finals with a record-shattering +271 point differential, the highest ever by any team in a single postseason prior to the Finals. After their gutsy Game Two road win in San Antonio (105-104), that margin now sits at +281 across 15 playoff games, good for an absurd +18.7 points per game.
No one who actually watched them bulldoze through the East should have bought the underdog hype. Whether it was betting market manipulation, conference bias, or recency skepticism after a couple of hiccups against the Hawks, the disrespect was real, dumb, and thoroughly debunked. The oddsmakers are finally getting wise, too. As of this writing, New York stands at -490 to win the series on FanDuel.
For Spurs fans, there’s still plenty to draw encouragement from. Wemby is gaining invaluable championship experience that will pay dividends soon enough. This young core (bolstered by the veteran Fox and the rest of the supporting cast) has already shown it belongs on this stage. Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell are solid pieces. Dylan Harper is a 20-year-old rookie in name only.
For the Knicks, this is their golden opportunity. Their core vets are in their prime, and maybe a season or two away from developing chronic aches and pains (no jinxes). Their main five guys are all around the thirty mark. Meanwhile, the competition in the Eastern Conference will improve this offseason. Cade Cunningham just needs a reliable secondary scorer + better play from Jalen Duren to put the Pistons right there. Tyrese Haliburton will return to the Pacers. Giannis Antetokounmpo may take his talents to South Beach after all. Charlotte gave us hives at the end of the season. And can the Magic be magical? Maybe, with the right adjustments. What about Cleveland and Philly? Meh, we don’t take them too seriously.
A few months back, team owner James Dolan said that a Finals appearance was expected. He was right (much as I hate to admit it, given how often he’s wrong). This is New York’s window. It’s very possible that the NBA will crown a ninth straight new champion next year. But this year . . . two more wins . . . and our minds will melt with joyous delirium that the fanbase hasn’t experienced in 53 years.
Rob Blake is taking on a new front-office role in the NHL, joining Chris MacFarland in Nashville as the Predators continue reshaping their leadership group.
The former Colorado Avalanche defenseman and longtime Los Angeles Kings executive has been named Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Nashville Predators, linking up with MacFarland shortly after his appointment as president and general manager. The move brings two familiar hockey minds together in a new market, rather than reuniting them within Colorado’s organization as some had speculated.
A Familiar Name In A Different Direction
Blake, a key member of Colorado’s 2001 Stanley Cup-winning team after arriving as a trade deadline addition, spent the final years of his playing career with the Avalanche through 2006. While Ray Bourque often drew the spotlight during that championship run, Blake provided steady, experienced defensive play that helped solidify Colorado’s push to another title.
Following his retirement, Blake moved into management and eventually became general manager of the Los Angeles Kings, a role he held from 2017 until 2025. His tenure ended after another first-round playoff exit, closing out an eight-year run at the helm of the franchise.
Rob Blake had talked to Chris MacFarland during the season about maybe joining him in Colorado next season. Instead, he joins him in Nashville. Excellent hire by the Preds who are on a roll. https://t.co/A5NjrYtOPJ
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Blake had also explored the possibility of joining the Avalanche in a front-office capacity under MacFarland. Instead, the opportunity in Nashville ultimately became the landing spot, pairing him once again with a familiar executive partner in a different setting.
Nashville’s Reset, Colorado’s Next Chapter
Colorado’s front office has also undergone change, with Joe Sakic stepping into general manager duties “for the foreseeable future” following Chris MacFarland’s departure. Despite regular-season success that included a Presidents’ Trophy, the Avalanche are now in a recalibration phase after falling short of expectations in the postseason.
The idea of a reunion between Blake and Sakic briefly surfaced as a natural extension of their shared history in Colorado’s championship era, but those plans never materialized. Instead, Blake’s arrival in Nashville strengthens a Predators leadership group attempting to accelerate a return to contention.
For both organizations, the move represents a quiet but meaningful shift—one team leaning into continuity, the other betting on a newly formed executive partnership to change its trajectory in a competitive Western Conference.
Pavel Dorofeyev 
Logan Stankoven
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