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When Jonah Tong takes the mound for the Mets on Monday afternoon against the Miami Marlins, it will mark his first action in the majors since June 2, and just his fourth appearance overall in the bigs this season. 

But interim manager Andy Green made it clear that Tong will stay in the Mets' rotation for the remainder of the season, giving the young pitcher more clarity than he's had in past call-ups.

"He’s had a good run here recently (with Syracuse) and we want to see him build on it," Green said. "So, I think we’re all excited to see it, and we’ll continue to hand him the ball for the rest of this year. We’re not going to make a secret of that. He’s going to post when it’s his turn to pitch, and he hasn’t really had that knowledge at any point in his big-league career."

"We recognize there’s not a lot of season left, but the season that is left, he’s going to be in the rotation and he’s going to get the baseball."

While his 2026 season hasn’t necessarily gone the way that Tong and many others have hoped, the young right-hander is ready for his next opportunity. 

“Just continue what I’ve been doing all year. Just stacking days and honestly just going out there and having fun,” Tong said on Sunday in the Mets clubhouse. “I find we play our best when we’re out there having fun.”

The 2025 season was certainly a lot of fun for Tong, as he dominated the minor leagues to the tune of a 1.43 ERA and a whopping 179 strikeouts in 113.2 combined innings between Binghamton and Syracuse (mostly with Binghamton).

But his 2025 call-up was a struggle, as he pitched to a 7.71 ERA in five starts, looking like he needed more seasoning before coming back to the majors, and his minor league numbers this season have not been nearly as dominant. 

In 23 games with Syracuse this season, Tong has pitched to a 4.54 ERA, and his strikeout numbers, while still impressive at 126 punchouts in 107 innings, aren’t quite as overpowering as they were a year ago.

“There are so many things that we have control over in our career, and sometimes there are just lessons that have to be learned,” Tong said. “I’m just really excited to see the person that I’ve become out of it.”

Tong, knowing that he's in the rotation for the remainder of the season, is still taking things one day at a time, and he’s focused on being where his feet are, as he likes to say.

“I think just day by day and brick by brick. I’m the same kid I was last year as I am this year,” he said. “The only difference is I just have a boatload of experience that I didn’t have last year. 

“Excited for the opportunity … Just enjoy the process and really take each day as it is.”

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The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins wrap up a series on Sunday Night Baseball, with the White Sox installed as a modest favorite and the total set at 8.5.

The White Sox are turning this into a bullpen day. Bryan Hudson opens, Jose Urquidy follows in bulk relief, and the Twins counter with Bailey Ober, who ranks in the Bottom 10 percentile of baseball in both strikeout rate and whiff rate this year.

Chicago's late-season form is clearly the better of these two clubs, and the way this game is being pitched has my White Sox vs. Twins prediction backing the home team. See why I'm also backing the Over in my MLB picks on Sunday, Sep. 6.

Who will win Twins vs White Sox today: White Sox -1.5 (39%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Minnesota Twins arm Bailey Ober ranks in the Bottom 10th percentile in K rate and whiff rate, and his fastball sits in the Bottom 1st percentile for velocity in baseball. That's why I'm fading him.

That's a specific problem against a Chicago White Sox lineup that already ranks above MLB average in both fly-ball rate (27.8%) and barrel rate (8.4%): they don't need to grind through counts against a low-whiff arm; they need to lift the ball, which is exactly what his profile will invite.

On the other side, you'll get Bryan Hudson as an opener against a lineup he should have success against for at least one frame. Jose Urquidy follows him in an expected bulk role. He hasn't had a great season, but the underlying metrics tell a different story: an actual ERA exceeding 5.00 but an expected ERA at around 3.00.

I'm banking on some of that positive regression coming here against a below-average offense. I'd play this to 41%.

COVERS INTEL: Jose Urquidy's contact profile is generally elite, ranking in the Bottom 20th percentile in both hard-hit and barrel rate allowed. 

Twins vs White Sox Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (50%)

I'm on the Over for two units up to 54%. 

I've covered why I think Ober will struggle enough, which means the White Sox should do the heavy lifting. There's a bit of guesswork on the other side with a semi-bullpen profile game; however, Sean Newcomb is unlikely to be available today, removing one of Chicago's better late-inning arms.

For me, there's a real crooked number threat posed by Chicago, so anything the Twins do is a bonus. However, a thinner White Sox pen behind a short-outing opener does give Minnesota its own window to score. Two lineups with real paths to damage is the Over profile I want. 

Twins vs White Sox home run prediction: Josh Bell (14%)

Josh Bell is a switch-hitter who bats left-handed against right-handers, and it's been his best power split of the year: 12 dingers and a .432 slugging mark in just over 300 ABs against right-handed pitching, ahead of his output against lefties.

Urquidy's extension ranks in the Bottom 9th percentile in baseball, and his fastball velocity in the Bottom 21st, a below-average combination that gives hitters more time to read the ball. I like this matchup for a guy with enough power and a platoon advantage, especially at the price.  

Twins vs White Sox weather

Conditions at Rate Field are expected to be mild: mid-70s, partly cloudy, 10 mph winds and no rain. Nothing here materially juices the total or knocks down fly balls.

Twins vs White Sox odds

• Moneyline: Twins 43% | White Sox 58%
• Run line: Twins +1.5 | White Sox -1.5
• Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5

Twins vs White Sox trend

The Over is 6-1-1 in Minnesota's last eight games during Game 3 of a series. Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Phillies.

How to watch Twins vs White Sox and game info

Twins vs White Sox latest injuries

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No matter what may you look at it, this was a tough one. After the San Diego Padres walked off the New York Yankees on Friday night, they took a gut punch in Game 2, losing 5-1. Much of that was thanks to starter Robbie Ray failing to get out of the third inning.

After setting down the first three batters, Ben Rice singled to lead off the second inning. Ray got the next two batters out before giving up a double, three consecutive walks and a two-run single. Ray’s command completely eluded him, after he had looked strong to start the night. That, along with a quiet offense, marked the death of the Padres on Saturday night. They’ll now face New York in the rubber match this afternoon, trying to win their first series in two weeks.

Taking the mound

Gerrit Cole (NYY) v. Michael King (SD)

Cole spent the beginning of 2026 stuck on the injured list. The veteran’s first start of the year came on May 22 after receiving from Tommy John surgery. He’s been solid in that time, pitching to a 3.29 ERA through 104 innings. The strikeout numbers are modest, with 110 K’s in that same time.

But, in his last seven starts. Cole has turned up his game. He’s pitched to a 2.36 ERA across 42 innings. That being said, the last two games have been his worst in that time. Cole has surrendered six runs over his last 11 1/3 innings, giving up three runs in each of his two recent starts. San Diego will try to take advantage of that to win the series finale.

King has been fantastic this year, with a 3.11 ERA to back up that claim. Through 162 innings, King has proved that 2024 was not a fluke, posting incredibly consistent numbers through most of the season. King has been especially fantastic lately, with a 2.86 ERA across his last 15 starts.

Even more so, King hasn’t surrendered a single run since Aug. 19, pitching 16 consecutive scoreless innings. King will look to follow that up versus his former team. The right-hander came over from New York in 2024 in the trade that sent superstar Juan Soto to the Bronx.

Batter up!

It’s no secret that the Padres’ lineup has struggled in their last few games. The offense hasn’t scored more than three runs since last Monday when they scored five against the Cincinnati Reds. In the last four games, San Diego has scored just 2.43 runs per game, on average. They’ll need to do much better to back up King today.

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
2. Samad Taylor, LF
3. Manny Machado, 3B
4. Ty France, 1B
5. Jackson Merrill, CF
6. Xander Bogaerts, SS
7. Luis Campusano, DH
8. Jake Cronenworth, 2B
9. Ethan Salas, C

The Padres walked (6) more than they hit (3) on Saturday night, with a truly disheartening performance from the offense. They struck out (12) more times than they reached base. If San Diego can turn the tables on Cole, and win their first series of September, it would be a major turning point for the Friars.

Relief corps

With Ray making it through just 2 1/3 innings, the bullpen was taxed a bit. Thankfully, Griffin Canning and Jhony Brito each covered two-plus innings of work, with Wandy Peralta and David Morgan covering the final two frames. That saved San Diego’s ‘pen for the rubber match just enough.

The Padres will have their high-leverage options in full force. Kyle Hart, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez will all be available for the rubber game. That, plus King on the mound, should give the Friars all the edge they need to beat New York.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, September 6, 2026, 1:35 p.m. ET

Location: PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: 93.7 The Fan (KDKA-FM), SportsNet Pittsburgh / MLB.TV

Pitching Matchup: Walbert Ureña (9-9, 2.85 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (9-11, 3.97 ERA)

The Angels dominated Pittsburgh 6-1 on Saturday thanks to six scoreless innings from Yusei Kikuchi. Kikuchi entered action with a 5.65 ERA, but was another lefty who shut down the Pirates this year. The Bucs only managed a solo home run from Bryan Reynolds in the bottom of the eighth.

Arizona won, but San Diego lost, meaning the Pirates are five games back of the Diamondbacks for the final wild card. Paul Skenes is on the mound looking to bounce back from a difficult outing against the Giants. Skenes allowed five runs over 4.2 innings and also walked three hitters. A win today would be Skenes’ 10th of the year and match last season’s win total. The Pirates need to win today to have any chance to make up the ground necessary with only 19 games left in the season. 

Sunday notes…

• TRYING TO EVEN THINGS UP: The Cubs have not swept a series at Miami since April of 2019. Two years ago, they won the first two games and lost the third. A win today will make the Cubs’ all-time record at Miami 59-59 and their record at loanDepot Park 23-23. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• SPLITTING THE DIFFERENCE; This is the 14th of the Cubs’ 46 series in which they have won the first two games. They are 7-6 in previous third games, but only 1-5 on the road. Their only win was at New York vs. the Mets on June 24. They lost at San Francisco in June; Pittsburgh, Baltimore and St. Louis in July; and Washington on Aug. 13. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• A MATCHING SET: If the Cubs win today, they will be 41-31 on the road — exactly the same as their record at home. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• HOME RUN FACTS: Since hitting a team-record nine home runs last Monday at home vs. the Brewers, the Cubs have hit a total of four: none in their next game, then one in each of the last four. The Cubs won yesterday despite being outhomered, 2-1. They are 18-36 when they have hit fewer homers than they have allowed, 27-18 when they have hit the same number and 36-8 when they have hit more. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
• TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: The Cubs homer five times, including three by Alfonso Soriano, and lead the Reds 11-1 going into the bottom of the eighth. They have to hold off four-run rallies by the Reds in both the eighth and ninth to win 14-8. It happened 18 years ago today, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008.

Cubs lineup:

Marlins lineup:

Clay Holmes, RHP vs. Tyler Phillips, RHP

Clay Holmes with the Cubs: Five starts, 1.55 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, just one home run allowed in 29 innings.

As a member of the Mets last year, Holmes faced the Marlins four times and posted a 3.00 ERA in 21 innings — with NO home runs allowed.

Just keep the ball on the ground, Clay. Current Marlins are batting .209 (9-for-43) against him with no home runs and 15 strikeouts.

Tyler Phillips was the Texas Rangers’ 16th round pick in 2015 out of high school in Texas. Eventually he went to the Phillies on waivers in 2021 and to the Marlins for cash considerations last year.

His only career appearance against the Cubs was a scoreless inning of relief May 21, 2025 in Miami. He began this year in the Marlins bullpen, but has been in the rotation since June 16, posting a 4.65 ERA and 1.355 WHIP and 12 home runs allowed in 62 innings. His last start, Sept. 1 vs. the Royals, was very good: five one-hit innings. The Cubs offense, though, is a lot better than Kansas City’s.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network. For Cubs fans in the UK, this game will be on BBC as well as other European channels. Details here.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit the Marlins site Fish On First. If you do go there to interact with Marlins 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.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Texas Rangers lineup for September 6, 2026, against the Tampa Bay Rays: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Ian Seymour for the Rays.

Its the final game of a disappointing homestand, with the Rangers needing a win to split the series against the Rays and avoid a losing record in the homestand.

The lineup:

Duran — CF

Seager — SS

Foscue — 2B

Nimmo — RF

Langford — LF

Burger — 1B

O’Hoppe — DH

Diaz — C

Freeman — 3B

1:35 p.m. Central start time. The game is a pick ‘em.

The Phillies and Braves will square off on Sunday afternoon in the third game of their four-game series. The teams split the first two with the Braves winning on Friday and the Phillies rebounding to take the second game.

Aaron Nola will start for the Phillies. The veteran righty has been very good lately, going 3-1 with a 2.65 ERA in August.

Tyler Mahle goes for the Braves. The righthander was acquired via trade at the end of July and has been a solid addition to the Atlanta rotation with a 1.48 ERA in five post-trade starts.

Game time is 1:10 PM and will be televised locally by NBCSP.

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My Yankees vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, Sept. 6, back New York as a 51% favorite.

After a 5-1 N.Y. win on Saturday, the Yanks look to Gerrit Cole to keep their winning ways alive. First pitch comes to you live from Petco Park at 4:10 p.m. ET.

Who will win Yankees vs Padres today: Yankees (51%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Very simple get-in-and-get-out reasoning: The San Diego Padres have been lifeless at the dish.

Over their last 12 games, they own an 82 wRC+, .128 ISO, and .631 OPS while producing just a 5.9% barrel rate.

That lineup now draws New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, who has been nails over his last five starts, owning a 2.97 ERA and 3.02 xERA while allowing just a 3.49% barrel rate to opposing hitters.

Padres starter and former Yankee Michael King has been very solid over his last three starts as well, but the Yankees have been light-years better than the Padres at the dish this past week. Lean on the hot bats and the more consistent arm.

Play to 54%.

COVERS INTEL: Spencer Jones has been crushing right-handed pitching over his last 30 at-bats, owning a .538 SLG and .307 ISO while generating a 62.5% hard-hit rate and 25% barrel rate.

Yankees vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 6.5 (44%)

With how poorly the Padres have been swinging the bat lately and how well Gerrit Cole and Michael King have been on the rubber, this game should stay under this low total.

Cole has been allowing a ton of hard contact over his last five starts, but that comes with being a heavy fastball pitcher.

He still has a 1.12 WHIP over that stretch. King has done a great job limiting hard-hit balls across his last five starts, where he also sports a 1.71 ERA and 1.04 WHIP.

This feels like a 3-2 ballgame.

Yankees vs Padres home run prediction: Ben Rice (18%)

Yankees young slugger Ben Rice was the one guy who really stood out to leave the yard in this matchup. I also didn’t mind Spencer Jones or Fernando Tatis Jr., but Rice has been making a ton of hard contact while posting a 15% barrel rate over his last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers.

Over his last 10 games, he also sports a .600 SLG and .659 xSLG while elevating the ball 65.6% of the time.

Yankees vs Padres weather

Ideal baseball weather this afternoon, with temperatures in the mid-80s and a 9 mph wind blowing in. Should make for a beautiful day at the ballpark and a great game to take in.

Yankees vs Padres odds

• Moneyline: Yankees 51% | Padres 50%
• Run line: Yankees -1.5 (38%) | Padres +1.5 (63%)
• Over/Under: Over 6.5 (57%) | Under 6.5 (44%)

Yankees vs Padres trend

The New York Yankees have hit the Game Total Under in 23 of their last 35 away games (+9.85 Units / 25% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Padres.

How to watch Yankees vs Padres and game info

Yankees vs Padres latest injuries

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The Seattle Mariners hope to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the Athletics at T-Mobile Park on Sunday, Sept. 6.

First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. ET, and my top Athletics vs. Mariners prediction and MLB picks call for a low-scoring game. 

Who will win Athletics vs Mariners today: Athletics moneyline (37%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Though Gage Jump has struggled in recent starts, this is a matchup in which he should be able to limit the damage done against him. The Seattle Mariners bats have struggled against southpaws during the last 30 days, ranking 28th in wRC+, 28th in ISO, and 28th in strikeout rate.  

The Athletics have started to turn a corner at the plate, too. They rank sixth in wRC+, third in batting average, and fifth in ISO against right-handed pitching during the last 14 days. Bryan Woo has thrown the ball well recently, but he's been pitching through a lat injury and could be vulnerable on normal rest, compared to recent outings in which he's been on extended rest.

The Athletics once again have value on the moneyline as they seek a series sweep this afternoon.

COVERS INTEL: The Mariners rank dead last with a .212 batting average against southpaws in 2026.

Athletics vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (52%)

Seattle's bats have not had success against left-handed starters since the All-Star break, ranking 24th in wRC+ during the first five innings of games when facing a southpaw. Gage Jump has been tagged for some crooked numbers in recent outings, but this matchup is still likely to be an uphill challenge for the Mariners offense.

Bryan Woo owns a 2.89 ERA and 4.25 xERA since the beginning of August, allowingtwo earned runs or fewer in four of his five starts during that span. He will have to contend with a surging Athletics offense this afternoon, but this doesn't appear to be a spot in which he's at risk of getting shelled.

Both teams have rested bullpens for the series finale, too, which should limit scoring opportunities in the latter frames.

Athletics vs Mariners home run prediction: Lawrence Butler (14%)

Lawrence Butler has been on a tear since the beginning of August, hitting .355 with a 137 wRC+. Butler has a 9.2% barrel rate and 51.7% hard-hit rate during that span, meaning that he's been elevating and celebrating a lot.

Bryan Woo has allowed a lot of loud contact to left-handed hitters during the last 30 days: 11.4% barrel rate and a 65.7% hard-hit rate.

Butler has a great chance to leave the yard today.

Athletics vs Mariners weather

Weather shouldn't have a significant impact on this afternoon's contest, with the temperature forecasted at 67 degrees around first pitch.

Athletics vs Mariners odds

• Moneyline: Athletics 37% | Mariners 64%
• Run line: Athletics +1.5 | Mariners -1.5
• Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5

Athletics vs Mariners trend

The Athletics have cashed the moneyline in six of their last eight road games for +8.85 units and a 111% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Athletics vs. Mariners.

How to watch Athletics vs Mariners and game info

Athletics vs Mariners latest injuries

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