Mar 14, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Bryse Wilson (48) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Home runs proved costly for two of the Phillies’ affiliates on Friday night, but Lehigh Valley and Clearwater prevailed thanks to some strong pitching performances. The Threshers’ win was their sixth in a row.
Lehigh Valley 4, Rochester 2
Bryse Wilson allowed just one hit and struck out five across four scoreless innings for the Iron Pigs. He’s now thrown nine straight scoreless innings (Look out, Cristopher Sanchez!). Chuck King also pitched well, tossing three scoreless innings in relief to earn the win. Carter Kieboom broke a 2-2 tie with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Otto Kemp provided an insurance run with his fourth home run of the year in the eighth.
Binghamton 5, Reading 4
There was extra inning excitement in Binghamton on Friday night. With the game tied at two after nine innings, the Fightin’ Phils took a 4-2 lead in the top of the 10th thanks to a double by Dylan Campbell and a single by Kehdan Hettiger. But after pitching a scoreless ninth, reliever Colin Peluse’s second inning of work didn’t go well. He gave up a single and then a walk off home run to Chris Suerto.
Brooklyn 6, Jersey Shore 3
Home runs were a problem for the Blue Claws against the Brooklyn Cyclones on Friday. Starting pitcher Luke Gabrysh only gave up three hits in five innings, but two of them left the yard. Reliever Danyony Pulido surrendered another home run in his one inning of work. Offensively, outfielder Nick Biddison drove in two with a sixth inning single.
Clearwater 5, St. Lucie 4
Pitcher Ramon Marquez had a good night, striking out nine batters in 5.1 innings. The Mets made things interesting as the game wore on, but the Threshers’ early offense, highlighted by Alirio Ferrebus’ two run home run, was enough to give them their sixth-straight win.
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Sam Antonacci wears bruises from HBPs, but also is a core member of the White Sox bunting brigade. | (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)
Inside the Chicago White Sox, there are two wolves.
The first is the three true outcome wolf. The South Side Smashing Machine is currently fifth in team slugging, ninth in on-base percentage and fourth in strikeouts. The latter is frustrating at times, as evidenced when Ozzie Guillén’s frustrations boiled over with Colson Montgomery after Wednesday’s 8-0 win over the Twins. My apologies to Ozzie, but I reckon a few bad swings is a fair trade for a 33-30 record, especially when you allow for the second wolf.
Wolf Two is John McGraw’s scientific baseball of the Dead Ball Era — beanings, baserunning and bunts. This is personified by the guys like Sam Antonacci (major league leader with 13 HBPs), Luisangel Acuña (a speed demon, when he manages to get on base), and a group of guys I lovingly call the bunting gremlins: Tristan Peters, Derek Hill, Rikuu Nishida and Antonacci again. These men stand on the broad shoulders of the OG, Chase Meidroth.
This balance has put the White Sox in a unique position: The South Siders are on pace for 219 home runs and 47 sacrifice hits. This puts them within a shout of the first 200 home run/50 sacrifice hit season since the universal DH was established.
The analytics case against bunting is simple: Outs are a finite resource to a baseball team. You’re only guaranteed 27 of them. Don’t give any of them away on purpose, you idiot!
It wasn’t always like that, of course. You can trace the story of baseball through these home run-to-sacrifice ratios. For example, there have been 22 teams who have done the reverse ratio of 200 sacrifice hits and 50 home runs, and 21 of them occurred from 1920-29, the lone outlier being the 1911 Cubs.
Let’s split the difference and look at 100 HR/100 SH teams, sorted by decade:
The analytics revolution put an end to that: 47 teams have hit 200 or more home runs this decade, while no team has had 50 sacrifice hits in a season during the same time period (last season’s San Diego Padres came closest, with 48).
Despite this uptick, the White Sox are the only team with a realistic chance of creating the 200/50 U-DH Club:
I’ve been on the side of abolishing the bunt for more than a decade, but I have to admit I’ve begun to soften with old age (my liver is 84.) The Manfred Man began the bunting renaissance, with the do-or-die stakes of extra innings multiplying the significance of every lone run. Bunting bundled and boldness on the basepaths have been a hallmark from the bottom of the White Sox order this season, as they punch above their weight in the American League. May the wolves and the gremlins live in peace for a thousand years.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 05: Corey Seager #5 and Wyatt Langford #36 of the Texas Rangers celebrate after a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Globe Life Field on June 05, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rangers 3, Guardians 2
A win, that was.
That was a win.
Kumar Rocker started the game by giving up a homer to Travis Bazzana, because that’s sort of the Rangers’ thing now, giving up homers in the first inning, particularly to the leadoff batter.
After that things went relatively smoothly for Rocker, though. He allowed another run in the fourth, and appeared primed to give up another run in the fifth when Bazzana tripled to lead off the inning, but Rocker worked out of that situation without allowing Bazzana to score.
That ended up being a pretty important development, when it was all said and done.
Rocker was fine, generally. He only went five innings, which isn’t ideal, due to a lack of pitch efficiency, which resulted in him needing 94 pitches to get through just 22 batters. He only generated 9 swings and misses, which is part of the reason for the lack of pitch efficiency.
But we’ll take 2 runs in five innings from Rocker.
Peyton Gray came in for Rocker to pitch the sixth and ended up getting his second major league win, by virtue of being in the game when the Rangers scored their runs and took the lead.
Gray called pulled in favor of Jalen Beeks when Bazzana, who was a double shy of a cycle, came up with two outs in the seventh, Beeks struck out Bazzana, and there was rejoicing.
Oddly, though, that was the only batter Beeks faced in the game. Jacob Latz came in to start the eighth for what ended up being a two inning save.
There was a worrisome moment in the ninth, when, having walked Stuart Fairchild earlier with one out, Latz gave up a single to Austin Hedges, to put the tying run at second and go ahead run at first.
Nails were being bitten, anxiety was rising, nervousness permeated the Shed. Were the Rangers going to blow it?
They didn’t. Latz got a swinging K to end the game on his 35th pitch of the night.
Hedges, incidentally, had two hits in the game. Bazzana had three hits. Steven Kwan had two hits. No other Guardian had a hit.
That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Maybe not.
The Rangers’ offense didn’t do a whole lot, but they made it count.
Kyle Higashioka broke up the shutout with a homer to lead off the sixth. Two batters later, Wyatt Langford doubled, and Corey Seager followed that up with a home run to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead.
The only other hits all game came from Josh Jung, who had a pair of singles. There was only one walk drawn, by Ezequiel Duran.
So just six baserunners for the Rangers in the whole game. But three of them scored. So it all worked out.
The Higashioka homer, incidentally, was tracked at 428 feet by Statcast. That’s tied for the seventh longest ball hit at the Shed this year. 11 of the 13 longest balls hit at the Shed this year have come since the start of the Houston series.
Kumar Rocker’s sinker touched 96.5 mph, averaging 95.2 mph. Peyton Gray hit 93.2 mph with his fastball. Jalen Beeks reached 94.2 mph with his fastball. Jacob Latz’s fastball topped out at 96.9 mph.
Joc Pederson had a 109.8 mph groundout. Kyle Higashioka’s homer was 106.5 mph off the bat. Corey Seager’s homer had an exit velocity of 105.1 mph. Wyatt Langford had a 103.8 mph double. Ezequiel Duran had a 103.0 mph fly out.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres looks on after striking out against the New York Mets to end the sixth inning at Petco Park on June 05, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The day went from bad to worse for the San Diego Padres. Before the start of their game against the New York Mets, Padres manager Craig Stammen announced left fielder Ramon Laureano had hip surgery and would be out until the end of the regular season and would likely miss the entire season should San Diego find some way to get into the playoffs. Stammen also announced reliever Jeremiah Estrada was headed to the injured list with knee inflammation and that David Morgan was recalled from Triple-A to take his spot in the bullpen.
Then the game started and maybe it was fitting, considering the pregame news, that a pitcher the majority of Padres fans and probably some of the players never heard of dominated the San Diego lineup and handed the Padres their sixth consecutive loss in shutout fashion. Christian Scott allowed just three hits over 5.2 scoreless innings and allowed two walks with three strikeouts en route to a 5-0 win for New York. Michael King completed six innings for San Diego, but allowed four runs on six hits, two of which were home runs, with four strikeouts.
The depleted Padres lineup looked as anemic as it has all season, with only Fernando Tatis Jr. Manny Machado and Ty France recording hits — all singles. Rodolfo Duran still has a batting average of .080, but to his credit he was able to get on base thanks to two walks, which were the only free passes San Deigo earned in the contest. The Padres will try to stop their six-game skid tonight at 7:10 p.m.
Padres News:
Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribuneagrees with Manny Machado when he says the Padres are a better team than what they have shown lately and Padres fans are waiting to see it.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Mikal Bridges #25, Miles McBride #2 and OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks high five 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
SAN ANTONIO – New York ran up 2-0 in the 2026 NBA Finals on Friday. Shoved past the Spurs in Game 2 by a 105-104 score after Victor Wembanyama unleashed a too-strong 17-footer in the final seconds, the 22-year old center clanging an opportunity to tie the series.
On San Antonio’s previous defensive possession Wembanyama fouled Jalen Brunson, and Brunson’s 84 percent free throw percentage, Brunson split a pair for the game’s deciding points. During San Antonio’s previous offensive possession, the 2024 Rookie of the Year (Wemby) threw the ball off the back of the 2025 Rookie of the Year (and Spurs teammate) Stephon Castle, Brunson gathering the loose ball ahead of that Wembanyama foul. It was an odd ending.
There is an odd-sounding word, it is gestalt, I learned it in 1996 when the NBA used its 50th anniversary season to spend an inordinate time celebrating the two-time Knick championship teams from the 1970s. Gestalt theory is an idea I return to about once a year and usually in June, when a team turns a corner, providing proof of something stronger that what’s listed in the lineup.
This year’s Knicks may not take the 2026 NBA title, there are still two wins left to grab before it turns official, but the Knicks have grown taller than all of themselves stacked together. This group improves with every outing and against competition which stiffens with each round. You’d need anti-inflammatories too, after battling these Knicks.
The development, the advancement from April through June and 13 consecutive playoff victories, would be unique among NBA champions. What is typical is the gestalt, the way we’re assured something larger than the image New York presents.
Nothing’s fazed them in Mike Brown’s first postseason with the Knicks. Be they down 2-1 to C.J. McCollum’s third team in 12 months, debated as favorites in the second round because Joel Embiid looked OK for four days, and then, well, Cleveland. There was no dramatic or even minor obstacle in the Cleveland series, analytically or otherwise.
San Antonio, once favored by many, isn’t fazed. Maybe a little tired, probably a more than a little impressed. Nobody doubted the talent on this Knicks team, individual or collected. What is astonishing is how well the talent on the New York Knicks performs when it works alongside one another. The elastic defense and deliberate offense, the absence of self, the dedication, devotion, the turning on the nighttime into the day.
That’s a Dire Straits song, and not an example of gestalt theory, but straits certainly indicating where the San Antonio Spurs while boarding the flight to New York. Five games to win four, three in NYC, they ain’t won a first yet.
San Antonio came close on Friday, reeling in Knick momentum long enough to eliminate the 14-point lead the visitors established with six minutes remaining in Game 2. De’Aaron Fox, Wembanyama and Dylan Harper combined to battle for buckets until the contest was tied, ten seconds left, Wemby with the ball and, uh oh, here comes infamy.
Threw it right off Stephon Castle’s back. Ball bounced to Brunson whom Wemby fouled, sending Jalen to the line for a game-winning free throw.
Stephon wasn’t looking while running up the court, I noticed this before Wemby let loose and said “heads up!” while standing at press row but there was no way Castle heard me. I’m sensitive to these things because I let a ball bounce off my back on the same spot in the court in an intramural basketball tournament in college, and I don’t think I will get over what happened to me before Game 3 on Monday and it happened 26 years ago. So I’m not sure how Stephon can blot his out in three days.
The Spurs will need other exhibits to shape up. The transition defense was strong but not strong enough, New York scored 19 points on the break, San Antonio’s worst mark of the postseason. New York’s offensive rebounding was bound to happen, but did it all have to happen in the second half? And when did San Antonio start missing dunks?
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns’ elbow torquing cleanly under each three-pointer is an absolute picture of actualized alignment and precision. Towns scored 17 in the first half. His dives from the Domantas Spot turned this series, it isn’t an adventure when KAT (21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) puts the ball on the floor and against a team with Wemby on that floor.
The word “gestalt” entered my mind repeatedly in that second quarter, watching the Knick bust tail defensively, one movement anticipating another. We’ll hear a lot about the 1970 and 1973 championship Knicks over the next few days, and I’m glad the first guy who reminded me of them was the Knick fan with the inexpensive “HARLEM” tattoo up in the 200 section of the Spurs’ arena, weeping, well, no, crying while he walked with his buddy a few minutes after Game 2. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he told his friend, and I’m assuming this isn’t about visiting the Alamo on Saturday.
If it was about the Alamo, wow. What a weekend for him!
He’d removed himself from the upper concourse’s PG-rated pogo pit, Knick fans streaming and phoning home and popping jerseys together. It was a block party and I posted up inside a closed nachos stand, happy to watch one pleasant New Yorker after another thanking San Antonio fans for their grace and hospitality and congratulating the Spurs on its bright future, Knick fans going out of their way to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle, clearing room for the elderly, the infirm, the small children in Spurs uniforms squeaking by the sea of blue and orange.
The next time I saw nachos was in a gas station parking lot, in the hand of the single publicly inebriated Knick fan I saw among hundreds of publicly Knick fans during three nights in the heart of San Antonio.
Clinging to his nachos and teetering around the parking lot with the rest of us who decided the rideshare rate from the arena was too much and decided to walk to a more affordable spot. My Nacho Guy was in an Allan Houston uniform, beaming, 20 minutes after I’d walked by Allan Houston in a sweater, beaming.
While I gathered to call my wife to tell her how cheap I was, another Knick fan plopped down on the gas station stoop next to me, awaiting his rideshare, cordial and curious, noshing, asking me who I wrote for and what I thought about Game 2 while offering immediate analysis: Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado down the stretch of the third quarter with Towns and Brunson off the floor, San Antonio’s youth and inability to get to their spots, Wemby’s obvious fatigue, the growing capability of Mike Brown.
You know, pal, I was gonna write all that.
The young man was irrepressible, hopping in his rideshare Mercedes right next to a mother and kids cleaning out their van at a gas pump minutes past midnight on a Saturday morning. The gas station was so replete with polite Knick fans that the families selling shaved ice in the parking lot began courting them with Knick chants. Kids on their first Friday night off from school chased each other around the tire inflator/car vacuum machine, one of them in a DeMar DeRozan Spurs jersey likely as old as she is.
Every bus stop on Commerce St. featured a Knick couple waiting on that rideshare, completely unsure of what they just watched less than a mile away, less than an hour ago. San Antonio on a Friday night, streets filled with New Yorkers. It’s almost like it’s their world, and we just live in it.
With a busy day across the big leagues, I've found huge value in my MLB same-game parlay predictions.
Bryce Miller is in line for another quality start against the Detroit Tigers, while Braxton Ashcraft should also toss a gem against the Atlanta Braves.
Mariners at Tigers SGP: Dingler Keeps Raking (+415)
Dillon Dingler is one of the hottest hitters in baseball right now. Over the last week, he owns a 63.6% hard-hit rate and 18.2% barrel rate. During that span, he's posted a .476 ISO while going 7-for-21 with 10 RBIs. Another hit should be well within reach here.
Bryce Miller has averaged nine strikeouts per nine innings across his last two outings, and he's cashed the Over in two of his last three starts. The Detroit Tigers own a 22.6% strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season and struck out 10 times in the series opener.
Keider Montero is averaging 8.49 strikeouts per nine innings over his last two appearances, and the Seattle Mariners carry a 22.5% strikeout rate on the road this season. They're also 24th in MLB in team strikeouts, creating another favorable spot for Montero to rack up punchouts.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Mariners.TV, DSN
See full analysis of this game in our Mariners vs. Tigers predictions.
Pirates at Braves SGP: Ashcraft Deals (+430)
Braxton Ashcraft has been one of Pittsburgh's most reliable starters lately, posting a 2.34 xERA and 2.30 FIP across his last two starts while limiting opponents to a 6.3% barrel rate.
The right-hander has also shown excellent command, issuing just 0.73 walks per nine innings during that span, which bodes well for both Ashcraft Under legs.
Oneil Cruz rounds out the SGP after posting a 16.7% barrel rate and 92.3 mph average exit velocity over the last week. The Pittsburgh Pirates slugger is 6-for-14 in June, with five of those hits coming via singles.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, BravesVision
See full analysis of this game in our Pirates vs. Braves predictions.
Rays at Marlins SGP: Caminero Stays Hot (+288)
The Tampa Bay Rays send Shane McClanahan to the hill today against the Miami Marlins. He owns a 2.82 FIP across his last 10.1 innings of work and has cashed the Under on earned runs allowed in both starts. McClanahan has also limited opponents to a barrel rate below 10% during that span.
The matchup is favorable as well. Miami is hitting just .199 over the last week while carrying a .299 wOBA. McClanahan has surrendered only seven hits across his last two starts, putting both Under legs in a strong position.
Junior Caminero rounds out the SGP. The Rays slugger owns a 66.7% hard-hit rate and .500 batting average over his last six games, recording a single in three straight contests.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rays.TV, Marlins.TV
See full analysis of this game in our Rays vs. Marlins predictions.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
SGP picks: 0-1, -1.00 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.
The New York Mets visit the San Diego Padres tonight, and I'm expecting first-inning fireworks at Petco Park.
That matchup will headline my top MLB picks today for the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.
Here are my best NRFI predictions and YRFI picks for Saturday, June 6.
Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today
Pick
Odds
/ - NRFI
-115
/ - NRFI
-115
/ - YRFI
-105
Mariners at Tigers: NRFI (-115)
The Seattle Mariners hand Bryce Miller the ball today, and he's been dominant over his last two outings, posting a 1.87 xERA while walking just 0.90 hitters per nine innings.
While the Detroit Tigers have been red-hot offensively, Miller's command and impressive 20.8% hard-hit rate across his last 10 innings should keep them at bay in the first.
As for Detroit, they hand Keider Montero the baseball, and he's been incredibly reliable. He owns a perfect 11-0 NRFI/YRFI record in 2026 and has posted a 2.85 FIP and 2.36 xERA across his last two starts.
Those underlying numbers suggest he's well positioned to continue that success against Seattle.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DSN, Mariners.TV
Orioles at Blue Jays: NRFI (-115)
The Baltimore Orioles send Kyle Bradish to the mound in Game 2 of the series, and he's allowed a run in the first inning just once in 12 starts.
Bradish owns a 3.58 xERA across his last 13 innings of work and a hard-hit rate of just 30% during that span. Additionally, 52.5% of the contact against him in his last two outings has been on the ground, suggesting he's doing a good job of keeping hitters from elevating the baseball right now.
Braydon Fisher, meanwhile, will be the opener for the Toronto Blue Jays before they turn it over to the rest of the bullpen. He has a 2.15 FIP at home this season, and Fisher has yet to allow a first-inning run across the three starts he's made.
His 2.95 xERA over the last month only adds appeal here.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Time: 3:07 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, Sportsnet
Mets at Padres: YRFI (-105)
New York Mets SP Nolan McLean has allowed a 42.9% hard-hit rate over his last 27 innings of work, and he owns an alarming 6.30 FIP during that span.
The San Diego Padres have only scored 11 times in the first inning this season, but this is a favorable matchup against a pitcher who has struggled to limit hard contact and owns an 8-4 NRFI/YRFI record.
As for Griffin Canning, he has a 6.79 xERA across his previous two starts while allowing a 53.1% hard-hit rate and 15.6% barrel rate. In other words, Canning is getting absolutely torched lately, and he's also walked 3.69 hitters per nine innings over his last 11 2/3 frames.
Between the consistent hard contact and inability to pound the zone, the Mets could jump on him early.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Padres.TV, SportsNet New York
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
NRFI/YRFI picks: 15-30, -4.35 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.
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.
PROVO, UT - MARCH 7: Christian Anderson #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders rushes the ball up the court during the first half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at the Marriott Center on March 7, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Raptors Comparisons: Fred VanVleet (not as good defensively), Jose Calderon (smaller and not as good of a passer)
Strengths
Perimeter-shooting
Anderson has a case for being the best shooter in the draft. That lone selling point should be enough for a Toronto Raptors team that finished 21st in three-point percentage (35.3 per cent) and 26th in makes (11.3) to consider Anderson with the 19th pick. Anderson finished his last season with the Texas Tech Red Raiders shooting 41.5 per cent on 7.9 three-point attempts. Only three players in the nation shot the ball better on more attempts. That includes teammate Donovan Atwell (45.8 per cent), junior Pryce Sandfort of Nebraska (41.6 per cent) and Samford’s Jadin Booth (43.6 per cent). Unlike Anderson, none of Atwell, Sandford or Booth are guaranteed to be selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. Anderson has one of the cleanest-looking jumpers in the NCAA. His range feels unlimited at times. Anderson quickly developed a reputation for showing a willingness to pull the trigger from anywhere.
Pick-and-roll maestro
The 6’2 guard played almost exclusively out of the pick-and-roll (PnR). While Anderson doesn’t possess an elite first-step, he’s already mastered how to change speeds and leverage his positioning to gain advantages with a screen-man. The NBA is a PnR heavy usage type of league, making Anderson an ideal plug-and-play option off the bench for several teams. Anderson also showcased an ability to hit shots off the dribble when defenders go under the screen and consistently traps defenders with a hostage dribble when they go over.
Areas for Improvement
Defence
Anderson measures out as one of the smaller players in the draft. He was listed at the NBA Combine as six-foot-one without shoes and 180 pounds. On tape, Anderson’s skinny frame and stature are expected to stand out next to NBA-level physiques. He also ranked in the bottom seventh percentile for hand-width.
For Anderson to carve out a spot in the league, he’ll need to prove that his offence is enough to overcome his potential defensive concerns. Opposing teams will hunt him down, especially in a playoff setting. How Anderson navigates through that will determine how long Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajakovic can keep him on the court.
What Anderson has going for him is that he played an astronomical 38.3 minutes per game (for non-college watchers, games are 40 minutes long) while only averaging 2.0 fouls. It’s even more impressive considering that he plays with an effort-level that pops on screen. Flanked by Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto might be the perfect fit for Anderson.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 20: Sharron Young #3 of the Akron Zips drives on Christian Anderson #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Playstyle
While Anderson ranked as an elite rim-finisher (74.2 per cent), he rarely got to the basket. That likely needs to change as defences run him off the three-point line or funnel him into the paint. Anderson understands who he is – someone who thrives on the perimeter – and that also explains his low free-throw attempts.
The pick-and-roll was Anderson’s bread-and-butter, and that makes sense considering how effective he was in that set. However, it also meant Anderson either didn’t get a chance to show off more of his isolation toolkit or that the Texas Tech coaching staff didn’t believe it existed. While the Raptors can’t expect to hit a home-run with the 19th pick, the chances of doing so exponentially increase if Anderson can consistently produce points when the offence is off-schedule.
Anderson was a dominant on-ball type of guard with the Red Raiders. He’ll need to get comfortable being more of an off-ball threat playing next to heavy-usage players like Barnes, Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett.
Potential fits with Toronto
Obvious shooting upgrade
The Raptors need to surround Barnes with better shooters. Adding one of the prettiest jumpers in the draft helps. Schematically, it just makes sense to select someone like Anderson. There were multiple instances during the playoffs when the Cleveland Cavaliers forced a second or third pass to an open corner shooter (usually Jamal Shead) or a wing-three (often Barrett), and the Raptors failed to make them pay.
Possible Immanuel Quick trade?
Assuming the front-office admired Barrett’s playoff rising performance, the Raptors might consider moving Immanuel Quickley or Brandon Ingram (more the salary than the player) to create some roster construction flexibility.
If it’s the former, that would promote Shead to a starting gig, subsequently opening up a back-up guard spot. Shead overproduced as an emergency starter while pushing the Cavaliers to seven games. Theoretically, he could pass as a serviceable starter across 82 regular-season games.
Adding Anderson to help lead the bench – in tandem with a veteran addition through trade or free agency – would work, especially if it meant the team could upgrade elsewhere.
Southpaws have had zero answers for the Bronx Bombers all year.
Look for New York's bats to tee off once again on Ranger Suarez this Saturday according to my Red Sox vs. Yankees predictions.
Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for June 6.
Who will win Red Sox vs Yankees today: New York Yankees (-135)
Ranger Suarez has started four games against teams ranking Top-10 in OPS vs. left-handed pitching – and they didn’t go so well. He allowed 13 runs and posted a 6.13 ERA during those games.
The New York Yankeeslead the majors in OPS against lefties so they’re a prime candidate to cause Suarez problems.
Even without Aaron Judge, they’re well-equipped to do so. They have five lefties in their projected lineup – Suarez has struggled against left-handed hitters – as well as lefty masher Paul Goldschmidt.
Look for the bats to lead the Yankees to victory. Playable to -145.
Red Sox vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-110)
The Yankees rankTop-3 in OPS, ISO, OBP, xWOBA, and hard hit rate when facing left-handed pitching. They’re an elite offense across the board and should do plenty of damage against Suarez.
The Boston Red Sox are capable of chipping in a few runs. They have hit righties very well over the past four weeks, sitting ninth in wOBA, ninth in ISO, and fourth in batting average.
Will Warren has a brutal track record against the Sox as well. He allowed 15 runs over three starts against them last season while averaging just 14.3 outs.
Play the Over to -120.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 24-19, -0.68 units
Over/Under bets: 20-21-2, -3.71 units
Red Sox vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Red Sox +115 | Yankees -135
Run line: Red Sox +1.5 (-175) | Yankees -1.5 (+150)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-110) | Under 8.5 (-110)
Red Sox vs Yankees trend
New York has hit the Game Total Over in five of their last seven games (+3.9 units, 52% ROI) Find more MLB betting trends for Red Sox vs. Yankees.
How to watch Red Sox vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Saturday, June 6, 2026
First pitch
7:35 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Red Sox starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (2-3, 3.38 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Will Warren (7-1, 3.22 ERA)
Red Sox vs Yankees latest injuries
Red Sox vs Yankees 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.
A man went viral after thanking Jalen Brunson’s mom for creating the Knicks star.
Joe Clements happened to be sitting near Sandra Brunson in the stands in San Antonio after Game 1 of the NBA Finals — so he used the moment to express his gratitude.
“Hey, Mrs. Brunson, Thank you so much for having that boy. He is the franchise changer. We love him,” Clements said in the video, which racked up 1.7 million views, and hundreds of comments from fans, calling her the “Queen of NYC.”
Sandra, whom Brunson called his “best friend 100 percent,” in a 2020 interview with WFAA, laughed and smiled at the superfan’s gushing.
Clements posted the video of her reaction to his Instagram page with the caption, “Every Knicks fan—scratch that—every basketball fan should thank this wonderful lady for bringing into the world the greatest Knick ever!!!! (We thank Rick too but he did the easy part).”
Knicks fans took to the comments section to also express their admiration for Sandra — who played volleyball at Temple University, which is how she met her husband, Knicks assistant coach, Rick, who was on the basketball team.
“She is actually The Queen of NYC and she deserves all the love and respect,” one gushed.
“That woman will be protected and cherished by Knicks fans everywhere,” another wrote.
“GOD BLESS THAT WOMAN AND HER HUSBAND, they raised a real star,” someone else added.
Jalen Brunson called his mother, Sandra, his best friend. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Others declared that Sandra, a native of Lakeview, NY, should be treated like royalty around the Big Apple.
“That lady should never pay for a meal in NYC,” one said.
“She [should] get a free pass everywhere in NYC. No questions asked,” another agreed.
Sandra is the co-founder and chief financial officer of Second Round Foundation, a New Jersey nonprofit that “plants seeds to create equity for young people through education, sport, and community,” according to its website.
Brunson has credited his mom for his grit and determination.
“She was the general. She held me accountable for everything I did. If I was putting my mind to something I couldn’t quit until it was done. She basically gave me that no-quit mentality,” he told WFAA.
He’s also thanked her for his talents on the court.
“Thank you for my athletic ability because without you I wouldn’t be able to jump as high as I do,” he added.
A busy Saturday in the MLB features a full 15-game slate and tons of juicy MLB player props to pick from.
Shohei Ohtani, Jeremy Pena, and Jacob Misiorowski are all featured in my favorite MLB picks for Saturday, June 6.
I’ll break down why all three will dominate on the diamond today.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Jeremy Pena
Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI
-142
Jacob Misiorowski
Over 8.5 strikeouts
+120
Shohei Ohtani
Over 1.5 total bases
-116
Jeremy Pena Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI
Jeremy Pena has been on fire this past week, batting an even .500 with Over 1.5 hits, runs, and RBI in four straight and nine of his last 12 outings.
Pena and the Houston Astros will face Athletics starter Kade Morris, who is set to make his MLB debut on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has not exactly been impressive in Triple-A this season, posting a 4.45 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 11 starts, but the Athletics are desperate for arms of any kind with starters Luis Severino and Aaron Civale both sidelined.
Pena is hitting .304 vs. righties this season, and a ridiculous .375 at Daikin Park.
A scorching Pena facing a 23-year-old making his MLB debut? Play this one up to -150.
The Milwaukee Brewers sophomore leads the majors in strikeouts (108) and K/9 (13.7), while ranking first among starters in WHIP (0.79).
Misiorowski has punched out at least eight batters in eight straight starts, with Over 8.5 strikeouts in five of those contests. He’ll enjoy the upper hand against the Colorado Rockies tonight, one of five teams in the MLB to average more than nine Ks per game.
Misiorowski’s Whiff% is in the 98th percentile, thanks to his four-seamer and curveball, which are both getting whiffed nearly 50% of the time.
Seventy-four of Misiorowski’s 108 strikeouts have come by way of his fastball, which averages out at 99.9 mph. He’ll match up very well against the Rockies, who have struck out 190 times against the four-seamer this year — more than any other team in the majors.
I’m playing this prop up to +100, and I’d recommend looking at Misiorowski Under 1.5 earned runs as well.
Time: 9:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rockies.TV, Brewers.TV
Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 total bases
After getting off to a sluggish start, Shohei Ohtani has officially returned to his MVP form.
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar leads the majors with a .362 batting average over the last 30 days to go along with a stunning 1.056 OPS.
Ohtani has smacked Over 1.5 total bases in six of his last eight games and is poised to pad his stats tonight against the rival Los Angeles Angels and their brutal pitching staff.
Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz posted a 7.85 ERA and 1.81 WHIP over six starts in May, while his xBA and Hard-Hit% both rank in the Bottom 25th percentile this season.
Kochanowicz throws his sinker nearly 40% of the time — a pitch that Ohtani is hitting .313 against when facing righties. He’ll be backed up by the worst bullpen in the majors, which sports a 5.14 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.
I’d play this prop to -130. You could also look at the extra-base hit market, where Ohtani’s getting pretty juicy odds.
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ABTV, SportsNet LA
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 1-4, -3.1 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.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 13: The Baltimore Orioles mascot performs before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 13, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Tides gave up three runs in the first inning and it was basically over from there. At least starter Trace Bright nearly threw a quality start despite that first-inning run outburst, holding the Stripers scoreless for the rest of his 5.2-inning performance. But two runs apiece off Cameron Weston and Josh Walker put the game out of reach.
Norfolk’s offense was a no-show. They managed only four hits, though two of them were solo homers by Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Luis Vázquez. Tides hitters struck out nine times and walked only once, and they had only a single at-bat all game with a runner in scoring position. Heston Kjerstad and Creed Willems each went 1-for-4.
Um…ouch. You didn’t misread that score. The Baysox really did lose 19-3. They were down 10-1 by the third inning, then gave up eight runs in the ninth inning. Before delving into the box score, I assumed that all those ninth-inning runs came against a position player on the mound, but sadly, no. It was an actual pitcher, Daniel Lloyd, who gave them all up, including a grand slam and a two-run homer. His ERA rose from 4.63 to 7.23 in a single outing. He’ll have better nights.
Starting pitcher Luis De León, one of the Orioles’ top pitching prospects, had the worst performance of his professional career. In 2.1 innings, he was torched for 10 (ten!) runs, on nine hits and four walks. Like Lloyd, the outing blew up his season ERA, from 4.89 to 6.80. Meanwhile, Chesapeake’s offense was held in check besides Ethan Anderson’s solo homer and Carter Young’s two-run single, which did little to change the final result.
High-A: Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees) 14, Frederick Keys 13
What a humdinger this one was. The Keys, one night after getting held hitless through six innings, certainly found their bats again with a 13-run explosion. They scored seven runs in the fifth inning alone and at one point led this game 10-3. But the Renegades responded with a seven-run frame of their own in the eighth to steal the game away.
Let’s start with the positive stuff. Nearly every Keys hitter did something good, sparked by rehabbing leadoff man Enrique Bradfield Jr., who reached base three times, scored three runs, drove in two, and stole a base. Unheralded hitters like Douglas Hodo (4-for-5 with a homer) and Colin Yeaman (3-for-5, two RBIs) had big days. Top prospects Wehiwa Aloy and Ike Irish went just 1-for-9 combined, but Aloy drove in three runs and Irish one. The Keys went 7-for-22 with runners in scoring position.
Now for the bad news, which was, obviously, the pitching. Four of Frederick’s five pitchers gave up at least three runs, including starter Caden Hunter. The quintet issued nine walks in the game. Reliever Raimon Gomez particularly struggled, giving up five runs in less than an inning, while Jacob Cravey took the loss by allowing the last three.
Low-A: Delmarva Shorebirds 6, Augusta GreenJackets (Braves) 0
Thank goodness for the Shorebirds, who kept the O’s affiliates from being swept on this day. It was a whale of a performance from Delmarva’s pitching staff, led by left-hander Stephen Still, a recent free agent signing out of independent ball. Still worked 5.2 scoreless innings and struck out nine. Relievers Brendan Parks, Eccel Correa, and Zac Lampton combined to complete the shutout.
This was a 0-0 game into the late innings before the Shorebirds erupted for three runs in the seventh and three more in the ninth. First baseman Miguel Rodríguez broke the scoreless tie with a two-run single, and later Braylon Whitaker contributed a two-run knock of his own. Jaiden Lo Re, a fifth-round pick last year, hit his first Low-A home run, off of a guy named Landon Beidelschies. I can’t decide which of those names is more fun.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Christian Scott #45 of the New York Mets prepares to pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park on June 05, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets shut out the Padres 5-0 behind a strong performance from Christian Scott, who earned his second major league victory. Jared Young and Luis Torrens both homered for the Mets and Bo Bichette contributed a key RBI triple in the third. The Mets’ bullpen was solid yet again with Huascar Brazobán helping Scott navigate out of trouble in the sixth and Luke Weaver and A.J. Minter logging a scoreless inning apiece.
A four-hit night from Kyle Schwarber powered the Phillies to an 8-6 victory over the White Sox, as the Phillies find themselves in playoff position for the first time since April 7.
Despite the Phillies’ incredible turnaround since Don Mattingly took over as manager, Mattingly still has mixed feelings due to the reason he is in his current position to begin with.
Over at The Good Phight, they opined that the Phillies may need to change up their lineup again to kickstart the struggling offense.
Mauricio Dubón drove in three of the Braves’ six runs in their 6-3 win over the Pirates at Truist Park.
Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach is throwing on flat ground but still has “a long way to go” in his recovery timeline.
The Nationals’ high-octane offense was at it again as they walloped the Diamondbacks 14-1.
Nationals lefty DJ Herz, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, made his first rehab appearance yesterday in the Florida Complex League.
The Marlins were blanked by Drew Rasmussen and the Rays 5-0 in Miami.
Marlins top pitching prospect Thomas White has been diagnosed with a capsular sprain in his throwing shoulder and may miss the rest of the 2026 season.
MLB owners are framing the salary cap as a way to end local TV blackouts, as their proposal to the union involves eliminating the territory system that defines the current media landscape in baseball.
Ginny Searle of Baseball Prospectus took a look at the current playoff odds picture and how it has changed from Opening Day. Not surprisingly, the Mets’ playoff odds have dropped the most of any team.
Michael Baumann of Fangraphs wrote about the Gerrit Cole contract now that there are just two and a half years remaining on his pact with the Yankees.
SEA vs 
DET
PIT vs 
ATL
TB vs 
MIA
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- NRFI
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- YRFI
COVERS INTEL:
Jeremy Pena
Jacob Misiorowski
Shohei Ohtani
