NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07: Trent Grisham #12 of the New York Yankees hits a three run RBI double during the game against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium on May 7, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, LSB.
The Rangers lost to the Yankees yesterday, 9-2.
Evan Grant writes about the slim margin of error the Rangers have to work with in order to get a win these days.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: A detailed view of the jacket worn by Cleveland Guardians third-base coach Rouglas Odor during the team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field on April 29, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians somehow managed a split in Kansas City and now they return home to play the Twins. Finally, some sweet AL Central action.
Here’s our recap of yesterday’s 8-5 win over the Royals. Tim Stebbins reports that Slade Cecconi felt like his off-speed was the key for a better performance. He still gave up six hits and three walks, so I’m going to hold on to some skepticism, but I love Slade, so I hope it’s real.
I did a Disgusting Baseball Podcast with Mike Mahoney where we talked through six wins and six losses for the 2026 Guardians who look mostly like a .500 team so far.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 07: JJ Wetherholt #26 of the St. Louis Cardinals tags out Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres as he attempted to steal second base during the seventh inning of a game at Petco Park on May 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Pardes starting pitcher Michael King deserved better than what he got. The right-hander has returned to form as the ace of the staff, especially with Nick Pivetta, Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove, on the injured list and he delivered a six-inning performance allowing one run on one hit before he was removed from the game after 86 pitches. When King walked off the mound, the game was tied, 1-1 but the Padres allowed another run to the St. Louis Cardinals in the top of the seventh inning and lost the game, 2-1 to open a four-game set at Petco Park.
King’s one hit allowed was a solo home run off the bat of Alec Burleson in the top of the fourth inning, which tied the game at 1-1. King was dominant throughout the game and looked to be in control recording six strikeouts, while allowing two walks. Bradgley Rodriguez took the mound for King in the top of the seventh inning and allowed a leadoff double to Jordan Walker. He struck out Nolan Gorman, but then allowed a triple to Masyn Winn, which gave St. Louis a 2-1 lead. To his credit, Rodriguez stranded Winn at third base, getting the next two batters to strikeout and groundout to end the inning.
San Diego got on the board in the bottom of the first inning with a check swing flyball off the bat of Xander Bogaerts that sailed over the infield and dropped into right field for a single that allowed Manny Machado to score to give the Padres a 1-0 lead. The San Diego offense could not get anything going after that, scratching out just four hits against St. Louis pitching. Two of those hits came from Fernando Tatis Jr. who opened the bottom of the seventh inning with a single to right field. Tatis Jr. then stole second base, or so it appeared, but he was called out. The play went to review, but the call was upheld although it was clear his right foot contacted the base prior to him being tagged. There was no way to know at the time, but Tatis Jr. would be the last Padres batter to reach base in the game.
San Diego will continue searching for offensive consistency today against St. Louis at 6:45 p.m.
Jase Bowen impressed in Spring Training and he continues to do so in El Paso as the outfielder slugged his eighth home run of the season for the Chihuahuas.
The New York Yankees are reportedly calling up outfielder Spencer Jones to replace Jasson Dominguez who was injured when he hit the wall in their 9-2 win over the Texas Rangers.
The Philadelphia 76ers aren’t sweating a 0-2 hole against the New York Knicks as their Round 2 series swings to Philly on Friday night.
The Sixers rallied in Round 1, and my Knicks vs. 76ers props believe they could face a very different New York roster, considering the injury report for the Knicks.
I sort through the individual odds for Game 3, giving my best NBA picks and prop predictions for May 8, featuring V.J. Edgecombe.
Best Knicks vs 76ers props for Game 3
Player
Pick
V.J. Edgecombe
Over 13.5 points
-110
Paul George
Over 2.5 threes
-112
Jalen Brunson
Over 6.5 assists
-105
Game 3 Prop #1: V.J. Edgecombe Over 13.5 points
-110 at bet365
Philadelphia 76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe’s usage didn’t shift too far between Game 1 and Game 2. The Sixers’ stylistic approach in the last outing, however, was more Edgecombe’s speed and he finished with 17 points.
Philadelphia played with pace and tried to avoid getting stuck in halfcourt sets against the New York Knicks. The 76ers will try to do that again in Game 3 but against a banged-up New York defense. As of this writing Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are listed as questionable.
Hart has been Edgecombe’s primary defender in the two games with New York, but those injuries may force a shakeup in the Knicks’ rotation, pulling smaller players off the bench to guard the 6-foot-4 shooting guard.
Edgecombe’s scoring prop was at 15.5 O/U in Game 2 with Joel Embiid sidelined but with the big man trending toward playing in Game 3, his total is down to as low as 12.5 at some books.
Projections are very positive for Edgecombe, even with Embiid in, with only one model coming up short of 14 points. His ceiling sits at 15.5 and my number is at 14.3 points in Game 3.
Game 3 Prop #2: Paul George Over 2.5 threes
-112 at bet365
Paul George has been the Sixers' most consistent score in the postseason, anchoring in his action from 3-point land.
The veteran small forward is shooting 52.5% from distance in the playoffs, including a collective 9 for 19 from deep in this series. With Embiid out in Game 2, he launched up 13 3-pointers (hitting five) after starting the first quarter on a tear from outside.
With Embiid in tonight, the Knicks defense will get compressed, creating more room on the outside for PG. With him out, George gets increased touches and more FGAs. He’s knocked down three or more triples in seven straight outings, going back to Game 3 with Boston.
Forecasts for George sit between 2.0 and 3.0 makes from downtown, with most models leaning toward three 3-pointers on Friday night.
Game 3 Prop #3: Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 assists
-105 at bet365
If you read my breakdown of Game 3, you’ll see I’m fading Jalen Brunson when it comes to his scoring prop. This bet on the Over for his assists goes hand-in-hand.
The 76ers did a great job defending Brunson in Game 2, using longer defenders like Kelly Oubre and Edgecombe to get a hand in his face. Brunson was able to get inside for easier looks and drew fouls, scoring from the free-throw line.
But with Embiid back patrolling the paint and those longer arms on the perimeter, he’s going to have to create for his teammates. What’s more, injuries to Hart and Anunoby force New York to dig into the reserves, with a lack of scoring threats off the pine. That offers Philadelphia more opportunities to double Bruson with less risk of getting burned.
Brunson’s scoring has put his playmaking on the backburn in those first two games, finishing with three and six dimes. He wrapped Round 1 with an average of 6.2 assists but did dish out seven or more helpers in four of those six games.
Tonight’s player models point toward seven assists, with a ceiling of 7.5. My projection comes out to 7.2 dimes from Brunson on Friday.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
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.
It was a welcome winning day on the dinger market yesterday, and I’m asking the four-bag gods for some Friday home run luck and a little more love from the MLB player props.
I don’t think bettors put enough value into attacking bad bullpens, especially when paired with short-leashed starters, and that’s the approach I’m taking today.
See why Adley Rutschman is featured in my favorite home run props for Friday, May 8.
UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Sal Stewart
+420
Brent Rooker
+475
Adley Rutschman
+575
💲Today's HR parlay
+15932
Home run pick: Sal Stewart (+420)
This is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair. The wind is blowing out at Great American Ball Park, both bullpens have ERAs north of 7.00 over the last two weeks, and neither starter is likely to go deep.
The Cincinnati Reds should be able to hit around Mike Burrows, who owns a Bottom-30 HR/FB rate among MLB starters. There aren’t many great prices on the board, but getting Sal Stewart at +380 or better projects as +EV.
He homered yesterday at Wrigley, is up to 10 on the season, and the bat-tracking numbers are strong. Nothing elite, but his fast swing percentage, square-up percentage, and ideal attack angle all grade out positively.
Cincinnati will also get a crack at a Houston Astros bullpen that owns the second-worst HR/9 among MLB relief corps over the last week.
The Reds have the worst mark themselves. This game could turn into a shootout.
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Reds.TV, Space City Home Network
Home run pick: Brent Rooker (+475)
Someone finally blew the dust off Brent Rooker this month. Entering May, he was slugging just .288, but he’s found his swing with a .600 SLG over his last six games while hitting .320 with two home runs.
It comes at the perfect time for bettors because his +475 price to go deep is too long in a matchup against Kyle Bradish, who has been prone to the long ball and rarely works deep into games. That should force Baltimore to lean on a bullpen that owns the fourth-worst ERA over the last two weeks while also logging the second-most innings during that stretch.
Rooker’s fair price today is around +410, and it’s tough to find an Athletics bat above +380 that’s worth backing on this Friday slate.
He may be the player who has sold me the most over the last two seasons, but the streaky slugger is a buy right now, and both the matchup and setting work in his favor.
Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, NBCSCA
Home run pick: Adley Rutschman (+575)
It’s a good time to buy into Adley Rutschman. He’s been on a tear lately with a .985 OPS since returning to the lineup 12 games ago, and he owns a 1.285 OPS at home during that stretch with four home runs.
Jacob Lopez is firmly on the fade list after making his first start following a bullpen move and allowing six runs and two home runs over 96 pitches against a light-hitting Cleveland lineup. Right-handed hitters have been punishing him, and Rutschman has done a lot of his damage batting right-handed this season.
It’s also an Athletics bullpen that ranks in the bottom five in baseball in HR/9 and lacks a defined closer. This sets up as a strong game environment for runs, and while I do want Pete Alonso exposure, I’m not paying +350 when a red-hot, matchup-friendly Rutschman is sitting at +575.
Time: 7:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, NBCSCA
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 11-63,-6.89 units
Today’s HR parlay
Sal Stewart
Bet Now +15932
Brent Rooker
Adley Rutschman
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.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Staring down the possibility of a 3-0 series deficit, the 76ers return home to South Philadelphia to host the New York Knicks for Games 3 and 4 of their second-round playoff series.
The Sixers trail the Knicks 2-0 in the series thus far after dropping the first two games at Madison Square Garden. Game 1 was an absolute blowout at the hands of New York, but Game 2 offered up a much more competitive contest. The issue for Philadelphia in the end of that one was simply being outlasted by New York’s deeper squad, with the Knicks finally pulling ahead in the final minutes of the game. By that point, no one for the Sixers could make any shot, Tyrese Maxey looked absolutely exhausted (having played almost every minute of the game) and the Knicks pounced to take full advantage, snagging the 108-102 win.
Now, things shift to Xfinity Mobile Arena for Games 3 and 4 this weekend. First up is Game 3 on Friday night.
There are some major names on the injury report as of Friday morning. For the Sixers, Joel Embiid is questionable for Game 3 with injuries to his right ankle and his hip, the same ailments that caused him to miss Game 2. As is frequently the case with him, I wouldn’t be surprised if we aren’t sure if Embiid will play until much closer to tipoff.
The Knicks have a few big question marks as well for Friday, with OG Anunoby questionable due to a right hamstring strain. Anunoby subbed out of Game 2 with 2:31 left to play after clearly struggling with the discomfort, limping significantly for moments before. ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the hamstring strain diagnosis on Thursday, noting that the forward is considered day-to-day. No OG would be a massive loss for the Knicks, with Anunoby playing some of his best basketball as of late. He is the second-leading scorer for New York this postseason, notching 21.4 points per game and been shooting 64% from the field against the Sixers in this series.
The other uncertainties for the Knicks are Josh Hart, questionable with a left thumb sprain picked up in the second half of Wednesday’s contest, and Mitchell Robinson, probable to return for Game 3 after missing the last game due to illness.
Regardless of whether or not Embiid plays, the Sixers are susceptible to falling to the same issues that plagued them (and ultimately made the difference) in Game 2. Especially if Embiid is out, the team relies so heavily on Tyrese Maxey to be the offensive force, to the degree that Nick Nurse doesn’t feel comfortable subbing him out for even a minute. Maxey played 46:48 of 48 possible minutes on Wednesday, and he looked (understandably) completely wiped as things drew to a close. After playing nearly every minute of the first half, he played the entirety of the second half, posting just seven points on 3-for-9 field goal, 0-for-3 long range shooting with three turnovers in those 24 minutes. He was a sloppy shell of himself by the end of that.
Again, it’s hard to really fully blame Maxey himself… who wouldn’t be completely gassed by then? This is the difference between the Sixers and some of the other teams in the playoffs: depth. Nurse clearly does not have faith in the bench to put up points or sustain any high level of play even in small stints just to get his starters some rest. It’s a fair assessment too, since the bench has been lackluster at best throughout the postseason minus a few decent individual performances here and there — but it means having a team that can be run into the ground throughout a game and simply outlasted once the fatigue sets in.
That “glut of guards” would sure come in handy right now, huh?
But I digress. The last contest showed that the Sixers absolutely have a chance to steal a win away from this Knicks squad — they damn near did it in Game 2. But to get across the finish line into the W column this series, it feels like it’s really going to take someone off the bench stepping up in a way that allows Nurse to let his starters at least catch their breath. Otherwise, even if they compete their asses off, they run the risk of having the exact same result as Wednesday: a valiant battle that completely sputters out at the end due to fatigue.
There’s no time like the present, too, if you’re Philly. Friday is an absolutely pivotal contest: a 2-1 series deficit feels a whole lot different than 3-0. One obviously hopes Embiid is good to go to give the team that boost, but it’s going to take a number of stars to align to keep this series… well, a series.
Game 3 tips off from South Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET.
Game Details
When: Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Watch: Prime Video Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) keeps the ball from San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet (7) and guard Stephon Castle (5) in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
My discussion with Thilo Widder from Canis Hoopus continues as the series shifts from San Antonio to Minneapolis all tied up at 1-1. Before Game 1, we discussed how the Spurs would need to be prepared for the Timberwolves’ size advantage. Then, after a last second loss in which the Spurs got little offensive help from their their stars, we discussed what needed to change to get them going again. Now, after a blowout Spurs win in Game 2, we review what the Spurs did to create such an amazing turnaround and what adjustments the Wolves must make to get themselves back on track.
Thilo Widder
Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have called the last frat “slightly braggadocious” but alas, when else am I going to be able to use that word?
That was certainly a game. Not a good one, but it was certainly one. The Wolves guards imploded under the weight of a Stephon Castle without foul trouble while Jaden McDaniels unfortunately found himself on the wrong side of Scott Foster.
The Wolves continue to be one of the least consistent teams in the league, but a 16-7 (Spurs) run was enough of a run to build a 25-point lead that just got worse and worse. That run was the least of the numerous problems Minnesota had, as their guards shot 10/36 on the game.
Ayo Dosumnu, who I highlighted as a swing player, had only a block and a steal in 10 minutes of playtime before getting injured again. Bones Hyland continues to play very badly. Anthony Edwards is still so clearly hobbled.
If that was a representation of the rest of the series, that would suck (for me as a fan at least, I’m sure you’d disagree). Fortunately for us as content creators and fans of good basketball, it probably won’t be.
On that note though, I’m curious what the biggest changes you saw and if they are sustainable. Obviously, DeAaron Fox and Victor Wembenyama played better, but that was always to be expected. What turned this from a neck and neck Game 1 to a blowout of that scale in Game 2?
J.R. Wilco
One of the reasons we watch sports is to see something that we don’t expect. And nothing fulfills that purpose less than a blowout. I had an absolute blast watching Game 1, and even though the evening ended poorly for me, I have good memories of that tightly contested game that felt like each play mattered.
In the regular season, when the other team goes on a run, you tell yourself that there’s plenty of time in the game and your team can definitely make it back. But in a game like we saw on Monday, even a seven point lead seems daunting. Both teams dialed-in to that extent is one of the joys of being a fan. Nothing else quite touches it.
Of course, another joy of being a fan is watching your team absolutely pummel a squad that they’ve recently lost to, and so I’m not gonna lie: Wednesday night was fun too. Just a different kind of fun. Fox was slithering through the lane. Wembanyama was flying all over the court — I mean that literally and not just vertically, because I saw a still shot taken at the beginning of the play he got his rebound dunk on, and Victor isn’t even on the screen when Julian Champagnie starts his shooting motion. And the screen covered all the way to mid court! Julian and Devin Vassell pulled off one of the most rare plays in basketball, the alley-oop three-pointer. I’m still geeking out about it.
I’m also geeking out about the chess match Johnson and Fitch are engaged in. Here are the things that I think are responsible for the way the Spurs ran the table.
They turned Edwards and Julius Randle into passers by doubling and trapping, much like OKC did in last year’s WCF. When the Wolves doubled back on all of the talk about how Wemby would have to keep blocking every shot they took, he recognized that they weren’t coming at him and stayed down so he could just challenge and rebound instead of trying to go after every attempt. That kept Minnesota’s possessions mostly one and done. Third, San Antonio committed to running at every opportunity, especially after scores. They just had so many buckets early in the shot clock and Minny looked unprepared for those quick strikes.
Those are the things Finch needs to respond to. What do you see happening in Game 3?
Thilo
God, hard to say. The Wolves of yesteryear (or yesteryesteryear, I forget) were absolutely incapable of stopping the fast break, or any team with pace in general. I don’t doubt that this is a return to that form.
The Wolves are built first and foremost on turning defense into offense, not in the typical sense but by wearing out their opponents with their defense until Minnesota faces no pushback on the other end.
It is, by and large, a war of attrition.
However, for that to work, you cannot allow any easy points. 29 fast break points is far too much. Hell, 15 is probably too much for the “beat them with hammers” approach to work.
I think part of that problem will fix itself with Ayo and Ant getting healthier – more bodies back typically means less opportunities on the break – but I think the solution is in committing to one of two extremes
The Wolves of the past, the ones that would bleed points in transition, were violently pursuant of offensive rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns would crash the glass. Rudy Gobert would crash the glass. Jaden McDaniels would crash the glass. There were even possessions where Minnesota would leave Michael Conley Jr. as the only man back in pursuit of those ever alluring extra possessions.
Now, would I suggest doing that against the eight foot demigod and his trusty sidekick, possibly the fastest player in the league? No, probably not. That would be dumb and obscenely risky and I simply would not have the heart to bring that up in fear of being yelled at like an old school scout on the set of Moneyball.
But it is an option.
The other, more likely option is far less fun. Instead of going all in on extra possessions, you do the opposite. You abandon the offensive glass as much as you can. A five-on-four break is infinitely easier to defend than a two-on-one or three-on-one alternative. Rudy Gobert becomes your only offensive rebounder. Julius Randle commits to getting back after his mid-range shots.
This sucks though. And more importantly, it doesn’t fix the turnover problem. Quite simply, this is also a part of who the Wolves are. They’re not 22 per game bad, but they tend to play fast and loose with the ball far too often.
Ultimately, I think Chris Finch will try incredibly hard to make this series be played in the half court entirely. That could mean a lot of conservative calls. Rebounding is the start of that, but I think Mike Conley probably gets more run, simply because he’s not as prone to bad choices as TJ Shannon or Bones Hyland.
To follow that up, I think Bones has lost his spot in the playoff rotation of this series. While the Thunder of last year absolutely broke Julius Randle with ball pressure and pass-forcing, the Spurs are breaking Bones by simply letting him overdribble.
That may not be a full answer, but it’s certainly a start: play slower, be more boring, keep going to the rim, and, Jaden: stop fouling.
To that point, it feels like the underspoken most important data point of this series will be who can foul out the opposing team’s perimeter stopper first. McDaniels and Castle are so hugely important in these next three to five games that it feels like losing either loses the game.
How did the Spurs play without Castle during the regular season? Is there a backup plan if he’s sitting like he was in Game 1? How do the Wolves attack him without burning through their usable possessions?
(God, Donte would be eating the Spurs drop coverage alive right now. Truly a crushing loss. Fly high, Big Ragu.)
J.R.
There was a point when one of the main fears I had about the T-wolves was how they could keep DiVincenzo from going off for an entire series. Talk about a man who can’t be left alone at the arc! I’ve been an admirer of Donte’s for a while now. All the best to him, and a quick recovery. Now to your questions.
San Antonio was 11-3 without Castle this year, but that was the regular season and we know that the playoffs are a different animal. But one of the accidental benefits of the Spurs’ bottoming out wasn’t just the timing, it was the repetition. Trading for Fox and then lucking into the second pick last draft means that we have a three-headed guard lineup, which is an incredible crutch to lean on when any of them have to take a breather, need a night off … or happen to foul out.
We love our Castle, no doubt, but I know a number of Spurs fans who swear that Harper will be even better than Steph. Yeah, the fact that backup plan is a rookie point guard would usually terrify me, but Harper isn’t your typical rookie, and while he’s not yet the defender that Castle is, Dylan shoots a higher percentage, is impossibly smooth around the basket, and takes better care of the ball. As much as Steph’s defense is missed when he’s not on the floor, the team plays quite well without him.
If the rest of this series turns into a battle of defensive aces struggling against foul trouble, that’ll be a shame. We already have too much talk about the timing and the frequency of the whistles in the rest of the matchups for that mess to invade ours too. But it’s 2026 after all, what else should we expect if not some top-tier controversy? Hopefully, we’re spared that, and Friday night’s game is another competitive and enjoyable contest.
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 07: Gus Varland #47 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Like so many of these Nats relievers, Gus Varland has bounced around a lot in his career, and is no stranger to the waiver wire. However, it really feels like the 29 year old has finally found a home in the back of the Nats bullpen. He has become the Nats closer, and has become a trustworthy presence in that role.
When Blake Butera needs big outs at the end of games, Varland is the man he turns to. That is what he did yesterday against the Twins. He called on Varland to get four big outs against his home town team. After allowing a single to Byron Buxton in the 8th, Varland blew away the next four batters he faced, getting his 4th save of the season.
Gus Varland gets his 4th Save of the season as the Nationals win the series and push towards a .500 record
— Baseball Unstitched (@BaseUnstitched) May 7, 2026
In a game where expanding arsenals are becoming all the rage, even for relievers, Varland keeps things simple. He throws a mid-90’s fastball with a lot of carry at the top of the zone and a high 80’s bullet slider that plays well off the heater. Varland throws each pitch about half of the time, and dares hitters to beat him.
Both of Varland’s pitches are good, but neither is a truly elite pitch. That means the right hander has to execute and control his arsenal. Varland absolutely fills up the zone, which can be rare to see from a reliever. He is only walking 1.84 batters per 9 innings, an elite number. Lately, he just has not been walking anyone at all. The last time Gus Varland issued a walk was on April 14th.
Varland can be hittable at times, with a .276 batting average against. However, as long as those hits are staying in the ballpark, it is not a big deal. You know Varland will not beat himself with walks, so allowing a couple hits here and there is not the end of the world.
Right now, Gus Varland has a 3.07 ERA and an even lower FIP at 2.46. Even when Clayton Beeter comes back, it is clear that Varland should be the main man in the bullpen. While Beeter’s fastball/slider mix is nastier, his control is nowhere near as good as Varland’s. Gus Varland has become the first Nats reliever of the year where you don’t have to hold your breath at all times when he is pitching.
Pitching is a family affair for the Varland’s. If you have been following baseball this year, you would know that 2026 has been the year of the Varland family. While Gus has been a big asset in the Nats bullpen, he is not even the best reliever in his own family. His brother Louis has been one of the best relievers in baseball for the Blue Jays this season.
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) May 6, 2026
Louis is like a turbo charged version of his brother. His fastball is harder, he has a deeper mix, but still has good control. The rise of the Varland brothers is almost unfathomable. Both went to Concordia University in Minnesota and were picked in the 14th and 15th rounds respectively. Now, both brothers are closers and have been two of the better relievers in the sport.
It was not meant to be like this for the Varland’s. Both making the big leagues, let alone being good big leaguers was against the odds, but here we are. The kids from Minnesota are kicking ass and taking names right now.
I remember talking to Gus, and he was telling me about what a privilege it is to pitch in the big leagues. After some rough outings in Spring Training, Varland worked on the mental side of the game, and it really seems like something has clicked for him. He is throwing the ball the best he has in his career.
Gus Varland has had to work for everything he has gotten. This is a 14th round pick who has been DFA’d four times in his career. That hard work looks like it is finally paying off in a big way. After mowing down the Twins yesterday, fans of his hometown team were upset that they did not give the local kid a shot. Like the rest of the league, they had many chances to claim Varland, but decided not to.
Gus Varland has been DFA'd four different times and not once did the Twins care to grab the St. Paul product.
While this is the best he has pitched, this is not the first time Gus Varland has had success in the big leagues. Back in 2024, Varland posted a 3.42 ERA and 3.13 FIP in 26 outings with the Dodgers and White Sox. However, just as he was gathering momentum, he was hit with the injury bug in 2025. He only pitched in 8 games, none of them in the big leagues.
Like a lot of pitchers these days, Varland has dealt with a lot of injuries. He told me that he has had four surgeries in his career, but now he is healthy again. As he has shown in his past couple stints at the MLB level, a healthy Gus Varland is an effective big league pitcher.
Paul Toboni made a lot of bets on the waiver wire this offseason, and Varland was one of them. Not all of the moves have worked out, but there have been some hits. Those moves are a big reason why the Nats bullpen has improved so far this season. Guys like Varland, Richard Lovelady and Paxton Schultz have been reliable pieces for this bullpen. The other two have not been as good as Varland, but they have been solid, and that is exactly what the Nats need.
When building a bullpen, you do not need to splash the cash. Sure, a couple free agent additions can be helpful, but you can build a good bullpen with lesser known guys. Instead of paying stale veterans like Lucas Sims and Jorge Lopez, Paul Toboni has built the bullpen a different way. He is trying to find undervalued talent and cycle through guys until he finds the right mix. Gus Varland has been the biggest success story so far.
On this day five years ago, Yasmani Grandal joined Babe Ruth in the AL record book. | (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
1912 Pitching most of his career in the dead-ball era, it’s no shock that all-time hurling great Walter Johnson allowed just 97 home runs over his 802 career games and 5,914 1⁄3 innings. But you might be startled to know that in a 7-6 loss to the White Sox, Johnson surrendered two home runs (2.1% of his career home runs allowed) — and they were the only homers he allowed all season!
White Sox third baseman Harry Lord and center fielder Ping Bodie victimized The Big Train in this one.
Because game accounts and box scores from more than a century ago are incomplete, and Washington committed one error in the game, there is no earned run count in the game record for Johnson, who entered action having surrendered just one in the three prior starts with full stats available from 1912. But box score logic dictates that the White Sox slapped at least five earned runs on Johnson in this game, which almost assuredly would place this as one of the worst efforts of his career.
The win powered the White Sox to their 16th win in 21 tries to start the season, and the third win in an eight-game winning streak, as they sat atop the AL by 3 1⁄2 games over second-place Boston. The White Sox pushed their record to a gaudy 21-5 and their league lead to as many as 5 1⁄2 games before tumbling down to an eventual fourth place, 28 games out, at 78-76-4.
1966 New White Sox manager Eddie Stanky gave a real indication that the season was not going to be like any other, and that he was a lot different from former skipper Al Lopez.
On this date, the Sox dropped a 3-1, 11-inning game to the Tigers. Stanky was asked by reporter Watson Spoelstra of the Detroit News what pitch Bob Locker threw to Detroit’s Gates Brown in a key situation (Brown stung a two-run double in the 11th inning off of the pitch.) Stanky, who was preparing to change into his street clothes, went temporarily crazy. He launched an abusive tirade at Spoelstra, while ripping his jersey to shreds. Then he took off his spikes, and threw them crashing against the wall!
1967 White Sox outfielder Ken Berry was part of the cover shot for Sports Illustrated for a story describing “The Tangled American League” race.
1995 Among 16,485 fans who saw a 4-2 White Sox win over the Minnesota Twins, one was the 10 millionth fan to cross the turnstiles at the new White Sox Park.
2021 How do you hit .000 in a game and match Babe Ruth in the record books? If you’re White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal, you walk four times in a 9-1 win over the Royals in Kansas City. That gave him 13 walks in four games, tying an American League record first set by Ruth in 1930. If you add in the National League, Bryce Harper (2016) is the only other player to accomplish this feat.
If you have been watching the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Playoffs over the last few weeks, chances are you have seen some familiar faces sitting in the stands and courtside. On top of the countless other celebrities attending Pistons games, there have been several members of the Detroit Lions, too.
We have seen quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams all in attendance, a trend I would expect to continue for as long as the Pistons continue their playoff run. Side note—it really is cool how the Detroit sports teams support one another, proving yet again that Detroit is an S-tier sports town.
With all of that said, seeing so many of the Lions players in posts like this one from the NBA Twitter account, it got me thinking—who is the biggest star on the Lions right now? And because the term star can be interpreted in a multitude of ways, let’s make the parameters for this discussion as who is the biggest household name? As in, who would a casual NFL fan living in a different state recognize on the Lions?
My answer: I am going with Jahmyr Gibbs. On the field, Gibbs has quickly cemented himself as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the entire league, and someone that puts fear in the hearts of defensive coaches everywhere. And off of the field he has inked deals with globally known brands such as Jordan and Sony.
What about you? Who do you think is the biggest name on the Lions? Let us know in the comments below.
Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Diamondbacks play a three-game series in Arizona starting on Friday.
5 things to watch
Mets showing signs of life
The Mets have won four of six games on their current road trip, taking two of three from both the Los Angeles Angels and the Colorado Rockies. In truth, they could have and maybe should have won all six games against two bad teams, but after their disastrous April, they’re at least playing a little better in May.
Yet as of Friday, they still are tied with the San Francisco Giants for the worst record in baseball at 14-23, but the Mets have a chance to do more damage on the final leg of this nine-game trip against an Arizona Diamondbacks team that has lost six of its last seven games to fall to 17-19, mainly because of poor pitching, especially from their starters.
A chance to beat up on bad pitching
The Diamondbacks rank 26th in the majors in ERA at 4.78, and their starters are worse, ranking 28th with a 5.09 ERA. And that’s despite Eduardo Rodriguez having an All-Star season so far, pitching to a 2.50 ERA in seven starts covering 39.1 innings.
Unfortunately for the Mets, Rodriguez, who pitched a strong game at Citi Field to beat New York in April, is lined up to pitch the Sunday finale of this series. But there’s no excuse for the offense not to make some noise in the first two games, against Ryne Nelson (1-3, 6.61 ERA) and Merrill Kelly (1-3, 9.95 ERA).
Can Nolan McLean's dazzling stuff produce a win?
With a record of 1-2, McLean hasn’t earned a win in over a month, going back to April 3 against the Giants. Obviously, some of that is due to a lack of run support, but as dominant as he looked in most of his starts, McLean also has had some trouble getting through the fifth and sixth innings, facing a lineup for a third time.
He goes into Friday night’s start coming off perhaps his worst outing of the season, as he was pulled after only four innings, giving up three runs on six hits and a walk. Overall, though, McLean has been very good, holding opposing hitters to a .184 batting average while pitching to a 2.97 ERA.
May 2, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean (26) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Carson Benge figuring it out?
Benge has provided a spark for the Mets on this road trip, playing some brilliant outfield defense while coming to life with the bat. With five hits in his last four games, including a home run and a double, as well as three walks, the rookie has raised his batting average to .208 while having much better at-bats overall than he did in his first month in the big leagues.
Benge actually has been making significant progress for a few weeks, going back to March 22 when he was hitting just .136 and looking overmatched. The Mets desperately need him to blossom into the impact hitter they envisioned, and the sooner the better.
Ildemaro Vargas
One of the surprise stories of the season so far is Vargas, a journeyman infielder who is off to the start of his life, leading the majors with a .360 batting average to go with a .995 OPS while playing first base for the Diamondbacks. Vargas actually has cooled off slightly in the last few days, after his 27-game hitting streak, extending back to late last season, ended last Saturday. He was hitting .404 until then.
His early-season success is remarkable considering the 34-year-old Vargas has never been able to earn regular playing time in his 10-year career, during which he has been designated for assignment seven times while playing for five different teams.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Juan Soto
It’s not the boldest prediction, and Soto cooled off against the Rockies, but in this lineup, he has to hit for the Mets to win the series. Thus, the pick.
Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?
Clay Holmes
At 1.69, Holmes has the second-best ERA in MLB among qualified starters, behind only Shohei Ohtani. He hasn’t allowed more than two runs in any of his seven starts this season.
Which D-Backs player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?
Ildemaro Vargas
How can I pick against the guy who’s leading the majors in hitting with a .360 average?
Between them, they have a total of six MVPs, but the irony is that through the first two games of the series, the two best players on the floor are not the ones deciding the outcome.
It’s everyone else.
While LeBron James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have been great when on the court, the series has shifted when the two stars head to the bench. AP
When James and SGA share the stage, this series tightens.
The numbers reflect that.
If both players played the entire 48 minutes, the games would be an extremely close back-and-forth heavyweight fight. But the moment either superstar heads to the bench, everything tilts.
And someone should call Harry Styles, because right now, it’s tilting in only one direction.
Let’s start with James, because at 41 years old, what he’s doing in the playoffs is downright absurd.
Every minute he’s on the court, he’s in full control. He dictates the pace, manipulates defenders, and is carrying the Lakers offense deep into the postseason without the NBA’s leading scorer in Luka Doncic.
LeBron James has been sensational when he on the court this series, but the Lakers completely fall apart when he sits on the bench. Getty Images
James has played 77% of the available minutes in this series. That’s not a typical workload for a quadragenarian.
When he’s on the floor, the Lakers are competitive. They’re always within striking distance, especially early in the games where they have led.
But within those two-to-three minute breathers he takes each quarter, that is where the series collapses like a house of cards.
In the 22 total minutes that James has not been on the floor, the Lakers are a -18.
If not for a brief second-quarter pulse on Thursday when Austin Reaves led the Lakers on a little run, they would have lost every single stint that James has been on the bench in the series.
“Being undermanned it’s hard. We’re trying our best with the rotations we got,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick admitted.
The truth is that when LeBron sits, the Lakers don’t just struggle — they unravel.
James is doing everything he can to will this series in the Lakers favor, but he’s only one man and needs more help from the rest of the squad. NBAE via Getty Images
But the Thunder have the exact opposite problem.
When SGA sits, the Thunder dominate in his absence.
When SGA left the floor with 10:34 remaining in the third quarter of Game 2, the Lakers were up 66-61. That should have been the window the Lakers needed. With the MVP on the bench, that was the moment they could swing the game and even the series.
Instead, it became the breaking point of the series.
OKC ripped off a 32-14 run the rest of the quarter as SGA sat with four fouls.
“In the non-Shai minutes in the second half we got blitzed. 32-to-14. Seven turnovers. They shot 14 free throws during that stretch,” Redick said. “We’ll look at everything and try and see how we can be better in those minutes.”
Better might not cut it because through two games, OKC is an astonishing +26 when SGA is off the floor.
That’s right, the Thunder are absolutely thumping the Lakers when the soon-to-be back-to-back MVP is not in the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander is widely considered the best basketball player in the world and expected to win the 2026 MVP award. NBAE via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the Lakers are hemorrhaging points the second their star heads to the bench for a breather.
You don’t need advanced analytics to understand that math.
This series has exceeded expectations when the two stars are on the floor. But when they’re not on the floor it reveals what we’ve known all along.
This series wasn’t about James vs. SGA. It was about infrastructure. It was about depth. It was about identity.
And right now, OKC has all three. And the Lakers just have a 41-year-old.
Labeled as the “Free Throw Merchant,” Gilgeous-Alexander has made a living at the free throw line throughout the regular season and postseason. AP
There are other issues plaguing the Lakers as well.
They’re getting outshot from three. They’ve coughed up 37 total turnovers. They’re losing the second-chance points battle 38-17, which is basically like handing over extra possessions like party favors.
Those feel more like symptoms though. The real disease is what happens when James and SGA sit.
The series now shifts back to Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles, beginning Saturday night. NBAE via Getty Images
Through two games, the Lakers have slowed down SGA by throwing doubles, blitzes, hedges, and traps at him. But when he’s gone, they go back to man-to-man defense. The focus and aggression disappears. The communication softens. The physicality dissolves.
“We need to up our physicality,” said Lakers’ guard Luke Kennard. “When Shai is off the floor, we really have to sit down and guard.”
Kennard and Reaves must step up offensively in the James-less minutes, as well.
In the SGA-less minutes, the Lakers need to treat the Thunder’s primary ball-handler as if that’s the reigning MVP. Throw two guys at him and force him into mistakes.
Or, go back to playing the connected, physical defense they played against the Rockets when Kevin Durant missed five games.
Because right now this series isn’t being decided by its two superstars.
It’s being decided by everything that happens when they’re not playing.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
The New York Knicks will attempt to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals when they travel to Philadelphia to battle the 76ers on Friday.
The Knicks used a dominating performance in Game 1 and held on in Game 2, as they attempt to get back to the East finals. But New York, like Philadelphia, has its own injury concerns heading into a crucial Game 3.
The 76ers played Game 2 without Joel Embiid, who is dealing with hip and ankle issues, and the Knicks are awaiting the status of starting forward OG Anunoby.
Anunoby was injured in Game 2 with three minutes left in the 4th quarter after grabbing at his leg during a cut to the basket. He was helped off the floor and didn't return. The team said he has a right hamstring strain and is listed as questionable for Game 3 on Friday.
OG Anunoby stats
Anunoby averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 67 games during the regular season. In the playoffs, he has upped his game, averaging 21.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and almost 2 steals per game, while shooting a blistering 61% from the field.
Our MLB picks for Friday are picking on the Astros, as we love the value on both fading Houston and the total in that game, based on prices from Polymarket.
See why our baseball experts are backing both angles of that game — plus an Under in the South Side of Chicago.
Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $20 trading bonus after you deposit $20 to trade on any other event contracts — including MLB expert picks!
Sign Up Now at img src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/polymarketlogo.png" alt="Polymarket" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
*Eligible locations only
Josh Inglis' expert pick: Astros/Reds Over 9.5
Price: 48¢ (+108) at Polymarket
The wind is blowing out at Great American Ball Park, and this sets up as a battle between two of the worst bullpens in baseball — that are likely to be heavily involved today. The Cincinnati Reds are sending out Nick Lodolo, who is making his first start of the year after throwing just 79 pitches in his last rehab outing (while dealing with a blister). On the other side, for the Houston Astros, starter Mike Burrows has allowed 8+ hits in four of his seven starts, and he's much worse on the road. Late scoring is also a likelihood, with the Reds bullpen carrying a 7.79 ERA over the last 14 days — and also taxed after getting embarrassed in Chicago — and Houston not far behind at 7.44.
Jon Metler's expert pick: Reds moneyline
Price: 57¢ (-133) at Polymarket
Mike Burrows has been struggling to locate his four-seam fastball, which is a dangerous problem heading into a start at Great American Ballpark. In a bigger stadium (like Houston's Daikin Park), those mistakes might turn into harmless fly balls — in Cincinnati, they can quickly become home runs. Burrows has allowed a .341 batting average and a 1.016 OPS against lefty hitters, and four of Cincinnati's first five projected hitters bat from the left side, including switch-hitter Elly De La Cruz, giving the Reds ample opportunity to pressure him early. The market has Cincinnati priced as 57-cent favorite on Polymarket, but I make them closer to 62 cents, which gives me enough value to back the home side.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Mariners/White Sox Under 8.5
Price: 55¢ (-122) at Polymarket
A pair of emerging starters, backed by bullpens in rock-solid form, sets the stage for a low-scoring game in Chicago. Emerson Hancock gets an extra day of rest after striking out 14 in his last outing, and he’s been excellent on the road with a 2.41 ERA. Sean Burke has been equally as sharp at home, posting a 2.66 ERA and allowing zero earned runs in back-to-back starts. Add two offenses ranked 24th or worse in home/road scoring — plus the wind blowing in — and the Under looks like a great way to kick off the weekend.
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.
Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees hit the road to take on the Brewers in a three-game series starting Friday...
Carlos Rodon's season debut
It's been a while, but the Yankees are finally ready to welcome Rodon back to the rotation.
The veteran southpaw is set to start Sunday's series finale after offseason elbow surgery had him missing the start of the regular season. How Rodon pitches in the big leagues after so many months away is unknown, but he had his up and downs in the minors during his rehab assignment.
Across three minor starts, one in High-A, Double-A and Triple-A, Rodon allowed seven runs (six earned) across 16.0 innings pitched while striking out 20 batters. His last start was by far Rodon's worst outing, when he allowed five earned across 6.1 innings pitched.
Should we glean anything from those starts? We'll find out on Sunday.
Spencer Jones' MLB debut
The Yankees placedJasson Dominguez on the IL and called up Jones, one of their top offensive prospects, to the club on Friday.
How manager Aaron Boone plans to use Jones is unknown, but the athletic outfielder can play the field very well and run the bases. The everyday outfield of Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge is pretty set, but Jones could slide in as the DH against right-handers this weekend, which the Yankees will see two of -- more on that later.
The potential for Jones to receive at-bats is there and the Yankees could see what they have. In 33 Triple-A games, Jones smashed 11 home runs and drove in 41 runs to go with seven stolen bases while batting .258.
Going up against the Miz
One of those right-handers is Jacob Misiorowski. The flamethrowing starter will start opposite Max Fried in a blockbuster matchup on Friday night.
Spencer Jones runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning during spring training at Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium / Nathan Ray Seebeck - Imagn Images
The 24-year-old has a 2-2 record with a 2.84 ERA across seven starts this season. Of course, it's his strikeout rate that's eye-popping. He has 59 punchouts across 38.0 innings pitched, including at least eight in five of his seven starts, including in three straight.
Misiorowski had to leave his last start (May 1) after 5.1 innings with cramps, so we'll have to see how he bounces back and if the Yankees can hit him.
Will Ben Rice return to the lineup?
Rice has missed four games since exiting Sunday's game after being hit in the hand with a pitch. The Yankees haven't put the slugging first baseman on the IL, so it seems he's close to returning. But will he finally return to the lineup?
Could the Yankees change course and just put Rice on the IL?
The Yankees are 3-1 in the games Rice has missed, and Paul Goldschmidt has filled in admirably, but New York needs Rice, who is arguably the team's most consistent hitter this season, batting .343 with 12 home runs and 27 RBI.
Will Cody Bellinger stay hot?
While the Yankees wait for word on whether Rice can return to the lineup, the others have picked up the slack, including Bellinger. The outfielder enters the weekend series on a nine-game hitting streak. During that streak (since April 28), he's batting .471/.525/.971 with six runs, seven doubles, two triples, two home runs and 14 RBI.
Bellinger has played 25 games in Milwaukee in his career and has hit .320 with five home runs.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Aaron Judge
Judge already has 15 homers and will continue to show off his power.
Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?
Max Fried
Fried has been great and will solidify his place at the top of the early Cy Young race with another strong start.
Which Brewers player will be a thorn in the Yankees' side?
Jackson Chourio
The talented young outfielder has returned after missing the start of the season with a hand fracture. Entering Friday, he's 6-for-9 with three extra-base hits in the two games since coming back.
V.J. Edgecombe
Jalen Brunson
Sal Stewart
Brent Rooker 
Adley Rutschman
