Jun 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) claps for Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman LuJames Grover (16) after a collision at first base against the Washington Nationals in the seventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
If you’re single by the time you’re 30 in Germany, you’ll have to do chores.
Once an unmarried woman reaches her 30th birthday, they must clean the doorknobs of their best friends’. On the other hand, unmarried 30-year old men will get other cleaning chores. However, there is a way out: you can forego all the cleaning if someone of the opposite sex kisses you.
A giraffe cleans its ears with its tongue.
This is one of our most surprising did you know facts about these tall creatures. A giraffe’s tongue is over a foot and a half long or 21 inches. They also use their tongues to get around thrones and acquire the leaves they want to eat.
Mr. Potato head used to be made of actual potato.
When Mr. Potato Head was first released in 1952, the toy only included eyes, noses, and mouths. For the potato body, kids were expected to provide their own. However, due to the possible safety hazards of the sharp pieces, the plastic body was provided in 1964.
Aug 2, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; GreenJacket outfielder Eric Hartman (17) throws the ball during the Augusta GreenJackets and Carolina Mudcats game at SRP Park. The GreenJackets won the fifth game of the series 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK | Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Saturday’s big story in the Atlanta Braves system seemed like it would be Tate Southisene making his High-A debut after being promoted earlier in the day – but one of his teammates stole the show, as Eric Hartman knocked two home runs and stole a base to continue his impressive run in Rome. Southisene’s High-A debut went about as good as anyone could have hoped for, while Manuel Campos and Jose Manon also had big games, and Hurston Waldrep made his second rehab start.
Austin Gomber got the start and went one out shy of a six inning start, allowing four runs on eight hits and a walk. Gomber also struck out five and picked up 10 whiffs before Anderson Pilar came in to get the final out of the sixth inning. Hayden Harris, Joel Payamps, and James Karinchak each threw a scoreless frame in relief, with Karinchak striking out each of the three hitters he faced.
Brewer Hicklen continued to lead the Stripers offense, as he went two for four with his 10th homer of the season and batted in four of the team’s six runs. Brett Wisely was the only other player with a multi-hit game, going two for four with a double, but Rowdy Tellez and Aaron Schunk each added doubles. Jim Jarvis was held out of the hit column in this one, but he did walk, score a run, and bat one in.
Rocket City Trash Pandas 2, Columbus Clingstones 1
Lucas Braun turned in his best start in Double-A this year, and possibly his best start overall. He went six shutout innings, allowing four hits and two walks with a season-high seven strikeouts to go with 12 whiffs. Jhancarlos Lara followed and allowed a run on a hit and two walks in the seventh, though he did strike out one batted and collected six whiffs. Tyler LaPorte picked up the loss, as he came in for the eighth and allowed an unearned run to score.
Ethan Workinger led the offense, going two for three with a walk and the lone run batted in. Logan Braunschweig added a double and scored the run, while David McCabe had a single and walk in the loss. Luke Waddell and Kevin Kilpatrick were the only other Clingstones to reach base, as each had a single.
Colin Daniel turned in a quality start, going six innings and allowing three runs on five hits and a walk. Daniel also struck out four and had nine whiffs, needing just 79 pitches to get his quality start. Things blew up from there, as Jacob Shafer came in and allowed three runs while recording just two outs. After a scoreless inning and a third from Justin Long, Drew Christo allowed an unearned run to come in during his inning of work.
Tate Southisene had a strong debut, but it was overshadowed by a monster night from Eric Hartman. All Hartman did was hit a pair of homers, walk, and steal a base in his four plate appearances. With these two solo shots, Hartman is up to 15 homers on the season, and his steal takes him to 25 bags stolen. Southisene reached base three times in five plate appearances in his debut, recording a double and a pair of walks. Colby Jones also added a homer, giving him three on the year. Both Isaiah Drake and Dixon Williams had base hits, and Williams had an RBI as well. John Gil was hitless in five at bats.
Delmarva Shorebirds 7, Augusta GreenJackets 3
Alex Lodise, SS: 1-3, BB, RBI, .247/.331/.388
Conor Essenburg, CF: 1-4, BB, .246/.380/.446
Luis Guanipa, RF: 2-4, .310/.358/.507
Zach Royse, SP: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, 4.56 ERA
Zach Royse turned in another solid start, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings. He also struck out seven with 14 whiffs, bringing him to over a strikeout per inning on the season. Cristobal Abreu was next and he threw a scoreless inning, walking two and striking out one with four whiffs among his 18 pitches. Logan Forsythe also added a scoreless inning before Luis Arestigueta allowed four runs in just one third of an inning to break this game open for Delmarva. Styven Paez pitched the final inning and two thirds of scoreless baseball, and struck out four batters for the five outs he recorded.
Even without Tate Southisene the prospects at the top of the order were the catalysts for the Augusta offense in this one. Luis Guanipa had a two-hit day, while Conor Essenburg and Alex Lodise each singled and drew a walk, with Lodise picking up an RBI. Taking Southisene’s place was the recently demoted Cody Miller, who singled and batted in a run. The real star of the day was Cooper McMurray, who doubled and homered, and brought his OPS up to .703 – which is impressive as he was at just .488 after April. Michael Martinez also added a single, but did strike out in each of his other three at bats.
FCL Braves 4, FCL Rays 3
Manuel Campos, SS: 2-4, 3B, R, RBI, .264/.380/.407
Hurston Waldrep’s second rehab start also went two innings, just like his first one. Waldrep battled his command a bit, giving up two hits and three walks plus a wild pitch, but struck out hitters for four of the six outs he recorded. After Robinson Narciso allowed a run during his inning, normal starter Gensi Angeles came in and pitched five strong innings of relief, allowing a run on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts. That takes Angeles’ ERA to 1.98 through 27.1 innings – though his velocity being more upper 80’s has a bit of a limit on his ceiling despite his success. Yander Pinero pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save.
The star today on the hitting side was again Manuel Campos, who was two for four with a triple, run scored, and one batted in. Caden Merritt actually won the game when he hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to put the Braves ahead. Yamvier Carrero singled, stole a base, scored, and batted in a run, while Owen Carey walked and doubled in the win – joining Manuel Dos Passos, who singled and doubled, as players who had an extra base knock. Top prospect Diego Tornes was hitless in three at bats, but did draw a walk.
DSL Braves 12, DSL Cubs 10
Jose Manon, SS: 1-2, 2B, 3 BB, 2 R, 3 RBI, SB
Starlyn De La Cruz, CF: 0-2, 3 BB, R
Jorwin Pulido, DH: 2-3, 2B, BB, 2 R, 2 RBI
Cesar Navarro, SP: 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
This game perfectly sums up what DSL baseball can look like. There were 22 runs scored on just 14 hits, with 10 errors and 18 walks. Started Cesar Navarro had glimpses of a solid start, but did allow four runs (two earned) over his four innings. Two scoreless innings from Ernesto Meza to finish this game off in seven innings was the biggest positive from the pitching side.
Top international signee Jose Manon continued to impress here, going one for two with a double, taking three walks, scoring a pair of runs, batting in three, and stealing a base. Catcher Jorwin Pulido got the start at DH and went two for three with a double, walk, two runs scored, and two batted in. Even Starlyn De La Cruz reached base three times, all via walks, and scored a run. Luis Fortunato singled three times in three at bats and drew a walk, while Osmar Torrealba singled and walked in his four plate appearances plus stole a base. The other key prospect here is Edelson Cabral, who was hitless in four at bats, but drew a walk and stole a base.
The Knicks have found pretty much every way to win a game. During their 13-game playoff win streak, they’ve blown out teams by as much as 51 points. They’ve also had some nail-biters.
Added to the win streak was another close affair on Friday night. The Knicks won Game 2 of the NBA Finals 105-104 in dramatic fashion. New York blew a 14-point fourth quarter lead, came up with a steal after a surprising Victor Wembanyama gaffe, took a one point lead after Jalen Brunson made a free-throw and narrowly avoided a loss after Wembanyama missed a mid-range jumper in the closing moments.
New York is now up 2-0 after taking both games on the road. The Game 2 win continued a mesmerizing postseason run. As the Knicks look to push to a 3-0 series lead on Monday night in Madison Square Garden, let’s touch on three keys to the third game.
Top performer
Through two games, Karl-Anthony Towns has been the best player on the floor. His numbers of 19.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists through the first two games seem modest. But his impact has been loud in this series. He’s picked apart the Spurs defense in a variety of ways. He’s knocked down three-pointers, attacked closeouts with drives to the rim, and he’s ducked in for post-ups against smaller defenders. Towns has done all of that with efficiency. On defense, he has held up containing Wembanyama in the pick-and-roll.
In Towns’ 68 minutes during the Finals, New York has a net rating of plus-14.9 according to NBA Stats. When he’s off the floor, the Knicks have been outscored by 16.2 points per 100 possessions. It’s a small sample size, but it shows how important having Towns on the floor has been to New York during the finals.
Towns is playing the most well-rounded basketball of his career, and it’s been a driving force in New York’s 2-0 series lead.
Defensive disruption
The Knicks are winning this series mainly on the strength of their defense. Through two games, the Knicks have held the Spurs to 100.5 points per 100 possessions per NBA Stats. It’s a far cry from the 115.4 points per 100 possessions the Spurs averaged during the first three rounds of the postseason.
New York’s defense has made offense a chore for Wembanyama. The seven-footer is averaging 27.5 points in the series, but he’s shooting just 40.5 percent from the field. New York centers Towns and Mitchell Robinson have been effective in one-on-one situations against Wembanyama.
The Knicks have also overloaded the paint with help defenders who have consistently slowed down Wembanyama’s forays to the rim as the roll man in the pick-and-roll. The Spurs haven’t been able to take advantage of New York’s extra help in the paint, shooting just 30.6 percent from three in Games 1 and 2.
Wembanyama played better in the second half, putting up 22 points. He made a few three-pointers, and relied more on his faceup game. The turnaround could give him some momentum going into Game Three.
Corner pocket
One adjustment the Spurs made in Game 2 was applying more pressure to Brunson. San Antonio’s perimeter players checked Brunson full court and there were more double teams and traps on the Knicks’ All-Star guard. With that aggressive defense comes more opportunities for Brunson’s teammates.
As San Antonio doubled, it left the Knicks many opportunities to attack from the corner. New York is 15-for-28 (54 percent) on corner threes in the first two games. The Knicks have thrived from the corners over the past few years. New York was sixth in corner three-point percentage during the regular season (41.6 percent) and the club is third in the category (43.8 percent) in the postseason.
Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Landry Shamet are three players who do most of their damage from three in those two areas. Bridges and Anunoby were number one and two respectively in total corner three attempts during the regular season.
Will the Spurs dial back the pressure going forward? Brunson has struggled from the field during the first two games. But he still is playing a part in generating good looks for other Knicks. If the Knicks continue to accumulate corner threes, they should be in good shape for the rest of the series.
Mar 4, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula (95) against Team Mexico during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Catching up on some minor league news on a Sunday morning, earlier this week a pair of Dodgers minor leaguers won player of the month awards for May. Josue De Paula took home Texas League honors after the best month of his career, while Class-A third baseman Chase Harlan won California League honors for Ontario.
“As one of the youngest players in the Texas League, the lefthanded hitter is showing the same outstanding hittability and plate discipline, but now he’s turning on balls with more authority and showing that his prodigious raw juice will show up in games,” Josh Norris wrote at BA on Wednesday. ”He’s about as complete a hitter as you’ll find in the minor leagues.”
The 21-year-old De Paula in May hit .340/.410/.650 with a 173wRC+, 14 doubles, six home runs, 29 runs batted in, and 27 runs scored in 25 games for Double-A Tulsa, and also stole seven bases in eight tries. Twenty extra-base hits were eight more than his previous monthly best (May 2024), and his other previous best months were 28 hits (May 2025), 12 extra-base hits (May 2024), five home runs (May 2024), 20 runs scored (April 2025), and 16 RBI (May 2024).
Harlan in May hit .388/.481/.694 with a 185 wRC+ for Ontario, leading the California League in batting average and slugging percentage, with five home runs, seven doubles, two triples, 22 RBI, 16 runs scored, and 16 walks in 22 games.
He had a four-hit game on May 16 against San Jose, and homered in four straight games from May 24-28 against Inland Empire and Visalia.
The Dodgers’ third-round pick out of high school in 2024, Harlan is hitting .335/.455/.571 with a 157 wRC+ with 21 extra-base hits in 45 games for Ontario, and nearly as many walks (35) as strikeouts (39). He turns 20 on July 9.
Charania also reported vice president of player personnel Prosper Karangwa has signed a multi-year extension and Elton Brand “will not return as 76ers GM and is currently working through a new role with the franchise and its parent company, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.”
According to a report from Marc Stein, Karangwa had “drawn interest in recent weeks” from the Mavs and Lakers. Brand took the Sixers’ general manager job in 2018, which at the time was the top spot in the Sixers’ collaborative front office structure. He’d served under former president of basketball operations Daryl Morey since 2020. ESPN reported Brand “elected not to interview for the president role” after Morey’s exit.
Nelson’s risen steadily up the Sixers’ front office ranks. The former Saint Joseph’s star and NBA point guard accepted Brand’s offer of a role as Sixers scout and Delaware Blue Coats assistant GM in 2020. He was later promoted to Delaware’s GM and then stepped up to Sixers assistant general manager in May of 2025.
“Initially, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, whether it was front office, coach, media, whatever,” Nelson told NBC Sports Philadelphia in a 2024 phone interview. “I just knew I wanted to stay around the game. Elton and I had been talking for a couple of years … just back and forth about what I wanted to do. And he was willing to help me step foot in the right direction. … Over the years, we’ve been seeing what I like, my value, and all that stuff to help the group. He’s played a huge role in my growth and my front office experience.”
The Sixers are set to hold an introductory press conference for Gansey on Monday at 10 a.m. ET.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 06: Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Petco Park on June 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres rookie reliever Bradgley Rodriguez came into the game against the New York Mets in the top of the seventh inning with the game tied, 1-1. He faced Marcus Semien to start his relief outing and was ambushed on the first pitch of the at-bat. Semien hit a first-pitch solo home run to left-center field that just made it over the wall to put the Mets ahead of the Padres, 2-1. Rodriguez bounced back, getting outs from the next three New York batters, but with San Diego on a six-game winless streak, it appeared to be another minor mistake that would lead to another loss.
Freddy Fermin, who has been struggling on offense and defense in recent weeks, changed the outcome of the game with one swing of the bat in the bottom of the seventh inning. Fermin was 0-for-30 heading into what proved to be his game-winning plate appearance. With two outs and Sung-Mun Song on first base, Fermin hit the first pitch of the at-bat over the head of Mets left fielder Juan Soto and into the left field bleachers to put the Padres ahead, 3-2 on his first home run of the season.
Song, who was thrown out between third and home plate to end the bottom of the fifth inning, made an inning-ending play in the top of the eighth to keep San Diego in the lead. Jason Adam was on the mound to start the frame and recorded an out against the first batter he faced. With a one-run lead, he allowed back-to-back singles and New York had Soto coming to the plate with a chance to tie the game with a hit or give his team the lead with a home run. Adam got Soto to lineout to Song at second base. Song was running to his right when he caught the ball and was able to get enough on a throw to Xander Bogaerts who was at the base to double off the runner at second to end the inning.
Mason Miller came on for the bottom of the ninth inning and got the first two outs fairly quickly. He then walked A.J. Ewing but secured the win with a strikeout of Mark Vientos to give the Padres a 3-2 win and snap their six-game losing streak. San Diego will try to make it two in a row and win the series today at 1:10 p.m.
Padres News:
The Dominican Summer League is about to begin, and the Padres will be represented by multiple players. Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball tells you who and what to watch for this season.
Things were bad when the Padres could not find consistent offense with a healthy lineup. Things got worse when it was announced that Ramon Laureano would likely miss the rest of the season after hip surgery. That injury, combined with multiple pitching injuries, has Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune wondering if the Padres have enough to reach the postseason.
The Friar Faithful have continued to sellout Petco Park, which is a testament to how much they believe in the Padres, but they are tired of seeing their home team on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Kirk Kenney of the San Diego Union-Tribune says the fans have some ideas on how to end San Diego’s hitting woes.
May 23, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) speaks to first baseman Mark Vientos (27) after this at bat against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets fell to the Padres 3-2 at Petco Park. The Mets led in a tight contest for much of the night and Nolan McLean delivered a quality start, issuing just one run over six strong innings of work. But Austin Warren gave up a go-ahead, two-run homer to Freddy Fermin in the seventh and an unfortunate Juan Soto double play line out quashed a potential eighth inning rally for the Mets.
In a big blow to the Mets, Jorge Polanco’s rehab assignment was shut down when he experienced renewed soreness in his ankle. He will receive more imaging and be further evaluated as the Mets determine the best path forward for him.
Huascar Brazobán will start for the Mets today as an opener with Sean Manaea pitching behind him in bulk relief.
Johan Santana remains the only Mets pitcher to ever throw a complete game no-hitter. Will that ever change?
Mark Vientos will have to “compete for at bats,” Carlos Mendoza said in his pregame presser yesterday, citing a “healthy competition” between him, Jared Young, and MJ Melendez. The struggling Vientos started last night against the righty Griffin Canning and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, including one at the hands of Padres closer Mason Miller (also right-handed) to end the game with the tying run on base.
Young has been an unexpected spark for the Mets, especially given his recent power surge, writes Mike Puma of the New York Post.
Around the National League East
Dominic Smith continued his remarkable 2026 season with a home run to help lead the Braves to a 6-3 win over the Pirates.
Andrew Painter continued to struggle, surrendering six runs in 4.2 innings to doom the Phillies to a 6-3 loss to the White Sox.
Zach Pop, who the Phillies designated for assignment on May 30, cleared waivers and elected free agency rather than accept his outright assignment to Triple-A.
The current AL playoff picture means that almost nobody is truly out of it, but the Red Sox have good enough pieces to make selling at the deadline an attractive option, writes Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.
On Friday the Dodgers unveiled a permanent display honoring LGBTQ+ trailblazers and former players Glenn Burke and Billy Bean in a pregame ceremony as part of the team’s Pride Night.
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CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 30: Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base after hitting an RBI double in the sixth inning during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Saturday, May 30, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Sean Finucane/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Let’s hope that Garrett Whitlock is able to return to action when he’s eligible on June 9, because the Red Sox bullpen is dealing with a few injury issues. Jovani Moran has been placed on the IL with “a little inflammation on the elbow.” He’s been replaced on the roster by Alec Gamboa, who has a 3.66 ERA with Worcester so far this year. In more concerning news, Aroldis Chapman is dealing with a sore hamstring. “We think he should be good right now,” said Chad Tracy. “Obviously, you saw he was (moving gingerly Friday). We know that. If it got to a point where we feel like we can’t do it, we won’t do it. We’re always talking with Aroldis on that, too.” (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
Moran was recently seen as Brayan Bello’s opener, but that’s not a role the Sox need right now, with Bello having been demoted to AAA. And it’s not just flawed mechanics or pitch shapes that the Sox want Bello working on down there. “When I first got here, he was a guy that had this big personality, and always had a smile on his face, interacting with teammates,” said Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. “You could tell just how he loved to compete and loved to pitch, and I think we lost that a little bit where he was putting a ton of pressure on himself to go out and perform.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
Let’s be thankful that Willson Contreras hasn’t had any big injury issues, or else this team would really be in rough shape. Contreras isn’t just someone who’s been performing on the field, either, but leading through the example of his fiery attitude. “He wants the game played the right way.” said Wilyer Abreu. “He brings that kind of energy to the field every day.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
It’s no secret that, should the Red Sox decide to sell at the trade deadline this year, both Contreras and Chapman will be likely candidates to head out the door. But they aren’t the only names being discussed right now. “With three catchers on the big-league roster — Carlos Narváez, Connor Wong and Mickey Gasper — Boston’s surplus is drawing interest. The Red Sox are shopping Wong in particular, according to a league source, and have also fielded calls on relievers Aroldis Chapman, Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock.” Now, I’m no big city CBO, but it’s hard for me to see a 30-year-old backup catcher with 4.4 career bWAR bringing much back, but sure, why not, go for it, Craig. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
It’s Sunday, and the sluggers are out in full force with a jam-packed MLB schedule. My home run props hone in on Willy Adames, Shea Langeliers, and Kyle Schwarber.
Not only does Houston Astros starter Mike Burrows rank in the Bottom 3rd percentile for pitching run value, but he’s also tied for second last in home runs allowed per nine innings (2.0).
The right-hander has surrendered multiple home runs in three of his last four starts and won’t have much support from his bullpen, which has allowed 40 dingers this year — second most among all clubs.
Shea Langeliers has hit six of his team-leading 16 dingers off the four-seamer, while nine of the 15 homers Burrows has allowed came off that pitch.I’ll play this up to +260.
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCS-California, Space City Home Network
Home run pick: Kyle Schwarber (+200)
Kyle Schwarber is in the 100th percentile in barrel rate and 97th percentile in bat speed, so it’s no surprise that the Philadelphia Phillies slugger is up to 23 homers.
Schwarber is seeing the sinker well, batting .364 with four dingers vs. that pitch type. That works out well for him this afternoon against Chicago White Sox starter Tyler Gilbert, who throws his sinker 37% of the time.
The White Sox pen will also be easy pickings for Schwarber, having allowed 34 homers this year — tied for sixth most. I like Schwarber, but I’m not betting this past +190.
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCS-Philadelphia, Chicago Sports Network
Home run pick: Willy Adames (+467)
Jameson Taillon has had a disastrous start to his season for the Chicago Cubs, ranking dead last among all starters with 2.7 home runs allowed per nine innings.
Taillon’s barrel rate ranks among the Bottom 2nd percentile in the majors — a big reason why he’s allowed nine dingers in his last four starts.
It’ll be a good matchup for Willy Adames, who feasts on the four-seamer. The San Francisco Giants shortstop has hit seven of his 11 dingers off the four-seamer, and that’s Taillon’s most common pitch (29%).
Play this prop up to +420 tonight.
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC/Peacock
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 7-19, +4.87 units
Today’s HR parlay
Shea Langeliers
Bet Now +6363
Kyle Schwarber
Willy Adames
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 Knicks’ run to the NBA finals has created a feverish atmosphere in New York.Photograph: Timothy A Clary/AFP/Getty Images
The New York Knicks are warning fans to bring as little as possible to Monday night’s Game 3 of the NBA finals at Madison Square Garden, which Donald Trump plans to attend.
The Knicks are encouraging fans to arrive at least two hours before tipoff as part of enhanced security measures due to the president’s attendance. The New York Police Department also announced it will cancel a watch party outside Madison Square Garden as part of the measures. The decision was made after discussion between the Secret Service and the NYPD. There was trouble at the watch party outside the venue on Friday when more than 20 people were arrested as people celebrated the team’s win in Game 2 of the finals.
The Knicks said on Saturday that a strict no-bag policy will be in place and that there will be airport-style “screening procedures” for fans when they enter Madison Square Garden for the game, which is scheduled to start at 8.40pm local time.
Trump confirmed last week that he will attend the game between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the first NBA finals game in New York City since 1999. He has already attended a number of major sporting events in his second term, including the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup.
Trump is not expected to be the only prominent political figure at the Garden. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has also said he plans to attend Monday’s game, though he suggested there is little chance he will cross paths with Trump.
“I will be in a very different section,” Mamdani said last week.
The mayor’s office said Mamdani would be paying his own way for a ticket. Trump, meanwhile, said he would be attending as Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s guest, setting up a finals scene that could feature two of New York’s most prominent political figures under one roof.
The game will take place amid a fevered atmosphere in New York as the Knicks attempt to win their first NBA title since 1973. They lead the Spurs 2-0 in the best-of-seven series and are on a 13-game winning streak.
Jun 5, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Mauricio Dubon (14) slides safely into third against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Yesterday was fun. The Braves won a game that Braxton Ashcraft started. Dom Smith hit a homer. Austin Riley chipped in with a double. Tyler Kinley pitched a scoreless eighth. And Mauricio Dubon stole home plate.
It’s one of those “steal by association” ones, but stealing home can be difficult without doing that. So do you remember the last Braves’ steal of home plate? I’ll show you anyway.
There is a lot going on here. Abraham Almonte was batting cleanup here (which I don’t have any memory of this happening) and struck out. Yadier Molina, who had a career 374.0 run defense adjustment, throws this short hop to second. And Freddie Freeman races home for the first Braves run of the day. Chip Caray called the play, and it sounds weird already (thankfully?) that he’s calling this Cardinals game from a Braves point of view.
May 24, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter (24) against the Cleveland Guardians at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Disappointing is probably the best way to categorize Andrew Painter’s season. No one really expected ace-hood from him straight out of the gate, but he has struggled this year. Like any other pitcher, he’s exchanged good starts with poor ones, but those poor ones are far too often. His last five starts have shown this Jekyll and Hyde act where the first three, he gave up five runs in 17 1/3 innings. These last two, he’s allowed ten runs in eight innings.
The question becomes: should he make his next start? The team doesn’t really have much depth below, so optioning him for a while is probably out. Maybe they could skip his next start, or use a bullpen game instead.
Jun 6, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Lars Nootbaar (21) reacts after hitting a go ahead two run home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals and the fans at Busch Stadium welcomed Lars Nootbaar back into action this weekend as he made his season debut. I, personally, was more ready for his return than I expected this offseason, as I simply hoped for a healthy return and a quick trade out of St. Louis. As this season has progressed in a competitive manner, Noot now means more to the struggling lineup with a chance at a playoff spot than he did for a bottom barrel rebuilding team.
Even the most optimistic of fans, myself included, thought that 10 games over .500 in June was a pipe dream, but with how well the team played to this point, the recent swoon has created a feeling of disappointment among Cardinal Nation. The bottom half of the lineup has underperformed even low expectations and their combined struggles are more of a story for a team still sitting in postseason contention. Had the Cardinals been at the NL Central cellar without an MVP candidate in right field and a Rookie of the Year contender at second, having five batters in a rebuilding lineup hitting less than league-average would be unremarkable. However, with focus shifting from 2028 to this year, fans were looking for a boost to the lineup. Enter Nootbaar.
A healthy Lars Nootbaar is best for everyone, short-term or for the future
The impact was immediate. Nootbaar singled in his first major league at-bat since September 27 and most importantly looked healthy running the bases. He hit in his comfortable lead off spot with JJ Wetherholt nursing some soreness and was a major part of the big sixth inning on Friday. The elder statesman of the offense is back at the best time, and his play could impact more than just his future.
As stated, I hoped for a month of hot-hitting Noot and a tough to swallow trade for some to happen near the deadline. I personally feel it is tougher to value hitters on the trade market, but with Noot looking like a change of scenery candidate a la Nolan Arenado, a trade partner may have been easier to find for Bloom. Now, though, with the Cardinals continuing to convince me every week that this is for real, a hot-hitting, healthy Nootbaar may be more valuable to the team if he sticks around for another season.
Nootbaar received a day off in the afternoon game after the evening contest, as scheduled, but JJ Wetherholt remained out of the lineup. This pushed Masyn Winn to the leadoff spot, so as of this writing on Saturday, we do not yet know how all three of these players will be used in the same lineup. Regardless if Noot slides in the top of the order or in the fifth spot, he will be expected to be a run producer and extend the lineup a bit. For a hitter with a career 110 OPS+ and double-digit homer potential, his return could do a lot for this season in multiple ways. Oh. And he hit a go-ahead homer in the 8th inning after entering off the bench. How freaking fun is that?
If Jordan Walker continues his at minimum All-Star season and Wetherholt stays healthy and consistent for a Rookie of the Year finalist, Nootbaar’s presence could push the lineup into a legitimate postseason contender. The whole roster would likely still be built for a first-round exit, but a healthy Noot is a massive step up for the entire outfield’s production. When Nathan Church returns, there is already going to be a squeeze for playing time with Victor Scott II, Nelson Velazquez, and Jose Fermin, but Nootbaar complicates things further.
He is the oldest position player on the team but unlike most teams, his age still starts with a 2, with Noot checking in at the ripe old age of 28. Like Brendan Donovan two deadlines ago, Noot has an additional season of club control beyond this year, meaning Chaim Bloom does not need to rush to make a deal. However, like with Donovan, Arenado, Goldschmidt, Contreras, Gray, Fedde, and Mikolas, there are others in the organization who may benefit from a clear path to playing time at the big league level.
A Nootbaar hot streak and the Cardinals building on a Wild Card lead theoretically puts Bloom in a spot. However, any time he has spoken, be it to us at Blogger Day or in any of his many media appearances, the message has always been future first. He also did not comment on extensions, which would be another interesting turn in the Nootbaar saga since 28 really is not even baseball old. The major question now will be his heels and his overall health. Eight weeks is plenty of time for really anything to happen.
What I am leaning towards mirrors my thoughts to the entire Donovan trade situation. I was in the camp that we knew what Donovan was/is, which is a great player but not a building block for rebuild and it was unfortunately time to cash in on his value. If Nootbaar can come relatively close to mimicking Donnie’s value to a lineup, it makes sense to me to cash in. Where I flip flop, though, is if the rest of the outfield has some remaining questions.
Rather than become a trade piece, Nootbaar could enter into the same stage as Alec Burleson if center field goes unclaimed by a current player. Burleson is locked into first base for the foreseeable future due to the lack of overall depth at the position in the organization, but also because his 27-year-old self has been a consistent performer in the lineup. Until someone pushes Burly out of St. Louis, it makes little sense to deal him for a complete question mark which could happen in Nootbaar’s case. Along with Burly, the two lefties could be the founding fathers of the next era of Cardinal baseball as they help the new guys come along.
Right now, Joshua Baez is the talk of the town for good reason. The dude hits the ball hard and far. Add on his speed and defense, Baez is as close to knocking down the door as possible. He has moved around the grass, spending recent games in center field which could actually spell problems for VSII or Nathan Church rather than for Noot. Left field has also been seen as a potential landing spot for Ivan Herrera, but any progress here could render those talks unnecessary. Of course, Baez could also fizzle, leaving a black hole in left if Noot were dealt to clear the (ahem) runway.
What this comes down to is another minor question of sell or hold at the deadline. I think Lars Nootbaar becomes the center piece of those discussions, maybe in a more intense way than we heard surrounding JoJo Romero next year. Fans may continue to be 50/50 on his future, even after a decision is made one way or the other and I could be convinced by the day. This is where I want to hear from you all.
How should Noot’s future be handled in St. Louis? If they’re true contenders, should he stick around or is he a sell regardless?
Will Jacks is batting at No. 3 for Surrey in his first Championship outing this summer after a period with Mumbai Indians in the IPL. In England’s winter Ashes stumble down the stairs, Jacks collected 363 runs and took six wickets in his four games.
Burns prods obediently forward and the ball skits through the gate and sends the off stump tumbling
Shea Langeliers
Kyle Schwarber
Willy Adames
