NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 19: Rhett Lowder #25 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds welcomed back closer Emilio Pagán prior to Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, getting back the would-be anchor of their bullpen after a roughly two month absence due to a serious hamstring injury. That good news, of course, was offset by more bad news on the injury front, as that’s just apparently how things are going to be for the Reds this year.
Dane Myers hit the IL after he hit the wall in fifth gear last night’s crushing 5-3 loss to the Beers, so Ivan Johnson will get his first day as a big leaguer after being called up for bench depth.
There’s a bit more good news today, however, as Eugenio Suarez is back in the lineup again after being plunked on the hand by Pittsburgh over the weekend in what, at the time, was scary enough to make us all wonder if it was broken. Good news!
Edwin Arroyo gets yet another start as the team’s 2B for the day during his hot streak, and Matt McLain will once again begin the game on the pine.
Brandon Sproat will start for Milwaukee, and with a 6.75 ERA at home (and 5.43 ERA overall) he’s one of the precious few Brewers having a bad season so far. Of course, he fired 6.0 IP of nearly perfect 1-hit ball (wiht 10 K against nary a walk) in his first start of the season against this Reds club, so maybe he just needs to face them a little bit more to make those overall numbers look a lot, lot rosier.
Rhett Lowder will toe the rubber for the Reds looking to get into a groove. That mustache, those locks need groovin’, after all.
First pitch is set for 7:40 PM ET. Lineups for both clubs are listed below.
CAMDEN, NJ - JUNE 8: Mike Gansey speaks as the Philadelphia 76ers introduce him as their new President of Basketball Operations on June 8, 2026 at The Penn Medicine Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey. 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 Mary Kate Ridgway/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
At 6 p.m. ET on June 30, free agency in the NBA will officially begin.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, there are a number of moving parts in the mix already. The Sixers picked up Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. last week with the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Earlier this week, we learned that the team is picking up their options for Dominick Barlow and Dalen Terry, but not for Trendon Watford. Now, Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond are all set to become unrestricted free agents as of 6 p.m. Tuesday.
And that’s not even mentioning the complications in the Sixers’ salary cap situation or the fact that they have a number of future second-round picks they could potentially use in trades.
So, there are a lot of questions. Let’s see if we get some answers in Mike Gansey’s first free agency as Sixers president of basketball operations.
Stay tuned here as we track all the signings, trades, rumors and exits for the Philadelphia 76ers as free agency gets underway!
Signings/trades
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) for Paul George, two firsts, two seconds
BLOCKBUSTER: The Boston Celtics have agreed to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/xNcNlIV2mh
There will be nothing by time to digest and unpack this, but WOW. Seismic move from Mike Gansey in his first month of being president of basketball operations.
Anfernee Simons, free agent guard (prev. Chicago Bulls)
The Sixers reportedly are in agreement with free agent guard Anfernee Simons on a two-year, $12.3 million deal (second year player option).
Simons should be able to provide a scoring boost off the bench as a depth shooting guard.
Dean Wade, free agent forward (prev. Cleveland Cavaliers)
The Sixers have reportedly reached an agreement with free agent forward Dean Wade on a four-year, $39 million deal, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. It is Mike Gansey’s first signing as Sixers president of basketball operations.
Ariel Hukporti, free agent center (prev. New York Knicks)
The Sixers have reportedly agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.4 million deal with former Knicks reserve center Ariel Hukporti, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Sixers have reportedly filled their second of three two-way contract slots, reaching an agreement with free agent guard Caleb Love.
Sixers’ free agents
Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond
All three are set to become unrestricted free agents at 6 p.m. ET.
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre will also be departing the Sixers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The report is that he will sign a two, year $17 million dollar deal with the Indiana Pacers.
Free agent forward Kelly Oubre Jr. has agreed to a two-year, nearly $17 million deal to sign with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qzUyLGX7DP
Quentin Grimes’ time as a Sixer has officially come to an end as the free agent agrees to a four-year, $60 million deal to join the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Free agent guard Quentin Grimes has agreed to a four-year, $60 million to join the Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/5mcp4pULuD
The Sixers haven’t been linked to many players ahead of free agency, but a couple familiar names could be candidates for the team to use a chunk — if not all — of its non-taxpayer mid-level exception on.
Dean Wade
There’s an obvious connection here as Mike Gansey was part of the Cavaliers’ front office when Cleveland signed Wade as an undrafted free agent back in 2019. The 6-foot-9 forward is considered one of the best and most versatile defenders on the market. While the Cavs are hoping to retain his services, Stein and Fischer have reported the Sixers have real interest.
John Collins
In the Sixers’ eternal quest for a starting-caliber four, they could turn to former Atlanta Hawk John Collins, who just finished his ninth NBA season with the LA Clippers. Collins could offer athleticism, rebounding and some shooting at a position of serious need. Stein and Fischer also linked Collins to the Sixers.
Team options
Dominick Barlow
The Sixers exercised their team option for Dominick Barlow, bringing him back for the 2026-27 season on a $3.4 million salary.
Dalen Terry
The Sixers exercised their team option for Dalen Terry, their two-way signing late last season, bringing him back for the 2026-27 season. However, it is important to note that Terry’s contract is fully non-guaranteed until January. This means the Sixers could feasibly waive Terry any time between now and January without taking a dead cap hit.
Trendon Watford
The Sixers declined to exercise their team option for Trendon Watford, who will now become an unrestricted free agent at 6 p.m.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 29: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres reacts to a walk in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (43-40) at Chicago Cubs (47-38), June 30, 2026, 5:05 p.m. PST
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May 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) makes a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Shohei Ohtani’s streak of seven consecutive Wednesday pitching starts ends this week, as the Dodgers star won’t pitch the series finale against the A’s in West Sacramento, the team announced on Tuesday.
Shohei Ohtani will not start tomorrow against the A’s and will pitch Friday against the Padres.
Wednesday is the Dodgers’ sixth game in a stretch of 13 game days in a row, and moving him to Friday against the San Diego Padres eliminates the possibility he might be needed to pitch on five days rest during this stretch, something he’s only done once this season.
Seven Wednesdays in a row for Ohtani is the longest streak of pitching starts on the same day of the week in Dodgers franchise history. Last year, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Fridays, March 28-May 2) and Roki Sasaki (Saturdays, March 29-May 3) each had six-start streaks.
Roster move
Being in a 13-game stretch often means many trips for the fresh arm express, and Tuesday was no exception with Wyatt Mills getting called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Jonathan Hernández, who was designated for assignment.
Hernández was often used in mop-up situations at the end of lopsided games, and his 0.167 average leverage index is the lowest in the Dodgers bullpen among pitchers with at least five appearances. Those innings he soaked up produced an 8.15 ERA and 5.90 xERA in 12 games, with 15 strikeouts and 12 walks in 17 2/3 innings.
Hernández getting designated for assignment opens up the 40-man roster slot the Dodgers will need when they activate Evan Phillips off the 60-day injured list some time soon. In the interim comes Wyatt Mills, who probably got to West Sacramento by plane, though it’d be easy to think he walked to Sutter Health Field. Mills in four mop-up appearances for the Dodgers this year has seven walks and one strikeout in his 3 1/3 innings, with three runs allowed.
Mills has excelled in Triple-A this season, posting a 2.64 ERA in 26 games for Oklahoma City, with 45 strikeouts and 16 walks in 30 2/3 innings, with six saves.
Draymond Green didn’t hold back when exposing his newest teammate on his podcast “The Draymond Green Show” on Tuesday.
Yaxel Lendeborg said he didn’t hear from Green, after being selected as the No.11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Green publicly called him out on his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show,” and called him a “F— liar,” and went on to say, “It’s the Michigan way, of course it’s the Michigan way.”
Yaxel said Steph Curry welcomed him and Lajae to the Warriors groupchat:
“Steph actually welcomed both of us in the groupchat the night of the drafts, when he (Lajae) got drafted, I got drafted. And I reached out to him yesterday I asked one quick question and then I reached out… pic.twitter.com/PiwaYs53oZ
On Saturday, Green pulled out the receipts and posted a screenshot of his conversation with Lendeborg to confirm he did welcome the rookie.
An outraged Green went to his podcast to call out his newest teammate and didn’t hold back.
“Yaxel’s been f—— lying,” Green said. “I was very happy to expose the rookie on the internet. This guy, texts me. I text back within 30 seconds. …It’s my responsibility as a veteran to help you be in the best position that you can be to be successful and take over this franchise.”
Draymond Green calls out Yaxel Lendeborg for saying Green didn’t text him back. NBAE via Getty Images
Green went on to say that he had to expose him a little bit and gave him a warning by informing him that his credibility is everything.
As Green continued to speak, he didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing back rookie hazing, as he said the Warriors aren’t a team that participates in those kinds of activities anymore, but could bring it back.
“We’ve just never been that team, pouring in on rookie hazing,” Green said. “But we can pick that back up. We can definitely make it a little more interesting.”
Green said he’s been a part of some rookie hazing before in the past, as it involved popcorn and some tires going missing.
The clip finished with Green telling Lendeborg to “tread lightly,” as he said his rookie duties could start to increase as the season goes on, and added that there could be a day when the rookie has to drive out to a particular Best Buy to purchase a PlayStation 5.
Since Lendeborg got selected by the Warriors a week ago, he’s been receptive to some criticism for saying he grew up hating Curry as a kid, because he grew up a fan of Kyrie Irving, and calling out his new head coach, Steve Kerr, for not playing rookies.
Jun 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
First Pitch: 7:10 PM CDT
TV: Twins.TV
Radio: TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9 FM, Audacy App, LosTwins.com
Is this Joe Ryan’s final start as a Twin? Probably not, but as the trade deadline approaches you have to wonder. Ryan is in the middle of the best season of his career in terms of ERA+ (136), ERA (3.12), and FIP (2.81).
Joe will match up against Astros starter RHP Mike Burrows. He features a fastball, change-up, slider, curve ball, and a sinker. He’s had a rough year so far (5.48 ERA in 15 starts), but is coming off a 6 inning, 1 run performance against the Blue Jays.
Byron Buxton is out of the lineup again today, but looking at 1-7, all of those guys have been hitting pretty well lately.
Jun 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Hao-Yu Lee (50) follows through on a two run single against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (36-49) vs. New York Yankees (48-36)
The NBA is going back to college this coming season, bringing the NBA Cup championship game to Butler’s historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Hinkle — one of the oldest arenas in the country — is iconic, and more than fits the billing that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other league officials were looking for when he said the league was searching for “storied college arenas” to play host to the Cup final.
The 2026-27 title game, to be played Dec. 11, will mark the first time the Cup final is held outside of Las Vegas — which hosted the final for the first three in-season tournaments.
“Hinkle Fieldhouse offers a special setting to capture the excitement and drama of the Emirates NBA Cup Championship,” NBA Head of Global Events Kelly Flatow said. “Playing the championship in an iconic basketball environment like this will further establish it as a signature moment on the NBA calendar.”
The arena, which has about 9,100 seats, has played host to at least six U.S. presidents — Herbert Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush — along with the first U.S. vs. Soviet Union basketball games, circuses, tennis matches, ice shows and even was used as a barracks for the U.S. military during World War II.
“Hinkle Fieldhouse gets loud,” Boston Celtics basketball operations president Brad Stevens said when he coached at Butler, “and it gets as loud as loud gets.”
Hinkle also was home of the famed Indiana high school basketball tournament for decades, including 1954 when tiny Milan High beat Muncie Central High to win the state title in the story that served as the inspiration for the classic basketball movie “Hoosiers” — which used Hinkle as the set for its championship game.
Indianapolis native Oscar Robertson also played there; his Crispus Attucks High team won state titles in that arena in 1955 and 1956 as well. It also has been the site of NBA games in the past, along with some WNBA games in 2022.
The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023; the event was simply called the in-season tournament that year. Milwaukee won in 2024 and New York beat San Antonio for the 2025 title — in a preview of this season’s NBA Finals, in which the Knicks topped the Spurs again.
The Golden State Warriors’ dream of pairing LeBron James and Anthony Davis with Stephen Curry appears to be losing steam before free agency even fully takes shape.
Warriors’ rumored Anthony Davis trade pursuit appears over, with the Wizards reportedly unwilling to move the star big man this NBA offseason at all. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Washington is not entertaining trade offers for Davis, with one NBA executive saying Wizards general manager Will Dawkins is a major admirer of the 10-time All-Star.
That stance deals a major blow to one of the wildest rumors of the offseason.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis were teammates with the Lakers and won an NBA championship. AP
The idea gained traction after Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option, a move that opened the door for speculation about Golden State creating more flexibility.
The Warriors hoped to reunite James and Davis, who won a championship together with the Lakers in 2020, while keeping Curry and Green in place.
That would have required several moving pieces. Golden State likely would have needed to involve Jimmy Butler’s large expiring salary to make a Davis trade work.
Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, also pushed back on the idea that Golden State would move him for Davis, telling ESPN that the Warriors have been firm in their plan to help Butler rehab his ACL injury and return with the team.
The Golden State Warriors’ dream of pairing LeBron James and Anthony Davis with Stephen Curry appears to be losing steam before free agency even fully takes shape. NBAE via Getty Images
And now the momentum has shifted.
Davis’ future with the Wizards had been unclear since Washington acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks in a February trade. His age, injury history and massive contract made him an obvious name to watch. Davis is set to earn $58.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a $62.8 million player option for the following season.
He has also played in just 243 of a possible 410 games over the past five seasons.
Davis’ future with the Wizards had been unclear since Washington acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks in a February trade AP
Still, Washington appears ready to keep him. When healthy, Davis remains one of the league’s best two-way big men. He averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks last season while shooting 50.6 percent from the field.
For the Wizards, the plan now appears to be building around Davis, Trae Young and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa.
Jalen Duren was once considered a prime Lakers target in NBA free agency.
The Lakers’ dreams of acquiring a Jalen Duren might already be coming to an end.
According to senior ESPN NBA writer Marc J. Spears, the Detroit Pistons have reportedly offered Duren the most lucrative contract possible and do not have an interest in any sign-and-trade deals that will match any potential offer he signs.
Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren is reportedly being offered a contract by the Pistons. Getty Images
Duren is set to be a restricted free agent for Detroit.
The Detroit Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs, sources @espn@andscape.
But with Detroit apparently no longer looking to give Duren up so easily, the Lakers’ strategy might force them to pivot.
Last year, Duren was selected to his first NBA All-Star game last season after averaging 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, helping the Pistons snap an 18-year playoff drought as the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
With DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes listed as two centers on the Lakers roster, they will have to look elsewhere if they want to upgrade the position.
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Jalen Duren was once considered a prime Lakers target in NBA free agency. NBAE via Getty Images
Two weeks ago, Luka Dončić said he wanted the Lakers to acquire more shooters and wants the team to land an A-list center, to help him run the pick and roll, like he famously did with the Dallas Mavericks, when they went to the 2024 NBA Finals.
According to the reports of Duren meeting with the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings were also scheduled to meet with him and were reportedly set to offer 30-year-old Domantas Sabonis in order to trade for Duren.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 29: Esmerlyn Valdez #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pirates defeated the Phillies 11-7. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The magician has taken center stage in Major League Baseball.
For his first act, he’s making the ball disappear regularly.
Four games in a row, to be exact.
Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has been a lightning rod for the offense over the past week, smashing six home runs in his first 16 career games.
In need of a spark with Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz likely out until after the All-Star break, Valdez has provided extra power to a group that has already hit 108.
They only hit 117 all of last year. Thanks Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn.
Known as “the magician” and to analyst Michael McKenry as “the magic stick”, the Pirates might have found something here.
He has as good of power as anyone the Pirates have developed in over a decade, evident by the stunning 461-foot home run he hit on Sunday.
Valdez has earned the right to play every day.
According to Sportsradar, Valdez is the first player in Pirates history to record 10 or more extra-base hits in his first 50 MLB plate appearances, dating back 125 years to 1901.
How often can this front office claim organizational success in developing a power hitter?
It felt like the power grid failed for half a decade with a Pirates offense that couldn’t find water if it fell out of a boat into the Allegheny River, let alone a home run ball, landing on it. At least other than Oneil Cruz.
Valdez catapulted his way to the big leagues after starting 2025 in High-A.
Since, he’s hit 45 home runs in 195 games and is batting second for the Bucs on Tuesday against potential All-Star Game starter and Cy Young candidate Cristopher Sanchez.
It’s about time the Pirates have a developmental story similar to the Brewers and Cardinals, where players you seemingly never heard of before blossom into middle of the order bars and borderline all-stars.
In 45 at-bats, Valdez is hitting .289 with four doubles, six homers, 12 RBIs, an OPS of 1.138, and an impressive .360 on-base percentage.
Over the last seven games, Valdez has 11 hits in 21 at-bats with seven RBIs from the right side of the plate.
That’s good enough to make any Pirates fan hoist their cone, jump for joy, and try some magic themselves.
Could it be an outlier? Possibly. But don’t ruin the fun.
The Pirates desperately need to tread water, or better yet, finish a few games over .500 before the break with series against the Phillies, Nationals, Braves, and Brewers.
Some might say it will be an uphill battle and one the bullpen can’t handle, but like past pre-ASG weeks and especially at PNC Park during 2013-15, maybe, just maybe, all the Pirates really need is a little magic.
Another NBA team executive said Wizards general manager Will Dawkins is a big fan of Davis, per Spears.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls on January 26, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The report comes as trade rumors have been circulating about Davis for several weeks.
Davis is eligible for an extension this offseason. In a thus-far active offseason, the Wizards have already extended Trae Young with a four-year, $212 million contract.
They also drafted AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick out of BYU. Dybantsa joins Washington’s young core that also includes Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.
Davis has yet to appear in a game for Washington. He played only 20 games last season due to injuries, and after being traded to the Wizards from the Mavericks in February, the team shut him down so he could recover fully from his groin and hand injuries.
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Davis, a 10-time All-Star, averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for the Mavericks last season, shooting 50.6 percent from the field.
Should Davis remain with the Wizards, it would throw a wrench into the Warriors’ possible plans to build a superteam with Davis, James, and Curry, with Draymond Green potentially returning as well.
ST. LOUIS, MO - JUL 13: St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) beats the throw at first during a MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals on July 13, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
You can’t really end June on a particularly high note if you’re the Braves, given the standard you’ve set… but a win’s better than not a win and a loss would, once again, suck.
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will begin a difficult road trip as they’ll visit the NL East division-leading Atlanta Braves. Matthew Liberatore will try again as he is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals. The Atlanta Braves starter is unannounced as of now. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15pm central time at Truist Park in Atlanta. Game TV broadcast available on Cardinals.tv.
Shohei Ohtani had his next start on the mound pushed back two days. (Ellen Schmidt / Getty Images)
The Dodgers scratched Shohei Ohtani from his scheduled Wednesday start against the Athletics, in a move that all but ensures he will not pitch in the All-Star Game.
The Dodgers delayed Ohtani’s start until Friday. The team plans a bullpen game Wednesday, with Roki Sasaki expected to start Thursday’s opener of a four-game series against the San Diego Padres and Ohtani lined up to follow the next day.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the move did not reflect any health concerns. Ohtani was in Tuesday’s lineup at designated hitter, and Roberts said he would DH on Wednesday as well.
Instead, Roberts said, the move affords Ohtani extra rest and two starts against the teams closest to the Dodgers in the National League West standings, the Padres this weekend and the Arizona Diamondbacks the following weekend, rather than making his last two starts before the All-Star break against the A’s and Colorado Rockies. Ohtani would still available when the Dodgers resume play after the All-Star break against the New York Yankees.
“There’s just no downside,” Roberts said. “This just made too much sense.”
However, by starting on the weekend before the All-Star Game, Ohtani would no longer be lined up to pitch in the game. Roberts previously had said that Ohtani, already elected as the NL designated hitter, would not pitch in the game unless he were the starting pitcher, as it would be impractical for Ohtani to warm up during a game in which he was the DH.
The top candidates to start for the NL: Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers, the major league leader with a 1.45 earned-run average, and Cristopher Sanchez (9-3, 2.13) of the host Philadelphia Phillies.
Ohtani would have been starting Wednesday on his usual six days’ rest. However, with the Dodgers on a run of 13 consecutive games without an off day, Roberts said pushing Ohtani back would allow the Dodgers to better manage his workload.
He is 8-2 with a 1.58 earned-run average this season. Among NL pitchers with at least 70 innings, his ERA is bettered only by Misiorowski.
Ohtani already has pitched 79 2/3 innings this season, his most in three years. He spent all of the 2024 season and the first half of the 2025 season rehabilitating from elbow surgery.
For all that Ohtani has accomplished and will accomplish during his career, he might have missed out on his one chance to pitch in Sacramento. This series marks the Dodgers’ lone scheduled visit during the A’s three-year stay here. The A’s plan to move into a new ballpark in Las Vegas in 2028, the next time the teams are scheduled to face off.
