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MLB Home Run Predictions Today: Best HR Prop Bets, Picks, Parlay & Odds for July 22

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It might have taken until the 25th hour last night, but Jacob Wilson delivered my longest home run prop of the year at +1140, and let's hope it's the start of a home-run heater. Let's cash some MLB player props.

Fading Dean Kremer has to be on the card, and Masataka Yoshida is the left-handed bat I want, while Aaron Nola has been serving up long balls all year and nobody has seen him more than Freddie Freeman. 

Finally, how can we leave Jacob Wilson off the card after last night, and at a better price, today? Spoiler: We can't.

These are my favorite home run predictions and MLB picks for Wednesday, July 22. 

  • UPDATE: Added another HR pick + parlay.

Best MLB home run props today

Player to hit a HROdds
Red Sox Masataka Yoshida+1000
Dodgers Freddie Freeman+406
Reds Jacob Wilson+1180
💲Today's HR parlay+48476

Home run pick: Masataka Yoshida (+1000)

After backing Jacob Wilson at +1140, I'm like a vampire with a thirst for 10/1 home runs or better, and Dean Kremer at Fenway with the wind blowing out is my next target. I'm playing this down to +750 in the first game of a doubleheader, where Kremer could be asked to eat innings.

Kremer currently owns the worst HR/FB rate among qualified MLB starters and the third-worst HR/9. He's already surrendered nine home runs in just 26 innings, with left-handed hitters doing most of the damage.

Masataka Yoshida is one of only two Red Sox with an OPS north of 1.000 over the last 30 days and ranks near the top of the club in most offensive categories. He isn't known as a prolific home run hitter, but he's in the middle of a nice power surge with two homers and a .351 average over his last 10 games.

The matchup and the setting are there today to take a shot at a massive price. There is only one lefty arm in the Orioles pen today, as well. 

  • Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NESN, MASN

Home run pick: Freddie Freeman (+406)

Citizens Bank Park still ranks as the No. 2 home run park on today's slate, according to Ballpark Pal, despite a slight wind blowing in.

That's great news for the Dodgers' bats against Aaron Nola, who has been one of the more home run-prone pitchers in baseball this season. He served up three homers in his last start on the 16th and has allowed multiple home runs in five of his last seven outings. It's a dinger upgrade across the Dodgers' lineup, and Nola doesn't discriminate, giving them up to both lefties and righties.

Only Tommy Edman owns a better OPS than Freddie Freeman over the last 30 days in the Dodgers' clubhouse, and Freeman has plenty of history against Nola with 76 career at-bats. Nola has gotten the better of him over the years with a .237 average and just two home runs allowed, but this version of the Phillies' right-hander is the most vulnerable Freeman has ever faced.

Almost the entire Dodgers lineup projects as +EV to go deep today, but Freeman at +370 or better is where I'm landing. It also helps that the Phillies have just one available lefty in the bullpen.

  • Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, SportsNet LA

Home run pick: Jacob Wilson (+1180)

How about some damn respect for Jacob Wilson, who has gone deep three times over his last four games and cashed a monster ticket last night at +1140. The Athletics' leadoff man has seen at least five plate appearances in each game during this heater and is riding a nine-game hitting streak, batting .421 with a .721 slugging percentage and six multi-hit performances.

The matchup is in his favor again today against Merrill Kelly, who has been one of the hardest-hit pitchers in baseball this season. Kelly owns the worst BlastContact% of any starter on today's slate and ranks among the bottom 50 in both HR/FB and HR/9. He has also been far more vulnerable at home, posting a 6.69 ERA compared to a 4.28 mark on the road. Since the start of 2024, his HR/9 is also 0.4 higher at home.

I'm riding the Wilson train until this price drops. I'd play this dinger down to +800 today.

  • Time: 3:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBC Sports California, Diamondbacks.TV
Josh Inglis's 2026 Transparency Record
  • HR picks: 22-135, -14.23 units

Today’s HR parlay

Red Sox Masataka YoshidaBet Now
+48476
Dodgers Freddie Freeman
Reds Jacob Wilson

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Victor Wembanyama, Derrick Rose revealed as NBA 2K27 cover athletes

San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama was named the NBA 2K27 Standard Edition cover athlete.

The game's Ultra Edition cover will feature former NBA player Derrick Rose, and the Deluxe Edition will have Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark gracing the cover. The three cover athletes have each been the No. 1 overall pick in their drafts and went on to win the Rookie of the Year award in their respective leagues.

Wembanyama is coming off a season in which he averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.

He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-NBA selection, helping the Spurs reach the NBA Finals, which they lost in five games to the New York Knicks.

"When you're truly obsessed with basketball, the game doesn't stop when you leave the arena. NBA 2K is the court that never locks up, it's always open whether you're in Paris or San Antonio. It's how you study the game, sharpen your IQ, and live basketball 24/7," Wembanyama said in a statement. "To be the face of a game that fuels that hunger for hoops and whose covers immortalize the all-time greats, that’s a dream come true for me."

NBA 2K27 will launch on Sept. 4, 2026, on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch. The standard edition of the game will cost $69.99; the Deluxe Edition will be $99.99, and for the Ultra Edition, consumers will have to fork over $149.99, with limited availability through Sept. 6.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama, Derrick Rose revealed as NBA 2K27 cover athletes

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White Sox vs Rangers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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This game is priced as a coin flip, with Chicago and Texas both carrying -110 odds on the moneyline.

Anthony Kay is not pitching as well as his results indicate, and the lefty-mashing Rangers should take full advantage of that.

Let's break it all down with my White Sox vs. Rangers predictions and MLB picks for Wednesday, July 22.

Who will win White Sox vs Rangers today: Texas Rangers moneyline (-110)

Anthony Kay’s 3.15 ERA has masked the fact he owns a 4.85 xFIP over the last 30 days.

The southpaw is playing with fire, and there’s real potential he gets burned against the Texas Rangers. 

They have hammered left-handed pitching unlike any other team, ranking first in average, OPS, and wOBA since June 1. 

The Chicago White Sox sit 21st in wOBA vs. right-handed pitching this month. They’re in a bit of a rut, which should help Cal Quantrill avoid a blow up.

Back the Rangers to take the rubber match up to -125.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Kay ranks in the 12th percentile with a 5.35 xERA this season.

White Sox vs Rangers Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-120)

Kay has posted an xERA of 5.05 or worse in three of his last four starts. He’s allowing a lot of quality contact and it’ll be tough to get the cat back in the bag against an offense feasting on lefties.

While the White Sox haven’t lit it up of late, this is a good spot to get on track. They’ll see a lot of Quantrill, who ranks in the 21st percentile in barrel rate and has allowed 2.14 homers per nine innings the last month. That should play well for their power.

Bet to -130.

Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 62-50, +1.15 units
  • Over/Under bets: 62-45-5, +9.34 units

White Sox vs Rangers weather

This game will be played in a dome.

White Sox vs Rangers odds

  • Moneyline: Chicago -110 | Texas -110
  • Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+150) | Texas +1.5 (-175)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-120) | Under 8.5 (+100)

White Sox vs Rangers trend

Texas has hit the Game Total Over in 18 of the last 24 home games (+11.35 units, 42% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Rangers.

How to watch White Sox vs Rangers and game info

LocationGlobe Life Field, Arlington, TX
DateWednesday, July 22, 2026
First pitch8:05 p.m. ET
TVCHSN, RSN
White Sox starting pitcherAnthony Kay
(6-4, 4.24 ERA)
Rangers starting pitcherCal Quantrill
(3-2, 3.93 ERA)

White Sox vs Rangers latest injuries

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Dodgers vs Phillies Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for July 22

Los Angeles (64-38) tied up the series with Philadelphia (56-46) after a 2-1 win thanks to a base running blunder from JT Realmuto in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Dodgers are 3-2 in the five games since the break and scored two or fewer runs in three of those five games. Los Angeles is holding a .218 batting average in the second half of the season (24th) and have the seventh-fewest amount of hits (36). Eric Lauer takes the mound for the Dodgers as they are a perfect 7-0 since acquiring him. Lauer has a 3.12 ERA with Los Angeles over seven starts after a 6.69 ERA in eight starts with Toronto this year.

Philadelphia has alternated wins and losses over the last five games to start the second half of the season. Despite hitting .244 (15th) to start the second half, the Phillies are tied sixth with nine home runs over five games and eighth in SLG (.476). The Phillies have lost four straight games with Aaron Nola on the mound as he's surrendered 15 combined runs in that span. Nola has a 5.60 ERA over his last five games and is coming off a June where he posted a 6.67 ERA.

Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Dodgers at Phillies

  • Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
  • Time: 6:40 PM EST
  • Site: Citizens Bank Park 
  • City: Philadelphia, PA
  • Network/Streaming: MLB TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Dodgers at the Phillies

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-120), Philadelphia Phillies (+100)
  • Spread: Phillies +1.5 (-156), Dodgers -1.5 (+129)
  • Total: 9.5

Probable starting pitchers for Dodgers at Phillies

  • Wednesday's pitching matchup (July 22): Eric Lauer vs. Aaron Nola
  • Dodgers: Eric Lauer

2026 stats: 76.2 IP, 4-5, 4.81 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 47 Ks, 27 BB

  • Phillies: Aaron Nola

2026 Stats: 103.0 IP, 3-7, 5.68 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 108 K, 35 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not

  • The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is hitting .287 with 102 hits, 22 home runs and 60 RBI over 356 at-bats
  • The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts is hitting .234 with 60 hits and 34 strikeouts over 256 at-bats
  • The Phillies’ Brandon Marsh is hitting .290 with 104 hits, 16 home runs, and 47 RBI over 359 at-bats
  • The Phillies’ Alec Bohm is hitting .222 with 80 hits and 60 strikeouts over 360 at-bats

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Dodgers at Phillies

  • The Dodgers are 45-57 ATS, ranking fourth-worst
  • The Phillies are an MLB-worst 40-62 ATS
  • The Dodgers are 55-47 to the Under, ranking ninth-best
  • The Phillies are 55-42-5 to the Under, ranking second-best
  • The Dodgers are 27-25 ATS on the road
  • The Phillies are 20-31 ATS at home, ranking fourth-worst

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Phillies and the Dodgers

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Wednesday's game between the Phillies and the Dodgers:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dodgers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dodgers at -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Under on the Game Total of 9.5

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  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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Rays vs. Blue Jays prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for July 22

The first-place Tampa Bay Rays (58-42) will look to make it three straight this week against the struggling Toronto Blue Jays (46-55) tonight at Rogers Centre. Tampa Bay has dominated the first two games of this series, outscoring Toronto 19-3. With the Yankees rained out yesterday, the Rays’ lead in the AL East is now two games. Meanwhile, the Jays are firmly entrenched in the AL East cellar, 12.5 games behind Tampa Bay.

 

Last night was all Tampa Bay beginning with a three-run first. The Rays pounded out a 12-2 victory, following up Monday's 7-1 win with another offensive explosion. Yandy Díaz led the charge, going 2-for-6 with a home run, three RBIs, and a run scored. On the mound, Drew Rasmussen earned the victory, allowing just two runs on seven hits over five innings while striking out five. Toronto starter Kevin Gausman never found his rhythm, surrendering five runs (four earned) on nine hits in only 3.1 innings, suffering his ninth loss of the season.

 

Griffin Jax (5-7, 4.08 ERA) gets the ball for Tampa Bay tonight seeking his sixth win of the season. Through 26 appearances, the right-hander has logged 75 innings with 77 strikeouts and a respectable 1.27 WHIP. He is looking to right the ship after a brutal outing last week in which he allowed seven runs on eight hits over just five innings in a 10-0 loss to the Red Sox in Boston. His previous two starts this month yielded better results: one run allowed in five innings against Seattle on July 11 and three runs over five innings against the Yankees on July 6.

 

It’s a bullpen game for Toronto who counters with right-hander Braydon Fisher (3-3, 3.65 ERA). Fisher has quietly been one of Toronto's more effective pitchers this season but has yet to pitch more than 1.2 innings in any outing this season. He did throw one inning Monday against the Rays giving up a couple hits and a run. The Rays have limited history against Fisher, though Yandy Díaz is 2-for-4 (.500) with a 1.100 OPS against him.

 

Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.

 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

 

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

 

Game Details and How to Watch: Rays vs. Blue Jays

 

  • Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
  • Time: 7:07PM EST
  • Site: Rogers Centre
  • City: Toronto, ON
  • Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, Rays.TV, Sportsnet, TVA

 

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

 

The Latest Odds: Rays vs. Blue Jays

The latest odds as of Wednesday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Tampa Bay Rays (-107), Toronto Blue Jays (-112)
  • Spread: Rays -1.5 (+159), Blue Jays +1.5 (-194)
  • Total: 8.0 runs

 

Probable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Rays vs. Blue Jays for July 22

  • Rays: Griffin Jax
    Season Totals: 75.0 IP, 5-7, 4.08 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 77K, 26 BB

  • Blue Jays: Braydon Fisher
    Season Totals: 49.1 IP, 3-3, 3.65 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 50K, 22 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Rays vs. Blue Jays

  • George Springer has done damage against Griffin Jax with 2 home runs and a .429 average in 7 ABs
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is just 1-for-9 (.111) against Jax
  • Junior Caminero has hit safely in 6 straight games (10-26)
  • Jonathan Aranda is 3-11 in this series
  • Andres Gimenez is 0-9 over his last 3 games and just 5-38 (.132) in July
  • Nathan Lukes is 3-8 in this series
  • Chandler Simpson is 5-8 in this series
  • Simpson has hit safely in 4 straight games (9-16)

 
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

 

Top Betting Trends & Insights: Rays vs. Blue Jays

  • The Rays are 59-41 on the Run Line this season
  • The Blue Jays are 45-56 on the Run Line this season
  • The OVER has cashed 46 times in Tampa’s 100 games this season (46-49-5)
  • The OVER has cashed 52 times in the Blue Jays’ 101 games this season (52-45-4)

 

Expert picks & predictions: Rays vs. Blue Jays

 

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

 

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

 

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

 

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Rays and the Blue Jays:

 

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Rays on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Rays on the Run Line.
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Game Total OVER 8.0.

 

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

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5 Former Devils Still Looking For Work As Unrestricted Free Agents

The NHL has entered the “mostly quiet” portion of the off-season. Some contracts have been signed and arbitration cases avoided, but nothing major has happened in a while. 

With that in mind, a lot of good players are still free agents looking for new NHL homes. Some of them are former New Jersey Devils players who got regular playing time back in the day. 

Whether it is with the Devils or elsewhere, these five are looking for work within the National Hockey League:

Adam Henrique

Adam Henrique is the most well-known out of every player on this list. He was once a part of New Jersey’s core and one of their leaders on and off the ice. Henrique scored two series-clinching goals in overtime for New Jersey during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Rangers. 

Now, at age 34, he is hoping for another ride with an NHL team. He would be nothing more than a solid bottom-six forward if he were healthy, but he has plenty of experience in the league to help someone out. 

Luke Glendening

Luke Glendening started the 2025-26 season as a member of the New Jersey Devils before being claimed on waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers. They became the 5th NHL team that he played for once claimed, and he managed to play 70 total games between the two clubs. 

The 37-year-old is looking for work in a bottom-six role, much like Henrique. Although his offensive output was never as high as Henrique’s, he knows how to play a smart game as a role player just the same. 

Nathan Bastian

Nathan Bastian spent the first couple of years of his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils before the Seattle Kraken selected him in their expansion draft. Then, after a few months of playing there, he was placed on waivers, and the Devils claimed him back. 

He then signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Stars ahead of the 2025-26 season, but he only appeared in 36 games. Now, he is an unrestricted free agent again, looking for a role somewhere. 

An NHL team would be getting a fourth-line forward who brings some physicality in Nathan Bastian. He has also shown the ability to score goals from time to time, which is valuable for a player playing that low in the lineup.

If he can contribute 7-12 goals for his next team as a physical bottom-line player who makes the team harder to play against, he will make his next organization happy to have him. 

Tomas Nosek

Tomas Nosek, who played in 36 games for the New Jersey Devils in 2023-24, has been a journeyman in the NHL, playing for five total teams since making his NHL debut in 2015. Now, the 2025 Stanley Cup champion (Florida Panthers) is looking for the next team that he can have a bottom-six role with. 

Nosek has never been a prolific player, mostly being a fourth-liner during his NHL tenure, but he has proven valuable as a good team's 13th forward who can hop in and out of the lineup. 

Evgenii Dadonov

Evgenii Dadonov has played for six NHL teams over the course of his career, with a KHL stint in the middle. In the NHL, he has been a great offensive player. In 641 games played, he has 164 goals and 198 assists for 362 points. 

He is no longer a middle-six forward, as his 2025-26 season with the New Jersey Devils would show. He scored 1 goal (no assists) in 24 games played with them. Now, he is looking for one final run in the NHL at 37 years old. 

New Jersey wishes things had gone differently for him in 2025-26, but not every signing is going to hit. If he doesn't find work, he is likely going to return to Russia.

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Miami Heat say leaked link to LeBron James introductory press conference just a mistake

Did someone with the Miami Heat leak LeBron James' decision before he did? The Heat deny it, but in a vacuum of information about where LeBron will play next season and when it will be announced, it took on a life of its own.

Someone with the Heat posted a link to a YouTube stream titled "LeBron James Introductory Press Conference | July 27, 2026" and that quickly took off on social media.

The Heat instantly denied it, telling the Miami Herald and ESPN’s Shams Charania that this was simply Miami's social media team preparing for the possibility of LeBron choosing the Heat and they accidentally put the link live for a minute. The Heat deny it has any meaning.

LeBron James going to Miami, joining forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, has reportedly been one of the frontrunner options for the 41-year-old four-time champion and four-time MVP. Cleveland, Philadelphia and Golden State also have been frontrunners at various points, and Minnesota is still in the mix according to reports.

But nobody really knows. LeBron and his agent Rich Paul have kept a tight circle — anyone saying they have a "source" who knows when the announcement is coming or where he is going is just going for clicks. Everyone around the league has guesses — people NBC Sports has spoken to expect Cleveland — but nobody really knows, and if LeBron wants to be somewhere that can compete to win the East Miami is a good bet and a good basketball fit for him.

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Brandon's Matt Calvert Joins Predators' Development Staff

Brandon product Matt Calvert is heading back to the NHL.

The Nashville Predators have announced that the former big league forward has joined the organization as its new Forward Development Coach, where he'll work closely with the Predators' forward prospects.

Photo by Joe Camporeale/USA Today
Photo by Joe Camporeale/USA Today

Calvert, now 36, played 11 NHL seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche, recording 95 goals and 203 points in 566 career games before retiring in 2021 due to injury.

Prior to his time in the NHL, Calvert made his name as a hometown kid on the Brandon Wheat Kings, where he put up well over a point-per-game in three full seasons of WHL play.

Since ending his playing career, Calvert has served as co-founder and director of recruitment and development for CAL Sports Management, a player agency based out of Winnipeg and Brandon.

The hiring reunites Calvert with Predators' recently hired president of hockey operations and general manager Chris MacFarland, who was part of Colorado's front office during Calvert's time with the Avalanche.

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Astros Prospect Report: July 21st

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 12: Kevin Alvarez #17 of the Houston Astros runs to second base in the seventh inning during the 2026 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below.

AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (48-48) won 3-2 (BOX SCORE)

Sugar Land got on the board in the 2nd inning on a Guillemette groundout. Hendrickson started for Sugar Land and pitched well allowing 2 runs over 6 innings while striking out 7. Sugar Land tied it up in the 6th on a Brooks RBI single. The bullpen pitched well keeping the game tied at 2 and in the bottom of the 10th, Biggio walked it off as Sugar Land won 3-2.

Note: Ullola has a 1.47 ERA in relief for Sugar Land.

AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (42-49) lost 7-6 (BOX SCORE)

The Hooks got on the board in the first inning scoring 3 runs on an Austin RBI single, an error and a Call solo home run. They got another run in the 4th inning on a Whitaker solo home run. Dombroski started for the Hooks and allowed 3 runs over 4.1 innings. Perez came on in relief in the 8th but struggled allowing 3 runs as the Sod Poodles took the lead. The Hooks got one back in the 8th inning on an Encarnacion RBI single. David allowed a run in the 9th and in the bottom of the 9th, the Hooks got a run on a Call RBI single but that was it as the Hooks fell 7-6.

Note: Call has a .974 OPS in Double-A.

A+: Asheville Tourists (32-57) POSTPONED
A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (45-44) won 7-0 (BOX SCORE)

The Woodpeckers got on the board in the first inning on an Alvarez solo home run. In the 2nd inning, the offense put up 2 runs on a Newman groundout and Wakefield RBI single. They scored 2 more runs in the 3rd inning on a wild pitch and Fielder RBI single. The offense continued to add on with an Alvarez RBI single in the 4th and Newman sac fly in the 6th. Fraide got the start and pitched well striking out 6 over 5 innings. The game was called in the 6th inning due to rain as Fayetteville won 7-0.

Note: Fraide has a 2.38 ERA this season in Fayetteville.

  • Juan Fraide, RHP: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K (WIN)

Today’s minor league starters:

SL: Brandon McPherson – 7:05 CT

CC: Cole Hertzler – 6:35 CT

AV: Anthony Cruz – 5:30 CT

FV: TBD – 5:35 CT

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Will Gagnon’s 10 K’s headline Ontario’s win

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 21: A glove and ball in the dugout before the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Without loads of individual brilliance, the player of the day pick was clear with a dominating outing in Single-A.

Player of the day

Will Gagnon was nearly untouchable for the Tower Buzzers, delivering his finest performance to this point, holding the Giants to just three hits on his way to winning the game with a season-high 10 punchouts.

Striking people out was never an issue for Gagnon this season, but limiting the opposition to no free passes came as a surprise, something he had not done since the middle of May.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

Waiting until the eighth inning to score all three runs they would in this game certainly didn’t help; nevertheless, the burden of remaining winless this season still falls on the shoulders of Jackson Ferris himself, allowing five runs, four of them earned, in a 7-3 defeat for the Comets.

It is not your day when your leadoff hitter, in this case Alek Thomas, strikes out three times. All the Comets’ scoring came from the bat of Ryan Ward with a three-run shot in the eighth inning.

The River Cats quickly answered with two in the bottom of that frame to keep the last frame drama-free.

Double-A Tulsa

Scoring nine runs, the Drillers’ offense gave the pitching staff a far bigger margin for error than they needed in a 9-2 win, holding the Travelers to a mere three hits the whole game. If Ferris remains winless in Triple-A, Roque Gutierrez knows no other result than a win, earning his seventh with 5.1 scoreless frames, punching out five and walking two.

Producing five hits in nine at-bats with a runner in scoring position, the Drillers offense didn’t even need many extra-base hits for this offensive explosion. Mike Sirota capitalized on the benefits of hitting in front of Kendall George and Josue De Paula with a 2-for-4 performance, driving in a third of his team’s runs.

High-A Great Lakes

Outhitting your opponent 12 to 7 doesn’t matter much when you allow a seven-run rally—this is what happened as the Loons were beaten by a score of 9 to 6 by the Lugnuts. A couple of ninth-inning home runs from Charles Davalan and Logan Wagner kept the final score close even if the Loons were not really in it.

Relievers Nicolas Cruz and Justin Chambers were the responsible parties for this seven-run sixth inning that took the Loons out of the game. Starter Sean Patick had a reasonably productive outing, allowing just a pair of runs in five innings of work.

Single-A Ontario

Will Gagnon struck out 10 in six scoreless innings and did so averaging fewer than 12 pitches per frame. With that level of production from its starting pitcher, the Tower Buzzers had to follow through and win this game over the Giants by a final score of 6-2.

There was never anyone on to make these more than solo shots, but leaving the yard three times, the Tower Buzzers scored in five different half-innings. Third baseman Easton Shelton is now one homer away from 30 on the season, responsible for one of those three long balls. One Ontario hitter who didn’t have a good time was Ching-Hsien Ko, striking out four times.

Transactions

Right-handed pitcher Landon Knack was optioned to the Comets, also activating recently acquired reliever Seth Halvorsen. Right-hander Brady Smith was assigned to the Tower Buzzers, while Aidan Foeller was assigned to the Loons.

Tuesday’s scores

  • Sacramento 7, Oklahoma City 3
  • Arkansas 2, Tulsa 9
  • Lansing 9, Great Lakes 6
  • San Jose 2, Ontario 6

Wednesday’s schedule

  • 12:05 p.m. PT: Oklahoma City (Christian Romero) at Sacramento (TBD)
  • 1:00 p.m. PT: Ontario (TBD) at San Jose (TBD)
  • 4:05 p.m. PT: Great Lakes (Isaac Ayon) at Lansing (Samuel Dutton)
  • 4:35 p.m. PT: Tulsa (Patrick Copen) at Arkansas (Ryan Hawks)

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Wednesday Morning Links

Jul 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Alejandro Osuna (19) celebrates scoring a run with right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images | Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

Morning, all!

The Rangers have agreed to deals with their top three draft picks and introduced them Tuesday.

Lefty reliever Marco Gonzales has joined the big league club, replacing Jose Corniell who is heading to the IL with a flexor tendon issue.

Kyle Higashioka is also headed to the IL with a flexor tendon issue and will be out for an unspecified amount of time.

And, if that wasn’t enough, Josh Jung exited last night’s game with a left calf injury.

Jung hopes to play in today’s finale against Chicago and says that he wanted to play through it last night.

It’s still unclear whether Corey Seager will be back from his tricky back before the August 3rd trade deadline.

Kumar Rocker and Brandon Nimmo were the heroes in last night’swin over the White Sox.

Rocker threw six innings of one hit ball on 10 days rest, and probably still has some left in the tank as he left the game after only 75 pitches.

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Why Max Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell feel responsibility to grow into Kings leaders

Why Max Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell feel responsibility to grow into Kings leaders originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

For 15 games last season, Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud were part of the group that gave Kings fans something to smile and cheer for with their unique postgame celebrations.

There aren’t many positives that come with a 22-win season, but “The Beam Boys” did their due diligence after the 15 wins at Golden 1 Center. The then-rookie trio of Cardwell, Raynaud and Nique Clifford, and veteran forward Precious Achiuwa, assembled at the center of the G1C court after each home win, sunglasses on and energy up.

It became a wholesome tradition during a season that probably didn’t deserve one.

But The Beam Boys want to be more than a feel-good ritual. They want to impact winning and lead the charge of the cultural makeover in Sacramento.

Cardwell and Raynaud believe that starts with them in Year 2. They want it to.

“I think just the way our team is going right now, we had three young guys last year, we have three more young guys this year, that’s almost half of the team already,” Raynaud told NBC Sports California. “So, if the young guys who, ‘quote, unquote,’ will be the future of the team later on don’t try to buy in and don’t try to set their own culture, we can’t go far. We have a guy that’s been to multiple Final Fours, one championship in college. He knows what it takes to win. And clearly, if you don’t have a self-starter culture, there is no way for you to get it going. Your coaches can only do so much. Your GM can only do so much. We work as a group, and at the end of the day, it’s our responsibility to get it going on the floor, get it going at practice.

“So we just have to be able to set the tone, set that culture, and that is for us, and also for the organization as a whole. The Kings welcomed us with open arms, the city welcomed us with open arms, and that’s also our way to give back.”

After a strong rookie campaign, Raynaud has been viewed as a steal in the 2025 NBA Draft after Scott Perry and Co. snagged him in the second round at No. 42 overall.

With All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis dealing with various injuries last season, Raynaud played 74 games and started 56 for Sacramento. The 7-foot-1 French center averaged 12.5 points on 57.1-percent shooting, with 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 26.5 minutes.

While Raynaud has been a success story thus far, his team’s 60 losses in his first taste of NBA action weren’t.

But exit interviews with coach Doug Christie, Perry and B.J. Armstrong hope to spark the beginning of the change. The messaging from the Kings’ brass to Raynaud and Cardwell? Be more vocal.

They have taken that to heart, and they aren’t waiting for the 2026-27 season to start to implement their increased leadership roles. It started with NBA summer league. Dinners. Escape rooms. All the crucial off-the-court, team chemistry stuff. But, perhaps more importantly specific to this team, accountability — on the court — has been massive.

DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook were the vocal veterans last season. With DeRozan gone and Westbrook’s future unknown, who is going to step up and fill that void?

“Why not you, Max and Nique?” Cardwell told NBC Sports California as he recalled what Perry told him at his exit interview. But Cardwell’s initial reservation was that they were only entering their second year in the league.

“So what?” Perry responded.

That is all Cardwell and Raynaud needed to hear.

Three months later in Las Vegas, after a blowout Summer League loss to the Brooklyn Nets, an unrecognizable Cardwell called his team “soft” and said they got “punked” while speaking to reporters. The guy known for his high vibes and positive energy looked and spoke like his team just lost Game 7 of a playoff series. But no, it was summer league.

“We’re trying to build something for next year,” Cardwell said after that game.

Yes, it was a summer league game. But that didn’t matter to Cardwell and Raynaud. They are trying to build good habits and maintain them in all games, regardless of severity. California Classic. Summer League. Preseason. It doesn’t matter.

They want to win.

And they want to win in Sacramento. It means more to them.

“That’s what Scott Perry brought us to do,” Cardwell told NBC Sports California. “It’s very rare that a GM in his first year has that many draft picks and brings that many guys in. And his first choices were Nique, Max, and I. We don’t take that very lightly. We know that with us three, that he was trying to build the foundation of what he wants to do, and so we kind of feel like it is our duty, not just to Scott Perry and B.J. Armstrong, but also to the city of Sacramento. Like, hey, like this is this franchise’s next phase of what we’re trying to do, and winning in Sacramento means a lot because obviously you hear about the 16-year drought. Everyone talks about the Beam Team in 2022, 2023, but it’s like, what can we do? What can our group do to help maintain a level of success, playoff success, hopefully Finals success in Sacramento?

“Sacramento is a great city. They’re a very loyal fan base, but we want to contribute to winning. We want to win here, and I don’t want to go anywhere else. It just goes back to we were Scott Perry and B.J. Armstrong’s first choice, and we don’t take that very lightly.”

It is easier for the guys to buy in and play for someone who’s been there and who gets it.

Christie, although inexperienced as an NBA head coach, was a part of some of the most successful and fun Kings teams in Sacramento.

When you walk into his office, you can’t miss the 2001 “The Greatest Show on Court” Sports Illustrated cover. It was the last time consistent success was showcased in Sacramento. The Kings have made one playoff appearance in 20 years. But walking into Christie’s office and looking at that magazine feature is motivation.

“Doug Christie was one of the guys that led these 2000 teams to one of their best runs in the playoffs for the past couple years, and on a personal level, whenever I get to meet in his office at the facilities, there is this one big poster of Sports Illustrated, which is the starting five, and I don’t know, it just inspires me to see guys that have done it in the past,” Raynaud told NBC Sports California. “There has been a drop ever since; I think it would be awesome for us to be able to bring it back a whole generation later. As competitors and as basketball lovers, that’s our duty. So that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Now it’s time to execute the leadership across a full 82-game season. Raynaud and Cardwell have accepted the challenge to lead a rebuilding team.

It won’t happen overnight. It likely won’t happen next season.

But building a sustainable winner is the goal. And The Beam Boys are eager to lead the way.

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Mike Gansey deserves your vote of confidence

Mike Gansey hasn’t even been running the Sixers for two months. Yet his first impression could not have been better as the offseason rolls on and we approach a bit of a dead time on the NBA calendar. Of course, we’re all waiting for the big shoe to drop as LeBron James remains an unrestricted free agent. The fact that the Sixers are even one of the reported finalists should speak volumes to Gansey’s ability to clean up what many would have called a salary cap mess upon his arrival.

Gansey’s three primary additions so far were Jaylen Brown, Anfernee Simons and Labaron Philion. You could lump Dean Wade in there too if you’re optimistic about Wade’s fit in Philadelphia. Gansey’s been busy, but he’s not just making moves to make moves. He’s doing things that should give Sixers fans an optimistic outlook both in the short-term and the long-term.

It goes without saying that adding Brown is an upgrade to Philadelphia’s current starting lineup. The move also makes the franchise’s long-term outlook much brighter with Brown, 30 when the season starts, replacing 36-year-old Paul George. It was always going to be a hard task for Gansey to unload the final two years of George’s contract, but to do so in a trade that brought back Brown should have Sixers fans feeling confident that Gansey can navigate less chummy salary cap waters in the future.

Then there’s the addition of Simons. At 27 years old, Simons signed a two-year deal with the Sixers worth just over $12 million. Simons should take the minutes vacated by the departure of Quentin Grimes and statistically looks like a better player than Grimes was. Gansey was able to cheaply add Simons to the roster in what could be a nice upgrade on the margins. Even if Simons doesn’t play in Philadelphia beyond the duration of this two-year contract, if he’s successful as a Sixer, fans should feel good about Gansey’s ability to make similar cost-effective upgrades to the bench in the future.

Drafting Philon showed another reason for optimism for Sixers fans concerning Gansey’s leadership in the front office. For as easy as it is to look at the current roster heading into a draft and deciding which prospects are the best fits for said roster, we all know that drafting the best player available is a better strategy for long-term sustainability. 

Gansey could have prioritized a front court player who would have had a faster pathway to lots of playing time. He could have avoided a guard and dodged the criticism that comes with taking a guard with the top draft asset that came back in the Jared McCain trade. But Gansey must have seen a potential with Philon and the team’s starting guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. He also likely viewed Philon as a player that could make a bigger long-term impact than some of the bigs that he would have selected and that’s what the draft is all about.

While you might not be as bullish on the acquisition of Wade, Gansey had a relationship with Wade from their time together in Cleveland that had to have helped in bringing the veteran forward to Philadelphia. Relationships, no matter how small, are always going to be a part of running a front office and Gansey has already displayed a good ability to maintain previous relationships.

These are all positive signs for the franchise moving forward. A lot of them probably factored into the Sixers getting a seat at the table when it comes to the LeBron James sweepstakes. If they’re in the conversation for LeBron, regardless of how old he is, that’s a sign that the guy in charge of the front office is doing a good job.

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Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose are NBA 2K27 cover athletes

We have our cover athletes for NBA 2K27, and once again the three-tier system of NBA star, WNBA star, and recent Hall of Fame inductee is reigning supreme. 2K Sports gave SB Nation an early look at the covers, before releasing them to the world on Wednesday and here’s a full look at both the different designs, as well as what the different versions of the game entail.

Victor Wembanyama (Standard Edition — $69.99)

  • Base game, launching September 5, 2026

Caitlin Clark (Deluxe Edition — $99.99)

  • 100,000 VC MyCAREER content (25x 6 Types of Skill Boosts, 25x 3 Types of Gatorade Boosts, Victor Wembanyama Jersey, Caitlin Clark Jersey, and a 2HR 2XP Coin.
  • MyTEAM content (Full ’27: Series 1Team Selection, Triple Threat Park Free Agent Pack, 5x ’27: Series 1 Packs, and a 2HR2XP Coin.
  • Includes Early Access starting on August 28, 2026, up to one week before worldwide release.

Derrick Rose (Ultra Edition — $149.99)

  • Includes everything in the Deluxe Edition, plus an additional 35,000 VC.
  • Season 1 ProPass, and the Summer Season Pass Pro Pass Bundle (Seasons 7–9 Pro Pass, releasing in Summer 2027)
  • Roses Oversize Hoodie in MyCAREER
  • Premium SKUMyTEAM Player Cards, which includes a guaranteed 98 OVR card (December 2026) and a guaranteed Invincible card (May 2027).

The decision to make Wemby, Clark, and Rose the cover athletes was explained by 2K

“Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose each come from different worlds, but they share the same obsession that has altered the trajectory of the game,” said Zak Armitage, SVP & GM of NBA 2K. “Wembanyama has broken the mold for what a big man can be and keeps breaking it. Clark is pulling up from the logo, not just redefining what range looks like, but thewomen’s game entirely. And Rose changed what it meant to be a point guard – explosive, physical, unstoppable – and when faced with setbacks, his hunger for the game is what brought him back. None of them have an off switch, and that same relentless drive is what defines NBA 2K27”

The first gameplay trailer for NBA 2K27 will release on July 28.

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Elephant Rumblings: A’s Road Trip Continues as Trade Deadline Looms

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 20: Joshua Kuroda-Grauer #44 of the Athletics lays in the batters box after getting hit by a foul ball against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Chase Field on July 20, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Wednesday A’s fans!

This afternoon, the Athletics will wrap up a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks before flying to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Twins this weekend.

While there is a chance first baseman Nick Kurtz could return during the second half of this road trip, the A’s will be without hot-hitting rookie Joshua Kuroda-Grauer for the next several weeks, if not the rest of the season, as he recovers from emergency surgery to repair a ruptured testicle.

It is a significant blow for both the team and the player. JKG’s big-league career was off to a blistering start, with the 23-year-old infielder collecting 25 hits, including his first home run, in 60 at-bats for a .417 batting average.

With Kuroda-Grauer joining fellow infielder Zack Gelof on the shelf, expect Max Muncy and Tommy White to receive playing time at third base over the next several games. Will the A’s defense take a step back with these two less-than-stellar defenders manning the hot corner, or will one—or both—of them impress defensively?

As a result of how the team played going into the All-Star Break, the A’s now face a steep climb back to .500 and playoff contention. As things stand, it seems likely they will do at least some selling ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs and second baseman Jeff McNeil could both be traded, as each can become a free agent at the end of the season if the Athletics decline their club options. Springs has struggled this season, but part of that can be attributed to being a fly ball pitcher in a hitter-friendly home ballpark.

On a team that plays in a more pitcher-friendly environment, Springs could return to the form he displayed last season with the A’s and earlier in his career with the Tampa Bay Rays. At the very least, he could provide value as a bullpen option to neutralize left-handed hitters. Likewise, McNeil could give a contender a valuable utility infielder and veteran bench bat.

There have also been rumblings surrounding the A’s increasingly crowded outfield, as well as catcher Shea Langeliers, who would likely command the biggest prospect return of any A’s player currently mentioned in trade rumors.

With trade season approaching and the club’s 2026 MLB Draft class beginning its professional careers, the Athletics’ farm system is about to receive a fresh infusion of talent. It will be interesting to see how many of those newly drafted players make their professional debuts before the season ends and what levels they’ll be assigned to.

How many A’s players do you think will get traded? Do you think this team still has a realistic chance to turn its season around as the end of July approaches? If so, what needs to happen?

A’s Coverage:

MLB News and Interest:

Best of X:

Get well soon, JKG. His injury should remind his teammates and other MLB players to wear cups to help prevent similar injuries. It will also hopefully lead to him no longer swinging at pitches that are about to hit him.

Blast from the past. One of this historic franchise’s all-time great players.

Will Mark Leiter Jr.’s latest hip injury change the Athletics’ trade deadline strategy? If so, how aggressive do you think they’ll be when it comes to buying or selling?

A’s 2026 first-round pick Drew Burress is already integrating himself with the team.