The Reds and Pirates clash this afternoon, and I'm expecting a quiet first inning. Meanwhile, I see offensive fireworks in tonight's Dodgers vs. Padres tilt.
These matchups will headline my top NRFI predictions and YRFI predictions today.
Jared Jones hasn't been as elite with a 4.78 FIP across his last five starts, but the Reds are hitting just .210 in the first, and haven't produced any offense in the opening frame in eight straight games.
While I don't expect Jones to be lights-out, Cincinnati has consistently started games slowly, creating value in another scoreless first inning.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Reds.TV
Royals at White Sox: NRFI (-131)
Two solid arms take the hill here that rarely allow damage early on. Michael Wacha sports a 13-3 NRFI/YRFI record in 2026, and he's pitching well lately, compiling a 2.57 FIP across his previous two starts.
As for Davis Martin, he's tossed a clean first in seven straight, and in 15 starts, he's allowed a run in the opening frame just twice.
Also, both of these offenses are struggling out of the gates right now. The Kansas City Royals haven't scored in the first in three in a row, while the Chicago White Sox have gone five games without a run in the opening inning.
I'll play this pick up to -140.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Chicago Sports Network, Royals.TV
Dodgers at Padres: YRFI (-112)
There are multiple paths to a first-inning run tonight, but the Los Angeles Dodgers provide the clearest one.
Randy Vasquez has struggled lately, posting a 6.84 xERA over his last four starts while allowing a first-inning run in three straight outings. He also owns a mediocre 9-6 NRFI/YRFI record.
Los Angeles is batting .261 in the first inning and should have opportunities to capitalize early. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been outstanding overall, but he's still allowed a first-inning run in five of his 14 starts this season, giving the San Diego Padres at least a chance to contribute.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MLB Network
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
NRFI/YRFI picks: 20-39, -4.30 units
What is a NRFI prediction?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 26: Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks is removed from the game against the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 26, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Diamondbacks News
Diamondbacks Reach Halfway Point with Same Record as Last Year Zac Gallen had another terrible first inning. There’s no getting around that fact. But then, Gallen found his groove and looked much like the Gallen of old as he mowed down the next 15 hitters. But then, his luck ran out in the seventh when Torey Lovullo tried to get one last inning out of him, given he was on a low pitch count and was dealing. The Diamondbacks offense fell flat though, failing to turn in a competitive performance in support of what was a decent start by the former ace of the team.
Corbin Carroll Sets Triples Record Corbin Carroll stands alone as the Diamondback with the most triples, surpassing the mark previously held by Stephen Drew. Carroll will likely double that number or more by the time he is done in the desert, given how rapidly he reached his current number.
Yilber Diaz Claimed by Tigers Yilber Diaz did not make it through waivers and is now headed to Detroit after having found no success in Arizona.
Other Baseball News
Angels Fire Minasian, Hire Mozeliak The Angels announced a surprise change at the top of baseball operations. Los Angeles has fired general manager Perry Minasian and hired longtime Cardinals executive John Mozeliak as interim GM.
White Sox Rout Royals 22-1 The game featured the most runs scored in a game by the Southsiders since 1970. It was also the Royals’ first-ever loss by 20 or more runs.
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens reportedly crossed an item off his summer to-do list on Saturday.
The Celtics are re-signing Ron Harper Jr. to a three-year, $9 million contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. They declined Harper’s $2.6 million team option for 2026-27 to ink him to a longer deal.
Harper averaged 4.2 points and 11 minutes in 29 games (three starts) last season, his first with Boston. The 26-year-old son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and older brother of San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper showcased his potential with several noteworthy performances off the bench, including a 27-point outburst in the season finale vs. the Orlando Magic.
With Harper signed, the Celtics will shift their attention to their other pending free agents, including Neemias Queta ($2.67 million team option) and Jordan Walsh ($2.4 million). The deadline to exercise their options is Monday.
Strong bullpen pitching and very clutch hitting was the recipe for success for the Stripers come from behind victory. Three bullpen arms got it done, after starter Garrett Baumann was forced out in the third inning.
It was a very rough start for Garrett Baumann who lasted just two innings after surrendering six hits, and two walks, along with a wild pitch. The runs came early for Garrett who surrendered two runs in the first, including an RBI triple that drove in Luis Lara to put the sounds up 1-0. He would then give up a sacrifice fly to the next batter to push the lead to 2-0. Fast forward to the third inning and things really fell apart for Garrett as he went 2B, BB, 1B, WP, BB, Grand Slam, 3B to start the inning. He was replaced by Connor Thomas (4IP 4H 2ER 1BB 4K) who came in rushed and subsequently gave up a run scoring single of his own, and a two run home run to push the lead for the Sounds to 10-2 in the third. Connor would then settle in and pitch three more scoreless innings. He was relieved by Joel Payamps (2IP 2H 0R 0BB 1K) and Rolddy Muñoz (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K) would who pitched the final three innings of the game, registering a combined three scoreless innings, allowing the Stripers to mount their furious comeback.
After scoring a pair of runs in the second, the Stripers found themselves down 10-2 entering the fifth inning when the Stripers offense started to make things interesting. Run scoring singles by Luke Williams, and Brewer Hicklen, along with a run scoring ground out by Brett Wisely allowed the Stripers to close the gap to 10-6. A run scoring sacrifice fly by Brett Wisely, that drove in Jim Jarvis who singled earlier in the inning and went first-t0-third on a DaShawn Keirsey single, lessened the gap to 10-7 in the seventh inning. Ben Gamel would get back into the action in the eighth inning when he drove in Aaron Schunk to make it 10-8, and Jair Camargo would drive in José Azócar via a ground out to make it 10-9 in the eighth. The Stripers would then load the bases in the ninth inning with one out and Aaron Schunk would come through with game tying sacrifice fly to even the score at 10-10 with 2 outs. Azócar and would then hit the game winning single, driving in Brett Wisely, to make it 11-10. Azócar would then steal second, and come into score, along with Brewer Hicklen, on a field error by Luis Matos to give the Stripers two more runs, and making it 13-10 before Rolddy Muñoz struck out the side to end the game and give the Stripers the dramatic come from behind victory, the largest in franchise history.
Hope you've got your popcorn cus here's every run from the LARGEST COMEBACK IN CLUB HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/vv0d6gebIM
Timely hitting, as the Clingstones went 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position, along with extremely strong pitching by five pitchers gave Columbus the shutout victory over the Trash Pandas.
Lucas Braun got the start for the Clingstones and while he danced around some trouble, allowing nine batters to reach base, he worked out of every jam, allowing only five singles. Every time there was some trouble, Lucas was either able to induce really weak contact or striking out batters. Following Lucas was a masterful, and dominant performance by a quartet of Clingstone arms. First up was the rehabbing Danny Young (1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K) who pitched a scoreless sixth inning, needing just 13 pitches to retire the side. He was followed up by Ian Mejia (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K) who finally got an outing to go his way – pounding the zone and needing just 11 pitches to register the scoreless inning. Blake Burkhalter (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 0K), who is slowly returning to form after multiple injuries in the off-season, needed just 10 pitches as he induced a pair of fly outs in a scoreless eighth inning. Finally came in Tyler LaPorte (1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K) who pitched the final inning, preserving the shutout for the Clingstones.
Offensively, much like the Stripers, it was some timely hitting by the Clingstones who as a team went 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Their first run came in the second inning with an Ambioris Tavarez RBI single that gave the Clingstones a 1-0 lead. In the next inning, five Clingstones in a row reached base, to push the lead to 3-0. In the fifth, it was catcher Archer Brookman who hit his fifth home run of the season to push the lead to 4-0. The fifth run came in the sixth inning in a rather unconventional way with Patrick Clohisy drawing a walk, stealing second and third, before coming around to score on a throwing error by the catcher to make it 5-0. Finally, it was Jordan Groshans in the eighth inning, that connected on his 11th home run of the season to extend it to 6-0.
The vaunted Emperors offense was never able to really get it started as they faced one of, if not the best, minor league baseball’s top arms in Seth Hernandez.
Zach Royse got the start for the Emperors and was just okay, as he gave up four extra-base hits including two home runs and a pair of doubles, in his start. Zach exchanged zeroes with Seth Hernandez for most of the game, until things fell apart for him in the decisive sixth inning. Zach gave up a pair of solo home run to start the inning. He would also give up a pair of doubles, and a run scoring balk, before being removed from the game with 2 outs in the fifth, and replaced by David Rodriguez (1.1IP 0H 0R 0BB 1K) who would end the threat, and pitch a scoreless seventh. Much like the Clingstones pitching staff, the Emperors relief core pitched the final 3.1 innings without allowing a single hit. Following David was Drew Christo (1IP 0H 0R 1BB 1K) who pitched a scoreless eighth before turning the ball over to Jacob Kroeger (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 2K) who struck out a pair in the games final inning.
Offensively, everyone outside of Isaiah Drake struggled mightily. The Emperors went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, stranding eight on base as a team. The teams’ first run came in the in the fourth inning when the Emperors would load the bases with two outs for Mason Guerra who promptly drew a walk, driving in Isaiah Drake. Colin Burgess would fly out to end the threat. The Emperors would then be held in check until the eighth inning when it was, once again, Isaiah Drake that connected on his 11th home run of the season.
The much anticipated, at least by me, Cream (Aidan Cremarosa) – Cheese (Landon Beidelschies) pitching matchup went the way of the cream, as Landon Beidelschies struggled in his four innings of work for the GreenJackets.
After a relatively easy first inning, Landon ran into some problems in the second as he gave up a lead off double, and then a two run home run to put the RiverDogs on the board and giving them a 2-0 lead. He would allow four more runs in the fourth inning as he allowed five hits, including two doubles, pushing the lead for the RiverDogs to 6-0. Landon was replaced by Logan Forsythe (3IP 3H 1ER 0BB 6K) who pitched well, striking out six across three innings of work. He was clipped for one run in the seventh inning but otherwise filled in admirably, giving the bullpen much needed length. Kendy Richard (1IP 1H 0R 0BB 1K) pitched the final inning of the game.
Offensively, the team was really carried by three players – Alex Lodise, Tanner Smith, and Michael Martinez. After being held scoreless through the games first four innings, the GreenJackets broke out for three runs in the fifth inning – highlighted by a pair of home runs including a solo one by Tanner Smith, and a two run home run by Michael Martinez.
— Augusta GreenJackets (@GreenJackets) June 27, 2026
The GreenJackets would then be held scoreless until the seventh inning when the surging Alex Lodise drove in Cooper McMurray to make it 6-4 in the seventh inning. Over his last month of play Alex has appeared in 21 games and is hitting .272/.374/.605 with 6 home runs, seven doubles, and a triple.
Bryce Harper is tearing the cover off the baseball right now. He's hit three home runs over his last seven games while carrying a ridiculous .448 ISO, 54.2% hard-hit rate, and .646 xSLG during that span.
Harper has consistently been driving the ball with authority and looks primed for another big swing tonight.
Scott has also struggled to keep the ball in the park at Citi Field, allowing 1.72 home runs per nine innings at home compared to just 0.89 overall this season.
I'll play this pick up to +300.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNY, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Home run pick: Junior Caminero (+278)
It'll be difficult to find a hotter hitter in baseball right now than Junior Caminero.
He's consistently squaring up the baseball and generating elite power.
The Arizona Diamondbacks hand the ball to rookie Jose Cabrera, who is making just his second major league appearance. Facing one of the hottest power hitters in baseball is a difficult assignment, especially with Caminero producing this type of contact quality.
When a hitter is barreling the ball this consistently, he's capable of leaving any yard.
I'll play this pick confidently to +200.
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rays.TV, DBacks.TV
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 12-69, -11.75 units
Today’s HR parlay
Bryce Harper
Bet Now +8601
Freddie Freeman
Junior Caminero
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.
When the Senators traded Brady Tkachuk to Florida last Sunday, they acquired a pile of draft capital.
The deal left them flush with picks in round one of the 2026 NHL Draft, but earlier this week, they almost immediately traded the most valuable pick, the 9th overall selection, to San Jose. They picked up winger William Eklund, who can the club help right away.
But they also accepted that it was time to start restocking their prospect shelves.
So in the Eklund deal, they also secured two prospects they liked: former London Knights star forward Kasper Haltunnen and the rights to forward Brandon Svoboda, who just finished his second season at Boston U.
Then on Friday night at the draft, while many expected they might deal away the 25th pick for more immediate help, they kept their eye on the future again, drafting Swedish right winger Jonas Lagerberg Hoen from Leksands IF Jr.
Finally, due to an NHL ruling in the Dadonov case, they had no choice but to make their pick at 32. With that, they selected London Knights forward Jaxon Cover, the player I liked most at that draft position (even a blind squirrel finds the odd acorn).
Lagerberg Hoen is something of a wild card to say the least. Two seasons ago, he had elite Cy Young-like numbers with 27 goals and 3 assists in 38 games in junior. Back with the same club this past season for his NHL draft year, he was expected to completely light it up. In the first 9 games, he did. He had 9 goals and 7 assists before suffering a knee injury.
So the viewings of LH have been limited and that surely affected his draft rankings. Some had him listed as low as the 70s and 80s. On the other hand, before anyone panics, he was ranked 19th by NHL Central Scouting among all draft-eligible European skaters.
The pick does conjure up memories and comparisons to Tyler Boucher. Five years ago at the weird 2021 NHL Draft, the Senators had the tenth overall pick and were smitten with Tyler Boucher, a good skating physical forward who had also run into injury trouble in his draft year. The Sens felt the injury issues affected his draft stock, and were also concerned that if they waited until their next pick, another team would have taken him.
The Sens reached for Boucher, well ahead of where he was ranked by most scouts and analysts and unfortunately, Boucher has never been healthy enough for long enough to prove the Sens right or wrong.
The good news is that Lagerberg Hoen, at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, is fully healthy again and ready to play a full season in Sweden next year in the second-tier Allsvenskan.
Frankly, it's hard to believe he was able to put together such an impressive highlight reel in just nine junior games.
Sens head amateur scout Don Boyd seemed thrilled to have selected him where they did.
“We really liked him," Boyd said. "He’s a goal-scorer. He can really skate, he can score from everywhere, and he’s a competitive guy. We had great interviews with him; he was great in the gym, and he checks all the boxes.”
There were only six picks before the Sens would choose again, but Boyd felt like there were a couple of NHL teams who might have jumped on Lagerberg Hoen if they had waited until their next pick at 32.
And that brings us to Cover whose backstory might be the best of the entire first round class. If his name didn't rhyme with clover, I might have billed it as our Cover Story. As much as referring to our national sport as ice hockey makes Canadians cringe, I'm afraid we have to for this story.
The six-foot-2, 183-pound winger only began playing organized ice hockey five years ago after first excelling in roller hockey in the Cayman Islands.
“It’s a great story, but we drafted him because we believe he's got ability, we believe he's got skill, we believe he's going to have a chance to be an offensive guy,” Boyd said.
Scouts rave about his athleticism, creativity, and like Lagerberg Hoen, his snap shot is off the charts. Because he is still relatively new to ice hockey, his ceiling on his potential for improvement might be better than almost anyone in the draft. And he's already pretty good.
Wearing Sidney Crosby's number 87, Cover's puck skill, fierce snap shot, and fearlessness at the net are impressive, especially for a young man with only five years of organized hockey. He posted 20 goals and 52 points in 67 games for the Knights in 2025-26. And there's been ho shortage of NHL stars to come out of OHL London.
The NHL did a great feature on Cover here.
So on day one of the NHL Draft, the Sens beefed up on future skill.
The NHL Draft continues on Saturday. The Senators don't have a second round selection but they have three in the third, then one pick in the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman looks on as Liam Ruck of Canada is drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the twenty-second overall pick during day one of the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Talk about the ongoing draft event here!
When: 11:00am eastern What: Rounds 2-7 to complete the draft happen today How to watch: NHL Network, streaming on ESPN+ Penguin picks: Two in the second round (39, 54), a third round (86), a sixth round (170)
It’s a great day to make some more dreams come true.
Dodgers vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.0 (-110)
Only three of the past 10 head-to-head meetings have gone Over the total, and I expect another low-scoring game in the cards here.
It’ll be very difficult to string together hits against Yamamoto and the Padres lack power for quick-strike offense.
The Dodgers are missing a couple of key bats in Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith. They’re also playing in a pitcher-friendly park, which will lower their offensive floor and ceiling.
I see this being a 5-2 type of game, and would play the Under to -120.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 44-32, +3.20 units
Over/Under bets: 40-32-4, +3.99 units
Dodgers vs Padres weather
Temperatures in the high 60s are expected with winds blowing east. Slight boost to the pitchers.
Dodgers vs Padres odds
Moneyline: Dodgers -200 | Padres +165
Run line: Dodgers -1.5 (-115) | Padres +1.5 (-105)
Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-110) | Under 8.0 (-110)
Dodgers vs Padres trend
San Diego has been generous to Under bettors this season, owning a 35-44 O/U record. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Padres.
How to watch Dodgers vs Padres and game info
Location
Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date
Saturday, June 27, 2026
First pitch
8:40 p.m. ET
TV
SNLA, KFMB-CBS8
Dodgers starting pitcher
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5, 2.65 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher
Randy Vasquez (6-5, 4.17 ERA)
Dodgers vs Padres 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.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Morez Johnson Jr. after he is drafted ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Merriam-Webster defines Schadenfreude as the enjoyment obtained from seeing or hearing about the troubles of others.
As sports fans, you probably experience it all the time.
If you root for the Bears, perhaps you experience it when the Packers lose.
If you root for the Cardinals, you may giggle when a Lincoln Park yuppie slips and faceplants in their own vomit on a Wrigleyville sidewalk.
And if you’re an Illini fan, Juwan Howard getting shitcanned in Ann Arbor likely warmed the cockles of your heart.
Speaking of Ann Arbor.
Native Chicagoan, former Illini commit, signee, and player Morez Johnson Jr. was drafted 9th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
A year after Johnson departed Champaign, he became the Dallas Mavericks’ first-round selection.
It was the next step in a journey that took Morez from St. Rita to Thornton to Champaign, Ann Arbor, and now the Metroplex.
Now Morez’ NBA fate is tied to Dusty May and Cooper Flagg.
Not bad for someone still facing the unjust, vitriolic bile of some Illinois fans.
The palpable emotional incontinence in some Illinois fans’ hatred for Morez makes me ashamed to count myself among them in fandom.
No, I will not just stick to sports. Sports don’t exist in a bubble. They exist in the real world with all the joy and pain of the tangible universe. And the people who participate are just as susceptible to the slings and arrows of time as the average anti-Morez Illinois fan.
You do not own the athletes for whom you cheer.
I think there is a series of constitutional amendments that make it so. And being that ignorant this close to Juneteenth is irony rich enough to get naming rights to a college football stadium in Texas.
I know it’s hard for some of you to look at a young man like Morez and take leave of your faculties when he has the gall not to do what you want him to do.
When Morez transferred from Illinois, some decided to unleash vile personal attacks on the young man and his family.
You wished him ill will. Not just on the court.
It’s fair to wish his new program failure. They are a conference rival.
But some insults went beyond losing basketball games.
In that world, his decision to go somewhere else was not a basketball decision. It wasn’t the choice of an ambitious young man trying to achieve his goals. It was a betrayal.
They wanted to call him a greedy, selfish…haberdasher. And perhaps you do privately.
They scoured the internet for comments about his family.
“See, he comes from a family full of haberdashers.”
It’s like there was some joy in satiating that lustful disdain.
Morez Johnson’s mentor left Illinois. Wouldn’t you feel abandoned if the same happened to you?
When Tim Anderson was placed on administrative leave just before the 2024-25 season tipped off, the balance of the program shifted. The arrival of star big man coach and Underwood ally, Orlando Antigua, marked a different direction. Anderson (and Chester Frazier) recruited players like Morez: tough, physical grinders with evolving skill and the willingness to do whatever it takes to win. Think about the players they brought in:
Terrence Shannon Jr.
Morez Johnson Jr.
Sencire Harris
Ty Rodgers
Amani Hansberry
Antigua brings a different approach to Illinois. He brought in international prospects like Tomislav Ivisic (and later his twin brother). That was the new direction of the program.
The offense was to be built around spacing and shooting and less around having a sledgehammer in the dunker spot.
This is where we find the crux of the basketball insult used to couch more personal animus.
“He left one of the best big men coaches in the country. So that automatically means he had no interest in improving his game. It’s all because that greedy, lying haberdasher wanted to take more money so his family can put shinier rims on their cars.”
His other mentor, Tai Streets, is a University of Michigan alum.
For a “kid who got bad advice from his father,” he sure did get some wise counsel from both of his mentors. He wound up having two productive seasons in the Big Ten, winning a national title, and landing himself in the lottery.
They wanted him to shut up, run, dunk, and rebound. They didn’t see him as capable of growing as a player. I’ll let you sort out what about him made them think he was a finished product at 17.
“But I saw clips of him shooting. It was obvious his shot was broken and his desire to go somewhere else is stupid. You hear that, boy? You do what I want you to do. Screw your dreams and ambitions, what about mine, dammit? The dang Illini need to win me a national championship.“
Okay, so you thought he was one-dimensional and wouldn’t be anything more at Michigan than he was at Illinois.
And to stop you from being willfully obtuse, let’s look at the numbers.
At Illinois, he took approximately 4 shots per game. That number doubled at Michigan.
With the increased volume, his two-point percentage actually increased from 64% to 66%.
So he took more shots inside the arc and shot a higher percentage.
He went from attempting zero threes at Illinois to taking 35 threes on the season at Michigan. Sure, that is low volume. And no, he did not turn into Koby Brea overnight. But the talk about him being an incompetent shooter was absolute rubbish. He shot 34% from behind the arc. For context, Tomislav Ivisic shot 31% from three-point range last season. (That’s not a knock on Tomi.)
Morez Johnson at least showed the threat of a jump shot. He demonstrated that he can make open shots from deep, so you have to respect him. And that’s an element he didn’t get to show as an Illini.
The advanced stats showcase the difference between a good role player on an excellent team and an emerging star on a championship team.
Playing with Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg meant his rebounding numbers went down. His offensive rebound rate fell from 17% to a still excellent 13%. That is a fair critique of his value.
His true shooting percentage increased from 64% to 67%. And he didn’t need the best big man coach in the nation to do that.
He more than doubled his win shares from just under 3 to just over 6. The analytics-driven Illini staff would have to be impressed with that number. To understand his true value, the great Keaton Wagler had 7.2 win shares in his lone collegiate season.
So from a basketball standpoint, Morez wasn’t the same player. He was not relied upon to be the primary rebounder. But his prowess still helped anchor a national champion on the glass. His quickness and switchability defensively made him a Swiss Army knife.
No, Morez didn’t turn from a frontcourt player to a wing while at Michigan. But he demonstrated new skills and the team orientation it takes to succeed at the highest levels. He can play alongside smaller players due to his length and rebounding prowess. He can thrive next to larger players because of his evolving offensive skill.
Dusty May had all three of his former Michigan frontcourt players on the board at number nine. And he chose Morez Johnson. Do you think that pick just happened because someone thought the name Morez sounds cool?
And you were so eager to besmirch his character as a human and a basketball player.
“He was drafted too high. He only went in the top ten because his college coach is in Dallas now.”
No one had a better day at the NBA Draft Combine than Morez Johnson Jr. 〽️
• 17/25 3-point star drill • 16/30 3s off the dribble • Pro Lane Drill (1st) • 3/4 Court Sprint (1st) • Max Vertical Jump (1st)… pic.twitter.com/1yzUaPXigg
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 12, 2026
Or, because he, you know, excelled as a player and at the combine.
If Morez really agreed to a deal to stay at Illinois and reneged, is that what makes him so detestable?
Because Brad Underwood had a valid contract at Oklahoma State when he agreed to come to Illinois. Is Brad also a dishonorable man? Or is he an ambitious man who saw an opportunity to enhance his life and took it?
Are you going to hurl the same level of invective at Quentin Coleman? He had a signed agreement to enroll at Wake Forest. Does that mean it’s morally okay to break your word if you’re coming to Illinois but not when you’re going from?
I’ll reiterate, I’m not saying anyone has to root for him. I am definitely not saying that anyone should have become Wolverines fans last season.
But if you think that you have dominion over a young man’s character because he didn’t follow your instructions…
I’m back with more MLB picks following last week’s 3-for-3 showing at the plate, and this time I’ve found some great value in a plus-money prop for Freddie Freeman, as well as picks for Byron Buxton and Chase Burns.
I’ll break down all three in my MLB player props for Saturday, June 27.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Freddie Freeman
Over 1.5 total bases
+118
Byron Buxton
Over 1.5 total bases
-126
Chase Burns
Over 6.5 strikeouts
-156
Freddie Freeman Over 1.5 total bases (+118)
Freddie Freeman is putting together another great season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he’s only getting better as the summer wears on, batting .429 over the past week with Over 1.5 total bases in each of his last three games.
The southpaw carries a bloated 6.91 ERA over his last six starts, which comes as no surprise given his underlying stats – Vasquez sits in the second percentile in xERA (6.47), xBA (2.97), and barrel %.
Vasquez goes to his cutter nearly a quarter of the time, though it’s been his worst pitch, with batters hitting .345 and slugging .655 against it.
Freeman himself is batting .375 vs. the cutter this season, with a .708 SLG and six extra-base knocks (out of 9 total hits).
I’m surprised this prop is plus-money tonight, but I’m playing it all the way to -110.
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health, SportsNet LA,
Byron Buxton Over 1.5 total bases (-126)
The Byron Buxton breakout bash continues. The Minnesota Twins slugger ranks in the 98th percentile in barrel % and 94th percentile in xSLG (.528). Oh, and his 25 dingers are also tied for the second most in the majors.
Buxton has smacked Over 1.5 total bases in five of his last seven games, highlighted by a three-hit outing in yesterday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. Buxton will make easy work of the Rockies and starter Michael Lorenzen tonight.
Lorenzen has been one of the worst pitchers in baseball this year, sitting in the bottom percentile in pitching run value and second percentile in xBA (.297).
The right-hander relies heavily on his four-seamer, which has been one of Buxton’s favorite pitches to hit. Buxton is batting a team-leading .364 against the four-seamer from righties, with an insane .891 SLG – the ninth-best mark in MLB.
I’ll play this one up to -135.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rockies.TV, Twins.TV
Chase Burns Over 6.5 strikeouts (-156 at DraftKings)
Chase Burns is averaging 10.7 strikeouts per nine this year, tied for the fourth most in MLB. The Cincinnati Reds sophomore has punched out 7+ batters in seven straight starts, and I foresee him topping that number again vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates today.
Pittsburgh’s 9.27 strikeouts per game are the third most in the majors, and the Pirates will struggle against Burns’ nasty slider.
Burns has finished off 69 of his 102 strikeouts via the slider, which batters are whiffing on more than 51% of the time.
The Pirates, as a team, have gone down swinging 214 times vs. the slider this season (4th-most), while their K% ranks 7th among all clubs (29.9%).
This one is chalky for good reason, but I’ll play it up to -160.
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh, Reds.TV
Chris Faria's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 6-5, +0.09 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 26: Cooper Ingle #30 of the Cleveland Guardians runs off the field after the fourth inning of his Major League debut against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians have a real hitting problem. The Pope is Catholic. Water is wet.
Yes, José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter are out. But, Luis Castillo waltzed into Progressive Field with a 5.22 ERA and shut this lineup down. There is something wrong.
Is it a pull/lift philosophy? Every team in baseball wants to pull the ball in the air, so I’m not sure. They definitely don’t hit the ball hard or barrel the ball often enough. Is that because of pull/lift? Or because their players are just not good enough? The organization needs to do some soul searching… and make some hires from organizations that know what the heck they are doing here (Milwaukee comes to mind).
I was at the game and had a great time with my daughter who is three and does not care about the score. Props to the team for fixing up the kids’ clubhouse from earlier in the year. Now, fix the offense.
Cooper Ingle debuted and looked like he had a solid approach. Hope he gets his first hit tonight. Here is his pre-game interview:
AROUND MLB
The White Sox and Tigers scored a million runs each and won their respective games.
CAMDEN, NJ - JUNE 8: Josh Harris, Mike Gansey and Bob Myers pose for a photo as the Philadelphia 76ers introduce Mike Gansey 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
A few days away from the start of free agency, we still aren’t entirely sure what rules the Sixers will be operating under this offseason.
As is tradition with this team, the luxury tax and the aprons are the bigger concern. They could be as much as $28.3 million under the $201 million tax line, $36.3 million below the $209 million first apron and $49.3 million below the $222 million second apron, but that would require them to decline their team options on Dominick Barlow ($3.4 million), Trendon Watford ($2.8 million) and Dalen Terry ($2.6 million) and waive both Jabari Walker ($250,000 guaranteed) and Adem Bona ($0 guaranteed).
The Sixers will have to decide what to do with Barlow, Watford and Terry by June 29, which is the deadline for player and team options to be exercised. Even if they pick up their team option on Terry, his salary is non-guaranteed until Jan. 10, so they could still waive him before the season begins without being left with a dead cap hit.
All of those decisions—and whether they re-sign Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond in free agency—will help determine which mid-level exception (if any) the Sixers have access to this offseason.
Can the Sixers get the non-taxpayer MLE?
If the Sixers use the $15.0 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception this offseason, they would hard-cap themselves at the first apron for the remainder of the 2026-27 league year. That means they could not have more than roughly $209 million in salary on their books at any point until next July.
If they picked up their team options on Barlow and Watford and kept Bona, that would already bring them up to nearly $181.5 million in salary before taking Walker or Terry into account. That would leave them roughly $27.5 million below the first apron. Once they spent the non-taxpayer MLE, they’d be only $12.5 million below.
That would all but guarantee the departures of Oubre and Grimes unless they managed to shed salary elsewhere.
If the Sixers aren’t attached to bringing back Oubre and Grimes, they could even have enough wiggle room under the first apron to spend both the non-taxpayer MLE and the $5.5 million bi-annual exception. That would push them dangerously close to the first apron, which could limit their in-season flexibility, but it might be their best chance to build up their supporting cast in the wake of Oubre and Grimes’ departures.
Unless the Sixers have already made up their minds about Oubre and Grimes, timing might be their biggest hurdle. They might not want to spend the non-taxpayer MLE and hard-cap themselves at the first apron until they see how the Oubre and Grimes situations play out, but they’d also run the risk of losing out on high-end non-taxpayer MLE targets if they wait.
The taxpayer MLE route
If the Sixers do cross the first apron by re-signing Grimes and/or Oubre, they’ll lose access to both the non-taxpayer MLE and the bi-annual exception. Instead, they’d only have the $6.1 million taxpayer MLE as long as they stay under the second apron. If they cross the second apron, they won’t have a mid-level exception at all.
This might be the Sixers’ most likely path this offseason, at least initially. If they spend up to $6.1 million of the MLE, they’d get hard-capped at the second apron, but they’d still have the flexibility to go above the first apron to re-sign Grimes and/or Oubre. If both of them leave and the Sixers decide that they’re fine with a first-apron hard cap, they could always spend the remaining ~$9 million of the non-taxpayer MLE later.
The Sixers also don’t have to use the MLE just to sign free agents. They could use it as a trade exception, too. That would have been their best path to acquire Aaron Wiggins or Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder, although the Sixers presumably had no interest in hard-capping themselves at the first apron before free agency began, particularly for another backcourt player.
If the Sixers do cross the first apron, they also wouldn’t be allowed to take back more salary in a trade than they send out, nor could they acquire a free agent via sign-and-trade. They’d also lose their $4.2 million trade exception from the Jared McCain trade, although it wouldn’t be surprising if they wind up letting that expire regardless.
Given their proximity to the first apron heading into free agency, the Sixers would be taking a major risk by hard-capping themselves early on. If the market is unkind to Oubre and/or Grimes, the Sixers might be able to bring them back at a discount. But if the Sixers had already spent the non-taxpayer MLE by that point, it would be far more difficult to squeeze them in and stay under the hard cap.
So, anyone dreaming of luring John Collins, Rui Hachimura or someone of that ilk with the non-taxpayer MLE should be aware of what that would entail. It’s a feasible possibility, but it would come at a real cost.
May 23, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández has played in three games in his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, and he’s hit a two-run home run in all three games.
Tulsa left-hander Adam Serwinowski allowed only a single and two walks in his seven scoreless innings, with six strikeouts. Seven innings matched a season and career high for Serwinowski, also done on May 22 this year at Wichita.
Over his last seven starts, Serwinowski has a 1.58 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 12 walks in 40 innings.
Triple-A Oklahoma City
The Comets scored four runs in the eighth inning to beat the Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) on the road.
The bottom of the order keyed the comeback. Hyeseong Kim, batting seventh, singled twice and scored twice. Next up was catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, who had a double and two singles. Noah Miller, batting ninth as the designated hitter, tripled, doubled, and scored twice.
Miller’s two-run double tied things in the eighth before RBI singles by James Tibbs III and Ryan Fitzgerald provided the lead.
Double-A Tulsa
After Serwinowski, Roque Gutierrez pitched two scoreless innings to save the Drillers’ shutout win over the Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros).
Jake Gelof homered. Second baseman Sean McLain had two hits, scored a run, and drove in another.
High-A Great Lakes
Down 4-3 early, the Loons scored the final six runs to beat the Lansing Lugnuts (A’s). First baseman Jose Hernández homered twice in the win.
Third baseman Logan Wagner homered, doubled, and drove in three runs. Since returning from the injured list last week, Wagner has a hit in all four games, with two home runs
Robby Porco helped pave the way for the comeback with 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief with five strikeouts
Class-A Ontario
Hyun-Seok Jang had his best start of the season in the Tower Buzzers’ win over the Visalia Oaks (D-backs). Jang struck out a career-high 10 batters in five scoreless innings, one start after striking out a then-career-high nine in 4 2/3 innings.
Mairo Martinus has been a solid constant for Ontario this season, hitting .309/.360/.506 with 33 extra-base hits, including two doubles, two singles, and three runs scored on Friday, his second straight four-hit affair. Martinus this season has started right field and center field this season, plus all four infield positions. Friday was his seventh start at third base.
Shortstop Joendry Vargas doubled and singled on Friday, and first baseman Oswaldo Osorio homered.
Triple-A: River Ryan, who was originally slated to start Thursday this week, was instead scratched and placed on the injured list Friday. It’s his hamstring again, per Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo at The Athletic, the same injury that sidelined Ryan for a month this April and May. Right-hander Keynan Middleton was activated off the development list.
/
- NRFI
/
- NRFI
/
- YRFI
Bryce Harper
Junior Caminero
COVERS INTEL: Randy Vasquez ranks in 
Byron Buxton
