Aug 26, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Brewer Hicklen (53) rounds second base against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Braves have managed Ronald Acuña Jr. carefully since his return from a second injured list stint this season due to a left hamstring strain
That plan has included mixing in days for Acuña as designated hitter, a role he will fill for the second time in three days when the Braves continue their three-game series at the Chicago Cubs Tuesday at 7:40 p.m. EDT.
Mauricio Dubón is also back at shortstop and hitting fifth, while Brewer Hicklen makes a somewhat rare start, hitting ninth and playing right field for Game 2 of the series.
Also of note, Ozzie Albies is down to the eighth spot in the batting order against a right-handed starting pitcher for Chicago.
The Cubs waited until nearly 6 p.m. EDT (over two hours after the Braves’ lineup was posted) to release their lineup.
No major surprises in there. Michael Busch drops from third to sixth against a left-handed starter. Tyrone Taylor, acquired from the Mets in the David Peterson trade, is batting cleanup and playing left field. Matt Shaw replaces Michael Conforto as DH in the seven-hole, and Miguele Amaya replaces at the bottom of the lineup and behind the plate.
Another night of baseball at the Friendly Confines!
The active Braves have a combined 100 career at-bats against Cubs starter Kevin Gausman, hitting .240 against him with just three walks and 22 strikeouts. The slugging percentage, though, is a more respectable. 450.
Of Atlanta’s six all-time homers against the right-hander, Matt Olson (6-for-19) has three of them, making this a possible night for him to hit homer No. 40. Austin Riley (4-for-9, one homer), Dubón (3-for-9, one homer) and Mike Yastrzemski (3-for-9, one homer) have all had success against Gausman as well, while Albies (1-for-7), Michael Harris II (2-for-9) and Ha-Seong Kim (0-for-6) have had less.
Of the Cubs’ hitters 77 all-time at-bats against Braves starter Martín Pérez, Alex Bregman has over half of them (42, to be exact). He’s 10-for-42 (.238) against Pérez with just one extra-base hit (a double) and one RBI. However, he does have a 373 on-base percentage behind nearly twice as many walks (nine) as strikeouts (five).
Overall, Chicago’s hitters are 15-for-77 (.195) against Perez. No one has had much success against him, with Taylor (2-for-7) posting the best batting average against him at .286. The current Cubs have never hit a homer off Pérez and have just four RBIs against him.
England captain Harry Brook’s blistering unbeaten century paved the way for a 119-run thrashing of Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international at Southampton on Tuesday.
“Putting aside the precise words he chose to use, most importantly he indicated a willingness to accept the league’s decision in this case and the accompanying sanctions,” Silver said.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media before the NBA Cup game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
That change in posture mattered. Ballmer had previously rejected the investigation’s findings, but said Sunday that the Clippers would comply, had paid their $30 million fine and would move forward. He also apologized and accepted responsibility as principal owner.
Silver suggested Ballmer may have had a reason to avoid an admission.
“There are other inquiries that have nothing to do with the NBA that the Clippers and Steve Ballmer are now dealing with,” Silver said, adding that Ballmer may need to “choose his words carefully.”
Silver did not identify those inquiries or accuse Ballmer of a federal crime. But the Justice Department has reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers’ dealings with Kawhi Leonard, leaving the owner potentially exposed beyond the league’s disciplinary process.
The NBA hammered the Clippers with a $30 million fine and the loss of five first-round picks after finding salary-cap violations. Ballmer was suspended for one year, while Leonard was ordered to pay $700,000.
The Clippers were not represented at the meetings because they are appointing an interim governor, who must be vetted.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates after guard Chris Paul hit a last second basket during the second half of Game 7 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 111-109. APSteve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, addresses a plenary session entitled “Civic Engagement: Understanding Government by the Numbers” on the third day of the National Governors Association’s meeting Saturday, July 15, 2017, in Providence, R.I. AP
Despite the outside uncertainty, Silver signaled that the NBA’s case is effectively closed. The discipline is final, and Ballmer’s decision to stand down marked a sharp break from the organization’s early defiance.
Silver expects further conversations with Ballmer over the next year and sees every reason for him to return as an owner in good standing after serving his suspension.
The NBA is ready to turn the page. Whether federal authorities are is a separate question — and perhaps why Ballmer chose every word with care.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 14: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds gestures as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on September 14, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Elly De La Cruz is truly ascending into Tungsten Arm O’Doyle territory of late.
Monday night saw him completely destroy a baseball, one that was conservatively estimated at 457 feet as it buzzed past the power stacks in left-center field in Great American Ball Park en route to exiting the stadium altogether. It was reminiscent of the superblast he hit from the other side of the plate off Los Angeles Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal just a week ago, feats of strength irreplicable by just about any other sole on the planet.
The Cincinnati Reds lost last night, though. Elly’s homer was their lone run in a 4-1 loss to those very same Dodgers, a loss that officially eliminated the Reds from any miracle chance at a spot in the postseason. It also sunk them to 10 full games under .500 at 70-80, and this season is rapidly deteriorating into yet another one to forget and chuck onto the scrap-heap of memories of this once proud franchise.
I digress.
Rhett Lowder has a lot to improve upon as he heads into a vital offseason for his overall development. Anything short of a rapid change of form means the Reds need to build in even more redundancy in their starting depth plans for 2027, and there’s been precious little in the way of advancement from their former 1st round pick so far in his own disappointing 2026. He’ll get the start tonight, while the Dodgers will counter with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
First pitch in GABP is set for 6:40 PM ET. Here’s how both teams will line up:
The Winnipeg Jets' prospect pool doesn't get much respect around the league, often ranked toward the bottom when it comes to organizational depth.
That knock has always felt a little unfair given how many young players are already contributing at the NHL level, with Cole Perfetti, Brad Lambert and incoming eighth overall pick Viggo Björck all projected to play key roles this season while still 24 or younger.
But the cupboard isn't as bare as the reputation suggests. Beneath that group of established or soon to be established names, the Jets have a handful of prospects who could realistically force their way onto the roster before the season is over. Here's a look at three names worth watching once training camp gets underway.
Brayden Yager
Yager, also 21, may not be quite as ready to make the jump, but he's making his own case. After playing his first full professional season with Manitoba, he produced 30 points in 68 games and closed things out strong with four points over seven playoff games. Some believe that next step is now Winnipeg.
He did get a brief look at the NHL level late in the season, appearing in three games with the Jets. He didn't record a point, but the taste of the top level, combined with an offseason of development, makes him a real candidate to push for a roster spot.
Elias Salomonsson
The 21-year-old Swedish defender was a regular presence for the Jets over a portion of last season, but with the addition of Jack St. Ivany on the right side of the defense, along with Haydn Fleury also capable of playing that side, it's not yet clear whether there's a spot for him on this roster.
The former second round pick from 2022 has finally grown into a defenseman ready to play at the NHL level, and last season he finally got the chance to show it, appearing in 32 games and recording a goal and four assists for five points with a minus six rating.
Salomonsson also spent 29 games with the Manitoba Moose at the AHL level, picking up a goal and eight assists for nine points and a minus two rating. After returning from a concussion to help fuel the Moose's playoff push, Salomonsson appeared in two games before sliding hard into the boards on a routine neutral zone hit, an injury that ultimately required shoulder surgery and closed out his season.
Thomas Milic
With the trade saga surrounding Connor Hellebuyck, if the Jets do not trade the three time Vezina Trophy winner and he sits out or if they deal Hellebuyck and don't get a goaltender in return, Milic should step into the Jets' backup role.
The 23-year-old BC native had a tough start to his NHL career, allowing eight goals and recording an .871 save percentage over three appearances with the Jets. When back in the AHL, Milic rebounded in a major way.
After a tough previous season in which he posted a losing record of 5-12-4 with a 3.44 goals against average and an .877 save percentage, he was much better this past season, finishing with a 20-13-8 record, a 2.64 goals against average and a .905 save percentage in 41 games. Milic took a clear step forward last season, and if he takes another one after this offseason, he could find himself playing a meaningful role up with the Jets this year.
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On Aug. 30, the Tampa Bay Rays trailed the San Diego Padres by two runs with two outs in the ninth when Jonny DeLuca lifted a fly ball down the left-field line that looked like the final out of the game. Padres left fielder Samad Taylor ran it down at the short fence near the foul pole and had the ball in his glove − but then he slammed into the wall. The ball came loose, tumbling over the wall. What would be a routine out anywhere else became a two-run home run off Mason Miller, one of two the closer has given up this year.
Tampa Bay won it in the 11th on a bases-loaded single from Jorge Mateo. Nobody remembers that game as anything more than a win, and that's the point. The Rays have had a lot of luck this season, but the bottom line is they have been piling up wins this year, a lot of them. In fact, they have been collecting more than their own numbers can explain.
Tampa Bay was 90-59 heading into Tuesday night's games, but its run differential projects to an 82-67 team, an 8-win gap that's the largest of any team in this year's playoff field. Looking at all of baseball, no team has been unluckier than the Detroit Tigers, sitting 71-79 despite outscoring its opponents by 71 runs this year.
This isn't some exotic advanced analytics. It's the Pythagorean win expectation, a decades-old formula that turns runs scored and allowed into the record that gap should produce. When a team beats its own number, there's usually some luck involved.
With less than two weeks left in the regular season, this is a glimpse of who is riding their luck into October. The playoffs are one close game after another, the exact conditions that built these gaps all summer. Whatever has been carrying a team, good or bad, is about to get tested for real.
No team headed for October has caught more breaks than the Rays. Here's where the rest of the postseason contenders fall on the spectrum of luck:
Getting all the breaks
Houston is the closest thing to the Rays in the field. The Astros are 75-75, leading the American League West, but their run differential projects them to be 69-81. That's a six-win overperformance.
The Phillies aren't that far off, either. At 83-67, Philadelphia is four wins ahead of its 79-71 projected record. San Diego is also getting the breaks. The Padres have an 82-68 record against a projected 78-72 record, up four wins.
Cleveland (76-75) has had a smaller version of the same thing, just two wins above their projected 74-77, but that's enough to matter in a division race that sees them trailing just 1½ games heading into Tuesday night's games. It helps the Guardians that the White Sox are on the other side of this equation.
Taking their lumps
On the other side of the spectrum, the Cubs have gotten the least out of their season relative to how they have actually played. Chicago's 84-67, but its run differential projects to a 90-61 record. That's a six-win shortfall, the largest of any potential playoff team.
New York and Boston are not far off with a four-win deficit from their projected records. The Yankees are 87-63 instead of the 91-59 projected, while the Red Sox are 82-68 against 86-64.
Even the best teams in the game are dealing with some bad luck. Los Angeles and Milwaukee are each down three, the Dodgers 91-59 against a projected 94-56, while the Brewers have the best record in the sport at 93-57, but they are projected an even more dominant 96-54. So the best teams in the game are not getting the bounces − yet.
Then there's Cleveland's own division rival: the White Sox lead the AL Central at 77-73 but project to 79-71. Those two wins would be handy in such a close race.
The field of contenders splits pretty close to the middle. It's not quality, some of the best teams in baseball are on the wrong side of this. That's worth remembering when the playoffs start, when the Rays have to prove their season wasn't built on lucky bounces and the Cubs and Dodgers can show they are even better than their records. Close games are the norm in October and these teams are about to see how lucky they really are or are not.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 12: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field on September 12, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brewers are on the verge of clinching the NL Central. It can happen any day now, and will likely happen on the first stop of this road trip in Pittsburgh. Not only could it happen tonight, but they have their best pitcher on the mound for it.
The clinching scenario for tonight is simple. Their magic number for the NL Central is at two. If the Brewers win and the Cubs lose to the Braves, the Brewers will clinch the NL Central for the fourth straight season. If either of those doesn’t happen, they will have to wait at least one more day. The good news is that regardless of the result, the Brewers will make some progress towards locking up the NL Central or a first-round bye (or both with a win).
If there’s one starter that has a strong chance to get them a win, it’s Jacob Misiorowski. After a rough start to the season, where the Brewers went 2-4 in his first six starts, they are 17-4 in his starts from May forward. One of those rough starts came in April against the Pirates. He allowed three runs in six innings while striking out nine. This is his fourth career start against the Pirates. In his previous three, he has a 2.00 ERA over 18 innings with 25 strikeouts. So far this season, he has a 1.95 ERA and 2.24 FIP with 236 strikeouts in 161 1/3 innings. He’s coming off a strong start against the Cubs, where he allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings while striking out nine.
On the other side, Lake Bachar starts for the Pirates. He was acquired from the Marlins at the trade deadline, but will function more as an opener. Since he was acquired, he has bounced between starts and relief, but his starts have not gone beyond the third inning. The Brewers have faced him three times this season, all in relief. He has allowed two runs in five innings, with one of those an unearned run when the Brewers scored their placed runner in an extra-innings win. Overall this season, he has a 3.52 ERA over 79 1/3 innings with 83 strikeouts.
The Brewers are using a similar lineup to what they used on Sunday, but with a few changes. The top three in the lineup will remain the same. Garrett Mitchell leads off, Jackson Chourio bats second, and Brice Turang bats third. William Contreras is back in the lineup batting fourth, with Jake Bauers and Christian Yelich in the fifth and sixth spots again. Luis Lara and Joey Ortiz switch spots and will bat seventh and eighth, with David Hamilton in the lineup and batting ninth. Ortiz will also shift over to shortstop with Hamilton playing third, as Cooper Pratt is out with an illness.
Here are the full lineups for today. First pitch is at 5:40 p.m.
SACRAMENTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jack Perkins #50 of the Athletics pitches during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Don Collier/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
This past Sunday, Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler’s walk-off home run ensured a winning record during the team’s penultimate homestand of the season. After a day off Monday, the Athletics begin their final road trip of 2026 tonight with a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Roster Move
Before the game, the A’s made an unsurprising roster move.
Rookie left-hander Gage Jump lands on the injured list with a left shoulder impingement, a few days after exiting his start early with shoulder soreness. The 23-year-old’s first MLB season ends with a 6-11 record, a 5.47 ERA and 108 strikeouts over 20 starts and 98 2/3 innings.
Like several other talented young pitchers, Jump experienced his share of highs and lows during his first season in the majors. Look for the southpaw to rest up this offseason before preparing to pitch toward the front or middle of the Athletics’ rotation next season.
The A’s claimed left-handed reliever Joe Rock off waivers from the Chicago White Sox a month ago. The 26-year-old southpaw began his A’s tenure with Triple-A Las Vegas, recording a 0.87 ERA over his first eight appearances with the Aviators.
With two weeks left in the regular season, Rock has an opportunity to cement himself as part of the team’s bullpen depth moving forward. His addition, however, leaves the A’s with a question to answer: How will they fill Jump’s spot in the rotation to close out the season?
Game Preview
Right-hander Jack Perkins will start the series opener for the Green and Gold on Roberto Clemente Day. The 26-year-old enters his 35th appearance and 15th start of the season with a 3-11 record, a 6.53 ERA, a 1.53 WHIP and 119 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings.
Perkins is still attempting to find consistency in the majors, with his long-term role as a reliever or starter still in question. The right-hander took the loss in his last outing against the Toronto Blue Jays after allowing four runs on seven hits over five-plus innings.
The Indiana University alum will look to bounce back in his second start against the Rays this season. When Tampa Bay traveled to Sacramento in August, Perkins took the loss after allowing seven runs on 12 hits over five innings.
Will Perkins take advantage of Tropicana Park’s less hitter-friendly conditions to post a rare quality start, or will the Rays offense jump all over him again?
Here’s the Athletics’ lineup for the series opener:
The Athletics are rolling with the same guys they relied on to win their series against the Seattle Mariners this past weekend.
Designated hitter Shea Langeliers returns to the lineup after coming off the bench Sunday to record a game-tying, pinch-hit two-run single. Right fielder Lawrence Butler and second baseman Donovan Walton seek to carry over their success following standout performances during the team’s latest homestand.
If the A’s want to win this series against the best team in the American League, they will need every position player on the active roster to contribute. Outfielder Denzel Clarke is on the bench once again. He could benefit from getting some starts on this road trip to continue developing at the plate.
The Rays, meanwhile, have right-hander Griffin Jax taking the ball for them this evening. The 31-year-old enters his 32nd appearance and 21st start of the season with a 7-10 record, a 3.99 ERA and 103 strikeouts over 99 1/3 innings. Jax is coming off a winning outing against the Atlanta Braves in which he allowed one run on two hits over five innings.
In typical Rays fashion, the small-market club that consistently punches above its weight has successfully converted a longtime reliever into a starting pitcher. Today will be Jax’s 14th career appearance, but first career start against the Athletics. He has dominated the A’s throughout his career, entering play with a 2-0 record, 0.68 ERA, 18 strikeouts and three saves in 13 appearances against the Green and Gold.
Despite already clinching a playoff berth, the Rays have bigger goals in mind, as they have not yet won the AL East title. As a result, their lineup’s potent combination of power and speed will be eager to do more damage against the A’s league-worst pitching staff.
Tampa Bay’s top three hitters all have more than 20 home runs, with slugging third baseman Junior Caminero having reached the 40-homer mark. In addition to avoiding mistake pitches over the plate, Perkins and catcher Jonah Heim must control the running game against a Rays squad entering play with the fourth-most stolen bases in the majors.
Time to continue playing spoiler and impacting the AL playoff picture. Let’s go A’s!
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 09: Lake Bachar #71 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch during the first inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on September 09, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Zoe Davis/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, September 15, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates are hosting the NL Central rival Milwaukee Brewers for a three-game set at PNC Park.
Getting the ball for the Brewers in the first matchup of the series is Cy Young candidate Jacob Misiorowski, who is putting together quite the season for the Brewers. Misiorowski is 14-5 and has led the team to victory in each of his last six starts, dating back to August 9. In his previous outing against the Chicago Cubs, Misiorowski went 6.1 innings, giving up four hits and one earned run, but the offense struggled to support him.
The Pirates are turning to their bullpen by handing the ball to Lake Bachar to start this contest against the Brewers. Bachar has been an opener in five of his 10 appearances with the team since being acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins last month. In his last outing against the Chicago White Sox on September 9, Bachar pitched 1.2 innings, giving up two hits and no earned runs.
With 12 games left on the schedule, the Pirates are hoping to reach the .500 mark, which hasn’t been achieved since 2018. It will be tough with the Brewers in town, but they swept them earlier in the year at PNC Park, so they will attempt for the same outcome.
Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Jacob Misiorowski (14-5, 1.95 ERA) vs. Lake Bachar (1-3, 3.52 ERA)
BD community, this is your game thread against the Milwaukee Brewers. Chime off in the comments section below.
The Detroit Red Wings closed out the 2026 NHL Prospects Tournament on a winning note, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets in comeback fashion by a 3-2 final score in overtime.
Forward Justice Christensen, who signed with the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins after playing the last four years with the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders, scored twice, including the overtime game-winning tally.
The scoring was opened Columbus in the second period after a disputed tally from Josh Eernisse; while the Red Wings argued that goaltender Trey Augustine was interfered with, the tally stood.
Christensen scored his first of two goals on the afternoon not long afterwards, firing a slap shot past Blue Jackets goaltender Nolan Lalonde from the top of the faceoff circle while on the power-play.
Columbus restored their one goal lead thanks to Jordan Dumais. However, with Augustine on the bench, Noah Dower Nilsson cleaned up a rebound in front of the net and deposited a backhander past Lalonde, knotting the score at 2-2.
In overtime, it was Christensen converting on a give-and-go rush with Sutter Muzzatti for the game-winning tally.
JUICE OT W🚨 leads the rush great pass from Muzzatti on the give and go and Christensen buries#LGRWpic.twitter.com/3Bp2IZA4oP
Lalonde finished with 29 saves on 32 shots, while Augustine won his second straight game by turning aside 21 of the 23 shots he faced.
The Red Wings, who recently named Shawn Horcoff their interim general manager, are scheduled to open Training Camp for the upcoming 2026-27 NHL campaign on Thursday.
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There’s a chance of rain this evening in Chicago (forecast link below) so here’s the local radar for you to keep handy:
Tuesday notes…
SIX HUNDRED: The Cubs now have a .600 winning percentage this year in night games, at 51-34. In day games, they are .500, at 33-33. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RUN DIFFERENTIAL, PART 1: The Cubs’ run differential is a season-high +142, with 806 scored and 664 allowed. Their previous high had been +141, 742-601, after a 17-3 win at home over the Brewers on Aug. 31. It had dipped to +128 following their 8-6 loss at Milwaukee last Wednesday, but since then the Cubs have tallied 26 runs and given up only 12. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RUN DIFFERENTIAL, PART 2: In their 84 wins, the Cubs have outscored their opponents by 406 runs, 627-261, for an average score of 7.5 to 3.1. In their 67 losses, they have been outscored b 224 runs, 403-179, for an average of score of 6.0 to 2.7. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
NOT WHIFFING: Cubs batters struck out only four times last night. They have had fewer than 10 strikeouts in five consecutive games, 16 of 17 and 19 of 21. They have not ended back-to-back games with double-digit strikeouts since Aug. 21-22 at Seattle. With nine or fewer strikeouts, the Cubs are 60-40; with 10 or more, 24-27. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Ray Burris throws a two-hit shutout and the Cubs defeat the Expos at Jarry Park 2-0 in just one hour, 45 minutes in front of a tiny gathering of just 2,782. It happened 50 years ago today, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 1976.
The Cubs lineup was not available at posting time. Please check BCB social media for the Cubs lineup.
Kevin Gausman’s last start was just bad, so hopefully it’s been flushed and he starts fresh tonight.
Gausman faced the Braves June 2 in Atlanta and allowed four runs in six innings, which is… not great, but not awful either. Matt Olson homered off him, one of three career long balls Olson has off Gausman.
Overall current Braves are batting .240 (24-for-100) against Gausman.
Martin Perez is 35 now, but having an under-the-radar solid year for Atlanta.
In eight starts since Aug. 1 he has a 2.18 ERA and 1.282 WHIP and only two home runs allowed in 41.1 innings.
His only appearance against the Cubs this year was one inning of scoreless relief May 13 in Atlanta. The Cub who has faced him most is Alex Bregman (10-for-42, a double, nine walks).
Please visit our SB Nation Braves site Battery Power. If you do go there to interact with Braves fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 13: Members of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after the Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Sunday, September 13, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kathryn May/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Here are the lineups for the first game of two in Washington. Let’s discuss!
On this day 78 years ago, the last-place White Sox put a whupping on the AL-best Red Sox. | Chicago Tribune
1901 In a doubleheader nightcap hosting Milwaukee, the White Sox hit an MLB-record five triples in the eighth inning — and three of them were consecutive! Sam Mertes, Fred Hartman and Herm McFarland started off the barrage with three three-baggers in a row, and after Frank Isbell somehow failedto triple, two more were hit consecutively, by Frank Shugart and Billy Sullivan. The second-biggest crowd at South Side Park that year (and, possibly, second-biggest in the AL: 18,000) saw the White Sox rally, from down 4-2, with a seven-run eighth to pace a sweep of the Brewers, 5-4 and 9-4.
Billy Hoy had hit a triple earlier in the game, giving the White Sox a total of six, setting the American League record — it would be 19 years before anyone tied that single-game mark. The White Sox also had three triples in the opener (including from Hoy and Mertes), making nine total for the doubleheader.
With two weeks left in the season, the White Sox were 79-48 and in first place by seven games, on their way to winning the first major-league AL pennant.
Nineteen years later, almost to the day, the White Sox again hit six triples, again in a regulation, nine-inning game. And in-between the two contests, in fact earlier in the 1920 season, the White Sox had another six-triple game (albeit needing 16 innings to get there). Given just 15 games in MLB history where a lineup has hit six triples or more, the White Sox own 20% of those contests (and at that point in 1920 where two more were added to the White Sox docket, they had 30% of the total six-triple games in history).
Also on this day, the White Sox released shortstop Jimmy Burke, just two months after purchasing him from Milwaukee. Burke was solid in his 42 games on the South Side, with 11 steals, 12 walks and 21 RBIs during his tenure. Pittsburgh snatched Burke up the next day, and he had two more solid MLB seasons before spending most of the rest of his career in the minors, playing until 1913.
1915 Although still not yet a full-time starter, Red Faber beat the Red Sox, 3-1, with a one-hitter. Boston’s hit (and run) came in the fifth inning after a single-sac-bunt-stolen base-sac fly, and actually put the outcome in doubt by knotting the score at one.
In the sixth, the White Sox came right back with two singles and an eventual fielder’s choice RBI from Eddie Collins, and in the seventh Ray Schalk added an RBI single to finish out all scoring. In-between those runs, Babe Ruth led off the Boston sixth as a pitch-hitter — and Faber whiffed him.
1940 Ted Lyons Day was held at Comiskey Park. The “Baylor Bearcat” would eventually win 260 games with the club and be elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955. His No. 16 would be retired by the White Sox in 1987.
This was the second time Lyons was so honored, the first coming in 1933.
This game was the opener of a twin bill, with Lyons getting the complete game, 5-1 win with a three-hitter.
1948 The White Sox blew upon a relatively quiet, 5-4 game with a 10-run outburst in the seventh inning of an eventual 17-10 win at Comiskey Park.
The onslaught featured four singles, three walks, a double and a stolen base before Taffy Wright — who had tapped back to the pitcher but got on safely after a failed attempt to cut Luke Appling down at home plate — clobbered a home run with the bases fully tenanted. All-in-all, Appling had singled and doubled in the inning, Pat Seerey singled and walked — and Ralph Hodgin made two of the three outs, including the fly to right field that ended the inning.
By game’s end, every player in the White Sox lineup had at least one hit, and all but Hodgin and starting pitcher Al Gettel had at least two.
On the Boston side, Ted Williams slapped five straight singles in the game before getting retired on a fly out to center field that ended the game. He raised his astronomical batting average six points to .377.
The final twist to the story: As if to prove the adage any given day, the last-place, 45-92 White Sox had entered action that night 37 games worse than American League- leading Boston.
1954 It was a massive change in the dugout, as Go-Go Sox instigator Paul Richards bolted the White Sox for Baltimore, where he would receive a three-year, $150,000 pact that surpassed any of the two-year extension offers from the Sox.
Replacing Richards in the dugout on this day, and signing a one-year deal to manage the team in 1955, was bench coach Marty Marion, former St. Louis Cardinals star. Marion was considered a shoo-in for the role, although ex-Dodgers skipper Charlie Dressen was considered, along with White Sox players George Kell and Phil Cavarretta.
1964 In his first at-bat in the American League after many seasons in the NL, pinch-hitter deluxe Smoky Burgess belted a game-tying home run at Detroit. The White Sox would eventually win the game, 3-2, in 10 innings, keeping their pennant hopes alive.
Burgess would lead the league in pinch-hits in 1965 and 1966. His 20 pinch hits in the 1966 season tied the big-league record originally set by Ed Coleman in 1936.
1970 Shortly after taking over as the new director of player personnel, Roland Hemond targeted the man who’d eventually (in his words) “save” the franchise. Hemond called Cardinals GM “Bing” Devine to see what the chances were of making a deal for slugger Dick Allen — offering franchise icon Luis Aparicio in return. Devine turned him down — but 15 months later Hemondwould get his man from the Dodgers, for Tommy John and Steve Huntz. The Dodgers also wanted Terry Forster, but Hemond refused to include the young, hard-throwing lefthander in the trade.
Also on this day, Chuck Tanner made his managerial debut, having waited to begin the job he was hired for earlier in the month until his Triple-A playoff run as manager was finished. Johnny Sain began his role as pitching coach with the White Sox as well.
1983 The White Sox set the franchise record for most runs scored in the sixth inning of a game when they tallied 11 in a 12-0 win over the Mariners at Comiskey Park. LaMarr Hoyt got the win, his 21st on the season. Even more impressive regarding the run total is that the game only lasted seven innings due to rain.
Harold Baines had a grand slam, as the Sox cut their magic number down to two for winning the division. The Sox sent 17 men to the plate in the sixth, with nine hits.
1990 Owner Jerry Reinsdorf fired the man who’d become by far his most effective GM, Larry Himes, citing “personality differences.” Himes drafted and signed White Sox future stars like Frank Thomas, Jack McDowell, Robin Ventura and Alex Fernandez.
During the press conference announcing the hiring of Ron Schueler as the new GM, Reinsdorfissued his famous “Point A to Point B to Point C” comment. Later, in a rare radio appearance, he was candid on the subject with host Chet Coppock: “The fact is, Larry Himes cannot get along with anybody. You can hardly find anybody in the Sox organization who wasn’t happy when Larry Himes left.”
Farm director Al Goldis was also fired.
1996 Frank Thomas slugged his 215th home run in a White Sox uniform, breaking the three-way tie among he, Harold Baines and Carlton Fisk. In fact Thomas homered three times at Fenway Park, off of Boston’s Tim Wakefield, yet the White Sox lost the game, 9-8. Thomaswent 3-for-4 with three RBIs and four runs.
1997 In an 11-10 loss in Milwaukee, White Sox rookies Mario Valdez and Jeff Abbott both hit their first big-league home runs. Valdez got his in the fifth inning, Abbott an inning later.
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 01: Houston Astros left fielder Joey Loperfido (10) hits a single in the bottom of the sixth inning during the MLB game between the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros on July 1, 2026 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Joey Loperfido is finally back with the Houston Astros.
The Astros today recalled Loperfido from Triple-A to replace OF Taylor Trammell, who was placed on the paternity list.
The Astros put Taylor Trammell on the paternity list and called up Joey Loperfido.
Loperfido was off to a solid start this season, batting .276 before straining his right quad running to first base on April 17, landing on the IL. Upon returning June 9, Loperfido struggled through sporadic playing time until he was optioned to Triple-A on July 4.
Loperfido hit well for Sugar Land, batting .289 with a .375 OBP and .766 OPS. He has 3 HR, 14 doubles, 29 RBI, 36 runs scored and 7 stolen bases in 228 AB for the Space Cowboys this season.
Trammell also started the season hot. After working on his swing in the off-season, Trammell started the season on fire. He was hitting .345 when he was injured on a play at third base on April 20. When he returned May 26, he seemed like he was able to pick up mostly where he left off, as he collected hits in his first 5 games off the IL.
Unfortunately for him, he has since reverted to his old struggles, and his overall numbers have reverted back in line with his career norms. He is currently hitting .204 with a .292 OBP and .645 OPS for the Astros this season.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park on September 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bad news on the doorstep: per Matt Gelb of the Athletic, Jesús Luzardo has been placed on the Injured List. It had been hoped that his shoulder inflammation would only cause him to miss a single start; that more optimistic scenario has not come to pass. No specific timetable for his return was given, with Don Mattingly stating that a postseason start is still possible, though uncertain.
With Luzardo out, the Phillies will have to turn to other options as they work towards clinching a playoff berth. Also per Gelb, Grant Holman has been called up and a bullpen game will be needed in the near future.
Update: The Phillies have recalled Kyle Backhus instead of Holman.
