SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 24: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres is tagged out at home by Jonah Heim #15 of the Athletics during the fifth inning at Petco Park on May 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres took a tough loss in the series finale against the Athletics on Sunday. After Michael King gave up three runs in the first two innings, the Padres found themselves in a hole they couldn’t get out of.
They managed to accrue nine hits, but failed to score until the sixth inning after some base running gaffes took away a few high-leverage opportunities. Had those gaffes not happened, the Friars could have certainly won this game.
They’ll now face a surging Philadelphia Phillies club headed by interim manager Don Mattingly. They’ve had some momentum with power hitting (slugging three homers on Friday’s series opener), but they’ll need to come alive against Philly’s pitching.
Taking the mound
Jesús Luzardo (PHI) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)
The lefty Luzardo was given an extension with Philadelphia at the outset of 2026, cementing his place in the Phillies’s rotation. That extension has not paid off the way they hoped, with Luzardo owning a 4.85 ERA.
He hasn’t been much better recently, with a 4.23 ERA in his last seven starts (38.1 IP). Luzardo has been inconsistent in limiting contact, with 58 hits and 66 strikeouts through his year. His last two starts have been solid, giving up just two runs across 12 innings.
Vásquez has shared ace duties with King this year, authoring a career-best 2.96 ERA through 54 2/3 innings. He’s lost that a bit in his recent starts, posting a 3.89 ERA across his last 37 innings.
His last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers was uncharacteristic, pitching just 4 1/3 innings and allowing three runs. If he can limit the Phillies lineup, he’ll need to do much better at limiting contact from Philadelphia’s sluggers.
Batter up!
Fernando Tatis Jr. has finally started to break out, going 4-for-10 with two walks in the series. It’s been up-and-down (mostly down) for the Padres superstar. Perhaps his elusive first homer is not too far away.
Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
Miguel Andujar, DH
Gavin Sheets, 1B
Manny Machado, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jackson Merrill, CF
Ramón Laureano, LF
Nick Castellanos, RF
Freddy Fermin, C
Fermin has had a tough go of things lately. Entering play on Monday, Fermin is batting .146 with zero homers this year. He’s been good defensively, but hasn’t done much else to prove his value.
Ty France had a great outing on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a homer and a walk. Some poor base running stopped him from scoring another run, but he was a big part of the Padres almost-comeback.
Relief corps
After using most of their high-leverage pieces in Saturday’s win, the Friars were resting on the laurels of ace Michael King. Unfortunately, he did not deliver, only making it through 3 2/3 innings before giving way to the ‘pen.
Thankfully, Ron Marinaccio pitched an efficient three innings before Wandy Peralta took over in the seventh to record the final out. Peralta pitched a scoreless eighth and Bradgley Rodriguez came in to close the game. He gave up a run on three hits and a walk but escaped the jam by striking out Jeff McNeil.
Yuki Matsui was the only pitcher not used in the series against the A’s. He’ll be available tonight against Philly, but Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon will be as well.
It’s been quite a whirlwind few months for Lakers star Luka Doncic.
Apart from all of the on-court issues surrounding his grade 2 hamstring strain that saw him miss the entire postseason, the biggest drama in Doncic’s life was the split from longtime fiancee Anamarie Goltes.
Luka Doncic and his ex-fiancee Anamarie Goltes are tied up in a custody battle over the two daughters the couple share. Instagram/@anamariagoltes
The bombshell breakup came as Goltes — a model and influencer — filed a petition in California seeking child support and attorney fees, according to a report from TMZ.
Their first daughter, Gabriela was born November 2023 in the United States while Doncic was still playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Their second daughter, Olivia, was born last December in Slovenia.
“I love my daughters more than anything, and they will always come first in my life,” Doncic wrote in a statement. “As I continue working toward joint custody of my daughters, I have been forced to make a difficult decision between traveling and playing for the Slovenian national team and being with my daughters this summer. Unfortunately, it has been made extremely difficult for me to see them over the past eight months.”
Doncic finished fourth in the voting for league MVP, which Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won for the second consecutive season. Getty Images
It appears Doncic is keeping good on his word.
Giving fans a rare glimpse inside his personal life, Doncic shared two photos on his Instagram Monday morning.
In one photo, Doncic is seen holding Olivia while playing with Gabriela. In the other photo, Doncic is out for a walk and it appears he has Gabriela on his shoulders.
Giving fans a rare glimpse inside his personal life, Doncic shared two photos on his Instagram Monday morning.
Doncic was named first-team All-NBA on Sunday afternoon, the sixth time in his career he’s been recognized in that manner.
He is the fifth player in league history to earn six All-NBA first-team honors by age 27 or younger, according to the Lakers. He and Nikola Jokic were the 22nd and 23rd players in NBA history to receive six or more career first-team selections.
He led the league with a scoring average of 33.5 points to go with 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. His 254 made 3-pointers were the most in Lakers history for a season and the third most in the league for 2025-26.
Giving fans a rare glimpse inside his personal life, Doncic shared two photos on his Instagram Monday morning.
Doncic made a late push in the MVP race, and appeared to be making up serious ground. He was the only player to be named the Western Conference Player of the Month twice during the season, receiving the honor in January and March.
However, his hamstring strain caused him to miss the final month of the season and all of Los Angeles’ postseason push.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on May 08, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Ben Brown (1-2, 2.09 ERA) vs. Carmen Mlodzinski (4-3, 3.96 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the Chicago Cubs today at beautiful PNC Park.
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The Cincinnati Reds, fourth in the NL Central with a 27-25 record, face the New York Mets, who are last in the NL East at 22-31. The Mets are favored with a -161 moneyline compared to the Cincinnati Reds' +135. Starting pitchers are scheduled to be Nick Lodolo for Cincinnati, with a 7.20 ERA, and Nolan McLean for New York, with a 3.57 ERA.
The Philadelphia Phillies head to Petco Park tonight to begin a three-game series with the San Diego Padres. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.
My Phillies vs. Padres predictions are eyeing the visitors to win the opener, with Jesus Luzardo bringing his best on the mound.
Who will win Phillies vs Padres today: Phillies moneyline (-120)
The Philadelphia Phillies head into tonight’s matchup riding a four-game road winning streak, and Jesus Luzardo has been far more effective away from home.
The left-hander owns a stellar 1.52 ERA in four road outings compared to a 7.31 ERA at Citizens Bank Park. Luzardo has also allowed just two earned runs across his last two starts away from Philly.
COVERS INTEL: Luzardo owns a 3.20 xERA this season, and he's in the top 10 of the MLB in lowest hard hit rate.
Phillies vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-115)
Recent meetings between these clubs have been low-scoring, with the Under cashing in three of the last four matchups. Luzardo appears to be settling into a groove, while Vasquez typically keeps damage limited despite occasional struggles at Petco Park.
Offense has also been an issue for both teams this season. The Phillies rank 21st in MLB in runs scored, while the Padres sit 19th. Both bullpens have been reliable, each carrying sub-4.00 ERAs.
Philadelphia has hit the Under in eight of its last 10 games, while San Diego has stayed below 7.5 runs in three of its previous four contests.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 16-11, +5.54 units
Over/Under bets: 15-11, +1.09 units
Phillies vs Padres odds
Moneyline: Phillies -117 | Padres +113
Run line: Phillies -1.5 (+150) | Padres +1.5 (-156)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+108) | Under 7.5 (-113)
Phillies vs Padres trend
The Phillies have cashed the Under in total runs in eight of their last 10 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Padres.
How to watch Phillies vs Padres and game info
Location
Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date
Monday, May 25, 2026
First pitch
6:40 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Philadelphia, Padres.TV
Phillies starting pitcher
Jesus Luzardo (3-4, 4.85 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher
Randy Vasquez (5-2, 2.96 ERA)
Phillies vs Padres latest injuries
Phillies vs Padres weather
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.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 23: Ivan Demidov #93 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against Taylor Hall #71 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 23, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Hurricanes finally got over their Eastern Conference Finals slump on Saturday, notching their first win in the ECF at home since 2006 to tie the series 1-1.
After getting dominated in Game 1, all eyes were on the Canes to see how they would respond with their backs against the wall in a close to must-win game. And they delivered with a thrilling overtime win, with Nikolaj Ehlers scoring two goals — including the OT winner — to propel Carolina past the Canadiens, 3-2.
Tonight will be another test, as the Canes travel to the Bell Centre, the mecca for hockey, to take on Montreal in Game 3 with a chance to wrestle back home ice advantage and take a 2-1 series lead. Despite the electric home atmosphere the Canadiens have, they are just 2-4 at the Bell Centre during the playoffs so far.
For what it’s worth, the Hurricanes have looked like the better team for the last four to five periods of hockey following Montreal’s four goal opening period in Game 1.
On Saturday, the Canes looked faster, were more physical and made the Habs look helpless at times. If it weren’t for the heroics of Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes, overtime almost certainly wouldn’t have been needed.
Carolina slowed down Montreal’s top line of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovský, limiting the trio to a combined four shots. The Habs top line was also a -1 when on the ice.
Maybe the most eye opening stat was that Montreal managed only 12 shots on goal. Before Saturday, and through the first 15 games of the playoffs, the Canadiens were averaging 24.9 shots per game. Each of Montreal’s top four forwards, Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovský and Ivan Demidov are top 20 in the playoff in total shots on net. Being able to limit those guys to only five total shots was huge for Carolina and something that has to continue in Game 3 and for the rest of the series.
It’s clear that one change, completely suffocating and limiting offensive chances and zone time for Montreal’s top two lines paid massive dividends. The Canes made it a depth game, something that favors them. While Habs third liner Josh Anderson still managed two goals in Game 2, if the series continues as a battle of the bottom sixes for offensive production, expect the ice to continue to tilt in Carolina’s direction.
Heading into tonight, there shouldn’t be any changes to Carolina’s lineup. Despite two rocky performances from Frederik Andersen to start the series, the 36 year old netminder has been a standout during the postseason and there’s no going away from him now.
With the Colorado Avalanche going down 3-0 to the Vegas Golden Knights on the other side of the bracket, the Canes can taste it. They are on the brink of getting over the hump that has eluded them in recent years.
But it’s still one game at a time, and right now the only thing that stands in the way of the Hurricanes’ third ever Stanley Cup appearance is the Montreal Canadiens.
Time: 8 PM Eastern
TV/Streaming: TNT/TruTV/HBO Max
Radio: 99.9 The Fan
Odds: Hurricanes -142 Moneyline, Hurricanes 1.5 at +176
The New York Yankees (31-22) open a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals (22-31). The Yankees are coming off a walk-off win over the Rays courtesy of an Aaron Judge two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Royals have won their past two games. Scheduled starting pitchers are Will Warren for New York, with a 3.61 ERA, and Michael Wacha for Kansas City, with a 2.70 ERA.
How to watch New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals
It's a big Memorial Day slate on the diamond, with day games sprinkled throughout; there is a lot to take in today.
I'm locked in on two MLB player props this evening, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers offense against an overmatched Colorado Rockies pitching staff.
Read on for my complete MLB picks on Monday, May 25.
Best MLB best bets today
Player/Team
Pick
Odds
James Wood
Over 1.5 HRR
-106
Luke Raley
Over 1.5 HRR
+102
Dodgers
F5 team total Over 2.5
-154
James Wood Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-106)
I’m never a fan of laying juice on a 1.5 player prop, but for Washington Nationals slugger James Wood, this is a very fair price. I wouldn’t take it much higher than this, so if you can find a boost, use it here. I’m also on his home run. I always pair a homer with any player I’m backing.
The Nationals outfielder draws Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee, who has struggled against left-handed bats this season.
Over the last 60 lefties he has faced, he is allowing a 22.2% ground ball rate, 47.2% fly ball rate, and 30% line drive rate. Those lefties are also making 44% hard contact with an 11.1% barrel rate. Bibee also sports a 0.00 HR/9 during that span. He is playing with fire with the number of hard-hit balls he has been allowing.
Wood has great arsenal coverage against Bibee’s offerings and has been excellent against right-handed pitching over his last 30 plate appearances, owning a .483 wOBA. Overall, he is making 58.3% hard contact while also sporting a 25% barrel rate against right-handed pitchers.
Insane numbers across the board. How could I not be on Mr. Wood this evening in Cleveland?!
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Nationals.TV, Guardians.TV
Luke Raley Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (+102)
Full transparency, I boosted Luke Raley’s hit prop to -103, but if that boost is not available, take the plus money on his hits, runs, and RBI.
The Seattle Mariners outfielder has been seeing the ball extremely well this season, especially on the road, where he owns a .522 SLG, .842 OPS, and 137 wRC+, while making 55.6% hard contact with a 20% barrel rate.
He matches up very well against Athletics right-hander Aaron Civale, who owns the seventh-worst pitcher rating on the day per Batters-Box.
Left-handed hitters have given him the most trouble this season, especially at home, where they are batting .346 with a .519 SLG and .408 wOBA. The 30-year-old starter has also been allowing just a 19% ground ball rate to lefties, while they are elevating the hell out of the baseball, combining for an 80.5% line drive and fly ball rate.
If you can’t get this at plus money, I’d pivot to the Over 1.5 on total bases. In baseball props, I always lean into plus money when it’s there, unless the hit prop is priced really well. If you’re laying around -160 on a hit, that’s still a green light for me
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Mariners.TV, NBC Sports California
Dodgers first-five innings team total Over 2.5 (-154)
Instead of throwing darts trying to decide which of the seven elite-rated Los Angeles Dodgers I wanted to back tonight, I decided to just back the lineup as a whole in the first five innings.
The Dodgers enter with the highest-rated offense on the slate as they take on Colorado Rockies right-hander Tanner Gordon, who owns the worst pitcher rating on the day. Gordon also grades poorly in average hitter matchup wOBA, ISO, hard contact, strikeout percentage, and ground ball rate.
Los Angeles has crushed right-handed pitching at home over its last 12 games, owning a 113 wRC+, .730 OPS, and .328 wOBA, while also carrying a 13.7% walk rate.
Overall, the Dodgers rank second in first-five scoring, averaging nearly three runs in the first five innings per game. Meanwhile, Colorado is allowing the second-most runs in the first five frames at 3.22 per game.
With four elite left-handed bats in the lineup and Gordon allowing 58.8% hard contact with a 23.5% barrel rate to lefties, it is hard for me not to back the Dodgers early tonight.
If you are not a fan of paying juice, take them to go over 3.5 runs at +115. Personally, for that many runs for just a +115 price tag, I am not a fan. You might as well parlay this prop with one of the guys above to record a hit and get yourself plus money that way.
Time: 9:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rockies.TV, SportsNet LA
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.
May 24, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Coming off a tough loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, the Spurs looked to regroup and even the series in Game 4. Even though they were not listed on the injury report, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are still playing through their respective injuries. After an 8-7 lead by OKC, the Spurs embarked on a 15-0 run. They outscored the Thunder 28-19 in the first quarter, which would be a theme for the rest of the game. The Spurs’ defense adjusted from Game 3 and decided to guard MVP guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander straight up, with only doubling him when necessary. The result: Not as many open shots for OKC’s role players, and when they were open, they managed to actually miss. Also, the Spurs gave the Thunder a taste of their own medicine: live-ball turnovers that resulted in extra points. Through a tough and gritty defensive performance, the Spurs held OKC to 33% shooting from the field and 18% from three-point territory. The Spurs led by as much as 25 in the game, and routed OKC 103-82.
Victor Wembanyama led the way with 33 points (11-22 FG, 8-9 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals. Wemby was ultra-aggressive to start after being named to First Team All-NBA. 22 of his 33 points came in the first half alone. Anytime he was in the paint, he was able to take advantage of his height by tipping the ball multiple times off the glass for putbacks. He also drained three threes and stretched the OKC out thin. Wemby is now averaging 30.3 points per game, 13.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3 blocks in his first-ever Western Conference Finals on nearly 50/40/90 efficiency. A friendly reminder: he is only 22 years old.
On the board! Wemby gets the Spurs on the board first with a deep three!
SPURS BALL MOVEMENT! The Spurs throw it around the world with Wemby dishing the last pass in the possession to Julian Champagnie, who drives in and finishes!
Stephon Castle dropped a loud 13 points, six assists, three rebounds, one steal, and a block. Steph was a monster on defense, especially when guarding SGA. With the Spurs’ strategy to trust in guarding without immediately doubling, Steph helped hold SGA to 40% shooting and four turnovers. It is very puzzling to see him left off the All-Defensive teams, but Steph is, without a doubt, using it as fuel. Ever since Fox returned to the backcourt, Steph has only turned the ball over twice in two games. Playing his natural position at shooting guard, he has been able to play without fear of overthinking his game.
LOCKED UP! Steph locks up SGA and forces several pump fakes, hesitations, and a jump ball!
Devin Vassell dropped 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block. Dev continues to do the dirty work and continues to play like a playoff riser. He has played without fear in his first playoff run, hitting timely shots, defending both the perimeter and the paint well, and making the right play every time. Regardless of how this team’s run ends, his performances are close to classic Spurs role player performances.
D3VIN VAS33L! Dev knocks down the transition three from the Steph dime!
THE D STANDS FOR DEFENSE! Dev blocks Jared McCain off the glass and gets the rebound. He then leads the fastbreak with a lob to Wemby for the alley-oop connection!
De’Aaron Fox dropped a double-double: 12 points and 10 rebounds to go along with five assists, a steal, and a block. It has been remarkable to watch this man play through the pain in his ankle, providing the team with whatever they need. He was able to grab a game-high 10 boards on one healthy ankle, and still provided scoring with a dose of playmaking. As stated earlier, his return has allowed Steph and Dylan to play stress-free with his decision-making. Regardless of how the Spurs finish their playoff run, there is no doubt he has earned the respect of Spurs fans worldwide.
Fox dime! Fox gets double-teamed and threads the needle to an open Luke Kornet under the basket for the dunk!
This was a much-needed response to keep hope alive in the series. The Spurs may not have had their best offensive performance, but they definitely shut down the Thunder’s offense. They held OKC to their lowest scoring total in five years and frustrated SGA. The Spurs know to expect a big response in Game 5, but this performance has sparked even more confidence that they will keep the reigning champs on their heels. Also, the Spurs should do whatever they can to invite the Salesian Sisters for the remaining games in the series.
The Western Conference Finals turn into a best-of-three series with Game 5 being a huge litmus test for both teams. Game 5 is this Tuesday at 7:30 P.M. (CST) on NBC/Peacock.
May 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) celebrates hitting a double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Tonight, we are at the 1/3 mark of the season.
The team is 25-28, which, rather amazingly, puts them just one game back of a Wild Card playoff. The AL is not exactly firing on all cylinders this year.
A year ago, the Jays were 26-27, which had them two games back of a Wild Card spot.
And really, the problem last year was much the same as this year; they weren’t hitting. This year, there are a lot of injuries involved; last year, we weren’t hitting, and then suddenly we started hitting. We had scored 207 runs, while the Yankees had scored 301. We were second last in the AL East in runs scored, two up on the Orioles.
But… just cause the team turned it on at this point last year, doesn’t mean it is going to happen again.
I mean, the good news is that we are likely to get some players back from the IL in the next two or three weeks. Nathan Lukes should join the team again next week. Addison Barger isn’t far behind. And Alejandro Kirk should only be another couple of weeks after that.
This year, we have scored 214 runs, 7 more than at this point last year.
On the pitching side, we’ve allowed 220 runs this year and 233 last year. So again, pretty close.
Last year was amazing. Thinking it will happen again is very hopeful. I mean, a Wild Card Spot wouldn’t surprise me at all. But finishing first again. That’s a tough road.
And, of course, last year in the second half, we didn’t have many major injuries. It is looking like we got off lucky yesterday. As long as the X-rays are right, Vlad shouldn’t be missing much time (I’d likely give him today off), and it doesn’t look like Dylan Cease will miss any starts. But injuries do happen.
And, the team has to get something out of the right-handed hitting platoon players.
Myles Straw has an 86 OPS+ on the season, but over his last 15 games, he’s hitting a big .083/.154/.083, and that’s with him hitting with the platoon advantage most of the time.
Lenyn Sosa, well, you know, is hitting .189/.187/.284. While I think it is rather impressive that he’s managed to keep his OBP below his BA, something has got to give soon.
Davis Schneider is hitting .127/.295/.211 with just one home run this year. I continuously think he’s going to get the bat going, but it hasn’t happened yet. In fact, he is getting worse, .088/.262/.118 over his last 19 games (arbitrary end points and all).
I like platooning. Lefty batters have a hard time with lefty pitchers. Someone asked why RHB don’t have as much trouble with RHP, and the simple answer is that roughly 75% of pitchers are right-handed. If a right-handed batter doesn’t learn to hit them, he doesn’t make it through the minor leagues (odds are he doesn’t get to the minor leagues). And, the RHB get a lot more practice against RHP than lefties do against lefties. Bendy things are easier to hit when they are coming toward you than when they are going away. And bendy things going away from you can miss by more than bendy things coming in. Plus, there is a lot more room to miss out the outside of the plate. Last night, Daulton Varsho struck out on a pitch that would have hit a RHB. If a right-handed hitter were at the plate, Gregory Soto would have had to be more careful with that pitch.
I also like platooning because it gives players a rest. Keeps them fresh. Baseball teams don’t get many off days, and when they do, they are often travelling. Some writers put it like this: Have you ever come home on a Friday evening and just collapsed into bed? It can be a long time between Friday evenings (off days). And, they don’t often get a whole weekend off. A day off can be a great mental break (he says, looking forward to a couple of days of biking tomorrow and Wednesday).
Anyway…..this was going to be very short, with a poll….
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 19: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets celebrates his home run against the Washington Nationals during the second inning with Carson Benge #3 at Nationals Park on May 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome back to Monday Stat Party, a weekly series showcasing some of the most curious and nostalgia-inducing statistical developments from the past week of Mets baseball. What unites each entry is the sense of intrigue which they aim to spark, and the unbridled love of the game’s anomalies from which they arise. Without further ado, let the stat party begin.
MONDAY
The Mets scored 10 runs in the 12th inning. It was the fourth-most runs scored all-time in an extra inning, and the most in the National League since the Reds scored 10 in the top of the 13th on May 15, 1919.
The Mets played at least 12 innings for just the second time in five years, with the previous time being a 13-inning loss against the Dodgers on May 23, 2025.
The Mets played their 10th extra-inning game of 2026. That’s the most in MLB this season, and the most the Mets have played through the first 47 games of a season since 1978 (13).
The Mets won the series opener in Washington for the 10th time in their last 11 series at Nationals Park.
A.J. Ewing became the fourth Met to reach base 14 times in their first seven career games, joining Mike Vail, Kazuo Matsui, and Daniel Murphy.
Brett Baty’s 451-foot homer was the second-longest of his career, trailing only a 455-foot homer hit in the same ballpark off Brad Lord on August 20, 2025.
TUESDAY
With an outfield of Nick Morabito, A.J. Ewing, and Carson Benge in the bottom of the eighth, the Mets had three outfielders age 23 or younger on the field for the first time since September 29, 1984, when the bottom of the eighth featured Billy Beane in left, Darryl Strawberry in center, and Herm Winningham in right.
After recording his first multi-homer game as a Met with two homers in his first two at-bats, Bo Bichette couldn’t deliver another dinger in his third at-bat; however, he did hit a 114.9 mph ground out that marked the Mets’ hardest-hit ball of the season thus far.
Carson Benge became the first Mets rookie with 10 hits in a four-game span since Pete Alonso from August 15-18, 2019.
WEDNESDAY
Juan Soto’s first home run marked his 150th career base hit at 110+ mph. He is the fourteenth player in the Statcast era (since 2015) to reach that mark, after Yordan Alvarez reached it five days earlier.
Soto also became the fourth Met in the Statcast era to hit multiple home runs over 400 feet at 109+ mph in the same game, along with J.D. Davis (April 6, 2019), Robinson Canó (August 17, 2020), and Pete Alonso (August 8, 2024).
THURSDAY
After going 0-4 in games ending with a final score of 2-1 to open the year, the Mets finally triumphed by a score of 2-1. The following night, the Mets lost their fifth 2-1 game, giving them the most such losses in MLB this season.
FRIDAY
Juan Soto recorded his 107th career hit against the Marlins, his most against any team in MLB by a considerable margin (his next-most is 94 against the Phillies).
SATURDAY
The Mets recorded three hits for the second consecutive game. It’s the first time they’ve recorded three hits or fewer in consecutive games since doing so in the final game of the 2023 regular season against the Phillies and Opening Day 2024 against the Brewers.
SUNDAY
The Mets surrendered their first walk-off grand slam since Jacob Stallings’ infamous moonshot off Edwin Díaz on July 17, 2021. It’s the second walk-off grand slam the Mets have allowed at Marlins Park, along with Giancarlo Stanton’s on May 13, 2012.
The Mets surrendered their sixth grand slam of the season. No other team has allowed more than three. Since the start of 2024, the Mets have now allowed nine grand slams in the eighth inning or later. No other team has allowed more than six such grand slams in that span.
The Mets have mustered just two extra-base hits over their past four games. It’s the first time they’ve recorded two or fewer extra-base hits in a four-game span since April 20-23, 2014.
The Mets have scored two runs or fewer through nine innings 27 times this season. The only other N.L. teams since 2000 with that many such games through their first 53 games of a season were the 2013 Marlins and the 2019 Marlins.
Miscellaneous Mets stat of the week: Since 1901, only two players have recorded 50 stolen bases and 20 triples in a single season: Ty Cobb, who did it three times, and Lance Johnson, who did it with the 1996 Mets.
BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 1980: Bobby Brown #13 of the New York Yankees attempts to bunt against the Baltimore Orioles during a Major League Baseball game circa 1980 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Brown played for the Yankees from 1979-81. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Yankees have had over 1,700 players play for the organization since its first season in 1901. Oddly enough, one of the repeated names in that history is Bobby Brown. You are never the other Bobby on your birthday, so to get that out of the way early this is not about Dr. Bobby Brown, the late dynasty Yankees infielder, physician, and former American League president (or the “My Prerogative” singer, for that matter). Today belongs to Rogers Lee “Bobby” Brown, the switch-hitting outfielder who spent parts of three seasons in the Bronx during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
“Uptown” Bobby Brown’s Yankees tenure came during a strange transitional window for the franchise. The late-1970s championship group was beginning to change, George Steinbrenner’s Yankees were still chasing big names and roster fixes, and plenty of players passed through the Bronx trying to carve out a role. Brown became one of those players, bringing speed, outfield versatility, and enough pop to earn some playing time.
Rogers Lee “Bobby” Brown Born: May 24, 1954 (Norfolk, VA) Yankees Tenure: 1978-1981
A native of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Brown attended Northampton High School in Eastville, Virginia. The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 11th round of the 1972 amateur draft, and Brown agreed to sign a contract to begin his professional career.
Brown spent several years in the minor leagues but was released by the Orioles in April of 1976. A few weeks later he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and would be in their minor leagues until he and Jay Johnstone were sent from the Phillies to the Yankees for disappointing free-agent signing Rawly Eastwick in June 1978.
The “first stint” Brown had as a Yankee ended that December, after only a few months, when he was selected as a Rule 5 Draft pick by the New York Mets at the end of 1978. The Mets, however, eventually placed Brown on waivers and he was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays the following March. That marked Brown’s fourth team in less than a year.
Toronto kept the 25-year-old on their roster long enough for Brown to make his MLB debut. During the first month of the season Brown appeared in four games and did not record a hit in his 10 at-bats. On April 19th of the 1979 season Brown was purchased from the Blue Jays by the Yankees. Just in case you lost track this is the run of clubs starting in June of 1978, until the next May: Phillies, Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Yankees.
Following that crazy shuffle that must have felt like a real-life version of the hat shuffle jumbotron game, Brown would spend the next two complete seasons in the Bronx. After returning to the Yankees Brown was given the choice of the numbers 31 or 13 for the Columbus farm team. Brown allegedly stated “Things can’t get any worse, give me 13.”
Brown appeared in 30 games for the 1979 Yankees and hit .250, with skipper Billy Martin often deploying him in the outfield. However, most of the season was spent in Columbus where Brown hit .371 and stole 22 bases. His work ethic and speed was enough to impress Steinbrenner and scouting guru Gene Michael, who decided Brown belonged on the Yankees.
The 1980 season became the best year of Brown’s MLB career. Given a much larger role under new manager Dick Howser, he appeared in 137 games for the Yankees and spent most of his time in center field while also moving around both corner spots. Brown hit .260 with 14 home runs, 47 RBI, 65 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases. When lined up in center field Brown was flanked by Lou Piniella and Reggie Jackson. Brown’s ability to cover ground kept the outfield defense respectable.
That year was also the clearest example of what Brown could bring to a roster. He was not a star, but he gave the Yankees athleticism in the outfield, switch-hitting balance in the lineup, and speed on the basepaths during a season in which New York won 103 games before falling to the Royals in the ALCS sweep — a hitless series for Brown.
By the start of 1981, Steinbrenner’s game of managerial musical chairs continued, with Howser out, Michael in, and Bob Lemon eventually replacing Michael that September as well. Regardless, Brown’s role significantly shrank, as he appeared in 31 games during the strike-shortened season and hit .226 while bouncing between all three outfield spots. The Yankees returned to the World Series that year, but taking the first two games in New York, the Yanks fell to the Dodgers in six games.
The bench role in the 1981 Fall Classic represented the end of Brown’s Yankees career. The Yankees had made a trade with the Seattle Mariners to acquire lefty pitcher Shane Rawley, and Brown became a player to be named later in the deal. That year, he appeared in 79 games and stole 28 bases while continuing to add value as an athletic defensive outfielder.
The Mariners would release Brown in March of 1983, and he signed the following month with the San Diego Padres, with whom he spent the final three seasons of his MLB career.
Brown’s time in San Diego included another trip to the World Series. In 1984, he appeared in 85 games for the Padres as they won their first National League pennant in franchise history before falling to an overpowering Detroit Tigers team. That made Brown part of two World Series teams, in two different leagues, both of which fell in the Fall Classic. His career ended after an ugly showing in the 1985 season, and the 31-year-old never played pro ball again.
Across seven major league seasons, Brown appeared in 502 games and finished with 313 hits, 26 home runs, 130 RBI, and 110 stolen bases. A Hall of Fame writeup from a few years back noted that after asking for his release from the Padres, he teamed up with fellow 1981 Yankees outfielder Jerry Mumphrey to co-found company called Major League Dairies, distributing milk and dairy products nationwide.
For Yankees fans, Brown may not be one the first person people think about when they hear his name, but he had a nice run in the big leagues and earned a spot in the Eastern Shore Baseball Foundation Hall of Fame. Happy birthday, Bobby!
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 29: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates hitting a walk-off home run with teammates in the ninth inning during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Truist Park on April 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the last four seasons, I’ve dialed up the old analog machine to project the balance of that current season. As silly as it sounds, there have been time – like last year – when the predictive outcome was more accurate than anyone would like.
Before this goes any further – this is tongue-in-cheek. This is not real. Do not use this for anything else other than for a few minutes of person enjoyment (or angst). This is the Battery Power Almanac (BPA), similar to the Farmer’s Almanac, which hopefully most of you have at least heard of at some point in your life. If not, go ask an grandparent or aunt or uncle or the internet.
Here’s how this works: Each of the “6” years going back 40 years will be reviewed for composite team or player results to get prediction now how the 2026 will pan out. Basically, this is the anti-AI and probably about as accurate. Also, here’s a 2026-specific acknowledgement, the past versions of this folly took place several weeks earlier in the season. This year, well, 2026 is running late.
But hey, who’s counting? Admit it, you probably even forgot this was a thing!
That’s okay, because it is time to buckle in on a bench seat of a 1986 Caprice and get ready to go for an old-school ride. Be careful, the metal gets hot this time of year.
2026 is going to go really good or really bad
Last year, when BPA predicted 81 wins it seems an impossibility, and yet, it ended up erroring on the side of optimism. So this year when BPA dialed up a 79 win season, either the outlier 1996 season is going to be the predictive indicator or something horrendous is going to happen during the rest of the season.
I can’t imagine what that might be short of the Braves being sold to a bitcoin-rich clown who decides to fold the team and turn Truist Park into a clown training academy?
1986: 72-89 1996: 96-66 2006: 79-83 2016: 68-93
If you happen to be too young to remember 1996, that Braves team should have won the World Series. The team was much better than the 1995 one.
Jim Leyritz still haunts my dreams.
The other years? From the year than ended the Division streak (2006) to the trash that was 1986 and 2016, “6” wasn’t good. But with Bobby Cox passing away earlier this year, maybe his “6” will bring some luck to Atlanta in 2026.
World Series or bust
As mentioned above, that 1996 Braves team won the National League East and the NL pennant before facing the New York Yankees in the World Series. The Braves were up 2-0 in the series and then 2-1 going into Game 4. In Game 4 were up 6-3 going into the eight inning an then it happened. That home run; still too soon.
You know, ’96 was better than the alternatives because the other three seasons saw Atlanta finish an average of more than 20 games out of first place.
1986: Last place in the NL West 1996: Lost in World Series 4-2 2006: Third place in NL East 2016: Last place in NL East
Your 2026 Atlanta Braves All-Star or six
BPA is says three 2026 All-Stars because sometimes math isn’t hard. If three is the magic number, and through late-May it seems like three would be a pretty low bar, at least one of those players should be a starting pitcher. Chris Sale seems like a safe bet. As for the other players, based on history, an infielder and outfielder seem to be likely, which is probably good news for two of the three of Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson and Michael Harris II.
However, let’s get jiggy with it (okay, that was 1998, but close enough) and project six – yes, six All-Stars: Chris Sale, TWO-TIME ALL-STAR BRYCE ELDER, Matt Olson, Raisel Iglesias, Drake Baldwin and Dylan Lee.
1986: (1) Dale Murphy (OF) 1996: (6) Tom Glavine (SP), Chipper Jones (3B), Greg Maddux (SP), Fred McGriff (1B), John Smoltz (SP), Mark Wohlers (RP) 2006: (3) Andruw Jones (OF), Brian McCann (C), Edger Renteria (SS) 2016: (1) Julio Teheran (SP)
Trophy Time
How will the Braves fair when it comes to individual awards? BPA thinks it is time to get your polishing cloth out and get ready to shine a trophy or two.
MVP
No MVP for the Braves in 2026, but chances are there will be multiple vote-getters in the top 10.
1986: Dale Murphy (20) 1996: Chipper Jones (4), John Smoltz (11), Marquis Grissom (13), 2006: Andruw Jones (11), Chipper Jones (20) 2016: Freddie Freeman (6)
Cy Young
BPA used AI and AI said John Smoltz was going to win the 2026 NL Cy Young. Don’t listen to that noise. Using the 1996 Guide to Making Your Dreams Almost Come True the Braves end up with two of the top five in the Cy Young.
1986: Zero 1996: John Smoltz (WINNER), Greg Maddux (5) 2006: John Smoltz (7) 2016: Zip
Rookie of the Year
Last year, BPA thought Drake Baldwin could factor in the ROY race if they got in enough games. Admittedly, BPA didn’t foresee Sean Murphy getting hurt. If there’s no other reason to not listen to BPA for any of your personal prognostication purposes, it not able to project a Sean Murphy injury should be reason enough.
No chance the Braves get a ROY the year this year. Heck, no one probably even gets a vote.
1986: Sadly, no one voted for Paul Assenmacher. 1996: Jermaine Dye (6) 2006: Six Florida Marlins got ROY votes. Zero Braves did. 2016: Remember when we all dreamed on Tyrell Jenkins?
When the team sucks, the manager does not get awarded
BPA is just chuckling at this year’s project. Every result is just nope. Walt Weiss will get votes this year. Will it be enough votes? First-year managers with success often get rewarded, so never say never but BPA still says nope.
1986: Chuck Tanner won a World Series with the Pirates but not even close with Atlanta. 1996: Bobby Cox (4) 2006: Nothing to see here 2016: Nor here.
Best Boys
It feels like no one talks about WAR anymore. The whole bWAR vs. fWAR seems like a relic from a different era – sort of like WWE vs. WCW. Chris Sale seems like the safe choice as does Matt Olson.
1986: Starting pitcher, David Palmer (3.6 bWAR), Third baseman, Ken Oberkfell (3.4 bWAR) 1996: Starting pitcher, John Smoltz (7.7 bWAR), Third baseman, Chipper Jones (6.2 bWAR) 2006: Starting pitcher, John Smoltz (5.8 bWAR), Outfielder, Andruw Jones (5.6 bWAR) 2016: Starting pitcher, Julio Teheran (4.8 bWAR), First baseman, Freddie Freeman (6.2 bWAR)
What have we learned from this year’s BPA?
More than anything else, this is a reminder than 1986, 2006 and 2016 were unfortunate. There weren’t too many redeeming qualities about 2016 and 1986, especially.
If, for some reason, 2026 ends up like any non-1996 year, then next year maybe you should listen more closely to BPA and the whispers of the past.
Let’s all root for the 2026 get into the World Series but NOT face the Yankees.
KANSAS CITY, MO - JUN 11: New York Yankees outfielder Oswald Peraza (18) celebrates with New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) after his 25th home run of the year during a Major League Baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals on June 11, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The last time the Royals beat the Yankees was on October 7, 2024 – Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series. The Royals dropped the last two games of that series, and have not won a regular season game against the Bronx Bombers since in nine tries. They were swept in New York against them earlier this year, getting outscored 24-6.
New York Yankees (31-22) vs. Kansas City Royals (22-31) at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO
The Yankees have hit the most home runs and have the highest walk rate in baseball, but they are a much more pedestrian team hitting on the road. Away from Yankee Stadium they are hitting .223/.306/.378 as a team, hitting just 31 of their 75 home runs on the road. Aaron Judge and Ben Rice are both among the top five home run hitters in baseball. Judge has hit .318 with 17 home runs in 46 games against the Royals in his career, but just .250/.298/.511 with seven home runs in 22 games at Kauffman Stadium.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is red-hot, hitting .432/.488/.649 over his last ten games. Ryan McMahon is just 5-for-his-last-43 (.116). Austin Wells is hitting .114 against lefties this year. The Yankees have become a threat on the bases with the sixth-most steals.
Monday’s game will air exclusively as the national telecast on ESPN with Jon Sciambi, Eduardo Pérez and David Ross on the call. Will Warren has not completed six innings in any of his last three starts. Lefties are hitting .255/.303/.422 against him this year. Michael Wacha has a 3.12 ERA in 13 games in his career against the Yankees.
Cam Schlittler has been the best pitcher in the American League so far, according to Fangraphs WAR. He is fourth in baseball in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 5.77. He throws his 97.8 mph fastball half the time, mixing in a cutter, sinker, curve, and slider. The Royals have not yet announced a starter for Tuesday, but Bailey Falter and Luinder Avila will likely share innings as they did last Tuesday against the Red Sox.
Gerrit Cole tossed six shutout innings in his season debut against the Rays last week, his first MLB game since September of 2024. Cole won the Cy Young in 2023, and had a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts in 2024, but missed all of last season after Tommy John surgery. Royals hitters are batting just .199/.246/.335 against him in eight career starts. Salvador Perez is just 1-for-15 (.067) against him. The Wednesday game will air on Amazon for subscribers in New York, Connecticut, north and central New Jersey and northeast Pennsylvania.
The Yankees have a 3.51 bullpen ERA, 11th-best in baseball. Closer David Bednar has converted 11 of 13 save opportunities, but has given up seven runs in his last eight outings. Former Royals lefty Tim Hill has a 75.8 percent groundball rate, highest in baseball. He also has an 11.8 percent strikeout rate, third-lowest. Fernando Cruz has struck out or walked 47 percent of the hitters he has faced this year.
The Yankees are not an ideal opponent for a team looking to pick themselves off the map. They are a talented team, no doubt, but the Royals seem to be intimidated by facing such a marquee team, especially when a national television audience is watching. They’ll need to be fearless to finally beat these guys and win their first series against the Yankees since 2023.
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Jon Metler's expert pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 17.5 points
Price: -110 at bet365
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in full desperation mode, trailing 3-0 to the New York Knicks and constantly searching for defensive answers.
So far, nothing has worked. Jalen Brunson has either exploded as a scorer or carved them up as a playmaker, including a 14-assist performance earlier in the series. That’s why I think Karl-Anthony Towns is positioned to benefit most from Cleveland’s likely adjustments in Game 4.
The Cavaliers can’t aggressively help off the wings in the Brunson/Towns two-man game because OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have consistently punished rotating defenses with catch-and-shoot opportunities created by Brunson.
That should push Cleveland toward a more aggressive drop coverage with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, forcing them to concede more open perimeter looks to Towns. I price KAT closer to -145 to clear this total.
Jason Logan's expert pick: Evan Mobley Over 1.5 threes
Price: +110 at bet365
Evan Mobley’s inside-out scoring is a strength of this Cavs offense... when the “outside” part is clicking.
The versatile forward went 1-for-6 from distance in Game 3 after knocking down two triples in each of the first two games of the series. New York is happy to let Cleveland jack it up from the perimeter, as the Cavs just haven’t been able to cash in on open shots.
Mobley is getting excellent looks, with all 17 3PAs graded as “open” to “wide open” with no defender within at least four feet. Thirteen of those 3-point shots have come without a Knicks player within six feet. However, he’s a collective 5-for-17 from beyond the arc for the series.
Projections aren’t bullish on Mobley’s makes from downtown, but a desperate game script has Cleveland on the ropes as a home underdog and needing big shots from its stars to stay alive. If Mobley doesn’t top this prop, it won’t be for a lack of clean looks from long range.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Knicks -2.5
Price: -110 at bet365
I’ll keep backing the Knicks to finish the job and send the Cavs home tonight. New York has now won 10 straight playoff games, with nine of those victories coming by double digits.
It's also shown zero interest in dragging out the series, blowing out both the Hawks and Sixers in previous close-out games by 51 and 30 points — with both taking place on the road.
The Knicks have clearly been the better team in this matchup and should stay aggressive from the opening tip vs. a Cleveland team that's running on fumes.
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COVERS INTEL: Luzardo owns a 
James Wood
Luke Raley
Dodgers
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 17.5 points
Evan Mobley Over 1.5 threes