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The San Diego Padres desperately needed a game like last night’s. The Friars tacked on six runs against the Cincinnati Reds, en route to a, 6-2, series opening win.

Catcher Freddy Fermin homered again, his third bomb in as many games. That was all the Padres could muster against starter Andrew Abbott until their rally in the seventh inning.

Walker Buehler pitched well, though only went 4 2/3 innings before being pulled after surrendering three consecutive hits to the Reds after recording two outs in the fifth. The bullpen locked it down from there despite Bradgley Rodriguez allowing a run in the sixth.

A rally sparked by San Diego’s young role players helped win the game. Jase Bowen and Samad Taylor went a combined 4-for-7 with a walk. They’ll need more of that production to take the series against Cincinnati’s ace tonight.

Taking the mound

Chase Burns (CIN) v. Lucas Giolito (SD)

After the news of Hunter Greene’s major injury at the outset of this season, Burns was expected to shoulder the burden of being an ace in Cincinnati’s rotation. He had an uninspiring 2025 campaign, though his stuff was undeniably good.

Burns has looked every bit the ace he was expected to be. He’s pitched to a 2.05 ERA and lost just one game for the Reds through 70 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old has been even better lately, posting a 1.70 ERA in his last seven starts.

Giolito has been inconsistent through the beginning of his San Diego tenure, though he’s looked like a veritable back-end option for the Friars. His last outing against the Philadelphia Phillies was solid, going four innings and surrendering just two runs.

The righty has dealt with a short leash due to his inconsistent production. That led to his early hook in the game against Philly after facing trouble in the fifth. Giolito will look to lengthen that leash with a solid performance against a struggling Cincinnati lineup tonight.

Batter up!

After a tepid weekend from the San Diego offense, the bats came alive a bit on Monday night. That said, they showed up late (though showing up at all is fantastic at this point). 

1. Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
2. Jackson Merrill, CF
3. Manny Machado, 3B
4. Ty France, 1B
5. Gavin Sheets, DH
6. Jase Bowen, RF
7. Samad Taylor, LF
8. Sung-Mun Song, SS
9. Freddy Fermin, C

Bogaerts went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored while Sheets recorded an RBI-double. The former went on the paternity list this morning and will be gone for the next few days. Will Wagner was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

None of the Friars have faced Burns so they’ll need to figure him out quickly or get to the rougher Cincinnati bullpen. That will be a tall order for an offense that hasn’t produced as of late.

Relief corps

Apart from Rodriguez’s gaffe in the sixth, the bullpen was nails on Monday night. Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam and Mason Miller each looked electric, with the latter two striking out six batters.

After a three-run eighth inning, Miller came into the game in a non-save situation. He didn’t treat it any differently and looked dominant despite struggling to command his fastball. 

The Friars will still have options available today, but will be banking somewhat on Giolito to pitch deep into the game. Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta will be available out of the ‘pen.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, June 9, 6:40 p.m. ET

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet

Pitching Matchup: Eric Lauer (2-5, 5.74 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (2-5, 5.74 ERA)

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home hosting the LA Dodgers tonight at beautiful PNC Park.

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After starting the season 1-5 with the Toronto Blue Jays, Lauer was traded to the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers for cash considerations on May 17. The Dodgers appear to be using him as a sixth starter in the rotation as the team works through this middle stretch of the season with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow injured.

This will be Lauer’s third start for the Dodgers, where he has found more success. Lauer is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA since joining the Dodgers. He won in his Dodgers debut on May 26 in a 15-6 win over the Colorado Rockies before going 4.2 innings in a 6-5 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Pirates are looking for their first win in a Skenes start since May 12 when they beat the Rockies. The Pirates have dropped the last four games Skenes has pitched and he’s taken the loss in the last three. It won’t be easy against the Dodgers, who are 42-24 to start the season, but perhaps playing at home will give the Bucs the boost they need to start their series against the Dodgers on the right foot.

BD community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

The Cubs made multiple roster moves before Tuesday’s game against the Rockies.

Jameson Taillon left Sunday’s game in the second inning with a hamstring strain. Here’s how that happened [VIDEO].

To replace Taillon on the Cubs pitching staff, right-hander Ethan Roberts was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. Roberts had been optioned to Iowa Friday when Edward Cabrera was activated, but that was largely just a numbers game. Roberts has been pretty effective out of the pen this year, posting a 1.96 ERA and 1.091 WHIP in 14 appearances covering 18.1 innings.

Also Tuesday, the Cubs activated Matt Shaw from the injured list. He’d been placed on the IL May 22 with what was termed “mid-back tightness.” Shaw was batting .242/.291/.400 in 42 games at the time of the IL placement, and I’m not saying this is cause-and-effect, but the Cubs have gone 5-12, tied for MLB’s worst record, since Shaw last played May 19. Shaw went 4-for-14 with a double in four rehab games at Iowa.

To make room for Shaw on the 26-man active roster, outfielder Kevin Alcántara was optioned to Iowa. Alcántara went 1-for-9 with four strikeouts in 12 games for the Cubs, serving mostly as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner.

The return of Shaw gives the Cubs a bit of positional flexibility, as Shaw played center field for a couple of games at Iowa and has played in the outfield this year for the Cubs. Shaw and Pedro Ramirez remain as backup infielders.

As always, we await developments.

The Pittsburgh Pirates undoubtedly have issues in their bullpen. 

The back end, middle relief, and any area not named long relief (thanks to Wilber Dotel), needs help.

Less than two months away from the August 3 MLB trading deadline, the Pirates are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They need relievers and are reportedly the most active club pursuing bullpen help, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, but it takes two to make a trade.

Some teams may believe they are still in the race, aren’t ready to part with key bullpen arms yet, or have set a price so high that a trade is less likely until closer to the deadline.

The Pirates do have one internal option that has been pitching well and is familiar with PNC Park: right-hander Justin Meis.

A right-handed reliever in Triple-A Indy, Meis owns a 3.00 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 30 outings this season.

Meis, 26, is from Bethel Park and has been in the organization for six years.

A 10th-round draft pick of the Pirates in 2021 out of Eastern Michigan, Meis has struck out 27 batters in 30 innings.

He owns a career 4.22 ERA over 371.1 innings, with 386 strikeouts and a 1.33 WHIP in 162 games, but has pitched his best the last two seasons. 

In 42 games in Double-A Altoona last year, Meis recorded a 2.89 ERA in 62.1 innings, posted seven holds, seven saves, and totaled a .213 opponent average. 

Meis has been even better this season as opponents are only hitting .149 against him, the best of his career. He has walked 16 batters over his 30 innings and throws his fastball in the mid-90s, but does a good job changing speeds.

Justin Meis struck out four across 3.0 hitless and scoreless frames. 👏 pic.twitter.com/uMX1u2SSXx

— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) April 18, 2026

A converted starter, Meis has pitched well in a multi-inning relief role. He’s been used to cover multiple frames or just one inning this season and has been especially good of late.

Meis totaled a 2.84 ERA in May and has only allowed one run in his last eight outings over 10.1 innings. He has struck out 12 and walked five during that span. 

The area has done a nice job developing relievers over the last 10 years, with Mason Miller (Bethel Park), David Bednar (Mars), and Isaac Mattson (Erie) reaching the majors.

Could Meis join Miller as the next player from Bethel Park to make an impact in a Major League bullpen??

It’s time for the Pirates to find out. Call up Meis and give him the opportunity to be an answer to their lingering questions about how to solve the pitching.

I talked to Meis in 2021 after being drafted by the Pirates, and what the opportunity means to him.

From Bethel to the Bucs, Justin Meis looks to make an impact on his hometown team

Finally getting healthier, the Houston Astros have won 3 of 4 and 11 of 17.

Jeremy Pena is hitting .307 since returning from injury May 18, with 3 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI and 4 SB.

Josh Hader has struck out 7 of the 10 batters he has faced in his 3 innings since returning from the IL, and has not allowed a hit or a run.

Jose Altuve has also returned from injury, much sooner than anticipated. He scored the game winning run on Monday night tagging up on a pop-up caught by the Angels second baseman in shallow centerfield. His sprint speed was clocked at over 29 ft/sec, incredibly fast for anyone, let alone a player of Altuve’s age.

Monday night, Bryan Abreu may have finally found his fastball. He threw three straight heaters to Jo Adell at 97 MPH for a 3 pitch strikeout.

Hunter Brown has pitched brilliantly in his rehab starts, and has one more rehab start scheduled before likely being activated.

Cristian Javier will make his second rehab start tonight for Sugar Land after making his first last week for Corpus Christi.

Yainer Diaz is starting his rehab assignment with Sugar Land this evening as well.

Houston is playing better, getting better pitching, and getting healthier as they try to get back over .500 and solidify their place in the playoff race.

The Astros play a total of 27 games in the month of June, and are currently 4-3.

How many games do you think the Astros will win in total for the month of June?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Astros fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Anthony Greco didn’t believe it.

The 10-year-old third baseman was wrapping up warmups for practice at Vestal Field outside of Pittsburgh when a teammate stopped and pointed.

Someone said it was Pirates ace Paul Skenes. Nobody bought it.

“We didn’t believe it at first,” Anthony told USA TODAY Sports, “but then we went over there and we saw him.”

The reigning Cy Young winner had been driving down Perry Highway in Wexford around 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8 when he saw the light still on at the Little League field. Anthony Greco and his teammates were getting ready for their tournament season.

Skenes pulled over and wandered up to the field.

Two hours later, when Anthony’s mom Courtney came to pick him up, there was Paul Skenes on the field with the kids.

“He just took all the time in the world to talk to them and answer questions,” Courtney said. “He signed autographs, he took pictures and just spent a lot of time with them.”

This was the night before Skenes was scheduled to face the defending World Series champion Dodgers at PNC Park.

“I just couldn’t believe he was there,” Anthony said. “I thought he’d have to practice or something because he’s pitching (Tuesday) night.”

But Skenes had an off day and all the time to talk to the coaches of the Ingomar Franklin Park Little League.

And they had questions.

“How do you throw your splinker?” one asked.

“How do you throw so hard all the time?” asked another.

Skenes shrugged and told the young pitchers to just throw as hard as they could. He signed everything the kids put in front of him; he posed for every picture.

Anthony, who had gone with his family to Altoona, Pa. on Aug. 26, 2023 to see Skenes make his Double-A debut, said that the All-Star was “taller and stronger” than he looks on TV.

When it was his turn to talk to Skenes, Anthony had a very direct question.

“I had a ball, so I just asked him, ‘Can you sign it?’” Anthony said with a laugh. “And then we got a picture after that.”

He is going to frame both and keep them in his room.

The moment went viral in part because when he drove up to the field, Skenes was on the phone with his girlfriend Livvy Dunne. The former gymnast and current model and influencer posted about it on social media, writing she could believe her MLB boyfriend, “is just a boy” for pulling over to watch a Little League practice.

He told the adults at the field that he pulled over because he just loves baseball and remembers being that age and how much Little League meant to him.

Skenes showed up just after practice started around 7 p.m. He did not leave until after 9:15 p.m.

“I couldn’t believe he just spent all the time with the kids,” Courtney said. “To go to the field and see Paul Skenes, someone they look up to.

“They just couldn’t stop talking about it.”

Neither could anyone else who heard about it.

By the time they arrived, the story had already gone viral. It was on the nightly news. Anthony’s dad, Chris, who runs the league, was fielding phone calls from newspapers and television reporters. The pictures and videos were all over baseball social media.

For Anthony and the other kids, however, it was their own experience. A real life baseball star on their field with them. From here on out, Anthony Greco and his teammates and family will never forget it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paul Skenes surprises Little League team before Dodgers start

On the night the Metsgot Francisco Alvarez back from a four-week stint on the IL due to a torn meniscus, one of their biggest stars was taking a huge step in the right direction.

Francisco Lindor, who has been out since April 22 due to a left calf strain, was running at close to full speed in shallow right field ahead of Tuesday's series-opener against the Cardinals at Citi Field.

After getting his running in, Lindor took grounders at shortstop before getting in the cage for batting practice.

Speaking shortly after Lindor did his running, manager Carlos Mendoza said the plan is for Lindor to do a week of full baseball activity before assessing next steps. 

Mendoza noted that Lindor has yet to run the bases -- something that could possibly be his final hurdle before beginning a rehab assignment.

There was initially a bit of mystery surrounding Lindor's injury, with the team not disclosing the grade of the calf strain and not giving an estimate regarding his timeline.

By all indications, though, there was nothing going on beyond a calf injury that was simply more serious than the kind of strain Juan Soto was able to return from in roughly three weeks. 

After starting the season in an offensive funk, Lindor was heating up at the plate before getting hurt, hitting .286 in 14 games between April 7 and 22.

Overall this season, Lindor is slashing .226/.314/.355 with two homers, two doubles, and two triples in 24 games.

The Mets have had Lindor and Soto together in the lineup just 11 times this season -- something that could change in the next few weeks. 

Before the last two games, the Red Sox actually had a little thing going on the road where they won 10 out of 13 away from Fenway Park. After loses to the Yankees and Rays on Sunday and Monday though, they need to win tonight to keep any chance of a winning road trip alive.

On the mound to help them do that is Payton Tolle, who is coming off an excellent outing of six shutout innings against Baltimore. He’ll face off against Nick Martinez, who somehow has a 2.29 ERA this year in his age 35 season for the Rays after spending the bulk of his baseball career bouncing around between teams, starting and reliving roles, and even continents (he pitched in Japan for four years between 2018 and 2021).

If the Red Sox do manage to get a lead against him, they’ll have a little extra help in the late innings to hold things down as Garrett Whitlock is back in the bullpen:

The #RedSox today reinstated RHP Garrett Whitlock from the 15-Day Injured List. To make room, Boston optioned INF Anthony Seigler to Triple-A Worcester.

— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 9, 2026

Here’s today’s full lineups as we wait to see what new horrors this building has in store for us.

⚾️ First Pitch: 6:40pm — Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL

📺 TV: NESN

📻 Radio: WEEI

The Atlanta Braves are currently in Chicago to take on the White Sox but apparently that won’t be the only city that people should keep an eye on during this midweek series. In fact, you might want to keep an eye on what’s going on in Columbus, Georgia on Thursday in particular. That’s where Hurston Waldrep will be moving up from the FCL Braves to Double-A for another rehab start on his way back into action for the Atlanta Braves. Walt Weiss informed the media of this news in a pre-game presser and the Columbus Clingstones confirmed it via press release.

Waldrep is on his way to Columbus! 🤩

Hurtson Waldrep becomes first @Braves pitcher assigned to Columbus on a Major League rehab assignment & scheduled to start Thursday, June 11!

FULL INFO: https://t.co/7mYoQREo4Fpic.twitter.com/qOg2CeD5dQ

— Columbus Clingstones (@GoClingstones) June 9, 2026

Here’s more from the Clingstones’ announcement:

Waldrep, 24, was selected by Atlanta with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida. He made his Double-A debut with Mississippi later that season and owns a 3-5 record with a 2.88 ERA across 12 career starts at the Double-A level between 2023 and 2024.

Waldrep is continuing his Major League rehab assignment after making two starts in the Florida Complex League on June 1 and 6. He was placed on Atlanta’s 60-Day Injured List following successful surgery on his right elbow during Spring Training.

The right-hander becomes the first Atlanta Braves pitcher assigned to Columbus on a Major League rehab assignment and the second Braves player overall to rehab with the Clingstones, joining shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who appeared with Columbus from April 29 through May 3. 

Waldrep pitched two innings in each of his starts with the FCL Braves — he faced eight batters and walked two batters without giving up a run in his first outing on June 1 and then he followed that up five days later with another two innings where he gave up a run on two hits and three walks, while peppering a wild pitch in there as well. He did rack up four strikeouts during that second outing, so I’d imagine that the powers that be will be focusing more on the incremental progress rather than the results.

The main thing is that Waldrep hasn’t suffered any setbacks since returning from elbow surgery. As long as that continues then we could be seeing him pitch again for the Braves sooner rather than later. For now, it’s time for Waldrep to hopefully continue to get back into shape at the Double-A level (making his first appearance there since 2024) as he gets closer and closer to a potential return for the big-league Braves.

Here are the lineups for game two against the Blue Jays. Let’s discuss.

For the Phillies:

Back at it north of the border#RingTheBellpic.twitter.com/S9c7tw4gwU

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 9, 2026

For the Blue Jays:

Cease Day 💪 #BlueJays50

Get your tickets: https://t.co/MlcMQbWGsOpic.twitter.com/Fn5rWCdyoW

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 9, 2026

We are into the mandatory portion of the offseason and all is right.

Well, all are in attendance, but not all are actively participating.

As camp opened, Jacoby Brissett was seen with the other quarterbacks, observing, while he enjoyed the warm weather.

Jacoby Brissett off to the side as the other quarterbacks warm up at Arizona Cardinals mandatory minicamp @PHNX_Cardinalspic.twitter.com/QINDoO7Wwf

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) June 9, 2026

On the defensive side of the things, Josh Sweat did the same, although he was seen in conversation with Monti Ossenfort.

Josh Sweat and GM Monti Ossenfort chatting on the side at Arizona Cardinals mandatory minicamp @PHNX_Cardinalspic.twitter.com/LxIo75nCYA

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) June 9, 2026

So, for the Arizona Cardinals the question becomes… what are we doing here?

Brissett we know is holding-in for the contract he believes is deserved for a starter, what that is, no one really can pinpoint, but it is likely more than where they are right now.

Meanwhile, what the hell is Josh Sweat doing? Like, awesome that he is there, but what is happening? Why are you not participating in workouts and activities?

This whole offseason has highlighted the overall dysfunction of a franchise that is the losingest in all North American sports. What is happening?

Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound for the Dodgers in the middle game of the series against the Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Ohtani has allowed seven total runs (five earned) in his 10 starts, and in none of his 61 innings has allowed multiple runs. His 0.74 ERA is best in the majors among pitchers with at least 60 innings, and his 2.36 xERA ranks third.

Wednesday will be Ohtani’s first pitching appearance at PNC Park.

Jared Jones makes his third start of the season for the Pirates. The right-hander missed all of 2025 after an internal brace procedure to repair his torn UCL. Jones allowed five runs in his first game back against the Minnesota Twins on May 29, but last Thursday pitched five scoreless innings to beat the Houston Astros.

Wednesday game info

• Teams: Dodgers at Pirates
• Ballpark: PNC Park, Pittsburgh
• Time: 3:40 p.m. PT
• TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
• Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)