PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 11: Dillon Jones #1 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 11, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Sixers have signed Dillon Jones to an Exhibit 10 contract.
Jones was the 26th overall pick back in 2024, selected by the Washington Wizards before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on draft night. He made 54 appearances for the Thunder in his rookie season, playing 10 minutes a game averaging 2.5 points and 2.2 rebounds on 38% field goal shooting.
After being traded back to and waived by the Wizards, he bounced around several G League teams last season before signing a two-way deal with the New York Knicks in January. He made just seven appearances for the Knicks and only averaged five minutes a game per appearance. In 18 games for the Westchester Knicks, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game, shooting 43% from the field and 38% from three.
Jones was a 32% three-point shooter in his four college seasons at Weber State and hasn’t shot over 25% from deep in his limited NBA opportunities. He did though make a big shooting leap in the G League, going 27.5% from three in his first season to 37% over the course of his second season with three teams.
Core Jackson of the Somerset Patriots throws the ball during a Minor League baseball game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, United States, on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
September is the ultimate encapsulation of the baseball season winding down. The major league team is entering its final sprint, but before they get to the postseason, things eventually end in the minors as well. This week, the two A-ball affiliates ended their regular seasons, with one preparing to begin a playoff run on Tuesday.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Record: 36-26 (73-63), 1 GB in the International League East after a 5-2 week against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies)
Run differential: +57 (+60)
Coming up: Away @ Rochester Red Wings (Nationals)
It was a big week for the RailRiders, who won five of the last six games against Lehigh Valley after dropping a suspended game to open the week. It pulled them into a tie for first in the International League with Rochester, which will make their upcoming six-game series (note: Scranton lost Game 1 on Labor Day in a rare Monday game) likely pivotal to who goes to the playoffs.
It was a great week for the bats, who got contributions from up and down the lineup. Kenedy Corona had a multi-homer game, Yanquiel Fernandez blasted three homers, J.C. Escarra, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Max Schuemann all hit over .350 this week, and even the struggling Jasson Domínguez got going before his emergency promotion. The real story here remains the power revival of Anthony Volpe, who’s been playing three positions and is now slashing .295/.393/.667 with 10 home runs in 27 games since being sent down. That’s how you send a message.
Elmer Rodríguez spent the week out west with the big league club, so the focus this week was on the rest of the gang. We got great six-inning starts by both Adam Kloffenstein and Alexander Cornielle, but on the prospect front, Brendan Beck allowed one run in six innings with seven strikeouts as he continued to stay ready, while Kyle Carr couldn’t get out of the third as he continues to build up. It was good to finally see something positive from Xavier Rivas, who allowed just two earned runs in five innings after a dreadful first month at the level.
Eric Reyzelman continued his better pitching of late, as he and Zach Messinger combined to toss 7.2 shutout innings in what was ultimately an iffy week for the bullpen. The main attraction was the rehabbing Clarke Schmidt, who looked healthy in his four innings of work this week as he continues to build his way back.
Record: 33-30 (70-62), 3.5 GB in the Eastern League Northeast after a 3-3 week against the Erie SeaWolves (Tigers)
Run differential: +1 (+37)
Coming up: Home vs. Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies)
Somerset is officially on the ropes after failing to make a statement against Erie. They’ll likely need to sweep Hartford this upcoming week and get help from that SeaWolves team that just beat them to get a playoff spot.
Jace Avina had big moments this week, including a slump-busting homer on Tuesday, but has overall had a rough go of it since July. Omar Alfonzo hit the ball well in his two starts, as did Cole Gabrielson, Roderick Arias, Jackson Castillo, and Core Jackson, with the latter going 8-for-25 with his first Double-A homer as he continues to acclimate to his new level.
It was an up-and-down week for the rotation. Cade Smith drew double duty and had two iffy outings, allowing eight runs in 9.2 innings. Chase Hampton continued to struggle mightily at the level, being chased in the third inning before being DFA’d on Monday. Both Bryce Cunningham and Rory Fox had good weeks to salvage things for a rough rotation, with the former notching a seven-inning complete game for his first Double-A win and the latter tossing a quality start with six two-run innings.
The bullpen was really awful this week, with the only guy putting up zeroes being converted starter Trent Sellers. I’m not sure if there’s big-league potential for the almost 27-year-old, but he’s salvaged a bad start to the season by pitching to a 2.48 ERA in 29 innings with 41 strikeouts since mid-June.
Record: 35-31 (65-65), 7.5 GB in the South Atlantic League North after a 1-5 week against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals)
Run differential: +35 (+4)
The season is over down in Hudson Valley, whose nine-game winning streak in mid-August was not nearly enough to make up for a rough start to the second half. It didn’t help how bad the last two weeks have been, particularly with three shutout losses this week to Wilmington and a brutal, season-ending walk-off loss to end it on Sunday.
Two players hit major milestones this week, as Kyle West notched a 20/20 season late in the week, while Jackson Lovich finished with 24 homers and 41 stolen bases, narrowly missing being the first 25/40 Yankee since Ruben Rivera in 1994. There’s some very promising bats here, especially at the catching position with a pair of 2025 undrafted free agents in Eric Genther and David McCann. Next year, Hudson Valley will likely be home to many 2026 draftees, as some of the guys previously mentioned are tested up in Somerset.
This was a pitching staff that stayed relatively intact all season long. Only a late-season promotion for Cunningham changed things after the early-season call-ups to Allen Facundo and the now-traded Henry Lalane. I thought it was a great season for Luis Serna, who broke the Renegades’ single-season strikeout record as he shattered his previous career high in innings to put him back on the map. I wonder if Allen Facundo, who’s command continues to hold him back, will be put in the bullpen next season to fast-track his electric stuff.
Record: 43-20 (75-48), 9 GA in the Florida State League West after a 4-2 week against the Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Run differential: +114 (+137)
Coming up: FSL Division Series vs. Clearwater Threshers (Phillies)
The regular season has come to an end, and no team is hotter than the Tampa Tarpons, who haven’t lost a series since mid-June. After winning their ninth series in the last 11 (with two splits), they solidified the best record in the Florida State League. They’ll look to secure the West Division title against Clearwater this week.
For the first time in a while, it wasn’t complete domination for the offense. Anthony Potestio continued to be the best 2026 draftee thus far, as the 11th-round pick is slashing .333/.513/.684 with five homers in his first 80 pro plate appearances. Paul Gutierrez-Contreras II, Diego Castellanos, and Luis Escudero all had strong weeks as well, with Dax Kilby continuing to draw walks at a very mature rate.
In the final full week of the rotation, things went well, even if injuries continued to ravage them. Tyler Boudreau suffered a nasty forearm injury on a comebacker mid-week, while Sabier Marte quietly went on the injured list late in the week. Aside from Wyatt Parliament’s struggles with the long ball, everyone else showed out. Edinzo Marquez tossed five shutout frames, Anthony Mena looked good in 3.2 innings of a bullpen game, J.T. Etheridge stacked another good outing, and Justin West tossed five two-run innings of ball.
In the bullpen, there was nothing overtly noteworthy as Antonio Gomez tossed another scoreless outing and guys like Josh Tiedemann and Rafael Arias pitched well, but the story was the first debut of a 2026 pitcher, as Jason Krieger was recalled from the complex to toss 1.1 innings on Sunday due to the injuries. The Yankees rarely have a pitcher make an appearance in their draft year.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country.
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is having a spectacular season. This, you already know.
He’s the likely National League MVP and is close to setting a record for home runs for any Cubs left-handed hitter, starting today just one behind Billy Williams’ 42 in 1970.
He’s also possibly on track for a 40/40 season, which would be the first-ever for a Cubs player and just the seventh ever by anyone. PCA stole two bases against the Brewers Monday and has 35. There are 17 games remaining in the 2026 regular season.
So that’s week’s SB Nation Reacts survey question: How many steals will PCA have for the 2026 regular season? Cast your vote and I’ll post the final results here later this week.
Los Angeles, CA - September 07, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández (37) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of an MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-3 on Monday which seems like a totally normal score, though perhaps with a little more offense than the Dodgers put forth during their July-August malaise. They’ve now scored at least six runs in three straight games, a streak they’ve now achieved twice within their last eight contests.
But it’s how the Dodgers scored on Monday that was notable. They only had three hits.
Hernández, who also singled and scored in the fifth inning, had two of the Dodgers’ three hits on Monday. During his eight-game hit streak, Hernández is 13 for 29 with two home runs and three doubles, hitting .448/.543/.759 with 11 RBI, including driving in runs in each of the last five games.
Four years ago in Chicago, the Dodgers walked nine times to complement their three hits. On Monday against the Reds, the Dodgers walked six times and were hit by a pitch. An error accounted for two of the Dodgers’ six runs on Monday.
The last two nights at Dodger Stadium have featured rarities. On Sunday, there was actual rain (though nothing that interrupted the game). On Monday, it was scoring six runs on only three hits. Let’s see what Tuesday brings.
Schaefer has become one of the brightest faces of the league since even before debuting for the Islanders last season.
From the way he's carried himself off the ice in the community ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft to all the work he did throughout his first NHL season, plus his work as a host during the 2026 NHL Draft, the NHL can't get enough of him.
The first overall pick in 2025 announced the Islanders' No. 13 selection, Malte Gustafsson.
My MLB moneyline predictions for today's slate include backing a lot of pricey favorites, which include the Baltimore Orioles.
Before we dive in, be sure to check out all our MLB picks for Tuesday, Sept. 8.
MLB moneyline picks for September 8
For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Matchup
Pick
Guardians vs Orioles
52%
Astros vs Phillies
44%
Twins vs Tigers
56%
Mets vs Marlins
54%
Angels vs Red Sox
44%
Rockies vs Yankees
25%
Rays vs Braves
49%
Diamondbacks vs Royals
48%
Cubs vs Brewers
66%
Pirates vs White Sox
57%
Rangers vs Mariners
44%
Blue Jays vs A's
62%
Nationals vs Padres
63%
Cardinals vs Giants
50%
Reds vs Dodgers
74%
Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of September 8.
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Expert MLB moneyline picks for September 8
Guardians vs Orioles: Orioles
Orioles win probability: 52%
Orioles right-hander Brandon Young has been holding it down in his last few outings, posting a 2.79 ERA while limiting hard-hit and barreled balls. On the other side, Tanner Bibee has been solid, but he has been walking guys at a very high rate, which the Orioles could exploit, as they have been drawing a lot of walks over their last 12 games.
Neither offense has shown much life as of late, so we will be leaning with the better arm.
Astros vs Phillies: Astros
Astros win probability: 44%
Both arms in this matchup have been great over their last five outings, while neither offense has posted a wRC+ above 90 in quite some time.
Why pay the juice in this spot? Take the dog.
Twins vs Tigers: Tigers
Tigers win probability: 56%
Pay the juice! It is the Tigers or nothing here.
Sure, the Tigers’ bats have cooled down as of late, but Dean Kremer has been brutal in his most recent outings, posting a 7.43 ERA and 1.80 WHIP while allowing a 47%+ hard-hit rate and 14% barrel rate over his last three starts.
Batters-Box has Kremer owning the worst pitcher rating on the day in its current season dataset.
Full fade on Kremer.
Mets vs Marlins: Marlins
Marlins win probability: 54%
Simple fade on Sean Manaea, who has progressively gotten worse with each start. Over his last five outings, he owns a 5.87 ERA while allowing a barrel rate above 15%. Over his last three, those numbers jump to a 7.79 ERA and nearly an 18% barrel rate. The Marlins’ bats should be able to get after the veteran early and often.
Angels vs Red Sox: Angels
Angels win probability: 44%
Back the dog here. It is going to be sweaty with how poorly the Angels’ bats have been, but Patrick Sandoval has been horrible in his last five starts, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP while allowing a 10%+ barrel rate to opposing hitters.
Meanwhile, Reid Detmers has been nails, allowing little to no hard contact over his last five outings while owning a 0.82 ERA.
Get filthy. Back the Halos.
Rockies vs Yankees: Rockies
Rockies win probability: 25%
Will the Yankees likely win this ballgame with Cam Schlittler on the bump and the juice that getting Aaron Judge back will bring? Likely, yes.
However, at that price? No.
The Rockies have posted a 114 wRC+, .353 wOBA, and .808 OPS over the last week. Maybe these bats can come alive against the potential AL Cy Young winner.
Rays vs Braves: Rays
Rays win probability: 49%
Small sample size, but Braves starter AJ Smith-Shawver has been pretty bad since returning. He owns a 7.13 ERA and 1.75 WHIP while facing one of the most consistent lineups in baseball.
Sure, Freddy Peralta is on the bump for Tampa Bay, but he has been very solid in his last three starts, posting a 2.84 ERA and just a 0.68 WHIP.
Take the dog.
Diamondbacks vs Royals: Royals
Royals win probability: 48%
We have no idea what to expect from Corbin Burnes this evening, as he is making his 2026 debut after being out for more than a year due to injury.
However, one thing we do know is Michael Wacha has been holding it down, sporting a 1.71 ERA and 0.76 WHIP over his last three starts. On top of that, the Royals’ bats have been hot for more than three weeks now, while Arizona is frozen at the dish.
Cubs vs Brewers: Brewers
Brewers win probability: 66%
Do we want to trust Jacob Misiorowski or David Peterson this evening? Such a tough debate, right? We’re debating whether to take a guy with a 6.14 ERA over his last three starts or a guy with a 3.94 ERA.
If you haven’t picked up on the sarcasm yet, it is the Brewers or nothing. I refuse to get in front of the Misiorowski freight train.
Pirates vs White Sox: White Sox
White Sox win probability: 57%
The South Siders should be able to tee off on Bubba Chandler early and often, as he is mainly throwing fastballs, and this White Sox team foams at the mouth for four-seam fastballs. Especially Munetaka Murakami, who needs a guy like this to snap out of his cold streak.
Sean Burke has been great, and if he can limit the walks, he should be able to keep his team in this.
Rangers vs Mariners: Rangers
Rangers win probability: 44%
Neither starter in this matchup has been putting up great numbers over their last few outings, but one offense has been producing more than the other. Sure, Seattle has been heating up, but the Rangers have been much hotter.
Texas owns a 122 wRC+, .346 wOBA, and .791 OPS over its last 12 games.
Take the dog.
Blue Jays vs A's: Blue Jays
Blue Jays win probability: 62%
The Blue Jays have to keep their heads down if they want a chance at the postseason. These are games they have to win.
Their bats have been pretty hot as of late, which is good news for Toronto, as Jack Perkins owns a 7.04 ERA at home.
Toronto will also need Jose Soriano to be nails this evening.
Stay hungry, Toronto.
Nationals vs Padres: Padres
Padres win probability: 63%
Unless this is a brand-new Matt Waldron, I want no part of backing him to hold anything down this evening. The Nationals right-hander owns a 5.63 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over his last five starts.
Casey Mize has not been much better for San Diego, but we know he is nails at home, with a 2.98 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.
Plus, the Padres’ bullpen is light-years better than Washington’s.
Give me the favorite.
Cardinals vs Giants: Giants
Giants win probability: 50%
The hometown team is talking to me after the Giants walked it off last night against the Cardinals.
Tonight, they send out Landen Roupp, who has been pretty solid over his last few starts, limiting hard-hit balls.
On the other side, St. Louis has Quinn Mathews on the mound, who owns a 5.17 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over his last three starts.
If the Giants can get after Mathews early and force him to go to the bullpen, which owns a 4.41 xERA on the season, they should be able to open this game up early.
Reds vs Dodgers: Dodgers
Dodgers win probability: 74%
Nick Lodolo has an 8.10 ERA, 8.04 xERA, and 2.02 WHIP while allowing a 53%+ hard-hit rate and nearly a 15% barrel rate over his last three starts. This Dodgers lineup should be able to feast on Lodolo’s offerings this evening.
Tarik Skubal should be able to cool off the red-hot Reds bats. Take the home favorite.
“But bu- you said not to pay this much juice.”
Lodolo has been far worse than Rockies starter Gabriel Hughes. That is the difference.
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.
Since the start of free agency, Jalen Duren has been on top of every NBC Sports ranking of the best free agents available. In every one of those cases, we wrote about how he would definitely be back with the Pistons next season, the only question was the price tag and years. Duren is still technically a restricted free agent and still technically available, but in practice neither is true.
After Duren, who are the best free agents still available? Here is our list of the top seven players who can still be signed.
Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas is a bucket.
Last season between Brooklyn and Milwaukee, he averaged 13.5 points a game. The season before in Brooklyn he averaged 24. However, he's inefficient getting those points (31% from 3 and a .530 true shooting percentage last season, both well below the league average), doesn't involve teammates, and isn't a good defender. In short, he doesn't contribute to winning basketball and, according to teammates, wasn't popular in the locker room.
Which is why he's still available (and was waived by both Brooklyn and Milwaukee last season). However, for a team looking for a scoring punch off the bench, a guy who can go get a bucket, Thomas is available and can get one. Some Miami fans have pushed for the team to sign him, but that seems unlikely at this point. (He's not going to want to play overseas, but he could give his NBA chances a boost with a big season in Europe.)
John Konchar
The seven-year veteran guard was traded from Utah to Minnesota for Josh Green, but the Timberwolves instantly waived and stretched Konchar's salary, giving them the space to sign Jonathan Kuminga.
Konchar is a rock-solid, 6'5" deep bench guard who has a spot in the NBA. He's not going to put up a lot of points (4.3 points per game for his career), nor is he a great floor spacer (34.9% from 3 for his career), but he will get a team rebounds (4.3 a game last season) and will just play smart ball. He has been linked to final roster spots in New York and Miami.
Ochai Agbaji
Agbaji is an athletic wing who has bounced around the NBA for four seasons after being the No. 14 pick out of Kansas in the 2022 NBA Draft. Two seasons ago in Toronto he showed his potential as a 3&D wing, but last season he struggled, shooting 26.6% from 3, although that was a better 34.9% in 20 games with Brooklyn.
If Agbaji can return to his 2024-25 form — 10.4 points per game, shooting 39.9% from 3 — he has real value, but he needs to prove to teams he can be that guy again.
Kelly Olynyk
One of a long list of solid veterans still available, and Olynyk showed his value as a mentor last season in San Antonio. He can fill that role and still contribute.
Olynyk, 34, is a 13-year NBA veteran stretch big who is a career 36.9% shooter from 3-point range, but that fell to 25.5% last season. Still, stretch bigs are always in demand, and it's easy to imagine Olynyk landing somewhere either before the season starts or during it when a team facing injuries (or just a surprise weakness in the frontcourt) reaches out to him.
Bruce Brown
Brown is at the front of the line of a series of veteran guards still available (including Gabe Vincent and Cameron Payne). He played in all 82 games for Denver last season, and while he may not have been the guy from the 2023 championship run, he still averaged 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds a game, shooting 38.5% from 3-point range. Brown has been linked in rumors to the Lakers and Knicks in recent weeks.
Cam Whitmore
Is there a team out there willing to bet on Cam Whitmore's potential and growth?
He is an explosive scorer, which is why Washington brought him in a year ago, but by early December coach Brian Keefe buried him on the bench because of his lack of passing and defense. He was too one-dimensional (he injured his shoulder in January and was done for the season). With the drafting of AJ Dybantsa, Whitmore was going to be out of the Wizards' rotation, so they traded him to Cleveland, which promptly released him.
Whitmore is just 22 and has played three years in the league, some team should consider taking a flyer on him. Whitmore wouldn't like this, but may have to take a two-way contract (he still has eligibility for that) and prove he can fit with a team before he gets another standard deal.
Kevin Love
Love just turned 38 and has played 18 seasons in the NBA, but for a team looking for a quality locker room guy who can a mentor and still play a little as a stretch big — and throw incredible outlet passes — Love may be the guy.
The five-time All-Star has been linked to a return to Cleveland (where he won an NBA title) and Minnesota (where he played the first six years of his career), but in both cases that likely would come a month or two into the season. Both would be great stories, but it is possible another team makes a move earlier.
Other free agent names of note: 18-year NBA veteran Jeff Green, Nicolas Batum, Dwight Powell, Bismack Biyombo, Cameron Payne, Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton, Gabe Vincent and Blake Wesley
There’s one area of the Calgary Flames’ roster where there doesn’t appear to be much uncertainty heading into the 2026-27 season.
Goaltending.
After plenty of turnover throughout the roster last season, the Flames enter training camp with Dustin Wolf and Devin Cooley firmly established as their tandem. More importantly, the organization appears to have complete confidence in both.
Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Flames general manager Craig Conroy spoke about the duo during a recent appearance on the Raw Mike Richards show on QR Calgary, emphasizing the belief inside the organization that either goaltender can give the team a chance to win on any given night.
“Everyone’s got the belief, if either goalie goes in we can win every night, they’re going to give us a chance. It’s exciting, because I think the year before there was uncertainty. Wolfie was coming in to be the starter, but he’d never done it before,” Conroy explained.
That uncertainty is considerably different this time around.
Wolf enters his second full NHL season after taking over the starting job last year, while Cooley has established himself as a legitimate NHL option after showing he could handle the workload when called upon.
The two also have the benefit of already knowing what to expect from one another.
Conroy believes the competition between the two could ultimately make both goaltenders better.
“The NHL is a different beast. The shooters are that much better, the size, speed, the traffic, but to see them now together, they know each other, they get along great. Now to have them as a tandem, they’re going to push each other. That’s the one thing that Cooley did a great job (of), coming in and winning games, and now they can push together and we feel comfortable with either goalie on any given night, so I think it’s great. I think that is a real strength of our team going into the year, maybe the strongest part of the team going in.”
The numbers certainly give Conroy reason for optimism.
Wolf posted a 3.01 goals-against average and .899 save percentage in his first full season as an NHL starter. Cooley, meanwhile, appeared in 31 games and finished with a 2.69 GAA and .909 save percentage, along with a 10-10-6 record.
Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
Those numbers aren’t perfect, but they provide the Flames with something they didn’t necessarily have entering last season: two goaltenders with NHL experience who the organization believes can win games.
There are still plenty of questions surrounding the Flames heading into the new season. How quickly will the younger players take another step? Can the revamped blue line hold up? Will the offence produce consistently enough?
The crease, however, doesn’t appear to be one of them.
And for a team entering another important season in its transition, having that kind of stability in net could be one of Calgary’s biggest advantages.
As Conroy put it:
“It does take a little time, goaltending is a tough position, but to know we have two guys that can play, it’s a real strength of the team this year.”
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Gunnar Henderson #2, Jackson Holliday #7 and Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles watch the game in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 07, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country.
With 17 games left to play in the 2026 season, the Orioles “tragic number” is 13. That is, the combination of Orioles losses and Guardians wins that will clinch that the O’s don’t make the playoffs. They have stacked the odds substantially against themselves making it after getting mopped in the four-game Red Sox series this past weekend.
Still, they are not mathematically eliminated yet, and even if you don’t believe that they’re going to make it, there’s the question of how much of a collapse they might have between now and season’s end. That’s the aim in this week’s poll question, asking how far behind the eventual AL Wild Card 3 team you think that the Orioles will finish. It could still be the Guardians, Blue Jays, Rangers, or even – if they go on a miraculous run – the O’s themselves.
Vote in the poll below:
Notorious pessimist though I am, I did make sure that “they make the playoffs” is still one of the choices, so all of those who just can’t stop believing can register their optimism. Of course, more likely, they won’t make it, and I’m interested in seeing how far you think the team will fall between now and season’s end.
Right now, the Orioles are three games back of the Guardians. They have a chance to take games with their remaining two head-to-head games, and there are also six games coming against the Blue Jays. I don’t think the Orioles will do anything positive with these opportunities, but they are there.
Maybe you think the Orioles will play just well enough to miss out by a game or two. Maybe you think they’ll tread water right around here, not in the race exactly but not mathematically eliminated until the final handful of games. Or maybe you think they’re going to continue the swan dive that their games against the Rockies and Red Sox suggested was on the way.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 16: Garrett Crochet #45 of the Chicago White Sox and Tanner Houck #89 of the Boston Red Sox look on prior to the 94th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Globe Life Field on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
By now you’ve probably all seen the quote circulating online: “I mean, not [to be all] me, me, me, me, but I’ve done crazy things before. I’m not Joe Schmoe. I’ve done impressive things. I think that that would be a big ask for some people, but I don’t think it’s a crazy ask for me.” That’s Garrett Crochet speaking about the fact that he is now aiming to return and pitch in the postseason, even though he won’t make a single appearance between now and the end of the regular season. It would potentially be a legendary moment for Crochet if he can pull it off, but he’s not there yet, as he didn’t get get his fastball above 90 MPH when he threw a bullpen on Friday. He’ll throw another bullpen today and hopes to face live hitters in a simulated game setting soon, as he has run out of time to make a rehab appearance in the minors. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Crochet isn’t the only arm hoping to work his way back into the bullpen. While Crochet will merely throw a bullpen today, Tanner Houck will make a 20-pitch appearance for AA Portland, with hopes of bumping that number up to 45 on Friday. He’s itching to go. “It’s been a fun team to watch from afar,” said Houck. “The energy the players bring every night, the excitement level they bring to the city, I want to do nothing but help them in this postseason push and have a deep playoff run.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
If he is able to return and look like his old self, the Red Sox bullpen will be downright nasty in October. And hopefully the starting rotation will be right there with them, because it’s the starters who have been the key to this mini winning streak. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
In addition to working on his velocity and command, Crochet will need to practice the team’s new post-game victory ritual, the celebration circle. “While there were the usual get-togethers by the outfielders and infielders, just outside the Red Sox dugout, a group of five players gathered to form a circle, put their arms around each other and do a little dance. Nick Sogard. Andruw Monasterio. Connor Wong. Nate Eaton. And the creator of the brief celebration, Jahmai Jones. For just a few seconds, they were all in their own little world.” (Rob Bradford, WEEI)
While we’ll hopefully get to see more celebration circles in October at the ends of games, we unfortunately won’t get what would’ve been a special pregame ceremony: that being one-time interim manager Joe Morgan being honored at Fenway before current interim manager Chad Tracy’s team takes the field. That’s because Morgan passed away at the age of 95 over the weekend. “Joe’s life is a story about never giving up. It’s a story about perseverance. It’s a story about hustle. And, yes, it’s a story about being in the right place at the right time.” (Steve Buckley, The Athletic)
The Baltimore Orioles (70-75) and the Cleveland Guardians (73-72) continue their three-game series tonight at Camden Yards. The Orioles opened the series last night with a 6-4 win to snap a six-game losing streak and pull them to within three games in the race with Cleveland for the final Wild Card spot.
Baltimore grabbed control early. Dylan Beavers delivered an RBI double in the second inning to score Samuel Basallo, giving the Orioles a 1-0 lead. In the third, the O’s advantage increased to 4-0 thanks to a Coby Mayo solo homer followed by control issues for Cleveland’s hurlers as evidenced by the fact they walked in a couple runs prior to the end of the inning. Mayo added a two-run blast in the sixth, extending the Orioles' lead to 6-1. On the mound, Trevor Rogers was excellent, working 7.1 innings, allowing just one earned run, six hits, and striking out six without a walk. The Guardians made things interesting in the ninth when Nathaniel Lowe blasted a three-run homer, but Baltimore closer Jordan Walker recorded the final out to preserve the win and arguably, Baltimore’s season.
Tanner Bibee (5-15, 4.06 ERA) takes the ball for the Guardians tonight. His last outing came against the Blue Jays on September 3. As he has for much of the season, Bibee struggled, lasting only four innings while allowing five earned runs on four hits. Over his last five starts, Bibee has posted a 5.08 ERA. Brandon Young (9-3, 3.42 ERA) is expected to be on the mound for the O’s. Young's most recent appearance came against Boston on September 3, when he worked 6.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits. Over his last five outings Young owns a 3.37 ERA.
Lets dive further into tonight’s game and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch: Orioles vs. Cardinals
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Time: 6:35PM EST
Site: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
City: Baltimore, MD
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, MASN, CLEGuardians.TV
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
The Latest Odds: Orioles vs. Cardinals
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Jose Ramirez has homered and walked in his only two trips to the plate against Brandon Young
Brandon Young had no more than 4 strikeouts in any of his 5 starts in August but K’d 7 in his 1st start in September
Gunnar Henderson is 4-12 including 1 HR in his career against Tanner Bibee
Pete Alonso is 3-6 in his career against Bibee
Tanner Bibee has averaged 4.4 strikeouts per start over his last 5 starts
Leody Taveras is still looking for his 1st hit in September (0-13) and is actually 0-18 dating back to August 30
Sal Basallo is 3-15 in September
Brayan Rocchio has 3 HRs in his last 5GP
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top Betting Trends & Insights: Guardians vs. Orioles
The Orioles are 74-71 on the Run Line this season
The Guardians are 71-74 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 71 times in Baltimore’s 135 games this season (71-70-4)
The OVER has cashed 69 times in Cleveland’s 135 games this season (69-76)
Expert picks & predictions: Guardians vs. Orioles
Rotoworld Bet Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s game between the Orioles and the Guardians:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Orioles on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Orioles on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 8.5
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Former members of the Vancouver Canucks will take the spotlight in this off-season article series. From those skating with new NHL teams heading into the 2026–27 season to those who are now playing for international clubs, these featured players have skated in at least one game at the NHL level as a member of the Canucks.
Today’s segment will take a look at the former Canucks that are expected to play in the DEL and in various Swiss hockey leagues in 2026–27.
DEL
Akito Hirose, Fischtown Pinguins: Joined Vancouver in 2023 after three seasons at Minnesota State University (Mankato). Played in 10 career games for the Canucks before shifting primarily to the Abbotsford Canucks, where he won the Calder Cup in 2025. Signed with Fischtown in 2025.
Madison Bowey, Grizzlys Wolfsburg: Played in two games for the Canucks and 53 for Abbotsford in 2021–22. Went to the KHL after a season with the Laval Rocket in 2022–23. Made the switch to DEL in 2025–26, skating with Augsburger Panther before heading to Grizzlys Wolfsburg.
Marc Michaelis, Adler Mannheim: Signed out of the NCAA by Vancouver in 2020–21 and played in 15 games. Spent 22 games with the Toronto Marlies the season after before returning to Europe and playing in the NL. Joined Adler Mannheim as their captain in 2024–25 and is entering his third-consecutive season with the team in 2026–27.
NL
Erik Brännström, Lausanne HC: Traded to the Canucks at the beginning of the 2024–25 season. Played in only 28 games with Vancouver, scoring three goals and five assists, before being dealt to the New York Rangers in the J.T. Miller trade. Joined Lausanne in 2025–26.
Dec 28, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Erik Brannstrom (26) shoots during warm up prior to a game against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Juho Lammikko, ZSC Lions: Acquired by Vancouver via the Olli Juolevi trade in 2021–22. Scored seven goals and eight assists in 75 games for the Canucks before heading to the NL and playing for ZSC Lions. Made a short return to the NHL with the New Jersey Devils in 2025–26 but has since found his way back to the NL.
Jimmy Vesey, Genève-Servette HC: Spent 20 games of his 626-game NHL career with the Canucks in 2020–21 after being claimed off waivers. Went on to play for the Devils, Rangers, and Colorado Avalanche before heading to Genève-Servette of the NL in 2025–26.
Markus Granlund, Genève-Servette HC: Traded to the Canucks from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Hunter Shinkaruk in 2016. Spent four seasons with Vancouver, including registering a career-high in points with 32 in 2016–17, before heading to the Edmonton Oilers in 2019–20. Entering his third season with Genève-Servette in 2026–27.
SL
Jayce Hawryluk, EHC Olten: Played in 30 games for the Canucks in 2020–21, scoring two goals and three assists. Spent time in the AHL in 2022–23 before heading to Czechia in 2023–24 and Slovakia in 2024–25. Joined EHC Olten in 2025–26.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 14: LaMelo Ball #1 and Josh Green #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves are introduced to the media by President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly, Head Coach Chris Finch and Play-by-Play Announcer Alan Horton on July 14, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Last week, we came on here to ask you all, off the backs of the Jonathan Kuminga signing and Cody Williams trade, which newcomer to the Minnesota Timberwolves you were most excited to see on the court. With such an action packed summer, filled with a full restructuring of the roster around Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, it was set to be an interesting conversation.
Wolves fans, we want to hear from you!! The Wolves have had a very active offseason, but who are you most excited to watch?
Maybe Isaiah Evans, a second-round pick from Duke who disappointed in Summer League, or Cody Williams, universally seen as the worst rotation player in the NBA last year, or even the confounding “Other” who never shows up on the box score aren’t big enough draws to be added to that list, but the idea was that there would be some difference in opinions.
Well, apparently not, as all of you are in consensus that the Spectacle’s NBA equivalent, the ever mercurial, sporadic but never boring LaMelo Ball is the player most Canis Hoopus readers can’t wait to see.
We haven’t seen a blowout this bad since the Wolves demolished the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Play-In a few years ago. Sheesh.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, though. Star players are always going to get the most eyes, and even if I voted for Cody Williams, I also understand that in this site full of basketball degenerates, I may be the most degenerate.
Ball is also an easy player to be excited about. Over the past five years, the Timberwolves have been looking for a solid point guard option next to Anthony Edwards. D’Angelo Russell flamed out after being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during a hot stretch that brought back maybe the best heist the Wolves have ever pulled off. Mike Conley Jr. was excellent, but age ultimately caught up with him, before he was dumped in Chicago and then returned to Minnesota, only to head to Boston this offseason.
The graveyard of failed guards next to Ant still holds some excellent players. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was one of the best developmental stories in Wolves history, but a point guard, he was not. Bones Hyland has far too many nights in which he destroys his own value with shot-chucking to be considered a solution.
Even the most recent hope, Ayo Dosunmu, is a quality wing off the bench, but he cannot be a point guard. He simply does not make the players around him sufficiently better.
Enter LaMelo Ball, who is expected to be a revelation for a team that has lacked ball-handling and playmaking to an extreme ever since Conley’s decline.
If the already excellent Wolves can fix their biggest hole without losing their defensive identity – one which has always been set by Rudy Gobert, who remains on the roster – they’re set to re-enter contention status after a Mickey Mouse Conference Finals run in 2024-25 and a disappointing collapse last year.
This season is set to be a pretty massive one for the Wolves. As the offseason comes to a close and the Los Angeles Clippers are moved to the G-League, it’s worth looking at just how much depends on this year for Minnesota.
They’ve tapped out their assets for a trio of young stars, all drafted in 2020. They’ve exhausted their draft picks and their movable deals.
If the Anthony Edwards era is supposed to last as long as many fans want it to, the Wolves will need to take a big step forward from a team that had reached its peak to one that can dream once again.
With that in mind, how could the answer ever have been anyone outside of the one and only LaMelo Ball?
The Mets have been a different team since the All-Star Game and are playing a more fun, exciting brand of baseball since the Aug. 3 trade deadline. They are 26-21 since the unofficial second half began, and 19-12 since having their sell-off at the deadline.
Looking back a bit further, New York has a 31-28 record since June 30, meaning the club has had a two month-plus stretch that arguably shows what happened earlier this season (including a 12-game losing streak that helped derail their hopes) was likely an aberration.
But aberration or not, the Mets could not find enough success over the first three months of the year to save a season that began with World Series expectations. Blame for that lies mainly at the feet of president of baseball operations David Stearns, who oversaw an offseason of change that might have just been too much.
With the Mets excelling lately, a cynic could fairly say that the pressure is off. While that's true, it can be argued that lots of this turnaround has to do with players getting comfortable, gaining experience, and getting healthy, which could prove huge for a team that will likely return a large chunk of this core in 2027.
To highlight just a few...
Bo Bichette, who seemed a bit overwhelmed early as he adjusted to a new team and a huge market, has been himself since May 18. In 96 games since then, he is slashing .293/.340/.467 (.807 OPS) with 14 homers. While Bichette (who has opt-outs after this season and next) has yet to make a decision about his future, it would be relatively surprising if he opted out of a deal that will pay him $42 million in 2027.
After struggling for the first month as he acclimated to the majors, rookieCarson Benge (whose OPS entering play on April 22 was .416) has been a force. At the plate, he has a .798 OPS over his last 117 games. In right field, he's made highlight-reel plays routinely and displayed a cannon of an arm that rates at the very top of the sport.
Francisco Lindor missed two months due to a calf injury and has looked much more like himself since being back.
Christian Scottreturned from Tommy John surgery and cemented his rotation spot starting on May 1, helping to stabilize the starting staff along the way.
Jul 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) watches his RBI sacrifice fly against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner - Imagn Images
In a universe where Bichette and Benge didn't struggle so much out of the gate and Lindor didn't go down, this season likely would've gone very differently. But in this universe, the Mets are playing out the string.
Fortunately for them, this feels like a team that is a few tweaks (albeit relatively major ones) away from being right back in contention.
With that as a backdrop, here are five big storylines to watch down the stretch that could have an impact on how the roster is assembled ahead of 2027...
Following an up-and-down season in Triple-A Syracuse where he worked to implement a cutter, Tong impressed during his first big league start of the year, tossing five innings on Sept. 7 against the Marlins in Miami.
While Tong allowed four runs (all in the second inning), he showed the kind of composure he lacked in his big league stint in 2025. And his stuff (primarily his fastball-changeup combo) also played up, as Tong struck out seven and generated 16 swings and misses.
It's hard to envision a scenario where Tong does enough down the stretch to be viewed as a rotation member out of the gate in 2027, but he still possesses plenty of upside.
As far as Thornton, he has been excelling despite not-so-great metrics, showing moxie and often pitching relatively deep into games.
Thornton, who could be valuable rotation depth in 2027, has posted a 3.53 ERA in 12 starts this season while completing six innings or more six times.
How will Sean Manaea's Jekyll and Hyde season end?
It's been a tale of three seasons for Manaea.
Jul 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea (59) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner - Imagn Images
He was relegated to the bullpen from Opening Day through June 7, as he struggled with reduced velocity following a 2025 season where he had an elbow issue.
From June 13 to Aug. 9, Manaea -- with his fastball sitting in the low-90s -- posted a 3.58 ERA in 61.2 innings over 11 starts, including a pair of largely dominant seven-inning performances.
Over his last four starts, Manaea has gotten hit hard, posting a 7.23 ERA (6.60 FIP) in 23.2 innings while surrendering 30 hits (including seven home runs).
A few weeks ago, it seemed safe to put Manaea's name down in ink when it came to a spot in the 2027 rotation. Now, it can be argued that it's in pencil.
Who are the keepers in the remade bullpen?
Somewhat implausibly, the Mets traded four stalwarts of their 2026 bullpen at the deadline (Luke Weaver, Huascar Brazoban, Brooks Raley, and A.J. Minter) and found themselves with a relief corps that's arguably better.
With Devin Williams on the IL, Kodai Senga assumed the closer role shortly after being turned into a high-leverage reliever. Using primarily his four-seam fastball and ghost fork, Senga has been terrific since becoming a short reliever, posting a 1.46 ERA in 12.1 innings while fanning 13.
The Mets haven't yet decided what Senga's role will be in 2027, and it bears watching when it comes to whether his body can handle the rigors of regular relief use.
Rookie left-hander Nate Lavender -- whose elite extension leads to his pitches kind of jumping at hitters -- has yet to allow a run over his first 13.0 big league innings, posting a 0.61 WHIP along the way. Barring a surprise, he has all but secured a spot in the 2027 'pen.
Daniel Duarte has also opened eyes, with a 2.00 ERA and 0.74 WHIP in 27.0 innings while allowing only 14 hits. Duarte, like Lavender, missed most of the last two seasons due to elbow surgery.
Jun 17, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park. / Aaron Doster - Imagn Images
Since returning from a hip injury on July 18 (a malady he played through for a while and probably hampered his production), Semien has been a bit better.
At the dish, he has posted a .676 OPS (it was .613 when he landed on the IL).
In the field, Semien has been smoother and rangier, displaying the kind of defensive prowess that won him a Gold Glove with the Rangers in 2025.
If Semien can simply be a league average hitter, keeping him in the lineup regularly in 2027 would be justifiable. If not, the arrival of a prospect like Jefferson Rojas or Mitch Voit could happen quickly, potentially turning Semien into a very expensive bench player.
Who's on first?
Given how their roster is constituted, it's possible the only way the Mets can seriously improve their offense for next season is by adding a first baseman and/or designated hitter.
To that end, how sold are they on Jared Young as a potential long end of a first base platoon?
Young has posted a .796 against right-handers this season, but just .606 against lefties.
Mark Vientos, whose return from injury was preceded by some relatively pointed comments by interim manager Andy Green, has slugged two homers in five games since returning. But his defense at first base has remained an issue.
Then there's Brett Baty, whose offensive production has ticked up since Aug. 21, with him posting a 1.101 OPS in 36 plate appearances over his last 14 games.
And I tip my hat to JWinMesa for his comment to that article. A summary is that as measured by Total Streak Quotient, TSQ (5 consecutive games won or 5 consecutive games lost), the Diamondbacks are one of the least streaky teams of the decade.
A Remarkable Discovery.
As I prepared my series preview for the Diamondbacks vs Royals (series starts 14 September) I compared the teams’ TSQ for this season. What was remarkable is that the Royals were twice as streaky (TSQ of .273 vs .133).
The TSQ calculation follows:
TSQ = (Streak Wins plus Streak Losses) divided by (total games).
My calculation for the Diamondbacks revealed something remarkable: This season, the Diamondbacks have not lost 5 consecutive games. That means no losing streaks happened.
Investigating That Discovery.
Come From Behind Wins. This season, 42 games (through 5 September) were won after the Diamondbacks were behind at some point in the game. That is exceptional!
Impactful Come From Behind Wins. This season, there were 21 come from behind wins with scores so close that the RBI event (while the Diamondbacks were behind, and that either tied or put the Diamondbacks ahead) was at least as large as the differential in the final score. That means that half the games would likely not have been won without the RBI event while the Diamondbacks were behind.
That kind of RBI event is precisely the type of event that prevented losing streaks. For example, in March/April, 13 of 16 wins were come from behind (8 were impactful come from behind wins). Without much doubt, a long losing streak would have happened except for the impactful come from behind wins.
The following table shows games with the impactful RBI, and the players who made the impact. In three impactful come from behind wins, I gave credit to two batters because it was the fair thing to do. Data from Baseball Reference.
UPDATE: On 9/6 against HOU, James McCann’s sac fly tied the game. The Diamondbacks won, so his RBI was the 22nd impactful RBI event (and the 43rd come from behind win). Honorable mention to Nolan Arenado whose 2-run homer put the Diamondbacks ahead the rest of the game.
Three Batters Had 52% of the Impactful RBIs in Come From Behind Wins: Vargas, Perdomo, and Marte. I looked at the batters whose RBI took the Diamondbacks from behind to either tied or ahead. In three impactful come from behind wins, I gave credit to two batters because it was the fair thing to do.
Explanatory why March/April had more come from behind wins. Both Vargas and Perdomo had an above average OPS in March/April (and no other months). That explains why March/April had twice as many come from behind wins as the other months. Also, every month had at least one of Vargas/Perdomo/Marte with an above average OPS.
An Explanation for Vargas and Perdomo having impact. When opponents’ pitchers have the lead, and pitch to batters with below average hard-hit percentages, they can get overconfident. They failed to consider that Vargas and Perdomo have stellar squared-up percentages (89th percentile and 96th percentile), which allow them to hit RBIs effectively in come from behind situations.
Although Ketel Marte had an above average hard-hit percentage, his hard-hit percentage was below averaeg in August. For the season, his squared up percentage was above average (62nd percentile). So the explanation somewhat applies to Marte, too.
Summary.
My calculation of Total Streak Quotient for the Diamondbacks revealed something remarkable: This season, the Diamondbacks have not lost 5 consecutive games. That means no losing streaks happened.
This season, 42 games (through 5 September) were won after the Diamondbacks were behind at some point in the game. Half of those wins ended with scores so close that the RBI event (while the Diamondbacks were behind, and that either tied or put the Diamondbacks ahead) was at least as large as the differential in the final score. That kind of RBI event is precisely the type of event that prevented losing streaks.
Three Batters had 52% of the impactful RBIs in come from behind wins: Vargas, Perdomo, and Marte.
Although Vargas and Perdomo had below average hard-hit percentages, their stellar squared up percentages combined with being underestimated by opposing pitchers, produced above-average impactful RBIs.
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