BOSTON, MA - MARCH 8: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 8, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The past 48 hours have been difficult for Celtics Nation, and that’s an understatement.
But with Jaylen Brown headed to Philadelphia, attention has already shifted to the next major domino still left to fall as free agent LeBron James weighs his options after departing the Lakers. James, currently considering what could be his final destination before retirement, hasn’t closed the door on many potential suitors thus far.
That includes the Celtics, according to James’ agent Rich Paul.
This offseason has seen stars such as Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball, and Ja Morant traded, each from their respective homegrown organizations in a shocking first few days. And there are still more to come, with Paul unveiling those in the running to sign James this offseason.
Boston, off a first-round playoff exit, finally chose between the same two paths it had weighed for years: either keep Jayson Tatum alongside Brown or split them up. This time, they chose the latter, and what followed was an instinctual reaction from a passionate fanbase that hadn’t considered the real possibility of the Jays being broken up until it finally kicked in.
But that’s the reality of professional sports, and the Celtics — as special as they’ve always been — are no exception.
Brown is gone. It hasn’t even been a week since the start of free agency, and the fourth of July fireworks haven’t popped off throughout the city either. So the most unforeseen outcome for many fans is still very fresh. For Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, who will need to answer for his decision in Monday’s upcoming press conference with majority owner Bill Chisholm, there’s still plenty of work to do.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 10: LeBron James #6 of Team USA high fives Jayson Tatum #10 of Team USA while Derrick White #8 of Team USA looks on during the Men's Gold Medal Game on August 10, 2024 at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Paul, speaking with Max Kellerman on the Game Over podcast, listed 10 teams James is said to be considering: the Warriors, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Spurs, Mavericks, Heat, Knicks, Cavaliers, Sixers, and Celtics.
In the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Tatum and James won a gold medal as teammates for Team USA. That same summer, the two shared the red carpet for the premiere of Netflix’s Starting 5 docuseries, featuring both Tatum and James. Their relationship over the years has survived the longstanding rivalry between LeBron and the city of Boston, which dates back to his debut stint with the Cavaliers — back when Tatum was in elementary school.
During Tatum’s rookie season, he flushed an iconic postseason dunk in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, introducing himself to the future Hall of Famer with four championships to his name. Since then, Tatum and James have embraced each other with routine friendly encounters during their regular-season run-ins as foes on the court.
Boston, unlike Golden State and Cleveland, can only offer James the veteran minimum after using their mid-level exception to sign Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million contract. That means James would have to take a pay cut to join a Celtics team currently featuring Tatum, Robinson, Derrick White, and Paul George.
Last season, James averaged 20.9 points on 51.5 percent shooting as a 41-year-old in his 23rd season. Most impressively, James did so while accepting a downgraded role as the third option behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in Los Angeles. So the willingness to take a backseat for the betterment of the team, while remaining effective, is a role James is capable of accepting.
Whether James lands in Boston remains up to him. If he does, it would mark one of the NBA’s most stunning uniform switches ever — surpassing Michael Jordan’s final two seasons with the Wizards by a country mile. It would also coincide with what’s already been an odd and uncomfortable offseason for Celtics fans, currently in store for a much, much different team come October.
First place is at stake in the American League Central as the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians meet in Cleveland for the third game in their four-game weekend set.
Cleveland are -133 favorites, having taken the first two games on walk-off hits, taking first in the American League Central Division by a game in the process.
The Guardians have beaten Chicago nine straight in Cleveland. My White Sox vs. Guardians predictions and MLB picks call for that streak to hit 10 with a Guardians win.
Who will win White Sox vs Guardians today: Guardians moneyline (-138)
The Cleveland Guardians have won three straight and five of their last seven, while the Chicago White Sox have dropped the last three and four of six. Cleveland has the No. 8 bullpen in MLB and has gotten stronger, calling up Franco Aleman, who had a 0.32 ERA in Triple-A.
Cleveland starts Parker Messick, who is 7-5, 2.85. Messick's fastball is in the 100th percentile in MLB, and he's in the top quartile in hard-hit rate, barrel rate, strikeout rate and exit velo allowed.
The Guardians' offense is averaging 29 points higher than their season batting average this week, including 19 runs over the last three games.
COVERS INTEL:Sean Burke is not in the top third in MLB in any metric. His fastball velocity is just 53rd percentile, and his exit velocity allowed and whiff percentage are all in the bottom half of MLB pitchers.
White Sox vs Guardians Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-108)
The White Sox start Sean Burke, who is 5-4, 3.69, but has troubling underlying metrics. His fastball is the only pitch above average in MLB, and Cleveland's Brayan Rocchio is one of the top fastball hitters in MLB, hitting .327 with five homers against the pitch.
Burke's walk rate is below average, despite improving it from last season, which is problematic against a Guardians lineup that walked 14 times in the first two games of the series.
Chicago's bats have heated up. They've scored 5.4 runs per game over the last two weeks, an increase of half a run a night over their average.
Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 24-31, -4.15 units
Over/Under bets: 31-28 +2.30 units
White Sox vs Guardians weather
There is a heat warning in Cleveland with the wind blowing in. There's also a good chance of a thundershower or two this evening.
White Sox vs Guardians odds
Moneyline: White Sox +133 | Guardians -138
Run line: White Sox +1.5 (-163) | Guardians -1.5 (+156)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-108) | Under 7.5 (+104)
White Sox vs Guardians trend
The Chicago White Sox have hit the Team Total Over in 23 of their last 35 away games (+10.40 Units / 26% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for White Sox vs. Guardians.
How to watch White Sox vs Guardians and game info
Location
Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
Date
Saturday, July 4, 2026
First pitch
7:05 p.m. ET
TV
CHSN, CleGuardians.TV
White Sox starting pitcher
Sean Burke (5-4, 3.69 ERA)
Guardians starting pitcher
Parker Messick (7-5, 2.85 ERA)
White Sox vs Guardians latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 03: Daylen Lile #4 of the Washington Nationals is doused with water by Andrés Chaparro #87 and José Tena #8 after their team's 9-5 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on July 03, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a big win last night, the Nats celebrate this Independence Day by playing an 11:05 game against the Pirates. They will look to secure a 3rd straight series win on the 250th anniversary of this great country. It will be tough with the Pirates throwing out a hard throwing righty.
The Nats will make a few tweaks to the lineup. Jacob Young was supposed to be back in the lineup, but he was a late scratch. That means it will be the same outfield as last night. Curtis Mead will be back in there at third base. Drew Millas will also be catching in this one. Carson Palmquist will be opening for Zack Littell.
The Pirates are making some changes at the bottom of their lineup Tyler Callihan, who pitched yesterday, will be in the game at first base. Former first overall pick Henry Davis will also be doing the catching here. Besides that, it is a similar lineup to last night. Braxton Ashcraft has had a great season and he will be on the mound in this one.
These 4th of July games are always fun, and should be even better with the Nats in the mix. This should be a hotly contested contest on a hot day in DC. Hopefully the Nats can come out on top again. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
New York Yankees legendary broadcaster John Sterling at Yankee Stadium in 2008. | Greg Pallante/(201) Magazine / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Just as there are players who define eras for teams across major sports, there are also those who help make their moments even more unforgettable from high atop a stadium or arena. Names such as Gary Thorne, Vin Scully, Al Michaels, Bob Costas, Doc Emrick, and many others help add to these pieces of history through their voice, mannerisms, and iconic sayings. And for modern Yankees fans, there is no one more iconic and no one who has helped make more memorable moments than John Sterling.
The best part about Sterling being not just a member of the Yankees family, but a key ingredient to every Yankees game, is that he provided a feeling of warmth to every listener. He brought everyone listening on their radio or watching on their televisions at home into the ballpark, and he treated every Yankees fan, player, coach, and team member with the utmost respect. He was a man who not only received tons of awards and recognition, but he deserved them, and he accepted them with grace and humility.
Today, we celebrate the birth of not just an incredible broadcaster and Yankees icon, but the birth of a man who left an impact on hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people. We miss him dearly.
John (Sloss) Sterling Born: July 4, 1938 (New York, NY) Died: May 4, 2026 (Englewood, NJ) Yankees Tenure: 1989-2024 (radio play-by-play announcer)
Sterling was born in New York and grew up on the Upper East Side. He was up a Yankees fan and listened to original “Voice of the Yankees” Mel Allen call games on the radio, which helped him develop his interest not just in baseball but in becoming a sports broadcaster. After his high school days, he briefly attended Moravian College and Boston University, but returned to New York following his mother’s passing and transferred to the Columbia University School of General Studies. Following his time there, he began his broadcasting career in Wellsville, New York, working at WLSV, where he called football, baseball, and basketball games for the local Wellsville High School.
Sterling then moved to Providence, Rhode Island, before taking a job in Baltimore to broadcast for the NBA’s Baltimore Bullets in 1970-71. In 1971, he returned to WMCA as a full-time employee. He hosted a talk show and also worked calling games for the New York Islanders and New Jersey Nets. He held that play-by-play position from 1970 to 1980, while his talk show—during which he often got to interview the legendary Allen—ended in 1978.
Sterling headed south to Atlanta in 1981 to work for TBS and WSB Radio, where he broadcast games for the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Braves while also hosting a sports talk show through 1989. By that time, his boyhood team got in touch, and his Yankee years began.
From a moment in an elevator in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Yankees former owner George Steinbrenner—another memorable July 4th birthday—said to Sterling that he was the person he wanted calling Yankees games, Sterling would go down in history. And it was not just for being part of some incredible Yankees title runs and around some of the best teams in MLB history (including the best team in baseball history by record in 1998), but also for his consistency in the booth. Sterling would sit in the radio booth calling Yankees games for the next 35 seasons.
Over those 35 seasons at the helm of the Yankees broadcast booth, Sterling shared it with a handful of announcing partners. Former major leaguer Jay Johnstone, was his first for the 1989 and 1990 seasons, and broadcaster Joe Angel stepped in for 1991. Then came in a young and spry Michael Kay, the current Yankees TV play-by-play announcer for the YES Network, from 1992 to 2001. Formerly a beat writer, Kay attributes much of his success behind the mic to the lessons he learned in the booth with Sterling, and he would often host Yankees events in the present day with his former mentor, including Old-Timers’ Day.
SportsCenter alum Charley Steiner was his next partner from 2002 to 2004 before Steiner moved on to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and in 2005, in came Suzyn Waldman, who is a legend in her own right. They were on the call together the longest, until his (somewhat) abrupt retirement in 2024. Sterling and Waldman became a dynamic duo in the booth and, most importantly, they became the best of friends, which every fan tuning in could hear and see. They told incredible stories together, both about their individual and joint experiences off the field and, of course, about their experiences together in the depths of major league ballparks, talking to players, coaches, managers, and staff members of yesteryear teams. Their bond grew over time, giving every Yankees fan a way to feel included in their adventures as well.
All in all, Sterling ended up calling 5,060 consecutive Yankees games, which included every game of the entirety of Derek Jeter’s 20-year career, before the streak ended seven years ago today on July 4, 2019. He fell ill and missed three games the Yankees played against the Tampa Bay Rays, but it gave everyone a chance to see just how incredible Sterling had been for so long.
Over his time calling the Yankees (and even dating back to his early days in New York calling the Islanders and then with the Hawks in Atlanta), Sterling was best known for his catchphrases, particularly after home runs. He’d start every home run call with “It is high! It is far! It is gone!” And then he would lead into a signature tagline for every player. Older fans of the Yankees will remember, “An A-bomb for A-Rod!” “Bern, baby, Bern!” and so many others, while newer fans could hear, “A Judgian Blast,” “Gio Urshela, the most happy fella,” “Yes, inDidi,” through recent years.
Everyone knew it was coming, but every time seemed to feel like the first.
A successful day for the Yankees wasn’t over until Sterling belted “Yankees win! Theeeeeee Yankees win!”
Sterling began the 2024 season in his familiar spot, but he quickly regretted his decision not to step away at last. The travel over half a year was just too much to bear for someone in his eighties. So on April 15th, he announced his retirement, effective immediately. New York then honored Sterling in a pregame ceremony on April 20th. He then called two innings of a game on August 20th against Cleveland, which was due to a t-shirt giveaway celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sterling and Waldman working together in the radio booth. The day was planned before Sterling’s departure from the booth months prior, so he felt it was only right to come back and call a bit of the contest.
Perhaps that sparked a desire for a mini-comeback. The following Thursday, it was revealed that Sterling was discussing a potential postseason return before a final retirement. And it happened! On September 5th, Sterling confirmed he would return to the booth for the final homestand and the playoffs, including up to the 2024 World Series — where he would broadcast for the last time. It was a wonderful treat to have him on the call again, especially in big moments like Juan Soto’s pennant-winning homer in Cleveland.
Sterling made his final broadcast on October 30, 2024, in Game 5 of the World Series, when the Yankees lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers and he officially signed off for the final time. He occasionally popped back on the air for radio specials, but aside from that, his long career was over.
Sterling’s legacy amongst baseball and the Yankees earned him a lifetime of awards, including 12 sports Emmys (two for a biography-style television program called Yankeeography), multiple nominations for the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and he was awarded the Pride of the Yankees Award at the team’s annual Welcome Home dinner. It’s a true shame that Sterling won’t be around to see it, but hopefully he’ll one day get a plaque in Monument Park as well, just like Allen.
The number of incredible baseball moments that Sterling called over his tenured career seems incalcuble. He was a one-of-a-kind broadcaster with a one-of-a-kind spirit both for life and for baseball. He passed away on May 4, 2026, but he continues to be honored by Yankees and baseball fans alike inside and outside of the broadcast booth. His work will live on forever in the hearts and minds of everyone around the game, and the baseball world was blessed to have him be a part of such important pieces of the game’s history.
Happy birthday, Mr. Sterling! The first birthday after someone’s passing is always hard, and we send our best to his family on this day.
See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Javier Perez #68 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Miami Marlins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 19, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below. Check out the previous day’s recap here.
AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (39-45) lost 4-3 (BOX SCORE)
Weiss got the start for Sugar Land and went 3.2 innings allowing 3 runs. The offense got on the board in the 6th inning on a Ferreras sac fly. In the 9th inning, Sugar Land rallied for 2 runs on an error and a Spence sac fly to tie the game. Unfortunately the Comets walked it off in the 9th as Sugar Land fell 4-3.
Michael Knorr, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Alimber Santa, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
J.P. France, RHP: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (36-43) lost 8-3 (BOX SCORE)
The Hooks got on the board in the first inning on an Austin RBI double. They got another run in the third on a Biggers solo home run. Hicks got the start but struggled allowing 6 runs over 5 innings. The pen allowed a couple more runs as the Hooks found themselves down 8-2. The offense got one back in the 9th on Sisneros RBI single but that was it as they fell 8-3.
James Hicks, RHP: 5.0 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Ramsey David, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Hudson Leach, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Nic Swanson, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
A+: Asheville Tourists (26-52) won 4-3 (BOX SCORE)
The Asheville offense got on the board in the first inning on a Moss RBI single. They got another run in the 3rd inning on a Powell RBI single. Smith started for Asheville and had a solid outing allowing 2 runs over 5.2 innings. In the 5th, the offense scored 2 runs on a Powell RBI double and Moss sac fly. The bullpen allowed a run in the 9th but was able to hold on for the 4-3 win.
Note: Moss is hitting .389 for Asheville this season.
Jackson Wells, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Francisco Frias, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (SAVE)
A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (40-38) won 3-0 (BOX SCORE)
Perez started for the Woodpeckers and was dominant tossing 5 scoreless innings with 9 strikeouts. The Woodpeckers got on the board in the 6th inning on a Luciano 3 run home run. Gonzalez relieved Perez and pitched well as he closed out the game with 4 scoreless innings with the Woodpeckers winning 3-0.
Note: Perez has 10 walks to 86 strikeouts this season.
The New York Yankees are -158 home favorites against the Minnesota Twins, and I’m laying the moneyline rather than chasing the run line.
Zebby Matthews’ barrel and air-ball issues line up poorly against New York’s elevated power profile, while Brendan Beck’s first career start keeps Minnesota live enough to push this total Over.
Here are my Twins vs. Yankees predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, July 4.
Who will win Twins vs Yankees today: Yankees moneyline (-158)
After breaking through the slump yesterday, I'm more comfortable holding them to their regular-season priors too.
This profile looks like a matchup we’ve seen so often against New York: a starting pitcher with a high barrel rate problem that the Yankees expose.
Matthews enters this matchup with one in the bottom 5th percentile of the MLB. A metric the Yankees still top the league in.
Back the Yankees with confidence up to -165.
COVERS INTEL: Minnesota’s 39.4% ground-ball rate is below MLB average, giving the Twins more lift potential against Beck’s early hard-contact issues.
Twins vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-125)
Both lineups have a clear team-level path to damage. Matthews allows too much lift, and the Yankees’ offense is built to punish that with an above-average fly-ball rate, barrel rate, and expected slugging percentage.
The Minnesota Twins can answer against Brendan Beck. The sample size is super small for the young arm, who makes just his second appearance of the season and first career start; however, he allowed some loud contact in his first outing with an average exit velocity of 97.8 mph.
The Twins, who have a near-14 % barrel rate, can expose that. Play to 10.
Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 33-31, +4.35 units
Over/Under bets: 39-27, +16.40 units
Twins vs Yankees weather
Twins vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Minnesota +160 | New York -158
Run line: Minnesota +1.5 | New York -1.5
Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5
Twins vs Yankees trend
The New York Yankees have covered the Run Line in 14 of their last 30 games at home (+0.55 Units / 2% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Twins vs. Yankees.
How to watch Twins vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Saturday, July 4, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Twins starting pitcher
Zebby Matthews (4-5, 4.15 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Brendan Beck (0-0, 6.00 ERA)
Twins vs Yankees latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
It was heartbreak for the Wallabies as Tom Clarkson scored a last-gasp converted try to help Ireland to a riveting 33-31 victory over Australia on Saturday in the Nations Championship.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 29: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch in the bottom of the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals, July 4, 2026, 11:05 a.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates are celebrating the 4th of July by facing off against the Washington Nationals in the nation’s capital. It’s an early start for both teams to give fans an early and bright start to their Independence Day festivities.
Braxton Ashcraft is taking the mound for the Pirates. He’s won his last three starts, including his most recent appearance on June 29 against the Philadelphia Phillies, where he pitched six innings and gave up five hits and five runs. The Pirates’ offense had his back in the 11-7 victory.
He pitched against the Nationals at home on April 16, going 5.2 innings while giving up five hits and two runs in an 8-7 loss in 10 innings.
Zack Littell is getting the ball for the Nationals in the middle game of the series. Littell won his last start on June 28 against the Baltimore Orioles. He pitched five innings, giving up three hits and two runs in a 6-4 victory at Camden Yards. The Nats are 9-8 this season when Littell pitches, and he has won seven of 13 decisions he has been a part of.
If the Pirates play like they have in Ashcraft’s last three starts, they should be able to walk away with a win.
Devers will be looking forward to tonight's matchup against the Colorado Rockies as he faces Tomoyuki Sugano. The righty has allowed 2.17 HR/9 across the last month, and the ball flies in Denver.
Robbie Ray, meanwhile, takes the ball for the San Francisco Giants. He's compiled a 3.20 FIP across his last five appearances, and the left-hander hasn't allowed an earned run in three consecutive starts. He'll shut down the red-hot Rockies.
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBC Sports Bay Area, Rockies.TV
See full analysis of this game in our Giants vs. Rockies predictions.
Red Sox at Angels SGP: The Sonny Gray Show
Sonny Gray has been the Boston Red Sox's most reliable starter this season. The right-hander owns a 9-1 record, and he's compiled an impressive 2.48 xERA across his last five outings.
Gray has cashed the Under in earned runs allowed in three of his previous four appearances. The righty is up against a Los Angeles Angels lineup that is hitting .214 over the last week while posting a horrible 51 wRC+. Gray is also racking up the Ks, striking out 20 in his last two starts.
The Red Sox will face the struggling Sam Aldegheri, who has allowed 12 earned runs across his last three appearances. Boston will capitalize on his inability to limit hard contact, and Gray will toss a gem.
Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NESN, ABTV
See full analysis of this game in our Red Sox. Angels predictions.
Padres at Dodgers SGP: Yamamoto Bounces Back
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a 3.53 FIP over his last two starts, and he did allow three earned runs to the San Diego Padres last week. However, prior to his last two starts, the Los Angeles Dodgers ace cashed the Under in earned runs surrendered in five consecutive appearances.
Over the last month, his ERA sits at 2.22, and he owns a 2.08 ERA across two starts this season against the Padres.
Freddie Freeman is batting .370 over his last seven games while posting a 41.7% hard-hit rate. He has three multi-hit games over the last week, and the pitching matchup is favorable.
Griffin Canning has been getting torched, with opponents collecting a 49.1% hard-hit rate against him over the last month. Freeman is also hitting .314 off righties.
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Padres.TV, SportsNet LA
See full analysis of this game in our Padres vs. Dodgers predictions.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
SGP picks: 0-3, -3.00
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.
The Calgary Flames have completed a single trade on the American Independence Day holiday, swapping future Hall of Fame defensemen on July 4, 1994.
In arguably one of the biggest blockbuster trades of the decade, the Flames dealt former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Al MacInnis to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Phil Housley, who is the highest scoring American-born defender of all-time.
Here's a deep dive into one of the trades to alter the trajectories of both franchises.
MacInnis Led Calgary to the Stanley Cup in 1989
As the 15th overall pick in the 1981 Draft, MacInnis debuted in the 1981-82 campaign and, by 1983, was an NHL regular. By 1986, he was getting votes for the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman, finishing third in 1989 and was runner-up in 1990 and 1991.
Soon, MacInnis, who had a fierce slap shot that often clocked in at 90 to 100 mph, became a 20-goal scorer and routinely collected over 70 points a year starting in 1986. That was also the same year Calgary reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. He finished as the playoff leader with 15 assists, while collecting 19 points in 21 games and a plus-10 rating, although the Flames lost to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.
When the two met again in a rematch in the 1989 Stanley Cup Final, MacInnis led all players with 24 assists and 31 points to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP.
Two years later, in 1990-91, MacInnis put together his greatest statistical season, with 28 goals, 75 assists, and 103 points, although he finished third in Norris Trophy voting. Immediately following that amazing campaign, he dipped down to 77 points, and in his final season with the Flames, he had 28 goals and 82 points in 74 games.
In 1994, the Blues signed MacInnis to an offer sheet for an extra million dollars more than the Flames had offered him. Considering Calgary hadn't advanced past the first round since their championship victory, it was time for a change, which led to MacInnis departing the club, where he remains the highest scoring defenseman with 822 points in 803 games.
Housley Quietly Builds Hall of Fame Career
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, Housley was the club's top pick in the 1982 Draft, getting selected sixth overall. He'd debut later that season, and unlike MacInnis, would make an immediate impact, finishing second in Calder Trophy voting, while earning All-Rookie Honors. In his second season, 1983-84, he scored a career-high 31 goals in 75 games.
Over eight years with the Sabres, Housley collected 558 points in 608 games thanks to 178 goals and 380 assists. He was a top-10 finalist for the Norris Trophy five times. On June 16, 1990, Buffalo acquired future Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Housley, Scott Arniel, and Jeff Parker. Moreover, the two draft picks included in the deal would turn into Keith Tkachuk (Winnipeg) and Brad May (Buffalo).
Housley would play three seasons in Winnipeg, collecting another 64 goals and 259 points in just 232 games. In 1992-93, he recorded a career-high 97 points in 80 games, with a personal best 79 assists.
Shortly after a great campaign, the Jets traded Housley to the Blues for Nelson Emerson and Stephane Quintal. Unfortunately, his only season in St. Louis was cut short because of a back injury, as he finished with just 22 points in 26 games. When MacInnis signed his offer sheet, Housley came to Calgary.
On Their Way to the Hockey Hall of Fame
From 1994 until he retired in 2004, MacInnis patrolled the blueline in St. Louis, finally winning the Norris Trophy in 1999. In addition, he helped the Blues qualify for the playoffs in nine seasons, just missing the cut in his final year, 2003-04. Despite never skating in the Stanley Cup Final again, MacInnis came close in 1997, losing to the eventual champion, the Detroit Red Wings, in Game 7 of the Western Conference Final.
In 613 games, he would score 127 goals and 452 points to finish his legendary career with 1,274 points in 1,416 games. MacInnis played in 12 All-Star Games and named to the NHL's post-season All-Star teams on seven occasions. As a member of the league's 100th Anniversary Team, he would enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
Meanwhile, Housley's path to hockey immortality took many detours. He played a season and a half with the Flames before a deal sent him to the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 26, 1996. He stayed there for 22 games before signing with the Washington Capitals and eventually playing in the 1998 Stanley Cup Final, which the Red Wings swept.
Following that defeat, Housley came back to Calgary as a waiver pickup, where he played from 1998 to 2001 before the Chicago Blackhawks picked him up on waivers. Two years later, they would deal him to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he dressed for one regular-season game and three playoff games before retiring.
When Housley hung up his skates, he was the highest-scoring American-born player of all time with 1,232 points in 1,495 games, thanks to 338 goals and 894 assists. Since his retirement, his totals have been surpassed only by Patrick Kane (1,400), Brett Hull (1,391), and Mike Modano (1,374).
What About the Draft Picks?
The deal between the Flames and Blues included two draft picks, a second-round pick in 1996 and 1997, which Calgary used to select Steve Begin and John Tripp. As the 40th overall pick, Begin would have a 13-year NHL career, including six with the Flames, who tallied 56 goals and 108 points in 524 games.
Initially drafted by the Colorado Avalanche at the 1995 Draft, Tripp re-entered the draft, where the Flames took him 42nd overall in 1997. He never dressed for the club; instead, he made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers and later suited up for the Los Angeles Kings. In 43 games, he scored two goals and nine points.
Historical Perspective
It goes without saying that the MacInnis for Housley trade is one of the most memorable trades in both franchises' history. Although Housley didn't have the same impact in Calgary as MacInnis did, it goes without saying that his two stints with the Flames had a significant impact on his path to the Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, in St. Louis, MacInnis carved out an untouched legacy that led to his jersey retirement in 2006.
San Diego Padres CF Jackson Merrill (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres’ dirty little secret is Jackson Merrill’s steady decline at the plate, and the organization avoids talking about his struggles. It is tough to suggest Merrill is mired in a slump when his batting average has dropped 81 points since the All-Star’s rookie season in 2024.
Much of his decline stems from the Padres’ mismanagement, which created several bad habits that ruined his sweet swing.
Is Souza the problem?
2026 has brought a new hitting coach, Steven Souza Jr., into the fold. He has a different approach to hitting from the team’s previous coach, Victor Rodriguez. Souza emphasizes pulling more pitches for extra-base hits.
The move from Rodriguez has caused an informational overload for Merrill at the plate. At times, he looks tentative, as Merrill is recognizing pitches too late to make solid contact. The regression is alarming, as the Friars need to re-evaluate whether he should go back to his old approach.
The Friars failed to hire a hitting coach capable of enhancing Merrill’s natural strengths as a hitter. In his rookie season, he excelled at hitting to all fields. But Souza’s approach has eroded those skills.
Now, Merrill is attempting to pull every pitch, which results in either a sky-high pop-up that barely travels out of the infield or an easy groundball to the second baseman. Souza has failed to help him make the necessary adjustments to counter the pitching sequence during an at-bat.
It is time to hire a hitting coach who specializes in repairing swings. If not, the damage may be irreversible.
Stammen backs his coaching staff
Padres skipper Craig Stammen backs his hitting coach. But at some point, someone has to take the blame for the offensive struggles this season.
In Merrill’s case, no talk of him moving down the batting order. Team management is confident their young star will turn his season around.
Unfortunately, we’re in July, past the halfway point in the season, and Merrill’s past hitting prowess seems light-years away.
Chasing too many bad pitches
If we take a deep dive into his plate appearances, Merrill has decent power numbers. He has 25 extra-base hits with a .211 batting average, as Merrill will outpace his power production from a year ago.
However, there are concerns with his approach during at-bats. Merrill’s chase rate is poor at 34.2%, and his strike rate (24.9%) is the highest of his professional career. The Friar Faithful have seen too much of him swinging wildly as the ball tails outside the strike zone.
Fortunately, Merrill’s hitting slump has not impacted his stellar defense. He is still considered one of the best to patrol centerfield in the game today.
The blame for this mess lies at the feet of Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller, who has been too stubborn to recognize that his managerial choice is way over his head. Failing to hire a proven major league manager has stunted Merrill’s growth.
Stammen’s coaching staff is the butt of the Friar Faithful’s jokes. The team’s loyal fan base has lost faith in the coaching staff’s ability to turn Merrill back into a top run-producer.
The first order of business is to hire a coach to work with him. It is never too late to fix Merrill and get the talented outfielder back to hitting the baseball with more authority.
After a game like this, I think it’s important to start with the big picture. There are only four teams with more wins than the Cubs. The Cubs are on pace for 90 wins. Deep breath and flush.
This loss doesn’t count extra and neither does Wednesday’s blowout win. Just two random, crazy games in a season full of crazy outcomes. First team in history to win by 15+ and then lose by 15+. Wacky.
Suffice is to say that the Cub defense isn’t a magic wand for David Peterson. Unsurprising for a guy who became available on one for one swap for a prospect that wasn’t creating a lot of buzz. I don’t think this means that Peterson can’t help this Cub team, particularly while so much of its regularly scheduled pitching staff is inhabiting the injured list. If you thought he was some panacea, then today was sobering. If you thought he was another guy who can pitch an occasional really good game and might get some boost from a strong defense, then throw this game out. If you aren’t a really elite pitcher, odds are you aren’t getting away with your clunkers.
Unsurprisingly, the Cubs are a different team when they jump ahead early. We’re seeing a lot of that in Cub games in general. There is a lot of benefit to getting ahead early. That is the fun thing, even with the changes of the modern game. There is still an enormous benefit to having the better starting pitcher. There are more dynamics to the modern game the way it is played. A superb bullpen can steal a close game. A lousy bullpen can undo all of the hard work your starter did. To be fair, those things were always true, but they are amplified in the modern game because of just how many innings bullpens cover now.
All of the change in the game, and a three-run homer in the second, is still a sizable problem. Six runs over three is nearly insurmountable and the game was over after four. After the Cubs batted in the sixth, no play had any WPA. After the bottom of the fourth, no play was worth more than .001. Masyn Winn’s homer to make it 11-0 was that last play worth any real value at .010. And even that is very little value.
So basically, nothing to see here. Move along.
Three Positives:
Pedro Ramirez came off the bench and had a triple and scored the only run.
Alex Bregman had two hits and drove in that only run. One of the hits was a double.
Pete Crow-Armstrong had a double before leaving this one early.
Game 88, July 3: Cardinals 17, Cubs 1 (49-39)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
Superhero: Carson Kelly (.011). 1-4
Hero: Seiya Suzuki (.006). 0-3, BB
Sidekick: Pete Crow-Armstrong (.004). 1-3, 2B
THREE GOATS:
Billy Goat: David Peterson (-.369). 3.2 IP, 23 BF, 9 H, 3 BB, 10 ER, 3 K (L 1-1)
Goat: Ian Happ (-.043). 0-3
Kid: Alex Bregman(-.027). 2-4, 2B, RBI
WPA Notes: Ramirez does finish fourth, but again there was basically no leverage by the time he gets in there. WPA registered 87 plays and 24 of them had a WPA score of .000.
WPA Play of the Game: Nathan Church’s three-run homer with two outs in the second. (.263)
Cubs Play of the Game: David Peterson struck out Jordan Walker with a runner on third and one out, the game scoreless in the first. (.057)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 87 Winner: Dansby Swanson received 168 out of 228 votes.
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Pete Crow-Armstrong +18
Carson Kelly +14.5
Ben Brown +13.5
Trent Thornton +12.5
Michael Busch +12
Dansby Swanson -9
Edward Cabrera/Seiya Suzuki -9.5
Phil Maton -10
Caleb Thielbar -13
Up Next: Game two of the three-game weekend set. Shōta Imanaga (5-6, 4.30) starts for the Cubs. He’s just 1-2 with a 5.67 over his last seven starts (39.2 IP). He was pretty good last time though, against the Padres to start this homestand. Kyle Leahy (6-4, 4.09) starts for the cardinals. He’s 1-1 with a 4.29 over his last seven (35.2). He was also good in his last one, a start against the Marlins in St. Louis. Leahy hasn’t started on the road since June 12 when he allowed four runs over five innings in Minnesota. He held the Cubs to one run over 4.1 innings back on May 30.
Win a game, keep some positive momentum going. Blah, blah, blah. Momentum. Starting pitching. You go we go Shōta, ok? Doesn’t have the same ring, but still true.
Jun 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (21) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the ninth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Mariners have the chance to do the most patriotic thing of all time today and vanquish the invading Canadians. Do you believe the Logan Gilbert-Emerson Hancock piggyback can get it done?
The kids are celebrating Independence Day, so let’s see how they did last night.
Rochester 11, Lehigh Valley 5
So yeah, the Phillies are in trouble if someone in the rotation gets hurt, aren’t they? Kolby Allard allowed seven runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings for the IronPigs, dooming their game from the beginning. It wasted solid efforts at the plate from Dylan Moore (3-4, 2 2B, 3B, 2 R) and Otto Kemp (2-4, R) too. The lack of pitching depth has been an issue for a few years as the team has failed to bring in those starting pitchers on minor league deals in the winter thanks to their having so few opportunities at the big league level. This year it is really starting to show, so we’ll have to continue to hope for continued health.
Of note, Brad Keller had his first rehab appearance last night and it didn’t go great. He allowed two runs in his inning of work and didn’t strike anyone out. His fastball topped at 96.9 mph. He only got one swing and miss.
New Hampshire 12, Reading 4
Alex Binelas (3-4, 2 2B, RBI) and Raylin Heredia (2-4, HR, RBI) led the offense on the evening, but it was the same as the IronPigs. The pitching was a mess, particularly the late game relief and New Hampshire was able to pull away. Braydon Tucker allowed five runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings to start, but it was Tristan Garnett and Aaron Combs, allowing a combined seven runs in two innings of relief in the eighth and ninth innings, that salted the game away.
Rome 1, Jersey Shore 0
This game was shortened by a power outage that caused the game end after six innings, but the story was Ramon Marquez. He struck out nine over five innings, only giving up two hits and the one run scored in the game. The offense did nothing, so let’s focus in on Marquez.
Another DOMINANT outing for Ramon Marquez tonight. He struck out the first 5 batters he faced.
His final line: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K 65 pitches (45 strikes) 18 whiffs
That changeup is illegal in most states. The team seems to have really found something in Marquez, a pitcher climbing the ranks of many Phillies lists. How far up he goes remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised to see his name popping up in trade rumors this year. Maybe he doesn’t have ace upside, but this looks like a quality arm that can lead a trade package for something significant.
Ft. Myers 4, Clearwater 3
A clean sweep of the Phillies affiliates, the Threshers got home runs from Griffin Burkholder (3-5, HR, RBI) and Nathan Humphreys (2-5, 2B, HR, RBI) on offense, but not much in the way of starting pitching to hold on for a victory. Ryan Degges led up three runs in two innings of work to start the game to put the Threshers in a hole that they could not climb out of. Of note, Zuher Yousuf had four innings of relief and allowed only three baserunners while striking out five.
Jul 3, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto (22) shakes hands with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
Meet the Mets
A two-run homer from Juan Soto was close to the only moment of joy for the Mets last night, as they fell to the Braves 5-3 in the series opener in Atlanta. Christian Scott took the loss after giving up three runs on two homers in four innings of work, and A.J. Minter and Kodai Senga both surrendered homers as well out of the bullpen.
COVERS INTEL:
SFG vs 
COL 
BOS vs 
LAA 
SD vs 
LAD 
