WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 01: Jared Simpson #72 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with manager Blake Butera #10 after coming out of the game after the seventh inning of his major league debut against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on September 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. Simpson got the win. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the new kids led the Nats to a 9-5 win last night, they have a chance for a mini sweep in this two game set against the Braves. It will not be easy, but the Nats are playing solid baseball lately and get a major weapon back. This has been a good home stand, and now it is time to make it a great one.
James Wood is back! After missing about a month with an oblique injury, the Nats star slugger is back. He is leading off and playing right field. That moves CJ Abrams to the cleanup spot. Abrams is playing second base for a second time today. YoYo Morales will play the field for the first time, getting a start at first base. That moves Andres Chaparro to third and Abi Ortiz to DH. Keibert Ruiz is back behind the plate for this one. Brad Lord will get the start, but all hands will be on deck heading into the off day.
The Braves are only making a couple changes. Mike Yastrzemski will get the start in left field today. Sean Murphy will catch, which causes a chain reaction. Drake Baldwin moves to DH, Ozzie Albies moves to second and Mauricio Dubon is out of the lineup. Grant Holmes will make the start for the Braves who look to salvage a split.
With Wood back in the lineup, this offense feels complete again. There is just so much more depth now. With Daylen Lile rolling too, this offense is fierce. The Nats are looking to make this a 7-3 home stand. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
The Buffalo Sabres have been considered to have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which is in part due to them selecting high in recent drafts because of their not qualifying for the playoffs. The Sabres have displayed an eye for talent, and the organization’s developmental model has begun to yield results, with 2023 first rounder Zach Benson making an impact in the playoffs, and 2024 top pick Konsta Helenius appearing as one of the AHL’s top prospects the last two seasons.
Leading up to the opening of training camp in mid-September, we will look at the club's top 40 prospects. These players are all 25 years old or younger, whose rights are currently held by the Sabres or are on AHL or NHL deals, and have played less than 82 NHL games.
Strbak was the Sabres second-round pick at the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville, a draft in which the club’s scouting strategy seemed to shift from high skill to players with size. After selecting big Swedish forward Anton Wahlberg earlier in the round, the club chose the Slovakian blueliner 45th overall.
Where will Connor Hellebuyck end up?
The 6’2″, 205 lb. defenseman played his youth hockey in Finland for Jokerit and has played internationally for his home country at the Under-18s and in four World Juniors, starting at age 16 in 2022.
Strbak shifted to North America prior to his draft year and played for Sioux Falls in the USHL. He first made his mark internationally at the 2023 Under-18’s with six assists in seven games and had three assists in five games for Slovakia at the World Junior. In 2024, he impressed at the Under-20’s with seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) in just five games at the WJC in Sweden. Last season, in his final WJC appearance, he posted six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in five games.
The 21-year-old also made a significant jump as a sophomore at Michigan State. After scoring nine points (2 goals, 7 assists) in 32 games as a freshman, Strbak jumped to 19 points (3 goals, 16 assists) in 33 games. He had another solid year with the Spartans last season (3 goals, 15 assists in 37 games), and signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Sabres in April, making his pro debut with the Amerks at the end of the season.
Strbak joins a young group of blueliners (Radim Mrtka, Gavin McCarthy, Vsevolod Komarov) in Rochester, who will all be adjusting to the professional game and fighting for opportunity.
With all-day baseball on tap, there is plenty to dig into across the MLB player propsmarket.
Join me as I break down three of my favorite MLB picksfor Wednesday, Sept. 2, including why Jake Burger will light up Jacob Lopez.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Jake Burger
Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI
-103
Rafael Devers
Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI
-122
Tomoyuki Sugano
Over 3.5 earned runs
+102
Jake Burger Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-103)
Get those burgers on the grill, STAT! This game kicks off early this afternoon, and we are backing Texas Rangers slugger Jake Burger to go over his hits, runs, and RBI prop against Athletics southpaw Jacob Lopez.
Burger has an elite rating on Batters-Box’s current-season dataset, where he also has nearly 76% arsenal coverage against Lopez’s pitch mix.
The Rangers first baseman has been punishing the ball over his last 10 games, posting a .548 SLG, .765 xSLG and .290 ISO, while generating a 26.1% barrel rate. He has also crushed left-handed pitching this season. Over his last 60 at-bats against lefties, Burger owns a .636 SLG and is still generating a 25% barrel rate.
Lopez has been very solid for the Athletics, but he has allowed more than 70% elevation and a hard-hit rate of nearly 44% to the last 30 right-handed hitters he has faced. Those right-handed hitters also own a .288 xBA and .482 xSLG.
Time: 2:35 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSCA, RSN
Rafael Devers Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-122)
The third-highest-rated hitter on the day is San Francisco Giants slugger Rafael Devers, who has homered in back-to-back games. Some will argue he should not be touched after going deep in consecutive games, but that ideology is flawed.
So far this season, across 36 elite ratings, Devers has surpassed this prop 58.33% of the time, while going deep more than 25% of the time.
The big fella draws Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler, against whom he has nearly 90% arsenal coverage. The last 60 left-handed hitters Chandler has faced have been producing a ton of hard-hit balls while elevating the baseball at a very high rate. During that stretch, those hitters also own a .389 xBA and .548 xSLG.
Devers has been outstanding over his last 10 games, posting a .789 SLG and .421 ISO while generating a 51.7% hard-hit rate and 17.2% barrel rate.
Despite the offensive explosion from both teams last night, expect Devers to get involved tonight.
Take this down to -130.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SNP, NBCSBA
Tomoyuki Sugano Over 3.5 earned runs (+102)
It is extremely hard to worry about how cold the Baltimore Orioles’ bats have become when Colorado Rockies right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano owns a 12.75 ERA and 2.42 WHIP over his last three outings. Plus, he has the worst pitcher rating on Batters-Box today.
Sugano draws a fully elite-rated Orioles lineup with seven elite-rated hitters and two with strong ratings.
In five of Sugano’s last 10 poorly rated matchups, he has allowed five or more runs. It might be more fun to alt this prop up for better value, especially because manager Warren Schaefer gives him a very long leash and rarely pulls him early.
With the amount of power the Orioles’ bats can produce, this is well worth a look today.
Do not pay juice for this prop. We are already asking the Orioles to go above and beyond their first-five runs average.
Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: COLR, MASN
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 456-907, -9.5 units
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.
What has happened since July 1, the day the Sixers made the blockbuster move to acquire Jaylen Brown from their conference rival, Boston Celtics?
A lot of questions have been raised over the past two months about his relationship with the Celtics and, more importantly, his former teammate of nine seasons, six-time All-Star, Jayson Tatum. On August 6, Brown held his introductory press conference with the Sixers at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in Philadelphia, where reporters asked if he and Tatum were still in touch.
“Not really,” he responded.
Despite the lack of communication between Brown and his former teammate, he’s doing his best to leave his former city on good terms.
Let’s fast forward earlier this week. Brown organized a single-day farewell block party – the 741 Frequency Fest – a free public thank you event and goodbye celebration for Boston fans after playing ten seasons with the Celtics.
Brown’s farewell party was also livestreamed on his FCHWPO Twitch channel, where he also streamed again once the event concluded.
Brown wasted no time diving right into his offseason with the Sixers.
“It’s been a great summer,” he said. “We’ve been working, don’t let it fool you, don’t let nothing fool you, we’ve been in the gym, we’ve been working. I know y’all seen some of the workouts and stuff like that.”
Yes, yes, we have Jaylen.
On Aug. 19, NBA trainer Chris Johnson posted an Instagram video that featured Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and LeBron James working out together. The video has 10.8 million views — one of the most-viewed videos on Johnson’s page.
During the stream, Brown disclosed that the workout took place in the “birthplace of The Bean,” referring to the late, great Kobe Bryant and the city of Philadelphia.
“We’ve been working, building chemistry with the guys,” he said. “Maxey is a dawg, LeBron is the f****** — don’t even need to say what LeBron is, he looks good, healthy.”
Aside from Brown working out with Maxey and James, he also gave a shoutout to the youngsters.
“Been working with the young guys. Labaron [Philon Jr.], VJ [Edgecombe]. Dogs. Even [Dominick] Barlow, [Adem] Bona, Anfernee [Simons]. I worked out with everyone on the team constantly.
“I’m grateful to the city of Philadelphia already and I ain’t even been there for that long. I’m grateful that they’ve just been a warm embrace.”
The season hasn’t even begun yet and it seems like Brown is already enjoying the City of Brotherly Love.
Brown then went on to express how he has been perceived, discussed and handled by those within the basketball world. Was he talking about the Celtics organization? USA Basketball? The media? He doesn’t say for sure and leaves it up to the viewers to interpret.
“For reasons I don’t need to share, I just feel like people don’t be understanding.”
“There is politics and so much stuff that goes on behind closed doors … It is what it is, but that just only motivates me even more to come out and show you who I am versus you trying to create these narratives and create these storylines because, in reality, you know what it is.”
But the narratives still linger about the type of person he is.
“And now they create these narratives that I’m saying ‘I’m the smartest person in the room’ or ‘I got a disease.’ Colin Cowherd, you know, to quote him, he said ‘it’s a disease’ or to quote one of his sources. Like these people is crazy, bro, and y’all got to see it.”
“These companies they be crazy. Corporations they be crazy, they be lying to us, they be putting stuff, propaganda out, putting out false statements, stuff that’s not even true. That’s why I started streaming in the first place. Because these industries be so corrupt bro, we force the hand. I want the chat to be able to see it, be able to stand up.”
Jaylen Brown exposing the behind-the-scenes realities of the NBA. He says most players have handlers who won’t let them invest in their communities, and help build the next Black Wall Street. Once you start doing that, he says, they begin attacking you media personalities like… pic.twitter.com/QD5s9bVj4R
If there’s one thing the Sixers are going to get from Brown, it’s intensity.
We saw a glimpse of that intensity between him and Embiid in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs, when the Sixers overcame a 3-1 deficit to take the series at TD Garden.
“My mentality is kill … I feel like I want blood this year,” he said. “I feel like that’s the mentality, I want blood.”
As a Sixers fan, that’s a sentence that makes your mouth water. To have a player as driven as Brown makes all the difference for a team like the Sixers. This is a player who is already an NBA champion, Finals MVP and five-time NBA All-Star. For him to be this motivated going into his first season with Philadelphia is a scary sight.
Jaylen Brown: “My mentality this year is to kill. I want blood this year. That’s the mentality.” pic.twitter.com/knmnKr5928
What has happened since July 1, the day the Sixers made the blockbuster move to acquire Jaylen Brown from their conference rival, Boston Celtics?
A lot of questions have been raised over the past two months about his relationship with the Celtics and, more importantly, his former teammate of nine seasons, six-time All-Star, Jayson Tatum. On August 6, Brown held his introductory press conference with the Sixers at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in Philadelphia, where reporters asked if he and Tatum were still in touch.
“Not really,” he responded.
Despite the lack of communication between Brown and his former teammate, he’s doing his best to leave his former city on good terms.
Let’s fast forward earlier this week. Brown organized a single-day farewell block party – the 741 Frequency Fest – a free public thank you event and goodbye celebration for Boston fans after playing ten seasons with the Celtics.
Brown’s farewell party was also livestreamed on his FCHWPO Twitch channel, where he also streamed again once the event concluded.
Brown wasted no time diving right into his offseason with the Sixers.
“It’s been a great summer,” he said. “We’ve been working, don’t let it fool you, don’t let nothing fool you, we’ve been in the gym, we’ve been working. I know y’all seen some of the workouts and stuff like that.”
Yes, yes, we have Jaylen.
On Aug. 19, NBA trainer Chris Johnson posted an Instagram video that featured Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and LeBron James working out together. The video has 10.8 million views — one of the most-viewed videos on Johnson’s page.
During the stream, Brown disclosed that the workout took place in the “birthplace of The Bean,” referring to the late, great Kobe Bryant and the city of Philadelphia.
“We’ve been working, building chemistry with the guys,” he said. “Maxey is a dawg, LeBron is the f****** — don’t even need to say what LeBron is, he looks good, healthy.”
Aside from Brown working out with Maxey and James, he also gave a shoutout to the youngsters.
“Been working with the young guys. Labaron [Philon Jr.], VJ [Edgecombe]. Dogs. Even [Dominick] Barlow, [Adem] Bona, Anfernee [Simons]. I worked out with everyone on the team constantly.
“I’m grateful to the city of Philadelphia already and I ain’t even been there for that long. I’m grateful that they’ve just been a warm embrace.”
The season hasn’t even begun yet and it seems like Brown is already enjoying the City of Brotherly Love.
Brown then went on to express how he has been perceived, discussed and handled by those within the basketball world. Was he talking about the Celtics organization? USA Basketball? The media? He doesn’t say for sure and leaves it up to the viewers to interpret.
“For reasons I don’t need to share, I just feel like people don’t be understanding.”
“There is politics and so much stuff that goes on behind closed doors … It is what it is, but that just only motivates me even more to come out and show you who I am versus you trying to create these narratives and create these storylines because, in reality, you know what it is.”
But the narratives still linger about the type of person he is.
“And now they create these narratives that I’m saying ‘I’m the smartest person in the room’ or ‘I got a disease.’ Colin Cowherd, you know, to quote him, he said ‘it’s a disease’ or to quote one of his sources. Like these people is crazy, bro, and y’all got to see it.”
“These companies they be crazy. Corporations they be crazy, they be lying to us, they be putting stuff, propaganda out, putting out false statements, stuff that’s not even true. That’s why I started streaming in the first place. Because these industries be so corrupt bro, we force the hand. I want the chat to be able to see it, be able to stand up.”
Jaylen Brown exposing the behind-the-scenes realities of the NBA. He says most players have handlers who won’t let them invest in their communities, and help build the next Black Wall Street. Once you start doing that, he says, they begin attacking you media personalities like… pic.twitter.com/QD5s9bVj4R
If there’s one thing the Sixers are going to get from Brown, it’s intensity.
We saw a glimpse of that intensity between him and Embiid in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs, when the Sixers overcame a 3-1 deficit to take the series at TD Garden.
“My mentality is kill … I feel like I want blood this year,” he said. “I feel like that’s the mentality, I want blood.”
As a Sixers fan, that’s a sentence that makes your mouth water. To have a player as driven as Brown makes all the difference for a team like the Sixers. This is a player who is already an NBA champion, Finals MVP and five-time NBA All-Star. For him to be this motivated going into his first season with Philadelphia is a scary sight.
Jaylen Brown: “My mentality this year is to kill. I want blood this year. That’s the mentality.” pic.twitter.com/knmnKr5928
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2023/11/02: Avangard Hockey Club player, Mikhail Gulyayev (84) seen in action during the Kontinental Hockey League, regular season KHL 2023 - 2024 between SKA Saint Petersburg and Avangard Omsk at the Ice Sports Palace. (Final score; SKA Saint Petersburg 3:5 Avangard Omsk). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Seven writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalancheorganization as of September 1, 2026. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.
Name: Mikhail Gulyayev
Age: 21
Position: D
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 172 lbs
Likely 2026-27 Team: Avangard Omsk
2025 Rank: #2
Final Rank: #3
High Rank: #2 (Jess)
Low Rank: #16 (Ryan)
2025-26 Statistics:
Avangard Omsk – 54 GP, 1 G, 2A, 3 pts, 14 PIM, +3
Our top 25 under 25 is down to the top three players, starting with Mikhail Gulyayev at #3!
Gulyayev is entering his third season with Avangard Omsk of the KHL after inking an extension with the club that appears to push his potential NHL debut back to the 2028-29 season.
Guylyayev broke into the KHL at just 18 years of age, still ranks among our most promising Avalanche prospects, and his experience in Russia’s pro league seems like quality training grounds. Still, as always, the question is when or if he will jump the pond and come to North America.
At his size and given Omsk’s commitment after a slightly underwhelming 2025-26 campaign, it’s probably best to see out the contract and continue the road to the NHL through European channels.
I do believe that Gulyayev will graduate to the NHL one day, and for me, it’s more likely he won’t spend much (if any) time with the Eagles in the AHL if or when he decides to make the trip. That said, another year or two with Omsk will hopefully boost the young man’s confidence and make the Avalanche front office more comfortable offering his ELC.
The Avalanche do have exclusive rights to Mikhail’s services after drafting him 31st overall in 2023 with a pick received in the process of trading Alex Newhook to the Montreal Canadiens.
As for Gulyayev’s style, it’s all about speed. Here’s a quote from Elite Prospects on Gulyayev that I think adequately describes my take:
“Man, can Mikhail Gulyayev fly out there. You give him an inch, and he’s sprinted a mile past you with about as effortless and clean a stride as you’ve ever seen…”
We always say that elite skating ability is among the hardest skills to develop, and one of those have-it-or-you-don’t sort of attributes. Mikhail is also effective at gap control and attentive to protecting the middle of the ice, thanks to his skating ability.
His skating prowess allows him to be a bit more aggressive and crafty than most big-bodied defenders. His savvy defensive play is the foundation for looking beyond his smaller frame, and we see the NHL trending toward sacrificing size for puck-control capabilities.
We’ve also seen a level of creativity that should have Avalanche fans excited. Just look at this tape-to-tape pass that created a break for Omsk.
I do, however, hope we see Gulyayev take a considerable leap in physical engagement this season. The ‘he’s too small and non-physical’ take is one I usually poke holes in, but in this instance, it’s likely valid.
It’s not that Gulyayev’s lack of size shows in him being maltreated, but more in his choices to avoid physicality in general.
To make it in the NHL as an undersized defender, you have to, at a minimum, be willing to stick your nose in there once in a while, and developing mental callousness before being run down by the world’s largest and fastest forwards is a good idea. I’d also like to see a point shot from Gulyayev that has eyes and the power to be dangerous.
Let us know what you think of this prospect in the comments!
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 22: Houston Astros first-round draft pick Logan Hughes poses for a portrait session after signing his contract at Daikin Park on July 22, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros player development department has named IF/OF Logan Hughes the Astros Player of the Month for August and RHP Alex Santos II the Astros Pitcher of the Month for August.
Hughes, 21, batted .343 (24×70) with 17 runs, eight doubles, one triple, three home runs, 25 RBI, 12 walks, eight stolen bases and a 1.073 OPS in August with Single A Fayetteville. The left-handed hitter has a hit in every minor league game he’s played in since being activated by Single A Fayetteville on August 7 for a 19-game hitting streak. Hughes was drafted by the Astros with the 17th overall pick of the 2026 MLB Draft from Texas Tech University. According to MLB.com, Hughes is rated as the Astros number three overall prospect.
Santos, 24, went 1-0 with a 0.68 ERA (1ER/13.1IP) in August between Double A Corpus Christi (six appearances) and Triple A Sugar Land (four appearances). He also recorded 24 strikeouts, a 1.28 WHIP and a .204 opponent batting average in 10 relief appearances. For the minor league season, Santos has recorded a 3.15 ERA (21ER/60IP) with 93 strikeouts, a 1.38 WHIP and a .216 opponent batting average in 44 relief appearances. The right-handed pitcher was drafted by the Astros with their second-round compensation pick (#72 overall) in the 2020 MLB Draft.
April Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Brandon McPherson
May Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Kellan Oakes
June Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Javier Perez
July Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Bryce Mayer
April Astros Player of the Month: C Jason Schiavone
In the post, they list three players as the potential options to wear the “C” for the Sens.
They are defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson, and forward Tim Stutzle.
All three seem like reasonable choices.
Chabot is 29 and has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Senators.
Sanderson and Stutzle are both 24 and have 750 NHL games between them, also all with Ottawa.
Each of them were selected in the first round by the Senators. Chabot was selected 18th overall in 2015, while Stutzle was the third overall pick in 2020 and Sanderson went fifth that same year.
Stutzle has led the Sens in scoring three of the past four seasons, including last year when he racked up a team-high 34 goals and 83 points.
While it would appear that the young Stutzle has a strong case to be Ottawa’s captain, Panthers veteran Brad Marchand apparently does not agree.
On Tuesday, Marchand left a comment on the post, which simply said, “Hahahah …..stutzle….hahaha.”
The two have been divisional opponents since Stutzle came into the league during the 2020-21 season, but there haven’t been any memorable interactions between them or anything that has led to penalties or suspensions.
Still, this provides a little more fuel to the fire of the rivalry between Florida and Ottawa, which in recent years has often led to some physically entertaining matchups.
We won’t have to wait long to see the Cats and Sens lock horns, as the first meeting between the two clubs is set for Oct. 21 in Ottawa.
Photo caption: Oct 21, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Florida Panthers left wingBradMarchand(63)smiles as the final horn sounds in their 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson-Imagn Images)
Detroit is a live underdog at Polymarket today, so we're riding with them as part of my Tigers vs. Twins prediction.
Yes, the Detroit Tigers are trading at 49 cents today, but should be able to get the best of Dean Kremer, a pitcher they've historically rocked.
Let’s dive into my MLB picks for Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Who will win Tigers vs Twins today: Detroit Tigers (49%)
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
The Detroit Tigers are in need of a bounce-back game after surrendering 26 runs across their first two against the Twins, and they may just get it with Dean Kremer on the mound for the Minnesota Twins.
Not only has he allowed a homer in three straight starts, but this Tigers team also seems to have his number, owning a .303 xBA and .510 xSLGacross 98 plate appearances against him. Now that's a sample size we can get behind.
On the other side, Drew Anderson has been serviceable this year in Detroit, owning a career-best 3.91 xERA and 34.1% chase rate. The Tigers are a live 'dog tonight, trading at 49 cents, and I'd play them up to 54.
COVERS INTEL: Are we about to witness the Gleyber Torres game? He's got a long history against Kremer, going 10-for-31 with three doubles and a homer against him while rocking a .467 xSLG. If Detroit wins, he'll be at the center of the offense.
Tigers vs Twins Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (53%)
The Over has hit in four straight Kremer startsand has cashed in five straight when the Tigers and Twins meet. Yes, the trends are on our side, and they likely won't stop tonight.
Expect Detroit to get the best of Kremer, with the Twins, who have the fifth-highest wRC+ in baseball, doing their part to get us over the line.
Tigers vs Twins home run prediction: Gleyber Torres (9%)
Torres has the deepest history against Kremer to draw from, and at 9 cents, we'll take that type of value to the bank. Owning a respectable .714 OPS in August with a homer already against the righty, we're going to ride with him to take his old friend over the wall. He's undoubtedly the best bang for your buck on the board.
Dustin Saracini's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 7-9, -0.99 units
Over/Under bets: 7-8, -1.55 units
Tigers vs Twins market trends
Here is how the trading volume is coming in on tonight's Tigers vs. Twins matchup at Polymarket, with a slight lean to the visitors as of 5:25 p.m. ET.
Tigers vs Twins weather
It looks to be a perfect night for baseball in Minnesota at Target Field, with temperatures sitting around 77 degrees Fahrenheit under partly cloudy skies.
Tigers vs Twins odds
Moneyline: Tigers 49% | Twins 52%
Run line: Tigers -1.5 (38%) | Twins +1.5 (63%)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (52%) | Under 8.5 (49%)
Tigers vs Twins trend
The Over is 3-0-1 in the Twins' last four when their opponent scores two runs or less in their previous game. Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Twins.
How to watch Tigers vs Twins and game info
Location
Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
First pitch
7:40 p.m. ET
TV
DSN, Twins.TV
Tigers starting pitcher
Drew Anderson (4-5, 3.87 ERA)
Twins starting pitcher
Dean Kremer (2-5, 5.60 ERA)
Tigers vs Twins 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.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 29: Jeff Kent interacts with Barry Bonds prior to game two of a doubleheader the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Saturday, August 29, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country.
It’s been an awful season for the San Francisco Giants, but there have been a lot of opportunities to reminisce. In July, the team drafted Peyton Bonds. A few weeks later, they traded for Kaeden Kent. Earlier this week, they signed Darren Baker.
And of course, in late July, Jeff Kent was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Giants honored Kent, the five-time All-Star and 2000 league MVP, with a ceremony on Saturday. And while addressing the crowd, a notably softened and more family-friendly Kent embraced his former frenemy Barry Bonds, and commented on how Bonds could still get into the Hall of Fame some day.
It is, of course, absurd that Bonds is not in the Hall, and for now his pathways are closed. But pathways can always change, especially for such an arbitrary institution.
So, be it in a year, a decade, or a century, will MLB’s home run leader make his way to Cooperstown some day?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Ja'Kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors dunks the ball against Noah Clowney #21 of the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Barclays Center on December 21, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Noah Clowney and the Brooklyn Nets surely have greater ambitions than winning social media, fan-voted awards, especially on the cusp of a new season. However, it still would’ve been nice to do so.
This week, the NBA announced the winners for its 2026 NBA ID Fan Favorites, which fans vote on across the NBA App, its website and social handles to determine the best moments from the 2025-26 season. The awards up for grabs were Dunk of the Year, Photo of the Year, Assist of the Year, Block of the Year, Handle of the Year, Performance of the Year, Clutch Play of the Year and Drip of the Year.
Clowney was one of six finalists for Block of the Year with this rejection he had on Ja’Kobe Walter in a late December game last season. Clowney finished that contest with 19 points, nine boards, two assists, and two blocks. He was also a team-high +28 in what was Brooklyn’s eight win of the season.
Clowney was the only Net nominated for an NBA ID award this year. The last time a Brooklyn player received a nomination and won one came after the 2022-23 season, when Kevin Durant has his double crossover on Daniel Gafford celebrated as the Handle of the Year.
Clowney will surely be on the prowl for more suffocating rejections in the upcoming season, motivated by falling short for this award … and his expiring rookie contract. I’ll go out on a limb and say the latter is probably more compelling than the former.
Itoje rested for Nations Championship games in July
Captain has had a rare full pre-season with Saracens
Maro Itoje says it felt “very weird” watching England play from afar this summer but he believes more top players should consider taking a break to prolong their careers. The British & Irish Lions captain was rested for his country’s three Nations Championship games in July and is now feeling the benefits of “taking a breath” after an intense year on and off the field.
In addition to the burden of leadership for club and country, Itoje also lost his mother last year and, with the 2027 World Cup looming, the national coach, Steve Borthwick, offered his captain the chance of a mini-sabbatical. He has emerged fit, healthy and mentally rested for the season ahead having enjoyed his first full club pre-season at Saracens since 2014.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Mikey Romero #72 of the Boston Red Sox takes batting practice during a spring training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With a depleted pitching staff, the WooSox needed an extremely effective outing out of Gage Ziehl and they got it, as Ziehl pitched into the seventh allowing just one run on four hits and didn’t walk anyone. He got those twenty outs with just 73 pitches, and Noah Song and Sam McWilliams kept Buffalo (Blue Jays AAA) off the board. The WooSox were in a pretty close game even with that outstanding Ziehl start until they scored three each in the seventh and ninth innings and turned this one into a laugher.
The bottom four slots of the lineup went 0-for-14, but it didn’t matter because the top four each had multiple hits. Romy Gonzalez hit a home run and Mikey Romero went 4-for-4 with a double. At this point, four years after the infielder went in the first round and a couple short days after some returning players on this year’s Red Sox roster shared a lineup card with Romero, it seems easier to point out reasons why Romero wouldn’t fit organizationally in 2027 and beyond than reasons why he would, but he may at least play a part in a good return in the offseason (or after the lockout) if the front office feels the same way. With Romero being just 22 years of age until January 12, it’s possible other front offices – like the one employing the man who drafted him – may feel the same. Still, there’s something to be said for a resilient infielder who hits to contact and is as good as he is running the bases. Whether that something to be said is ever spoken with a promotion remains to be seen.
Noah Rogers did what most would describe as “shoving” as he also pitched over five innings and struck out seven, though he did give up three runs. Cooper Adams allowed that same amount over the last eight outs, though, and that sixth inning where the guard changed was where the BaySox (Orioles AA) scored five of their six runs. Ultimately, strikeouts did the Sea Dogs in, as they saw strike three 15 times on the night.
Greenville has now given up eleven runs in each of their last three games and has won two of those games. This includes the opener of the final series of 2026 against the Hot Rods (Rays High-A.) Brady Tygart may have let up seven runs, but he also struck out ten and stayed in the game long enough for a four-run top of the ninth.
This game was bookended by great home runs; Jake Schaffner made this a 5-1 game in the second inning with his first professional home run (he’s not much of a power guy and is more known for contact, so this is a big deal) and Yophery Rodriguez completed a 3-for-4 day with a three-run shot in the top of the ninth. Nazzan Zanetello hit his second home run of the week just for good measure.
The day of the Howlers’ trek from Hill City (Guardians A, and “the Hill City” in question is Lynchburg, Virginia, not, to my dismay, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, a truly hilly city deserving of the moniker) ended with the RidgeYaks walking them off and turning a coin flip game into a win in two at-bats. Andrews Opata scored from second on a single, doing what he does best, as he also stole his 54th base of the season earlier on in the contest. Adonys Guzman, the walk-off hero, continues to see the ball very well lately. And, most importantly, the whole team saw the ball well with men on, going 6-for-15 with runners in scoring position.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 29: Brandon Williamson #55 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park on April 29, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brandon Williamson returns to the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday to start the series finale against the San Diego Padres. In doing so, he’ll make his first appearance in the big leagues since all the way back on April 29th as a shoulder issue shelved him for the bulk of the 2026 season.
That, of course, is after he missed all of the 2025 season following Tommy John surgery. That is on top of him making only 3 appearances during the 2024 season, as injury after injury has set him back at just about every turn.
How he finishes this season will go a long, long way towards the Cincinnati Reds being able to plan for their 2027 starting rotation. To be quite honest, they pretty desperately need Williamson to be a dependable, available option, and it sure seems like he’s going to get the chance to show that’s what he can be down the stretch.
First pitch is slated for an early 12:40 PM ET start. Here’s how both clubs will line up for first pitch:
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Hoby Milner #41 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 04, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lázaro Montes’ debut last night got the lion’s share of the attention, but we would be remiss if we did not dedicate some time to another Mariners debut on Tuesday evening: Journeyman lefty Hoby Milner.
In the bottom of the ninth with a five-run lead, Dan Wilson turned to his newest toy in the bullpen. The M’s had signed Milner to a minor league deal on August 31, shortly after the Cubs released him, and brought him up with the expanded rosters on September 1.
Roman Anthony, a lefty, at the plate. Hoby serves up his first pitch as a Mariner: an 85 MPH sinker, hold the sink. Anthony lines it to center for a single.
Jahmai Jones replaces lefty Mickey Gasper, takes a sweeping 77 MPH pitch well outside and scoops an 86 MPH sinker, tasteful sink, way over the Green Monster.
He’s thrown three pitches, given up two runs and cannot be pulled because he has to face a third hitter. He blinks grimly at Eli White and digs in. 78 MPH sweeper a country mile wide. 77 MPH down the pipe; White politely stands still. 79 MPH outside and low this time. At Bat identifies it as a changeup, and I’ll let you do with that what you will. 80 MPH change outside middle; White’s politeness gone, he shoots to kill. Hoby survives, but Wilson steps onto the field. Andrés Muñoz arrives and cleans up the mess with four pitches. No dance for Hoby tonight. It is an inauspicious start for a pitcher who was in talks with Seattle during the off-season. The comments rain down, but you sillies, you waste your words.
Hoby grew up with the fragility of baseball dreams woven into his childhood. His father, Brian, made his big league debut at age 18, played two games and never returned to the majors.
Hoby was a multiway player throughout college until he took a fastball to the eye.
Hoby named his cat Darth Kittypuss because he wanted to make a play on Darth Sidious.
Hoby has raced through the streets in a stranger’s car as his organ failed.
Hoby is on his seventh team in nine seasons, zigzagging across the country and toiling intermittently in the minors for years.
Hoby survived Anaheim in 2020.
Hoby’s overhead pictures depict a shadow that looks closer to kokopelli than a human man pitching.
Hoby has never known a velocity beginning with 9.
You cannot hurt Hoby. Only Hoby can hurt Hoby. And he knows it could always be worse. He’s a perfect Mariner.
Jake Burger
Rafael Devers
Tomoyuki Sugano
COVERS INTEL: Are we about to witness the Gleyber Torres game? He's got a long history against Kremer, going 10-for-31 with three doubles and a homer against him while rocking a 
