ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 6: Matt Olson #28 celebrates with Mauricio Dubón #14 of the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning during the game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on August 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves have won their eighth straight after Thursday’s 11-3 win over the Miami Marlins. Between a solid outing from Martín Pérez and a 14-hit night for the Atlanta lineup, things went well all around.
Despite the rain delay, the Braves were able to complete the sweep of the Fish and earned their 70th win of the year. Now, it’s your turn to let us know your Braves Player of the Game.
More Braves News:
Ethan Bagwell struck out six on Wednesday for the Rome Emperors. More in the minor league recap.
MLB News:
Joey Bart, who was dealt to the Chicago White Sox earlier this week, has suffered a hand fracture after a hit by pitch.
From the Feed:
Eric Hartman has become one of the youngest players to have a 20 home run, 40 stolen base season.
The surging Boston Red Sox head into tonight's series opener against the Athletics as a massive -245 moneyline favorite as left-hander Payton Tolle takes the hill.
With those odds offering minimal value, and Boston's offense in peak form, my Athletics vs. Red Sox predictions are targeting the Boston run line.
Who will win A's vs Red Sox today: Red Sox -1.5 (-126)
The Athletics send struggling Jack Perkins to the hill tonight. He owns a 5.64 FIP across his last two starts while allowing 2.45 HR/9, which is dangerous against a Boston Red Sox offense carrying a 147 wRC+ and .243 ISO over its last six games.
Payton Tolle counters for Boston, and he's been reliable with a 2.62 xERA over his previous four appearances. He also faces an A’s lineup in horrendous form, posting a 67 wRC+ and .080 ISO over the last week.
Boston has the offensive edge to create separation, while Tolle limits the damage.
I'll play this pick to -140.
COVERS INTEL: The Athletics have been substantially worse offensively on the road, collecting an 82 wRC+. That's compared to a 116 mark at home. Tolle is in a prime position to deal.
A's vs Red Sox Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-116)
The total sits at 8.5, and I’m leaning toward the Over.
Boston’s offense is averaging 8.33 runs per game across the last week, and Perkins’ inability to limit damage gives the Red Sox a clear path to early production.
The Athletics bullpen is vulnerable, too, posting a 5.30 FIP over its last 22 2/3 frames while surrendering 1.59 HR/9.
Boston’s relief corps has been much better with a sub-3.00 xERA during that same span, but the A's do not need to contribute much if the Red Sox do most of the scoring.
Play to -130.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 44-55, -17.06 units
Over/Under bets: 54-42, +5.96 units
A's vs Red Sox weather
The weather looks warm and clear at Fenway Park tonight, with temperatures falling from the upper 80s at first pitch into the low 80s later on. Winds should stay light around 4-5 mph, and rain is not a concern. The warm air could slightly help carry, but overall conditions look clean.
A's vs Red Sox odds
Moneyline: A's +233 | Red Sox -245
Run line: A's +1.5 (+117) | Red Sox -1.5 (-122)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-113) | Under 8.5 (+108)
A's vs Red Sox trend
The Red Sox have hit the team total Over in 24 of their last 35 games (+11.50 Units / 28% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for A's vs. Red Sox.
How to watch A's vs Red Sox and game info
Location
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Date
Friday, August 7, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSCA, NESN
A's starting pitcher
Jack Perkins (2-7, 6.72 ERA)
Red Sox starting pitcher
Payton Tolle (6-6, 3.30 ERA)
A's vs Red Sox 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.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 13: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his first period goal against the San Jose Sharks at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 13, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Today on the seventh day of the eighth month, it’s Sidney Crosby’s birthday. There’s always reason to celebrate one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Earlier in the summer we took a look at some of the best age-39 seasons ever. Despite injury, Crosby maintained one of the best age-38 seasons in NHL history last year with 74 points in 68 games in 2025-26. There could be some survivorship aspects going on, but the good news is that there historically hasn’t been as much of a drop-off for hockey players going from 38 to 39 as much as the usually big drop going from 37 to 38.
Looking at past cases of players going from 38 to 39 years old and how it might apply to Sidney Crosby next season.https://t.co/j47etLFsSf
What’s next for Sid? The future looks to be whatever he wants it to be.
As of March, Crosby will have been the captain of the Penguins for 50% of his entire life. That will come with another NHL record, 2026-27 will be the 20th season for Crosby as captain of the Pens, surpassing Steve Yzerman’s 19 playing seasons with Detroit. If you give credit for time served, Yzerman (who missed one season due to the lockout) was the Red Wings captain for 19 years and six months, Crozby will pass that this year as well.
There’s more history sure to follow. Crosby is at 1,761 points in his career, 39 points away from 1,800. Reaching that mark would make him just the fifth player in NHL history to get to 1,800 career points, the first since Jaromir Jagr got the milestone during the 2014–15 season. Getting to 1,800 would also mean passing Marcel Dionne (1,771) and Ron Francis (1,798) along the way. Up next would be the chase of another legend known for a long career, Gordie Howe (1,850).
Overall Crosby is 160 points behind Jagr (1,921) for second place all-time in NHL scoring. Should Sid play two more years, he just might be able to get there. If he decides to play three more seasons, it could be a lock that Crosby will end up with the most points in NHL history besides Wayne Gretzky.
As Crosby told Josh Yohe in Switzerland this spring at the World Championships, stepping away from the game isn’t in his mind.
“I’m saying year to year based on contracts,” he explained. “It just seems to make sense. I mean, it could change. We’ll see. Kyle (Dubas) and I haven’t even talked about it. But I’ll talk with Pat (Brisson) and Kyle later this summer. We’ll talk about it and do what makes sense. If it does make sense to sign for a couple of years, then we’ll do that.”
…
At the end of the day, I’m just going to do what’s best for the team. It’s got nothing to do with how long I want to play. It’s not like that at all.”
Any team would be lucky to have Crosby, even at an advanced age. Luckily for the Penguins, it’s still an easy decision to hold onto a player that’s woven into the very fabric of the franchise at this point.
At now 39 years old, the end is closer than the beginning for Crosby’s playing days. On this day, like all days, it’s a celebration of greatness to witness a master still so sharp at his craft.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 06: Caleb Durbin #5 of the Boston Red Sox is doused with water after hitting a walk off RBI single against the Chicago White Sox during the thirteenth inning at Fenway Park on August 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I don’t know how to explain the 2026 Red Sox and I don’t know anyone else who does. As the recent A’s series showed us, even when they’re bad, they’re somehow good. They simply cannot lose right now, which isn’t how baseball is supposed to work, or has ever worked for as long as I’ve watched it.* And the fact that all of this is coming on the heels of a three-month stretch during which the Red Sox were arguably the most mocked team in baseball, playing in front of a fanbase that had grown as apathetic as I’d ever seen it, makes the story even more remarkable.
(*This is in fact the 20th time since 1901 that a team has won at least 31 of 36 games. Frankly, it’s amazing that it’s happened even that much.)
So all of this raises the question: is this the most memorable regular season in Red Sox history?
When it comes to looking at the season’s I’ve been alive for, I think there is no question that the answer is yes.
The 2004 season had its ups-and-downs, including an incredible August run that saw the Sox move from 10.5 games behind the Yankees to just 2; but the Red Sox were essentially in second place all season and the playoffs were rarely in doubt. 2018 was, frankly, too dominant to be all that memorable; from the All-Star Break on, the Red Sox’ division lead never fell below 4.5 games and grew to be much larger than that. 2013 certainly deserves a place in the conversation. Unfortunately, 2011 does, too. In fact, if we’re using the word “memorable” in its most elemental sense without regard to the nature of the emotions attached to it, then I think 2011 is this season’s closest competitor.
Obviously the answer to this question will be greatly affected by what happens over the next seven weeks, but as of right now I think it clearly is the most memorable regular season of my lifetime. If we’re talking all-time, then the 1967 impossible dream season enters the picture. That’s a hard one to top — entire books have been written about it. And, unfortunately, pennant races like the one the world witnessed that summer are no longer possible. But what we’re witnessing right now might be the modern equivalent.
Talk about your favorite seasons of Red Sox baseball and whatever else you want and, as always, be good to one another.
This Sunday features another exciting slate of MLB action on NBC and Peacock. First, at 12:00 PM ET, the Cincinnati Reds go head-to-head with the Washington Nationals in the MLB Sunday Leadoff game. Then, at 8:00 PM ET, it's the Houston Astros vs San Diego Padres on Sunday Night Baseball. See below for additional information on how to watch both games.
Play-by-play voice Dave Flemming joins former Washington infielder Kevin Frandsen and former Cincinnati pitcher Sam LeCure on the call for Sunday's Reds vs. Nationals game alongside reporter Caroline Pineda.
MLB Sunday Leadoff is a weekly Major League Baseball showcase featuring live Sunday daytime games. It highlights marquee matchups throughout the regular season and streams primarily on Peacock, with some games also airing across NBC Sports and NBC.
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Former Colorado Rockie Eric Young Sr. coaches a member of the Los Angeles Queens in late July 2026. Young is the manager of the Professional Women’s Baseball League team, which will make its inaugural debut on Aug. 1, 2026 in Springfield, Ill. | Women’s Pro Baseball League
Eric Young Sr. knows a thing or two about making the most of the moment.
So, it’s no surprise that the former Rockie and current manager of the Los Angeles Queens, one of four teams in the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League, has made seizing the day the motto guiding his approach to his first baseball managing gig.
“I told them in the meeting [before the first game on Aug. 1], ‘there’s going to be a moment throughout this year that’s going to be very special for you,” Young said during a press conference after the first game in Springfield, Ill. “I said, ‘the only thing I want you to do is to be mentally prepared for that moment.’”
His words turned into reality immediately as the Queens rallied from a 7-2 deficit to the New York Heights for an epic 10-8 win on a rainy day that couldn’t dampen the joy of the debut of the first women’s league to exist in the United States since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) ended in 1954.
“What a game and what a start to the Women’s Pro Baseball League,” said Young, who played with the Rockies from 1993 through half of the 1997 season. “The energy was electric out there.”
And just like that, Young, aka EY, recorded his first victory as a manager. Young, a first base and baserunning coach for five different MLB teams — including the Rockies from 2014-16 under then-manager and his former Rockies teammate Walt Weiss — joins former MLB players Matt Williams and Keith Foulke and women’s baseball pioneer and former Colorado Silver Bullet Rachelle “Rocky” Henley as the first-ever WPBL managers this season.
With another 12-4 victory on Wednesday, Young and the Queens have jumped out to a 2-0 start in the debut season where each team will play 15 games before the playoffs in September. In the middle of a historic moment, and with only about a week of practice with the team before the season started, Young had nothing but praise for his players. He shouted out their energy, willingness to play wherever he needs them and their love of the game.
“For me as a manager, that makes it easy because this is my first day managing and I’m trying to figure the pieces out, but they were helping me. They don’t even know how much they were helping me tonight,” Young said. “They made it look good for our whole team. Kudos to them. They just deserve all the credit in this, and I was just happy to be next to them to enjoy the moment.”
As a member of the inaugural season for the Colorado Rockies, Young knows what it’s like to make history. Not only was he part of a brand new team, but he hit a home run in the first home at bat for the Colorado Rockies on April 9, 1993 at Mile High Stadium.
In his time as a Rockie, Young hit .295/.378.412 with 30 homers, 102 doubles, 28 triples with 227 RBIs and 378 runs scored in 613 games over five seasons. Young, who remains the Rockies all-time leader with 180 stolen bases, clearly understands the pressure of being part of something new and is trying to help the Queens navigate the experience.
“The main thing is to stay positive. This is going to be a process. We are going to have some ups and downs, but if we can stay positive and push each other, you never know what could happen and it happened tonight,” EY said after the comeback win on Aug. 1. “The bench was still cheering the same way as if we were up 7-2 or 8-4. There is so much positive energy in our clubhouse. I am amazed at it.”
Young played under some legendary managers in his 16-year MLB career, which included time with the Dodgers, Cubs, Brewers, Padres, Rangers and Giants. From playing under Rockies manager Don Baylor, to other skippers like Tommy Lasorda, Bruce Bochy, Ned Yost, Davey Johnson, he learned from them all. In 2025, he told FanGraph’s David Laurila specifically what he liked about playing for Baylor.
“I liked the calmness of Don Baylor. He was OK with players that were upset, because he knew how to handle guys. He knew how to push guys’ buttons based on their personalities. Don Baylor was a strong personality,” Young said. “He was also the type of manager who was going to give you a chance. If you told him you can do something, he was going to give you that opportunity. But you better do it.”
Young has adopted that philosophy as a manager for the Queens. With a shorter roster in his debut, he put utility player Maggie Fox on the mound to get the save, despite having never seen her pitch in practice leading up to the game.
“The first day, I have to admit, when I met Maggie, she said, ‘I can play all over. I can play anywhere you want me to play.’ She gave me that attitude right there,” Young said. “To be honest, I didn’t even see her pitch and [late in the Aug. 1 game] I am looking around and I said, “Maggie I need you on the mound.” And that’s it. She went running and getting loose and everything. But the thing is, it doesn’t matter. She loves the games so much, you put her at catcher, pitcher, she’s going to play.”
EY’s style is landing well with his players, as evident by L.A. center fielder Mo’ne Davis’s comments in the press conference after the first game. She appreciates his positivity and energy.
“He just always sits on the side and he just lets us play our game and how this is our stage,” Davis said. “We just want to give props to him and give him the respect because he allows us to play our game and be ourselves.”
Young’s resume includes the wins to back up his approach. After all, he was part of the 1995 squad that went 77-67 (season shortened by strike) and earned a National League Wild Card berth, when there was only one Wild Card slot per league, in the Rockies third year of existence. He hopes he can achieve quick success with the Queens as well.
“The most important thing through this process is that we get better each and every day,” Young said. “If we get better every single day, I’ll take our chances when we get to the postseason.”
Charlie Condon and Connor Norby, who the Rockies recently aquired from Miami in a trade for Victor Vodnik, each hit solo homers, and TJ Shook threw two scoreless innings to earn the save and preserve the win for the Isotopes on Thursday night. Ryan Ritter tripled, singled, and drove in a run, and Zac Veen stole second and scored on a throwing error. Albuquerque was able to squeak out a win and fend off a three-run eighth, depsite going 0-for-10 and leaving eight runs on base. Eiberson Castellano gave up three runs on two hits with one walk and three strikeouts for the Isotopes to earn the win and improve to 3-2 on the season.
The Yard Goats had a really bad night and the Ponies had a really good one. Roc Riggio hit a two-run single and Mike Antico hit a solo homer to make up for Hartford’s scoring. Binghamton out-hit the Yard Goats 21-7, and Hartford committed six errors to aid the Ponies, who scored three unearned runs.
A valent comeback was foiled when the Emeralds unleashed a five-run 10th inning to beat Spokane. Eugene jumped out to an 8-2 lead after four innings, but the Indians slowly clawed their way back to within one run entering the bottom of the ninth. Kelvin Hidalgo drew a one-out walk and Roynier Hernandez hit a pinch-hit RBI single to send the game into extra innings. Roldy Brito recorded three hits and scored two runs, Ethan Hedges posted two hits, two runs and to RBIs and Tevin Tucker added three hits and a run. Cameron Nelson and Juan Castillo each chipped in two hits and one run, while Nelson also drove one in.
Cristian Arguelles had himself a night. Arguelles hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth to help the Grizzlies regain the lead and it was enough to earn the victory on Thursday. The Rawhide scored in the second to take a 1-0 lead, but Sebastian Blanco hit a sac grounder to score Wilder Dalis to tied it in the bottom of the frame. Arguelles singled and scored Juan Martinez in the third to put Fresno back on top, only for the Rawhide to rally back again and set up Arguelles homer in the sixth. Aidan Redahan and Martinez both had two-hit nights for the Grizzlies. Bryson Van Sickle improved to 4-0 after throwing a quality start, giving up three runs on six hits with four walks and five homers in seven innings.
For the second time this season, Zac Veen has earned PCL Player of the Week. Veen (No. 9 PuRP) has been tearing it up for Triple-A Albuquerque, going 13-for-29 with four doubles, a triple, four home runs, and 14 RBI in games.
Wilder Dalis (No. 24 PuRP) outstanding performance for the Fresno Grizzlies in July did not go unnoticed. Over 24 games in July, Dalis batted .374/.443/.727 for just a taste of his stats in the month.
Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.
The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.
A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.
Victor Wembanyama busting out the "Dirk Fade" in practice 🔥
There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.
Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.
Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 10: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors passes the ball off against Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on February 10, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There was a big part of me that dreaded LeBron James’ return to the Eastern Conference. The years of LeBronto, and the idea of James in his twilight years snuffing out the Raptors’ playoff hopes in infancy was almost more than I could bear.
Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, James, and Embiid. Lord have mercy.
But then, Shams Charania made something clear: LeBron James would not just be playing power-forward for the Sixers. Rather, he’ll be slotting in at the point guard for at least a significant amount of time. This means that the 76ers’ lineup may actually be James, Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, and Embiid. This is a game changer. And not just for the 76ers, but for the Raptors as well.
Shams Charania on LeBron James’ role in Philadelphia:
“I do expect him to play a significant time as that initiator, the game manager, the point guard of this team that sets the table for Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe” pic.twitter.com/ZDl78YqJ4X
People deemed successors to LeBron have frequently fallen short in some way. Paolo Banchero and Zion Williamson both haven’t quite developed into the archetype of unstoppable point forward, but I would argue that Scottie Barnes is closer to what LeBron is archetypically — a do-it-all forward who rebounds and passes as well as scores — than any of these score-first bigs that usually get compared to LeBron.
Since the end of the regular season, I’ve been an advocate of giving Scottie Barnes official point guard status; in a short sample size at the end of the year, Barnes showed that he was more than capable of dishing out assists as needed when Immanuel Quickley was out. In his Instagram bio, Scottie still proclaims himself to be a “6’9 PG”, and I wonder why this hasn’t been made explicit yet?
As Scottie is breaking out as a developing scorer and as one of the league’s premier defenders, I feel like his ability to facilitate an offence shouldn’t be thought of as an afterthought, lumping him into the “point forward” group. LeBron James, who famously played every position at least once in his career, saw one of his highest highs playing PG for the LA Lakers in 2020, leading the league in assists with 10.2 per game, and coming second in MVP voting. That was, in my view, one of his finest seasons in a very storied career. Am I saying that slotting Scottie in at the one is going to be what finally turns him into a superstar?
Yes. I think it just might.
Scottie Barnes is not LeBron James — and really, no one is — but allowing Barnes to focus on parts of the game that feel most natural to him could allow him to develop even more effectively than having him try to straddle multiple roles. The Raptors already understand that part of the key to unlocking Barnes is to remove some of the scoring load from his shoulders, but signs are pointing to a further shift of responsibilities being the thing that could change the trajectory of this team for the better.
The forward at point guard experiment doesn’t always work, and there is a need for true facilitators. But Scottie Barnes is not just any forward. With the Sixers paving the way, will success with LeBron as floor general make the Raptors reconsider how they’ve been using Barnes?
After backchecking and forechecking for the Philadelphia Flyers this past season, former Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Nikita Grebenkin has earned his paycheck.
This is Grebenkin's first standard NHL contract since signing his entry-level deal with the Maple Leafs in late April 2024. It also comes after his first full season in the NHL with the Flyers.
The Russian was selected by the Maple Leafs in the fifth round of the 2022 draft with the 135th overall pick. Since being drafted, Grebenkin has only spent one year with the Maple Leafs organization.
He played seven games in the NHL and 39 appearances with the AHL's Toronto Marlies. He didn't score any points in the NHL for that 2024-25 campaign, but notched nine goals and 21 points with the Marlies.
Grebenkin made his first scoring impression in the NHL with the Flyers this past season. He recorded four goals and 14 points in 55 contests, while averaging 11:17 of ice time. He registered his first NHL point in his debut for Philadelphia, then marked the first goal of his career eight games later against the Montreal Canadiens.
The last game Grebenkin played for the Flyers was on March 21. He didn't feature for the rest of the regular season and didn't appear in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Finding ice time with the Flyers won't come any easier for the coming 2026-27 season with the winger depth that Philadelphia has compiled. The likes of Travis Konecny, Porter Martone, Matvei Michkov, Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, and a few others all stand before him on the depth chart.
Therefore, the youngster can expect to see more time in the American League with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In 2025-26, he played 11 games for the Flyers' AHL affiliate and produced three goals and seven points. He also provided an additional four points in seven contests during the Calder Cup playoffs.
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SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: David Robinson attends the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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
On Thursday, Spurs legend David Robinson turned 61. That’s also 39 years since he moved to San Antonio. Nearly four decades in The Alamo City. Robinson was originally drafted in 1987 as the first overall pick, but because of his active-duty commitment to the United States Navy, he did not suit up until the 1989-1990 season.
Over his illustrious career, The Admiral accrued many awards starting in 1990 with the NBA Rookie of the Year. He was the league’s rebounding leader (1991), blocks leader (1992), and scoring champion (1994) on his way to picking up the 1995 NBA Most Valuable Player award. He also picked up Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1992, just one of five players to all-time to receive MVP and DPOY during his career.
Robinson is one of nine players to ever score more than 70 points. His 71-point game came on April 24, 1994.
Robinson is also one of four players in recorded NBA history to capture the elusive quadruple-double, tallying 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks on February 17, 1994.
The Admiral displayed the greatest humility in 1997 as he relinquished his leadership of the San Antonio Spurs to Tim Duncan. Together they brought in the Spurs first championship in 1999. Robinson continued to hand the baton until 2003, when the Spurs next generation was poised to take over.
Robinson had the rare distinction of going out on top. In 2003, he played his final NBA game. It was Game 6 of the NBA Finals, and the Spurs won their second title. The game took place on Father’s Day, June 15, and he walked off the court for the last time with a trophy by his side.
In addition to his NBA accolades, Robinson was a member of the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team” and won two gold medals, the second coming in 1996.
Since retiring, Robinson has continued to make San Antonio his home. He’s been an ambassador, a philanthropist, and a leader in educational pursuits. He can be seen dining at local restaurants, hosting events, and making appearances throughout the city. He remains a fixture at Spurs games. He’s had seats in the second row for years, but during the 2026 postseason, he moved around and sat with other former members of the Spurs as they made their first Finals run in a dozen years.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 19: David Robinson and Tim Duncan attends a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Robinson help set the tone for Spurs Culture. He brought a grandness and composure to the team, the city, and the sport. And he is the ever present reminder that the Spurs stand tall and have class.
Happy belated birthday, Big Dave.
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 06: Yohel Pozo #79 of the Baltimore Orioles hits a solo home run in the third inning during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 6, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Friday, Camden Chatters. The weekend has arrived! Are we still scoreboard watching? If so, after the Orioles lost yesterday they fell to one game out the final Wild Card spot. And the team that has that last spot just happens to be the team the Orioles are playing this weekend. The Texas Rangers.
The Orioles and Rangers faced each other in the second series of the season. The Rangers won two out of three that time. Not ideal.
This time, if the Orioles lose two out of three, they’ll find themselves two games behind the Rangers. If they get swept, it’ll be four games behind and that, frankly, will be all she wrote. If they somehow take two of three, they will leave Texas tied with the Rangers. So it’s a pretty big series. And if they survive this one, they are off to Minnesota to face the team that is currently a half-game ahead of them in the WC race. And that’s to say nothing of the Guardians, who are also a half-game up on the Orioles.
So they’re in it, for now. But the problem, as I see it, is this: they can’t hit. They’re just so bad at hitting! If you take a glance at the team’s Baseball Reference page, there are four players on the top section with an OPS+ over 100, which is league average. They are Pete Alonso, Samuel Basallo, Adley Rutschman, and Taylor Ward. Uh…get well soon, Samuel! Also, Blaze Alexander while we’re at it.
In yesterday’s game, the Orioles were facing Ryan Johnson, a starter with an ERA over 7 and they couldn’t do anything with him. In the first five innings, they have five walks, three hits, and a HBP. But they also hit into two double plays and had a runner caught stealing. Their only runs scored came on a home run from Yohel Pozo. So good for him!
Even in their two wins over the Angels, one of the worst teams in baseball, they struggled to score runs. On Tuesday they scored just three runs in a game started by Grayson Rodriguez, and on Wednesday they were clinging to a one-run lead until an unlikely Leody Taveras home run.
Well, this turned into a downer. They should hire me to be their hitting coach so I can tell them to be better hitters.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have seven Orioles birthday buddies. That’s a lot! Gerónimo Gil is 51 years old today. Gil spent five seasons with the Orioles, 2001-05. He spent that time as a backup catcher, except in 2002 when he got into 125 games.
Also born on this day in history are former Orioles Wade LeBlanc (42), Jason Grimsley (59), Tex Nelson (b. 1936, d. 2011), Don Larsen (b. 1929, d. 2020), Art Houtteman (b. 1927, d. 2003), and Bob Alexander (b. 1922, d. 1993).
On this day in 1964, the Orioles defeated the Yankees 2-0. Steve Barber pitched 6.2 shutout innings and Harvey Haddix finished the game. Brooks Robinson had an RBI single and Jerry Adair hit a home run.
In 1998, the Orioles pounded the Twins 16-9. Brady Anderson had five hits with two doubles and two home runs. Harold Baines and Cal Ripken also homered. Starter Scott Erickson was knocked out after four innings and seven runs, but that’s ok in this instance.
In 2016, Manny Machado hit three home runs in his first three at-bats in a 10-2 Orioles win over the White Sox. He had three more chances to hit four homers, but went hitless for the rest of the game. He had seven RBI.
In 2019, in the midst of a 14-2 loss to the Yankees, Chris Davis and Brandon Hyde got into a fight in the dugout. It was the most exciting thing that happened for the Orioles in the game.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 4: Luis Arraez #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 4, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s Alumni Weekend at Citizens Bank Park. The Blue Jays are in town, and a familiar face will be joining the Wall of Fame.
Sep 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; General view of the helmet used by the Milwaukee Brewers before the start of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Greetings, Brew Crew Ball community. The trade deadline is officially in the rearview, and we’re now less than two months from the end of the regular season. The Brewers are trying to fend off a comeback in the NL Central from the Cubs while also maintaining their status with the top record in baseball, as they became the first team to 70 wins earlier this week.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-baseball sports, the Brewers, you name it. As long as it’s appropriate and is allowed by our moderators, it’s fair game here.
Happy birthday to Marc Pisciotta, and a mighty host of others.
Today in baseball history, in1984 – The Cubs sweep a pair from the visiting Mets, winning 8-6 and 8-4. Rick Sutcliffe (9-1) beats Ron Darling (10-5) in the opener, benefiting from a six-run fifth inning. Keith Moreland hits a three-run home run and Ron Cey a two-run shot in the fourth. A five-run fourth in the second game propels Chicago to the win for reliever Tim Stoddard. Lee Smith notches his 25th save, and other stories as well.
Today in baseball history:
1907 – Senator hurler Walter Johnson wins his first major league game beating the Naps, 7-2. The “Big Train” will tally 416 victories during his 21-year career.
1915 – In Chicago, the White Sox top the Senators, 6-2. Relieving for losing pitcher Jim Shaw is future Hall of FamerSam Rice, who will pitch only eight more times before going to the outfield for two decades. Playing RF in the game for Washington is Walter Johnson, filling in for the injured Danny Moeller.
1929 – For the second game in a row, Babe Ruth hits a grand slam home run as the Yanks roll to a 13-1 win over the A’s in the lidlifter. Mickey Cochrane homers in his one at bat for the A’s only run.
1999 – For the second consecutive day, a major leaguer gets his 3000th career hit as Wade Boggs homers in the 6th off the Indians’Chris Haney. The Devil Rays’ third baseman, who is the first player to reach the milestone with a home run, rounds the bases pointing skyward blowing a kiss in memory of his mom and gets down on his knees to kiss home plate. Tony Gwynn also collected hit No. 3,000 yeaterday.
2001 – Passing the mark of 68, established Christy Mathewson (with the Giants in 1913) and Randy Jones (with the Padres in 1976), Braves right-hander Greg Maddux sets the National League record for consecutive innings without allowing a walk as he pitches six innings without giving up a base on balls to extend the new record to 70.1 innings.
2010 – For the first time since May, the major leagues’ all-time save leader, Trevor Hoffman, gets the ball in a save situation. He disposes of the Astros in order on eight pitches to preserve a 5-2 Brewers win for his 597th career save. Hoffman blew five of his first ten save opportunities this year to earn relegation to the outer reaches of the Brewers’ bullpen.
2016 – Ichiro Suzuki of the Marlins becomes the 30th member of the 3,000 hit club with a seventh-inning triple off Chris Rusin of the Rockies in a 10-7 Marlins win. What makes it more remarkable is that Ichiro did not collect his first major league hit until he was 27. He is only the second player to reach the milestone with a triple, after Paul Molitor, and the hit comes on the day when the last player to join the club before him, Alex Rodriguez, announced his retirement.
Today in Cubs history:
1906 – On John McGraw‘s orders, umpire James Johnstone is refused admittance to the Polo Grounds, and the ump, standing outside the ballpark, forfeits the match to the Cubs. McGraw insists the game go on with a player from each team umpiring. McGraw picks reserve Sammy Strang, but Cubs manager Frank Chance refuses to go along, pointing out the game has already been forfeited. National League President Harry Pulliam will uphold Johnstone’s decision the next day.
1911 – The match-up between Three Finger Brown and Christy Mathewson is something less than a pitching duel as Chicago bangs out ten hits, including two singles, a double and a triple by Joe Tinker. Tinker also adds a steal of home. The Giants collect 13 hits, but Chicago wins the game, 8-6.
1963 – At Chicago, Sandy Koufax locks horns for the second time this year with Dick Ellsworth, a battle that ends in a 1-1 draw. Koufax is removed with one out in the 10th inning, while Ellsworth is replaced after the 10th. The Dodgers go on to win, 3-1, over the Cubs with neither starter getting a decision.
2001 – Home plate umpire Angel Hernandez ejects Steve “Mongo” McMichael from Wrigley Field as the former Chicago Bears football player is about to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch. McMichael, presently a pro wrestler, tells the crowd over the P.A. system “he’ll have a talk with the ump” concerning a close call made by Hernandez earlier in the game and then boos and blows a kiss toward the ump.
2004 – Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux enters the history books with his 300th career win in Chicago’s 8-4 triumph over San Francisco at SBC Park.
1420 – Construction begins on the dome of Florence Cathedral, designed by Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi.
1606 – Possible first performance of Shakespeare‘s tragedy “Macbeth” takes place in the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace for King James I.
1782 – Commander of the Continental Army, George Washington, creates two Honorary Badges of Distinction and a Badge of Military Merit (now the Purple Heart). First time military awards are presented to common soldiers.
1882 – Hatfields of southwest West Virginia and McCoys of eastern Kentucky feud, with 100 wounded or dead.
1969 – Fantasy Records releases “Green River”, the third studio album by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, featuring the title track and “Bad Moon Rising”, and “Lodi”.
2016 – United States men’s 4 × 100 m freestyle relay team wins the final in 3:09.92 at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, earning Michael Phelps his record 19th Olympic gold medal.
2021 – As part of the winning American 4 × 400 m relay team in Tokyo, Allyson Felix takes her total to 11 Olympic medals and becomes the most decorated female Olympian in track and field history.
2021 – Kevin Durant, with 29 points, leads the USA to his third and the team’s fourth consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold medal with an 87-82 win over France in Tokyo.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 07: Parker Meadows #22 of the Detroit Tigers holds a bag of Giants brand sunflower seeds in the dugout during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Comerica Park on June 7, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. The Cubs defeated the Tigers 6-1. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
You’ll be relieved to know that these 2026 Giants are still 4 games off the pace of the 100-loss 1985 Giants. Will that have any bearing on this weekend’s series against the Detroit Tigers aka The Team That Just Traded The Best Pitcher In The World To The Los Angeles Dodgers?
Well, if they’re swept, it will prevent them from winning their 50th game. Haha, what am I thinking? They’d have to win the series to get to that mark. That seems like a stretch!
For as much as the Tigers signaled they’re punting on 2026 with their deadline deal of Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers (2.9 fWAR) and Casey Mize (3.0) to the Padres, it’s worth pointing out that their pitching remains solid, along with their lineup. They’re now led by Framber Valdez, who’s having a rough transition to a new team this season (1.3 fWAR in 120.1 IP) but shutout the Mariners for 7 innings just last night. The Giants will miss him, but they won’t avoid the two other valuable starters: 25-year olds Keider Montero (a righty; 2.2 fWAR) and 25 Troy Melton (a lefty; 1.2).
But what you really want to pay attention to is that lineup. They’ve got a 27-year old catcher named Dillon Dingler and he seems to have stolen the crown of thumping catcher from Big Dumper Cal Raleigh by Dinglering 25 dingers so far this season. He also leads the Tigers in value (5.4 fWAR). He’s a very Giantsy player, too, with a line of .275/.339/.529 and a walk rate of just 6.1%. They’ve also got 21-year old Kevin McGonigle, who just hits and hits and hits and hits (.282/.388/.422 in 495 PA). Riley Greene (.458 slug), Spencer Torkelson (20 dinlgers), and Gleyber Torres round out a solid core that will almost certainly frustrate the Giants’ prospects in training.
The big news on Detroit’s side will be the season debut of flamethrower Jackson Jobe, who will step onto a major league mound for the first time in 14 months following Tommy John surgery. The former first rounder (#3 overall in the 2021 draft) last pitched in May. The 23-year old will almost certainly be on a pitch count.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Tigers are 14-16 in interleague (-4 run diff.) and 26-32 on the road (+37); but, after an awful month of May (6-22), they’ve been the fourth-best team in the sport with a record of 34-21. The Giants are 25-31 over the same span. They’re just 12-21 in interleague (-15 run diff.). They’re also 26-27 at home (-14). They’ll be throwing the best of what’s left of their rotation at the best of what’s left of the Tigers’ rotation and I think, you know, it seems like a pretty lopsided matchup.
Series Overview
Who: San Francisco Giants (48-67) vs. Detroit Tigers (56-59) Where: Oracle Park | San Francisco, California When: Friday at 7:15pm PT, Saturday at 4:15pm PT, Sunday at 1:05pm PT National broadcasts: Fox TV (Saturday)
Projected starters Friday: Keider Montero (RHP 8-6, 3.17 ERA) vs. TBD Saturday: Jackson Jobe (RHP season debut) vs. Landen Roupp (RHP 7-10, 4.34 ERA) Sunday: Troy Melton (LHP 7-1, 1.58 ERA) vs. Logan Webb (RHP 7-7, 3.74 ERA)
COVERS INTEL: The Athletics have been substantially worse offensively on the road, collecting an 
D.J. Short
