Yankees Rivalry Roundup: Rays’ loss opens first-place tie for Yanks

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 07: Esteury Ruiz #3 of the Miami Marlins slides into home against Hunter Feduccia #9 of the Tampa Bay Rays to score during the seventh inning at loanDepot park on June 07, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Yankees flirted with leaving the weekend against the Red Sox winless, as they were tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the eighth and hadn’t taken advantage of an excellent day from Cam Schlittler. Thankfully the Bombers’ bats came alive at last, Cody Bellinger breaking the ice with a solo shot before a Trent Grisham RBI single and a three-run blast by Jazz Chisholm Jr. gave the Yanks some breathing room. Final score: 6-1 Yanks and an offense hopefully back on track.

Here’s what else was going on in American League action on Sunday, which included a key game that brought the Yanks back to the forefront of the AL East.

Tampa Bay Rays (37-25) 1, Miami Marlins (31-35) 4

The Fish really did the Yankees a solid over the weekend, as despite entering with a 29-34 record, they took two out of three from the first-place Rays. In fairness to Tampa Bay, Sunday was a tougher matchup with former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara in control. He went seven strong innings, allowing one run on five hits and a walk, the lone score coming in the third when Yandy Díaz singled in Taylor Walls after the latter swiped second.

Griffin Jax isn’t a schmuck though, and for his part, the recently-converted reliever shut the Marlins down in five scoreless frames. With Garrett Cleavinger, however, the Fish fared better. Liam Hicks worked a one-out walk in the sixth and Otto Lopez tied the game with a triple that Cedric Mullins failed to cut off in center.

Kyle Stowers lifted a sacrifice fly to plate Lopez and the Marlins were in front.

Miami added insurance runs after a strike-’em-out/throw-’em-out double play that was part of a three-batter seventh for Sandy. Steven Matz entered for Tampa Bay, fresh off his return to the bullpen with the Rays abandoning their effort to make him a starter again. His first relief appearance didn’t go so hot either. The lefty walked Esteury Ruiz, allowed a stolen base, and then issued a free pass to Jakob Marsee. The duo executed a double steal, and the Rays brought the infield in. Joe Mack grounded to shortstop, but catcher Hunter Fedducia couldn’t handle the throw home. Both Ruiz and Marsee scored to make it 4-1, Miami.

Michael Petersen and Anthony Bender combined to allow a mere Jonathan Aranda single across the final two innings as the Marlins took the series. The Rays are now back in a virtual tie with the Yankees for first place in the AL East, technically percentage points ahead of them at 37-25 (.597) vs. 38-26 (.594), but they have played two fewer games than the Yanks. On the MLB.com standings page, they’re even in terms of games ahead/behind. Regardless, the Rays host the Red Sox for three at the Trop next while the Yanks go to Cleveland.

Other Games

Toronto Blue Jays (32-34) 6, Baltimore Orioles (31-35) 4: The Jays enjoyed beating Baltimore 6-4 so much on Saturday that they did the exact same thing yesterday. There was more drama to this one, as the O’s jumped out to a 4-0 lead with an ambush on Kevin Gausman, Colton Cowser and Taylor Ward both homering in the four-run fifth. An inning later, the Jays stormed back. Yohendrick Piñango led off with a homer against Shane Baz, and after a Jesús Sánchez double and an error by Gunnar Henderson, the floodgates opened. An RBI groundout, single, and double followed, the last an Andrés Giménez hit to tie the game at 4-4. Nathan Lukes then reached on an infield single that caromed off the mound, and the play was just so slow enough for Giménez to come all the way around to score. Brandon Valenzuela later homered off Rico Garcia for an insurance run and Louie Varland retired three batters in a row as the potential tying run to nail down the Jays win.

Seattle Mariners (34-32) 4, Detroit Tigers (27-39) 5: The brutal season for Andrés Muñoz continues. The two-time All-Star closer has been dreadful in 2026, and he blew another game on Sunday, dooming Seattle to a series loss at the hands of the Tigers. They’ve been playing better this past week, but Seattle had this one in hand. Run-scoring hits from Josh Naylor, Cole Young, and Randy Arozarena gave the M’s a 4-1 lead. It was trimmed to 4-3 due to an ineffective Cooper Criswell, and then Muñoz entered for the ninth. He issued consecutive walks with one out to Zach McKinstry and the man whose triple had already cut into Seattle’s lead, Wenceel Pérez. A soft grounder moved the runners over, and down to Detroit’s last out, rookie Kevin McGonigle came through with a two-run single to win it.

Cleveland Guardians (37-30) 0, Texas Rangers (32-33) 10: The Mariners’ loss was the Rangers’ gain, as the obliterated the Guardians to move to within a game and a half of Seattle in the underwhelming AL West race. (The A’s also won to move to within 2.5.) It was a nice atonement for Texas after a 6-0 loss on Saturday. Cleveland’s Joey Cantillo was obliterated to the tune of seven runs on nine hits, three of which came on homers to Josh Jung, Wyatt Langford, and Justin Foscue. Jacob deGrom threw six scoreless for the Rangers, yielding just three hits. The Guardians retained a two-game AL Central lead over the White Sox, who would be leading the AL West. Unfortunately for them, it is not 1983 or 1993.

Minor league update for 6/7/26

LE PUY-EN-VELAY, FRANCE - JUNE 08: (L-R) Joao Almeida of Portugal, Pablo Torres of Spain and UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Gianni Vermeersch of Belgium, Callum Thornley of Great Britain, Haimar Etxeberria of Spain and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and a general view of the peloton competing during the 78th Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes 2026, Stage 2 a 234.3km stage from Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux to Le Puy-en-Velay 624m / #UCIWT / on June 08, 2026 in Le Puy-en-Velay, France. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hickory starter Evan Siary allowed two runs in five innings, striking out four and walking one. Owen Proksch struck out two and walked one in two innings. Michael Trausch faced four batters, threw six strikes in 21 pitches, and allowed a hit, three walks and two runs.

Hector Osorio was 3 for 5 with a homer — his 13th of the year — and I wouldn’t be shocked if this was his last game at Hickory. Paulino Santana had a pair of doubles. Daniel Flames doubled. Josh Springer had a hit. Brayling more had a pinch hit single.

Hickory box score

Hub City starter D.J. McCarty struck out nine in 4.2 IP, allowing two runs, including a solo homer, and walking one. Case Matter threw 0.2 scoreless. Joey Danielson struck out two in a shutout inning.

Yeison Morrobel was 3 for 5 with a walk and a homer. Esteban Mejia was 3 for 4 with a homer and a stolen base. Maxton Martin had a hit.

Hub City box score

Frisco played a pair.

In Game One, Dylan MacLean gave up four runs in four innings, striking out two and allowing a pair of homers. Josh Trentadue walked one in a shutout inning. Wilian Bormie threw a scoreless inning.

Josh Smith began his rehab assignment, hit leadoff, playing second base, and was 2 for 3 with a homer and a walk. Rafe Perich homered. Dylan Dreiling had a hit and a pair of walks.

In Game Two, Bryan Magdaleno walked two and struck out one in a scoreless inning. Ryan Lobus threw 1.2 scoreless innings.

Josh Smith led off and DH’d in Game Two, going 0 for 1 with a walk before being lifted for a pinch hitter. Rafe Perich was 2 for 3 with a homer. Ian Moller homered.

Frisco Game One box score

Frisco Game Two box score

Round Rock starter David Davalillo was lifted after recording just two outs, likely because he was at 34 pitches for the inning, with an 11 pitch walk to Alek Thomas being his final batter. Thomas Ireland allowed two runs in three innings, striking out two and walking two. Gavin Collyer allowed a run in 1.1 IP, striking out one and walking one. Michael Otanez struck out one and walked one in 0.2 IP, allowing a run. Emiliano Teodo walked one and struck out one in a shutout inning.

Alejandro Osuna was 2 for 4. Cam Cauley and Blaine Crim each had a hit.

Round Rock box score

Astros Legends Series 23: John Hudek

14 Apr 1997: Pitcher John Hudek of the Houston Astros throws a pitch during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The Astros won the game 4-2. | Getty Images

John Hudek’s start was something that only Hollywood could conjure up.     A year to the day from when he was in Toledo, Ohio and the Tigers dropped from the 40-man roster, he’d appear as an All-Star for the Houston Astros.    He was a model of perseverance.  He’s reliever John Hudek, and he’s our 23rd entry of our continuing Legends Series.    

Q:  You made your MLB debut with the Astros in April of 1994.  Three months later you were an All-Star.  What do you remember about that 1994 All Star Game?   

A:  In the game, first they told me to go and get loose.  So, I threw like five pitches and I was ready, I was so hyped up.  I honestly didn’t even know I was facing Cal Ripken Jr and I struck him out.   I just brought fastballs to him pretty much.   I was so locked in.     

My approach was always; it’s me against you, so I didn’t even pay attention to who I was facing.   Afterwards though, I was like oh my gosh!    I got Cal!    (laughs)     

Q:  That 1994 All-Star Game was also fun because at one point, you, Doug Drabek, Biggio, Bagwell and Caminiti were all on the field together. What was it like having so many teammates on the All-Star team?  

A:  Back then having five in the All-Star Game was a big deal.  It was such an incredible experience.   

You’ll remember that was the year that Bagwell was hitting everything.    It didn’t matter if there were no outs, or two outs, he was getting guys who were on base in.    The thing about that group of five, is that we all earned the right.    

Drabek had won the Cy Young with Pittsburgh earlier so going back and playing that night was awesome.   

Q:  Of the 194 games that you appeared in, what was the most memorable for you?

A:  I had situations that were cool.    My first official save was incredible.   Sometimes what I remember is just the friendships.  

One time, I gave up a bomb and Bagwell is out there and he’s taking forever to come in and I’m like, “let’s go” and he’s like I can’t, I’m waiting for that ball to come down that you threw (laughs).   That thing went all the way up on the tarps in Miami but that’s how we would bring each other down to earth.    Stuff would happen every outing, but every save was special and of course that All-Star Game was big.    

In one my career official at bat, I actually got a hit and drove in a pair of runs!    

Q:  How close a group was that 1994 team?

A:  I played with Derek Bell in High School.   Gonzo was also there, Dave Magadan was from there, so all of those guys and then you had so many great players thrown into the mix, it was a special group and time.   Those guys didn’t have any attitudes; they just played hard and had fun.

Arizona Diamondbacks News, 6/8: Turning back Washington

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 07: Corbin Carroll #7 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gestures to his dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Chase Field on June 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Game Recaps

[Dbacks.com] ‘Pretty dominant’: Soroka’s latest gem salvages D-backs’ homestand – Behind another good outing from Michael Soroka, the Diamondbacks beat the Nationals, 5-1, on Sunday afternoon to avoid a sweep in the three-game series. They finished up their week at home with a 3-4 mark. “Probably an incomplete grade,” manager Torey Lovullo said when asked to assess the homestand. “Nothing overly alarming, and nothing to get overly excited about. I want to come home and win baseball games. “It’s been a bit of an up-and-down stretch for the Diamondbacks. They dominated a run of 13 straight games against the NL’s two worst teams, going a combined 11-2 against the Rockies and Giants. They got swept in Seattle before coming home to face the Dodgers for four games.

[AZ Central] Michael Soroka’s career revival continues with 8th win of season – Michael Soroka’s last winning season was 2019, when he went 13-4 for Atlanta and was a National League All-Star. Seven years later, he’s headed toward more wins than losses; he’s 8-3 after holding the Nationals to a run on three hits over seven innings on Sunday, June 7, at Chase Field. Soroka matched his season high for most innings pitched in a game, and also struck six. He recorded his first seven-inning game with one or fewer runs allowed since August 2019. “It says a lot about how the team’s played,” Soroka said, asked what eight wins says about how he’s pitched in 2026. “I’ve been on the other end of the wins stat in my career. I went 0-and-10 in 2024. I didn’t pitch well for a good chunk of that. But these guys have supported me with some runs and some good defense.”

Team news

[MLB Trade Rumors] Diamondbacks Sign Max Kepler – News broke last January about Kepler’s positive test for the PED known as Epitrenbolone, and with Kepler still on the free agent market, his camp and Major League Baseball worked out an agreement for Kepler to serve his 80-game suspension even if he didn’t land a new contract. Since Kepler didn’t sign until now, he has been serving his 80-game suspension as if he was still a member of the Phillies (his former team). This makes June 25 the first day Kepler is eligible to take part in the 2026 season, so he’ll get a couple of weeks of ramp-up time in the minor leagues before making his D’Backs debut. Even before the suspension, Kepler was likely facing a tough market given his lack of production with the Phillies last year. He hit .216/.300/.391 with 18 home runs over 474 plate appearances, and even those modest numbers now come under the cloud of the PED suspension.

[SI] What D-backs’ Ugly Series Loss to Nationals Told Us — And What It Didn’t – After being blown out 14-1 in game one, the D-backs picked up just two hits against Zack Littell in game two. Littell had an ERA north of 5.00 coming in to Saturday’s game. But more critically, Arizona could not find a way to bring runners home once on base. They turned in a dismal 1-for-12 performance with runners in scoring position in this series, including an 0-for-7 day in game three’s 5-1 win. That game might have been a blowout victory with a semblance of improved RISP hitting. It’s a problem that the Diamondbacks only had 12 at-bats with runners in scoring position. It’s a worse problem only one resulted in a hit. This will have to change very quickly.

[Arizona Daily Star] Early signs point to progress in Diamondbacks’ pitching pipeline – “It’s good to see progress, but it’s too early to necessarily say what the long-term progress is going to be in that area,” D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said. “It’s going to take some time.” Hazen said some of the improvements can be traced to philosophical changes and processes implemented by Jeremy Bleich, the club’s new assistant general manager, who was hired in December to revamp the team’s pitching infrastructure. Hazen said Bleich has made a “major impact” on improving strike-throwing from a mentality standpoint. He said the club’s changes to add velocity are still taking shape. “We’re obviously trying to build the engines of our pitchers safely, engines that can drive higher average velocities and I think they’re doing a good job of that,” Hazen said.

[MLB] Tommy Troy on his training, his father’s influence

Not THIS again department…

[Arizona Sports] Report: D-backs 2B Ketel Marte continuing to frustrate segments of organization with absences – Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has continued to frustrate segments of the organization for taking days off, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Marte missed the Diamondbacks’ game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The decision was a combination of Marte and Arizona’s medical staff due to lower back and hamstring issues, and they did not want to risk further injury, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro. Marte’s absence was a talking point last season as there was some drama off the field due to absences and days-off requests around the All-Star break, which reportedly rubbed teammates the wrong way given the timing of the requests. He later apologized.

And, elsewhere…

[MLB] Top 10 Plays of the Week

[AP] Kyle Freeland now Rockies’ all-time innings pitched leader – The Denver native got Luis Rengifo to fly out in the fifth inning to take over the top spot. That first out to center put Freeland at 1,312 2/3 innings for his career and one-third ahead of Aaron Cook, the sinkerball specialist who notched 1,312 1/3 innings for Colorado from 2002 to ’11. Freeland received an ovation and made sure to appreciate the moment — just like former Rockies manager Bud Black once instructed.”I kind of thought of Buddy, that he’d love for me to tip the cap,” Freeland said after the Brewers finished off a three-game sweep with a 12-4 win Sunday. “I know that he would have probably told me, ‘Hey, make sure you tip your cap to the fans out there for their support of you over the years.’ I made sure I found my family to tip my cap to them, too.”

The War Between (2025)

  • Rating: C+
  • Dir: Deborah Correa
  • Star: Damian Conrad-Davis, Sam Bullington, Wayne Charles Baker, Essa O’Shea

We’re familiar with the location in which this takes place. Picacho Peak is just off to the right of I-10, as we head down to Tucson. By our marriage vows, I am required to refer to it as “Pikachu Peak,” every time we pass it, and Chris is obliged to roll her eyes and snort derisively. In 1862, it was the site of the second-most Western conflict of the Civil War, though the “Battle of Picacho Pass” hardly deserves the name, since it was more of a ninety-minute skirmish. There was barely a dozen men on either side, with the Confederate group prevailing and able subsequently to warn Tucson of the approaching Union army. It’s in the wake of this event that the film begins.

Read more

Braves Minor League Recap: Davis Polo shines, offense struggles in rain dominated Sunday

Los Angeles Dodgers v Atlanta Braves

(25-38) Norfolk Tide 6, (32-31) Gwinnett Stripers 0

  • Jim Jarvis, SS: 1-for-5, .293/.389/.422
  • DaShawn Keirsey Jr., CF: 2-for-5, SB, .263/.298/.387
  • Brewer Hicklen, RF: 1-for-5, SB, .324/.389/.530
  • Aaron Schunk, 1B: 0-for-1, 3 BB, SB, .240/.308/.387
  • Luke Williams, 3B: 0-for-1, 3 BB, .227/.305/.367
  • Owen Murphy, SP: 5IP 6H 5R 4ER 1BB 6K, 4.91 ERA

Box Score

The Stripers dropped a hard one, getting shut out by the Norfolk Tide and losing 6-0 while splitting the series at three games a piece.

Owen Murphy got the start and had an interesting game as he changed his pitch mix, nearly dropping his curveball entirely, in increasing his cutter usage significantly throughout the outing. Typically, Owen is primarily a fastball pitcher, thanks to his unique fastball that has an IVB that averages 18-22”, but those numbers were way down as he featured his cutter more. Overall, Owen generated 17 whiffs, and most of his trouble came off of a grand slam he allowed to Tommy Pham, also on a cutter. Connor Thomas (2IP 2H 1ER 1BB 1BB 0K) came in relief for Owen and allowed a run of his own across two innings of work. With the offense struggling and still being shut out, Daysbel Hernández (2IP 0H 0R 2BB 2K) worked the final two innings and kept the Tide scoreless.

Unfortunately, the offense struggled throughout the game. They faced six different arms, drew a staggering nine walks, but only had one extra-base hit while going 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position, and stranding 13 on base. Every time the Stripers would threaten with runners on base they either hit into double plays, or struck out in clutch situations – including the first and second innings when they had runners on but hit into double plays each time. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., fresh off being added to the forty man roster, was the only hitter to collect more than one hit, however three players (Brett Wisely, Aaron Schunk, and Luke Williams) all got on base three times each, drawing three walks a piece.

(26-28) Columbus Clingstones @ (28-27) Rocket City Trash Pandas – Canceled/Rain

(22-32) Greenville Drive @ (30-26) Rome Emperors – Canceled/Rain

(22-35) Delmarva Shorebirds 4, (30-27) Augusta GreenJackets 0

  • Conor Esssenburg, CF: 1-for-4, .246/.373/.449
  • Juan Mateo, 3B: 1-for-4, .280/.325/.347
  • Cooper McMurray, DH: 2-for-3, BB, .212/.361/.364
  • Davis Polo, SP: 6IP 4H 2R 1ER 0BB 8K, 3.22 ERA

Box Score

The GreenJackets just couldn’t get things started offensively as they struck out 11 times as a team, while collecting just four total hits all while failing to draw a single walk. They went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position, while stranding 10 on base. To put the cherry on top of it all, they also committed three errors in a game they will want to forget.

Davis Polo got the start for Augusta and turned in another strong start generating an astounding 20 whiffs on 84 pitches. The return from a shoulder injury has gone fantastic for Davis as he has leaned into his three pitch mix to great results. The first run he gave up came in the second inning when a triple turned into an inside the park home run, after an error by catcher Nick Montgomery. The second run came in the third inning when he hit Shorebirds catcher Nolaya, who then stole second, and took third on a throwing error by catcher Nick Montgomery. He then scored on a single with one out – that was the final run given up by Davis. Kendy Richard (3IP 4H 2ER 0BB 3K) replaced Davis Polo and gave up a pair of runs himself, one in the seventh and one in the ninth.

Offensively, the GreenJackets were unable to overcome the defensive mistakes as they struggled to get anything done with the bat. Cody Miller, now finding himself at the top of the lineup in Augusta, went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts – continuing his difficult 2026, though he did pick up a pair of stolen bases. Cooper McMurray got on base three times as he picked up a pair of singles and drew a walk. With just six total bases, it was a game to forget for Augusta offense.

Mariners News: Cal Raleigh, Max Kepler, and Jameson Taillon

EVERETT, WA - JUNE 07: Catcher Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners on rehab assignment for the Everett AquaSox waits on deck during a game between the Eugene Emeralds and Everett AquaSox on June 7, 2026 at Funko Field in Everett, Washington. (Photo by Henry Rodenburg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Good morning! A tough ending to their game against the Detroit Tigers yesterday handed the Mariners a series loss.

The Mariners will continue their road trip with a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles beginning this afternoon, with Emerson Hancock taking the mound for the 3:35 PM start.

In Mariners news…

Around the league…

Brewers vs A's Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Milwaukee Brewers enter Monday's series opener in excellent form, and the matchup against Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs only adds to their appeal.

My Brewers vs. Athletics predictions and MLB picks are backing Milwaukee to continue its offensive surge and roll to a convincing victory behind another strong outing from Kyle Harrison.

Who will win Brewers vs A's today: Brewers -1.5 (-105)

The Milwaukee Brewers will see Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs in the series opener. He's struggling immensely over his last two starts, posting a 5.99 FIP while allowing an alarming 3.12 home runs per nine innings. 

Additionally, opponents have generated a 51.7% hard-hit rate against him during that stretch, while his FIP sits at 4.43 at home this season. The Brew Crew comes into this one absolutely red-hot at the dish, hitting .319 over their last seven games while averaging a hard-hit rate of 44.6%

Kyle Harrison, meanwhile, has been elite. He has a 2.45 xFIP in his last two appearances, and he's given up just 0.77 home runs per nine innings across those starts.

He also owns an impressive 1.69 ERA on the road in 2026. The Athletics haven't shown much power lately, either, carrying a .163 ISO over the last week. I'd play this pick up to -130. 

Covers COVERS INTEL: Kyle Harrison has limited opponents to a 26.6% hard-hit rate in his last four outings and a barrel rate of just 4.7%. 

Brewers vs A's Over/Under pick: Under 10.5 (+100)

This is an incredibly high total, and I'm expecting most of the runs here to come from Milwaukee. The Brewers are averaging 8.7 runs across their last seven contests, although that number is somewhat inflated after scoring 16 against the Giants and 12 against the Rockies. Nevertheless, they're generating plenty of offense and should have success against Springs.

The A's, however, have struggled at the plate. They own just a 79 wRC+ and .289 wOBA over the last week, suggesting consistent offensive production could be difficult to come by.

Milwaukee's bullpen has also been terrific lately, posting a 3.00 xERA over the last 14 days while allowing just 0.54 home runs per nine innings.

This feels like a game where the Brewers do most of the scoring, while Kyle Harrison and Milwaukee's relief corps limit the damage on the other side. I'll play this up to -110.

Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 21-17, +2.92 units
  • Over/Under bets: 22-15, +3.25 units

Brewers vs A's odds

  • Moneyline: Brewers -150 | A's +140
  • Run line: Brewers -1.5 (-104) | A's +1.5 (-100)
  • Over/Under: Over 10.5 (-117) | Under 10.5 (+113)

Brewers vs A's trend

The Brewers have covered the run line in 27 of their last 45 games for +11.80 units and a 22% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. A's.

How to watch Brewers vs A's and game info

LocationLas Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
DateMonday, June 8, 2026
First pitch10:05 p.m. ET
TVBrewers.TV, NBCS-California
Brewers starting pitcherKyle Harrison
(7-1, 1.57 ERA)
A's starting pitcherJeffrey Springs
(3-6, 4.37 ERA)

Brewers vs A's latest injuries

Brewers vs A's weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Three Positives From the Week of May 31st

Back to even on the week, the Guardians proved that they can come back strong after a rough patch. They took down one of the biggest threats in the American League and avoided getting swept once again.

Bibee Gets First Win

While win-loss record isn’t much of an important stat for pitchers these days, it doesn’t look the greatest when a pitcher is 0-7 to start the season. That was exactly the case for Tanner Bibee who had not earned a win in any of his first 13 starts of the season. The Guardians haven’t lost every game he’s started, he just did not earn a decision in any of those wins. That was until Saturday’s game against the Texas Rangers. Bibee went eight innings, giving up zero runs on just three hits. He walked two and only struck out three, but his eight innings of work in a 6-0 ballgame all but guaranteed him his first win of the season. He acknowledged that wins are “the most useless stat” in baseball but agreed that getting his first was a weight off of his shoulders.

Bazzana Has A Night as Big as Texas

Even though the Guards could not pull off a win in Friday’s 3-2 nailbiter versus Texas, they won the hit column thanks to four huge at bats from rookie Travis Bazzana. He started off hot with a leadoff home run in the first inning, his fourth of the season. In the top of the third, he led off with a single and stole second base. Two innings later, he hit a triple into right field but was not brought home by any of his teammates. He struck out in his final at bat of the night keeping him from the cycle, but he certainly boosted his batting average and slugging percentage with the attempt. He now sits at .271/.355/.444 for the season.

Smith Earns Big Honors

Closer Cade Smith was named the American League Reliever of the Month for May on Wednesday. From May 1st to the 31st, he led MLB with 12 saves while striking out 25 hitters in 13.2 innings. While he had a rough start to the season, he’s gotten right back on track and has become the closer that Cleveland needed after losing Clase. He’s sitting at a 2.83 ERA and 1.08 WHIP for the season and has been a strikeout machine. If he can continue to lock down games late, he’ll be a key part to getting the Guards back to the postseason.

Social Media Spotlight

Doing a bit of a self-plug here, but my favorite social media post from this week was one that I made. I went to the Columbus Clippers game on Saturday, and while I only got to see one inning of baseball thanks to a two-hour weather delay, I got to visit with my favorite former player/current Triple-A pitching coach, Nick Wittgren.

Trump, Mamdani, and the other VIPs expected at NBA Finals Game 3

Besides the stars on the court, a number of big names will flock to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8.

President Donald Trump is expected to attend the game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the first at the iconic Manhattan arena in nearly three decades.

Days after repealing bedtimes for the youngest Knicks fans, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also set to be in the stands.

In addition to the politicians, several famous faces could be in attendance as well.

Here's a look at all the VIPs that could show out.

Trump to be at MSG for NBA Finals

The president told reporters at the Oval Office on June 4 that he's a "big fan" of the Knicks, confirming that owner James Dolan invited him to the game.

"The answer is yes – he’s invited me, I’m going," Trump said.

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on board Air Force One while flying from Joint Base Andrews to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, U.S., June 5, 2026.

The NBA said Trump will be the first-ever president to go to an NBA Finals game. Trump, who has been a frequent critic of the league, did occasionally attend Knicks games before his foray into politics.

In light of Trump's attendance, Madison Square Garden announced fans will face increased security measures, including screening procedures similar to that of the Transportation Security Administration.

A watch party that had been planned outside the arena has also been canceled because of Trump's visit, authorities said.

Mamdani says he paid for his own ticket for Game 3

Mamdani, an avid Knicks fan, also confirmed he will be in the stands for Game 3.

In an interview with radio station 1010 Wins on June 5, the mayor said he's paying for his own ticket to the event.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visits employees at Citi Field prior to the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Mets on April 09, 2026 in New York City.

"I’ll be there with a few friends. And I know that the president will also be coming. I can tell you that I won’t be courtside or in a suite, but I can’t wait to see the game," he said.

Mamdani has not said whether he will meet with the president during his trip to New York.

"If I do see him, I will let him know what I've said time and again, which is we're excited to welcome anyone and everyone who's rooting for the Knicks," he told the outlet.

Which celebrities are going to the Knicks game tonight?

While fans will have to wait for tip off to see all the stars in attendance, celebrity row is expected to be in full force at Madison Square Garden's first NBA Finals game in 27 years.

If the first two games of the series are any indication, at least one Emmy Award-winning actor and an Oscar-winning director may be cheering on the Knicks Monday.

Actor Ben Stiller and director Spike Lee both went to Games 1 and 2, as did Manhattan native Timothée Chalamet and "Saturday Night Live" legend Tracy Morgan.

Timothee Chalamet (left) and Ben Stiller reacts during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026.

Rapper Fat Joe and comedian Shane Gillis also showed out in San Antonio for the start of the series, so they could be back in New York for Game 3.

There are also a number of other famous Knicks fans who have appeared at games this season: Tina Fey, Kylie Jenner, Mariska Hargitay, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Fallon and Edie Falco, to name just a few.

Knicks, Spurs legends show out for NBA Finals

Several former players for both the Knicks and Spurs also attended the first two games of the NBA Finals, so expect more appearances throughout the rest of the series.

Knicks legends Patrick Ewing, Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Allan Houston appeared in San Antonio.

Former New York Knicks Patrick Ewing reacts before game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.

On the Spurs' side, former stars Manu Ginóbili, David Robinson and Tim Duncan were also in the stands.

Are the Spurs nuns going to NBA Finals Game 3?

The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, or, as they have become lovingly known around the Frost Bank Center, the Spurs nuns, have become a signature part of San Antonio's fanbase.

But the sisters will be cheering on Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the team from afar as they look to secure their first win of the series on June 8.

The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, aka the Spurs Nuns are interviewed by ESPN.

"There have been some rumors that we're going to New York City for the next two games. We're not going," the nuns said in a social media post.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Mamdani, and the VIPs expected at MSG for Knicks-Spurs Game 3

Good Morning San Diego: Padres return to form, drop game, series to Mets

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Miguel Andujar #41 of the San Diego Padres leaves the game accompanied by a trainer during the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park on June 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Talk around the San Diego Padres was the offense might have been turning a corner when Freddy Fermin hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning that helped them beat the visiting New York Mets on Saturday night. The teams returned to the field on Sunday, and the Padres proved that theory was inaccurate.

San Diego was down early, and it stayed that way throughout the game. New York scored runs in the first, second, fifth, sixth and eighth innings and took the three-game series with a 7-3 win. The floundering Padres offense was outhit 13-7 and five of the 13 hits for the Mets came from rookie Carson Benge who finished the day 5-for-5 with three singles, a home run and a triple. He also scored three runs and had two RBI.

The offensive bright spot for San Diego was once again Fermin, who hit his second two-run home run in as many days. This is the part where you are reminded that Fernando Tatis Jr. still only has one home run. Fermin finished the afternoon 2-fo-4 with a home run and a double. He scored a run and had all three RBI for the Padres. Tatis, Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, Miguel Andujar and Samad Taylor each had a hit for San Diego. Andujar came out of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning with an injury after he reached base on his single.

Randy Vasquez could not fool the Mets hitters, as evidenced by Benge’s success at the plate, and he allowed four runs on eight hits and lasted just four inning. Vasquez also allowed two walks and recorded just three strikeouts in the game. He was not the only Padres pitcher who struggled against the New York lineup. Yuki Matsui allowed two runs on two hits in 1.2 innings, Ron Marinaccio allowed one run on one hit and a walk in 2.1 innings, and Wandy Peralta did not allow a run but did allow two hits and issued a walk in his one inning of work.

San Diego does not get a break before the Cincinnati Reds come to town. The Padres and Reds open their three-game series tonight at 6:40 p.m.

Padres News:

  • German Marquez looked good in his latest rehab start in El Paso, but can he hit? The return of Marquez could help the rotation eat more innings to give the bullpen a break, but the offense will have to support his efforts.
  • Sung-Mun Song has not had the struggles at the plate that many international players do when coming to the MLB from Japan or Korea. He has shown an ability to hit the fastball and his contributing on offense, but his greatest contribution has been his defense.
  • Manny Machado had one hit in the three-game series against the Mets. His average is abysmal, but he his hitting home runs. Fernando Tatis Jr. has a good average hitting above .270 but still has not found his power stroke and has just one home run on the season. Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribunediscusses the strange season for the two San Diego stars.
  • Samad Taylor is a California native who made his first start for the Padres with family and friends in attendance at Petco Park. He was able to give them a hit but unfortunately could not help San Diego give them a win.

Baseball News:

Podcast: Mixed week leaves Orioles in same place

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 5: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates his home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 5, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Before the Orioles started their little six-game road trip last week, a 3-3 record across the six games would have felt pretty good. The O’s have not been good on the road so far this year, so even holding at .500 while outside of Camden Yards is positive. They just made it feel disappointing to actually go 3-3 since they won the first series plus the first game in Toronto before closing out with a couple of stupid losses.

This week’s episode of the podcast has me thinking about how confusing it is to try to sort out thoughts about these guys because at this point, two-plus months into the season, it’s not totally clear who they are yet. Was the dismal start to May the aberration for an otherwise good team, or was the recent stretch of winning 10 of 14 the departure from an otherwise bad team? We aren’t really going to know until more time has gone by.

Also in this episode, some extended discourse on Adley Rutschman thanks to a reader’s email for my thoughts. Rutschman is a good symbol for this 2026 Orioles team because he’s gone between two extremes as well. Is he bounced back from a couple of rougher years, as evidenced by a great April, or is he continuing on the road to disappointment, as evidenced by a rough May? This question is only going to be answered over time as well.

Listen to my thoughts on the last week of Orioles baseball below:

If the above player isn’t displaying, view this article in Incognito Mode or check it out on the show’s page.

This is my weekly podcast about whatever is going on lately with the Orioles. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe. You can get the show on SpotifyApple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to access your podcasts.

How are you feeling about the way things are going with the Orioles right now? Answers could make it into the mailbag section of the next episode of the podcast.

The Spurs are free to play like there’s nothing left to lose

Mar 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) and guards Mikal Bridges (25) and Jose Alvarado (5) and Landry Shamet (44) and center Mitchell Robinson (23) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Second verse, same as the first. In Game 2 of in the NBA Finals, the Spurs looked better than in Game 1, which they lost in the last minute to the New York Knicks. The defense was tighter, the offense was more disciplined, and the Spurs once again kept Jalen Brunson under wrap — until they didn’t. After another heartbreaking loss where the Spurs had a chance to win or, at worst, take it to overtime, the turnover of all turnovers handed the Knicks a 2-0 lead as the series heads to New York.

With that, I continue Fraternizing with the Enemy with Russell Richardson, editor-in-chief of our Knicks sister site Posting and Toasting, as we discuss what went right and wrong, and if the Spurs have one last push in them or if Knicks just flat out have their number this season. Click the links if you would like to revisit Part 1 or Part 2.

J.R. 

What a game. What an incredible game! Loved the ebb and flow. Loved the tension. Loved the comeback and taking the lead. Loved forcing the Brunson miss and rebound to bring it up the court with a chance to make sure that overtime was the worst possible result. Man, there is nothing like the final moments of a huge game with tons riding on it when it comes down to the final possession. 

I’d say that’s right about the point where I stopped loving things. From the point of that rebound it was either bad things or not so bad. But there were no good things. What a game, but how … what’s the word? I need a word for a pain so big that you can’t simply use the word pain because it’s too small to cover the enormity of the loss. The kind of pain that, as you come to terms with it, keeps growing to the point that you wonder if it’ll overwhelm you. A pain that you can’t get your arms around. A pain that makes you re-examine who you are and how you approach the things that matter. Excruciating. That’s the word. 

After you’ve found the right word, there’s nothing left to do but find the silver linings. I mean, of course, there are plenty of things to do besides that. There’s wallowing in the pain of a 0-2 series. There’s torturing yourself with the frustration of coming up short. There’s bemoaning missed calls and bad plays and missed free throws and turnovers. There is all of that. But none of that is constructive and so I refuse to do that to myself. I reject the idea that my fandom (the state and the core of my rooting for a team) would be something that turns me to bitterness. Never! So finding silver linings it is.

Wemby has come through in the clutch all season. He’s taken the measure of the moment and made not just big but huge plays. For him to see his best fall short is just the kind of pain that forces more focus and development and teamwork. That’s the kind of pain that makes a team dig deep and turn 2013 into 2014. Oh, it’s excruciating. But they either get hurt enough to learn from — really learn and improve— or they get back to 2-2. There’s no pressure on them now. After three straight days of “will NY sweep?” it’s free and easy from here until the series is tied or it’s all over.

R.R. 

Boy were my briefs tight in the final two minutes! When Victor Wembanyama put the Spurs ahead, 103-102, my voice squeaked like a 12-year-old eunuch’s. Thank goodness my baby-making days are over. Can you imagine explaining that to the specialist? “Everything was fine until that 14-0 run and then—sssnap!” 

That particular pain you speak of is all too familiar to us in New York. That existential dread still gives us shivers. You see, while the Spurs were hanging five championship banners, we went 53 years without one. (Not me personally, I’m old but not that old!) While you were partying, we were always talking about next year, and how Kevin Knox just needed a little refinement, and how Phil Jackson would lead us to the Promised Land (if he’d quit napping at team practices). Silver linings? Silver linings?? We had orange and blue skies, but they were always trimmed by strands of twinkling silver.

What we would be saying in your position–and you can trust my expertise on this, because Knicks fans have been in your position practically since Dr. Naismith hung his peach crates–is that there is no team more dangerous than one that has been summarily written off. Down 2-0? Ho Ho Ho!No sweat! This is the exactly the adversity Elfrid Payton needs to kick in the next gea–

Sorry. Had a gnarly flashback to the 2021 playoffs. My therapist calls this basketball-induced PTSD.

Returning to 2026: I thought San Antonio’s response to Game One mostly worked. They doubled the paint aggressively, got better games from De’Aaron Fox and Wembanyama, and defended more physically. Even Tony Brothers shook his head when Carter Bryant dropped an elbow on Jalen Brunson from the top rope. Ol’ Tone didn’t blow his whistle, but he did admonish the behavior with a stern head shake. Did you see the clip of Wemby nearly snapping Jose Alvarado’s neck? I hope Brooklyn has good chiropractors.

So, the fact that they threw a mightier haymaker and still came up short doesn’t bode well for your guys. Meanwhile, Brunson is primed to have a breakout game; Josh Hart hasn’t yet had one of his random five-three-pointer games; OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are playing defense like cops from El Salvador; and the ghost of Willis Reed has possessed the body of Towns. The most encouraging thing about heading home up 2-0 is that the Knicks haven’t even turned the dial all the way up yet.

Some on our side are speculating that Johnson might start Harper in place of Fox in Game Three. Fox’s ankle issues seem to be hindering San Antonio’s offense. Harper, being bigger, stronger, and more physical, would attack downhill, create tough pick-and-roll problems with Wembanyama, and force Brunson into heavy defensive work, opening up opportunities for the Spurs’ shooters and star big man. What do you think? Do you think Johnson will make the change?

J.R.

Nossir. Uh uh. Nope. 

As much as I would love to see Dylan’s minutes increase, if Fox is healthy enough to play, I don’t see Mitch starting Harper. I’m not saying Pop would’ve done it, but one of the things that happens when you replace a living legend is that you deal with a lot more second-guessing of the kind that would’ve been waived away with a breezy, “The guys got five rings and do you think you know more about basketball than he does!?”

I love Mitch. I feel certain that he’s the right guy. I think San Antonio has their Eric Spoelstra in Coach Johnson. You know, the guy who started in the Heat’s system as a video coordinator and worked his way up to being Riley’s right hand man, and eventually successor. That’s Mitch, only swap South Beach for the Alamo and slicked back hairdo for a white beard and a smirk. 

My take on Mitch from early season: it doesn’t matter if he’s the best qualified guy to take the Spurs to the Finals this year. It only matters that he’s the guy who will be able to grow with the team so that he’s finals-ready when the team is. Only there was a problem with that neat little take of mine. The team went out and made the finals! So we’re seeing what it looks like when a franchise’s 22-year-old best player who’s learning on the fly and is being coached by a first-full-year head coach who’s (say it with me) learning on the fly. So much potential that the sky is the limit. How high will they fly this year? No one knows but it’s been entertaining so far!

Yes, even Game 2 was stunningly entertaining – like a cinematic masterpiece that leaves you so emotionally impacted that you have to spend $10,000 in therapy to get over it. Costly, sure. But entertaining. 

So, with the ghosts of Elfrid Payton and Stephon Marbury hanging in the wings, and with the words “it might just be crazy enough to work” echoing in the halls, the series moves back to MSG. Would you agree that the pressure is on the Knicks at this point, or would that only happen should the Spurs take Game 3?

R.R.

How you thought about coach Mitch is kinda how we regarded coach Thibs. He was going to be the bridge—the Mark Jackson to the Steve Kerr, if you will. Tom was hired to install discipline, fundamentals, and a winning culture. He had never (head) coached a team to the Finals, nor did we expect him to. When the team reached the ECF last season, our heads were sent reeling. 

The camp was divided. The curmudgeon had delivered on one major dream (the ECF); did he deserve a chance at a Finals run, or were his weaknesses the last obstacles to glory? Leon Rose & Co. went with the latter. I’d say their choice has been vindicated.

One criticism of Thibs was that the Knicks’ offense became predictable: dribble handoffs at the top, drive-and-kicks, and heavy Brunson iso-ball. Mike Brown was hired to change that. Throughout the regular season, though, the offense looked eerily similar. Remember, this is not a young roster but one of seasoned vets, with pride and ingrained beliefs about their personal skills. (OK, psst—the problem was mostly KAT, but shhh. We love him now!)

Only in the playoffs has Mike Brown’s scheme been realized. The Knicks have consistently moved the ball and involved everyone in the offense. They’ve executed at a speed unseen from them before. In fact, I suspect their game plan—which is to push the pace to tire out Wemby—had the same deleterious effect on their stamina in Game Two. When they became winded, the old habits emerged. Late possessions became sloppy. Luckily, they snapped out of it enough to salvage the game, with special thanks to Captain Clutch.

Brunson was mauled for much of the night and never found a rhythm. In yet another massive moment, he hit the tying shot, recovered Wembanyama’s turnover, and scored the winning point. That’s why his jersey sells like hotcakes. The 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year, remember.

To your question: the pressure should be on New York, with a chance to effectively slam the door with a Game Three victory on their home turf. But they are playing with such confidence that I doubt they’re overly concerned. Truly, an impartial juror would look at this scenario and say, “Duh. Can I go home now?” New York defeated the Spurs four out of five times between the regular season and postseason (pretty good for the purported underdogs, no?). Could San Antonio flip the script, unlock some cheat code, and win four of the next five? It’s possible. But don’t bet your kid’s college tuition on it.

Mike Sirota & Zyhir Hope power Tulsa doubleheader sweep

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 20, 2026: Mike Sirota #08 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats during the sixth inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Camelback Ranch on March 20, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

Evan Phillips pitched a scoreless inning on Sunday in his second rehab game for Triple-A Oklahoma City, as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery just over a year ago. Phillips got the ball in the eighth inning against Round Rock, then struck out his first batter, walked his second, and induced a groundball double play to get out of the frame on 10 pitches.

Tommy Edman played seven innings at second base on Sunday, and tripled and scored a run at the plate. Edman played in five of six games this week, including all three games this weekend, and has played nine weeks thus far in his minor league rehab assignment.

Here’s what happened in the rest of the Dodgers minor leagues on Sunday.

Player of the day

Mike Sirota hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning on Sunday, turning a two-run Tulsa deficit into a win of a suspended game that began on Saturday.

Sirota had already walked twice in that first game before his game-winning home run, then singled and walked in the second game to extend his on-base to 47 games, which includes his final 30 games for Great Lakes this season.

Since getting promoted to Double-A on May 19, Sirota is hitting .365/.506/.603 with nine extra-base hits and 14 RBI in 17 games.

With his combined performance in High-A and Double-A, Sirota has moved up prospect lists since the offseason. At Baseball America for instance, Sirota was ranked the 45th-best prospect in baseball in January, and just this week moved up to No. 19.

“Entering the season, the only real question about Sirota’s game was how he’d look after knee surgery that ended his 2025 campaign,” Josh Norris wrote at Baseball America on Wednesday. “Safe to say, the only remnant of the injury is the scar left by the incision. He’s hit for average and power all year, and has shown he fits right in with the Dodgers’ outrageous group of outfielders.”

Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Comets peppered offense throughout Sunday’s game to beat the Round Rock Express (Rangers), and The Comet was in the middle of things. Hyeseong Kim had three hits in the win, stole a base, and drove in a pair.

Zach Ehrhard reached base four times with two singles and two walks. Alek Thomas had two hits and a walk.

Jack Suwinski singled, walked, scored two runs, and was on the front end of this unconventional double play to end the seventh inning, with some quick thinking by shortstop Noah Miller.

Double-A Tulsa

Zyhir Hope hit a two-run home run in the first game on Sunday, then homered, doubled, and drove in four runs in Game 2, helping the Drillers to two wins over the Amarillo Sod Poodles (Diamondbacks).

Josue De Paula homered in the second game.

In the completion of Saturday’s suspended game, Wyatt Crowell took over on the mound and allowed one run in his first three innings on Sunday. But then he allowed two home runs and a double in a five-run fifth inning that turned the game around. The left-hander has allowed six runs in four different appearances this season, plus another five-run game, fueling his 7.34 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 32 walks in his 38 innings.

High-A Great Lakes

After winning four of the first five games in this series, the Loons were on the wrong end of a blowout in a loss to the Lansing Lugnuts (A’s).

Sterling Patick had a rough go of things, with six runs allowed on nine hits and a walk in his 4 1/3 innings. The left-hander, who entered Sunday with a 24.6-percent strikeout rate this season, failed to strike out a batter for the first time in his 43 professional starts.

Emil Morales homered, walked, and singled, driving in two of Great Lakes’ four runs on Sunday. He has four home runs and two doubles in 15 games since getting promoted to High-A.

Eduardo Quintero doubled and singled, extending his Loons-record on-base streak to 32 games. It’s his 15th multi-hit game this season, and fifth in the last two weeks. Quintero also stole a base on Sunday, his team-leading 24th of the year on 28 tries. He has 20 steals in his last 22 games.

Class-A Ontario

The Tower Buzzers were on the wrong end of a blowout loss to the Stockton Ports (A’s), who scored the first 10 runs on Sunday.

Hyun-Seok Jang started and pitched a scoreless first inning, but was roughed up for seven runs while getting chased in the second inning, after four hits (including a three-run home run), two hit batters, and a walk.

First baseman Easton Shelton hit a solo shot, his fourth home run in the last three games.

Outfielder Landyn Vidourek homered and drove in three.

Transactions

Triple-A: Left-hander Antoine Kelly was traded to the Cubs. A non-roster invitee this spring, Kelly had a 5.14 ERA with 22 strikeouts and 19 walks in 23 games and 21 innings for Oklahoma City. Second baseman Taylor Young, who broke his wrist in spring training and just returned this week in three games for Tulsa, was promoted to the Comets, a few days after infielder/outfielder Tyler Fitzgerald was placed on the injured list.

Sunday scores

The week ahead

  • Oklahoma City at Charlotte (White Sox)
  • Tulsa vs. Wichita (Twins)
  • Great Lakes at Wisconsin (Brewers)
  • Ontario at Lake Elsinore (Padres)

A rare interleague series for Oklahoma City, playing the Charlottes Knights of the International League.

AHL Playoff Update: WBS eliminated by Marlies in Game 6

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hit the end of the line in the 2026 Calder Cup playoffs last night, dropping a 2-1 overtime game to the Toronto Marlies in Game 6. It was a bitter pill for a team to swallow to run out of gas and yield to an older, stronger opponent, but one that planted many promising seeds for the future.

Here were the lines for the Pens, this graphic isn’t even accurate as Owen Pickering (who took warmups) was a very last minute scratch, adding to the injury pile on the blueline. Alex Alexeyev returned from injury, but with Pickering, Phil Kemp, Sebastian Aho and Finn Harding all unavailable, WBS needed to rely on ECHL callups in Emil Pieniniemi and David Breazeale in an elimination game.

Wilkes took a lead early in the period, a very nice pass from Avery Hayes setup Aidan McDonough for a power play goal.

Ultimately it would be the final goal of the WBS season. Toronto’s Easton Cowan scored in the second period to tie the game, leaving the teams clinging to that 1-1 battle for a large portion of the night.

In overtime, it was former Penguin (and WBS Penguin) Alex Nylander delivering the goal to end the series and send Toronto to the Calder Cup Final.

In the end, it wasn’t meant to be for WBS, and their season comes to an end as a result. They had some chances, including Tanner Howe getting a great look just a minute prior to Nylander ending the game. The opponent had something to do with the outcome as well, have to give credit to them. Toronto was a very well-coached team playing a 1-1-3 neutral zone trap that was difficult to fight through to earn quality scoring chances (not to be confused with the high number of shot total that Wilkes usually ended up with). The Marlies got great goaltending along the way from Artur Akhtyamov and had some savvy vets who could pop out and make WBS pay at key moments. That all contributed.

The team would probably not blame the injury situation, but there’s no doubt that played into things. It’s hard, if not impossible, to win a playoff series with four of a team’s top six or seven defensemen all hurt by the end of it. And yet, the Pens only conceded two goals in almost 74 minutes in Game 6, a testament to Sergei Murashov (37 saves on 39 shots for the game) and their team will to keep battling.

In the end, WBS fell short and their season is over. In the wider picture, there’s much to be proud of for the players and see a lot of promise for the future.

  • Murashov has to be at the top of that list as an emerging young goalie. Last season Murashov only got to play one AHL playoff game, this spring he got in 15 of them (posting a .931 save% and 2.11 GAA along the way). This run will likely provide direct, tangible benefits for Murashov’s future and development as a player.
  • Harrison Brunicke’s topsy turvy season trying to find a place to stick ended on a sweet note. Many considered him the best player on the ice in more games than not down the stretch. With all the defensive injuries and then ECHL callups in the lineup, the Pens often resorted to double-shifting defensemen. Brunicke was a beast, a big development change from about six-eight months earlier when he played choppy in the NHL and then not much better in a short AHL stint in late 2025. Fast forward to the middle of 2026 and it was like a different player for how much growth he was able to inject into his game.
  • Tristan Broz led the team in points, with 11 (3G+8A) in the 15 games. As always in his career, when a team that Broz is on scores a big goal in a crucial moment, he has that knack of having something to do with it. Who knows what that means for his future next season, but as always he acquitted himself well in the AHL once again.
  • Bill Zonnon turned pro on the fly in the middle of the AHL playoffs and ended up with four goals and three assists in 11 games. Very impressive stuff from him, the youngster will need some time to round out his game but the best part is that he’ll never be as inexperienced or in as peripheral a role in the future as he was in this playoff and Zonnon still managed to make a difference.
  • Mikhail Ilyin in some ways was even less experienced than Zonnon for AHL playoffs in terms of lack of familiarity with the North American style, rink sizes and all that after five AHL regular season games, and Ilyin still ended up tied for second on the team in playoff scoring (2G+7A). Ilyin’s talent level is legit and there’s good reason to be hopeful about how the adaptation process is going to show he can succeed in this environment. Early signs are pretty good.
  • Agreed with the note here from Jonathan Bombulie about Ville Koivunen standing out after the whistle. Next training camp (when he needs waivers to go to the AHL) is literally now or never for him, here’s to hoping he shows up with the same moxie and nerve to try and stand out, which he hasn’t done much at the NHL level.
  • Rutger McGroarty and Avery Hayes played like players who aren’t long for the AHL. Both, you would think, will be under serious contention for an NHL roster spot out of camp. It can always be dangerous to pencil anyone in right now (especially before trades and free agent signings flood the deck with plenty of options) but at the same time, you would also have to think these two have done everything asked of them to show what they were supposed to show.

In all, that’s a wrap on the 2025-26 WBS Penguins team. They fall a little short of the promised land, which is a big shame for an organization that has never won a Calder Cup. While they will benefit in the years to come from what Pittsburgh hopes is a continuing stream of talented young players, the immediate future probably won’t be as bright for WBS next year if they have to deal with the immediate or eventual NHL graduations of players like Murashov, Brunicke, McGroarty, Hayes, Broz and Koivunen. One way or another, this was sort of the crest of the wave for this mini-generation of those prospects, a trough could follow before the next batch gears all the way up again. It’s never a fun ending to come up short, but this team has a lot for the organization to be proud of both on individual and overall areas of growth and achievement following this AHL season.

Where Are They Now? Revisiting Conroy's Flames Draft Picks

Craig Conroy is about to enter his fourth NHL Draft as the general manager of the Calgary Flames, assuming the duties on May 23, 2023. He inherited the role from Brad Treliving, who held only three draft picks in the 2022 NHL Draft, none of whom have reached the NHL as of the 2025-26 season.

Meanwhile, Conroy had a month to prepare for the 2023 NHL Draft, with the 16th overall pick, and five more for a total of six that first year. He restocked the team's 2024 draft pool, selecting 10 prospects, including two first-rounders at 9th and 28th overall. 

In 2025, Conroy trimmed his selections down to eight, once again with two first-rounders at 18th and 32nd overall. Overall, the Flames general manager has made 24 selections at the NHL Draft, with 11 more on tap at this year's event, including 6th overall and eight picks in the top 68 spots. 

Today, many could call Conroy a veteran at the draft table, which raises the stakes with every selection he makes in Buffalo. While many will look towards the future, let's revisit his previous draft picks and catch up with where they are in 2026.

2023 NHL Draft

Samuel Honzek (16th overall) LW/C

Samuel Honzek made his NHL debut during the 2025-26 season, skating in 18 games, tallying two goals and four points. At the moment, he's on the Flames roster for next season, with two years remaining on his entry-level deal. 

Samuel Honzek (Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)
Samuel Honzek (Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Étienne Morin (48th overall) D

Étienne Morin became an AHL regular with the Calgary Wranglers last season, scoring his first goal and adding six assists in 42 games. He also spent seven games in the ECHL, but is going to be a lock to remain with the Wranglers in 2026-27.

Aydar Suniev (80th overall) LW/RW

Aydar Suniev earned a one-game NHL call-up in 2024-25 and has seven games of experience with the Flames, but is currently a mainstay with Wranglers. Last year, in his first full AHL campaign, he scored 16 goals in 57 games. 

Jaden Lipinski (112th overall) C/RW

After parts of four seasons in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants, Jaden Lipinski went on to play for the University of Maine in 2025-26, scoring three goals and totaling 12 points in 30 games. As of right now, he remains unsigned by the Flames, and his rights expire on July 1, 2027.

Yegor Yegorov (176th overall) G

Yegor Yegorov is one of two netminders that Conroy has drafted, and the Russian-born puckstopper is ready to make the move to North America, committing to Miami University for the 2026-27 season. Like Lipinski, Yegorov is unsigned, but his rights remain with the organization until July 1, 2027.

Future Flames Franchise Goalie? Yegorov Takes First Step Toward NHL DreamFuture Flames Franchise Goalie? Yegorov Takes First Step Toward NHL DreamRussian goaltending prospect Yegor Yegorov is set to continue his development path in North America after committing to Miami University for 2026–27, adding another intriguing piece to the Calgary Flames’ growing crease pipeline.

Axel Hurtig (208th overall) D

The Swedish-born Axel Hurtig has found a home in Calgary, joining the WHL's Hitmen squad for the 2024-25 season and serving as team captain last year. After 35 points in 119 games in the WHL, Hurtig is getting called up and slated to be in the Wranglers' lineup for the upcoming season.

2024 NHL Draft

Zayne Parekh (9th overall) D

Zayne Parekh doesn't need an introduction to Flames fans. After dominating the OHL for three seasons, including 107 points in 61 games as a defenseman in 2024-25, he became an NHL regular in 2025-26 and is a core player in Calgary's rebuild. In 37 games with the Flames, the 20-year-old had four goals and nine points. 

Matveii Gridin (28th overall) RW/LW

Matveii Gridin was busy in 2025-26, skating 37 games with the Wranglers and another 37 with the Flames, tallying a total of 16 goals and 50 points in his first season of professional hockey. As another key prospect in the rebuild, Gridin has two years left on his entry-level deal.

Andrew Basha (41st overall) LW/RW

Andrew Basha won a Memorial Cup with the Medicine Hat Tigers, skating with the club for parts of five seasons before making his AHL debut last year. In 27 games, he had a goal and five points, and he will be a regular in the Wranglers' lineup next season.

Jacob Battaglia (62nd overall) RW/LW

Jacob Battaglia has yet to play outside of the OHL, amassing 230 points in 265 games over the past four seasons. However, he is no longer in the Flames organization as Conroy traded the winger to the New York Rangers in exchange for Brennan Othmann on Mar. 6, 2026. 

Henry Mews (74th overall) D

Henry Mews' first season in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines lasted only ten games, but he managed to collect nine assists in those contests. In the OHL, he averaged 0.93 points per game with the Ottawa 67's, collecting 174 points in 188 games. He's still recovering from a knee injury and may not be ready for the 2026-27 season.

Kirill Zarubin (84th overall) G

Kirill Zarubin continues to skate in his native Russia, serving as the starting netminder for AKM Tula in the MHL, posting a 26-13-3 record last year with a .930 SV% and 2.17 GAA. According to his Elite Prospects profile, the 20-year-old is in line for a promotion to the VHL for the upcoming campaign.

Trevor Hoskin (106th overall) RW/C

Trevor Hoskin swapped NCAA jerseys last season, moving from Niagara University to Merrimack College. His production stayed the same, with 35 points in 39 games, a slight dip from the previous year, 39 points in 36 games. Hoskin is returning to Merrimack for the 2026-27 season.

Luke Misa (150th overall) C/LW

Luke Misa was a teammate of the projected No. 1 overall pick, Gavin McKenna, at Penn State University last year, where Misa, a freshman, scored 8 goals and 19 points in 37 games. After producing at almost a point-per-game pace (0.91) in the OHL, his numbers dipped down to 0.51 in the NCAA.

Hunter Laing (170th overall) C/RW

Hunter Laing had his best season as a WHL skater in 2025-26, scoring 24 goals and 55 points in 64 games, the first time he surpassed 50 points in the league. Interestingly, the Flames did not retain Laing's draft picks, making him eligible for reentry in this year's draft.

Eric Jamieson (Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Eric Jamieson (Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Eric Jamieson (177th overall) D

Eric Jamieson is currently the only player drafted by Conroy to go on and win an NCAA National Championship, achieving the feat last season with the University of Denver. In addition to a championship, Jamieson was named to the NCAA (NCHC) All-Rookie Team, thanks to 18 points in 43 games with only 47 penalty minutes and a plus-12 rating.

2025 NHL Draft

Cole Reschny (18th overall) C/LW

Cole Reschny is committed to staying at the University of North Dakota and looks to improve on his six-goal, 35-point performance in 36 games last season. As a former 20-goal scorer in the WHL, he'll look to get back to double digits in his second NCAA campaign.

Cullen Potter (32nd overall) C/LW

Cullen Potter will begin his third NCAA season in 2026-27, transferring to Michigan State University after two years with Arizona State. Despite a career minus-2 total, he's producing at a 0.81 points-per-game pace, with 48 points in 59 NCAA games. 

Cullen Potter (Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Cullen Potter (Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Theo Stockselius (54th overall) C/LW

Theo Stockselius, a Swedish native, has yet to skate in North America, but finally made his SHL debut in 2025-26, collecting an assist in 16 games with Djurgårdens IF. Additionally, he earned a spot on Sweden's U18 club in 2025 and, most recently, the country's U20 team in 2026.

Mace'o Phillips (80th overall) D

Mace'o Phillips is another Flames prospect poised to take a jump in their career this season, agreeing to skate at the University of Minnesota after several seasons in the USHL. As an alternate captain with the Green Bay Gamblers, he scored one goal and had ten helpers for 11 points in 44 games. 

Ethan Wyttenbach (144th overall) LW/RW

Ethan Wyttenbach had a great first season in the NCAA, scoring 25 goals and 59 points with Quinnipiac University, totals slightly higher than his previous year in the USHL. At 19, he's going to return to Quinnipac for another campaign in 2026-27.

Aidan Lane (176th overall) RW/LW

Aidan Lane made his NCAA debut last year with Harvard, scoring six goals and 13 points in 34 games. He's bounced around, skating in the PHC, USHL, OHL, and now the NCAA since 2024. At the time of this writing, Lane remains unsigned by the Flames, who retain his rights until 2029.

A Brief Flames Stint Is Keeping Jagr's Wild Stanley Cup Final Teammate Streak AliveA Brief Flames Stint Is Keeping Jagr's Wild Stanley Cup Final Teammate Streak AliveFuture Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr has played professional hockey for 36 years, with many of his old teammates skating in the Stanley Cup Final. As the Vegas Golden Knights battle the Carolina Hurricanes, his teammate streak has reached 46 seasons.

Jakob Leaner (208th overall) D

Jakob Leaner is another Swedish prospect in the Flames system, who is still skating at the U20 level in his native country. As of spring 2026, he has yet to make his SHL debut, but he reached double digits for the first time since age 16, with two goals and 12 points in 36 games. The Flames retain his rights until 2029.

Yan Matveiko (18th overall) C

Yan Matveiko made his VHL debut last year, earning an assist in his only appearance. Down in the MHL, he tallied 15 goals and 37 points in 50 games with the second-best plus/minus rating (plus-23) on Krasnaya Armiya Moskva. Like several of his 2025 draft classmates, Matveiko remains unsigned by the Flames, who maintain his rights until 2029.


How would you rank Conroy's draft history through three years? Which players are you hoping will make an impact somewhere in the organization next season? Who will be the next one to make their NHL debut with the Flames? Let us know what you think in the comments.