Will Corbin Burnes play this year? Ace determined to even after injury setback

PHOENIX — Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, who signed the richest contract in Arizona Diamondbacks history, was scheduled to begin his rehab assignment Friday and return to the Diamondbacks in July for the first time in 13 months.

The plan was to step into the rotation, be there for the pennant stretch, and lead the Diamondbacks back into the postseason with perhaps a deep October run.

Instead, there he was Thursday, talking about changing diapers and making his kids’ lunch at home for another two months, hoping he can just return by the end of the season for his sanity.

Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million contract, had his Tommy John surgery recovery paused for at least another two months after an MRI revealed that he has a teres major/lat strain in his right shoulder.

“It's obviously frustrating,’’ Burnes said. “Your team’s playing good baseball, you want to get back and have as much of an impact as you can. … It's tough to have put in work for 11 months and you're a little over a month away from being back. It sucks.’’

Burnes, who faced live hitters last Friday, felt fine except for perhaps one or two pitches. He thought it was maybe a cramp, but certainly wasn’t alarmed. He played catch again Saturday, and then again Monday, and everything was normal.

The D-backs staff asked him whether he was ready to go full-out Tuesday, throwing perhaps 25 pitches. Burnes hesitated.

"I mean, I know I could pitch, but stepping on for 25 pitches, I wasn't sure,’’ Burnes said. “So I said, 'Hey, just for peace of mind, let's have an image,' and got it looked at. Sure enough, it came back (with the strained lat). I think it kind of shocked everyone. …

“We can’t wrap our head around it. There was nothing as far as tinkering with arm slot or anything. Everything literally was the same for the two months of bullpens leading up to game action last year. I wish I had an answer.’’

Now, after making just 11 starts last season in his first year with the Diamondbacks, this season is ruined, too. He insists he should be back by September, but D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said they will proceed with caution. They have plenty invested in Burnes, who has $140 million left in his contract the next four years.

“It's one of those things you want to be a part of this team,’’ Burnes said. “Obviously, I get in here as much as I can to be a part of the team as much as I can, but unless you're out on the mound contributing to the team, it's tough to actually feel like you're doing anything.

“The goal is just kind of listen to (the) training staff here. I'm going to push the envelope, it's what I do. So whatever the timeline is, I'll make sure it's on the short end of that, but just have to do what I can to get healthy and provide as much of an impact as I can.’’

Said Lovullo: “We’re just trying to get him healthy as fast as possible. He wants to be back as soon as possible, which is one of his great qualities. So I know he’s going to work his butt off to heal as far as he can, get the treatment he’s supposed to, and what happens is going to happen.’’

This is the first time the four-time All-Star and Cy Young winner has missed games because of an arm injury, and now he will have missed at least 50 starts in the past two seasons.

Burnes, who was expected to opt out to explore free agency again after this season, now most certainly will be remaining with the Diamondbacks, where he will have a no-trade clause prohibiting trades to 14 teams. It’s hard to imagine that he and agent Scott Boras would take a $140 million gamble after missing most of the past two seasons.

“We haven't thought about that yet,’’ Burnes said. "That's an offseason thing to deal with. Scott Boras knows a lot more about that than I do. I'm here just to play baseball and do what I can to help these guys win. Whether this has any effect in it, I've got no clue.

“I just got to get back so I can play baseball.’’

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Corbin Burnes injury timeline: Ace still determined to play this year

Hurricanes tie series vs. Golden Knights after wild third period, OT goal | Highlights

If you thought Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final was wild, just look at Game 2 on Thursday, June 4.

The Carolina Hurricanes had a massive rally to take a lead in the third period, which featured a controversial no-goal and challenge. They then gave up a late tying goal, but Seth Jarvis beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in overtime as Carolina's struggling power play came to life.

The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 with Game 3 on Saturday, June 6, in Las Vegas (8 p.m. ET, ABC).

The Golden Knights led 2-0 after two periods on back-to-back goals by Brett Howden, his NHL-leading 12th and 13th of the playoffs.

The Hurricanes seemed headed to a 2-0 series deficit before Logan Stankoven stole a puck and scored to make it 2-1. Mark Jankowski tied the game. Then the controversy happened.

The Golden Knights appeared to put the puck in the net after Frederik Andersen made back-to-back saves, but the whistle blew first and it was ruled no goal because of that and goaltender interference.

Vegas coach John Tortorella challenged and lost, giving the Hurricanes a power play. Carolina got a rare man-advantage goal - from Jordan Staal - for a 3-2 lead. But Mark Stone tied the score on a play on which Jaccob Slavin appeared to put the puck in his own net.

And the winning goal came from Jarvis, who had been moved off the Hurricanes' struggling top line during the game.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates from Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights. Here are highlights:

Final score: Hurricanes 4, Golden Knights 3 (OT)

Seth Jarvis scores the winner on a one-timer on the power play. That's two power play goals for the Hurricanes in this game and entering the series at a 12.5% success rate. And more important, a member of the Hurricanes' struggling top line gets a key goal.

Hurricanes go on power play

Tomas Hertl is called for tripping and the Hurricanes win.

Overtime underway

Both teams are unbeaten in overtime.

End of third period: Hurricanes 3, Golden Knights 3

Wild period. The Hurricanes, seemingly left for deal, storm back and take a 3-2 lead. But Mark Stone ties it to force overtime.

Golden Knights score: Mark Stone ties game

He scores after the power play ends to make it 3-3. Jaccob Slavin appears to knock it into his own net.

Golden Knights call timeout

Frederik Andersen makes a glove save with six seconds left in the power play.

Golden Knights go on power play

Jackson Blake is called for interference with 3:20 left.

Hurricanes score: Jordan Staal gets power play goal

And the Hurricanes lead 3-2 as he deflects a Shaye Gostisbehere shot.

Hurricanes go on power play

They get power play after the unsuccessful change and they score.

Golden Knights challenge unsuccessful

Golden Knights challenge but the no goal call is upheld. That means Hurricanes will go on the power play.

Frederik Andersen saves

He sprawls and makes back-to-back saves. The puck goes into the net, but the whistle blows.

Hurricanes score: Mark Jankowski ties game

His shot beats Carter Hart high glove side. Hurricanes 2, Golden Knights 2

Hurricanes score: Logan Stankoven breaks through

He steals a puck, comes in front and his backhander banks off Jeremy Lauzon and past Carter Hart. Golden Knights 2, Hurricanes 1

10 minutes left

2-0 Golden Knights. Carolina applying some pressure. They'll need more of that.

Hurricanes are pressing

They get Carter Hart moving around. He slashed Jordan Staal after a collision.

Brett Howden creates another chance

He steals the puck and feeds Mitch Marner, whose shot hits the crossbar.

Early in third period

Golden Knights lead 4-1 in shots in the period, not what Carolina needs.

Third period underway

2-0 Vegas. The Golden Knights are 8-0 in the playoffs when leading after two periods.

Who is Brett Howden?

He was drafted in the first round in 2016 by the Tampa Bay Lightning but never played for them. He was traded to the New York Rangers in the Ryan McDonagh deal and played three seasons there before joining the Golden Knights in a 2021 trade. He won a Cup in 2023. His top regular season is 17 goals (twice). His 13 goals this postseason ties a Golden Knights record.

Second period analysis: Golden Knights 2, Hurricanes 0

The Golden Knights played that period without injured Brayden McNabb and still managed to hold the Hurricanes without a goal. In the meantime, Brett Howden scored his second goal of the game and had another chance. He's jumping to the front of the Conn Smythe Trophy talk with 13 goals this playoffs.

Sebastian Aho chance

His shot is stopped by Carter Hart. Aho is better this game, but he and the team don't have any goals to show for it.

3 minutes left in the second period

2-0 Vegas. Shots are 14-11 Carolina.

Golden Knights go on power play

Jordan Martinook breaks a stick on a slash. Vegas is 0-for-2 but scored right after the second one. Golden Knights get no shots on his power play. Still 2-0 Golden Knights.

Hurricanes change up top line

Jordan Martinook now playing in Seth Jarvis' place on the top line with Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov.

Brett Howden on fire

A great display of strength for Brett Howden as he has both goals in this game. He has a league-best 13 goals, topping his regular season total of 12. He beat defenseman extraordinaire Jaccob Slavin on the second goal.

Vegas score: Brett Howden scores again

Right after the power play ended, Brett Howden outmuscles defenseman Jaccob Slavin and makes a slick move to beat Frederik Andersen. Golden Knights 2, Hurricanes 0

Golden Knights go on power play

K'Andre Miller is called for interference. Jordan Martinook is stopped on a short-handed rush. Sebastian Aho is also stopped. Penalty is killed.

Brayden McNabb injury update

ABC reported that Brayden McNabb has gone to the hospital for further evaluation. He was hit up high by a shot and left the game.

Second period underway

1-0 Golden Knights.

First period analysis: Golden Knights 1, Hurricanes 0

The Hurricanes holding the Golden Knights to two shots in th efirst period was a good thing. The problem is the Golden Knights scored on one of those shots. Brett Howden continued his playoff tear by winning a battle against Sean Walker, gathering in a flip pass from Mitch Marner and scoring his 12th playoff goal. That matches his regular season total. Carolina had its chances, but Carter Hart stopped them. The only drawback for Vegas is that defenseman Brayden McNabb went to the dressing room after taking a shot off the visor that appeared to injure his nose.

Golden Knights go on power play

Jordan Staal is called for holding. He's a key penalty killer. But the Golden Knights don't really get set up and the penalty is killed.

Hurricanes go on power play

Colton Sissons is called for roughing. The Hurricanes don't score as their power-play woes continue.

Golden Knights score: Brett Howden opens scoring

He's tangled up with Sean Walker, breaks free, gathers in a Mitch Marner flip pass and scores against Frederik Andersen. That's his 12th goal of the playoffs, matching his total from the regular season. Golden Knights 1, Hurricanes 0

Brayden McNabb injury update

He's hit in the visor by a hard shot by Nikolaj Ehlers from the point and goes to the dressing room while holding his nose. McNabb had three assists in Game 1.

Carolina Hurricanes chance

Andrei Svechnikov is stopped on a wraparound.

Carolina Hurricanes get chance

Jordan Martinook tries to get to a loose puck in the crease, but Carter Hart covers the puck.

7 minutes in

Still scoreless. Shots are 1-1.

Hurricanes go on power play

The Hurricanes' struggling top line draws a penalty as Seth Jarvis is tripped by Dylan Coghlan. Hurricanes change up the power play a little. One shot and penalty is killed.

No quick score this time

Scoreless after two minutes. There was a Carolina goal at 25 seconds in Game 1.

Stanley Cup Final Game 2 underway

Golden Knights will try to take a 2-0 series lead while the Hurricanes will try to tie the series.

Hurricanes' siren sounder

Cam Ward, the goalie when Carolina won the Stanley Cup in 2006.

Game 2 opening lines

Just like in Game 1, it will be Vegas' Jack Eichel line against Carolina's Jordan Staal line.

When is Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final?

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final will be at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 4, at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

What channel is Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final?

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final will be broadcast on ABC.

Golden Knights vs. Hurricanes: How to watch, stream

  • Date: Thursday, June 4
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • Location: Lenovo Center (Raleigh, North Carolina)
  • TV:ABC
  • Streaming: Fubo

Stanley Cup Final Game 2 goalie matchup

Hurricanes' Frederik Andersen (12-1, 1.65, .920) vs. Golden Knights' Carter Hart (13-4, 2.33, .921). Neither goalie stood out in Game 1.

Stanley Cup Final schedule, results

All times p.m. ET

Golden Knights lead series 1-0

Vegas Golden Knights lineup

Carolina Hurricanes lineup

Golden Knights vs Hurricanes Game 2 predictions

  • Jace Evans: Hurricanes 4, Golden Knights 2
  • Mike Brehm: Hurricanes 3, Golden Knights 2

Golden Knights on a roll

The Golden Knights have won seven in a row. In three of the last four games, including Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, they have come from behind. They trailed 2-0 in Game 1 and overcame a 3-0 deficit against the Colorado Avalanche in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.

How Hurricanes fare after a loss

The Hurricanes haven't lost two games in a row at home since Jan. 1 and Jan. 3 in regular season. Combining the regular season and playoffs, the Hurricanes are 23-7-0 after a loss in 2025-26. That .767 winning percentage leads the league.

Brett Howden can match regular-season total

Vegas' Brett Howden leads the NHL playoffs with 11 goals in 17 games during the postseason. He had 12 goals in 58 games during the regular season. He has four years left on his deal at a $2.5 million cap hit.

Hurricanes' top line struggling

The Sebastian Aho-Andrei Svechnikov-Seth Jarvis combined for 216 points in the regular season. They have 22 points in the playoffs. They had no points and five shots in Game 1.

NHL news: Dylan Larkin requests trade | Report

Detroit Red Wings star center Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and other news organizations.

That's a stunning development, adding a major name that teams can pursue in the offseason, especially with a thin free-agent market. He has five years left on his contract.

Larkin has been captain of the Red Wings since 2021. He's a six-time 30-goal scorer, including the last five seasons. He also was a standout for the USA at the Olympics and the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The Red Wings' 10-season playoff drought is now the longest in the NHL after the Buffalo Sabres clinched a postseason spot. Larkin hasn't been in the postseason since his rookie year in 2015-16.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden Knights vs Hurricanes highlights: Carolina wins Game 2 in OT

Bailey Ober blames elbow injury on slick baseballs at Fenway Park

Baseball player Bailey Ober pitching.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober delivers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober has a reason for his recent elbow injury.

Ober, who was recently placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, blamed his injury on slick baseballs used during a rainy game at Fenway Park on May 24.

The righty told reporters that the balls used during the Twins’ 6-5 win over the Red Sox were the worst he’s rubbed during his six-year career. He also said they led to grip issues throughout his five innings pitched, in which he allowed four runs on seven hits.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Bailey Ober delivers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar) AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar

“The only way to be able to throw slick baseballs is to grip them harder, so you can execute your pitches,” Ober said, according to the Star Tribune. “If not, you’re not going to know where the ball is going, especially with breaking pitches.”

Ober made one more start against the Pirates on Saturday, but surrendered a season-high eight runs before landing on the injured list.

The Twins pitcher said his arm felt better during the week between his final two starts, but the injury popped up again in the second inning against Pittsburgh.

Ober, 30, is expected to be sidelined for roughly a month while recovering from the injury, adding that he and Twins athletic trainer Nick Paparesta have had conversations since his issues started.

May 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober (17) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“We both kind of came to the conclusion, and other people said, ‘Well, you probably did this in Boston,’” Ober said.

Before going on the IL, Ober held a 6-3 record with a 4.59 ERA through 12 starts. Despite having a strong April, he allowed 20 runs in 28.2 innings in May.

Ober is still looking to recapture his 2022 form, in which he pitched to a 3.21 ERA, but his mark steadily increased to 5.10 last season.

The Twins are currently 29-34 and third in the AL Central, behind the White Sox and Guardians.

Hunter Pence’s flame-throwing nephew, Striker, reclassifies for 2027 MLB Draft

Santiago high school pitcher Striker Pence announces on Instagram that he is reclassifying from the class of 2028 to the class of 2027.

Striker Pence, the nephew of former San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence, announced on Instagram on Thursday afternoon that he is reclassifying from the class of 2028 to the class of 2027.

Striker, 17, is a right-handed pitcher from Santiago High School in Corona and is already considered the class of 2027 No. 2 prospect and the top prep pitcher in the country, behind Dylan Seward of Norco.

Before reclassifying, Baseball America had Striker ranked as the No. 1 player in his class, while Perfect Game has him ranked as a 10.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence rounding the bases. USA TODAY Sports

Perfect Game vice president of scouting, Jered Goodwin, said what separates Striker from the rest of his class is being able to utilize his tools and seeing how they translate in competition.

Considered a power arm pitcher and having a 6-foot-6 frame, while weighing 185 pounds, Striker has already shown why there is so much excitement surrounding him.

Striker’s pitch arsenal includes a fastball that sits at 98 mph and reaches up to 101 mph, while his slider sits in the mid-80s.

Striker Pence reclassified for the 2027 MLB Draft. Instagram/strikerpence8

In August last year, he caught everyone’s attention while pitching in the Area Codes game at Blair Field in Long Beach by throwing seven straight pitches at 100 mph.

The knock against Striker has been commanding his fastball when it reaches triple digits. If he is able to locate his fastball better, he will have a chance to unlock another aspect of his game.

In a game against Orange Lutheran last season, he showed just what the potential of his slider could look like in a league game against Orange Lutheran.

Striker threw a slider towards the lower outside part of the strike zone, making University of Texas Commit, Brady Murrieta, drop to his knees swinging for a strike.

Santiago finished last season with a 19-12 record and finished third in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 baseball playoffs.

Astros vs. Pirates Game Discussion: 6/4/2026

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 23: Kai-Wei Teng #17 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 23, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (28-35) will continue their nine-game homestand tonight as they play the rubber game of their three-game series opposite their former divisional opponent, the Pittsburgh Pirates (33-29).

RHP Kai-Wei Teng (3-3, 2.57 ERA) will try to pitch the Astros to a series victory in what is his his fifth consecutive turn in the Astros rotation tonight as he starts opposite RHP Jared Jones (0-0, 10.38 ERA) and the Pirates

MY WAY OR THE KAI-WEI: RHP Kai-Wei Teng has split his season between the bullpen (13 G) and rotation (5 starts), posting a 2.57 ERA (12ER/42IP), a .185 opponent average, and a 1.10 WHIP.

Teng is new to the Astros organization, as he was acquired from San Francisco on Jan. 29, 2026 in exchange for minor league catching prospect Jancel Villarroel.

A native of Taiwan, Teng is the second Taiwanese-born player to appear with the Astros in their history, joining RHP Chia Jen-Lo, who made 19 relief appearances with the Astros in 2013.

VS. THE PIRATES: The Astros are hosting the Pirates in Houston for their first series in the city since July of 2024.

Since the Astros moved to the AL in 2013, the Astros and Pirates have split their matchups evenly, winning 10 games apiece. Historically, these teams have played each other 720 times, with the Astros going 349-371.

ASTROS ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have made the following roster moves:

OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (#31) has been signed to a Major League contract and is active for tonight’s game.

C Collin Price (#37) has been selected to the Major League roster.

OF Joey Loperfido has been reinstated from the IL and optioned to Triple A.

• OF Zach Cole has been optioned to Triple A.

C César Salazar and OF Rhylan Thomas have been designated for assignment.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Astros rallied back from a five-run deficit, scoring six runs in the 8th inning en route to a thrilling 11-9 comeback victory in Houston. RF Cam Smith (2×5, 3RBI) had the go-ahead hit, a two-run triple in the 8th, while DH Yordan Alvarez (4×5, 2RBI) tied a career high with four hits. LHP Josh Hader (0ER/1IP) closed out the win for his first save of the season in what was his first Major League appearance of 2026.

TONIGHT’S TV: Tonight’s game will be televised locally by Space City Home Network with Todd Kalas, Geoff Blum and Julia Morales on the call. The game will also air locally and nationally on FS1, which will feature Eric Collins and Tom Verducci.

LOS ASTROS: Space City Home Network will televise this series in English and Spanish with the Spanish broadcast being televised on SCHN2. Danny Gonzalez and Enrique Vasquez will be on the call on the Spanish telecast this series.

ON THE DIAL: The Astros English radio broadcast this series will feature Robert Ford and Josh Reddick, who’s subbing for Steve Sparks. Reddick, who played parts of 13 seasons in the Majors and was a 2017 World Series champion, will make select appearances on Astros radio this season.

TONIGHT’S ANTHEM: Tonight’s Anthem will be performed by the Voices of Mobile, which is a vocal ensemble hailing from the University of Mobile, the alma mater of Astros manager Joe Espada.

MONTHLY AWARDS: Announced yesterday, RHP Spencer Arrighetti was named the AL Pitcher of the Month for May after going 4-1 with a 0.93 ERA (3ER/29IP) and a .165 opponent average (16×97) in five starts in the month. He followed DH Yordan Alvarez, who won the AL Player of the Month for March/April of this season.

LATE NIGHT LAMONT: OF LaMonte Wade Jr. joins the Astros after spending his entire season at Triple A Charlotte in the White Sox organization, appearing in 46 games and hitting .250 (38×152) with seven homers, 26 RBI, 45 walks and an .861 OPS.

Wade has appeared in 560 career Major League games over parts of seven seasons with the Twins (2019-20), Giants (2021-25) and Angels (2025).

VOTING COMMENCES: MLB launched the 2026 Konami eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot yesterday.

Astros on the ballot: 1B Christian Walker, 2B Jose Altuve, 3B Isaac Paredes, SS Jeremy Peña, C Yainer Diaz, DH Yordan Alvarez, OF Brice Matthews, OF Jake Meyers and OF Cam Smith.

ON THE LEADER BOARD: DH Yordan Alvarez leads MLB in OPS (1.075), SLG (.649), and total bases (146), and leads the AL lead in batting average (.316) and homers (21).

Also in the AL, he ranks tied for first in hits (71), second in extra-base hits (33), second in OBP (.426), tied for second in RBI (44), tied for sixth in walks (40), and eighth in runs (41).

WALKER, TEXAS HAMMER: 1B Christian Walker leads the AL in RBI with 45, which is one RBI more than teammate DH Yordan Alvarez (44), and ranks sixth in the AL in homers (16).

Walker also has not committed an error in 62 games.

FIRE STARTER: SS Jeremy Peña is batting .316 (18×57) with three home runs, 10 RBI and an .866 OPS in 15 games since being activated from the IL on May 18. The Astros are 9-6 since his return.

HIT PAREDES: 3B Isaac Paredes has 99 career homers and is looking to become just the fourth Mexican-born player in MLB history to the reach 100. Paredes just reached another milestone on Sunday vs. MIL, becoming the 10th Mexican-born player in MLB history to reach 500 career hits.

THERE IS A SANTA!: RHP Alimber Santa (pronounced saun-tuh) set a franchise record by retiring the first 18 batters of his career consecutively before giving up a walk last night. The 18 consecutive batters retired are the most to begin a career since the Pirates RHP Nick Kingham retired 20 straight to open his career on April 29, 2018 vs. STL.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1997 – 3B Bill Spiers is walked in four straight PAs, including two intentional passes, which ties a club record for the most consecutive walks in a single 9.0-inning game. This streak added to Spiers’ run, in which he would set a club record by reaching base safely in 13 consecutive PA’s over a six-game span (nine walks, three singles, HBP).

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Thursday, June 4, 7:10 p.m. CT

Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX

TV: Space City Home Network, FS1, SCHN2 (Spanish)

Streaming: SCHN+

Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

Game #62: A’s at Cubs Game Thread

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 23: J.T. Ginn #35 of the Athletics prepares to pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park on May 23, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The A’s had an awesome come-from-behind victory last night, scoring two runs in the eighth to tie the game before taking a one-run lead into the ninth and holding on. That earned them win #30 on the year and pushed them past the Texas Rangers into second place,

Right-hander J.T. Ginn will be tasked with finishing off the Cubs and helping the A’s to the sweep, something the squad hasn’t accomplished since early April. The 27-year-old is in the midst of a fantastic season and is looking to keep that going against a slumping Cubs squad.

The Athletics’ lineup for tonight’s series finale shakes out like this:

A new man at the top as rookie center fielder Henry Bolte will bat leadoff this evening. He’ll be followed by the usual duo of Shea Langeliers and Nick Kurtz, while the hit-swinging Colby Thomas, who homered last night, bats cleanup. Soderstrom brings up the rear of the top half batting fifth.

We have a couple regulars getting the day off as well in Brent Rooker and Darell Hernaiz. That means catching duties fall to Jonah Heim this evening while Alika Williams will handle shortstop. Second and third are occupied by the regulars in Jeff McNeil and Zack Gelof.

As for the Cubs, they’ll be relying on righty Shota Imanaga to help them avoid the dreaded home sweep. Now in his third year in MLB, the 32-year-old has steadily declined since bursting onto the scene in 2024. He started off strong this year, posting a 2.32 ERA through his first nine starts. Things have quickly fallen apart for him over his last three appearances: eight earned runs, seven earned runs, and most recently five allowed to Cardinals. This recent cold streak has raised his season ERA over two full runs. He may be skidding but the Athletics’ batters have to be on their game tonight and hope this isn’t the game he figures things out. He’s only pitched once against the A’s, firing six innings of two-run ball back when the A’s were still in Oakland a couple years back.

And the Chicago starting nine:

The Cubs are slumping but there’s still plenty of power and danger in that lineup if Ginn takes them lightly. You know he won’t though and he should be ready for tonight’s gamezl

Time to finish off the sweep. Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

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Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast

Game #63 GameThread: Jays @ Braves

Jun 4, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jesus Sanchez (12) on the field before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images | Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

The final game in Atlanta. They’ve lost the series and four in a row, and avoiding the sweep will be difficult with Chris Sale on the mound. They’ve gone for a righty maximizing lineup to try to counter, which has Charles McAdoo at second and Daulton Varsho and Andres Gimenez sitting. That will make defence behind Chad Dallas/the bullpen interesting.

Here are the lineups:

Blue JaysBraves
George Springer, DHRonald Acuna jr., RF
Ernie Clement, SSMauricio Dubon, SS
Vladimir Guerrero jr., 1BMatt Olson, 1B
Kazuma Okamoto, 3BOzzie Albies, 2B
Charles McAdoo, 2BMichael Harris II, CF
Nathan Lukes, LFDominic smith, DH
Myles Straw, CFAustin Riley, 3B
Tyler Heineman, CMike Yastrzemski, LF
Yohendrick Pinango, RFSandy Leon, C
Mason Fluharty, LHPChris Sale, LHP