Posts

Posted on

Arizona Diamondbacks sign Max Kepler, and we have questions

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Max Kepler #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs after hitting a triple during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Arizona GM Mike Hazen hasn’t been shy about discussing what the team us looking to add as baseball heads towards the trade deadline. While the team does currently occupy a wild-card spot, there are clear areas for improvement. Speaking on MLB Network Radio over the weekend, he said “I probably need a little more thump in the lineup, probably a little more power, probably need to get a little more left-handed.” It makes sense. The D-backs currently sit 28th in the majors by OPS against right-handed pitching, at just .665. [They’re 4th vs LHP, at .771] So, on that basis, signing left-handed Kepler makes sense. Except there are a few things about the signing which don’t immediately make sense.

1. Kepler isn’t very good.

Over his career, the numbers are decent enough. A career 101 OPS+, and better than that against right-handed pitching (.770 OPS there, against .653 facing lefties). But he’s now thirty-three years old, and the past couple of seasons have shown father time to be catching up with him. In 2024-25, over 232 games for the Phillies and Twins, his OPS+ dropped to 89. In 715 PA there against RHP, his OPS was .689, hardly much better than the Diamondbacks are already posting. A lot of his success there is now well in the past, unless you think he’ll experience an Arenado-like resurrection in the desert.

However, it’s worth noting a couple of points. The team OPS vs. RHP may be .661, but that is significantly boosted by the success of Corbin Carroll (.813 OPS there) and Nolan Arenado (.791). The bar to improve the team is therefore considerably lower than .661. You would be looking to Kepler to replace the likes of Adrian Del Castillo (.638), Ryan Waldschmidt (.622) and Jorge Barrosa (.431), all of whom should be firmly ushered away from the plate with a rightie on the mound. Kepler is an improvement over the play we’ve got out of their spots this year – and especially over the last month. He doesn’t strike out much and has a little more oomph than most options we currently have.

2. The roster crunch

Even before Kepler was signed, eyes were being cast forward to the upcoming returns of Carlos Santana, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Jordan Lawlar. All of them are now on their rehab assignments: Santana and Lawlar with the Aces, while Gurriel begins his in the Arizona Complex League today. Who will they replace on the current roster? The addition of Kepler would make the situation even more congested, especially in the outfield. LuJames Groover and Del Castillo are likely on thin ice, and may well be optioned back down in the coming week, when Santana and Lawlar are ready. But neither of them play the outfield.

It is possible Kepler is just being signed as a depth piece. In term of credible outfielders in Reno right now, it’s basically Kristian Robinson, and that’s it. The “rehab assignment” in Reno will give Arizona a chance to see what he can do. If he looks like he can play a role with the big-league club, he’ll be brought up to the D-backs. If not, he’ll be released, will likely get picked up elsewhere (because even teams that have no postseason chances still have to fill out a lineup card), and the Diamondbacks will barely be on the hook for anything. There isn’t that much difference to a minor-league deal, the likes of which get signed all the time. Last June saw the team sign Anthony Gose and Seth Brown as depth.

There is another possibility, and while I’d say it’s probably unlikely, is worth mentioning. This could be the first piece in a larger puzzle. Despite recent results, the biggest weakness on this team remains the rotation, with three current starters at an ERA+ of 90 or worse. There is a top-five (probably top-two) pitcher who is going to be on the market, in Tarik Skubal, plus potential other options such as Sandy Alcantara. Any package to get one of these pitchers likely starts with an MLB ready prospect. For the Diamondbacks, the area of greatest strength is outfielders. Kepler is a low-risk signing who can provide coverage there if a trade works out, and be easily jettisoned if one does not.

3. The PED problem

It has been interesting to see how the team’s attitude towards PEDs has changed and softened over the years. The team certainly hasn’t been immune from this problem. Matt Williams was named in the Mitchell Report as using HGH and steroids while on the roster. There was also the federal raid in 2006 on the house of reliever Jason Grimsley. Various minor league players have also failed drug tests, perhaps most notable Jose Herrera, who was suspended for 50 games after failing a drugs test in 2018. But the only Arizona major-leaguer I can think of to have failed a drug test was Domingo Leyba in spring 2020.

Going back, there have been rumblings that the Diamondbacks have traded away or let go players who have been linked to PED use. [And, no, I shall not be naming names] This previous position against signing proven users was driven by ownership. In 2013, Nick Piecoro wrote, “Their hardline stance appears to be spearheaded by Ken Kendrick, the club’s managing general partner and a longtime critic of PED users. When Jason Grimsley’s house was raided in 2006, Kendrick made sure the Diamondbacks immediately cut ties with the reliever — and even tried to have his contract voided. Team sources say Kendrick continues to discourage the acquisition of players, or even the hiring of coaches, who have ties to PEDs.”

This did not stop the team trading for Starling Marte, who had served an 80-game suspension in 2017. He was signed three years later, but only played 33 games for Arizona before being traded to Miami. Said Kendrick at the time, “When his incident occurred several years ago, he stood up and was totally remorseful for what he had done, realized it was wrong. I’m a believer also in second chances in life… That’s something I’m sure he wished weren’t on his record, but I don’t think he should have been excluded from being considered and ultimately we made the trade and we’re very hopeful he’ll go and perform.”

And now, here we are, signing someone on an active suspension for PED use. I haven’t been able to confirm any statement being made by Kepler in regard to the suspension, so the “stood up and was totally remorseful” escape clause doesn’t appear to be in effect here. I’m not going to lie: I personally – and this is just Jim here, opinion vary among SnakePitters – find it disappointing for the team apparently to be compromising a laudable moral stance, for a fringe upgrade. If Kepler makes the team, I’m going to find it hard to cheer for him. Minor league PEDs are one thing: I understand it’s a dogfight down there. But when you’ve already reached the show, the very pinnacle of the sport? Yeah, I find that unacceptable.

It’s also worth noting that, if the Diamondbacks reach the post-season, Kepler will still be ineligible. Though if we need him on the playoff roster, that’s probably a bigger problem. But if Kepler has been called up and is contributing enough during the regular season, we will then be without his services for the games that matter most. We’ll see what unfolds. Meanwhile, have a poll!

Posted on

Minnesota Timberwolves give nod to past with new logo, uniforms

The Minnesota Timberwolves are returning to their roots next NBA season with a new logo, new uniforms and a new court.

The team revealed their wholesale updates on Sunday, June 7, including some subtle nods to the design elements present in the team's 1989 debut.

"This franchise means something different to every generation of fans," Timberwolves CEO Matt Caldwell said in a news release. "We wanted this new look to reflect the pieces of Timberwolves basketball fans have always connected with, while also feeling true to the team and culture surrounding this franchise today."

Fittingly, Timberwolves icon Kevin Garnett (1995-2007, 2015-16) helped model the new unis. 

The most obvious change is a return to the franchise’s original blue, green and white color palette.

While the "Wolves" part of the team nickname is prominent on the updated jerseys and on the new on-court logo at Target Center, the team is also paying homage to the "timber" portion as well − with a ribbon of pine trees lining the sleeves of the uniform and waistband of the shorts.

The original Minnesota Timberwolves logo from their inaugural season of 1989-90, as worn by the team during a throwback game against the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023.

And finally, the franchise offers an updated look for the beloved Old Shep mascot, with a brighter, more colorful wolf logo.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Timberwolves unveil new uniforms, logo for 2026-27 NBA season

Posted on

The one adjustment that could swing the series back to San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Before this NBA finals series against the New York Knicks even started, there was one little thing that had been gnawing at the back the of my mind, and that was what has made the Knicks successful against the Spurs in the regular season did not align well with a strategy that had gotten the Spurs to the Finals in the first place: double teaming the star and making the role players beat you.

It worked well against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round for a few reasons, one being that Anthony Edwards can at times be a reluctant passer and try to be the hero by himself, but more than anything it was because his best target, Donte DiVincenzo, was out with a ruptured Achilles. The results were a little more mixed against the Oklahoma City Thunder in large part because Alex Caruso decided to go nuclear from beyond the arc for a few games. (If he could have done that in college, maybe Texas A&M’s greatest achievement in men’s basketball would be something beyond a handful of Sweet 16 appearances.)

However, what brought the Spurs back from a 3-2 deficit in the Western Conference Finals was their ability to adjust. Specifically, they switched things up from “stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at all costs” to “stay at home on role players and make him beat us by himself”. The result was a big Game 7 performance from him, but it was for naught as he didn’t have enough help, allowing the Spurs to pull away as the game wore on.

That brings us to the Knicks. Coming into the series, I had this aching feeling the Spurs would at least start with the same approach: stop Jalen Brunson and make everyone else beat you. They’ve mostly achieved the first part (outside of crunch time) with Brunson shooting under 34%, but the problem is unlike their previous opponents, the Knicks have the shooters to punish you for leaving them open, and so far, they have done just that.

In the regular season, seven of the Knicks’ top nine rotation players hit greater than 36.8% from three on 3.5 or more attempts per game. The two that didn’t — Mohamed Diawara and Tyler Kolek — haven’t even played in this series. So that means the Knicks often have five above-average shooters on the floor at once. The only three Knicks getting minutes who aren’t on that list are Mitchell Robinson, whom you still have to stay home on down low, and of course Spurs fans know what killers Jose Alvarado and hometown kid Jordan Clarkson can be off then bench if they get hot.

The Knicks haven’t been at their best from three so far in this series (which is concerning as the series shifts to their home court), but they have been hitting them in timely fashion, and just like I have imagines implanted in my brain of Mikal Bridges nailing five open threes in their regular season blowout win over the Spurs in Madison Square Garden, I saw similar instances in Game 2 in particular, where a Spurs defender left his man open in the corner for a split second to double-team or swipe at Brunson, only for him to immediately find the open shooter before the defender could recover. And as Mike Breen would put it, bang.

I don’t know if this is the strategy the coaches have chosen up to this point or if the players are having momentary but costly lapses. Regardless of the reason, both parties need to make the adjustment back to staying at home on shooters, especially in that left hard corner. Just take a look at the Knicks shot chart in this series:

If this doesn’t scream “keep letting Brunson work in the midrange but stop leaving corner shooters open”, then I don’t know what does. (In case you’re wondering, the Spurs are also green in the left corner but on a smaller sample size of 4-9, otherwise they’re red everywhere except inside the restricted area, where they are a similar 35-55. You can check out all the stats and charts here.)

Of course, there are plenty more things the Spurs could do better besides defend one particular shot. They actually led in the final two minutes of both games before proceeding to blow it in crunch time, Game 2 in particularly painful fashion (but it still doesn’t beat Game 6 of 2013 — I don’t think anything ever could), so better decision making with the game on the line is paramount. Leaving a combined 12 points on the court via missed free throws (seven in game 2) is another thing they can go back and kick themselves over. (Speaking of which, blowing two games in which they had an optimal whistle is also costly, because how long will that last?)

Things happen in-game that no one can predict or control. What can be controlled is strategy and game plan, and the Spurs staff and players have shown throughout these playoffs that they can learn and adjust. They made the exact same adjustment of staying home on shooters and guarding the opposing star one-on-one last series, and hopefully the plan heading into Game 3 is to do that again. Brunson may be more capable of going nuclear than SGA — he has scored 60 points on the Spurs before — but guess what? The Spurs won that game.

There is nothing fun about being down 0-2, knowing you could just as easily be 1-1 or even 2-0, and facing the gauntlet of needing to win 4 of 5 games, including two on the road, to win a series — never mind a championship in an era when the Finals are a lot more difficult to reach than they were during the Spurs’ dynasty days (which is insane). However, if there is a silver lining, it’s that all pressure is on the Knicks now, and the Spurs can play free and make adjustments without fear of consequence. They’ve shown they can do it before, and now it’s time to do it again.

As much as everything seems stacked against the Spurs at this point, FanDuel Sportsbook only has them a 1.5 point underdog in Game 3. That’s how tight this series has been and should continue to be, coming down to minute details and split second decisions. However, with the correct adjustments and mindset, maybe the Spurs can force the pendulum to swing back their favor.

Posted on

Did Luke Kennard play his way into Lakers’ future plans?

Los Angeles, CA - April 18: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Rockets in the first half of a Western Conference first-round NBA playoff basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Welcome to our annual Lakers season in review series, where we’ll look back at each player on the team’s roster this season and evaluate if they should be part of the future of the franchise. Today, we take a look at Luke Kennard.

When Luke Kennard arrived in Los Angeles via mid-season trade with the Atlanta Hawks, he didn’t have big shoes to fill in replacing Gabe Vincent, who was underwhelmingly bad throughout his time as a Laker.

So when Kennard contributed to the table right off the bat, it was a welcome sight. The 29-year-old guard from Duke University aided the Lakers’ need for 3-point shooting and spacing, which you can never have too much of around Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

So, by that alone, acquiring Kennard was a fantastic move by Rob Pelinka that also paid dividends in the playoffs. The only caveat, however, was that the veteran was on an expiring contract when they acquired him, so even today, there’s no certainty as to whether or not he’ll be back on the purple and gold next season.

How did he play?

It’s hard to complain about Kennard’s short stint, especially since he won a handful of games for them. He also had that memorable game-winner in March against the Magic that kept the team’s win streak going. He’s an excellent fit on this team and his average of nine points per game on 44.8% 3-point shooting perfectly depicts that.

What also stood out about Kennard’s game during his time as a Laker was that he’s more than just a shooter. His ability to cut to the rim, handle the ball and move without it are some of his best qualities, not to mention his high basketball IQ, which is such an asset alongside James and Dončić. It didn’t take long for him to not only become an essential piece in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.

Kennard will always be remembered for his performance in Game 1 against the Rockets when he put up 27 points on 5-5 shooting from three and 9-13 from the field. As the playoffs went on and the opponents’ defensive pressure intensified, he had his fair share of struggles.

Ultimately, Kennard’s time as a Laker was productive and he was a depiction of the type of role player that works well around the team’s superstars.

What is the contract situation moving forward?

Since the Lakers acquired Kennard while he was on an expiring deal, he’s set for free agency this offseason. Ideally, it would be nice to retain him for the right price.

Should he be back?

If the deal is right, then absolutely yes. Kennard is the type of player who is going to win the Lakers games, especially in the regular season. He got a feel of what it’s like to play alongside Dončić and James and bringing him back would do wonders for the team’s continuity. Re-signing Kennard addresses the Lakers’ 3-point shooting needs and adds a boost offensively.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.

Posted on

BetMGM Ladder Bettor Wagers Another $450K on Knicks as Finals Shifts to NY

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

BetMGM’s ladder bettor - who already won nearly $325,000 in the first two games of the NBA Finals - has $450,000 riding on the Knicks in Game 3 as New York looks to take a stranglehold of the series.

Key Takeaways

  • The bettor is backing the Knicks from +4.5 to -2.5 in Game 3.

  • One of the user’s few losses came at the hands of the Spurs in the Western Conference finals.

  • BetMGM bettors are split between supporting the Knicks and Spurs in Game 3

The Knicks find themselves up 2-0 over the San Antonio Spurs ahead of the series’ Monday transition to Madison Square Garden. They were +4.5 and +6.5 underdogs in Games 1 and 2 but are 2.5-point favorites ahead of tipoff.

BetMGM’s ladder bettor backed New York in the first two contests and isn’t changing their tune now. The anonymous high-roller dropped six new five- or six-figure wagers on the Knicks, with values ranging from +4.5 (-225) to -2.5 (-105).

The bets are as follows:

  • $200,000 on Knicks +4.5 (-225)
  • $125,000 on Knicks +3.5 (-200)
  • $50,000 on Knicks +2.5 (-175)
  • $35,000 on Knicks +1.5 (-155)
  • $20,000 on Knicks -1.5 (-120)
  • $20,000 on Knicks -2.5 (-105)

BetMGM confirmed the wagers were accepted, meaning the user has now risked $1.05 million on the Knicks through just three games of the Finals.

Knicks have history on their side

No team has ever recovered to win the NBA Finals after dropping the first two games of the series at home. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are up against it, although the 7-foot-4 Frenchman isn’t feeling the pressure. 

Which team is public backing?

The Spurs are effectively playing for survival, seeing as no team has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit in any round.

One of the bettor’s few disappointing nights in these playoffs occurred in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals when they lost $350,000 backing the Oklahoma City Thunder; Wembanyama dropped 33 points in the Spurs' dominant 21-point victory that leveled the series.

While the Knicks may have begun the series as +185 underdogs, they are now anything but overlooked. Sixty-eight percent of bets and 82% of the Game 3 handle in the spread market are on the Knicks to cover the 2.5-point line. 

That said, 59% of bets and 54% of the moneyline handle are still on the Spurs. The Knicks are also only -140 favorites in NBA championship odds, meaning they have a 58.3% implied chance - far from as dominant as the NBA’s precedent of no team ever overcoming home losses in Games 1 and 2.

“Before the NBA Finals began, the Spurs were the biggest remaining liability on the futures market,” said BetMGM senior trading manager Christian Cipollini. “The sportsbook was initially hoping for a Knicks win, but that has flipped after bettors jumped on New York following their first two wins. Now the series going seven games and the Spurs winning is the best outcome.”

Three of the most bet Spurs versus Knicks Game 3 player props involve players from the visiting Spurs. The full top five list includes:

  • Dylan Harper Over 21.5 total points, rebounds, and assists (-135)
  • Stephon Castle Over 11.5 total assists and rebounds (+105)
  • Dylan Harper Over 13.5 points (-105)
  • Josh Hart Over 12.5 total assists and rebounds (-135)
  • Miles McBride Under 6.5 points (-140)

Finals MVP odds

The NBA Finals MVP odds market has seen a ton of movement throughout the playoffs and the first two games of the championship series. Jalen Brunson is the new leader, having shortened from +2,800 at the beginning of the playoffs to his current value of +110.

Karl-Anthony Towns is second in odds, down from +15,000 to +165. Wembanyama leads all Spurs players at +375, down from +600.

A whopping 20.1% of wagers and 63.1% of the money is on Brunson to win the award. Towns has 17.5% of bets and 10.7% of the pot, while Wembanyama has 12.1% of tickets and 9.9% of the handle.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Spurs vs Knicks Expert Picks & Game 3 Best Bets

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The NBA Finals swing to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 tonight, with the New York Knicks holding a commanding 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs.

Our NBA experts have you covered with a trio of NBA picks for you to get in before tip-off at 8:30 p.m. on June 8.

Spurs vs Knicks Expert Picks Tonight

PickOdds
Jon Metler Jon Metler: Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points-125
Jason Logan Jason Logan: De'Aaron Fox Over 5.5 assists-135
Joe Osborne Joe Osborne: Knicks -2.5-105

Odds courtesy of bet365.

Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!

Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!

Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!

Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Jon Metler's expert pick: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points

Price: -112 at bet365

There was one takeaway from Game 2 that seemed to be universally shared by the broadcast crew and anyone watching: While playoff basketball is naturally more physical, the officials let the game get a little too far out of hand.

I expect that to be a point of emphasis heading into Game 3, and if the whistle tightens up even slightly, Jalen Brunson stands to benefit more than anyone. A few extra trips to the free-throw line could be all it takes for this prop to cash.

What stands out most to me, though, is the volume. Despite constant hand-checking and limited freedom of movement, Brunson still attempted 25 shots in Game 2.

Through two games, he has already put up 56 field-goal attempts, an elite workload that’s difficult to overlook. This handicap is far more about opportunity than efficiency. With Brunson continuing to dominate the offense, I price the Over 26.5 points closer to -155.

Jason Logan's expert pick: De'Aaron Fox Over 5.5 assists

Price: -135 at bet365

De’Aaron Fox has topped out at five assists in the first two games of the NBA Finals, despite sitting second on the San Antonio Spurs in total potential assists at 22. We’re seeing more pairings of him and Dylan Harper, with Fox taking a back seat in scoring when San Antonio goes small. 

The Spurs need to jump-start their transition attack and play a quicker pace, so we’ll see Fox running the point more with Harper and Stephon Castle playing off the ball as the team banks on his steady veteran hand in what will be an insane MSG. 

He’s shown success getting inside on the New York Knicks defense and dropping the ball into Victor Wembanyama at the rim or kicking to spot-up shooters. 

Most Game 3 projections lean toward six assists from Fox, with a ceiling at 6.2 dimes.

Joe Osborne's expert pick: Knicks -2.5

Price: -105 at bet365

I’m sticking with the Knicks in Game 3. Their historic playoff run has now reached 13 consecutive victories, and they continue to find ways to separate themselves when games are hanging in the balance.

New York was the better team in crunch time in the opening two games of the series, while San Antonio’s young core is showing its age. Now the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, where the atmosphere should only amplify the Knicks’ edge.

More Spurs vs Knicks Game 3 picks

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Padres vs Reds Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for June 8

The San Diego Padres 33-31) and Cincinnati Reds (31-33) meet at Petco Park for a three-game series. Both squads come in on the colder side of the win and loss column.

San Diego is coming off a series loss to the Mets and are 1-7 in the last eight games and 1-11 in the previous 12. The Padres are in the midst of their worst slump of the year. In the past 12 contests, San Diego is hitting an MLB-worst .188 and .172 in the last six.

Cincinnati is currently riding its second-longest losing streak of the season at four. The Reds have been outscored 26-13 in that span. In the past week, the Reds' pitching staff has a 5.02 ERA (T-22nd) and the second-worst WHIP (1.67).

Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Reds at Padres

  • Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
  • Time: 9:40 PM EST
  • Site: Petco Park 
  • City: San Diego, CA
  • Network/Streaming: MLB TV / ESPN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Reds at the Padres

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Moneyline: San Diego Padres (-136), Cincinnati Reds (+113)
  • Spread: Padres -1.5 (+157), Reds +1.5 (-191)
  • Total: 8.0

Probable starting pitchers for Reds at Padres

  • Monday's pitching matchup (June 8): Andrew Abbott vs. Walker Buehler
  • Padres: Walker Buehler

2026 stats: 57.2 IP, 3-3, 4.53 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 49 Ks, 20 BB

  • Reds: Andrew Abbott

2026 Stats: 68.2 IP, 4-3, 4.06 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 47 Ks, 31 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not

  • The Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. is hitting .273 with 65 hits and 78 total bases over 238 at-bats
  • The Padres’ Manny Machado is hitting .169 with 38 hits and 60 strikeouts over 209 at-bats
  • The Reds’ Elly De La Cruz is hitting .280 with 65 hits and 118 total bases over 232 at-bats
  • The Reds’ Tyler Stephenson is hitting .203 with 32 hits and 47 strikeouts over 158 at-bats

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Reds at Padres

  • San Diego is 35-29 ATS, ranking eighth-best
  • Cincinnati is 34-30 ATS
  • San Diego is 37-26-1 to the Under, ranking first
  • Cincinnati is 39-24-1 to the Over, ranking second-best
  • San Diego is 19-16 ATS at home
  • Cincinnati is 19-13 ATS on the road, ranking sixth-best

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Padres and the Reds

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday's game between the Padres and the Reds:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Reds on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Reds at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Under on the Game Total of 8.0

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
Posted on

NBA Finals Game 3 Thread

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 05: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 05, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tonight is one of the biggest nights in the history of Madison Square Garden.

That may sound like hyperbole. After all, we’re talking about “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” a building that has hosted Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and just about every major cultural event imaginable over the last half-century. And yet tonight somehow feels different.

The New York Knicks return home holding a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals. Two road games. Two victories. Two punches landed directly on the jaw of a Spurs team that entered the series believing it was destined to become the NBA’s next great dynasty.

Now the Knicks stand two wins away from ending a championship drought that has lasted 53 years. Entire generations of New Yorkers have lived their entire lives without witnessing a Knicks championship. Some of the loudest fans who will be inside Madison Square Garden tonight weren’t even alive the last time New York reached this stage.

That’s why the atmosphere surrounding Game 3 feels less like a basketball game and more like a city-wide event. As someone sitting just across the river from Manhattan, I can tell you firsthand that the energy is impossible to ignore. You hear it everywhere. The Knicks have completely consumed the sports conversation throughout the New York metropolitan area.

They’re no longer just a basketball team. They’ve become a movement.

We’ve seen the ticket prices reach absurd levels. We’ve watched celebrities scramble for seats. There will be a sitting president in attendance NBA Finals game for the first time. Whether you love that fact or hate it (and let’s be honest, I think we know how most people reading this blog feel), it speaks to the scale of what is happening.

Knicks Mania has officially crossed over from sports story into cultural phenomenon.

And right in the middle of it all stands Karl-Anthony Towns. Our guy. The same player who spent nearly a decade carrying the weight of the Timberwolves franchise. The same player who endured coaching changes, roster overhauls, and endless criticism. Now he’s two wins away from becoming an NBA champion. If you’re a Wolves fan and that doesn’t stir something inside you, I don’t know what to tell you.

And so here we are.

Game 3. Madison Square Garden. A 2-0 Knicks lead. The biggest home game New York has hosted in decades.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well, if you’ve watched enough basketball, you already know the answer. Plenty.

Because as impressive as New York has been through the first two games, anybody ready to start engraving the trophy is getting way ahead of themselves. The Knicks absolutely can win this championship. In fact, after taking the first two games in San Antonio, they’re now the clear favorites.

But favorites aren’t champions. Not yet.

And the biggest reason remains standing seven-foot-whatever-he-is in a Spurs jersey: Victor Wembanyama.

For two games, the Spurs superstar has looked surprisingly mortal. That’s not to say he’s been bad, but he hasn’t looked like the unstoppable force that dismantled the Timberwolves. He hasn’t looked like the player who survived a seven-game war with Oklahoma City and emerged as the face of the Western Conference.

He’s looked uncomfortable and out of rhythm. The man nicknamed “the alien” has looked very much human.

History suggests that won’t last. The Wolves learned that lesson the hard way. In Minnesota’s second-round series against San Antonio, Wembanyama had stretches where he looked vulnerable. Then he adjusted and reminded everyone why he’s already being discussed alongside the best players in basketball despite still being at the beginning of his career.

That’s what makes Game 3 so fascinating. The Knicks are playing with house money. The Spurs are playing with desperation. This isn’t LeBron’s 2007 Cavaliers stumbling into the Finals ahead of schedule and simply being happy to participate. This Spurs team earned its place. They survived the Western Conference gauntlet. They knocked off Oklahoma City. They beat the Wolves. They have every reason to believe they’re still capable of winning this series.

Young teams may lack experience, but they don’t lack pride. That’s why tonight feels less like an opportunity for New York to celebrate and more like a test. Can they withstand the inevitable punch that’s coming? Wembanyama knows what’s at stake. The Spurs know what’s at stake. No team wants to fall behind 3-0 in the Finals because basketball history tells us exactly what happens next.

Nothing.

San Antonio is going to come out swinging, and the Knicks have to match that intensity. They have to let Madison Square Garden become the sixth man and ride the energy. Karl-Anthony Towns has to continue doing what he’s done throughout this playoff run. Play smart, physical basketball, avoid foul trouble, and make Wembanyama work.

While Wembanyama may be the future of the league, Towns is chasing something that has eluded him his entire career: validation. As someone who watched virtually every chapter of Towns’ Minnesota journey, I genuinely hope he gets there.

Tonight isn’t the finish line. Not even close. But it might be the most important non-elimination game of his life. Win tonight and the Larry O’Brien Trophy is practically within arm’s reach. Lose tonight and suddenly all the pressure shifts back.

That’s what makes this game so compelling. Everything feels enormous. Everything feels consequential. And if the first two games are any indication, we’re in for another unforgettable night.

The Garden is ready.

The city is ready.

Karl-Anthony Towns is two wins away from the promised land.

Now we’ll find out if the next step is the easiest one yet, or the hardest one of all.

Go get it, KAT.

Posted on

MLB Expert Picks & Baseball Predictions June 9

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The majority of the sports world has its eyes on Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but we're still hunting for value on the diamond today.

Our expert MLB picks have a pair of side bets to tail tonight, with the Rays underpriced and the Phillies lining up for a multi-run win.

MLB expert picks for today

PickOdds
Jon Metler Jon Metler: TB ML+100
Neil Parker Neil Parker: PHI -1.5+104

Prices courtesy of Polymarket.

Trade on the MLB at Polymarket!

Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $50 trading bonus after you deposit $50 to trade on any other event contracts — including MLB expert picks!

Sign Up Now at img src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/polymarketlogo.png" alt="Polymarket" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"

*Eligible locations only

Jon Metler's expert pick: Rays ML

Price: 50¢ (+100) at Polymarket

The Tampa Bay Rays may start Ian Seymour as an opener against the Red Sox tonight, but I believe the key to this matchup lies in the middle innings, when Mason Englert takes over. Englert’s sweeping curveball and slider have both been highly effective this season, and they match up well against a Boston lineup that likes to be aggressive and pull the baseball. The east-west movement on those pitches can make it difficult for hitters to get the barrel out front consistently. On the other side, Tampa Bay’s offensive identity is built around patience: The Rays excel at extending at-bats, spoiling quality pitches, and forcing starters to work deep counts. If they can drive up Connelly Early’s pitch count and get into Boston’s middle relief early, I think they gain a meaningful advantage. I make the Rays closer to 56-cent favorites in this spot, which is why I’m willing to back them at this price.

  • Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: RAYS, NESN

Neil Parker's expert pick: Phillies -1.5

Price: 49¢ (+104) at Polymarket

Toronto lefty Patrick Corbin sports a 7.46 ERA with 5.4 BB/9, while allowing a monster .442 wOBA and 1.035 OPS across 35 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies since the beginning of the 2022 season. With NL Cy Young favoriteCristopher Sanchez toeing the rubber tonight for the Phils, they have a huge advantage on the mound. Additionally, the Philly bullpen also has the lowest xFIP, and the bats rank sixth in xwOBA over the past two weeks — while Toronto checks in 22nd and 12th.

  • Time: 7:07 p.m. ET
  • How to watch: NBCSP, Rogers Sportsnet

More MLB best bets for today

PickOdds
Brewers -1.5-105
Read analysis in our Brewers vs. A's predictions
Yankees/Guardians u8-115
Read analysis in our Yankees vs. Guardians predictions

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Curvelo optioned, Haggerty released

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 13: Luis Curvelo #57 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on Monday, April 13, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Don Collier/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Texas Rangers optioned relief pitcher Luis Curvelo to AAA Round Rock after yesterday’s game, the team announced yesterday. In addition, the team also announced yesterday that utility man Sam Haggerty, who was designated for assignment on Friday to make room for Elias Diaz on the active roster, cleared waivers and was released.

Curvelo came up a week ago, along with Robbie Ahlstrom, when the Rangers optioned Gavin Collyer to AAA Round Rock and placed Chris Martin on the 15 day injured list. He made three appearances while he was up, including facing two batters in Saturday’s blowout loss before leaving the game after taking a comebacker to the leg, and pitching a scoreless inning to finish Sunday’s blowout win. I thought it was odd Curvelo was pitching the day after he left a game due to injury — I thought Jakob Junis, who hasn’t pitched since last Tuesday, might get an inning just to keep him from getting rusty — but the Rangers apparently decided he was heading back to the minors after the game anyway, so might as well get some innings from him.

The Rangers haven’t announced a move to fill Curvelo’s spot on the active roster, but the beats are indicating that Cole Winn, who went on the injured list on May 24, is expected to take his place. Winn threw 16 pitches for Round Rock on Friday on a rehab assignment, and is eligible to be activated from the injured list today, though they will probably wait until tomorrow to officially make the move since the Rangers are off day.

Haggerty, meanwhile, is a free agent now. After a solid 2025 season in a platoon role for the Rangers, he was brought back to again be a righthanded platoon bat, but didn’t hit against righties (.182/.182/.182 in 11 plate appearances) or lefties (.152/.222/.182 in 36 plate appearances) this season. The Rangers currently have Justin Foscue as their short-side platoon DH and Michael Helman filling that role in center, though it remains to be seen whether either of those are viable solutions going forward.

Posted on

In overcoming hand injury, Texas SS Adrian Rodriguez has earned praise, not criticism

AUSTIN, TX - JUNE 07: Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) reacts after hitting an RBI double during the NCAA Super Regional college baseball game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oregon Ducks on June 7, 2026 at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX.(Photo by Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

On Saturday night, as the No. 6 Texas Longhorns took on the No. 11 Oregon Ducks in the Austin Super Regional, SEC writer and podcaster Chris Marler had some thoughts on the intensity of sophomore shortstop Adrian Rodriguez in the batter’s box.

Rodriguez doesn’t hide that competitive intensity in the box, shaking his head at the pitcher on balls before kicking rubber pullets out towards the mound.

“Whatever this shit is when taking a ball, is lame as hell,” Marler wrote.

And Rodriguez did strike out on the next pitch, but what Marler may not have noticed is that the fiery Texas shortstop had already given the Longhorns a 2-0 lead in the first on a two-run double.

What Marler couldn’t have known was that Rodriguez would go on to finish with five RBI after knocking out a run-scoring single in the fifth and executing with runners on third in the sixth and eighth innings with back-to-back sacrifice flies.

What Marler couldn’t have known was that Rodriguez would go on to cement his place in Texas super regional lore with a go-ahead, two-out, bases-loaded double in the eighth inning on Sunday to send the Longhorns through to the College World Series with a 6-5 win over Oregon.

That Rodriguez ultimately went 2-for-5 on Sunday to bat 4-for-8 (.500) with two doubles and seven RBI in the Austin Super Regional after a sensational Austin Regional that saw the Flower Mound product go 7-for-11 (.636) with three doubles, two RBI, and five runs scored.

Over those five games, Rodriguez has bolstered his average from .277 to .306 by going 11-for-19 (.579) with five doubles, six runs scored, and nine RBI.

What Marler probably doesn’t know is anything about Rodriguez — what he’s been through since he was hit by pitch against Missouri 14 months ago, the pain he’s felt ever since on his swings, and how much he’s had to grow through that adversity. How hard he’s worked with Troy Tulowitzki to prove himself defensively at shortstop.

What Marler doesn’t have is any of the perspective to understand why Texas head coach Jim Schlossnagle is so proud of Rodriguez and why the standout sophomore has earned praise instead of criticism.

Understanding where Rodriguez is right now requires understanding the hamate fracture in his left hand from March of last year that caused him to miss seven games and forced him to bat left-handed while playing through pain, an injury that sapped Rodriguez of the power that allowed him to hit five home runs before the injury.

Rodriguez ultimately had surgery to insert a staple into that hand last fall, but the pain continued into this season, caused by an allergic reaction to the metal in the staple that forced him to undergo another procedure at the beginning of April to remove the staple that left Schlossnagle hoping Rodriguez could recover enough to be impactful late.

“Ideally, before the season ends, before May, it’d be awesome to have him,” Schlossnagle said at the time. “But we may not get that this year. That may have to be next year. I just know he’s capable of helping our team. He’s the energy of our team.”

That’s high praise from Schlossnagle given all the big personalities on this team.

It’s an energy apparent in the batter’s box, and in his shoulder shaking after a big hit, a recent innovation that grew out of a song that team listens to on the road, and celebrating with his teammates even if it wasn’t his big hit.

While the energy has remained consistent from Rodriguez, his approach has changed, from going back to hitting exclusively from the left side because those swings don’t hurt as much to simplifying his swing mechanically to help keep his head still to recognizing that his power still hasn’t returned with his hand remaining at less than 100 percent as Rodriguez has learned how to settle for shooting the ball into gaps or down the lines, like the inside-out swing that won Sunday’s game over Oregon.

A rare combination of natural hitting ability and relentless work ethic caught Schlossnagle’s attention a long time ago, and the trust was mutual enough for Rodriguez to commit to Texas A&M before following Schlossnagle to Austin and flipping to Texas two years ago. But the hand injury caused that work ethic to work against Rodriguez, forcing some pragmatic changes to his formerly intense routines.

“I think it’s definitely made me more mature on how I’m going about things in the facility, how many swings I’m taking before the game — I’ve limited that down quite a bit because of the situation I’m in right now,” Rodriguez said on Saturday.

In turn, that’s helped Rodriguez gain a more healthy perspective on what effective preparation looks like.

“I think for Adrian, this would be something that really helps his career long term. He’s learning that he’s a special, special player that doesn’t have to take 1,000 swings to be ready to go. He can wake up and hit,” Schlossnagle said.

“He will get fully healthy one day. He likes baseball, so I don’t ever want to coach that out of him, I don’t want him to change that, but he’s learning that he can limit his work and still be super effective. And then really learning to use the whole field to hit, he hadn’t done that a lot in the past, but being really left on left, he’s just come so far, and super proud of him.”

The dedication shown by Rodriguez has extended past his efforts to get his hand healthy and not cause any setbacks by taking too many extra swings.

When shortstop Jalin Flores signed with the St. Louis Cardinals after the 2025 MLB Draft, Rodriguez opted against playing summer baseball to get lean enough to move to short after splitting time between second base, third base, and left field as a freshman, dropping 10 pounds to improve his range.

Rodriguez looks like a Tulowitzki-coached shortstop now — there’s an artfulness to his defense, how he approaches the ball, the smoothness of his transfer, and the ability to get throws off quickly and accurately. Despite the increased challenge of playing shortstop, Rodriguez has only committed five errors this season, three fewer than last year, and improved his fielding percentage from .929 to .968, the same fielding percentage that Trey Faltine posted at shortstop for the Longhorns as a sophomore in 2021.

Now healthy and well-adjusted enough to make an impact at the plate, Rodriguez has grown into an all-around player who serves as a linchpin for a defense that entered the super regionals ranked 22nd nationally with a .979 fielding percentage, solidifying the bond between assistant and player.

During a rare offensive timeout called by Texas before Rodriguez went to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning on Sunday, Tulowitzki leaned on the rapport he’s built with Rodriguez through all the hard work they’ve put in together.

“He was just slowing my brain down — he knows I can get kind of amped up during those kind of situations — and he told me this is why you come to the SEC, this is why you’re a Texas Longhorn, and he told me that he wouldn’t have it any other way than with me in the box at that moment,” Rodriguez recounted after the game.

And then one shortstop came through for the other.

“Tulo is my guy, I’m with him every single day, working on stuff, talking to him, he’s one of my biggest mentors in my whole baseball career and helped me get better,” Rodriguez said.

So Marler can create whatever standard he wants for Rodriguez. Does he need to be so demonstrative in the batter’s box? Probably not.

But it’s a sign of his competitiveness, and the standard that Rodriguez actually has to live up to on the Forty Acres is simple — “The pride and winning tradition of The University of Texas will not be entrusted to the weak or the timid.”

Neither weak nor timid, Rodriguez has emerged from the adversity of his hand injury tougher, more mature, and playing the best baseball of his college career.

And that’s worthy of respect, no matter what any ignorant haters think.

“What a great player,” Schlossnagle said. “What a player that rises to the occasion when needed, and certainly glad he’s a Longhorn.”

Amen.

Posted on

MLB Player Props & Best Bets for Today, June 8

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

It's a new week, and a slate filled with opportunities to back hitters in strong spots against vulnerable arms on Monday, June 8. 

This evening, our MLB player props are rolling with Yordan Alvarez, Yandy Diaz, and Willson Contreras, all in matchups that set up well for production.

Best MLB player props today

Player PickOdds
Astros Yordan AlvarezOver 1.5 total bases-112
Rays Yandy DiazOver 1.5 total bases+102
Red Sox Willson Contreras Over 1.5 total bases+112

Yordan Alvarez Over 1.5 total bases (-112)

Well, well, well, look who we're all over this evening. None other than Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez to go over 1.5 total bases.

The big fella enters with an elite rating on Batters-Box and draws a matchup against Los Angeles Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, who has been getting lit up by left-handed hitters this season. Overall, Rodriguez owns an 8.90 xER, while lefties have posted a .458 xwOBA against him. Over the last 60 left-handed batters he's faced, they've produced a 61.1% elevation rate, 47.2% hard-hit rate, and a ridiculous .826 xSLG.

Alvarez has been on a tear all season, but he's been especially dominant against right-handed pitching lately. Over his last 30 plate appearances versus righties, the big fella is batting .417 with a .750 SLG and a 1.283 OPS. He's also generating 55% hard contact and a 15% barrel rate.

Did I mention that Alvarez has gone over this prop in four of his last five elite ratings? Or his 100% arsenal coverage against Rodriguez's entire pitch mix? No? Well, I'm glad I did now. 

Paying a little juice for one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball feels well worth it, especially in a matchup against Rodriguez. I'd be willing to play this all the way up to -120 if I have to.

  • Time: 9:38 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ABTV, SCHN

Yandy Diaz Over 1.5 total bases (+102)

Getting Tampa Bay Rays star Yandy Díaz at plus money to go over 1.5 total bases feels like a steal in this spot.

The Rays veteran draws Boston Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early, who does carry an elite pitcher rating today over on Batters-Box, but so does Diaz on the hitter's side.

He records a hit 72.46% of the time, 2+ hits 34.78% of the time, and has gone over this prop nearly 50% of the time in elite ratings. That is a 69-game sample size. He has also cleared this line in six of his last 10 elite-rated spots.

Early has also been getting hit hard by right-handed bats this season. Over his last 50 batters faced, they have produced nearly a 70% elevation rate, 53.5% hard contact, and an 11.6% barrel rate, while also carrying a sub-.700 xSLG.

Diaz has been rolling against left-handed pitching. In his last 30 at-bats, he is making nearly 90% contact, with 63.6% hard contact and a .938 OPS. On top of that, he owns an 85% arsenal coverage rating against Early’s mix.

Backing a hitter who is making consistent contact and hard contact against a pitcher who has been getting tagged by right-handed bats makes this a strong look. Getting it at plus money only adds to the appeal.

  • Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: RAYS, NESN

Willson Contreras Over 1.5 total bases (+112) 

Sticking with this Red Sox vs. Rays matchup, we're backing Willson Contreras to go over his bases as well. The Red Sox veteran owns an elite rating on Batters-Box, where he is backed by some spicy trends.

In 29 elite ratings on the road:

  • 1+ Hit: 72.41%
  • 2+ Hits: 34.48%
  • Double: 27.59%
  • Home Run: 27.59%
  • 2+ Bases: 51.72%

Contreras has cleared this prop in seven of his last ten elite ratings on the road.

The Rays send out right-hander Mason Englert, who has been getting torched by right-handed hitters this season. At home, it has been especially rough for the 26-year-old. Right-handed hitters are hitting .409 with a .727 SLG and a .507 wOBA, while posting a 72.2% elevation rate. Overall, Englert is allowing 43.2% hard contact and a 16.2% barrel rate to right-handed bats.

Given the matchup and underlying numbers, I would not go much higher than even money on Contreras and would look to grab the best number available.

I'm not shying away from sprinkling on all three of these guys to leave the yard today, and I am taking them straight up in their spots.

  • Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: RAYS, NESN
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
  • Prop picks: 195-342-29, +0.3 units

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Red Wings star Dylan Larkin’s three-team wish list revealed after trade request

Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings skating with the puck during a hockey game.
Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin (71) looks to pass during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Elmont, N.Y.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin wants out and has three teams on his mind.

The 29-year-old, who has a full no-trade clause, is willing to be dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Florida Panthers and the Minnesota Wild, according to the Detroit Free Press.

A report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on Thursday revealed that Larkin, a Michigan native, has requested a trade from Detroit.

Detroit Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin (71) looks to pass during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, in Elmont, N.Y. AP

Larkin has spent the entirety of his 11-year career in a Red Wings sweater, but has not seen the playoffs since his rookie season.

In the postseason following the 2015-16 season, Larkin played in five games and scored one goal before Detroit was eliminated by Tampa Bay.

Should he be dealt to any of his three preferred teams, Larkin will immediately play for a contender.

Vegas is currently up 2-1 over Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final, and Florida won back-to-back championships in 2024 and ’25.

Minnesota, which traded for Quinn Hughes earlier this year, recorded 104 points this season but lost to Colorado in the conference semifinals.

Dylan Larkin has a full no-trade clause. Getty Images

As recently as the end of April, Larkin — who was part of the U.S. team that defeated Canada for gold at the 2026 Olympics — said one of his biggest goals in the future was to bring the Red Wings back into Stanley Cup contention.

Larkin, who turns 30 next month, recorded 67 points in 74 games this season with a +3 rating.

Detroit finished sixth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 41-31-10.

Larkin’s current eight-year contract has five years remaining, paying him through 2031 with an $8.7 million cap hit until he is 31 years old.

His full no-trade clause is through the next two seasons, and it then extends to a ten-team list.

Posted on

Return of Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer

TORONTO, ON- MAY 24 - Dylan Cease #84 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches as the Toronto Blue Jays play the Pittsburgh Pirates at Rogers Centre in Toronto. May 24, 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images

There are little bits of Jays news today.

Tanner Andrews has cleared waivers and is on his way back to Buffalo. Not really a surprise, but it’s good to keep some pitching depth.

And it sounds like we will have Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer back this week. They have a couple of open spots coming up (and an off-day Thursday). I’d love to see us get out of the ‘two bullpen days out of five’ cycle they have been in. As much as I’d love bullpen usage to return to the days of the 1990s, but that’s not happening. The game has changed.

Of course, I’m not sure that Scherzer will pitch much deeper into game than your average reliever. But having Spencer Miles in the pen to be a long man, as well as Simeon Woods Richardson, who we might see on the mound one day. Getting Yimi Garcia back will help with the pen too. And Tommy Nance should be back soon too. That will make the back end of the pen much better (back end? front end?). Add in that Alejandro Kirk should be back sometime around the end of the week, the team will look a fair bit different soon. Hopefully better.

The big story of yesterday’s game, from the Orioles side, was the lack of a call on Ernie Clements avoiding a potential tag.

I don’t think this explanation is going to help:

The gentlemanly thing to do line doesn’t help.

This is the sort of thing that Orioles fans will think he should be out and Jays fans will think they got the call right. Or at least, we’ll be happy that we got the benefit of a bad call.

It didn’t help that they called Jackson Holliday out for leaving the base path, when they should have called him out for the tag, in the ninth inning.

Who figured Brandon Valenzuela would be one of our best players. They are going to have to find a way to keep him in the lineup when Kirk comes back.

This won’t make the Orioles fanbase any happier. Hunter didn’t have a great day calling balls and strikes.

Posted on

Opposition research: Jeff Hoffman

Apr 20, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels second baseman Adam Frazier (20) during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | William Liang-Imagn Images

Phillies fans can be complicated. As we saw this past offseason, “running it back” with players who have failed in previous seasons – particularly the playoffs – is not a popular strategy. On the other hand, there was a lot of angst about the team allowing Jeff Hoffman to leave as a free agent after 2024.

Hoffman was a very good reliever for the Phillies, but many people seem to have memory holed his performance in the 2024 NLDS when he may have been as responsible as any player for the series loss.

Despite that, I would have wanted him back at the right price, but not for the contract the Blue Jays offered him. They gave him three years and an opportunity to be the closer, despite several red flags about his health.

In the early part of the 2025 season, there was a lot of complaining when Hoffman was racking up a ton of saves, while the player the Phillies seemed to peg as his replacement – Jordan Romano – was dreadful. Hoffman was generally good in 2025, but in the biggest save opportunity he’ll ever have, he couldn’t get it done.

In 2026, on the surface he has been awful, and was removed from the closer role. But looking at most of the numbers, you wouldn’t think he’s been all that bad. He’s walking fewer batters, striking out more, and giving up less hard contact than last season, giving him a FIP of 2.99.

The biggest problem for Hoffman may simply be bad luck. He’s got an amazing .492 BABIP against him, resulting in a 6.26 ERA. Of course, after a guy blows a World Series, many fans aren’t all that interested in hearing that the poor on-field results are due to bad luck.

Hating on the Blue Jays

Obviously, the 1993 World Series is a good place to start if you want to work up some animosity against the Jays. The Phillies had one playoff appearance between 1983 and 2007, and Paul Molitor and Joe Carter had to ruin it. It’s perhaps even more galling that they missed the playoffs for the next 21 seasons after that. It’s like they said, “We ruined childhood for a bunch of Phillies fans. We’re good for a while!”

Aside from that, there’s not much to dislike. The Toronto fans are great, and the fact that they have only one non-Jackie Robinson number retired (Halladay) sits well for an elitist like me. (Some franchises would have retired Dave Steib’s number about ten times over.)

But if you do want to hate on these guys, you can bring up the fact that they had a chance to put a stop to the Dodgers’ reign of terror, and they blew it. They had a 3-2 lead in the series and then lost two straight at home. And in game seven, they were two outs away from victory! (Oh, I’m sorry, Blue Jays fans. It must really suck to have your closer blow a save in a decisive World Series game, huh?)

Random guy who played for both teams

The pennant year song battle has run its course. Now, I’m going to start highlighting a former Phillie who you might not have realized also played for the opponent as well.

When thinking of players who suited up for both the Phillies and Blue Jays, Roy Halladay is probably the first name that comes to mind. And if that square comes up in Immaculate Grid, Scott Rolen or Jose Bautista probably get used quite a bit. But did you realize that Mickey Morandini played for the Jays as well?

It’s hard to think of Morandini as anything but a Phillie. A “Harry Kalas special,” Morandini was a member of the 1993 Phillies team that fell to the Jays in the World Series, and after a two-year stint with the Cubs (TIL that Mickey Morandini received an MVP vote as a member of the Cubs in 1998), returned to the Phillies in 2000.

At midseason, with the Phillies comfortably in last place, and Morandini not doing much at all, the Phillies traded him to Toronto so they could give more playing time to younger players like Marlon Anderson and Kevin Jordan.

Morandini didn’t do much in Toronto, being worth -0.2 wins above replacement in 35 games. Meanwhile, the player sent to the Phillies was Rob Ducey who had been traded by the Phillies to the Blue Jays two weeks earlier.

Additional thought about the series

The Phillies’ starting pitching was bad against the White Sox, but with Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler scheduled for this series, that figures to improve. The bigger question is whether or not the recent offensive surge can continue.

The first starter they’ll face this series is familiar: Patrick “Flags Fly Forever” Corbin. Formerly the unofficial holder of the “Worst Contract in Baseball” title (unfortunately, the Phillies have a pitcher who might be the current title holder), he’s surprisingly having a decent season for the Jays, with a 3.98 ERA in eleven starts.

The Jays have yet to announce starters for Tuesday and Wednesday. There’s a chance that Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer will return from the Injured List to make those starts., but the Phillies could also get to go against a bullpen game. (At this point of his career, a game against Scherzer is likely more enticing than facing the bullpen.)

The Phillies should have an opportunity to keep scoring runs as long as players like Adolis Garcia and Alec Bohm (great career numbers against Corbin) don’t fall off a cliff after their recent hot spells.