HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three point shot against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center on April 01, 2026 in Houston, 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Bucks having 17 rostered players, cuts were going to have to happen at some point, and Pete Nance is the first casualty. Nance was always the most obvious player to cut because of his non-guaranteed $2.5m contract, which would have become guaranteed if they kept him past Saturday. Also, Milwaukee acquired a fair few guys who play his position via the Giannis trade (Ware, Jaquez, Ament). I should mention that this technically does not proclude the Bucks from signing the big man to another deal, but it feels unlikely, given the aforementioned lack of spots.
This is something of a kick in the guts for many fans, including myself, who really thought Milwaukee had found a diamond in the rough with Nance. The number of times we would remark on Deer Diaries about how he was “always in the right spots” and “did all the little things” was… pretty large! After coming to the Bucks late in the 2024-25 season, Nance had a breakout 2025-26 campaign (although his numbers certainly don’t jump off the page), averaging 5.4 PPG and 2.7 RPG on 51.5% from the field and 42.0% from three. Assuming it isn’t with the Bucks, let’s hope he lands somewhere that gives him a real shot.
Jun 24, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) celebrates his RBI double in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
While this is a night-owl game at the start of a holiday weekend, there are reasons to tune in. Can Jake Bennett, who looked great against the Yankees, do it again? Can the Red Sox unleash some emotion on the Angels? This is a good time to get something going, in a season that’s running out of chances.
Most importantly, let’s enjoy Willson Contreras while we can. He’s on the field tonight while the appeals process plays out, but unless his suspension is dismissed or shortened, he’s about to go on the shelf for seven games. Longer term, will he still be on the team by this time next month?
All together for Willson, and for Venezuela. ¡Fuerza!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 20: Grounds crew members cover the field with a tarp after a rain delay was announced before the start of the first inning between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 20, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees are in the midst of trying to stop a seven-game losing streak with the Twins in town to begin a three-game series. Minnesota took a quick lead off Gerrit Cole thanks to a solo shot by Kody Clemens, but Yankees leadoff hitter Trent Grisham welcomed himself back from the IL by belting a bomb of his own at the start of the game to tie it at 1-1.
Although Cole has since settled down a bit with two scoreless innings, we must now wait before we get baseball again. They’ve put the tarp on the field at Yankee Stadium with heavy rain expected shortly. The forecast looks like it will clear up in a little while, but for now, it’s a rain delay. I would say that I hope it cools people off on this hot, hot day, but it might just end up being steamy. Alas.
Well, that didn’t take too long! Assuming nothing crazy happens (outside of Cape Verde vs. Argentina anyway), we’ll have baseball again in just a little bit. This delay should hopefully end up being about 50 minutes or so.
So remember in Wednesday’s recap when I said maybe games like this make me reconsider my desire for MLB to have a mercy rule?
Can I take that back?
The Cubs put a +20 on their run differential with Wednesday’s win — and gave 16 of that back Friday afternoon in a 17-1 blowout by the Cardinals.
First, about that blowout loss after the blowout win, from BCB’s JohnW53:
The most runs that the Cubs ever had allowed before in a game immediately after one in which they had scored at least 20 was 10. They lost to the Reds, 10-5, at home on Aug. 14, 1937, one day after winning, 22-6.
So 89 years later, the Cubs pretty much shattered that “record,” for whatever that’s worth.
More from John:
The Cubs’ worst loss ever to the Cardinals was by 18 runs, 21-3, at Wrigley Field on April 27, 1977. They lost to them, 19-2, at the West Side Grounds in 1904, and by 15 three times, the last in 1925. ….. The Cubs’ worst loss since 1901 was by 22-0 at home vs. the Pirates on Sept. 16, 1975, then by 20 runs, 22-2, at Cincinnati on June 1, 1957. This was their 17th loss by at least 16 runs and the 11th of them at home.
Okay, you probably do want to hear something from me. What I want to say about David Peterson’s first Wrigley Field start as a Cub is this: He just could not put away hitters, or innings. After a pretty easy first, which could have been better if Michael Busch hadn’t dropped a possible double-play relay after Dansby Swanson caught Ivan Herrera’s line drive, Peterson then retired the first two hitters in the second. After that: Double, single, home run. In the third, after the first two hitters reached, a sac fly and a ground out made it 4-0, but again, Peterson couldn’t put away Masyn Winn, who hit an RBI single, followed by an RBI double by Jose Fermin. In the fourth, after he got the first two hitters out on routine fly balls, Peterson walked the bases loaded, then gave up a two-run single. Bryse Wilson then relieved Peterson and served up a three-run homer to Winn, with two of the runs charged to Peterson.
Peterson threw 91 pitches to record 11 outs and was ahead of quite a few hitters, but simply could not put them away. Was it the Cardinals? As I mentioned in today’s game preview, the Cardinals pounded Peterson for seven hits and six runs in 3.2 innings just three weeks ago in New York.
So, Peterson vs. the Cardinals this year: 7.1 innings, 16 hits, 16 runs, 19.64 ERA. Maybe just don’t start him against the Cardinals?
Wilson wasn’t any better, serving up another homer in the sixth and being charged with seven runs in 3.1 innings. One can see why Wilson has been in five organizations in the last four years.
Here, let me break up this wall of text by showing you the Cubs’ only run of the game. In the seventh, Pedro Ramirez (who had taken Swanson’s place in the lineup) tripled, and one out later Alex Bregman doubled him in [VIDEO].
So, yay? Bregman had two of the Cubs’ seven hits. Maybe he’ll start hitting.
Drew Pomeranz, just returned to the Cubs, threw a 1-2-3 ninth in garbage time, on just 11 pitches, so he should be available tomorrow. That’s about all I’ve got on this one.
One more game note: It rained really hard in the area around Wrigley Field for about an hour starting just as the gates were opening at 1:30. Fortunately, it cleared the area, though a light rain fell during the first inning, and the game started just 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time of 3:05. Had this been a normal Friday 1:20 start, it probably would have started at… around 3:15.
Games like this, you do have to eventually laugh. They only count as one loss, fortunately, and one of the best things about baseball is that there’s almost always another game the next day. The Cubs and Cardinals will play Saturday evening at Wrigley Field. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Kyle Leahy goes for St. Louis. Game time is 7:08 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Fox-TV (regional — coverage map).
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 25: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on June 25, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly shopping forwards Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery.
The Lakers gained two second-round picks from the Deandre Ayton trade with the Washington Wizards, meaning the team could consolidate said assets in a deal for a much-needed roster piece, such as a versatile wing defender.
Jarred Vanderbilt has emerged as a trade candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks.
After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing. pic.twitter.com/9tBaBxRscJ
The Lakers have been busy this offseason with general manager Rob Pelinka orchestrating a full-fledged roster transformation. Half of LA’s starting lineup departed in free agency, including four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
Dalton Knecht could be traded by the Lakers as general manager Rob Pelinka continues to recreate the roster. NBAE via Getty ImagesRob Pelinka faces immense pressure to transform the Lakers into title contenders next season. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After landing an elite big man, the Lakers are looking to add a versatile wing defender and backup center. In order to do so, Pelinka will have to orchestrate a trade including the second-round picks from Washington or waive Vanderbilt in order to give the Lakers more financial flexibility to sign a free agent.
The Lakers now have a total of three second-round picks. Many NBA teams equate such assets to one first-round pick, which points to a trade involving Knecht or Vanderbilt as the likeliest outcome to acquire a wing or backup center that the Lakers need.
Earlier this week, Dave Roberts was unsure if Shohei Ohtani would pitch in this year’s All-Star Game.
In the days since, the Dodgers’ reshuffled pitching plans have essentially made the decision for him.
With Ohtani having his originally scheduled outing on Wednesday against the Athletics pushed back a couple days to Friday night against the Padres, the two-way star is now unlikely to take the mound in the Midsummer Classic, even if he is selected to the National League pitching staff as expected.
Earlier this week, Dave Roberts was unsure if Shohei Ohtani would pitch in this year’s All-Star Game. Getty ImagesWith Ohtani having his originally scheduled outing on Wednesday against the Athletics pushed back a couple days to Friday night against the Padres, the two-way star is now unlikely to take the mound in the Midsummer Classic, even if he is selected to the National League pitching staff as expected. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong“I haven’t formally said it, but if you just do the math, it would be hard to imagine,” said Roberts, who is also the NL manager this year thanks to the Dodgers’ pennant last year. “But I don’t have to make a decision quite yet.” David Banks-Imagn Images
After Friday’s start against the Padres, Ohtani’s final pitching appearance of the first half will come next Friday against the Diamondbacks, knocking him off schedule to be available to the All-Star Game in Philadelphia that following Tuesday.
“I haven’t formally said it, but if you just do the math, it would be hard to imagine,” said Roberts, who is also the NL manager this year thanks to the Dodgers’ pennant last year. “But I don’t have to make a decision quite yet.”
Already, it was going to be difficult for Ohtani –– who has clinched the NL’s starting designated hitter slot via fan voting –– to make what would have only been his second career pitching appearance in the All-Star Game.
To do so, Roberts confirmed earlier this week, Ohtani likely would have had to start the game, given the logistical challenges that would have gone into trying to warm up in the bullpen while also taking at-bats in the NL’s lineup.
The NL, of course, has more obvious candidates to handle the starting honors, from Cy Young frontrunner Jacob Misiorowski to local Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez.
Based on their own pitching schedules, however, it still might have been possible for Ohtani (whose 1.58 ERA entering Friday trailed only Misiorowski among pitchers with 70 innings) to warrant the starting pitcher nod.
Now, he has been all but knocked out of consideration, with the Dodgers’ preference to give him a couple extra days of rest as a pitcher this week likely to limit his All-Star Game involvement to DH duties only.
The Flyers are making a bold swing for one of the best young players in hockey.
Philadelphia announced Friday that it tendered a five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Ducks center Leo Carlsson, putting Anaheim on the clock and risking four first-round picks in the process.
The offer carries an $18 million average annual value, which would make Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL, topping Oilers star Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million AAV and even the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov’s $17 million mark he’s set to make next season.
General Manager Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers addresses the media regarding the firing of Head Coach John Tortorella prior to an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NHLI via Getty Images
But the draft-pick compensation may be the bigger part of the gamble.
If Anaheim declines to match, the Flyers would land a star center yet to enter the prime of his career — but only after surrendering their first-round picks in each of the next four drafts.
If the Ducks match, Philadelphia will have at least forced Anaheim into a massive contract for its 21-year-old franchise cornerstone.
The Ducks have seven days to decide whether to match the Flyers’ offer or accept the picks.
Ducks reporter Zach Cavanagh wrote that “four other teams” gave an offer sheet to Carlsson and added that Anaheim isn’t expecting to make a decision Friday.
Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks smiles during warmups before Game Three of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at Honda Center on May 8, 2026 in Anaheim, California. NHLI via Getty Images
It’s a stunning move for Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, who is attempting to accelerate Philadelphia’s timeline.
The Flyers made the playoffs for the first time since 2020 last season, the first under head coach Rick Tocchet, before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes in the second round.
Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has 141 points in 201 career games, including 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points in 70 regular-season games last season.
He also added 11 points in 12 playoff games during Anaheim’s postseason run.
DENVER, CO - 2009: The Bulova clock and American Flag adorn the entrance to Coors Field as seen in this 2009 Denver, Colorado, spring cityscape photo. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants head to Coors Field tonight to begin a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies.
As of the time this is being written, the Giants have not yet announced a starting pitcher. But check out the comments below for more up-to-date information.
Whoever it ends up being will be facing off against Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner, who enters tonight’s game with a 4.42 ERA, 4.94 FIP, with 35 strikeouts to 20 walks in 53 innings pitched. His last start was in the Rockies’ 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, in which he allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits in six innings.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 28: Hendrix Lapierre #29 of the Washington Capitals skates with the puck on a breakaway before scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 28, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Penguins reached an agreement with one of their restricted free agents on Friday getting Hendrix Lapierre to ink a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.3 million.
The Penguins have signed forward Hendrix Lapierre to a two-year contract.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Hendrix Lapierre to a two-year contract, it was announced today by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas.
His contract runs through the 2027-28 season and carries an average annual value of $1.3 million.
Lapierre, 24, spent the 2025-26 season with the Capitals, skating in 74 games and tallying four goals, 12 assists and 16 points. Lapierre has spent the past five seasons in the Capitals organization, splitting time between Washington and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears. In 158 career NHL games, the 6-foot, 195-pound forward has recorded 13 goals, 34 assists and 47 points and tallied career highs during the 2023-24 season when he registered eight goals, 14 assists and 22 points in 51 games.
The two-time Calder Cup Champion (2023, ’24) has played in 113 career AHL games, recording 27 goals, 52 assists and 79 points, while adding 31 points (10G-21A) in 48 postseason games. During the Bears’ run to the 2024 Calder Cup, with Penguins’ Assistant Coach Todd Nelson as the bench boss, Lapierre was named the Playoffs MVP while recording a postseason-high 22 points (7G-15A).
Lapierre was originally drafted in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft by Washington.
Pittsburgh traded third and fifth round picks to Washington last week to acquire Lapierre. The Pens still have six more restricted free agents to go, including Egor Chinakhov, Arturs Silovs, Nick Robertson and others who finished the previous season in the minor leagues, with about $27 million in cap space that will be more than enough to sign that group and still have some flexibility for future moves.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 26: Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on June 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (43-46) will welcome in the top team in the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays (51-33), for a three-game holiday weekend series at Daikin Park beginning tonight.
RHP Spencer Arrighetti (7-4, 4.00 ERA) will get the Friday night start for the Astros opposite the veteran RHP Nick Martinez (7-2, 2.66 ERA) and the Rays.
SPENCER’S GIFTS: RHP Spencer Arrighetti is 7-4 in his 13 starts, leading the club in wins and ranking 10th in the AL in opponent batting average (min. 70IP). He has allowed just 56 hits in his 72.0 innings, averaging 7.00 hits per 9.0, which ranks eighth in the AL.
Arrighetti had a rough June (9.00 ERA), but was the AL Pitcher of the Month for May, posting a 4-1 record with a 0.93 ERA.
RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won six of nine, seven of 11, and are 10-5 in their last 15 games. The Astros 16-11 record in June tied as the best in the AL, along with their rival Rangers.
SERIES-LY SPEAKING: Prior to the Astros losing two of three to the Twins earlier this week, the club had won five consecutive series dating back to June 12. The last time the Astros won five straight series was from June 20-July 6 of last season.
WINNING THE CLOSE CALLS: The Astros are 9-5 in one-run games and 19-10 in two-run games. Each of the Astros last seven wins and 12 of their last 13 victories have come by two-or-fewer runs.
NEYENS ADDED TO FUTURES GAME: IF Xavier Neyens has been added to the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, which will be played on July 12 in Philadelphia. Neyens, the Astros first-round selection last year, joins the club’s top prospect OF Kevin Alvarez on the American League squad.
MY BOY BLU: RHP AJ Blubaugh worked another 2.2 scoreless innings on Wednesday vs. MIN, giving him 56.1 innings pitched on the season, which leads all Major League relievers. Blubaugh has been on a strong run since April 11, going 3-0 with a 2.06 ERA (11ER/48IP) in his last 29 appearances.
ASTROS ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have reinstated RHP Cristian Javier from the 60-day IL and have transferred LHP Bennett Sousa to the 60-day IL to make room for Javier on the 40-man roster. Postgame on Wednesday, the Astros optioned RHP Miguel Ullola to Triple A.
ALL-STAR UPDATE: Full All-Star rosters (starters and reserves) will be announced tomorrow night beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX. DH Yordan Alvarez was a finalists on the 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot and is a strong candidate to be the AL starter at the DH position. Alvarez has been an All-Star three times in his career.
MVP-CALIBER: DH Yordan Alvarez has had a torrid first half to his season, currently leading all of baseball in OPS (1.053), OBP (.433), SLG (.620) and total bases (194). Additionally, he ranks first in the AL in extra-base hits (42), tied for first in homers (26), tied for first in hits (100), second in batting average (.319), second in RBI (60), tied for second in runs (59) and fourth in walks (59).
TAP FOR SUCCESS: Astros hitters have won an MLB-best 63 ABS challenges and lead the Majors in challenge success rate (60%). 3B Isaac Paredes (9-for-9) has the most successful challenges in the Majors without losing one. 2B Jose Altuve has been successful on 15-of-21 challenges (71%), ranking second in the Majors in challenges won.
OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players on minor league rehab assignments:
• RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) started on Wednesday for Double A Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas, tossing 4.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits with four strikeouts. He tossed 60 pitches (45 strikes) in what was his third minor league rehab start.
• RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) started on Wednesday for Triple A Sugar Land at OKC, tossing 4.0 innings of one-run ball, fanning three. He tossed 60 pitches (41 strikes) in what was his second minor league rehab start.
• RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) began a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 innings (0ER) on 25 pitches.
• IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple A on Wednesday and has started two games for the Space Cowboys, one at shortstop and one at second base.
• OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (rt. hamstring strain) began a rehab assignment at Triple A on Tuesday and has started two games so far for the Space Cowboys, one at first base and one in left field.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2020 – In a year unlike any other, the Astros begin Summer Camp workouts at Daikin Park and the University of Houston. It was the first workout day for all clubs as MLB returned following nearly a three month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the club’s first day back on the field since Spring Training was halted on March 13.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, July 3, 7:15 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Apple TV
Radio: KTRH 740 AM; KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Pavel Dorofeyev had spent plenty of time in the Tri-State Area before he put pen to paper on a seven-year, $77 million deal with the Rangers last month.
Since beginning his transition into a full-time NHL role in 2022, the Russian wing has trained with Ben Prentiss in Stamford, Conn., alongside many other NHLers and a multitude of Rangers.
The familiarity he already has not only with Manhattan, but also with some of his new Blueshirts teammates, should help Dorofeyev settle into his new team after experiencing his first ever trade from Vegas.
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To also have his lucrative contract signed and sealed, Dorofeyev is free to focus entirely on hockey as he begins this new chapter of his young career.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s a great thing,” he said about his new deal in his first interview as a Ranger on a Zoom call from Russia Friday morning. “But I’ve been around the area for the past year. It’s great to be a Ranger. I’m thankful for the whole organization that they believed in me and they traded for me.”
Crediting his agent, Rick Komarow, for setting him with Prentiss, Dorofeyev reveled in the fact that he ended up signing a long-term contract around the same area he was spending his offseasons training in.
For some 25-year-old’s in the league, the jump to a new team, a new state and a new market can be overwhelming.
But Dorofeyev’s seemed unfazed by the acclimation process he is sure to go through as training camp inches closer.
Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during warmups against the Carolina Hurricanes prior to Game Six of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NHLI via Getty Images
Coming off a career season (37 goals, 27 assists in 82 games) and a strong playoff showing (12 goals, 16 points in 22 games), Dorofeyev will be at least partially charged with replacing the lost production of perennial leading scorer Artemi Panarin.
“Obviously, it feels great, but I don’t plan to stop,” Dorofeyev said of where his game is at. “I still have time to get better at certain points of my game, and usually I’m just focused on the game, not trying to beat myself.”
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) is defended by Carolina Hurricanes defenseman K’andre Miller (19) during the second period in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final. AP Photo/John Locher
The expectation is that Dorofeyev will slot into the top six and onto one of the two power play units.
Setting career highs with 20 power-play goals and 30 power-play points, Dorofeyev can certainly bolster what was already a top-five power play in the NHL last season.
Asked if he felt any pressure to help lead the Rangers through this retool, Dorofeyev reveled in that, too.
“I think pressure is kind of a privilege,” he said. “I’ve been dealing with pressure all my life. I’m just looking forward to join the team and do my best helping any way I can.”
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 03: Nathan Church #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You could sense that the St. Louis Cardinals entered Wrigley Field Friday afternoon feeling the momentum of their inspiring series-winning comeback victory in Atlanta on Thursday. The Cardinals took the Cubs to Church in a Nathan kind of way to win Friday’s contest easily in Chicago.
St. Louis did not wait long before they jumped all over Chicago Cubs starter David Peterson. They literally hit him hard in the top of the 2nd inning as José Fermín hit a two-out double and Blaze Jordan lined a ball off of Peterson’s right triceps. He was fortunately not injured and stayed in the game. On the 8th pitch of his at-bat, Nathan Church did not miss a 79 mph curveball that didn’t curve enough with a 3-run homer that soared 384 feet into the right field stands.
The bottom of the 2nd inning would include a defensive highlight that shows just how far Jordan Walker has come both offensively and with the glove. Sliding catches by our right fielder for the win!
The Cardinals would continue to add to their lead in the top of the 3rd inning when Iván Herrera singled followed by a Jordan Walker double. Nelson Velázquez lifted a sacrifice fly to center making it 4-0 St. Louis. The Cardinals weren’t done, either. After Alec Burleson grounded out to first, Masyn Winn singled which scored Walker upping the St. Louis lead to 5-0 then José Fermín launched a shot into the right-center field gap scoring Winn all the way from first making it a commanding 6-0 lead for the Cardinals.
The St. Louis words for the day were relentless and merciless. The Cardinals would continue to pile on the hapless Cubs in the top of the 4th inning when Iván Herrera , Jordan Walker and Nelson Velázquez drew two-out walks. Alec Burleson then walked to the plate and said “thank you for throwing a meatball 84 mph slider on the first pitch” lancing it into right field scoring Herrera and Walker giving St. Louis a remarkable 8-0 lead. But wait, there’s more. Masyn Winn decided to put an exclamation point on an already big lead as he lifted a 391 foot homer over the left field wall making it 11-0 Cardinals.
While the Cardinals offense was going ballistic, Andre Pallante was quietly keeping the Cubs from mounting much of a threat. Through the first 4 innings, all the Cubs had to show for their efforts were a couple of infield singles and a double from PC Armstrong who’s name I refuse to write out completely. Andre gave St. Louis the exact kind of start they needed after an exhausting bullpen game on Thursday. The bats made the headlines today, but Pallante deserves major kudos, too. By the time he was taken out of the game in the bottom of the 6th inning Andre’s line was an impressive 5 2/3 innings allowing just 5 hits, absolutely no Cubs runs with 2 strikeouts and just 1 measly walk. Just what the Cardinals bullpen needed.
It is with great pleasure that I let you know that the Cardinals did not stop at 11 runs. In the top of the 5th inning, Blaze Jordan led off with a single. Three batters later, Herrera singled to center and then Jordan Walker was hit by a pitch to load the bases. The Cubs then decided that they’d like to score on themselves by walking Velasquez giving St. Louis an even dozen runs. Alec Burleson and his bat then added to the delightful Cubs misery by ripping a single into right scoring 2 more and giving the Cardinals a football lead of 2 touchdowns and 2 extra points at 14-0.
The top of the 6th inning saw St. Louis load the bases AGAIN (and that’s not a complaint). With one out, Blaze Jordan collected his 3rd hit of the game which was a single to left which Nathan Church followed with a single of his own. JJ Wetherholt was hit by a pitch to load the bases which gave Iván Herrera the opportunity to add to his RBI total which he did with a ringing single to center scoring 2 more and giving the Cardinals a whopping 16-0 lead.
I have a life motto that there is no such thing as scoring too many runs when you’re playing the Cubs and Bryan Torres obviously agreed. Oli Marmol decided to give Masyn Winn the rest of the game off and Bryan honored that opportunity by crushing his own home run over the right field wall increasing the Cardinals obliteration of Chicago to 17-0.
The Cubs did end up getting a consolation run in the bottom of the 7th inning off of reliever Max Rajcic, but who cares. That reduced our lead to a nerve-racking 17-1 and yes, that’s sarcasm. Max did a fine job of eating innings in a blowout so the Cardinals bullpen will enter Saturday night’s national broadcast game fully-rested. Ryne Stanek, back from paternity leave after becoming a new dad (congrats, btw), took care of the Chicago Cubs in the bottom of the 9th.
The St. Louis Cardinals will continue a very enjoyable stay in the Windy City so far as they’ll do battle with the evil empire Chicago Cubs Saturday night. The Cardinals will send Kyle Leahy to the mound for a 4th of July national broadcast while the worst franchise in baseball Cubs give Shota Imanaga the ball. First pitch is set for 7:08 central time as this will be a TV broadcast handled by Fox.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 28: Ryan Feltner #18 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Sunday, June 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Ritter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies (35-53) open a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants (36-50) tonight at Coors Field.
Colorado is still in last place, but the Rockies enter just two games behind the floundering Giants, adding a little division-floor intrigue to the weekend.
The Rockies also enter with some momentum after splitting a four-game series with the Miami Marlins. Miami took the first two games to close June with 20 wins for the month — the winningest month in their franchise history — before Colorado answered by taking the final two to open July undefeated.
Ryan Feltner gets the ball for Colorado. The right-hander enters at 2-2 with a 4.42 ERA and 35 strikeouts through 11 starts. Feltner posted a 4.00 ERA across five June starts and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four outings, including his June 28 start against the Minnesota Twins, when he allowed two runs over six innings with no walks.
His six-pitch arsenal has been anchored by his slider, changeup, and sweeper, all of which have produced positive run value this season. His four-seam fastball and curveball have been more hittable, which puts more weight on how he gets through the lineup. Feltner is not overpowering hitters right now, so sequencing and execution will matter.
Ace right-hander Logan Webb will start for San Francisco and enters on a roll. Across five June starts, Webb went 3-1 with a 0.71 ERA, allowing just three earned runs over 38 innings while striking out 29 and walking four — leading to National League Pitcher of the Month honors. On the year, Webb is 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA through 14 starts, and he has already faced Colorado once this season, allowing one run over 4 ⅓ innings on May 29 in a game the Rockies eventually won 8-6.
Webb is not built around premium velocity — his four-seam fastball sits around 92.5 mph — but he controls contact with a sinker-heavy mix. He throws his sinker 32.2% of the time, and it has produced +11 run value this season. The changeup sits next at 24.5%, followed by the sweeper at 19.7%. He also enters with a 53.1% ground-ball rate.
San Francisco’s bullpen gives Colorado its best opening, entering with a 4.36 ERA, 4.45 FIP, 4.76 xFIP and negative collective WAR.
First-year Giant Luis Arraez remains a tough out, entering with a 126 wRC+ and a 3.6% strikeout rate. Casey Schmitt has supplied some power with 16 home runs and a .489 slugging percentage, while Jung Hoo Lee has been one of San Francisco’s steadier bats with a 124 wRC+ and a 9.2% strikeout rate.
T.J. Rumfield has been productive all year and now has back-to-back National League Rookie of the Month honors to show for it. Rumfield enters the series with a .293/.373/.487 line, 12 home runs, 46 RBI, and a 125 wRC+. Mickey Moniak has also been hot over his past three games, going 7-for-13 with three home runs and eight RBI, while Hunter Goodman continues to chase the MLB home run lead with 27 home runs, second only to Kyle Schwarber.
If the Rockies can stay close against Webb and force the game into San Francisco’s bullpen, Coors Field might leave room for a little LoDo Magic.
The Lakers are under a full-on roster reconstruction.
And their latest move on Friday, trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two of Washington’s second-round picks (2031 and 2032), made clear another area they need to address while making it easier for them to reconfigure the roster.
Add in Rui Hachimura, who remains an unrestricted free agent and has multiple teams expressing interest in signing the 6-foot-8 forward, and there’s a strong likelihood the Lakers won’t return any of the players who started for them (Smart, Kennard, James, Hachimura and Ayton) in the first five games of their first-round playoffs series victory over the Rockets.
The Lakers are under a full-on roster reconstruction. Getty ImagesAnd with two roster spots, four tradeable draft picks and a little bit more financial flexibility at their disposal, the Lakers’ focus is on addressing the glaring holes on the roster. NBAE via Getty Images
That’s in addition to re-signing Austin Reaves (four years, $185 million) and selecting Cameron Carr with the No. 24 pick of the draft and signing him to his rookie scale contract (four years, $16.8 million) on Thursday.
And with two roster spots, four tradeable draft picks and a little bit more financial flexibility at their disposal, the Lakers’ focus is on addressing the glaring holes on the roster.
What are the needs?
A backup big man behind Kessler and a defensive-minded wing/forward who, ideally, can start alongside Kessler, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and possibly Grimes.
As currently constructed, the Lakers are very guard/backcourt-heavy with Doncic, Reaves, Grimes, Sexton, Hardy, Carr and Bronny James, though Doncic, Grimes and Carr can play wing/forward positions.
Doncic, Mamukelashvili, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero and Jarred Vanderbilt are the lone players on the current roster listed between 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-9.
Kessler, who’s 7-foot-2, is the lone player listed at 6-foot-10 or taller.
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Veteran center Kevon Looney is an unrestricted free agents who the Lakers will consider signing. Getty Images
Who are the targets?
Ironically, Ayton is better than the backup big man options currently available to the Lakers.
Veteran center Kevon Looney is an unrestricted free agents who the Lakers will consider signing.
Nick Richards, a 28-year-old big man entering his seventh season in the NBA, is also an unrestricted free agent.
The Lakers are also expected to consider Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas, who’s entering the final season of his three-year, $30.3 million contract that pays him $10 million in 2026-27.
Among these options, Looney is the center the Lakers must prioritize because of his proven abilities to contribute to winning teams and durability.
On the wings, the Lakers are still exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. Kuminga is drawing interest from other teams, but the unrestricted free agent forward is a significant priority for the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles had significant interest in Andre Drummond as their backup center, but he signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal to join the reigning NBA champion Knicks.
On the wings, the Lakers are still exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. Kuminga is drawing interest from other teams, but the unrestricted free agent forward is a significant priority for the Lakers.
Hachimura returning to the Lakers is still a possibility, but would be challenging since the Lakers don’t have much cap space left and had to relinquish Hachimura’s cap hold to make their other additions. He can likely join another team for a significantly higher salary.
Former Nets forward Ziaire Williams has been linked to the Lakers. Ochai Agbaji is another option on the wings who looms for them.
Other moves?
The Lakers are projected to have three tradeable second-round picks (Wizards two picks and their own 2033 pick) and a 2032 first-round pick swap they can include in a trade.
Expect for them to explore seeing if they can attach picks to one of their own players (such as Knecht and Vanderbilt) to free up financial flexibility and a roster spot.
They could also use those picks to acquire a player ready to contribute now.
And once LeBron makes his decision on his next destination, whether the Lakers will keep Bronny on the roster or trade him to LeBron’s next team will be the next domino to fall.
