Jun 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Tonight we start a three game series with the Astros and then four games with the Rangers all at Rogers Centre. And then Bo and the Mets come to town, to dazzle us with their vocal stylings.
They are pushing the starters back a day with the rain out. We will have:
Monday: Dylan Cease
Tuesday: Shane Bieber, making his first start of the season.
Wednesday: Trey Yesavage
Thursday: Kevin Gausman
Friday: Patrick Corbin
The Astros are fourth in the AL West at 37-42, but they are 10-8 this month.
The Rangers are much the same, 37-40 and 9-9 this month.
And, apparently, newly acquired Luis Urias will not be going to Buffalo, but will join the major league team because he had an ‘upward mobility’ clause in his contract. He had a date in his contract where had to be promoted to the majors or offered to other teams. I wonder who will be leaving to make room for him. I’m sure as soon as I hit publish, that news will come out.
MLB.com has “Three Questions The Blue Jays Must Answer Before The Deadline”.
Who is the #5 starter after the deadline?
We have more than a month before the trade deadline, many things can happen between now and then. Hopefully, none of those things will be injuries. Patrick Corbin has the job at the moment, but he’s had a rough time in his last 5 starts, with a 6.64 ERA, average just 4 innings per starts.
Jake Bloss has started on a rehab assignment. He might be ready to join the major league team by August. And Ricky Tiedeman has just started pitching, on his way back from Tommy John. He’s going to need longer that Bloss.
I’m sure the front office will be looking to see if they can make a deal for a starting pitcher.
2) Do the Blue Jays have something in Keys?
He does look like a good left-handed bat. The team has an abundance of lefty bats, but Keys has 18 home runs in just 64 minor league games, mostly with New Hampshire, but he’s in Buffalo now and hasn’t slowed down, .284/.411/.595 in 15 games. He can play first and third. We’ll know they are ready to bring him up when he starts playing some second base.
Who are the likeliest trade candidates?
See question above. When I see the beat writers talking up a minor leaguer before the deadline, I starting thinking that they are shopping him. It would take a lot to make them give up JoJo Parker. Beyond that, for the right player, they would have to be willing to trade anyone.
The Mavericks are hiring Dusty May from Michigan University to be their next head coach. He is the first coach since John Beilein in 2019 to make the leap, who resigned in February of 2020 after winning just 14 of his 54 games. Beilein, much like May, coached at Michigan and had a winning percentage north of 60 percent in his college career, making both established winners before their NBA tenure. While Beilein quickly flamed out in the big leagues, the Mavericks hope May follows a different path.
To find a different outcome, the Mavericks are going to have to fight history. Of the last 12 college coaches to get hired by an NBA team, only two had winning records. Billy Donovan is the lone survivor still coaching from this group, and has a very respectable career record of 469-413 (53.2 percent). Brad Stevens is the other great hire over the last 30-plus years, who went 354-282 over his eight seasons in Boston before famously making the transition to General Manager, where he has excelled since. Stevens is surely the guy that Dallas had in mind when making this decision, but the rest of the group gives enough pause to be cautious when setting expectations for the defending National Champion’s success at the next level.
Of the ten “duds”, three won over 100 games in the NBA and five won under 70. Two were fired early in their third season, and four lasted two or fewer. The flame-outs were quick and obvious, and given that all six guys hired between 1994 and 2000 had losing records, there was good reason just six more coaches were hired in the same fashion over the next 26 years.
What none of those guys did, however, was win a national title the year they left college. May is coming off a fantastic year that ended with nets being cut and the culmination of his meteoric rise to prominence. The closest any of the guys over the last 32 years (the full list is here) came to doing that was Rick Pitino in 1997, when he lost the National Championship game and then accepted a job to coach the Celtics. He did not win more than 36 games in any of the next four seasons as Boston’s head coach.
While history may not be on May’s side, he certainly has the resume to believe that he is closer to Brad Stevens than John Beilein. He has won everywhere he has coached; he hovered above .500 for four seasons at Florida Atlantic (FAU) and then exploded for 124 wins in 150 games over his next four at FAU and Michigan. That run included two Final Fours, two conference championships, and one National Title. He is a proven winner and is an exciting hire for Dallas. But he will have to overcome the hurdles that present themselves when transitioning from a college locker room to one with grown men. It’s okay to be happy that the Mavericks think they have their guy, but be aware that there are real and repeated failures with previous poachings of college coaches.
The Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres meet tonight at Petco Park, with Grant Holmes struggling and Michael King looking to rebound from a rough stretch.
While both Holmes and King haven't been great, I'm eyeing San Diego to come out on top here in my Braves vs. Padres predictions due to King's home form.
Who will win Braves vs Padres today: Padres moneyline (-107)
The Atlanta Braves have pitched well this season, but Grant Holmes has been extremely inconsistent. Over his last five starts, he owns a 6.29 FIP while allowing 4.22 walks and 2.53 home runs per nine innings. The right-hander also owns a 5.39 FIP on the road and continues to struggle with both command and damage prevention.
Michael King's recent numbers are concerning, as he owns an 8.24 xERA across his previous two outings. However, the right-hander has pitched much better at Petco Park this season, holding opponents to a .216 average while posting a 3.30 ERA.
I don't expect either starter to dominate, but King has a clear opportunity to rebound at home while the San Diego Padres get to face a pitcher in Holmes who has consistently allowed traffic and home runs.
Braves vs Padres Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 runs (+105)
With a modest total of just 7.5, there's value in the Over. Despite Atlanta's bullpen compiling a respectable 3.97 xERA over the last week, Grant Holmes still profiles as a pitcher who could allow three or four runs before exiting. The Padres are also squaring up the baseball lately, carrying a 41.2% hard-hit rate over their last six games.
Michael King also draws a difficult matchup against an elite Braves lineup. While Atlanta is batting just .235 over its last six games, its offensive talent is difficult to ignore against a starter who is prone to mistakes. The Padres' bullpen has also been shaky, posting a 4.22 FIP and 40.8% hard-hit rate over the last week.
There are multiple avenues for runs tonight.
I'll play this pick up to -120.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 28-24, +1.70 units
Over/Under bets: 31-20, +6.60 units
Braves vs Padres weather
First pitch temperatures are expected to be around 68°F with light 6.9 mph winds, 75.8% humidity, and no chance of precipitation. The cool marine air and minimal wind shouldn't provide much assistance to hitters, making this a fairly neutral-to-slightly pitcher-friendly environment.
Braves vs Padres odds
Moneyline: Braves -100 | Padres -104
Run line: Braves -1.5 (+170) | Padres +1.5 (-178)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-104) | Under 7.5 (-108)
Braves vs Padres trend
The Atlanta Braves have hit the Team Total Over in 30 of their last 45 away games (+12.00 Units / 22% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Padres.
How to watch Braves vs Padres and game info
Location
Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date
Monday, June 22, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Braves starting pitcher
Grant Holmes (4-3, 4.33 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher
Michael King (4-6, 3.60 ERA)
Braves vs Padres latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
With free agency set to begin on June 30, James appears to be keeping every option on the table, from returning to the Los Angeles Lakers to exploring other opportunities — or even retirement.
According to ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne, initial conversations between James’ camp and the Lakers have remained informal and exploratory.
LeBron James is still weighing his options ahead of a massive NBA decision that could reshape free agency. Getty Images
“LA is the first team he can talk to because they’re their own free agent,” Shelburne said on SportsCenter. “My understanding is they had initial conversations with LeBron James’ representative, but he has not even fully committed to returning next year in these conversations.”
LA Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has his work cut out for him during free agency. Getty Images
Shelburne described the discussions as little more than both sides “keeping in touch,” noting that no contract figures have been discussed and no commitment has been made.
“I think that’s been interpreted as something like, ‘LeBron is still assessing his options,’” Shelburne said. “Whether that is retirement or whether that is other teams.”
That uncertainty was echoed by James’ longtime agent Rich Paul, who recently dismissed widespread speculation surrounding the four-time NBA champion.
“There’s nobody that knows anything about anything that pertains to LeBron,” Paul said. “LeBron James is gonna take as much time as he needs and wants.”
James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder look toward the heavens. Getty Images
Paul added that roughly 10 to 12 teams have already expressed interest in James should he decide to leave Los Angeles.
Despite turning 42 during the upcoming season, James remains one of the league’s most productive players. He averaged 21.3 points, 7.2 assists and 6.2 rebounds across 70 games during the 2025–26 campaign, proving he can still impact winning at a high level.
The financial component could complicate matters. James earned $52.6 million last season, while the Lakers may prefer greater salary flexibility as they continue building around Luka Dončić.
Luka Dončić listens to James during the Lakers’ third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Getty Images
According to Shelburne, James may be reluctant to take a substantial pay cut, particularly after feeling his sacrifices in recent years have gone underappreciated.
The Lakers remain in contact. Rival teams continue to monitor the situation. And LeBron James, perhaps for the first time in years, appears to be carefully evaluating every possible path before making what could become one of the most consequential decisions of the NBA offseason.
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Hang uno up in the rafters. Booker is in his #15 era.
New number, new Book. Scoring 70 points in a loss Book is out, and gold medal Book is in. The Olympic 3 and D Book. The “I’ll do it” Book. The being-anything-the-team-needs-him-to-be Book.
What could the player that Steve Kerr named the “Unsung MVP” of the 2024 Olympic gold medal team bring to the run-it-back Suns? I say, he’ll bring what he’s always brought, exactly what his team needs to win.
Steve Kerr went on to say this about Devin Booker.
“He’s probably the guy who has been the most adaptable to go from a different role in the NBA to a new one here. He’s adapted to being an on-ball guy, ball mover. The offense clicks when he’s out there, the defense is really good.”
In my opinion, the Suns need Booker to fill a new role in the 2026-27 season. More CP3, less Kobe. More Gary Payton, less Allen Iverson. This Suns team doesn’t win a playoff series or nab a 4-5 seed because Booker takes more shots. Not if that means Jalen Green has to take fewer shots. Or Dillon Brooks gets trigger-shy. Or Collin Gillespie defers. This isn’t the 2017 Suns, or the CP3 Suns that needed Booker to flame on every night. Booker doesn’t have to provide the bulk of the shots on this Suns team. SG1 isn’t a winning strategy. Let Ant and Spida spin their tires in the conference finals, chasing that title. The answer isn’t always more gas.
You know what the run-it-back Suns need more than 25 shots a night from Booker? Some of that Paris Olympics defense.
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For being a team that wants to build off the defensive side of the ball, the Suns couldn’t keep anyone out of the lane, and by the time they got to the playoffs, the secret was out. Expect teams to attack the Suns with the drive until the tape gives them reason to pause. The Suns can’t be the type of swarming defense Jordan Ott envisions if they can’t stay in front of the ball. The coaching staff and front office are surely working to address that weakness, but could the Suns’ best player be a part of the solution?
Booker played good defense last season. Can he make that a more consistent part of his game? Can he step up and take on a difficult assignment in a playoff series? Could he hold up when he gets switched onto Ant, Luka, or Shai. What would that allow the rest of the team to do? If Booker is mixing it up on defense, game in and game out, what kind of effort are you going to get from Jalen Green? How does that intensity transfer to the young core? How aggressively do Collin, Oso, Fleming, and Dunn play? A great individual offensive performance can increase everyone’s confidence shooting the ball. Could great individual effort from Book on the defensive end have a similar effect? The rising tide raises all boats. The Suns need Devin Booker to be the rising tide, on the defensive end, and as a playmaker on offense.
Booker’s numbers weren’t as off from previous seasons as the fan reaction would have you think, but the efficiency numbers were down. Yet the biggest critique from Book’s post-season performance was that he wasn’t aggressively seeking his shot. Then people see Jalen Brunson in the finals relentlessly attacking, and everyone stands up and says, “See! That’s what Booker needs to do.” But when Booker was at his best, making finals runs, getting MVP votes, and making all NBA teams, he was efficient. His 45.6 FG% last season was the lowest it’s been since the 2017-18 season, and his 33.0 3PT% was the lowest it’s been since the 2018-19 season. How does forcing contested shots help that?
Booker is great when he’s pushing the 50/40/90 mark. If he has to shoot it 15-17 times a game instead of 20 to get there, so be it. Booker needs to leverage his basketball IQ and gravity to be a playmaker first, like you see from superstars like Jokic or Lebron. Not just to create open looks for his teammates but also to open up better looks for himself. Lebron and Jokic don’t attack the wall teams build to contain them. They work the ball around the wall until the defense has to come out to cover the corners of the court they thought they could sacrifice. That’s when Jokic or Lebron start scoring. That’s how they get the looks they want, not the looks the defense wants.
Booker would benefit from being a more opportunistic scorer this upcoming season. When he’s playing with the bench unit at the end of the first quarter. Go nuts. When the Suns brick consecutive shots, and the other team sparks a run. Get aggressive, get a bucket. When he catches Austin Reeves in rotation. Take him to the hoop. But you don’t need to kill yourself in the first half getting to your spot if Green or Brooks are getting good looks. Be smart about when you spend your energy. The Suns don’t need Booker to take over in the second quarter; they need him to get buckets in the 4th. That’s how, on any given night, Booker can take fewer shots than Jalen Green or Dillon Brooks and still be the franchise player the Suns pay him to be. CP3 had it down to a science.
Booker can’t stay 2023 forever. I’m sure he looks at guys like Lebron and CP3, who stretched their careers out long past their expected expiration date, and thinks how he could do the same for his career. Their games evolved with age, with the way defenses played them, with the teams they had around them. Booker’s game will evolve too.
From coming off the bench for Calipari at Kentucky to hitting corner threes for Steve Kerr in the Paris Olympics, Devin Booker has always been willing and able to assume whatever role he needs to play to win. For over a decade, he’s been the Sun’s offensive engine wearing the number 1. Maybe that’s not what the Suns need right now. Maybe the Suns need the Olympic Booker. Maybe it’s time for Suns fans to open their minds to what #15 has to offer.
Or maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the only thing that will change about Devin Booker is his number. Let me know in the comments what you expect from Book next season. Will we see a new Book? Or will SG1 strike back?
Rookie JJ Wetherholt is an outstanding defender. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Series Timing.
The series timing is better than expected for the Diamondbacks. Recently, the Cardinals had a 3-game losing streak (17-19 June). Last season, they collapsed in July (8 wins, 16 losses), and this season they seem to be starting their collapse in late June.
Let’s compare the teams.
Offense. This season through 19 June, the Cardinals averaged more runs scored per game (4.55 vs 4.28 runs per game).
Runners Left On Base. This season through 19 June, the Diamondbacks left fewer runners on base per game (6.60 vs 7.27).
Defense. This season through 19 June, the Diamondbacks had the better defense (19 vs 13 OAA, 35 vs 11 DRS)
Bullpens. This season through 19 June, the Cardinals had more shutdown performances by the bullpen (77 vs 71).
Starting Pitcher Matchups. This season through 20 June, the Diamondbacks had the most quality starts (30 vs 28). In this series, if the Diamondbacks starting pitching is good, the odds are good that the Diamondbacks win at least two games of the four game series.
Cardinals Player to Watch.
JJ Wetherholt is the Cardinals’ top prospect. In his debut season, he is playing second base. His defense is outstanding (13 OAA). His batting is outstanding (118 OPS+ with 10 homers). His baserunning is outstanding (2 runs created by his baserunnning, with above-average extra bases taken and above-average stolen bases). If the season ended today, he would likely win the NL rookie-of-the-year award.
Diamondbacks Player to Watch.
Brandon Pfaadt will return to the rotation. In the Majors, he has not started a game since April. Nevertheless, I feel positive vibes that he will return from the minors at his best. It will be a confidence booster that recently the Diamondbacks offense is on a hot streak ( 8 or more runs on 17, 19, and 20 June) and that he will face a pitcher who, in June, had an ERA over ten.
Pitching Matchups.
Monday, 4:45 PM MST.
Merrill Kelly vs Andre Pallente. In June, Pallente had the better ERA (2.41 ERA vs 8.27 ERA), and Pallente had more quality starts (2 QS vs 1 QS).
This matchup is advantage Cardinals.
Tuesday, 4:45 PM MST.
Eduardo Rodriguez vs Kyle Leahy. In June Rodriguez had the better ERA (2.86 ERA vs 6.00 ERA), and Rodriguez had more quality starts (2 QS vs 1 QS).
This matchup is advantage Diamondbacks.
Wednesday, 4:45 PM MST.
(TBD, possibly Brandon Pfaadt) vs Matthew Liberatore. In March/April, prior to pitching in relief, Pfaadt started 3 games. In his fourth start, he entered the game in the third inning and pitched 6.1 innings. In those four games, his ERA was 4.70. In those 4 games, he earned one quality start. If he had started the fourth game, it would have been a second quality start. On that bases, comparing Pfaadt and Liberatore, Pfaadt had the better ERA (4.70 ERA vs 10.45 ERA), and Soroka had more quality starts (2 QS vs zero QS). Worth noting is that my expectation is that neither pitcher will be in the game at the start of the fifth inning. That is because Pfaadt is not stretched out, and 4.1 innings was the most innings that Liberatore pitched in June.
This matchup is advantage Diamondbacks.
Thursday, 4:45 PM MST.
Zac Gallen vs Michael McGreevy. In June McGreevy had the better ERA (4.30 ERA vs 8.85 ERA), and McGreevy had more quality starts (3 QS vs 1 QS). Worth noting is that Gallen allowed 9 earned runs in his latest start, which makes me think that the odds are favorable that Gallen will pitch better than indicated by his June ERA.
Jun 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Lauer in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Four games and four wins. That’s the track record of today’s starter for the Dodgers, Eric Lauer, as he gets ready to face the Twins in a second straight appearance against an American League team. The Dodgers knew exactly what they were getting after acquiring Lauer a little more than a month ago, and they have produced enough offense to take advantage of his serviceable but far from spectacular performances, beating the Rockies, Diamondbacks, Pirates, and Rays—three teams with a record above .500.
One predictable aspect of Lauer’s game that has appeared in this short period as a Dodger is his propensity to give up long balls. The left-hander has allowed at least one home run in each of his four starts since joining the Dodgers, totaling five of them and only eight earned runs. While he’s been able to finesse his way into productive performances, if the homers keep coming, a blowup is on the horizon.
Projecting this matchup against this Twins offense, don’t be fooled by their record below .500 in an underwhelming AL Central—it is primarily a byproduct of their lousy pitching numbers. The Twins come into this matchup averaging 4.91 runs per game, the second-highest mark in the American League, trailing only the Yankees. Specifically on the subject of home runs, one name stands out: Byron Buxton. The Twins’ star center fielder has homered seven times in his last 14 games, totaling 24 on the season. Lauer and the Dodgers pitching staff as a whole have their work cut out for them, trying to contain Buxton.
I’m anticipating the Chicago lineup to do damage against Senga to pave the way to this Over. In addition to the highlighted offensive surge from the Cubbies, they’ve also gone Over their team total in 21 of their last 35away games (+6.10 units / 15% ROI).
The Mets are also ripe to cash in on statistical correction. New York ranks 23rd in BABIP with their .311 wOBA below their 12th-ranked .321 xwOBA to go along with a sixth-ranked hard-hit rate across the past 30 days.
This Over is the play to -120.
Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 28-14, +15.77 units
Over/Under bets: 14-13, -0.03 units
Cubs vs Mets weather
The forecast is clear with 73°F conditions, no chance of rain, and a steady 10-mph wind blowing in from left-center field.
Cubs vs Mets odds
Moneyline: Cubs -117 | Mets +113
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+138) | Mets +1.5 (-144)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-113) | Under 8.5 (+108)
Cubs vs Mets trend
The Cubs have covered the first five innings (F5) run line in eight of their last 10 games for +5.80 units and a 48% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Mets.
How to watch Cubs vs Mets and game info
Location
Citi Field, Queens, NY
Date
Monday, June 22, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
MARQ, SNY
Cubs starting pitcher
Edward Cabrera (4-4, 5.21 ERA)
Mets starting pitcher
Kodai Senga (0-5, 9.00 ERA)
Cubs vs Mets latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 08: Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Petco Park on June 08, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s kind of hard to believe that the final West Coast swing of the season has finally arrived and the season hasn’t even hit the All-Star break yet. Whether you consider that to be a blessing (that this won’t come in August or September) or a curse (that it’s usually rough going out there no matter what time of year it is), there’s no denying that it’s coming at a bit of a weird moment for the Braves.
It sure looked like things were hitting a bit of a nadir for the Braves after they dropped consecutive series to the White Sox (understandable), the Mets (annoying) and the Giants (concerning) with the Brewers looming in the near horizon. As it turned out, the Braves proved that they’re a resilient bunch and ended up taking a dramatic series win in order to salvage the homestand and also stop the bleeding in what had been a rough stretch of games.
Now, we’re going to see that resilience get put to the test. Will the Braves keep the good times rolling out West? Or will the state of California trip up the Braves yet again? It’s time to look at what lies ahead this week for the Braves.
June 22-24: San Diego Padres
Current Record: 39-37Projected Record (via FanGraphs): 80-82
I mean, it goes without saying that obviously we’d all like to see the Braves have the lead in the ninth inning for all three games this series. If they don’t or the game goes into extras, they’re more-than-likely going to see Mason Miller and opposing hitters have not enjoyed seeing Mason Miller so far this season. He’s currently sitting on an ERA of 0.87 (22 ERA-) and a FIP of 0.33 (8 FIP-. Yes, EIGHT. League average is 100, by the way) where he’s given up 13 hits and 12 walks opposed to 61 strikeouts across 31 innings of work. That is absolutely horrifying to deal with.
However, the Padres are in the unenviable position of a relief pitcher being their best player. Heading into Sunday’s action, Mason Miller (who is not an every day player) had produced 2.0 fWAR on the season in 30 games. Fernando Tatis Jr. (who is an everyday player) has produced 1.7 fWAR. That discrepancy basically sums up how things have gone for the Padres. They’ve got some solid pitching — Adrian Morejon is also incredibly tough coming out of the bullpen, Walker Buehler has been trying to get things back on track with the Padres and Michael King has a track record of success against the Braves. Combine that with the pitcher-friendly park factor at Petco Park and we could be in for some low-scoring games during this series.
That’s also assuming that the Padres continue to scuffle at the plate, themselves. It is a little concerning that this crew has started to heat up a bit — they’ve scored at least five runs in six of their last 10 games and they’ll be facing a Braves pitching staff that (while they did stabilize a bit in the series win against the Brewers) hasn’t exactly been in shutdown mode in recent times.
Of course, it’d be lovely if Atlanta’s pitching staff did round back into form but it’s still hard to dismiss a lineup that’ll include Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Gavin Sheets and Ty France in it. Samad Taylor has provided some exciting moments as well and then you have the ever-looming threat of Manny Machado as well. Machado has been mostly scuffling so far this season but he’s got 13 homers so he could very well just pop one over the fence at any given moment. Grant Holmes, JR Ritchie and Martín Pérez will have to be on top of things in their starts this week.
Monday, June 22 at 10:10 p.m. ET (ESPN) Tuesday, June 23 at 9:40 p.m. ET (BravesVision, Gray TV) Wednesday, June 23 at 8:40 p.m ET (BravesVision)
June 25-27: San Francisco Giants
Current Record: 31-46 Projected Record: 74-88
The last time the Braves saw the Giants, they were busy hitting balls all around Truist Park and over the fences as well — which was surprising considering how difficult it had been for this team to hit for power on a regular basis. Whatever magic they had in Atlanta was completely lost by the time they made it to Miami to complete their East Coast swing, as the Marlins ended up sweeping them.
San Francisco hit two homers (Rafael Devers in the opener and Casey Schmitt in the middle game) over the course of those three losses — now mind you, they hit back-to-back dingers against the Braves twice across two games in one day, so you tell me what’s happening there (other than baseball being a weird sport). It’s not like the Marlins were rolling, themselves, since they had just got done dropping a series against the Phillies. I guess that’s why you play the game on the field and not on a spreadsheet!
In Cobb County, the Giants got contributions from their usual suspects like Luis Arraez, Casey Schmitt, Jung Hoo Lee and Matt Chapman but Rafael Devers also did a lot of damage as well. Obviously, keeping those guys quiet instead of letting each and every one of them run rampant at the plate will be key to Atlanta’s chances of getting some revenge in San Francisco. Bryce Eldridge might just be difficult to keep quiet at the plate no matter what, so there’s that. Either way, it’s already evident that when these guys get rolling, they can be dangerous.
The good news as far as pitching matchups go is that the Braves are going to avoid Landen Roupp and apparently everybody in Atlanta’s clubhouse should be thrilled about (probably) not seeing Robbie Ray again. The bad news is that the Braves will likely have to face Logan Webb, who has given the Braves serious trouble nearly every time he’s faced Atlanta. The lone two exceptions happened in 2023 but that was the season where the Braves were taking nearly everybody out back behind the woodshed so that appears to clearly be an exceptional case for the Braves. The rest of San Francisco’s pitching staff is vulnerable so assuming the Giants haven’t just completely figured out the Braves, Atlanta could do some damage in this series. We’ll see what happens!
Friday, June 26 at 10:15 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Saturday, June 27 at 9:05 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Sunday, June 28 at 4:05 p.m. ET (BravesVision)
Just one sleep remains before the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft in Brooklyn. The 2026 class is been considered one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory, headlined by a quartet of generational one-and-dones as well as explosive guards, and elite veteran forwards. With the draft almost here, here are John Fanta's picks for all 30 first-round selections.
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) fields a ground ball against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
The Phillies’ previous opponent was expected to be a contender but is mired in last place. Now, they’ll head south to take on a Nationals team that many expected to finish in last place but instead finds itself in the mix for a playoff spot.
It seems unlikely that the Nationals will remain in that mix as the pitching staff is a weakness and their league-leading offense is being fueled by some players with a history of falling off in the second half of the season. But for now, this four-game series is shaping up to be much tougher than most would have expected when the season began.
Opposition research: C.J. Abrams
There’s a strong argument that C.J. Abrams has been the best shortstop in the National League this season. Yet if you believe the scuttlebutt around baseball, it seems like there’s still a non-zero chance that he gets traded within the next year.
Danny Rouhier on 106.7 the fan on trading CJ Abrams:
Abrams, pitcher MacKenzie Gore and outfielder James Wood were the centerpieces of the Juan Soto trade a few years ago. But this past offseason brought in a regime change in Washington, and the new president of baseball operations was not as invested in those players as his predecessor. Gore was traded, and there were plenty of rumors that the other two could be moved for the right price as well.
Abrams has had his moments in the big leagues, but there have also been maturity concerns, as well as questions if his defense will eventually force him to a different position. He has also performed dramatically worse in the second halves of the season. His career second half OPS is .150 points lower than in the first half, and the split was even more pronounced in 2025 (.836 vs. .633).
With Abrams likely headed to the All-Star Game, and the Nats currently sitting above .500, it seems unlikely that Abrams will be traded this season. But if the Nats’ weak pitching catches up with them, and Abrams has another poor second half, it’s quite possible that Abrams’ name will once again be a hot one in trade rumors come October.
Either way, Abrams comes into this series hot, having hit a home run in each of his last three games.
Remembering a guy who played for both teams
For some reason, I was very high on outfielder Roger Bernadina during his brief tenure with the Phillies. The speedy outfielder spent his first five and a half years with the Nationals, never establishing himself as much more than a passable backup. In August of 2013, the Nats released him, and the Phillies gave him a look.
In hindsight, I’m not sure what enamored me of Bernadina. He batted .187 with two home runs and played solid, if unspectacular defense in centerfield. He was a free agent at season’s end, and the Phillies didn’t make much of an effort to retain him. He caught on with the Reds the following season but did little to justify my belief that the Phillies should have kept him.
There’s another reason that Abrams is still being mentioned in trade rumors: People don’t think the Nationals will pay him enough to stick around once he reaches free agency.
Sadly, these Nats will trade CJ Abrams and probably another player or two because the Lerners have made us into the same mold of Marlins, Pirates, and Rays — a farm team for everyone else https://t.co/OkwD5xLoKQ
After the Nationals fluked their way to a World Series win, they decided that their success was fueled by the head of their starting rotation: Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Patrick Corbin. Strasburg had an opt-out in his deal which he exercised, and the Nats responded by giving him a seven-year extension.
Strasburg was considered a long-term injury risk, and sure enough, he got injured almost as soon as the ink had dried on that new deal. He made just eight more appearances for the team, and combined with Corbin turning into a pumpkin, the Nats were paying an extraordinary amount of money for two guys who provided a combined negative value.
It’s strange that they chose to pay Corbin and Strasburg, while deciding that offensive stars like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Anthony Rendon (to be fair, they dodged a bullet on this one), and Juan Soto were not worth paying market value for. Sure, in many of those cases, they offered contract extension, but the offers almost always included a large amount of deferred money.
Deferred money can be used as a weapon for some teams (The Dodgers in particular), but for the Nationals, it just seems like a way to save some money.
Also, the Nationals’ stadium is boring, their announcers are lame, they’ve never been able to figure out a good uniform combination, and the fans still boo Bryce Harper. Get over it, guys.
With the series during the week and the Nationals doing better than expected, we probably won’t get a full Phillies takeover this time around. But with nice weather expected (aside from possible Monday rain) and schools out of session, I imagine there will still be a decent representation by Phillies fans over the next few days.
Additional thought about the season
With Andrew Painter demoted, the Phillies have yet to announce a starter for Monday’s game. It seems likely that Alan Rangel will be called up to work multiple innings, if not given the start. It would be nice if the Phillies had a promising prospect or two waiting in AAA for this situation, but unfortunately, a 28-year-old minor league journeyman is probably their best option at this point.
Rangel has made six major league appearances over the past two seasons and has a 2.57 ERA despite allowing 19 baserunners in 14 innings. Maybe he’s just got a knack for stranding runners? (We can hope, right?)
It seems like the Phillies’ offense will need to continue to hit like they have over the past two games. On Monday, they’ll face lefthander Foster Griffin who is having a successful season after spending three years in Japan. The Phillies actually hit well against a lefty start on Sunday night. Do we dare dream that they can do it two nights in a row?
The AL Central race takes center stage tonight as the first-place Guardians (41-37) are in Chicago to take on the surprising White Sox (39-37). Cleveland leads the Sox by one game. The White Sox have been dominant at home compiling a record of 24–12 this season while the Guardians are a respectable 22-20 on the road.
Cleveland takes the field following yesterday’s 2–1 loss to the Astros. Houston took two of three in the series as it was feast or famine for the Guardians’ offense. Cleveland scored eight runs in their win Saturday but just four in their two losses combined in Space City. Getting runners across home plate has been a consistent issue all season. Cleveland ranks third from the bottom of the American League with just 310 runs scored this season. It is difficult envisioning them as a threat come playoff time if they do not start hitting in the clutch. Chicago, meanwhile, comes in on a three-game skid and losers of five of their last six following a 5–4 extra-inning loss in Detroit on Sunday. The offense of the Sox have gone quiet over this stretch scoring more than four runs just twice in those six games.
Tonight’s pitching matchup features a clear edge for Cleveland, as right-hander Gavin Williams (9–4, 3.83 ERA) gets the ball for the Guardians. Williams has anchored a Guardians’ staff that ranks among the better units in the league (3.79 ERA) and brings swing-and-miss ability with 103 strikeouts in 91.2 innings. Opposing him is left-hander Anthony Kay (6–2, 4.61 ERA), who has been effective in the win column but less dominant in preventing baserunners as indicated by his 1.44 WHIP.
When it comes to the bats, both teams have been able to count on just a handful of hitters of late. For Cleveland, rookie Travis Bazzana has been one of the few steady bats, going 11-for-35 (.314) with two doubles and three homers over his last 10 games. Brayan Rocchio continues to provide stability at the top of the lineup with a .268 average for the season. Chicago’s recent production has been driven by Colson Montgomery, who has gone just 7-for-34 over his last 10 games but has made his hits count with four home runs among those seven hits. Chase Meidroth remains a consistent presence in the four-spot leading the team with a .271 average.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
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Game Details and How to Watch: Guardians vs. White Sox
Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
Time: 7:40PM EST
Site: Rate Field
City: Chicago, IL
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, CLEGuardians.TV, CSN
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The Latest Odds: Guardians vs. White Sox
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Cleveland Guardians (-112), Chicago White Sox (-108)
Spread: Guardians -1.5 (+148), White Sox +1.5 (-180)
Total: 7.5 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Guardians vs. White Sox for June 22
Guardians: Gavin Williams Season Totals: 91.2 IP, 9-4, 3.83 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 103K, 30 BB
White Sox: Anthony Kay Season Totals: 70.1 IP, 6-2, 4.61 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 55K, 28 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Guardians vs. White Sox
Tristan Peters – 3-16 over his last 7 games
Colson Montgomery was 0-11 in the weekend series against Detroit
Andrew Benintendi – 0-7 in the weekend series against Detroit
Kyle Manzardo was 3-12 over the weekend against Houston
Brayan Rocchio is 5-16 over his last 4 games
Travis Bazzana has hit safely in 5 straight games (9-18)
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Top Betting Trends & Insights: Guardians vs. White Sox
The Guardians are 43-35 on the Run Line this season
The White Sox are 43-33 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 44 times in Chicago’s 76 games this season (44-30-2)
The OVER has cashed 38 times in the Guardians’ 78 games this season (38-40)
Expert picks & predictions: Guardians vs. White Sox
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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 today’s game between the Guardians and the White Sox:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the White Sox on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Sox on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 7.5
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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 11: President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants watches practice during Spring Training at Scottsdale Stadium on February 11, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Poll respondents were asked, “How has Buster Posey done as President of Baseball Operations?”
This seems like a pretty straightforward question designed to solicit a straightforward response. For whatever we think about Buster Posey the Hall of Fame bound catcher, none of that could possibly apply to his cannonball into the deep end of the executive suite.
While I’m of the belief that the captain of a ship is responsible for the behavior of his crew, I understand why fans would want to saddle the poor play and the worse behavior onto the players themselves. We would have to ignore that Buster Posey put together the clubhouse that’s populated with these weirdos, bozos, and abject losers, but being a fan means that ignoring aspects of a team is one of our superpowers. So, let’s look beyond all that, even.
There’s no pitching. Not really. They’re lucky to have the previous front office’s development success in Logan Webb, but after that, it’s Backend Starter Theater.
Willy Adames is probably on a 30-homer pace again and plausibly a season similar to last season (108 wRC+), but he’s hardly the captain he seemed like he was going to be when the year started and it seems pretty clear, too, that his best days are behind even him already.
With those two big deals on the books, the Giants had to go out and solicit more investment in the offseason just to boost their Baseball Operations budget enough to support this year’s team. Were the fringe additions of Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser sensible dollars? Or the pennies thrown at the bullpen? Most fans would say no. And I don’t think it’s reasonable to hold subpar players to a higher standard. It’s not as though their track records were unknown to us during the offseason.
And it’s not just the Devers and Adames deals (on top of the previous front office’s commitments to Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Robbie Ray, and Logan Webb), it’s the way Posey has spent at the manager’s position. Thanks to picking up Bob Melvin’s option only to fire him — Posey’s decision! Not the behavior of the players — the Giants are spending $10.5 million on the manager’s position in 2026. An outrageous sum of money indicative of someone in charge who doesn’t have a handle on their responsibilities.
Now, it was only a month ago that I joked about how Buster Posey needs to sign himself to a 2-year extension so that he’s forced to stick with the Giants for 5 seasons and really make a go of this whole President of Baseball Operations thing, but the hiring of Tony Vitello has been such an error in judgment and his silence about the ongoing anti-Pride Night protest very surprising to see, that there’s no real value in him continuing on past 2027 — if there’s even a 2027 season.
Yes, his “legacy” as an executive might be a bit more positive in the long run should the team’s player development system become a real strength of the organization, but we’ve said that about the last couple of executives running the show. By the way, on that note, Buster’s off to the second worst start of the Giants’ top baseball executive in franchise history (or, at least, since Baseball Reference started keeping tabs on who a team’s chief baseball executive was). Here’s how he stacks up through his first 239 regular season games:
Now, this used to be a somewhat anonymous position, but that’s no longer the case. With the hijacking of the sport by the Moneyball crowd, the GM/POBO has become one of the most famous figures on any team. That Buster Posey finds himself down near the bottom of performance in the franchise’s history — trailing one of the most divisive figures in team history but also one of his current advisors whose poor stewardship left the player development so barren that we’re still feelings its ramifications — should be enough for a lot of fans to grade his time in the position rather harshly. The Giants are also on a 65-win pace. That can’t all be on the manager and players.
But, he’s Buster Posey, and it’s going to take fans a long time to accept that he’s doing a bad job or that he did a bad job last season, too, as this season didn’t come out of nowhere. Maybe I’m misremembering, but his last public comments might’ve been around the time of his pouty KNBR interview with Brian Murphy (no relation and that’s not me on the radio!). It wasn’t quite the equivalent of the time that Farhan Zaidi ragequit a live interview while he and Jon Miller watched the Giants mess up on defense several times in a row, but it was demonstrative enough as to be suggestive about his leadership style and how he handles pressure in a role where he can’t hit or field his way out of the situation. This is where his strategy to disappear when the going gets tough might actually pay off. He’s added no new data to the collective memory. He extends fans’ magical thinking just a little longer — “Just wait until Buster cleans house!” —
Anyway, here’s the response to that survey:
Just 20% are firmly behind Buster Posey’s cosplay of a baseball exec. More than half are hedging or giving him the grace they’d hope to be afforded if they woke up one morning in charge of a baseball team.
And that’s another part of this worth considering. Most fans know they could never have been or will never been a professional athlete, but the vast majority think they could be an exec or a scout or an agent or an owner. It’s what’s driving the online thirst for a lockout and salary cap for these latest Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. I wonder how much of this result has anything to do with what’s happening on the field. Do respondents think there’s still a chance the team turns around its fortunes in 2026? Are they just waiting for the draft and trade deadline? The time element is probably the answer, but I find that to be the least compelling reason to hold out on rendering a judgment.
Buster has rolled up his sleeves and come down from the pedestal of being a Hall of Fame bound baseball player and that alone has earned him a lot of credit. How much, though?
A blockbuster like the Brady Tkachuk deal doesn’t just change rosters—it changes what the rest of the league thinks is possible.
For the Colorado Avalanche, the ripple effects of Tkachuk’s move to the Florida Panthers on Sunday are impossible to ignore. Ottawa landed a haul headlined by the No. 9 and No. 25 picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, along with a conditional first-round selection in 2029 and a second-round pick in 2027. The No. 25 pick, notably, was flipped earlier in the day by Florida in a separate move involving Seattle and forward Mackie Samoskevich.
And when a package like that moves for a player of Tkachuk’s caliber, it naturally resets the conversation around what elite, high-impact forwards are worth across the league.
For the Avalanche, that inevitably circles back to Valeri Nichushkin.
Avalanche star Valeri Nichushkin could very well be traded this offseason. Credit: Ron Chenoy - Imagn Images
In recent days, The Hockey News has explored the idea of whether Colorado should even consider moving him—ultimately leaning toward the idea that the organization would be better served evaluating him for at least another half-season before making any long-term decision. But trades like this reopen the door to more aggressive thinking.
What would it look like if Colorado explored a package built around Nichushkin—and potentially cash considerations—for the No. 9 overall pick? Even if that’s ambitious, a pivot toward something closer to No. 25 might be more realistic depending on how the market evolves. Either way, the Avalanche are in a position where adding draft capital has value after years of dealing picks away in win-now moves.
Ottawa’s return underscores that point: the No. 9 pick, the No. 25 pick, a conditional first-round selection in the 2029 NHL Draft, and a second-round pick in 2027.
And that’s before factoring in how quickly a market like this can get crowded. There are 30 other front offices looking at the same framework, and inevitably, someone will try to replicate it with their own roster calculus.
From Colorado’s perspective, the upside isn’t just the pick—it’s flexibility. Moving Nichushkin would also mean shedding his contract structure, which is notably front-loaded. While his $6.125 million cap hit remains the same, the Avalanche would be responsible for just under $5 million in actual salary this season. That kind of financial space can be just as valuable as the draft assets themselves if it opens the door to another impact player.
And that’s where another name enters the conversation.
Per NHL insider David Pagnotta, Mason Marchment is expected to test the free agent market. That alone is going to draw mixed reactions from Avalanche fans—some will see the fit immediately, others probably won’t be thrilled with the idea given how he’s played against Colorado in the past.
But stylistically, he’s exactly the type of player this roster has lacked at times: big, physical, heavy on the puck, and capable of scoring goals while changing the tone of a playoff series. The Avalanche found out first-hand against Vegas what happens when a series turns into a war of attrition rather than skill. Marchment fits firmly on the “make it miserable to play against” spectrum, and those are the kinds of players contenders tend to circle back to.
Marchment’s last contract was a four-year, $18 million deal ($4.5 million AAV). If the Avalanche move Nichushkin or find another way to offload salary, they would be positioned to comfortably afford him. And with the salary cap continuing to rise, Marchment’s next deal would likely come in higher than his previous contract, reflecting both market growth and his role as a physical, middle-six impact forward.
This is where another layer of context matters. Marchment’s name already carries a reputation in Colorado circles for being a thorn in their side, and he’s the kind of player teams don’t forget easily once the stakes rise.
Edmonton fans won't forgive Mason Marchment any time soon. Credit: Perry Nelson - Imagn Images
Marchment arguably changed the tone of the 2024 postseason when a heavy hit on Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman knocked him out of the playoffs, before Edmonton eventually fell to the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.
This is where the broader roster idea starts to take shape. If Colorado does move Nichushkin, even partially to recoup draft capital, it opens a dual path: replenishing the prospect pool while also giving the front office flexibility to chase a different type of impact forward in free agency or trade.
Instead of your highest pick coming in the third round, maybe there’s a chance to step into the first two rounds again—targeting players like Alberts Šmits, the No. 2-ranked international skater by NHL Central Scouting, or potentially, if Colorado lands a pick in the mid-first range, someone like Ilya Morozov.
It becomes a balance of present and future. Not one or the other.
Yes, completely aware that Mason Marchment has been an absolute pain in Colorado’s side in past matchups, and Josh Manson has had his grievances with him over the years. The first day of practice might feel a bit like a therapy session with Draymond Green in the room, but the underlying question is whether Colorado is ready to keep getting outmuscled by teams built for playoff trench warfare.
The Avalanche have tried to win with skill and structure. The question now is whether the next step requires a little more edge.
And whether that edge comes through a trade, free agency, or both, it’s exactly the type of decision Joe Sakic and the front office are going to have to weigh this offseason.
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Neil Parker's expert pick: Yankees moneyline
Price: 54¢ (-116) at Polymarket
The New York Yankees have found a groove without star Aaron Judge (ribs) and won nine of their past 13 while averaging 5.5 runs per game and ranking ninth in wOBA and sixth in xwOBA.
They’re also second in wOBA for the season against lefties, and Detroit Tigers southpaw Framber Valdez’s 4.47 xERA ranks in the 35th percentile.
Additionally, New York righty Gerrit Cole has allowed two runs or fewer in four of five starts while holding opposing hitters to a pedestrian 30.7% squared-up contact rate and 10.2% blast contact rate.
So, with the Tigers ranking 22nd in xwOBA with the 10th-highest strikeout rate across the past 30 days, I’m confident Cole can hold the Detroit lineup in check enough for a road win at Comerica tonight.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
How to watch: YES, Detroit SportsNet
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Dodgers vs. Twins Over 9.5
Price: 51¢ (-104) at Polymarket
The Over has been cashing at a high clip for both of these squads lately. The Minnesota Twins surprisingly lead MLB in OPS over the last two weeks, resulting in 10 of their last 13 games clearing the total. The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't far behind, going Over in 10 of their last 14.
Minnesota hitters have also enjoyed plenty of success against Dodgers starter Eric Lauer, combining for a 1.094 OPS in 62 at-bats, while Zebby Matthews is prone to getting lit up — having allowed seven earned runs twice in his last four starts.
Add in Los Angeles leading MLB in runs per game on the road and a Twins bullpen carrying a 7.36 ERA over the past two weeks, and this one has all the makings of a slugfest.
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.
COVERS INTEL: Holmes has allowed 
