Game Thread: Athletics (41-54) at White Sox (49-45)

Wherefore art thou, Mr. Schultz? | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

For all of the surprises we’ve gotten out of a wonderful first half of play from the 2026 White Sox, it feels perhaps a little fitting that they’ll head into the break by addressing (or at least attempting to address) one of the premier uncertainties that will have a heavy hand and determining whether we get October baseball on the South Side this year: What, exactly, can we plan on getting out of Noah Schultz the rest of the way?

The 22-year-old makes his third start today after a month-long injury layoff, and unfortunately, the backsliding and lack of consistency that were becoming worrisome prior to his IL stint are still major concerns. He’s got a 6.00 ERA through 10 starts, with fewer than a strikeout per inning and over five walks per nine. His start on Tuesday against Boston, in which he battled through five innings but couldn’t keep anyone off the bases and ultimately put the Sox in a multi-run hole, was pretty emblematic of what we’ve seen out of him at the big-league level thus far.

There’s clearly little to nothing for him left to prove in the minor leagues, so all we can see is where the adjustments will fall.

The biggest thing I’m looking at today? Schultz’s fastball usage. His sinker is his most frequently-used pitch at a touch more than 25%, and unfortunately it’s gotten hammered. His four-seam fastball draws three times as many whiffs and has held hitters to expected stats significantly more muted than what they’re doing against his sinker.

More important than the whiffs is the fact that he can’t actually keep his sinker on the ground. Over 60% of the batted balls against Schultz on the whole so far have been in the air, which is a really bad way to go about things in a place like Rate Field. The average launch angle on contact against Schultz’s sinker is 15°, just a couple degrees below his four-seamer. That’s one of the 20 highest rates in the major leagues.

So I must ask: If it doesn’t get whiffs, and doesn’t keep the ball on the ground, then what’s the point of throwing it? Perhaps today, we’ll find out.

Here’s the Athletics lineup that this hypothesis may or may not be tested against:

Meanwhile, despite another power outage yesterday, with a sweep and first place at the break on the line, Will Venable is putting out a full-strength Sox lineup against burgeoning Athletics starter J.T. Ginn.

It’s almost surreal, looking at a Sox lineup and thinking that it wouldn’t actually necessarily be that much better if you stuck Roch Cholowsky in there right now this second!

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CT at Rate Field in Armour Square. If you want to join us, broadcasts are available on CHSN (TV) and WMVP AM 1000 (radio), like always!

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Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Atlanta Braves Sunday

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MAY 3: Dustin May #3 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium on May 3, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals will wrap up their 3-game series against the Atlanta Braves Sunday before the All-Star Game break. Dustin May gets the ball for the Cardinals while the Braves will send Danny Young to the mound followed shortly thereafter by JR Ritchie. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15pm at Busch Stadium Sunday afternoon and the game TV broadcast will be available through Cardinals.tv.

  1. JJ Wetherholt (L) 2B
  2. Iván Herrera (R) DH
  3. Jordan Walker (R) RF
  4. Alec Burleson (L) 1B
  5. Lars Nootbaar (L) LF
  6. Masyn Winn (R) SS
  7. Nathan Church (L) CF
  8. José Fermín (R) 3B
  9. Jimmy Crooks (L) C

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Braves vs Cardinals Chat and Discussion Danny Young vs Dustin May

Jul 10, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Danny Young (63) looks on after giving up a solo home run to St. Louis Cardinals catcher Jimmy Crooks (8) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Can the Braves end this matchup on a high note and avoid a sweep before going into the All-Star break?

We’re set to find out in just a few hours. Tune in at 2:15 p.m. EDT for the first pitch at Busch Stadium.

Lineup

Preview-NOTE: Ritchie is scratched and replaced by Danny Young

Game 96 Game Day Thread – Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 9: Wyatt Langford #36 of the Texas Rangers hits a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game over the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Field on July 9, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers

Sunday, July 12, 2026, 1:35 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

The Shed

RHP Cristian Javier vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore

Today’s Lineups

ASTROSRANGERS
Jeremy Pena – SSJoc Pederson – DH
Yordan Alvarez – DHWyatt Langford – LF
Isaac Paredes – 3BJosh Jung – 3B
Christian Walker – 1BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Jose Altuve – 2BJake Burger – 1B
Cam Smith – RFEzequiel Duran – SS
LaMonte Wade – LFEvan Carter – CF
Brice Matthews – CFNicky Lopez – 2B
Christian Vazquez – CKyle Higashioka – C
Cristian Javier – RHPMacKenzie Gore – LHP

Go Rangers!

The Lakers have officially signed Collin Sexton, who will need to be a staple off the bench

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on April 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the Lakers’ big weaknesses last year was their bench production.

During the regular season, LA’s reserves scored just 29.3 points per game, the second-worst mark in the NBA. Things didn’t get much better in the playoffs. The backups scored 21.6 points per game, which was bottom-four in the postseason.

It should be no surprise, then, that the Lakers moved quickly to bring in Collin Sexton, who was officially announced on Sunday, to bolster their bench this season.

Last season, Sexton averaged 15.4 points and shot 48.5% from the field and 40.1% from the 3-point line. He did that as a backup for both the Hornets and Bulls and the hope is that he can replicate that with the Lakers.

Sexton’s first-step burst is what separates him from the pack. He can drive on anyone and, thanks to his agility, he can contort his body near the basket to score in the paint even against the most physical defenders.

In a league that’s increasingly becoming about being able to catch and shoot, Sexton is a great balance of new and old-school.

Sexton had 183 catch-and-shoot attempts and converted on 43.7%. For context, these numbers would’ve made Sexton fourth-highest on the Lakers in catch-and-shoot attempts. His shooting percentage on these attempts would’ve been second-best on the roster for those who took at least 150 shots.

At the rim, he had a whopping 204 attempts and made 64.7% of his baskets. The only guard on the Lakers who took more attempts at the rim last year was Luka Dončić at 255. And on the bench, no backcourt player was able to get to the rim better than Sexton. Luke Kennard had just 59 shots at the rim, and Marcus Smart took 61.

He also took 232 field-goal attempts with zero dribbles, but he also attempted 194 shots on 3-6 dribbles and a whopping 150 with seven-plus dribbles.

Sexton was most efficient when he took 3-6 dribbles, making 50.5% of those shots.

His comfort with the ball makes him a great option to run the offense behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. And on the nights one of them is unavailable, he can be slotted in the starting lineup.

Sexton isn’t just a scorer. He can also distribute the ball well. Last year, he averaged 3.3 assists per game. If he replicates his scoring and assist numbers from last year, he’d be the best backup guard they’ve had since Dennis Schröder.

Right now, though, the Lakers just need him to replace Kennard, which is still a tall order.

Kennard was an elite 3-point shooter for the Lakers during the regular season. In the opening round against the Rockets, he had some great performances. He scored 27 points in the team’s Game 1 win and 23 points in Game 2’s victory. Without his play, an argument can be made that the Lakers wouldn’t have beaten the Rockets.

Sexton has demonstrated he can shoot near Kennard’s level. He’s a career 38.9% 3-point shooter and has three seasons where he converted over 40% from deep, including last season.

The Lakers weren’t looking for a like-for-like replacement for Kennard. Instead, they brought in a player in Sexton who can do just enough of the things that made Kennard a great addition to the team midseason while also providing other elements to the bench that, hopefully, see the team take a step forward.

This is an opportunity for Sexton to flourish. Now on a winning team with title aspirations, he can show what he can really do and produce at a higher level.

The Lakers are banking on it, and if he accomplishes that, the bench can become a strength rather than a weakness.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

San Diego turns tables with all-around win to force rubber match

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 11: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres flips his bat after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Petco Park on July 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Diego Padres haven’t had a win like this in quite some time. It’s been a while since the Friars have won in such thrilling fashion. The last time that happened was when San Diego came back against the Atlanta Braves after being down 5-0. The Padres got off to an early lead, scoring two in the first, before starter Walker Buehler struggled in the second inning. He surrendered four runs to the Toronto Blue Jays in the top of the frame.

The Friars immediately tied it in the bottom of the frame. They then hit the go-ahead run in the third to make it 6-4. The club knocked in one more run in the fourth to lengthen their lead before Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tied it on a three-run shot against Bradgley Rodriguez. The Padres got their go-ahead run on a solo homer from Ty France. That one run was all they would need as Mason Miller blanked the Jays to slam the door shut.

Taking the mound

Kevin Gausman (TOR) v. Germán Márquez (SD)

Despite sporting a below-average 4.32 ERA, Gausman has looked good this season for the Jays. That higher mark has been due to some recent struggles. In his last seven starts, the righty’s surrendered 27 runs toward a 6.51 ERA. In his last three, Gausman has surrendered 11 runs.

The Padres have historically hit quite well versus Gausman. Chief among them is Fernando Tatis Jr., who has two homers and a career .400 batting average. Additionally, France and Manny Machado both have batting averages over .300 against the Toronto right-hander.

Márquez dominated the Arizona Diamondbacks in his first start since coming off the IL. The veteran right-hander pitched five shutout innings, walking just three batters. Since returning from his IL stint, the righty has given up just two runs across eight innings pitched.

Only one of Toronto’s batters (Daulton Varsho) has more than 10 career at-bats against Márquez. The Jays haven’t had much success against the veteran apart from George Springer (.444 batting average in nine at-bats). Márquez has had his knuckle curve working lately. He’ll look to keep that up against the Jays this afternoon.

Batter up!

The offense looked fantastic last night, showing real fight throughout the whole game. The club scored in each of the first four innings and had some great at-bats against Toronto. The club walked a ridiculous eleven times, showing plate discipline they haven’t had most of the year. They’ll need to keep that consistent in order to win the rubber match today.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  2. Jackson Merrill, CF
  3. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  4. Manny Machado, 3B
  5. Gavin Sheets, LF
  6. Ty France, 1B
  7. Miguel Andujar, DH
  8. Luis Campusano, C
  9. Sung-Mun Song, 2B

Merrill has had a very productive turnaround lately, hitting .321 in his last seven games and .288 over the last 15. He went 2-for-3 with two walks in last night’s game against Toronto. Hopefully, the center fielder will be able to continue that production after the All-Star break.

Relief corps

Despite Buehler going just 2 innings, the San Diego bullpen was saved by the unlikeliest of heroes. Matt Waldron made his return from the IL yesterday and pitched three shutout innings. He dominated, striking out three and stranding two hits. Yuki Matsui, Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller filled out the final four innings for San Diego, though Matsui struggled.

With the All-Star break beginning after the conclusion of today’s game, the bullpen will get some rest no matter how many arms the Friars need to turn to. Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio and Wandy Peralta will be the readily available options for San Diego.

GameThread: Detroit Tigers vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:40 p.m.

Jul 10, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Eduardo Valencia (32) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers (44-51) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (53-42)

Time/Place: 1:40 p.m., Comerica Park
SB Nation Site:The Good Phight
Media:
Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: LHP Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Wheeler (9-1, 2.28 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Skubal1270.230.43.646.23.131.7
Wheeler1487.029.46.046.03.122.4

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Game Thread: Wanna Seymour strikeouts today

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 20: Ian Seymour #61 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on June 20, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Go Rays!

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GUARDIANS AT MARLINS: Cantillo vs. Phillips, discussion

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 04: Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates after hitting a fly ball to center field for a home run, tying the game 1-1 in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on July 04, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here’s the Guardians’ lineup:

Here’s the Marlins’ lineup:

Let’s go, Guardians!

Rangers put Martin on i.l., call up Teodo

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 15, 2025: Emiliano Teodo #82 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch during the eighth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Texas Rangers have placed righthanded pitcher Chris Martin on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, the team announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have recalled righthanded reliever Emiliano Teodo.

This is the third trip to the injured list this season for the 40 year old Martin, and its possible he will not be activated again. Martin, who planned to retire after 2025 but opted to return for one more season, has a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings over 16 appearances this season, and has battled a shoulder issue throughout. It would be great if rest and rehab can get him back to being a semblance of the pitcher he was previously, the reality is that he may simply be done.

To replace him the Rangers are turning to righthanded flame thrower Emiliano Teodo. Teodo can reach 100 mph on the radar gun, but has had a challenging relationship with the strike zone in his career. It was hoped that he would be able to step up in 2025 and be a meaningful part of the Rangers’ bullpen, but he instead had an awful year plagued by injury and ineffectiveness.

Teodo is up now less because he’s shown he’s ready and more because the Rangers need arms and their options are limited. He has a 3.76 ERA in 40.2 innings over 35 games, with 35 walks, 8 hit batters, and 10 wild pitches to go with 52 strikeouts. He’s allowed just 4 earned runs in 15.2 IP since the beginning of June, but has walked 16 batters in those 15.2 innings. He’s also struck out 16 batters in those 15.2 innings, but having a 1:1 K:BB ratio isn’t generally a good thing for a pitcher.

White Sox select OF Clay Burdette in the seventh round of the 2026 MLB draft (No. 195 overall)

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 24: Clay Burdette #80 bats during the 2026 Draft Combine at Chase Field on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Clay Burdette brings one of the best exit velos in Division I to the White Sox organization. | (Photo by Jill Weisleder/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

It was a back-to-back, strong-armed outfielders move from the White Sox in the seventh round, nabbing Clay Burdette from Xavier University with the No. 195 pick in the 2026 MLB draft.

Just three years ago, Burdette was regarded as one of the three best shortstops in Ohio, but blossomed as a right fielder after a transfer from Ohio State to Xavier. Ranked No. 248 on MLB’s board, the White Sox had fears that Burdette would be gone by their eighth-round pick and nabbed him despite his lower overall rank.

It’s not immediately apparent why Burdette was so slightly regarded in the MLB rankings. He boasts a strong arm for right field and the speed to see time in center. Burdette also has a proven combination of raw power and top-notch bat speed, with exit velocities among the best in Division I.

Playing in a more minor conference, as the Big East is regarded in baseball, Burdette doesn’t have a big track record of plate appearances against top-notch pitching. He also has some selectivity and swing-and-miss issues that could rear up, with 50 Ks in 2026 against just 23 walks.

For you Xavier fans, Burdette’s selection in the seventh round makes him the highest-drafted Musketeers position player ever.

On the surface, Burdette kills it with his scouting ratings, particularly for an seventh-rounder, with his running ability leading the way at 60. But a hit tool of 40 drags his overall evaluation down to 40. Seems like a chip Burdette needs to put on his shoulder.

Expect Burdette to hit the ground running and get some time in a Kannapolis later this summer, as a player who’s been overlooked of late trying to prove his mettle.


The 2026 White Sox draft storystream contains all of our draft content.

Longtime coach Frank Vogel agrees to join Steve Kerr's Warriors staff, per Shams

Longtime coach Frank Vogel agrees to join Steve Kerr's Warriors staff, per Shams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors have finally added a former Laker.

Well, probably not the one that Golden State fans were hoping for, at least not yet. As the NBA world sits and waits for 21-time All-NBA selection LeBron James to decide where he will play next season, Steve Kerr and the Warriors reportedly added his former head coach to the staff.

Former Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel is set to join the Golden State staff as an associate head coach, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, citing sources.

While Vogel is as well-traveled as any coach in the NBA, he is best known as the head coach of the 2019-20 Lakers, who won the NBA Finals. However, even coaching the team to a title wasn’t enough to prevent his eventual firing two seasons later.

Across his 12 seasons as a head coach, Vogel has compiled a 480-422 record. He spent this past NBA season as an assistant for the Dallas Mavericks on Jason Kidd’s staff.

Although he brings another coach with experience, the big question surrounding this hiring is whether or not this helps or hurts the Warriors’ chances of landing James.

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Gonzaga basketball loses starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery to EuroLeague club

Gonzaga basketball suffered an unexpected loss from its starting lineup ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Starting point guard Mario Saint-Supéry officially signed with Valencia, a Spanish club in EuroLeague, on Saturday, July 11. The move leaves the Bulldogs without an established point guard next season, and they can't get an experienced replacement with the transfer portal closed.

The All-WCC freshman team honoree averaged 8.6 points with 2.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season on 41% shooting as a true freshman, starting 17 of Gonzaga's 35 games. He's reportedly signing a four-year deal with the club.

"Zag nation, thanks for everything," he wrote on Instagram.

It's the second tough break for the program this offseason, as fellow European guard Jack Kayil was drafted in the second round by the Houston Rockets and subsequently traded to the New York Knicks after initially committing to Gonzaga.

It's unclear why Saint-Supéry is leaving, although it's a return home for the former Liga ACB guard. He previously played for Málaga, a Liga ACB club like Valencia, his new team.

Gonzaga returns 6-foot-10 forward Braden Huff, who averaged 17.8 points with 5.6 rebounds per game this season, and replaced leading scorer Graham Ike with highly touted Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop. It'll have to rely on projected backups in its backcourt, though, which could change the dynamic for a team expected to be in the national conversation next season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gonzaga basketball loses starting point guard Mario Saint-Supery to EuroLeague club

Morant on trade: 'I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja'

For Portland, trading for Ja Morant was a high-upside play. The Trail Blazers land a former All-Star point guard at a minimal cost (Jerami Grant, Kris Murphy), and if it works out, it's a home run. If not, no big setback. Think of it like Portland owner Tom Dundon: They bought a distressed asset and are trying to turn it around.

For Ja Morant, it's a chance to change the narrative and prove he's still that All-Star player and a more mature one off the court. He was honest about that speaking to reporters at NBA Summer League (quotes via Ben Golliver of ESPN).

"What would I like cleared up? I think you know the answer to that. My image. [That] I'm a bad guy. I'm Ja. I've done what I've done in the past, but it's been addressed and handled already. I don't see why, years later, that's still the topic when nothing's happened since. If I was that guy, y'all wouldn't be talking to me now. I wouldn't be here...

"New home. New team. New organization. I get to show the fans in Portland a different Ja. It's like starting all over again. ... Over the years, I've grown a lot and learned a lot. My mindset changed. I go into things differently now. I feel more mature, and I'm ready to work."

Morant is going to get his chance, playing in a backcourt with trusted veterans in Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday. There is athleticism on the wing around him and a center in Donovan Clingan who sets a big screen. He's working under an offensively-minded coach in Micah Nori.

This is a great opportunity for Morant. What he does with it, what level of athleticism remains, and how much the craft of his game has grown are what we will find out next season. Can he seize the opportunity?

In Las Vegas, Morant was saying all the right things, he was hanging out with his new teammates on the sideline of Trail Blazers Summer League games. It's a promising start and there is reason for optimism in the Pacific Northwest. This is going to be an interesting season for the Trail Blazers.

Mariners Game #97 Preview and Discussion, Seattle at Tampa Bay

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners hits a single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on July 11, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mariners will play today to try to avoid going 0-6 on this road trip and being swept into the All-Star Break. Honestly? Things don’t feel great.

Lineups:

Dear Rays, you are in first place, I know things are tight around there with the stadium and all but surely you can make a gameday lineup graphic.

News:

Can you tell from the tone here Shannon is over it?

Today’s game information:

Game time: 10:40 PT

TV: Mariners TV

Radio: Old Reliable

Programming note: It’s also the MLB Draft and ALSO the Futures Game today, because MLB remain unable to market their product nor its future. You can find separate threads for those events on the site.