Jalen Duren was once considered a prime Lakers target in NBA free agency.
The Lakers’ dreams of acquiring a Jalen Duren might already be coming to an end.
According to senior ESPN NBA writer Marc J. Spears, the Detroit Pistons have reportedly offered Duren the most lucrative contract possible and do not have an interest in any sign-and-trade deals that will match any potential offer he signs.
Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren is reportedly being offered a contract by the Pistons. Getty Images
Duren is set to be a restricted free agent for Detroit.
The Detroit Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs, sources @espn@andscape.
But with Detroit apparently no longer looking to give Duren up so easily, the Lakers’ strategy might force them to pivot.
Last year, Duren was selected to his first NBA All-Star game last season after averaging 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, helping the Pistons snap an 18-year playoff drought as the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
With DeAndre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes listed as two centers on the Lakers roster, they will have to look elsewhere if they want to upgrade the position.
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Jalen Duren was once considered a prime Lakers target in NBA free agency. NBAE via Getty Images
Two weeks ago, Luka Dončić said he wanted the Lakers to acquire more shooters and wants the team to land an A-list center, to help him run the pick and roll, like he famously did with the Dallas Mavericks, when they went to the 2024 NBA Finals.
According to the reports of Duren meeting with the Lakers, the Sacramento Kings were also scheduled to meet with him and were reportedly set to offer 30-year-old Domantas Sabonis in order to trade for Duren.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 29: Esmerlyn Valdez #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pirates defeated the Phillies 11-7. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The magician has taken center stage in Major League Baseball.
For his first act, he’s making the ball disappear regularly.
Four games in a row, to be exact.
Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has been a lightning rod for the offense over the past week, smashing six home runs in his first 16 career games.
In need of a spark with Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz likely out until after the All-Star break, Valdez has provided extra power to a group that has already hit 108.
They only hit 117 all of last year. Thanks Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn.
Known as “the magician” and to analyst Michael McKenry as “the magic stick”, the Pirates might have found something here.
He has as good of power as anyone the Pirates have developed in over a decade, evident by the stunning 461-foot home run he hit on Sunday.
Valdez has earned the right to play every day.
According to Sportsradar, Valdez is the first player in Pirates history to record 10 or more extra-base hits in his first 50 MLB plate appearances, dating back 125 years to 1901.
How often can this front office claim organizational success in developing a power hitter?
It felt like the power grid failed for half a decade with a Pirates offense that couldn’t find water if it fell out of a boat into the Allegheny River, let alone a home run ball, landing on it. At least other than Oneil Cruz.
Valdez catapulted his way to the big leagues after starting 2025 in High-A.
Since, he’s hit 45 home runs in 195 games and is batting second for the Bucs on Tuesday against potential All-Star Game starter and Cy Young candidate Cristopher Sanchez.
It’s about time the Pirates have a developmental story similar to the Brewers and Cardinals, where players you seemingly never heard of before blossom into middle of the order bars and borderline all-stars.
In 45 at-bats, Valdez is hitting .289 with four doubles, six homers, 12 RBIs, an OPS of 1.138, and an impressive .360 on-base percentage.
Over the last seven games, Valdez has 11 hits in 21 at-bats with seven RBIs from the right side of the plate.
That’s good enough to make any Pirates fan hoist their cone, jump for joy, and try some magic themselves.
Could it be an outlier? Possibly. But don’t ruin the fun.
The Pirates desperately need to tread water, or better yet, finish a few games over .500 before the break with series against the Phillies, Nationals, Braves, and Brewers.
Some might say it will be an uphill battle and one the bullpen can’t handle, but like past pre-ASG weeks and especially at PNC Park during 2013-15, maybe, just maybe, all the Pirates really need is a little magic.
Another NBA team executive said Wizards general manager Will Dawkins is a big fan of Davis, per Spears.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls on January 26, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The report comes as trade rumors have been circulating about Davis for several weeks.
Davis is eligible for an extension this offseason. In a thus-far active offseason, the Wizards have already extended Trae Young with a four-year, $212 million contract.
They also drafted AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick out of BYU. Dybantsa joins Washington’s young core that also includes Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.
Davis has yet to appear in a game for Washington. He played only 20 games last season due to injuries, and after being traded to the Wizards from the Mavericks in February, the team shut him down so he could recover fully from his groin and hand injuries.
Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Davis, a 10-time All-Star, averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for the Mavericks last season, shooting 50.6 percent from the field.
Should Davis remain with the Wizards, it would throw a wrench into the Warriors’ possible plans to build a superteam with Davis, James, and Curry, with Draymond Green potentially returning as well.
ST. LOUIS, MO - JUL 13: St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) beats the throw at first during a MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals on July 13, 2025, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
You can’t really end June on a particularly high note if you’re the Braves, given the standard you’ve set… but a win’s better than not a win and a loss would, once again, suck.
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images | Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will begin a difficult road trip as they’ll visit the NL East division-leading Atlanta Braves. Matthew Liberatore will try again as he is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals. The Atlanta Braves starter is unannounced as of now. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15pm central time at Truist Park in Atlanta. Game TV broadcast available on Cardinals.tv.
Shohei Ohtani had his next start on the mound pushed back two days. (Ellen Schmidt / Getty Images)
The Dodgers scratched Shohei Ohtani from his scheduled Wednesday start against the Athletics, in a move that all but ensures he will not pitch in the All-Star Game.
The Dodgers delayed Ohtani’s start until Friday. The team plans a bullpen game Wednesday, with Roki Sasaki expected to start Thursday’s opener of a four-game series against the San Diego Padres and Ohtani lined up to follow the next day.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the move did not reflect any health concerns. Ohtani was in Tuesday’s lineup at designated hitter, and Roberts said he would DH on Wednesday as well.
Instead, Roberts said, the move affords Ohtani extra rest and two starts against the teams closest to the Dodgers in the National League West standings, the Padres this weekend and the Arizona Diamondbacks the following weekend, rather than making his last two starts before the All-Star break against the A’s and Colorado Rockies. Ohtani would still available when the Dodgers resume play after the All-Star break against the New York Yankees.
“There’s just no downside,” Roberts said. “This just made too much sense.”
However, by starting on the weekend before the All-Star Game, Ohtani would no longer be lined up to pitch in the game. Roberts previously had said that Ohtani, already elected as the NL designated hitter, would not pitch in the game unless he were the starting pitcher, as it would be impractical for Ohtani to warm up during a game in which he was the DH.
The top candidates to start for the NL: Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers, the major league leader with a 1.45 earned-run average, and Cristopher Sanchez (9-3, 2.13) of the host Philadelphia Phillies.
Ohtani would have been starting Wednesday on his usual six days’ rest. However, with the Dodgers on a run of 13 consecutive games without an off day, Roberts said pushing Ohtani back would allow the Dodgers to better manage his workload.
He is 8-2 with a 1.58 earned-run average this season. Among NL pitchers with at least 70 innings, his ERA is bettered only by Misiorowski.
Ohtani already has pitched 79 2/3 innings this season, his most in three years. He spent all of the 2024 season and the first half of the 2025 season rehabilitating from elbow surgery.
For all that Ohtani has accomplished and will accomplish during his career, he might have missed out on his one chance to pitch in Sacramento. This series marks the Dodgers’ lone scheduled visit during the A’s three-year stay here. The A’s plan to move into a new ballpark in Las Vegas in 2028, the next time the teams are scheduled to face off.
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 29: Andrés Chaparro #87 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after hitting a single in the sixth inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Nats got into a hole against a hot Red Sox team yesterday and were unable to come back. Today, they will look to find a foothold in this series. It will be a battle between two exciting young pitchers in Cade Cavalli and Connelly Early.
While Luis Garcia Jr. got to face a lefty yesterday, he will not be in the lineup today. Instead, Andres Chaparro will play first base. James Wood will take Chaparro’s spot at DH. The outfield will consist of the struggling duo of Daylen Lile and Jacob Young, as well as Dylan Crews. As mentioned, Cade Cavalli will take the ball tonight.
The Red Sox are only making one personnel change. Romy Gonzalez will be in the DH spot instead of Masataka Yoshida. Interestingly, Anthony Seigler will be in the leadoff spot for them. Willson Contreras is a name to watch after he homered and then was later ejected yesterday. Former UVA pitcher Connelly Early will be on the mound today.
The Nats will look to stay above .500 in what is a relatively important game. They have not been quite as convincing lately, so a big win would be nice. With Payton Tolle on the mound tomorrow, this might be their best shot at a win this series as well. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 19: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The eyes of the baseball world turn to the Bronx tonight, with a two-time defending Cy Young winner taking on the odds-on favorite for this year’s award. Cam Schlittler will look to outduel Tarik Skubal and halt this five-game losing streak the Yankees are on, and if the offense can respond they way the team did when they last saw Skubal, they stand a good chance to.
Skubal hasn’t been quite his unhittable self for most of the year, and continues to work his way back from elbow surgery earlier this spring. A 3.32 ERA is nothing to sneeze at, and a brilliant walk rate means his FIP is even lower than that, but the Yankees knocked him for three home runs last week at Comerica Park. The club has seen a lot of left handed pitching lately, and stacking their lineup with as many righties as they can find certainly paid off against Skubal last time. A repeat performance would go a long way to tying up this series.
As for Cam Schlittler, one wonders how happy he is about Amed Rosario being back at third base tonight. Remember that it was Rosario’s error on what should have been a double play Friday night that led to four runs being scored on Cam. All four were unearned and so he retains the inside track on the AL ERA title (he’s running a 1.62, almost a full run better than Drew Rasmussen), but those extra pitches limited his night and those runs could very well have cost him and the team a win.
Cody Bellinger is the most notable name missing from the team’s starting lineup tonight. The versatile usual-cleanup hitter has struggled over the past two weeks, managing just a 92 wRC+ although still able to provide plus value defensively. He gets the day off with Max Schuemann, Spencer Jones, and Jasson Domínguez left to right in the outfield. José Caballero will get the start at second with Jazz Chisholm Jr. off after that midgame collision with the Martian last night. Clearly, Skubal is not exactly facing Murderers’ Row today, so the pressure will be on Cam to keep the Tigers down in turn.
Do note this is the weekly Amazon Prime game.
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
First pitch: 7:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: Amazon Prime Video, Detroit SportsNet
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | WXYT 97.1 FM (DET)
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Anthony Edwards of Team United States (L) and LeBron James of Team United States react during the Men's Gold Medal Ceremony, Game 50, match between France and United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The clock has struck 5:00 p.m. CT which means that NBA free agency is now officially open!
Just when you thought some of the bigger dominos had already fallen (Giannis, LaMelo, Ja, Jaylen Clark), there was more breaking news today. A pair of first ballot Hall of Fame names popped up.
The NBA news cycle really doesn’t sleep. The biggest headline now is clearly the free agency of LeBron James. Many have speculated that the Golden State Warriors would be the leader for land the 41-year-old. He has publicly shared his enjoyment of playing with Stephen Curry during the Olympics. Draymond Green, a close friend of James’, also restructured his contract with the Warriors in order to make room for the pursuit of James.
Other options that have been commonly mentioned include a return to the Miami HEAT to join Giannis Antetokounmpo, or a final swan song with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. Are the Minnesota Timberwolves in the race for the four-time MVP? Some close to the team don’t seem to think so.
That said, Jon Krawcynski is also on record saying that the Timberwolves have interest in James, just like they have for any star player. Minnesota still has a glaring hole at the power forward spot, can provide him an opportunity to play for a contending team, and James hasn’t been shy about his adoration of Anthony Edwards either.
If James chooses a non-Wolves team, life must continue for President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly. It’s been rumored that Connelly is still working on transactions to upgrade the roster, specifically at the power forward spot. Who would fit Minnesota’s need while coming at an affordable price? There are plenty of options that will be available.
Lastly, it remains to be seen if Connelly will bring back the veteran presence of Mike Conley or Kyle Anderson. It’s been speculated that there is mutual interest between the Wolves and those two potential returners. Meanwhile, Connelly has already pulled the trigger to bring back half of the Twin Turbos.
Bones Hyland has agreed to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves next season, sources told @TheAthletic. Hyland established himself as a rotation player, teaming with Ayo Dosunmu in the "Twin Turbos" backcourt.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 27, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While reports on Monday emerged that the Golden State Warriors were preparing to pursue superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis this offseason, a report by Marc J. Spears of Andscape seems to downplay the possibility Golden State could reunite the former teammates together. Per Spears, the Washington Wizards have no interest in trading Davis this offseason.
“The Washington Wizards are not interested in trading 10-time NBA All-Star forward Anthony Davis and are not listening to trade offers for him, a source told @espn @andscape,” Spears wrote in a Tweet. “Another NBA team exec says Wizards GM Will Dawkins is a huge fan of AD.”
Of course, this would be far from the first time a front office publicly downplayed their interest in a trade to try and create leverage and receive a better offer. It sure seems like the rumors were largely fueled by James and Davis’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who is consistently one of the best agents at pressuring teams into scenarios that are best for his clients. Paul is presumably leveraging the desire for Davis to want a trade to force the Wizards into a large extension, like they recently gave Trae Young. The Wizards appear to be calling that bluff since Davis is under contract for next season.
It’s important to note that even if Davis is off the table for the Warriors, which the decision to re-sign center Kristaps Porzingis seemingly signaled yesterday, that they have not been eliminated from the LeBron sweepstakes. Jake Fischer of The Steinline reported that the Warriors had not been given any mandate to acquire Davis if they wanted to sign James as a free agent.
Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) drives against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are keeping Ousmane Dieng around, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
“Free agent forward Ousmane Dieng has agreed to a three-year, $17.5 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN. Dieng had a strong finish to last season after his trade from OKC, and now Bucks officials finalize the deal with agents Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management and Marius Rutkauskas,” Charania tweeted.
Dieng, 23, won the NBA championship in 2025 with the Oklahoma City Thunder but was traded twice in February and eventually landed with the Bucks, where he was able to get more playing time.
The former 2022 lottery pick from France averaged 11 points per game in 30 appearances for the Bucs at the tail end of last season.
Dieng has a lot of potential, which was flexed at times with the Bucks last season. On Feb. 12 against his former team, the Thunder, Dieng scored 19 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out six assists. He scored a career-high 36 points with 10 assists and seven rebounds in Milwaukee’s 119-113 loss to the Houston Rockets on Apr. 1.
Dieng will likely have an opportunity to earn some minutes now that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to the Miami Heat. The Bucks will have him in the mix on a team-friendly deal as they figure out how to navigate the post-Giannis waters.
Brew Hoop community, how do you feel about Dieng’s return? Let us know in the comments section below.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are having an amicable breakup.
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
LeBron's decision to leave the Lakers is a "happiness-led decision" and "not driven by money," according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Maybe that's because the money is pretty much set — the teams looking at him basically will have the (non-taxpayer) mid-level exception of $15.1 million. Maybe the Lakers would have offered more, but not dramatically.
So what will make LeBron happy? My sense is that this is less about happiness and more about respect. LeBron knows how well he played for the Lakers last season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds a game and lifting the team past Houston in the playoffs when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were out. His reward was being told the franchise was focused on rebuilding around Doncic, and LeBron himself had to take a steep pay cut.
So where does LeBron land? Where does he get the respect he seeks? Here are the three choices on the table.
Golden State Warriors
This is the team that checks the most boxes:
Close to his family in Los Angeles? ✅ Will play meaningful games in a big spotlight? ✅. Wants him? ✅. (The Warriors have been trying to lure him in for more than a year.)
About the money, after agreeing to a new two-year, $40 million contract with Kristaps Porzingis, the only way the Warriors can offer the full mid-level exception is to salary-dump Moses Moody in a trade, or get LeBron and Draymond Green to take even less on their new deals. The Warriors have work to do, but they can get there.
The Warriors' ultimate dream reportedly was to pair LeBron, Curry, Green and Anthony Davis — except Washington has no intention of trading Davis, according to Marc Spears of ESPN.
Instead, the core is Curry, LeBron, Green and Jimmy Butler, once he returns from a torn ACL (likely in the middle of the season). If healthy, that group is a tough out in a seven-game playoff series.
Either way, this is a team that might provide the happiness LeBron seeks.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has interest in bringing LeBron home, reports Chris Haynes.
Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in a second reunion with LeBron James with the appeal of the franchise’s greatest player finishing his career where it all started, league sources tell me.
LeBron finishing his career where it started makes for a fantastic narrative. Also, LeBron, as the veteran who shows up in big games, playing with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley, is a legit threat to win the East.
However, it's going to take a little work to get Cleveland to be able to offer the mid-level exception. If Cleveland wants to do this, it could let Dean Wade walk in free agency (he may be leaving anyway), then salary-dump Max Strus, taking back no salary (it likely costs the Cavs a pick to do that). If Cleveland can do all that, it can offer LeBron the full $15.1 million mid-level exception.
(Some fans have suggested a sign-and-trade with the Lakers, the problem is that any sign-and-trade would hard cap the Cavaliers at the first apron, meaning they would need to trim about another $14 million in salary from the books. That would start to gut the team.)
This can happen. The question is: Does LeBron James want to go home again? Again.
Miami Heat
LeBron James with Giannis Antetokounmpo? The Greek Freak has never been subtle about how much he admires LeBron.
LeBron won a title in Miami but did not exactly part on the best of terms, and there are scars. It's fair to ask if everyone can and is willing to move beyond this.
The reason for Miami to get over it and make this move is simple: The Heat need more talent around Antetokounmpo, and LeBron is still an All-Star-level player, even at age 41. The pairing of LeBron and Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo and quality role players is interesting, one that can make some noise in the East.
Financially, the best Miami can offer is the remainder of its mid-level exception, about $10.5 million (it is using part of it to bring back Simone Fontecchio). Is that enough for LeBron?
San Antonio Spurs
It's a massive long shot and pure speculation — and LeBron would be accused of ring chasing — but hear me out.
San Antonio has its mid-level exception, and what they need is someone at the four who can play off Victor Wembanyama, someone who can play inside and out and serve as a secondary playmaker. Plus, LeBron in the locker room would be a great mentor for Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and the rest of them. LeBron does make the Spurs title favorites.
It's highly unlikely LeBron packs up and moves to Texas for a year — the sides are not talking, as far as we know — but it's a fun dream.
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Astros will play the middle game of their three-game series against the visiting Twins tonight at Daikin Park.
RHP Mike Burrows (3-8) will make his team-leading 16th start of the season tonight opposite the Twins and their ace RHP Joe Ryan (5-4).
ABOUT BURROWS: RHP Mike Burrows is coming off a strong start his last time out on June 24 at Toronto, in which he worked 6.0 innings, allowing one run on two hits and one walk.
Burrows has been a durable starter in his first season in Houston, as he leads the Astros in starts (15) and innings (85.1).
He joined the club from the Pirates this offseason as part of a three-team, six-player trade in which the Astros sent OF Jacob Melton and minor leaguer RHP Anderson Brito to the Rays, while the Rays sent IF Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery to the Pirates.
THE SLOW TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 22-14 since May 21, which is the best record in the AL in that span.
On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.
RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won five of seven, six of nine, and are 9-4 in their last 13 games.
The Astros 15-11 record in June ties as the best in the AL, along with their rival Rangers.
SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Astros have won five consecutive series dating back to June 12, posting a 11-5 record in those games.
The last time the Astros won five straight series was from June 20- July 6 of last season (went 12-3 in that stretch).
WINNING THE CLOSE CALLS: The Astros are 9-5 in one-run games and 18-10 in two-run games.
Each of the Astros last six wins and 11 of their last 12 victories have come by two-or-fewer runs.
PEN PALS: Since May 15 the Astros are 25-17 thanks in part to their bullpen, which has posted the lowest ERA in the AL in that span at 2.62 (45ER/154.2P).
They’ve been led by their lefties since that date with LHP Josh Hader (0.75 ERA), LHP Bryan King (2.25 ERA) and LHP Steven Okert (2.29 ERA) all posting low ERAs.
GET ‘EM EARLY: The Astros lead the AL in 1st inning runs with 60 runs scored in their 87 games.
Overall, the Astros rank fifth in the American League in runs scored (391), with their opponent tonight, the Twins, leading the AL in runs (417).
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Astros dropped the opener of their six-game homestand last night by a score of 5-4 to the visiting Twins.
Houston made it close late, scoring three runs in the 9th on a pair of back-to-back homers by CF Taylor Trammell (2×4, HR, 2RBI) and RF Cam Smith (2×4, 2HR, 2RBI).
RHP Peter Lambert (4ER/5.2IP) started for Houston and was handed the loss, snapping his four-game winning streak.
RHP Miguel Ullola (0ER/2IP) made his Major League debut in relief, working 2.0 scoreless frames.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have placed IF Jeremy Peña on the 10-day IL with a left calf strain and have recalled IF Raynel Delgado from Triple A Sugar Land.
OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players out on minor league rehab assignments and are adding to that group today.
OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (right hamstring strain) will begin a minor league rehab assignment tonight for Triple A Sugar Land in their series opener at OKC.
RHP Hayden Wesneski (right elbow surgery) began his minor league rehab assignment today for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings.
MVP-CALIBER: DH Yordan Alvarez has had a torrid first half to his season, currently leading all of baseball in OPS (1.031), OBP (.424), SLG (.607) and total bases (185).
Additionally, he ranks tied for first in the AL in homers (25) and extra-base hits (41), while ranking second in batting average (.308), tied for second in hits (94), third in runs (58), fourth in walks (58), and tied for fifth in RBI (56).
ALL-STAR UPDATE: DH Yordan Alvarez has been named a finalists for the 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot with second-phase fan voting available now through Thursday, July 2 at 11 a.m. CT.
Alvarez has been an All-Star three times thus far in his career.
Since 2017, the Astros 37 All-Star selections are tops in the AL in that span.
ASTROS-TWINS: Tonight is the 100th regular season game between the Astros and Twins in their franchise histories, with Houston owning the all-time advantage with a 52-47 record.
There are several connections between the two clubs including both team’s catchers, with C Victor Caratini spending his last two seasons (2024-25) in Houston and C Christian Vázquez spending his last three years (2023-25) in Minnesota.
ROAD WARRIORS: With their win on Sunday in Detroit, the Astros completed a seven-game road trip with a 5-2 record after stops in Toronto (2-1) and Detroit (3-1).
The Astros are 15-8 in their last three road trips combined and are 21-14 on the road since going 1-9 on their first road trip of the 2026 season.
ON THE RADIO: The Astros English radio broadcast on KBME SportsTalk 790 for this series will feature Steve Sparks and Garrett Greene, who’s subbing for Robert Ford.
Green currently serves as the Triple A Sugar Land Space Cowboys Media Relations Manager and Radio Broadcaster.
DOWN AT TRIPLE A: The Astros have several players performing great down at Triple A Sugar Land, including RHP Ethan Pecko and IF Cavan Biggio.
In June, Pecko has gone 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA (2ER/24IP) in four games, while Biggio has hit .321 (26×81) with nine extra-base hits, a .476 OBP and a 1.032 OPS in 21 games in June.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, June 30, 7:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-Imagn Images
Mark Alberti-Imagn Images
The goaltender known as “Bob” is on the verge of changing places once more in his illustrious NHL career.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the most intriguing player available when free agency opens Wednesday after backstopping the Florida Panthers to Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and ‘25. Also a two-time Vezina Trophy winner as the league’s top goalie, Bobrovsky turns 38 just before next season begins and could be the final piece for a contender looking for help at the most important position in hockey.
Florida in two days traded for Akira Schmid from Vegas and Jacob Markstrom from New Jersey to fill its needs in the crease and pave the way for Bobrovsky’s exit. Bobrovsky is expected to have no shortage of suitors, with the Devils, reigning champion Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers — who lost to him and the Panthers in each final — all looking for help in net.
With the salary cap getting another record increase to $104 million per team, price tags will be high.
“There’s always the danger of July 1st where you make you make a mistake and you’re immediately regretting it in a year or so,” San Jose general manager Mike Grier said. “July 1 is always a tricky time for general managers and organizations, so this year even more so.”
The top free agents available:
Forwards
Teams looking for wingers have a variety of options at different ages.
Anders Lee heads to the market ahead of his 37th birthday later this week after spending more than a decade with the New York Islanders since making his debut in 2013. Three-time Cup champion Patrick Kane is also available after spending the past three years with Detroit.
Matias Maccelli was not tendered a qualifying offer by Toronto, so he is available ahead of turning 26 in October. Eeli Tolvanen is a free agent at 27.
Anthony Mantha is coming off setting career highs with 33 goals, 31 assists and 64 points with Pittsburgh at 31. Boone Jenner is 33, not likely to return to Columbus and could fit the bill for a contender that wants to add leadership and depth.
Defensemen
Rasmus Andersson could be in for a significant payday if Vegas is not able to work out a deal to bring him back. After the Golden Knights acquired him from Calgary in January, the 29-year-old Swede skated over 23 minutes a game on their run to the Cup final.
John Carlson is another right-handed shooter, and at 36 he brings title-winning experience from his 16-plus seasons in Washington. Carlson helped Anaheim reach the second round of the playoffs after the Capitals traded him to the Ducks. He is expected to seek a return to the East Coast — which may come with Carolina after the Hurricanes traded for his rights over the weekend.
Hard-hitting Jacob Trouba is a candidate to benefit from a fresh start free of the contract that played a role in the New York Rangers sending him to Anaheim in December 2024.
Like Mantha, Ryan Shea had a breakout season with the Penguins with 35 points and is line for a big raise from the $900,000 he had been making.
Goaltenders
Whoever loses out on the Bobrovsky sweepstakes will go shopping at a lower price range.
Stuart Skinner, who was on the losing end of those finals with the Oilers, is among the options and is in his late 20s. So is Daniil Tarasov, who was Bobrovsky’s backup last season in Florida.
The prospect of Winnipeg trading three-time Vezina winner and 2024-25 MVP Connor Hellebuyck could also shake up the market.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 29: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates an RBI double during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field on June 29, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
