Giants players respond to DOJ Pride cap investigation: 'Not discrimination'

Hours after the Department of Justice announced an investigation into Major League Baseball and after the league warned four San Francisco Giants pitchers about altering their caps on the team's Pride night, three of the pitchers said they did not feel discriminated against by MLB.

Relievers JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote a Bible verse on the rainbow Giants logo, while Sam Hentges did not wear the hat at all for the team's June 12 game at Oracle Park. The three told the San Francisco Chronicle that they didn't feel a warning from MLB for defacing their uniform constituted discrimination.

The DOJ announced its investigation Friday, June 19, and the players issued their remarks before their game at Miami that evening.

"At the end of the day I don’t think it’s discrimination,” reliever JT Brubaker told the Chronicle. "It’s just people getting a hold of something and turning it into something."

Giants pitchers place Bible verses on hats during Pride celebration

Brubaker and Ryan Walker, joined by starting pitcher Landen Roupp, wrote the 9:12-16 verse near the rainbow “SF” logo and received warnings for violating MLB's uniform rule. Roupp, who pitched Friday at Miami, declined to comment, the Chronicle said.

"I don’t feel discriminated against,” Hentges told the Chronicle. "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They can feel how they want about me or what I have done, but it wasn’t out of hate. I don’t hate the community. It’s gotten bigger than anticipated and drawn more attention than everybody thought.”

Walker said, when asked if he felt pressured to wear the Pride cap: "I wouldn’t say I necessarily felt pressured by anybody, necessarily. It was more so questioning myself and what does my faith mean to me. More like, I have my beliefs in myself and what am I going to do to make sure I stand for my faith in myself versus feel pressured to wear this because such-and-such."

The Chronicle reported that Giants players discussed the Pride night actions weeks in advance among themselves and staffers.

The particular Bible verse was first scrawled on a Pride cap by Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw in 2025; LGBTQ supporters say the verse is an attempt to reclaim the rainbow symbol from their movement.

The Giants players have received significant criticism nationally and particularly in San Francisco's LGBTQ community; the Giants were the first team to hold a promotion specifically geared toward the community, beginning in 1994 with their "Until There's A Cure" day, designed to raise funds and awareness for AIDS victims.

Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow was among those criticizing the players.

"I think when you’re a player and you come into this environment, it’s your responsibility to know just how sensitive this city is in regards to that cultural freedom and religious freedom, and just the way that you live your life,” Krukow said in a talk-show sequence on the club's flagship radio station. "And I think they were in for a rude awakening with the response, and it wasn’t just from the gay community; it was from the Northern California community that supports the gay community.

"It hurt me because I saw in 1994 that they were the first team to ever take on the challenge of going against public opinion and the outrage of even associating with the gay community, and they openly went out and said, ‘We support the gay community. We support Until There’s a Cure day. We are going to raise money to fight AIDS. We support the community.’ And they did it with love."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Giants pitchers say MLB Pride cap warning wasn't discrimination

Former Canadiens Are Calder Cup Champions With The Marlies

On Friday night, the Toronto Marlies signed a 4-3 win over the Chicago Wolves to win the AHL Championship and lift the Calder Cup. If former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau was on the wrong side of the defeat, three former members of the Habs’ organization are now Calder Cup champions: Brandon Baddock, Logan Shaw, and Michael Pezzetta.

While Baddock, who spent the best part of two seasons in the Canadiens’ organization playing mainly with the Laval Rocket and a single game with the Habs, didn’t play during the playoffs, he’s still a member of the organization.

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Unlike Baddock, Shaw and Pezzetta played big roles in the Marlies Calder Cup conquest. The former was the first one to lift the trophy, since he is the team’s captain. He put up 17 points in 24 playoff games and was assessed 28 penalty minutes. Shaw spent only part of a season with the Canadiens, playing 30 games in the 2017-18 season after the Habs, who were hit by a slew of injuries, claimed him off waivers. Eight of his 39 career NHL points were picked up while playing with the Sainte-Flanelle. He has played 232 NHL games so far, spending most of his career in the AHL, where he has played for seven different teams.

As for Pezzetta, a former sixth-round pick by the Canadiens at the 2016 draft, he skated in 23 playoff games this year, gathering five points and 82 penalty minutes. Unsurprisingly, he’s still relied on for his physicality and ability to drop the gloves. He turned pro during the 2018-19 season and went on to play 200 NHL games with Montreal, totaling 38 points and 241 penalty minutes. After playing only 25 games with the Canadiens in 2024-25, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs last offseason as a free agent but played only nine NHL games, spending most of the season with the Marlies.

As for Primeau, even if he lost in the final, he had a great season in the AHL with a 21-11-7 record, a 2.41 goals-against average, and a .916 save percentage. In the postseason, he was 9-9 with a 2.72 GAA and a .913 SV. While those are good numbers, his short stay in the NHL this season wasn’t great. In three games with the Leafs, he posted a 2-1-0 record but had a 4.30 GAA and a .838 SV. When he was waived, the Carolina Hurricanes claimed him, and that's how he ended up with the Wolves.  It might just be that the AHL is his ceiling and he can’t make the jump to the NHL.


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Shohei Ohtani celebrates Father's Day early with birth of second child

Team Ohtani has a brand-new member.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani announced on social media Saturday, June 20, that his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, has given birth to their second child.

"We are again overjoyed to experience this wonderful day in our lives together," Ohtani wrote in a post on Instagram. "Thank you for being born safely.

"We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey."

Ohtani was not in the Dodgers lineup for Friday's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Shortly afterward the team announced he was taking paternity leave.

However, the team issued a statement saying he's expected to return "sometime this weekend."

Ohtani previously went on paternity leave last April when his wife delivered their first child, a daughter.

The couple did not reveal any information about their new baby.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, wife announce birth of second baby

Guardians News: Man, A Franco Aleman or a Cooper Ingle Would Be Real Nice Right About Now

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: Cooper Ingle of the Cleveland Guardians poses for a portrait at Cleveland Guardians Photo Day during 2026 Spring Training at Goodyear Ballpark on February 12, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Guardians lost a game where the hitting was bad and the bullpen was worse. Too bad they don’t have any hitting or relief help in Columbus!

Oh, what’s that? They have Cooper Ingle who has a 165 wRC+ and Franco Aleman has a 0.56 ERA in the past 16 innings? Shhhh, no one tell Chris Antonetti.

Stephen Vogt used Matt Festa as a fireman yesterday and it blew up in his face. Now, in Vogt’s defense, coming into yesterday, Festa had a 2.76 FIP in high leverage spots and a 2.90 FIP with runners in scoring position. Now, of course, his xFIP’s in both spots were over 5.

Festa’s K/BB is still good. The problem, of course, is that he is giving up a 14% HR/FB rate. That hurts. And it’s why I think they need to try to get Aleman up and get Festa through waivers. He’s getting crushed.

The Guardians hitters were horrific against Imai and the Astros pen who are, frankly, awful. They struck out 15 times and had 0 walks. Gabriel Arias remains a player who cannot hit major league pitching and whose defense does not justify his place on the roster.

AROUND MLB:

Tigers beat the White Sox, the Royals won and the Twins lost.

Roki Sasaki becoming playoff option for Dodgers — to start

Imagine the scene.

October. 

Playoffs. 

Roki Sasaki on the mound.

Not as a reliever. As a starter.

What would have sounded like pure fantasy just a month ago is shaping into an actual possibility.

This isn’t to say Sasaki has an inside track to be part of the Dodgers’ postseason rotation.

The Dodgers have Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani. They are expecting back Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.

But if any of them are unavailable for any reason, and if the Dodgers don’t acquire Tarik Skubal before the trade deadline, Sasaki is a legitimate option to start games for the two-time defending champions in October.

Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

Sasaki’s seven-run disaster in Chicago last week was an anomaly. 

He was back on track on Friday night, the unpleasant finish to his start notwithstanding.

Sasaki pitched five scoreless innings against the Orioles at Uniqlo Field, only to give up back-to-back home runs in the sixth that wiped out a three-run lead and cost him a decision. 

The Dodgers scored three runs in the ninth inning to win the game, 6-5.

The game showed Sasaki what he had to work on, but it also offered evidence that he was on the right path.

“I thought he was great,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I liked the way he competed. He was fantastic tonight.”

Unlike in his previous start, Sasaki had better control of his splitter and slider.

“I worked a lot on my breaking balls,” Sasaki said in Japanese. “Especially my slider.”

Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts on the mound after a solo home run from the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

But his fastball was his primary weapon.

He averaged close to 99 mph with his fastball again. Five of his pitches were clocked at 100 mph or faster, making this the fourth consecutive start in which he touched triple digits.

He was able to throw the pitch down the middle of the plate and not be punished for it. 

He used his fastball to get ahead in counts. He used it to finish hitters, recording the third strike on three of his six strikeouts with it.

He was able to pitch efficiently as a result, his pitch count at just 54 through four innings. He faced the minimum number of batters until the fifth inning when he walked Colton Cowser with two outs.

Sasaki started the game by giving up a hit to Taylor Ward, who was thrown out attempting to stretch his single into a double, and didn’t give up another hit until the sixth inning.

His only regret of the night was a splitter he threw in the sixth inning that was launched for a two-run homer by Gunnar Henderson.

“The forkball cut [inside],” Sasaki said. “It didn’t move the way it usually does.”

Sasaki also gave up a homer to the next batter, Pete Alonso, but he didn’t think the fastball he threw him was a bad pitch. The 98 mph fastball was on the inside edge of the plate against the right-handed-hitting Alonso.

“I threw the ball where I was asked to throw it, and it was hit,” Sasaki said. “Judging by the results, I think the pitch selection was a mistake.”

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

If his goal last week was to be more consistent with his off-speed pitches, his objective between now and his next start will be to figure out how to attack hitters as he enters the later innings, particularly in his third time through the order.

As disappointed as he was in how Alonso’s homer resulted in his removal after 5 ⅔ innings, Sasaki sounded encouraged by the start.

“On the whole, I was able to do what I wanted,” he said. “I thought I threw a lot of good pitches.” 

Which could explain his demeanor after the game. 

He has changed over the first 2 ½ months of the regular season.

The once-gloomy Sasaki has become more sociable. He even smiles.

Shortly after the Dodgers completed their ninth-inning comeback Friday night, Sasaki learned that Japan was playing in the World Cup the next day.

“Oh, really?” he asked in Japanese.

Realizing he’d inadvertently revealed that he wasn’t paying any attention to the tournament, Sasaki chuckled.

“I have some time tomorrow, so I’ll cheer them on,” Sasaki said.

Told Japan’s game would overlap with the Dodgers’, Sasaki laughed again.

“Then I can’t,” he said.

Well, he probably could watch part of it. 

Yamamoto was scheduled to deliver his first pitch against the Orioles at 7:10 p.m. The game between Japan and Tunisia was set for a 9 p.m. start.

“I’ll ask Yoshinobu-san to do his best,” Sasaki said.

Another laugh.

Glimpses of this side of Sasaki’s personality appeared last October. A surge in confidence relaxed him enough to be more open.

Last year, that self-assurance helped him close games in the postseason. This year, it could help him start them.


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Blue Jackets Sign First-Round Pick To Contract Extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets are keeping one of their first-round picks in their system. 

The Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed defenseman Corson Ceulemans to a one-year, two-way contract extension. At the NHL level, the 6-foot-2 defenseman will have an $850,000 cap hit. He will have an AHL salary of $95,000.

Ceulemans appeared in 64 AHL games this past season with the Cleveland Monsters, where he set new career highs with eight goals, 16 assists, and 24 points in 64 games. It was a nice step in the right direction for the 2021 first-round pick as he continues to work on his development. 

Ceuelemans has yet to make his Blue Jackets debut, but that could change during the 2026-27 season. The potential for him to become a solid NHL-caliber defenseman is still there, and it will be interesting to see if he breaks through next season. 

In 157 career AHL games with the Monsters over four seasons, Ceuelemans has posted 14 goals, 31 assists, 45 points, and 90 penalty minutes.  

Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14. 

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Padres vs Rangers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Texas Rangers will look to make it two in a row over the San Diego Padres as they continue their interleague series on Saturday afternoon.

San Diego has been the worst offensive team in the majors this season, and I like Nathan Eovaldi to shut its lineup down again in my Padres vs. Rangers predictions.

Read on for a closer look at this matchup and to get my free MLB picks for Saturday, June 20.

Who will win Padres vs Rangers today: Rangers moneyline (-126)

One of the major problems facing this inept San Diego Padres lineup is the fact that they chase on 31.9% of their swings.

That plays right into Nathan Eovaldi’s hands, as the Texas Rangers starter is inducing chases on an elite 36.2% of swings while also generating a 29.5% whiff rate.

The Padres are dead last in MLB in runs per game (3.88), OPS (.656), and wOBA (.290). Eovaldi is a nightmare matchup for a lineup struggling this badly.

I’m taking the Rangers to win outright, and would stick with them at -140 or better.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Eovaldi throws his splitter 37% of the time, a pitch the Padres are hitting for line drives just 16.7% of the time off of righties.

Padres vs Rangers Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-112)

While the Padres might be the undisputed kings of bad offense, the Rangers aren’t much better. Texas averages 4.01 runs per game and a .313 wOBA, which ranks in the bottom 10 in MLB.

San Diego starter Walker Buehler has gotten a lot out of his cutter/fastball combo, as his fastball run value rates in the 95th percentile of all pitchers this season.

Buehler hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his last seven starts, posting a 2.92 ERA in that span. I like the Under here as long as it stays at 7.5 runs or higher.

Ed Scimia's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 13-18 -5.84 units
  • Over/Under bets: 12-17 -5.74 units

Padres vs Rangers weather

Notes on the weather and its impact.

Padres vs Rangers odds

  • Moneyline: Padres +117 | Rangers -122
  • Run line: Padres +1.5 (-170) | Rangers -1.5 (+163)
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+100) | Under 7.5 (-104)

Padres vs Rangers trend

The Under is 4-1 in San Diego’s last five games overall. Find more MLB betting trends for Padres vs. Rangers.

How to watch Padres vs Rangers and game info

LocationGlobe Life Field, Arlington, TX
DateSaturday, June 20, 2026
First pitch4:05 p.m. ET
TVPadres.TV, RSN
Padres starting pitcherWalker Buehler
(4-3, 4.14 ERA)
Rangers starting pitcherNathan Eovaldi
(6-7, 4.23 ERA)

Padres vs Rangers latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Braves look for series win behind Chris Sale

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 10: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on June 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hirschuber/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After the first real rough patch of play from Atlanta this season, the Braves did well to beat Jacob Misiorowski in the midst of a truly legendary run of pitching and the Brewers in game 1 of a home series against a rival at the top of the NL. Doing so with Martin Perez on the mound is a huge coup for Atlanta. Now they get to pitch Chris Sale, facing a tough lefty from the Brewers, Kyle Harrison, with the first of two chances to secure a series win. One point of intrigue facing Harrison is whether Drake Baldwin can continue to absolutely obliterate left-handed pitching has a lefty bat, as we are now going on two seasons of him producing equal or better results against left-handed pitching.

As for Harrison himself, the lefty has been magnificent this season, with the Brewers having developed him from a solid fourth starter to a real impact arm after trading with the Giants for him last year, at least so far this season. He is similarly two-pitch dominant to Sale, with his tertiary changeup making up 9% of his usage. He pitches heavily off of his four-seamer with solid velo and good arm-side run, with a strong mix of his slurvey breaking ball. The change has been hit pretty hard, so its no surprise he sticks to the heat and the slurve. That said, this arsenal has been good for a 3.05 FIP and a 3.16 xFIP. He has added some velo and dropped his changeup usage since leaving the Giants, which accounts for some of the jump in effectiveness. This will be a tough matchup, but hopefully those Drake Baldwin reverse splits and righty-handed Ozzie can get some runs across to support Sale.

Chris Sale has been characteristically fantastic this season, despite the one disaster start early in Anaheim, but the Braves have been unable to win his last two outings. Sale has been pretty normal Sale in those outings, but the run support hasn’t been there. Sale’s fastball velo has actually been UP 1.1 MPH over his last two seasons at the age of 37, which is pretty cool, although also slightly disconcerting from a durability standpoint. With that velo jump, however, his fastball has been as effective as it has been since 2018, according to Statcast, and his changeup has been effective as well. While the strikeouts have been down a tick, they are still plenty frequent. In short, Chris Sale has looked to be at the peak of his powers this season and lets hope he stays that way for a good long while.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, June 20, 4:10 p.m. EDT

Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA

TV: BravesVision

Streaming: MLB.tv

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan

Yankees Birthday of the Day: Kendrys Morales

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 11: Kendrys Morales #36 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium on June 11, 2019 in New York City. New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets 12-5. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Kendrys Morales, Yankees legend.

Okay, that is a stretch for a player who appeared in only 19 games for the franchise, a number only slightly larger than the group that accompanied him when he escaped Cuba. However, the second part of that sentence is what makes his story legendary. Like many of his fellow countrymen of the time, and those now after the 2018 agreement between Major League Baseball and the Cuban Baseball Federation was revoked after just one year in existence, Morales had to defect from Cuba to another country before coming to America to chase the dream of playing baseball at the highest level. 

Kendrys Morales Rodríguez
Born: June 20, 1983 (Fomento, Cuba)
Yankees Tenure: 2019

Born Kendrys Morales Rodríguez in Fomento, a city less than 300 air miles south of Miami, Morales quickly rose to fame as a promising switch-hitter. Growing up on the island, Morales played mostly third base or outfield. The Cuban national team saw so much promise in Morales that he made the team as a teenager. 

Making the team as a teenager came with plenty of pressure, but playing in the politically charged country of Cuba added further layers that are hard for an outsider to understand. With the pressure of a looming global baseball tournament in America, the Cuban government ramped up efforts trying to catch players attempting to defect from the country. 

At the age of 20, Morales found himself in the middle of that unrest. After several people he trusted approached him about defecting for a chance to play in the United States, he finally agreed to discuss the possibility further. One of those trusted contacts reported Morales to the government, resulting in a ban from the national team.

Feeling betrayed, hurt, and who knows what else, Morales made it his new goal to get out of Cuba and chase the professional dream in the states. After a baker’s dozen of failed attempts, Morales and at least 15 others finally made it to the Dominican Republic. After establishing residency Morales was able to turn his attention to the next part of the plan, securing a professional contract.

The then-Anaheim Angels were game, signing Morales to a six-year deal.

The Angels viewed Morales as a first baseman and had him play there when not leaving the glove on the bench altogether and letting him be the designated hitter. Morales made his debut on May 23, 2006. Against Vicente Padilla and the Rangers, he recorded three hits, including the first of what would be 213 long balls of his career. Morales bounced between the majors and Triple-A from 2006 through 2008, looking like a classic Quad-A player. He dominated the minors while struggling to establish himself in the majors, though flashes of power remained evident.

Mostly position-less, and needing a chance to get his opportunity, the Yankees would be the ones who helped Morales get his break when they signed Angels first baseman Mark Teixeira, opening a spot for the soon to be 26-year-old. In that first full year of playing time Morales slashed .306/.355/.569, good for a .924 OPS with a career-high 34 home runs and 139 OPS+ as the Halos won the AL West. He finished fifth for AL MVP, trailing only Teixeira and a trio of future Hall of Famers: Derek Jeter, Miguel Cabrera, and winner Joe Mauer. The Angels fell to the Yankees in the ALCS, New York pitching keeping him in check with a .522 OPS in the six-game triumph.

Morales was enjoying some similar success to start the 2010 season until he brutally broke his left ankle while jumping onto home plate to celebrate a walk-off grand slam in May. The break required multiple procedures and complications caused Morales to miss the entire 2011 season. It is also worth noting that Kendrys was known as Kendry Morales up until the 2010 season due to a spelling error on his paperwork, a mistake he did not correct until the season he missed recovering from injury.

Morales picked up right where he left off when he returned in 2012, hitting .273 with 22 bombs. Following the year the Angels traded him to the Seattle Mariners. Morales kept right on hitting. In his last year before free agency, he hit .277 with 23 home runs. Morales reached free agency but got a qualifying offer from Seattle and teams did not want to give up a draft pick to sign the veteran designated hitter. Due to this, Morales waited until the June deadline passed to sign with Minnesota. Then just over a month later the Twins traded him back to Seattle. 

After a weird and disappointing season Morales needed a fresh start and signed a two-year deal with the Royals prior to the 2015 season. The Royals proved right to add the veteran hitter, as he was one of just three Kansas City hitters to top the 20-homer threshold, joining mainstays Salvador Perez and Mike Moustakas. He would win the first and only Silver Slugger of his career thanks to a 127 OPS+. Morales hit two homers in the playoff opener against the upstart Astros and would bat .268/.311/.561 through the first couple round as the Royals successfully defended their AL pennant. He was more quiet in the Fall Classic against the Mets and was limited to pinch-hit duty once the series shifted to Queens, but he nonetheless won the only World Series of his career.

Following the 2016 campaign, Morales again hit free agency and got a deal in Toronto to replace their own slugging DH Edwin Encarnación. In two years up north, Morales posted a .249 average and hit 49 home runs as the Jays’ competitive window came to a close..

Right before the start of the 2019 season the Blue Jays traded Morales to the Oakland Athletics, who needed a stopgap after their rising star first baseman Matt Olson got injured. Morales struggled in Oakland and after 34 games and only one big fly, the A’s traded Morales to the injury-plagued Yankees, who were at the forefront of their “Next Man Up” year and in need of a 1B/DH type with Giancarlo Stanton and Greg Bird on the shelf. 

It started off decently enough, as Morales registered hits in his first three games, including a homer off Ryne Stanek on May 17th in a 4-3 walk-off win.

It didn’t stick. Morales had an appalling 5-for-47 showing with no extra-base hits across his next 15 games, and though he broke out with a three-hit game in the doubleheader opener against the Mets on June 11th, that would turn out to be his swan song. He suffered a calf injury, went on the IL, and never returned. In a somewhat-amusing twist of fate, Morales was once again replaced by Encarnación, as New York swung a trade with the Mariners to bring the veteran aboard on June 15th. Once Morales was healthy again, the Yankees designated him for assignment, releasing him on July 2nd.

Morales retired following the 2019 season after failing to find another opportunity. A true professional hitter, he finished his career with a .265/.327/.453 slash line and 213 home runs across 13 big-league seasons. Not bad for a kid from Cuba who had to risk everything just for a swing at the game he loved at the highest level.

Happy birthday, Kendrys!


See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.

The Phillies should have three All-Stars

Jun 16, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) reacts after stealing second base against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, we asked you a question about who should be the Phillies’ third All-Star, assuming that both Cristopher Sanchez and Kyle Schwarber are locks to make you. You responded:

Marsh has had an outstanding season, hitting .323/.357/.500 through Wednesday’s games. Having been platooned for most of his tenure in Philadelphia, Marsh has enjoyed consistent playing time for the first time in his career, playing in 70 of the team’s 75 games this year and even posting some of the best numbers against left-handed pitching he’s ever had (.279/.318/.410 through Wednesday).

It’s more than enough to be considered an All-Star.

His issue, of course, will be the crowded group of National League candidates for the outfield spots the league has. A simple search of outfielders in the National League based on fWAR puts Marsh way down at 16th best thanks to many metrics not liking his defense this season. Yet the All-Star Game isn’t about how well you play defense. It’s about how you hit the ball and Marsh’s 131 wRC+ is 21st in the NL. He’s been great at the plate and should be rewarded by staying home and playing at Citizens Bank Park in July.

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Cam Schlittler exposes line-crossing Red Sox fan after another dominant Yankees start: ‘Rent free’

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler #31 walking to the dugout after ending the first inning, Image 2 shows A text message bubble says,
Schlittler Red sox fan

Cam Schlittler struck out 13 Reds hitters but still saved his best fastball for exposing an online troll.

In an appropriately savage move, the Yankees ace revealed Friday night a taste of the line-crossing hate that athletes face when he published unfiltered to his Instagram story the messages sent to him by a Red Sox fan using the handle “Kyle_Lynch11.”

Schlittler captioned the post “rent free” while including two crying laughing emojis.

Cam Schlittler’s response to a trolling Red Sox fan. @camschlittler_/Instagram

The verbal attacks started before Schlittler’s historic start against the Red Sox in the playoffs last season and continued through his Friday night masterpiece.

A patient Schlittler only replied once in the thread, writing “stop gazing lil bro” at 1:14 p.m. Friday, roughly six hours before his first pitch at Yankee Stadium.

The most common message was calling Schlittler a “p—y.”

The fan wrongly predicted the “Reds are gonna light u up tnite” before Schlittler struck out 13 in six scoreless innings and lowered his ERA to a Whitey Ford-like 1.64.

The trolling started Oct. 3, 2025, when the fan messaged Schilittler to “wait till we got our full squad u clown.” The thought was that “Roman (Anthony) will own u.”

This prediction did not ring true. @camschlittler_/Instagram

The fan was angry that Schlittler – a Walpole, Mass. native who grew up as a Red Sox fan – was pitching for the Yankees. As if he had a choice in where he was drafted and developed.

“Never forget where u came from,” one message read.

Schlitter instead made sure Red Sox fans never forget him with his historical MLB playoff debut, when he struck out 12 in eight scoreless innings to clinch the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Wild Card Series. 

Cam Schlittler dominated the Reds on Friday. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Schlittler is the American League Cy Young betting favorite in just his second season and has seemed to especially enjoy feasting on the Red Sox and their fans. Now we have a taste of why.

This one particular fan’s message thread didn’t appear to send any of the “death threats” that Schlittler previously told The Post he and his family – including a father who is a police chief in Massachusetts – have been besieged by as part of a rivalry-gone-wrong.

Best NRFI Picks Today: No Run First Inning Predictions for MLB June 20

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The Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves meet this afternoon, and I'm eyeing a clean first inning with two solid arms on the hill. 

That matchup will headline my top MLB picks today for the "no run first inning" and "yes run first inning" markets.

Here are my best NRFI/YRFI predictions for Saturday, June 20.

Best NRFI/YRFI predictions today

PickOdds
Brewers/Braves - NRFI-148
Guardians/Astros - YRFI-116
Nationals/Rays - NRFI-121

Brewers at Braves: NRFI (-148)

Two solid arms take the hill as the Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves square off tonight. Kyle Harrison gets the ball for Milwaukee and owns a stellar 10-3 NRFI record this season. The left-hander has held opponents scoreless in the first inning in five of his last six starts and tossed six scoreless frames last time out.

Chris Sale has been equally reliable early in games, carrying an 11-2 NRFI record and producing three consecutive scoreless first innings. The southpaw also owns a 2.30 FIP across his last three appearances, while neither offense has scored in the opening frame in each of its last two contests.

Since the price is already steep, I'd only play this pick up to -150.

  • Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: BravesVision, Brewers.TV

Guardians at Astros: YRFI (-116)

I'm expecting the Houston Astros to jump on Joey Cantillo tonight. The left-hander has posted a 5.40 FIP over his last two starts while allowing 2.70 home runs per nine innings during that span.

Houston has been one of baseball's best first-inning offenses, batting .301 in the opening frame while compiling a 50-27 YRFI record. The Astros also scored in the first inning on Friday, and this matchup sets up nicely for another fast start. Cantillo has surrendered a run in the first in back-to-back starts, too. 

Play this pick up to -130.

  • Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Space City Home Network, Guardians.TV

Nationals at Rays: NRFI (-121)

Cade Cavalli gets the ball for the Washington Nationals tonight, and he's consistently stayed out of trouble in the first inning. He tossed a scoreless opening frame his last time out and owns an impressive 11-4 NRFI record this season. Cavalli also draws a favorable matchup against a Tampa Bay Rays lineup that's been held scoreless in the first inning in three consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Ian Seymour hasn't allowed a run in the first inning through his first two appearances as a starter, and while Washington has been productive offensively overall, the Nationals have failed to score in the opening frame in four straight contests.

With two starters navigating the first inning effectively and both offenses struggling to get going immediately, there's value in another clean opening frame. I'll play this pick up to -130.

  • Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Rays.TV, Nationals.TV
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
  • NRFI/YRFI picks: 18-36, -4.84 units

What is a NRFI prediction?

NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) picks add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI pick is a prediction that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're predicting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.

A YRFI pick is the exact opposite. You're predicting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.

NRFI and YRFI picks add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for those looking for a quick resolution.

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

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

Reds vs Yankees Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The first-place New York Yankees face the last-place Cincinnati Reds today. It’s no surprise New York is favored, but the MLB odds are wildly slanted toward the Bronx Bombers at -210. 

The favorite being nearly unbettable still opens the door for a flier on an underdog. That’s why my Reds vs. Yankees predictions and MLB picks are looking for a Reds upset and a big payday.

Who will win Reds vs Yankees today: Reds moneyline (+182)

The New York Yankees are 10-5 since Aaron Judge went down with an injury, which has scuttled seasons in the past.

This time, they simply turned Ben Rice into Judge. The Cincinnati Reds are starting southpaw Andrew Abbott today, however.Rice has been a mere mortal and less a Judge clone against lefties, hitting 19 points lower and slugging 126 points less.  

New York also doesn’t have the lopsided starting pitcher edge you’d expect from these odds. Will Warren is 7-1, but the Yankees have scored 6+ runs in nine of his 14 starts. He’s 6-0 in those, 1-1 when getting five or fewer from his offense.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Will Warren has been essentially an average starter this season, despite the gaudy record. None of his pitches are in the top-third of MLB in run value. Among the most common underlying metrics, only xERA and barrel rate (both 68th percentile) are in the top third, and just barely.

Reds vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Under 9.5 (-113)

We’ll hedge our risky moneyline bet by taking the favorite in the Over/Under.

Abbott has been Cincinnati’s most reliable pitcher and hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his last nine starts. Rice has never faced him, and only 38-year-old reserve Paul Goldschmidt has seen him more than 10 times. Ryan McMahon (1-for-9) is the Yankee next-most familiar with the lefty.

The Reds are in a teamwide batting slump since Elly de la Cruz got hurt and were shut out on Friday night. They have now scored four or fewer in seven of the last 10 games.

Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 22-27, -2.91 units
  • Over/Under bets: 28-25, +2.04 units

Reds vs Yankees weather

It will be mostly sunny skies with a high near 83°F, a steady western wind of 10-20 mph, and 0% chance of precipitation.

Reds vs Yankees odds

  • Moneyline: Reds +186 | Yankees -194
  • Run line: Reds +1.5 (-104) | Yankees -1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: Over 9.5 | Under 9.5

Reds vs Yankees trend

The Reds have been held Under their team total in 14 of their last 20 games for +7.35 units and a 31% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. Yankees.

How to watch Reds vs Yankees and game info

LocationYankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
DateSaturday, June 20, 2026
First pitch1:35 p.m. ET
TVReds.TV, YES
Reds starting pitcherAndrew Abbott
(4-4, 3.95 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcherWill Warren
(7-1, 3.47 ERA)

Reds vs Yankees 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.

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

Diamondbacks News 6/20: Michael Soroka Injured, Corbin Carroll Stellar

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 19: Mike Soroka #34 of the Arizona Diamondbacks (right) talks to a trainer during the second inning of the MLB game against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field on June 19, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Soroka left the game in the second inning due to a leg injury. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Diamondbacks News

Carroll, Bullpen Pull Snakes Through Emotionally Taxing Day
First, the Diamondbacks learned that they have lost Ryne Nelson for the remainder of the season. Then, in-between the first and second innings, they lost Michael Soroka to injury. Then, in the eighth inning, Jordan Lawlar left the game with a tight hamstring and will now undergo imaging today, previous to a likely stint back on the IL. But Corbin Carroll was firing on all cylinders and the bullpen dug deep to lift the Diamondbacks to a victory over the Twins.

The Next Steps for Ryne Nelson
On Friday, the Diamondbacks put Nelson on the injured list with a sprained right elbow. The game plan for now is to rest and see how he feels in four-to-six weeks.

Lawlar Exits Game with Hamstring Injury
Having just returned to playing after languishing on the 60-day IL, Jordan Lawlar is headed back to the IL after running out an infield single in the pivotal eighth inning of Arizona’s comeback win.

A.J. Puk Sustains Capsule Sprain
The MRI results are back and things are not good for A.J. Puk. Puk will be shut down for the next four weeks and then re-evaluated. If all goes well and Puk is able to restart his throwing ramp-up without any setbacks, a return to the majors seems possible by the back half of August.

Diamondbacks Counting on Zac Gallen to Go Deep Versus Twins
If ever there was a time Arizona needed Zac Gallen to turn back the clock to harness his ace-like form, it is now.

Other Baseball News

What to Know About MLB’s Draft Overhaul Proposal
It is absolute garbage in ways that fundamentally would change everything in fairly quick order. That’s the bottom line up front.

Padres-Rangers Game Starts with Only Two Umpires
Because of travel issues, Emil Jimenez and John Bacon were the lone umps ready to go by first pitch. Gabe Morales and Mike Muchlinski arrived and joined them on the field in the middle of the first, about the same time Rangers bench coach Luis Urueta was being ejected from the game.

Jackson Churio’s Big Step Forward
Jackson Chourio got a late start to his season. A fractured metacarpal in his left hand, suffered during the run-up to the World Baseball Classic but not definitively diagnosed until three weeks later, knocked him onto the injured list just hours before the Brewers’ Opening Day game, and he didn’t make his season debut until May 4. Since then, the 22-year-old outfielder has not only been one of the majors’ top hitters, he’s shown notable improvements in a few key areas while helping to propel the Brewers into first place in the NL Central.

The Rays Are Proving Homers Aren’t Needed to Win
The Rays have hit fewer home runs than any other team in baseball, but they still have one of the best records in the American League.

Stephen A. Smith heavily booed before admitting he was ‘beyond wrong’ about Jalen Brunson, Knicks

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Two men in hats speaking into microphones on a couch in front of a blue curtain, Image 2 shows Jalen Brunson #11, Mariska Hargitay, and Rick Brunson celebrating the New York Knicks' 2026 NBA championship
Brunson-SmithBrunson-Smith

Stephen A. Smith wasn’t just wrong about Jalen Brunson and the Knicks.

“I’m a grown-ass man,” Smith said. “I was beyond wrong.”

Appearing as a guest on a live episode of “The Roommates Show” podcast with NBA champion teammates Brunson and Josh Hart at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, Smith ate his humble pie after Hart brought receipts about all the times Smith doubted Brunson.

Including opining that the 2016 Villanova national title team didn’t have a legitimate NBA prospect, when Brunson, Hart and Mikal Bridges – three Knicks starters – were on the roster.

And that Brunson “isn’t the answer” – and, worse, no Kevin Durant – for the Knicks after he signed his free-agent contract in 2022.

“We are now sitting here with this golden trophy there to your right,” Hart, who pushed for Smith to be a guest on the podcast. “Can you sit here and admit you were wrong?”

“Apologize!” Brunson demanded.

Jalen Brunson proved the doubters wrong. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Smith, an ESPN analyst and lifelong Knicks fan, admitted he was wrong after playfully pretending he did not understand the request.

Hart and Smith had a feud earlier this year when Smith criticized Bridges and Hart jumped to his defense.

Stephen A. Smith took the L in front of Jalen Brunson (r). @ESPN/X

“I apologize to this brother (Brunson) on national television, I’m apologizing to you (Hart), I’m apologizing to the entire Knicks organization,” Smith said. “But let me be very, very clear: I have never been more happy to be wrong in my entire life.”

The crowd booed Smith anyway.

Brunson has teased firing back at his critics multiple times since leading the Knicks to the title last weekend but stopped just short. He applauded Smith’s apology.

Smith also flirted with taking some credit for his words firing up the Knicks for their 13-game playoff winning streak.

“I’ll apologize for being wrong,” Smith said, “but let me be very clear: If it means another championship, I’d do it again.”