Posts

Posted on

Athletics series preview: Their rebuild suffers a setback

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 17: Lawrence Butler #4 of the Athletics strikes out on a foul tip in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Sutter Health Park on July 17, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Athletics had three consecutive 90+ loss seasons, but appeared to be improving with a 76-win season last year built on a core of solid hitters like Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler, and Jacob Wilson. They got off to a good start and were at .500 in mid-June before injuries hit their lineup and their pitching fell apart. They have lost 37 of their last 48 games, costing GM David Forst his job.

Athletics (49-75) vs. Kansas City Royals (51-74) at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Athletics: 4.35 runs scored/game (20th in MLB), 5.76 runs allowed/game (30th)

Royals: 4.10 runs scored/game (23rd), 4.99 runs allowed/game (26th)

Who’s hot:

  • Zack Gelof is hitting .318/.375/.568 with eight home runs in his last 35 games.
  • Jac Caglianone is second among all hitters with a 259 wRC+ in August, hitting .407/.429/.759 this month.

Who’s not:

  • Jacob Wilson has drawn just one walk in his last 19 games and is hitting .178/.211/.260 over that time.
  • John Rave is hitting just .189/.231/.324 in 15 games since being recalled.

Interesting splits:

  • Lawrence Butler got off to a dreadful start this season, but is hitting .242/.307/.506 since the All-Star break.
  • Michael Massey is hitting .316/.342/.526 against lefties this year.

Former Royals prospect Mason Barnett has given up six home runs in his last two games. Jeff McNeil is 4-for-9 (.444) with a double in his matchups against Michael Wacha. Jack Perkins gave up 12 hits against the Rays in his last start, the third-most hits any pitcher has given up this year. Gage Jump struck out a career-high 11 hitters against the Red Sox on August 8, but struck out just one in his last start against the Rangers. J.T. Ginn has a 45 percent groundball rate, 14th-highest among qualified pitchers.

The A’s have the worst pitching staff in baseball with a 5.48 ERA, with a 5.70 bullpen ERA. Their 24 blown saves are the third-most in baseball. Luis Medina has not allowed a run in five games in August, with eight strikeouts in 5.1 innings. Hogan Harris has 12 saves, but 5 blown saves.

The A’s have the second-worst record in baseball, behind only the Angels, who the Royals just defeated in a series. They took two of three from the Royals earlier this year, but their pitching is in shambles and they are missing four of their best hitters – Rooker, Kurtz, Soderstrom, and Langeliers. The Royals have a chance to get their homestand off to a good start and score some runs off the worst pitching staff in baseball.

Posted on

Who is 'Tugboat' Wilkinson? Giants call up pitcher with fun nickname

In May, the San Francisco Giants made an interesting trade, sending veteran backstop and defensive mastermind Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians.

Bailey is one of the best defensive catchers in baseball, but his lack of offensive production left some fans frustrated while younger players like Jesus Rodriguez and Daniel Susac waited in the wings.

Other fans weren't sold on the trade though, believing Bailey's defensive prowess and clutch factor made him a valuable asset. To only get one prospect and a draft pick in return seemed too little.

Well this week, fans should get to see part of what they got for Bailey.

On Monday, Aug. 17, the Giants called up left-handed pitcher Matt "Tugboat" Wilkinson, the prospect they acquired in the trade, from the minors. Ironically, it's just in time for the Giants to face the Guardians in a three-game series between Tuesday, Aug. 18 and Thursday, Aug. 20.

Here's what to know about the latest member of the team.

More: MLB power rankings: Cardinals back in race as Joshua Báez arrives with bang

Who is Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson?

Matt Wilkinson is a former 10th-round draft pick out of Central Arizona College. The 23-year-old starter dominated Double-A this year between his time with the Giants and Guardians' affiliates, totaling 43.1 innings with a 1.87 ERA all while striking out 10.2 hitters per nine innings.

He struggled to maintain that level of success with the Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, though. The southpaw pitched 43.2 innings in Triple-A, recording a 5.15 ERA and striking out just 8.9 hitters per nine innings. He also surrendered seven home runs in those 43.2 innings, compared to just two in his prior 43.1 innings of work at Double-A.

Wilkinson does not boast overpowering stuff. His fastball has averaged 89.9 mph during his time in Triple-A, and he mostly relies on a three-pitch mix of his fastball, slider and changeup, though he also has a cutter in his arsenal that he rarely uses.

The pitch he's most well-known for is his "Invisi-ball." Wilkinson describes the pitch as his fastball, just with "really low release and really good extension." It makes his 90-91 mph fastball come up on hitters quicker than they expect, which has helped him tremendously throughout his minor league career.

How he earned the nickname 'Tugboat'

At a very young age, Wilkinson's dad's best friend gave him the moniker after watching him run the bases. The friend described the pace of Wilkinson's running as "similar to that of a boat designed to tow larger ships."

The nickname stuck.

Wilkinson's stint in the WBC

Wilkinson pitched 2.2 innings for Team Canada at the World Baseball Classic in March this year, allowing zero hits, two walks and four strikeouts during his two appearances for the team.

How has Patrick Bailey done for Cleveland?

Though not an everyday player for the Guardians, Bailey has performed at a level to be expected of the Gold Glove-winning catcher. His defense has been very good in the 54 appearances he's made, but he remains a well-below average hitter and sports a .208/.260/.357 triple-slash for the Guardians, amounting to an OPS+ of 70.

That said, he has flashed decent power for the Guardians, with five home runs for the club in just 171 plate appearances, much greater than the rate he collected for the Giants in any of his three seasons prior.

When do the Giants play the Guardians?

The Giants and Guardians embark on a three-game series in Cleveland beginning tomorrow, Aug. 18, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.

The series ends with the final game on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 1:10 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is 'Tugboat' Wilkinson? Giants call up pitcher with fun nickname

Posted on

NBA disputes key details in ESPN report on Kawhi Leonard investigation

As the Kawhi Leonard saga drags on, now approaching a full year, a new wrinkle sheds light on where the investigation stands. A new report has drawn pushback from the NBA on what it alleges are "significant inaccuracies."

According to ESPN, the NBA has found no evidence linking Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer to an alleged scheme to funnel money to Leonard during the franchise’s courtship of the star forward during the 2019 offseason.

ESPN also reported that the league’s investigation is now focused on the Clippers introducing Leonard to corporate sponsors, and whether that classifies as violations of the NBA’s rules against salary cap circumvention. As part of that focus, the NBA is assessing whether the alleged actions constitute “failure to supervise” employees, though ESPN noted it’s unclear which rules violations would have taken place.

In response, the NBA pushed back against the content in the report.

“ESPN’s article regarding the LA Clippers investigation — for which the NBA declined to cooperate — contains numerous and significant inaccuracies,” NBA chief communications officer Mike Bass said on Monday, Aug. 17 in a statement. “The results in this matter will be made clear once the investigation is concluded.”

For its part, ESPN defended its article.

“We stand by our reporting, which included numerous attempts by ESPN to get comment from the NBA,” the company said Monday in a statement.

The Clippers also issued a statement Monday, defending their practices throughout Leonard’s courtship and employment.

“The Clippers introduced players, including Kawhi Leonard, to companies with which we had business relationships,” the statement reads. “Making introductions between players and team partners is both an ordinary practice by NBA teams and a common request of players and representatives. From there, Kawhi and his representatives handled their own negotiations. The Clippers did not negotiate or dictate the terms of Kawhi’s endorsement agreements or determine what he would be paid.”

The Clippers, who have denied any wrongdoing since the beginning of the matter, also said they “did not overpay any vendor or provide any sponsor, vendor, or business partner with discounts or other favorable terms in order to funnel money to Kawhi.”

The NBA outsourced its investigation into Leonard, which began in September 2025, to the New York-based law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. The inquiry examined a four-year, $28 million contract that Leonard signed to market and endorse a now-bankrupt "green" financial services company called Aspiration, which had previously received a significant investment from Ballmer.

Earlier in August, another possible endorsement deal between Leonard and a Clippers corporate sponsor emerged, though it had previously been undisclosed. This one was with Daktronics, the company that designed the Clippers' video board inside the Intuit Dome where they play home games.

“The fact that a player has an endorsement relationship with a company that also does business with his team is not evidence of salary-cap circumvention,” the Clippers added Monday in their statement.

Per ESPN, the NBA presented the findings of the investigation to the Clippers in July, and both sides are negotiating a resolution to the matter. Those discussions, according to the report, are being led by David N. Kelley, a lawyer from O'Melveny & Myers who is representing Ballmer and the Clippers and NBA general counsel and chief compliance officer Rick Buchanan. ESPN said, citing an unnamed source, that those discussions have been “spirited.”

On June 30, the Clippers agreed to trade Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one pick swap and two second-round picks. That deal, however, has been held up as the investigation is ongoing; both the Clippers and the Raptors have issued statements indicating that they are waiting for the full findings — and any discipline that may arise from the investigation — before completing the transaction.

In September 2025, just as the investigation was getting underway, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stressed that the burden of proof would fall on the league and its investigators to determine whether any wrongdoing had occurred.

“I would be reluctant to act if there was a mere appearance of impropriety,” Silver said then.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA disputes key details in ESPN report on Kawhi Leonard investigation

Posted on

Orioles vs. Rays prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for August 17

The Orioles (61-63) have the brooms out and will be looking to sweep a four-game set from the AL-East-leading Rays (74-49) tonight at Tropicana Field. While taking the first three games does not put any real fear into Tampa, the O’s have taken over the third and final Wild Card spot as a result.

 

Baltimore took Friday's opener 6-5, edged Tampa Bay 4-3 on Saturday, and made it three in a row with a convincing 10-2 victory yesterday on Peacock. Batting in the leadoff spot, Jackson Holliday delivered picking up a couple hits, scoring a couple runs, and driving in three. Holliday is 4-13 in the series and 10-33 over his last eight games. Colton Cowser went yard for the eleventh time this season in support of the cause for Baltimore. Trevor Rogers continued his strong August, allowing two runs over six innings to earn his eighth win of the season. Freddy Peralta lasted just 4.2 innings and took the loss for the Rays.

 

Tonight's pitching matchup features Brandon Young (9-3, 3.33) taking on Shane McClanahan (9-6, 3.09). Young's most recent outing came against the Twins last Tuesday. He allowed one earned run on six hits across six innings while helping Baltimore secure a victory. The 27-year-old has been remarkably consistent this year, recording 10 quality starts and lasting at least five innings in 17 of his 20 starts. McClanahan's recent workload has been somewhat unusual. His most recent appearance came on July 30 against the Rangers, when he pitched three hitless innings while allowing one earned run. Overall, the left-hander has held opponents to a .207 batting average this season and has posted seven scoreless outings in 20 starts.

 

Lets dive further into tonight’s game and find a sweat or two.

 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

 

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

 

Game Details and How to Watch: Orioles vs. Rays

 

  • Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
  • Time: 6:05PM EST
  • Site: Tropicana Field
  • City: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, MASN, Rays.TV

 

 

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

 

 

The Latest Odds: Orioles vs. Rays

The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Baltimore Orioles (+147), Tampa Bay Rays (-158)
  • Spread: Orioles +1.5 (-158), Rays -1.5 (+131)
  • Total: 7.5 runs

 

Probable Starting Pitchers – Orioles vs. Rays for August 17

  • Orioles: Brandon Young
    Season Totals: 113.2 IP, 9-3, 3.33 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 93K, 41 BB
  • Rays: Shane McClanahan
    Season Totals: 99.0 IP, 9-6, 3.09 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 91K, 35 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Orioles vs. Rays

  • Shane McClanahan has allowed one or fewer runs in 4 of 5 starts in July (has been on the IL for all of August)
  • Yandy Diaz has hit in 7 straight games (14-33)
  • Chandler Simpson has hit in 7 straight games (15-31)
  • Cedric Mullins is 4-12 in this series
  • Gunnar Henderson is 5-11 in this series
  • Pete Alonso has hit safely in 8 straight games (16-29) including 4 HRs and 9 RBIs
  • Carlos Narvaez is 3-29 (.103) since being traded to Tampa from Boston

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

 

Top Betting Trends & Insights: Orioles vs. Rays

  • The O’s are 65-59 on the Run Line this season
  • The Rays are 71-52 on the Run Line this season
  • The OVER has cashed 63 times in Baltimore’s 124 games this season (63-57-4)
  • The OVER has cashed 55 times in Tampa’s 123 games this season (55-63-5)

 

Expert picks & predictions: Orioles vs. Rays

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

 

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

 

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

 

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

 

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Orioles and the Rays:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Rays on the Run Line.
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Game Total OVER 7.5

  

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
Posted on

NBA unloads on ESPN over ‘numerous’ inaccuracies in Clippers bombshell

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is defended by Golden State Warriors, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates with Derrick Jones Jr, Image 3 shows The NBA blasted an ESPN report on the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard investigation, saying it contained “numerous and significant inaccuracies.”

The NBA isn’t ready to let the Los Angeles Clippers off the hook just yet — and it made that abundantly clear after an ESPN report suggested the league’s investigation had taken a potentially significant turn.

ESPN reported Monday that investigators have found no evidence Clippers owner Steve Ballmer personally funneled money through team sponsors to Kawhi Leonard as a way of circumventing the salary cap.

The report, citing three sources familiar with discussions between the league and Clippers, suggested investigators are instead examining whether Los Angeles broke rules simply by connecting Leonard with team business partners.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard gestures to fans as he is shown on the stadium video screen during a break in the quarterfinal match between Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina at Sobeys Stadium on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (This asset – including all text, audio and imagery – is provided by Imagn Images. Reuters Connec) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The NBA responded with an unusually forceful rebuke.

“ESPN’s article regarding the LA Clippers investigation — for which the NBA declined to cooperate — contains numerous and significant inaccuracies,” league spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement. “The results in this matter will be made clear once the investigation is concluded.”

The league did not specify which portions of ESPN’s reporting it considers inaccurate, leaving an already murky investigation with another major point of disagreement.

ESPN also reported that investigators are examining whether the Clippers failed to properly supervise employees and that attorneys representing Ballmer and the team have been engaged in “spirited” negotiations with the league since law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz presented initial findings in late July.

The investigation began nearly a year ago after allegations surfaced that Leonard received a four-year, $28 million endorsement deal from Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company that had major financial ties to Ballmer and the Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates with Derrick Jones Jr. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The celebration came after the Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets. (Getty Images North America) Getty Images

The deal was alleged to have been a “no-show” arrangement designed to give Leonard additional compensation outside the salary cap. Ballmer and the Clippers have consistently denied circumventing league rules.

The probe has since reportedly expanded to examine Leonard’s relationships with other Clippers partners, including Daktronics and Boingo Wireless.

The Clippers maintain that introducing players to sponsors is standard NBA business and said they did not negotiate or dictate the terms of Leonard’s endorsement agreements.

The uncertainty has also complicated Leonard’s basketball future.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is defended by Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (7), guard Brandin Podziemski (2) and guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (Imagn Images) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A blockbuster deal that would send Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors remains on hold while Toronto waits to learn what penalties, if any, could emerge from the investigation. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has publicly pushed for the matter to be resolved before the 2026-27 season begins.

Silver previously called salary-cap circumvention a “cardinal sin,” but also stressed that the league needs hard evidence rather than simply an appearance of wrongdoing before imposing punishment.

ESPN’s report appeared, at first glance, to represent a potentially major victory for Ballmer.

The NBA’s emphatic response made clear that the league believes the story is far from settled.

Posted on

MLB approves $3.9B sale of Padres to José E. Feliciano, Kwanza Jones

Major League Baseball owners unanimously approved the San Diego Padres' new ownership group in a Monday, Aug. 17 conference call, shifting control of the franchise to primary owner José E. Feliciano and his wife and business partner, Kwanza Jones.

The Padres set an MLB valuation record by selling for $3.9 billion, a testament to the investment that Peter Seidler, the late former owner of the club, made in the roster and in making Petco Park a destination after the NFL Chargers' departure made San Diego a one-team major sports town.

The Padres agreed to nine-figure contracts with six members of the current team - infielders Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, outfielders Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill and pitchers Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish - with a total valuation of $1.788 billion.

San Diego, despite toiling in the 30th-largest TV market in the country, is set to make the playoffs for the fifth time in the past seven years.

"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank John Seidler and the entire Seidler family for their stewardship of the San Diego Padres. Continuing the legacy established by the late Peter Seidler, the Padres reached the postseason four times in the last six years, energized one of baseball’s most passionate fanbases, and strengthened the club’s role as a cornerstone of the San Diego community," commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, lauding them for the sort of aggressive maneuvering he says is impossible for smaller markets, a cornerstone of MLB's strategy in ongoing labor talks.

"We appreciate the Seidler family’s longstanding commitment to our national pastime and their many contributions to the game. It is my pleasure to welcome José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones as the new majority owners of the Padres following today’s vote. José and Kwanza understand the unique place the Padres hold in San Diego and the powerful bond between the club and its fans. We look forward to their leadership of the Padres and to working with them to build on the club’s strong foundation in a market that is so important to Major League Baseball.”

Feliciano continues the trend toward major league ownership's roots stemming from private equity. He is co-founder and managing partner of investment firm Clearlake Capital and has a net worth Forbes recently estimated at $3.9 billion.

He's also an investor in the Chelsea football club, owned by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly. Dodgers owner Mark Walter is on the club's board of directors alongside Feliciano.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB approves $3.9B sale of Padres to José E. Feliciano, Kwanza Jones

Posted on

VOTE: What’s the biggest concern for the Yankees’ AL pennant race?

TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 14: Heliot Ramos #34 of the New York Yankees bats during a game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on August 14, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Yankees fans and fans across the country.

There are quite a few factors the Yankees need to address to keep their AL campaign on track.

It’s impossible to ignore the hole that Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton left in the offense since they landed on the IL. Barely dodging the sweep last weekend, the Yankees recorded 15 hits, six runs, and 26 strikeouts in the three-game series against the Blue Jays.

New acquisitions Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos still have a lot to prove, especially after their questionable performance against Toronto. García Jr. committed an egregious double fielding error that brought in Vladmir Guerrero Jr. for the game-tying run in the series opener and has a .664 OPS since joining the Pinstripes. Ramos recorded a double in the extra-inning win on Sunday night, but he is maintaining a 26.2 strikeout percentage since arriving in the Bronx.

The Yankees remain 6.5 games back from the Rays as they head to Camden Park for a three-game series against the Orioles. If you had to choose, what would you argue is the biggest setback keeping the Yankees from securing the American League?


Posted on

It is time for freakishly gifted Harry Brook to come of age in England’s post-Bazball era | Ali Martin

Test captaincy came too soon for 27-year-old but Pakistan series is latest chapter in year that could be the making of him

You have to hand it to Bazball. Even when seemingly killed off, and the England team it left behind is thousands of miles away, preparing for a series against Pakistan, it has still managed to muscle its way into the fallout from Bangladesh’s seismic victory over Australia in Darwin. Talk about main character energy.

By definition, that nine-wicket victory for Bangladesh was no fluke. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s men didn’t jag a tight one but rather dominated their hosts over four days. And in doing so, they also managed to unite Ashes rivals by demonstrating what a golden opportunity England blew against Australia’s greybeards last winter.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Braves flee heat by heading to Minnesota, but hope to stay frosty

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 26: A general view of a rainbow and a lightning strike during a rain delay in the second inning between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves on August 26, 2024 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I’m writing this from Kiawah Island, SC, where the heat index is an absurd triple-digit number like 113 or something. The Braves finished up a heat dome-esque homestand at 3-3 on Sunday, and now they’ll head to the relatively tolerable temperatures of the North Star state to kick off a wild four-city road trip that involves a makeup game on Chicago’s South Side, and a Sunday visit to Williamsport, PA.

But, before all that, it’s three with the Twins. As the Phillies played the Minnesota crew over the weekend, I found myself thinking, “Hey, have the Braves played the Twins yet?” Turns out the answer is, “No, they’re playing them next.” How are the Twins doing? It’s been another uneven season so far, with continuing tension amid the preferred paths forward of the Front Office and ownership. The Twins last made the playoffs in 2023; they won 82 games in 2024 and 70 last year. This year, they’re 60-65, but that means they’re just 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot because the AL vis-a-vis the current playoff system is a farce. The Twins went on a heater with a 15-9 July, actually crawling above .500 on the month’s final day… before smashing right back to earth with a 4-10 August that was already problematic before the Phillies swept ‘em over the weekend.

Still, the Twins are in it. They’re actually a top-ten team by wRC+, though that’s the result of a top-ten xwOBA overperformance (they’re bottom ten by xwOBA). Where they’ve had issues is run prevention, as both their defense and pitching rank pretty poorly. Some guys (Joe Ryan, Andrew Morris) are having nice pitching seasons, but there’s not too much to talk about otherwise, so this will be a bit of a test on whether the Braves can actually outshoot the Twins.

For the opener, the Braves will throw out Martin Perez, who spent a season in the Twin Cities back in 2019. Also, insert my lamentation about how I cover nearly every Perez start and little else here. I’m shaking my fist at the universe, you just can’t see it. On the season, Perez’ line is 71/102/100 (ERA-/FIP-/xFIP-). The Braves have gotten what they paid for and much more, even if the end result is more generic than exciting. Perhaps emblematic of his season, Perez is riding a three-start scoreless streak, even though his line during the streak is 0/69/94 with an 11/6 K/BB ratio in 16 innings. His most recent start against the Mets was one of his most Houdini-esque, with a 2/3 K/BB ratio but zero runs charged. Once aspect of his scoreless streak that deviates from his earlier performance is a sky-high grounder rate. Two of his top four starts by grounder rate have come in these most recent three outings.

The Twins will counter with Bailey Ober, who has a very consistent, below league average-y line through 18 starts and 99 innings so far: 111/115/118, with an xERA right in that range as well. Like most of his teammates, Ober pitched considerably better in July, but has hit the skids in August. He was blasted by the Orioles in his most recent outing, and had a bizarre six-inning outing with zero walks or strikeouts the turn before that. He has a 137/125/133 line over his last four outings. Ober was an above-average starter until his velocity seriously dipped in 2025, and it’s collapsed further this year. If the Braves are going to stay frosty offensively, he’s a good guy to start the road trip against.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Monday, August 17, 7:40 p.m. EDT

Location: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN

TV/Streaming: BravesVision

Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan, Los Bravos

Posted on

Rockies Reacts Survey: Will the Rockies lose 100 games in 2026?

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - AUGUST 8: The Colorado Rockies celebrate after beating the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on August 8, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockies fans and fans across the country.

As we enter the waning weeks of the 2026 season, one of the biggest questions remaining is if the Rockies will avoid 100 losses for the fourth straight year. There are 38 games left and the Rockies are 50-74, but they play the following teams:

  • Los Angeles Dodgers (74-51, 3 games)
  • Cleveland Guardians (60-65, 3 games)
  • Washington Nationals (60-66, 4 games)
  • Atlanta Braves (74-50, 3 games)
  • Baltimore Orioles (61-63, 3 games)
  • St. Louis Cardinals (63-61, 3 games)
  • New York Yankees (69-55, 3 games)
  • Detroit Tigers (60-64, 3 games)
  • San Diego Padres (67-58, 4 games)
  • Seattle Mariners (59-66, 3 games)
  • Arizona Diamondbacks (66-59, 3 games)
  • Chicago White Sox (65-58, 3 games)

With that remaining schedule, what do you think? Can the Rockies pick up 13 more wins? Let us know!


Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Posted on

Red Sox welcome Diamondbacks to Fenway Park as team falls back into abyss

PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 25: The Arizona Diamondbacks mascot carries an Arizona Diamondbacks flag before the MLB baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 25, 2024 at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Hey, this worked once before.

The Red Sox have now lost three straight series. They went 2-5 on the road trip. The starters struggled. The offense struggled. Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten hit the IL (although Aroldis Chapman and Erik Miller looked good). Now it’s time for the Arizona Diamondbacks to come to Boston. The DBacks had been in second place in the AL West behind the Dodgers but a hot Padres team has surpassed them recently. They’re also out of a Wild Card right now, sitting a game behind the Padres and Phillies. This series is big for them.

Mitch Bratt is a a southpaw in his rookie year. He’s made seven starts on the season and over 33.2 innings has allowed 28 hits, 5 homers, 19 walks, 14 runs, and has compiled 25 strikeouts. His FIP might paint a better picture as both righties (.214/.353/.369) and lefties (.263/.300/.553) have had some success reaching base or slugging against him. Brayan Bello and Alex Gamboa will both be available for game 1 after an opener. The plan, per Alex Speier of the Globe, is to give Jake Bennett extra rest with the bullpen start Monday and the off day on Thursday.

Merrill Kelly returned to Arizona after half a season on the Texas Rangers in 2025. Back where he belongs. Although things haven’t been great after the reunion. He’s put up an ERA north of 5.00 across 22 starts. One of those was, of course, a complete game. Last time out he allowed 6 runs in 5.0 innings. Skip a start back it was 5 runs in 5.0. He’s gone about 5.0 innings in each of his last five starts and in the other three appearances he allowed a combined 4 runs. Which Kelly shows up on Tuesday is anyone’s guess. With 82 Ks and 53 BBs across 125 innings he hasn’t helped himself much. Kelly will face Ranger Suarez. The Sox big free agent acquisition had an OK outing last time out against the Jays, showing progress in recovery from injury. He made it through 5 innings, allowed 1 run, but watched his team fall 6-4 as the bullpen took on a few innings. His last start of more than 5.0 innings was June 29th. Hopefully he’s turning the corner after his injury in July. Unlike a lot of the rotation he’s in fine shape regarding his innings as he’s in his 9th major league season. He’s been good overall but hasn’t always gone deep and has battled injuries.

Brandon Pfaadt is somewhere in between Bratt and Kelly: this is his fourth major league season. And it’s been something off a breakout. He doesn’t strike out many guys, just 61 in 92.2 innings. But he also only has allowed 24 walks, a much better rate than the Ks. A righty, he’s allowed a .697 OPS to lefty bats but just .581 to same-handed hitters. He’s opposed by the number two to Sonny Gray’s number one in the rotation: Payton Tolle. Tolle saved the series against the Jays and the bullpen last time out. Tossing 8.0 shutout innings after his 14 K start the time before what more can you possibly say about this guy? He’s dragging the Red Sox to the finish line.

Ketel Marte is hitting .251/.315/.448 with 21 homers.

Corbin Carroll had a tough July (.611 OPS) but has rallied in August (.976).

Their other big slugger, Nolan Arenado, is headed for an MRI. Take a few games off, buddy.

Probable Pitching Matchups

Monday, August 17: Mitch Bratt (3.74 ERA /5.31 FIP) vs. TBD (— ERA / — FIP)

Tuesday, August 18: Merrill Kelly (5.11 ERA / 5.72 FIP) vs. Ranger Suarez (3.25 ERA / 2.71 FIP)

Wednesday, August 19: Brandon Pfaadt (3.11 ERA / 3.80 FIP) vs. Payton Tolle (2.97 ERA / 3.21 FIP)

Thursday, August 13: Merciful day off

When/Where to Watch

Monday, August 17: 7:10 PM ET on NESN

Tuesday, August 18: 7:10 PM ET on NESN

Wednesday, August 19: 4:10 PM ET on NESN

Posted on

Sabres Trade Prospect Sardarian To Stanley Cup Champions

Buffalo Sabres prospect Stiven Sardarian did not sign with the club prior to the August 15th deadline, but was not an unrestricted free agent because he did not file paperwork with NHL Central Registry. On Monday, the Sabres traded Sardarian’s rights to the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations. 

The 23-year-old Russian winger played in the USHL after being selected 88th overall and two years at the University of New Hampshire before using the NCAA transfer portal to go to Michigan Tech, where he led the club with 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists) in 35 games as a junior and 44 points (12 goals, 32 assists) in 37 games as a senior.

Other Sabres Stories

Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

Who had the best and worst offseason in the Atlantic Division?

According to a press release from the Hurricanes, Sardarian has been assigned to the Chicago Wolves, their AHL franchise, which would indicate that he will be signed to an AHL deal, which would not take up an NHL contract slot.

The Sabres have a history of passing on players that in the end turned out to be NHLers. All-Star and Canadian Olympian Brandon Hagel was a 2016 sixth round pick who was not signed within two years of being drafted, signed with Chicago in 2019, was traded to Tampa Bay in 2022 and has scored 30+ goals in three of the last four seasons. 

Another example is 2021 fifth-rounder Viljami Marjala, whom the Sabres passed on signing to an NHL deal and who signed as a free agent with Edmonton in June 2025. The Finnish winger scored 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in his first season in North America for AHL Bakersfield.

It is unknown how good Sardarian will be, but clearly the Hurricanes saw something in him that the Sabres did not. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

Posted on

Watch LeBron James’ near-miss from first-ever ‘hole in 1′ in golf trip with Lakers’ Austin Reaves

LeBron James nearly added another first to his résumé on Sunday — this time nowhere near a basketball court.

The Philadelphia 76ers star came within inches of recording his first career hole-in-one during a golf outing that included former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Austin Reaves, his son Bronny James and members of the Bob Does Sports crew.

James posted the video of the near-ace to Instagram, showing his tee shot tracking toward the flag before the ball rolled agonizingly close to the cup.

LeBron James and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers smile during a game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. (NBAE) NBAE via Getty Images

“Almost had my first hole in 1 today,” James wrote. “I called it before I swung it too! Damn close.”

The shot came at The Preserve at Bandon Dunes, the Oregon resort’s par-3 course, as James’ relatively new golf obsession continues to grow.

The four-time NBA MVP has increasingly made golf part of his life away from basketball and recently launched a golf-focused YouTube channel. His debut featured a reunion trip to Scotland with members of the 2016 Cavaliers championship team, including J.R. Smith, Kevin Love, Richard Jefferson, Tristan Thompson and Channing Frye.

LeBron James comes within inches of his first-ever hole-in-one during a golf trip with Lakers teammate Austin Reaves.

Sunday’s round also served as another reunion.

James spent the day with Reaves and Bronny despite leaving Los Angeles this offseason to sign with Philadelphia. Reaves remained with the Lakers, but the two have maintained a relationship built partly around their shared enthusiasm for golf.

James has even said he hopes his growing interest in the sport can help make golf more accessible to kids who did not grow up around country clubs or traditional golf environments.

For now, his game appears to be progressing quickly.

The first hole-in-one will have to wait — barely.

Posted on

Seattle Mariners Minor League Roundup – Week Twenty One

HOOVER, AL - MAY 23: Outfielder Hayden Yost #16 of the Florida Gators hits a single during the SEC Baseball Tournament Semifinal game between Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators on May 23, 2026, at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama.(Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Tacoma Rainiers

The Rainiers have been rolling as of late, taking five of six against Reno this week in what was one of their best series all season. This offense has been firing on all cylinders and finally looks like it’s capable of carrying a team. It’s unfortunately too late for the Rainiers to have any realistic hope of a playoff run, but a strong end to the season would give the fans some good baseball they’ve been deprived of for much of the year.

Lazaro Montes is on another planet right now. The 21 year old slugger launched three more homers on the week (including one of the inside-the-park variety) and raised his season total to 35 on the season, breaking his career high of 32 from last season. In the month of August, Montes is slashing .340/.417/.792 with seven homers; he’s got a great chance of getting to the 40 homer mark on the year, putting him amongst the most formidable power hitters in all of minor league baseball. Laz’s extreme offensive approach makes him a bit of a polarizing prospect, but at some point, the results have to speak for themselves; given his track record of dominance, Montes is a strong candidate to contribute to the major league roster at some point next season.

Arkansas Travelers

It was a major let down for the Travs this week, taking just one of the six games against the always tough Tulsa Drillers. This was a real test between two of the best Double-A teams in the minors, and unfortunately for the Travs, they didn’t have any answers to this Drillers roster. Once in the thick of the playoff hunt, a postseason berth is now looking like more of a pipedream than a possibility, as they now sit seven games out of position.

Despite the disappointing results from the series, both Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan did their part in taking down the Drillers. Anderson (5.2 IP, 2H, 0R, 1BB, 7K) dazzled under the Friday night lights and tormented opposing batters all game, and Sloan (5.2 IP, 5H, 1R, 1BB, 9K), who’s had a magical year himself, shut down one of the best lineups in MiLB as a 20 year old. How the M’s choose to navigate the development of these two arms will likely play a large part in how they go about constructing the roster for next season, but from a performance perspective, they’ve certainly held up their end of the bargain. Hopefully the M’s can clear a pathway to the majors for the pair of hurlers and let them show off their lights out stuff against big league competition.

Everett AquaSox

The AquaSox took the series this week by a score of four to two, taking down a Spokane squad that’s struggled to get things going in the second half. The Frogs remain in the playoff race, standing just 2.5 games out of first place; Eugene, who won the first half title, is leading the second half standings as well, so as long as Everett can catch Vancouver and finish second behind the Emeralds, they’d get the chance at taking the title.

Korbyn Dickerson has adjusted well to High-A and looks more than comfortable at the plate right now. The speedy outfielder raised his OPS up to .876 this week, and his 31 stolen bases on the year puts him near the top of the system on the basepaths. Dickerson’s blend of speed and power make him a very fun prospect that should be on people’s radar as a breakout candidate next season. If he can find a bit more consistency with the bat-to-ball skills, he’s going to be a really special talent.

Inland Empire 66ers

IE managed a split this week, unfortunately unable to make up ground in the standings against Lake Elsinore. The 66ers have had the best run differential of any team in the California League this second half, and given their strong upward trajectory since the recent additions from the draft, it feels like a good bet that we’ll see the 66ers in the postseason. This team rakes.

First rounder Ace Reese has made mincemeat of the Cal League in his first go at professional baseball. The former Mississippi State slugger is rocking a .522 batting average across his first seven games, and his 1.272 OPS underscores just how dominant he’s been at the plate. A-ball is probably a step down from where Reese was in the SEC this past season, so to see him utterly dominate in his first handful of games is a great sight to see and puts him on the shortlist for players to monitor through the end of this 2026 season.

Not to be outdone by SEC rival Reese, fifth rounder Hayden Yost has provided a jolt atop this IE lineup and looks like an absolute steal through his first three weeks of pro ball. Yost, an outfielder out of Florida, was one of the hottest hitters in college baseball to close out the season, and he’s carried that level of production into the California League. Slashing .368/.405/.737 so far, look for Yost to finish this season strong; he’s absolutely crushing the baseball right now and has shown few, if any, holes in his game thus far.

DSL Mariners

For all the attention that Gregory Pio and Juan Rijo have (deservedly) received this season, Jarvis Gomez might just be the best hitter of the three. Now up to a .996 OPS on the year with more walks than strikeouts, Gomez has tacked on 15 stolen bases and looks like a rather complete player at the plate. Getting to see him compete stateside next year is going to be a ton of fun.

Posted on

Davalillo named PCL Pitcher of the Week

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR - JULY 04: David Davalillo #20 of the Frisco RoughRiders pitches during the game between the Frisco RoughRiders and the Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park on Friday, July 4, 2025 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Braeden Botts/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)

Texas Rangers righthanded pitcher David Davalillo has been named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the week of August 11-16, it was announced today.

In addition, the Rangers are reportedly promoting two-way players Josh Owens and Seong-Jun Kim from the Arizona Complex League to low-A Hickory.

Davalillo was added to the 40 man roster this past winter after a breakout 2025 campaign. He started the year at AA Frisco and did okay, allowing a 3.86 ERA in 23.1 innings over five starts, with 36 Ks against eight walks. Things went south for him in AAA, however, as he allowed a 7.59 ERA in 21.1 IP over six appearances. Most alarmingly, given Davalillo’s history of being a control artist, he allowed 21 walks and hit 6 batters during that time.

Davalillo went to Arizona for a few weeks to work on things, after which he made a start for the ACL Rangers, a start for high-A Hub City, another start for the ACL Rangers, and then went back to Frisco. After two starts for the Roughriders, in which he struck out 8 and walked three in nine innings, he returned to Round Rock, making a solid three inning relief appearance and a not-so-great 4.1 inning start in the first two weeks of August.

On Friday, August 14, Davalillo had what was easily his best outing of the season, facing the minimum over six innings and allowing just one baserunner, on a single, while striking out seven and throwing 52 of his 76 pitches for strikes. This effort is what earned him the PCL Pitcher of the Week nod, and it was definitely deserved.

This is the second week in a row an Express pitcher has earned those honors. Dalton Pence was named the PCL Pitcher of the Week a week ago.

Owens, a 19 year old who hits lefty and throws righty, was the Rangers’ third round pick in 2025 out of Johnson City, Tennessee. He has been utilized as a two-way player in the complex league this year, hitting .255/.345/.469 in 168 plate appearances with 62 Ks against 16 walks, and putting up a 3.48 ERA in 20.2 innings over 12 appearances with 24 Ks against 7 walks. When Owens has not been pitching, he’s split his time between DH, shortstop and second base.

Kim, a 19 year old signed out of South Korea in May, 2025, throws and hits righthanded. In 160 plate appearances he slashed .303/.419/.546 in the complex league, with 51 Ks against 24 walks. He put up a 1.04 ERA in 8.2 innings over five appearances, with 10 Ks against 5 walks. He played shortstop and DH when he wasn’t pitching.

With ACL play completed, Owens and Kim will get a taste of full season ball to finish out the 2026 season, and likely will start the 2027 season with Hickory. Owens is ranked #3 on the latest Baseball America top 30 prospect list for the Rangers, while Kim is #20.