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Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers @ Detroit Tigers

Apr 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell (5) scores in front of Detroit Tigers catcher Tomas Nido (58) on a squeeze bunt in the second inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers are headed back to the Midwest, as they’ll take on the Tigers in Detroit for three games beginning Tuesday evening. The Crew, fresh off a four-game win streak that was snapped Sunday in Miami, will look to get back to their winning ways. They sit at 12-9 on the season but tied at the bottom of a deep NL Central, with all five teams separated by just 1.5 games.

The Tigers, at 12-10 entering Monday’s series finale against the Red Sox, started off ice cold but have bounced back nicely the last week-plus, rattling off six straight wins against the Marlins and Royals before starting the Boston series with a loss but winning on both Saturday and Sunday.

Milwaukee’s injured list features some prominent players, including outfielders Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, as well as first baseman Andrew Vaughn. Chourio and Vaughn are both expected to return in May, with Yelich likely out until later in the month. Starter Quinn Priester and relievers Jared Koenig, Rob Zastryzny, and Craig Yoho are also shelved. Priester is looking to return in May as he’s likely to ramp up on a rehab assignment this week, while Yoho and Zastryzny could be back soon. Koenig’s injury is likely the biggest concern, as he is dealing with a UCL sprain that, even if it does heal without surgery, will keep him out until mid-May at the earliest.

The Tigers also find themselves without several well-known names. Right-hander Reese Olson is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in February, and Jackson Jobe is out until midseason after getting Tommy John surgery last summer. Veteran righty Justin Verlander is out until late April with hip inflammation, and relievers Troy Melton, Bailey Horn, and Beau Brieske are also out. Utility infielder Zach McKinstry just went on the injured list over the weekend, outfielder Parker Meadows is out until at least midseason after an outfield collision that resulted in a concussion, five stitches, and an arm fracture, and shortstop Trey Sweeney is out indefinitely with a shoulder strain.

The Brewer offense is led by Brice Turang and William Contreras, both of whom are hitting .300 early in the season. Turang has four homers, five doubles, 14 RBIs, 19 runs, and six steals, while Contreras adds two homers, six doubles, 11 RBIs, and 10 runs. Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, Brandon Lockridge, and Gary Sánchez have also gotten out to solid starts, but that’s about it for Milwaukee’s offense; Sal Frelick, Luis Rengifo, David Hamilton, Luis Matos, Joey Ortiz, and Blake Perkins have all struggled in the early going. Greg Jones is the last piece of the puzzle, but with recent news of Tyler Black being activated from the IL at Triple-A Nashville, I would expect he won’t be in a Brewer uniform much longer. As a team, the Brewers are hitting .232/.339/.366 (.705 OPS ranks 14th), with 19 homers, 106 runs, and 33 steals.

Dillon Dingler leads the Tiger offense with five homers this season, as he’s hitting .302/.380/.603 with 18 RBIs and 10 runs over 19 games. Rookie Kevin McGonigle leads the team with 24 hits, as he’s slashing .312/.411/.481 through 21 games. Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson, Javier Báez, Colt Keith, and Gleyber Torres round out the regulars. Depth pieces for Detroit include Jake Rogers, Hao-Yu Lee, Jahmai Jones, Matt Vierling, and Wenceel Pérez. As a team, the Tigers are hitting .243/.324/.380 (.704 OPS ranks 15th), with 17 homers, 94 runs, and seven steals.

Milwaukee’s bullpen is anchored by Grant Anderson, Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Abner Uribe, Angel Zerpa, and Trevor Megill. All but Megill have at least 10 appearances this season, with Ashby and Anderson leading the way with 11 appearances each. Ashby also has a team-best five wins, with 22 strikeouts over 14 innings and a 3.21 ERA. Anderson’s 3.18 ERA and Hall’s 2.79 ERA lead the bullpen, while Uribe, Zerpa, and Megill have all had their share of slip-ups thus far. Jake Woodford and Carlos Rodriguez round out the Brewer bullpen. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.85 team ERA (11th), including a 3.67 starter ERA (11th) and a 4.07 bullpen ERA (16th). They’ve struck out 189 batters (15th) over 187 innings.

Kyle Finnegan leads the Detroit bullpen with 10 appearances this season, as he’s allowed no runs and struck out four over 10 innings. Will Vest also has 10 appearances, though he’s struggled to a 5.00 ERA (six runs allowed, five earned) over nine innings, striking out 11. Tyler Holton has given up just one run in 9 1/3 innings, and Kenley Jansen remains one of the better closers in the league, with one run allowed and five saves in six opportunities across 5 2/3 innings. Connor Seabold and Brant Hurter have also been solid in limited appearances, with Enmanuel De Jesus and Drew Anderson rounding things out. As a staff, the Tigers have a 3.27 team ERA (fourth), including a 3.29 starter ERA (seventh) and a 3.24 bullpen ERA (seventh). They’ve struck out 176 batters (22nd) over 189 2/3 innings.

Probable Pitchers

Tuesday, April 21 @ 5:40 p.m.: LHP Kyle Harrison (1-1, 3.07 ERA, 4.08 FIP) vs. RHP Keider Montero (1-1, 3.31 ERA, 1.66 FIP)

Harrison, who skipped his last start due to a lingering issue from a fall he took in his last outing, last appeared on Saturday, April 11 against the Nationals. He went 4 1/3 innings in that one, allowing two runs and striking out one as he took the loss for the first time this season. He’ll look to bounce back against Detroit. His only appearance against the Tigers came last September while with the Red Sox, when he went just three innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks, striking out six in a game Boston ultimately came back to win.

Montero, 25, is in his third MLB season, all with the Tigers. Through three starts, he’s put up the best numbers of his career, with a 3.31 ERA and 1.66 FIP over 16 1/3 innings. He’s struck out 15 and allowed seven runs (six earned) on 12 hits and two walks, notably allowing no homers (which means he’s due — he allowed 1.6 HR/9 over his first two seasons). Montero’s last start was his worst on the young season, as he allowed four runs and struck out five over six innings against the Royals. He made a start against Milwaukee last season, taking the loss as he went five innings, allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk but striking out eight.

Wednesday, April 22 @ 5:40 p.m.: RHP Chad Patrick (1-0, 0.95 ERA, 3.97 FIP) vs. RHP Casey Mize (1-1, 2.78 ERA, 3.13 FIP)

Patrick, who continues to work his magic as his ERA outpaces his FIP by more than three runs, has had a great start to the year. Through 19 innings over four appearances, he’s allowed just two earned runs, striking out nine as he’s managed to scatter 15 hits and seven walks. His last appearance came on Wednesday against the Blue Jays, when he went a season-high 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and a pair of walks, striking out two. This marks his first career appearance against Detroit.

Mize, the No. 1 overall pick back in 2018, struggled to begin his career but turned in his best season yet last year, with a 3.87 ERA, 3.89 FIP, and 139 strikeouts over 149 innings as he earned his first All-Star selection. Through four starts this season, he has a 2.78 ERA, 3.13 FIP, and 25 strikeouts over 22 2/3 innings. His last appearance came Friday against the Red Sox, when he went 6 2/3 scoreless with seven strikeouts. Mize’s only appearance against Milwaukee came in June 2024, when he took the loss after giving up five runs (three earned) on eight hits and a pair of walks over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out just one batter in that one.

Thursday, April 23 @ 12:10 p.m.: RHP Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.88 ERA, 6.25 FIP) vs. LHP Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.08 ERA, 2.07 FIP)

Sproat, who got out to a dismal start as his ERA sat at 14.85 through two appearances, has bounced back nicely in his last two outings. He first went 3 2/3 innings in relief against the Nationals (in that same game started by Harrison), allowing one run on four hits and three walks, striking out three. He then turned his best appearance as a Brewer thus far, allowing one run on four hits and a walk, striking out six against the Blue Jays on Thursday. Still looking for his first career win, he’ll look to do so against the Tigers in his first career appearance against them this week.

Skubal, 29, has rapidly become one of the best pitchers in baseball over the last couple of seasons. The two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner has made five starts this season, with a 2.08 ERA, 2.07 FIP, and 33 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings. He’s won each of his last two starts against the Marlins and Red Sox, combining for 12 2/3 innings with two runs allowed and 17 strikeouts. Skubal has made two starts against Milwaukee, one in each of his Cy Young seasons. He’s picked up the wins both times, combining to go 13 2/3 innings with just one run allowed on nine hits and two walks, striking out 19.

How to Watch & Listen

Tuesday, April 21: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Wednesday, April 22: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Thursday, April 23: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Prediction

This is a tough matchup, as the Tigers are hot and they have the advantage in just about every facet. I’ll take Detroit to send Milwaukee home with a 2-1 series loss.

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Big East commissioner Val Ackerman retiring after years reviving league

The standard.

For anyone looking for a career in basketball – and wanting to excel with fierce determination, navigate the toughest challenges with impeccable style and grace, while still accomplishing the task at hand – they need to look no further than Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Val Ackerman.

After four decades of service to professional and college basketball in many roles, including her current position as the commissioner of the Big East Conference, Ackerman is retiring after 13 years at the helm, bringing the league back to its historic place in college athletics after nearly coming close to extinction.

Ackerman will leave the position, effective Aug. 31, and a national search for her successor will start immediately and be led by the conference's Board of Directors.

"When we re-founded the Big East in 2013 as a basketball-centric conference, our first task was to find a commissioner who could provide the strategic vision needed to position us as a basketball peer with our football counterparts and compete with the country’s best. We found that visionary leader in Val Ackerman," said St. John’s President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Chair of the Big East Board of Directors. "She leaves big shoes to fill."

Ackerman said her first contract at the Big East was for five years. After that contract had nearly expired, it was clear the conference's powers-that-be didn't want her going anywhere.

"Then they came back and said they wanted to sign me to a second contract. They said, how about five years?" Ackerman told USA TODAY Sports, hilariously explaining how she ended up staying for 13 years.

"I said, 'okay. How about three?' So I did that, then that contract ran out, and they came back to me and said, 'Can we sign you up for another five years?' And I said, 'how about three?' And then I went through that, and then they came again and said 'how about another five?' And I say, 'how about one?' "

The league is thriving with competitive teams and armed with a new media rights agreement with FOX, NBC Sports and TNT Sports through the 2030-31 season. The obvious question is, why leave now?

"It just felt like the time was right for me. I'd come back to what retirement means. I did what I was hired to do, which was to put the pieces back together again when this storied league broke up," she said, adding she is leaving on her own volition.

Commissioner Val Ackerman is interviewed by Fox Sports' Gus Johnson after Villanova won the championship of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden, on March 10, 2018 in New York City.

Reflections on a 'pinch me' career

From a little girl shooting hoops outside of her Pennington, New Jersey home to playing at the University of Virginia, Ackerman knew she wanted to work in sports after earning a law degree from UCLA in 1985.

After being hired as a corporate associate at Simpson Thacher in New York, she tried in vain to secure her dream job. She still kept the numerous rejection letters, including one from the NBA. Undeterred, the opportunity came three years later, and the call came from Gary Bettman, the future NHL Commissioner, who at the time was the NBA's general counsel and senior vice president, and who hired Ackerman as a junior lawyer at the league office.

Once David Stern called her into his office 18 months later, asking her to help out on various projects, her career took off, including the timing of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowing nations to determine their own rules for professional athletes to compete at the Olympics.

Ackerman got to travel to the Barcelona Olympics with the original Dream Team and laid the groundwork for the women to follow suit, eventually leading to the formation of the women's team in Atlanta in 1996 and her being asked to be the WNBA's first top executive.

"That was a kind of a pinch-me moment working on the first Dream Team. I was there with some bandwidth and was asked to help out. So it wasn't a surprise that they asked me to do it," Ackerman said about the WNBA. "It was an honor, not quite a surprise, because I was sort of the person in-house at that time who was the women's basketball person."

Ackerman served as WNBA president for eight years, and the league thrived in its first few years before the novelty of women's professional basketball began to erode.

"Things cooled off, and there were some hard years there as it related to numbers dropping and teams folding," she said. "And we couldn't always relocate them. And that was eight years, and then my kids were getting older, and I don't know, I would say there were moments I missed as a parent because of my focus on work. Yeah, wish I could get some of those moments back."

Rebirth of the Big East

When Ackerman was tapped to lead the Big East after seven schools (DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall, and Villanova) separated from the original conference and from the football-playing schools to team up with Butler, Creighton, and Xavier, she knew that she was taking on a Herculean task. UConn completed the Big East reclamation project when it rejoined the league in 2020.

Armed with a cell phone and pretty much nothing else, the mandate from the league's presidents was clear: restore the glory and prestige of a once proud league, with the confidence to do it how you see fit.

When asked how difficult the job at hand would be on a scale of 1-10, Ackerman was not shy in her assessment of what she faced.

"25," she says, almost matter-of-factly. "It was really challenging, the most challenging thing I've ever done in my career. Even when the WNBA launched, we had David Stern make it a company priority, and I was sort of the tip of the spear, but the whole company was told this is a priority project. Here it was, at the beginning, really just me, for the most part, I tried to be resourceful in terms of getting other people involved, trying to hop quickly. But it was a true startup."

The conference has thrived on the biggest stages with Villanova winning national championships in 2016 and 2018 and UConn in 2023 and 2024. The UConn women were the last team standing five times during her tenure (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2025).

Val Ackerman during the Big East Conference basketball media day at Madison Square Garden in 2018.

Thinking about legacy

As the clock ticks for when Ackerman departs the conference's headquarters at the Empire State Building in midtown Manhattan, she reflects on her career, and those "pinch me" moments start to flood her mind, especially the impact that she has had on women.

"I hope I showed what women can do, and I hope I've been at least, in a modest way, an example to women who are either in the business and want to move up, or women who want to get in the business," Ackerman said. "It can be done, ladies."

So how will a person who seems to be everywhere, including traveling to 25 different cities in the past three months, slow down to enjoy retirement?

"I think retirement for me means, you know, it's like what some people will do to get a vacation," she said.

Ackerman, who is also a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the State of New Jersey Hall of Fame, will also enjoy the spoils of life, but just being a regular person, including being entertained by things that don't resemble sports.

"I'm an animal lover. We've had a string of cats, including right now, we're taking care of my older daughter's cat. I've tried to maintain and stay true to my athlete roots. I do try to work out, and I love to swim. I've glommed onto the Peloton in recent years to try to stave off the effects of aging. I like to read.

"My husband (Charlie Rappaport, a retired tax partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett) and I watch our shows every night. I mean, I need to watch a French cop show to sort of recharge my battery."

The admitted "chocaholic" plans to spend her time cleaning out her closets, traveling more, focusing on donating to charities, especially environmental causes, and finding anything on Brit Box to watch.

So the next person who inherits the Big East knows what they need to do to continue the success Ackerman built.

"I think when you're in these jobs, you're not in them forever. That's just the nature of the beast. Everyone is working a shift at the end of the day. And I think your hope is that when it was your turn, when the baton got passed to you, you ran a good race," she said.

"I've climbed the mountains. Every mountain that I ever wanted to climb, I've climbed it. If there's a legacy piece, I hope it's at least about what I've done for women and the game of basketball."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Val Ackerman retiring as Big East commissioner after 13 years

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Where to watch Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox on Patriots Day: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Monday, April 20

The Detroit Tigers, ranked second in the AL Central with a 12-10 record, face the Boston Red Sox, who are tied for last in the AL East with an 8-13 record. Boston is favored with a -135 moneyline compared to Detroit's +110. Starting pitchers are Jack Flaherty for Detroit, with a 4.05 ERA, and Sonny Gray for Boston, with a 4.43 ERA.

  • Detroit Tigers: 12-10 (second in AL Central)

  • Boston Red Sox: 8-13 (tied for last in AL East)

  • Spread: Boston Red Sox -1.5

  • Moneyline: Boston Red Sox -135 / Detroit Tigers +110

  • Over/Under: 8.0

Detroit Tigers: Jack Flaherty (0-1, ERA: 4.05, K: 21, WHIP: 1.40)

Boston Red Sox: Sonny Gray (2-1, ERA: 4.43, K: 11, WHIP: 1.28)

Weather: 46°F at first pitch — Sunny — Wind: 9 mph, Out To RF

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Should the Penguins shake things up for Game 2?

Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) handles the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

It would be an understatement to say that things did not go well for the Pittsburgh Penguins in their Game 1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night. Despite the close 3-2 final score, as well as the fact they had a prime scoring chance to potentially tie the game in the closing seconds, this game never really felt like it was there for the Penguins to take. They were shut down, struggled to generate chances and just looked like a sloppy team playing a random mid-December game instead of its first playoff game in three years.

The popular argument I have seeen in the aftermath is that it was rust, and an argument for why the Penguins should not have rested people in the final three games of the regular season. I am not going in that direction, nor do I have any interest in it. This is a largely veteran team with multiple players that have either played in the Stanley Cup Final or won Stanley Cups. They know what the playoffs are about. They should not need a dress rehearsal for that, and they should not have been the timid ones in that game. It is also not like everybody sat out those games. Every player on the roster played in at least one of those three games, and some of them played in multiple games.

It’s also not like they sat around for 10 days doing nothing.

Aside from most of the players still playing in games, they were also still practicing and on the ice. They came back from a month-long Olympic break and played one of their best games of the season. They have had full bye weeks in the past. They also had just played a month-and-a-half of wildly intense games against a lot of the best teams in the league, with a very compressed schedule, and probably needed the rest anyway.

The rust angle works for the 5-10 minutes of the game. After that, it’s time to get into the game.

They were simply outplayed, and maybe outcoached.

If you want to take an optimistic view on all of this, the Flyers played a nearly flawless game and the Penguins played a severely flawed game, and it still came down to one shot at the end of the game. Can the Flyers repeat that for potentially six more games? Will the Penguins be that sloppy for any number of games?

There is also the fact Stuart Skinner, for the most part, played well and kept them in the game while they were bleeding chances against throughout the first two periods. If he can get on a roll and play relatively close to that, the Penguins have a really good chance, both in this series and potentially beyond.

But the Penguins still have to play better — much better — in front of him. And that brings us to the question of whether or not the Penguins should shake some things up.

I liked Elmer Soderblom getting a spot on Saturday over Justin Brazeau. Brazeau has been great this season, but Soderblom has been playing better down the stretch. Do you go back to Brazeau in Game 2 and put him back with Ben Kindel and Anthony Mantha?

Egor Chinakhov remained on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust.

Rickard Rakell remained on the second line with Tommy Novak and Evgeni Malkin.

Kris Letang and Sam Girard remained together on the second defense pairing after really rounding out their games over the final month of the regular season.

These combinations have worked, and they have worked extremely well.

That all went sideways in Game 1. None of the forward lines generated much. The Letang-Girard pairing reverted back to the form we saw when they first started playing together.

It was all ugly.

While it might seem like an overreaction to start screaming about changing things one game into a best-of-seven series, you have to keep in mind this is the playoffs and there is very little margin for error. Especially when you are already down in the series and have, for the time being, lost home-ice advantage.

Based on the line combinations and defense pairings in practice on Sunday, the Penguins are sticking with the exact same combinations that produced the dud in Game 1. Assuming they go into Monday night and stick with them, they would seem to be banking on the idea that Game 1 was a fluke and that they could — and perhaps should — play better. Or that a strategic shift, or simply better execution, is the key.

Given how well everybody has played for so long, I can get behind that.

But if they go through the first period and look the exact same way they did on Saturday, or simply keep struggling to generate offense, you might have to throw some combinations into the blender. Put Rakell back with Crosby and Rust. Put Chinakhov and Malkin back together given the chemistry they have had this season.

Maybe it works.

Maybe it doesn’t.

But based on the way Philadelphia played on Saturday their defensive game came as advertised, and it took away a lot of what the Penguins have been able to do offensively. You do not have much margin for error here, and when you are already down in the series you do not have time to be patient to struggle through a second game.

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Rockets need to be able to win without Kevin Durant

There are few more precious NBA jewels than a quality young core.

Everyone wants a young core. Winning an NBA championship is the best possible outcome. If you’re not in the running, the next-most exciting position is to have a young core that could be able to climb that mountain in time.

Evaluating the Rockets’ young core has been…frustrating. At times, it’s been invigorating. There have been junctures where it was easy to tell yourself that after the Thunder, this was the best young core in the NBA.

This is not one of those junctures.

Eventually, a young core’s potential has to be partly measured by production. It would be an overreaction to dismiss the entire young core based on a loss to a heavily compromised Lakers team in game one of the playoffs:

But it would be an underreaction to dismiss those results entirely.

Rockets’ young core struggles in Game 1

Let’s get a caveat out of the way: This wasn’t exclusively on the players.

Ime Udoka was outfoxed by JJ Reddick. Several coaching errors hurt the Rockets. Why was Amen Thompson guarding Luke Kennard if he wasn’t going to aggressively close him out? It felt like Thompson was assigned to Kennard so he could play as a free safety. That makes little sense when Kennard is among the best shooters in the NBA.

There was also little effort to get the ball to Alperen Sengun close to the rim. Frankly, I’d have played it the same at first – my feeling was that Sengun would have an easier time beating Deandre Ayon face-up vs trying to outmuscle him on the low block – but once it wasn’t working, Udoka should have pivoted.

That feels like a segway:

Why couldn’t Sengun beat Ayton face-up?

The closest thing the Rockets have to a star in their young core had 19 points on 6/19 shooting from the field. Ayton is not a good defender, but he is very strong. If Sengun doesn’t have a means of beating defenders whom he can’t outmuscle, that will be a major issue for a player who’s probably only in the 75th percentile of strength at his position.

Sengun’s struggles weren’t exclusively on him. The Lakers didn’t guard Thompson. The paint was predictably packed, and both Sengun and Thompson (7/18) struggled with the coverage.

Reed Sheppard? 17 points on 6/20 shooting from the field. A glaring defensive liability. Bad game.

Tari Eason was sensational. Is this a franchise player? No. My love for Eason remains unyielding despite an inconsistent 2025-26, but he’s a high-end role player.

Here’s the central point: nobody emerged as “a guy” against the Lakers in game one. Durant is expected back for game two. The Rockets will be heavily favored, and they’ll probably win. That doesn’t assuage any doubts expressed here. If the Rockets can’t beat the Lakers without Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves without Durant, what does it say about their young core?

This is only a permutation of what’s become a recurring theme in these pieces. The Rockets’ young core does not have a franchise player. Sengun and Thompson’s combined lack of shooting is problematic. Sengun and Sheppard’s combined lack of defense is problematic. Thompson and Sheppard’s combined lack of shot creation is…

Yup. Problematic.

There’s talent here. These are players who could elevate a franchise-level talent. It’s still sadly true that the Rockets’ young core decidedly does not have that player:

The loss to the Lakers only reinforced that fact.

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Raptors vs Cavaliers Same-Game Parlay for Tonight's NBA Playoffs Game 2

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The Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to an easy win in the series opener with the Toronto Raptors, and I’ve seen livelier dinosaurs in a museum exhibit. 

Will Game 2 be more competitive?

I have a same-game parlay for tonight's matchup between Cleveland and Toronto, taking legs from both teams but ultimately siding with the Cavs to continue their winning ways.

Here are my best NBA SGP picks and Raptors vs. Cavaliers predictions on Monday, April 20.

Our best Raptors vs Cavaliers SGP for Game 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers' 13-point win in Game 1 looked closer than it really was.

The Toronto Raptors need to pick their poison when it comes to slowing down the Cavaliers’ offensive options. Cleveland’s perimeter play and production off the pine are a big edge as this series swings to Game 2 tonight.

Evan Mobley needed just three quarters to top his scoring prop in Game 1 before taking it easy in the fourth. His points prop remains the same, but his involvement in the offense will spike tonight, with him logging more minutes but also making the most of his matchups in the pick-and-roll attack. His projections sit at 18+ points.

The Raptors need to produce more from beyond the arc if they’re going to trade blows with Cleveland. Brandon Ingram missed his only 3-point attempt in Game 1 but is one of the Raptors’ more consistent outside threats. Projections have him hitting two triples in Game 2.

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Dodgers vs Rockies Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Los Angeles Dodgers look to end a surprising two-game losing skid as they finish up a series with the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. 

Justin Wrobleski takes the ball for the Boys in Blue, while Jose Quintana counters for the home team.

I’m counting on a bounce-back for the reigning World Series champs with my Dodgers vs. Rockies predictions and MLB picks for Monday, April 20.

Who will win Dodgers vs Rockies today: Dodgers moneyline (-255)

Jose Quintana has been brutal through two starts, recording more than twice as many walks (eight) as strikeouts (three). The veteran ranks in the first percentile in xERA (8.88) and K rate (8.1%), and the second percentile in barrel rate (19.2%). 

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the best team in the league against left-handed pitching (140 wRC+) and should positively feast at Coors Field.

Justin Wrobleski has been supremely effective, allowing a single earned run on four hits in his last 13 innings. He should limit a Colorado Rockies lineup that struggles against LHP (68 wRC+ and 0.2 BB/K). 

Covers COVERS INTEL: Quintana has significantly outproduced his xERA in four consecutive seasons. But with a Stuff+ of 82 and pitching in the confines of hitter-friendly Coors Field, the good luck is likely a thing of the past.

Dodgers vs Rockies Over/Under pick: Over 11.5 (-105)

With temperatures in the upper 70s at Coors, the conditions are ripe for hitters to plate some runs. 

Quintana’s metrics are a disaster, and the Dodgers rake. On the other side, Worbleski’s hot start is aided by an unsustainable .154 BABIP, and his 1.6% K-BB% is concerning. 

This is the fourth game in four days, and both bullpens are taxed. Colorado has seen four relievers toss 30+ pitches in the last three days, and the Dodgers likely burned Edwin Diaz on Sunday. 

JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 5-5, +0.38 units
  • Over/Under bets: 6-5, +0.74 units

Dodgers vs Rockies odds

  • Moneyline: Dodgers -255 | Rockies +210
  • Run line: Dodgers -1.5 | Rockies +1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 11.5 | Under 11.5

Dodgers vs Rockies trend

The Dodgers are 16-4 in their last 20 games against the Rockies. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Rockies.

How to watch Dodgers vs Rockies and game info

LocationCoors Field, Denver, CO
DateMonday, April 20, 2026
First pitch8:40 p.m. ET
TVSNLA, Rockies.TV
Dodgers starting pitcherJacob Wrobleski
(2-0, 2.12 ERA)
Rockies starting pitcherJose Quintana
(0-1, 5.63 ERA)

Dodgers vs Rockies latest injuries

Dodgers vs Rockies weather

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.

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Game 22: Red Sox vs. Tigers — Gray vs Flaherty

Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, on April 19, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. | Evan Petzold / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Happy Marathon Monday! I keep saying it—maybe THIS is the day that kickstarts the Red Sox into gear?

⚾️ First Pitch: 11:10am ET —Fenway Park, Boston, MA

📺 TV: NESN, MLBN (out of market)

📻 Radio: WEEI

TIGERS LINEUP

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Daily MLB Expert Picks & Baseball Predictions April 20

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Another week of baseball kicks off today, starting with the 11 a.m. Patriots' Day game in Boston... and carrying right through the standard west coast matchups.

Our baseball betting experts have their best MLB picks for today based on prices at Polymarket — with our MLB best bets for April 20 keying in on a redemption spot for the scuffling Royals, Tampa Bay causing havoc on the basepaths, plus a pitching mismatch in Cleveland.

  • UPDATE: Added Neil Parker's best bet for LAD/COL.

MLB expert picks for today

PickOdds
Josh Inglis Josh Inglis: CLE ML-113
Jon Metler Jon Metler: TB ML-113
Joe Osborne Joe Osborne: KC ML+108
Neil Parker Neil Parker: LAD ML-203

Prices courtesy of Polymarket.

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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Guardians moneyline

Price: 53¢ (-113) at Polymarket

The Cleveland Guardians are slight home favorites against the Astros and Spencer Arrighetti, who is making his second straight start after a call-up from Triple-A. I give the starting pitching edge to Cleveland with Slade Cecconi, but the real advantage comes in the later innings: Houston’s bullpen has been a major weakness, and one of their top arms, Bryan King, is unavailable, further thinning the group. The fair price sits closer to -120, and Cleveland should be in a strong position to take control late, especially if Arrighetti takes a step back and they get the Astros' B-bullpen.

Jon Metler's expert pick: Rays moneyline

Price: 53¢ (-113) at Polymarket

The Tampa Bay Rays are trading at 53 cents on the moneyline at Polymarket, and we have a solid edge to exploit, as I price them closer to a 57-cent favorite. I like the Rays in this matchup because they can apply significant pressure on the basepaths against Rhett Lowder, who uses an up-tempo windup and has shown command issues when dealing with baserunners. Tampa Bay can amplify that pressure with speed threats like Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, and Richie Palacios — all left-handed bats facing the right-handed Lowder. If they’re able to disrupt his rhythm with stolen base attempts, it should create opportunities for the middle of the lineup, with players like Junior Caminero standing to benefit.

Joe Osborne's expert pick: Royals moneyline

Price: 48¢ (+108) at Polymarket

Solid price on the Royals today as they're entering the game on a seven-game losing streak. However, six of those losses occurred on the road — and let's not pretend like the Orioles are setting the league on fire right now. Seth Lugo has been awesome to open the season, posting a 1.48 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, and he draws a favorable matchup against a Baltimore lineup that has struggled away from Camden Yards. On the other side, Kyle Bradish has given up a lot of hard contact, contributing to Baltimore's losing three of his four starts.

Neil Parker's expert pick: Dodgers moneyline

Price: 67¢ (-203) at Polymarket

Rockies lefty Jose Quintana has lost velocity on his fastball and surrendered five earned runs through just eight innings across his two starts (with a 1.88 WHIP and 8.12 xFIP), so he’ll be up against it with the Dodgers visiting at hitter-friendly Coors Field tonight. Los Angeles paces the majors in wOBA against left-handed arms, and I’m expecting the Rockies to be in a jam when deciding whether to let Quintana take his licks or turn the ball over to a bullpen that’s already been leaned on for 12 1/3 innings this series.

More MLB best bets for today

PickOdds
Cubs ML-102
Read analysis in our Phillies vs. Cubs predictions
Tigers ML+123
Read analysis in our Tigers vs. Red Sox predictions

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.

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Phillies vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Chicago Cubs just took two of three from the Philadelphia Phillies last week. Now, the teams open a four-game set at Wrigley Field tonight.

With these teams trending in opposite directions, my Phillies vs. Cubs predictions and free MLB picks have the home team reaching a season-best six-game win streak on Monday, April 20.

Who will win Phillies vs Cubs today: Cubs moneyline (-102)

The Philadelphia Phillies’ offense has hit the skids, part of the reason they’re on a five-game slide.

Philadelphia has scored two runs or fewer in four straight games, getting outscored 37-9 over the last five.

The Chicago Cubs, meanwhile, have outscored their opposition 39-13 during their five-game win streak.

Aaron Nola and Colin Rea will meet for the second straight time after both starters allowed three runs last time out. But the Cubs went to work on the Phillies’ bullpen, winning 10-4.

Expect to see much the same, as the Cubs are hitting .292 against Nola with a .904 OPS.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Nico Hoerner has torched the Phillies this season, hitting .357 in 14 ABs, with a .929 OPS, including a home run, eight RBI and three runs.

Phillies vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Over 8 (+105)

There have been a ton of runs scored between these teams so far this season.

In each of their three meetings, one team has scored in double digits, and the Phillies and Cubs have combined to score at least 13 runs in every game.

In the last 10 head-to-head meetings, the Over has gone 6-2-2, including 4-0-2 in the last six.

Chicago hits Nola well, but the Phillies have dinged Rea too, although on a smaller sample size (41 at-bats). They’re hitting .366 against him, with a .938 OPS and .512 slugging percentage.

Eric Rosales' 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 1-4, -2.08 units
  • Over/Under bets: 2-3, +0.88 units

Phillies vs Cubs odds

  • Moneyline: Phillies -104 | Cubs +100
  • Run line: Phillies -1.5 (+170) | Cubs +1.5 (-178)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+127) | Under 8.5 (-133)

Phillies vs Cubs trend

Each of Chicago's last six night games against NL East opponents have hit the Over. Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Cubs.

How to watch Phillies vs Cubs and game info

LocationWrigley Field, Chicago, IL
DateMonday, April 20, 2026
First pitch7:40 p.m. ET
TVPeacock
Phillies starting pitcherAaron Nola
(1-1, 4.03 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcherColin Rea
(2-0, 3.64 ERA)

Phillies vs Cubs latest injuries

Phillies vs Cubs weather

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.

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NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today, April 20: McDavid Makes Hay in Game 1

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Four games are on the Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule tonight, and there’s no shortage of stars in action. My NHL player props include Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Trevor Zegras. 

Read more in my NHL picks for Monday, April 20. 

Best NHL player prop bets today

PlayerBet99
Oilers McDavid Over 1.5 points-130
Wild Kaprizov anytime goalscorer+135
Flyers Zegras Over 0.5 assists+105

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(not available in Ontario)

Our best NHL player props for Monday, April 20

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points

-130 at BET99

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers begin their playoff journey tonight against the Anaheim Ducks, as they look to hopefully conquer their Stanley Cup demons in the next couple of months.

The three-time Hart Trophy winner comes into Game 1 hot, cashing the Over in points in three of his last five appearances. 

McDavid led the NHL in points this season at 138. He always turns it up a notch come playoff time, and the superstar has dominated the Ducks this season. He’s grabbed seven points in this three games. 

  • Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Sportsnet, CBC

Prop #2: Kirill Kaprizov anytime goalscorer

+135 at BET99

Kirill Kaprizov is one of the league's best goal scorers, and he showed it once again this season. The Russian netted 45 goals, ranking fourth in the NHL. Kaprizov was everywhere in the Game 1 win over the Dallas Stars, scoring and tallying a pair of assists. 

He’s now scored six times across his previous five outings, and Kaprizov has definitely turned it up against Dallas. In three regular-season meetings, he’s also found the back of the net three times.

He also has 16 SOG across his last five. He’ll help exploit Dallas’s defensive struggles from Game 1 again. 

  • Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FDSN-North, Victory+

Prop #3: Trevor Zegras Over 0.5 assists

+105 at BET99

Trevor Zegras had a wonderful first season for the Philadelphia Flyers, scoring 26 goals and notching 41 assists. His playoff debut on Saturday was an impressive one as well, setting up one of Philly’s three goals in a Game 1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

The 25-year-old has now cashed the Over in helpers in four of his last six appearances, and three of those contests were on the road. The Flyers visit the Pens again tonight for Game 2. During the regular season, all three of his points against Pittsburgh were assists.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCS-Philadelphia, SportsNet-Pittsburgh

These props are available now at BET99, one of our best betting sites.

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.

MORE NHL FREE PICKS

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Christian Zazueta strikes out 9, Zyhir Hope homers in 4-hit game

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 21: Christian Zazueta #15 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Ontario provided enough offense for the entire Dodgers minor league system on Sunday, but there were also plenty of other highlights.

Player of the day

Christian Zazueta in his first two starts this season dominated the first three innings before faltering a bit in the fourth. But on his third consecutive Sunday start for High-A Great Lakes, the right-hander struck out nine in five scoreless frames.

The reigning Branch Rickey Award winner as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year has 23 strikeouts against only four walks this season, with a 2.84 ERA and a whopping 46-percent strikeout rate.

Triple-A Oklahoma City

The Comets dropped four of six games on the road, including giving up a season-worst 17 runs in Sunday’s loss to the Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies).

Starter Cole Irvin gave up seven runs, including three home runs, in his four innings, and Chris Campos allowed two runs in each of the fifth and sixth frames. Jerming Rosario started the seventh inning but didn’t retire any of his six batters faced, all of whom scored.

Double-A Tulsa

Zyhir Hope made his own case for player of the day on Sunday with a career-high-tying four hits in the Drillers’ rout of the Arkansas Travelers (Mariners). Hope singled in each of his first three at-bats before hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning, another opposite-field shot.

Hope also stole a base on Sunday. The outfielder had three four-hit games last season with High-A Great Lakes and another with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2024.

Third baseman Jake Gelof, who hit a walk-off home run on Friday night, homered again on Sunday and also singled and walked.

Kendall George singled twice, walked three times, and stole three bases in four attempts. He has 11 steals in 12 games on the season to lead the Texas League.

Left-hander Luke Fox had his second consecutive scoreless start with four strikeouts in four innings, allowing only one hit, a double. Fox through four starts this season has a 2.29 ERA and 32.4-percent strikeout rate.

High-A Great Lakes

Reynaldo Yean walked three and allowed two singles in the ninth inning, turning a one-run Loons lead to a one-run loss to the Dayton Dragons (Reds).

First baseman Jose Meza walked three times and homered for Great Lakes in the loss.

Catcher Victor Rodrigues singled home the go-ahead run in the seventh inning. Nico Perez scored said run, his second run of a two-hit day for the second baseman, who had three multi-hit games during the series and totaled nine hits in 22 at-bats against Dayton (.409).

Class-A Ontario

The Tower Buzzers were held scoreless in the first inning, then allowed five runs in the top of the second inning. But Ontario scored in each of the next seven innings to wallop the Fresno Grizzlies (Rockies) by 16 runs.

Leadoff man Joendry Vargas reached base six times with two doubles, two singles, and two walks, and scored four times. Right fielder Mairo Martinus also had four hits, including a home run, two stolen bases, and scored three times.

Shortstop Emil Morales reached base five times with a triple, double, single, and two walks, and drove in four runs. Left fielder Ching-Hsien Ko also drove in four runs with a home run, single, and walk, scoring three times.

Third baseman Easton Shelton drove in five runs with his three hits, including a double. Chase Harlan also homered, singled, and walked, drove in three and scored three runs.

Ontario was an eye-popping 16 for 24 with runners in scoring position on Sunday, and were a still-impressive 7 for 21 without runners in scoring position. That’s a formula for scoring 23 runs in eight innings.

The Tower Buzzers are leading the California League in scoring at 8.28 runs per game in the early going, including 8.7 runs per game at home. They lost four out of six to Fresno in a wild series, scoring 16 and 23 runs in the two wins, and gave up 18 runs in two of the losses.

Remember the Bad Bunny halftime show at the Super Bowl that featured, among other things, a couple getting married on the field? Those two are from Ontario, and threw out the ceremonial first pitches before the Tower Buzzers game on Sunday.

Transactions

Triple-A: Reigning Pacific Coast League MVP Ryan Ward got his first call to the majors at age 28.

Class-A: Left-hander Matt Lanzendorfer was activated after missing two weeks on the injured list, and he pitched a scoreless inning of relief.

Sunday scores

The week ahead

  • Oklahoma City vs. Tacoma (Mariners)
  • Tulsa at Frisco (Rangers)
  • Great Lakes at Beloit (Marlins)
  • Ontario at San Jose (Giants)
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Orioles-Royals series preview: The O’s face the worst team in the AL

May 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Jonathan India (6) reacts to hitting a home run against the Baltimore Orioles as he crosses home plate during the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The 2026 Orioles do not appear to be particularly good. You might call them frustrating, or underwhelming, or flat-out bad. But at the moment, they’re far from the worst team in the American League. That dubious distinction falls to the Orioles’ next opponent, the Kansas City Royals.

The Royals, fresh off being swept out of Yankee Stadium, hold a 7-15 record, tied with the Mets for the worst in baseball. Kansas City has lost seven consecutive games. Of course I’m pleased when bad things happen to the Royals, a team I haven’t forgiven for beating the Orioles in the playoffs in 2014 and 2024, although it’s hard to celebrate another team’s failures too much when the O’s seem to be headed down that precarious path themselves.

The Royals’ main problem is obvious: they simply cannot hit. They’ve scored just 71 runs this season, tied with the Reds and the aforementioned Mets for the fewest in baseball. Their team batting average (.219), OBP (.298), and OPS (.640) are all among the five worst in MLB. By comparison, the Orioles — a team that’s not exactly a model of offensive consistency — have an OPS nearly 60 points higher (.699).

Four of the Royals’ regulars have sub-.600 OPSes, including two guys who were expected to be key hitters, Vinnie “Pasquatch” Pasquantino (.499), and Salvador Perez (.521). Perez, the 15-year Royals veteran and the only player remaining from the 2015 World Series champions, recently got into a tiff with manager Matt Quatraro after being given a day off for a “mental breather.” Even the great Bobby Witt Jr. has looked ordinary to begin 2026. The Royals’ best story has been the Kansas City-born-and-raised rookie Carter Jensen, who has crushed five of the team’s 17 home runs and leads the team with an .812 OPS.

The strength of the Royals has been their starting rotation, which has posted a 3.25 ERA, sixth-best in the majors. They’ll throw their two best starters at the Orioles in this series. The bullpen, on the other hand, is wretched, with a league-worst 6.52 ERA. Closer Carlos Estévez made just one appearance, coughing up six runs in just a third of an inning, before landing on the injured list. His replacement, Lucas Erceg, has five saves but a 6.14 ERA. The Royals’ middle-relief and setup crew hasn’t been much better.

The struggling Orioles bats might continue to have trouble early in games, but if they can ratchet up the pitch counts of the Royals starters and get to the bullpen early, we could see some late-inning fireworks. Coming off a disappointing series in Cleveland, these next three games are a golden opportunity for the Orioles to get themselves back on the right track.

Game 1: Monday, 7:40 PM, MASN, FS1 (out-of-market)

RHP Kyle Bradish (1-2, 5.49) vs. RHP Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.48)

Every time Bradish takes the mound, I expect it to be the day when he’ll look like the Kyle Bradish of old. And it keeps not happening. He’s four outings into the season and has yet to deliver a quality start, though he did manage to work a season-high six innings in his most recent one. Bradish is giving up way too many hits (10.1 H/9) and walks (4.6 BB/9) and just doesn’t have the sharpness to his stuff that we’re used to. If there’s ever a lineup for him to finally dominate, it’s this one.

Seth Lugo, after a bit of a down year last season, has returned to his 2024 All-Star form for the Royals at age 36. He’s given up only four earned runs in his four starts combined, and is averaging less than a baserunner per inning. He hasn’t allowed a home run, either. Lugo threw a quality start against the Orioles last year, but most of the current squad has never faced him. Only four active O’s have any career at-bats against Lugo, and none more than seven PAs.

Game 2: Tuesday, 7:40 PM, MASN

RHP Shane Baz (0-2, 4.91) vs. LHP Kris Bubic (2-1, 3.97)

Much like with Bradish, I keep expecting each Shane Baz start to reveal the ace-like form that the Orioles clearly anticipated from him. Again, I am left disappointed. He’s winless and quality start-less in his first four games as a Bird and frankly seems very hittable so far (10.6 H/9). Still, he’s only just begun working with the Orioles’ pitching development folks, and the team seems to have some ideas as to how to unleash his full potential. It’d be nice if we start seeing that at some point, considering he’s got five more years in an Orioles uniform.

Bubic, a Royals first-round pick in 2018, has had an up-and-down, injury-marred career. The longtime starter, after pitching exclusively in relief in 2024, moved back to the rotation last season with fantastic results, posting a 2.55 ERA in 20 starts and making the AL All-Star team. He’s been solid enough to begin 2026, and since he’s a lefty, you can bet the Orioles will use some galaxy-brain lineup that has Johnathan Rodríguez batting cleanup and Blaze Alexander in center field and other such nonsense. Last year, Bubic was untouchable against the Orioles, pitching 11.2 innings without allowing an earned run in his two starts against them.

Game 3: Wednesday, 2:10 PM, MASN

RHP Chris Bassitt (0-2, 6.19) vs. RHP Michael Wacha (2-0, 1.00)

Every time Chris Bassitt starts, I keep expecting…ah, forget it. I don’t really expect much from the 37-year-old at this point. But “try to be better than Charlie Morton” doesn’t seem like a big ask. So far, Bassitt has failed at that task. He’s averaging just four innings per start, surrendering 23 hits in 16 innings. His strikeout rate, which is a career 8.3, is down to 3.9. His struggles aren’t necessarily permanent, and there’s a lot of season left, but he’s at the age where pitchers can fall off a cliff without warning. With Brandon Young and Cade Povich both pitching well at Triple-A, Bassitt’s rotation job could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t start to figure things out soon.

The Royals are saving the best for last with Wacha, who currently has the third-best ERA in the majors. He’s given up only three earned runs in 27 innings. He’s gone at least six innings in all four starts, including eight shutout frames against the White Sox on April 11. Let’s be honest: the Orioles aren’t the team that’s going to slow Wacha’s roll (especially not Gunnar Henderson, who’s 2-for-17 lifetime against him). The Royals were Wacha’s sixth team in six years when he signed with the club in 2023, but he’s certainly found a home in Kansas City.

How many games do you think the Orioles will win in this series? Let us know in the comments below.

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Braves Minor League Recap: Luis Guanipa homers and continues strong start to season

FORT MYERS, - MARCH 16: Luis Guanipa #72 of the Atlanta Braves throws the ball back to the infield during the 2024 Spring Breakout Game between the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

(13-8) Gwinnett Stripers 5, (14-7) Memphis Redbirds 6

  • Josè Azocar, LF: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB, .265/.333/.397
  • DaShawn Keirsay, CF: 2-for-5, R, SB (3), .230/.262/.393
  • Rowdy Tellez, 1B: 2-for-4, HR (3), BB, RBI, R, .226/.347/.452
  • Tayler Scott, SP: 2IP 3H 3ER 1BB 3K, 7.56 ERA

Box Score

Tough one for the Stripers as projected starter Didier Fuentes was a healthy scratch with a potential move to Atlanta in the near future. As a result Gwinnett was forced to engage in a bullpen game that had relief pitcher Tayler Scott getting the nod as the starter. He was not greeted kindly as he did allow all three runs in the first inning.

The rest of the staff: Dylan Dodd (1H 1H 0R 1BB 2K), Austin Pope (2IP 2H 1ER 1BB 1K), and James Karinchak (2IP 0H 0R 1BB 3K) all pitched admirably, allowing just one run over the games next five innings. With the Stripers leading 5-4 and with one of the strongest pitchers in the International League on the mound in Hayden Harris, disaster struck as his second pitch was hit 108 MPH for a game tying homer. He would then hit a batter, give up a double, before ultimately allowing a second runner to score via a sacrifice fly to swing the lead over to the Redbirds.

Offensively, the Stripers collected 11 hits but stranded ten runners while going 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Josè Azocar hit his first home run of the season in the third inning a towering 403’.

Later in the inning the Stripers would tie the game at three a piece via a Ben Gamel single, but any kind of momentum was quickly ended as the game was then delayed because of…..bees.

Rowdy Tellez would also get on the board in the fifth inning with his third homer of the season.

(7-8) Biloxi Shuckers 8, (9-6) Columbus Clingstones 10 – F/12

  • Luke Waddell, SS: 2-for-6, 2 R, RBI, .304/.439/.522
  • David McCabe, 1B: 1-for-6, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, .273/.439/.636
  • Adam Żebrowski, C: 3-for-5, 2 HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, .321/.412/.750
  • Herick Hernandez, SP: 1.1IP 3H 3R 2ER 3BB 2K, 1.74 ERA

Box Score

The Herick Hernandez experience finally hit a speed bump this season as the pitcher struggled with his pitch count and lasted just 1.1 innings – needing a crazy 65 pitches. Because of that, the Clingstones were forced to essentially have a bullpen game that lasted a full 12 innings. Jack Dashwood (2.1IP 3H 0R 0BB 4K), Jhancarlos Lara (1IP 1H 1ER 2BB 1K), LJ McDonough (1.1IP 1H 3ER 2BB 1K), Blayne Enlow (1.2IP 2H 0R 1BB 2K), Blane Abeyta (2IP 0H 0R 1BB 2K), and Shay Schanaman (2IP 1H 1R 0ER 0BB 1K) did just enough to get the win for the Clingstones. The pitching staff had a combined 9 walks while striking out 13. If traditional, strong pitch baseball is your thing, this game was not to your liking.

The Clingstones recorded 10 runs but never scored more than two in a single inning. After going down 3-0 it was Jordan Groshans and Adam Zebrowski who would each hit solo homers to reduce the deficient to a single run in the third. David McCabe would add his fifth homer of the season in the third inning with this two run blast.

The game would then be tied entering the bottom of the fifth inning after another bad outing by Jhancarlos Lara, but Cal Conley would put the Clingstones back up with his first homer of the season.

After the game being tied again after the seventh inning, the teams would exchange zeroes for the next four innings. The Shuckers would score via the ghost runner in the top of the 12th to give them the 8-7 lead, but after an RBI single by Patrick Clohisy tied the game, Adam Zebrowski would end the game with his second homer of the season, this time of the walk off variety.

(9-5) Jersey Shore BlueClaws 7, (6-9) Rome Emperors 2

  • Colin Burgess, C: 2-for-4, RBI, .250/.432/.286
  • Sean Murphy, DH: 0-for-4, BB
  • John Gil, SS: 0-for-3, .170/.298/.298
  • Jeremy Reyes, SP: 3.1IP 2H 1ER 3BB 0K, 6.57 ERA

Box Score

Rome lost another one to the BlueClaws thanks to some faulty pitching towards the end of the game. Jeremy Reyes got the start and was inefficient but effective, walking three, pitching just 3.1 innings but only allowing one earned run to score. Reyes left the game with two runners on and one out and was relieved by David Rodriguez (1.2IP 1H 0R 3BB 2K) who struck out the first hitter he saw, but then walked the next to to put the BlueClaws up one.

Trent Buchanan (1IP 0H 0R 3BB 2K) came in for David Rodriguez and flirted with disaster by walking the bases loaded with just one out, but was able to escape the jam without surrendering a run. The luck ran out in the seventh inning when Ian Mejia (1IP 1H 4ER 3BB 2K) also walked the bases loaded before giving up a grand slam to push the lead to 5-0. The BlueClaws would add one two more runs the following ending against Justin Long (1IP 2H 2ER 1BB 1K) to bring their total to seven for the game.

That was more than enough because the Rome bats were silenced. The Emperors drew an outstanding eight walks, with Logan Braunschweig walking three times himself, but they collected just three hits – one by Isaiah Drake who stole his fifth base, and Colin Burgess who recorded two himself. They would strand nine on base, and go 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position for the final nail in the coffin.

(3-11) Fayetteville Woodpeckers 5, (9-6) Augusta GreenJackets 12

  • Dalton McIntyre, LF: 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, R, .438/.471/.750
  • Juan Mateo, 3B: 2-for-5, R, SB(1), .333/.400/.333
  • Junior Garcia, RF: 2-for-5, HR, RBI, 2 R, .256/.360/.395
  • Luis Guanipa, CF: 4-for-5, HR, 2B, 3 R, RBI, SB (8), .346/.368/.538
  • Yamvier Carrero, 2B: 2-for-3, BB, 2 R, 3 SB (3)
  • Davis Polo, SP: 4IP 1H 1ER 3BB 3K, 1.64 ERA

Box score

The GreenJackets exploded for 12 runs on 15 hits in another win over the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. Davis Polo picked up the start and surrendered just one hit over four innings of work. After returning from a season long injury, Davis is slowly ramping up his arm so while the velocities have been a tad inconsistent, the three pitch mix he utilizes (four-seam, slider, changeup) have all looked pretty solid.

He was relieved by Cristobal Abreu (0.0IP 1H 1ER 3BB 0K) who was unfortunately dreadful, giving up an earned run by walking three and not recording a single out – an unfortunate result as the Abreu four-seam/slider mix looked strong this off-season with his velocity peaking around 99 MPH, but it he was unable to control anything. Mathieu Curtis (1IP 0H 0R 0BB 3K) picked up the slack by striking out the side ending the threat. Finally, Kendy Richard (4IP 5H 2ER 2BB 4K) pitched the final four innings and struggled himself which is unfortunately a theme for him this season. Without the elite velocity on his fastball and his inability to locate it in the top of the zone, Kendry simply isn’t generating the whiffs he did last season that enabled that strong start. Fortunately for him, because the offense was once again outrageous, he pitched the final four innings and picked up the save.

Offensively, everyone but Dallas Macias was able to get on base. The GreenJackets scored their first run in the first inning after two wild pitches allowed the first runner to score. They would add three in the third by flexing their power with Dalton McIntyre hitting a two run homer to score Alex Lodise, then Luis Guanipa would unload on his second homer of the season to push the lead to 4-1.

This would start a stretch of five straight innings where the GreenJackets would pick up at least one run. Guanipa would create a run of his own in the fifth inning by leading off the game with a double, stealing third, and then scoring after a fielding error by the third baseman. Junior Garcia add his first homer as well, to extend the lead to 7-2.

Yamvier Carrero, an undrafted free agent that the Braves signed out of Puerto Rico made his professional debut. He would hit ninth, pick up a pair of singles, one walk, and go 3-for-3 in the stolen base department.

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2026 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 21

There were no guarantees based on sequencing, but the Mets drew an awfully short stick for extra innings. You know, just how things go when your team is tailspinning. When Pete Crow-Armstrong struck out to end the ninth, it meant he’d be the placed runner to start the 10th. Once Caleb Thielbar escaped the top of the inning, I had a strong feeling the Cubs would win. PCA’s speed is a real weapon in that spot. The wild pitch that sent him to third would advance most baserunners. But the medium depth fly ball wouldn’t score just anyone. Very few guys in baseball would have scored that easily.

I’m going to be surprised if this Mets team goes down like the Hindenburg. I wouldn’t write any obituaries for them just yet. But everything is going wrong for them right now. Even when they got good a start Saturday and a good opener/bulk inning performance, they couldn’t turn either into a win. They got a little pitching over the weekend, but they just didn’t get any hitting. That reminded me of where the Cubs were regularly during this year’s opening week. This is why we cherish those wins that we do get when things aren’t going right.

Even now, this Cub team has to feel fortunate to be where it is sitting. With Cade Horton gone, Matthew Boyd largely non-existent, and the struggles from key offensive players, this isn’t yet a formidable Cub team. This team isn’t going to be anywhere near 90 wins with this little production from Michael Busch, Alex Bregman, Seiya Suzuki and PCA. One assumes that Nico Hoerner isn’t going to drive in 160 runs or that Ian Happ is going to hit 40 homers. Moisés Ballesteros is probably not going to have an OPS in the vicinity of 1.000. We can hope that as the hot starters cool off that the cool starters will roll in.

Until that happens, enjoy every win this team is able to stack. With this win, they are on a 92.6 win pace. It definitely gets harder from here. But it starts with a Phillies team that has had some recent struggles of its own, including getting manhandled Tuesday and Wednesday by the Cubs to start this winning streak.

It’s always fun to recap a game like this. In a 2-1 extra-inning victory, every contribution is a key contribution. Behind every key I note and all of the heroes are even more pieces that mattered. Any one contribution falling away probably loses a game.

Three Positives:

  • Ian Happ reached base three times (the Cubs reached only 11). One of those led to the tying run.
  • Javier Assad faced 20 batters over 5.2 innings and allowed only three hits, no walks and one run.
  • PCA had a triple and was hit by a pitch. He scored the winning run with his legs even after they’d gotten him in trouble twice earlier in the game.

Hat tip to the no-name brigade out of the Cub pen. Four Cub relievers threw 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and no walks.

Game 21, April 19: Cubs 2, Mets 1 (12-9)

Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.

THREE HEROES:

  • Superhero: Michael Conforto (.491). 1-1, 2B, RBI
  • Hero: Ian Happ (.178). 2-3, BB
  • Sidekick: Matt Shaw (.117). 1-1.

THREE GOATS:

  • Billy Goat: Seiya Suzuki (-.313). 0-4
  • Goat: Dansby Swanson (-.272). 0-4
  • Kid: Carson Kelly (-.206). 0-4

WPA Play of the Game: Michael Conforto’s one-out double in the ninth scored the tying run from first. (.491)

*Mets Play of the Game: MJ Melendez led off the fifth inning with a solo homer. (.144)

Cubs Player of the Game:

Game 20 Winner: Carson Kelly received 139 of 171 votes.

Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 3/Bottom 3)

The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.

  • Nico Hoerner +12.5
  • Carson Kelly/Michael Conforto +6
  • Edward Cabrera/Daniel Palencia +5
  • Phil Maton -6
  • Matt Shaw -8
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong -15

Up Next: The Cubs will try to win a sixth straight game. The Phillies come to town. The Cubs just won the last two in Philly to start this streak. Over these last six games, these two teams have moved as mirror images. The Phillies were swept over the weekend and have lost five straight. They are now 8-13. So once again, the Cubs will look to take advantage of catching a team at exactly the right time.

Colin Rea (2-0, 3.63, 17.1 IP) makes his second start for the Cubs. Last Tuesday he was the “bulk guy” against the Phillies after Riley Martin threw a scoreless first as the opener. Rea allowed three runs on four hits and no walks over six in that one. It’ll be interesting to see how it goes with him seeing them twice back-to-back. Aaron Nola (1-1, 4.03, 22.1 IP) was the opposition in that game. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings. The Phils bullpen allowed seven runs (six earned) over only four innings in that one.

Six in a row sure would be nice.