Deadspin | Mets, Angels aim to change fortunes at other’s expense Apr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) tags out Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nunez (26) trying to score on a fielder’s choice by Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images A scheduling coincidence will ensure that either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Angels will win on Friday night. Good thing, because both teams need all the help they can get. The Mets will begin a nine-game road trip Friday by visiting the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., in an interleague matchup between two struggling teams. Christian Scott (0-0, 6.75 ERA) is slated to start for New York against fellow right-hander Walbert Urena (0-3, 4.76). The Angels were off Thursday after sustaining their sixth straight loss Wednesday with a 3-2 setback in 10 innings to the Chicago White Sox. The Mets headed west after closing a discouraging homestand Thursday with a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. New York lost six of nine games on the homestand and have lost 17 of their last 20 games overall to fall to a majors-worst 10-21 this season. The 20-game span is the worst for the Mets since a 3-17 skid from May 25 through June 15, 2018, while the 31-game start is the third-worst in franchise history. Even the 1962 club, which lost a then-modern-record 120 games, was 12-19 through 31 games. The Mets squandered a 4-3 advantage on Thursday, the eighth time they’ve led in a defeat during their 20-game tailspin. New York has scored four runs or less 17 times in the last 20 games. “Not good enough, obviously — not a secret,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That’s not going to do it. You’ve got to start winning series. Period.” The Angels arrived home in the throes of a similar slump. The three-game sweep by the White Sox marked the fourth straight series loss for Los Angeles, which has dropped 10 of its last 11 games. The Angels have scored three runs or less eight times in the 11 games and have squandered a lead five times in the 10 defeats. Los Angeles was one out away from victory in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s series finale vs. Chicago before Ryan Zeferjahn gave up a game-tying RBI triple to Sam Antonacci. Zeferjahn, Drew Pomeranz and Joey Lucchesi were charged with a combined four blown saves in the last four games as the Angels search for a closer to replace Jordan Romano, who was designated for assignment Sunday and released a day later. Lucchesi also was designated for assignment Wednesday. “It’s really tough — especially just one more out and I couldn’t do it,” Zeferjahn said. “We battled all day today, and it really (stinks). But we’re picking each other up still no matter what. I think we’ll get back on track soon.” Scott, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse when Kodai Senga (lumbar spine inflammation) was placed on the injured list Tuesday, hasn’t pitched since April 23. He didn’t factor into the decision on that day after giving up one run while walking five over 1 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. The start was the first in the majors for Scott since he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024. Urena took the defeat in his most recent start last Saturday after allowing four runs over 3 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 12-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Both Scott and Urena will make their first career starts against the opposition on Friday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mets #Angels #aim #change #fortunes #expense

Deadspin | Mets, Angels aim to change fortunes at other’s expense
Deadspin | Mets, Angels aim to change fortunes at other’s expense Apr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) tags out Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nunez (26) trying to score on a fielder’s choice by Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images A scheduling coincidence will ensure that either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Angels will win on Friday night. Good thing, because both teams need all the help they can get. The Mets will begin a nine-game road trip Friday by visiting the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., in an interleague matchup between two struggling teams. Christian Scott (0-0, 6.75 ERA) is slated to start for New York against fellow right-hander Walbert Urena (0-3, 4.76). The Angels were off Thursday after sustaining their sixth straight loss Wednesday with a 3-2 setback in 10 innings to the Chicago White Sox. The Mets headed west after closing a discouraging homestand Thursday with a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. New York lost six of nine games on the homestand and have lost 17 of their last 20 games overall to fall to a majors-worst 10-21 this season. The 20-game span is the worst for the Mets since a 3-17 skid from May 25 through June 15, 2018, while the 31-game start is the third-worst in franchise history. Even the 1962 club, which lost a then-modern-record 120 games, was 12-19 through 31 games. The Mets squandered a 4-3 advantage on Thursday, the eighth time they’ve led in a defeat during their 20-game tailspin. New York has scored four runs or less 17 times in the last 20 games. “Not good enough, obviously — not a secret,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That’s not going to do it. You’ve got to start winning series. Period.” The Angels arrived home in the throes of a similar slump. The three-game sweep by the White Sox marked the fourth straight series loss for Los Angeles, which has dropped 10 of its last 11 games. The Angels have scored three runs or less eight times in the 11 games and have squandered a lead five times in the 10 defeats. Los Angeles was one out away from victory in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s series finale vs. Chicago before Ryan Zeferjahn gave up a game-tying RBI triple to Sam Antonacci. Zeferjahn, Drew Pomeranz and Joey Lucchesi were charged with a combined four blown saves in the last four games as the Angels search for a closer to replace Jordan Romano, who was designated for assignment Sunday and released a day later. Lucchesi also was designated for assignment Wednesday. “It’s really tough — especially just one more out and I couldn’t do it,” Zeferjahn said. “We battled all day today, and it really (stinks). But we’re picking each other up still no matter what. I think we’ll get back on track soon.” Scott, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse when Kodai Senga (lumbar spine inflammation) was placed on the injured list Tuesday, hasn’t pitched since April 23. He didn’t factor into the decision on that day after giving up one run while walking five over 1 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. The start was the first in the majors for Scott since he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024. Urena took the defeat in his most recent start last Saturday after allowing four runs over 3 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 12-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Both Scott and Urena will make their first career starts against the opposition on Friday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mets #Angels #aim #change #fortunes #expenseApr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) tags out Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nunez (26) trying to score on a fielder’s choice by Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A scheduling coincidence will ensure that either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Angels will win on Friday night.

Good thing, because both teams need all the help they can get.

The Mets will begin a nine-game road trip Friday by visiting the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., in an interleague matchup between two struggling teams.

Christian Scott (0-0, 6.75 ERA) is slated to start for New York against fellow right-hander Walbert Urena (0-3, 4.76).

The Angels were off Thursday after sustaining their sixth straight loss Wednesday with a 3-2 setback in 10 innings to the Chicago White Sox.

The Mets headed west after closing a discouraging homestand Thursday with a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. New York lost six of nine games on the homestand and have lost 17 of their last 20 games overall to fall to a majors-worst 10-21 this season.

The 20-game span is the worst for the Mets since a 3-17 skid from May 25 through June 15, 2018, while the 31-game start is the third-worst in franchise history.

Even the 1962 club, which lost a then-modern-record 120 games, was 12-19 through 31 games.


The Mets squandered a 4-3 advantage on Thursday, the eighth time they’ve led in a defeat during their 20-game tailspin. New York has scored four runs or less 17 times in the last 20 games.

“Not good enough, obviously — not a secret,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That’s not going to do it. You’ve got to start winning series. Period.”

The Angels arrived home in the throes of a similar slump. The three-game sweep by the White Sox marked the fourth straight series loss for Los Angeles, which has dropped 10 of its last 11 games.

The Angels have scored three runs or less eight times in the 11 games and have squandered a lead five times in the 10 defeats. Los Angeles was one out away from victory in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s series finale vs. Chicago before Ryan Zeferjahn gave up a game-tying RBI triple to Sam Antonacci.

Zeferjahn, Drew Pomeranz and Joey Lucchesi were charged with a combined four blown saves in the last four games as the Angels search for a closer to replace Jordan Romano, who was designated for assignment Sunday and released a day later. Lucchesi also was designated for assignment Wednesday.

“It’s really tough — especially just one more out and I couldn’t do it,” Zeferjahn said. “We battled all day today, and it really (stinks). But we’re picking each other up still no matter what. I think we’ll get back on track soon.”

Scott, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse when Kodai Senga (lumbar spine inflammation) was placed on the injured list Tuesday, hasn’t pitched since April 23. He didn’t factor into the decision on that day after giving up one run while walking five over 1 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. The start was the first in the majors for Scott since he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024.

Urena took the defeat in his most recent start last Saturday after allowing four runs over 3 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 12-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

Both Scott and Urena will make their first career starts against the opposition on Friday.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mets #Angels #aim #change #fortunes #expense

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Apr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) tags out Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nunez (26) trying to score on a fielder’s choice by Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A scheduling coincidence will ensure that either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Angels will win on Friday night.

Good thing, because both teams need all the help they can get.

The Mets will begin a nine-game road trip Friday by visiting the Angels in Anaheim, Calif., in an interleague matchup between two struggling teams.

Christian Scott (0-0, 6.75 ERA) is slated to start for New York against fellow right-hander Walbert Urena (0-3, 4.76).

The Angels were off Thursday after sustaining their sixth straight loss Wednesday with a 3-2 setback in 10 innings to the Chicago White Sox.

The Mets headed west after closing a discouraging homestand Thursday with a 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. New York lost six of nine games on the homestand and have lost 17 of their last 20 games overall to fall to a majors-worst 10-21 this season.

The 20-game span is the worst for the Mets since a 3-17 skid from May 25 through June 15, 2018, while the 31-game start is the third-worst in franchise history.

Even the 1962 club, which lost a then-modern-record 120 games, was 12-19 through 31 games.

The Mets squandered a 4-3 advantage on Thursday, the eighth time they’ve led in a defeat during their 20-game tailspin. New York has scored four runs or less 17 times in the last 20 games.

“Not good enough, obviously — not a secret,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “That’s not going to do it. You’ve got to start winning series. Period.”

The Angels arrived home in the throes of a similar slump. The three-game sweep by the White Sox marked the fourth straight series loss for Los Angeles, which has dropped 10 of its last 11 games.

The Angels have scored three runs or less eight times in the 11 games and have squandered a lead five times in the 10 defeats. Los Angeles was one out away from victory in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s series finale vs. Chicago before Ryan Zeferjahn gave up a game-tying RBI triple to Sam Antonacci.

Zeferjahn, Drew Pomeranz and Joey Lucchesi were charged with a combined four blown saves in the last four games as the Angels search for a closer to replace Jordan Romano, who was designated for assignment Sunday and released a day later. Lucchesi also was designated for assignment Wednesday.

“It’s really tough — especially just one more out and I couldn’t do it,” Zeferjahn said. “We battled all day today, and it really (stinks). But we’re picking each other up still no matter what. I think we’ll get back on track soon.”

Scott, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse when Kodai Senga (lumbar spine inflammation) was placed on the injured list Tuesday, hasn’t pitched since April 23. He didn’t factor into the decision on that day after giving up one run while walking five over 1 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. The start was the first in the majors for Scott since he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024.

Urena took the defeat in his most recent start last Saturday after allowing four runs over 3 2/3 innings in the Angels’ 12-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

Both Scott and Urena will make their first career starts against the opposition on Friday.

–Field Level Media

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The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, 0 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.Lakers grade for Walker Kessler tradeKessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, 0 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.Jazz grade for Walker Kessler tradeTalk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least. #Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah

according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah">Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

#Walker #Kessler #trade #grades #Lakers #Jazz #sends #massive #picks #haul #Utah
#Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges">Wimbledon 2026: Sinner cruises to second round with straight sets victory over Borges iDefending champion Jannik Sinner progressed to the third round of Wimbledon with a straight sets victory over Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Centre Court on Wednesday.The World No.1 had to dig deep in the first round to overcome Miomir Kecmanovic in a five-set thriller but got past his opponent in the second round without much trouble to defeat Borges 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.Sinner will face fellow Italina Matteo Berretini in the third round.Published on Jul 01, 2026 #Wimbledon #Sinner #cruises #straight #sets #victory #Borges

Deadspin | MLB roundup: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts becomes fastest to 1,000 wins Jun 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) gestures towards the crowd after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Athletics as he earns his 1000th career win as a manager at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images Tommy Edman had four hits, including a homer, and drove in four while manager Dave Roberts recorded his 1,000th career regular-season victory as the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Athletics 9-3 on Tuesday in West Sacramento, Calif. Roberts, who is in his 11th season, became the fourth manager in Dodgers history to reach the 1,000-victory mark. Roberts’ 1,606 career games (1,000-606) are the fewest needed to reach 1,000 wins, 35 fewer games than the previous fastest mark, held by Cap Anson (1875-98). Miguel Rojas also went deep and drove in two runs and Mookie Betts had three hits as the Dodgers won for the seventh time in their past eight games. Los Angeles had 14 hits for a total of 31 over two nights while dominating the A’s both times. Justin Wrobleski (10-2) struck out a career-high 11 while throwing seven innings of three-run ball for Los Angeles. Colby Thomas went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer for the A’s. Jeffrey Springs (3-8) gave up six runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Mariners 8, Angels 3 Bryan Woo set the single-season record for most consecutive scoreless innings at T-Mobile Park as Seattle defeated visiting Los Angeles. Woo opened with six scoreless frames to reach 32 overall before reliever Eduard Bazardo allowed a pair of inherited runners to score in the seventh. Woo (7-6), who won his fifth straight home start, was charged with two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander walked one and struck out five. The Mariners managed just three hits off Angels starter Jose Soriano (8-5) through the first five innings before opening the sixth with three straight singles against him to break a scoreless tie and spark a five-run inning. Phillies 8, Pirates 0 Cristopher Sanchez worked seven strong innings while guiding Philadelphia to a win over visiting Pittsburgh. Sanchez (10-3) allowed just three hits and two walks, striking out nine as he became the first starting pitcher to reach 10 wins this season. Justin Crawford had three hits and three RBIs for the Phillies, while Trea Turner added a homer, a double and three RBIs on his 33rd birthday. Esmerlyn Valdez’s four-game homer streak came to an end, although the Pirates rookie still went 2-for-3 with a walk. Bubba Chandler (3-8) yielded five runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Tigers 9, Yankees 3 Riley Greene belted a pair of homers in consecutive at-bats off Cam Schlittler, Tarik Skubal pitched six innings and visiting Detroit cruised past New York. The Tigers slugged five home runs against the Yankees for the first time since Aug. 30, 2018, as Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson and James Outman also went deep. Skubal (4-4) allowed two runs (one earned) and one hit while fanning nine. Ben Rice homered, but the Yankees lost their season-high sixth straight game. Schlittler (8-5) was tagged for a career-worst six runs on seven hits in four-plus innings. He served up four homers, also a career high. Cubs 9, Padres 7 Dansby Swanson led a long-ball barrage with two home runs, and host Chicago held on for a win over San Diego. Alex Bregman hit a three-run shot and Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong had solo homers for the Cubs, who won their fourth straight. Matthew Boyd (3-1) allowed three runs over five-plus innings. Ryan Rolison recorded the last out to earn his first career save. Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two home runs and Manny Machado and Gavin Sheets also homered for the Padres, who have lost four in a row. JP Sears (1-1) gave up seven runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings. White Sox 9, Orioles 3 Colson Montgomery and Junior Perez homered during a seven-run third inning as visiting Chicago beat Baltimore, taking the first two games of the three-game series. Jacob Gonzalez had three hits and drove in three runs and Andrew Benintendi provided three hits as the White Sox won for the sixth time in eight games. They will win a series against Baltimore for the first time since July 2021 regardless of the result in the Wednesday afternoon series finale. Chicago’s Erick Fedde (3-6) went five innings and yielded three runs on five hits. Gunnar Henderson had two hits and scored two runs for the Orioles, whose losing streak grew to four games. They have lost six of their past seven games. Rangers 4, Guardians 2 Cleveland left fielder Cooper Ingle threw the ball into the stands, incorrectly thinking it was the third out of the seventh inning, to bring home Ezequiel Duran as the go-ahead run, leading Texas past the host Guardians. Duran led off the seventh with a single against Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee and moved to second on a groundout by Evan Carter. Alejandro Osuna followed with a routine fly to Ingle, who caught it and promptly threw it over the screen into the crowd down the left field line. Jacob deGrom (7-5) earned his fourth victory in his past five decisions for the Rangers, striking out nine over seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Bibee (2-9) also worked seven strong innings but received the loss when Ingle committed what was scored as a two-base error and an unearned run. Nationals 8, Red Sox 1 Cade Cavalli allowed one hit and struck out a career-high 13 batters in seven innings as visiting Washington defeated Boston. The only run Boston scored against Cavalli (5-4) was unearned. He didn’t issue a walk in his 100-pitch outing. The Red Sox managed just four hits as their five-game winning streak ended. CJ Abrams homered as the Nationals won for the third time in four games and leveled the three-game series at one victory apiece. James Wood finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Diamondbacks 8, Giants 2 Arizona ran its season-long winning streak against San Francisco to eight games, riding home runs from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Ketel Marte to a victory in Phoenix. Recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A and making his first big-league start since April 11, Brandon Pfaadt (1-1) gave up one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings. Gurriel, Marte, Gabriel Moreno and Max Kepler had two hits apiece for the Diamondbacks. Luis Arraez singled, tripled and homered for the Giants, and Rafael Devers also went deep. Landen Roupp (5-8) permitted six runs and walked six in 2 2/3 innings. Mets 3, Blue Jays 0 Nolan McLean struck out seven in six scoreless innings and visiting New York defeated Toronto to split the first two of a three-game series. McLean (5-5) allowed five hits and two walks, while Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens provided support with solo home runs. Former Blue Jay Bo Bichette went 1-for-4 for the Mets and made some excellent defensive plays at third base. Toronto starter Kevin Gausman (4-7) completed six innings, allowing one run on five hits. Luis Urias had two singles and a walk. Cardinals 5, Braves 3 Matthew Liberatore threw five strong innings and Nathan Church ended a long homerless streak to lead St. Louis over host Atlanta. Liberatore (4-5) allowed one run on one hit and four walks, striking out nine, to earn his first victory since May 31. Church blasted a three-run homer to cap a four-run rally in the fourth inning when the Cardinals took the lead. It was Church’s sixth home run but first since April 26. Ozzie Albies drove in two runs for the Braves. Martin Perez (5-6) yielded four runs on five hits in five innings. Brewers 7, Reds 2 Jake Bauers and Jackson Chourio homered and Brandon Sproat pitched effectively into the sixth inning as Milwaukee defeated visiting Cincinnati. The Brewers have won six straight against the Reds, including all five games this season. Bauers and Sal Frelick each had three hits to pace Milwaukee’s 14-hit attack. The Brewers gained control with four runs in the fourth off Rhett Lowder (3-6), opening the inning with five consecutive singles en route to a 5-1 lead. Sproat (3-4) allowed two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. Rays 10, Royals 4 Junior Caminero homered in his fifth consecutive game, a three-run shot to highlight Tampa Bay’s six-run third inning, and the Rays won their sixth straight game, beating host Kansas City. Ryan Vilade also homered and Griffin Jax (4-5) allowed three runs and struck out five over six innings to win his third straight start for the Rays. Caminero has clubbed eight of his 23 home runs in the past seven games. Bobby Witt Jr. socked a two-run homer in the third and an eighth-inning solo shot as part of a three-hit night for the Royals, who have lost five of six. Astros 6, Twins 4 Yordan Alvarez capped a six-run fourth inning with his third grand slam of the season as Houston rallied past visiting Minnesota. Alvarez tied the franchise record with his seventh career grand slam, joining Alex Bregman, Carlos Lee and Jose Altuve. It was his 26th home run of the season. The Astros evened the three-game series at one win apiece behind Alvarez and a resilient effort from Mike Burrows (4-8), who overcame a ragged first inning to go five frames of four-run ball. Twins starter Joe Ryan (5-5) permitted six runs on six hits in four innings. Ryan Kreidler hit a two-run single, and Kody Clemens produced two hits and two runs. Marlins 14, Rockies 3 Javier Sanoja, Joe Mack and Owen Caissie each hit a home run in Miami’s blowout win over Colorado in Denver. Sanoja hit a three-run shot in the third, extending the Marlins’ lead to 5-1. Mack’s two-run blast in the seventh and Caissie’s three-run homer in the eighth were late highlights from a huge offensive game for the Marlins, who have won six of their past seven. Eury Perez (4-6) earned the win in his second start since returning from the injured list. Perez struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on two hits and four walks. Mickey Moniak homered for the Rockies. Tanner Gordon was tagged for five runs in five innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Dodgers #Dave #Roberts #fastest #winsJun 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) gestures towards the crowd after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Athletics as he earns his 1000th career win as a manager at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

Tommy Edman had four hits, including a homer, and drove in four while manager Dave Roberts recorded his 1,000th career regular-season victory as the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Athletics 9-3 on Tuesday in West Sacramento, Calif.

Roberts, who is in his 11th season, became the fourth manager in Dodgers history to reach the 1,000-victory mark. Roberts’ 1,606 career games (1,000-606) are the fewest needed to reach 1,000 wins, 35 fewer games than the previous fastest mark, held by Cap Anson (1875-98).

Miguel Rojas also went deep and drove in two runs and Mookie Betts had three hits as the Dodgers won for the seventh time in their past eight games. Los Angeles had 14 hits for a total of 31 over two nights while dominating the A’s both times.

Justin Wrobleski (10-2) struck out a career-high 11 while throwing seven innings of three-run ball for Los Angeles. Colby Thomas went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer for the A’s. Jeffrey Springs (3-8) gave up six runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Mariners 8, Angels 3

Bryan Woo set the single-season record for most consecutive scoreless innings at T-Mobile Park as Seattle defeated visiting Los Angeles.

Woo opened with six scoreless frames to reach 32 overall before reliever Eduard Bazardo allowed a pair of inherited runners to score in the seventh. Woo (7-6), who won his fifth straight home start, was charged with two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander walked one and struck out five.

The Mariners managed just three hits off Angels starter Jose Soriano (8-5) through the first five innings before opening the sixth with three straight singles against him to break a scoreless tie and spark a five-run inning.

Phillies 8, Pirates 0

Cristopher Sanchez worked seven strong innings while guiding Philadelphia to a win over visiting Pittsburgh.

Sanchez (10-3) allowed just three hits and two walks, striking out nine as he became the first starting pitcher to reach 10 wins this season. Justin Crawford had three hits and three RBIs for the Phillies, while Trea Turner added a homer, a double and three RBIs on his 33rd birthday.

Esmerlyn Valdez’s four-game homer streak came to an end, although the Pirates rookie still went 2-for-3 with a walk. Bubba Chandler (3-8) yielded five runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Tigers 9, Yankees 3

Riley Greene belted a pair of homers in consecutive at-bats off Cam Schlittler, Tarik Skubal pitched six innings and visiting Detroit cruised past New York.

The Tigers slugged five home runs against the Yankees for the first time since Aug. 30, 2018, as Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson and James Outman also went deep. Skubal (4-4) allowed two runs (one earned) and one hit while fanning nine.

Ben Rice homered, but the Yankees lost their season-high sixth straight game. Schlittler (8-5) was tagged for a career-worst six runs on seven hits in four-plus innings. He served up four homers, also a career high.

Cubs 9, Padres 7

Dansby Swanson led a long-ball barrage with two home runs, and host Chicago held on for a win over San Diego.

Alex Bregman hit a three-run shot and Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong had solo homers for the Cubs, who won their fourth straight. Matthew Boyd (3-1) allowed three runs over five-plus innings. Ryan Rolison recorded the last out to earn his first career save.

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two home runs and Manny Machado and Gavin Sheets also homered for the Padres, who have lost four in a row. JP Sears (1-1) gave up seven runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

White Sox 9, Orioles 3

Colson Montgomery and Junior Perez homered during a seven-run third inning as visiting Chicago beat Baltimore, taking the first two games of the three-game series.

Jacob Gonzalez had three hits and drove in three runs and Andrew Benintendi provided three hits as the White Sox won for the sixth time in eight games. They will win a series against Baltimore for the first time since July 2021 regardless of the result in the Wednesday afternoon series finale.

Chicago’s Erick Fedde (3-6) went five innings and yielded three runs on five hits. Gunnar Henderson had two hits and scored two runs for the Orioles, whose losing streak grew to four games. They have lost six of their past seven games.

Rangers 4, Guardians 2

Cleveland left fielder Cooper Ingle threw the ball into the stands, incorrectly thinking it was the third out of the seventh inning, to bring home Ezequiel Duran as the go-ahead run, leading Texas past the host Guardians.

Duran led off the seventh with a single against Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee and moved to second on a groundout by Evan Carter. Alejandro Osuna followed with a routine fly to Ingle, who caught it and promptly threw it over the screen into the crowd down the left field line.

Jacob deGrom (7-5) earned his fourth victory in his past five decisions for the Rangers, striking out nine over seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Bibee (2-9) also worked seven strong innings but received the loss when Ingle committed what was scored as a two-base error and an unearned run.

Nationals 8, Red Sox 1

Cade Cavalli allowed one hit and struck out a career-high 13 batters in seven innings as visiting Washington defeated Boston.


The only run Boston scored against Cavalli (5-4) was unearned. He didn’t issue a walk in his 100-pitch outing. The Red Sox managed just four hits as their five-game winning streak ended.

CJ Abrams homered as the Nationals won for the third time in four games and leveled the three-game series at one victory apiece. James Wood finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs.

Diamondbacks 8, Giants 2

Arizona ran its season-long winning streak against San Francisco to eight games, riding home runs from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Ketel Marte to a victory in Phoenix.

Recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A and making his first big-league start since April 11, Brandon Pfaadt (1-1) gave up one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings. Gurriel, Marte, Gabriel Moreno and Max Kepler had two hits apiece for the Diamondbacks.

Luis Arraez singled, tripled and homered for the Giants, and Rafael Devers also went deep. Landen Roupp (5-8) permitted six runs and walked six in 2 2/3 innings.

Mets 3, Blue Jays 0

Nolan McLean struck out seven in six scoreless innings and visiting New York defeated Toronto to split the first two of a three-game series.

McLean (5-5) allowed five hits and two walks, while Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens provided support with solo home runs. Former Blue Jay Bo Bichette went 1-for-4 for the Mets and made some excellent defensive plays at third base.

Toronto starter Kevin Gausman (4-7) completed six innings, allowing one run on five hits. Luis Urias had two singles and a walk.

Cardinals 5, Braves 3

Matthew Liberatore threw five strong innings and Nathan Church ended a long homerless streak to lead St. Louis over host Atlanta.

Liberatore (4-5) allowed one run on one hit and four walks, striking out nine, to earn his first victory since May 31. Church blasted a three-run homer to cap a four-run rally in the fourth inning when the Cardinals took the lead. It was Church’s sixth home run but first since April 26.

Ozzie Albies drove in two runs for the Braves. Martin Perez (5-6) yielded four runs on five hits in five innings.

Brewers 7, Reds 2

Jake Bauers and Jackson Chourio homered and Brandon Sproat pitched effectively into the sixth inning as Milwaukee defeated visiting Cincinnati.

The Brewers have won six straight against the Reds, including all five games this season. Bauers and Sal Frelick each had three hits to pace Milwaukee’s 14-hit attack.

The Brewers gained control with four runs in the fourth off Rhett Lowder (3-6), opening the inning with five consecutive singles en route to a 5-1 lead. Sproat (3-4) allowed two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Rays 10, Royals 4

Junior Caminero homered in his fifth consecutive game, a three-run shot to highlight Tampa Bay’s six-run third inning, and the Rays won their sixth straight game, beating host Kansas City.

Ryan Vilade also homered and Griffin Jax (4-5) allowed three runs and struck out five over six innings to win his third straight start for the Rays. Caminero has clubbed eight of his 23 home runs in the past seven games.

Bobby Witt Jr. socked a two-run homer in the third and an eighth-inning solo shot as part of a three-hit night for the Royals, who have lost five of six.

Astros 6, Twins 4

Yordan Alvarez capped a six-run fourth inning with his third grand slam of the season as Houston rallied past visiting Minnesota.

Alvarez tied the franchise record with his seventh career grand slam, joining Alex Bregman, Carlos Lee and Jose Altuve. It was his 26th home run of the season. The Astros evened the three-game series at one win apiece behind Alvarez and a resilient effort from Mike Burrows (4-8), who overcame a ragged first inning to go five frames of four-run ball.

Twins starter Joe Ryan (5-5) permitted six runs on six hits in four innings. Ryan Kreidler hit a two-run single, and Kody Clemens produced two hits and two runs.

Marlins 14, Rockies 3

Javier Sanoja, Joe Mack and Owen Caissie each hit a home run in Miami’s blowout win over Colorado in Denver.

Sanoja hit a three-run shot in the third, extending the Marlins’ lead to 5-1. Mack’s two-run blast in the seventh and Caissie’s three-run homer in the eighth were late highlights from a huge offensive game for the Marlins, who have won six of their past seven.

Eury Perez (4-6) earned the win in his second start since returning from the injured list. Perez struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on two hits and four walks. Mickey Moniak homered for the Rockies. Tanner Gordon was tagged for five runs in five innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Dodgers #Dave #Roberts #fastest #wins">Deadspin | MLB roundup: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts becomes fastest to 1,000 wins Jun 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) gestures towards the crowd after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Athletics as he earns his 1000th career win as a manager at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images Tommy Edman had four hits, including a homer, and drove in four while manager Dave Roberts recorded his 1,000th career regular-season victory as the Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Athletics 9-3 on Tuesday in West Sacramento, Calif. Roberts, who is in his 11th season, became the fourth manager in Dodgers history to reach the 1,000-victory mark. Roberts’ 1,606 career games (1,000-606) are the fewest needed to reach 1,000 wins, 35 fewer games than the previous fastest mark, held by Cap Anson (1875-98). Miguel Rojas also went deep and drove in two runs and Mookie Betts had three hits as the Dodgers won for the seventh time in their past eight games. Los Angeles had 14 hits for a total of 31 over two nights while dominating the A’s both times. Justin Wrobleski (10-2) struck out a career-high 11 while throwing seven innings of three-run ball for Los Angeles. Colby Thomas went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer for the A’s. Jeffrey Springs (3-8) gave up six runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. Mariners 8, Angels 3 Bryan Woo set the single-season record for most consecutive scoreless innings at T-Mobile Park as Seattle defeated visiting Los Angeles. Woo opened with six scoreless frames to reach 32 overall before reliever Eduard Bazardo allowed a pair of inherited runners to score in the seventh. Woo (7-6), who won his fifth straight home start, was charged with two runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander walked one and struck out five. The Mariners managed just three hits off Angels starter Jose Soriano (8-5) through the first five innings before opening the sixth with three straight singles against him to break a scoreless tie and spark a five-run inning. Phillies 8, Pirates 0 Cristopher Sanchez worked seven strong innings while guiding Philadelphia to a win over visiting Pittsburgh. Sanchez (10-3) allowed just three hits and two walks, striking out nine as he became the first starting pitcher to reach 10 wins this season. Justin Crawford had three hits and three RBIs for the Phillies, while Trea Turner added a homer, a double and three RBIs on his 33rd birthday. Esmerlyn Valdez’s four-game homer streak came to an end, although the Pirates rookie still went 2-for-3 with a walk. Bubba Chandler (3-8) yielded five runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Tigers 9, Yankees 3 Riley Greene belted a pair of homers in consecutive at-bats off Cam Schlittler, Tarik Skubal pitched six innings and visiting Detroit cruised past New York. The Tigers slugged five home runs against the Yankees for the first time since Aug. 30, 2018, as Kerry Carpenter, Spencer Torkelson and James Outman also went deep. Skubal (4-4) allowed two runs (one earned) and one hit while fanning nine. Ben Rice homered, but the Yankees lost their season-high sixth straight game. Schlittler (8-5) was tagged for a career-worst six runs on seven hits in four-plus innings. He served up four homers, also a career high. Cubs 9, Padres 7 Dansby Swanson led a long-ball barrage with two home runs, and host Chicago held on for a win over San Diego. Alex Bregman hit a three-run shot and Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong had solo homers for the Cubs, who won their fourth straight. Matthew Boyd (3-1) allowed three runs over five-plus innings. Ryan Rolison recorded the last out to earn his first career save. Fernando Tatis Jr. hit two home runs and Manny Machado and Gavin Sheets also homered for the Padres, who have lost four in a row. JP Sears (1-1) gave up seven runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings. White Sox 9, Orioles 3 Colson Montgomery and Junior Perez homered during a seven-run third inning as visiting Chicago beat Baltimore, taking the first two games of the three-game series. Jacob Gonzalez had three hits and drove in three runs and Andrew Benintendi provided three hits as the White Sox won for the sixth time in eight games. They will win a series against Baltimore for the first time since July 2021 regardless of the result in the Wednesday afternoon series finale. Chicago’s Erick Fedde (3-6) went five innings and yielded three runs on five hits. Gunnar Henderson had two hits and scored two runs for the Orioles, whose losing streak grew to four games. They have lost six of their past seven games. Rangers 4, Guardians 2 Cleveland left fielder Cooper Ingle threw the ball into the stands, incorrectly thinking it was the third out of the seventh inning, to bring home Ezequiel Duran as the go-ahead run, leading Texas past the host Guardians. Duran led off the seventh with a single against Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee and moved to second on a groundout by Evan Carter. Alejandro Osuna followed with a routine fly to Ingle, who caught it and promptly threw it over the screen into the crowd down the left field line. Jacob deGrom (7-5) earned his fourth victory in his past five decisions for the Rangers, striking out nine over seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Bibee (2-9) also worked seven strong innings but received the loss when Ingle committed what was scored as a two-base error and an unearned run. Nationals 8, Red Sox 1 Cade Cavalli allowed one hit and struck out a career-high 13 batters in seven innings as visiting Washington defeated Boston. The only run Boston scored against Cavalli (5-4) was unearned. He didn’t issue a walk in his 100-pitch outing. The Red Sox managed just four hits as their five-game winning streak ended. CJ Abrams homered as the Nationals won for the third time in four games and leveled the three-game series at one victory apiece. James Wood finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Diamondbacks 8, Giants 2 Arizona ran its season-long winning streak against San Francisco to eight games, riding home runs from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Ketel Marte to a victory in Phoenix. Recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A and making his first big-league start since April 11, Brandon Pfaadt (1-1) gave up one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings. Gurriel, Marte, Gabriel Moreno and Max Kepler had two hits apiece for the Diamondbacks. Luis Arraez singled, tripled and homered for the Giants, and Rafael Devers also went deep. Landen Roupp (5-8) permitted six runs and walked six in 2 2/3 innings. Mets 3, Blue Jays 0 Nolan McLean struck out seven in six scoreless innings and visiting New York defeated Toronto to split the first two of a three-game series. McLean (5-5) allowed five hits and two walks, while Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens provided support with solo home runs. Former Blue Jay Bo Bichette went 1-for-4 for the Mets and made some excellent defensive plays at third base. Toronto starter Kevin Gausman (4-7) completed six innings, allowing one run on five hits. Luis Urias had two singles and a walk. Cardinals 5, Braves 3 Matthew Liberatore threw five strong innings and Nathan Church ended a long homerless streak to lead St. Louis over host Atlanta. Liberatore (4-5) allowed one run on one hit and four walks, striking out nine, to earn his first victory since May 31. Church blasted a three-run homer to cap a four-run rally in the fourth inning when the Cardinals took the lead. It was Church’s sixth home run but first since April 26. Ozzie Albies drove in two runs for the Braves. Martin Perez (5-6) yielded four runs on five hits in five innings. Brewers 7, Reds 2 Jake Bauers and Jackson Chourio homered and Brandon Sproat pitched effectively into the sixth inning as Milwaukee defeated visiting Cincinnati. The Brewers have won six straight against the Reds, including all five games this season. Bauers and Sal Frelick each had three hits to pace Milwaukee’s 14-hit attack. The Brewers gained control with four runs in the fourth off Rhett Lowder (3-6), opening the inning with five consecutive singles en route to a 5-1 lead. Sproat (3-4) allowed two runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings. Rays 10, Royals 4 Junior Caminero homered in his fifth consecutive game, a three-run shot to highlight Tampa Bay’s six-run third inning, and the Rays won their sixth straight game, beating host Kansas City. Ryan Vilade also homered and Griffin Jax (4-5) allowed three runs and struck out five over six innings to win his third straight start for the Rays. Caminero has clubbed eight of his 23 home runs in the past seven games. Bobby Witt Jr. socked a two-run homer in the third and an eighth-inning solo shot as part of a three-hit night for the Royals, who have lost five of six. Astros 6, Twins 4 Yordan Alvarez capped a six-run fourth inning with his third grand slam of the season as Houston rallied past visiting Minnesota. Alvarez tied the franchise record with his seventh career grand slam, joining Alex Bregman, Carlos Lee and Jose Altuve. It was his 26th home run of the season. The Astros evened the three-game series at one win apiece behind Alvarez and a resilient effort from Mike Burrows (4-8), who overcame a ragged first inning to go five frames of four-run ball. Twins starter Joe Ryan (5-5) permitted six runs on six hits in four innings. Ryan Kreidler hit a two-run single, and Kody Clemens produced two hits and two runs. Marlins 14, Rockies 3 Javier Sanoja, Joe Mack and Owen Caissie each hit a home run in Miami’s blowout win over Colorado in Denver. Sanoja hit a three-run shot in the third, extending the Marlins’ lead to 5-1. Mack’s two-run blast in the seventh and Caissie’s three-run homer in the eighth were late highlights from a huge offensive game for the Marlins, who have won six of their past seven. Eury Perez (4-6) earned the win in his second start since returning from the injured list. Perez struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on two hits and four walks. Mickey Moniak homered for the Rockies. Tanner Gordon was tagged for five runs in five innings. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Dodgers #Dave #Roberts #fastest #wins

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