First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT)
Venue: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

This interleague series opener pits the struggling Boston Red Sox against a hotter St. Louis Cardinals squad at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals’ home park since 2006. The Red Sox are on the road for this three-game set after a disappointing start to 2026, while the Cardinals open a homestand looking to build on their early-season momentum.

Weather Updates

Game-time conditions in St. Louis call for temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s°F (around 72-73°F) with mostly cloudy skies and south winds around 8 mph. There is a 40-60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the evening hours, which could lead to delays but is not currently expected to force a postponement. Humidity will be moderate (around 50-60%). Fans should monitor updates closer to first pitch, as April weather in the Midwest can shift quickly.

Injury Report Boston Red Sox:

1B Triston Casas (10-day IL, knee – patellar tendon repair; expected return ~May)

INF/C Anthony Seigler (10-day IL, knee)

RP Justin Slaten (15-day IL, oblique)

SP Patrick Sandoval (15-day IL, elbow)

SP Kutter Crawford (15-day IL, elbow; expected return ~May)

St. Louis Cardinals:

SP Hunter Dobbins (15-day IL, knee)

RP Matt Pushard (15-day IL, knee)

OF Lars Nootbaar (60-day IL, heel)

Neither team has major lineup-altering injuries impacting tonight’s starters or key position players, though both clubs are missing rotation depth and some power bats.

Player Matchups & Probable Pitchers

BOS: LHP Connelly Early (0-0, 2.89 ERA)
The 2026 breakout prospect (9.1 IP, 10 K, 6 BB) makes his first career start against the Cardinals. Early has been sharp early in the season with strong strikeout stuff against right-handed hitters.

STL: RHP Dustin May (0-2, 15.95 ERA)
May has struggled mightily in limited 2026 action (7.1 IP, 17 H, 13 ER). Career numbers vs. current Red Sox batters are mixed but include solid marks against Trevor Story (.267) and Jarren Duran (.333).

Key Offensive Matchups:

BOS bats vs. May: William Contreras (newly acquired from STL) faces his former club for the first time; Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder, and Jarren Duran provide speed and power. The Red Sox hit .226/.310/.356 as a team but own a .697 OPS vs. lefties.

STL bats vs. Early: Alec Burleson (.290 BA, .801 OPS), Juan Herrera, and Nolan Gorman lead a Cardinals lineup that ranks higher in run scoring (4.92 RS/G) and hits lefties hard (.797 OPS vs. LHP). Masyn Winn and others could exploit any command issues from the young lefty.

Recent Team Forms

Red Sox (3-7 last 10): Boston has shown flashes (wins over Milwaukee) but has been inconsistent, dropping series to San Diego, Houston, and Cincinnati. Their offense has been quiet (3.67 RS/G), and the bullpen has been taxed on the road.

Cardinals (5-5 last 10): St. Louis has been streaky but competitive, winning high-scoring games and extra-inning thrillers while going 4-2 at Busch. They have performed well against righties (7-3) but have been vulnerable vs. lefties (0-2).

Series History

All-time record is tied at 14-14. Boston swept St. Louis 3-0 in 2025, while the Cardinals took 2 of 3 in 2024. Recent interleague meetings have featured high-scoring affairs (e.g., 18-7, 13-9). Tonight marks the first 2026 meeting.

Betting Trends

The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Boston’s last 19 games. Cardinals are 3-2 in their last 5 overall and vs. the spread.

Other notes: BOS is just 4-6 as favorites this season; STL has won 6 of 10 as underdogs.

Game Odds

Boston Red Sox                 – 149

St. Louis Cardinals           7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:

• Recalled RHP Luis Gil (#81) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
• Designated RHP Cade Winquest for assignment.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM ET (6:40 PM CDT)
Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Brewers home)

Weather Updates: Game-time conditions at American Family Field are forecast to be cool and typical for early April in Milwaukee—temperatures in the mid-40s°F (around 44-48°F at first pitch, dropping into the low 40s by late innings), partly cloudy skies, humidity around 70%, light winds (5-7 mph from the southwest), and a very low precipitation chance (under 10-20%). No delays expected; the cooler air may slightly suppress offense and favor pitchers with good command, though the roof remains open in these conditions. Layers recommended for fans.

This early-season interleague (NL-only) matchup opens a three-game weekend series between a rebuilding Nationals club near the bottom of the NL East and a red-hot Brewers team sitting atop the NL Central. Milwaukee has been one of the league’s biggest surprises with elite pitching and timely hitting, while Washington continues to struggle with consistency and injuries. American Family Field’s spacious outfield could limit power but reward defense in the cool evening air.

Team Records and Standings Context

Washington Nationals: 4-8 overall (.333 PCT), 5th in NL East (3.5 GB). Negative run differential early (~5.9 RS / ~6.5 RA per game) with offensive inconsistencies and a shaky bullpen; they are 3-3 on the road but just 1-5 in their last 6.

Milwaukee Brewers: 8-4 overall (.667 PCT), 1st in NL Central. Positive run differential (~5.8 RS / ~3.8 RA per game) driven by strong starting pitching and home success (5-1 at American Family Field).

The Brewers hold the clear early-season edge in standings, form, and home dominance.

Recent Team Forms

Washington Nationals (last 5-6 games):

Recent results include a 7-6 extra-inning loss vs. St. Louis, a 9-6 win vs. St. Louis, and multiple losses to the Dodgers (including 10-5 and 8-6).
Recent form: 3-7 in last 10 (offense has shown flashes but pitching has allowed too many runs; L2 streak entering). The Nationals have been outscored by five runs over their last 10 games overall.

Milwaukee Brewers (last 5-6 games):

Dropped the final two games of a series in Boston (including a 5-0 shutout loss on Apr 8) but won earlier road games vs. Kansas City and Boston.
Recent form: 6-4 in last 10 (W6-4 overall; pitching dominant but offense cooled slightly in recent Boston losses; L2 streak entering). The Brewers have outscored opponents by seven runs in their last 10 games and remain 7-0 when recording at least eight hits.

Injury Report

Washington Nationals: Significant long-term pitching absences include RHP Josiah Gray (right flexor strain, 60-day IL, expected return late May), LHP DJ Herz (Tommy John recovery, 60-day IL), RHP Trevor Williams (right elbow sprain, 60-day IL), and RHP Jarlin Susana (60-day IL). RP Joan Adon is OUT for this game. No major new position-player injuries reported, but depth is stretched across the rotation and bullpen.

Milwaukee Brewers: Key absences include OF Jackson Chourio (fractured left hand, 10-day IL, expected return in 2-4 weeks), INF Andrew Vaughn (hamate fracture in left hand, 10-day IL), and several pitchers: RHP Quinn Priester (thoracic outlet syndrome, 15-day IL), LHP Rob Zastryzny (strained back, 15-day IL), and others like RHP Craig Yoho (calf) and INF/OF Akil Baddoo (quad). 2B Brice Turang (left ankle tendinitis) is probable/expected back for this series. Bullpen and outfield depth are tested but the core lineup is functional.

Key Player Matchups

Starting Pitchers Duel: Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (1-1, 8.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 11 K in limited innings) makes the start—he has struggled against Milwaukee historically (0-5, 6.59 ERA in six career starts vs. them). Brewers RHP Chad Patrick (1-0, 0.96 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, strong early command) looks to stay dominant at home; his ground-ball profile and strikeout stuff give Milwaukee a clear edge in favorable conditions.

Nationals Offense vs. Brewers Defense/Bullpen: Washington relies on contact and speed amid injuries; they’ll test Milwaukee’s depleted relief corps in later innings.

Brewers Attack vs. Nationals Pitching/Defense: Milwaukee’s lineup (led by consistent producers like Gary Sanchez with three early homers) will look to exploit Irvin’s command issues. The Brewers are 7-0 when recording eight or more hits.

Series History

This is the first 2026 regular-season meeting (0-0 head-to-head). Historically, the Brewers dominate recent matchups (5-0 in their last five vs. Washington and 6-0 in the 2025 season series). Milwaukee has won eight of the last 10 overall meetings, with games often trending toward moderate-to-high totals at home. This three-game set (Fri-Sun) marks the only 2026 series between the clubs.

Betting Trends

Nationals: 3-7 in last 10 overall; road underdogs have been inconsistent (1-5 in last 6); totals have trended over in several Irvin starts due to high ERA.

Brewers: 6-4 in last 10; 7-0 when recording eight or more hits; home favorites strong at American Family Field (5-1 record); recent games have stayed competitive but pitching has limited runs.

Early April games at American Family Field in cool weather often favor the home side and stay around the total in strong pitching matchups.

Game Odds

Washington Nationals   8.5

Milwaukee Brewers       – 207

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

First Pitch is scheduled for 6:40 PM CDT (7:40 PM EDT)
Venue: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO (Kansas City Royals home)

Weather Updates: Mild early-season conditions are forecast for Kauffman Stadium—game-time temperatures in the mid-to-upper 60s°F (around 61-73°F range with daytime highs near 70°F), partly cloudy skies, humidity in the 50-60% range, light winds (5-10 mph from the south/southwest, potentially aiding fly balls slightly), and a low precipitation chance (under 20%). No delays expected; standard ball carry in comfortable, non-extreme April weather that should play fairly neutral for hitters and pitchers.

This AL Central divisional series opener pits two struggling clubs still searching for consistency early in 2026. Both sit at 5-8 and near the bottom of the division, with the Royals holding a slight edge in recent home play but the White Sox coming off a shutout victory in the Thursday night matchup. Kauffman Stadium’s spacious outfield could reward defense and limit power, setting up a pitching-focused battle.

Team Records and Standings Context

Chicago White Sox: 5-8 overall (.385 PCT), 4th/5th in AL Central (3+ GB). Negative run differential early with offensive woes (low batting average and runs scored) but flashes of strong pitching; they are 2-5 on the road.

Kansas City Royals: 5-8 overall (.385 PCT), 3rd/4th in AL Central (3 GB). Modest run differential with quiet bats lately but solid home tendencies (3-4 at Kauffman); they are looking to avoid falling further behind in the division.

Both teams are off to disappointing starts, but the Royals’ home-field advantage and recent divisional history give them a slight edge.

Recent Team Forms

Chicago White Sox (last 5-6 games):

Apr 9: W 2-0 @ Kansas City Royals (shutout road win).

Apr 8: L 5-3 vs. Baltimore Orioles.

Apr 7: L 4-2 vs. Baltimore Orioles.

Apr 6: L 2-1 vs. Baltimore Orioles.

Earlier April: Mixed results including wins vs. Toronto.
Recent form: 2-3 (W1 streak; pitching dominant in the latest shutout but offense struggled in the Baltimore series). The White Sox have shown improvement on the road but remain inconsistent overall.

Kansas City Royals (last 5 games):

Apr 9: L 2-0 vs. Chicago White Sox.

Apr 8: L 10-2 vs. Cleveland Guardians (earlier series).

Apr 7: L 2-1 vs. Cleveland Guardians.

Apr 6: W 4-2 vs. Cleveland Guardians.

Earlier: Mixed vs. Milwaukee and Minnesota.
Recent form: 1-4 (L3 streak entering the White Sox series; offense stalled with low run totals in recent losses). The Royals have been quiet at the plate lately and need a bounce-back at home.

Injury Report

Chicago White Sox: Multiple key absences—OF Austin Hays (hamstring, 10-day IL), OF Everson Pereira (ankle, 10-day IL), C Kyle Teel (hamstring, 10-day IL), INF Brooks Baldwin (elbow, 60-day IL), and several pitchers on IL including Drew Thorpe (elbow, 15-day IL), Prelander Berroa (elbow, 15-day IL), Mike Vasil (elbow, 60-day IL), and Ky Bush (elbow, 60-day IL). Outfield and rotation depth are significantly tested.

Kansas City Royals: Pitching-heavy injuries—RHP Cole Ragans (thumb, day-to-day), RHP Bailey Falter (elbow, 15-day IL), RHP Carlos Estévez (foot, 15-day IL), RHP Stephen Kolek (oblique, 15-day IL), RHP James McArthur (elbow, 15-day IL), and RHP Alec Marsh (shoulder, 60-day IL). Bullpen and rotation flexibility impacted, but position players are mostly available.

Key Player Matchups

Starting Pitchers Duel: White Sox RHP Davis Martin (2-0, 2.45 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 12 K in 11 IP) makes the start—he has been excellent early with command and strikeout stuff. Royals LHP Kris Bubic (1-1, 4.09 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 12 K in 11 IP) looks to rebound; his ground-ball tendencies could play well in Kauffman’s spacious outfield. Martin gives Chicago the pitching edge.

White Sox Offense vs. Royals Defense/Bullpen: Chicago relies on contact hitters amid injuries; they’ll test Kansas City’s depleted relief corps after strong recent pitching outings.

Royals Attack vs. White Sox Pitching/Defense: Kansas City’s lineup (led by consistent veterans) needs to break out against Martin’s efficiency. Chicago’s defense has been reliable but the bullpen could be vulnerable late.

Series History

This is the second 2026 meeting (White Sox lead the early season series 1-0 after the Apr 9 shutout). Historically, the Royals dominate the rivalry (22-5 in the last three seasons including 2026 early games). Kauffman Stadium games have often been lower-scoring, with the home team splitting recent results. This three-game set (Fri-Sun) could be key for early divisional positioning.

Betting Trends

White Sox: Strong recent underdog pitching performances (e.g., shutout on Apr 9); totals under in several Martin starts; road struggles but covered as + underdogs lately.

Royals: 1-4 SU in last 5; home favorites have been inconsistent with quiet offense; Kauffman in April often trends toward unders with mild weather and pitching duels.

Divisional AL Central matchups favor the home side slightly but recent H2H has been competitive.

Game Odds

Chicago White Sox          8

Kansas City Royals           – 181

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026

First Pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM EDT
Venue: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves home)

Weather Updates: Game-time conditions at Truist Park are forecast to be ideal for early-season baseball—mild temperatures around 70-75°F (highs near 79°F earlier in the day cooling slightly by first pitch), low humidity (~40-50%), mostly clear to partly cloudy skies, light winds (5 mph or less, variable but potentially blowing in slightly from left field), and 0% chance of precipitation. No delays anticipated; standard ball carry in comfortable, non-extreme conditions that should favor neither hitters nor pitchers excessively.

This interleague crossover opens a three-game weekend series between two early-season division leaders with identical 8-5 records. The Guardians sit atop the AL Central with strong pitching and timely hitting, while the Braves hold a top spot in the NL East and boast one of the league’s hotter offenses at home. Truist Park’s dimensions could reward power if the bats stay hot.

Team Records and Standings Context

Cleveland Guardians: 8-5 overall (.615 PCT), 1st in AL Central. Solid run differential early (~3.0 RS / ~3.4 RA per game) with elite defense and bullpen depth; they are 4-3 on the road and carry momentum from a competitive start.

Atlanta Braves: 8-5 overall (.615 PCT), 1st/2nd in NL East. Positive run differential driven by strong scoring (~4.8 RS / ~2.5 RA per game) and home success; they are 4-3 at home and looking to build on their balanced attack.

Both clubs rank among the league’s top performers through two weeks, setting up a high-quality matchup with playoff implications already in play.

Recent Team Forms

Cleveland Guardians (last 5-6 games):

Recent results include a split series vs. Kansas City and strong showings against weaker foes, with timely offense and bullpen work.
Recent form: 4-2 (balanced; pitching dominant in wins but offense occasionally quiet). They’ve shown resilience on the road.

Atlanta Braves (last 5 games):

Hot streak with multi-run outbursts and strong starting pitching; recent home/road splits show offensive firepower.
Recent form: 4-1 (W2 or better streak; consistent scoring and shutdown relief). The Braves enter rolling and motivated at Truist Park.

Injury Report

Cleveland Guardians: SS Gabriel Arias (left hamstring strain, 10-day IL since April 7/8; expected return mid-to-late May). CF George Valera (calf strain, out until at least April 10 or longer). Additional depth pieces like a lat strain for one pitcher; infield and outfield flexibility tested but core lineup mostly intact.

Atlanta Braves: C Sean Murphy (right hip labral tear, 10-day IL; begins rehab assignment April 10, out until mid-to-late April). SS Ha-Seong Kim (torn tendon in right middle finger/hand surgery, 10-day IL; out until early May). SP with oblique strain (out until mid-April). Rotation and catching depth impacted, but veteran options available.

Key Player Matchups

Starting Pitchers Duel: Guardians RHP Slade Cecconi (0-1, 5.23 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 11 K in 10.1 IP) makes the start—he has swing-and-miss stuff but has been hittable early. Braves RHP Bryce Elder (1-1, 0.00 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 13 K in 13.0 IP) is rolling with elite command and ground-ball tendencies that should thrive at Truist Park. Elder gives Atlanta a clear pitching edge.

Guardians Offense (José Ramírez, Steven Kwan, etc.) vs. Braves Defense/Bullpen: Cleveland’s contact-oriented lineup and speed will test Atlanta’s injury-thinned infield and middle relief. Look for extra-base hits and small-ball opportunities.

Braves Attack vs. Guardians Pitching/Defense: Atlanta’s power (led by consistent veterans) will look to exploit any command issues from Cecconi in a slightly hitter-friendly park. Cleveland’s elite defense could limit damage.

Series History

This is the first 2026 regular-season meeting (0-0 head-to-head). Historically, the Braves hold a narrow edge (16-14 overall in recent decades) with Atlanta winning 5-4 in their most recent 2025 matchup. Interleague games between these clubs have often been competitive and moderate-scoring; this three-game set marks the only 2026 series.

Betting Trends

Guardians: 4-2 SU in recent games; road underdogs have covered with strong pitching; totals under in several Cecconi starts.

Braves: 4-1 SU recently; home favorites strong at Truist Park (consistent covers); totals around 8-9 trending slightly over in high-scoring home games but under in strong pitching matchups.

Early April interleague play at Truist Park favors the home side with moderate totals in mild weather.

Game Odds

Cleveland Guardians      8.5

Atlanta Braves                  – 136

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026