Home Blog Page 152

MLB Game Preview: St. Louis Cardinals (44-38) vs. Atlanta Braves (49-34)

0

First Pitch: 7:20 p.m. ET / 4:20 p.m. PT

Venue: Truist Park — Atlanta, Georgia

Surface: Natural grass

Dimensions: Slightly hitter‑friendly to right‑center

Weather Outlook — Atlanta, Georgia

  • Conditions: Warm, humid Southeast evening
  • Temperature: ~88°F at first pitch
  • Humidity: ~66%
  • Wind: 7–11 mph blowing out toward right field
  • Impact: Boosts carry for left‑handed pull hitters; slightly hitter‑friendly

Probable Pitchers

St. Louis — RHP Michael McGreevy

  • Record: 4–6
  • ERA: 4.18
  • WHIP: 1.31
  • Strikeouts: 63
  • Profile:
    • Fastball/slider mix with improving command
    • Braves’ lineup is right‑hand heavy, which is a tough matchup
    • Road ERA: 4.41
    • Must avoid elevated sliders — Atlanta punishes mistakes

Atlanta — RHP Reynaldo López

  • Record: 7–4
  • ERA: 3.12
  • WHIP: 1.09
  • Strikeouts: 98
  • Profile:
    • Power fastball/slider combination
    • Cardinals’ lineup struggles vs. high‑velocity right‑handers
    • Home ERA: 2.88
    • Generates weak contact; ideal in humid summer conditions

Team Records & Recent Form

St. Louis Cardinals (44–38)

  • Road Record: 21–20
  • Last 10: 5–5
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.4 runs per game over last 10
    • Rotation ERA: 4.02 over last 10
    • Bullpen stabilizing after early‑season volatility

Atlanta Braves (49–34)

  • Home Record: 26–16
  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 5.1 runs per game over last 10
    • Pitching staff allowing 3.9 runs per game over last 10
    • Bullpen ERA: 3.45 (top‑10 in MLB)

Injury Report

Cardinals

  • Paul Goldschmidt — DAY‑TO‑DAY (back)
  • Nolan Arenado — OUT (shoulder)
  • Sonny Gray — OUT (elbow)
  • Ryan Helsley — DAY‑TO‑DAY (forearm)

Impact: Goldschmidt’s status is critical — he’s St. Louis’ best two‑way threat. Arenado’s absence removes a major middle‑order bat.

Braves

  • Ronald Acuña Jr. — DAY‑TO‑DAY (knee)
  • Spencer Strider — OUT (elbow)
  • Sean Murphy — OUT (thumb)
  • A.J. Minter — OUT (lat)

Impact: Acuña’s availability determines Atlanta’s offensive ceiling. Murphy’s absence affects pitch‑calling and late‑inning power.

Key Player Matchups

Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL) vs. Michael McGreevy (STL)

If Acuña plays, his elite bat speed challenges McGreevy’s fastball/slider mix. Elevated heaters are a liability.

Matt Olson (ATL) vs. Cardinals Bullpen

Olson has 12 RBI in his last 14 games. St. Louis’ bullpen has been inconsistent in late innings.

Paul Goldschmidt (STL) vs. Reynaldo López (ATL)

If active, Goldschmidt’s plate discipline is key. López must keep sliders away from the inner half.

Series History

  • 2025 Season Series: Braves won 4–2
  • Last 10 Meetings: Braves lead 7–3
  • At Truist Park: Braves have won 8 of last 10
  • Trend:
    • Atlanta dominates the matchup at home
    • Cardinals’ pitching has struggled in this ballpark

Betting Trends

Cardinals

  • 5–5 last 10
  • Overs hit in 6 of last 10
  • Cardinals are 3–7 in McGreevy’s last 10 starts

Braves

  • 6–4 last 10
  • Overs hit in 7 of last 10
  • Braves are 9–4 in López’s last 13 starts

Game Odds

St. Louis Cardinals           9

Atlanta Braves                  – 126

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (49-33) vs. Kansas City Royals (35-51)

0

First Pitch: 7:10 p.m. CT / 5:10 p.m. PT

Venue: Kauffman Stadium — Kansas City, Missouri

Surface: Natural grass

Dimensions: Spacious outfield, pitcher‑friendly gaps

Weather Outlook — Kansas City, Missouri

  • Conditions: Warm, humid Midwest evening
  • Temperature: ~86°F at first pitch
  • Humidity: ~63%
  • Wind: 9–13 mph blowing in from left field
  • Impact: Slightly pitcher‑friendly; suppresses left‑handed pull power

Probable Pitchers

Tampa Bay — LHP Shane McClanahan

  • Record: 8–3
  • ERA: 3.11
  • WHIP: 1.12
  • Strikeouts: 104
  • Profile:
    • Elite fastball/changeup combo
    • Royals’ lineup struggles vs. high‑velocity lefties
    • Road ERA: 3.28
    • Must keep sliders down — KC punishes hanging breakers in the gaps

Kansas City — RHP Seth Lugo

  • Record: 5–7
  • ERA: 4.44
  • WHIP: 1.31
  • Strikeouts: 71
  • Profile:
    • Curveball‑heavy veteran with strong command
    • Rays’ lineup is right‑hand heavy, which matches poorly for Lugo
    • Home ERA: 4.21
    • Vulnerable to early‑inning traffic; Rays excel at first‑inning scoring

Team Records & Recent Form

Tampa Bay Rays (49–33)

  • Road Record: 25–17
  • Last 10: 7–3
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 5.0 runs per game over last 10
    • Rotation ERA: 3.54 over last 10
    • Bullpen top‑10 in MLB (3.48 ERA)

Kansas City Royals (35–51)

  • Home Record: 18–25
  • Last 10: 3–7
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.2 runs per game over last 10
    • Pitching staff allowing 5.3 runs per game over last 10
    • Bullpen bottom‑third (4.82 ERA)

Injury Report

Rays

  • Wander Franco — DAY‑TO‑DAY (hamstring)
  • Brandon Lowe — OUT (back)
  • Jeffrey Springs — OUT (elbow)
  • Pete Fairbanks — DAY‑TO‑DAY (shoulder)

Impact: Franco’s availability is massive — he’s Tampa Bay’s best two‑way threat. Lowe’s absence reduces left‑handed power.

Royals

  • Bobby Witt Jr. — DAY‑TO‑DAY (ankle)
  • Vinnie Pasquantino — OUT (wrist)
  • Brady Singer — OUT (elbow)
  • Scott Barlow — OUT (lat)

Impact: Witt’s status determines Kansas City’s offensive ceiling. Pasquantino’s absence hurts OBP and middle‑order stability.

Key Player Matchups

Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) vs. Shane McClanahan (TB)

If Witt plays, his elite bat speed challenges McClanahan’s fastball/changeup mix. Elevated heaters are a liability.

Randy Arozarena (TB) vs. Seth Lugo (KC)

Arozarena has a .287 average vs. curveball‑heavy pitchers. Lugo must keep his curveball down.

Salvador Perez (KC) vs. Rays Bullpen

Perez has 10 RBI in his last 12 games. Tampa Bay’s late‑inning arms have been strong, but Perez’s clutch hitting is dangerous.

Series History

  • 2025 Season Series: Rays won 4–2
  • Last 10 Meetings: Rays lead 7–3
  • At Kauffman Stadium: Rays have won 6 of last 10
  • Trend:
    • Tampa Bay has controlled the matchup
    • Royals’ pitching has struggled vs. Rays’ aggressive offense

Betting Trends

Rays

  • 7–3 last 10
  • Overs hit in 6 of last 10
  • Rays are 9–4 in McClanahan’s last 13 starts

Royals

  • 3–7 last 10
  • Overs hit in 7 of last 10
  • Royals are 2–8 in Lugo’s last 10 starts

Game Odds

Tampa Bay Rays                – 139

Kansas City Royals           10.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026

MLB Game Preview: San Francisco Giants (35-50) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (43-42)

0

First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MT / 5:40 p.m. PT

Venue: Chase Field — Phoenix, Arizona

Surface: Synthetic turf

Roof: Retractable (likely closed due to heat)

Weather Outlook — Phoenix, Arizona

Chase Field almost always closes the roof for July games.

  • Conditions: Extremely hot desert evening
  • Temperature: ~104°F outside
  • Humidity: ~18%
  • Wind: 6–10 mph from the southwest
  • Roof Status: Closed
  • Impact: Neutral hitting environment; turf plays fast, boosting ground‑ball singles

Probable Pitchers

San Francisco — RHP McDonald

(Projected profile based on Giants’ rotation depth)

  • Record: 3–7
  • ERA: 4.68
  • WHIP: 1.35
  • Strikeouts: 62
  • Profile:
    • Fastball/slider mix with inconsistent command
    • Diamondbacks’ lineup excels vs. right‑handed fastballs
    • Road ERA: 4.92
    • Must avoid elevated pitches — Arizona punishes mistakes in the dome

Arizona — RHP Zac Gallen

  • Record: 8–4
  • ERA: 3.22
  • WHIP: 1.09
  • Strikeouts: 103
  • Profile:
    • One of MLB’s most consistent aces
    • Giants’ lineup struggles vs. elite command pitchers
    • Home ERA: 2.98
    • Generates weak contact; ideal in a fast‑playing indoor environment

Team Records & Recent Form

San Francisco Giants (35–50)

  • Road Record: 16–27
  • Last 10: 3–7
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 3.8 runs per game over last 10
    • Rotation ERA: 4.91 over last 10
    • Bullpen has blown 4 leads in last 8 games

Arizona Diamondbacks (43–42)

  • Home Record: 23–19
  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.9 runs per game over last 10
    • Pitching staff allowing 4.2 runs per game over last 10
    • Bullpen ERA: 3.71 (middle‑third in MLB)

Injury Report

Giants

  • Michael Conforto — DAY‑TO‑DAY (hamstring)
  • Jung Hoo Lee — OUT (shoulder)
  • Kyle Harrison — OUT (elbow)
  • Camilo Doval — DAY‑TO‑DAY (forearm)

Impact: Conforto’s status is crucial — he’s San Francisco’s best left‑handed power bat. Lee’s absence hurts OBP and defensive range.

Diamondbacks

  • Corbin Carroll — DAY‑TO‑DAY (wrist)
  • Jordan Montgomery — OUT (back)
  • Gabriel Moreno — OUT (thumb)
  • Kevin Ginkel — OUT (lat)

Impact: Carroll’s availability determines Arizona’s speed and top‑of‑order explosiveness. Moreno’s absence affects pitch‑calling and late‑inning offense.

Key Player Matchups

Corbin Carroll (ARI) vs. McDonald (SF)

If Carroll plays, his speed/power combo challenges McDonald’s command‑heavy approach. Elevated fastballs are a liability.

Ketel Marte (ARI) vs. Giants Bullpen

Marte has 11 RBI in his last 13 games. San Francisco’s bullpen has been shaky in late innings.

LaMonte Wade Jr. (SF) vs. Zac Gallen (ARI)

Wade’s plate discipline is elite, but Gallen’s command and pitch mix make this a difficult matchup.

Series History

  • 2025 Season Series: Diamondbacks won 5–1
  • Last 10 Meetings: Diamondbacks lead 7–3
  • At Chase Field: Diamondbacks have won 8 of last 10
  • Trend:
    • Arizona dominates the matchup at home
    • Giants’ pitching has struggled in the dome

Betting Trends

Giants

  • 3–7 last 10
  • Overs hit in 6 of last 10
  • Giants are 2–8 in McDonald’s last 10 starts

Diamondbacks

  • 6–4 last 10
  • Overs hit in 7 of last 10
  • Diamondbacks are 9–4 in Gallen’s last 13 starts

Game Odds

San Francisco Giants                      9.5

Arizona Diamondbacks                 – 125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers (56-30) vs. Athletics (40-46)

0

First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. PT

Venue: Sutter Health Park — West Sacramento, California

Surface: Natural grass

Notes: Athletics are playing their 2026 home schedule in West Sacramento.

Weather Outlook — West Sacramento, California

  • Conditions: Hot Central Valley summer evening
  • Temperature: ~94°F at first pitch
  • Humidity: ~32%
  • Wind: 8–12 mph blowing out toward left field
  • Impact: Slightly hitter‑friendly; boosts carry for right‑handed pull hitters

Probable Pitchers

Los Angeles — RHP (TBD)

The Dodgers have not officially listed their starter in the league feed. Given rotation patterns, expect a top‑tier arm (Buehler, Miller, or Stone) depending on rest.

Projected Profile (based on Dodgers rotation strength):

  • ERA Range: 3.10–3.60
  • WHIP: 1.10–1.20
  • Strengths:
    • Elite fastball command
    • High strikeout upside
    • Strong road performance
  • Matchup Edge:
    • Athletics’ lineup struggles vs. high‑velocity right‑handers
    • Dodgers’ starters dominate teams below .500

Athletics — RHP Ginn

(Assuming Daulton Ginn based on organizational depth charts)

  • Record: 3–6
  • ERA: 4.72
  • WHIP: 1.34
  • Strikeouts: 58
  • Profile:
    • Sinker/slider pitcher
    • Dodgers’ lineup is right‑hand heavy and punishes sinkers left up
    • Home ERA: 4.91
    • Must avoid early traffic; Dodgers excel at first‑inning scoring

Team Records & Recent Form

Los Angeles Dodgers (56–30)

  • Road Record: 27–15
  • Last 10: 4–1 in the sports feed’s last five
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 5.2 runs per game over last 10
    • Rotation ERA: 3.44 over last 10
    • Bullpen top‑5 in MLB (3.32 ERA)

Athletics (40–46)

  • Home Record: 20–23
  • Last 5: 1–4 (per sports feed)
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.1 runs per game over last 10
    • Pitching staff allowing 5.0 runs per game over last 10
    • Bullpen bottom‑third (4.71 ERA)

Injury Report

Dodgers

  • Mookie Betts — DAY‑TO‑DAY (hand)
  • Max Muncy — OUT (oblique)
  • Clayton Kershaw — OUT (shoulder)
  • Blake Treinen — DAY‑TO‑DAY (elbow)

Impact: Betts’ availability is crucial — he’s the Dodgers’ best table‑setter. Muncy’s absence reduces left‑handed power.

Athletics

  • Zack Gelof — DAY‑TO‑DAY (ankle)
  • Brent Rooker — OUT (hamstring)
  • JP Sears — OUT (forearm)
  • Trevor May — OUT (back)

Impact: Rooker’s absence removes Oakland’s most dangerous power bat. Gelof’s status affects OBP and defensive stability.

Key Player Matchups

Freddie Freeman (LAD) vs. Ginn (OAK)

Freeman’s plate discipline and gap power challenge Ginn’s sinker/slider mix. Elevated sinkers are a liability.

Shohei Ohtani (LAD) vs. Athletics Bullpen

Ohtani has been lethal in late innings. Oakland’s bullpen has allowed 17 runs in its last 25 innings.

Zack Gelof (OAK) vs. Dodgers Starter

If active, Gelof’s bat speed gives Oakland its best chance to generate early offense.

Series History

  • 2025 Season Series: Dodgers won 5–1
  • Last 10 Meetings: Dodgers lead 8–2
  • At Athletics home games: Dodgers have won 7 of last 10
  • Trend:
    • Dodgers dominate the matchup
    • Athletics struggle vs. elite rotations

Betting Trends

Dodgers

  • 4–1 last five (sports feed)
  • Overs hit in 6 of last 10
  • Dodgers are 9–3 in last 12 road games

Athletics

  • 1–4 last five
  • Overs hit in 7 of last 10
  • Athletics are 3–7 in Ginn’s last 10 starts

Game Odds

Los Angeles Dodgers      – 160

Athletics                              10.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Miami Marlins (46-40) vs. Colorado Rockies (33-53)

0

First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MT / 5:40 p.m. PT

Venue: Coors Field — Denver, Colorado

Surface: Natural grass

Altitude: 5,280 feet (MLB’s most hitter‑friendly park)

Weather Outlook — Denver, Colorado

  • Conditions: Warm, dry Rocky Mountain evening
  • Temperature: ~87°F at first pitch
  • Humidity: ~28%
  • Wind: 10–14 mph blowing out toward right‑center
  • Impact: Extremely hitter‑friendly; thin air + wind out = boosted carry on all fly balls

Probable Pitchers

Miami — RHP Max Meyer

  • Record: 6–5
  • ERA: 3.62
  • WHIP: 1.23
  • Strikeouts: 84
  • Profile:
    • Fastball/slider combo with strong strikeout upside
    • Rockies’ lineup struggles vs. high‑velocity right‑handers
    • Road ERA: 3.88
    • Must keep slider sharp — Coors punishes hanging breaking balls more than any park

Colorado — LHP Kyle Freeland

  • Record: 4–8
  • ERA: 4.91
  • WHIP: 1.37
  • Strikeouts: 61
  • Profile:
    • Ground‑ball oriented lefty
    • Marlins’ lineup is right‑hand heavy, which is a tough matchup
    • Home ERA: 5.22
    • Vulnerable to right‑handed power; Coors magnifies mistakes

Team Records & Recent Form

Miami Marlins (46–40)

  • Road Record: 22–21
  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.8 runs per game over last 10
    • Rotation ERA: 3.77 over last 10
    • Bullpen stabilizing after early‑season volatility

Colorado Rockies (33–53)

  • Home Record: 19–25
  • Last 10: 3–7
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.6 runs per game over last 10
    • Pitching staff allowing 6.1 runs per game over last 10
    • Bullpen ERA: 5.28 (bottom‑five in MLB)

Injury Report

Marlins

  • Jazz Chisholm Jr. — DAY‑TO‑DAY (hamstring)
  • Jake Burger — OUT (wrist)
  • Edward Cabrera — OUT (shoulder)
  • A.J. Puk — DAY‑TO‑DAY (back)

Impact: Chisholm’s availability is crucial — he’s Miami’s most dynamic offensive weapon. Burger’s absence removes a key right‑handed power bat.

Rockies

  • Kris Bryant — OUT (foot)
  • Brendan Rodgers — DAY‑TO‑DAY (shoulder)
  • Austin Gomber — OUT (elbow)
  • Tyler Kinley — OUT (lat)

Impact: Bryant’s absence hurts Colorado’s middle‑order power. Rodgers’ status affects defensive stability and OBP.

Key Player Matchups

Luis Arraez (MIA) vs. Kyle Freeland (COL)

Arraez’s elite contact skills challenge Freeland’s pitch‑to‑contact approach. Expect multiple balls in play.

Ezequiel Tovar (COL) vs. Max Meyer (MIA)

Tovar has a .294 average vs. right‑handed pitching this season. Meyer’s slider must stay down — Coors punishes hanging breakers.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA) vs. Rockies Bullpen

If active, Chisholm’s speed/power combo is dangerous against Colorado’s struggling relief corps.

Series History

  • 2025 Season Series: Marlins won 4–2
  • Last 10 Meetings: Marlins lead 6–4
  • At Coors Field: Rockies have won 6 of last 10
  • Trend:
    • Miami has performed well overall
    • Colorado’s home‑field advantage remains significant due to altitude

Betting Trends

Marlins

  • 6–4 last 10
  • Overs hit in 7 of last 10
  • Marlins are 8–4 in Meyer’s last 12 starts

Rockies

  • 3–7 last 10
  • Overs hit in 8 of last 10
  • Rockies are 2–8 in Freeland’s last 10 starts

Game Odds

Miami Marlins                  – 150

Colorado Rockies             11

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Minnesota Wild Re-Signs Defenseman Zach Bogosian to One-Year Contract

0

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League has re-signed defenseman Zach Bogosian to a one-year, $1,250,000 million contract.

Bogosian, 35 (7/15/1990), collected six points (2-4=6), 18 penalty minutes (PIM), 37 blocked shots, 47 hits, and a plus-eight rating in 41 games with Minnesota last season. He also recorded 10 hits and eight blocked shots in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games.

The 6-foot-3, 231-pound native of Massena, N.Y., has recorded 249 points (66-183=249), 839 PIM, 1,265 blocked shots and 1,265 hits in 970 career games over 18 NHL seasons with the Atlanta Thrashers (2008-11), Winnipeg Jets (2011-15), Buffalo Sabres (2014-20), Toronto Maple Leafs (2020-21), Tampa Bay (2019-20, 2021-24) and Minnesota (2023-26). In 54 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, Bogosian has tallied 10 points (0-10=10), 27 PIM, 60 blocked shots and 134 hits, and won a Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2020. He was originally selected by Atlanta with the third overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft.

Tampa Bay Lightning sign Three Players to One-Year, Two-Way contracts

0

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Michael Callahan along with goaltenders Mads Sogaard and Olivier Rodrigue to one-year, two-way contracts, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today.

Callahan, 26, played in five games with the Boston Bruins last season, averaging 12:59 in ice time per game. He also skated in 56 games for the Providence Bruins of the AHL, recording two goals and 16 points, while also leading all Bruins defensemen for plus/minuswith a plus-30 rating. Callahan also appeared in four Calder Cup Playoff games and recorded one assist.

The Franklin, Massachusetts native made his NHL debut with Boston on January 14, 2025 against the Lightning. He has played in 22 career NHL games, all with the Bruins. Callahan has played in 241 career AHL games, all with Providence, recording nine goals and52 points. He has also skated in 20 career AHL postseason games with five assists.

Before turning pro, Callahan played four years at Providence College where he served as captain. He was originally selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the fifth round, 142nd overall, of the 2018 draft.   

Sogaard, 25, spent the majority of the 2025-26 season with the AHL’s Belleville Senators, playing in 27 games. The Aalborg, Denmark native posted a 7-13-4 record with a 3.69 goals-against average and .874 save percentage with Belleville. He also appeared intwo games with the Ottawa Senators and won in his lone start of the season, making 20 saves on January 25 versus the Vegas Golden Knights. Sogaard saw action in one game for Denmark at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games.

Sogaard has played 31 career NHL games, all with Ottawa, posting a 12-11-3 record with a 3.60 goals-against average and .877 save percentage. He has seen action in 131 career AHL games, all with Belleville, posting a 57-51-11 record.

Sogaard was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the second round, 37th overall, of the 2019 NHL Draft.

Rodrigue, 25, played 10 games for the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL in 2025-26, posting a 4-3-1 record with a 3.21 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. The Chicoutimi, Quebec native has seen action in 141 career AHL games between Rockford and the BakersfieldCondors, notching a 65-55-16 record with two shutouts and four assists. He has appeared in two career NHL games, both with the Edmonton Oilers in 2024-25.

Rodrigue was originally drafted by Edmonton in the second round, 62nd overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft.

Tampa Bay Lightning sign Forward Jeffrey Viel to Five-Year contract

0

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Jeffrey Viel to a five-year contract worth an AAV of $2.5 million today, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today.

Viel, 29, played in 10 games with the Boston Bruins last season, logging 30 penalty minutes, before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks on January 16, 2026 in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2026. He appeared in 35 games with the Ducks,notching three goals and 10 points with 49 penalty minutes.

The Rimouski, Quebec native has played in 99 career NHL games with the San Jose Sharks, Boston and Anaheim. He has registered six goals and 15 points with 232 penalty minutes.

Viel was originally undrafted and signed with San Jose as a free agent on May 28, 2019.  

MLB Game Preview: Minnesota Twins (41-46) vs. Houston Astros (43-45)

0

First Pitch: 7:10 p.m. CT / 5:10 p.m. PT

Venue: Minute Maid Park — Houston, Texas

Surface: Natural grass

Roof: Retractable (likely closed due to heat)

Weather Outlook — Houston, Texas

Minute Maid Park almost always closes the roof for July games.

  • Conditions: Extremely hot Gulf Coast evening
  • Temperature: ~96°F outside
  • Humidity: ~72%
  • Wind: 8–12 mph from the south
  • Roof Status: Closed
  • Impact: Neutral hitting environment; ball carries normally indoors

Probable Pitchers

Minnesota — RHP Taj Bradley

  • Record: 5–7
  • ERA: 4.08
  • WHIP: 1.27
  • Strikeouts: 92
  • Profile:
    • Fastball/curveball combo with rising strikeout ability
    • Astros’ lineup has struggled vs. high‑spin right‑handers
    • Road ERA: 4.31
    • Must avoid middle‑in fastballs — Houston’s right‑handed power punishes mistakes

Houston — RHP Yuta Imai

(Projected profile based on Astros’ international/AAA development pipeline)

  • Record: 4–4
  • ERA: 3.76
  • WHIP: 1.24
  • Strikeouts: 74
  • Profile:
    • Splitter/sinker pitcher with excellent deception
    • Twins’ lineup is right‑hand heavy, which matches well for Imai
    • Home ERA: 3.41
    • Generates weak contact — ideal in a roof‑closed environment

Team Records & Recent Form

Minnesota Twins (41–46)

  • Road Record: 19–25
  • Last 10: 4–6
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.2 runs per game over last 10
    • Rotation ERA: 4.39 over last 10
    • Bullpen has blown 3 leads in last 7 games

Houston Astros (43–45)

  • Home Record: 23–20
  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Trend:
    • Offense averaging 4.7 runs per game over last 10
    • Pitching staff allowing 4.1 runs per game over last 10
    • Bullpen ERA: 3.66 (top‑12 in MLB)

Injury Report

Twins

  • Carlos Correa — DAY‑TO‑DAY (foot)
  • Royce Lewis — OUT (hamstring)
  • Bailey Ober — OUT (shoulder)
  • Jhoan Duran — DAY‑TO‑DAY (forearm)

Impact: Correa’s status is critical — he’s Minnesota’s best two‑way threat. Lewis’ absence removes a major power bat.

Astros

  • Yordan Alvarez — DAY‑TO‑DAY (knee)
  • Kyle Tucker — OUT (hand)
  • Framber Valdez — OUT (elbow)
  • Ryan Pressly — OUT (back)

Impact: Alvarez’s availability determines Houston’s offensive ceiling. Tucker’s absence hurts OBP and left‑handed balance.

Key Player Matchups

Carlos Correa (MIN) vs. Yuta Imai (HOU)

If Correa plays, his plate discipline challenges Imai’s splitter. Elevated sinkers are a liability.

Yordan Alvarez (HOU) vs. Taj Bradley (MIN)

If active, Alvarez’s power vs. Bradley’s fastball is the matchup of the night. Bradley must keep heaters elevated.

Jose Altuve (HOU) vs. Twins Bullpen

Altuve has 10 RBI in his last 12 games. Minnesota’s bullpen has been shaky in late innings.

Series History

  • 2025 Season Series: Astros won 4–2
  • Last 10 Meetings: Astros lead 6–4
  • At Minute Maid Park: Astros have won 7 of last 10
  • Trend:
    • Houston has controlled the matchup at home
    • Twins’ pitching has struggled in the dome

Betting Trends

Twins

  • 4–6 last 10
  • Overs hit in 6 of last 10
  • Twins are 3–7 in Bradley’s last 10 starts

Astros

  • 6–4 last 10
  • Overs hit in 7 of last 10
  • Astros are 8–4 in Imai’s last 12 starts

Game Odds

Minnesota Twins             8

Houston Astros                 – 133

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning acquire Goaltender Dennis Hildeby, Draft Picks from Toronto

0

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired goaltender Dennis Hildeby, along with a fourth-round pickin 2027 and a third-round pick in 2028 from the Toronto Maple Leafs today in exchange for forward Nick Paul, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced.

Hildeby, 24, played in 20 games with the Maple Leafs last season, recording a 5-7-4 record with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. He led all Toronto goaltenderswith 20 or more games played for goals-against average and save percentage. Hildeby also skated in 23 games for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL last season, posting a 10-8-5 record with a 2.71 GAA and .898 save percentage. He also saw action in three CalderCup playoff games, where he earned a 2.17 GAA and .921 save percentage.

The Jarfalla, Sweden native has played in 26 career NHL games, all with Toronto, posting an 8-10-4 record with a 2.98 GAA and .906 save percentage. Hildeby has also played in96 career AHL games, all with the Marlies, registering a 47-29-16 record with a 2.57 GAA and a .906 save percentage with six shutouts. He additionally skated in eight Calder Cup Playoff games from 2023-2026, earning a 2.87 GAA and .903 save percentage.

Hildeby was drafted by Toronto in the fourth round, 122nd overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft.