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MLB Game Preview: Chicago White Sox (39-34) vs. Detroit Tigers (30-44)

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MLB Game Preview: Chicago White Sox (39-34) vs. Detroit Tigers (30-44)

Venue: Comerica Park — Detroit, Michigan

First Pitch: 6:40 PM ET

Broadcast: NBC Sports Chicago, Bally Sports Detroit, MLB.TV

Weather Forecast

  • Temperature: 74–77°F at first pitch
  • Wind: 8–12 mph blowing in from right field
  • Humidity: 60–65%
  • Precipitation: <15% chance
  • Impact: Slight pitcher’s park conditions; wind in reduces HR carry to right.

Injury Report

Chicago White Sox

  • Luis Robert Jr. — OUT (hip strain)
  • Yoán Moncada — OUT (back tightness)
  • Andrew Vaughn — Probable (ankle soreness)
  • Garrett Crochet — OUT (shoulder fatigue)
  • Michael Kopech — OUT (elbow inflammation)

Detroit Tigers

  • Riley Greene — Questionable (wrist soreness)
  • Casey Mize — OUT (rehab assignment)
  • Javier Báez — OUT (hand fracture)
  • Kerry Carpenter — OUT (oblique strain)

Team Records & Recent Form

Chicago White Sox (39–34)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Road Record: 18–19
  • Run Differential: +9
  • Trend: Pitching staff stabilizing; offense inconsistent without Robert Jr.
  • Key Note: Fedde has been their most reliable starter for six straight weeks.

Detroit Tigers (30–44)

  • Last 10: 3–7
  • Home Record: 14–22
  • Run Differential: -47
  • Trend: Offense struggling badly; averaging just 3.4 runs per game in June.
  • Key Note: Skubal remains elite, but Detroit rarely provides run support.

Pitching Matchup

Chicago — Erick Fedde (RHP)

2026 Stats:

  • Record: 7–4
  • ERA: 3.28
  • WHIP: 1.17
  • K/BB: 84/22
  • Road ERA: 3.51

Scouting Notes:

  • Cutter/sinker combo generating soft contact.
  • Tigers rank bottom 5 in MLB vs cutters and splitters.
  • Fedde has allowed 2 ER or fewer in 6 of his last 8 starts.
  • Detroit’s depleted lineup is a favorable matchup.

Detroit — Tarik Skubal (LHP)

2026 Stats:

  • Record: 5–6
  • ERA: 2.71
  • WHIP: 1.05
  • K/9: 10.8

Scouting Notes:

  • One of MLB’s best lefties; elite fastball/changeup pairing.
  • White Sox rank 22nd vs LHP in OPS.
  • Skubal’s issue: run support — Tigers average just 2.9 runs in his starts.
  • Comerica’s deep alleys favor his fly-ball tendencies.

Key Player Matchups

Eloy Jiménez (CWS) vs LHP

  • Hitting .302 with a .540 SLG vs lefties in 2026.
  • Skubal’s changeup could neutralize him, but Eloy handles velocity well.

Spencer Torkelson (DET) vs Fedde

  • Torkelson hitting just .211 vs RHP this season.
  • Fedde’s cutter moves directly into his cold zones.

Andrew Benintendi (CWS) vs Skubal

  • Benintendi lifetime vs Skubal: 5-for-14, 2 doubles.
  • One of the few Sox hitters with consistent success vs him.

Matt Vierling (DET) vs Fedde

  • Vierling hitting .290 at home and is Detroit’s best bat vs cutters.

Series History

  • 2024–2025: White Sox lead 17–12
  • At Comerica Park: Tigers lead 7–6 over last three seasons
  • Recent Trend: 7 of last 10 meetings have gone UNDER the total.

Betting Trends

Chicago White Sox

  • 5–1 in Fedde’s last 6 starts
  • Under is 8–3 in their last 11 road games
  • White Sox 4–1 last 5 vs Detroit

Detroit Tigers

  • 2–8 in last 10 home games
  • Under is 6–2 in Skubal’s last 8 starts
  • Tigers 1–6 last 7 vs AL Central opponents

GAME ODDS

Chicago White Sox          8

Detroit Tigers                    – 204

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

MLB Game Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (37-38) vs. Chicago Cubs (39-36)

MLB Editor
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MLB Game Preview: Toronto Blue Jays (37-38) vs. Chicago Cubs (39-36)

First Pitch: 2:20 PM CT (3:20 PM ET)

Broadcast: MLB Network (select markets), Sportsnet (TOR), Marquee Sports Network (CHC)

Weather Forecast

  • Temperature: 78–81°F
  • Wind: 12–16 mph blowing out to left-center — classic Wrigley hitter’s wind
  • Humidity: 55–60%
  • Precipitation: <10% chance
  • Impact: Strong wind out = boost to HRs and deep fly balls, especially for RH pull hitters.

Injury Report

Toronto Blue Jays

  • Bo Bichette — OUT (knee inflammation)
  • Yimi García — OUT (forearm strain)
  • Daulton Varsho — Probable (hand contusion)
  • Jordan Romano — OUT (elbow rehab)

Chicago Cubs

  • Seiya Suzuki — Questionable (hamstring tightness)
  • Justin Steele — OUT (lat strain)
  • Nico Hoerner — Probable (wrist soreness)
  • Adbert Alzolay — OUT (shoulder)

Team Records & Recent Form

Toronto Blue Jays (37–38)

  • Last 10: 5–5
  • Road Record: 17–20
  • Run Differential: -12
  • Trend: Offense inconsistent; pitching stabilizing behind Gausman & Bassitt.
  • Key Note: Jays are 10–4 in Gausman’s last 14 starts vs NL opponents.

Chicago Cubs (39–36)

  • Last 10: 6–4
  • Home Record: 22–15
  • Run Differential: +18
  • Trend: Cubs’ offense heating up at home; bullpen remains volatile.
  • Key Note: Cubs are 7–1 in their last 8 day games at Wrigley.

Pitching Matchup

Toronto — Kevin Gausman (RHP)

2026 Stats:

  • Record: 6–5
  • ERA: 3.41
  • WHIP: 1.14
  • K/BB: 92/21
  • Road ERA: 3.12

Scouting Notes:

  • Splitter remains elite; Cubs historically struggle vs high-quality splitters.
  • Vulnerable when wind is blowing out — fly-ball tendencies can be punished at Wrigley.
  • Has dominated RH-heavy lineups; Cubs may counter with lefty bats (Bellinger, Morel, Busch).

Chicago — Ben Brown (RHP)

2026 Stats:

  • Record: 5–4
  • ERA: 3.76
  • WHIP: 1.22
  • K/9: 10.4

Scouting Notes:

  • Power fastball/curveball combo; misses bats but can be homer-prone.
  • Struggles third time through the order (opponents .298 AVG).
  • Jays’ RH bats (Springer, Guerrero Jr., Schneider) match up well.

Key Player Matchups

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) vs Ben Brown

  • Vladdy hitting .318 vs power RHP this season.
  • Brown’s fastball location inconsistency could be exploited.

Cody Bellinger (CHC) vs Kevin Gausman

  • Bellinger lifetime vs Gausman: 4-for-10, HR
  • Wind blowing out enhances his HR probability.

George Springer (TOR) vs Curveball-heavy pitchers

  • Springer slugging .540 vs curveballs in 2026.

Christopher Morel (CHC) vs Splitters

  • Morel hitting just .182 vs splitters — tough matchup.

Series History

  • 2023–2025: Toronto leads 8–6
  • At Wrigley Field: Cubs lead 4–3
  • Recent Trend: Last 5 meetings decided by 2 runs or fewer.

Betting Trends

Toronto Blue Jays

  • 4–1 last 5 Gausman starts
  • Under is 6–2 in their last 8 road games
  • 1–6 in last 7 interleague road games vs winning teams

Chicago Cubs

  • 7–1 in last 8 home day games
  • Over is 5–1 last 6 at Wrigley with wind blowing out
  • Cubs 10–4 last 14 vs AL East

GAME ODDS

Toronto Blue Jays             7.5

Chicago Cubs                     – 125

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 18, 2026

NFL team transactions report for Thursday, June 18, 2026

NFL Editor
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NFL team transactions report for Thursday, June 18, 2026

WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS
WAIVER REQUESTS (All are NO RECALL)
ATLANTA
Nunnally, C.J. DE Purdue (0)* PS: STND
Washington, Casey WR Illinois (2)* PS: EXC
DETROIT
Duplessis, Kyre WR Delaware (0)* PS: STND
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Lindberg, Chad C North Carolina (0)* PS: STND – From Reserve/Injured – Injury Settlement
NEW ORLEANS
Alford, Damien WR Utah (0)* PS: STND – Injured
Izzard, Coziah DT Penn State (0)* PS: STND
Jones, DaShawn DB Alabama (0)* PS: STND – Partially Guaranteed Contract
Shipley, Mason K Texas (0)* PS: STND
CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Thursday, 6/18/26

TERMINATION OF VESTED VETERAN
ATLANTA
Garcia, Elijah DT Rice (2)* PS: STND

TERMINATIONS VIA WAIVER SYSTEM
CHICAGO
Hampton, Dominique DB Washington (1)*
Plascencia, Gabriel K San Diego State (0)*
DENVER
Manning, Paul DB Henderson State (0)*
MINNESOTA
Etienne, Caleb T Brigham Young (0)*
Goodwine, Monkell DT South Carolina (0)*
PHILADELPHIA
Johnson, Brandon DB Oregon (0)*
*Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.

ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS
FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
ATLANTA
Banks, Keshawn DE San Diego State
Maxwell, Devonnsha DT Chattanooga
Wells, Antwane WR Mississippi
DETROIT
Black, Tarik WR Texas
Jackson, Lucky WR Western Kentucky
Martin, Tay WR Oklahoma State
KANSAS CITY
Pline, Mason TE Furman
NEW ORLEANS
Brown, Tanner K Oklahoma State
Dekkers, Hunter QB Iowa Western CC
Jordan, Cameron LB California
Moreno-Cropper, Jalen WR Fresno State
PITTSBURGH
Windmon, Jacoby LB Michigan State

RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS
DENVER
Woods, Mike WR Oklahoma – Reserve/Injured from Waived/Injured; Does Not Count Against 90 Limit
DETROIT
Law, Kendrick WR Kentucky – Reserve/Injured; Does Not Count Against 90 Limit
TENNESSEE
Ravenell, C.J. DT Missouri Western – Reserve/Injured from Waived/Injured; Does Not Count Against 90 Limit

Week 3 in the CFL

CFL Editor
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Week 3 in the CFL

Stats and storylines heading into this week’s action

HOME GROWN TALENT

  • Canadians delivered in Week 2, accounting for 53.4 per cent of receiving yards and 50.3 per cent of receptions, while notching 10 TDs.
  • Top Performances
    • MTL | Tyson Philpot | 9 rec., 193 yards, 2 TDs
    • SSK | Kian Schafer-Baker | 11 rec., 165 yards
    • BC | Justin McInnis | 10 rec. 129 yards
    • WPG | Tommy Nield | 7 rec., 111 yards
    • TOR | Kevin Mital | 7 rec., 109 yards, TD
    • HAM | Kiondré Smith | 5 rec., 92 yards, 2 TDs
    • SSK | Samuel Emilus | 6 rec., 91 yards, 3 TDs
  • Last season, three Canadians reached 1,000+ yards (McInnis, Smith and Nic Demski).

QUICK SLANTS

LEAGUE-WIDE

  • In Week 2, four quarterbacks passed for 400+ yards in three games – a feat last achieved in Week 6 of 1995 when seven games were played.
  • Chad Kelly and Davis Alexander combined for 886 passing yards last week – the highest total by two opposing quarterbacks since 2018 when Bo Levi Mitchell (491) and Michael Reilly (397) combined for 888.
  • Thus far, two-out-of-three offensive plays have been passes
    • CFL-wide completion percentage is at a historical 70.4 per cent
    • 0.9 per cent of passes have been intercepted (four on 423 pass attempts)
    • Current passer rating sits at an all-time high of 110.5 ​ ​
    • QBs are throwing 11 yards down field per attempt
  • There have been fewer two-and-outs than TD drives.
  • Big Plays are currently 25 per cent higher than last season (6.3 vs. 5.1 in 2025).
  • Offensive lines have yielded 2.8 sacks per game.

BC (0-1) at HAM (1-1)

  • BC has won its previous three visits to Hamilton with the teams averaging 71 points in those matchups.
  • Four of the teams’ last five matchups have been decided by four points or less.
  • Nathan Rourke is a career 2-2 versus Hamilton; Bo Levi Mitchell is 13-8 against BC.
  • In two matchups last season:
    • Mitchell | 694 yards, 6 TD passes
    • Rourke | 697 yards, 2 TD passes, 62 rushing yards
  • The Lions have not started 0-2 since 2019.
  • Last week, Justin McInnis notched his 12th 100-yard+ game.
  • Mathieu Betts has 12 sacks in his last seven games.
  • Last week, Scott Milanovich moved into 25th all-time with 62 wins. Michael Clemons is 24th with 68.
  • Larry Roundtree III recorded his first 100+ yard game (124 on 23 carries) last week. ​
  • Julian Howsare needs three sacks for 50 in his career.
  • Kenny Lawler has 348 career receptions; his next touchdown catch will be his 40th.

TOR (0-1) at OTT (0-1)

  • Toronto has four victories in the teams’ past five meetings in Ottawa.
  • Last week, Chad Kelly made his first start in 581 days. He was 28-of-46 (60.8 per cent) for 445 yards and three TDs. He is a career 3-1 against Ottawa.
  • In his first CFL game, Tyler Kahmann notched six catches for 106 yards and a TD.
  • Janarion Grant averaged 20.8 yards on five punt returns last week. ​
  • Ryan Dinwiddie takes on his former team for the first time since joining Ottawa. He was 51-35 (.594) with Toronto, winning two Grey Cups.
  • Jake Maier is 3-2 against Toronto in his career.
  • Eugene Lewis (7,320) sits 52nd all-time in receiving yards. He needs 111 to reach Top-50 (Marquay McDaniel – 7,366 and Kerry Watkins – 7,431).
  • Justin Hardy (3,807) is tied with Gerald Alphin for 7th all-time in receiving yards in Ottawa.
  • Kalil Pimpleton had 192 all-purpose yards in Week 1.

MTL (2-0) at EDM (1-0)

  • Edmonton has not started 2-0 since 2019; Montreal has started 3-0 in the past two seasons.
  • Cody Fajardo and Davis Alexander have never faced one another. Fajardo is 5-1 against Montreal; Alexander is 1-0 against Edmonton.
  • The Alouettes are allowing a league-low 3.9 yards per carry.
  • Jason Maas’s Alouettes are 18-8-1 (.685) on the road.
  • On the season, Davis Alexander is 56-of-80 (70 per cent) for 777 passing yards, including a career-high 441 last week, and four TDs to 0 INTs.
  • Alexander can tie the CFL record for most consecutive starts with a victory held by Bo Levi Mitchell (14 in 2016).
  • Tyson Philpot leads the league in receptions (16) and receiving yards (269). He needs 157 yards for 3,000 in his career.
  • Fajardo is two passing TDs away for 100 in his career.
  • Austin Mack will face his former team for the first time. In three seasons (32 games) in Montreal, he notched 136 receptions, 1,973 yards and 6 TDs, while winning a Grey Cup. He is one yard away from 2,000 in his career.
  • Malik Carney is two defensive tackles shy of 150 in his career.
  • In Week 1, Justin Rankin recorded 196 yards from scrimmage.

SSK (1-0) at CGY (0-1)

  • In each of his first two seasons as head coach, Corey Mace has led Saskatchewan to 2-0 starts.
  • Trevor Harris is 1-3 against the Stampeders.
  • Last week, Antoine Brooks Jr. recorded a career-high – and 2026-high – 13 defensive tackles.
  • Calgary has won five of the teams’ last six meetings.
  • Calgary swept the season series last year.
  • The Stampeders have not started 0-2 since 2021.
  • Vernon Adams Jr. is 6-2 in his career against the Riders.
  • Dedrick Mills rushed for 112 yards and a TD in Week 1.
  • Jalen Philpot needs 98 receiving yards for 2,000.

CFL Injury Reports: Week 3

CFL Editor
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CFL Injury Reports: Week 3

TORONTO – Week 3’s injury reports for all teams will be housed here and will be updated daily.

BC LIONS AT HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

Friday, June 19 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Hamilton Stadium

BC LIONSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDGame Status
Stanley BerryhillWRThighDNPDNPOut
Jevon CottoyWRThighDNPDNPOut
Keon Hatcher Sr.WRThigh–DNPQuestionable
Seven McGeeWRFootDNPDNPOut
Patrice ReneDBLeg–LimitedQuestionable
Kory WoodruffOLAnkleLimitedLimitedAvailable
HAMILTON TIGER-CATSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryMONTUESWEDGame Status
Loik GagnéLBShoulderFullFullLimitedAvailable
Wynton McManisLBKneeDNPDNPDNPOut
Jamal PetersDBHeadDNPDNPDNPQuestionable

TORONTO ARGONAUTS AT OTTAWA REDBLACKS

Saturday, June 20 | 1:00 p.m. ET | TD Place

TORONTO ARGONAUTSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
DeWayne HendrixDLHamstringLimitedLimitedLimitedOut
Jake HerslowWRHamstringFullFullFullAvailable
Kendall RandolphOLKnee–LimitedDNPOut
OTTAWA REDBLACKSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
Greg BellRBNeckFullFullFullAvailable
Elijah CollinsRBQuadDNPDNPDNPOut
Adrian FryeDBGroinDNPDNPDNPOut
Amari HendersonDBKneeFullFullLimitedOut
Charlie ParksDBFootFullFullFullAvailable
Sam SchneeWRAnkleFullFullLimitedOut

MONTREAL ALOUETTES AT EDMONTON ELKS

Saturday, June 20 | 4:00 p.m. ET | Commonwealth Stadium

MONTREAL ALOUETTESPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
Stevie Scott IIIRBHamstringFullFullFullAvailable
Najee MurrayDBFootLimitedLimitedFullAvailable
David PeralesDLHandLimitedFullFullAvailable
Tyrice BeveretteLBNeckDNPLimitedDNPDoubtful
Nick CallenderOLBackLimitedLimitedFullAvailable
Jerreth SternsWRHandLimitedDNPDNPOut
Jose Maltos DiazKRight GroinDNPDNPFullAvailable
Tyrell RichardsLBCalf–DNPLimitedAvailable
EDMONTON ELKSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
Tomari FoxDLElbow––LimitedQuestionable
Eteva Mauga-ClementsLBClavicalDNPDNPDNPDNP
Joe RobustelliWRHamstringDNPDNPDNPDNP
Coulter WoodmanseyOLKneeDNPDNPDNPDNP

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS AT CALGARY STAMPEDERS

Saturday, June 20 | 7:00 p.m. ET | McMahon Stadium

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
Aaron CrawfordLSKneeDNPDNPDNPOut
Jayden DalkeLBHandDNPDNPDNPOut
Jermarcus HardrickOLKneeDNPFullFullAvailable
Daniel JohnsonOLShoulderFullFullFullAvailable
Nelson LokomboDBAnkleDNPDNPDNPOut
Benoit MarionDLShoulderLimitedLimitedLimitedOut
Rolan Milligan Jr.DBShoulderDNPDNPDNPOut
Nick WiebeLBHeadLimitedFullFullAvailable
James VaughtersDLAnkle–DNPFullAvailable
CALGARY STAMPEDERSPRACTICE DAY
Player namePositionInjuryTUESWEDTHURSGame Status
Clark BarnesWRHamstringLimitedLimitedLimitedQuestionable
Morice Blackwell IIDBFootFullFullFullAvailable
Anton HaieDBHamstringLimitedLimitedLimitedQuestionable
Elijah HillsDLHamstringDNPDNPDNPOut
Jaylon HutchingsDLHamstringFullFullFullAvailable
R.J. MotenLBHamstringDNPDNPDNPOut
Folarin OrimoladeDLAchillesFullFullLimitedQuestionable
Eric RascoeLBBackDNPDNPDNPQuestionable

Pennsylvania gambling revenue hits record high in May 2026

Gaming Editor
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Pennsylvania gambling revenue hits record high in May 2026

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania set a new monthly record for gambling revenue in May, the state Gaming Control Board said Monday.

The agency reported $625.5 million in combined revenue from all regulated gambling sectors — including casinos, internet gaming, sports wagering, fantasy contests and video gaming terminals — a 3.9% increase from May 2025. The total surpassed the previous monthly high of $623.1 million, set in January 2025.

State and local governments collected $269.9 million in tax revenue during the month.

According to the board, retail table games generated $81.2 million, up 1.7% from a year earlier. Internet casino gaming continued to drive growth, producing $254.8 million, a 9.4% year‑over‑year increase.

Sports betting handle fell to $595.6 million, down 9.1% from May 2025. Taxable sports wagering revenue dropped 11.4% to $52.6 million.

Video gaming terminals at qualified truck stops brought in $3.6 million, a 3.1% decline from last year, though the number of locations offering the maximum five machines increased from 73 to 75.

Fantasy sports contests generated $1.12 million, up 3.3% from May 2025.

The Gaming Control Board publishes detailed monthly reports for each gambling category on its website.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers finalize two roster transactions

CFL Editor
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers finalize two roster transactions

WINNIPEG, MB., – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions.

Added to practice roster:
American defensive back Kaylin Moore (5-11, 190, UCLA)
American defensive back Matt Jackson  (6-1, 209, Eastern Kentucky)

Order of Selection for the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft

NHL Editor
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Order of Selection for the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft

NEW YORK – The National Hockey League announced today the current order of selection for the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

The 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft will take place over two days: Round 1 will be held on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVA Sports), followed by Rounds 2-7 on Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m. ET (NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet).

Round 1

1. Toronto

2. San Jose

3. Vancouver

4. Chicago

5. NY Rangers

6. Calgary

7. Seattle

8. Winnipeg

9. Florida

10. Nashville

11. St. Louis

12. New Jersey

13. NY Islanders

14. Columbus

15. St. Louis (from DET)

16. Washington

17. Los Angeles

18. Washington (from ANA)

19. Utah

20. Buffalo (from EDM via SJS)

21. Philadelphia

22. Pittsburgh

23. Boston

24. Vancouver (from MIN)

25. Seattle (from TBL)

26. NY Rangers (from DAL via CAR)

27. San Jose (from BUF)

28. Montreal

29. St. Louis (from COL via NYI)

30. Calgary (from VGK)

31. Carolina

32. Ottawa

Round 2

33. Vancouver

34. Chicago

35. Calgary (from NYR via UTA)

36. Calgary

37. Chicago (from TOR)

38. Seattle

39. Pittsburgh (from WPG)

40. Florida

41. Vancouver (from SJS)

42. Nashville

43. Columbus (from STL via PIT)

44. New Jersey

45. Chicago (from NYI)

46. Los Angeles (from CBJ via MTL)

47. Detroit

48. Florida (from WSH)

49. Los Angeles

50. Anaheim

51. Calgary (from UTA)

52. Edmonton

53. Philadelphia

54. Pittsburgh

55. Calgary (from OTT via UTA)

56. Boston

57. Nashville (from MIN)

58. Tampa Bay

59. Dallas

60. Toronto (from BUF via OTT and LAK)

61. Montreal

62. San Jose (from COL)

63. Forfeited pick

64. NY Rangers (from CAR)

Pick 63 – On May 15, 2026, the NHL announced the Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a 2nd-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft for flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations.

Round 3

65. Calgary (from VAN)

66. Chicago

67. NY Rangers

68. Calgary

69. Toronto

70. Nashville (from SEA via DAL)

71. Winnipeg

72. Ottawa (from FLA)

73. St. Louis (from SJS via PIT and DET)

74. Colorado (from NSH)

75. St. Louis

76. St. Louis (from NJD via NYI)

77. NY Rangers (from NYI)

78. Vancouver (from CBJ)

79. Detroit

80. Los Angeles (from WSH via OTT)

81. NY Rangers (from LAK)

82. Anaheim

83. Utah

84. Edmonton

85. Toronto (from PHI)

86. Pittsburgh

87. Ottawa

88. Boston

89. Minnesota

90. Tampa Bay

91. Ottawa (from DAL via CAR and LAK)

92. NY Rangers (from BUF)

93. Montreal

94. Columbus (from COL via MIN)

95. Vegas

96. Utah (from CAR)

Round 4

97. Vancouver

98. Florida (from CHI)

99. Seattle (from NYR via CBJ)

100. Calgary

101. Columbus (from TOR via MIN)

102. Seattle

103. Montreal (from WPG via NJD)

104. Boston (from FLA via SJS)

105. Carolina (from SJS)

106. Nashville

107. St. Louis

108. New Jersey

109. NY Islanders

110. Ottawa (from CBJ via DET)

111. Boston (from DET via ANA)

112. Washington

113. Los Angeles

114. Toronto (from ANA via SEA)

115. Utah

116. Winnipeg (from EDM via BOS and BUF)

117. Anaheim (from PHI)

118. Nashville (from PIT)

119. Chicago (from OTT)

120. San Jose (from BOS)

121. Minnesota

122. Boston (from TBL)

123. St. Louis (from DAL via NJD)

124. Buffalo

125. Montreal

126. Colorado

127. San Jose (from VGK via WSH)

128. Colorado (from CAR)

Round 5

129. Vancouver

130. Utah (from CHI)

131. NY Rangers

132. Calgary

133. Toronto

134. Tampa Bay (from SEA)

135. Winnipeg

136. Florida

137. Minnesota (from SJS)

138. Nashville

139. St. Louis

140. New Jersey

141. NY Islanders

142. Columbus

143. Detroit

144. Washington

145. Los Angeles

146. Anaheim

147. Utah

148. Nashville (from EDM)

149. Colorado (from PHI)

150. St. Louis (from PIT)

151. Ottawa

152. Colorado (from BOS)

153. Minnesota

154. Tampa Bay

155. Dallas

156. Buffalo

157. Boston (from MTL via SJS)

158. Toronto (from COL)

159. Vegas

160. Nashville (from CAR)

Round 6

161. Vancouver

162. NY Rangers (from CHI via BUF)

163. NY Rangers

164. Calgary

165. Carolina (from TOR)

166. Seattle

167. Winnipeg

168. Florida

169. Toronto (from SJS)

170. Pittsburgh (from NSH)

171. St. Louis

172. New Jersey

173. NY Islanders

174. San Jose (from CBJ via PHI)

175. Detroit

176. Vancouver (from WSH)

177. Los Angeles

178. Anaheim

179. Nashville (from UTA)

180. Edmonton

181. Philadelphia

182. Columbus (from PIT)

183. Ottawa

184. Vancouver (from BOS via MIN)

185. Minnesota

186. Tampa Bay

187. Dallas

188. Buffalo

189. Montreal

190. Los Angeles (from COL via OTT)

191. Vegas

192. Carolina

Round 7

193. NY Rangers (from VAN)

194. Chicago

195. Colorado (from NYR via NSH)

196. Detroit (from CGY)

197. Dallas (from TOR)

198. Seattle

199. Winnipeg

200. Chicago (from FLA)

201. San Jose

202. Nashville

203. St. Louis

204. Seattle (from NJD)

205. NY Islanders

206. Columbus

207. Detroit

208. Washington

209. Los Angeles

210. Anaheim

211. Utah

212. Edmonton

213. Philadelphia

214. Colorado (from PIT)

215. Colorado (from OTT)

216. Boston

217. Florida (from MIN)

218. Tampa Bay

219. Dallas

220. Winnipeg (from BUF)

221. Montreal

222. Colorado

223. Vegas

224. Montreal (from CAR)

Pittsburgh Pirates Acquire Right-Handed Pitcher Hunter Stratton From Atlanta For Catcher Joey Bart

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Pittsburgh Pirates Acquire Right-Handed Pitcher Hunter Stratton From Atlanta For Catcher Joey Bart

The Pittsburgh Pirates tonight acquired right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton from Atlanta, in exchange for catcher Joey Bart.

The 29-year-old Stratton, who was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis, was originally selected by Pittsburgh out of Walters State (TN) Community College in the 16th round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft.

He made his Major League debut with the Pirates on September 5, 2023 vs. Milwaukee. Stratton went 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA (52.1ip/25er) and 44 strikeouts in 47 games with Pittsburgh from 2023-25 before being traded to Atlanta for minor league outfielder Titus Dumitru and cash considerations last year on July 1.

Stratton posted a 2.20 ERA (16.1ip/4er) in 12 appearances with the Braves last season. He made one appearance with Atlanta this year, tossing 1.0 scoreless inning of relief on May 2 at Colorado. Stratton had a 4.38 ERA (24.2ip/12er) and 24 strikeouts in 21 appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett this season.

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Preview: Navy 250

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NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Preview: Navy 250

Green Flag: 8:30 PM ET (7:30 PM CT)

Broadcast: FS1 • MRN • SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

VENUE & TRACK PROFILE

Track Specs

  • Length: 0.875 miles (7/8‑mile short oval)
  • Banking:
    • Turns 1 & 2: 12–14°
    • Turns 3 & 4: 10–12°
  • Frontstretch: 1,075 feet
  • Backstretch: 1,350 feet
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Race Distance: 250 laps / 218.75 miles
  • Stage Breakdowns: 60 • 60 • 130

Track Characteristics

  • Progressive banking allows multiple grooves, especially late in the race.
  • Trucks can run bottom, middle, or high lane, creating constant side‑by‑side racing.
  • Tire wear is moderate, but long green‑flag runs reward trucks with strong long‑run balance.
  • Restarts are chaotic — inside lane advantage, but outside lane can pinch momentum off Turn 2.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

  • Temperature: 78–82°F at green flag
  • Wind: 8–12 mph from the southwest, blowing across the backstretch
  • Humidity: 55–60%
  • Rain: <10% chance — clear, dry racing conditions
  • Impact:
    • Cooler evening temps = more grip
    • Crosswind may affect entry into Turn 3
    • Track will tighten as sun sets

INJURY / TEAM STATUS REPORT

Notable Truck Series Driver/Team Notes

  • Corey Heim: 100% after minor wrist soreness earlier in June.
  • Ty Majeski: Team confirmed no lingering issues after Charlotte crash.
  • Nick Sanchez: No injury concerns; team brought a new chassis for Iowa.
  • Matt Crafton: Running backup truck after practice incident earlier in the week.
  • Jake Garcia: Crew chief suspended 1 race for unsecured ballast at Gateway.

TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM

Top Contenders Entering Iowa

DriverLast 5 FinishesMomentum
Corey Heim1st, 3rd, 2nd, 5th, 4th🔥 Elite consistency
Nick Sanchez2nd, 7th, 1st, 12th, 3rd🔥 Title‑level speed
Ty Majeski10th, 4th, 6th, 2nd, 8th👍 Strong long‑run pace
Ben Rhodes14th, 9th, 11th, 7th, 5th↗ Improving
Christian Eckes5th, 2nd, 18th, 3rd, 6th🔥 Contender

Drivers Struggling

  • Hailie Deegan: Only one top‑15 in last 6 races.
  • Grant Enfinger: Speed inconsistent; team missing setups.
  • Chase Purdy: Three DNFs in last five.

RACE HISTORY — IOWA SPEEDWAY (TRUCK SERIES)

Iowa has historically produced tight finishes, tire‑wear strategy, and multi‑lane racing.

Last 5 Iowa Truck Winners

  • 2025: Corey Heim
  • 2024: Christian Eckes
  • 2023: Zane Smith
  • 2022: Chandler Smith
  • 2021: John Hunter Nemechek

Key Trends

  • Toyota has won 4 of the last 5 Iowa races.
  • Pole sitter has won only 1 of last 7 — track position matters, but not decisive.
  • Average margin of victory: 1.2 seconds.
  • Late cautions are common — 3 of last 5 races ended with a restart inside 10 laps.

DRIVER MATCHUPS TO WATCH

Corey Heim vs. Nick Sanchez

  • The two best trucks all season.
  • Heim excels on progressive‑banked short tracks.
  • Sanchez has the best qualifying average in the series.

Ty Majeski vs. Christian Eckes

  • Majeski: best long‑run truck in the field.
  • Eckes: best short‑run speed and restarts.

Ben Rhodes vs. Matt Crafton

  • Veteran matchup.
  • Rhodes has better raw speed; Crafton has Iowa experience (4 career top‑5s).

Jake Garcia vs. Taylor Gray

  • Two rising stars.
  • Garcia has better corner entry; Gray excels on exit.

PROJECTED RACE OUTLOOK & MODEL PREDICTION

Race Shape

  • Early: Bottom lane dominant
  • Middle: Middle groove comes in
  • Late: High lane becomes fastest in Turns 3–4
  • Expect long green‑flag runs with late‑race chaos

Model Top 5 Prediction

  1. Corey Heim
  2. Nick Sanchez
  3. Ty Majeski
  4. Christian Eckes
  5. Ben Rhodes

Dark Horse: Jake Garcia (P6–P8 range)

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