Thursday Thriller: Royals vs Rays in Tight AL Central Battle| Sherlock Picks

Alright, Thursday's MLB slate is stacked with nine games that'll have you glued to your seat. First up, the Royals head to Tampa Bay to take on the Rays. Kansas City's been struggling lately, but they've got a chance to turn things around against a tough Rays squad. Over in Pittsburgh, the Mariners face off against the Pirates. Seattle's offense has been sizzling, and if they can keep it up, they might just walk away with a win.

In the Bay Area, the A's and Giants square off in what promises to be a nail-biter. Both teams have been playing solid baseball, so don't expect any easy outs here. Over in Detroit, the Astros look to continue their dominance against the Tigers. Houston's pitching staff has been lights-out, but Detroit's not rolling over just yet.

The Phillies and Nationals renew their rivalry tonight, with both teams looking to prove they're contenders. The Rangers travel north to take on the Blue Jays, and if Toronto can keep up their recent hot streak, they might just come out on top.

In a classic interleague matchup, the Yankees and Red Sox face off in a battle of division rivals. These two teams know each other inside and out, so don't be surprised if this one goes down to the wire. The Cubs and Mets are also set for a showdown, with both teams looking to prove they're still contenders in their respective divisions.

Finally, the Diamondbacks head to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals. Both teams have been up and down this season, but tonight could be the night one of them finds some consistency. So grab a cold one, settle in, and enjoy the show. Let's play ball!

Today's MLB Slate

Kansas City Royals @ Tampa Bay Rays (12:10 PM ET)
Seattle Mariners @ Pittsburgh Pirates (12:35 PM ET)
Athletics @ San Francisco Giants (3:45 PM ET)
Houston Astros @ Detroit Tigers (6:40 PM ET)
Philadelphia Phillies @ Washington Nationals (6:45 PM ET)
Texas Rangers @ Toronto Blue Jays (7:07 PM ET)
New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox (7:10 PM ET)
Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets (7:10 PM ET)
Arizona Diamondbacks @ St. Louis Cardinals (7:45 PM ET)

Matchup Breakdown

Kansas City Royals @ Tampa Bay Rays — 12:10 PM ET

Royals and Rays meet in tight AL Central race, with both teams desperate for a win to keep pace.

H2H LAST 5 (Kansas City Royals vs Tampa Bay Rays)Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 | Avg margin: +0.2

Jun 24: W vs Kansas City Royals 5-3 (+2) | Jun 23: L vs Kansas City Royals 5-12 (-7) | Jun 22: L vs Kansas City Royals 1-2 (-1) | Jun 26, 2025: W @ Kansas City Royals 4-0 (+4) | Jun 25, 2025: W @ Kansas City Royals 3-0 (+3)

TAMPA BAY RAYS LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 4-5 | Avg margin: -1.2

Jun 24: W vs Kansas City Royals 5-3 (+2) | Jun 23: L vs Kansas City Royals 5-12 (-7) | Jun 22: L vs Kansas City Royals 1-2 (-1) | Jun 21: W vs Washington Nationals 4-3 (+1) | Jun 20: L vs Washington Nationals 3-4 (-1)

KANSAS CITY ROYALS LAST 53-2 | Avg score: 7-6 | Avg margin: +1.0

Jun 24: L @ Tampa Bay Rays 3-5 (-2) | Jun 23: W @ Tampa Bay Rays 12-5 (+7) | Jun 22: W @ Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 (+1) | Jun 21: L vs St. Louis Cardinals 10-12 (-2) | Jun 19: W vs St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 (+1)

TAMPA BAY RAYS RECENT STATS3.8 PPG (L10) | 3.9 allowed (L10) | -0.1 diff | 4-6 L10

KANSAS CITY ROYALS RECENT STATS6.4 PPG (L10) | 4.9 allowed (L10) | +1.5 diff | 6-4 L10

INJURIES — Tampa Bay RaysEdwin Uceta (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-17); Manuel Rodriguez (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-17); Gavin Lux (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-17); Jonathan Heasley (60-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-07-28); Steven Wilson (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-06); Jesse Scholtens (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-26); Jake Fraley (10-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-17); Austin Vernon (Day-To-Day — Soreness, return: 2026-06-27); Ryan Pepiot (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Alfredo Zarraga (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-29)

INJURIES — Kansas City RoyalsCarlos Estevez (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-01); Nick Mears (15-Day-IL — Soreness, return: 2026-06-28); Kris Bubic (15-Day-IL — Soreness, return: 2026-07-06); Cole Ragans (60-Day-IL — Pinched Nerve, return: 2026-08-04); Maikel Garcia (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-04); Vinnie Pasquantino (10-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-17); Kyle Isbel (10-Day-IL — Plantar Fasciitis, return: 2026-07-17); Jonathan India (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); James McArthur (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-08-01); Javier Vaz (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-27); Tyson Guerrero (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-28); Alec Marsh (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01)

RANKINGS (last 10g)Tampa Bay Rays: #23, score: 35.7, L10: 4-6, ATS: 60% | Kansas City Royals: #5, score: 68.8, L10: 6-4, ATS: 60%

Seattle Mariners @ Pittsburgh Pirates — 12:35 PM ET

Mariners look to build on recent success as they face Pirates, who are struggling to find consistency.

H2H LAST 5 (Seattle Mariners vs Pittsburgh Pirates)Pittsburgh Pirates 1-4 | Avg margin: +0.2

Jun 24: W vs Seattle Mariners 11-1 (+10) | Jun 23: L vs Seattle Mariners 2-3 (-1) | Jul 06, 2025: L @ Seattle Mariners 0-1 (-1) | Jul 05, 2025: L @ Seattle Mariners 0-1 (-1) | Jul 04, 2025: L @ Seattle Mariners 0-6 (-6)

PITTSBURGH PIRATES LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 5-3 | Avg margin: +1.8

Jun 24: W vs Seattle Mariners 11-1 (+10) | Jun 23: L vs Seattle Mariners 2-3 (-1) | Jun 21: W @ Colorado Rockies 8-6 (+2) | Jun 20: L @ Colorado Rockies 1-2 (-1) | Jun 19: L @ Colorado Rockies 3-4 (-1)

SEATTLE MARINERS LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 2-5 | Avg margin: -3.0

Jun 24: L @ Pittsburgh Pirates 1-11 (-10) | Jun 23: W @ Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 (+1) | Jun 21: W vs Boston Red Sox 3-1 (+2) | Jun 20: L vs Boston Red Sox 1-5 (-4) | Jun 19: L vs Boston Red Sox 2-6 (-4)

PITTSBURGH PIRATES RECENT STATS5.0 PPG (L10) | 4.2 allowed (L10) | +0.8 diff | 5-5 L10

SEATTLE MARINERS RECENT STATS2.3 PPG (L10) | 4.9 allowed (L10) | -2.6 diff | 4-6 L10

INJURIES — Pittsburgh PiratesJared Jones (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-28); Konnor Griffin (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-26); Wilber Dotel (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-29); Oneil Cruz (10-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-07-17); Anthony Solometo (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2027-04-15); Mitch Jebb (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2026-07-19); Chris Devenski (60-Day-IL — Not Specified, return: 2026-07-05); Oddanier Mosqueda (Day-To-Day — Inflammation, return: 2026-06-28); Mike Clevinger (Day-To-Day — Sprain, return: 2026-06-29); Sean Sullivan (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-30)

INJURIES — Seattle MarinersCarlos Vargas (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-08-03); Will Wilson (60-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-06-29); Cooper Criswell (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-08-03); Brendan Donovan (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-07); Matt Brash (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-08-03); Dane Dunning (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-08-01); Logan Evans (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-04-01)

RANKINGS (last 10g)Pittsburgh Pirates: #14, score: 50.0, L10: 5-5, ATS: 60% | Seattle Mariners: #25, score: 29.9, L10: 4-6, ATS: 30%

Athletics @ San Francisco Giants — 3:45 PM ET

A's and Giants battle for Bay Area bragging rights in a matchup that could go either way.

H2H LAST 5 (Athletics vs San Francisco Giants)San Francisco Giants 4-1 | Avg margin: +2.8

Jun 23: W vs Athletics 3-1 (+2) | May 17: W @ Athletics 10-1 (+9) | May 16: W @ Athletics 6-4 (+2) | May 15: L @ Athletics 2-5 (-3) | Jul 06, 2025: W @ Athletics 6-2 (+4)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 3-4 | Avg margin: -0.2

Jun 23: W vs Athletics 3-1 (+2) | Jun 21: L @ Miami Marlins 1-2 (-1) | Jun 20: L @ Miami Marlins 3-6 (-3) | Jun 19: L @ Miami Marlins 3-4 (-1) | Jun 17: W @ Atlanta Braves 7-5 (+2)

ATHLETICS LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 5-6 | Avg margin: -1.0

Jun 23: L @ San Francisco Giants 1-3 (-2) | Jun 21: L vs Los Angeles Angels 7-9 (-2) | Jun 20: L vs Los Angeles Angels 0-7 (-7) | Jun 19: W vs Los Angeles Angels 12-11 (+1) | Jun 18: W vs Los Angeles Angels 5-0 (+5)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS RECENT STATS4.2 PPG (L10) | 4.2 allowed (L10) | +0.0 diff | 5-5 L10

ATHLETICS RECENT STATS6.1 PPG (L10) | 7.8 allowed (L10) | -1.7 diff | 4-6 L10

INJURIES — San Francisco GiantsKeaton Winn (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-03); Heliot Ramos (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-26); Jason Foley (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-06-26); Harrison Bader (10-Day-IL — Plantar Fasciitis, return: 2026-06-29); Joel Peguero (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-31); Rowan Wick (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Hayden Birdsong (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-06-01); Randy Rodriguez (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Jose Butto (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01)

INJURIES — AthleticsMark Leiter Jr. (15-Day-IL — Pinched Nerve, return: 2026-07-03); Brent Rooker (10-Day-IL — Bruise, return: 2026-07-01); Denzel Clarke (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-08-04); Luis Severino (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-29); Wei-En Lin (Out — Strain, return: 2026-07-01); Brooks Kriske (60-Day-IL — Pinched Nerve, return: 2026-07-17); Gunnar Hoglund (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01)

RANKINGS (last 10g)San Francisco Giants: #17, score: 45.9, L10: 5-5, ATS: 50% | Athletics: #27, score: 24.2, L10: 4-6, ATS: 30%

Houston Astros @ Detroit Tigers — 6:40 PM ET

Astros aim to continue their dominance against Tigers, but Detroit will fight hard to keep it close.

H2H LAST 5 (Houston Astros vs Detroit Tigers)Detroit Tigers 3-2 | Avg margin: +1.6

Jun 17: L @ Houston Astros 2-4 (-2) | Jun 16: L @ Houston Astros 2-4 (-2) | Jun 15: W @ Houston Astros 9-3 (+6) | Aug 20, 2025: W vs Houston Astros 7-2 (+5) | Aug 19, 2025: W vs Houston Astros 1-0 (+1)

DETROIT TIGERS LAST 53-2 | Avg score: 4-3 | Avg margin: +0.6

Jun 24: L vs New York Yankees 2-4 (-2) | Jun 23: L vs New York Yankees 3-4 (-1) | Jun 22: W vs New York Yankees 5-3 (+2) | Jun 21: W vs Chicago White Sox 5-4 (+1) | Jun 20: W vs Chicago White Sox 4-1 (+3)

HOUSTON ASTROS LAST 53-2 | Avg score: 3-4 | Avg margin: -0.8

Jun 24: W @ Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 (+2) | Jun 23: W @ Toronto Blue Jays 9-7 (+2) | Jun 22: L @ Toronto Blue Jays 2-4 (-2) | Jun 21: W vs Cleveland Guardians 2-1 (+1) | Jun 20: L vs Cleveland Guardians 1-8 (-7)

DETROIT TIGERS RECENT STATS3.7 PPG (L10) | 3.3 allowed (L10) | +0.4 diff | 5-5 L10

HOUSTON ASTROS RECENT STATS3.7 PPG (L10) | 4.1 allowed (L10) | -0.4 diff | 6-4 L10

INJURIES — Detroit TigersJack Flaherty (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-28); Burch Smith (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-21); Wenceel Perez (10-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-06-27); Gleyber Torres (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-07); Justin Verlander (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-08); Javier Baez (60-Day-IL — Sprain, return: 2026-07-17); Trey Sweeney (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Jackson Jobe (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-08-15); Brant Hurter (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-23); Bailey Horn (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-01); Reese Olson (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-03-01)

INJURIES — Houston AstrosCristian Javier (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-27); Nick Allen (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-29); Lance McCullers Jr. (15-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-06); Ronel Blanco (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-17); Braden Shewmake (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-29); Brandon Walter (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Carlos Correa (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Hayden Wesneski (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-08-01)

RANKINGS (last 10g)Detroit Tigers: #15, score: 49.2, L10: 5-5, ATS: 56% | Houston Astros: #9, score: 60.1, L10: 6-4, ATS: 44%

Philadelphia Phillies @ Washington Nationals — 6:45 PM ET

Phillies and Nationals renew rivalry as both teams look to prove they're contenders in the NL East.

H2H LAST 5 (Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals)Washington Nationals 1-4 | Avg margin: -1.0

Jun 24: L vs Philadelphia Phillies 4-5 (-1) | Jun 23: L vs Philadelphia Phillies 9-14 (-5) | Jun 22: W vs Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 (+3) | Apr 01: L @ Philadelphia Phillies 5-6 (-1) | Mar 31: L @ Philadelphia Phillies 2-3 (-1)

WASHINGTON NATIONALS LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 5-5 | Avg margin: -0.6

Jun 24: L vs Philadelphia Phillies 4-5 (-1) | Jun 23: L vs Philadelphia Phillies 9-14 (-5) | Jun 22: W vs Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 (+3) | Jun 21: L @ Tampa Bay Rays 3-4 (-1) | Jun 20: W @ Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 (+1)

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES LAST 54-1 | Avg score: 8-4 | Avg margin: +3.8

Jun 24: W @ Washington Nationals 5-4 (+1) | Jun 23: W @ Washington Nationals 14-9 (+5) | Jun 22: L @ Washington Nationals 1-4 (-3) | Jun 21: W vs New York Mets 6-2 (+4) | Jun 20: W vs New York Mets 15-3 (+12)

WASHINGTON NATIONALS RECENT STATS5.1 PPG (L10) | 4.6 allowed (L10) | +0.5 diff | 5-5 L10

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES RECENT STATS6.4 PPG (L10) | 4.6 allowed (L10) | +1.8 diff | 6-4 L10

INJURIES — Washington NationalsJake Irvin (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-01); DJ Herz (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-08-15); Max Kranick (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-05); Jarlin Susana (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2026-08-01); Ken Waldichuk (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-06-01); Trevor Williams (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-06); Tyler Stuart (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2026-09-01); Josiah Gray (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-05); Tyler Baum (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-27); Travis Sykora (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01)

INJURIES — Philadelphia PhilliesAdolis Garcia (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Johan Rojas (Out — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Liover Peguero (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-27); Brad Keller (15-Day-IL — Tendinitis, return: 2026-06-29); Daniel Robert (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-29)

RANKINGS (last 10g)Washington Nationals: #16, score: 47.4, L10: 5-5, ATS: 70% | Philadelphia Phillies: #6, score: 67.5, L10: 6-4, ATS: 50%

Texas Rangers @ Toronto Blue Jays — 7:07 PM ET

Rangers face Blue Jays in a battle of two teams that have been up and down this season.

H2H LAST 5 (Texas Rangers vs Toronto Blue Jays)Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 | Avg margin: +1.4

Aug 17, 2025: L vs Texas Rangers 4-10 (-6) | Aug 16, 2025: W vs Texas Rangers 14-2 (+12) | Aug 15, 2025: W vs Texas Rangers 6-5 (+1) | May 28, 2025: W @ Texas Rangers 2-0 (+2) | May 27, 2025: L @ Texas Rangers 0-2 (-2)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 4-7 | Avg margin: -2.8

Jun 24: L vs Houston Astros 1-3 (-2) | Jun 23: L vs Houston Astros 7-9 (-2) | Jun 22: W vs Houston Astros 4-2 (+2) | Jun 20: W @ Chicago Cubs 8-6 (+2) | Jun 19: L @ Chicago Cubs 2-16 (-14)

TEXAS RANGERS LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 4-4 | Avg margin: -0.8

Jun 24: L @ Miami Marlins 2-4 (-2) | Jun 23: L @ Miami Marlins 4-6 (-2) | Jun 22: W @ Miami Marlins 4-3 (+1) | Jun 21: W vs San Diego Padres 4-3 (+1) | Jun 20: L vs San Diego Padres 4-6 (-2)

TORONTO BLUE JAYS RECENT STATS3.9 PPG (L10) | 5.1 allowed (L10) | -1.2 diff | 5-5 L10

TEXAS RANGERS RECENT STATS4.0 PPG (L10) | 5.8 allowed (L10) | -1.8 diff | 4-6 L10

INJURIES — Toronto Blue JaysAddison Barger (10-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-03); Max Scherzer (15-Day-IL — Spasms, return: 2026-07-01); Lenyn Sosa (10-Day-IL — Bruise, return: 2026-06-29); Yimi Garcia (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-01); Anthony Santander (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-08-01); Joe Mantiply (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-08-01); Jose Berrios (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-08-01); Geovanny Jesus Planchart (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-28); Chay Yeager (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2027-04-01); Cody Ponce (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Bowden Francis (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-04-01)

INJURIES — Texas RangersJack Leiter (15-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-08-03); Danny Jansen (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-29); Jordan Montgomery (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-23); Michael Helman (60-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-08-20); Sebastian Walcott (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2026-08-03); Evan Carter (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-29); Robert Garcia (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-05); Cody Bradford (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-04); Declan Cronin (Out — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Nabil Crismatt (Out — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01)

RANKINGS (last 10g)Toronto Blue Jays: #18, score: 45.6, L10: 5-5, ATS: 50% | Texas Rangers: #24, score: 31.0, L10: 4-6, ATS: 30%

New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox — 7:10 PM ET

Yankees and Red Sox square off in a classic interleague matchup, with both teams eager for a win.

H2H LAST 5 (New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox)Boston Red Sox 1-4 | Avg margin: -2.4

Jun 07: L @ New York Yankees 1-6 (-5) | Jun 05: W @ New York Yankees 5-3 (+2) | Apr 23: L vs New York Yankees 2-4 (-2) | Apr 22: L vs New York Yankees 1-4 (-3) | Apr 21: L vs New York Yankees 0-4 (-4)

BOSTON RED SOX LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 4-3 | Avg margin: +0.4

Jun 24: L @ Colorado Rockies 6-8 (-2) | Jun 23: W @ Colorado Rockies 5-2 (+3) | Jun 22: L @ Colorado Rockies 2-3 (-1) | Jun 21: L @ Seattle Mariners 1-3 (-2) | Jun 20: W @ Seattle Mariners 5-1 (+4)

NEW YORK YANKEES LAST 52-3 | Avg score: 3-5 | Avg margin: -2.0

Jun 24: W @ Detroit Tigers 4-2 (+2) | Jun 23: W @ Detroit Tigers 4-3 (+1) | Jun 22: L @ Detroit Tigers 3-5 (-2) | Jun 21: L vs Cincinnati Reds 1-4 (-3) | Jun 20: L vs Cincinnati Reds 2-10 (-8)

BOSTON RED SOX RECENT STATS3.3 PPG (L10) | 3.8 allowed (L10) | -0.5 diff | 3-7 L10

NEW YORK YANKEES RECENT STATS5.0 PPG (L10) | 3.9 allowed (L10) | +1.1 diff | 6-4 L10

INJURIES — Boston Red SoxRoman Anthony (10-Day-IL — Sprain, return: 2026-07-17); Romy Gonzalez (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-06-27); Garrett Crochet (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-24); Isiah Kiner-Falefa (10-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-06-29); Trevor Story (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-17); Nick Sogard (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-29); Jovani Moran (15-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-06-26); Kutter Crawford (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-17); Triston Casas (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-10); Tanner Houck (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-09-01); Hobie Harris (Day-To-Day — Soreness, return: 2026-06-29); Brendan Rodgers (Out — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Johan Oviedo (60-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-07)

INJURIES — New York YankeesRyan McMahon (10-Day-IL — Infection, return: 2026-07-03); Trent Grisham (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-06); Max Fried (15-Day-IL — Bruise, return: 2026-07-17); Clarke Schmidt (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-08-01); Giancarlo Stanton (10-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-06-29); Aaron Judge (10-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-07-24); Travis MacGregor (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-27)

RANKINGS (last 10g)Boston Red Sox: #28, score: 21.5, L10: 3-7, ATS: 30% | New York Yankees: #10, score: 59.6, L10: 6-4, ATS: 50%

Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets — 7:10 PM ET

Cubs and Mets clash in a showdown between two teams looking to prove they're still contenders in their respective divisions.

H2H LAST 5 (Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets)New York Mets 0-5 | Avg margin: -3.6

Jun 24: L vs Chicago Cubs 3-10 (-7) | Jun 24: L vs Chicago Cubs 5-10 (-5) | Jun 23: L vs Chicago Cubs 6-9 (-3) | Apr 19: L @ Chicago Cubs 1-2 (-1) | Apr 18: L @ Chicago Cubs 2-4 (-2)

NEW YORK METS LAST 50-5 | Avg score: 4-10 | Avg margin: -6.2

Jun 24: L vs Chicago Cubs 3-10 (-7) | Jun 24: L vs Chicago Cubs 5-10 (-5) | Jun 23: L vs Chicago Cubs 6-9 (-3) | Jun 21: L @ Philadelphia Phillies 2-6 (-4) | Jun 20: L @ Philadelphia Phillies 3-15 (-12)

CHICAGO CUBS LAST 54-1 | Avg score: 10-5 | Avg margin: +5.4

Jun 24: W @ New York Mets 10-3 (+7) | Jun 24: W @ New York Mets 10-5 (+5) | Jun 23: W @ New York Mets 9-6 (+3) | Jun 20: L vs Toronto Blue Jays 6-8 (-2) | Jun 19: W vs Toronto Blue Jays 16-2 (+14)

NEW YORK METS RECENT STATS4.5 PPG (L10) | 7.3 allowed (L10) | -2.8 diff | 3-7 L10

CHICAGO CUBS RECENT STATS7.3 PPG (L10) | 4.5 allowed (L10) | +2.8 diff | 7-3 L10

INJURIES — New York MetsLuis Robert Jr. (60-Day-IL — Not Specified, return: 2026-07-16); Christian Scott (15-Day-IL — Pinched Nerve, return: 2026-06-27); Christian Arroyo (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-26); Ryan Lambert (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-30); Jorge Polanco (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-06-29); Mike Baumann (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-28); Brandon Waddell (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-28); Clay Holmes (60-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-08-25); Mike Tauchman (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2026-06-30); Joe Jacques (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-27); Reed Garrett (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Kevin Herget (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-06-27); Dedniel Nunez (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-09-01); Justin Hagenman (60-Day-IL — Fracture, return: 2026-07-01); Jose Rojas (Day-To-Day — Not Specified, return: 2026-07-01); Tylor Megill (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Robert Stock (Out — Surgery, return: 2026-09-01)

INJURIES — Chicago CubsEdward Cabrera (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-17); Ben Brown (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-07); Justin Steele (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Riley Martin (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-07); Daniel Palencia (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-17); Jaxon Wiggins (Day-To-Day — Inflammation, return: 2026-06-26); Jameson Taillon (15-Day-IL — Strain, return: 2026-07-17); Hunter Harvey (60-Day-IL — Inflammation, return: 2026-07-07); Brandon Birdsell (Day-To-Day — Surgery, return: 2026-10-01); Porter Hodge (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-05-01); Shelby Miller (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-02-01); Cade Horton (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2027-08-01); Tyler Austin (60-Day-IL — Surgery, return: 2026-07-17)

RANKINGS (last 10g)New York Mets: #30, score: 16.7, L10: 3-7, ATS: 30% | Chicago Cubs: #3, score: 73.5, L10: 7-3, ATS: 60%

Final Word

As we wrap up today's MLB action, there are plenty of intriguing matchups to keep an eye on. But if you ask me, the game I'm most excited for is the Kansas City Royals taking on the Tampa Bay Rays. Both teams have been playing solid baseball lately, and this could be a real nail-biter. The Royals are hungry for a win after losing their last two games, while the Rays are looking to extend their current three-game winning streak. It's going to be a tough battle, but I can't wait to see who comes out on top. So grab a cold one and settle in for what promises to be an exciting game. Let's play ball!

Thursday Thriller: Royals vs Rays in Tight AL Central Battle