MLB Previews

D-backs Look to Gain Ground Against Free-Falling Rockies The Arizona Diamondbacks may finally be able to exhale after navigating a 16-game stretch in 16 days against playoff-caliber competition. Now, they get a welcome change of pace—and potentially a critical opportunity—with the Colorado Rockies in town for a three-game series beginning Friday night in Phoenix. The Rockies, amid another dismal season,

Padres’ Stephen Kolek Aims to Silence Former Team as Mariners Visit San Diego When Stephen Kolek takes the mound Friday night at Petco Park, it’ll be more than just his third MLB start—it’ll be a chance to prove himself against the organization that let him go. Kolek, a Rule 5 pick from the Seattle Mariners in December 2023, will pitch

Cubs Aim to Keep Crosstown Edge Over White Sox in Rivalry Weekend Opener Rivalry Weekend in the Windy City opens Friday with the Chicago Cubs hosting the Chicago White Sox, and momentum heavily favors the North Side. The Cubs have won five straight in the crosstown series and taken seven of eight meetings since the start of the 2023 season.

Francona Faces Familiar Foe as Reds Host Guardians for Rivalry Weekend Terry Francona spent 11 memorable seasons as the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, amassing 921 wins, guiding the franchise to six playoff berths, and nearly capturing the 2016 World Series title. Now, for the first time since retiring from the Cleveland dugout, he’ll manage against his old club—this time

Cardinals’ Momentum Meets I-70 Rivalry St. Louis arrives in Kansas City riding its hottest stretch: a 14-5 run since April 23 highlighted by a nine-game win streak and a 2.48 ERA from its pitching staff. Wednesday’s doubleheader split in Philadelphia didn’t slow the surge—Game 2’s 14-7 blowout and Masyn Winn’s four-hit, homer performance showcased a lineup batting .281 with 13

Suarez Looks to Extend Dominance vs. Pirates Ranger Suarez rebounded brilliantly from an early rough outing, blanking Cleveland over seven innings on Saturday after allowing seven runs in his season debut. Now fully healed from his offseason back issue, the 2022 All-Star is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against Pittsburgh and aims to add

Anticipation Builds for Soto’s Return Six weeks after hearing “re-sign Soto” chants echo through Yankee Stadium, Juan Soto will step back onto that field—this time as a Met. His 15-year, $765 million contract has immediately vaulted New York’s other franchise into the national conversation, and Friday’s opener against the Yankees promises high drama and electric atmosphere under the Shea Bridge.

Ace Showdown: Red Sox’s Crochet vs. Braves’ Sale in Fenway Return When Garrett Crochet takes the mound at Fenway Park on Friday night, he won’t be the only high-octane lefty drawing attention. On the other side, Chris Sale returns to Boston as a member of the Atlanta Braves, bringing his signature fire and emotional intensity to what promises to be

Red-Hot Tigers Visit Blue Jays in AL Rivalry Weekend Clash The Detroit Tigers arrive in Canada for Rivalry Weekend carrying the best record in the American League and a ton of momentum. After sweeping the Boston Red Sox in dramatic fashion—two walk-off wins to close the set—the Tigers have their sights set on the Toronto Blue Jays, who continue to