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The Cincinnati Reds announced Monday that the team had designated veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario for assignment after reinstating him from the injured list.

Candelario had been on the 10-day IL since late April while dealing with a lumbar spine strain. In his absence, the Reds have used a variation of different players at third base, including the likes of Gavin Lux, Santiago Espinal and Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

Prior to the back injury, Candelario had been struggling through his first 22 games of the season. He had a .113 batting average with two home runs, 10 RBIs and an abysmal 11 OPS+.

Candelairo signed with the Reds after a strong 2023 season in which he hit a career-high 23 home runs while spending time with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs. He joined the team on a three-year, $45 million deal but hasn't lived up to expectations in Cincinnati. He posted a .707 OPS in his first year with the team, with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs in 112 games and had a -0.7 bWAR.

With Candelario out of the picture, third base will remain a platoon for the time being, but could potentially be open for Noelvi Marte to take over at the position when he returns from his oblique injury.

Martin O’Neill signed off his second spell with Celtic in style with a 1-0 win over Dundee at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.

The experienced interim won seven of his eight matches in charge of the club after Brendan Rodgers resigned at the end of October, and Wilfried Nancy will take on the role from Thursday.

Daizen Maeda scored the only goal of the game for O’Neill’s side as he bravely competed to head into the back of the net after Hyun-jun Yang’s effort was saved, which led to him wearing a bandage for the remainder of the night.

Ranking Celtic's best performers against Dundee

The Japan international was, of course, one of the top performers on the night for the Hoops because it was his goal that ultimately sealed all three points to send Celtic level on points with Hearts at the top of the table.

He was not the top performer on the night for the Scottish giants, though, as a couple of other players were ahead of him in that respect, because the striker also missed a ‘big chance’ and lost five of his six duels, per Sofascore.

Reo Hatate was one of those two players. The Japanese whiz created two ‘big chances’, including Yang’s initial shot before the goal, and won four of his seven duels, per Sofascore, in what was a masterful showing in the middle of the park.

1

Colby Donovan

2

Reo Hatate

3

Daizen Maeda

4

Hyun-jun Yang

5

Kasper Schmeichel

As you can see in the table above, Yang and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who pulled off three saves and three run-outs to keep his clean sheet intact, were also among the top performers on the pitch.

However, we have ranked Colby Donovan as the best performer on the night for the Scottish giants, as he provided a reminder of his quality after a shaky game against Hibernian.

Why Colby Donovan is undroppable for Wilfried Nancy

On Sunday, the Scottish full-back lost two of his three ground duels, per Sofascore, and was subbed off at half-time after being booked for a late challenge on Jordan Obita.

After that disappointing showing at the weekend, Donovan may have known that he needed to respond with a big performance against Dundee to ensure that the new manager does not drop him for the game against Hearts on Sunday.

Now, the Scotland U21 international is surely the first completely undroppable player for Nancy at Parkhead, because he was the best performer in the last game before his first match in charge.

Donovan won three of his four ground duels and three of his three aerial duels, winning 87% of his total battles, per Sofascore, whilst Maeda, for example, lost five of his six duels and struggled on that side of the game after scoring his goal.

Sofascore rating

8.3

1st

Duels won

6

1st

Aerial duels won

3

1st

Aerial duel success rate

100%

1st

Tackles won

2

1st

Touches

91

4th

Successful crosses

3

1st

Key passes

2

2nd

As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate also added creativity in possession to go along with his outstanding defensive work, as only Reo Hatate (five) made more key passes on the night, whilst no one completed more crosses.

Donovan showed Nancy, who was unveiled before the game kicked off, that he is capable of delivering a quality performance at both ends of the pitch from the right-back position, which is why he should already be undroppable.

With Alistair Johnston still sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Scottish youngster should be the first name on the teamsheet ahead of the clash with Hearts on Sunday.

That is also influenced by Anthony Ralston’s disappointing form. Pundit Chris Sutton described his play as “really shaky” when he came off the bench against Hibernian, whilst he was also caught out twice by Mikel Gogorza in the Europa League clash with Midtjylland.

Given Ralston’s lack of form and Donovan’s impressive showing on Wednesday night, the 19-year-old defender will surely already be undroppable for Nancy in the short term.

South Africa won their first toss in India in eight attempts but Bumrah put it out of the equation with a five-for

Sidharth Monga14-Nov-20253:22

How is Bumrah still unplayable on a dry surface?

It was pitches in 2015-16, it was the tosses in 2019-20, but India took the pitch and the toss out of the equation in dismissing South Africa for 159 on the first day of the 2025-26 series. The visitors won the toss on a decent batting surface at Eden Gardens, raced away to 57 for 0 in 10 overs, but then became victims of Jasprit Bumrah’s 16th five-wicket haul and excellent support work from Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. India, with a new No. 3 in Washington Sundar, were 37 for 1 in 20 overs possible before stumps.Guilty of playing too little bowling in the past, India went in with six of them as Washington moved to No. 3, making room for Axar Patel in the XI. For a while, as Siraj struggled for rhythm and Axar was taken down, it seemed India would need all the bowling they could muster.However, Bumrah had been excellent at the other end. Out of those 57, he had conceded only nine runs in five overs. He pushed himself for two more overs in that first spell, and produced two near unplayable deliveries. He went round the wicket to swing one in to Ryan Rickelton and then nip it away a touch to take the off stump. In his next over, he got Aiden Markram with one that kicked off a length. Bumrah ended his spell with figures of 7-4-9-2 out of a score of 62 for 2.Related

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It might not have been an unplayable pitch, but it had enough to keep bowlers interested. Kuldeep found that with some quick turn in his first spell. Accordingly, he and Shubman Gill went for a backward short leg as opposed to one in front of square. In no time he had Temba Bavuma edging one there for a sharp catch for Dhruv Jurel, who handed over the big gloves to the returning Rishabh Pant but retained his spot in the XI on the back of a century against West Indies and two against South Africa A.Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder somehow saw South Africa through to lunch, but immediately after they had to face the double trouble of Bumrah and Kuldeep. In just six overs, both had been sent back for an addition of just 15. Mulder, who got off the mark with a reverse-sweep off Kuldeep, fell lbw on the same shot for 24. De Zorzi got a similar delivery to the one that Rickelton did, but this one nipped in and beat him on the inside edge.The ball had just started to reverse for Bumrah, and Siraj took over to continue the nightmare for South Africa. Kyle Verrreynne’s big back lift was always an invitation for Siraj, who eventually hit him pad first right in front. In the same over, he hit the top of off of Marco Jansen.Axar Patel, 3-0-20-0 in his first spell, now returned to find some turn. With his long arms and low release creating an extreme angle, Axar becomes dangerous once he gets one to turn. He now had Corbin Bosch playing for the non-existent turn and had him lbw with what proved to be the last ball before tea.Jasprit Bumrah is congratulated by his team-mates after completing his five-for•Getty ImagesTristan Stubbs, the specialist batter, didn’t farm strike and left the two spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj at the mercy of Bumrah, who had them both in one over to go level with BS Chandrasekhar on five-fors and into India’s top five. It consigned South Africa to their second-lowest score against India in the first innings of a match.Batting wasn’t quite straightforward for India either, which is where South Africa dearly missed Kagiso Rabada, who was out with a rib injury. In fading east Indian light, Jansen was on the money but couldn’t quite find the length with which he could threaten the stumps. He still got the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal on the cut.KL Rahul and Washington had to be watchful with little to gain really. In the brief period of spin possible, Maharaj came close to bowling Rahul, and Harmer showed he was a much-improved bowler from the one that toured India in 2015-16. That Bumrah five-for began to look even more important with a few puffs of dust towards the end of the day.

Khadija Shaw surpassed a century of goals for Manchester City as she scored four times to inspire her side to their 10th successive Women’s Super League victory in a thumping 6-1 win over Aston Villa. The Jamaica international took her tally to 103 goals in just 120 appearances in all competitions for the Cityzens, who are now six points clear at the top of the league table.

With both teams taking to the field for their final league fixture of 2025, it was Villa who started the better as Rachel Daly threatened to connect with the in-form Kirsty Hanson’s low cross, but the captain narrowly missed the ball as she slid into the six-yard box. 

However, City were soon able to bypass the visitors’ impressive high press, taking the lead when Shaw converted Vivianne Miedema’s first-time cross for her 100th goal. And the 28-year-old scored her 101st just moments later when she raced into the penalty area, before cutting onto her favoured right foot to find the far corner.

Showing no signs of complacency in the second half, City pushed hard for a third and they thought they had it when Miedema bundled home after Shaw hit the woodwork, but the goal was chalked off after Kerstin Casparij was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up. 

However, the Blues eventually made it 3-0 when Netherlands international Miedema’s wonderful through ball found Aoba Fujino, who was emphatic with her finish past Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo. So often a threat on the road, having drawn at Arsenal and won at Manchester United, Natalia Arroyo's Villans were rewarded for their consistent pressure when defender Lucy Parker headed home from substitute Missy Bo Kearns’ corner.

But City – who were able to bring on captain Alex Greenwood for her first appearance since October – soon restored their three-goal cushion when Miedema capped off a brilliant performance with a goal – the forward tapping home from Fujino’s neat cross. And for the icing on the cake, Shaw then scored her third and fourth goals of the afternoon as Andree Jeglertz's side secured their 13th straight victory in all competitions. They will now finish the year six points ahead of second-placed Chelsea and eight clear of third-placed Arsenal.

GOAL rates City's players from Joie Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Ayaka Yamashita (5/10):

The 'keeper almost gave a goal away with a careless pass into City team-mate Yui Hasegawa, which – fortunately for both players – came to nothing.

Kerstin Casparij (7/10):

On her 100th appearance in all competitions for City, the Netherlands right-back was a threat going forward, forcing a good second-half save from Villa's D'Angelo.

Jade Rose (6/10):

The defender made an important block late on to prevent Villa striker Daly from finding the back of the net.

Rebecca Knaak (5/10):

Fresh from signing a new two-year contract extension in midweek, the centre-back was cautioned for a mistimed tackle on Villa's Daly.

Leila Ouahabi (5/10):

The left-back was up against inspired Villa wing-back Chasity Grant, who won the battle between the two players.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Laura Blindkilde Brown (6/10):

Neat and tidy on the ball, the England international supplied City's forward line well enough, watching on as Miedema and Shaw did the damage.

Yui Hasegawa (7/10):

The midfielder played a key role in City's second, winning possession in the middle of the park before setting Shaw on her way.

Getty Images SportAttack

Aoba Fujino (8/10):

One of City's best performers this season, the Japan international was electric down the right flank, netting her side's third with a superb finish before assisting Miedema.

Vivianne Miedema (9/10):

Displaying plenty of guile between the lines, the WSL's all-time top goalscorer showcased her all-round game by recording assists for Shaw and Fujino, before netting herself.

Lauren Hemp (7/10):

The scourge of Villa, having previously scored seven WSL goals against them, the winger registered the pre-assist in the build up to Shaw's opener.

Khadija Shaw (10/10):

Reaching and then surpassing a century of goals in City colours, the striker was simply remarkable inside the penalty area. She has now scored 12 WSL goals in just 11 games this term.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Alex Greenwood (6/10):

Returning to the City fold for the first time since October following a period on the sidelines, the captain helped her side see out their victory.

Grace Clinton (6/10):

Replacing Laura Blindkilde Brown after the hour mark, the midfielder thought she scored City's sixth, but it actually deflected in off player-of-the-match Shaw.

Kerolin (5/10):

A second-half substitute, the winger replaced Lauren Hemp and was unable to make an impact on the match.

Iman Beney (N/A):

Emerging from the bench late on, the Switzerland international was not on the pitch long enough to influence things.

Sydney Lohmann (N/A):

Like Iman Beney, she didn't receive enough minutes in order to star.

Andree Jeglertz (8/10):

In what felt like a key moment in the game, considering Villa were spirited in the opening 45 minutes, the manager got his half-time team talk spot on as City were ruthless in the second half.

San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds may not have to wait much longer for his very own statue outside Oracle Park.

Giants president and CEO Larry Baer joined on Wednesday and candidly discussed the team's potential plans to honor Bonds in the future. Baer admitted there was "no disagreement" within the Giants organization on the topic of erecting a Bonds statue but didn't go into specifics.

"On the radar, I would say it's on the radar," Baer said. "Barry is deserving of a statue and I would say, should be next up. We don't have the exact location and the exact date and the exact timing, but you're saying things that we're totally in sync with.

"You probably notice, Barry's around a lot, more recently this year and last year as well … It's coming. All I can say is it's coming."

Bonds would be the sixth franchise icon to have his effigy sculpted outside Oracle Park, joining Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry.

Bonds belted 586 home runs in his 15-year stint with the Giants—including his storied 73-homer-season—and few would argue against the once-unstoppable slugger getting immortalized alongside fellow Giants greats. Though the seven-time MVP and 14-time All-Star's illustrious career was tarnished by his steroid controversy, Bonds is an obvious choice and fitting candidate for the Giants' next historic statue—the only question is if it'll be built right outside the ballpark or around his favorite splash zone, McCovey Cove.

With various doubts, from age to technical, over the specialist openers in the debate, McSweeney has risen to the top

Alex Malcolm10-Nov-20242:20

Malcolm: ‘McSweeney could be a future captain if he finds his feet’

With Australia’s newest Test match opener Nathan McSweeney standing just a few metres away outside the MCG, chair of selectors George Bailey was asked whether his selection had been the toughest he had made in his tenure in the job.Bailey is never one to give much away. Nor should you ever read too much into his comments. But there was just a momentary pause before he answered.”Not necessarily,” Bailey said. “I think it’s a good thing when you’ve got options, and there’s players that are putting their hands up for different roles. So I think, not necessarily difficult on that front, but always looking for what you think the best balance will be and the sort of make-up of that team.”Related

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The reality is this was a challenging selection. Despite the insistence from the selectors that this wasn’t a bat-off, or “the great Australian bake-off” as Bailey jokingly put it, the way the Australia A teams were selected and the batting orders, on top of the public debate, clearly showed there was no standout candidate even if the selectors had an idea of which way they were leaning from a long way out.Age, Bailey insisted, was not a factor despite McSweeney being 25 and a “super age”, as Bailey called it, compared to a 32-year-old Marcus Harris and a soon to be 32-year-old Cameron Bancroft.The non-selection of 19-year-old Sam Konstas and a host of decisions this panel has made in recent times would be evidence in their eyes that they do pick for the here and now. But it is hard to believe that either consciously or unconsciously, a panel as thoughtful and analytical as Bailey, Andrew McDonald and Tony Dodemaide did not at least consider the possibility that selecting an exclusively over 30s XI in Perth was not the ideal way to future-proof a team that is hurtling towards a transition period.Where they have been consistent is with the insistence that batting positions don’t matter, and they are intent on picking the best players in the country for the Test team.This is where McSweeney’s selection is fascinating. He is set to open the batting in Perth having never done it at Sheffield Shield level and having only done it at first-class level for the first time against India A in the last five days.

Over the last 12 or 15 months, seeing a player whose growth is on a great trajectory, very organized, composed player at the crease, and got a game that will really suit Test cricketGeorge Bailey on Nathan McSweeney

“I don’t think it’s a huge adjustment to go from three to opening,” Bailey said. “I think in the 15 or so games that he’s been batting at three for South Australia, I think he’s been in before the 10th over about 20 times. He’s had plenty of experience. I think his game and the way he plays, I don’t think the adjustment will be too much.”It’s worth drilling into those numbers. The 15 Bailey refers to is the overall innings McSweeney has batted at No. 3 in Sheffield Shield cricket (one of those came for Queensland before the move to South Australia which accelerated his rise). He has averaged 30.86 with one century and three half-centuries that have all come this calendar year in his last seven hits in the position.It is understood Australia’s selectors did a deeper dive into the candidates’ performances against the best Shield attacks on the Test venues in the recent past to find a separator amongst them. McSweeney stood out.Last season he made 64 and 100 in a low-scoring game against a New South Wales attack featuring Jackson Bird and Chris Tremain, 112 not out at the Gabba against Michael Neser, Mark Steketee and Mitchell Swepson, and 117 against the Shield finalists Tasmania on a brutal wicket at Bellerive where the next highest score in the game was 68. This season he scored 55 and 127 not out against NSW at Cricket Central in Sydney where Nathan Lyon took eight wickets across 63.3 overs. His 39 and 88 not out against India A were standout performances in Mackay on a surface assisting the quicks.Nathan McSweeney has impressed at a time when Shield runs have been at a premium•Getty ImagesBut it’s worth noting he batted at No. 3 in just two of those eight innings, No. 4 in five of them and No. 5 once. His entry points were in the 26th, 18th, 46th, 19th, 24th, 11th, 4th and 25th overs respectively. Two of those four centuries came batting behind a nightwatcher.Steven Smith averages 67.07 at No. 3 in Tests with eight centuries, including a double, and though he won’t admit it publicly, even he found the adjustment to opening difficult.For this reason, Harris and Bancroft have a right to feel aggrieved. For 12 months the selectors have pointed to past success stories of Usman Khawaja, Justin Langer, Simon Katich and Shane Watson as converted Test openers to support their stance that batting positions do not matter. But there is a chance they are outliers depending on how you view things. As Smith showed, and as most grizzled openers will attest, there is a distinct difference between occasionally walking out early at one or two for not many to face the new ball and doing it day in, day out for over a decade as Harris and Bancroft have.Harris’ Test scores of 79 and 70 at the SCG and Perth Stadium against a Jasprit Bumrah led India attack in 2018-19, and 76 against James Anderson, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes on an MCG minefield in 2021-22, do not seem to have overturned perceptions around his inability to convert starts and the large gulf between his first-class record at the bowling graveyard of the Junction Oval compared to the Test venues.His 74 against India A on Friday appears to have been too little too late, despite no other top three batter in the game, including McSweeney, passing 25. His play against spin would also be a factor. He looked far from comfortable against Tanush Kotian’s offspin. Australia’s hierarchy are wary of giving R Ashwin a look at four left-handers in the top seven.Marcus Harris’ hopes of resuming his Test career will now likely depend on injury to others•Getty ImagesFor Bancroft, perception about his technical deficiencies are becoming reality. After he was overlooked in January having dominated the Shield for two summers, he was never going to be selected having returned 29 runs in eight first-class innings this season. Bailey insisted the door wasn’t closed for either Harris or Bancroft. But brutally for both men, it is clear they are the wrong side of 30, and despite higher career averages than McSweeney, those too are the wrong side of 40 despite this being a difficult era for batters in Shield cricket.It is noteworthy that McSweeney’s consistency of mechanics, method and decision-making have been praised in the aftermath of his selection.For Konstas, his time is coming but it’s not quite now. When Khawaja will end remains a mystery, but the 19-year-old appears perfectly poised to assume his position with more first-class experience under his belt.Ultimately, McSweeney is in the right place at the right time. He has been identified as a future Australian leader and his first-class form is matching that standing.”[We’re] really thrilled with Nathan’s game,” Bailey said. “Over the last 12 or 15 months, seeing a player whose growth is on a great trajectory, very organized, composed player at the crease, and got a game that will really suit Test cricket. I think he’s wonderful person. He’s clearly had some good leadership exposure now, good catcher, bowl’s some good off spin too. So the package is really impressive.”He is, however, about to step into a new world.

Chase DeLauter is making some history on Wednesday.

The Guardians have decided to call up their No. 2 prospect to make his first MLB start in Game 2 of their wild-card round matchup with the Detroit Tigers. Trailing 1-0 in the series, Cleveland has added DeLauter to the lineup for a do-or-die game.

DeLauter will start in center field and bat seventh in the lineup. The 23-year-old will become the sixth player in MLB history to make his debut in the postseason. It's a huge move in a big spot for the franchise, but after losing Tuesday's series opener 2-1, the team is looking for a spark. Maybe the rookie can provide it.

Everything you should know about Chase DeLauter

The Guardians selected the 6'3" 235-pound DeLauter with the 16th pick in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft. He was not a highly recruited prep player, but he crushed pitching at James Madison for three years, including posting a 1.404 OPS as a junior. In that season, he slashed .437/.576/.828 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs.

While his college numbers were huge, DeLauter made a name for himself during the 2021 Cape Cod League, where he led the circuit with nine home runs and a .589 slugging percentage. That boosted his stock entering his draft year and led to his selection. He broke his foot midway through the 2022 season, but it didn't hurt his stock. Cleveland inked him to a $3.75 million signing bonus, but he reinjured his foot, stunting his rise.

After making his minor league debut in 2023, DeLauter absolutely raked, which helped him jump three levels in one season. He slashed .355/.417/.528 with five home runs, 22 doubles, and 39 RBIs, reaching Double-A by the end of the campaign. He re-broke his foot in April 2024, and his hitting fell off, but he did reach Triple-A by the end of the season.

In 2025, he opened the season in Triple-A, but underwent surgery for a right hamate fracture and hasn't played since July 11. So far in 2025, he's hitting .264 with a .379 on-base percentage and a .473 slugging percentage, with seven home runs and 24 RBIs in 42 games.

During his three-year career, DeLauter has played only 138 minor league games due to his multiple injuries. Over that time, he's slashing .302/.384/.504 with 20 home runs and 87 RBIs.

MLB Pipeline currently has him ranked as the 54th-best prospect in all of baseball.

It will be quite a jump for DeLauter to go from the injured list to starting an MLB playoff game. The Guardians clearly have faith in him.

Kyle Schwarber is hitting free agency at the perfect time. The 32-year-old slugger had the best season of his career in 2025 for the Phillies, and now he’ll hit the open market with plenty of suitors.

In a brilliant campaign, Schwarber set career-highs in home runs (56), RBIs (132), hits (145), runs (111), wRC+ (152), and fWAR (4.9). The three-time All-Star DH led the NL in home runs and RBIs and, if anything, looks to be getting better with age. On top of that, he played all 162 games for the first time in his career. He was excellent in 2024 as well, producing a 134 wRC+ and 3.3 fWAR.

Very few players get their biggest contract after the age of 32, but Schwarber will be an exception. He’s got the kind of bat that should play for years moving forward, and given that he’s a DH-only at this point, there are no concerns about his defense falling off.

Here’s a look at four teams that would be a great fit for Schwarber as he looks for his next home.

Philadelphia Phillies

It’s pretty accepted around the league that the most likely scenario is Schwarber staying in Philadelphia. He’s coming off a career year and has become a centerpiece of the organization over the past four years. J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suarez are both free agents, so the Phillies have some number crunching to do to keep their core together. Then there’s the elephant in the room in the form of Bryce Harper trade rumors. If they did move Harper, bringing back Schwarber’s left-handed power would be even more imperative. During his four years in Philly, the slugger has hit 187 home runs and slugged .507. He’s not a bat they can afford to lose. There’s very little to suggest Philly is letting Schwarber walk away.

New York Mets

Mets owner Steve Cohen is willing to spend stupid money to compete for championships, and it would likely take that to land Schwarber. Mets DHs slashed .247/.314/.428, and that .742 OPS ranked 16th in baseball. On top of that, Starling Marte, the team’s primary DH, is hitting free agency. There’s an opening Schwarber could fit into. If the Mets can’t re-sign Pete Alonso, the need to add a big bat will get even more pressing. But even if Alonso is back, Schwarber’s lefty power would be a huge addition.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers need to add some offense this winter and there’s not a better fit out there than Schwarber. Like the Mets, Detroit’s DHs left much to be desired in 2025. They ranked 20th in OPS (.726) while slashing a weak .226/.309/.417. It was a position the team shared all season, but getting one guy to step in and provide stability could be a huge benefit. Schwarber is a veteran with a World Series ring, and he did it while teammates with Detroit shortstop Javy Baez. It’s also worth noting, Schwarber grew up in neighboring Ohio, went to Indiana and came up with the Cubs. He has deep midwestern roots.

Cincinnati Reds

Speaking of midwestern roots. Schwarber grew up a Reds fan and he has teased the idea of playing for his hometown team. And, hey, let’s not write this off completely. Cincinnati almost certainly won’t spend money this offseason, so it might feel like a long shot, but the Reds shocked everyone and made the playoffs in 2025. They could have something brewing and bringing Schwarber back would show they’re serious about winning. I don’t think there’s really any chance of this happening, but he would be an incredible fit with that team and in that ballpark.

If you're looking for a few bets to place for Saturday's MLB action, you've come to the right place.

I have three wagers locked in for today's slate, including one against the Toronto Blue Jays, who make winning baseball games seem like a near-impossible task.

Let's dive into them.

MLB Best Bets Today

Reds -155 vs. MarlinsBraves +110 vs. PadresDiamondbacks -130 vs. Blue JaysMarlins vs. Reds Prediction

Now might be the time to invest in the Reds. They have had the best offense in baseball over the last week, batting .286 with an OPS of .902.

Meanwhile, the Marlins continue to run cold. Things will get worse for them today with Edward Cabrera (6.84 ERA) on the mound. This game could get ugly and I'm surprised we're able to get the Reds at -155 odds.

Braves vs. Padres Prediction

Be careful, the Padres rank dead last in the Majors in OPS over the last week. Something may be going on with their offensive flow and now they have to take on Reynaldo Lopez and his stellar 1.71 ERA.

Even though the Braves have been slumping offensively the past month, they still outrank the Padres in virtually every single offensive metric. We should be jumping at the chance to take Atlanta as an underdog in this National League showdown.

Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks Prediction

You're telling me the Blue Jays bullpen blew another late lead last night? Color me (not) shocked. The Jays bullpen ranks 29th in the Majors in bullpen ERA this season at 4.87. Only the Rockies, who play their home games at Coors Field, rank worse.

Offensively, the Diamondbacks rank sixth in OPS over the last 30 days while the Blue Jays come in at 19th.

At this point, you'd have to be a masochist to be betting on Toronto.

The Dodgers captured their second consecutive World Series title on Saturday night after a thrilling 11-inning Game 7 vs. the Blue Jays.

Los Angeles has grown its roster in the past few years to build the powerful championship team it has become. Two players who are new to the team are starting pitchers Tyler Glasnow (joined in 2024) and Blake Snell (joined in ‘25). Glasnow now has two World Series titles (he didn’t compete in the postseason last year due to injury), while the two-time Cy Young award winning Snell just secured his first one.

Funny enough, the two pitchers were teammates on the Rays in 2020 when Tampa Bay faced the Dodgers in the World Series, which Los Angeles ended up winning. They both ended up in Los Angeles and now have World Series rings of their own after failing with Tampa Bay.

While celebrating in the locker room at Rogers Centre on Saturday, Glasnow dropped a hilarious, but somewhat cringey, line about players who have lost to the Dodgers in any previous World Series.

“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, baby!” Glasnow said, followed by high-fiving Snell.

Both pitchers made relief appearances in Game 7. Glasnow pitched 2.1 innings, throwing two strikeouts and giving up three hits and one run. Snell appeared in the eighth and ninth, striking out two batters and giving up one walk and one hit. The Dodgers went on to win 5-4 in the 11th inning.