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Philadelphia Phillies beat Washington Nationals, 4-2

WASHINGTON — For much of this season, it’s felt like the Phillies aren’t in sync. When their pitching shines, their offense struggles. When their offense shines, their pitching struggles. And of course, there’s always a possibility that their defense will cost them. After a five-game losing streak, one that dropped…

Pitching makes 1-run lead stick as Diamondbacks top Braves in series opener (Michelle Gardner/Arizona Republic)

Michelle Gardner / Arizona Republic: Pitching makes 1-run lead stick as Diamondbacks top Braves in series opener  —  José M. Romero Michelle GardnerArizona Republic  —  Nevertheless, “Today’s story is the same as yesterday’s,” was Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo’s refrain prior the series opener against the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves. Source…

Red Sox OF Rob Refsnyder signs 1-year extension

Reuters www.espn.com Boston Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder on Saturday signed a one-year contract extension through the 2024 season. The Red Sox did not divulge financial terms on the deal, which also includes a club option for 2025. Refsnyder, 32, is batting .284 with one homer and 17 RBIs in…

Stanley Cup Final odds, prediction

Commercial content 21+. Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final looks like a tricky contest to handicap. As with any curtain-raiser in a best-of-7 series, there’s a chance that Saturday’s match between the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights could be stodgy as the two teams feel one another out….

Stanley Cup Finals picks, predictions

Commercial content 21+. It’s pretty rare that there’s any value left in the Conn Smythe Award market when you get to the Stanley Cup Finals. With three rounds of playoff hockey already in the books, it’s usually pretty clear who is on the shortlist to be named MVP of the…

Justin Steele diagnosed with forearm strain, but the Chicago Cubs don't anticipate an extended absence for the left-hander (Meghan Montemurro/Chicago Tribune)

Meghan Montemurro / Chicago Tribune: Justin Steele diagnosed with forearm strain, but the Chicago Cubs don’t anticipate an extended absence for the left-hander  —  SAN DIEGO — Justin Steele appears to have avoided a worst-case scenario.  —  The Chicago Cubs received good news from Steele’s MRI with the lefty’s diagnosis…

Reds 1B Joey Votto to begin rehab assignment on Saturday

Reuters www.espn.com Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto will begin a rehab stint at Triple-A Louisville on Saturday as he makes another attempt to return from surgery nine-plus months ago. Votto, 39, had surgery on his left shoulder on Aug. 19 to repair his rotator cuff and biceps. There remains…

Royals place left-handed reliever Amir Garrett on 15-day IL

Reuters www.espn.com The Kansas City Royals placed left-handed reliever Amir Garrett on the 15-day injured list Friday. Garrett, 31, has valgus extension overload in his left elbow. His IL designation is retroactive to Monday. Garrett has no decisions and a 3.00 ERA in 23 relief appearances this season. The Royals…

Marlins place RHP Matt Barnes (hip) on injured list

Reuters www.espn.com The Miami Marlins placed right-hander Matt Barnes on the 15-day injured list Friday with a left hip impingement. The team recalled rookie right-hander George Soriano from Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding transaction. Barnes, 32, is 1-0 with a 5.48 ERA in 24 appearances (one start) in his first…

White Sox reinstate Mike Clevinger, Elvis Andrus from IL

Close www.espn.com Jesse Rogers, ESPN Staff WriterJun 2, 2023, 01:24 PM ET Close Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com. CHICAGO — The White Sox reinstated starter Mike Clevinger and infielder Elvis Andrus from the injured list Friday while optioning pitcher Jesse Scholtens to Triple-A…

Two hockey long shots to wager on

Commercial content 21+. Oddsmakers are having a devil of a time separating the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers. At the time of writing, the Knights are -130 favorites over the Panthers, which would be the tightest gap in the odds of a Stanley Cup Final since the Pittsburgh Penguins…

Phillies should bench Kyle Schwarber

Kyle Schwarber’s my favorite Philadelphia athlete since Brian Dawkins. I just like the dude. Like his vibe. He’s a complete professional. Fit. Prepared. Focused. Accountable. Talented. Bench him. Not forever. Not even for a week. But at least for a few days. He’s been the worst player on a wildly…

Patrick Kane undergoes hip resurfacing surgery

Patrick Kane may or may not be ready to play at the start of next season. The Rangers’ headlining trade-deadline acquisition of last season underwent hip resurfacing surgery Thursday and is expected to face a four-to six-month recovery period, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported. A four-month timeline would bring Kane right…