MLB: What to watch on June 7, 2026

• 07 June 2026
• mlbw

Here are today's MLB games, ordered by watchability, based on how interesting the teams and starting pitchers look. Higher is better. For more information, read this post.

Notes:

• Pitcher 'no data': Pitchers only have a pNERD score once they've started at least one game and have at least 20 innings pitched. I also show 'no data' when I can't correctly link a starting pitcher with their stats.
• Generated by the mlb-watchability project on GitHub.

Detail

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees, 10:35a

Summary

High-end matchup: an ace-caliber rookie with triple-digit juice versus a steady veteran southpaw, and the gNERD (16.10) rightly flags this as one of the more watchable games on the slate. Cam Schlittler has turned into the Yankees’ surprise top-of-rotation arm (7–3, 1.89 ERA) who pairs heavy velocity and a strong strike rate with a stingy xFIP—the kind of pitcher who forces action and strikeouts; he’s the primary driver of the game’s high pNERD. Ranger Suárez is less eye-popping but veteran-stable (signed to a big Red Sox deal this winter) and offers groundball/command upside that keeps games interesting without the fireworks. The Yankees’ team metrics (big barrel rate, strong offensive runs) raise scoring potential, while Boston’s above-average fielding, useful bullpen, and materially positive “luck” suggest they’re due for better results—so this isn’t just a duel of flames and finesse, it’s a matchup where roster construction and recent fortune could swing a lively, competitive game. The combination of a top-tier pNERD, strong tNERD for New York, and Boston’s underlying indicators makes this a priority pick for viewers who like strikeouts with a chance of offense.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Boston Red Sox (2.47); radio, Boston Red Sox (2.64)

Boston Red Sox

New York Yankees

Ranger Suarez, Boston Red Sox

Cam Schlittler, New York Yankees

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Pittsburgh Pirates @ Atlanta Braves, 10:35a

Summary

Mason Montgomery’s unusually high pNERD (11.43) and his shift into an opener/spot-start role make this a must-scan for strikeout junkies, while the Braves’ heavyweight lineup and Bryce Elder’s steady, efficient profile keep the stakes high. Montgomery’s giddy velocity and strong pNERD put him well above today’s pitcher field, and multiple outlets list him as the Pirates’ opener/spot starter for this game. The box-score tease: a game NERD of 16.02 sits above the historic 95th percentile and near today’s top, driven by Atlanta’s top-tier tNERD (8.16) and Montgomery’s outlier pitching marks. Montgomery’s recent bullpen usage included a rough multi-run outing, so there’s upside and volatility—perfect ingredients for watchability. Elder’s 2026 surface metrics and role with Atlanta suggest handfuls of innings and a quick pace that keeps the broadcast lively, but his middling pNERD (5.58) lowers the duel drama. In short: tune in for Montgomery’s high-ceiling bursts against a relentless Braves offense; it’s less a five-act pitching classic and more a compact, high-energy matchup where strikeouts, quick innings, and matchup swings deliver the entertainment.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3, 4.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Atlanta Braves (2.36); radio, Atlanta Braves (2.36)

Pittsburgh Pirates

Atlanta Braves

Mason Montgomery, Pittsburgh Pirates

Bryce Elder, Atlanta Braves

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Los Angeles Angels @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:10p

Summary

A quietly intriguing pitching duel on paper — two young arms with solid pNERD (Soriano 7.43, Sheehan 7.70) facing off — but the Dodgers’ juggernaut lineup makes this feel like a test of whether elite pitching can contain an elite offense. The gNERD (12.77) sits above today’s mean, driven almost entirely by a massive tNERD split: the Dodgers’ offense/defense combo (tNERD 10.15) versus an Angels club that’s been poor across fielding, bullpen and baserunning (Angels tNERD 0.25). Soriano has been one of the Angels’ best starters this season — lively velo and strikeout upside noted in season writeups and previews — so he’s not an obvious push-over. Sheehan has taken some losses recently but his underlying metrics and a big positive “luck” tag suggest better pitching than his surface results; that makes him a dangerous bounce-back candidate. Add a Dodgers lineup shuffle/injury chatter around the catcher spot and you get enough storyline meat to make this more watchable than the raw numbers suggest.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Los Angeles Angels (2.59); radio, Los Angeles Dodgers (2.51)

Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Dodgers

José Soriano, Los Angeles Angels

Emmet Sheehan, Los Angeles Dodgers

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Chicago White Sox @ Philadelphia Phillies, 10:35a

Summary

Don’t skip this one if you like guessing games: a high-ish gNERD (12.73) driven by a punchy White Sox team profile and a veteran Phillies starter whose peripherals suggest better days ahead. The game pairs a White Sox roster that scores with authority (high barrel rate and batting runs, plus youthful athleticism) against an Aaron Nola whose underlying numbers — a solid xFIP- and a large “positive luck” signal that implies he’s been pitching worse than his peripherals suggest — make him a quietly interesting watch; Nola was recently reinstated from the paternity list and looked capable in his last outing.

Tyler Gilbert’s pNERD is listed as 0 because he’s being used as an opener with very limited 2026 work, which lowers the predictable-starting-pitcher drama and nudges this toward bullpen-watchability if he exits early.

The Phillies’ bullpen and baserunning metrics are lively, so expect late-inning swings, while Philly’s lineup has potholes with men-on situations that Nola has historically navigated unevenly — a matchup quirk that could decide the game.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Philadelphia Phillies (2.92); radio, Philadelphia Phillies (2.69)

Chicago White Sox

Philadelphia Phillies

Tyler Gilbert, Chicago White Sox

No detailed stats available

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies

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Cleveland Guardians @ Texas Rangers, 11:35a

Summary

Two pitchers make this worth a glance: Jacob deGrom brings Ace-level stuff and strikeout upside, while Joey Cantillo’s absurd changeup gives Cleveland a real chance to frustrate him. The gNERD (12.57) sits comfortably above today’s average and signals this is a better-than-usual pitching duel on paper.

DeGrom’s 2026 profile — elite underlying numbers and recurring health chatter after a brief neck issue — explains his high pNERD: he’s still throwing mid-to-upper-90s heat and missing bats at an above-average clip. Cantillo’s pNERD is much lower, but his changeup has been legitimately disruptive (huge whiff and K rates; strong run as a rotation piece since July 2025), which creates an interesting counterpoint to deGrom’s power pitching.

This matchup also has a bit of narrative: Cleveland has not faced deGrom this season and enters with the better record, while Texas’ need for quality starts makes every deGrom outing higher leverage. In short: watch for deGrom’s dominance and whether Cantillo’s pitch mix can turn a likely low-to-medium scoring game into an entertaining chess match.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Cleveland Guardians (2.16); radio, Cleveland Guardians (3.14)

Cleveland Guardians

Texas Rangers

Joey Cantillo, Cleveland Guardians

Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers

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Washington Nationals @ Arizona Diamondbacks, 12:15p

Summary

This one’s worth a look: a slightly above-average gNERD (11.70) thanks to two competent starters and a clear stylistic clash — Soroka’s control-first, low-xFIP work versus Cavalli’s higher juice and swing‑and‑miss upside. The matchup reads like a compact pitchers’ duel that can flip if Washington’s younger lineup — the stronger tNERD here — squanders its thin bullpen or if Arizona’s excellent team defense turns batted‑ball luck into outs; Soroka has been the steadier surface number while Cavalli brings more velocity and a slower pace that can rattle hitters (and viewers) alike. Soroka and Cavalli are listed as the probables (Soroka 7-3, Cavalli 3-3) in previews and box-score pages. The NERD components back the feel: D-backs’ big fielding runs vs. Nats’ positive batting and youth advantages, a Nationals bullpen liability, and pNERD edges favoring Soroka’s underlying effectiveness (xFIP-) with Cavalli’s raw stuff making him the swingier watch. So prioritize this if you like competitive, substitution-driven games where one bullpen implosion or one pitch-to-contact sequence decides it.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Arizona Diamondbacks (2.19); radio, Washington Nationals (2.20)

Washington Nationals

Arizona Diamondbacks

Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals

Michael Soroka, Arizona Diamondbacks

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New York Mets @ San Diego Padres, 1:10p

Summary

Thin-but-tactical watch: this is less an offensive fireworks show than a bullpen-and-defense contest — the Mets are deploying Huascar Brazobán as an opener while the Padres bring a higher team NERD thanks to strong defense and a stout late inning corps.

The gNERD of 11.62 places this game a hair above today's average, but that comes from very specific pieces: both lineups carry ugly batting-run marks, so scoring looks suppressed, while the tNERD gap (Mets 5.46 vs Padres 7.92) is driven by San Diego’s fielding and bullpen edges and the Mets’ surprisingly useful relief depth. Huascar Brazobán’s pNERD (6.27) reflects his velocity and easy pace and explains the opener role; he’s a live arm to start a bullpen game. Randy Vásquez’s lower pNERD (3.58) and worse underlying xFIP- point to more hittable offerings despite serviceable surface ERA numbers this year, so this shapes up as a pitchers’-duel framework that rewards bullpen leverage and matchup tinkering rather than batted‑ball fireworks. If you like managerial chess and late-inning volatility, this is worth tuning into; if you need long rallies, look elsewhere.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, San Diego Padres (3.47); radio, San Diego Padres (3.37)

New York Mets

San Diego Padres

Huascar Brazobán, New York Mets

Randy Vásquez, San Diego Padres

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San Francisco Giants @ Chicago Cubs, 5:30p

Summary

Worth watching because a high-pNERD Trevor McDonald turns a bland team matchup into a pitcher-driven gamble, while Jameson Taillon’s homer issues make the Cubs’ strong defense and lineup the clearest counterpoint. McDonald’s profile as a 25-year-old, recently recalled rookie with strikeout upside and a tidy xFIP component explains his 8.56 pNERD; the Giants have shuttled him this spring and leaned on him when Logan Webb hit the IL. Taillon’s 3.57 pNERD and elevated xFIP- line up with the MLB narrative that he’s been vulnerable to the long ball this season, so a Cubs lineup backed by above-average defensive metrics makes for an interesting pitcher-versus-team chess match. The low Giants tNERD (weak baserunning, bullpen questions amplified by a recent 60‑day IL move) suggests San Francisco won’t provide many clean innings of margin. Result: a middling gNERD (around today’s average) that’s watchable mainly for McDonald’s stuff and the matchup story—if he’s truly been unlucky, expect better results; if Taillon keeps gifting homers, the Cubs’ defense and offense will decide it.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, San Francisco Giants (3.20); radio, San Francisco Giants (3.49)

San Francisco Giants

Chicago Cubs

Trevor McDonald, San Francisco Giants

Jameson Taillon, Chicago Cubs

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Tampa Bay Rays @ Miami Marlins, 10:40a

Summary

Not must-see, but not a snoozer: a middling gNERD (10.40) built on a contrast — an underpowered Rays lineup against a Marlins club that adds baserunning spice and a lively bullpen. Griffin Jax vs. Sandy Alcantara is a classic pitch-style matchup where neither starter brings elite pNERD fireworks (Jax 5.88, Alcantara 5.37), but both have enough juice and story to keep an eye on the game. Jax has oscillated between opener work and the rotation and has shown improved stuff since the role change, making him an interesting mid-rotation arm to watch for strikeout/velocity spikes. Alcántara remains Miami’s bona fide ace — high average velo and a history of dominant outings, so you’ll get quality heater-bat chess and the occasional long outing. The Rays’ offense is light on barrels and raw power (low barrel rate), which dulls the upside, while Miami’s above-average baserunning and a bullpen that’s been used heavily add late-inning volatility — small things that raise watchability even when starters are merely solid. Overall: a watchable game for pitch-watchers and anyone who likes late-inning action, but not the top priority on a busy slate.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Tampa Bay Rays (2.27); radio, Tampa Bay Rays (2.10)

Tampa Bay Rays

Miami Marlins

Griffin Jax, Tampa Bay Rays

Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins

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Milwaukee Brewers @ Colorado Rockies, 12:10p

Summary

Bump this into your watchlist if you like young arms and a clear mismatch: the Brewers bring a high-voltage rookie lefty in Shane Drohan who profiles well on the numbers, while the Rockies offer a struggling veteran in Kyle Freeland who’s been flailing and may be due for some correction. The gNERD (10.25) sits essentially at the historical mean, but it’s a hair below today’s slate average, and that’s because the team gap is stark — Milwaukee’s tNERD (6.71) versus Colorado’s 1.96 — so you’re more likely to see Brewers offense vs. a thin Rockies lineup than a pitchers’ duel. Drohan’s strong pNERD (7.90) is driven by solid underlying metrics (good xFIP- and punch/strike indicators) and he’s been inserted back into the rotation after a recent debut and bullpen work. Freeland’s pNERD (3.93) reflects his rough surface results (an ugly ERA this year) even as high “luck” suggests some regression is possible; add Coors Field’s run-friendly backdrop and you should expect offense rather than a low-scoring chess match.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Milwaukee Brewers (2.66); radio, Milwaukee Brewers (2.56)

Milwaukee Brewers

Colorado Rockies

Shane Drohan, Milwaukee Brewers

Kyle Freeland, Colorado Rockies

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Cincinnati Reds @ St. Louis Cardinals, 11:15a

Summary

Not a must-see pitching duel, but it’s worth a glance for the storyline: Rhett Lowder’s activation off the injured list meeting Michael McGreevy’s quietly legit season gives this an edge beyond its middling NERD. MLB’s probable-pitchers list confirms the matchup. Lowder’s return is the main draw — he’s coming off a short IL stint with right-shoulder discomfort and was activated after a recent Triple‑A rehab outing in which he struck out eight across five innings. The NERD math agrees this is only modestly watchable: a gNERD of 9.90 sits below both today’s games mean and the historical average, and both starters post low pNERDs (Lowder 2.85, McGreevy 3.82), so don’t expect elite strikeout showcases. McGreevy, though, has been the Cardinals’ steadier arm this year and his peripherals look healthier than Lowder’s, so he’s the safer bet to keep it quiet. The Cardinals’ stronger tNERD (7.83) — driven by defense and baserunning — plus Cincinnati’s shaky bullpen increase the odds of late-inning swings, which is where the real entertainment here likely comes from.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, St. Louis Cardinals (2.17); radio, St. Louis Cardinals (2.15)

Cincinnati Reds

St. Louis Cardinals

Rhett Lowder, Cincinnati Reds

Michael McGreevy, St. Louis Cardinals

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Athletics @ Houston Astros, 11:10a

Summary

Not must-see, but worth a look if you like rookie debuts and soft‑landing storylines: Gage Jump’s early outings and the A’s glaring “luck” number could make this closer than the box score suggests. The gNERD of 9.84 is a touch below both today’s game average (11.48) and the historical mean (10.11), so this isn’t a marquee pitching duel on paper; team NERDs tilt toward a middling offensive spectacle (A’s 5.72, Astros 4.11) and the overall pitcher NERD is unremarkable. What lifts interest is context: Jump is a fresh call‑up/young lefty who recorded a seven‑inning, one‑run outing for his first win recently and has pedigree as an LSU prospect — he’s the “unknown” starter with little MLB track record. Mike Burrows profiles as the more familiar arm with swing‑and‑miss stuff but a higher underlying xFIP and a rough last outing; his listed “luck” suggests he’s underperforming his peripherals and could bounce back. Combine Jump’s rookie intrigue, the A’s large positive luck (expecting improvement), and Houston’s shaky bullpen, and you get a low‑scoring, watchable game for process‑fans rather than anyone chasing fireworks.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Houston Astros (2.17); radio, Houston Astros (1.99)

Athletics

Houston Astros

Gage Jump, Athletics

No detailed stats available

Mike Burrows, Houston Astros

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Kansas City Royals @ Minnesota Twins, 11:10a

Summary

Not must‑see TV, but there’s enough pitching texture to make a glance worthwhile: two mid‑6 pNERD arms with different flavors — Cameron’s underlying numbers look a little cleaner, Prielipp brings more juice and an awkward track record — while both clubs’ team profiles suggest limited offense and shaky defense. Noah Cameron and Connor Prielipp are the probables (Cameron: modestly effective so far; Prielipp: higher velo but uneven results).

The gNERD of 9.70 sits below today’s game average and the historical median, so expect a lower‑event game on paper; that’s driven by two low tNERD teams (Royals’ offense has been poor and their bullpen thin, Twins have clear defensive issues). The matchup’s watchability comes from the pitchers: Cameron’s better xFIP component and lightning‑quick pace make his starts watchable, and Prielipp’s 95+ mph stuff plus a large positive luck signal suggests he may be pitching below his peripherals — both reasons to tune in for a duel rather than a slugfest.

In short: not a can’t‑miss day, but a tidy pitcher’s game for viewers who like contrast (soft‑contact lefty craft vs. harder‑throwing youngster) more than offense.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2, 3.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Minnesota Twins (2.30); radio, Kansas City Royals (2.22)

Kansas City Royals

Minnesota Twins

Noah Cameron, Kansas City Royals

Connor Prielipp, Minnesota Twins

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Baltimore Orioles @ Toronto Blue Jays, 10:37a

Summary

If you want a tidy pitching matchup rather than a slugfest, this is your ticket — an under-the-radar duel between a high-xFIP veteran and a boom-or-bust flamethrower that smells like seven innings of tense, low-scoring baseball. The gNERD of 8.84 sits below today’s mean (11.48), so this won’t top anybody’s must-watch list, but the ledger hides a playable contrast: Kevin Gausman (pNERD 6.00) brings an above-average, swing-and-miss profile and a strong underlying xFIP, while Shane Baz (pNERD 3.12) offers elite velocity and recent quality starts but fewer strikeouts and a slow pace that can sap drama. MLB and local coverage list them as the probable starters, and Baz’s recent seven-inning quality outing has been a real uptick for Baltimore; Gausman has been the steadier arm for Toronto this season. Team-wise, Baltimore’s tNERD (5.07) owes more to offense and bullpen depth while Toronto’s weaker tNERD (3.49) shows poor barrel and baserunning numbers but solid defense and a TV-friendly broadcast; that combination makes this a tidy pitcher’s game — worth watching if you like process over punches.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Toronto Blue Jays (3.10); radio, Toronto Blue Jays (2.39)

Baltimore Orioles

Toronto Blue Jays

Shane Baz, Baltimore Orioles

Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays

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Seattle Mariners @ Detroit Tigers, 10:40a

Summary

Skip this one if you want fireworks — gNERD 8.23 is the bottom of today's slate and the matchup reads like two pitchers trying to be competent rather than headline-grabbing. Luis Castillo is the more interesting arm on paper (higher pNERD, better strikeout profile and raw velo), but both starters have underwhelming underlying metrics this year and carry big “bad luck” signals that suggest outcomes could swing unpredictably rather than produce sustained mastery. MLB lists Castillo and Jack Flaherty as the probables for Detroit and Seattle, respectively. Castillo’s peripherals still show a usable K%/SwStr and mid-90s heater that makes him the better bet to generate chase-driven outs; FanGraphs shows Flaherty with a rougher surface profile this season and more walk trouble, which helps explain his low pNERD. Team-wise, Seattle’s bat profile and unusually high “luck” suggest upside for runs, while Detroit’s poor overall tNERD and both clubs’ negative fielding marks lower the watchability for crisp, clean defense. All told: watch only if you like volatile, low-grade drama—expect inconsistency rather than a classic duel.

(A model from OpenAI generated the above text using instructions, the NERD scores, and these sources: 1, 2.)

Recommended broadcasts: TV, Detroit Tigers (2.74); radio, Detroit Tigers (2.64)

Seattle Mariners

Detroit Tigers

Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners

Jack Flaherty, Detroit Tigers

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