by Big Al Staff
Monday, Jul 14, 2025The Monday sports card features WNBA action and the MLB Home Run Derby.
The WNBA has two games on its slate. The Minnesota Lynx travel to Chicago to play the Sky at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Lynx lost for the second time in their last three games with an 87-81 upset loss at Chicago as a 12-point favorite on Saturday. The Sky have won two games in a row after their upset victory. Minnesota is a 10.5-point road favorite with the total set at 161.5 (all odds from DraftKings).
The Golden State Valkyries host the Phoenix Mercury at 10:00 p.m. ET. The Valkyries lost for the third time in their last four games in a 104-102 loss at Las Vegas as a 2.5-point underdog on Saturday. The Mercury won for the eighth time in their last ten games with a 79-71 upset victory as a 7.5-point underdog against Minnesota on Wednesday. Golden State is a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 158.5.
Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby takes place on ESPN at 8 PM ET at the Atlanta Braves Truist Park.
There were several changes to the format two years ago. Eight competitors will take part in an opening round with the top four scorers advancing to the semifinals seeded based on the results. Ties are resolved by the longest home run from the competitors in question. A competitor’s round ends after either three minutes or 40 pitches. Each hitter gets to use one timeout. Competitors are then awarded three bonus outs. A fourth out is earned by a home run of at least 425 yards in length. The top four scorers advance to the semifinals.
In the semifinals and finals, a competitor’s round ends after either two minutes or 27 pitches. Each hitter gets to use one timeout. Competitors are then awarded three bonus outs. A fourth out is earned by a home run of at least 425 yards in length. If there is a tie in the semifinals or finals, then a 60-second “swing-off” will commence. If there is still a tie after that, then there will be a three-swing “swing-off” to determine a winner.
The field consists of seven first-time participants in MLB’s Home Run Derby. Cal Raleigh is the favorite to win at +295 (all odds from DraftKings). The Seattle Mariners’ catcher leads MLB with 38 home runs this season.
Oneil Cruz is listed at +320 odds. The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder has 16 homers this year.
James Wood has +475 odds to win this year’s derby. The Washington Nationals outfielder has 24 home runs this season.
Matt Olson is posted at +800 odds. The Atlanta Braves' first baseman has 17 homers this year. He is a late replacement for Ronald Acuna who bowed out of this competition after experiencing some back tightness.
Brent Rooker is listed at +850 odds. The Athletics’ outfielder has 19 home runs this season.
Bryan Buxton has +950 odds to win the Home Run Derby. The Minnesota Twins’ outfielder has slammed 20 home runs this year.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is listed at +1100 odds. The New York second-baseman has 17 homers this season.
Junior Camineiro rounds the list of competitors at +1200 odds to win. The Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman has clubbed 23 homers this year.
