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Is Penguins' Center Ben Kindel The Most Underrated Young Player In Hockey?

Given that we are in the dog days of August, there is a whole lot of discussion regarding prospects and the best up-and-coming players in the NHL, as there is not much else to talk about right now. 

Last week, The Athletic's Corey Pronman released both prospect pool rankings and a ranking of the best players under the age of 23. The highest-ranked Pittsburgh Penguins' young player was winger Rutger McGroarty at 80, but one of the biggest surprises on the list was center Ben Kindel being ranked 92nd on the list in Tier 6, which he deems a "middle of the lineup player."

On this list, 46 players above Kindel have not yet played an NHL game. Meanwhile, Kindel spent the vast majority of the season as an 18-year-old - he didn't turn 19 until Apr. 19 - holding down the third-line center position, playing solid two-way hockey, contributing on the power play, recording 17 goals and 35 points in 77 games, and showing off his hockey IQ and higher-ceiling puck distribution and playmaking skills. He also showed off a pretty nasty shot on several occasions, too. 

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time Kindel has been overlooked. When the Penguins selected him 11th overall in 2025, many thought it was a reach. He was not designated by most as a legitimate candidate to make the NHL team out of training camp as a young 18-year-old, either, but he did. He was not expected to last beyond his nine-game NHL trial run, but he did because his body of work in those nine games was impressive and transcended his age.

During the season, he was rarely talked about in national circles despite being one of three newly drafted players to stick in the NHL beyond nine games - the others being New York Islanders star defenseman Matthew Schaefer and San Jose Sharks rising star center Michael Misa. After the season concluded, most still weren't talking about Kindel even though he ended up with a few Calder Trophy votes. 

Pronman wrote that Kindel profiles more as "a long-term third-liner, but he could be a top-six winger."

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2026, No. 6: Scoring Winger's Dominant NCAA Season Only The BeginningTop-20 Penguins' Prospects 2026, No. 6: Scoring Winger's Dominant NCAA Season Only The BeginningNext up on our 2026 THN Top-20 Penguins' Prospects list is a sniping winger who, if he can build out a more all-around game and continue to score goals at a torrid pace, could be a long-term top-six solution for the Penguins in the future.

But anyone with eyes who watched Kindel all season - and, particularly, kept tabs on his work at the center position - would probably come out with a different outlook.

For starters, Kindel won 43.6 percent of his draws last season, which isn't a bad number for a rookie. For perspective, Penguins' captain and NHL legend Sidney Crosby had a 45.5 win percentage in the dot during his rookie season. He also, almost immediately, flashed keen two-way awareness and used the middle of the ice comfortably, something that doesn't happen right away for most rookie centers. 

He was trusted enough by the coaching staff to man the third-line center position for the entire 2025-26 season - aside from a few games as second-line center and a handful on Crosby's wing - even though the Penguins had different options for that role at different times throughout the season. Kindel showed on many occasions his offensive upside, showcasing shootout prowess, being a one-time weapon on the power play, acting as an effective playmaker down low, and exposing the soft areas of the ice. He also won a fair amount of puck battles and added on size throughout the season. 

In other words, it seems many are underestimating and underscoring Kindel's NHL ceiling as a center and as a player in general. He may not ever be a first-line center, but to suggest his ceiling was, essentially, already met during his rookie season at age 18 borders on preposterous. 

Kindel will continue to progress and grow, and so will his two-way game. Maybe he could have a higher ceiling on the wing, but his maturity as a center at this stage already suggests that being a career third-liner is a low bar to set for him. 

In fact, there is a good chance that Kindel may just be the most underrated young player in the NHL. While others in his class - and many in this year's class - are already being showered with praise and projected as crucial parts of their respective organization's future, Kindel remains in the background, just as he had in his draft year, just as he had during last year's training camp, and just as he had over the course of the season.

2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins Player Projections: Ben Kindel2026-27 Pittsburgh Penguins Player Projections: Ben KindelBen Kindel had an amazing rookie season. What's in store for him in 2026-27?

Even if he's not a superstar, Kindel very well could be an All-Star caliber player in a few years, and he's the most untouchable young player in a Penguins' organization that has seen a nice pool of young players and prospects come into the fold over the last three years. His body of work speaks for itself so far, and the way he consistently outperforms expectations should almost, in turn, be an expectation until the day that he doesn't.

And, maybe a few years from now, Kindel's name won't be neglected and forgotten when the league's best young players are recognized. 

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2026, No. 7: Winger Must Prove Himself Worthy Of Organizational CommitmentTop-20 Penguins' Prospects 2026, No. 7: Winger Must Prove Himself Worthy Of Organizational CommitmentIt's officially another season, another prospects ranking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins.</a>&nbsp;

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As Sam Dickinson Enters Key Season For Development, Sharks Can Learn from Chicago's Mistakes

Heading into the 2025-26 season, the San Jose Sharks were in no man's land with regard to defenseman Sam Dickinson. He wasn't quite ready for the NHL, but he had accomplished everything he could in the Ontario Hockey League, and he wouldn't develop any further at that level. As a 19-year-old, he was ineligible for the American Hockey League due to the rules at the time, which are set to change a season too late in this regard. 

Given a lack of legitimate options to help Dickinson develop properly, the Sharks were forced to play him at the NHL level, even though he wasn't quite ready. While he wasn't bad at the NHL level, he did struggle quite a bit early on, and his offensive contribution, which is a key aspect of his game, wasn't up to par. 

Per MoneyPuck, Dickinson had the second-most defensive zone giveaways, 65, by a Sharks defenseman, trailing just Dmitry Orlov.  He had 3.5 goals below expected and an abysmal shooting percentage of 1.4%. With that being said, he played as well as can be expected for a 19-year-old defenseman at the NHL level. With the exception of Matthew Schaefer with the New York Islanders, defensemen are known to develop much slower than forwards and take longer to reach their prime. As a result, it's commendable that Dickinson was able to even hang at the NHL level given his age.

Now, Dickinson is heading into a key season for his development, one that could potentially affect the rest of his career. There's a very recent example that highlights exactly what the Sharks shouldn't do if they want to keep Dickinson on the right path.

The Chicago Blackhawks selected Kevin Korchinski with the seventh-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, just two years before Dickinson was taken 11th overall. Like Dickinson, Korchinski spent one more year in the Canadian Hockey League after being drafted and seemingly reached a point where his development would stall if he remained in the junior ranks. At 19 years of age, Korchinski was ineligible for the AHL and jumped into the NHL right away.

Looking at the two players' rookie seasons statistically, they're very similar. Korchinski played 76 games for the Blackhawks, scoring five goals and adding 10 assists for a total of 15 points. Dickinson on the other hand, appeared in 72 games for the Sharks, scoring a single goal and finishing with 14 total points. Korchinski did play a slightly bigger role for the Blackhawks, though, as he averaged 19:37 of ice time while Dickinson had just 16:45. 

Given his performance at the NHL level as a 19-year-old, it seemed Korchinski was in the fast lane to success. Instead, things rapidly fell apart. He was reassigned to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs to start the 2024-25 season, and he's never been the same since. He's played 109 games at the AHL level now, and appeared in just 29 NHL games over the last two seasons. 

While there are, of course, differences between Korchinski and Dickinson, as the former has been essentially a purely offensive defenseman at the NHL level while Dickinson has been somewhat serviceable in his own end, Korchinski's fall off shows why the Sharks need to handle this season perfectly if they want to get Dickinson to reach his true potential. It's possible that the Blackhawks are able to save Korchinski's development, but at this stage, it seems that if he ever reaches his ceiling, it won't be with Chicago. 

Given their desire for a true number one defenseman, the Sharks need to handle Dickinson's second professional season properly; otherwise, it could set the organization back massively. Given how Korchinski's game fell off after being sent to the AHL, the Sharks would be wise to double down on their decision last fall and keep Dickinson in the NHL to prevent a similar outcome.

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Six Senators Who Could Have NHL Awards In Their Future

The Senators may not have an obvious Hart Trophy candidate in their midst for the coming season, but they do have several players capable of working their way into various NHL awards conversations.

Some are already closer than people may realize. Shane Pinto and Travis Green both finished sixth in voting for big awards last season, while Jake Sanderson received Norris Trophy votes for the second consecutive year.

Here are the six Senators most capable of taking home some hardware soon, maybe as early as next summer.

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss Jake Sanderson's ranking among top NHL defensemen.

Jake Sanderson: Norris Trophy

For the second straight year, Sanderson finished 10th in Norris voting after putting up career highs with 14 goals and 54 points in only 67 games. He also led the Sens with 24:50 of ice time per game, and NHL Network recently ranked him as the eighth-best defenceman in the league.

Sanderson is good enough to win a Norris right now, but his primary obstacle is the league's extreme depth of star defensemen,

Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, Rasmus Dahlin and Quinn Hughes are among those who've consistently produced superior offensive numbers, and all of them have a million miles of racetrack left in their careers.

For Sanderson to have a chance to win, he’ll need to stay healthy, flirt with a point per game, and help the Senators take another step forward.

Shane Pinto: Selke Trophy

Pinto finished sixth in Selke voting last year, receiving eight first-place votes. Only Nick Suzuki, Anthony Cirelli, Brock Nelson, Mitch Marner and Jordan Staal finished ahead of him for the NHL’s best defensive forward.

That means his defensive game is no longer flying beneath anyone's radar.

Like Sanderson, his next step will be to create enough offence to attract more voters for what's supposed to be a defensive award. Pinto scored 23 goals and 47 points last season, but most modern Selke winners are also prominent offensive players.

As the team thinks about their chessboard alignment for next month, GM Steve Staios has admitted that moving Pinto into the top six and sliding Dylan Cozens to the wing is something that's been talked about.

If Pinto pushes toward 60 or 70 points while continuing to succeed in his shutdown role, kill penalties and win faceoffs, he could become Ottawa’s first serious Selke finalist since Mark Stone.

Linus Ullmark: Vezina Trophy

Ullmark still has three years left on his four-year contract, so the Sens are praying that he can still be the man who ends Ottawa's reputation for being a goalie graveyard.

He finished last year with 28 wins, a 2.73 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage. Those are clearly not Vezina numbers. However, Ullmark has already demonstrated that he can reach that level, winning the award with Boston just three years ago.

He hasn't been anywhere near that level in his two years with the Sens, except in this year's playoffs. Maybe he can carry that into next season. Regardless, he’s on the list because he’s the only Ottawa player who has already proven he can be the best in the league at his position.

Carter Yakemchuk: Calder Trophy

Yakemchuk needs to put all his focus on just making the team and shouldn't even be thinking about trophies right now.

But we're not Yakemchuk, so we're free to proceed.

Yakemchuk's offensive ability makes him a Calder possibility, albeit a long shot. He led Belleville’s defencemen with 40 points during his first professional season. If he makes the Sens and hits that number again in the NHL, he'll get some votes.

He made an immediate NHL impression, recording two points in his regular-season debut and another two in his first Stanley Cup playoff game.

If Yakemchuk wins a full-time spot, it will probably come with some looks on the power play, which could further assist him in putting up some decent numbers. Offence from the blue line tends to attract most, if not all, of the Calder attention, and Yakemchuk has never been shy about joining the rush or creating something with the puck.

Everyone remembers his solo overtime rush up ice against the Leafs two years ago, but how about this one (0:35 second mark) against the Leafs in the rookie showdown in Montreal last year?

Yakemchuk may not receive enough minutes to compete with the Gavin McKennas, Porter Martones or Cole Hutsons of the world, but he's far and away Ottawa’s best Calder possibility for the coming season. 

Claude Giroux: Masterton Trophy

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. But unofficially, many nominees have either overcome a major injury or personal crisis, or they're still going strong as they approach the sunset of long, excellent careers. 

Now 38, Giroux remains an important player and one of the most respected voices in Ottawa’s dressing room. His willingness to return and continue helping a relatively young team grow only adds to that story.

Depending on how the Sens leadership decision goes, the Messier Award might be on his radar as well, particularly if the Sens can take a big step forward and G's influence gets more national attention as a result.

Travis Green: Jack Adams Award

Green finished sixth in Jack Adams voting last season, receiving four first-place votes after guiding Ottawa to its second consecutive playoff appearance.

The award often goes to the coach of a team that significantly exceeds preseason expectations. That can work against coaches whose teams are already considered contenders, but the Sens are still in the ideal territory. They're respected, but not quite viewed yet as a Stanley Cup favourite.

If the Senators can improve again this season after a summer of significant roster turnover, Green will receive much of the credit.

None of the above would be considered a favourite this season by any stretch. But for Sens fans, it's nice to at least have some possibilities. Three or four years ago, during the darkest days of the rebuild, this would have been a very short article, if it got written at all.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published in The Hockey News. For more Sens coverage at The Hockey News, click on one of the latest headlines below:

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Klay Thompson chose Mavs over Lakers in 2024 because he was concerned about Anthony Davis’ injury history

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 06: Anthony Davis #3 and Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks laugh during a timeout in the second quarter against the Boston Celticsat the TD Garden on February 06, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Earlier this week, Klay Thompson’s rocky tenure in Dallas came to an end as he agreed to a buyout with the intention of signing with the Miami Heat once he clears waivers.

It puts an interesting sliding doors moment back into focus with the 2024 offseason. The Lakers aggressively pursued Thompson with LeBron open to taking a pay cut to help the team sign an impact player.

To the chagrin of many, including his own father, Thompson chose the Mavericks over the purple and gold. In writing about Thompson’s time in Dallas, Christian Clark of The Athletic revealed what went into that decision.

Back in the summer of 2024, Thompson’s representatives had discussions with the Lakers about him winding up there. It would have made sense on several levels. Thompson has deep ties to Los Angeles. He spent much of his childhood in the city and still owns a home there.

But one of the reasons Thompson chose the Mavericks over the Lakers was that he had concerns about Davis’ availability, a source with knowledge of his thinking said.

Obviously, Luka and Thompson only played about two dozen games together before the former was traded. In a bit of irony that ultimately may have proved Thompson right, he and Anthony Davis only played 27 games together across a season-and-a-half due to injuries to the latter.

AD was mostly healthy prior to being traded, playing in 42 of 47 games for the Lakers after playing 76 games the season prior. Lingering doubt has long surrounded AD and his availability, but he was in the healthiest stretch of his time in LA when Thompson opted not to join.

Ultimately, I don’t think the Lakers would have changed anything, given that they landed Luka in this timeline, but that makes it an even more interesting sliding-doors moment. How differently would things have looked for both teams if Klay was donning the purple and gold?

Would Dallas have still looked to trade Luka? Would LA still be the team they secretly negotiated with? It’s a butterfly effect we’ll never know about, but I think Lakers fans are happy with how things played out.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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D-backs vs Reds Discussion

TOPSHOT - The sun shines through a saguaro cactus in Phoenix, Ariona, on June 7, 2024. Millions remain under heat alerts as Phoenix and Las Vegas break temperature records, with Phoenix reaching a sweltering 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) on June 6, 20245, beating the previous daily record for this time of year of 111 degrees (43.8 Celsius) set in 2016. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

REDSDIAMONDBACKS
Elly De La Cruz – SSLars Nootbaar – LF
Sal Stewart – 1BCorbin Carroll – RF
JJ Bleday – LFGabriel Moreno – C
Tyler Stephenson – CGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Eugenio Suarez – DHNolan Arenado – DH
Matt McLain – 2BTim Tawa – 1B
Dane Myers – CFIldemaro Vargas – 2B
Hector Rodriguez – RFJose Fernandez – 3B
Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3BRyan Waldschmidt – CF
Rhett Lowder – RHPMichael Soroka – RHP

After all the drama of the past few days, last night’s simple, straightforward and entirely drama-free victory was a much-needed palate cleaners. Okay, the Reds are well below .500 and occupy last place in their division for a reason. But as we saw with the Rockies, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be easy. There was a thorough competence about almost every aspect of the victory. Eduardo Rodriguez giving us almost six innings of shutout ball. The bullpen retiring 11 of the 12 batters they faced. The offense being remarkably productive in the clutch, going 6-for-13 with RISP. The last time we hit .450 there? June 29 – when we went 2-for-4 against San Francisco.

Dare we hope for more of the same today? With Michael Soroka on the mound, you have to be somewhat optimistic about the possibility. He has allowed two earned runs over ten innings, since coming off the IL. And those were against better offenses than the Reds, in the shape of the Rockies and Braves. Cincinnati are, at the time of writing, dead last in the National League with an OPS+ of just 90. They currently have eighty-two fewer hits than anyone else, and have also struck out more often. Interestingly, the D-backs’ hitters are last in K’s on 940 – seventy-two fewer than the next-fewest in the NL, the Cardinals.

Mind you, Arizona’s pitchers are also strikeout-averse. They are ahead of just the Rockies for K’s – that’s only by two, and Colorado has one fewer game. On the other hand, they have also walked fewer people than any other NL side. I guess the Diamondbacks’ staff are doing their bit for brighter baseball, with the fewest plate appearances ending in one of the “three true outcomes”, and instead generating more balls in play than anyone else. Oh, and who on Opening Day would have bet on tonight’s starter, Michael Soroka having the highest K-rate of anyone in our rotation? At 8.6 K/9, he is more than two strikeouts per nine innings ahead of the next best, E-Rod at 6.4. #YouCantPredictBaseball

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Dodgers on Deck: Sunday, August 23 vs. Pirates

Aug 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell (7) delivers in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Dodgers finish things off with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.

Blake Snell makes his third start since returning from the injured list, having pitched six strong innings in each of his first two times out.

Sunday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Pirates
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 1:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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GameThread: Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Aug 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle (7) throws to first base for an out against Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Bryan Reynolds (not pictured) during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Detroit Tigers (61-67) vs. Kansas City Royals (56-74)

Time/Place: 7:10 p.m., Kauffman Stadium
SB Nation Site:Royals Review
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Drew Anderson (4-4, 4.01 ERA) )vs. RHP Michael Wacha (6-8, 3.58 ERA)

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Cleveland Guardians at Colorado Rockies game discussion: Tanner Bibee vs. Gabriel Hughes

Gabriel Hughes (43) pitches for the Rockies in the first inning as the San Francisco Giants played the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo by Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

The Rockies will look to break their seven-game losing streak at Coors Field when they host the Guardians tonight at Coors Field. Be prepared for lots of lightsaber and Death Star references as Star Wars night takes over 20th and Blake Street.

Gabriel Hughes will start for the Rockies (50-78) in search of his first MLB win and hoping it will come on his 25th birthday. Hughes is 0-4 with a 6.69 ERA in eight appearances (seven starts). Hughes struggled in his last outing, surrendering seven runs on eight hits, including one homer, with one walk and two strikeouts in four innings in San Francisco on Aug. 16.

Tanner Bibee (4-13, 4.01 ERA) will be on the mound for Cleveland (63-66). The 27-year-old RHP has lost both of his last two games, giving up five earned runs with two walks and four strikeouts in 6.1 innings on Aug. 11 vs. Detroit and putting up a quality start against San Diego on Aug. 16 when he gave up only three runs in seven innings.

Scattered rain and thunderstorms peppered the Denver Metro area on Saturday afternoon, which will be interesting to watch as the evening progresses.

First Pitch: 6:10 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)

Guardians SB Nation Site:Covering the Corner

Lineups:

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Dodgers vs. Pirates game chat

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: Fans receive their Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers "Starter Series" Bobblehead before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers try to pick up the pieces in the outfield without Andy Pages, trying for a fifth straight win on Saturday night.

Saturday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Pirates
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 4:15 p.m.
  • TV: Fox
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

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Game Thread: Mets (58-71) at White Sox (67-61)

On a mission: After Luis Castillo’s excellent home debut at Rate Field, he looks to shut the Mets down. | Photo by Joe Sullivan/MLB Photos via Getty Images

After a thrilling victory on Friday night, the White Sox (67-61) are back in action on the South Side against the Mets (58-71).

Trade deadline acquisition Luis Castillo, 33, will start on the mound for the South Siders. Castillo enters this game with a 4.99 ERA and a 4.52 FIP in 115 1/3 innings this season. It has not been the finest year for Castillo, who has only accumulated 0.8 fWAR in 2026. Since the White Sox acquired him, Castillo has had three starts, and Castillo’s numbers were not good in two of them. However, on August 12 against the Reds (61-68) Castillo was fantastic, only allowing one hit and striking out 10 in seven shutout innings. That masterful performance against Cincinnati was the only home game of the three, so perhaps Castillo really enjoys the home cooking on the South Side. Hopefully, Castillo manages to build on that excellent game.

The White Sox offense will be facing starter Christian Scott, 27, a right-handed pitcher. Scott enters this game with a 3.51 ERA and a 3.36 FIP in 84 2/3 innings, accumulating 1.9 fWAR on the season. This will be Scott’s first career appearance against the White Sox. The Mets drafted Scott in the fifth round in 2021, and he has been in the organization ever since.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups:

First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on CHSN, and ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM will have the radio coverage. We look forward to discussing this matchup with you.

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Royals vs Tigers, August 22 live discussion

Vinnie Pasquantino takes a lead
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 21: Vinnie Pasquantino #9 of the Kansas City Royals looks on during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Friday, August 21, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tanner Gatlin/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Royals are already riding their longest winning streak of the season and look to make it even longer tonight. The team’s most consistent pitcher, Michael Wacha, will take the mound for the Royals. Wacha is tied for the AL lead in Quality Starts and is fourth overall. So he’s not just consistent, but he’s been pretty dang good.

Drew Anderson will start for the Tigers tonight. I have to be honest, I couldn’t remember ever seeing him pitch before, so I wondered if he was a rookie. It turns out, however, that he’s been pitching in the big leagues for nearly 10 years, since 2017, and is 32 years old. Whoops.

Anderson was a reliever for most of the year, but with the Tigers still dealing with myriad rotation injuries and then trading away their two best starters at the deadline, he was summoned to action. In three starts since rejoining the rotation, he hasn’t pitched deep into games, but he’s been effective with a 2.84 ERA. That comes with a measly 7.8% K-BB% and a 4.90 FIP. So Tigers fans probably don’t feel super comfortable with him on the mound, However, as the Royals have seen with Daniel Lynch IV and Randy Dobnak, those kinds of results can last a handful of starts, at least.

TJ Stats Pitching Summary for Drew Anderson

As you can see in the above graphic, Anderson is a five-pitch pitcher. He gets at least some chase or some whiff on every pitch; his changeup is regarded very favorably and has the results to match. That’s of particular interest to me because it comes in at only 5 average MPH slower than the four-seamer, and generally you want more difference in the two pitches. Wacha, in contrast, features 13 MPH in his average velocities – one of the reasons his changeup does so well.

Lineups

I’m not really sure why Tyler Tolbert is in there instead of John Rave, but at least some of us will be happy about it. Either way, it’s a lineup that goes at least six deep, even if at least one player is batting higher than he would in a competitive team’s lineup. Fingers crossed the Royals can get things done tonight.

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Mariners Game #130 Preview and Discussion, 8/22/26: Cubs at Mariners

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 22: Kade Anderson #13 of the Seattle Mariners looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at T-Mobile Park on August 22, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This pitcher’s on fire, his heater enthralls,

The batters complain about his wicked curveball

But Kade he don’t care, you can talk to the wall, oh no no

[DRUM FILL]

In Arkansas they will see you no more,

You’re in the bigs now, you beat down the door

Double-A was too easy for you, you found it a bore, oh no no

[DRUM FILL INTENSIFIES]

Taken third overall, a gift from above

They whiff at the slider, ground out on the curve

They miss the fastball despite the read on the gun

We found you in the rotation, we thought the season was done

KAAAAAAAAAAADE

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADEEEE

Lineups:

You might have heard that Kade Anderson is making his debut tonight. In prime time on Fox. In front of an expected sell-out crowd. Against the Cubs, currently boasting the best lineup in the big leagues and the likely NL MVP. So like, no pressure, kid.

It’s 2010s weekend at the park, so I think the Cubs being sponsored by Motorola’s Razr is very on-theme. Just thinking about it gives me traumatic flashbacks to when you only got 300 text messages a month on a mobile plan and I was always afraid to open my T-Mobile bill at the end of the month. I guess that was more of a late 2000s thing but spiritually it is the 2010s to me.

News:

The Mariners officially called up LHP Kade Anderson to make his big-league debut. LHP Jhonathan Díaz was DFA’d to make room for Anderson on the 25-man roster.

Bryan Woo update | Lookout Landing

With Kade Anderson officially called up today, nothing has been formalized regarding whether the Mariners will return to a six-man rotation, back to the piggyback, move a starter to the bullpen, or put a starter on the IL. It sounds like the team is waiting for the results of Woo’s bullpen tomorrow to determine which direction they’ll go in.

Additionally, Matt Brash threw a bullpen yesterday; he’s scheduled to throw to live hitters sometime this week.

Game information:

Game time: 4:15 PT

TV: FOX (exclusive) with Aaron Goldsmith and John Smoltz

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.

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8/22 Gamethread: Giants @ Red Sox

Side view of Blade Tidwell throwing a pitch.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 16: Blade Tidwell #46 of the San Francisco Giants pitches at Oracle Park on August 16, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s time for the meat between the baseball bread that is the sandwich series. Or something like that. In other words, it’s Game 2 of the three-game set between the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox.

Righty Blade Tidwell takes the mound for San Francisco, as he makes his 12th appearance and fourth start of the season. The 25-year old has yet to record a decision, and has a 4.33 ERA, a 3.79 FIP, and 20 strikeouts to 10 walks in 27 innings. After pitching wonderfully in his first two starts of the season, Tidwell got rocked his last time out, allowing six runs in 4.1 innings against the Colorado Rockies.

For the Red Sox, it’s 29-year old left-hander Patrick Sandoval (no relation). Sandoval has made seven starts this season, after returning in July from a nearly two-year absence due to Tommy John surgery. The southpaw is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA, a 3.67 FIP, and 35 strikeouts to 16 walks in 34 innings. He got rocked in his last start, allowing seven runs in four innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Enjoy the baseball, everyone.

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Lineups

Giants

  1. Victor Bericoto — LF
  2. Rafael Devers — DH
  3. Willy Adames — SS
  4. Bryce Eldridge — 1B
  5. Osleivis Basabe — 2B
  6. Jung Hoo Lee — RF
  7. Christian Koss — 3B
  8. Drew Gilbert — CF
  9. Andrew Knizner — C

RHP. Blade Tidwell

Red Sox

  1. Nick Sogard — 2B
  2. Ceddanne Rafaela — CF
  3. Wilyer Abreu — RF
  4. Willson Contreras — 1B
  5. Adley Rutschman — C
  6. Caleb Durbin — 3B
  7. Jarren Duran — LF
  8. Andruw Monasterio — SS
  9. Mickey Gasper — DH

LHP. Patrick Sandoval

Game #129

Who: San Francisco Giants (52-76) vs. Boston Red Sox (69-59)

Where: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

When: 4:15 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: n/a

National broadcast: FOX

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

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Shohei Ohtani takes 'really positive' step in push to return to Dodgers' rotation

Shohei Ohtani throws live batting practice before Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani throws live batting practice before Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)

Shohei Ohtani took a significant step Saturday toward his return to two-way duties.

The Dodgers star, who hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3, pitched a live batting practice session, throwing 30 pitches to also-rehabbing catcher Will Smith. Ohtani had been throwing bullpen sessions up to this point.

“I didn’t have a check-in with Shohei, but everything from the coaches [is] really positive.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the second of three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “We’re getting there. So, today was a good day.”

Ohtani looked close to his normal self, even exchanging a few “gotcha” laughs with Smith, like when he induced an infield pop-up.

Ohtani likely will throw another live batting practice session before potentially returning to the rotation.

“I think if it were up to Shohei, he’d be in a game in a few days,” Roberts said. “But I would assume another live BP, but we’re gonna make sure we talk to him and get with the training staff as well.”

Roberts added that Ohtani’s knee issues, which were the primary reason for Ohtani’s break from pitching, are “behind us.” Roberts noted that Ohtani is rested and has adjusted his pitching mechanics.

“That’s more of the pitching department, but I do know that the land — and the land being closed versus opening up a little bit more — took a little bit of pressure off [Ohtani’s knee],” Roberts said. “That’s why this [is] live and the lives are good,” Roberts added, “because you’re actually facing hitters and you can kind of see if the mechanics — how they play.”

Andy Pages might have surgery

Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages drops his bat after taking a pitch off his left hand.
Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages drops his bat after taking a pitch off his left hand during the third inning against the Pirates on Friday at Dodger Stadium. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages is leaning toward surgery to repair the fractured left hand he sustained after being hit by a 100-mph sinker from Pittsburgh pitcher Bubba Chandler on Friday.

Pages is expected to miss roughly four weeks regardless of whether or not he has surgery.

“I think they’re probably leaning towards some type of surgery,” Roberts said. “I don’t think it changes the timeline. I think it’s certainly gonna be four weeks as the floor for [Pages] to be back with us, but, like I told him in the X-ray room, the season is not over for him, and we expect him back [at] full health.”

Tyler Glasnow, who hasn’t pitched since May 6, is penciled in to start Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, without any limitations, Roberts said.

Justin Wrobleski, dealing with forearm inflammation, will be in the bullpen when he returns from the 15-day injured list.

Read more:Swanson: Struggling Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker simply needs to relax

“I see him slotting into relief and being a two-or-three-inning guy,” Roberts said.

Edwin DĂ­az will be used in less-stressful situations upon his return from neck inflammation before potentially resuming closing responsibilities.

“It’s more of getting him back healthy, and then putting him in some softer landing situations to get the confidence, to get the feel, and the trust of executing pitches [and] getting major league hitters out,” Roberts said.

And Smith continues to be on an upward trajectory after stacking reps with Ohtani.

“Getting Will in the batter’s box to take at-bats ... it’s just good to see the [competition] from both those guys,” Roberts said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Did the Flyers Already Tease Their 'Hometown Remix' Jersey?

Officially announced by Fanatics on Wednesday, all 32 NHL teams are getting a "Hometown Remix" alternate jersey this season, and there's a chance we already know what the Philadelphia Flyers have up their sleeves for it.

According to Fanatics, these new "Hometown Remix" alternates are "Inspired by the fans, cities and culture that make each team feel like home," and the potential Flyers logo for the new threads appears to check that box.

Back on June 26, ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Flyers posted a photo of their draft war room to social media, with a black and orange Liberty Bell fixed to the floor at the center of the photo.

The never-before-seen bell seems a bit too, well, prominent to be a one-off thing just thrown out there, never to be used or seen again.

Many fans on social media are expecting the Flyers' "Hometown Remix" jersey to be either dark grey or black, and it's worth noting that the Flyers had black uniforms in the holster just two seasons ago before going with straight orange for home and white for away last season.

Previously, it was leaked on Reddit that the Flyers would have a black jersey, which would match the color of the bell, with the slick orange outline, in the social media post.

Flyers going with a new logo?

Adding a little bit more fuel to the speculation here, other NHL teams who have had their "Hometown Remix" jerseys revealed already are not using their default logo.

The Florida Panthers, for example, are set to have a hot pink, navy, and yellow jersey, with a hockey stick overlapping a palm tree over a sunset as their logo.

We won't know more until the 2026-27 season officially gets underway on Sept. 29, but it's entirely possible more leaks surface before then; in that case, you'll know about it here.

And, in addition to the jerseys, all 32 NHL teams, including the Flyers, will have "Hometown Remix" apparel and headwear, so we can expect this to be a pretty broad release once everything gets going in another month.