Anthony Edwards injury update: Timberwolves star set to miss significant time

Another big-time NBA star has been sidelined due to injury.

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards is undergoing knee surgery and will miss around two months, according to multiple reports.

Per ESPN, the 25-year-old is having an “arthroscopic procedure” on his right knee.

Edwards had yet to miss any games for the 3-1 Timberwolves, averaging 33.3 points in 33.8 minutes per game. He was the early league leader in field goals made and attempted. On Monday, Oct. 26, he scored 47 points in 41 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was his second game with at least 45 points this season.

He was on the NBA's latest injury report, listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Now, though, he seemingly could be out until the calendar flips to 2027.

The Timberwolves took big swings this offseason, trading away Julius Randle and Naz Reid while bringing in LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. The early returns were promising, but now Minnesota must navigate a tough Western Conference without its best player.

What does Anthony Edwards' injury mean for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

This is, unquestionably, a massive blow.

Edwards is a perennial All-Star and the best pure shooting guard in the NBA. Through four games, he's avweraging 33.3 points per game, and he is a three-tier scorer, who is just as lethal from 3-point range as he is slashing to the basket and getting to the cup. He is one of the premier offensive forces in the world, and his competitive spirit sets the standard for the Timberwolves. He'll be sorely missed.

Yet, Minnesota's offseason acquisition of LaMelo Ball and its investment in backup guard Ayo Dosunmu does provide some relief for the Timberwolves to try to weather this stretch without Edwards. Ball has been solid for Minnesota so far this season. He's a player who can initiate offense and create his own shot. To be clear: spacing and defensive attention will be trickier with Edwards out, but Ball is equipped to take on more scoring responsibility.

Dosunmu should be elevated into a starting role. He's also a talented scorer and wields dynamic speed and athleticism. He also showed last postseason — when both Edwards and guard Donte DiVincenzo were knocked out with injuries — that he could carry the Timberwolves, at least in a spot basis; in Game 4 of Minnesota's first round series against the Nuggets, Dosunmu dropped 43 points in a victory in which the Timberwolves were massively shorthanded.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anthony Edwards injury update: Timberwolves star set to miss significant time

Anthony Edwards to have surgery on ailing right knee, could miss two months

Somebody go in and turn injuries off.

Minnesota's Anthony Edwards will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right knee and could miss up to two months, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. However, Edwards could return sooner than eight weeks, depending on what the doctors find during the surgery.

This is a proactive move by the Timberwolves, who look at how they have played and the landscape of the West early in the season and think they can be in the mix to come out of the conference. By having the surgery now, Edwards will be back around Christmas at the latest, and the team will have plenty of time to ensure a high seed and get its chemistry right before the playoffs.

While it's just four games, Edwards has played at an MVP level to start the season and has led the Timberwolves to a strong 3-1 record. He's averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range.

More scoring and shot-creation load will now fall on LaMelo Ball and Jaden McDaniels.

Anthony Edwards injury: Wolves star to miss 2 months after knee surgery

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Anthony Edwards was among the NBA’s leading scorers through the first week of the season, and he was helping make the Minnesota Timberwolves the most exciting team in the league. Now the 25-year-old superstar is set to miss the next two months as he’s set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Edwards’ knee had been bothering him during preseason, but he fought through it to drop 45 points in the season opener, and then 47 points in an overtime loss to the Cavs on Monday night. One day later, the team decided its best for Edwards to take care of his knee now so he can be healthy for the most important games of the season. This injury seemingly ends Edwards’ MVP case — candidates must play at least 65 games — and will probably put a big dent in Minnesota’s regular season record.

There have been so many injuries already early in the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder likely lost Jalen Williams for the year to a nasty dislocated ankle, then lost Cason Wallace for several months to a torn labrum. The Pistons are already down Jalen Duren to a hamstring strain, and the Utah Jazz are now without Jaren Jackson Jr. for two months after a torn MCL. The Orlando Magic have already seen Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs go down. That’s just the start of it.

Injuries impact every season, and they’re coming for this one early. Here’s hoping Edwards can get right again for the games that really matter.

Read our interview with Edwards from early 2019 back when he was still in high school and already looking like the NBA’s next big thing.

World Series Game 4 Thread

Milwaukee Brewers fans cheer for their team before Game 4 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

The 2026 World Series shifted to Tampa Bay for Game 3 on Monday night, but the change in scenery failed to slow the Milwaukee Brewers. The National League champions won 10-1 to move within one victory of their first World Series title. After scoring two runs in the third inning, the Brew Crew erupted for eight runs with two outs in the fifth. Left-hander Robert Gasser was unfazed by the hostile road environment, allowing one hit over six scoreless innings.

The Rays are fighting history, as no team has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit in the World Series. Tampa Bay must win Game 4 tonight to keep its season alive and force a Game 5 on Wednesday. However, the Brewers are looking to finish the series in four games and join the 1976 Cincinnati Reds as the only teams to sweep both the NLCS and the World Series.

Rays at Brewers (5:00 PST)

Through three games, the Brewers have simply been the better team. Milwaukee’s offense has delivered more clutch hits, while its starters and relievers have outperformed their Rays counterparts. Both teams feature strong bullpens, but Tampa Bay’s relief corps faltered at the worst possible time. If the Rays hope to begin a comeback, they must generate more offense and eliminate defensive and base running errors.

The Rays will turn to right-hander Griffin Jax for the biggest start of his career. Jax has struggled this postseason, allowing four earned runs in six innings over two appearances. Earlier this year, the Brewers scored five runs against him in an outing in which he recorded just three outs. Facing elimination, Rays manager Kevin Cash will keep Jax on a short leash and pull him early if he runs into trouble.

Here’s how the Rays stack up for this must-win Game 4:

The Brewers will counter with right-hander Dustin May. He has made four appearances this postseason, but only one was a start, in which he lasted three innings. Given that, May likely will serve as the opener, pitching two or three innings before handing the ball to left-hander Shane Drohan or another Brewers pitcher.

And here is the Brew Crew’s starting lineup:

Will the Brewers complete the sweep, or will the Rays stave off elimination? Who do you got? Should be exciting either way!

2026 World Series Game 4: Brewers at Rays, 7 p.m. CT

It’s win or go home for the Rays.

If the Brewers take Game 4, it will not only be the first title in their history, but also the first World Series sweep since 2012, when the Giants swept the Tigers.

I’d like to see the Rays win tonight if for no other reasons than this: More baseball is always good, and we don’t know when MLB players will next take the field after this World Series due to the looming owners’ lockout.

7 p.m. CT: Brewers at Rays (Brewers lead series 3-1)

TV: Fox-TV, Fox One (streaming). Announcers: Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci.

TBD vs. Griffin Jax, RHP

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com preview

World Series Game 4 discussion thread

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 26: Chandler Simpson #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays makes a catch at the warning track during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field on October 26, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We have Game 4 of the World Series this evening, and with the Brewers holding a commanding 3-0 lead, its very possible this is the last major league baseball game we will have in 2026.

It is a 7:00 p.m. Central start time on Fox.

Talk about it here.

World Series winners by year: Full list of MLB champions

Baseball's first World Series was played in 1903 with the Boston Americans defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates that October.

The New York Yankees have won more championships – 27 – than any other team in history. Entering 2026, 25 of Major League Baseball's current 30 franchises have won a championships with the Milwaukee Brewers-Tampa Bay Rays series set to crown a first-time winner.

Here's a look back at all of MLB's World Series champions

MLB World Series winners by year

  • 2025:Los Angeles Dodgers (def. Toronto Blue Jays)
  • 2024: Los Angeles Dodgers (def. New York Yankees)
  • 2023:Texas Rangers (def. Arizona Diamondbacks)
  • 2022:Houston Astros (def. Philadelphia Phillies)
  • 2021: Atlanta Braves (def. Houston Astros)
  • 2020: Los Angeles Dodgers (def. Tampa Bay Rays)
  • 2019: Washington Nationals (def. Houston Astros)
  • 2018:Boston Red Sox (def. Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • 2017: Houston Astros (def. Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • 2016:Chicago Cubs (def. Cleveland Indians)
  • 2015:Kansas City Royals (def. New York Mets)
  • 2014:San Francisco Giants (def. Kansas City Royals)
  • 2013: Boston Red Sox (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 2012: San Francisco Giants (def. Detroit Tigers)
  • 2011: St. Louis Cardinals (def. Texas Rangers)
  • 2010: San Francisco Giants (def. Texas Rangers)
  • 2009: New York Yankees (def. Philadelphia Phillies)
  • 2008: Philadelphia Phillies (def. Tampa Bay Rays)
  • 2007: Boston Red Sox (def. Colorado Rockies)
  • 2006: St. Louis Cardinals (def. Detroit Tigers)
  • 2005: Chicago White Sox (def. Houston Astros)
  • 2004: Boston Red Sox (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 2003:Florida Marlins (def. New York Yankees)
  • 2002: Anaheim Angels (def. San Francisco Giants)
  • 2001: Arizona Diamondbacks (def. New York Yankees)
  • 2000: New York Yankees (def. New York Mets)
  • 1999: New York Yankees (def. Atlanta Braves)
  • 1998: New York Yankees (def. San Diego Padres)
  • 1997: Florida Marlins (def. Cleveland Indians)
  • 1996: New York Yankees (def. Atlanta Braves)
  • 1995: Atlanta Braves (def. Cleveland Indians)
  • 1994:No World Series played (MLB players' strike)
  • 1993: Toronto Blue Jays (def. Philadelphia Phillies)
  • 1992: Toronto Blue Jays (def. Atlanta Braves)
  • 1991:Minnesota Twins (def. Atlanta Braves)
  • 1990:Cincinnati Reds (def. Oakland Athletics)
  • 1989: Oakland Athletics (def. San Francisco Giants)
  • 1988: Los Angeles Dodgers (def. Oakland Athletics)
  • 1987: Minnesota Twins (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 1986: New York Mets (def. Boston Red Sox)
  • 1985: Kansas City Royals (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 1984: Detroit Tigers (def. San Diego Padres)
  • 1983:Baltimore Orioles (def. Philadelphia Phillies)
  • 1982: St. Louis Cardinals (def. Milwaukee Brewers)
  • 1981: Los Angeles Dodgers (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1980: Philadelphia Phillies (def. Kansas City Royals)
  • 1979: Pittsburgh Pirates (def. Baltimore Orioles)
  • 1978: New York Yankees (def. Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • 1977: New York Yankees (def. Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • 1976: Cincinnati Reds (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1975: Cincinnati Reds (def. Boston Red Sox)
  • 1974: Oakland Athletics (def. Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • 1973: Oakland Athletics (def. New York Mets)
  • 1972: Oakland Athletics (def. Cincinnati Reds)
  • 1971: Pittsburgh Pirates (def. Baltimore Orioles)
  • 1970: Baltimore Orioles (def. Cincinnati Reds)
  • 1969: New York Mets (def. Baltimore Orioles)
  • 1968: Detroit Tigers (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 1967: St. Louis Cardinals (def. Boston Red Sox)
  • 1966: Baltimore Orioles (def. Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • 1965: Los Angeles Dodgers (def. Minnesota Twins)
  • 1964: St. Louis Cardinals (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1963: Los Angeles Dodgers (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1962: New York Yankees (def. San Francisco Giants)
  • 1961: New York Yankees (def. Cincinnati Reds)
  • 1960: Pittsburgh Pirates (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1959: Los Angeles Dodgers (def. Chicago White Sox)
  • 1958: New York Yankees (def. Milwaukee Braves)
  • 1957: Milwaukee Braves (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1956: New York Yankees (def. Brooklyn Dodgers)
  • 1955: Brooklyn Dodgers (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1954: New York Giants (def. Cleveland Indians)
  • 1953: New York Yankees (def. Brooklyn Dodgers)
  • 1952: New York Yankees (def. Brooklyn Dodgers)
  • 1951: New York Yankees (def. New York Giants)
  • 1950: New York Yankees (def. Philadelphia Phillies)
  • 1949: New York Yankees (def. Brooklyn Dodgers)
  • 1948: Cleveland Indians (def. Boston Braves)
  • 1947: New York Yankees (def. Brooklyn Dodgers)
  • 1946: St. Louis Cardinals (def. Boston Red Sox)
  • 1945: Detroit Tigers (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1944: St. Louis Cardinals (def. St. Louis Browns)
  • 1943: New York Yankees (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 1942: St. Louis Cardinals (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1941: New York Yankees (def. Brooklyn Dodgers)
  • 1940: Cincinnati Reds (def. Detroit Tigers)
  • 1939: New York Yankees (def. Cincinnati Reds)
  • 1938: New York Yankees (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1937: New York Yankees (def. New York Giants)
  • 1936: New York Yankees (def. New York Giants)
  • 1935: Detroit Tigers (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1934: St. Louis Cardinals (def. Detroit Tigers)
  • 1933: New York Giants (def. Washington Senators)
  • 1932: New York Yankees (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1931: St. Louis Cardinals (def. Philadelphia Athletics)
  • 1930: Philadelphia Athletics (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 1929: Philadelphia Athletics (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1928: New York Yankees (def. St. Louis Cardinals)
  • 1927: New York Yankees (def. Pittsburgh Pirates)
  • 1926: St. Louis Cardinals (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1925: Pittsburgh Pirates (def. Washington Senators)
  • 1924: Washington Senators (def. New York Giants)
  • 1923: New York Yankees (def. New York Giants)
  • 1922: New York Giants (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1921: New York Giants (def. New York Yankees)
  • 1920: Cleveland Indians (def. Brooklyn Robins)
  • 1919: Cincinnati Reds (def. Chicago White Sox)
  • 1918: Boston Red Sox (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1917: Chicago White Sox (def. New York Giants)
  • 1916: Boston Red Sox (def. Brooklyn Robins)
  • 1915: Boston Red Sox (def. Philadelphia Phillies)
  • 1914: Boston Braves (def. Philadelphia Athletics)
  • 1913: Philadelphia Athletics (def. New York Giants)
  • 1912: Boston Red Sox (def. New York Giants)
  • 1911: Philadelphia Athletics (def. New York Giants)
  • 1910: Philadelphia Athletics (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1909: Pittsburgh Pirates (def. Detroit Tigers)
  • 1908: Chicago Cubs (def. Detroit Tigers)
  • 1907: Chicago Cubs (def. Detroit Tigers)
  • 1906: Chicago White Sox (def. Chicago Cubs)
  • 1905: New York Giants (def. Philadelphia Athletics)
  • 1904:No World Series played (boycott by NL champion NY Giants)
  • 1903: Boston Americans (def. Pittsburgh Pirates)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Series winners by year: Full list of MLB champions

World Series Gamethread: 10/27/2026

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 26: Brandon Woodruff #53 and Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game Three of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 26, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Can the Brewers clinch it tonight?

Can the Rays extend the series, and the MLB season, yet another day?

Can we talk about it? Yes we can!

Under-the-radar Mariners coaching candidates from MLB (AL Central)

DETROIT, MI - JULY 12: Detroit Tigers third base coach Billy Boyer (88) looks on during a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Detroit Tigers on July 12, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In all the talk around Mariners managerial candidates, it felt like a lot of the candidates who were being proposed were the obvious ones – Jason Kanzler was the first real dark horse candidate that popped up, and has apparently made it quite far in the process. But if the Mariners are really looking for new voices and ideas, it seems to me that it would be productive to look into some under-the-radar names, people who are more up and coming rather than established names. That inspired me to do some digging around the league and try to identify at least one candidate from each organization who I think would be an interesting fit in Seattle.

Admittedly, some teams are more scoop-able than others. For this reason I’ve left off most of the AL West, teams undergoing their own coaching changes (again, most of the AL West, plus the Red Sox), some organizations that have recently undergone sweeping coaching changes (the Rockies, the Nationals), and some teams that I just couldn’t come up with a good name for or don’t think have really strong coaching and player development (it’s the Reds. Sorry, Cincinnati).

I am a big proponent of joining professional organizations and ongoing professional development (both attending and presenting). Therefore, in identifying candidates, I first and foremost looked for people who are interested in the art of coaching; I cross-referenced names with members of the ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association) and tried to track down articles and quotes to get a sense of their coaching philosophy or managerial style (and in some cases, guest appearances on the ABCA podcast). I also gave some preference to those with geographical ties to the West Coast or the Seattle area in particular, because unfortunately that is a very real thing to have to consider, as we saw with why Rocco Baldelli reportedly dropped out of the race. Finally, I considered how long a candidate has been with a particular organization or how deeply tied they seem to be to their current organization – for example, I really like Ron Wotus with the Giants, but his connections to that organization run so deep it’s hard to imagine him anywhere else.

With the Mariners reportedly seemingly narrowing it down to Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler for a managerial role, this article is less useful than it was when I started doing all this research, but maybe some of these people would be under consideration for a non-managerial role. Actually, since there are a lot of candidates here who are more nontraditional as far as big-league managing experience, this article might be more useful. At least that’s what I’m telling myself after hours of scrolling LinkedIn profiles, social media accounts, and podcast appearances.

In order to avoid publishing The Odyssey-but-make-it-coaching, I’ll be splitting these up by divisions; we’re starting with the AL Central. Let’s see how many I can get done before the Mariners announce a hire.

AL Central:

Patrick Leyland (White Sox)

Current role: Manager, Double-A Birmingham Barons

Age: 35

Bonus points: coaching bloodlines (son of Jim Leland); former Mariner farmhand (2015)

Leyland has been coaching in pro ball since 2018, and has managed at the minor-league level since 2022, all in the White Sox organization; he’s yet to make it to the big-league level. Like dad Jim, Pat has found more success as a coach than as a player, which he says informs how he relates to players.

Relevant quote: “Not that it disqualifies any other coach, because there’s more than one way to do things, but I know I can relate to our players,” he said. “I understand what they’re going through. I tell them that I wasn’t a very good player, and I know how hard this can be. I can be a shoulder to lean on, especially when things aren’t going well. I had to fight and claw and find a way to grind things out.”

Double bonus points: normally a cool customer, was ejected once all season in a home game on the last day of the MiLB season for sticking up for his hitter who got pitched inside and absolutely made a meal of it.

Kevin Howard (Royals)

Current Role: Assistant Director of Player Development

Age: 45

Bonus points: Has a connection to current Mariners farm director Justin Toole; former Mariner farmhand (2008); College World Series champion (Miami, 2001) under Jim Morris, who Howard cites as a mentor.

Following a 12-year playing career (drafted in the 5th round out of Miami in 2002) Howard spent a year coaching high school/small college before being hired by the Guardians as a hitting coordinator. In 2021 he moved to the Mets as Director of Player Development, then was moved to hitting coach; in 2023 went to the Royals in his current role. During his time with the Mets, Howard spoke to his alma mater about desiring an on-field role because he really values building relationships.

Relevant quote: “I was willing to work hard. I wanted to get to the Major Leagues so bad. I was willing to do whatever I could, but some of the stuff that I try to instill in our players is having a growth mindset and I did not have a growth mindset. I had a fixed mindset and I didn’t want to listen. I didn’t want people to tell me anything because I took it personally. If I could go back, that’s definitely something I would change and I think that would have made a major impact on how much I could have improved.”

Billy Boyer (Tigers)

Current role: Third base coach (MLB)

Age: 42

Bonus points: Born in Auburn, WA; attended Enumclaw HS; PNW coaching experience (student manager at UW, coached at Seattle U, coached at Pierce College during the program’s first NWAC Championship in 2012)

Boyer, whose name is probably most recognizable on this list, has a reputation as a strong infield defensive coach – his big-league coaching journey started with the Twins as an infield and baserunning coach before he moved to the Tigers, transitioning from a quality control coach to third base coach this past July after the team and Joey Cora parted ways after the Tigers finished near the bottom of the league in stolen bases despite an organization-wide emphasis on that. The Tigers also reportedly wanted Boyer to work with upcoming superstar Kevin McGonigle, but a report from the Detroit News at the end of September called Boyer’s status “unclear” amidst a bunch of other coaching changes.

Relevant quote: I thought this thread on rhythm, tempo, and timing was a nice encapsulation of Boyer’s approach and an interesting supplement to Perry Hill’s “6 Fs”.

Mark Hallberg (Twins)

Current role: Bench coach (MLB)

Age: 40

Bonus points: Spent first 16 years of his life living in Saudi Arabia with his international-school teacher parents; triple sport athlete in college

Non-bonus points: said he fell in love with baseball because of Kirby Puckett and the Twins

The Twins were a HEADACHE to go through, y’all. Apparently the only thing the Pohlads love more than saving money is hiring franchise legends, nepo babies, and lifelong fans. Hallberg was with the Giants for six years before moving to the Twins, close to his Wisconsin-based family. It’s too bad, because I really like data-minded Hallberg, who was part of implementing an aggressive ABS challenge system with the Twins this spring.

Relevant quote: “When you can switch count leverages in big moments and change base/out states (run expectancy charts), those are all factors, and how many run-scoring opportunities you get,” Hallberg said. “When you’re down in the game and you make their closer (enter) and keep fighting throughout the night, some of those overturns (Wednesday) gave us the opportunity to come back. It stung to lose the game, but our guys fought and our competitive spirit was intact. We made them work. We got their closer up. That impacted the next day, and I hope our team continues to do that throughout the season.”

(Also quoted in that article is someone else I considered while tussling with the Twins’ org chart, Mike Rabelo, who doesn’t have a lifelong love of the Twins sparking his interest in baseball, but is also tragically very east-coast-based)

Alyssa Nakken (Guardians)

Current role: Assistant Director, Player Development

Age: 36

Bonus points: West Coast ties

It’s time that the Mariners reverse-scoop from the Guardians’ staff. Coming back to the West Coast would be an easy landing for Nakken, whose previous big-league experience was with her hometown Giants; she’d also walk into a clubhouse led partially by Josh Naylor, who is an outspoken advocate of women having a place in baseball. This is assuming, of course, Nakken would prefer a role back on the field, as she moved from the Giants to the Guardians to take a more front-office role after the birth of her first child. Look, just let me have this one beautiful dream, okay.

Ron Darling and Will Sammon join the show to talk Mets offseason plans and the road ahead | The Mets Pod

Joe DeMayo welcomes a doubleheader of great guests to the latest episode of The Mets Pod, as offseason action quickly approaches for the Mets and all of MLB. 

First up, Ron Darling chats with Joe about the future of the SNY booth, as well as the future of the Mets starting rotation, the free agency of Tarik Skubal, learning from other playoff teams, and the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Mets championship. 

Later, Will Sammon of The Athletic checks in for a conversation that covers Skubal, Teruaki Sato, the possibility of moving Juan Soto to first base, and the potential prospects who could eventually be the solution at second base for the organization. 

The show wraps with a Mailbag that delivers questions about Francisco Alvarez, David Stearns, Kodai Senga, and more.

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Kawhi Leonard's latest injury setback raises questions for Raptors

Kawhi Leonard's return to the Toronto Raptors has encountered a concerning setback, and he's likely to miss his lone scheduled game back in Los Angeles against his former team because of it.

The Raptors announced on Tuesday, Oct. 27, that Leonard will undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program to address swelling in his left knee. Medical imaging did not reveal an acute injury, according to the team, and he will be reevaluated in one week.

Toronto reacquired Leonard from the Clippers this offseason, though the trade didn't become official until September while the NBA completed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his free agency. Leonard was levied a $700,000 fine by the NBA after it was determined his representatives and the Clippers circumvented the league's salary cap rules when he signed with the team in 2019.

The relatively light punishment cleared the way for Leonard to join a Raptors team with hopes of contending in the Eastern Conference this season. Now, however, he's not expected to be available when Toronto plays its only game of the 2026-27 regular season against the Clippers at Intuit Dome on Nov. 2. The Raptors' outlook, meanwhile, suddenly depends on whether Leonard's swelling subsides or becomes a lingering concern.

Here's more on his injury situation and what it means for the Raptors moving forward:

How Kawhi Leonard reacted to injury update

Leonard posted a message on social media that appeared designed to reassure Raptors' fans. It noted he would be "returning soon." The Clippers did not release a specific timeline for Leonard's return, other than to note he would reevaluated in one week.

"It's always frustrating missing time," Leonard said. "I came back to compete with this team and I'm focused on getting back to 100."

What injury means for Kawhi Leonard

Leonard is coming off one of his healthiest years in recent memory, having appeared in 65 games for the Clippers during the 2025-26 season. But there were nonetheless concerns about his durability given his injury history and age.

The uncertain nature of this knee ailment only underscores the potential issues the Raptors could be forced to manage the remainder of the season. Knee swelling can sometimes become a recurring issue over the course of an 82-game season, particularly for a 35-year-old player with Leonard's extensive injury history.

There good news is an MRI revealed no structural damage, which decreases the chances that Leonard is facing an extended absence. It's also not an injury to the right knee Leonard has had surgically repaired multiple times before and during his NBA career.

What Kawhi Leonard's injury means for the Raptors

If Leonard is out for "weeks," as an ESPN report suggested, the Raptors should still be able to remain in contention while he's out.

Toronto finished as a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference a year ago, and a core featuring Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett can provide enough firepower to stay afloat. Second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who has drawn comparisons to Draymond Green, could benefit the most with an increased role while Leonard is sidelined.

The roster isn't quite as deep after the moves required to acquire Leonard, but Toronto's championship aspirations ultimately hinge on having him healthy in April and May, not October and November.

Kawhi Leonard stats

Leonard is averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals through two games this season with the Raptors. He averaged 27.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season with the Clippers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kawhi Leonard's latest injury setback raises questions for Raptors

World Series Game 4 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (3-0) @ Tampa Bay Rays (0-3)

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: Dustin May #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates an out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in game two of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field on October 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After two tightly contested games to open the 2026 World Series, Game 3 got out of hand as Milwaukee scored seven runs with two outs in the fifth inning on the way to a 10-1 victory. With a win tonight, the Brewers would clinch the first World Series title in franchise history.

On the mound for the Brewers will be right-hander Dustin May, who threw one scoreless inning in Game 2. His last bulk appearance came in relief of Shane Drohan during Game 4 of the NLCS. In that outing, May gave up a three-run homer to Shohei Ohtani, but bounced back and ate three innings in the Brewers’ pennant-clinching win. Through four appearances this postseason (three in relief), May has allowed eight hits and five earned runs in eight innings.

Tampa Bay will counter with righty Griffin Jax. Acquired from Minnesota at last year’s trade deadline, the former shutdown reliever moved into the rotation in late April and put up solid numbers. In 34 appearances (23 starts), Jax posted a 3.53 ERA with 9.29 strikeouts per nine innings.

Today’s lineup has just one change from yesterday’s: Garrett Mitchell and Sal Frelick swap spots. Mitchell, who hit sixth in each of the first three games of the series, drops to eighth. He’s just 2-for-11 in the World Series, though both hits drove in runs. Frelick, who’s 4-for-his-last-12 with a home run, a double, and two RBIs, moves up to sixth.

Meanwhile, Rays manager Kevin Cash is shaking up his lineup after Tampa Bay scored just one run last night. Jonathan Aranda is back for Tampa Bay, playing first base and hitting second, but Ryan Vilade gets his second straight start as Victor Mesa Jr. starts tonight’s game on the bench. Junior Caminero moves up to the third spot, and Chandler Simpson, who’d hit third in each of the first three games, drops down to sixth.

You can catch the game on FOX and the radio broadcast, as always, on WTMJ 620. Tonight’s first pitch is set for 7:00 p.m.

Kawhi Leonard to miss Raptors game vs. Lakers with knee swelling

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After sitting out Sunday’s game between the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves because of knee swelling, Kawhi Leonard “is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“MRI on Leonard’s knee showed no structural damage,” Charania said, “but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason.”

Leonard’s reportedly multi-week absence means he’ll miss the upcoming game Sunday between the Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. It also means he’ll miss his return to Intuit Dome against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, so their fans cannot greet him with boos (if they elected to) for his role in the organization’s salary cap circumvention, which will ultimately cost the Clippers five first-round picks. This is a very Clippers scenario. Rarely do things pan out for them throughout the course of NBA history.

Prior to his injury, Leonard had opened the season slowly. Through two games, he was averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.5 assists while shooting 32.4% from the floor and 28.6% beyond the arc. While Toronto will surely miss his impact and general presence, it’ll hope an extended rest helps him find his All-NBA groove once he’s back.

Despite Leonard’s struggles, the Raptors won their first two games by double digits before the Timberwolves routed them, 117-94, while Leonard sat. They’ll host the Paolo Banchero-less Orlando Magic on Wednesday and Friday ahead of a four-game road trip that kicks off Sunday against the Lakers.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.

Tuesday Bantering: Jays Potential Free Agents

TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 27: Max Scherzer #31 and George Springer #4 and of the Toronto Blue Jays hug after Scherzer was taken out of the game against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on September 27, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tonight could be the last game of the World Series. Which means the off-season could start tomorrow morning. If the Brewers win tonight, free agents could file at 9:00 am Eastern tomorrow. Come on Rays, win one.

There are several Jays who could declare:

  • George Springer: If he decides he’s going to play next year, or if he is undecided and wants to see what he would be offered. He made $24.17 million last year. He won’t make that next year, but a one-year, $10 million deal isn’t out of line. The question is, would that be enough to keep him away from his family for another year?
  • Jose Berrios is not going to opt out of his contract, since he has $48 million left on the table. He won’t be ready to pitch again at the start of next season after Tommy John back in May. Maybe he’ll be back mid-season next year?
  • Jameson Taillon is 35 in mid-November. He didn’t have a great 2026, with a 5.65 ERA in 18 starts. I can’t see any team offering him more than a one-year contract.
  • Max Scherzer: If he decides he’d like to give it another season, I’d be ok with the Jays passing on him.
  • Shane Bieber: With 17 starts over the last two seasons, I don’t know how much anyone would offer. He wasn’t bad when he could pitch, a 4.03 ERA in hits 96 innings in the two seasons.
  • Yimi Garcia: He pitched 60 innings over the last two seasons. He’s 37 now. Would you offer him $7 million for a season?
  • Myles Straw: He has team options for $8 and $8.5 million over the next two years. I expect the option to be declined, with the thought of getting him cheaper. Would you ask him back for $4 million?
  • Paul Sewald: He’ll be 37 next year and I don’t think I’d bring him back.
  • Patrick Corbin: Made $1 million this year, and threw 80 innings with a 5.51 ERA. I can’t see bringing him back.
  • Luis Urias: 30 next year. He seemed ok as a platoon player, until going on the IL. I could see a minor league deal, but then someone will likely offer better.
  • Michael Lorenzen: Turns 35 in January. He wasn’t good. If he really wants to continue to play, he’d have to take a minor league deal and prove himself. I doubt the Jays will want him back.
  • Eloy Jiménez: He turns 30 in a month. He’d be looking for another minor league deal if he wants to keep playing. Or maybe play overseas?

Which ones do you think will be back?