Dodgers on Deck: Wednesday, September 2 vs. Cardinals

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\n\tLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 21: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks out from the dugout before his start against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium on August 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images\t
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The Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals continue their series on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound for Los Angeles.

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Yamamoto has allowed 10 total runs over his last seven starts. The Dodgers have scored three or fewer runs in five of his last six home starts, with the Dodgers just 3-3 in those games despite a 3.43 ERA from Yamamoto, who, who has lasted at least six innings in each of his last seven starts at Dodger Stadium.

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The Cardinals will employ a bullpen game in the middle game of the series.

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Wednesday game info

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  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Cardinals
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  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
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  • Start time: 7:10 p.m.
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  • TV: SportsNet LA
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  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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Dodgers notes: Will Smith, Dalton Rushing, Teoscar Hernández

Jun 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (68) hits a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers did not call up an outfielder among their September call ups despite their current group being among the least productive in the sport. They did however activate two catchers, one who isn’t expected to catch, and infielder Alex Freeland.

Freeland plays second base on Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, and will likely do so against right-handed pitchers for the time being. That moves Tommy Edman to center field, with Alek Thomas getting optioned to Triple-A in Tuesday’s roster moves. Edman likely won’t be playing any left field, as talk of potentially platooning Teoscar Hernández has been tabled, at least for the time being.

“We didn’t bring up an outfielder. That’s part of the bet on Teo, that he can right the ship. That’s kind of where we’re at,” manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday. “But obviously we can pivot if it makes sense.”

Hernández and Kyle Tucker have struggled mightily this season, both below average on offense and just above replacement level when factoring in defense. Dodgers right fielders rank 20th among 30 MLB teams in FanGraphs WAR (0.7), and 17th in wRC+ (95), and in left field are 22nd in WAR (1.2) and 15th in wRC+ (98).

Hernández is hitting .273/.354/.455 with a 123 wRC+ against southpaws this season and just .239/.295/.373 with an 85 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. He also started 33 postseason games with the Dodgers the last two years, hitting a combined .254/.327/.454 with eight home runs, a team-leading 25 RBI and a 117 wRC+. The Dodgers are betting on the 33-year-old Hernández to find something closer to his recent norms.

“I do tend to give guys more leash, given what they’ve done, and looking at how they can handle a big moment in the postseason, that’s important,” Roberts said. “Every day is a test, and you’ve got to keep evaluating. I expect as the calendar has turned, the intensity to ramp up even more.”

Catching plans

Will Smith starts Tuesday and will start Thursday as well against St. Louis as they ease him back in. Hunter Feduccia will catch on Wednesday. Dalton Rushing has been working on a throwing program in rehabbing his partially torn UCL, though it remains unlikely that he catches again this season.

“I’m not quite there on being totally bullish on him getting back. I think it would be just great if we can get him there, and I like where his head is at,” Roberts said. “He’s working hard to get there, but the controlled rehab is different than a snap throw and throwing a guy out at second base.”

What the Dodgers want out of Rushing in September is a left-handed bat off the bench. Roberts called any time Rushing will pinch-hit a “three-person move,” as Rushing will pinch-hit and then be replaced on the field by another player. It’s not a role Rushing is used to, as he has two singles in 14 at-bats plus three walks as a pinch-hitter in his two seasons in the majors. He only pinch-hit once in his four minor league seasons, getting hit by a pitch in a pinch for Double-A Tulsa in 2023.

“He hasn’t done this much at all, but I also think he’s a threat. He can hit the ball out of the ballpark,” Roberts said. “Hit the ball out of the ballpark, it’s a simple swing, and he can take a walk. I think there’s something to that threat.”

Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment by the Dodgers to facilitate Smith’s return. General manager Brandon Gomes delivered the news to Rortvedt on Monday.

“Ben’s a great teammate, he’s a major league player,” Roberts said. “And I’ll always be grateful because he helped us win a championship last year. Great guy.”

How Sunny Mehta Will Stand Out Among The New Wave Of Young GMs

Sunny Mehta is an analytical, forward-thinking, and young general manager. It’s what made him an attractive hire for the New Jersey Devils, who hope he can take a team that has the talent to contend yet has failed to do so in recent years. 

But we’ve heard this about GM hires before. The hockey mind who uses analytics is nothing new and has become a trend. It’s what the New York Islanders wanted when they hired Mathieu Darche. It’s what the Carolina Hurricanes pursued when they promoted Eric Tulsky. Daniel Briere, Kyle Dubas, Julien BriseBois, and many others fit into this category. Analytics and data aren’t a plus in any front office hire; they are a must. 

So, how will Mehta stand out? Obviously, he’s not a carbon copy of the other GMs hired recently, with a unique path that will make his tenure fascinating one way or another. But what does he bring to the table that will turn the Devils into a Cup contender? What will make Mehta a successful GM and keep him in the role for the long term? The future is unpredictable, yet his track record provides optimism. 

Mehta’s Non-Hockey Background

Every GM has an outside-of-hockey background. No longer are the days when the question centered around whether they played and their on-ice career. Instead, it’s what other skills come with the hire, aside from playing or coaching the game. 

For Briere and Darche, two former players, the business background helped. Tulsky was a blogger before entering front office roles. Kent Hughes was an agent before turning the Montreal Canadiens into a success. 

Mehta was well-known for his card-playing days. If a casual fan is asked about him, cards are one of the first things that come to mind, specifically his professional poker playing background. 

EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Devils GM Sunny Mehta on His Team's Leadership, Jack Hughes & More EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Devils GM Sunny Mehta on His Team's Leadership, Jack Hughes & More Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/the-mehta-method-one-way-sunny-mehta-will-reshape-the-devils">Sunny Mehta</a> sat at the head of a large conference room table within Prudential Center overlooking RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House, his team’s practice facility. Dressed in a crisp white button-down and a light-colored suit jacket, Mehta reflected on the unexpected evolution of his career aspirations—from dreaming of becoming a rock star to ultimately reaching the position he holds today: general manager of the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/tales-from-the-tunnel-the-story-of-paul-cotters-unexpected-summer-job">New Jersey Devils</a>.

Poker made him a risk-taker. It’s a game where winners must take their chances, even if the odds aren’t in their favor. It’s a game where all the data and all the number-crunching can be put to use, and still someone with the right gut reaction might win the set with a lucky hand. 

That’s not what made Mehta a successful poker player. Analytics did. He mentioned it during his introductory presser. “The reason that I ever even cared about analytics, statistics, probability is because it helped me win. It helped me win in poker. It helped me win on the trading floor. And it helped me in hockey.” The data allowed him to enter a hockey career prepared. 

Mehta’s Interest In Development & The AHL Team 

To build a long-term contender, a team that can win now and in the future, Mehta must build up the farm system, which was depleted under previous Devils GMs. The Devils need more prospects and a winning culture at the American Hockey League level, along with the NHL team. 

The last time the Devils had elite teams at both levels, it led to the dynasty. In 1994-95, both the Devils and their AHL affiliate Albany River Rats pulled off the rare feat of winning the Stanley Cup and Calder Cup title in the same season (it’s only happened three times, and they were the most recent). The culture built in Albany helped fuel the Devils’ future Cup winners in 2000 and 2003. The irony, of course, is that Lou Lamoriello never had the same interest in the AHL team (or the league in general) since then. 

Mehta is looking for those extra prospects. It’s those players who are developed in the AHL and become depth NHLers. It’s the players who can get called up when an injury happens, and the team doesn’t miss a beat. It’s when a young player needs a team to remain patient with them, hoping the prospect turns into a star. 

Devils Mailbag: Answering Questions On The 2026-27 Roster, Prospects & MoreDevils Mailbag: Answering Questions On The 2026-27 Roster, Prospects & MoreIn exactly one month, RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House will once again come alive with the familiar sounds of skates carving across the ice and pucks ringing off the crossbar. In what feels like the blink of an eye, New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe will be standing in front of the MSG banner fielding questions, while general manager Sunny Mehta watches his team work through drill after drill as the whistles echo throughout the rink.

This offseason, Mehta addressed all of those needs. Riley Tufte is a heavy top-line forward who can score, he can carry the Utica Comets and play on the fourth line for the Devils. Declan Chisholm is a 26-year-old defenseman who can fill in on the second or third pair. Amadeus Lombardi is 23 and starting to hit his stride as a forward who can develop into a key part of the offense. Mehta brought in all three players this summer with the intention of fixing both teams (the Comets, like the Devils, also missed the playoffs last season). 

Mehta saw what happened with the Florida Panthers and their affiliation with the Charlotte Checkers. He saw a team build a winning culture at the NHL level while also instilling it in the AHL team. While the Panthers didn’t have a great farm system, they had the extra help needed to win the back-to-back Cup titles. Mehta wants that extra help in New Jersey, and it starts in Utica. 

What Mehta Learned In Florida Will Translate In New Jersey  

His latest and most successful stop was with the Panthers. Mehta was the assistant GM and data scientist on a team that relied heavily on its analytics. The time in Florida has a direct influence on how he’ll operate as a GM. 

What stood out about Panthers GM Bill Zito, the architect behind it all, was his ability to take every resource and apply it to the team on the ice. The Panthers funneled information to the top, and then Zito was the one who had the final say and called the shots. 

The Panthers had a great analytics department. They had more that separated them from the rest of the league. For example, the Panthers have one of the best scouting departments in the league, deploying extra scouts to games across leagues of all levels. 

Expect the Devils to have more scouts at games, not just their games, but throughout North America. Likewise, they’ll have a bigger analytics department and multiple departments helping with the decision-making. At the same time, expect Mehta to make the final decision. 

Inside New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta’s First Month — and What Comes NextInside New Jersey Devils GM Sunny Mehta’s First Month — and What Comes NextOn April 21, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/devils-dish-connor-brown-reveals-which-teammates-are-most-likely">New Jersey Devils</a> and WFAN play-by-play announcer Matt Loughlin introduced Sunny Mehta as the sixth general manager in team history.

The Seattle Kraken are also a data-driven team, with many in their front office coming from that background. The problem is that they lack a definitive direction, and there isn’t one person calling the shots (Jason Botterill is their GM, but they also have Ron Francis as president and many people below him). 

Another benefit of Mehta's experience, beyond just his Panthers tenure, is his time in multiple front offices and working under different ownership groups. His time with the Panthers allowed him to see what good ownership looks like. He knows what incompetent ownership is like, working for the Phoenix Coyotes. Plus, Mehta knows how the Devils operate, as he worked for the franchise for four seasons. 

The Devils are looking for their next great GM, someone who can lead this team for years to come. At 48, Mehta already has built up a track record that gives them confidence that they have found the right GM. 


Orioles vs. Rockies discussion

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 31: Colton Cowser #17 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Monday, August 31, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ray Bahner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

By gum, they’ve done it. The Orioles are a .500 team again. Now why don’t we see how much farther this ride can take us?

The O’s got back to the even-water mark last night in the most thrilling way possible, on Colton Cowser’s unbelievable, gravity-defying, home run robbery that turned a certain walkoff loss into one of the most amazing wins of the season. If you were asleep when the scene played out past midnight on the East Coast, I’m sure you’ve seen the highlight by now. But you can never watch it too many times, so enjoy:

If the Orioles go on to make the postseason, that catch might become one of the most iconic in O’s history. It still might, even if the Orioles don’t make it. The Birds enter tonight just a half game behind Cleveland for the third wild card spot. If the Orioles win and the Guardians lose to the Blue Jays, the Birds will be alone in a postseason spot.

The cynical part of me thinks that tonight has all the ingredients of a huge Orioles letdown. Their vibes are sky high after last night’s thrilling finish, and they’re facing a starter (Gabriel Hughes) who is 0-6 with a 6.61 ERA and a Rockies team that has suffered a franchise-worst 10 straight home losses. On paper it’s a game the Orioles should easily win, which always seems to be exactly when they lose. It feels like a reverse jinx.

But maybe the Orioles really are finding their groove, and they’ll find a way to grind out a victory tonight just as they did in last night’s opener and in all three games in Sacramento. With September call-up season upon us, they’ve just added some reinforcements to the roster. Luis Robert Jr., whom they claimed on waivers yesterday, has been activated, with Christian Franklin going on the IL. And Heston Kjerstad, who’s been hitting well at Triple-A Norfolk for months now, is finally getting his first call-up of the season. Also joining the club is lefty prospect Luis De León, who was just converted to relief. He gives the O’s another southpaw bullpen option.

For tonight, neither Robert nor Kjerstad is in the starting lineup. Neither is Coby Mayo. Pete Alonso, after returning to first base last night, is back to DHing, with Samuel Basallo spelling him at first. That means Carlos Narváez, who is 4-for-51 as an Oriole, is the catcher. Maybe facing the struggling Hughes will finally get his bat going for a night, but I’m not holding my breath.

Reaching .500 was one milestone. Now can the Orioles climb their way over? We’ll find out tonight.

Orioles lineup:

2B Jackson Holliday
DH Pete Alonso
SS Gunnar Henderson
3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand
LF Dylan Beavers
1B Samuel Basallo
RF Leodys Taveras
CF Colton Cowser
C Carlos Narváez

RHP Kyle Bradish

Rockies lineup:

CF Jake McCarthy
RF Mickey Moniak
DH Hunter Goodman
1B TJ Rumfield
SS Cole Carrigg
3B Connor Norby
C Brett Sullivan
2B Adael Amador
LF Zac Veen

RHP Gabriel Hughes

Gamethread 9/1: Phillies at Diamondbacks

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 31: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates a win after the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Monday, August 31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Diamondbacks:

Let’s talk about it.

Tacko Fall coming back to the NBA on 76ers training camp deal

Tacko Fall of the Breakers aims a free throw during the round 17 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Spark Arena, on January 16, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand.
Tacko Fall of the Breakers aims a free throw during the round 17 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Spark Arena, on January 16, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand.

Tacko Fall is back in the NBA. 

The 7-foot-6 big man signed a training camp deal with the 76ers, the franchise announced Tuesday. 

Fall, one of the tallest players in league history, hasn’t appeared in an NBA game since late 2021, when he played 11 games for the Cavaliers.

Since then, the Senegal native has spent time in the Chinese ​Basketball Association and Australia’s NBL. 

Tacko Fall of the Breakers shoots during the round 18 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and Brisbane Bullets at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Jan. 24, 2025. Getty Images

Fall, 30, previously played two seasons with the Celtics in 2019-2020 and 2020-21, where he appeared in 26 total games. 

The addition signals Philadelphia’s need for backup center help behind the oft-injured Joel Embiid, who hasn’t appeared in more than 39 games since the 2022-23 season.

As the 76ers’ roster stands now, free agent addition Ariel Hukporti and second-year big man Adem Bona are set to back up Embiid. 

Fall’s deal is non-guaranteed, meaning he will have to earn his way onto the 76ers’ roster. 

He spent last season with the Ningbo Rockets in China and has averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 18.1 minutes per game during his four years overseas.

Tacko Fall of the Breakers aims a free throw during the round 17 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Spark Arena, on January 16, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. Getty Images

Fall has averaged 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 37 career NBA games.

The Sixers have high expectations heading into the 2026-27 season after adding Jaylen Brown, Fall’s former teammate in Boston, and LeBron James over the offseason.

Baltimore Orioles @ Colorado Rockies game discussion: Kyle Braddish vs. Gabriel Hughes

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 27: Gabriel Hughes #43 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

After the Colorado Rockies gut-wrenching, bottom-of-the-ninth loss to the Baltimore Orioles, tonight the home team will look to even the score.

The Rockies will also try to break a 10-game losing streak at Coors Field, the longest home losing streak in franchise history.

Starting for the Orioles is Kyle Bradish. This will be his 27th start for the Orioles in 2026.

The righty has a 4.03 ERA in 143.0 IP. He’s struck out 133, walked 62, and given up 16 home runs. Bradish has a 1.41 WHIP. 

Taking the mound for the Rockies in his 11th start of the season will be RHP Gabriel Hughes in search of his first MLB win.

Currently, he has an ERA of 6.61 in 47.2 IP. He’s struck out 38 while giving up 19 walks and five home runs with a 1.45 WHIP.

Also of note, MLB rosters expanded today, and the Rockies made the following moves:

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

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

Orioles SB Nation Site: Camden Chat

Lineups:

For the visiting Orioles:

Baltimore Orioles @ Colorado Rockies Lineup (9.1.26)

And the home Rockies:

Colorado Rockies vs. Baltimore Orioles Lineup (9.1.26) McCarthy (CF); Moniak (RF); Goodman (DH); Rumfield (1B); Carrigg (SS); Norby (3B); Sullivan (C); Amador (2B); Veen (LF); Hughes (SP)

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Cubs vs. Brewers, Tuesday 9/1, 6:40 CT live!

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 31: Alex Bregman #3 of the Chicago Cubs hits a home run in the second inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on August 31, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Go get ‘em, xxxxxxxx

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GameThread: Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins, 7:40 p.m.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 31: Max Clark #15 of the Detroit Tigers bats during a game between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on August 31, 2026 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Detroit Tigers (63-74) vs. Minnesota Twins (66-72)

Time/Place: 7:40 p.m., Target Field
SB Nation Site:Twinkie Town
Media:
Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Troy Melton (7-3, 1.86 ERA) vs. LHP Connor Prielipp (3-7, 5.55 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Melton1697.020.97.344.03.731.7
Prielipp1999.024.79.143.33.981.3

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Astros vs White Sox Game Discussion: 9/1/2026

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros hits a double against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Citi Field on August 29, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TONIGHT’S GAME: The first-place Houston Astros (70-68), who have won four of their last five games, will play the second game of their four-game series with the Chicago White Sox (72-65) tonight at Daikin Park.

RHP Ronel Blanco (0-1, 7.71 ERA) was recalled from Triple A Sugar Land today to make tonight’s start for the Astros opposite RHP Sean Burke (7-6, 3.32 ERA) and the White Sox.

SLOW AND STEADY RECOVERY: Since starting the season with a 20-31 record after 51 games, the Astros are 50-37 (.575) in their last 87 games (since May 22). That is the second-best record in the AL in that span, behind only the Red Sox (53-36).

MEASURING UP: Last night, the Astros began a streak of playing four straight teams with winning records (CWS, ARI, PHI, TB). The Astros are an American League-best 27-19 (.587) vs. teams currently at .500 or above. Some clubs that they have winning records against include BOS (5-1), CHC (3-0), CWS (3-1), CLE (4-2), MIA (3-0), and TB (2-1).

VS. THE WHITE SOX: The Astros are 3-1 against the White Sox on the season, which includes winning two of three in Chicago from July 24-26. The Astros are 23-14 vs. CWS over the past six seasons (2021-26), posting winning records in each of those years. Houston is 56-47 all-time vs. the White Sox.

BAGGY IN THE BOOTH:Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell will be on the Space City Home Network telecast for the first three games of this series, alongside play-by-play man Todd Kalas and sideline reporter Julia Morales. Geoff Blum will return to the telecast for Thursday’s day game.

ROAD WARRIORS: On Sunday, the Astros completed a 4-2 road trip to New York, where they went 2-1 against both the Yankees and Mets. Since posting a 1-9 record on the first road trip of the 2026 season, they have gone 35-24 (.593) on the road since April 14, which is the second-best record in the Majors in that span. More recently, they are 19-12 (.613) on their last five road trips combined.

TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have recalled RHP Ronel Blanco and OF Jake Meyers from Triple A Sugar Land. Blanco will start tonight’s game for the Astros.

ON THE OFFENSIVE: Among AL teams, the Astros rank first in total bases (1,902), first in slugging (.410), second in HR (183), third in runs scored (630), and fifth in OPS (.726).

TRIPLE THREAT: DH Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently owns at least a share of the lead in all three Triple Crown categories. He enters tonight leading the AL in batting avg. (.317) and RBI (94), while ranking tied for first in HR (37).

Rare Feat: Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).

MATCHING HIS BEST: DH Yordan Alvarez has matched his career high by smacking 37 home runs on the season, reaching his total from 2022. His career-high in RBI is 104, set in 2021 (currently has an AL-best 94 RBI).

THE HIT MAN: Jose Altuve enters tonight’s game needing just six hits to reach 2,500 for his career. Among active players, Altuve ranks second in hits, trailing only 1B Freddie Freeman (2,584).

BLANCO’S BACK!: Tonight’s Astros starter RHP Ronel Blanco missed the first few months of the year while recovering from right elbow surgery, returned to the Majors in July, and spent the last two weeks down at Triple A. Blanco was a mainstay in the Astros rotation prior to his injury, making 45 starts from 2023-25, going 18-11 with a 3.36 ERA (94ER/251.2IP) and a .200 opponent average.

THE CLOSER: LHP Josh Hader has worked 18 consecutive scoreless appearances, spanning 19.0 innings. This is the longest streak by an Astros hurler this season and the second-longest active streak in the Majors. Opponents are just 5×62 (.081) vs. Hader during the streak. Hader is also 21-for-21 in save opportunities in 2026. Hader in August: 1-0, 13 G, 0.00 ERA, 14.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 15 SO.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2019 RHP Justin Verlander tosses the 13th no-hitter in Astros history, blanking the Blue Jays by a score of 2-0 in Toronto. He fans 14 Blue Jays on the afternoon, issuing just one walk. Tied 0-0 entering the 9th, the no-hitter was only possible thanks to a two-out solo homer by 3B Abraham Toro. This marked Verlander’s third career no-no.

Game Info

Game Date/Time:  Tuesday, September 1, 7:10 p.m. CT

Location:  Daikin Park, Houston, TX

TV: Space City Home Network

Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; KTRH 740 AM; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

It's Not About 'Nostalgia' For The Penguins. It's About Timing.

Well, it's officially Sept. 1, and that means the NHL regular season officially begins at the end of the month, and training camps will kick off in just a few short weeks.

For some Pittsburgh Penguins fans, it's understandable - to an extent - that this offseason may have been a bit of a disappointment. Despite "big-game hunting" being advertised, nothing seismic happened in the trade market, even if pretty big efforts were put forth to make a big splash (see the Jason Robertson saga).

Smaller moves were made to offset roster losses from last season, and even if tiny improvements were made to the margins of the roster, it's fair to wonder whether those improvements will be enough to offset improvements by other teams - most notably, the Washington Capitals - in the Metropolitan Division next season. 

And one point of contention that is still a hot-button talking point is the fact that all of the Penguins' aging veterans are still on the roster.

Had Kyle Dubas and the Penguins been successful in hauling a big fish this summer, it more than likely would have involved at least one of their talented veterans going the other way. But Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang are still in the mix, and it appears likely they will all still be in the mix once the puck drops against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sept. 30 for opening night.

Some will call it a failure that the Penguins are still holding on to all of these players - the youngest among them being Rakell at age 33 - and some will call it "nostalgia." While the merits of failure on the front office's part can be argued when weighing in the lack of a true youth movement, the nostalgia argument simply doesn't add up. 

How Does Pittsburgh Stack Up Against Rest Of Metropolitan Division?How Does Pittsburgh Stack Up Against Rest Of Metropolitan Division?With other teams around them making improvements and others falling off a bit, how do the Penguins compare to the rest of the Metro heading into 2026-27?

That's because it's not about nostalgia for the Penguins. It's about timing and performance. 

Of course, asset management is an important thing to get right when you're in a position like the one Dubas finds himself in. The Penguins are making it clear that they are trying to build "brick-by-boring-brick" for the short- and long-term simultaneously, attempting to build a window of contention with Sidney Crosby still on the team and, subsequently, a longer, sustainable window of contention after Crosby hangs up his skates. 

Keeping valuable older players around too long can often set a franchise back from those goals, as the assets acquired for those players can be leveraged for younger, more forward-oriented talent. Rust and Rakell - both 30-goal, 70-point players - each have two years left on their very team-friendly deals at $5.1 and $5 million average annual value, respectively, while Karlsson is entering the final season of his $11.5 million contract that the Penguins pay out $10 million for. 

'We'll Continue To Stay Involved': Dubas Prepared To Adjust Accordingly To Changing Market'We'll Continue To Stay Involved': Dubas Prepared To Adjust Accordingly To Changing MarketPittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas is still trying to land a difference-maker in the trade market, but he may have to adjust to a changing landscape with the rising salary cap.

But the important thing to keep in mind here is that Dubas and company aren't exactly going about the Penguins' rebuild in a way that's been done before. Sure, other teams like the Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes have attempted to rebuild and sustain contention without bottoming out, but the methodology behind each case is different. 

And if we're looking case-by-case at the Penguins' six core veteran players, the claim that Dubas and the front office are clinging to nostalgia doesn't hold water when you consider how most of the veterans are faring in their mid-late 30s:

- Crosby, 39, is coming off of his NHL-record 21st consecutive season above point-per-game, and although his defense has seen decline over the past several years, he still remains one of the league's elite first-line centers capable of producing at a high level. He had 29 goals and 74 points in 68 regular season games in 2025-26.

- Malkin, 40, was re-signed for one year, and the primary reason he was re-signed is because he produced 19 goals and 61 points in 56 games last season. He may be 40, but he was above point-per-game - and if anyone out there said, "Hey, I can get you a point-per-game top-six forward for $5.5 million next season," any reasonable GM would take that in a heartbeat. And, by the way, he very marginally bested Crosby's point-per-game output (Crosby was at 1.088, Malkin at 1.089).

- Rust, 34, had 29 goals and 65 points in 72 games and continues to be a valuable player in both the top-six and on special teams, particularly on the penalty kill. Akin to the Malkin argument, you'd be hard-pressed to find a 30-goal, 70-point, Swiss army knife-type player making just $5.1 million, and there are currently no younger guys internally who are ready to replicate or replace that production.

- The same can be said of Rakell, who had 24 goals and 48 points in 60 games last season despite an early-season broken hand that kept him out two months and led to a slow start when he did return. He was one of their best, most valuable players down the stretch run of the season when he produced at a point-per-game pace while playing center, something he hadn't done with consistency in a decade-plus. His contract value, positional versatility, and production make him highly valuable to the Penguins.

- Karlsson, 36, put together the best season of his three-year Penguins' tenure last year, notching 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games and playing some of the best three-zones hockey of his NHL career. He was one of the very best players in the NHL during the month of March and was named the Penguins' Team MVP at the end of the regular season, which speaks to his irreplaceable value and his impact on the team. 

- Letang, 39, is perhaps the only one of the six in a tangible state of regression, but he did return to form late in the season and during the playoffs when it counted. The Penguins also managed Letang's minutes last season, docking nearly two minutes average ice time (21:41) from his previous 2024-25 campaign (23:32). Letang might not be a top-four defenseman anymore, but in more sheltered and calculated minutes, he is still capable of being a serviceable NHL defenseman.

At the end of the day, for five of these players, their 2025-26 seasons coupled with their career outputs and trajectories in the last three years are what is keeping them on this team, not nostalgia. And Dubas knows this. In fact, he said at the conclusion of last season that the Penguins would be faced with some tough decisions regarding veterans at some point and that he's ready to face those decisions when that time comes, even if the Penguins are a special case of "nostalgia" with the big three.

"I think, at some point, I knew when taking the job that it's me that's going to have to make somebody or fans unhappy with different decisions as they come. And I knew that when I agreed to come here," Dubas said back on May 12. "For me, the key is we always have to do what's best for the Pittsburgh Penguins, even if that's unpopular or makes people unhappy, that's the way we have to operate. 

Even If Robertson's Door Might Not Be Shut Entirely, Penguins Must Shift GearsEven If Robertson's Door Might Not Be Shut Entirely, Penguins Must Shift GearsWith Dallas Stars superstar winger Jason Robertson inking a one-year deal with Dallas Tuesday to avoid arbitration, the Penguins - rumored to be in on Robertson - must look elsewhere if Dubas is to follow through on his summer plans.

"So, we'll continue to field the team in the formation that we feel gives us the best chance to move ahead. If there are players that begin to pass by them, regardless of who they are and how long they've been here, it's incumbent upon me to make those decisions and do what's best for the Penguins in the long run."

Right now, Crosby certainly isn't blocking anyone. Malkin isn't blocking anyone. Right now, Rakell and Rust aren't, either, as none of the Penguins' young forwards - though some are more promising than others - are ready to leap into a top-six NHL role. But if that point arrives this season, Dubas and the Penguins will take action.

If dynamic right defenseman Harrison Brunicke comes into camp, picks up where he left off during the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs, and blows everyone out of the water, Dubas and the Penguins won't hold him back on Letang's account or anyone else's account. Same goes for Owen Pickering on the left side. 

Top-20 Penguins' Prospects 2026, No. 1: Dynamic Defenseman Continues To Elevate ExpectationsTop-20 Penguins' Prospects 2026, No. 1: Dynamic Defenseman Continues To Elevate ExpectationsHeadlining the No. 1 spot on our 2026 THN Top-20 Penguins' Prospects list is a dynamic, smooth-skating blueliner who has the potential to lead the Penguins' blue line down the road.

In order for these guys to be supplanted and truly be expendable, the young guys the Penguins have need to prove they can fill those spots. Until that begins to actually happen - whether that's earned opportunity through sheer performance or through opportunity due to injuries - if the team truly desires to keep winning and building simultaneously, they're going to keep these guys around. 

The wheels aren't falling off of the old guys just yet, and there aren't any signs of significant dropoff in most of them, either. But if young guys earn their spots or a big guy like Robertson or anyone else is put back on the market, anyone but Crosby is not immovable, either. If there is a deal that makes sense for what they're trying to do, and it comes at the expense of one of these veterans, they'll do it

And if we're being real, the only untouchable player because of nostaglia to an extent is Crosby. And if anyone is even entertaining jettisoning a top-five player of all-time who is still one of the best, then "nostalgia" isn't actually the issue.

So, let's go ahead and put the "nostalgia" to bed. The veterans will be phased out when it's time for each of them to go, and that time has simply not arrived yet - especially since they're still pretty darn good hockey players. 

Related reading:

Analyzing The Penguins' Rebuild: Are The Penguins Close To Sustainable Contention?Analyzing The Penguins' Rebuild: Are The Penguins Close To Sustainable Contention?The Pittsburgh Penguins made the playoffs for the first time in four years in 2026, and GM and POHO Kyle Dubas has emphasized that he wants his team to be a sustainable Stanley Cup contender. So, how close are Dubas and the Penguins?

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

Royals vs. Marlins September 1 game discussion

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 20: Randy Dobnak #62 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the first inning against the Athletics at Kauffman Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today, the Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins are playing baseball on the surface of the sun. It is triple digits and humid here at Kauffman Stadium today. Even in the shaded dugout, I was wilting as I stood listening to the Matt Quatraro and JJ Picollo press conferences.

There are a couple of interesting pieces of news. Quatraro revealed that Carlos Estevez, who has been out since April with a shoulder injury, will have surgery soon. That wasn’t so surprising.

The other interesting piece of news is Kansas City’s September roster expansion. The Royals are calling up Nolan Hoffman for the first time, recalling Euston McGee, and selecting the contract of Drew Waters. What is interesting is who was not called up: Gavin Cross, Carson Roccaforte, or Brett Squires, all of whom were hitting very well in Omaha as of late.

But I asked JJ about this, and if the looming lockout impacted who they decided to call up. He said it didn’t, and that they didn’t want their outfield to be too left-handed heavy. To be fair, they do have John Rave, Kyle Isbel, and Jac Caglianone as their de facto starting outfield, with Isaac Collins a significantly better from the left side, too.

I suppose we may see them later, but who knows.

Marlins 9/1 lineup

Royals 9/1 lineup

Game Thread: White Sox (72-65) at Astros (70-68)

HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Miguel Vargas #20 of the Chicago White Sox breaks his bat on a single in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on August 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Miguel Vargas is searching for his 30th home run while riding a 17-game on-base streak and leading MLB with a .534 OBP over the last two weeks. | (Tim Warner/Getty Images)

After falling flat in Monday night’s series opener, the White Sox will aim to improve their situational hitting in an effort to provide run support for their ace Sean Burke. With yesterday’s loss, the Good Guys still hold a three-game lead in the AL Central, but Chicago needs to take care of business in Houston this week to secure the head-to-head tiebreaker in case it comes to that for playoff seeding and a first-round bye.

Earlier Tuesday afternoon, the White Sox announced three roster moves. The moves were anticipated after Monday’s announcement that the South Siders acquired Tommy Pham in a minor league trade. As expected, Pham’s contract was selected from Triple-A Charlotte, and right-handed pitcher Tanner McDougal will also return to the big leagues. In a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster, lefthander Tyler Gilbert was designated for assignment.

The last time Burke faced the Astros, he took the loss despite striking out 10 over six innings and allowing just three runs, two earned, on four hits. Ideally, tonight Burke isn’t left without run support, and after the last few games, the South Siders are well overdue to tally a bunch of runs on the board. In their last three games, the Sox have gone 3-for-23 with runners in scoring position (.130 average) and left 26 on base, and on top of that, they hold the second-highest strikeout rate with RISP in MLB at 28.2% over the last two weeks. In that same time frame, however, the South Siders also have the fifth-highest walk rate, meaning they are getting runners on base but essentially choking after that — not that we need the numbers to tell us what we are seeing with our own eyes.

Despite his 7-6 record on the season, Burke has maintained a strong 3.32 ERA and 1.154 WHIP across 149 innings while striking out 161, tied with Parker Messick for the eighth-most in the American League. He’ll have a fairly standard lineup behind him as the Astros will have a right-handed pitcher on the mound with Ronel Blanco making his fifth start of the season. The lineup is nearly identical to last night’s, except Braden Montgomery will be off today, so Randal Grichuk is slotting into right field in his place and batting sixth, and Drew Romo will take over behind the plate.

Chicago White Sox Lineup

Blanco was dealing with injuries earlier this season, but has otherwise struggled through five games for the Astros, accumulating a 7.71 ERA and 1.457 WHIP across 23 1/3 innings. In those five outings, Blanco surrendered 20 runs on 22 hits, including seven home runs, leaving him with an elevated 2.70 home runs per nine innings (HR/9). For reference, the league-average HR/9 is usually between 1.10 and 1.20, so it could be a great night for Munetaka Murakami, Miguel Vargas or Colson Montgomery to mash his 30th home run of the season … or maybe all three if we’re lucky!

In the series opener, it felt like the bottom of the order for the Astros was causing the most trouble while Yordan Alvarez (thankfully) wasn’t as explosive as he tends to be. That could change tonight, however, as Alvarez tends to mash righties, posting a 1.116 OPS and 28 homers in 439 PAs against them this season. After beating up on the South Siders Monday, Nelson Velázquez will take the night off, and José Altuve will rejoin the lineup for Houston, batting fourth.

Houston Astros Lineup

It’s Hello Kitty Night out in Houston, and the first pitch will be tossed at 7:10 p.m. CT at Daikin Park. Tune in to the usual locations for tonight’s broadcast: CHSN on TV and ESPN Chicago AM 1000 on the radio. I’ll see you later tonight with the recap, hopefully writing up someone’s 30th home run.

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Who should be Lakers’ fifth starter after failed Jonathan Kuminga pursuit?

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jake Laravia dribbles a basketball on the court during a game, Image 2 shows Ziaire Williams in a tie-dye shirt walking beside a black car

The Lakers coming up short in their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga, who’s joining the Timberwolves, will have a trickle-down effect on the rest of their roster. 

One of the biggest questions moving forward: Who will be the Lakers’ fifth starter once the 2026-27 season starts? 

If Kuminga was on the roster, he would’ve been in the first unit alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler and presumed starter Quentin Grimes. 

But with Kuminga headed to Minnesota, there’s a glaring hole in the depth chart with a month before training camp starts. 

Who should be considered for the final starting spot, and who should ultimately have the edge?

Lakers’ options 

Sandro Mamukelashvili

Along with Reaves, Grimes and Kessler, Mamukelashvili was one of four players who the Lakers signed to four-year deals with player options for the 2029-30 season, which highlights how much the Lakers value him. 

And it’s easy to see why. 

Mamukelashvili has emerged as a reliable three-level scorer, good passer and strong rebounder after playing for the Bucks, Spurs and Raptors since being the No. 54 pick in the 2021 draft. 

Sandro Mamukelashvili joined the Lakers in free agency on a 4-year, $52 million contract. NBAE via Getty Images

Coming off of a career-year with the Raptors in which his scoring average (11.2 points), field goal percentage (52.3%), assists average (1.9), steals average (.8) and blocks average (.5) with Toronto in 2025-26 were all career-best marks, Mamukelashvili has a blend of offensive skills that’s unique for his size (6-foot-9, 240 pounds).

Coach JJ Redick said after the 2025-26 season ended that the Lakers needed to be better with dribbling, passing and shooting. Mamukelashvili helps in all of those areas as a big man who can pass, run the floor, dribble and shoot at a high level. 

At 27 years old and entering his sixth season in the NBA, Mamukelashvili should be entering the prime of his career. 

Jake LaRavia

LaRavia, along with Doncic, Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt, is one of just four players who finished in the top-11 in total regular season minutes played from the 2025-26 team that’s on the roster entering this season.

Even when he struggled (he shot a career-low 32.1% on 3-pointers), LaRavia still received consistent playing time (career-high 25.1 minutes per game in 82 games).

Jake LaRavia’s 3-point shooting is his swing skill. NBAE via Getty Images

He brings value as a connector with his passing, cutting and defensive versatility without needing consistent offensive touches.

At 24 years old (he turns 25 in November) and entering his fifth season in the league, LaRavia should have room to grow in multiple areas.

Ziaire Williams

Williams’ appeal starts with his physical profile: he’s 6-foot-9 with a good lateral quickness for his size. 

In light of Williams telling the Southern California News Group that he’s bulked up to “about 215 pounds” after being listed at 185 pounds last season, he should be able to credibly guard bigger forwards better compared to previous years.

Perimeter defense and versatility is Williams’ calling card. 

But his 3-point shooting is the swing skill, after he knocked down a career-high 34.3% of his 3s last season.  

Matisse Thybulle

Thybulle is the best perimeter defender among these four players.

His 2 steals per game last season was tied for the second-most in the league with Hawks wing Dyson Daniels and Pistons wing Ausar Thompson among players who appeared in at least 20 regular season games despite averaging just 16 minutes.

And he led the league in steals (4.5) and deflections (8.7) per 36 minutes in 2025–26 among players who appeared in at least 20 games.

His length (7-foot wingspan on a 6-foot-5, 202-pound frame), motor and reflexes at his size has helped him remain one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders despite being limited to 45 regular season games over the last two seasons.

And he’s worked to become an improved 3-point shooting, shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc after he joined the Trail Blazers in February 2023.

The Verdict

Among these four options, LaRavia is the best for the final starting spot.

LaRavia may not bring the offensive versatility that Mamukelashvili does, and may not be as good of a perimeter defender as Thybulle, but he’s a better defender than Mamukelashvili and has more experience guarding bigger forwards than Thybulle.

He has the size and defensive versatility the Lakers need from their fifth starter while also adding the connective offensive skills the Lakers need from his position. 

The familiarity of playing alongside Doncic and Reaves is a bonus. 

After LaRavia, Williams would be the next-best option in the first unit. 

But entering camp, LaRavia should be penciled in as the Lakers’ fifth starter.