With the season winding down, Mookie Betts is heating up

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an RBI double scoring Alex Freeland #76, to take a 4-3 lead, during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images

2026 looked to be a lost season for Mookie Betts, as an oblique injury cost him a month’s worth of time. At the All-Star break, the Dodgers shortstop was limping to the tune of a .235/.293/.416 slashline with 11 home runs and 31 RBI over 60 games.

Since the second half of the regular season began, Betts has turned into his 2023 MVP-runner-up self, as he’s slashing .290/.364/.452 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI over his last 56 games. Betts has been on a tear his last three games, as he’s hitting .833 with five extra-base hits and five RBI, highlighted by a four-hit, three-double game on Saturday in the Dodgers’ 10-4 win over the San Francisco Giants.

Betts has hit all around the lineup, going from as high as leadoff to as low as the six hole, but Betts has been certifying himself as a force at the top of the lineup during this final homestand. Betts spoke with David Vassegh of SportsNet LA about his torrid stretch at the plate hitting at the top spot following Saturday’s win, noting that the return of Shohei Ohtani will directly impact where he hits everyday.

“It’s fun. Like you said, I’ve done it for so long, but that man Shohei— he deserves what he gets. We all know where he needs to hit in the lineup.”

Saturday was a rough outing for left-hander Tarik Skubal as he allowed four earned runs while striking out a season-low three hitters over five innings.

Despite the atypical night for Skubal, his offense was able to generate six runs after his final pitch, giving him his fourth win as a Dodger. When speaking with Vassegh following the game, Skubal gave all the credit to the offense and bullpen for carrying the team the rest of the way.

“Obviously, I wasn’t very good today. The offense, defense and bullpen picked me up big time, and that’s what good teams do— they pick each other up, and win series and win baseball games. Hats off to them.”

Mirjam Swanson at the Los Angeles Times writes about Tyler Glasnow and the ability to trust himself as the playoffs loom near. Glasnow was solid on Friday against San Francisco, allowing just two runs while striking out 10 hitters.

“Today was a step in the right direction,” said Glasnow, the formerHart High star, before leaving the clubhouse in flip-flops. “I’d rather kind of feel it, work through some stuff, and have a good one right before playoffs.

“I think I’m in a good spot right now.”

Jack Harris of the California Post has a positive update regarding Shohei Ohtani, as the two-way superstar did base running drills and used the Trajekt Ark pitching machine in the cage. Hitting coach Aaron Bates notes that Ohtani has been really good with the machine, and the next test will be how he performs in live batting practice.

“In the cage, in a controlled setting, he’s been really good. It’s 100% intensity,” Bates said. “Once he gets out to the field, if he does a live BP or something like that, and the intensity ramps up, it’ll be a good test to see what happens. But in the cage, in the controlled setting, he’s been really good.”

Chicago Cubs news — Suzuki, Kelly, Happ, Holmes

Today’s Reflections

I would like to say that Clay Holmes’ game Friday night wasn’t that bad when he left the game. However, end the end, it WAS a bad game.

Holmes allowed only three hits over 5.1 innings with four strikeouts, but five big walks doomed him. He had a rough first three innings as the Cubs trailed, 3-2, at that point. He received a boost in the fourth with a two-run Cub inning for a 4-3 lead and Holmes responded with two good innings.

But it all fell apart in the sixth. Holmes left after he filled the bases with three walks with one out. Javier Assad was in a tough situation, but didn’t put out the fire as he allowed one-run and two-run singles as the Reds took a 6-4 lead and held it for the duration.

Offensively, the Cubs built their 4-3 lead with an RBI-single by Carson Kelly, a solo home run by Ian Happ and a two-RBI single by Seiya Suzuki. Michael Conforto had an empty 3-for-4 game. Kelly later had another single, a walk and a HBP. Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson each singled.

The Cubs had the opportunities, with nine hits and four walks, but they went 2-for 10 with RISP.

I appreciate your reading.

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Friday’s Game Stories:


Assorted Pitching Stories:


Assorted Hitting Stories:


Assorted Stories:


Food For Thought:

Joshua Barnes Howell, known as Peg Leg Howell (March 5, 1888 – August 11, 1966), was an American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, who connected early country blues and the later 12-bar style. He was one of the first recorded artists of the Atlanta blues scene during the pre-war period, and he was also one of the first blues musicians to ever make a race record.

Joshua Barnes Howell was born on March 5, 1888, on a farm in Eatonton, Georgia, to Thomas Howell and Ruthie Myrick. During his childhood, he grew up around music, but did not take a serious interest in playing music until his early twenties. He completed school in the 9th grade, and went to work alongside his father as a farm hand.

In 1909, he reportedly stayed up one night and taught himself to play the guitar at the age of 21. He became skilled in pre-Piedmont fingerpicking and slide guitar techniques. He continued working on the farm until 1916, when he was shot during an argument with his brother-in-law, as a result of which he lost his right leg, and had to wear a prosthetic afterwards.

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.

Orioles minor league recap 9/20: Watts-Brown bombs in final start

Baseballs grouped at Sheboygan Lutheran, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Sheboygan, Wis. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

Triple-A: Charlotte Knights (CWS) 10, Norfolk Tides 6

Juaron Watts-Brown’s final start of the season did not go well. He lasted just three innings and gave up seven runs. The Knights had a four-run first that included a three-run homer. Watts-Brown gave up three more runs in the third inning another home run, plus two walks thrown in. His final line: 3 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 4 BB, 1 K. In 10 games with the Tides, Watts-Brown had a 10.22 ERA.

The bullpen allowed three more runs, but Dietrich Enns and Albert Suárez pitched two scoreless innings apiece. Enns was perfect with just 23 pitches. Suárez allowed a hit and a walk, but struck out three.

On offense, the Tides had a two-run first inning in a Creed Williams sac fly and Bryan Ramos double, which came after Enrique Bradfield reach on an error and Jud Fabian walked.

In the third inning, Enrique Bradfield manufactured a run almost all on his own. He singled, stole both second and third, and scored on a groundout by Aron Estrada. He had three stolen bases in the game giving him a season total of 44. He’s been caught just six times.

The final three Tides’ runs scored on home runs from Ramos and Sam Huff.

Ramos and Peyton Eelees both had a two-hit game. Estrada and Willems were hitless.

Box Score

Today’s Schedule

Today is the final day of the Minor League season. The Tides host the Knights at 1:05. Starting pitcher is Trace Bright.

What were Giants fans’ favorite highlights of the week?

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Rafael Devers #16 of the San Francisco Giants hits a grand slam at Oracle Park on September 11, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, baseball fans!

Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball comes to a close today, so it’s time to pick our favorite highlights of the week!

Mine happened to take place a little over a week ago, but since I pre-write these I made the executive decision that my week includes the previous Friday. Which is a good thing because Rafael Devers hit a grand slam in last Friday’s game against the Padres. Grand slams and splash hits will almost always be my picks for highlights of the week.

What was your favorite highlight of the week?

What time do the Giants play today?

The Giants wrap up this road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers this afternoon at 1:10 p.m. PT.

Preseason Game Preview #1: New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders

NEWARK, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: New Jersey Devils Ethan Edwards #73 skates with the puck during a game between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils at RWJ Barnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center on September 13, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.(Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils versus the New York Islanders

The Time: 1:00 PM ET

The Broadcast: Local TV — MSGSN/MSG and DAZN Streaming, NHLN; Radio — Devils Hockey Radio

Shaking Out the Lines and Roles

Yesterday, I did a bit of an overview of the trends going on at Devils training camp. In addition to those lines, the third day of camp featured the first look at special teams units.

And the penalty killing units:

Hischier — Rodrigues — Pesce —Hughes
Glass — Brown — Siegenthaler — Hamilton
Boqvist — Noesen — Dillon — Chisholm

Of course, these players will not all play today. Since it is preseason, the Devils only need to play a limited number of veterans, while the rest of players involved will be from Utica. Most of those players will not necessarily be fighting for an immediate NHL job, but for the right to be called up from Utica at some point during the season in case of injuries. Given the looks in camp so far, the true “battles” seem to be:

  • Amadeus Lombardi vs. Stefan Noesen vs. Jesper Boqvist for the 12th and 13th forward spots
  • Anton Silaev vs. Vladislav Kolyachonok vs. Seamus Casey vs. Ethan Edwards for the 7th defensive spot
  • Nico Daws vs. David Rittich for the 2nd goalie spot

Unless someone else really plays out of their mind during pre-season, this is more or less the spread of possibilities for the Devils in camp. They do not have a ton to worry about, but with the injuries to Bjugstad (long-term) and Kovacevic (short-term?), things are a tad more open than they were a few weeks ago.

The Islanders

Today will be our first look at the Islanders for this season. Per Andrew Gross, the Islanders have been using the following forward lines in practice:

Holmstrom — Horvat — Palmieri
Schenn — Ritchie — Maccelli
Eklund — Pageau — Heineman
Duclair — Cizikas — Palat
Engvall — MacLean — Chaffee

With pairings:

Pelech — Schaefer
Romanov — Pulock
Aitcheson — DeAngelo
George — Mayfield
Warren — Kessel

Gross also shared the non-NHL lines and pairings, some of which will be featured in today’s game. But the big stories for the Islanders include Matthew Schaefer being tried out on the right side, largely due to the arrivals of Kashawn Aitcheson and Isaiah George, per Peter DeBoer. But they will also be watching Kyle Palmieri, who is returning from injury after missing most of last season after an ACL repair. Palmieri will turn 36 this season, so his rehabilitation will be something to keep an eye on.

Among the forwards, the Islanders have few newcomers. Matias Maccelli and Victor Eklund are the two to watch. Maccelli had 39 points for the Maple Leafs last season, while Eklund will be playing his first full NHL season this year. Last season, Eklund had 24 points in 43 games for Djurgardens of the Swedish Hockey League before scoring 10 points in nine AHL games along with an assist in his NHL debut. Eklund was New York’s first-round draft pick in 2025.

A New Bag Policy

A warning for those attending today’s game:

This policy is being met with widespread contempt, especially given the short notice. For people taking bags off of public transit into Newark, they will be forced into using the lockers at the Prudential Center. Hopefully that does not turn into an absolute disaster.

Your Thoughts

What do you think of today’s game? Will you be watching? Who do you want to see on the ice? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and thanks for reading.

Umpire Laz Diaz calls out 'nasty' MLB climate as he ends storied career | Exclusive

PHOENIX — When Laz Diaz arrived at Tiger Stadium to make his major-league debut, Sparky Anderson was in the Detroit Tigers dugout, Phil Garner was managing the Milwaukee Brewers, and the lineups were littered with names like Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson, Cecil Fielder, David Wells, B.J. Surhoff and Daryl Hamilton.

The year was 1995.

Now, 31 years later, with Tiger Stadium long gone, Diaz will be back in Detroit, this time at Comerica Park, where he is scheduled to be the home-plate umpire Saturday, Sept. 26, when future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander makes his final appearance.

Diaz, who was also the home-plate umpire in Verlander’s first postseason game in 2006 at Yankee Stadium – a 4-3 victory in the AL Division Series – now is calling it a career, too.

Diaz, 63, only the second Latino crew chief in MLB history and a former Marine Corps reserve, is umpiring his final regular-season game Sunday, Sept. 27. He and six other veteran umpires have taken the buyouts and will say good-bye to a game that has dramatically changed.

When Diaz arrived, there were no video reviews. No ABS system. No challenges. No pitch-coms. No mandatory checks for banned substances. No New York review center. No public umpire scorecards.

And no hot mics.

Being a major-league umpire is not only one the most demanding jobs in all of baseball, but also the least rewarding.

"I tell these young guys there’s so much pressure in this game," Diaz tells USA TODAY Sports. "So, if you’re not going to have fun in this game, don’t do it. Do not do it. It’s not worth it. There’s just so much scrutiny and negative stuff now.

"It’s nasty. We don’t get the recognition. Everybody is putting us down. Like with Angel (Hernandez) and C.B. (Bucknor), they got so much criticism, and they’re great umpires. But everything is just so (expletive) negative."

He’s going to miss the people and friends he made over the years, on and off the field, but the game, well, not so much.

"There are a lot of people I’m going to miss, and I made a lot of friends, but what I won’t miss is the game," says Diaz, the son of Cuban immigrants. "Not one bit. It’s just changed so much. There’s so much more technical stuff. It’s kind of restricted us. I mean, everything is black and white now. You can’t manage the game.

"You used to look at the scoreboard, and you’d see a player’s batting average, home runs, RBI and stolen bases. Now, you look up, there’s all kinds of stats up there, exit velocity, launch angle, on-base percentage, OPS. You can’t find anything because it’s all a percentage."

Laz Diaz made his MLB debut in 1995 and joined full-time in 1999.

He also came up when umpires weren’t mic’d to notify the crowd of challenges and reviews, leading to embarrassing hot mic incidents. Twice in the the last two months, Diaz accidentally blurted an obscenity in his mic that blared the stadium loudspeakers unaware his mic was still on.

Diaz became a full-time major league umpire in 1999 after playing in the minor leagues as an outfielder and shortstop. His first manager in the minors was Minnesota Twins’ Class A manager Duffy Dyer, who happened to be the Brewers’ third-base coach in Diaz’s umpiring debut. Dyer brought out the lineup card that day, didn’t say anything to Diaz, and it wasn’t until the sixth inning that Diaz finally said to Dyer, "You don’t remember me, do you?"

Dyer: “Am I supposed to?"

Diaz: “Well, I did play for you in 1984 with Kenosha."

Now decades later, it’s coming to an end, with Diaz keeping the nameplate atop his locker after every series, and making sure to thank each member of the grounds crew in every ballpark he visits.

"I like talking to the grounds crew because without them," Diaz says, "we couldn't do our job. We couldn't play this game. I appreciate what they do. They're the first ones here, the last ones to leave, and you know every time they come by, I thank them for doing what they do. You got to give them their props."

Diaz will leave with plenty of memories, from working three World Series, Barry Bonds’ record-setting 756th home run game, Mark Buehrle’s perfect game, games in Australia and the Dominican Republic, WBC games in Japan and Puerto Rico, and the inaugural Field of Dreams Game between the Yankees and White Sox in Dyersville, Iowa.

He still has the lineup card from his first World Series game in 2007 when the Boston Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies, and plans to keep the lineup card from last game, too.

He’ll fly to his Orlando home after the game Sunday, do some fishing in Puerto Rico, and even has volunteered to help out his wife’s cousin as a deckhand on chartered boat tours.

Just don’t expect him to be at a ballpark any time in the near future.

Or maybe ever.

"I’ve been blessed," Diaz says. "The Lord has definitely blessed me throughout my career. It was a great run.

"But now, it’s time."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Umpire Laz Diaz calls out 'nasty' MLB climate as he ends storied career | Exclusive

Four Takeaways From Both Of The Maple Leafs' Pre-Season Games Against Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs dropped both pre-season split-squad games against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. In Montreal, the Canadiens won in overtime with a Cole Caufield game-winning goal. At Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, the Habs took the contest 4-1.

With several players debuting for the Maple Leafs and a new style under a new coach, here are the main takeaways from Saturday night.

1. Gavin McKenna Learning, But Not Afraid

In Gavin McKenna's first pre-season game in the NHL, he logged 20:27 of ice time, three shots on goal, two blocks, a minus-one rating and a minor penalty.

"It was good," McKenna said about how he felt. "Obviously, not the result we wanted, but I think it was a good start. There's lots to work on. It's the first game of the year. A little bit scrambly, but I think as we build, it'll get a lot easier.

"I felt pretty good. I thought I created a bit, but also had a couple turnovers, which I think kind of just happens with nerves. But I think it was a good start, and a lot to build on," he added.

He didn't get on the scoresheet, but he wasn't away from the action and had a handful of chances throughout the contest.

"I thought it was good," head coach Jim Hiller assessed McKenna's performance. "In a game where I didn't think there was a lot of offense from either team, you know, he was in on three or four chances, so you'll take that every day. So, yeah, I thought he was good. Good start for him."

At some points in the game, McKenna was distant from the play. But there is no mistake to be made that he is a confident player who knows how skilled he is. And most importantly, he wasn't afraid to make a pass that would thread the needle, or a rink-wide connector in transition. That's proof of a confident individual, especially in his first game wearing NHL colors.

"If I say one thing to him, just to be a little bit closer to the puck, a little bit closer," Hiller said. "We want him to have the puck. And sometimes in the NHL, you've got to just get right there and surround it and then make plays out of that rather than, you know, waiting and seeing if somebody can get it to you. So he'll figure that part of the game out for either side."

"It's not easy," captain Auston Matthews admitted. "You jump into your first game after a very short two practices and then right into a pre-season game in the NHL. But (McKenna's) going to continue to get better as camp goes on, as he gets more comfortable and adjusts to this pace of play. But, you know, obviously he had moments out there where you can tell just how skilled and how talented he is and what he can do."

'Don't Want To Put Extra Pressure': Why Jim Hiller Isn't Giving Gavin McKenna The Reins On Maple Leafs Power Play Yet'Don't Want To Put Extra Pressure': Why Jim Hiller Isn't Giving Gavin McKenna The Reins On Maple Leafs Power Play YetThe Toronto Maple Leafs are looking at the early stages of putting together the power play. Head coach Jim Hiller explains why Gavin McKenna isn't getting the reins to the top unit just yet.

2. Auston Matthews Looks Much Quicker

Matthews played his first NHL game in a long time. His last appearance was against the Anaheim Ducks on March 12.

With an extended summer of rehabbing and recovering from his major knee injury and surgery, he looks to be much faster on the ice than all of last season.

"I think the first, maybe first half of the first period, definitely felt pretty rusty, but as the game went on, it felt better and better," Matthews said after the game. "As we continue to skate and practice and play one more game, I think just the conditioning of the legs kind of get going a little bit more and transition into game shape a little bit. 

"But all in all, I mean, it was a good first game. I thought I had some good moments, good opportunities, and take that and go from there and keep building."

'He Gives Me Confidence': Maple Leafs' Jim Hiller On Sturdy Relationship With Auston Matthews, Hinting At Strong Season'He Gives Me Confidence': Maple Leafs' Jim Hiller On Sturdy Relationship With Auston Matthews, Hinting At Strong SeasonToronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller likes what he hears from Auston Matthews and the level of confidence he's at going into the 2026-27 NHL season.

Hiller remembers one notable moment from Saturday's game that stood out to him.

"I thought he was really skating," the bench boss said. "I thought he had the puck, and he looked dangerous. I think if I think of one moment in the game was when he rounded the net, came through, kind of sliced through a couple guys end-to-end. You know, I hadn't seen that a lot out of him last year, and so that was a really positive thing to see. He was moving, carrying the puck. It was dangerous, and the goalie and made a couple really good saves on him."

Matthews recorded one assist, played 22:19 of ice time, a minus-two rating and a game-high of six shots on goal.

3. Chris Tanev Appears To Be At Full Speed

It was a long time coming back for Matthews, but that's nothing compared to the journey Chris Tanev has made. His last game before Saturday's pre-season outing was on Dec. 28 last season. Since then, he's dealt with spinal trauma and core surgery to recover for 2026-27.

Despite all that bodily distress over the past year, the shutdown defenseman looked the part and like his usual self on the back end.

Tanev had three blocks in this game, and also notched 18:23 of ice time. It's also worth noting that he and his D-partner, Jake McCabe, were the only skaters for the Maple Leafs to not finish the game with a minus plus-minus rating.

"To me, being out as much as he did, I would have never guessed," Hiller said of Tanev's first performance since his long-term injury. "Played quite a bit of minutes. You see him penalty kill, he's breaking up plays, he's doing what he does. So, yeah, it's just a really important player for us. It's great to have him back out there."

‘You Feel Like You’re Alone A Lot’: Chris Tanev’s Harrowing Road Back To Maple Leafs Lineup Begins Against Canadiens‘You Feel Like You’re Alone A Lot’: Chris Tanev’s Harrowing Road Back To Maple Leafs Lineup Begins Against CanadiensAfter surviving a stretcher scare, spinal trauma, and core surgery, Chris Tanev opens up about the loneliness of a lost year and his return to the Maple Leafs’ blue line with zero hesitation about taking a hit.

4. Fight Night In Montreal And Nick Blankenburg Paying The Price

While eyes were on McKenna and the rest of the stars that featured in Toronto, there was a feisty game at the Bell Centre, particularly in the early stages of the contest. 

Maple Leafs' Michael Pezzetta and Teddy Blueger dropped the gloves with Canadiens' Lucas Condotta and Ethan Samson, with both tilts coming in the first period of the game. Pezzetta accumulated 17 penalty minutes, including a 10-minute misconduct, with his short night complete with 4:50 of ice time.

Beyond the fisticuffs, Nick Blankenburg, who is on a PTO with the Maple Leafs this pre-season, registered eight blocks against the Canadiens and logged 24:47 of ice time, which was three seconds shy of matching Lane Hutson's game-high 24:50.

The 5-foot-9 defenseman certainly found a way to stand out for the side that Daniel Alfredsson watched over in Quebec.

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Canadiens’ Second Line Picking Up Right Where It Left Off

The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at the Bell Centre, and while the Habs had their top six in the lineup, the visitors showed up with a much weaker side, leaving their big guns at home to face the other half of the Canadiens. Habs fans got an entertaining game with a little bit of everything: nice attacking play, big hits, and fights; the crowd liked every minute, including Cole Caufield's overtime game-winner.

While Martin St-Louis’ decision to put Juraj Slafkovsky on the second line to start the preseason might have surprised a few people, the move made the coach look very good in the first game. The three youngsters looked like they'd never stopped playing together and linked up with ease. There’s a predictability there that's hard to deny; they know where they are on the ice. Shots came in from every direction, and without numerous posts, their shot total would have been even higher than seven. Overall, they were the Canadiens’ most visible line.

Canadiens’ Double Game Night
Canadiens’ Montembeault Has Turned The Page
Canadiens Starved For More

Speaking about playing with Ivan Demidov, the big Slovak explained:

I know the way he plays; I know what he’s going to do. I feel that’s why it’s working between him and me, because I anticipate what he’s going to do. I think we know where we are; even if sometimes we throw a blind pass or something, we know what moments, which areas, where we are on the ice…I think it’s pretty good, but I feel like there’s so much room to improve; I feel we’re only going to get better.

With Kaiden Guhle being injured to start the season, there’s a job to be won on the blueline, and Arber Xhekaj would love to grab that spot. The hulking blueliner had an interesting game, throwing his body around a lot and logging eight hits. However, at times, that meant he got himself out of the play and was beaten to the net, giving the opponent scoring opportunities.

On the Leafs’ first power-play goal, he finished a check in the corner but let his man beat him to the net. Dobes made that save, but seconds later, Xhekaj pushed his man into the goalie, causing him to lose his stick. He didn’t recover it before Toronto scored. Then, on the Leafs’ go-ahead goal in the second frame, his man got free to set it up from behind the net. This is only the preseason, though, and the coach wasn’t going to hold it against him; he still gave him 21:31 of action, made him kill penalties, even the one in overtime. Commenting on his game, the bench boss explained:

He played to his identity; he played a physical game; he got some reps on the PK; he was good in puck possession. It was a good game for him; he played to his DNA. He’s still a young player. Even though he’s got a lot of NHL experience for his age, the game may have slowed down for him too; it may be easier to make the right reads. Stress normally diminishes for a young player as they gain experience.

On the Jayden Struble – Xhekaj pairing, St-Louis said:

I don’t mind Xhako on the right side; they’re two guys that play a physical game. If Guhles can’t start the season, it’s a scenario that maybe those two play together; some familiarity there, they’ve done it last year. We’ll keep evaluating, but I liked what I saw.

The blueliner seems to have made a conscious decision to shoot more; he tried his luck five times tonight, with two attempts reaching the net. It can only help his case to use that big shot. Yes, he can bring grit and physicality, but he has other attributes he should use as well. Clearly, he’s come to the same conclusion, telling the media post-game that he has to shoot more and can’t always be looking for a pass.

Of course, he was also asked about his brother’s game in Toronto and looked like a proud teacher when he said: it was sick. I was fired up after watching it and texted him right away; it was a sick fight!

As for the top line, it wasn’t as visible as the Slafkovsky-Kapanen-Demidov unit, but it did have its moments. Having just been brought into the fold, it’s not surprising that Chris Kreider needs to adapt to the Canadiens’ style of play; but we’ve already seen some positive signs. His best play of the night might have been a great cross-zone feed to Caufield, who one-timed it right on the post; a little bit of rust is perfectly normal.

Preseason games mean very little, but if this 4-3 overtime win is anything to go by, the Canadiens’ fans are in for another fun season watching their favourites. Montreal’s next game is Monday, when they’ll face the Ottawa Senators in Trois-Rivières.


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Yankees prospects: Scranton walks it off but eliminated from playoff contention

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:W, 6-5 (10) vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp — thrilling win, but a victory by the Rochester Red Wings left the RailRiders two games back with one to play; today will be the Yankees’ 2026 minor league finale (though the Arizona Fall League is coming up soon)

LF Jarred Kelenic 1-5, 3 K
DH Jasson Domínguez 0-4, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K — two-run shot in the fifth pulled Scranton within one
2B Marco Luciano 0-5, K
1B Yanquiel Fernández 0-3, 2 BB, K — scored on a wild pitch in the tenth to win it
3B Tyler Hardman 2-5, HR, RBI, K, throwing error
CF Duke Ellis 3-5, SB
RF Kenedy Corona 1-4, 2B, RBI, K
SS Connor McGinnis 1-3, RBI — sac fly in the eighth tied game at five

Alexander Cornielle 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HR — gave up a grand slam in the second
Zach Messinger 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Eric Reyzelman 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Eli Morgan 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Chris Kean 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Justin Topa 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Edinson Duran 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K (win) — position player comes on and gets the win

Double-A Somerset Patriots: Season over

High-A Hudson Valley Renegades: Season over

Low-A Tampa Tarpons: Season over

Florida Complex League Yankees: Season over

Dominican Summer League Yankees: Season over

Dominican Summer League Bombers: Season over

Orioles news: Elias and Albernaz staying, some change coming

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MARCH 28, 2026: President of baseball operations and general manager Mike Elias of the Baltimore Orioles looks on prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

Hello, friends.

The Orioles added another disappointing game on an “honor a part of the team’s history” day with yesterday’s 1-0 loss to the Brewers. You would easily think that Trevor Rogers pitching eight innings while striking out batters would have meant a win on the day that the team hosted the honorary “retire as an Oriole” festivities for Trey Mancini. Alas, no! The Orioles mustered four hits, still more than the Brewers did, and still they lost. Check out Andrea’s recap of the game for more of the not-so-lovely totals.

Any slim postseason hopes have crashed with the losses in the last two games, each of which was stupid in their own way. Even if the Orioles run the table at this point, 82-80 isn’t likely to get them there. They probably won’t be mathematically eliminated before Tuesday. If they play better, they’ll push that back a day or three. They don’t look like they’re going to play better.

The real news from yesterday is that Mike Elias spoke to Orioles media ahead of yesterday’s game and indicated he’s expecting to return, and that manager Craig Albernaz will also return. That probably means there won’t be a David Rubenstein-induced surprise in another eight days.

This is likely not a welcome series of news for people who’ve watched the season play out; I’ve gone in on Albernaz a few times as the season has gone along and did so again after watching Friday’s loss. I don’t think he’ll be better next year. I don’t think he’s going to go home this offseason and think about it and come back as a different guy. We’re stuck with him until Elias is gone. Not much to do but hope for the best even when it’s unlikely we’ll get it.

Elias is, at least, sort of signaling that maybe things will go a little differently in the front office. Recent days have seen the director of player development Matt Blood depart, and analytics guru Sig Mejdal had his title adjusted to reflect more working with technology than overseeing analytics. The idea of hiring a subordinate general manager to Elias has come up again; The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka reported that a source says the O’s are looking for a potential GM with a player development background to complement Elias’s scouting background, with the idea of finding someone from outside the organization who might have different ideas of doing things.

There is some potential here for things to change. Kostka’s source indicated that the Orioles ownership would be involved in the search for front office additions. If this is the way we’re seeing the top level think that things need to go differently – not firing Elias outright but making sure he knows he’s got to try to change how he’s doing things – then that’s a plus. One could certainly view it all cynically and think Elias will just hire somebody who is going to tell him that everything is going great and that he’s doing everything right already.

This is not a ship that can turn quickly. The offseason may afford even fewer chances to turn the ship, since player movement is going to be shut down as soon as the owners collective greed leads to an immediate lockout as soon as the CBA expires in December. If things play out on a similar timetable as the last round of negotiations, there’ll be nothing happening in December and January and early February, no trades or signings. 2027, who knows?

The 2026 Orioles already had their “Iceberg, right ahead!” moment where they could not avert the disaster. The ship is rapidly sinking. The captain is not going down with this ship. They play another game at 7:20 tonight, which will air only on Peacock.

Orioles stuff you might have missed

Félix Bautista activated; Helsley and O’Neill officially done for 2026 (Orioles.com)
Not to be lost from yesterday’s news, the Mountain is back with the Orioles. Maybe we’ll see him pitch today. Maybe it won’t be depressing.

Trey Mancini signs one-day contract to retire an Oriole: ‘One of the great honors of my life’ (The Baltimore Banner)
Kostka’s write-up of the honorary contract and retirement from yesterday. Mancini might have been able to walk out into an Orioles uniform for a day and improve that lineup.

Joseph Dzierwa sees his outstanding year on Orioles farm as “a combination of everything” (Steve on Baseball)
If you have been paying attention to Orioles prospects this year, you probably caught Dzierwa fever as the season went along.

Prospect review: Stiven Martinez might have found something (Orioles On The Verge)
Martinez was on my preliminary list for getting a Camden Chat prospect review post, but didn’t end up making the final cut. The folks at On The Verge are a bit more interested.

Birthdays and Orioles anniversaries

Today in 1958, knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm threw a no-hitter in a 1-0 victory over the Yankees. This was the first no-hitter in Orioles history, and the last time in the 20th century that the Yankees were no-hit.

In 1998, Cal Ripken Jr. did not play in a game, ending his consecutive games played streak at 2,632. Atlanta’s Matt Olson is the active leader with 932 consecutive games – 8th place on the all-time list.

There are a few former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 2014 infielder Steve Lombardozzi, 1990 outfielder Dave Gallagher, and 1972 pitcher Roric Harrison.

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: novelist Upton Sinclair (1878), actress Sophia Loren (1934), and author George R. R. Martin (1948).

On this day in history…

In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition to circumnavigate the globe set sail from Sanlúcar de Barrameda in southern Spain. Nearly three full years later, one of the five ships and 40 of the 270 men returned successfully. Magellan did not survive.

In 1946, the first Cannes Film Festival was held. The original plan was for the first festival to take place in 1939. That plan was interrupted by World War II.

In 1973, Billie Jean King was victorious in the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match against Bobby Riggs.

**

And that’s the way it is in Birdland on September 20. Have a safe Sunday. Go O’s!

Tigers go for series split against White Sox on Sunday

The Detroit Tigers dropped the third game of their four-game weekend series against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Saturday, 3-1, ending any chance of the team finishing at the .500 mark this season. Jackson Jobe earned a quality start for his effort, but the offense failed to play their part, resulting in the disappointing road loss.

Getting the start in the final game of the series is right-hander Troy Melton, who has faded a bit late this season after a summer that saw him post a sub-2.00 ERA for a healthy portion of the campaign. However, over the 25-year-old’s last five outings, he has posted a 5.81 ERA and 5.75 FIP over 26 1/3 innings of work — but that stretch did also include a seven-inning quality start in which he gave up three runs to the Tampa Bay Rays in Detroit, but still took the loss.

Melton has seen the ChiSox thrice this season and has not allowed more than one earned run in any of those games. Collectively, the former fourth-round pick put up a 1.56 ERA and a 3.86 FIP over 17 1/3 frames against the White Sox, with one personal win while his team lost the other two.

For the White Sox, fellow righty Davis Martin will climb the hill for Sunday’s finale looking to continue his strong September showing. Over his last three starts stretching across 16 innings, the 29-year-old has put up a microscopic 1.13 ERA but a much less impressive 4.97 FIP on 13 hits (two home runs) and four walks while striking out just four; his team lost all three of those games, while he earned an L as well.

Martin faced the Tigers once before this season, on June 21, when he threw six innings of one-run ball on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts for a no-decision in a 10-inning, 5-4 road loss.

Below is a look at how the two starters match up in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.

Detroit Tigers (73-82) vs. Chicago White Sox (79-76)

Time (ET): 2:10 p.m.
Place: Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois
SB Nation Site:South Side Sox
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 156: RHP Troy Melton (8-4, 2.52 ERA) vs. RHP Davis Martin (9-7, 3.96 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Melton19110.220.07.542.54.081.6
Martin27141.019.47.343.23.862.5

MELTON

MARTIN

Phillies news: Brandon Marsh, Orion Kerkering, Jose Ramirez

Sep 19, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Andrew Painter (24) pitches against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Are there any good relievers left on the Phillies’ roster? Anyone? If there is any hope of their doing some kind of damage in the playoffs, it’s likely resting squarely on the shoulders of whoever Don Mattingly decides to entrust the sixth, seventh and eighth innings to.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

MLB news:

Astros “What If”: History Says Shocktober is Possible

The Marvel Universe continues to expand and reinvent itself. One of their many successes is the various “What If?” plot twists. “What If Doctor strange loses his heart instead of his hands? Perhaps it’s Spider-Man joining the Fantastic Four or “What If?” Ultron actually won?  

What if ?   

What if the Astros with all of their limitations this season won it all? Sure there’s organizational unrest internally and the product on the field has been disappointing, but could the Astros transform October into Shocktober?  

In my lifetime, it’s happened multiple times. Entrenched in our memories is Kirk Gibson’s hobbled AB vs. Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, but there’s been countless others.

A year before Gibson’s heroics, the 1987 Twins had a run differential of -20. It was Tom Kelly’s first full season on the job and during the months of July and August that year, they posted losing records. The struggles on the road were even more daunting. In fact, in their World Series matchup vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, they’d drop every contest at Busch Stadium. Yet Minnesota won it all.

The 1990 Cincinnati Reds were remarkably average. After a red hot 9-0 start, they’d merely play .500 baseball over their final 100 games, posting a mark of 50-50. The start to the postseason was even more ominous as they dropped game one of the NLCS at home to the Pirates. The game wasn’t even a sellout. That was on October 4th and by October 20th, they had swept the A’s. Oakland simply had no answers for Jose Rijo.

Remember Josh Beckett? The New York Yankees certainly do. His two-hit complete game shutout at Yankee Stadium shocked the world and brought a title to South Beach in 2003. The Marlins payroll that season wasn’t even $50 million. By contrast, the Yankees spent $164 million.   

What If Mattress Mack has to give everyone a free Mattress this Fall?  

Mets Daily Prospect Report, 9/20/25: Smith saves Syracuse

D'Andre Smith of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies is present before a Minor League Baseball game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, United States, on May 15, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

Triple-A: Syracuse Mets (81 – 67)

SYRACUSE 5, LEHIGH VALLEY 4 (BOX)

D’Andre Smith with just about the most heroic hit you can have at this point in the season. Down one in the bottom of the ninth with one out, Zack Short worked a walk as the tying run. Smith followed that up with a two-run walkoff homer, keeping the Syracuse season alive. Smith made a stellar play earlier in the game that deserves mention as well, a diving catch in center with the bases loaded that kept the Mets ahead (at the time) in the fifth inning. An all around incredible performance on both sides of the ball, and at a position he’s learning on the fly to boot. The Mets remain a half game back of Rochester in the playoff hunt with one game left to play, and it’ll all come down to Sunday’s regular season finale.

STAR OF THE NIGHT

D’Andre Smith

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

None

Luke Littler threatens to boycott Netherlands darts events after booing

  • ‘If the Dutch stay like this I’m not going,’ says teenager

  • Littler hoping to win all 10 major TV events in a year

Luke Littler has threatened to boycott tournaments in the Netherlands after being booed and whistled during the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.

The back-to-back world champion faced a hostile environment during Friday’s win over home favourite Danny Noppert and it escalated on Saturday night as referee Charlie Costorphine had to intervene in the last-16 win over Nathan Aspinall.

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