It was a first period to forget for the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena.
After 20 minutes, Detroit found itself trailing 2-0 while being thoroughly outplayed, getting outshot 13-2 in the opening period.
And now, injury has been added to the insult. The Red Wings announced that goaltender John Gibson suffered a lower-body injury and would not return to the game.
UPDATE: John Gibson (lower body) will not return to tonight's game.
Gibson surrendered two goals to Lightning forward Brayden Point (both of which were assisted by Nikita Kucherov, who shocked fans with a trade request last week) on 13 shots.
If he's unavailable for Detroit's next game, which is Thursday evening at home against the visiting Vegas Golden Knights, expect Michal Postava to be called up once again from the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins.
Postava recently picked up his first NHL victory after having been called up under emergency conditions due to an injury to Tarasov, stopping 25 of 28 shots as part of a 4-3 shootout victory on Oct. 26.
So far this season, Gibson, who is playing in the final season of his contract, is 4-5-1 with a 3.37 goals-against average and a .860 save percentage.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Austin Hays #15 of the San Diego Padres bats during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on September 25, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to our series grading every member of the San Diego Padres’ 40-man roster. The roster being evaluated is current as of Oct. 18, prior to the end of the World Series. Because of that, it will include players who will be free agents once the postseason concludes. Each player will be graded on their performance in the 2026 season, including the playoffs. That performance will be weighted based on how much time the player spent with the team (availability is the best ability).
Another Bargain DH
Austin Hays was signed to a one-year, $6 million deal by the Chicago White Sox ahead of the 2026 season. After a calf strain put Hays on the 10-day injured list, he dealt with recurring soreness that halted his rehab assignment. That led to him being placed on the 60-day IL, and Hays played in just 12 games before being designated for assignment and released by the organization. He produced modest results during that time, slashing .233/.250/.326.
Overall Grade: B+
After that, he was released on Aug. 7. Hays almost immediately signed a big-league deal with the Padres, just two days later. He delivered in his very first at-bat, hitting a pinch-hit two-run homer against the Houston Astros. After that, he didn’t produce very much for some time. His slug went down quite a bit, but his contact hitting improved.
In 26 games with the Friars, Hays batted .316/.344/.456. It was a small sample, but it was light years ahead of what he was able to do with Chicago. In his final 15 games of the season, Hays batted .414 with a 1.005 OPS. His only problem was an inability to walk, with just three walks during his San Diego tenure.
His lack of playoff success with San Diego hurt his image with the Friar Faithful. He didn’t record a single hit and reached base only once. Hays is now an unrestricted free agent heading into 2027 and could be re-signed by the Friars to fill out bench depth. His calf injury derailed his 2026 season but he could still be a viable option for teams trying to improve their bench picture.
Kawhi Leonard is headed back to Toronto. Getting back on the court is the next step.
The Raptors announced Tuesday, Nov. 3 that Leonard, 35, has completed treatment for swelling in his left knee and will begin the return-to-play process in Toronto. The team will update his progress in one week.
Leonard has missed five consecutive games. He felt something in the knee during pregame warmups Oct. 25 and was scratched from a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. An MRI showed no structural damage.
Coach Darko Rajakovic said Oct. 29 that Leonard was getting his treatment outside of Toronto. At the time, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Leonard would miss at least three to four weeks. The Raptors didn't say Tuesday whether that window has changed.
This left knee problem is new.
Leonard already has injury history with the right knee. Leonard tore the ACL in his right knee in the 2021 NBA playoffs and the meniscus in the 2023 playoffs – both with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Leonard played in the Raptors' first two games, both wins. He averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals but shot just 32.4% from the field. Last season, he played 65 games for the Clippers and averaged 27.9 points.
The Raptors (4-3) are 2-3 without him. The next update is due Nov. 10.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Adrian Morejon #50 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park on September 30, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s Tuesday night here at BCB After Dark: the most-talked about late-night spot for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. Come on in out of the fall chill. There’s no cover charge. We still have a few tables available. We can check your coat. The hostess will seat you now. Bring your own beverage.
BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.
On Tuesday night. I don’t normally do any movie stuff. But I want our evenings to be lively, so that means we need some music. That time is now.
I’ve often said that there is a lot of great jazz that serves as theme songs to television shows. Here’s one you may not know unless you’re an old school anime fan. This is composer Yoko Kanno and her orchestra “The Seatbelts” playing “Tank!,” the opening credits song to Cowboy Bebop.
Welcome back to those who skip all that jazz.
The Cubs obviously need to rebuild their bullpen. While it isn’t in team president Jed Hoyer’s DNA to spend a lot of money on a relief pitcher, there is some reason to believe that he might make an exception this year. And as it would have it, there are two elite relief pitchers available in the free agent market: left-hander Adrián Morejón and right-hander David Bednar.
As luck would have it, Kiley McDaniel has an article up today that has contract estimates up for all the top free agents, including Morejón and Bednar. Now these are just estimates and could be very wrong, but we’re going to use them for the purposes of voting tonight. Taking into account both the player and the contract, would you rather the Cubs sign Morejón or Bednar.
Morejón has been the Padres setup man behind Mason Miller the past few years, but he’d be a closer on pretty much any other team. The 27-year-old (28 by Opening Day) left-hander from Cuba went 9-3 with a 2.83 ERA and three saves. He’s spent his entire career in the Padres organization and has been an excellent reliever over the past three years, posting ERAs of 2.83 in 2024 and a 2.08 ERA in 2025. His four-seam fastball averaged 99 miles per hour this past season, but that’s not even his go-to pitch. That’s his sinker, which also comes in at 99 mph with movement.
Morejón has excellent strikeout, walk and ground ball numbers. He struck out 30 percent of batters he faced last year while walking just eight percent. When batters do put the ball in play, 58 percent of the time it was on the ground last year. That ground ball number is a bit of a outlier in his career, but his career ground ball number is a still very good 50 percent.
Unlike Bednar, Morejón has never been an everyday closer because of Robert Suarez and Mason Miller. So if you believe there is something special about pitching the ninth, then Morejón is a bit of a risk.
McDaniel expects that Morejón will command a four-year, $88 million deal.
The other option is 31-year-old right-hander David Bednar. You’re probably familiar with Bednar’s from his time as a closer for the Pirates. He was an all-star closer for Pittsburgh in 2022 and 2023 before things kind of fell apart for him in 2024. Things got so bad that he was actually demoted to Triple-A for a few weeks in 2025.
But since his return from the minors, Bedar has been lights out. He did well enough the first half of 2025, with 17 saves, for him to be a deadline deal trade to the Yankees. He served all of 2026 as the Yankees closer, garnering 35 saves.
Bednar doesn’t have the same kind of velocity as Morejón, but his four-seamer is still a very good 96 mph on average. But his go-to pitch is his 91-mph splitter, which McDaniel called the best splitter in baseball. He also has a good curveball, giving hitters a third look.
Bednar doesn’t strike out as many batters as Morejón with 27 percent. But he also walks a bit fewer at seven percent. His ground ball rate of 51 percent was also a career-high for Bednar, over his career numbers of 41 percent.
If you care about saves, Bednar has 146 career saves compared to eight for Morejón.
Comparing their respective WAR numbers, both Morejón and Bednar had a bWAR of 1.9 last season. Fangraphs liked Morejón better, 2.8 to 1.9.
Both Morejón and Bednar have qualifying offers, so they will both cost the Cubs a draft pick should they sign one of them.
So, Morejón at four years, $88 million or Bednar at three years, $60 million? Which deal would you jump at if you were Jed Hoyer?
Thank you for stopping by tonight. Please get home safely. Tell your friends about us. Let us get your coat. Recycle any cans and bottles. Tip your waitstaff. And join us again tomrorrow night for more BCB After Dark.
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Chicago Bulls in the second half at Scotiabank Arena on October 21, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard has officially “completed treatment to address left knee swelling,” according to the team on Tuesday.
Leonard has missed the last five games due to his latest injury. Toronto is 2-3 during that stretch.
In his last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Leonard played 65 games, the most he’s logged since the 2023-24 season, during which he played in 68 games. The last time Leonard appeared in at least 60 games in back-to-back seasons was during 2016-17 with the San Antonio Spurs.
In two games this season, Leonard is averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals while shooting 32.4 per cent from the field.
During his 2019 championship season in Toronto, Leonard’s longest absence occurred when he missed four straight games due to load management. The Raptors recorded a 3-1 record during this time.
The last time Leonard dealt with a serious injury was when he missed the first 34 games of the 2024-25 campaign with the Clippers. At the time, he was dealing with chronic inflammation in his right knee.
The Washington Wizards just climbed to the top of the Southeast Division standings! This has not happened in quite awhile! They now host their Southeast Division rival, the Atlanta Hawks for a battle of the No. 1 ranking in the Division.
Game info
When: : Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network
How to listen: The Team 980 AM, 106.7-2 FM
Injury Report
Wizards: Reece Beekman, Anthony Gill, Alex Sarr, Tristan Vukcevic, Justin Champagnie, Jamir Watkins (Out)
Hawks: Jalen Johnson (Day-to-Day), Jock Landale, Mouhamed Gueye, Henri Veesaar (Out)
Pregame notes
Washington heads the Southeast Division! — This is a real testament to how the Wizards have turned things around. Yes, I know we are only seven games in the season. But, still, let us Wizards fans be excited about something!
The Hawks look for an identity — The Hawks have changed things dramatically. For instance, they traded their franchise guy, Trae Young, to the Wizards last season. And they are anxious to show that was the right move. What a better occasion to do so than when playing the Wizards? Especially as the Wizards just beat in impressive fashion both the Magic and the Hornets.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 02: Baba Miller #18 of the LA Clippers defends against the dribble of Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at Intuit Dome on November 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: Baba Miller #18 of the LA Clippers defends against the dribble of Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at Intuit Dome on November 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors completed a double-digit comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 125-118 at the Intuit Dome.
Toronto, which did not take its first lead until the final two minutes, came through with a clutch fourth-quarter rally to secure the win.
The Raptors found themselves in a similar position against the Lakers the previous night, but their comeback attempt fell short. This time, however, Toronto learned from that experience and finished the job with a hard-fought victory.
The Raptors continued to experiment with their options at centre, giving Trayce Jackson-Davis an opportunity last night before turning to Collin Murray-Boyles tonight, as Jakob Poeltl did not play.
Both teams traded possessions early, with neither side looking particularly sharp offensively. Trading baskets remained the theme for much of the opening quarter, as both teams struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
However, the Clippers began to create some separation behind their three-point shooting. Kobe Sanders led the charge late in the frame, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc as the Raptors had no answer for him.
Los Angeles closed the quarter on a 17-5 run, extending its lead to as many as 13 points before heading into the second quarter with an 11-point advantage.
Toronto looked sloppy down the stretch and simply didn’t do enough to start the game.
The Raptors showed some signs of life to start the second quarter, with Immanuel Quickley getting Toronto on the board before Scottie Barnes added his first basket of the night. Barnes, who entered the game questionable, had been relatively quiet through the opening stretch.
RJ Barrett also provided a spark offensively, knocking down a three-pointer before scoring on a post-up jumper against former teammate Gradey Dick to bring his total to 16 points.
Toronto’s three-point shooting and defensive effort improved, but the Clippers continued to respond whenever the Raptors threatened to build momentum.
Brook Lopez continued to give Toronto problems, taking advantage of the Raptors’ smaller lineup on both ends of the floor.
Turnovers also became a major issue for Toronto, with seven giveaways leading to nine Clippers points. Dick continued to put together a strong performance as Los Angeles extended its lead to as many as 15 points.
Toronto also had to manage much of the quarter without Barrett, who picked up his third personal foul. The Raptors had plenty of work to do after heading into halftime trailing 63-52.
INGLEWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 2: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors looks to pass the ball as Max Strus #31 of the LA Clippers plays defense during the game on November 2, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Toronto came out of the halftime break with much better energy, as Barnes, Walter and Murray-Boyles helped spark a 6-0 run to cut the Clippers’ lead to five. The strong start forced Los Angeles to call an early timeout, but the Clippers quickly settled back into the game and restored their nine-point advantage.
Dick and Sanders continued to build on their impressive nights, with Dick making an impact across the floor and Sanders knocking down a three-pointer to cap an 11-3 Clippers run.
Toronto continued to struggle offensively, with Barrett providing a strong performance but receiving very little help from the rest of the lineup.
Jamison Battle provided a much-needed spark off the bench, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to bring his total to 12 points. Battle was particularly effective from beyond the arc, shooting 4-of-5 from three-point range.
Although Toronto showed some improvement towards the end of the quarter, the Clippers maintained control and carried a 13-point lead into the fourth. The Raptors needed a strong final quarter, similar to last night if they wanted to make a comeback.
Toronto opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back baskets from Alijah Martin and Scottie Barnes, who quietly recorded a double-double. Barnes and RJ Barrett began to find a rhythm together offensively, helping Toronto chip away at the deficit, while Immanuel Quickley added a pull-up three-pointer to cut the lead to eight.
However, foul trouble continued to be an issue for the Raptors, with Ja’Kobe Walter picking up his fifth personal foul and Barrett his fourth, allowing the Clippers to extend their advantage back to 12.
Los Angeles also lost Brook Lopez to fouls, as he fouled out with five minutes remaining, giving Toronto a potential opening to make a push.
INGLEWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 2: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors looks to pass the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on November 2, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With both teams showing signs of fatigue, Toronto continued to battle and took advantage of opportunities at the free-throw line to work its way back into the game.
Barnes, Quickley and Barrett had carried much of the offensive load throughout the night, and they delivered when it mattered most. Barrett converted a tough layup with under three minutes remaining to tie the game at 109, capping a remarkable 16-4 Raptors run.
Barnes followed with a difficult turnaround fadeaway to give Toronto its first lead of the night. Some clutch free throws from Barnes, Murray-Boyles and Quickley, combined with vintage defensive intensity down the stretch, helped the Raptors complete the fourth-quarter comeback and escape Los Angeles with a hard-fought victory.
Although it was far from a perfect performance, the Raptors showed resilience and refused to give up, earning a crucial victory.
Barnes, Quickley and Barrett led the way for Toronto with strong performances. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly with their three-point shooting, free-throw efficiency and ability to get off to a stronger start.
Raptors fans were hoping to see Kawhi Leonard face his former team, but neither Leonard nor Brandon Ingram suited up. Dick, however, delivered a solid performance against his former team, while Sanders led the Clippers with 26 points. Despite his efforts, Los Angeles could not hold on to its lead and fell to 1-6 on the season.
The Raptors, now 4-3, will enjoy a well-deserved day off tomorrow before travelling to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: General Manager Randy Flores and owner Jim Crane of the Houston Astros answer questions from the media at an introductory press conference after Flores signed a contract with the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on November 02, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While the Astros have hired Randy Flores to be the team’s new general manager, it seems that the manager search had already started without him.
According to Jon Morosi on MLB Network, the team has already interviewed multiple managerial candidates, including former catcher Brad Ausmus and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.
“The search is already well underway…”@jonmorosi shares insight into the Astros’ managerial search and mentions two names in consideration for the position 👀 pic.twitter.com/c0qipWXVa1
An intriguing name has hit the NHL waiver wire. On Tuesday, the Winnipeg Jets placed former 2022 first-round pick Brad Lambert on waivers. The 22-year-old forward has played 11 games this season and recorded one assist.
Lambert has had an interesting career up until this point. At the start of the 2021-22 campaign, he was thought of as a top-five prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft. In the end, he struggled during his draft year, where he dropped to 30th overall before being selected by the Jets.
After being drafted, Lambert made his way to North America, where he started his career in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose. He would play 14 games before being assigned to the WHL, where he helped the Seattle Thunderbirds make it to the 2023 Memorial Cup Final. Lambert was a point-producing machine in the WHL as he recorded 38 points in 26 games before finishing the playoffs with 26 points in 17 games.
Since his time in the WHL, Lambert has spent the last four seasons bouncing between the NHL and AHL. His best year came in 2023-24, where he recorded 55 points in 64 games with the Manitoba Moose. So far in his career, Lambert has 106 points in 173 AHL games, along with nine points in 42 games.
This year, Lambert hasn't had many opportunities in Winnipeg. While he has played 11 games, he is averaging 9:10 of ice time with close to zero time on the power play. According to Natural Stat Trick, Lambert has created two individual high-danger scoring chances at even strength and has an xGF% of 23.59.
Lambert is the type of low-risk bet that Ryan Johnson and his staff should be making on the waiver wire. He is a fast, offensively gifted player and is young enough to fit with the rebuild timeline. Lambert is also right-handed and has shown he can play center, which is a current need for the Vancouver Canucks.
The good news for the Canucks is that the team currently sits at the top of the waiver wire list. This means that if Johnson and his staff feel that Lambert is worth claiming, they don't need to hope that another team claims him first. Waivers are determined by the NHL standings, which is why Vancouver currently has top priority in the order.
With players like Lambert, a change of scenery may be exactly what they need to get back on track. It clearly hasn't worked with the Jets, which could be the Canucks' gain. If Johnson decides to claim Lambert, it could lead to another win for the organization on the waiver wire.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Brad Lambert (93) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 01: Shea Theodore #27 of the Vegas Golden Knights carries the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 1, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 26: Members of the Arizona Diamondbacks line up along the base path during the national anthem prior to a 2026 Mexico City Series game between the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Latest updates
Two sets of scheduled transactions have taken place since we closed the books on the 2025/26 roster at the end of the regular season. Firstly, free agents have come off the roster. That includes the likes of Zac Gallen, Ildemaro Vargas and Kevin Ginkel, plus Michael Soroka after he declined his side of the mutual option for 2027. Five days after the World Series, the 60-day Injured List also ceased to be a thing, so that meant Tyler Locklear, Andrew Saalfrank and Cristian Mena have been added back in. Additionally, as noted elsewhere, Pavin Smith was outrighted to Reno, then looks to have declined the move, since he is now a minor-league free agent. Interesting times!
As before we’ll be tracking the 40-man roster and logging all the transactions affecting it, over the course of the season – whatever and whenever that might be!
It’s early in the abbreviated Hot Stove season before team owners and Major League Baseball will likely lockout players while they try to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. But if any teams want to sign players before the terms of the next CBA are set they’ll need to get those deals done before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on December 1. That should signal a flurry of activity in the next few weeks and the Cubs are already in on the action, signing last year’s sometimes closer Jacob Webb to a one year, $2 million deal with a $4 million option (or a $500,000 buyout) in 2028.
I guess it’s not technically a free agent signing since Webb had a $2.5 million team option for 2027 already, but it’s still worth diving into the numbers that inspired the Cubs to keep Webb in the fold for at least one more season and potentially more.
The Stats
It’s not an exaggeration to say Webb helped save the Cubs season. Given the injuries to their pitchers, there were times the Cubs were basically running a continuous shuttle to Iowa in order to fill up a roster. Jacob Webb did more than fill a roster spot or throw some innings. In 67 total innings with the Cubs in 2026 he had a 3.36 ERA off a 4.03 FIP and a 3.57 xFIP. The 33-year-old righty also posted the best strikeout rate of his career with a 25.7% mark. Those aren’t traditionally closer numbers, but Webb locked down a team leading nine saves in 2026 regardless.
You can get a sense of how much value he added to the team on the below table showing all Cubs pitchers who threw at least 30 innings sorted by K-BB%:
Name
K/9
BB/9
K/BB
HR/9
K%
BB%
K-BB%
AVG
WHIP
BABIP
LOB%
ERA-
FIP-
xFIP-
ERA
FIP
E-F
xFIP
SIERA
Kevin Gausman
10.19
1.97
5.18
1.97
27.14%
5.24%
21.90%
.256
1.232
.305
72.96%
118
105
72
4.83
4.33
0.50
3.02
3.21
Caleb Thielbar
10.80
3.24
3.33
1.98
28.30%
8.49%
19.81%
.244
1.300
.295
71.15%
118
113
92
4.86
4.70
0.16
3.86
3.27
Shota Imanaga
8.98
1.91
4.70
1.81
24.65%
5.24%
19.41%
.233
1.096
.263
82.55%
92
108
89
3.77
4.47
-0.70
3.74
3.60
Ben Brown
8.60
2.51
3.42
0.26
24.53%
7.17%
17.36%
.184
.941
.243
79.11%
45
60
82
1.85
2.50
-0.64
3.47
3.55
Jacob Webb
9.81
3.36
2.92
1.34
25.70%
8.80%
16.90%
.229
1.254
.280
80.28%
82
97
85
3.36
4.03
-0.67
3.57
3.43
Aaron Civale
8.10
2.95
2.75
0.49
21.71%
7.89%
13.82%
.197
1.064
.245
84.18%
42
78
98
1.72
3.24
-1.52
4.13
3.79
Jameson Taillon
8.05
3.20
2.52
2.96
20.86%
8.28%
12.58%
.256
1.355
.250
77.14%
144
163
113
5.92
6.73
-0.81
4.78
4.50
David Peterson
8.29
3.92
2.11
1.01
21.51%
10.17%
11.34%
.244
1.369
.293
77.24%
90
98
91
3.70
4.06
-0.36
3.84
4.28
Matthew Boyd
6.82
2.77
2.46
1.07
18.46%
7.50%
10.96%
.241
1.208
.273
72.66%
95
102
103
3.91
4.21
-0.30
4.32
4.48
Ryan Rolison
7.86
4.00
1.96
0.86
21.48%
10.94%
10.55%
.232
1.286
.281
78.51%
77
95
101
3.14
3.93
-0.78
4.24
4.21
Edward Cabrera
7.99
4.05
1.97
1.80
20.29%
10.29%
10.00%
.266
1.488
.298
63.89%
145
129
102
5.96
5.35
0.61
4.28
4.56
Javier Assad
6.01
2.58
2.33
1.53
16.67%
7.14%
9.52%
.233
1.145
.242
81.26%
88
119
104
3.63
4.92
-1.30
4.37
4.46
Colin Rea
6.64
3.09
2.15
1.38
17.21%
8.01%
9.20%
.253
1.328
.277
75.81%
106
116
111
4.34
4.80
-0.46
4.68
4.62
Trent Thornton
5.77
3.17
1.82
1.49
15.82%
8.67%
7.14%
.233
1.200
.241
80.32%
82
126
116
3.35
5.21
-1.86
4.87
4.59
Hoby Milner
4.54
2.27
2.00
1.01
12.08%
6.04%
6.04%
.248
1.206
.261
79.21%
86
110
114
3.53
4.56
-1.02
4.79
4.69
Clay Holmes
6.10
4.44
1.38
0.55
16.18%
11.76%
4.41%
.218
1.295
.252
65.22%
104
99
98
4.25
4.09
0.17
4.12
4.50
Minimum 30 innings pitched
Comparing starters and relievers is difficult because their jobs are so different. However, K-BB% provides us a pretty good proxy for effectiveness. Webb’s K-BB% of 16.9% was fifth among all Cubs pitchers last season. To be clear, that’s not a great mark relative to the rest of the league. This is certainly an area of improvement for the Cubs, whose only pitcher in the top 30 in the National League was trade deadline acquisition Kevin Gausman. But it’s a perfectly acceptable mark for a member of a competitive bullpen. That 16.9% K-BB% would have slotted Webb eighth on the Brewers staff, right between setup man Abner Uribe (18.4%) and swingman Shane Drohan (15.3%). Both Uribe and Drohan saw action during the World Series.
The arsenal
Webb also stands out among relievers for his pitch mix, which is primarily four seam fastball (42.9%) and changeup (38.8%), with hefty doses of slider (8.6%) curveball (7.4%) and a 2.3% dash of sweepers for good measure. Put it all together and it looks something like this:
The slider and curveball usage jump out as functional replacements for the sweeper Webb used to throw more frequently. For whatever reason, that sweeper was substantially less effective in 2026 for Webb as hitters hit .500 and slugged 1.000 on 26 sweepers thrown last season. As you’ve probably guessed the four seam and changeup are most effective both at suppressing power (batters slugged just .360 and .319 on those pitches respectively) and at generating whiffs (26.5% and 41.5% whiff rates respectively).
Takeaways
This is a solid initial move from Jed Hoyer and company, albeit a small move on a roster that demands so much more. Webb may have faltered down the stretch as the Cubs closer, but he never should have been the closer in 2026. He’s a perfectly acceptable middle of the bullpen option. He may even be a solid higher leverage arm if he has another season like 2026. Now it’s on the front office to add enough players around him to ensure he’s pitching more sixth innings than ninth innings for future Cubs teams.
The injury situation for the Pittsburgh Penguins isn't exactly ideal right now. With Elmer Soderblom being downgraded to week-to-week and a couple of players now day-to-day - in addition to already having forward Bryan Rust on injured reserve - there is seemingly no end in sight.
However, one bright spot is that a door of opportunity has been opened for one of the Penguins' young defensive prospects.
Ahead of their home tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, the Penguins recalled defenseman Jake Livanavage from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS). The 22-year-old left blueliner was signed to a two-year entry-level contract late last season out of the University of North Dakota.
He is off to a hot start to his AHL career this season, registering two goals and eight points in nine games. The 6-foot, 186-pound defenseman from Gilbert, Ariz. has been quarterbacking the WBS power play and making things happen with his speed, mobility, offensive instincts, and booming shot.
Livanavage's services were deemed potentially necessary in the first place because Penguins' defenseman Kaedan Korczak, an ex-Golden Knight, is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, along with forward Evgeni Malkin. After the Penguins' morning skate Tuesday, Korczak - a right-shot blueliner - said he should be good to go for Tuesday's tilt, so it is unclear whether or not Livanavage will make his season debut against Vegas.
Given the team's defensive woes this season, there is still a possibility that Livanavage could sub in for someone on the left side.
He appeared in one NHL game last season, which was on Apr. 14 against the St. Louis Blues. Livanavage played more than 25 minutes and was a minus-2 in the affair.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 07: Jake Meyers #6 of the Houston Astros bats during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on August 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Houston Astros have selected three players to their 40-man roster: RHP Roddery Muñoz, RHP Evan Reifert, and C César Salazar. Reifert was officially acquired today from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash considerations. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Randy Flores yesterday.
Reifert, 27, pitched his entire 2026 season at Triple A Durham in the Rays organization, posting a 2.48 ERA (16ER/58IP) in 46 appearances, including three starts. He had 81 strikeouts in his 58.0 innings pitched this season, while posting a .180 (37×205) opponent average.
Additionally, OF Jake Meyers, who appeared in 57 games for the Astros this season and in 522 games over the last six seasons (2021-26) in Houston, has been outrighted off the 40-man roster. Meyers will elect free agency.
After these moves, the Astros now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Nov 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There was an unfortunate trend that began to manifest itself during the back half of last season. When the going gets tough, your best players need to get going. And unfortunately for the Phoenix Suns, that trend involved Devin Booker’s struggles to perform in clutch moments.
From February 1 onward, in 11 clutch games in which Booker played, the Suns went 3-8. During those moments, Booker shot 6-of-20 from the field, recorded five assists against eight turnovers, and posted a -34 plus/minus.
That’s concerning, especially when you consider that over his previous 10 seasons, which included some pretty horrible Suns teams, Booker owned a -2 +/- in 316 clutch situations. He shot 40% from the field during those moments and maintained a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio.
And it wasn’t as if Booker had struggled in the clutch throughout the entirety of last season. Through the first 19 games in which he played, the Suns were 11-8 in clutch situations. Booker shot 51.2% from the field, recorded 10 assists against only three turnovers, and posted a +27 plus/minus. But upon returning from an ankle injury on February 7, the nosedive began.
You can make the argument that it’s supposed to be tough, that your best player is naturally going to be the focal point of opposing defenses, and therefore his performance will be hindered by the schemes designed to stop him. During that same timeframe, from February 1 onward, Booker ranked dead last in plus/minus among players who attempted at least 20 shots in clutch situations. Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were at the top of the list, with Brunson posting a +41. And there were plenty of other names ahead of Booker, including Jamal Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Desmond Bane.
That only adds to the concern about who Devin Booker is and what he represents at this point in his career, particularly within the context of this Suns team. Because you can make excuses all day long about how he’s being double-teamed or triple-teamed, but great players make the necessary adjustments that lead to team success. That’s why plus/minus, when evaluated over an extended period, carries considerably more value than looking at the number from a single game. The trend we witnessed last season was concerning.
If double teams are being thrown at Devin Booker, why is he turning the ball over so frequently? Does he not see them coming? You know as well as I do that many of those turnovers come from Booker predictably driving into a crowd of defenders and trying to force the issue rather than relying on the finesse that’s been a hallmark of his career.
Why do I bring this up? Because on Monday night against the Golden State Warriors, that familiar trend once again manifested itself. Booker’s inability to execute in clutch moments ultimately contributed to another Suns loss. Yes, there are multiple variables involved, including other players who failed to perform when it mattered most. But none of those guys are making $57 million a year.
Booker re-entered the game with the Suns leading 106-104 and 4:48 remaining. A minute later, he connected on a nine-foot jumper, accounting for his only two points in clutch time. From there, things unraveled.
With Phoenix trailing 109-108, Booker missed a wide-open 12-foot jumper. On the following possession, he turned the ball over. After Jalen Green committed a turnover on the next trip down the floor, Booker was called for an offensive foul, his sixth and final foul of the game.
His final clutch stat line? In 3.8 minutes, Booker shot 1-of-2 from the field, grabbed one rebound, committed two turnovers, and posted a -7 plus/minus.
It’s not the end of the world, but it does raise concerns that Devin Booker is picking up right where he left off last season, when his ability to impose his will on a game appeared to be a fading trait.
You might look at this as a one-game sample, but I see it as a sample of 11 previous clutch-time games. Perhaps that’s still not enough to definitively identify a trend, especially when you consider the body of work Booker has put together over what is now his 12th NBA season. But it’s the manner in which these struggles recur, time and again, that has become the focal point of frustration for a fan base desperate for success and watching a team that can ill afford to lose.
Booker’s game has become predictable, and his execution in these moments has been subpar. And I know that somewhere, somebody is preparing to show me a collection of all the game winners Booker has made throughout his career. I appreciate every one of those moments and what they’ve meant to us as Suns fans. In the same breath, hitting a game-winner against Oklahoma City last season doesn’t equate to a victory last night against Golden State.
Devin Booker has earned the benefit of the doubt throughout his career, but that doesn’t mean he’s exempt from scrutiny when the results begin telling a different story. The Suns need their best player to be their best player when possessions matter most. That requires better decisions, cleaner execution, and an ability to recognize what opposing defenses are taking away. Booker’s past has established what he’s capable of. His present is beginning to raise legitimate questions about his ability to consistently deliver it.
