Brice Turang’s 2-Run Homer Helps Brewers Beat Cardinals Saturday Night

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 26: Brice Turang #2 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with Jackson Chourio #11 after hitting two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth inning at American Family Field on September 26, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The eve of the season’s end for the St. Louis Cardinals featured a matchup of a potential future rotation staple against the veteran that started the season wearing birds on the bat. Quinn Mathews squared off against former Cardinal Dustin May, but offense would be the real story of Saturday night’s game. Specifically, two swings by the Brewers would be the difference.

After both the Cardinals and Brewers went down 1-2-3 in the 1st inning, it was St. Louis that would score first. Jordan Walker led off the inning with a single and then stole second after Leo Bernal flew out to center. Nolan Gorman walked giving the Cardinals runners on first and second, but Bryan Torres struck out. Fortunately, Thomas Saggese came through with a 2-out RBI broken bat single scoring Walker giving St. Louis an early 1-0 lead.

St. Louis would add to their lead in the top of the 3rd inning when Alec Burleson unloaded on a 98 mph four-seam fastball launching it 432 feet into the right-centerfield stands for one of his longest home runs of the year doubling the Cardinals lead to 2-0.

The Milwaukee Brewers would cut into that Cardinals lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning as Brandon Lockridge led off with a double. Hamilton reached laying down a sacrifice bunt advancing Lockridge to third, but would be thrown out by a perfect throw by Leo Bernal. Lockridge would score on the next play when Jackson Chourio hit a ball off of the right field wall that ended up only being a single after Jordan Walker duped him into thinking it was leaving the park, but played the ball off of the wall and fired a strike to second base. That’s all the Brewers would get in the bottom of the third after Bernal successfully challenged a ball four call by the umpire resulting in a strikeout of Contreras. Cardinals lead was 2-1 after 3 innings.

Manager Pat Murphy took Dustin May out of the game after 3 innings and brought in Kyle Harrison in relief. Dustin May’s stat line for the night included just 3 innings surrendering 3 hits, 2 earned runs striking out 5 and walking 1. On the other side of the diamond, Quinn Mathews was cruising along for the Cardinals with a fairly efficient first few innings as he completed the bottom of the 4th inning throwing just 67 pitches. He looked like he’s cruise through 5 innings maintaining the Cardinals lead, but that went south with one swing. Actually, it was two swings. The first was a chopped single that died in the grass in front of home plate that Leo Bernal couldn’t get to quick enough. The second swing was from Brice Turang who blasted an 84 mph slider way over the centerfield wall for a 2-run homer and a 3-2 Brewers lead. Mathews night would end after 5 innings as he gave up 3 earned runs on 5 hits while striking out 7 and walking just 1.

The ghosts of Cardinals pitchers past would happen again in the top of the 6th inning when the Brewers sent JoJo Romero to the mound. He struck out Burleson, Walker and Bernal because of course he did.

The Cardinals bullpen would take over in the bottom of the 6th inning starting with Gordon Graceffo. Unofficially entering the game in the bottom of the 6th inning would be sloppy St. Louis defense. William Contreras led off the inning with a single to right followed by a flyout to deep center from Christian Yelich. After Graceffo struck out Lara, Pratt hit a double to center that should not have been a double. Nathan Church threw the ball errantly over second which was fortunately backed up by Bernal, but it gave Milwaukee runners and second and third threatening to break the game open similar to how the late innings got away from the Cardinals bullpen Friday night. Gordon Graceffo rose to the occasion to make sure that didn’t happen as he struck out Mitchell to end the Brewers 6th and keep St. Louis within a run going into the 7th inning. Graceffo would also tough his way through the bottom of the 7th before Cade Winquest was brought in to deal with the Brewers in the bottom of the 8th and he managed to escape with no runs scored despite two runners on and some additional sloppy defense behind him.

Would the Cardinals offense mount a rally late in the game? Well, they went down in order in the top of the 6th, 7th and 8th so there would have to be a 9th inning hero if St. Louis was going to be victorious. It would be up to the heart of the Cardinals order: Burleson, Walker and Bernal. They would have to manufacture a run or runs off of Brewers reliever Ashby. Alec started the inning by gently grounding out to first. Walker grounded out to second for the second out. Leo Bernal quickly fell behind 0-2 in the count as Ashby had him fishing for sinkers on the outside corner. He eventually struck out to end the game.

The St. Louis Cardinals will wrap up their season Sunday afternoon in Milwaukee as Andre Pallante will face one of the NL’s most formidable pitchers, Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10pm central time at American Family Field and the final game broadcast of the year will be available via Cardinals.tv.

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Bulls aquire Buddy Hield from Hornets in late-offseason twist

Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) moves the ball.
Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) moves the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in San Francisco.

The Bulls are shaking up their roster weeks before their season kicks off.

Chicago traded guard Rob Dillingham to the Hornets for veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and cash, ESPN reported Saturday.

Dillingham, 21, played just 30 games for the Bulls last season after being dealt by the Timberwolves at the trade deadline.

Rob Dillingham looks to block Ben Saraf’s shot during the second half of the
Timberwolves’ win over the Nets on Nov. 3, 2025 at Barclays Center. JASON SZENES/ NY POST

The No. 8 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Dillingham showed signed of improvement for Chicago after playing increased minutes. He averaged 9.6 points and 2.8 assists on 42.8 percent shooting in 21.5 minutes a night during his brief tenure with the Bulls.

Dillingham could see a further increase in minutes with Charlotte, who traded All-Star guard LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves earlier this offseason and with second-year swingman Kon Knueppel being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

He currently has one year left on his rookie contract via team option before reaching restricted free agency in the summer of 2028.

As for the Bulls, they bring in the more experienced Hield, who is entering his 11th season in the NBA.

Hield started last season on the Warriors before being traded alongside Johnathan Kuminga to the Hawks for star bigman Kristaps Porzingis in February.

Buddy Hield looks upcourt during the second half of the Warriors’ win over the Trail Blazers on Jan. 13, 2026 in San Francisco. AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

The 33-year-old played in just seven games for Atlanta, with the Hawks trading him with Ryan Nembhard to the Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith earlier this month.

Across 51 games with the Warriors and Hawks last season, Hield averaged 7.6 points while making 1.5 3-pointers on 34.9 percent shooting behind the arc.

Hield holds a player option worth roughly $10 million for the 2027-28 season.

Astros at Athletics Game Discussion: 9/26/2026

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros bats against the Athletics in the top of the first inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on September 24, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (79-81) will continue their final road trip of the regular season with the third game of a four-game series against the Athletics (64-96) at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA.

RHP Hayden Wesneski (5-2, 3.50 ERA) will be on the mound for the Astros, opposite RHP Jack Perkins (3-12, 5.90 ERA) and the Athletics.

BIG WES: Tonight will be the 11th Major League start of the season for RHP Hayden Wesneski, who rejoined the Astros rotation on July 29 after missing 14 months while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Since his return, he’s been one of the Astros best starters, leading the club in wins (5) and ranking second in innings (54.0), while pitching through the 5th inning in eight of his 10 starts.

THE POSTSEASON CHASE: The Astros and Rangers are locked in a tight race down the stretch for the AL West with the two teams having the same record with two games left to play. The Astros own the tiebreaker over the Rangers with a season series victory (9-4 record).

CLINCH SCENARIO: The Astros can clinch the AL West division tonight with a win against the Athletics and the Rangers losing to the Twins.

VS. THE ATHLETICS: This is the final series between the Astros and Athletics this season, with the two clubs last seeing each other from Aug. 21-23 at Daikin Park.. The Astros have gone 5-6 vs. the Athletics this season. The Astros also own an overall regular season record of 125-112 against the Athletics, including a 60-61 record on the road.

ROAD WARRIORS: Tonight is the fourth game of a six-game road trip for the Astros. Since going 1-9 on the first road trip of the 2026 season, the Astros have gone 39-30 (.565) on the road since April 14, which ranks third in the AL in that span, behind the Red Sox (43-28) and the Yankees (42-30).

LAST NIGHT’S GAME: The Astros were defeated by the Athletics, 5-6, last night at Sutter Health Park. RHP Hunter Brown allowed two runs (one earned run) on two hits and four walks with four strikeouts in 5.1 innings. CYainer Diaz (2×4, 2B, RBI), 1B Christian Walker (1×3, HR, RBI) and RF Cam Smith (1×3, HR, RBI) each drove in a run for the Astros.

GOIN’ DEEP: The Astros have hit 220 homers as a team this year and have hit 200-plus homers in a single season for the 10th time in franchise history (last, 222 HR in 2023). The Astros rank second in the AL in home runs this season behind only the Yankees (223).

TWO-OUT MAGIC: The Astros lead the American League in two-out runs with 315 on the season, trailing only the Cubs (332) in the Majors. 3B Isaac Paredes leads this effort, as he holds the Major League lead with 45 two-out RBI, directly ahead of CHC Pete Crow-Armstrong,DET C Dillon Dingler and STL 1B Alec Burleson (44 RBI).

THE CASE FOR THE MVP: DH Yordan Alvarez is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award. Alvarez leads the American League in OPS (1.037), slugging percentage (.599), OBP (.433), batting average (.315), total bases (334), walks (109), IBB (33), wRC+ (180), OPS+ (.190) and extra-base hits (75). He also ranks tied for second in home runs (41), second in RBI (102), second in hits (176),tied for third in doubles (33) and fourth in runs (102).

TRIFECTA: CF Lucas Spence went 3×4 with three home runs and five RBI on Thurs. night vs. the Athletics. He became the third player in Major League history to hit their first three career home runs in the same game, joining STL OF Joshua Baez (Aug. 15, 2026) and CWS C Seby Zavala (July 31, 2021). Spence is the second rookie in Astros franchise history to record a three-homer game, joining DH Yordan Alvarez (Aug. 10, 2019 at BAL). It was the first three-homer game by an Astro this season (last, IF Jose Altuve on Sept. 5, 2023 vs. TEX).

STRONG SEPTEMBERS: 3B Isaac Paredes has a .979 OPS this month to go along with a team-leading 20 RBI, which ranks tied for third in the AL. C Yainer Diaz is also having a strong September, as he’s hitting .351 (26×74) with four homers, 11 RBI and a .971 OPS in 21 games (18 starts) this month.

RACKING UP K’S: RHP Bryan Abreu has posted 528 career strikeouts, which ranks fourth among relievers in Astros history. He’s closing in on third-place RHP Dave Smith (529), needing only one strikeout to match the Astros reliever from the 1980s. LHP Billy Wagner (694) and RHP Brad Lidge (557) sit atop that all-time list.

THE FIREMAN: LHP Josh Hader has converted 26 consecutive save chances to open his season, which is the Astros record. Should Hader finish the season without a blown save, he would become the seventh pitcher in MLB history to post 26-plus saves without a blown save. The last Major Leaguer to do so was RHP Ken Giles in 2018 (26 SV)

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY:1986 – RHP Mike Scott clinches the NL West Division title for the Astros in historic fashion by hurling a 2-0, no-hit victory over the Giants in the Dome. Scott, who tallied 13 strikeouts in the win, would go on to win the NL Cy Young Award later that season, finishing with an 18-10 while leading the Majors in both ERA (2.22) and strikeouts (306).

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Saturday, September 25, 8:40 p.m. CT

Location: Sutter Heath Park, West Sacramento, CA

TV: SCHN

Radio:  KTRH 740 AM; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

80-81 – Rangers make No. 162 relevant with 6-2 win over Twins in No. 161

Sep 26, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) celebrates after scoring against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Texas Rangers scored six runs while the Minnesota Twins scored two runs.

Earlier this month, the Rangers saw their leadoff hitter and most potent bat against right handers go down with a broken wrist. A few days later, their best and most reliable starting pitcher over the second half hit the shelf for the rest of the year. Last night, Texas’ most clutch and consistent hitter broke his wrist as well, ending his season.

Today, on a rain slick Target Field in Minneapolis, creaky veteran Brandon Nimmo slipped or tripped and limped to his position. Substitute infielder Nicky Lopez later spent a half inning trying to work out the kinks from an awkward landing trying to beat out a bunt. He was later lifted.

Jake Burger was kicked off the team for refusing to shave his goatee. Corey Seager developed gigantism due to overindulging on nerve tonic. Poor Danny Jansen succumbed to radiation poisoning as a result of working a side gig at an experimental data center. Cursed with toxic narcissistic tendencies, Wyatt Langford missed the team flight after playing hero trying to save a neighbor’s possessions from a burning house. Evan Carter disappeared after making a visit to the Duluth Mystery Spot tourist trap. Jacob Latz fit the description of a wanted murderer and now awaits justice in a St. Paul jail cell. Ezequiel Duran was knocked out debating historical English politics at a bar in Shakopee. Trying to shake bouts of confidence issues, Jacob deGrom was hypnotized into believing he’s a chicken by a quack team psychologist.

As you can see, a lot has gone wrong for Texas this season and especially of late. But here’s another interesting factoid: As of this very moment, the Rangers lead the American League West by half a game.

After scoring four, two-out runs in the top of the second, and after getting the usual courageous outing from Nathan Eovaldi, the Rangers turned a 1-0 first inning deficit into a pretty easy win to accomplish the modest goal of ensuring that every game this season will have mattered.

Of course, that ultimately only really matters for the purposes of extending this season into the playoffs as the first non-winning team to ever earn a division title if Houston loses at least one more game and the Rangers win tomorrow (assuming the Astros don’t just lose their final two games, which I suppose is possible given this season in this division).

Considering the Rangers will also be playing to end this year with a .500 record, it would at least be a fitting finish.

Player of the Game: They could never make me hate you, Nathan Eovaldi. Limited in the number of bullets in the chamber today, the Rangers legend tossed 4 1/3 innings of one run ball on four hits and couple of walks. After allowing a first inning run, Eovaldi buckled down for 71 serviceable pitches to help get the Rangers to game No. 162 with a shot.

Also, Danny Jansen drew my ire often during his first season in Texas, but today he had two RBI hits, including a home run and also the two out blooper that started the string of scoring during the Rangers’ four-run second inning rally that broke open the game and allowed the Rangers to coast to victory.

Up Next: The final game of the regular season will be played with the Rangers still clinging to postseason hopes. Texas hasn’t announced a season finale starter but perhaps it will be LHP MacKenzie Gore. Minnesota will counter with RHP Dean Kremer.

The Sunday afternoon first pitch from Target Field is scheduled for 2:10 pm CDT and the Rangers Sports Network will carry it one last time this year.

Knicks 2026-27 training camp breakdown: Roster battles, newcomers and storylines to watch

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Miles McBride speaks with head coach Mike Brown during Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Image 2 shows Denver Nuggets player Bruce Brown Jr. yells in celebration during Game Five against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Image 3 shows New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns reacts with his arms raised after scoring a three-point shot
knicks

The Post’s Stefan Bondy breaks down the Knicks’ top storylines heading into training camp.

Best battle

The starting lineup is set and the bench rotation feels settled enough. But there’s at least one roster spot up for grabs. The Knicks signed five established NBAers on nonguaranteed deals — Bruce Brown, John Konchar, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, Ochai Agbaji — and are letting them battle it out in camp. It’s similar to last season’s fight between Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon and Garrison Mathews. 

Assuming there’s no cap-clearing trade before the start of the season, the Knicks only have room to keep one player and stay under the second apron. Since their position of need is center, Wiseman and Eubanks have the inside track. But Konchar or Brown could impress enough to compel Leon Rose into a cap-clearing trade, most logically by shipping Pacôme Dadiet elsewhere. 

Bruce Brown, now a Knick, celebrates during the Nuggets’
Game 5 win over the Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA
playoffs on April 27, 2026 at Ball Arena in Denver. NBAE via Getty Images

Story to watch develop

There are three contract situations percolating. Miles McBride, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart have been eligible for extensions for months but still haven’t signed. We’ve already heard Towns is unlikely to reach a deal before the season starts. According to sources, he’s being asked to take a discount well below his $276 million max. Hart isn’t leaving New York, but he also has a team option in his current contract for 2027-28. So the Knicks aren’t pressed to make a deal until it makes sense for both sides. McBride is a long shot to sign even though he’s the most urgent.

Unlike Towns and Hart, there are no options in McBride’s contract, so he’ll become a free agent after the season with no extension. 

Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates after hitting a 3-point shot during the third quarter of the Knicks’ OT
win over the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on May 19, 2026, at the Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Coach’s toughest challenge

Keeping winners motivated. Mike Brown has to help the Knicks steer clear of complacency after capturing the title, and he has experience as the associate head coach of the back-to-back Warriors of 2017 and 2018. The chip can’t be removed from the shoulders. 

Most intriguing rookie

Not much is expected of the second rounder Tyler Nickel, and he’s most likely bound for the G-League, but his encouraging Summer League brought hope of real NBA potential as a 6-foot-7 3-point specialist. 

Most intriguing newcomer

Andre Drummond is actually the only rotational newcomer, representing an important piece as one of only two natural frontcourt players under contract. The Knicks need a productive Drummond, who has gained better shooting over the years but lost a lot of his mobility. 

Most notable absence

Mitchell Robinson became a cap casualty because owner James Dolan didn’t want to spend into the second apron, sending the former longest-tenured Knick to Boston in free agency. Nobody on the roster can replicate Robinson’s rebounding and rim protection. But the Knicks can also worry a little less about injuries and free throws. 

Biggest comeback

Miles McBride was tremendous last season before undergoing a sports hernia surgery, then rushed back and wasn’t the same in the playoffs. It bothered him. Now he’s entering camp fully healthy for very possibly a contract year. McBride also has to re-establish himself as the top guard off the bench after Shamet’s emergence in the playoffs. 

Miles McBride speaks with head coach Mike Brown during the second quarter of the Knicks’ win over the Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 5, 2026, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Don’t be surprised if…

The Knicks starters don’t play much in the preseason. They’re a veteran bunch, and maybe rust is an issue after three months off, but chemistry is certainly not a problem. The starters know their role, they know their strengths, and preseason minutes aren’t going to change that. 

A loss, but not a total one

Sep 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Camilo Doval (57) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Make that seven in a row. 

After the Giants came up a run short in Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Dodgers, San Francisco has now dropped seven consecutive games against their rivals this year.  

This one wasn’t a hard pill to swallow though. Maybe it’s because after six months and 161 games, I’m pretty numb to the pains of Giants’ baseball; or it’s the fact that wins–and-losses are besides the point right now; or it’s knowing that coming up short against one of the better teams in baseball history is not a particularly shameful occurrence — but most of all, I think this actually turned out to be a decent game.

First of all, this didn’t feel like a postseason soft launch for Blake Snell. Giants hitters weren’t milling about the field as underpaid caterers serving canapés while Dodger pitchers snacked and schmoozed for nine innings. They only managed to plate one run off him, but they kept the infamously sensitive starter from getting comfortable. Snell needed 77 pitches to record 12 outs — two pitches more than Tarik Skubal needed to record 21 on Friday.  A Giant had an at-bat with a runner in scoring position in each of the first three frames. He allowed five hits, recorded just three strikeouts, and broke one necklace over four innings. 

Jonah Cox led off the 3rd with a lead-off double against Blake Snell and promptly stole third to put himself in a position to score on Turner Hill’s sacrifice fly. 

A 7th inning line change by the Drews of Gilbert and Cavanaugh cut LA’s lead down to one and seemed to turn the tide in the Giants favor. Gilbert worked a lead-off walk against Brock Stewart before scoring from first on Cavanaugh’s first career triple off the bricks in deep right center. He also put the tying run in scoring position in the 9th with a two-out, two-strike double to left off Tanner Scott.  

Hill then led off the 8th against right-handed reliever Evan Philips by banking a double off the wall in Triple’s alley. With one-out and two strikes to Bo Davidson, a spiked breaking ball allowed Hill to take third, and Davidson capitalized on the gift by punching a fly ball just deep enough to center to score Hill and claim his first career run batted-in.

Two pitches into LA’s 9th, that hard-earned run was nullified by Enrique Hernández homer. A bucket of ice water that broke the 3-3 tie the Giants had just scratched and clawed for over two innings. Disappointing in the moment, especially for Trent Harris, who hadn’t allowed an earned run since August 21st (15.1 IP) — but we got over it pretty quick. LA was always going to win this game — it would have been embarrassing for them if they hadn’t.

What wasn’t guaranteed was the San Francisco offense erasing two deficits, or the bullpen working through (self-inflicted) trouble to keep the game from completely spinning out of control, as they have done in the recent past.

These are objectively embarrassingly small victories to applaud — stolen bases and sac flies and advancing the runner and one-off strikeouts — but that’s exactly what this iteration of the 2026 Giants are playing for. Opportunities, experience, footholds and feelings and tiny hooks to hang their hat on, however briefly. 

Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson will certainly strut into the off-season with a feeling. The southpaw backed up his last outing against LA with another solid, though abbreviated start. Wilkinson allowed just one hit, a Mookie Betts solo shot in 3rd, over three innings of work. He’s officially a rivalry legend, allowing just one earned run on four hits over eight IP across two games against the Dodgers.

Add three-pitching Shohei Ohtani to that short but spectacular CV as well.

And sometimes you play for perspective. Camilo Doval, after two trades and two teams and being DFA’d and claimed again, took the field as a Giant once again. The reliever became the 71st Giants player of the season, tying the Major League record set by the 2025 Atlanta Braves, and how ironic and maybe beautiful that the froth of that insane roster churn has spit an old friend back on San Francisco’s shores. A new number, possibly a new man? Who knows if we can expect more, or if this was just a one-off — all I know is seeing him out there on the mound felt good. I think he felt it too, fanning both Betts and Ohtani on his way to striking out the side in the 7th.

Tranquilo.

Nets 2026-27 training camp breakdown: Roster battles, newcomers and storylines to watch

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin reacts after forcing overtime with a 3-point basket, Image 2 shows Julius Randle attempts a shot while Mitchell Robinson defends during a basketball game, Image 3 shows Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. on the bench during a game

The Post’s Brian Lewis breaks down the Nets’ top storylines heading into training camp.

Best battle 

Brooklyn’s starting five is set before camp even starts, while Mo Wagner, Keon Ellis and a backup point guard all have to play. But the forward fight between Noah Clowney, Josh Minott, Danny Wolf and Joshua Jefferson will be interesting. 

Story to watch develop 

Veteran Michael Porter Jr. is on an expiring $40.8 million deal and has been extension-eligible. His agent Mark Bartelstein said in July he planned to talk with GM Sean Marks “in the days ahead.” Since then? Crickets. Will the Nets extend him? Trade him? Do the former now and the latter next summer? No story will be more watched. 

Brooklyn’s Michael Porter Jr. is seen on the bench during the first half of the Nets’ loss to the Knicks on March 20, 2026 at Barclays Center. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

Coach’s toughest challenge 

Spending camp and preseason crafting an attack around Porter and Julius Randle. The Nets were last in Offensive Rating, and Randle pounds the rock. But Porter moves, cuts and gets off the ball quickly. They can work well, now coach Jordi Fernández has to turn that theory into practice. 

Most intriguing rookie 

Mikel Brown Jr. comes into camp as the Nets’ highest-drafted player in 16 years, a rare combination of passing, deep range and downhill juice. The task is getting him to pack on pounds, rein in his risk-taking and learn to run an NBA team. 

Most intriguing newcomer 

It’s Randle. Brown might become the Nets’ most important player someday, but Randle is their best today. Their only All-Star, he’s averaged 21.7 points and 8.9 boards over the past eight years. He’s a floor-raiser and their only proven on-ball scorer. 

Julius Randle, now with the Nets, goes up for a shot as Mitchell Robinson defends during the Timberwolves’ blowout loss to the Knicks on Nov. 5, 2025 at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Most notable absence 

Nic Claxton is gone after seven years in Brooklyn, along with his rim protection and vertical lob threat. Brooklyn has no replacement for either, and must find a No. 3 center behind Wagner and starter Day’Ron Sharpe. Is it Wolf, Grant Nelson, Chaney Johnson or even Randle in case of emergency? 

Biggest comeback 

Egor Dëmin. Granted, Sharpe’s season-ending thumb operation was surgical, while Dëmin’s plantar fasciitis procedure was non-surgical. But the latter can become chronic, considering the lottery pick’s importance, his health will be scrutinized. 

Brooklyn guard Egor Dëmin celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer to force overtime, but it was enough as the Nets fell to the Magic in the extra session on Jan. 7, 2026 at Barclays Center. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Don’t be surprised if … 

Fernandez ends up having to make some tough calls between young and old, development and victory. Without their pick or incentive to tank, the Nets will aim to win. Does Fernandez give minutes to aging vets like, say, Terance Mann? Or force-feed sophomores Ben Saraf and Drake Powell, even if they’re struggling?

Game #161: Astros at A’s Game Thread

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: Jack Perkins #50 walks to the dugout with Jonah Heim #15 of the Athletics following the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on September 15, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’re down to our final two games of Athletics baseball this year! After the first couple months of the season, it seemed like the A’s had the ability to remain competitive in the American League (AL) West. However, injuries coupled with a league-worst pitching staff resulted in the team’s second consecutive midseason collapse and fifth straight losing season.

The A’s have embraced the role of spoiler over the past few weeks. They will have two more opportunities to do so against a Houston Astros club fighting for the division title and a playoff berth. Depending on the results tonight and tomorrow, either the Astros or Texas Rangers will make history as the first team to reach the playoffs without a winning record.

Athletics right-hander Jack Perkins will make his final start of 2026. The 26-year-old enters his 37th appearance and 17th start of the season with a 3-12 record, a 5.90 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP and 131 strikeouts over 116 innings.

Perkins started the season in the bullpen before moving into the rotation in June. The right-hander looks to be ending the season on a high note. He has gone 1-3 with a 2.62 ERA in his last seven games, pitching at least six innings while allowing just one run in each of his last two starts.

The talented right-hander, making his third appearance against the Astros this season, will look to end his campaign on a strong note and position himself for a spot in next year’s rotation. Will Perkins make it three straight quality starts, or will his inconsistency resurface and force the Athletics to turn to their bullpen earlier than expected?

Here’s the A’s Saturday night lineup:

The Athletics are rolling with the same starting lineup that scored six runs last night. Center fielder Henry Bolte will look to serve as the spark plug once again, setting the table for Lawrence Butler, Shea Langeliers and Zack Gelof.

These final two games are important for Tommy White, whose aggressive swing-at-everything approach has held him back in his first taste of MLB action. With injured sluggers Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker set to return next year, White could fall out of the team’s plans unless he improves his approach or unlocks the power he displayed in college baseball. Meanwhile, looming free-agent catcher Jonah Heim needs to put together a strong finish to the season if he hopes to attract suitors on the open market.

The A’s offense will face Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski this evening. The 28-year-old, who returned from Tommy John surgery in late July, enters his 11th and final start of the season with a 5-2 record, a 3.50 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and 41 strikeouts over 54 innings.

Wesneski aims to continue his dominance against the Green and Gold tonight. He is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA and 11 strikeouts in two career appearances against the Athletics. Nearly a month ago, the right-hander earned the win after allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings when these teams met in Houston.

And the Astros’ starting nine shapes up like this:

All the Astros regulars are playing, including Thursday’s unlikely hero, rookie Lucas Spence. The A’s have mostly kept AL MVP front-runner Yordan Alvarez and star second baseman Jose Altuve quiet this series, something that will have to continue if the hosts want a second straight win today. Left fielder Taylor Trammell is the only newcomer in the visitors’ lineup as he makes his first start of the series.

Time to hand Houston’s division-winning hopes a crushing blow and secure at least a split of this season-ending series. Let’s go, A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, KVMX 92.1/105.5, A’s Cast






Brett Baty adds another tool to defensive kit — shortstop

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Mets' Brett Baty runs towards home during a baseball game, Image 2 shows A baseball player in a gray and blue uniform throws a ball across a dirt infield
brett baty

WASHINGTON — Brett Baty added a sixth starting position to his toolbox Saturday with a cameo at shortstop. 

Citing the flexibility it could give the team next season when Francisco Lindor needs days off, manager Andy Green said Baty has the skill set to handle the position. 

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“I think some of the things we’re doing in these last couple of days gives us a look at those things and to look at different possibilities,” Green said before the Mets’ 7-1 victory over the Nationals in which Baty committed a ninth-inning fielding error at shortstop. “These games don’t have playoff implications for either team. We don’t feel like we’re necessarily shorting the industry by doing it at this point in time and it serves our purpose for the future.” 

Baty, who has been among the team’s most productive hitters since the All-Star break, has also started games this season at first, second and third base in addition to left and right field. 

Green said the experimentation with Baty at shortstop will likely carry into spring training next season. 

Brett Baty runs scores on a sacrifice fly by Francisco Alvarez during the eighth inning of the Mets’ loss to the Nationals on Sept. 25, 2026, in Washington. AP Photo/Nick Wass

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching a lot of really good big league infielders,” Green said. “[Bench coach] Kai [Correa] has as well, and [third base coach] Tim Leiper has too, and we all see in him the athleticism necessary to defend the field there, not on a regular basis, but on a step-in and fill-in basis. Brett is incredibly athletic.” 

Green considers Baty’s versatility an asset, along with a bat that began play with an .890 OPS since July 10. 

“You look around baseball, and the best teams have someone like this who has the athleticism to do all of these things,” Green said. 


Ronny Mauricio started at second base and delivered homers from both sides of the plate in what might have been his Mets farewell. The 25-year-old infielder, who has underperformed in his limited chances with the major league club (and spent significant time on the injured list) is a non-tender candidate this winter. 

“He’ll have an opportunity to compete to make a team next year, and Ronny has a ton of athleticism,” Green said. 

Mets shortstop Brett Baty (left) and second baseman Ronny Mauricio embrace after the Mets’ 7-1 win over the Nationals on Sept. 26, 2026 in Washington. AP

Sunday’s start time has been moved up to 1:05 p.m. because of weather concerns.

Mariners Game #161, Preview and Discussion: 9/26/26, SEA vs. LAA

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 09: Kade Anderson #13 of the Seattle Mariners is doused with water after defeating the Texas Rangers at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Eric Hiller/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Autumn beckons. The chilly rains of Friday night kept Seattle’s bats cool and offered little comfort to Bryce Miller as he struggled through another disappointing outing, hampered at every turn by his dismal defense. Tonight’s penultimate affair has rookie LHP Kade Anderson on the hill, hopeful to finish his season strong and bully another below par as he did the Colorado Rockies this past weekend.

Lineups:

The final RHP starting opponent Seattle will face this year is one M’s fans should grow accustomed to. Ryan Johnson’s adventurous prospect path has nonetheless settled in a fairly traditional back end rotation trajectory, something he should be to start 2027 as well.

Game Time:

First Pitch: 6:40pm

TV: Mariners TV

Radio: Old Reliable

Blake Treinen injures shoulder, likely ending his season

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 17: Blake Treinen #49 of the Los Angeles Dodgers catches the ball during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 17, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen suffered a shoulder injury while warming up in the bullpen on Saturday in the win over the San Francisco Giants. The veteran right-hander’s season is likely over.

Brock Stewart pitched the bottom of the seventh inning but was allotted extra warm-up pitches as he entered the game. He wasn’t warming up in the bullpen before getting called in, but Treinen was before suddenly stopping.

In the top of the eighth, the SportsNet LA broadcast showed footage from the Dodgers bullpen, showing bullpen coach Josh Bard embracing Treinen, then of Treinen walking back to the Dodgers dugout and clubhouse with trainer Bernard Li.

“I don’t know if it was a complete blowout. But really unfortunate,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters at Oracle Park in San Francisco, as shown by SportsNet LA. “We’re going to get imaging, obviously it’s an IL, his season’s over.”

Treinen missed two and a half months with elbow inflammation before returning in September, when he has allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings, with three walks and six strikeouts.

Treinen had a 3.64 ERA and 5.07 xERA in 36 games, with 31 strikeouts and 13 walks in 29 2/3 innings this season, his seventh with the Dodgers. The 38-year-old is the longest-tenured pitcher on the team.

“Obviously it’s gut-wrenching for us,” Alex Vesia told reporters, again per SportsNet LA. “Blake’s one of our leaders in the bullpen. He’s been around for quite some time.”

Treinen is in the final year of a two-year, $22 million contract with the Dodgers and will be a free agent after this season.

Flyers Steamrolled by Capitals in 'Ugly' 5-1 Preseason Finale Loss

If Saturday's preseason finale was any indication of the team's preparedness ahead of the regular season, the Philadelphia Flyers ought to hope they got the last of their unsightly mistakes out of their system before the games start to matter.

Despite dressing effectively their entire opening night lineup, the Flyers lost 5-1 on Saturday night to a Capitals team dressing a roster comprised entirely of AHL veterans, prospects, and one NHL-caliber goalie in Charlie Lindgren.

The Flyers dominated the run of play the way they should have, out-shooting the Capitals 33-13 through the first two periods, and taking a 1-0 lead through Jamie Drysdale just 31 seconds into the second period.

At the same time, the power play went 0-for-4, including a four-minute double minor, and a few second-period mistakes blew up badly in the Flyers' faces.

First, goalie Aleksei Kolosov mishandled a puck at the side of his net, and defenseman David Jiricek, who Kolosov had his back to, had already begun skating away in anticipation of a breakout.

Kolosov lost the puck, though, and the play came around to Jiricek's side, where Andrew Cristall was able to fumble the puck into the net despite Jiricek's best efforts to try and cover for Kolosov.

Jiricek and Kolosov were at the scene of the crime a second time just three minutes later. Nick Seeler and Jiricek miscommunicated who would play the loose puck, and while Seeler took it and attempted to skate away, he deferred immediately to Jiricek, who tried to awkwardly backhand out of pressure.

Unfortunately for him and the Flyers, the blind pass went right to Maxim Schafer, who inexplicably beat Kolosov on the short side on a one-timer.

Just over halfway through the third period, Jiricek's high-stick on Cristall put the Capitals on the power play, with Ethen Frank beating Kolosov on the short side again immediately after the faceoff.

Jiricek was mostly at fault for the second goal as he made a foolish play under pressure, but the first was on Kolosov, and the third was on him for taking the penalty and the penalty kill (and Kolosov) for failing to come through.

Comparatively, Tyson Foerster and Porter Martone took tripping and roughing penalties, respectively, but the spotlight wasn't on them, and the pucks didn't go in with them in the box.

For Jiricek, it was a rough night compounded by a series of unfortunate plays, but this is part of the development process for the former No. 6 overall pick and the Flyers, who went out of their way to get him via trade.

"Yeah, he had a tough night," Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet said of Jiricek after the game. "Three or four guys had a tough night. But, being a pro, you gotta bounce back. We'll get to it, get some video, make him understand some things. I mean, you're going to have a tough night. You just got to make sure you stay consistent."

Seeler, Jiricek, and Matvei Michkov all finished with -3 ratings on the night for the Flyers.

Capitals forwards Theodor Niederbach and Lynden Lakovic punched shots by Kolosov in the third period to put the Capitals up 5-1, allowing the undermanned squad to run away with this game in stunning fashion.

"That wasn't a great effort by us tonight. I think we let it get away from us, and could have definitely made it look a little less ugly," Flyers forward Owen Tippett said after the game. "But we're super confident, especially coming off the year we had last year, and morale's high. We've had a good camp and it's great to be back with all the guys."

The Flyers will practice again on Sunday and Tuesday before their regular season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., and then it's officially go time.

“I’m actually glad we lost 5-1. It’s a little humbling, which is good for us," Tocchet said. "Sometimes you’re not as good as you think you are.”

Victor Eklund giving Islanders every reason to keep him on roster

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows New York Islanders right wing Victor Eklund (73) skates with the puck during training camp

When the Islanders’ prospects reported to Northwell Health Ice Center two weeks ago Friday, Victor Eklund’s chances of making the NHL roster depended on doing everything right.

He checked every box. He stood out at every opportunity. And while Mathew Barzal’s injury didn’t hurt his chances, the Islanders would be hard-pressed to send him away now, no matter what.

While nothing is official yet, the 19-year-old Eklund’s presence in the lineup for Saturday’s preseason finale/dress rehearsal tells you all you need to know. Unless something changes in the final hours, he will be on this team. He deserves to be on this team.

“My expectation is that I work as hard as I can,” Eklund said after his first practice of rookie camp. “Give myself a shot at the team this year. Whatever happens, I want to make sure I’m giving 100 percent.”

Victor Eklund skates with the puck during an Islanders training camp practice at the Northwell Health Ice Center on Sept. 17, 2026 in East Meadow, N.Y. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Check, check and check.

Eklund hadn’t yet spoken to general manager Mathieu Darche before Saturday’s 4-1 preseason loss to the Devils at UBS Arena.

“I’m still trying to work as hard as I can,” he said. “Just do my thing out there in the game and hopefully it goes well.”

Bo Horvat, though, seemed to tip the Islanders’ hand.

“He’s been great. He’s getting better and better as the camp’s gone on,” Horvat said. “I think he’s gonna start getting more comfortable as the games go on too.”

The best news the Islanders have had over the past few weeks is that every single one of the prospects they view as integral to their future put forth terrific training camps.

Cal Ritchie put in a summer of hard work, and looked the part, making the Islanders believe he is ready to be the second-line center on Wednesday night in Toronto and for as long as it takes for Barzal to return.

Kashawn Aitcheson and Cole Eiserman both stuck with the NHL group through the last round of cuts, looking more like players who could be called up at some point soon than guys who need a year of AHL seasoning.

Victor Eklund carries the puck while being chased by Cole Beaudoin during the Rangers’ preseason loss to the Islanders on Sept. 22, 2026. Getty Images

Eiserman looked highly engaged and showed huge improvement away from the puck. Aitcheson was noticeable in every game, a physical force in the making.

And Eklund, the one with the most pressure and the most to prove, looked in command with the puck on his stick, was in the right places when it wasn’t and was ready for the physicality of an NHL training camp.

He was undeniable. A spot on the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Emil Heineman appears to be his for now. And if he keeps it up, that may soon be a spot in the top six.

This Islanders roster will face an uphill climb to compete this season. The star power of Ilya Sorokin and Matthew Schaefer, plus Pete DeBoer’s system overhaul, will need to paper over a lot of flaws in a group that doesn’t have much offensive firepower.

This is the waiting game that Darche chose to play this summer, giving the kids a year to bake while being ready to pounce with a war chest of dollars in 2027.

Eklund won’t change that, but he can give credence to it. The Islanders are banking on him to be part of a core that includes Ritchie, Aitcheson, Eiserman and, of course, Matthew Schaefer — who at 19 has graduated from prospect to superstar.

They don’t know exactly what Eklund will be yet. But all signs look good.

“Obviously he’s not the biggest guy but he makes up for it in his compete,” Horvat said. “His ability to do whatever it takes to stay not only in the lineup but wherever it takes to win.

“He’s gonna be a really good player for a long time here. We’re excited to have him.”

Dodgers' Blake Treinen likely to miss playoffs after sustaining injury in bullpen

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen throws during the second inning.
Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen delivers against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 16. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)

Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen is likely out for the postseason, after injuring his right shoulder warming up in the bullpen Saturday.

“I don’t know if it was a complete blowout, but really unfortunate,” manager Dave Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 4-3 win against the San Francisco Giants.

The Dodgers plan to put Treinen on the injured list Sunday, Roberts said. And he’ll undergo imaging to diagnose the injury.

Read more:Blake Snell delivers 'best-case scenario' as Dodgers defeat Giants for win No. 99

“It just popped up,” Roberts said.

Treinen, 38, is the longest-tenured Dodgers pitcher on the roster. He spent over two months on the IL earlier this season with inflammation in his right elbow. But in 36 appearances this season, he posted a 3.64 ERA.

Treinen has a history of shoulder injuries and underwent right shoulder labrum and rotator cuff repair surgery after the 2022 season.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Blake Treinen injures shoulder, likely out for season

The Los Angeles Dodgers just took a major blow to their bullpen days before the postseason.

Blake Treinen was warming up during the seventh inning of their eventual 4-3 win over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, Sept. 26 before he abruptly stopped. Brock Stewart entered the game instead, and Spectrum SportsNet cameras spotted Dodgers bullpen coach Josh Bard wrapping his arms around Treinen before the 38-year-old reliever walked to the dugout with a member of the training staff.

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters after the game that Treinen's shoulder flared up. He'll undergo further imaging, but the Dodgers believe his season is over.

"I don't know if it was a complete blowout, but really unfortunate," he said. "... Obviously, it's an IL, his season's over. ... That was what landed him on the IL before, so it just unfortunately showed its head again."

Treinen has been a key high-leverage arm for the Dodgers since signing with the team ahead of the 2020 season, but injuries have also maligned much of his time in LA. He missed much of the 2022 season with a right arm injury and was placed back on the IL after just one appearance in September with right shoulder tightness. He underwent surgery that offseason and did not pitch again until May 2024, but went down again three months later with left hip discomfort. Treinen missed more than three months again in 2025 with right forearm tightness and was out from June 20-Sept. 2 with right elbow inflammation.

Since his return on Sept. 6, Treinen posted a 4.05 ERA with six strikeouts and three walks in seven games.

Despite the injury history Treinen always seemed to deliver and be at his best in October. He's been a crucial part of each of the Dodgers' three World Series runs this decade, and without him Roberts will need to look for that production elsewhere. Expect Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott and Brock Stewart to get more mound time in high-leverage situations, while Edwin Díaz might see increased usage before Roberts might have expected.

Treinen is set to hit free agency this offseason.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blake Treinen injures shoulder, likely out for season