DETROIT, MI - JULY 26: Randy Dobnak #62 of the Kansas City Royals looks on from the dugout during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. The Royals defeated the Tigers 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After a blown save ruined game one of the series, the Royals head back onto the field to face the Twins again this evening. It is still fun to watch games, but the looming trade deadline is really the star of this week unless it continues to be near radio silence across the league. The injury train keeps rolling in KC as well, with Vinnie Pasquantino going back on the IL with wrist soreness.
Luckily for the Royals, they have their ace going tonight. Since joining Kansas City, Randy Dobnak has only given up 3 runs across four outings for a sparkling 1.42 ERA. He certainly won’t keep that up over the long-term, but hopefully he can keep it rolling for tonight. It will be frequent foe Joe Ryan going for Minnesota.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 20: Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) consoles Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) after he is knocked out of the game giving up a three run double during the MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers on July 20, 2026 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 22: Christian Scott #45 of the New York Mets pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field on July 22, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
A.J. Ewing – LF Francisco Lindor – SS Bo Bichette – 3B Luis Robert, Jr. – CF Francisco Alvarez – DH Jared Young – 1B Carson Benge – RF Marcus Semien – 2B Luis Torrens – C
SP: Christian Scott – RHP
Braves lineup
Drake Baldwin – C Ronald Acuña, Jr – DH Matt Olson – 1B Michael Harris – CF Ozzie Albies – 2B Mauricio Dubón – LF Mike Yastrzemski – RF Austin Riley – 3B Jim Jarvis – SS
SP: Chris Sale – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:10 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after receiving his 2020 NBA championship ring during a ceremony before the opening night game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 22, 2020 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. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
He spent eight seasons with the Lakers and took them from a team struggling to find an identity and brought them back to the top in 2020, when they won a title.
As a Laker, besides the championship, LeBron also had eight All-Star appearances, made an All-NBA Team seven times, broke the all-time scoring record, and helped the transition from his era to Luka Dončić’s be a smooth one.
So, now that LeBron’s Lakers journey has come to a close, we ask in our SB Nation Reacts survey this week: what are your thoughts on his era in Los Angeles?
NBA reporter Brian Windhorst has a saying that goes, “When you win, it means never having to say sorry.” If you believe in that, then LeBron’s time in Los Angeles was a smashing success.
With LeBron on the Lakers, they raised a banner, reached the Western Conference Finals twice and won 50-plus games on three separate occasions.
Given that this era is known for its parity and that during LeBron’s tenure as a Laker, we had eight different champions, if he failed, then so did every single player in the league.
Also, LeBron’s stats as a Laker were great. He averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game in Los Angeles. With the Heat, he averaged fewer rebounds and assists and just one more point per game.
However, if you drink from the pool of Lakers exceptionalism, then maybe you wanted more from LeBron. Forget the context, Kobe Bryant won five titles, Magic Johnson got six and Shaquille O’Neal earned three in a purple and gold uniform.
James winning one championship just doesn’t compare to other Lakers greats. His time in LA will be known for the moments they fell short more than the 2020 ring.
In the end, LeBron is an elite player, but it’s disappointing to only win once, especially since this was also his longest single stint anywhere.
Had he won another title with Anthony Davis or stayed and tried to raise a banner with Luka Dončić, then he would’ve had a successful run in the City of Angels.
Okay, those are the cases for LeBron’s tenure in LA being considered either a success or a failure. Now, it’s time to vote on the poll and make your voice heard. Also, feel free to comment below and provide additional context for why you voted the way you did.
After a dominant first half, Davis Martin takes the mound looking to help stabilize a White Sox club searching for momentum. | (David Richard/IMAGN IMAGES)
The White Sox are bleeding, and tonight is triage. Chicago has dropped two straight and is just 4-6 over its last 10 games, yet somehow still clings to a faint 1 1/2-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. That cushion feels increasingly fragile as July has become one complication after another, easily the club’s toughest month of the season. Rate Field had been where the White Sox found a pulse for most of the year, but the Good Guys are just 4-7 at home this month, and the first two games of this series have only added to the frustration. Both were there for the taking, continuing a trend of missed opportunities during an offensive slump that has arrived at the worst possible time.
Unfortunately, there is little relief in sight as the schedule is not doing the South Siders any favors. After tonight and tomorrow against the Yankees, the White Sox head to Tampa Bay to face the American League’s top dogs before traveling to Boston, where the suddenly red-hot Red Sox already swept Chicago at Rate Field just before the All-Star break. Then comes a pivotal three-game home series with the Guardians. There are no soft landings on the schedule, meaning the Sox will have to play their way out of this funk against some of baseball’s best clubs.
The offense has cooled considerably after carrying the club for stretches earlier this summer. Chicago still ranks seventh in baseball in home runs on the season, but over the last 15 days the power has all but disappeared, falling to 27th over the stretch. The arms aren’t bailing anyone out, either. A season ERA that still ranks 11th in baseball at 4.14 has inflated to 4.36 over the past two weeks, good for just 19th in the league. When both the bats and the arms cool off simultaneously, forget about winning the nail-biters.
Davis Martin gets the ball tonight, hoping to stabilize the club. Martin was arguably Chicago’s first-half MVP on the mound, posting a microscopic 1.41 ERA in April and following it with a 2.05 mark in May before the regression monster showed up. June brought a 5.68 ERA, and July has been even rougher at 6.00. Even so, Martin enters tonight 9-5 with a 3.49 ERA and a respectable 1.27 WHIP after coming off a meh outing against Houston (four runs over five innings).
Martin’s path to success against New York is clear. He doesn’t overwhelm hitters with elite velocity, sitting around 94 mph with the fastball, but he succeeds by mixing six different pitches and avoiding hard contact. His changeup is filthy, grading in the 94th percentile in run value, while his sinker is no slouch either. If Martin can establish his sinker and changeup early, expand the zone with his slider and curveball, and limit loud contact, he has a good chance to neutralize a Yankees lineup built around power. The biggest key will be getting ahead in counts and avoiding the free passes.
Standing opposite Martin is one of baseball’s biggest breakout stars. Cam Schlittler has been sensational in 2026 and has firmly planted himself in the AL Cy Young conversation. The Yankees righthander is 10-6 with a league-leading 2.07 ERA and 0.93 WHIP while holding opponents to a .200 batting average. He was dominant again in his last start, blanking Philadelphia over 7 1/3 innings while allowing just three hits, striking out 12 without issuing a walk. Yikes.
Schlittler’s Savant page is a sea of red. The fastball is a monster — 99th percentile in run value, big velocity, nasty chase rates, a 94th-percentile strikeout rate and above-average command. The expected stats are just as scary. Trying to slug your way past him? Good luck. The Sox need to grind out at-bats, make him work, and pounce if he falls behind. His breaking stuff is hittable, but the heater is a nightmare. Chicago’s best bet is to avoid chasing, string together some singles and walks and maybe manufacture a run or two. The three-run bomb likely isn’t coming to the rescue tonight.
Tonight’s matchup is a study in opposites. Schlittler is the flamethrower, racking up whiffs with a killer four-seamer and video-game numbers. Martin is the craftsman, mixing six pitches, changing speeds, and living on soft contact. Schlittler’s game is all power; Martin’s is all guile. If Martin’s sharp, he can hang, but his leash is considerably shorter than the Yankees’ ace.
Offensively, the White Sox will lean on a pair of hitters who have been carrying the lineup since the All-Star break. Chase Meidroth continues to spray base hits all over the field, while Braden Montgomery appears to be breaking out after a slow stretch, giving the middle of the order some desperately needed life. On the flip side, Tristan Peters and Sam Antonacci are ice-cold and have endured a difficult two weeks at the plate, with Miguel Vargas also searching for his early-season mojo. If the Sox are going to knock off one of the AL’s hottest arms, they’ll likely need their hottest bats to get even hotter and for a few of those cold ones to join the party.
Here’s how skipper Will Venable sends them out against Schlittler:
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 22: Jim Jarvis #74 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Drake Baldwin #30 after scoring during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on July 22, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welp,
The Atlanta Braves won’t take the series win against the New York Mets, but they have a shot to avoid a sweep.
Let’s take a look at these lineups for the series finale.
Drake Baldwin will be leading off, which will place Ronald Acuña Jr. in the second batting slot. Some good news, Jim Jarvis and Mike Yastrzemski are in the lineup, and are looking to add some offensive power to the night. Maybe Matt Olson can knock in another bomb to add to it.
A lot of ifs, but the main thing that keeps setting the Braves back (besides a lackluster bullpen) is an inconsistent offense. Even worse, production that won’t show up at all, especially in a Chris Sale start.
Christian Scott is our opposing pitcher for the night, currently holding a 3.13 ERA. It’s an expected duel between the two on the mound. The Mets, though coming off a low-scoring win, are looking to finish off the way they started.
Both offenses, however, have shown signs of inconsistencies, then a flip to a sudden understanding of offensive effort. Which one will reach that understanding tonight?
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 28: Evan Carter #32 of the Texas Rangers celebrates scoring in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on July 28, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DETROIT, MI - JULY 29: Taylor Ward #3 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after scoring on a single by Colton Cowser to take a 10-9 lead over the Detroit Tigers during the 12th inning at Comerica Park on July 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s over. We are so back. It’s over. We are SO back. It’s over. We are SO BACK! Like a tennis rally that seems to go on forever and you can only watch in increasing awe as it plays out, the Orioles veered between these two extremes on Wednesday afternoon. They played some absolutely atrocious baseball and deserved to lose, no question. They played some amazing baseball and deserved to win. In the end, as ever, deserve has nothing to do with it. There’s only what happened, and what happened is the Orioles took 12 innings to win a 10-9 game.
All of this craziness occurred in a game that “everyone” expected going in would be a pitcher’s duel. The starting pitchers, back when it began, were Tarik Skubal for the Tigers and Trevor Rogers for the Orioles. Each of these guys has been pitching great for the last little while (Skubal for longer than Rogers) and each is a pending free agent. The losing team would lose the series and be highly likely to trade their guy. That was the narrative going into the game. There were real stakes for these fringe wild card contenders.
The Orioles started sending this thing into “it’s over” in the third inning. After two perfect innings from Rogers to begin the game, the bottom third of the Detroit lineup started a rally, a single and then a double to set up Detroit with no one out and men on second and third. Teams who are not the Orioles often capitalize on such situations. Tigers #9 hitter Javier Báez did so, hitting a single into right field that easily scored a run.
In un-Oriole-like fashion, Tyler O’Neill in right field hit the cutoff man while throwing home and the batter, Báez was hung up between first and second base. Rogers chased Báez into a rundown. Gifted with this “free” out from this rundown, Pete Alonso threw the ball into left field, allowing the runner to score from third base. They held a 2-0 lead and got a third run later in the inning on a sacrifice fly. Three runs went onto Rogers’s ledger, though only two were earned.
Orioles defense struck again in the fifth inning. Leody Taveras played a single into a triple. No error was charged here, but it was an egregious misplay and it gifted Detroit with a runner on third and no one out. Báez cashed that in quickly by hitting a single, and after a double and another sacrifice fly, a fifth Tigers run crossed the plate.
If that wasn’t hopeless enough, more unbelievably bad defense in the sixth inning brought two more Tigers runs home. Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Henderson committed errors on back-to-back plays; both of these guys scored. Rogers pitched through this inning and that closed the book on him with seven runs allowed, only four earned. The Orioles have the league lead in unearned runs and are on pace for possibly the worst defensive season in franchise history by that measure.
The Orioles trailed, 7-0, with Skubal on the mound and cruising into the late innings. There were two outs in the top of the seventh inning, the Orioles had Henderson on third base, and Coby Mayo was at the plate trying to try to do anything to chip away at that massive deficit. The game was so over, and with it, essentially, were their hopes of doing anything other than selling before Monday’s trade deadline.
Then, suddenly, it wasn’t over. Mayo walked and Taveras singled, chasing Skubal, who was at 92 pitches. Detroit brought in reliever Kyle Finnegan, who faced the minimum three batters and retired none of them. Jackson Holliday pinch hit for Chadwick Tromp and delivered a two-run single, then Taylor Ward followed with another single to score two more. Almost in the blink of an eye, the insurmountable 7-0 lead was narrowed to 7-5.
The very next inning saw the Orioles tie it up, with a little help from the Tigers defense. Henderson led off with a walk. Dylan Beavers followed by hitting a grounder to second baseman Gleyber Torres that Torres decided to try to throw to second base instead of getting the sure out at first. He couldn’t beat Henderson to the bag. No outs were recorded on the fielder’s choice.
Eventually, these runners were on second and third with one out. Mayo crushed a pitch to deep center field, like “it would have been a home run in 25 other stadiums” deep center, and this went over the head of Báez in center field. Báez was in a horrible position to play the bounce off the wall and it was ultimately left fielder Riley Greene who threw to third base to try to stop Mayo from safely reaching for a game-tying triple. It didn’t work. Mayo’s hit made it 7-7.
There was still only one out, but neither Taveras nor substitute catcher Yohel Pozo could bring Mayo home. That’s where the score stayed until the game went into extra innings. That’s when things got truly weird.
It’s so over: Beavers popped out on the first pitch, failing to get the zombie runner Henderson over to third base. Encarnacion-Strand hit a line drive to shortstop and Henderson was caught going just a little too far; rookie Kevin McGonigle made the catch and doubled up Henderson.
We are so back: Tyler Wells needed only three pitches in the bottom of the tenth to get a groundout, intentional walk, and ground ball double play. Staying back, the Orioles got two runs in the top of the eleventh. Taveras bunted the Manfred Man over to third base, generally a bad choice for the road team in extra innings and doubly bad when the no-bat catcher Pozo was due up. Pleasantly, Pozo delivered a sacrifice fly, and after him, Holliday slashed a single into left field for a 9-7 Orioles lead.
It’s so over: Manager Craig Albernaz brought in Rico Garcia for the bottom of the eleventh. Garcia served up a game-tying home run to Spencer Torkelson, the first batter he faced. There has been an unfortunate amount of that this week. Remaining in “it’s so over” territory in the top of the twelfth, Alonso struck out and Henderson delivered a fly ball that could only advance the runner to third base with two outs. They were on the verge of failing to score and then having to get who knows what reliever to pitch a scoreless inning.
Then, once more, we are so back: Colton Cowser, maligned (often unfairly) as one of the least clutch guys around, worked a full count before ripping a single up the middle. That made it 10-9 Orioles, which was, at last, the final score. Even this was not without excitement; the speedy McGonigle was the Manfred Man for Detroit, and Grant Wolfram began the inning by walking Ben Malgeri, who I just re-confirmed is a real baseball player. Two outs later, with the runners moved over to second and third, the Orioles turned to Andrew Kittredge to get the last out. He did it. An easy groundout, Henderson to Alonso for the game-ender, no bad throws, nothing else weird, just the end of one of the wildest Orioles victories of the year.
This game went down as just the third time since 2020 that a team came back from a 7+ run deficit in the sixth inning or later. It’s also the largest Orioles comeback win since June 30, 2009, when they mounted a nine-run comeback to beat the Red Sox. The 2026 Orioles have many problems. A lack of fight is not one of them. These guys are really something. That something is not always good, but it’s always something.
The Orioles are still three games below .500 even after all of this. Whether they gain ground in the wild card race depends on whether Cleveland beats the Reds later on Wednesday. There is a lot more work to be done in the standings and they are going to need to find a way to tighten up some of their problems, particularly their defensive problems but also their “bring in relief pitchers because they were good earlier this year even though now they clearly aren’t still good” problems.
If the Orioles had blown this game, it would feel like they had no chance to come back in the standings. Now, they have a chance. It’s a small chance, but still a chance. That’s better than last year. We will have to wait out the Thursday off day and then three games against the Phillies to see where they stand heading down to the deadline.
The Orioles could blow that series and end up sellers anyway. They could play well in the series and have Mike Elias still decide to pull the plug, like he did in 2022. They could play well and have Elias fail to substantially reinforce a contender, or maybe even they could play well and Elias pushes some chips in. Baseball is great and terrible because we don’t know.
A lot is riding on Friday’s game against the Phillies, and Saturday’s, and Sunday’s. Brandon Young is set to start the 7:05 series opener. The Phillies haven’t listed a starter for Friday yet.
**
It is a longtime Camden Chat tradition to proclaim a Most Birdland Player after each Orioles victory. During that June 30, 2009 comeback win I mentioned above, the entire team was proclaimed to be Most Birdland. What is Most Birdland? Each person must decide for themselves. Sometimes, this is the most valuable player of a game. Sometimes, this is not. Let us know your choice in the comments.
TAKE TWO: This is the Cubs’ 27th series of at least four games at St. Louis since the National League’s Expansion Era began in 1962. It is only the fifth in which they won the first two games. The previous four: 1976 (finished 2-2), 1992 (3-1), 2014 (2-2) and 2023 (3-1). The last of those is the only time they won the first three. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
ON WEDNESDAYS: The Cubs are 12-5 on Wednesday, their second-best record on any day after 7-2 on Thursday. They are 7-2 on the road on Wednesday, also second best, after 4-1 on Thursday. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
RISPy BUSINESS: In their last four games, the Cubs are 23 for 58 with runners in scoring position, a gaudy average of .397. They have raised their season average to .248, the highest it has been since May 8, when it was .253 after the last of their second streaks of 10 straight wins. They have played 68 games since then. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Jason Heyward and David Ross homer and the Cubs blow out the Mariners 12-1 at Wrigley Field. It happened 10 years ago today, Friday, July 29, 2016.
Matthew Boyd has been nails since returning from the knee injury suffered while playing with his kids. Oddly enough, the enforced layoff might have actually helped him.
In six starts since his return: 2.31 ERA, 1.200 WHIP. That’ll play.
Boyd has not faced the Cardinals this year. Current Cardinals are a small sample size 8-for-3o (.267) against Boyd with one home run (Jordan Walker) and 11 strikeouts.
Dustin May was a Top 100 prospect before 2020 but injuries prevented him from making any sort of regular starts until last year, which he split between the Dodgers and Red Sox. He came to the Cardinals as part of the deal that sent Willson Contreras to Boston.
His last start against the Cubs was April 22, 2025 at Wrigley Field, that whacked-out game where the Cubs scored five runs off him in the first inning, including a homer by Pete Crow-Armstrong, then had to come back to win in extras.
He was going along okay this year but has a 7.66 ERA and 1.970 WHIP over his last six starts. He did throw well in his last outing against the Reds last Friday (six innings, one run).
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
One of the most pressing questions for the Detroit Red Wings this offseason was whether they'd be able to bring back future Hall of Fame winger Patrick Kane.
The Buffalo native, who turns 38 in November, is still a near point-per-game player, and the Red Wings couldn't afford to lose any more offense from a unit that finished with the 11th-worst scoring output in the NHL this past season.
The homecoming many expected, however, didn't play out in Detroit's favor. The Chicago Blackhawks instead offered Kane a two-year, $16 million deal carrying an $8 million cap hit, and he took it, returning to the franchise where he built the bulk of his Hall of Fame resume.
Few fans were upset with the decision, especially once the dollar figure became public. Some were downright stunned by Chicago's willingness to hand a three-time Stanley Cup champion that kind of money on the back end of his career.
Kane's $8 million cap hit lands just a shade below what Detroit stars Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider carry on their own deals, while coming in above the cap hit of notable linemate Alex DeBrincat.
There was little chance the Red Wings were ever going to match that kind of offer, and the Fourth Period's David Pagnotta made clear just how surprised he was by the number on a recent episode of Daily Faceoff's "The Sheet" podcast.
Pagnotta explained he did a triple take when the figure came across, adding that it wasn't as if Chicago lacked the cap space to make it work. He also said he had heard Kane was offered something closer to $5 million before the Blackhawks ultimately decided to sweeten the pot to ensure their longtime winger made his way back to the Windy City.
Detroit, meanwhile, never came close to that range as Kane's salary with the Red Wings topped out at $4 million across three one-year deals from 2023 through 2026, during which he remained a highly productive scorer, totaling 57 goals and 163 points in 189 games.
Chicago's willingness to more than double that price tag underscores just how much value the Blackhawks are placing on Kane's return, particularly with top center Connor Bedard expected to open next season on the shelf following offseason shoulder surgery.
Selected first overall by the Blackhawks in the 2007 NHL Draft, Kane spent the first 17 seasons of his career with the franchise, winning three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015 along with the Calder Trophy, the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.
In 1,161 games with Chicago, Kane recorded 446 goals and 779 assists for 1,225 points, numbers that rank him third in franchise history in goals and second in both assists and points.
Kane was one of the more reliable playmakers left on the Red Wings roster that struggled to generate offense last season, and his departure leaves the team searching for more answers up front as they continue chasing their first playoff berth in a decade.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 31: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game on March 31, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cavs handled free agency as if they were going to get LeBron. Now we know why. On the most recent episode of the Game Over podcast, Rich Paul — James’s agent — and ESPN’s Shams Charania disclosed that James met with Cleveland’s front office and ownership group at the beginning of July in Akron.
“The Cavs front office group, Koby Altman, Brandon Weems, the Gilbert family… meeting with LeBron in Akron in early July,” said Charania.
“In real time, the integrity matters more than anything; this was something I was told off the record. Ethically, I couldn’t report it because it wasn’t told to me in a way where I could have a reporter double and triple-check.”
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the new City Edition shirt can be found HERE.
This latest news confirms earlier rumblings. There were whispers that James had met with the Cavs around this time. It appears that was completely true.
What went down in that meeting is unknown, but you can read this two ways. Both would be justified.
There’s an interpretation of this that the Cavs blew it. After all, Cleveland was the only team that got a complete meeting with James. There was clearly interest in a reunion back home, but something that transpired here made LeBron have second thoughts. Maybe it was due to the roster. Maybe LeBron had other demands.
In this reading, the Cavs didn’t make those guarantees, played hardball, and lost. Now, not only do they have limited resources to fill their hole at small forward. But they also will have to go through James and the Sixers in a loaded Eastern Conference.
The second reading of this is that LeBron was never seriously interested in going to Cleveland, but at least wanted to hear his hometown team out to retain plausible deniability. James could’ve made unrealistic demands, knowing that the Cavs either wouldn’t or couldn’t acquiesce. That way, he could always say he wanted to finish his career in Cleveland, but the Cavs weren’t willing to make the moves necessary to make it happen.
However you want to read this is up to you. It’s difficult to speculate on what James was thinking.
What we can say with certainty is that if LeBron wanted to end his career in Cleveland, he certainly had an opportunity to do so. The Cavs are an extremely talented group that has proven they can win multiple playoff series. Even if James didn’t like all aspects of the roster, there was something there to work with.
Instead, LeBron chose a different path. He decided to live in New York and play for their suburban market, setting up a rivalry between him and his former team.
The Milwaukee Brewers have won the NL Central in three consecutive seasons. With a commanding six-game lead over the Chicago Cubs as the second half gets underway, they are in prime position to secure their fourth division title in a row.
As the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline nears, Milwaukee has a clear mission: How can it finally capture the National League Pennant that has always eluded them? For Hall of Famer CC Sabathia, it's crucial that the Brewers make an impact trade.
[I] hope the Brewers make a trade. This would be the time. The last three, four years, they’ve been the best team during the regular season ... but can’t get over the hump in October.
Last season, the Brewers fell short when the Los Angeles Dodgers swept them in the NLCS. They lost in the NL Wild Card series in consecutive years before that. They came closest to a World Series berth in 2018, but fell to the Dodgers in seven games.
CC Sabathia evaluates the AL Central as the trade deadline looms, sharing why it “makes no sense” for the Tigers to keep ace Tarik Skubal and how the Twins have “a chance” to win the division.
Milwaukee already boasts Jacob Misiorowski, who is making his case as the frontrunner for this year's NL Cy Young Award, and an MLB-best team ERA (3.41). Sabathia believes it can get even better with potential additions to the rotation and bullpen.
If you could make a trade for a [Tarik] Skubal, even [Mason] Miller at the backend of your bullpen — that could help you ... I think the only way you can beat the Dodgers is by having a pitching staff [like that].
Sabathia's bold prediction?
"The Brewers make a big trade and go out and give the Dodgers a run for their money," he said. "I think that has to happen."
Milwaukee will look to continue its second-half surge this weekend when it faces the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday Leadoff at 3 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSN.
New episodes with CC and Ahmed Fareed drop every Wednesday on NBC Sports NOW, NBCSN, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.
The NHL’s latest big contract signing has Vancouver Canucks fans excited.
Earlier today, the San Jose Sharks announced that star forward and BC-local Macklin Celebrini has signed a five-year contract extension beginning during the 2027–28 season. The contract expires after the 2031–32 season, during which Celebrini will become an unrestricted free-agent at the age of 26.
It’s safe to say that Canucks fans are very happy about the prospect of a potential Celebrini free-agency signing.
“Walked himself to UFA basically,” @LaheyHNIC wrote on X. “Incredible day for the Canucks.”
Celebrini’s contract is the second five-year extension signed by a player from North Vancouver, as Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard also inked a new contract in mid-July that will walk him to UFA status in 2031.
With both North Vancouver products set to become UFAs in the future, Canucks fans have already begun celebrating an outcome in which both Bedard and Celebrini return home to play for the Canucks.
“CELEBRINI AND BEDARD ONLY SIGNED FOR 5 YEARS, YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS !!!” @Springer4MVP said on X.
"This has to be the best off-season for the Canucks in the past decade. 2 hometown boys signing contracts that lineup perfectly with the Canucks rebuild. Couldn't ask for anything else," @Taj1944 commented. "Now they have to stay patient for 4-5 years and keep loading up with young talent."
“Bedard and Celebrini are both walking themselves to be 25 and 26 year old UFAs,” @Naughty4Novotny added. “They both want to come home and play for their favourite hockey team as soon as possible 🤩.”
“#Canucks have 5 years to put together a decent roster AND get a practice facility project built. Don’t let that time go to waste ⏳,” @LachInTheCrease wrote.
Only time will tell whether fans’ premature celebrations are a sign of something true to come along. For now, it appears the allure of two potential homecomings will be enough to keep Vancouver’s fanbase excited.
Apr 6, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) and Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) face off during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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We are at one of the quietest points of the offseason, but the New York Rangers still have two notable restricted free agents without a contract extension in place.
The futures of defensemen Scott Morrow and Vincent Iorio with the Rangers appear to be in flux, as both remain unsigned.
The Blueshirts acquired Morrow from the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the K’Andre Miller sign-and-trade package.
Despite coming into the 2025-26 season with some promise and expectation, the 23-year-old defenseman was unable to carve out a consistent role with the Rangers, bouncing up and down from the NHL and American Hockey League.
The 23-year-old defenseman played in 29 NHL games this past season, recording six points while averaging 15:40 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Rangers claimed Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 31.
Iorio stuck around with the Rangers for the remainder of the season, but he was scratched for a handful of games. ‘
The 23-year-old defenseman posted three points in 27 games for New York while averaging 13:05 minutes.
The Rangers re-signed Braden Schneider to a one-year, $5.5 million contract extension, and acquired both Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson, which puts Morrow and Iorio in a difficult position to earn consistent playing time at the NHL level.
It’s unclear where the Rangers are regarding negotiations with Morrow and Iorio.
DETROIT, MI - JULY 29: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers, right, is hugged by manager A.J. Hinch #14 after being pulled from the game against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning at Comerica Park on July 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It took twelve innings to watch the Tigers officially lose this one, but the real downfall really started when Tarik Skubal exited the game in the seventh. The final score was 10-9 for the O’s.
The Tigers were feeling mighty fine after their blowout win on Tuesday and hoping to ride that wave into a series win during the Wednesday day game. To get there, they’d have Tarik Skubal on the mound in potentially his last start with the Tigers? Who knows, but the hot stove is certainly hot. He would be up against Trevor Rogers for the Orioles.
Tarik Skubal got the game started in historic fashion, wasting no time getting his 1000th career strikeout on the first batter he saw.
Pete Alonso then singled, but two outs followed to end the inning in short order. The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning, so they would not be repeating their one run in every inning feat from Tuesday night.
Coby Mayo got a one-out single in the second, but Skubal was on his game and got the next two batters in order. In the home half, the Tigers went three-up, three-down.
The Orioles went 1-2-3 in the top of the third. In the bottom of the inning, Spencer Torkelson singled and it was another big Tigers’ milestone as it was his 500th career hit.
Matt Vierling doubled, then Javier Baez continued to be red hot since his return with a single to score two runs. He ended up on second thanks to a throwing error from Pete Alonso. With one out, Kevin McGonigle hit a sac fly to score Baez.
Skubal was cruising by the time they reached the fourth, getting the side out in order. In the home half, Dillon Dingler singled, but three outs followed to leave him stranded.
Three-up, three-down on repeat for Tarik in the fifth. Matt Vierling got the bottom of the inning started with a triple, but he appeared to hurt himself somewhere between second and third, with Zach McKinstry coming in to pinch-run and ultimately replace him in the game. Baez then singled, scoring McKinstry.
Gleyber Torres doubled, then with one out, Hao-Yu Lee hit a sac fly to score yet another run. By the time the end of the inning came around the Tigers were up 5-0.
Skubal kept making it look easy through the sixth, with another 1-2-3 inning. In the home half Riley Greene reached on a fielding error, then right on his heels, Eduardo Valencia reached on a throwing error. That was now three errors in a single game for the O’s, and the Tigers were keen to make sure they regretted every one. McKinstry doubled, bringing in two more runs.
Gunnar Henderson got a leadoff single in the seventh. A great diving stop from McGonigle, combined with a super accurate catch from Torkelson, got the first out of the inning and definitely saved getting another runner on the basepaths.
With two outs, Coby Mayo walked, bringing A.J. Hinch in, but Skubal remained in the game. This was the first inning of the game that Skubal showed signs of struggle with his command. Leody Taveras then singled to score the first Orioles’ run of the game. That was all she wrote for Skubal, possibly for the last time as a Tiger, and his final line (after the inning finished…. so spoilers) was 6.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K on 92 pitches. He got a standing ovation for the second time in the game and received high-fives from the whole dugout. If it was his last start, which feels unfortunate and likely, it was a good start to say goodbye on. Kyle Finnegan came in to replace him. After an unbelievably long at-bat, Jeremiah Jackson worked a walk. The bases were loaded with two outs, and a pinch-hitting Jackson Holliday coming up. Holliday singled, scoring two runs. Holliday stole second, and then Taylor Ward singled, bringing in two more runs. At this point, it would have made more sense to just leave Skubal in, it couldn’t have possibly been worse. Finnegan was pulled, finally and Drew Anderson came in to replace him. A pop out ended the inning but the damage was certainly done as the Orioles pulled within two.
Rogers’s day was done in the home half, replaced by Anthony Nunez. A pinch-hitting Colt Keith got a one-out triple. With two outs, Riley Greene was intentionally walked. With two on, though, the final out of the inning came, leaving the runners stranded.
In the top of the eighth, Henderson got a leadoff walk. A pinch-hitting Dylan Beavers reached on a fielder’s choice where Gleyber Torres opted to throw to second, didn’t get the out, and everyone was safe. With one out, Mayo tripled and suddenly the game was tied. The Tigers did finally get out of the inning but needless to say the damage was done and Skubal’s final game was pretty soundly squandered. Yennier Cano was the new pitcher in the bottom of the inning and he got the Tigers out in order.
Kenley Jansen was the new Tigers’ pitcher for the top of the ninth. Ward got a one-out walk. It took some work, but Jansen did manage to best the O’s to get out of the inning unscathed. Tigers went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning against Tyler Wells. The game was headed to extras.
Jacob Waguespack came in from the Tigers’ bullpen. A pop-out and a double play with the ghost runner got the Tigers out of the inning. Riley Greene was intentionally walked again with one out, then Valencia hit into a double play to end the inning, all with a runner on third.
Mayo got a leadoff walk in the eleventh. Taveras laid down a pretty perfectly placed sac bunt to advance both baserunners into scoring position. Yohel Pozo hit a sac fly to right, allowing Christian Encarnacion-Strand to score. While the tag did look close, it seemed clear the run was safely in. That was it for Waguespack, who was replaced by Drew Sommers. Holliday singled, scoring another run. Sommers did finally get out of the inning, but the Tigers would need to score at least two runs in the home half to stay alive. Rico Garcia came in to pitch, and because the baseball gods have a sense of humor, Torkelson hit a home run to score two and tie the game up. And it was Tork’s 100th home run, no less, his second milestone of the game. With two outs, James Outman was hit by a pitch. The O’s went back to their bullpen for Grant Wolfram who got the final out of the inning and keep us going into the twelfth.
With two outs in the twelfth, Colton Cowser singled, scoring a run. That was it for Sommers who was replaced by Brenan Hanifee. He got the final out of the inning, but once again the Tigers were behind, and they’d need to wake up their bats if they wanted to win it. Ben Malgeri got a leadoff walk in the home half to put two on. Greene grounded out to bump both runners into scoring position. The Orioles went back to their bullpen for Andrew Kittredge. He got the final out of the inning and of the game, and the Tigers took the L.
