SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 11: Tyler Mahle #54 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park on July 11, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to Oracle Park tonight to begin a three-game series.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Tyler Mahle, who enters tonight’s game with a 5.31 ERA, 4.52 FIP, with 77 strikeouts to 33 walks in 83 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 3-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals last Tuesday, in which he allowed three runs on five hits with four strikeouts and a walk in five innings.
He’ll be facing off against Brewers right-hander Brandon Sproat, who enters tonight’s game with a 5.09 ERA, 5.21 FIP, with 91 strikeouts to 43 walks in 86.2 innings pitched. His last start was in the Brewers’ 4-0 loss to the New York Mets last Tuesday, in which he allowed two runs on four hits with four strikeouts and four walks in four and two thirds innings.
DENVER, COLORADO - JULY 21: Mickey Moniak #22 of the Colorado Rockies hits a sixth inning solo home run against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field on July 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Whether it be on the field or in the clubhouse, Mickey Moniak has made his presence known in his two seasons with the Colorado Rockies.
The outfielder—now in his seventh season as a Major Leaguer after stints with Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Angels—is slashing .277/.322/.553 this season, even though he missed nearly a month due to right ankle tendinitis.
His nine games with multiple extra-base hits are tied for the fourth-most in the Majors this season.
For his part, Moniak has helped Colorado avoid deficits and start well in games this season by displaying the ability to have success at the plate in early at bats.
For instance, he recorded a homer in the first inning in three straight games (June 30-July 2) to become the first player in franchise history to homer in the opening inning in three straight contests.
Moniak’s approach at the plate, no matter the situation, is straightforward.
“I just try to treat every at bat as the same,” said Moniak, whose 16 homers are second on the club only trail Hunter Goodman’s total of 31.
“However it may fall, obviously, hitting those homers those three games in a row was cool but it’s not like there’s any more focus on the first at bat versus the last.”
“I think every at bat is just as important, keeping zeroed in and just having a good at bat every time,” he said.
Moniak—who was signed by Colorado as a free agent on March 27, 2025—made his presence on the field felt immediately by slamming a pinch-hit home run in his first plate appearance as a Rockie just three days later on March 30 at Tampa Bay.
But for all Moniak’s contributions on the diamond, his time spent mentoring Colorado’s youthful roster the past two campaigns—including players such as Cole Carrigg, TJ Rumfield and Kyle Karros this season—has been invaluable.
Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer is quick to point why having someone with Moniak’s veteran experience is important.
“I wish you could see behind the scenes and see how much of an impact he has because it’s an enormous one,” Schaeffer said.
“Mickey is a team leader in the clubhouse every day. He shows up as the same guy every day, no matter what’s going on on the field, no matter what’s going on in his life. He comes and just sets the tone for the day, along with other guys. But he’s one of the main guys that does it and that just helps all the young players.”
“Absolutely, he’s the leader,” Rumfield said. “I think we look to him and I think he does a great job of just setting an example, being a great teammate, great guy and also a great baseball player.
“He brings knowledge and wisdom to the game beyond his years,” he added. “It’s really unbelievable to watch every night. You know you are going to get a good at-bat.”
Moniak takes the role of being a mentor to young players in stride.
“It’s one of those things that nobody tells you that, ‘Hey, this year you’re the veteran; you’re the guy leading the team or in a leadership role,’” Moniak said. “I’ve been very fortunate to be around a lot of good leaders in my time in the big leagues in Philly and with the Angels.
“I think just the biggest takeaway is to kind of lead by example. Go about your business, just be me,” he added. “I was a young player who had a lot of downs and a lot of learning to do. Just try to be a guy who guys can lean on.
“We have a lot of young guys in this clubhouse. If they have any questions, they know I’m an open door.”
With the trade deadline approaching and Moniak and Jake McCarthy both rumored to be trade candidates, which player would be more important to a rebuilding team? Would you value Moniak’s leadership or McCarthy’s athleticism? Let us know in the comments!
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 21: Tatsuya Imai #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the fifth inning during a game against the Miami Marlins at Daikin Park on July 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (52-55) and Los Angeles Angels (42-64) begin a 3-game series tonight in Anaheim.
RHP Tatsuya Imai (6-4, 5.59 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. RHP Walbert Ureña (6-7, 2.78 ERA). Imai’s 1st career ML start was vs. LAA on March 29 at Daikin Park. He ended up with a no decision in a 9-7 Astros win (2.2 IP, 4 ER). This will be Ureña’s 4th career appearance and 2nd start vs. HOU, all this season. His most recent app. vs. the Astros was a start on June 9 at Angel Stadium (5 IP, 0 R in a 10-1 Angels’ win).
ABOUT IMAI: Tonight will be RHP Tatsuya Imai’s 15th start of the season. He was solid in his last start on July 21 vs. MIA, allowing just 1 run and 4 hits in 6.0 IP with 8 K’s to earn a 5-3 victory. The Astros have won 6 of his last 7 starts (he is 4-1 in that span). For the season, HOU is 9-5 in his 14 starts overall.
In 2025, Imai was an All-Star for the Seibu Lions in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB), where he went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA (35ER/163.2IP) in 24 games.
RECENT STROS: The Astros have won 5 of their last 6 games. Their recent 5-game win streak (7/20-25) matched their longest win streak of the season (other was 3/28-4/1).
ROAD WARRIORS: Tonight is the 4th game of a 6-game road trip for the Astros. HOU was 2-1 over the weekend at CWS on the first stop of the trip. The Astros are 19-13 (.593) on their last five road trips combined and are 25-19 (.568) on the road since going 1-9 on their first road trip of the season.
ROAD SLUGGING: The Astros have been one of the AL’s top offensive clubs on the road this season. They are currently ranked T-1st in the AL in road HR (76), 2nd in SLG (.418) and OPS (.742) and 3rd in road runs scored (259).
VS. THE HALOS: The Astros are 3-4 vs. LAA thus far in 2026. They dropped 2 of 3, June 8-10 at LAA in the most recent series. Over the years, the Astros have had success vs. the Angels. They are 141-92 all-time against the Halos, including a 67-48 record at Angel Stadium.
Note: The Astros were 2-0 vs. LAA in a 2-game, regular season series in Mexico, May 4-5 of 2019.
MEASURING UP: The Astros are 27-22 vs. teams currently over .500. Additonally, HOU is a combined 20-10 vs. the 6 AL clubs currently holding playoff spots, with a 10-5 record vs. the 3 AL division leaders (2-1 vs. TB, 6-4 vs. TEX, 2-1 vs. CWS) and a 10-5 record vs. the 3 current AL Wild Card teams (5-1 vs. BOS, 4-2 vs. CLE, 1-2 vs. NYY).
PLAYER OF THE WEEK!: Jeremy Peña was named AL Player of the Week today. Peña posted incredible numbers last week, hitting .500 (13×26) in 6 games with 5 HR, 8 RBI and 10 R while posting a 1.577. This is Peña’s 1st POTW Award. The Astros have won this award 4 times this season, with Yordan Alvarez winning the other 3 times.
Highlights from Peña’s week included:
*2 leadoff HR.
*2nd career grand slam
*collecting 3 hits in 3 straight games.
*homering in 3 cons. games.
PEÑA POWER: Jeremy Peña has hit safely in 8 straight games at a sizzling .516 (16×31) clip with 5 HR, 8 RBI and 12 R.
LEADING THE WAY: Jeremy Peña opened yesterday’s game at CWS with his 3rd leadoff HR of the season and the 8th of his career. He is one of 3 Astros to hit leadoff HR’s in 2026. Jose Altuve and Brice Matthews are the others.
THEIR KIND OF TOWN: After taking 2 of 3 games from the White Sox at Rate Field over the weekend, the Astros are 5-1 in the city of Chicago this season. They also swept a 3-game set from the Cubs at Wrigley Field, May 20-22.
CLOSE CALLS: The Astros are 31-20 in games decided by 2 runs or less: 22-12 in 2-run games, 9-8 in 1-run games.
MVP-CALIBER: Yordan Alvarez is a strong AL MVP candidate as he enters tonight leading the league in all three Triple Crown categories, ranking 1st in batting average (.323), HR (34), and RBI (77). Additionally, he currently leads all of baseball in OPS (1.074), OBP (.431), SLG (.643) and TB (245), and in the AL, he also ranks 1st in hits (123) and runs (72) and 4th in walks (70).
TAPPING FOR SUCCESS: Astros hitters have won an MLB-best 73 ABS challenges and lead the Majors in challenge success rate (58%).
HIT PAREDES: Isaac Paredes is hitting .324 (11×34) in his 9 games since the AS Break with 2 HR and 8 RBI while posting a .559 SLG and a .943 OPS. Since June 3, Paredes is batting .294 (48×163) with 22 runs scored, 6 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 33 RBI and 19 walks in 44 games.
BRYAN’S BACK: RHP Bryan Abreu has a 1.59 ERA (2ER/11.1IP) in his last 11 apps. with just 7 hits allowed and 13 K’s in that span. Additionally, since May 1, he has a 2.39 ERA (7ER/26.1IP) in 27 apps., and is 5-for-5 in save opp. in that span. Prior to May 1, Abreu had a 12.54 ERA in his 1st 11 apps. of the season.
ON THE DEFENSIVE: The Astros lead the AL in fielding pct. (.988) and have the fewest errors in the AL (44). 1B Christian Walker has led the way, as he has not committed an error in his 99 games played at 1B. Dating back to last season, Walker has not made an error in his last 128 games at 1B (last error was Aug. 23, 2025 at BAL).
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1982 – RHP Nolan Ryan earns his 200th career win in style, going the distance in a 3-2 victory over the Reds in the Dome. Ryan also tallies 13 K’s in the historic win. He would end up with 324 wins in his HOF career, including 106 as an Astro.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, July 27, 8:38 p.m. CT
Location: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA
TV: SCHN
Radio: KTRH 740 AM; KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
In fact, the Dodgers were linked to Skubal back in December, when Kyle Tucker also was being floated as a potential target in free agency. Tucker eventually did sign with the Dodgers in January.
The Dodgers remain serious about their quest for a World Series three-peat, which would add a 10th championship to the trophy case at Dodger Stadium.
Manager Dave Roberts and superstar Shohei Ohtani have led the way to back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025. The New York Yankees and the Athletics are the only other franchises to win three consecutive World Series titles.
Here's what the Dodgers will consider before the trade deadline:
Do Dodgers need Tarik Skubal?
Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is one of the best pitchers in the league and the Dodgers could benefit from having him on the mound considering the injuries that have impacted the rotation this season.
It remains uncertain whether Ohtani will be back on the mound in August due to inflammation and irritation in his left knee. The Dodgers are expected to take extra precautions with the two-way star during the second half of the season.
Roberts confirmed on July 25 that there was some “regression” with Ohtani's knee following his bullpen session in Philadelphia on July 22.
Tyler Glasnow (back injury) is expected to return some time in August from the 60-day IL. The 32-year-old pitcher was cleared to resume throwing off the mound in early July and was scheduled to face live hitters last week.
Blake Snell is also taking steps toward a return. The 33-year-old southpaw is expected to make his third minor league rehab start at Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 29.
The Dodgers will have to decide whether their rotation's health can coalesce for a deep playoff run, or if reinforcements are needed. Skubal had injury issues himself earlier this season, having missed about five weeks with an elbow injury. Skubal returned sooner than expected after undergoing a revolutionary procedure using the NanoNeedle Scope 2.0.
What can the Dodgers give up in potential Tarik Skubal trade?
If Los Angeles wanted to continue to stockpile premier talent, the team has plenty to offer the Tigers.
In an effort to acquire Skubal, the Dodgers could consider offering an immediate starting pitcher in Emmet Sheehan, along with outfielder Zyhir Hope and shortstop Aidan West from the farm system.
Sheehan is viewed as a high-upside pitcher with an explosive fastball, while Hope and West have shown promise.
What are the Dodgers other needs?
The Dodgers' biggest need might be at catcher. Will Smith has served as the team's primary catcher since 2019, but there’s been a level of uncertainty around Smith’s status for the rest of the season due to an inflamed disk in his neck.
Dalton Rushing has played in 62 games this season, but the second-year player still has room for improvement. Rushing has had a few passed ball incidents this season.
Jul 3, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins (50) throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
The squad is back in Sacramento for some much-needed home games after a tough road trip featuring two series losses. Things don’t get any easier for the A’s though as they’ll welcome a surging Boston Red Sox squad that recently went on a massive winning streak. Maybe they’ve used up all their juice and the A’s will be able to put on their spoiler hats this evening in the first of four games against our AL East rivals.
Getting the ball for the series opener is right-hander Jack Perkins. His first half was a disaster as he struggled in his return to the starting rotation. He had a solid start to begin his second half when he went five full frames against the Diamondbacks while allowing just three runs off a three-run home run in the first inning. The A’s would take more of the same tonight.
Here’s the starting lineup for tonight’s series opener in Sacramento against the Red Sox:
A healthy mix tonight, though no Nick Kurtz in this one as the club correctly isn’t going to push him too much when he just came off the IL. It’ll be veteran Jeff McNeil at first instead. We’ll get to see Tommy White at the hot corner again tonight. How he does on defense at third base is a major storyline to watch over the rest of the season. Jacob Wilson and Alika Williams will make up the middle infield duo tonight.
The squad is going with Jonah Heim behind the plate again and we can pretty much expect to see him there the rest of the season. The outfield situation is a bit interesting tonight as Lawrence Butler draws the start in right field against a left-handed pitcher. Might as well let him try to work through his struggles against same-handed pitchers over the final couple months. Regular left fielder Tyler Soderstrom will DH in this one. Rookies Colby Thomas and Henry Bolte flank Butler on the grass tonight in left and center field, respectively.
That lineup will be going up against Boston lefty Payton Tolle. The rookie is in the midst of his first full big league season and he’s impressed Boston up to this point. The former top prospect has a fantastic 3.31 ERA over 16 starts this season, rewarding Boston’s faith in the 23-year-old left-hander. This’ll be the second time the Athletics have ever seen him as he started a game last year against the Green & Gold and allowed a pair of runs in two innings of work in his third big league game last September.
And Boston’s batting order tonight against the right-handed Perkins:
Bob Myers went from being the architect of the NBA’s modern day dynasty to its foil.
As Warriors’ general manager from 2012-2023, Myers helped the franchise win four championships in eight years.
But this summer, he played a different role. He indirectly ripped the carpet out from under his former team.
Myers, who is the president of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, the managing entity for the 76ers, helped orchestrate a trade for Jaylen Brown and land LeBron James in free agency.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors high five after the game on April 9, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California NBAE via Getty Images
After spending over a decade ensuring Curry had the proper pieces around him to climb atop the league, Myers stole his safety ropes.
It’s a testament to his skills. But for the Warriors, it’s an absolute gut punch.
Myers helped transform the Warriors from laughing stock of the league into one of the greatest teams of all-time.
He signed Steph Curry to a four-year, $44 million extension in 2012 when there were concerns about his ankle.
Myers drafted defensive wizard Draymond Green as the No. 35 pick in 2012, which proved to be one of the best second-round steals in NBA history.
He hired Steve Kerr as coach in 2014, and orchestrated a trade for Andre Iguodala, who won Finals MVP in 2015. And in 2016, he signed Kevin Durant, who won Finals MVP in 2017 and 2018.
Myers may not have drafted Curry, but he played a major role in shoring up Golden State’s boat so he could become a four-time champion and two-time MVP.
Rumors surfaced that the Warriors were close to convincing James to join their team.
Curry, who historically has stayed mum on free agency moves, was vocal about how much he wanted the 41-year-old megastar as a teammate. Green turned down his $27.7 million player option so the Warriors could entice James with more money.
There was also the fact that LeBron himself had openly discussed how he had hoped to play alongside Curry, outside of the Olympics.
But Myers, who’s well known for his ability to gain players’ trust, showed why he’s one of the best in the business.
He went onto Rich Paul’s podcast, “Game Over,” and told James’ agent why he believed one of the greatest players of all-time should join the 76ers.
‘I honestly believe this is your best chance to win,” Myers said.
Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers talks with reporters at the NBA basketball team’s practice facility Friday, June 14, 2019, in Oakland, Calif AP
Considering the 76ers’ starting five now consists of LeBron, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid, it is not a hard argument to make.
Was Myers the reason why James decided to sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers? Obviously not. But is Myers the type of guy James wants in important meetings?
Yes.
Is he the type of guy James trusts to be part of the brains of an organization?
Yes.
Myers has made notable mistakes.
He squandered the Warriors’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft by selecting James Wiseman, who proved to be a bust. In doing so, he passed over LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Deni Avdija and Maxey.
He was also was Golden State’s failed “two-timelines plan.”
But overall, Myers helped put the Warriors on the map.
Now he’s guiding one of their competitors, and it had major repercussions for Golden State.
The Warriors are widely considered the biggest losers of the James sweepstakes. They stood pat this offseason, banking on the fact James would want to play alongside Curry and Green.
While the Warriors crossed their fingers, Myers worked overtime.
Myers took over basketball operations for the 76ers on an interim basis after Daryl Morey was fired in May. He then led the front-office search for new President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey.
What happened next?
The 76ers had the best offseason of any team in the NBA.
They should be title contenders next season. Myers had his fingerprints on everything, from the landscape-shifting additions of Brown and James to smart moves around the margins, such as Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade and Ariel Hukporti.
Meanwhile, Curry is going to have to play hero ball on his balky knee for the Warriors to make the playoffs.
It’s ironic that this came at the hands of Myers, who helped put Curry in a position to soar for so long.
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 12: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a three point shot against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at American Airlines Center on April 12, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Things haven’t gone particularly well for Klay Thompson on the court since he left the Golden State Warriors two offseasons ago. He signed a three-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks with the intention of competing for a title with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, but the latter has played just 50 games over those two years, while the former was shockingly traded for Anthony Davis. On top of it all, Thompson put up career-lows in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage last year. Entering the final season of his contract, speculation about a buyout has begin and murmurs of a potential reunion with the Dubs have been floated. A recent SB Nation Reacts poll asked Warriors fans how they’d feel about that move.
While a majority of respondents want Klay to return to Golden State before he retires, it was a much smaller majority than one would expect (56%). It may speak to the disappointing ending to his tenure with the Dubs, capped off by an atrocious Play-In Tournament performance, but likely has even more to do with Thompson’s struggles and the Warriors lack of top-end talent. With a roster lacking so much, the Dubs rostering another old player past his prime with serious limitations is much harder to sell.
Of all David Stearns’ misfires last winter, probably none resonates louder than at first base.
The all-time Mets home run leader is playing at a typical Pete Alonso level for the Orioles. He began Monday with an .812 OPS and 22 homers; not surprisingly, he had appeared in all 106 games for his new team.
Stearns, the Mets president of baseball operations, signed Jorge Polanco to play first base. Polanco has played only two games at the position. Mark Vientos was miscast at first base before hitting the injured list with a broken hand. Jared Young has at least brought a level of respectability to the position, but it’s hard to view a decent stretch by Plan C as organizational success.
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Also, Alonso has excelled defensively. This comes after Stearns’ main talking point heading into the offseason seemed directed at Alonso: the need to improve run prevention. Alonso is three outs above average defensively, placing him in MLB’s 85th percentile.
Francisco Lindor was asked before Monday’s game if the Mets front office miscalculated by not bringing back Alonso.
“We do all miss Pete,” Lindor said. “We love him and he’s a great player and he’s going to be one of the greatest Mets to ever play. I think they made an effort [to keep him]. All I know is they thought they were going to improve the team. At the end of the day, we love Pete. We miss Pete.”
Whether the Mets tried to keep Alonso depends on how you view the seven-year, $158 million offer extended to him two years before he hit free agency. Last November, Alonso was realistically a goner after the Orioles offered him $155 million over five years. The Mets never countered. Within days they signed Polanco to a two-year deal worth $40 million.
Stearns had a brutal offseason, importing Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien and Luis Robert Jr. as core position players, along with Polanco. Bichette needed two months to get going offensively (by which time the Mets were buried in the standings) while Robert and Polanco have spent much more time on the injured list than active. Semien has simply been one of MLB’s least productive players.
Pete Alonso has played every single game for the Orioles. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“We certainly signed him with the anticipation of him being a force in our lineup,” interim manager Andy Green said. “His health hasn’t allowed that to happen for us this year … it’s hurt us. I talked to him [Sunday] for a little bit and just said what I truly believe: by the time he’s done in a Mets uniform he’s going to help us win big games that matter a ton. I don’t think anybody has given up that expectation with him.”
Now the Mets are headed to Monday’s trade deadline as sellers, something that should never happen to a team with MLB’s second-highest payroll. And yet it’s the second time in four seasons the Mets are selling at the deadline after constructing an underperforming roster.
This is not to suggest the Mets would be a first-place team or even in the postseason hunt if they had simply re-signed Alonso. That’s unless Alonso magically could have gotten Freddy Peralta to pitch beyond the fourth inning or Kodai Senga to revert to his 2023 level.
And, of course, if Alonso had returned there would be less uncertainty about first base heading into next season.
It’s understandable Stearns didn’t want to “run it back” with the same group after last season’s second-half collapse that left the Mets absent from the postseason.
But there have been few more popular players in Mets history than Alonso, and the franchise record 264 homers he hit over seven seasons are a testament to his ability.
By the way, the 22 homers he’s hit this season would lead the Mets.
“He’s one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever had,” Lindor said.
The Mets’ purge last winter included trading Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil and letting Edwin Díaz escape through free agency to the Dodgers.
None have left the kind of glaring hole created by Alonso’s absence.
The Philadelphia 76ers already have LeBron James’ position set, or so it seems.
A week ago, the team wasn’t certain James would be joining their ranks. Now, the 76ers have reportedly established James’ role for the upcoming season.
LeBron James is expected to play point guard for the 76ers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the 76ers are expected to utilize the 41-year-old as their point guard. While ESPN’s post on X has since been deleted, Charania discussed James running point for Philadelphia on NBA Today.
“The Sixers, I’m told, are expecting LeBron James to play a good amount of time and period of time at the point guard position, on offense, initiating the game, the offense, for Nick Nurse,” Charania said on Monday.
“Tyrese Maxey, last season, played a lot on the ball at point guard, and we know his prowess off the ball as a scorer. Think of a better player that can set the table for Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe. There’s all these players that can score, that can get the ball from LeBron James.”
This wouldn’t be a first for James as he most notably facilitated the ball throughout the 2019-20 season, where he averaged a career-high 10.2 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Coincidentally, or maybe not so much, the Lakers won the NBA Championship that season.
Joel Embiid and LeBron James will take the floor as teammates in 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Despite being 41 years old, James being the floor general in Philadelphia makes perfect sense since the team lacked a true point guard.
LeBron signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers, and now that the free agency saga is over, basketball fans will turn their attention to the veteran’s performance.
The 76ers will do everything in their power to ensure James has a smooth transition to the Eastern Conference and running the offense is one of his many talents. Throughout his storied career, James has often been compared to Magic Johnson because of his court vision.
Former Lakers star LeBron James was spotted in LA a few days after making his free agency announcement. The Hollywood JR / BACKGRID
The 76ers’ starting roster is absolutely stacked. But the question remains, are there too many cooks in the kitchen?
It was only days ago that former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jack Campbell, who spent one season with the organization and played with the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, announced his retirement.
And now, another goaltender who briefly spent time with the organization is also calling it a career. Michael Hutchinson, who spent the 2023-24 campaign under contract with the club, is retiring.
Hutchinson was originally selected with the 77th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, though he never saw regular season action with the club.
He would then spend 2013 through 2018 with the Winnipeg Jets, and even posted 21-10-5 record with a 2.39 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage with two shutouts in 2013-14.
Following his time with the Jets, Hutchinson saw time with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Columbus Blue Jackets before being signed to a professional tryout (PTO) agreement with the Red Wings in 2023.
While Hutchinson was released from his tryout, he opted for the same deal with the AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins, and would later be signed to a one-year, two-way contract extension.
He appeared in one regular season game for the Red Wings in December 2023, making 33 saves in a loss to the New Jersey Devils.
He later accepted a PTO with the Devils in the fall of 2024, but would be released, and spent his final season of professional hockey with SaiPa in the Finnish Liiga.
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Jun 24, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore (32) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals begin a crucial 4-game series versus their arch rivals the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium Monday night. According to MLB.com, the Cubs will start LHP David Peterson. The Cardinals starter is Matthew Liberatore according to MLB.com. First pitch set for 6:45pm Monday night at Busch Stadium with the TV broadcast available through Cardinals.tv.
Noah Schultz faces a tough Yankees team in tonight’s matchup. | Matt Marton-Imagn Images
It’s a new week and a new series, this time with the Bronx Bombers in town. With similar records, the White Sox will see a mostly dominant Yankees team for the second time this year.
Before the game, the White Sox returned outfielder Everson Pereira from his injury rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Charlotte, reinstated him from the seven-day injured list and optioned outfielder Junior Pérez to the Knights.
Noah Schultz is on the bump tonight. Schultz (3-7) has had a tough transition back post-injury, with a 6.04 ERA, and the Yankees’ hitters will be tough. Former Yankee lefthander specialist Randal Grichuk and leads off tonight:
Max Fried (4-3) is starting for New York. The lefthander has an ERA of 2.97 but only 57 strikeouts this season. White Sox defense will also need to keep a close eye on Ben Rice, who is having quite the season.
You can watch the game on CHSN or listen on ESPN Chicago 1000. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. CT.
"Grade 2 strain, so probably a 4-to-6-week situation," Boone said before Monday's game opened a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. "The good thing is he's obviously able to move around right now, so we'll continue to do that and just allow this thing to heal and get him right."
Bellinger is slashing .259/.350/.420 with 11 home runs and 53 RBI in 102 games this season.
"Obviously we've had some tough, tough injuries to some really important people," Boone said. "But again, that is part of it. And as I said, the season waits for no one. It creates an opportunity, legitimately does, for one or more people to go plug that hole -- to develop, to grow -- and we feel very much that we have capable people out there, capable guys who are capable of going out there and performing at a high level. We've got to weather that storm, and confident we can do that."
With the MLB trade deadline set for next Monday at 6 p.m., does Boone expect Bellinger's status to impact the front office's approach?
"No," Boone said. "I get the sense that they have been working on this in different ways, shape and form for the last several weeks, getting ready for trade deadline stuff and I expect them to try and do all they can to improve our team. But again, you never know how that's going to shake out. We'll see. Again, you've got still teams out there defining who they are and what they're even going to do come a week from now or whenever it is. No, I think they're eager to improve our club if they can. But things got to line up, too."
"We'll see," Boone added. "You never know. You go in looking to try and improve certain areas. Sometimes it lines up. Sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes you've got to pivot and go add to a strength or you never know how it's going to go. You've just got to be prepared that if something lines up and makes sense you're able to go do that. I know the front office is doing all their due diligence right now and we'll see how it shakes out over the next week."
There is no clarity of when Stanton (right calf strain) could return, Boone said.
"He's continuing with his running progression," Boone said of Stanton, who is with the Yankees as they continue their 10-game road trip. "The strength stuff, explosive stuff he's doing in the weight room has been very good. We've just got to get him up to a level, obviously, on the running side of things to be able to go out there."
Rodón (left elbow inflammation) and Schmidt (right forearm tightness) are set to throw live batting practices this week, Boone said.
"I think he's a live Wednesday, I believe, and Clarke is, I think, on Friday," Boone said. "Carlos will have a two-up live Wednesday -- I believe that's Somerset."
His other potential suitors — the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves — are no longer in the dark about his next destination. And the free agents and teams contingently connected to those franchises are free to continue their offseason work now that one of the biggest dominoes of the offseason in James is accounted for.
The Los Angeles Lakers underwent offseason reconstruction, planning around superstar Luka Dončić (right). Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Among those teams include the Lakers, who swiftly underwent their offseason reconstruction around superstar Luka Dončić after James made it clear on June 29 he wasn’t going to return to the franchise for his unprecedented 24th NBA season.
Eight players that ended last season with the Lakers won’t return for 2026-27, including James, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Luke Kennard — the starting lineup from the first four games of their first-round playoffs series victory over the Houston Rockets in the spring.
Rob Pelinka attends a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena on November 28, 2022 in Los Angeles. Getty Images
This doesn’t include Cameron Carr (the No. 24 pick in June’s NBA draft) or Jaden Hardy (who the Lakers acquired from the Wizards in the trade that sent Ayton to Washington). Or Austin Reaves, who re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $180 million deal.
And the Lakers still aren’t done making moves.
By league rules, they can’t be done, having to trim their roster from 16 players to 15 by the time the regular season starts in October.
But they’re also actively looking to add to their roster to put a bow on their offseason before training camp starts in two months.
What must happen between now and then for the Lakers’ offseason to be considered even more successful? A starting-level forward? Another backup big man?
Here’s where the Lakers’ offseason stands, and the directions it’s moving in.
Kuminga pursuit
The Lakers and Cavaliers remain connected even after James’ decision.
As previously reported by the California Post, both franchises are pursuing unrestricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga, who had his $24.3 million team option declined by the Hawks on June 29.
The Lakers met with Kuminga the following day and have stayed in touch with his side over the last few weeks, but they haven’t been able to find a deal.
The Lakers have been linked to pursuing Jonathan Kuminga. NBAE via Getty Images
The holdup has been centered around financial terms of a potential contract that would bring the 23-year-old Kuminga to L.A. – a source told the Post in mid-July the Lakers were offering around $10 annually – and the details of a sign-and-trade the Lakers would need to execute with the Hawks to acquire Kuminga.
As told to the Post last week, there hadn’t been significant progress in a deal that would bring Kuminga to L.A., but that was before James’ decision was made.
A sign-and-trade – which must be for at least three seasons without contract options – is the most realistic way for Kuminga to join the Lakers.
The Post previously reported the Hawks are willing to send Kuminga to the Lakers in a sign-and-trade in a deal that would involve the framework of Atlanta taking back Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap – the lone option the Lakers have of trading a first-round pick this offseason. But that was before the Hawks acquired Lu Dort from the Thunder in a three-team deal and had 17 players under contract on standard deals – meaning they’ll also have to trim their roster over the next few months.
Even after agreeing to terms with Mario Hezonja on a one-year deal, the Cavaliers remain a viable option for Kuminga via sign-and-trade. How much they’ll be able, or willing, to offer him Kuminga depends, in part, on how much of a pay cut James Harden is willing to take to return to the Cavaliers after declining his $42.3 million player option. The Cavaliers are reportedly also interested in DeMar DeRozan.
Good enough roster?
Without Kuminga, the Lakers’ roster has an evident hole for a starting-caliber wing alongside Doncic, Reaves, Grimes and Kessler.
If they don’t land Kuminga, their paths to a backup option appear to be murky.
The same is true for the Lakers’ quest for another big man, with their rotation currently being Kessler, Looney and Mamukelashvili.
Multiple front office personnel who spoke with the Post on the condition of anonymity throughout July overall liked the moves the Lakers made during the offseason.
But the moves weren’t lauded to the point where they’re viewed as a contender to come out of the Western Conference. The Lakers remain viewed as at least a tier below the Spurs and Thunder – along with most of the West.
Landing Kuminga – or another starting-level forward – would help the Lakers close the gap between themselves and the top of the West.
But realistically, there aren’t enough big moves for the Lakers to make this offseason to transform their outlook for 2026-27 outside of what they’ve already done.
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Curtis Mead’s debut with the Red Sox didn’t go the way he or the organization hoped.
Mead was forced to leave Monday night’s game early after getting hit by a pitch in the wrist from A’s starter Jack Perskin.
Mead, who struck out looking in the first inning, took a 95 mph fastball off the left wrist in the top of the fourth inning. He remained in the game, diving back to first base twice on pickoff attempts and playing the field in the bottom of the fourth.
Curtis Mead left the game in his Red Sox debut after being hit by a pitch on the hand
Yet when the Red Sox took the field for the fifth, Anthony Seigler was in at second base.
The Red Sox acquired Mead over the weekend, trading left-handed pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in a one-for-one swap.
Though Mead has primarily played third base in his career, he is expected to play second base for Boston, with Caleb Durbin manning third. Interim manager Chad Tracy also indicated that he likes Mead in the two-hole in the lineup, in part to give Ceddanne Rafaela more freedom to steal bases out of the fifth spot.
Those plans though, may be on hold for the near future, depending on how severe the injury suffered on Monday night might be.
