Our NBA player prop projections are locked in for Game 5 between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, with the model identifying several high-value spots as Houston battles to keep its season alive.
By comparing the data against current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the strongest edges.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Wednesday, April 29.
Rockets vs Lakers computer picks for Game 5
Rockets
Lakers
Thompson o18.5 points -120
James u23.5 points -110
Smith Jr. o6.5 rebounds -141
Ayton u7.5 rebounds -105
Sengun o5.5 assists -125
Hachimura o1.5 3-pointers -105
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Rockets Game 5 computer picks
Amen Thompson Over 18.5 points (-120)
Projection: 19.1 points
Amen Thompson is averaging 24.6 points over his last five games —6.2 above his season average — and with the Houston Rockets in desperation mode, he’s in a strong spot to clear this points prop as he looks to help extend their season.
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Jabari Smith Jr. Over 6.5 rebounds (-141)
Projection: 7.29 rebounds
The Rockets lead the NBA with 15.1 offensive rebounds per game, and in a must-win spot, they’ll need to lean into that strength to generate extra chances.
Jabari Smith Jr. has cleared this line in Games 1 and 4, and Game 5 sets up as another opportunity for him to stay aggressive on the glass.
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Alperen Şengün Over 5.5 assists (-125)
Projection: 5.98 assists
Alperen Şengün is well-positioned to clear 5.5 assists in this elimination Game 5, especially with Houston’s offense expected to run heavily through him.
In win-or-go-home spots, the ball tends to stay in Şengün’s hands as a hub at the elbow and in the post, where he thrives as a facilitator.
His ability to draw double teams from the Lakers creates natural kick-out opportunities, and with Houston likely emphasizing ball movement to generate cleaner looks, the assist chances should be there.
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Lakers Game 5 computer picks
LeBron James Under 23.5 points (-110)
Projection: 22.84 points
The Rockets play at the second-slowest pace in the league, which should limit possessions for the Los Angeles Lakers.
With Austin Reaves expected back, it could ease the offensive burden on LeBron James — something his 41-year-old legs will appreciate.
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Deandre Ayton Under 7.5 rebounds (-105)
Projection: 7.29 rebounds
The Lakers would love to close this series out at home, and that starts with eliminating Houston’s second-chance opportunities; something Deandre Ayton can help control on the glass.
He’s cleared this prop in Games 1 and 4, but with the Rockets having their backs against the wall, expect a stronger push to limit his impact on the boards.
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Rui Hachimura Over 1.5 3-pointers (-120)
Projection: 2.15 3-pointers
The Lakers have been the most efficient three-point shooting team in the league over their last five games, and much of that is thanks to Rui Hachimura’s hot hand this series.
He’s shot 50% or better from deep in every game against Houston — ride the momentum and expect it to continue.
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How to watch Rockets vs Lakers Game 5
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 18: Jonah Heim #20 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after sliding safely into second after hitting a double against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park on April 18, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
At 21-9, the Atlanta Braves are off to their hottest start to the season since 2000. It seems like we’re hearing a new and fantastical stat about how Good The Vibes Are Right Now at a clip not seen since the history-making offense of 2023.
Here’s some more fun numbers as we go into game 2 tonight: with last night’s win (on Snoopy night!), the Braves have won nine straight games versus Detroit dating back to 2023 and extended the longest active winning streak versus the Tigers in baseball. Even wilder, you have to go back to 2013 for the last time Atlanta has dropped a series to Detroit. Let’s keep a good thing going tonight, shall we?
Drake Baldwin will DH while Jonah Heim is behind the plate as the battery mate for JR Ritchie. As we noted in the preview, Heim has the most ABs against Skubal and is 3-for-16. Maybe he’ll be a difference-maker in the nine hole.
Leadoff man Ronald Acuña Jr. may be heating up… it’d be great if the two XBH from last night got him going. Austin Riley moves up to fifth, followed by Mauricio Dubón. People are being quick to attribute Michael Harris II’s less-hot-than-we’ve-seen-lately night at the plate yesterday to his return to CF, but he was still 1-for-4. He’ll bat seventh tonight. Eli White will bat eighth and hopefully have a completely routine and normal night in left field.
The lineup for Tarik Skubal’s Tigers looks a little different. Rookie Kevin McGonigle will lead off. Gleyber Torres remains in the two hole, but will be followed by 3B Colt Keith. Riley Greene moves up a spot to bat cleanup. Dillon Dingler is still catching and batting fifth. New face Kerry Carpenter enters the lineup to play right field. With the unfortunate injury to Javier Báez, the Tigers will have Wenceel Pérez (of preventing-last-night’s-shutout fame) in center field and batting eighth.
The Buffalo Sabres were all set to win a playoff series for the first time in 19 years, leading 3-1 over the Boston Bruins after a 6-1 thrashing in Game 4, but after taking the lead on a Rasmus Dahlin power play goal, the Sabres were unable to add on and allowed Boston to settle into a more defensive duel that suits their style of play. Elias Lindholm tied the game in the second period, and after a scoreless third with a number of scoring chances thwarted by Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, David Pastrnak scored past Alex Lyon midway through the first overtime period to force Game 6 in Boston on Wednesday.
The win is the fourth of the five games in the series that the visiting team came out on top, and puts the Bruins in position to force a seventh game with a victory on home ice on Friday. The injury bug hit the Sabres up the middle for the second time in the series, as center Noah Ostlund left the game in the first period with a lower body injury. The rookie scored a goal and assist in his playoff debut in Game 3, but according to head coach Lindy Ruff, the injury is expected to keep Ostlund out for the foreseeable future.
"He's gonna miss a period of time," Ruff said to the media on Wednesday. "(The) news wasn't good, don't exactly know how much right now, but he's gonna miss some time."
It is expected that Josh Norris, who sat out the last three games with an undisclosed injury but skated on Tuesday, will be ready to go for Game 6.
Can the Bruins even the series and force a seventh game with the Sabres?
Other questions asked of Ruff:
How do you prepare the club for an elimination game?
The same way we're trying to prepare for for last night's game. We knew there's going to be a desperation level inside the game, and I thought the start to the game,. (with) the power play goal, we got off to a good start. I just sensed the little bit of nerves with our guys. Our puck play wasn't as good as it was in Boston, so just get them to relax, play our game and be ready to go.
What was it about the atmosphere that made the club a bit nervous?
I think you kind of sense we've got this lead, and we, at times, were just a little bit safe with our play, where we needed just to stay on our toes and stay aggressive and (have) more puck pressure that we kind of deferred to playing a safer game in my eyes.
You haven’t had many losing skids since early December, you’ve always bounced back. What do you credit that towards?
Really just focusing on our game. We'll go through parts of the game, and there's two or three areas we can improve for next game that we weren't good enough at. And we'll show two or three areas that we thought we can take advantage of the other team. I just feel now, the pressure kind of reverts back to them, and their building and they haven't played well in their building, and we get to go there and play in a building where we've won two games.
The Sabres were held off the ice on Wednesday, but will practice on Thursday in Buffalo before departing for Boston.
Ryan Rickelton’s maiden IPL century came in vain as Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down 244 to beat Mumbai Indians by six wickets in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday.
“Didn’t improve much after treatment yesterday, so he’s getting an MRI right now to see what we’re dealing with,” said Mendoza.
“We’ve got to wait and see what the MRI says and what’s the plan of attack, if we need to put him on the IL or if he continues to be day-to-day, but that’s why we’re taking a look at it.”
Robert, who has dealt with a handful of other injury issues throughout his career, is hitting .224 this season with two home runs and eight RBI in 24 games.
Mendoza said there is obviously concern for the veteran outfielder, but the team is still in wait-and-see mode.
"Every time you send someone for an MRI, you’re always concerned. … We’re doing everything in our power to keep him on the field, and hopefully this is just a minor thing that we’re just dealing with for a couple of days and he’s back out there soon," Mendoza said.
If Robert does, in fact, land on the IL, the Mets have options to play center field already on the roster, including Carson Benge and Tyrone Taylor.
"I feel comfortable with any of them playing center field," Mendoza said. "Tyrone, we’ve seen over the years, he’s elite there. The way Carson’s been playing everywhere, and not only that, he’s comfortable moving around as well. Left field, some of the plays he’s made, right field, center."
Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez exited Wednesday's game against the Rangers after being hit in the elbow by a pitch.
In the top of the fourth with the game still scoreless, Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi threw a 1-1 cutter that was up and in on the youngster. The pitch, which was thrown at 89 mph, appeared to hit Dominguez in his back elbow.
Dominguez turned and dropped the bat and crouched over in pain. After a lengthy talk with the trainer, Dominguez stayed in the game to run the bases, but was pulled when it was time for him to take the field. Dominguez was starting in left field for the first time this season. In the two games since he was called up Monday, Dominguez started as the DH.
Dominguez was replaced in the field by Max Schuemann.
The team later announced Dominguez was pulled due to left elbow contusion. X-rays were taken in Arlington, but further imaging will be done in New York.
Before leaving Wednesday's game, Dominguez was 0-for-1 with the HBP. In three games, he's 1-for-9 with two strikeouts in 10 at-bats.
Trainer took a long look at Jasson Dominguez after this hit by pitch on the elbow, but he's staying in the game pic.twitter.com/3mAK89gC84
ATLANTA (AP) — Authorities announced Wednesday that former Atlanta Hawks finance executive Lester T. Jones Jr. was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for embezzling approximately $3.7 million from the team through fraudulent expense reimbursement requests and misuse of corporate credit cards.
Federal prosecutors said in a court filing in November that Jones, a former Hawks accounting executive, used the money to pay for travel, luxury apparel, jewelry, car expenses and tickets to concerts and sporting events.
Jones pleaded guilty to wire fraud in December.
Jones, 46, worked in the Hawks’ accounting and finance department from March 2016 through June 2025. In his role as senior vice president for finance, beginning in August 2021, he was responsible for the company’s corporate credit card account with American Express and administered the electronic expense reimbursement program.
“Jones turned his dream job as a high-ranking executive for the Atlanta Hawks into an opportunity to steal the team’s funds, purchasing luxury apparel, jewelry, watches, and trips for himself,” U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said in a statement released by the Department of Justice.
“But, for Jones and others who abuse their employers’ trust to embezzle substantial funds, the gravy train’s final destination is federal prison.”
The Hawks had no comment Wednesday on Jones' sentencing.
Marlo Graham, an Atlanta-based special agent, said Jones' case “underscores the significant damage that can be caused by insider threats within an organization.”
“Jones abused his authority and access to embezzle millions, but schemes like this are not immune from detection," Graham said in a statement. "The FBI remains committed to investigating and disrupting financial crimes at every level.”
Prosecutors said Jones embezzled the money by submitting dozens of fraudulent expense reimbursement requests, leading the Hawks to reimburse him for fictitious business expenses. Also, prosecutors said Jones charged personal expenses to corporate credit cards.
Among the personal expenses: approximately $80,000 in overseas travel to the Bahamas and Thailand, $99,800 in apparel at Saks Fifth Avenue, a $115,795.01 diamond ring, $21,888.90 in Omega watches, and over $160,000 in tickets to concerts and other events.
Despite trailing in this first-round series, 3-2, the Denver Nuggets are actually favored to win it.
That is what comes from the Minnesota Timberwolves losing their starting backcourt in Game 4.
These Nuggets vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks expect Minnesota to throw the kitchen sink at Nikola Jokic & Co. in Game 6 on Thursday, April 30.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves prediction
Nuggets vs Timberwolves best bet: Nikola Jokic Under 29.5 points (-112)
At the very least, Denver Nuggets’ superstar Nikola Jokic has looked tired in this series. He found more space inside in Game 5 and had his first efficient game of the series, yet Jokic still scored only 27 points.
And that is not because he played significantly fewer minutes. For someone so upset about a last-second layup in Game 4, Jokic still made a show of trying to embarrass a Minnesota Timberwolves’ rookie in the final seconds of Game 5.
Jokic played more than 37 minutes, and his 27 points stand out — especially since that’s his high-water mark in this series.
Credit Rudy Gobert. He has matched Jokic’s physicality and minutes this series, making the Serbian’s life miserable.
The Timberwolves should play their most aggressive defense of the series in Game 6. It’s stronger with Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo on the floor, but it can still hold up without them.
And even if it doesn’t show up, there hasn't been any evidence that Jokic has the energy to post a 30-point masterpiece the way he so often has in the past.
Nuggets vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
There is distinct logic in expecting the Nuggets’ role players to come up short on the road, thus turning a few potential Jokic assists into nothing but missed shots.
Such missed shots should help Minnesota’s transition game, which needs to be a key piece of the Timberwolves’ offense.
Over/Under: Over 225.5 (-110) | Under 225.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
Denver has fallen short of its team total in four of the five games in this series. Find more NBA betting trends for Nuggets vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Nuggets vs Timberwolves Game 6
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Nuggets vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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Yankees ace Gerrit Cole looked solid in his third rehab start on Wednesday as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.
Pitching for Double-A Somerset, Cole retired the first 11 Portland Sea Dogs he faced, but ran into some trouble in the fourth inning.
Cole lost the perfect game on a two-out single and then gave up a two-run home run to Johanfran Garcia. The right-hander got out of the frame on a fly out.
He bounced back with a strikeout to open the fifth inning, but then allowed another home run to Max Ferguson as the Patriots went down, 3-1.
Cole was able to regain his control and record the next four outs into the sixth inning, exiting after exactly 60 pitches -- the most he's thrown over three rehab starts. Over his three games in the minors, Cole has allowed seven earned runs on 11 hits with 10 strikeouts and one walk over 14.1 innings.
It's expected that the 35-year-old will still need a few more rehab games before he returns to the Bronx.
Additionally, shortstop Anthony Volpe went 2-for-4 for the Patriots as his rehab from shoulder surgery continues. However, he was picked off first base in the bottom of the third inning and was thrown out at second base in the fifth inning trying to stretch a single into a double.
On Monday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he was unsure if Volpe would be able to rejoin the team in time for their weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles. Over 10 minor league games across Double-A and Triple-A, Volpe is hitting .303 with a home run and three RBI.
Gerrit Cole looking solid in his third rehab start!
The Premier League isn’t as fun and fizzy as PSG v Bayern but that’s the price of the twice-weekly churn that rewards discipline and sacrifice
In the novel Rabbit, Run, John Updike has one of his characters, a groovy and progressive 1960s priest, calling round to talk to his fellow minister, a hard German Lutheran, about the secret doubts he harbours about his faith. Is the doctrine really necessary? Is hell just, you know, a metaphor? He likes Jesus. But maybe he also likes sinful things, like sex and recklessly open attacking football.
The hard German Lutheran takes one look, curls his lip and tells the groovy progressive priest to get down on his knees in the kitchen and beg for forgiveness. Who is he to reason with divine suffering? Life is pain. Joy is pain. Pain is pain. Frankly, the groovy priest who likes flying full-backs and an open midfield disgusts him. He will burn in hell for his spineless debauchery. The groovy priest leaves in tears.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 16, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For the first time in years, the Brooklyn Nets will be doing double-duty in the summer, adding three games at the Sacramento-based California Classic in early July to their already scheduled minimum of five games at the Las Vegas Summer League.
The announcement came via Tweet from the Nets official account…
The Classic is co-sponsored by the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. In addition to the three games the Nets will play at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, three other games involving three other teams will be played at Chase Center in San Francisco. Classic games are normally carried on NBA TV.
The news re the California Classic means the Nets will play a minimum of eight games between July 4, the beginning of the California Classic and July 19, the end of the Vegas Summer League. Following the close of the Classic, they will travel to Vegas and play a minimum of five games in Vegas. That schedule could be extended by a couple of more games depending on how far the Nets advance in the championship round.
The Nets decision was based in large part on just how many of their roster players are young. The roster this past season was the league’s youngest in the last 20 years, per Sean Marks. By season’s end included five first round picks — an NBA record — who can be expected to play in one or both leagues, depending on health. Egor Demin missed the last month of the season due to increased plantar fasciitis in his left foot. At the time, the Nets said Dëmin is expected to be a “full participant in the summer development program.”
In addition, Brooklyn played three undrafted players at one point or another in the season: Chaney Johnson, Grant Nelson and Malachi Smith. Also, as of the moment, the team has three first draft picks in June: a lottery pick somewhere between No. 1 and No. 7 as well as second rounders at Nos. 33 and 43. The double schedule will permit the team to get extended looks at all of them.
The Vegas games, which normally take place the first week of July, will also be getting a later start, giving the Nets the opportunity to play in both leagues. In the past, the Nets played in two leagues, either in Orlando or Salt Lake City.
The Summer League games will come during a particularly hectic time for NBA teams in late June and early July. The NBA Draft takes place over two nights on June 23 and 24 at Barclays Center. Teams can begin contacting free agents on July 1 and will be permitted to sign them five days later. It is also the most active time for trades.
While the first two months in the Detroit Red Wings tenure of John Gibson weren't what he or the club were looking for, he rebounded in emphatic fashion.
Gibson became arguably one of the NHL's top goaltenders from that point on, putting together several multi-game winning streaks and enjoying a dominant stretch of 16 wins in 18 games while posting an impressive .929 save percentage.
However, Gibson was ultimately overlooked in the recent voting for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's top goaltender. This season's nominees were announced on Wednesday, and two of them play in the Atlantic Division.
Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, and Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders are this season's Vezina nominees.
By January 22, Gibson's 13.47 goals saved above expected at 5-on-5 since the start of December was only behind Sorokin. His strong play was also a major reason why the Red Wings, who ultimately missed the postseason, were tied for first overall in the Eastern Conference in late January.
Gibson's numbers did come back down to earth during the final 19 games that he started, during which he accumulated a 6-10-2 record with a 3.20 goals-against average.
Overall, he finished his first campaign with the Red Wings, having posted a 29-22-4 record, a 2.72 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and four shutouts.
Gibson, who was acquired last offseason from the Anaheim Ducks, is under contract for one more season.
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DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn was fined Wednesday by the NHL for cross-checking Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman after a heated exchange between the players during Game 5 of the first-round playoff series.
Benn and Hartman came together with 5:15 left in the Wild's 4-2 win on Tuesday night that gave them a 3-2 series lead.
The fine of $2,604.17 against Benn was the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
After Hartman's high shove on Benn near the Minnesota net, the Stars forward gathered himself and responded with cross-checks to the back and then high around the neck/shoulder area. Benn was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking, and Hartman got a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, creating a 4-on-4 situation.
The Wild host Game 6 on Thursday night, when they have to a chance to clinch their first playoff series victory since 2015.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 07, 2026: Carson Whisenhunt #88 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training game against the Texas Rangers at Scottsdale Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
There were just three games for the San Francisco Giants Minor League Baseball affiliates on Tuesday, as those teams kicked off their next six-game series. High-A Eugene, as happens from time to time (including next week) had a scheduling conflict at their University of Oregon stadium, and have a doubleheader on Saturday to make up for not starting their series against Spokane until today.
All listed positions in the roundup are the position played in that particular game.
AAA Sacramento (15-11)
Sacramento River Cats beat the Salt Lake Bees (Angels) 5-2 Box score
It took awhile, but we finally got a star showing from LHP Carson Whisenhunt (No. 8 CPL). Whisenhunt has struggled a bit to start to the year, but you certainly wouldn’t know it based on Tuesday’s performance, when he positively dominated the Bees. That’s doubly impressive when you glance at Salt Lake’s roster and realize just how many former Major Leaguers are populating it …. guys like Chris Taylor, Jeimer Candelario, Jose Siri, Nick Madrigal, Trey Mancini, and Yolmer Sánchez.
Those batters wanted nothing to do with Whisenhunt on Tuesday, though, as he cruised through 6 innings while allowing just 3 hits and 1 run, with 8 strikeouts. Whisenhunt wasn’t particularly dominating the strike zone, as he threw 48 of 78 pitches for strikes, but, critically, he didn’t issue a single walk all game (he did hit a batter, though).
It was Whisenhunt’s best pitch — his famed changeup — that did the damage against the Bees. All 8 of his strikeouts were swinging strikes, and a staggering 7 of them came when whiffing through his changeup. Talk about an elite pitch! There really doesn’t seem to be much of a question as to whether or not Whisenhunt’s changeup can play at the highest level … the question, rather, is whether his fastball can play well enough to set up the changeup. And on this day it most certainly did.
Rehabbing RHP Joel Peguero (No. 27 CPL) was a strike-throwing machine, as he tossed 12 pitches in a scoreless 7th inning, and all 12 of them were strikes. Impressive, and not usually what he’s known for! He did give up 2 hits, but struck out a batter and kept runs off the board, lowering his ERA to 6.14 and his FIP to 4.59. He’s made 8 rehab appearances, and it’s unclear if he’ll head to San Francisco when he’s done rehabbing, or if he’ll stay in Sacramento (he still has all 3 option years remaining). I’d guess the latter.
The big hit on offense came from designated hitter Jake Holton, who bopped the 1st home run of his AAA career to give the River Cats some insurance runs.
Holton, who hit 1-4 with a strikeout, spent 3 years putting up really nice numbers in AA while in the Tigers system before joining the Giants on a Minor League deal this year. It’s been an adjustment to the new level: he has just a .216 batting average, a 27.7% strikeout rate, a .668 OPS, and an 89 wRC+. But he’s still getting his feet wet.
Nice days for 2 of the best defensive players on the team, as center fielder Grant McCray and shortstop Osleivis Basabe both hit 2-4 with a double and a strikeout. McCray, who has a .667 OPS and a 91 wRC+, has been showing signs of life lately after a brutal start to the year. Basabe, who is critical depth given that there are no rostered infielders on the River Cats, has a .717 OPS and a 91 wRC+.
Not very good days for the team’s top hitting prospects, as first baseman Bryce Eldridge (No. 1 CPL) went 1-4 with 3 strikeouts, catcher Jesús Rodríguez (No. 16 CPL) hit 1-4 with 1 strikeout, left fielder Victor Bericoto (No. 35 CPL) went 0-4, and second baseman Nate Furman (No. 39 CPL) hit 1-4 with a walk and a stolen base.
AA Richmond (17-4)
Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Altoona Curve (Pirates) 10-9 Box score
It was almost an incredibly arrogant game for the Squirrels. Earlier this month, they swept Altoona in a 6-game series, and almost flexed on their opponent with a ruthless comeback. Richmond trailed 9-1 entering the 6th inning, and 10-6 entering the 8th. They almost pulled it off!
Unlike their older brothers in Sacramento, the Squirrels emphatically did not have a good pitching day, so we won’t linger on it long. The starter, LHP Greg Farone, had a brutal game, throwing just 36 of 70 pitches for strikes while allowing 5 hits (including a home run), 5 walks, and 4 runs in just 2.1 innings, though he struck out 4 batters. Farone, a 7th-round pick in 2024, started his debut AA season nicely: in his 1st 2 starts, he pitched 9 innings and allowed just 6 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs, with 13 strikeouts. But in 3 starts since, he’s made it through just 8.1 innings, while giving up 13 hits, 9 walks, and 11 runs, with 11 strikeouts.
Then it was RHP Shane Rademacher, who has played something in between a long relief role and a piggybacking starter role this year. He didn’t have the command issues — he didn’t issue any walks — but gave up 3 home runs in just 2.1 innings. In total, the UDFA allowed 6 hits, 5 earned runs, and struck out 3, while seeing his ERA rise to 6.17 and his FIP to 7.62.
RHP Will Bednar (No. 24 CPL) had a decent showing, though, as he tossed 2 shutout innings with 3 strikeouts, though he did allow 3 baserunners (2 singles and a walk).
On offense, it was the usual suspects up to their early season tricks. Namely, it was first baseman Sabin Ceballos (No. 43 CPL) who continues to make it his life’s mission to put the 2025 season behind him. The 2023 3rd-rounder out of Oregon (drafted by Atlanta) had another brilliant day, hitting 3-5 with a 2-run home run, 2 doubles, and a strikeout.
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) April 28, 2026
Ceballos, who will turn 24 in August, is now at 5 home runs on the season …. after hitting just 6 bombs last year (at the same level) in 108 games. That power increase is the leading reason for why his year-over-year OPS has leaped from .670 to .990, and his wRC+ from 102 to 154. But it’s not just an injection of power, as his average has jumped from .232 to .306.
With Parks Harber (No. 17 CPL) finally healthy, Ceballos — who plays a pretty mean third base — will probably mostly be spending time at first base for Richmond. Given that third base isn’t blocked in AAA, an earlyish promotion wouldn’t be too surprising if Ceballos keeps up this level of performance.
The other usual suspect was right fielder Jonah Cox, who continues to hit like someone we shouldn’t describe as a glove-and-cleat first player. Also a 2023 draft pick by a different team (a 6th-rounder by the A’s), Cox hasn’t stopped hitting this year, and on Tuesday went 1-3 with a triple, a hit by pitch, and a stolen base.
— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) April 29, 2026
A year after having just a .731 OPS and a 103 wRC+ in High-A, Cox is at a blistering 1.183 OPS and 209 wRC+ through 19 games playing up a level … and also has 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts. I don’t think anyone else in the organization (save for perhaps Rafael Devers at the Major League level) has had a more surprising start to the year.
Nice games for catcher Drew Cavanaugh (No. 19 CPL) and second baseman Diego Velasquez (No. 31 CPL), who both hit 1-2 with 2 walks and a strikeout. Cavanaugh has built on his breakout 2025 by casually posting a 1.147 OPS and a 202 wRC+, while having an elite blend of contact, power, and walks (among the 108 Eastern League hitters with at least 50 plate appearances, Cavanaugh is 6th in average, 6th in walk rate, and 16th in isolated slugging). Velasquez, who doubled for his hit, quietly has a .788 OPS and a 120 wRC+ despite posting an uncharacteristically-low .244 average. He’s nearing the 200-game mark in AA, but is also still just 22.
Harber and center fielder Bo Davidson (No. 4 CPL) are both still trying to find their groove during seasons that have been interrupted (Harber by a fairly serious hamstring injury, and Davidson by a less-serious arm injury plus parental leave). Harber went 1-5 with a double and 3 strikeouts, and now has a .737 OPS and a 93 wRC+; Davidson hit 0-3 but drew 2 walks, moving his OPS to .676 and his wRC+ to 70. He did have an awesome catch, too.
Bo Davidson brings one back in the late innings for the @GoSquirrels!
His bat gets the headlines and for good reason, but his defense has come a long way across the last year or so.
San Jose Giants beat the Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks) 8-5 Box score
Fresh off Pitcher of the Week honors, RHP Keyner Martinez (No. 10 CPL) flashed some good and some bad in his Tuesday start. The strikeout stuff was emphatically on display for the 21-year old, who K’d 8 batters in just 4 innings. But it was definitely a case of being effectively wild, as Martinez also walked 5 batters, while giving up 4 hits and 2 runs.
Missing the plate has been the biggest issue for Martinez as he looks to build on his sensational 2025. He’s already walked 10 batters in just 15.2 innings, while hitting another 2. But when he gets hitters to swing? Well, things are going his way … he’s already recorded 24 strikeouts, and has only given up 11 hits. The overall numbers aren’t there yet — he has a 5.17 ERA and a 4.80 FIP — but it’s certainly a very exciting package.
RHP Sam Bower followed and was awesome, giving up just a hit and a walk in 2.1 shutout innings, with 3 strikeouts. Bower was the team’s 11th-round pick back in 2022, but didn’t make his professional debut until this season, due to injuries. The St. Mary’s alum is starting to find his groove, though he’s issuing too many walks. He’s down to a 3.95 ERA on the year, though he has a 5.11 FIP.
In the batter’s box, it was yet another great game for first baseman Hayden Jatczak, who has started his career by doing nothing but hitting, hitting, and hitting some more. The UDFA went 2-5 in this game, with both a home run and a double, raising his OPS to 1.056 and his wRC+ to 168.
Jatczak’s numbers are propped up in part by an absurd 22.3% walk rate, but he’s also just beating up on much younger players (he turns 25 in August). It’s been a fun debut to watch, and I’m curious how much longer the Giants let him lay waste to the lowest level of A-ball.
Center fielder Andy Polanco had a nice game, hitting 2-4 with a double and stealing a pair of bases. The 11th-round pick from 2024, who is celebrating his 21st birthday today, is holding his own on offense, with an .805 OPS and a 110 wRC+. There are some warning signs — he has a sky-high .478 BABIP and a very high 28.2% strikeout rate — but it’s still nice to see given his 85 wRC+ in the Complex League last year.
Polanco is a burner, and has played strong defense for San Jose this year, while stealing 8 bases in as many attempts. Hopefully the offense can keep making strides.
Also stealing a base was shortstop Jhonny Level (No. 3 CPL), who hit 2-5 with a strikeout and his 7th swiped bag in 9 tries. Level has cooled off from his absurd start to the year, though he still has a 1.050 OPS and a 160 wRC+. It’s been nothing short of a fantastic season for the 19-year old switch-hitter, who I think has a good chance to be a consensus top-50 prospect by the end of the year.
And finally, right fielder Jose Astudillo made his season debut. And he made it quite nicely, I might add, hitting 2-4 with a walk. Astudillo, a recently-turned 22 year old from Venezuela, really opened eyes last year, when he started the season in the Dominican Summer League and ended it in Low-A. The right-hander is lacking power, but is a bat control artist: in 200 plate appearances across 3 levels last year, he hit just 1 home run, but posted a .367 batting average and struck out just 19 times.
Sacramento: 5:35 p.m. PT at Salt Lake (SP: Carson Seymour) Richmond: 3:00 p.m. PT at Altoona (SP: Joe Whitman) Eugene: 11:05 a.m. PT vs. Spokane (SP: Charlie McDaniel) San Jose: 3:35 p.m. PT at Visalia (SP: TBD)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 8: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes a lead off second base against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 8, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After their first off day in two weeks, the Dodgers open a six-game road trip on Friday night against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
This will be Emmet Sheehan’s first career start in St. Louis, and his second career start against the Cardinals. He struck out five and allowed two unearned runs in five innings in a win last August 5 at Busch Stadium.
Left-hander Matthew Liberatore starts for the Cardinals. The Dodgers are 5-1 in games started by left-handed starting pitching opponents this season, but Friday will mark just the third time in the last 16 games they’ve faced a southpaw to start.
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