INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots a free throw during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is in a few hours, and for the first time since 2021 (when they used the No. 7 pick on Jonathan Kuminga and the No. 14 pick on Moses Moody), the Golden State Warriors have a lottery pick. The Dubs hold the No. 7 overall pick, and if you want reason for optimism, well … I’ve got you covered! I recently covered the recent history of the No. 11 pick, and it includes some fantastic names, including two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Warriors franchise legend Klay Thompson.
Golden State will have plenty of names to intriguing names to choose from (our Ricko Mendoza covered the players being mocked to the Dubs here), and I’m here to tell them to keep it simple: draft Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg.
As Ricko pointed out, Brayden Burries — a common name mocked to the Warriors — would be an incredibly intriguing fit, thanks to his size, physicality, and combination of defense and slick shooting. Should he make it to the Warriors (many mocks have him drafted in the top 10), you wouldn’t be able to blame Mike Dunleavy Jr. for taking a swing. There are far worse approaches to take than grabbing a highly-ranked player who falls.
But Lendeborg, who seems extremely likely to be available at No. 11, just makes too much sense. As a five-year senior who will turn 24 before Opening Night, he is arguably the most NBA-ready player in the entire draft. Given Golden State’s open desire to compete this year behind Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and (half a season of) Jimmy Butler III, that NBA readiness makes all the sense in the world … it’s the same reason that most mock drafts have the Oklahoma City Thunder scooping up Lendeborg at No. 12 should the Warriors pass on him.
And yet, the versatile forward is more than just a high-floor, NBA-ready player. He’s a genuine prospect, with a heigh ceiling and some untapped potential. My colleague Ricky O’Donnell, who mocked Lendeborg to the Thunder, ranks him as the No. 5 prospect in the draft, while noting that he has the skills and athleticism to play on the perimeter, despite having a 7’3.25 wingspan and the weight of a center.
Lendeborg blossomed this season, his lone year at Michigan, which resulted in both a championship and consensus first-team All-American honors. That trajectory would certainly suggest there’s a lot more left in the tank, and the Warriors can dream of Lendeborg being not just a contributor to a playoff run this year, but an All-Star to build around further down the road.
Beyond that, Lendeborg simply has the skillset that matches a team coached by Steve Kerr. He’s a big who can shoot well from deep. He makes quick reads and operates with decisiveness. He’s gifted defensively, and can guard everyone from shooting guards to centers. He’s aggressive and invites contact, something the team sorely lacks. He has the mindset to lead a unit and take over, and the selflessness to fit into a smaller, more thankless role.
Should Burries — or better yet, an even more highly-touted prospect — fall to the Dubs at No. 11, then they’ll have a decision to make. But there’s no need to overcomplicate this one. Sometimes players just make sense. And Lendeborg to the Warriors just makes sense.
Summer blockbuster season has arrived in Calgary, with the Flames landing former No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a major trade that signals a clear push to reshape both their present and future.
In return, Calgary sends a substantial package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, giving the Flames some measure of insurance while still paying a steep price for two NHL-ready pieces.
Nemec stands out as the headliner of the deal — a former second-overall pick still early in his career but already carrying meaningful NHL experience. The right-shot defenceman appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, posting a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) along with 26 penalty minutes. Over three NHL seasons since his debut in 2023-24, he has now played 155 games, steadily building confidence and offensive impact from the blue line.
Internationally, Nemec has been a key figure for Slovakia on the world stage. He represented his country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, recording two assists in six games as Slovakia finished just outside the medals in fourth place. That came after a bronze-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking two separate Olympic appearances before the age of 23.
His résumé stretches back into junior and international dominance. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was named tournament MVP after posting six points. He followed that with a standout performance at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, setting a tournament record for the most points by an 18-year-old defenceman with six points in eight games.
Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara
The Flames also bring in Maxim Tsyplakov, a late-blooming winger whose path to the NHL has been far less conventional but no less impactful in terms of physical presence and versatility. In 126 NHL games split between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, Tsyplakov has recorded 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. He originally joined the Islanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, quickly earning a regular role before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more games to his resume.
Before arriving in North America, Tsyplakov built an extensive professional foundation in Russia’s KHL, playing 327 games with Spartak Moscow and producing 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game has translated into a heavy, north-south style that brings size and straight-line speed to an NHL lineup.
Summer blockbuster season has arrived in Calgary, with the Flames landing former No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a major trade that signals a clear push to reshape both their present and future.
In return, Calgary sends a substantial package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, giving the Flames some measure of insurance while still paying a steep price for two NHL-ready pieces.
Nemec stands out as the headliner of the deal — a former second-overall pick still early in his career but already carrying meaningful NHL experience. The right-shot defenceman appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, posting a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) along with 26 penalty minutes. Over three NHL seasons since his debut in 2023-24, he has now played 155 games, steadily building confidence and offensive impact from the blue line.
Internationally, Nemec has been a key figure for Slovakia on the world stage. He represented his country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, recording two assists in six games as Slovakia finished just outside the medals in fourth place. That came after a bronze-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking two separate Olympic appearances before the age of 23.
His résumé stretches back into junior and international dominance. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was named tournament MVP after posting six points. He followed that with a standout performance at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, setting a tournament record for the most points by an 18-year-old defenceman with six points in eight games.
Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara
The Flames also bring in Maxim Tsyplakov, a late-blooming winger whose path to the NHL has been far less conventional but no less impactful in terms of physical presence and versatility. In 126 NHL games split between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, Tsyplakov has recorded 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. He originally joined the Islanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, quickly earning a regular role before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more games to his resume.
Before arriving in North America, Tsyplakov built an extensive professional foundation in Russia’s KHL, playing 327 games with Spartak Moscow and producing 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game has translated into a heavy, north-south style that brings size and straight-line speed to an NHL lineup.
AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 04: Texas pitcher Jason Flores (4) looks for the pitch call during the college baseball game between Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on March 4, 2025, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Right-hander Jason Flores became the ninth Texas Longhorns player to enter the NCAA transfer portal with the news of his departure from the Forty Acres breaking on Tuesday.
Portal Update
RHP Jason Flores has entered the transfer portal
The Soph righty made 9 appearances and 2 starts with a 6.75 ERA over 12 IP
The 6’1, 240-pounder has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Out of Garland Naaman Forest, Flores was a well-regarded prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft, but chose to honor his commitment to Texas and play for head coach Jim Schlossnagle. Perfect Game ranked Flores as the No. 76 player nationally and the No. 22 right-handed pitcher.
A power hitter who played multiple positions around the diamond in high school, Flores focused on pitching in college thanks to a fastball that reaches into the mid-90s and a high-spin curveball.
In Austin, Flores wasn’t able to capitalize on his upside, struggling to command the run on his fastball on the way to hitting 14 batters in 32.1 innings as a freshman. Flores was hard to hit, though, as opponents batted .205 against the big right-hander, who notched a 4-2 record and 2.78 ERA in 14 appearances, including five starts.
As a sophomore, Flores struggled to make his stuff match up with his results, failing to earn a role as the midweek starter despite two opportunities and failing to factor into the weekend bullpen, as well. In 12 innings over nine appearances, Flores had a 6.75 ERA thanks to a 7-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio and opponents hitting .333 against him with 16 hits allowed. Flores also hit four batters and threw two wild pitches.
Schlossnagle continued to speak glowingly about Flores and his upside, including superlative efforts in simulation games during practice, but in limited chances, Flores wasn’t able to translate that success into real games.
No longer considered an MLB Draft prospect, Flores will now look for an opportunity elsewhere.
Editor's note: Get the latest updates on the NBA Draft here.
Karim Lopez is set to become the first Mexican-born player to be picked in the first round of the NBA Draft. With that history expected to be made Tuesday, June 23, the story is about more than basketball.
Which is not to say basketball is irrelevant. He is 6-8, played in the NBL Next Stars program in Australia, and has the skills that have attracted the interest of the Golden State Warriors. And Latinos in the Bay Area.
“We would love to have a Latino player from whichever nationality it is to come and represent with the Warriors because as you know right now in the country there is a very bad narrative surrounding the Latino community,’’ said Susana Rojas, executive director of the Calle 24 in San Francisco, referring to the Trump administration’s immigration policy. “We want to showcase the talents that we have.
“And so when we bring our artists, when we bring players, when we bring people talent that is from Latin America, it only elevates and cements the true nature of our culture and not the stereotypes that are represented in the media.’’
Lopez, 19, was born in Hermosillo, Mexico and he comes by his talent naturally. He is the son of Jesús Hiram López, a former professional basketball player who played for Mexico’s national team.
Love for the Warriors
Finding Latino culture figures to be easy.
According to the 2000 Census, there were almost 1.9 million Hispanic or Latinos living in the Bay Area.
“All love the Warriors here,’’ Rojas told USA TODAY Sports. “I actually was just at the Chase Center last night. We went to watch the Valkyries.’’
“I think more than being fans of a specific sport, it is more about being fans of the city and supporting our local sports, our local legions, our local players to be the best that they can be in the country,’’ Rojas said of the Latino community. “And obviously we wanted to bring the World Series, the basketball -- I don't even know what the championship is -- the Super Bowl, all of it.’’
Lopez would not be the first Latino to suit up with the Warriors. Juan Toscano-Anderson, who is Mexican-American, played for the team from 2019 to 2023.
A sense of responsibility
Lopez told Sports Illustrated he grew up playing basketball in driveways, in parks and in blistering heat. Now he's hoping to inspire others -- and not just aspiring NBA players.
“I want to show people that come from the same situation I come from that it’s possible,” Lopez told Sports Illustrated. “That there’s someone that’s just like them, had the same struggles, and [still made] it. That’s what really motivates me.”
Until now, Eduardo Nájera is the only other Mexican-born player picked in the NBA draft. The Houston Rockets selected him in the second round and No. 38 overall in the 2000 NBA Draft.
Nájera, who played 12 seasons in the NBA as a reserve forward, has taken a special interest in López’s rise.
“Karim López is not just breaking barriers as the next Mexican-born player in the NBA, he’s redefining greatness with every step he takes on the court,” Nájera told Andscape. “The future of Mexican basketball shines bright with his talent and determination leading the way.”
Passion for the game
Before the NBA scouts discovered Lopez, basketball executives in Mexico took notice of Lopez’s development. One of those men was Orlando Méndez-Valdez, general manager for the NBA G League's Mexico City Capitanes.
“I think he just continued to get more responsibility, more confidence,’’ Mendez-Valdez said. “He just continued to demonstrate the talent that he is. He was able to adjust to the physicality.
“Obviously, he's a high IQ player, knows his limitations and his strengths. He knows areas to improve with outside three-point shooting is a concern. I would say with most scouts…him being so young and playing with the senior national team each window, you can see him progressing, either being more aggressive with the ball, open court, being able to be three-dimensional, being able to have the high IQ passing ability, short roll situations, punishing closeouts. It was just nice to see him play at that level.’’
As for where Lopez might play, Mendez-Valdez said the Warriors would be a popular destination among NBA fans in Mexico.
"Honestly speaking, I think wherever he lands, it's going to be good overall for a team market or where he goes,'' Mendez-Valdez said. "I mean, you have an entire country rooting for this kid and behind him.''
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view after the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
After their most successful season since 2014, it’s time for the San Antonio Spurs to turn their attention to the next season, beginning tonight with the 2026 NBA Draft. Before taking a look at some mock drafts to see who others think the Spurs should pick, here is a quick rundown of the picks they own, as well as who is still on the roster and who is set to become a free agent.
2026 Spurs draft picks
Barring any trades, the Spurs currently have four total picks in the 2026 NBA Draft: one in the first round and three in the second.
First Round: Pick No. 20 (via Atlanta Hawks)
Second Round: Pick No. 35 (via Utah/Minnesota)
Second Round: Pick No. 42 (via Portland/New Orleans)
Second Round: Pick No. 44 (via Miami/Indiana)
The first round begins tonight at 7:00 PM CT and can be viewed on ESPN and ABC, and the second round is tomorrow at the same time on just ESPN.
Current Roster
Players Under Contract
G: Stephon Castle
G: De’Aaron Fox
G: Dylan Harper
G: Devin Vassell
F: Carter Bryant
F: Julian Champagnie
F: Keldon Johnson
F: Lindy Waters
C: Luke Kornet
C: Victor Wembanyama
Free Agents
G: Jordan McLaughlin
F: Harrison Barnes
F: Julian Champagnie
F/C: Kelly Olynyk
F/C: Mason Plumlee
C: Bismack Biyombo
As the organization considers what to do with many of the free agents that they have this summer, they also look toward the draft to help make those decisions clearer.
Being one of the final two teams left standing at the conclusion of the playoffs, San Antonio does not need a drastic rebuild, but more to fill areas of need, like a true physical forward. Someone who can set hard screens and defend at an elite level to alleviate pressure off of Victor Wembanyama so he can focus on establishing his presence in the low block. San Antonio also needs more consistent shooting, possibly a player who is great in catch-and-shoot situations. A player that allows for easier floor spacing within San Antonio’s offensive system and identity.
Here is a breakdown of the draft evaluation and the draft targets which the media believes San Antonio could target with their four picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. If you haven’t already, check out Jacob Douglas’s breakdown of potential Spurs targets here at Pounding the Rock.
In Mendoza’s NBA mock draft article published this morning, with the 20th pick he believes San Antonio should select Santa Clara University forward Allen Graves. Mendoza believes that this will be a smart selection for San Antonio because Graves is a scrappy player that is comfortable “doing the dirty work” (defensive blocks, fighting for rebounds, and having a high motor).
Round Two Pick #35 Richie Saunders (BYU) Shooting Guard
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound shooting guard who averaged 18 points and 5.8 rebounds in the 2025-26 season with a 48.9% field-goal percentage, according to ESPN statistics, seems like he can grow into a San Antonio-type player. Saunders has similar player characteristics to a young Kawhi Leonard. Also, Saunders can do a little bit of everything as far as scoring inside the paint from watching some of the highlights via YouTube. One thing to note is that Saunders, who was awarded Most Improved Player this past season, suffered an ACL tear in his right knee. Hopefully, this injury does not hinder any forward progress he is making if he would, in fact, be selected by San Antonio.
Round Two Pick #42 Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA Forward
In Mendoza’s breakdown, he sees Tyler Bilodeau as the clear selection at No. 42 of the second round. Bilodeau ranked No. 12 among all Big Ten Conference players in scoring, averaging 17.6 points per game this past collegiate season. He shot 51.8% from the field and led the Bruins in three-point percentage, according to his player profile on UCLA’s website. Bilodeau shot 87.3% on the free-throw line. This is good because San Antonio missed many free throws in the Finals. Bilodeau could be another viable low-post threat asset, providing a spark off the bench for San Antonio. He has great touch inside and finds teammates with ease during kick-outs to the perimeter.
Round Two Pick #44 Jack Kayil, Germany Point Guard
Mendoza believes with the last pick, San Antonio should select 6-foot-3 German guard Jack Kayil. This past season, Kayil played for Alba Berlin, a team that is a part of the Basketball Champions League, averaging 11.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He is one of the youngest players to win the Bundesliga Best Young Player Award. According to NBA.com, he won a U19 title in 2023 and took home the Most Valuable Player Award. Kayil uses his frame to easily shift his defender and draw contact when given a driving lane to the basket. He shows quick instincts, picking up defensive reads and making the best available pass or play, similarly to a very young Manu Ginóbili.
In Parker’s YouTube video released yesterday with his top 40 big board draft pitch, he has some interesting takes on who San Antonio should select with the 20th pick and the 35th pick of this year’s draft.
Round One Pick #20 — Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s University)
During his evaluation of the selection, Parker points out Ejiofor leading St. John’s in points, rebounds, and assists (16.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.5 APG). Parker makes it clear that Ejiofor is slightly undersized for a big but has other skills that make him stand out from the rest of the players in his class, citing his length, motor, defensive ability, shot-blocking, and touch around the rim in the low post. Parker views Ejiofor’s role as a bench big or a low-end starter, explaining that his shooting is the only thing holding him back from being in an NBA-caliber starting lineup. Ejiofor may be an interesting choice for San Antonio as the team struggled to find adequate matchups with New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby.
Round Two Pick #35 Isaiah Evans (Duke University)
Parker did not give much analysis on many of the second-round picks mentioned in the latter part of his video. The 6-foot-6, 185-pound guard was Duke’s second-leading scorer this past season with 15.0 points per game while shooting 43.3% from the field. After looking at footage, Evans has a bit of a Dwyane Wade playing style, making cutting and slashing to the rim his primary skills while having a unique ability to draw fouls. Evans possesses a smooth jumper that is reliable. His ability to run the floor and poke the ball away from his defender, generating steals on the defensive end of the floor, reminds me of Brandon Ingram, definitely from a size standpoint. If selected by San Antonio, he may be a valuable piece amongst a stacked roster.
The 6-foot-8, 245-pound forward averaged 14.1 points per game and 5.6 rebounds in his freshman season, according to ESPN, while also shooting 35.0% from the three-point line. Peat’s explosiveness is what stands out. He can definitely be a lob threat at any given moment, powering down dunk after dunk as well as fighting for steals and coming out on the winning end of 50-50 ball battles.
Round Two Pick #35 Alex Karaban (Forward, UConn)
The 6-foot-7, 225-pound senior for the University of Connecticut averaged 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds this past season. Fox believes Karaban can find success with the Spurs organization just like Julian Champagnie. According to Fox in his evaluation, Karaban, “Few prospects enter the league with a clearer understanding of how to impact winning.” He views the selection at No. 35 as low risk for San Antonio.
Round Two Pick #42 Tarris Reed Jr., Center (UConn)
The 6-foot-10, 260-pound center averaged 14.7 points per game.
Reed Jr. is a low-post specialist that can grab rebounds and put back shots with ease. He’s a big body with nimble footwork who relies on the fundamentals to get him easy buckets.
Round Two Pick #44 Richie Saunders (BYU) Shooting Guard
For the second time in this breakdown, Saunders is believed to be the clear pick at No. 44. Having a player that can do a little bit of everything and is a strong shooter can definitely play to San Antonio’s benefit.
As the NBA Draft draws closer on Tuesday night, it will be interesting to see how the San Antonio front office bolsters an already strong roster and is able to add a few players that can hopefully allow them to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the future.
The NHL's Board of Governors met on Tuesday, and one of the topics they discussed was the pending sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Hoffmann Family from Fenway Sports Group.
The sale was put to a vote, and it passed unanimously.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed to reporters after the meeting that the sale should close before the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday.
Commissioner Bettman: Penguins sale to Hoffman family should close before the draft
Shortly after the sale was approved, the Penguins released a statement stating that Geoff Hoffmann will serve as the team's Governor, while the alternate governors will be Greg Hoffmann, David Hoffmann, and Kyle Dubas.
"This is a defining moment for our family," Geoff Hoffmann said. "The Penguins represent everything Hoffmann Family of Companies stands for — community, excellence, and long-term thinking. We look forward to building on the team’s success by providing support and resources to both Kyle Dubas and the hockey operations team, as well as the established leadership group on the business side. We're proud to represent this storied franchise and are eager to become an active, invested part of the Pittsburgh community."
In addition to the Penguins, the Hoffmann Family owns the ECHL's Florida Everblades. The Everblades have now won the Kelly Cup five times after winning it this past season.
The NHL's Board of Governors met on Tuesday, and one of the topics they discussed was the pending sale of the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Hoffmann Family from Fenway Sports Group.
The sale was put to a vote, and it passed unanimously.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed to reporters after the meeting that the sale should close before the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday.
Commissioner Bettman: Penguins sale to Hoffman family should close before the draft
Shortly after the sale was approved, the Penguins released a statement stating that Geoff Hoffmann will serve as the team's Governor, while the alternate governors will be Greg Hoffmann, David Hoffmann, and Kyle Dubas.
"This is a defining moment for our family," Geoff Hoffmann said. "The Penguins represent everything Hoffmann Family of Companies stands for — community, excellence, and long-term thinking. We look forward to building on the team’s success by providing support and resources to both Kyle Dubas and the hockey operations team, as well as the established leadership group on the business side. We're proud to represent this storied franchise and are eager to become an active, invested part of the Pittsburgh community."
In addition to the Penguins, the Hoffmann Family owns the ECHL's Florida Everblades. The Everblades have now won the Kelly Cup five times after winning it this past season.
BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 30: Pitching Coach Jordan Tiegs #83 of the Texas Rangers meets with Kyle Higashioka #11 and Jack Leiter #22 on the mound during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 30, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter underwent surgery today to remove a loose body in his ankle, per the beats. While the expectation is that he will be back before the end of the season, exactly when he will be able to return is not clear, with Evan Grant indicating Leiter wouldn’t be back before August at the earliest.
The injury to Leiter’s ankle was suffered on April 22, when he tripped on the on-deck circle in an effort to back up a throw. He’s been pitching through it, but it apparently has been impacting him, and reports over the weekend said that a recent scan indicated that the ankle had gotten worse.
Cal Quantrill is filling in for Leiter in the rotation for at least the start today. Jose Corniell, who has been a starter throughout his career in the minors, was called up to take Leiter’s place on the active roster, and could be a rotation option as well.
The Rangers will no doubt be hoping that Jordan Montgomery, who started a rehab assignment this past weekend and pitched one inning for Frisco, will make good enough progress in his return from Tommy John surgery that he would be an option after the All Star Break.
After putting up a 3.86 ERA and 4.15 FIP in 2025, Leiter’s numbers have gone backwards in 2026, as he’s posting a 5.29 ERA and 4.76 FIP on the year. One would think that trying to pitch through the ankle injury contributed significantly to that.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 18: Ryan Weathers #40 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on June 18, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome back to our series on the innovations the Yankees pitching department is making with the sinker! They’ve dusted off the pitch from a period of league-wide dormancy and have a renewed focus on disseminating it across as much of their pitching room as are willing to use it. Last month, I kicked off the series by looking at the way Cam Schlittler has incorporated the sinker into his arsenal and how that decision helped launch him to the stratospheric heights he is now pitching at.
For our second entry in the series, I’d like to turn to one of Schlittler’s rotation mates in Ryan Weathers. Acquired in a trade from the Marlins over the winter, Weathers was seen as an able deputy in the rotation while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón recovered from their respective elbow injuries. Perhaps that is selling him a bit short, becuase with three years of team control and an enticing arsenal, it was easy to feel that Weathers was just scratching the surface of his abilities in his first five big league seasons and that he was someone the Yankees pitching coaches could mould into a rotation cornerstone for the present and future.
Weathers started off on a roll with a 3.00 ERA and 3.31 FIP across his first eight starts. But then he hit a serious rough patch giving up at least five runs in four out of five starts before steadying the ship a touch in his latest outing. The primary culprit for Weathers’ recent woes has been the long ball, the 26-year-old southpaw giving up ten home runs in his last six starts. He has allowed 16 on the year, which is sixth-worst among qualified pitchers. I believe the reason for this is his particular style of pitching.
Just looking at the raw metrics, you would think that Weathers’ four-seamer would be his most effective weapon coming in with an average velocity of 96 mph and over 15 inches of induced vertical break. However, it is tied for the 14th-worst four-seamer among the 571 pitchers who throw the pitch, worth -7 runs according to Statcast’s Run Value metric, which tells you how many runs a pitch is better or worse than average based on outcomes. Nine of the 16 home runs he has surrendered have come against the four-seamer, and I think I’ve discovered the reason why.
Generally when you throw a high-velocity, high-spin four-seamer, you want to target the top of the zone, particularly up and in to righties as a lefty pitcher. This keeps the pitch above the hitter’s swing plane, making it difficult to barrel and even harder to pull in the air with power. The problem for Weathers is that he likes to pitch his fastballs low in the zone, where it is much easier to do damage against the four-seamer.
Below is a heat map of all the four-seamers Weathers has thrown this season:
That hot zone down and in to righties is the problem area, as revealed when looking at all the home runs Weathers has allowed so far:
That is such a dangerous spot to throw the pitch to righties. Because it holds its vertical plane and remains flat through the zone, it becomes the perfect pitch to lift in the air when thrown there. It falls right in their natural swing plane whereas a sinker’s downward movement helps the pitch avoid the barrel low in the zone.
And that would be my prescription for Weathers: exchange out all those down and in four-seamers for down and in sinkers. The good news is it appears he is already starting to do that. Weathers is throwing the sinker a career-high 19.6-percent of the time as compared to just 3.1-percent of the time last year with the Marlins. This has come almost exclusively at the expense of the four-seamer, which is now sitting at a career-low usage rate of 27.8-percent, way down from 45.3-percent last season.
What’s more, the characteristics of the pitch have improved since he joined the Yankees. Last year with the Marlins, Weathers’ sinker averaged 20.6 inches of drop and 16.5 inches of arm-side movement. This year, it is averaging 21.8 inches of drop and 17.9 inches of arm-side movement, making it a top-30 sinker in the league when it comes to horizontal movement vs. average. This combined with Weathers’ ability to command the pitch at the bottom of the zone has made it his most effective pitch per Statcast’s Run Value at +3 runs. In addition, it is way better than the four-seamer at limiting damage, with a .400 SLG against as opposed to a .675 SLG against the four-seamer.
Finally, I believe further improvements with the sinker can facilitate a potential move to the bullpen. It’s between Weathers and Will Warren for demotion from the rotation once Max Fried returns from his elbow injury. Weathers and Warren have performed at a roughly similar level when looking at their expected metrics, but I just shudder at the though of Warren entering a game in the later innings with runners on base given his struggles pitching from the stretch.
Furthermore, I think Weathers’ stuff plays up way more in a bullpen role. Weather has triple digits in his arsenal when he pitches at maximum effort, whereas Warren hasn’t hit 96 mph since mid-May. The Yankees need more swing and miss in their bullpen, and Weathers narrowly edges Warren in that department. We’ve seen the way guys like Clay Holmes and Tim Hill have leaned on the sinker to limit damage coming out of the bullpen in recent years and I think a similar opportunity exists for Weathers should he find himself squeezed out of the rotation.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 22: Edmundo Sosa #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies signs autographs prior to the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Monday, June 22, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 11: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners looks on during the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Seattle Mariners have activated star outfielder Randy Arozarena from the 10-day injured list, where he’d been sidelined for the minimum number of days since a tweak that occurred while running hard for a bang-bang play at first base on June 13th. Arozarena has been an iron man by modern MLB standards, taking just two days off in 2025 despite dealing with some degree of hamstring discomfort a season ago, and having played 151+ games every season since 2022. It was his first trip to the injured list since 2021 and just his second as a pro.
The swift return of their left fielder is a massive boon for Seattle, whose pre-existing weaknesses against left-handed pitchers were exacerbated dramatically over the weekend against a few strong southpaws on the Boston Red Sox. Arozarena entered Tuesday as the 30th-best position player in MLB by fWAR (2.3) and 27th by bWAR (2.6) despite his 10 days shelved, making him a top-10-12 outfielder MLB-wide and top-5 in the American League. His .291/.377/.448 line and 139 wRC+ has been accompanied by 19 steals in 23 attempts. While at times he might need MapQuest in left field, Seattle’s first place positioning is due massively to their 31 year old free agent to be.
Arozarena is also back in time to build on those numbers, as he is sixth in American League All-Star voting just behind of his teammate in center, Julio Rodríguez. Ahead of him are deserving-but-injured superstars Aaron Judge and Mike Trout, as well as consistent standouts Byron Buxton and Cody Bellinger.
As a corresponding move, the Mariners optioned OF/1B Connor Joe to Triple-A Tacoma. Joe was pulled up frantically following Arozarena’s injury, but not able to make it swiftly enough to reach the ballpark initially. That led to the Moonlight Graham moment of Curtis Washington Jr., the 26 year old 19th-round pick who was plucked from High-A Everett for a night on the bench in T-Mobile Park. Seattle’s 40-man roster remains full at 40.
The Chicago Cubs today added right-handed pitcher Jayden Murray to the 26-man roster. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Gavin Hollowell has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Murray is 29 and was acquired Saturday, June 20, from the Houston Astros for minor league infielder Cameron Sisneros. He will wear uniform No. 70 — the first Cub to wear that number since manager Joe Maddon left after the 2019 season.
Murray was a 23rd-round pick of the Rays in 2019 out of Utah Tech and was acquired by the Astros in 2022 in a three-way deal with the Rays and Orioles that also involved former Cub Trey Mancini. In 17 games (16 relief appearances, one start) for Houston over the last two years Murray has posted a 4.68 ERA and 1.560 WHIP, with 10 walks and 18 strikeouts over 25 innings. Here is his pitch selection chart for this year:
Hollowell was recalled on June 16 and made three appearances with the Cubs, posting a 4.91 ERA (2 ER/3.2 IP) with two strikeouts and five walks.
Today’s game preview will post shortly at 4 p.m. CT.
We've officially reached our 10th Pittsburgh Penguins draft profile with three days to go until the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Tuesday's profile dives into winger Elton Hermansson, a dual-threat right-shot player from Sweden. He started the 2025-26 season with MoDo Hockey's U20 team, producing three goals and nine points in 13 games. He was so good that he earned a call to the men's pro MoDo team. He played in 38 games for them, compiling 11 goals and 21 points.
Hermansson also played for Sweden in the U18s, racking up four goals and 12 points in seven games.
This is a player who has a lot of skill, but the projections for when he could get drafted are all over the place. Some pundits have him as a sure-fire first-round pick, while others have him sliding to the second round.
Personally, I think it would be nuts if he didn't go in the first round, even though he needs to be a bit more consistent. However, he's a strong duel-threat winger with excellent passing and shooting capabilities.
His vision is absurd, and he has a great way of finding players, even when they don't look to be open. I saw him fit pucks through lanes with multiple sticks in the way, leading to strong scoring chances and goals.
Hermansson's release is a thing of beauty, especially from the left circle. He scored multiple goals from that area this past season, and the puck exploded off his stick each time. Even when he's not being set up with one-timers from that spot, he can score from anywhere in the offensive zone and also has a really nice wrist shot. He disguises it really well.
Don't forget about Hermansson's dangling ability, either. He's very silky and can make players miss on a dime. One of my favorite examples of this came during a game between Sweden and Czechia.
The game was tied with less than a minute to go in overtime when a teammate passed him the puck on the left side of the offensive zone. He skated up to the point for a brief moment before making his move, making one player miss before going around another player. He was one-on-one with the goaltender and made a nice move that ultimately led to a save. His teammate then corralled the loose puck and scored the OT winner right after. Even though Hermansson didn't score the goal, he still made it all happen.
His two-way game still needs some work, and I'd like to see his compete level be a bit more consistent, too. There were times during this season when he was going through the motions, but again, both of these qualities can be improved on when he spends the full 2026-27 season with Modo.
Hermansson is a tier below some of my top favorites in the Penguins' range (like Tommy Bleyl, J.P. Hurlbert, and Nikita Klepov), but he'd still be a solid pick if the Penguins opted to select him.
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
We've officially reached our 10th Pittsburgh Penguins draft profile with three days to go until the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Tuesday's profile dives into winger Elton Hermansson, a dual-threat right-shot player from Sweden. He started the 2025-26 season with MoDo Hockey's U20 team, producing three goals and nine points in 13 games. He was so good that he earned a call to the men's pro MoDo team. He played in 38 games for them, compiling 11 goals and 21 points.
Hermansson also played for Sweden in the U18s, racking up four goals and 12 points in seven games.
This is a player who has a lot of skill, but the projections for when he could get drafted are all over the place. Some pundits have him as a sure-fire first-round pick, while others have him sliding to the second round.
Personally, I think it would be nuts if he didn't go in the first round, even though he needs to be a bit more consistent. However, he's a strong duel-threat winger with excellent passing and shooting capabilities.
His vision is absurd, and he has a great way of finding players, even when they don't look to be open. I saw him fit pucks through lanes with multiple sticks in the way, leading to strong scoring chances and goals.
Hermansson's release is a thing of beauty, especially from the left circle. He scored multiple goals from that area this past season, and the puck exploded off his stick each time. Even when he's not being set up with one-timers from that spot, he can score from anywhere in the offensive zone and also has a really nice wrist shot. He disguises it really well.
Don't forget about Hermansson's dangling ability, either. He's very silky and can make players miss on a dime. One of my favorite examples of this came during a game between Sweden and Czechia.
The game was tied with less than a minute to go in overtime when a teammate passed him the puck on the left side of the offensive zone. He skated up to the point for a brief moment before making his move, making one player miss before going around another player. He was one-on-one with the goaltender and made a nice move that ultimately led to a save. His teammate then corralled the loose puck and scored the OT winner right after. Even though Hermansson didn't score the goal, he still made it all happen.
His two-way game still needs some work, and I'd like to see his compete level be a bit more consistent, too. There were times during this season when he was going through the motions, but again, both of these qualities can be improved on when he spends the full 2026-27 season with Modo.
Hermansson is a tier below some of my top favorites in the Penguins' range (like Tommy Bleyl, J.P. Hurlbert, and Nikita Klepov), but he'd still be a solid pick if the Penguins opted to select him.
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
