It was only a matter of time. After the Ducks freed up $6.5 million in cap space by terminating Chris Kreider's contract last week, it was clear was that general manager Pat Verbeek's contract negotiations with Cutter Gauthier's camp were close to reaching a conclusion.
On Tuesday evening, the Ducks announced that they had signed Gauthier to a six-year, $81 million contract extension. This makes him the second-highest paid player on the team behind Leo Carlsson's $18 million AAV. The extension also buys one year of unrestricted free agency.
Getting Gauthier signed before the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which kicks in on Sept. 16, allowed the Ducks to front-load his contract with signing bonuses that would not been possible to structure under the new labor deal. Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, about $69.5 million of the $81 million is comprised of signing bonuses. Gauthier’s camp reportedly declined an offer of four years at a $13 million AAV last month.
Mar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier (61) is congratulated after scoring against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
“We are pleased to get Cutter signed to a long-term deal and have him in camp on time,” Verbeek said in a club statement. “He’s a major part of our young core, a pure goal-scoring talent that will continue progressing into an elite NHL player.”
“This is a very exciting day for my family and me,” Gauthier said in the same club statement. “I’m so pleased to be able to sign long term with the Ducks and be part of what I believe is a great future.”
Carlsson’s big-money offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers, along with Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini and Cale Makar’s monster contract extensions, have changed the financial landscape for players like Gauthier. Even “smaller” deals like that of the Ducks’ Pavel Mintyukov or the Boston Bruins’ Fraser Minten, in combination with the continued rising of the salary cap, have put the ball in the players’ court when it comes to collecting larger salaries moving forward.
With Gauthier signed, the Ducks have now completed the biggest tasks on their offseason checklist. Their minimal amount of cap space remains a concern, but they'll find some short-term relief by placing Troy Terry (out 2-3 months after hip surgery) on LTIR. A shortened training camp and preseason leaves little time for major preparations, but the Ducks' season opener is also fortunately later than most of the league. A strong start to the season, much like last year, could help give them some cushion as they vie for a second consecutive playoff appearance.
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: A general view of the exterior of Chase field is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
MARLINS
DIAMONDBACKS
Kyle Stowers – DH
Lars Nootbaar – LF
Heriberto Hernandez – LF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Otto Lopez – SS
Gabriel Moreno – C
Griffin Conine – RF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Javier Sanoja – 2B
Corbin Carroll – RF
Jakob Marsee – CF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Agustin Ramirez – C
Jesus Sanchez – DH
Graham Pauley – 3B
Pavin Smith – 1B
Deyvison De Los Santos – 1B
Jordan Lawlar – CF
Janson Junk – RHP
Zac Gallen – RHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ active roster is at 28 and the 40-man roster is at 40.
Reported to the Major League roster: OF Jesús Sánchez (No. 18)
Optioned to Triple-A Reno following last night’s game: OF Tommy Troy
The team’s efforts to improve against right-handed pitching go on. That’s why we saw Pavin Smith come up the other day, and now another left-handed bat joins them. Sánchez (I wonder how long it’ll be before I can’t be bothered with the acute over the a?) comes right into the starting line-up tonight, facing another right-handed starter. He bats seventh and plays DH. Arizona are a mediocre 53-58 in games where the opposition start a right-hander, and looks like they will be seeing a few more over the remaining eleven games, so ramping that up is going to be very helpful.
DH is another area where the team could use more production. I don’t know how much Sánchez will be able to move the needle, with less than two weeks to go. But currently the D-backs rank 27th by OPS at the position, at only .644. [Hey, still better than 1B, where they are 30th at .635, 46 points below anybody else. Although that is up 75 points from the mid-June figure] It’d be lower, except for the time Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno have spent at the position this year. They are the only occupants of it to have hit more than one home-run. It likely says a lot that we have had seventeen different players take bats as the Arizona DH.
Michael Soroka starts for the team tonight at Chase, and we’ll see if Zac Gallen follows him, flip-flopping their roles from Soroka’s last start. I imagine Michael will be on a similar pitch-count as Corbin Burnes was last night, somewhere around 75. Get him twice through the order, and then turn it over to Gallen for a bit? I think we would all feel more comfortable if the Diamondbacks had a healthy lead by the time that came to pass. Be nice if the Padres would lose too, but the Rockies are about as useful as a chocolate teapot in this situation. Just keep winning, D-backs…
The Lake Elsinore Storm, the San Diego Padres’ Single-A minor league affiliate, finished their season with a 66-65 record, 4.5 games behind the Ontario Tower Buzzers (LAD) in the South Division. After winning the first-half crown, the Storm floundered during the second half and finished with a 27-35 record in the last half of the year.
The last week of their season ended on a high note with a series win versus the Inland Empire 66’ers. For the start of the division playoffs, the Storm went up against the Ontario Tower Buzzers for the South Division title. In a best-of-three series, the Storm captured the first two games, beating Ontario 10-9 on Sept. 8. Lake Elsinore out-hit Ontario while starter Jesus Castro pitched six innings of one run ball. Despite the bullpen relinquishing nine runs, the offense scored ten runs on twelve hits.
LF Alex Conover and DH Nu’u Contrades, both 2026 draftees who joined the team in August, excelled for the Storm.
After an off day, the Storm scored six runs on six hits while LHP Kruz Schoolcraft and 2026 No. 1 draft pick Coleman Borthwick combined to throw seven innings with only one run allowed. Schoolcraft allowed two hits and no runs, striking out eight in five innings, while Borthwick, promoted just for the playoffs and making his professional debut, pitched two innings with two hits and one run, striking out four.
Taiwanese righty Lan-Hong Su also came in as a reliever, throwing two innings with no hits and three strikeouts. It was an overwhelming performance for three of the top four best-ranked pitchers in the system. Combined, they allowed four hits, and the three gave a glimpse of what the future could hold for the Padres.
On Sept. 13, the Storm took on the winners of the North Division of the California League for the Cal League Championship series. The San Jose Giants (SF) dominated their division with an 80-52 record, 11 games up on the next team (Fresno).
The Storm had their only home playoff game of the championship series and took full advantage of their home-field advantage. It was never a contest, with Lake Elsinore scoring early and often while their starter, RHP Tyler Schmitt, pitched 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and no runs.
Undrafted free agent RHP Jack Pineau finished the fifth with no hits allowed. Then LHP Adler Cecil pitched three innings, with two hits and no runs allowed.
By the end of the third inning, Lake Elsinore had scored six runs, and they added six more before finishing with 12 runs on 13 hits while their pitchers allowed one run on eight hits. The game was closed out by another undrafted free agent, RHP Ben Stubbs, who allowed the only run on two hits.
The Storm hurlers combined for nine strikeouts. The two UDFA pitchers were added to the Storm roster just for the playoffs. Both had been pitching in the Bridge League after signing in July.
The best-of-three series continues in San Jose today with a third game, if needed, on Wednesday.
El Paso Chihuahuas (58-86 record, last in PCL East)
El Paso lost their week-long series to Tacoma, two games to four. LHP Luis Gutierrez made his El Paso debut, throwing four innings with three hits, a run, and four strikeouts to two walks. After missing most of the season, Gutierrez is finishing strong but is a free agent after this year unless the organization re-signs him by Oct. 15.
Two Padres players were on rehab assignments with the Chihuahuas over the week. Miguel Andujar started off as the DH but then progressed to playing first base and left field. In his five games and 21 at-bats, Andujar has four doubles and an RBI while hitting .286/.286/.476 for El Paso.
RHP Jason Adam began his rehab on Sunday with one inning and 11 pitches. His fastball topped out at 93 mph, and he struck out one hitter without allowing a hit.
Infielder Rosman Verdugo was promoted to El Paso for the last two weeks of the season.
The Chihuahuas have one more week left in their season.
San Antonio Missions (59-79 record, last in the Texas League South)
In their final series of the season, the Missions lost all but the last game of their six-game set. RHP Carson Montgomery made his Double-A debut with San Antonio and was roughed up for 10 runs in 2.2 innings pitched with three walks and one strikeout. In his first season back after Tommy John surgery, Montgomery was inconsistent, with command issues plaguing his performances.
Outfielder Alex McCoy, 24, has hit at all levels in his pro career. An undrafted free agent out of Maryland, McCoy started the season with Fort Wayne and was promoted to San Antonio in the last month of the year. Combined over two levels, McCoy hit .278/.355/.467 with 31 doubles, a triple, and 19 home runs for 71 RBI. He also stole 24 bases in 33 attempts. His pattern in his two seasons in the Padres system has been consistent. There are some initial struggles when he begins a level, but he adjusts and starts hitting again. Although he has slumps, he adjusts again and comes back strong.
There is significant swing-and-miss in his game; his 26% K rate is too high, with most of that chasing, but his power is significant. He registered 119.7 mph max Exit Velocity during the season.
As a side note, MadFriars.com posted an interview with McCoy, and he reported that he is actually 6-6 and 275 pounds. He is listed at 6-5, 260 pounds.
McCoy currently sits as the No. 26 prospect in the Padres system per MLB Pipeline. I would expect that to change going forward.
First baseman Romeo Sanabria had a puzzling year in his age 24 season. Promoted to El Paso from San Antonio for his improved hitting, Sanabria floundered in Triple-A. A hitting haven for almost everyone, Sanabria played in 21 games for the Chihuahuas and hit .200 with a .575 OPS. Sent back to the Missions, Sanabria picked up where he left off and finished the season hitting .295/.389/.442 in a much more difficult league to hit. Limited defensively to first base, Sanabria will need to hit for power to maintain his status as a prospect in the system. He hit 12 homers in the last two seasons and 64 RBI combined over the two levels this year.
AFL starts in October
Next week will be the final affiliate report for this year and the Arizona Fall League will get started on Oct. 3. Rosters will be forthcoming and the schedule is available on the website. All games are also streamed on the website.
With the American Hockey League season set to commence in a few weeks' time, former San Jose Sharks prospect Thomas Bordeleau has signed with the Rochester Americans on an AHL-level contract.
Bordeleau left the Sharks organization after requesting a trade. At the time, he told THN's Kristy Flannery that "I definitely enjoyed my time in San Jose, but it was time for a fresh start for me." That fresh start came after he was unable to break into the Sharks' lineup for multiple seasons.
After half a season with the New Jersey Devils' AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, Bordeleau was traded to the St. Louis Blues organization and was sent to their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. He never appeared in an NHL game during the 2025-26 season and became an unrestricted free agent when the Blues opted to not issue a qualifying offer to him.
At 24 years of age, it seems unlikely that Bordeleau will break into the NHL anytime soon, as he was unable to secure a two-way contract for this season. A strong performance at the AHL level could catch the attention of the Americans' affiliate, the Buffalo Sabres, but it'll take quite a bit for that to happen.
Though he's not currently with the team for their three-game series in Cincinnati, Ohtani began his hitting progression in LA and "felt good" after hitting off a tee, manager Dave Roberts told reporters before the Dodgers played the Reds on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
"I don't know what's in store for tomorrow, but I know there's gonna be a consistent build up," Roberts told reporters. "Don't know when the time of return to play is, but today was positive. Hopefully we can keep building towards that."
It was the first time Ohtani swung a bat since landing on the 15-day injured list after nagging injuries in his left knee and right bicep have led to a prolonged slump at the plate for the back-to-back National League MVP. He's already ruled out the possibility of returning to the mound as a pitcher this season, opting instead to focus solely on being a hitter for the rest of 2026.
The soonest Ohtani could see a return to action would be the final series of the regular season against the San Francisco Giants starting on Sept. 25, and though Roberts was noncommittal on a firm timeline, he expressed hope that Ohtani could be back in the lineup at some point before the postseason.
"Whether it happens or not is to be determined," Roberts said. "But I do expect him to be back to play in some regular season games. Don't know how many, though."
Rookie Josue De Paula shows promise in Ohtani's absence
In the meantime, rookie Josue De Paula has thrived in his first crack at the big leagues. He's only hitting .182, but the No. 6 prospect in baseball has drawn five walks with zero strikeouts in his first five games for an on-base percentage of .438. His first major league hit came on a towering 416-foot home run to right field in Miami on Sunday.
It's been a very small sample size, but he's been so effective that Roberts moved the 21-year-old from ninth in the order to the leadoff spot for Tuesday's game.
"I like the at-bats," Roberts said. "I like the at-bat quality. I understand it's a small sample, but that's kind of who he is as a hitter and for me, it'll be a good opportunity for him to get five at-bats tonight."
Though Roberts has emphasized that De Paula's on a "no promises" trial run, but he hasn't ruled out the possibility of his top prospect staying on after Ohtani returns and making the postseason roster as a lefty bat off the bench, or more.
"It's still very early as far as however many at-bats or plate appearances he's taken but in this small sample, it's been good. It's certainly a much different level of focus with the postseason, but baseball is still baseball," he said. "I hope he makes our decision hard."
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 13: Riley Greene #31 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with Colt Keith #33 after hitting a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Comerica Park on September 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (71-79) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (75-76)
Time/Place: 7:07 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site:Bluebird Banter Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Drew Anderson (4-6, 3.80 ERA) vs. RHP Braydon Fisher (3-4, 3.22 ERA)
BILOXI, MS - AUGUST 27: Braylon Payne #2 of the Biloxi Shuckers high fives teammates after defeating the Knoxville Smokies at Keesler Federal Park on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Biloxi, Mississippi. (Photo by Sierra Gatz/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Seven Brewers prospects are Arizona-bound after Major League Baseball released its 2026 Arizona Fall League rosters this week.
Headlining that group are two of the system’s most talked-about names this year, OF Braylon Payne and 1B/3B Eric Bitonti. Payne, a speedy outfielder who the Brewers drafted with their first-round selection in 2024, is a serious contender for breakout prospect of the year. Drafted with the hopes that he would eventually develop power, Payne did just that, going from eight home runs in Low-A last year to 28 between High-A and Double-A this season. He hit exactly .277 at both levels with a combined OPS north of .900.
Braylon Payne delivers his third multihomer game of the year 💪
Bitonti also had himself somewhat of a breakout this year. Unlike Payne, he’s always shown monstrous power that’s translated to games, but with that power has come a ton of swing-and-miss. Bitonti’s 32.9% strikeout rate is actually roughly the same as last year’s (33.5%), but he’s managed to raise his walk rate from 13% to nearly 17%.
Hitters like Bitonti, who can hit the cover off the ball, benefit from making pitchers throw them pitches in the zone, and that’s been reflected in massive jumps in OPS (.761 → .916) and batting average (.238 → .270) from last year to this year. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that he’s made legitimate strides defensively and is now seen as someone who could potentially be a viable third baseman at the major league level — making him an even more valuable prospect.
Eric Bitonti continues to punish pitchers, reaching 20+ HR and 20+ SB this season at 20 years old for the High-A @TimberRattlers 💥
Bitonti has hit 6 HR since the middle of August including two multi-HR games while playing smooth defense and more than half of his games at Third… pic.twitter.com/FxJ0fNfLay
The other five names on the roster are a little less heralded, but the Brewers clearly see something in each of them worth continuing to develop. Here’s what you need to know about each one:
Ryan Birchard, RHP — This isn’t his first time in the desert; he made the 2024 Arizona Fall League as a Peoria Javelina and was named to the AFL Rising Stars team. This season, Birchard posted a 4.68 ERA through 34 appearances (two starts) with Double-A Biloxi.
Miqueas Mercedes, RHP — The 20-year-old Dominican righty, who put up a 2.81 ERA in 73.2 innings in Low-A this year, has what it takes to eventually become a major-league pitcher. However, he hasn’t generated much buzz outside the system because he walks way too many batters (45 in 73.2 innings). If he can figure out how to command his stuff, watch out.
Jose Meneses, LHP — Meneses, a lefty out of Venezuela, is a really interesting prospect. For starters, he’s been used as a high-leverage, multi-inning reliever in his time with the organization. He also has a slightly unconventional physical profile: he’s listed at 6-foot-1, but just 150 pounds. For context, Tim Lincecum was listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds during his Cy Young seasons.
Size hasn’t stopped Meneses, though — he’s recorded a 2.21 ERA and 1.04 WHIP this season in 37 appearances between Low-A and High-A, striking out a whopping 72 batters in 57 innings.
Josh Quezada, RHP — Originally a Yankees signee out of Nicaragua, Quezada spent most of the season in Low-A Wilson, where he posted a 5.40 ERA in 45 innings.
Matthew Wood, C — A 2022 fourth-round pick out of Penn State who just posted his best season at the plate, breaking out with an .898 OPS and 18 home runs in his first full season with Double-A Biloxi. At 25, he’s the most experienced player in this group and a good bet to help steady a young pitching staff behind the plate.
You can catch all seven Brewers prospects playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions when the season kicks off on October 3rd. Games will stream here on MLB’s Arizona Fall League website.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 14: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Friday, August 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies (55-95) have lost eight consecutive games.
Tonight, they will look to break this skid when they meet the San Diego Padres (82-68) in the second of a four-game stand. In Game 1, the Rockies fell short in their comeback attempt, but it’s a new day.
Starting for the Rockies is Kyle Freeland, just off the Injured List. This will be his 24th start for the Rockies this season.
The lefty has a 6.37 ERA in 124.1 IP. He’s struck out 103, walked 28, and given up 24 home runs. Freeland has a 1.46 WHIP.
Taking the mound for the Padres will be RHP Walker Buehler.
Currently, he has an ERA of 4.61 in 138.2 IP. He’s struck out 121 while giving up 53 walks and 19 home runs with a 1.36 WHIP.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14: Dustin Harris #29 of the San Diego Padres celebrates scoring in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 14, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (82-68) at Colorado Rockies (55-95), September 15, 2026, 5:40 p.m. PST
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When NBA owners met in New York this week, they discussed expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, but no final decision has been made. Yet.
While the latest round of bids for Las Vegas are "coming in shortly," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said — those are due Thursday, according to reports — those will not be the final bids for the "several active groups" in the mix to bring a team to Sin City.
"The NBA and Silver are in deeper and deeper stages of the expansion conversation, and I'm told specifically for Las Vegas the next round of bids for an expansion team in Las Vegas are due on Thursday, and then final bids expected to be some point shortly thereafter. My understanding is proposals for that Vegas team is reaching and potentially exceeding $10 billion, and so far, the Vegas process has moved with more pace than Seattle, but those Seattle conversations are continuing as well."
Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont — the CEO and chairman of Las Vegas Sands — led part of the discussion around the Las Vegas team, specifically focusing on arena location, Silver said.
"I'll say that there was a discussion led by Patrick Dumont, of course, who is a Las Vegas resident, enormous operating experience there in Las Vegas, just sort of as an independent objective party," Silver said. "[Dumont] led a discussion around the various sites, potential sites, in Las Vegas."
While there is the T-Mobile Arena just off the Strip — the home to the WNBA's Aces, the NHL's Golden Knights, and it has been home to the final rounds of the NBA Cup the past couple of years — Silver said "it needs some significant improvements" before an NBA team could move in. Some ownership groups are proposing building new stadiums, Silver added.
While the Las Vegas process is moving faster and generated more discussion — and that team is expected to go for $2-3 billion more than the Seattle franchise — it is possible the Seattle team actually takes the court sooner because of the arena situation.
"In Seattle, we have had [NBA] operational groups out to Climate Pledge [Arena], Silver said. "You clearly have a state-of-the-art arena there. May require some modifications for NBA basketball. If we were opening in five weeks, we could be ready in Seattle."
The owners took no votes on expansion at this meeting, but Silver reiterated that "it's our goal to have decisions by the end of the year."
TONIGHT’S GAME: The first-place Astros will open their final homestand of the regular season tonight as they welcome in the Royals for an important three-game series in Houston, TX.
Astros ace RHP Hunter Brown (5-3) will try to pitch the Astros back into the win column tonight as he starts opposite RHP Michael Wacha (9-8) and the Royals.
BROTHER BROWN: RHP Hunter Brown has posted a 3.12 ERA (18ER/52IP) in his last eight starts (since July 25), pitching through the 5th inning in all eight outings.
Brown, who finished third in the AL Cy Young Award voting last season, has been limited this season, missing over two months due to a lengthy stint on the Injured List (April 1-June 15) with a right shoulder strain.
ASTROS-ROYALS: The Astros and Royals have a memorable history, with the two clubs meeting each other in the 2015 ALDS, won by the Royals in five games.
11 years later, 2B Jose Altuve and C Salvador Perez remain on their respective team’s active rosters, while SS Carlos Correa, currently on the IL, also played in the series.
More recently, the Astros are 9-4 in their last 13 games against the Royals, including a 2-1 record this season.
CLEMENTE DAY: Today is Roberto Clemente Day presented by Capital One.
As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases, on the official dugout lineup cards and on a special uniform patch.
In honor of Clemente, seven different Astros players and Manager Joe Espada will wear Clemente’s #21 for tonight’s game.
HADER NAMED CLEMENTE NOMINEE: For the second straight season, LHP Josh Hader has been named the Astros nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for MLB players.
The Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Capital One, is the annual recognition of an MLB player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
FIRST RESPONDERS NIGHT: Tonight is First Responders Night at the ballpark as the Astros will proudly honor the courageous men and women who serve the city of Houston.
There will be a pregame ceremony and ceremonial first pitch for First Responders Night presented by Budweiser.
THE SUNDAY SCARIES: The Astros finished their six-game road trip on Sunday in Tampa with a 14-4 loss to the Rays.
The Astros hit three homers in the loss, one each by 3B Isaac Paredes (1×3), SS Nick Allen (1×2) and DH Nelson Velázquez (1×2).
CHALLENGING STRETCH: On Sunday, the Astros completed a stretch of playing 13 consecutive games against opponents with winning records (CWS, ARI, PHI, TB), going 6-7 in those contests.
On the season, the Astros are 29-23 against teams with .500 or better records.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have placed OF Taylor Trammell on the Paternity List and have recalled OF Joey Loperfido from Triple A Sugar Land.
TRIPLE THREAT: DH Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently ranks first or second in the AL in all three Triple Crown categories.
He enters today leading the AL in batting avg. (.310), while ranking second in RBI (96) and tied for second in HR (38)…Alvarez also leads the Majors in OPS (1.016), SLG (.589) and OBP (.427).
Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).
ISAAC’S FABLES: 3B Isaac Paredes has posted a 20-game on-base streak, which is the second-longest on-base streak of his career (22g in 2025) and the second-longest active on-base streak in the Majors (Elly De La Cruz, 21g).
During the streak, which dates back to Aug. 23, Paredes has 14 walks, a .395 OBP and a .917 OPS.
NOTHING FINER THAN YAINER: C Yainer Diaz is hitting .378 (14×37) in the month of September with a .924 OPS.
Prior to going 0x3 on Sunday, Diaz had tallied multiple hits in six straight starts, going 13×23 (.565) in that span.
STALKING 200: 1B Christian Walker is currently sitting on 199 career home runs and needs just one homer to become the 35th active Major League player to reach 200 career long balls.
Walker has hit 25 homers this year for his fifth consecutive 25-plus homer season (2022-26).
FIREMEN: LHP Josh Hader ranks tied for 40th in Major League history with 252 career saves, along with LHP Dave Righetti.
Among lefties, Hader and Righetti rank tied for fifth in saves in MLB history.
ONE WIN AWAY!: The Class A Fayetteville Woodpeckers won Game 1 of the Carolina League Championship Series over Charleston on Sunday by a score of 14-4.
The three-game series shifts to Fayetteville tonight with the Woodpeckers needing just one more win to take home their first championship in franchise history.
ASTROS MILB PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: The Astros player development department has named C Jason Schiavone the Astros 2026 Minor League Player of the Year, RHP Bryce Mayer the Astros 2026 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, OF Anthony Huezo the Astros 2026 Minor League Baserunner of the Year, IF Max Holy the Astros 2026 Minor League Defender of the Year and IF Yamal Encarnacion the Astros 2026 Standard Award recipient.
All five players will be recognized in a pregame ceremony at Daikin Park on Sunday.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, September 15, 7:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
The Chicago Blackhawks were defeated by the St. Louis Blues 3-1 in their first of two matchups in the 2026 Prospect Showcase. The consensus from the team after the game was that the Hawks played with a good effort, but some sloppiness and penalty trouble sank them.
Game 2 took place one day later at USG Arena. The Blackhawks started Adam Gajan in net for the second game in a row as they looked to split the event with the Blues. Once again, Taige Harding wore the C as the captain. Jake Furlong kept his A from the night before, but Martin Misiak had the other in place of the missing Paul Ludwinski.
In the first period, the Blackhawks got off to a much better start. They outshot the Blues 10-3, and one of them went in courtesy of AJ Spellacy.
The Blackhawks carried that 1-0 lead into the second period, but it didn't last long. With 17:22 remaining in the second period, a shot floated through traffic and found the back of the net to tie the game at 1. Just over a minute later, however, Parker Holmes restored the lead for Chicago with a snipe off a turnover.
There have been many fights during this event. In this game, Taige Harding was part of one. This is notable because he left the penalty box with an apparent hand injury at the next whistle. On the next shift, Martin Misiak scored his second goal in as many days to make it 3-1 Blackhawks.
With just over two minutes remaining in the middle frame, AJ Spellacy scored his second of the game to finish off a nice tic-tac-toe goal. The Blackhawks held a 4-1 lead going into the second intermission.
In the third period, Taige Harding was back on the ice and looked no worse for wear. For him, that's important as he wants to make an impact early and often with the Rockford IceHogs.
The third period had a little bit of everything. Each team took a penalty; there were more fights, and both sides had their fair share of chances.
The first goal of the final frame came off the stick of Jakub Stancl, who scored his second of the Prospect Challenge. This one came as a shorthanded goal to get the Blues back within 2. The Blackhawks responded with an empty-net goal, courtesy of Martin Misiak.
That 5-2 score stood as the final. The Blackhawks defeated the Blues to end the Prospect Showcase 1-1. That is all for this particular group of prospects, but they are now all headed to different training camps to prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
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HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 05: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros warms up prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kairi Mano/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Apparently all the work and all the hope was for naught.
Carlos Correa will not return this season, Astros manager, Joe Espada said
It’s yet another kick in the teeth for the Astros, who have been beset by injuries for the third straight season.
There was hope that a return for Correa would inject some life into an offense that has been scuffling with Jeremy Pena slumping and Yordan Alvarez experiencing a power outage. The bottom two-thirds of the lineup has been shaky at best over the last month and a half.
It is a complete 180 degree turn from the optimism that has been exuded from both Correa and the reports that had Correa ramping up and starting rehab games this week with Triple-A Sugar Land.
Correa had been scheduled to meet with doctors before going on the rehab assignment, and as of right now we can only presume that the reports were not good enough to allow him to start playing.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - AUGUST 11: Andre Pallante #53 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Busch Stadium on August 11, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals will meet again Tuesday night at Busch Stadium. Andre Pallante is the scheduled starter for the Cardinals while the Giants will send RHP Blade Tidwell to the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45pm central time while the game broadcast will be handled by Cardinals.tv.
