Toronto has the potential to be a top-five defensive team this season with Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes, and guard Jamal Shead is a part of that.
Which is why the Raptors locked him up. Shead and Toronto have agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. This will keep Shead in Toronto through the summer of 2030 and is a good deal for both sides.
The winningest player in Houston Cougars history, Shead became a regular part of the Raptors rotation and averaged 6.6 points and 5.4 assists per game last season, playing in all 82 games at an average of 22 minutes a night. That play and his defense earned him some Sixth Man of the Year votes.
While Shead's defense is elite, his shooting is not. He knocked down just 32.1% of his 3-pointers and 41.7% of his shots inside the arc last season.
Locking up Shead at this number gives the Raptors the chance now to figure out a new deal with wing RJ Barrett, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Charles played professional sport with cystic fibrosis
Diagnosis ‘just at times quite cruel’
Former Wallaby Nathan Charles, who became the first cystic fibrosis sufferer in the world to play a contact sport professionally, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The 37-year-old, who played four Test matches for Australia, revealed he has been diagnosed with the same disease as retired South Sydney NRL star Jai Arrow.
Sep 30, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Jaden Schwartz (71) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) after the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon scored twice in a four-goal second period and capped his night with a rare fight, and the Colorado Avalanche opened the season with an 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.
Hours before the game, Colorado coach Jared Bednar was given a four-year contract extension. Bednar, who led Colorado to the 2022 Stanley Cup title, was in the final year of his current contract. The extension ended speculation on his future after being swept by Vegas in the Western Conference finals last spring.
“I didn’t want him to go through the whole year and have those distractions of being asked that same question, especially as the year goes on,” Avs president and general manager Joe Sakic said before Wednesday night’s game.
Artturi Lehkonen had two goals, Brock Nelson had a goal and two assist and Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves for Colorado, which scored four times on the power play and allowed two short-handed goals.
MacKinnon, who had a career-high 53 goals last season, scored on a 5-on-3 just 23 seconds into the second period and gave the Avs a 4-2 lead with his second at 8:33.
The 2024 MVP, whose last fight was four years ago, dropped the gloves with Kings defenseman Brandt Clark with Colorado leading 6-4 late in the third. Avs captain Gabriel Landeskog scored less than a minute later and Lehkonen iced it with his second 1:03 later.
Trevor Moore, Joel Armia and Brian Dumoulin scored for Los Angeles, and Darcy Kuemper stopped 21 shots.
Nelson and Kelly scored in the first period to give the Avs a 2-1 lead, and Moore and Armia had goals in the second period for the Kings.
Artemi Panarin scored on a delayed penalty midway through the third.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates a goal against Dan Vladar #80 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at Xfinity Mobile Arena on September 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Evgeni Malkin, Hendrix Lapierre and Filip Hallander scored in the second period and Arturs Silovs stopped 19 shots to help the Pittsburgh Penguins steamroll the Philadelphia Flyers 7-0 on Wednesday night.
Silovs posted his third career shutout in his 57th start. Nick Robertson scored two goals and Ville Koivunen and Egor Chinakhov also scored for the Penguins. Sidney Crosby added an assist.
The Penguins’ season ended on the same Philadelphia ice in April when the Flyers won a first-round playoff series in six games.
The Flyers left the clincher to a roaring ovation on Cam York’s winner. Five months later, the Flyers were soundly booed off the ice – reaching a crescendo after the second period – and the opening night festivities were spoiled for a team trying to become a force in the Eastern Conference.
The Penguins are trying to run it back at least one more time between the longtime core of Crosby, Malkin and Kris Letang. Malkin signed a one-year deal to remain in Pittsburgh, and the hope is there’s enough magic left to help put the Penguins in position to win a playoff series for the first time in nearly a decade.
The 40-year-old Malkin ripped a one-timer from the slot early in the second period for the 3-0 lead that also gave him 100 career points against the Flyers. He became the sixth player with at least 100 points against the Flyers. Crosby’s assist on Robertson’s game-opening goal extended his record with 140 career points against Philly.
The Penguins scored five goals on their first 18 shots against Dan Vladar. Vladar didn’t play a full period in the preseason as he battled an unspecified injury, and with the Flyers in the first game of a back-to-back set, he was left in the game to take the beating.
Vladar knocked Robertson’s second goal of the game into the net with the back of his skate in a gaffe that made it 6-0.
Up next
Penguins play their home opener Saturday against Montreal.
The preseason auditions are over. Now it counts for Maxim Shabanov.
The Minnesota Wild will open the 2026-27 regular season Thursday night against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena, and Shabanov will be one of the more intriguing players to watch as Minnesota begins a new season.
After signing with the Wild during the offseason, Shabanov spent much of training camp getting an opportunity alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Danila Yurov.
Now comes his first chance to show what that combination can do when the games count.
Shabanov steadily improved throughout training camp and started to look increasingly comfortable as the preseason progressed.
"He got better and better as the game went," Wild head coach John Hynes said during the preseason. "I think overall in camp, he's gotten better and better. He understands kind of what's going on."
Shabanov also found the back of the net during the preseason while creating several other scoring opportunities.
The 25-year-old made it clear during camp that the opportunity to play alongside Kaprizov is something he wants to earn.
"He a good player," Shabanov said of Kaprizov. "I happy to play with him. I need try everyday work to play with him. Such a good guy and good skill."
Shabanov also said one of the reasons he chose Minnesota was the opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup.
"It's a good team," Shabanov said. "This team have chance to win [Stanley] Cup and I want help team win a Cup."
Thursday represents the first real test.
Playing alongside Kaprizov comes with an obvious opportunity, but Shabanov will have to show he can complement one of the NHL's top offensive players once the pace and intensity increase in the regular season.
Watch how involved Shabanov is in creating offense, whether he can get himself into scoring areas and, perhaps most importantly, whether he can make plays with Kaprizov rather than simply looking to get him the puck.
Minnesota entered training camp with openings higher in its lineup following significant turnover on the wings during the offseason. Shabanov was given an opportunity to seize one of those spots and did enough throughout camp to remain there entering the regular season.
Now he gets the chance to prove he belongs.
The Wild won't learn everything about Shabanov from one night in Nashville. But after weeks of practices and preseason games, Thursday provides the first meaningful look at what Minnesota might have in its new winger.
And that makes Maxim Shabanov the Wild player to watch in Game 1.
See more of The Hockey News on Google — Save us as Preferred Source
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Sep 29, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) and Chicago Blackhawks right wing Roman Kantservo (80) face off during the second period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Trim-Imagn Images
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jack Eichel had a goal and two assists to reach 701 career points, and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 in their season opener Tuesday night.
Victor Olofsson notched Vegas’ first goal of the season, rookie Trevor Connelly scored in his NHL debut and Noah Hanifin and Mark Stone added goals as Ryan Craig earned his first victory as the Golden Knights’ head coach. Carter Hart made 24 saves.
Jordan Greenway and Patrick Kane scored for Chicago, and Spencer Knight stopped 32 shots.
Kane marked his return to the franchise he helped lead to three Stanley Cup championships with a third-period goal, but Chicago couldn’t complete the comeback.
Craig took over after six seasons as a Vegas assistant and three coaching its AHL affiliate in Henderson. He inherited a veteran team that reached last season’s Stanley Cup Final.
Vegas got scoring from five players after trading Pavel Dorofeyev, its leading goal scorer last season with 37, including 20 on the man advantage.
Olofsson opened the scoring midway through the first period when his power-play wrist shot found the top shelf from the far side.
Connelly doubled the lead when he flipped a rebound over Knight’s pads.
Greenway scored late in the second when his shot from the right circle flew past Hart, cutting Vegas’ lead to 2-1.
Kane trimmed the deficit to one early in the third with a slick backhand, but Hanifin answered shortly thereafter to restore the two-goal cushion.
Stone’s empty-netter provided the final margin.
Chicago opened without Connor Bedard, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and isn’t expected back until late October at the earliest.
Injuries are a part of the NBA and fantasy basketball, and the 2025-26 season saw a number of notable players miss extended time.
Here are the Top-12 players returning from injuries and what to expect from them in the upcoming campaign.
1. Kyrie Irving (G - DAL) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 82 | Injury: ACL | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
Prior to his injury, Irving posted nine straight Top-20 fantasy seasons, but availability has been a concern of his for years. The star PG hasn’t played more than 60 games in a single season since the 2018-19 campaign, and this latest severe injury could further hamper his ability to stay on the court.
The last time Irving was on the court, the Mavericks had recently traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, and Cooper Flagg hadn’t been drafted. Irving comes back to an entirely new situation, and while Flagg will certainly siphon off some usage, Irving should play a prominent role on a team missing a secondary scorer and playmaker.
Irving has thrived with star running mates, doing so with Doncic and LeBron James, so there’s no reason to worry about his per-game outlook alongside Flagg. Just keep his injury history in mind when deciding where to draft him.
2. Tyrese Haliburton (G - IND) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 82 | Injury: Achilles | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
Hali heartbreakingly tore his Achilles in the first quarter of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and he sat out all of last season to recover. Prior to his injury, he strung together three straight Top-14 fantasy finishes, finishing no lower than 22nd in 8-cat rankings since arriving in Indiana.
Per Haliburton, he’ll be a full go to open the 2026-27 campaign, and his role should remain unchanged as Indiana’s floor general. Haliburton is a reliable scorer, efficient shooter and capable defender who does a little bit of everything in the box score. He’s absolutely still got first-round upside.
3. Damian Lillard (G - POR) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 82 | Injury: Achilles | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
He missed 112 games across his last four seasons before sustaining the Achilles injury, but the questions surrounding the 36-year-old aren’t limited to health. The last time Lillard was on the court, he was the 1B to Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Now, it’s unclear what his role will be for an ascending Blazers squad.
The Trail Blazers made the playoffs last season without Lillard, led by strong efforts from Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan and a solid supporting cast of role players. Not only will Lillard be back in action, but he’ll be joined by another guy on this list in Ja Morant. How the two will share ball-handling, playmaking and scoring responsibilities remains to be seen, and given Lillard’s age, it’s fair to tread lightly and wait until the later rounds of fantasy drafts to take him.
4. Ja Morant (G - POR) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 62 | Injury: Ankle, Calf, Elbow | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
Morant has appeared in only 79 games across the last three seasons due to injuries and suspensions. Despite the missed time, Morant is a guy with a Top-100 floor and a Top-50 ceiling, even with numerous uncertainties surrounding his arrival in Portland.
Health and role change are baked into his early ADP, as Morant carries an eighth-round price tag. That makes him a value selection in fantasy basketball drafts given the heights he’s reached in his career. Still only 27 years old and ready for a fresh start in Portland, Morant is one of my favorite picks in the Picks 85-100 range.
"If I'm advancing the ball to Ja Morant... I feel pretty good about it. If I'm advancing the ball to Deni Avdija... I feel good about it. For both of those guys... if they're kicking the ball out to me... they should feel great about that."
5. Fred VanVleet (G - HOU) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 82 | Injury: ACL | 2026-27 Availability: Could be on Minutes Restriction to Open Season
He finished as a Top-30 option in five seasons prior to finishing 81st a season ago, but VanVleet’s days as a second or third-rounder are behind him.
With Kevin Durant in town and Amen Thompson signed to a monster extension, FVV will still offer appeal in assists, steals and three-pointers, but his usage will surely be down from where it was pre-injury, and playing time won’t be as plentiful with this loaded Rockets team. He’s a late-round PG with upside for big nights if Thompson or KD have to miss time, but fantasy managers should proceed with caution, as he may open the season on a minutes restriction.
Ime Udoka says he does not see Steven Adams playing back-to-backs to start the season.
He said minutes limits for Adams and Fred VanVleet will be determined by how they progress thru camp.
6. Zach Edey (C - MEM) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 71 | Injury: Ankle | 2026-27 Availability: Still Recovering, On Track for Regular-Season Opener
In 11 games last season, Edey posted career highs across all counting stats and shooting percentages. His ability to excel in traditional big-man stats like rebounds, FG% and blocked shots affords him a sturdy floor, but his ceiling is capped.
The Grizzlies made a concerted effort to bolster their frontcourt depth, adding Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post and drafting Cameron Boozer. Edey’s early-career injury history and additional competition for minutes makes him a risk/reward selection in fantasy drafts. Early ADP means you’ll need to spend a mid-round pick on him, but those risks paint him as more of a late-rounder.
7. Walker Kessler (C - LAL) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 77 | Injury: Shoulder | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
Kessler has only played 63 games across the last two seasons, but he’s improved in each season since joining the league. Last season, Kessler only played a handful of games, but he showcased his multi-faceted game.
It’s a small sample size, but if last season showed anything, it’s that the big man can be more than just a rebounder and shot-blocker. He handed out a career-best three assists and knocked down 1.2 triples per contest. He’s finally out of Utah’s logjammed frontcourt and ready to take center stage as LA’s top big man. Kessler is fully healthy ahead of the season, and he makes an interesting selection in the fourth round range of fantasy drafts.
He’s only played in 98 of a possible 246 games in three seasons since joining the Association, so it’s fair to be concerned about Lively II’s availability heading into Year 4.
In the smattering of games in which Lively II has played across the last three seasons, he’s only averaged 21 minutes. Daniel Gafford is still around, and Morez Johnson Jr. was drafted in the lottery, so it’s unlikely Lively II sees a boost in playing time.
Lively II is still recovering, and Masai Ujiri noted that the team will “be patient.” An unclear recovery timeline and increased competition for minutes means Lively II is not a high-upside fantasy option, and he shouldn’t be drafted outside of deep leagues.
Masai Ujiri was asked about the status of Dereck Lively II:
“Dereck has really gone through the process. Where he’s at now is where we were hoping he would be. I’m not going to go into the details of what D-Live is going, but he’s making good progress. Whether it’s shooting or…
9. Jayson Tatum (F - BOS) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 66 | Injury: Achilles | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
He ruptured his Achilles in May of 2025 but rather than sit out the entire 2025-26 season, Tatum debuted on March 6 against Dallas. He ultimately played 16 games and finished 26th in per-game fantasy value, offering late-season magic for managers who kept him on IL.
Tatum will be full-go for the 2026-27 campaign, and with Jaylen Brown off to Philly, the former will be leaned on even more heavily. Tatum is a first-round fantasy talent, and given his quick recovery and strong play to close out his limited 2025-26 season, he’s worth grabbing with a Top-10 pick.
10. Domantas Sabonis (C - SAC) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 63 | Injury: Back, Knee | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
He finished with his lowest points, rebounds, assists and minutes since 2018-19 when he was still with the Pacers, but his struggles were due at least in part to nagging injuries.
Sabonis was a Top-20 player in four of five seasons prior to his injury, and he led the Association with 26 triple-doubles during the 2023-24 campaign. A fully-healthy Sabonis has obvious upside due to his ability to rack up big rebound and assist totals as a center. The rebuilding Kings may trade Sabonis, and his ceiling will be measured by where he plays.
11. Dejounte Murray (G - NOP) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 68 | Injury: Achilles | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
From 2020-21 to 2023-24, Murray averaged 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.7 triples, finishing as a fantasy third-rounder twice and a first-rounder once.
Murray is all-systems-go for the start of the new season, and at Media Day, he expressed his excitement to get back on the court, lead and win games for the Pels. New Orleans has a deep and talented roster, but Murray should open the season as a starter. His ability to stuff the stat sheet in a number of categories gives him early-round upside, but his late sixth-round ADP makes him a tremendous value pick.
"I am ready to go. I am ready to continue to lead. I am healthy."
12. Giannis Antetokounmpo (F - MIA) | 2025-26 Games Missed: 46 | Injury: Achilles | 2026-27 Availability: Full Go
Giannis played his fewest games ever last season. His points, rebounds and assists were his fewest since 2017-18, and his 28.9 minutes were the second-lowest mark of his career.
After an offseason to recover and a fresh start in South Beach, the Greek Freak looks like he’s ready to make some noise for the Miami Heat. The Heat gutted its roster to acquire him, so he’ll be in a situation similar to the one he was in with the Bucks as the go-to option on a team lacking many complementary scorers.
As always, he’ll be a first-rounder, and managers drafting him should strongly consider a Punt FT% build to account for Giannis’ terrible efficiency from the charity stripe.
DETROIT (AP) — Simon Edvinsson remained unsigned as a restricted free agent the day before the Detroit Red Wings were to open the season at home against the New York Rangers.
Edvinsson did not skate with the Red Wings on Thursday, but the 23-year-old defenseman was seen training with a team in his native Sweden on Wednesday.
“The organization will continue conversations with Simon and his representatives," interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said earlier in the week.
Edvinsson had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last year, his second full season in the NHL. Detroit drafted him No. 6 overall in 2021 and he has 19 career goals and 60 points in 175 games.
Dylan Larkin, meanwhile, is still in limbo heading into Friday night's opener.
Larkin asked for a trade in the offseason with the franchise mired in a decade-long playoff drought. After he was not traded, the team stripped him of his captaincy. Larkin has been limited during training camp after saying he got hurt working out.
He has five seasons left on the eight-year, $69.6 million contract he signed in 2023. That deal includes a no-trade clause and he initially told the Red Wings he would only accept a move to Florida, Minnesota or Las Vegas. Larkin recently declined to share which teams he’s willing to be traded to.
He has played his entire NHL career in Detroit, which took the former Michigan star with No. 15 draft pick in 2014. Larkin ranks 10th in franchise history in scoring with 643 points. Larkin was an important role player for the United States when it won the Olympic gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games in February.
Andre Burakovsky was looking like one of the more encouraging developments of Ottawa Senators training camp.
But now the familiar question surrounding the talented winger has surfaced again: Can he stay healthy?
Burakovsky suffered an upper-body injury Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens after taking a cross-check in the back near the boards. He was in the process of trying to reverse the puck and Arber Xhekaj checked him head first into the boards then fell on him.
Burakovsky was asked at the start of training camp about his second half slump in Chicago last season (Senators YouTube)..
Burakovsky hasn't been back on the ice since.
On Wednesday, Senators head coach Travis Green confirmed that Burakovsky isn't likely to play in the regular season opener in Toronto on Saturday.
“He still hasn't skated. Upper body. I don't expect him to play on the weekend,” Green said.
Burakovsky joins Artem Zub as players who won't be ready to start the season. Green sounded more hopeful about Jake Sanderson's status, though he didn't skate on Wednesday.
It's unfortunate timing for Burakovsky, who had been very noticeable throughout training camp and the preseason.
At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Burakovsky's size and skating ability stood out, and he appeared to be comfortably tracking toward a spot in the top six. That's exactly what the Senators were hoping for when they acquired him from the Chicago Blackhawks in June for a sixth-round draft pick.
At his best, Burakovsky has shown he's a guy who can produce at a top-six level.
His finest NHL season came with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22, when he established career highs with 22 goals and 61 points in 80 games before helping Colorado win the Stanley Cup. The previous two seasons, he produced 45 points in 58 games and 44 points in 53 games.
Even his first season in Seattle started well. Burakovsky had 39 points in 49 games and was leading the Kraken in scoring when a groin injury in February ended his season. He suffered setbacks during his rehab and eventually required surgery.
Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring theme in his career.
Early the following season, Burakovsky required surgery after suffering an upper-body injury against the New York Rangers and was projected to miss six to eight weeks.
Even in his early days with Washington, he missed significant time with injuries to both hands, including a fractured thumb that required surgery, and also underwent another procedure after being injured during the 2018 playoffs.
Burakovsky has been healthier over the past two seasons. He played 79 games for Seattle in 2024-25 and 75 for Chicago last season, producing 11 goals and 33 points for the Blackhawks.
Last November, he missed five games after taking a brutal hit to the head from Seattle's Ryan Lindgren. But that didn't slow down his production in the first half of the season. By Jan. 7, he had 29 points in 38 games. But in the second half? Crickets. Even while playing consistently with Connor Bedard, he had only 4 points in the final 32 games.
The Hawks stuck with him on the top line because their analytics said, despite his slump, he was producing chances. But at some point, the simple goals and assist totals override everything else, which is part of why the Hawks were willing to move him for just a sixth rounder.
When Burakovsky showed up in Ottawa for camp last month, he looked like he might be in the process of rediscovering his first half magic of last season. Instead, he rediscovered the injury bug.
Believe Burakovsky was injured after taking this hit from Xhekaj, who then fell on top of him. Didn't return and isn't skating today. #GoSensGo
It's bad timing for the Sens, and bad timing for Burakovsky.
The 31-year-old is entering the final season of the five-year, $27.5-million contract he signed with Seattle in 2022 and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. With salaries escalating around the NHL, a healthy and productive season could put him in position for another big payday.
There is still plenty of time for that to happen.
But after an encouraging start to his first training camp in Ottawa, already being shut down by injury before the Sens play their first regular-season game is not the ideal start.
Wakefield’s progress has brought romance to the Grand Final but Warrington ending their long title drought would be just as stirring
It is a tale of two potential fairytale endings on Saturday evening with a unique twist. A startling statistic has spread across social media since last weekend’s Super League playoff semi-finals: of all the towns and cities across Europe with a population of more than 200,000, it is said that only two do not have a professional football team.
Those two settlements will be front and centre of the rugby league landscape, as Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves go in pursuit of history at Old Trafford. Trinity were in the Championship only two years ago, and hunting a first major trophy since 1968.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the tenth inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on September 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What a way to sweep the Red Sox out of the playoffs! The Yankees brushed aside their inferior opponents, winning the two games by a combined score of 18-2. Every facet of their game was clicking — plate discipline, slug, bat-to-ball, two-strike hitting, situational hitting, base running, defense, and of course, starting pitching. It’s a winning recipe that leaves them in good stead for the upcoming ALDS date with Tampa.
The Yankees weren’t the only team to eliminate their opponents from the postseason on Wednesday so let’s jump straight into the action!
AL Wild Card Series Game 2
Chicago White Sox 7, Houston Astros 3 (Chicago wins 2-0)
After just two games, I can’t think of any playoff participant who wants to face these White Sox. That is a sentence that no one could conceive of typing at the start of the season. Two seasons removed from suffering the most losses in MLB history and on the back of three straight losing campaigns, this upstart Chicago squad came out of nowhere to crash the postseason, starting with a two game sweep of the Astros in their own building.
They have done so by scoring early and often, the White Sox lineup a deep unit one-thru-nine with multiple ways to hurt you. They work deep counts, foul pitches off, draw walks, and can put the ball in play, but can also slug the ball out of the yard from almost any spot in the batting order. On Tuesday, they scored three unanswered runs in the first two innings to put the Astros on the back foot from the word go, and Wednesday continued the trend with the Southsiders hanging a four-spot before the home team had a chance to bat.
They had a 1-0 lead just five pitches into the game against Astros ace Hunter Brown, Sam Antonacci leading off with a double before Kyle Teel drove him home with a single. A fielding error by Nick Allen on a Miguel Vargas grounder put a pair on, and three straight singles by Andrew Benintendi, Tristan Peters, and Chase Meidroth plated three more runs with help from a Lucas Spence throwing error from center.
Credit to the Astros, they did not roll over after going down four in the first and slowly chipped into the White Sox lead. Jeremy Peña led off the bottom of the first with a booming home run that clattered off the left field wall just below the train tracks. Cam Smith hit one to almost exactly the same spot with two outs in the second. Jose Altuve narrowly snuck a solo shot into the Crawford Boxes to lead off the fourth and just like that, a 4-0 game had become a 4-3 thriller.
An inning later it looked like the Astros would pull of the improbable and complete the comeback. Smith was hit by a pitch, Peña singled, and Isaac Paredes walked to load the bases with two outs for Altuve. However, reliever Anthony Kay got Altuve to fly out to medium right field to strand all three ducks on the pond. That left the door open for the White Sox to swing the momentum back in their own favor and they did so immediately. Benintendi and Peters drew a pair of walks to open the sixth, prompting Joe Espada to call on Bryan Abreu out of the bullpen. Astros owner Jim Crane vetoed a trade of Abreu to the Twins in the final minutes of the deadline, and Abreu rewarded that faith by hanging a 3-1 slider to Meidroth, the second baseman crushing a three-run bomb to left to put the final nail in the Astros’ coffin.
After sweeping this rematch of the 2005 World Series, the White Sox advance to the ALDS where they will face the AL Central champion Guardians, first pitch of Game 1 scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.
NL Wild Card Series Game 2
Philadelphia Phillies 4, Atlanta Braves 3 (Series tied 1-1)
The Phillies’ season was hanging by a thread until some late heroics by Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Alec Bohm sent this thrilling series to a decisive Game 3. It was a pitchers’ duel early between two starters trending in opposite directions. Tyler Mahle entered his first career playoff start with a sub-two ERA after joining the Braves from the Giants at the deadline while Cristopher Sánchez posted an ERA above five in the month of September (though will still likely wrap up his second straight runner-up finish in NL Cy Young balloting).
The one thing the two starters do have in common is first inning struggles and that certainly played out in this game. Mahle allowed a leadoff double to Trea Turner and consecutive one-out singles by Bryce Harper and Alex Bohm to allow the Phillies to jump ahead, 1-0. However, Sánchez issued a leadoff walk to Ronald Acuña Jr., who promptly stole second and scored the tying run on a Matt Olson single.
Both starters settled in from there, trading zeroes for the next five innings, until things unraveled for Sánchez and his defense in the seventh. Sean Murphy worked a leadoff walk and Ha-Seong Kim reached on a bunt single to put a pair on with no outs. Drake Baldwin then clubbed what looked like a routine liner to right, but Harper misplayed it horrifically breaking in on the ball only to watch it sail over his glove and to the wall for what was ruled as an RBI double. Sánchez intentionally walked Ozzie Albies to load the bases, and Olson made him pay with a sac fly to double the Braves lead, 3-1.
What should have been a hammer blow to the Phillies morale did not play out as such. Schwarber immediately responded with a towering leadoff shot off lefty reliever Dylan Lee, and Harper atoned for his misplay by going back-to-back to retie the game, 3-3. That sent this game to extra innings, where the much-maligned Alec Bohm continued his redemption tour. Bohm was on the bubble of being non-tendered during the offseason, but the Phillies kept him around and drove in the first run of the series with an RBI double in the first inning of Game 1. The third baseman was the ultimate hero in this one, his opposite field solo homer off rookie Didier Fuentes in the 10th to keep the Phillies season alive and force a decisive Game 3.
San Diego Padres 4, Chicago Cubs 1 (San Diego wins 2-0)
This game featured surprisingly quick hooks of both starters as neither manager wanted to risk leaving their highest leverage relievers unused. One was certainly more deserved than the other, Kevin Gausman allowing three runs on five hits in 3.1 innings. The Cubs were desperate for starting pitching at the Trade Deadline and Gausman was supposed to be their big prize. However, he flopped after making the move from the Blue Jays, pitching to a 4.83 ERA in nine starts post-deadline, and his stinker tonight was the beginning of the end of the Cubs’ season. Nick Pivetta on the other hand held Chicago to a run on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings, but Craig Stammen seemed determined to play the matchups in this one.
Ty France got things started with a double to lead off the second, advancing to third on a Jackson Merrill single, who then stole second to put a pair in scoring position for Xander Bogaerts. The veteran shortstop opened the scoring with an RBI single, which brought Ethan Salas to the plate. The 20-year-old became the youngest catcher ever to appear in a playoff game, and in his first postseason PA, he lifted a sac fly to center to plate Merrill as the Padres’ second run.
The real story of this series has been the Cubs’ inability to score. They led MLB scoring 5.25 runs per game, spearheaded by shoo-in NL MVP Pete Crow-Armstrong and his MLB-leading 45 home runs (PCA would go 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in the series). They found themselves shut out through the first 12.1 innings of this series, finally breaking the seal in the fourth on a Seiya Suzuki single, Ian Happ walk, and Nico Hoerner RBI single. A Carson Kelly hit-by-pitch loaded the bases with two outs, but Dansby Swanson flew out to stand all three in place.
San Diego immediately punished them for failing to fully cash in on that scoring opportunity. Bogaerts reached on a one-out double, prompting Craig Counsell to call on Daniel Palencia in relief of Gausman. Palencia yanked a 101 mph fastball right into Sheets’ nitro zone down and in, and the lefty crushed it to right for a mammoth two-run blast.
It was all hands on deck from there from the Padres bullpen looking to protect their lead for the final five innings of the contest. They proved how terrifying a relief corps they’ve been all season, allowing just three base runners — a Michael Busch walk with two outs in the fifth, a Tyrone Taylor pinch-hit single with one out in the eighth, and a Hoerner one-out double off Mason Miller in the ninth — after the Cubs stranded the bases loaded to end the fourth.
San Diego advances to the NLDS where they will face the best team in baseball. It’s an unenviable position to come up against presumptive NL Cy Young Jacob Misiorowski and the 103-win Brewers. Game 1 of that series is scheduled for October 3rd with first pitch time contingent upon the result of Game 3 between Philly and Atlanta.
After a disappointing 93-loss season, Royals president of baseball operations J.J. Picollo said the team plans to be “aggressive in acquisitions.” But that aggressiveness, he cautioned, should not be confused with a willingness to spend aggressively on the payroll. He addressed the media along with manager Matt Quatraro in the team’s annual end-of-year press conference on Wednesday.
The season did not go as planned, with the team stumbling to a 12-19 start by the end of April. Picollo took addressed the slow start by saying “we’re responsible for the performance in April and May.” He did point out the World Baseball Classic kept some Royals players away from the team during spring training, making it more difficult to build team camaraderie. And injuries made it difficult for the team to climb their way out of the hole they had dug.
“We weren’t very good in April, and we weren’t very good in the beginning of May. I can’t sit here and tell you that I know we would have been good in June, July, August, and September, but if we had had those players on our roster and healthy and available, I think we could have made a better run.”
The Royals lost key players like Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino early in the year, in addition to having their pitching staff decimated by injuries over the summer. The Royals announced changes to their medical staff, although Picollo denied the injuries were the reason for the moves. He also contended that despite all the adversity, the team has to win.
“That being said, nobody feels sorry for you. You got to go out and win.”
Here is what Picollo had to say about how he plans to address team needs this offseason.
The bullpen
“The bullpen is going to be a focus for us,” said Picollo. “There’s no question.”
Royals relievers had a 5.07 ERA, second-worst in baseball, and a league-worst 6.65 ERA in the ninth inning. The team lost closer Carlos Estévez to injury after his first game, and got disappointing performances from Lucas Erceg and Matt Strahm.
While Picollo expects the team to be aggressive, he added “I don’t want that mistaken for aggressive payroll spending.” He noted that the team was top five in spending on the bullpen over the last three years, but that spending on relievers may not be the solution due to the volatility of their performance.
“We have to look into ways at being more efficient,” he said, adding that they tried to look for that “diamond in the rough” late this year with waiver claims and small deals. They sought pitchers that presented different arm angles and pitches to give hitters varying looks.
“There’s not a clear, definitive answer on how to pull put a bullpen together. But I think the variety of ‘different looks,’ ‘different stuff’ type of relievers is the way we’re probably going to go.”
While Picollo highlighted the pitching of Steven Cruz and Nate Pearson down the stretch, the 2027 closer may not be on the roster right now.
“I don’t know if we’ll be able to sit here today and tell you we’ll have a closer. Internally, we don’t think we necessarily have it.”
Daniel Lynch IV, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in the bullpen, will be given a chance to compete for a starting spot next year. Lynch had a 1.96 ERA in 46 relief appearances this year, and a 6.53 ERA in 10 starts.
Starting pitching
Picollo said starting depth was their biggest priority after upgrading the bullpen. He admitted that the starting pitching depth he had amassed before the season was not nearly enough.
“It was as confident as I’ve ever been in starting pitching depth,” he said before discussing the injuries that hit the pitching staff. Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, Ryan Bergert, and Stephen Kolek all missed significant time this season.
“So we’re never going to take starting pitching for granted.”
Next year’s rotation will feature Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, and Noah Cameron, but the team will have to figure out who will fill the last two spots. The team expects to pick up the option of Tony Gonsolin, the former Dodgers All-Star pitcher who was signed late in the year and pitched in one game for the Royals. He could compete for a rotation spot along with Lynch, and Randy Dobnak, who impressed with a 3.51 ERA in 15 games.
Offense
As far as the offense, Picollo liked some of the underlying things they did, but ultimately the team did not score enough runs, particularly on the road. The Royals averaged 4.26 runs per game overall, finishing 21st in baseball. That was a slight improvement over their performance in 2025 when they scored 4.02 runs per game, 26th in baseball. But they finished dead last in baseball in runs on the road, averaging just 3.62 per game.
“It’s a combination of things. It’s getting on base at a greater clip. It’s running the bases well. It’s putting the ball in play when you need to with a man in scoring position. A lot is made of batting average with runners in scoring position – for us its more about ‘did you get him in?’”
He confirmed Ken Rosenthal’s report from Tuesday that hitting coach Alec Zumwalt has been reassigned to focus more on minor league development, but Picollo clarified that this was not a reflection of performance, and had been the plan all along. Zumwalt had worked with the current core of Royals hitters in the minors, and had ascended to the big league level with them. The team wants him back working with young minor league hitters, while assistant hitting coaches Marcus Thames and Connor Dawson work with the big league hitters. The Royals will likely hire another assistant hitting coach, but Picollo backed the work of Zumwalt.
“We’re not disappointed with his performance. We think he’s a very good hitting coach.”
The team will look for offensive upgrades in the outfield. Picollo noted the outfield defense regressed this season, despite the fences at Kauffman Stadium being moved in leaving less room to cover. Outfield prospect Carson Roccaforte could be in the mix, although he is left-handed and Picollo noted that the team is already very left-handed heavy.
The team will be “open to any and all ideas” on trades, even if that means trading players on the roster. Picollo added he is not interested in trading players for prospects, given their timeline and expectations to contend.
“We need to add players that help us at the major league level.”
Spending
Picollo said he does not have a specific payroll figure, but noted that ownership has approved additional spending when he has brought forward opportunities worth pursuing.
“I’ve always felt like it’s not my job to worry about the payroll. Our job is to get the most out of whatever we have,” said Picollo, noting there are teams in the playoffs with lower payrolls than the Royals, while many teams that spent a lot are sitting at home.
“I don’t think payroll is indicative of success on the field. I think success on the field comes with knowing your roster and how to get the most out of your roster and that’s our task. That’s what we need to do.”
Sherman said in August that the team is “freeing up some money” the team could invest, with about $30 million expected to come off the payroll with impending free agents.
When asked about potential long-term contracts for Jac Caglianone or Carter Jensen, Picollo deferred, saying that they typically don’t seriously consider such deals until after a player’s second year of service time. Both players just completed their first full season in the big leagues, finishing strong with each hitting over 20 home runs and posting an OPS+ over 120.
The Royals may have to work quickly to address their shortcomings simply because of the looming potential work stoppage. The collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, which could lead to an end to free agent signings until a new labor deal is worked out.
“The aggressiveness in November is going to be important for us, as we expect the entire industry to be fairly busy.”
But it is clear the Royals have a lot do before the next season begins. The Royals entered 2026 expecting to build on back-to-back winning seasons. Instead, they finished with the fifth-worst record in baseball and now face significant questions in the bullpen, starting rotation and outfield. Picollo acknowledged that the fans demand more.
“It’s refreshing to know that our fans have high expectations. We want them to have high expectations, because we gave them reason to have high expectations,” said Picollo.
“With that comes to responsibility of getting it done. I think we feel pressure every year to win.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves during the tenth inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on September 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning A’s fans!
Three of the four series of the first round ended with sweeps. The Yankees, Padres, and White Sox all vanquished their opponents and have punched their tickets to the divisional round. The Cubs, Red Sox, and Astros (yay) all saw their seasons come to an unceremonious end. None of them were huge favorites to win it all so their fanbases can only be so disappointed, but still never fun to see your team end the year with a loss.
The second round is now mostly set. After their dominance over one division rival, the Yankees now take on the #1 seed in the AL in another rival, the Tampa Bay Rays. This series could go either way and it’ll be one of the best of the second round.
The other matchup in the AL is, again, between two division rivals as the White Sox take on the Guardians. The upstart White Sox beat Houston in convincing fashion but Cleveland is a much better opponent. Can they keep the mojo going, or does their magic finally wear off?
In the NL, the Brewers now know they’ll be facing the Padres in their Division series matchup. Milwaukee was the only team to win 100 games this year and is one of the favorites to win it all. They’ve been here before though and always fall short. Is this the year for them? The same can almost be said exactly the same of the Padres: a great team year in, year out, but always falling just short of expectations. Milwaukee should be favored in this series but San Diego could be the pick if someone wants an upset in the second round.
The only team that couldn’t finish off the sweep was the Atlanta Braves. They were close, coming to within six outs of finishing off the Phillies. Their division rival managed a late comeback with back-to-back homers in the eighth to tie it and then they finished the comeback in extras, forcing one more game to decide the series. Winner-take-all. This is going to be some good baseball, and a mere taste of what’s to come in the later rounds of the playoffs.
Philly hasn’t announced their starter for the must-win game later today. They could turn to Zack Wheeler on short rest, which at this point in the year is kind of why he got that massive contract. Atlanta meanwhile has a bit more of a complicated decision for them on who starts today’s contest. It could end up being former A’s prospect Grant Holmes, who has blossomed with Atlanta. We’ll all just have to wait and stay tuned.
Meanwhile A’s fans are still waiting to find out who the new General Manager will be. There were rumors and reports that the organization wanted their choice installed before the end of the year but that deadline is long gone. The hope now is that they pick their person before the end of the playoffs so the new voice has an entire and full offseason at the helm. News could drop at any moment and any day now.
Phillies-Braves Game 3 first pitch is at 5:15 Pacific. Have a great Friday Junior everyone!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Sonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox walks off the mound against the New York Yankees during the third inning in game two of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 30, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning everyone!
Three of the four Wild Card matchups concluded last night, with one more left to go. We’ve got all of that and more in today’s batch of links.
The Yankees’ bats went off once again, teeing off Garrett Crochet in his first appearance back from injury in a 9-2 ballgame to punch their ticket to the ALDS.
The Phillies drew even with the Braves thanks to a trio of homers, including an extra-inning bomb from Alec Bohm, in a 4-3 win. They’ll play the deciding match this evening.
In Mariners news…
Ryan Rowland-Smith made his pitch for why the Mariners need to extend right-hander Logan Gilbert.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the third quarter of a game against the New York Knicks in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers bench underwent a shake-up in the offseason. Anchors of the second unit such as Dean Wade, Max Strus, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis are no longer on the roster. For a period of time, it felt like Sam Merrill might have to be one of the names moved to shuffle the deck. However, now that NBA media day has come and gone, Merrill is still here, and every year he becomes increasingly integral to the Cavaliers.
Merrill has steadily increased his minutes since joining the Cavaliers, averaging 11 minutes in 2022-23 and nearly 27 minutes last season. Based on the skill sets of the other bench players around him, Merrill could see another increase in minutes this season.
It is well documented that Merrill is a high-volume marksman. Despite the scouting report banging the drum on this, opponents find it hard to slow down his volume and efficiency.
Even in a year mostly without Strus, Merrill still took 7.2 three-point attempts per game while knocking them down at a 42% clip. These numbers have the potential to climb even higher if other role players don’t fill the lights-out shooter role.
Merrill always seems to be Kenny Atkinson’s favorite player to set up opportunities for. Whether it’s pin-downs or running around a double screen, Merrill only needs a sliver of daylight to pull up.
It will be interesting to see how Merrill looks in his second year with James Harden running the offense. As we saw last season, this partnership led to some of Cleveland’s best offensive numbers. You’d hope in year two that they can continue the chemistry they showed last season and exceed their previous output.
Merrill’s activity on the floor and lack of hesitation make him very effective in most five-man lineups. His presence bends defenses and puts pressure on opposing players to keep track of both him and the ball. That type of command and efficiency makes Merrill one of the easier players to fit into any lineup configuration.
Elite skill sets can be a necessity for role players. The Cavaliers spent last season coming to terms with the fact that they didn’t have many players of that archetype. This season, the team appears to be taking gambles on role players who are slightly more well-rounded. At this point, Merrill appears to be the only reserve with a definitive five-star trait: his shooting.
If Merrill can take even a mini leap in attempts and efficiency from last season, the Cavaliers will continue to find ways to increase his minutes and usage.
Raphielle Johnson
