Today in sports history, November 3

<div assetid="591176002" assettype="video"></div>

Nov. 3

Today in sports history

Today is Nov. 3. On this date in:

1899: Heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries defeated Tom Sharkey by decision after 25 punishing rounds at Coney Island, New York, in one of the era’s most celebrated title fights.

1962: Wilt Chamberlain scored 72 points for the San Francisco Warriors in a 127-115 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, producing the fourth-highest single-game total in NBA history at the time.

1968: Graham Hill won the season-ending Mexican Grand Prix and clinched his second Formula 1 world championship.

1974: Boston Bruins forward Johnny Bucyk collected two assists in a 10-1 victory over Minnesota and passed Bobby Hull as the highest-scoring left wing in NHL history.

1982: Randy Smith appeared in his 845th consecutive NBA game, surpassing Johnny “Red” Kerr’s league record; Smith ultimately extended the streak to 906 games.

1987: New York Rangers center Marcel Dionne became the second NHL player to reach 1,700 career points when he scored in a 5-3 loss to Calgary.

1989: Šarūnas Marčiulionis and Alexander Volkov became the first players from the Soviet Union to appear in NBA regular-season games.

1989: The expansion Minnesota Timberwolves played their first NBA game, losing 106-94 to the Seattle SuperSonics.

1995: The Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies won their inaugural games, marking the regular-season debuts of the NBA’s first Canadian franchises since the Toronto Huskies folded in 1947.

1995: Kevin Garnett made his NBA debut for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a loss to Sacramento, beginning a Hall of Fame career.

1996: Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut at age 18, playing six minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 91-85 victory over Minnesota.

2007: Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour returned from retirement for one game and recorded his 1,500th appearance behind the New York Islanders’ bench as they rallied past Pittsburgh 3-2.

2008: The Detroit Pistons traded Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson in a blockbuster exchange of All-Star guards.

2010: Paul Pierce scored his 20,000th career point on a late-overtime free throw and helped the Boston Celtics defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 105-102.

2011: Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne signed a seven-year, $49 million contract extension on his 29th birthday, then made 35 saves in a 3-0 shutout of Phoenix.

2018: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made 34 saves in a 3-0 victory over Carolina and became the 29th goalie in NHL history to record 50 career shutouts.

2023: The NBA began group play in its inaugural In-Season Tournament, later renamed the NBA Cup, with seven games and specially designed tournament courts.

— USA TODAY Network

This story was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review, editing and publishing. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Today in sports history, November 3

Can Matisse Thybulle remain healthy enough to fortify the Lakers’ defense?

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 14: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on before the game against the Phoenix Suns during the 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 14, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to our Lakers Season Preview Series! For the next several weeks, we’ll be writing columns every weekday breaking down the biggest questions we have about every player the Lakers added this offseason. Today, we look at Matisse Thybulle.

When Marcus Smart signed with the Houston Rockets over the summer, the Lakers lost more than just their best perimeter defender. They lost their defensive identity, spirit and chaos agent. 

Regardless of why Smart wasn’t retained, it was clear the Lakers had to find a way to replicate the tangible and intangible value he added. 

Walker Kessler being the interior anchor will go a long way, but to help shore up the perimeter, the Lakers will be betting on Matisse Thybulle being Smart’s proxy. As they did with Smart, the Lakers are adding Thybulle in hopes he stays healthy and rejuvenated while playing for a team with championship aspirations.  

The gamble, albeit mostly safe given Thybulle signed at the minimum, is one that could pay off huge, or one that forces the Lakers back on the market in search of help. 

What is his best-case scenario?

At the top of Thybulle’s priority list for a successful season is to be on the floor. 

Although his reputation of being injury-prone is probably overstated at this point, he has recently simply been unable to stay healthy. This is a major reason why he was even available at the price the Lakers paid. 

Thybulle has appeared in just a combined 45 games over the past two seasons. Fortunately, reports say he is fully healthy ahead of the new season. 

If that is the case and he can remain that way for the majority of the year, that could be a major development for the Lakers’ defensive upside. Because when he’s on the floor, there are few — if any — more disruptive players in the NBA.  

When comparing his activity to other wings, Thybulle has finished lower than the 98th percentile in steal percentage once, and never worse than the 92nd percentile in block percentage in his career.

Perhaps more important than Thybulle’s staggering disruption ability is the impact he has on his entire team’s defense. 

Last year, the Portland Trail Blazers were an incredible 11.1 points better defensively with him on the floor than off. They also forced teams to turn over the ball 6.4% more in those minutes as well (the best on/off differential in the league in that category). 

The other area Thybulle must prove proficient in if he hopes to bid for a major role is his 3-point shot. After early career struggles with his outside game, Thybulle has steadily improved. He has converted his chances at a 37% clip over the last three seasons. 

If he can keep defenses honest and help shore up the perimeter on the other end, a best-case outcome could see Thybulle have a Smart-type year that the Lakers need. 

What is his worst-case scenario?

If the key for a successful season for Thybulle is remaining healthy, the inverse is missing time again. 

Although early indications are that he’ll enter the year ready to go, history has shown there may be a higher likelihood of follow-up incidents occurring. If they do, and he misses significant time, Thybulle could end up being a wasted roster spot. 

Beyond health concerns, there is also a scenario where he experiences some defensive slippage after two years of lengthy absence. If his superpower is diminished at all, that could drastically impact his value. 

The same could be said about his aforementioned improved 3-point stroke. 

If he suffers any type of regression or is simply seen as a non-threat by the opposition, Thybulle could tumble down the depth chart. The prime example of this is Jarred Vanderbilt’s diminished role playing under JJ Redick. 

This could especially be the case with the number of wings who will all be vying for minutes already on the roster. All of whom are younger and may be hungrier to secure a future in Los Angeles than the 29-year-old. 

What is his most likely role on the team?

The safest outcome for Thybulle is likely somewhere in the middle. 

Even if there is some slippage or games missed baked into the contract, he still possesses the highest upside to be the 3-and-D answer the team needs to surround Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. 

If he doesn’t reach that ceiling, he still likely will be able to play a similar role as he did in Portland. Whether that’s him being the steady veteran who could mentor the young wings on and off the court or being trusted to defend the opposing team’s best backcourt players, Thybulle’s floor will be comfortably high as long as he can stay on it. 

All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated. You can follow Alex on Bluesky at @alexregla.bsky.social

The Bounce: Donovan Mitchell’s Cavaliers arrival stems from a 15-year-old trade

The Bounce Newsletter  | This is The Athletic’s daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox.

The official meteorological end of summer is approaching. I felt a crispness in the air this weekend as I stepped outside and sighed, “Ahh, yes, basketball season is coming!” We’re almost there, y’all!

Tradeback Tuesday

How a small trade led to a big star in Cleveland

Did you know that Mo Williams and Jamario Moon led to Donovan Mitchell starring for the Cleveland Cavaliers? It’s true.

Back in February 2011, the Cavs traded Williams and Moon to the Clippers for what was left of Baron Davis and a 2011 first-round pick. That pick turned out to be No. 1 in the lottery, and the Cavs landed Kyrie Irving.

Irving played for the Cavs for six seasons, helping lure LeBron James back to The Land and win the 2016 NBA championship. But Irving saw the writing on the wall. He seemed to know LeBron wasn’t going to stick around past his 2018 free agency, and he wanted to test out his newfound winning knowledge with his own team.

Before the 2017-18 season, the Cavs traded Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, a 2018 first-rounder and a 2020 second. Out of those three players, Zizic played the most for the Cavs, logging 113 games over three seasons.

Thomas was moved before the 2018 trade deadline with Channing Frye and a first for Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.

Crowder was also moved in a massive 2018 deadline deal that moved Rodney Hood and George Hill to Cleveland.

The big part of that original haul for Kyrie was the 2018 first. It came from Brooklyn, via the Celtics. It was the eighth pick in the 2018 lottery, and the Cavs selected Collin Sexton. And that helped lead the Cavs to Mitchell:

It’s unreal that the Cavs acquired Lauri Markkanen in 2021 for Nance and a 2023 second-round pick. The Bulls received Derrick Jones Jr. and a first that became Dailyn Swan this year. The Blazers received Nance. The Cavs eventually flipped Sexton, Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, three firsts and two pick swaps for Mitchell.

Funny enough, the trades of Thomas and Crowder helped the Cavs acquire players they eventually flipped to absorb Jarrett Allen’s contract in the infamous three-team James Harden trade to Brooklyn in 2021. So moving on from Williams and Moon tipped over the first domino, which led to 40 percent of Cleveland’s current starting lineup.

The moral of the story? No trade is too small

The last 24

🏀 On the agenda. The NBA’s Board of Governors is meeting in New York. Among the big-ticket items: expansion, NBA Europe and fallout from the Clippers punishment

🇨🇦 Canadian-bound. Speaking of the Clippers, the Kawhi-to-Toronto trade is officially official.Leonard is heading to the Raptors.

👕 Fashion forward. What are some of the best NBA uniforms that need to make a comeback?Here’s a team-by-team breakdown.

🏀 New role. Longtime Bulls forward Taj Gibson has retired — as a player, at least.He’s joining Chicago’s coaching staff.

Sole sisters

As I was watching the FIBA World Cup games last week, particularly Team USA, I was struck by the number of players wearing their own signature shoes. Captain Breanna Stewart and newcomers Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were wearing red-and-white versions of their Pumas, Nikes and Reeboks, respectively.

Clyde Frazier was the first NBA player with a signature shoe when the Puma Clyde was released in 1973. Sheryl Swoopes, the first woman with a signature shoe, released the Air Swoopes in October 1995, nearly a year and a half before the WNBA’s inaugural season.

For decades, even after Swoopes’ sneaker debut, men’s hoops shoes were most popular. Michael Jordan’s Jordan Brand shoes are perhaps considered the gold standard of hoops shoes as casual fashion. Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant probably have two of the most socially popular men’s basketball shoes out right now.

But in the last five years or so, women’s basketball shoes have emerged right alongside the popularity of the WNBA. 

Players like A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Reese and Stewart have some of the most popular hoops shoes currently. I see them at games, and not just on the court fans are clamoring for as much women’s basketball player-related merchandise as possible and wearing whatever they can get their hands on. And, of course, Fever star Clark has a signature shoe on the way.

Sport crosses fashion on a daily basis, and sneaker culture is an extension of basketball culture. Players not only want to showcase their game, they want to do it in fly sneakers. It’s been really cool to see the women having a moment.

Stretch run

As the W returns after a two-week FIBA World Cup break, I got together with The Athletic’s women’s hoops expert, Annie Costabile, to look ahead at the playoffs and awards season. This is Part 1 of our Q&A; the second part, which will look at the future of the league beyond this season, will run soon.

The WNBA regular season concludes Sept. 24, and the playoffs begin Sept. 27.

Annie, with just a few games left, the playoff field is set. What playoff team is most intriguing to you? What about them stands out?

Annie: The Minnesota Lynx are the most intriguing team to me, which is maybe not the most exciting answer given that they’ve been the No. 1 team for most of the year. But the reason I’m dialed into this storyline is because of the history that’s on the table for the Lynx. They have a chance to become the first team in league history to win five WNBA titles. Doing so with Olivia Miles, who has captivated so many with her style of play but also her aura off the court, just feels special.

That being said, I think the Lynx and Miles looked more human heading into the FIBA World Cup break. So, it’s by no means going to be an easy road to the finals.

Speaking of potential Rookie of the Year Miles, a lot of people didn’t have her in their top three, and her talent seemed to catch quite a few fans by surprise. Could you have predicted that she would be the front-runner before the season began? 

Annie: From the beginning, I was saying she should be the No. 1 pick. The way coaches and GMs were describing her IQ and court vision, plus her scoring ability and pro demeanor, I just thought that all-encompassing skill set is so rare. However, I did NOT think she would be in the MVP conversation. I did not think she would have the Lynx atop the league standings without reigning MVP contender Napheesa Collier. She has exceeded all expectations.

We all know once the postseason begins, anything can happen. What player can be the sleeper/X factor on the playoff teams?

Annie: Hmm, good question. I think there are a lot of different names I could use to answer this question, but the one that’s immediately jumping out is Leonie Fiebich. The New York Liberty have had a lackluster season. They came into the year with title expectations and are instead tied for sixth in the league standings with just four games remaining in the regular season.

But when they’re at their best, Fiebich is at her best. We saw that in their game against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 22. I still think the Liberty can make a deep playoff run. Fiebich will have a big hand in it if they do.

Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has helped lead the franchise to its best year in more than a decade. Mitchell leads the Fever in scoring, averaging 25 points along with 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals. She signed a one-year, $1.4 million supermax ahead of the 2026 season. Do you see Mitchell re-signing with the Fever or going somewhere else next year?

Annie: Kelsey has always been super forthcoming about the importance of playing close to family. Hers is Cincinnati, which is less than two hours from Indianapolis. But at the end of the day, money talks, and the Fever are going to have a lot to figure out with the accelerators to Clark’s contract under the WNBA’s new EPIC provision. Aliyah Boston is set to receive the supermax in 2027, tightening the Fever’s pockets even further.

I don’t say any of that to say the Fever can’t pay Mitchell; they’re just going to have to do some cap gymnastics to make it all work. 

All of that to say, it’s too early for me to speculate. My gut keeps flip-flopping between the Fever figuring it out and Mitchell leaving because they can’t.

Reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson withdrew from the Team USA World Cup squad just days ahead of the competition for rest. With the news came much conversation about Wilson and her value and contributions to both the national team and her own team, the Las Vegas Aces. What are the chances Wilson repeats for a history-making fifth MVP?

Annie: I think voter fatigue is a real thing, and this year there is a pool of candidates that have made the conversation all the more interesting. But none of them are as impactful on both ends of the floor as A’ja. In fact, the one player who makes the best argument for being the best all-around player is Stewart, and she’s largely faded from the conversation because of what players like Miles, Clark and Mitchell are doing on offense.

The last four games of the regular season stand to impact the final vote. As of now, my vote belongs to Wilson, but I’m not ready to say it’s final.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

NBA, WNBA, The Bounce

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Chad Baker-Mazara alleges Eric Musselman racist 'tirade,' unpaid NIL from USC in lawsuit

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from Chad Baker-Mazara via his representation.

Former Southern California men's basketball guard Chad Baker-Mazara has filed a lawsuit against USC and coach Eric Musselman regarding his abrupt and bizarre exit from the program.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Sept. 14 and first reported by the California Post, alleges Musselman removed Baker-Mazara from the team after the Trojans were eliminated from NCAA tournament contention to avoid paying the remainder of his NIL contract.

The complaint also alleges Musselman directed racially charged remarks at Baker-Mazara following a Feb. 28 loss to Nebraska, the fifth of eight straight losses to end the season.

Baker-Mazara is suing for breach of contract, conversion and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage.

"The decision to remove the student-athlete from the men's basketball roster was based on a number of considerations, none having to do with race. We look forward to defeating this action in court," a USC spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.

The lawsuit alleges USC has not paid the remainder of the promised NIL earnings. Baker-Mazara claims the Trojans terminated his NIL agreements with the program the day after he was removed from the roster, stating he had violated a "morals clause."

"I gave everything I had to USC. I played through injuries, showed up for my teammates every day, and honored my commitments. Filing this lawsuit was not an easy decision, but I believe it is important to stand up for what you were promised and what you are owed," Baker-Mazara said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports through a representative.

"I am proud of what I accomplished throughout my college career, and I remained focused on my professional basketball career, my family, and the opportunities ahead. I look forward to letting the fact speak for themselves through the legal process."

Baker-Mazara, who transferred from Auburn to USC before the 2025-26 season, sustained an injury while blocking a shot in the opening minutes of the second half against Nebraska on Feb. 28. That was his final play and game in a Trojans uniform: USC announced Baker-Mazara was no longer with the team the following day.

"My body was telling me, 'No, buddy. As bad as you want to play, it’s a no-go,'" Baker-Mazara told USA TODAY Sports' Andres Soto in June.

Per The Athletic, the lawsuit claims USC's NIL collective told Baker-Mazara’s representatives on Feb. 13 — two weeks before he was kicked off the team — that the originally missed February payment would be forthcoming. Then, on Feb. 24, before USC's crosstown rivalry game vs. UCLA, Baker-Mazara’s representatives were told the cutoff date to process the February NIL payment had passed and that it would be included with the March one.

Baker-Mazara went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. He averaged 18.5 points and shot 44.4% from the field in 26 games last season for the Trojans.

The lawsuit also touches on a locker room incident after the Trojans' loss to the Cornhuskers in which Baker-Mazara claimed Musselman "lost his mind." It states that, after Baker-Mazara attempted to address his teammates in the locker room, Musselman erupted and said, "You shut the (expletive) up! You are one of the worst teammates anyone can ever have!"

Per the California Post, Baker-Mazara asked Musselman if he wanted him to leave as he did not "understand this animosity." Musselman's response to that, according to the lawsuit, was: "Yes, leave! Go back to the (expletive) Dominican Republic! Nobody wants you here!! (Expletive) you!"

"The words 'Go back to the (expletive) Dominican Republic' are generally understood by persons of color in the United States originating from the Dominican Republic — and were in fact taken by Baker-Mazara — to be racist and discriminatory, akin to telling an African-American to ‘go back to Africa,'" the lawsuit stated, per The California Post.

"Coach Musselman’s outburst was a direct attack on Baker-Mazara’s national origin and Dominican heritage, made from a position of authority and power by the head coach of the team, in front of all of Baker-Mazara’s teammates. The tirade was unprovoked, vicious, and discriminatory."

Speaking to USA TODAY Sports in that exclusive interview in June, Baker-Mazara said he was unable to comment on the specifics of the locker room discussion due to pending litigation. Former Trojans guard Ryan Cornish corroborated USC forward Terrance Williams II's retelling of events to USA TODAY Sports, saying "people's emotions flared up" but that it never went beyond the normal emotions that come with playing the game.

"It was all healthy though," Williams told USA TODAY Sports. "It wasn’t nothing negative."

Baker-Mazara told USA TODAY Sports he still has not heard from Musselman since the day he was removed from the team.

"It’s really hurtful. Because I thought I had a strong enough relationship that we could just sit down and talk about anything. At least that’s what it was throughout the whole year," Baker-Mazara told USA TODAY Sports. "... Me and him didn’t see eye to eye on everything, but at the end of the day, I feel like we had a strong enough relationship, or nothing bad enough happened, to where I should’ve been dismissed from the team."

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fastDownload for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chad Baker-Mazara alleges Eric Musselman racist 'tirade,' unpaid NIL from USC in lawsuit

Cole Irvin wins Pacific Coast League pitcher of week

Oklahoma City's Cole Irvin pitches during a minor league baseball game between the Oklahoma City Comets and the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 27, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

Veteran left-hander Cole Irvin has been a stabilizing force in the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets rotation this year, and on Monday he was named pitcher of the week in the Pacific Coast League.

Irvin started twice for Oklahoma City last week against Sugar Land and didn’t allow a run in either game, totaling 9 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts and five walks. He also made this nifty stab of a line drive for a double play on Sunday.

The 32-year-old Irvin pitched twice previously on four days rest this season, going four innings each time, and allowed nine total runs. On Sunday he pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings, after throwing five scoreless innings on Tuesday.

On the season, Irvin leads the Pacific Coast League in innings pitched (134), ERA (3.09), and wins (12).

Six Oklahoma City Comets have won Pacific Coast League player or pitcher of the week this season — James Tibbs (March 31—April 5 and May 25-31), Alex Freeland (May 11-17), Jack Suwinski (June 9-14), Ryder Ryan (June 9-14), Emmet Sheehan (August 17-23), and Irvin.

Tuesday schedule

  • 4:35 p.m. PT: Texas League playoffs, Game 1: Tulsa (Adam Serwinowski) at Springfield (Yhoiker Fajardo)
  • 5:35 p.m.: Oklahoma City at El Paso

Columbus Clingstones 2026 Recap

The Columbus Clingstones season has come to a close. The Atlanta Braves Double-A affiliate has completed its season by going 64-68, and saw an infusion of talented prospects in the second half of the season. This article will highlight some of the successes and failures of the team’s season, as well as picking the team’s hitter and pitcher of the year.

Columbus Hitter of the Year: Jordan Groshans, 3B

A bit of an unexpected breakout was former first round pick and top Blue Jays prospect Jordan Groshans, who signed as a minor league free agent this year and saw a power breakout. Groshans would hit .282/.344/.588, 18 doubles, six triples, and 30 home runs with 36 walks to 84 strikeouts in 436 plate appearances before a promotion to Gwinnett. What makes this more surprising is the fact that he had never hit more than seven in a season before, though there was always more raw power in the 26-year-old’s bat.

Columbus Pitcher of the Year: Brett Sears, RHP

This was a fairly easy call here too as Brett Sears was not only the Clingstones top pitcher, but he pitched the most innings. With Columbus he pitched to a 3.33 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts over 94.2 innings. That saw him post 7.6 H/9, 2.1 BB/9, and 10.7 K/9. Sears did split some time up in Gwinnett, but the majority of his time came here as he looked too advanced for Double-A hitters to solve.

Hitting

If they had more plate appearances both David McCabe and Adam Zebrowski would have been competition for Groshans for the Columbus top hitter, as both have an OPS above .900 like Groshans. The issue is they have half of his plate appearances. McCabe slashed .282/.382/.580 with eight doubles and 16 homers in 220 plate appearances. For Zebrowski it was .271/.343/.589 with nine doubles, a triple, and 19 homers in 220 plate appearances. That trio really helped the Clingstones offense this year.

Patrick Clohisy was a little further off that path, but still hit .261/.344/.433 with 19 doubles, four triples, seven homers, and 37 steals over 299 plate appearances – though it was his time later in Gwinnett that opened some eyes. Lizandro Espinoza put up a slash of .278/.404/.500 with seven doubles, three triples, five homers, and 26 steals in 156 plate appearances.

There were also several prospects who contributed after in-season promotions in Eric Hartman, Alex Lodise, Owen Carey, and John Gil. Gil hit .315/.385/.446 with four doubles, three triples, and two homers over 161 plate appearances. Lodise was .283/.343/.435 with five doubles and three homers in 102 plate appearances. Carey slashed .211/.296/.322 with five doubles, two triples, and two homers in 152 plate appearances – though his numbers were higher prior to a cold stretch in the final week of the season. Hartman hit .182/.312/.265 with three doubles, a triple, and two homers in 157 plate appearances.

Luke Waddell (.657 OPS), Ambioris Tavarez (.589 OPS), Archer Brookman (.685 OPS), Drew Compton (.556 OPS), Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. (.680 OPS), Will Verdung (.580 OPS), Dalton McIntyre (.625 OPS), Ethan Workinger (.627 OPS), Logan Braunschweig (.483 OPS), Carson Taylor (.778 OPS), and Cal Conley (.811 OPS) broke the 100 plate appearance mark here, though most of that group struggled to produce except for Taylor, Conley, Brookman, and also Kilpatrick in the second half of the season.

Among guys who weren’t here long Dixon Williams had a .762 OPS after a late season promotion, while Tate Southisene was hit by a pitch in his first game here, ending his season early – though he will be heading to the Arizona Fall League. Tristin English also added five home runs in under 100 plate appearances.

Pitching

The Columbus pitching staff was led by Sears, Garrett Baumann, Herick Hernandez, and Julio Robaina this year. Hernandez was probably Sears’ biggest competition for the top pitcher on the Clingstones staff, pitching to a 2.80 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts in 45 innings before his promotion, though injury did hit for a short time. Baumann managed a 4.26 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts over his 76 innings as he split time between here and Gwinnett. Robaina, who signed in-season, had a 3.14 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts over his 63 innings.

Cam Caminiti was probably the best starter here with under 50 innings, pitching to a 2.01 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts over 31.1 innings. Cedric De Grandpre (3.48 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 11.3 K/9), Owen Murphy (6.10 ERA, 1.79 WHIP, 11.8 K/9), Drue Hackenburg (0.96 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, 8.4 K/9) were the other starters who cracked 20 innings among the prospects.

Plenty more prospects appeared for a lesser amount of innings, with Luke Sinnard and Davis Polo being the bigger prospect names with Hurston Waldrep making a rehab start. Sinnard had a 4.15 ERA and 13 strikeouts over his 13 innings, while Polo had a 2.19 ERA and 13 strikeouts over his 12.1 innings. Waldrep went on to allow four runs in three and two thirds innings in that appearance.

The best performers in the bullpen were closer Tyler LaPorte, Luis Vargas, Anderson Pilar, and Isaac Gallegos. LaPorte had a 1.84 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts over 49 innings. Vargas also racked up strikeouts, pitching to a 3.23 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 96 strikeouts over his 61.1 innings. Pilar had a 4.43 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 30 strikeouts over 22.1 innings, while Gallegos had a 3.94 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts over 32 innings.

There were also some disappointing performances, led by the since designated for assignment Jhancarlos Lara and the injured and demoted Elison Joseph. Lara was a guy some expected to compete for a bullpen spot this spring, but in Double-A he had a 8.22 ERA, 2.61 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts to 29 walks in 15.1 innings. Lara also struggled with his command, and he had a 3.06 ERA and 1.98 WHIP with 18 strikeouts to 26 walks over 18.2 innings.

Others who started games and went at least 20 innings include Ian Mejia (7.13 ERA in 66 innings), Jack Dashwood(6.59 ERA in 27 innings), and Braden Scott (4.54 ERA in 40 innings) to go with the since-traded Lucas Braun (3.20 ERA in 51 innings). Others who mostly pitched out of the bullpen and hit that 20 inning mark would be Shay Schanaman (6.08 ERA in 61 innings), Samuel Strickland (6.39 ERA in 51 innings), Blane Abeyta (5.55 ERA in 49 innings), Owen Hackman (5.06 ERA in 48 innings), LJ McDonough (7.59 ERA in 43 innings)

This Week in the Minors: Quad Cities is dominating the playoffs

Quad Cities River Bandits' Emmanuel Reyes (51) pitches against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers during their baseball game Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. Quad City won 9-5. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

This Week in the Minors is our weekly look at notable performances from all over the system, from big-name prospects and less-heralded guys alike. The mission is to answer this simple question: “Who had a good week?”

Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers (64-77, 21.5 games back)

The Storm Chasers lost 4 of 6 in their series against the Indianapolis Indians. At the plate, Carson Roccaforte went 9 for 23, with 4 doubles and 3 stolen bases. For the entire minor league season, between Northwest Arkansas and Omaha, Roccaforte has 30+ homers and 30+ stolen bases. Brett Squires went 8 for 18, with 3 doubles and 4 runs driven in. Alejo Lopez went 7 for 18, stealing 3 bases as well. Drew Waters went 7 for 20, smacking a pair of home runs. Maikel Garcia, who is on rehab assignment, went 4 for 13, with a double and two runs batted in.

On the mound, Vince Velasquez made one start, going 6 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits, striking out 6. Matt Moore made two scoreless relief appearances, totaling two innings, striking out 5. Lucas Erceg made two scoreless relief appearances, going 2.1 innings, striking out 4. John Means made another rehab start, going 4 innings, allowing 2 hits, no runs, striking out 4. Tony Gonsolin, who might join the Royals before the year ends, made one start, going 5 innings, allowing 3 hits, no runs, walking 1 and striking out 2.

The Storm Chasers have one series left, at home this week against the Iowa Cubs, the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.

Northwest Arkansas Naturals (57-79, 30 games back)

The Naturals lost 5 of 6 in their series against the Tulsa Drillers to conclude their season. They did end the season with a walk-off hit, in an overall tough season.

On the mound, Drew Beam went 6 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, striking out 5. Brandon Johnson made 2 scoreless relief appearances, totaling 3.1 innings, allowing 3 hits, but striking out 5 batters. Coleman Picard went 4 scoreless, hitless innings, striking out 5. James McArthur, on rehab assignment, made two appearances, going 1.2 innings, allowing 3 hits, 3 runs, walking 1 and striking out 2.

At the plate, Angel Acosta went 7 for 14, with two homers and a double. Acosta is a 23-year-old second baseman from Venezuela. He spent most of the year with Quad Cities. The Royals signed him when he was 19 years old. Spencer Nivens went 7 for 22, with two doubles and a homer. Connor Scott went 6 for 23, with two triples. Luke Pelzer went 5 for 15, with two doubles. Sam Kulasingam went 5 for 25, with a double, but did have the walk-off hit.

The Naturals are done for the season, similar to the Columbia Fireflies, I’ll do a deeper dive in the coming weeks on who had a good year and who struggled when Omaha and Quad Cities season concludes.

Quad Cities River Bandits

The River Bandits swept the South Bend Cubs and are now currently out to a 1-0 series lead over the Dayton Dragons, in a best of 3 series. Game two is tonight at 6:05 p.m. CT from Dayton. Game three, if necessary, will be Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. CT from Dayton again.

In the first three playoff wins though, on the mound the River Bandits pitching has been phenomenal. David Shields started game one against South Bend, going 3 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 runs, striking out 5. But Dash Albus, threw 3 innings, allowing 1 hit, 1 run, striking out 4. Kamden Edge threw 1.2 scoreless, allowing a hit and walk, striking out a batter. Yimi Presinal got the last out of the 8th and L.P. Langevin closed the door in the 9th. In game two, Kendry Chourio threw 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 2, striking out 6. Ethan McElvain got the last two outs of the 5th. Emmanuel Reyes threw 3 innings out of the pen, allowing 3 hits, 1 run, striking out 5. Langevin got the save in the 9th. In game one against Dayton, the River Bandits threw a shutout, Tanner Jones, Edge, Jordan Woods and Langevin did the work.

At the plate so far, Derlin Figueroa is 3 for 9, with 5 walks. Jose Cerice is 4 for 10, with two doubles and 3 runs batted in. Austin Charles is 4 for 12, with a double, home run and 6 runs batted in.

Come from behind win allows Diamondbacks to keep pace in Wild Card

Diamondbacks News

Jim posted it in the recap, but, ya know what, right now I feel it bears repeating.

(SI.com) Corbin Carroll’s Massive Walk-Off Keeps D-backs’ Playoff Hopes Alive

The Arizona Diamondbacks were two outs away from taking a dive to 3.5 games back of the final Wild Card berth, staring down a 7-6 ninth-inning deficit at the hands of the Miami Marlins.

And then, struggling superstar Corbin Carroll — Arizona’s newest Roberto Clemente nominee — came to the plate, with the tying run at second base in the ninth.

The Marlins had just trotted out rookie right-hander Jack Ralston, after an injury forced veteran closer Pete Fairbanks out of the game with no outs and a runner aboard. A 2-1 splitter hung in the zone, and Carroll unleashed a massive blast down the right field line.

(Arizona Sports) Corbin Carroll’s walk-off home run proves Diamondbacks’ fighting spirit still alive

Corbin Carroll, a struggling and banged up superstar, launched a walk-off home run for the Arizona Diamondbacks, a team clawing to stay alive in the postseason chase, on Monday to earn what the team hopes will be a galvanizing 8-7 win over the Miami Marlins.

Carroll’s blast came at a precarious moment for the Diamondbacks, who had trailed 7-4, faced a potential three-game losing streak and the risk of falling behind the San Diego Padres by 3.5 games for the final National League Wild Card spot.

(Burn City Sports) Diamondbacks get their big lefty bat, but will it be enough to help their postseason chase

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the D-Backs claimed Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesus Sanchez off waivers Monday. The move will require sending one of the right-handed outfielders down to Triple-A, although the team hasn’t revealed what that move will be.

Sanchez has been posting solid numbers in Toronto, hitting .260 with eight home runs, 35 RBIs and a .734 OPS through 99 games. The outfielder has made a career of hitting for power against right-handed pitching, posting a .775 career OPS in those situations, making his addition even more significant for an Arizona lineup that has needed more balance.

[Ed. Note] I wonder if he realizes that if he puts up the best month in his career, he’ll probably get his number retired at Chase.

MLB News

(Purple Row) Rockies’ late rally thwarted by Padres in 8-7 heartbreaker

The Rockies battled, but couldn’t score the run they needed or prevent San Diego’s late insurance runs as they fell 8-7 in a heartbreaker on Monday night at Coors Field.

Colorado trailed 6-1 after four innings, but made a game of it before San Diego’s shutdown, slider-throwing closer Mason Miller posted two strikeouts to earn his 37th save of the season — the Rockies’ only two strikeouts of the game.

(CBS Sports) MLB Power Rankings: Has the magic run out on the White Sox’s feel-good Cinderella story?

The feel-good story of the 2026 season, at least on a team level, is arguably the Chicago White Sox. You know, the team that was parked in No. 30 in these Power Rankings the last umpteen weeks of 2024 and was at or near the bottom for most of 2025. They looked like a feisty bunch early this season and then started hanging around first place in June and July before building a lead as big as 5 ½ games in August.

That lead is now down to a half game, as the Sox just finished a 1-5 week against the Pirates and Cardinals. They still sit in first place, but it might not be for long. The Guardians don’t exactly seem enthused at trying to win the division as they do more often than not these days, given that they only went 3-3 last week, but it’s been enough to thrust them up right in the White Sox’s rearview mirror so aggressively that it is fogging up.

(MLB.com) 14 straight! Dodgers tie MLB record for most consecutive playoff clinches

“We don’t take it for granted,” said Max Muncy, the longest-tenured Dodger, who has been around for nine of those years. “But it is the expectation here.”

Now that they’ve secured their spot in the field, the Dodgers will go for their 13th NL West title in the past 14 seasons. They lead the second-place Padres by nine games, in addition to holding the head-to-head tiebreaker. L.A. is also playing for a first-round bye, holding a 3 1/2-game lead over Atlanta for the second seed.

Mariners News: Julio Rodriguez, Andrés Muñoz, and Pete Crow-Armstrong

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Julio Rodríguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners catches a fly ball off the bat of Denzer Guzman of the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 14, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning! The Mariners began their series against the Los Angeles Angels with a 6-4 loss. Staff writer Zach Mason detailed Kade Anderson’s struggles in his recap, and the Mariners were unable to put enough quality hits together to come out on top.

Logan Gilbert takes the mound tonight for the 6:38 PM start against RHP Ryan Johnson.

In Mariners news…

Around the league…

Site Announcement: Meet Brew Hoop’s newest writers!

Oct 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango waves a flag with the Milwaukee Bucks logo prior to the game agains the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

As you might have seen, a little while back, we put out a call for new writers. Well, we’re thrilled to finally be able to introduce you to them all. And what better way to do so than by giving them the mic, err, floor, err…

Enjoy their wordsmithery!


Nate O.

Hey folks! I’m Nate, and we previously may have talked on here while I was “Knuckles”. Definitely excited to keep the conversations going with our corner of the Bucks and NBA fanbase here at Brew Hoop! I grew up in the Milwaukee area and have been an avid Bucks and Brewers fan my whole life. I can remember going to watch both teams with my dad and brother and family, and then eventually my friends and now my wife, whom I was able to convert to both fandoms. My love of the Bucks runs deep: the Ray Allen trade still stings, l blast out “FEAR THE DEER” texts like its 2010, (a bigger deal back when the family plan came with 100 texts per month) and like many of you steadily rode the highs of the last decade and are excited/anxious/intrigued to see what comes next. I will aim to cover the team with my love of Milwaukee sports in mind and really cannot wait to kick the season off! Excited to enjoy another season of Bucks basketball and have the opportunity to do so here at Brew Hoop with Jack, Zac, the new writers, and all of you!

Editor’s note: Technically, you’ve already been introduced to Nate—but you might’ve had your beer goggles on and need the “next day” reminder.

Aiden Fermaner

Hey Bucks fans! My name is Aiden, and I’m super excited to be joining the Brew Hoop team. Basketball has been my whole life for as long as I can remember, and the Bucks have been at the centre of it since 2014. I’m from Melbourne, Australia and recently started my own personal blog, bucksdownunder.com. I wanted to use my blog to connect with other Bucks fans around the world, and at the same time I also had the opportunity to join Brew Hoop. I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity and to be a part of this amazing community!

Owen Jury

What’s going on, Bucks fans! New to the staff over here at Brew Hoop, but in no way am I new to the Bucks fandom. I’ve been a Wisconsin sports fan for my entire life, and I attribute Brandon Knight of all people to sparking my love for basketball and the Bucks specifically. The first-ever sports game I went to happened to be one in which Knight hit a go-ahead shot at the end of regulation. Fast forward to today, and I have committed myself to covering and analyzing the sport of basketball. My roots lie within my personal Substack that I started to cover the NBA Draft, which helped land me a gig at a Mizzou (the school I attend) school newspaper covering men’s basketball. From there, I was able to make some connections and find my way onto the Sports Illustrated staff covering the Washington Wizards, which, as I’m sure you could imagine, was a riveting eight-month experience. Throughout that entire process, I stayed up to date covering the draft, which in turn landed me a gig at the Draftstack and eventually No Ceilings. Somewhere along the way, I found myself interviewing for Badger of Honor as well, covering all things Wisconsin sports—which has been nothing short of a great time. Now, as part of the crew over here, I can flash my fandom for my favorite team, hopefully providing some insight along the way. Super excited to get things moving!

Dax Ruplinger

What’s up, Bucks faithful! I’m beyond excited to be joining the Brew Hoop staff in covering our young but promising Bucks squad! Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, I was born into the Packer family. However, my Bucks fandom also began at a young age. At nine years old, I watched the Bucks select a young Blue Devil named Jabari Parker, and the rest was history. While Jabari didn’t become the future I’d dreamed of (there’s still time, I swear), I suppose the 2021 Finals did enough to keep me around. Jokes aside, I can’t wait to kick off my rookie season with Brew Hoop’s vets and new writers! Hopefully, Brayden Burries, Nate Ament and I can provide the future for the Bucks community that Jabari sadly couldn’t.


Please join us in welcoming our new staff! We’re really looking forward to reading their work, which you’ll start seeing as part of the Ranking the Roster series. Stay tuned.

Elephant Rumblings: Two More Names Emerge As GM Candidates for Athletics

Jul 17, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez (4) and general manager Mike Rizzo (right) step onto the field for a pre-game ceremony at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-USA TODAY Sports

Rise and shine A’s fans and welcome to a new day!

The team made the decision to fire their long-time GM David Forst a few weeks back, installing Dan Feinstein to temporarily run the ship until a more thorough search for a new voice could take place over the offseason. The first name to emerge was former Astros GM James Click, who has plenty of experience in the front office and oversaw lots of success in Houston, including a World Series win.

Well we can add a couple more names to the list of potential GM’s. The team has reporedtly interviewed Mike Rizzo and BIlly Owens for the opening, making it three known names connected to the A’s job. The list is surely going to continue to expand but we have an idea of where the team’s heading.

Rizzo is best known for his time as the Washington Nationals’ president of baseball operations from 2009 until 2025. During that stretch the Nats won their first World Series title, but he also oversaw lots of losing teams during that stretch. While his team had winning records and huge success during the peak of that Nationals run, his most recent rebuild did not yield any results, paving the way for his eventual dismissal. While his Nats tenure didn’t end well, you can’t argue with the team’s first championship.

Owens is a name that should be much more familiar to A’s fans. He’s spent the past 30-ish years with the organization, including the past 11 as assistant GM to Forst. From slowly rising the ranks in the minor leagues as a coach to now being considered for the big job, Owens would be something of a continuity pick for the A’s. He was an assistant to Forst, who was an assistant to Billy Beane, who was an assistant to Sandy Alderson. Unlike with Rizzo and Click, Owens would be a first-time GM but that hasn’t stopped the A’s from going back to the most recent front offices and picking from a familiar crop.

Interestingly enough, the same report that revealed these interviews also said that the team would like to make their hire before the end of the season. If true that means the A’s aren’t going to wait around and want their new lead voice in position for the start of the offseason so he can hit the ground running. That might shorten the list of potential options since front office guys with playoff squads probably won’t make the jump before their team’s season concludes. What do you think of that decision? Is it smart to install the new GM as fast as possible, or should the team take their time and make sure they find the right guy? Whoever gets the job is going to oversee the first few years in Las Vegas, so it better be a home run hire.

We got a new series tonight across the country. The team is in Tampa Bay for three games against the playoff-bound Rays. They’re still fending off the Yankees for the AL East lead so don’t expect them to be anything but ready for game time. First pitch is at 3:40 Pacific. Until then, have a great day A’s fans.

A’s Coverage:

MLB News and Interest:

Best of X:

Consistency is a key for him moving forward:

Possible option for next season?

Congrats to Gelof on the nomination!

Jabari Walker doesn’t have a clear role, but it’s obvious the Sixers see his value

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 4: Jabari Walker #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Utah Jazz at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 4, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Jazz 106-102. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As this series has tackled, the Sixers did pretty well on the two-way market in the 2025 offseason. Jabari Walker, along with Dominick Barlow, was picked up and eventually given a standard contract by the Sixers. Last season Walker played 64 games and started six of them. He averaged 11 minutes a game and put up 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.

He shot 45% from the field and 33% from three on 1.5 attempts per game. The highlight of his season was a 22-point outburst against the Utah Jazz in early March. Back under contract for another year in Philadelphia, Walker finds himself in a similar situation to last season and that is on the fringes of the rotation.

Nagging injuries to forwards like Paul George and Trendon Watford helped keep Walker steadily in the mix, even though he didn’t feel like he was the most trusted reserve by Nick Nurse. Walker’s best skill is one that’s been sorely needed on this team for several years now: defensive rebounding.

Walker has always posted a strong rebounding rate on that end of the floor and last year was no different as he posted a defensive rebounding rate at 32.5%. For as splashy of an offseason as the Sixers had, the only big they brought in, Ariel Hukporti, had a poor rebounding season in his limited time last year. It’s always good to have someone on the bench who can just grab a board.

That impact on the offensive glass isn’t felt quite as much, which is unfortunate, but Walker’s 3.3% offensive rebounding rate still puts him the 66th percentile across the league. He isn’t the fleetest of foot, which can make it tough to find the right spot defensively. At 6-foot-10, he can only challenge big centers so much vertically, and he can have trouble staying with certain forwards.

With that being said, Walker’s been a capable innings eater at times who is also now someone who can occasionally step out and hit an open three. Neither the volume or percentage are anything to write home about, but his big game against the Jazz, as well his 38.9% three-point percentage in his final season in Portland, show proof of concept. His shot is something the team does believe in and encourages him to keep shooting. He at least gives you the idea of a stretch-five in certain matchups, another look the Sixers haven’t had a ton of in the Joel Embiid era.

Walker will also again coming into this season motivated to keep his spot. On top the perpetual drive to earn the next contract, only $250,000 of Walker’s $2.5 million dollar salary is guaranteed before Jan. 15. The Sixers of course have an open roster spot, but have to wait until December to be able to use it while not going over the first apron.

If, for some reason, the Sixers really need to sign someone before then, Walker’s non-guaranteed deal is the only contract that could make that work. Knock on wood, but something would have to go really, really terrible for the Sixers to feel that desperate just to clear up another veteran’s minimum spot.

The Sixers have also already taken measures to be able to retain Walker while adding the veterans they did bring in this summer. The team attached a second-round draft pick to be able to trade Johni Broome away, allowing the Sixers to sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. That felt like a pretty clear message that the Sixers do value Walker for the time being.

These additions, especially now that Dean Wade will be coming off the bench, may have pushed Walker even further down on the depth chart. At the same time, there are just as many concerns about the playability of both true backup centers on the roster in Hukporti and Adem Bona. As rim-running pogo sticks, they are certainly a different look. Once again this season, Walker’s minutes may not come consistently, but he should get some chances to earn them.

Tigers seek 3rd-straight series win vs Blue Jays on Tuesday

The Detroit Tigers have now won five straight after holding on for a 6-5 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Center on Monday night. The good guys were no-hit through six innings but mounted two late-inning comebacks to seize Game 1 of the three-game series.

Toeing the rubber for the Motor City Kitties in Game 2 is right-hander Drew Anderson, who will make his eighth start since permanently joining the rotation. The 32-year-old has posted a healthy 2.97 ERA but a concerning 5.05 FIP over his last 33 1/3 innings, allowing 28 hits (five home runs) and 16 walks while striking out 27, earning a pair of losses in the process.

Anderson has seen Toronto once this season in relief on May 15, tossing four frames of shutout ball on one lonely hit and a strikeout in an eventual 3-2 victory for the good guys.

For the Blue Jays, fellow righty Braydon Fisher will get the start for the 10th time this season. The 26-year-old will presumably be serving in the opener role, as he has not thrown more than two innings in an outing all summer.

So far this month, Fisher has put up a 1.93 ERA and 4.18 FIP over six appearances, allowing four hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out seven and uncorking a wild pitch across 4 2/3 innings of work.

Take a look below at how the two hurlers match up on Roberto Clemente Day.

Detroit Tigers (71-79) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (75-76)

Time (ET): 7:07 p.m.
Place: Rogers Center, Toronto, Ontario
SB Nation Site:Bluebird Banter
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 151: RHP Drew Anderson (4-6, 3.80 ERA) vs. RHP Braydon Fisher (3-4, 3.22 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Anderson4797.025.49.748.84.240.6
Fisher7272.224.412.943.54.250.1

ANDERSON

FISHER

Who will the Yankees start against the Red Sox in the looming playoff matchup?

KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 27: New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerritt Cole (45) watches his team play from the dugout during a MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals on May 27, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Good morning! Today, Keagan makes a case for giving the ball to Payton Tolle in Game 1 of the all but inevitable Wild Card Series in New York. Aaron Boone in the other dugout won’t have much of a decision to make in that regard: Cam Schlittler is a lock for the Cy Young, and he could even win a surprise American League MVP. He’s going to throw the first pitch of that series.

But if you’ve been paying attention to the Yankees, you might have noticed something interesting about their starting options: right now, Gerrit Cole isn’t one of the team’s three best pitchers.

Cole missed the start of the season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery, of course. He was pretty mediocre out of the gate before looking back to his old self through July and August, when he posted an ERA of 2.66 over 10 starts. But September has been a challenge for him so far — and not only when he was giving up historic homers. He couldn’t even make it through 5 against the Mets over the weekend.

Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, on the other hand, are as locked in as ever: neither one of them has given up more than 1 earned run in a start since July. Moreover, they’re both lefties, so they can theoretically neutralize the threat of the short porch in Yankee Stadium’s joke of a right field.

It’s a shame, because (1) it’s always fun to embarrass Gerrit Cole, and (2) he has, famously, been owned by the Red Sox in the playoffs, having faced the Sox twice and given up 7 earned runs in 8 innings. So here’s hoping he turns things around over the last two weeks of the season and works his way back into Boone’s good graces.

Use this space to talk about whatever you want and, as always, be good to one another.

Padres keep rolling to open series with Rockies

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres fields a ball during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Monday, September 14, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The San Diego Padres secured their eighth consecutive win by the slimmest of margins against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver on Monday. Pinch hitter Adael Amador chopped a Mason Miller pitch over the mound that was fielded and thrown to first by Manny Machado to beat Amador for the final out to secure an 8-7 win for the Padres.

San Diego and Colorado went back and forth throughout the game but in the ninth, it came down to the final at-bat. Miller recorded a strikeout to open the frame before Kyle Karros reached on a single to bring the winning run to the plate for the Rockies. Miller then struck out Mickey Moniak which set up the pinch-hit appearance for Amador. He pounded the second pitch of the at-bat into the ground causing it to bounce high above the infield grass, just left of the mound. Machado who was playing toward second base, cut across the grass, caught the ball and snapped a throw to first baseman Ty France, which arrived a half-step ahead of the runner to give the Padres their eighth consecutive win.

San Diego jumped out to a 6-1 lead after three innings, which included homers by Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. Colorado began to chip away at the score, but Padres starter Casey Mize did a what he needed to do to get through his outing with minimal damage. Mize allowed the second run of his outing in the bottom of the fifth and completed five innings with two runs allowed on eight hits with two walks.

The Rockies took advantage of a shaky Padres bullpen, which sent Kyle Hart to the mound in the bottom of the sixth. Hart had another ugly outing, allowing three runs on one hit with two walks in just 1/3 or an inning. Bradgley Rodriguez came in to get the final two outs. San Diego returned to the plate with a one-run lead at 6-5 in the top of the seventh. They added a run in the top of the inning, but Rodriguez gave the run right back in the bottom of the inning.

Adrian Morejon took the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning after the Padres scored a run in the top of the inning. Morejon was working with a two-run lead and San Diego up 8-6 and like the first two relievers, he allowed Colorado to score to get within a run.

The Padres did not core in the top of the ninth and the Rockies appeared confident that they could at least tie the game if not win it in the ninth. Miller quickly dashed those hopes and locked down the win and his 37th save of the season on 14 pitches, 10 of which were strikes.

San Diego will try to win its ninth consecutive win today against Colorado at 5:40 p.m.

Padres News:

  • The Mason Miller/Leo De Vries trade between the Padres and the Athletics will be talked about throughout the remainder of their careers, but with the recent news of De Vries needing season ending shoulder surgery, it appears San Diego won the trade.

Baseball News: