Yankees to call up top prospect Elmer Rodríguez

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Elmer Rodríguez #76 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 26, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In a bit of surprising news, the Yankees will be calling up one of their top pitching prospects, Elmer Rodríguez, to make a spot start this week. Aaron Boone confirmed today that Rodríguez would start tomorrow afternoon’s series finale with the Rangers. Will Warren was originally scheduled to start, but will instead see his outing pushed back beyond Thursday’s off-day, lining the Yankee rotation up as Warren, Ryan Weathers, and Max Fried for this weekend’s series against the Orioles.

It’s an exciting development, Rodríguez slated to become the youngest player to pitch for the Yankees since Deivi Garcia in 2021:

At 22 years and 254 days old tomorrow, Elmer Rodriguez will be the youngest player to pitch for the Yankees since Deivi Garcia in 2021
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 28, 2026

Rodríguez may not be around for long this time around, but it’ll still be fascinating to see one of the Yankees’ best prospects take his first shot at major league hitters. The right-hander broke out last year after coming to the Yankees via trade from the Red Sox, posting a 2.58 ERA across 150 innings in the high minors. In 2026, he’s picked up right where he left off, flashing impressive stuff in spring training, pitching three scoreless innings for Puerto Rico in the WBC, and maintaining a 1.27 ERA over his first 21.2 innings in Triple-A, with 20 strikeouts against seven walks.

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The Rodríguez call-up comes as part of a broader roster shuffle, with the Yankees reportedly set to send Giancarlo Stanton to the IL and call up Max Schuemann today. The infielder spent parts of the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Athletics and joined the Yankees over the winter as a Triple-A depth option.

It’s unclear as of now exactly how this puzzle will sort out. Stanton hitting the injured list will clear only one active roster spot, meaning either Schuemann is ticketed to head right back to Scranton when Rodríguez comes up tomorrow, or that the Yankees will option another player—perhaps reliever Jake Bird—to make room for Rodríguez, with Schuemann sticking around until Anthony Volpe’s return.

Whichever way the Yankees piece this together, Wednesday’s matinee in Texas suddenly becomes must-see TV (coming on the heels of tonight’s Cam Schlittler vs. Jacob deGrom showdown, no less). It’s been a fun time to be a Yankee fan the last couple of weeks, and this week looks to be no different.

April 28, 2026

Marlins vs Dodgers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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Fresh off a Kyle Tucker walk-off in the series opener, the Los Angeles Dodgers come in ready for Game 2 with the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night.

Shohei Ohtani is on the bump, so I’m backing the Boys in Blue with my Marlins vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks for Tuesday, April 28.

Who will win Marlins vs Dodgers today: Dodgers (-285)

Shohei Ohtani has been one of the best pitchers in the league through four starts, sporting a sterling 0.38 ERA.

While it won’t be possible to maintain a number that low, his underlying metrics (2.01 xERA, 1.92 FIP) are tremendous. He notches strikeouts (27.2% K rate) and ground balls (55%) while limiting walks (6.5% BB rate) and hard contact (87th percentile barrel rate).

He’ll give the Los Angeles Dodgers a leg up against a Miami Marlins team that has a 3-10 record on the road, including three consecutive losses.

COVERS INTEL: Miami starter Janson Junk’s 3.51 xERA looks solid, but his weak 9.1% K-BB% raises sustainability concerns. A low .265 BABIP is helping, and with a sixth-percentile hard-hit rate last year, that contact profile may not hold.

Marlins vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (+105)

Ohtani has been dominant on the mound, allowing a single earned run in 24 innings while striking out 25 and allowing 12 hits. L.A. has played to the Under in three of his four starts.

Both squads rank within the top eight in bullpen FIP, so a low-scoring game could be in store for a game with temperatures in the low 60s at Chavez Ravine.

Ohtani won’t feature in today’s lineup. The Dodgers are still potent, but will be without their best hitter, and both starting middle infielders, Mookie Betts & Tommy Edman, who are still on the IL.

JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record

ML/RL bets:9-5, +5.94 units
Over/Under bets:10-5, +4.82 units

Marlins vs Dodgers odds

Moneyline: Miami +238 | Los Angeles -265
Run line: Miami +1.5 (+105) | Los Angeles -1.5 (-132)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-111) | Under 7.5 (-108)

Marlins vs Dodgers trend

The Dodgers are 9-0 in their last nine home games against the Marlins. Find more MLB betting trends for Marlins vs. Dodgers.

How to watch Marlins vs Dodgers and game info

Location	Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date	Tuesday, April 28
First pitch	10:10 p.m. ET
TV	Peacock
Marlins starting pitcher	Janson Junk (1-2, 3.67 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher	Shohei Ohtani (2-0, 0.38 ERA)

Marlins vs Dodgers latest injuries

Marlins vs Dodgers weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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April 28, 2026

Wild vs Stars Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tuesday's NHL Playoffs Game 5

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Matt Boldy has been a one-man shooting gallery, averaging 10 shot attempts per game through four meetings with the Dallas Stars.

My Wild vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks see Boldy piling up the shots once again in Game 5.

UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.

Wild vs Stars Game 5 prediction

Wild vs Stars best bet: Matt Boldy Over 3.5 shots on goal (+100)

Matt Boldy has been the most consistent shooter in this series, generating at least nine attempts in all four games.

Boldy has averaged an incredible 5.3 shots on 10 attempts and cleared his 3.5 total in each of the four contests.

He actually produced more on the road in Dallas, combining for 13 shots on goal over the first two games. That likely stems from the Dallas Stars putting more focus on Kirill Kaprizov’s line.

Boldy has recorded at least four shots in 10 consecutive meetings with the Stars. Expect another busy night in a pivotal swing game.

Wild vs Stars Game 5 same-game parlay

Wyatt Johnston has played more than any Stars forward through four games. He has made the most of his ice time, averaging 4.3 shots on goal while producing five points.

The Stars funnel him pucks in high-danger areas, and will have an easier time doing so while controlling matchups at home.

We’ll double dip on his line and back Mikko Rantanen to get a helper. He had the most productive playmaking season of his career and hasn’t slowed in the playoffs, recording four assists thus far.

Wild vs Stars SGP

Matt Boldy Over 3.5 shots on goal
Wyatt Johnston Over 2.5 shots on goal
Mikko Rantanen Over 0.5 assists

Wild vs Stars Game 5 goal scorer pick

Wyatt Johnston (+130)

Johnston has recorded 17 scoring chances in the series, trailing only Jason Robertson. He lives around the net, and the Stars have done a great job at getting him the puck in those high-danger spaces.

Johnston has found the back of the net in four of his last five home games following two days of rest.

Wild vs Stars odds for Game 5

Moneyline: Minnesota +110 | Dallas -130
Puck line: Minnesota +1.5 (-230) | Dallas -1.5 (+190)
Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-120) | Under 5.5 (+100)

Wild vs Stars trend

Boldy has piled up 56 shots on target over his last 10 games against Dallas. Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Stars.

How to watch Wild vs Stars Game 5

Location	American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date	Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Puck drop	8:00 p.m. ET
TV	ESPN2, Sportsnet 360

Wild vs Stars latest injuries

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April 28, 2026

Ex-NBA player Damon Jones becomes first defendant to plead guilty in a gambling sweep that netted more than 30 arrests

NEW YORK (AP) — Ex-NBA player Damon Jones becomes first defendant to plead guilty in a gambling sweep that netted more than 30 arrests.

April 28, 2026

Manchester City frustrated by fixture crunch of three key games in seven days

City face crucial games on 13 May, 16 May and 19 May
Alternative date for Palace game has been chief problem

Manchester City are understood to be frustrated after being left facing three decisive fixtures in the space of seven days next month.

City’s match against Crystal Palace, which was postponed from 21 March owing to their participation in the Carabao Cup final, has been scheduled for Wednesday 13 May. The trip to Bournemouth, originally scheduled for 17 May, had to be moved after City progressed to the FA Cup final to face Chelsea on 16 May, and has been slated for 19 May.

April 28, 2026

Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz targets a July return from elbow surgery

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz said he was feeling good after undergoing elbow surgery to have five loose bodies removed from his pitching arm, and the right-hander is eager to return after the All-Star break in July.

Diaz sported three small bandages on his right elbow. He had surgery in Los Angeles.

“Everything went well,” he said. “I feel really good. I can move my arm really good right now. I’m really surprised because the surgery was on Wednesday.”

The 32-year-old reliever said he’s known about the loose bodies since 2012, when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners out of Puerto Rico. Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that have broken off and are floating freely in the joint space. They act like debris in the hinge joint and can potentially restrict movement.

“I knew I had it and never felt something weird with my arm,” he said. “It’s the first time in my career my arm is sore.”

Diaz didn’t feel comfortable throwing on April 19 at Colorado. He failed to get an out in the eighth inning while allowing three runs and three hits to go with a walk in Los Angeles’ 9-6 loss.

“My arm was feeling tired and tight,” he said. “Maybe that’s why the (velocity) was a little bit inconsistent.”

He told the team and was sent for imaging, which didn’t reveal any further issues in his arm.

He has yet to get the stitches out and won’t resume throwing for a couple of weeks.

“I’m going to work on my body,” he said, “so I just want to come back strong and help this team to win.”

Diaz is 29-36 with a 2.91 ERA in 527 career games. The three-time All-Star has 257 saves in 300 opportunities with 849 strikeouts.

Early on, his legs were bothering him and he was given a couple of days off. Then his arm began bothering him.

Díaz is 1-0 with a 10.50 ERA in seven games for the Dodgers, and was still getting settled in with the team. He signed a three-year, $69 million deal in the offseason, leaving the New York Mets as a free agent.

“That (stinks) to miss the first half, but that’s something I can’t control,” he said. “My teammates, they are supporting me. They say, ‘Oh, take your time. We need you in October.’ But I want to come back as soon as possible and help this team to win games.”

With Diaz on the shelf, it means the trumpet has gone silent at Dodger Stadium. Jazz musician Tatiana Tate, who performed a live version of “Narco” for Diaz’s popular entrance music, isn’t needed.

“She will be out of work for a couple months,” Diaz said, “but I hope when I come back, she comes back and plays the trumpet for me.”

April 28, 2026

Astros Minor League Hotlist: April 28th

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Xavier Neyens #9 of the Houston Astros bats during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Miami Marlins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 19, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

This will be your weekly look at the hottest prospects in the system, highlighting the top performers at the plate and on the mound.

Who’s Hot At The Plate?

Anthony Huezo – Huezo has been on a tear to start the season and this week was no different. The 20-year-old played in four games this week and hit .538 with a double, a home run, 3 runs batted in and 4 stolen bases. Overall this year he has a .993 OPS in 17 games.

Kevin Alvarez – Alvarez is one of the Astros top prospects with a super high ceiling and he got it going this week. The 18-year-old played in four games and hit .412 with a double, 2 triples, a home run and 3 runs batted in. He’s hitting .284 this season.

Nehomar Ochoa – After a tough 2025 season, Ochoa has gotten off to a nice start in 2026. This week he hit well batting .385 with 2 home runs, 4 runs batted in and a surprising 5 stolen bases. He has a .855 OPS this season.

Xavier Neyens – Neyens, the Astros first round pick last year, he continued to get better each week. This week, Neyens hit .375 with a double, a home run, 6 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases. He’s hitting .302 with a .968 OPS over his last 11 games.

Who’s Hot On The Mound?

Javier Perez – Perez has been really strong this season and continues to fly up the prospect rankings. In his one start for Fayetteville, the right-hander struck out 7 over 6 innings allowing one unearned run. He has a 2.84 ERA this season.

Cole Hertzler – Hertzler was a sleeper pick for Astros minor league pitcher of the year and he has been dominant to start the season. This week he struck out 8 over 4 scoreless innings for Asheville. He’s racked up 25 K in 16.2 innings with a 1.62 ERA.

Bryce Mayer – Another good outing for Mayer this week, the Astros minor league pitcher of the year in 2025. This week the right-hander struck out 8 over 4.1 innings allowing 1 run. He has a 3.60 ERA with 17 K in 10 innings this season.

Trey Dombroski – Dombroski continues to churn out solid starts. The 2022 4th rounder had a nice start this week striking out 7 batters over 5 innings allowing just one run. His turn for a promotion to Sugar Land should come at some point.

TEAM ERA and OPS:

Sugar Land – From 3.16 ERA to 3.61 ERA – From .682 OPS to .689 OPS

Corpus Christi – From 3.77 ERA to 3.72 ERA – From .673 OPS to .631 OPS

Asheville – From 6.52 ERA to 6.95 ERA – From .739 OPS to .732 OPS

Fayetteville – From 6.16 ERA to 5.16 ERA – From .709 OPS to .757 OPS

April 28, 2026

Phillies say GM's dad Don Mattingly will be interim manager through 2026

Off to a 9-19 start, the Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday, and named bench coach Don Mattingly the club's "interim manager through the end of the 2026 season."

Mattingly previously managed the Los Angeles Dodgers (2011-2015) and Miami Marlins (2016-2022) and spent the past three seasons as the Toronto Blue Jays' bench coach, nearly winning his first World Series as a player or coach in 2025.

Mattingly's son, Preston, is the Phillies' general manager, a position he began prior to the 2025 season. A first-round pick in 2006, Preston Mattingly spent six seasons in the minors with a .232 batting average.

Mattingly has a career 889-950 record and is 10-14 in the postseason, famously getting knocked out three years in a row with the Dodgers before Dave Roberts took over.

The team stating that Mattingly would be the interim for the rest of the season was a surprise, with recently-fired Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora expected to be at the top of the list in Philadelphia, having won a World Series in Boston with now-Phillies president Dave Dombrowski.

But USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale reported Tuesday that the Phillies did in fact offer the job to Cora before promoting Mattingly.

Thomson led the Phillies to the 2022 World Series after replacing Joe Girardi in the middle of the season, and Philadelphia has reached the postseason in each of the past four seasons.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Don Mattingly is Phillies' interim manager after Rob Thomson fired

April 28, 2026

Hawks vs Knicks NBA Playoffs Game 5 Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for April 28

The series is tied 2-2 after the Knicks won Game 4, 114-98, and the series, like the momentum, shifts back to New York.

The Knicks have the chance to go up 3-2 with a win on its home court. New York held Atlanta to 24% from three (10/41) and shot 45% from deep themselves (14/31). The Knicks had three different players score at least 19 points and for a second straight game, OG Anunoby led the team in scoring.

Atlanta is coming off its worst shooting performance of the series. If you take away Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Gabe Vincent's three-pointers, then Atlanta was an abysmal 3-of-27 (11.1%) from deep. The Hawks also had their highest amount of turnovers in the series during the Game 4 loss (18).

Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.

Game Details and How to Watch Live: Hawks vs. Knicks

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time: 8:10 PM EST
Site: Madison Square Garden
City: New York City, NY
Network/Streaming: NBC / Peacock

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Game Odds: Hawks vs. Knicks

The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:

Moneyline: Atlanta Hawks (+205), New York Knicks (-250)
Spread: Knicks -6.5
Total: 214.5 points

This game opened Knicks -5.5 with the Total set at 214.5.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Expected Starting Lineups: Hawks vs. Knicks

Atlanta Hawks

PG CJ McCollum
SG Nickeil Walker-Alexander
SF Dyson Daniels
PF Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okoungwu

New York Knicks

PG Jalen Brunson
SG Josh Hart
SF Mikal Bridges
PF OG Anunoby
C Karl-Anthony Towns

Injury Report: Hawks vs. Knicks

New York Knicks

None

Atlanta Hawks

None

Important stats, trends and insights: Hawks vs. Knicks

Atlanta is 46-40 ATS this season
Atlanta is 43-42 to the Over and 24-19 to Over as the road team
Atlanta is 24-19 ATS as road team
New York is 46-41 ATS this season
New York is an NBA-best 28-14 ATS at home
New York is 48-39 to the Under and 23-19 to the Under as the home team

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Hawks and Knicks’ game:

Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Knicks’ Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Knicks -6.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 214.5

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April 28, 2026

Phillies fire manager Rob Thomson after losing 11 of 12 games, name Don Mattingly interim skipper

PHILADELPHIA — Manager Rob Thomson, who led the Phillies to four straight playoff appearances, including the 2022 World Series, was fired after Philadelphia lost 11 of 12 games and began the day tied for last place in the majors.

Bench coach Don Mattingly was named interim manager through the end of the season and third-base coach Dusty Wathan was promoted to bench coach.

Thomson went 355-270 and had led a Phillies team loaded with high-priced talent that included Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner to consecutive division titles. The 62-year-old Thomson, a baseball lifer finally promoted to his first managerial stint in 2022, signed a contract extension in the offseason through the 2027 season and was again expected to lead the Phillies into World Series contention.

The Phillies and their $300-plus million payroll have instead been one of the biggest flops in the baseball and had lost 10 straight games before ace Zack Wheeler led them to a win against Atlanta on Saturday. The Phillies lost to Atlanta on Sunday and fell to 9-19 overall, tied with the divisional rival New York Mets.

Thomson is the second manager fired in baseball this season after the Red Sox fired Alex Cora and five coaches.

April 28, 2026

Austin Slater signs with slumping Mets following his release from Marlins

NEW YORK — Outfielder Austin Slater agreed to a one-year contract with the slumping New York Mets, who designated Tommy Pham for assignment two weeks after calling him up.

Slater gets a $1 million salary while in the major leagues and the chance to earn $100,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances: $25,000 each for 150, 225, 300 and 375.

Slater, 33, signed a minor league contract with Detroit on Feb. 12, hit .267 with one homer and four RBIs in 15 spring training games and was released at his request on March 21. He signed with Miami on March 25 and hit .174 (4 for 23) with four walks and one RBI on sacrifice fly in 12 games, then was designated for assignment.

He refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Jacksonville and elected free agency.

Slater has a .247 average with 45 homers and 185 RBIs in 10 seasons with San Francisco (2017-24), Cincinnati (2024), Baltimore (2024), the Chicago White Sox (2025), the New York Yankees (2025) and Miami.

Pham, 38, went 0 for 13 in nine games with the Mets after he was called up on April 13.

New York also claimed infielder Eric Wagaman off waivers from Minnesota and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.

The Mets have lost 15 of 17 games and are tied with Philadelphia for the worst record in the major leagues at 9-19.

April 28, 2026

Aaron Boone suggests Yankees will call up pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez to make MLB debut Wednesday

The Yankees appear to be calling up one of their top prospects.

During his weekly appearance on theTalkin’ Yanks podcast, manager Aaron Boone strongly hinted that the team is calling up right-hander pitcher Elmer Rodriguez.

Boone said the team will be inserting a fifth starter into the rotation on Wednesday, and it's someone who hasn't pitched in the majors for the Yankees, and it's not Carlos Lagrange.

The 6-foot-4 righty is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 3 prospect in the Yankees system, behind only George Lombard Jr. and Lagrange.

Acquired by the Yankees in a 2024 trade that sent catcher Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox, Rodriguez has been outstanding for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season, pitching to a 1.27 ERA in four starts, striking out 20 in 21.1 innings.

The Yankees previously had Will Warren slated to start on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers, but Boone said that Rodriguez will make his debut on Wednesday, which means Warren will be pushed back.

Additionally, Boone announced that utility player Max Schuemann will be called up to take Giancarlo Stanton’s spot on the roster, as the slugger is set to hit the IL with a calf strain.

The 28-year-old was Schuemann was hitting .203 with a home run and seven RBI in 23 games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season.

April 28, 2026

Phillies fire Rob Thomson

Apr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies head coach Rob Thomson (49) makes a pitching change against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

After a 9-19 start to the season and a softer schedule coming up, the Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson and promoted Don Mattingly to the interim position.

In addition, the Phillies made some other moves to the coaching staff. Dusty Wathan is now the bench coach and AAA manager Anthony Contreras was promoted to Phillies third base coach.

Rob Thomson’s manager tenure ends as one of the most successful in Phillies history. Among managers with at least 3 seasons, Thomson’s .568 winning percentage ranks at the top. In 5 seasons, three of them being full seasons, his 355 wins ranks tenth.

From the time Thomson took over, all the Phillies did was win. He inherited a 22-29 club in 2022 that sneaked into the playoffs and eventually made the World Series. They won 90 games the following season and reached Game 7 of the NLCS. In 2024 and 25, Thomson led the club to back-to-back division titles for the first time since 2010-11.

According to the Phillies press release, Don Mattingly was promoted to interim manager through the end of the 2026 season. Mattingly spent twelve seasons as manager with two different organizations, five with the Dodgers, and seven more with the Marlins.

With the Dodgers, Mattingly oversaw a team that increased it’s win total for four straight seasons along with three straight division titles but was let go in 2015 after they lost to the New York Mets in a five-game NLDS series.

Mattingly was immediately hired by the Miami Marlins to but could not replicate the same success. The only winning season he had was back in 2020, when the Marlins went 31-29 in a shortened 60 game season and even won their wild card series against the Chicago Cubs.

Across all twelve seasons, Mattingly finished with a record of 889-950 with two playoff series wins in four attempts.

April 28, 2026

Avalanche Show Championship Formula in First-Round Sweep of Kings

The Colorado Avalanche spent the regular season overwhelming opponents with speed and scoring, but their first-round sweep of the Los Angeles Kings served as a reminder of an old playoff truth: defense wins championships.

Colorado dismissed Los Angeles in four straight games, allowing just five total goals across the series while surrendering only two at five-on-five. For a team that already led the NHL defensively during the regular season at 2.40 goals allowed per game, the Avalanche elevated their structure, discipline, and commitment when the stakes rose.

Defensive Identity Takes Center Stage

The Kings entered the postseason as a dangerous, detail-oriented opponent capable of grinding games into uncomfortable territory. Instead, Colorado met that challenge head-on and dictated the terms of the series.

The Avalanche outscored Los Angeles 13-5 overall, including a commanding 9-2 edge at five-on-five. Colorado also limited the Kings to just 25.3 shots per game while generating 30.8 of its own, a testament to puck possession and territorial control throughout the matchup.

Special teams were another decisive factor. Colorado killed off 13 of 16 Los Angeles power plays — an 81.2 percent success rate — and added a shorthanded goal of its own. Two of the three power-play goals allowed came with the Kings skating six-on-four, further emphasizing how difficult clean chances were to find against Colorado’s penalty killers.

For head coach Jared Bednar, the defensive dominance was simply the continuation of habits built over months.

“We stuck with our game plan and what we’ve been preaching all year on the defensive side of things,” Bednar told NHL.com after Game Four. “And it paid off for us.”

While Colorado finished the regular season as one of hockey’s most dangerous offensive clubs at 3.63 goals per game, this series illustrated a more complete identity. The Avalanche did not need track meets or scoring explosions to advance. They won with layers, patience, puck management, and relentless pressure.

"I think we have the ability to play different ways in order to win,” Bednar said. “But when you talk about championship teams, it's the defending that pushes you over the top. And I thought we were committed to that from the drop of the puck in Game One [until] the buzzer went in Game Four.”

Wedgewood Steadies the Net, Stars Deliver Up Front

Behind Colorado’s defensive shell stood Scott Wedgewood, who delivered one of the sharpest performances of the opening round. The veteran netminder posted a .950 save percentage and a 1.21 goals-against average, repeatedly extinguishing momentum whenever Los Angeles threatened to climb back into games.

After Game Three, Bednar praised the calm presence Wedgewood brought to the crease.

"I think he's been outstanding," Bednar said. "He's been great. Big saves when you need them. Relaxed. Looks confident.”

Wedgewood, meanwhile, described the moment with genuine appreciation after Colorado’s overtime win in Game Two.

"You play in under pressure moments,” Wedgewood said. “I think mentally, over my career, I've kind of been building my own scar tissue just trying to stay alive and stay in this league. So mentally, I feel like the playoffs are almost kind of what I've been putting the pressure on myself to get here. It's honestly felt like really fun hockey. Obviously, you know what's at stake."

Offensively, Colorado still received the production expected from a contender. Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen, and Gabriel Landeskog each recorded two goals and two assists in the series, while Cale Makar and Nicolas Roy added two goals apiece. Devon Toews, Nazem Kadri, and Martin Necas each chipped in two assists, underscoring the balance that makes Colorado so difficult to contain.

MacKinnon’s impact, however, extended well beyond the scoresheet. Bednar pointed to his work away from the puck against key Los Angeles threats such as Quinton Byfield and Anze Kopitar, another sign of the buy-in required to win in spring.

Colorado now awaits either the Minnesota Wild or Dallas Stars in the second round, two opponents capable of presenting entirely different challenges. But if the opening round proved anything, it is that the Avalanche are no longer relying solely on firepower.

They have rediscovered the harder edge of championship hockey — and that should concern the rest of the Western Conference.

April 28, 2026

Legendary Canucks Broadcaster John Garrett Passes Away

The hockey world lost a beloved figure this week as it was announced Tuesday morning that John Garrett had passed away. The 74-year-old began his career as an analyst on Hockey Night in Canada in 1985 and spent 20 years doing colour commentary for the Vancouver Canucks. Before becoming an analyst, Garrett was a goaltender in the NHL, which included playing 56 games with Vancouver.

Multiple statements have been released honouring Garrett. In one released by the Canucks, Jim Rutherford wrote, "Cheech was a special person and an important part of Canucks history. He loved this team and took great pride in sharing the game with our fans. His personality, insight, and genuine care for the people around him made a lasting impression on our players, staff, and everyone who had the chance to work with him. This is a very difficult loss for all of us, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones"

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement and wrote, "The National Hockey League family is stunned and saddened by the sudden passing of John Garrett, whose astute analysis took fans – particularly in Western Canada – inside our game for the last four decades.

Former Canucks Colour Commentator John Garrett Discusses His Retirement And Vancouver's Historic SeasonGarrett retired at the end of the 2022-23 season after over 35 years in the broadcast booth.

"Following a 13-season career as a goaltender in the WHA and the NHL, Garrett moved into the broadcast booth in 1986 and never left, contributing his encyclopedic knowledge and expert insight to national broadcasts on Sportsnet and local broadcasts for the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and, for two decades, the Vancouver Canucks.

"On a personal note, I always enjoyed catching up with John when our travels around the League intersected – as they did one last time on Friday night in Utah, when he broadcast the Mammoth’s first ever home playoff game. We send our deepest condolences to his family, his friends around the game and his many fans."

John Garrett (Photo Credit: @Canucks on "X")

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