Since he bought the Portland Trail Blazers, Tom Dundon's script has looked very familiar to many in the Pacific Northwest. The complaints about the Moda Center and the lease with the city, plus the penny-pinching and apparent disregard for the fan base, feel a lot like what Clay Bennett and that ownership group did after buying the Seattle SuperSonics, a group that always had the intention of moving them to Oklahoma City.
Dundon and the Trail Blazers are negotiating with Portland City officials on a new lease to that would keep the team in the city to 2050, provide much-needed arena upgrades, plus the taxes on tickets and more, with a deadline at the end of the year (before some approved government funding goes away).
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was asked about the apparent lack of progress in those negotiations, following the league's Board of Governors meeting.
"I want to be very direct about it: I would see it as a failure if we did not keep the team in Portland," Silver said. "I've spent a lot of time in that community over the years. They've shown amazing support for the Trail Blazers. They're some of our best fans around the league.
"At the same time, now I speak for our WNBA team in the market as well, we need a state-of-the-art arena. I think by any objective measure now, the current building there is in the bottom measure of any arena in the league...
"It's my hope that we can lower the temperature honestly a bit in these negotiations."
The temperature has been high.
Negotiations should have started in earnest a couple of months ago, after the Portland City Council approved $120 million to pay for much-needed renovations to the Moda Center. Combine that with already approved state and county funds, and there is a pool of $586 million to update the arena — and Silver is right, it needs it.
The negotiations would include a new lease that would keep the Trail Blazers in Portland until 2050, an additional 20 years beyond the current lease.
The City Council also approved a terms sheet with that money, which Dundon and the Trail Blazers have said is a non-starter. That terms sheet includes a $3 million annual rent charge, on top of the fact that the city already gets a 6% tax on each ticket sold and every parking fee at the building. The Trail Blazers want all of that reduced and the new rent charge eliminated. The city's term sheet also calls for the Trail Blazers to hire union workers for the renovations and construction process, as well as for concession workers and others on game night. The Trail Blazers have asked for increased security around the game.
There's no real pressure on the negotiations yet, with the City Council's final vote on a term sheet currently set for Dec. 17. As we move closer to that date, we'll see if Dundon and the city can move toward a compromise, or if that was never Dundon's intention and he wanted to move the team from the start.
He also may have gotten a sense at the Board of Governors meeting whether the other owners would back him in such a move, especially considering the city and regional governments did step up with the needed money.
The Lake Elsinore Storm, the San Diego Padres’ Single-A minor league affiliate, finished their season with a 66-65 record, 4.5 games behind the Ontario Tower Buzzers (LAD) in the South Division. After winning the first-half crown, the Storm floundered during the second half and finished with a 27-35 record in the last half of the year.
The last week of their season ended on a high note with a series win versus the Inland Empire 66’ers. For the start of the division playoffs, the Storm went up against the Ontario Tower Buzzers for the South Division title. In a best-of-three series, the Storm captured the first two games, beating Ontario 10-9 on Sept. 8. Lake Elsinore out-hit Ontario while starter Jesus Castro pitched six innings of one run ball. Despite the bullpen relinquishing nine runs, the offense scored ten runs on twelve hits.
LF Alex Conover and DH Nu’u Contrades, both 2026 draftees who joined the team in August, excelled for the Storm.
After an off day, the Storm scored six runs on six hits while LHP Kruz Schoolcraft and 2026 No. 1 draft pick Coleman Borthwick combined to throw seven innings with only one run allowed. Schoolcraft allowed two hits and no runs, striking out eight in five innings, while Borthwick, promoted just for the playoffs and making his professional debut, pitched two innings with two hits and one run, striking out four.
Taiwanese righty Lan-Hong Su also came in as a reliever, throwing two innings with no hits and three strikeouts. It was an overwhelming performance for three of the top four best-ranked pitchers in the system. Combined, they allowed four hits, and the three gave a glimpse of what the future could hold for the Padres.
On Sept. 13, the Storm took on the winners of the North Division of the California League for the Cal League Championship series. The San Jose Giants (SF) dominated their division with an 80-52 record, 11 games up on the next team (Fresno).
The Storm had their only home playoff game of the championship series and took full advantage of their home-field advantage. It was never a contest, with Lake Elsinore scoring early and often while their starter, RHP Tyler Schmitt, pitched 4.1 innings, allowing four hits and no runs.
Undrafted free agent RHP Jack Pineau finished the fifth with no hits allowed. Then LHP Adler Cecil pitched three innings, with two hits and no runs allowed.
By the end of the third inning, Lake Elsinore had scored six runs, and they added six more before finishing with 12 runs on 13 hits while their pitchers allowed one run on eight hits. The game was closed out by another undrafted free agent, RHP Ben Stubbs, who allowed the only run on two hits.
The Storm hurlers combined for nine strikeouts. The two UDFA pitchers were added to the Storm roster just for the playoffs. Both had been pitching in the Bridge League after signing in July.
The best-of-three series continues in San Jose today with a third game, if needed, on Wednesday.
El Paso Chihuahuas (58-86 record, last in PCL East)
El Paso lost their week-long series to Tacoma, two games to four. LHP Luis Gutierrez made his El Paso debut, throwing four innings with three hits, a run, and four strikeouts to two walks. After missing most of the season, Gutierrez is finishing strong but is a free agent after this year unless the organization re-signs him by Oct. 15.
Two Padres players were on rehab assignments with the Chihuahuas over the week. Miguel Andujar started off as the DH but then progressed to playing first base and left field. In his five games and 21 at-bats, Andujar has four doubles and an RBI while hitting .286/.286/.476 for El Paso.
RHP Jason Adam began his rehab on Sunday with one inning and 11 pitches. His fastball topped out at 93 mph, and he struck out one hitter without allowing a hit.
Infielder Rosman Verdugo was promoted to El Paso for the last two weeks of the season.
The Chihuahuas have one more week left in their season.
San Antonio Missions (59-79 record, last in the Texas League South)
In their final series of the season, the Missions lost all but the last game of their six-game set. RHP Carson Montgomery made his Double-A debut with San Antonio and was roughed up for 10 runs in 2.2 innings pitched with three walks and one strikeout. In his first season back after Tommy John surgery, Montgomery was inconsistent, with command issues plaguing his performances.
Outfielder Alex McCoy, 24, has hit at all levels in his pro career. An undrafted free agent out of Maryland, McCoy started the season with Fort Wayne and was promoted to San Antonio in the last month of the year. Combined over two levels, McCoy hit .278/.355/.467 with 31 doubles, a triple, and 19 home runs for 71 RBI. He also stole 24 bases in 33 attempts. His pattern in his two seasons in the Padres system has been consistent. There are some initial struggles when he begins a level, but he adjusts and starts hitting again. Although he has slumps, he adjusts again and comes back strong.
There is significant swing-and-miss in his game; his 26% K rate is too high, with most of that chasing, but his power is significant. He registered 119.7 mph max Exit Velocity during the season.
As a side note, MadFriars.com posted an interview with McCoy, and he reported that he is actually 6-6 and 275 pounds. He is listed at 6-5, 260 pounds.
McCoy currently sits as the No. 26 prospect in the Padres system per MLB Pipeline. I would expect that to change going forward.
First baseman Romeo Sanabria had a puzzling year in his age 24 season. Promoted to El Paso from San Antonio for his improved hitting, Sanabria floundered in Triple-A. A hitting haven for almost everyone, Sanabria played in 21 games for the Chihuahuas and hit .200 with a .575 OPS. Sent back to the Missions, Sanabria picked up where he left off and finished the season hitting .295/.389/.442 in a much more difficult league to hit. Limited defensively to first base, Sanabria will need to hit for power to maintain his status as a prospect in the system. He hit 12 homers in the last two seasons and 64 RBI combined over the two levels this year.
AFL starts in October
Next week will be the final affiliate report for this year and the Arizona Fall League will get started on Oct. 3. Rosters will be forthcoming and the schedule is available on the website. All games are also streamed on the website.
Fans desperate to see the Mets play in the fall months can look into a trip to Arizona, where the club will be sending eight prospects looking to distinguish themselves.
Eight Mets minor leaguers will participate in the Arizona Fall League, which is played in October and November.and exists in part to allow prospects to further showcase themselves and in part for prospects to catch up on reps after suffering injuries.
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Agbayani, an infielder, played just three games with Low-A St. Lucie after the trade because ofdue to a shoulder injury.
Boston Baro, another interesting infield prospect who nearly had his whole 2026 wiped out due to a shoulder injury, and first baseman Cole Mathis are included.
Arguably the most intriguing Mets prospect in the AFL will be Calvin Ziegler, who was a 2021 second-round pick who has flashed excellent stuff — with 103 strikeouts in 67 career minor league innings — but has barely pitched because of repeated injuries, including 2024 Tommy John surgery.
Calvin Ziegler had Tommy John surgery in 2024. Diamond Images/Getty Images
The righty returned to the mound midseason this year and began to show something as a reliever as he allowed one run in his last 8 ²/₃ innings with High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton.
Also attending the AFL will be righty Ryan Lambert,, who received plenty of buzz as a flamethrowing reliever in Mets camp this spring but dealt with injuries this season, along with righties Irving Cota, Brendan Girton and Peyton Prescott.
Bruin Agbayani in 2025. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
He is the second Mets rookie (along with Gregg Jefferies in 1989) with at least 40 extra-base hits and at least 20 steals in a season.
Nate Lavender retired all five batters he faced and struck out four. The lefty has not been scored upon in 16 of his 17 appearances.
Francisco Lindor was honored before the game as the club’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente award for the fourth straight year.
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Bolstering his case for the humanitarian award, Lindor launched Lindor’s Leaders, which is “a yearlong leadership development program for students in Bayside High School’s Sports Medicine Program,” the Mets said.
The Mets claimed infielder Christian Cairo from the Phillies and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.
The 25-year-old spent his season in Triple-A, where he posted a .676 OPS with four home runs and 25 steals in 128 games.
Fans desperate to see the Mets play in the fall months can look into a trip to Arizona, where the club will be sending prospects looking to distinguish themselves.
Eight Mets minor leaguers will participate in the Arizona Fall League, which is played in October and November and exists in part to allow prospects to further showcase themselves and in part for prospects to catch up on reps after suffering injuries.
Access the Mets beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.
Agbayani, an infielder, played just three games with Low-A St. Lucie after the trade because of a shoulder injury.
Boston Baro, another interesting infield prospect who nearly had his whole 2026 wiped out due to a shoulder injury, and first baseman Cole Mathis are included.
The righty returned to the mound midseason this year and began to show something as a reliever, allowing one run in his last 8 ²/₃ innings with High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton.
Also attending the AFL will be righty Ryan Lambert, who received plenty of buzz as a flamethrowing reliever in Mets camp this spring but dealt with injuries this season, along with righties Irving Cota, Brendan Girton and Peyton Prescott.
Francisco Lindor was honored before the game as the club’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente award for the fourth straight year.
Bolstering his case for the humanitarian award, Lindor launched Lindor’s Leaders, which is “a yearlong leadership development program for students in Bayside High School’s Sports Medicine Program,” the Mets said.
The Mets claimed infielder Christian Cairo from the Phillies and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse.
The 25-year-old spent his season in Triple-A, where he posted a .676 OPS with four home runs and 25 steals in 128 games.
The Knicks did some end-of-roster maneuvering Tuesday.
They signed guard John Konchar and center Drew Eubanks to one-year deals, The Post confirmed.
Eubanks’ deal is nonguaranteed. It was not immediately clear whether Konchar’s is guaranteed.
Both will battle for a roster spot.
John Konchar gestures after scoring during the Jazz’s blowout win over the Grizzlies on April 10, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Getty Images
If either makes the roster, it would bring the Knicks to the required minimum of 14 standard NBA contracts.
If it’s Konchar, though, it would leave them with only two true big men in Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.
Teams are allowed up to 15 standard contracts, though the Knicks likely can’t reach that number and stay under the second apron.
Konchar, a 6-foot-5 defensive-minded guard, spent time with the Grizzlies and Jazz last year and averaged 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
For his career, the 30-year-old Konchar has shot 34.9 percent from 3-point range.
The 6-foot-10 Eubanks, 29, spent last year with the Kings, averaging 5.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Drew Eubanks dribbles the ball during the King’s loss to the Hornets on March 11, 2026, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. Getty Images
The Knicks lost much of their frontcourt depth this offseason with Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti signing with the Celtics and 76ers, respectively.
Training camp is set to begin Sept. 28.
The Knicks also signed 7-foot center Liam Robbins, who showed promise with the team at Summer League, to an Exhibit 10 contract.
He will battle for a two-way deal at training camp — the Knicks still have all three of their two-way slots available.
They announced the signings of Jaden Akins, Igor Milicic Jr., Mitchell Mascari, Toby Okani, Nick Jourdain and Paul Zilinskas to Exhibit 10 deals.
They were all subsequently waived, meaning they are likely headed to the Westchester Knicks in the G-League if they clear waivers.
These roster gymnastics allow the players to make a little extra money.
The Knicks are rounding out their bench with a new signing.
New York is signing John Konchar, according to GSL Sports Group, which represents the forward. Konchar chose the defending-champion Knicks among a group of suitors, so he comes to New York with a legitimate chance to make the regular-season roster. Additionally, center Drew Eubanks is signing with New York on a camp deal and will be competing for a roster spot, per SNY sources.
Konchar spent his first seven seasons with the Grizzlies before landing with the Jazz in the middle of last season. With Memphis, he averaged 14.5 minutes, 3.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 30 games last season, but produced more with Utah. Across 26 games with the Jazz, Konchar averaged 26.2 minutes, 5.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and three assists per game.
Utah traded Konchar and Cody Williams to the Timberwolves in exchange for Josh Green and cash considerations this offseason. Minnesota then waived Konchar in late August.
Eubanks’ 2025-26 season in Sacramento was cut short in March following surgery to repair a UCL tear in his left thumb. The veteran is expected to be fully healthy for training camp, which begins later this month. A strong presence around the basket, he will presumably compete for a role as New York’s third center. Across 42 games in Sacramento last season, Eubanks averaged 5.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 13 minutes.
Both Konchar and Eubanks are on one-year deals. ESPN first reported Konchar’s agreement with the Knicks.
If Konchar or Eubanks makes the roster, the Knicks will be right up against the second apron (unless they make a trade). Knicks owner James Dolan has said that he doesn’t want to exceed the second apron in team salary.
The Knicks also have three open two-way spots. One of those spots will presumably go to second-round pick Tyler Nickel. Big man Liam Robbins, who signed an Exhibit 10 deal on Tuesday, will presumably compete for another two-way spot. Who will get the third two-way spot? Former two-way player Kevin McCullar Jr. has been playing with some Knicks players in informal workouts this month. Other players the Knicks have been in touch with as training camp nears: big men Duop Reath and James Wiseman, per SNY sources.
Robert De Niro is expected to play Tommy Lasorda in an upcoming Hollywood film.
The legacy of Tommy Lasorda is expected to hit theaters in the near future, and it’s believed to have one of Hollywood’s finest playing the Hall of Fame Los Angeles Dodgers manager.
Robert De Niro is in talks to play Lasorda in the upcoming film “Tommy & Me,” according to Deadline,
Tommy Lasorda with the Dodgers after winning Game 4 of the NLCS in 1977. Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Details have yet to emerge as to what approach the film will take in telling Lasorda’s story, but the script will be led by George Gallo, Cambron Clark and Reid Carolin. Skydance Sports is expected to help produce the movie that will highlight one of baseball’s most iconic figures.
Lasorda, known for his fiery spirit and larger-than-life personality, is one of the most iconic managers in Dodgers history, as he helped coach and manage the team from 1973 through 1996, leading them to two World Series titles in 1981 and 1988, and being crowned National League Manager of the Year in 1983 and 1988.
In 1997, the Dodgers retired his No. 2 jersey, the same year he was immortalized in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
After his managing career came to an end, Lasorda became an impactful member of the Dodgers front office, serving as a vice president, senior vice president, and special advisor from 1998 to 2021, where he is credited with making a large impact, such as helping scout and sign Mike Piazza.
Robert De Niro is expected to play Tommy Lasorda in “Tommy & Me.” Adela Loconte/Shutterstock for People Inc.
Before working as a coach and in front offices, Lasorda’s start in baseball began in 1954 as a player with the Dodgers, when they were still located in Brooklyn.
His playing career didn’t last too long, as he spent his first two seasons with the Dodgers and was later sold to the Kansas City Athletics in 1956.
Lasorda helped coach and manage the team from 1973 through 1996, leading them to two World Series titles in 1981 and 1988, and being crowned National League Manager of the Year in 1983 and 1988. Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Lasorda spent the next four years in the Minor Leagues and would retire from playing following the 1960 season.
De Niro, who is known for being able to play characters that have a fiery passion like Lasorda, has been in many notable films during his acting career, including Taxi Driver, The Godfather Part II, and Goodfellas.
With the American Hockey League season set to commence in a few weeks' time, former San Jose Sharks prospect Thomas Bordeleau has signed with the Rochester Americans on an AHL-level contract.
Bordeleau left the Sharks organization after requesting a trade. At the time, he told THN's Kristy Flannery that "I definitely enjoyed my time in San Jose, but it was time for a fresh start for me." That fresh start came after he was unable to break into the Sharks' lineup for multiple seasons.
After half a season with the New Jersey Devils' AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, Bordeleau was traded to the St. Louis Blues organization and was sent to their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. He never appeared in an NHL game during the 2025-26 season and became an unrestricted free agent when the Blues opted to not issue a qualifying offer to him.
At 24 years of age, it seems unlikely that Bordeleau will break into the NHL anytime soon, as he was unable to secure a two-way contract for this season. A strong performance at the AHL level could catch the attention of the Americans' affiliate, the Buffalo Sabres, but it'll take quite a bit for that to happen.
Though he's not currently with the team for their three-game series in Cincinnati, Ohtani began his hitting progression in LA and "felt good" after hitting off a tee, manager Dave Roberts told reporters before the Dodgers played the Reds on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
"I don't know what's in store for tomorrow, but I know there's gonna be a consistent build up," Roberts told reporters. "Don't know when the time of return to play is, but today was positive. Hopefully we can keep building towards that."
It was the first time Ohtani swung a bat since landing on the 15-day injured list after nagging injuries in his left knee and right bicep have led to a prolonged slump at the plate for the back-to-back National League MVP. He's already ruled out the possibility of returning to the mound as a pitcher this season, opting instead to focus solely on being a hitter for the rest of 2026.
The soonest Ohtani could see a return to action would be the final series of the regular season against the San Francisco Giants starting on Sept. 25, and though Roberts was noncommittal on a firm timeline, he expressed hope that Ohtani could be back in the lineup at some point before the postseason.
"Whether it happens or not is to be determined," Roberts said. "But I do expect him to be back to play in some regular season games. Don't know how many, though."
Rookie Josue De Paula shows promise in Ohtani's absence
In the meantime, rookie Josue De Paula has thrived in his first crack at the big leagues. He's only hitting .182, but the No. 6 prospect in baseball has drawn five walks with zero strikeouts in his first five games for an on-base percentage of .438. His first major league hit came on a towering 416-foot home run to right field in Miami on Sunday.
It's been a very small sample size, but he's been so effective that Roberts moved the 21-year-old from ninth in the order to the leadoff spot for Tuesday's game.
"I like the at-bats," Roberts said. "I like the at-bat quality. I understand it's a small sample, but that's kind of who he is as a hitter and for me, it'll be a good opportunity for him to get five at-bats tonight."
Though Roberts has emphasized that De Paula's on a "no promises" trial run, but he hasn't ruled out the possibility of his top prospect staying on after Ohtani returns and making the postseason roster as a lefty bat off the bench, or more.
"It's still very early as far as however many at-bats or plate appearances he's taken but in this small sample, it's been good. It's certainly a much different level of focus with the postseason, but baseball is still baseball," he said. "I hope he makes our decision hard."
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns talks with head coach Igor Kokoskov against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on February 25, 2019 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just when everyone had (mostly) healed and moved on from all of the emotions surrounding the Deandre Ayton era, we were reminded of a decision made in 2018 that wasn’t nearly as close as we believed. Former Phoenix Suns head coach Igo Kokoshov recently spent time on the X&O’s Chat podcast, stating, “We never, literally never, had a single serious strategic conversation about who we were going to draft, which gave me more than enough of an indication that the decision had already been made. So, Robert Sarver went to Arizona, so he had an emotional connection to Ayton.”
“We never, literally never, had a single serious strategic conversation about who we were going to draft… Robert Sarver went to Arizona, so he had an emotional connection to Ayton.”
Igor Kokoskov on the Phoenix Suns not drafting Luka Doncic 😬
This provides a degree of validation to what many Suns followers have speculated and feared. If true, it means the 2018 front office was not even permitted to consider a generational talent. Not 20-20 vision here, but rather a player who was regarded so highly that a case can be made he hasn’t fully lived up to projections made at the time of that draft. Not allowing his consideration adds another song to Sarver’s “Worst of” album.
Many of you are probably playing the mental what-if game right now. What if we had made that selection to pair Luka Doncic with Devin Booker (and Mikal Bridges as part of that same draft)? Like all basketball — and life — the ripple effect of one event is impossible to determine. There is no way to know how the big man rotation would have worked out. Doubtful we would have had a CP3 signing. Unknown if the level of defense would have allowed an NBA Finals run. Dominos such as signing KD also may not have fallen. Maybe that perfect frontline/defensive piece would have come along, and we’d all have t-shirts with two trophies on them now.
There’s just no way to know. But we do know the disgraced owner adds another chapter to a disappointing legacy.
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 13: Riley Greene #31 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates with Colt Keith #33 after hitting a two-run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Comerica Park on September 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (71-79) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (75-76)
Time/Place: 7:07 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site:Bluebird Banter Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Drew Anderson (4-6, 3.80 ERA) vs. RHP Braydon Fisher (3-4, 3.22 ERA)
BILOXI, MS - AUGUST 27: Braylon Payne #2 of the Biloxi Shuckers high fives teammates after defeating the Knoxville Smokies at Keesler Federal Park on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Biloxi, Mississippi. (Photo by Sierra Gatz/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Seven Brewers prospects are Arizona-bound after Major League Baseball released its 2026 Arizona Fall League rosters this week.
Headlining that group are two of the system’s most talked-about names this year, OF Braylon Payne and 1B/3B Eric Bitonti. Payne, a speedy outfielder who the Brewers drafted with their first-round selection in 2024, is a serious contender for breakout prospect of the year. Drafted with the hopes that he would eventually develop power, Payne did just that, going from eight home runs in Low-A last year to 28 between High-A and Double-A this season. He hit exactly .277 at both levels with a combined OPS north of .900.
Braylon Payne delivers his third multihomer game of the year 💪
Bitonti also had himself somewhat of a breakout this year. Unlike Payne, he’s always shown monstrous power that’s translated to games, but with that power has come a ton of swing-and-miss. Bitonti’s 32.9% strikeout rate is actually roughly the same as last year’s (33.5%), but he’s managed to raise his walk rate from 13% to nearly 17%.
Hitters like Bitonti, who can hit the cover off the ball, benefit from making pitchers throw them pitches in the zone, and that’s been reflected in massive jumps in OPS (.761 → .916) and batting average (.238 → .270) from last year to this year. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that he’s made legitimate strides defensively and is now seen as someone who could potentially be a viable third baseman at the major league level — making him an even more valuable prospect.
Eric Bitonti continues to punish pitchers, reaching 20+ HR and 20+ SB this season at 20 years old for the High-A @TimberRattlers 💥
Bitonti has hit 6 HR since the middle of August including two multi-HR games while playing smooth defense and more than half of his games at Third… pic.twitter.com/FxJ0fNfLay
The other five names on the roster are a little less heralded, but the Brewers clearly see something in each of them worth continuing to develop. Here’s what you need to know about each one:
Ryan Birchard, RHP — This isn’t his first time in the desert; he made the 2024 Arizona Fall League as a Peoria Javelina and was named to the AFL Rising Stars team. This season, Birchard posted a 4.68 ERA through 34 appearances (two starts) with Double-A Biloxi.
Miqueas Mercedes, RHP — The 20-year-old Dominican righty, who put up a 2.81 ERA in 73.2 innings in Low-A this year, has what it takes to eventually become a major-league pitcher. However, he hasn’t generated much buzz outside the system because he walks way too many batters (45 in 73.2 innings). If he can figure out how to command his stuff, watch out.
Jose Meneses, LHP — Meneses, a lefty out of Venezuela, is a really interesting prospect. For starters, he’s been used as a high-leverage, multi-inning reliever in his time with the organization. He also has a slightly unconventional physical profile: he’s listed at 6-foot-1, but just 150 pounds. For context, Tim Lincecum was listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds during his Cy Young seasons.
Size hasn’t stopped Meneses, though — he’s recorded a 2.21 ERA and 1.04 WHIP this season in 37 appearances between Low-A and High-A, striking out a whopping 72 batters in 57 innings.
Josh Quezada, RHP — Originally a Yankees signee out of Nicaragua, Quezada spent most of the season in Low-A Wilson, where he posted a 5.40 ERA in 45 innings.
Matthew Wood, C — A 2022 fourth-round pick out of Penn State who just posted his best season at the plate, breaking out with an .898 OPS and 18 home runs in his first full season with Double-A Biloxi. At 25, he’s the most experienced player in this group and a good bet to help steady a young pitching staff behind the plate.
You can catch all seven Brewers prospects playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions when the season kicks off on October 3rd. Games will stream here on MLB’s Arizona Fall League website.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14: Dustin Harris #29 of the San Diego Padres celebrates scoring in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 14, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (82-68) at Colorado Rockies (55-95), September 15, 2026, 5:40 p.m. PST
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 14: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Friday, August 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies (55-95) have lost eight consecutive games.
Tonight, they will look to break this skid when they meet the San Diego Padres (82-68) in the second of a four-game stand. In Game 1, the Rockies fell short in their comeback attempt, but it’s a new day.
Starting for the Rockies is Kyle Freeland, just off the Injured List. This will be his 24th start for the Rockies this season.
The lefty has a 6.37 ERA in 124.1 IP. He’s struck out 103, walked 28, and given up 24 home runs. Freeland has a 1.46 WHIP.
Taking the mound for the Padres will be RHP Walker Buehler.
Currently, he has an ERA of 4.61 in 138.2 IP. He’s struck out 121 while giving up 53 walks and 19 home runs with a 1.36 WHIP.
When NBA owners met in New York this week, they discussed expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, but no final decision has been made. Yet.
While the latest round of bids for Las Vegas are "coming in shortly," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said — those are due Thursday, according to reports — those will not be the final bids for the "several active groups" in the mix to bring a team to Sin City.
"The NBA and Silver are in deeper and deeper stages of the expansion conversation, and I'm told specifically for Las Vegas the next round of bids for an expansion team in Las Vegas are due on Thursday, and then final bids expected to be some point shortly thereafter. My understanding is proposals for that Vegas team is reaching and potentially exceeding $10 billion, and so far, the Vegas process has moved with more pace than Seattle, but those Seattle conversations are continuing as well."
Dallas Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont — the CEO and chairman of Las Vegas Sands — led part of the discussion around the Las Vegas team, specifically focusing on arena location, Silver said.
"I'll say that there was a discussion led by Patrick Dumont, of course, who is a Las Vegas resident, enormous operating experience there in Las Vegas, just sort of as an independent objective party," Silver said. "[Dumont] led a discussion around the various sites, potential sites, in Las Vegas."
While there is the T-Mobile Arena just off the Strip — the home to the WNBA's Aces, the NHL's Golden Knights, and it has been home to the final rounds of the NBA Cup the past couple of years — Silver said "it needs some significant improvements" before an NBA team could move in. Some ownership groups are proposing building new stadiums, Silver added.
While the Las Vegas process is moving faster and generated more discussion — and that team is expected to go for $2-3 billion more than the Seattle franchise — it is possible the Seattle team actually takes the court sooner because of the arena situation.
"In Seattle, we have had [NBA] operational groups out to Climate Pledge [Arena], Silver said. "You clearly have a state-of-the-art arena there. May require some modifications for NBA basketball. If we were opening in five weeks, we could be ready in Seattle."
The owners took no votes on expansion at this meeting, but Silver reiterated that "it's our goal to have decisions by the end of the year."
