MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 22: Nasim Nuñez #26 of the Washington Nationals throws to first base in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 22, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by JC Ruiz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This Nationals team is in complete free fall. There is no other way to put it. However, they need to start picking up some wins or else the beginning of the season will be completely forgotten. Today, they will look to avoid yet another divisional sweep in Miami.
The Nats lineup is honestly a shame to look at given how ferocious it was for most of this season. Daylen Lile is still the leadoff man. Despite a righty on the mound, Dylan Crews is still hitting third. Andres Chaparro and Keibert Ruiz are back in the lineup as Blake Butera desperately looks for a spark. Despite not being on the IL, CJ Abrams is not back yet. Jackson Kent will look to improve on his first two big league starts.
With a lefty on the mound, the Marlins only have one true lefty in the lineup. That is Griffin Conine. Deyvison De Los Santos gets the start at first base, his first since being recalled. Starting catcher Joe Mack gets a day off, with Brian Navarreto in his place. Esteury Ruiz moves to center field, replacing Jakob Marsee. Janson Junk gets the ball for Miami.
The season is lost, but the Nats need to pick it up if they want to retain any momentum heading into 2027. A divisional win would be a really nice boost for this battered and bruised group. Follow along in the comments below and let’s go Nats!
Looking to back the Chicago Cubs at a cheap price? Look no further, as I have you covered with my Cubs vs. Mariners predictions and MLB picks for Sunday, Aug. 23.
After a 5-4 Mariners win on Saturday, the Cubs will be out for blood this afternoon.
Who will win Cubs vs Mariners today: Cubs moneyline (-116)
Talk about a discount on the Chicago Cubs to secure a win this afternoon against a right-hander who sports an 8.04 ERA and 1.60 WHIP while allowing an 11.5% barrel rate over his last three outings.
On top of that, they draw a lineup that owns a 25% strikeout rate, .676 OPS, 4.3% barrel rate, and 98 wRC+ over its last six games.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners draw Shota Imanaga, who has been shoving over his last five starts, maintaining a 3.18 ERA and 0.99 WHIP while limiting opponents to a 31% hard-hit rate. Chicago's bats, on the other hand, have been on fire over their last six games, posting a 119 wRC+, .348 wOBA, and .799 OPS.
With how bad Bryce Miller and the Mariners' bats have been, getting the Cubs at $1.16 is a steal.
COVERS INTEL: Alex Bregman sports a .333 BA, .704 SLG, 1.104 OPS, and .371 ISO over his last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers.
Cubs vs Mariners Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-103)
Despite Imanaga pitching at a very high level across his last five starts, there are some concerning underlying metrics. Over his last three starts, opposing hitters have generated nearly a 17% barrel rate against the Cubs southpaw. On top of that, Miller has allowed over an 11.5% barrel rate to opposing hitters. Both pitchers could be in for a rough start.
On top of that, even though the Mariners’ bats have been ice cold, they have been drawing a ton of walks, which could help get ducks on the pond and drive in some runs.
The Cubs will expectedly be the main contributors to taking this thing over, but expect the Mariners to help out a bit, too, with Imanaga’s recent flaws.
Cubs vs Mariners home run prediction: Pete Crow-Armstrong (+325)
Only Alex Bregman and Seiya Suzuki have been hitting the ball better than Cubs superstar Pete Crow-Armstrong over their last 10 games, but PCA has the far better overall matchup against Miller.
The 28-year-old pitcher has been struggling against left-handed hitters lately, owning a 9.95 ERA against his last 60 faced. During that stretch, those lefties against Miller own a .318 xBA, .494 xSLG, and .309 ISO.
The Cubs center fielder enters Sunday as the highest-rated Cub in this matchup, where he covers almost 100% of Miller's pitches. Over his last 10 games, Crow-Armstrong has maintained a .628 SLG, .419 ISO, and 19.4% ground-ball rate while producing a near 10% barrel rate.
He's easily the most likable guy to go yard this evening. Take this down to +300.
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
2026 Season: 426-831, -9.7 units
Home Run Bets: 108-373, +18.4 units
Cubs vs Mariners weather
This game will be played in a dome.
Cubs vs Mariners odds
Moneyline: Cubs -116 | Mariners +105
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+152) | Mariners +1.5 (-168)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-103) | Under 7.5 (-112)
Cubs vs Mariners trend
The Cubs have covered the run line in 28 of their last 45 games for +16.35 units and a 31% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Mariners.
How to watch Cubs vs Mariners and game info
Location
T-Mobile Park, Seattle, WA
Date
Sunday, August 23, 2026
First pitch
4:10 p.m. ET
TV
MARQ, Mariners.TV
Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga (8-9, 3.77 ERA)
Mariners starting pitcher
Bryce Miller (4-7, 3.71 ERA)
Cubs vs Mariners latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a plethora of updates prior to Sunday's series finale against the Blue Jays...
On Judge's progress
Aaron Judge continues to make progress on his road to recovery from a stress fracture in his right first rib .
Judge was able to hit off the tee for a few days before taking yesterday off, but he is expected to resume hitting again before the Sunday matinee in the Bronx.
He has also been running, doing strength stuff, and is responding well.
Though there's still no timeline, the Yanks remain confident he'll be back at some point this season.
"The biggest thing for him now is building up the body to get back into playing shape," Boone said. "It's more getting the body fully back up to speed more than anything now."
This week marked Judge's first time swinging a bat since May 31.
Bellinger's back, now what with Jones?
Though Judge remains out, the Yankees' lineup is set to receive a nice boost on Sunday, as Cody Bellinger makes his highly-anticipated return from the IL.
Bellinger missed just under a month with a hamstring injury, but was deemed ready to return after getting in a pair of minor league rehab games this week.
"Excited obviously," Boone said. "He had a pretty good rehab process where things went smoothly, we feel like he's been tested properly, got a couple of days worth of at-bats down there so we feel like he's ready to go.
"A guy who helps us tremendously on both sides of the ball, so to get one of our core guys back is big."
With Bellinger back in the mix, though, it could mean less consistent playing time for the young Spencer Jones.
Jones has truly settled in during his most recent stint in the majors, but Boone said that there's a "good chance" he'll serve in more of a platoon with deadline pickup Heliot Ramos in right field for the time-being.
"Just trying to do what's best for us everyday," the skipper explained. "How exactly that unfolds, we'll see."
Aug 8, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones (78) reacts after hitting a RBI single against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. / John Jones-Imagn Images
Boone feels that Jones is still a work in progress against left-handed pitching, but while there's still room to grow, he's held his own during this string of success over the past 25 games.
"He's made some real adjustments to the league," Boone said. "I feel like he has a good understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, has a good understanding of the opposing pitchers strengths and weaknesses, and for a young player has done a good job of making the adjustments to help him get better."
Next steps for Schmidt, good signs from E-Rod
Clark Schmidt continues to make decent progress on his road back to the Yanks, as well.
Boone said that the right-hander will throw a live bullpen session early next week, and if all goes well, he could head out to begin a rehab assignment from there.
Though Schmidt could make sene as a potential rotation fill-in with Ryan Weathers hitting the IL, he likely won't be stretched out enough to make an impact there.
The Yanks have planned on utilizing him as a reliever down the stretch.
23-year-old top prospect Elmer Rodriguez could also be a potential option, and Boone says the Yanks like what they've seen from him over his past few outings in Triple-A.
"He's been doing a good job," he emphasized. "He's even pitching deep into some games down there, him and Brandon Beck as well, have earned the opportunity to certainly be in the conversation and hopefully if they get an opportunity here they can be a part of us winning games."
Last postseason, Aaron Gordon pushed himself to play through an injury to get back on the court for Denver, but it wasn't enough for Denver as it got bounced in the first round of the playoffs by Minnesota.
"You've got to remember, he didn't finish the season. He didn't play in the playoffs. He was dealing with a hamstring injury, soft tissue injury. And when you're dealing with those injuries, you have to be very careful in your return. Guys want to play, and you have to protect them from themselves in that moment. Because you're up for a contract and it's the playoffs, and I've had a pretty good year, so I need to play. And it's important to protect that."
There were reports during the playoffs that other Nuggets teammates were frustrated with Watson for not pushing through his injury to play. Now we know why. Paul's answer also may not sit well with Nuggets fans, especially in the wake of what Gordon did, but it's also what an agent should be doing — looking out for the long-term health and what is best for his client.
It's fair to wonder if one reason the Nuggets didn't meet Watson's salary demands — which were less than what they paid Christian Brown the summer before — was that he didn't push to get on the court for the playoffs. Although the larger issue was Denver's finances, it remains over the second apron.
Cleveland needs him on the court this playoffs, with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt, they need his perimeter defense. His offensive game stepped up for a stretch last season, now Watson needs to show that wasn't an excuse.
The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures.
We are continuing to look at potential options for the Sabres, now that veteran Patrick Kane has returned with Chicago. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.
Kekalainen ideally is looking for someone who could make up as much of the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, or someone who can fill the leadership gap and/or add some snarl and sandpaper to the middle-six, with the trade of Jordan Greenway to Chicago.
The Sabres appear to be set at center next season, with Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, Ryan McLeod, and Sam Carrick, and youngsters Kulich, Ostlund, and Helenius capable of shifting to the middle in case of injury. A player like Frost has played center during his seven-year career with Philadelphia and Calgary, but is also capable of being effective on the wing.
Who will make up for the goal scoring deficit created by the departure of Alex Tuch?
The 27-year-old was a 2017 first-rounder of the Flyers, and was dealt to the Flames in 2025. Frost has been a consistent 40+ point forward since becoming a full-time NHLer in 2022, and last season, in his first full year with Calgary, he scored a career-high 22 goals.
Unlike Brock Boeser, who has six years of term remaining, Frost will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season. While Boeser would likely cost a couple of the Sabres top prospects, the cost for a quality rental would be significantly less. One factor that could drive the price up on Frost is the normally inflated cost of centers before the trade deadline.
The Flames are a rebuilding club, and have a ton of cap space available, and with Frost in his mid-20’s, he is young enough to be in his prime when they are ready to contend. The question is whether GM Craig Conroy is willing to commit long-term and pay the going rate for a second-line center or top-six/top-nine winger instead of dealing him for a package of draft picks and/or prospects.
An eight-team no-trade list became a factor in the final year of his deal, but Frost being from Aurora, ON (north of Toronto) might make that a non-factor. With the Sabres likely entering the season hoping that their youngsters will pick up the scoring slack, they may choose to wait until the middle of the season before addressing any scoring deficiencies, and that timetable may be a perfect fit for the Flames, considering trading their expiring contracts.
Before the 2004-05 lockout, there was no salary cap. The league's financial structure was changing, competitive balance had become an increasing concern and the NHL ultimately lost an entire season while the owners and players fought over a new collective bargaining agreement.
When hockey returned, the sport looked different.
The introduction of a salary cap created a new reality for NHL teams. You could still build a powerhouse. You could still keep a championship window open for years. But eventually, difficult decisions would come. Good players would become too expensive. Veterans would age. Draft picks and prospects would become currency.
In other words, success could only last for so long before something had to give.
That is the nature of the modern NHL.
There are ebbs and flows. Some organizations spend years near the bottom, accumulating draft picks and young talent before finally emerging as contenders. Others reach the top and do everything possible to stay there, often sacrificing pieces of their future for a better chance to win in the present.
The San Jose Sharks are a perfect example of the first path.
After several difficult seasons, San Jose has begun building one of the NHL's most exciting young cores through the draft. Macklin Celebrini has already emerged as one of the league's brightest young stars, while Will Smith and Michael Misa give the organization even more elite talent to build around.
The Colorado Avalanche are on the opposite end of that cycle.
They haven't had the luxury — or perhaps more accurately, the need — to think like a rebuilding team.
When you have Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in their prime, the future can wait.
The only thing that really matters is whether the roster in front of you is good enough to win the Stanley Cup.
And sometimes, that means paying for today with tomorrow.
That brings us to the Avalanche being ranked last in the NHL by The Athletic's Corey Pronman in his recent evaluation of each organization's under-23 talent.
On the surface, 32nd out of 32 teams sounds alarming.
For Colorado, though, the ranking is both understandable — and not necessarily something that should keep anyone up at night right now.
The Avalanche have spent years operating in win-now mode. They have moved first-round picks. They have traded promising prospects. They have prioritized players capable of helping them compete for a Stanley Cup today rather than simply stockpiling talent that might be ready three or four years from now.
That's what happens when your championship window is open.
And while I don't necessarily agree that Colorado's prospect situation is truly the worst in hockey, it's also difficult to argue that the Avalanche possess one of the league's stronger pipelines.
They don't.
The question is whether that actually matters right now.
And for the Avalanche, the answer is probably no.
The concern isn't necessarily that Colorado is ranked 32nd today. The concern is what happens when the championship window finally closes.
For now, though, the Avalanche still have an opportunity to win.
And when you're staring at a Stanley Cup window that may only remain wide open for another year or two, worrying about the prospects who might help you five years from now probably shouldn't be at the top of the priority list.
Tomorrow will eventually come.
The Avalanche can worry about rebuilding when it does.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 22: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres is congratulated by Luis Rengifo #21 after Merrill hit a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the second inning at Petco Park on August 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres had no business winning Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Starter Casey Mize exited in the third inning after twisting his ankle on the dugout steps. Before departing he had already surrendered four runs, three of them coming via the long ball. Minnesota starter Dean Kremer limited the Padres to just two runs and dominated through five innings.
But then, it happened. The Friars flipped the script in the seventh inning, scoring four runs against reliever Andrew Morris. It was a resurgent night for the San Diego offense in many ways. Jackson Merrill, after struggling immensely in his last few games, knocked in the first Padres run with a second-inning homer. He ended the night 2-for-3 with a walk. It was an all-around effort from the club that will allow San Diego to go for the sweep in today’s finale.
Taking the mound
Bailey Ober (MIN) v. Walker Buehler (SD)
Ober has looked a bit worse for wear this season. The righty sports a 4.62 ERA through 103 1/3 innings pitched. Beyond that, the strikeout numbers are down. Ober has struck out just 71 batters in that time, alongside an abnormally high 1.25 WHIP. The lower strikeout numbers and increased traffic on the bases hasn’t been a good combination.
The Twins’ right-hander has been pretty consistent in his mediocrity throughout the year. Ober owns an ERA over 4.00 in his last seven, 15 and 30 games. His last start was decent, with the righty pitching 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball. That said, if San Diego is hitting like they have been, it’ll be hard for Ober to keep them down long.
On the other side of the mound, Buehler has surged back from his troubling July, again becoming one of the most reliable arms in the San Diego rotation. He’s given up two runs or less in five of his last six starts. In the start he gave up more than two runs he surrendered just three.
The problem has been his innings. Buehler has only worked six innings twice in that same stretch of time. Across those six appearances, the righty has thrown 31 1/3 innings. That comes out to an average of 5 1/3 innings in each appearance. That’s not nothing, but it’s certainly not what the Friars are hoping for. If he can work deep against the Twins, it would be a massive sigh of relief for the Padres’ bullpen.
Batter up!
The offense was potent on Saturday night, tagging Minnesota’s pitching staff for seven runs in the eventual victory. All but one came in the sixth inning or later. Kremer was able to silence the Friars for some time, but the Padres were able to get to the Minnesota ‘pen rather easily. Hopefully they’ll be able to put together a similar performance tonight.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Luis Rengifo, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Ty France, 1B
Jackson Merrill, CF
Luis Campusano, C
Gavin Sheets, DH
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Of the 10 Padres batters that stepped up to the plate Saturday night, eight reached base at least once. The lineup combined to go 10-for-35 with three walks in a beautiful display of what this club is capable of. If they keep this up into October, the Friars will have no problem getting exactly where they want to go.
Relief corps
With Mize’s early (and unfortunate) exit, the bullpen was deployed rather unorthodoxly. Kyle Hart and Griffin Canning covered 4 1/3 innings, getting the Padres into the seventh. Once they took the lead, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller quickly slammed the door on the Twins.
That will somewhat deplete the ‘pen for the series finale. Jeremiah Estrada, Yuki Matsui, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez will all be available once Buehler departs. That said, San Diego will hope for the starter to work a little deeper in order to save the relief corps for the upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 17: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez #61 reacts during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins on August 17th 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Phillies will try to finish off a sweep of the Cardinals – and win their ninth game in a row – as the series against St. Louis concludes on Sunday afternoon.
Cristopher Sanchez gets the start for the Phillies. With 16 wins on the season, the lefty hopes for another good outing in his quest to become the first 20-game winner in baseball since 2023.
Incident happened in Derby as Durham celebrated win
Brydon Carse was handcuffed by police in Derby on Saturday as he became the latest England cricketer to become involved in a late-night incident.
A brief video on social media shows the fast bowler being apprehended by several police officers outside a nightclub as he celebrated Durham’s County Championship win over Derbyshire.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 18: Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers before the game against the Miami Marlins has news come out that he is out for season with an injury requiring surgery at American Family Field on July 18, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a surprise twist on Saturday afternoon, Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who was previously thought to be lost for the next year-plus to a second shoulder surgery, announced that he is no longer undergoing surgery. His follow-up appointment with his doctors showed unexpected healing, and as a result, he will soon start a throwing program.
Just a few weeks ago, many were wondering if Woodruff’s career was going to be officially over. A re-injury to his shoulder capsule appeared devastating and the road to a second recovery was going to be far more challenging than the first.
It certainly would have been a horrible way for Woodruff’s career to end, and from the competitive aspect, it’s understandable why Woodruff wanted to continue pushing through. Even with diminished velocity, Woodruff was incredibly effective out on the mound, even when his shoulder started barking at him again.
So the news that Woodruff’s injury was not as bad as initially thought and that surgery would not be necessary was incredibly welcome news in the Brewers clubhouse.
“I’ve been hearing about this for a couple weeks, and I was like ‘it could happen’, you know. But now we also have to think of the reality of it, okay? Now he hasn’t picked up the ball. Now it’s the progression back. How quickly? How much risk is there in that?” Pat Murphy said pregame on Saturday.
With Woodruff’s injury history, there certainly is a lot of risk with that. Original projected timelines have a way of getting extended and there is barely more than a month left in the regular season.
The plan for Woodruff is a 5-week throwing progression that is beginning on Wednesday. He hasn’t thrown a baseball since the initial diagnosis, so he’s been shut down for several weeks already and it will take some time to build it back up through his progression. But already 5 weeks puts the timeline into early October, when the postseason will have already began.
How long the Brewers make it in the postseason is obviously yet to be determined and completely out of Woodruff’s control. But if they do make an extended run, with a 5 week throwing progression, it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility that Woodruff could conceivably come back for the later rounds, such as an NLCS or a World Series.
“I think there’s a low possibility, you know, but I think there’s a possibility, and why not go with it?” Murphy said.
It’s a very low possibility, and it’s important to temper expectations here. Woodruff would need everything to go smoothly and perfectly with his recovery and throwing progression. Throughout his last few years of shoulder issues, a smooth recovery and progression has not really happened.
But, again, if he were to make this miraculous recovery and return for the postseason, he certainly would not have enough time to build up to be a starter again this year. Woodruff would likely be stretched only to one inning, maybe two at most.
When you get to the NLCS or the World Series, however, would it be wise for the Brewers to use one of their roster spots on a surprise return there from Brandon Woodruff, or would that spot be better served with someone like DL Hall out of the bullpen?
That’s a question for further down the line that Brandon Woodruff is going to have to force the Brewers to answer by having a smooth progression from here on out. The margin for error is razor thin. It’s certainly great news for Woodruff’s potential to pitch in 2027 and continue his career. Avoiding surgery is huge for continuing his career.
Will it be enough to salvage a 2026 return? The odds are stacked against him, but as Woodruff has done throughout his entire career, he’ll give it everything he has.
Jesper Wallstedt's emergence has apparently caught the attention of EA Sports.
The Minnesota Wild goaltender received an 87 overall rating in NHL 27 and was ranked as the eighth-best goalie in the game.
Tampa Bay Lightning star Andrei Vasilevskiy leads the position with a 94 overall rating, followed by Ilya Sorokin at 93 and Connor Hellebuyck at 92.
Igor Shesterkin received a 91 overall rating, Logan Thompson is at 90 and Jeremy Swayman sits at 89. Jake Oettinger is seventh at 88 before Wallstedt checks in at No. 8.
Wallstedt is tied at 87 overall with Anaheim's Lukas Dostal and Calgary's Dustin Wolf.
For Minnesota, Wallstedt's placement is particularly noteworthy considering the company now views him in the same group as some of the NHL's established starting goaltenders.
The Wild drafted Wallstedt 20th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft with the expectation that he could eventually develop into their long-term answer in net.
EA Sports appears convinced that development has arrived.
With an 87 overall rating, Wallstedt isn't simply being viewed as one of the league's promising young goalies anymore. NHL 27 already has him rated as one of the 10 best goaltenders in hockey.
Wallstedt, 23, is entering the last year of his two-year contract with the Wild and will be a restricted free agent (RFA) after the season.
The 6-foot-3 goaltender went 18-9-6 in 35 games for the Wild with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. In ten playoff games Wallstedt went 5-5-0 with a 2.77 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
With Filip Gustavsson injured and recovering from off-season surgery, Wallstedt is set to play in a bigger role this season. He will be the starter for at least the first two months of the season before Gustavsson comes back in November.
But with Wallstedt in his final year of his contract and a bunch of goaltenders getting big contracts, along with Gustavsson out for two months, this will be a big year for the Swedish goaltender.
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The 20-year-old Briton is riding in his first Grand Tour
Tadej Pogacar retains overall leader’s red jersey
Matt Brennan emerged triumphant from a bunch sprint to claim victory in the second stage of the Vuelta a España, while overall favourite Tadej Pogacar retained the red jersey on Sunday.
Britain’s Brennan was followed over the line by Pau Miquel and Pogacar after a long 214.3km stage with over 3,000m of climbing, leaving Monaco and heading to Manosque in France. It is Brennan’s first stage win in a Grand Tour – “Hopefully it’s not the last one,” he said – in his first appearance at this level.
PRODUCTION - 31 March 2026, Saxony-Anhalt, Schierke: Icicles form on the cloud house on the Brocken. Snow and ice have a firm grip on the Brocken area above 900 meters. Photo: Matthias Bein/dpa (Photo by Matthias Bein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Hickory starter Jacob Johnson allowed one run in three innings, walking three and striking out four. Michael Trausch allowed a run in two innings, striking out two and walking one. Louis Marinaro walked two and struck out two in 1.2 shutout innings.
Paulino Santana was 2 for 4 with a stolen base. Jay McQueen had a hit. Dewar Tovar was 2 for 4 with a homer. Josh Springer was 3 for 4.
For Hub City, Andrew Susac threw 1.2 shutout innings, walking three, hitting a batter, throwing two wild pitches, and striking out two. J’Briell Easley struck out one and walked one in a scoreless inning.
Casey Cook was 2 for 3 with a triple. Paxton Kling doubled. Evan Morrison doubled. Gleider Figuereo was 2 for 5 with a double. Maxton Martin had a pair of hits.
Frisco starter Aidan Curry was pulled after 35 pitches in the first inning, recording just two outs, walking three and allowing three runs. Bryan Magdaleno struck out five in 2.1 IP, allowing a three run homer. Josh Trentadue struck out four in three shutout innings.
Malcolm Moore doubled. and homered. Dylan Dreiling had a hit and a stolen base. Arturo Disla was 3 for 5. Yeison Morrobel had a hit.
For Round Rock, Gavin Collyer allowed two runs in 1.2 IP, walking one and striking out two. Michel Otanez struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings.
Alejandro Osuna and Logan O’Hoppe were both lifted mid-game for pinch hitters. John Taylor was 2 for 4 with a double, a walk and a stolen base. Cam Cauley had a pair of doubles, a walk and a stolen base. Aaron Zavala was 2 for 5 with a double and a stolen base.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 21: Reynaldo Lopez #40 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park on July 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López will begin his rehabilitation assignment with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, the Atlanta Braves announced earlier this morning. López, 32, was placed on the 15-day IL on August 2 – backdated to July 30 – with inflammation in his left knee.
López miss almost all of 2025 after a sterling first season with the Braves in 2024. After beginning 2026 in the starting rotation, he shifted to the bullpen, before returning to the rotation. On the season, he’s appeared in 24 games – making 11 starts – striking out 66 in 71.2 innings pitched.
The active roster expands from 26 players to 28 players on September 1, so it is plausible López could be added after that date. He would provide another option for the rotation or bullpen given his ability to cover multiple innings.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Chaney Johnson #31 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 22, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As players begin to return to the HSS Training Facility for pick-up games and workouts prior to to the opening of training camp at the next of next month, it’s typically a time when word begins to trickle out about how each has developed throughout the offseason … who’s looking good, who will surprise.
That intrigue becomes even more prevalent when a player didn’t appear in Summer League, as was the case with Nolan Traoré, who enters his second season in Brooklyn after an up-and-down rookie year as the league’s sixth youngest player.
Nets two-way forward Chaney Johnson has had an up-close look at his teammates in recent weeks and he’s excited about the French guard’s progress since the last time they took the court together back in mid-April.
“Honestly, I’m going to have to say Nolan,” Johnson told me when asked about what he’s seen . “All the guys have improved, but I feel like Nolan … he’s a different guy now. He done put on some mass. He’s walking around with a sleeveless hoodie on, looking at the biceps, you know what I’m saying? He done put on some strength.”
Traoré didn’t play in Summer League, recovering from a knee scope, although he is expected to make a full return for training camp. While he wasn’t active on the floor, he’s has still been active in the gym and the weight room all offseason long, evidenced by Johnson’s comments.
We got only a brief look at him in Las Vegas when the Nets opened up the gym to the media …
Nolan Traore isn’t playing in Summer League because of his knee scope, but he made the trip to Vegas and is progressing well. #netspic.twitter.com/uhNP3GvqrX
After a rookie season in which he looked skinny playing against NBA competition, a bulk-up is expected to help Traoré’s game as he looks to take a Year 2 leap. Traoré finished the year on a high note, indicating he has plenty of upside and room for growth. Over the past month and half of the season (31 games), Traore averaged better than 11 points a game along with four assists, putting up individual games of 23 points, 12 assists and five 3-pointers. Even before that, in February, Traore led the 2025 rookie class in assists with 67.
Johnson had good things to say about the other members of the Flatbush 5 as well.
“All the guys have improved,” he added. “Drake has gotten stronger. Danny has gotten stronger. He’s gotten a lot more mobile. He’s moving a whole lot better. I can just tell the confidence that he’s [showing] in his workouts and the way that he’s operating. Ben has gotten stronger.”
Johnson spoke as well of the two veterans, Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle, who he said will bring needed “grit” aka physicality
“You know, I got to be around MPJ a solid bit toward the end of the season last year, and then just getting to meet Julius Randle and being around him a lot more. Julius Randle, for sure, just brings a grit that I’m not going to say we don’t have, but just a grit that we need,” he said.
“He brings — like, Jordi is a hard-nosed, dive-on-the-floor, play-hard, but at the same time make sure we take care of the basics type of coach. I feel like Julius brings that. He just brings an added benefit on top of what Jordi already wants out of his players.
“He’s a cool dude. I feel like he’s a lot bigger in person — pause. But muscle-wise, this man is, like, [unclear], man. He just brings strength. He brings a toughness that I feel like is going to pay off this year.”
Johnson experienced an encouraging offseason of his own. The 24-year-old averaged 13.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and a Summer League-leading 3.3 steals per game in Las Vegas as he continues to strengthen his case for an expanded role with Brooklyn.
Currently on a two-way contract, Johnson is looking to earn a standard NBA deal with the team, and his Summer League showing was certainly a step towards accomplishing that.
“I just wanted to go out there and have fun,” Johnson said of his own performance. “Of course, we wanted to win it all, but we fell short. The camaraderie that we had, we just enjoyed it. I feel like that kind of showed on the court.”
That alone didn’t leave him satisfied, though. Since returning to Brooklyn, he has continued working to round out his game ahead of training camp.
“I feel like I’ve gotten a lot stronger, a lot more athletic,” Johnson told me. “My touch has improved. I feel like my shot has improved a good bit since last year.”
One of Johnson’s biggest offseason priorities has been developing his shooting game. He has worked closely with Nets shooting consultant Dave Love to fine-tune his mechanics.
“I’ve been getting a lot of reps in,” Johnson said. “I’ve been working with Coach Dave Love, just working on loading my wrist, getting my hand under the ball and making sure my balance and everything is keyed in. My confidence with shooting has come a long way.”
Despite standing at only 6’7”, Johnson spent significant time at the 5 throughout Summer League games in Sacramento and Las Vegas, and despite being undersized for the position, he believes the way Brooklyn uses the center spot fits him.
“I feel like it suits my strengths,” said Johnson regarding the way Brooklyn utilizes the five. “Playing at the 5, driving on DHOs, you just can’t be loose with it. You’ve got to make sure you’re getting below the defender so you can make the handoff easier and make the guy coming off the DHO open for three or for the attack.”
Given that he is undersized, he’s faced challenges defensively, but Johnson has learned to lean on his athleticism and instincts as much as possible.
“Since I am shorter than the average NBA center, I just use my athleticism as much as I can, use my quickness and try to use my mind to get every advantage,” Johnson said of his 40+“ vertical. “One thing you can’t get is height, so I’m just trying to use all my strengths — my strength, my quickness and my athleticism — to my best advantage.”
At the end of the day, though, Johnson’s goal is to see the NBA floor as much as possible. After signing with the team in December on a two-way contract, he knows exactly what it takes to battle for recognition.
He had to make his mark with the Nets’ G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, before earning an NBA chance. Prior to that, he was with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavaliers’ G League team.
Johnson played in 24 games for Long Island (four starts), averaging 14.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 26.9 minutes while shooting 56.1% from the field.
His journey began, though, in the Division II ranks at the University of Alabama at Huntsville before transferring to Auburn, where he helped lead the team on a Final Four run in 2025.
“I’m just attacking every single day, attacking every weight-room lift, attacking recovery and trying not to take any days for granted,” Johnson said. “If I get the opportunity, I’m going to go out and play hard. I’m not leaving anything on the court.”
Johnson can’t control how many minutes will be available when the season begins. For now, he remains focused on making sure he is ready to give 110% whenever his name is called.
At the end of the day, his path for minutes won’t be easy. Brooklyn has eight players on rookie contracts, not counting second-round rookie, 6’9” shooter Tyler Bilodeau, who is also on a two-way deal.
There will be no shortage of competition for playing time, but Johnson has already shown he will put in the work and make the most of whatever comes his way.
Bottom line, Johnson said he and his teammates want “to win every game” after last year’s 20-win season which he described at “terrible.”
“I just feel like we’re hungry,” he said. “They know — we realize how terrible of a team we were last year, or how terrible we did. I know ‘terrible’ is a strong word, so I don’t want to — but we weren’t the best team last year. So I feel like we’ve got that chip on our shoulder now, and we’re ready to prove some people wrong.”
COVERS INTEL: Alex Bregman sports a .333 BA, .704 SLG, 1.104 OPS, and .371 ISO over his last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers. 
