LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 2: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on September 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts as the Dodgers host the Reds for a final time, going for a second straight home sweep and potentially extending their current win streak to seven games. It’s a curious time in Yamamoto’s regular-season campaign, as he could feasibly tie last season’s innings total with four fewer regular-season starts, although that would take him covering 7.2 innings against the Reds tonight. Evidently, it’s an unlikely accomplishment, although Yamamoto has done it five times before this season, so one could hardly call it a significant surprise.
Subtle differences make up Yamamoto’s current campaign in comparison with last year, ultimately reaching the same destination of outstanding quality and an identical 12-8 record up to this point. Yamamoto has sacrificed strikeouts—going from a 29.5% K% to a 25.4% K%—to also drastically cut back on walks, lowering his 8.6% BB% from a season ago to just 6.0% BB%, ultimately leading to more efficient outings, which is what allows him to cover more innings on fewer starts.
On the subject of strikeouts, though, we’ve seen an interesting development that’s worth keeping an eye on as Yamamoto and the Dodgers prepare for postseason ball. Last season’s World Series MVP has experienced an uptick in strikeouts, punching out eight or more batters in each of his last five starts. Before this sequence, Yamamoto had only struck out eight or more in five of his first 20 starts. And as Dodger pitchers have come to learn in the previous two games of this series, the Cincinnati Reds lineup—for as dangerous as it may seem when it’s rolling—also strikes out like no other, number one in baseball with a 25.4% K%.
Earlier in the week, Emmet Sheehan tied a career-high in strikeouts against the Reds with 10 punchouts, and you want to know who also has 10 as his career-high mark in punchouts stateside? Yamamoto, who last earned this mark in early July in a win against the Padres.
The Red Sox are close to getting their most impactful bat back into the lineup.
Willson Contreras, who went on the injured list on Aug. 31 with a hamstring strain, is scheduled to head to Maine for a rehab stint with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs this weekend.
Interim manager Chad Tracy told reporters prior to Wednesday night’s game at Fenway Park that Contreras will likely play one or two games to get back up to speed.
Chad Tracy said Willson Contreras will join AA Portland for a rehab game Friday (and maybe another Saturday).
Garrett Crochet will throw another bullpen session — not a live BP — over the weekend, Tracy said.
That could put Contreras in line to return for the finale of Boston’s brief six-game homestand, as they host the Royals on Sunday afternoon. Or it could set up Contreras to rejoin the Red Sox after an off day on Monday, with the team starting a three-game series in Texas on Tuesday night.
The Red Sox were scuffling when Contreras was placed on the IL, losing three out of four against the Yankees in New York after dropping a game in Miami prior to heading to the Bronx. Yet they managed just fine without Contreras over the weekend, sweeping the Orioles in a four-game set in Baltimore before returning home and winning the series opener against the Angels on Monday night.
The five-game winning streak was snapped on Tuesday, though, when Boston’s bats mustered just one run on four hits in a 6-1 loss to the Angels.
Among qualified players, Contreras is the Red Sox’ leader in OPS (.900), home runs (26) and RBIs (79). The 34-year-old Contreras hasn’t played in the minors since a six-game stint with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds, when he was recovering from a broken forearm — the injury that accelerated his transition from catcher to first base.
EDMONTON, CANADA MAY 16: An Edmonton Oilers fan wearing a Connor McDavid jersey with the iconic number 97 stands in front of a giant replica of the Stanley Cup, just days before the team begins the semi-final round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, on May 16, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers are still awaiting confirmation of their opponent in the Western Conference Final, with the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars still battling for the spot. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
We handed out reasons for losing to the Eastern Conference on Monday, and since no one shall be spared, it’s time for a look at the Western Conference! If no one in the East is gonna win, then someone from the West has to, right? Wrong!
17. Anaheim Ducks
NEW ACHIEVEMENT! Congratulations, Anaheim: you have paid far too much for a player who has much more to prove and has effectively blasted through the old equilibrium, inflating the market even faster!
Your prize?! A top-heavy (in money, not talent) lineup! You’d better hope Carlsson lives up to that deal or else you’ll drift back into obscurity faster than Louis Mendez barrelled toward that stack of cans back in the Mighty Ducks days. You may not be owned by Disney any longer, but that doesn’t mean your team isn’t a cartoon!
Calgary set the trend of trading away talented Americans, and since Jonathan Huberdeau has gone ghost, I don’t see any real talent or threat coming from Cowtown. It’s going to be another point-and-laugh sort of season, kind of like how Avalanche fans are pointing and laughing at you for ever thinking Cale Makar would force his way home. The Flames won’t win a Stanley Cup because they think they are too good for the Saddledome.
I can’t believe I didn’t see this earlier. You know Iggy is forever a Flames God, but it seems Calgary and the Avs be sharing a lot of talent between us
The Blackhawks keep trying to position themselves by adding talent around Connor Bedard, but keep forgetting that having a decent power play is a good idea. Sure, Bedard seems like he will be a franchise player, but beyond him I see very little scoring. You did, however, sign Bowen Byram, which is a step in the right direction. The problem isn’t that you aren’t walking toward success; it’s that you are walking, not running.
20.Colorado Avalanche
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Presidents’ Trophy, but can’t-beat-Dallas-or-Vegas: Colorado Avalanche. The Avs won’t win the Stanley Cup because, once again, Jared Bednar will play your generational talents far too much in meaningless regular-season games. We’ve been beaten over the head with a ‘youth movement,’ but that will only last until January meetings where management will decide that none of the guys who played six minutes a night did enough for them. Then they’ll trade one or two for an old fringe middle sixer who won a cup in the 2010’s.
1 is Makar, 2 is Jason Robertson, 3 is Celebrini and 4 is Leo Carlsson (only including Leo due to salary) pic.twitter.com/60LuUu4ro7
Dallas won’t win because, although they were smart to land a player like Mikko Rantanen, they were too foolish to consider how it would affect keeping Jason Robertson. They could have both, and they still won’t win a cup because this isn’t the 1990s, and reviews negate any chance they might have at cheating their way to another cup victory. They keep trotting Jamie Benn out there, who is collecting dust faster than the rafters at American Airlines Center.
22. Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers won’t win a cup because they are the Oilers. Connor McDavid passed on breaking the bank so that management in Edmonton could build a team that would finally get over the hump. They responded by bringing in Tristan Jarry to solidify the net. Uh, what exactly was the thought process there? Edmonton’s best player gave them a free $20 to spend at the concessions, and they keep paying too much for day-old and overpriced hot dogs. They won’t return with a cup anytime soon. “OH BUT NOW THEY HAVE ANDERSEN,” okay, pal.
23. Los Angeles Kings
Okay, LA is intriguing in that (I don’t know if you heard this) they were ‘right there’ all series long against the Colorado Avalanche. It’s hard to remember that they got swept that series with how fortified that narrative became. If LA was right there against the Avalanche, I’m ‘right there’ as it pertains to being 7 feet tall. (I am 5 feet 7 inches tall, by the way). LA won’t hoist because this isn’t a league of almosts.
24. Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild were feeling great heading into their matchup with the Avalanche, until Nathan MacKinnon decided to show Quinn Hughes what happens when you stay on the tracks when the train is coming through. Speaking of Quinn Hughes, he wants to buddy up with his brothers in New Jersey, and Billy Guerin isn’t gonna stop him. Minny won’t win a cup because they don’t win cups.
The Colorad… oh wait… the Nashville Predators have entered the chat with new GM Chris MacFarland at the helm. The preds won’t hoist because the cup-or-bust mentality MacFarland weaponizes to move picks will prove detrimental to a team that isn’t even close to resembling a real competitor. Sure, CMac restocked the arsenal of 1st-rounders to deal, but it won’t be long till he uses them as a throw-in on a less-than-capable second-line center.
26. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks dealt MacKenzie Blackwood in hopes that Yaroslov Askarov would become the franchise netminder they needed going into the future. Well, it’s looking rough after his first year as a starter, and the last thing they want is to waste Macklin Celebrini’s youth by giving up four goals a night. You could go after Connor Hellebuyck, but that’s gonna take some doing! Celebrini won’t be celebrating and might not even make the playoffs yet again.
27. Seattle Kraken
The NHL’s expansion darling that got the playbook from Vegas but decided to throw it in the bin. Seattle’s call to fame is beating the Avalanche that one time and booing Cale Makar (yes, still) after his suspension from the previously mentioned playoff series. The Kraken won’t be securing any hardware because they have zero high-end scoring talent and are susceptible to magic.
28. St. Louis Blues
I was gonna say ‘oh, how the mighty have fallen,’ but I wouldn’t consider the one-off 2019 Binnington-led Blues all that mighty. Just like their goalie, this team is all bark and no bite. They pick the fight and then skate to the corner or wait until a piece of trash is available during the press scrum. I’m not even sure who the Blues will go with at left wing and/or what sort of depth they feel they have. Not a cup-winning combo.
29. Utah Mammoth
The Winter Classic will be the highlight of the Utah Mammoth season as it will be the only home game they have that won’t be set at the Zoolander Institute for Teams Who Can’t Hockey Good. I’m not even sure they can fit a banner in that stadium. Maybe above the sections of seats that are pitched like a double black diamond?
Vancouver won’t win a Stanley Cup. I need not expand.
31. Vegas Golden Knights
Money can buy a lot of things in Vegas, but it can’t buy youth. The Golden Knights are like that older gentleman at the nightclub that wears way too much cologne and gold jewelry. Yes, they have the trappings of wealth, but make sure their checking account has enough for another Red Bull. Behind those knockoff Ray-Bans lie the old, tired eyes of an aging core. Mitch Marner was a great playoff performer, but unfortunately it took him too long to escape Toronto.
32. Winnipeg Jets
This one will read very similarly to the reasons I listed for the Detroit Red Wings in part one. Your own starting goalie doesn’t think you are winning a Stanley Cup, so why should I?
#NHLJets captain Adam Lowry on avoiding the Connor Hellebuyck trade request being a distraction: "It's not something that we think is going to really impact the room”
“Until that situation is resolved, we're going to approach it… he's our teammate, our friend, and go from… pic.twitter.com/VAjX6cVjxI
Phillies manager Don Mattingly didn’t wait long to address the baserunning blunders that his team made in Tuesday night’s 6-5 loss to the Houston Astros. He spoke to the guilty parties one-on-one before everyone went home.
Mattingly’s conversations with Edmundo Sosa and Brandon Marsh were not punitive tongue-lashings. Both players knew where they went wrong.
“I think you just have to remind (them), make sure we’re thinking correctly,” Mattingly said before the Phillies got back to work Wednesday night. “Most of the time, you’re asking what they’re thinking in that situation.”
Marsh, who was doubled off second base with the Phillies down two runs in the seventh, explained himself after Tuesday night’s game.
Sosa, who did not run hard out of the box on a no-out double that could have been a triple in the bottom of the ninth, spoke with reporters Wednesday.
“When I hit the ball, I kind of surprised myself,” he said through Diego D’Aniello, the team’s Spanish-language interpreter. “I watched the ball travel and totally forgot to run the bases. I was focused on the ball. That caused me not to get to third base. It was a big mistake that might have cost us the game right there.”
In the moment, it looked like Sosa thought he’d hit a game-tying homer to right-center. A day later, he said he did not believe the ball was going to reach the seats. Instead, it hit high off the wall and ricocheted to center field.
“I know this stadium,” Sosa said. “I didn’t think it was gone. It was just a lack of focus on my end not to run and get to third base. A lack of focus in that moment.
“I respect the game. Not running at full speed there is something that won’t happen again. It’s all said and done. I look at that and say it’s not happening again.”
Mattingly believes the Phillies will tighten up their baserunning after Tuesday night’s issues.
“For sure,” he said. “The Phillies have actually rated out the last few years as a good baserunning team, one of the best in baseball. And this has been a good baserunning team. But you have to keep teaching and make sure everybody understands what we’re looking for in those situations, and hopefully you learn from it and those mistakes don’t happen again.”
According to Statcast, the Phils rank fourth in MLB with eight runs created from baserunning this season. They are also fourth in that metric over the last three seasons.
Overall, however, Mattingly does believe that baserunning in today’s game leaves a lot to be desired. He mentioned on Tuesday that he’s seen that fundamental slip over the last decade.
“I don’t think they play enough games young,” he said. “But that’s really no excuse. We should still be able to do it. I think there’s less emphasis on it overall. I’ve been saying it a lot the last five to seven years as I’ve noticed it.
“In general, there’s less situational-type stuff. A lot of things that happen on the field you learn from it happening in game situations. You play the scoreboard, the outs, the inning, the situation. If you’re not in those situations a lot …
“And usually, the best players don’t spend a whole lot of time in the minor leagues now. They’re kind of burning their way through the minors pretty quick. So, I’m not sure there’s as much situational stuff that goes on as in the past. That’s just my spitball theory.”
Mattingly pointed out that changes in the structure of batting practice may be affecting baserunning adversely.
For as long as there was baseball, teams hit on the field before games. When a player got in the cage, he laid down two bunts. He then hit behind a runner to move him up a base before getting him in from third. All the while, the previous hitter was on base, reading balls off the bat, getting jumps and reacting to situations. It wasn’t game speed, but it was good practice.
Now, many players take pregame batting practice in indoor cages where they can hit off high-velocity machines and curveball machines while getting real-time data feedback on their swings and reactions to pitches. There’s certainly merit in that. But there was also merit in the old way of doing things, as well. Mattingly believes that was seen on the basepaths.
File all this under the evolution of baseball. And always run through the first-base bag.
SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 31: A general view of Sutter Health Park during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Athletics on Friday, July 31, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Darren Yamashita/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The third game of the series with the A’s. And game #147 of the season.
It looks like a bullpen day for both teams. Braydon Fisher opens for the Jays. Brady Basso for the A’s. Joey Estes will be the bulk guy for the A’s, likely. Estes is in my OOTP rotation and have been very good, but he’s only pitched once for the A’s, going 4.1 innings, and gave up 4 earned. Michael Lorenzen is likely to be the bulk guy for the Jays. He’s pitched 6 innings for the Jays, allowing 4 hits. Before that he had a 7.08 ERA in 26 games, 25 starts.
Today’s lineup. Apparently George Springer is ‘a little banged up’. Apparently he could pinch hit if needed. I’m doubtful, if you can’t DH how can you pinch hit?
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 11: The Los Angeles Lakers logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As you guys recently saw, we were looking to add to our staff here at Silver Screen & Roll as we head into a new season. We’ve found some exciting folks — whose bylines you might have seen popping up this wekk — who will be joining the site, some of which you may not know about and one you probably will.
Connor Moreno will provide on-site coverage during training camp, at practices and, most often, at games this season. He spent a year covering the Phoenix Suns, so he’s already been through a lot. But he’s a Lakers fan, so we get to bring him back home to cover the purple and gold this season.
Jackson Frank will be helping out with all the news and rumors and everything in between for us this season. He was the final piece coming our way in the unofficial LeBron James-Quentin Grimes swap. He spent many years covering the Sixers, including over at Liberty Ballers, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the staff.
Lastly, a name many of our longtime readers are familiar with, Plain Fiction will be joining the staff as a contributor. Many of us have seen his detailed comments, blogs in our FanPosts (RIP) or posts in The Feed. They’re as detailed as anything we’re writing on the site, so it was an easy decision to add him to the staff.
I’m excited to welcome all three to our already great staff, giving us even more intelligent voices to help cover the best franchise in the NBA.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 08: Wyatt Langford #36 of the Texas Rangers celebrates his two-run home run with Ezequiel Duran #20 during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 08, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for September 9, 2026 against the Seattle Mariners: starting pitchers are Cody Bradford for the Rangers and Kade Anderson for the Mariners.
Texas goes up against wunderkind Kade Anderson this afternoon, and since Anderson is a lefty, you know what kind of lineup there is.
The lineup:
Duran — CF
Seager — SS
Foscue — 2B
Nimmo — RF
Langford — LF
Burger — 1B
O’Hoppe — DH
Diaz — C
Freeman — 3B
3:10 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +127 underdogs.
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 04: Brady Basso #66 of the Athletics pitches during the game between the Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Friday, September 4, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Eric Hiller/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
This afternoon, the Athletics have a chance to win their second straight series if they can capture the rubber game against the Toronto Blue Jays, who remain in the race for the final American League wild-card slot.
The A’s are once again rolling with the opener strategy today, a move necessitated by the numerous injuries and inconsistent performances the team’s starting rotation has dealt with this season. Left-hander Brady Basso will open the game for the fifth time in his 23rd appearance of the season. The 28-year-old has gone 1-2 with a 4.32 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 33 1/3 innings.
Speaking of southpaws, here’s a medical update on A’s pitching prospect Jamie Arnold from his mother.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us and prayed for Jamie. Considering he took a ball to the face at 107mph, he’s doing well. Has a few broken bones on his left side cheek and a corneal abrasion, but could’ve been so much worse. God is good 🙏❤️ https://t.co/7w55fjAQTv
Back to the game, there is a strong possibility that right-hander Joey Estes will handle the bulk of the relief work after Basso pitches the first couple of innings. Or, with the team off tomorrow, the Athletics could give everyone in the bullpen, minus the two relievers who each pitched two innings yesterday, an inning and see how it goes.
Here’s how the Athletics will line up for the series finale:
Well, this A’s lineup is certainly something. Right fielder Lawrence Butler, who is batting .179 over his past seven games, will bat between Henry Bolte and Zack Gelof. If the A’s want to win, they will need first baseman Tommy White, catcher Brian Serven and shortstop Alika Williams to contribute offensively.
Why did the team bring back Denzel Clarke, only to sideline him every game? The injury prone player needs at-bats to improve offensively, which he will not get by sitting on the bench. It seems like the Athletics only reinstated Clarke to make social media content.
With the Green and Gold relying on their league-worst bullpen, it would have made sense to shore up the outfield defense by putting Clarke in center field and moving Bolte to left. Unfortunately, that apparently did not cross A’s manager Mark Kotsay’s mind.
The Blue Jays are also rolling with a bullpen game. Right-hander Brayden Fisher will open on the mound for the visitors. The 26-year-old enters his 70th appearance and ninth start of the season with a 3-4 record, a 3.20 ERA and 68 strikeouts over 70 1/3 innings. Fisher has been lights-out lately, having not allowed a run over his last seven games.
George Springer remains out of the lineup for the Blue Jays, who will rely on the sluggers in the middle of their lineup to lead their offense as they pursue a road series victory. Left fielder Charles McAdoo and backup catcher Brandon Valenzuela will make their first starts of the series this afternoon.
Time to win a second straight series and make Toronto’s path to the postseason even more challenging. Let’s go, A’s!
"Saturday Night Live" announced that their 52nd season will premiere on Sept. 26, and Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson will be the host.
Brunson, of course, is coming off a magical season in which he earned his third career All-Star appearance and led the Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years, earning Finals MVP honors as the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Brunson won’t be the first New York athlete to host the show, as he’ll join a group that includes Eli Manning in 2012 and Derek Jeter in 2001.
The 30-year-old Brunson is often very stoic when speaking to reporters, but he's got experience in front of the mic, hosting his "Roommates Show" podcast with longtime teammate Josh Hart.
Martin Ødegaard’s goal proved enough for Arsenal to start their campaign with three points
2 min: Arsenal are wearing red shorts. Full marks for considering those with colour blindness, and acting with compassion. It doesn’t look good, mind. It’s just not Arsenal.
After a moment to remember the victims of the devastating floods in Nepal, Arsenal get the ball rolling. A blistering atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona; did anyone expect anything else?
Brunson is the fifth NBA star to be tapped as a host by the long-running late-night sketch comedy show, joining only Bill Russell, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Girl group KATSEYE will serve as the musical guest on Brunson's Saturday Night Live episode.
Brunson averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 19 playoff games last season for the Knicks before leading the franchise to its first NBA title since 1973. Brunson underwent wrist surgery earlier this offseason, but is expected to return to basketball-related activities in time for the start of training camp.
Brunson has previously appeared in a non-wrestling guest performer role with WWE, mostly in conjunction with Indiana Pacers star and fellow pro wrestling fan Tyrese Haliburton.
Ahead of NHL training camps, each team sends a representative to the NHL Media Tour in Las Vegas. This year, the New York Islanders sent Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Matthew Schaefer as their representative.
Schaefer, 19, lit the hockey world on fire last season as an 18-year-old rookie, shattering all previous records for 18-year-old defensemen and establishing himself as a generational talent.
He recorded 23 goals and 59 points, good for second on the team in both categories, while also landing him the Calder Trophy awarded to the NHL's best rookie.
The question is, how does he even top a season like that?
Schaefer's already motivated to blow it out of the water.
"I will always have the highest expectations," Schaefer said to reporters, including The Hockey News' Michael Traikos, at the NHL Media Tour. "Last year was good, but I think I can be even better this year [...] I've gotten bigger, stronger, and faster. And I put on some weight, which was awesome."
As for how different it feels going from year one into year two, Schaefer practically called it night and day.
"Yeah, I mean, you go into your first year, you don't know what to expect," Schaefer said. "You're at training camp, you're at rookie camp, and you're a little nervous because you don't know many guys there. You're coming in, it's different. But honestly, I've learned so much from start to finish. I gained my confidence.
"I learned what the league was like," Schaefer continued. "Obviously, there weren't many days off, so you're playing basically every other day, and I found a lot of ways to get my rest and recovery, take care of my body, but play at 100, you know, as close to 100 percent, each and every night, and be hungry every night.
"Year 2 can be even better. And, you know, it took me the first little bit of the season to get going. I want to come out of the gates going right away and carry it through the whole season."
Going straight from Juniors into the NHL is not an easy task whatsoever, but one thing Schaefer has consistently praised the Islanders' organization for everything they've done.
"Obviously, I think the main thing that helped me last year was just everybody in the Islanders organization," Schaefer said. "Mainly my teammates and coaches and all the staff. They helped me so much from top to bottom. So I would like to thank, you know, everybody.
“This is the most fun I've had playing hockey, and, it's all because of the people that are surrounding me and my support system," Schaefer continued. "Every time I come to the rink, I have a smile on my face. I'm ready to learn. I'm ready to work. And I'm ready to just be there with my family. It's awesome.”
There is nobody on the planet in the hockey world like Matthew Schaefer.
It's also increasingly clear that nobody is more motivated than Schaefer to build off his first year and be even better in year two.
"Bigger, stronger, faster."
How's it even possible for Schaefer to get any faster? Only time will tell, but it feels like a pure warning shot to the entire league that the Schaefer Show on Long Island is only just getting started.
Pikiell announced on Wednesday, Sept. 9 he was not feeling 100% a few months ago and visited the team doctors, and after undergoing testing, he learned he has cancer. He did not disclose what type of cancer it was.
"I am incredibly grateful to my team of doctors at RWJBarnabas Health and Memorial Sloan Kettering for guiding and supporting us through this difficult time," he said in a statement. "After a successful surgery, my doctors and I have a kick-ass game plan to finish treatment."
Pikiell still plans to be involved with the team "to the best of my ability" as he undergoes chemotherapy in the coming months, but associate head coach Brandin Knight will be at the helm when Pikiell is unable to.
Rutgers athletic director Keli Zinn said there is no set timeline for when Pikiell will be able to fully return to the team.
"We are grateful to Coach Knight for his willingness to step up during this challenging time and to our entire staff for their great care and compassion for Coach and our student-athletes," Zinn said.
Pikiell arrived at Rutgers in 2016 and led the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament in 2021, their first apperance in 30 years, and winning its first tournament game in 38 years. Rutgers again made the tournament the following season.
In 10 seasons in Piscataway, Pikiell is 161–160.
Knight has been at Rutgers since Pikiell's arrival in 2016, elevating his way from assistant to associate coach.
Rutgers opens the 2026-27 season against New Haven on Nov. 6.
