SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Shay Whitcomb chopped a single with one out in the 11th inning for his first career game-ending RBI, and the San Francisco Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 on Monday night.
Drew Cavanaugh’s sacrifice bunt against George Soriano (6-4) advanced automatic runner Nate Furman and put him in position to score the deciding run.
Jason Foley (3-1) pitched two innings for the win.
Bryce Eldridge tied the game at 4 on a single in the bottom of the 10th after St. Louis went ahead in the top of the inning when Leo Bernal’s fly ball dropped in front of diving center fielder Jung Hoo Lee for a base hit.
Pinch-hitter José Fermín hit a tying sacrifice fly in the ninth for St. Louis against Giants closer Dylan Smith, who allowed a leadoff single to Joshua Báez and another base hit to Thomas Saggese before a one-out walk by Bryan Torres loaded the bases for Fermín.
Logan Webb struck out eight and shut down St. Louis over six superb innings to bounce back from surrendering a career-high nine runs his last time out at Pittsburgh, but had nothing to show for it as his winless stretch reached four starts since he beat Colorado on Aug. 15.
Rafael Devers hit an RBI double in the first for San Francisco, making him the first Giants player with 35 home runs and 35 doubles in a season since Jeff Kent in 2002.
Alec Burleson splashed a solo home run into McCovey Cove beyond the right-field arcade in the sixth for the lone run and third hit off Webb, becoming the third Cardinals player to reach the bay. It was the 183rd overall in Oracle Park history, and 72nd by an opposing player — Matt Carpenter and Larry Walker had the other two for St. Louis — while home run king Barry Bonds hit 35.
Eldridge added a sacrifice fly in the third as the Giants went ahead 2-0. Devers doubled again with two outs in the fifth and Eldridge followed with a run-scoring double to run his on-base streak to 16 games.
Nathan Church’s seventh-inning double for St. Louis made it a one-run game.
Up Next
LHP Quinn Mathews (1-2, 4.38 ERA) pitches the middle game Tuesday night opposite Giants RHP Landen Roupp (8-13, 4.17).
It wasn't long ago that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Justin Brazeau was lighting the league on fire.
Brazeau scored the Penguins' first two goals of the 2025-26 season before notching his third goal in the Penguins' second game of the year against the New York Islanders.
He was a man on a mission in October, scoring six goals and compiling 12 points in 12 games. Unfortunately, he missed all of November, but he returned to his goal-scoring form in December, finishing the month with six goals and eight points in 12 games.
12 of Brazeau's 17 goals came in the first half of the season before he cooled off in the second half of the season. He was especially cold in March and April, only scoring a combined two goals.
His tough form and the rise of Elmer Soderblom meant that Brazeau was a healthy scratch for five of the six Penguins' playoff games against the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a tough end to his season, and now his spot in the every-night lineup is far from a guarantee.
The Penguins brought in multiple forwards this offseason, and several young forwards are trying to make the jump from the AHL. Brazeau will compete with all of those forwards for a roster spot, which will make training camp a lot of fun.
If you thought last year's training camp was competitive, just wait until you see this year's camp. There's up to 20 forwards, including Brazeau, who will be gunning for a roster spot.
If Brazeau makes the team, it would likely be in a depth role. He'd be projected to score double-digit goals again, but may not hit the career-high numbers that he set last season.
He also has a year left on his contract and could be used as trade bait around the trade deadline if the Penguins are out of the playoff race.
Brazeau might be a player some fans have forgotten about, but don't be surprised if he scores some big goals for the Penguins this year, assuming he makes the team.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz gets interviewed during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 14, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Sydney Bezelik/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s one of the most anticipated seasons in Jazz history since they went for a repeat run to the Finals against Michael Jordan. Utah has been preparing for this new chapter for literal years, and they have the personnel to become something really special. Let’s take a look at five of the most interesting storylines of this upcoming season.
5. How good are the Jazz?
Will Hardy is going to be asked to do something he hasn’t been asked to do since he joined the Jazz, win games for an entire season. But how many games will the Jazz win? That’s the biggest question for every Jazz fan. This is also a question about Will Hardy. We know that Will Hardy is a good coach, but how good? Utah has accumulated the talent to be a good team, maybe very good. But can Will Hardy take them to even farther heights? In a way, the Jazz have been a little bit of a mystery these past four years. This season, the mystery is revealed.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 7: Jaren Jackson Jr. #20 and Head Coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz look on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League on July 7, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
4. Keyonte George contract season coming
Keyonte George was very much deserving of Most Improved Player consideration last season. His numbers were fantastic, and he showed that he could be the solution at guard for a long time. Now, Keyonte George is ready for an extension after this season. Utah appears to want to make sure that last season was real. If Keyonte George can take another leap in his development, he could be an All-Star next season, and maybe more. George will have to navigate playing alongside Darryn Peterson in the backcourt and the insane amount of talent between him, Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s hard to not see George not taking a leap in efficiency and earning that contract. He’s proven he can be more of a point guard if needed, and that might be the role he has to take. If he embraces that role, he’ll be a vital piece of the new contending Utah Jazz.
3. Does Ace Bailey take a leap?
Ace Bailey is looking stronger this offseason, literally.
Bailey had a solid rookie season, showing much more promise than expected. Coming into the league, the narrative on Bailey was that he’d be a selfish, inefficient chucker. Bailey was everything but that. He was an unselfish (sometimes to a fault) passer who took the right shots in the offense. He also proved to be a player with great upside defensively. He also moved on the court in a way that makes you think he has a chance to be a really special player for Utah if he can realize his potential. And that’s the thing with Bailey this season. Can he be more efficient shooting the ball, especially in catch-and-shoot situations? Can he be a consistent, high-level defender, or better? Can he also improve his handle and get to the line more? If he can do those things, Bailey has a chance to be very special for the Jazz for years and years to come.
2. Lauri Markkanen unleashed!
It’s been four seasons with Lauri Markkanen being shut down for tanking reasons. In some of those seasons, he was strategically rested or flat-out shut down for the back end. This season, there’s no leash on Markkanen. There are some questions for Markkanen, though. His shooting from three was below league average the last two seasons. Was that a result of the talent around him? The inconsistent minutes? Or is that who he is as a shooter? It seems likely that his shooting should improve with the defensive focus spread out with all the talent around him. Markkanen could be on the verge of his best season yet.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Kia Center on February 07, 2026 in Orlando, 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
1. Darryn Peterson is here!
Get ready for an incredible ride, Jazz fans. Darryn Peterson is going to be really good, the question is, just how good? His ceiling is incredible, and we all get to see just how high it actually is. Will he be the caliber of player that can lead a team to championships? Or is he an underwhelming talent with unreached potential? Utah has built a team around him that should allow him to shine. All Peterson has to do is get on the floor and get to work. Something tells me this is about to be one of the most fun seasons we’ve ever had. Everything is frosting this season, we just get to enjoy seeing just how good Peterson, and the Jazz, are. The difference with Peterson is that the entire NBA will be watching as well. Did the Wizards make a mistake? Was Peterson the right pick? It all starts next month, and the new season can’t get here soon enough.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 22: Darryn Peterson talks with media during the 2026 NBA draft prospect availability at Lotte New York Palace on June 22, 2026 in New York City. 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 Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Emmet Sheehan #80 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on September 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Based on tonight’s game alone, you could’ve fooled someone into believing Emmet Sheehan was the starting pitcher in this outing, putting up an All-Star season, as he led the way for a 6-3 win in his return to the bigs. With a scarcity of hits, particularly on the home side, the Dodgers saved their only home run for the most impactful of moments as Teoscar Hernández crushed a three-run bomb in the sixth, responsible for half their runs.
The Reds came into this game with a plan to keep Chase Burns on a tight leash, protecting their prized pitching asset down the stretch in a season without a postseason chase. The game tested the Reds’ resolve, with Burns smoking through the Dodgers’ lineup in three near-perfect innings—the only Dodger to get on base was Max Muncy via walk. Striking out half of the 10 batters he faced, Burns was still removed from the game after just three frames, paving the way for Brandon Williamson to operate against a lefty-heavy lineup.
Williamson picked up right where Burns left off, and a bit of luck and the right timing helped the Dodgers get on the board for the first time and, doing so, take the lead. Trailing 1-0 through the first half of this game after Elly De La Cruz’s first-inning bomb, the Dodgers had one on and two outs in the fifth, following strikeouts from Kyle Tucker and Hunter Feduccia. Alex Call was down 0-2 in the count, ready to make it three Ks when he was plunked by Williamson, who would induce a high-bouncing grounder by Miguel Rojas—that grounder rushed an errant throw from the Reds’ third baseman, allowing both runners to score.
As quickly as the Dodgers took that lead, they nearly surrendered it, with the Reds circling in the top of the sixth. Emmet Sheehan faced runners at the corners with one out and the Reds’ top two hitters up. He struck out De La Cruz, chasing well outside the zone, to reach a double-digit punchout total—tying a career high—before walking Sal Stewart to load the bases and seal his exit. With a lefty coming up, Dave Roberts made the call to the bullpen, bringing in Alex Vesia, who promptly struck out J.J. Bleday. No pitcher ever wants to hand off a free pass, but as far as they go, the one to Stewart wasn’t too bad from Sheehan, not giving up against the league leader in RBI.
Baseball has a term for a scoreless frame right after getting on the board: your traditional shutdown inning, the case for the Dodgers in the top of the sixth. It should also have a term for pouncing on that opportunity and scoring big in the next chance, something like an opportunistic inning, exactly what the Dodgers had in the bottom of the sixth. Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman worked walks off Williamson, and then the lefty-mashing skill set of Teoscar Hernández took over, putting one in the home bullpen over the left field wall to up the lead to 5-1.
This power display from Hernández was the perfect summary of a heavy three-true-outcome game, one in which both teams combined for an absurd 20 strikeouts in the first six innings alone. Emmet Sheehan (10), Chase Burns (5), Brandon Williamson (4)—basically anyone was able to induce swing-and-miss stuff consistently. Furthermore, when Eugenio Suárez took Seth Halvorsen deep for the Reds’ second solo shot to make it 5-2 in the seventh, half of the game’s six hits were home runs. What put the Dodgers in front was superior defense and an easier ability to draw walks.
The Reds don’t get to lament their lack of opportunities in this one. Pitching in the eighth, Jack Dreyer faced two on and no one out, defending a three-run lead with the heart of the Reds’ order up. Operating like someone leading by three, Dreyer punched out Stewart and allowed an RBI groundout to pinch-hitter Dane Myers, replacing Bleday, whom Terry Francona wouldn’t allow to have another lefty-lefty duel late in this game. Whatever impact that run might have had was neutralized when Will Smith pinch-hit with the bases loaded in the bottom of the frame and secured a sac fly. Any time the Reds threatened to gather some momentum, the Dodgers quickly reaffirmed their dominance in this game.
Shohei Ohtani went 0 for 3 in his first game back with a couple of strikeouts and a walk. The good news is that the lineup didn’t need him to win their fifth straight. Unlike Dreyer in the eighth, Evan Phillips had a clean ninth, securing his first save of the season.
Game particulars
Home runs— Teoscar Hernández (13), Eugenio Suárez (22), Elly De La Cruz (24),
It’s the Dodgers’ turn to deploy one of their aces on Tuesday (6:10 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA) as Tarik Skubal takes the ball, coming off his first start allowing double-digit hits in over two seasons—not that it particularly damaged his final line, allowing just two runs—with Nick Lodolo on the other side for the Reds.
“It was certainly good to get him back out there,” manager Dave Roberts said. “But there was certainly nothing to write home about.”
Shohei Ohtani returned to the lineup. Getty Images
Indeed, while the Dodgers rode another big night from Teoscar Hernández (two hits, including a three-run home run, plus a walk) to a 6-3 defeat of the Cincinnati Reds, Ohtani went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts while drawing only a seventh-inning walk –– inspiring little confidence that, even if he’s able to take the field right now, his swing is close to being where he and the team would like it to be.
Back in his customary leadoff spot, Ohtani began the night with relatively loud contact, lifting a deep fly ball to left field that died just shy of the warning track.
But after that, the 32-year-old looked largely unchanged from his recent offensive struggles.
He swung through a changeup and slider from young Reds ace Chase Burnes in the third inning, going down on the latter while chasing a pitch in the dirt.
He went down swinging again during his highest-leverage at-bat in the fifth, leaving a runner stranded at third after fanning on a sweeper and changeup from left-handed reliever Brandon Williamson.
“I should have enough experience to be able to address any kinks or injuries or anything like that with the swing,” Ohtani said through an interpreter afterward. “I’m going to use this as an opportunity to add on to the experience that I’ve had previously and be able to address it regardless [of my injuries].”
Ohtani did show better plate discipline in the seventh, fouling off two pitches in the zone while taking four misses from Williamson for a walk.
And to Roberts, the most important part of the game was that Ohtani was simply able to play.
“I think the main thing is that there was nothing alarming from the at-bats,” he said. “To take four days off, to come out of it feeling good, I think that’s a win in itself.”
When asked how far away Ohtani’s swing looks from its ideal state, Roberts even tried to strike an optimistic tone, writing off Monday as more of a timing issue after Ohtani’s recent break.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani looks on in the dugout during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
An inning before that, a two-run throwing error by Reds’ third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes had also given the Dodgers a lead.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández has seeds thrown at him after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Still, come October, the Dodgers know they will require more from Ohtani at the plate.
That’s what has made this last week so tricky, as they tried to balance his tenuous health with the need to give him a chance to rectify his swing –– all while also finally pulling the plug on his progression as a pitcher.
“I’m confident that my overall performance should be better moving forward,” Ohtani insisted. “I think the thing that I was more focused on was making sure that the pitching wouldn’t cause the worse scenario, which was for me to not be able to play at all.”
For now, that potential outcome has indeed been avoided.
But Monday was a reminder that, even if Ohtani is feeling good enough to return to the field, there’s still much work left to go before he looks right at the plate.
“Physically, he looked good, he came out of it feeling strong, feeling healthy,” Roberts said. “Just to get a day under his belt, four at-bats, and him to come out of it not going backwards was important, and we accomplished that.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Alec Burleson #41 of the St. Louis Cardinals rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Oracle Park on September 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If the St. Louis Cardinals are going to make a playoff push, it has to start in San Francisco. That’s why Monday’s game against the Giants was so vital. It didn’t start well for Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy as the Giants grabbed an early lead. Cardinals bats would eventually claw their way all the way back by the 9th inning, but it wasn’t quite enough to secure a crucial victory.
There are few batters in baseball more on a tear than Rafael Devers of the Giants. After Turner Hill walked to leadoff the bottom of the 1st inning, Devers turned on an 84 mph Michael McGreevy curve and drove it off the huge wall in right for a RBI double and a 1-0 San Francisco lead.
The Giants added to their lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning when Christian Koss reached on an infield single that glanced off of McGreevy’s glove and then advanced to second after Michael flipped the ball over Burleson at first. Koss advanced to third on a groundout by Hill and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Bryce Eldredge to double the San Francisco lead to 2-0.
Rafael Devers would kickstart a two-out rally in the bottom of the 5th inning when he smoked another double. Bryce Eldredge followed that with a double that scored Devers giving the Giants a 3-0 lead.
The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t get their first hit off of Giants starter Logan Webb until the top of the 3rd inning. They didn’t get their first run of the game until the top of the 6th inning, but it was a dramatic one. Alec Burleson gave a 92 mph sinker a bath as he launched it 431 feet into the bay cutting into the San Francisco lead making it 3-1.
The Cardinals shrunk the Giants lead even more in the top of the 7th inning after Nolan Gorman drew a walk. Three batters later, Nathan Church ripped a RBI double into the right field corner scoring Gorman leaving the Giants with just a one-run lead at 3-2.
Michael McGreevy went deep into the game even starting the bottom of the 7th inning. He gave the Cardinals 6 2/3 innings allowing 2 earned runs, while striking out 4 and walking 2. Justin Bruihl came in to get the final out of the bottom of the 7th which resulted in a hilarious sequence where Hill grounded out to second on a play where Alec Burleson had to drag his foot across the base as the throw pulled him off. The national announcing team (not including one of our all-time favorite people Albert Pujols) all but gave the Giants the overturn even before the manager’s challenge, but they were foiled when the out call on the field was upheld.
The Cardinals would strive to turn that failed challenge into momentum in the top of the 8th inning when Ivan Herrera led off with a single. Manager Oli Marmol sent Victor Scott II in to pinch-run for Herrera. Alec Burleson lifted a deep flyball to center that VSII somehow decided to not tag up on staying at first for the first out. That would turn into a pivotal decision after Jordan Walker singled giving the Cardinals runners at first and second with just one out. Leo Bernal grounded into a fielder’s choice that the Giants couldn’t turn into a double play. Nolan Gorman then flew out to very deep center to end the inning. Hard not to imagine what might have happened if Victor had tagged on the initial flyball and advanced to second. Oh, well. Baseball is not a sport for perfectionists.
Justin Bruihl handled the Giants in the bottom of the 8th inning also which kept the Cardinals within striking distance going into the 9th inning. Joshua Baez had the first shot for St. Louis. He reached on an infield single to give the Cardinals the tying run on base. Thomas Saggese was next up for St. Louis. He hit a laser single up the middle that glanced off of the second baseman’s glove giving the Cardinals runners at first and second with no one out. Nathan Church tried to bunt them over, but instead popped it up to the third baseman. St. Louis was fortunate that it didn’t turn into a double play. Bryan Torres worked Giants reliever Dylan Smith into a full count, fouled off several pitches and eventually drew a walk to load the bases. Brilliant. Pinch-hitter José Fermín was sent up with an opportunity to turn the game around. He lifted a fly ball to left field which was deep enough to score Baez from third tying the game at 3-3. The Giants went to their bullpen bringing in Sanmartin to face Alec Burleson who was already for one baseball getting a bath earlier in the game. Unfortunately, he struck out sending the game into the bottom of the 9th inning tied.
The bottom of the 9th inning would be handled by Ryne Stanek. Lee led off the bottom of the 9th with a chopper that just bounced over the head of Nolan Gorman at third to give the Giants the potential winning run on base. Drew Gilbert was next up for San Francisco. He popped out to Saggese at short for the first out. Drew Cavanaugh struck out on high heat from Stanek for the second out. The Giants weren’t done though as Whitcomb ripped a single into left moving the potential winning run up to second base. Christian Koss was the next Giant up as he worked Stanek into a full count fouling off a couple of high fastballs before drawing a walk to load the bases. Turner Hill would either win the game or the game would go to extras. For all of us that love the Cardinals, it was that second option as Hill hit a harmless flyball to Jordan Walker in right to end the Giants 9th.
The St. Louis Cardinals 10th would begin with Alec Burleson as the “free” runner at second base and Jordan Walker at the plate. He did his job and moved Burleson to third with a ground ball up the middle that the Giants nearly flubbed when the throw to first nearly pulled Eldredge off the base. Leo Bernal was next for St. Louis and he lifted a bloop single to center that dropped in between three Giants players scoring Burleson and giving the Cardinals their first lead of the game at 4-3. That’s all they would get after Nolan Gorman and Joshua Baez popped out to end the top of the 10th.
Could Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien hold the Giants scoreless in the bottom of the 10th? He chose to not walk Rafael Devers at least initially. Once the count reached 2-1, the intentional walk was engaged. That brought up Bryce Eldredge. He promptly smacked a single into center driving in “free” runner Hill and tying the game 4-4. Cox laid down the perfect sacrifice bunt giving the Giants the potential winning run at third base with just one out. Jung Hoo Lee was intentionally walked to load the bases giving the Cardinals a force out at any base. In a borderline miraculous play, Leo Bernal grabbed a ball dribbled by Gilbert in front of home plate, stepping on home plate simultaneously and then throwing out Gilbert at first for an inning-ending double play.
The Cardinals top of the 11th would begin with Joshua Baez as the “free” runner at 2nd and Thomas Saggese at the plate. He lifted a flyball to center deep enough to move Baez over to third with one out. Nathan Church was next and all he could manage was a dribbler in front of the plate that did not score Baez for the second out. Cesar Prieto was then sent up to bat for the pitcher since they gave up their DH earlier in the game in a different pinch-hit situation. He drew a four-pitch walk out of Giants reliever Foley. That brought up José Fermín in a make-or-break situation for St. Louis. He quickly went down two strikes before working the count to 2-2 while fouling off pitches. He eventually shattered his bat on a groundball to short for the final out of the Cardinals 11th without scoring a run.
George Soriano would have to find a way to keep the Giants from scoring in the bottom of the 11th inning with a free runner starting the inning at second. Drew Cavanaugh was the first batter up and he laid down an ideal sacrifice bunt moving free runner Furman to third. Shay Whitcomb was the next Giant with a chance to end the game. He sadly did with a high chopper over the drawn-in infield giving the Giants a painful 5-4 victory.
The St. Louis Cardinals return to Oracle Park Tuesday night for game 2 against the San Francisco Giants. Quinn Mathews gets the start for the Cardinals while Landen Roupp gets the ball for the Giants. First pitch is scheduled for 8:45pm central time and the game broadcast will be available via Cardinals.tv.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup as designated hitter on Monday night after a four-day break to deal with lingering left knee, right biceps and neck soreness.
He was in his usual leadoff spot for the series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
“Hopefully, we don’t see that wincing we saw a handful of nights ago,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game, referring to Ohtani appearing physically compromised at the plate before his break.
“I don’t want to say it’s day-to-day, but I am very curious to see how he comes out of tonight to then make the decision for tomorrow and ensuing days,” Roberts said.
The NL West-leading Dodgers won all four games during Ohtani’s absence, including a sweep of the Washington Nationals.
Even with Ohtani’s return as a hitter, it appears increasingly unlikely that the two-way superstar will pitch again this season. He hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 and he hasn’t thrown since a bullpen session at Detroit on Aug. 28.
“We’ve put a pin in throwing,” Roberts said, “and just having him focus on the hitting, the running, keeping his legs good and doing whatever it takes to help us win.”
Asked to define “put a pin in throwing,” Roberts said “it’s not dead but we have no timetable for when he’s going to pick up a baseball.”
Why not just say Ohtani won’t pitch again?
“I’m choosing not to say it’s dead,” Roberts said.
Ohtani’s thoughts remain private since he hasn’t spoken to the media since Aug. 17.
Roberts described Ohtani as “happy” to be back in the lineup while being “completely fine” about tabling any pitching plans for now.
By taking pitching off Ohtani’s plate, the Dodgers hope the four-time MVP will lock in on hitting and get back on track after not appearing to be himself at the plate.
Ohtani is hitting .279 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs this season. Since the All-Star break, however, he’s batting .250 with eight homers and 22 RBIs in 41 games.
“Yes, he loves pitching, loves being a two-way player,” Roberts said, “but right now it just doesn’t make any sense. It’s more of what’s best for the team, number one, and 1A, what’s best for him.”
Utility player Tommy Edman took Ohtani’s place as the leadoff hitter for four games. He went 7 for 17 with a .412 average, one home run, four RBIs and five runs scored. He was scheduled to start at second and bat third on Monday.
Asked why he doesn’t move Ohtani out of the leadoff spot, Roberts replied, “I think he’s our best hitter. I think the best player should have the most latitude. Is it forever? I don’t know. Is it until the end of the season? I don’t know yet.”
NEW YORK (AP) — After missing more than three months, Aaron Judge is ready to return to the New York Yankees.
The three-time MVP was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Monday night, an off day for the Yankees. They open a three-game series at home Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies.
Judge hasn’t played since May 31 because of a broken right rib, but the slugger traveled with the Yankees on their recent trip to the West Coast. He took batting practice on the field multiple times last weekend in San Diego and ran the bases as he worked toward his return.
The outfielder will rejoin New York’s active roster without going on a minor league rehab assignment first. Throughout his absence, Judge said he wouldn’t need a stint in the minors to get ready.
“If I tell them I’m ready to go play, I think we’re ready to go play,” Judge said on Aug. 27. “I’m not a pitcher. I’m a position player. I can get my reps down here in the cage. I’m in every game. I’m sitting there in the dugout watching every game, feeling the environment, feeling the energy, so I don’t think there’s going to be much of a difference.”
With 19 games remaining in the regular season, the Yankees (81-62) trail first-place Tampa Bay by four games in the AL East. They are two games ahead of rival Boston (80-65) for the top American League wild card and hold a potential tiebreaker between the teams after winning the season series.
The higher seed plays at home throughout every best-of-three Wild Card Series.
New York was 36-23 after Judge last played on May 31 and went 45-39 in the 84 games he missed since.
The offense, however, was obviously affected. The Yankees batted .243 with 86 homers in 59 games through May 31 but hit only .227 with 107 homers in 84 games while Judge was out.
Their batting average during that stretch ranked 29th among the 30 major league teams, ahead of only Seattle (.225).
New York had a .770 OPS through May 31, but it was .681 in his absence.
Judge is hitting .248 with 17 homers and 38 RBIs. He was initially injured attempting to avoid second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. on a diving catch in Houston on April 26 and batted .263 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 31 games before being sidelined.
The 35-year-old captain’s only homer in the final 18 games before he went on the injured list was a game-ending, two-run shot to beat Tampa Bay 2-0 on May 24 that snapped an 11-game drought without an RBI, the longest of his career.
Judge won a batting title last season when he hit a career-high .331 with 53 homers and 114 RBIs in 152 games. He missed 10 games from July 26 to Aug. 4 with a flexor strain in his right elbow that he sustained on a throw to home plate July 22 in Toronto. He underwent a plasma-rich platelet injection and did not require offseason surgery.
Judge skipped a rehab assignment in 2023 when he missed 42 games with a fractured right big toe after crashing into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium. In 2019, he appeared in five minor league games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre when he missed two months with a strained left oblique.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Judge, right-hander Chase Hampton was designated for assignment Monday night.
New York optioned right-hander Elmer Rodríguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Sunday’s loss in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Aaron Judge #99 and Ryan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees talk before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Tuesday, the Rockies start a three-game series against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. Even if it’s not at Coors Field, playing the Yankees is always a big deal.
New York (81-62) is currently in line for the No. 1 Wild Card spot in the AL, and the Rockies (55-88) are eight wins shy of avoiding a fourth straight 100-loss season.
For Rockies fans, there’s the interesting factor of Colorado facing ex-Rockie Ryan McMahon, who was activated from the IL on Sept. 1 after suffering a left thumb sprain on Aug. 21. For Yankees and home run fans, Aaron Judge is on the mend from a broken rib he suffered in May, and he’ll be back in the lineup on Tuesday.
The Yankees activated Aaron Judge from the injured list. He'll make his return tomorrow against the Rockies.
So what are you hoping to see over the next three games at Yankee Stadium?
I am hoping for three things: one win, a good Gabriel Hughes performance and a healthy Kyle Karros back in the lineup.
Considering the Rockies are 14-17 overall against the Yankees, which is honestly better than what I thought, I think one win is doable. All-time in New York, the Rockies are 4-10.
I think Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之) gives the Rockies the best chance at a W, but at the same time, perhaps a big stage like Yankee Stadium can bring out the best in Hughes and he can finally earn his elusive first MLB win.
It will be nice to have Karros back, putting up quality at-bats and recording hits.
For a bonus, I wouldn’t mind seeing a hit by McMahon, as long as he doesn’t score or drive in a run.
What do you want to see? What would success look like to you in New York?
Thomas Pannone, a left-handed pitcher who has appeared in one game for the Milwaukee Brewers this season, threw the fifth nine-inning perfect game in International League history Sept. 7, retiring all 27 men he faced for the Class AAA Nashville Sounds.
The 32-year-old southpaw shut down the host Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) in Nashville's 3-0 victory. He threw 61 of his 94 pitches for strikes and struck out eight batters.
Pannone came into the game with a 4-3 record this season and 4.67 ERA in 21 games (19 starts), with 74 strikeouts in nearly 87 innings.
But on Labor Day, he was untouchable.
Pannone fell behind the 27th batter, Homer Bush Jr., 3-0, before rallying for a strike and inducing a groundout to shortstop Eduardo Garcia, who threw out two runners in the ninth inning.
Garcia was also a star with the bat, homering from the No. 9 spot in the lineup for an insurance run in the eighth. His RBI single in the first also opened the scoring.
The Bulls lineup includes former Brewers farmhand Jadher Areinamo, traded to the Rays in the deal for Danny Jansen last year, and MLB top-100 prospect Caden Bodine.
The game was already unusual by virtue of its positioning on the calendar — few minor-league teams play games on Monday, but the Bulls elected to play on Labor Day and take Tuesday off instead.
It's the first perfect game in the International League since Justin Germano threw one in 2011 for the Columbus Clippers. Former Brewers pitcher Tomo Ohka also has one for the Pawtucket Red Sox in 2000.
After the game, the Durham grounds crew excavated the pitching rubber on mound and presented it to Pannone.
Who is Thomas Pannone?
Pannone's one appearance with the Brewers came July 29, when he worked three innings and allowed two runs against the San Francisco Giants in a game that ultimately ended in a 16-3 defeat. That marked his first big-league appearance since 2023, also his lone big-league appearance for the Brewers in a relief appearance against Pittsburgh.
In between, Pannone spent time in Korea in 2022 and also played in the Cubs and Yankees organizations in 2024. He re-signed with the Brewers after the 2024 season but missed all of 2025 with a torn flexor tendon.
Aaron Judge celebrated his return to the Bronx Bombers with a trip to Queens.
The Yankees slugger, activated off the injured list Monday night after a three-month stay due to a right rib stress fracture, took in some U.S. Open action as the news broke.
Judge, alongside wife Samantha, caught Coco Gauff’s win over fellow American Iva Jovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Yankees Aaron Judge and his wife Samantha Bracksieck sit in a suite as Coco Gauff of the USA plays against Iva Jovic. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
That came hours after he was slated to face live pitching for the first time during his ramp-up, which also included taking on-field batting practice, hitting off high-velocity pitching machines and tracking pitches in bullpen sessions.
“He’s our captain, best player in baseball,” pitcher Max Fried said over the weekend. “To have him back in the lineup is obviously a huge boost. We’re definitely a better team when he’s in the lineup.”
Yankees’ Aaron Judge gives a thumbs up to a suite attendant as Coco Gauff of the USA plays against Iva Jovic. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Judge hasn’t hit the field since May 31, a span of 84 games in which the Yanks went 45-39. They sit four games back of the AL East-leading Rays and two games ahead of the rival Red Sox for the top wild-card berth.
Also in Flushing to catch Gauff-Jovic were Bombers rookies Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. — accompanied by the shortstop’s mom, Judy.
Yankees right fielder Spencer Jones (78) and New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. (96) along with his mother Judy sit in a suite as Coco Gauff of the USA plays against Iva Jovic. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The highly touted prospects enjoyed the night off with the Yankees set to begin a three-game home series against the Rockies on Tuesday night — with Judge in tow.
Judge’s return would mark his first action with Lombard, who joined the team on Aug. 4 and has seemingly righted his defensive play, going six straight games without an error after committing them in six consecutive games.
Overseas, the KHL regular season has finally begun, and while the Philadelphia Flyers will be monitoring the progress of Egor Zavragin, they'll be seeing what an old friend is up to as well.
In addition to Zavragin, who will be playing for his third KHL team in his young career this year, the Flyers have recent NHL burnout Kevin Hayes representing them in the KHL ranks after going un-signed through the offseason.
Quietly, former Flyers goalie Ivan Fedotov, drafted by the franchise way back in 2015, has returned home to Russia, too, signing a two-year deal with Spartak Moskva, joining forces with former Flyers draft bust German Rubtsov, following a two-year jaunt in North America.
Fedotov, 29, was wholly unimpressive and inconsistent during his time in the NHL with the Flyers, amassing a 6-14-5 record to the tune of a 3.29 GAA and .874 save percentage.
Fedotov did improve in his first full season with the Flyers in 2024-25, at times looking dominant, but would often swing too far to the other side of the spectrum and concede several weak goals.
That culminated in the Flyers trading the 6-foot-8 netminder to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who had him spend the entire year in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters. There, Fedotov went 23-16-9 in 47 games, recording a 2.89 GAA, .887 save percentage, and two shutouts.
It's clear that Fedotov never fully acclimated to and comfortable with the style of play here, but back home in Russia, the former Flyers goalie's dominance is unquestioned.
A former Olympic Silver Medalist, KHL Goalie of the Year, KHL All-Star, and Gagarin Cup champion, Fedotov accomplished quite a bit in his four full seasons as a regular in Russia.
Now back home, he's picking up where he left off.
Through his first two games of the KHL season, Fedotov is only 1-1-0, but that isn't for a lack of effort on his part.
In Spartak's opening match against Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, Fedotov rebuffed 18 of 19 shots (.947%) in a low-octane 1-0 loss.
Then, Fedotov followed that effort up with a 29-save effort in a 3-2 win (.935%) over former Flyers teammate Egor Zamula, top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Nazar Privalov, and CSKA Moscow.
Former NHLers Christian Jaros and Max Comtois, as well as Ilya Kotlyarov, scored for Fedotov's side, while Zamula picked up an assist at the other end.
So far, Fedotov has stopped 37 of 40 shots for his new team, jumping out to a hot 1.51 GAA and .940 save percentage.
Jul 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; A general view of the Boston Red Sox batting helmets before the start of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
We saw Coyote vs. Acme today, I really enjoyed it.
The Jays say Anthony Santander will start a rehab assignment Wednesday in Buffalo. I’d imagine he’ll need a week or two before he’s read to join the Jays, which won’t leave all that much season left.
New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Before the postseason arrives, Will Warren may have to practice running in from the bullpen and not losing his breath in the process.
But otherwise, his cameo as a reliever when he threw 2 ¹/₃ scoreless innings against the Padres on Friday offered an intriguing look at Warren’s potential impact on the Yankees once his regular-season rotation duties are complete.
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“I was a little gassed when I got out there,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s probably why I walked [the first batter] on four pitches. But no, it was good. Blacked out a little bit, so exactly where we’re supposed to be.”
Warren is set to return to a starting role Wednesday against the Rockies, but if the Yankees rotation can get through the rest of the season healthy, he is expected to shift back into the bullpen once the playoffs begin — either in a multi-inning role or even as a high-leverage option if needed.
“That could turn into a big role for us moving forward at any point later in the season and hopefully into October,” manager Aaron Boone said. “It was good to see him come into a situation that’s not totally familiar and perform.”
Warren’s stuff ticked up in the shorter outing — his velocity was up about one mile per hour on all of his pitches — though he pointed out that it was also up in his last start against the Red Sox, when he threw seven innings of one-run ball, after working on some adjustments in between outings.
After Warren got the final out of the sixth inning following the walk, Max Fried had a conversation with him in the dugout in which he told the right-hander to stay on the attack and adapt a reliever mentality. That, along with Austin Wells’ calming presence behind the plate, allowed Warren to settle in.
“Not easy to do, to be able to be a starter all year and then get thrown into some piggybacking relieving,” Fried said. “For him to come in and settle in after the first couple hitters, it was great. He’s got unbelievable stuff. I think we’re confident anytime he takes the ball.”
New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, on Sunday, August 30, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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Warren still has some things to figure out, like his pregame routine before potential relief outings, but he seemed up for the challenge if and when he ends up in the bullpen come October.
“Whatever role I’m in, I’ll embrace it,” he said. “It’s kind of like [Paul] Blackburn, he’s got five, six elite pitches out there, so it’s not typically something out of the bullpen. Hopefully it would go along with that.”
Anthony Volpe was named the International League Player of the Week on Monday after batting .524 with three home runs and a 1.711 OPS in six games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 24: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds are on a short west coast swing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers to begin the week, doing so fresh off a series victory over the mighty Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend in Great American Ball Park.
Chase Burns and his looming pitch count are set to start the opener on Monday night, with lefty Brandon Williamson slated to piggyback off his start and, hopefully, pitch his way through the rest of the game.
Righty Emmett Sheehan will start for the Dodgers and throw the game’s first pitch at 9:10 PM ET.
Here’s how both clubs will line up to begin things:
