Tommy John pens goodbye to Yankees for Old-Timers’ Day during health fight

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Tommy John of the New York Yankees pitches in a Major League Baseball game against the Oakland Athletics played on May 18, 1989 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Tommy John was 46 years old at the time. , Image 2 shows Tommy John #25 of the New York Yankees pitches during a Major League Baseball game circa 1980
Tommy John

Old-Timers’ Day in The Bronx took on an unexpected somber tone when Tommy John released a statement through the Yankees in which he said “goodbye to everyone” as he battles health issues. 

“I want to thank the Yankees organization [and] the Steinbrenner family for giving me this opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, along with all the friends [and] fans who followed me throughout my 26-year career.” 

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The former Yankee — best known for being the first to undergo the elbow surgery that now bears his name — was remembered fondly by his former teammates Saturday at the Stadium. 

“He had almost 300 wins, on top of everything else he did,’’ Ron Guidry said. “It was great having him on the team. He was so knowledgeable. When we were together, we were pretty much 1-2 on the staff and having him around gave me great comfort. He could talk and it was nice to have him around because he would answer any question you had and he did so much in the game.” 

John had been an All-Star with the White Sox and was a standout with the Dodgers by the time he injured his UCL in 1974. 

At the time, that was seen as a likely career-ending injury, but Dodgers team physician Dr. Frank Jobe performed the procedure on John, then 31, in which the lefty’s elbow ligament was replaced. 

Tommy John of the New York Yankees pitches in a Major League Baseball game against the Oakland Athletics played on May 18, 1989 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Getty Images

John missed the entire 1975 season, but returned a year later and pitched 14 seasons with the reconstructed elbow. 

In his statement, John also credited Jobe, who “saved my arm [and] made it possible for me to continue pitching. That surgery has gone on to save the careers of countless pitchers, including many of the very best in the game today.” 

Of John’s 288 career victories — the highest total of anyone not in the Hall of Fame aside from scandal-scarred Roger Clemens — 164 came after his surgery. 

He signed with the Yankees for the first time prior to the 1979 season and was there until he was traded to the Angels midway through the 1982 season. 

John won more than 20 games in each of his first two years in The Bronx and returned in 1986. He remained with the Yankees through the rest of his major league career, which ended in 1989. 

John started 700 games in his career, the eighth most of all time, and his 4,710 ¹/₃ innings pitched are 19th on the all-time list. 

Tommy John of the Yankees pitches during an MLB game
circa 1980. Getty Images

Rick Cerone played with — and caught — John and called him “a great competitor.’’ 

“He got better with age,’’ Cerone said. “That ball kept sinking and sinking.” 

Cerone also recalled John’s managing days, as John managed the Staten Island Yankees in 2004, as well as two seasons in the independent Atlantic League with Bridgeport. John also spent time as a broadcaster with the Yankees. 

“Tommy was tough to compete against and a terrific teammate,’’ Willie Randolph said. “We were just talking about him today. It’s shocking to hear he’s struggling and I’m praying for him.” 

The native of Terre Haute, Ind., also pitched for Cleveland, the Angels and A’s and finished second in the National League Cy Young vote in 1977 with the Dodgers, behind Philadelphia’s Steve Carlton, and in 1979 with the Yankees, trailing only Baltimore’s Mike Flanagan. 

John, in 2024, revealed he had bladder cancer, but it’s unclear if that is what he is dealing with now.

Game #117: Athletics at Red Sox Game Thread

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 02: Gage Jump #61 of the Athletics prepares to pitch during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Sutter Health Park on August 02, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Athletics have lost nine straight after getting blown out 13-1 by the Boston Red Sox in last night’s series opener. At 45-71, the A’s are tied for the worst record in the league. It wasn’t long ago that the team was sitting at .500, highlighting just how swift and extreme this collapse has been.

This afternoon, the A’s will look to stop the bleeding and avoid dropping their 10th in a row. Left-hander Gage Jump will get the start for the Green and Gold. The 23-year-old enters his 14th start of the season with a 4-7 record, a 4.59 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 73 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings pitched.

The club’s top pitching prospect got off to a strong start, showcasing his tantalizing stuff during a dominant stretch to begin his major league career. However, Jump has struggled recently, perhaps running into a rookie wall as opposing teams have figured out how to attack the southpaw.

In Jump’s last outing against the Detroit Tigers, he took the loss after allowing six runs on four hits and six walks over just 3 2/3 innings. The start before that, he dominated these Red Sox hitters in Sacramento, striking out seven over six scoreless innings.

If the Athletics want to win a baseball game, they will need Jump to replicate that performance at Fenway Park, although the Red Sox will have a better idea of what to expect from the left-hander. A quality start would go a long way, especially after right-hander Jack Perkins’ short and poor start yesterday forced the team to ask more out of its struggling bullpen.

Speaking of the bullpen, the A’s shook things up down there.

Hayden Juenger returns to Triple-A after allowing four runs on five hits in the fourth inning of the series opener. Fellow right-handed reliever Yunior Tur takes his spot in the bullpen, looking to make the most of his second chance in the big leagues. It can only go up from here for Tur, who allowed 14 runs in his first two major league appearances a couple of weeks ago.

Here’s the Athletics’ lineup for this contest:

The Athletics will need more offense today, as keeping the Red Sox off the scoreboard will be a tall task for the pitching staff. For the third consecutive day, both of the team’s catchers are in the lineup, with Brian Serven taking over behind the plate.

Center fielder Henry Bolte’s speed and shortstop Jacob Wilson’s contact ability give the A’s a dynamic duo atop the lineup, but they have to actually get on base to make an impact. Meanwhile, will Lawrence Butler and Max Muncy continue being automatic outs, or will the two hitters finally make a positive impact for the team?

For the second straight day, A’s hitters will face a talented, young Red Sox left-hander whose stellar performance has been a significant factor in the team’s success. Jake Bennett enters his 13th start of the season with a 7-4 record, a 2.90 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP and 50 strikeouts over 71 1/3 innings pitched.

Bennett opposed Jump when these two teams squared off at the A’s home ballpark. In that game, the lone A’s win of the four-game series, the Red Sox left-hander took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. This afternoon, Bennett will look to replicate the performance of his teammate Payton Tolle, who struck out 14 over six innings last night, while the A’s will look to beat him once again.

And Boston’s starting nine:

It is time to put an end to this misery and halt the Red Sox’s dream run. Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

National – FS1

Listen:
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New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves: Gerrit Cole vs. Chris Sale

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 28: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees reacts after catching a fly ball during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 28, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Set the clock back seven or eight years and this is the premier game of the weekend. Neither Gerrit Cole nor Chris Sale are fully the Cy Youngs they used to be, and yet they’re both still quite good in 2026. After a nailbiter of a win yesterday, Cole will look to give the Yankees another victory today, albeit one that doesn’t raise our collective blood pressure in the same way.

Let’s start with Sale, who is 37 with a 2.08 ERA and has been worth four wins already this season. The 15-year vet should be familiar to Yankee fans after stints with the White Sox and Red Sox, and indeed that back-foot slider to right-handed hitters is as good as it ever was. This is a tough assignment for MLB teams at the best of times, and the Yankee lineup isn’t much to brag about now. Scratching a run or two across against Sale is particularly important today.

Cole, meanwhile, has bounced back nicely after a few shaky starts in June. His last three outings, against the Pirates and both Chicago teams, have seen him post a 1.93 ERA and 2.82 FIP, and while we can’t necessarily expect that kind of pitching full time from the veteran, one more start along those lines would certainly be appreciated. A big part of Cole’s game was always controlling home runs — he fills the zone with so many pitches that fly balls are inevitable, but keeping those fly balls in play largely determines how his start will go. If he can avoid some of the thump in Atlanta’s lineup, he should be a good match against someone like Sale.

I was a little surprised to see Ben Rice in the lineup; I thought today would be a great excuse to give him what seems to be a much needed day off. Instead, he’s at DH, with the club rolling out their lefty specialist lineup of Paul Goldschmidt at first, Amed Rosario at third, and rookie George Lombard Jr. all the way up to sixth in the order.

It’s Old-Timers’ Day and the festivities are in full swing, coverage is on YES.

How to watch

Location: Yankee Stadium—Bronx, NY

First pitch: 3:05pm Eastern

TV broadcast: YES, BravesVision

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280, 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM

Online stream: MLB.tv

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Marcelo Mayer’s girlfriend posts TikTok of the two relishing in the Bay Area

Since Marcelo Mayer was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants during the MLB trade deadline, he’s been anxiously awaiting a new beginning.

Mayer’s girlfriend Camryn Bergman posted a video on her TikTok page, showing her and Mayer making their way back to his home state of California while soaking in the Bay Area.

Camryn Bergman and Marcelo Mayer are eager to start their next chapter in the Bay Area. Instagram/@cam.bergman
Camryn Bergman and Marcelo Mayer are eager to start their next chapter in the Bay Area. TikTok/@cam.bergman
Marcelo Mayer and his girlfriend Camyrn Bergman ready to usher in new chapter with the Giants.

Bergman’s video opened up with the caption “pov: your boyfriend got traded” which was followed up by a series of clips showing the two flying across the country from Boston to California.

When the two arrived in San Francisco, Mayer was seen taking his luggage to Oracle Park, which was then followed by clips of them exploring the Bay Area.

The two walked down the boardwalk and headed over to Pier 39, looking at a view of the water, with the famous Alcatraz prison staring directly back at them.

Their journey exploring the Bay continued with them eating at In-N-Out, then sitting near the Golden Gate Bridge.

The video ended with the couple entering an Uber and then receiving some gear from the Giants, where Bergman closed the video with herself working out in the gym, while wearing a white San Francisco hat.

Mayer was selected 4th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the 2021 MLB Draft, and quickly rose to the top of their farm system as Baseball America had him ranked as the No.10 overall prospect in 2024.

In May 2025, the Red Sox brought him up to their MLB roster, with hopes he would become their franchise shortstop of the future.

Through his two seasons in the big leagues, Mayer has struggled to stay healthy, as he’s been injured in both seasons, including last year when his season ended due to a right wrist sprain.

Right now, Mayer is working his way back from a bone stress reaction to his left ulna, but is expected to make a return this season.

As of Saturday, the Giants are in fourth place in the National League West with a 49-67 record, and the playoffs are likely looking like another miss for the fifth consecutive season.

With the team already eager to turn the page to next season, they’re hoping Mayer will turn into the big leaguer he was projected to be so that they can make a deep run next year.


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Former Shark Evander Kane Reportedly Linked to KHL Team

The rumor mill is continuing to swirl as we reach the slowest part of the offseason. Former San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane is currently a name popping up consistently, as he's now been linked to a move to Russia for the second time in his career.

According to Russian news outlet Sport-Express, Ak Bars Kazan is "considering signing" Kane. Beyond that, they didn't add many additional details.

A controversial figure throughout his career, Kane hit the free agent market this summer after a single season with the Vancouver Canucks. Given his agent Daniel Milstein's close ties to Russia's hockey system and players, it's certainly not overly surprising that there would be at least discussions with the Kontinental Hockey League regarding his services.

Kane, 35, spent parts of four seasons with the Sharks during the late 2010s and early 2020s. He spent five games with the Sharks' American Hockey League affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda during the 2021-22 season before the Sharks voided his contract due to a breach of contract pertaining to the COVID-19 protocols at the time.

During the 2012 NHL lockout, Kane played 12 games in the KHL with Belarussian club Dynamo Minsk. He scored just a single goal and two points in 12 games. 

Braves vs Yankees Game Thread: 8/8/26

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 06: Lane Thomas #20 of the Atlanta Braves (left), Michael Harris II #23, Jim Jarvis #74, Ronald Acuna Jr. #13, and Mauricio Dubón #14 celebrate after winning a game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on August 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Join us and discuss today’s afternoon game in the comments below!

Rockies Reacts Results: The Rockies passed the trade deadline

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 4: Colorado Rockies pitcher Nick Frasso pitches in his Major League debut during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Coors Field on August 4, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Gavin Liddell/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The trade deadline has come and gone, and we’ve had some time to reflect on the week. The Rockies made four total moves — three on Monday — and overall, the majority of the community gave the Rockies a passing grade for their moves.

81% of voters gave the Rockies a “good or satisfactory grade” for their performance. 4% gave them an A, which indicates excellent or outstanding work. 13% gave them a D, which indicates “below-average work,” while 2% gave them a failing grade.

Do you agree with the results? Do you still agree with your own vote? Let us know in the comments!


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Top 10 Blackhawks Prospects Entering Late Stages Of Off-Season

The Chicago Blackhawks have one of the best farm systems in the National Hockey League. When Kyle Davidson took over as the full-time GM in 2022, it was his goal to rebuild the organization through the draft. 

Since then, they have made 11 first-round picks and countless selections in the second round or later. Not every one of them is going to pan out, but a certain percentage of them becoming full-time NHL players is what will make the rebuild successful. 

As the off-season enters the later stages, meaning free agency is mostly done, there aren't many more trades to go, and things will quiet down for a few weeks before camps start to begin, this is a look at the top-10 prospects in Chicago's system: 

1. Anton Frondell, FWD

Anton Frondell played a handful of games for the Chicago Blackhawks down the stretch in 2025-26, but not enough to come off the list as the top prospect in the organization. The former 3rd overall pick is still trying to figure out if he is a center or a wing in the long term, but it's becoming obvious that he has the potential to be a star two-way performer either way. Frondell has a booming shot to complement his playmaking ability, and he never takes a shift off of doing the right thing when it comes to his defensive responsibilities. 

2. Roman Kantserov, FWD

Roman Kantserov is going to play in the NHL this season. There is also a high likelihood that leading the KHL in goals last year earned him a spot in the top six right off the bat. Whether it's with Connor Bedard or somewhere else, he is expected to be a high-end rookie goal scorer right away. Chicago hopes that Kantserov and Frondell take Calder Trophy votes away from each other. 

3. Nick Lardis, FWD

Nick Lardis, like Frondell, played in the NHL last season. He played more than Frondell, but not enough to graduate off this list just yet. He did score at a 20-goal pace as a rookie, however, which suggests he will be a big part of Chicago's attack. After scoring an OHL-leading 71 goals one year before his rookie pro season, he made a name for himself as a high-end goal-scoring prospect. Now, there is an expectation that he will be a part of the Blackhawks' core. 

4. Xavier Villenueve, D

The Chicago Blackhawks selected Xavier Villenueve in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft. He fell farther than most would have thought, as he entered the event with a first-round grade. The Blackhawks managed to grab him, and now he is one of their top prospects. He may be number one on this list by this time next year, as long as he has a good d+1 year. Villenueve profiles like some of the young small defenseman who are elite playmakers to come before him. Lane Hutson is the obvious comparison, but that is a high bar. For the Blackhawks, they need him to have a big year at Boston University as their number-one point-producing defenseman. 

5. Sacha Boisvert, FWD

Sacha Boisvert is a hard prospect to dissect. He was a dominant freshman at the University of North Dakota. Then, he transferred to Boston University because of a coaching change at North Dakota, and injuries/inconsistancies slowed him down. After his season ended, he signed with Chicago and played a handful of games. He scored a goal, made some plays, and had a fight, but it was clear that a lot of work was ahead of him before he would play in the NHL full time. A start in Rockford will be perfect for him. A lot has been made about the weight he's put on this off-season, which should help him elevate his playstyle. 

6. Vaclav Nestrasil, FWD

Vaclav Nestrasil had a great year at UMass with his 31 points in 34 games played. It was an unexpected jump for a freshman coming into a much harder league. Where he really raised his stock, however, was at the 2025-26 World Junior Championships. He was the best player on Team Czechia, and that allowed them to capture a Silver Medal. After another crack at the NCAA season and World Juniors this winter, expect him to sign and play with Chicago at the end of the 2026-27 college season. 

7. Marek Vanacker, FWD

Marek Vanacker was one of the OHL's leading goal scorers this past season, which was important to see after injuries derailed him one year prior. Now, the Blackhawks see him as one of the top goal scorers in their system. It was once thought that he could be a full-time NHL player in 2026-27, but additions to the team block that path for now. He will start with the Rockford IceHogs, which is actually best for his development. If things go well, he will get minutes in the NHL sooner rather than later. When he does get there, think of him as someone who could be the third forward on a line that snipes lots of goals because of the work done by two other playmakers. 

8. Drew Commesso, G

Drew Commesso signed a contract extension this off-season. The first year is a two-way deal, which is Arvid Soderblom's final year on his current contract. If Commesso has a good year, he is in line to become the full-time backup in 2027-28, as that year is a one-way contract. If Soderblom lights the world on fire and Commesso struggles, that will change the plans, but Commesso has proven that becoming a starter in the NHL is a real possibility for him. He just has to work his way up. 

9. Mason West, FWD

When the Blackhawks traded up to select Mason West, it was a bit of a risk. He was committed to playing out his senior year of football. He felt that he owed it to his community and teammates to attempt to win the Minnesota State Championship with Edina High School. He did just that. Now, the quarterback and multi-sport state champion is committed to hockey, which he hopes will lead him to the NHL. After finishing the hockey season in the USHL, he is set to play for Michigan State in 2026-27. A good year will skyrocket him up this list. 

10. Adam Gajan, G

With Spencer Knight locked in as the starter for a long time ahead, the Blackhawks have Arvid Soderblom and Drew Commesso fighting for the role of permanent backup. Everyone wants to be a starter, but they all have to prove their worth as a backup first. Eventually, if they are great, another organization will make a play to bring them on as a full-timer. Adam Gajan is blocked for now, but his pedigree shows he will be in the mix eventually. He was the third-string for Team Slovakia at the Olympics, which came in the middle of an incredible year he had in college. 

Honorable Mentions: AJ Spellacy, Jiri Felcman, John Mustard, Ryan Roobroeck, Julius Sumpf, Nathan Behm, & Gavin Hayes

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Dodgers search for elusive first win in August

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 07: Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs to first base during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Friday, August 7, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Dodgers will turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Saturday in hopes to end their seven-game losing streak, a stretch in which nothing really seems to match up properly.

Yamamoto pitched quite well last Saturday at home, allowing three runs in eight innings to the Boston Red Sox, but that was a game in which the Dodgers offense could only score twice. Much like Friday night in Arizona, Roki Sasaki allowed only two run in six innings and the Dodgers took a lead in the eighth inning, but a bad Edwin Díaz slider turned that into a loss, too.

The loss on Tuesday at Wrigley Field turned lopsided later, but that was another strong start wasted, with Tarik Skubal allowing only two runs in six frames in his Dodgers debut.

Major league teams are 803-358 (.692) when their pitcher provides a quality start this season. The Dodgers lead the majors with 61 quality start this season, 11 more than any other team, and that’s not even including the six hitless, scoreless innings Eric Lauer provided in bulk relief following an opener on June 22.

The Dodgers are 44-17 (.721) when receiving a quality start, but have lost three such games in the last week on this losing streak.

Offense has been a big culprit during the swoon, even dating back to July when the Dodgers were outscored during the month for just the third time in nine years. Through the end of June, the Dodgers averaged 5.36 runs per game, most in the majors, and hit .266/.347/.443 with a 118 wRC+, tops in the majors in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and wRC+.

Since July 1, the Dodgers offense has been entrenched well into the bottom half of the league:

The Dodgers are also tied for 20th since the beginning of July with 32 home runs, with only nine of those home runs coming from outfielders, a collective group hitting just .225/.310/.346 with an 84 wRC+ over the last 30 games.

Home runs aren’t the only way to score, of course, and the Dodgers have weirdly done quite well with runners in scoring position during the seven-game losing streak, hitting .273/.333/.500 with a 125 wRC+. But they have just 48 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, fourth-fewest in the majors at just under seven such PA per game. MLB teams as a whole average over 68 PA with runners in scoring position over the last eight days.

Saturday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers at Diamondbacks
  • Ballpark: Chase Field, Phoenix
  • Start time: 5:10 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

The Yankees Reliever Confidence Index: August Edition

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Brent Headrick #47 and Paul Blackburn #58 of the New York Yankees look on during spring training at Himes Complex on February 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

At last Monday’s Trade Deadline, the Yankees had an opportunity to augment a bullpen that, despite ranking second in MLB in both ERA and xERA, seemingly had room for another high-end arm. Instead, GM Brian Cashman traded away Camilo Doval, Jake Bird, and Yovanny Cruz. The most charitable interpretation here is addition by subtraction. Doval and Bird — two of three relievers Cashman acquired at the 2025 deadline — had been major disappointments (while Cruz had made just four appearances this year and was more of a depth piece). Their ouster creates opportunities for others to take a step forward in the pecking order.

As I do each month in a given season, I’m going to take a look at the Yankees’ relievers to identify how manager Aaron Boone is deploying each and offer a verdict as to how much trust we can place in them moving forward using the following ranking system:

  • 5: As confident as one can be in a reliever, the most fickle position in baseball
  • 4: High degree of confidence, but some trepidation remains
  • 3: Glass half full or glass half empty? The choice is yours
  • 2: Major concerns here, though perhaps a glimmer of hope
  • 1: Absolute zero — usually reserved for those with a minimal track record

Statistics below are from July 1-August 6.

The Closer

David Bednar

Recent stats: 14.2 IP, 1.23 ERA, 17 SO, 2.69 FIP, 9 Saves (in 9 opportunities)

Regardless of what happened at the deadline, with the possible exception of a Mason Miller acquisition, Bednar was going to remain the team’s closer, and for good reason. After an uneven start to the season, he’s allowed runs to score in just one of 25 outings since May 18th, a remarkable run of excellence that’s largely flown under the radar. In a bullpen that’s experienced some flux, he’s been low drama, exactly what you want out of your closer.

Confidence level: 5

Bednar is seventh among active players in saves, with everyone ahead of him older and longer tenured. The combination of his excellence this year and track record over his career makes him one of the most reliable closers in baseball.

The Set-Up Men

Brent Headrick

Recent stats: 18 IP, 1.00 ERA, 27 SO, 0.60 FIP

Over his first three seasons, Headrick pitched more at Triple-A than in the big leagues, appearing to be no more than a depth piece. This year? As Michael Baumann over at FanGraphs eloquently outlined on Thursday, he’s putting up one of the best reliever seasons in Yankees history. Among primary relievers, only Miller and Louis Varland have lower ERAs.

Confidence level: 5

I was skeptical of Headrick’s success early in the season, but he’s sustained this level of performance for long enough that it cannot be ignored. And his peripherals, including elite whiff and barrel rates, support that this is no fluke. He’s firmly entrenched in the late-inning mix, and rightfully so.

Paul Blackburn

Recent stats: 22.2 IP, 1.19 ERA, 23 SO, 4.24 FIP

Say what you will about the Yankees’ organization — they can take a washed up journeyman and turn him into a star reliever like no other team in baseball. Blackburn is the latest beneficiary of the Luke Weaver effect, transforming from a struggling swingman into a back-end option. After using him in long relief for most of the season, Boone has begun inserting him in the eighth, with strong early results.

Confidence level: 3.5

Blackburn deserves credit for his turnaround, but the jury’s still out on how sustainable it will be. While he’s not missing many bats, his 56.5 ground-ball rate suggests he may have a legitimate new formula. If he performs well in another month of high-leverage usage, I’ll feel much more confident he can be part of the path to Bednar moving forward.

The Middle Relievers

Fernando Cruz 

Recent stats: 14 IP, 3.21 ERA, 14 SO, 5.10 FIP

After working as a set-up man, Cruz has been deployed recently as the first man out of the bullpen to bail out a fading starter to get to the late innings. Wherever Boone uses him, he knows what he’s getting: a pitcher with a one-of-a-kind splitter who both misses bats and issues walks as much as anyone in baseball.

Confidence level: 4

Cruz is a known quantity at this point. His energy on the mound and ability to dominate on his best day more than make up for the days when he loses the strike zone and works himself into trouble. He remains very much in the high-leverage picture.

Tim Hill

Recent stats: 11.2 IP, 5.40 ERA, 5 SO, 9.10 FIP

After a remarkably consistent run through nearly two years in New York, Hill’s bag of tricks has begun to wear out its welcome. Since May 12th, his ERA has ballooned from 1.00 to 4.40 as he’s allowed 21 runs (19 earned) in 25 innings. Unsurprisingly, he’s slipped out of the inner ring of Boone’s circle of trust.

Confidence level: 2.5

Hill’s numbers remain strong against lefties, maintaining his value as a lefty specialist. Otherwise, though, his stock has taken a major hit.

The Long Reliever

Ryan Yarbrough

Recent stats: 10 IP, 1.80 ERA, 5 SO, 4.89 FIP

It’s been an odd season for Yarbrough, who has performed well despite intermittent usage. His hard-hit rate of 22.5 percent tops MLB (Cruz is second) despite — or, perhaps, because of — throwing one of the slowest fastballs in the game. Of note for his recent stats: Yarbrough has allowed six unearned runs this month.

Confidence index: 2.5

Yarbrough is perfectly suited for his long relief role, giving a different look than any other Yankees pitcher while eating some lower-leverage innings.

The Mop-Up Men

Yerry De los Santos

Recent stats: 9.1 IP, 5.79 ERA, 7 SO, 3.38 FIP (at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre)

This is where the Yankees’ bullpen starts to get scary. After moving Doval and Bird (and sending Angel Chivilli down to Triple-A), the Yankees promoted De los Santos, who had been getting absolutely torched at Triple-A. He does have a strong 2.84 ERA in 30 appearances with the Yankees over the past two seasons, but if the team had confidence that was indicative of his potential they’d have called him up earlier in the season.

Confidence level: 1

De los Santos has been useful as a Quadruple-A player, but the prospect of him becoming a mainstay in the bullpen is alarming. We’re one injury away from the 28-year-old starting to see action late in close games.

Kervin Castro

Recent stats: 3.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 5 SO, 1.90 FIP

Castro has earned his shot. After last pitching in the bigs for the Cubs in 2022, the Yankees took a flier on him last year and he excelled at Triple-A, a run of success he continued this year. Over both seasons, he posted a 1.63 ERA at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The early returns with the Yankees have been strong as well, with three scoreless outings since he was recalled in late July.

Confidence level: 1

I’d love to see Castro’s Cinderella story continue, but success at Triple-A does not always translate at the big-league level. He’ll need to show a lot more before he gains any trust in Boone’s bullpen pecking order.

SB Nation Reacts: Here’s your final grade for the Cubs Trade Deadline moves

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.


The Cubs made three major acquisitions before Monday’s MLB Trade Deadline: starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes, and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn. These moves appear to be very positive in an effort to help bolster the oft-injured Cubs pitching staff.

Earlier this week I asked you to give a grade for Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer’s moves.

And in general, you approve:

That’s a huge vote of confidence in Hoyer, with 94 percent grading his moves at B or higher — and nearly a plurality with an “A” vote, very close to the number who chose “B”.

I can’t explain the one percent giving Hoyer a failing grade. Can you?

Here are the results of the two national questions asked in the SB Nation Reacts survey this week.

This vote, I presume, assumes that Tarik Skubal will somehow singlehandedly put the Dodgers over the top to win the World Series. Either that, or Dodgers fans stuffed the electronic ballot box.

The Cubs made a statement last Tuesday that they won’t be afraid of Skubal. They very well could face him again in October.

And again, Skubal carries the day in the individual player voting. Interestingly, voters picked Clay Holmes over Kevin Gausman for the Cubs acquisition who would have the most impact.

So far, Freddy Peralta hasn’t done much to warrant the deal that sent him to the Rays, as he got hit hard in his first start for Tampa Bay.

Thanks for participating in the survey this week, and let’s hope the voters are wrong about Skubal.


This edition of SB Nation Reacts is sponsored by FanDuel.

You think the Cincinnati Reds flunked the trade deadline

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JULY 25: Hunter Greene #21 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 25, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Monday’s trade deadline action didn’t exactly go on-script for the Cincinnati Reds. At least, it sure didn’t follow the script most everyone across the nation expected to see play out.

The Reds, mired in last place and with a New Jersey Turnpike full of teams ahead of them in the Wild Card race, looked like they should be sellers. Brady Singer is a pending free agent who’s been pitching lights out for months, and that always has value. Eugenio Suarez, though struggling this year after an oblique injury shut him down for a month and disrupted timing, was beginning to find his swing again, and some team surely would’ve taken a flier on him getting white hot again.

There was even a deep bullpen full of guys on expiring contracts. Still, the Reds made just minor moves of Nate Lowe and Caleb Ferguson, the latter not even bringing back an actual prospect (with international bonus pool cash coming to Cincinnati instead).

The Reds have been playing better of late, and even find themselves not in last place this morning by half a game. Still, the odds of making a miraculous playoff push seem outlandish, and now they’ve lost Hunter Greene (again) for the rest of this season and most, if not all, of next despite there having been significant interest in him pre-deadline.

All told, it sure doesn’t seem like the team navigated the deadline very well. And when we asked you to grade them on their work earlier in the week, well, you wholeheartedly agreed.

Most of you don’t just think they did poorly. Half of you think they flunked the test outright.

Perhaps more telling is that absolutely zero folks think they did a job worthy of an A, so that indicates that not even a single member of the Cincinnati Reds front office sneaks over to Red Reporter to skew polls anymore.

(Either that or they agree with you, too!)

The Reds have a long way to go to revamp both their roster and their front office, and they took precisely zero significant steps towards doing so at this trade deadline. That was obvious to us, and it’s sure looking obvious to you, too.

MLB Reacts are brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook.

Flames Reportedly Turn To Former NHL Enforcer To Replace Kelly Hrudey

According to sports media insider Jonah Sigel, former NHL enforcer Kevin Sawyer is expected to take over as the Flames' color commentator on Sportsnet's regional broadcasts.

“I am told [Kevin Sawyer] is your Kelly Hrudey replacement,” Sigel reported Friday. “He will for sure be on the Calgary Flames regional games.”

Sawyer has spent the past several years working on Winnipeg Jets regional broadcasts with TSN, a role he has held since the 2017-18 season. The 52-year-old British Columbia native would now make the move from TSN to Sportsnet and take on a prominent role covering the Flames.

Before getting into broadcasting, Sawyer spent parts of six NHL seasons as an enforcer. He appeared in 110 games with the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes and Anaheim Mighty Ducks, accumulating 403 penalty minutes. His professional playing career ended during the 2002-03 season.

The reported move comes just days after Hrudey announced that he was leaving Sportsnet after the network opted not to renew his contract.

Hrudey, 65, had been one of the most recognizable analysts on Hockey Night in Canada since retiring from professional hockey in 1998. He also began appearing on national broadcasts during the latter part of his playing career, making his departure another significant change for Sportsnet's hockey coverage.

For the Flames, Sawyer would become the latest addition to a broadcast team that has undergone considerable turnover in recent years.

The Calgary Flames appear to have found the next voice to join their regional television broadcasts following the departure of longtime analyst Kelly Hrudey.

Rick Ball left Calgary in 2024 to join the Chicago Blackhawks, with Jon Abbott taking over as the team's play-by-play voice. Ryan Leslie then departed for the Toronto Maple Leafs last year, leading Brendan Parker to step into the hosting role.

Now, Hrudey is out and Sawyer is reportedly on his way in.

The changes extend beyond television, too.

The future of Flames radio broadcasts remains unclear after Rogers shut down Sportsnet 960 The Fan in Calgary and relinquished the radio rights to Flames games. Rogers retained radio rights for the Vancouver Canucks and plans to air those games on an FM station in the city, but Calgary was left without a similar arrangement.

For now, though, the biggest question surrounding the Flames' broadcasts appears to have an answer.

If Sigel's report proves accurate, Sawyer will be the newest addition to a Calgary broadcast booth that looks considerably different from the one Flames fans knew just a few years ago.

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Braves vs Yankees Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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I'm firing two units on the Atlanta Braves at -137 today. Forget the pedigree—this comes down to current form and matchup edges.

While Gerrit Cole remains a big name, his fly-ball and hard-contact tendencies give Atlanta’s heavy hitters a prime launchpad.

On the bump for ATL, Chris Sale brings a far superior whiffs-and-chase profile to keep New York guessing in my Braves vs. Yankees predictions and MLB picks for Aug. 8.

Who will win Braves vs Yankees today: Braves moneyline (-137)

I'm on the Atlanta Braves in this spot for two units down to -155. The New York Yankees were lucky to get a win last night.

The offense has remained dreadful for a few weeks now (just look at a wOBA near the bottom of the league over the last 30 days), and this is a strength-on-weakness matchup against Gerrit Cole

Cole has allowed a 9.5% barrel rate, 42.6% hard-hit rate, and 67% air-ball rate this season, which is not ideal against an Atlanta lineup that ranks fourth in baseball in barrel rate. 

We could debate who's the better pitcher long-term, but there's no doubt Chris Sale has had a better season than Cole on the other side. 

His strikeout-heavy profile matches up well against a lineup that is whiffing more than ever lately at a 26% strikeout rate over the last seven days

Covers COVERS INTEL:Cole’s four-seamer is the specific pitch Atlanta can attack. He throws it 47.1% of the time, and it has allowed a 45.2% hard-hit rate this season.

Braves vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 (-116)

I'd play the Under to 7

Both starters can control the shape of this game. Sale gives Atlanta strikeout upside against a Yankees lineup that has been flat-out bad, while Cole is still more than capable of limiting traffic even if his barrel profile creates some concern.

If Sale handles the Yankees’ cold stretches and Cole avoids the multi-run homer, this profiles more like a lower-scoring road favorite script than a full offensive eruption. In fact, it could look a lot like last night.

Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 43-39, +8.58 units
  • Over/Under bets: 46-36, +11.74 units

Braves vs Yankees weather

The Bronx forecast is hot, with thunderstorm risk around the game window, so delay risk matters more than any clear wind-based run adjustment

Braves vs Yankees odds

  • Moneyline: Braves -137 | Yankees +124
  • Run line: Braves -1.5 | Yankees +1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5

Braves vs Yankees trend

The New York Yankees have hit the Team Total Under in 24 of their last 30 games at home (+17.35 Units / 48% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Yankees.

How to watch Braves vs Yankees and game info

LocationYankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
DateSaturday, August 8, 2026
First pitch3:05 p.m. ET
TVBravesVision, YES
Braves starting pitcherChris Sale
(12-6, 2.08 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcherGerrit Cole
(5-5, 3.42 ERA)

Braves vs Yankees 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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Noah Philp's Journey As He Retires From Professional Hockey

Noah Philp was standing in the Edmonton Oilers’ dressing room during his first season in the NHL when he was asked what he had taken from his time with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

"Just to enjoy hockey,” Philp said.

“You’re taking classes, you’re doing everything together. Just really finding the love for hockey.”

That was less than two years ago, when Philp had returned from a season away from the sport and finally reached the NHL after taking one of the more unusual routes to get there.

Now, at 27, he’s walking away from hockey again.

Philp has retired despite having signed with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League earlier this summer, ending a professional career that included 32 NHL games between the Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes. He scored two goals and five points in those games after making his NHL debut with Edmonton in October of 2024.

It was a long way from Clare Drake Arena.

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Philp arrived at the University of Alberta after going undrafted out of the WHL and played 36 games for the Golden Bears over parts of three seasons.

He did not win a national championship there, and he didn’t even stick around long enough to win the Canada West title his teammates captured months after he left for professional hockey.

But when Philp reflected on his time with the Bears after reaching Edmonton, those things didn’t appear to matter much.

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“It was so much fun being there, and all the guys are great,” he said. “You get to really band together, because you know nobody’s leaving, everyone’s there together.”

That environment helped Philp turn himself from an undrafted junior player into someone the Oilers were willing to sign.

Philp played his first professional season with the Bakersfield Condors in 2022-23 before announcing he was stepping away from hockey that summer because he decided there were things outside of hockey that needed his attention and took the 2023-24 season away from the sport.

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He came back the following year.

Philp made his NHL debut with Edmonton, played 15 games during the 2024-25 season and recorded two assists while spending most of the year in Bakersfield.

When I spoke with him during that season, he wasn't concerned about where things were going, when he would get there, or if he would ever become a full-time NHL player.

“I had no expectations,” he said of getting his opportunity with the Oilers. “I just put in a good summer, I felt ready to play, and I was just trying to come in and play as hard as I could. Basically put my best foot forward every day. I think that when that’s all I focus on, that usually [gets] results.”

Former Oiler Suddenly And Unexpectedly Retires From HockeyFormer Oiler Suddenly And Unexpectedly Retires From HockeyNoah Philp leaves the SHL's HV71 reeling after citing a lack of motivation, marking a sudden end to the 27-year-old forward's professional hockey career.

Philp eventually found himself sharing a dressing room with Corey Perry, watching a player with more than 1,300 NHL games to his name from a few stalls away.

“[Perry’s] knowledge of the game is incredible, just to watch how he does things out there,” Philp said. “I’ve tried to pick his brain and learn from him.

“And I commend him. He’s seen so many players, and then another young guy comes in. For him to treat me the way that he does, it means a lot to me.”

He was 26 during his rookie season, had already spent years in junior and university hockey, played professionally, stepped away from the game and then worked his way back into it.

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“I’m kind of an old young guy but it’s good,” he said. “It’s sort of the same process. Maybe for myself, it’s a little different, maybe a little bit more mature, in terms of just seeing how the game flows and [the] risk-reward. I think that’s something that is beneficial about being older, you’ve just seen a little bit more.”

He played another 17 NHL games in 2025-26, scored the first two goals of his NHL career and added an assist before his time in Edmonton ended. He finished his NHL career with two goals and three assists in 32 games.

That’s not the career Philp would have imagined when he was playing for the Golden Bears and he probably couldn’t have imagined much of what followed.

Devon Levi's Role In Future Goaltending NegotiationsDevon Levi's Role In Future Goaltending NegotiationsIt was the fall of 2025, in Rochester, New York, where Devon Levi was trying to send a message that had fallen of deaf ears.

Philp was undrafted, came through U Sports, signed with his hometown NHL organization, left professional hockey entirely, returned a year later and still managed to reach the league.

And somewhere in there, the resources he found at Alberta helped make it possible.

“They had lots of resources and lots of extra things you could take advantage of,” Philp said. “And a lot of the time it’s up to the player, and I felt like I did a decent job of finding what I could to try to improve. I think it definitely helped me develop.”

But Philp also found the for hockey again there. He found enough of it again after leaving the sport the first time to come back and make the NHL.

And after getting there, Philp has decided 32 games were enough.

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