NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 19: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The eyes of the baseball world turn to the Bronx tonight, with a two-time defending Cy Young winner taking on the odds-on favorite for this year’s award. Cam Schlittler will look to outduel Tarik Skubal and halt this five-game losing streak the Yankees are on, and if the offense can respond they way the team did when they last saw Skubal, they stand a good chance to.
Skubal hasn’t been quite his unhittable self for most of the year, and continues to work his way back from elbow surgery earlier this spring. A 3.32 ERA is nothing to sneeze at, and a brilliant walk rate means his FIP is even lower than that, but the Yankees knocked him for three home runs last week at Comerica Park. The club has seen a lot of left handed pitching lately, and stacking their lineup with as many righties as they can find certainly paid off against Skubal last time. A repeat performance would go a long way to tying up this series.
As for Cam Schlittler, one wonders how happy he is about Amed Rosario being back at third base tonight. Remember that it was Rosario’s error on what should have been a double play Friday night that led to four runs being scored on Cam. All four were unearned and so he retains the inside track on the AL ERA title (he’s running a 1.62, almost a full run better than Drew Rasmussen), but those extra pitches limited his night and those runs could very well have cost him and the team a win.
Cody Bellinger is the most notable name missing from the team’s starting lineup tonight. The versatile usual-cleanup hitter has struggled over the past two weeks, managing just a 92 wRC+ although still able to provide plus value defensively. He gets the day off with Max Schuemann, Spencer Jones, and Jasson Domínguez left to right in the outfield. José Caballero will get the start at second with Jazz Chisholm Jr. off after that midgame collision with the Martian last night. Clearly, Skubal is not exactly facing Murderers’ Row today, so the pressure will be on Cam to keep the Tigers down in turn.
Do note this is the weekly Amazon Prime game.
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
First pitch: 7:05 pm ET
TV broadcast: Amazon Prime Video, Detroit SportsNet
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | WXYT 97.1 FM (DET)
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Anthony Edwards of Team United States (L) and LeBron James of Team United States react during the Men's Gold Medal Ceremony, Game 50, match between France and United States on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The clock has struck 5:00 p.m. CT which means that NBA free agency is now officially open!
Just when you thought some of the bigger dominos had already fallen (Giannis, LaMelo, Ja, Jaylen Clark), there was more breaking news today. A pair of first ballot Hall of Fame names popped up.
The NBA news cycle really doesn’t sleep. The biggest headline now is clearly the free agency of LeBron James. Many have speculated that the Golden State Warriors would be the leader for land the 41-year-old. He has publicly shared his enjoyment of playing with Stephen Curry during the Olympics. Draymond Green, a close friend of James’, also restructured his contract with the Warriors in order to make room for the pursuit of James.
Other options that have been commonly mentioned include a return to the Miami HEAT to join Giannis Antetokounmpo, or a final swan song with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers. Are the Minnesota Timberwolves in the race for the four-time MVP? Some close to the team don’t seem to think so.
That said, Jon Krawcynski is also on record saying that the Timberwolves have interest in James, just like they have for any star player. Minnesota still has a glaring hole at the power forward spot, can provide him an opportunity to play for a contending team, and James hasn’t been shy about his adoration of Anthony Edwards either.
If James chooses a non-Wolves team, life must continue for President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly. It’s been rumored that Connelly is still working on transactions to upgrade the roster, specifically at the power forward spot. Who would fit Minnesota’s need while coming at an affordable price? There are plenty of options that will be available.
Lastly, it remains to be seen if Connelly will bring back the veteran presence of Mike Conley or Kyle Anderson. It’s been speculated that there is mutual interest between the Wolves and those two potential returners. Meanwhile, Connelly has already pulled the trigger to bring back half of the Twin Turbos.
Bones Hyland has agreed to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves next season, sources told @TheAthletic. Hyland established himself as a rotation player, teaming with Ayo Dosunmu in the "Twin Turbos" backcourt.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 27: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 27, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While reports on Monday emerged that the Golden State Warriors were preparing to pursue superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis this offseason, a report by Marc J. Spears of Andscape seems to downplay the possibility Golden State could reunite the former teammates together. Per Spears, the Washington Wizards have no interest in trading Davis this offseason.
“The Washington Wizards are not interested in trading 10-time NBA All-Star forward Anthony Davis and are not listening to trade offers for him, a source told @espn @andscape,” Spears wrote in a Tweet. “Another NBA team exec says Wizards GM Will Dawkins is a huge fan of AD.”
Of course, this would be far from the first time a front office publicly downplayed their interest in a trade to try and create leverage and receive a better offer. It sure seems like the rumors were largely fueled by James and Davis’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who is consistently one of the best agents at pressuring teams into scenarios that are best for his clients. Paul is presumably leveraging the desire for Davis to want a trade to force the Wizards into a large extension, like they recently gave Trae Young. The Wizards appear to be calling that bluff since Davis is under contract for next season.
It’s important to note that even if Davis is off the table for the Warriors, which the decision to re-sign center Kristaps Porzingis seemingly signaled yesterday, that they have not been eliminated from the LeBron sweepstakes. Jake Fischer of The Steinline reported that the Warriors had not been given any mandate to acquire Davis if they wanted to sign James as a free agent.
Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) drives against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are keeping Ousmane Dieng around, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
“Free agent forward Ousmane Dieng has agreed to a three-year, $17.5 million deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell ESPN. Dieng had a strong finish to last season after his trade from OKC, and now Bucks officials finalize the deal with agents Michael Tellem of Excel Sports Management and Marius Rutkauskas,” Charania tweeted.
Dieng, 23, won the NBA championship in 2025 with the Oklahoma City Thunder but was traded twice in February and eventually landed with the Bucks, where he was able to get more playing time.
The former 2022 lottery pick from France averaged 11 points per game in 30 appearances for the Bucs at the tail end of last season.
Dieng has a lot of potential, which was flexed at times with the Bucks last season. On Feb. 12 against his former team, the Thunder, Dieng scored 19 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out six assists. He scored a career-high 36 points with 10 assists and seven rebounds in Milwaukee’s 119-113 loss to the Houston Rockets on Apr. 1.
Dieng will likely have an opportunity to earn some minutes now that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to the Miami Heat. The Bucks will have him in the mix on a team-friendly deal as they figure out how to navigate the post-Giannis waters.
Brew Hoop community, how do you feel about Dieng’s return? Let us know in the comments section below.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are having an amicable breakup.
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
LeBron's decision to leave the Lakers is a "happiness-led decision" and "not driven by money," according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Maybe that's because the money is pretty much set — the teams looking at him basically will have the (non-taxpayer) mid-level exception of $15.1 million. Maybe the Lakers would have offered more, but not dramatically.
So what will make LeBron happy? My sense is that this is less about happiness and more about respect. LeBron knows how well he played for the Lakers last season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds a game and lifting the team past Houston in the playoffs when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were out. His reward was being told the franchise was focused on rebuilding around Doncic, and LeBron himself had to take a steep pay cut.
So where does LeBron land? Where does he get the respect he seeks? Here are the three choices on the table.
Golden State Warriors
This is the team that checks the most boxes:
Close to his family in Los Angeles? ✅ Will play meaningful games in a big spotlight? ✅. Wants him? ✅. (The Warriors have been trying to lure him in for more than a year.)
About the money, after agreeing to a new two-year, $40 million contract with Kristaps Porzingis, the only way the Warriors can offer the full mid-level exception is to salary-dump Moses Moody in a trade, or get LeBron and Draymond Green to take even less on their new deals. The Warriors have work to do, but they can get there.
The Warriors' ultimate dream reportedly was to pair LeBron, Curry, Green and Anthony Davis — except Washington has no intention of trading Davis, according to Marc Spears of ESPN.
Instead, the core is Curry, LeBron, Green and Jimmy Butler, once he returns from a torn ACL (likely in the middle of the season). If healthy, that group is a tough out in a seven-game playoff series.
Either way, this is a team that might provide the happiness LeBron seeks.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has interest in bringing LeBron home, reports Chris Haynes.
Cleveland Cavaliers have interest in a second reunion with LeBron James with the appeal of the franchise’s greatest player finishing his career where it all started, league sources tell me.
LeBron finishing his career where it started makes for a fantastic narrative. Also, LeBron, as the veteran who shows up in big games, playing with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley, is a legit threat to win the East.
However, it's going to take a little work to get Cleveland to be able to offer the mid-level exception. If Cleveland wants to do this, it could let Dean Wade walk in free agency (he may be leaving anyway), then salary-dump Max Strus, taking back no salary (it likely costs the Cavs a pick to do that). If Cleveland can do all that, it can offer LeBron the full $15.1 million mid-level exception.
(Some fans have suggested a sign-and-trade with the Lakers, the problem is that any sign-and-trade would hard cap the Cavaliers at the first apron, meaning they would need to trim about another $14 million in salary from the books. That would start to gut the team.)
This can happen. The question is: Does LeBron James want to go home again? Again.
Miami Heat
LeBron James with Giannis Antetokounmpo? The Greek Freak has never been subtle about how much he admires LeBron.
LeBron won a title in Miami but did not exactly part on the best of terms, and there are scars. It's fair to ask if everyone can and is willing to move beyond this.
The reason for Miami to get over it and make this move is simple: The Heat need more talent around Antetokounmpo, and LeBron is still an All-Star-level player, even at age 41. The pairing of LeBron and Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo and quality role players is interesting, one that can make some noise in the East.
Financially, the best Miami can offer is the remainder of its mid-level exception, about $10.5 million (it is using part of it to bring back Simone Fontecchio). Is that enough for LeBron?
San Antonio Spurs
It's a massive long shot and pure speculation — and LeBron would be accused of ring chasing — but hear me out.
San Antonio has its mid-level exception, and what they need is someone at the four who can play off Victor Wembanyama, someone who can play inside and out and serve as a secondary playmaker. Plus, LeBron in the locker room would be a great mentor for Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and the rest of them. LeBron does make the Spurs title favorites.
It's highly unlikely LeBron packs up and moves to Texas for a year — the sides are not talking, as far as we know — but it's a fun dream.
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Astros will play the middle game of their three-game series against the visiting Twins tonight at Daikin Park.
RHP Mike Burrows (3-8) will make his team-leading 16th start of the season tonight opposite the Twins and their ace RHP Joe Ryan (5-4).
ABOUT BURROWS: RHP Mike Burrows is coming off a strong start his last time out on June 24 at Toronto, in which he worked 6.0 innings, allowing one run on two hits and one walk.
Burrows has been a durable starter in his first season in Houston, as he leads the Astros in starts (15) and innings (85.1).
He joined the club from the Pirates this offseason as part of a three-team, six-player trade in which the Astros sent OF Jacob Melton and minor leaguer RHP Anderson Brito to the Rays, while the Rays sent IF Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery to the Pirates.
THE SLOW TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 22-14 since May 21, which is the best record in the AL in that span.
On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.
RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won five of seven, six of nine, and are 9-4 in their last 13 games.
The Astros 15-11 record in June ties as the best in the AL, along with their rival Rangers.
SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Astros have won five consecutive series dating back to June 12, posting a 11-5 record in those games.
The last time the Astros won five straight series was from June 20- July 6 of last season (went 12-3 in that stretch).
WINNING THE CLOSE CALLS: The Astros are 9-5 in one-run games and 18-10 in two-run games.
Each of the Astros last six wins and 11 of their last 12 victories have come by two-or-fewer runs.
PEN PALS: Since May 15 the Astros are 25-17 thanks in part to their bullpen, which has posted the lowest ERA in the AL in that span at 2.62 (45ER/154.2P).
They’ve been led by their lefties since that date with LHP Josh Hader (0.75 ERA), LHP Bryan King (2.25 ERA) and LHP Steven Okert (2.29 ERA) all posting low ERAs.
GET ‘EM EARLY: The Astros lead the AL in 1st inning runs with 60 runs scored in their 87 games.
Overall, the Astros rank fifth in the American League in runs scored (391), with their opponent tonight, the Twins, leading the AL in runs (417).
ABOUT LAST NIGHT: The Astros dropped the opener of their six-game homestand last night by a score of 5-4 to the visiting Twins.
Houston made it close late, scoring three runs in the 9th on a pair of back-to-back homers by CF Taylor Trammell (2×4, HR, 2RBI) and RF Cam Smith (2×4, 2HR, 2RBI).
RHP Peter Lambert (4ER/5.2IP) started for Houston and was handed the loss, snapping his four-game winning streak.
RHP Miguel Ullola (0ER/2IP) made his Major League debut in relief, working 2.0 scoreless frames.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have placed IF Jeremy Peña on the 10-day IL with a left calf strain and have recalled IF Raynel Delgado from Triple A Sugar Land.
OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players out on minor league rehab assignments and are adding to that group today.
OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (right hamstring strain) will begin a minor league rehab assignment tonight for Triple A Sugar Land in their series opener at OKC.
RHP Hayden Wesneski (right elbow surgery) began his minor league rehab assignment today for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings.
MVP-CALIBER: DH Yordan Alvarez has had a torrid first half to his season, currently leading all of baseball in OPS (1.031), OBP (.424), SLG (.607) and total bases (185).
Additionally, he ranks tied for first in the AL in homers (25) and extra-base hits (41), while ranking second in batting average (.308), tied for second in hits (94), third in runs (58), fourth in walks (58), and tied for fifth in RBI (56).
ALL-STAR UPDATE: DH Yordan Alvarez has been named a finalists for the 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot with second-phase fan voting available now through Thursday, July 2 at 11 a.m. CT.
Alvarez has been an All-Star three times thus far in his career.
Since 2017, the Astros 37 All-Star selections are tops in the AL in that span.
ASTROS-TWINS: Tonight is the 100th regular season game between the Astros and Twins in their franchise histories, with Houston owning the all-time advantage with a 52-47 record.
There are several connections between the two clubs including both team’s catchers, with C Victor Caratini spending his last two seasons (2024-25) in Houston and C Christian Vázquez spending his last three years (2023-25) in Minnesota.
ROAD WARRIORS: With their win on Sunday in Detroit, the Astros completed a seven-game road trip with a 5-2 record after stops in Toronto (2-1) and Detroit (3-1).
The Astros are 15-8 in their last three road trips combined and are 21-14 on the road since going 1-9 on their first road trip of the 2026 season.
ON THE RADIO: The Astros English radio broadcast on KBME SportsTalk 790 for this series will feature Steve Sparks and Garrett Greene, who’s subbing for Robert Ford.
Green currently serves as the Triple A Sugar Land Space Cowboys Media Relations Manager and Radio Broadcaster.
DOWN AT TRIPLE A: The Astros have several players performing great down at Triple A Sugar Land, including RHP Ethan Pecko and IF Cavan Biggio.
In June, Pecko has gone 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA (2ER/24IP) in four games, while Biggio has hit .321 (26×81) with nine extra-base hits, a .476 OBP and a 1.032 OPS in 21 games in June.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Tuesday, June 30, 7:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Alberti-Imagn Images
Mark Alberti-Imagn Images
The goaltender known as “Bob” is on the verge of changing places once more in his illustrious NHL career.
Sergei Bobrovsky is the most intriguing player available when free agency opens Wednesday after backstopping the Florida Panthers to Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and ‘25. Also a two-time Vezina Trophy winner as the league’s top goalie, Bobrovsky turns 38 just before next season begins and could be the final piece for a contender looking for help at the most important position in hockey.
Florida in two days traded for Akira Schmid from Vegas and Jacob Markstrom from New Jersey to fill its needs in the crease and pave the way for Bobrovsky’s exit. Bobrovsky is expected to have no shortage of suitors, with the Devils, reigning champion Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers — who lost to him and the Panthers in each final — all looking for help in net.
With the salary cap getting another record increase to $104 million per team, price tags will be high.
“There’s always the danger of July 1st where you make you make a mistake and you’re immediately regretting it in a year or so,” San Jose general manager Mike Grier said. “July 1 is always a tricky time for general managers and organizations, so this year even more so.”
The top free agents available:
Forwards
Teams looking for wingers have a variety of options at different ages.
Anders Lee heads to the market ahead of his 37th birthday later this week after spending more than a decade with the New York Islanders since making his debut in 2013. Three-time Cup champion Patrick Kane is also available after spending the past three years with Detroit.
Matias Maccelli was not tendered a qualifying offer by Toronto, so he is available ahead of turning 26 in October. Eeli Tolvanen is a free agent at 27.
Anthony Mantha is coming off setting career highs with 33 goals, 31 assists and 64 points with Pittsburgh at 31. Boone Jenner is 33, not likely to return to Columbus and could fit the bill for a contender that wants to add leadership and depth.
Defensemen
Rasmus Andersson could be in for a significant payday if Vegas is not able to work out a deal to bring him back. After the Golden Knights acquired him from Calgary in January, the 29-year-old Swede skated over 23 minutes a game on their run to the Cup final.
John Carlson is another right-handed shooter, and at 36 he brings title-winning experience from his 16-plus seasons in Washington. Carlson helped Anaheim reach the second round of the playoffs after the Capitals traded him to the Ducks. He is expected to seek a return to the East Coast — which may come with Carolina after the Hurricanes traded for his rights over the weekend.
Hard-hitting Jacob Trouba is a candidate to benefit from a fresh start free of the contract that played a role in the New York Rangers sending him to Anaheim in December 2024.
Like Mantha, Ryan Shea had a breakout season with the Penguins with 35 points and is line for a big raise from the $900,000 he had been making.
Goaltenders
Whoever loses out on the Bobrovsky sweepstakes will go shopping at a lower price range.
Stuart Skinner, who was on the losing end of those finals with the Oilers, is among the options and is in his late 20s. So is Daniil Tarasov, who was Bobrovsky’s backup last season in Florida.
The prospect of Winnipeg trading three-time Vezina winner and 2024-25 MVP Connor Hellebuyck could also shake up the market.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 29: Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates an RBI double during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field on June 29, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The CN Tower is shown outside the Rogers Centre ahead of game one of the American League Championship Series between Major League Baseball teams Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners in Toronto, Canada, on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Because of the timing, we’ll have the Game Thread with some notes.
There is news:
Patrick Corbin is being moved to the pen. They really had to, he’s had an awful June, 8.69 ERA in 19.2 innings over 5 starts. When you are averaging less than 4 innings a start and putting your team way behind, something has to give. He was good in April and May, ending May with a 3.65. It almost seems like he must be nursing something.
Tomorrow’s game will be the famed Bullpen Day, with Spencer Miles doing the bulk role. I’d think they would want to call up someone else who could give us more than an inning or so. When they had SWR, they had a second arm who could go 3+ innings. I guess Corbin could give them some innings out of the pen, but then that seems to make taking him out of the rotation a waste of time.
And Vlad is out of the lineup today with back tightness.
Nolan Perry moved up to New Hampshire from Vancouver.
The Yankee’s defense is having a rough time of it:
Yankees now have 14 unearned runs allowed in their last 5 games.
As well as Vlad being out, Okamoto is having a scheduled day off. Everyone should be allowed a day off on their birthday….though if you gamble, always bet on the birthday boy.
Jun 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Red Sox have a couple of streaks on the line tonight as they’ve won five games in a row and are also riding a string of 12 consecutive quality starts from their starters. Extending each will be tricky business though because the Nationals lead all of baseball in both runs scored and RBI. Even worse for Connelly Early is they’ve hit lefties particularly hard, posting a record of five games above .500 (16-11) when facing southpaws and five games below .500 (27-32) when facing a righty.
Another thing working against the Red Sox tonight is the heavy bullpen usage of the high leverage relievers during the last handful of games. At one point last night, it looked like they might give all those guys a full rest and reset day when they jumped out to an early 6-1 lead, but because they failed to score any additional runs the rest of the way and allowed Miles Mikolas to worm his way through seven innings, they had to use both Tyron Guerrero and Garrett Whitlock to finish the job, creating a stickier situation 24 hours later.
So to summarize, the Sox have a pitcher on the mound who has at times struggled to go deep into games, an opposing lineup that’s been excellent all year, a bullpen that might be light on bullets, and a much better opposing starting pitcher on the mound than last night in Cade Cavalli. If Boston manages to pull this one out and extend the winning streak to six, this team might really be onto something.
Speaking with reporters Monday during his introductory press conference, May said the landscape was not a “big reason” for his move to the pros. But he admitted how much things have changed during his coaching career and that he can focus on Xs and Os in the NBA.
May spoke highly of the people in the Mavericks’ facility and said they helped seal his decision as he gets ready to take over the franchise. As he looks ahead to his next chapter, he made it clear his desire to keep his focus on the court rather than issues away from the hardwood.
“I wouldn’t say a big reason,” May said. “The big reason are the people in this facility, first and foremost. It’s much more complicated than it used to be. I love teaching, I love coaching, I love being a part of a team. In college basketball, you don’t get to do near as much of that as you used to. So there are some things that I’m not going to miss about college basketball. But I wouldn’t be here without our players, without our staff. Had an unbelievable 25 [or] 27 years, whatever it’s been, in college athletics.
“But excited for this opportunity and to do the things – I think we all know, as people, the things you love to do, you typically do them well. So I’m just excited to dive in, spending more time on the things that I enjoy doing every day, and work with passion on.”
Dusty May: ‘NIL era is a segue into the NBA’
By taking the Mavericks’ job, Dusty May became the first active college coach to leave for the NBA since John Beilein left Michigan for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019. As a result, he’s the first to do so in the NIL era.
But May argued the modern college landscape with NIL and the transfer portal can make for an easier transition. He also noted the similarities in playing style between the two and how that can set him up for success.
“When I left FAU to go to Michigan, I felt like that changing landscape and the magnitude of our FAU program was a segue to Michigan,” May said. “And I feel like the last five years of the NIL era is a segue into the NBA where we weren’t coaching professional players, per se, where they’re under contract. But they were getting paid. The same problems – not at the same scale – but similar problems, similar issues, similar challenges. The game is closer than ever. College, NBA, the G-League. Stylistically, they all look very, very similar, if you’re playing modern basketball.
“And as far as all the other things, you’re never ready. It’s like being a parent. You’re never prepared, you’re never ready. But hopefully, you’ve prepared and done everything in your power to tackle all the challenges. The last five years, it’s been a very similar game on and off the court.”
Miguel Vargas has been on an absolute heater, giving the White Sox offense a spark nearly every night. | (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
For a team that has struggled on the road, the White Sox managed a commanding victory in Monday’s opener in Baltimore, and they will look to snag the series with a win tonight. At present, the Good Guys have a one-game lead in the AL Central, and picking up any games in the race would be ideal before heading to Cleveland for four division games.
After using an opener last time out, the South Siders will turn the ball over to Erick Fedde, who will be making his ninth official start and 17th appearance of the season. The righty has been much better over the last month (five games), holding a 1.69 ERA in June while allowing just six runs (four earned) with seven walks and 16 strikeouts. Fedde has gotten into quite a few jams with his WHIP sitting around 1.27, but he’s still been able to work through them, and he has only given up one homer this month (knock on wood).
Over the past week, the South Siders have been hot at the plate, which could end up being a problem for Baltimore righthander Trey Gibson. The White Sox lead MLB over the last seven days in batting average (.326) and on-base percentage (.399), while ranking third in OPS (.915). They also rank fifth in baseball in season OPS. Gibson has posted a 5.64 ERA in 30 1/3 innings (six starts), holding just a 17.9% K rate while also having one of the highest walk rates in MLB (13.6%). Gibson is Baltimore’s No. 4 prospect in the system, and the 24-year-old still has plenty of time to work through any improvements, just after this game, of course.
The Sox have shuffled the lineup a bit tonight as Sam Antonacci gets the night off. Junior Perez takes over in left field and will bat ninth, while Kyle Teel moves into the leadoff spot after hitting third or fourth in recent games. Miguel Vargas remains in the second position as he has been on an absolute tear this last week: ranking first in the American League in OPS (1.530) with two home runs, seven RBIs, five walks, and just one strikeout. Andrew Benintendi is also back in as the DH in the three-hole, and both Montgomerys follow him up with Colson batting cleanup while Braden moves up to the five-spot. Gibson could have some trouble with this lineup, especially as seven of nine starters currently hold a .725-or-above OPS, with Jacob Gonzalez and Kyle Teel not too far behind.
As someone who gives up quite a few home runs, Fedde will need to be careful with Pete Alonso, who has posted a .965 OPS in the past week – ranking seventh in the AL – and is tied for sixth in the league with 19 home runs on the season. And not far behind him is Gunnar Henderson, who went 2-for-3 with a double yesterday and also has mashed 16 bombs this season. Perhaps the deep fences at Camden Yards will be enough to keep some balls in play, and Fedde will keep cruising through the month as he has been.
As the first MLB game of the day, first pitch will take place at 5:35 p.m. CT in Baltimore, and it’s set to be a hot one with the temperature right around 90º at game time. Tune in to CHSN for the TV broadcast, or listen in on the radio at ESPN Chicago AM 1000. Let’s get a road series W!
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 23: Center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around center Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings at Rocket Arena on January 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Kings 123-118. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been stuck between two timelines since the Donovan Mitchell trade back in 2022. They were a young team when that deal was made, but quickly grew into having expectations after acquiring a perennial All-Star talent.
That timeline was bumped up even more when they swapped out Darius Garland for a decade older James Harden. That move allowed the Cavs to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2018, but also significantly impacted their runway for sustained success.
Even Mobley’s ascendance as a rookie is one of the contributing factors that led to the Cavs parting with their draft capital to land Mitchell. That said, he hasn’t grown into the player Cleveland has needed him to be to get through the Eastern Conference. There were many at the time who hoped Mobley would take the reins and become the best player on a contender.
Mobley has proven to be a great player at 25 years old. You don’t accidentally become a Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA Player without being great. However, it’s fair to wonder if Mobley is going to keep progressing into the superstar big that many hoped he would become as recently as a year ago. And if he doesn’t, can the Cavs become a championship-level team?
This week’s question is simple. Has Evan Mobley reached his ceiling as a player? Or can his game still reach another level?
Let us know in the survey below, and tell us why you voted how you did in the comments.
May 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks back to the dugout after against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Carson Benge – RF Juan Soto – LF Bo Bichette – 3B Francisco Lindor – SS Jared Young – 1B A.J. Ewing – CF Francisco Alvarez – DH Brett Baty – 2B Luis Torrens – C
SP: Nolan McLean – RHP
Blue Jays lineup
George Springer – DH Nathan Lukes – RF Alejandro Kirk – C Sean Keys – 1B Ernie Clement – 3B Daulton Varsho – CF Luis Urias – 2B Yohendrick Pinango – LF Andres Gimenez – SS
SP: Kevin Gausman – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:07 PM ET TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 19: Trey Gibson #43 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night, the Orioles lost the series opener to the White Sox, dropping their third game in a row and falling eight games below .500. Baltimore’s current 39-47 record matches their season high for most games under .500, last achieved when they were 21-29 after losing to Tampa on May 20th.
It was after that game against the Rays that color commentator Ben McDonald gave his impassioned monologue, essentially saying analytics be damned, the O’s weren’t playing good baseball then and there. The quote that rang true through Birdland was “You either you do or you don’t, and right now the Orioles don’t.”
The former Oriole ended his criticism by saying, “I don’t know where the Orioles go from here other than they have to start playing more consistent baseball. That’s the bottom line.” And despite playing exactly .500 ball (18-18) since that loss to the Rays, this is by no means a more consistent baseball team. Last night’s loss—where the only two runs came via sac fly, the offense wasted a great start by Shane Baz and the bullpen imploded late—epitomized the inconsistent nature of this Baltimore team.
Should the Orioles lose tonight, they’d drop nine games below .500 for the first time all season. Trying to prevent that is rookie right-hander Trey Gibson. The 24-year-old has struggled in June, posting a 7.00 ERA over his last four outing while allowing 12 walks over 18 innings. Gibson has been at his best when he’s generating ground balls, and the White Sox come into the matchup 12th in baseball in ground-ball rate.
Opposing Gibson is longtime former National Erik Fedde, who is in his second stint with the White Sox. The O’s faced Fedde and only managed five hits and two runs across six innings. Baltimore stars Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson have had success against the Chicago right-hander, with Alonso posting a .969 OPS in 24 ABs and Gunnar putting up a 1.333 OPS in six ABs.
