BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 26: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after recording a strikeout against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Winning two games out of three on the road is all you can really ask for right now. We’ll see if the Orioles are up to the task this afternoon in Toronto.
Samuel Basallo is in the lineup and will catch Orioles starter Shane Baz. Adley Rutschman will bat third as the designated hitter. If you’re wondering why the Orioles added Sam Huff to the active roster this weekend, you’re probably not alone. Huff does not have a minor league option, so he’ll be exposed to waivers when Baltimore decides it no longer needs to carry a third catcher. The Orioles already lost Maverick Handley on waivers this season, but Creed Willems is flashing at Norfolk.
Taylor Ward will return to left field today with Colton Cowser and Tyler O’Neill joining him in the grass. Blaze Alexander will play third base, and Jackson Holliday will take second. Gunnar Henderson will head to his usual place at short.
Baz has looked like the pitcher Baltimore hoped it was getting when it sent several prospects to Tampa Bay. He’ll look to keep the positive momentum going against former Oriole Kevin Gausman.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: Jameer Nelson and VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A Philly hoops legend is taking on a major role for his hometown team.
The Sixers will reportedly promote Jameer Nelson to executive vice president of basketball operations, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Philadelphia 76ers are promoting assistant general manager Jameer Nelson to the team's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations under new President Mike Gansey, making the Philly native and former NBA All-Star the No. 2 executive for the franchise, sources tell ESPN.… pic.twitter.com/BtFGbLAEoa
Nelson was one of four candidates reportedly on Bob Myers’ short list to replace Daryl Morey before the franchise decided to hire Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey. Nelson, who previously served as the team’s assistant general manager, was reportedly the only internal candidate under consideration.
Nelson is one of the most decorated local players in history. The Chester native attended Chester High before heading to Hawk Hill to play for St. Joe’s. Nelson had one of the finest college careers of any Big 5 player. A fantastic four-year run culminated in a magical 2003-04 season in which the Hawks went 27-0 during the regular season, finishing as the No. 1 team in the country. After a disappointing early exit in the A-10 Tournament, St. Joe’s made it all the way to the Elite Eight, losing a 64-62 heartbreaker to Oklahoma State. Nelson was named the Wooden Award winner as college basketball’s top player among a slew of accolades.
The 6-foot guard was selected 20th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2004, but was immediately traded to the Magic. Nelson then spent the next decade in Orlando and was named an All-Star in 2008-09. All told, he spent 14 years in the NBA playing for the Magic, Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons before retiring in 2018.
Not long after his playing career ended, he was tapped by the Sixers to be the assistant general manager of the Delaware Blue Coats, the team’s G League affiliate, in 2020. He was promoted to GM in 2023-24 and was promoted again this past season as assistant general manager of the Sixers. All indications were Nelson was well-thought of within the organization and would’ve held a big role moving forward, even if he wasn’t named president of basketball operations.
The announcement of Nelson’s expected promotion also coincided with the news of Elton Brand’s fate. Charania has reported that Brand will not return as Sixers GM, and will work in a new role with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Charania added that Brand chose not to interview for the president of basketball ops position and has been supporting the team’s draft preparation.
Sources said Elton Brand will not return as 76ers GM and is currently working through a new role with the franchise and its parent company, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Brand, well-respected throughout the 76ers’ organization, elected not to interview for the President… https://t.co/PswC6kBOxR
In Myers, Gansey and Nelson, the Sixers have a triumvirate of former high-level basketball players leading things — a stark departure from the analytics-driven Daryl Morey. We’ll see if it’s a recipe for success.
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 01: Baltimore Orioles Pitcher Thomas Eshelman (73) itches the ball during the Baltimore Orioles versus the Toronto Blue Jays game on October 01, 2021, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In the first of three offseason coaching moves, TCU baseball announced it has hired Thomas Eshelman, a former Cal State Fullerton and Baltimore Orioles pitcher, as the program’s next pitching coach. Eshelman, who joined the Orioles as an upper-level pitching coordinator in February, was recruited to Cal State Fullerton when TCU head coach Kirk Saarloos was the team’s pitching coach. Prior to joining the Orioles, Eshelman spent four seasons with the San Diego Padres, serving as pitching coach for Single-A Lake Elsinore in 2023 before moving up to High-A Fort Wayne in 2024. Eshelman replaces Dave Lawn, who has retired from the TCU staff.
A second-round draft pick in 2015 by the Houston Astros, Eshelman played at Cal State Fullerton for three years. The right-hander started 47 games and posted a 27-10 record with 11 complete games and four shutouts. In 352.1 innings pitched, Eshelman struck out 303 batters and allowed only 17 walks while holding opponents to a .210 batting average. He set the Cal State Fullerton career record with a 1.65 career ERA and his 0.43 walks per nine inning were an NCAA record. He was a three-time All-American and a three-time All-Big West Conference pick.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 02: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on June 02, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Despite not actually playing a game yesterday, there was still a flurry of activity around the Yankees, with catcher Austin Wells moved to the IL and recent Triple-A optionee J.C. Escarra brought back up as his replacement. The intrigue continues in today’s contest with the Red Sox, as we’ll see if Cam Schlittler is able to make some adjustments after two pretty underwhelming starts.
On Tuesday against Cleveland, Cam didn’t make it out of the fifth inning for the first time all season, tagged for four earned runs and just three strikeouts in 4.1 innings. The previous start down in Kansas City was fine from a line perspective—six innings and one earned run against—but his stuff, particularly that all-important four-seam fastball, has looked a little off for a bit. I am not going to use the I-word because boy this team is going through it, so let’s just all hope that the problem was mechanical or maybe some kind of focus issue.
I do think—and may delve into this further in a full post—Cam’s fastball-heavy, in-zone approach is a little less effective against contact-heavy teams, and both KC and the Guardians are in the bottom third in baseball in strikeout rate. Two occurrences raises an eyebrow, three is a trend, and the Red Sox are almost exactly the major-league median in strikeout rate. If Cam’s back to his regular, best-in-the-AL self today, maybe that says something about this pet theory. To the rest of the staff, I hold dibs on this as a research note.
Meanwhile, free agent signee Ranger Suárez goes for the Red Sox, and while they might not be ecstatic about their five-year, $130 million signing so far, he hasn’t been a dud. A 3.38 ERA and 3.13 FIP places him comfortably in the very good but not elite tier of starters, although his 2-3 record and average of less than 5.1 innings a start kinda makes you want a little more from the guy brought in to be your No. 2.
Ali Sánchez makes his Yankee debut behind the plate today, Amed Rosario hits cleanup, and Spencer Jones is once again on the bench with the lefty Suárez on the bump.
We are blessed with a matinee, and although it’s been a while since the indeterminable 17-hour long Sunday Night Baseball affairs, I’m still glad we don’t have the possibility of one today.
How to watch
Location: Yankee Stadium — The Bronx, NY
First pitch: 1:35 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES (NYY), NESN (BOS)
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), WEEI 93.7, WESX 1230 AM (SP), WCCM 1490 AM (SP) (BOS)
McDavid was announced as the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award. Fellow players vote on the award for "the most outstanding player in the NHL."
He beat out the San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini and Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov. The NHL Players' Association doesn't release vote totals.
McDavid is also a finalist for the Hart Trophy, the MVP award voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced later.
McDavid won the Ted Lindsay Award for the fifth time, tying Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most times. It was known as the Lester B. Pearson Award when Gretzky won it.
Why Connor McDavid won Ted Lindsay Award
He led the NHL with 138 points in 82 games to earn his sixth career Art Ross Trophy, tied for the second-most in league history. He recorded his eighth season of 70 or more assists. He helped the Oilers reach the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
Connor McDavid surprised with Ted Lindsay Award
The NHL has stopped holding the annual awards show, so the recipients are surprised with the trophies in unexpected settings.
McDavid was golfing when he received the award. His parents, wife and friends were there.
“This award, coming from the guys that you play against every single night and battle against every single night, to have them recognize me with an award like this, means so much," McDavid said.
Other NHL awards winners
Vezina Trophy (goaltender): Tampa Bay Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy
Norris Trophy (defenseman): Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski
Calder Trophy (rookie): New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer
Jack Adams Award (coach): Lightning's Jon Cooper
Selke Trophy (defensive forward): Montreal Canadiens' Nick Suzuki
Lady Byng Trophy (sportsmanship): Canadiens' Cole Caufield
Alexander Zverev finally secured his first grand slam title with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-1 victory over Flavio Cobolli
Our players, in the locker room together, are ready … and here comes Cobolli. This is the biggest moment of his life: he’ll never have experienced anything like this.
Five weeks ago, Cobolli beat Zverev 3 and 3 in the semis at Munich. It’s true that, subsequently, the outcome was reversed in Madrid, but that was on a much faster court than Chatrier – which is more similar to the one in Germany.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 03: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“You’re gonna have a dude. You have to have a 1A dude. And they’re missing that.He too small.
“I have a philosophy: If your best player is small, you’re not winning. John Stockton, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, you can go down the list… Steph Curry is the only—he’s in a different class.” — Becky Hammon (Dec. 2023)
Sometimes, revisionist history sucks. Sometimes, revisionist history is facts.
And these days, having just wrapped up the first week of the sixth month in the Gregorian calendar, facts tell you Mrs. Hammon—or at the very least her take on New York Knicks point guard, captain, and franchise player Jalen Brunson—sucks.
Jalen Brunson wins the Eastern Conference Finals MVP 🏆🔥
I’m not here to retell the whole Brunson story once more—from Rick, to Mark Cuban by way of Dallas, to the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award and the current NBA Finals 2-0 lead.
We’re past that. Way past that.
See, life’s a thing of highs and lows. Brunson, in the eyes of any and every New Yorker and Knickerbocker fan, is a franchise savior. But past miseries surely played in the big-headed’s favor.
By the time Brunson arrived in Manhattan, thanks both to his connection to the Knicks organization—one that started nearly 25 years earlier—and a rekindled relationship in the summer of 2022, New York had gone through their fair share of wretchedness.
Seven trips to the playoffs in the prior 23 years, starting in 2000 and following a five-game NBA Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. 19 postseason wins to 33 losses. 771 regular-season wins to 1,073 losses. Six seasons above .500 to 17 with a losing record.
In the four seasons under Brunson’s guidance at the point, the Knicks have won 61.2% of their regular-season games, advanced to the conference semis twice, made the conference finals two more times and, in this the fourth year of the JB Era, finally clinched the long-chased NBA Finals berth.
Only the 94-98 Knicks and the 71-74 Knicks have put together better runs than the current Knicks. Only the latter won one title. The 2026 Knicks could match that following Brunson’s four-year run in town.
All of the above to get to the point of the article before it’s too late and I found myself having written more words about stuff unrelated to it than the actual thing.
Where does Brunson rank among New York’s all-time guards?
It’s inevitable to fall for the sugar rush these Knicks are giving us, considering Brunson the one and only man in history to save the franchise from relocating out of utter dysfunction, and crown him King Knicks Guard. Hell, even FanDuelstill considers JB the favorite candidate to end up winning the NBA Finals MVP at +115 over the actual, leading MVP candidate in everybody’s mind and boxscores, Karl-Anthony Towns at +165.
Even if the Knicks end up bottling this thing and losing the Finals in hellaciously historic and astonishing fashion (spoiler: not happening), Brunson has already secured his place as one of the bona fide Knicks greats. Do a quick search, and you’ll find a million boards. Here’s one from KD’s platform, just to make the post fancier.
As things stand, there is no debate in placing at least two or three names above Brunson in the all-time leaderboard—it is obvious that nobody is touching Patrick Ewing or Clyde for starters. Keywords: As things stand.
In a matter of days, likely no later than Wednesday night, Brunson will write his name in golden letters in the history books of the New York Knicks organization.
How many players can actually say that? Not a lot. How many of them played an important role at the guard positions for the Knickerbockers while at it? Fewer, if not just a handful.
There are plenty of ways to cut straight to the chase and get rid of plenty of no-names, as great as some of them might have been. Quickest pathway? Knicks’ retired numbers, a graveyard where Brunson’s No. 11 is already destined.
That’s it, that’s the list (with the omission of coach Holzman’s No. 613).
Within that list, Frazier, Dick Barnett, Dirk McGuire, and Earl Monroe played guard throughout their careers.
No. 1 — Walt “Clyde” Frazier
Frazier spent 10 seasons with the Knicks, made seven All-Star teams, earned seven All-Defensive First Team selections, won two NBA championships for New York and ultimately made the Hall of Fame. Not only that, but he even had a game worth replaying forever in his Game 7 performance in the 1970 NBA Finals, when he put up an extraordinary 36-point, 19-assist, seven-rebound performance to send the Los Angeles Lakers packing. No debate here.
No. 2 — Earl “The Pearl” Monroe
Monroe is probably where the debate starts, as silly as that sounds. For now (now meaning before Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals), The Pearl remains ahead. Monroe came to New York already established as one of the league’s great guards, and he simply took his game further in Manhattan, helping the Knicks win their 1973 title. He made four All-Star teams in his career, earned a place in the Hall of Fame, and started his career by being named the 1968 Rookie of the Year. That said, he didn’t rack up trophies as Clyde did, with no real personal awards in his resume.
No. 3 — Jalen “Captain Clutch” Brunson
Consider this placement just a stopgap toward greater heights, fellas. Brunson has already led the Knicks to the NBA Finals, he’s won multiple playoff series as the franchise’s No. 1 player and offensive engine, and once and for all put an end to the long and nonsensical drought at the point guard position in New York. Yes, Brunson is not really a man for awards outside of new-era crafted titles such as Cluth Player of the Year and all this flashy stuff, but he’s already earned three All-NBA call-ups and has won something no other lead guard in NYC ever did: the NBA Cup (lol). Anyway. Two more wins this month, and I’m moving JB up to No. 2, with all due respect to the elders and path-pavers.
No. 4 and 5 — Dick Barnett & Dick McGuire
McGuire, at the very least, belongs in the conversation, having made five All-Star teams as a Knick and later joining the Hall of Fame.
The same goes for Barnett, who was more of a taker than a giver and a legit shooter more than he ever was a passer. Even then, he was a guard and he makes the top-5 cut. An All-Star nod and two titles in his resume (he only played four games in the 1973 run, though) and his near-17 PPG only second to Willis Reed’s 24 in the 1970 playoffs, are more than enough.
The Rest — Mark Jackson, Michael Ray Richardson, Derek Harper, Charlie Ward, Stephon Marbury
Action Jackson won Rookie of the Year with the Knicks in 1988, made the All-Star team in 1989, and led the league in assists later in his career. Sugar Ray made three All-Star teams with New York and led the NBA in assists and steals in 1979-80. Harper helped steady the 1990s Knicks and started on the 1994 NBA Finals team. C-Ward won the 1994 Heisman Trophy before becoming a long-term Knicks starter and part of the 1999 Finals team. Starbury stole my heart from the get-go. That’s it, that’s the reasoning there—always remember the tough days.
Where do you rank Jalen Brunson among all-time Knicks guards? Is he already a top-3 all-time Knicks, no positions considered? Let us know in the comments section below!
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 06: Dominic Smith #8 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to a two run home run with Matt Olson #28 in the fifth inning during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good afternoon, folks! How’s the first week of June treating you?
So far, so good for the Braves. Having been to three (3) games this week, I can confirm it’s getting to be hot and humid in a way that home run balls particularly like. To my inexpert eye in the upper deck, it looked like Austin Wynns was having a rough time acclimating to the weather. Worry not, sir – Drake Baldwin is tracking to return this month, potentially next homestand.
A fun fact from the game notes: after yesterday’s win, Atlanta’s improvement to 23 games over .500 is a new high-water mark. The last time the club was this far over .500 was at the end of the historic 2023 season, where the team finished 46 games over .500.
ICYMI: This week on Battery Power
Pitching preview for Bryce Elder vs. Bubba Chandler (Pirates announced Mason Montgomery as the starter/opener around 10:30 am ET)
The San Francisco Giants (26-39) play the Chicago Cubs (34-31) in the finale of their three-game series. The teams split the first two games. The Cubs are favored with a -120 moneyline compared to the San Francisco Giants' +100. Starting pitchers are scheduled to be Trevor McDonald for San Francisco (4.50 ERA) and Jameson Taillon for Chicago (5.13 ERA).
How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs
The Los Angeles Angels (24-41) will try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers (42-23). The Dodgers won the series’ first two games 1-0 and 9-2. The Dodgers are favored with a -211 moneyline compared to the Los Angeles Angels' +175. Scheduled starting pitchers are José Soriano for the Angels, with a 2.72 ERA, and Emmet Sheehan for the Dodgers, with a 4.50 ERA.
How to watch Los Angeles Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Date: Sunday, June 7
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT
Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
TV Channels: SportsNet LA, ABTV, presented by Pechanga Resort Casino, KCOP 13
The New York Mets I28-36) take on the San Diego Padres, who are second in the NL West at 33-30. The game is essentially a pick'em, with San Diego at -110 and New York at -109. Starting pitchers are Huascar Brazobán for the Mets, with a 2.25 ERA, and Randy Vásquez for the Padres, with a 3.31 ERA.
How to watch New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres
Date: Sunday, June 7
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET / 1:10 p.m. PT
Where: PETCO Park, San Diego, CA
TV Channels: Padres.TV Presented by UC San Diego Health, SNY
CHICAGO — When Greg Vitello watches on television and the camera pans to the Giants’ dugout, he notices an expression on his son’s face. Or, more accurately, a lack of one.
“I think he’s done a really good job of controlling his emotions,” Greg Vitello told The California Post. “At this level, you can’t go berserk in the middle of a game. Grab somebody and shake them or any of that stuff. Because you just can’t do that at this level. I know he’d like to.”
Tony Vitello’s tenure as Giants manager hasn’t started the way he envisioned, but he enjoyed visiting Wrigley Field. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Safe to say, Tony Vitello’s tenure as Giants manager hasn’t started the way he envisioned.
It has made it a little harder to enjoy the journey as the former University of Tennessee coach attempts to blaze the trail as the first to go straight from college to the major leagues’ managerial ranks.
There’s been few opportunities to stop and smell the roses while trying to right the ship after a disastrous start that left the Giants in last place through their first 60 games.
So, on the Giants’ visit to the most seminal ballpark of Vitello’s baseball upbringing, the first-year manager was all business.
“Need to be on a mission today just to win today’s game,” the childhood Cubs fan said before his first time at Wrigley Field as a big-league manager. “I get what you’re saying. I think more for my family it’ll be cool.”
It was more than cool for Greg Vitello and a dozen family members seated behind home plate.
“It’s mind-boggling,” the proud papa said. “It really is.”
Where it began
Watching his fully grown son manage a big-league team from the visitors’ dugout down the first base line brought back memories of a young Tony’s first time in a Wrigley Field dugout.
He was 8 years old.
Growing up, Tony was a second baseman and would try to emulate Ryne Sandberg. His favorite player, though, was Andre Dawson. Greg, by chance, was friendly with one of the Cubs’ pitchers, Al Nipper, who arranged for Tony to come onto the field.
And who else was sitting in the dugout but the Hall of Fame slugger whom Tony idolized.
For once, the gregarious manager was at a loss for words.
“He got to sit I think for a couple seconds with Andre. He signed a ball for him,” Greg recalled. “We were sitting somewhere [behind third base] and he looked at that ball the entire game. It was just one of those moments where you don’t say anything.”
Vitello’s dad, Greg, grew up about 4 miles from Wrigley Field. Tony visited the iconic ballpark many times in his youth. Getty Images
Full circle
Greg grew up about 4 miles from Wrigley Field and attended seminary school in Chicago. As a kid, he would hang out on Waveland Avenue, waiting for batting practice home run balls.
Ushers allowed the kids to trade a ball for free admission to the bleachers for that day’s game.
“Or we’d grab an usher and turn him and four guys would run in behind him,” Greg laughed.
Many years ago, the Cubs actually brought him in for a tryout. Turns out his playing prospects weren’t any better than his son’s, who famously never made it to pro ball.
“I think it was kind of a goodwill thing,” he said. “You know, I wasn’t 6-2, 190 pounds so nobody was interested.”
Nowadays, Tony is a runner and made sure to get to the stadium early before Friday’s series opener. As he jogged the warning track, he scanned the empty seats and processed the memories jogged to life of sitting in all areas of the ballpark with his dad and his three sisters.
Although he grew up in St. Louis, “I came here more than Busch Stadium,” Vitello said. Greg would bring the family for weekends at their grandmother’s “and try to do like three years worth of work in three days” in molding them to bleed Cubbie blue.
“I’ve sat about everywhere,” Tony said, a few hours before Willy Adames provided what would have been a free ticket back in the day with a home run that left the stadium in an 18-3 rout.
Hate losing
There haven’t been many wins like those to celebrate this season, which has made it a little harder for Tony — and vicariously, the rest of his family — to soak it all in.
“I think there’s some parts where it’s really, really neat. There’s other parts where if we would’ve done this, if we would’ve done that, if that guy would’ve done that — but that’s part of being a manager,” Greg said. “He knew coming in that this was what it was going to be.”
Greg, a Hall of Fame high school coach in Missouri, can empathize with his son.
Neither of them likes to lose.
“There’s a number of ballparks he’s never been in. You’re just in awe, so you don’t know what to say,” he said. “But you’ve got a job to do. You’ve got to win some ballgames.”
When this win was over, the Vitello clan gathered at Pequad’s, a locals’ favorite for caramelized crusted deep dish. A veteran move from a family with deep roots in Chicago.
The next morning, Tony was served a reminder of his rookie status in his current job.
Along with a few lattes.
The first-year manager joined the team’s rookies in a Wrigleyville tradition to make a coffee run for the team at the Starbucks just outside the ballpark.
“I felt a little more in place than maybe you normally would,” Vitello said. “Fortunately Starbucks is close.”
Jun 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22) is doused with ice water as he celebrates a win over the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Game #66.
Davis Schneider has walked 22 times in 52 PA in Buffalo. Generally, I’d think that was a good thing. But he’s hitting .185. I really think he needs to swing more. I don’t think MLB pitchers will walk a guy 43% of the time. On the flip side, Triple A pitches should be able to throw strikes.
Today’s lineups. Brandon Valenzuela plays again, in a day game after a night game. It is looking fairly certain that he’ll be staying when Alejandro Kirk comes back. The team will need to open up a 40-man spot for Kirk and DRAing Heineman would do that.
President Donald Trump’s scheduled attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York on Monday — at the invitation of Knicks owner and governor James Dolan — will mean added security at the venue and fans going to the game need to plan accordingly.
There will be a strict "no bag" policy, and fans should arrive two hours before the 8:30 p.m. tip-off to get through the TSA-style screening, the Knicks announced in coordination with the Secret Service.
Trump has attended a number of major sporting events while in office, including the 2025 Super Bowl, the 2025 U.S. Open tennis tournament, and the 2026 College Football Playoff championship game.
"I was at the U.S. Open when [President Trump] was there just this past September. I don't think it took away from the play on the floor at all," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told a group of reporters at an NBA Cares event in San Antonio, referencing the U.S. Open tennis grand slam in Queens, New York. "I think, of course, for fans who will be attending the games... there's extra security, as there should be extra security for the President of the United States to be at a game. But I think the fans are very understanding of that. I think they recognize that it adds to the bigness of the event. As far as I know, we've never had a sitting president of the United States at an NBA finals game."
Silver, also a long-time proponent of the soft power of sports as a unifying force, said that Trump is another New Yorker excited to see the Knicks back at the top of the NBA.
"Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan..." Silver noted, adding that he even had a spot in the "I Love This Game" series of advertisements in the 1990s. "I think sports, in particular, is something where we can emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart, that it creates a sense of belonging. We're seeing that in New York, and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I'm thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knicks team."
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 02: Bubba Chandler #36 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 02, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the Atlanta Braves looking to grab a win.
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