As the regular season winds down and the Yankees begin to plan for the postseason, the team's roster lacks some major players. To name a few, Fernando Cruz has been on the injured list (IL) since late August, Clarke Schmidt was diagnosed with right bicep neuritis before Thursday night's matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, and captain Aaron Judge is battling a right calf strain, which he said he hopes to beat by the beginning of the Wild Card round Monday.
But ahead of the game Thursday, manager Aaron Boone gave a cautiously optimistic update about two of New York's injured members: Trent Grisham and Giancarlo Stanton.
"I just talked to [Grisham], said he feels really good. [Giancarlo] was actually in the cage hitting when I was down there. They're going out to hit on the field right now," Boone said. "They're trending in a good way."
Grisham was placed on the 10-day IL on Sept. 6 after tweaking his hamstring, which was declared a Grade 2 strain, less than three months after injuring the same hamstring in mid-June. His first stint on the IL lasted nearly three weeks.
Prior to his injuries this season, the 29-year-old struggled both at the plate and in the field, slashing .211/.308/.395 and posting -7 defensive runs saved (DRS) and -6 outs above average (OAA), which were tied for second-worst and worst in the league, respectively, on Sept. 6. His lackluster season followed a career-best year in which he put up 34 home runs and a .812 OPS.
Stanton, on the other hand, has missed nearly the whole season. The slugger first injured his right calf April 24 running from first to second, then reinjured the same leg in June, extending his rehab process. Then, in late August, he faced another setback while running the bases, this time straining his other calf.
The five-time All-Star would offer a significant boost to New York's offense in the postseason, but when asked what kind of an impact either of the two players could have on the team's Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox, Boone was hesitant to make anything official.
"We'll see. It's still days away, so I don't wanna put the cart before the horse," he said. "Let's just get through these next few days and see what we have."
Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart poses for a photo during Rockets Media Day in Houston, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
While the Los Angeles Lakers added a bevy of guards and wings this offseason, they’ll certainly be hard-pressed to replace Marcus Smart, whose defense and playmaking on both ends of the floor were integral to their success last year.
Smart agreed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal with the Houston Rockets during free agency. Varun Shankar of the Houston Chroniclerecently spoke with Smart about that decision, which Smart said, among other factors, was influenced by plenty of friends and family being in Houston, just four hours south of his hometown in Flower Mound, Texas.
More than that, however, Smart described the Lakers’ offer — which was larger than Houston’s (Smart declined to specify the terms) — as “disrespectful.”
“First off, I played so well that the offer that was ultimately given didn’t match the way that I played,” Smart told Shankar, “especially when you see guys who played way worse than I did, the offers they’re getting. And then it wasn’t any security that we wanted that they were willing to do.”
Shankar also reported, “Smart always had a feeling that when he got deeper into his career, he’d try and come home.” A sentiment like that, plus Smart’s belief the contract presented was “disrespectful”, suggests Los Angeles’ offer would’ve had to be substantially higher to retain the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year.
Smart played very well for the Lakers last season and it’s absolutely possible they’ll regret not being able (or willing, at a certain cost) to re-sign him. They’ll hope that doesn’t prove true, with Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton likely expected to fill Smart’s void in 2026-27.
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 30: Tyler Mahle #54 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Truist Park on August 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s the home finale for the Atlanta Braves! Will Tyler Mahle make it another great start on the mound for the Braves? Will the home team send the home fans home happy for one last time before the Postseason gets under way? Let’s get into it, shall we? Also, join us on the app — especially if you’re a Falcons fan tuning in for the latest episode of football tomfoolery, as you’ll be able to switch between The Falcoholic and Battery Power pretty easily.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 24: Kyle Karros #12 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates with third base coach Andy González after hitting a home run in the sixth inning during the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Thursday, September 24, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
What began as a blowout deficit ended in a close loss as the Colorado Rockies’ last chance at some “LoDo Magic” fell short in a 12-8 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rockies suffered the sweep while finishing 32-49 at Coors Field this season.
Attack of the Snakes
The first inning has been a disaster for the Rockies most of the season, but especially during their slide over the last few weeks. There was hope with Tanner Gordon on the mound, who has had strong numbers in the first inning and could buck the trend and start the team off with a solid chance in the final home game.
The Diamondbacks had other intentions.
Lars Nootbar started the game with a hot shot down the first-base line that TJ Rumfield managed to stop from going for extra bases. However, Gordon was late getting off the mound and it turned into an infield single. Gordon then walked Ketel Marte, followed by a three-run home run off the bat of Gabriel Moreno to make it 3-0.
Geraldo Perdomo then launched a ball to center field for a triple before coming in to score on a bloop single to left field by Pavin Smith for the fourth run of the inning. Nolan Arenado then followed with his 29th home run of the season, a two-run shot to make it 6-0.
Gordon finally escaped the inning, but six runs in the first brought the total number of runs allowed in the opening frame of the series to 13. The Rockies have also allowed a run in the first in 12 of their last 17 games.
The Diamondbacks kept the foot on the gas in the second inning as Nootbar singled to lead off and scored on Marte’s RBI double. Perdomo later blooped a single into shallow center field to score another run, making it 8-0 after two innings.
After a scoreless third inning, Gordon’s day would come to an end early in the fourth inning. Perdomo led off the inning with a walk, the fourth of the game and a new career high for Gordon. Smith’s then delivered an RBI double. Gordon managed to strike out Arenado, but then surrendered a single to Corbin Carroll to end his afternoon, but was still tagged for the 10th Arizona run when James McCann singled to left field off reliever Jimmy Herget.
Gordon lasted just 3.1 innings, allowing 10 runs on 12 hits with four walks and just one strikeout. The Diamondbacks were not fooled by his fastball, meaning he had to rely on his secondary pitches, which he struggled to command. When he did have to throw a fastball, Arizona made sure to square up the ball and do damage. Despite pounding the zone as usual, Gordon threw 96 pitches and induced three groundouts and five flyouts, but only had three swings and misses.
The Bullpen Fire Brigade
Having to take on another heavy workload, the bullpen did an admirable job settling down the Diamondbacks offense.
Herget picked up 2.2 innings of work and was solid enough despite giving up an RBI single to Arenado in the fifth inning and a McCann home run in the sixth inning to make it 12-1. He still managed four strikeouts against one walk while surrendering four hits, but his 49 pitches helped navigate to the later frames.
Nick Frasso and Juan Mejia then followed with scoreless seventh and eighth innings, respectively, setting the tone after the Diamondbacks had started subbing out players. Jordan Romano then took over the ninth and, despite giving up a triple, fired a clean inning.
E-Rod Domination
While the Diamondback offense had a productive day at the plate against Gordon, the Rockies offense couldn’t quite figure out Eduardo Rodriguez. The veteran left-hander breezed his way through six innings, allowing just two runs on nine hits with three strikeouts. Utilizing four grounders and seven easy flyouts, Rodriguez threw 92 pitches and stayed in the zone consistently. He had a 63% first-pitch strike rate and 12 swings and misses. His changeup was particularly effective, generating a 21% whiff rate.
The Rockies scratched across their first run in the fourth inning against Rodriguez when Rumfield singled to lead off. Cole Carrigg and Kyle Karros both singled to then load the bases. Brett Sullivan then hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed the run to score, but put runners on the corners with one out. Unfortunately, the Rockies couldn’t scratch across any other runs. The next run wouldn’t come across until the sixth inning when Karros sent a belt-high fastball into left field for his 13th home run of the season, making it 12-2 Diamondbacks.
Once Rodriguez was out of the game, the Rockies had begun a line change of their own in the seventh inning, but started to find some success against the Arizona bullpen.
Facing Dennis Santana, Zac Veen led off with a double down the line. Two batters later, Hunter Goodman delivered a one-out RBI single after a lengthy at-bat to make it 12-3.
Rumfield followed with a walk, setting the table for Carrigg to hit a three-run home run. It was his 11th of the season and got the Rockies back within six runs.
Taylor Clarke then took over the Diamondbacks in the eighth inning and ran into more trouble from the Rockies offense. Veen kicked off another rally with a towering home run to right field for his third of the season to make it 12-7.
Adael Amador then barrelled up a baseball to right for a double. After Goodman recorded the second out on a line drive, Rumfield lined a double to right to drive in another run and make it 12-8. With that double, Rumfield also tied Troy Tulowitzki for most times reaching safely in a rookie season at 243. Karros then threatened with a long fly ball that was caught shortly before the wall in left field to end the inning.
Unfortunately, the rally magic ran out as Kevin Ginkel worked a clean ninth inning to put the Rockies away. In the game, the Rockies had 17 hits, while striking out eight times against one walk. Carrigg led the way with four hits while four other hitters had two hits. They went 5-for-13 with runners in scoring position but left 10 on base.
Meanwhile, Arizona had 18 hits with seven strikeouts and five walks while going 6-for-15 with RISP. Oddly enough, they also left 10 men on base, but had three batters with three hits.
Up Next
The Rockies head off to the South Side of Chicago to take on the White Sox for the final three-game series of the season. Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之) will face off against Sean Burke.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates with teammates in the clubhouse after defeating the New York Yankees to clinch the American League East title at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
One of the most interesting questions at Senators' training camp is whether Carter Yakemchuk is ready to become a full-time NHL player.
There's no doubt about his ability to make an impression. Yakemchuk had a goal and an assist in his regular-season debut last March, then picked up two assists in his playoff debut against Carolina.
Tyler Kleven was asked by reporters on Thursday what his early impressions are of his preseason D partner, Carter Yakemchuk (Senators YouTube).
There's also no doubt that the Senators would love for him to be 100 percent ready for everyday duty right now.
After Nick Jensen left in free agency, the Senators had an opening on the right side of their D. With Artem Zub and Jordan Spence expected to handle the top-four duties, Yakemchuk appeared to be competing with Nikolas Matinpalo for a regular place on the third pair.
For any defenseman, there's always a massive difference between being the sixth or seventh man, but that's especially true for young ones breaking into the league. At 20, Yakemchuk needs games and minutes. Keeping him in Ottawa as a seventh defenceman, watching from the press box all too often, would do little for his development.
Now with Artem Zub out, Yakemchuk has moved up even higher in the batting order.
Zub is still recovering from the injury he suffered in Game 1 against the Hurricanes five months ago, and head coach Travis Green does not expect him to be ready for the start of the season. That creates another opening on the right side, and given that Zub has been in rehab mode for five months, it also raises questions about how long the Sens may need someone to fill it.
Yakemchuk should be the obvious candidate.
But so far, his camp and two preseason appearances have showcased a young player who's still figuring things out. He generally looks comfortable when the Sens have the puck, but his skating and reading the play defensively still pose a challenge.
Wednesday’s split-squad game in Toronto was a particularly demanding test. With Sanderson, Zub and Spence unavailable, and Thomas Chabot out for family reasons, Yakemchuk was thrown in the deep end against a loaded Leafs lineup and asked to be a number one and play top minutes (25:29).
That was a far bigger assignment than the limited, insulated minutes he received during his brief NHL appearances last season, or the number six role he's better suited to at this stage.
The Senators lost 6–1, and Yakemchuk had a difficult night. It would be unfair to judge his readiness on that game alone. The Senators will evaluate the big picture and what they’ve seen throughout camp.
Yakemchuk has been skating with Tyler Kleven, which may offer a glimpse of the third pair the Sens would like to use out of the gate.
Kleven spoke well of the rookie when asked about him on Thursday, but his comments also included references to confidence, how everyone makes mistakes early on, and how it takes time to adjust to the NHL.
Looking back, the draft day attraction to Yakemchuk is easy to understand.
In his draft year with the Calgary Hitmen, he scored 30 goals and 71 points in 66 games, along with 120 penalty minutes. A big, right-shot defenceman with that kind of offensive production, size and apparent snarl was always going to draw attention. His shot is elite and would give the Sens a fantastic weapon on the power play.
If the Senators decided Yakemchuk needs more time in Belleville, they would still need a third-pairing right-shot D behind Spence and Matinpalo. And there are no obvious candidates.
Hoyt Stanley has made a case for a longer look and had a slick backhand goal against Toronto on Wednesday. Christian Kyrou offers offence from the right side, while the 6-foot-7 Djibril Touré brings size and physicality and skates well for a man his size. Ottawa native Cameron Crotty seems steady enough and has already appeared in NHL games for the Senators.
Green could also choose a left-shot defenceman if he feels that player gives him the best lineup. But on opening night last year, he showed his preference to keep his D on their natural side. With Kleven injured, Green replaced him with another lefty in Donovan Sebrango, who had played just two career NHL games to that point, while the more experienced, right-shot Spence was a healthy scratch.
Zub’s absence, combined with a lack of other obvious options, places Yakemchuk comfortably in the driver's seat to start the year in Ottawa. Whether this is the best place for him to continue his development at this time is a wait-and-see.
By Steve Warne The Hockey News
This article was first published in The Hockey News. For more Sens coverage at The Hockey News, click on one of the latest THN Ottawa headlines below:
The Yankees announced that due to the threat of inclement weather, Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles will be moved to Friday as part of a single-admission doubleheader.
The move also changes the organization's plan to honor CC Sabathia's number retirement ceremony. Originally scheduled for before Saturday's game, the ceremony will now take place prior to Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader.
Game 1 is scheduled for 4:05 p.m., with the second game starting no earlier than 7:05 p.m., but in the event the first game goes past that time, it'll begin 30 minutes after the final pitch.
New York is not the only team to change its weekend plans due to the incoming nor'easter. The Red Sox moved their game with the Cubs on Saturday to Friday to be a part of a doubleheader.
The Yankees have not announced their pitching plans for the three-game series with the Orioles, but Will Warren and Carlos Rodon will likely pitch two of those games.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said prior to Wednesday's win against the Rays that with their Wild Card spot locked in, they'll use the final slate of games to give regulars off days. He's also planning to give key bullpen arms rest while limiting the number of pitches his starters throw.
Saturday's Yankees-Orioles game (Saturday, September 26) has been rescheduled due to the forecast of sustained inclement weather and will be made up tomorrow, Friday, September 25, as the first game of a single-admission doubleheader, which will begin at 4:05 p.m.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on September 08, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Team results over individual accolades is not even a discussion to be had most of the time, but specifically in a game like this, I’d be remiss not to state the importance of the latter. Since the start of the 21st century, a total of three qualified Yankees pitchers have delivered a qualified season with an ERA under 3.00, they being Max Fried, Luis Severino, and Gerrit Cole; no one has ever achieved one with an ERA under 2.00, and that is what Schlittler is on the verge of doing if he can hold off the Rays in his final regular-season start of the year.
Schlittler’s work to fill in as the one ace from start to finish of this impressive pitching staff has named him the odds-on favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award. And why stop there? Some (like Josh) might even argue he should be in the MVP consideration, helping this team navigate a mostly Aaron Judge-less season. How much stock to put into it almost doesn’t matter; just the fact that there is a reasonable argument to be made shows just how impressive this young starter has been.
When Schlittler dominated the Red Sox in a historic playoff performance last season to take the Yankees to the ALDS, most of us probably felt he couldn’t surprise us further in the near future. Yet, here we are with a season beyond everyone’s wildest dreams.
With a left-handed starter on the mound for the Rays in Ian Seymour, the Yankees lean on the platoon advantages apart from the catching position, as Austin Wells is back behind the plate to catch Schlittler. Amed Rosario gets the nod at the hot corner despite Ryan McMahon’s grand slam last night, and José Caballero receives a rare start in center. Fingers crossed that this defensive lineup gets the job done for the Yankees’ ace.
Redick doesn’t know who will fill those slots, but was confident in making a declaration with what won’t happen with the roster.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick had jokes about the state of his roster entering the 2026-27 NBA season. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“The other two spots will not be two white guys,” Redick quipped during Thursday’s joint media availability with general manager Rob Pelinka. “Those are the two things that’s not changing.”
So that counts out the final two starters being a combination of Jake LaRavia, Sandro Mamukelashvili and/or Dalton Knecht.
But that also leaves room for at least one of them to join the first unit.
Redick’s comment came after an offseason in which there were several jokes about the racial breakdown of the Lakers’ 2026-27 roster, which includes six white players.
Matt Barnes, the former Lakers forward and current “All the Smoke” co-host, joined in on the jokes, saying to the California Post in an exclusive interview earlier in September, “They’re calling them the ‘Snowtime Lakers’ – a play on the Lakers’ successful “Showtime” era.
But even with Redick joking about how his team’s starting lineup won’t look, there are still plenty of options for how the first unit will be around Doncic, Reaves and Kessler.
LaRavia and Mamukelashvili will compete for a starting spot – albeit it sounds like only one of them could actually earn the nod.
Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, left, and head coach JJ Redick spoke with the media Thursday for the first time since last season ended. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectAustin Reaves and Luka Doncic are guaranteed starters. Getty Images
Newcomers Quentin Grimes, Matissa Thybulle and Ziaire Williams will also factor into the starting lineup competition.
With nine new players on the roster, there are a lot of directions the Lakers could go with the final two starting spots.
“We have great wing depth, and I’m really excited for camp to start next week and for us to go through the preseason process,” Redick said. “There’s a lot of minutes, there’s starting spots that are up for grabs. We’re going to have a highly competitive camp.”
And even with the competition, it’s apparent what direction the Lakers won’t go in with the two starters alongside Doncic, Reaves and Walker.
Walker Kessler is also a guaranteed starter for the Lakers. Wally Skalij for CA Post
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Austin Hedges #27 of the Cleveland Guardians shake hands after winning the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Joe Sullivan/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 24: J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners reacts in frustration after hitting a ground out in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during their game at T-Mobile Park on August 24, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. Teams are wearing special color schemed uniforms with players choosing nicknames to display for Players' Weekend. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Though the title of this article was true days, even weeks ago, with the 3-1 victory of the Texas Rangers over the New York Mets Thursday afternoon, the Seattle Mariners have officially been eliminated from the 2026 postseason race.
The shockingly disappointing club will finish 3rd in the American League West, failing to defend their division title from a year ago, ceding their crown to one of the pretenders from Texas. 74-84 at the moment, Seattle would need to win out to match their second-worst full-season record in the Jerry Dipoto era, 2017’s 78-84 mark. This will be the club’s fourth losing record (albeit one in just 60 games in 2020) against seven winning seasons in his tenure, breaking a franchise-record five-year streak above .500. The club’s only consecutive seasons of playoff appearance will remain 2000 and 2001.
Unlike most of their recent seasons, Seattle simply could not find a second gear late in the season, condemning them to watch what will likely be the first division won by a sub-.500 team in MLB history. They struggled with consistency all season long, flailing wildly on the road to a .407 winning percentage that sunk them despite a winning record at T-Mobile Park. They conspired for the worst defense in the majors by Outs Above Average and Fielding Run Value, and arguably the worst in the last decade. You probably didn’t need advanced metrics to gauge that so much as willpower not to gouge your eyes out at times, but it’s nice to see it validated. Though he continued to bring stability to the lineup when healthy, J.P. Crawford’s craterous shortstop defense pressed Seattle in several directions, none of which found fertile ground, although Crawford’s glovework at third base was more plausible. That, paired with a rogue’s gallery of rotating infielders, poor options in both outfield corners, and a backslide in range from Julio Rodríguez in center made for a season full of balls simply finding grass when they should not.
It set the pitching staff up for tough sledding, but they scattered their own caltrops as well. The entire starting rotation struggled intermittently, with health, a six-man rotation, and just downright ineffectiveness that was at times baffling to unravel. For the first time since 2021, Seattle’s pitching staff will finish with an ERA below league-average, despite the massive benefit received from playing in the anti-Coors Field of MLB half the year. After years of whipping up quality bullpen arms from the ether, the unit flagged all season despite throwing by far the fewest innings of any pen in MLB. Conversely, an M’s rotation often able to lean on extra days of rest, but tasked to work deeper accordingly, labored and crumbled, playing a major role in their road woes.
Offensively, Seattle had moments of competency, but even then became the poster children of cluster luck and its fickle nature. Cal Raleigh nursed injuries in silence and struggle before hitting the IL, with rookie Colt Emerson following suit. Josh Naylor and Rob Refsnyder seemed to do the same, limping to substandard seasons. Most depth and utility options struggled to fill in effectively, Leo Rivas, Luke Raley, Victor Robles, Weston Wilson, Connor Joe, Miles Mastrobuoni, Brock Rodden, Patrick Wisdom, and co. put up dreadful numbers and/or could not remain healthy enough to contribute effectively. While impactful when healthy, Brendan Donovan managed only 39 games in his first season outside St. Louis.
The outfield was the lone area of positivity for the M’s. Julio Rodríguez authored a disappointing year, but was a quality contributor in his down season in a way that was weatherable with a roster less craterous. Another 20-20 season and around 3 wins above replacement is solid, but put pressure on the rest of the club that was more brittle than expected. Dominic Canzone maintained his improvements from 2025, earning full-time play and hitting himself into the heart of the order.
And then, Randy Arozarena. The star of a star-crossed club. The best left fielder in franchise history will see his tenure in Seattle come to an end in all likelihood this weekend. His .279/.380/.479 line entering the final four games came with a 151 wRC+, another 25-25 campaign, and double the fWAR (5.3) of any other Mariners position player except Julio. The leadoff man for the better part of the year, if one player could be relied upon to arrive prepared, put up a competent battle at the plate, and add something to the club’s chances of victory this year, it was their quixotic left fielder. Any vision of bouncing back in 2026 is marred by the loss of their best player, and the difficulties the M’s had in adding talent this year.
No new Mariner in 2026 played in over 40 games and managed a positive fWAR. If you extend the same metric to include pitchers, it is technically false as José A. Ferrer mustered 0.1 fWAR in 72 games and 64.1 IP. If you drop it to 29 games you can acknowledge Cooper Criswell and Jhonny Pereda, scraping in a few ticks above zero. It was a dismal showing for offseason and midseason additions alike, although since a disastrous first outing Seranthony Dominguez has seemed much closer to a viable bullpen arm.
That also doesn’t quite fairly appraise the youth of the roster. Cole Young put up a clear step-forward season in his age-22 campaign, mustering a league-average bat and clear positive strides on defense. There’s more in the tank for the now-23 year old, and his compatriots in the early 20s have shown promise late, albeit with halting opportunities. Lazaro Montes has shown off his titanic power. Michael Arroyo has been immediately impactful with the bat in highly sporadic playing time. To fend off a repeat disappointment, the M’s will need them, and their largely-under-30 core to remember the frustration of this season as fuel for better things to come.
But this year will cost manager Dan Wilson his job, and maybe more. It is the most disappointing performance by a Mariners team relative to (reasonable) expectations in the franchise’s history. Next year must be better.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics training camp roster is set, and it includes 21 players — and plenty of familiar faces.
The Celtics have 14 players under standard contract
The Celtics have 14 players under contract to begin the season. That includes 10 returners: Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Hugo Gonzalez, Luka Garza, Baylor Scheierman, Neemias Queta, Ron Harper Jr., and Jordan Walsh.
That also includes four additions: Paul George, who was acquired via trade; Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley, who were both signed via free agency; and Chris Cenac Jr., who was selected 27th overall in the draft.
The Celtics have 2 two-way players under contract
Center Amari Williams, who was drafted with the 46th pick in the 2025 draft, returns for his second consecutive year on a two-way contract. Williams spent most of last year with the Maine Celtics, but had stints in Boston as well.
Dillon Mitchell, who was the 40th pick in the 2026 draft, is also on a two-way contract after a strong Summer League in Las Vegas.
The Celtics’ third two-way spot is open to begin the year.
The Celtics have 5 Exhibit-10 players under contract
In addition to the 16 players under contract this season, the Celtics have signed five players to training camp deals, all of whom are two-way eligible and will compete for the final two-way spot. Those players are Milos Uzan, Tucker DeVries, Gabe McGlothan, Hayden Gray, and Devin Carter.
Uzan and DeVries were both on the Celtics 2026 Summer League team, while Gray was on last year’s Summer League team (and was also a member of the Maine Celtics last year).
Carter, meanwhile, was a 2024 lottery pick drafted by the Sacramento Kings, who the Celtics picked up via waivers earlier this month, while Spotrac’s Keith Smith reported that McGlothan signed his own Exhibit-10 contract on Wednesday night.
The Celtics’ training camp officially opens up on Monday, though most players have been in the building for weeks.
South Africa 297-8; Australia 230 | South Africa win by 67 runs
Captain’s blistering 60 not enough to topple hosts in Durban
Mitch Marsh could not hide his dismay at how Australia capitulated tamely in their opening ODI in South Africa, succumbing to a 67-run defeat after a succession of cheap dismissals in a sorry run chase at Durban.
Stand-in skipper Marsh himself seemed to have laid the foundations for victory with his blistering opening knock of 60, but after he had perished needlessly to the spinning wiles of Kehav Maharaj, none of his team could cement the partnerships to get them anywhere near the hosts’ 298-run target.
In his final start, Thornton allowed two runs on four hits, walked just one batter, and struck out four across five innings.
"Really solid," manager Andy Green said of the rookie southpaw's season. "I don't think anybody could've had higher expectations than what he went out there and did."
"It's a tribute to him and how hard he works," the skipper continued. "He's getting more strikeouts recently too. He's reaching back and firing 95+ (miles per hour), which is encouraging and bodes really well for the future."
Over 15 starts, Thornton recorded a 3.42 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. Following his start, he ranks fifth in the National League in walk rate (5.3 percent) among pitchers with at least 80 innings.
Having begun the 2026 season with Double-A Binghamton, Thornton was called up to the big leagues on May 20 and made his debut against the Washington Nationals on the road.
While the circumstances were certainly fast-paced for the 24-year-old hurler, he hasn't been surprised at his success translating his game to the highest level.
"I always thought I'd be up here this year, I just didn't know to what extent it would be," Thornton asserted postgame. "It just so happened that we had a few injuries, and following the trade deadline, we had a lot of open spots."
"I wouldn't say I surprised myself," he went on to declare. "I feel everywhere I've gone to pitch I've succeeded, and I'm going to continue to do that, carrying it over to next year."
Thornton is one-quarter of the four Mets rookies who have shone in the team's starting rotation in 2026, alongside ace Nolan McLean, breakout Christian Scott, and the emerging Jonah Tong.
He touched on their relationship and promised that the best is yet to come for the fearsome young foursome.
"We love each other," Thornton stated. "It's sad that the season is over because we don't get to spend time with each other now."
"What you saw on the field was just a small sample size," he concluded. "All four of us are going to get better."
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 30: Tyler Mahle #30 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Great American Ball Park on July 30, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds got a surprise early run off Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale to begin last night’s game at Truist Park, and lefty Andrew Abbott turned back the clock with a start worthy of his All Star status in 2025. Still, the Reds managed to lose said game in 10 innings after being successfully bunted-upon, and they are in danger of clinching an end-of-season record that’s at least 10 games under .500.
The thresholds, the milestones they may reach!
Brady Singer gets the ball for the final time this season on Thursday night, marking what may well be his final start in a Reds uniform as he heads into free agency nowhere near good enough to warrant the idiotic Qualifying Offer concept that was floated when the front office elected to keep him at the trade deadline. Old friend Tyler Mahle – himself having a solid season – will start for the Braves against the club that once drafted him.
First pitch is set for 7:15 PM ET. Here’s how both clubs will line up to begin:
