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Logan Stankoven Sees Joe Pavelski 'Being Very Successful’ If He Got NHL Coaching Job With Maple Leafs

LAS VEGAS — If the Toronto Maple Leafs go with someone like Joe Pavelski to be their next head coach, Logan Stankoven could see it working.

One day before the Carolina Hurricanes face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, Logan Stankoven sat down for a one-on-one with The Hockey News after the team’s practice at T-Mobile Arena.

Acquired by Carolina from the Dallas Stars in a midseason trade, the young forward believes Joe Pavelski would thrive if he chooses to pursue a coaching career in the NHL. 

“I mean, if that’s the way he wants to go, I see him being very successful,” Stankoven said, citing the veteran’s personality, recent experience and proven ability to connect with younger players.

Stankoven’s endorsement carries some weight because of the time he spent living with Pavelski during his early days in Dallas, an arrangement that also included Dallas Stars teammate Wyatt Johnston and gave him an inside look at what made the longtime NHLer so effective.

“It was nice just being able to live there and learn from him and you could see why he played so long, just the way he takes care of his body and whatnot, and, yeah, that was a blast for me. It was a good learning experience,” Stankoven said.

Those months reinforced to Stankoven why Pavelski earned such widespread respect around the league, even from players who never shared a locker room with him. Stankoven pointed to his leadership, hockey sense and willingness to mentor as standout traits.

“I think just his leadership. He’s not a flashy guy, the way he plays, like, he’s so good with his stick. He’s not the fastest guy. He’s not the biggest guy. But he reads the game so well, and he’s really smart, Stankoven said about Pavelski. “For me being a smaller guy, it was cool to learn from him. Like, even before or after practices, he’d kind of pull me aside and we’d work on tips and stuff. And he was, like, he’s the best in the game at that. So it was just cool to learn from him and see what made him successful.”

There is talk that Pavelski’s next steps has included potential NHL coaching opportunities, with reports indicating interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stankoven mentioned seeing those reports.

Would The Maple Leafs Hiring Joe Pavelski As Coach Be Like Throwing Him To The Wolves?Would The Maple Leafs Hiring Joe Pavelski As Coach Be Like Throwing Him To The Wolves?As new Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka searches for his next coach, a familiar face has reportedly entered the race, as former Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks star Joe Pavelski will be interviewed. Could Pavelski thrive in a spotlight as intense as Toronto's?

“I think just his personality and his demeanor, it’s easy to see why he could get a coaching job. Yeah, I mean, just shortly removed from the NHL. 

Stankoven, 23, sees a clear advantage for coaches who have only recently left the playing ranks, especially in an era when the game continues to speed up and systems evolve.

“Teams do play a different way. Each team has their own system, but just the way the new era is, I mean, younger guys coming up and the way the game’s gotten a little bit faster and systems have kind of changed from back in the day a bit. So I think, if younger guys that are shortly removed from the league, I think they’d have a better understanding of what they need.”

He added that recent players often relate more naturally to today’s roster because they have lived through the same modern demands.

“I think from just personal experience, coaches that have played in the league, like, recently they relate to, they understand you, being through it all.”

Stankoven’s own rapid rise from that Dallas living-room mentorship to contributing in the Stanley Cup Final shows the lasting impact of learning from someone still fresh off the ice. 

With guys like Martin St. Louis having success with the Montreal with no coaching experience other than pee-wee hockey, a template has been established. It’s not clear yet if that’s the way the Leafs want to go, or if they’d rather swing in the direction of experience.

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3 Flyers Trade Alternatives to Dylan Larkin

While the Philadelphia Flyers may have missed the boat for a potential Dylan Larkin trade, all hope is not lost for finding a top-six center this offseason.

Larkin will turn 30 next month, and while is talent and leadership are undeniable, the Flyers can find themselves better long-term fits elsewhere.

Plus, they need their young players, such as Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone, to find their stride and reach their maximum potential at the NHL level before adding a veteran star.

Those two, at the peaks of their powers, are the whole appeal to Philadelphia's operation anyway.

One of the more intriguing names the Flyers have been linked to in recent weeks and months is Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers, who, 331 games into his NHL career, has yet to finish a season with 30 goals or 60 points.

Beniers, 23, was the esteemed No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, and a 57-point rookie campaign helped earn the Hingham, Massachusetts, native a seven-year, $50 million contract with the Kraken.

Heading into Year 3 of that deal, the Kraken are still very much a mess of an expansion team. Beniers, with just four full seasons under his belt, has already played for two different general managers and three different head coaches.

Lost in Seattle's island of misfit veterans and prospects, the Kraken pivot could very well do with a change of scenery, which the Flyers can and should be willing to provide for Beniers.

Flyers Trade Targets: Best Alternatives to Unobtainable RFAsFlyers Trade Targets: Best Alternatives to Unobtainable RFAsThe Philadelphia Flyers have no chance of getting a top RFA, but they can buy low on other talented centers available around the NHL to secure their future.

With Michkov, Martone, Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, and Trevor Zegras in the fold, the Flyers have significantly more talent, and more dynamic talent, than the Kraken do, and that would help Beniers ascend offensively.

He may not ever be more than a Nico Hischier-type at his absolute peak, but Beniers is a player the Flyers can win with if they continue to build properly.

The player picked right after Beniers in 2021 was Mason McTavish, who was selected by the Anaheim Ducks.

We've already seen this movie with Zegras, where a young player succeeds early but struggles with coaching changes and additional responsibilities that don't mesh with play style.

McTavish, a swashbuckling power forward with very little speed, looked like he was turning the corner last year with 22 goals and 52 points, but his ice time and opportunity decreased significantly with Joel Quenneville taking charge of the Ducks.

Still, McTavish did finish the season with a respectable 41 points in 75 games, plus six points in 10 playoff games.

Comparatively, though, Noah Cates did finish with 47 points for the Flyers this season.

With a McTavish trade, the Flyers are betting purely on potential.

The 23-year-old is already a questionable fit due to his skating, but the Flyers are reportedly interested and they are in a position where they can afford to be patient.

Such a move has already paid dividends with Zegras, and Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet is the type of coach who can find parts of himself in McTavish and coax those elements out of him onto the ice for quantifiable results.

McTavish has five years remaining on his contract at a $7 million cap hit, and his trade value may very well never be lower than it is now.

(Photo: Rob Gray, Imagn Images)
(Photo: Rob Gray, Imagn Images)

Last but certainly not least is Utah Mammoth forward Barrett Hayton, who just limped through the worst statistical season of his NHL career.

Hayton, a 26-year-old pending RFA, broke into the NHL under Tocchet in 2019-20, and he was the fifth overall pick back in 2018.

Hayton, of course, has some talent to him to earn that draft slot, and he did score 20 goals and 46 points for Utah just a year ago, establishing career-highs in both categories.

After the way this season went, though, a change of scenery is in order.

Tocchet knew heading into last season that veteran center Christian Dvorak, who played for Tocchet in Arizona and was teammates with Hayton, had more offense in his game.

Dvorak promptly responded with 18 goals and 51 points for the Flyers this season in a top-six role, and Hayton, four years younger, could follow a similar path.

Hayton struggles with playmaking and finishing, at times, but he's a fairly decent skater at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, and knows where he needs to go to put himself in a position to score.

As was the argument for Beniers, Hayton would thrive in a new environment with more skilled, dynamic talents to support him.

With the 26-year-old in need of a new contract, now is a natural time for the Flyers to buy low and invest in Tocchet, his coaching skills, and a former top-five draft pick.

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St. Louis Cardinals 2026 Draft Primer and Targets

OMAHA, NEBRASKA - JUNE 21: Cameron Flukey #2 of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers pitches against the LSU Tigers in Game 1 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals at Charles Schwab Field on June 21, 2025 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals are set to be one of the big players at this year’s Amateur Draft. The Cardinals own 6 of the top 86 picks, including 13, 32, 50, 68, 72, and 86 overall. They also have amassed a war chest of 16,612,300, which is the 6th largest behind PIT (19.1 M), TBR (19.0 M), CWS (17.5 M), SFG (17.3 M), and MIN (16.9 M). The added caveat that those are the top 5 teams in the draft, which may help the Cardinals a bit, should they try to float a player down the board a bit if they can negotiate an overslot deal for a player they really want that is directly ahead of them in the order.

We visited with Joe Doyle of Overslotbaseball.com, who is one of the top independent amateur scouting content creators, on the Viva El Birdos Podcast, and he shared with us the Cardinals’ new “prototype” St. Louis is looking for. These are Big-bodied pitchers with big fastballs and athletic shortstops/up-the-middle type players whose athleticism would play up as they move down the defensive spectrum. Think of how San Diego has built their roster. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr, Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts, Jake Cronenworth. These players came up capable of playing average or above SS, moved off the position, and are capable of letting their natural athleticism play up at their defensive position.

Pitchers like Liam Doyle, Tanner Franklin, Ty Van Dyke, Ethan Young, Payton Graham all come to mind, and then offensively, Ryan Mitchell and Jalin Flores. This year’s class is not thought to be as strong as seasons past, though the 2027 draft is thought to be one of the deepest in years, and should rival the ‘23 class. Make no mistake, there is still plenty of talent to be had in this year’s crop.

I wanted to highlight some of the more intriguing names that I’ve keyed in on that might tickle the Cardinals’ fancy.

Pitchers (Pick 13):

RHPCameron Flukey – Coastal Carolina

6’6 210 lbs

FB – 60 CRV- 55 SL – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 55 FV – 55

Flukey entered the 2026 season as one of the top arms in the class, given his combination of big stuff and ability to overpower hitters. He suffered a Rib stress fracture after his first start of the season, but was able to make it back by the end of April to maintain his stock. Between himself, Liam Peterson, and Jackson Flora, only Flora was able to truly separate himself this season and will likely be a top 5 pick and thus be out of the Cardinals’ range. Flukey should have a high floor as a starter in a 2-3 type mold in a big league rotation if he avoids the injury bug moving forward.

RHP Liam Peterson – Florida

6’5 225 lbs

FB – 60 CRV – 55 SL – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 45 FV – 55

The aforementioned Peterson was another one of the top college pitchers entering this season, and while he demonstrates the same type of electric stuff that Flukey does, his command is noticeably worse than Flukey’s. Peterson still runs a fastball up into the high 90’s and has 2 distinct and effective breaking pitches and an improving changeup. There’s still real mid-rotation upside with Peterson, with some reliever fallback in his profile.

LHP Hunter Dietz – Arkansas

6’6 235 lbs

FB – 60 CRV – 60 SL – 60 CUT – 60 CH – 45 CTRL – 50 FV – 55

Dietz is my personal favorite for the Cardinals at 13 as things stand if the team decides to go the pitching route. We know how much the Cardinals love their lefties and being able to feature 4 plus pitches immediately and a 5th with a chance to be average fits the mold of today’s modern starter, and the upside is immense. Probably the best Arkansas lefty to be draft eligible since Hagen Smith. Dietz would be capable of challenging Liam Doyle, Brandon Clarke, and Quinn Matthews as the best lefty in the system immediately.

Position Players (Pick 13):

SS Justin Lebron – Alabama

6’2 180 lbs

Hit – 45 Power – 60 Run – 60 Arm – 60 Field – 60 FV – 55

Justin Lebron came into the season as a near-consensus top 5 selection lock, but due to some hit tool struggles this season in SEC play, Lebron has taken a little bit of a tumble in terms of his draft stock. Outside of the hit tool, he is plus across the board, and the idea of an infield in 2 years featuring Winn, Wetherholt, and Lebron could look like the 2010’s Astros (minus the trash cans) of Bregman, Correa, and Altuve. The Cardinals’ hitting development staff has proven its ability to get the most out of raw, tooled-up athletes with hit tool concerns, see: Baez, Joshua, and Peete, Tai.

CF Derek Curiel – LSU

6’2 192 lbs

Hit – 60 Power – 45 Run – 55 Arm – 45 Field – 55 FV – 55

We love a good player comp, right? Scouts say that Curiel reminds them of a young Christian Yelich. Take that for what it’s worth. A wiry CF with an advanced hit tool and capable of playing a strong CF early in his career, before he’s likely pushed to LF later when his speed and athleticism diminish. Certainly would seem to have the floor of an everyday CF with the chance for more if he can add some strength and grow into above-average power.

CF Trevor Condon – Etowah HS (Georgia)

5’11 178 lbs

Hit – 60 Power – 45 Run – 70 Arm – 55 Field – 60 FV – 55

Again, we try not to get too ahead of ourselves when we hear comps, but one name that’s mentioned synonymously from an offensive standpoint with Condon is Kevin McGonigle. The contact, barrel control, and strike zone control are the primary calling cards, along with his ability to burn on the bases and play an excellent defensive CF. This is a dark-horse candidate, but one that certain corners of the industry believe is possible. If you’re able to get any kind of power out of this kid, he’s likely a perennial All-Star if he combines that with health.

I could do this for every round, but for the sake of time, I will just highlight a few additional players who I find interesting, and I think would fit the Cardinals’ “type.”

SS Tyler Spangler – De La Salle (California)

6’3 195 lbs

Hit – 55 Power – 55 Run – 50 Arm – 55 Field – 55 FV – 50

Likely a 3rd basemen at the next level, he also gives some scouts Corey Seager vibes in the box from the left side. The ability to be average to above across the board and at such an imposing frame with a sweet lefty swing would inspire optimism in Cardinals fans for years to come.

SS James Clark – St. John Bosco (California)

6’1 195 lbs

Hit – 55 Power – 45 Run – 60 Arm – 50 Field – 50 FV – 50

Reminiscence of Ryan Mitchell abounds with this player. The ability to hit and control the strike zone at an advanced level, with the ability to play anywhere on the diamond long term. Fits the mold of the new regime’s ideology.

SS Dee Kennedy – Kansas State

5’11 190 lbs

Hit – 55 power – 50 Run – 55 Arm – 55 Field – 50 FV – 50

Probably an above-average 3B at the next level, Kennedy has all the athleticism and pop to add to a Cardinals pipeline in search of more high upside talent on the dirt.

RHP Jack Radel – Notre Dame

6’5 250 lbs

FB – 55 CRV – 50 SL – 55 CUT – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 55 FV – 50

Mid-rotation arms are never a bad thing when drafting talent to continue infusing your pipeline, and Radel fits the bill. His release point and pitchability are what give him the ability to separate himself from others in a similar range. Expect to hear his name called in the top 50.

RHP Ben Blair – Liberty

6’3 205 lbs

FB – 55 SL – 50 CUT – 55 CH – 50 CTRL – 60 FV – 50

Your classic high-floor mid-rotation starter that the Cardinals made their money on drafting in the 2010’s, Ben Blair has every tool in the toolbox to be a quality mid-rotation starter at the highest level if all goes to plan.

RHP Carson Wiggins – Arkansas

6’5 215 lbs

FB – 80 SL – 70 CTRL – 45 FV -45

Before Wiggins blew out his elbow last season, he looked like a near lock to go in the first round last year. Now he’s likely not pitching at all this year, and still is likely to hear his name called in to the top 100 thanks to his impressive overpowering stuff.

RHP Taylor Rabe – Ole Miss

6’5 200 lbs

FB – 70 SL – 55 CUT – 60 CH – 40 CTRL – 60 FV – 45

Rabe is shooting up draft boards after his performance in the playoffs thus far and should remind Cardinals fans a bit of Tanner Franklin if he were to have been a starter his final season at Tennessee. One of my personal favorites to keep an eye on.

The draft is always an exciting annual milestone in the season, and this year should be no different. While the Cardinals might not be poised to grab a generational talent in this year’s crop, there are still a lot of players with intriguing upside to continue building the farm system back up to its former glory. We will continue to try to be one of your main sources for draft coverage. Joe Doyle will join us one more time, pre-draft, on draft week to give us the latest intel and buzz as the event grows near. We have also been kicking around the idea of a livestream for the draft and posting the link in the article so that we can all consume and react to night one of the picks as they happen in real time, and I have a few very intelligent guests in mind to rotate in as the night goes on. Would you like for us to do that, or is that something you’d be interested in? Let me know in the comments and I will plan accordingly if the result is overwhelmingly positive.

-Thanks for reading

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2026 Brewers Minor League Roundup: Week 11

Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect Luke Adams waits for batting practice during spring training workouts Monday, February 17, 2025, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Welcome back to the Minor League Roundup! I’m filling in for Adam this week.

As a reminder, you can find this roundup — covering everything you need to know about each of the Brewers’ minor league affiliates — every Tuesday morning right here on Brew Crew Ball. For consistency, all organizational prospect rankings will reference MLB Pipeline unless otherwise noted.

Triple-A Nashville Sounds (38-25)

Opponent this week: @ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (Miami Marlins)

Record this week: 3-3

Standout performances:

Luke Adams (No. 11): 4-for-17, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 3 SB, 8 K, 3 BB
Cooper Pratt (No. 4): 6-for-23, 1 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBI, 3 SB, 4 K, 3 BB
Ethan Murray: 4-for-6, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 SB, 5 BB
Garrett Stallings: 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K
Thomas Pannone: 5 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 3 K
Reiss Knehr: 4 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 K
Jacob Waguespack: 3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 5 K

Luis Lara was noticeably absent from the Sounds’ lineup this week, as he hasn’t appeared in a game since Tuesday, when he went 0-for-4 with a walk in the series opener. No word on if he’s injured, but something to keep an eye on ahead of their next series.

In positive injury news, Luke Adams returned to the lineup after missing more than a month, and he slugged three homers, swiped three bags, and drew three walks for a .235/.381/.765 line across five games.

Most of Nashville’s other regulars — Brock Wilken, Eddys Leonard, Akil Baddoo, Tyler Black, Jeferson Quero, and Jett Williams — had rough weeks, but Cooper Pratt had six hits and three steals across 23 at-bats. Shortstop Ethan Murray also went 4-for-6 with five walks and two steals for a .667/.818/.833 line over three games.

On the mound, Garrett Stallings and Thomas Pannone both had scoreless starts, as Stallings went five innings with five strikeouts and Pannone went 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. Reiss Knehr went 4 1/3 scoreless innings across three relief appearances, striking out five, while Jacob Waguespack made a pair of appearances spanning three innings, also striking out five.

Next week’s opponent: vs. Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays)

Double-A Biloxi Shuckers (28-26)

Opponent this week: vs. Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays)

Record this week: 3-3

Standout performances:

Dylan O’Rae: 3-for-13, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 2 SB, 3 K, 2 BB
Matthew Wood: 5-for-12, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 1 K, 6 BB
Jaron DeBerry: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Bishop Letson (No. 8): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Manuel Rodriguez: 6 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

It was a fairly disappointing week for the Biloxi offense, as no players had more than five hits on the week, and top prospect Jesús Made went just 4-for-18 with no extra-base hits. Made was also 0-for-2 on steal attempts.

Matthew Wood led the offense with five hits, slugging a pair of homers and driving in three while drawing six walks to just one strikeout. Blake Burke and Dylan O’Rae both homered, and O’Rae was one of three players with multiple steals on the week, joining Mark Coley and Eduardo Garcia.

While the offense didn’t have a great week, some of Biloxi’s starting pitchers looked fantastic. Bishop Letson had the best start of the week, going six scoreless with a team-high eight strikeouts, allowing just three hits and a walk. Jaron DeBerry had his second consecutive great outing, going six scoreless with five strikeouts and just three hits and two walks allowed. Manuel Rodriguez went 6 2/3 innings with one run allowed, and Tanner Gillis went six innings with two runs allowed and seven strikeouts.

Next week’s opponent: @ Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox)

High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (29-24)

Opponent this week: @ Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins)

Record this week: 3-2

Standout performances:

Andrew Fischer (No. 6): 7-for-18, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 6 BB, 7 K
Josh Adamczewski (No. 10): 7-for-16, 2 HR, 2 2B, 9 RBI, 5 R, 2 SB, 2 BB, 4 K
Eric Bitonti (No. 23): 3-for-11, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Josiah Ragsdale: 5-for-8, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB, 3 BB, 2 K
Ethan Dorchies: 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER (1 R), 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K
Braylon Owens: 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K

Andrew Fischer, who was named the Brewers’ Minor League Player of the Month for May, continued his raking ways this week. After batting .281/.439/.674 with three doubles, a triple, 10 homers, 20 RBIs, 25 runs, and 21 walks in 24 games in May, he hit .389/.542/.889 with three homers, seven RBIs, seven runs, and six walks in five games this week. Oh, and he broke the Timber Rattler single-season home run record (17) in just 48 games. Not bad for the 22-year-old prospect.

Fellow top prospects Josh Adamczewski and Eric Bitonti also homered twice each, as did Luis Castillo. Braylon Payne added a homer, and Luis Peña, who returned to the lineup last week, went 2-for-8 with three steals and four runs scored this week.

Ethan Dorchies turned in the best start of the week, going 5 1/3 innings with one unearned run allowed on four hits and three walks, striking out five. Braylon Owens, who was named the Brewers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Month for May after striking out 35 to just nine walks over 25 innings, went five innings in his outing this week, allowing one run and striking out a pair.

Next week’s opponent: vs. Great Lakes Loons (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Single-A Wilson Warbirds (31-26)

Opponent this week: vs. Salem RidgeYaks (Minnesota Twins)

Record this week: 5-1

Standout performances:

Brady Ebel (No. 13): 5-for-24, 3 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB, 11 K, 7 BB
José Anderson: 5-for-19, 3 HR, 1 2B, 10 RBI, 4 R, 8 K, 3 BB
Pedro Ibarguen: 6-for-19, 1 HR, 1 2B, 7 RBI, 5 R, 7 K, 3 BB
Luis Lameda: 5-for-13, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 3 K, 4 BB
Jayden Dubanewicz (No. 25): 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER (5 R), 5 H, 3 BB, 8 K
Carlos Carra: 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 K
Joshua Quezada: 4 2/3 IP, 0 ER (1 R), 1 H, 0 BB, 6 K

After a rough start to the season, the Warbirds have found a rhythm, as they now sit in second place in the Carolina League North at 31-26. They won five of six against the Salem RidgeYaks, outscoring them 48-39 in the series.

José Anderson led the offense with three homers and 10 RBIs this week, slashing .263/.333/.789 across 19 at-bats, including a walk-off grand slam. Kevin Garcia and Pedro Ibarguen both homered, too, as Ibarguen led the Warbirds with six hits this week. No. 13 prospect Brady Ebel went 5-for-24 but added a whopping seven walks for a .387 on-base percentage. Filippo Di Turi also walked off Saturday’s game in a 4-3 victory.

Jayden Dubanewicz went 6 1/3 total innings over two appearances, striking out a team-high eight, though he allowed five runs, just two of which were earned (2.84 ERA). Carlos Carra went 6 1/3 innings with one run allowed and six strikeouts, while Joshua Quezada allowed one unearned run and struck out six over 4 2/3 innings. Andrew Healy went 2 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his start, and Peyton Niksch went 3 1/3 scoreless frames in relief, striking out four.

Next week’s opponent: @ Hill City Howlers (Cleveland Guardians)

Player of the Week

It has to be Luke Adams, who came back in a big way to launch three homers, including this go-ahead homer in the ninth inning on Sunday night:

Honorable mention to José Anderson, who had three homers for Low-A Wilson, including a walk-off grand slam.

Play of the Week

Great throw to end the game on Sunday afternoon by Greg Jones:

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Detroit Tigers continue homestand with 3-game series vs Minnesota Twins

The Detroit Tigers open up the second half of their current six-game homestand on Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins. With five wins in six tries so far this month coming against the leaders of the American League East and West divisions, AJ Hinch’s squad now has a chance to make up some ground in the AL Central this week.

The Motor City Kitties currently share space in the division cellar with the Kansas City Royals, while the Twinkies are 2.5 games ahead of them in the standings. The Cleveland Guardians currently lead the pack, with the Chicago White Sox trailing not too far behind them.

The series opener will see right-hander Troy Melton take the mound, coming off an impressive eight-inning performance against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Pete, where he allowed just two runs on four hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out five en route to his second win of the 2026 campaign.

The 25-year-old has faced Minnesota just once before in his young major league career in relief last year on Aug. 5 at Comerica Park. Melton threw a pair of hitless, scoreless frames, allowing a pair of walks and striking out one in what turned out to be a 6-3 loss for the Tigers that day.

Up against him is fellow righty Taj Bradley, who has regressed slightly after missing some time in May due to right pectoral inflammation. Since his return to the rotation, the 25-year-old has made three starts, putting up an ugly 5.93 ERA but far more respectable 3.40 FIP over 13 2/3 innings of work, allowing 15 hits and nine walks while striking out 18 batters.

Bradley last faced Detroit earlier this season on April 7 at Comerica Park, earning a quality start on 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, allowing six hits and no walks while striking out 10 — also hitting a pair of batters — en route to his second win of the year with a 4-2 final score.

Here is how the two match up on Tuesday night.

Detroit Tigers (27-39) vs. Minnesota Twins (30-37)

Time (ET): 6:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site:Twinkie Town
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 67: RHP Troy Melton (2-0, 1.74 ERA) vs. RHP Taj Bradley (5-2, 3.56 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Melton320.211.47.642.23.730.4
Bradley1160.226.810.035.23.471.2

MELTON

BRADLEY

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Yankees prospects: Rookie ball Yanks suffer no-hitter, walk-off

Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders: Offday

Double-A Somerset Patriots: Offday

High-A Hudson Valley Renegades: Offday

Low-A Tampa Tarpons: Offday

Florida Complex League Yankees: L, 10-9 (11) at FCL Phillies

3B Richard Matic 0-5, RBI, BB, 2 K
CF Wilberson De Pena 1-6, 2 K
C Queni Pineda 1-4, 2B, 2 BB, 2 K
2B Leni Done 3-6, 2B, 2 SB
DH Jose Castro 2-4, RBI, 2 BB, K, 2 SB, CS
RF Francsco Vilorio 0-3, 2 K
LF-1B Christofer Reys 1-2
SS Dexters Peralta 3-5, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, CS, fielding error
1B Justin Capellan 0-4, BB, K
LF-RF Estivenzon Montero 0-2, RBI, BB, K

Stanly Alcantara 3.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R (5 ER), 6 BB, 1 K
Marco Manzano 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Austin Breedlove 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Rafael Arias 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K, HBP, throwing error (hold) — started the ninth inning with a 9-7 lead, and went walk, walk, throwing error, HBP before getting pulled
Jorge Luna 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 4 (!) HBP (loss, blown save) — stranded the bases loaded in ninth and tenth, but couldn’t quite hold in the 11th

Dominican Summer League Yankees: L, 5-4 (7) vs. DSL Tigers 2

CF Isaias Castillo 2-2, HR, RBI, BB
2B Stiven Marinez 1-3, RBI, K
RF Yostin Pena 2-3, HR, RBI
SS Juan Torres 0-3
DH Cesar Lopez 0-1, BB, HBP
3B Abrahan Pichardo 0-3, 2 K, fielding error
C Juan Martinez 0-2, BB
1B Jose Peralta 0-2, 2 K, CS, throwing error
LF Kendry Diaz 0-3, fielding error

Hector Moreno 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R (1 ER), 3 BB, 1 K
Fredy Penuelas 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 7 K
Luis Rodriguez 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K (loss, blown save)

Dominican Summer League Bombers:L, 13-0 (7) at DSL Marlins

3B Dariel Santana 0-2, BB, K
SS Mani Cedeno 0-2, BB, K, throwing error
2B Carlos Bello 0-3, 2 K
RF David Carrera 0-1, 2 BB, K
C Alessandro Rodriguez 0-1, BB, fielding error
PH-1B John Rosillo 0-1
DH Germayhoni Beltre 0-3, K
LF Richard Meran 0-3
1B-C Stalen Ramirez 0-2, 2 K, HBP
CF Alfiery Matos 0-2, K — yes, that’s a no-hitter. At least they drew some walks

Randy Agomas 1.2 IP, 0 H, 6 R (4 ER), 5 BB, 3 K, 1 HBP (loss) — a truly DSL statline. Poor guy has a 30.86 ERA
Kevin Centeno 2.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 4 BB, 3 K
Ronald Tejada 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Oscar Vasquez 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

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Orioles news: A bad start to the homestand

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 08: Blaze Alexander #23 of the Baltimore Orioles is called out by umpire umpire Mike Muchlinski #76 at second base as Alexander was trying to tag up on teammate's Samuel Basallo #29's fly out in the eight inning against the Seattle Mariners at Orioles Park at Camden Yards on June 8, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Tuesday, Camden Chatters!

Things have not gone well for the Orioles over the last few days. After an impressive run where they won 10 of their last 14 games, the team has now lost three in a row. And they’ve done so in excruciating fashion. On Saturday, Kyle Bradish was very bad. On Sunday, they blew a four-run lead. And last night, they bumbled around on the bases and did not take advantage of their chances and had some straight-up botches. If you want to read more about that one, you can check out Paul Folkemer’s recap.

I admit it. I’m down on the Orioles again. It’s only been three losses, but it feels like more proof that the Orioles are just a very uneven team.

Last night, when the Orioles were trying to rally, they had runners on first and third with one out. The score was 6-3. Pinch-hitter Samuel Basallo hit a fly ball and posed like it was going to land 400 feet away. Instead, Julio Rodríguez caught the ball in front of the warning track. Jackson Holliday tagged from third to score, and for some reason, Blaze Alexander tried to tag at first. Rodríguez had no chance at Holliday, but he nailed Alexander at second for the third out. And because he was tagged out before Holliday touched home plate, the run did not count. That’s not ok!

That wasn’t the only bad play last night. Pete Alonso left about a billion men on base. The Orioles, for some reason, continue to bring in Anthony Nunez in a high-leverage situation. The catcher was a guy named Sam Huff, who played while both Adley Rutschman and Basallo sat on the bench.

Of course, one bad stretch doesn’t make a bad season. But the Orioles have yet to climb out of the hole they dug themselves into to start the year, so getting out is going to be tougher and tougher. I propose they start to turn it around tomorrow with a win.

Links

What exactly does Tyler O’Neill do here? It’s time for the Orioles to move on. – The Baltimore Banner
Kyle Goon advocates for cutting Tyler O’Neill loose with over a year left on his contract. It does seem like O’Neill has no future with the team, but it’s not like there are any players breaking down the door to take his place.

More Orioles injury updates – MASN Sports
Chris Bassitt is on the IL but Dean Kremer could return soon. Cade Povich is resuming baseball activities. Samuel Basallo has a bony growth on his wrist, which is a weird injury. But he did bat yesterday so it’s not impeding him too much.

1 trade chip for every team ahead of 2026 Deadline – MLB.com
Jake Rill is out here trying to trade Creed Willems

Former Oriole Trey Mancini completes his comeback in start for Angels, his first MLB game since 2023 – The Baltimore Banner
Now here is a feel-good story! Mancini batted seventh and played first base for the Angels last night. Funnily enough, Grayson Rodriguez was the starting pitcher.

Birthdays and History

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have just one Orioles birthday buddy, John Andreoli (36). Andreoli played in 23 games with the Orioles in 2018. It’s not a great birthday buddy, to be honest.

On this day in 1960, the Orioles signed pitcher Tom Phoebus to a minor league contract. Phoebus appeared in 199 minor league games before making his debut in 1960. He pitched for the Orioles through 1970. In 1968, he threw a no-hitter

In 1984, Mike Flanagan pitched a complete game shutout as the Orioles defeated the Tigers, 4-0. It was Flanagan’s second complete game against the Tigers in a week. Six days earlier, he allowed one run in nine innings in a 2-1 win.

In 2016, both Keegan Akin and Pete Alonso were drafted in the second round of the amateur draft with 10 picks between them. Who do you think was drafted first?

In 2019, the Orioles sent international bonus slot money to the Phillies for pitcher Thomas Eshelman. Eshelman appeared in 31 games, about half starts, with the Orioles from 2019 to 2021 with a 5.77 ERA.

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2025-26 Season in Review: Avery Hayes

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 11: Avery Hayes #85 of the Pittsburgh Penguins waits for a face-off in the first period during the game against the Washington Capitals at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 11, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Vitals

Player: Avery Hayes
Born: October 10, 2002 (age 23)
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 180 pounds
Hometown: Westland, Michigan
Shoots: Right
Draft: Undrafted
2025-26 Statistics: Five goals, zero assists in 16 regular-season games
Contract Status: Hayes is signed through the 2026-27 season on his $867,500 entry-level contract.

Story of the Season

Hayes played 16 games with the Penguins this season, but he still led the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins with 24 goals in 42 games.

The winger made his NHL debut on Feb. 5, during which he scored two goals in the first period of a 5-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres just before the Olympic break.

That made him one of seven NHL players to score twice in the first period of their debut in the league.

Hayes had a harder time finding immediately success during his next stint in the NHL, a 10-game post-Olympics stretch during which he didn’t mark the scoresheet.

He was called up again at the end of March and scored his third NHL goal in a win at the New York Islanders.

Although he struggled to find ways to mark the scoresheet, Hayes was regularly visibly for his heavy hits and for his penalties (he recored 12 penalty minutes in just 16 games).

Hayes stayed up with the Pens for the final three games of the regular season, during which time the Penguins had already locked up a playoff spot. He recorded another two-goal night in the regular season finale against the St. Louis Blues.

Hayes didn’t crack the Penguins lineup during the playoffs. He added another three goals in 15 AHL playoff games as the WBS Pens made it to the Eastern Conference Finals before Sunday’s Game 6 overtime elimination loss by the Toronto Marlies.

Monthly Splits

via Yahoo!

Hayes made his Penguins debut just before the NHL paused the season for the Olympics from Feb. 6 to Feb. 24. When NHL play resumed, he appeared in the lineup for 15 of the Penguins’ 25 remaining regular-season games.

Regular season 5v5 advanced stats

Data via Natural Stat Trick. Ranking is out of 18 forwards on the team who qualified by playing a minimum of 150 minutes.

Corsi For%: 44.98% (18th)
Goals For%: 46.67% (16th)
xGF%: 50.23% (14th)
Scoring Chance %: 51.5% (7th)
High Danger Scoring Chance%: 49.33% (11th)
5v5 on-ice shooting%: 12.28% (6th)
On-ice save%: 90.12% (8th)
Goals/60: 1.75 (1st)
Assist/60: 0 (18th)
Points/60: 1.75 (11th)

The Penguins didn’t spend a lot of time in the offensive zone when Hayes was on the ice, but his five goals in just 178 total minutes of ice time technically made him the most efficient scorer on the roster. He also recorded 23 hits in 25 games, per Hockey Reference.

Highlights

Questions to Ponder

Can Hayes crack the Penguins roster to start the next NHL season?

He’ll join Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen as fringe roster players who got a taste of NHL playing time last season and could get another shot at the roster next training camp.

The potential departures of players like Noel Acciari and Kevin Hayes could open up some bottom-six spots for a player like Hayes.

If he doesn’t make it in on the October roster, Hayes will likely continue starring for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as the AHL team braces for the potential loss of Sergei Murashov to the NHL next season.

At the time of his February debut, Hayes was one of 12 rookies who played for the Penguins last season. Turning some of those players into full-time NHLers alongside Ben Kindel would help Kyle Dubas restock the roster at a relatively low cost this offseason.

Ideal 2026-26

Hayes struggled to make an impact on offense throughout most of his time in the NHL last season. An ideal 2025-26 campaign would include him finding a way to contribute on offense, earning a roster spot in training camp and then providing a physical presence in the Pens lineup next season.

It was obvious throughout the WBS Penguins’ run in the Calder Cup playoffs that Hayes knows how to get other under players’ skin. The Penguins could use a pest-like player like that if Hayes is able to make the jump to the NHL next season.

Bottom Line

Hayes has spent two seasons as one of the top forwards in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and will get his best shot yet at a season-opening spot on the Penguins’ roster next fall.

The 23-year-old showed sparks of potential last season, particularly in his historic two-goal debut and with his consistent heavy hits, but he’ll need to find a way to make more of an impact on offense to carve out a more permanent place for himself on the Penguins’ bottom six.

Final Grade

C

Hayes would likely get an A for his work with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, especially during the regular season before his drop in production during the playoffs. In the NHL, he struggled to regularly contribute on offense but showed flashes that will likely get him another audition during training camp this fall.

What grade do you think Hayes deserves for his first 16 games with the Penguins?

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Today In Canadiens History: The 24th Conquest

On June 9, 1993, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 to capture their 24th Stanley Cup, defeating Wayne Gretzky and his team in just five games. After the win, Patrick Roy was awarded the second Conn Smythe Trophy of his storied career. He would go on to win another one with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001, becoming not only the first player to win the playoffs’ MVP title three times, but also the first player to win it in three different decades, with his first win coming in 1986.

This 1993 conquest by the Canadiens is also the last time a Canadian team won Lord Stanley’s Mug, but it has to be said that the American teams that have triumphed since have always had more than their fair share of Canadian players. This year, the Vegas Golden Knights have 18 Canadians on their roster while the Carolina Hurricanes have nine, ensuring that Canada will once again leave its mark on the Cup.

Canadiens Dobes Vows To Be Even Stronger
Canadiens Report Card Bottom Six Edition
Canadiens’ Gallagher Given Permission To Speak To Other Teams

It’s been 33 years since the Habs have won the big prize and in those years, they’ve made the Cup final once while their journey was stopped in the Conference Final three times, against the Philadelphia Flyers in the Halak spring of 2010, against the New York Rangers with the infamous Carey Price/Chris Kreider collision and this season, against the Hurricanes in what could rightfully be called the Dobes spring.

While this latest journey to the Conference Final came as a surprise with Montreal being ahead of schedule in its rebuild, it feels different from 2010 and 2014. Back then, it felt like the organization was banking on great goaltending and rolling the dice on offense; it’s no longer the case. With Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, and Lane Hutson, the Canadiens have more firepower than they’ve had since their last Cup conquest, and it certainly feels like they have reasons to hope their 25th championship could come soon. If you ask Demidov, he’ll even tell you he believes this team will win a few Cups in the not-so-distant future.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

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Guardians News: Losing to the Yankees is Terrible

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 27: Angel Martínez #1 of the Cleveland Guardians singles on a line drive to center field, scoring Chase DeLauter in the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Progressive Field on May 27, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland leads 3-1. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Guardians lost 7-5 to the Yankees in 10th inning, and life is awful.

Death, taxes and Tim Hill shutting down the Guardians.

Hunter Gaddis had not given up a run in 9.1 innings.

Let’s go Slade Cecconi and Parker Messick. And let’s go get another reliever.

AROUND MLB:

Every other Central team was idle

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Where would the Yankees be without Cody Bellinger?

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 07: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees hits a home run in the eighth inning during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Yankees opened their rematch against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, playing the AL Central leaders for the fourth time in seven days and evening the head-to-head record by winning in overtime. Cody Bellinger was the MVP of the night, knocking in an early run and then getting two across in extra innings when he singled to left field. That ended up being the difference as the Guardians couldn’t answer in the bottom of the 10th, giving the Yankees a crucial win to start off the series.

Focusing back up on Bellinger, the Yankee outfielder has been invaluable in his second season in pinstripes. He’s collected 2.4 fWAR already, hitting for a 138 wRC+ with nine homers and 41 RBI in 63 games played, on pace to match his 2025 production and prove himself very much worth the contract that the Yankees handed him in free agency this offseason. That contract was the product of much debate back then, but he’s been inarguably one of the key members of the lineup even before Aaron Judge went down with injury. Now he’s the second-best batter in the offense behind the upstart Ben Rice as they look to provide enough for the rotation to stack up some wins in the captain’s absence.

Many people, including myself and several others on staff here, were pushing hard for the Yankees to sign Kyle Tucker in the offseason as a perceived upgrade to Bellinger. That wasn’t a slight to Bellinger’s play here and now so much as it was a concern then about the length of the deal he wanted, and the youth that Tucker had on his side with the history of more consistent production seemingly making him the most valuable pickup available. Well, fast-forward a little more than a third of the way into the season and that narrative has not held up at all — Bellinger’s the one performing as consistently good as he was last season while Tucker has struggled in the first year of his four-year, $240 million mega-deal, hitting just a touch over average with a 104 wRC+ and 0.7 fWAR in 62 games played.

The Dodgers are not hurting for talent or production, so they will likely be fine waiting out Tucker’s struggles in the hopes that he finds his form for the postseason, but if the Yankees were trying to maneuver around those numbers they’d be looking a lot rougher heading into the summer. New York didn’t wind up in the final conversations for Tucker’s services to be fair, but they nearly did lose Bellinger while waiting out his demands and playing around the possibility of wooing Tucker, and had that happened they would have been in dire straights either way. The rest of their options for a free agent pickup weren’t looking enticing, the trade market would’ve been a minefield to negotiate around, and their prospects in Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones while contributing now out of necessity weren’t ready for the majors at the start of the year, when one of them would’ve needed to be in the fold.

Where would the Yankees be without Cody Bellinger right now? It’s a very real possibility that it could’ve happened, and the picture doesn’t look pretty — surely a couple steps back of Tampa still chasing for first place, and with an offense that suddenly looks incredibly lean holding back a rotation that’s championship caliber. Thankfully they don’t have to consider that problem in our reality, but what would you have done if the offseason had panned out a little less in their favor? Would there have been a way to salvage their chances this year still?

It’s a quiet day on the site while we wait for the Yankees to get back to it against the Guardians. John checks in on the AL All-Star races for each position’s starters, while Matt covers the Rivalry Roundup amidst a quieter day in the Junior Circuit. Sam gives Bill Virdon some love on his 95th birthday, and Michael goes over the minor league action from the past week on the farm.

Today’s Matchup

New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians

Time: 6:40 p.m. EST

Video: Amazon Prime Video, Guardians.tv, TBS

Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH

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Cavs final report card: Kenny Atkinson and coaching staff

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 9: Head Coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on before the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Our season review of the Cleveland Cavaliers continues with Kenny Atkinson and the coaching staff.

As is the case with our postgame report cards, a “B” grade represents a player or group meeting the standard we expect from them.

Cavs’ record

  • Regular season: 52-30 (-12 from last season)
  • Playoffs: 8-10 (+3 from last season)

Atkinson was dealt a rough hand this year.

The front office’s moves last offseason didn’t pay off. Trading Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball was a miss, as were the signings around the edges of the roster.

Additionally, injuries were a recurring issue throughout the year. Max Strus didn’t play until the spring. Darius Garland missed the start of the season, and when he did return, he wasn’t close to the All-Star version we saw the year before. The group also missed time from both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

Atkinson deserves credit for keeping this season on the rails. The group continued to be bought in, even during their slump, and were able to keep their heads above water. This could’ve easily been a lost season.

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Then, Atkinson was forced to adapt again when they traded for James Harden.

Atkinson understands that this is a player’s league first and foremost. He sacrificed his personal preference to fit the style that worked best with this group given the limited time left in the season.

The Cavs blended Harden’s isolation system with some of the off-ball movement concepts we saw from them during their 64-win season. Making those adjustments on the fly with limited practice time is an incredibly difficult task, and not one many coaching staffs would’ve succeeded in doing.

The trades and the injuries resulted in the starting lineup they used most in the playoffs, only spending four regular-season games together. Yet, the Cavs were able to make it further in the playoffs than they have at any point since 2018. That’s a remarkable achievement.

At the same time, Atkinson deserves criticism for some of their biggest losses in the postseason.

The adjustments in the first two rounds weren’t as quick as they should’ve been. Against the Toronto Raptors, he took too long to find ways to get the bigs involved. The Cavs weren’t ready for the first two games against the Detroit Pistons, and he failed to get his group prepared for Game 6.

Atkinson also deserves a good portion of the blame for the disastrous Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks. He kept Harden on the court late, allowing him to get picked on by Jalen Brunson. By the time the defensive adjustment came, it was already too late. The offense ground to a halt. Atkinson couldn’t find a way to get it jump-started down the stretch in the fourth, even after timeouts.

The Cavs probably don’t win the series if Game 1 ended differently. The Knicks are playing at an incredibly high level right now. But at the very least, Cleveland could’ve made it a competitive series if they had held on to Game 1.

Figuring out how to balance the impressive regular season and frustrating playoffs is difficult for a project like this.

On one hand, Atkinson showed that he can make the absolute best of a bad situation. He continually raised the baseline of a group that had no business winning more than 50 games with the amount of injuries, roster turnover, and off-years from the supporting cast.

Simultaneously, he didn’t elevate this group in the postseason. It never felt like the players were in the best position to succeed, and the adjustments came far too late, if they came at all. That is concerning for a group that wants to compete for titles over the next few seasons.

Overall, I’m going to lean more positive. The playoff shortcomings don’t happen if this season goes off the rails, as it could’ve.

Grade: B-

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Spurs 115, Knicks 111: “On to the next.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the rim as Og Anunoby #8 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks defend during the second quarter in Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 08, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For Game Three of the NBA Finals, a graphic of the Larry O’Brien Trophy was laid under the Knicks logo at halfcourt. This marks the very first time the image of the trophy has ever been placed there. Others have said it, but allow me to reiterate: seeing the iconic trophy on the court at MSG is weird.

No basketball stage is bigger than Madison Square Garden. Whenever a big game is played at the Mecca, visitors are expected to wilt under Broadway’s lights. It never occurs to us that the home team might feel a little of that heat, too.

Indeed, the Knicks seemed more affected by the pressure in their 115-111 loss. It was a flukey game across the board. For instance, they lost the third quarter for the first time in 17 playoff games. Given that the starters were out of sync all game, it made sense. In fact, this was the first they’ve looked like the “old Knicks” since the first round. The lead guys started slow, the reserves provided a second quarter lift while Towns and Brunson were split up, the play went stale again after halftime, and they hoped for Captain Clutch magic in the fourth. It was as if, after being away from the Garden for 19 days, they’d forgotten what a juggernaut they had become and, returning to their home court, reverted to their bad habits.

Out of the gate, the hosts coughed up two turnovers and fell behind by seven before Josh Hart finally got them on the scoreboard. That kicked off a promising stretch by Hart. The Spurs picked their poison and gave plenty of space to Hart on the perimeter. His two triples in the first quarter kept the Knicks from falling too far behind. Our Energizer Bunny finished with 16 points on 4-of-7 from deep, plus nine boards and five dimes.

The Spurs made eight of their first ten shots to go ahead by 11, but that’s a hard pace to maintain. Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges picked up two quick fouls and was replaced by Landry Shamet (3 PTS, 1-of-8 FG, -20, 23 MIN). It was the start of a long night for Bridges, who had his first offensive dud in a while. He posted two points on 1-of-5 shooting.

In the game thread, UrsaMajor13 said, “Bridges and KAT really disappointing.” Since they had combined for 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting and eight fouls, Ursa almost won a spot in the headline. Weirdly, the plus-minus tells a different story. Would you believe that Karl-Anthony Towns finished +8 and Bridges +11? That box score is lying—and Soylent Green is people!

The Spurs’ star, Victor Wembanyama, recorded 32 points on 11-of-18 from the field; the Knicks’ star, Jalen Brunson, also scored 32 points, shooting 11-of-25.

Both of these things can be true: San Antonio did an admirable job of keeping KAT out of the offense and the Knicks did a lousy job of incorporating KAT into the offense. Brunson shot 15 more times than Towns. They could have at least split the difference. If the Knicks plan to close this out and float a parade through Manhattan, they’d better start running plays for Karl again.

Tempers were spicy tonight. On one sequence, Wembanyama palmed the back of Brunson’s head and shoved him to the floor. No whistle. On another, after a Knicks make, Hart was laid flat under the rim when Luke Kornet body-bumped him. Hart jumped up to shove Kornet and got a tech. Nothing for the Spur. The refs sure seemed intent on stretching this series past four games, but maybe your broadcast showed different camera angles. Both sides played aggressive, physical basketball yet when the curtain fell, the Spurs had shot 32 freebies to the Knicks’ 22.

Mike Brown thought it was fishy.

After the first quarter, New York trailed 33-22. San Antonio once again executed better than the Knicks at the start of a game. The Spurs had assisted on 11 of 14 field goals, while the Knicks had been outshot 25% to 57% from downtown and coughed up the rock four times. Once again, both teams crashed the defensive boards. Of the 22 first-quarter rebounds, just two were offensive.

Fun fact: The broadcast reported that Mitchell Robinson’s 37% career playoff free-throw percentage is the lowest in NBA history. Robinson made 1-of-2 tonight—and played just seven minutes. Why? His -11 plus-minus points to an answer.

In the second quarter, San Antonio’s shooting cooled, and the Knicks reserves turned up the heat. Jose Alvarado gave Brunson a breather and capitalized on the opportunity. His jumper over Wembanyama was a first-half highlight. That was part of a 16-7 Knicks run that cut their deficit to two.

Not to toot my own horn, but in my preview, I said it was Jordan Clarkson’s turn to have a game. He did his best to make it so, hitting a timely three and picking De’Aaron Fox’s pocket on an inbound—before passing the ball past Hart and to Stephon Castle, who scored with an and-one. Clarkson finished with 10 points in 13 minutes, making 4-of-7 from deep. From the cheap seats (a recliner in Binghamton, NY), certain fans wondered why Coach Mike Brown chose not to sub Clarkson for Bridges once he knew that Mikal was mentally on Mars.

Meanwhile, OG Anunoby was ferocious on both ends. He netted a triple and then stuffed Dylan Harper at the rim. With the Knicks rallying, a Brunson trey gave them a brief lead with four minutes to go—before Wembanyama scored five points to restore the guests’ advantage. It was the tale of the game. So many times, the Knicks were poised to take over and just fell flat.

Thanks to a Castle loose-ball foul on Brunson, a Towns steal, and an Anunoby slam, New York tied the game with two minutes remaining in the second. Hart (who’s been studly everywhere except the points column in this series) swished his third three-pointer, Brunson added another, and Towns made two free throws to give the good guys a 64-57 halftime lead.

Through the half, the Knicks shot better from the field (58% to 53%), better from three (47% to 40%), won the rebounding battle (18-14), and matched San Antonio in the paint (28-28). What kept the Spurs afloat was ball movement and game control. San Antonio had assisted on 17 of 23 baskets while New York managed just 11 assists on 22 makes. At intermission, Castle led all scorers with 18 and Anunoby was a close second with 17.

Early in the second half, Julian Champagnie went up for a three and kicked out his foot at Brunson, who was closing out. Brunson had turned away from the shooter, and contact was initiated because Champagnie nearly popped a hip reaching his leg out. The officiating crew deemed it a flagrant foul on Brunson. Go figure. (Champagnie logged 12 points on 3-of-7 from deep.)

That call helped the guests mount a 10-4 run. Around the midway through the third, the Spurs tied the game at 76, and then Wembanyama stroked one from deep to regain the lead. With both teams fighting through it, the Knicks were down by three. Thanks to a Hail Mary from Clarkson, New York entered the final frame trailing 92-91.

While Brunson rested, the Spurs’ defense continued to disrupt the Knicks’ shooting and kept them scoreless for the first three-ish minutes. That increased the deficit to seven. Brunson returned to try to get things going, but even he was short on answers. New York would shoot 7-of-27 in the fourth quarter. Yuck.

At the other end, Wembanyama drained a three as Robinson crashed into him for a foul. Except, on replay, it was clear that Keldon Johnson shoved Robinson into Wembanyama. Brown challenged the call and, correctly, it was overturned. Instead of being down by 10, New York regained possession, and Brunson promptly drove the lane to make the deficit five.

Anunoby scored on a soft-touch jumper, then blocked Harper at the rim on a breakaway that led to a Brunson bucket. Buckets were hard to come by, with each team ratcheting up its defense. The clubs had combined to miss their first 16 shots from deep in the fourth period. And although the players in the frontcourt hung onto each other all game long, the refs waited until the final frame to start calling fouls. Wembanyama had shot six freebies in just over seven minutes of fourth-quarter play.

With four minutes to go, the Knicks trailed by eight and were gifted a missed finger roll by Wembanyama. Two free throws by Brunson chipped at that, and his jumper from the elbow cut the lead to four. Two minutes left.

Castle connected from deep for the first triple of the quarter. Bad timing for us. Trailing by seven, Anunoby made one of two from the line. Then, with 30 seconds left, Captain Clutch drilled a three straight on. The Garden went crazy.

With 12 seconds left, Fox hit a contested jumper to make the score 113-108, and the Garden went silent.

Out of a timeout, Hart swung the ball to Anunoby for a corner three! 113-111. Nine seconds left.

New York intentionally fouled Castle, who made both from the line. 115-111. Out of a timeout, Bridges hoisted a three-point attempt, but he was the last person we wanted taking the shot after going Casper all night. He missed. Ballgame.

Up Next

The Knicks remain in the driver’s seat, ahead 2-1. We can comfortably chalk this loss up to poor performances by Bridges, Shamet, Robinson, too much Brunson, not enough Towns, and a few crappy calls. Quoth Real Clydes, “On to the next.” The pressure really will be on our heroes now, though. We do not like the idea of giving these Spurs the momentum of a tied series heading home to Texas. Not one bit. Game Four will be played at the Garden on Wednesday. Get ready, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

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VOTE: Pick a Rockets player to part with

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 27: Alperen Sengun #28 and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets high five during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 27, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via 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 Rockets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

This week’s question is an interesting one. We’ve been over and over the fact that the Houston Rockets have two non-shooters in the lineup in Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. If the Rockets don’t make headway this season with shooting progress for at least one if not both guys, they may end up having to move on from one of them.

So, the question is, if you had to get rid of one of those guys — and only one — which one would it be?

Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with more Reacts.

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Pirates management stands behind struggling Marcell Ozuna

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 06: Marcell Ozuna #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on from the dugout during the MLB game between the Pittsburg Pirates and the Atlanta Braves on June 6, 2026 at TRUIST Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the best offensive units in baseball as their lineup is third best in hits, fourth best in RBIs and the fifth best team batting average. One player that has unfortunately not been able to greatly contribute is designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.

Ozuna was signed this offseason to be the Pirates’ primary DH, but has largely not lived up to his former All-Star stature. In 49 games the 35-year-old former Silver Slugger is slashing just .193/.277/.304 with a mere five home runs and 58 strikeouts. Ozuna also has a -.8 WAR on the season.

Despite the struggles, it sounds like the Pirates front office are fully backing Ozuna. General Manager Ben Cherington gave his reasoning for support of Ozuna on the Pirates Insider Show on 93.7 The Fan on Sunday.

“Certainly plenty of runway in terms of being on the team,” Cherington said. “He’s a big part of the team. We keep working with him. He’s made a really good contribution off the field. He hasn’t gotten quite going on the field yet.”

Cherington went on to further say that Manager Don Kelly has a lot at his disposal when shaping the lineup and that has also contributed to Ozuna not being a constant fixture.

“I think the biggest challenge in the short term is the lineup with the roster construction we have right now, there is obviously a lot of days where Donny has a reason to put someone else at DH,” Cherington said. “Whether it’s a particular matchup or whether it’s someone who might need a day off their feet. We would probably expect some more in the short term.”

With the flexibility that Kelly has with his lineup, there have been numerous players appear at DH for the club in 2026. Outside of Ozuna Bryan Reynolds, Spencer Horwitz, Brandon Lowe, Oneil Cruz, Ryan O’Hearn and Konnor Griffin have all made appearances as the team’s designated hitter. Just since May 28, there have been six different designated hitters in the lineup.

Although Ozuna has had the most appearances at DH for the Pirates he has gotten off to an ice cold start to 2026. Now again he’s on the back half of his career and his age has shown at the plate. With that being said it’s not the first time “The Big Bear” has had a slow start or a slump before turning things around. Last season he had a similarly slow (and injury riddled) start to his campaign before finishing with 21 homers. Not to mention he’s only two seasons removed from smashing 39 home runs with a National League third best slugging percentage and third best OPS.

Despite Ozuna being viewed by many on the outside as someone the Pirates could easily move on from, Cherington and company still see the upside that the aging slugger can provide.

“We are going to give it time because we see that hot streak for him,” Cherington said. “We want to be the beneficiaries of that, when that happens and are confident that will happen.”

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