While the San Jose Sharks opted not to tender three players themselves, a trio of former Sharks defensemen were also not tendered a qualifying offer.
Among those three were former fan favorite Henry Thrun, who was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a part of the trade that brought Ryan Reaves to the Bay Area, Calen Addison of the New Jersey Devils and injured prospect Gannon Laroque of the Montreal Canadiens.
Thrun spent the most time with the Sharks, playing parts of three seasons for the team in teal. After being traded to the Maple Leafs, he spent the majority of his time with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies and helped them win a Calder Cup.
Addison spent part of just one season with the Sharks, which remains his most recent stint in the NHL to date. In 60 games, he scored a single goal and added 11 assists, while failing to make a positive impact.
Laroque, on the other hand, has been bit by the injury bug since turning professional and that are doubts that he'll ever be able to play again. The 22-year-old defenseman last played during the 2023-24 season after having double hip surgery the prior year. Laroque's future at any level of hockey is in doubt at this stage, however it's best to never say never, as shown by Markus Nutivaara who is currently in the middle of a comeback overseas.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 27: Houston Astros Jose Altuve (27) attempts a bunt during game between Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers on June 27, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI (Photo by Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (42-44) will wear their City Connect uniforms tonight as they open a week-long, six-game homestand with the first of three games against the visiting Minnesota Twins (40-45).
RHP Peter Lambert (6-4, 3.28 ERA), who’s won four straight decisions, will open the homestand for Houston opposite RHP Zebby Matthews (3-5, 4.56 ERA) and the Twins.
RIDING THE LAMBO: Tonight’s Astros starter RHP Peter Lambert has posted a 4-0 record in his last six starts with a 2.97 ERA (11ER/33.1IP). Lambert’s four wins since May 24 are tied for tops in the AL in that span, along with six other pitchers, including teammate RHP Tatsuya Imai.
Lambert pitched last year for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the NPB, posting a 3.98 ERA (55ER/124.1IP) with 111 strikeouts in 23 appearances in Japan. He began this season at Triple A Sugar Land (1.84 ERA in three appearances) before being called up April 17.
THE SLOW TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 22-13 since May 21, which is the best record in the AL in that span. On that date, the Astros were 20-31, 11 games under, which is their low water mark for the season.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have reinstated IF Nick Allen from the 10-day IL and have optioned IF Raynel Delgado to Triple A Sugar Land.
Allen is returning from a left hamstring strain, which sidelined him since June 8.
FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM: The Astros have nine players on the Injured List…updates on a few:
RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) has made two rehab starts this month, last pitching on Thursday for Double A Corpus Christi (0ER/3.1IP). He tossed 50 pitches (31 strikes) in the outing.
RHP Cristian Javier (rt. shoulder strain) made his fifth rehab start on Saturday for Triple A Sugar Land, working 6.0 shutout innings on 85 pitches.
RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) began his rehab assignment on Thursday at Triple A, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings and 42 pitches.
LHP Bennett Sousa (lt. elbow inflammation) continues his bullpen progression.
LHP Brandon Walter (lt. elbow surgery) continues his throwing progression in West Palm Beach.
RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with the FCL Astros later this week.
OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (rt. hamstring strain) is set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple A this week.
IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) has played in two games for the FCL Astros on his rehab assignment, including a start at third base earlier today (2×3, 2B, BB).
MINOR LEAGUE HONORS: LHP Colton Gordon has been named the Triple A Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week (June 22-28).
Gordon made one start last week for Sugar Land, which came yesterday vs. El Paso, in which he tossed 6.0 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2005 – Craig Biggio is hit by a pitch for the 268th time to set a modern Major League record, surpassing Don Baylor. Biggio homers his next time up in what ends up as a 7-1 win vs. Colorado.
Biggio would end his career with 285 hit by pitches, a record that will likely never be surpassed. The active leader in HBP is Starling Marte, who’s been hit by a pitch 168 times in his career.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, June 29, 7:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 23: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons ddribbles the ball as Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game on March 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons and restricted free agent center remain far apart on a new deal, and it has motivated Duren to seek out meetings with teams as free agency opens on Tuesday evening. The Sacramento Kings will be the first team to get a meeting, as we reported earlier, but now another team has entered the chat — the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sam Amick reports that there is a call between Duren and the Lakers scheduled for tomorrow. Any deal would require a sign-and-trade.
There aren’t many details beyond that, to be honest with you. I could have updated the original story with this morsel of information. Instead, I decided to get some of that sweet, sweet Lakers-fan SEO traffic by giving this its own story.
So let’s talk Lakers.
The easiest pathway for the Lakers is to simply let LeBron James walk to Golden State, renouncing his rights along with their other free agents gives them $51 million in cap space, per Keith Smith. As a restricted free agent, the Pistons would still have the right to match any offer. I do imagine Detroit would match any offer instead of risking losing him for nothing.
On the other hand, the two teams could work out a sign-and-trade that was palatable to the Pistons.
What do they have to offer? Honestly, not much. There are two avenues the Lakers could explore, both seem unlikely to me. The first would be a deal that includes Jarred Vanderbilt, Deandre Ayton, Dalton Knecht and a couple first-round picks for Duren.
The other, hilarious, option would be to organize some sort of dual sign-and-trade featuring Austin Reaves and Duren. It was widely reported the reason the Lakers agreed to a max deal with the Lakers is because Los Angeles knew Detroit was prepared to create the space space needed to offer him a max outright. The shoe would be on the other foot.
I can’t fathom a team widely touting the return of a star player on a max deal to then trade him days later, but it feels like a weird offseason.
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 23: Jalen Duren #0 and Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons high five before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 23, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers have inserted themselves into one of the biggest developing stories in the hours leading up to free agency.
Detroit Pistons restricted free agent center Jalen Duren has a planned call with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, a league source confirmed to ESPN (@sam_amick first). However DET thus far is uninterested in pursuing a sign and trade with their All-Star big man, sources said.
Earlier in the day on Monday, Sam Amick of The Athleticalso reported that Duren and the Pistons were not close on a contract and that the big man would explore sign-and-trade scenarios, including meeting with the Kings.
All-NBA forward Jalen Duren was underwhelmed by the Detroit Pistons’ initial offer in restricted free agency and is planning to explore sign-and-trade scenarios when they are permitted on Tuesday, league sources told The Athletic.
It’s not hard to see why the two sides would be far apart in negotiations. During the regular season, Duren was one of the best big men in the league, earning Third Team All-NBA honors while averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting 65% from the field.
But once the playoffs rolled around, Duren became a shell of himself, averaging 10.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and shooting 51.4% from the field. He was a huge reason for an underwhelming postseason performance from the Pistons, as they needed seven games to beat the Magic before losing in seven games to Cleveland.
Detroit is likely negotiationg from a standpoint of his postseason performance while Duren and his agent are negotiating from the standpoint of his regular season performance. For now, that gap is big enough for Duren to look elsewhere.
Still, this is restricted free agency and Detroit still holds the power. Even in a sign-and-trade scenario, the Pistons are going to have to get value back as they can simply just match Duren’s offer sheet and bring him back.
But that things have gotten to this point is notable.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors and head coach Steve Kerr stand on the sideline in overtime against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The debates about Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors will never end. The sun will rise in the east and set in the west, oceans will rise and fall, empires will crumble, the sand will inexorably pour down the hourglass of life, and someone will still be arguing about whether Kuminga earned more minutes than Steve Kerr gave him.
Now, Kuminga’s final contract with the Warriors is officially over, as the Atlanta Hawks declined to pick up the 23-year-old’s $24.3M team option for 2026-27. The move doesn’t necessarily close the door on Kuminga to return to the club at a lower salary, but the Hawks did give Kuminga what the Warriors refused to: The chance to pick his next team.
The Atlanta Hawks are declining Jonathan Kuminga's $24.3 million team option, making him a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Zu57MTTp3g
There’s conflicting reports about the league-wide interest in Kuminga. Marc J. Spears says the Sacramento Kings are still interested in Kuminga, though they can only offer him $2.6M. Yes, much like when they proposed a trade of Dario Saric and Devin Carter for Kuminga last summer, the Kings have very little to offer for Kuminga. Sam Amick reports that the Kings are out on Kuminga, perhaps out of a wildly optimistic hope they can trade for Jalen Duren.
Kuminga had some big moments for the Hawks after heading to Atlanta alongside Buddy Hield in a deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Warriors. He put up 19 and 21 points in the Hawks two wins over the New York Knicks, helping to deal the eventual champions two of the three losses they’d suffer in the entire playoffs. Kuminga averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds, upping his three-point shooting to 34.6 percent, and eventually moved ahead of 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher in the Hawks rotation.
At the same time, Kuminga was limited by injuries, something that plagued him during his 2024-25 season with the Warriors as well. He played in 16 of 29 possible regular-season games for the Hawks. After missing 35 games the season before, Atlanta may have been understandably hesitant to pay Kuminga such a large sum, especially at $10M more than Nickeil Alexander-Walker and $16M more than newly-acquired three-and-D wing Aaron Wiggins.
This could be beneficial for Kuminga in the long term. He may not be getting the payday he wanted or expected — Kuminga reportedly turned down an offer for more than $100M when he became extension-eligible in 2024 — but at least he can choose a team that truly wants him.
It can’t have been easy for Kuminga last season, with the Warriors clearly only viewing him as a trade chip. The nature of restricted free agency meant that Kuminga remained in limbo all summer, hoping some team would make him an offer despite his old team threatening to match any offer. In the second-apron era, there are fewer teams than ever with salary cap space, further chilling the market. That also means Kuminga’s best hope this summer might be convincing a team to offer him the mid-level exception, which is $15M for non-taxpaying teams this summer.
In other Hawks news, the team guaranteed Buddy Hield’s full $9.66M salary for next season, rather than buy him out for $3M. It probably means they want to use his contract in a future trade, but good for Hield for getting the remainder of the proverbial bag.
All in all, the Kuminga trade has to be considered a solid win for Mike Dunleavy, Jr, & Co., after Porzingis agreed to a two-year, $40M contract Monday. Of course, waiting until February 2026 to trade Kuminga still goes down as a solid loss.
We would like to wish Kuminga luck in his next endeavors. He’s an exciting player, a world-class dunker, and a guy who contributed to an NBA title despite being in a less-than-ideal situation for five seasons. Kuminga is at a career crossroads, but wherever he ends up, we’d love to see him prove the Warriors wrong.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 12: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards watches from the bench during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on April 12, 2026 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Wizards fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
So, you saw the news. Anthony Davis could go to the Golden State Warriors. Could he be traded there or to any of the other 28 teams not named the Warriors or Wizards? Vote below!
Hopefully Shams Charania won’t make this a NULL AND VOID SURVEY BY THE TIME THIS PUBLISHES OR SOMETIME TUESDAY!
DENVER, CO - JUNE 23: Starting pitcher Sean Sullivan #45 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field on June 23, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just about three months ago, the Rockies opened up the 2026 season in Miami against the Marlins.
It didn’t go very well.
Colorado got swept 3-0, but the good news is that the Rockies lost each game by one run, including a walk-off 4-3 loss in game three. Now, the 1993 expansion teams will face each other again, but this time for a four-game series at Coors Field.
The Rockies (33-50) have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games and are 18-22 at home this season. The Marlins (44-40) have been on a hot streak, going 8-2 in the last 10 games. Miami’s success is largely due to its successful employment of small ball and MLB-leading 92 stolen bases.
Making his fourth MLB start, Sean Sullivan (0-2, 8.25 ERA) will try to help the Rockies earn their first win over the Marlins this season. After throwing three scoreless innings against the A’s in his debut, the 23-year-old lefty struggled in start No. 2 when he gave up eight runs on nine hits, including two homers, in four innings against the Chicago Cubs. He was better in his last outing, when he surrendered three runs on five hits with five walks and three strikeouts in five innings against the Boston Red Sox.
The 2022 NL Cy Young winner, Sandy Alcantara (8-4, 4.01), will be on the mound for Miami. Alcantara, 30, has also been on a hot streak in June, posting a 2.60 ERA and a 5-0 record with 29 strikeouts and only six walks in 34.2 innings.
First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MDT
TV: Rockies.TV
Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)
The Golden State Warriors and center Kristaps Porzingis have reportedly agreed to a two-year $40 million contract extension, per ESPN NBA insider Shama Charania, as he was told by his agent Jeff Schwartz.
Charania’s report also said that Porzingis’ deal will include a player option after the second year, which could allow him to hit free agency following the 2026-2027 season.
Porzingis’ extension comes after he was traded to the Warriros by the Atlanta Hawks during last year’s NBA Trade Deadline.
Porzingis will return to the Warriors. NBAE via Getty Images
Porzingis missed a large chunk of games last season, appearing in just 32 as he was dealing with illness [That dates back to when he was on the Celtics in 2025], an achillies, and right ankle injury.
Celtics team doctors diagnosed Porzingis with ostural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, an autonomic conditional that can increase heart rate, and cause dizziness and fatigue.
When he was on the court, Porzingis averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 total rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Kristaps Porzingis agreed to a 2-year, $40-million deal to return to the Warriors next season. Getty Images
The Warriors just snuck into last season’s NBA play in tournament before the playoffs.
Porzingis played 28 minutes in the team’s 126-121 win against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he shot 8-12 from the field, and was 3-6 at the three point line. Porzingis finished the night with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Free agent center Kristaps Porzingis has agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract extension to return to the Golden State Warriors through 2027-28, with a player option in the second season, agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NZngN3Qv7x
The Warriors season came to an end in their 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns on April 17, where Porzingis saw a decrease in minutes, playing 15 minutes, 4 minutes in the third and not making an appearence in the 4th quarter.
Throughout the offseason, rumors have surrounded the Warriors in acquiring LeBron James.
On Monday morning, reports indicated that Draymond Greeen would be declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, as a way to help the Warriors create more financial flexibility.
Jun 2, 2026; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) smiles during media day for the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The Spurs have wasted no time with the negotiation period for their own free agents. After agreeing to new three-year deal with Julian Champagnie, ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that Harrison Barnes will return to the Spurs on a one-year, $8 million deal. He reports that the Spurs valued “his leadership and production” when negotiating the new deal.
Free agent forward Harrison Barnes intends to sign a one-year, $8 million deal to stay with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell ESPN. The Spurs valued Barnes' leadership and production as he enters a third season in San Antonio, finalizing a new deal with agent Jeff Schwartz of… pic.twitter.com/FzPv5mqoHm
The move will ensure Barnes returns to the Spurs for a third season. He was acquired via trade in 2024 as part of a three-way trade that sent DeMar DeRozan from the Bulls to the Kings. Barnes started in all 82 games in the 2024-25 season for the Spurs to continue a streak of three straight iron man seasons. He started this season as their starting power forward and looked on track to continue that trend. He was red hot from three through the first third of the regular season, living up to his nickname of “Mr. 100%” before his shooting fell off, and he was eventually benched in favor of Champagnie as the Spurs looked for answers during a tough January stretch. Barnes would eventually miss five games with an ankle injury to end his streak of 82-game seasons.
He eventually fell out of the main rotation all together as Mitch Johnson seemed to value Carter Bryant getting more developmental time, even in the playoffs. As a result, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see Barnes test the free agency market, but it’s quite possible that at 34 years old, there may not have been a huge market out there, and he very well may value the Spurs as much as they do him, as well as the possibility of winning another ring.
With these two moves, it’s quite possible the Spurs are aware that the power forward market is a bit dry or outside of their price range. While this doesn’t mean they won’t make any major moves or trades in free agency, the fact that they’re bringing back last season’s rotation shows that they’re prepared to run it back as a worst-case scenario, and provided Bryant continues to improve, bringing back a rotation that went to the finals and was a few blown leads from winning it all isn’t a bad thing.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 19: Rob Refsnyder #30 of the Seattle Mariners waits for the pitch during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at T-Mobile Park on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s another round of rotations through the injured list for the Seattle Mariners. Monday, they placed their righty-hitting platoon for right field and/or designated hitter on the 10-day IL, sidelining OF Rob Refsnyder with issues in both knees. In his place is the newly acquired 3B/1B/cOF Buddy Kennedy. The club has acknowledged Refsnyder having battled through injury to some degree, however, unfortunately, he has been notoriously, unable to muster productivity in any way. The issue for Refsnyder appears to be a lingering one more than something easily healed, which has been the club’s reasoning for attempting to manage and work through his health, however it’s clear only so many injuries could be managed at once. He received injections in both knees last week, however he has not progressed and will rehab in Arizona to try and find his way back that is less painful.
To that end, the club also provided updates on several dinged up and injured M’s. OF Luke Raley and OF Dominic Canzone will remain active, with Raley dealing with a strain in his left (non-throwing) arm that he has demonstrated the ability to swing through and perhaps even return to right field with in a few days. Similarly, Canzone is playing through tightness in his hamstring which will curtail his capacity to play in the field. Canzone’s situation seems a bit more similar to Jorge Polanco a season ago at times, where the lefty’s bat is too valuable to take out of the M’s lineup but requires management to avoid aggravation. Connor Joe is present but not activated, should Seattle need to make a change pregame or in this series.
Further out, General Manager Justin Hollander offered an impassioned defense of the caliber and efforts of Seattle’s training staff, while also providing updates on several sidelined M’s. Both RHPs Matt Brash and Cooper Criswell are likely to return in “August” per Hollander, with MRIs scheduled for July 6th to track if their healing process is on the expected track. UTIL Brendan Donovan “had a good week” which included running at near full effort and a full run through the batting cage, but it does not sound as though his return is coming until August or later.
Asked about the M’s tendency to keep injured players on the roster this year instead of giving guys full injured list stints, Hollander noted their calculation has ultimately been in a belief and assessment that players can, on a case-by-case basis, return or be effective in the shortened time provided relative to their options for longer time sidelined on the IL.
Other min0r-league injury updates of note:
INF Leo Rivas has been out essentially since he was optioned back to Tacoma on May 18. He’s apparently dealing with vertigo, and although his symptoms have improved he still gets dizzy while tilting his head up quickly, such as looking up to catch fly balls.
Promising lefty pitcher Mason Peters has been sidelined for the past two weeks with forearm soreness. He had an MRI and it didn’t show anything significant. The team will build him back slowly over the next couple weeks.
Similarly, righty Jackson Steensma is also dealing with forearm soreness. He had a cortisone shot last week to try to calm some inflammation and swelling; Hollander says his progression has been “a little slower than we would have hoped.”
There’s no update on OF Brennan Davis, who continues to deal with a left hamstring strain.
The Seattle Kraken announced on Monday, June 29th, that the team had extended qualifying offers to Jacob Melanson, Mackie Samoskevich, Victor Ostman, and Ville Ottavainen.
The deadline for NHL teams to issue qualifying offers to pending restricted free agents was 5 p.m. ET on Monday. By issuing the offers, teams are given the right of first refusal or draft choice compensation should the player sign an offer sheet with another team.
The Kraken extended offers to two forwards, one defenseman, and one goaltender.
Jacob Melanson
Last season, Melanson appeared in 36 games with the Kraken. He recorded two goals and three assists for a total of five points.
Mackie Samoskevich
Samoskevich appeared in 77 games last season with the Florida Panthers. He recorded 12 goals and 20 assists.
He was traded to Seattle by Florida for a 1st-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a 2nd-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft on June 21, 2026.
Victor Ostman
Ostman appeared in one game with the Kraken last season. He started the game, saving 35 shots and posting a .943 save percentage.
Ville Ottavainen
The final player extended a qualifying offer was Ville Ottavainen. Ottavainen appeared in one game with the Kraken since being selected 99th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Last season, he appeared in 53 games for the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds.
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ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 21: Robert Gasser #54 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It feels like the Brewers just played the Reds because… well, they did.
Last week, Milwaukee swept a three-game series in Cincinnati while holding the Reds to just six total runs — five of which came in the series finale. Tonight, the two teams open a four-game series, this time within the friendly confines of American Family Field.
Tonight’s pitching matchup is a battle of the lefties, with Robert Gasser (1-3, 4.50 ERA) squaring off against Nick Lodolo (2-2, 5.59 ERA). Gasser struggled in his first couple of appearances this season but has been great in June, going at least five innings in each start and allowing two or less runs except for a blowup outing in Las Vegas (6 ER in 5 IP). Even factoring in that outing, Gasser has a 3.74 ERA this month.
Lodolo’s last start was last Tuesday against the Brewers. He was pitching as well as he had all season through three hitless innings, but got hit on his left wrist by a Jackson Chourio comebacker to start the fourth. Lodolo ended up leaving the game after the fourth due to what the Reds deemed a contusion of that wrist, but he should be all good to go.
Tonight’s lineup against is pretty similar to last week’s, with Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Brice Turang, and Andrew Vaughn again occupying the first four spots in the lineup. Jake Bauers, who started last time around against Lodolo, is out of today’s lineup, but lefty masher Gary Sánchez (.977 OPS vs. LHP) will DH. Rounding out the lineup are center fielder Blake Perkins (.702 OPS vs. LHP), right fielder Sal Frelick (.453 OPS vs. LHP), shortstop Cooper Pratt, and third baseman Joey Ortiz.
Finally, one more piece of roster news from this morning; per Curt Hogg, pitcher Logan Henderson should be back before the All-Star break. Henderson struck out seven in three innings yesterday in a rehab start with Triple-A Nashville.
The Brewers expect Logan Henderson back before the All-Star break, Pat Murphy said this afternoon. Henderson struck out 7 in 3 innings yesterday and will make one more rehab start.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 27: Trevor Larnach #9 of the Minnesota Twins catches a fly ball hit by Troy Johnston #20 of the Colorado Rockies (not pictured) for an out in the second inning at Target Field on June 27, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First Pitch (CT):7:10 PM TV: Twins.TV Radio: TIBN/830 WCCO/102.9 The Wolf /Audacy App Know Yo’ Foe:Crawfish Boxes
After taking a series from the Colorado Rockies, the Twins are heading to Houston to face the Astros. An up-and-down season has Astros in a similar spot as the Twins: just below .500 and fighting to cement themselves in the playoff race. Also like the Twins, Houston has pretty much one good hitter who is among the best players in baseball (Byron Buxton/Yordan Alvarez) while the rest of the lineup is pretty suspect despite decent numbers as a team.
The Twins already took a series from the Astros in mid May but have been very good since then, going 22-12 while winning five straight series. The Twins, meanwhile, have gone 17-18 since their last matchup while winning four their past five series (and who counts the Dodgers anyway).
Tonight it’s Zebby Matthews vs Peter Lambert in a matchup of pitchers that makes you ask, “are either of these guys actually good?” We likely won’t get an answer but the parallels between these teams simply never end.
Roster Notes:
Byron Buxton is out again with his recurring hip issue. The team is being optimistic but Buck is getting imagine done and more information will be known later. For now, he’s out and there’s hope he can avoid the IL.
Should Buxton miss time, Alan Roden and top prospect Walker Jenkins just returned from their own IL stints. Kaelen Culpepper also returned, but all three are still having their workloads managed closely.
Anthony Banda is expected to miss multiple months with a significant lat strain. It’s a disappointing development for an already bad bullpen. Yoendrys Gomez and Andrew Morris have been huge success stories, but there’s very little reliability behind those two.
The Los Angeles Clippers may already have their Kawhi Leonard backup plan, and it comes with a Finals MVP trophy.
Leonard’s future in Los Angeles is now growing murkier, the Clippers have reportedly emerged as a serious team to watch for Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. According to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill, one league executive said the Clippers “want Brown bad,” adding another major name to what has already become one of the NBA’s most active rumor cycles.
With Kawhi Leonard reportedly in serious trade talks with the Raptors, the Clippers have been linked to Celtics star Jaylen Brown as a potential replacement — giving Los Angeles a possible former Finals MVP backup plan. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
The timing is not hard to understand.
Leonard is entering the final year of his contract, and the Toronto Raptors have reportedly engaged the Clippers in serious trade talks about bringing him back to the franchise he led to the 2019 NBA championship. Leonard’s camp is reportedly seeking a long-term commitment, while the Raptors appear more willing than Los Angeles to meet that number in a potential reunion.
The Los Angeles Clippers may already have their Kawhi Leonard backup plan, and it comes with a Finals MVP trophy. Getty Images
If the Clippers move Leonard, they are not expected to pivot into a full rebuild.
Owner Steve Ballmer has shown little appetite for a full scale rebuild, and the Clippers’ reported interest in Brown fits that approach. Instead of tearing things down, Los Angeles could attempt to replace one former Finals MVP with another.
Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, would give the Clippers a younger two-way star still in his prime. The five-time All-Star is coming off the best statistical season of his career, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting 47.7 percent from the field.
He also brings the kind of playoff resume and wing versatility the Clippers would need if Leonard is no longer part of the plan.
Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, would give the Clippers a younger two-way star still in his prime. Getty Images
The Celtics’ situation makes the rumor even more interesting.
Boston has reportedly taken calls on Brown as Brad Stevens evaluates how to reshape the roster around Jayson Tatum. Brown has not requested a trade, and prying him away would still require a massive return. He has three years and roughly $183 million remaining on his deal, meaning any interested team would need to satisfy Boston both financially and with real assets.
That is where the Clippers’ path becomes complicated.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Balmer cheers on his team before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers Getty Images
Los Angeles may not have enough on its own to build a clean Brown package, especially after selecting Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 pick and signaling at least some interest in developing a younger core. But a Leonard trade could change the equation. If the Clippers move Kawhi to Toronto and collect players or draft capital in the process, those pieces could theoretically be redirected toward Boston in a larger deal.
That makes a three-team construction involving Leonard, Brown and Toronto worth watching, even if no agreement appears close.
For now, the Clippers’ message seems clear: if Leonard leaves, they do not want to be left without a star.
And if they are forced to replace a Finals MVP, Brown may be the NBA’s best version of a Plan B.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Free agent center Kristaps Porziņģis has accepted a two-year, $40 million contract to remain with the Golden State Warriors, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. This will see him potentially stay with the Warriors through the 2027-28 season, with the second year of the extension being a player option.
Free agent center Kristaps Porzingis has agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract extension to return to the Golden State Warriors through 2027-28, with a player option in the second season, agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NZngN3Qv7x
In 15 games with the Warriors, Porziņģis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks. He provided a dynamic element for the Warriors as a 7-foot-3 stretch five, albeit limited by lack of availability due to illness. The Warriors are hoping that Porziņģis — under the care of Rick Celebrini — will be more available next season.
