Here's a look at Michigan football's various scandals and NCAA run-ins during the final years of Jim Harbaugh's tenure with the Wolverines
Schwarber's clutch dinger gets Phillies back on track against Nationals
Schwarber's clutch dinger gets Phillies back on track against Nationals originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
WASHINGTON — The Phillies were in desperate search of a few slump-busting runs Friday night.
They were very glad to have Kyle Schwarber at the plate.
Schwarber hammered a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning and the Phils snapped a three-game losing streak with a 6-2 win at Nationals Park.
The club now sits at 70-52 this season. The Phillies are 5-3 on a road trip that has two games to go against the Nats.
Friday’s start was Zack Wheeler’s second since being pushed back in the Phillies’ rotation because of shoulder soreness. He pitched five innings, allowed four hits and two runs, struck out six and walked two.
Wheeler’s velocity was significantly down in his last outing against the Rangers; the 35-year-old righty’s four-seam fastball averaged 94.2 mph. He was also below his norm against the Nationals, but Wheeler’s velocity numbers were certainly not alarming. Wheeler averaged 95.7 mph on four-seamers, which is 0.4 mph under his season average.
The Phillies immediately went to work against Nats lefty MacKenzie Gore. Trea Turner led off with a single, swiped second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Schwarber walked.
Bryce Harper lined the seventh pitch of his at-bat to right field and sprinted for second. Right fielder Dylan Crews failed to throw Harper out and his one-hop effort leaked past shortstop CJ Abrams. Schwarber profited, heading home to give the Phils a 2-0 edge.
Though Gore needed 37 pitches in the first inning, the Phillies’ lead did not balloon. Nick Castellanos flew out to the center-field warning track for the night’s first out. Edmundo Sosa and Otto Kemp both struck out with the bases loaded.
The Nats answered in the bottom of the first with a James Wood leadoff walk and CJ Abrams RBI double.
Washington nearly tied the game up in the second inning. After a one-out Crews single and Wheeler wild pitch, Riley Adams knocked an opposite-field hit. The Nats sent Crews home and Castellanos made a great defensive play, tossing a perfect throw to the plate and letting J.T. Realmuto handle the rest.
Wheeler’s command sharpened a bit as the night progressed, although he was clearly not at his top level. The Nationals had plenty of lengthy at-bats him. On the 12th pitch of his third-inning at-bat, Josh Bell grounded out to first. Daylen Lile lifted a down-and-in splitter over the right-field fence to even the contest in the fourth inning.
“It’s been iffy, to be honest with you,” Wheeler said of his command lately. “Today was a little bit better. I was able to throw high with ease instead of feeling like I was trying to throw it high. That’s my bread and butter, just letting it go and it rides up there. Once I get a full feel for that back, I think everything else will kind of just fall into place.”
For a moment, it appeared the Phillies might squander another chance in the seventh. Turner popped up a 2-0 fastball from lefty reliever Konnor Pilkington with runners on first and second.
Schwarber stepped up and slugged.
His blast to the second deck in right field traveled 456 feet and prompted a roar from the sizable contingent of Phils’ fans in D.C. Harper deepened Pilkington’s misery, smoking a slider over the center-field wall.
From there, the Phillies’ bullpen finished off the Nats. Tanner Banks, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm each pitched a scoreless inning.
The ninth was supposed to be Jhoan Duran’s, but he only saw one batter.
Paul DeJong lined a sweeper up the middle and it struck Duran’s right ankle. He began to run after the ball but pulled up short and appeared to be in pain. After talking with members of the Phillies’ training staff during a long delay, Duran left the game on the Nats’ bullpen cart and David Robertson came in.
Following the game, a Phillies official said X-rays on Duran were negative and he’ll be evaluated further on Saturday.
Robertson ultimately got the job done, recording the final three outs of the Phils’ 70th victory.
On deck
Saturday’s first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Taijuan Walker (4-5, 3.39 ERA) will face Cade Cavalli (0-0, 3.86 ERA).
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said pregame that “there’s a chance” Alec Bohm returns over the weekend from his rehab assignment. Bohm played his fifth game with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday night, going 0 for 4. He’s at 3 for 21 in this rehab stretch.
Schwarber's clutch dinger gets Phillies back on track against Nationals
Schwarber's clutch dinger gets Phillies back on track against Nationals originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
WASHINGTON — The Phillies were in desperate search of a few slump-busting runs Friday night.
They were very glad to have Kyle Schwarber at the plate.
Schwarber hammered a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning and the Phils snapped a three-game losing streak with a 6-2 win at Nationals Park.
The club now sits at 70-52 this season. The Phillies are 5-3 on a road trip that has two games to go against the Nats.
Friday’s start was Zack Wheeler’s second since being pushed back in the Phillies’ rotation because of shoulder soreness. He pitched five innings, allowed four hits and two runs, struck out six and walked two.
Wheeler’s velocity was significantly down in his last outing against the Rangers; the 35-year-old righty’s four-seam fastball averaged 94.2 mph. He was also below his norm against the Nationals, but Wheeler’s velocity numbers were certainly not alarming. Wheeler averaged 95.7 mph on four-seamers, which is 0.4 mph under his season average.
The Phillies immediately went to work against Nats lefty MacKenzie Gore. Trea Turner led off with a single, swiped second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Schwarber walked.
Bryce Harper lined the seventh pitch of his at-bat to right field and sprinted for second. Right fielder Dylan Crews failed to throw Harper out and his one-hop effort leaked past shortstop CJ Abrams. Schwarber profited, heading home to give the Phils a 2-0 edge.
Though Gore needed 37 pitches in the first inning, the Phillies’ lead did not balloon. Nick Castellanos flew out to the center-field warning track for the night’s first out. Edmundo Sosa and Otto Kemp both struck out with the bases loaded.
The Nats answered in the bottom of the first with a James Wood leadoff walk and CJ Abrams RBI double.
Washington nearly tied the game up in the second inning. After a one-out Crews single and Wheeler wild pitch, Riley Adams knocked an opposite-field hit. The Nats sent Crews home and Castellanos made a great defensive play, tossing a perfect throw to the plate and letting J.T. Realmuto handle the rest.
Wheeler’s command sharpened a bit as the night progressed, although he was clearly not at his top level. The Nationals had plenty of lengthy at-bats him. On the 12th pitch of his third-inning at-bat, Josh Bell grounded out to first. Daylen Lile lifted a down-and-in splitter over the right-field fence to even the contest in the fourth inning.
For a moment, it appeared the Phillies might squander another chance in the seventh. Turner popped up a 2-0 fastball from lefty reliever Konnor Pilkington with runners on first and second.
Schwarber stepped up and slugged.
His blast to the second deck in right field traveled 456 feet and prompted a roar from the sizable contingent of Phils’ fans in D.C. Harper deepened Pilkington’s misery, smoking a slider over the center-field wall.
From there, the Phillies’ bullpen finished off the Nats. Tanner Banks, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm each pitched a scoreless inning.
The ninth was supposed to be Jhoan Duran’s, but he only saw one batter.
Paul DeJong lined a sweeper up the middle and it struck Duran’s right foot. He began to run after the ball but pulled up short and appeared to be in pain. After talking with members of the Phillies’ training staff during a long delay, Duran left the game on the Nats’ bullpen cart and David Robertson came in. This story will be updated when more information on his injury is available.
Robertson ultimately got the job done, recording the final three outs of the Phils’ 70th victory.
On deck
Saturday’s first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Taijuan Walker (4-5, 3.39 ERA) will face Cade Cavalli (0-0, 3.86 ERA).
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said pregame that “there’s a chance” Alec Bohm returns over the weekend from his rehab assignment. Bohm played his fifth game with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday night, going 0 for 4. He’s at 3 for 21 in this rehab stretch.
Padres at Dodgers Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for August 15
It's Friday, August 15 and the Padres (69-52) are in Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers (68-53). Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for Los Angeles, while San Diego will announce its starter closer to first pitch as they put Michael King on the IL.
The battle for the NL West gets spicier Friday night when the Padres and Dodgers meet for a three-game series as San Diego is a half-game back.
The Dodgers are coming off four straight losses and the past three were a sweep via the Angels that solidified a 6-0 year head-to-head for the Angels over the Dodgers.
San Diego has won five straight games and seven of the past eight as the continue their climb atop the NL West. The Padres are 14-3 over the last 17 games.
Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Padres at Dodgers
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Time: 10:10PM EST
- Site: Dodger Stadium
- City: Los Angeles, CA
- Network/Streaming: SDPA, SNLA, MLBN
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Padres at the Dodgers
The latest odds as of Friday:
- Moneyline: Padres (+118), Dodgers (-138)
- Spread: Dodgers -1.5
- Total: 8.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Padres at Dodgers
- Pitching matchup for August 15, 2025: TBA vs. Clayton Kershaw
- Padres: TBA
- Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw, (6-2, 3.14 ERA)
Last outing: 1.50 ERA, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 7 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Padres and the Dodgers
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s game between the Padres and the Dodgers:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Diego Padres at +1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Padres at Dodgers
- San Diego is 5-0 in the last 5 games
- San Diego is 14-3 in the last 17 games
- The Dodgers are 0-4 in the last 4 games
- The Dodgers are 5-2 versus the Padres this season
- The Dodgers are 4-1 in the last 5 versus the Padres
- The Padres have won their last 5 matchups against divisional opponents
- With Clayton Kershaw starting the Under has cashed in the Dodgers' last 3 games
- With Clayton Kershaw as the opener the Dodgers have covered the Run Line in 5 of their last 7 NL West home matchups
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
The Wraparound: Which NHL Teams Will Break Out Of The Mushy Middle?
Kick off the weekend with rapid-fire NHL and hockey topics on The Hockey News Wraparound.
https://megaphone.link/ROUST8261420674
Here's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Stephen Kerr discussed in this episode:
0:00: Will Caleb Desnoyers’ injury impact his chances of appearing with the Utah Mammoth this season?
5:30: Do the Seattle Kraken have a competitive defensive corps?
8:30: Could 16-year-old Landon DuPont crack Canada’s world junior roster?
14:00: Will Gerard Gallant make a return to the NHL at some point?
18:50: Who should be the New York Rangers’ next captain?
23:20: Sharing our favorite ‘day with the Stanley Cup’ stories
28:00: What team has the best chance of breaking out of the ‘mushy middle’ of the NHL?
See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.
Tigers at Twins Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for August 15
It's Friday, August 15 and the Tigers (71-52) are in Minneapolis to take on the Twins (57-64). Charlie Morton is slated to take the mound for Detroit against Pierson Ohl for Minnesota.
Detroit won the series opener, 4-3, in the 11th inning as the Tigers move to 4-1 over the last five games with three of those wins coming by one run. Minnesota is 1-3 in the past four and 2-4 over the last six as they try to course correct their season that seemed lost at the trade deadline.
Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Tigers at Twins
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Time: 8:10PM EST
- Site: Target Field
- City: Minneapolis, MN
- Network/Streaming: FDSNDT, MNNT
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Tigers at the Twins
The latest odds as of Friday:
- Moneyline: Tigers (-133), Twins (+112)
- Spread: Tigers -1.5
- Total: 9.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Tigers at Twins
- Pitching matchup for August 15, 2025: Charlie Morton vs. Pierson Ohl
- Tigers: Charlie Morton, (7-10, 6.10 ERA)
Last outing: 12.46 ERA, 6 Earned Runs Allowed, 7 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 10 Strikeouts - Twins: Pierson Ohl, (0-2, 7.15 ERA)
Last outing: 0.00 ERA, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 1 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 0 Strikeouts
- Tigers: Charlie Morton, (7-10, 6.10 ERA)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Tigers and the Twins
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s game between the Tigers and the Twins:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Detroit Tigers on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Minnesota Twins at +1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 9.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Tigers at Twins
- Detroit is 4-1 in the last 5 games
- Minnesota is 1-3 in the last 4 games
- The Tigers have won four of five games at divisional opponents
- Detroit's last three visits to Minnesota have stayed under the total
- The Tigers have failed to cover the line in four straight games
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
With Michigan sanctions, NCAA sells what’s left of soul to join college football money grab
Look who joined the money grab: the NCAA with its Michigan sanctions. The same group that created this uncontrollable monster in the first place.
Projecting Sabres Trade Cost – Alexis Lafreniere
The Buffalo Sabres should be in the market for an impact top-six forward after dealing winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan. The opening weeks of free agency did not provide GM Kevyn Adams with an opportunity to replace Peterka’s production, and with the two-year deal signed last month with defenseman Bowen Byram, Adams will have to try to acquire a scoring forward with younger players, prospects, and/or draft picks. With just over a month before training camp, the odds are that an addition like that will have to happen during the season.
Alexis Lafreniere has been a name consistently floated in trade rumors over the last year, especially after signing a seven-year extension with the New York Rangers following a career-high 28-goal season and an excellent playoffs. The former #1 overall pick was rushed to the NHL at 19 years old, but has shown flashes of being a top-end, top-six winger, as he did in the spring of 2024, when he scored eight goals in 16 playoff games to help New York reach the Eastern Conference Final.
Other Sabres Stories
Projecting Sabres Trade Cost - Bryan Rust
Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere
Rangers GM Chris Drury has dealt a number of mainstays in the last 12 months, including team captain Jacob Trouba, defensemen Ryan Lindgren, and K’Andre Miller, and former second overall pick Kaapo Kakko. New York is attempting to reset under new head coach Mike Sullivan, but if the struggles of last season continue, Drury may be shopping star winger Artemi Panarin if he cannot get the 33-year-old re-signed, and possibly moving Lafreniere if he does not perform up to expectations.
What Would It Cost?
Lafreniere has a number of traits that the Sabres undoubtedly are looking for. His contract does not have any no-trade protection for the next two seasons, which has been a roadblock for Adams in the past in trades, and he is signed for the next seven seasons at a $7.45 million AAV, which, with the increasing cap, is not a crippling number. It is likely that the Rangers are looking for help on the blueline, with the recent departures of Trouba, Lindgren, and Miller, even though they brought in former Sabre Will Borgen and signed veteran Vladislav Gavrikov.
Owen Power’s name might be floated, but it is hard to imagine that the Sabres would make that swap one-for-one, and perhaps would try to steer the Rangers towards a deal involving Bowen Byram instead.
Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo
Rays at Giants Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for August 15
It's Friday, August 15 and the Rays (59-63) are in San Francisco to take on the Giants (59-62). Joe Boyle is slated to take the mound for Tampa Bay against Landen Roupp for San Francisco.
The Giants are on a five-game losing streak and lost two straight series as they enter this home stand with the Rays. Tampa Bay is 2-4 over the past six games, but coming off a series win over the Athletics. Both the Giants and Rays have played themselves out of playoff position in the last 30 days.
Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.
Game details & how to watch Rays at Giants
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Time: 10:15PM EST
- Site: Oracle Park
- City: San Francisco, CA
- Network/Streaming: FDSNSUN, NBCSBA, MLBN
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Rays at the Giants
The latest odds as of Friday:
- Moneyline: Rays (+110), Giants (-131)
- Spread: Giants -1.5
- Total: 8.0 runs
Probable starting pitchers for Rays at Giants
- Pitching matchup for August 15, 2025: Joe Boyle vs. Landen Roupp
- Rays: Joe Boyle, (1-2, 3.82 ERA)
Last outing: 16.20 ERA, 6 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 5 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts - Giants: Landen Roupp, (7-6, 3.11 ERA)
Last outing: 0.00 ERA, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 6 Strikeouts
- Rays: Joe Boyle, (1-2, 3.82 ERA)
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Rays and the Giants
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s game between the Rays and the Giants:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Tampa Bay Rays at +1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.
Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rays at Giants
- The Giants are 0-5 in the last 5 games
- The Giants are 1-11 in the last 12 home games
- The Rays have won 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with losing records
- The Over is 4-1 in the Rays' last 5 games
- The Giants have failed to cover the Run Line in 17 of their last 20 home games
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
Michigan to appeal NCAA ruling, punishments for sign-stealing scandal
Michigan football announced Friday, Aug. 15, it will appeal the NCAA's ruling and punishments for sign stealing.
Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth: Premier League season opener – as it happened
A heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, a wonderfully exciting topsy-turvy six-goal thriller between two front-foot teams … and some thoroughly depressing racial abuse directed at Antoine Semenyo
More from Iraola, this time on the £57m exit of centre-back Illia Zabarnyi … “It is difficult when someone like PSG, winning the Champions League, comes for one of your players … I knew it was going to happen … I am very happy for him but it will be a big miss.”
… and his replacement Bafode Diakite, a £34m capture from Lille just a couple of days ago … “He is a great defender … it is probably risky to start him away here! … but he has experience in the Champions League … he will know the atmosphere … it will be a big test for him because he doesn’t have connections, the things you need with a team-mate … but we trust the player and hope he performs well.”
Continue reading...Former Ottawa Senator Travis Hamonic Signs With Atlantic Division Rival
One year ago, Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker were jostling for position on the right side of Ottawa’s blue line. Both were hoping to cement a role in the bottom pairing alongside Tyler Kleven. But by the time the March trade deadline rolled around, the full-time spot had been won by surprise American Hockey League call-up Nikolas Matinpalo.
Hamonic was the odd man out, getting a lot of press box time down the stretch, while JBD was out completely, traded at the deadline to the Buffalo Sabres.
Fast forward to today, and the two former Senators are back on the same side, this time wearing the winged wheel. The Detroit Red Wings have signed Hamonic to a one-year, $1 million deal, reuniting him with Bernard-Docker, who also inked a one-year free agent contract with Detroit earlier this summer.
Last season was a turbulent one for both players. Bernard-Docker overcame a serious leg injury at practice early in the season and thought he might find a new opportunity with the Sabres. But they healthy-scratched him for over two weeks after he arrived. He played the final 15 games in Buffalo, but the Sabres chose not to re-sign him.
Hamonic did a bit of everything here last season. He started in the bottom pair, then got some top-four minutes after an early injury to Artem Zub. Hamonic had more healthy scratches than any veteran pro would like, but he always made himself available to the team's young defenders, particularly during the rookie seasons of Jake Sanderson and Tyler Kleven.
It quickly became clear after the Senators’ 2024-25 season ended that Hamonic wouldn’t be part of the club’s future plans. The team immediately re-signed Matinpalo to a two-year deal, brought former first-rounder Lassi Thomson back from Sweden, and traded for L.A. Kings defenseman Jordan Spence at the draft. With that logjam on the right side, including former first-rounder Carter Yakemchuk pressing for NHL work, Hamonic’s exit was inevitable.
'Plan B': Ottawa Senators Owner Signs Three-Year AHL Extension With City Of BellevilleOttawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer and the City of Belleville have confirmed a three-year lease extension to at least the end of the 2029-2030 season. In effect, since Andlauer owns both versions of the Senators, the extension also applies to the NHL-AHL affiliation between the two clubs.
When asked about his season at the year-end media availability in May, the classy veteran took the high road and didn't dwell on any of the negatives.
"I just, quite frankly, tried to do whatever was needed from me and whatever was asked," Hamonic said. "And I kind of played a little bit of everything this year, I think, a little bit of different roles here and there. And just tried to do that as best I could and have as much fun as I could with it. Because we are blessed to play this game and do what I do for a living.
"So I just tried to show up with a smile on my face and let the chips fall where they may every day."
It's not remotely a stretch to suggest that Hamonic fell out of favour with parts of the Ottawa fan base and faced some pointed criticism, which he openly addressed when asked about it in his final session with the local media.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and it is what it is. Early on in my career, I was told that you're never as good as they say you are and you're never as bad as they say you are. I was showing up every day and putting my head down and just going to work and doing whatever I could.
Senators Announce French Radio Broadcast Rights, Will TSN 1200 Renew English Rights?The Ottawa Senators have a new French radio partner. They announced today that 104.7 FM Outaouais will carry games in French for the coming season. It's a three-year deal that includes all pre-season, regular season and post-season games.
"The people that didn't like my play or don't like me, or whatever the case may be, they're part of our fan base too. And I went out there and put that jersey on for three and a half years and played my butt off for that fan base. I would have done whatever I had to do.
"They're allowed their opinion but I try to choose more positivity than the negativity, and I don't necessarily sense a good reason to knock people down all the time. I don't get that. But it is what it is."
Hamonic, who turns 35 on Saturday, also made no secret of the fact that he and his family loved living in Ottawa and that he fully intended to keep the door open to continuing his NHL career.
He now heads for Motown after three and a half seasons in the capital, posting a combined 37 points in 201 games for the Senators. Known for his shot-blocking, work ethic, and leadership, he brought a veteran presence to the Sens room with over 900 career NHL games with the Islanders, Flames, Canucks, and Senators.
But with Claude Giroux, David Perron, Lars Eller, and Nick Jensen, the Sens have probably filled their roster quota in the veteran, 35 and over category.
By Steve Warne
The Hockey News - Ottawa
More Sens Headlines:
Brady Tkachuk Adds To His Father's Comments About The Future
Senators Reach Agreement To Buy Land For New NHL Arena At LeBreton
Former Senator Mark Borowiecki Now 'Looks At Fighting From A Different Lens'
Next NHL Expansion Fee May Be 40 Times More Than The Ottawa Senators Paid
Is The Senators' 2025-26 Lineup Is Already Set?
Brewers activate All-Star rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski from injured list
CINCINNATI — Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski has been activated from the injured list after missing about 2½ weeks with a left tibia contusion.
The move potentially clears the way for the All-Star right-hander to pitch in the NL Central-leading Brewers’ series opener Friday at Cincinnati as they attempt to earn a 13th straight victory, which would match the longest winning streak in franchise history. The Brewers won their first 13 games in 1987.
Misiorowski last pitched on July 28 in an 8-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Misiorowski’s knee appeared to buckle in the first inning that night as he fielded a dribbler and threw wildly to first base, though he remained in the game and ended up lasting four innings.
He owns a 4-1 record and 2.70 ERA in seven starts. Misiorowski has struck out 47 batters over 33 1/3 innings.
In other moves Friday, the Brewers optioned right-handed pitcher Grant Anderson to Triple-A Nashville, placed outfielder Blake Perkins on the bereavement list, put outfielder Isaac Collins on the paternity list and recalled infielder Tyler Black and outfielder Steward Berroa from Nashville.
Anderson, 28, was 2-3 with a 3.07 ERA in 53 relief appearances with Milwaukee.
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Pirates recall relievers Evan Sisk and Colin Holderman from Triple-A; cut lefty Ryan Borucki
CHICAGO — The Pittsburgh Pirates recalled left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk and right-hander Colin Holderman from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday before their series opener against the Cubs in Chicago.
In a corresponding move, the Pirates designated lefty Ryan Borucki for assignment. Right-hander Cam Sanders had been optioned to Indianapolis on Wednesday following a 12-5 loss at Milwaukee that extended the last-place Pirates’ slide to five games.
Sisk, a 28-year-old rookie reliever, was acquired from Kansas City at the trade deadline in a deal that sent starter Bailey Falter to the Royals. Sisk appeared in five games with Kansas City in two stints, in April and May, with no decisions in 5 1/3 innings and a 1.69 ERA.
The 29-year-old Holderman last pitched for the Pirates on May 19, and was 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in 14 relief appearances before being sent to the minors. Over four major league seasons with the Mets and Pirates, Holderman is 8-10 with a 4.12 ERA.
Borucki is 15-12 with 4.36 ERA over eight seasons with Toronto, Seattle and Pittsburgh. He was 1-3 with 5.28 ERA in 35 games and 30 2/3 innings with the Pirates this season.
Borucki allowed three runs in one inning to the surging Brewers in his final appearance, on Tuesday when Milwaukee routed the Pirates 14-0.