CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 05: Pitcher Nick Lodolo #40 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the fourth inning of the baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Great American Ball Park on July 05, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds got a brilliant start from lefty Nick Lodolo, a Spencer Steer homer, and a timely insurance run courtesy of noted RBI-guy (and All Star) Sal Stewart and held on to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 on Sunday afternoon in Great American Ball Park.
The victory made sure the Reds were not once again swept on their own home turf seeing as they’d dropped each of the first two games of the weekend series by three runs each.
Lodolo kept the ball in the yard and mostly over the plate through 6.0 IP of 6 H, ER ball, striking out only 4 but limiting the Orioles to just 2 walks in his time on the bump. Brock Burke and Tejay Anton each fired clean innings to back him up, though closer Emilio Pagan walked a pair, allowed a hit and a sac-fly run to score, and barely escaped with the save to hammer out the 3-2 win.
Steer’s homer, his 14th of the year, came in the 5th inning off Baltimore starter Kyle Bradish and marked the first runs scored of the game. Lodolo yielded a run in the subsequent half-inning, but an Edwin Arroyo single off Bradish in the Bottom of the 8th put a runner on for Stewart, who doubled them in for his 61st ribbie of the season. That proved vital given Pagan’s inevitable struggles to close things out, and the Reds escaped with a win that brought them to 41-48 on the year.
The Reds get Monday off before welcoming the Philadelphia Phillies to town on Tuesday for a three-game midweek series, one that will be backed up by a home series against the Chicago Cubs to close out the season’s first half before the All Star break. Andrew Abbott will toe the rubber on Tuesday for the series opener against the Phils opposite Zack Wheeler, with first pitch in that one slated for 7:10 PM ET.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Mar 17, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pike Place Market will be closed starting tomorrow for all non-essential goods vendors because of COVID-19. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY NETWORK
Game #90.
It really can’t be as bad as yesterday’s game, right?
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Toyota Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Even if the Lakers are going to have quite the task this summer to replace LeBron James’ production, isn’t nice to finally not be held hostage during the summer?
While many teams around the league are lining up to put themselves in a situation that appeals to LeBron, the Lakers are going about their business any care in the world to what he is doing in free agency. Being able to ignore Rich Paul’s terrible basketball takes and LeBron’s cryptic social media posts is like breaths of fresh air this offseason.
However, LA could still be roped into things once LeBron does make a choice. While Sr. is no longer on the Lakers’ roster, Jr. is, at least for now. Once LeBron makes his decision, one of the next questions will be whether Bronny follows him to his new team.
And those franchises interested in LeBron are already making those calculations. According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, the Cavs are keeping open a roster spot for Bronny, should they land LeBron.
One conspiracy whisper making the rounds: They want to make sure that they have open roster spots to be able to trade for the Lakers’ Bronny James in the event that they are able to welcome Dad back as a free agent signee.
While Bronny and LeBron teaming back up again is an easy assumption to make, there are a lot of pieces to this, still. Does LeBron want that? Does Bronny? Surely that’ll be discussed between them before any pseudo demands are made.
After that, the Lakers will need to be convinced to trade Bronny. All jokes about him aside, he has developed significantly with the Lakers, who used a second round pick on him. While he’s far from untradeable, obviously, the Lakers would seek compensation back for him. LeBron is gone. There’s no reason to appease him anymore by simply handing Bronny over to the Cavs.
It would be a situation that the team landing LeBron would basically have to work out and the Lakers shouldn’t exactly hold Bronny hostage, but it’s a situation that could lead to LA getting more than would be expected for a player taken in the late second round who hasn’t broken into the rotation in his first two seasons.
Given how few draft assets the Lakers have, though, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to trade Bronny for a handful of second round picks, for example. Depending on where LA is in their roster-building this summer, it could prove extra beneficial in helping them open up some more cap space.
It would also be fine if he stuck around, too. There’s a decent chance LeBron and Bronny are neither all that enamored anymore about playing with each other. Those days are gone and, perhaps, Bronny is interested in carving his own path now.
He has familiarity with the Lakers. He wouldn’t be under the shadow of his father anymore. And he’s on the fringes of being in the rotation in LA. Would those same opportunities exist elsewhere?
I won’t sit here and pretend to know Bronny or LeBron’s thinking. They could just as easily enjoy playing together and want to do it again. And if that’s the case, the Lakers have more leverage in a trade.
So, while the Lakers are mostly free from the drama of a LeBron James summer, there are still some lasting ripple effects that could still create some waves this offseason.
Jun 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez (33) throws against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Martín Pérez has had some pretty rotten luck when it comebackers lately and now it appears that one was enough to take him out of a game. Back on June 24, Pérez took a comebacker to the leg and hadn’t really looked completely right since taking that hit.
Now, he’s unfortunately taken a comebacker to the forearm during the fifth inning of his start against the Mets and this one was rough enough (and in a key spot) to force an exit from the game.
Martin Perez exits after his left forearm was hit by this Soto liner to begin the fifth. Ended up retiring the last nine batters he faced. Retired just two of the first 11 he faced. pic.twitter.com/Sn4xeZSKu6
It’s a shame because as MLB.com beat writer Mark Bowman mentioned in his post, Pérez had actually found his groove and had settled in after getting hit hard by the Mets to the tune of five runs allowed (four earned) across 4.1 innings pitched. It’s an even bigger shame since Pérez had mentioned earlier this season that this is the first time that he’s felt fully healthy since the 2023 season, so he’s had to travel a long road to get to this bounce back season so far.
Instead, there could be a detour on this road if there’s bad injury news ahead for Pérez. Let’s all hope for the best as this would be a terrible blow both for Pérez and an Atlanta Braves rotation that can ill-afford any more bad injury luck coming their way. We’ll see what happens.
[UPDATE 5:46 p.m. ET]: We don’t have an official diagnosis yet but it’s likely not to be a good one as Walt Weiss informed the media following Sunday’s loss that Pérez is more than likely headed to the IL.
Weiss says he doesn’t believe Martin Perez’s forearm is fractured, but more imaging is likely needed. He will go on the IL.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 8: Bryan Baker #47 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a win against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field on June 8, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Right-handed pitcher Bryan Baker, infielder Junior Caminero, designated hitter Yandy Díaz, and right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen have been named American League (AL) All-Stars and will represent the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14.
This marks the fifth time the Rays have had four players or more selected as All-Stars, joining 2025 (four), 2023 (four), 2010 (four), and 2009 (five). It is also the fifth season in which multiple Rays pitchers have been named to the Midsummer Classic along with 2015 (Chris Archer and Brad Boxberger), 2012 (David Price and Fernando Rodney), 2011 (Price and James Shields), and 2010 (Price and Rafael Soriano). Between Baker (31), Díaz (34), and Rasmussen (30), three Rays have received All-Star selections at age 30 or older for the second time, joining 2021 (right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge, 31; infielder Joey Wendle, 31; and catcher Mike Zunino, 30).
Caminero, Díaz, and Rasmussen all earned their second career All-Star bids, joining Price (four), outfielder Carl Crawford (four), infielder Evan Longoria (three), Archer (two), left-handed pitcher Shane McClanahan (two), infielder Brandon Lowe (two), right-handed pitcher Scott Kazmir (two), infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist (two) as the only players to receive multiple All-Star selections with the Rays.
Baker, 31, earned his first career All-Star selection, becoming the ninth relief pitcher in Rays history to be named an All-Star and the second over the last 10 seasons (2017-26) along with Kittredge in 2021. The Fort Walton Beach, Fla. product is the sixth Florida-born player and third Florida-born pitcher to earn an All-Star nod with Tampa Bay, joining Zunino in 2021 (Cape Coral), left-handed pitcher Matt Moore in 2013 (Fort Walton Beach), outfielder Matt Joyce in 2011 (Tampa), right-handed pitcher Lance Carter in 2003 (Bradenton), and infielder Fred McGriff in 2000 (Tampa).
Entering tonight’s game, the right-hander has gone 1-0 with a 1.83 ERA (34.1 IP, 7 ER) and 23 saves, two holds, a 0.82 WHIP, 37 strikeouts, and 11 walks over his first 36 appearances. The 23 saves are second most in the majors behind Cleveland’s Cade Smith (26). Among AL relievers with 30.0 innings pitched or more, Baker ranks second in opponent on-base percentage (.220) and third in WHIP, opponent batting average (.143), and opponent OPS (.463). He was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles on July 10, 2025 for a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick (No. 37 overall) in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft.
Caminero, 22, was announced as the AL’s starting third baseman for the second consecutive season and is slated to become the first player in franchise history to start multiple Midsummer Classics. Longoria was voted as the AL’s starting third baseman in both 2010 and 2009, but he did not participate in the latter contest due to an infection on his right ring finger. Caminero is set to become the first third baseman and 14th player in the modern era (since 1900) to start back-to-back All-Star Games in age-22-or-younger seasons (age as of June 30). Since the All-Star Game’s inception in 1933, he is the second primary third baseman to receive multiple All-Star nods in age 22-or-younger seasons, joining Manny Machado (two), the 11th infielder, and the 34th player overall.
The 22-year-old will also represent the Rays during the 2026 T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday, July 13. In last year’s Derby, Caminero finished runner-up to Seattle’s Cal Raleigh and launched 44 home runs across three rounds. He was defeated, 18-15, in the final round, falling four home runs shy of becoming the youngest champion in the event’s history. Caminero is set to become the first Ray to participate in the Derby multiple times and is already one of four players to represent Tampa Bay in the competition, joining Randy Arozarena (2023), Carlos Peña (2009), and Longoria (2008).
Entering play tonight, Caminero has batted .288/.376/.557 (93-for-323) with 12 doubles, 25 home runs, 55 RBI, 47 walks, 55 runs scored, and a .934 OPS through 85 games. The AL Player of the Month for June has the second-most total bases in the AL (180), is tied for second in homers, ranks third in OPS, is fourth in slugging percentage, and is tied for fifth in hits and extra-base hits (37). The 25 home runs are second most by a Rays batter before the All-Star break, trailing only José Canseco’s 31 blasts in 1999. He was acquired from Cleveland on Nov. 19, 2021 in exchange for right-handed pitcher Tobias Myers.
Díaz joins Corey Dickerson (2017 starter) as the only primary designated hitters in team history to be named to the Midsummer Classic. Díaz (34), Greg Vaughn (2001, 35), McGriff (36, 2000), and Canseco (1999, 34) are the only Rays position players to be named All-Stars in an age-34-or-older season.
The current AL batting leader, Díaz has slashed .325/.408/.495 (101-for-311) with 15 doubles, one triple, 12 home runs, 53 RBI, 37 walks, 46 runs scored, one stolen base, and a .904 OPS over 82 games entering play tonight. The Sagua la Grande, Cuba native is tied for the AL lead in hits, ranks third in on-base percentage, and is sixth in OPS. He was acquired from Cleveland along with right-handed pitcher Cole Sulser in a three-team trade with the Seattle Mariners on Dec. 13, 2018.
The reigning AL Pitcher of the Month, Rasmussen earned his second straight All-Star nod, joining McClanahan (2022-23) and Price (2010-12) as the only Rays pitchers to be selected in consecutive seasons. Rasmussen, Price, McClanahan, Archer, and Kazmir are the only Rays pitchers to earn multiple All-Star selections in their careers, with Rasmussen and Archer representing the only two right-handers in that group.
Entering his outing tonight, Rasmussen has gone 10-5 with a 2.45 ERA (92.0 IP, 25 ER) a 0.87 WHIP, 94 strikeouts, and 16 walks over 16 starts, 10 of which were quality. The right-hander paces the AL in WHIP, opponent average (.191), opponent on-base percentage (.236), and opponent OPS (.532) while ranking second in ERA and opponent slugging percentage (.296). He recorded a 0.61 WHIP over five starts in June, lowest in a single June by any pitcher with 30.0 innings pitched or more during the month in the modern era (since 1900). The right-hander was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on May 21, 2021 along with right-handed pitcher J.P. Feyereisen in exchange for infielder Willy Adames and right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards on May 21, 2021
For Colorado Eagles fans, the turnover in Loveland this offseason is starting to feel less like roster tweaks and more like a full reset — and now another familiar name is gone from the blue line.
The Washington Capitals have signed veteran defenseman Jacob MacDonald to a one-year, two-way contract, ending his second stint with the Eagles. The deal was announced by Capitals senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick.
For Colorado, it's the latest in a string of departures that has quietly stripped away much of the core that helped power a deep Calder Cup Playoff run just a season ago.
Head coach Mark Letestu, who guided the Eagles to the Western Conference Final in his first year behind the bench, was poached by the Vegas Golden Knights to join their staff as an assistant coach. On the back end, Jack Ahcan departed on a two-year, two-way deal with the Nashville Predators, taking one of Colorado’s most reliable puck-moving defensemen with him. Up front, veteran forward T.J. Tynan, a long-time fixture across multiple stints in the organization, also moved on, signing with the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Now MacDonald joins that list — and in some ways, his exit hits differently.
At 33, he was one of the most productive offensive defensemen the AHL has seen in the modern era, and was still producing when healthy.
In an injury-shortened 2025-26 season with the Eagles, MacDonald still managed 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in just 17 regular-season games. He added two more points in 17 playoff appearances as Colorado pushed all the way to the Western Conference Final.
But it’s his body of work that sets him apart.
MacDonald ranks seventh all-time among AHL defensemen in goals with 103, a rare milestone for a blueliner. His peak came in 2024-25, when he put together one of the most dominant seasons by a defenseman in league history. He won the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s top defenseman after scoring a league-record 31 goals from the blue line and finishing with 55 points to lead all AHL defensemen.
He was just as dangerous on special teams. 13 of his goals came on the power play — the most among AHL defensemen — and he tied for the league lead with five game-winning goals from the back end. That season earned him First Team AHL All-Star honors and a selection to the All-Star Classic.
Across his AHL career, MacDonald has played 357 games and recorded 260 points (103 goals, 157 assists) with Springfield, Albany, Binghamton, San Jose, and Colorado. A significant portion of that production came on the power play, where he’s totaled 134 points.
His production has shown up everywhere he’s gone. In 2017-18 with Binghamton, he led all AHL defensemen with 55 points and earned First Team All-Star honors. In Colorado during the shortened 2019-20 season, he again led all defensemen in goals with 16 and was named a Second Team All-Star.
He also brings NHL experience, appearing in 135 games with the Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks, recording 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists). In the AHL postseason, he’s appeared in 35 Calder Cup Playoff games with 11 points.
MacDonald’s path has been anything but linear. Undrafted out of Cornell, he began his pro career in the ECHL with the Elmira Jackals before carving out a long, productive career as one of the most consistent offensive defensemen in the league.
Now, as he moves on to the Capitals organization, the Eagles are left to piece things back together. Not just after losing a high-end scoring defenseman — but after watching another key part of a once-promising core walk out the door in what has become a defining offseason of change.
The
Montreal Canadiens are known for being protective of their players. It’s not
because the media want to speak to a particular player or prospect that they’ll
get to speak to them. We had prime examples of that when Patrik Laine joined the organization
or when Jakub Dobes said he wouldn’t understand if he were sent down to the
Laval Rocket last season. So when development camp came around, mere days after
Jeff Gorton intrigued a lot of people when he said that summer is long and that
plenty of things could happen and could make Michael Hage reconsider his
decision to go back to school, it wasn’t a given that the Habs would make the
exciting prospect field questions, but they did. That was the right call.
After
Gorton insinuated the door was still open for Hage to join the Habs this
season, it was obvious that the youngster would be grilled about that
possibility and the reasons which motivated him to make that call. Despite being
only 20 years old, the youngster spoke with calm and eloquence, making it clear
that it wasn’t a decision he had made in the heat of the moment but one he had
really thought through.
Essentially,
the young man believes he still has things to improve before making the jump to
the NHL, and he wants to help Michigan win a national championship. It’s
admirable that he has the maturity to prioritize those things over the
temptation to turn pro and maximize his earnings earlier, because the sooner
you get through your ELC contract, the sooner you can sign a big-money deal. To
see Hage prioritize his development rather than choose to get to the dollar
bags quicker shouldn’t be all that surprising, really. Kent Hughes has made it
clear that the Canadiens, when they draft a player, want to draft character
players. Players who will want to be part of a team and work toward one
objective: winning, not toward maximum earnings.
When Hage
committed to Michigan, he did it to win there, and last year that didn’t happen.
The high ankle sprain he suffered threw a spanner in the works, and he couldn’t
play as much or as well as he would have had he been healthy for the Frozen
Four. At the same time, when he joins the Canadiens, he wants to be the best player he can be, and in that sense, he reminds me of former Habs captain
Max Pacioretty.
Suivez les points de presse des espoirs des Canadiens en direct du camp de perfectionnement
Back in
2009, Pacioretty had raised more than a few eyebrows in town when he declared
in November that his development would be best served with first-line, full
minutes with the Hamilton Bulldogs rather than by playing part-time, fourth-line
minutes with the Canadiens. The Habs had still called him up, and after 52
games in which he put up only 14 points, they sent him back down to Hamilton,
where he was really given a chance to blossom. There’s nothing wrong with an
athlete wanting to improve and to be as good as they can be when they make the
jump to the NHL. Last season, the American-born winger was a special assistant
to coach Brandon Naurato at Michigan, where Hage is playing. I’m not implying
that he swayed Hage’s decision; the young man is clearly mature enough to make up
his own mind, just highlighting the fact that patience can be a virtue. Given that
the Habs’ brass are advocating for fans to be patient with them as they try to
keep improving the team by any means possible, they can hardly be mad at Hage for
asking the same of them.
Hage wants
to be a center in the NHL, and he knows there are still things he needs to work
on to do that. He mentioned he wants to get better at carrying the puck up ice,
making the players around him better, taking those big faceoffs in the dying
moments of a game, being a better player on the defensive side, and, of course,
being better when playing without the puck. Sure, he could work on that in the NHL, and he
will no doubt continue working on them when he does turn pro, but it’s wise to
keep working on those things at the NCAA level. When he takes that next step,
the level of difficulty will be much higher, and the NHL is not a development
league.
Not so long
ago, the Canadiens were in full rebuilding mode and cared very little about
results; they focused heavily on development, but that's no longer the case.
Now, Montreal wants to win; their core players have all committed long-term to
the team, leaving money on the table, and they want to keep making the playoffs
and improve. There’s nothing wrong with Hage wanting to be as good a player as
he can be when he joins them; that’s not a selfish move on his part, far from
it. Just as Pacioretty once did, Hage knows what he feels is best for him right
now, and seeing him stick to his guns is a testament to his commitment to being
the best player he can be; that should be seen as good news for the Canadiens.
DOVE VALLEY, COLORADO- JULY 2: Francesco Dell'Elce (56) skates during the Colorado Avalanche's on-ice Development Camp at Family Sports Center in Dove Valley, Colorado on July 2, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Long before the summer ends, there was a glimpse at the current generation of Colorado Avalanche prospects at Family Sports Center this past week. It was three days of practices, the first two in smaller groups and then on the third day Jared Bednar and his staff ran a NHL-style practice with the full group participating.
Arguably the top prospect for the Avalanche in attendance was the newly drafted Beckett Hamilton. The 74th overall pick flashed some individual skill you’d expect for someone taken early in the third round and was one of my top three standouts from the practices. The right handed center has a lot of tools to offer including precise puck handling in traffic, playmaking with good vision, is a volume shooter with a heavy shot and good on his edges. Watching him put a couple plays in sequence together offers an idea of what a well-rounded player Hamilton could be at the next level. As one of the few Avalanche prospects not heading to the NCAA and returning to the CHL this fall, he’s expected to join the Avalanche for NHL training camp in September.
Beckett Hamilton with some great vision for an 18 year old. He works behind the net and sees an open pass in front for the opportunity. Hamilton has been impressive for his age, playing the body and getting shots off when you don't expect it. #Avs#GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/3YZTRafrxP
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) July 2, 2026
Jake Fisher was my second standout as he really showed the maturity he’s gained in his game through two years playing at DU. There was a polish and poise to his game as well as that consistency and nose for the net, which speaks to his readiness to reach the next level. Drafted in the fourth round in 2024, Fisher is 21-years-old currently and wouldn’t look out of place on the Eagles right now so it will be interesting to see when he decides he’s ready to turn pro.
Jake Fisher, who won a championship with DU, has played secon line minutes with them and learned to attack the front of the net. He slated to attend DU for his junior year next season. #Avs#GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/cs51qSSPTj
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) June 30, 2026
The third standout from development camp was defenseman Francesco Dell’Elce, who in particular put on a show the third day in the joint practice. He’s gained some confidence and comfort in the process over the last year and was able to show his goal scoring ability the whole morning. Dell’Elce has always reminded of a left handed Malinski but as he begins to round out his game it’s now even more evident. The 2025 third rounder is a good transition player with speed and likes to shoot the puck as well. As he’s heading into his junior year at UMass, perhaps Dell’Elce is not too far off from a pro contract as well.
Not only is Francesco Dell'Elce good on the defensive end, he can handle the puck too. He has shown that he can play both sides and drive by getting low. Reminds us a lot of Sam Malinski. Dell'Elce is set to attend UMass in the fall. #Avs#GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/ldZvjVfrcw
— Hockey Mountain High (@HockeyMtnHighCO) July 2, 2026
The rest of the 2026 Avalanche draft class which were in attendance included the two fifth round defenseman Cole Tuminaro and Teddy Lechner. Both have size and are right shots but other than that their games couldn’t be more opposite. Tuminaro has the reputation of being a tough customer and heavy hitter but in this setting with little game action, he didn’t have much opportunity to bring the thunder. I liked that he was able to show other parts of his skill set, and while raw, there were glimpses of speed, puck handling and offense generation that makes him a more interesting prospect than just the token big strong guy in the system. Lechner showed he’s a much more cerebral type and kept up with the group well considering he was drafted just out of high school.
Other prospects of note who were present at development camp was one in Christian Humphreys. He certainly looked confident coming off his Memorial Cup win and was trying to flash a lot of offensive skill. Defenseman Linus Funck had a little more laid back approach but scored on a slap shot in the shootout, which is always fun.
It was an intriguing group of goaltenders with the newly drafted Tobias Tvrznik and Alexandre Raymond on hand. So was 2024 fifth round pick Louka Cloutier who had an outstanding year at Boston College. All the goalies did well but the one who turned heads the most was the newly signed undrafted free agent Nikita Novosyolov. He might impact the organization more than was perceived when he signed.
On the needs some work end of the spectrum was a trio of defenseman. First, the fact that KHL Nikita Ishimnikov was in attendance at the camp was a surprise because he is not signed to the Avalanche nor is expected to be anytime soon. Still, he took his time this year to partake in this annual organizational activity. At first his smooth skating and puck handling were evident but the skating in transition and play with teammates could use some improvement.
Fellow prospect Tory Pitner has been hampered with injuries and only played in six games with the Pioneers in the last year and it showed as his game now needs to get up to speed. Likewise for Chris Romaine who has only played in 27 games over two seasons at Ohio State, which is probably why he’s transferring to Maine next season.
The Avalanche announced that the next time the prospects are scheduled to hit the ice will be at the annual Rookie Tournament, which will be held in San Jose this year. Colorado is expected to play two games at the showcase on September 12th and 13th. It is highly likely that a day of rookie camp practice will be held in Denver on Friday, September 11th. All details including roster will be released much closer to the event.
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
Recalled from Triple-A Reno: INF/OF Tim Tawa
Optioned to Triple-A Reno following last night’s game: INF LuJames Groover
And right into the line-up goes Tawa… at third-base? A position where he has made one previous start in his 107 major-league appearances. All told, only 266 professional innings at the hot corner for Tim, with 85 or so over the last couple of seasons. So let’s hope this works out.
Yesterday was Paul Sewald’s 20th save of the season. He’s the first Arizona pitcher to reach that mark before the All-Star break since Brad Boxberger in 2018, who had 24 saves in the first half. With eight games still left to play, another couple could quite possibly be in Paul’s wheelhouse. If he does record two more saves, it will leave Sewald behind only Boxberger and Jose Valverde (26 in 2007). It has been a while since we have had a “reliable” closer (and I’ll get to those quotes in a bit). In this decade so far, never mind twenty saves, the only D-backs with more than ten saves before the break were Mark Melancon in 2022, and Sewald in 2024, his previous time here – both men had 13.
However, there’s no doubt that Sewald has been lucky. He has allowed runs in eight of his 35 appearances, but has saved 20 of his 21 opportunities. Last night was a case in point, allowing a solo home-run. Indeed, he has conceded four runs over his last three save situations and innings. Fortunately, the lead he was handed in each was exactly large enough to allow him to exit with an eventual one-run win and save. Had he entered in them with a one-run lead to start with, he’d have blown three consecutive chances. We would then likely be having a very different conversation about Sewald, leading up to the All-Star break.
Paul currently sits sixth in the majors for saves. But at 4.50, he is the only man in the top ten with an ERA even at four. The average across the other nine closers is just 2.05, less than half of Sewald’s figure. His FIP and xFIP are also the highest in the group, so that doesn’t make the picture any brighter. xERA, a stat based on quality of contact, does improve Paul’s number by more than a run, dropping him to 3.39. That’s better than MLB saves leader Cade Smith of Cleveland, who has 26 saves and an xERA of 3.62. We’d better hope Sewald can stay away from barrels, and continue doing such a masterful job of pitching to the scoreboard.
Public service announcement: today’s game is on Peacock.
PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 29: Tyler Mahle #54 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Zach Gardner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s series finale time, with the San Francisco Giants concluding their six-game road trip by finishing business with the Colorado Rockies. If you’re sad to see the Rockies go, well, don’t worry … they’ll be in San Francisco on Thursday!
Taking the mound for the finale is right-hander Tyler Mahle, who makes his 14th start of the year. The veteran is 1-8 on the season, with a 5.67 ERA, a 4.83 FIP, and 64 strikeouts to 29 walks in 66.2 innings. He gave up four runs in 4.1 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks in his last start.
For the Rockies, it’s righty Tanner Gordon, who makes his 11th appearance and fourth start of the year. The 28-year old is 0-2 with a 6.69 ERA, a 4.18 FIP, and 39 strikeouts to eight walks in 40.1 innings. He gave up five runs in as many innings against the Miami Marlins in his last game.
Jul 4, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) points to the dugout after hitting a single against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (39-50) vs. Texas Rangers (45-44)
Time/Place: 3:30 p.m., Globe Life Field SB Nation Site:Lone Star Ball Media: Peacock, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Casey Mize (3-5, 2.63 ERA) vs. RHP Kumar Rocker (2-6, 3.83 ERA)
According to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale, seven MLB umpires have informed the league they will be accepting a buyout offer and retiring after the 2026 season. Among them are CB Bucknor and Laz Diaz, alongside Brian O’Nora, Lance Barksdale, Marvin Hudson, Tony Randazzo and Andy Fletcher.
It will cap off a 30-year career for Bucknor, who started by working in the National League in 1996 and has worked both the AL and NL since 2000. Diaz has been umpiring since 1999 when he stared in the American League and has worked both leagues since 2000.
The latter had a fun moment with ABS earlier in the year, when Royals catcher Salvador Perez successfully challenged two calls in a row and Diaz good-naturedly stared him down following the next ball call, which well outside the zone.
As noted by Nightengale, this small exodus of umpires may open the door for Jen Pawol as the first woman to be a full-time MLB umpire. Pawol has previously umpired games at the pro level.
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 23: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 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
This was a complicated season for Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t in a position to make a deep playoff run if Mitchell doesn’t carry them through a turbulent regular season. Simultaneously, the disappointing four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals can be laid more at the feet of Mitchell than anyone else on the roster.
Regular Season Stats
27.9 points
5.7 assists
4.5 rebounds
48.3% FG
36.4% 3PT FG
86.5% FT
Mitchell held the Cavs together when their roster was decimated by injuries during the regular season. His efficient scoring and energy were a godsend for a team that was in desperate need of both most nights.
This past season was Mitchell’s second-highest scoring output and his second-highest efficiency. Further implementation and perfection of the short mid-range floater — in addition to his usual scoring output — allowed him to increase production without sacrificing efficiency. Mitchell converted 55% of his looks in the short midrange (four to 14 feet from the basket), putting him in the 95th percentile for scoring guards from that zone.
The increased usage in the short midrange was part of a season-long plan to keep wear and tear off his body. In previous years, he was more of a downhill finisher who initiated contact at the rim to draw fouls and get to the line. This past season, he got the shot off before contact, allowing him to play 70 games (his second-highest since being traded to Cleveland) and the entire postseason.
This was important because the Cavs as a team went as Mitchell did throughout the regular season. Cleveland was 22-6 when Mitchell played and scored 31 or more points. That record got better the more he scored. When Mitchell put up 35 or more points, his team was an outstanding 14-1.
More importantly, it was Mitchell’s off-the-court leadership that kept the team afloat when they could’ve gone completely off the rails.
“He kept this thing together,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said after their Game 7 win over the Detroit Pistons. “When things weren’t going great, he was the beacon, the light, his leadership carried us on the court. … And when things weren’t going great, he was the person everyone looked to his positivity. I would have said this even if we lost.”
The postseason proved to be a different story.
Mitchell has long been an efficient and productive playoff scorer, even though his teams had never advanced out of the second round before this past season.
The 2025 series against the Indiana Pacers is a good example of this. Mitchell contributed 34.2 points per game, but that wasn’t enough to carry the team over the finish line, considering the injuries and struggles everyone else was going through. It’s difficult to point a finger at Mitchell when his teammates weren’t living up to expectations.
It was easier to blame Mitchell this past postseason run. Mitchell’s scoring was more inconsistent than normal during this playoff run against rangey wing-heavy defensive teams like the Toronto Raptors and Pistons. He failed to eclipse 25 points in nine of his 18 postseason appearances. For context, he achieved this in six out of nine appearances in 2025 and in seven out of 10 games in 2024.
This is important because the regular-season trend of the Cavs performing well if Mitchell did continued in the playoffs. Cleveland was 4-2 in postseason games when Mitchell scored 30 or more points, and were 4-8 when he scored less. This included going 1-3 when he registered 20 or fewer points.
The lack of consistent scoring highlighted the other shortcomings in Mitchell’s game, particularly with his playmaking for others. He wasn’t able to get teammates involved, and when he wasn’t scoring, the offense was mostly stuck in neutral. This is why Cleveland’s offense was 11 points worse with him on the floor in the postseason compared to when he was off.
Assists aren’t necessarily the most accurate way to determine whether someone is creating for others, but they can be instructive. Mitchell averaged 5.7 assists in the regular season. He only exceeded that average once in 18 playoff games.
This coincided with Mitchell’s passes made per game and potential assists dropping. He averaged 41.7 passes per game in the regular season, and just 34.6 in the playoffs. His potential assists went from 11.1 per game in the regular season to 7.6 in the postseason.
The frustrating part of this is that when Mitchell made a concerted effort to get others involved, it led to tremendous team and individual success.
Mitchell made it a point to get the bigs involved in Game 7 against the Pistons. He had a playoff-high eight assists in that game, with all but one of those helpers going to either Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen. The willingness to make those passes opened up the offense for himself and his teammates, resulting in a lopsided 125-94 road elimination victory.
Mitchell’s team advanced to the conference finals for the first time in his career, but it felt like many of these wins were despite Mitchell’s efforts, not because of them. That was a first for his Cleveland tenure and was in stark contrast with Jalen Brunson’s postseason run with the New York Knicks.
The two undersized scoring guards often find themselves in similar places in the NBA player rankings and have similar archetypes. The difference between the two this past playoffs was Brunson’s willingness to move the ball and compete defensively.
Brunson consistently took what the defense gave him. This led to 14 assists in Game 2 against Cleveland because the Cavs consistently double-teamed him. This caused Cleveland to adjust away from that strategy in the final two games of the series, which allowed him to attack one-on-one mismatches.
At the risk of belaboring the point too much, this is also seen in Brunson’s passing numbers. Brunson made 63.6 passes per game in the regular season with 11.7 potential assists per game. Those numbers didn’t dip much in the playoffs as Brunson posted 63.1 passes per playoff game with an average of 10.3 potential assists.
It’s fair to point out that Brunson is the point guard of the Knicks, while Mitchell isn’t. However, if you’re in the 99th percentile for usage in the regular season and 100th percentile in the playoffs — as Mitchell is — the point guard designation doesn’t matter all that much. In the NBA, whoever has the ball in their hand needs to be able to act as a facilitator if they’re going to optimize the offense. And with Mitchell occupying that many possessions, he needs to do a better job of helping his teammates.
The shorcomings Mitchell’s games aren’t skill-related. He has the tools to be a great passer (and defender). The question is whether he wants to improve his game the way he needs to in order to help his team more in the playoffs next season, regardless of how different the roster might look.
The difference between the regular season and playoffs makes it difficult to grade Mitchell’s year. On one hand, the Cavs aren’t in a position to even make a playoff run if it weren’t for his consistent play on a nightly basis. On the other hand, his shortcomings directly led to Cleveland not being able to put away Toronto and Detroit as early as they should’ve, which contributed to the one-sided loss to New York.
I’m going to lean more negative than I’d like in this situation. The playoffs are all that matter for someone in Mitchell’s position. And that is where he fell short most.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Griffin Canning #17 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres have been unable to buy a win. Despite starter Griffin Canning surrendering just one run, the Friars couldn’t get anything on the board against Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace went seven scoreless innings before the bullpen pitched two more to complete the shutout. San Diego managed just four hits in the game, struggling to make headway against L.A.
They’re now one game away from back-to-back sweeps. The Padres just hit eight games straight in their current losing streak. It’s the longest streak the Friars have had since their 2013 season. San Diego must find a way to win today’s game, otherwise the season may be over at the halfway point.
Taking the mound
Emmet Sheehan (LAD) v. JP Sears (SD)
Sheehan hasn’t been the most inspiring pitcher for Los Angeles. He owns a 5.08 ERA on the season and has racked up just 81 strikeouts. That said, he pitched well against San Diego last week. Sheehan twirled five one-run innings against the Friars.
He’s struggled with command, surrendering 22 walks for a 1.27 WHIP through 72 2/3 innings. San Diego will need to take advantage of any mistakes Sheehan makes in order to stave off the sweep versus the rival Dodgers. If not, the Padres will have a tough time putting runs on the board.
It’s Sears’ third start in a Padres uniform this season. He’s been inconsistent but has undeniably good stuff. Sears pitched well in Petco Park against the Atlanta Braves but struggled in Wrigley Field versus the Chicago Cubs. That’s likely due to Sears being a fly-ball pitcher. He induces a lot of hard contact, and the wind at Wrigley resulted in Sears surrendering six runs to the Cubs.
Tonight, he’ll need to perform much better to bring San Diego a win. Dodger Stadium has traditionally been known as a pitcher-friendly ballpark, which should help Sears to induce fly outs. That said, Los Angeles could take advantage and launch some home runs out of the yard. Hopefully, the former turns out to be the case.
Batter up!
The Friars don’t have a ton of historical success against Sheehan. That said, the right-hander has struggled this season. If San Diego is going to put a stop to their losing streak, now is the time. The lineup was looking solid until last night. That’s somewhat admissible since they were facing Yamamoto, but getting shut out didn’t help matters.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Manny Machado, 3B
Gavin Sheets, DH
Ty France, 1B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jackson Merrill, CF
Samad Taylor, LF
Luis Campusano, C
Tatis was the only solid hitter in last night’s game. He went 2-for-4 from the leadoff spot and was the only batter not to strike out against the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Tatis has been one of the few consistent hitters for San Diego despite a slow start. Hopefully, that production can continue.
Relief corps
The Friars’ bullpen has looked more rested lately, but that hasn’t helped the Padres get a win. Wandy Peralta opened the game for Canning before Kyle Hart and Mason Miller took over. Miller only pitched because he hasn’t since Monday night against Chicago. He surrendered a run, raising his ERA to 1.01 on the season.
That leaves Alek Jacob, Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez for the Padres to turn to. Miller will also be available if San Diego has a lead in the ninth. He threw just 13 pitches to get through the bottom of the eighth inning last night.
