CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 28: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds walks back into the dugout during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park on April 28, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kate Woolson/Cincinnati Reds/Cincinnati Reds)
The Cincinnati Reds dropped Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home in Great American Ball Park, but on Sunday they’ve got their ace on the mound with the series victory in the balance.
Chase Burns will toe the rubber for the good guys opposite Bucs starter Mitch Keller, with first pitch on the docket set for 1:40 PM ET.
Eugenio Suarez will begin this game on the bench, and with the trade deadline looming tomorrow afternoon that means he may well have made his final start in a Cincinnati Reds uniform. That’s sad, though not quite as sad as the fact that it means Ke’Bryan Hayes is going to be in the starting lineup at 3B more or less every day going forward (today included).
Here’s how both clubs will line up to begin Sunday’s series finale in GABP, one that may well be the final game the Reds play before ripping apart the roster:
Jeremy Sochan, who won a ring with New York last season after being released by the San Antonio Spurs following the trade deadline, is now headed across the country.
Sochan has agreed to a one-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, reports Shams Charania of ESPN, who got the news from Sochan's agent Deirunas Visockas. While the report does not mention the size of the contract, it is undoubtedly for the veteran minimum.
It also is a non-guaranteed deal and Sochan is essentially getting the chance to come to training camp and compete for a roster spot, reports Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report. That echoes what NBA Insider Jake Fischer had previously reported: Portland has 12 players on guaranteed contracts, and Sochan now joins Micah Potter, Vit Krejci, and likely others to follow on non-guaranteed deals, all of them brought in to compete in training camp for the final couple of roster spots. That said, there is room for frontcourt players like the 6'8" Sochan in Portland, which will start Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara at the forward spots, but the depth behind them is a question for the team.
Sochan, who Gregg Popovich once tried as a point-forward in San Antonio, got some regular run early last season with the Spurs but eventually fell out of the team's increasingly deep rotation. He signed as depth for the Knicks frontcourt, but averaged 6.9 minutes a game in the 16 games he got into for the Knicks. In New York's run to the title, he played a total of 23 minutes in the playoffs.
TODAY’S GAME: The first-place Astros will try to complete a sweep of the Rangers today in the finale of this huge three-game weekend series between the top two teams in the AL West.
RHP Peter Lambert (8-5), who went 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in five July starts, will get the start for the Astros today vs. RHP Kumar Rocker (4-8) and the Rangers.
SILVER BOOT SECURED: The Astros are 8-4 against the Rangers this season, securing them the 2026 Silver Boot.
The Astros have now won the Silver Boot in 10 consecutive seasons (every year since 2017), during which the Astros have gone 101-55 vs. the Rangers.
SWEEPSTAKES: The Astros have swept two of their last three series and four series overall this season…the Astros last swept the Rangers from Sept. 15-17, 2025, a three-game set in Houston.
WINNING WAYS: The Astros have won 10 of their last 11 games, a span that includes two five-game winning streaks, which is their season-long.
The Astros are now two games over .500, their first time at that mark since being 6-4 following their 10th game of the season on April 5.
THE TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, the Astros are 37-24 since May 22, which ties as 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.
Winning Percentage since May 22, AL T1. Astros 37-24 (.607) T1. Red Sox 37-24 (.607) 3. Tigers 33-27 (.550)
GOIN’ DEEP: The Astros rank third in the Majors in home runs (154), trailing only the Nationals (164) and Yankees (156).
Houston has done their dam- age in bunches, recording 22 three-homer games, the most by any team in the Majors.
TODAY’S BROADCASTS: Today’s game will be televised by Space City Home Network with Todd Kalas, Geoff Blum and Julia Morales on the call.
The Astros English radio broadcast on SportsTalk 790 will feature Robert Ford and Kevin Eschenfelder.
Francisco Romero and Alex Treviño will be on the call on the Astros Spanish radio broadcast on TUDN 102.9 FM.
SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL: The surging Astros won their fifth straight game, downing the Rangers 5-4 on Saturday night at Daikin Park.
The offense did their damage against RHP Jacob deGrom, tagging him for five runs on seven hits and five walks, including multi-hit efforts from SS Jeremy Peña (2×5) and 1B Christian Walker (2×4, RBI).
RHP Ronel Blanco (3ER/4.2IP) started for Houston, before giving way to a strong bullpen (1ER/4.1IP).
MVP-CALIBER: Yordan Alvarez is a strong AL MVP candidate as he leads the league in all three Triple Crown categories, ranking first in batting average (.324), HR (35), and RBI (82).
Additionally, he currently leads MLB in OPS (1.079), OBP (.438), SLG (.641) and TB (255), and in the AL, he ranks first in hits (129), extra-base hits (56), and runs (76), and third in walks (77)…AL
HOT IN JULY: DH Yordan Alvarez hit .360 (31×86) with nine home runs, 22 RBI, a .467 OBP, a .721 SLG, and a 1.188 OPS in 23 games in July.
In the month, Alvarez led the AL in home runs, RBI, OPS and SLG, while ranking second in walks (15), second in hits, and fourth in batting average and OBP.
GOOD INTENTIONS: DH Yordan Alvarez was walked twice intentionally last night, giving him a Major League-leading 22 intentional walks on the season.
Alvarez’s 22 intentional walks ties as the third-highest total in a single season by an Astros player in club history, along with Lance Berkman, who was walked intentionally 22 times in 2006.
STREAKING: SS Jeremy Peña has hit safely in 13 straight games at a .429 (24×56) clip with 17 runs, three doubles, one triple, six home runs, 12 RBI and a 1.271 OPS during the streak.
Peña’s streak is just one game shy of his career high, a 14-gamer from April 8-23, 2025, and ties as the longest by an Astro this season (also, DH Yordan Alvarez from April 14-28).
THE LAMBO: Today’s Astros starter RHP Peter Lambert leads the club in wins (8), starts (18), innings (103.0) and strikeouts (100).
Among AL pitchers with at least 100 IP, Lambert ranks fourth in opponent average (.207) and eighth in ERA…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 starts.
WHAT A RELIEF: LHP Josh Hader, who is 15-for-15 in save opportunities with a 1.17 ERA, recorded his 77th career save as an Astro last night, moving him past RHP Fred Gladding (76) for fifth place in saves all-time among Astros relievers.
He now trails RHP Ryan Pressly (111) for fourth on that all-time list.
STALKING 500: RHP Bryan Abreu has 497 career strikeouts, needing just three strikeouts to reach 500 for his career.
He would become just the fourth reliever in franchise history to record 500 strikeouts with the club, joining LHP Billy Wagner (694), RHP Brad Lidge (557) and RHP Dave Smith (529).
DOWN ON THE FARM: The Triple A Sugar Land Space Cowboys picked up their second-straight a walkoff win last night over Salt Lake, with RF Joey Loperfido (4×4) scoring the winning run on a double by 2B Ronel Delgado (2×3).
At Double A Corpus Christi, RHP Bryce Mayer, the Astros top pitching prospect, tossed 6.0 shutout innings, fanning nine hitters, while allowing three hits and no walks in the Hooks 7-0 win over Frisco.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, August 1, 1:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 1: Ty France #25 douses Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres with Gatorade after a walk-off win over against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park on August 1, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres needed a two-out walk-off single from Jake Cronenworth to get a dramatic 6-5 win over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday. Fernando Tatis Jr. was intentionally walked to bring Cronenworth to the plate. The adorable little second baseman as Mud Grant likes to call him, won a seven-pitch at-bat and delivered the game-winning hit on a single to center field to score Xander Bogaerts from third base.
The Padres found themselves tied after Mason Miller was called on for a five-out save. He entered the game with the bases loaded in the top of the eighth and got the second out of the inning before the Giants scored two runs on a double by Osleivis Basabe. San Diego had been in control throughout much of the game and looked to be cruising to a 5-3 win before the game-tying hit. Miller closed out the eighth and worked a scoreless ninth to give the Padres a chance win it in the bottom half of the inning.
Taking the mound
Michael King (SD) v. Landen Roupp (SF)
Michael King had a strange outing the last time he took the mound against the Colorado Rockies. He pitched six innings and allowed four runs with six strikeouts and a walk. King was tagged for two home runs and got a no decision after the Padres got an 8-7 walk-off win. He has been solid in his last seven outings earning a 2-1 record with a 2.90 ERA. King will need to be sharp against a San Francisco lineup that has shown an ability to take advantage of mistakes.
Landen Roupp has performed well against the Padres but comes into the contest with a 7-9 record and a 4.12 ERA. Roupp had a rough outing his last time out. He faced the Milwaukee Brewers and allowed four runs with three walks and a strikeout in just 3.2 innings. San Diego will look to be patient to get their pitches from Roupp in an effort to get him out of the game early.
Batter up!
There is no telling what the lineup could look like after today, so the best bet is to think the Padres are going to put their top guys on the field in an effort to notch one more win before the Trade Deadline. Gavin Sheets has been slumping and has not played much but it is just a matter of time before he gets back on track.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Manny Machado, DH
Ty France, 1B
Jackson Merrill, CF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Sung-Mun Song, 3B
Gavin Sheets, DH
Luis Campusano, C
It is understandable that the Padres want to put their best team on the field as they head into the final game before the Trade Deadline. They can do that with Machado at DH. Song has shown himself to be a competent fielder and has not played in some time. It would be a good day to get Machado off his feet considering the next four games come against the Diamondbacks in Arizona. Campusano should get the start behind the plate in the day game after a night game.
Relief corps
The Padres used more bullpen than expected after Walker Buehler went just 4.1 innings. Wandy Peralta, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada and Mason Miller were all used in the eventual win. With King on the mound, the hope is the ‘pen gets a rest day, but if he falters, Kyle Hart could be used to cover bulk innings as San Diego looks to close out the series with a win.
As the National Hockey League enters the second month of free agency, a number of former Buffalo Sabres still remain unsigned. At this point of the offseason, players who have not latched on with an NHL club might consider playing in Europe, or taking a short-term deal or professional tryout to earn a one-year deal.
Marcus Johansson is the Webster’s Dictionary definition of a journeyman, having played for six NHL clubs during his 16-year career. After starting in 2010 and spending his first seven seasons in Washington, the 35-year-old has played for New Jersey, Boston, Buffalo (during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season), Minnesota, Seattle, a return to the Capitals, and then the last four seasons back with the Wild.
Will the Sabres add scoring help between now and the start of training camp?
Johansson’s best offensive years were during his first stint with Washington, where he posted a career-high 58 points (24 goals, 34 assists) in 2016-17, but for the most part, he has settled into a middle-six depth forward who scores in the 30-40 point range. Last season, with the Wild, he compiled 49 points (15 goals, 34 assists), four goals in the playoffs, and played for Sweden at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, yet he had not been re-signed by Minnesota GM Bill Guerin.
There was some thought that the veteran forward was in a holding pattern waiting for the Wild to offer him another one-year deal, but the 35-year-old in early June signed a deal to return home to play with Farjestad, which likely marks the end of his NHL career.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after his play for an out during a 2025 Major League Baseball season home opening game at Dodger Stadium on March 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers on Sunday made official their trade of Tarik Skubal, winner of the last two American League Cy Young Awards. For the start left-hander, the Dodgers sent outfielder Zyhir Hope plus pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith to the Detroit Tigers.
Ryan was the only one of those three players on the 40-man roster, so Skubal simply takes Ryan’s spot. The Dodgers already had an open slot after designating Cole Irvin for assignment on Saturday, but that spot wasn’t needed, yet. The trade deadline comes at 3 p.m. PT on Monday, so there’s still time for maneuvering.
Skubal missed six weeks this season after arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, similar to the procedures Edwin Díaz and Blake Snell underwent this season, though with a quicker return to action. The left-hander in 16 starts this season has a 2.79 ERA with 116 strikeouts and 14 walks in 96 2/3 innings, and over his last six starts has a 1.95 ERA with 50 strikeouts against only six walks.
Because the Dodgers are both a multiple-repeat competitive balance tax payer and because they surpassed the fourth (and highest) CBT threshold, they will pay a 110-percent tax on any overage, which is another $10,787,097.
Presumably the Dodgers will activate Skubal at some point during their series against the Chicago Cubs, which begins Monday at Wrigley Field. Skubal last pitches Wednesday for the Tigers, throwing 92 pitches in 6 2/3 innings against the Baltimore Orioles. He’d be on four days rest on Monday, something he’s done in five of his 16 starts this season, and would be on five days rest on Tuesday.
Jul 12, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The MLB 2026 trade deadline of Monday, August 3 at 4:00 p.m. MDT is fast approaching.
The Colorado Rockies (and, frankly, most teams) were disappointingly quiet on so far this week.
But last night while the Rockies were celebrating their 12-6 win over the Kansas City Royals, the Los Angeles Dodgers made the move:
Look for the trade market to get serious today.
As the day progresses, we’ll keep this tracker updated with the most pertinent rumors and the biggest deals that come to fruition.
The Rockies and Kansas City Royals will play this afternoon at 1:10.
Ernesto Martinez Jr. of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders is present before a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 22, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
It is a case of joining them after you beat them.
Ernesto Martinez Jr. played last season with the Nashville Sounds, Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. He appeared in nine games against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and although he only went 5-for-30, some of the hits he had led the Sounds to victory. On May 22, 2025, in a game during a series in Nashville, his single capped a five-run seventh inning that tied the game at 6. Nashville won in 11 innings, 7-6. Two days later, his home run finished off a 12-5 win for Nashville. Finally, on Aug. 2, 2025, at PNC Field, the Sounds trailed, 2-0, heading into the top of the ninth inning when they scored seven runs. Martinez’s two-run double put Nashville ahead, 3-2, on its way to a 7-5 win.
This season, the 27-year-old left-handed slugging first baseman and native of Cuba is with the RailRiders and producing some big hits for them. In 87 games, Martinez is batting .238 (72-for-302) with 10 doubles, four triples, 16 home runs and 53 RBI. His home-run total is a career-high, surpassing the 13 he hit in 2024 with the Biloxi Shuckers, Double-A affiliate of the Brewers in the Southern League. He is nine RBI away from tying his career-high of 62, also set during that 2024 campaign.
Two of his home runs have been grand slams: April 3rd in a 17-4 rout at Rochester in the second game of a doubleheader and July 7th at Buffalo that completed an eight-run ninth inning and an 18-3 romp.
On July 28th, in the series opener at the Iowa Cubs, his two-out, two-run triple to left-center field in the top of the eighth inning tied the game at three. He scored on the next pitch when Kenedy Corona laid down a perfect bunt that he beat out for a single. Martinez then tacked on some insurance with a two-run single in the top of the ninth that gave the RailRiders a 6-3 victory. It was Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s first game in Iowa since 1990 when they were the Red Barons and affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies. It was their first win in the Hawkeye State since July 27, 1989 — a span of 37 years and one day.
For the most part, Martinez is pleased with how his season is going.
“It’s had its ups and downs, been more positive than negative,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot, got better defensively, gotten better at putting the ball in the air. I feel like I’ve progressed a lot, regardless of the downs.”
He said a slight adjustment to his swing has helped him hit as many home runs as he has this season.
“Just working on taking some stuff from Judgie (Aaron Judge), Spencer (Jones),” Martinez said. “Some stuff that they’ve adapted to me and my particular hitting approach. It’s been a little bit inconsistent because it’s the first I’m doing it. But that’s pretty much what we’ve been doing.”
Born in Antilla, which is located in the Holguin Province of Cuba, Martinez was originally signed by the Brewers as a nondrafted free agent in May 2017. He worked his way up through the organization in eight seasons before electing to become a free agent last November. He signed with the Yankees in December. Several factors led to his decision.
“What was really attractive was what other people were saying about them. Plus the history of the Yankees. The callup percentage of guys who are signed free agents. But the commentary of the people outside the field and inside the field were great. I always wanted to put the jersey on. It wasn’t like a no-brainer, but it almost was.”
Martinez was a fan of the Yankees growing up in Cuba. He followed players like Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Alfonso Soriano.
“My dad used to bring me some tapes from outside the country and I would watch video of all those guys,” Martinez said.
His father, Ernesto Martinez Sr., has been and continues to be a big influence on Martinez’s career. Ernesto Sr. played 10 seasons as a catcher in the Cuban National Series and in 2002, he contributed a solo home run in Game 7 of the championship series to help give Cachorros de Holguin a 2-1 win and the team’s first title.
The elder Martinez then continued his professional career in France. At the 2017 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers, father and son played on the same team for France. The younger Martinez was the youngest player at age 17.
“He was a hero of the city where I grew up. He won them their only championship,” Martinez said. “So I pretty much wanted to be like him when I grew up.”
Be patient. That is the best piece of advice Martinez’s father has given him.
“In baseball, there is always a day after the other,” Martinez said. “You’re always going to get a next day in baseball.”
Martinez is patiently waiting for his first callup to the major leagues. For that to happen, he feels he must be a little more consistent.
“I came here to get better,” he said. “We know what the goal looks like. We’ve just got to repeat it every day.”
After snapping their four game losing streak on Saturday, the Phillies will look to earn a series win on Sunday in the finale against the Baltimore Orioles.
Zack Wheeler gets the start for the Phillies. The righthander is coming off an alarmingly bad outing so it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back.
Let's get this Sunday off and running by cashing a few home run plays!
While you're at it, be sure to check out today's MLB player props and my favorite home run looks, headlined by Yordan Alvarez.
Here are my favorite MLB picks and home run props for August 2.
MLB home run props for today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Alec Burleson
+358
Junior Caminero
+325
Yordan Alvarez
+238
💲Today's HR parlay
+6287
Home run prediction: Alec Burleson (+358)
The time has come once again to fade the old guy in Toronto, future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer. We're backing St. Louis Cardinals slugger Alec Burleson to leave the yard this afternoon.
Burleson owns an elite Batters-Box rating in this matchup while covering 100% of Scherzer's pitch mix.
Since the All-Star break, Burleson has been swinging one of the hottest bats in the Cardinals lineup. Across his last 60 at bats against right-handed pitching, he has posted a .370 batting average, .877 OPS, 50% hard-hit rate, and 13.6% barrel rate.
Meanwhile, Scherzer has been vulnerable against left-handed hitters. Over the last 60 lefties he has faced, he has allowed a 12.8% barrel rate and a 68.1% elevation rate. Those hitters have produced a .344 xBA, .603 xSLG, and .393 xwOBA against him.
Burleson is one of my favorite home run looks on today's slate.
Time: 1:37 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CARD, Sportsnet
Home run prediction: Junior Caminero (+325)
Few hitters have been as dangerous against left handed pitching as Junior Caminero. Across his last 60 at bats versus southpaws, he has posted a .320 batting average, .580 SLG, .441 wOBA, and 1.013 OPS. During that stretch, he has also generated a nearly 50% hard-hit rate, 13.5% barrel rate, and an incredible 40% HR/FB rate.
The Tampa Bay Rays slugger draws Chicago White Sox left hander Anthony Kay, who has had major issues against right handed hitters. The last 60 righties he has faced have produced a staggering 20% barrel rate and 51.4% hard hit rate. They also own a .325 xBA, .532 xSLG, and .366 xwOBA against him.
Caminero enters Sunday with an elite Batters-Box rating, and he has homered in 23% of his 43 elite-rated matchups over the last three seasons. He also owns 61.3% arsenal coverage against Kay's pitch mix. Even against the two pitches he sees the least well, the changeup and sweeper, he owns an expected batting average of at least .308 against each.
I think he's in a fantastic spot to leave the yard this afternoon.
Time: 1:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, RAYS
Home run prediction: Yordan Alvarez (+238)
Yep, we're backing the big fella to leave the yard once again this afternoon.
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez enters Sunday with an elite Batters-Box rating while covering 100% of Kumar Rocker's pitch mix. In his 16 elite-rated games this season, Alvarez has homered 43.75% of the time.
The Texas Rangers starter has shown signs of improvement over his last few outings, but left-handed hitters continue to give him problems. The last 60 lefties he's faced have produced a .376 xBA, .657 xSLG, and .384 xwOBA against him, while he's generated just a 24.4% ground-ball rate.
Alvarez has been smoking the baseball against right handed pitching, producing nearly a 60% hard-hit rate and an 18% barrel rate over his last 60 plate appearances. I think he's in a great spot to go ya ya this afternoon.
Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: SCHN, RSN
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
HR picks: 90-328, +4.67 units
Best home run combo for August 2
Alec Burleson
Trade Now +6287
Junior Caminero
Yordan Alvarez
Want more baseball parlays? Check out our MLB parlay picks page!
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This is a one-year contract for the veteran minimum of $3.9 million (counting as only $2.4 million against the cap for Golden State).
Peyton has spent most of the last six seasons with the Warriors (aside from a brief detour with the Trail Blazers) and last season averaged 7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, playing about 15 minutes a night and getting into 73 games. At age 33, he remains a solid rotation player who is a plus defender on the perimeter and can get a few buckets when needed. While he's not a great 3-point shooter (29.1% last season) he's a high-IQ veteran who is fantastic at cutting and moving off the ball, which fits perfectly into the Warriors egalitarian offense.
The signing leaves the Warriors about $8.3 million below where they are hard-capped at the second apron, with two roster spots to fill (although they can enter the season with 14 players). They can easily fill out the rest of the roster with minimum contracts.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: Jeremy Sochan #20 of the New York Knicks walks to the court before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As the Knicks continue their prolonged search for a third string center, Jeremy Sochan, who came over to New York midway through last season, remained an option to fill that spot. The big man played very sparingly, appearing in only 16 regular season games. But out of all of the remaining options, his youth and defense, along with the fact that he already knew the team, made his return possible. Evident by his lack of playing time, Sochan has some very glaring holes in his game.
He is both an unwilling and poor three-point shooter, rendering him somewhat useless offensively. He is the kind of player that you kind of have to build a lineup around given his lack of spacing. Unfortunately, he’s not good enough to warrant doing that. Playing him despite those weaknesses usually meant hindering the offensive abilities of everybody else sharing the floor with him.
His defense though, still gave people hope. During some of the more turbulent portions of the season, fans had wondered if Sochan could provide a bit of a defensive spark for a team that on some nights, looked like they badly needed it. During his four-year career, the 23 year-old has done one thing well-defend. He isn’t a defensive playmaker. He doesn’t block a lot of shots or force a lot of turnovers. But he is an athletic and versatile defenders that has the motor, size, and athleticism to defend multiple possessions.
Like so many of the other options the Knicks had though, Sochan is now also off the board. Late Saturday night, Sochan signed a one-year non-guaranteed deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. Sochan will have a fair opportunity to win a roster spot and break camp with the team. If he does, having a full training camp, and doing so with a team that isn’t nearly as loaded talent wise as the Knicks, could give him a much better chance at actually being in the rotation.
On a team that finished the regular season with the 12th best defensive rating in the league, Sochan could provide even more defensive versatility, while having a bit more of a leash to continue developing offensively. The Trail Blazers will want to make the playoffs once again, but they aren’t tasked with having the same kind of win-now mentality the Knicks are currently in.
The non-guaranteed aspect of the contract does leave open for a reunion though. If the Knicks really liked Sochan, they would’ve re-signed him. And if Sochan wanted to really stay, he may have waited. So the chances Sochan returns is unlikely. But is isn’t fully out of the window. If the Knicks end up not finding the right options, or signs someone to a non-guaranteed contract of their own, and it doesn’t work out, maybe they view Sochan as a last resort option if he gets cut at some point. Again, very unlikely, but it’s possible.
For now though, the Knicks, who probably never had any intentions of bringing Sochan back, have to continue their search.
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 30: Mauricio Dubón #14 of the Atlanta Braves looks on before the game against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The only thing better than breaking out the brooms for a sweep? Let’s mobilize! those! mops!
The Atlanta Braves are looking for their fifth straight win by taking the series finale of this four-game set versus Cade Cavalli and the Washington Nationals.
JR Ritchie has been newly recalled to start with the López/Pérez shuffle yesterday. The lineup for Walt Weiss looks largely similar to yesterday’s:
Drake Baldwin remains at leadoff and will catch for Ritchie despite being behind the dish in last night’s game. Ronald Acuña Jr. remains in the two-hole but as the desginated hitter. Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, and Ozzie Albies are still in their respective positions and places in the order. Mauricio Dubón returns after yesterday’s day off to hit sixth and patrol left field. Mike Yastrzemski moves up to seventh and will be in right field. Austin Riley drops down to eighth, and Jim Jarvis is hoping redeem himself after some questionable defense last night, especially since Ha-Seong Kim has been reinstated.
For the Nationals, they’ll roll with the following lineup:
No one is more aware of leadoff man James Wood’s first pitch home run than JR Ritchie, who has the ball somewhere in his house.
Outside of Wood batting first, shortshop CJ Abrams in the cleanup spot, and catcher Keibert Ruiz in ninth, the rest of the lineup is different than what we saw last night. Luis García Jr. jumps up to bat second, followed by today’s DH José Tena. Dylan Crews drops down a few spots to hit fifth and will be in center field, followed by Daylen Lile in left. Second baseman Nasim Nuñez moves up one spot, Jorbit Vivas gets the start at third base and will bat eighth.
The pitching this series has been excellent in keeping a potent Nationals lineup down – here’s hoping Ritchie and company can keep that going in today’s finale.
On Sunday night, at 7:00 PM, NHL Network will air its Top 20 Wings Right Now list. Is Montreal Canadiens’ sniper Cole Caufield likely to land on that list? The American goal scorer might have failed to make his national team for the 4 Nations Face-Off and the Olympics, but that was mostly down to the Americans wanting to play a style of game that he wasn’t really suited to.
Caufield finished the last season with 88 points, third amongst all right wingers behind Nikita Kucherov (130 points) and David Pastrnak (100 points). He was also sixth amongst all wingers since Jason Robertson (96 points), Kyle Connor (92 points) and Kirill Kaprizov (89 points), who has a $17 M cap hit, all finished ahead of him.
In goals, Caufield and his 51 lamplighters ruled the roost. No one even came close to him. Kucherov was the closest right winger with 44 goals, and Kaprizov was the top-scoring left winger with 45 goals. In fact, only one forward scored more goals than Caufield, centerman Nathan MacKinnon, who had 53 goals (including eight empty-net goals). Interestingly, Kucherov, who was the second-highest-scoring right winger, had seven empty-netters.
Caufield was also tied in fourth place when it comes to the best differential amongst wingers at plus-29, bested only by Kucherov (plus-44), Brandon Hagel (plus-34), and Artturi Lehkonen (plus-32).
Statistically speaking, Caufield should find his way onto that list, even if he didn’t have the size Team USA was looking for. He’s also a constant threat on the power play, has scored a lot of game-tying or game-winning goals for the Canadiens, and he has a knack for scoring when he is most needed to, at least in the regular season. Furthermore, he’s one of the greatest bang-for-your-buck players in the league with a $7.85 million cap hit. Who do you see making the NHL Network's Top 20?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 30: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts with third base coach Victor Estevez #7 as he rounds third base after hitting a solo homer in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the trade deadline just a day away, I wanted to make a few final predictions on what the Nats will do. I think this series pretty much sealed the Nats fate as sellers. However, I do still think they could look for some controllable bullpen help. Here is a look at what the Nats will do, as well as what they won’t do.
My first prediction is that the Nats will trade Luis Garcia Jr. to the Diamondbacks. There has been a lot of smoke around that fit for a while now. Bob Nightengale put out that the D-Backs would “love” to have Garcia. The fit just makes too much sense. Arizona badly needs a first baseman, and they have some solid prospects to offer.
• Dbacks “would love” to acquire Luis Gracia Jr. and Casey Mize • Astros had jumped into Tarik Skubal sweepstakes; more realistically would be pleased to get Robbie Ray • Red Sox expected to trade Jarren Duran this winter
In a Garcia to the D-Backs deal, I think the return will be pitching based. The two key pieces in my mock trade are Patrick Forbes and Brian Curley. Both are 2025 draft picks with big upside. Forbes was the 29th pick in the 2025 draft who possesses a big fastball/slider combination. He has prototypical size, and while he has spent much of this season injured, he is healthy now. Forbes has mid-rotation upside.
Curley is a unique pitching prospect thanks to his 5’10 size. Despite his short frame, Curley can run his heater into the upper 90’s and can even top out at 100. This season he has 102 strikeouts to just 23 walks in 84.2 innings. However, he has been shockingly hittable with a .292 average against. This is still an intriguing arm who could be an exciting bullpen piece or a back end starter.
My second prediction is that Foster Griffin will also be on the move to the Rays. In my mock trade, the package will be centered around Michael Forret and Andreimi Antunez. We talked about Forret the other day in our Griffin trade package piece. His deep mix and feel for pitching makes him a safe bet to be a number 4 starter.
Antunez is a young infielder who is more of a lottery ticket. The 19 year old had an .829 OPS with more walks than strikeouts in the FCL. He just got promoted to Low-A, and seems like a prospect with plenty of helium. Antunez is a well rounded profile who can do a bit of everything, which the Nats seem to like. Overall, I think this is a fair return for Griffin, who is a rental.
One player who I do not think is going anywhere is CJ Abrams. Toboni will listen to offers, but in the end, I do not think he will pull the trigger. Boston may come close, but in the end, it just will not happen. Abrams just means too much to this team and this city. Unless the offer is just too good to refuse, a trade is not happening. In the end, I do not think Toboni gets that godfather offer he is looking for.
A trade could happen in the offseason, but I hope the two sides have real dialogue on an extension. With changes to the CBA coming, there is a chance extensions could be easier for teams to pull off in the new baseball world. For that reason, and the fact the Nats are not years away, I think they hold off on an Abrams trade.
Despite the losing lately, I still think the Nats pull off one buying move for a reliever. I am not that confident in this prediction, but I think the Nats land Sam Bachman of the Angels for Luke Dickerson and Yeremy Cabrera.
Bachman has not put everything together yet, but he has shown flashes of being a late inning weapon. The former top 10 pick has a 99 MPH sinker, but throws his filthy slider even more. He finishes off his arsenal with a changeup that gets a lot of whiffs against left handed pitching.
IF the Padres go looking for bullpen help, Sam Bachman from the Angels would be an interesting add.
4.5 years of team control, 3.94 xFIP & 3.95 ERA this season.
He is not a finished product yet, but Bachman has the potential to be a high leverage arm, and he has 4.5 years of control. Dickerson and Cabrera are two prospects with plenty of upside, but are still far from the majors. Cabrera was a smaller piece in the MacKenzie Gore trade. While the 21 year old had a ton of success in Low-A, High-A has been more of a challenge for him. Dickerson has big time offensive upside, but has been moving slowly since getting a monster bonus in the second round.
Cabrera is also Rule 5 eligible this offseason. It is a package that should intrigue the Angels for a reliever with promise but inconsistencies. This is also not really a package the Nats would feel much. Maybe it is a little bit too rich, but I am not the highest on either of those two prospects.
This should be a fun deadline with plenty of action. With Skubal going to LA last night, the floodgates have really opened. We are in for a big finish to the trade season. Let me know what you think will happen in the final hours before the trade deadline in the comments below.
Alec Burleson 
Junior Caminero
Yordan Alvarez
