HARRISBURG, PA - AUGUST 30: Joe Glassey #37 of the Harrisburg Senators signs autographs prior to the game between the Chesapeake Baysox and the Harrisburg Senators at FNB Field on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Casey Saussaman/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
The Nats made several moves at the deadline that I have talked about quite a bit. However, there is one deal that did not get a lot of press but it has been aging well for the Nats. Just before the deadline, the Nats made a seemingly minor move with the O’s. They sent outfielder Christian Franklin to Baltimore in exchange for reliever Joe Glassey.
Franklin was the bigger name of the two and has already made his MLB debut in Baltimore. However, I think the Nats will get the upper hand in this exchange. Since joining the Nats organization, Glassey has been slicing through hitters like butter. He dominated in AA, which earned him a late season promotion to Rochester.
Joe Glassey was acquired by the Nats at the trade deadline for Christian Franklin (.516 OPS in 42 MLB PAs) and has yet to allow a run through 11 innings of work at Double A. 25 years old, could be in the Nats bullpen by next season. A very solid on-the-margins move by Paul Toboni pic.twitter.com/Oee8Ly0ZTd
Glassey played five years of college baseball and was an undrafted free agent out of Illinois. That means Glassey is an older prospect having turned 25 in July. While Glassey put up very impressive numbers in the lower minors, the age stuck out like a sore thumb. Before joining the Nats, Glassey only made 2 appearances in AA.
However, he has proven that his dominance can translate to the upper levels. In 10 outings at Harrisburg, Glassey did not allow a single run in 11 innings while striking out 12 batters. More impressively, he only gave up 1 hit and 1 walk. He was just mowing guys down and he forced his way to AAA.
Throughout his professional career, Glassey’s strikeout to walk numbers have been extraordinary. In 27 innings last year, Glassey struck out 37 and walked just 2 hitters. This year it has been more of the same with 70 strikeouts to 9 walks in 44.1 innings.
So how does Glassey produce these jaw dropping results? Well, his biggest weapon is his changeup/splitter that is absolutely filthy. The pitch gets so much movement and he kills spin on it so effectively. His changeup averages below 1,000 RPM, which is an outlier number. That stat is why I think the pitch is actually more of a splitter.
RHP Joe Glassey has thrown 10 IP for AA Harrisburg since being acquired for OF Christian Franklin
Once he gets to the big leagues, I think he will be throwing that pitch even more than he already does. It looks like a true plus-plus pitch that will help him carve out a big league role. To go with that changeup, Glassey has a solid fastball. It sits around 94-95 MPH with solid ride and run. He commands the pitch very well which helps make up for its average traits. Finally, Glassey will mix in a slider to keep hitters honest.
This arsenal reminds me of Tommy Kahnle who carved out a long big league career with his nasty changeup. In his prime, Kahnle had more velocity than Glassey does, but I think Glassey’s command is better.
He has only made two appearances so far in Rochester, but at the moment it looks like more of the same. Glassey has not allowed a run in his two outings and has struck out 5 hitters in the process. Even at the highest level of the minors, nobody has figured out that changeup yet.
Heading into next season, I think we will see Glassey at some point. Honestly, he might break camp with the team if he has a good spring. With how dominant he has been, Glassey will get chances to prove himself.
It was an on the margins move, but this deal is aging well for Paul Toboni so far. Some of his less than stellar trades have been talked about lately, but this one looks good. Franklin was not someone the Nats needed given their outfield depth.
Meanwhile, Glassey has a chance to be a long term piece of a Nats bullpen that desperately needs help. The lack of a plus fastball might limit his ceiling, but Joe Glassey has a very clear path to being a 7th inning guy for a long time.
Lakers' Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson share a few words during Game 4 of the 2010 NBA Western Conference semifinals in Dallas. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Phil Jackson will be the next member of the Lakers to receive a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers announced on Tuesday that they have commissioned a statue of the coach who led them to five NBA championships — with help from Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol and others — that will be unveiled April 9 when the Minnesota Timberwolves are in Los Angeles for the next-to-last game of the 2026-27 season.
The statue will be designed and created by Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio.
Jackson had already led Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles during the 1990s when then-Lakers owner Jerry Buss hired him before the 1999-00 season. He ended up coaching the team in two stints — winning three championships with Bryant and O’Neal as his stars from 1999 to 2004 and two more with Bryant and Gasol leading the way from 2005 to 2011.
Jackson’s 11 championships are the most for any NBA coach, a record he claimed from former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach (nine).
“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement released by the team. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game.
“After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
Jackson will join Bryant, O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Pat Riley and Jerry West as former Laker players and coaches, along with Chick Hearn, with statues at Star Plaza.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 06: Fans hold signs for Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros showing his career hit total in the eighth inning during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Daikin Park on September 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You never know what the baseball gods have in store. It can literally be hit or miss. The Cincinnati faithful packed Riverfront Stadium to witness Pete Rose’s magical night as he surpassed Ty Cobb’s record. Who could possibly forget the 22-minute victory lap that Cal Ripken Jr took around Camden? For every one of those, there’s the flip side. Tony Gwynn’s 3000th hit came in front of scattered patrons inside a decrepit Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
Jose Altuve sits at the doorstep of 2,500 hits, needing only 1 hit to join that exclusive club. The first single came against Tyler Clippard of the Nationals on July 20th, 2011. 5,529 days later here we are. Inevitably the boos will come reigning down tonight in South Philly, the same fan base that booed Santa Claus, and they will be relentless. Of course, there’s also the little matter of the 2022 World Series the Astros took in 6 games over the Phillies to add insult to injury. That’s the backdrop for #27 to author another hallmark moment in his amazing career.
Former teammate Bud Norris fondly remembers their first meeting:
“When I first learned he was our top prospect in 2011, I walked down to minor league camp and waited until he came through the cage. I heard the ball coming off his bat and was immediately impressed. It was three days later and he’s in a big-league spring training game and he went 3-3 with a pair of doubles. All doubters stopped talking that day.”
When asked what truly sets Jose apart from others, Bud didn’t hesitate:
“He never gives up on AB’s. He will take his swings. He can barrel any pitch in any location, and he knows how to backspin balls for lift and then also line drive powers them out to all fields.”
In a nutshell, the 5’6” maestro has set the standard for the Astros franchise. Norris concurs.
“Altuve changed the game. He’s the embodiment of what makes the game so great. Size doesn’t show up on a trackman. He’s just a special guy and a great talent.”
A former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman is heading to another Metropolitan Division team.
The Carolina Hurricanes have announced that they have signed defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year, $850,000 contract for the 2026-27 season.
Joseph signing with the Hurricanes comes after he spent the 2025-26 season with the Vancouver Canucks. In 31 games with Vancouver last season, the former Penguins defenseman posted one goal, six points, 18 hits, and a minus-16 rating.
Joseph will now likely serve as a depth defenseman for the Hurricanes. This is a low-risk move for Carolina, and it will be interesting to see how the former Penguins defenseman performs with the reigning Stanley Cup champions from here.
Joseph spent five seasons over two stints with the Penguins. In 171 games as a member of the Penguins, the 6-foot-2 defenseman recorded eight goals, 30 assists, 38 points, 88 penalty minutes, 114 blocks, and 186 hits.
Joseph's second stint with the Penguins ended after the 2024-25 season when he signed with the Canucks during the 2025 NHL off-season.
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year, $850,000 contract.
The 27-year-old defenseman appeared in 31 games this past season with the Vancouver Canucks and has a total of 225 career NHL games across parts of six seasons with the Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.
For his career, the 2017 first-round pick has nine goals and 46 points, 1155 blocks and 217 hits.
Despite playing for the league worst Canucks and dealing with a bit of injury trouble, Joseph had strong underlying numbers in a third-pairing role, which is perhaps the reason why Carolina brought him in.
The league minimum contract carries little risk for the Hurricanes and with the status of Alexander Nikishin still up in the air as training camp approaches, it doesn't hurt to have additional options in the organization.
Joseph is also the team's first and only UFA signing so far this offseason.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: Chase Burns #26 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Monday, September 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tom Wilson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Chase Burns got the start for the Cincinnati Reds against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night in southern California, and he did not allow a hit.
Their ace. The starter. Did not allow a hit. Front-page news almost every time you see those components combined, right?
For 44 brilliant pitches, Burns tore through the Dodgers lineup once, and swooshed right by superstar Shohei Ohtani twice. That, though, was it – Cincinnati began to deploy their plan to keep him healthy for 2027 while still building innings and endurance by starting every fifth day through the end of the season, and lefty Brandon Williamson took over to throw 86 innings beginning with the Bottom of the 4th.
This appears to be the plan. It’s not going to be easing him back to 70 pitches, then 60, then 50 and 40 and so on. Rather, he’s going to go out and face a lineup for a turn and hopefully do so as efficiently and effectively as possible, likely for at least three more turns through the rotation as there are 18 games remaining in this 2026 season.
Doing so will keep him from adding to the 15 wins he’s accrued already this year, if that’s the kind of thing you’re still into despite all the dissection of the stat over the last 35 years. It might also keep his velocity up around 99 mph, as he knows he’s not going to need to pace himself so much while letting it rip.
With 148.1 IP under his belt, another trio of 3.0 IP outings would push him to 157.1 for the year. That would be nearly a 50 IP jump over the 109.1 IP he logged across all levels during the 2025 season, a significant but not outlandish progression. Beyond that, it would – in theory – build him up to the point where going a full season with zero throttling in 2027 would be firmly on the table, something that sounds increasingly juicy with Hunter Greene sidelined and the rest of the Reds rotation options looking anything but rock-solid dependable over the course of this particular season.
It obviously reduces the Reds chances of winning more games than they lose this season, something that’s already going to be nearly impossible for all the reasons mentioned in the above sentence. They’re also 69-75 with a brutal schedule remaining, but maybe this will help them sink down the depth chart of win leaders across the league and, therefore, give them a better chance at a top draft pick next summer.
Most importantly, it’s them being proactive about keeping their resident ace in the best position to succeed next year when the Reds, presumably, will try to make more of an effort to win games than they have so far in 2026.
Late-night drinking incidents and a post-Bazball reboot have given the hosts plenty to think about, while the tourists have their own problems to sort out
There are some chilly white-ball games still to come this month and with it the sight of Kevin Pietersen back in England training kit for the first time in 12 years. KP is down with the kids these days, 6/7 memes and the like, and starts a new life as the “specialist mentor” to Harry Brook’s young thrusters.
But the final Test of the summer that starts at Edgbaston on Wednesday does feel like an end of sorts, or at least one last push before a breather for the side that has undergone the more significant recalibration. And that is before we get on to Pakistan and a tour that has descended into a bonfire of players and a phone-snatching investigation into “discipline and conduct”.
The Lakers will unveil a statue of another legendary coach late in the 2026-27 season.
The franchise announced Tuesday that it’ll unveil a statue of Phil Jackson, who won five NBA championships in 11 seasons with the Lakers, on April 9, 2027 outside Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson waves three fingers signifying the team’s three consecutive NBA championships in 2002. REUTERS
The team is set to host the Timberwolves that night in a nationally-televised game on ESPN.
“Phil Jackson defines championship basketball for a reason,” Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “His masterful approach to coaching brought out the best in some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. After he accepted my dad’s invitation to join the Lakers, Phil’s unmatched creativity and commitment to excellence restored our championship legacy, bringing five titles and setting a standard of excellence for generations to come. It is a great joy to be able to mark that achievement with the statue he so richly deserves.”
After guiding the Bulls to six NBA titles from 1991-98, Jackson took over the Lakers coaching reins ahead of the 1999-2000 season, leading the franchise in one of its best eras: Five NBA titles (seven NBA Finals appearances), including three consecutive championships from 2000-02 and back-to-back titles in 2009 and ‘10, while he was head coach from 1999-2004 and 2005-2011.
Jackson is the Lakers’ all-time leader for the most regular-season games coached (902), most playoff games coached (181), most regular-season game wins (610) and most playoff wins (118).
Kobe Bryant (left) won all five of his NBA titles with Phil Jackson as his coach. AP
The Lakers reached the postseason every year under Jackson, including nine 50-plus-win seasons and two 60-plus-win seasons.
Jackson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and was named one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history as part of the league’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2022.
He’ll become the ninth person the franchise honors with a statue, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Pat Riley and Jerry West.
Shaquille O’Neal (right) won his first three NBA titles with coach Phil Jackson (left). REUTERS
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 10: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns and Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns talks to the media after the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
You may look at the Suns re-signing Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million contract as unnecessary. He hasn’t exactly been the picture of health throughout his career. And while he played 60 games last season, 15 more than his previous career high, that still left him 22 games short of a full 82-game season.
So why pay him $11.7 million for 2026–27? You have second-year center Khaman Maluach waiting in the wings, along with third-year big Oso Ighodaro providing versatility behind him. On the surface, you could make the argument that Phoenix didn’t need to spend that money on Williams.
I’ve talked ad nauseam about the optionality his contract provides in both the short and long term. If he plays well, you have a quality center on a team that isn’t going to be center-centric. If he struggles, or if Maluach exceeds expectations early, you have a highly tradable contract.
But I’m not worried about any of that today. What stands out right now is how versatile the Suns suddenly are at center. Between Williams, Maluach, and Oso, Phoenix has options depending on what a matchup calls for, and that is one area of the roster that doesn’t feel like it should create much anxiety entering the season.
Phoenix is not a city, or a franchise, that has known much stability at center. Three seasons ago, it was Jusuf Nurkic and Drew Eubanks. Two seasons ago, it was Nurkic and Mason Plumlee. And before that, you had a player with all of the promise but none of the mental toughness to allow it to come to fruition. Too often, the Suns have been stuck with lumbering, limited bigs who check only a couple of the boxes you want from a productive center.
Those boxes? Rim protection. Rebounding. Finishing. Screening. Athleticism. And if you want to add a bonus skill, the ability to stretch the floor. Throughout the organization’s history, Phoenix has gotten two of those six attributes and had to make do.
The beauty of this year’s roster is that Williams, Khaman Maluach, and Oso Ighodaro each check multiple boxes, which gives Jordan Ott the ability to play chess rather than checkers.
Williams graded in the 91st percentile with an A in rim protection, according to BBall Index. He also earned an A in defensive rebounds per 75 possessions, an A- in offensive rebounding talent, an A in offensive rebounds per 75 possessions, and an A in finishing talent, where he ranked in the 93rd percentile.
There is still room for improvement as a screener. His screening talent graded out at a C+, although he earned an A in both screen assists per 75 possessions and roll man possessions per 75.
What Williams did last season was play within the confines of the offense and complement what was happening around him. At times, it felt like he was underutilized, especially when certain mismatches presented themselves, and Phoenix continued to lean heavily into perimeter play.
Still, there’s a reason the Suns paid him. Mark Williams is a quality NBA center. Is he top 15 at the position? Probably not. But when you look at his contract within the context of the league, the value becomes much easier to understand. At an average annual value of $12.7 million, Williams ranks 34th among NBA centers. When you start talking about production relative to price, that is where Mark Williams can provide real value.
Maluach is your wild card, the kid who will be 20 years old when the season starts and showcased plenty of potential this summer in Las Vegas. He still has a lot of work to do, but he already possesses the rim protection, rebounding, finishing, and athleticism you want from a lottery pick. And screening? Stretching the floor? He might eventually be able to do both of those effectively as well. Heck, he shot 40% from deep in Las Vegas this past Summer League, and did so on 20 attempts.
If the progression continues and the opportunity follows, Maluach could become something special, not only as a prospect, but potentially as a franchise cornerstone. We don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but the skill set he brings gives Jordan Ott another piece he can weave in and out of games to disrupt opposing teams.
I think back to last season against the Denver Nuggets, when Ott put Maluach on Nikola Jokic after Jokic had been dissecting Phoenix from the high post all game. Maluach didn’t stop him, but he slowed him down. He forced Jokić to look at different angles and work harder to complete passes because of the length, tenacity, and disruption Maluach brought. That matters because disruption was a major part of what made the Suns successful last season. Maluach fits directly into that identity.
And then you have the advanced metrics darling, Oso Ighodaro.
When you look at the six attributes of a quality big, he doesn’t check every box. His rim protection graded as an A, according to BBall Index, while his defensive rebounding came in at a B plus. His offensive rebounding talent, however, ranked in the 12th percentile and earned an F. As for stretching the floor? That probably isn’t entering his repertoire anytime soon.
What Oso does possess is athleticism, finishing ability, elite screening for the position, and the versatility to switch onto the perimeter. That last part makes him an especially useful defensive option for Jordan Ott. In the modern NBA, having a big who can survive away from the rim and defend multiple types of players is incredibly valuable. Oso gives Phoenix exactly that.
When you put those three players together, you get a level of optionality at center that Phoenix hasn’t had in quite some time. I guess technically since last season, although the hope is that we see much more of Maluach this year.
When all three are healthy, the Suns can dictate pace, adjust to matchups, or respond to whatever an opponent throws at them. And if they aren’t all healthy, there is still viable depth behind whoever is available. You don’t have to sprinkle in starts for Chimezie Metu simply to survive the NBA calendar.
That versatility could end up being one of the unsung strengths of this roster because center is not the featured position in Phoenix. This isn’t Denver or Philadelphia. It’s a complementary position, one that needs to be occupied by capable players who understand their role, embrace it, and thrive within it. Williams, Maluach, and Ighodaro all have the ability to do exactly that.
Phoenix doesn’t need one center to do everything. It needs the position as a whole to provide enough answers over the course of 82 games. Williams gives you proven production. Maluach gives you upside and disruption. Oso gives you versatility and mobility. None of them is perfect, but together they cover a hell of a lot of ground. For a team built around Booker, Green, Bridges, and Brooks, that may be exactly what the position is supposed to look like.
The Houston Astros (73-71) visit the City of Brotherly Love tonight as they open a crucial three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies (81-63). Houston holds a precarious two-game lead in the AL West while the Phillies are four back in the NL East but with a tight grasp on a Wild Card spot.
Houston arrives in town after dropping two of three over the weekend to Arizona. The Astros scored five runs in the final two games of the series (both losses). They could not get the clutch hit in either game going 2-7 with Runners in Scoring Position Sunday after going a woeful 2-12 Saturday. Philadelphia also had issues at the plate over the weekend in their series at Citizen’s Bank Park against the Braves. Philly scored a mere 11 runs over the four-game set, but they did manage a split of the four games with Atlanta.
Hayden Wesneski (4-1, 3.18 ERA) takes the mound for Houston in the series opener. The righthander has allowed one run across his last three starts (17 innings). The Astros have won six of his seven starts this season. Andrew Painter (3-8, 5.55 ERA) gets the ball for Philadelphia. Consistency had been a problem for the 23-year-old until recently. Last Wedensday, he shut out the Diamondbacks over seven innings and has allowed just four runs over his last 20 innings. Philadelphia has won four of his last five starts and the one loss was by the score of 1-0.
Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.
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Game Details and How to Watch: Astros vs. Phillies
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Time: 6:40PM EST
Site: Citizens Bank Park
City: Philadelphia, PA
Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, SCHN, NBC Sports Philadelphia
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The Latest Odds: Astros vs. Phillies
The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Houston Astros (+119), Philadelphia Phillies (-143)
Spread: Astros +1.5 (-171), Phillies -1.5 (+141)
Total: 8.5 runs
Probable Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Astros vs. Phillies for September 8
Phillies: Andrew Painter Season Totals: 105.1 IP, 3-8, 5.55 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 91K, 37 BB
Bryce Harper was 2-14 against the Braves this past weekend
Alec Bohm was 3-13 against the Braves including 2 2Bs and 1 HR
Yordan Alvarez is just 5-20 with 1 HR in September
Jose Altuve was 4-12 in the 3-game series against Arizona over the weekend
Trea Turner is 2-6 including 2 HRs in his career against Hayden Wesneski
Kyle Schwarber (1-5) has also homered against Wesneski in his career
The Astros have won each of Wesneski’s last 3 starts
Hayden Wesneski has averaged 5Ks over his last 5 starts
Andrew Painter has struck out 6+ hitters in 4 of his last 5 starts
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Top Betting Trends & Insights: Astros vs. Phillies
The Astors are 75-65 on the Run Line this season
The Phillies are 58-82 on the Run Line this season
The OVER has cashed 71 times in Houston’s 144 games this season (71-65-8)
The OVER has cashed 64 times in the Phillies’ 144 games this season (64-71-9)
Expert picks & predictions: Astros vs. Phillies
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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 today’s game between the Phillies and the Astros:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Phillies on the Moneyline.
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line.
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 8.5.
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Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, the Dodgers attempt to get Shohei Ohtani right, Aaron Judge and Corbin Burnes are back, the Guardians and Blue Jays jockey for playoff position, and umpire Doug Eddings creates an entirely avoidable controversy.
As a reminder, this article is a combination of current performance and long-term outlook.
Let’s get into it!
Note: Rankings are from the morning of Tuesday, September 8
1) Milwaukee Brewers
Last week: 1
The Brewers have been taking care of business against the Cubs over the past week, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to worry about here. The starting rotation owns an 8.01 ERA over their last nine games and Kyle Harrison looks to have hit a wall.
2) Los Angeles Dodgers ⬆️
Last week: 4
Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers’ lineup on Monday after missing four games with knee and biceps issues. The Dodgers won all four of those games, but of course they need Ohtani’s bat if they are going to win it all again. With that plan in mind, it now appears that Ohtani won’t pitch again this season.
Shohei Ohtani said tonight he is "most likely" not going to pitch any more this season and is "focusing on hitting moving forward."
Freddy Peralta had his best start as a member of the Rays as he squared off against the Mets last week. Imagine that? Getting the best version of him — or close to it — takes on more importance now that Shane McClanahan is on the IL with a forearm issue.
4) Atlanta Braves ⬇️
Last week: 3
In a fun potential playoff preview, the Braves and Phillies split their four-game series over the weekend. Ronald Acuña Jr., who hit his 200th career homer earlier in the week, also delivered a clutch three-run homer in Sunday’s victory. He enjoys the role of the heel.
It’s weirdly appropriate that Aaron Judge ended up missing 99 days with his right rib stress fracture. The Yankees went 45-39 during his absence and sit four games behind the Rays in the AL East. Will there be any rust for Judge? Can the Yankees close the gap with 19 games to play?
The series against the Braves also included a gem from Jesus Luzardo, who delivered a two-hit shutout in a tidy one hour and 51 minutes on Saturday. It was the first time Luzardo’s career (165 starts) that he threw a pitch in the ninth inning. Maybe the Phillies won’t be able to chase down the Braves for the NL East crown, but they should feel really good about where they’re at going into the postseason.
7) Chicago Cubs
Last week: 7
Clay Holmes was the headliner of the trade with the Mets at the deadline, but Tyrone Taylor has been anything but a throw-in. He’s hitting .407 (22-for-54) with a homer and six doubles through 22 games with Chicago.
8) Boston Red Sox
Last week: 8
The Red Sox are hot again, winning five in a row while effectively snuffing out the Orioles’ playoff hopes along the way. The big highlight from the week was Adley Rutschman’s emotional and memorable return to Camden Yards.
Adley Rutschman launches his second homer of the game in his return to Baltimore! pic.twitter.com/JMVhcZvnu7
As the D-Backs cling to that third Wild Card spot in the NL, Corbin Burnes is set to make his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. He hasn’t pitched in a major league game since June 1 of last year. He’ll likely have some abbreviated outings out of the gate, but what a lift he could provide for these playoff hopefuls.
10) Chicago White Sox ⬇️
Last week: 9
Colson Montgomery launched his 31st homer on Saturday, but the guy who caught this ball was the real star of the show.
Yordan Alvarez has just two homers since August 14 and just three since July 28. He might win the Triple Crown yet, but he’s lucky he’s not in the National League. So are the Astros, for that matter.
13) Cleveland Guardians
Last week: 13
Gavin Williams registered a career-high 13 strikeouts against the Blue Jays last Monday and followed that up with 11 strikeouts in a win over the Tigers on Sunday. That gives him three starts (three!) of at least 11 strikeouts in his last four.
14) Toronto Blue Jays ⬆️
Last week: 15
Tough loss against the A’s on Monday aside, the Blue Jays have won seven out of nine to put themselves right back into playoff contention. Alejandro Kirk has played a key role in the turnaround, hitting .318 with five homers and 17 RBI over his last 22 games.
15) Texas Rangers ⬆️
Last week: 17
The Rangers are running out of time to show that they are more than a fringe .500 team, which has basically been their identity all season. Cal Quantrill has stepped up for their battered rotation with three scoreless outings in his last four.
16) St. Louis Cardinals ⬆️
Last week: 18
On Friday, we saw the ultimate ump show, as home plate umpire Doug Eddings stopped play to instruct Hancel Rincon to straighten his hat. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with tilting your cap. Countless players have done it over the years, with Dontrelle Willis and Fernando Rodney serving as prominent examples. Yet, Rincon, who was major his major league debut at the time, was the target. It was heartening to see Cardinals players and even some Rockies players where their hats tilted on Saturday in a show of support for the rookie.
Players from the St. Louis Cardinals tilted their caps Saturday night in apparent protest of umpire Doug Eddings, one day after he instructed Cardinals rookie pitcher Hancel Rincon to straighten his hat.
Eury Pérez isn’t exactly finishing his season on a high note. After Monday’s loss to the Mets, he now owns an ugly 12.34 ERA with 10 walks and four homers allowed in 11 2/3 innings over his last three starts.
18) Pittsburgh Pirates ⬆️
Last week: 19
So, Luke Weaver has mostly struggled since coming over from the Mets, posting a 5.79 ERA over 10 appearances. Now we have the context. Ouch.
Luke Weaver told @DKPGHSports that he's been dealing with severe poison ivy for almost a month and has hardly slept during that time.
The Orioles finally snapped their six-game losing streak on Monday, but they’ve effectively put themselves out of playoff contention. And the good vibes with Luis Robert Jr. didn’t last long, as he’s already on the IL.
20) Cincinnati Reds ⬆️
Last week: 21
The Reds have begun ramping down Chase Burns after a ridiculously successful first full season in the majors. He was pulled after three no-hit innings against the Dodgers on Monday, which places him at 148 1/3 innings for the year. The 23-year-old threw 107 1/3 innings between the majors and minors combined last season, so it's time to protect him and look ahead to next year.
21) Minnesota Twins ⬇️
Last week: 20
If you’re wondering why the Twins haven’t been able to bridge the gap in the Wild Card race, consider that the starting rotation has a 5.16 ERA dating back to the All-Star break. It would take an unlikely run to make it happen, but Joe Ryan’s return was welcome on Monday.
22) Seattle Mariners ⬆️
Last week: 23
Losing three out of four to the A’s is not what a playoff team does. The writing is on the wall at this point, but at least we can see a bunch of Lazaro Montes and Michael Arroyo to finish out the season.
23) Washington Nationals ⬇️
Last week: 22
CJ Abrams reached the 30-homer mark for the first time in his career on Sunday. Still, it’s been a struggle for him of late. He’s slashing .172/.246/.279 over his last 30 games dating back to the start of August.
24) New York Mets ⬆️
Last week: 26
If you look at Bo Bichette’s season on the whole, it’s been a disappointment. However, including this dramatic go-ahead three-run homer on Saturday, he’s hitting .306/.348/.479 with 11 homers over his last 81 games. In other words, very Bo Bichette-like. Assuming he sticks around next year, the Mets' lineup has a bunch of nice pieces.
The Tigers lost three out of four to the Guardians — all of the losses coming in walkoff fashion — so it’s all but over here. It’s still shocking to see that Detroit owns a +51 run differential. The Guardians, who occupy the third Wild Card spot at the moment, hold a -16 run differential. Wild.
26) Kansas City Royals ⬇️
Last week: 25
Carter Jensen hasn’t received much attention nationally, but the rookie backstop is red-hot to begin September (.391 with three homers and a 1.505 OPS) and leads all AL rookies with 53 extra-base hits.
27) San Francisco Giants
Last week: 27
After a slow start, Rafael Devers has been one of the best hitters in baseball over the past four months. With two doubles in Monday’s extra-inning win over the Cardinals, Devers became the first Giants player to reach at least 35 homers and 35 doubles in a season since Hall of Famer Jeff Kent did it in 2002. There’s a lot that’s wrong with the Giants right now, but Devers is an exception.
28) Athletics
Last week: 28
Jeff McNeil was hitting .226 going into the All-Star break, but he’s dramatically turned his season around by hitting .338 over his last 43 games.
29) Colorado Rockies ⬆️
Last week: 30
Yes, the center fielder fell down, but I will choose to ignore that. Inside-the-park homers never get old.
The Angels have been eliminated from postseason contention, extending their MLB-worst streak to 12 seasons. With new ownership coming, you have to wonder about Mike Trout’s future with this team.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 11: Dillon Jones #1 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 11, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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
The Sixers have signed Dillon Jones to an Exhibit 10 contract.
Jones was the 26th overall pick back in 2024, selected by the Washington Wizards before being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on draft night. He made 54 appearances for the Thunder in his rookie season, playing 10 minutes a game averaging 2.5 points and 2.2 rebounds on 38% field goal shooting.
After being traded back to and waived by the Wizards, he bounced around several G League teams last season before signing a two-way deal with the New York Knicks in January. He made just seven appearances for the Knicks and only averaged five minutes a game per appearance. In 18 games for the Westchester Knicks, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game, shooting 43% from the field and 38% from three.
Jones was a 32% three-point shooter in his four college seasons at Weber State and hasn’t shot over 25% from deep in his limited NBA opportunities. He did though make a big shooting leap in the G League, going 27.5% from three in his first season to 37% over the course of his second season with three teams.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country.
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is having a spectacular season. This, you already know.
He’s the likely National League MVP and is close to setting a record for home runs for any Cubs left-handed hitter, starting today just one behind Billy Williams’ 42 in 1970.
He’s also possibly on track for a 40/40 season, which would be the first-ever for a Cubs player and just the seventh ever by anyone. PCA stole two bases against the Brewers Monday and has 35. There are 17 games remaining in the 2026 regular season.
So that’s week’s SB Nation Reacts survey question: How many steals will PCA have for the 2026 regular season? Cast your vote and I’ll post the final results here later this week.
Core Jackson of the Somerset Patriots throws the ball during a Minor League baseball game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, United States, on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
September is the ultimate encapsulation of the baseball season winding down. The major league team is entering its final sprint, but before they get to the postseason, things eventually end in the minors as well. This week, the two A-ball affiliates ended their regular seasons, with one preparing to begin a playoff run on Tuesday.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Record: 36-26 (73-63), 1 GB in the International League East after a 5-2 week against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Phillies)
Run differential: +57 (+60)
Coming up: Away @ Rochester Red Wings (Nationals)
It was a big week for the RailRiders, who won five of the last six games against Lehigh Valley after dropping a suspended game to open the week. It pulled them into a tie for first in the International League with Rochester, which will make their upcoming six-game series (note: Scranton lost Game 1 on Labor Day in a rare Monday game) likely pivotal to who goes to the playoffs.
It was a great week for the bats, who got contributions from up and down the lineup. Kenedy Corona had a multi-homer game, Yanquiel Fernandez blasted three homers, J.C. Escarra, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Max Schuemann all hit over .350 this week, and even the struggling Jasson Domínguez got going before his emergency promotion. The real story here remains the power revival of Anthony Volpe, who’s been playing three positions and is now slashing .295/.393/.667 with 10 home runs in 27 games since being sent down. That’s how you send a message.
Elmer Rodríguez spent the week out west with the big league club, so the focus this week was on the rest of the gang. We got great six-inning starts by both Adam Kloffenstein and Alexander Cornielle, but on the prospect front, Brendan Beck allowed one run in six innings with seven strikeouts as he continued to stay ready, while Kyle Carr couldn’t get out of the third as he continues to build up. It was good to finally see something positive from Xavier Rivas, who allowed just two earned runs in five innings after a dreadful first month at the level.
Eric Reyzelman continued his better pitching of late, as he and Zach Messinger combined to toss 7.2 shutout innings in what was ultimately an iffy week for the bullpen. The main attraction was the rehabbing Clarke Schmidt, who looked healthy in his four innings of work this week as he continues to build his way back.
Record: 33-30 (70-62), 3.5 GB in the Eastern League Northeast after a 3-3 week against the Erie SeaWolves (Tigers)
Run differential: +1 (+37)
Coming up: Home vs. Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies)
Somerset is officially on the ropes after failing to make a statement against Erie. They’ll likely need to sweep Hartford this upcoming week and get help from that SeaWolves team that just beat them to get a playoff spot.
Jace Avina had big moments this week, including a slump-busting homer on Tuesday, but has overall had a rough go of it since July. Omar Alfonzo hit the ball well in his two starts, as did Cole Gabrielson, Roderick Arias, Jackson Castillo, and Core Jackson, with the latter going 8-for-25 with his first Double-A homer as he continues to acclimate to his new level.
It was an up-and-down week for the rotation. Cade Smith drew double duty and had two iffy outings, allowing eight runs in 9.2 innings. Chase Hampton continued to struggle mightily at the level, being chased in the third inning before being DFA’d on Monday. Both Bryce Cunningham and Rory Fox had good weeks to salvage things for a rough rotation, with the former notching a seven-inning complete game for his first Double-A win and the latter tossing a quality start with six two-run innings.
The bullpen was really awful this week, with the only guy putting up zeroes being converted starter Trent Sellers. I’m not sure if there’s big-league potential for the almost 27-year-old, but he’s salvaged a bad start to the season by pitching to a 2.48 ERA in 29 innings with 41 strikeouts since mid-June.
Record: 35-31 (65-65), 7.5 GB in the South Atlantic League North after a 1-5 week against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals)
Run differential: +35 (+4)
The season is over down in Hudson Valley, whose nine-game winning streak in mid-August was not nearly enough to make up for a rough start to the second half. It didn’t help how bad the last two weeks have been, particularly with three shutout losses this week to Wilmington and a brutal, season-ending walk-off loss to end it on Sunday.
Two players hit major milestones this week, as Kyle West notched a 20/20 season late in the week, while Jackson Lovich finished with 24 homers and 41 stolen bases, narrowly missing being the first 25/40 Yankee since Ruben Rivera in 1994. There’s some very promising bats here, especially at the catching position with a pair of 2025 undrafted free agents in Eric Genther and David McCann. Next year, Hudson Valley will likely be home to many 2026 draftees, as some of the guys previously mentioned are tested up in Somerset.
This was a pitching staff that stayed relatively intact all season long. Only a late-season promotion for Cunningham changed things after the early-season call-ups to Allen Facundo and the now-traded Henry Lalane. I thought it was a great season for Luis Serna, who broke the Renegades’ single-season strikeout record as he shattered his previous career high in innings to put him back on the map. I wonder if Allen Facundo, who’s command continues to hold him back, will be put in the bullpen next season to fast-track his electric stuff.
Record: 43-20 (75-48), 9 GA in the Florida State League West after a 4-2 week against the Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Run differential: +114 (+137)
Coming up: FSL Division Series vs. Clearwater Threshers (Phillies)
The regular season has come to an end, and no team is hotter than the Tampa Tarpons, who haven’t lost a series since mid-June. After winning their ninth series in the last 11 (with two splits), they solidified the best record in the Florida State League. They’ll look to secure the West Division title against Clearwater this week.
For the first time in a while, it wasn’t complete domination for the offense. Anthony Potestio continued to be the best 2026 draftee thus far, as the 11th-round pick is slashing .333/.513/.684 with five homers in his first 80 pro plate appearances. Paul Gutierrez-Contreras II, Diego Castellanos, and Luis Escudero all had strong weeks as well, with Dax Kilby continuing to draw walks at a very mature rate.
In the final full week of the rotation, things went well, even if injuries continued to ravage them. Tyler Boudreau suffered a nasty forearm injury on a comebacker mid-week, while Sabier Marte quietly went on the injured list late in the week. Aside from Wyatt Parliament’s struggles with the long ball, everyone else showed out. Edinzo Marquez tossed five shutout frames, Anthony Mena looked good in 3.2 innings of a bullpen game, J.T. Etheridge stacked another good outing, and Justin West tossed five two-run innings of ball.
In the bullpen, there was nothing overtly noteworthy as Antonio Gomez tossed another scoreless outing and guys like Josh Tiedemann and Rafael Arias pitched well, but the story was the first debut of a 2026 pitcher, as Jason Krieger was recalled from the complex to toss 1.1 innings on Sunday due to the injuries. The Yankees rarely have a pitcher make an appearance in their draft year.
Los Angeles, CA - September 07, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernández (37) celebrates after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of an MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-3 on Monday which seems like a totally normal score, though perhaps with a little more offense than the Dodgers put forth during their July-August malaise. They’ve now scored at least six runs in three straight games, a streak they’ve now achieved twice within their last eight contests.
But it’s how the Dodgers scored on Monday that was notable. They only had three hits.
Hernández, who also singled and scored in the fifth inning, had two of the Dodgers’ three hits on Monday. During his eight-game hit streak, Hernández is 13 for 29 with two home runs and three doubles, hitting .448/.543/.759 with 11 RBI, including driving in runs in each of the last five games.
Four years ago in Chicago, the Dodgers walked nine times to complement their three hits. On Monday against the Reds, the Dodgers walked six times and were hit by a pitch. An error accounted for two of the Dodgers’ six runs on Monday.
The last two nights at Dodger Stadium have featured rarities. On Sunday, there was actual rain (though nothing that interrupted the game). On Monday, it was scoring six runs on only three hits. Let’s see what Tuesday brings.
