Welcome back from the All-Star break, Detroit Tigers fans! AJ Hinch and Co. open up the “second half” of the 2026 campaign on the road against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim starting on Friday night. It will be a late start for those of us in the more easterly time zones — and will be even worse on Saturday night.
Taking the mound in the first game after the All-Star break for the Tigers is right-hander Troy Melton, who will make his ninth start of the season. The 25-year-old is riding a four-game streak that saw him allow one or fewer runs, posting a 0.76 ERA and 2.68 FIP over that 23 2/3 frame stretch while increasing his strikeout totals in each appearance until reaching his career-high of nine in his most recent outing in just 5 2/3 innings.
For the home team, left-hander Reid Detmers will toe the rubber looking to turn things around after a rough couple of games heading into the break. The 27-year-old’s starts were brutal, posting a 10.00 ERA and 7.77 FIP over nine frames of work, allowing 14 hits (four home runs) and four walks while striking out 11 and throwing a pair of wild pitches.
Here is a look at how the two match up on paper as both teams open things back up at Angel Stadium.
Detroit Tigers (44-52) vs. Los Angeles Angels (38-59)
Time (ET): 9:38 p.m. Place: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, California SB Nation Site: N/A Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 97: RHP Troy Melton (5-1, 1.82 ERA) vs. LHP Reid Detmers (3-6, 4.39 ERA)
Let’s see. What to write about? Jordan Walker and the HR Derby? JJ Wetherholt and his extension or MVP run or ROY run or all three? How about noting that the Cardinals as a team are exactly where they were this time in both 2024 and 2025 (although they got here a different way)? What about that 2026 Amateur Draft? So many topics. But they’ve all been pretty well covered, so as usual, we will zig as everyone zags.
This is an article I’ve been contemplating for a few weeks now but am putting the finishing touches on it as the Cardinals drag into the All Star Break. The end of the Cubs series and the beginning of the Brewers’ series dropped like a thud, with the pitching (particularly the bullpen) badly exposed. Instead of mourning an outcome we could all see coming, I choose to shift my gaze away from the present to a longer view. This is a rebuild year, after all, no?
As usual, the premise of my article is based on following a line of curiosity I have and then putting that into words. Last week, I looked at the Cardinals overall MiLB system. Today, I have narrowed down and parsed through the various starters the Cardinals have throughout their minor league system and taken a look from an organizational depth perspective. Why? I have a few of questions I’m curious about.
Assuming the Cardinals sell (at least a little bit), what kind of pitching prospect might they be looking at to add to their system?
Where might they fit such an acquisition in?
How do they handle all the starters already in the pipeline?
Where and when is “reliever risk” realized? Can it be anticipated, or does it just happen organically?
Who is in the pipeline?
The first thing I did was create a table of all the starting pitchers, organization-wide. Without it, it is hard to keep all the pitching prospects in my head at the same time. This is a good thing since it means there are lots of interesting pitchers at all the levels. Since I created a table, you get to read a table.
Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
injured List
MLB
May
McGreevy
Pallante
Leahy
Liberatore
AAA
Dobbins
Mathews
Mautz
Molina
Hansen
Rincon
Fitts, Roby
AA
Doyle
Cijntje
Lin
Hjerpe
Thompson
Davis
A+
Franklin
Fajardo
Aita
Van Dyke
Odle
Sequera
Clarke
A-
Crossland
Martinez
Graham
Holiday
rehab guy
Young
I laid it out by level-by-level (MLB, AAA, etc.) first, and then placed each pitcher in a column (1 through 6) based my perceived sense of each pitcher’s rank within their respective rotation. Nothing scientific, just based on usage patterns. I should note that this is where the rosters stand on July 6. Things will change a bit between now and when the article publishes. I will do my best to keep this current.
Authors note: True to form, even as I’m drafting this article Cardinals are re-shuffling it with Zimm to MLB (and then to limbo), Aita to AA, Cijntje to AAA. I’m leaving the table unchanged, because I’m not sure how these movements map out. Who drops out of the AAA rotation? Who steps into High-A rotation? All this presages some additional moves TBD.
A couple of notes:
I didn’t try to engineer the ordinal ranks too much, especially in the 4-6 positions of the rotations. You might disagree with my placement a bit and you might be right, but I don’t see it as crucial to this mental stroll I will euphemistically call analysis.
The top ranked (1-2) guys at each level is a mix of my perception of them as a prospect (in terms of FV) and my sense of who would be next to be promoted if a need/opportunity arose.
The #6 guys are not regular starters in all cases, but more guys that get pushed into starter roles as weather or promotions complicate things. I think High-A is really the only team on a true 6-man rotation and even that is inconsistent.
I don’t know who Palm Beach has as their #5 starter. There have been so many rehab guys run through PB (currently Robberse) that I just put a placeholder there. Don’t be shocked if Clarke is the next name you see here after Robberse and Ixan Henderson after that.
In general, pitchers would be expected to snake up the development chart. Today’s #1 starter at Low-A could move up and would become tomorrow’s #5 starter at High-A, and so on. In real life, it doesn’t happen in quite this linear fashion (and some people fall away instead of moving up), but I imagine it that way just to have some structure as I look at potential movement in the system. However, one can never tell when an Odle or a Molina will leapfrog the line, until it happens.
Some observations about the depth
In ways, this list appears to have 20-25 guys who could legitimately be viewed as prospects. Meaning that on their current trajectory, MLB is a realistic outcome for most of them. Injuries and performance will undoubtedly complicate this picture, but as of right now, this group might be as deep as back in 2012-2013.
Without quibbling over any one pitcher (is Thompson a legit prospect?), think about it as a group. The Cardinals have excellent depth. As you look at the chart, you realize they don’t really have any gaping holes. In fact, as some of the injured pitchers roll back into action, they are going to displace someone with real talent on this list. Displace doesn’t necessarily mean off the roster, but it will steer some guys to reliever roles (or into trades that re-balance the system).
If they were to sell off Stanek or Nootbaar or May, and seek a pitcher in return, what would they be looking for? Fundamentally, the ask would have to be a pitcher that is better than what is on this list. That is the floor. And it appears that floor has been raised, perhaps quite a bit.
Another depth observation … this list doesn’t even include a few guys that I suspect they’d like to get into starter roles like Dutkanych IV and Findlay. Sometimes, there is just no room at the inn.
Strategically, they really aren’t in rebuild mode anymore. Now it is more about improving on what they have incrementally. It is easier to do this when you have holes in the system where a true prospect represents a significant upgrade. Now, not so easy. For example, if a team offered a High-A or AA pitcher as part of a package for May, who would you willingly displace out of the Springfield or Peoria rotation? Start thinking that through and it might make for some more interesting trades than a straight “sell”.
Let’s talk “reliever opportunity”
You probably notice I didn’t list or rank any MiLB relievers. In my view, there are very few relievers in the system that project to stand on an MLB mound. Gastelum for sure. Hence probably, although his star dims. Maybe Mason Burns before he was injured. That is pretty much it.
It is noticeable the vast gulf of talent (or performance) there is between the starters and the relievers up and down the system. It is enough that it can be tempting to just ignore the relievers. This probably explains why in many circles, people prefer the term “reliever risk” or “failed starter”. In the Cardinals’ case, the abundance of starters is likely to seed their pool of relievers, more from a numbers standpoint that a failure to launch. For some, relief may be a faster path to MLB, which could be good for both player and organization. Given how few MLB rotation spots there are, the bullpen might be their only path to MLB, at least in the Cardinals’ organization. Since these guys are bound to the organization for years, the needs of the MLB staff are important. I’d bet if asked, most of these guys would rather be a reliever on the MLB team than a starter in the minors. Just a guess…
In the modern game, relievers are most valuable if they have lots of whiff in their repertoire, but they do not need a deep pitch mix like a starter does and teams don’t sweat higher walk rates with this style of reliever. Spin is still useful, but no one worries about third time through the order kind of stuff with relievers. A lot are one inning and done, but there is a rising group of MIRP that are basically once through the line-up. 2+ innings (hopefully, a full 3 IP).
Strategically, the Cardinals are probably looking to further the transition from pitch-to-contact (P2C) to spin-and-whiff (SnW) oriented pitchers that are more well suited for these high leverage reliever roles. I don’t think this means abandoning pitch-to-contact, but P2C is more starter oriented and perhaps bulk or MIRP types than high leverage. So, the way I see it…if you are going to get your high leverage relievers out of the starter pool, you need more SnW types in the starter pool. My guess is, we may see this aspect of organizational improvement play out more in the draft than the trade deadline.
With the 2026 draft in the books, we see that the Cardinals indeed focused on guys who might project to high-leverage relievers, looking for live fastballs, spin-and-whiff and not demeriting fringy command. While they seemed to more focus on hitters early, one can wonder where pitchers like Kuhns, Montesa, Randall fit. For fun, study these guys and try and picture inserting them in the table above.
From a deadline and off-season standpoint, it seems possible that other organizations lacking depth in their pipeline might come to view one or more of the Cardinals “reliever risk” guys as potentially having more value to them (as a starter) than they will with the Cardinals (as a reliever). Someone like a Brycen Mautz, who is about to get passed up by 3-4 guys from AA. This may present the Cardinals with opportunities to consolidate or churn in ways they really haven’t had in some time.
Let’s look at timelines
One can never really tell how long it will take an individual pitcher to develop enough to begin a sojourn down MLB lane. One artificial constraint that guides, though, is their spot (or lack thereof) on the 40-man roster, which must be done within 4 years (generally). Do the Cardinals ever pick high school pitchers? They get five years, no?
Mathews and Lin will need to be protected on the 40-man roster this fall, so that effectively starts their clock. Being on the 40-man, either or both could find their way into the 2027 Cardinal bullpen if their command doesn’t improve enough to advance in front of the starters already ahead of them. This outcome would not hurt my feelings a bit.
At AAA, Hansen and Rincon are both Rule V eligible and look the most displaceable. Not necessarily from a talent standpoint (ok, maybe a little), but both require protection to guarantee their spot in the organization. If they aren’t protected, it is arguable that the Cardinals might want to look at acquiring a prospect that does not require 40-man protection and can fit at a lower level, which then would open up 2 slots in the AAA rotation either later this year or next season. Those spots might better be used on guys like Doyle or Lin (or Roby or Fitts or Hjerpe).
So, from a timeline standpoint, those four guys (Mathews, Lin, Rincon, Hansen) will have some transaction in their near future. The rest are either on the 40-man or do not need protection until after the 2027 season, earliest.
Another timeline-oriented decision could be in store for Hjerpe. He counts in the SnW profile. If the Cardinals wish to continue his development as a starter, they will have to burn one of two remaining options next year to do so. Or they could imagine a role for him on the left-side of the bullpen, which will be vacated by Romero and Bruihl this off-season (if not sooner). Decisions. Decisions. Funny how a ticking clock can push a decision towards “reliever opportunity”.
Let’s talk pathways
A couple of years ago, there was frustration among Cardinal fans because established veterans were “blocking” promising young players. Arenado played, while Gorman yo-yo’ed around. Contreras moved to first while Burleson continued to roam the outfield. Fedde started while McGreevy toiled in the Land of Blue Suede Shoes. Etc.
We may see another, similar phenomenon develop with the pitching. Ostensibly, the Cardinals will come to 2027 spring camp with Leahy, Liberatore, Pallante and McGreevy as established starters under contract control. That leaves one spot in the MLB rotation. Behind them will lurk Dobbins, Fitts, Mathews, Mautz and potentially Roby. Depth is good, but if health is good, too, there really won’t be room to move but one of Lin, Doyle and Hjerpe into the AAA rotation, effectively stalling their development. Assuredly, health will equalize some of this, but unlikely enough to eliminate the logjam. Outcomes? Some of these guys may become relievers and some of these guys may get packaged to fill MLB team needs (third base, anyone?) or acquire younger prospects.
Closing
Ok, this is a future look so I’m not closing, I’m just stopping for now. This discussion will recur, particularly as we get a little distance away from the draft.
The need to move players up in a timely fashion, roster rules and the depth in the system may well conspire to make for some interesting deadline and off-season trades. Likely not the traditional rebuild/sell-off model where expiring contracts are dumped for wild card prospects. I am anticipating more strategic trades in the next round. We’ll know more about what that might look like after the draft.
Above I noted how few MiLB relievers have MLB profiles. I believe the MiLB starter pool is really the entirety of the coming MLB pitching pool. In this viewpoint, the depth looks a bit thinner. From this, I begin to suspect the next step in the development of the pitching pipeline is to bring more high-end starters in to push more of the MLB prospects into the reliever pool. Ie. more competition. The floor has been raised, now it is time to raise the ceiling.
In the end, it appears that the Cardinals potentially have a surplus in the pitching area in addition to catching, although it begs the question of can a team really have a surplus of pitching? It is less clear if the surplus starters profile into strong reliever candidates. Can that “surplus” be consolidated into a higher-end starter? or higher-end bullpen help? As other teams lacking depth (but having MLB talent) take stock of their future and recognize their backslide, such as the Astros (Brown), Padres (King), Angels (Soriano, Detmers), Giants (Webb), it seems like some possibilities could materialize somewhere. And the Cardinals just might have the depth these organizations need to improve.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; The Phillie Phanatic gives Teddy Roosevelt a ride during the fourth inning during the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Baseball’s back in action for the second half! But not the Phillies, who are off today. So it goes.
The 2027 schedule is out. The Phillies will be opening in Washington, and welcoming the Nationals to Citizens Bank Park for the home opener the following week.
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 27: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Pittsburgh Penguins prepares to take the ice against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Five of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 27, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
“Mantha is coming off a career season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, totaling 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games. He is due to regress from those numbers, but he should still be a productive winger for the Devils. Let’s look at what he offers and why the Devils should be a better team with him, even though regression is likely next season.” [Devils on the Rush]
“The New Jersey Devils today announced that the club has named Leo Luongo Director of Goaltending while adding Ted Donato and AJ MacLean as assistant coaches and Dan Stewart as a goaltending coach to complete Sheldon Keefe’s coaching staff.” [Devils NHL]
In a major development, the Red Wings announce Steve Yzerman is stepping down as the team’s head of Hockey Operations and becoming an advisor to Chris Ilitch.
“While there are still some interesting names out there, we’ve reached the point of the offseason where player movement slows to a crawl. Some things can still change, but a majority of teams are what they are at this point — for better or worse. That makes it a good time to check in on which teams improved (or declined) the most this summer.” [The Athletic ($)]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: Head coach Corliss Williamson of the San Antonio Spurs gestures in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Corliss Williamson has been impressive during his time as head coach of the Spurs Summer League squad. He’s shown how he works with players as well as his ability to develop young talent. It’s a reminder that Summer League isn’t just about the players. The officiating staff are looking for positions in the upcoming year. The announcers are hoping to get noticed for job offers. And the Summer League head coaches are being watched for available coaches spots.
Going back as far as 2013 and 2014, assistant coach Ime Udoka was at the helm of Summer League. He was with the Spurs from 2012-2019. He then spent a year in Philadelphia as an assistant coach and another in Brooklyn before landing his first NBA head coaching position in Boston in 2021. In his forst year, he coached the Celtics into the NBA Finals. He’s currently the head coach of the Houston Rockets.
Back in 2015, Becky Hammon coached the Spurs to a Summer League championship. She returned in 2016 and 2019. During her time with the Spurs, she showcased her leadership, earned herself the head coaching spot for the Las Vegas Aces, and now has lead the Aces to three WNBA Championships over the last four seasons.
In 2017 and 2018, Will Hardy coaches the Spurs for Summer League. He was with the franchise from 2015-2021 before following Ime Oduka to Boston as an assistant. The following season, Hardy became the head coach of the Utah Jazz, a role he has had for four seasons, helping the Jazz rebuild after shedding stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
In 2021 and 2022, the Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson was given the reigns for Summer League. In 2024-25, he filled in for Gregg Popovich as the Spurs head coach. He was officially named the Spurs head coach in 2025, the first new coach since 1996. In his first full season as head coach, Johnson led the Silver & Black to the NBA Finals.
While Summer League has become the place to be to witness all of the NBA’s incoming talent and the starts of tomorrow, Spurs coaches capitalize on the opportunity to show they are ready to coach at the next level.
If Corliss Williamson makes the most of this summer, he could find himself fielding offers in the future.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
Dennis Johnson #3, Point Guard and Shooting Guard for the Boston Celtics jumps to make a one handed lay up to the basket as #42 James Worthy, #32 Magic Johnson and #33 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during their NBA Pacific Division basketball game on 16th February 1986 at The Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Celtics won the game 105 - 99. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In the 1980’s and into the 1990’s, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers defined and completely revived the NBA.
The primary stars of that rivalry, of course, were Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, but both teams were full of great players. L.A. had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and others, while Boston also featured Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. All of these players are in the Hall of Fame.
But there were more great players on those teams, including Michael Cooper for L.A., and the late Dennis Johnson for Boston.
In this video, Dee Brown, who joined the Celtics in 1990, talks about his teammate, Dennis Johnson, and tells Cooper something he never would have imagined.
Johnson, he explains, counted opponents dribbles, and watched how they dribbled when they were relaxed and under stress. Basically, he was applying his own form of analytics to opposing ball handlers.
Cooper marvels at this, and says that it explains why Johnson – who Bird called his favorite teammate ever – was constantly getting steals in the fourth quarter.
It’s a level of basketball intellect that, until Brown revealed it, no one knew about Johnson.
Cooper, still amazed, says that even at 70, he’s still learning things about the game that surprise him.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Jahmir Young #17 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on July 16, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jahmir Young is making his case for a roster spot for the Miami Heat this summer.
Surrounded by teammates wearing jerseys numbered in the 60s and 70s, Young has taken the NBA Summer League by storm. His latest outing saw him drop 30 points and 12 rebounds in the Heat’s 99-90 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE ALERT 🚨 Jahmir Young WENT OFF for the @MiamiHEAT summer league squad with a game-high 30 PTS and 12 REB 👏 pic.twitter.com/6YmgdGpxEZ
Young shot 12-of-24 from the field and 5-of-13 from 3-point range while also contributing three assists, two steals and a block across 33 minutes.
However, his seven turnovers in the game also led his team, something that could hold Young back from getting on the court alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and crew come October.
Young and the Heat finished 1-3 in the Summer League, placing 22nd in the standings. They are set to next play either on Sunday or Monday, depending on the results of other games.
In other news
Maryland women’s basketball alum Chloe Bibby scored a career high 14 points in the WNBA.
Dec 31, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55), center/forward Bam Adebayo (13), and guard Tyler Herro (14) react after a call against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Former Kentucky Basketball standouts Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo have found themselves in the headlines for an unexpected reason after reports surfaced of a physical altercation between the two former Miami Heat teammates in Las Vegas.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the incident occurred on July 10 after Adebayo confronted Herro over comments made on social media following Herro’s offseason trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in the blockbuster deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. The confrontation escalated, with reports stating Adebayo struck Herro before others stepped in to prevent the situation from worsening.
Days later, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that Herro is ready to leave the incident behind.
Herro also expressed excitement about returning to his hometown team.
“I’m ready to come home and not prove everyone wrong,” Herro said. “But just be able to represent the city and the state because I wanted to do that coming out of school as well.”
The situation is disappointing for Kentucky fans, as both players remain among the program’s most recognizable NBA alumni. Adebayo starred on Kentucky’s 2016-17 Elite Eight team alongside De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk before becoming a multi-time NBA All-Star. Herro helped lead Kentucky to the Elite Eight in 2018-19, the Wildcats’ most recent appearance that deep into the NCAA Tournament.
While emotions boiled over following their split in Miami, Herro’s latest comments suggest he’s eager to turn the page. Kentucky fans will now hope both former Wildcats can move beyond the incident and continue thriving in their NBA careers.
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, but finding any clarity in the playoff chase before then is highly unlikely.
With roughly two-thirds of all major league teams at least within striking distance of a wild-card spot, it's going to be hard to tell the buyers from the sellers over the next few weeks. Until they start making deals.
Expect a lot of waiting and then a flurry of trades before the deadline as teams look to tweak their rosters for the stretch run. Any players on the 40-man roster acquired before the deadline will be eligible to play for their new clubs in the postseason.
When is the MLB trade deadline?
The MLB trade deadline, traditionally July 31, is a bit later than it's been in the past. With the 31st on a Friday this year, MLB has decided to move the deadline later.
Trade deadline: Monday, August 3
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Which teams are looking to make a splash at the deadline?
There seems to be no shortage of interesting arms this time around as well. The big question is whether or not their current teams will be willing to part with them. Starters Tarik Skubal, Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan could be difference-makers in the postseason. So could closers Mason Miller, Josh Hader and Aroldis Chapman.
On the hitting side, the San Francisco Giants could be the most active seller with 1B Rafael Devers, 2B Luis Arraez, SS Willy Adames, 3B Matt Chapman and IF Casey Schmitt all reportedly available.
Here are six teams – three from the American League and three from the National League – with the greatest needs:
The Yankees desperately need an upgrade at catcher. Minnesota's Ryan Jeffers would make sense, but Colorado's Hunter Goodman would be the ultimate prize. Do the Yanks have the prospects to get a deal done? They could also use some pitching depth while they wait for injured starters Max Fried and Carlos Rodon to return. Surprisingly, the Yankees have the lowest bullpen ERA in the majors (3.04) at the break.
Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 56-38, 1st in AL East
This season is shaping up as the Rays' best chance to win a World Series since they fell to the Dodgers in 2020. Upgrades at catcher and middle infield would help. Or do they just try to patch those holes from within? A big left-handed bat to complement slugger Junior Caminero might be what puts the Rays over the top.
The Mariners have been hovering all season around the .500 mark, which up until recently was good enough for first place in the division. A five-game losing skid just before the break still lingers as they plot their strategy. With perhaps the deepest starting rotation in the majors, Seattle could even look to deal veteran Luis Castillo to upgrade an offense that ranks 28th out of 30 teams in scoring at 4.04 runs per game.
Atlanta Braves
Record: 55-40, 1st in NL East
The Braves have survived a flood of injuries and still managed to stay atop the division. But the Philadelphia Phillies are surging, and the Miami Marlins are surprisingly keeping pace. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. seems close to returning from his hamstring strain, but starters Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach may not be back until September. An addition to the rotation seems like a must. Could Atlanta make a move to pair Skubal with another Cy Young-winning left-hander in Chris Sale?
Miami Marlins
Record: 52-45, 3rd in NL East
Could a franchise that's never won a division title − but has won two World Series − take that pathway to success once more? The Marlins have above-average hitting and pitching, but could benefit greatly from a big outfield bat.
Chicago Cubs
Record: 54-42, 2nd in NL Central
The Cubs are five games out of first place in the division but currently sit in the first wild-card spot. They have the resources to add payroll, but they may not have the prospects to land an impact player. So, youngsters Matt Shaw and Moises Ballesteros could be on the block. The Cubs already added lefty David Peterson to supplement an injury-ravaged pitching staff. Much more needs to be done.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees is introduced before the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome back to the show everyone. After a four-day All-Star Break excursion, we now return to our regularly scheduled programming. The second half of the season is here, and the Yankees start off the back end of their calendar with a doozy, a three-game set against the two-time defending-champion Dodgers. It’ll be the first time the Yankees and Dodgers have faced off in the Bronx since that fateful Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, giving the Yankees a chance to exorcise some demons, at least in a small way.
You can get prepped for the series with LA with Josh’s preview of the three games. We’ll also continue our trade deadline coverage with Matt’s look at Twins starter Joe Ryan, and our Yankee Birthday series with Nick’s profile of a quietly important figure in Yankees history. And later, Jonathan reviews how the Yankees’ 2026 draft picks did in the College World Series, and Madison delivers the answers to this week’s mailbag.
Today’s Matchup:
New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Time: 7:05 p.m. EST
TV: YES Network, SportsNet LA, MLB Network
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Questions/Prompts:
1. What do you expect from this interesting Gerrit Cole vs. Roki Sasaki matchup tonight?
2. Did you catch up on anything you’d been meaning to during the All-Star Break?
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Malaki Branham #38 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on July 15, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will wrap up what has been a successful Summer League on Friday when they take on the Chicago Bulls for their fifth and final game.
You want to see your recent draft picks flash in Summer League. Meleek Thomas has certainly done that. He proved that he can be an efficient, high-volume scorer in this environment. What that means in the grand scheme of things is anyone’s guess. Summer League success doesn’t always translate to the NBA, but it’s a good starting point as we inch closer to training camp in the fall.
Thomas didn’t play in the last game and presumably won’t be playing this one either. The main selling points to this contest will be the battle for a two-way spot. Even though all three spots are currently filled by Tristan Enaruna, Riley Minix, and Ernest Udeh Jr., two-way deals don’t count against the cap, so players can be cut at any time.
Enaruna has missed the majority of Summer League due to an illness.
Minix has struggled mightily to find his shot. He’s averaged 8.3 points on .308/.005/.667 shooting splits in four games.
Udeh has shown to be a good rim protector and rebounder, but the lack of scoring has been concerning. He’s averaging just 4.5 points per game on 40% shooting.
The latter two’s struggles have opened the door for someone else to lay claim to that role.
It’s worth mentioning here that Malaki Branham, who’s had an impressive showing this summer, isn’t eligible for a two-way spot because he has four years of NBA service time.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Chris Livingston #24 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on July 14, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow night in the NBA Summer League. Let’s preview one last game before we have no more Wizards games until the preseason.
Game info
When: Saturday, July 17 at about 7 p.m. ET
Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas
How to watch: ESPN, Monumental Sports Network
What to watch for
The Wizards finished their four game NBA Summer League record with a 2-2 record. That is clearly not enough to get to the semifinals so the consolation round it is. There’s only one consolation game based on seeding, where they will play against the Hawks who have a 3-1 record.
Atlanta’s Roster is headined by numerous rookies by Kobe Johnson, the No. 8 pick in the 2026 Draft; Zuby Ejiofor, the No. 23 pick and Henri Veesaar, all of whom are averaging double digits in scoring. Johnson and Veesaar have also played every Summer Leauge game for Atlanta.
Assuming this holds, the Hawks will likely be favored to beat the Wizards, who won’t have AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson or Will Riley. Chris Livingston, Seth Trimble, Kadary Richmond and Reece Beekman have been the only Wizards to play in all four games so far. Expect them to get significant minutes tomorrow night as they look to make one last good impression before the front office decides on training camp invites and potential G League moves with the Capital City Go-Go.
He’s not a legendary championship coach holding on too tight and for too long. Not Bowden or Beamer or anyone else in their twilight whose next move is retirement.
Dabo Swinney’s next job could be his best job yet.
“You get a lot of love, you get a lot of hate in this (coaching) world,” Swinney said Thursday at ACC media days. “I’ve had bunch of both, enough for a lifetime.”
And now it might be time to move on.
Let’s get something perfectly clear from the jump: this isn’t a Dabo hot seat diatribe. It’s not about how many wins he needs to feel safe (whatever that means), or how many losses he can endure in what has become a crossroads season.
That it’s even a nonsensical narrative right now is utterly laughable.
He’s the guy with 13 seasons of double-digit wins in 17 full seasons as coach at Clemson. He has won 11 championships in the last 15 years, including two national titles.
His players don’t get in trouble, his program has never been in the NCAA crosshairs.
Yet there he was this entire offseason, and during his time at ACC media days, playing defense. The six losses in 2025 were his fault, he said, blame him.
All that just months after staring down detractors during last year’s shocking regression, and daring Clemson to fire him. If they don’t want him, they can hire someone else.
At one point, he looked dead in the press conference cameras and declared, “I ain’t going to the beach. I gotta long way to go.”
Swinney breathes Clemson. The community, the people and what it has done for him — professionally and personally. A more than two-decade love affair as an assistant and head coach.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t end. He’s 56, he’s in fantastic health and has a plan that’s been wildly successful at the highest level of the sport.
You’ve got to be kidding if you think Swinney couldn’t take Tennessee and build an absolute monster. Or Florida State. Or North Carolina or Oklahoma.
Or any job with the money and will to make it all happen. Any job, any year, is available in this volatile age of win or walk or leave for the NFL.
Now think about this: the very thing that fueled those elite Clemson teams is on the verge of circling back. If college sports legislation currently working its way through Congress leaves players with one free transfer in a five-year playing window, Swinney’s high school recruiting and development takes center stage again.
C.J. Spiller and Da'Quan Bowers. DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins. Vic Beasley and Shaq Lawson ― and so many more we've all forgotten in the wake of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.
When players are given one free transfer, it’s no longer about annually turning over rosters with the transfer portal, of which Swinney has never been a fan. It’s about organic recruiting and development, about finding the best players and the best fit.
The last thing Swinney should be doing is apologizing for a six-loss season. Or letting the frustration of such a season push him to telling Clemson if you don’t want me, I’ll find the door.
“I’ve been dead, I’m gone,” Swinney said. “I think I’m still here, all right?”
But that doesn’t mean his best days aren’t still in front of him. Doesn’t mean he can’t start over at another school and take his plan and passion and beat the brakes off everyone again.
In a perfect world, Swinney gets the ship righted, the Tigers are back in the College Football Playoff and it’s Nehis and Moon Pies for everyone in Clemson. If it only it were that simple.
When you’re a victim of your own remarkable success, there’s only one way to go. It may just be time to start over.
That, or eventually become the guy holding on too tight for too long.
Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
The Sharks have remade their defense. But how much better than before is it?
San Jose Hockey Now spoke with four NHL scouts, none with the Sharks, for their assessment.
Do they think the Sharks have a playoff-caliber blueline now?
So far this summer, the Sharks have signed Jacob Trouba to a four-year, $33 million pact. They also traded for Darnell Nurse, sending out defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin and prospect Zack Sharp, and Michael Kesselring (and 2026 draft’s No. 27 pick), sending out the No. 20.
They’re adding this trio to incumbents Dmitry Orlov and Sam Dickinson.
Prospects Luca Cagnoni, Eric Pohlkamp, and Nolan Allan are also waiting in the wings.
Realistically, the Sharks could also add another veteran depth defenseman to this mix.
So how much better is this blueline, considered around the league, for years, to be one of the worst in the NHL?
“It’s a big improvement compared to last year,” Scout No. 1 said. “Closer to average.”
“Significantly improved,” Scout No. 2 said.
Good enough for the playoffs? The Sharks have missed the post-season for seven straight years.
“100 percent in the playoffs discussion,” Scout No. 2 said.
“Borderline playoff corps,” Scout No. 3 said.
There are obvious question marks surrounding Nurse and Trouba, because they’re 30-something’s signed for four more years.
But league-wide, they’re still considered legitimate top-four defensemen, and generally thought to be upgrades over Orlov and the departing Mario Ferraro. Between Nurse and Trouba and Orlov, the Sharks have three consensus top-four defenders for the first time in a long time. Nurse and Trouba should also take on the penalty-killing minutes that Ferraro and Vincent Desharnais vacate.
“Trouba is a defensive defenseman,” Scout No. 1 said. “Puck game is limited but can still shoot the puck. And obviously a big, heavy, and physical defender. Plays to his identity.”
“Nurse isn’t as physical as he should be and is prone to mental errors with the puck,” Scout No. 1 said. “But can rush the puck and add some offense though.”
“Both men are solid citizens and leaders,” Scout No. 2 said. “High-end level of toughness and respect [around] the league.”
Scout No. 1 added, “Orlov played higher in the line-up than he should and was exposed.”
Nurse and Trouba will help with that.
“Hopefully, Dickinson can take a step too,” Scout No. 4 said about the 2024 No. 11 pick.
So while the four-year commitments to 31-year-old Nurse and 32-year-old Trouba aren’t ideal, which top-four blueliners were the Sharks going to add this off-season with shorter contracts? And at a reasonable acquisition cost, in a seller’s market for defensemen?
Kesselring also didn’t cost the Sharks much, and while he’s not proven like Nurse and Trouba, is 6-foot-5 and mobile and just 26.
“Have guys who can do a much better job getting the puck to the forwards or skate it themselves,” Scout No. 1 said of Nurse, Trouba, and Kesselring.
How about the Sharks’ blueline prospects, Allan, Cagnoni, or Pohlkamp — who’s the most NHL-ready?
“They need a top power-play guy,” Scout No. 1 said. “None of [Nurse or Trouba or Kesselring] are close to top PP guys. Gives Cagnoni an edge.”
“Cagnoni can run a power play,” Scout No. 2 said. “I would think he would get a look in that role.”
Of this trio of prospects, 5-foot-9 Cagnoni is the most offensively gifted, Pohlkamp projects to the most well-rounded long-term, and 6-foot-2 Allan is more defensive.
It is worth noting that Cagnoni and Allan have a lot more pro experience than the recently signed Pohlkamp. Speaking of Allan, the 23-year-old is not waiver-exempt, while the younger Cagnoni and Pohlkamp still are.
In the end, the Sharks aren’t likely to be carried into the playoffs by this defense. Macklin Celebrini is already a superstar, but can another young forward or two become a star too?
“Will all depend on how quickly their top-end young guys mature,” Scout No. 2 said. “Not Celebrini, but Smith, Chernyshov, Misa, et cetera.”
If Celebrini gets some help up front, and the Sharks’ defense is at least average, that could be enough to get them into the post-season dance.
“[The defense is] a bit of a mixed bag,” Scout No. 4 said. “Older and some questions. But if everything works, could be decent for next season.”
