The Columbus Clippers continue their struggles against the Indianapolis Indians, falling 1 to 6 in their third straight loss. Logan T. Allen got the start for Columbus, throwing only 5.0 innings. He allowed 6R/5ER on 6 hits and a walk. In 90 pitches, he threw 59 strikes and struck out 5 batters. All runs for Indianapolis came in the bottom of the fifth inning with a passed ball on strikeout accounting for the unearned. Logan fell to 2-2 on the season. Tommy Mace, Franco Aleman, and Jack Leftwich all threw scoreless innings in their appearances out of the bullpen.
Columbus’ sole run came in the top of the seventh. Angel Genao hit a two-out single followed by a RBI triple from Kody Huff.
The Clippers only recorded 5 hits and 2 walks for the entire game. Cooper Ingle went 2-for-4, George Valera went 1-for-4, Angel Genao went 1-for-4, and Kody Huff went 1-for-3.
Rafe Schlesinger, after being promoted early Friday, made his AA debut. He had a trial by fire with only 4.0 innings pitched. Schlesinger gave up 6R/4ER on 8 hits and struck out 4. A throwing error in the bottom of the third and wild pitch in the bottom of the fourth accounted for the two unearned runs. Sean Matson fell to 0-2 on the season, earning the loss in his 1.2 innings of work. Matson gave up 4 additional runs on 3 hits and 1 walk, he struck out 3 batters. Reid Johnston was the only Akron pitcher to have a scoreless outing in his 1.1 innings of work. Johnston struck out 2. Zane Morehouse pitched the final frame for Akron, sealing their fate by allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks.
Akron’s offense scored 8 runs on 14 hits with 3 errors. Alfonsin Rosario continues to make a splash for the RubberDucks going 2-for-4 with 2 HR and 3 RBI.
The Lake County Captains continued the losing skid for Cleveland minor league teams with a 2-run loss to the Whitecaps. Braylon Doughty gave up 2R/0ER in 5.0 innings of work. He allowed 3 baserunners on 2 hits and 1 walk and struck out 5 batters. Jogly García went 1.2 innings, giving up 4R/ER on 2 hits and 2 walks and struck out 2. Izaak Martinez fell to 2-3 on the season with this loss and blown save. He went 2.1 innings allowing 2R/1ER on 2 hits and 2 walks, striking out a batter. In the top of the third, back to back fielding errors accounted for the two unearned runs for Doughty. In the top of the ninth another throwing error accounted for the unearned run for Martinez. Welbyn Francisca committed three errors at short, two of which contributed to unearned runs. First baseman Kevin Rivas also committed an error for an unearned run in the third.
The Caps kept the game close with a strong first half of the game. In the bottom of the first, Aaron Walton reached on a one-out single for Bennett Thompson to hit a two-out, two-run home run to left.
In the bottom of the second Jeffrey Mercedes singled on a liner to right. Esteban González hit a two-run home run to center field to give the Caps a 4-0 lead.
The Captains’ final run came in the bottom of the fifth. Bennett Thompson drew a lead off walk then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jeffrey Mercedes hit a single to right, scoring Thompson from second base to give LC a 4-run lead. Unfortunately the Captains couldn’t keep the Whitecaps at bay, tying the game in the seventh and giving up the lead in the top of the ninth.
Hill City Howlers (28-32) – Single A
Suspended
The Hill City Howlers starter Jacob Zibin pitched an inning of work before the game was suspended in the bottom of the first. The game will resume today at 3:30PM.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 31: Michael Wacha #52 of the Kansas City Royals looks on against the Texas Rangersat Globe Life Field on May 31, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“He will not make his start on Sunday,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “His forearm feels good (but) his shoulder didn’t respond as well to the previous start. So he is going to see a doctor sometime this weekend, and we’ll know more at that point.”
It was a steep decline from his minor-league numbers. The Royals knew Caglianone would be a work in progress. It just took him time to realize it for himself.
“I took the offseason to really get the mental right,” Caglianone said. “Wasn’t in the best headspace, but, you know, speaking with some psychs and stuff, (I was) finding new pathways to compartmentalize some things. Figuring where to grow, what are the strengths and all that type of stuff played a big role in it.”
Jac Caglianone is hotter than he’s ever been in his big league career. I actually thought it was hotter than any hitter the Royals have had since Witt in 2024 went on that insane run, but there are two who were hotter last year, surprisingly. He had four hits on Wednesday and then two more yesterday. Even with a shoulder issue baked in that caused him to miss a game, Caglianone is now hitting .452/.531/.714 since the start of the last road trip. That 12-game stretch (that does include one at bat before he left in Minneapolis) with a 1.245 OPS is literally one point higher than Witt’s best stretch this season.
Some others who have had a 1.200 OPS or higher in a 12-game stretch with at least 40 plate appearances recently include Mike Yastrzemski last year, and both Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez had stretches with a higher OPS than Caglianone’s right now at some point last year. Actually, one of Yastrzemski’s was a bit higher, too. I know that sounds like I might be downplaying Caglianone, but I’m expressing legitimate surprise that the Royals have had 12-game stretches this hot this recently. Either way, it’s an incredible development that he just continues to hit.
If there’s one thing both Wacha and Lugo have brought to the Royals’ rotation over the past three seasons, it’s consistency. Wacha (4-4, 3.44 ERA) and Lugo (2-4, 3.91 ERA) have been two of the American League’s best starters in recent years, and with both having one more year of club control after this season, they could be intriguing targets for teams looking for rotation help for this season and next.
Kansas City‘s moves the past few seasons have not worked out the way the team had hoped. But starting pitching has been an area of strength for the Royals lately. Moving one or both of their better arms could be the key to injecting some much-needed life into both the farm system and the big-league roster, while knowing the rotation has quality arms such as Cole Ragans and Noah Cameron to build around in the future.
Welcome to Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World Series, the new/old favorite from Chris McShane and Brian Salvatore.
Another strange week of Mets’ baseball is in the books. The Mets looked good against the Padres and decidedly not so agains the Cardinals. The starting rotation is a real question mark still, and with the upcoming schedule, things are looking rough for the Mets going forward.
Chris’s Music Picks:
Pink Floyd – Piper at the Gates of Dawn
Brian’s Music Picks:
Sunny Day Real Estate – LP2
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 12: Oswald Peraza #2 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with teammate Mike Trout #27 after scoring a run during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 12, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees did not have their A-game in their opener against the Blue Jays, falling behind 5-0 before ultimately losing 8-5 and suffering another potential blow to their outfield with Trent Grisham leaving the game early. While they wait for news on Grisham’s hamstring and whether he’ll need an IL stint, the rest of the league had a chance to capitalize on their loss, beginning with the most significant in their direct competition in Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Rays (40-26) 3, Los Angeles Angels (28-42) 4
Thankfully, the Rays could not take advantage of the chance to retake sole possession of the AL East. They fell behind early to the lowly Angels, and despite making it a close contest late they couldn’t get over the hump and complete the comeback.
The Rays had a chance to start the game off on a better note, working the bases loaded with two outs in the top of the first, but Ben Williamson’s hard-hit liner went right in the direction of Mike Trout’s glove for the final out. The Angels made them pay for not cashing in, as Trey Mancini’s two-run triple with two outs put them on the board first.
Los Angeles went back to the well in the third inning, getting a leadoff double from old friend Oswald Peraza to kick things off. After a pair of outs moved him up a base but threatened to strand him, Nick Madrigal bounced a single to the right side that barely managed to be contained by the second baseman, but allowed Peraza to score from third. Madrigal then stole second and scored on a Logan O’Hoppe single to make it 4-0.
The Rays didn’t go down lightly, however. After staying quiet for the next few innings against Sam Aldegheri, they managed to start a rally in the fifth when Chandler Simpson led off with a walk. Nick Fortes bounced a ball to shortstop, but an error by Zach Neto kept everyone on base and then a Taylor Walls single loaded the bases with no outs. Jonathan Aranda made it count, singling to left to score two runs, but a double play would end the threat before they could get any more.
The score remained at 4-2 until the ninth inning, when the Rays made one last push. A single and walk put two on with two out, and Aranda again came up with the clutch hit to push one more across. With the tying and go-ahead run aboard, Junior Caminero worked a walk to keep it alive, but pinch-hitter Cedric Mullins struck out to end it.
Other Games
Cleveland Guardians (38-33) 3, Detroit Tigers (29-41) 2: Jack Flaherty has had a rough season, pitching to a 5.35 ERA, and it didn’t get any better after he had to leave this game just three innings in with a leg injury. He gave up two runs on a Brayan Rocchio triple in the second inning, and that would be enough to tag him with the loss as Tanner Bibee spun seven strong innings on the other side. Bibee did get tagged for a couple of solo shots, but the eventual winning run came in the sixth when Angel Martínez hit a one-out double and Steven Kwan scored him on an RBI single.
Seattle Mariners (37-34) 10, Washington Nationals (35-35) 2: The Mariners made this a laugher real quick, scoring five runs in the second inning with a two-run Dominic Canzone triple and a Colt Emerson two-run blast doing the majority of the damage. James Wood got one back for the Nationals with a solo blast in the fourth, but Seattle answered right back with three more in the fifth to make sure that Washington stayed buried. Canzone and Josh Naylor both hit bombs to round out Seattle’s scoring, making it an easy night for Bryce Miller who went eight innings in a winning effort.
I hate this guy, but will give credit where due. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s another Saturday morning, which means we’re about to record a Meet at the Mitt episode. Look for it later in the day. We’ll be without the baritone of one Anders Jorstad, which is why I’m covering links. He enters Day 7 of his honeymoon, a career high for the young righty.
The Mariners face off against the Nats this afternoon in pefect baseball weather for a change. First pitch is at 1:05 PDT on Mariners TV and 710 KIRO.
In Mariners news . . .
Randy Arozarena left last night’s game early with a hamstring strain that might have been more of a spasm or a cramp, according to Dan Wilson. He’s day-to-day.
The good news from the game was Bryce Miller reaching a new career high in innings pitched with 8.
Down on the farm, Kade Anderson did a stand up with Arkansas’ KATV.
Around the league . . .
Jacob Misiorowski pitched what Brew Crew Ball is calling the best start in franchise history: a 15-strikeout Maddux.
Sandy Alcantara became the fifth active Dominican-born starter to reach 1,000 career strikeouts.
Spencer Strider left last night’s game early. His velo had been down one and a half ticks.
Jonathan Mayo did another mock draft. He sent Bo Lawrence to the M’s.
On May 27, 1941, FDR issued a radio address to outline Hitler’s plan to conquer the world and “strangle the United States.” The Braves-Giants game was paused after the seventh inning so the speech could be aired over the PA system at the Polo Grounds. Read all about the historical oddity from Harrison Golden.
Zach’s Picks
Who else is disappointed with Olivia Rodrigo’s new album released yesterday? “Drop Dead” was such a promising lead single.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 21, 2026: Conor Essenburg #34 of the Atlanta Braves bats during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Friday brought a ton of action with it as Atlanta’s minor league teams were in full action. Let’s get into it.
They needed extra innings to do it, but Gwinnett came away with a win on Friday, beating Jacksonville 5-4.
The Stripers bounced back from a less-than-stellar start from Austin Gomber, who tossed 2.2 innings while giving up three runs on four hits.
Trailing 1-0, Gwinnett tied things up in the top of the third as Jim Jarvis scored as Luke Williams reached via error to make it a 1-1 game. The Stripers took their first lead of the game in the top of the sixth. First, Williams scored on a Brett Wisely single to cut the deficit to 3-2 before Brewer Hicklen and DaShawn Kiersey Jr. scored on an Aaron Schunk double to give the Stripers a 4-3 lead.
Jacksonville tied things up in the bottom of the eighth and the Stripers failed to plate another run in regulation.
In the top of the 10th, Gwinnett benefitted from some misfortune on the part of Jacksonville to take a lead.
Luke Williams started the inning at second base before advancing to third on a wild pitch. After a Wisely walk, Williams scampered home on an incredibly wild pitch to give Gwinnett a 5-4 lead.
Rolddy Munoz came on in relief and despite a passed ball, he proceeded to sit down Jacksonville in order to get the save and preserve the win for the Stripers.
(28-30) Columbus Clingstones 6, (30-31) Pensacola Blue Wahoos 3
Columbus came out on the positive side of this one, beating Pensacola by three runs to inch closer to .500.
Lucas Braun got the start for the Clingstones on Friday and he put up a respectable outing as he went six innings, giving up two runs on five hits. He also issued a pair of walks and struck out four as well. It’s Braun’s second straight start of at least six innings pitched and two or less runs given up.
Braun got plenty of help at the plate as the Clingstones scored six runs on 11 hits on the night.
Columbus got the scoring started in this one as the Clingstones plated two runs in the bottom of the second. With two outs, Drew Compton and Tyler Tolve laced back-to-back singles before Keshawn Ogans singled home Compton for the first run of the game. Tolve proceeded to score on a Clohisy single to extend the lead to 2-0.
Will Verdung and Patrick Clohisy led the offensive effort as both guys tallied the only two extra base hits for Columbus — a double apiece. Verdung scored two of the Clingstones’ runs, while Clohisy registered two hits and two walks to his credit.
Briggs McKenzie’s first start at high-A might not have gone according to plan, but it wasn’t necessarily the lefthanders fault.
Across 1.2 innings pitched, McKenzie gave up four runs, only one of which was earned, while striking out two in the process.
McKenzie gave up a soft single in the second inning that was originally called an out, but was overturned despite no official challenge being conducted. He then gave up a pair of bunt singles and his defense committed an error behind him as Bowling Green tallied four runs in the frame. While it wasn’t great, it could have been much worse and it was good to see McKenzie’s composure through the inning.
At the plate, things got off to a scary start as Tate Southisene was hit in the helmet by a pitch. While it could have been much worse, Southisene stayed in the game and was thankfully okay.
Overall it wasn’t the strongest offensive performance for Rome as the Emperors failed to register an extra base hit in this one.
The first run of the game for Rome came in the top of the second as Mason Guerra singled home Isaiah Drake and Owen Carey to make it a 2-0 game. Then, in what was a weird set of circumstances, Colin Burgess reached on an error as the Bowling Green third baseman airmailed a throw to second base, which allowed Guerra to score all the way from first to extend the lead to 3-0.
Trailing 5-3, the Emperors actually tied things up in the top of the seventh thanks to an RBI-single off the bat of Eric Hartman and a run-scoring forceout from Owen Carey.
However, the Hot Rods tagged reliever Colin Daniel for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to take an 8-5 lead, which held as the final.
(32-29) Augusta GreenJackets 13, (23-36) Myrtle Beach Pelicans 3
Conor Essenburg, CF: 2-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB
Luis Guanipa, DH: 2-5, 2B, 4 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB
Juan Mateo, 2B: 3-5, RBI, R, BB
Alex Lodise, SS: 1-5, 2B, RBI, R
Cooper McMurray, 1B: 2-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Landon Beidelschies, SP: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 7 BB, 3 K
The Augusta offense showed up and showed out Friday as the GreenJackets tallied 13 runs on 15 hits to move to three games over .500 on the season.
Conor Essenburg led the charge with a pair of homers and four total RBI on the night to pace the offense. Essenburg also scored four runs while walking three times as well. Essenburg has been as good as advertised to begin his pro career, as he has homered five times in 97 at-bats while posting an OPS of .941.
— Augusta GreenJackets (@GreenJackets) June 13, 2026
Luis Guanipa also had a very solid day as the designated hitter went 2-5 with a double and four RBI. The biggest swing on the night for Guanipa came in the top of the second as he took a fastball above the zone and launched it into the left centerfield gap to clear the loaded bases to give Augusta a 7-2 lead. With his performance on Friday, Guanipa raised his season OPS to .871.
Leading 10-3, Augusta managed to tack on three more runs in their final at-bat. Austin Machado scored on a sacrifice fly from Alex Lodise, while Cody Miller scored on a Guanipa single — giving him his fourth RBI on the night. The final GreenJackets run came as Essenburg scored on an RBI-double from Cooper McMurray — who tallied two doubles on the night.
The one downside, if you could consider it that, is that Landon Beidelscheies — who tossed 4.1 innings of two-run ball — walked a staggering seven batters in the process.
This one got suspended in the bottom of the fifth inning due to rain with the FCL Braves trailing the FCL Rays 6-2.
Wuilinyer Tovar got the start on the mound and control issues continue to plague the 18-year-old as he issued four walks in 3.1 innings pitched. On the season, Tovar has walked 10 batters in 17 innings , but he has also struck out 13 over that same stretch.
At the plate, Mario Baez led the charge with a pair of RBI on the day, while Arlenn Manzanillo went 2-2 and scored both runs Baez drove in.
Despite putting up seven runs on 12 hits Friday, the DSL Braves will have to continue their search for a second win of the season.
Ezequiel Martinez got the start on the bump and limited the damage to two earned runs across 3.1 innings of work.
Sherrintley Da Costa Gomez continues to impress as the launched his second homer of the season on Friday while driving in three runs and going 3-4 at the plate. Through eight games, Da Costa Gomez is batting .364 with an OPS of 1.290 to go along with it.
Yassel Pena and Starlyn De La Cruz also had solid nights at the plate as well. Pena homered and went 2-3, while De La Cruz went 1-4 with two runs scored and a walk to his credit.
What can we say about Jalen Brunson that hasn’t already been said about Tecmo Bowl Bo Jackson?
Absolutely unstoppable.
Brunson’s late-game heroics have the New York Knicks knocking on the door of their first NBA title since 1973 when they visit the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Find out more in my best NBA picks for Saturday, June 13.
Jalen Brunson prop pick for Game 5
Jalen Brunson best bet: Under 5.5 assists (+110 at bet365)
Jalen Brunson is coming off his best passing performance of the NBA Finals, dishing out seven assists on a potential 15 dimes in the New York Knicks' ridiculous Game 4 comeback.
This is a notable swing in passing production, with Brunson registering just nine potential assists in each of the first three games of the series and finishing with totals of two, six, and five helpers versus the San Antonio Spurs.
Those seven assists in Game 4 marked the first time in the past six postseason games that Brunson finished Over his assists total. It also has this prop market skewing toward six dimes, with Over 5.5 carrying a hefty ask and some books up to 6.5 O/U.
This sudden shift in sharing the basketball wasn’t really Brunson’s doing but was more a result of the Knicks having to scrap their initial offensive schemes for Game 4, as well as suddenly hot shooting from New York in the second half.
Coach Mike Brown was aiming to run the ball through center Karl-Anthony Towns and have Brunson play off-ball more in Game 4 to create space for his shots, but KAT got whistled for two quick fouls in the opening minute.
That had Brunson back as the primary ball handler for a good chunk of time. His 115 touches were a series high after posting 95, 95, and 109 touches in the opening three contests.
Game 5 has Brown going back to his game plan of running Towns as a facilitator at the high post and involving Brunson in screen action away from the ball. That prevents his dribble-heavy slop from Game 3’s loss and exposes the switching issues that plagued the Spurs during the Knicks’ rally on Wednesday.
Brunson's early projections sit above six assists for Saturday, which is nothing new. His projections have repeatedly landed north of this number during the playoffs, yet the Under on assists is 6-2 in his last eight postseason showings.
The prop markets are overcorrecting to a unique game scenario in Game 4. I feel confident that Brunson will be focused on firing up shots and won’t give up the ball with the game on the line.
You can find the Under 5.5 assists paying out as big as +118 or go low on the taller total at Under 6.5 (-160).
Jalen Brunson same-game parlay
Brunson’s seven assists in Game 4 had a lot to do with Towns’ foul trouble. New York wants to take the ball out of his hands and create space for his shots as a cutter.
That scheme will lead to more 3-point looks, with Brunson bagging three triples in each of the past two games, and the game script saying the Knicks are fighting from behind.
Brunson has been big on the boards, with five rebounds in each of his last three outings while putting himself in place for an average of 10.0 rebounding chances in those games.
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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 19: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a three point basket against the New York Knicks during Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 19, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This is shaping up to be a busy summer in the NBA with the inevitable Giannis Antetokounmpo trade likely coming after the Finals wrap up. That could be the first domino in what is a transaction-heavy offseason. It remains to be seen what role the Cleveland Cavaliers will play in that busy summer.
The Cavs don’t have many assets they could send out to help boost them into the championship-level tier. One of the players they could dangle in trades is 24-year-old Evan Mobley.
The front office has indicated that Mobley is not on the trade block. While that may be true for the time being, we know that things can change quickly in the NBA.
Earlier this week, we asked Cavs’ fans whether or not they’d be open to trading Mobley for a short-term upgrade. Players like Giannis, Jaylen Brown, and Jaylen Williams were given as examples of players Mobley could be traded for.
According to those surveyed, most would prefer to stick with Mobley.
This is an understandable position to take. Mobley has proven to be an All-NBA player and Defensive Player of the Year, while still having the potential to develop further. There’s a world where Mobley evolves into a top 10-15 player.
At the same time, the Cavs’ window to win a championship is narrow after trading Darius Garland for James Harden. There’s a two to three-year time frame that you could realistically hope to compete. Moving Mobley for someone who gives them a better chance to win now isn’t the craziest idea.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 09: (L-R) Top NHL Draft Prospects Carson Carels, Caleb Malhotra, Keaton Verhoeff, Alberts Smits and Chase Reid pose together for a portrait during the NHL Draft Top Prospects Media Availability prior to Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on June 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
As we continue diving into draft prospects here at AATJ, we have exclusively covered forwards projected in the top 15, mostly focusing on players that should likely/potentially be available at 12. It shouldn’t be a secret why we have been focusing on forwards as our prospect cupboard up front is is about as barren as XGMTF’s head. However, Best Player available should ALWAYS be the mantra during the draft and 2026 has several defenseman projected to go early in the draft. So, today I am going to take a look at the left shot guys who couldn’t be more different.
Albert Smits
Smits has had one of the more remarkable paths to get here – and is projected to be the highest drafted Latvian player in NHL history assuming he goes before 14 (Zemgus Girgensons). He is a big boy at 6’3” 209lbs and plays every inch of that size. His journey started when he left Latvia in 2021 at age 13 (by himself) to play in Finland and has steadily progressed eventually playing in the pro league this past season. Where he really started getting recognition was at the WJC and more recently the Olympics this past February where he more than held his own against the best in the world.
Based on being a big, strong, 2-way defenseman from a “non-traditional” country, the most immediate comparable I’ve seen is Moritz Seider. So let’s take a look at some video to see if that holds up:
I honestly can see the comp – he has great 4-way mobility, good instincts and poise with the puck, and makes strong offensive reads. Defensively, his gaps are near perfect and he showed a good stick and closing speed. He’s also not afraid to get physical. In the shift by shift every puck touch was the correct decision. He joins the rush when he should and has a good sense of where he is in the zone and doesn’t get caught. His offense isn’t overly dynamic and may be more muted at the NHL level which is why he is ranked in the 5-9 range on most lists, but he is pro ready and there is not a lot to dislike about his game.
Carson Carels
Carels is a cattle farm kid from Cypress River, Manitoba (pop. 175) – just over the border from North Dakota and west of Winnipeg. He stands 6’2” 198 lbs and profiles as smooth skating transition monster with good physicality and a bit of a mean streak. He was drafted by and joined the Prince George Cougars of the WHL and has represented Canada at every national tournament for which he has been eligible. He had a massive breakout this past season putting up big numbers while wearing an ‘A’ for Prince George and is committed to North Dakota next season.
Carels is firmly in the top 10 draft projections across the board, projected as high as 3rd. Frankly the only thing putting some of the RHD ahead of him is just that, handedness. He is, in my opinion, the best defenseman in this draft class, does everything well and projects as a Jake Sanderson jack of all trades with good offense. Let’s take a look at the videotape:
That comp holds up, although I definitely see him needing a little more polish in his defensive game. He does have good gaps and a good stick and closed well in transition, but feel like that can improve a touch. That being said, I’m big believer in drafting for offense and skating and he has both in spades – which is similar to Sanderson’s profile in his draft year. Get used to this kid there is a very strong possibility he winds up across the river.
Xavier Villeneuve
Villeneuve has largely crept up rankings for two reasons: 1) Lane Hutson’s success and 2) a monster performance at the U18 WJC. He is 5’11” 162 lbs and profiles very similar to Hutson, and frankly Quinn Hughes, as a dynamic undersized, offensive defenseman. In a copycat league, teams and scouts now have their radars on high alert for guys like this so they don’t slip through the cracks again. He is committed to BU net season which will be eye opening if he can elevate at the next level. He tops out at as high as #5, but most lists have him mid-teens to low 20s.
Villeneuve isn’t just a WJC flash in the pan though, for 2 years he has put up PPG numbers in the QMJHL, so let’s dive into some video and see if this kid has got it:
OK so his highlight reel is disgusting, he has fantastic high-zone awareness and ability, creates space and spins off pressure like a certain brother we all know. He also flashed some great passing and elite puck skills, his edgework and skating are elite in his highlights. I can see the Hutson, Quinn (insert undersized great skating Dman here) comps, but like I was with Dageneis, I am skeptical of the QMJHL and how top prospects look there.
So, let’s look at a whole game:
He is definitely an offensive wizard, and basically created a chance every shift for himself or teammates. I love his poise in the zone with the puck. He wasn’t overtly physical but I was mildly surprised that he didn’t shy away from contact, he even laid a few cross checks – one in front of the net, one as the 3rd guy into a puck battle in the corner. His Defensive zone positioning and puck decisions could use some work, it wasn’t egregious, but he did drift a few times puck watching, leaving a back door guy. He also had a few bad clearing attempts that turned into turnovers, and a few times got caught heading up ice leaving a guy behind him.
My Thoughts
If I had to rank these guys, I would have Carels, Smits, and Villeneuve in that order as do most draft rankings. Turns out scouts know things. I spent the most time on Villeneuve because one really have to believe in someone of his stature to take a 1st round flier on him. I was also an undersized defenseman and I’m glad to see the short guy club’s lobbying has finally started paying dividends.
Smits seems the most pro ready as of this writing, simply since his defensive game is the most sound, but I see Carels as the long term best of the group. Unless something crazy happens I’d have to imagine Carels and Smits will be long gone by the time we get to 12. Also, as I mentioned in the opening the defense room seems full at the moment but you never know what it may look like in 2-3 years. Unfortunately, I just don’t think the Devils are in a position to take a risk on a 2-3 year project this draft.
What do you think gang, any interest in any of these guys? Anyone of them stand out? Do you agree with how I have them ranked? Let me know in the comments!
May 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Felix Reyes (29) takes ground balls before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The big-league Phillies had a rough night of it on Friday. Things were a little better in the minors, as thanks to the AAA squad playing two games, the affiliates were able to compile a 3-2 record for the night.
Lehigh Valley 7, Scranton-Wilkes Barre 4
Lehigh Valley 6, Scranton-Wilkes Barre 3
Because play was suspended on Thursday, the IronPigs had a double header against the RailRiders on Friday. The suspended game didn’t get off to a good start with the Pigs falling behind 2-0, but they were able to rally back.
Felix Reyes had a game-tying single, while they took advantage of a RailRiders error to add to their lead. Later, Keaton Anthony hit a two-run home run to provide the Pigs with some insurance, and Nolan Hoffman threw two scoreless innings to earn the save.
The second game featured some feistiness. Reyes was hit by a pitch in the fifth. Seeing as it was the fourth hit batsman of the game, and eighth of the evening including the prior game, the Pigs had had enough. Both benches cleared, but nothing much came of it.
BENCHES CLEAR IN SCRANTON
After Felix Reyes is hit by a pitch, the benches clear and he takes a step towards the mound before being stopped by the umpire.
The benches clear and chaos ensues as Ironpigs manager Tank Adamson gets into it with Railriders manager Shelley Duncan pic.twitter.com/anqgjebslA
The Pigs got their revenge on the field. Anthony hit a two-run home run to take the lead, and in the seventh, a Carter Kieboom home run (after another batter was put on base via HBP) extended the advantage. Nolan Hoffman pitched two scoreless innings for the save.
Portland 13, Reading 12
The Fightin’ Phils lost a ten-inning slugfest to the Reading Sea Dogs. Raylin Heredia’s three run home run in the second helped establish a 5-2 lead for the F-Phils, but it would not last. Both teams regularly traded runs, but in the ninth, the F-Phils found themselves down by three with two outs. A double and a walk brought up Erick Brito who topped off his 4-4 night with a game-tying three run home run.
— Reading Fightin Phils (@ReadingFightins) June 13, 2026
Sadly, the Sea Dogs got another run home in the top of the tenth, and this time, Reading was unable to answer.
Clearwater 4, Lakeland 2
Unlike their AA counterparts, the Threshers received strong pitching to carry them to victory over the Flying Tigers. Starting pitcher Ramon Marquez gave up two runs while striking out six in five innings, and three relievers combined for four shutout innings.
Offensively, the heavy lifting was done by DH Jonathan Hogart, whose three-run home run in the fourth put the Threshers ahead for good.
The Blue Claws got off to an early 2-0 lead, but the pitching staff was unable to hold it or keep Hudson Valley off the board after that. All five Blue Claws pitchers gave up runs, with starter Ryan Dromboski getting tagged for four in 2.2 innings.
Offensively, the highlight was second baseman Nick Biddison hitting his first home run in the fifth.
If it appeared like the Spurs had no clue what they were doing for the final 24 minutes of Game 4, that actually may have been the case.
A damning video has emerged showing San Antonio in complete defensive disarray before its fateful final defensive possession in which OG Anunoby tipped in an offensive rebound with 1.2 seconds remaining to complete the Knicks’ 29-point rally in the biggest comeback victory in NBA Finals history.
An overhead video shows several Spurs players pointing at different Knicks players with 5.7 seconds remaining in the 107-106 loss, seemingly in mass confusion.
Unreleased footage that shows the Spurs in utter confusion coming out of the timeout before the OG tip in. MUST watch, sound up. Link to full breakdown below pic.twitter.com/E7tz0st2LO
After De’Aaron Fox made arguably one of the worst decisions in NBA history to attempt a layup while leading 106-105 with roughly 11 seconds left only to be blocked by Anunoby, the Knicks called a timeout and subbed in Landry Shamet for Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges for Jose Alvarado.
The Spurs kept their same five on the floor — Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama — and it seems they did not expect the lineup change on the other side.
Harper flashed his eyes to the sideline while the Knicks took the court, seemingly unsure of who he should be guarding on the play.
Fox pointed to an unguarded Shamet, seemingly indicating that someone should be on him, while the uneasiness among the Spurs grew.
Several players started pointing in different directions, with Castle actually holding out his hands in a manner that indicated, “What is going on?”
Castle and Wembanyama both went toward Karl-Anthony Towns, all while Shamet remained unguarded.
Not what you want to see if you’re a Spurs fan before a critical possession. @bballbreakdown/XVictor Wembanyama (bottom) and Dylan Harper (middle) are unsure of what to do. @bballbreakdown/X
Wembanyama eventually went out to Bridges, while Harper grabbed Shamet.
The Spurs had a man on each Knick on the court while Fox played rover, and they made the curious decision to leave the inbounder, Anunoby, unoccupied.
This call loomed large when Fox opted to double team Jalen Brunson with Wembanyama, which allowed the Knicks to have a 4-on-3 chance at the rim when Brunson missed a long 3.
Anunoby ran free toward the hoop and jumped above a pair of Spurs defenders to tip in the rebound in the play that could be what ultimately lost the series for the Spurs.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson called the tip in a combination of a great play by Anunoby, plus a breakdown by his defense.
Fox seemingly just standing around after Brunson shot the ball, adding to his already brutal night.
“Yeah, bounce off the rim the right way. He tipped it in the right way. It went in,” Harper said after one of the worst defeats in franchise history. “I could play wish I could have did this, wish I could have did that. But at the end of the day he tipped the ball, and it went in the rim.I definitely thought I had a hand on it. I definitely think I helped put the ball in the rim. But just got to box out.”
The Larry O’Brien Trophy will be in the building. The rehearsals for the presentation ceremony, if one is needed, are complete. Thousands of New York fans have made the trip to Texas, looking to see something that hasn’t happened in 53 years.
New York can win its first NBA championship since 1973 on Saturday night, with the Knicks holding a 3-1 lead going into Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks are 3-0 in closeout opportunities this season, winning them by an average of 39.3 points — all of them on the road.
“We’ve been preaching all year it’s about the next possession, the next possession, the next possession,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “We understand any time you try to play a closeout game, the level of desperation — for your opponents — increases (and) the level of desperation for the fans of your opponents is increased. You have to bring your best effort because even if you bring your best effort, it may not happen, especially on the road.”
New York got to the brink of this title by rallying from 29 points down in Game 4 to win 107-106 on OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left. It was the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and the biggest comeback in any game this season, regular season or playoffs.
The Spurs have led each of the four games entering Saturday by double figures and let three of those games become losses.
“The biggest thing for us is just can’t take our foot off the gas in a sense,” Spurs guard Dylan Harper said. “Can’t get comfortable with a lead. It’s the NBA Finals. Anything could happen, like we just saw. But just at the end of the day, we’ve just got to stay together as a group.”
The referees selected for Saturday’s game were Scott Foster, James Capers and Tyler Ford. Foster and Capers both worked Game 1 and Ford worked Game 2 of the series.
If the Spurs win, Game 6 would be Tuesday in New York.
It’s hard to imagine things getting better against the Milwaukee Brewers. They rank fourth in OPS against right-handed pitchers and Nola has conceded at least three runs in seven of eight starts when facing Top-15 opponents in OPS.
The only exception came against the Rockies, who are last place and only have decent offensive numbers because home games are played at Coors Field.
Look for the Brewers bats to lead the way. Play to -150.
Phillies vs Brewers Over/Under pick: Over 8.0 (-115)
Friday’s game featured Jacob Misiorowski, who entered play having allowed one earned run over his last seven starts, and the total sat at 8.0.
I have a hard time believing it should be the same in a game Nola and Shane Drohan, who has completed five innings once this season, are starting.
Nola owns a 7.38 ERA against teams sitting Top-15 in OPS. Drohan has pitched well but he’s hardly untouchable, allowing the third highest hard hit rate over the last month among today’s starters.
Play the Over to -130.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 28-23, -2.10 units
Over/Under bets: 25-24-2, -2.06 units
Phillies vs Brewers odds
Moneyline: Phillies +120 | Brewers -140
Run line: Phillies +1.5 (-160) | Brewers -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-120) | Under 8.0 (+100)
Phillies vs Brewers trend
Milwaukee has hit the moneyline in 28 of their last 40 games (+12.90 units, 22% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Brewers.
How to watch Phillies vs Brewers and game info
Location
American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
Date
Saturday, June 13, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
FS1
Phillies starting pitcher
Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.86 ERA)
Brewers starting pitcher
Shane Drohan (3-1, 3.11 ERA)
Phillies vs Brewers latest injuries
Phillies vs Brewers weather
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With the New York Knicks one win away from their first NBA championship in more than 50 years, there’s been plenty of chatter about the NBA Finals MVP.
Jalen Brunson is the clear superstar and leader of the team, but OG Anunoby has had some clutch plays that have led to New York’s success, including a game-saving block and a game-winning tip-in to pull off a miraculous and historic Game 4 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
But Warriors guard Seth Curry is confused by the conversation surrounding the Finals MVP in recent years, something he believes saw an uptick beginning in 2015, as he shared on Threads.
“I’m seeing a lot of Finals MVP talk. who cares,” Curry wrote. “Growing up i never heard anybody talking about finals MVP.. Started around 2015 for some reason.”
2015, of course, was the year the Warriors dynasty won its first of several NBA championships. Former Warriors forward Andre Igoudala was rewarded the NBA Finals MVP that year for his standout defense on former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James, despite Steph Curry being the undisputed star of the team and averaging 26 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.8 steals in 42.5 minutes throughout the six-game series.
After Golden State’s title win, there was a debate over whether Curry deserved it over Iguodala. Despite being a four-time NBA champion, Steph didn’t win his first NBA Finals MVP until the Warriors’ latest win in 2021-22. Although Steph has said numerous times that he couldn’t care less about the Finals MVP award, and cared more about being a champion.
And to Seth’s point, he doesn’t understand why the individual award has all of a sudden been such a hot topic.
Much like Steph, Brunson likely doesn’t care who wins Finals MVP either, should the Knicks be victorious. Bringing a championship to New York after five long decades is a pretty special accolade on its own.
COVERS INTEL: