HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 27, 2025: Riley Cornelio #29 of the Harrisburg Senators pitches during an Eastern League game against the Akron RubberDucks at FNB Field on July 27, 2025 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Senators beat the RubberDucks, 7-0. (Photo by Thom Wood/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
As we all know, the Nationals badly need talented pitchers. After yesterday’s game, they called up one of the more promising arms in their system in Riley Cornelio. The 25 year old was the Nats 7th round pick in 2022 who broke out last season before taking another step this year. Now, he is getting a chance to prove himself in the big leagues.
Today, Cornelio will be part of a rotating cast of characters who combine with Miles Mikolas to give the Nats length. This plan worked perfectly last time the Nats utilized it. PJ Poulin opened before Mikolas fired four scoreless innings. After Mikolas left the game, Andrew Alvarez threw 4.1 scoreless innings of his own to secure a shut out for the Nats.
PJ Poulin will be the opener again tonight. Mikes Minolas and Riley Cornelio both available to pitch behind him.
The hope is that the Nats can repeat the trick, this time with Cornelio. In my opinion, Cornelio is more talented than Alvarez and has a higher ceiling. He throws harder than Alvarez, sitting in the mid-90’s, while also having a really sharp slider to pair with his heater.
Over the last couple of years, Cornelio’s heater has taken massive strides. He added three ticks between 2024 and 2025, and added another tick this offseason. It is not just pure velocity for Cornelio either. He has a unique fastball shape that gets ride and run. This season, he has leaned heavily on his dynamic heater, throwing it over 60% of the time.
Riley Cornelio gets the call!
Cornelio has looked great in AAA, posting a 2.45 ERA, 2.93 FIP, and 38.0 K% across 18.1 IP while flashing a impressive fastball-slider combo. He profiles more as a reliever, but he will likely start his MLB career in the rotation
Before this season, Cornelio was more known for his wipeout slider than his heater. That devastating slider is still there, and it is a massive weapon for him particularly against right handed hitters. He throws the slider 45% of the time to righties, and gets a ton of whiffs.
Cornelio has been racking up the strikeouts all season so far. In his four starts, Cornelio has 27 strikeouts in 18.1 innings. These kinds of strikeout numbers are new for Cornelio, who had 9.4 K.9 last year. This season he has raised that number to 13.25 K/9.
The Nats are going to use Cornelio in a bulk relief role to start, but I would be intrigued by him as a higher leverage bullpen arm. He is basically a two pitch guy, only throwing his changeup 6.6% of the time. Having a shallow arsenal causes him to struggle when facing a lineup for a second or third time. I am also not sure how he would fare if teams stacked their lineup with left handed hitters.
He is far from a perfect prospect, but Cornelio has good stuff and solid command. The Nats have too many guys on the staff who just do not have dynamic stuff. Cornelio will at least provide that. He can get plenty of whiffs and has two pitches he can lean on.
Hopefully Cornelio will stick around for a little while. I understand the logic, but it is frustrating to see guys like Andrew Alvarez and Orlando Ribalta demoted immediately after having good outings. Utilizing optionable arms is smart, but in this bullpen, I want to see more guys who look good.
While he is not a mega-prospect, Riley Cornelio is a guy with plenty of helium who has taken massive steps the last couple of seasons. Last year we saw Brad Lord come out of seemingly nowhere, and I think Riley Cornelio can do something similar. Congrats to Riley and I can’t wait to see him pitch in the big leagues.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 07: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts during warmups before a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on April 07, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Call this a make-up for the fact that we didn’t run a full story on this news item yesterday (no disrespect due to Derrick, who is perfect in every way – it just got lost in the shuffle).
I mean, what else is there to say. Derrick is a wonderful human being.
I guess it is also worth noting that this award has gone to a few players with ties to the Celtics in the past.
Last 10 Sportsmanship Award winners:
2026: Derrick White 2025: Jrue Holiday 2024: Tyrese Maxey 2023: Mike Conley 2022: Patty Mills 2021: Jrue Holiday 2020: Vince Carter 2019: Mike Conley 2018: Kemba Walker 2017: Kemba Walker
Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) with the ball as Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Caleb Wilson hasn’t gotten to go through the NBA Draft combine yet, but there’s already a lot of buzz that he could be drafted top three overall. What wasn’t expected, however, is Yahoo Sports projecting that he could go higher than that. In their latest mock draft, they have Wilson being picked second overall by the Atlanta Hawks.
Is AJ Dybantsa a lock to Chicago? 🔒@KevinOConnor's latest mock draft if the lottery brings us chaos 👀
For the better part of what we will call the NCAA/NBA basketball season, it was largely projected that Wilson would be drafted as the fourth overall pick. But there were moments throughout the 2025-26 UNC season when fans had to start wondering if he could climb even higher. He is one of the better athletes in the draft, has a really high ceiling, and most importantly, he could become one of the better players on a NBA team right now. It is hard to say that about Darryn Peterson, for instance, but it’s understandable to see AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson as interchangeable. But this is the first time Wilson has been projected as a top-two pick to our knowledge, which means this draft could get really interesting for the Georgia native.
“Front office executives around the NBA increasingly believe Wilson could be the second player taken in June’s draft. While his exact spot won’t be clear until after the Draft Lottery, once each pick is determined, some teams value the high-flying North Carolina freshman above the more ground-bound Cam Boozer from Duke. Others view Wilson as having similarly high upside as Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with dramatically lower downsides due to Peterson’s availability concerns.“
It is interesting that O’Connor stated that some teams would value Wilson’s aerial abilities over Boozer’s gravity-shackled game, but it is also not surprising. Objectively speaking, it would make more sense for some teams to take Boozer over Wilson, but there are some NBA teams that do not have a guy that is wired quite like Wilson. Where he is actually drafted will likely depend on what team has one of the top 2-3 picks, but hearing that front office executives are increasingly confident that Wilson can be the second player off the board is huge.
What do you think of Yahoo’s projection? Do you think Wilson could go #2 overall? Do you think there’s a possibility he can go #1 overall? Let us know in the comments below.
There weren’t many bright spots for the Phillies week or Tanner Banks. He carries a 5.59 ERA and is probably too on the current depth chart because of their injuries (more on this later).
But he put together a fun three pitch sequence to Seiya Suzuki for a called third strike.
He pinpointed an up and in cutter for a called strike, Suzuki sort of backed up a because of the movement.
JT calls for a fastball in, Suzuki looks ready for a fastball in but sometimes missing your spot can be a good thing. Thats what happens here and Banks gets a whiff.
It’s 0-2 and Banks has struggled to get right handed hitters out. He has allowed a .727 OPS against right handed hitters for his career.
Suzuki knows this, so it’s fair to assume Banks is looking for chase. Especially if the ball starts down, it’s probably going to be a backfoot sweeper right?
Nope.
The looking strikeout on a fastball down the middle is one of my favorite little things in the sport. It’s easy for anyone, from the brightest in the game to the casuals who watch a handful of games a year. They might all think “that was right down the middle”.
Bullpen injuries
While the offense has caught headlines and the starting rotation has struggled during their eight game losing streak, the bullpen injuries have begun hurting them. Zach Pop, Jonathan Bowlan, and Jhoan Duran are currently on the injured list.
Take that Banks game for example, he faced five straight right handed hitters at the top of the Cubs order because there aren’t many other options with the bullpen injuries.
On Sunday night against the Atlanta Braves, Andrew Painter can’t an out in the fifth so the club has to call on Tim Mayza, who signed a minor league deal during the off-season. Thomson leaves him in because of how thin the depth is and Ozzie Albies made them pay.
Or it’s just trying to come up with an opener for Taijuan Walker. They go with Kyle Backhus, so Craig Counsell moves Michael Busch down to the five hole to stack the top of the order with righties. They ended up scoring a first inning run.
Jonathan Bowlan could’ve played a key role in at least two of those games as a viable middle of the bullpen option for Thomson. Not having Jhoan Duran to close games out means that Brad Keller can’t even be considered until the 8th or 9th inning.
Rotation Depth
The Phillies released Taijuan Walker before Thursday’s finale against the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley after he had an ERA over 9 in five appearances, either as a starter or as a bulk reliever to follow an opener. There is no clear-cut number six option at this point.
Alan Rangel is the most likely option at this point. He pitched in mop-up duty against the Cubs Wednesday night and looked serviceable. He got the fastball for strikes and showed off a promising changeup, even if the control of it was shaky. In three innings, Rangel struck out five and allowed only one run.
Rangel was also performing like the best Lehigh Valley IronPigs starter by a wide margin. There are a few notable other options because of previous MLB experience but there probably isn’t anyone to stabilize the fifth spot if required.
Jean Cabrera has an ERA over 9 with a 12.3% walk rate, Tucker Davidson and Bryse Wilson have ERA’s over 8, and Ryan Cusick is over 5. Unless things change quickly, Rangel is the clear frontrunner if a rotation need arises. It’s pretty bleak.
The bad weather continues for much of the minor league system and the records remain poor with the upper-level teams despite multiple standout players at all four levels. Fort Wayne had the best week, breaking even over their six games. El Paso has lots of pitching issues with multiple offensive players doing better than the pitchers.
Lake Elsinore Storm (8-9 record, 2nd in California League South)
With multiple new players coming into the system this season via draft and free agent/international signings, there are a handful that have distinguished themselves early in 2026.
RHP’s Jesus Castro and Carlos Medina, both from Mexico, are making themselves comfortable with Lake Elsinore. In their Low-A debut, Medina has a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings pitched with 13 strikeouts to one walk. Castro has started three games with 11.2 innings pitched with a 4.63 ERA and seven strikeouts to five walks.
LHP Kruz Schoolcraft has somewhat righted the ship after two disastrous starts. He started April 17 and completed three innings with four hits, one earned run, two walks and three strikeouts. His fastball sat 92-94 mph, up from his previous starts.
The two undrafted free agents signed by the Padres that are playing for the Storm have made a big impact so far. Infielder Bradley Frye has played in 15 games and 48 at-bats with a .417/.463/.563 line and 1.025 OPS. He has four doubles, a home run and 10 RBI. Not to be outdone, OF Conner Westenburg has played in 15 games with 49 at-bats with a .367/.426/.490 line and a .916 OPS. He has two doubles, two triples and 11 RBI. He has 10 out of 10 stolen bases, two more than OF Ryan Wideman.
Wideman, the third-round pick in the 2025 draft, is hitting .304/.388/.551 and .938 OPS with six doubles, a triple, three home runs and 18 RBI. Catcher Ty Harvey, the fifth-round pick in 2025, has a .353/.450/.471 line with a .921 OPS with two doubles and four RBI.
Not a bad start for many of the Padres new prospects.
Fort Wayne TinCaps (6-11 record, 6th in Midwest League East)
OF Jake Cunningham, who was drafted by Baltimore in 2023, signed with the Padres as a free agent in January of this year. He currently leads Fort Wayne with a .350 average, a .700 SLG and a 1.081 OPS. He has four home runs and six RBI with two stolen bases in 13 games and 40 at-bats. OF Kasen Wells leads the team with a .393 OBP with a .260 average and 11 walks, he has stolen three bases in four attempts.
OF Alex McCoy continues to smoke the ball with a .328/.355/.586 line and .941 OPS. He has six doubles, three home runs and nine RBI in 16 games and 58 at-bats. Both infielder Rosman Verdugo and C/1B/DH Lamar King Jr. have seven RBI each, with two and one homer respectively.
On the pitching side, LHP Kash Mayfield has a 0.00 ERA after three starts and 12 innings pitched. He has 16 strikeouts and five walks. Mayfield has dominated with his fastball/changeup combination as his command has been stellar so far. RHP Carson Montgomery, in his return from injury which kept him out all of last season, has two starts and eight innings pitched with a 2.25 ERA with seven strikeouts and four walks.
Reliever Clay Edmondson has two saves in his six games and seven innings pitched with a 1.29 ERA and nine strikeouts to three walks. Reliever Tucker Musgrove, on almost everyone’s watch list for this year, has had a rough start. He has appeared in three games for 2.2 innings with three runs allowed for a 10.13 ERA in the small sample. He has five strikeouts and three walks.
San Antonio Missions (5-12 record, 5th in Texas League South)
Free agent OF/1B Leandro Cedeño, 27, who spent a few seasons in the NPB before signing this past offseason, has played in seven games and 21 at-bats with a .381 average and .500 OBP. He has a double, two RBI and five walks. IF Carson Tucker, 24, was a highly regarded prospect (No. 1 pick) in the Guardians system who was released after suffering injuries that slowed his progress. He signed with the Padres in the offseason. In 12 games and 38 at-bats he has a .316/.381/.368 line and .749 OPS with a double, three RBI and 4-for-4 stolen bases. The strikeouts are high at 12 with four walks. A 33% K-rate needs to be watched.
Catcher Ethan Salas, working back into the mix after a lost 2025, has played in 13 games with 42 at-
bats and a .238/.304/.310 line and .614 OPS while getting back to himself behind the plate. He has a 25% caught stealing rate and has had no errors in 10 games caught.
RHP Eric Yost, who has both started and been in relief, has a 1.32 ERA in 13.2 innings pitched with 16 strikeouts and eight walks. RHP Miguel Mendez, who has flashed 100 mph fastballs this season, has a 1.42 ERA in 12.2 innings pitched in three starts. He has 14 strikeouts (26.9% K-rate) and six walks. RHP Francis Pena, who had a poor second half of 2025, has bounced back with 6.2 innings pitched in his five appearances with a 1.35 ERA and 10 strikeouts to nine walks. The high walk rate is concerning but his previous effectiveness seems to be returning.
El Paso Chihuahuas (10-13 record, 4th in Pacific Coast League East)
OF Carlos Rodriguez leads with a .300 batting average. IF Pablo Reyes is tops in OBP with .433 and OF Jase Bowen has a .636 SLG, .989 OPS and also leads with five home runs. Bowen also has a 26.3% K-rate with 22 strikeouts. IF Sung-Mun Song, who is hitting .293/.369/.320 with a .689 OPS also has 21 strikeouts in his 75 at-bats. Song has 12 RBI but only two XBH and nine walks. He has not attempted to steal any bases.
IF Jose Miranda leads the team with 16 RBI and is hitting .296/.321/.556 with a .877 OPS. The Padres depth both on the bench in San Diego and waiting to help, if needed, in El Paso is a vast improvement over many past seasons. Miranda has an opt out in June with his contract.
RHP Griffin Canning started on April 22 for El Paso but didn’t make it out of the second inning. He threw 45 pitches with 1.2 innings pitched and two runs with two walks. He currently has a 5.40 ERA in 10 innings pitched with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks. He must be activated by May 4.
LHP Yuki Matsui has had all one inning appearances so far with El Paso. He has 6.2 innings pitched over seven games and a 4.05 ERA with eight strikeouts and one walk.
Injured list
LHP Luis Gutierrez (San Antonio) and RHP Jeferson Villabona (Fort Wayne) were both placed on the IL on April 21.
A new stadium on the horizon — but can the Royals fix what’s happening on the field?
In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco break down the latest developments in the Kansas City Royals’ proposed stadium project at Crown Center, including funding structure, land control, and the broader implications for the team and the city. The discussion explores the pros and cons of the move, from economic impact and urban development to fan accessibility, public perception, and long-term franchise stability.
On the field, the conversation shifts to the Royals’ recent struggles, focusing on fundamental breakdowns, inconsistent execution, and questions surrounding coaching and preparation. Using insights from a recent Royals Review article, Jacob and Jeremy examine how issues like defensive lapses, bullpen inconsistency, and lineup construction may point to deeper systemic concerns rather than just player performance.
The hosts also analyze pitching trends, offensive flashes, and the fine margins in close games, emphasizing how discipline and attention to detail can define outcomes at the major league level. With a focus on accountability, communication, and development, the episode takes a critical but constructive look at what needs to change for the Royals to turn things around.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Cole Hertzler #35 of the Houston Astros throws a pitch during the fifth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Miami Marlins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 19, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below.
Pearson got the start in game one and went 2 innings allowing 1 run. The offense got on the board in the bottom of the first inning on an Alexander 2 run home run. The teams exchanged runs in the 5th inning. The Express got one in the 6th to tie it and the game went to extras. In the 8th, the Express scored two but the Sugar Land offense was quiet as they dropped game one 5-3.
Ullola got the start in game two but struggled allowing 6 runs over 2.2 innings. The offense got 4 runs back in the 4th inning on a Biggers 2 run double, run on a wild pitch and Salazar RBI double. Sugar Land got another in the 6th on a Biggers solo HR. The Sugar Land pen struggled through allowing another 6 runs as they dropped game two 12-5.
Jose Fleury, RHP: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Hudson Leach, RHP: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Cesar Salazar, RHP: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (10-8) lost 3-0 (BOX SCORE)
Hicks got the start for the Hooks last night and went 5 innings allowing 3 runs while striking out 5. He was relieved by Mancini who was great striking out 7 over 3 perfect innings. Unfortunately the offense was quiet collecting just 3 hits as they were shutout in the 3-0 loss.
Note: Mancini has 14 K in 8.1 innings in Double-A.
Asheville got off to a nice start picking up a run in the first on a Frey RBI double and then 4 runs in the second inning on a Schiavone grand slam. Hertzler got the start and pitched well striking out 8 over 4 scoreless innings. After the Drive got 3 in the 5th inning, Asheville got one back on a Walker sac fly. In the 8th, the Drive scored 3 more runs to tie it. The game went to extras and in the bottom of the 10th, Hernandez walked it off with sac fly.
Colby Langford, LHP: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K (WIN)
A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (6-12) won 7-1 (BOX SCORE)
The Woodpeckers jumped out to an early lead scoring 4 runs in the first inning on a Sierra walk, 2 runs on an error and a Vasquez groundout. They got 2 more run the 2nd inning on Monistere and Sierra RBI doubles. Ochoa added a solo HR in the third inning. Perez got the start and was great striking out 7 over 6 innings allowing just 1 unearned run. Weber went the final 3 and struck out 6 as he closed out the 7-1 win.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 22: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball while being defended by Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center on April 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA may or may not have an officiating crisis. But it definitely has a crisis of confidence, which is the only kind that matters.
Even in the age of big data and AI-generated LeBron songs, we still do not have a reliable way to track if an NBA game was officiated well. This isn’t automatic balls and strikes; we’re talking about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo’s elbow intentionally struck Al Horford in the head during that poster dunk, if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander initiated contact when his defender stupidly jumped at a pump fake for the 19th time, whether Jaden McDaniels gave Jamal Murray adequate landing space on his shot despite every player jumping different distances when they shoot and McDaniels understandably is not staring at Murray’s feet when he’s shooting a three. That kind of stuff.
So people clamor for accountability. Players freak out, including Devin Booker saying in a press conference that Alex Caruso asked the ref to call a technical on Booker and he just did for some reason? Fans of teams that feel they got jobbed lose it, demanding changes (what changes?), oversight (how?) and to please please please stop allowing Gilgeous-Alexander to magnet-pull himself to a defender and get two free throws!
Whoa…. Devin Booker just WENT OFF on the NBA refs right now in the post game press conference:
"It's definitely something that has to be looked at. I heard (Alex) Caruso tell them to call the tech and he ended up doing it. In my 11 years, I haven't called a ref out by name,… pic.twitter.com/lfc7UBBue5
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 23, 2026
But refereeing is such a stupid concept that there is no possibility to improve, only to complicate. Sure, we have Last Two Minutes reports, but those are simply compiled by other referees offering a different interpretation with the assistance of slow-motion replay — or as I like to call them, completely useless since no referee could ever review every single call of the last two minutes in slow-mo in real time lest they want to make the game completely unwatchable.
Refereeing basketball games is not an exact science; in fact, it’s probably not a science at all. When you consider all the contact, all the dust-ups, all the arm-flailing, all the pump-fake magnetism and all the floppity flops, officiating this environment is far closer to oil painting than it is mathematical proofs. Fouls are interpretations of a fluid game in which contact is legal, and referees must use words like “wind-up,” “follow-through,” “incidental,” and “reckless” (what does any of that mean?) to determine if something is a foul, a flagrant, a technical or nothing at all.
In short, there is really no way to officiate a sport where contact is kind of legal. It’s not like football and hockey (which have plenty of officiating problems), where contact is mostly legal and something has to be fairly heinous to result in a foul for being too physical; basketball allows contact to a certain extent. What that extent is has evolved over time, such as throwing elbows, hand checking, the block-charge and more fun stuff we all complain about. All NBA refs are really doing is trying to keep the game safe and reasonably fair; an impossible task, but one they are heroically trusted with anyway.
But teams have exploited the infinite complication of officiating to great effect, notably how pace, size and explosive super-athletes can create impossibly subjective interactions. Gilgeous-Alexander bears the brunt of this criticism, given that he’s likely about to be the league’s back-to-back MVP winner, but he wasn’t even first in free-throw attempts this season. Everyone does it, and I think we really peaked with 2022 Giannis Antetokounmpo, who, for two playoff rounds, barreled into Nikola Vucevic and Grant Williams and whoever else dared to oppose him with impossible speed, power and extreme arm-angles that were always some kind of foul. On who? On Giannis? Who knew.
The root problem is that a shooting foul is the most valuable offensive action in basketball. With league-average shooting percentages, two free throws have an expected point-value of 1.57, while a three-pointer is worth 1.08 points and an at-rim look worth 1.20 points (shoutout to Ian Levy for pointing this out to me; it changed my life). If you can get your free-throw percentage up above average (>78 percent), now we’re really cooking something spicy. Gilgeous-Alexander shoots 88 percent from the line, so by far his best option on every possession is to get to the line.
Like with tanking and the draft lottery, if the NBA’s rules provide a clear best option to succeed, smart players and teams will always figure out how to maximize their return. It’s like when the MLB figured out walks were actually good — whatever macho man mentality (and steroids) sustained the “always swing and swing for power” world died in the darkness wrought by sabermetrics and taking a 3-1 fastball that’s a little high.
The NBA public freaking out about officiating these playoffs doesn’t actually want fewer fouls, they just want fouls to feel like fouls — you know, things that aren’t allowed,rather than the calculated, orchestrated manipulations of a subjective rule set and mathematical reality that they have become. A fix would be a point of emphasis from officials that radically expands the scope of “who initiated contact” and categorically refuse to call fouls when the offensive player visually initiates the interaction.
But we all know how that would end: teams and players would reset, take some time to analyze the situation and then find whatever the new best way to get to the free-throw line is. Short of a literal free-throw quota, an insane idea that would turn the game into gladiatorial combat, teams will figure out how to foul-bait even if foul-baiting is outlawed. But an emphasis against offensive player-initiated defensive fouls would be a good start, given that this is all a visual question anyway — as said before, the total number of fouls has decreased in recent years. We’re solving a crisis of confidence, not an actual crisis.
Sports have their own built-in honor codes that are unique and deeply personal, but not flopping is generally agreed upon as lame by the people of the world. And those same people will shed blood, sweat and tearful Tweets when they believe the sanctity of the game they love is under assault. Maybe it isn’t, but it looks like it is. And keeping up appearances is key.
In New York’s 109-108 loss to the Hawks, there were several moments to note. OG Anunoby emerged with 29 points. The Knicks outscored Atlanta, 56-40, in the paint. But the Hawks shot better from the three-point line (39 percent).
As New York tries to even the series on Saturday night, here are three keys to Game 4...
Absent starters need to come through
New York's starters scored 78 points on Thursday night, but 76 of those points came from the trio of Anunoby,Jalen Brunson (26 points), and Karl-Anthony Towns (21 points). The other two starters -- Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart --combined for just two points in 61 minutes.
Bridges was scoreless in 21 minutes, attempting just three shots. He was also a -26 and had four turnovers, leading to him being benched for much of the second half in favor of Deuce McBride. That turned out to be the right decision as McBride was instrumental in New York’s comeback attempt.
The absent offensive performance was another notable moment in an uneven two-year stretch for Bridges. The external noise around the Knicks trading five first-round picks for Bridges only grows louder after performances like this. Hart had two points on 1-for-9 from the field and he missed all four of his attempts from the three-point line.
Hart and Bridges have made significant contributions defensively in this series, and Hart did have nine rebounds and six assists on Thursday. But both players have played a part in New York’s substandard offensive play. New York will need more from both Bridges and Hart on the offensive end in Game 4.
The next logical step is head coach Mike Brown possibly making a change to the starting lineup. As SNY’s Ian Begley noted, one of the burning questions for Game 4 is if McBride will replace Bridges.
Limiting miscues
Creating turnovers on defense is crucial to the Hawks’ strategy. Not a great halfcourt offense, the Hawks have been able to thrive off playing fast and creating transition scoring opportunities.
As this series has worn on, miscues have become a concern for the Knicks. New York had 11 giveaways in the series opener, followed by 14 in the second game. In Game 3, the Hawks forced a series-high 18 Knicks turnovers and scored 21 points off those errors.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts to a call against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena / Brett Davis - Imagn Images
Atlanta has athletic finishers like Jalen Johnson and Jonathan Kuminga, who benefited from easy baskets that came from either turnovers or long rebounds. Johnson broke out for his best performance in the series on Thursday with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Kuminga had 21 points off the bench.
Keeping those two players in the halfcourt will be crucial for Game 4. Taking care of the rock is of significant importance, especially when thinking of how each of the last two games have gone.
The plan for Mitchell Robinson
The series was supposed to be made for Robinson. With Atlanta’s diminutive roster, Robinson was expected to dominate off the bench. But so far we’ve seen scant minutes for the seven-footer. Over three games, Robinson is averaging 14.7 minutes.
Two factors seem to be weighing on Robinson’s limited minutes. One is the potential for the Hawks to intentionally foul the notoriously poor free-throw shooter. Brown has also noted that lineups with both Towns and Robinson on the court haven’t been as effective.
When Robinson has played, he hasn’t dominated the offensive glass. Despite Robinson not seeing increased minutes, the Knicks have actually rebounded well on both ends of the floor. New York is sixth among the 16 playoff teams in offensive rebound rate, recovering 33.1 percent of misses, per NBA Stats.
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement has been Mr. Consistent this season, picking up where he left off in October.
He is sitting just one hit shy of the MLB hits lead, and I’ll bet on him closing the gap tonight with another big game at the plate against the Cleveland Guardians.
Read on to see why in my Blue Jays vs. Guardians predictions and free MLB picks for April 24.
Guardians vs Blue Jays predictions
Guardians vs Blue Jays best bet: Ernie Clement O 1.5 total bases (+120)
Ernie Clement has picked up where he left off last postseason, currently sitting one hit shy of the MLB lead, while averaging 1.75 bases per game so far this season
He’s had multiple hits in four of his last five, averaging 2.8 bases per game in that stretch.
Additionally, the pitching matchup favors Clement tonight.
Cleveland Guardians starter Gavin Williams throws a heavy dose of the sweeper to right-handed batters, and it’s gotten him a lot of swing and miss this season.
Clement has just a 17% whiff rate against the sweeper this season, with a .444 average against the pitch.
COVERS INTEL:Clement is hitting .417 with four XBH in five games since being moved into the two-hole of the Jays' lineup.
Guardians vs Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
Nathan Lukes is starting to swing the bat well after a slow start to the season. He has a hit in four of his last five games with a 1.132 OPS in that stretch.
Lastly, I’ll take Over 1.5 walks for Williams. The Cleveland starter ranks in the 13th percentile in walk rate, averaging 3.4 walks per game this season. The Jays' lineup as a whole owns a combined .410 OBP against him with five walks in just 34 at-bats.
Guardians vs Blue Jays SGP
Ernie Clement Over 1.5 bases
Nathan Lukes Over 0.5 hits
Gavin Williams Over 1.5 walks
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Guardians vs Blue Jays home run pick: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+510)
I’ll make this a half-unit wager.
Firstly, if Lenyn Sosa gets a start today and a home-run market pops up for him, I’d sprinkle a little there. He leads the Jays in hard-hit rate and is 4-for-6 with two home runs against Williams in his career.
However, my official home run pick will be Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who owns a 1.319 OPS against Williams himself.
It’s a good matchup for Guerrero, too, as Williams gives up a lot of hard contact with a 48.3% hard-hit rate, while ranking in the 7th percentile in average exit velocity.
Additionally, Williams has given up one home run in four of his five starts this season.
Mike DiStefano's 2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 5-18, -10.35 units
SGPs: 2-21, -13.50 units
HR picks: 4-19 -0.85 units
Guardians vs Blue Jays odds
Moneyline: Cleveland -126 | Toronto +108
Run line: Cleveland -1.5 (+124) | Toronto +1.5 (-160)
Over/Under: Over 8 (-105) | Under 8 (-115)
Guardians vs Blue Jays trend
The Toronto Blue Jays have hit the 1st Five Innings (F5) Team Total Under in 11 of their last 15 games at home (+6.65 Units / 37% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Guardians vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch Guardians vs Blue Jays and game info
Location
Rogers Centre, Toronto, ON
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
First pitch
7:07 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet One
Guardians starting pitcher
Gavin Williams (3-1, 2.12 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (1-2, 7.16 ERA)
Guardians vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Guardians vs Blue Jays weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen, right, celebrates with right wing Logan O'Connor after scoring a short-handed goal during Game 3 of their first-round series against the Kings Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Kings coach D.J. Smith gave his team the day off Friday, but he sent his players home with a message: if they don’t show up for work Sunday, they’ll have the rest of the spring and summer off, too.
Players don’t like to call any game a “must-win” because of the pressure it brings, but there’s no other way to look at Sunday’s game for the Kings. After losing the first three games of their best-of-seven playoff series with the Colorado Avalanche, the Kings are one loss away from being eliminating in the first round for a fifth consecutive season.
“Must-win game,” agreed defenseman Drew Doughty, who hasn’t played on a winning team in a playoff series since the Kings last won the Stanley Cup in 2014. “Everyone's going to give everything and we’ve got to win that one. And then hopefully go back to Denver.”
The most recent loss came Thursday when the Avalanche scored two fluky goals on pucks that bounced in off the skates of Kings players and put another one into an empty net in a 4-2 victory that pushed the Kings to the brink of elimination.
“You don’t like the result,” Smith said. “And it’s tough to swallow.”
For Colorado, the best team in the NHL during the regular season, it hasn’t been the most stylish of postseasons. But after a pair of hard-fought 2-1 wins at home, the Avalanche have a chance to sweep a playoff series for the first time since 2022, when they won their last Stanley Cup.
“All the games have been tight. We’re right there,” forward Quinton Byfield said. “Each guy, including myself, we just have to give a little bit more.
“We're doing the right things, we just have to dig in a little bit more."
It’s hard to say how. The Kings’ power play has been good, scoring a goal in each of the three games, and their penalty kill even better, shutting out the top-scoring team in the NHL on nine tries with a man advantage.
The Kings have been physical and fast and goaltender Anton Forsberg has been brilliant in his first career playoff series, making 90 saves in the three games. Yet none of that has paid off with a win.
“Sometimes you play real well for stretches and you don’t get the results. And then you’ll win a game you don’t deserve to win,” Smith said. “Maybe we didn’t stay with it long enough.”
“Those games are over with,” a frustrated Byfield added. “You can’t look back at those games. It’s just on to the next one, that’s our focus.”
Doughty said the Kings need to wear down the Avalanche, something they clearly couldn’t do in the two games played in Denver’s mile-high altitude. They might have a better chance Sunday at sea level.
“I don’t think we’re creating enough Grade-A chances,” he said. “They’re statistically one of the best teams in the neutral zone. So for us to beat them, we’ve got to wear them down in the D zone, make them tired and score goals that way. We haven't done that enough.”
Every team has its kryptonite and for the Kings that appears to be the first round of the playoffs. Over the past dozen seasons, the team has gone 9-27 in the postseason, taking a series to a seventh game just once in six tries. Along the way they’ve changed general mangers twice, changed head coaches five times and even changed their opponents, facing the Avalanche this year after losing four straight series to the Edmonton Oilers.
None of that has changed the results.
Smith, in fact, is an interim coach, having taken over for Jim Hiller with 23 games left in the regular season. He figures to be coaching for his future Sunday since a playoff sweep won’t look good on his resume.
“There’s no quit in there,” Smith said of the Kings’ locker room. “We’ll get reset with practice [Saturday] and I think you’re going to see our best effort.
“Now we’ve got to make a few changes and see if we can spark something.”
If that works, the Kings will be heading back to Denver. If it doesn’t, they’ll be heading home for another long summer.
Jim Furyk is returning as US Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland as the Americans try to get back on track against a European team that has dominated the last three decades, the Associated Press has learned.
Furyk would be the fourth US captain to get a second chance dating to 1979, considered the modern era of the Ryder Cup when continental Europe became part of it.
Who will win Marlins vs Giants today: Marlins moneyline (-108)
The Miami Marlins head into this one having won three of their last four contests, and when Sandy Alcantara is on the hill, they always have a chance to win. The righty has compiled a 2-2 record and 3.06 ERA this season, holding opponents to a .197 average.
While the San Francisco Giants did just take two out of three against the Los Angeles Dodgers, they scored only six runs in total, and the Giants were shut out in the rubber match. Alcantara allowed just two earned runs last time out.
Also, Adrian Houser has struggled immensely this season for San Fran. He owns a 5.40 ERA and a 0-2 record through four starts, with opponents batting .292. Miami has scored 18 runs across its last three road contests as well.
COVERS INTEL:The Marlins are 4-1 in their last five meetings with the Giants, and they swept San Francisco last summer at Oracle Park.
Marlins vs Giants Over/Under pick: Under 7.5 runs (-110)
Three of the last four meetings have cashed the Under, and San Fran just hit the Under in all three contests against the Dodgers at home. They’re 30th in runs scored and 29th in home runs. This offense isn’t thriving, and when Alcantara is on, he’s hard to hit.
While Houser’s 5.40 ERA is concerning, his FIP is sitting at 4.44. He has definitely struggled, but it’s not like getting lit up for six or seven runs each start.
That being said, he has allowed four earned runs in three straight, and the Marlins' offense is averaging 4.5 runs per game.
They will be the ones doing most of the scoring, but it won’t be a high-scoring affair. Miami’s bullpen, which has a 3.13 ERA, will also keep the Giants at bay after Alcantara departs.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 7-5, -1.94 units
Over/Under bets: 7-5, +1.19 units
Marlins vs Giants odds
Moneyline: Marlins -112 | Giants -104
Run line: Marlins -1.5 (+158) | Giants +1.5 (-192)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Marlins vs Giants trend
The Miami Marlins have hit the Moneyline in 26 of their last 45 games (+9.05 Units / 16% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Marlins vs. Giants.
How to watch Marlins vs Giants and game info
Location
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
First pitch
10:15 p.m. ET
TV
Apple TV+
Marlins starting pitcher
Sandy Alcantara (2-2, 3.06 ERA)
Giants starting pitcher
Adrian Houser (0-2, 5.40 ERA)
Marlins vs Giants latest injuries
Marlins vs Giants weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Nine is divine! It sure wasn’t pretty. But in the end, that doesn’t really matter. The Cubs won their ninth consecutive game. It’s April, and so the two teams the Cubs faced in those nine games understandably have two of the worst records in baseball. For kicks, I pulled up MLB.com’s preseason baseball predictions for 2026. Their pick for the NL East? The Mets. In other choices? The Phillies were listed first. Baseball America? The Mets first followed by the Phillies with both making their playoff prediction. Two of their 10 writers had the Mets in the World Series (at this point, kudos to their one who had the Braves there).
My point is that we don’t know that both teams are bad, though certainly both are in disarray. There’s a lot of baseball to be played. This stretch of wins isn’t nothing. And it also doesn’t guarantee anything for anyone. I do suspect there is some residual value to sweeping a seven-game homestand. That can create some swagger and intimidation for teams coming in later. Is that worth a lot? No. But I also don’t think it’s nothing. I do think a team draws on the things they’ve done before. This team will remember ultimately prevailing even after the Phillies came off of the mat and fought back.
Obviously, it isn’t great that Caleb Thielbar appears to have been injured. It does appear that all four of the anticipated leverage relievers from opening day are now all hurt. Add to that the loss of Cade Horton, arguably the team’s best starter, and it is a scary development. At least in terms of all of those relievers, we expect them all back at some point.
The Cubs have been winning largely on the back of a very productive offense and a very strong defense. You won’t be able to find one stretch of games for any team in the league than the Cubs did. It was so striking that the few times the defense did let down, it was very striking. The seventh inning of this game was almost that way. The bullpen hasn’t had to do much. But today, they didn’t answer the bell when the Cubs needed them. I’m going to imagine that continues to be something they struggle with as they head west for the first time.
The offense, though, was terrific throughout the series. They added 18 more hits on Friday. The Phillies and their fans are likely to wake in a cold sweat remembering just a sea of Cub runners seemingly in every single inning of the series. What’s that old phrase? Who leaves a lot of runners on base? Teams that get a lot of runners on base. By OPS, the Cubs are up to third in the league. By on-base percentage, they now rank first. This series was a lot of that.
The team is getting contributions from so many different players. The crazy thing is that the team shows at No. 1 for OBP. But Nico leads the team with the 25th best OBP. It doesn’t feel congruent. Until you look under the hood. Carson Kelly (.440), Seiya Suzuki (.449), Moisés Ballesteros (.439), and Michael Conforto (.452). None of them would qualify for a batting title. They are 7th, 10th, 9th and 12th in at bats for this team. This coaching staff is doing a good job of putting guys into a position where they can succeed. Right now, when this team spins the wheels on the slot machine, they keep winning.
It’s a lot of fun while it lasts. How about number 10 for good old Ron Santo? Leon Durham was my first love with that number, but in the hearts and minds of Cubs fans, that number is emblematic of the nine time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove and long time partner of Pat Hughes. I’m not old enough to have seen him play, but I do have a favorite piece of Ron Santo trivial knowledge. Ron’s best season by bWAR was in 1967. In a seven year stretch from 1963-1969, that was the only one in which he wasn’t an All-Star. It was also his best finish in MVP voting (fourth).
Three Positives:
Seiya Suzuki was an absolute beast in this game. Three hits, two walks, a homer, and two runs scored.
Michael Busch had only two hits, but he made the most of it with four runs driven in, including a crazy three-run homer off Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez.
This game was really two different games. In the first six innings, the star was Edward Cabrera, who looked like he might go the distance. Your mileage may vary, but I’m going to tip the cap to his excellent six innings of work and not the weird seventh inning.
Hat top to Carson Kelly with two singles, a double and a hit by pitch as well as Moisés Ballesteros with two doubles in two chances. The offense was an abundance of riches.
Game 25, April 23: Cubs 8, Phillies 7 (16-9)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
Billy Goat: Caleb Thielbar (-.429). 0 IP, 2 BF, H, BB, ER
Goat: Nico Hoerner (-.199). 0-5, BB
Kid: Jacob Webb (-.170). 0.1 IP, H, BB
WPA Play of the Game: Adolis Garcia homered off of Thielbar leading off the ninth inning to tie the game. (.341)
*Cubs Play of the Game: Seiya Suzuki’s homer leading off the bottom of the eighth inning. (.266)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 24 Winner: Alex Bregman got 80 of 170 votes.
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 3/Bottom 3)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Nico Hoerner +8.5
Carson Kelly +8
Michael Conforto/Shōta Imanaga +7
Matt Shaw -7
Jacob Webb -10
Pete Crow-Armstrong -13
Up Next: If I’m going to do a bit, I’ll keep running it until it runs out of steam. The Cubs are on a 103.7 win pace. If they play one over for the remainder of the season, they win 85 games. Not too shabby. But it gets tougher here. The two-time defending champion Dodgers are 17-8. Only the Braves have been better at 18-8.
Jameson Taillon (1-1, 3.97, 22.2 IP) makes his fifth start of the year. It’s been a mixed bag, but he’s coming off of a terrific start against the Mets (6 IP, 1 ER). We are firmly in the part of the season where the Dodgers start guys I’ve never heard of. 26-year-old Emmet Sheehan (2-0, 5.85, 20 IP) makes his fifth start. He’s also coming off of a pretty good start (2 ER, 5 IP in Colorado). The sixth-round pick of the Dodgers in 2021 (192nd overall) is 12-4 in his career with a 4.04 ERA in 153.2 IP (27 starts, five relief appearances). I’m not yet losing my mind, he’s never faced the Cubs.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks out to bat against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning at Oracle Park on April 21, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Friendly reminder to all that the Dodgers just lost two to the Rockies, so not all is lost yet
Maybe once or twice a year, Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald said, he will have the sort of outing in which he isn’t sure where the ball is going — and where he has to resort to hoping opposing hitters hit line drives at someone.
“Today,” Sewald said on Thursday, April 23, “was one of those days.”
The Arizona Diamondbacks lost their first series since the opening weekend of the season, dropping the finale to the Chicago White Sox 4-1 at Chase Field on Thursday.
The game was tied 1-1 entering the ninth inning, but Paul Sewald surrendered two walks before Chicago’s Andrew Benintendi crushed a middle-middle fastball deep to right field.
After scoring 11 runs in a win on Wednesday, Arizona failed to score multiple runs for the first time since April 3.
Utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas has been on quite the hot streak to open the season, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Though no one can expect an OPS of 1.000-plus to continue for the duration of the season, Vargas’ efforts in this series certainly inspire confidence that he is capable of providing an offensive spark at the right moments.
He homered in his final at-bat of game one, then followed that up with back-to-back homers in game three, powering the D-backs to their lone win of the series.
There are ads throughout Chase Field, as there are throughout most MLB stadiums and arenas that house other sports.
But one ad, from one particular company, is causing headaches for the Arizona Diamondbacks and a few other sports franchises. And it happened to have a prominent spot at Chase Field during a memorable time in recent D-backs history.
Sam Blum is a staff writer at the Athletic covering Major League Baseball; he’s investigated this and joined The Show to talk more about it.
With his brain “on autopilot,” Brazobán forgot his instructions and reentered the playing field. Once he crossed the foul line, umpires ruled that Brazobán must face at least one batter, banishing Williams back to the bullpen. After taking a moment to refocus, Brazobán retired Austin Martin before giving way to Williams for the final two outs.
“I felt bad,” Brazobán said. “I was also a little bit embarrassed that I didn’t fully pay attention to what was going on. Sometimes when that happens, something bad can happen. But luckily I was able to go out there, get that out, and everything kind of went the way that it should have been by the end of it.”
On Wednesday night, Ohtani took the mound against the San Francisco Giants. This time, he was also in the lineup as a hitter. While he once again dominated as a pitcher, he struggled at the plate. His numbers when both pitching and hitting since his return suggest Roberts may need to make a difficult decision about using him as a designated hitter on those days.
“Shohei Ohtani’s on-base streak is in danger tonight. He is 0 for 3 with two weak ground outs and a K. Since resuming pitching last season, he has hit .203 (13 for 64) on days when he pitches,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett posted.
Vancouver City Council has approved a motion to explore a bid for a Major League Baseball expansion team. But some sports experts say getting — and keeping — an MLB team would not be easy for a city with limited funds and space. (VIDEO)
COVERS INTEL:
