The Philadelphia Phillies are -135 favorites against the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers this evening at Citizens Bank Park.
Cy Young candidate Cristopher Sanchez has been untouchable at home this season, and my Dodgers vs. Phillies predictions and MLB picks expect that to remain the case on July 20.
Who will win Dodgers vs Phillies today: Phillies (-135)
That’s not what you want against the Philadelphia Phillies. They rank 10th in wOBA, seventh in hard-hit rate, and tied for third in OPS against righties at home. They should give Sheehan real problems.
Dodgers vs Phillies Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-115)
The Phillies have a solid matchup against Sheehan, but they own a highly underwhelming .212 average against righties in July and slot 25th in wOBA. I don’t think we see a ceiling game offensively.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are laboring as a whole offensively. They’re hitting just .223 and sit 26th in wOBA this month.
It’ll be difficult to score more than a run or two on Sanchez, and LA has to contend with a bullpen that owns a 3.09 xFIP over the past 60 days when he exits.
Bet to -130.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 60-48, +1.60 units
Over/Under bets: 59-44-5, +7.49 units
Dodgers vs Phillies weather
Temperatures in the low 80s are expected, with winds blowing from the northwest. Boost to bats.
Dodgers vs Phillies odds
Moneyline: Los Angeles +115 | Philadelphia -135
Run line: Los Angeles +1.5 (-170) | Philadelphia -1.5 (+145)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)
Dodgers vs Phillies trend
Philadelphia has hit the game total Under in 31 of the last 50 games (+12.45 units, 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Phillies.
How to watch Dodgers vs Phillies and game info
Location
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Monday, July 20, 2026
First pitch
7 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Dodgers starting pitcher
Emmet Sheehan (4-6, 4.81 ERA)
Phillies starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez (11-4, 2.62 ERA)
Dodgers vs Phillies latest injuries
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.
Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson was removed from a star-studded party at Zero Bond, a members-only social club in New York City, for intervening during an altercation that involved rapper Travis Scott on Saturday night, according to TMZ.
Clarkson, who’s fresh off helping the Knicks secure their first NBA championship in 53 years, reportedly attempted to de-escalate the situation after Scott’s entourage started throwing bottles, and wound up being escorted out by police.
Scott was reportedly booted from the club.
Knicks guard and reigning NBA champion Jordan Clarkson was involved in a tense late-night altercation at the exclusive private members’ club Zero Bond in New York City. BACKGRIDClarkson reportedly attempted to de-escalate a situation after Scott’s entourage started throwing bottles. BACKGRIDJordan Clarkson attends a Raising Cane’s party at Zero Bond on July 18, 2026 in New York City. GC Images
Things escalated inside the private party, which was put on by Raising Cane’s, when Scott confronted a unnamed man for allegedly filming him, according to Page Six.
“It all happened really fast,” an insider told Page Six. “It started fast and broke up really quickly.”
The altercation reportedly took place as Scott was watching rapper, 50 Cent perform at the event.
Clark was at the DJ booth during 50 Cent’s performance, as seen in a video online.
nicks guard and reigning NBA champion Jordan Clarkson was involved in a tense late-night altercation at the exclusive private members’ club Zero Bond in New York City. BACKGRIDRapper Travis Scott at a party at Zero Bond in New York City on Saturday, July 18, 2026. UrbanxDivinity / BACKGRID
The matter did not disrupt the rapper’s performance, Page Six reported.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns and fiancée Jordyn Woods, tennis icon Serena Williams, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden all were in attendance.
Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson #00 reacts after he scores in the 2nd quarter against the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Others included Teyana Taylor, Alix Earle, Brooks Nader, Tate McRae, Druski, Jake and Logan Paul.
On Monday, part of his post-contract media availability, Connor Bedard spoke about the possibility of Patrick Kane returning to the Chicago Blackhawks.
According to multiple sources, including Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios, Kane is down to the Blackhawks and his hometown Buffalo Sabres. A decision is likely to be made over the next couple of weeks.
Connor Bedard perked up a little bit when he started to talk about Kane and the potential for him to come back to Chicago.
"I hope so," Bedard said. "I don't know what I can say to persuade his decision, but we'd all obviously be so excited to have a player like that, but also a guy like that. I can't imagine his first game back at the UC, the reaction he'd get, and how much juice that would bring not only to our team but our fans as well. That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him. Hopefully he decides to come back. You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but as a team, it would make us a way better team. He's still an amazing player. I don't know if this is the best pitch, but hopefully he comes back, and we can play together, for sure."
Patrick Kane is one of the greatest Blackhawks ever, and Connor Bedard is hoping to create a similar legacy. Like Kane, Bedard is a former first-overall pick, so there is pressure for him to do great things. Kane would be a big help.
Connor Bedard isn't the only individual player on the team that Kane's arrival would help, either. Any center he plays with, whether it be Bedard, Anton Frondell, or Frank Nazar, would instantly have more time and space with or without the puck if they were playing with Kane.
Also, the power play would dramatically improve as well. It was somewhat of a sore spot in 2025-26, while Kane had 19 power-play points as a member of the Detroit Red Wings. With a larger role on the man-advantage (and even strength), he'd help them score a lot more goals.
Bedard clearly understands what Kane means to the team, the fanbase, and the city. He is absolutely correct in saying that the United Center would be a fun place to watch a game if Kane came back. If they ever connected on a goal, which they would more than once, the roof would explode.
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 17: Tyler Wells #68 of the Baltimore Orioles and Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles react after win against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on July 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles will have to try to keep their winning streak going without All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman. The team announced on Monday afternoon that Rutschman has been placed on the injured list due to inflammation in his left wrist. Corresponding moves had catcher Chadwick Tromp’s contract selected from Norfolk, with outfielder Rudy Martin designated for assignment to clear a space on the 40-man roster.
As with Blaze Alexander’s injury when a Royals pitcher hit him and fractured a bone in his hand, this one stinks. Rutschman is one of the team’s best players and being without him for any length of time will be an obstacle that they’re going to have to overcome to continue the improvement in their fortunes that they’ve experienced over the last seven games. Can they manage to do that? We’re going to find out. We may not like finding out.
This is now the third trip to the injured list this season for Rutschman. The previous two involved an ankle injury and a concussion. He hasn’t missed an extended amount of time in either of the previous IL trips, so hopefully that’s how it works out again this time. As of this writing, the team has not provided an update regarding Rutschman’s injury or what kind of timetable might be involved in getting him back into good health.
In the short term, the Orioles are also going without Samuel Basallo, which is why Tromp was selected to replace Rutschman even though the team already had brought Sam Huff into the mix yesterday. Basallo departed Sunday’s game early due to shoulder discomfort. I think we can guess that Basallo isn’t going to be capable of playing at least for today. We’ll see how long they drag out a day-to-day injury without putting him on the IL. Missing Rutschman and Basallo both would be even rougher than just missing Rutschman alone.
You may be an Orioles roster sicko if you remembered that Rudy Martin was on the 40-man roster. The team acquired the 30-year-old Martin from the Royals on Friday for cash considerations. That was marginally interesting, in that Martin has never made it to the majors and had exercised what amounts to a “call me up or trade me” option in his minor league contract before the Royals dealt him to the Orioles. He might be wishing that a different team had acquired him now. We’ll know in a few days if he clears waivers.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Justin Wrobleski #70 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies resume their series on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park.
Zack Wheeler had thoracic outlet surgery last September, and his return this season has been nothing short of remarkable. The 36-year-old had a 2.13 ERA and 2.64 xERA in 15 starts this season with a 30.4-percent strikeout rate.
Wrobleski ranks third in the majors at 6.42 innings per start this season, while Wheeler (6.2) ranks eighth.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: The sneakers worn by Jalon Moore #34 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle in the second half of a game in April 2025 in Denver. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
The Lakers have signed forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3-million contract, people familiar with the deal but not authorized to speak publicly told The Times Monday.
Thybulle, who spent last season playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, made the NBA’s all-defensive team twice over his seven-year career. He is a defensive wing player that the Lakers sought to surround Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Thybulle averaged 5.8 points per game last season and shot 43.3% from the field, 39.8% from three-point range, in 30 games.
The Lakers now have a 16-man roster. They’ll have to either trade or waive a player to be at the league maximum number of 15.
After rumors of their interest had been swirling for a week, the Lakers have agreed to sign defensive wing Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million veteran minimum contract, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.
The Lakers are looking for 3&D wings to play around Luka Doncic and, on paper, Thybulle fits that bill perfectly. He is a high-level perimeter defender, a two-time All-Defensive Team player (most recently 2022), and in the last two seasons he shot 43.8% and then 39.8% from 3-point range. Thybulle long had the reputation of an elite defender who became tougher to use in the playoffs because of his offensive liabilities, but the signs of improved offense the past couple of years could change that narrative.
The concern here is health — Thybulle has played a total of 45 games over those last two seasons. He missed time last season following a thumb surgery (torn ulnar collateral ligament) and has had more chronic knee and ankle issues.
Adding Thybulle brings the Lakers to 16 standard contracts, one more than the league will allow them to carry into the season, meaning that one player needs to be traded, or waived and stretched, before the season starts. The Lakers have talked with Atlanta about a sign-and-trade for Jonathan Kuminga, but the sides are not close, however, if it were a two-for-one deal it would open up a roster spot. Also, the Lakers have looked to trade Dalton Knecht this summer and have talked to teams about a Jake LaRavia or Jarred Vanderbilt trade (teams are more interested in LaRavia, who is owed just $6 million this season, in what would be the final year of his deal).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 28: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots a three point basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers have made another perimeter signing to address their need for defense.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the purple and gold have agreed to a one-year deal with Matisse Thybulle. The deal is for the veteran’s minimum.
Thybulle, a two-time All-Defense team member, spoke with JJ Redick and Luka Doncic about the Lakers desire to sign him and his role during free agency and chose the opportunity on Monday. Thybulle shot 41.8% from 3 over the last two years across 45 games — and led the NBA in… https://t.co/yTvqUNQ8uF
The Lakers also discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Trail Blazers, which would have enabled Thybulle to earn a higher salary, but the sides could not reach a deal.
Last season with the Blazers, Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, two rebounds, and two steals per game. However, he played only 30 games after playing just 15 in the 2024-25 season. The flip side to that is, prior to the last two seasons, he played at least 65 games in every season of his career.
Thybulle’s greatest skill comes on the defensive side of the ball. He was named Second Team All-Defense in his second and third years in the league with the Sixers.
For most of his career, Thybulle was a liability offensively. However, over those last two seasons, Thybulle shot a respectable 41.1% from three on 141 attempts in those 45 games. He also has upped his volume from three in recent seasons with his three years in Portland ranking as his three highest in terms of attempts per game of his career.
One of the first obvious takeaways from this signing is that it now leaves the Lakers with 16 players on standard contracts. Teams can go up to 20 contracts through the preseason, but must be down to 15 by opening night.
The Lakers will have to move on from one of their contracts, either by trading a player or waiving them. At this point as a team well over the cap, waiving a player will not open up any cap room, even if it’s a waive-and-stretch of Jarred Vanderbilt. That makes it more likely a trade could be in the works.
There have been plenty of rumors about a Jonathan Kuminga signing, which would require a sign-and-trade to complete anyway. What this Thybulls signing seems to forecast is that the team is likely to trade Jarred Vanderbilt for someone, whether it’s Kuminga or not.
There’s also the possibility of the team trading Bronny James to the team that signs LeBron, though they have indicated a desire to keep Bronny. Considering he’s a useful player on the roster and they have multiple players who don’t fit that billing, it’d make more sense to get off some of those players and keep around players like Bronny.
The Lakers are hoping Thybulle can also fall into that category of being a useful player as well.
The Buffalo Sabres have not done much to replace the 44 goals from last season that departed with the trades of Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch, and there has been a great deal of conjecture that one of GM Jarmo Kekalainen’s possible options is signing Buffalo native and three-time Cup winner Patrick Kane.
Kane remains unsigned after three weeks of free agency. Last week, Hall-of-Fame blueliner and TNT commentator Chris Chelios indicated on a Chicago radio show that a return to the Blackhawks is a possibility.
"I am not gonna lie to you guys, it is down to Buffalo and Chicago. I know that." Chelios said on 104.3 The Score last week, “I spoke to (Patrick), it’s a tough decision for him, whether to go home and make it easy on his parents, his family and his friends and finish like (Jonathan Toews) tried to do, or he comes back (to Chicago). In my opinion, he’s a Blackhawk.”
Over the weekend, the Hawks announced the signing of star center Connor Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension, and during his media availability on Monday, the former Calder Trophy winner indicated that he hopes that Kane will re-sign with the Hawks.
Where will Patrick Kane end up?
"I hope so. I don't know what I can say to persuade his decision, but we'd all obviously be so excited to have a player like that, but also a guy like that.” Bedard said. “I can't imagine his first game back at the (United Center), the reaction he'd get and how much juice that would bring not only to our team but our fans as well. That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him. Hopefully he decides to come back. You talk about the legacy aspect of it, but as a team, it would make us a way better team. He's still an amazing player. I don't know if this is the best pitch, but hopefully he comes back, and we can play together, for sure."
Kane has often been rumored to be Buffalo bound, but especially after being traded to the NY Rangers in 2023 and signing with the Detroit Red Wings in 2024. The Sabres snapping their 15-year playoff drought has made them a more attractive landing spot, but there has always been a debate of how much he wants to play for his hometown team, especially with the expectation level raised since their Atlantic Division title last season.
The Hawks will be without Bedard until November recovering from shoulder surgery and are in all likelihood will not be a playoff team, but is the place where Kane won three Cups and played 16 years. The allure of finishing his Hall-of-Fame career there might be the biggest hurdle the Sabres have in bringing him back home.
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 27: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the first half at Moda Center on March 27, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE...
The Lakers are adding another defensive-minded wing to their roster.
The franchise and Matisse Thybulle agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $3.3 million.
Since Thybulle is signing a veteran’s minimum contract, he’ll have a $2.5 million cap hit for the Lakers, similar to Kevon Looney and Ziaire Williams.
The LA Lakers agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract on Monday morning with defensive wing Matisse Thybulle. Getty Images
The Lakers will have 16 rostered players on guaranteed standard deals once Thybulle’s signing is official, meaning the franchise will need to trade or waive at least one player to become roster compliant (maximum 15 players signed to standard deals) before Opening Night in October.
Teams can carry a maximum of 21 players on their roster during the offseason, including the three two-way spots, before having to be roster-compliant the day before the regular season starts.
Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves (re-signed to a four-year, $180 million contract), Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James and Adou Thiero are the lone Lakers still on the roster who finished 2025–26 with the team.
The addition of Thybulle, who’s entering his eighth season in the NBA after being the No. 20 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, addresses the Lakers need for perimeter defense after their offseason roster overhaul.
After being the 2019 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year during his final season at Washington, Thybulle was an All-Defensive second team honoree twice (2021 and ’22) during his 3 ½ seasons with the 76ers (2019–23) before Philadelphia traded him to the Trail Blazers ahead of the 2023 deadline.
Thybulle, 29, has played just 132 regular season games (and four playoff games) for the Trail Blazers over the last 3 ½ years.
After appearing in 65 games (19 starts) during his first full season in Portland in 2023–24, Thybulle played in 15 games in 2024–25 because of knee and ankle injuries and 30 games in 2025–26.
Thybulle missed 51 straight games from late October through late through mid-February after having surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb but played in the Trail Blazers’ final 26 regular season games after the All-Star break.
He averaged 5.9 points (37.9% shooting on 3-pointers), 2.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 0.6 blocks in 16.6 minutes in those 26 games before playing in four of Portland’s five playoff games, not including the Play-In Tournament win over the Suns on April 14.
The 6-foot-5, 202-pound Thybulle remains a pesky defender even though his one-on-one isolation defense hasn’t been as sharp the last few seasons compared to his time with the 76ers/first joining the Trail Blazers.
Thybulle’s 2 steals per game last season was tied for the second-most in the league with Hawks wing Dyson Daniels and Pistons wing Ausar Thompson among players who appeared in at least 20 regular season games despite averaging just 16 minutes.
He led the league in steals (4.5) and deflections (8.7) per 36 minutes in 2025–26 among players who appeared in at least 20 games.
His length (reported 7-foot wingspan), motor and reflexes at his size has helped him remain one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders.
He’s mainly been tasked with defending guards throughout his career, specifically primary ball handlers, but has the versatility to guard smaller forwards and is elite with navigating around screens on and off the ball.
Thybulle, who’s shot 34.9% on 3s since entering the league, shot 37.4% from beyond the arc since joining the Trail Blazers in February 2023.
He’s shot 35% on catch-and-shoot 3s during the regular season since entering the NBA, including 38.8% over the last four seasons (2022-26).
Thybulle will provide the Lakers with a 3-and-D wing who, along with Grimes and Williams, will be looked upon to fortify the team’s perimeter defense with Kessler as the anchor.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after receiving the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship MVP Trophy after winning the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship on July 19, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thunder trade Lu Dort to the Hawks in three-team deal involving former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg put the finishing touches on an impressive Summer League campaign Sunday night.
The 11th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft was named the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP after helping lead Golden State to a 94-90 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The victory completed a successful Summer League for the Warriors, with Lendeborg emerging as one of the biggest rookie standouts in Las Vegas.
"Every game I play I have something to prove to myself… I'm just very proud of this moment and I'm glad we got to win this."
Lendeborg finished tied for a game-high 21 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals. However, his biggest contributions came down the stretch. Trailing by 10 entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors outscored the Grizzlies 28-14, with Lendeborg accounting for seven of Golden State’s final 10 points, including a pair of go-ahead buckets that gave the Warriors the lead late in the game.
No. 11 overall pick @Yaxel_Lendeborg capped off his NBA Summer League campaign in style:
Overall, the Warriors’ rookie left a strong first impression during his first stint with the organization. He displayed an advanced feel for the game and consistently made winning plays on both ends of the floor. His outside shot looks like it could become a legitimate weapon after shooting 35.7% from three-point range throughout Summer League, while his defensive instincts were encouraging despite a few off-ball lapses that should improve with more NBA conditioning and experience.
Most importantly, Lendeborg delivered when the lights were brightest, saving one of his best performances for the championship game and walking away with MVP honors. For a veteran-led Warriors team looking to maximize what’s left of its championship window, Lendeborg’s ability to contribute right away could prove to be one of the biggest developments of the offseason.
“For me, I’m gonna do anything that the team needs,” Lendeborg said. “As for right now, for this specific team, it’s more so being a secondary playmaker, hitting open 3s when needed obviously and just taking the pressure off some of the older guys. Steph (Curry), I know he gets double-teamed, triple-teamed, fouled, hacked all the time. So it’s, like, maybe (in) the chance when he gets tired, I can relieve that pressure for him.
“So, just trying to be an easy outlet in a way. Do whatever’s needed.”
Rather than simply declining Dort’s $17.7 million team option to save money, the Thunder picked it up, acquired three future assets, created a $17 million trade exception and placed their 2025 championship stalwart in position for a long-term deal in Atlanta that was not viable for Oklahoma City.
“This was a financial decision. The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be re-allocated to future teams,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti told The Oklahoman.
The Athletic has reported on the Lakers’ interest in free agent Jonathan Kuminga since late June, but it appears that momentum has stalled with the sides far apart on terms and L.A. not overly motivated to push significant draft capital into sign-and-trade scenarios. Still, he appears to be the biggest upside play left on the table, and could re-emerge as a target if his market remains tepid. Cleveland, according to league sources, is the team most-often connected to Kuminga other than the Lakers.
It’s unclear if Beverley, who played with James on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022-23, has any reason to believe that claim, or if he’s just having fun on social media. Anyone who has followed this era of the NBA knows that the three-time All-Defense selection is always looking for a way to have a good quote go viral. But then again, NBA players do move in their own social circles, and it’s entirely plausible that Beverley has actually heard something.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Snuggerud had a phenomenal rookie season, but what if we told you there was another level his game can reach?
In his rookie campaign, Snuggerud scored 21 goals and 51 points in 70 games, finishing fifth in Calder Trophy voting.
But if you asked TheHockeyNews.com, they’d say Snuggerud is the breakout candidate for the St. Louis Blues.
In THN’s 2026 Champions edition, they named Snuggerud as the breakout candidate of the Blues. For a player who eclipsed the 20-goal and 50-point mark in his rookie season, expecting him to break out further is a tall ask, but with his skill set, it’s an achievable goal.
We’re kidding ourselves if we believe JIMMY SNUGGERUD will top out as a 20-goal, 50-point player. Almost from the instant he joined the Blues, Snuggerud had an impact on the attack. The 22-year-old tied for second in points among Blues players this season and generated the highest rate of individual expected goals on the team at all strengths. There will be a lot of roster movement in St. Louis this summer, but Snuggerud becoming the centerpiece of the offense is a certainty. - Jared Clinton
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Snuggerud’s shot is his best asset. He can fire off heavy and accurate one-timers, he can catch and shoot, and he can make space for himself before using his quick release. But ultimately, he has far more traits that make him dangerous.
His playmaking has improved drastically since he was drafted. Down the stretch of the season, he fed passes to Dylan Holloway and Robert Thomas that opened the game for each of them, and it was why they were one of, if not the best lines for the final 20 games of the season.
Snuggerud doesn’t have blistering speed, but he ranks above the 50th percentile in multiple skating statistics according to NHL EDGE, which makes him a threat in transition as well.
If Snuggerud matched his production of 20 goals and 50 points, the Blues would be thrilled, but with his talent, there is a real case for him to be a 30-goal, 70-point scorer very soon.
Players like Dalibor Dvorsky or Logan Mailloux are other candidates on the Blues to have breakout seasons, but Snuggerud, despite past success, is a candidate to take his game to the next level.
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Computer-controlled energy deployment now dictates races – it turns out drivers don’t like Skynet controlling their cars
Another race down another classic circuit, in this case Spa-Francorchamps, left neutered for drivers and so their slow, dissonant discontent rumbles ever onward. In the wake of the Belgian Grand Prix, there was an overwhelming sense they wished to simply escape. Not so much from Spa but away from the numbers.
George Russell was at the centre of attention in Belgium, the Mercedes driver’s championship hopes taking a severe blow as, inexplicably to him and his team, his engine did not recover energy through turn one and he was left with no electrical power to deploy. He was swallowed up by the Ferraris and vying with Lewis Hamilton, who clipped him through Les Combes, was pitched out of the race.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros is awarded series MVP following his teams 6-4 win against the New York Yankees in game six of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 19, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a Wednesday afternoon at then-named Minute Maid Park.
On July 20, 2011, Jose Altuve made his MLB debut with the Houston Astros. He went 1×5 in a 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals in 11 innings.
He got his first major league hit with 2 out in the bottom of the 9th inning on a 1-2 pitch from Tyler Clippard in a 2-2 ballgame. He would be stranded.
He would then be double-switched for RP Wilton Lopez in the top of the 10th. Jason Michaels would pinch hit for Lopez in the bottom of the 11th (in Altuve’s spot) and hit the game-winning single to drive in Humberto Quintero. The Astros were 33-65.
What has followed for Jose Altuve is a future Hall of Fame career, 2 World Series Championships, an MVP, 3 batting titles, a Gold Glove, an ALCS MVP, 7 Silver Slugger Awards, and 9 All-Star games.
Here are some of our fondest memories of Jose Altuve over the years, from the staff at Crawfish Boxes and the team at Sportsradio 610 Houston:
Craig Larson Jr. – Crawfish Boxes
On June 8th, 2015, I happened to be in Chicago visiting family on a summer vacation. On the bucket list with my parents was going to see the White Sox and Astros play. Unbeknownst to me at the time – that day was Carlos Correa’s call up to the club. I’d learn later upon lineups being revealed on the stadium scoreboard. It marked Correa’s debut.
In the 4th inning that night, Correa would drive in his first career RBI by beating out an infield grounder. The sheer excitement that followed several moments later from teammate Jose Altuve was something that’s stayed with me for all of these years. The hug, smile and jubilation served as a mini prelude of things to come for the Astros. Jose was prouder of Carlos than if he had accomplished the feat himself. It reminded me of Jerry Rice’s excitement for John Taylor’s TD to beat the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. That’s what being a leader is all about.
Sean Pendergast – SportsRadio 610
My favorite Altuve moments probably mirror what many Astros fans would cite — the numerous postseason home runs, particularly the walk off series ended in the 2019 ALCS against the Yankees, every hit count milestone he’s touched, and perhaps the most likable demeanor of an athlete in Houston history. However, I think the thing I’m most impressed by Altuve is his remarkable evolution as a hitter, going from a guy who arrived in MLB immediately winning multiple batting titles to an overall force as someone who could hit for average AND power. When you add in that he packages it all in a 5-foot-6 frame, it makes him one of the most intriguing unicorns in baseball history.
Jimmy Price (Astros Future) – Crawfish Boxes:
I have so many memories of Jose Altuve. Watching him come through the Astros system as an undersized infielder and develop into an MVP was something special.
While this isn’t one specific memory, I just want to highlight everything he has done in the postseason. The Astros have had some really good teams over the years, but they’ve never had a player who consistently delivered on the biggest stage quite like Altuve.
The three-home run game against Boston to open the 2017 playoffs, his massive performance in Game 5 of the World Series in Houston, the walk-off home run in 2019, the list goes on. When the moments were the biggest, the best player stepped up. That was Jose Altuve.
Scott Barzilla – Crawfish Boxes
My memory is the obvious one but it is the most vivid one. When Roberto Osuna gave up the home run in Game Six of the ALCS in 2019 I actually threw my remote at the TV. Altuve obviously saved the day and cemented his place as the best Astro of all-Time. He doesn’t have the numbers of Bagwell or Biggio yet, but he has the postseason chops.
Adam Spolane – Crawfish Boxes
Altuve’s first taste of postseason baseball in 2015 was underwhelming. He was 4 for 22 without an extra base hit in six games against the Yankees and Royals, so he had some pressure to perform when the Astros returned in 2017. The Astros had won 101 games in the regular season and Altuve was the MVP front runner. He had to perform, and boy did he ever.
After Alex Bregman homered to put the Astros up 1-0 in the first inning of game one of the ALDS against the Red Sox, Altuve sent an 0-2 fastball from Chris Sale over the left-center field wall. Two at bats later he sent a first pitch fastball from Sale to the exact location. In his final at bat of the afternoon, Altuve launched a 1-1 breaking ball from Austin Maddox over the Crawford Boxes.
Altuve became the ninth player in Major League Baseball history to homer three times in a single postseason game, and it was the breakthrough performance from one era’s great postseason players. Altuve hit seven home runs during the 2017 postseason, and his 27 career postseason home runs trail only Manny Ramirez.
Patrick Creighton – Crawfish Boxes/SportsRadio 610
Altuve has had so many moments throughout his career, but the one that stands out to me the most is his 3 HR game vs. the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the 2017 ALDS.
Altuve had just put together a monster season, winning his 3rd batting title in 4 years, leading the league in hits for the 4th straight season, and leading the league in WAR. He was going to win MVP over Aaron Judge, who also had a monstrous season leading the league in HR, runs, and walks.
While the postseason doesn’t count to voters, it certainly does in the minds of baseball fans across the nation. Altuve opened the postseason in the most incredible fashion possible.
A 3-HR game, including 2 HRs of Red Sox ace (and future HOFer) Chris Sale (who led the league with 308K), announced to all of MLB who the MVP of the 2017 season was. It was an incredibly powerful moment that gave Astros fans the belief that this was really their year, and their MVP was going to make sure of it.
After so many past playoff failures, especially offensively, Altuve shattered that notion in a single game as he became just the 9th player in MLB history with a 3 HR game in the postseason.
COVERS INTEL:Sanchez ranks in the 93rd percentile in Pitcher Run Value, a far cry from Sheehan's 29th percentile grade.
