RALEIGH, N.C. — Nikolaj Ehlers got loose up the center of the ice and popped the puck past Jakub Dobes at 3:29 of overtime to lift the Carolina Hurricanes past the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday night to level the Eastern Conference Final at one game apiece.
Ehlers scored twice for the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the first with a highlight-reel individual effort in the second period against two Montreal defenders.
And when the game went to OT, the guy the Hurricanes landed as a sought-after free agent carried them to the finish line.
Eric Robinson also scored for Carolina, while Josh Anderson scored twice for Montreal.
MIAMI — Sean Manaea is feeling as if much of his mojo has returned.
“I feel like I am going out there and attacking guys, not really falling behind on counts, not walking guys — that is the biggest thing,” the Mets left-hander said Saturday before the Mets’ 4-1 loss to the Marlins. “The velocity is up, and that is a plus. So I feel like I have a lot of quality weapons attacking guys.”
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A night earlier, Manaea had a third straight solid relief appearance, allowing one earned run on four hits over 3 ²/₃ innings in the Mets’ 2-1 loss.
Maybe the worst is behind him. After an ugly April and beginning to May, he’s pitched to a 3.12 ERA with eight strikeouts over his past three appearances, spanning 8 ²/₃ innings. Overall, he owns a 5.81 ERA in 11 appearances this season.
In his latest outing, Manaea averaged 91.2 mph with his sinker. For the season he was averaging only 89.6 with that pitch.
Manaea credited the work he’s been putting in with assistant pitching coach Dan McKinney for paying dividends.
“He’s had some ideas on drills and mechanics and stuff we have kind of been implementing,” Manaea said. “But I also think that having more reps, feeling good in my body physically and ultimately more [work] have put me in a good place.”
Manaea was squeezed from the rotation near the end of spring training, with the possibility he would be utilized as a sixth starter. But after struggling early, he was essentially relegated to mop up relief.
Sean Manaea delivers a pitch during the Mets’ loss to the Marlins on May 22, 2026 in Miami. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
His appearance in the second inning Friday, behind opener Tobias Myers, was among just a few higher-leverage opportunities this season.
“If it’s helping the team win, that is what I am here to do,” Manaea said. “It was a higher-leverage situation than being in a game down six [runs] or something.”
The Mets could use the continued contributions from Manaea, who isn’t even halfway through the three-year contract worth $75 million he signed before last season.
Manaea’s first year of the deal was a complete bust — he strained an oblique in spring training and didn’t rejoin the club until July. In 15 appearances, he pitched to a 5.64 ERA.
Manaea’s best work with the Mets was in 2024, when he pitched to a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts and emerged as the de facto staff ace.
“He’s in a really good place,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets’ loss on Saturday. “Beginning with that outing against the Yankees [on Sunday when he allowed two earned runs over four innings] it was a really good sign and then [Friday].
“I thought just the way he is moving with his mechanics and the way the ball is coming out, I feel with like getting swings and misses with the fastball, especially at the top [of the strike zone] and just attacking, competing in the strike zone. There’s a lot to like right now and it’s good to see him being that guy, because we’re going to need him.”
Manaea was asked where he still feels there is need for improvement.
“It’s just like nitpicking, but just keep attacking guys,” Manaea said. “Not getting two balls before a strike and stuff like that, but ultimately I feel like I am headed in the right direction and feel good with where we are at.”
ESPN just accidentally declared war against the Swifties.
Midway through the first quarter in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers on Saturday, the ESPN on ABC broadcast referred to Taylor Swift as “Travis Kelce’s fiancée,” which caused an uproar on social media.
As the broadcast showed Swift and Kelce sitting court side at Rocket Arena, ESPN commentators Mike Breen and Richard Jefferson refused to say the pop star’s name.
The ESPN on ABC broadcast of Knicks-Cavs Game 3 showed Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in attendance.
"Travis Kelce and his fiancée here at the game." – Mike Breen
"As Travis and his girlfriend are in the building, that's always great to see." – Richard Jefferson pic.twitter.com/L7vBqMQ8NJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 24, 2026
Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, and Mike Breen share a laugh during Game 3 between the Knicks and Cavaliers on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland. NBAE via Getty Images
“Travis Kelce and his fiancée here at the game,” Breen said as the cameras panned over to the couple.
“As Travis and his girlfriend are in the building, that’s always great to see,” Jefferson added.
Fans on social media lambasted Breen and Jefferson for the seemingly backhanded acknowledgement of Swift, considering her superstar status and global regocnition.
“Richard Jefferson not calling Taylor Swift by her name is corny lmfao,” on user commented on X.
“Are the #KnicksGame announcers not allowed to SAY Taylor Swift’s name? Wtf was that,” commented another.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce watch the first half of the Knicks-Cavaliers Game 3 matchup on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland. AP Photo/Tim Phillis
One user thought that the announcers’ refusal to say her name was intentional as they mentioned her three times.
“They’ve done it like 3x lmao definitely feels intentional. Not sure why ESPN would ever want that though,” the user said.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce talk with Ahmaad Crump, Cleveland’s arena host, during a timeout in the first half of the Knicks-Cavaliers Game 3 battle. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
Swift and Kelce’s appearance comes as the two are set to get married in the coming weeks, with Page Six previously reporting the couple’s big day will be on July 3.
Kelce, an Ohio native, has been spotted at Cavaliers games before, with the team honoring him and his brother, Jason, with a bobblehead night during the 2023-24 NBA season.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: New Orleans assistant coach Joe Boylan before the New Orleans Pelicans versus Los Angeles Lakers game on February 27, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Icon Sportswire) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins has narrowed his coaching staff, according to a report from Eric Nehm and Sam Amick of The Athletic. In a trio of moves that align with the Bucks’ desire for a cultural reset, Jenkins will bring Joe Boylan to Milwaukee for the first time, while retaining the services of long-time Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham, and reuniting Milwaukee with Patrick St. Andrews, who spent five seasons in the Cream City from 2018-2023.
Joe Boylan has a long history in the NBA, working in a variety of roles since the 2009-10 season, including stints with the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, and twice with the Memphis Grizzlies (including one where he was an assistant under Jenkins). Notably, Boylan has specialised in player development, working with players such as Jaden McDaniels, Brandon Ingram, and Naz Reid. His role in Milwaukee, then, will be particularly important as the Bucks look to develop their current crop of young players (think Ryan Rollins and Ousmane Dieng), along with their 10th overall pick in this year’s draft—and anyone else they acquire via trade or free agency. If his 2025 article with The Athletic, “I developed NBA players for a decade. This new training method can help anyone,” is anything to go by, Boylan focuses on a constraints-led approach, placing players in different environments that force them to discover solutions themselves rather than focusing on repetition of “ideal” technique.
In addition to hiring Boylan, the Bucks are also bringing back Darvin Ham. After interviewing for the New Orleans Pelicans’ head coach position, Ham will return to the Bucks where he has spent six seasons as an assistant coach—four prior to coaching the Los Angeles Lakers for two seasons and two since returning. Known for his work ethic and communication, Ham has a lengthy history with Jenkins, with the pair working together under Mike Budenholzer in Atlanta for five seasons. Just as importantly, Ham offers the Bucks a sense of stability, an essential quality following what has been a tumultuous period for Bucks basketball.
Also joining Milwaukee is Patrick St. Andrews, who worked under Jenkins with the Memphis Grizzlies between 2023-2025, but also has a long history with the Bucks, spending five seasons in Milwaukee under coach Mike Budenholzer, including the 2021 championship season. In addition to these, St. Andrews was also a long-time member of Budenholzer’s staff in Atlanta, working with the Hawks in various roles from 2014 to 2018. Most recently, however, St. Andrews spent the past season with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he was initially hired along with current interim head coach Tiago Splitter as part of Chauncey Billups’ staff before Billups was placed on leave after being arrested in a federal gambling investigation. According to Blazers insider Sean Highkin, “St. Andrews was one of Tiago Splitter’s most important assistants this year and was responsible for managing rotations and minutes restrictions when half the team was coming back from injury.”
Together, the additions of Boylan, Ham, and St. Andrews point to the Bucks’ commitment to reestablish their culture, leaning on the past to project them into the future. With a combined focus on player development, stability, and in-game management, the hires give Jenkins a versatile staff built on familiarity, signalling the type of foundation Milwaukee wants to build under its new head coach. And with the NBA Draft right around the corner—and free agency coming shortly after—the timing couldn’t be better.
Taylor had been playing for the Los Angeles Angels' Triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees. He fractured his left forearm after being hit by a pitch in the sixth inning of a minor league game on Wednesday, May 20.
He joined the Angels’ franchise after spending the majority of his career playing for the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent a decade with the Dodgers and won two World Series titles.
He helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship in over 30 years, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in a six-game series back in 2020. He won the second title of his career with the Dodgers, winning a five-game series against the New York Yankees in 2024.
He started his career with the Seattle Mariners after he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft out of the University of Virginia.
There won't be any more 3-on-3 play. It is 5-on-5 instead, just like in regulation play. There won't be any more shootouts after five minutes of scoreless overtime play. There is sudden death, and it could last a very long time.
Here's what to know about playoff hockey overtime, including the format, longest games and 2026 results.
How does OT work in NHL playoffs?
If the score is tied after three periods, the teams go to the dressing rooms for 15 minutes while the ice is resurfaced. Overtime periods last 20 minutes or until someone scores. It's 5-on-5 play (barring penalties). If no one scores in the first overtime, the process repeats and continues until someone scores. The teams change sides for each overtime period. The first overtime is the long change to get back to the bench.
The NHL Situation Room reviews all goals to make sure they are legally scored, such as the goal that ended Game 4 of the Anaheim-Edmonton series or the overturned goal in Game 4 of the Vegas-Utah series.
May 12:Golden Knights 3, Ducks 2: Pavel Dorofeyev scored the winning goal just over four minutes into the first overtime period to give Vegas a 3-2 series lead over Anaheim.
April 28:Bruins 2, Sabres 1 (OT). David Pastrnak scored at 9:14 of the first overtime to cut the Bruins' series deficit to 3-2.
April 27:Golden Knights 5, Mammoth 4 (OT). Shea Theodore scored at 19:08 of the first overtime to tie the series at two games apiece.
April 26:Ducks 4, Oilers 3 (OT). Ryan Poehling scored 2:29 into the first overtime to give Anaheim a 3-1 series lead.
April 25:Wild 3, Stars 2. Matt Boldy scored at 19:31 of the first overtime as the Wild tie the series 2-2.
April 24:Canadiens 3, Lightning 2. Lane Hutson scored at 2:09 of the first overtime, giving Montreal a 2-1 series lead.
April 22:Stars 4, Wild 3. Wyatt Johnston scored at 12:10 of the second overtime, giving Dallas a 2-1 series lead.
April 21:Avalanche 2, Kings 1: Nicolas Roy scored the winning goal at the 12:16 mark of the first overtime, giving Colorado a 2-0 series lead.
April 21:Lightning 3, Canadiens 2: J.J. Moser scored at 7:12 in the first overtime to tie up the series at a game apiece. It was Moser's first career NHL playoff goal.
April 20:Hurricanes 3, Senators 2: Jordan Martinook scored at 13:53 of the second overtime. He was stopped on a penalty shot in the first overtime.
April 19:Canadiens 4, Lightning 3: Juraj Slafkovsky scored at 1:22 of the first overtime, completing a hat trick.
What are the longest NHL playoff overtime games?
1 - Six overtimes (116 minutes, 30 seconds of overtime) in the 1936 semifinals. March 24, 1935. Detroit 1, Montreal Maroons 0. Mud Bruneteau scored the winner.
2 - Six overtimes (104 minutes, 46 seconds of overtime) in the 1933 semifinals. April 3, 1933. Toronto 1, Boston 0. Ken Doraty scored the winner.
3 - Five overtimes (92 minutes, 1 second of overtime) in the 2000 conference semifinals. May 4, 2000. Philadelphia 2, Pittsburgh 1. Keith Primeau scored the winner.
4 - Five overtimes (90 minutes, 27 seconds of overtime) in the 2020 first round. Aug. 11, 2020. Tampa Bay 3, Columbus 2. Brayden Point scored the winner.
5 - Five overtimes (80 minutes, 48 seconds of overtime) in the 2003 conference semifinals. April 24, 2003. Anaheim 4, Dallas 3. Petr Sykora scored the winner.
6 - Four overtimes (79 minutes, 47 seconds of overtime) in the 2023 conference finals. May 18, 2023. Florida 3, Carolina 2. Matthew Tkachuk scored the winner.
Longest Stanley Cup Final games
Eight Stanley Cup Final games have gone to the third overtime. The Edmonton Oilers were part of the longest game when Petr Klima scored at 15:13 of the third overtime for a 3-2 win against the Boston Bruins in the 1990 Final.
Which players in 2026 postseason have the most playoff overtime goals?
5 - Corey Perry, Lightning
4 - Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (all in 2025 playoffs, an NHL record for one postseason)
3 - Brayden Point, Lightning; Jordan Staal, Hurricanes; Anze Kopitar, Kings; Artemi Panarin, Kings; Matt Duchene, Stars
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: Tommy Troy #98 of the Arizona Diamondbacks heads to the dugout before the spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
ROCKIES
DIAMONDBACKS
Jake McCarthy – CF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Hunter Goodman – C
Corbin Carroll – RF
TJ Rumfield – DH
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Willi Castro – 1B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Troy Johnston – LF
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Ezequiel Tovar – SS
Gabriel Moreno – C
Sterlin Thompson – RF
Jose Fernandez – DH
Chad Stevens – 2B
Tim Tawa – LF
Kyle Karros – 3B
Ryan Waldschmidt – CF
Michael Lorenzen – RHP
Zac Gallen – RHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
Selected OF Tommy Troy (No. 9) from Triple-A Reno.
Placed on the 10-day injured list: OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (strained left hamstring)
The Age of Troy has commenced! Tommy Troy was out first round pick in 2023, going twelfth overall in that year’s draft, and with a signing bonus of $4.4 million. He’s the fifteenth player from the first round, including additional picks, to reach the majors, a class headlined by Paul Skenes and Wyatt Langford. Tommy progressed quickly through the farm system, reaching Triple-A at the beginning of August last season, not much more than two years after being drafted. Since then, he has played 82 games for the Aces, with a line of .301/.390/.440 for an OPS of .829. This season’s numbers are in line with that: an OPS of .846.
Troy was rated the #4 prospect in the farm system by MLB Pipeline.com. Their most recent assessment said, “He rarely misses on four-seamers or sinkers, and the bulk of his damage will come against such heaters. By comparison, he really struggled with contact against changeups at Triple-A. His overall swing decisions are solid too, and he’s generally at his best trying to shoot the ball up the middle of the field. He’s also generally a line-drive hitter more than an aim-for-the-seats type. Gap extra-base hits and the occasional homer (12-15 per season) will fuel his slugging ability in the bigs.”
His playing time for the Aces has been almost evenly split between second-base and left-field. Given he has been called up to replace Gurriel, I imagine he’s going to be seen most often in left, but he could be used to give Ketel Marte a blow, either at DH or resting entirely. However, it is worth noting this year was the first time he had played left-field as a professional, and in general has much more experience as a middle infielder than playing the outfield. So it may prove to be a work in progress. But hopefully he’ll fit in well, alongside his fellow rookie Ryan Waldschmidt. Welcome to the big leagues, Mr. Troy!
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell has been ruled out for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.
Mitchell started seven of the Thunder’s 11 playoff games as a replacement for Jalen Williams in the starting lineup. Mitchell finished fifth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.
He had his lowest scoring performance of the postseason on Friday, producing just two points and one assist in 17 minutes of play. He's been ruled out with a right soleus strain.
Williams could be closing in on a return, though, but he officially remains questionable ahead of Game 4 with a sore left hamstring.
Williams played in just 33 games during the regular season after he underwent offseason surgery on his right wrist.
He's missed six games as a result of the hamstring injury he suffered during the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.
When do the Thunder play next?
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 24. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Meet The Talented Mr. Zetterberg: February 7, 2006 - Volume 59, Issue 20
DETROIT – Henrik Zetterberg knew the big test was coming, so he wasn’t surprised or startled when Darren McCarty took a run at him during his first scrimmage with the Detroit Red Wings.
And he wasn’t particularly alarmed when McCarty ran him again…and again…and again.
The new kid arrived in Hockeytown with a mighty reputation and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Red Wings – McCarty in particular – wanted to test his mettle. The kid, 21 at the time, passed the test. Talk about an initiation into the NHL.
“He’s an unbelievable player,” says Red Wings veteran Brendan Shanahan.
“I remember when he first arrived here for training camp, they weren’t sure how he would handle the physicality of the NHL, so Darren ran him a few times in our pre-season camp. It didn’t change the way he played. I remember Mac saying to me, ‘Not only is this kid tough, he’s pretty solid.’ I think he knocked the wind out of Mac.”
Considered by many to be the best player not in the NHL the season before he joined the Wings, Zetterberg might now be aptly described as the best player in the NHL that nobody knows. A shy, laid-back individual, Zetterberg has quietly become Detroit’s most dominant player. But if you don’t follow the Wings – or better yet, play on a line with him, you probably wouldn’t know him to pass him on the street.
Sitting in a cozy lunch room next to the team’s dressing room, the walls adorned with action shots of Detroit stars from the past, the humble Zetterberg says he was aware he’d be tested by his new teammates when he arrived in 2002.
They wanted to know, did he have the jam to play with the big boys? Or would he wilt when the going got tough?
“In the first couple of red-and-white games, (McCarty) took a few runs at me,” recalls Zetterberg, his Bon Jovi-like locks strategically tussled to make him look more like a rock star than a professional athlete. “I heard before I came over here that it was going to be tough, so I was prepared. I didn’t hit him back or slash him; I just kept playing.
“After camp, (McCarty) came to me and told me he was instructed to hit me. He told me he was impressed with how I handled it.”
At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Zetterberg is not an imposing physical specimen. Standing next to him you can’t help but wonder how he survives in the NHL’s trenches. The answer is easy: speed and finesse. When he straps on his skates and takes control of the puck, he’s a force, able to make jaw-dropping moves while flying at full speed.
Zetterberg’s game is based on skill and determination and he simply refuses to be outworked.
“When I first got here, I was amazed at how many times he’d split the defense,” says defenseman Mathieu Schneider. “He takes such quick strides through the neutral zone. He’s a tremendous player. There are no weak parts to his game.”
Adds Steve Yzerman: “He stood out pretty quickly. Not so much for the flashy stuff, but for his allaround play. He is great defensively and he’s a pretty good positional player. Along the boards, he’s really good with the puck.”
Zetterberg took his first strides toward becoming an NHL star when he was two years old. In his hometown of Njurunda, a community of about 100,000 located four hours north of Stockholm, his dad, Goran, strapped a pair of blades to his son’s winter boots and watched as young Henrik negotiated a frozen pond.
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 23: (L-R) Singer Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs attend Game Three between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CLEVELAND — The New York Knicks are known for their celebrity crowd. Timothée Chalamet, Ben Siller, and Spike Lee are mainstays on the sideline at Madison Square Garden. But so far, the Cleveland Cavaliers have hosted the biggest celebrity so far in attendance for a game.
Cleveland Heights native and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been to many Cavs playoff games since he entered the NFL. The team even had a bobblehead giveaway for him back in 2023. Although he’s never brought his world-famous pop star fiancée to the game.
Taylor Swift was in attendance, sitting baseline, across from the Cavs’ bench throughout the game. The in-arena hosts did not officially welcome them during the first half of Game 3.
Swift is one of the highest recording artists of all time. She boasts 14 number-one hits on the U.S. Billboard Top 100. This has led to her being the wealthiest female musician of all time.
The Cavs need all the good luck they can get in their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Knicks. They trail 2-0 in the best-of-seven series to decide who will go to the NBA Finals. The Cavs had a chance to steal Game 1 in New York, but blew a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter and ultimately lost in overtime.
The Cavs are hoping to turn things around in Game 3. Maybe Swift and Kelce can help turn the luck around this series.
CINCINNATI — Four years after considering retirement, Bryan Torres made it to the major leagues at age 28 and homered for the St. Louis Cardinals in his debut.
“Eleven years to get to here,” Torres said, fighting back tears after helping the Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-1 in the opener of Saturday’s doubleheader. “I’m not a homer guy. Today, my debut, it just happened. I’ve been learning to manage the pressure. When the heart is going too fast, you have to slow things down. I felt a little pounding in my chest today.”
Torres, who first played minor league ball in 2015, hit seventh and played left field.
Bryan Torres is all smiles as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the Cardinals’ 8-1 Game 1 doubleheaderwin over the Red at Great American Ball Park on May 23, 2026 in Cincinnati. Getty Images
With dyed blond hair and wearing thick eye black, he worked a full-count walk from Chris Paddack (0-6) in the second, singled on a cutter in the fourth, grounded out in the sixth, flied out in the seventh and homered on a 95.2 mph fastball from Jose Franco in the ninth, driving the 2-1 pitch into the first row of the right-center field seats.
“There’s not many words to describe this moment,” he said.
Cardinals fans at the game, many of them waving their shirts, kept chanting his name and three batters later induced a curtain call.
“All those guys bring us some energy,” Torres said.
Torres became the third Cardinals player since 1900 with multiple hits that included a home run in his debut, the first since Bobby Smith at Cincinnati on April 16, 1957.
“Pretty neat, man,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “There’s moments throughout the year that you take a step back and get to enjoy. That’s one of them. You could tell, even in his first at-bat, there’s a calmness to him in the box.”
Torres signed a minor league contract with Milwaukee in 2015, was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco organization in December 2019, became a free agent after the 2021 season and spent two years with the independent Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association.
“I’m not going to lie, at one moment, I thought I’d retire,” he said. “In that moment, I decided I wanted to give myself a chance, and if I did, give it 100%.”
Bryan Torres is doused by teammate Iván Herrera after the Cardinals’ Game 1 doubleheader win over the Reds. Getty Images
He signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals in September 2023, hit .331 with 28 doubles, two homers, 56 RBIs and 33 stolen bases at Double-A Springfield, then was promoted to Triple-A Memphis and batted .328 with 16 doubles, nine homers 51 RBIs in 2025.
He was added to the 40-man roster last November and played for Puerto Rico in this year’s World Baseball Classic, going 2 for 6 with a double, three walks and three runs.
“I’m going to try to get him out there as much as possible,” Marmol said. “This is a left-handed bat who understands the strike zone, finds a way on base, a real pesky at-bat. I like his skill set.”
Torres was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Friday after hitting .336 with 10 doubles, two homers, 16 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 36 games.
Bryan Torres celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning of their win over the Reds in Game 1 of a doubleheader. Getty Images
“I was in (the) clubhouse sitting in my seat and my manager, Ben Johnson, said: ‘I’ve got some good news for you. Bryan Torres is going to The Show,’” Torres recalled. “Everyone started yelling and jumping up and down. Some of them started crying with me.”
Several family members were at Great American Ball Park. His first call was to his mother, Lissette Crespo.
“Since I was a young kid, 4 years old, she lost all her weekends to bring me to the stadium,” he said. “During the week, she always (brought) me to the park to practice, to play.”
His parents traveled from Puerto Rico on Friday only for that night’s game to be rained out.
“It was very emotional. He was crying and when I received it I cried with him,” his mom said during the Cardinals’ telecast. ”That was a special moment.”
Torres took the roster spot of outfielder Nathan Church, placed on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder strain. He became the oldest position player to debut for the Cardinals since catcher Alberto Rosario at age 29 in 2016. Left-hander Nick Raquet debuted last season for St. Louis, also at 29.
“It’s been a very long and tough road, and not the usual road,” Torres said. “Everything happens for a reason. My family is very happy. We’re living the dream, basically.”
Donovan Mitchell's health is something to watch as Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals unfolds.
ESPN's cameras showed Mitchell walking back toward the locker room midway through the second quarter, though ESPN later reported he was not accompanied by a trainer. He returned to the bench area in short order and got back into the game before the quarter was through.
Donovan Mitchell went to the locker room halfway through the second quarter of Game 3 vs. the Knicks.
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 17: Starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen #24 of the Colorado Rockies throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Coors Field on May 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a late-inning rally, the Colorado Rockies will look to win back-to-back games for the first time in two weeks. After starting 14-18, the Rockies have gone just 6-14 in May, tied with the Los Angeles Angels for the second-lowest winning percentage in MLB. Only the Detroit Tigers have a worse record (4-16). They have also been outscored 124-77 during that stretch, and has been held to three or fewer runs in 10 of their last 20 games. If they win tonight, they have the chance to split and if they win tomorrow, they can potentially win their first series in May.
After Tomoyuki Sugano posted the Rockies’ first Quality Start since May 1 last night, right-hander Michael Lorenzen (2-6, 7.03 ERA) will look to continue the momentum. In his last start against these same Diamondbacks, Lorenzen only pitched 4.2 innings and allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits with five strikeouts and three walks with two home runs. It was the fourth time this season that Lorenzen has allowed seven runs in a start — the most of such outings in MLB this year — and the fourth-straight game in which he allowed multiple walks. The last time he did that was in 2024 when he allowed multiple walks in nine straight games.
Lorenzen has faced the Diamondbacks 11 times (three starts) and is 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA against them. Last time he faced them on the road was July 6, 2025 with the Kansas City Royals. In that outing, he threw seven scoreless innings and allowed two hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Lorenzen will face Dbacks’ right-hander Zac Gallen (2-4, 4.78 ERA). Gallen is currently in his eighth season with the Snakes, which ties a record for pitchers with teammates Merrill Kelly and Kevin Ginkel, as well as former pitchers Randy Johnson (1999-2004, 2007-2008) and Andrew Chafin (2014-2020, 2023). Only Ketel Marte has more time on the Snakes’ roster than those three on the active roster.
In his last start on May 18 against the San Francisco Giants, Gallen allowed just two runs on four hits across six innings with one walk and five strikeouts in the 12-2 victory. Today marks Gallen’s 19th start against the Rockies. He is 9-1 against them with a 3.41 ERA.
May 6, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
May 23, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
On Saturday, news broke of Taijuan Walker signing with the Angels on a minor league deal. I’ve always felt the hate directed at Walker was a bit over the top. Sure, he wasn’t good, but he did have some stretches where he was an effective pitcher for the team. His time here was clearly up and they made the correct move in getting rid of him, but since they made that decision, something has changed.
That something is Zack Wheeler returning and being his usual, Cy Young caliber self.
It seems as though the season has turned on his return, which isn’t too surprising since going from Walker to Wheeler is quite the leap forward in talent. But it’s nights like tonight, where Wheeler didn’t have this top top stuff and was still able to carve up the Cleveland lineup. However, his offense was once again stymied by the Guardians starter, this time in the form of Slade Cecconi.
Cecconi was going through the Phillies lineup similarly to what Gavin Williams did last night. He was matched by Wheeler, perhaps even beaten, particularly in the fourth inning. In that inning, Chase DeLauter doubled to begin the inning, wobbling Wheeler a bit. He responded as pitchers of his caliber do by striking out the next two hitters and getting the third to ground out harmlessly to first to end that threat. Good teams respond to that by getting their starter some runs and that’s what the Phillies did.
In their half of the inning, with one out, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm hit back to back singles to get things started. Brandon Marsh grounded out on a spectacular play by Kyle Manzardo to put the runners on second and third with two outs and Bryson Stott up, the team needing something to break their scoreless inning streak. Stott delivered and the Phillies were up, 2-0.
Wheeler continued dominating the Guardians, eventually going six innings and only allowing two hits and one walk, lowering his season ERA to 1.67. In the bottom of the sixth, Harper and Bohm got on to start things off, then were joined on a walk by Stott. J.T. Realmuto struck out for the second out to bring up the horrendously struggling Adolis Garcia. Somehow, he worked a walked and an insurance run was added, making it 3-0.
From there, the bullpen trio of Orion Kerkering, Brad Keller and Jhoan Duran were able to keep Cleveland off the board, only allowing one combined baserunner and never really being threatened. The losing streak of three games was snapped and the Phillies are back at .500. These two teams will be playing (maybe!) tomorrow in the rubber match to see who takes the series.
