With Ha-Seong Kim hitting the IL, Jorge Mateo gets the start at shortstop over Jim Jarvis, facing the lefty Manaea. Elsewhere, Joey Bart starts at catcher, with Baldwin DHing and batting second. Austin Riley bats fifth, ahead of Michael Harris for reasons that are clearly more about mixing lefties and righties than recent production. They have a clear pitching advantage on paper and can hopefully continue their offensive momentum they showed, hitting four homers on Friday night. If they can, it should be a fun national TV game for Braves fans on this country’s 250th birthday.
After trading Devon Levi to the Edmonton Oilers earlier this week, the Buffalo Sabres have added to their goalie depth.
The Sabres have announced that they have signed goaltender Matt Villalta to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season.
Villalta spent all of this past season in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. In 33 games with the AHL club during the 2025-26 season, he posted a 16-12-3 record, an .895 save percentage, and a 3.10 goals-against average.
While Villalta did not play a game for the Utah Mammoth this past season, he made NHL appearances during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. In three career NHL games split between the Arizona Coyotes and Utah, the 6-foot-3 goalie has a 1-1-0 record, a 3.64 goals-against average, and an .867 save percentage.
With the Sabres having Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis, Villalta has been signed to help out Buffalo's AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans.
In 235 career AHL games, Villalta has a 123-83-20 record, a .903 save percentage, a 2.93 goals-against average, and 10 shutouts.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: A general view as a large U.S. flag is unfurled on the field before the game between the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park on July 4, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After the game, I was playing catch with my dad, thinking about what to write. The performance on the field by the Washington Nationals was pretty unremarkable. They lost 7-1, falling behind early and then looking sluggish in the heat. However, some of the pre-game ceremonies and the occasion itself were remarkable. Those moments captured me on the 250th birthday of this nation.
Between Artemis astronauts throwing out the first pitch, to all of the ceremonies, it was a special day at the yard. In America’s 250 year history, baseball has played a key role in much of it. The National Pastime has become central to American culture, as well as our image both internally and around the world.
In so many ways, baseball has been a cultural zeitgeist for this nation. Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier is an iconic moment in history, and in some ways kicked off the Civil Rights movement. It took a long time for integration to happen, and race relations in the US are far from perfect even today. However, Jackie paved the way for so many both on and off the field.
This country likes to think it is based on a true meritocracy. However, that is not really the case despite the great imagery of the American Dream. In baseball though, it is more of a meritocracy. That is a big reason why Jackie got a shot in the MLB long before the Civil Rights Act. Baseball is a game where differences can be put to the side in the name of winning and competing.
The game can also be a great unifier. After 9/11, baseball played a key role in the country’s healing process. That Mets game just 10 days after the horrific tragedy was a truly iconic moment, and ended in storybook fashion. George Bush throwing out the first pitch in New York during the World Series was a similarly emotional moment.
In so many of America’s biggest moments, you can easily find a connection to baseball. During World War II, many of baseball’s biggest stars such as Ted Williams and Joe Dimaggio served our country. They fought for our freedom in years that would have been the prime of their career.
That is why baseball is such a big part of the July 4th holiday. It is a quintessentially American game and has been part of so many American moments. Even if the game did not go the Nats way today, there is always something special about playing baseball in DC on the 4th of July.
It is a big stage for these players. We saw James Wood homer today, and Nats stars have come to life on the 4th in the past. Mr. National Ryan Zimmerman had a great track record on Independence Day. He hit .361 with 4 homers in 11 July 4th games.
To play America’s game in America’s capital is a great honor. Even though they lost, it really did seem like the players appreciated that. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we cannot tell the story of this country without talking about baseball. This game is so special, and it is always a treat to watch those 11:05 games at Nationals Park.
Minnesota’s misstep turned into Los Angeles’ opportunity.
Bill Guerin is fresh off General Manager of the Year honors, but his bid for a repeat has taken a hit this offseason.
Longtime Minnesota Wild winger Mats Zuccarello signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings worth $1 million, plus bonuses, in recent days—ending a lengthy tenure in Minnesota and adding another veteran piece to an already experience-heavy Kings roster.
The departure wasn’t entirely seamless. Zuccarello was reportedly “ticked” at the Wild over what he viewed as a lack of communication regarding his future. That, however, appears to be only part of the story. Guerin later acknowledged he took too long to reach out after the season, accepting responsibility for the breakdown.
“I don’t blame him. Honestly, I took way too much time after the season to reach out and communicate with him, and that’s on me. Zuccy probably deserved better than that. When we did connect a couple of weeks ago, we had a great conversation,” Guerin told reporters.
Zuccarello is no longer in his prime at 38 years old, but his production hasn’t fallen off a cliff. He finished last season with 54 points in 59 games and added nine points in eight playoff appearances. Over seven seasons in Minnesota, he totaled 389 points in 452 regular-season games, cementing himself as one of the franchise’s most consistent offensive drivers of the past decade.
Given that production and tenure, it’s understandable why the situation left a sour taste. From Minnesota’s perspective, the delayed communication only intensified uncertainty around a longtime core piece. From Zuccarello’s standpoint, it became a clear signal that a change of scenery made sense.
That change now lands him in Los Angeles, where the Kings are betting on experience, fit, and offensive rebound potential rather than a full-scale reset.
“They feel like they could play a little bit more offensive-minded at times,” Zuccarello told NHL.com. “Hopefully, I can contribute with that.”
That need is real. Offense, not defense, was Los Angeles’ biggest issue last season. The Kings finished near the bottom of the league in goals per game (2.68) and struggled on the power play at just 17 percent. Despite that, a steady stream of overtime losses was enough to push them into a Western Conference wild-card spot before they were ultimately swept by the Colorado Avalanche.
Rather than pivoting toward a rebuild, Los Angeles has doubled down on short-term competitiveness and veteran stability. Alongside Zuccarello, the Kings brought back 41-year-old Corey Perry on a one-year deal worth $1 million plus bonuses after a midseason stint that saw him play 50 games before being traded to Tampa Bay. They also added center Scott Laughton on a three-year deal carrying a $3.5 million average annual value.
The message from Los Angeles is clear: stay competitive now, even if it means leaning heavily on aging but proven contributors to patch a scoring problem that nearly derailed their season.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 08: LaMonte Wade Jr. #31 of the Houston Astros bats in the six inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Monday, June 8, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Tony Macon/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today, the Houston Astros announced a series of moves affecting their outfield:
Wade Jr., 32, was signed by Houston on June 4 to a 1 year, $1M contract. He made an immediate impact, going 4×12 in 4 games with 2 doubles, a HR, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored before a hamstring injury landed him on the IL.
Wade had gone only 1×10 on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land, but batted .250 with a .420 OBP and .861 OPS for Triple-A Charlotte Knights, part of the Chicago White Sox system, this season before requesting his release and being signed by the Astros. His patience and plate discipline were reasons cited by Astros GM Dana Brown for why the team signed him, and why the team had interest in him in the offseason.
Dezenzo, 27, was hitting .264 with a .417 OBP and .780 OPS at Sugar Land this season. He has demonstrated better plate discipline this season, with a 22/25 BB/K ratio in 115 PA at Triple-A. The Astros are looking for better plate discipline and less strikeouts out of their outfield.
Dezenzo has played small parts of 3 seasons in Houston with the Astros, never really getting a consistent opportunity and not being successful in the small opportunities he’s had to date. This season with the big league club, Dezenzo was batting .191 with 4 doubles, 1 HR and 2 RBI in 47 AB across 21 games. He also struck out 19 times.
Meyers, 30, has followed up a career-best .292 average last season with what would be a career-worst .206 average so far this season. Meyers missed 2 months of last season with a calf injury. He was batting .308 when he went on the IL after play July 6, and returned September 6. He batted just .204 in the month of September last year, finishing the year at .292.
This season so far has been more of September 2025 for Meyers, who hit just .183 in June.
In 2024, Meyers finished with 13 Outs Above Average per Statcast, and was a finalist for al AL Gold Glove in CF. Despite missing two months last season, he finished with 9 Outs Above Average in 2025. Meyers has only 2 Outs Above Average this season, partly due to missing 38 games due to injury and partly due to poor offensive performance.
Loperfido, 27, got off to a decent start this season, albeit without any power. He was batting .276 with a .348 OBP on April 17 when he went on the IL with a right quad strain. He returned June 9, but struggled badly, batting just .122 in 41 AB in June. He did have 2 heroic moments, a 3-run HR in extras to beat Toronto June 23, then tripled late in a tie game the next day and scored on a throwing error as the pitcher tried to pick him off. He was just unable to capitalize on those moments or gain momentum, going 1×15 since.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Egor Demin of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Sydney Bezelik/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s been a long time since the Nets had this much to look forward to at Summer League. No matter how you want to look at it, they have a ton of stock in the players playing in Sacramento.
We had a late edit to today’s thread as fans anticipated Mikel Brown Jr’s (6th overall) first game as a Nets — particularly in a fun matchup against Darius Acuff Jr. (7th overall). Roughly 20 minutes before tip, Brian Lewis provided an update:
Ben Saraf, Egor Demin, Drake Powell, Tyler Bilodeau, Chaney Johnson will start the California Classic opener for the #Nets against the #Kings. No Mikel Brown Jr. or Danny Wolf, so fans won’t get to see MBJ vs. Darius Acuff.
Drake Powell joins the team after missing last year’s summer league. It’ll be important for him to carve out a leadership role while in Sacramento. Nolan Traore is out for the summer.
Enjoy the fireworks!
🏀 Key Info
Matchup: Sacramento vs. Brooklyn
Time (ET): 5:00 p.m.
Broadcast / Streaming Platform: Gotham Sports App, Prime, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, ESPN+
💬 Discussion
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; The eighth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Houston guard Kingston Flemings reacts after he was selected by the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Hawks fans get their first look at Kingston Flemings and the rest of the young players as they start their three-game Summer League stretch against Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: An overall view during the national anthem with an American flag on the baseball field before the game between the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies at Comerica Park on September 11, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (38-50) vs. Texas Rangers (45-43)
Time/Place: 4:05 p.m., Globe Life Field SB Nation Site:Lone Star Ball Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Jack Flaherty (1-8, 4.97 ERA) vs. RHP Kumar Rocker (2-6, 3.83 ERA)
Does it fit Quentin Dolan being named president, chief operating officer and alternate governor of the Rangers?
Here's how his dad, Garden boss Jim Dolan, defends the very decisive Blueshirts developments:
"Since Quentin's arrival overseeing our Player Performance and Science Department, he has made a strong impact on the Rangers and Knicks organizations," says James Dolan. "As a result we are pleased that he will step into this elevated position."
The Rangers and Knicks are part of the expanding Dolan enterprises. That includes theaters such as the Beacon on Broadway and the Sphere in Las Vegas, among others. The Rangers need help and young Dolan has completed his basic training:
James Dolan: "Quentin has quickly become an incredibly valued member of the Rangers franchise and played a key role behind the scenes with the Knicks during their championship run. I look forward to seeing the positive influence he can make in this expanded and critical role."
The Knicks have obliterated the Rangers on the Garden landscape. Quentin's appointment is a necessary component in upgrading the Blueshirts to the lofty position of the Knicks.
Jul 4, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) reacts after the final out of the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The Mariners have scored one run, on a bases-loaded walk, in their last 20 innings of baseball.
Logan Gilbert takes on the Blue Jays today approaching a career milestone – he’s nine strikeouts away from his 1,000th career K. That’s a heavy lift for a day’s work, but it would be so special if he could hit that milestone in front of the fans at home, especially since there hasn’t been much to cheer about for Mariners fans lately.
Lineups:
News:
While today was originally scheduled to be a Gilbert/Hancock piggyback, instead the Mariners are going back to a six-man rotation until the All-Star Break in order to get the starters some extra rest. Hancock will pitch tomorrow, and the rest of the rotation will continue to slot in as normal.
Injury updates:
Julio Rodríguez was at the park today and did some light jogging on the treadmill but is still experiencing concussion symptoms (headache, nausea, lightheadedness).
Brendan Donovan was also at the park working on baserunning and fielding drills. He’ll go out on a rehab assignment when the Mariners are out of town next week; unfortunately, the Rainiers and AquaSox are both out of town as well, so Donovan will head to Arizona to get in some work at the complex. Thoughts and prayers to the 18 year old complex kids getting to pitch to Brendan Donovan.
Today’s game information:
Game time: 1:10 PT
TV: Mariners TV with Aaron Goldsmith and Ryan Rowland-Smith
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.; ESPN radio with Roxy Bernstein and Madison Shipman
Nick Blankenburg's late-season stint with the Colorado Avalanche appears unlikely to continue, with the defenseman now headed to unrestricted free agency and little expectation of a return.
Acquired from the Nashville Predators in March for a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, Blankenburg arrived as a depth addition to strengthen Colorado's blue line for the stretch run and postseason.
The 27-year-old split the season between the two clubs, recording 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 49 games with Nashville before adding three points (two goals, one assist) in 12 regular-season appearances with the Avalanche.
He also suited up in five playoff games, scoring his first career postseason goal in memorable fashion. Blankenburg buried a cross-seam pass from Valeri Nichushkin past Jesper Wallstedt during Colorado's 9-6 victory in Game 1 of its second-round series against the Minnesota Wild. The celebration quickly became one of the defining moments of Colorado's postseason, as Blankenburg launched himself into the glass before Gabriel Landeskog, Brock Nelson, and Cale Makar piled in.
Like Nichushkin, who was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this offseason, Blankenburg appears headed for a new opportunity.
Well... maybe.
There are still a few scenarios worth considering.
A reunion with Nashville is among the most logical.
Blankenburg quickly became a fan favorite with the Predators after earning his opportunity following time in the AHL. His skating, puck-moving ability, and willingness to play much bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame made him an easy player to appreciate, and he rewarded that confidence with the most productive offensive season of his NHL career.
Then there's the Chris MacFarland factor.
The former Avalanche general manager has made a habit of bringing familiar faces to Nashville since taking over the organization. At this rate, you might as well start calling them the Nashville Predalanche.
Already this offseason, MacFarland has acquired Ross Colton, Isak Posch, Jack Drury, and Chase Bradley in separate trades. He also signed former Avalanche defenseman Jack Ahcan to a two-way contract, continuing to fill the organization with players he already knows well.
A return to Nashville would make sense for more than just hockey.
Blankenburg has been open throughout his career about the importance of his Christian faith, often crediting his relationship with Christ as the foundation of both his life and career. During his time in Colorado, he spoke about sharing that bond with teammates Josh Manson and Brent Burns, relationships that helped him quickly settle into a new organization.
From a hockey perspective, the fit is just as sensible. MacFarland wanted Blankenburg badly enough to trade for him just a few months ago, and Nashville could certainly use an affordable, dependable depth defenseman capable of filling a third-pairing role while providing competition throughout the lineup.
There's also another possibility.
If Blankenburg values familiarity over a fresh start, returning to the Avalanche organization on a two-way contract can't be completely ruled out.
Colorado’s AHL affiliate has undergone significant turnover this offseason. The Eagles lost head coach Mark Letestu after he joined the Vegas Golden Knights as an assistant coach, while T.J. Tynan signed with the Springfield Thunderbirds. Ahcan’s departure to Nashville also opens another spot on the blue line, potentially creating an opportunity should Blankenburg continue his career within the Avalanche organization.
Whether that door is actually open remains to be seen.
For now, though, Nashville feels like the cleanest fit. The organization already knows exactly what Blankenburg brings, MacFarland has shown he's more than willing to reunite with former Avalanche players, and the opportunity to compete for NHL minutes could be more realistic there than with many other clubs.
One thing is certain: wherever Blankenburg signs, he'll be bringing the same relentless motor, underrated offensive instincts, and infectious energy that made him a fan favorite in both Nashville and Colorado in a relatively short amount of time.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
How quickly does one get hit in the face with a reality check? Why don’t we ask the San Diego Padres, a team that, when it faced the Dodgers for the first time this season, trailed in the race for the NL West by just half a game? And no, this series didn’t occur so early in the year as to make this point irrelevant—it happened on May 18th, well short of two months ago. Now, as Yoshinobu Yamamoto gets ready for a second straight matchup against the Friars, the Dodgers possess a 14-game lead, one that sounds like a lot, but it’s even bigger when you put it into a certain context.
If the Dodgers were to beat the Padres tonight, their lead over the Padres—who are currently tied with the Diamondbacks for the second spot in the NL West—would represent the second largest lead any team has against any opponent in their own division. As things currently stand, the Padres are much closer to the Rockies and the worst team in baseball (Royals) than they are to the Dodgers—the numbers show that, even if reality often brings much closer games such as Friday’s night one-run win thanks to a Teoscar Hernández grand slam.
Addressing tonight’s specific matchup, Yamamoto is still working on fixing what was initially a rather poor track record against the Padres. Despite allowing just three runs in the 15 innings he has pitched against San Diego this season, Yamamoto only has a 4.60 ERA versus the Friars, his second-worst mark against any National League team.
Aug 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; General view of T-Mobile Park during the sixth inning of a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Game number 89…..the season is flying by. Winnning a second game in a row would be nice.
George Springer is still away, moved to the Family Medical Emergency list, but there is no emergency, just letting George have more time with his son.
Unfortunately, it looks like Canada’s time in the World Cup is over. They did great. I would have been good with a couple more wins, but they played well.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 2: Ezequiel Duran #20 of the Texas Rangers prepares to bat against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Globe Life Field on July 2, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
