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Fantasy Baseball Closer Report: Emilio Pagán facing lengthy absence, Braves get Raisel Iglesias back

In this week's Closer Report, Raisel Iglesias returned and got to work right away with game action in his first day back. Devin Williams seems to be turning things around. And Rico Garcia is stepping in for the injured Ryan Helsley in Baltimore. All that and more as we break down the last week in saves around baseball.

⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

MLB: New York Yankees at San Francisco Giants
Fantasy Baseball Steals Report: Yankees stick with José Caballero, Marlins replace Agustín Ramírez
Who is stealing bases, who isn’t, why, and how.

2026 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings

▶ Tier 1

Mason Miller - San Diego Padres
Cade Smith - Cleveland Guardians
Andrés Muñoz - Seattle Mariners
Jhoan Duran - Philadelphia Phillies
Aroldis Chapman - Boston Red Sox

Miller struck out the side against the White Sox on Sunday for his 11th save of the season, then collected two more strikeouts in a non-save situation against the Giants on Wednesday. He sports a 1.04 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, and an incredible 34/3 K/BB ratio across 17 1/3 innings.

Smith worked a clean four-out save against the Athletics on Friday, then struck out the side for his ninth save on Wednesday against the Royals. He's allowed one run over his last ten appearances. He holds a 3.31 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts across 16 1/3 innings.

After Muñoz put together a couple of clean outings, he blew a save against the Royals on Saturday. He recovered with a scoreless inning and two strikeouts on Monday for a save, then took the loss on Tuesday after giving up a solo homer in a tie game. The 27-year-old right-hander continues to collect strikeouts in bunches. And his underlying numbers suggest he's still one of the top closers to roster over the rest of the season.

Duran was activated from the injured list on Tuesday and made an appearance against the Athletics with a nine-run lead to shake off some rust. He allowed one run on three walks and a hit while striking out two. The extended outing made him unavailable for the save chance on Wednesday against the A's, with Brad Keller picking up his third save. But expect Keller to take a back seat for regular closing duties now that Duran is back.

Chapman continues to do his thing. He locked down a pair of saves this week against the Astros and Tigers. The 38-year-old left-hander is up to seven saves with a 0.77 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts across 11 2/3 innings.

▶ Tier 2

Raisel Iglesias- Atlanta Braves
Riley O'Brien - St. Louis Cardinals
Daniel Palencia - Chicago Cubs
David Bednar - New York Yankees
Tanner Scott - Los Angeles Dodgers
Bryan Baker - Tampa Bay Rays
Paul Sewald - Arizona Diamondbacks

The Braves put Iglesias right back on the mound for a save situation on Tuesday after coming off the injured list. He struck out two in a scoreless frame to convert his sixth save and has yet to allow an earned run over 9 2/3 innings. His return shifts Robert Suarez back into a setup role. Suarez picked up a win with a scoreless eighth inning on Tuesday.

O'Brien surrendered two runs but held on to convert a save against the Dodgers on Saturday. He then needed just three pitches to record the final two outs on Monday against the Brewers for his tenth save to go with a 2.12 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 19/1 K/BB ratio across 17 innings.

Palencia made his return from the injured list this week. He made his first appearance back on Tuesday in the ninth inning of a tie game against the Reds, holding them scoreless before the game went to extras. Meanwhile, Bednar pitched a scoreless inning against the Orioles on Sunday, then converted a five-out save against the Rangers on Tuesday while giving up one run. He's not walking batters or giving up home runs. It's a .383 BABIP that's the culprit of any troubles for Bednar.

Scott struck out two in a clean inning against the Cardinals on Sunday for his second save, then worked a perfect frame against the Astros in a non-save situation on Wednesday. He should continue to see most save situations for an extended time with Edwin Díaz out for a few months. Alex Vesia has also been incredibly effective, but also throws from the left side.

Baker has turned into one of the better closers so far this season. He locked down two more saves for the Rays this week, giving him nine with a 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts across 14 2/3 innings. The Rays will still play the matchup game when it suits them best, such as Wednesday, with Baker pitching the eighth and the left-handed Ian Seymour getting the ninth for the save. But Baker has solidified himself as the go-to option to close out games.

Sewald made one appearance in a non-save situation this week, striking out the only two batters he faced. The 35-year-old right-hander remains at seven saves with a 3.86 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts across 11 2/3 innings.

▶ Tier 3

Devin Williams - New York Mets
Louis Varland - Toronto Blue Jays
Kenley Jansen - Detroit Tigers
Seranthony Domínguez - Chicago White Sox
Abner Uribe - Milwaukee Brewers
Lucas Erceg - Kansas City Royals
Rico Garcia - Baltimore Orioles

It's a better stretch for Williams now as he's put together a couple of good weeks on the mound. He made four scoreless appearances, including three clean saves. He's now up to five with a 6.17 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts across 11 2/3 innings.

Varland made three appearances in non-save situations as the Blue Jays saw no save chances. He remains in line for saves ahead of Jeff Hoffman, who continues to work primarily in the seventh inning. Varland has posted a 0.48 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts across 18 2/3 innings.

Jansen was held out for a few games as he was dealing with some groin soreness. He returned on Monday with a scoreless inning against the Red Sox. Kyle Finnegan had converted his first save in place of Jansen. Meanwhile, Will Vest landed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm inflammation.

Domínguez made one appearance this week, stepping in for the final two outs against the Padres on Saturday for his eighth save. In Milwaukee, Uribe worked a scoreless inning against the Nationals on Saturday for his third save. He then gave up one run in a non-save situation against the Cardinals on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Trevor Megill continues to work in a setup role. He pitched a clean inning behind Uribe on Saturday, then gave up a run on Wednesday.

Erceg had a big week on the mound, collecting three saves for the Royals to give him ten on the season. He's made seven straight scoreless outings, striking out nine in that span. Erceg's role got a bit more secure on Wednesday as Carlos Estévez departed his rehab outing with shoulder discomfort.

Garcia is having an incredible season so far. The one hit he's allowed also represents the only earned run he's given up, a solo homer on April 21. He'll be filling in as closer in Ryan Helsley's absence. Helsley landed on the 15-day injured list last week with right elbow inflammation. He could begin a throwing program later this week, but there's no clear timetable for a return. Garcia should be added across all leagues for those looking for saves. Andrew Kittredge has struggled over his last couple of outings, likely taking him out of the running for saves.

▶ Tier 4

Jacob Latz - Texas Rangers
Gregory Soto/Dennis Santana - Pittsburgh Pirates
Gus Varland - Washington Nationals
Jack Perkins - Athletics
Tyler Phillips - Miami Marlins
Tony Santillan/Graham Ashcraft - Cincinnati Reds
Bryan King - Houston Astros

Latz has settled in as the Rangers' closer. He picked up his third save with a clean inning against the Tigers on Friday, then pitched the ninth with a five-run lead on Wednesday against the Yankees. The 30-year-old left-hander now has a 0.96 ERA, 0.48 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts across 18 2/3 innings.

Soto recorded four clean outs with two strikeouts on Sunday against the Reds to fall in line for a win, then closed out Wednesday's game with a one-run lead against the Diamondbacks for his second save of the season. This came one day after Santana surrendered two runs to Arizona. Soto has been the better of the two, posting a 1.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts over 18 innings.

Varland picked up a save against the Mets last Thursday, then gave up a run on Sunday before Richard Lovelady stepped in for the final two outs against the Brewers. Varland remains the only reliever worth rostering if chasing saves on the Nationals. He holds a 3.38 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts over 13 1/3 innings.

Perkins has been the best reliever in the Athletics' bullpen and seemed to be settling in as the team's closer until pitching the seventh and giving up four runs, two earned, to get charged with a blown save on Wednesday. He had converted his third save against the Royals last Thursday. Still, he's probably the reliever to roster in Sacramento. Perkins owns a 3.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts across 14 2/3 innings.

No save chances for the Marlins this week, but Phillips was used for three scoreless innings against the Phillies on Sunday. There's still no timetable for a return for Pete Fairbanks.

Emilio Pagán was carted off with a severe hamstring injury on Tuesday against the Cubs. He suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain that is going to sideline him anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Ashcraft got the first save chance in his absence on Wednesday and blew a two-run lead to Chicago. Santillan was unavailable after pitching in two of the last three days. Santillan hasn't been quite as effective as he's been over the last couple of years, displaying diminished velocity and a higher walk rate. Expect him and Ashcraft to be in the mix for save chances.

▶ Tier 5

Kaleb Killian/Ryan Walker/Keaton Winn - San Francisco Giants
Victor Vodnik - Colorado Rockies
Eric Orze/Justin Topa - Minnesota Twins
Sam Bachman/Ryan Zeferjahn - Los Angeles Angels

The Giants' situation is nearing untouchable territory. Walker was charged with two blown saves this week, then gave up two more runs on Wednesday against the Padres. It was Kilian who converted the team's only save this week and probably the only reliever worth speculating on in San Francisco. And in Anaheim, the Angels activated Kirby Yates on Monday, but held him out of Tuesday's game with a one-run lead and Wednesday's game with a six-run lead. It seems they are waiting to give him some lower-leverage work before giving him a chance to work into save situations.

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The Kids Are Alright: Young Ducks Shine in Golden Knights 3-1 Loss

This year, the Vegas Golden Knights earned the reputation as the best third-period team in the league— a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season. Of course, this was in part due to their slow starts, but during the regular season, the end often justifies the means. After two poor showings against the Anaheim Ducks, this can no longer be the case; the Golden Knights are extremely fortunate to escape with a series split.

In Game One, Carter Hart kept Vegas in the game until their stars arrived. Hart tried to do the same in Game 2; however, despite a 25-save performance, the scoring never came, and the Golden Knights lost 3-1.

“I think we’re always concerned, no matter what,” said head coach John Tortorella following the game. “Win or lose, coaches are always looking to pronounce the good things and work on the bad things. Yeah, we still have some things to work on.”

The first period was barely played at 5-on-5; both teams combined for over eight minutes of power play time. The Ducks possessed the lion’s share of that power play time, and finished the period with a commanding 13-4 edge in shots. However, despite being thoroughly outshot and generating just four scoring chances against Anaheim’s 12, the Golden Knights escaped the first period and entered intermission tied at zero. 

In the second period, the Golden Knights finally strung together some decent shifts and outshot the Ducks 11-7. However, the Ducks were again the better offensive team, generating 20 scoring chances against the Golden Knights’ five.

The Ducks finally broke the ice at 11:23 in the second. Jeffrey Viel redirected Jackson LaCombe’s stretch pass into the zone, pressured Kaedan Korczak into a turnover, and got to Ryan Poehling’s dump-in. Viel found Beckett Sennecke all alone atop the blue paint, and the Calder finalist snapped a shot past Hart’s outstretched glove.

The Ducks doubled their lead at 6:36 in the third period. Leo Carlsson sprung Chris Kreider on a partial breakaway, but Noah Hanifin pushed Kreider to the outside. Kreider curled up and left the puck for Troy Terry, who danced around Rasmus Andersson and found Carlsson back-door.

The Golden Knights finally found their footing and outshot the Ducks 10-8 in the third. They generated 14 scoring chances against Anaheim’s three and controlled 59.48% of the expected goal share.

However, despite the offensive surge, the Golden Knights couldn’t solve Lukáš Dostál. They pulled Carter Hart for the extra attacker with just under four minutes remaining in regulation, but didn’t manage a single shot on goal. Following a Ducks clear, they turned the puck over at center ice, and Jansen Harkins hit the empty net.

The Golden Knights snapped Lukáš Dostál’s shutout bid on a late power play opportunity with just six seconds remaining in regulation. Jack Eichel got a shot off, and Mark Stone redirected it home for his third goal of the postseason.

“We’re going to find our way and try to play our best game. That certainly hasn’t happened in this series. We’ll find our way and get there,” said Tortorella following the 3-1 loss. “They split here; we’ve got to go in and try to get a game out of there. We’re going to keep our composure and get about our business.”

Three Takeaways of the Knight

1. John Tortorella shook up his top-nine in the third period. He moved Mark Stone back up with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev, and put William Karlsson with Brett Howden and Mitch Marner. Pavel Dorofeyev slid down to the third line with Tomáš Hertl and Keegan Kolesar.

2. The penalty kill was, once again, a difference-maker for the Golden Knights. In the first period, the Ducks were on the power play for 6:19 consecutively, including an extended 5-on-3. The Golden Knights only allowed two shot attempts during the 1:38 5-on-3.

“Outstanding,” Tortorella said of his penalty kill postgame. “It kind of screws us up— we want to try to get a good start, and we’re sitting in the box. I think that affects things as you’re trying to get through that first period. But the penalty kill has been fantastic, and that was a key part of the game. We just couldn’t make it stand.”

3. The Golden Knights won’t win this series unless they can figure out how to generate sustained offensive zone pressure. They squeaked out a controversial win last game, but they can’t plan on that happening again. For two periods tonight, they looked like they were hanging on for dear life; they would finally clear the puck, and Anaheim would reset by the time the Golden Knights swapped their tired players for fresh ones.

“We need to have the puck more in their end,” said Tortorella. “A lot of times, we’re one and done. We need to create more pressure there, and I think that will hurt their attack.”

Read More: Golden Knights Drop Fourth Straight Game 2 Since Last Season, Head To Anaheim Tied 1-1

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Wembanyama shines as Spurs and Knicks win in play-offs

Victor Wembanyama celebrates on the sideline as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of their NBA play-off series in May 2026
Victor Wembanyama recently became the NBA's first unanimous winner of the defensive player of the year award [Getty Images]

Victor Wembanyama shone as the San Antonio Spurs drew level in the NBA's Conference semi-finals while the New York Knicks edged into a 2-0 lead.

The Spurs are seeded second in the Western Conference and bounced back from a home loss in game one to thump the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-95 on Wednesday and level the best-of-seven series.

"I'm expecting this kind of response from myself, from my team-mates, so I'm not surprised by any means," said Wembanyama.

The France international added: "There is some ego. They assaulted us in game one, we wanted to assault [them] in game two."

This season's defensive player of the year claimed 19 points and 15 rebounds as the Spurs romped into a 59-35 lead by half-time - Minnesota's lowest-scoring half all season.

It was San Antonio's highest NBA play-off score since 1983 and they have not lost back-to-back games since 11 and 13 January, a stretch of 49 games.

Jalen Brunson led a late charge as the Knicks, third seed in the Eastern Conference, clinched a 108-102 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid was ruled out hours before tip-off because of right hip soreness and a right ankle sprain.

The game featured 25 lead changes - the most for a play-off game in 11 years.

Brunson scored eight of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Knicks pulled clear while Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Tyrese Maxey scored a team-high 26 points for the 76ers, who hope Embiid can recover in time for game three in Philadelphia on Friday.

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Marcus Semien spearheads Mets' offensive onslaught: 'That's a really good sign'

Juan Soto may have gotten the Mets on the board first with his leadoff home run to start the game against the Colorado Rockies, but it was Marcus Semien who had the best night offensively for New York.

Finishing 4-for-5, including a double and home run of his own (just his second of the season), Semien’s most productive game at the plate this season helped the Mets beat the Rockies, 10-5, and give them their third win in a row.

Semien’s big night came after he began the road trip 2-for-15 and in the middle of a rough start to his first season in New York after getting traded from the Texas Rangers during the offseason. 

So, not only was his performance important for the Mets, it served as a reminder of what kind of player Semien can be when he’s at his best.

“Just trying to stay locked in. Keep it simple, really,” Semien said. “If they throw the ball down the middle, keep it simple and just keep working on what I’m working on in the cage to get my swing going.”

Up until this point, Semien’s swing hadn’t been doing much for New York. In fact, he entered Wednesday’s game with a paltry .208/.259/.272 slash line and was constantly hitting the ball on the ground. So seeing the 14-year veteran get balls in the air again and swing the bat with authority is certainly a sight for sore eyes.

Manager Carlos Mendoza has seen Semien play for a long time and knows when he’s hitting the ball like he did on Wednesday, he’s locking in.

“He was aggressive early in the zone,” Mendoza said. “He was short to the ball, he was able to use the whole field, he drove the ball, especially that homer to the pull side the last at-bat. That’s a really good sign. 

“I’ve seen this guy play for a long time and when he’s going well he’s doing that. He’s an aggressive hitter, he’s going to attack pitches and like I said it was just good to see him have results.”

The four-hit night raised Semien’s batting average more than 20 points, from .208 to .231. His OPS also took a big jump, going from .531 to .602. 

There’s still a lot of work to be done to restore Semien’s first season in Queens and get him back to his career OPS of .753, but what better place to get it going than Coors Field where the Mets play one more game before leaving town.

“You want to have good games in this ballpark,” Semien said. “It’s a good place to hit, it’s a big outfield and the ball carries.”

Sure, it might be harder than ever for Semien to recapture his former glory days after two full seasons with an OPS below .700 with the Rangers, but hard work doesn’t scare Semien.

“It’s been a tough stretch for him but the guy is as consistent as anyone in there,” Mendoza said. “He works extremely hard and I’m glad that he finally got a really good game for us.”

"Great player, great hitter," Soto said about Semien. "I feel like he’s getting his rhythm back so I can’t wait to keep seeing him doing that."

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Knicks take 2-0 lead into game 3 against the 76ers

New York Knicks (53-29, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (45-37, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Philadelphia; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT

LINE: Knicks -1.5; over/under is 213.5

EASTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Knicks lead series 2-0

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Knicks visit the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference second round with a 2-0 lead in the series. The Knicks won the last matchup 108-102 on Wednesday, led by 26 points from Jalen Brunson. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 26.

The 76ers are 27-25 against Eastern Conference opponents. Philadelphia ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with 11.8 offensive rebounds per game led by Andre Drummond averaging 3.2.

The Knicks are 14-3 against the rest of their division. New York is seventh in the NBA with 45.6 rebounds per game. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Knicks with 11.9.

The 76ers are shooting 46.2% from the field this season, 0.2 percentage points higher than the 46.0% the Knicks allow to opponents. The Knicks average 116.5 points per game, 0.4 more than the 116.1 the 76ers give up to opponents.

TOP PERFORMERS: Maxey is averaging 28.3 points, 6.6 assists and 1.9 steals for the 76ers. Paul George is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Brunson is averaging 26 points and 6.8 assists for the Knicks. OG Anunoby is averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 5-5, averaging 105.2 points, 40.0 rebounds, 21.5 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.7 points per game.

Knicks: 7-3, averaging 116.0 points, 42.7 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 100.7 points.

INJURIES: 76ers: Joel Embiid: out (ankle).

Knicks: Mitchell Robinson: out (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Minnesota, San Antonio meet with series tied 1-1

San Antonio Spurs (62-20, second in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33, sixth in the Western Conference)

Minneapolis; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

LINE: Spurs -3.5; over/under is 216.5

WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Series tied 1-1

BOTTOM LINE: The Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs are in a 1-1 series tie in the Western Conference second round. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 133-95 in the last meeting on Thursday. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 21 points, and Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 12.

The Timberwolves are 31-21 in Western Conference games. Minnesota is eighth in the Western Conference with 50.3 points per game in the paint led by Jaden McDaniels averaging 10.5.

The Spurs are 36-16 in Western Conference play. San Antonio is fifth in the Western Conference scoring 52.1 points per game in the paint led by Victor Wembanyama averaging 11.1.

The Timberwolves make 48.1% of their shots from the field this season, which is 3.0 percentage points higher than the Spurs have allowed to their opponents (45.1%). The Spurs score 5.2 more points per game (119.8) than the Timberwolves give up (114.6).

TOP PERFORMERS: Anthony Edwards is averaging 28.8 points and 3.7 assists for the Timberwolves. McDaniels is averaging 15.1 points over the last 10 games.

De'Aaron Fox is scoring 18.6 points per game and averaging 3.8 rebounds for the Spurs. Julian Champagnie is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 7-3, averaging 113.9 points, 44.4 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 6.5 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.8 points per game.

Spurs: 7-3, averaging 116.6 points, 46.2 rebounds, 26.1 assists, 8.1 steals and 7.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.8 points.

INJURIES: Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo: out for season (leg).

Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Pirates 1, Diamondbacks 0: Snakes get Skenes’d

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 06: Starting pitcher Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Baseball is undoubtedly a team sport. In fact, I would argue it is the most intensely team-based sport among the major North American sports. Unlike leagues like the NFL or NBA, collecting a few stars on a baseball team can only make a marginal difference. If you have any doubt, baseball history is replete with examples of teams that include multiple Hall of Famers and fail to even make a World Series let alone win one. But tonight, Paul Skenes looked as if he didn’t even need a team behind him. He started the night with 4.2 of no-hit innings that were only broken on a swinging bunt from Lourdes Gurriel Jr and a screaming single to left from Nolan Arenado. Outside of that one threat, the D-Backs failed to muster even a nominal challenge to Skenes’ dominance, swinging early and freely. For Michael Soroka, it was an incredibly tough luck loss. His only fatal mistake came on the fourth pitch of the game when Brandon Lowe took a hanging changeup on the outside edge of the plate right to the centerfield camera well for the only run of the game.

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After Lowe’s homer, the Pirates followed up with a Bryan Reynolds single and a Ryan O’Hearn walk and I started to get a sinking deja vu feeling of that nightmarish first inning in Milwaukee last Thursday. Instead, the D-Backs performed the first of many defensive gems all over Chase Field that kept the game as close as it was. In the first, Arenado took away a hit from Nick Gonzales on a hot shot down the line and nearly turned it into a double play. There was the diving catch at the warning track by Alek Thomas to take away a double from Spencer Horwitz, and there were multiple plays at the plate – including an inexplicably bad baserunning blunder that ended the second inning.

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Maybe it’s a little unfair to call a 2.91 ERA and 0.824 WHIP season as up and down, but that’s exactly what happens when you set the bar as high as Skenes has with a Rookie of the Year award and then follow it up with a unanimous Cy Young award. It’s also probably a little unfair to be upset about losing to a pitcher like that when nearly every pitch offering seems to be working. Thankfully, the D-Backs will have a chance to take the series tomorrow against Mitch Keller while Zac Gallen will look for another bounceback performance after yet another blowup against the Cubs on Friday.

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Ducks beat Golden Knights 3-1 and send series back to Anaheim at 1-1

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Anaheim Ducks at Vegas Golden Knights

May 4, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (45) shoots against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson and Jansen Harkins scored, Lukas Dostal came 5.6 seconds from his first career playoff shutout and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1 on Wednesday night to even their series at a game apiece.

The Ducks head home with the chance to grab hold of the best-of-seven second-round NHL playoff series, with Game 3 on Friday night. Vegas hopes to pull off a repeat of its first-round series when the Golden Knights went to Utah at 1-1 before winning in six games.

Sennecke, a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy that goes to the league’s top rookie, became the fourth Ducks player 20 or younger to score multiple goals in a postseason.

Dostal saved 23 shots and nearly had his third career shutout, including regular-season play, before Mark Stone scored a power-play goal in the closing seconds.

Carter Hart made 25 saves for the Golden Knights. Brett Howden’s four-game goal streak ended, as did Ivan Barbarshev’s seven-game point streak.

The Golden Knights’ penalty kill gave them a chance. They killed all five penalties, including a stretch of 6:19 in the first period in which the Golden Knights took four penalties, including a double minor by Jack Eichel for high sticking. Vegas has killed off 19 straight penalties this postseason and is 24 of 25 overall.

But offense again was at a premium for Vegas, and coach John Tortorella adjusted his lines to try to find some life. Stone moved to the top line, William Karlsson shifted to the second and Pavel Dorofeyev dropped to the third.

Ducks coach Joel Quenneville found some magic by moving Cutter Gauthier up to the second line with Mikael Granlund and Alex Killorn. That group had 20 scoring chances to one for Vegas in just 6:25 of action after two periods, according to Natural Stat Trick. They finished with a 23-5 advantage.

The Ducks broke through in the second period, controlling play for about six minutes as Vegas struggled to keep the puck out of its zone. Then finally it was too much, Jeffrey Viel passing from below the goal line to Sennecke, camped out in front of the net for the 1-0 lead with 8:37 left in the period.

Troy Terry’s backhand pass to Carlsson at 6:36 of the third period made it 2-0 for the Ducks. Harkins added an empty-net goal with 3:30 remaining.

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Golden Knights Drop Fourth Straight Game 2 Since Last Season, Head To Anaheim Tied 1-1

For the second straight playoff series, the Golden Knights are headed out of town for Games 3 and 4 tied 1-1, and home ice squandered after losing Game 2.

The Anaheim Ducks scored three unanswered goals and cruised to a 3-1 win Wednesday night to knot the second-round series at one game apiece.

Beckett Sennecke, Leo Carlsson and Jansen Harkins scored for the Ducks, while Lukas Dostal made 21 saves.

Vegas captain Mark Stone saved the Knights from enduring their third-ever home shutout loss in the playoffs when he scored with six seconds left in the game. Goalie Carter Hart made 25 saves.

KEY MOMENT

At the midway point of the first period, Anaheim's Tim Washe was called for goaltender interference, giving the Golden Knights their first power-play opportunity. Vegas had already staved off Anaheim's first two power-play chances and had the chance to seize momentum with the third-best home power play of the playoffs. Instead, the Knights didn't even get a shot on goal.

KEY STAT

4 ... Wednesday marked the fourth-straight Game 2 playoff loss at home for the Knights. Last year they fell to the Minnesota Wild in the opening round, as the two split the first two games. The Knights went on to win the series, 4-2. In the second round, the Edmonton Oilers won both Games 1 and 2, but then won Game 3 in Canada to cut the series lead in half. In this year's opening round, the Knights lost Games 2 and 3 to the Utah Mammoth, before winning Games 4-6 to advance. The Golden Knights have now lost Game 2 seven times, and are 3-3 after doing so the first six times.

WHAT A KNIGHT

Though he didn't score or have anything to do with Stone's goal, give Ivan Barbashev the nod for this space. Barbashev, who scored the game-winning goal in Game 1 and failed to register a point for the first time this postseason, still led the team with five shots on goal. He had three other shots blocked and led the team with eight hits.

UP NEXT

The teams continue their series in Anaheim for Game 3 on Friday night.

PHOTO CAPTION

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (98) blocks a shot by Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) during the third period of game two of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena.

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Spurs bounce back in Game 2, blow out Timberwolves to tie series

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 06: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 06, 2026 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Spurs lost a close Game 1 on a missed Julian Champagnie buzzer-beater, and it seems it was the wakeup call they needed. San Antonio demolished the Timberwolves in Game 2, outexecuting them and outhustling them en route to a 133-95 win. At halftime, the visitors had only scored 35 points, and the biggest lead reached 47 points before being reduced during extended garbage time.

It was clear from the start that the Timberwolves were content with taking just one game in San Antonio. They were sloppy in the first few possessions and couldn’t really deal with a physical and intense defense that was not conceding many easy looks. With Minnesota turning it over or missing, the Spurs had a much easier time attacking early, but even in the half-court, they were determined to play faster and try to get to the rim. The commitment to being the aggressor led to a couple of small mistakes on switches on defense and some overpenetrating on offense, but it served to set the tone. As the benches checked in, the visitors couldn’t get the scoring boost from Anthony Edwards, and the Silver and Black received solid minutes from Luke Kornet. After an encouraging opening frame, the lead was seven.

The Timberwolves went small to start the second, and the Spurs were ready for it. Wembanyama made them pay on the block, and everyone who had a lane tried to touch the paint. On the defensive end, Wembanyama toggled between different assignments, always trying to be in help position. Minnesota needed to find answers on offense, but Mitch Johnson threw Carter Bryant on Edwards and started trapping the superstar scorer, leading to some serious disarray for the visitors, who couldn’t get quality looks and were too slow to run back, allowing transition buckets off turnovers, misses, and even the rare made baskets. As the minutes passed, the game turned into a poor execution but high-paced battle that benefited the Spurs, which ruthlessly grew their lead to 24 heading into the break.

A comeback seemed unlikely, considering how locked in the Spurs were, but there were a few minutes that probably made some fans of the Silver and Black nervous. After a strong start featuring an aggressive Wembanyama, San Antonio began to play more slowly on offense and with less intensity on defense. Minnesota went on a mini-run, and the fouls for both sides started to pile up, killing the flow of the game. Fortunately, a couple of timely jumpers from De’Aaron Fox and Devin Vassell helped keep the lead large through that sloppy, sloggy stretch, and a barrage of threes by Julian Champagnie ended any chance of a surprise. The only source of suspense left was whether the Spurs would record their most lopsided playoff win in franchise history, a feat they fell short of by three points.

Game notes

  • There’s a strong case to be made for this to be the best game of the Spurs’ season, considering the circumstances and the opponent. It was the perfect bounce-back performance, with Wembanyama and Fox, who struggled to make their mark on offense, leading the way early, and the defense absolutely smothering Minnesota. Whether it’s by one or by 38, wins count the same in the playoffs, but San Antonio made a statement on Wednesday.
  • Mitch Johnson deserves credit for making two key adjustments. On defense, the team was ready to keep Edwards, who started cold but was warming up, from making an impact as a scorer by trapping him and forcing him to give up the ball. It took the Wolves a while to adjust to it, and when they did, the lead was already massive. On offense, the Spurs consistently got into the first action much quicker than they did in Game 1, giving themselves more time to execute in the half-court. It took them a game, but San Antonio was prepared in Game 2.
  • Wembanyama, Fox, and Castle did most of the damage on offense in the first half, while the third quarter belonged to Julian Champagnie, who made all four of his three-point attempts to really ice the game. The way that the Wolves defend makes it hard to get the shooters involved at times, so it was great to see Champagnie and, later on, Harrison Barnes launching and connecting with confidence. Hopefully, the rhythm they appeared to find will carry over.
  • The Spurs won the Luke Kornet minutes, which was massive. Not only did it allow Mitch Johnson to give Wembanyama more rest, but it also gave the guards a different type of screener to work with. There were even some French Vanilla minutes when the win was secured. Huge contribution from Kornet in limited minutes.
  • Ayo Dosunmu suffered an injury and was questionable to play in the second half. He wasn’t ruled out and could get better by Game 3, but bf he doesn’t, it could have an impact, as not having him forces Chris Finch to give more minutes to Bones Hyland and Jaylen Clark, a bad defender and questionable shooter, respectively.

Play of the game

After a broken play, Devin Vassell actually had the awareness to jump and get into his shooting motion as he caught the ball on his way up to hit a three. Amazing.

Game 3: at Minnesota on Friday

The series moves to Minnesota, and the Timberwolves will surely play with more urgency than they did in Game 2. Hopefully, the Spurs will be able to maintain the superlative level of play they showed on Wednesday.

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A.J. Minter gets removed from Mets rehab assignment over hip issue

A baseball player in a blue Mets shirt and orange hat throwing a baseball during spring training.
New York Mets pitcher A.J. Minter hit a setback in his rehab.

DENVER — The anticipated return of a key Mets reliever has been placed on hold. 

A.J. Minter is dealing with left hip discomfort, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, and has been removed from his minor league rehab assignment.

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The lefty reliever was completing a rehab at Triple-A Syracuse from lat surgery and was days away from potentially rejoining the club. 

“We’re not too concerned, but we’ll probably give him a couple or few days and then he will continue to throw,” Mendoza said before the Mets’ 10-5 win over the Rockies on Wednesday. 

Minter was scheduled to pitch back-to-back games for the first time in his rehab beginning Wednesday, the last hurdle before rejoining the Mets. 

“He’s not too concerned, but the fact he reported it we’re doing that,” Mendoza said. 

New York Mets pitcher A.J. Minter hit a setback in his rehab. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Minter, who arrived before last season on a two-year contract worth $22 million, hasn’t pitched for the Mets since April 2025. 

The Mets can reset Minter’s rehab clock, giving him another 30 days in the minor leagues if needed once he’s cleared to resume pitching. 

Luis Torrens started at catcher for a second straight game with Francisco Alvarez at DH. Mendoza said the fact Juan Soto has returned to playing left field provides the flexibility to use Torrens (the superior defensive catcher) and Alvarez (the better hitter of the two) in the same lineup.

But Soto will still receive occasional DH starts — one is planned for Thursday’s series finale — after spending time last month on the injured list with a right calf strain.

Mendoza may often use Torrens and Alvarez in the same lineup until the Mets begin getting injured players back. 

New York Mets catcher Luis Torrens (13) during the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“It depends on matchups,” Mendoza said. “Do you want the lefties? Day games after night games, how many in a row, Juan’s ability to continue to play [left field] on a daily basis. There’s a lot that goes into it.” 

Kodai Senga has begun playing catch in his rehab from lumbar spine inflammation, according to Mendoza. The right-hander received an epidural on the last homestand. 

Though Jorge Polanco continues to participate in baseball activities pregame, he isn’t close to beginning a minor league rehab assignment, according to Mendoza. Polanco is rehabbing a right wrist contusion. 

Mendoza said he spent Tuesday’s off-day created by inclement weather watching video of his players. 

“A lot of baseball,” he said. “There’s not much to do.”

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San Antonio brings the defense, cruises to Game 2 win over Minnesota, 133-95, to even series

While a headline from Game 1 was Victor Wembanyama having a dozen blocks, the Timberwolves were still scoring, with a 51.1% eFG, and they shot 52% in the paint, and they won.

Wednesday night, the Spurs brought the defensive pressure all over the court, not just the blocks (Wemby had two). Because of that, Minnesota shot just 39.8% overall and 40.9% in the paint, plus they turned the ball over 22 times.

It turned Game 2 into a blowout, with the 'Spurs' lead never falling below 20 in the third quarter and below 30 in the fourth. San Antonio cruised to a 133-95 win.

The series is now tied 1-1, heading back to Minnesota for Game 3 on Friday night.

This was the most lopsided loss in Minnesota postseason history.

While the Spurs' defense showed up, it was also more aggressive and intentional on offense.

After settling for too many 3-pointers in Game 1, Wembanyama and San Antonio attacked the rim from the start — nine of the Spurs' first 11 shots were in the paint, including Wemby starting 3-of-3. Stephon Castle was trying to touch the paint every time he touched the ball.

Wembanyama finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds, Stephon Castle had 21 points and De'Aaron Fox added 16 points, and none of them played more than 26 minutes thanks to the blowout.

Minnesota was led by four players with 12 points each: Anthony Edwards off the bench, plus Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Terrence Shannon.

This game was decided in the first half — Minnesota scored a season-low 35 first-half points and did it on 29.8% shooting. San Antonio's defenders were physical, and they were everywhere, also forcing 11 turnovers. It's not like the Timberwolves just missed their 3-points — although they did that, too, going 2-of-15 from beyond the arc — but they also shot just 8-of-24 (33.3%) in the paint. Anthony Edwards, the spark of Game 1, was 1-of-6 in the first half.

Combine that with Wembanyama, Castle and Fox all finding their groove after a rough Game 1, and it felt over by halftime. If it wasn't that, the Spurs' 5-0 run to open the third quarter pretty much sealed it.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch waived the white flag with 10 minutes remaining, when both teams sat their starters and started going deep into their benches.

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DJ LeMahieu hired as manager of summer college baseball team as MLB questions loom

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees hits a solo homer during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Bronx, NY. (, Image 2 shows New York Yankees second base DJ LeMahieu (26) doubles during the fourth inning when the New York Yankees played the Baltimore Orioles Friday, June 20, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY
DJ LeMahieu

Almost a year after his release from the Yankees, DJ LeMahieu is back in baseball.

But, at least for now, he’s not on the field —  he’ll be calling the shots from the dugout.

The former All-Star second baseman was hired as the manager of the Royal Oak Leprechauns, a Northwoods summer collegiate baseball team in Michigan. LeMahieu moved to the state as a middle schooler and then became a prolific player at Brother Rice High School.

LeMahieu previously helped fund the summer team’s home ballpark renovations earlier this decade.

DJ LeMahieu of the New York Yankees hits a solo homer during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Bronx, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

The team said LeMahieu will be “continuing to pursue opportunities in professional baseball,” though it did not specify whether that meant playing or coaching.

“DJ has been hands-on throughout the entire offseason, and that’s meant everything to our staff,” general manager Danny Weiss said in a statement about the hiring. “As he steps into the field manager role, that same commitment carries over to the players he leads. He cares deeply about building a culture players want to be part of — and that’s going to set the standard for everything we do in 2026 and beyond.”

LeMahieu was designated for assignment by the Yankees last July and officially released one day later after hititng .266 with a .674 OPS in 45 games in 2025. Over his last three seasons in pinstripes, he hit just .237.

It was a fall-off from his first two seasons with the Yankees when he finished fourth and third in the American League MVP voting in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In the COVID-shortened 2020, he led MLB with a .364 average and the AL with a .421 on-base percentage and 1.011 OPS.

New York Yankees second base DJ LeMahieu (26) doubles during the fourth inning when the New York Yankees played the Baltimore Orioles Friday, June 20, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Last Monday, LeMahieu posted on his Instagram feed for the first time in six years to wish the Yankees well.

“I know it’s been a minute but just want to make sure I say thank you to the @yankees organization, all of the fans and my teammates for my time in New York,” he wrote in the caption of his post. “I may have been three years shy of being a true ‘New Yorker,’ but New York will forever feel like home. I’m thankful to have been a part of some incredible moments on the field. Hoping for continued success for the boys!”

The Leprechauns start their season May 25.

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76ers couldn’t hold Jalen Brunson down forever in Knicks crunch time

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11, shooting in the 4th quarter, Image 2 shows Jalen Brunson #11, after hitting a jump shot giving the Knicks a lead in the 4th quarter
Brunson

Jalen Brunson was searching for answers. He was searching for his shot. 

The Knicks superstar was forcing the action, missing his first three shots. Nearly nine minutes passed before he scored his first points.

More than 10 minutes elapsed before he hit his first field goal. When Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals ended, the 76ers were pleased with their defense against the Knicks captain, who had scored at least 35 points in five consecutive playoff games against the 76ers. 

Jalen Brunson after hitting a jump shot to give the Knicks a lead in the fourth quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

But Brunson still delivered the final daggers in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 108-102 win at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, hitting a series of clutch shots, while scoring eight of the team’s final 15 points.

The Knicks captain finished with a team-high 26 points — hitting 9-for-21, including 1-for-5 on 3-pointers and 7-for-8 from the line — with six assists, three turnovers and a steal. 

“It came down to shot-making,” 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe said. “Brunson made a lot of tough shots towards the end. We missed wide-open ones.” 

It is no coincidence. The team that has never made it past the second round with Joel Embiid repeatedly misfired, while last season’s Clutch Player of the Year ensured the Knicks moved two wins from a second straight trip to the Eastern Conference finals. 

Shortly after Brunson entered with just over nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, Tyrese Maxey put the Sixers ahead with a stepback jumper.

Brunson responded 13 seconds later, tying the game at 94 with a jumper in the lane. Then, With just over five minutes left, Brunson hit a stepback jumper to put the Knicks in front for good. 

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson shooting in the fourth quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“They started switching a little bit and he got to his spots and scored,” coach Mike Brown said. “That’s what he’s expected to do for us.” 

With just under four minutes remaining, Brunson captivated the sellout crowd, challenging 6-foot-9 Dominick Barlow with a level of offensive artistry that would be at home at Rucker Park or MoMA. 

Brunson soaked up the spotlight, crossing over the taller defender on multiple occasions, going behind his back and through his legs, before spinning at the foul line and unleashing a fadeaway jumper that hit nothing but net, putting the Knicks up 103-99.

Brunson added two free throws with 1:07 to put the Knicks up seven. 

“Most importantly [was] just staying poised, staying composed, just figuring out one play at a time, one step at a time and not looking too far ahead,” Brunson said. “Just focusing and paying attention to the details and finding a way to make the next play.”