New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton throws to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Zac Thornton accomplished his biggest goal for this season just by walking to the mound during Thursday’s first inning.
Between the minor leagues and majors, it was start No. 28 for the rookie left-hander.
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“I met all my goals this year of debuting and making every start,” Thornton said after the Mets lost 3-1 to the Rangers. “I wanted to finish the year and, obviously, make it up here.”
In his final whirl, he allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk over five innings. Josh Jung’s two-run homer in the first accounted for the scoring against him.
Thornton finished the season with a 3.42 ERA in his 15 starts for the Mets, firmly placing him in the mix for a rotation spot next year.
“I don’t think anybody could have had higher expectations than what he went out there and did,” manager Andy Green said. “That’s a tribute to him and how hard he works and getting more strikeouts here recently too, which is encouraging as well.”
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton throws to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game on Sept. 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
The Mets fell short of a Texas sweep but departed for Washington with a 26-20 record since the trade deadline.
Thornton belongs to a young pitching nucleus that includes Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Jonah Tong, as the Mets look for rotation answers heading to next season.
“I always thought I would be up [in the majors] this year,” said Thornton, who began the season at Double-A Binghamton. “I didn’t know to what extent it would be — maybe, like, September to help us make a push to the postseason.
“It just so happened that we had a few injuries, and then obviously the trade deadline we had open spots, but I wouldn’t say I surprised myself.”
New York Mets pitcher Zac Thornton (49) throws to the plate against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on September 24, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Derek Falvey was named senior adviser, baseball operations, adding a seasoned voice to David Stearns’ front office. Falvey, 41, was previously the president of baseball operations for the Twins.
The Mets also named Kris Gross assistant general manager, scouting. Gross oversaw amateur and international scouting for the Mets over the past three seasons.
Green was leaning toward a bullpen game, perhaps with an opener, for Friday’s game against the Nationals. The Mets are short-handed in the rotation following the injuries that landed Scott and Robert Stock on the injured list over the past week.
Tong and Sean Manaea are scheduled to start the final two games of the season.
The Mets finished 23-25 in interleague play this season.
The Chicago White Sox celebrate a playoff berth after defeating the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The White Sox made baseball history with their unbelievable playoff berth.
After clinching an American League postseason spot on Thursday, the Southsiders became the first team ever to reach the playoffs after back-to-back 100-loss seasons.
Chicago had, in fact, been even worse than that in recent years, losing at least 100 games in each of the last three seasons, including a modern MLB record of 121 losses in 2024.
Miguel Vargas head back to the dugout after scoring during the first inning of the White Sox’s 9-1 playoff berth-clinching win over the Royals on Sept. 24, 2026 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
They’re also just the third MLB team to lose 100 games and make the postseason a year later.
It’s the first time the White Sox will play postseason baseball since 2021, when they won the AL Central after going 93-69 during the regular season.
After Thursday’s playoff-clinching 9-1 win over the Royals, Chicago sits at 82-77, which is 22 more victories than they had in 2025, with three games to go.
The White Sox are still fighting for a division title and first-round bye.
The White Sox celebrate after clinching a playoff berth after their blowout win over the Royals. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Guardians, who play the Red Sox on Thursday night, sit a half-game up on the White Sox in the AL Central at 82-76.
Chicago holds the tiebreaker over Cleveland, meaning the White Sox would come out on top in the division if they finish with the same record.
“They have belief in themselves, belief in each other,” White Sox manager Will Venable said according to MLB.com. “That can carry you a long way … These guys continue to believe and whatever the ending is to this one, we all can agree that from the beginning, this group has as much self-belief as any group I’ve seen.”
The White Sox will finish up the regular season with three games at home against the Rockies.
“I absolutely understand his mindset,’’ Sabathia said. “He wants to get back for the guys. You feel like you owe that to the guys. But I would want him to be careful.”
Sabathia pitched through knee and shoulder injuries, especially in the latter part of his career, and is now living with the consequences.
“Even with as much praise as I get for pitching till my arm fell off, I still needed my knee replaced at 46 and my shoulder reconstructed,’’ said Sabathia, who will have his No. 52 retired and a plaque unveiled in Monument Park before Game 1 of Friday’s doubleheader.
Asked if he would change any of his decisions to stay on the mound in spite of the injuries, Sabathia paused and said, “No.”
Aaron Judge watches from the dugout during the Yankees’ blowout win over the Rays o Sept. 23, 2026 at the Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“But I had to think about it right now,’’ Sabathia said. “There was no question at the time. You just do it. But now, I think about everything I’m going through physically, and I’m not even 50.”
Sabathia also saw Derek Jeter play with an injured foot throughout the final month and into the playoffs in 2012.
Yankees great CC Sabathia, an MLB commentator for Netflix, is seen on the field before the start of the 2026 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby on July 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Jeter finally went down with a fractured left ankle in Game 1 of the ALCS against Detroit, so he knows what it’s like to see a leader go down and not be available in the playoffs, as Judge could be when the wild-card series starts Tuesday.
“[Judge] has been hurt all year, so you just keep going,’’ Sabathia said. “I remember when [Jeter] broke his ankle, we were sad, but what were we gonna do, quit? You’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to play.”
But, as Sabathia quickly noted with a laugh, “We got swept [in the series], but you’ve got to show up and play. It’s hard not to have your best player, especially when he’s the best player in the game.”
“Not being a homegrown Yankee and to finish my career in Monument Park is incredible,’’ Sabathia said. “I don’t want to downplay the Hall of Fame, because that’s the biggest accomplishment of my life, but I think this is bigger. Being able to come here as the highest-paid pitcher ever at the time and have them feel I lived up to that makes me feel good.”
Veleno then signed his first deal as an unrestricted free agent with the Canadiens and got his first taste of playoff hockey last season.
The Habs decided not to tender him a qualifying offer, thus making him a UFA for a second straight summer.
“It’s been a little difficult, for sure,” Veleno told The Post on Thursday before he suited up for his first preseason game with the Rangers, a 4-3 shootout win over the Devils at Madison Square Gardenagainst the Devils. “Not always easy, but you know what? You try to learn from those mistakes and try to avoid that happening again as best as you could. Try to find ways to improve and get better. I thought I did a good job of that last year, established myself [with] more of an identity to myself.”Obviously, running here this year.”
The 26-year-old has been penciled into the fourth-line center role since putting pen to paper with the Rangers in the summer.
On Thursday, he skated next to Tye Kartye and Matt Rempe, which very well could be the Rangers fourth line on Opening Night in Boston at the end of this month.
Joe Veleno (right) and teammate Scott Morrow look on during the Rangers’ 4-3 preseason win over the Devils on Sept. 24, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. Jason Szenes for New York Post
Veleno said he aims to be responsible defensively and contribute on both the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle. , he added, is what hHe would like to chip in offensively more of this season.
“He will without a doubt be a big part of the penalty kill,” head coach Mike Sullivan said of Veleno, who had five points (two goals, three assists) in 61 games last season. “I think he’s also a guy that has shown an ability, just with his defensive conscience. We can put him in defensive situations to play against other team’s top players if we need him to. The biggest thing that allows him to do that is his size and his skating ability. He can really skate. I think that’s a great attribute as a defensive player because if you get beat, if somebody gets a step on you, you have the ability to recover.
“I think Joe has that. And when you’re playing against good players, sometimes you’re going to get beat. They make good plays. Skating ability and size, reach, length, things like that, I think are a big advantage to a guy that’s going to play that type of a role and he has that.”
Montreal center Joseph Veleno warms up before the Canadiens’ loss to the Sabres in Game 4 of the second round of the NHL Playoffs on May 12, 2026 at Bell Centre. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It was predetermined that veteran goalie Joonas Korpisalo would play all of the second-to-last exhibition game Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. Rookie netminder Dylan Garand served as the backup.
“Obviously, I don’t want to let in a [late] goal,” said Korpisalo, who had Amadeus Lombardi go five-hole on him to tie the game up 3-3 with 1:39 left in regulation. “I think [the] third goal is a bad goal on my part. I got to save the puck, and game is on the line. You got to find a way to do it, but getting to OT and shootouts, it’s also beneficial.”
The Rangers cut their training camp roster by five players before Thursday’s game.
Jacob Battaglia, Brody Lamb, Dylan Roobroeck, Spencer Martin and Callum Tung were assigned to the Wolf Pack.
I have a terrible track record when it comes to singling out players. Recently, I’ve glorified Tyler Fitzgerald, Logan Webb, and Willy Adames, and turned into pumpkins soon after my exaltations. Alternatively, my naysaying spotlight pointed at Rafael Devers received a double middle finger from him by his explosive season with the bat. So, I did briefly considered making this a real miserable post, but I have to believe that at some point, there will be alignment.
Jonah Cox is the most exciting San Francisco Giant playing today.
I know, I know. There’s Bryce Eldridge. There was Rafael Devers. There’s, uh… um… other dudes maybe somewhere. But just like a movie star entering a room, there’s a light that shines whenever Jonah Cox is on the TV screen. Sure, a little bit of that is the stadium lighting reflecting off his fair features, but the rest of it is the undeniable talent. Somehow, the Giants have found a contact-speed threat the likes of which we haven’t seen in a very long time and one who seems setup to make a huge positive impact for next year’s team (which probably won’t be good, but should be interesting at the very least).
Justice delos Santos wrote a heckuva profile about Cox last week and the section on his swing adjustment really got me excited.
Before the team traveled to Boston, Cox and Mense talked about implementing a wider base with no stride. When Cox tried it out in the cage, Mense recalled him three straight line drives up the middle.
Cox introduced his refurbished mechanics on Aug. 23 and saw immediate results.
From August 23rd to September 16th, Cox slashed .329/.386/.461 in 23 games (86 PA) with 3 homers, a double, and 9 stolen bases. Three weeks of me going gaga here in my mom’s basement. Earlier in the piece, hitting coach Hunter Mense put my it plainly: “Anybody that has the kind of toolset that he does is incredibly exciting to watch because you don’t know what the ceiling is going to be.”
Sometimes, there’s added hype from the context. But that’s just not the case here. I don’t care that the Giants got him from the A’s. For Ross Stripling. During Farhan Zaidi’s tenure. But that he also flourished under the new player development program run by Randy Winn. It only matters that he’s here and he’s got me excited about a team I have been invited (and taken the opportunity) to hate a little bit.
But maybe the streak is over. Maybe it’s time to take off the rose colored glasses. Maybe it’s logical to tone down my excitement. This past week, he’s struck out 12 times in 25 plate appearances (48 K%) and is 2-for-20 (.100). That speed and defense has certainly helped prop up his profile overall (he’s about a 1 WAR player right now no matter the WAR system), but he’s got a lot of swing and miss. Too much. On the season, it’s 60 strikeouts to 10 walks in 157 plate appearances. Putting aside the 6:1 ratio, that’s still 38.3% overall.
In the minors, it’s a far more palatable 23.4% for his career and 17% here in 2026. He hit .400 in the minors this season, you know. It’s so easy to root for him and dream big right now. But check out this list of 2B/OF types who had 200 PA or fewer, 15 or fewer walks and 60 or more strikeouts (which I’ve gone ahead and sorted by rWAR):
I didn’t expect to get just 33 results; but, as I suspected, it’s not promising. On the other hand — wow, Jonah Cox is the best of this bunch. What I’m looking to see is whether or not this could be a part of a players’ track record long-term. To do that, I needed to sort by age. The younger the player, the better chance of this being a sort of rough start to a career.
Players for whom this was their final season
Rick Ankiel, Brant Brown
Players who’d play in just 1 more season
Bill Hall (14 MLB PAs for Baltimore), Gregory Polanco (382 PA for PIT; 72 OPS+), Jhonkensy Noel (153 PA for CLE; 31 OPS+), Trayvon Robinson (164 PA for SEA; 76 OPS)
Egyptian Healy (1885-1892)*, Gorman Thomas (1973-1986)
Result in current season/still active
Gabriel Arias, Jonah Cox, Tristan Gray, James Outman, Denzel Clarke, Alex Jackson, Connor Norby, Josh Lowe, Jordan Beck, Leody Taveras
So, after reviewing MLB history, the most accurate thing we could say is that nothing is set in stone. Cox could go either way. Makes sense. This is his age-24 season. He’s got a heckuva MiLB track record. Egyptian Healy (1886) and Gorman Thomas (1973) are the two outliers in this comparison group — Healy was a pitcher who amassed that hitting line — who are from such wildly different eras that a comparison doesn’t seem relevant. Just eyeballing the list, if Cox is to have longevity at all, it’ll be because of his speed and defense. But will his bat push him into being a regular or is he bound for the bench?
Strikeout rates are as instructive as walk rates — at least, to me they are. There’s some research to suggest that Double-A numbers are also strong predictors of MLB success/failure, and so when I mash those two ideas together in my brain I get the idea that Jonah Cox is still making the adjustment to major league pitching. But that 17% MiLB strikeout rate sis a swing and a drive away from the 38.2% he has in his first 157 plate appearances. The scant Statcast data isn’t exciting either. 5.8% barrel rate. Just a .213 expected batting average. A 32.7% chase rate.
Still, he’s kind of unique. If you filter the age to 24 or younger and set a minimum threshold for stolen bases of 10, then the only comp is that Leody Taveras season, who was graded as one of the best prospects and athletes when he signed as an international amateur in 2015 and as he got older was graded for playing plus defense at a premium position. Now, some speedsters can thrive if they can square up the ball, but Cox isn’t at that point — not yet, anyway.
The position comparison doesn’t necessarily suggest that regular starter I’d so hoped for either, but he has certainly demonstrated an intensity and physical talent to keep an eye on; the team isn’t necessarily set at the position, but at the very least with Gilbert there, too, they’ve got options in center that they didn’t have a year ago.
But, I guess, pump the brakes. Take a breath. Cox is not quite the surprise breakout of this rebuild season, but he has certainly made us all anxious to see if he can take the next step.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates his home run with teammates in the dugout during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 22, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Elly De La Cruz entered the final week of the 2026 regular season with a chance to join one of the most elite clubs in Major League Baseball history.
Only 51 players have ever managed to homer at least 30 times and swipe at least 30 bags in a single season, and only a trio of Cincinnati Reds legends have ever accomplished said feat, either. That trio? None other than Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, and Brandon Phillips.
Elly, who opened Thursday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves with both 29 homers and 29 steals to his name so far this season, just smashed his 30th homer.
This particular big fly carried 402 feet off a heater thrown by former Cincinnati Red Tyler Mahle, and it spearheaded a big 3rd inning that saw the Reds flip a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 lead.
Now, if only he can get on base and swipe one more bag…
New York Yankees announcer Michael Kay prepares to lay flowers at home plate during a pregame memorial for radio announcer John Sterling before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium, Monday, May 4, 2026, in the Bronx, N.Y.
Michael Kay doesn’t think he’s “close at all” to starting to think about his broadcast future, though he joked in a phone interview with The Post on Thursday that “when you reach a certain age, people are going to wonder.”
“It’s funny because I worry about that decision whenever I make it. I don’t think I’m close to it at all,” he said. “I love the line, God laughs at those that make plans.”
Michael Kay prepares to lay flowers at home plate during a pregame memorial for radio announcer John Sterling before the Yankees’ blowout win over the Orioles at the Stadium on May 4, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Kay has been part of Yankees’ radio and TV broadcasts for 35 years and said on Thursday that he still feels good, noting how much health can play into any decision.
He also reiterated a comment he made on the Awful Announcing podcast last month when he was asked if he would follow in longtime Yankees play-by-play radio announcer John Sterling’s footsteps and carry on his career behind the microphone into his 80s.
“I probably can’t even imagine being 80, so I can’t imagine what I’d be doing then,” Kay said.
The Yankees broadcaster also recalled a conversation he had with Rose when the Mets announcer called it “strange” that their colleagues stayed in their jobs as long as they do.
“I said, ‘because it’s a great job. Why would you, why would you give it up willingly,’” Kay recalled saying to Rose. “Obviously, if you lose your skill or you see yourself slowing down, then you probably owe it to your bosses and the audience to consider.
“But I don’t think I’m anywhere near that. I guess other people would have to judge that for themselves, but I think I’m a pretty good judge of myself, so I don’t see retirement anytime in the future.”
Yankees announcers John Sterling and Michael Kay are seen on the field during Derek Jeter night at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 22, 2022. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The series will be aired locally on 880 ESPN, and Kay will also be working the pre- and post-game shows on YES Network during the length of the Bronx Bombers’ playoff run.
The Yankees voice added one other reason for not looking too far into what his future holds, joking that his son — a diehard Bronx Bombers fan — is “dead set against it.”
“He knows there’s advantages to your father is the Yankee announcer,” he said jokingly. “Then let’s say that I continue to do it.
“Well, in five years, my daughter’s in college, and six years, my son’s in college, and I don’t know if [Kay’s wife] Jody would want me around that much.”
The Philadelphia Phillies are still battling for an NL wild card spot, but suddenly, they're also left fretting about the health of their big trade deadline pickup.
Luis Arraez exited the Phillies' Sept. 24 game against the Milwaukee Brewers with a leg injury. Arraez appeared to be hurt as he tried to avoid a tag while running to first in the bottom of the sixth inning. He lay on the ground in obvious pain as he was tended to by a trainer.
He was clearly hampered as he made his way off the field and while walking around in the dugout.
The Phillies said Arraez is dealing with a left ankle sprain and will be evaluated further.
Luis Arráez went down in pain after running to 1st base on this play. He has left the game. pic.twitter.com/nbKPlGanAg
The Phillies acquired the four-time All-Star on Aug. 3 in a deal with the San Francisco Giants. Though his numbers have dipped since his trade, he still leads the National League in batting average this season.
Luis Arraez injury update
Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said X-rays for Arraez were negative.
"We'll know more tomorrow," Mattingly said.
Asked if he was hopeful Arraez would play again this season, Mattingly said, "I'm hopeful that he can play, but we'll see. We'll see where it goes."
Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka commented on the pending ownership change for the first time. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With the sale not official yet, the Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager didn’t say too much about the sale, citing league rules.
But he’s been encouraged by the initial impressions of Kushner and Iger.
“We have had introductory meetings with Bob and Josh, and those have been excellent,” Pelinka said Thursday during his preseason media availability alongside coach JJ Redick. “With a pending transaction, we’re not at liberty to talk more about that under league rules. But we’ve had preliminary discussions with them that have been really, really positive.”
“We’re operating with Lakers excellence,” Pelinka said. “We’re continuing to build out a world-class front office. Proud of the people we’ve added, incredibly proud of the energy we’ve had upstairs. We’re super excited about the people upstairs, the coaching staff, the support staff, the roster. Nothing’s changed day-to-day.”
It isn’t clear when Josh Kushner and Bob Iger will officially become the Lakers new owners. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The additions of Amsler and Ramadas were among the 15-plus front office hires the Lakers made over the last few months, Pelinka added.
“Super appreciative of the support from Jeanie [Buss] and ownership to build out,” Pelinka said. “Really built out our strategy and analytics department, have hired two assistant general managers. Have more to do, and we’re actually continuing to do that. And then in terms of player services, as JJ said, we’ve really rebuilt our player experience and player development arm. With that comes new equipment, new recovery and modalities. We’ve worked with our training department to do that.”
When asked what other additions the Lakers were looking to make, Pelinka mentioned wanting to make more hires to support Amsler’s side of the front office.
The Lakers started building out the front office before Mark Walter’s sale of the franchise. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Amsler will focus on the “player draft and evaluation processes,” which will include pro scouting, draft scouting and player development.
He spent 22 years in the Heat organization, most recently serving as the vice president of player personnel before the Lakers hired him.
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“You guys saw we hired Eric Amsler, who was with two decades with the Heat to kind of see over our player personnel, our draft scouting, our G League scouting and NBA scouting – we’re gonna be adding more scouts in those departments,” Pelinka said. “That’s just one example of a sort of a vertical that we’ll continue to build. And there are others, too. But it’s been a really robust last two months. The players are already seeing the differences. And we’ll continue, like I said, to set the gold standard with the people we have upstairs.”
It’s clear there’s a lot more to come when it comes to building out the Lakers’ infrastructure.
What isn’t clear amidst the ownership change is how involved the Dodgers will be in those changes to come.
It isn’t clear what role Dodgers president of baseball operations of Andrew Friedman will have with the Lakers after being in an advisory role for the last year. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Their influence included being involved in the assistant general manager hiring process.
But with Walter’s ownership tenure coming to an end soon, it isn’t clear what roles Friedman and Zaidi will have with the Lakers future.
“We can’t really talk in this interim period,” Pelinka said. “There’s just a transaction that’s going on. I will say this, I’m super grateful for the opportunity to learn from incredible leaders like Andrew Friedman. And the reps and time and conversations we’ve had have been enriching for me. He does an incredible job. Good luck to the Dodgers in three-peating. So, we’ll see.”
The Los Angeles Lakers are about to embark on a new era of basketball, as they are set to endure a full season without LeBron James as a member of the roster for the first time in eight years.
During Thursday’s media availability, Lakers head coach JJ Reddick might’ve accidentally taken a shot at James when he told reporters that he believes this year’s “group is probably the first time in my three years that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Reddick accidentally shades LeBron James during Thursday’s media availability. X/@ohnohedidnt24
It’s unknown if Reddick was actually taking a shot at James or not, but what is true is this year’s roster was constructed around creating role players to play alongside Luka Doncic, whereas in the past it was constructed to fit around James.
“There is a very clear ask for you to be able to play. And if you don’t do those things, then you’re not gonna play,” Reddick said. “That’s just the reality.”
Reddick went on to say that he’s already spoken with players on the roster about his vision for the team, and the reception has been positive.
LeBron James playing in an NBA game for the Los Angeles Lakers. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Team President of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka, started to clean house by getting rid of veterans like Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard.
Luka Doncic making a defender miss during an NBA game against the New York Knicks. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
With a key building block put together, the team went and added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton to help with offense, while Matisse Thybulle and Ziarie Williams were brought in to help the defense.
“We have high confidence in these guys that they’re going to buy into that, “Reddick said. “It’s going to create naturally healthy competition, and everybody at some point will inevitably get a chance to impact our team and impact winning.”
An 11-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s greatest scorers and rebounders in its history has died.
Bob Pettit, the first NBA MVP winner, died at the age of 93, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Thursday.
Pettit spent 11 seasons in the NBA, all with the Hawks organization, first in Milwaukee and then in St. Louis.
Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks holds his trophy after being named most valuable player in the National Basketball Association All-Star Game in St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 22, 1958. AP Photo/
He helped lead the Hawks to four NBA Finals appearances and a league title in 1958 when his team toppled the Celtics. Pettit scored what was a playoff record at the time 50 points in Game 6 of that series.
Pettit took home the first-ever NBA MVP award during the 1955-56 season and then won it again during the 1958-59 season, both of which led the NBA in scoring with average points of 25.7 and 29.2, respectively.
NBA legend Bob Pettit is introduced during the 71st NBA All-Star Game as part of the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. NBAE via Getty Images
He also won Rookie of the Year in Pettit’s first NBA season, averaging 20.8 points per game.
“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Bob Pettit, a sleek, skilled big man who revolutionized the forward position during his career,” the Hall of Fame said posted on X. “The 11-time NBA All-Star and 2-time MVP retired as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and left an enduring legacy. He led the St. Louis Hawks to the 1958 NBA championship over the Boston Celtics. The Basketball Hall of Fame salutes this true giant of the game.”
Bob Pettit (9) of the St. Louis Hawks poses for a portrait in 1955. NBAE via Getty Images
Pettit was named the All-Star Game MVP on four occasions, a feat only Kobe Bryant has been able to match.
He also starred in college for the LSU Tigers and helped the program reach its first NCAA Final Four in 1953.
Pettit averaged 17 rebounds and an NCAA-leading 31.4 points per game during his senior season at LSU.
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres hits a home run during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Last night’s game might not have seemed as important as it was. The San Diego Padres dropped their series opener on Tuesday night versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Their magic number remained at two to clinch a playoff spot with five games left to play. Three of those games come against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, it still felt all but certain that the Padres would clinch. Tuesday night gave a bit of fear that San Diego would regress.
Instead, they turned in a fantastic performance on Wednesday night, besting the rival Dodgers and forcing the rubber match in today’s finale. The offense performed well, scoring five runs. But it was the pitching staff that truly outdid themselves. The Friars’ pitchers surrendered just one run despite allowing plenty of traffic. Notably, David Morgan worked out a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning. San Diego will need more of that if they want to get anywhere in October.
Taking the mound
Tyler Glasnow (LAD) v. Nick Pivetta (SD)
Similar to Pivetta, Glasnow has spent the majority of his time on the injured list this season. However, Glasnow owns a 4.50 ERA since coming off of the IL. He pitched well in August (3.00 ERA), but his last three starts have been tough. The righty has given up four runs in two of his last three appearances.
Glasnow hasn’t faced the Friars yet this season, but he’s pitched well against them in the past. Of the hitters with 10-plus at-bats against the right-hander, none are batting above league average (.244). San Diego will need to reverse that narrative in order to win the series finale over the rival Dodgers.
Pivetta has surged since returning from the IL earlier this month. In three starts this month, the veteran right-hander owns a 1.93 ERA through 14 innings pitched. His ERA on the season has now dropped to 3.30 (30.0 IP). In those last three starts, Pivetta has surrendered a total of three runs on 11 hits and one walk.
He’s looked dominant since his return, which has been huge for the Padres. Pivetta’s strikeout numbers were initially down, with just two in his first five innings. But they’ve since bumped up (11 K’s across 14 innings). He is San Diego’s most volatile starter since his arm is relatively untested this season. It’s very possible that he crashes and burns soon, though he could continue to go on the run he’s been on.
Batter up!
Manny Machado slugged the 398th home run of his career to open the scoring on Wednesday night. He’s one away from his first 30-homer season since 2023 and could easily do so in the final four games of the year. Regardless, if he can start to get hot (especially with the coming playoffs) it would be a huge turn of fortune for San Diego.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Dustin Harris, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Ty France, 1B
Jackson Merrill, CF
Luis Campusano, C
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Ethan Salas, DH
Despite the Dodgers outhitting the Padres last night, San Diego made better use of their opportunities. You’d think that wouldn’t be the case with the Friars going 1-for-10 with RISP, but they still scored when it mattered. Most importantly, the Padres capitalized on Los Angeles’ mistakes. They played some great baseball, and they’ll need to continue that.
Relief corps
Starter Robbie Ray worked a grueling 3 1/3 innings before Morgan finished out the fourth inning. He surrendered just one run, but needed a whopping 84 pitches to complete the outing. After that, the ‘pen slammed the door. Yuki Matsui, Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller covered five scoreless innings. They allowed a combined total of three hits and walked two, striking out five batters.
The bullpen will be somewhat depleted today because of that. However, Jason Adam’s return bolsters the club quite a bit. To make room for Adam, Griffin Canning was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. That means the Friars will have Adam, Kyle Hart, Wandy Peralta and Randy Vásquez available. Should Pivetta stumble, the latter trio will be out in full force.
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers' general manager and president of basketball operations, addresses the media with coach JJ Redick. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The news conference Thursday began with Lakers president of operations Rob Pelinka saying he wanted to “express gratitude” to LeBron James for the eight years he spent playing for Los Angeles before departing to Philadelphia as a free agent over the summer.
It didn’t take long for Pelinka to pivot into Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and how they are now the leaders of the Lakers with James gone.
James informed the Lakers on June 30 that he had plans to play elsewhere, and thus began a new chapter for the Lakers. James, who signed with the 76ers, won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. He led the Lakers to the Western Conference second round of the 2026 playoffs.
Over the course of his 23-year NBA career, James’ longest tenure had been with the Lakers.
And for that, Pelinka was thankful.
“I think before we get into the questions, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve last seen you guys. I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here,” Pelinka said. “Clearly, new team and new players, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today. But we as an organization are still grateful for the run that we had with him here. The Lakers have become — as they should — a perennial playoff team — won a championship, went to the Western Conference finals. It was a great era, and we’re grateful for it. I think it’s important to say that at the onset as we turn into a new chapter.”
Pelinka said he collaborated with Lakers coach JJ Redick to build a team around Doncic, using a three-pronged approach.
They wanted to re-sign Reaves, which the Lakers did at four years and $180 million, the largest contract ever for an undrafted player in NBA history.
They wanted to acquire a top-notch center, which the Lakers did by getting Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal. The Lakers sent two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Jazz for Kessler and then signed him to a four-year, $130-million contract.
They wanted to add quality depth, which the Lakers did by getting Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney.
Pelinka said this was the “thesis” on how they wanted to build the Lakers for the 2026-27 season.
“And there were three fundamental pillars of what we wanted to accomplish in the offseason: We wanted to retain Austin Reaves. That was a really big thing for us,” Pelinka said. “We wanted to find a way to acquire a franchise center and then we wanted to develop a roster of JJ Redick dribble-pass-shoot players that were younger and add depth to our roster. That was sort of our three-prong thesis basketball-wise for the offseason, and we felt like we accomplished all those things.
“Re-signing Austin, putting together a trade to acquire Walker Kessler, and then building out our team with young players that could dribble-pass-shoot, and have brought the average age of our roster to around 26 or 27, which lines up so perfectly with building a team around Luka Doncic. That’s what we’re here to talk about today, is our offseason and the excitement heading into this year.”
Lakers top executive Rob Pelinka, with reporters in the foreground, addresses the media at the team's training facility in El Segundo on Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Pelinka, who held the news conference with Redick by his side, was asked about the new Lakers ownership group of Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner, who purchased the franchise for a record $12.5 billion from Dodgers owner and Guggenheim Partners’ Mark Walter, who owned the Lakers for about a year. The deal hasn’t been finalized but is expected to be approved by the NBA’s Board of Governors.
“We have had introductory meetings with Bob and Josh, and those have been excellent,” Pelinka said. “With a pending transaction, we’re not at liberty to talk more about that under league rules. But we’ve had preliminary discussions with them that have been really, really positive. In terms of day-to-day, nothing’s changed. We’re operating with Lakers excellence.”
The biggest change is James not being with the Lakers.
After the Lakers were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in May, James expressed interest in re-signing with the team.
Pelinka even said the Lakers wanted James to retire with the franchise.
But that didn’t happen.
“Again, we’re grateful for the LeBron era,” Pelinka said. “I think the communications with him this offseason were held diplomatically, professionally and honestly. I’m so thankful for the partnership that we had that continued up until this summer when a decision was made for him to play for another team. It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully. We looked at the whole thing with gratitude, because it’s been an incredible era for us here.”
When it comes to the Lakers, only one thing matters.
Are they championship contenders?
That’s what happens when you’re a 17-time championship organization. That’s what happens when guys named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant have worn your jersey. It’s title or bust. It’s Larry O’Brien or 911.
So, when Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka learned that LeBron James was leaving after eight seasons in free agency, he had three goals.
He wanted to re-sign Austin Reaves. He wanted a franchise center. And he wanted to fill out the roster with young guys who could dribble, pass and shoot.
And?
Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, left, and head coach JJ Redick speak to the media during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center in Los Angeles, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“We felt like we accomplished all those things,” Rob Pelinka said Thursday in his first availability since last season ended.
That begs one question.
So, does he believe they’re real championship contenders?
Then came some humming and hawing. A bit of honesty, A tacit acknowledgement that as of now, the Lakers are still nipping at the heels of the West’s juggernauts, ie, the Spurs and Thunder.
“As [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] pointed out, there’s no off-season where you can check every single box you’re hoping to check,” Pelinka said. “But we felt like the major ones we did, and the work continues. But we feel like we’re on the path of being a really competitive championship-level team.”
Being on the path is far from the front door.
But that’s when things got interesting. Redick had a different take. He spoke into microphone, unprompted.
“I’m confident we’re going to develop as a team into a championship-level team this year,” Redick said.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during a press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center in Los Angeles, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
In that moment, it seemed a bit far-fetched. It was the type of thing a coach has to say. You know, lip service, if you will.
But then again, we’ve seen Pelinka’s almost radical belief in the Lakers before, laughed it off and then realized we chuckled too soon.
Remember when the Lakers lost their two leading scorers in Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to injuries against the Thunder on April 2? They were kapuut. Done. Obituaries were being penned in purple and gold ink.
But Redick said the Lakers wouldn’t drop the rope. He pulled players aside to try to convince them to believe. Heck, he had to convince his own coaching staff.
Then the Lakers pulled off the improbable.
Missing their two stars, the 41-year-old LeBron James put the Lakers on his arthritic shoulders and led them past the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Nearly everyone who got playing time made monster contributions, including Luke Kennard ephemerally transforming into a star and Marcus Smart channeling his prime.
So, maybe Redick’s words aren’t so outlandish after all.
The Lakers lack perimeter defense. They made a huge gamble on Kessler, who needs to jump from being an elite rebounder and rim protector into a defensive beast for them to have a shot. They need time for their revamped roster to gel.
And in the West, there’s no margin for error.
Not when the 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama has spent all summer lamenting blowing double-digit leads in his first Finals appearance last June. Not when reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has stewed for months about being sent home in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
Pelinka teed up Redick. He completely revamped the roster around Dončić. He rolled the dice and took risks and put himself on the line for this to work.
The guys have bought in.
Dončić hosted a mini-camp in Slovenia to build chemistry. Kessler claimed he’d run through a wall for the Lakers after they essentially mortgaged their future for him by giving up all their assets. Reaves apparently is already showing leadership qualities.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images
The building blocks are there.
But it seems improbable that the Lakers could really compete this season.
Right?
There’s something about Redick’s confidence that gives you pause. There was something about him speaking in that moment when he didn’t need to that resonated.
He knows the deck is stacked against him. The Lakers are likely a few tweaks away from being great.
But then again, did anyone think the Knicks were going to win their first championship in 53 years last season? Did anyone have that on their bingo card?
Projections can be wrong.
And Redick believes this roster has what it takes to go all the way, even if it doesn’t look that way.
Bob Pettit was named an All-Star in all 11 of his NBA seasons [Getty Images]
Bob Pettit, the first man to receive the NBA's MVP (most valuable player) award, has died aged 93.
Pettit won the award twice, in its first year in 1955-56 and again in 1958-59, when he topped the scoring charts in both seasons.
The Basketball Hall of Fame confirmed Pettit's death, describing him as "a true giant of the game" and "a sleek, skilled big man who revolutionised the forward position during his career."
He was also named an NBA All-Star in all 11 of his seasons and was the first player to reach 20,000 points.
"He raised the bar for excellence as the league's first MVP, first 20,000-point scorer and first four-time All-Star Game MVP," said the NBA.
Having starred for Louisiana State University (LSU), Pettit was signed by Milwaukee Hawks in the draft in 1954.
The team then moved to St Louis, and Pettit stayed with them for the rest of his career which included winning the NBA title in 1958 with victory over the Boston Celtics.
He reached two more finals with the Hawks in 1960 and 1961, and retired in 1965 with a career average of 26.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game.
Pettit was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971 and had his number 50 jersey retired at LSU in 1954. He was the first of their athletes to ever receive the honor.
LSU paid tribute to Pettit on their website, saying: "Pettit defined what the modern power forward should be in the NBA and set standards that have been hard to duplicate in professional basketball."
No cause of death was given.
Pettit helped the Hawks' secure an NBA title by scoring 50 points in a final in 1958 [Getty Images]He was the first LSU athlete to have a jersey number retired [Getty Images]
