PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns posts up on Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 113-110. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Former Duke Blue Devil Mark Williams and the Phoenix Suns have some bad news: Williams suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder, was operated on Thursday, and is expected to be out for several months.
That’s terrible news for Williams, but it could be very positive news for fellow Brotherhood member Khaman Maluach.
Expected to be Williams’ understudy and to eventually become the starting center for the Suns, now there’s a lot of pressure on Maluach to produce now.
He entered the NBA last year as a very raw rookie, but like we saw at Duke, he’s a fast study. He got a lot out of his time in the G League, and we expect he’ll continue his rapid improvement.
Ahead of the weekend’s prospect challenge, Montreal Canadiens rookies took to the ice on Friday, and a few players then met with the media. Among them was Tyler Thorpe, the fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft and one of the bigger names at camp, who has a very realistic outlook on his career.
For him, the key to succeeding in professional hockey is knowing who you are and what your game is. Thorpe knows what his game is and what his role can be on a team. He knows that if he makes the NHL, it will be as an energy guy; he won’t be a top-six forward; he’ll be a fourth-line player whose job is to hit players and be annoying on the forecheck. Asked when he came to that realization, he explained that it was in his first year in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants. Recalling the meeting where his coach told him that, he said he left with a big smile on his face.
When asked which players he likes to see in the NHL, he mentioned Josh Anderson and Tom Wilson, saying he loves their style of play. He’s met Anderson in Brossard a few times.
Even though he’s already in the second year of his ELC, he knows that doesn’t mean he’ll make it in the NHL. It gives him a good opportunity, but he clearly doesn’t feel like he’s made it yet, which is the right approach to have.
At 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds, Thorpe should stand out amongst the prospects this weekend, and if things get physical over the weekend against the Winnipeg Jets and the Ottawa Senators prospects, he’ll no doubt be happy to oblige.
Another player who’ll relish that kind of play is Owen Protz, the 20-year-old blueliner who explained to the media that his love for physical play comes from his competitiveness. From a very young age, his goal was always to beat his older brother at whatever they were playing, and that made him love competing, which carried over to his hockey career. At 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, the blueliner, who’s starting the first year of his ELC, will be another player to watch this weekend.
Boston, MA - September 9: Boston Red Sox designated hitter Roman Anthony makes the last out of the game. The Boston Red Sox played the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park on September 9, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
The Red Sox continue to prepare for the inevitable when the regular season comes to an end: a return to Yankee Stadium in the Wild Card series for the second consecutive season.
The Yankees have pulled further ahead for the top Wild Card spot in recent days, fueled by a series against the lowly Colorado Rockies. That all but seals the deal that the Red Sox won’t host the first round at Fenway Park. In the meantime, Boston’s magic number for a playoff berth is into single digits.
Should the team take care of business, the Red Sox will clinch playoff berths in consecutive seasons for the first time since three straight trips from 2016 to 2018. Boston’s path to October in 2025 and 2026 came on drastically different paths, though the records could be the same or very similar.
The 2025 team slugged their way through the season, even after the rattling trade of Rafael Devers, though the lineup lost its thump late in the season with the injury loss of Roman Anthony and several platoon players holding onto playoff lineup spots. Garrett Crochet dominated as the Cy Young runner up, though the depth behind him ran out by the first round.
The Red Sox revamped their starting rotation for 2026, though the season appeared to fall apart with an insufficient offensive unit for the early months. Alex Cora got fired, Crochet and Anthony went down for months with injuries and a late-June series loss appeared to signal rock bottom. With 15 games to go this season, it’s hard to imagine that stretch being a part of the same season given the magic the Red Sox rode back into contention this summer.
So, with the context of two seasons and a strong idea of what the playoff roster should look like, are the Red Sox better positioned for a playoff run in 2026 than they were in 2025?
I believe so.
Behind Crochet, the Red Sox did not have enough proven performers ready to meet the moment in October. Brayan Bello struggled, Lucas Giolito was unavailable and Connelly Early got forced into a position contenders should not have to commit to. The lineup solely relied on Trevor Story to drive in runs while Alex Bregman ran out of gas after Game 1.
This year, the Red Sox should feel confident in all three starters they would trot out in the Wild Card series in Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez (1.48 career postseason ERA) and Payton Tolle. The lineup also has far healthier and capable impact bats with Anthony, Adley Rutschman, Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu ready to deliver when the game is on the line. Just as they were last year, Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock are weapons at the back end of the bullpen while Crochet and potentially even Tanner Houck could be ready to get outs in relief as well.
The Yankees should also feel better about their spot compared to a year ago, even with Giancarlo Stanton down for the year. Aaron Judge is back, young bats have emerged and the trio of first-round ready starters in Cam Schlittler, Max Fried and Gerritt Cole is a lethal combination, along with a bullpen that’s gelled over time.
Both rosters are better than a year ago. Another tilt in The Bronx will put the rivals back in the spotlight with the pressure on in the likelihood of another entertaining clash.
SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 24: José Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Monday, August 24, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Eric Hiller/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Jose Alvarado’s appearance last night probably solidified what Don Mattingly is thinking in the playoffs. He and Alex McFarlane are going to be the bridges to Jhoan Duran. Jonathan Bowlan looks like he is struggling to handle to pressure as it continues to mount with each appearance that gets closer to September, so maybe those are the two that get leaned on.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Anthony Volpe #11 of the New York Yankees connects on his second inning RBI base hit against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on September 10, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
To say that Anthony Volpe’s MLB career to this point has been a disappointment would be an understatement. He has certainly had his moments, but a first-round pick producing an 85 wRC+ in parts of four campaigns is definitely not what you want, 2023 Gold Glove notwithstanding. Having said that, it’s impossible to deny that the kid is a hard worker and seems determined to make it work at the highest level.
After the Yankees promoted George Lombard Jr. immediately following the Trade Deadline, Volpe was sent to the minor leagues. He didn’t use the time to play around or publicly complain about fate and harsh roster decisions. No, he used it to train, work, and try to become the best version of himself he could be.
Volpe made adjustments at the plate, increased his focus, and started to perform and put up numbers in Scranton. From August 7th to September 7th—exactly a month’s worth of stats—he hit .284/.381/.642 with a 1.023 OPS, a 159 wRC+, 10 home runs, seven doubles, and eight steals as well. Additionally, he worked in other infield positions other than shortstop, increasing his versatility by spending the bulk of his time at the keystone, plus a few games at the hot corner.
Of course, Volpe has raked in the minor leagues before; that’s part of what excited Yankees fans about him in the first place, especially in 2022. The challenge will be doing it in the majors, but he got off to a solid start with a 3-for-4 performance on Thursday against the Rockies as a second baseman filling in for the injured Jazz Chisholm Jr. One of those hits was a grand slam to the Short Porch, and on the night, he drove in five while stealing a base.
Nobody rational is losing their minds over one game, but there are some changes he implemented in his batting stance and timing mechanism that are worth discussing. A Twitter user named Victor posted a video comparing Volpe’s stance earlier in 2026 and one from Thursday’s game, and the difference is quite clear.
Here’s a Volpe swing from earlier this year (top) vs. the grand slam he just hit.
The swing seems much more explosive. Obviously, being healthy after offseason labrum surgery helps, but the infielder seems to have incorporated a step-back move to fully load and then unleash his power on pitches. The swing path also looks different, in this lone example, at least. Well, for a day, at least, it all worked, but his Triple-A performance this past month can’t be completely ignored, either.
Since they have a pressing need at second with Chisholm out and he only made three appearances at the hot corner in the minors, Volpe is expected to be used almost exclusively at the keystone in the short-term, although it’s nice to know he could be an emergency option across the infield if something comes up. All things considered, the former Gold Glover does have some exciting potential to help the Yankees in the next week or two. He just has to take advantage of his opportunity.
Although it almost feels as though Volpe has been around forever, the man is still just 25 years old. Fate and his own hard work have given him a chance to put himself on the map again—especially as the Yankees enter an offseason where Chisholm may depart in free agency. It’s likely to be a brief window in terms of immediate 2026 impact, so he needs to show something.
Whatever happens with Volpe when Chisholm returns is anyone’s guess, because the latter is expected to slide back to his starting role once he’s deemed healthy enough to play. For the former, however, it all starts with making a good impression in the handful of MLB games he will be given in the next couple weeks, and we aren’t talking exclusively about stats: how his swing looks, how he fares in adversity, how he looks with the glove, and his level of intensity and focus will all be evaluated. It’s one thing to have a big game with the cellar-dwelling Rockies in town; it’s quite another to do so against tougher foes, especially if he remains a factor for the Rays series from September 22-24 (though Chisholm could be back by then).
Volpe has a brief but meaningful chance in front of him, regardless of whether or not it results in a spot on the postseason roster, or if there’s a potential impact on 2027 plans. Those are discussions for another time. The here and now is all that matters for Volpe.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks reacts after his shot during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2024 in New York City. The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 112-106 in overtime. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Miles “Deuce” McBride enters the 2026-27 season as the longest-tenured New York Knicks player following Mitchell Robinson’s exit and he’s surely turned into an important contributor for the reigning champs after averaging a career-high 12.0 points while shooting 41.3% from three last season.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks and McBride’s representatives have remained in regular contact, but New York’s financial situation could make a long-term extension difficult.
“This one is tricky because Miles McBride has definitely earned a raise,” Begley reported. “He’s outplayed his contract (3 years, $13 million) by a significant amount.”
"It's worth noting that the Knicks and McBride’s representatives have been in regular contact ahead of the season. In a perfect world, those conversations would produce a multi-year extension for McBride."
McBride is entering the final season of that contract. Begley noted Knicks owner James Dolan’s mandate not to exceed the NBA’s $221 million second apron this season as the major roadblock for reaching such an agreement.
Potential extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and eventually Jalen Brunson will inevitably increase the money committed to New York’s starting lineup, and McBride looks like the one set to absorb most of the collateral damage — assuming all parties find a way for him to stay.
“So there isn’t much financial wiggle room for a McBride extension,” Begley reported.
In a promising updated and despite the constraints, neither side has given up on the possibility of extending their relationship.
“In a perfect world, those conversations would produce a multi-year extension for McBride,” Begley reported. “The longest-tenured Knick, McBride loves New York, loves his teammates; he was an integral part of this team’s rise.”
We all know the alternative, as harsh and hard to stomach it might be: trading Deuce before next year’s deadline. That said, there’s no doubt McBride is one of (if not the absolute best) the lague’s most valuable sixth-man trade chips and would attract significant interest from other teams.
“We’re certainly not there yet,” Begley reported. “But logic tells you that’s where things could be headed.”
For now, McBride is set to enter the season with New York with one year left on his deal and a date we’ll all remember no matter what ends up happening circled in his calendar: ring night in late-October.
ELMONT, NY - MARCH 30: New York Islanders Defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) skates with the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins Right Wing Anthony Mantha (39) during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Islanders on March 30, 2026, at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
HM: Adam Pelech, Damon Severson, Luke Hughes, Shayne Gostisbehere
10. Vladislav Gavrikov, New York Rangers. A lot went wrong for the Rangers last season but their big pickup wasn’t among it. Gavrikov shattered his career high in goals (14) and put up a personal best season of 35 points. Known for his stopping ability and positional play above puck skills, Gavrikov is a perfect stay-at-home type of partner for a top pair.
9. Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils. Hamilton has had his ups and downs but continues to make a positive impact in games with his offensive abilities and special teams performances.
8. Jakob Chychrun, Washington Capitals. In the last two seasons, among NHL defensemen only Cale Makar (50) has more goals than Chychrun (46). His shooting ability and aggressiveness in the offensive zone makes him virtually a fourth forward that needs to be accounted for at all times.
7. Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers. Sanheim is a workhorse with game averages of 24+ minutes last season. He’s a bedrock player valued enough to make a Team Canada as a big guy who can do just about everything very well and very consistently.
6. K’Andre Miller, Carolina Hurricanes. Miller emerged in his first season with Carolina as a tremendous player. His PK impacts are some of the best in the league. He’s effective with his 6’5” frame and has the hands to move the puck pretty well.
5. Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes. Slavin is arguably the top all-around/defensive defenseman in the game right now. Entering the zone against him when he gaps up is almost impossible. His positioning and stick is always on point and he defends the best players in the league with so much success. Slavin isn’t as much of an offensive weapon as some of the options above him, but he’s no less of a player.
4. Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins. Karlsson played as good as any defenseman in the league in the second half of last season. Though a little long in the tooth, his effectiveness and mastery of the puck looks about as strong as ever.
3. Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders. Schaefer burst onto the scene with 23 goals and 59 points last season as an 18-year old while playing almost 25 minutes per game, almost unheard of numbers for that age in the modern era. The sky is the limit for him given his immense talents and tremendous skating ability.
2. Adam Fox, New York Rangers. Last year was frustrating for Fox, but he still managed to put up 53 points in 55 games. Fox finished top-5 in Norris voting from 2020-24 and will be looking to re-establish himself in that rare air this season. Given the revamped NYR blueline, there’s a good chance he gets there.
1. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets. The reigning Norris trophy winner takes first place here. Werenski is the total package, he can do it all. 81 points last year. Played 26:37 per game. Dangerous on the power play. Strong enough in his own end, then lethal once his team has possession.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 11: Designated hitter Drake Baldwin (30) of the Atlanta Braves is doused in blue Powerade after his walk-off RBI double in the 11th inning of the Friday evening MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies on September 11, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves had an exciting Friday night, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in an 11-inning thriller to take game one of the weekend series. Drake Baldwin was the man of the hour and delivered a walk-off to give the Braves the 6-5 edge.
Baldwin’s double capped off an 11-hit night for the Atlanta offense as the Braves collected their 87th win of the season. With a five-game lead in the NL East, the series continues tonight at 7:15 ET.
Drue Hackenberg struck out nine for the Columbus Clingstones on Thursday. More in the minor league recap.
MLB News:
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton is undergoing hip surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. He has been on the injured list since August 30.
From the Feed:
Reliever Elieser Hernandez has been outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett and elected free agency.
This was a nice, well played one-run game until the Hens bullpen fell apart in the late innings.
Dylan File got the start, and he was…fine. The right-hander allowed a run in the first and another in the third, but that was all over his six innings of work.
Meanwhile the offense blew a scoring opportunity in the first, and didn’t see another until the fifth. With two outs in the inning, Michael Siani reached on a James Triantos error at second, and then stole second base. Trei Cruz singled him in to make it a 2-1 Iowa lead, but that was as close as they’d get.
Andre Granillo was mauled for four runs in the seventh, and Tanner Rainey gave up three more as the Cubs turned this into a rout.
Jace Jung singled off of Ethan Roberts to start off the ninth, and Corey Julks homered to left center field to make things a little more respectable.
Joe Miller threw a good game and the SeaWolves outslugged the Phils to win with a surge in the late innings on Friday.
The left-hander gave up a run in the bottom of the first, but then locked down the Phils over the next five frames. Meanwhile, veteran lefty Adam Seminaris had the SeaWolves number as he scattered five hits without a walk over six scoreless frames.
Finally in the seventh, the SeaWolves broke through. Roberto Campos led off with a single and Seth Stephenson walked. A wild pitch advanced them both, and Viandel Pena lifted a sacrifice fly to score Campos. Patrick Lee and Peyton Graham walked to load the bases, and Woody Hadeen pulled a ground ball through the infield for a two-run single that made it 3-1 SeaWolves. E.J. Exposito was hit by a pitch, but Thayron Liranzo lined into a double play that caught Hadeen too far off of second base.
Woody Hadeen brings home two runs with a single through the right side and Erie takes a 3-1 lead in the 7th. pic.twitter.com/rbqUlPKXNu
Zane Barnhart took over from Miller and with one out he walked former Tigers’ farmhand Austin Murr. Nick Biddison then cracked a two-run shot that tied the game 3-3.
Campos quickly untied it with a solo shot in the top of the eighth. Yosber Sanchez struck out two swinging in a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth. 4-3 SeaWolves.
Roberto Campos ropes a solo homer over the wall in left to put Erie up 4-3 in the 8th. pic.twitter.com/h8PEEQFbAX
Moises Rodriguez was excellent, whiffing two batters in a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to earn the save. Stephenson stole two bases to get him to 65 stolen bases on the year, tying him for the team lead with Peyton Graham.
Campos: 3-4, 2 R, RBI, HR
Lee: 1-3, R, 2B, BB, K
Stephenson: 1-3, R, BB, 2 SB
Miller: 6.0 IP, ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K
Coming Up Next: The series is knotted at two games apiece heading into a 6:45 p.m. ET start on Saturday.
After an early scare, Joe Root and Jordan Cox usher England to victory and a 3-0 clean sweep of Pakistan
Razaullah’s agent is giving it some welly on X – apparently his phone is ringing red. Razaullah was due to play for Cleethorpes in the Yorkshire Southern Premier League before:
“@TheRealPCBMedia come calling - sort his Passport out, and wing him over for @Edgbaston. He’s now made his mark. Franchises already showing interest. Our phones have blown up. Watch this space!”
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 11: Sean McGuire and Brielle Saracini throw the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Friday, September 11, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Today is my parents’ 45th anniversary. Tomorrow is my cousin’s birthday. Time marches on, huh? I know yesterday was hard for many people in this fandom (and beyond), so hopefully we can help today, tomorrow, and beyond feel a little more normal.
Today on the site, Andrés will look at what Anthony Volpe has done in the past month to prepare himself for the opportunity to fill in for the injured Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, Madison will run through the Rivalry Roundup, and Jonathan will celebrate the 110th birthday of underrated Yankees masher Charlie Keller. Later, Josh will discuss Cam Schlittler and the AL MVP conversation, Kento will give Brent Headrick his flowers, and Matt will remember the game in 1990 in which the Yankees were improbably allowed to score 10 unearned runs.
Today’s Matchup:
New York Yankees vs. New York Mets
Time: 1:35 p.m. EST
TV: YES Network, SNY, MLB Network
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Questions/Prompts:
1. Who will end up leading the American League in homers: Yordan Alvarez (38), Junior Caminero (40), or Ben Rice (37)?
2. Any college football matchups on the top of your docket for today?
Nelly Korda chops an awful tee shot wide right of the par-three 4th green. Team USA’s ball in deep heather. A big problem for Allisen Corpuz, who decides to punch out and hope the back-stop will bring her ball back towards the flag. But she knifes it through the green, and the ball stops inches short of a bunker on the other side. It might have been better going in. Korda can’t get close with her chip, and Europe will have two putts for the hole. Meanwhile the anchor match halves the 1st.
Jennifer Kupcho goes close with her approach at 2; Esther Henseleit goes even closer. That’s a gimme for Europe, so Rose Zhang does well to hold her nerve and make the putt from six feet to secure the half. Meanwhile Allisen Corpuz sinks a ten-footer on 3 to level the lead match, while Charley Hull and Alison Lee get the anchor game underway by trading fairway finders. It’s all happening now.
How will Liverpool and Fulham fare today? Here is what to know, including kick-off time, TV channels and live stream options
The 2026-27 Premier League table is starting to take shape with Liverpool aiming to be closer to the top of the standings after an underwhelming campaign last term that saw the Anfield side finish a lowly fifth.
For Fulham, this season could be about survival. The Cottagers have lost all three of their opening fixtures with new manager Álvaro Arbeloa still integrating a contingent of talented but young and unproven summer signings.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 11: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Scott Brosisus, Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Jorge Posada and Joe Torre look on during commemorations for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 before the game between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium on September 11, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
ABC7 | Sam Ryan: Yesterday was the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, and baseball played somewhat of a role in helping New York and the nation emotionally recover. Several players from 2001 were part of the pregame remembrances ahead of the Subway Series game on Friday. Players from both teams also took time to tell what they remember from those times 25 years ago.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Among those pregame moments, the Yankees had Brielle Saracini and Sean McGuire, who were both children when they lost parents on 9/11 (and later married), throw out the first pitches. However, it was not Saracini’s first time up close with the Yankees, as Derek Jeter and the team invited her to a game back in 2001 after she had written a letter to the team as a 10-year old shortly after the tragedy. Ahead of Friday’s game, they reunited and both remembered their experiences.
New York Post | Dan Martin: The Yankees made a couple lower-profile additions to try and shore up their bullpen in recent weeks, and one of them was former AL Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer. In this Subway Series, he’s facing the team that drafted him years ago, eventually trading him to the Tigers for Yoenis Cespedes in 2015. However, he’s now on the other side of the city and has gotten off to a decent start in the Bronx.
Two starters are getting closer to coming off the injured list to help the Yankees in the bullpen.
Clarke Schmidt will make a fifth rehab appearance on Saturday, which could be his last if he gets through it without issue to finish off his comeback from Tommy John surgery, with the hope that he joins the Yankees on their upcoming road trip and gets activated.
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“Let’s get through Saturday and we’ll see,” manager Aaron Boone said Friday before the Yankees’ 6-4 win over the Mets in the teams’ Subway Series opener. “But that’s in play.”
Ryan Weathers, meanwhile, is almost a week into his throwing program after being shut down for two weeks with a left forearm flexor strain, and is hoping to advance to a bullpen session on Monday.
The left-hander, who expects to start throwing his hard slider on flat ground Saturday — at which point he will be throwing all his pitches again — is trying to talk his way into being activated as soon as possible so he can pitch in at least a game or two of the regular season before heading into the playoffs.
Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, who is looking to come back from Tommy John surgery, will make a fifth rehab appearance on Saturday. Corey Sipkin for New York Post
“Obviously we’re kind of fighting the clock right now and we’re trying to be smart with it too,” Weathers said. “But everything’s trending in the right direction. … I have no doubt I could throw 40 pitches right now in a game. It’s like, if I just need 20-25, I’d rather use those in a game than burn them in a live [batting practice].
“I just would like to get an inning back in competition before [the playoffs]. Not that I don’t trust myself in a wild card or division series, but it’s more high-pressure and just [want to] get my feet back under me for an inning.”
Yankees starter Ryan Weathers, is almost a week into his throwing program after being shut down for two weeks with a left forearm flexor strain. Jason Szenes for New York Post
José Caballero was out of the lineup Friday against the Mets for a second straight game, with Boone playing the hot hand at second base (without the injured Jazz Chisholm Jr.) in Anthony Volpe, who was called up on Thursday after learning the position at Triple-A.
Boone acknowledged that he has spoken with Caballero — who the Yankees value as a 10th man off the bench — about the situation as they enter crunch time.
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“Everyone wants to play,” Caballero said. “Everyone wants a chance to be out here and playing.That’s why we have a manager. He’s the one making decisions to play or not.
“We all, as players, have to take it and be OK with it and try to do the best we can do in the role we got.”
After getting Thursday off, Aaron Judge (1-for-3 with a walk) returned to the lineup Friday in his third game back from missing three months with a right rib stress fracture.
Boone said, “We’ll see,” when asked if Judge could play in all three games against the Mets.
The Yankees recalled reliever Bradley Hanner, returning to 14 pitchers on the 28-man roster after playing the Rockies series with an extra position player (Jasson Domínguez, who was optioned to Triple-A after Thursday’s game).
