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Sandro Mamukelashvili signs four-year, $52 million deal with Lakers

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 15: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on December 15, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As the Lakers look to find shooting to put around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, they turned to one of the better stretch bigs on the market.

After being linked with him since before the start of free agency, the Lakers have reportedly agreed to a deal with Sandro Mamukelashvili, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Not only can the Lakers add Mamukelashvili, but they can also add a few more pieces with the remaining cap space.

The Lakers adding a big, along with reports of Walker Kessler’s signing, means the frontcourt depth has improved. There are likely moves still to be made, but the Lakers have two new frontcourt pieces this season.

Mamukelashvili is a good player who is a capable rebounder and can certainly stretch the floor. Last year with the Raptors, he shot 38.9% from 3-point range. That’s his best shooting season from beyond the arc, and he did it while taking 3.7 3-point attempts per game.

Overall, Mamu had a breakout season with the Raptors last year, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. His ability to space the floor means he can play as a four and potentially as a five in small ball lineups. With Mamu, the Lakers should be able to play more two-big lineups while still spacing the floor.

At 27 years old, he’s also on the same timeline as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, another positive sign. One of the overall themes of the Lakers in free agency this year is that they got younger overall.

His signing, paired with the other flurry of moves by the Lakers, almost guarantees that Rui Hachimura will not be back next season, something that has been in the cards since free agency started. Barring some sort of dramatic change or an unexpected change, the Lakers simply won’t have space under the first apron to retain Hachimura.

It all happened quickly this summer, but the Lakers landed a solid big who can space the floor, something the roster did not have last season.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Lakers sign Collin Sexton to two-year, $19 million deal

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 10: Collin Sexton #8 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 10, 2025 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After completing a trade for Walker Kessler, the Lakers followed with a flurry of moves.

In a sequence of moves announced nearly simultaneously, the Lakers agreed to deals with Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes, then finished with a two-year, $19 million deal for Collin Sexton.

This deal will be for the Room Exception, meaning the Lakers are now out of spending power. The only signings they can make now are veteran minimum deals.

The Lakers’ interest in Sextondates back many years. He’s a name that has often been tangentially linked to the team but never seemed all that realistic until now.

With both Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard leaving in free agency, the Lakers had a need for backup guards. Sexton is still just 27 years old, so the team is also getting younger.

Last season, Sexton split his season between the Hornets and Bulls, averaging 15.4 points and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 40.1% from the 3-point line. For his career, he’s a 38.9% 3-point shooter, but has been north of 39% every season since the 2022-23 campaign.

Sexton also has a great ability to get to the rim. Last season, 27.5% of his shots came within three feet while he shot 64.7% on those attempts. The only non-bigs on the Lakers to have a percentage higher than that on the Lakers last season were Adou Thiero in limited minutes and LeBron James.

The Lakers relied heavily on Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to create rim pressure last season, so adding Sexton certainly fills a need in that regard.

Sexton did spend a couple of seasons in Utah playing alongside Kessler, so there will also be a bit of chemistry there as well.

It all happened very quickly, so it’ll take time to digest, but the Lakers quickly made moves to add younger, athletic guards to the roster and surround Luka and Austin with shooting and playmaking on the perimeter, two areas the team lacked last season.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Poor Cuz Gets Richer: Veteran Winger Nick Cousins Signs A Two-Year Deal

The Senators made it official on Wednesday morning. They've signed forward Nick Cousins to a two-year contract extension. The deal kicks in this fall and is worth an oddly specific total of $1.5875 million per season.

It's a decent raise for Cousins, who's 33 next month, and has obviously proven his worth to Sens management in his effective bottom six role. He's coming off back-to-back one-year deals with the club and has spoken openly about his desire to stay, ideally with some term.

Cousins didn't miss a game this season, putting up nine goals, 23 points and a career-high 92 penalty minutes. With Brady Tkachuk now gone, the Sens could ill afford to lose any more edge up front, and Cousins has never been an easy man to play against. In fact, he was voted as having the NHL's most punchable face for two years running.

“Nick has proven his value to our hockey club over the past two seasons," GM Steve Staios said in a prepared club statement. "He brings Stanley Cup-winning experience and is an important player inside our dressing room."

In parts of 12 NHL seasons, Cousins has collected 86 goals and 218 points with seven different clubs. He's also played for the Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, and Nashville Predators.

A member of the Panthers, Cousins won a Stanley Cup ring in 2024.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published on The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. For full coverage of the Senators check out one of the latest headlines below:

The Senators May Have Just Chosen Burakovsky Over Giroux

Senators Walk Away From AHL's Top Goal Scorer
Meet The Future: Senators Draft Offensive Skill With Two First-Round Picks
At A Glance, Senators' Draft Day Trades Are Head Scratchers
Brady Tkachuk Had a Chance to Write His Own Story. He Chose Matthew's

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Report: Quentin Grimes to sign four-year, $60 million dollar deal with Lakers, ending his Sixers tenure

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Yeah, that might be a bit rich for our blood.

ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Quentin Grimes will be signing a four-year, $60 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, ending his Sixers tenure after two seasons. The Lakers were one of two suitors rumored to be interested in Grimes, along with the Miami Heat. The night before he signed, Jake Fischer reported again he expected Grimes to LA.

Grimes’ eventual departure to LA was reported before the Sixers made any moves, but using part of their mid-level exception to sign Dean Wade all but sealed Grimes’ fate. Whether they signed Wade or not, that was probably not a number the Sixers were ever going to match. The Lakers have been big spenders so far this summer, also handing out deals to Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton.

With Grimes gone and Wade signed, the quickest breakdown of the Sixers’ cap situation is that they have $16.3 million to spend before hitting the first apron where they’re hard capped, plus the ~$6 million they have left on their mid-level exception after the signings of Wade and center Ariel Hukporti. They could also access the bi-annual exception ($5.5 million).

Grimes arrived in Philadelphia at the trade deadline during the 2024-25 season, but didn’t really get to play with the real version of this team until 2025-26. Averaging 21.9 points per game for the hospital Sixers appeared to set up Grimes pretty well for restricted free agency, but not many offers came Grimes’ way and he came back to the Sixers on the qualifying offer.

Despite a pretty up-and-down season, mostly in a sixth man role, Grimes was the only playable guard off the bench for the Sixers in the playoffs. He was great down the stretch in Game 5 of round one against Boston, but couldn’t string it together consistently as he shot 39% from the field in the playoffs.

LA will certainly provide a bigger role for Grimes than coming back to play with a backcourt of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Labaron Philon Jr, but the Sixers will miss his two-way ability should they not be able to replace it.

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MLB Strikeout Props & Pitcher Best Bets for Today, July 1

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This evening, we’re looking to back steady, consistent arms while fading a few of the game’s more vulnerable starters.

Headlined by another strong outing from veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler, here are my favorite MLB player props and MLB picks for Wednesday, July 1. 

Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today

Player PickOdds
Phillies Zack WheelerOver 7.5 strikeouts+114
Diamondbacks Zac GallenUnder 3.5 strikeouts-103
Athletics J.T. GinnOver 3.5 earned runs+122

Strikeout Prop: Zack Wheeler Over 7.5 strikeouts (+114)

One of the most reliable strikeout pitchers in all of baseball is Zack Wheeler. The Philadelphia Phillies right-hander enters Wednesday with an elite pitcher and strikeout rating on Batters-Box.

In 34 elite-rated starts, the veteran has reached at least six strikeouts in 88.24% of games, seven strikeouts in 70.59%, and eight strikeouts in 50%.

Overall this season, the Phillies starter has carried a 29% K rate at home. Tonight, he draws a Pittsburgh Pirates lineup that has been extremely swing-happy. Over their last six games, they have a 30.6% strikeout rate.

Getting plus money in this spot offers a strong opportunity to back eight Ks from one of the most consistent pitchers in the game.

  • Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCSP, SNP

Strikeout Prop: Zac Gallen Under 3.5 strikeouts (-103)

Despite not being the flashiest offense in baseball, the San Francisco Giants do one thing well: they don't strike out.

In their last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, only three bats sit above a 26% strikeout rate. Six are under 20%, and four are under 13.3%.

Luis Arraez in that stretch? 0%.

On the other side, Zac Gallen has struggled all season, posting a 5.27 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP at home. Over his last three starts, the Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander owns a 9.18 ERA, 7.82 xERA, and 1.68 WHIP. In his last five outings, his strikeout rate sits at 7.75%.

Snagging nearly even money on a pitcher who has struggled this much all season long is a strong look, even playable down to -110 if needed.

  • Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ARID, NBCSBA

Pitcher Prop: J.T. Ginn Over 3.5 earned runs (+122)

The level of heat the Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing right now is reason enough to take a look at them scoring 4+ runs against J.T. Ginn this evening. If you're worried about an error or any shenanigans, the F5 team total Over is the cleaner angle.

The Dodgers enter today with four elite-rated hitters and the highest-rated offense in Batters-Box default ratings. Over their last six games, they're posting a 153 wRC+, .388 wOBA, and .890 OPS.

Ginn owns a 4.32 xERA and a 1.62 WHIP at home with the Athletics this season. With how hot the Dodgers have been, asking them to clear just above their first five-inning run average at plus money is a risk worth taking.

  • Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCSCA, SNLA
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
  • Prop picks: 248-477, -21.3 units 

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Red Wings Bring Back Carter Mazur On Two-Year Extension

As the free agency window opened on Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings announced they have re-signed forward Carter Mazur to a two-year contract with a $875,000 cap hit. 

The deal brings back the 24-year-old Jackson, Michigan native on a team-friendly pact as he looks to finally establish himself with the franchise he grew up watching and dreaming of playing for.

Mazur is a Michigan kid through and through, and the Red Wings represent far more than just an employer. After the organization elected not to extend him a qualifying offer, the decision to circle back and bring him back on a new deal speaks to the belief Detroit still holds in what Mazur can be when healthy, and perhaps to the belief that his passion for this particular organization is worth betting on.

When Mazur has been on the ice and at full strength, he has looked every bit the part of a legitimate NHL contributor. Over 16 games, the former third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft posted 11 goals and five assists for a point-per-game pace that would rank among the more productive stretches by any Red Wings forward this past season. He added six points in eight playoff games, further reinforcing that his game translates when the stakes are highest. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.

His game is built on grit, physicality and a competitive edge that resonates in the modern NHL, where teams increasingly value forwards who can contribute offensively while also bringing a nasty, hard-to-play-against element every shift.

Mazur suffered an injury during his debut with the Red Wings in the 2024-25 season and was unable to return, a cruel interruption to what had been a promising introduction at the NHL level. The health question mark remains the central uncertainty surrounding his game, but the underlying talent and compete level have never been in serious doubt.

At $875,000 per season, Detroit is taking on minimal financial risk while keeping a player whose combination of skill, physicality and hometown motivation makes him a compelling possibility for the bottom six.

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Game Thread: White Sox (45-39) at Orioles (39-48)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 24: Noah Schultz #22 of the Chicago White Sox takes the sign from the catcher during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The White Sox hand the ball to rookie Noah Schultz as they chase a sweep in Baltimore. | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The White Sox are staring down their first road sweep of the year, with an 11:35 a.m. CT breakfast special in Baltimore. They’ve already bagged their first road series win since the Padres in early May, and now the South Siders have a shot to roll into Cleveland with some road win momentum.

Noah Schultz, fresh off the injured list (right knee patellar tendinitis, if you’re keeping score), gets the nod. He tossed three rehab starts in Charlotte, posting a 4.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. He had some pop last time out, allowing two runs on three hits, with seven punchouts in 4 2/3 innings. Before the knee went sideways, Schultz was 2-4 with a 5.82 ERA in 38 2/3 innings. The fastball still hums at 95 mph, the pedigree is real, but command has still been a struggle. Big leaguers have been happy to watch him miss, and the walks pile up. The plan today is not rocket science. He needs to get ahead, fill the zone, and let the slider eat once he’s in control. If Schultz can actually throw strike one and keep the freebies to a minimum, the Sox might just finish the job.

Baltimore throws Dean Kremer at Chicago, making his first big league start since April 18 after a two-month right quad strain vacation. He carved up Triple-A Norfolk in rehab (1.83 ERA, 0.86 WHIP) and has been a sneaky steady arm for the O’s since coming over in the Manny Machado deal. Kremer isn’t going to blow anyone away as he lives on command, not gas. He doesn’t rack up strikeouts, but he fills the zone, gets chases with his offspeed, and keeps barrels quiet. For the South Siders, patience is the whole game. Don’t go fishing for his junk, make him throw the heater for strikes, and jump on mistakes. If they can lay off the soft stuff and wait for something hittable, they’ll have a shot against a guy who wins with location, not velocity.

Chicago’s offense has found its rhythm of late. Six wins in eight games, 17 runs in two nights, and everyone’s chipping in. Jacob Gonzalez just put up back-to-back three-RBI games, and Andrew Benintendi is finally alive with three hits on Tuesday. Still not a great value at $75 million, but he seems to be having fun and providing some solid veteran leadership in the dugout. If the bats can keep this up this afternoon, maybe, just maybe, they can finish off their first road sweep of the year. So, here’s how skipper Will Venable will send them out to try to do just that against Kremer.

View Link

And for the O’s.

View Link

First pitch is 11:35 a.m. CT. Watch on CHSN or catch the call on ESPN Chicago AM 1000.

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Report: Penguins sign free agent defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - APRIL 12: Trevor Van Riemsdyk #57 of the Washington Capitals controls the puck in the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 12, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Penguins have reportedly made a signing just as the 12 noon window of free agency opens. Veteran defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, formerly of Washington, is said to be signing with the Pens.

TvR was featured on Pensburgh just yesterday as a free agent name to watch:

Trevor van Riemsdyk

AFP Projection: $2.36 million AAV for two years

van Riemsdyk turns 35 next month, not sure how much appetite the Penguins would have with a two-year contract for him but he’s got some size (6’3”, 210 pounds) and 751 games of experience that would add some depth to shore up the right side of their defense with skating ability and a history of strong defensive impacts. The Penguins don’t currently have that many defenseman in a ‘5/6’ type of role that could shade more into being used as a ‘5’, van Riemsdyk could be a nice short-term patch and insurance if 20-year old Harrison Brunicke needs more AHL developmental time.

van Riemsdyk is the second right handed defenseman to join the team in as many days after the acquisition of Kaeden Korczak via a trade from Vegas.

This first move is sure to not be the last of the offseason, or possibly day for Pittsburgh. Kyle Dubas and the team stated a goal to add more depth to the blueline in hopes to improve their goals and chances against, it looks like that overhaul is well under way.

Update: looks like a two-year deal for $4.0 million AAV.

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Game 87 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Cleveland Guardians

Jun 30, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Alejandro Osuna (19) catches a ball hit by Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers @ Cleveland Guardians

Wednesday, July 01, 2026, 12:10 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Progressive Field

LHP MacKenzie Gore vs. LHP Joey Cantillo

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSGUARDIANS
Justin Foscue – 2BDavid Fry – LF
Josh Jung – 3BChase DeLauter – RF
Ezequiel Duran – RFRhys Hoskins – 1B
Jake Burger – 1BKyle Manzardo – DH
Kyle Higashioka – DHBrayan Rocchio – SS
Cameron Cauley – CFGabriel Arias – 3B
Alejandro Osuna – LFKahlil Watson – CF
Elias Diaz – CAustin Hedges – C
Nicky Lopez – SSDaniel Schneemann – 2B
MacKenzie Gore – LHPJoey Cantillo – LHP

Go Rangers!

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Flyers Sign Dan Vladar to $27.5 Million Extension After Breakout Campaign

Officially, the Philadelphia Flyers have locked down Dan Vladar as their starting goalie for the next five years.

On Wednesday, Vladar, 28, officially signed his five-year extension worth a total of $27.5 million ($5.5 million cap hit), after much anticipation locally and around the NHL.

Vladar signed with the Flyers on July 1, 2025 after four years with the Calgary Flames and one with the Boston Bruins, quickly emerging as their starter after displacing Sam Ersson.

In 52 games, and 51 starts, with the Flyers, Vladar went 29-14-7 with a 2.42 GAA and .906 save percentage, establishing new career-highs across the board while playing north of 30 games for the first time in his NHL career.

Flyers Miss Out On Top Forward Trade TargetFlyers Miss Out On Top Forward Trade TargetMavrik Bourque is officially no longer an option for the Flyers.

Vladar was even more effective in the Stanley Cup playoffs, backstopping the Flyers to a 4-6-0 record and defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in Round 1 to the tune of a 2.18 GAA, .922 save percentage, and two shutouts.

Earlier this offseason, the Flyers traded for Joseph Woll to serve as Vladar's backup, with prospects Carson Bjarnason, Egor Zavragin, Aleksei Kolosov, Martin Psohlavec, and Marek Sklenicka developing behind them.

According to PuckPedia, Vladar will have a full no-move clause in the first two years, a 15-team no-trade list in Year 3, a 10-team no-trade list in Year 4, and a five-team no-trade list in Year 5, giving the Flyers trade flexibility as he ages.

Vladar will be an unrestricted free agent in 2032 at the age of 34.

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Lakers agree to $52 million contract with Sandro Mamukelashvili

The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili.

The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Mamukelashvili is coming off of a career-year with the Raptors. 

His scoring average (11.2 points), field goal percentage (52.3%), steals average (.8) and blocks average (.5) with Toronto in 2025-26 were all career-best marks. 

The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. Getty Images

Mamukelashvili, the No. 54 pick in the 2021 draft, has emerged as a reliable three-level scorer, good passer and strong rebounder after playing for the Bucks, Spurs and Raptors. 

While there are defensive concerns, he’ll likely be a reliable bench option who’ll play at the 4 or 5. 

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Padres drop series in nine-homer slugfest

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 30: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres hits a lead-off home run during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on June 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For a brief shining moment, it felt like the San Diego Padres might actually win this one. They did that thing they always do. They gave the Friar Faithful hope for a comeback only to snuff it out almost immediately. It’s easy to get down in moments like this one. Four consecutive losses to contending teams that have felt like beatdown after beatdown. But it’s just as important for fans to rebound as it is for the players.

It was a rough loss to take, but there were plenty of positives. Four home runs from the Friars. The last time they did that was against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. Fernando Tatis Jr. went yard twice. He hasn’t done that since April 14, 2025 against (ironically) the Chicago Cubs.

The blame for this loss is more on the back of starter JP Sears, who struggled to keep the ball in the yard the whole night. He surrendered seven runs, six of which came via the long ball. The Friars certainly made it interesting, and it was nice to see them show some fight. But, at the end of the day, a loss is a loss. And San Diego badly needs a win right now.

Taking the mound

Colin Rea (CHC) v. Walker Buehler (SD)

Rea looked great down the stretch in 2025 for Chicago. That hasn’t been the case this year. The righty owns a 4.80 ERA this season through 84 1/3 innings pitched. It hasn’t been much better lately, with Rea posting a 4.58 ERA across his last seven games.

The Padres haven’t faced the right-hander very much. But, when they have, they’ve managed to string plenty of hits together. The lineup owns a combined .385 batting average across 26 at-bats against Rea. They’ll need to replicate that to stave off the sweep against Chicago.

Buehler, on the other hand, has been fantastic for San Diego. Despite a seemingly high 3.81 ERA on the season, he owns a 2.45 mark across his last 36 2/3 innings. It’s been a renaissance for the veteran right-hander, and he’ll seek to continue that production Wednesday afternoon.

The Padres righty just pitched a gem against his former team, limiting the Dodgers to one run across 5 1/3 innings pitched. If Buehler can do the same against the Cubs lineup, it would go a long way towards a victory for the Friars.

Batter up!

As stated, the lineup has looked pretty healthy. It’s certainly been inconsistent, but the runs have come in bunches. Excluding Tuesday night, across all 2026 games in which the Padres have scored seven-plus runs, they’ve won 17 of 19 contests. If the offense can do it again this afternoon, the odds are good they’ll win the finale.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  2. Samad Taylor, LF
  3. Manny Machado, 3B
  4. Gavin Sheets, 1B
  5. Miguel Andujar, DH
  6. Jackson Merrill, CF
  7. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  8. Jake Cronenworth, 2B
  9. Rodolfo Durán, C

Cronenworth went 0-for-3 in his return to the lineup Monday night. He’ll likely be back in today’s game after sitting for most of Tuesday night. He pinch-hit in the ninth for the Friars but lined out to left field for the first out. The second baseman owns a career .500 batting average against Rea and will hopefully show that off tonight.

Relief corps

The bullpen has been taxed lately. If Buehler is able to work deep into the game, it would be a Godsend for the Friars. Thankfully, Sears was able to work relatively deep into yesterday’s game, meaning only Ron Marinaccio and Wandy Peralta pitched. Marinaccio looked rough but Peralta covered 1 2/3 scoreless innings for San Diego.

That leaves plenty of options for the Friars. Jason Adam, Kyle Hart, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez are all available for the Padres to turn to. Morejon and Adam may not come out after being made to throw 22 and 24 pitches, respectively, on Monday night. The rest all figure to pitch in relief once Buehler exits.

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Orioles vs. White Sox discussion

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 13: Starting pitcher Dean Kremer #64 of the Baltimore Orioles works the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 13, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is July 1 and it doesn’t matter if the Orioles win today.

It would be nice if they won. That’s always true. It’s just that this swoon over the past four games, added on top of the overall underwhelming play, is a strong sign that they are cooked for their postseason hopes.

How cooked? I’ll tell you how cooked. They are “Mark throws off the cloak of normalcy and wades deep into nerdiness to try to amuse himself rather than be despondent about the Orioles” cooked. To that end, they are at the point where the Twitch streamer asks, “Chat, are we cooked?” Friends, once they ask that, they’re always already cooked.

For absolutely no useful reason, here are some Twitch global emotes that would be appropriate to use in a variety of situations that the 2026 Orioles have encountered this year. See if you can guess their general meme meaning from context.

4Head – Why doesn’t Cal just teach everyone better fundamentals?

DansGame – Trey Gibson walked six batters last night

Jebaited – The Orioles lost four in a row immediately after Mike Elias said “We’re going for it”

Kappa – It’s a good thing that Bodine, Forret, and Overn are struggling in the Rays system

ResidentSleeper – Alby when a controversial call goes against the Orioles

riPepperonis – The White Sox are using a lefty starter with a high ERA today

Orioles lineup

  1. Gunnar Henderson – SS
  2. Adley Rutschman – C
  3. Taylor Ward – LF
  4. Pete Alonso – DH
  5. Coby Mayo – 1B
  6. Tyler O’Neill – RF
  7. Leody Taveras – CF
  8. Jackson Holliday – 2B
  9. Blaze Alexander – 3B

Dean Kremer is returning from the injured list to make this start. He’s been gone since late April due to a quad strain. This season began with the Orioles telling Kremer, nope, we don’t need you, and sending him to Norfolk. They continued to jerk him around even when Zach Eflin suffered a season-ending injury during his first start. Kremer only made two starts after arriving before he had to be put on the IL. If he can pitch something like his career numbers, that will be an improvement over Trey Gibson or Chris Bassitt.

There was some roster juggling before the game today, in part to get Kremer activated from the 60-day injured list. The team optioned Gibson and lefty reliever Josh Walker, and in addition to activating Kremer, recalled reliever Cameron Weston, and designated catcher Dom Keegan for assignment. If you have ever previously thought about Dom Keegan before right now, you might be an Orioles sicko.

White Sox lineup

  1. Sam Antonacci – LF
  2. Miguel Vargas – 3B
  3. Andrew Benintendi – DH
  4. Braden Montgomery – RF
  5. Jacob Gonzalez – 1B
  6. Chase Meidroth – 2B
  7. Tristan Peters – CF
  8. Luisangel Acuña – SS
  9. Drew Romo – C

The White Sox starting pitcher today is Drew Schultz. He’s left-handed. riPepperonis, chat. riPepperonis. Except they would never use punctuation on Twitch. I can’t stop myself from using proper punctuation. It may be my most boomer trait.

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Seager to the i.l., Smith recalled

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 13: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers anticipates a pitch during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field on May 13, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Texas Rangers have placed Corey Seager on the 10 day injured list with lower back inflammation, the team announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have recalled infielder Josh Smith.

Disappointing news here on Seager, made worse by the fact that he technically appeared in yesterday’s game, as he was in the lineup, but was pinch hit for by Cam Cauley. That means the soonest Seager can be activated is July 11 — the Saturday before the All Star Break. My guess is that Seager isn’t activated until after the All Star Break, giving him two weeks to recuperate, at which point he hopefully will be back to 100% for the second half. Seager appeared in just four games — one of which was yesterday’s non-appearance — since being activated from the concussion injured list.

Smith now returns after being sent down a couple of weeks ago. He didn’t play in yesterday’s Round Rock game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was already in Cleveland because of the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Nimmo, who was banged up running into the wall to end Sunday’s game. Smith started the season as the team’s regular second baseman, but was displaced by Ezequiel Duran. Smith is slashing .218/.316/.248 this year in 117 plate appearances.

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Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 31, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 118-96. 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 Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Grade: D

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

Grade: A+