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Dodgers activate Max Muncy from injured list, but put Tommy Edman on shelf

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Max Muncy from the injured list and put fellow infielder Tommy Edman on the list Monday.

Muncy has been out since July 2, missing nearly five weeks with a bone bruise in his knee after a collision on a tag play during a game against the Chicago White Sox. The veteran slugger had been on a monthlong roll at the time of his injury, boosting his OPS to .832 with 13 homers and 55 RBIs.

Muncy returned more quickly than the initial six-week projection for his recovery. He was batting fifth and playing third base at Dodger Stadium on Monday night when Los Angeles opened a homestand against the St. Louis Cardinals.

“He’s put in a lot of work to get back with this timeline,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Getting him back lengthens and strengthens our lineup.”

But just when Muncy is healthy enough to return, the NL West-leading Dodgers are losing Edman after he aggravated his injured right ankle.

Edman left a game in Boston last week after apparently spraining his ankle while running the bases, and he came out of the Dodgers’ game against Tampa Bay on Sunday with pain from running the bases again.

“Don’t know how long it’s going to be, but I do think that he’ll be back at some point,” Roberts said. “The main thing is when he gets back, how we can make sure that this doesn’t happen again. It’s kind of a ligament strain, tendons, whatever it is.”

Edman also missed time in May with a sprained ankle. Last year’s NLCS MVP is batting .228 with 12 homers and 44 RBIs this season.

Edman joins the lengthy list of Dodgers hoping to return soon from injuries to bolster the defending World Series champions’ repeat bid. Los Angeles didn’t make a bold move at the trade deadline last week, deciding to roll with its current roster while aiming for full health in October.

Utilityman Kiké Hernández went out last month with a sprained left elbow, and he isn’t close to returning despite undergoing multiple procedures including platelet-rich plasma therapy and cortisone shots.

“We’re not there yet, as far as worrying the season is lost” for Hernández, Roberts said.

Other injury news is more encouraging: Second baseman Hyeseong Kim is swinging a bat and taking grounders in anticipation of returning from left shoulder bursitis as early as this weekend, while reliever Tanner Scott will throw another batting practice session soon in his recovery from left elbow inflammation.

Roki Sasaki is still on the injured list on his bobblehead night Monday. The rookie right-hander has been out since May 8 with a right shoulder injury, but he will throw three live innings Friday after hitting mid-90s velocity in his most recent mound session. If his arm continues to feel good, he will get a minor league rehab assignment next week, Roberts said.

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Aaron Judge could return to Yankees lineup at Texas on Tuesday

ARLINGTON, Texas — Aaron Judge could be back in the New York Yankees’ lineup as early as Tuesday, when their captain is eligible to come off the 10-day injured list after being sidelined because of a flexor strain in his right elbow.

Judge hit off Yankees minor league pitchers at the team’s complex in Tampa for the second day in a row Monday before flying to Texas, where he was seen in the dugout during the opener of a three-game series. Manager Aaron Boone said the two-time AL MVP could be available Tuesday.

“I don’t want to say definitely because I haven’t seen him yet, but I think that’s the plan,” Boone said before the game.

Judge hasn’t played since July 25 because of the elbow strain. An MRI showed no acute damage to his ulnar collateral ligament and he had a platelet-rich injection July 27, when he was placed on the IL in a move retroactive to the previous day.

His .342 batting average was still the best in the majors going into Monday’s games. He was fourth with 37 homers and fifth with 85 RBIs.

If Judge does return while in Texas, Boone said he will be the designated hitter. But the slugging outfielder could also play catch while there, which will help determine when he could return to the outfield.

“I’m hoping that Judgie’s clean and is playing catch either (Tuesday) or the next day and we’ll start to get an idea about a timeline for that and then we’ll see when we get back home what happens there,” Boone said.

Giancarlo Stanton has been the Yankees’ starting DH for all of his 32 games this season, including the opener against the Rangers. He missed the first 70 games of the season with inflammation in the tendons of both elbows, and Boone said he wouldn’t play the outfield in Texas if Judge does DH during the series.

The first time Judge said he felt pain in the elbow was July 22 at Toronto, after he made a strong throw home when George Springer singled to right. An inning later, Judge winced after catching a fly in the right-field corner and throwing to second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. Judge was caught by a YES Network camera clenching his right hand in a fist.

The Yankees arrived in Texas after being swept in a three-game series at Miami. That dropped them to third place in the AL East behind Toronto and Boston with 50 games left in the regular season, including Monday night. They go back home after the series in Texas.

Boone said having Judge back will be good for the team.

“Yeah, he’s Aaron Judge. We know what he means to our lineup and to the guys in the room,” Boone said. “So to get him back, we’re certainly excited about that and then hopefully shortly thereafter he’s back out in the field, too.”

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Mets erase five-run deficit but lose to Guardians in extra innings, 7-6

The Mets erased a 5-0 deficit but suffered a heartbreaking 7-6 loss in extra innings to the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night at Citi Field.

Here are the takeaways...

-Locked in a scoreless pitchers' duel entering the sixth inning, things changed in a heartbeat for Sean Manaea.

With the top of the order due up, Steven Kwan started the ambush with a single. On Manaea's next pitch, he hit Angel Martinez. After a Jose Ramirez flyout advanced Kwan to third, Manaea unleashed a wild pitch that had a lucky bounce to catcher Francisco Alvarez that prevented Kwan from scoring, with Martinez able to reach second.

Things spiraled from there. First, David Fry singled home a run (Juan Soto did well to quickly get the ball in to prevent another). Soto's effort proved futile as Carlos Santana followed with a run-scoring single of his own on the next pitch. The big blow came off the bat of Gabriel Arias, who smashed a three-run homer 440 feet to left center to make it 5-0 as it all came crashing down on the left-hander, who left after 5.2 innings.

-There was something about that sixth inning, though, because after New York was stifled by Guardians starter Slade Cecconi for most of the night, the offense broke out thanks to a little bit of luck.

Francisco Lindor began the inning by striking out but ended up on first base on a wild pitch strike three. Soto also reached base fortuitously after hitting a ground ball right to the second baseman Brayan Rocchio, who just completely missed it. What was an easy double play turned into runners at the corners with nobody out.

Given a gift, Pete Alonso did not waste it, although he wasted no time by attacking the first pitch he saw and depositing it into center field for a three-run home run that sent Citi Field into a frenzy. The long ball was Alonso's 251st of his career, one shy of tying Darryl Strawberry's franchise record.

Alonso, already 3-for-3, came up to the plate in the eighth inning with another chance to do big damage after Lindor and Soto singled in front of him. With the crowd on their feet, hoping for the slugger to tie Strawberry, Alonso -- again attacking the first pitch -- ripped a run-scoring single that got the Mets closer at 5-4. Jeff McNeil's fourth straight single of the inning loaded the bases before Mark Vientos hit a sac fly that tied the game.

New York left two runners in scoring position following groundouts by Cedric Mullins and pinch-hitter Brett Baty.

-After scoreless outings by Brooks Raley, Tyler Rogers and Reed Garrett, Edwin Diaz kept the game tied in the top of the ninth with a scoreless inning of his own, stranding a runner on at third base and nobody out in the process by striking out two in between a popout.

-The Mets had a chance to win it in the last of the ninth. After Alvarez singled and was taken out for pinch-runner Tyrone Taylor, Lindor doubled down the right-field line. With the speedy Taylor running, third base coach Mike Sarbaugh could've sent him, but elected to hold him at third base. The Guardians intentionally walked Soto to bring up Alonso, who was 4-for-4 on the night and chasing history. But Alonso struck out and McNeil lined out to send the game to extra innings.

-Staying in the game for defense after pinch-hitting earlier, Baty made a costly error in the 10th when he threw wide of shortstop on a bunt attempt. The error brought home a run and put Ryan Helsley in a big mess with runners at second and third and nobody out. Helsley allowed a second run (neither of them earned), and New York entered the bottom of the 10th down 7-5.

-Baty did his best to make up for his error by singling home a run to cut the Mets' deficit to 7-6 with two outs, but Luis Torrens, in his first at-bat of the night, ended the game with a deep flyout to right field.

-Before that nightmare inning, Manaea was in total control of Cleveland's hitters and looked great in his fifth appearance and fourth start of the year. Efficient with his pitch count through the first five innings and just 57 pitches thrown, it looked like Manaea was well on his way to his longest outing of the season. And while he did pitch into the sixth inning for the first time as a starter this season, he failed to join David Peterson as the only other Mets starter to complete six innings since Clay Holmes did so on June 7.

His final line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 0 BB, 3 K on 85 pitches (62 strikes).

Game MVP: Gabriel Arias

His three-run bomb was the cap to the Guardians' five-run sixth inning, but his sacrifice fly in the 10th inning was the insurance run needed to come away with the win.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets' homestand continues on Tuesday night with another game against the Guardians. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

RHP Clay Holmes (9-6, 3.45 ERA) matches up with RHP Logan Allen (7-9, 4.06 ERA).

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Where New Blackhawks Should Fit In Lineup

It is no secret that it has been a far quieter off-season this year for the Chicago Blackhawks compared to last year. While this is the case, the Blackhawks did make a few new additions, as they brought in Andre Burakovsky, Sam Lafferty, and Dominic Toninato.

With this, let's take a look at where each player could end up fitting into the Blackhawks' lineup now.

Andre Burakovsky Should Fit In Blackhawks' Top Six 

When looking at the Blackhawks' current roster, it is likely that Burakovsky will have a spot in their top six. There are not too many better wingers than Burakovsky on the Blackhawks right now, and they are likely to give him the best chance to succeed after acquiring him from the Seattle Kraken.

Burakovsky could be a nice fit playing with either Connor Bedard on the first line or Frank Nazar on the second line. In either scenario, Burakovsky would give one of Chicago's young centers the opportunity to play with a skilled veteran.

Sam Lafferty Should Fit On Blackhawks' Fourth Line

Lafferty has been a bottom-six forward throughout his career, and this should not change during his latest stint with the Blackhawks. When looking at Chicago's current group, Lafferty could be a nice fit as their new fourth-line center. However, due to his versatility, he could move to the wing on their fourth line if needed.

Dominic Toninato Should Fit As Extra Or AHL Forward

It seems likely that Toninato will serve as simply an extra orward for the Blackhawks next season if he makes their NHL roster. However, Toninato could also be a nice addition for the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, as he would give them a veteran forward to help mentor their youngsters.

Blackhawks Key Forward Is Big X-Factor Blackhawks Key Forward Is Big X-Factor During the 2024 NHL off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks signed forward Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year, $22 million contract. The expectation was that he would be a key part of the Blackhawks' forward group, and it is fair to say that he was just that for them during the 2024-25 season. 

Photo Credit: © Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

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James van Riemsdyk Excited To Join Former USA Teammate Patrick Kane With Red Wings

As one of the more active teams in free agency during the offseason, the Detroit Red Wings have brought in multiple new players that will suit up for them in the upcoming 2025-26 NHL Season.

One new face in Detroit is veteran forward James van Riemsdyk, who had spent the last two seasons playing for the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets, respectively. 

The former second overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft behind his now-current Red Wings teammate Patrick Kane, van Riemsdyk brings 1,082 games of experience to a team hoping to break their postseason drought. 

Having already played with multiple high-profile veteran players during his career like Claude Giroux, Danny Briere, Brad Marchand, and John Tavares, van Riemsdyk will be bringing his own leadership style to the Red Wings as he explained via the club's official website. 

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

“It’s a full-time commitment,” van Riemsdyk explained shortly after signing. “Whether that’s your preparation, being ready to practice, being ready to play and being ready to recover to get ready for the next game. Just trying to do the right things like that every day. And just trying to bring positive energy to the group and on the bench. It can be a long year, lots of ups and downs, so I think you need to have some of that sounding board just to help things stay even keeled when maybe things aren’t going your way.”

Throughout his career, van Riemsdyk has been known for making a living around the net and the lip of the crease in a style similar to that of former four-time Stanley Cup champion forward Tomas Holmstrom. 

van Riemsdyk also brings considerable experience in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Red Wings, having skated in 82 career playoff games, including a trip to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final (against Kane's Blackhawks). 

Having already trained with Kane and represented the United States alongside him as part of the 2014 Sochi Olympics as well as the World Juniors Championships and World Cup, van Riemsdyk is looking forward to playing with Kane for the first time on an NHL roster.

“(Kane) is one of my really good buddies and we’ve obviously been through this whole journey over the years together in a lot of ways,” van Riemsdyk said. “Through some different USA Hockey things, with training or bouncing ideas off each other for stuff like that, so really exciting that we get a chance to do all that." 

van Riemsdyk, Kane, and the rest of the Red Wings are now just over one month away from the start of Training Camp, held annually in Traverse City, Michigan. 

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Yankees' Austin Slater exits Monday's game against Rangers in first inning with hamstring tightness

Yankees outfielder Austin Slater exited Monday's game against the Texas Rangers in the first inning with what the team called left hamstring tightness.

Slater, making just his second start since coming over at the MLB Trade Deadline in a deal with the White Sox, smashed a hard grounder to short in the top half of the first inning and appeared to experience some discomfort in the back of his left leg as he was running to first base. 

"Felt it coming out of the box," Slater said after the 8-5 loss.

With Slater at first after the fielder's choice and runners on the corners, Rangers starter Patrick Corbin was set to deliver the next pitch, but time was called, and Slater called for the trainer. He was hardly examined and began walking off the field toward New York's dugout on the third base side of the field under his own power, after grabbing at his hamstring.

Jasson Dominguez entered as his replacement.

Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the deadline acquisition is headed for the IL, which is a big loss for the Yankees in this regard: the right-handed batter came in to provide another weapon against left-handed pitchers. Entering the night, he had an .825 OPS in 72 at-bats against southpaws on the season.

"Feel pretty devastated, to be honest," he said about the timing of the injury. "This was especially a night where I feel like I could have helped the team in a lot of different ways. Definitely not how I wanted to start off my tenure here. But the goal now is to get healthy quick, and get back on the field."

Slater said it was too early to tell the severity of the injury and hoped to get an MRI before the club left Texas to "reevaluate" the injury.

The Yanks are expecting to reinstate Aaron Judge from the injured list just on Tuesday, so they were expected to make a move this series. But with Judge only DHing in the first games he comes back, and Giancarlo Stanton not going to play the outfield in Texas, a second move could still happen to get an outfielder.

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Former Ottawa Senators Set For 2025–26 CTC Homecomings

The Ottawa Senators recently released their 2025–26 regular season schedule, and with it comes a parade of familiar faces poised to make their returns to Canadian Tire Centre. Fans can look forward to equal doses of nostalgia and rivalry as several former Sens come back this season in different sweaters, some for the first time.

That includes Josh Norris, who'll roll into Ottawa for the holidays wearing white, blue and gold and the number 13 – possibly a number chosen to offset his bad luck in the injury department.

Here's a look at the notable dates and returning players, along with a brief snapshot of their time in Ottawa:

Thursday, October 16 vs Seattle Kraken — Joey Daccord

Daccord, drafted by Ottawa in 2015, played parts of two seasons before being claimed in the Seattle expansion draft. Now entering the first year of a 5-year, $25 million deal, he’s back where his NHL journey began. Not bad for a 7th-rounder.

Saturday, October 18 vs New York Islanders — J.G. Pageau, Anthony Duclair, Matthew Highmore

"Pageau! Pageau! Pageau! Pageau!" The fan-favourite and Ottawa native spent seven seasons with the team and was known for his playoff heroics and clutch goals. Duclair, who had a 23-goal season with Ottawa in 2019–20, and possibly Highmore (if on the roster), also join him in the return. Pageau is entering the final year of his contract.

Monday, October 27 vs Boston Bruins — Mark Kastelic, Joonas Korpisalo

Mark Kastelic, a rugged centerman drafted by the Senators in 2019, will face his old team for the first time since being traded. Meanwhile, goalie Joonas Korpisalo—whose tenure in Ottawa didn’t go as planned—will be back in town on the Sens' dime. They’re still paying $1 million of his salary annually for the next three years.

Tuesday, November 11 vs Dallas Stars — Matt Duchene

Duchene returns once again to face the team that gave up a significant trade package to acquire him back in 2017. His time in Ottawa was brief and turbulent during the team’s retooling years.

Thursday, December 4 vs New York Rangers — Mika Zibanejad

Drafted sixth overall by Ottawa in 2011, Zibanejad played parts of five seasons before being traded to New York, where he blossomed into a top-line NHL centre.

Saturday, December 6 vs St. Louis Blues — Mathieu Joseph

Joseph returns after being traded in the 2024 offseason. He spent parts of three seasons in Ottawa.

Tuesday, December 9 vs New Jersey Devils — Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Stefan Noesen, Angus Crookshank (if rostered)

Brown, a key player during the rebuild; Dadonov, a high-priced signing who struggled in Ottawa; and possibly Crookshank, a former B-Sens standout, all come back under the Devils' banner. Noesen was a 2011 first-rounder who was dealt to Anaheim in the Bobby Ryan trade.

Thursday, December 18 vs Pittsburgh Penguins — Erik Karlsson

A marquee night as the two-time Norris Trophy winner with the Sens makes his return. Drafted in 2008, Karlsson served as captain and spent nine seasons in Ottawa before being traded in 2018.

Saturday, December 20 vs Chicago Blackhawks — Nick Foligno

At 37, Foligno is still rolling. A first-round pick by the Sens in 2006, he spent five seasons in Ottawa before being traded to Columbus for Marc Methot 13 years ago.

Tuesday, December 23 vs Buffalo Sabres — Josh Norris

The biggest homecoming of the season. Traded at last season’s deadline in a blockbuster that brought Dylan Cozens to Ottawa, Norris—if healthy—will face the team that gave him his NHL start and his current massive contract.

Monday, December 29 vs Columbus Blue Jackets — Erik Gudbranson

The Ottawa native played 36 games for the Senators during the shortened 2020–21 season. Now wearing an "A" in Columbus, he’ll enjoy some home cooking with the family.

Thursday, January 1 vs Washington Capitals — Jakob Chychrun

Chychrun returns after an impressive first season in Washington. He’s in year one of an eight-year, $72 million deal with the Caps.

Saturday, January 3 vs Winnipeg Jets — Vladislav Namestnikov, Dylan DeMelo

DeMelo was solid and a social media darling during his time in Ottawa. Namestnikov was here for a short cup of coffee in 2019–20.

Monday, January 5 vs Detroit Red Wings — Alex DeBrincat, Austin Watson, Cam Talbot, Jacob Bernard-Docker

A loaded return night. DeBrincat, once pegged as a long-term core player, didn't want to be here. So he was traded after just one season. The popular Watson brought grit and leadership during his three seasons. Talbot and Bernard-Docker round out the group of familiar faces.

Saturday, January 24 vs Carolina Hurricanes — Mike Reilly

The smooth-skating defenseman played 70 games with the Sens between 2019 and 2021. Reilly missed over four months with the Islanders after a heart procedure last season—so it’s good to see him playing anywhere.

Saturday, January 25 vs Vegas Golden Knights — Mark Stone

Stone, who spends his summers here, plays in Ottawa for the first time since 2022. The Sens’ 2010 sixth-round steal captained Vegas to a Cup two years ago.

Wednesday, January 28 vs Colorado Avalanche — Parker Kelly

Known for his relentless motor, Kelly was a locker room favourite during his tenure in Ottawa. He now grinds it out for the Avs.

Sunday, March 15 vs San Jose Sharks — Adam Gaudette, Zack Ostapchuk (if rostered)

Gaudette played a short stint with Ottawa, scoring a surprising 19 goals. Ostapchuk, a former Sens prospect, could face his former organization if he cracks the Sharks’ NHL lineup.

Saturday, April 4 vs Minnesota Wild — Filip Gustavsson, Vladimir Tarasenko

Gustavsson is no longer being pushed by veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, who's now retired. Now the internal competition comes from young Jesper Wallstedt. Tarasenko, whose brief stay in Ottawa helped out the top-six, comes back with the Wild after a tough season in Detroit.

Tuesday, April 7 vs Tampa Bay Lightning — Nick Paul, Boris Katchouk

Paul, a do-it-all forward in Ottawa, has been excellent for Tampa. Katchouk, once a Sens fourth-liner, also returns.

There it is — a season filled with emotional reunions, feel-good storylines, and, in the case of the well-liked Norris, whose exit is still so fresh, maybe a few tears.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa

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Oops: Sens Fan Accidentally Receives Unreleased Ottawa Senators Third Jersey
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2018 World Junior Trial Ends: Former Senator Alex Formenton Found Not Guilty
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Schwarber leads way as Phillies pull off dominant win over Orioles

Schwarber leads way as Phillies pull off dominant win over Orioles originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

If the Phillies can take advantage of breaks like the one they caught Monday night, this might turn out to be a pretty special year.

A challenged two-out call to keep J.T. Realmuto on base in the sixth inning was the first of many cascading events that led the Phillies to a 13-3 win over the Orioles.

Much of the crowd may have been hoping for a close game, thus demanding the services of new closer Jhoan Duran. But it was his former and current teammate who provided much of the excitement as the Phillies rode a spectacular sixth inning into a dominant win.

With two outs in the sixth, J.T. Realmuto was called safe on a ground ball to third. Replay appeared to show the throw may have beaten him by the slightest of margins.

Put it this way. If it was watched 100 times, it’d probably split down the middle whether he was out or not. But the call on the field stood and Realmuto was at first with two outs in a 3-3 game.

Nick Castellanos then singled on a 3-1 pitch to bring up Harrison Bader, the newly acquired outfielder Dave Dombrowski plucked from the Minnesota Twins, just a day after pilfering closer Duran at the trade deadline.

Not to be outdone by the weekend of Duran thrills, Bader turned on a high, 97-mile-an-hour fastball from Orioles reliever Corbin Martin and buried one deep into the left field seats for a 6-3 lead.

That was his first big moment as a Phillie.

“New team, new situation, new fan base, new city. I’m here for a reason, one singular reason, and that’s to perform and help this team win,” said Bader. “It feels really good to come through in that situation. Good to get the first one out of the way.

“I’m very flattered and grateful for the opportunity. When I’m out there and so many fans are behind me and cheering for me and wanting me to succeed for this team, it makes me feel really good and I’m just extremely grateful. I’m just going to try to settle into that and play the best I can for my teammates and for this fan base.”

He may not have had that opportunity Monday night had it not been for the hustle of Realmuto, who just barely kept that miraculous inning alive.

“Just the hustle of J.T. down that line kept the inning going; we score eight runs after that,” said Rob Thomson. “You have to give a lot of credit to J.T.” Asked what he thought of the call, Thomson said with a bit of a smirk, “I thought they got it right.”

It was a home run hitting night at The Bank as a total of eight left the yard, six by the home team. And you know when you’re talking homers this season, Kyle Schwarber has to be involved.

Bryce Harper opened the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning. But the Orioles quickly answered in the second, as Tyler O’Neill launched a two-run shot off Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo to give Baltimore the lead.

The Orioles went up 3-1 in the third when Jordan Westburg went yard, but Schwarber answered in the bottom of the inning when his second-deck, 427-foot blast tied it at three.

Then came the two-out magic in the sixth for the Phils. After Bader’s heroics, the Phillies got three straight singles to score another run and then a walk to Trea Turner to load the bases.

As Schwarber strode to the plate, deafening chants of “MVP” greeted him. Schwarber blasted a second-pitch grand slam to the second deck to bring four more to the plate.

“You hear MVP chants, and I think they’re warranted,” said Luzardo. “He’s a stud and I couldn’t be happier for him. It couldn’t happen to a better guy.”

“It was incredible,” said Thomson. “He’s had a great year, he really has. The home runs, the RBI, the big hits he’s had for us, the on-base (percentage). He’s just had a great year.

“He’s one of those guys. He’s very humble. He’s a great person. He does a lot for the community, does a lot in his organization and he’s a great player, great hitter. I can understand why everybody loves him. I do, too.

For good measure, Edmundo Sosa and Weston Wilson each hit solo shots in the eight to close out the huge scoring night for the Phils.

Luzardo delivered six innings with three earned runs and a pair of homers allowed. He did not walk a batter and struck out seven. Most importantly, he had his command, as 64 of his 91 pitches were for strikes.

His last outing was a seven inning, two-hit, no run performance against the Chicago White Sox last week. With the win, Luzardo improved to 10-5 and the Phillies upped their record to 64-48. They not have a one and a half game lead on the New York Mets in the East as they lost, 7-6, to Cleveland Monday.

“They put up some runs in the first three innings and you have to find a way to keep the team in the game,” said Luzardo. “I thought me and J.T. did a good job of that. I was grateful we could make the adjustments and kind of change the game plan on them. Anytime you can get a quality start and a win, that’s a great night.”

A great night it was for many, and Schwarber won’t forget any time soon. “I think that we always feed off energy and when you get into a spot and the crowd’s up and chanting whatever it is, you feed off it. Those are the moments that you take in as a player. Those are special things that happen and those are things that kind of just go back in the memory and hold on to those things for a while. I appreciate it. I’m just here to help these guys win on a daily basis.”

He’s doing that. Asked later about how he’s capable of doing what he’s done this season, Schwarber said, “baseball is fun.”

It is, especially for him right now.

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Former Shark Continues Career With Kärpät Of Liiga

Former San Jose Sharks defenseman Markus Nutivaara has announced that he is continuing his hockey career with Kärpät of Liiga.

Unfortunately, Nutivaara was never able to play in a regular season game with the organization due to a hip injury that forced him to hang up his skates for a period of time.

Now, though, he is healthy enough to resume his career, and he’s very excited about it. In his press release, he had this to say:

"I have butterflies in my stomach and I feel like a little boy!" He went on to add, "The starting points are certainly challenging. I had hip surgery in November – it took a couple of months until I started to feel like I could move well. I went to watch a Kärppien game and realized that I couldn't just watch hockey, I wanted to be playing myself! I didn't have that feeling before the surgery because I was in so much pain. As the rehabilitation process progressed, I had the playful idea of trying it! Let's get my body back in top shape – there's nothing to lose. With good luck, you'll be able to play, with bad luck, at least you'll be in good shape and can live normally for the rest of your life."

Nutivaara has played 275 games in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers over six seasons. He has scored 17 goals and 54 assists for 71 points and had a plus-26 rating.

67 Days Until Opening Day: The Sharks' History of Number 6767 Days Until Opening Day: The Sharks' History of Number 67We’re officially just 67 days away from the San Jose Sharks taking the ice at SAP Center and hosting the Vegas Golden Knights on opening night. From The Archive: Nabokov For KiprusoffFrom The Archive: Nabokov For KiprusoffThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features. 3 AHL Rookies Who Could Be Difference Makers for the San Jose Barracuda3 AHL Rookies Who Could Be Difference Makers for the San Jose BarracudaThe San Jose Sharks have an abundance of prospects who will be battling for spots in the NHL and the American Hockey League this coming season. From The Archive: Michael Misa vs. James Hagens From The Archive: Michael Misa vs. James Hagens The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.
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Islanders Sign No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer To Entry-Level Deal

The New York Islanders announced that they have signed No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer to his entry-level deal. 

Just because Schaefer signed his ELC, that doesn't mean he's going to be on the NHL roster this fall. 

The soon-to-be 18-year-old's goal is to make the Islanders out of training camp, where he'll likely be battling with Isaiah George for the final starting blue-line spot. 

However, if Schaefer doesn't make the team, he'll be sent back to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, where he must remain until the OHL season comes to an end before being recalled. 

Signing his ELC eliminates Schaefer from going the collegiate route. 

The most likely route for Schaefer and the Islanders is to give him a nine-game sample size at the NHL level before making a decision. 

Once Schaefer plays in NHL game No. 10, he will burn a year off his ELC, and that's not ideal, hence the nine-game sample size we see often around the league.

Regardless of how this all plays out, signing his ELC is a huge moment for Schaefer and the franchise. 

PHOTO: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Ducks Sign Colangelo, Washe to Two-Year Contracts

The Ducks have trimmed their unsigned RFAs list down to one. Mason McTavish is the lone RFA left for the Ducks to sign after they signed forwards Sam Colangelo and Tim Washe to two-year deals on Monday. Both deals are two-way contracts in 2025-26 and will convert into one-way contracts for the 2026-27 season.

Colangelo split time between the NHL and AHL with the Ducks and San Diego Gulls during the 2024-25 season. He scored 22 goals in 40 games with the Gulls during his first full season as a pro and was named to the AHL All-Star Game. In 32 games with the Ducks, he scored 10 goals, with five of those coming during a four-game goalscoring streak at the beginning of March.

"I think I've grown a lot this year," Colangelo said. "I think the biggest thing I've probably gotten better at is my defensive play. Still a work in progress, especially playing against the best players in the world. It's hard to defend them, but just playing through bodies and using my size to my advantage, finishing checks. I think I've grown a lot, but I still think I have a long way to go."

Jan 12, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Sam Colangelo (64) comes off the ice after the warmups before the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

Primarily used in the bottom-6 at the NHL level after occupying a top line role in the AHL, Colangelo is likely to have a similar role for the Ducks this upcoming season. Despite the departure of Trevor Zegras via trade, the additions of Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund will fill out the top-6, pushing the likes of Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano down the lineup. Colangelo's best bet at a regular lineup spot may be on the fourth line, perhaps playing alongside another new addition in Ryan Poehling and fellow youngster Nikita Nesterenko.

At 6-foot-2 and weighing over 210 pounds, Colangelo can use his size and strength to help create what would be a much more complete fourth line than any that the Ducks have had in seasons past. With Granlund taking No. 64, Colangelo has switched to No. 12, which he wore during his senior collegiate season with Western Michigan.

Washe has just two NHL games under his belt, joining the Ducks as an undrafted free agent in April after helping lead Western Michigan to an NCAA championship. A sturdy center who excels on faceoffs, Washe said that he signed with the Ducks because of their young core and their need for another center.

"I'm just trying my best to make that fit and help the team," Washe said. "Just try to help any way I can. At the end of the day, you control what you can control. Effort, attitude, all that stuff. Just focus on that and getting better each day."

Tim Washe speaks to local media at 2025 Ducks development camp

With a strong set of players down the middle in Leo Carlsson, McTavish, Strome and Poehling, Washe will likely start the season in the AHL to get more seasoning, barring an impressive training camp performance. The Gulls' center depth is quite strong as well, led by AHL veteran Ryan Carpenter and supplemented by Nathan Gaucher and Jan Myšák, who had a breakout AHL season in 2024-25.

All attention now turns to McTavish, who will likely see a large pay bump on his next contract. With a little over a month until training camp, there has been plenty of speculation on McTavish's future from external media outlets. Reaching an agreement before training camp would prevent a scenario similar to the one that played out with Zegras and Jamie Drysdale in 2023, where the pair of players signed mid-way through camp but then got injured.

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Featured image caption: Nov 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Sam Colangelo (64) shoots the puck during the second period against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

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Yankees will decide whether to activate Aaron Judge from IL after he arrives in Texas on Monday night

The Yankees haven't made a decision on reinstating Aaron Judge from the injured list just yet. That will come after the slugger arrives in Arlington later on Monday night, where New York is gearing up for a three-game series against the Texas Rangers.

Speaking to reporters before the series opener, manager Aaron Boone didn't want to definitively say that Judge will be activated before Tuesday's game and that he wants to talk to his outfielder before any such decision is made.

Judge has spent the last two days in Tampa, where he was taking live batting practice, and although no decision has been made on his return to the team, it seems likely that Judge will return on Tuesday.

It's also possible that Judge begins a throwing program at some point soon after landing on the IL with a flexor strain.

Once he returns, Judge will DH before he's healthy enough to play in the outfield.

Boone added that Giancarlo Stanton will not be playing the outfield during the series, which could mean he is relegated to the bench if Judge when Judge returns to the lineup. However, the skipper said Stanton could see time in the outfield when the Yanks return to The Bronx for a weekend series against the Houston Astros.

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Vancouver Canucks Coaches’ Playing Careers: Jason Krog

Welcome back to The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks site’s Coaches as Players series. Last time, we looked at Canucks icon and player development coach Henrik Sedin’s playing career. Today, we’ll be taking a look at skills and skating coach Jason Krog’s NHL career with the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, New York Rangers, and Canucks. 

Krog, an undrafted forward, specialized in faceoffs during his time in the NHL. Originally from Fernie, BC, he played with the Creston Valley Thunder and Chilliwack Chiefs from 1992 to 1995 before embarking on a four-year NCAA journey with the University of New Hampshire. He enjoyed back-to-back 66-point seasons, the latter of which he scored 33 goals during, and finished his time there with a total of 94 goals and 144 assists in 152 games. Krog was named captain in his final year and scored an NCAA career-high of 34 goals and 51 assists in 41 games. 

The 1999–2000 season was Krog’s first in the NHL, during which he played with the Islanders. He made his NHL debut on December 4, 1999, in a 4–3 loss to the Thrashers. Krog’s first NHL point came on February 10, 2000 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, after tallying an assist on the game’s opening goal scored by Mariusz Czerkawski. The game after, he had his first multi-point game with two assists against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game after that, he scored his first NHL goal against the Rangers. Krog finished his first NHL season with two goals and four assists in 17 games played. During this season, he also spent time with the Lowell Lock Monsters and Providence Bruins of the AHL. 

Krog spent most of the season after, 2000–01, in the AHL. While he did slot into the Islanders’ lineup for nine games, tallying three assists in this span of time, he split most of his season with the Lock Monsters and Springfield Falcons. He tallied 11 goals and 16 assists with Lowell and seven goals and 23 assists with the Falcons, adding up to 57 points in 60 AHL games. 

In 2001–02, Krog played in 64 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, scoring 26 goals and 36 assists. He only played in two games for the Islanders, but had the chance to join Bridgeport in their quest for the 2002 Calder Cup. Despite a 10-goal, 13-assist effort in 20 playoff games, Krog and the Tigers lost 4–1 to the Chicago Wolves in the Calder Cup Final. Even so, this was only the beginning of Krog’s experience with Calder Cup Finals action. 

2002–03 marked the start of a different journey for Krog. Newly acquired by the Ducks organization, Krog spent 67 games with Anaheim in his first season with the club. It only took him two games to get his first point as a Duck and five to get his first goal. He had his first two-goal game on January 9, 2003 against the Colorado Avalanche, and recorded three assists against the Phoenix Coyotes on February 7. He finished the season with 10 goals and 15 assists. 

The 2003–04 season was Krog’s first full season spent in the NHL, as he played in 80 of the Ducks’ games. However, he saw a decline in his overall point production, scoring six goals and 12 assists — seven points less than what he had the season prior. During the lockout the year after, Krog played for Villacher SV of the EBEL, posting 27 goals and 33 assists in 48 games. While the NHL returned to play the year afterm Krog remained in Europe, spending the season with Genève-Servette HC of the NLA and Frölunda HC in Elitserien. 

Krog made his return to the NHL in 2006–07, joining the Thrashers for only 14 games. He potted a goal and three assists before ending up with the Rangers. With New York, Krog found his way to the Wolves — the team that had beaten him in the Calder Cup Final only five years prior. In 44 games with the Wolves, he scored an impressive 26 goals and 54 assists. In the postseason, he posted five goals and 14 assists in Chicago’s 15-game run. 

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In 2007–08, Krog stuck solely with the Wolves in the AHL. This seemed to have paid off, however, as he finished the season with 39 goals and 73 assists in 80 games played, making this his first 100-point season in any league. This effort earned him the Les Cunningham Award, which is given to the most valuable player in the AHL. Krog was a beast in the postseason as well, scoring 12 goals and 26 assists in 24 games and being named MVP of the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs. Six seasons after losing to the Wolves in the Calder Cup Final, Krog hoisted the Calder Cup as a member of the very team that defeated him back then. 

After the success of his 2007–08 season with Chicago, Krog ended up signing a deal with none other than the Canucks. Despite only playing in four games and scoring a goal for Vancouver, Krog had yet another offensively-prolific season in the AHL — this time with the Manitoba Moose. He put together his second consecutive 30-goal season and added 56 assists to this, also stringing together an eight-goal, 15-assist performance in the postseason. While Krog had come out victorious in the 2008 Calder Cup Final, he and the Moose were on the opposite side in 2009, losing in six games to the Hershey Bears. 

Sep 16, 2007; St. Louis, MO, USA; Atlanta Thrashers forward Jason Krog (10) skates up ice as St. Louis Blues forward Dwayne King (19) follows during the second period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, MO. Mandatory Credit:Scott Rovak-Imagn Images Copyright © Scott Rovak

Krog’s four games with the Canucks were the final games of his NHL career, as after this, he played in the AHL and a variety of European leagues before hanging up the skates in 2016–17. Before departing for Europe, he spent two more seasons with the Wolves, both as captain, and put together back-to-back 75-point seasons. 

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