BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 23: Matt Wilkinson #71 of the San Francisco Giants pitches at Fenway Park on August 23, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s doubleheader time! I’m not sure if that’s the good news or the bad news, but it’s the news. The San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks are playing twice today, not to make up for a lost game but so they can have a much-needed day off on Sunday.
Taking the mound for the Giants is left-hander Matt Wilkinson, who makes his return after being optioned earlier in the week (Wilkinson is able to skirt the 10-day post-optioning minimum because of the extra player allocated for the doubleheader). The aptly-nicknamed Tugboat has made two appearances this year in his debut season, and has allowed eight hits, no walks, and four runs in 5.2 innings, with two strikeouts. He has a 5.15 ERA and a 5.37 FIP in 10 AAA starts.
For the Diamondbacks, it’s veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly. A 37-year old in his eighth season, Kelly has made 24 starts, and is 8-12 with a 5.35 ERA, a 5.69 FIP, and 88 strikeouts to 60 walks in 134.2 innings. In his last start, Kelly gave up three runs in 5.2 innings against the Chicago Cubs.
Enjoy the baseball, everyone. And then stick around for more baseball!
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 12: Umpire Bill Miller #26 checks the hands of Daniel Lynch IV #41 of the Kansas City Royals during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
During this road trip, the Royals demoted Mason Black back to the minor leagues. This is relevant because in every prior start for Daniel Lynch IV, affectionately known as Danny Drips, Mason Black has stood ready to enter the game at nearly a moment’s notice and pitch multiple innings. This was to cover for the fact that Lynch has been working his way, slowly, back into starter form. Tonight will be Danny’s first start without the backup. He has to try to cover the innings, whether he has the stuff, the stamina, or neither. And that could be terrifying for Royals fans.
The Guardians, fortunately, don’t have much of an offense. They’ve been much better in August, but two of their three best hitters this month are left-handed, a class that Lynch has traditionally done much better against. The one caveat there is that their hottest hitter, rookie Chase DeLauter, has reverse splits this season. So Lynch will have to watch out for him.
The Guardians will counter with former Royal Foster Griffin. Griffin, as you’ll recall from when the Royals faced him earlier this year while he was with the Nationals, spent three years in NPB and came back a new man. That said, he’s not been nearly as good with the Guardians in his four starts with them. He’s walked more, gave up more home runs, and his ERA is a full run higher because of it. He pitched six innings of one-run ball against the Royals for the Nats, but if he has lost something since then, perhaps they can get to him this time.*
Funnily enough, the Royals had a real shot to come back against the Nats’ bullpen in that game, but Lynch allowed three runs in hisrelief appearance and ended that dream.
Lineups
Isaac Collins will get his second start at the keystone for the Royals; he looked pretty good there earlier this week. Matthew Lugo will get his first start for the Royals, playing in left field. One thing Griffin didn’t have to deal with in his last start against the Royals was the red-hot trio of Carter Jensen, Bobby Witt. Jr., and Jac Caglianone that currently stands ready at the top of the lineup to punish him for any missed pitches.
Erik Portillo has done just about everything the Los Angeles Kings could have asked of him at the AHL level.
The 25-year-old Swedish goaltender has steadily developed with the Ontario Reign, shown flashes of NHL-caliber ability, and put together a strong enough body of work to make the Kings believe he can eventually handle a bigger role.
But there’s a difference between being ready for an opportunity and having an opportunity available.
That’s the problem Portillo faces heading into the 2026-27 season.
The Kings already have two goaltenders with legitimate claims to the NHL crease. Darcy Kuemper is coming off a disappointing finish to last season and has plenty to prove as he looks to reestablish himself as Los Angeles’ No. 1. Meanwhile, Anton Forsberg arrived with experience and proceeded to play some of the best hockey of his career when the Kings needed him most.
Portillo may be knocking on the door, but someone has to open it.
The Kings Have A Goaltending Logjam
There’s no question Portillo has the physical tools to play in the NHL.
At 6-foot-6, he has the size teams traditionally covet in a goaltender, and his development with the Reign has given the Kings plenty of reason to remain intrigued. He also has one NHL appearance under his belt, stopping 28 of 29 shots in a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 29, 2024.
That performance showed he wasn’t overwhelmed by the moment.
But one strong NHL appearance doesn’t mean the Kings should simply hand him a roster spot.
That would be especially difficult to justify given what the organization already has in front of him.
Kuemper, a former Stanley Cup champion with the Colorado Avalanche, is entering the final year of his contract and has every reason to come into camp determined to reclaim the starting job. His 2025-26 season ended on a sour note, and there will be plenty of motivation for the veteran goaltender to prove that the struggles late in the year were an aberration rather than a sign of what’s to come.
Then there’s Forsberg.
The veteran goaltender wasn’t merely a placeholder last season. He stepped into a much larger role and played extremely well, posting a .910 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average during the regular season. More importantly, when the Kings reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Forsberg was trusted to start all four games of their first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche.
Los Angeles ultimately got swept, but it’s difficult to pin that result on its goaltender.
Forsberg gave the Kings a chance.
That matters.
Portillo Will Have To Earn It
This is where Portillo’s situation gets interesting.
It isn’t about whether he is talented enough to become an NHL goaltender. He very well might be. It’s about whether he can force the Kings to make a difficult decision.
That starts in training camp.
Portillo probably needs to be outstanding. Not just good. Not just solid. He needs to make the organization seriously consider whether keeping him in the AHL is still the best option.
And even then, it might not be enough.
The reality is that Portillo may need some help from circumstances beyond his control.
An injury to Kuemper or Forsberg would immediately create an opening. A significant decline from either goaltender could do the same. If one of the veterans struggles badly enough, Portillo could suddenly become a much more realistic option.
That’s not necessarily a knock on Portillo. It’s simply the nature of the position.
Goaltending depth is one of those things every NHL team wants to have until it suddenly needs it.
The Kings have that depth right now.
His Chance Is Coming
Portillo shouldn’t be discouraged by the current situation.
If anything, he’s in a position where patience could pay off.
He has already established himself as a legitimate prospect within the organization, and another strong season with Ontario would only strengthen his case. The Kings also know that NHL seasons rarely go according to plan, particularly when it comes to goaltenders.
Injuries happen. Performance fluctuates. Players lose their jobs.
Eventually, something will create an opening.
When that happens, Portillo needs to be ready.
The temptation would be to look at his size, his AHL numbers and his previous NHL appearance and conclude that he should simply be handed the backup role. But that isn’t how this should work.
Portillo has to earn it.
And the good news for him is that he has plenty of time to do exactly that.
The Kings don’t need to rush him into the NHL just because he appears close. They can allow him to continue developing, keep pressure on him to perform, and wait for the right opportunity.
If Portillo plays out of his mind in camp, perhaps he forces the issue.
If Kuemper struggles or gets hurt, perhaps the door opens.
If Forsberg can’t replicate last season’s success, perhaps another opportunity appears.
But if Kuemper returns to form and Forsberg continues playing like the goaltender Los Angeles saw last season, Portillo may simply have to wait.
That doesn’t mean he isn’t ready.
It means the Kings have two goaltenders in front of him who have earned the right to be there.
And eventually, Portillo will get his chance.
When he does, he’ll have to make sure the Kings have no reason to send him back.
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 28: Brady House #12, Abimelec Ortiz #81, Max Kranick #35, CJ Abrams #5, Harry Ford #17, and Jorbit Vivas #84 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after the game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on August 28, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Runs are going to be at a premium in this contest. Sandy Alcantara and Cade Cavalli are two of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now. Cavalli is ascending as he completes his first full big league season. Meanwhile, Sandy is starting to look more like the guy who won a Cy Young a few years ago.
The Nats have 4 straight lefties at the top of their lineup. CJ Abrams is back at DH as he slowly progresses from his ankle injury. Interestingly, Jose Tena is out in left field. That moves Daylen Lile to right and Dylan Crews to center. Nasim Nunez is back at short after a needed day off. Keibert Ruiz is behind the dish. He will be catching Cade Cavalli, the Nats ace.
With a righty on the mound, the Marlins are adding some left handed thump to the lineup. Griffin Conine, Owen Caissie and Jakob Marsee all return to the Marlins lineup. Kyle Stowers is also up in the leadoff spot. As mentioned, Sandy Alcantara is on the mound and he is throwing the ball well right now.
With Cavalli facing off against Sandy, this is the most exciting Nats game in a while. Hopefully this matchup lives up to the billing. Since that 13-1 humiliation the other day, the boys have been playing with more energy. We will need to see that continue though. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 23: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Athletics at Daikin Park on August 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The Houston Astros (68-67) and New York Mets (60-75) will play the 2nd game of this 3-game series this afternoon at Citi Field.
LHP Bennett Sousa (1-3, 6.27 ERA) will serve as the opener today for the Astros as he takes on Mets RHP Nolan McLean (9-8, 3.21 ERA).
ASTROS-METS: Since 2017, the Astros are 14-3 vs. the Mets, with a 5-1 mark here at Citi Field. They took 2 of 3 from NYM in their last visit to Citi Field, June 28-30, 2024.
Common Bond: The Astros and Mets both entered the Major Leagues in 1962, with both clubs competing in the NL at that time (HOU moved to the AL in 2013). Both clubs have won two World Series Championships and five pennants. The Astros hold the edge in the all-time regular season series with a 323-263-1 record, while the Mets were victorious in the one postseason series between the two clubs, taking the 1986 NLCS in what was a thrilling, 6-game series.
NY STATE OF MIND: Tonight is the 5th game of a 6-game road trip for the Astros (3-1 thus far), with all 6 games being scheduled in the Big Apple. Prior to the current series vs. NYM, the Astros took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in the Bronx (Tues-Thur).
Last Time It Happened: The Astros had a similar road trip in NYC, June 23-29 of 2022, during which they played 4 games at Yankee Stadium (2-2) and 2 games at Citi Field (2-0), respectively.
ABOUT BENNETT: This afternoon will be the 1st career ML start for LHP Bennett Sousa, who will serve as the opener. Sousa, who will be making his 99th career ML appearance today, has made 1 minor league start in his career, that coming on July 15 of this season while on rehab with the Astros Florida Complex League club (1.0 IP, 0 R).
First Time: Today will be Sousa’s 1st career appearance vs. the Mets.
LAST NIGHT’S RECAP: A 3-run rally in the 6th inning and a strong outing by starter RHP Hunter Brown helped lead the Astros to a 3-1 win in last night’s series opener at City Field. Brown (W, 4-3), allowed just 1 run on 5 hits in 6.2 innings of work with 10 strikeouts. A bases- loaded, 2-run double by Daulton Varsho was the key blow for the Astros in the 6th inning. RHP Bryan Abreu hurled 1.1 scoreless inn. in relief and LHP Josh Hader hurled a scoreless 9th to earn his 20th save in as many chances.
NOTHING EXTRA: Last night’s win marked the 2nd time this season that the Astros have won a game without collecting an extra-base hit. The other time was 4-1 win on July 25 at CWS. HOU is now 2-13 in games without an extra-base hit.
WHAT CAN BROWN DO FOR YOU?: In last night’s win, RHP Hunter Brown tallied a season-high 10 strikeouts, marking the 3rd time in his career that he has reached 10 or more K’s. In his last 7 starts, Brown has a 2.63 ERA (12ER/41IP). Last night was also his 1st career win vs. the Mets.
RECENT STROS: The Astros have won 3 of their last 4 games and are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
UP TO THE CHALLENGE: Astros hitters are 3rd in the Majors in successful ABS challenges with 84. Their 54% success rate in challenges is T-3rd best. Among individual players, Jose Altuve’s 20 successful challenges are T-1st in the AL.
TRIPLE THREAT: Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently leads the AL in several categories, including all three Triple Crown categories. He enters tonight leading the AL in batting avg. (.318) and HR (36) and T-1st in RBI (91). Additionally, Alvarez also leads the Majors in OPS (1.042), SLG (.607), OBP (.435) and TB (290).
Rare Feat: Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).
ON THE OFFENSIVE: Among AL teams, the Astros rank 1st in TB (1,861), 2nd in SLG (.412), T-2nd in HR (179), 3rd in runs scored (616) and 4th in OPS (.726).
MEASURING UP: The Astros are 25-17 (.595) vs. teams currently at .500 or above. Some clubs that they have winning records against include BOS (5-1), CHC (3-0), CWS (2-1), CLE (4-2), MIA (3-0), and TB (2-1). HOU is 9-4 vs. TEX, who are in 2nd place in the AL West.
SLOW AND STEADY RECOVERY: Since starting the season with a 20-31 record after 51 games, the Astros are 48-36 (.571) in their last 84 games (since May 22). That is the 2nd-best record in the AL in that span, behind only the Red Sox (51-33).
ROAD WARRIORS: Since posting a 1-9 record on the 1st road trip of the 2026 season, the Astros have been one of the best road teams in the Majors. They are 34-23 (.596) on the road since April 14, which is 3rd-best in the AL in that span. More recently, they are 18-11 (.607) on their last 5 road trips combined (includes current trip). Overall for the season, HOU is 35-32 on the road.
THE HIT MAN: Jose Altuve enters today’s game needing just 9 hits to reach 2,500 for his career. Among active players, his 2,491 hits rank 2nd to Freddie Freeman’s 2,581.
IN GOOD COMPANY: In MLB history, Altuve is one of just 3 players with a .300 career batting avg. to reach both 250 HR and 300 SB. The other 2 are HOFers Willie Mays and Derek Jeter.
WALK OF FAME: Yordan Alvarez’ ML-high 28 intentional walks this season are a franchise record. Jeff Bagwell had held the club record with 27 IBB in 1997. Alvarez was intentionally walked 3 times on Sunday vs. ATH.
HADERADE: With last night’s scoreless 9th inning, LHP Josh Hader extended his scoreless innings streak to 18.0 innings (17 app.). His is the longest streak by an Astros hurler this season and the 3rd-longest current streak in the Majors. Opponents are just 4×58 (.069) during the streak. Hader is also now 20-for-20 in save opportunities in 2026. Hader in August: 1-0, 12 G, 0.00 ERA, 13.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 15 SO.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY:2007 – Multiple milestones are reached in a 7-0 victory over the Cardinals. Lance Berkman hits his 250th career HR and Craig Biggio hits his 655th career double, tying George Brett for 5th place on the all-time list. Additionally, RHP Roy Oswalt hurls 7.0 scoreless innings to pick up the win on what is his 30th birthday.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, August 29, 3:10 p.m. CT
Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 17: A general view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Coit Tower on December 17, 2019, in San Francisco, California. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. (Photo by Paul Rovere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
DIAMONDBACKS
GIANTS
Ildemaro Vargas – 2B
Drew Gilbert – CF
Corbin Carroll – RF
Rafael Devers – 1B
Gabriel Moreno – C
Bryce Eldridge – DH
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Jung Hoo Lee – RF
Nolan Arenado – DH
Turner Hill – LF
Tim Tawa – 1B
Drew Cavanaugh – C
Jose Fernandez – 3B
Shay Whitcomb – 3B
Jordan Lawlar – CF
Nate Furman – 2B
Ryan Waldschmidt – LF
Christian Koss – SS
Merrill Kelly – RHP
Matt Wilkinson – LHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
Selected from Triple-A Reno: RHP Derek Law (No. 38)
Appointed as 27th man for today’s games: LHP Mitch Bratt
Optioned to Triple-A Reno following last night’s game: LHP Kohl Drake
Derek Law gets added to the 40-man roster. He last pitched in the big leagues for the Nationals in 2024, when he had a stellar 2.60 ERA across 75 appearances. However, he started the following year on the IL, and needed surgery in July to repair a torn flexor tendon. He made a couple of rehab appearances in the ACL in May, but ended up back on the IL for a couple of months. Law started pitching for Reno again just a couple of weeks ago, and has thrown 6.1 scoreless innings across five appearances, with five strikeouts and no walks. Small sample size, but that is fairly promising. He last pitched on the 26th, tossing 16 pitches.
I think it’s fair to say, we could have done with Drake throwing more than four innings yesterday. The D-backs ended up having to use five relievers the rest of the way, four of them throwing more than twenty pitches. I suspect we will end up seeing some of them go back-to-back, and appearing at some point, in one or other of today’s contests. Loaisiga is probably the only one I’d say was off the board, having already pitched back-to-back. Taylor Clarke, Kevin Ginkel and Juan Morillo have all gone on consecutive days nine times this year, and Brandyn Garcia seven, so it’s certainly not unprecedented. The off-day Sunday helps, as we can empty the tank.
It’ll be interesting to see if the fuss between Merrill Kelly and the Cubs’ third-base coach in has last start has any impact. If he was doing something which could give the opposition a clue as to what was coming, that would go a long way to explaining the poor results Kelly has delivered this year. Addressing it could then pay dividends the rest of the season. Today, of all days, a long outing would be welcome. Kelly hasn’t completed six innings since before the All Star break. In those eight outings since July 9, he has a K:BB of only 29:22, so that’s something else to keep an eye on for this afternoon’s start.
With tomorrow an off day due to the rescheduling, we have a rare Saturday guest recap! PhoenixSportsFan will be bringing you this one, with Dano covering the nightcap.
As the anticipation for the 2026-27 NHL season grows, TheHockeyNews.com will be taking a look at the top 10 prospects in the St. Louis Blues' system, with skilled and high-energy forward Otto Stenberg coming in at the fourth spot.
The players in this ranking do not have extensive NHL experience and are all 23 and under. Therefore, players like Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Logan Mailloux, among others, won't feature in this ranking for those reasons.
The order of these rankings reflects a mix of their ceilings and potential, as well as how they've performed over the past year with their respective clubs.
Otto Stenberg might lack size, listed at just 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, but that doesn't affect his determination to win the puck back. Stenberg hounds the puck on the forecheck and doesn't back down from anyone.
In a 32-game stint in the NHL during the 2025-26 season, Stenberg finished with three goals and 10 points while averaging just 13:37 of ice time. In addition to his production, Stenberg fired 31 shots on goal, recorded 49 hits, and blocked 15 shots, showcasing an all-around approach.
According to naturalstattrick.com, the Blues outscored their opponents 11-9 at 5-on-5 with Stenberg on the ice, but were below 50 percent in statistics such as Corsi For, expected goals for, and high-danger chances.
Despite that, his first stint in the NHL showed plenty of positive traits, and although he is facing an uphill battle to make the team out of training camp, it has at least opened the door to give it his best shot.
But more likely than not, Stenberg will begin the season in the AHL with the Springfield Thunderbirds and wait for injuries or poor performances before earning a call-up.
Last season, the 21-year-old posted four goals and 17 points in 36 games. The production was underwhelming for a former 25th overall pick of the 2023 NHL draft, but the Blues coaching staff and front office were confident in the details Stenberg showed.
Heading into the 2026-27 season, Stenberg must continue to shine in the small details but find ways to turn it into production. If he can do so, he'll find himself in the NHL rather quickly and will force his way up the line in a permanent role.
Like Theo Lindstein, Maddox Dagenais, and Milton Gastrin, who were previously mentioned in these rankings, Stenberg projects more as a middle-of-the-lineup player. In the middle six, Stenberg can provide scoring depth with defensive capabilities.
Stenberg could develop into a top-line player, but he lacks the necessary skill set to be a play driver on a top line. He could still become a strong complementary piece on a top line, which is why he lands at the fourth spot in these rankings.
For now, a safer projection is a versatile middle-six winger.
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Shaquille O’Neal never dunked on either Mike Francesa or Chris Russo, but he might have played a small part in breaking up a powerhouse radio duo.
Former “Mike and the Mad Dog” producer Sal Licata, who was working for the show at the end of its run in the summer of 2008, said one of the final straws in the often-tense relationship between the iconic co-hosts had to do with the trade of Shaq to the Suns in February 2008.
“I think there was an issue over the Phoenix Suns’ ‘Over’ win total,” Licata said on the Awful Announcing podcast. “That Mike was on one side of it, Dog [Russo] was on another side of it, and they were fighting because they had the same bet together. And Shaq got traded to the Suns.
Mike Francesa (left) and Chris Russo of ‘Mike and the Mad Dog’ get together for a SiriusXM Town Hall hosted by Chazz Palminteri at SiriusXM Studios on Thursday, July 6, 2017, in New York City. Getty Images for SiriusXM
“I remember that being a little bit of an issue. I’m not saying that is the straw that broke the camel’s back or whatever, but that was a little bit of an issue.”
Licata explained that Russo thought O’Neal landing in Phoenix was a boost for the Suns’ win total, while Francesa thought the deal was going to lower the win total.
It sounds like a foolish debate.
“I know it sounds crazy,” Licata admitted. “But I’m telling you the truth. Now there was obviously other stuff at play. I don’t think it was all that. But that definitely caused some tension between the two.”
It was Heat executive — and former Knicks coach — Pat Riley who traded O’Neal to the Suns.
Riley is part of the “Mike and the Mad Dog” fabric because he was a regular guest on the show before playoff games in the 1990s, and then the program ripped into him for faxing in his resignation to leave for the Heat after the 1995 playoffs.
Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’Neal runs up the court against the Sacramento Kings on, April 3, 2009, in Phoenix. AP
Russo left to start his own SiriusXM radio channel, while Francesa remained at WFAN through 2020.
For what it’s worth, the Suns finished 55-27 but were bounced in the first round of the playoffs.
O’Neal was an All-Star during his first full season with the Suns in 2009.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 28: Casey Mize #32 of the San Diego Padres walks back to the dugout following the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on August 28, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (72-63) at Tampa Bay Rays (80-54), August 29, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST
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WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 26: Zach Agnos #36 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on August 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Rockies will look to bounce back after last night’s 6-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The Rox put up a fight, but went just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and ran into Atlanta’s stellar defense (namely Ozzie Albies at second base).
The Rockies have yet to win a game against the Braves this year, and have gone just 6-24 since 2022 (3-11 in Atlanta). They’re also in the middle of a 13-game stretch without an off-day, going just 2-6 so far. They’ve also gone 9-16 in August — 7-7 on the road and 2-9 at home. That’s tied for the third-best road winning percentage in the National League and the worst home winning percentage in the Majors this month.
Ryan Feltner was originally slated to make his 21st start of the year, but was scratched about an hour ago due to illness. Zach Agnos will start in his place, but manager Warren Schaeffer said he hopes Feltner will be available out of the bullpen if he is able to make it to the ballpark.
Agnos has made two starts this year, to mixed results. His first start came against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 21st, where he threw five shutout innings and allowed just one hit. He walked one and struck out four. His second start came on June 6th at home against the Milwaukee Brewers, and while he only allowed two runs on three hits, both came on solo homers. He also walked three and struck out just one. In his last outing three days ago, Agnos pitched two scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts. He threw 26 pitches, 18 for strikes. Agnos has faced the Braves twice in his career, allowing three runs (two earned) with two walks, a strikeout and a save across 2.1 combined innings. He has not pitched at Truist Park
Agnos will face Braves’ left-hander Martín Pérez. Pérez is in his first season with the Braves after signing a minor league deal with them in the offseason. The 35-year-old journeyman is making his 25th appearance (21st start) for the Braves. In his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, he tossed four innings and allowed four runs (one earned) with three walks and two strikeouts. Since he debuted in 2012, Pérez has faced the Rockies eight times and is 2-3 with a 3.60 ERA.
The Rockies need to go 11-16 through their final 27 games to avoid 100 losses. Can they get another one this afternoon?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets at bat in the third inning during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on July 24, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – DH
Bo Bichette – 3B
Carson Benge – RF
Jared Young – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
A.J. Ewing – CF
Brett Baty – LF
Francisco Alvarez – C
SP: Nolan McLean – RHP
Astros lineup
Jeremy Pena – DH
Yordan Alvarez – LF
Isaac Paredes – 3B
Jose Altuve – 2B
Daulton Varsho – CF
Christian Walker – 1B
Taylor Trammell – RF
Nick Allen – SS
Christian Vazquez – C
SP: Cristian Javier – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 4:10 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: The sneakers worn by Robert Baker #27 of the Indiana Pacers during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 18, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
NHL history was broken on August 28 when the Colorado Avalanche signed star defenceman Cale Makar to an eight-year, $20.4M AAV contract. This deal now makes him the league’s highest-paid player.
Makar wasn’t the only defenceman to sign a hefty long-term deal this off-season. Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Bowen Byram inked a $12.5M AAV contract that will keep him with Chicago for six years. Turmoil even surrounds ex-Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, who is entering the final year of his $7.85M AAV come 2026–27.
These bulky contracts for high-calibre NHL defencemen, while not on the same scale, serve as a stark reminder for the Canucks of something that they should be mindful of regarding young star Zeev Buium. The 20-year-old defenceman will enter the final year of his entry-level contract in 2026–27 and will become a UFA if not signed by the end of the season.
Observing the trends with players like Makar and Byram, and even Hughes, should encourage the Canucks to not just re-sign him, but lock Buium up long-term sooner rather than later if they can.
Vancouver doesn’t need to look far to see the benefits of a long-term signing.
When Hughes signed his six-year deal with the Canucks in October of 2021, his $7.85M AAV was still notably less than the $9M AAV deal signed by Makar only a couple of months before. In looking at what Hughes has provided in the years since signing this contract (a James Norris Memorial Trophy, three straight 70+ point seasons), and reflecting on other players that have signed much more expensive deals since, it’s clear that Vancouver was right to tack the defenceman down at the number they did — regardless of how things ultimately shook out with their former captain.
There are, of course, a variety of other factors that played into Hughes’ contract signing with Vancouver, which complicates this example a little more.
A better example to look at when it comes to high-term, cost-efficient extensions may be the contract signed by Montréal Canadiens defenceman Lane Hutson. Hutson signed an eight-year extension before his ELC even concluded, in October of 2025, with his AAV falling to $8.85M. He’ll enter the first year of this deal in 2026–27, at only 22 years old, with 66 and 78-point seasons already respectively under his belt. In comparison, Hutson is making less money per-year than players such as Dougie Hamilton, Darnell Nurse, and even fellow Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson. All three of these players are a fair bit older than Hutson and have yet to make the same offensive impact that the 22-year-old already has.
That’s a tidy deal for a defenceman that will be a key piece of Montréal’s future.
Where things are different in Buium’s case is the fact that the Canucks defenceman has only played in one NHL season —2025–26. While he’s shown legitimate potential and offensive creativity, at the same time, there’s always going to be a reasonable concern that the defenceman may not match the expectation of the contract he could be signed to. In other words, there’ll always be concern that the Canucks will rush when it comes to signing him.
The thing is, though, that Buium’s first NHL season saw the defenceman get shipped to a league-worst Vancouver team after only 31 total games in the league. Even with the Canucks’ struggles, Buium was still able to gain a foothold on the league and was even named the team’s Most Exciting Player by the end of the year. More time in different situations, such as extended power play usage or top-pairing minutes, will help the defenceman gain the experience he needs to blossom into the player many believe he can be.
Off the ice, Buium is also expected to become a key piece of Vancouver’s leadership core in the long-term future, making it even more imperative that he be locked-up long-term. If the defenceman is on-board when it comes to staying, a long-term move is a no-brainer.
When it comes to contract comparables, Makar and Buium aren’t even remotely close. Realistically, there are no other — if not very few other — defencemen in the NHL that could currently command $20M a year. That said, as the salary cap begins to rise, and players start getting paid more and more, more and more $20M-AAV contracts will likely start to trickle in. A rise in what one player is being paid will impact every other player in the league regardless of how closely comparable they are on the ice.
Makar is getting paid $20.4M per year. Hughes will likely command a similar number. Zach Werenski and Miro Heiskanen are both coming up on contract endings in 2027–28 and 2028–29 respectively. Regardless of calibre level, the price for premium defencemen is only going to get higher. The Canucks need to buy on Buium before his price tag starts rising as well.
Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium (24) handles the puck against the Los Angeles Kings in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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The boss in the dugout is typically no longer an ageing former player – most are in their 40s on an exhausting treadmill
One of the problems with getting older is that you’re never quite sure whether it’s you or them. Is the world really changing, or is it just you, struggling to adapt? There’s a milestone in life, probably as you’re contemplating university or a first job, when you realise you’re watching a footballer who is younger than you. Then, 15-20 years later, you realise you’re watching a manager who is younger than you. And 15-20 years after that, especially if you’re watching the modern Premier League, you realise that almost every manager is younger than you.
At which you do two things: give thanks for David Moyes; and check to see whether it’s actually happening, or whether this is just the football equivalent of the policemen-getting-younger cliche.
Stuart Skinner signed with the Winnipeg Jets on July 1 with a pretty clear job waiting for him.
Connor Hellebuyck was the starter, and Skinner was there to be the backup, take some of the workload off a goaltender who plays among the most games in the league, and try to get his own career back on track after a difficult season split between the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Winnipeg signed Skinner for two years at $3.75 million per season, giving him some security and a chance to work with longtime Jets goaltending coach Wade Flaherty.
Two months later, Skinner might be Winnipeg's starting goalie.
Hellebuyck publicly requested a trade Thursday after privately asking the Jets to move him several months ago. The 33-year-old said his position hasn't changed and that leaving Winnipeg is the right path for him and his family. Training camp opens in September, leaving general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff with one of the biggest decisions of his tenure.
The decision will have a pretty significant effect on Skinner.
Winnipeg didn't sign him to take Hellebuyck's job. NHL.com still listed Skinner as Hellebuyck's backup at the end of July, and Cheveldayoff said after the signing that Hellebuyck's uncertain future wasn't the reason the Jets pursued Skinner. He was coming off a season in which he went 23-17-9 with an .888 save percentage in 50 games between Edmonton and Pittsburgh.
Skinner's career has also provided plenty of evidence that a backup or tandem role suits him.
He has played 224 NHL games with a .902 career save percentage, reached consecutive Stanley Cup Finals with Edmonton and finished second in the Calder Trophy voting as a rookie. His workload increased quickly with the Oilers because Edmonton needed him to start, and the results became increasingly uneven. His playoff career included some very good stretches and enough difficult ones that Edmonton questioned its crease during long playoff runs.
Skinner was the hometown goalie playing for a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl during years when anything short of a Stanley Cup was treated as a failure. His final season with the Oilers ended with a trade to Pittsburgh, and he finished the 2025-26 season with the lowest save percentage of his NHL career.
Winnipeg keeps him in a Canadian market with plenty of attention on the local team. Jets fans will be much more present in the day-to-day conversation surrounding the club than Skinner would have experienced in many American markets. He knows what comes with playing goal in Canada and acknowledged the pressure himself after signing with Winnipeg, saying his experience in Edmonton gave him an understanding of the environment he was entering.
Doing it as Hellebuyck's backup was a reasonable situation for Skinner to be in. Doing it as the man replacing Hellebuyck would bring an entirely different amount of attention.
Hellebuyck has owned the Winnipeg crease for a decade. He has won three Vezina Trophies, won the Hart Trophy in 2025 and started 615 games since entering the NHL. His departure would leave Winnipeg without the player who has covered up plenty of problems during his 11 seasons with the organization.
There may not be another established starter coming through the door.
It all depends on the return for Hellebuyck. Buffalo has already discussed a Hellebuyck trade with Winnipeg, with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reporting during the NHL Draft that the Sabres and Jets had held talks. Hellebuyck was reportedly willing to waive his no-movement clause for Buffalo. Those discussions stalled, and Buffalo remains an obvious team to watch now that Hellebuyck has made his request public.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen would change the picture for Skinner.
Luukkonen has been included in versions of a possible Buffalo package for Hellebuyck, and sending him to Winnipeg would give the Jets another NHL goaltender capable of taking a significant share of the starts. The Jets could enter the season with Luukkonen and Skinner sharing the crease while Flaherty works with both. Reports around the earlier Buffalo discussions linked Luukkonen to a potential deal, although no agreement was reached.
A Hellebuyck trade involving forwards, prospects and draft picks leaves a different depth chart.
Winnipeg's top goaltending prospect, Domenic DiVincentiis, hasn't played an NHL game. He went 13-16-2 with an .896 save percentage in 34 AHL games last season, and there has been little indication that the Jets intend to hand him a substantial role in their organization immediately.
Skinner would be sitting at the top of the depth chart in that situation.
There has already been some thought in Winnipeg that his signing could eventually lead there. The Winnipeg Free Press raised the possibility in July that Skinner could play 50 to 55 games depending on the goalie Winnipeg receives in a Hellebuyck trade, while noting that neither DiVincentiis nor Thomas Milic appeared ready for the backup job.
That would put Skinner back in familiar territory.
He started 50 games last season. He started 57 for Edmonton in 2022-23 and another 57 the following year. His performance over that schedule has been the issue, not whether he could handle the schedule.
Winnipeg also offers Skinner an opportunity to work with Flaherty, one of the reasons he wanted to sign with the Jets. Skinner said he had heard positive reviews from other NHL goalies about Flaherty and was looking forward to working with him.
He may be getting considerably more work with him than anyone expected.
Hellebuyck wants out; everyone knows that, and the trade market has already included Buffalo. There are also several American teams he would be happy with, fitting with the possibility that the Michigan native and United States Olympic gold medallist would prefer the next stage of his career to come south of the border. His no-movement clause gives him substantial control over where Winnipeg can send him.
Skinner's place in all of this depends on what Cheveldayoff brings back.
A goalie such as Luukkonen leaves Winnipeg much less worse off. A trade built around skaters, prospects and picks would leave Skinner as the most experienced goalie in the organization by a wide margin.
He came to Winnipeg expecting to back up one of the best goaltenders of his generation.
There is a very real chance he arrives at training camp with Hellebuyck gone and the net sitting there for him.
