MRI reveals 'best-case scenario' for Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz

Edwin Díaz got some good news
Edwin Díaz got some good news Wednesday. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

The imaging Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz underwent in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning revealed a “best-case scenario,” manager Dave Roberts said before the series finale against the Rockies.

“There were no findings, so that was good,” Roberts said. “MRI was clean. It doesn’t change the fact that he had this sensation in his neck. But I think to keep working on it, give it some rest as far as throwing the baseball.”

Díaz officially went on the IL for “neck inflammation,” but early theories on the injury, before he went to a specialist on Wednesday, suggested the issue could be related to the area around the trapezius, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Roberts said Wednesday that the results suggested the injury was more muscular, rather than nerve related.

Read more:Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz heads back to injured list because of neck inflammation

“I think he’d been feeling the tightness in his neck,” Roberts said. “But I think where it went to the other night, he hadn’t felt that sensation. So that’s what really checked him up.”

Roberts said he didn’t know exactly how long Díaz would be shut down from throwing, but he estimated that it probably would be only a couple of days.

The bullpen shuffle continued Wednesday, when the Dodgers activated right-hander Brock Stewart (right shoulder discomfort) from the 15-day IL. In a corresponding move, they designated right-hander Jonathan Hernández for assignment.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Jorge Polanco’s disappointing first Mets season ends with ankle surgery

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Jorge Polanco was placed on the injured list Wednesday with left ankle bursitis and will undergo season-ending surgery

Jorge Polanco’s underwhelming first season with the Mets will end in surgery.

The veteran infielder was placed on the injured list Wednesday with left ankle bursitis.

Access the Mets beat like never before

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

Try it free

Before the Mets beat the Padres 4-2 at Citi Field to complete a series victory, interim manager Andy Green indicated Polanco plans to undergo season-ending surgery for the ailment.

Green said Polanco, who arrived on a two-year contract worth $40 million, will likely enter spring training in a baseball progression.

“He’s battled this all year, something he’s had to deal with prior to the season,” Green said. “It’s gotten to the point he just can’t get freedom from the pain. He has gone out there grinding and tried to. He’s wanted to post for this team and it’s at a point now where surgery is actually his best option.”

Polanco, 31, owned a .431 OPS over 37 games this season.

Signed to play first base as Pete Alonso’s replacement, he appeared in only two games at the position.

Jorge Polanco was placed on the injured list Wednesday with left ankle bursitis and will undergo season-ending surgery. AP

Polanco’s first IL stint lasted three months (he originally was sidelined by a bone bruise in his wrist, but the persistent ankle issues prolonged his absence).

“He’s been an unbelievable teammate in the clubhouse and I know he’s felt the burden of producing for the team, city and for the fans,” Green said. “I know that has been heavy on him at times and just my observation from seeing him hit and watching him produce, it has affected him mechanically — the ability to load on that back foot the way he typically does. I don’t think he’s wanting to make excuses, so I am not sure he will even say that.”


Austin Warren threw a scoreless seventh inning with two strikeouts in his return from a right forearm strain. Warren had last pitched July 7.

MEts merch shop
  • 47 Brand logo cap
  • 1986 eco tote bag
  • Mets fiber beach towel
  • 14-ounce sculpted relief mug
  • Customizable jersey
  • Color block logo backpack
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.

Jared Young finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and has an .887 OPS over his last 35 games.

Utility man Eric Wagaman was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to take Polanco’s roster spot.

The Mets also recalled RHP Chayce McDermott and optioned RHP Jack Weisenburger.

Former Avalanche Stanley Cup Champion Who Infamously Dropped The Cup Is Leaving The NHL

Nicolas Aube-Kubel once dropped the Stanley Cup.

Now, it appears he is dropping out of the NHL.

The veteran forward’s NHL career appears to be over, at least for now, as Aube-Kubel has agreed to terms with Dinamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League through May 2027, according to Jeremy Garrett of Hockey News Hub.

For Colorado Avalanche fans, Aube-Kubel will always be remembered as a member of the 2022 Stanley Cup championship team — and, perhaps fittingly, for one particularly unforgettable moment during the celebration when he accidentally dropped the Cup, causing damage to hockey’s most iconic trophy.

Jokes aside, Aube-Kubel played an important role in helping the Avalanche reach the mountaintop

Originally selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Aube-Kubel spent his first several professional seasons in the American Hockey League before establishing himself as an NHL regular.

He ultimately appeared in 310 regular-season NHL games with the Flyers, Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild, recording 32 goals and 50 assists for 82 points.

His time in Colorado came during what was arguably the best statistical season of his NHL career.

The 2021-22 season was also the best offensive year of Aube-Kubel’s NHL career. He put up 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points in 67 games, setting career highs in both categories during Colorado’s championship season.

Then came the postseason.

Aube-Kubel appeared in 14 games during Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, contributing one assist as the Avalanche eventually defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to capture the franchise’s third championship.

In total, Aube-Kubel played 30 career playoff games, recording two goals and one assist for three points.

The numbers may not jump off the page, but Aube-Kubel’s career was never about being a superstar. He carved out a role through physicality, competitiveness and an ability to contribute in a bottom-six role — eventually reaching the highest possible stage in hockey.

And now, after 310 NHL games and a Stanley Cup championship on his résumé, Aube-Kubel appears ready to begin a new chapter overseas.

His NHL career may be coming to an end, but Avalanche fans will always have the memories of 2022 — including the unforgettable image of Aube-Kubel lifting the Stanley Cup before, well, dropping it.

Image

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Colorado Rockies game discussion: Roki Sasaki vs. Kyle Freeland

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 14: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies takes the sign from the catcher during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Friday, August 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Although the Colorado Rockies fared better in their second game against the Los Angeles Dodgers than they did in the first, they are still searching their first win during this home stand.

Tonight on Rockies Charity Night, they’ll try again.

Colorado has lost five straight at home, their second-longest losing streak at Coors this year (6, April 23-May 6). Overall, the Rockies have gone 8-9 over their last 17 games since July 31. Since June 1, 2024, Colorado is 7-30 against the Dodgers with the club being outscored by 105 runs (249-144) in that span. The Rockies are 5-15 at Coors Field in that span with Colorado’s starters posting a 7.36 ERA (95.1 IP, 78 ER).

Starting for the Dodgers is Roki Sasaki. This will be his 22nd start for the Dodgers in 2026.

The righty has a 4.46 ERA in 111.0 IP. He’s struck out 108, walked 45, and given up 21 home runs. Sasaki has a 1.29 WHIP.  His last start was against the Milwaukee Brewers where he earned a no-decision. Worth noting, he walked a career high-tying five hitters (fourth time).

Taking the mound for the Rockies will be LHP Kyle Freeland.

This will mark the 29th start of his career against the Dodgers. His 28 starts entering today are the most against the Dodgers by any active pitcher. Freeland has 12 quality starts against them since his first year in the Majors (2017). They are the most by any pitcher against the Dodgers in that span.

Currently, Freeland has an ERA of 6.27 in 120.2 IP. He’s struck out 98 while giving up 27 walks and 22 home runs with a 1.44 WHIP.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 6:40 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Lineups

For the visiting Dodgers:

Dodgers @ Rockies Lineup (8.19.26) Ohtani (DH); Pages (CF); T. Hernández (LF); Freeman (1B); Betts (SS); Rojas (2B); Tucker (RF); K. Hernández (3B); Rortvedt (C); Sasaki (P)

And the home Rockies:

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup (8.19.26) McCarthy (RF); Moniak (DH); Carrigg (cF); Rumfield (1B); Veen (LF); Norby (3B); Amador (2B); Sullivan (C); Tovar (SS); Freeland (P)

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Red Sox drop back-and-forth finale to Diamondbacks in extras

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 19: Erik Miller #67 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after pitching the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Fenway Park on August 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Red Sox had chances to pull away and also come back in a wild Wednesday afternoon at Fenway Park, culminating in a 7-6 loss in 10 innings.

From Mickey Gasper’s third straight game with a homer to another long ball allowed by Greg Weissert, the Red Sox still looked far better than the group that struggled for three previous series. 

Here’s three takeaways from Wednesday afternoon’s loss.

CARROLL’S CAROUSEL

Not that he would’ve been able to rob either of these, but Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll had quite the time trying to track these fly balls off the bats of Nick Sogard and Jarren Duran on a pair of solo blasts for the Red Sox. 

Enjoy these outfield routes. 

TOLLE SETS THE TONE
Payton Tolle looked sharp for the early innings of this start before the Diamondbacks forced him to labor by the fifth inning. The Red Sox starter let multiple hitters off the hook in two-strike counts and surrendered the lead in the fifth inning.

Tolle allowed three earned runs in five innings of work with 98 pitches on the afternoon while he struck out six Diamondbacks. 

While he took a step back from his previous run of starts, today feels like an easy outing to push past for Tolle as he should have one more start in August in an overall strong month. 

TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS VS. NL 

The Red Sox still won the series against Arizona after losing three consecutive series before then at the end of the 32-7 stretch that turned the season around. Boston should have the upper hand in the next two series when they host the Giants and visit the Marlins before a massive weekend series in New York with the Yankees to close out the month.

Washington Nationals vs Texas Rangers Game Thread

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 16: Abimelec Ortiz #81 of the Washington Nationals follows through on his third inning home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 16, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last night was a lifeless performance for the Nats, who got shut out by the Rangers. Now they will look to even the series and take steps back in the right direction. The last thing we want is for a once promising season to totally implode the last two months of the season.

The Nats are making a couple of changes. CJ Abrams is back at shortstop, with Nasim Nunez sliding to second which pushes Jorbit Vivas to third. Andres Chaparro will man the DH position in this one. Jose Tena will start out in left, which pushes Daylen Lile to right field. Dylan Crews is out of the lineup. Keibert Ruiz is back behind the plate. Nats ace Cade Cavalli will get the ball. He dominated in his last start.

With a righty on the mound, the Mariners are making a few changes. Veteran  Joc Pederson is back in the lineup at first base. Wyatt Langford will DH, which moves former top prospect Jarred Kelenic to left field. Nicky Lopez will play second base and Elias Diaz is behind the plate. Kumar Rocker is on the mound.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Game Info:

Stadium: Globe Life Field

Time: 8:05 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nats need to start showing some more fight down the stretch. It will be key for Blake Butera to show he can keep his players engaged as the season winds down. Tonight will be a good test. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

‘Deep sadness’: former Sydney Swans coach expresses shock and anger at banned players

  • John Longmire says on-field ramifications not a priority for club

  • Victoria Police detectives expected to arrive in Sydney

Sydney’s last premiership coach says there’s a deep sense of sadness at five Swans players being banned for breaching club standards. John Longmire, the Swans’ longest-serving coach, says the suspensions of the players is “flattening” for all involved.

Swans Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon were stood down for the rest of the season on Wednesday.

Continue reading...

Red Wings Sitting On NHL's Highest Salary Cap Cushion

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

Training camp for the Detroit Red Wings is slated to begin in less than a month, and the club still faces far more questions than answers.

The two most pressing situations that have yet to be resolved are who will ultimately succeed Steve Yzerman as general manager after the former Red Wings captain vacated the position in mid-July, and what will happen with current captain Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade and reportedly has not changed his mind. 

In the meantime, the Red Wings lead the NHL in a notable salary-cap category. As of Aug. 19, Detroit has the most available cap space of any of the league’s 32 teams, with $19.57 million in room, according to PuckPedia.

They're currently dedicating $52.61 million worth of contracts to their forward group, while spending $23.42 million on their current defensemen under contract. As far as goaltending is concerned, $8.40 million is being spent on the tandem of John Gibson and Daniil Tarasov.

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

Image

Coming in behind Detroit in available salary cap space are the Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. Like the Red Wings, all three teams missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025-26.

Whoever succeeds Yzerman as Red Wings GM will not only have to deal with the Larkin situation immediately but also work out a new contract for restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson, who is due for a considerable raise from his $894,167 cap hit over the last three seasons. 

With ample salary cap space still available, the good news for Yzerman's successor is that there will not only be plenty to satisfy Edvinsson with a new contract, but also begin discussions with forward Alex DeBrincat, who can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. 

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

Image

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Mariners Game #127 Preview and Discussion: SEA at MIL, 8/19

Aug 18, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Leo Rivas (76) watches a home run by Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Luis Lara (18) not pictured go over the outfield wall in the eighth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This may be difficult to believe, but the Seattle Mariners still have a series in front of them to try to win. Sure, they may have nearly doubled their negative run differential last night, but the league standings do not care for the nuances in margin of victory; rather, they only consider which team scored the greater number of runs on a given day. Last night’s debacle counts for but one loss, despite the horrors. Today, the Mariners grace the baseball diamond once again.

Leading the attempt to even the series will be Logan Gilbert, who has somewhat quietly been the Mariners’ most productive starter for over a couple of months now. Dating back to his start on May 22, Gilbert’s FIP (2.89) ranks sixth in baseball among qualified starters. He’ll face off with a formidable opponent in righty Dustin May, whom Jake Mailhot covered in the series preview.

Lineups

Deadline acquisition Taylor Ward is back in the lineup as a DH after missing just under a week with leg soreness. He’ll get a soft landing at eighth in the order, with Brendan Donovan remaining in the leadoff spot against a righty.

News

Shannon Drayer provided an ounce of good news Wednesday. J.P. Crawford appears headed towards a return in his final year under contract.

Also mentioned is the shuffling of arms. Josh Simpson was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma, with Jhonathan Díaz taking his place. The club announced that Luke Raley was transferred to the 60-day Injured List to make room for Díaz on the 40-man roster.

Game Information

First Pitch: 4:40 p.m. PDT

TV:Mariners.TV with Rich Waltz, Ryan Rowland-Smith and sideline reporter Brad Adam

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports with Gary Hill Jr. and Shannon Drayer

Game 127 Game Day Thread – Washington Nationals @ Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 18: Wyatt Langford #36 of the Texas Rangers swings at a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field on August 18, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Washington Nationals @ Texas Rangers

Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 7:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

The Shed

RHP Cade Cavalli vs. RHP Kumar Rocker

Today’s Lineups

NATIONALSRANGERS
CJ Abrams – SSJoc Pederson – 1B
Abimelec Ortiz – 1BCorey Seager – SS
Jose Tena – LFWyatt Langford – DH
Daylen Lile – RFBrandon Nimmo – RF
Andres Chaparro – DHEzequiel Duran – 3B
Keibert Ruiz – CEvan Carter – CF
Jacob Young – CFJarred Kelenic – LF
Jorbit Vivas – 3BElias Diaz – C
Nasim Nunez – 2BNicky Lopez – 2B
Cade Cavalli – RHPKumar Rocker – RHP

Go Rangers!

Flyers' Matvei Michkov Badly Disrespected in New NHL Young Player Rankings

While last season may have been a rollercoaster, young Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov is turning out to be a much more polarizing figure for analysts than we may have originally thought.

On Wednesday, The Athletic prospects expert Corey Pronman released his ranking of the best U23 players in the NHL, including recently drafted prospects, and Michkov wasn't given all that much grace.

His placement was far from the most controversial, but still disrespectful relative to his achievements in the NHL thus far nonetheless.

Michkov, 21, was ranked as the 35th-best U23 player in the NHL by Pronman, putting him just six spots ahead of the 41st ranked Jack Nesbitt, who was drafted 12th overall by the Flyers in 2025.

The Flyers' Russian phenom placed just ahead of players like Roman Kantserov (37th) and Sam O'Reilly (40th), who have yet to play in an NHL game, while peers like Jimmy Snuggerud (33rd), Ryan Leonard (32nd), Ilya Protas (26th), Roger McQueen (25th), Viggo Bjorck (21st), Anton Frondell (20th), and Adam Fantilli (9th) were all well ahead.

Expert Names 2 Flyers Prospects Under Pressure Heading Into Next SeasonExpert Names 2 Flyers Prospects Under Pressure Heading Into Next SeasonTime is ticking for these two Philadelphia Flyers prospects to reach their full potential and make a big NHL impact.

That ranking of 35th is certainly unfair to Michkov, who has had to play for three head coaches in two NHL seasons while picking up a new language and culture on the fly in Philadelphia.

Despite coming into his second NHL season unprepared, plus those aforementioned circumstances, Michkov still finished his sophomore NHL season with 20 goals, 31 assists, and 51 points, leading the Flyers in scoring after the Olympic break to help spur the Orange and Black to their first playoff berth since 2020.

Yes, Michkov was mostly a no-show in the playoffs, but there would be no playoffs without him, either, and he did have the primary assist on Cam York's series-winning goal against the archrival Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 6 of the first round.

Michkov's perceived upside varies by who you ask, as some are more bullish on the raw talent, and others, like Pronman, have reservations about the average skating and defending.

Flyers' Matvei Michkov Flexes Physique In New Social Media PostFlyers' Matvei Michkov Flexes Physique In New Social Media PostAll eyes are on Matvei Michkov and the Philadelphia Flyers heading into the 2026-27 season.

Still, Michkov's offensive production makes him much more accomplished than many players ranked above him or near him, and the 2023 No. 7 overall pick ranking below similarly average defenders with not even half of the offensive upside is simply disrespectful and dismisses everything he's achieved in the last two seasons.

Jerry Buss wouldn’t be pleased with Lakers drama: Why Jeanie needs to wave white flag

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jerry Buss holding his Hollywood Walk of Fame plaque, with a woman next to him, Image 2 shows Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson watching a game

Jerry Buss wouldn’t have wanted this. 

After the Lakers owner died in 2013, there has been acerbic in-fighting between his children, most recently culminating in Jeanie Buss’ five siblings voting to sell the family’s remaining 17.8% share of the franchise, while she contests the sale so she can remain governor. 

Jeanie Buss and Jerry Buss have been part of the Lakers’ legacy for decades. FilmMagic

At this point, it’s time for Jeanie to just let go. 

Sure, Jerry wanted the Lakers to remain in the family. But he wouldn’t have wanted this madness. There’s so much undercutting. Backstabbing. Drama. 

He wouldn’t have wanted a franchise that won 10 championships under his reign to be dragged through his family’s mud for a decade. 

He wouldn’t have wanted the greatest show in the league to devolve into a melodrama with his surname surrounded by bright lights.

This isn’t an indictment of Jeanie’s reign as governor, which included her acquiring LeBron James and helping guide the team to its first championship in 10 years in 2020. 

There’s no doubt that she has so much institutional knowledge. She became the first female majority owner to win an NBA title. She’s a trailblazer. 

But there’s grace in knowing when to drop the rope. 


Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!


Really, what is she even fighting for at this point? She was the catalyst for selling the Lakers to Mark Walter for $10 billion in October 2025. 

Yes, the deal was for her to remain governor through 2030, an arrangement new owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner intended to honor after buying the team from Walter last week for $12.5 billion. 

But things have changed. 

They’ve gotten ugly again. The five Buss family siblings intended to use a tag-along provision to sell their remaining stake in the Lakers. They issued a statement to ESPN on Monday, saying, “It is time to use this opportunity to move on and exit gracefully while we still can.”

Yes, the deal was for her to remain governor through 2030, an arrangement new owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner intended to honor after buying the team from Walter last week for $12.5 billion.  Getty Images

Jeanie, who was the only sibling who didn’t vote for the sale, dug her feet into the ground. 

Through her lawyer, Adam Streisand, Jeanie is contending that a court ruled in 2017 that the team can’t be sold without approval by the co-trustees, who are Jeanie, Janie and Joey Buss. 

Now everything is going to be up to lawyers and courtrooms. 

The losers of all of this? The Lakers, who will be paralyzed until this resolves, unless Iger and Kushner decide to cut ties with Jeanie. 

This is nuanced. 

Jeanie is the face of the Lakers. It made sense for Walter to keep her as governor after buying the team. Iger and Kushner were right to respect that. She provides a sense of continuity. Of oversight. Of comfort amid chaos. 

But if there’s a war raging in the background, that detracts from any good she could do. If her family drama is a distraction, that’s going to hurt the Lakers more than she could help them. 

Jeanie fired her brother, Jim Buss, as the executive vice president of basketball operations in 2017 after the Lakers were heading toward their fourth straight losing season.  Getty Images

The Buss family has overseen the Lakers for 47 years, turning it into the second-most successful NBA franchise with 17 championships. Under Jerry, the Lakers acquired superstars Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. He created the Laker Girls. He’s widely considered one of the greatest owners in sports. 

Jeanie carried on his legacy. She’s respected. She’s beloved. 

But her reign has always come with an ugly underbelly. 

Jeanie fired her brother, Jim Buss, as the executive vice president of basketball operations in 2017 after the Lakers were heading toward their fourth straight losing season. 

Things got even uglier. 

Jim and Johnny Buss attempted a boardroom coup to oust Jeanie as the team’s controlling owner in 2017. She obtained a restraining order and filed a lawsuit against her brothers, with the siblings ultimately reaching a settlement that strengthened her power. 

Jeanie fired her brother, Jim Buss, as the executive vice president of basketball operations in 2017 after the Lakers were heading toward their fourth straight losing season.  Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The drama didn’t stop there. 

Under Jeanie’s governorship after the Lakers were sold to Walter, Joey and Jesse Buss were dismissed from their basketball operations positions in November 2025. Jeanie’s sister, Janie Buss, was also removed as the team’s longtime charitable services director.

A few months later, an ESPN story came out that undercut Jeanie’s relationship with James. 

The story alleged that Jeanie resented James’ “outsized ego,” adding that she even “privately mused” about trading the megastar to the Clippers in 2022 and that she “begrudgingly” gave him a contract extension in 2024 because she feared the public backlash if she didn’t. 

In a statement to The Athletic, Jeanie said, “It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama.” 

James left the Lakers in free agency this summer after eight seasons with the franchise. 

Now, the drama is raging once again. 

Her siblings have banded together. And she’s refusing to wave the white flag. 

But at this point, is that what’s best for the Lakers?

Jeanie agreed to sell the team. The Lakers deserve a fresh start. The Buss family drama would get in the way of that. 

The Buss family was the greatest thing to happen to the Lakers. 

But all good things must come to an end. 

Royals vs. Athletics August 19th game discussion

Aug 14, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo (67) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Game 3 with the Sacramento/Las Vegas A’s will see the Royals going for a series win before the day game finishes off the four-game set tomorrow afternoon. This evening will feature Seth Lugo versus Gage Jump. Lugo has had an up and down season with some pretty disappointing overall numbers. Jump is a lefty whose ERA looks similar to Lugo’s but with better peripherals. That means the lineup is going to have an extra righty with Massey sitting for KC today with Loftin leading off again.

Game #127: Athletics at Royals Game Thread

Jul 31, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Jeffrey Springs (59) throws a pitch during the fourth inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yesterday, the Athletics were three outs away from evening up this four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. However, the league-worst bullpen cost the team once again. Hogan Harris blew his sixth save of the season, allowing the Royals to tie the game before giving way to fellow reliever Elvis Alvarado, who surrendered Bobby Witt Jr.‘s walk-off bloop single.

With two games remaining in Kansas City, the A’s still have a chance to earn a series split, but they must first break their two-game losing streak tonight.

Roster Move

Before the game, the A’s injured list got a bit less crowded. Veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs returns after missing three weeks because of hip discomfort. To make room on the roster, struggling reliever Seth Johnson was optioned to Triple-A, where he can work on regaining his form in a lower-pressure environment.

Springs will have an immediate opportunity to make an impact, as he will start for the A’s today. The 33-year-old southpaw enters his 23rd start of the season with a 3-11 record, a 6.17 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP and 88 strikeouts over 108 innings.

Springs was a solid starting pitcher in his first season with the Athletics last year. This year, things have gone south, as he has not won a game since April. In his most recent seven starts, Springs went 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA and a 1.93 WHIP.

When fellow veteran Luis Severino went down with an injury earlier this season, the team looked to Springs to provide a solid experienced presence in the rotation. Instead, Springs has pitched like one of the worst pitchers in the league, as only two MLB pitchers have allowed more home runs than him this season.

The fly-ball pitcher has especially struggled at Sutter Health Park, calling it “a recipe for disaster.” Yet, he has performed just as badly on the road, something he will try to remedy this evening in his second start against the Royals this season and eighth of his career.

Here’s how the A’s starting lineup shakes out tonight:

Jacob Wilson is out of the lineup for a third straight game. That shoulder injury has kept him sidelined in recent games. There is a real possibility that he will soon join the team’s lengthy season-ending injured list.

With the A’s on track for another 100-loss campaign, the objective for the rest of the season should be for the veterans to finish strong and for the youngsters to take advantage of extended playing opportunities.

If the Athletics want to win tonight, the team will need center fielder Henry Bolte and second baseman Jeff McNeil to continue their respective hot streaks. Additionally, this game gives Tommy White and Max Muncy another chance to position themselves as part of the A’s future plans. Finally, catcher Jonah Heim is feeling the effects of being pushed into an everyday role following starter Shea Langeliers’ injury. Not only does Heim have one hit in his past 20 at-bats, but he also committed a crucial catcher’s interference error that gave Kansas City a free baserunner in its game-winning ninth inning rally.

The A’s offense will face Royals right-hander Seth Lugo. The 36-year-old enters his 26th start of the season with a 5-7 record, a 4.59 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP and 108 strikeouts over 139 1/3 innings. Lugo has struggled lately, posting a 4.66 ERA over his past seven starts. The 10-year veteran received a no-decision in his last start against the Los Angeles Angels after allowing five runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings.

Over his career, Lugo holds a 2-0 record with a 4.66 ERA and 26 strikeouts in four total appearances against the Athletics. The right-hander will aim to earn his third win against the A’s, but given his current run of form, tonight presents a great opportunity for the A’s offense to put more runs on the scoreboard. The Green and Gold must take advantage of any mistake pitches Lugo leaves over the plate if they want to hand him his first defeat against them.

And Kansas City’s lineup:

All of the Royals’ regulars are in the lineup, spearheaded by the duo of Witt Jr. and right fielder Jac Caglianone. Left fielder Tyler Tolbert gets his first start of the series after his game-tying, pinch-hit two-run single in the ninth inning last night.

Win #50 is waiting for us! We need this one. Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics -Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast