It was was an exciting day for a set of siblings who mean a whole lot to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
On Thursday, Phil and Amanda Kessel were both named to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Amanda is currently the Penguins' Director of Minor League Operations and the Assistant General Manager for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins and won three Olympic medals during her prolific women's hockey career, while Phil played for the Penguins from 2015-19, registered 110 goals and 303 points in 328 games during that time, and won back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships with the team in 2016 and 2017.
The other three 2026 inductees were forward T.J. Oshie, defenseman Ryan Suter, and athletic trainer Stan Wong, who has been working with the NHL and USA hockey for more than 40 years.
"This is a great honor," Phil said to reporters during the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame call Thursday, "You know me, I loved playing for USA Hockey over the years. Enjoyed my time, enjoyed all the friends I made. It was always a great honor to play for the team. I'm just happy to be included.
"This is a great class. Obviously, I'm excited to go in with my sister. She was a great player."
And a great player she was. Aside from her dominant play for the University of Minnesota - she recorded 46 goals and 101 points in 46 games for the the team in 2012-13 and led them to three National Championship titles in 2012, 2013, and 2016 - she brought home seven gold medals for USA Hockey on the international stage and had 26 goals and 74 points in 60 combined games for Team USA internationally, which doesn't even include her 10 goals and 30 points in 10 World Junior Championship (WJC) appearances.
In her four seasons with the Penguins' hockey operations staff, the 35-year-old has helped rebuild the prospect pipeline along with the front office under General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas, with the Wheeling Nailers - former ECHL affiliate of the Penguins - and WBS Penguins each going to the Eastern Conference Final in 2026.
Phil was drafted fifth overall by the Boston Bruins in 2006 and played in 17 NHL seasons between the Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, and Vegas Golden Knights. In addition to three Stanley Cups - he won with Vegas in 2023 - Kessel had 413 goals and 992 points in 1,286 career games and owns the NHL's all-time iron man streak for consecutive games played at 1,064.
He represented Team USA at the WJC twice, at the World Championship three times, and the Olympic games twice, winning a silver medal for Team USA in 2010.
The Mets open a three-game Subway Series against the Yankees in the Bronx on Friday night at 7:05 on PIX11.
Mets Notes
To honor the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Mets and Yankees will wear first responder caps with team logos during batting practice and in the game
A.J. Ewing is hitting .424/.474/.606 with a homer and three doubles in 38 plate appearances over his last nine games
Nolan McLean has a 1.87 ERA in 72.1 innings over his last 12 starts
Today's Lineups
YANKEES
METS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
How can I watch the game online?
To watch Mets games online via PIX11, you will need a subscription to a TV service provider and live in the New York City metro area, or you can now purchase an in-market subscription package via MLB and Amazon This will allow fans to watch the Mets on their computer, tablet or mobile phone browser.
MLB App access is included for FREE with SNY. To access a PIX11 game on your favorite supported Apple or Android mobile device, please follow the steps below.
Open “MLB” and tap on “Subscriber Login” for Apple Devices or “Sign in with MLB.com” for Android Devices.
Type in your MLB.com credentials and tap “Log In.”
To access live or on-demand content, tap on the "Watch" tab from the bottom navigation bar. Select the "Games" sub-tab to see a listing of available games. You can scroll to previous dates using the left and right arrows. Tap on a game to select from the game feeds available.
The league phase has begun. From Olise’s brilliance to Sabah’s pub cleaner turned quiz contestant turned manager, there was plenty to talk about
The league phase has been previewed as Barcelona’s first step toward reclaiming a crown last lifted in 2015, with disappointments aplenty since. Lionel Messi claiming just one Champions League title in the last decade of his time at Camp Nou is the starkest statistic. The player anointed as Messi’s successor, Lamine Yamal, is already a European and world champion for Spain, so this is the next frontier. A soggy Wednesday evening at Camp Nou saw Hansi Flick’s team show their attacking chops remain of the highest quality in a 5-1 defeat of Feyenoord. The club presidential regime of Joan Laporta continues to pull levers to confound financial experts, with Gabriel Jesus, one of the summer’s arrivals, scoring his first Barca goal. Yamal got on the scoresheet via a scruffy free-kick after Raphinha had reminded there are further dimensions to that all-star attack, his first goal of his pair two sending Feyenoord defenders skidding.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Fans hold a flag during 9/11 remembrance pre-game ceremonies prior to the game between the the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
Tyler Kepner wrote about how the Mets have kept their 9/11 promise 25 years later.
Mike Lupica discussed how the lifeline the Mets and Yankees threw New York City after 9/11 is a powerful, indelible memory.
Matt Monagan shared the story of a Mets shirt flying from a 9/11 memorial in Ireland.
Will Sammon spoke with those who shared the booth with Howie Rose to find out what they learned from the radio legend.
Jon Heyman explained why the Mets’ managerial search could hinge on the Phillies’ World Series chances, as Don Mattingly could be a person to watch.
Jonathan Santucci turned in his best start at the Triple-A level to reclaim a share of the Minors K lead.
“When America Took the Field”, which was produced by MLB Network and former Met Todd Zeile, debuted last night on MLB Network. The two-hour documentary is also streaming on MLB.tv and MLB+.
Around the National League East
The Braves scored three in the eighth and held on to beat the Rays 3-1, which helped them cushion their lead in the NL East race.
The Phillies fell 2-1 to the Astros, as their chase habits led to their untimely series loss to Houston.
Around Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball will mark the 25th anniversary of September 11th with tributes and services.
Jeff Passan provided some early MLB free agency intel. Among the tidbits in his article, he thinks Bo Bichette will opt out, but thinks it’s a coin flip.
The Dodgers have placed Shohei Ohtani on the injured list to rest his left knee and right biceps injuries. To take his place, Los Angeles is calling up top prospect Josue De Paula.
The Yankees are placing Jazz Chisholm on the IL and calling up Anthony Volpe.
Mark Feinsand looked at 11 intriguing trade candidate for the offseason.
Dennis Lin analyzed how Fernando Tatis Jr. found his swing, which could prove to be the difference for the Padres come October.
The Cubs have the best hitting and best defense in baseball, but Mike Petriello wonders if it’s enough to overcome their pitching, which is their biggest weakness.
Brandon Sproat was sent back down to Triple-A after he allowed four runs in the ninth inning against the Cubs.
Salvador Perez is going “year by year” with his meajor league career.
Jacob deGrom turned in a vintage performance, striking out 12 over six one-hit innings, but the Mariners came back to beat the Rangers 4-3.
The Yankees put up a six-spot in the seventh to defeat the Rockies 10-3 and complete a sweep. Volpe, who was in the Yankees’ lineup when he was unsure if he would ever make it back, had a grand return.
The Pirates blanked the White Sox 2-0. After getting punched in the mouth by Pittsburgh in the form of a three-game sweep, the White Sox, who have seen their AL Central lead shrink to 1.5 games over the surging Guardians, are prepared to fight back.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Francisco Alvarez #4 and Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets walk in from the bullpen before the game against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on August 17, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good teams win the games they should win, and the Yankees certainly looked the part early this week. In a three-game set against the lowly Rockies, New York swept ‘em winning by multiple runs in all three contests. Solid ball over the last month has allowed the Yankees to stay within striking distance in the East, and maintain a healthy lead in the American League’s crowded wild card race.
After their set with the last-place squad in the NL West, they’ll continue a gettable stretch by hosting the fourth-place team in the East, the Mets. While the Mets have been playing better baseball of late, the Bombers will have every chance to take a couple of games in the Subway Series.
Friday: Carlos Rodónvs. Nolan McLean (7:05 p.m. EST)
The series opens with the Yankees sending Carlos Rodón to the bump, set to make his 14th start of the 2026 season. After a bumpy patch through the middle of June, the lefty has been excellent since returning on August 18th, a stretch that has seen him pitch to the tune of a 2.55 ERA in four starts, while striking out 18 batters in 17.2 innings. On the whole, the 33-year-old has put together a very solid fourth season in pinstripes when healthy, and will undoubtedly be a significant part of his team’s October run. He’ll look to continue his solid post-injury run on Friday.
He’ll square off with the Mets’ excellent rookie Nolan McLean. After an impressive eight-start debut in 2025, the righty has backed it up with a 3.06 ERA in over 160 innings this season. Relying mostly on his sinker and a pair of breaking balls to get the job done, the righty has been dominant over his last five outings, allowing just four earned runs in 31 stellar innings of work. He has also completed at least six innings in 13 of his last 14 outings, so the Mets will likely be leaning heavily on their talented young starter in this one.
Saturday: Gerrit Cole vs. Zac Thornton (1:35 p.m. EST)
Saturday will see Gerrit Cole taking the mound, hoping to bounce back from what has been a rough few starts. He still is posting a respectable season, despite missed time to start the year, with a 3.70 FIP in 11 innings. But, over his last three outings, the six-time All-Star has surrendered 10 earned runs in 18.1 innings. His most recent was the worst of the bunch, a seven-inning start in which he gave up four solo homers to the Padres. The Cole Train will look to get back on the rails in the second game of the series.
The Mets are slated to start a second consecutive rookie this weekend, with lefty Zac Thornton getting the nod on Saturday. He made his debut on May 20th this season, and has been a solid addition to the rotation much of the way through. His worst outing, however, was his latest, when he gave up six earned runs to the Giants, including four long balls. Both starters on Saturday will be trying to shake the homer bug.
Sunday: Cam Schlittler vs. Christian Scott(1:35 p.m. EST)
The Subway Series will conclude with Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler on the mound. As if the righty needed much to bolster his case, he’s allowed one run or less in each of his last six starts, and with another good outing on Saturday, could drop his ERA below 2.00 for the season. Schlittler has been a treat to watch in 2026, and he’ll be in prime position to keep the good times rolling to close out the season. He most recently struck out ten in seven strong innings against the Rockies.
Right-hander Christian Scott will close things out for the Mets on Sunday. In his most substantial big league season to date, he’s been good, striking out nearly 28 percent of opposing batters across 21 starts for the Metropolitans. In his most recent outing, against the Giants, Scott failed to complete five innings, allowing a pair of earned runs to score, though he did strike out seven in the start. With Judge back and the Yankees coming off of a sweep Scott and the entire Mets staff could very well have their hands full in the weekend series.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Lane Thomas #20 of the Atlanta Braves slides into home plate in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Atlanta Braves outfielder Lane Thomas was scratched from Thursday’s lineup and is headed to the injured list. Manager Walt Weiss called it an intercostal strain and noted that Thomas could be out for the remainder of the season.
Thomas, who has averaged .171 for Atlanta in 21 games, makes the second Brave to hit the injured list this week. Thomas’ absence could lead to some playing time for Brewer Hicklen as the Braves navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
The first-place Atlanta Braves are priced as a massive 63% favorite tonight against their NL East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, in the series opener at Truist Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.
Chris Sale has already carved up Philly several times this season, so my Phillies vs. Braves predictions back the hosts to take the first game of this three-game set.
Who will win Phillies vs Braves today: Braves (64%)
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
Aaron Nola has been solid lately, posting a 3.10 FIP over the last month, but his road profile is more vulnerable with a 4.60 FIP this season.
The Atlanta Braves also have plenty of familiarity, hitting .285 across 410 at-bats against him, and tagged him for six earned runs earlier this year.
Chris Sale gives the Braves the stronger starting edge. He owns a 2.36 FIP at home and a 2.77 xERA over his previous four outings with minimal home-run damage.
Sale also has a 1.42 ERA against the Philadelphia Phillies in 2026 across three starts and has held current Phillies hitters to a .221 average over 154 career at-bats.
Take Atlanta. Play up to 65%, but look to the run line if it moves higher.
COVERS INTEL: Sale has allowed just 0.33 BB/9 over the last month. That's compared to his season average of 1.74 BB/9. The left-hander is consistently pounding the strike zone.
Phillies vs Braves Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (48%)
I expect both starters to hold their own, but the bullpen profiles are hard to ignore.
While the Phillies and Braves aren’t exactly flourishing at the plate — Atlanta’s wRC+ sits at 45 over the last week, while Philadelphia’s is at 82 — both bullpens are struggling.
The Braves’ bullpen has a 5.23 FIP over its last 24 frames with 2.22 HR/9 allowed. Philadelphia’s pen also owns an FIP above five over the last seven days with significant home-run damage.
It’s not a slam-dunk angle because of the offensive form of these two teams, but the late-game pitching vulnerabilities are difficult to overlook.
Play this pick up to 50%.
Phillies vs Braves home run prediction: Kyle Schwarber (24%)
Sale may be dominant, but Kyle Schwarber has four homers in his last seven games, and the slugger also has two career home runs off the left-hander.
Atlanta’s bullpen has been vulnerable lately as well, giving Schwarber another path once Sale exits.
Schwarber’s ISO sits at .444 over the last week, supported by a 50% hard-hit rate and 20% barrel rate. He may not be hitting for average right now, but the quality of contact remains elite.
Play this pick up to 25%.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 68-77, -18.24 units
Over/Under bets: 78-63, +3.51 units
Phillies vs Braves weather
Weather could be a factor tonight at Truist Park, with warm, humid conditions and possible thunderstorms around first pitch. Rain chances sit around 50% early on, before gradually easing later in the evening, so there is some delay risk. Winds look fairly light, limiting any major carry impact.
Phillies vs Braves odds
Moneyline: Phillies 38% | Braves 63%
Run line: Phillies +1.5 (57%) | Braves -1.5 (44%)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (49%) | Under 7.5 (52%)
Phillies vs Braves trend
The Philadelphia Phillies have hit the Game Total Under in 30 of their last 50 away games (+10.40 Units / 19% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Braves.
How to watch Phillies vs Braves and game info
Location
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Date
Friday, September 11, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
NBC Sports Philadelphia, BravesVision
Phillies starting pitcher
Aaron Nola (6-10, 4.76 ERA)
Braves starting pitcher
Chris Sale (14-9, 2.10 ERA)
Phillies vs Braves latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Nick Martinez #28 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts with teammates after being pulled from the game during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Rays have to figure it out against left-handed pitching or with the bases loaded, ideally both, or it will be another quick exit in October.
With how well Tampa Bay right-hander Nick Martinez threw today, going 6.1 IP and only allowing two hits and no runs, the offense appeared to have had too much Waffle House before the matinee in Atlanta.
In the top of the first, the Rays offense had their chance at an All-Star Special early on Braves lefty Martin Perez.
Bases loaded, one out, and Chandler Simpson grounds out into a rare 3-2-3 double play to end the inning.
From the bottom of the first through the bottom of the fifth, both the Rays and Braves traded off frames of five batters or less with nothing to show for it. Scoreless and steamy on an 83-degree, partly cloudy day in Cobb County, we fast forward to the eighth.
Good old-fashioned BABIP luck came to bite Kevin Kelly, as an Ozzie Albies triple and an Austin Riley backside single gave the Braves a 1-0 lead, and who other than Ha-Seong Kim to provide the insurance with a two-run RBI single.
Tampa Bay would threaten in the ninth with a Victor Mesa Jr. solo shot off Raisel Iglesias followed by a Chandler Simpson walk, but it went all for naught as the Rays drop the finale from Truist Park.
Tampa bay returns home to face the AL West-leading Astros with a magic number of 1 to clinch a playoff spot.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 14: Edwin Díaz #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers bullpen contains pitchers who’ve bounced back after a rough first season in Los Angeles— i.e. Tanner Scott— and those who have struggled since first donning the Dodger blue— i.e. Edwin Díaz.
For a closer signed to a three-year, $69 million over the offseason, Díaz has come nowhere near close to meeting expectations, as the right-hander has an ERA at 11.85 over just 13 2/3 innings when he’s been healthy. The majority of his season was lost after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies elbow in April that kept him out for three months and being placed on the injured list in August due to neck inflammation.
Jared Greenspan of MLB.com notes that Díaz is starting to reach the finish line for his rehab assignment, as he appeared in back-to-back games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, but he will not return to the closer role once he rejoins the big league club.
When Díaz does eventually return to the big league club, he is not expected to slot right into the closer’s role. He will be eased back into lower leverage situations where he can continue to refine his mechanics, like raising his arm angle that has fallen significantly from last season.
Shohei Ohtani’s goal of being a two-way player for a full season came crashing down on Wednesday with the news of him landing on the 15-day IL, as he continues to nurse injuries to his left knee and right biceps.
Although Ohtani was in the lineup on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, it was the only game he played in the three-game set, and an awkward swing was a key culprit for the Dodgers’ decision to place him on the IL, notes Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times.
“It was more just really huddling up and saying, ‘Hey, how are you going to feel on Friday? How are you going to feel on Saturday, talking to the doctors and training staff?’” Roberts said. “There was not much certainty that he’d be in a much better place. With that, just taking it off the table seemed like the best course of action.”
In place of Ohtani on the active roster is the Dodgers’ no. 1 prospect, 21-year-old outfielder Josue De Paula, who will make his big league debut on Friday against the Miami Marlins. Jack Harris of the California Post gives an insight to what fans can see out of De Paula, who has received high praise from the Dodgers brass after a star-studded season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers.
“We’ve seen him in camp for two or three years. He doesn’t run from velocity. He controls the strike zone,” Roberts said. “I think this is just a good opportunity for him to kind of cut his teeth in the big leagues … We can get him some major league at-bats and see how that looks.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 9: Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 9, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Every day, we’ll take a closer look at another member of the 2026-27 Phoenix Suns, examining what they bring to the roster and what their role could mean for the season ahead as we count down to training camp and the preseason.
Pat Spencer
Point guard, 6’2”, 205 pounds, 30 years old, 3rd season
Wanted: a player considered one of the greatest college lacrosse players of all time, who somehow turned 1 year of college basketball into an NBA career. Must possess grit, toughness, tenacity, and the willingness to make every possession feel like a bar fight. Oh, and one hell of a savage mustache.
That’s right, Pat Spencer is who the Phoenix Suns signed this offseason when they brought him in on a two-way contract. He’s somebody who set the NCAA men’s lacrosse record for career assists before ultimately making his way to the NBA. Spencer originally attended Loyola University Maryland, where he played lacrosse. But after graduating, he still had a year of basketball eligibility, so he transferred to Northwestern for the 2019–20 season.
Since then, he’s worked his way through the G League, spending time with the Capital City Go-Go and Santa Cruz Warriors before earning meaningful minutes with Golden State last season. It was enough to catch the attention of the Suns.
Spencer may not be someone who regularly impacts the NBA roster, but he can be a foundational piece for the Valley Suns. He can set the table for others, bring toughness and organization to the floor, and help reinforce the identity Phoenix wants throughout the entire organization.
Last Season
GP
MIN
PPG
RPG
APG
STL
FG%
3PT%
FT%
OFFRTG
DEFRTG
+/- (TOTAL)
66
18.6
7.2
2.4
3.5
0.7
42.7%
35.7%
77.2%
112.1
115.6
-95
The Golden State Warriors were riddled with injuries last season, with their players missing a combined 330 games, the eighth most in the NBA. And when injuries happen, opportunity follows. That’s where Pat Spencer’s story really began.
He played 10 games in November without making a start. Then, on December 6, he made his first NBA start of his career. By February, Spencer appeared in 10 games and started seven of them, eventually forcing Golden State to convert his two-way contract into a standard deal out of necessity. All told, Spencer played 66 games for the Warriors last season, starting 14 and averaging 18.6 minutes per game. He finished seventh on the team in total minutes and third in assists with 232.
His best game of the season? On February 5, Spencer went 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, scored 20 points, grabbed six rebounds, and added four assists in a 101–97 victory. The opponent? The Phoenix Suns.
Contract and Roster Context
Spencer signed a two-way contract with Phoenix and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, with the Suns not retaining his Bird rights.
What He Brings
Pat Spencer is the type of player every organization should want in its system. He proved last season that, when called upon, he can step in and provide productive basketball. He isn’t elite in any one area, but the collection of skills he brings can serve as a positive foundation for an organization that doesn’t need to rely on him every night to be successful.
It’s kind of like building a house. You have the foundation, the frame, the electricity, the piping, and the aesthetics. Spencer is like the piping. Absolutely necessary, rarely noticed, and built to hold up over time.
He brings energy, a touch of playmaking, a smidgen of shooting, and reliability in the areas that don’t always show up in a box score. Those intangibles matter. And he’s the type of player you want in your system because he helps reinforce the larger vision of the organization.
For the Phoenix Suns, that identity is built around toughness, tenacity, playing hard on both ends of the floor, and refusing to quit. That is where Pat Spencer shines. He may not have great size, elite athleticism, or a particularly high ceiling as a player. But he has that dog in him, and that can benefit both Spencer and the organization at the G League level, and whenever he is called upon with the big club.
What Needs to Improve
Pat Spencer is limited, and that is the primary reason he can’t be counted on for a larger role. He isn’t a big guard. And while we’ve seen throughout NBA history, and even on this current roster, that size can sometimes matter more in the heart than on a physical attribute sheet, it’s still nice to have a little bit of it.
Spencer has limitations as an isolation scorer against elite length and athleticism. Put a quality point of attack defender on him while he’s trying to facilitate, and you can jam him up rather quickly. That forces him to rely more on basketball IQ, angles, and opportunities rather than on breaking down defenders one-on-one.
He also isn’t a great shooter. Spencer is a career 33.9% three-point shooter, though that comes on only 65-of-192 from deep, so the volume isn’t massive. Defensively, there is no doubt he plays aggressively and with a chip on his shoulder. But he can still struggle with rotational instincts and off-ball awareness.
There are multiple areas of his game that can improve, from finishing to shooting consistency to defensive rotations.
Prediction
I don’t think we’ll see much from Pat Spencer this season, and ultimately, that could be a good thing. It would mean the Suns stayed relatively healthy and didn’t have to reach into their G League treasure chest and pull out Pat “The Pipe” Spencer. Yeah, I just made that nickname up. And I like it!
If he does get an opportunity, I expect his role to look somewhat similar to Jamaree Bouyea’s a year ago, although Spencer may not be as effective offensively right away. What he does bring is a different layer, and that could become something worth watching as the season moves along. Bouyea’s contract isn’t guaranteed beyond January, which could eventually create competition for that final roster spot. If the Suns like what they see from Spencer in the G League, and if he performs well in spot opportunities with the big club, Phoenix could eventually have a decision to make: Do you stick with Bouyea? Or do you go with Pat Spencer?
When you look at the three two-way spots, I think this represents an upgrade for the Phoenix Suns. For an organization that didn’t make a ton of moves this offseason, swapping Pat Spencer into the Isaiah Livers spot makes sense. The Suns now have three two-way players who bring three distinct skill sets, and Spencer might be the clearest embodiment of what this organization wants to be: tough, competitive, smart, and willing to do the dirty work.
You build an organization by selecting players who represent what you want to become, and Spencer fits that mold. He may not have a large role with the Suns, but he should have a meaningful one with the Valley Suns. And if his NBA career has taught us anything, it’s that you probably shouldn’t bet against a guy who went from being one of the greatest lacrosse players in college history to earning a spot in the NBA. He’s going to give a shit every single day, and sometimes that’s exactly the kind of player you want in your organization.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Kam Jones #39 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on July 18, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion Center 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
And we’re off, starting with a familiar face to the people of Milwaukee. Look, as we sit here today, Jones’ path to NBA minutes seems miles away, given that he has to beat out ~15 guards to even get a sniff. Still, as a pure value play, it was worth the Bucks taking a flyer on someone who not only has NBA bona fides as a former early second-round pick, but also a tangible connection to the city, having played at Marquette—and Fiserv Forum, specifically—for four years.
Unlike most players in his position, Jones already has substantial NBA experience, having gotten a chance to play a decent amount on the Pacers last season (yes, the team was also ruthlessly tanking, but let’s just ignore that). Even after beginning last year with a long stint on the sidelines dealing with a back concern, the 24-year-old appeared in 37 games and posted averages of 4.4 PPG and 3.2 APG. He didn’t shoot the ball well—40.2% from the floor and sub-30% from three—but still, that is great experience for a rookie (even if he may well have been tactically deployed as a tank commander some of the time).
Now, it’s no secret that Jones’ game is slower and relies heavily on feel and craft rather than power and athleticism, but he performed well at Summer League playing that way. Will it work in the NBA? I have my doubts. I referenced Jones struggling from three last year with Indy, but it’s worth noting that he shot nearly 37% from deep throughout his four years as a Golden Eagle. If the Memphis native is to have any chance of locking in a future in the association, he’ll need to rediscover that form, given the other concerns. If Jones can get his shooting to that level, defenses will need to play him tighter, and it’ll open up his passing game, which is a legit strength of his (200 assists in his senior year).
Ultimately, if I were to look into a crystal ball and predict Jones’s future right now, I’d lean toward him having a really solid overseas career; I just find it tough to picture a long-term NBA future given his size, lack of burst, and unproven shot-making ability, but I’d love to be proven wrong. It would be terrific for someone with this man’s connection to the city to succeed there at the highest level. He’d be true fan favourite.
OK, we’ll catch you Monday morning with the next one…
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Adael Amador #1 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Urakami/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Entering this season, Adael Amador had played in 51 games for the Rockies since making his MLB debut on June 9, 2026. During that time, Amador yo-yoed from Triple-A Albuquerque and Colorado, putting up impressive numbers for the Isotopes, only to struggle with the Rockies.
In June, Purple Row’s Skyler Timmins even wrote about what the Rockies should do with their highly touted prospect who couldn’t seem to crack the MLB code. Skyler discussed the value of trying out Amador in the outfield in addition to second base, giving more versatility to the switch hitter. It seemed more likely than trading Amador, especially without a Rockie having locked down the starting spot at second base and the team valuing utility players.
Perhaps all Amador needed was more time to develop with the Isotopes. Still just 23 years old, Amador hit .264/.367/.428 with 21 doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, and 62 RBIs while drawing more walks than strikeouts — 61 to 48 — in 94 games. A seasoned second baseman who can also play shortstop, Amador also added some time in left field to his resume.
After just 12 games, in 40 plate appearances, Amador has posted 12 hits — including three homers and two doubles — with 10 runs scored, 10 RBI, seven strikeouts and four walks. He’s hitting .333/.400/.639 with a 1.039 OPS.
It’s a night-and-day difference from his previous stints with the Rockies.
After parts of two seasons in 2024 and 2025, in 164 plate appearances, Amador combined for 26 hits, including eight doubles and one homer, scored six runs, drove in 10 runs, struck out 33 times and walked 12 times. He hit .176/.242/.250 with an OPS of .492.
In nearly every metric, Amador’s 2026 numbers reflect a completely different player.
Season
Age
WAR
G
PA
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
SB
CS
BB
SO
BA
OBP
SLG
OPS
OPS+
2024
21
-0.4
10
36
35
1
6
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
6
.171
.194
.200
.394
6
2025
22
-1.2
41
128
113
5
20
7
0
1
10
1
1
11
27
.177
.256
.265
.521
40
2026
23
0.4
12
40
35
10
12
2
0
3
10
0
0
4
7
.333
.400
.639
1.039
183
Obviously, 12 games isn’t very many in a season known for the grit required to grind out a 162-game marathon. But Amador has done better in this set of games than he has during any other time in his MLB career. After posting a strikeout rate of 21.1% in 2025, Amador has dropped it to 17.5% this season. He’s also increased his walk rate exponentially each season from 2.8% in 2024, to 8.6% last season to 10% in 2026.
Another big change is in the power. After hitting one homer in 148 at-bats in his first two seasons, Amador has connected for three in 32 at-bats this year. That includes a solo shot off New York Yankee Cam Schlittler on Tuesday.
Amador has provided much-needed depth as the Rockies have faced some infielder injuries in August and September. He was first called up on Aug. 12 when Kyle Karros went on the 7-day concussion list. Before being sent back to Albuquerque on Aug. 21, Amador went 3-for-10 with five runs scored, a double, a homer, six RBIs and three walks and five strikeouts in five games.
After a short stint back with the Isotopes, Amador was called up again thanks to MLB’s expanded September rosters. He then benefited from the opening created by Willi Castro’s left heel inflammation that put him on the 10-day IL on Sept. 2. In seven games in September, Amador has gone 9-for-26 with five runs scored, four RBIs, two homers, a double, three strikeouts and one walk. It started with a bang with a solo homer in his first game back.
Amador’s bat has been so effective that Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer slotted him in at DH on Thursday night in New York vs. the Yankees. He went 1-for-4 with a strikeout in the 10-3 loss.
Embodying a true “next man up” mentality, Amador has taken advantage of his opportunities. With 16 games remaining this season for the Rockies, Amador is trying to prove that 2026 represents the real Amador. In doing so, he may be auditioning for second base and utility for next season.
He’s battling Connor Norby, who’s had an impressive start with Colorado since being acquired in the Victor Vodnik trade with the Miami Marlins on Aug. 3. Norby was called up on Aug. 10 when Tyler Freeman went on the IL. As of now, they’ll be contending with Castro — who has one year remaining on his two-year, $12.8-million deal — for second base and utility jobs.
If Amador can keep up his impressive August and September, he’ll be one step closer to proving he was worth the hype when the Rockies signed him out of the Dominican Republic in 2019 when he was just 16.
After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Isotopes struck back to tie the game in the second when Chad Stevens walked, Bryant Betancourt singled and Conner Capel hit a sacrifice fly to plate Stevens. Reno rallied back to score runs in the bottom of the third and fifth innings to go up 3-1. In the sixth, Roc Roggio hit a two-out single and moved to second when Stevens walked. Betancourt, who recorded two of Albuquerque’s five hits, followed with an RBI single to cut Reno’s lead to one. But that was the end of the would-be comeback. Eiberson Castellano suffered the loss, dropping to 4-4, after giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts in 3.1 relief innings.
Little did the Yard Goats know that when Braylen Wimmer singled on a ground ball to right field to lead off the second inning, it would be their only hit for the night. The second frame seemed promising when Wimmer then stole second, but then Wimmer was picked off. Dyan Jorge then reached base on a fielding error and also stole second base, only to be stranded when Jack O’Dowd struck out. Matt Antico was hit by a pitch and stole second in the sixth, but was left there. O’Dowd drew a walk and Antico was hit by a pitch again to give Hartford two more base runners, but they were also stranded. Hartford was outhit 13-1 by the Patriots. Jackson Cox took the loss (2-4) after giving up two runs on four hits with three strikeouts in three innings.
The lefties are coming back. Jose Quintana hasn’t pitched for the Rockies since May 24, while Kyle Freeland hasn’t been on the mound for Colorado since Aug. 19. Quintana has missed most of the season with a left elbow strain, while Freeland was sidelined with cervical radiculopathy. Both played for the Yard Goats with Quintana throwing two scoreless innings and Freeland adding three more on Wednesday night. Freeland is expected to rejoin the Rockies soon, while Quintana is expected to have at least one more rehab start.
As long as the Rockies have played at Coors Field, which started in 1995, Joyl Watkins has been serving up hot dogs at the corner of 19th and Wynkoop. But this season will be his last as the vendor has decided to call it a career.
With the Women’s Pro Baseball League playoffs in full swing, I just wanted to share some articles I wrote after making the trip to Springfield, Ill. to see some games in August. This one is about the swagger of the league and comes with a playlist of walk-up songs. Here’s another one on some women’s baseball history.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 11: Dewayne Staats speaks prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Carlee Calfee/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Rays are in the midst of one of their most successful seasons. As the road trip continues at “The Trop”, we sit down exclusively at The Crawfish Boxes with a familiar face and friend, the one and only Dewayne Staats. He’s called over 7,000 games and has been with Tampa Bay since their inception back in 1998.
Q: How much have the Rays benefited this season being pushed in their divisional race by New York?
A: I actually think the Yankees benefit from being pushed by the Rays. Regardless of how the race ends, I really think this club has been focused on its own performance: self critical, self pushed, self accountable. It very well may come down to the final week in the Bronx.
Q: This upcoming weekend should feature some quality baseball from both sides who each are expected to reach and play significant games in October. What do you expect this weekend?
A: Astros are a test every series they play. The Rays play the schedule one series and one game at a time. There is plenty of respect for the Astros talent, which serves as a motivation for the Rays.
Q: Are there any weaknesses on this Rays club beyond starting shortstop?
A: This roster has been really interesting as and perhaps a throwback a decade or two ago. Not just home runs and strikeouts, but a roster depending on a variety of baseball talents. The top three or four hitters in the lineup sport extra base hit power/production. Beyond that is a ‘manufacturing’ of runs utilizing a variety of skills including speed, moving runners, being smart and aggressive. Like most teams, overcoming injuries is always present. Athleticism and versatility has helped this team.
Q: Finally, what would say to Houstonians who grew up with you in their living rooms back in the 70’s & 80’s calling Astros Games?
A: My years in Houston were a dream come true. I was a Colt45/ Astro fan growing up in the Midwest listening to Gene Elston. Gene answered my letters and was a major figure in me pursuing a Major League Baseball career. He was a very special force in my life. My daughters were born in Houston. We own a place there as well as Florida, and still have great family and friends there including Todd Kalas.
Minnesota Twins' centerfielder Torii Hunter catches a ball hit by Detroit Tigers' Randall Simon in the second inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on 10 September, 2001. AFP Photo/Jeff KOWALSKY (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP) (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Twenty five years ago today, the world irrevocably changed. There was “the world before 9/11” and “the world after 9/11”. On September 10, 2001, the Minnesota Twins played their last game in that old world.
Opening up what was to be a four-game series at Detroit’s year-old Comerica Park, the Twins sent Joe Mays to the mound to oppose the Tigers’ knuckleball-ing starter Steve Sparks.
The visitors got on the board first in the top of the second inning when a Corey Koskie triple was paid off via a David Ortiz sacrifice fly. 1-0 MIN.
A similar sac from Brandon Inge tied the contest in B3, plating Damion Easley. 1-1.
In a sequence that probably would have netted some early defensive work with manager Tom Kelly the next day were the world’s trajectory not about to wobble, errors from Koskie at 3B & Cristian Guzman at SS gave DET a 2-1 lead in B5.
Fortunately, a T8 leadoff single from Luis Rivas eventually came around to score on a Koskie RBI knock. 2-2.
After Mays finished eight strong frames (4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K), the Twins would complete the comeback in T9. This time it was Torii Hunter hammering a leadoff triple and trotting home on a Matthew LeCroy sac fly.
“Everyday” Eddie Guardado entered for the save and punched out both Tony Clark & Randall Simon before inducing a game-ending fly out from Shane Halter.
Your Final: Minnesota Twins 3, Detroit Tigers 2.
That night, 19,456 fans attended a baseball game. They ate hot dogs, peanuts, & Cracker Jack and guzzled soda & beer. They were treated to a tight back-and-forth sporting contest. The Twins moved to within 6 games of AL Central front-running Cleveland (spoiler alert: MN wouldn’t catch them).
The next time the Minnesota Twins baseball club assembled on a diamond was September 18, 2001—and it was a different world.
Twenty five years later, let’s remember that monumental moment in history, reflect on its significance, and hopefully learn the right lessons going forward so as not to let that particular strand of history ever repeat itself.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 27: A general view of Oracle Park as the San Francisco Giants play the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
The San Francisco Giants are playing a home series this weekend, which means it’s time to take a look at what Oracle Park has on deck for fans.
Oddly enough, they have no events or giveaways posted for tonight’s game. That’s kind of unusual. If I missed something, please feel free to weigh in down in the comments.
However, Saturday will feature Dog Days Part 2 as the special event for the day. Fans with special event tickets will be able to bring their canine buddies to the park to partake in an on-field parade. Also, I don’t know if I’m interpreting this wrong or if this is how it’s always been done, but their website says, and I quote, “All dogs must have a ticket to enter the ballpark and sit in the designated Dog Days section.” I kind of always assumed that the dogs got in on their owners’ ticket. (Since, you know, they are dogs and completely unaware of the concept of tickets and money.)
Anyway, there will be a giveaway for Saturday’s game as well. The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Willy Adames long sleeve jersey giveaway.
Sunday is a big one, as it is Pediatric Cancer Awareness day at the park. This requires a special event ticket as well, and those attending with said tickets will receive a beanie giveaway for both themselves and for a child who is going through cancer treatment.
Additionally, the first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Logan Webb football jersey giveaway.
If you’re headed to a game this weekend, have fun!
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants begin this weekend series against the San Diego Padres tonight at 7:15 p.m. PT.
Penguins' Positional Battle Tiers: GoaltendersOne of the biggest positions of interest for the Penguins this season will be goaltending, and a few prospects will jockey for positioning as the other half of the NHL tandem.
Penguins Announce 2026 Training Camp Schedule The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced their 2026 training camp schedule. 
COVERS INTEL: Sale has allowed just 
