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SBN Reacts: One hot shooting night hasn’t erased concerns about Koby Brea

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Koby Brea #14 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack 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

After a horrific start to NBA Summer League, including shooting 1-of-10 against the New Orleans Pelicans, it looked like Phoenix Suns two-way guard Koby Brea turned a corner against the Milwaukee Bucks when he hit 6 threes on 12 attempts in the team’s 95-88 win on Monday. Fans seemed happy (and relieved) for him.

In the next game against the Detroit Pistons, Brea’s struggles returned. Despite the win, he shot just five times and scored five points on 33% shooting from the field in 26 minutes.

The stat line for Brea through four games in Las Vegas? 7.8 points on 27/29/75 splits with 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.7 minutes played. He has sported an offensive rating of 84.4.

Known for his shooting prowess and possessing one of the regular-season roster’s three two-way contract spots, the 2025 second-rounder who spent time at Kentucky and Dayton in college is one of the focal points of the team’s Summer League roster, which is why fans have been paying close attention to his performance and are split on how concerned they are with him.

Half of the polled fanbase being nervous about Brea does not surprise me. Being retained on a two-way deal with a roster that mostly remained the same from a season ago, turnover is needed for the team to once again surpass its projected win total, and any player who is on the team not demonstrating an ability to help the squad could hinder that. Phoenix also has a lot of guards, including the recent two-way signing Pat Spencer.

While he shot 43% from deep last season, he took just 30 threes in his 12 games played, and more than 50% of them came in games 81 and 82 of the regular season, when Phoenix and their opponents were preparing for the postseason and were against lower-level competition. So while the percentages were strong, they are heavily skewed from just two of his 12 games.

When a player is given ample opportunities after a season with an organization, it is ideal for them to show signs of improvement in the Summer League and demonstrate that they are not meant to play more than a handful of games. The team shut down Koa Peat, Rasheer Fleming, and Khaman Maluach after the three showed strong performances in the team’s first four games. Brea has had just one good game.

He has another chance to prove himself in what could be the team’s last Summer League game of the season, but with 75% of his games him shooting under 34% from the field, it’s reasonable that half the fanbase is worried about Koby Brea’s play.

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Braves News: Second half starts strong, Ronald Acuña Jr., and more

Jul 17, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Victor Mederos (58) celebrates with catcher Joey Bart (16) after a victory over the Texas Rangers at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves opened up the second half of the 2026 season on a high note, defeating the Texas Rangers 15-1. Chris Sale got the start and was magnificent, going seven innings and allowing just two hits. He also recorded his 2,700th career strikeout. 

Offensively, things went well as the Atlanta lineup tallied 19 hits. Even Victor Mederos got in on the fun and singled. 

The series continues this afternoon at 4:10 ET behind Owen Murphy.

More Braves News:

The rehab assignments of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim were transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett. 

MLB News:

The St. Louis Cardinals placed left-hander JoJo Romero on the 15-day injured list with appendicitis. The move is retroactive to July 14.

The New York Mets announced the passing of All-Star Ron Hunt at age 85.

From the Feed:

Cast your vote for Braves Player of the Game here!

Walt Weiss provided an unfortunate update on Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider.

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NY Knicks guard Tyler Kolek approves of ‘Celebrity Row’ actor playing him on-screen: ‘That would be amazing’

Timothée Chalamet shaking hands with Tyler Kolek of the New York Knicks, The New York Knicks pose with the Best Team award at the 2026 ESPY Awards

He provided some courtside inspiration.

Knicks guard Tyler Kolek thinks having Celebrity Row mainstay Timothée Chalamet play him on the big screen would be a slam dunk.

“That would be amazing,” he told The Post from the ESPYs red carpet at the Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center on Wednesday. “We’ll see if he agrees to that.”

Tyler Kolek told The Post it would be “amazing” to have Timothée Chalamet play him on-screen. NBAE via Getty Images

During Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Kolek drained a clutch three-pointer during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ historic win over the San Antonio Spurs — and Chalamet went viral for jumping out of his Madison Square Garden courtside seat and shouting, “White boys!”

Knicks fans online quickly began pointing out the uncanny resemblance between the two.

So when Kolek posted a photo of himself holding the championship trophy on Instagram, a follower said, “Timmy gon play you in the Knicks documentary.”

“And he’ll play Timmy,” another joked.

Kolek has been having a ball since the team took home their first NBA title in 53 years.

“It’s been amazing. I mean, the city has been on fire,” the former Marquette star said.

“I got out of the city a little bit, just to kind of get some grounding, get back to reality, take a little deep breath.

“But coming to the ESPYs, going to Fanatics Fest this week, the World Cup Final, it’ll be good to be back.”

The Rhode Island native, who signed with the Knicks in 2024, also revealed why he believes the team won the title.

Kolek spoke to The Post from the red carpet at the ESPYs, where the Knicks took home the Best Team award. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P

“I think it’s the way that we play together, the way we care for each other. That’s the most important thing. You see a lot of people worried about their individual stats,” he said.

“And I feel like our team just came together as one and accomplished the goal that we set our minds to.”

Kolek, whose girlfriend, Alexi Sousa, was by his side at the ticker-tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes, said he is planning to keep his championship merch for his future children.

“I gotta keep it … maybe frame a jersey. I got a ball from the Finals too,” he said.

“Just keep that stuff for my kids, you know, for me later in life.”

The 6′ 2” reserve guard, who boasts 265,000 Instagram followers, said one of the most iconic moments during the Finals run was watching the videos of people cheering outside of Madison Square Garden.

“All the videos outside that I saw of people rioting in the streets, going crazy,” he said, “those have definitely been my favorite.”

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My Red Sox takeaways from an on-site All-Star visit

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Willson Contreras #40 of the Boston Red Sox reacts before competing during the semifinals of the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA — The MLB All-Star Game had not been as close to Boston as this season since Washington D.C. hosted in 2018, which was also known as a year to remember for Red Sox Nation.

Given the uncertainty of when Fenway Park will next host and the America 250 historical angle of this year’s Midsummer Classic, I decided to make the trip down I-95 to take in the festivities for the first time. Not at the game, but at FanFest and a watch party across from Citizens Bank Park.

Here are the Red Sox-related takeaways from the Philadelphia visit:n

1. JERSEY WATCH

    There were plenty of Red Sox fans strolling around the South Philadelphia Sports Complex before Tuesday’s contest, which is understandable given the relatively close proximity between the two cities.

    The best Red Sox spotted jerseys in the wild?

    • Red Nomar Garciaparra Jersey
    • Navy Dustin Pedroia Jersey
    • 2008 All-Star Game (Old Yankee Stadium), believe it was David Ortiz?

    2. ANDREW MILLER IS STILL REALLY TALL

    Boston’s former reliever, most notably traded for Eduardo Rodriguez at the 2014 trade deadline, made the trip with the MLBPA, strolling around the block four hours before first pitch. You’ll always remember his extension in his delivery, but he certainly stuck out at six-foot-seven.

    3. THE RED SOX RETURN TO HOME RUN DERBY

    Willson Contreras knows how to work a crowd and perform while doing it. The Red Sox have seen it all year long in his first season with the team. A whole new audience got that during the Home Run Derby when he slugged 21 total homers, including a 490-foot titantic blast, that left him just short of a trip to the finals.

    Given that the Red Sox hadn’t produced any derby participants since David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez in 2011, Boston’s return to the event came in refreshing fashion thanks to the team’s undisputed first-half MVP.

    Oh, and he did all of that with a suspension to finish serving Friday.

    4. LET CHAPMAN CLOSE!

    Aroldis Chapman got the ball for the ninth inning to lock down the American League’s shutout win, though he did not get the final out. AL and Blue Jays manager John Schneider came to get Chapman with two outs in the ninth to get Rays reliever Bryan Baker into the game to give another pitcher a chance to participate as an All-Star.

    I get the gesture and respect it, but just let Chapman finish it.

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    Where will LeBron James play this season? Picks, predictions for next team

    We’re getting down to the final stretch.

    LeBron James is weighing his options and will soon decide his next stop, after he informed the Los Angeles Lakers in late June that he would be moving on from the franchise.

    James has been deliberate during his unrestricted free agency, and earlier in the week, a person with direct knowledge of the matter told USA TODAY Sports that James has all the information he needs from prospective teams. Now, it’s all about the waiting and the announcement – for the prospective teams, basketball fans and the NBA at large, including commissioner Adam Silver.

    Here are predictions from USA TODAY Sports NBA experts on where LeBron James will decide to play next season:

    Lorenzo Reyes: Miami Heat

    I do think the Cavaliers are a stronger pull as far as storylines go; Akron, Ohio is James’ home and Cleveland is the team that selected him first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. But, on a basketball level, I don’t love the fit. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are both ball-dominant guards who do best when they’re initiating. James, at this stage of his career, is a better facilitator than he is a pure scorer. Cleveland, in my estimation, forces James to sacrifice parts of his game.

    In Miami, he can be far more of a creator, as the Heat currently lack a pure distributor. And when paired with Giannis Antetokoumpo, this would give Miami two of the elite transition players – if not the two best fastbreak players of all time. The Heat would still need to add some shooting, but Miami would instantly improve their standing as a competitor in the East. I also have a hard time seeing James, in his 24th season, playing for a new franchise.

    Scooby Axson: Cleveland Cavaliers

    If LeBron James wants to realistically compete for a championship, he needs to return home and go to Cleveland. It would be a great story whether the Cavaliers end up dethroning the New York Knicks or not. The Cavaliers are younger and more athletic than the other teams vying for his services, and he doesn’t necessarily have to come in and average 20 points a night for them to win games.

    He certainly is a defensive liability at this point in his career, but the Cavaliers have more than enough frontcourt and rim protectors to make up any deficiencies there.

    Marcus D. Smith: Golden State Warriors

    I know folks are complaining about how long this decision is taking but, in LeBron’s defense, he did prepare us for a drawn-out process in May. As far as where he goes, I’m absolutely clueless. Miami makes the most sense for all the reasons previously mentioned. Cleveland has its heartfelt reasons, it's a hell of a storyline and ending to a legendary career, whether it concludes with a championship or not.

    However, based on James’ statements about what’s important to him at this point in his career, I’d have to lean on him choosing the Golden State Warriors to finally team with Stephen Curry. James has shared his desire to remain close to family, and the Bay Area allows him to do that as he stays in California, less than two hours from Los Angeles – by flight. James also loves golf and throughout the Bay Area there are a number of great courses.

    For a long time, James has entertained the idea of playing alongside Curry, and more or less his friend Draymond Green. We saw a sample size during the 2024 Olympic games and it was magical. To top it off, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was the coach of the U.S. men's national basketball team that year when they won the gold medal.

    Mark Giannotto: Cleveland Cavaliers

    LeBron James finishing his record-setting career where it started feels too good to pass up for someone as image-conscience as him. The Cavaliers were also the closest to winning an NBA title last season among the teams reported to be James' top suitors.

    James H. Williams: Cleveland Cavaliers

    James could create a full-circle moment for himself with a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, especially if he is planning to retire after the upcoming season.

    Depending on how long he is willing to play, he could potentially win two more NBA titles and tie Michael Jordan. While it may be too much to ask of James to turn a franchise around on his own at this stage of his career, he could help elevate the Cavs to be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

    Regardless, a third stint in Cleveland would be meaningful and impactful for the city. He would be welcomed back with open arms and would again be a boon for downtown spending. James has also clearly made an effort to remain close to his roots, spending the early part of this summer in his hometown of Akron, Ohio like he does every year.

    Victoria Hernandez: Cleveland Cavaliers

    LeBron James got to live the superstar life in his career, winning two titles basking in South Beach with Miami and then spending the last eight seasons in Hollywood with the Lakers. It’s understandable that James would want to join his buddy Stephen Curry along with Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and let’s not forget about the gem that is Al Horford, for a bit of an ole boys club with Golden State. But wrapping his legacy up in his home state in a return to the Cavaliers would be the full circle moment that the King knows tugs at heartstrings in a way that’s bigger than basketball.

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where will LeBron James play this season? Picks, predictions for next team

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    Potential MLB trade targets: Ranking the top 25 deadline candidates

    As Major League Baseball trade deadlines go, this might be the Jaguars-Cardinals Super Bowl of the genre.

    With at least 21 teams in contention, the uncertainty of a looming lockout and a tepid pool of tentatively available players, the annual trade bonanza is more like celebrating America 250 with a pack of damp Sparklers.

    Alas, the trade deadline industrial complex must be filled, even as the pool of available players will recede and fill with every three-game sweep, and every calamitous injury. With that, here are the top 25 potentially targetable talents, based on their possible impact, the likelihood of their availability and the fit of their contracts:

    MLB All-Star Game winners and losers: Philly showed out. Phillies? Not so much.

    1. Luis Arraez, 2B, Giants

    There he is, the perfect trade deadline candidate: A man on an expiring contract playing for a terrible team and enjoying a career year – what’s not to love? While Arraez noted he would not like to move off second base after doggedly improving to Gold Glove caliber this year, his tune might change once he realizes he has plenty of equity to take into the offseason. The three-time batting champ has, thanks to his viability at second, amassed 3.1 WAR and has a 136 adjusted OPS despite just four homers. Immediate lineup punch for a team in need.

    2. Luke Weaver, RP, Mets

    Since June 1, Weaver has given up two hits and zero earned runs across 14 appearances, with a 19-3 strikeout walk ratio. He served as Yankees closer all the way through the 2024 World Series and can fill any role in a club’s bullpen. At $8 million this year and $11 million in 2027, he’s a reasonable get. The only question is whether the Mets will want to hang on to him for their hoped-for 2027 renaissance.

    3. Robbie Ray, SP, Giants

    It’s been five years since Ray struck out 248 and won the AL Cy Young Award; now, he’s averaging just 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings. But the man posted a 3.38 first-half ERA and had two starts of eight scoreless innings. And a 41-55 team went 12-7 in his starts. Perfect lefty starter rental.

    4. Michael Wacha, SP, Royals

    If not for his limited no-trade protection, Wacha might top this list, given the Royals’ 38-59 record and his All-Star season. Simply, no one’s getting deeper into games – and with a 1.19 WHIP – than Wacha, who is guaranteed a reasonable $15 million in 2027.

    5. Mason Miller, RP, Padres

    Volatile one, this. The Padres remain a sellout machine and are just 3½ games out of a wild card spot. And a pending sale of the club should be finalized soon. From an “optics” standpoint, not the best time to trade the most dominant closer in baseball. But AJ Preller usually has five or six next steps in mind when he does a deal, and Miller would still fetch a significant return – perhaps better than the Padres having to deal top prospect Leo DeVries to the A’s to get him.

    6. Tyler Stephenson, C, Reds

    Definitely checks the "his team will be sellers" and "he’s a pending free agent" boxes. Ty Steve has just six homers and an 88 adjusted OPS this season but did smack 19 homers last year and would bring far more offensive upside than your typical catcher on the move at the deadline.

    7. Foster Griffin, SP, Nationals

    Another tricky one. Griffin has been the biggest coup for the new-look Nationals front office, unleashing his eight-pitch mix on hitters after three years in Japan and winning 10 games with a 2.77 ERA, earning a most unlikely All-Star nod. Even more surprising: The Nationals were near or above .500 most of the first half, generating some buzz that they might actually buy at the deadline. But they hit the break coming off a sweep at the hands of the Yankees, and reality might further intrude these next three weeks. Trading Griffin would allow the Nats to split the baby, in a sense: Getting back a potentially very good return for a difference-making lefty, while holding on to All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams and not further depressing a fan base that’s lived through six consecutive losing seasons.

    8. Jake McCarthy, OF, Rockies

    Dealing McCarthy would fulfill a successful first stage for the Paul DePodesta Regime: Collecting veterans, pumping their trade value and getting assets in return. Never mind Coors Field, McCarthy’s adjusted OPS is 23% above league average and offers significant value as a lefty bat who’s manned all three outfield spots this season.

    9. Tarik Skubal, SP, Tigers

    Here’s how the Tigers start the second half: At Angels, at Cubs, Royals, Orioles and then a trip to Yolo County to face the Athletics just before the deadline. A nice formula to jump right back in the race and thus decrease the likelihood Skubal gets dealt. It doesn’t hurt that the Tigers have a pair of races to attack – the AL Central (6½ out) and wild card (3½ out).

    10. Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Diamondbacks

    A few hurdles here: Arizona must further fade from contention. Rodriguez, fresh off an All-Star appearance, can block trades to 10 teams. And he’s had a good first half yet is still owed $19 million in 2027, and a $17 million 2028 option can vest after just 36 more innings pitched this year. A lot of what-ifs for a pitcher often wracked by injury, but Rodriguez is throwing the ball very well right now and could make a postseason difference for somebody, perhaps if Arizona kicks in a little cash for ‘27.

    11. Dustin May, SP, Cardinals

    A pretty low-risk add for a contender, May nearly no-hit the Padres, then had a pair of blow-up starts, but he’s essentially providing a quality start (4.55 ERA) out of his spot in St. Louis’ rotation. Not the flame-throwing prodigy once in the Dodgers’ system, but May is more reliable now and is owed only a $500,000 buyout after this season.

    12. Devin Williams, RP, Mets

    He hasn’t been great this year but performed serviceably of late, with six saves in his past eight chances and a 3.07 ERA. Not great, and then he’s owed $30 million the next two seasons. Yet just imagine how many clubs will be seeking competent bullpen help.

    13. Mickey Moniak, OF, Rockies

    The Rockies’ 1A outfield trade chip behind McCarthy, Moniak offers less defense but decent pop from the left side, with 15 homers in just 209 at-bats.

    14. Lars Nootbaar, OF, Cardinals

    Nootbaar wasn’t a part of the Cardinals’ surprise early season surge in this supposed rebuilding year, missing the first 60 games after offseason surgery on his heels. And he’s been fine in his return, OPS-ing .778 as he gets up to speed. But Nootbaar already doesn’t play against lefties, and as a free agent after 2027, he doesn’t necessarily fit the Cardinals’ timeline for earnest contention. He’d be a nice clubhouse and on-field addition for a club seeking a lefty-swinging outfielder, and the Cardinals could both open up plate appearances for younger players and still try to contend by dealing him.

    15. Bo Bichette, INF, Mets

    Let’s be up front about this: Bichette has a full no-trade clause, giving him control over basically every lever in the three-year, $142 million deal he signed with New York, a pact that includes opt-outs in 2027 and 2028. Yep, he’s in a great spot: Hit the market again next winter or collect $42 million after a season in which he’s produced an 88 adjusted OPS and a .300 OBP. So why would a team acquire him? Well, the dude can still rake and given a fresh start could go win someone a World Series. But so many what-ifs: Bichette green-lighting a deal, and a team willing to take on a potentially huge salary the following two seasons. The upside: Bichette’s still a really great hitter in a league with few of them.

    16. Spencer Steer, 1B, Reds

    After an uneven first half (he batted .159 with a .629 OPS in June), Steer has surged nicely to bump his home run total to 14 and OPS to .749. The Reds are one of just a few sellers and Steer’s multi-positional magic will be a nice selling point to contenders.

    17. Peter Lambert, SP, Astros

    A really nice find for the Astros after Lambert spent 2025 in Tokyo with the Yakult Swallows, he kept their rotation afloat the entire first half, with a 3.14 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 15 starts. For now, Houston is intent on adding but come Aug. 3, the Astros could be staring at too high a climb for either division or wild card. Lambert can help someone immediately.

    18. Luis Garcia, 1B-2B-DH, Nationals

    The above caveats with Griffin largely also apply to Garcia, though he has one more year before free agency, potentially enhancing his value. Garcia’s slow rise with the Nationals finally gave way to a career year, with 20 homers and an .871 OPS, justifying his move to first base. Would be a nice stealthy power bat for a contender to add, and a great sell-high scenario for Washington.

    19. Isaac Collins, OF, Royals

    He was a nice cog in the Brewers’ NLCS club last year and then got dealt to the Royals, where he’s been perfectly fine (five homers, .345 OBP, 103 adjusted OPS). Yeah, that’s kind of what you get with Collins, but a competent switch-hitting outfielder should have several teams (Phillies, anyone?) interested.

    20. Jonathan Loaisiga, RP, Diamondbacks

    The former Yankee late-inning guy has, after three injury-wracked seasons, found his groove again in the desert, posting a 0.99 WHIP even as his strikeouts per nine innings (6.3) is far off his 2021 peak (8.8) If the D-backs collapse, closer Paul Sewald should be available too, but his 4.34 FIP is far inferior to Loaisiga’s 2.78.

    21. JJ Bleday, OF, Reds

    Does Cincinnati buy Bleday’s breakout and view him as a key part of their future? He has two more seasons before free agency, and perhaps the Reds believe in his massive jump in OBP (.294 to .350) and slimmed-down strikeout rate (36.9% to 28%). Conversely, after Bleday hit 16 first-half homers, perhaps this is the ultimate sell-high scenario.

    22. Jack Flaherty, SP, Tigers

    The usual qualifiers that apply to Skubal play here, too. Flaherty didn’t look like he’d have much trade value, his ERA at 5.81 through 12 starts, but he’s figured it out, with a 2.12 ERA and 34-10 strikeout-walk ratio in his past six outings.  

    23. JT Brubaker, RP, Giants

    Hard to believe there’s anything redeemable from the rancid Giants bullpen, but Brubaker has a 2.87 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, though he doesn’t miss many bats. Club could silently score PR points with its base by dealing one of the No-Pride Four.

    24. Michael Soroka, SP, Diamondbacks

    He hasn’t made more than 17 starts since 2019, but perhaps Soroka’s major health issues are finally behind him. He was just fine through 15 starts in Arizona, posting a 1.09 WHIP. Making just $7.5 million on an expiring contract, so he’s far more easily tradeable than the All-Star Rodriguez.

    25. Ty France, 1B, Padres

    Signed just as free agency began, France has once again emerged as a handy right-handed bat, with 11 homers and an .815 OPS. He won’t play much else than first these days – he’s logged five innings at third base this season – but got a touch of World Series experience with Toronto last season.

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Potential MLB trade targets: Ranking the top 25 deadline candidates

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    Letters to Sports: Planned White House visit causing a stir among Dodger fans

    President Trump, right, greets two-way star Shohei Ohtani, left, during a White House visit on April 7, 2025.
    President Trump greets two-way star Shohei Ohtani last year during the Dodgers' visit to the White House in celebration of their 2024 World Series title. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images)

    It is difficult to find words to express my disgust for the coming White House visit. Like the man they are going to see, the Dodgers are without honor.

    Rico Gardiner
    San Diego

    Sports do not transcend or evade association with politics, especially in the current period of America’s decline under President Trump. It’s disgraceful that the Dodgers would again honor a rank authoritarian, a brazenly corrupt kleptocrat, criminal, malignant narcissist and wrecker of our democracy and rule of law.

    Trump is not honoring the Dodgers; he’s using their presence to honor him and give him a bit more gaslight glory. The organization has smeared itself with the dishonor, serving the PR agenda of our vainglorious tyrant. If they cared about the optics, their civic duty and the good of the country, they would decline.

    T.R. Jahns
    Hemet

    Dodgers, you are out. Out of our house. In normal times, a White House visit is a grand honor for a championship club. I get that. These are NOT normal times. For you to pretend they are and honor this man with your presence is unforgivable. Spineless. A statement that makes the wrong statement. We will not be watching or rooting for you this season. You are out at home. Our home.

    William Lewis
    Burbank

    Ever since the Dodgers accepted their World Series visit to the White House, they’ve been error-prone on the field, and losing most games. In the All-Star Game, the players were hitless and the pitcher served up the only home run. To add more insult, their former player received the MVP award! Most importantly, is the disappointment and loss of respect from the fans. Karma has a way to haunt.

    Robert Torres
    Torrance

    Your letters to the editor section regarding the Dodgers’ planned visit to the White House continues the left bias of the L.A. Times. Four letters were published praising the article and one was published critical of the article. I doubt that the 4-to-1 ratio reflects the opinions of the L.A. population, but it may reflect the opinions of readers that your left-leaning paper attracts. I read the paper only to see what the lefties are up to.

    Larry Hart
    Tarzana

    Turning blue

    As a contrarian to the widely held view that the Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman is some sort of baseball savant, I offer some data that suggests otherwise. Four recent free-agent signings: Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker have a total annual salary of $130 million not including signing bonuses. The payoff? Abysmal with the most compelling being the pitchers who have been injured almost their entire time on the team. I don’t see the genius here but rather an open checkbook with very dubious results.

    David Bialis
    San Diego

    The Dodgers don’t need Tarik Skubal to complete their pitching staff but they should get him to keep him away from playoff opponents. If he teams up with Jacob Misiorowski or Chris Sale in a five-game divisional round they could face three games against aces. In a year the Dodgers are going for a three-peat, they can’t afford to take that chance.

    Russell Hosaka
    Torrance

    Halo help

    As an avid fan of the Angels going back 41 years to my arrival in Anaheim, I watched this year’s All-Star Game with great frustration. It was not from envy of teams like the Dodgers with their cast of superstars-for-hire, but from envy of the teams showcasing their budding young homegrown stars.

    The lone Angel representative this year was aged superstar Mike Trout, five years past his prime. Watching the team this year is like watching a minor league game, with a mixture of mediocre young players, mediocre Band-Aid veterans, and Trout. Sadly, I don’t see that the recent change at the GM level is the answer either. Sell the team please.

    John Knox
    Costa Mesa

    Wouldn’t it be great if future Hall of Famer Mike Trout was traded to a team where he could participate in the World Series? The ball is in the Dodgers’ court. Trout would look great in Dodger blue.

    Patrick Kelley
    Los Angeles

    Let’s review

    To VAR or not to VAR? That is the question. In the world of high stakes sporting events where everything and everyone hangs in the balance on outcome and fair play, video replay is essential to getting calls right. For everyone who extols the virtues of sports (and soccer in this case) as art, imagine a world where outcomes are decided incorrectly without technological advances such as VAR. FIFA should keep going and add more on-field referees like most competitive sports. One referee for a soccer pitch is not enough.

    Andy Hui
    Los Angeles

    The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used.

    Email: sports@latimes.com

    Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

    This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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    Open Thread: LeBron James is single-handedly holding up the NBA’s nationally televised schedule

    December 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the fourth quarter of a NBA basketball game on Christmas against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

    The NBA is ready to roll out their schedule featuring 25 national TV broadcasts throughout the season including opening week and the ever popular Christmas matchups. If the basketball gods are pumping on all cylinders, the yuletide will showcase Miami facing off against Milwaukee, the 76ers playing the Celtics, and the Spurs returning to Madison Square Garden.

    There’s just one problem. LeBron James has yet to announce where he will play next season.

    Adam Silver on LeBron’s free agency decision:

    “I would like him to make his announcement already, so he can finish the schedule. Because as you might imagine, the teams are calling us, the networks are calling us, and everybody wants to lock in the schedule. But it will influence how we set the schedule, how we set opening week, Christmas Day, etc.”

    It sounds strange that the oldest player is the hold up until one hears that player is LeBron. If/when he does sign with a team, James enters his twenty-fourth season. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be Christmas without King James. He’s played a record 20 Christmases, and currently 19 seasons straight.

    That said, one option is for the league plan as if LeBron was retiring. It isn’t befitting of of one of the greatest to ever play the game, but then again, is it appropriate for the league to hold up for one player?

    Make no mistake, his signing is a major event for the league, but perhaps James is milking it a little too long. He has to have an idea of where he wants to go, and any team is prepared to graciously roll out the red carpet. While understanding that this is most likely his laster hurrah, he could be more expedient with his plans.

    What do you think, Pounders? Share in the comments below.

    Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.

    Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.

    Posted on

    Phillies news: Aaron Nola, Brad Keller, trade deadline

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 16: Aaron Nola #27 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the first inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on July 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    A day off after having a game will never cease to bother me. Coming out of the All-Star break, you’d think MLB would want one of their top franchises on the broadcast as much as possible, but maybe that’s just me being sensical.

    On to the links.

    Phillies news:

    MLB news:

    Posted on

    With Will Smith shut down, Dodgers must look for another catcher

    NEW YORK — Turns out the Dodgers have something to do before the trade deadline. 

    They have to find another catcher.

    Because Will Smith is completely shut down.

    The Dodgers’ Will Smith has already missed five weeks due to an inflamed disk in his neck. Jason Szenes for CA Post

    He’s not hitting, he’s not catching, he’s not throwing — he’s not doing anything for at least a week, manager Dave Roberts said Friday.

    A three-time All-Star, Smith has already missed five weeks due to an inflamed disk in his neck.

    Can the Dodgers count on Smith returning this season? Or do they not know?

    “We don’t know,” manager Dave Roberts said, “but we are certainly counting on it.”

    They don’t know if Smith will be back, and they almost certainly won’t know by the Aug. 3 trade deadline, which is a little more than two weeks away.

    Smith is borderline irreplaceable, as there aren’t many catchers with his offensive profile. His continued absence has placed the Dodgers in a difficult position, as they can’t go into the playoffs with Dalton Rushing as their only viable catcher.

    But if president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman trades for a catcher the caliber of, say, Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman, what do they do if Smith returns as expected? Even if Smith doesn’t come back this season, or comes back in a diminished capacity, what would happen next year? Rutschman would still be under team control.

    Ben Rortvedt could be a more practical option.

    The same Ben Rortvedt who caught games for them in the postseason last year. The same Ben Rortvedt whom they designated for assignment before this season.

    Rortvedt, 28, is playing for the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse. 

    He’s familiar with the Dodgers’ pitchers. He wouldn’t cost much to acquire. 

    If Smith is unable to return soon, the Dodgers will need to acquire another proven catcher before the trade deadline. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

    But Rortvedt is extremely limited offensively. He batted .190 for the Dodgers in 18 games last year and is hitting .210 for Syracuse. Kyle Tucker and Mookie Betts better keep hitting if Rortvedt ends up in the Dodgers’ lineup.

    The Dodgers are hoping it doesn’t come to that — and for what it’s worth, they don’t think it will.

    Roberts said shutting down Smith represented a change in the medical staff’s approach to treating him rather than a worsening of his condition.

    “Early on, [we were] trying to get him ready, moving around, doing some baseball stuff,” Roberts said. “But he hasn’t been able to get over the hump.”

    Because his physical activity was leading to flareups, the Dodgers wanted to see how he would respond to doing nothing for several days.

    Roberts was encouraged by the early report he received from head trainer Thomas Albert.

    “He said that Will doesn’t feel any pain,” Roberts said. “Now with that, I think we’re in a much better spot.”

    Which doesn’t mean Smith is expected back anytime soon. 

    “It’s going to be a slow ramp-up,” Roberts said.

    In other words, don’t expect Smith back until the end of next month, at the earliest.

    “I don’t really know what that really looks like right now,” Roberts said. “So it’s hard to say.”

    Just as it’s hard to say how much the Dodgers would be affected if Smith is unavailable in October.

    Smith’s even temperament has served him well in critical moments, including in the postseason. His 11th-inning home run provided the Dodgers with the deciding run against the Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series. Another one of his homers counted as the go-ahead run in the Dodgers’ Game 2 victory.

    He has five career walk-off homers. 

    In the regular season, he has a career OPS of .928 when hitting in the seventh inning or later with the Dodgers tied, ahead by one run or behind with the tying run at least on deck.

    His career OPS: .826.

    Once again, the Dodgers are looking at Smith to come up big for them in an important situation. Only this time, their ask is modest. They just need him back on the field. But they can’t count on that at this point, and that makes it necessary for them to start making plans to play their most important games without him.

    Posted on

    Yankees prospects: George Lombard Jr. homers as Max Fried rehabs in Scranton

    Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:W, 7-6 vs. Worcester Red Sox

    SS George Lombard Jr. 2-3, HR, BB, RBI, K, throwing error — Welcome back, George! Last played at Triple-A on June 16th, when he suffered the finger sprain
    LF Duke Ellis 0-0
    C J.C. Escarra 1-4, SB
    CF Spencer Jones 1-4, 2B, RBI
    2B Marco Luciano 2-4, 2B, K
    DH Yanquiel Fernández 1-4, 2 K
    LF-SS Oswaldo Cabrera 2-4, K, GIDP, picked off
    3B Tyler Hardman 0-2, 2 BB, 2 K
    1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. 1-4, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 K
    RF Kenedy Corona 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, K — big three-run bomb

    Max Fried 3 IP, 5 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, HR, WP — rehab start, first appearance on the mound since May 13th in Baltimore (for more on Fried, including comments from the man himself, check out Scott’s article)
    Yerry De los Santos 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K (Win)
    Kyle Carr 4 IP, 6 H, 3 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 2 HR, pickoff
    Kervin Castro 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (save) — nice conclusion

    Double-A Somerset Patriots:W, 7-2 at Portland Sea Dogs

    LF Jackson Castillo 1-3, BB, RBI, K, HBP
    CF Jace Avina 2-5, 2 2B, RBI, SB
    RF DJ Gladney 0-4, 2 K, HBP
    3B Coby Morales 0-3, 2 BB, K, SB
    DH Miguel Palma 1-4, BB, K
    2B Connor McGinnis 2-5, HR, 3 RBI, K, GIDP, SB — drove in first three runs of the game, first with a two-run hit and then a solo shot
    C Manuel Palencia 1-5, K
    1B Josh Moylan 1-4
    SS Owen Cobb 1-2, 2 BB, 2 SB

    Jack Cebert 4.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K, 2 HBP — 85 pitches, pretty good!
    Geoffrey Gilbert 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 2 K, HR
    Michael Arias 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K, balk (win)
    Matt Keating 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
    Tony Rossi 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

    View Link

    High-A Hudson Valley Renegades: L, 0-4 at Brooklyn Cyclones — shut out on two hits

    3B Roderick Arias 0-2, 2 BB, K, SB, fielding error
    SS Core Jackson 0-3, BB, K
    C Eric Genther 0-3, SB, HBP
    1B Kyle West 0-4, K
    CF Wilson Rodriguez 0-3, BB, K
    2B Enmanuel Tejeda 0-4
    DH Josue Gonzalez 0-3, K
    RF Camden Troyer 0-3, 2 K
    LF Luis Durango 2-3, K, SB, CS — hey look, it’s the offense!

    Bryce Cunningham 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 4 K (loss)
    Brady Kirtner 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 0 K
    Tanner Bauman 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 2 K
    Jack Sokol 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

    Low-A Tampa Tarpons:W, 8-5 vs. Bradenton Marauders

    SS Jackson Lovich 1-5, HR, RBI, K — 432 feet and 111.2 mph off the bat
    2B Hans Montero 2-3, 2B, 2 BB, RBI, 2 SB — put Tarpons ahead in fourth with RBI knock
    C Luis Puello 1-3, 2B, 2 BB, K, CS
    3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 1-4, 2 RBI, SF
    LF Willy Montero 3-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, K — 10th homer, 406 feet; three-run shot in the first
    CF Brando Mayea 1-4, K
    1B David McCann 0-3, RBI, 2 K, SF
    DH Engelth Urena 2-4, 2B, K
    RF Gabriel Lara 1-4, K, SB, outfield assist

    Justin West 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R (5 ER), 2 BB, 3 K (win)
    Jose Martinez 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K — fanned five of six batters faced
    Jose M. Rodriguez 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (save)

    Florida Complex League Yankees:Suspended in the top of the fifth, trailing 4-5 vs. FCL Tigers

    3B Richard Matic 0-1, K, HBP
    SS Dax Kilby 0-1, BB, K — first rehab game since May 28th, when the 2025 first-rounder suffered a setback
    2B Diego Flores 0-0
    LF Wilberson De Pena 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, K — just keeps raking
    C Queni Pineda 1-2, 3B, K
    CF Jose Castro 0-2, RBI, CS
    DH Francisco Vilorio 2-2, 2B
    2B-SS Dexters Peralta 0-2, K
    RF Estivenzon Montero 1-2, 2B, RBI, K
    1B Justin Capellan 0-2, K, fielding error

    Chalniel Arias 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, balk — season debut, hadn’t pitched since 2024 due to injury
    Mack Estrada 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 1 K, pickoff error
    Jorge Luna 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
    Jerson Alejandro 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 2 HBP

    Dominican Summer League Yankees:L, 7-9 at DSL Bombers — Civil War!

    CF Isaias Castillo 0-4, BB, 2 K, SB
    PH Emmanuel Orozco 0-1, K
    SS Stiven Marinez 2-4, BB, SB
    RF Yostin Pena 2-4, BB, RBI, picked off
    2B Juan Torres 1-3, BB, throwing error
    C Juan Martinez 0-4, K, GIDP, throwing error
    PH Jose Peralta 0-1
    DH Cesar Lopez 2-4
    PH Eliezer Adames 0-1, K
    1B Edgar Jimenez 4-5, 2B, HR, 3 RBI — a valiant effort
    3B Adrian Feliz 1-4, BB, RBI, SB
    LF Kendry Diaz 3-5, 2 RBI

    Jhon Beltre 2.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R (1 ER), 5 BB, 5 K, 2 WP, fielding error
    Yunior Jerez 4.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R (4 ER), 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR (loss)
    Varis Villarreal 0.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R (4 ER), 1 BB, 0 K, HR, WP
    Brandon Rodriguez 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 WP — best DSL pitching line yesterday!

    Dominican Summer League Bombers:W, 9-7 vs. DSL Yankees

    CF Ruben Castillo 0-3, 2 K
    LF Sebsatian Pinto 0-2
    2B Dariel Santana 0-2, 3 BB, 2 SB
    DH Alessandro Rodriguez 1-2, 3 BB, K, SB — Bombers drew 10 walks on the day
    3B Carlos Bello 1-5, HR, 3 RBI, 3 K — two-run shot put Bombers ahead in seventh, 6-5
    C Kenneth Melendez 0-5, 2 K, catcher interference error
    RF David Carrera 0-1, 3 BB, outfield assist
    1B Poly Ojeda 2-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, K — big multi-homer game!
    SS Germayhoni Beltre 2-4, 2B, SB
    LF-CF Alfiery Matos 1-3, BB, RBI, K, 2 SB

    Argenis Veloz 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, WP, pickoff
    Sebastian Castillo 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R (4 ER), 1 BB, 2 K, HR, WP
    Brandy Luis 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 2 K, 2 WP, balk (win)

    Posted on

    MLB Predictions and Moneyline Picks for Saturday, July 18

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    The All-Star break is officially over, and we have 15 MLB games on Saturday's card to attack. 

    I've scoured the MLB odds and the data and have found a 15-game card with several plus-money underdogs and solid favorites to keep us busy throughout the day. 

    Read on for my MLB picks for Saturday, July 18. 

    MLB moneyline picks for July 18

    MatchupPick
    TwinsTwins
    vs
    CubsCubs    		Twins
    +138
    White SoxWhite Sox
    vs
    Blue JaysBlue Jays    		White Sox
    +108
    RedsReds
    vs
    RockiesRockies    		Rockies
    +108
    MetsMets
    vs
    PhilliesPhillies    		Mets
    +144
    OriolesOrioles
    vs
    AstrosAstros    		Orioles
    +113
    PiratesPirates
    vs
    GuardiansGuardians    		Pirates
    +100
    PadresPadres
    vs
    RoyalsRoyals    		Padres
    +100
    CardinalsCardinals
    vs
    DiamondbacksDiamondbacks    		Diamondbacks
    -122
    RaysRays
    vs
    Red SoxRed Sox    		Rays
    +108
    RangersRangers
    vs
    BravesBraves    		Rangers
    +133
    MarlinsMarlins
    vs
    BrewersBrewers    		Marlins
    +122
    GiantsGiants
    vs
    MarinersMariners    		Giants
    +117
    DodgersDodgers
    vs
    YankeesYankees    		Dodgers
    -108
    NationalsNationals
    vs
    AthleticsAthletics    		Nationals
    +100
    TigersTigers
    vs
    AngelsAngels    		Angels
    +133

    Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of July 18.

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    Expert MLB moneyline picks for July 18

    Twins vs Cubs: Twins (+138)

    Twins win probability: 42%

    At +138, backing the Minnesota Twins is a strict price-first play. Over the last 14 days, Minnesota's bullpen (4.00 SIERA) matches up well against the overpriced Chicago Cubs, making the Twinkies moneyline the only viable way to look on a hot afternoon.

    White Sox vs Blue Jays: White Sox (+108)

    White Sox win probability: 48%

    The Toronto Blue Jays offense has underachieved to a 73 wRC+ over the last 14 days. Meanwhile, the  Chicago White Sox carry an elite, highly underrated bullpen (3.46 SIERA, 27.7% K% over the last two weeks) that provides a massive late-game edge.

    Reds vs Rockies: Rockies (+108)

    Rockies win probability: 48%

    The Colorado Rockies have been the slightly better offense over the last 14 days (102 vs. 95 wRC+). With both bullpens' SIERAs virtually identical over the last two weeks, getting plus-money on the home underdog with the hotter bats against the Cincinnati Reds is the clear value play.

    Mets vs Phillies: Mets (+144)

    Mets win probability: 41%

    The Philadelphia Phillies are heavily overvalued despite a weak 93 wRC+ over the last two weeks. The New York Mets actually possess the superior lineup over the last 14 days (107 wRC+). Grabbing this number on New York’s hotter bats is the way to go today. 

    Orioles vs Astros: Orioles (+113)

    Orioles win probability: 47%

    While the Houston Astros have the starting pitching edge with Spencer Arrighetti on the bump, the Baltimore Orioles bullpen (3.66 SIERA over the last 14 days) is a major weapon. Facing an Astros offense with a mediocre 105 wRC+ over the last two weeks, the Orioles are live dogs.

    Pirates vs Guardians: Pirates (+100)

    Pirates win probability: 50%

    The Pittsburgh Pirates boast a significant offensive advantage over the Cleveland Guardians over the last 14 days (135 wRC+ vs. 95 wRC+). With Braxton Ashcraft starting and a massive gap in the team's recent hitting, getting even money on the far superior offense is the play.

    Padres vs Royals: Padres (+100)

    Padres win probability: 50%

    The Kansas City Royals bullpen is a disaster, ranking dead last with a 4.94 SIERA over the last 14 days. The San Diego Padres offense (106 wRC+ over the last two weeks) should be able to exploit this late-game weakness. At even money, back the Padres.

    Cardinals vs Diamondbacks: Diamondbacks (-122)

    Diamondbacks win probability: 55%

    The Arizona Diamondbacks hold a massive edge in relief, posting a league-best 2.93 SIERA over the last 14 days. The St. Louis Cardinals are highly vulnerable late with their anemic 82 wRC+ offense over the last two weeks, making Arizona the better side.

    Rays vs Red Sox: Rays (+108)

    Rays win probability: 48%

    The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen has been elite over the last 14 days, posting a 2.80 SIERA and 28% K% compared to the Boston Red Sox' 3.80 SIERA is leaking oil. Getting plus-money on the Rays' superior bullpen over the last two weeks makes them a solid underdog choice.

    Rangers vs Braves: Rangers (+133)

    Rangers win probability: 43%

    The Texas Rangers possess a top-5 offense over the last 14 days (118 wRC+), while the Atlanta Braves have fallen to an average 103 wRC+. Backing the better bats over the last two weeks at +133 is a textbook mathematical play.

    Marlins vs Brewers: Marlins (+122)

    Marlins win probability: 45%

    The Miami Marlins boast the absolute best offense on the slate over the last 14 days (149 wRC+), making them a mandatory play. You cannot lay chalk on the Milwaukee Brewers and starter Shane Drohan against a lineup that has been this incredibly lethal over the last two weeks.

    Giants vs Mariners: Giants (+117)

    Giants win probability: 46%

    The Seattle Mariners bullpen is a major regression candidate (4.83 SIERA over the last 14 days despite a 2.70 ERA), and their offense struck out 26.2% of the time over the last two weeks. The disciplined San Francisco Giants (108 wRC+) are the perfect underdog play. 

    Dodgers vs Yankees: Dodgers (-108)

    Dodgers win probability: 52%

    The New York Yankees offense has sunk to a bottom-five 89 wRC+ with a bloated 29.2% strikeout rate over the last 14 days. Backing the far more consistent and powerful Los Angeles Dodgers lineup over the last two weeks at near even-money is the logical play.

    Nationals vs Athletics: Nationals (+100)

    Nationals win probability: 50%

    The Washington Nationals have a top-2 offense over the last 14 days (142 wRC+), while the Athletics' pitching is a disaster zone (4.22 bullpen SIERA, 2.03 HR/9 over the last two weeks). Getting even money on one of the league's hottest lineups is hard to let slide by. 

    Tigers vs Angels: Angels (+133)

    Angels win probability: 43%

    Even with Detroit Tigers ace Tariq Skubal pitching, the Los Angeles Angels own the best bullpen in baseball over the last 14 days (2.61 SIERA, 31.2% K%). At +133, backing the elite LAA relief core over the last two weeks at home is pure value.

    Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
    Not intended for use in MA.
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    Posted on

    One Aspect Of NHL Scheduling May Favour the Canadiens

    Now that the media has had some time to take a closer look at the NHL schedule, Daily Faceoff podcast co-host Jason Gregor has pointed out an interesting tidbit. Out of the Montreal Canadiens’ 84 games, 19 will be played against opponents who are playing the second game of a back-to-back sequence. That’s the most of any team in the league. The Anaheim Ducks are second with 18 duels against opponents on the tail end of a back-to-back, and the Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues share third place with 16 such confrontations. At the other end of the spectrum, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets will only be facing an opponent on the second game of a back-to-back five times.

    On paper, it may mean the Habs’ opponent will be tired after playing a second game in as many days, but games are played on the ice, not on paper. It’s also worth noting that in four of those 19 games, the Canadiens will also be playing in the second game of a back-to-back, which means that they may be fresher in 15 of the 19 duels.

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    Playing the second game of a back-to-back isn’t always a disadvantage, though. For instance, last season, the Habs played 16 back-to-back sequences, and their record in the second game of those back-to-back sequences was 9-5-2. Four other teams had nine wins in those circumstances, joining the Canadiens as league leaders in that department: the Buffalo Sabres (9-1-3), the Ottawa Senators (9-3-2), the Columbus Blue Jackets (9-5-2), and the New York Islanders. Which team had the worst record in those circumstances? The New York Rangers (2-10-1), the Red Wings (3-7-3), and the Utah Mammoth (3-7-1).

    After skating in 16 back-to-backs last season, the Canadiens will play only 10 this season, which is not far from the fewest; the Calgary Flames and the Vegas Golden Knights have only 8, while Winnipeg has 9. The Pittsburgh Penguins get the short end of the stick with 15. Of course, the fact that there are no Olympics this season helps make the schedule somewhat lighter, and no one will complain about that.

    Will the 19 duels against opponents on the tail end of a back-to-back favour the Canadiens? We’ll have to wait and see…

    Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

    Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

    Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

    Posted on

    What Dodgers could offer Tigers in potential Tarik Skubal trade

    The Los Angeles Dodgers remain a strong contender to make another World Series run this season.

    The Dodgers have won nine World Series, including back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025 with manager Dave Roberts and superstar Shohei Ohtani leading the way.

    This MLB All-Star Weekend served as a break for teams, like the Dodgers, to reevaluate their rosters and communicate as needed with other teams to start piecing together trade possibilities.

    The MLB trade deadline is set for Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. ET.

    While the Dodgers have very few weaknesses, there’s always a need to bolster their pitching staff for the final months of the season.

    Tarik Skubal is one of the best pitchers in the league and could be made available by the Detroit Tigers.

    Skubal earned at least 13 wins in each of the prior two seasons, having started 31 games in both. He was named an All-Star during those seasons and won the American League Cy Young Award both years.

    Despite missing over a month following surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow, Skubal has produced a 5-5 record in 13 starts this season with a 3.09 ERA in 75⅔ innings. He has struck out 89 and walked 11.

    The Tigers had a slow start to the season but have produced a 23-14 record since the start of June, which has allowed them to get back into the American League wild-card race and within reach of the AL Central lead.

    If the organization feels comfortable with their direction, the pitcher could still finish out the season in Detroit. But if the Tigers want to move him?...

    What could Dodgers offer for Tarik Skubal?

    The Dodgers would have plenty to offer if they were, in fact, interested in making a trade with the Tigers.

    “The Dodgers have the sort of farm system Detroit would love to raid, and adding Skubal to a rotation that includes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell would make them damn near unassailable,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

    The Dodgers would not only be doing themselves a favor by adding his arm to the rotation, but potentially controlling their path to a three-peat.

    “The opportunity to not only add Skubal to their rotation but prevent the chance of having to face him in a crucial game is tantalizing,” Passan wrote.

    Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against New York Yankees during the third inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

    Back in June, ESPN proposed a series of trade offers from different teams, including the Dodgers, which was listed as “the one that gets it done.”

    In the proposed trade, the Dodgers would send right-handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan, outfielder Zyhir Hope and shortstop Aidan West to Detroit in exchange for Skubal.

    Sheehan is viewed as a high-upside pitcher with an explosive fastball. Hope is one of the top prospects in the Dodgers' system. West has also shown promise in the minors.

    The Tigers may try to force the Dodgers' hand and ask for more. Several other prospects who may be considered include outfielders Josue De Paula and Eduardo Quintero. Right-hander River Ryan, left-hander Jackson Ferris or right-hander Christian Zazueta could also be considered.

    Detroit Tigers' needs

    If the Tigers were, in fact, ready to move on from Skubal, they would likely add more depth to a farm system that was recently ranked No. 5 by MLB.com.

    That ranking factored in preseason No. 2 prospect Kevin McGonigle, now a 21-year-old All-Star, and No. 10 Max Clark (OF). 

    The Tigers would benefit greatly by adding a highly thought-of prospect with the potential of being a starting pitcher for the organization.

    When will Tarik Skubal pitch next?

    Skubal will be in Southern California over the weekend and is scheduled to pitch against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, July 18.

    This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Dodgers could offer Tigers in potential Tarik Skubal trade

    Posted on

    Gleyber Torres, Kelvis Salcedo, Burch Smith, and Thayron Liranzo all rehabbed on Friday

    Toledo Mud Hens vs. Gwinnett Stripers (postponed)

    The cloud of smoke streaming across the Great Lakes and east coast remained bad enough on Friday to postpone the first game of this series at Fifth Third Field. They’ll try to play two on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Et.

    Erie SeaWolves 5, Richmond Flying Squirrels 2 (box)

    The SeaWolves got a solid effort from Kenny Serwa and the bullpen to take down the Squirrels and get this road set off to a good start.

    With one out in the first inning, Peyton Graham singled and Josue Briceño drew a walk to get Graham in scoring position. Justice Bigbie followed with a single too sharply hit to score on, but Andrew Jenkins lifted a sacrifice fly for a 1-0 lead. That was all they’d get, but Serwa took that slender lead and fired five scoreless frames.

    Nothing changed until the sixth when Graham was hit by a pitch and Briceño, in his first game off the injured list, singled him to third. Bigbie struck out on a wild pitch, but Graham scampered home to make it 2-0.

    Dariel Fregio gave up a run in the bottom of the sixth, but E.J. Exposito smacked a solo shot in the top of the seventh to make it 3-1 SeaWolves. Yosber Sanchez then surrendered a run in the bottom half to make it 3-2.

    Eric Silva and Trevin Michael shut the Squirrels down for an inning apiece, the latter earning the save.

    In the top of the ninth, Garrett Pennington lined a one-out single. Max Burt struck out, but Exposito and Joe Campagna both walked to load the bases. Seth Stephenson paddled a two-run single back up the middle to reach the final score.

    Graham: 1-3, 2 R, BB

    Exposito: 1-3, 2 R, RBI, HR, BB, 2 K

    Stephenson: 1-5, 2 RBI, K

    Serwa (W, 4-7): 5.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 K

    Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

    West Michigan Whitecaps at Great Lakes Loons (postponed)

    They got a little rain in their blanket of ash up in Midland, and decided to save this one for tomorrow. They will also play two, starting at 5:35 p.m. ET.

    Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 9, Lakeland Flying Tigers 5 (box)

    The Flying Tigers staff got hit up despite multiple attempts at a comeback from the offense. Reliever Burch Smith, Gleyber Torres, and Thayron Liranzo were on rehab assignment in this one, Liranzo for a cut on his finger that required stitches and cost him the week prior to All-Star week.

    Smith allowed two in the first in his first rehab outing. In the top of the second inning, Beau Ankeney singled to center field, and Nick Dumesnil followed with a single of his own. They both advanced ona balk, and Edian Espinal singled in both runs to tie the game.

    Cash Kuiper gave the Flying Tigers four innings, but he leaked a pair of runs in the fourth inning. Andrew Pogue gave up a run in the sixth, and so it was 5-2 Fort Myers in the top of the seventh. Kuiper also got some help from Jordan Yost.

    Gleyber Torres drew a one-out walk and was replaced by Jude Warwick as a pinch-runner. A wild pitch got Warwick to second and Hunter Dobbins walked, and then another wild pitch put runners on second and third. Ankeney struck out, but Dumesnil smoked an opposite field double to plate both runs.

    Fort Myers went back to the pen, but getting Espinal out is not an easy task. He singled in Dumesnil to tie the game 5-5.

    Unfortunately, Jan Carabello was then rocked for four runs, three earned in the bottom half to lose it.

    Dumesnil: 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, 2 K

    Espinal: 3-4, 2 RBI, K

    Torres: 0-3, BB, K

    Liranzo: 0-1, 2 BB

    Smith: 1.0 IP, 2 ER, H, BB

    Kuiper: 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K

    Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday as the Flying Tigers look to bounce back in this three-game set.

    FCL Tigers 5, FCL Yankees 4 (suspended)

    Lighting cut this one short in the top of the fifth. We’ll see if they conclude it tomorrow before their regularly scheduled game. Things are different in the Complex League.

    One great sign was that right-hander Kelvis Salcedo, who possesses arguably the best stuff in the whole system, threw an inning, beginning a rehab assignment. We’d had no word on his injury, but fortunately it appears he’ll only miss the last few weeks. He threw a perfect inning, striking out the side in the first.

    Joey Wimpelberg gave up two in a short outing, and Ryan Hall two more in the fourth, but he did strike out four in two innings of work.

    Michael Oliveto and Santiago Pinto each had a double in this one so far, while Cristian Perez continued his FCL reign of terror with two more knocks.