PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 04: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates with Dillon Brooks #3 after Booker put up the game-winning three-point shot during the final moments of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 108-105. 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The season is over, and with it comes a clearer perspective on who this team is, what it accomplished, and how the hierarchy settles. That naturally leads to one of the more enjoyable exercises we do at the beginning and end of every season.
SunsRank.
It is the process of building out the roster and figuring out who the best players are. It is subjective by design, and that is what makes it work. What stands out every time is the shift, where we started, where we landed, and how much can change over the course of a season.
In years past, it was a straight list. Rank them one through however many and call it a day. This season, the approach evolved. It became tier-based. Group the players first, define the buckets, then sort within them. It is cleaner, easier to digest, and creates better conversations. A compartmentalized approach that allows everyone to weigh in on where players belong within the structure that fits their impact.
So, utilizing the same logic that we did at the beginning of the season, here are the four tiers that players on the Phoenix Suns fall into:
Tier 1: The Cornerstones
These are the players the franchise rests on, the names etched into the season’s story before the first tip. They set the tone, and if the Suns succeed, it’s because these players delivered.
Tier 2: The Pillars
Not quite cornerstones, but strong enough to hold weight. These are the stabilizers, the players who give structure to the roster. If they rise, the ceiling rises.
Tier 3: The Wild Cards
Players who could swing the season one way or another. Their roles aren’t fixed, their impact is unpredictable, and that volatility makes them fascinating.
Tier 4: The Depth Pieces
The supporting cast. The ones who fill minutes, plug gaps, and sometimes win a game or two that no one expects. They may not grab headlines, but every season leans on players like these.
Where did we land before the season began? Based on results from the community and our writing team, here is where the Preseason SunsRank 2025-26 landed:
#
BRIGHT SIDE COMMUNITY RANK
BRIGHT SIDE WRITERS CONSENSUS RANK
1
Devin Booker
Devin Booker
2
Jalen Green
Jalen Green
3
Mark Williams
Dillon Brooks
4
Dillon Brooks
Mark Williams
5
Ryan Dunn
Grayson Allen
6
Grayson Allen
Ryan Dunn
7
Royce O’Neale
Royce O’Neale
8
Collin Gillespie
Collin Gillespie
9
Nigel Hayes-Davis
Nick Richards
10
Oso Ighodaro
Oso Ighodaro
11
Rasheer Fleming
Nigel Hayes-Davis
12
Khaman Maluach
Khaman Maluach
13
Koby Brea
Jordan Goodwin
14
Nick Richards
Rasheer Fleming
15
Jordan Goodwin
Koby Brea
16
Jared Butler
Isaiah Livers
17
Isaiah Livers
Jared Butler
18
CJ Huntley
CJ Huntley
Wow. Looking back at that list is wild, isn’t it? Early-season perception drove much of where players landed. The Bright Side community had Jordan Goodwin 15th. The writers had him 13th. It will be fascinating to see where he ends up after this exercise. And we sure did overvalue NHD, didn’t we?
Now comes the fun part. This is where you go through the roster, in alphabetical order by last name, and decide who belongs in which tier. Drop your thoughts in the comments. Who was easy? Who gave you trouble? Who sits right on that line? Because there are a few that live there.
Once we have the tiers set, we move to the next phase. Ranking within them. That is how SunsRank takes shape, building toward a full 1 through 18 when you include the two-way players. It is a process. It is a conversation. It is a thought exercise I look forward to every time, because defining “best” is never universal. Everyone values something different. What drives you? Leadership, production, or impact on winning? Price for value paid, cultural significance, or grit? There are many factors and how to define who is better than who.
Our writing team is working through their rankings behind the scenes as well. Once it is complete, we will share everything, just like we always do. Transparency matters. If something stands out, we will have our writers explain their thought process. And we expect the same from you in the comments.
Appreciate you taking the time to be part of it. Let’s begin SunsRank.
Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards (9) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The trade between the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays in November 2022 didn’t make a lot of headlines. Part of that is because people – including those who live in Florida – don’t pay all that much attention to the two Florida teams. More importantly, the trade didn’t involve any headline talent. In exchange for two low-minors players, the Rays sent pitcher JT Chargois to the Marlins along with another minor leaguer in infielder Xavier Edwards.
Kim Ng’s most underrated trade over her last 12 months.
Xavier Edwards and JT Chargois from the Rays for Marcus Johnson and Santiago Suarez.
Chargois has already come and gone, but Edwards is emerging as a star player. In 2025, he spent time at both second base and shortstop, mostly playing well at the former but was lacking at the latter. He didn’t show much power but got on base at a .343 clip and stole 27 bases.
This season, he’s been the team’s full-time second baseman and his defense has solidified. He has also stepped up his offensive game. His on-base percentage of .432 leads the National League, and while he’ll likely never be a huge power threat, his slugging percentage is up almost 100 points from 2025.
You know how we’ve talked about the concept of a “cleanup hitter” changing over the years? Despite not hitting a lot of home runs, Edwards has been batting fourth in the Marlins’ lineup, and it’s worked out well so far.
This being the Marlins, there’s a strong chance that Edwards gets traded in a couple of seasons as he approaches free agency. But for now, the Marlins can enjoy their young star!
Non-Phillies thought
A few comparisons have been made between this year’s Flyers and the 2022 Phillies: After several years missing the playoffs, the team finally qualified for the postseason thanks to a late surge, and in the first round, took down a favored team with multiple older stars on the roster.
The 2022 Phillies broke up Pujols – Yadi – Wainwright
Facing the Penguins long-term trio is a fun opportunity for this Flyers team
Much like the 2022 Phillies, the Flyers will be underdogs in their next series. However, unlike those Phillies who took on the Atlanta Braves, they don’t have the additional motivation of playing a traditional rival. And there’s also the definite possibility that the team is happy just to have gotten this far. But sometimes, the “playing with house money” team can be the most dangerous.
Saturday is setting up to be a massive sports day in Philadelphia with the Phillies in action along with Sixers (game seven!), and Flyers playoff games. And there’s also the Kentucky Derby. While I’m sure this year’s race won’t compare to the 2004 edition, it’s still fun to watch.
Saturday ─ for the 137th time ─ the Phillies, Sixers and Flyers will all be playing on the same day . . .
On three of the last eight occurrences of this triple, all three teams lost . . .
I will have to set up multiple TVs to catch all the action, although my last multiple TV night was on October 9th, and that went…poorly.
Trivia
Last week’s answer: The Phillies’ first game at Truist Park was June 5, 2017. In the first inning of that game, a home run was hit by Tommy Joseph. (Nobody answered that one correctly)
This week’s question: In the first series the Phillies played at LoanDepot Park (nee Marlins Park) in June 2012, they lost all three games. Name two of the three losing pitchers from that series.
Additional thought about the series
Under Rob Thomson: Phillies play poorly for eight of nine innings in a game and lose.
Under Don Mattingly: Phillies play poorly for seven of nine innings in a game, but one of those good innings is the ninth and they win.
After how poorly most of the season has gone, we needed a day like Thursday where the team pulled off two ninth inning comebacks. (With Chase Shugart earning both wins, exactly like they drew it up.)
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) May 1, 2026
However, LoanDepot Park has often been a place where good Phillies vibes go to die. The Phillies’ worst years at the Marlins’ stadium seem to happen when they’re expected to be good and the Marlins are expected to be bad. The Marlins weren’t expected to be playoff contenders this season, but they are in second place (albeit with a losing record) and are coming off a series win over the Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers lose on an INCREDIBLE HEADS UP DOUBLE PLAY by Xavier Edwards.
Perhaps the three game lead in the standings will cause the script to flip, and the Phillies will be the underdog team that hurts the Marlins’ chances?
Knicks fans were especially thankful for actress, Anne Hathaway after New York's historic win over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series Thursday night.
Knicks fans were especially thankful for actress Anne Hathaway after New York’s historic win over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series Thursday night.
Hathaway, a diehard Knicks fan and a Celebrity Row staple at Madison Square Garden, sent some good juju to the team during a Wednesday night appearance on “The Tonight Show,” telling host Jimmy Fallon that she “considered wearing an OG [Anunoby] jersey” on the show.
The star Knicks forward went off the next night, scoring 29 points in New York’s 140-89 series-clinching win. He also had seven rebounds and four steals in 27 minutes of action at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
It’s unclear if Anunoby caught Hathaway’s remark, but some chalked it up to the actress igniting a fire in the NBA champ.
“Thank you Anne Hathaway for unlocking the demon inside of OG Anunoby,” one fan wrote in an X post, including a clip of Hathaway on the late night show.
Anne Hathaway on “The Tonight Show” on April 29, 2026. X
“Huge Thank You to Anne Hathaway for turning OG Anunoby into a god,” another added.
Hathaway — promoting her new movie, “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which features a cameo from Knicks center Karl Anthony Towns — wore a pocket handkerchief that was Knicks’ blue and orange.
Knicks faithful noticed an uptick in Towns’ player stats since the sequel movie premiered last week in New York.
Karl-Anthony Towns since The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere
—17.3 ppg —13.0 rpg —7.5 apg —7th + 8th triple-doubles in Knicks playoff history —3.6 blocks+steals/game —62.1 eFG% —74.0 true shooting% —OffRTG 130.1, DefRTG 94.7 (+35.4 netRTG) —plus/minus of +84 in 125 minutes https://t.co/N99GAf9xEs
Towns had triple-doubles in Games 4 and 6, finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists on Thursday.
Knicks guard Mikal Bridges added 24 points in the team’s largest win in a playoff game in franchise history.
OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during Round One Game 6 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NBAE via Getty Images
Hathaway and Anunoby have viral history.
In 2024, Anunoby nearly crashed into Hathaway while she was sitting courtside during a game at Madison Square Garden.
She later thanked him in an Instagram video, saying, “I’ve always wanted that to happen.”
Fallon played the clip while rehashing the moment with Hathaway on the show Wednesday.
Sinner is youngest man to reach all nine Masters finals
Raducanu reunites with coach who helped her win slam
Jannik Sinner has become the youngest man to reach the final of all nine Masters 1000 tournaments after swatting aside Arthur Fils at the Madrid Open.
The world No 1 follows Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in completing the set and, at 24, has done so at a younger age than his illustrious predecessors – taking a year off Djokovic’s record.
Philadelphia has turned a corner of late, winning three straight games and four of the last five.
With Zack Wheeler set to take the mound, myPhillies vs. Marlins predictions expect the road team to extend its winning streak in Miami.
Let’s take a closer look at my MLB picks for May 1.
Who will win Phillies vs Marlins today: Phillies moneyline (-120)
Zack Wheeler showed little rust in his season debut, holding a top-tier Atlanta Braves offense to two runs over five innings while striking out six. The velocity was high, indicating he’s already close to 100%.
If Wheeler is on his game, he doesn’t need much support to grind out wins – and he should get it against the Miami Marlins.
Eury Perez has allowed at least three runs in four of six starts and ranks Bottom-5 on the slate at limiting fly balls and hard contact. That’s cause for concern against a powerful Philadelphia Phillies offense that sits sixth in hard hit rate.
COVERS INTEL: Eury Perez has allowed an alarming 14.9% barrel rate, putting him in the seventh percentile league-wide.
Phillies vs Marlins Over/Under pick: Over 8.0 (+100)
The Phillies are heating up at the dish. They have scored 36 runs over their past seven, good for an average of 5.14 per game.
Their hard hit numbers against righties are strong and Perez is giving up a lot of quality contact. This is a good setup for them to build on strong recent production.
Miami should struggle early against Wheeler, but they’re unlikely to run him into the ground in just his second start. With a taxed Phillies bullpen behind him after Thursday’s double-header, there’s a clear path to late offense.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 8-3, +4.18 units
Over/Under bets: 4-7, -3.72 units
Phillies vs Marlins opening odds
Moneyline: Philadelphia (-130) | Miami (+110)
Run line: Philadelphia -1.5 (+135) | Miami +1.5 (-155)
Over/Under: Over 8.0 (-105) | Under 8.0 (-1.5)
Phillies vs Marlins trend
The Philadelphia Phillies have hit the Game Total Over in 4 of their last 6 away games (+2.90 Units / 44% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Orioles vs. Yankees.
How to watch Phillies vs Marlins and game info
Location
LoanDepot Park, Miami, FL
Date
Friday, May 1, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSP, Marlins.TV
Phillies starting pitcher
Zach Wheeler (0-0, 3.60 ERA)
Marlins starting pitcher
Eury Perez (2-2, 4.60 ERA)
Phillies vs Marlins latest injuries
Phillies vs Marlins weather
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.
David Stearns has removed any cloud that might have been hanging over Mets manager Carlos Mendoza amid the team's 10-21 start.
"We know our record is not what we want, and we know we are capable of more," Stearns told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "We don’t view this as a manager problem, and we don’t intend to make a change."
Regarding Stearns, DiComo notes that owner Seve Cohen has given "at least some assurances" that his job as president of baseball operations is safe.
Mendoza is in the third and final guaranteed year of his contract, with the Mets holding a team option for the 2027 season.
Stearns' above comments on Mendoza echo ones he gave on April 17, when he expressed confidence in the third-year manager while disagreeing with the notion that there should be more scrutiny on Mendoza.
"No. I think Mendy is doing a really good job," Stearns said. "I think he's putting our players in position to succeed. He's enormously consistent. So, no, I don't agree with that."
Asked how Mendoza was putting players in position to succeed, Stearns elaborated.
"I think both in terms of how he's managing in the clubhouse, how he's getting guys to the right pockets -- whether it's matchups out of the bullpen, the right matchups in games," Stearns explained. "I think he's doing a good job."
Mendoza has a 182-173 career record at the helm of the Mets.
In his first season in 2024, Mendoza oversaw a team that finished 89-73 and made a run to Game 6 of the NLCS.
In 2025, with the Mets' pitching staff largely ineffective in the second half of the season, New York tumbled all the way out of a playoff spot while finishing 83-79.
Stearns hired Mendoza in November of 2023, shortly after his stint leading the front office began.
The home team continued its dominance in the series as Cleveland won Game 5, 125-120. The Cavaliers were led by James Harden who lead the team in points (23), rebounds (9), and assists (5).
Cleveland holds a 3-2 series lead as they enter Game 6 in Toronto. The Cavaliers have the second-best offensive net rating at home this postseason and the third-worst on the road. Cleveland is shooting 28.2% from three in Toronto in the playoffs and are third-worst in turnovers per game (20.0) away from home. The Raptors are shooting 68.4% from the free throw line at home, which ranks worst of the entire playoff field.
Toronto won by 22 and 4 points during its home contests in Games 3 and 4. Toronto has been led in scoring every game by either Scottie Barnes or RJ Barrett — and both double doubled in Game 5's loss. The Raptors can force a Game 7 in Cleveland on Sunday with a home win tonight.
Let’s take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Live: Raptors vs. Cavaliers
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 7:40 PM EST
Site: Scotiabank Arena
City: Cleveland, OH
Network/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: Cavaliers vs. Raptors
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Cleveland Cavaliers (-192), Toronto Raptors (+160)
Spread: Cavaliers -4.5
Total: 218.5 points
This game spread opened with Cleveland favored by 3.5 points and the Game Total set at 219.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Cavaliers vs. Raptors
Toronto Raptors
PG Ja’Kobe Walter
SG Brandon Ingram
SF RJ Barrett
PF Scottie Barnes
C Jakob Poeltl
Cleveland Cavaliers
PG James Harden
SG Donovan Mitchell
SF Dean Wade
PF Evan Mobley
C Jarrett Allen
Injury Report: Raptors vs. Cavaliers
Toronto Raptors
Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) has been declared OUT of for the remainder of the first round series
Cleveland Cavaliers
None
Important stats, trends and insights: Raptors vs. Cavaliers
Cleveland is the worst in the NBA ATS at 35-52
Cleveland is 44-43 to the Under
Cleveland is 17-26 ATS as the road team, ranking fifth-worst
Cleveland is 9-21 ATS as a road favorite, ranking fifth-worst
Toronto is 52-35 to the Under, ranking third-best
Toronto is 24-19 to the Under at home
Toronto is 45-42 ATS and 23-20 ATS at home
Toronto is 8-6 ATS and 6-8 on the ML
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s Raptors and Cavaliers’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning toward a play on the Cavaliers Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers -4.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 218.5
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Cooper led the Lightning back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and is one of the best coaches in the NHL. He's also never won the award before.
Ruff guided the Sabres to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season. The Sabres had a dreadful start to this season, but caught fire in December and kept it going into the playoffs. They're one of the best teams in the league.
Muse took over a Penguins' team that had very low expectations for this season and guided them to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. Several players also had career seasons under Muse, including Anthony Mantha, who finished the season with 33 goals and 64 points.
Erik Karlsson also had his best season as a Penguin under Muse, compiling 15 goals and 66 points in 75 games.
It's a well-deserved honor for Muse and time will tell if he wins it.
Apr 30, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks players celebrate after game six of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee/Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry and Chris Kreider had a goal and two assists apiece, and the Anaheim Ducks eliminated Connor McDavid and the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers with a 5-2 victory in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.
Cutter Gauthier had a goal and an assist, Ryan Poehling scored the opening goal and Lukas Dostal made 25 saves in a standout performance for the upstart Ducks, who stormed to their first playoff series victory since 2017 in front of a frenzied sellout crowd.
“It was obviously just an awesome feeling to make the playoffs for all of us,” Terry said. “We knew that this series was there for us if we played the right way. Obviously, they made a push, but I’m just proud of the guys. I thought we played maturely, played hard.”
After ending a seven-year postseason absence by knocking out the powerhouse Oilers, Anaheim will face the winner of the Vegas Golden Knights’ series with the Utah Mammoth. Vegas leads 3-2 heading to Salt Lake City.
Connor Murphy and Vasily Podkolzin scored as Edmonton followed up its worst regular season since 2021 by going out in the first round for the first time since that season.
“We were an average team all year, you know?” said NHL scoring champion McDavid, who was held pointless in three of the series’ six games. “An average team with high expectations, you’re going to be disappointed. ... They played very fast, and we weren’t very fast. We’ve been searching for consistency all year, and obviously we didn’t find it here in the playoffs.”
After winning nine playoff series, playing 81 postseason games and reaching two Stanley Cup Finals in the past four years, McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers finally appeared to run out of energy and health. They had a disastrous defensive performance against the Ducks, who scored three goals in the first period of Game 6.
“They know how to play the right way, and at the end of the day, I think they were just better than us,” Draisaitl said. “We never really found what you need to find at this time of year, especially to go all the way. In my opinion, just not good enough.”
Even with 14 players making their postseason debuts, the Ducks admirably handled the pressure while winning four of the last five games against the seasoned Oilers. Carlsson had an outstanding Game 6 to cap the 21-year-old center’s strong debut playoff series, while emerging star defenseman Jackson LaCombe scored nine points and led the Ducks’ defensive efforts against McDavid and Draisaitl.
“For sure it was our best game of the series,” Ducks coach Joel Quenneville said. “Could have been our best game of the year. A lot of things went well tonight.”
In Game 6, Anaheim also got its best effort of the series from Dostal, who had the NHL’s second-worst save percentage in the postseason after getting pulled from Game 5. The Czech Olympian was sharp all night, highlighted by a breakaway stop on Zach Hyman.
Backed by a raucous crowd that included Angels slugger Mike Trout, the Ducks scored first in Game 6 for the first time in the entire series when John Carlson’s shot hit Poehling and trickled in for his fourth goal of the series.
Carlsson then set up Kreider off the rush, ending the longtime Rangers star’s 17-game goal drought with his first playoff goal for the Ducks — on his 35th birthday, no less.
Murphy answered for Edmonton 1:31 later, but Gauthier got his fourth playoff goal on a power play when his one-timer arced in off Darnell Nurse’s stick.
Late in a tense second period, Carlsson took the puck from Evan Bouchard and fed Terry for a 4-1 lead.
Edmonton scored early in the third when Kasperi Kapanen’s wide shot deflected in off Podkolzin’s leg, but McDavid and Draisaitl couldn’t get it any closer. The Oilers pulled Ingram with 3:57 left, but Carlsson scored into an empty net.
STREAKING: The Cubs have won eight straight home games, the entire last seven-game homestand and the last game of the previous one. The last time a Cubs team won eight straight at home was Sept. 12-30, 2017. That streak was snapped when they lost to the Reds, 3-1, on the final day of the season, and all but one of their starters were lifted after one or two plate appearances. The last time any Cubs team won nine straight home games was Aug. 18-Sept. 2, 2017. The franchise record is 18, set during the team’s overall team record 21-game winning streak in 1935 (the first 18 of those 21 straight wins). (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
SCORING FIRST: The Cubs are 7-0 when they have scored first at home. They are 12-5 in all games in which they scored first. In 14 of the 17 games, they did so in the first three innings: four in the first, seven in the second and three in the third. Last year, the Cubs were 33-8 at home when they scored first and 17-23 when they did not. They won 15 straight when they scored first at home from May 5 through July 19. They had two nine-game winning streaks when they scored first on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
GETTING ON BASE: The Cubs are first among all 30 teams in on-base percentage, at .353. The Diamondbacks are 27th, at .308. The only teams lower are the Phillies, .302; Giants, .293; and Mets, .289. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
HIT PREVENTION: The Cubs are tied for fifth in fewest hits allowed per nine innings, at 7.6. The Diamondbacks are tied with two teams for 25th at 9.1. The only teams worse are the Nationals, 9.2; Orioles, 9.3; and Phillies, 10.1. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Andre Dawson and Hector Villanueva homered off future Cubs broadcaster Jim Deshaies as part of a five-run first inning and the Cubs went on to defeat the Astros 11-8 at Wrigley Field. It happened 35 years ago today, Wednesday, May 1, 1991.
Colin Rea was going along just fine when the Dodgers torched him pretty good over the weekend.
That out of the way, Rea has been solid this year (and was last year, too). I don’t think one bad start erases all the good things Rea has done for the Cubs rotation.
Rea started vs. Arizona April 18, 2025 at Wrigley Field and allowed one run in 4.2 innings with five strikeouts, probably on a pitch limit (threw 69 nice pitches). That was the crazy game where the D-backs scored 10 runs in the eighth but the Cubs came back and won anyway.
Ketel Marte is 4-for-6 with two homers off Rea, so it might be good to hold him down today.
Remember when Bob Nightengale said Zac Gallen was going to sign with the Cubs? According to this Awful Announcing article, here’s what happened in the Gallen household after Nightengale made that social media post:
“So I was sitting there at breakfast with my dad,” Gallen told MLBFits. “A family friend of ours came over, and he’s like, ‘Oh nice, you’re going to Chicago,’ and I was like, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ So there was a hectic kind of 20 minutes or so there. I was getting calls from family, and then from my now-wife, was like ‘We’re going to Chicago?’ I’m like, ‘No, I would let you know if we’re going to Chicago.’”
Gallen and his wife actually got married the weekend after that news broke (and un-broke), which only amplifies how wild that report must have seemed in the moment.
So that must have been fun!
Anyway, as you obviously know, Gallen re-upped with the D-backs and has had a pretty good year so far: 3.14 ERA, 1.360 WHIP in six starts. His K rate is down a bit, but otherwise he’s showing that last year was an aberration in an otherwise fine career.
The last time he faced the Cubs, April 19, 2025 at Wrigley Field, they hit him pretty hard (seven hits, six runs in six innings), including home runs by Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch.
Please visit our SB Nation Diamondbacks site AZ Snakepit. If you do go there to interact with D-backs fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
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The Lakers are 10-4 SU and ATS in their last 14 games as underdogs, and the Rockets are trading at 61¢ to take this series to the brink.
Our prediction:Lakers to win
"The Rockets have rallied, but Reaves’ return in Game 5 gives L.A. an extra attacker, and he’ll look much sharper in Game 6 after shaking off the rust."
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Lakers vs Rockets spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Rockets -2.5
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47¢ (+113)
Over 203.5 points
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Our predictions:Rockets -2.5 — No
"The Lakers will clean up their play with sharper shooting and fewer turnovers. Those miscues have gifted Houston 48 total points across the past two outings. The Rockets have capitalized on those mistakes for easy buckets, but they struggle when forced into a half-court game."
Other Lakers vs Rockets prediction markets available
LeBron James 20+ points (Yes: 66¢)
Alperen Sengun 6+ assists (Yes: 59¢)
Deandre Ayton 10+ rebounds (Yes: 41¢)
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 18: Jordan Walker #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals reacts with teammates after defeating the Houston Astros in the game at Daikin Park on April 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jordan Walker’s first month has contained some of the highest highs any player is ever going to reach, and some familiar lows. How do we rationalize what we’ve seen so far?
We’re about one month into the baseball season for the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals. In the grand sweep of the season, this is but the opening line. It’s too early to draw any conclusions from what we’ve seen thus far. But, if you’re like me and watching essentially every inning, it feels like a lot of baseball has been played. Which brings me to a thought I’ve been wrestling with for the last few games. What’s the rational way to react to Jordan Walker’s start?
Let’s go to caveat land first. He should play the whole season no matter what – this is the year to learn what he’s really got in the tank. It’s still early. We’ve seen two versions of Walker and that will likely normalize as the year goes on. He’s the same age as JJ Wetherholt and has had an odd career track up to this point. (Now, hold these residents of caveat land in your head all the way through – please and thank you!)
Through roughly 30 games, we’ve seen two versions of Jordan Walker. Let’s start with the Thanos version of him first. (Yes, I’m using Thanos positively here as a kind of destroyer-of-worlds-template in favor of the Cardinals.) From the hallowed stretch of April 4th through April 16th, Jordan Walker turned the difficulty level down to Rookie and treated the league like MLB the Show. Let’s just laugh together at some highlights: .370/.408/.848, a .478 ISO, a 246 wRC+, and 7 homers. Try to export those numbers to another country and Walker would be charged with war crimes.
He ran career lows in groundball rates, sprayed the ball all over the field, and ran a miniscule 6.5% weak contact rate. The eye test confirmed this. Every ball off his bat was a scud missile buried somewhere in the side of the wall or doing architectural damage to the stadium beyond the fence. Every single problem we wanted him to solve was solved to a Sherlock Holmes degree in this microdose of games.
It went beyond the numbers, though. Walker seemed in control at the plate. He was jumping on hittable pitches early and was patient on balls out of the zone. He didn’t seem to be lunging like Richard Simmons at every slider low and away. The defense was quite improved (still is!) and he was even stealing bases like Victor Scott II. (Or, not like Victor Scott II – yikes.) In a nutshell, it was everything that everyone who roots for the Cardinals had ever wanted for Jordan Walker. He was a national topic – Eno Sarris was buying in!
Ok, now take a deep breath. Remember, there have been two Jordan Walkers so far. From April 17th through this writing (April 29th), Jordan Walker has looked like Old Jordan Walker. As Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for dancing and a time for mourning. Let us mourn together: .216/.333/.243 (the OBP isn’t bad there!), an .027 ISO, a 78 wRC+, and one extra base hit.
It’s worse than that (do you still have you citizens from caveat land on board?), he struck out 37.8% of the time and doubled his groundball rate from his thermonuclear streak. He’s been lunging at low and away sliders like I lunge at toasted ravioli (just trust me!), and working seemingly every single count to 0-2 immediately. It’s been ugly the last couple of weeks – and it’s been ugly in a recognizable way.
So, let’s step back. What do we make of this first month? It seems to be a matter of perspective. If you told Cardinal fans at the beginning of the year that Walker would have a 151 wRC+ after the first month, they’d probably ask you how someone got ahold of Yadier Molina’s blood for ritual purposes. That’s an unqualified success – no doubt.
However, it’s more complicated than that because of the nature of his performance. He went from Aaron Judge lookalike to Old Jordan Walker all in the same month. This is where opinions are going to vary. If it scares you to see the old habits rear their heads, then you’ve got all the ammunition you need to worry. If you’re thrilled that we’ve seen Peak Jordan Walker, then you’re probably feeling good that we’ve seen what’s possible from a 23 year old.
In short, Jordan Walker is a walking Rorschach test. His ink blot can be read in either direction you’d like to read it. Obviously, as he plays more this season, that ink blot will begin to take a more definite shape that we can use to adjust our expectations.
I can’t and won’t tell you how to fan, but I will share my perspective. I’m worried. We have an enormous amount of data that tells us that Jordan Walker may never figure it out. He turned into an MVP for roughly two weeks and then reverted back. I’m not rooting against him. I’m just concerned that his body of work shows that he’s back to the approach and habits that landed him in an early career tailspin in the first place. I’d like nothing more than for Jordan Walker to develop into the cleanup hitter of the future for the Cardinals. I’m not ruling it out by any stretch. His underlying physical gifts are such that he could flip the switch at any second by refining his approach again. That’s what I want. I just don’t know if the Cardinals inkblot is going to deliver.
Let me know how you’re feeling in the comments. And, as always, thanks for reading!
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings in his second minor league rehabilitation outing.
Rodón allowed five hits and walked none, throwing 51 of 75 pitches for strikes with Double-A Somerset against the Portland Sea Dogs, a Boston Red Sox affiliate in the Eastern League.
Miguel Bleis homered leading off the fifth, the only run Rodón permitted in the Patriots’ 9-6 win.
The 33-year-old left-hander opened the season on the 15-day injured list as he recovers from surgery last Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur. He had a setback in late March when he felt tightness in his right hamstring while throwing at the Yankees’ complex in Florida.
Rodón tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings for High-A Hudson Valley on April 24, throwing 65 pitches.
He is expected to make at least one more minor league start before rejoining New York’s rotation.
Top prospect George Lombard Jr. played his first game since his promotion from Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Lombard was 1 for 3 with a pair of walks in the RailRiders’ 5-4, 10-inning win over the Buffalo Bisons, a Toronto Blue Jays farm club. He singled, struck out, flied out and was caught stealing after he was picked off first,
The 20-year-old shortstop, who batted leadoff, is a son of former major leaguer George Lombard.
The younger Lombard hit .312 with eight doubles, four homers and 10 RBIs in 20 games with Somerset.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 20: James Harden #1 talks with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on April 20, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Despite the Cleveland Cavaliers walking away from Game 5 with a 3-2 series lead, they still haven’t fully instilled confidence as a bona fide contender. In many ways, Cleveland’s wins have felt more tied to Toronto’s limitations and mistakes than the Cavaliers consistently imposing their own identity and style of basketball over extended stretches of play.
The clearest example of Cleveland playing “their brand of basketball” came in the second half of Game 5. But even that performance came with important context: Toronto was without Brandon Ingram and relying on a clearly limited Scottie Barnes.
That makes Game 6 especially important for Cleveland’s postseason outlook. The key question isn’t simply whether the Cavaliers can close out the series, but whether that second-half surge in Game 5 reflected the team discovering a sustainable level of play without Donovan Mitchell, or if it was merely the product of a compromised Toronto roster.
To Cleveland’s credit, the Eastern Conference as a whole has hardly looked dominant in the first round. Detroit has pushed Orlando to the brink, while Boston and Philadelphia are going to Game 7. Because of that, the Cavaliers still have a viable playoff path if they can establish some consistency moving forward.
A familiar frustration for Cavaliers fans is that this roster never truly had the benefit of continuity throughout the regular season. Because of injuries and lineup instability, Cleveland has essentially been forced to troubleshoot in real time during this series, experimenting with combinations deep into the postseason to determine what actually works. The challenge with postseason lineup data is that the sample sizes are so small that it becomes difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from it.
Without a reliable regular-season foundation to lean on, the Cavaliers have been adjusting game by game — and at times quarter by quarter. That’s what made the second half of Game 5 so intriguing. Cleveland leaned more heavily into interior play, trusted offensive movement, and played with a level of freedom that had largely been absent earlier in the series.
When the Cavaliers avoid letting the rigidity of postseason basketball hijack the natural flow of their offense, they look far more dynamic. In previous seasons, there is almost no scenario where Dennis Schröder takes over a pivotal fourth quarter while Donovan Mitchell comfortably plays off the ball as more of a spectator. Likewise, Evan Mobley confidently stepping into no-hesitation threes late in a high-leverage game signals a level of offensive trust and adaptability that Cleveland has not consistently shown in past playoff runs.
There are legitimate signs of evolution and meaningful change within this team. The question now is whether that second-half breakthrough was simply a one-game solution against a depleted Raptors team, or if it can become a legitimate blueprint for how Cleveland wants to play moving forward.
That’s why so much weight falls on Game 6. It’s less about fearing a potential Game 7 against Toronto and more about what another loss would represent: a team that still lacks a clear understanding of itself and remains unable to consistently execute the identity it wants to play with.
CORAL GABLES - APRIL 26: Miami catcher Alex Sosa (13) runs to first base in the third inning as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Cal Golden Bears on April 26, 2026, at Mark Light Field at Alex Rodriguez Park in Coral Gables, FL. (Photo by Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Who’s the Pack playing?
Opponent: Miami
Mascot: Embraced Fear | School Location: Dextertown, FL | Conference: ACC
Former Miami pitcher and long-time Hurricanes assistant J.D. Arteaga, now in his third year as the head man of the program, finally seems to be figuring things out. It was a bit of a controversial move firing Gino DiMare, himself another former Hurricanes players and long-time assistant under legendary coach Jim Morris, and handing the reigns to the pitching coach under him. Things certainly didn’t start well, with Miami going from a 42-21 (18-12) record with an RPI of 15 in DiMare’s last season to a 27-30 (11-19) record with an RPI of 81 in Arteaga’s first season. Heck, DiMare won 18+ ACC games in each of his four full seasons at the helm. Arteaga’s going to need a 6-3 finish to the season to reach that mark for the first time.
So, yeah, things haven’t been that great to start with. Last year’s Miami squad got hot in April, but limped to the finish line in May and then was one-and-done in the ACC Tournament. They did make the Hattiesburg Regional and got hot there, eventually making the Louisville Super Regional where they bowed out in a one-run loss in Game 3.
The 2026 Hurricanes started the year on a 10-game winning streak before getting swept at home in a weather-shortened two-game series with Florida. The Canes then lost both of their first two ACC series, vs Boston College and at Duke, putting some heat back on Arteaga. Since the series loss to the Blue Devils, Miami has been on a heater, going 18-6 overall (10-5 in ACC play) and winning all six weekend series.
A combination of a potent offense (.303/.407/.509, 95 2B, 63 HR, 12.7 BB%, 17.9 K%, 52-66 SB) and a pitching staff (32-12, 7 SV, 4.32 ERA, 387.1 IP, 10.0 BB%, 25.9 K%) that features a strong weekend rotation and deep bullpen has allowed for this to be a formidable Hurricanes team. Some late-season injuries are taking their toll, though. Stud JR 3B Daniel Cuvet (.305/.437/.649, 14 2B, 12 HR, 17.4 BB%, 15.8 K%, 3-4 SB), a projected top three round pick in this year’s draft, is out for the remainder of the year with a stress fracture. Friday night starter SR LHP Rob Evans is also dealing with an ankle injury that may cost him his start this weekend, although he should be back for next weekend.
The team did get rSR LF Max Galvin back recently and is expected to return two bullpen arms JR RHP Nick Robert and JR LHP Frank Menendez to regular duty for the closing stretch. That’s going to make this team even stronger in postseason play.
Friday (Game 2): LHP Cooper Consiglio (JR) vs RHP A.J. Ciscar (SO)
Saturday: TBD vs LHP RobEvans (SR)
Key Players:
Offense
RF Derek Williams (rSR) – .386/.474/.752, 14 2B, 14 HR, 11.9 BB%, 17.6 K%, 4-8 SB. Former transfer from Wichita State who spent his first two collegiate seasons in the JUCO ranks. Not entirely sure how he’s still eligible considering he played 43+ games in each of his four previous season, but okay. Big time pop from his righty bat, he has 78 career HR across his 244 career collegiate games.
C AlexSosa (JR) – .323/.447/.646, 14 2B, 11 HR, 16.2 BB%, 16.8 K%, 1-2 SB. Needs no introduction for NC State fans. The Florida native and former Wolfpack backstop has put together a really nice season in his draft-eligible turn. Thrown out 7-of-37 (18.9%) of attempted base stealers this year while allowing just two passed balls, both improvements over his numbers last year with the Pack (9.3% and 6, respectively).
2B Jake Ogden (SR) – .311/.389/.486, 11 2B, 5 HR, 9.9 BB%, 13.2 K%, 9-11 SB. Former UNC-Greensboro transfer who started his college ball at the D2 level with Barry University in Miami Shores. Oddly enough, the only game of his college career that he didn’t start was at Barry. Riding a five-game hitting streak during which he’s 10-for-21. Has multiple hits in six of his last nine games.
1B Brylan West (rSR) – .322/.429/.486, 9 2B, 5 HR, 11.9 BB%, 12.4 K%, 4-4 SB. Huge 6’4, 269 lbs right-hander from Tampa who spent two years in the JUCO ranks before spending the last two at Florida International where he was a 2nd Team All-CUSA pick in 2024 and a 1st Team All-CUSA pick in 2025. Hasn’t tapped into that power as much with Miami as he did with FIU (23 HR over two years), but the potential is clearly there.
LF Max Galvin (rSR) – .224/.274/.254, 2 2B, 0 HR, 6.8 BB%, 11.0 K%, 0-0 SB. Local kid who spent two years at Miami-Dade College in JUCO ball before heading to Oklahoma State in 2024 and redshirting with the Cowboys. Started 59 games last year (.310/.369/.491, 18 2B, 8 HR, 7.5 BB%, 10.6K%, 9-10 SB) but missed a month and a half earlier this year due to injury. Returned in early April and it’s been an uphill battle to get back into form, but the lefty can play.
Pitching
RHP Lazaro Collera (SO) – 3-2, 3.58 ERA, 50.1 IP, 8.0 BB%, 23.6 K%. Big 6’5, 225 pound second-year arm who only saw 17.0 innings last year, but has made a huge jump after pitching in the Cape Cod League last summer. Has touched 97 with his heater before, but the slider is his real weapon. The improvement in control has allowed him to succeed as a starter. Hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in any of his last five starts, working into or through the 6th inning in four of those starts.
RHP A.J. Ciscar (SO) – 4-3, 3.79 ERA, 59.1 IP, 2.4 BB%, 24.0 K%. A 2025 Freshman All-American, Ciscar has excelled as the Sunday man for Miami this year. Has started all 10 of his appearances this year after making 10 starts last year. Sandwiched around a miserable start at Stanford (2.2 IP, 6 ER) two weeks ago has been a combined 14.2 IP of 1-run ball with 1 BB and 12 K against Wake and Cal. Mid-90’s heat from his 6’4 frame with a two-seam fastball that’s surprisingly tough on lefties. Also has a sweeper and a change, and controls all three pitches exceptionally well.
LHP RobEvans (SR) – 8-2, 3.05 ERA, 59.0 IP, 8.3 BB%, 28.8 K%. Has been the Friday night starter all year for Miami, but is dealing with an ankle injury so will be pushed back to the final game of the series in hopes of giving him some extra rest. There’s a good chance he doesn’t pitch this weekend. The former Georgia State transfer from Harlem, NY, sits in the low-to-mid-90’s and has a pair of breaking balls. Only pitched 15.1 innings in relief for Miami this year, but is having a standout final campaign. Hasn’t allowed more than 2 ER in any of his last four starts.
RHP Lyndon Glidewell (SR) – 3-0, 2 SV, 3.38 ERA, 26.2 IP, 8.0 BB%, 35.7 K%. Former JUCO player who transferred in this year from Austin Peay. Took over the closer role in early April with Ryan Bilka struggling a bit in that capacity. Was a 2nd Team All-ASUN selection last year as a starter (8-0, 3.36 ERA, 77.2 IP, 10.1 BB%, 18.9 K%). Clearly a good move by the Miami staff to move him into a relief role as it’s allowing his stuff to play up. Over his last 8 appearances: 9.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 17 K, 1 HBP.
RHP Ryan Bilka (SR) – 2-0, 4 SV, 4.50 ERA, 26.0 IP, 15.4 BB%, 26.5 K%. Richmond transfer who spent his first two collegiate seasons at Wagner. Was a menace last year for the Spiders (6-2, 3 SV, 2.18 ERA, 62.0 IP, 5.3 BB%, 23.5 K%). Can throw up to five pitches, including a mid-90’s fastball. Started the season as the team’s closer, but struggled through early March. Control has continued to be an issue that pops up, but 10 of his last 13 outings have been scoreless.
RHP T.J. Coats (JR) – 5-2, 3.75 ERA, 36.0 IP, 8.1 BB%, 19.3 K%. Nebraska transfer who started his college ball in the JUCO ranks. After only tossing 11.1 innings for the Cornhuskers last year, he had a breakout summer in the Cape Cod League (32.2 IP, 11 BB, 40 K) and used that to hit the portal and wind up with the Hurricanes. Solid build at 6’2, 212 lbs with a low-90’s fastball, a solid slider, and a curve and change mixed in.
LHP Jake Dorn (rJR) – 5-0, 3.00 ERA, 24.0 IP, 12.6 BB%, 28.2 K%. Former JUCO transfer who is just now finding his footing after mixed results at the JUCO level, missing all of 2024 with TJS, and only tossing 13.2 IP last year for the Hurricanes. The 6’4, 235 lbs southpaw has a three-pitch mix including an upper 80’s fastball that runs in on lefties and a big loopy 12-6 curve.
Quick! Fun Facts!
Ryan Bilka pitched against NC State back in the opening series of the 2023 season, appearing in the second game (1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 HBP). He also faced off against the Wolfpack last season when he was with Richmond, but did not appear in that game.
Jake Ogden played against NC State as a member of UNCG in 2024, going 1-for-5 with a 2B, 2 R, BB, and K in a 18-3 Spartans win.
NC State is just 1-5 in the last six meetings with Miami since the start of the 2023 season.
Alex Sosa leads Miami in WAR with 2.70, while Daniel Cuvet is second at 2.42. Rett Johnson leads NC State with 2.67 WAR, while Ty Head is second at 2.57 and Luke Nixon is a close third at 2.54.
The Key To A Series Win For State
Without Ryan Marohn for a third straight week and facing a Friday doubleheader, the key is simple: get length from starters Heath Andrews and Cooper Consiglio. The Wolfpack can ill-afford for Friday to turn into a pair of bullpen games.
Prediction
The Wolfpack are 21-7 at home this year and coming off a big run-rule win in a midweek home tilt with ECU. This is a tough matchup with a loaded Miami team that is 9-4 on the road this year. Pitching typically wins these types of series, and the Hurricanes have more of that right now.
COVERS INTEL: Eury Perez has allowed an alarming 14.9% barrel rate, putting him in the seventh percentile league-wide.
