Sacramento Kings guard Keegan Murrand and Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey both underwent ankle surgeries this week, and both are expected to be back for the start of the season.
Giddey has been bothered on-and-off by ankle issues for a couple of years and had arthroscopic surgery on his ankle to clean that up, the team reported.
Medical Update: Josh Giddey recently underwent a successful right ankle arthroscopy.
Giddey is scheduled to start basketball activities in approximately three months and is expected to return for the start of training camp. pic.twitter.com/yCFBm8Nfub
Giddey was limited to 54 games last season, primarily due to a hamstring injury. Giddey is coming off a career year, where he averaged 17 points, 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds (8.3) per game (all career highs) while shooting 36.4% from 3-point range. The Bulls reached an extension with him last year and he is locked in for three more seasons at $75 million.
Murray had surgery to remove loose bodies from his ankle, reports James Ham of The Kings’ Beat. Murray is expected to be back on the basketball court in six to eight weeks and will be back for training camp, according to the report.
Murray had missed time starting in January with a sprained ankle. He came back for four games in February, aggravated the injury and was out for the remainder of the season. Due to ankle and other health issues earlier in the season, Murray played in just 23 games for the Kings last season, averaged 14 points per game, and struggled with his shot due to all the injuries.
He is locked in with the team, having signed a five-year, $140 million extension off his rookie contract that kicks in next season.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a pitch during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on May 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While Shohei Ohtani has been struggling at the plate recently, he’s made opposing hitters look even worse. Wednesday night was arguably his best pitching start of the season with seven scoreless innings and eight strikeouts against the San Francisco Giants.
Perspective is important with Ohtani, who has legitimately had a rough go of it while hitting of late, such that he didn’t hit Wednesday night and won’t hit on Thursday to gain some semblance of rest. But even with his hitting struggles, Ohtani still has a 122 wRC+, making him still a well-above-average hitter, just below his own standards.
But he’s thriving on the mound. After Wednesday’s performance, Ohtani has a minuscule 0.82 ERA with 50 strikeouts against 11 walks in 44 innings.
Ohtani has led the National League in ERA after all seven of his starts, and led the majors in ERA after five of them, including each of the last three. The only thing keeping him off the leaderboard at times this season is the lack of innings.
Ohtani didn’t pitch until the Dodgers fifth game of the season, got extra time in between then and his second start in order to line up with a team off day the day after said start in Toronto, and even got extra time before Wednesday’s start with Blake Snell inserted into the rotation earlier than planned last weekend.
So Ohtani has been straddling the line of qualifying for leaderboards, needing at least one inning per team game played. What’s stayed consistent though is his performance, lasting at least six innings in all seven of his starts, including seven innings in each of his last two outings.
After Tuesday’s start he’s up to 44 innings, through 43 Dodgers games.
Of his 44 innings, 38 of them have been scoreless frames, plus single runs in six different innings, two of those tallies unearned. For what it’s worth, even if those other two runs were earned, Ohtani’s updated 1.23 ERA would would still lead the majors, with New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlitter next-best at 1.35. Ohtani’s 2.17 xERA is second-best in baseball, behind only Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.
Here are the dates Ohtani has led the NL in ERA to date in 2026 (at the end of that day):
I included May 14 as well because with 44 innings, Ohtani will continue to qualify through Thursday’s game, the Dodgers’ 44th of the season. And nobody is close enough to pass him for the top spot.
Counting his time on the mound last year, Ohtani now has a 1.88 ERA in 21 starts and 91 innings with the Dodgers. Put another way, the man with the top two home-run seasons in franchise history also has the lowest ERA in team history with a minimum of 90 innings.
Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinal between the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks shifts back to Orange County tonight, with Vegas up 3-2 in the series.
In my Golden Knights vs. Ducks props, I'm targeting Jack Eichel, Cutter Gauthier, and Pavel Dorofeyev.
Jack Eichel has been killing it this postseason for the Vegas Golden Knights. After leading the team in 2025-26 with 63 assists, he's notched 14 helpers in the playoffs, which is also first on the Golden Knights roster.
Eichel has cashed the Over in assists in four straight games, and he has four helpers across Games 4 and 5 combined.
The veteran was a key factor on Tuesday, setting up two of the Golden Knights' three goals. He's also notched 10 SOG across his last three contests.
Opportunities continue to present themselves for Eichel, and he's skating alongside the red-hot Pavel Dorofeyev, who cannot be stopped right now.
Game 6 Prop #2: Cutter Gauthier Over 0.5 assists
+175 at BET99
The Anaheim Ducks may be on the brink of elimination, but Cutter Gauthier is certainly doing all that he can to keep his squad alive.
The youngster has five of his eight playoff assists across the last two contests. He tallied a pair of helpers in the heartbreaking Game 5 loss, and he also had his hand in three of Anaheim's four goals in Game 4.
Gauthier also had four SOG in each of the last two games, and he's been important in generating opportunities for the red-hot Beckett Sennecke on the power play.
Sennecke scored with the man advantage in Game 5 thanks to a helper from Gauthier, and his line also scored Anaheim's second goal of the contest. Gauthier's line — on even strength and the power play — has netted five of the last six goals for the Ducks, with Gauthier assisting on all five.
Game 6 Prop #3: Pavel Dorofeyev Over 2.5 shots on goal
-125 at BET99
Dorofeyev played hero for the Golden Knights in Game 5, scoring the OT winner thanks to an apple from Eichel.
The Russian has three goals across his last two games, and he's cashed the Over in SOG in back-to-back outings. Dorofeyev put four pucks on net in Game 4, and another four in Game 5.
Dorofeyev is averaging 2.63 SOG per contest in these playoffs, and his confidence is sky-high right now after a two-goal performance on Tuesday. That also means Vegas will be looking to get him the puck as much as possible, and playing alongside an elite playmaker like Eichel only strengthens this play.
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NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 12:Topias Vilen #38 of the New Jersey Devils during the second period of the game against the Ottawa Senators on April 12, 2026 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Two more free agents in the New Jersey Devils system are forwards Xavier Parent and defenseman Topias Vilen. While both are restricted free agents, that’s where a lot of the similarities end. Parent plays up front in a scoring role for Utica after not hearing his name called in his draft year while Vilen was 129th overall in 2021 and spends more of his time trying to keep the puck out of his team’s net, although he does have some offensive skill to boot. So with both up for new contracts this summer, let’s learn a bit more about them and look into whether or not the Devils should be bringing either or both back.
Who is Xavier Parent and What Has He Done as a Devil?
Xavier Parent is another undrafted forward that the Devils found and signed into their system, although he’s had to work his way up a bit more than most. Parent began his professional career with the Adirondack Thunder, the team’s ECHL affiliate. He would put up 51 points in 50 games, earning him a 14 game AHL stint with Utica that same season where he would put up three goals and three assists. This would result in him being promoted to the AHL full time for 2023-24, where he would play 71 games with 15 goals and 30 assists. His 2024-25 season would see a dip in his point total to 36, but he would actually score more goals (19) in 10 fewer games. These two seasons of being a strong AHL contributor would result in Parent being signed to a one year NHL entry level contract for 2025-26.
This most recent season saw Parent start in the AHL and by season’s end he would hit 20 goals for the first time, as part of his 39 points in 63 games. His performance the past three seasons finally earned him a shot with the Devils in mid-December. Parent would go scoreless in five appearances, and in all honesty, wasn’t given much opportunity to showcase anything, as he played less than 10 minutes in four of those games.
What Will Parent Do Going Forward? What is His Value?
As an RFA, it’s likely Parent is brought back to the Devils; he’s been a strong contributor for the Comets and there’s still potential that entering his age 25 season, Parent could still carve out an NHL role for himself. That’s not to say that it is a guarantee, but the potential for him to be a bottom six player in New Jersey is absolutely a number above zero. Regardless of whether he gets to that level or not, the Devils still need their farm team(s) to not be a dumpster fire. Parent has been a strong contributor for a weak Utica team, so with him still being under team control, there’s little to no reason for the Devils to not bring him back.
Parent is guaranteed at least a modest raise, as he will be coming off of his entry level deal, however he probably isn’t anything more than a league minimum player. He hasn’t done anything at the NHL level, so he more than likely gets another two way deal that sees him on a different salary structure depending upon which league he is in. Still, a raise is probably in order, even for Parent’s AHL salary; it won’t be a huge increase, but the raise is still due.
Who is Topias Vilen and What Has He Done as a Devil?
Vilen, unlike Parent, was an NHL draft selection of the Devils back in the fifth round in 2021. He would spend two more seasons post-draft in his native Finland before signing his entry level deal at the end of 2022-23. He would not make any appearances for Utica that season, meaning the start of his entry level deal slid to 2023-24. His first season would be spent mostly in Utica (aside from a six game stint in Adirondack) where he would put up 29 points (two goals, 27 assists) in 58 games. He would have similar stats in 2024-25 (58 games, one goal, 23 assists) while spending his entire season with Utica this time.
Vilen would get a bit more opportunity in 2025-26, as he would again post consistent numbers (61 games, four goals, 23 assists) for the Comets, but he would also earn a quick end of season cup of coffee with New Jersey. While Vilen would get more ice time in his games with the parent club than Parent did (somewhat naturally due to the positional difference), he also was kept off the score sheet.
What Will Vilen Do Going Forward? What is His Value?
Vilen still has quite a bit of room for unlocking some untapped potential. He just completed his age 22 season, and defenders typically do not hit their prime until closer to their late 20s. He’s shown himself to have some good offensive skills and his defense doesn’t appear to be a detriment either. At the same time, he hasn’t established himself as a true difference maker, because if he had, he would/could have been a regular in New Jersey by this point. Perhaps some of that is due to him being blocked by the Devils having a number of veteran left shooting defenders, but he also wasn’t given any NHL action until the end of this past season either.
Vilen’s value isn’t much different from Parent’s; perhaps the argument could be made he gets an extra year on his next deal, or a bit more money due to being younger and holding more potential, but in terms of accomplishments, both are pretty even. This upcoming season could be an important one for Vilen, as his play could determine if he is on the path to being an NHLer (either in New Jersey or as a trade asset for the Devils) or if he projects as a long-term AHLer.
What I Would Do With Them and What I Think the Devils Will Do
This is the rare week where I say to bring both players back. Vilen and Parent are both restricted free agents, and since neither is due more than a raise to league minimum for non-entry level contracts, it’s not costing the team much to keep both in the fold. If contract spots are the concern, there are other players the Devils should be ridding themselves of before either of these guys are on the chopping block. Vilen intrigues me a bit more since defensemen take longer to progress towards their potential, and the fact that he’s only played in two NHL games. Parent I think will be more of an AAAA player: really good at the AHL level, good enough to be a spot/fill-in player at the NHL level. I think the Devils will probably have the same thoughts as myself in terms of bringing both back. It will be interesting to see if either takes another step or leap in their development (particularly Vilen) and how that could help both Utica and New Jersey.
Your Take
Now I’d like to hear your thoughts as to what the Devils should do with Topias Vilen and Xavier Parent. Do you agree both should be brought back since they are restricted free agents under team control? Could you see Parent as a depth contributor in New Jersey? Do you think there’s more to Vilen than what he’s shown so far and could that result in him eventually being an NHL regular? Leave any and all comments down below and thanks as always for reading!
Brooks Brannon of the Portland Sea Dogs reacts during a Minor League Baseball game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, United States, on May 1, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Although the WooSox again had to go to a bullpen game, nearly everyone pitched well and kept the Bison (Blue Jays AAA) off the board. Worcester then subjected Buffalo to death by a thousand cuts, as all nine of their hits were singles, but a good third inning where they nearly batted around the lineup was all they needed to score six runs. The success of this inning, a three-run frame that put them up 4-o, was also thanks to a Buffalo defensive error as well as Braiden Ward stealing his twentieth base of the season already.
Gage Ziehl had his worst start in a while, getting tagged for six runs in five innings, but the bullpen kept the Yard Goats (Rockies AA) within arm’s reach and the Sea Dogs then exploded for five runs in the eighth. That inning included three home runs, including one by Brooks Brannon, whose power has been raising some eyebrows. Miguel Bleis also joined in on the action in a feel-good win where everyone got involved, and Franklin Arias now has nine hits in his last four games.
Greenville has now lost eleven of their last twelve games. They have relievers with ERAs approaching ten, and some with that metric over ten. No pitcher on Tuesday departed the game unscathed from home run balls, in which the Hot Rods (Rays High-A) hit five. Jack Winnay’s home run in the fourth was the closest the Drive got all night as far as winning percentage expected is concerned (8.7%); even then, the game was 6-1.
The RidgeYaks didn’t need much offense in Fredericksburg (Nationals A) to come out on top due to their pitching staff striking fourteen out and the Nats stranding fourteen runners including not getting a hit with nine chances with runners in scoring position. Salem got just enough offensive spark in the nick of time through a two-run, two-out double from catcher Luke Heyman in the eighth inning. The play brought Salem from a 51% chance winning all the way up to 85.4%, a .344 WPA, and Salem wouldn’t look back.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 10: Action Bronson is seen arriving to the Knicks Playoff game 3 at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Aeon/GC Images)
Crazy fact I found out today: It’s been six years since COVID-19 began.
Now for the shocking news, it turns out it’s actually been eight years since the last time the Knicks played basketball. Would you believe that!?
Here’s the latest from Tarrytown.
🚨Knicks ECF SCHEDULE:
1️⃣ -Sun May 17 (if Det-Cle goes 6) -Tue May 19 (if Det-Cle goes 7) 2️⃣: -Tue May 19 (if Det-Cle goes 6) -Thu May 21 (if Det-Cle goes 7) 3️⃣Sat May 23 4️⃣Mon May 25 5️⃣Wed May 27 (if nec) 6️⃣Fri May 29 (if nec) 7️⃣Sun May 31 (if nec)
On OG Anunoby’s limited participation in practice on Wednesday:
“(The medical staff) told me what he can do today, and then they’ll tell me what he can do [on Friday], so I don’t know what he’ll be able to do for Game 1. He practiced today, some aspects of it. Some parts of practice. When we went live, he did not go live. Anytime anyone is able to do stuff, you get encouraged.”
On how Anunoby looked during his on-court work:
“The stuff that he went through, he looked fine.”
On balancing preparation, rest and scouting during the layoff:
“You try to get the input of everybody in the different departments, try to do the best you can to keep it competitive while keeping guys sharp while giving them a break as well. That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to mix it up with some live stuff, some shooting stuff while watching some film. Not trying to do the same thing every day. Touching base on both opponents to a certain degree, but making sure it doesn’t get overwhelming. It’s a fine balance.”
On limiting live work this time of year:
“You don’t want to have too many days of live [work]. The last thing you want this time of year is an injury so we mixed in some live today. Not sure if we’ll do it again. Maybe we’ll do it one more day. That would be on feel and based off of whether we play sooner or later.”
On the value of versatility in the postseason:
“You need versatility especially come playoff time. Every step you go the teams are better. They are better on both sides of the ball so it becomes more challenging. But it can be challenging in different ways. To have guys you can move around to help you out is definitely huge.”
On empowering Karl-Anthony Towns and leveraging playmaking bigs:
“It’s my job as a head coach, as well as [our] assistants, to try to put guys in position to help them out. Being able to do stuff off-ball is another way to attack a defense. When you have guys that pass the ball like Draymond Green, like Sabonis, like KAT, you try to utilize their strengths to help others out and make others better. Putting KAT in that position knowing we have great screeners and great cutters, and like I said a great facilitator, it was easier to say, ‘Let’s try it and do it more.’”
On offering condolences following Jason Collins’ passing:
“[Jason] was a great man. I knew him personally through Jarron, and it’s gotta be tough times to go through what they’re going through when you’re dealing with the passing of somebody so young. So my best condolences go out to him, his family and all their friends.”
Jalen Brunson is asked if he, as a star, is bothered at all by not having the ball in his hands as the Knicks' offense adapts:
On embracing a reduced on-ball role for the team’s benefit:
“Was there any concern (about playing more through KAT)? No. What was the dialogue? The dialogue was, ‘OK, let’s do it.’ It was that simple. There’s not really much you can talk about at that point when you’re down 2-1.”
On rejecting the ‘star’ label and prioritizing winning:
“One, I’m not a star. Two, I want to win. I’m not self-centered. That’s why.”
On maintaining rhythm during the extended layoff:
“I think we have our plan. Obviously, utilize rest, but then when we’re in the gym, no, we’re doing everything we have to do to stay in rhythm, stay having the edge that we need to have.”
On focusing inward while awaiting an opponent:
“Obviously, we have to prepare for one of these two teams. And then we’ve talked about the differences between the two and all that, but just focusing on what makes us the best thing we can be as well.”
On staying focused despite the success to date:
“I think the most important thing is our mentality and making sure that we’re not comfortable.”
On chasing a breakthrough in the conference finals:
“[I’m driven to clear that hurdle] a lot. But it’s something that you can’t just continue to dream about. You’ve got to continue to prepare the way you’ve been preparing and obviously find a way to push through.”
On Mike Brown’s open communication style:
“He’s always one to have open dialogue since Day 1. Obviously, he’s the coach and makes decisions and everything. Whether they’re good or bad opinions, they’re talked about and they’re decided on later. I’m pretty comfortable with it. I think a lot of us are comfortable with it.”
On the extended downtime compared to earlier in the playoffs:
“The first series, we had, what, four days break, I think it was? That was good enough, yeah. This right now, I think, what, at least a week… nine days? It’s a long time. Obviously, it’s good for recovery. But mentally, I’m watching the games, I’m just like, just waiting… It’s a little long.”
On keeping the focus internal during the layoff:
“Every day we’re focused on ourselves. Obviously we don’t know who we’re going to play. If we continue to just focus on ourselves and take care of the things that we can take care of we’ll be in a good position. So that’s all today was. The next couple of days until we figure out who we’re going to play. You’re not just a guy that goes out there, plays basketball, sleeps, and goes back out there for a game, so it’s a ton of [free] time, but I think the guys that we have, we talk consistently, whether it’s here, group chat or our own separate conversations.”
On praying through his hand injury scare:
“When I had the hand, I obviously walked back and got X-rays of that. I’m sitting there praying about it. That’s my first go-to. I’m just sitting there praying that I’m healed, praying that I’m good, and I was blessed with it not being a fracture. For what it is, I can play with [it], and I was happy with that.”
On facing pressure after the title-or-bust comments made by James Dolan:
“I don’t think we look at it as a pressure situation. Obviously, we’re in New York and everything that we do is amplified. Whether it’s winning three games in a row [and] people crowned us champions. Lose three games in a row and people crowned us a team that’s tanking. You know what I mean? Our job right now is to stay even, to focus on that task at hand. If or when guys’ minds wander, we have a good enough team, a good enough camaraderie to hold everyone accountable and bring everyone back into the fold. So it’s not really pressure in terms of that. With that character of guys that we have in the locker room you’ll never see anyone that’s more judgmental or criticizes themselves more than ourselves individually. And when you’re your hardest critic there’s no other pressure. Because at the end of the day I’m going to look at myself in the mirror and wonder what I could do better and no one that’s not in my shoes can tell me what I could do better.”
On casually arriving with a puppy at Wednesday’s presser:
“Just hanging. Just vibing. We’re a dog friendly establishment. It’s good vibes around here. Whatever makes good vibes, we’re good.”
Karl-Anthony Towns
On finally being able to showcase his full skill set with Brown’s Knicks:
“I feel like I’ve always had this my whole career. It’s just I never had the opportunity to utilize that skill set.”
On being outbid for a prized collectible card:
“This has us SICK. Thought it was ours for the taking, until a last-minute NUCLEAR bid snuck in! Who has this card now!? We have to know!”
On the Knicks’ Game 4 offensive performance in Philadelphia:
“That first half was one of the greatest offensive displays I’ve seen in a playoff game. They are playing so fast. So aggressively. Every single guy is playing with incredible confidence. There is an energy and juice about them that jumps off the screen. It is hugely impressive watching them play. It’s beautiful to watch, but it’s not an accident. I believe Mike was the perfect guy for that job.”
On Mike Brown steadying the team during tense stretches:
“There was a vibe there at the Garden where you could tell everyone was on edge. That’s probably life in New York, but it’s also life as a contender when you are starting out the season with great expectations from fans, ownership and management. The beauty of Mike is he’s very comfortable in his own skin. When you go through these difficult nights like the one they had in March against us, Mike is exactly the right guy. When people are freaking out, Mike is the guy you want to steady the ship. He did that all year. Now, they are playing their best basketball. They are confident. fast, loose and aggressive. It’s beautiful to watch.”
On how far the Knicks can go this season:
“They’re already in the conference finals. They are really, really damn good. I think they will be a heavy favorite in the conference finals. Regardless, they are one of the very best teams in the league. I think Mike recognized that when he got there. He knew the great work Tom had done and he knew the foundation was there and he wanted to take it and see if he could build on that. It seems like he has.”
“I think they have the best 9-10…bench excellent..Improvement OG…KAT…Brunson most unique player I’ve watched in my life…Inch for inch maybe one of the best I’ve ever seen…
On the Knicks’ depth compared to other contenders:
“I think they have the best nine or 10 players. They may not have the best three, they have the best nine or 10. Their bench is excellent, [coach Mike Brown] uses them great. The improvement offensively and defensively in OG, the improvement in Karl-Anthony Towns away from the basket with his passing, Brunson is the most unique player I’ve ever watched in my lifetime. I love it. I root for the Knicks like they’re my team. I do think they are championship driven.”
On the Knicks’ ball movement compared to earlier in the year:
“They look for each other much better than before. If you watch Cleveland and Detroit, you know the ball is going to Cunningham or Harden is going to create or the ball is going to be in Donovan’s hands. Although Brunson is a great scorer, they are sharing the basketball so well that keying on Brunson is not enough to stop this team. Before the Atlanta series, keying on Brunson was the way to stop the Knicks. That’s no longer working because of their ball movement. They went from a one-on-one team to a ball movement, player movement team. They do a lot of different offensive things that are much more pleasing to the eye.”
On Brunson’s skill set and shot-making ability:
“How a player that size with that vertical can get off any shot around the basket, he’s got Tiny Archibald in him around the basketball. He has the best midrange game. He gets off any shot midrange and he’s become a great 3-point shooter. He’s just an amazing, amazing 6-foot, 2-inch basketball player. Pound for pound, inch for inch, maybe one of the best players I’ve ever seen.”
On home-court concerns and overall outlook:
“The only negative is the home court. Outside of that, I think the Knicks have the best team. Now OKC obviously is great, they’re the defending champions. But the Knicks are deep, talented, and the way they are playing offensively — I don’t mean 3-point shooting, I’m talking about the ball movement, player movement — it’s so much better than what I watched in January.”
walking out of my movie at AMC Lincoln Square and seemingly was the only person to catch two girls trying to get into a movie dressed in a giant trench coat and disguise? i love new york city pic.twitter.com/s6jOSJAmHi
The San Jose Sharks' young stars are keeping themselves busy over the summer. While Macklin Celebrini heads to the IIHF World Championship with Team Canada, his teammate Will Smith will be doing something a little less conventional.
Smith has been announced as a guest at the NHL's third annual Stanley Pup competition. The Stanley Pup is a friendly competition designed to help 32 adoptable rescue dogs find their rescue homes. Essentially, it's the NHL's version of Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl, which has been held around the same time as the Super Bowl every year for over two decades.
The Stanley Pup will air during the Stanley Cup Final. In the United States, it'll be broadcast for the first time on June 8 at 6:30 PM PT on TruTV and HBO Max.
At this time, it's unknown how Smith will be involved with the Stanley Pup, but he will be joined by two fellow NHL players, Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes and former San Jose Sharks netminder Devin Cooley, now of the Calgary Flames.
Legendary broadcaster Doc Emrick and comedian Kenan Thompson have also been announced for the Stanley Pup. Elias Weiss Friedman, known professionally as "The Dogist" will also be involved with the production for the first time.
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 19: Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) watches play from the home dugout during the MLB game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros on April 19, 2026 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For Astros fans, this season has been a harsh reminder that baseball is not always fair. What once looked like a team capable of another miraculous turnaround is now a club dangerously close to rock bottom. Unlike last season, when Houston managed to claw its way back into the divisional race, this year’s team appears to be spiraling further out of control with each passing game.
In professional sports, when things go wrong, the players are rarely the first to pay the price, especially when they are tied to massive contracts worth millions of dollars. Instead, organizations often look to the manager as the easiest way to shake things up. That reality may soon be approaching for Astros manager Joe Espada.
To be fair, the Astros have faced significant adversity from the start of the season. Beginning the year with 16 players on the injured list created immediate obstacles and left the roster depleted before the campaign truly got going. Injuries, however, can only excuse so much. Despite flashes of offensive success, the team as a whole has underachieved in nearly every area.
The biggest concern has undoubtedly been the pitching staff. Both the starting rotation and bullpen have struggled badly, and the numbers paint an ugly picture. Houston is currently on pace to challenge all-time records for walks allowed both per game and over the course of a full season. Regardless of injuries, that level of inconsistency and lack of command simply cannot continue if the Astros hope to remain competitive.
Much of the blame for the roster construction and pitching depth should rightfully fall on General Manager Dana Brown. Still, with the amateur draft approaching and critical decisions looming regarding potential trades, Houston likely needs Brown’s experience steering the organization through whatever comes next, whether that means attempting to buy at the deadline or beginning a larger reset for the future.
That leaves Espada in a difficult position.
This is not necessarily an argument that Espada is a bad manager or undeserving of the job. By most accounts, he is respected throughout the organization and well-liked inside the clubhouse. But sports can be unforgiving, and when a team consistently underperforms, ownership often believes a new voice is needed to spark change.
One name that could quickly enter the conversation is bench coach Omar López. Fresh off a championship run coaching in the World Baseball Classic, López has become one of the more intriguing rising names in baseball managerial circles. He carries strong relationships within the clubhouse and is viewed as someone capable of bringing fresh energy and perspective to a struggling team. If the Astros decide to make a move, promoting López could represent the organization’s best internal option.
Around Major League Baseball, managerial changes have already begun. Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox have made leadership changes in response to disappointing performances, and Houston could soon find itself following a similar path very soon.
The question now becomes: how much responsibility should fall on Espada? Is the Astros’ disappointing season primarily the result of injuries and roster shortcomings, or does the team truly need a new manager to change its direction?
For Astros fans, that debate is only going to grow louder if the losses continue piling up.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor’s MRI revealed that things are heading in the right direction, though when exactly he’ll be able to return to the field remains unknown.
“He’s getting better, showing signs of healing,” Mendoza said. “Now we’re moving to the phase of the strength part, moving to the weight room before he starts his running progression. Positive sign, we’ve just gotta let it heal.”
Lindor landed on the IL after suffering a left calf strain on April 22.
Mendoza said that he doesn’t think Lindor will need additional imaging, but that there is still no timetable for him to resume baseball activities or get back on the field for game action.
Meanwhile, catcher Francisco Alvarez underwent surgery on Thursday morning, with Mendoza saying there was no additional structural damage to his right knee, aside from the torn meniscus.
The manager said that Alvarez is likely looking at an eight-week recovery.
Alvarez is hitting .241 with four home runs and 10 RBI this season.
Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid has two years left on his contract, and Priority No. 1 for the organization is cashing in on a Stanley Cup championship while No. 97 is still on the books.
The Edmonton brass is on the hunt for a new bench boss afterfiring Kris Knoblauch on Thursday, May 14, and Stanley Cup and Jack Adams winner Bruce Cassidy (+100) is the frontrunner in the Oilers' next head coach odds.
Bruce Boudreau (+300) and Peter Laviolette (+400) are also top candidates to take over coaching duties, while David Carle (+600) is widely considered the most progressive coaching mind and voice outside the NHL.
Next Oilers head coach odds (2026)
Coaching candidate
Bruce Cassidy
+100
Bruce Boudreau
+300
Peter Laviolette
+400
Gerard Gallant
+500
David Carle
+600
Patrick Roy
+700
Dean Evason
+1000
Todd McLellan
+1200
Jim Hiller
+1400
Mark Letestu
+7500
Manny Malholtra
+1800
Jay Woodcroft
+5000
Mark Messier
+7500
Jari Kurri
+7500
Paul Coffey
+7500
Wayne Gretzky
+10000
Odds via Bet99 as of Thursday, May 14.
The Edmonton Oilers exited stage right in the opening round of the playoffs this year after consecutive unsuccessful trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, and an inability to keep the puck out of their net was on full display during their six-game series against the Anaheim Ducks.
Edmonton allowed 3.5 goals per game with 3.71 expected goals against per 60 minutes, and the Oil also posted a postseason-low 50.0 penalty-kill percentage.
The Oilers will begin the 2026-27 season with a new voice behind the bench, and a number of roster moves are likely coming, as the championship window might be closing quicker than expected in the Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl era.
Who'll coach McDavid, Draisaitl?
While I think the best candidate for the job is David Carle, Edmonton went with a first-time head coach when they hired Kris Knoblauch, so I’m expecting them to bring in a proven head coach with championship pedigree. The Oilers have already requested permission from the Vegas Golden Knights to interview Bruce Cassidy.
Bruce Cassidy (+100)
While Cassidy’s disciplined 200-foot defensive system could be an answer to the Edmonton defensive woes, there is also definitely competition around the league for his services. Though the Golden Knights reportedly denied the Oilers permission to speak with Cassidy, the coach has noted it would be “cool to coach in Canada,” and the Toronto Maple Leafs are also expected to formally ask for permission to speak with Cassidy about their own coaching vacancy.
Let’s not forget Cassidy still has a year remaining on his contract with the Golden Knights, which is worth $4.5 million guaranteed, and the Vegas brain trust has been hesitant to grant interview permission to other teams until they’re guaranteed the hiring team will absorb Cassidy’s entire salary for the 2026-2027 season.
I’m hesitant to recommend a Cassidy bet right now because this process is going to draw on, and the +100 odds Cassidy is the next Oilers head coach carry a 50% implied probability, which is far too short given all the balls in the air.
Are Gretzky and Coffey coaching candidates in Edmonton?
There’s been no credible report of Wayne Gretzky returning to the NHL bench. His last coaching tenure came all the way in 2008-09, which was the final season of a four-year run as the bench boss for the Phoenix Coyotes.
Paul Coffey, meanwhile, is far more interesting as a potential new head coach for the Oilers because he wasn’t let go after spending two stints as an assistant coach.
Coffey was hired alongside Knoblauch on November 12, 2023, and the former defenseman was behind the bench for both trips to the Stanley Cup before stepping down and returning to his role as a special advisor to hockey operations following the 2024-25 season. Coffey then joined the coaching staff again during the Olympic break this year in an attempt to tighten up the team’s defensive struggles.
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.
May 13, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo takes the ball from Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
It seems as if no amount of lineup tinkering or prospect call-ups has been able to shake the Arizona offense out of its malaise and the team’s pitching (both in the bullpen and in the rotation) have significant question marks themselves.
“We’ve seen this before,” Lovullo said. “We’ve seen this lineup do what they did today.” He added: “We play games like this — and I know they’re very eager to get back out there and show what they can do — we’ll be just fine.”
The D-backs were held to just 6-for-25 with runners in scoring position, and stranded 21 batters. That is not a recipe for success, no matter how good the pitching may or may not be. Gallen has been on a bit of a downturn ever since he was struck by a comebacker and forced to leave a promising start in Mexico City. Since that game, he has gone 0-3 and allowed 17 runs in 14.1 innings.
“It’s brutal,” Lovullo said. “This game will rip your heart out. But the one thing I want to say is these guys play their [butts] off. And when you look at the full body of work, I thought today there was so much progress made and we were pushing in the right direction. I learned a lot about this team as I watched them rally and come together in those late innings and fight to win that baseball game.
In addition, the financial savings could pay dividends in a couple months at the Trade Deadline.
That’s because the Diamondbacks are getting close to the first Competitive Balance Tax threshold. They are around $5-$10 million away from that threshold, and if they want to make significant acquisitions at the Deadline, they’ll need some financial flexibility unless they are willing to go over the CBT for the first time in franchise history.
For SpongeBob SquarePants Night at Globe Life Field against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, it was only right that Burger would blast a three-run opposite-field homer in the fifth inning before delivering a game-tying RBI single in the bottom of the ninth.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: The Utah Jazz win the 2nd overall pick during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz are looking to trade up to the No. 1 draft position up from No. 2 in the 2026 NBA Draft. And former Brigham Young star AJ Dybantsa is also open to staying in Utah, according to Sam Quinn of CBS Sports. Here is the “money quote.”
CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein reported this week from the NBA Combine in Chicago that Dybantsa was hoping to remain in Utah. When asked about possibly trading up from No. 2 to No. 1, Smith told The Deseret News that “everything should be on the table.” The Washington Wizards hold the top pick, and team president Michael Winger told Jake Fischeron lottery day that Washington was at least open to moving down.
Now, again, are the Wizards likel trading their No. 1 pick to the Jazz and move down? Based on how most teams are, they will ultimately keep their No. 1 selection. However, the Wizards should listen just to get a full read on what is out there for the No. 1 pick in a hypothetical trade situation, whether with the Jazz or anyone else.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the fourth inning at Oracle Park on May 08, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitching Matchup: Chase Dollander (3-2, 3.35 ERA) vs. Carmen Moldzinski (2-3, 4.50 ERA)
The Pittsburgh Pirates are at home with a three-game series against the visiting Colorado Rockies at beautiful PNC Park.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 08: Chase Dollander #32 of the Colorado Rockies walks back to the dugout after being relieved in the sixth inning during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, May 8, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Derik Hamilton/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It was a very happy birthday for Mickey Moniak as he helped propel the Colorado Rockies to a 10-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night. If the team is hoping for some more birthday magic, it just so happens to be Brenton Doyle’s birthday, and he could use some of that magic himself. With the series tied, the Rockies are looking to end the road trip on a high note and finish 3-3.
Chase Dollander (3-2, 3.35 ERA) will get his second straight start as it appears the team is moving away from the opener for “Mr. Hundy.” Dollander wasn’t exactly sharp in his last outing in Philadelphia as he issued five walks but he still managed to grind out 5.2 innings and allowed just two runs on three hits with five strikeouts. The command has been a little lacking his last two times out, but the ability to get strikeouts and be effective when he doesn’t have his best stuff is what top-of-the-line pitchers have to be able to do. This will also be Dollander’s first time facing Pittsburgh.
Mason Montgomery (1-0, 2.87 ERA) will make the start for the Pirates, serving as the opener. Montgomery has slotted in as a fireballing lefty since coming over from the Tampa Bay Rays in the trade that also brought in Brandon Lowe. He has tossed 11-straight scoreless outings and is also making his third start of the season. Carmen Mlodzinski (2-3, 4.50 ERA) was initially scheduled to start the game, but the Pirates are choosing to go the opener route and use him as the bulk reliever, as they did on April 15 against the Washington Nationals. Mlodzinski was excellent in his last outing, allowing just two runs on six hits over six innings in his start against San Francisco, but he only had one strikeout.
In roster news, the Rockies placed Jimmy Herget on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement. In the corresponding move, Tanner Gordon was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque.
The Rockies announced today the following transactions:
– Placed RHP Jimmy Herget on the 15-day IL, retroactive to May 13 (right shoulder impingement). – Recalled RHP Tanner Gordon from Triple-A Albuquerque.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) May 14, 2026
Jason Collins was an icon, not simply because of his ability on the court, but for his profound bravery off it. Collins became the first active player in a major four sport to come out of the closet, announcing that he was gay in 2013. It may have been the twilight of his career, but he became a north star for other athletes simply by continuing to play team basketball while being out in the open.
Collins’ family announced on Tuesday that he had died at home at the age of 47, taken far too soon by stage-4 glioblastoma, a relatively common, but aggressive form of brain cancer. Inside the NBA gave a tribute to Collins on Wednesday night in the wake of his death, and while Kenny Smith spoke kindly of Collins’ contributions to the NBA, the most poignant statement came from Charles Barkley who both lauded Collins for his bravery, while also acknowledging that we still live in a prejudiced, homophobic world.
Inside The NBA: While discussing Jason Collins' passing, Charles Barkley: "We live in a homophobic society … anybody who think we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid."
“Kenny, in fairness now, if another guy did it, it would still be a big deal, because we live in a homophobic society. That’s unfortunate. First off, anybody who thinks we don’t have a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid. There is so much animosity towards the gay community, and that’s what’s really unfortunate. If anybody thinks him, and I know a couple of soccer players that came out — if you don’t think there’s more gay players in the NFL, Major League Baseball, and the NBA — you’re just stupid.”
Collins didn’t put up huge traditional numbers, but carved out a 13-year NBA career on the back of his basketball IQ and defensive ability. The No. 18 pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, he played for six teams, putting up his best seasons with the New Jersey Nets as the starting center on a phenomenal team that boasted Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson as its nucleus. Predominantly a piece of the puzzle who understood his role, every team, every locker room was made better due to the contributions of Jason Collins.
Barkley also discussed homophobia he’s witnessed in the black community, and implored people struggling with their sexuality to find peace with who they are. “Do you,” Barkley said, “gay people have the right to do what they want to do. Its nobody else’s business at all. For him to come out, it was great. […] I was proud of him for coming out, and when I got that news yesterday it just sucked.”
There’s nothing else to say, because what Chuck added to this conversation was already perfect.
Jack Eichel
Cutter Gauthier
