Posts

Posted on

Mets Notes: Injury updates on A.J. Minter, Jorge Polanco; Carlos Mendoza remembers John Sterling

With the Mets set to begin another three-game series with the Rockies in Colorado on Monday, looking for revenge after they were swept by them at Citi Field at the end of April, manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to the media before the series opener and gave updates on a couple of injured players, plus shared some words about the passing of long-time Yankees broadcaster John Sterling.

Mets on the mend

New York is getting some reinforcements to the big league club soon with reliever A.J. Minter and infielder Jorge Polanco progressing with their injuries.

Closer to a return is Minter who pitched a scoreless inning for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday. The plan now is for the left-hander to pitch in back-to-back games for the first time during his rehab starting on Wednesday, per Mendoza. If he feels good, Minter will be back on the mound on Thursday to check off the final stage of his recovery process.

"Right now he’s gonna pitch again on Wednesday," Mendoza said. "So Wednesday and hopefully he goes back-to-back – maybe shorter, maybe a hitter or two the following day, but just trying to get him in the back-to-back, the routine, getting in the bullpen, warmup, and then getting in the game."

If all goes well for Minter, who has been on the IL since April of last season recovering from a lat strain that required surgery, he should be activated at some point during the weekend, although Mendoza couldn't commit to a specific day.

"If he goes back-to-back he’ll probably need a couple of days so we’ll see," the skipper said.

In other bullpen news, RHP Carl Edwards Jr., who was designated for assignment on April 30, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. Although, similar to Tommy Pham last month, the veteran elected free agency instead of accepting the assignment. 

As for Polanco, the veteran was back doing baseball activity on Monday and is ramping back up after dealing with a right wrist contusion alongside ongoing bursitis in his left Achilles that has had him sidelined since April 15.

"He ran, he’s gonna take BP, he’s gonna do defense and we’ll see how he responds after another heavy day today, tomorrow and see what happens," Mendoza said.

Before landing on the IL, Polanco was hitting .179 with a home run and two RBI after signing a two-year, $40 million contract to be the Mets' first baseman. Due to the nagging bursitis in his Achilles, though, Polanco had been DHing most of the time before going on the IL. 

It remains to be seen how New York will use Polanco once he returns with Mark Vientos assuming the everyday first baseman position in Polanco's absence. 

Mendoza remembers John Sterling

With the news of Sterling's death on Monday, Mendoza, who was a coach for the Yankees from 2018 to 2023 before he was hired by the Mets, offered his condolences to Sterling's family and friends and remembered his time with the iconic broadcaster.

"I want to start by sending our thoughts and prayers to John Sterling’s family and friends. Obviously we lost a big one today," he said. "We are all in this baseball community and he was a part of what we do on a daily basis on and off the field."

Asked how well he got to know Sterling during his time in the Bronx, Mendoza said "very well".

"I still remember getting texts from him as recently as a few months ago," he said. "When I got the job here, he was one of the first phone calls that I received. I created a very good relationship with him and he will be missed."

Posted on

Reds recall Chase Petty for Monday’s start against Cubs in Wrigley

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 19, 2026: Chase Petty #61 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds made official the return of righty Chase Petty on Monday. The 23 year old starter was recalled from AAA Louisville to start against the Chicago Cubs in the series opener between the National League Central rivals, taking the place in the rotation of the injured Brandon Williamson (who hit the injured list late last week with shoulder fatigue).

Zach Maxwell, who’s been well-travelled between the Reds roster and Louisville’s, was optioned to make way for Petty’s return. The Reds announced the move earlier on Monday.

The Reds are in Chicago on the back-half of a road trip that could not have gotten off to a worse start. They were absolutely drubbed in the first two games they played in PNC Park against the Pittsburgh Pirates only for them to blow a Chase Burns gem in the series finale on Monday. As a result, they’ve slipped into a tie for 2nd in the Central with the Cubs two games ahead, and the Reds dismal -22 run differential is by far and away the worst in the division, to date.

In fact, it’s the same as the 14-21 Colorado Rockies and worse than the 13-21 Boston Red Sox, who sit dead last in the AL East. In other words, Cincinnati’s brilliance (luck?) in 1-run games, Sunday aside, is beginning to be a band-aid over cracks that are clearly showing in each of the offense, starting rotation, and bullpen.

For now, they’ll hope Petty can make the leap in this, his second year in which he’s logged big league innings. So far, he’s pitched to a 4.38 ERA at AAA at age 23, a mark that’s included a couple bad blips and some bouts of brilliance. He also pitched quite well in the spring, including in the Spring Breakout game, and hopefully that’s more who he is than the 22 year old kid who was shelled for 13 ER in just 6.0 IP in a trio of appearances with the Reds last season.

First pitch on Monday was moved up half an hour due to weather in the Chicago area, and is set for 6:10 PM CT (7:10 PM ET).

Here’s how the Reds will line up for the opener:

Posted on

Game Thread #34: Milwaukee Brewers (18-15) @ St. Louis Cardinals (20-14)

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 24: A detailed picture of the Rawlings glove worn by Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers during the exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field on March 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Winners of five of their last seven games, the Brewers travel to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals for the first time since last fall. After splitting the 12-game season series a year ago, right-handed pitcher Chad Patrick will take the mound at the start of a three-game series.

Much like last season, Patrick has been used in various situations this season, but tonight he will make his fifth start of the year. Last season, Patrick faced the Cardinals on two separate occasions, each lasting 4 1/3 innings, with similar line scores. This season, Patrick has a 2.57 ERA through six games, striking out 16 hitters and walking 13.

Pitching for St. Louis, making his seventh start of the season, is right-hander Kyle Leahy. It’s been a bit of a rough start out of the gate this season, allowing at least two runs in each appearance, but at least three runs in his last three outings. With that, Leahy enters today with a 3-3 record, 5.52 ERA through 29 1/3 innings pitched.

The last 24 hours have been a rollercoaster of speculation, as yesterday afternoon, Brewers No. 4 prospect Cooper Pratt was a late scratch in Triple-A Nashville’s Sunday afternoon contest. However, those wishing for a glimpse at the future will have to wait a little while longer, as Pratt was not included in today’s transactions.

On the other hand, the Brewers add two big pieces back to their lineup, as Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn were both reinstated from the 10-day IL. With these moves, outfielder Blake Perkins will be optioned to Nashville, and outfielder Greg Jones will be designated for assignment.

Vaughn last appeared on opening day against the Chicago White Sox, where he drove in a run on one hit. before hitting the IL. Chourio had a fantastic spring where he went 8-for-30, tallying a double, a home run, and driving in three. In the World Baseball Classic, Chourio played five games for Venezuela, where he had only three hits in 15 at-bats. After a scary moment in his final rehab game, both he and Vaughn have the green light in St. Louis.

Perkins has been a mainstay on the bench over the last couple of seasons, providing consistency throughout his four-year career in Milwaukee. However, he has been hard to plug into the lineup with how his play has been, as he’s batting .109 on the season with five RBIs, one stolen base, and no home runs. Over the last seven games, he has just one hit, and going back to the beginning of the year, he has accumulated just five hits overall.

For Jones, he was called up in mid-April and never found his footing. In his 21 at-bats with the Brewers, he recorded just two hits, driving in one run. It’ll be interesting to see if Jones is able to clear through waivers and if we’ll see him again at some point this season.

As you see below, the Brewers lineup already looks much improved as Chourio will bat second in tonight’s opener, while Vaughn serves as tonight’s designated hitter, batting sixth.

Like most nights, you’ll be able to watch today’s game on Brewers.TV, WTMJ 620, and the Brewers Radio network. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m.

Posted on

Was Masai Ujiri a wise choice?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Masai Ujiri of Toronto Raptors, Giants of Africa speaks at the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bloomberg Philanthropies) | Getty Images for Bloomberg Phila

The Dallas Mavericks made the flashy hire of Masai Ujiri on Monday afternoon, bolstering their front office less than a week before the NBA Draft Lottery determines where the Mavericks will be picking in June’s Draft. After Nico Harrison was removed from his GM responsibilities in November, the Mavericks operated somewhat unconventionally with no formal GM. Instead, they had the tandem of Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley running day-to-day operations, a pair that proved quite effective when they orchestrated the Anthony Davis trade that reset the Mavericks’ timeline and cap constraints.

With the “Fincardi” hivemind already in house, and virtually no solid evidence the Mavs’ even had a realistic outside target they were engaged with, the hiring of Ujiri comes as something of a surprise. Added to the Harrison departure and Davis trade, the Mavs continue to show they are turning the chapter, not just the page, on the Harrison era. While that distancing is surely welcome to the fanbase, the question remains as to whether Ujiri is the right choice.

What’s in a name?

In just a few hours post-hire, we are already seeing some confusion as to what role Ujiri will play. Logically, this was the GM hire to replace the void left by Harrison, and it seems many have understood it as such. In reality, that is not the case. Ujiri is “President” and “Alternate Governor.” Nowhere has the team officially referred to him as the GM. In fact, the Mavericks’ official press release clearly leaves that title out of his job description, despite said description heavily crossing over with what a GM normally does. Per the official news from the Mavericks’ website:

“Ujiri will oversee all aspects of the Mavericks’ basketball operations, including roster construction, player personnel, and scouting, while working with team leadership to shape the organization’s basketball philosophy and long-term direction.”

While some of that certainly sounds akin to a GM’s usual and customary duties, it also seems to indicate that Ujiri will have much more control than what may have been expected of a direct GM hire. On the other hand, maybe this is just another quirk of how the Mavericks have long done business. Recall that Mavericks’ longtime “GM” Donnie Nelson was not actually the GM in title. Technically, the Mavs did not have a GM for many years under Nelson’s leadership (remember Gersson Rosas’ cup-of-coffee hire as GM?). Time will tell exactly what Ujiri will be doing, but one thing is certain – he will play a major role in the Cooper Flagg era.

What is an Alternate Governor?

While we can only speculate at this point, it’s safe to say Ujiri as an “Alternate Governor” is a tremendous positive for the franchise. Why? This title seems to be deliberate in that it will likely allow Ujiri to stand in for the actual Governor, majority owner Patrick Dumont. In other words, Ujiri can likely be at the table for any NBA Board of Governors-related activities. With all due respect to Dumont, having a respected basketball executive at the table instead of a relatively new owner who’s early legacy is tarnished by the trade of Luka Doncic and poor fan relations, is a massive, massive win for the Mavericks. This further speaks to my earlier supposition that Ujiri’s influence is farther-reaching than that of a typical GM.

Safe bet

Ujiri is, simply put, a safe bet. Don’t let that fool you into thinking he will be an ineffectual stand-in. My calling him a safe bet in this context is a compliment. Ujiri is the antithesis of the outsider-turned-GM the Mavericks previously had making material decisions for the team. He is a well-respected, known quantity in the NBA landscape for over a decade-and-a-half. He was named Executive of the Year in 2012-2013 and oversaw the 2019 Toronto Raptors Championship. This is a big name hire that shows the Mavs are getting back to convention with an established individual.

Good draft history

Ujiri has show effectiveness on both the high and low end of the NBA Draft. Convenient, given the Mavericks have a lottery pick and a late first round pick this summer. To his credit, Ujiri drafted Pascal Siakam with the 27th pick, Scottie Barnes with the 4th pick and OG Anunoby with the 23rd pick over a five-year span. Talent evaluation for a team that so often treated the Draft as an afterthought is a boon. Granted the Mavs don’t have a whole lot in the draft cupboard after this offseason, but that could change with a single trade. Even if it doesn’t, the Mavs need to nail their upcoming picks and Ujiri has at least demonstrated an ability to evaluate talent even in the latter half the first round.

There are two sides to every coin, of course, and there is a fair argument to be made that Ujiri was less impressive in his final years with the Raptors. Nonetheless, this is a big-name hire that shows Dumont is taking things seriously, even to the point of relinquishing some decision-making sway. Personally, I’m hopeful he will retain the services of both Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley as something of official co-GMs. That collective could (somewhat) quietly be a highly effective front office. In the early hours of the hire, this feels like a good day in Mavsland.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

Posted on

Lakers vs Thunder Same-Game Parlay for Tuesday's NBA Playoffs Game 1

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The Los Angeles Lakers may never have a distinct edge in this series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and my Lakers vs. Thunder same-game parlay picks believe that should be particularly true in Game 1.

My Lakers vs. Thunder predictions have no faith in Los Angeles in any regard before Game 1 on Tuesday, May 5.

Our best Lakers vs Thunder SGP for Game 1

SGP leg #1: Thunder First Half -9.5 (-115)

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Los Angeles Lakers four times in four tries this season. Is that not bad enough?

The Thunder covered the full-game spread at halftime in three of those games. In the fourth? Oklahoma City was an 18-point favorite for the game and led by exactly 18 points at halftime.

There is no traction here for the Lakers. Not in any regard.

SGP leg #2: Thunder -15.5 (-110)

Most of the time, the thought of a fourth-quarter flurry could inspire fear about a number this large. Los Angeles might push late, right?

Not in this Game 1. Not when on the road and already with a rest disadvantage. This is the one moment to expect JJ Redick to pack it in early if the game is out of hand, likely turning any 20-point deficit into a 30-point misery.

SGP leg #3: Austin Reaves Under 21.5 points (-120)

No one on the Lakers’ roster should be pulled sooner than Austin Reaves, not even LeBron James. Reaves has rushed back from an oblique strain to give James some scoring help, but he still shows some wear.

Save the stress for a winnable game.

Covers NBA betting tools

See our full Lakers vs Thunder Game 1 preview

Get Douglas Farmer's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Lakers vs Thunder predictions for Game 1.

More Covers NBA Playoff content

NBA Championship odds

Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA Championship odds for each remaining team, as well as NBA title splits, betting trends, and the previous list of teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

NBA Finals MVP odds

See what the current line movement and updates are in the NBA Finals MVP odds race, along with Finals MVP betting trends, favorite analysis, and recent superstars to receive this award.

Live NBA Playoff bracket

Never lose track of where each series sits with our live NBA Playoff bracket, as well as the updated prices for each team to win their respective series — round by round. 

MORE NBA FREE PICKS

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Senators' Ridly Greig is suspended for two games for roughing in a playoff game

NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL on Monday suspended Ottawa forward Ridly Greig for two regular-season games for roughing during the Senators’ final playoff game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Greig was banned for sucker punching Carolina defenseman Sean Walker in the second period of Ottawa’s 4-2 loss on April 25.

Walker was engaged with a Senators player during an on-ice melee, and the video replay showed Greig delivering two separate shots to Walker, including a gloved uppercut punch that dropped Walker to his knees. Greig was not penalized on the play.

The victory gave the Hurricanes a sweep in the best-of-seven, first-round series.

Greig will serve the suspension at the start of next season.

___

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Posted on

Yankees' Aaron Boone explains Anthony Volpe decision, shares John Sterling memories

The Yankees finally made a decision on Anthony Volpe on Sunday night, optioning the shortstop to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after his rehab assignment came to an end. 

On Monday, manager Aaron Boone spoke about the decision, saying he spoke to Volpe before the announcement was made.

“We want him to have the best chance to be successful, and we have to acknowledge, first how well (Jose Caballero) has played,” Boone said. “He’s been a key factor in us getting off to a really good start this year on both sides of the ball, on the basepaths. So, it’s really as simple as that. It doesn’t change how we feel about Anthony or the kind of player we think he is and will be. But in this moment of time, we felt like this was absolutely the right thing to do, and a lot of that has to do with…. We have a lot of really good players right now competing for real roles and real spots. I think that competition ultimately is going to be a great thing for us. 

“So right now, I think this is the right choice for us, I think it’s the right thing to do even for Anthony, and hopefully this gives him even more time to accumulate those everyday reps, and we’ll keep evaluating.”

Caballero has a .711 OPS this season, while playing a strong defensive shortstop as well.

According to Boone, Volpe will stay at shortstop for now, though he wouldn’t rule out future conversations about moving Volpe around the infield. 

That means that top prospect George Lombard Jr. will “bounce around” a bit, with Boone noting that Lombard already has experience playing second and third base. 

On John Sterling’s passing

The Yankees lost a legendary member of their family, as iconic radio announcer John Sterling passed away at the age of 87. 

Boone was asked about what he’ll remember most about Sterling.

“One of a kind. An amazing career, an amazing life,” Boone said. “The soundtrack for so many New Yorkers and Yankees fans over the years.

“Like so many Yankees fans, any time there’s a big moment or a big game, man, I couldn’t wait to get home and ‘I wanna hear how John called this.’ And just such a nice man.”

In fact, Boone is such a fan that he’s started mimicking Sterling’s iconic call after every Yankees win.  

“When we win, I still do this, and my coaches look at me like I’m nuts. I don’t even know if they know what I’m doing,” he said. “As soon as that final out is made and I get up to shake players hands, I go ‘Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeeeeeee Yankees win!’ and I’m shaking all my coaches’ hands, so I get goosebumps thinking about that.”

Posted on

Three Lightly-Tested Coaches The Los Angeles Kings Should Consider To Hire

Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland has shared that he is searching for a new head coach. D.J. Smith, who finished the season as the interim coach of the Kings, is considered a candidate to be named the full-time bench boss.

In Holland's exit interview on Friday, he revealed that he has a list of "five to eight" coaches of multiple degrees of experience, suggesting he's looking at all the options.

We've already looked at veteran coaches and NHL assistant coaches who could be on Holland's list to be the Kings' next bench boss.

Now, here are three coaches who have either been lightly tested in the NHL, or haven't been a head coach in the league yet - in no particular order. In fact, all these listed coaches are currently leading a team in the AHL.

Andrew Lord, Ontario Reign

When a franchise goes through the process of a coaching change, it's fairly standard for the organization to take a look at who is running the affiliate club in the American League.

In this case, for the Kings, that's Andrew Lord, head coach of the Ontario Reign. Lord has been leading the Reign to a great season thus far in the minors.

This is Lord's first season with Ontario, and he currently has his team in the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs. The Reign earned a first-round bye, thanks to finishing first in the Pacific Division. 

They also finished the regular season fourth in the AHL with 99 points, the best campaign in franchise history since the Manchester Monarchs became the Ontario Reign.

This impressive season is all in the hands of coach Lord.

'A Tale Of Two Seasons': Manny Malhotra On Tenure Thus Far As Abbotsford Canucks Head Coach'A Tale Of Two Seasons': Manny Malhotra On Tenure Thus Far As Abbotsford Canucks Head CoachAfter winning the Calder Cup last season, Manny Malhotra and the Abbotsford Canucks sit near the AHL's basement and out of the playoff picture. Malhotra speaks to The Hockey News about his two years in Abbotsford, and what he learned coaching through adversity.

Manny Malhotra, Abbotsford Canucks

Manny Malhotra is the head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. He's led the team for two seasons now and has really impressed in his first campaign.

In 2024-25, he guided Abbotsford to a Calder Cup championship, which is the first time Vancouver's American League affiliate won a championship since the Springfield Indians in 1991.

This year hasn't gone nearly as well for Abbotsford, which finished fourth-last in the AHL, but that's largely because the NHL club brought up some of the key players who helped the Calder Cup-winning team last season.

Malhotra has been a name that has floated around the NHL community as a coach who could soon get an opportunity behind an NHL bench, but as the leader of the coaching staff.

He's been behind an NHL bench before, as an assistant coach for the Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs from 2017-18 to 2023-24.

Pascal Vincent (James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports)
Pascal Vincent (James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports)

Pascal Vincent, Laval Rocket

Unlike the other two names on this list, Pascal Vincent has experience as a head coach in the NHL. 

The Columbus Blue Jackets were forced to pivot from their original hire for the 2023-24 season, Mike Babcock, and Vincent was tapped to fill in after serving as an associate coach for the organization.

He finished that season with a 27-43-12 record with a weak Blue Jackets team. Since then, he's moved on to be a head coach again in the AHL, a role he's spent multiple seasons in with the Manitoba Moose from 2016-17 to 2020-21. 

In the past two seasons, he's been the coach of the Laval Rocket, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. Vincent guided the Rocket to win the North Division this season, and they are in the second round of the playoffs.

Last season was even more impressive for Vincent and the Rocket as they topped the AHL for the 2024-25 regular season and made it to the Eastern Conference finals.

It could be time for Vincent to get a real chance at being a head coach in the NHL.

Image

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

Posted on

SB Nation Reacts results: Do you want the Rockets to trade Kevin Durant in the offseason?

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets smiles during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Five on April 29, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

This past week’s question asked Rockets fans about Kevin Durant. Following a tumultuous season in which KD played well on the court, was a vibe-killing disaster off of it, and a no-show come NBA Playoffs time, we asked our readers if they wanted the Rockets to trade him in the offseason. Not what they thought the Rockets would do. What they WANT the Rockets to do.

Here’s the results:

As you can see, a full 65 percent of Rockets fans want KD gone. You can count me in that 65. Sadly, it doesn’t appear that we will get our wish. In today’s ESPN article about the Rockets, Ramona Shelbourne reported that KD was a grumpy gus all season in the locker room, saying:

“Durant was predictably brilliant on the court throughout the 2025-26 season, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while playing in 78 games, but team sources said his “moodiness” took some getting used to and wore on the team’s young players throughout the campaign, a dynamic that was exacerbated without VanVleet and Adams as buffers.“

However, despite the burner incident playing a role in Houston’s chemistry issues this season, the Rockets fully intend to have KD back in the fold next season, calling Durant part of their core. The article also mentions that the locker room is supposedly fine now after some meetings, but I don’t think anyone who’s watched the Rockets recently doesn’t think the chemistry and comraderie was better without him. Were the Rockets a better team overall without him? That’s a different convo. Can they reach the next level by trading him for assets and being a little patient? I think that’s also a serious convo that needs to be had.

Anyway, it seems we’re not getting our wish, but if there’s one thing that I’ve learned in 25 years of writing about the NBA is to expect the unexpected.

Thanks for voting. We’ll be back soon with more Reacts.

Posted on

Jays Notes: Injury Updays

TORONTO, ON- MARCH 29 - Right fielder Addison Barger #47 of the Toronto Blue Jays as the Toronto Blue Jays play the Athletics at Rogers Centre in Toronto. March 29, 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images

There is a whole mess of injury news this afternoon:

  • George Springer hit some pitches and says he ‘feels great’. He isn’t starting today, but he’ll be available off the bench and should start tomorrow. That’s gotta be the best possible result after he got hit on the broken toe just two days ago.
  • Addison Barger will play with the Bisons tomorrow and likely Wednesday and then should be back with the Jays on the weekend.
  • Alejandro Kirk will start swinging a bat later this week, which surprised me. I figured it wouldn’t be for a bit yet. But if he can do it, that’s great. I guess it is all on how much pain he can handle.
  • Max Scherzer is ‘feeling better’. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know if he’ll be back right away.
  • Yimi Garcia will start a rehab assignment later this week. It shouldn’t take to long for him to be ready to job the Jays after that.
  • José Berríos will meet up with the Jays in Tampa. And then they will talk about the next step. They don’t have to activate him from the IL if he’s not ready and if he isn’t throwing well….I don’t see putting him on the roster.

Today’s lineup is similar to yesterday’s, minus Sosa and Heineman, and Varsho is DH today. He was having some better at bats yesterday. Hopefully that will continue.

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSRAYS
Yohendrick Pinango – LFChandler Simpson – LF
Kazuma Okamoto – 3BJunior Caminero – 3B
Vladimir Guerrero – 1BRyan Vilade – RF
Jesus Sanchez – RFYandy Diaz – DH
Ernie Clement – 2BJonathan Aranda – 1B
Daulton Varsho – DHJonny DeLuca – CF
Myles Straw – CFBen Williamson – 2B
Andres Gimenez – SSNick Fortes – C
Brandon Valenzuela – CTaylor Walls – SS
Eric Lauer – LHPNick Martinez – RHP

SB has a new system for polls, so I’m trying it out after having a failure with a poll last week.

Posted on

Despite Tarik Skubal injury, all is not lost for Tigers. Here's how

Start with this: There's no replacing Tarik Skubal.

The Detroit Tigers are well aware that there's no readymade replacement for the reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner. But that doesn't mean they have to cash in their chances at winning their first American League pennant since 2012 – or their first World Series title since 1984.

Detroit suffered a significant blow when manager A.J. Hinch revealed Skubal will undergo elbow surgery to remove loose bodies from his throwing arm, a procedure that will sideline him into the second half – and probably right up to the Aug. 3 trading deadline, when the club will assess its spot in the standings and decide whether to add or subtract from its roster.

At 18-17, the Tigers are in a five-team dogfight in the AL Central, one that figures to come down to Detroit, Cleveland and perhaps Kansas City. And with nine AL teams within four games of the .500 mark, the wild card spot should be even more of a taffy pull.

The Tigers certainly suffered a setback, but all is not lost. A look at the ramifications of Skubal's injury and how they may bounce back:

What are loose bodies? Tarik Skubal's injury, surgery explained

Pitching chaos is a given in Detroit, even with Tarik Skubal

Kind of appropriate that on the day Skubal's surgery was announced, Hinch anointed reliever Tyler Holton the starting pitcher for their May 4 game against visiting Boston.

"Second bullpen game in a row," Hinch noted.

And so it begins.

"Pitching chaos" has been a way of life in Detroit since the end of the 2024 season, when the Tigers rode Skubal and a menagerie of mound men to a startling late-season rally for a wild card spot and a playoff sweep of Houston before losing a stirring five-game ALDS to Cleveland.

In the years since, the Tigers have done their level best to avoid that scenario, re-signing Jack Flaherty, coaxing future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander back to the D and investing $115 million in lefty Framber Valdez.

But just when it looked like they were out ... the openers are back in.

So it goes when 10 pitchers are on the injured list, including bona fide starters Verlander, 2025 All-Star Casey Mize, Tommy John-rehabbing youngster Jackson Jobe and now Skubal. Yet Hinch is really, really good at orchestrating the pitching strategy, even if they may not know who's starting the next game until everyone shows up the following day.

So bring on the Holtons and Brant Hurters and Brenan Hanifees and Ty Maddens. Detroit, this is your pitching staff. Hey, it's worked before.

Framber Valdez must be a rock for Tigers without Tarik Skubal

The dude has pitched the Astros to a World Series title, is almost a lock for 180 to 200 innings a year and is hard to drive from a game. Now Valdez, signed to be a future anchor once Skubal leaves via free agency, must be their rock, immediately.

So far, Valdez has been, well, fine.

He's completed at least six innings in five of his seven starts, and uncoincidentally, the Tigers are 5-2 when he takes the mound. A .714 winning percentage will win a lot of divisions.

Valdez is not a threat to throw a no-hitter every time out like Skubal is. Yet he almost always keeps you in games, and that's a bargain these days at $115 million. If he can maintain, the Tigers should be fine.

Jack Flaherty must find the strike zone

With a 5.90 ERA through seven starts, Jack Flaherty knows he must be better. Says he's losing sleep over his performance. And realizes that a 17.7% walk rate and a 46.3% hard-hit percentage is a lethal combination.

Look at it like this: The Tigers are right at .500, and Flaherty couldn't be much worse. With the bullpen arms stretched thin thanks to the above chaos, Flaherty will have to give them more than four innings pitched, his average outing thus far.

Tarik Skubal's loss could be mitigated if Jack Flaherty, left, pitches better and Justin Verlander, right, returns from injury.

Detroit's wounded arms claw back from IL

GM Scott Harris knew he was signing a 43-year-old when he brought Justin Verlander back to Detroit. Thirty starts was probably never going to be reality.

And the club has nursed Verlander along in his return from hip inflammation, which sidelined him in April. Yet Verlander hasn't graduated beyond numerous bullpen sessions, with vague plans beyond that after Hinch acknowledged the recovery was going "slower than I think he or we anticipated."

Meanwhile, Casey Mize, second only to Skubal in his effectiveness this season, hit the IL last week with a right adductor strain. A vexing injury, and a discouraging prognosis after Mize initially said his groin tightness didn't seem too serious.

The Tigers have to get Mize's recovery right the first time, regardless of the length of his absence. Even if it's tough to shelve a 2.90 ERA.

Tarik Skubal returns with a vengeance after attacking recovery

Let's not forget: Skubal is a beast.

The man with the nastiest fastball-changeup combo in the majors will surely attack his rehab and recovery with ferocity. And while the Tigers, like almost any organization in this era, will keep it vague on the prognosis and timeline, the two to three months that this surgery typically takes away will be a ticking clock for both the patient, the ballclub and fans.

No, Skubal won't be able to speedrun his return. But if he at least hits the early part of the timeline and can work back up to something resembling full strength by mid-August, the Tigers will be well-armed for the stretch run and potentially the playoffs.

It's on Hinch and club president Scott Harris to ensure they're well-positioned when that time comes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tarik Skubal surgery a setback, not fatal blow, for Detroit Tigers

Posted on

Senators' Ridly Greig suspended two games for sucker punching Sean Walker

Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig was suspended for two games on Monday, May 4 for sucker punching an opponent twice during a scrum in the first round.

The incident happened in the second period of Game 4 when Senators forward Warren Foegele was engaged with Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker. Greig first hit Walker with an overhand punch.

Then when Foegele had Walker in a headlock. Greig hit him in the head with a "forceful gloved upper cut," NHL Player Safety said in its suspension video.

The suspension will be served next season because the Senators were eliminated from the playoffs after the 4-2 loss on Saturday, April 25.

Greig told reporters at his end-of-season availability that Walker had done nothing beforehand to prompt the sucker punch.

“I've got to do a better job of controlling my emotions," he said. "Yeah, that's all I'll say now.”

Greig had one previous NHL suspension, sitting out one preseason and one regular-season game for cross-checking in 2021.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ridly Greig sucker punch to Sean Walker earns two-game suspension

Posted on

Cavaliers vs Pistons Same-Game Parlay for Tuesday's NBA Playoffs Game 1

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons have notable frontcourts, but the Cavaliers’ big men were inconsistent in the first round against the Magic.

This Cavaliers vs. Pistons same-game parlay expects Detroit to win on the glass in Game 1 on Tuesday, May 5.

Our best Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP for Game 1

SGP leg #1: Jarrett Allen Under 7.5 Rebounds (+100)

Jarrett Allen starred on the glass twice in the first round, but that was twice in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ seven-game series win. Which is to say, he fell short of this very modest prop five times against the relatively undersized Raptors.

That kind of rate will age even worse against the Detroit Pistons. They thrive on the offensive glass, No. 3 in the NBA in offensive rebounding rate since the All-Star Break, the kind of strength that gets overlooked during the regular season and by casual fans but can be a massive postseason difference-maker.

SGP leg #2: Jalen Duren Over 9.5 Rebounds (-145)

Jalen Duren leads that offensive rebounding focus. He pulled in at least four offensive boards in five of Detroit’s seven games against the Magic. In each of the final three games of that series, Duren snagged at least five offensive rebounds.

This is Duren’s most reliable skill, and even if he is not scoring, every offensive rebound he finds creates another scoring chance for the Pistons.

SGP leg #3: Pistons Moneyline (-150)

Homecourt advantage plus what could be a distinct rebounding edge should be all the logic needed to trust Detroit in this series opener, particularly given how well Cade Cunningham was playing as the first round ended.

Covers NBA betting tools

See our full Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 1 preview

Get Douglas Farmer's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Cavaliers vs Pistons predictions for Game 1.

More Covers NBA Playoff content

NBA Championship odds

Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA Championship odds for each remaining team, as well as NBA title splits, betting trends, and the previous list of teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

NBA Finals MVP odds

See what the current line movement and updates are in the NBA Finals MVP odds race, along with Finals MVP betting trends, favorite analysis, and recent superstars to receive this award.

Live NBA Playoff bracket

Never lose track of where each series sits with our live NBA Playoff bracket, as well as the updated prices for each team to win their respective series — round by round. 

MORE NBA FREE PICKS

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds preview, Monday 5/4, 6:40 CT

As you know, tonight’s game time was moved up because there is a chance of rain this evening. Here’s the local radar for you to keep handy.

Monday notes…

  • STREAKING, PART 1: The Cubs have won 11 straight games at home. It is their 19th double-digit home winning streak of the Modern Era, which began in 1901, and their 15th at Wrigley Field, their home since 1916. This is their first such streak since they won 14 in a row, May 18-June 22, 2008. A 13-game streak in 2001 and a 10-game streak in 1998 are their only others of the kind since 1970. Their record is 18 straight, Sept. 4-22, 1935, during a surge that lifted them to the pennant. The 2008 streak was one of five of 14 games. The 2001 streak was the only one of 13. They also had a lone streak of 12, in 1927, and of 11, in 1910, for a total now of 11 streaks of at least 11 in a row. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • STREAKING, PART 2: The 1910 streak was the only one that ended after 11 games, with a 3-1 loss to the Cardinals in Game 2 of a Memorial Day doubleheader. The Cubs extended the 2001 streak to 12 by beating the Twins, 11-4. They hit five home runs, two of them by Sammy Sosa, who drove in five runs. The 12th win in 2012 was a 4-3 walk-off over the White Sox. Aramis Ramirez homered on the second pitch of the ninth inning. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • FIFTEEN AND THREE: The Cubs are 15-3 in their last 18 games, their best 18-game record since they also were 15-3 from Sept. 12-30, 2017. They were 15-3 in nine spans, many overlapping, in 2016, and in four spans in 2015. The last time they were better was 16-2, from July 27-Aug. 15, 2015. Their previous 16-2 stretch was May 19-June 9, 2001. The Cubs were 18-0 in four overlapping spans in 1935 and 17-1 in 23 spans, many overlapping, in 1906, 1932 and 1935. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY:The Cubs swept a doubleheader from the Dodgers at Wrigley Field by scores of 7-1 and 4-3. These were scheduled seven-inning games; the nightcap went to extras and the Cubs walked it off on a David Bote single in the ninth. It happened five years ago today, Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

Cubs lineup:

Reds lineup:

Edward Cabrera, RHP vs. Chase Petty, RHP

Edward Cabrera has been pretty consistent throughout this season. His K rate has been down a bit from last year, but he’s still been getting outs, most of the time, and keeping the ball in the yard (just three home runs allowed in 35.1 innings).

The last time he faced the Reds was April 22, 2025 in Miami. He allowed three runs in five innings with no walks and seven strikeouts. Again, that’s pretty much what he’s done with the Cubs so far. Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer have homered off him.

Chase Petty is being recalled to take Brandon Williamson’s spot in the Reds rotation. Williamson has shoulder issues.

Petty was the Twins’ No. 1 pick (22nd overall) in 2021 and came to the Reds the following year in the Sonny Gray trade. He made three appearances (two starts) for the Reds last year and the results were not good: 19.20 ERA, 3.667 WHIP, 14 hits and eight walks in six innings, with three home runs allowed. At Triple-A Louisville this year he has a 4.38 ERA and 1.338 WHIP in six starts covering 24.2 innings. His walk rate is still pretty high (11 walks in Triple-A this year). As you can see from the 2025 chart below, he throws hard but doesn’t always know where the ball is going.

Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Reds site Red Reporter. If you do go there to interact with Reds 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.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

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

Canadiens' Sam Montembeault Pranks Jakub Dobes After Game 7 Win

The Montreal Canadiens picked up a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7. With this, the Canadiens have moved on to the second round and will be facing off against the surging Buffalo Sabres. 

Game 7 was certainly far from a perfect win for the Canadiens, as the Habs finished the contest with only nine shots. Yet, despite not generating many chances, the Canadiens still pulled away with the victory.

The Canadiens can thank Jakub Dobes for that.

Dobes was excellent for the Canadiens in Game 7, as he stopped 28 out of 29 Lightning shots he faced. With this, Dobes finished Game 7 with a .966 save percentage. 

Dobes' heroics ended up making him the recipient of a funny prank by fellow Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault.

Following an interview on TNT, Dobes received a shaving cream pie to the face from Montembeault. TNT was able to capture the aftermath of the prank, which was great. 

Montembeault has not played this postseason, but he has been a great teammate. For example, during Game 6, Montembeault was seen waving his towel like the Habs fans. 

Now, Dobes will be looking to lead the Canadiens past the Sabres in the second round. If he does, Montembeault may have no choice but to prank him again.