FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 12, 2026: Skylar King #29 of the Boston Red Sox looks on prior to a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at Lee Health Sports Complex on March 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Worcester and Portland were both victims of rain-outs on Tuesday night, but there was still good baseball being played from the farm. Let’s get into it.
Outside of Ronny Hernandez going 3-for-3 with a home run and Yoelin Cespedes hitting his 15th long ball of 2026, the Grasshoppers (Braves High-A) didn’t really allow too much offensive contact from Greenville, but when you have a start like the one Jojo Ingrassia had, you don’t need too much help (though it’s always nice to reach that six-run mark.) Ingrassia, the lefty from Cal State Fullerton who turns 24 this month, was absolutely dealing; he had a perfect game going through five innings and only ended his night from giving a home run up that scored the first two baserunners he allowed. Still, retiring 17 of your first 17 is nothing to sneeze at. He struck out ten and between him and Griffin Kilander, only one Greensboro runner even reached scoring position all night.
Salem was certainly aided on Tuesday by a six-run eighth inning to put this one on ice, but a big factor in this big win against the Fireflies was their nine hits with runners in scoring position. The team had 21 total on the night, and five batters had at least three hits, but none were as important as the 4-for-6 line leadoff hitter Skylar King amassed over the night, starting with a home run that you can watch below with the very first at-bat of the game. By the next inning, the 2025 15th round draft pick had his triple hitting into the gap in right field. The rest was history. It’s even sweeter that this cycle came in King’s hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. Although King is hitting just .231 even with these four hits, he definitely has power potential.
The Devils made the one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet to Hayton on July 1 after the Mammoth had announced it had traded for Vincent Trocheck and signed Anders Lee to a three-year deal with a $5.4 million cap hit. If Utah hadn't matched, the Devils would have given the Mammoth a second-round pick.
The Mammoth have $4.5 million left in cap space after the move. The only complication with matching is Utah can't trade Hayton for a year, and that takes him to unrestricted free agency.
But Utah indicated Hayton is a key part of its plans.
"Barrett is a key piece of our team and important to what we are building here in Utah," Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement. "He’s strong in the faceoff circle, plays both sides of the puck and can play with anyone in our forward group. We are grateful to be able to count on Barrett in our lineup next season."
Here's more to know about the Mammoth matching the offer sheet:
"I’m fired up to get back with my teammates and remain in Utah,” he said in a statement released by the team. “I’ve been with this core group for my whole career and it’s exciting that we have an opportunity to do some special things next season in front of the best fans in the NHL."
Barrett Hayton statistics
The 2018 No. 5 overall pick had 25 points in 67 games last season, but had a career-best 20 goals, 26 assists and 46 points in 2024-25. That includes a hat trick on Feb. 22, 2025.
All told, he has 65 goals and 155 points in 358 career games with Utah and the Arizona Coyotes.
With the offer sheet matched, the Devils could still look for a depth center via the trade route. Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright, whose numbers the last two seasons are similar to Hayton's, is reportedly available in a trade.
What's up with the Leo Carlsson offer sheet?
The Anaheim Ducks have two days left to match the Philadelphia Flyers' five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Leo Carlsson that makes him the league's top-paid player. The Ducks would receive four first-round picks from the Flyers if they don't match.
Since the offer sheet, the Ducks have re-signed defensemen Pavel Mintyukov and Tyson Hinds, leaving them with $9 million in cap space if they match. That won't be enough to re-sign Cutter Gauthier long-term unless they move out a player or two.
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When does the 2026-27 NHL season begin?
The schedule for the 2026-27 NHL season will be released on July 16, with the opening day games announced on the 15th. The season typically begins in early October.
NHL key dates 2026-27
July 15: Opening day schedule announced
July 16: Full NHL schedule announced
July 20: Arbitration hearings begin
September: Training camps open
October: 2026-27 NHL season begins
December 18-20: 2026 NHL Global Series Germany (Blackhawks vs. Senators in Dusseldorf)
February 6: NHL All-Star Game at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (-228) host the Colorado Rockies in a series-deciding Game 3.
My Rockies vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks expect some offense given the weather and starting pitching matchup between Gabriel Hughes and Roki Sasaki.
Who will win Rockies vs Dodgers today: Rockies moneyline (+206)
I can't lay the juice with Roki Sasaki, who's allowed 19 earned runs in his last four starts (1.88 WHIP and 8.82 FIP).
The Colorado Rockies have the better numbers at the dish in the last 14 days (134 wRC+ and .390 wOBA), as the Los Angeles Dodgers have been struggling (99 wRC+ and .317 wOBA).
Since L.A. has been held down by ineffective starters like JP Sears and Michael Lorenzen lately, it's not a bad time for Gabriel Hughes (2.94 FIP in the Minors) to make his first MLB start. Play this to +200.
COVERS INTEL: The Rockies are poised for success against Roki Sasaki's three-pitch arsenal as they have strong numbers against four-seamers (sixth in runs above average), splitters (ninth), and sliders (11th).
Rockies vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (-118)
With temperatures in the high-70s and the wind blowing out to center field at 8 mph at the time of first pitch, runs should come in bunches.
Sasaki's allows a wealth of hard contact (fourth percentile barrel rate, ninth percentile hard-hit rate). He's walked 11 batters in his last four starts alone, and Colorado (9.6% walk rate against RHP in the last 14 days) will be happy to take the free passes.
L.A.'s bullpen has an unsavory 1.48 WHIP (24th) in the last 14 days, while Colorado has a 4.39 SIERA (24th).
JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 26-25, -2.9 units
Over/Under bets: 35-17, +17.2 units
Rockies vs Dodgers weather
Rockies vs Dodgers odds
Moneyline: Rockies +223 | Dodgers -228
Run line: Rockies +1.5 (+108) | Dodgers -1.5 (-115)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-115) | Under 9.5 (-103)
Rockies vs Dodgers trend
The Dodgers have cashed the Over in nine of Roki Sasaki's last 12 starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Rockies vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
Rockies.TV, SportsNet LA
Rockies starting pitcher
Ryan Feltner (3-2, 4.27 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Roki Sasaki (3-5, 5.40 ERA)
Rockies vs Dodgers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The San Diego Padres are -140 favorites to take the series lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.
I think the home team is overpriced, and my Diamondbacks vs. Padres predictions and MLB picks reflect that on July 8.
Who will win Diamondbacks vs Padres today: Diamondbacks moneyline (+120)
Michael King’s profile is littered with red flags. His 5.08 xERA and 5.14 FIP are noticeably higher than his 3.81 ERA over the last month, indicating he is poised to take a step back.
The Arizona Diamondbacks haven’t hit righties well of late but they’ve avoided strikeouts, ranking 25th in K% over the last two weeks. That should allow them to put the ball in play consistently.
The San Diego Padresrank dead last in GB% vs. righties the past 30 days, putting a cap on their offensive ceiling.
Diamondbacks vs Padres Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-115)
For King’s faults, he does a good job of keeping the ball in the park. He has allowed 0.88 homers per nine innings this season, and playing in a pitcher-friendly environment against a team sitting dead last in homers per fly ball will make his life easier.
The Padres have improved their averages of late but they are still consistently putting the ball in the dirt, limiting their power.
Neither team is much of a homer threat, and it’s difficult to score in bulk without quick-strike attacks.
Bet the Under to -125.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 53-42, +1.85 units
Over/Under bets: 51-41-4, +6.49 units
Diamondbacks vs Padres weather
Temperatures in the low 70s are projected with winds blowing east. Pitcher-friendly conditions for this time of year.
Diamondbacks vs Padres odds
Moneyline: Arizona +125 | San Diego -145
Run line: Arizona +1.5 (-165) | San Diego -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)
Diamondbacks vs Padres trend
Arizona has hit the Game Total Under in 29 of the last 45 games (+14.85 units, 30% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Diamondbacks vs. Padres.
How to watch Diamondbacks vs Padres and game info
Location
Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Jose Cabrera (0-1, 4.73 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher
Michael King (5-7, 3.52 ERA)
Diamondbacks vs Padres latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 21: Jac Caglianone #14 of the Kansas City Royals hits a home run in the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s just what it says on the tin.
Jac Caglianone just announced on MLB Network that he’ll be doing the Home Run Derby!
Junior Caminero and Ben Rice are the only other confirmed names so far, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber lurking. pic.twitter.com/o7O5N6YY6u
— Baseball Is Dead (@baseballisdead_) July 8, 2026
While Jac Caglianone is not (currently) an All-Star, though there’s still a remote chance he could be selected as an alternate for a player who is injured or opts out between now and then, but he will still be participating in the Home Run Derby.
Caglianone is tied for 19th in the American League with 14 home runs, but as noted in the above clip, he is tied for the longest average home run distance this year in a minimum of 10 blasts. The Royals also provided a bevy of home run-related trivia for Jac in their press release this morning:
Caglianone, 23, will be the sixth Royal to participate in the Home Run Derby, following Bo Jackson(1989), Danny Tartabull (1991), Mike Moustakas (2017), Salvador Perez (2021) and Bobby Witt Jr.(2024). No Royal has won the Home Run Derby but Witt Jr. was the runner-up in 2024, when he hit 50 home runs in total, including 13 in the final round, 1 shy of Teoscar Hernández’s 14.
He hit 6 home runs in a span of 5 games from June 18-23, including a 2-HR game on June 21 vs. St. Louis and another 2-HR game two days later on June 23 at Tampa Bay.
Among American League players age 23 or younger, his 14 home runs rank tied for 3rd, trailing only Junior Caminero(26) and Nick Kurtz (20).
Caglianone participated in the 2024 Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby. During his collegiate career at the University of Florida, he set the school’s single-season home run record (35) and the career record (75). He homered in 9 consecutive games from April 6-19, 2024, matching the NCAA Division I record.
Only Junior Caminero, Nick Kurtz, and Kody Clemens have hit more home runs in the AL since the beginning of June. Caglianone joins the Yankees’ Ben Rice and the Rays’ Caminero in the field of competitors, but we’re still waiting to see who the other five will be. Kyle Schwarber has indicated he will participate if his back feels alright, but that’s still to be determined.
If Jac could become the first-ever Royals’ Home Run Derby Champion, he would also be awarded this sick Home Run Derby Victory Chain.
I’d love to be able to get a replica during next season after Jac hammers his competition. I hope you’re all looking forward to Monday night on Netflix at 8 PM EDT/7 PM CDT. I know what I’ll be doing!
Before we cast our stones for me writing up a $1.61 priced prop, let us all take a moment to appreciate how cheap this is for one of baseball's premier hitters to simply do the floor.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber enters today with an elite rating on Batters-Box, while also carrying nearly 70% arsenal coverage against Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns. Across 262 elite ratings dating back to the last three seasons, Schwarber records at least one hit 61.07% of the time.
Over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, Schwarber is batting .320 with a .560 SLG, .977 OPS, and a hard-hit rate north of 74%.
Meanwhile, Burns has struggled against left-handed hitters in his recent outings. Over his last 60 left-handed batters faced, he is allowing a 70.4% elevation rate, a 10.8% barrel rate, and an expected slugging percentage of .501.
At home against lefties this season, Burns is allowing them to elevate the baseball nearly 72% of the time. We just need a base knock, but I would not go much further than this -161 price.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN
Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-116)
Another mispriced prop in my book is Bryce Harper Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI, currently priced at -116.
This season, when Harper has received an elite rating on Batters-Box, he's gone Over this prop 73% of the time. Sure, the sample size is only 15 games, but over the last three seasons, he has gone Over 1.5 HRR in 55% of his 191 opportunities.
On top of that, Harper owns a 95% arsenal coverage rating against Burns' entire pitch mix. He has been locked in against right-handed pitching as of late, batting .320 with a .400 OBP, .607 SLG and .957 OPS over his last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching. During that stretch, he's also producing a 61.5% hard-hit rate and a 12.8% barrel rate.
We already know how much trouble Burns has had against left-handed bats in his recent outings. I think both Harper and Schwarber are in excellent spots this evening. Take this up to -120.
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: ESPN
Dillon Dingler Over 1.5 total bases (-102)
One of my favorite looks on the day is Detroit Tigers slugger Dillon Dingler to go over his bases prop this evening.
The Tigers catcher has been seeing the ball extremely well over the last few weeks, posting a .510 SLG and .827 OPS while generating a 54% hard hit rate and 71.8% elevation rate against the last 60 left-handed pitchers he has faced.
Dingler also owns an elite rating on Batters-Box today, where he has an 85% arsenal coverage against Athletics left hander Jeffrey Springs' pitch mix.
Springs has struggled in his most recent outings, especially against right-handed bats. The last 60 righties he has faced are elevating the baseball at nearly an 80% clip. Yes, nearly 80%!
Those hitters are also posting a .358 xBA, .781 xSLG and .372 xwOBA, while generating a 16.3% barrel rate during that span. Getting this near even money is well worth the squeeze. I would play this down to -110 at the most.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DSN, NBCS-California
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 277-520, -16.4 units
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.
NEW YORK — Tyler Tolbert grinned and said he’d give himself until midnight before turning the page on one of the most historic stretches a batter ever has enjoyed.
His place in the record books probably will last a lot longer.
The Kansas City Royals outfielder, typically a defensive specialist and pinch runner, tied a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances, reaching the mark with an infield single against the New York Mets for his fifth hit in a wild 16-12 comeback win.
Batting ninth, the right fielder hit a two-run homer in the second inning and singled in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh. Tolbert’s last three hits were infield hits.
Tolbert matched the record set by Chicago’s Johnny Kling in 1902 and equaled by Walt Dropo of the Detroit Tigers in 1952. The bat Tolbert used will be sent to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
“I’m truly lost for words, honestly,” Tolbert said. “I don’t know. It hasn’t really hit me, to be honest.”
With a chance to break the record, Tolbert finally was retired in the ninth on a fly ball to right against A.J. Minter to finish 5 for 6.
“He’s a good pitcher and broke the streak,” Tolbert said. “All I can do is just smile. I’m just grateful for the journey and opportunity.”
The remnants of the announced crowd of 32,734 gave Tolbert an ovation, and his teammates applauded while gathering on the top step of their dugout. Following the game, the Royals celebrated Tolbert with a Champagne toast in the visiting locker room.
“It’s nice — I guess everybody’s kind of in tune, knowing what was happening,” Tolbert said. “I appreciated the fans supporting me and cheering me on, trying to get the next one. When I was on deck, they were like, ‘Go for another one. Go for another one.’
“More importantly, just my teammates man, they were locked in,” Tolbert added. “Just awesome. Look in the dugout and everybody’s smiling. Brings a smile to my face, too.”
Tolbert, listed at 5-foot-10, was selected by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2019 draft and stole at least 48 bases in every minor league season from 2021 through 2025 before debuting in the bigs on March 31, 2025.
“I just couldn’t be more proud of him, the way he competes,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “His effort, energy, attitude — he lifts everybody up everyday. And for him to have those individual accolades are really special. The way the guys celebrated him right there was really cool.”
Tolbert was a career .247 hitter with one homer, seven RBIs and 28 stolen bases in 91 big league games, when he went 2 for 2 against Philadelphia before being lifted for a pinch hitter. He then started at shortstop and went 5 for 5 with a homer, his first of the season.
“He’s a sparkplug,” teammate Nick Loftin said “I’m happy that he’s able to find some success and consistent (at-bats). Now he’s going to Cooperstown.”
Tolbert is the first player with consecutive five-hit games since Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, who pulled off the feat Aug, 22-23, 1970.
“It’s always good to see your hard work pay off,” Tolbert said, “But like I said, back to work. That’s just my mindset.”
The St. Louis Blues have plenty of depth in their prospect. The one knock they’ve received from analysts around the NHL is that it lacks a true superstar or franchise-altering prospect.
The criticism is fair, but the Blues have plenty of prospects with NHL projections, and several have become NHL regulars. Since the 2020 NHL draft, the Blues have watched Jake Neighbours (2020), Zach Bolduc (2021), Jimmy Snuggerud (2022), and Dalibor Dvorsky (2023) become NHL regulars.
In the 2025-26 season, the Blues saw Snuggerud and Dvorsky become not only full-time NHL players but also important pieces of the team’s success.
Heading towards the 2026-27 season, there are five Blues prospects who can compete for a roster spot out of training camp. Whether they make the Day 1 roster or their performance puts them on the radar to earn a call-up as the season goes along, a strong training camp and pre-season performance will go a long way.
Otto Stenberg, LW
Otto Stenberg earned his first call-up to the NHL this past season and showed plenty of traits that could help him start next season in the NHL.
The 21-year-old didn’t light it up offensively, scoring three goals and 10 points in 32 games, but he demonstrated his high compete level, battling for pucks and mixing it up physically despite boasting just a 5-foot-11, 188-pound frame.
Stenberg has all the traits of a reliable two-way middle-six winger. If he can improve his production, there could be a role on the second line, but for now, Stenberg has shown that he could be a difference maker on the third line very soon.
Stenberg isn’t a lock to make the opening night roster after the additions of Connor McMichael and Mason McTavish, as well as the extension for Jonatan Berggren, but a strong camp could turn heads.
Theo Lindstein’s season was fairly similar to Stenberg’s. Lindstein played fewer games than Stenberg but looked very comfortable in his action. In 17 games, Lindstein was stapled to veteran defenseman Colton Parayko’s left side, scoring two goals and four points while averaging 15:46 of ice time.
The 21-year-old is also not a lock to make the roster despite his strong performance last season. With the trade for Brandon Carlo, the right side of the defense is set. On the left, Philip Broberg and Cam Fowler are likely to fill in the top four roles, leaving Lindstein and Tyler Tucker to battle it out for the final spot on the third pairing.
Prior to the moves the Blues made, it looked like there was an avenue for Justin Carbonneau to compete for a roster spot, but that has likely changed.
The 19-year-old is almost guaranteed to start the season in the AHL, but with a strong training camp and AHL campaign, Carbonneau could work his way up the depth chart and serve as one of the top call-up candidates.
Carbonneau is a powerful skater who mixes it up physically whenever the opportunity arises. Offensively, Carbonneau has developed into a high-end goal scorer, as in his most recent QMJHL season, he notched 51 goals in 60 games. His balanced offensive game and his physical approach should help him adapt to the AHL rather quickly.
Adam Jiricek will also follow a similar path to Carbonneau. Prior to the Carlo trade, there was a path for Jiricek to compete for a roster spot, but that ship has likely sailed.
The 20-year-old will start the season in the AHL as he continues to develop his game. Jiricek has shown that he is a true, two-way defenseman. In the OHL, Jiricek showcased his offensive game, scoring 19 goals and 59 points in 55 games. With Czechia at the world juniors, Jiricek was a shutdown defenseman who scored timely goals.
With his 6-foot-2 frame, solid skating, puck-moving abilities, and offensive instincts, Jiricek should thrive early in the AHL season and truly put his name on coach Jim Montgomery’s radar.
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, LW/C
You’d be hard-pressed to find a player more deserving of regular NHL action than Aleksanteri Kaskimaki.
Kaskimaki is a hard-working, two-way forward with the versatility to play on the wing or as a center. Last season, Kaskimaki skated on the top line, scoring 20 goals and 44 points in 64 games.
Kaskimaki may not be a first-line forward in the NHL, but he can be an effective bottom-six player on a successful team. With the fourth line projected to look like Ross Johnston, Pius Suter, and Alexey Toropchenko, Kaskimaki has an uphill battle to make the NHL roster on Day 1.
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On this day 98 years ago, Bill Hunnefield led a 20-hit attack on Washington. | (Banty Red Tobacco & Ale Co.)
1928 The White Sox pounded out 20 hits in a 13-7 win at Washington, which remains tied for 71st-most in club history. Everyone in the lineup had at least one safety except for catcher Buck Crouse, who at least walked once in the game. Leadoff man Bill Hunnefield led the way with four hits, going 4-for-6 with three runs scored, including a double and triple. The White Sox hit no homers as a team, but stole four bases. Ted Lyons went the distance for the win, improving to 8-7 on the season.
With the win, the White Sox pulled even with the Senators in the standings, at 34-43 and tied for fifth in the American League.
1941 Edgar Smith became the first White Sox pitcher to win an All-Star Game. He got the decision in the AL’s 7-5 win, even though he gave up two runs in two innings. This was the game where Ted Williams hit a three-run home run in the last of the ninth to win it in Detroit. Smithwas joined on the team by Luke Appling (SS) and Thornton Lee (P).
1943 White Sox pitcher Orval Grove almost got himself a no-hitter — and against the Yankees, to boot. Joe Gordon’s bloop double with two outs in the ninth spoiled it, but Grove did win the game, 1-0, at Comiskey Park. It ran his record to 7-0; he’d finish the year 15-9, with a 2.75 ERA.
1947 White Sox shortstop Luke Appling played a key role in the AL’s 2-1 All-Star Game win, held across town at Wrigley Field. Appling, 40, had been named to his seventh and final All-Star Game as a sub. With the AL trailing, 1-0, Appling pinch-hit for Washington’s Buddy Lewis to lead off the sixth inning and singled off of Harry Brecheen. Ted Williams singled Appling to third, and Ol’ Aches and Pains ambled home with the tying run when Joe DiMaggio grounded into a double play.
The next inning, pinch-hitter Stan Spence singled in Bobby Doerr for the AL’s eventual game-winner. The other White Sox representative that year was Rudy York (1B).
1950 With two singles as the leadoff man in an 11-5 doubleheader nightcap loss to the St. Louis Browns, White Sox shortstop Chico Carrasquel began a 24-game hit streak. The rookie slashed .359/.433/.478 throughout his run, during which the White Sox went 7-17 in their last poor season before a historic, 17-year run of winning seasons. Chico finished the season with 2.8 WAR and ended up third in Rookie of the Year and 12th in MVP voting.
Carrasquel’s 24 straight games with a hit qualified as the third-longest in White Sox history in 1950, and remains sixth all-time in franchise annals.
1958 White Sox ace Early Wynn got the win in the All-Star Game in Baltimore, as the American League defeated the NL, 4-3. Wynnentered the game in the sixth inning with the score tied, 3-3, and pitched a perfect inning. In the bottom half of that inning, the AL scored the eventual winning run on a single by the Yankees Gil McDougald, scoring Frank Malzone of the Red Sox.
In addition to Wynn, the Sox representatives were Luis Aparicio (SS), Nellie Fox (2B), Sherm Lollar (C)and Billy Pierce (P), with Fox and Aparicio named starters.
1982 With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Jerry Hairston hit a high, 1-0 fastball into the first row of the right field stands at Comiskey Park for a sayonara home run win over the Tigers, 3-2. The pinch-hitting specialist hadn’t played at all in five days, and with 30 career homers over 2,023 plate appearances and 14 years wasn’t considered much of a longball threat. The win improved the rising White Sox to 43-36.
2008 During a strange, back-and-forth game, A.J. Pierzynski drove home two runs in the 11th inning on a single sacrifice fly.
With the bases loaded in extra innings, Pierzynski ripped a long drove into right-center that Royals center fielder Joey Gathright tracked down. But a collision with right fielder Mark Teahen forced Gathright to the ground, scoring both Joe Crede from third and Alexei Ramírez at second base. Orlando Cabrera also moved from first to third on the fly.
Kansas City rallied for two runs in its half, but two innings later Cabrera gave the first-place White Sox the lead for good, 8-7, with an RBI double.
2016 In a game at home against Atlanta, the White Sox pulled off their third triple play of the season. That hadn’t happened in Major League Baseball since 1979.
It happened in the third inning of an 11-8 loss. Shortstop Tim Anderson fielded a Freddie Freeman ground ball, tagged out lead runner Chase d’Arnaud before stepping on second base to force out former White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham and then threw to first baseman José Abreu to retire Freeman.
Both the Red Sox and A’s accomplished the feat of three triple plays during the 1979 season, according to the Society for American Baseball Research’s triple play database.
The White Sox had turned a triple play on April 22 against the Rangers, and completed a second triple play on May 18 against the Astros.
From 2015-18, the rivalry between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers was at its peak.
LeBron James and the Cavaliers historically pulled off a incredible comeback in the 2016 NBA Finals after facing a 3-1 series deficit, ultimately winning the title in a Game 7 thriller.
Bob Myers served as the general manager for the Golden State Warriors for nearly a decade. NBAE via Getty Images
Throughout that period of Warriors and Cleveland basketball for four straight postseasons, Bob Myers was the general manager of Golden State.
Myers was the architect behind the Warriors dynasty, drafting players like Draymond Green and recruiting superstars like Kevin Durant. He also hired head coach Steve Kerr, who remains in the position to this day.
In 2026, Myers oversees operations for the Philadelphia 76ers.
LeBron James has yet to make a decision on where he will go next in free agency. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
76ers president Bob Myers makes his case to LeBron/Rich Paul on why he should join the Sixers:
“If he was here I’d say ‘I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important’ — What I would just say is, if it’s… https://t.co/ciC9dQJvWvpic.twitter.com/AJB0WexPHk
After facing James as an opponent for years, Myers has made a pitch to welcome him to Philadelphia.
“If he was here, I’d say I honestly believe this is your best chance to win. You have to decide all the other things that are equally important,” Myers said on the Game Over podcast with Rich Paul and Max Kellerman.
“What I would just say is, if it’s about winning, let’s talk about this team. Because you can win here in Philadelphia.”
Just about every team in the league would welcome James with open arms, including the Sixers. The organization is considered a favorite to land the veteran, but his free agency remains the biggest mystery of the summer.
Ultimately, James will make the final decision on where he goes next, but that won’t stop teams from making public pitches for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
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The Lakers have remade their roster this offseason, adding players they see as better fits around Luka Doncic's style. Los Angeles overpaid but got its center in Walker Kessler (now he just has to stay healthy), re-signed Austin Reaves to be the secondary shot creator next to Doncic, and added a good two-way wing in Quentin Grimes.
Jonathan Kuminga is a player the Lakers are after, according to people with knowledge of the situation who said L.A. is looking at a two-year, $20-million deal for Kuminga, the sort of athletic wing player the Lakers need to start at small forward.
The Cavaliers also have expressed interest in Kuminga, but they need the LeBron James situation to play out — Cleveland may be the frontrunner — before moving on to Kuminga.
Kuminga checks a lot of boxes for the Lakers: Good size at 6'7", a plus defender on the perimeter, and he averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, shooting 33.3% from 3-point range. However, he has been better with the ball in his hands as a shot creator than he has been working off the ball, and he struggled to fit into Steve Kerr's ball-and-player movement system with the Warriors, which led to clashes with the coach.
How well would Kuminga adapt to being the No. 3 option and having to work primarily off the ball and knocking down 3s for the Lakers?
It's currently envisioned that the veteran, more steady Grimes will start at the three, but the Lakers have a lot of decisions to make at training camp.
While the article acknowledges that it might not have looked like Montreal has been very busy this offseason, it goes on to praise the two impact signings Kent Hughes has made: the contract extensions of Ivan Demidov and Jakub Dobes. It adds that the two players are vital to their core and that signing extensions early to keep offer sheets at bay is huge. There’s little doubt that Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek would agree.
The fact that the Sainte-Flanelle failed to sign a free agent in what was a largely underwhelming crop of players shouldn’t be seen as a failure on the part of the Canadiens, even if Hughes has failed to make an impact signing on the free market since his arrival at the helm.
Even if it’s not a very exciting approach, betting on organic growth has served the Habs well since the start of the Hughes, Jeff Gorton and Martin St-Louis era in Montreal. One of the best examples of that, without a doubt, is the progress in Nick Suzuki’s game. Not only has the pivot established himself as a real first-line center, putting an end to years of debate amongst pundits, but he’s improved across the board. In the last five years, his point production has gone from 61 to 66 to 77 to 89 to 101, and he’s also gained respect across all markets as a top defensive forward, as evidenced by his Frank J. Selke win.
His linemates have also experienced similar growth; Cole Caufield’s production has improved from 43 points to 64 (projected over 82 games since he put up 36 points in 46 games because of a shoulder injury), then to 65, 70, and 88. This past year, he even scored 51 goals, becoming the first Hab to reach the 50-goal mark since Stephane Richer. Caufield’s growth isn’t just about the numbers, though; it’s about the fact that he’s become a much more threatening player from everywhere in the offensive zone. The league cannot just worry about taking away the one-timer from the flank option; the sniper has other plays in his playbook.
As for Juraj Slafkovsky, he has gone from 51 points to 73 points, but he’s also started playing a much grittier game. He has accepted that he can best serve his team by bringing speed and physicality to the top line and retrieving the puck in deep and feeding it to his linemates. Even better, he’s wised up to the fact that once that’s done, his work isn’t over; he’s learned to then get to the busy areas and pick up the “garbage goals” on the doorstep, scoring 30 goals in a season for the first time in his career.
Lane Hutson has gone from a fantastic 66-point rookie season to an even more impressive 78-point sophomore year. The blueliner has doubled his goal production, going from six to 12 thanks to increased confidence in his own shot. He tested goaltenders over 30 more times this past season, and his shooting percentage has gone from 6.7% to 9.7%. With the work he has put in ahead of practices, working on his shot for ages with Adam Nicholas and Ivan Demidov, it’s hardly surprising.
Speaking of the young Russian, his first season in the NHL was a resounding success, and he did so while playing alongside two players who aren’t top-six players on a Cup-contending team. If Montreal can get some reinforcement on its second line ahead of the season, Demidov’s production could explode. Even if they don’t, having a year of NHL hockey under his belt will only make him more effective, and that should result in increased production as well.
Given how young the Canadiens are and the upward trajectory of their best players, it’s hardly surprising that the Habs brass feels content to bet on their continued progression. Besides, while the salary cap is forecast to rise in the foreseeable future, that growth won’t last forever, and sooner or later, teams throwing big contracts to free agents will run out of cap space. The Canadiens will be right there with both cap space and money to spend, since Hughes has managed to sign his core to team-friendly deals and has even found a way not to pay Kirby Dach $4 million, even if that was the qualifying offer he was due.
By then, the Habs are also hoping that their winning record and culture will have made Montreal a destination of choice for free agents. Make no mistake, the Canadiens are not inactive; they’re just playing the long game, and the rest of the league knows it, even if it’s not always evident to fans.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 30: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks boxes out during the game against the New York Knicks during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
They’re currently projected to be only $1.9 million below the cap before re-signing Austin Reaves, signing Collin Sexton with the room mid-level exception and signing Kevon Looney to a veteran-minimum deal. That’s not even enough for a minimum contract.
That hasn’t stopped the Lakers from pursuing Jonathan Kuminga in free agency, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.
Slater reported that the Lakers have been “subtly improving their offer in recent days while reiterating to Kuminga his importance to what the Lakers are building around [Luka] Dončić, a likely starting role and what the opportunity could do for his career.” However, Kuminga and his agent believe “there are still avenues to better deals as the offseason dominoes continue to fall.
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Timeslater reported that the Lakers have offered Kuminga a two-year, $20 million deal. That allows us to connect some dots.
How the Lakers can create more cap space
The Lakers’ easiest path to creating more cap space would be salary-dumping Jarred Vanderbilt or waiving him and stretching the dead cap hit from his remaining contract over the next half-decade.
If the Lakers managed to dump Vanderbilt’s $12.4 million contract into another team’s cap space or a salary-cap exception, they’d have plenty of spending power to offer Kuminga a $10 million annual salary.
A waive-and-stretch would get them in that ballpark as well.
Vanderbilt has a $13.3 million player option next year, so the Lakers would have to stretch the remaining $25.7 million on his contract on their books evenly over the next five years. That comes out to a dead cap hit of roughly $5.1 million, giving the Lakers another $7.3 million in spending power this offseason.
Combine that with the $1.9 million that they currently project to have, and they’d be up to nearly $9.2 million in cap space. That would allow them to offer Kuminga a two-year, $18.8 million deal.
The Lakers could create even more cap space by dumping Dalton Knecht for a minimum contract, or moving the recently acquired Jaden Hardy for someone earning less. If they need to manufacture a bit more cap space for Kuminga or another free agent, President of Basketball Operation Rob Pelinka has outs.
The question is how he can sweeten any offer.
The Lakers have already traded away all of their first-round draft capital through 2033 aside from a 2032 pick swap and all of but one of their own second-rounders. They did acquire two second-rounders from the Washington Wizards (2031 and 2032) in the Deandre Ayton trade, but those three picks are the only tradable picks that they have in either round.
Perhaps a team would be willing to take a free flier on Knecht, whom the Lakers selected with the 17th overall pick two years ago. He hit 37.6% of his three-point attempts as a rookie, but his shooting percentage plunged last year, and his playing time went right along with it.
There’s always a chance that the Lakers have slightly more cap space than estimated, too. They haven’t made any of their signings official yet, and contract reports tend to round up generously in favor of agents at this time of year.
But after sign-and-trading for Walker Kessler and signing Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, the Lakers are more or less out of cap space and exceptions. With only one open roster spot left, the Lakers will need to create more spending power to entice Kuminga or another free-agent target.
The Lakers’ lack of tradable draft picks could impact their ability to outright salary-dump Vanderbilt. They’d have to determine whether signing Kuminga would justify giving up the 2032 first-round swap rights or any of their tradable second-round picks. If not, a waive-and-stretch would be their most likely path forward.
Either way, the Lakers do have a feasible path to offering Kuminga or another free agent somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 million per season. Anything beyond that would likely require moving one or both of Hardy and Knecht. And anything north of $20 million is a pipe dream.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics have finalized their Summer League roster, and it’s loaded with young talent. Here’s the full list of 16 players that will appear on the team:
All 16 rostered players will get at least some run at Summer League, but there are 7 players I’m most eager to watch.
Hugo Gonzalez: Hugo Gonzalez is, to me, the most notable player in the field. The 20-year-old had a good rookie season with the Celtics, and he’s looked really solid playing with the Spanish national team this month. Gonzalez averaged 3.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 14.6 minutes per game as a rookie, and was one of the NBA’s plus-minus darlings. Gonzalez never spent a second in the G-League.
Everybody knows that the Celtics did not want to trade Gonzalez this offseason to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. How that decision ages remains to be seen, but every scout I’ve talked to around the NBA has gushed about what they’ve seen from Gonzalez so far. I’m excited to see how he looks at Summer League, especially when compared to last summer.
Chris Cenac: Chris Cenac is the Celtics’ highest-profile rookie; the 19-year-old forward is coming off of his freshman year at Houston and was selected 27th in the draft last month. He’s a highly-recruited 7-foot center who was one of the top interior prospects in his recruiting class, and he’ll take one of the Celtics 15 roster spots this year.
While Brad Stevens indicated he did not necessarily expect Cenac to play much next season, we’ve already seen his last two first-round picks (Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman) become impactful rotation players in their first two seasons. Just how raw is Cenac? And how does he hold up defensively? Summer league should shed some light on where he’s at in his career.
Dillon Mitchell: Dillon Mitchell is the Celtics’ other drafted rookie; the 22-year-old, drafted 40th overall, is coming off of a standout season at St. John’s. Mitchell is a super-athlete who is a good finisher, rebounder, and defender, though his inconsistent shot hurt his draft stock.
My big question is: just how good of a defender is he in this context? And, how can he fit in offensively despite effectively being unable to shoot? Mitchell is likely to end up on a two-way contract with the Celtics this season, so he’s one of the players I’m most interested in
Amari Williams: Williams was the Celtics’ 46th overall pick last season and was on a two-way contract for most of the year. He finished the year on a standard deal (mostly due to the Celtics working to stay under the luxury tax line) but did have some stellar moments with the parent club.
Williams will again be on a two-way contract with the Celtics this season, as the Celtics look to continue developing him into a center of the future. He’s currently behind Neemias Queta, Mitchell Robinson, and Luka Garza in the depth chart, but showed he could be impactful in spots last year.
John Tonje: John Tonje was on a two-way contract with the Celtics last year (acquired in the midseason trade that sent Chris Boucher to the Utah Jazz). While he hasn’t agreed to a two-way contract with Boston next season, he remains in the mix and could return in the same role. Tonje is a bucket-getter who looks to carve out a role in the NBA after an elite season at Wisconsin. He didn’t get much run in Boston, but scored a career-high 13 points in the season finale last year.
Tucker DeVries: Tucker DeVries is on an Exhibit 10 contract, so he’ll be joining the Celtics for training camp (and potentially competing for a two-way contract). DeVries is an undrafted rookie out of West Virginia who is 24 years old and a proven sharpshooter. He’s a polished offensive player with a high basketball IQ that could ultimately (one day) end up being a Sam Hauser replacement.
Milos Uzan: Milos Uzan is also on an Exhibit 10 contract, so, like DeVries, he’ll be joining the Celtics for training camp when Summer League is over. Uzan is a 22-year-old point guard out of Houston, where he was teammates with Cenac. He’s a poised point guard who is known for steady decision-making and veteran leadership.
Another Summer League note: Hank Morgan returns for his second consecutive Summer League with the Celtics. Morgan, who laced up for the Maine Celtics, was the G-League’s only former Division III player last year.
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 15: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is introduced before the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Jaylen Brown is here, the splashiest acquisition in a very splashy Sixers offseason orchestrated by new personnel chief Mike Gansey.
Anfernee Simons, a willing and much-needed bench scorer, is also here. Same for Ariel Hukporti, an intriguing big man coming off a title run with the Knicks.
Hey, and LeBron James might end up here, too. Never say never, right?
Against that backdrop, Dean Wade has fairly tiptoed into town, lunchpail in hand and valuable toolkit in his back pocket.
Signed to a reported four-year, $39 million free-agent contract, Wade is the ultimate 3-and-D guy, a sturdily built 6-foot-9 forward who can make open triples and guard all five positions. Whether he starts, or (in the event of a LeBron signing) comes off the bench, those are two very useful skills to possess.
And two things that might escape notice, given everything else that is going on. Or might go on, in the weeks and months ahead.
During a Zoom call with reporters Tuesday, he called defense “a thankless job,” and that is inarguable. Nobody in the Association wants to crouch in a stance, hike up their shorts and joust with the breathtakingly skilled guys headed their way. But Wade, an undrafted free agent signed out of Kansas State by Cleveland in 2019 (where Gansey was an executive at the time), discovered early on that that was his ticket to playing time.
Never mind that Wade had been a scorer in college. Never mind, he said, that he was “never really known as a defender” at that point in his career. He learned to become one. And he has learned to like it.
“I think the most appealing part of defense is … when people iso one on one,” he said. “It is head-up – just who’s better, and I’ve got to play with that little chip on my shoulder. I love that competitive spirit, where it’s just whose will’s going to kind of outlast whose.”
By his second season he was getting regular time, and that remained the case during the duration of his seven-year stay in Cleveland. He averaged a modest 5.3 points and 3.6 rebounds over that time, but shot nearly 37 percent from three and just generally proved to be a useful piece to the puzzle.
Along the way he crossed paths with former Sixer Georges Niang, a Cavalier in 2023-24 and part of 2024-25. And Niang – “maybe the funniest human I’ve ever met,” Wade said – told him a little something about Philadelphia. How, yes, the town’s athletic supporters can be tough, but are ultimately, “the best fans in the world, as long as you’re playing the right way.”
Suffice it to say that Wade will endeavor to do just that, while continuing to keep a low profile – something that comes naturally to him.
He hails from the farming community of St. John, Kansas (pop. 1,200). His dad, Jay, played football at Kansas State and Western Illinois, while his mom, Trish, played basketball and volleyball at Barton Community College and Florida Southern.
She would later win three state championships in 17 seasons as the volleyball coach at St. John-Hudson, while coaching her daughter Teresa, among others. (Trish, who also coached track at her children’s alma mater, now heads the volleyball squad at Nickerson High School.)
So it’s not hard to see where Dean got his athletic ability. Also his competitiveness.
“When I was younger, I hated losing,” he said. “I was the worst loser – like, my parents would beat me in a card game, and I would lose my mind.”
One of the fringe benefits to having a mom in coaching is that she had the key to the high school gym, which according to Dean was just two doors down from the family home.
“I lived in the gym,” he said.
He would ultimately lead his school to three state championships. Still, pro basketball seemed a long way off.
“Even thinking about the NBA when I was growing up was never a real thought in my mind,” he said. “I was like, ‘Oh, that’s a cool dream, but I never really thought I would have the opportunity to play.’”
But he never felt overmatched in AAU competition, and his family fostered his dream.
“Especially my sister,” he said. “She kicked that self-doubt right out of me before I could.”
Kansas State would ultimately unearth him, and he became a two-time All-Big 12 performer while averaging 12 points a game on .498/.386/.711 shooting over four seasons. And before he knew it, the NBA became a distinct possibility.
“Even when I was (on) a two-way (contract as a rookie),” he said, “I was like, ‘Man, I feel like I could still play in this league – compete at the highest level in this league.’ I never had any doubt in my mind.”
Not by then. And not anymore. Now he comes sneaking into town, carrying a mindset and a skillset that could prove very useful. And never mind that nobody else might notice.
COVERS INTEL: The Rockies are poised for success against Roki Sasaki's three-pitch arsenal as they have strong numbers against four-seamers (
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Dillon Gingler
