CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 12: Luis Gil of the New York Yankees looks on in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 12, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good afternoon everyone, it’s time to dive back into the mailbag and answer some of your questions. Remember to send in your questions for our weekly call by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.
qmerkel asks: What do you think the Yankees will do with Luis Gil? Keep trying to develop him as a starter, move him to the bullpen, or trade him?
For now they’ll likely keep Gil stretched out as a starter down in Triple-A, since he’s the primary depth for the rotation should an injury occur to any of the current guys. Once Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are back and fully built up to their regular workload, then perhaps the organization could consider utilizing Gil as a reliever, but with his current velocity issues that might not be a feasible transition to make. The only thing I’d rule out in the immediate is a trade, as the team would be selling on Gil for pennies on the dollar — perhaps he can rebound and remain useful to the team, or at the very least find enough of his old form to be of value in a trade, but at the moment it doesn’t seem worth it to give up on him for the equivalent of a lottery ticket or two.
Jmack175 asks:Still early to think about the deadline, but outside of 3B/SS, the most obvious upgrades are in the bullpen — if we stay atop the East, do you think Cash will go all in and get some lock down late inning guys, and if so, who might be realistic?
I think the answer to the bullpen is two-fold: Cashman will inevitably perform some remodeling and grab a handful of relievers to shake things up, but he also won’t go for the flashiest, high-priced closers. David Bednar was a solid grab last year, but the Yankees managed to nab him at an affordable price that set him well apart from the other closers that changed teams over the deadline. Now that his performance has waned (or more accurately, just become too stressful to trust on a day-to-day basis), they may look for another closer to pass the baton to, but an easier get would be a suitable set-up level reliever that could be trusted to get elevated into the closer’s role if need be. Then the rest of the work can focus on retooling the bottom of the ‘pen, finding better answers than Camilo Doval or Jake Bird to bring in for the middle of games that can still swing in their favor. Admittedly, this area is the one they could most likely support from within the organization with their extended rotation depth, but the Yankees are always hunting for the next hidden gem of an arm and I’d be shocked if they didn’t try to pluck one out from under another team again this year.
SHSBN26 asks:With Stanton making his usual return to the IL, why does the Martian (and more perplexing Schuemann) get the call before Spencer Jones?
Max Schuemann is more or less just a stand-in while they wait for Anthony Volpe’s rehab to conclude, as they don’t want to call up a reliever just to send them back down and potentially need them back on the roster a couple of days later only to be blocked by the minimum amount of days they’d need to stay in the minors before their next call up. I’d be shocked if he’s around for much longer, and that shock would have more to do with whatever they’d decide to do with Volpe rather than reinsert him to the 26-man roster.
Jasson Domínguez, on the other hand, got the promotion ahead of Spencer Jones for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, he has already been a major leaguer, giving him familiarity with the team that would help in filling a short-term need while not having to worry about a rookie being unprepared for the biggest stage. On top of that, Domínguez has looked much more competent against lefties than he did last season which bodes well should he be filling in Stanton’s spot at DH. Domínguez’s defense may still be suspect, but if they don’t need to play him in the field then his bat can be a boon for this lineup. His recent hit-by-pitch throws this all into a bit of doubt, as Domínguez himself may need to follow Stanton onto the IL if it’s serious, but a fluke injury is no cause for concern regarding whether he should’ve been the one taking the at-bat in the first place.
William Karlsson, who hasn’t seen game action in nearly seven months, skated with the Vegas Golden Knights ahead of a potentially series-clinching Game 6. He took the ice for morning skate and participated in 2-on-1 drills, but did not take part in line rushes or slot in on either special teams unit.
“He’s just with the team,” said Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella on Friday. “He’s been skating, and we want him around the team… He’s one of the boys, right? He’s been here a while, he’s won, and it’s good for him, too, to be around the guys.”
Karlsson played just 14 games during the regular season. He sustained a lower-body injury against the Anaheim Ducks on November 8th and was placed on Injured Reserve just a few days later. He participated in a practice with the team in December, but was subsequently placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve shortly thereafter.
Since then, updates have been few and far between. When general manager Kelly McCrimmon spoke to the media on March 30th following the coaching change, he shared that Karlsson would only be available to return this season if the Golden Knights made a deep postseason run.
“If we have a certain level of success in the playoffs, he’ll be able to play,” McCrimmon said when asked about Karlsson’s status.
Tortorella did not provide an updated timeline for Karlsson’s return, instead highlighting the morale boost that the Original Misfit’s presence provides to the Golden Knights and to Karlsson himself.
“This has nothing to do with Bill being close,” Tortorella said. “He’s gone through his progression, he’s been working out. We just wanted him to travel.”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after being called for a foul during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I thought this post from Beeeater58 in The Feed was well done and timely.
Agree with the sentiment about expectations. The Celtics won fewer games this year than they did the prior year (coming off a title), but it was so much more fun because we didn’t have expectations. Then we won all those games that we weren’t expected to and Tatum returned and suddenly everyone’s looking at us like the favorites to win the East (something I believed myself). I think that’s what makes it hurt even more. The highs of expectation followed by the disappointment after losses.
I wonder how much of the weight of expectations caused the players to tighten up and get away from their normal style.
Still time to pull this out and get their groove back, but it has been a humbling first round thus far.
The Orlando Magic are on the brink of advancing and they'll look to get it done at home as our NBA player prop projections are all locked & loaded for Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons, with the model highlighting several high-value spots.
By analyzing the data against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges exist.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, May 1.
Pistons vs Magic computer picks for Game 6
Pistons
Magic
Duren o13.5 points -120
Banchero o23.5 points -108
Cunningham o8.5 assists -125
Suggs o4.5 assists -107
Robinson u2.5 3-pointers -150
Carter Jr. u8.5 rebounds -130
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Pistons Game 6 computer picks
Jalen Duren Over 13.5 points (-120)
Projection: 16.68 points
The Detroit Pistons should see more opportunities against the Orlando Magic, which has played at the fifth-fastest pace over the last 15 games.
If Jalen Duren doesn’t capitalize on the glass, he’ll need to make up for it with increased offensive production to help Detroit avoid elimination.
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Cade Cunningham Over 8.5 assists (-125)
Projection: 9.2 assists
For the Pistons to stay alive in this series, they’ll need Cade Cunningham to do it all — score efficiently and create for others.
He’s cleared this assists line in two games already, and he’ll likely need to elevate his playmaking even further to get there again.
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Duncan Robinson Under 2.5 3-pointers (-150)
Projection: 2.35 3-pointers
The matchup against Orlando is a tough spot for three-point volume. At home, the Magic allow the 7th-fewest attempts per game to opposing starting shooting guards (5.2), and Duncan Robinson has been inconsistent from deep on the road in this series.
In Orlando, he shot 42.9% from three in Game 3 before dropping to 16.1% in Game 4. Even after a stronger showing in Game 5, the trend points toward another potential downturn from beyond the arc.
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Magic Game 6 computer picks
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-108)
Projection: 24.3 points
The Magic should see more scoring chances against a Pistons team that’s played at the 10th-fastest pace over its last five games, and in a high-stakes Game 6, Paolo Banchero’s free-throw shooting could be a key factor to take this points prop to the Over.
Opposing starting power forwards have averaged 5.0 free throw attempts per game against Detroit over the last 10 games (6th-most in the NBA), showing they’re drawing fouls consistently. The opportunity is there for Banchero — he’ll just need to convert at the line to steady his production after a shaky stretch in this series.
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Jalen Suggs Over 4.5 assists (-107)
Projection: 5.47 assists
Jalen Suggs will need to elevate his playmaking to help Orlando close out the series tonight. He’s hovered near this assists line throughout most of the matchup, clearing it only in Game 5.
With everything on the line, expect Suggs to do whatever it takes to help the Magic punch their ticket to the next round.
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Wendell Carter Jr. Under 8.5 rebounds (-130)
Projection: 8.0 rebounds
When Wendell Carter Jr. has controlled the glass, the Magic have usually come out on top.
He narrowly missed this rebounds line in Game 1, but if he’s near it again, Orlando will likely benefit from his ability to create extra possessions on the boards.
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How to watch Pistons vs Magic Game 6
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Friday, May 1, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
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Apr 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) walks off the mound with an injury in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
It was inevitable that Brandon Woodruff would land on the injured list after he had to leave Thursday’s start in the second inning with diminished velocity. His fastball was sitting at just 85 mph after it had been averaging 92.5 mph all season. Manager Pat Murphy was non-committal of an IL placement on Thursday after the game, but the writing was on the wall.
On Friday, the Brewers officially placed Woodruff on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation. Reliever Easton McGee was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to take his roster spot.
The Brewers rotation is already missing Quinn Priester as he is still rehabbing from his wrist injury that took him out of the entire spring. Now, they’ll be missing Woodruff for the foreseeable future.
While Woodruff has not fully gotten back to the velocity he had prior to his 2023 shoulder injury, he was getting up to 96 mph at times and was still effective, pitching to a 3.60 ERA across 30 IP in his six starts this year. He had struck out 25 and walked just seven.
Woodruff told the media on Friday that there was nothing structurally wrong, he just needs to knock out the inflammation, and that he expects it to be close to a minimum stint on the IL.
McGee has been up and down a couple of times already this season and he’ll help provide another bullpen arm for the Brewers. After Woodruff’s short start, the bullpen had to get worked a little more to cover the rest of the game. Shane Drohan had four heroic innings in relief, but that also means Drohan won’t be available for a couple of days.
Woodruff’s next turn in the rotation is due up on Tuesday and it’s seemingly anyone’s guess as to who will get it. Drohan is a possibility since he covered the rest of that game on Thursday and is stretched out. There’s also Coleman Crow and Robert Gasser who both pitched in a doubleheader for Triple-A Nashville Thursday night and would be on regular rest. Then there’s Logan Henderson, who is currently slated to start on Sunday for Nashville and has a 1.02 ERA this season.
The Brewers do have the starting pitching depth to withstand the loss of Woodruff for the time being, but it’s still a big emotional loss for this team to not have their leader in the rotation. We saw how his return to the field impacted the team last year, with a 30-4 run after he came back. He’s highly respected and beloved in that clubhouse and it’s a tough blow to not have him out there every fifth day.
Apr 25, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (2) before the game against the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Look, the Giants didn’t have the kind of start we’d hoped for and the numbers from the first month of the season don’t tell us anything different from what we saw/psychically absorbed. The Giants were not a good baseball team, which doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be a bad baseball team going forward. Nobody wants to root for a bad team anyway. But it’s hard not to think about that label after all that unpleasantness.
Hitting
Of course, the season began with the New York Yankees John Wicking the Giants in Oracle Park for three games. Every facet of the Giants’ game received multiple headshots. While the Giants are 1 of 16 teams in MLB history to be shutout in the first 2 games of the season (only the 2016 Padres have been shutout in the first 3 games of a season), their place on the list stands out because they had the fewest hits (4) and total bases (5) of the bunch.
I tracked their 3-7 and 8-12 starts and compared to team history, finding mostly unfavorable comparisons with a couple of positive ones just to sustain a residue of hope. But this 13-18 start is the 12th occurrence in franchise history. Only in 3 of the 11 previous occurrences did a Giants team recover from a 13-18 start to have a winning record: 1920 (86-68), 1939 (77-74), and 2004 (91-71). It’s hard to compare pre-1960s baseball to what most of us understand about the sport today and it’s very difficult to compare Giants teams of the post-Barry Bonds era to teams that had Barry Bonds on them. But 13-18 was also the situation the 100-loss 1985 team found itself in and after a brief reprieve from the comp when the Giants were at 8-12, it’s sad to see them lined up once again.
As NBC Sports Bay Area highlighted last night, the Giants are last in runs per game (3.34), home runs (19), walk rate (5.6%), on base percentage (.289), slugging (.365), and OPS (.654). The offense has also been shutout a league-leading six times. If you’re a savvy reader, then you see the obvious stat that’s missing.
The one that caused me to gnash my teeth the other day in this post about the Giants simply giving up on working counts in order to make more contact. That team scored 91 runs through its first 31 games and slashed .217/.275/.309, so, it could be much, much worse.
That’s right. Batting average.
The Giants hit .247 in their first 31 games and, guess what, that’s 11th in MLB. So, take that, NBC Sports Bay Area! And just to really thumb our noses at those bozos (kidding!), that .247 average is the result of 259 hits, which are THE MOST hits in the first month of the season IN THE ORACLE PARK ERA! And it’s #1 by a lot. #2 on the list is the 2013 squad which had 240 hits to generate a line of .261/.318/.374.
You know, when I compare this result to the rest of the list, I think the esteemed Grant Brisbee had it right in his post yesterday: the Giants are simply not getting the hits when the count is in their favor. That’s a lot of hits with very few runs to show for it. Speaking of runs… the Giants’ league-worst 104 runs scored is 15th out of 26 seasons in the Oracle park era. The 2021 squad scored 106 in the first month of that season. The 2010 and 2012 teams scored 101 and 90, respectively, in their opening months.
A less obvious stat missing? Stolen bases. The Giants have 8. That is also last in MLB. According to FanGraphs, the team’s -3.7 Baserunning runs makes them the worst overall baserunning team in the sport through the first month of the season. After Drew Gilbert got held up yesterday, Heliot Ramos might agree.
The Giants were the third-worst team in the sport against right handed pitching (82 wRC+) behind just the Mets (80) and Red Sox (79). That’s remarkable because all three basically feature 5 prominent left-handed hitters each.
Individual highlights & lowlights
Rafael Devers: .207/.248/.289, 2 home runs, 5.4 BB%, 31 K%. Definitely the worst start to a season he’s ever had, but was it the worst month he’s ever had in his career? According to Stathead… no! That .537 OPS just barely edges out July 2020 (.536) and is comfortably ahead of August 2022 (.515) and September 2024 (.496). The only other time he’s had 40 strikeouts in a month, though? Ahem. Last April, when he struck out 40 times (27.2%) but walked 24 times (16.3%). He also had 5 home runs and 10 doubles (plus 19 RBI). A .787 OPS. Is Devers toast, though? April was not encouraging.
Willy Adames: .197/.240/.352, a .593 OPS, which is how his 2025 season started (.208/.292/.300 — .592 OPS). He also struck out 40 times, though, and that’s only the second time he’s hit that number in a month. The first time was in September 2022, but like Devers’ other 40-K example, Adames hit .263/.319/.451 with 5 homers and 21 RBI. He also walked 11 times compared to just 6 this past month.
Luis Arraez & Jung Hoo Lee: They lead the team in hits (36 & 33, respectively) and they’re having surprisingly great seasons so far. Arraez iws basically hitting as advertised, but it’s his defense that’s elevated him from a nice player to a borderline great one. Jung Hoo Lee has hit the ground running to the point that I think he’s one of the most important Giants going forward.
Patrick Bailey: He hit .288/.321/.493 (.814 OPS) in 78 plate appearances last September, but remove that month and he’s hitting .198/.259/.271 over his last 455 plate appearances.
Pitching
I don’t think the Giants expected to have a less valuable pitching staff than the Colorado Rockies, but that’s the situation right now (1.9 fWAR to Colorado’s 2.3). They have 3 of the 20 worst starters in the sport right now, including the 3rd and 4th worst:
Matthew Liberatore (STL): -0.4 fWAR in 30.1 IP 2. Jameson Taillon (CHC): -0.2 fWAR in 34.2 IP 3. Adrian Houser (SF): -0.2 fWAR in 30.1 IP 4. Tyler Mahle (SF): -0.2 fWAR In 30.2 IP 20. Robbie Ray (SF): +0.3 fWAR in 33.1 IP
Meanwhile, only Ryan Borucki (-0.2 fWAR), Matt Gage (-0.1) and Jose Butto (-0.2) have been drags on the relief corps. Erik Miller (+0.3 fWAR, 1.72 FIP) and Keaton Winn (+0.3 fWAR, 2.26 FIP) are the standouts, but neither cracks the top 30 in the sport — yet. Ryan Walker’s performance yesterday dropped him down to a replacement-level player still in positive value. Speaking of…
Individual highlights & lowlights
Ryan Walker: He threw 9 consecutive sinkers to Bryson Stott in the Game 1 loss of yesterday’s doubleheader and wound up throwing 20 sinkers overall out of 21 pitches in the appearance. 68.3% of Walker’s pitches this season have been sinkers and all of that work has amounted to +1 Run Value, according to Statcast. Run Value is derived from outcomes so it’s a situational stat unlike, say, velocity and spin. In those cases, although his sinker spin rate is the same, its velocity is down a half mile per hour compared to last season and his slider has lost about 100 rpm.
Logan Webb: He’s 4th in innings pitched with 44 which is good to see, but his 3.45 FIP is a significant incrase over the last several years. From 2021-2025 it was 2.90. It’s 3.45 in 7 starts. That’s not a terrible figure, but when combined with the precipitous drop in strikeouts (7.77 K/9) — remember, last year was a standout strikeout year for him with a 9.74 K/9 and an NL-leading 224 punchouts — and big leap in walks allowed (3.07 BB/9, up from 2.0 last year and 2.2 the year prior) it’s not cause for alarm, but certainly some concern and worth monitoring.
Landen Roupp: He might be having the same age-27 breakout as Casey Schmitt. His K/9 of 9.42 is up from 8.61 last season. Walks are holding steady (3.57 vs. 3.8 last year), and he’s allowed just 1 home run in 6 starts (35.1 IP). Oh, and his groundball rate is up nearly 10%. He is a top-25 pitcher right now and has the same value (+0.9 fWAR) as big ticket free agent Framber Valdez, the rudely dismissed Kevin Gausman, and the veteran Jacob deGrom. Great company!
Fielding
Perfectly balanced with 0 Outs Above Average as a team. On the other hand, Luis Arraez’s +6 Outs Above Average is tied with Bryson Stott for 4th place in fielding, trailing only Pete Crow-Armstrong (+8 in CF), Bobby Witt Jr. (+8 as a SS), and Nico Hoerner at 2B (+7). That’s… astonishing? Yeah, that’s the right word for it.
The rest of the Giants aren’t doing so hot. Matt Chapman is just +1 at third base and that’s either contributing to or caused by Willy Adames’s horrendous -4 Outs Above Average. He’s the 14th-worst outfielder in the entire sport and the second-worst shortstop behind only CJ Abrams (-5 OAA).
According to FanGraphs, they’re middle of the pack overall (-0.8 Defensive Runs Above Average — 16th in MLB), and even the catching position isn’t all that great when compared to teh field. Patrick Bailey and Daniel Susac and Eric Haase are a +3.6 Def, good enough for just 10th in MLB. For reference: the Mariners lead with +6.8.
Still, catcher, second base, and third base (+2.3) have been above average. It’s first base (-3.6), shortstop (-1.4), left field (-2.0), center (-1.1), and right (-2.3) where the team is in the bottom third of the league. That’s, uh, a lot of mediocre-to-bad defense.
So, it was a bad month. The question is, will it be the month that defines the team?
Happy May, Dodger fans! The Dodgers begin the most beautiful of months in first place, but just a half game ahead of the San Diego Padres. They also begin it in St. Louis at the start of a six-game road trip that includes a series in Houston.
At 18-13, St Louis is third in the NL Central, behind both the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs. They are coming off a four-game sweep of the Pirates in Pittsburgh after having been swept by Seattle at home.
Friday’s game will feature the pitching matchup of Matthew Liberatore and Emmet Sheehan. Liberatore is 0-1 with a 6.28 ERA in the six games in which he’s appeared. He is coming off his worst outing of the season, in which he lasted only 3.1 innings allowing five earned runs.
Sheehan is coming off one of his best appearances of the year, an outing against the Cubs in which he went 6.1 innings with just one earned run, striking out 10 while only allowing one walk.
Facing Liberatore could possibly help Freddie Freeman break out of his slump. Lifetime Freeman is batting .800 against Liberatore with a 1.633 OPS. Shohei Ohtani also has a homer against him.
One thing to watch for is the Cardinals bullpen usage. Seven of their bullpen arms have been used heavily in the last three games, with six having thrown 30 or more pitches in the last three games, and five having thrown 15 or more yesterday. The bullpen staff as a whole has a 5.15 ERA, fifth worse in all of baseball, and they own the fourth-worst K/BB rate.
Cardinals baseball this season has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. They have 10 comeback wins, three of which were walk-offs. They are prone to having big leads and losing it because of the aforementioned bullpen, or they are clawing their way back into games. The Red Birds are 6-2 in one run games, and 5-0 in extra innings.
The team is hoping their first day off after 13 straight games will help their struggling offense. They limped through the end of the series against the Miami Marlins, scoring a measly three runs in the last two games. Facing a beleaguered bullpen could be just what the doctor ordered for the offense to be their super powered selves again.
Before the
Montreal Canadiens’ series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, everyone was
expecting their top line to cause trouble for Jon Cooper’s men. However, five
games in, the Floridians have managed to tame the beast, at least at even
strength. What they haven’t found a way to do yet, though, is find an answer to
Martin’s St-Louis’ new line formed of Alexandre Texier, Kirby Dach, and Zachary
Bolduc.
In 22
minutes and 19 seconds on ice at five-on-five, the line has been dominant. They’ve
had three inner-slot shots, while the Bolts have had only one; their expected
goals stand at 63.4%, while Tampa’s at 36.6%, and they’ve scored six goals
while allowing none.
In Game 5,
when St-Louis elected to make a slew of changes to his lines, it was the only
one that wasn’t affected. These three players, deployed as a fourth line with
limited ice time, are giving Cooper headaches. Why? Simply because the Bolts do
not have the same depth as the Canadiens have.
Furthermore,
they are playing a tough game, with both Dach and Bolduc throwing three hits in
Game 5. At the same time, Texier has demonstrated a knack for being in the
right place at the right time with plenty of space, something that has been
hard to come by for the Canadiens’ usual top producers. In two of the last
three games, that line has scored the Habs’ first goal, giving the team momentum.
It wasn’t always a pretty goal, but whichever way the puck gets in the net
doesn’t matter; the goal still counts. They didn’t get the first goal in Game
5, but they topped that, scoring the goal that would stand as the game-winner
just over a minute into the third period.
When
St-Louis elected to put them together, he found something most suspected the Canadiens
didn’t have: offensive depth. With their backs to the wall, will Cooper try to
adapt and make life tougher for those three players? He could, but then life might
get much easier for the likes of Caufield, Suzuki, and Slafkovsky, who are
working their hardest to find an opportunity. Can Cooper gamble and give them
one? That seems highly unlikely.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks have gone to six games in the first round in each of the last three seasons, but not all six-game playoff series are created equally.
While the Sixers and Pistons fought tooth and nail for all six games (especially Detroit), there are six-game series that aren’t as competitive as it sounds.
This was certainly that series.
Here are some stats. Do with them what you will:
The Knicks outscored the Hawks by 105 points in this series. It’s the most lopsided six-game series in NBA history.
The Hawks’ starting lineup had a +20.3 net rating in 391 regular-season minutes, the second-best high-usage lineup in the NBA. In this series? -14.4 in 86 minutes.
The series had a +18.1 net rating. LOL.
It was the third time this year the Knicks won a game by at least 49. In the first 79 seasons in franchise history, the largest margin of victory was 48 points.
In the two games the Knicks lost, they either were tied or had the lead in the final minute.
In 288 minutes in this series, the Knicks trailed for just 48:49. Outside of Game 3, the Hawks led for just 8:20 across the other five games. In total, Atlanta held a lead for just 17% of this series.
The Knicks held a 10+ point lead for 129:25, or 45% of the series.
The Knicks held a 20+ point lead for 56:29, or 19.6% of the series.
The Knicks spent more time with a 20+ point lead than they did trailing in a six-game series.
Game 6 was one of the most baffling blowouts I’ve ever witnessed. I was busy in the second half, and I worried about a close game turning my night into a worrisome mess, but it was over well before I turned the game off. Even better, the Celtics and Sixers are bogged down in a Game 7 on Saturday for the right to face the Knicks on Monday.
But enough about how jaw-dropping Game 6 specifically was. This is about something different.
After Game 3, the vibes were rancid. I don’t need to go too in-depth on how we felt at that moment, but the vultures were circling on the entire franchise. There was also a certain vibe heading into Game 4.
“Jalen Brunson is being exposed by Dyson Daniels.” “CJ McCollum is the next great Knicks villain.” “Mikal Bridges is soft.” “Quin Snyder is coaching circles around Mike Brown.” “Even if they get through this series, the Knicks will get smacked by Boston in Round 2.”
There’s a million other quotes I could pull, but it was all falling apart. CJ McCollum looked like the Black Mamba, for crying out loud. The 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year was torpedoing the team in the final two minutes. Everything was just awful.
And then the Knicks beat the Hawks in each of the next three games by a combined 94 points. They practically spent 90% of the final three games with a 15-point lead. It was never, ever competitive after the buzzer sounded on Game 3.
What the hell happened?
Aside from the Hawks being complete and total fools’ gold, what happened was that a lion stopped playing with its food. Don’t believe me? Look at the stylistic changes after Game 3:
Mike Brown played lineups without Brunson or Towns (excluding garbage time) for 22:47 across the first three games. The final three games? 3:15.
After three games of Brunson trying to get his game off on Dyson Daniels, the Knicks moved to a more KAT-centric offense… until Daniels switched onto him, in which case Brunson took over again.
No longer did the Knicks allow McCollum to get easy switches onto Brunson. They threw a variety of bodies at him, from Josh Hart to Mikal Bridges to Jose Alvarado.
The defensive intensity. Not easy to quantify, but just watch the highlights and you’ll see.
Would a sweep have been more satisfying? Absolutely, nobody wants to deal with stress in the first round. But this wasn’t a typical six-game series. As much as you never quite felt safe until the very end, there was never a doubt in the world.
As soon as Game 3 ended, with the reports of emotions pouring out in the locker room, a switch flipped. It was exactly what the Knicks needed.
We know how inconsistent this team is. They went from looking like contenders to playing the worst defense in the sport for over a month before finishing the year with the second-best defensive rating in the final three months. We know they tend to sulk into bad habits. We know that the consequence of having a coach like Mike Brown, hired to be a stark difference to Tom Thibodeau, will trust his bench way too much.
After Game 3, the bench was tightened, the defensive scheme was shifted, the physicality increased, and the Knicks resembled a boa constrictor tightening around the entire city of Atlanta’s neck. No more Trae Young, no more 2021, this is the legacy of Knicks-Hawks now. Big difference between the way both teams act: rolling the dice on the Hawks logo at halftime wouldn’t have been disrespectful enough. That performance warrants a dump on that logo. Take notes, Rayford.
Those McCollum heroics gave them the kick in the ass they needed. And if they get to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, we’ll have him and the Hawks to thank.
The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for a bounce-back offensively tonight, and with Simeon Woods Richardson on the mound for the Minnesota Twins, they should be able to put up some crooked numbers on the scoreboard.
Find out more in my Blue Jays vs. Twins predictions and MLB picks for Friday, May 1.
Blue Jays vs Twins predictions
Blue Jays vs Twins best bet: Simeon Woods Richardson Over 2.5 earned runs (-120)
Simeon Woods Richardson is 0-4 with a 6.30 ERA this season, and he's currently allowing a .902 opponent OPS.
The Minnesota Twins right-hander has also been roughed up by this Toronto Blue Jays lineup, which owns a 1.237 OPS against Woods-Richardson.
In three career starts against Toronto, including one from earlier this year, the Twins starter owns an 11.25 career ERA, allowing five runs in each start.
Having surrendered 3+ runs in four straight outings, expect SWR to have a hard time against a Jays offense that is starting to heat up and get healthy.
COVERS INTEL: The Blue Jays have plated 15 runs in just three starts against Simeon Woods-Richardson.
Blue Jays vs Twins same-game parlay (SGP)
I’ll continue to fade Woods Richardson by taking Under 14.5 outs tonight. He’s never made it out of the fifth inning against the Blue Jays, averaging just 12 outs in those three outings.
Kazuma Okamoto should also take advantage of this matchup against SWR, who leans heavily on his four-seam fastball — a pitch Okamoto owns a .340 batting average against.
Blue Jays vs Twins SGP
Simeon Woods Richardson Over 2.5 earned runs
Simeon Woods Richardson Under 14.5 recorded outs
Kazuma Okamoto Over 0.5 hits
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Blue Jays vs Twins home run pick: Kazuka Okamoto (+450)
Woods-Richardson throws a heavy dose of the four-seam fastball, which Okamoto has handled well this season.
Along with boasting a .340 BA against the pitch, the Japanese third baseman has posted a .638 slugging rate, with four of his five home runs coming off the four-seamer.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 10-20, -6.80 units
SGPs: 4-26, -10.25 units
HR picks: 5-24, -1.4 units
Blue Jays vs Twins odds
Moneyline: Blue Jays -110 | Twins -110
Run line: Blue Jays -1.5 (+155) | Twins +1.5 (-180)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-120) | Under 8.5 (+100)
Blue Jays vs Twins trend
Toronto has covered the run line in seven of its last 11 games (+4.25 Units / 37% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Twins.
How to watch Blue Jays vs Twins and game info
Location
Target Field, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Friday, May 1, 2026
First pitch
8:10 p.m. ET
TV
SN1, MNNT
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Patrick Corbin (0-0, 3.72 ERA)
Twins starting pitcher
Simeon Woods Richardson (0-4, 6.30 ERA)
Blue Jays vs Twins latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Twins weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Aug 24, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame class inductees Jim Leyland and Barry Bonds sit in the dugout at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Reds are upriver in Pittsburgh on Friday to begin a weekend series against the Pirates. A Reds/Pirates series – starting on the first of May – and yet somehow, it feels like must-watch television.
That’s a bummer for a lot of you, since tonight’s game is going to be broadcast quite poorly on Apple TV. For those who do find a way to track it down and experience it, though, this game is going to have more on the line in the National League Central than it has in quite some time.
Cincinnati will luckly dodge Paul Skenes in this series, as he pitched just yesterday in the team’s 10-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in that series finale. That dropped the Bucs to 16-16 on the season, but they are still a team that very much looks to be eschewing their decade-long reputation as perennial bottom feeders after several of their key players have begun to emerge.
Oneil Cruz is knocking the crud out of the ball, finally. Ryan O’Hearn has hit the ground running as a rare legitimate free agent signee. Brandon Lowe has made Pittsburgh’s decision to trade for him this offseason look incredibly prescient, and we haven’t even mentioned that Konnor Griffin has been promoted (and given a massive extension) to help officially move the franchise forward to the next phase of their arduous rebuild.
As a team, Pittsburgh boasts a .317 wOBA, good for a middle-of-the-pack 17th overall. That’s ahead of Cincinnati’s .314 by a hair, even though xwOBA thinks the Reds should have a much better offense than the Pirates so far. Pittsburgh’s 3.82 ERA (8th) and 3.73 xERA (t-5th) show it’s their pitching staff on which they’ve truly been leaning so far, though again, the Reds will miss Skenes this series.
Righty Mitch Keller gets the starting nod tonight in the series opener opposite Reds righty Brady Singer. First pitch (on Apple TV, sadly) is slated for 6:45 PM ET.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game 6 was a dream I never want to wake up from. As the Sixers have forced a Game 7 in Boston against the heavily favored Celtics, I’ll share a new “5 Sixers thoughts” column with you all…
My Paul George apology form
I hated the Paul George contract before the ink even dried on it. I hated how the last two seasons had transpired for the Sixers, with the signing of the aging, over-the-hill former superstar being emblematic of it all. He appeared as fraudulent of a “third star” as there ever was.
Well, over the Sixers’ last two wins against the Celtics, George has been the two-way beast he was during his prime. George, who will turn 36 on Saturday for Game 7, has been a smothering presence defensively while shooting a whopping 54.3 percent on three-pointers in the series overall. This is the “Playoff P” who I’ve cracked jokes about for so long!
Another performance like this from George in a birthday Game 7 win will have him going down as premier 21st century playoff Sixer. It’s wild even typing that!
I can’t believe Sixers basketball has ever looked this smooth
This sequence is like the Industrial Revolution, but for Sixers playoff basketball:
This might be the best sequence of Sixers basketball I've seen in recent memory. Euphoric.
It has never looked that easy. What am I watching? Are the Sixers actually peaking at the perfect time with a previously omnipotent opponent’s ship starting to leak? The last few days have been a godsend for a fan base that’s been kicked in the teeth for far too long.
The decision to go away from the black uniforms was wise
The Sixers, before the playoffs began, announced that they would be wearing their beloved Allen Iverson-era throwback black uniforms for every home postseason game. After losing a thriller in Game 3 and getting rocked in Game 4, however, that plan went out the window. With the Sixers winning Game 2 and Game 5 in Boston in their classic white uniforms, the team made the switch and went with them for Game 6 at home. Superstitious? Just riding the wave? Whatever it may be, it worked on Thursday.
I’ve long been a proponent of the old-school concept of home teams always wearing white in the NBA. If the Sixers can be victorious in Game 7 and advance to the second round against New York, they should keep up with this vibe until it stops working.
I’ve seen enough Payton Pritchard for a lifetime
A new villain emerges every Philadelphia sports playoff run and the latest is Payton Pritchard. The Celtics guard’s penchant for last-second, clutch shot-making has made him the player I’ve screamed at the TV about the most over the first six games this series. Every three he hoists feels like it’s going in. A 1-for-8 shooting night from deep in Game 6, however, had me elated. Another off game like that from Pritchard and the Celtics’ bench marksmen would do a whole host of good for the Sixers’ chances of nabbing a Game 7 win.
Even so, after Saturday night, I never want to see Pritchard go against the Sixers in the postseason ever again.
Going the distance
I can be quite tongue-in-cheek when it comes to my Sixers fandom, but I am living and dying with this series. The team has not advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs in a quarter of a century. I’ve been writing on and off this Sixers blog legitimately since I was a junior in college. I have dedicated immense mental bandwidth to this franchise that has provided very little return on investment. That’s the nature of sports, so it is what it is.
I know it would be pathetic to say about a mere first-round series, but, sheesh, I have only faint memories of Allen Iverson’s 2001 Finals run, so this legitimately might be the greatest moment of my life watching the Sixers if they can win Game 7 in Boston. With the way that Embiid has missed time with appendicitis, with how infuriated I’ve been with both Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse and, frankly, how disillusioned I’ve been with the failed promises of the Process, stealing yet another game in Boston would be downright cathartic.
I didn’t think the Sixers had it in them to win both Game 6 and Game 7 heading into Thursday night, but screw it. Let’s go for the throat. I have been adhering to the “house money” sentiment and I want the Celtics to sweat out every single one of the 48 minutes remaining in the series if the Sixers aren’t going to beat them outright, but I would love nothing more in this world than upsetting Boston one last time this spring.
He has a longer rope than almost any NBA player. This is perhaps the best player in NBA history. He’s got this writer’s vote, and this writer can vaguely recall Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls, so…
Well, unless you’re in your late 70s, you don’t recall Bill Russell’s prime anyway.
Let’s stick to the present. LeBron James gave Reed Sheppard a little shove in the last Rockets-Lakers game. Nobody flinched. Consider it a badge of honor for the young guard. If Sheppard was bothered, it didn’t show:
He proceeded to win the game for the Rockets.
It was a redemptive arc. Sheppard has been, to use technical language, not good in the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs.
Ime Udoka needs to trust him anyway.
Rockets need to lean on Sheppard
It’s been a season-long story. The Rockets have a desperate need for shooting and ball-handling. Sheppard provides plenty of the former…and more of the latter than Josh Okogie.
Yet, it’s not offense that has limited Sheppard’s opportunities. It’s the other end of the floor. Sheppard is a short guard. He is an undeniable liability on defense.
Udoka needs to play him anyway.
If anything, this series is a golden opportunity to test Sheppard’s postseason meddle (side note: Does anyone use the word “meddle” unless it’s being tested?). The Lakers are not exactly flush with guards whom he can’t handle. Amen Thompson has been dealing with Luke Kennard. Austin Reaves is currently something closer to The Ghost of Austin Reaves, and time will tell whether he can get right in Game Six. Marcus Smart is, and always has been, Marcus Smart.
Granted, postseason defense is not generally as simple as man-to-man. The Lakers have been hunting Sheppard, and rightly so. They’ll screen their way to a James crossmatch all night.
OK. How’s that working out? In Game Five, the Lakers scored a whopping 93 points. Thompson finally took Kennard out of the game. Reaves was rusty. The Rockets dared James to shoot. He won’t go 0/6 from deep regularly, but turning James into a shooter has always been the optimal strategy, and like lemonade’s status as a popular drink, it still is.
Simply put, without Luka Doncic, the Lakers just don’t have that much juice (or lemonade for the sake of thematic consistency). Their 107.6 Offensive Rating through this series is 12th out of 15 playoff teams. The issue is that the Rockets’ 9th-place 109.4 rating isn’t much better.
Let’s take a sidebar to talk about Ime Udoka. Frankly, the pendulum has swung too far in the negative direction. Udoka’s offensive playbook is relatively rudimentary, but results-wise, what he’s done with this team is ultimately commendable.
But dear God, the man is stubborn. When it comes to defense, Udoka is like an obsessive dictator. Were those 93 points too many? Udoka wants what, 85-73 victories? Are we recreating the Spurs/Pistons Finals? Adam Silver will not like that. He may change the rules to outlaw defending shots within three feet.
So, why not try to score a few more points?
Rockets’ offense needs Sheppard
To be clear, this isn’t a harsh criticism of Udoka. Sheppard is averaging 31.2 minutes per game in this series. All that’s being suggested here is that he needs to be on the floor during any pivotal moment in Game Six (and hopefully, Game Seven).
More to the point, Sheppard has struggled to shoot the ball in this series. Yet, the offense hums when he’s on the floor. Sheppard is a better point guard than Amen Thompson, and the mere threat of his shooting changes the way the Lakers play defense. Relying on Sheppard gives the Rockets the best chance at making history and completing the first 0-3 comeback in NBA history.
Yet, there’s a bigger picture reason to play Sheppard. He’s 21. If he’s part of the future, he needs these reps. If he’s trade fodder, he needs to showcase his value.
If the data and eye test alike didn’t suggest that Sheppard is helping the Rockets win, that argument would not hold water. If the Rockets had acquired a point guard at the deadline, it’s possible that they’d be better off playing that point guard. They do, and they didn’t, so in Game Six, Udoka needs to put his full trust in Sheppard.
The Edmonton Oilers will not be returning to the Stanley Cup Final for a third consecutive season.
In what may go down as one of the more surprising upsets of the first round, the Oilers dropped a must-win Game 6 by a score of 5–2, allowing the Anaheim Ducks to advance to the second round for the first time since 2017. This is Anaheim’s first time back in the post-season since 2018.
With Edmonton’s elimination, three former Vancouver Canucks have seen their post-season campaigns get cut short. Vasily Podkolzin, who had a strong stint in the playoffs, finished the series with two goals and three assists in five games played. The forward is coming off a career-best season that saw him score 19 goals and 18 assists in a full 82 games with the Oilers. In Game 6, he even spent some time skating on a line with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Another former Canuck whose post-season ended on Thursday night was Jason Dickinson. Acquired by the Oilers at the 2026 Trade Deadline, Dickinson played in a total of four games during this series, missing two due to injury concerns. This was not the only injury concern for Dickinson in recent play, however, as the forward missed the final three games of the regular season due to ailments. In his first playoff game with the Oilers, he scored two goals.
The final former Canuck to have his playoff stint cut short was Curtis Lazar. In-and-out of the lineup throughout the regular season due to various injuries, the forward made his Oilers playoff debut on April 22 and skated in five of Edmonton’s six post-season matches. He did not register a point in any of these games.
With Edmonton’s loss on Thursday night, Canada’s hopes of winning a Stanley Cup fall on the Montréal Canadiens — the final Canadian team still in the post-season. Last week, the Ottawa Senators were eliminated from the post-season by the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canucks, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, and Toronto Maple Leafs all missed the post-season and will instead be eyeing the upcoming NHL Draft Lottery.
Apr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin (92) and Anaheim Ducks defensemen Pavel Mintyukov (98) chases the puck during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 24: Grant Holmes #66 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after getting out the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on April 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The longest road trip on the Braves’ 2026 schedule is here.
The team kicks off May with its only three-city road trip of the season, a nine-game jaunt which carries through next weekend.
Unfortunately for us people who appreciate a healthy night’s rest, this trip is back on the West Coast, starting Friday night in Denver against the Colorado Rockies.
But thankfully, there’s only one of those left over the final 4.5 months of the season (at the Giants and Padres in late June) after this one.
So prep your coffee pots for an extra shift and get ready for some elevation shenanigans the next few days at Coors Field.
The Braves will turn to Grant Holmes (2-1, 3.62 ERA) to open the trip. The right-hander, who is coming off back-to-back starts against the Phillies, has been a bit of a one-off-inning guy of late. He allowed two runs in the third and one in the fifth last Saturday against Philadelphia. In each of his prior three starts against the Phillies, Marlins and Angels, the two, three and two runs he allowed, respectively, each came in a single inning.
Holmes has been living a bit dangerously, with 20 hits allowed and 21 strikeouts to 12 walks in 27 1/3 innings. But to date, he hasn’t been burned badly, going six innings in three of his last five starts and not allowing more than three runs in any of his first six starts.
He’ll be facing off against Rockies left-hander Jose Quintana (1-2, 4.91), who the Braves have some familiarity with from his 2023-24 tenure as a Met. It’s still early in the season but Quintana’s Colorado tenure has not gotten off to the best start. He spent time on the injured list with a right hamstring strain after making his first start and his 4.91 ERA through four starts is his worst since 2021 and the second-worst of his 15-year major league career.
He also has more walks (11) than strikeouts (nine).
However, he may have found something last time out, working a season-long 5 1/3 innings and allowing one run on two hits, striking out five and walking two in a 3-1 win at the New York Mets on Sunday.
This will be just his second home start of the season, but the first didn’t go very well. He allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits over five innings against the Dodgers on April 20. That start also saw him surrender two of the four homers he’s given up through four starts, something Atlanta will look to exploit as the team which has hit the third-most homers in the majors this season (43) in the launching pad that Coors can be.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, May 1, 8:40 p.m. EDT
Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO
TV: BravesVision
Streaming: MLB.tv (and Braves.tv if you’re in-market, etc.)
Pistons
Magic
COVERS INTEL: The Blue Jays have plated 15 runs in just three starts against Simeon Woods-Richardson.
