USA to defend world championships gold medal with vastly different team

The United States will enter this year's men's hockey world championships in an unusual position: defending champion.

Team USA won a gold medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation tournament last spring for the first time since 1933.

This year's team has only two returnees and will be less star-studded than the 2025 one The big exception is Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and U.S. Olympian.

Some of the players from last year aren't available because they were or are in the playoffs, such as Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller, Jackson Lacombe, Cutter Gauthier and Jeremy Swayman. Plus, there's no Olympics as an incentive to suit up.

Here is the Team USA roster and some takeaways:

Team USA world championships preliminary roster

Goaltenders

  • Devin Cooley, Flames
  • Drew Commesso, Rockford (AHL)
  • Joseph Woll, Maple Leafs

Defensemen

  • Will Borgen, Rangers
  • Declan Carlile, Lightning
  • Connor Clifton, Penguins
  • Justin Faulk, Red Wings
  • Wyatt Kaiser, Blackhawks
  • Ryan Lindgren, Kraken
  • Mason Lohrei, Bruns
  • Ryan Ufko, Milwaukee (AHL)

Forwards

  • Matt Coronato, Flames
  • Paul Cotter, Devils
  • James Hagens, Bruins
  • Isaac Howard, Bakersfield (AHL)
  • Sam Lafferty, Blackhawks
  • Ryker Lee, Michigan State
  • Ryan Leonard, Capitals
  • Oliver Moore, Blackhawks
  • Danny Nelson, Notre Dame
  • Tommy Novak, Penguins
  • Mathieu Olivier, Blue Jackets
  • Max Plante, Minnesota-Duluth
  • Max Sasson, Canucks
  • Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers

Team USA roster takeaways

  • Howard and Lohrei are the only returnees from last year.
  • Leonard and Hagens made up two-thirds of the top line for the gold medal-winning USA team at the 2025 world junior championships. The third linemate, Gabriel Perreault isn't at this tournament.
  • Howard and Plante are the last two winners of the Hobey Baker Award.

When and where are the world championshps?

The tournament will be held from May 15 to 31 in Fribourg and Zurich, Switzerland.

Team USA world championships preliminary round schedule

all times ET

  • May 15: vs. Switzerland 2:20 p.m.
  • May 17: vs. Great Britain, 6:20 a.m.
  • May 18: vs. Finland, 10:20 a.m.
  • May 20: vs. Germany, 2:20 p.m.
  • May 23: vs. Latvia, 6:20 a.m.
  • May 25: vs. Hungary, 10:20 a.m.
  • May 26: vs. Austria, 10:20 a.m.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA world championships team has different look as it defends gold

Oscar Robertson's 6-word answer on March Madness expansion sums it up

There are few basketball players alive who can match the accomplishments of Oscar Robertson.

The former Indiana high school trailblazer, Cincinnati Bearcat and 12-time NBA All-Star has pretty much seen it all. And now, the 87-year-old Hall-of-Famer can see a larger NCAA Tournament.

On Thursday, the NCAA announced it is expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams starting with the upcoming season.

When the Big O led Cincinnati to the 1960 Final Four, there were only 25 teams in the tournament.

Robertson visited the Marquee Network broadcast booth Thursday, May 7, during the Cubs vs. Reds game and was asked about March Madness' expansion. His answer was to the point:

“Well, they probably want more money."

He ain't wrong.

How much money will NCAA, schools make from March Madness expansion?

Yahoo! Sports' Ross Dellenger reported the expanded NCAA tournaments "will add $300 million in additional revenue over the final six years of the contract with TV partners Warner Bros. Discovery and CBS."

In its release announcing the expansion, the NCAA said it "will be able to award more than $131 million in new revenue distributions to member schools participating in the basketball tournaments over the remaining six years of the NCAA's broadcast agreements."

So the Big O is right. It's all about that big bag.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness 76 teams expansion about 'money' says Oscar Robertson

Matthew Tkachuk makes a Triple Gold Club bid by playing for the US at worlds

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk has the chance to be the first American in hockey’s Triple Gold Club.

After winning the Stanley Cup back to back with the NHL’s Florida Panthers and a gold medal at the Milan Cortina Olympics as part of the U.S. team, Tkachuk is set to play at the world championships later this month.

Tkachuk was part of the preliminary roster for the tournament unveiled by USA Hockey on Thursday. The U.S. is the defending champion at the event after winning it last year for the first time since 1933.

“We’re excited about our group,” said U.S. general manager Brett Peterson, who is part of Florida's front office. “We’ve got a good blend of players that are excited about representing our country and competing for a gold medal.”

Tkachuk was the only Olympian from Milan named to the team. Goaltender Drew Commesso represented the U.S. in 2022 and Will Borgen in 2018 when the NHL did not participate. The world championships take place May 15-31 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.

There are currently 30 players who have been Stanley Cup, Olympic and worlds champions, led by 11 Canadians and nine Swedes.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Cavs reportedly spoke to Bucks on Mobley for Giannis trade

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 09: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly held discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential deal at this year’s trade deadline. The swap would have included Evan Mobley and all of Cleveland’s available draft picks for 10-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“There’s another Eastern Conference contender, however, that folks around the league are looking at as a potential Antetokounmpo landing spot,” said Jake Fischer per The Stein Line Substack. “Cleveland.”

Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game last year while shooting above 62% from the floor. He’s a generational talent whose development has proven to be second to none. For every ‘Giannis-like’ prospect that emerges, only one has actually blossomed into the athletic beast that Antetokounmpo has become.

That’s partly why trading Mobley for Antetokounmpo might make sense.

Mobley is also a special talent, notching a Defensive Player of the Year Award and an All-NBA nod before turning 24. Still, even the most optimistic outlook for Mobley would likely have him falling below the heights that Giannis has reached. That’s a credit to Giannis, not a knock on Mobley.

Two things complicate this move, however.

For starters, there’s always a risk to trading a player as accomplished and young as Mobley. Sure, I wouldn’t expect him to be better than Antetokounmpo, but I can’t guarantee it. I also can’t guarantee that Giannis will be healthy enough long-term for any of it to matter. The 2021 Finals MVP has had numerous postseasons derailed due to injury since then, and only played 36 games last season.

Trading Mobley (and all of your draft capital) means you are fairly confident that Giannis puts you over the top for a championship. If not, there’s no reason you’d do this. Mortgaging the future of the franchise without meaningfully increasing your window for a title is nonsensical. That comes with a parlay on Antetokounmpo’s health and a bet against Mobley’s development.

Moreover, the Cavs would also have to feel certain that this roster, as constructed around Mobley, is enough to win it all. This current group, including an aging James Harden and an unproven Donovan Mitchell, has to justify another big swing for this to make sense.

As a result, the end of this playoff run will likely influence what decisions the Cavs make this summer. There’s much to learn about this team and only a few more opportunities to do so. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks.

Nationals 7, Twins 5: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (Simeon Woods Richardson)

SWR seen here dancing to Chappell Roan music, I assume. | Getty Images

I wrote in my preview about Simeon Woods Richardson’s struggles so far this year, and this start was no different. It didn’t matter what pitch he threw, the Nationals saw the ball well, weren’t chasing, and made him work for every one of the few outs he could get. As the titular Chappell Roan once said, sometimes you have to “stand face to face with I told you so.

The Twins had their Coffee early today, jumping out to score two in the second inning and likely could have had three. Nationals starter (and Bloomington native) Jake Irvin allowed a single, walk, and HBP to load the bases for new clutch hitter Brooks Lee, who delivered a two run single to break the seal. Kody Clemens tried to score on a short fly ball, but two-time Gold Glove finalist Jacob Young made a Femininomenon-al throw to nail Clemens with plenty of time to spare. 

A Ryan Jeffers two-out double gave the Twins a chance to add on in the third inning, but forgot that Austin Martin’s Guilty Pleasure is getting thrown out on the bases. Martin blew through the stop sign at third to end their second straight inning with a preventable out at home plate. Regardless of the mistakes, the Twins were off to a good start, hitting the ball around the field and leading 2-0. 

Simeon Woods Richardson had something to say about that, though. There wasn’t any individual issues that set him back, but a single here, double there, sac fly over there just kept piling on and his inability to strike batters out meant there was no way out of these jams without allowing runs. The Nats dinked and dumped their way to a 5-3 lead by the time SWR was done and the Twins simply don’t have the relievers to withstand their starter giving up that many runs. It’s like trying to see through a Kaleidoscope.

The Twins had a chance for a big 6th inning, but were unable to capitalize on free bring the game within one. New Nats pitcher Dicky Lovelady (this one isn’t even a joke, it’s just straight up his preferred nickname) hit Matt “cement bones” Wallner and walked Luke Keaschall. A perfect sac bunt by Kody Clemens and Brooks Lee walk juiced the bases with one out for Gray and Buxton, both of whom Casual-ly struck out to end the threat. 

Luckily, Minnesota’s Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl(positive) Ryan Jeffers wouldn’t let the Twins die. After crushing a homer and a double in his previous two ABs, Jeffers got on his Pink Pony (Club) and hustled to second on a soft 55 MPH squibber up the first base line. Pinch hitter Josh Bell followed with a double off the left field wall to knot the game at five apiece. 

You’ll be shocked to hear this, but the Twins’ bad bullpen almost immediately gave the lead right back. Keibert Ruiz decided that his Kink is Karma and got a slow John Klein fastball down the heart of the plate and ordered it Hot to Go out to the right field bleachers. A double from All-Star James Wood and a couple soft singles gave the Nats one more to put them up 7-5 for good.

After getting hit around and lacking general control of the strike zone all afternoon, SWR was lifted after 4.1 innings and allowing four hits, two walks, and five runs while striking out just two batters. He got just a single swing-and-miss on a non-fastball. His poor results today should drop him below Dodgers’ pitcher Justin Wrobleski for the worst strikeout rate in the league. Among the 125 pitchers with at least 30 innings, he’s also in the bottom five in ERA, FIP, xFIP, SIERA, batting average against, WHIP, home run rate, win probability added, and fWAR. There’s no way to spin it, he’s been downright terrible. Unfortunately, with Zebby Matthews struggling, Kendry Rojas on a strict pitch limit, and Andrew Morris and John Klein transitioning to bullpen roles, there’s no one readily available to replace him. 

Time to get Naked in Manhattan. 

STUDS

  • Ryan Jeffers: 3-4, 2 2B, HR, 3 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB
  • Brooks Lee: 2-3, 2B, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB

DUDS

  • All pitchers! Not everyone was charged a run, but every pitcher used had a run score while they were on the mound. BUT in particular…
  • Simeon Woods Richardson: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 K
  • John Klein: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR

Comment of the game goes to me because it was way harder to work those Chappell Roan song titles into this than I thought it would be. 

Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Yankees

Mar 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) celebrates his three run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers are back in town, as they’ll take on the New York Yankees with Jackson Chourio ready to suit up for the first time at home this season. Milwaukee is coming off a series split with the Cardinals, as the second game of the series was rained out and rescheduled for early July. The Crew is now 19-16 on the season, tied for third place in the NL Central (though the rest of the division is all in action on Thursday).

On the other side, the Yankees have won six of their seven games this month, including taking two of three from the Rangers entering the weekend. They’re now 26-12 on the season, giving them the best record in the American League.

Also of note: This is the first matchup between these two teams since the Yankees crushed the Brewers to begin the 2025 season. In that three-game set, the Yankees won 4-2, 20-9, and 12-3 and hit 15 home runs thanks to the magical torpedo bats.

With the return of Chourio and first baseman Andrew Vaughn, the Brewers’ injured list suddenly looks much more manageable. While Garrett Mitchell and Brice Turang both missed a game due to illness this week, it doesn’t seem like anything serious. The only injured regular position player is Christian Yelich, who is expected to take live at-bats next week, with a return in the coming weeks still likely. The pitching staff is currently without Quinn Priester, Brandon Woodruff, Rob Zastryzny, Jared Koenig, and Angel Zerpa. All but Zerpa and Priester are hoping to return before the end of May — Koenig may be delayed until early June, while Priester is TBD after returning from his rehab assignment with shoulder discomfort and Zerpa is out for the season (and part of 2027) with Tommy John surgery scheduled for May 11.

As good as the Yankees have been, they’re without a few key names currently. Beyond Carlos Rodón, who is slated to start in Sunday’s series finale (see below), they’re currently without Gerrit Cole (rehabbing from Tommy John, slated to return in late May/June), Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John, out until late 2026), Giancarlo Stanton (TBD), and Angel Chivilli (TBD). First baseman Ben Rice is day-to-day with a left hand contusion, and outfielder Jasson Domínguez exited Thursday’s game in the first inning after a hard collision with the outfield wall. He’s currently in concussion protocol and is undergoing an MRI on his left shoulder. Lastly, left-hander Ryan Weathers, originally scheduled to start on Thursday, had a viral infection that pushed his start back to Monday against the Orioles, meaning the Brewers won’t face him this weekend.

Despite all the runs they’ve managed to score this season, the Brewer offense remains light on homers. Turang, Jake Bauers, and Gary Sánchez sit tied atop the team leaderboard with five homers each, with William Contreras and Sal Frelick adding three each. The addition of Vaughn and Chourio will hopefully give the offense more life, as the team swapped them in for the light-hitting DFA’d Greg Jones and optioned Blake Perkins to Triple-A. Mitchell, Tyler Black, David Hamilton, Brandon Lockridge, Joey Ortiz, and Luis Rengifo round out the position player group. As a team, the Brewers are hitting .243/.337/.359 (.696 OPS ranks 20th), with 24 homers (29th), 181 runs (ninth), and 38 steals (tied for third)

Aaron Judge and Rice have been the big boppers in New York this season, with 15 and 12 homers, respectively. Cody Bellinger and former Brewer Trent Grisham add five apiece. José Caballero and Jazz Chisholm both have some pop but are also providing the speed, with 13 and 11 steals, respectively. Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra, Paul Goldschmidt, Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario, Max Schuemann, and Domínguez round out the roster. As a team, the Yankees are hitting .244/.338/.456 (.794 OPS ranks second), with 61 homers (first), 209 runs (second), and 39 steals (tied for first).

Grant Anderson (18 appearances, 3.18 ERA), Aaron Ashby (17 appearances, 2.35 ERA), and DL Hall (15 appearances, 1.59 ERA) have been the cornerstones of Milwaukee’s bullpen this season, as they lead the team in both appearances and ERA. Abner Uribe and Trevor Megill have both shown flashes of their 2025 selves, but they’ve also had some stinkers on the mound. Jake Woodford has become a solid late-game, low-leverage option, and youngsters Shane Drohan and Brian Fitzpatrick round things out. As a staff, the Brewers have a 3.60 team ERA (fifth), including a 3.53 starter ERA (sixth) and a 3.67 bullpen ERA (ninth). They’ve struck out 327 batters (tied for 10th) over 310 1/3 innings.

Brent Headrick (20 appearances, 1.37 ERA), Fernando Cruz (17 appearances, 2.63 ERA), and Tim Hill (17 appearances, 1.13 ERA) lead the Yankees in both appearances and ERA this season. David Bednar is 10-for-11 in save opportunities with a 3.52 ERA, while Camilo Doval and Jake Bird have both gotten out to rough starts, with a 5.79 ERA and 5.11 ERA, respectively. Veterans Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn round out the ‘pen. As a staff, the Yankees have a 3.04 team ERA (first), including a 2.97 starter ERA (first) and a 3.16 bullpen ERA (third). They’ve struck out 331 batters (ninth) over 337 2/3 innings.

Probable Pitchers

Friday, May 8 @ 6:40 p.m.: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (2-2, 2.84 ERA, 2.98 FIP) vs. LHP Max Fried (4-1, 2.39 ERA, 2.72 FIP)

Misiorowski has continued to impress even with some shakier outings along the way. He’s coming off one of the best starts of his career, as he went 5 1/3 no-hit innings against the Nationals before being pulled with cramping. He’s reportedly OK though, and we’ll see if he can make it through his full start this time around. Misiorowski, who debuted midseason last year, missed the season-opening series with the Yankees a year ago, meaning this is his first career appearance against them.

Fried, 32, is in his 10th MLB season and second as a Yankee. After finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting and leading the majors with 19 wins a year ago, he’s started strong once again in 2026. Over eight starts, he’s pitched a league-leading 52 2/3 innings, allowing 14 runs on just one homer with 43 strikeouts. After a pair of scoreless appearances totaling 14 innings against the Red Sox and Rangers, he had a bit of a rougher start in his last outing against the Orioles, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks with six strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision. Fried has made six career starts against Milwaukee, with a 3-1 record, a 2.84 ERA, and 29 strikeouts over 31 2/3 innings. That includes a 4 2/3 inning appearance last March, when he allowed six runs (just two earned) on seven hits and a pair of walks.

Saturday, May 9 @ 6:10 p.m.: LHP Kyle Harrison (3-1, 2.12 ERA, 2.87 FIP) vs. RHP Cam Schlittler (5-1, 1.52 ERA, 1.74 FIP)

As impressive as Misiorowski has been, Harrison has been even better. He has an ERA at 2.12 to go with a 2.87 FIP, and he’s struck out 35 batters over 29 2/3 innings. The former third rounder went six strong against the Nationals last weekend, allowing one run on seven hits and a walk with five strikeouts to pick up the win. Like Misiorowski, this will mark Harrison’s first career appearance against New York.

Schlittler, 25, has quickly become a star for the Yankees. In just his second major league season, he’s already picked up an AL-leading five wins over his first eight starts, with a sterling 1.52 ERA, 1.74 FIP, and 53 strikeouts across 47 1/3 innings. He’s allowed one earned run or fewer in each of his last four appearances, spanning 25 2/3 innings in wins over the Royals, Red Sox, Rangers, and Orioles. This will mark Schlittler’s first career appearance against Milwaukee.

Sunday, May 10 @ 1:10 p.m.: RHP Logan Henderson (0-1, 4.50 ERA, 0.76 FIP) vs. LHP Carlos Rodón (18-9, 3.09 ERA, 3.78 FIP in 2025)

Henderson, 24, made his second MLB start of the season (and seventh of his career) on Sunday against the Nationals. Filling in Brandon Woodruff’s spot in the rotation, he looked great, going six innings with two runs allowed on three hits and no walks while striking out eight on just 76 pitches. He unfortunately took his first career loss in that one, but he’ll look to bounce back here. Henderson is another guy who has never faced the Yankees in his career.

Rodón, 33, is slated to make his 2026 debut in the series finale. The 11-year veteran has missed the first month-plus of the season as he recovered from an elbow surgery. He posted a 3.09 ERA, 3.78 FIP, and 203 strikeouts across 195 1/3 innings last season, finishing sixth in AL Cy Young voting. The former No. 3 overall pick has made three rehab appearances, with a 3.38 ERA and 16 strikeouts over 16 innings. Also of note, he maxed out at 83 pitches in his last appearance, meaning we can expect him to target 85-90ish pitches in this one. Rodón is 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA and 28 strikeouts across 22 1/3 innings in five career appearances against Milwaukee.

How to Watch & Listen

Friday, May 8: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Saturday, May 9: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Sunday, May 10: Brewers TV; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)

Prediction

This should be a really fun series, with three solid pitching matchups and two of the better all-around teams in the league going head-to-head. Give me the Brewers to eke out two of three as the return of Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio in Milwaukee gives the team a little extra life.

Boston Celtics Daily Links 5/7/26

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

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Scary Jasson Dominguez injury casts pall over Yankees’ win against Rangers

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez crashes into the wall making a leaping catch during the first inning on May 7, 2026, Image 2 shows Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez down on the warning track after crashing into the wall making a leaping catch during the first inning on May 7, 2026, Image 3 shows Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (l.) is carted off after getting hurt making a catch during the first inning on May 7, 2026

Trent Grisham cleared the bases with a double that put the Yankees in front to stay during a six-run explosion in the sixth inning.

Brendan Beck, called up a few hours prior, pitched around some loud contact and took down three innings in which he let up two runs in a successful major league debut.

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The Yankees staff, which used six pitchers to stitch together nine innings during a game from which Ryan Weathers was scratched, did its job in a contest that became a 16th win in 19 tries.

A gorgeous and sunny afternoon filled with positive steps around the club was clouded by the step that ended with Jasson Domínguez face down in the dirt, concerns abounding about the mind and body of one of the organization’s most popular players.

A 9-2 Yankees victory over the Rangers in front of 42,729 in The Bronx on Thursday sure felt a lot smaller after the first batter of the game sent Domínguez first to the wall and later to the hospital.

“He’s just such a good kid,” manager Aaron Boone said of Domínguez, who is headed to the injured list with a low-grade AC sprain of his left shoulder and who is in the concussion protocol. “There’s a joy he kind of walks to every day, no matter what’s going on. He’s very consistent in who he is. They love him in [the clubhouse].”

Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez crashes into the wall making a leaping catch during the first inning on May 7, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez down on the warning track after crashing into the wall making a leaping catch during the first inning on May 7, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

On Paul Blackburn’s eighth pitch to Brandon Nimmo, the former Met smacked a shot that forced Domínguez to scramble back. He did not slow as he leapt, smashed into the left field wall and then smashed into the dirt, his hat and sunglasses tumbling off and the ball secure in his glove.

Domínguez was down for several minutes after completing one of the better and gutsier plays a player can make. He was able to get up on his own but had to take only a couple of steps to reach the cart. He was emotional upon being driven off the field, with multiple reasons for concern.

In the moments after the game, the Yankees were set to call up Spencer Jones for the top prospect’s much-hyped major league debut and were cautiously optimistic Domínguez had avoided the worst.

Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (l.) is carted off after getting hurt making a catch during the first inning on May 7, 2026. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Initial concussion testing came back negative, but the Yankees — who have a history of concussion issues, from Clint Frazier to Anthony Rizzo — will continue monitoring the 23-year-old. After an examination by head team physician Christopher Ahmad, Domínguez traveled to NewYork-Presbyterian, where his left shoulder received a diagnosis that Boone said came with a “few weeks” timetable.

This season already had tested Domínguez, who did not complain when he did not make the major league roster out of camp — a near impossibility once the club brought back Grisham and Cody Bellinger — and reported to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he took out any frustration on opposing pitchers.

“We’ve talked a lot recently about just how well he’s handled his situation here over the last four or five months,” Boone said of Domínguez, who went to the minors, performed, and then was called up to replace Giancarlo Stanton in late April. “And I think another layer as well as being a really good guy and a good teammate, and just — what’s that shirt he wears — ‘Be a good person.’ He kind of embodies that the way he goes about it every day, no matter what’s going on.”

Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham celebrates his bases-clearing three-run double in the sixth inning on May 7, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

In Domínguez’s third game, he exited after getting drilled in the left elbow. In his ninth game, the concern level escalated — for player and team, whose immediate reactions provided a hint at what Domínguez means to the Yankees.

Bellinger ran over from right field and Grisham from center. So did Jazz Chisholm Jr., all the way from second base, and Amed Rosario from third. They huddled together on the spen track in left, near Boone and several trainers who were checking on Domínguez. Both dugouts were filled with players and coaches on the top step peering over at a player who has transitioned from a mega-prospect to a smiley and talented athlete trying to prove himself at the highest level.

“A tremendous catch,” Bellinger said, “and an unfortunate situation for him.”

“Great, great play,” added the day’s starting shortstop, Max Schuemann. “Sucks to see him go down like that. … We’ll see. Hopefully he’s OK.”

Trent Grisham leads Yankees’ six-run sixth inning to clinch sixth-straight series win

May 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) celebrates his three run double against the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Nothing about the Yankees’ terrific start to May has been guaranteed. The Bombers have routinely had to scratch and claw to stay ahead in ballgames—dodging poor fortune and injury scares to emerge out the other side with a hard-earned win. Today’s getaway day game against Texas was no different.

Scheduled starter Ryan Weathers was out sick, so opener Paul Blackburn and MLB newcomer Brendan Beck stepped up to hold the Rangers close. When Jasson Domínguez had to leave the game after crashing into the wall on the first play of the game, the Bombers picked him up with an immediate run. And when the snakebitten Trent Grisham got an opportunity to flip the contest on his head, he provided the go-ahead three-run double, sparking a six-run sixth inning that carried the Yankees to an 9-2 triumph. New York’s 26th win of the season marked their sixth-consecutive series victory—and their second over Texas in as many weeks.

Domínguez was only able to contribute for one play this afternoon, and while it was an important play, it was also a painful one. He raced to the track to haul in a fly ball from leadoff hitter Brandon Nimmo, and collided hard into the fence in front of the auxiliary scoreboard. He crashed to the ground, directly slamming the wall with his left shoulder and the side of his head—and struggled to get back up. The full training staff rushed to check on him, and ultimately brought out the medical cart to take him off the field. The team later announced that he was in concussion protocol and that his shoulder needed tests.

In the aftermath of that collision, Cody Bellinger moved to left, Amed Rosario shifted from third base to right field, and Ryan McMahon came off the bench to play third base. Paul Blackburn had some command issues after the lengthy injury delay, but stranded two Rangers without surrendering a run.

The Yankees came out ready to hit—and apparently to torture Joc Pederson specifically. The veteran hadn’t played the outfield in the Majors since 2023, and it showed when a fly ball from Paul Goldschmidt on MacKenzie Gore’s first pitch caromed away from him and led to a triple. After third baseman Josh Jung lunged to snag a hotshot from Aaron Judge and save a run, Cody Bellinger figured hitting the ball to right was a better strategy. His sinking liner dropped in front of a diving Pederson and bounced past him, reaching the wall. Bellinger motored to third for a second triple and a 1-0 Yankee lead.

Blackburn departed after the first inning in favor of 27-year-old Brendan Beck, making his MLB debut. Beck retired the first two batters he faced on five pitches, then struck out Justin Foscue for his first K in the show after a two-out walk.

But the ghost of the 2021 Joey Gallo trade continued to haunt. Ezequel Duran victimized the Yankees yet again in the top of the third with a home run to left field—his fifth hit of the series in just his eighth at-bat to tie the game at 1.

Overall, Beck acquitted himself fairly well in his maiden voyage toeing the slab in the Boogie Down. He had some issues with walks, but was able to pitch around the first two, completing three full innings before his third and final walk to the leadoff hitter of the fifth inning spelled the end of his afternoon.

That runner came around to score on a fielder’s choice by—who else—Duran. It would have been a base hit were it not for a beautiful diving play by Jazz Chisholm Jr., who spun to second to record a forceout. Tim Hill retired the next two batters to prevent the Rangers from building on their 2-1 lead.

The Ranger defense continued to engage in misadventures behind Gore. An infield pop dropped for the often-unlucky Trent Grisham in the fifth—though Gore was able to pitch around it to retire the side. Then in the sixth, another popup got lost in the sun, this time to the benefit of Rosario. Combined with a pair of walks to Bellinger and McMahon, that loaded the bases for Trent with one man out.

We all know the Big Sleep’s been hitting into some hard luck so far this season, so when he got some fortune on that popup, it felt like a sign the tide was turning. It only took one more inning for Grisham to make good, lashing a ball into the left-center gap to clear the bases, send Gore to the showers, and vault the Bombers back into the lead.

Two batters later, J.C. Escarra brought Grisham all the way around on a cheeky check-swing knock to left, extending the lead to 5-2. Then the top of the lineup came out to play against Texas’ bullpen, with RBI singles from Judge and Bellinger to put the finishing touches on a six-run sixth.

Credit where it’s due to Aaron Boone: placing Grisham seventh in the lineup really worked out. Having a hitter of Trent’s caliber—comfortable in clutch situations and rarely giving strikes away—was key to the Yanks grabbing a crooked number.

Grisham’s stellar day wasn’t done. With two outs in the seventh, he smacked his third hit of the game, stole second base, and raced home on an RBI double by Max Schuemann—the utilityman’s first hit and RBI in pinstripes. I’ve deservedly given top billing to Grisham this afternoon, but Bellinger was not about to be outdone, hitting a single in the eighth inning to reach base for the fourth time on the day—with three hits and a walk. He also scored on McMahon’s second hit. McMahon, of course, is also continuing to turn it around at the plate.

The Yankees finished with 14 hits on the afternoon. Everybody in the starting lineup—when you substitute RyMac for Domínguez—picked up a knock, and six grabbed an RBI. That’s what made this win so enjoyable, even with Jasson’s hard fall. Camilo Doval got the final three outs to finish the ballgame.

The Bombers are off on a happy flight to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers for three games. The series opener will feature a can’t-miss pitching matchup between Max Fried and young phenom Jacob Misiorowski. First pitch slides in at 7:40 PM ET on YES.

17-20 – Rangers experiment with no-outfielder defense in 9-2 finale loss to Yankees

May 7, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (5) fails to catch an infield pop fly by New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers scored twice but the New York Yankees scored nine runs.

No team in the American League is very good right now except for the team the Rangers have played like six times in the last two weeks, which happens to be the team they played today. The Rangers won two of those games and they were both games started by Nathan Eovaldi.

Eovaldi couldn’t pitch today because he pitched last night. Therefore, the Rangers lost.

Why did that happen? Well, maybe manager Skip Schumaker will have some interesting quotes about some of his decisions after this one.

He is, after all, the guy who decided to start habitual designated hitter Joc Pederson in the outfield for the first time in eons only to see that go about as well as you’d expect and also made the choice to leave left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore in a game holding onto a tenuous 2-1 lead despite nearing 100 pitches, loading the bases, and having already walked two left-handed batters in what would devolve into the fateful six-run sixth inning that buried the Rangers.

However, my advice is to not wait for Skip’s insight on this one and to instead never think about today’s game again for the rest of your life.

Player of the Game: Ezequiel Duran has replaced Josh Jung as being the player mentioned here every game. Today Duran homered, walked twice, and drove in both of Texas’ runs which at one point seemed like it would be enough to win until the Yankees remembered they’re actually the only good team in the league.

Up Next: No rest for the wicked as the Rangers fly home and immediately begin a series with the Cubs, a squad that is a half game out from having the best record in the other league. RHP Kumar Rocker is expected to pitch for Texas against a pitcher to be determined for the National League’s Chicago squad.

The first pitch in the Friday evening series opener from The Shed is scheduled for 7:05 pm CDT and you can catch it on the Rangers Sports Network.

Yankees strike for eight runs in later innings, beat Rangers 9-2 to secure series win

The Yankees defeated the Texas Rangers 9-2 on Thursday afternoon in the Bronx.

New York has won six series in a row. 

Here are some takeaways..

- The Yankees suffered a big blow just a handful of pitches into this one, as Jasson Dominguez had to be carted off the field after colliding hard with the left-field fence to rob Brandon Nimmo of extra-bases in the first. Dominguez was down for several moments, and was visibly emotional as he left the field. 

The youngster is in concussion protocol, and undergoing an MRI on his shoulder. 

- New York worked out of a two out jam following the pause in the action, then opened an early lead, as Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger laced triples to make to make it a 1-0 game. That marked the first time the Yankees have tripled twice in one inning since April 2015 (Carlos Beltran and Chase Headley).

- With Ryan Weathers scratched due to an illness, the Yanks were forced to go to a bullpen game. Paul Blackburn threw just one inning as planned, before turning things over to Brendan Beck in his MLB debut. The 27-year-old right-hander actually looked pretty comfortable, allowing just two runs on two hits and three walks over three innings of work. 

- MacKenzie Gore held the Bombers in check after the first, until they broke through again with six runs in the bottom of the fifth. The big blow was a Trent Grisham base-clearing double with the bases loaded, but J.C. Escarra, Aaron Judge, and Bellinger added RBI singles to make it a five-run ballgame. 

- Grisham would strike again an inning later, as he lined a two-out single for his third hit of the day, then proceeded to steal second and score the Yankees' eighth run of the afternoon on Max Schuemann's RBI double. Grisham scored twice, drove in three, stole a base, and had three hits in a much-needed big day. 

- Ryan McMahon enjoyed himself a nice day at the plate as well, reaching four times with a double, RBI single, and a pair of walks after coming off the bench to play the hot corner following the Dominguez injury. McMahon is now hitting .304 with seven RBI and a .833 OPS over his last 15 games. 

- Bellinger was also on-base four times with three hits and a walk, and Goldschmidt three (two hits, one walk). 

- Jose Caballero got into the game in the later innings, taking an at-bat and playing shortstop. The infielder was out of the lineup because his elbow was still a bit swollen after being HBP on Wednesday night, but Aaron Boone expected that he'd still be available off the bench. 

- Tim Hill (1.2), Brent Headrick (1.1), and Jake Bird (1.0) combined to all just two walks and two hits while striking out two batters across three innings of work in relief of Beck. Camilo Doval put runners on the corners with one out in the ninth, but did well to keep Texas off the board. 

- The Yanks improved to 26-12, putting them 1.5 games ahead of the Rays in the AL East. 

Game MVP: Trent Grisham

Grisham has had a bit of a tough time at the plate thus far this season, but he drove in three and scored a pair of runs as part of a three-hit day.

Highlights

What's next

The Yanks head to Milwaukee to start a season with the Brewers at 7:40 p.m. on Friday. 

Max Fried (4-1, 2.39 ERA) faces Jacob Misiorowski (2-2, 2.84 ERA) in a battle of two of baseball's best. 

Penguins Select 97-Point WHL Winger In New Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Penguins may have made the playoffs this season, but they are still very much focused on the future. Due to this, they will be looking to land a good player with their first-round pick this year.

In his most recent 2026 NHL Mock Draft for The Athletic, Scott Wheeler predicted that the Penguins will select forward JP Hurlberg with the 22nd overall pick.

If the Penguins landed Hulpert in the first round of this year's draft, he would give them another skilled prospect to work with. The 6-foot winger is coming off an excellent season in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he had 42 goals, 55 assists, 97 points, and a plus-13 rating in 68 games with the Kamloops Blazers. 

When looking at Hurlbert's numbers in junior, it is clear that he has plenty of offensive skill. With this, he would have the potential to be a good addition to the Penguins' prospect pool as they continue on with their retool. 

The Penguins should be on the hunt for help on the wing, too, so it would be understandable if Hurlbert ended up being their pick if he is still available once they are on the clock. It will be interesting to see if he ends up being their pick this summer. 

How new March Madness bracket will look with 76 teams, how opening round will work

The NCAA formally approved expanding the men's and women's Division I basketball tournaments to 76 teams on Thursday, May 7.

Starting in 2027, March Madness will get even madder.

The new opening round will grow from eight teams to 24, be played Tuesday/Wednesday prior to the first round for men and Wednesday/Thursday for women and feature at-large teams and automatic qualifiers.

Where will new NCAA Tournament opening round games be played?

  • Men's: March 16-17, 2027 (three games each day in Dayton, Ohio)
  • Men's: March 16-17, 2027 (three games each day in second city to be announced)
  • Women's: March 17-18, 2027 (six games a day on campuses of 12 of the top 16 seeds selected to host)

New March Madness bracket opening round games format

  • No. 11 vs. No. 11
  • No. 11 vs. No. 11
  • No. 12 vs. No. 12
  • No. 12 vs. No. 12
  • No. 12 vs. No. 12
  • No. 12 vs. No. 12
  • No. 15 vs. No. 15
  • No. 15 vs. No. 15
  • No. 16 vs. No. 16
  • No. 16 vs. No. 16
  • No. 16 vs. No. 16
  • No. 16 vs. No. 16

How many teams are in March Madness?

The men's and women's basketball tournaments are expanding from 68 teams to 76, starting with the 2027 tournaments.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness bracket expands to 76 teams; How opening round will work

Mets' A.J. Ewing discusses rising up prospects list, how he's working to improve on defense

Fresh off his promotion from Double-A to Triple-A at the end of April, Mets prospect A.J. Ewing has seen a big jump in the rankings from No. 83 back in January up to No. 37 in Baseball America's most recent Top 100 prospects list released on May 6

As the 21-year-old's rise through the system continues, he's working on sticking to the basics and taking things day-by-day.

"I think it's impossible not to find out about that and see that stuff," Ewing told NJ.com's Max Goodman on an episode of Speaking of the Mets. "At the end of the day, no matter where you're at, you just got to show up and play the same game that you've been playing all these years."

Ewing, who is SNY's No. 3 Mets prospect, tore the cover off of the ball in Binghamton, hitting .349 over 18 games in 2026, and hasn't missed a beat so far in Syracuse. The former fourth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft is currently hitting .393 through eight games at the Triple-A level and said his self confidence has helped him continue to play well.

"Just staying with myself and just having confidence that what I'm doing in the box is going to work and that I'm capable," Ewing said. "Always believing in yourself. I think that confidence in the box and confidence in the field just goes a lot more of a way than people might think."

One of the traits that makes Ewing an enticing prospect is his ability to steal bases with ease. Last season over 124 minor league games across three levels, Ewing stole a total of 70 bases and was thrown out just 11 times. He's already swiped 16 bases in 2026 over 24 games and explained why he enjoys using his speed to his advantage. 

"I love it, I think that there's a lot of value in that," Ewing said. "And I think it sets the team up to get more runs and sets us up for a lot of success."

When asked what Mets fans who don't know about his game should, Ewing highlighted his impressive plate discipline (only three strikeouts in 28 Triple-A at-bats).

"I spray the ball to all fields," Ewing said. "I think I'm a tough out. I think I grind at-bats really well and I see a lot of pitches and I make pitchers work hard."

For his minor league career, he's logged 149 games in CF, 20 in LF, 19 in RF, and 53 at second base, showing the ability to play all over the diamond. Now in Triple-A and just a step away from the majors, Ewing is focused on continuing to improve on his defense, including both the outfield and at second base.

"A lot of it is the defense," Ewing said. "Just like, be lockdown in the outfield and make sure that I can play second base as an option. I've been doing a lot of work with our guys here on trying to refine those skills and stay pretty stable in the infield. Get better at the things that I'm good at in the box, make a lot of contact and hit a lot of line drives."