LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 18, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) hits a 2-run homer in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants in the Dodgers 8-2 win at Dodger Stadium on September 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
With Mookie Betts in the leadoff role for only the sixth time this season—having gone deep three times in his first five games there—the Dodgers host the Giants, aiming for a sweep. Left-hander Jack Dreyer will be the opener for Los Angeles in a bullpen game.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 14: Will Warren #29 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on September 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The final road game of the 2026 regular season is upon us, as the Yankees will conclude it with a seven-game homestand before likely hosting the Red Sox for the Wild Card Series. If the season ends there, this is the end of the line for the gray uniforms for 2026, but obviously, we all hope we’ll see them next in Tampa (and more) in early October.
Looking to end a road slate that has been very generous to the Yankees on a high note is Will Warren, who’s finishing his sophomore season strong after his great start to the campaign unraveled into a bit of a mess over the summer. Rotation reinforcements that threatened to throw him in the bullpen never came with the recurring injuries, so he’ll finish 2026 with 30 starts for the second straight season. This is No. 29, as he enters with a 3.89 ERA (108 ERA+) and 4.07 FIP in 148 innings. No matter what happens from here, Warren has had a successful year in solidifying himself as a true MLB-caliber rotation arm.
Opposing him will be a former Cy Young winner trying to round into form off Tommy John surgery in Corbin Burnes, whom Yankees fans remember well from his lone season in Baltimore in 2024. Returning from a 16-month absence on September 8 to help with the playoff push, Burnes has allowed five runs across 7.2 innings with six strikeouts to two walks against the Royals and Marlins. He isn’t totally built up, having thrown 75 pitches in his last start, so expect him to settle around 80-85 today. He’s always befuddled the Yankees, pitching to a 1.93 ERA across 23.1 innings in his career, but he doesn’t have a win in any of those four starts.
Ben Rice will once again lead off, followed by Cody Bellinger, Heliot Ramos, and Luis García Jr. We’ve seen better ABs and swings from George Lombard Jr. lately, who’ll bat fifth. Spencer Jones is back after a one-day absence due to a sore foot and will bat in front of Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, and José Caballero.
Lars Nootbaar will also be a repeat leadoff hitter for the D-backs, followed by Ketel Marte, Gabriel Moreno, and Geraldo Perdomo. Corbin Carroll is batting fifth, Nolan Arenado will bat sixth, and former Blue Jay Jesús Sánchez bats seventh ahead of last night’s hero Pavin Smith and Tim Tawa.
How to watch
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
First pitch: 4:10 pm ET
TV broadcast: YES, DBACKS.TV
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY), ESPN 620 AM, La Campesina 101.9 FM & 860 AM (AZ)
3 Nov 2001: Fans hold banners before the start game 6 of the World Series between The Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks won 15-2 to force a game 7. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT | Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
YANKEES
DIAMONDBACKS
Ben Rice – DH
Lars Nootbaar – LF
Cody Bellinger – LF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Heliot Ramos – RF
Gabriel Moreno – C
Luis Garcia – 1B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
George Lombard – SS
Corbin Carroll – RF
Spencer Jones – CF
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Anthony Volpe – 2B
Jesus Sanchez – DH
Austin Wells – C
Pavin Smith – 1B
Jose Caballero – 3B
Tim Tawa – CF
Will Warren – RHP
Corbin Burnes – RHP
The final game at Chase Field in the 2026 regular season. Though hopes of any post-season are likely dampened by the early lead the Phillies have taken over the Mets in New York. Still, the team are set to remain at least theoretically in contention for playoff spot until at least Tuesday night. And, of course, the more they win, the more the meaningful part of the season can be extended. The majority of the National League has already been mathematically eliminated, but despite injuries, under-performance in some quarters, and too much off-field drama, Arizona are still here. Somehow, this is Torey’s fault. 🙂
It’s effectively another “rehab” start for Corbin Burnes, though having thrown 75 pitches last time, there shouldn’t be much of a limit on him there this afternoon. His last outing, against the Marlins, was a bit rough, allowing five runs over 4.2 innings, though giving up home-runs on consecutive pitches was a factor there. He’s going to be a key part of the rotation in 2027. But it’s an area which has struggled of late, with Arizona’s starters getting just one win (Eduardo Rodriguez against Houston two Sundays ago) since the opener of the double-header in San Francisco on August 29. That’s an eighteen-game span.
Conversely, the bullpen is 7-2 with a 2.54 ERA this month. It has been a bit of a wild ride, undeniably. But it’s the fourth month they have won seven games this year. I know relief wins is far from a perfect start, but with seven games to go, their 35 wins is already tied for the second-most relief W’s in franchise history. It trails only 2023’s thirty-eight victories, and that bullpen had a higher ERA (4.22 vs. 3.91). Whenever the story of the 2026 D-backs gets written – and we’ll probably be starting with that in the next week! – the relievers are going to be a very interesting chapter.
Stick around for the guest recap, which will hopefully appear this week. But it’s TheRealRamona, so I have faith!
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park on September 19, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Miami Marlins (76-79) at San Diego Padres (86-69), September 20, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST
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Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our thread
DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 19: A bronze statue honoring Todd Helton is unveiled in front of the ballpark before the Colorado Rockies game against the Seattle Mariners at Coors Field on September 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The season could end today.
Well, the Mariners season has been effectively over for weeks now, but a loss and a Rangers win would be the dagger to finish off whatever long-shot odds remain in 2026. I hate to say I’m rooting for it, but a win today would extend the misery and hand the knife to the Astros next week. On the other hand, dropping a series to the worst team in the majors would be a hard way to go out on its own. You know, I’m starting to think there aren’t a lot of fun ways to lose a baseball season.
Lineups
SEA Starter: Kade Anderson COL Starter: Tomoyuki Sugano
Game Information:
Game time: 12:10 PT TV: Mariners TV Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 29: TJ Friedl #29 of the Cincinnati Reds throws the ball during the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on August 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Isaac Wasserman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds effectively called time for two of their more prominent players on Sunday afternoon prior to the series finale in Great American Ball Park against the Chicago Cubs. For one in particular, it’s more likely than not time called on his entire Reds career.
Cincinnati placed star pitcher Chase Burns on the 15-day IL with a right groin strain, effectively ending his season given how little remains on the 2026 schedule. Replacing him on the roster will be Carson Spiers, who has worked his way all the way back from Tommy John surgery that ended his 2025 season early.
Spiers, though, wasn’t on the 40-man roster, so the Reds needed room there.
That 40-man spot came at the expense of TJ Friedl, unfortunately.
Freidl, Cincinnati’s regular leadoff man and everyday CF from 2023 through the start of the 2026 season, has seen his play decline precipitously year over year. Last season saw him post a brilliant .364 OBP en route to a 2.4 bWAR season, work that echoed a breakout 2023 that saw him hit .279/.352/.467 with 18 homers in route to a nearly 4 WAR campaign.
2026, though, has been a far cry from that. It’s been a far cry from even a typical regression, as everything from his hitting to his speed, his fielding, and his ability to work walks has cratered completely. Given that he’s heading into his second trip through arbitration this winter after $3.8 million this season, he was an obvious non-tender candidate at season’s end on the heels of his .510 OPS so far through 91 games at the big league level, and the Reds opted to make the cut now rather than later.
There’s certainly a chance that Friedl’s awful year means he’ll be available on a minor league contract this winter, and the familiarity and fondness of him within the Reds means it’s not completely outlandish to think he might come back in 2027 on that kind of deal. However, every other team out there will get the chance to see if they can fix him, too, and the odds do seem long of a reunion even of that variety.
Sep 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) walks to the dugout after striking out Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain (not pictured) during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers made a number of pitching moves ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants. Tarik Skubal, who started on Saturday, was placed on bereavement leave, which facilitated the return of Emmet Sheehan from Triple-A Oklahoma City. In addition, reliever Kyle Hurt was recalled and Seth Halvorsen optioned in a swap of right-handers in the bullpen.
Sheehan was just optioned on Monday and normally would have needed to stay in the minors for 15 days, but because he’s replacing a player on the bereavement list (or injured list or paternity list) that allows the right-hander to return early.
All 26 outings by Sheehan this season have been starts, but on Sunday he’ll follow an opener in left-hander Jack Dreyer. Sunday provides at least a practice run of Sheehan’s most likely role in the postseason, pitching in bulk relief.
“Emmet’s a part of the conversation,” manager Dave Roberts said Sunday, “but if there is a role in the postseason it would be out of the ’pen.”
Bereavement leave lasts for a minimum of three days and up to seven, so Skubal wouldn’t be activated until Wednesday at the earliest. But considering the left-hander just started on Saturday, don’t expect him to be activated until his start day, likely next weekend in San Francisco.
Halvorsen has allowed nine runs in 10 innings with the Dodgers, including three home runs, with six strikeouts and two walks. He pitched a scoreless inning on Saturday, which was his third appearance in four days.
Hurt pitched a scoreless inning for Oklahoma City on Friday, his only appearance in the last week. Since getting optioned on September 5, Hurt pitched in three games for Oklahoma City, all scoreless innings. This season with the Dodgers, Hurt has a 4.33 ERA and 3.84 xERA in 43 games, with 56 strikeouts and 23 walks in 43 2/3 innings.
Saturday was his 15th day on optional assignment in Triple-A, making Sunday his first day eligible to return from the minors.
Minnesota is going to look very different this season with Julius Randle and Naz Reid gone and LaMelo Ball in.
Coach Chris Finch understands he has a lot of puzzle pieces to fit together, and he discussed that with Britt Robson of MinnPost. That starts with how LaMelo and Anthony Edwards fit together, and what that means for the team's offensive identity.
"As I sit here now, I want to see how it plays out. Your identity is driven by your best players, for sure, and we still have them. I can see a lot of our offensive identity still flowing through Ant. It is just that I think we have a chance to play faster, be a better passing team, maybe people benefit from off-ball movement more. With Rudy, a lot of different things, so I can see everything kind of get a little polished, if you will. But ultimately a lot of our identity is still going to flow through Anthony a lot."
Finch also talked about the Timberwolves needing another step forward from Jaden McDaniels, and how he wants to play faster and get more passing into the offense (Minnesota was 16th in the league in assists per game last season).
He also said they need 19-year-old big man Joan Beringer, who showed promise as a rookie, to step up into the backup center role behind Rudy Gobert.
"You have to realize, as with all young players, there is going to be inconsistency. The way I'm looking at it, is it self-imposed inconsistency or is it just young-player-growth inconsistency? I think with Joan you are certainly going to have the latter.... He's got to figure out the balance of retaining the effort while regulating wanting to go after everything all the time...
"The fouls. He always ends up on the ground, you know? And oftentimes takes himself out of position by being overly aggressive. But learning to dial that back is better than the other way around, trying to ramp somebody up all the time."
It's a lot of questions, but it is what makes Minnesota one of the must-watch teams to start the season.
Most NHL players have to do their time in the minors before the big league comes calling, and Isaac Howard is one of them. He came to the Edmonton Oilers training camp this year after spending last season working on the parts of his game that needed more time in Bakersfield.
“I think from a year's time ago, I feel like a completely different player out there,” Howard said. “Just with my mindset on details. And I think a year is a lot of time, and I definitely feel a lot different.”
Howard has had a good camp too. Mike Babcock said he didn't love his game on Saturday night, though he also pointed out that it was just a preseason game. There are still practices and preseason games left before Edmonton has to make its roster decisions.
Howard spent last season in Bakersfield and used the year to mature his game. He had already shown his shot and speed, so much of his development involved the details required of an NHL forward
“[He’s] definitely a more mature player. He's a great kid," said Hyamn. "He wants to be an NHL player, a full-time NHL player. Doesn't just want it. He thrives for it. He's working as hard as anybody can work out there. I think he's really attentive to the details and what he has to do.
“I think everybody knows that he has an unbelievable shot,” continued Hyman. “Nobody worries if he can score or make plays. You can do all those things; it’s just going and being physical and getting in on the puck first and doing all the little things.”
Howard has been focused on those areas throughout camp and has remarked on how he has made things simpler for himself.
“I just feel a lot better rounded, [more] mature out there,” said Howard.. “[Some] confident with the puck, wanting the puck more, making the plays I know I can make, and I think also just harping on little details and making my game simpler in a way as well is just forechecking hard, creating loose pucks, using my speed, and it just makes the game easier.
“I worked a lot this summer on sprinting, conditioning, being able to hold a sprint longer, and I think it's helped me so far in camp,” said Howard. “I feel lighter. I'm even a little bit heavier, but I feel lighter on my skates.”
It's those kinds of changes that Hyman was talking about, such as getting to pucks, staying involved on the forecheck and handling the pace of an NHL game.
“Of course, it's a big opportunity, and I want to be an NHL player, and it's laid out in front of me to go work hard, harp on small details, and show up every day and just be hungry,” said Howard.
Babcock's assessment on Saturday is part of the process Howard is going through during camp. And it seems both parties had a reasonable understanding of what went wrong and how they were going to fix it. It is obviously not the reason Howard would get sent down, if he gets sent down at all.
“It's been fun playing with him,” said Hyman. “If he can establish himself as the player that we all think he can be and that he wants to be, then he's going to be a huge part of this team.”
Howard had a good understanding of the areas he needed to improve on from last season. His camp has shown some of that progress, and the rest of the preseason gives him time to earn the full-time NHL job he came to Edmonton looking for.
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 14: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees celebrates clinching a playoff spot after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Monday, September 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Turner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s Sunday once more, and you know what that means — it’s time for our weekly social media roundup! This weekend has been yet another veritable whirlwind in the Bronx, as the team celebrated a postseason appearance, bid farewell to a fan favorite, closed an era of minor league baseball, and watched as their Captain hit the shelf once more. With so much in store, let’s get started!
Another Celebration in Minnesota
It was deja vu all over again! For what feels like the fifty millionth time, the Yankees celebrated in Minnesota, as they clinched a postseason berth earlier this week with a victory over their favorite AL Central punching bag.
This week, the New York Yankees named Carlos Rodón their nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award. The team honored the Rodón Foundation, which sets out to help families suffering with fertility issues.
Yankees reliever Brent Headrick welcomed Henry Ledlowe from his hometown in Illinois to the Bronx, courtesy of the National Down Syndrome Society. Unfortunately, the Instagram post cannot be embedded, but can be found here.
The Jazz Chisholm Jr. Foundation, meanwhile, marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
This week, the Yankees designated fan favorite Oswaldo Cabrera for assignment in order to make room on the 40-man roster for Clarke Schmidt. Unfortunately, he was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, and while we’re all excited to see him (hopefully) get some regular playing time — as he was very much blocked in the Bronx — it will be sad to see the human golden retriever, well-loved by the fans and players alike, in a different uniform.
A testament to his popularity is the fact that the Yankees, RailRiders, Patriots, and YES Network all posted farewells to him on their social media accounts. David Cone also came back to Twitter briefly in order to wish him well.
Oswaldo Cabrera is one of the finest people that I have ever met in this game. I wish him all the best and will forever root for him! pic.twitter.com/gDZCgtZDq2
Starting next year, the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate will undergo its second rebrand since joining the Yankees family, abandoning the RailRider moniker in exchange for a new nickname which has yet to be revealed. To honor the end of the era, Clint Frazier — who self-identifies as a Scranton RailRider more than anyone else in baseball — threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to their final game.
This week, the Yankees will be hosting Josh Hart bobblehead night, celebrating the 2026 NBA Champion (and 2016 NCAA Champion!) who is related to Yankees legend Elston Howard. Fun fact — this has been scheduled since last year, so it actually predates the Knicks’ championship; what fantastic luck for the marketing team!
Last Sunday, Mets broadcaster Howie Rose called his last game at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees set out to make the day special, and many of his friends and coworkers in the Yankees broadcast teams celebrated his career with him.
We’ve got a special edition of this week’s Question of the Day, as we not only have the Yankees answering questions, we’ve got the Somerset Patriots reading Thank You Cards as they wrap up their season.
We are officially three days into 2026 NHL training camp for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and it has been quite the battle so far. Unlike in years past, these three camp days are the only full camp practices, making the three days - and the upcoming four pre-season games in five days - that much more meaningful.
Before the Penguins kick off their pre-season schedule with a home tilt Monday against the Buffalo Sabres, however, there are likely to be a few areas of the roster trimmed. On day one of camp, assistant general manager Jason Spezza did say that not everyone would get a look in the games due to the condensed schedule.
"There's only four pre-season games," Spezza said. "There's not going to be opportunity for everybody in the pre-season like we normally would have, so it's a matter of rewarding the guys that have shown that they are getting closer by giving them games and seeing where they are."
Yes, Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust and Egor Chinakhov, specifically, have looked the part in training camp, but we know they will make the team. Guys like Nick Robertson and Andrei Kuzmenko have showed well, too, but it's highly unlikely they won't be on the NHL roster.
So, which fringe players have stood out enough to earn an opportunity in pre-season games? Here are five of them, plus a few others to keep an eye on.
Hallander, 26, is a name many folks had been omitting when talking about players who could break camp. After all, he did play in only 13 games last season before a blood clot kept him out for the rest of it and into the summer.
But, after a long and challenging return-to-play process, Hallander is healthy and ready to make a run at the roster again.
And, as one of the best players through three days of camp, no one is omitting him anymore.
He said that he had been skating throughout his recovery, and that is noticeable. He looks like he's gained a step. And that's not the only thing, either: He is performing like a player with a season-long lost opportunity due to circumstances entirely out of his control, and his drive to make this roster is tangible.
Hallander is making the small plays. He's showing 200-foot acumen. He's showed off his playmaking ability. Basically, he's picking up right where he left off last season, and then some.
At this point, it will be surprising if he's not on this roster at the end of camp. Unless he tanks in the pre-season games, I think he's earned a spot already.
Okay, maybe I'm cheating a bit here. But hear me out.
Last training camp, the pairing of Pickering and Brunicke was tried in camp until Brunicke separated himself far enough away from Pickering that he was working with the NHL guys. They also got a brief NHL regular season sample that looked, well, pretty disastrous.
Now? They both look NHL-ready, and they look ready as a tandem.
Through these three days of camp - and, particularly, on the third day - Pickering and Brunicke have been paired almost exclusively with the top line of Robertson, Crosby and Rickard Rakell in drills. On day three, they were the only pairing to get reps with that line in any of the line drills, and that was with Sam Girard and Kaedan Korczak in the same group.
They have a great feel for each other out there. Pickering looks poised, has vastly improved his gap control and defensive posture and makes the right decisions in relation to Brunicke. His partner is doing what he does best in joining the rush, creating offense and making better reads at NHL speed. He's made some ridiculous passes, too, and they all look crisp.
At the very least, Pickering and Brunicke have earned a good look in the pre-season. Even if they are still likely to start the season as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's (WBS) top pairing because of the sheer numbers game, I think there's a good chance they stick around until the very end of camp.
It's not exactly a secret that Sergei Murashov probably has the inside track to the second NHL goaltending spot to tandem with Arturs Silovs.
But do not overlook Blomqvist, who has been the most consistent goaltender to open camp.
It has been a tumultuous couple of years for the 24-year-old Finnish netminder, who sustained an injury during a 2025 camp in which he did not look particularly confident. Now, however, it appears he has gotten that confidence back, and he came ready to earn that second NHL spot.
On day one, he outshone Murashov, making save after save and making it look relatively easy. Murashov did come around on day two, and, especially, on day three, making some ten-bell saves. But Blomqvist's performance has not wavered at all during these three days.
On the goaltending front, it's best not to assume anything, even if the outcome seems like a foregone conclusion. Blomqvist is a very capable goaltender who knows his NHL chances with the Penguins are on the line, and he's playing like it. The battle between the two of them will be, perhaps, the most interesting one to watch when games begin Monday.
I can imagine there are few worse feelings in the world as a professional athlete than mixing up a schedule and being late for the first day of tryouts, especially when you know your job is on the line.
And, make no mistake, Soderblom's job is on the line. He is waivers-eligible, and there is so much competition on the forward front that it's difficult to say with certainty that he'll be on the final NHL roster. What makes matters worse for that first day - when he was supposed to report for Team 1 but mixed up the schedule, was late and skated with Team 3, the prospect group - is that camp is shorter, and every day is more impactful.
But, boy, has he showed out since. In addition to scoring a few nice goals in camp on day three, he looks comfortable. He's been showing off his soft hands, his hockey sense, his ability down low and, of course, his advantageous 6-foot-8, 254-pound frame in one-on-one battles.
There is no one else quite like Soderblom on the Penguins' roster, and honestly, he's kind of a bigger, more rounded-out version of Justin Brazeau, who is one of the players in the same positional battle.
He will get a good look in pre-season games, but despite his day one mishap, he looks better than most vying for the precious few NHL roster spots up to this point.
I'm going to put out a name that I feel hasn't been talked about a whole lot in Livanavage.
The Penguins signed him to a two-year, entry-level contract out of the University of North Dakota at the end of the 2025-26 regular season, and he played in one game, activating his ELC. He didn't really have a real opportunity to show much in that one game, but he is really showing out so far in camp.
He's largely been paired with Ilya Solovyov, which is a good indicator of who the Penguins feel is close to NHL action, as Spezza suggested. Solovyov was the seventh/eighth defenseman for the stretch run of the season last year, so it's not a nothing burger that these two are paired together.
And Livanavage, who added 15 pounds to his 6-foot frame this offseason, has looked entirely comfortable in all the drills. He hasn't missed a beat when jumping into plays or helping drive offense from the blue line, but he has been calculated in his defensive efforts, too. He's even sniped a few pucks with authority past Murashov and Blomqvist.
His tandem with the bigger, more stay-at-home Solovyov has been seamless. I expect that pairing to stick in pre-season games, but to me, this almost reads like a legitimate one-v.-one battle for what is likely the seventh and final defensive spot on Pittsburgh's roster.
- I didn't name him in this piece, but Rutger McGroarty is putting together a nice camp, too.
Perhaps, other than Hallander, there is not a soul at camp who wants this more than McGroarty. His effort and drive is tangible, as are some of his improvements in skating and other aspects of the game.
It's an uphill climb for him to make this roster, but I do think he's right in the mix as far as the battle for the final spots. This is a guy who wants to be an NHLer, and he wants to be an NHLer right now. That is very evident through three days of camp.
- Ville Koivunen has put together a solid camp, too, although I liked his first two days better than his last. He's one of the guys who needs to be seen in game action before any further determination can be made on his readiness.
Just through the drills, it looks like his decision-making and processing is happening a bit quicker, which is the main hurdle that has prevented him from securing a full-time spot. He's also, noticeably, a whole lot bigger than he was last year, and he is noticeably harder to knock off the puck.
He needs to stand out just a bit more to have a legitimate shot over some others like Hallander and Soderblom, though.
- Robertson is worth mentioning again because, man, has he looked good.
The speed is noticeable. The shot is popping. He already looks to be developing some chemistry with Crosby, and he looks like a natural fit on that line along with Rakell.
I think this line will stick. It's hard to tell with the different groupings, obviously, and Rust has been Crosby's longtime winger. But Spezza said groupings and lines are a bit more intentional this time around, and I don't think Robertson and Rakell being glued to Crosby for three straight camp days - and the only camp days - is a coincidence.
- Piggybacking off of that, the idea of a Kuzmenko-Ben Kindel-Rust third line is certainly an intriguing prospect.
Rust's five-on-five defense has sharply declined, and Kuzmenko has never been particularly apt defensively. But, in a third-line role, Rust may not feel as much pressure to sacrifice defense for offense, so that could be mitigated a bit.
At the end of the day, though, if this is a line that sticks, it's a line that can score. Rust is good for 25-30 goals in a full, healthy season. Kuzmenko has 30-goal upside and scored 39 during his rookie season. Guess who benefits greatly from that?
The 19-year-old Kindel, who still has a ton of untapped offensive potential. If this is the third line to start the year, I'd expect Kindel's production to spike quite a bit.
- Dan Muse was voiceless after days two and three, to no one's surprise. He is a high-energy coach who operates a high-energy camp and expects maximum effort from every single player there. He demands a lot.
But, off the ice, he is as mild-mannered as they come. When Team 3 was transitioning rinks Saturday, Muse took the time to chat with some young fans and sign a few jerseys. This is the kind of human he is. Very genuine, very conversational.
This is only year two for Muse, but I expect big things from him. The Penguins have a good coach on their hands.
- Don't be surprised to see Liam Ruck get one pre-season game. He was moved to Crosby's group on day three, and that's because he earned it.
I don't expect him to make the roster for a number of reasons, including his lack of an ELC. But he looked pretty natural in the NHL group, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a look in game action so the Penguins can see what they have and where he is.
- Pre-season rosters for Monday's tilt will be an interesting thing to look out for. Given the shortened camp - and the two-game maximum for NHL players with 100 or more games - it stands to reason that the first two will be prospect-heavy, especially with a day off Wednesday and roster cuts likely.
However, the first two games are also the home games. Traditionally speaking, veterans aren't typically asked to travel for pre-season action. So, we may see some veterans sprinkled into the home lineups.
But because the final two games are road games in Columbus and Buffalo and the roster will be smaller for those games, they might be travelling this year.
In other words, I actually have no idea what to expect as far as how rosters for four games in five days will be handled with all of the new circumstances. It will certainly be interesting to see who gets paired with who, nonetheless.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 19: Cal Quantrill #44 of the Texas Rangers walks off the field after leaving the game during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Globe Life Field on September 19, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers pitcher Cal Quantrill has been placed on the 15 day injured list with a strained right lat, the team announced today. To take his place on the active roster, the Rangers have recalled pitcher Winston Santos from AAA Round Rock.
Quantrill had been dealing with this issue in his previous start, which he left after only 70 pitches, before being pulled after four batters yesterday. Going on the 15 day i.l. means Quantrill is out for the regular season and, if the Rangers make the playoffs and play in the Wild Card Round, Quantrill would not be eligible for that series. He would potentially be available after that, but, unlikely as it is that the Rangers would advance beyond a Wild Card Series, its even more unlikely than Quantrill, coming back from a lat strain, would be ready to return for one of those future rounds.
My guess is that the Rangers will have Nathan Eovaldi return to the rotation and start on Tuesday in the opener of the series against the Mets, which would also put him on track to pitch the final game of the season in Minnesota. Jacob deGrom, pitching today, would presumably go on Friday in the opener in Minnesota on five days rest, though they could push him back to Saturday if they wanted to give him an extra day. MacKenzie Gore, who was dealing with shoulder and back spasms in his last start on Wednesday, could go this coming Wednesday at home against the Mets on six days rest, with Kumar Rocker and Cody Bradford being used in the other two starts.
Of course, this assumes that Nathan Eovaldi is ready to go and able to start on Tuesday. If he isn’t, well, you’re looking at Gore or Bradford on Tuesday.
Santos is up to give the Rangers a long man out of the bullpen if needed. He was supposed to start last night’s game for Round Rock but was scratched after Quantrill was pulled.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14: Starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano #11 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after giving up a two run home run to Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres in the second inning at Coors Field on September 14, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After dropping the first game to the Seattle Mariners (72-83) but winning the second, the Colorado Rockies (57-98) will look to take the rubber match today.
Incidentally, the Rockies logged their 36th come-from-behind win last night and their 29th by two or fewer runs. Their 46 losses in games decided by two or fewer runs are the most in the National League. Colorado is looking to win their 14th series of the season today, their first since Aug. 31-Sept. 2 vs. Baltimore. They are 6-14 in rubber games this year, but 3-1 in their last four.
Colorado’s 98 losses are tied for the fourth-most in franchise history with the 2012 Rockies. They will need to go 6-1 in the remaining seven games to avoid their fourth consecutive 100-loss season. The Rockies are also looking to avoid becoming the fifth club in Major League history to lose 100 or more games in four consecutive seasons alongside the 1962-65 New York Mets, 1961-64 Washington Senators, 1938-42 Philadelphia Phillies (5) and 1909-12 Boston Doves/Braves.
The news isn’t all bad, however.
The 726 team runs scored by the 2026 Rockies are the most since the 2021 team plated 739 runs. If Colorado reaches 740, it will be the most runs scored by the franchise in a season since 2019 (835). The Rockies 59 games with at least 10 hits are the second-most in the Majors behind the Brewers’ 64. The club’s 1,346 hits are their most in a season since 2023 (1,368).
Per Fangraphs, the Rockies went from a -3.1 offensive WAR in 2025 to an 8.6 WAR so far in 2026. They also improved from a 0.4 pitching WAR in 2025 to 3.3 in 2026.
With that in mind, let’s turn to today’s game.
Starting for the Mariners is Kade Anderson. This will be his sixth start in 2026.
The lefty has a 5.33 ERA in 25.1 IP. He’s struck out 21, walked eight and given up four home runs. Anderson has a 1.42 WHIP.
According to Baseball Savant, he offers a four-pitch mix: four-seamer (41.5%), slider (21.6%), changeup (17.8%), and curveball (15.1%).
Taking the mound for the Rockies will be RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之).
Currently, he has an ERA of 5.49 in 142.2 IP. He’s struck out 86 while giving up 34 walks and 34 home runs with a 1.36 WHIP. Sugano suffered his 10th loss of the season his last time out on Sept. 14 against San Diego at Coors Field, allowing six runs on eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts. It was his third start at Coors Field this season when he allowed two or more home runs.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 14: Starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano #11 of the Colorado Rockies reacts after giving up a two run home run to Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres in the second inning at Coors Field on September 14, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After dropping the first game to the Seattle Mariners (72-83) but winning the second, the Colorado Rockies (57-98) will look to take the rubber match today.
Incidentally, the Rockies logged their 36th come-from-behind win last night and their 29th by two or fewer runs. Their 46 losses in games decided by two or fewer runs are the most in the National League. Colorado is looking to win their 14th series of the season today, their first since Aug. 31-Sept. 2 vs. Baltimore. They are 6-14 in rubber games this year, but 3-1 in their last four.
Colorado’s 98 losses are tied for the fourth-most in franchise history with the 2012 Rockies. They will need to go 6-1 in the remaining seven games to avoid their fourth consecutive 100-loss season. The Rockies are also looking to avoid becoming the fifth club in Major League history to lose 100 or more games in four consecutive seasons alongside the 1962-65 New York Mets, 1961-64 Washington Senators, 1938-42 Philadelphia Phillies (5) and 1909-12 Boston Doves/Braves.
The news isn’t all bad, however.
The 726 team runs scored by the 2026 Rockies are the most since the 2021 team plated 739 runs. If Colorado reaches 740, it will be the most runs scored by the franchise in a season since 2019 (835). The Rockies 59 games with at least 10 hits are the second-most in the Majors behind the Brewers’ 64. The club’s 1,346 hits are their most in a season since 2023 (1,368).
Per Fangraphs, the Rockies went from a -3.1 offensive WAR in 2025 to an 8.6 WAR so far in 2026. They also improved from a 0.4 pitching WAR in 2025 to 3.3 in 2026.
With that in mind, let’s turn to today’s game.
Starting for the Mariners is Kade Anderson. This will be his sixth start in 2026.
The lefty has a 5.33 ERA in 25.1 IP. He’s struck out 21, walked eight and given up four home runs. Anderson has a 1.42 WHIP.
According to Baseball Savant, he offers a four-pitch mix: four-seamer (41.5%), slider (21.6%), changeup (17.8%), and curveball (15.1%).
Taking the mound for the Rockies will be RHP Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野 智之).
Currently, he has an ERA of 5.49 in 142.2 IP. He’s struck out 86 while giving up 34 walks and 34 home runs with a 1.36 WHIP. Sugano suffered his 10th loss of the season his last time out on Sept. 14 against San Diego at Coors Field, allowing six runs on eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts. It was his third start at Coors Field this season when he allowed two or more home runs.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 04: A general view of the Guinness World Records World's Largest Glass of Beer event prior to a Between the Texas Rangers and the Detroit Tigers and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 04, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Gunnar Word/Texas Rangers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have an early game today, 2:30 Eastern. And, of course, I’m busy until then, so getting the game thread together early.
I had a bad night last night. During the day I had a couple of notifications that someone was trying to get into my hotmail mail account. I stupidly ignored them, as I had gotten this sort of thing before, but the email address sending it turned out to be nothing to do with hotmail. The emails were scams. Well, this time the email wasn’t a scam. Just before I planned to go to be, the language on my hotmail accounts changed to something I couldn’t read. Some had accessed my hotmail account from somewhere else.
I only use that account for when a business asks for an email, so I can keep the stuff they mail to me out of my main accounts. I don’t send emails out of it. But it had me checking my online banking to make sure no one was accessing that. It took me a few minutes to changed the language back to English. Then a couple of minutes to change the passwords on it. And to download a handy app that Microsoft has to track attempted sign ins to my account. And then to change passwords to my online banking and all.
So, I was a little late to bed and also had a tough time falling asleep, because I keep checking. things.
I’m going to be a bit groggy today.
Anyway, all seems good now.
Today is a bullpen day, led by Spencer Miles. We are likely to see anyone and everyone.
