Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike (15) and guard Mario Saint-Supery (17) before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Graham Ike and freshman guard/wing transfer Isiah Harwell from the Houston Cougars have received an invite to the 2026 G League Combine. Both will have an opportunity to be invited to the 2026 NBA Combine with a strong performance, similar to how Dallas Mavericks lead guard Ryan Nembhard did last year.
The G League Combine takes place May 8-10 at the Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois. It can be streamed on the NBA G League official site.
Sources: G League Combine invite list (44 players, alphabetical, subject to change):
Michael Ajayi — Butler Alijah Arenas — USC Donovan Atwell — Texas Tech Nate Bittle — Oregon Elliot Cadeau — Michigan Rafael Castro — George Washington Zach Cleveland — Liberty Jacob Cofie — USC… https://t.co/GqRrvoEjyf
As for the NBA Combine, Gonzaga signee and combo guard Jack Kayil is the only Zag to be straight-up invited. Due to his prior commitments with Alba Berlin in Germany, he may not participate. That would bode well for the chance of Kayil playing in Spokane, Washington, for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The event runs from May 10-17 at the Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago, Illinois. It can be viewed on ESPN2.
The NBA announced today that 73 players have been invited to the AWS NBA Draft Combine 2026, which will take place May 10-17 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago.
Additionally, a select number of standout players from the AWS NBA G League Draft Combine 2026,… pic.twitter.com/9w2ncpacCe
The deadline for college players like Harwell to withdraw their names is May 27. For international players, like Kayil, it’s June 13.
The 2026 NBA Draft will be a two-night event held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, from June 23-24. Both rounds begin at 5 p.m. PT on ESPN.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Miami Marlins in the top of the second inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on April 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants head to Florida today to begin a three-game road series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Taking the mound for the Giants will be left-hander Robbie Ray, who enters today’s game with a 2.70 ERA, 4.23 FIP, with 35 strikeouts to 14 walks in 33.1 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 6-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday, in which he allowed one run on four hits with four strikeouts and three walks in five innings.
He’ll be facing off against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan, who enters today’s game with a 3.91 ERA, 3.20 FIP, with 25 strikeouts to 13 walks in 23 innings pitched. His last start was in the Rays’ 6-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, in which he allowed just three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in five innings.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Isaac Paredes #15 of the Houston Astros celebrates with Yordan Alvarez #44 after hitting a home run in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Daikin Park on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME:The Houston Astros (12-20) and Boston Red Sox (12-19) begin a 3-game weekend series at Fenway Park tonight.
RHP Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.25 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. LHP Jake Bennett (MLB debut). Tonight will be Burrows’ 1st start and 2nd career appearance at Fenway Park.
ABOUT BURROWS: RHP Mike Burrows, who is from Waterford, CT, will make his 7th start of the season tonight and his 2nd vs. BOS.
One month ago today, he earned his first win in an Astros uniform in a 6-4 victory over the Red Sox on April 1 in Houston (5 IP, 2 ER, 6 S0).
Punchouts: In his last 2 starts, Burrows has seen an uptick in his strikeout totals with 8 K’s in 5.0 IP in his last start on Saturday vs. NYY and 7 K’s in 4.2 IP in his April 19 start vs. STL.
Connecticut Connection: Burrows posted eye-opening numbers as a pitcher at Waterford High School, posting a 6-0 record in his senior year (2018) with an 0.38 ERA with 98 strikeouts in just 44.0 IP. He was a Red Sox fan while growing up.
ROSTER MOVE: Following yesterday’s doubleheader, RHP Jason Alexander was returned to Triple A Sugar Land. Alexander served as the Astros 27th man for the doubleheader.
VS THE SAWX: The Astros swept the Red Sox in a 3-game series at Daikin Park, Mar. 30-April 1.
Over the past 10 seasons (since 2017), HOU is 33-22 (.600) vs. BOS overall.
FUN AT FENWAY: Despite being swept in a 3-game series in their last visit here (Aug. 1-3), the Astros have had recent success at Fenway Park.
HOU has won 6 of their last 9 games at Fenway. Prior to last year’s series in Aug., HOU had swept the Red Sox in 2 consecutive visits to Fenway, Aug. 28-30 of 2023 and Aug. 9-11 of 2024 (both 3-game series).
Additionally, the Astros are 16-9 (.640) in the regular season at Fenway Park since 2017, which is the best win pct. in the Majors at this venue in that span (min. 10 games).
Houston is also 4-3 at Fenway all-time in the postseason.
ROADIES: Tonight is the 4th game (1-2 thus far) of a 6-game road trip for the Astros.
HOU was 1-2 in BAL on the first stop of the trip.
SPECIAL MOMENT: The first 2 members of the Astros Youth Academy to make it to the Major Leagues faced each other yesterday in BAL when Brice Matthews singled off Orioles’ RHP Cameron Foster in the 5th inning of Game 2 of the DH. Matthews was called up to the Majors in 2025 while Foster made his debut in April of 2026.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH?:Yordan Alvarez is a strong candidate for the AL Player of the Month Award for March/April as he has had a torrid start to his season, currently leading, or tied for the lead, in the AL in all three Triple Crown categories – .356 BA, 12 HR, 27 RBI.
Additionally, Alvarez also leads the AL in OPS (1.199), SLG (.737), OBP (.462) and Total Bases (87) and is T-1st in WAR (2.0).
HISTORIC HOMERS: Yordan Alvarez is off to one of the most prolific starts in franchise history. His 12 HR through the club’s first 32 games of the season are the tied for 2nd-most in franchise history (Lance Berkman, 13, 2002).
SOCKING THE SOX: Yordan Alvarez has some of the best career numbers in MLB history vs. the Red Sox (min. 130 PA)
Top BA vs. Red Sox (since 1901)
1. Yordan Alvarez – .417*
2. Will Clark – .403
3. Lyman Bostock – .386
Top OPS vs. Red Sox (since 1901)
1. Yordan Alvarez – 1.305*
2. Babe Ruth – 1.147
3. Lou Gehrig – 1.100
*includes postseason
ROAD WARRIOR: In 11 road games (8 starts) this season, Brice Matthews is 10×31 (.323) with a HR, 7 RBI and 5 BB, slashing (.323/.417/.516) for a .933 OPS.
In his young career, Matthews is hitting .291 in 18 road games (14 starts) with 5 HR and 16 RBI with a .381 OBP and a .618 SLG (.999 OPS).
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: With 238 career HR, Jose Altuve needs one more to tie Lou Whitaker for 7th place all-time among 2nd basemen. Altuve also needs 3 RBI to become the 5th player in franchise history to reach 900.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1969 – At just 24 years old, RHP Don Wilson hurls his 2nd career no-hitter in a 4-0 win over the Reds at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. In his historic gem, Wilson tallies 13 K’s. Ironically, the Reds Jim Maloney had no-hit the Astros in the previous game. In 2019, Wilson was part of the very first class inducted into the Astros Hall of Fame (posthumously).
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, May 1, 6:10 p.m. CT
Location: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
After missing a chance to eliminate the Houston Rockets in Game 5, the Los Angeles Lakers head back to H-Town for Game 6, where our NBA player prop projections has pinpointed several high-value opportunities.
By breaking down the data and comparing it to the latest market lines, we’ve uncovered where the strongest betting edges lie for this pivotal matchup.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, May 1.
Lakers vs Rockets computer picks for Game 6
Lakers
Rockets
James o21.5 points -120
Sengun o20.5 points -112
Reaves o1.5 3-pointers -160
Thompson o7.5 rebounds -105
Smart o3.5 assists -169
Sheppard o3.5 3-pointers +130
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Lakers Game 6 computer picks
LeBron James Over 21.5 points (-120)
Projection: 22.70 points
The Los Angeles Lakers have been rolling offensively on the road, averaging 116.2 points per game over their last 20 outings—good for eighth in the NBA.
Expect LeBron James to set the tone and keep that momentum going as Los Angeles looks to bounce back from a missed closeout chance in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets.
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Austin Reaves Over 1.5 3-pointers (-160)
Projection: 2.11 3-pointers
In his return from injury, Austin Reaves scored 22 points in Game 5 but showed some rust from three-point range.
As he continues to regain rhythm — and with the Lakers trying to avoid a Game 7 — expect him to look more comfortable from deep and help fuel a push to close out the series against the Rockets.
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Marcus Smart Over 3.5 assists (-169)
Projection: 3.75 assists
Marcus Smart has been a steady playmaking force throughout the series, only falling short of this assists line in Game 5.
He’ll look to sharpen his facilitation again as the Lakers try to avoid squandering another chance to eliminate the Rockets in the first round.
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Rockets Game 6 computer picks
Alperen Şengün Over 20.5 points (-112)
Projection: 23.3 points
With Kevin Durant out, Alperen Şengün has taken on a central role for the Rockets in this series and will be counted on again as they try to extend things to a decisive Game 7 against the Lakers.
He’s been hovering near this points line in Games 1, 4, and 5, while clearing it in Games 2 and 3. With the season on the line, expect Şengün to be heavily involved offensively once again.
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Amen Thompson Over 7.5 rebounds (-105)
Projection: 7.6 rebounds
The Rockets lead the league in offensive rebounding this season, and Amen Thompson has been productive across the board in this series.
He’s also cleared this rebound line in four of his last 10 games, reinforcing his impact on the glass.
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Reed Sheppard Over 3.5 3-pointers (+130)
Projection: 3.6 3-pointers
Reed Sheppard has been due for an efficient shooting night from deep for the Rockets, and there’s no better stage than this one to get it going.
When he finds his rhythm from beyond the arc, Sheppard can change the game quickly, and a breakout shooting performance would give Houston a valuable boost on offense.
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How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 6
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Friday, May 1, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Orlando Magic will try to close out the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 of their first-round series. The Magic lead the series 3-2 but lost Game 5. Detroit is favored by 3.5 points. The total is set at 209.5 for this Eastern Conference matchup.
For much of this early season, two of Jed Hoyer’s key bullpen acquisitions had not done well. Phil Maton spent time on the injured list and didn’t throw well when he pitched. Jacob Webb had not had good outings most of the year to date.
Friday, both of them pitched well when the Cubs needed them most, combining for three scoreless innings and five strikeouts as the Cubs held on to defeat the Diamondbacks 6-5, their ninth straight win at Wrigley Field.
This one started out like it was going to be an easy win. After Colin Rea allowed hits to the first two D-backs batters, he struck out the next two and got the third on a fly to right, and then the Cubs offense got to work. Nico Hoerner led off with a double and Moisés Ballesteros walked. Nico took third on a force play by Alex Bregman, and Ian Happ walked to load the bases.
After Seiya Suzuki struck out, Michael Busch’s two-run single gave the Cubs the lead [VIDEO].
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen something like that. Those are two good fielders — Alek Thomas and Ildemaro Vargas. And yet, they just let Kelly’s ball drop untouched. Happ scored, and the Cubs needed every single run they got in this game.
The D-backs went out 1-2-3 in the second, and when Hoerner’s turn to bat came up in the bottom of the inning, Matt Shaw was sent up to bat instead. Here’s what apparently happened to Nico [VIDEO].
Here’s what the injury was said to be:
Per #Cubs, Nico Hoerner left the game with left sided neck tightness.
So the Cubs had a five-run lead after four innings. Easy peasy, right?
Of course you know baseball doesn’t work like that. I was honestly surprised Counsell sent Rea out to begin the sixth inning, given that he’d thrown 94 pitches through five. He allowed a leadoff single and then struck out Nolan Arenado.
It appeared Bregman thought the ball was going to roll foul, which it did not. What I didn’t understand is why he didn’t just pick the ball up and step on third base. That might have killed the D-backs inning right there. Instead, a run scored to make it 6-2 and the next hitter, Geraldo Perdomo, smashed a three-run homer into the basket in left and just like that, it’s a one-run game.
Rolison allowed another single and then struck out the next two D-backs to end the inning.
That ball looked like an easy double, it was smacked hard and into the corner tailing away from the fielder. A tip o’ the cap to Tawa.
But the Cubs bullpen was just as stingy. Maton retired the side 1-2-3 in the seventh, two by strikeout, on only 11 pitches. That’s the guy the Cubs thought they were getting when they signed him. If he can keep this up that’s a huge boost to the pen.
Jacob Webb got the D-backs in order in the eighth and I was reasonably sure Counsell would call on Hoby Milner to close things out, as two left-handed hitters were due up. But Webb came out for the ninth and when the bullpen got up it was Corbin Martin warming up, not Milner.
Webb walked the leadoff hitter, Vargas, in the ninth. Maybe that was better than another hit, Vargas went 4-for-4. He’s having himself quite the year so far. But Webb settled down and struck out Corbin Carroll, got pinch-hitter Ketel Marte to hit into a force play, and then faced Gabriel Moreno.
This is what Counsell has preached all year — that the “next guy up” has to do his job, injuries or no, this team needs contributions from all 26 men on the roster. In getting solid outings from Maton and Webb, the Cubs might have finally gotten the bullpen to reach some equilibrium. Good stuff.
With the win, the Cubs moved to within half a game of the Reds for first place in the NL Central, pending the result of the Reds/Pirates game this evening. Meanwhile, the Cubs will go for the series win Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Shōta Imanaga will start for the Cubs and Ryne Nelson goes for the D-backs. Game time is again 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.
Semi-final poised at 7-7 after attritional 14th frame
John Higgins edges to 13-11 lead over Shaun Murphy
Wu Yize and Mark Allen’s semi-final is poised at seven frames all after their afternoon session ended with a bizarre frame – the longest in the World Snooker Championship’s Crucible era – clocking in at just over 100 minutes.
Allen began the afternoon trailing 6-2 overnight to an opponent high on confidence and belief, but fought back in style, winning five frames in succession to edge 7-6 ahead.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 30: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals hits a broken bat single in the third inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, April 30, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
This is not the first time the Nats have come back home with a lot of momentum following a successful road trip. They will look to actually keep the good times rolling at home this time. The Nats are 3-10 at home, a record they are desperate to improve. However, the Brewers will want another crack at the Nats after they were swept by the Nationals in Milwaukee.
There is one fairly big surprise in this Nats lineup. Curtis Mead is hitting third despite facing a right handed pitcher. Blake Butera liked the matchup and wanted to ride the hot hand in Mead. He will be at first while Luis Garcia Jr. is at DH. Jorbit Vivas will be at second, while Brady House is at third. Drew Millas remains behind the plate. Jake Irvin will be on the hill for his second start against the Brewers.
The Brewers are turning to their flame throwing ace Jacob Misiorowski in the one. The Miz is one of the game’s premier strikeout artists, but he can be erratic at times. With Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio out of the lineup, the Brewers lineup does not look as fearsome. However, it still features the likes of William Contreras and Brice Turang.
The Nats have had a ton of success on the road this year, but it has been a different story at home. They will look to change that against the Brewers, a team they swept on the road. It will be tough with the Miz on the mound, but this offense has proven they can produce. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 3: Wilyer Abreu #52 of the Boston Red Sox slides to score during the fourth inning of a game against the Houston Astros on August 3, 2025 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I know we’re all baseball fans here but I’m not sure Boston is on the edge of its seat for this game at Fenway tonight and more so for a puck drop across town. If you’re here with us, we thank you tremendously! We do have an MLB debut for Jake Bennett!
According to NHL 26, the Colorado Avalanche will defeat the Minnesota Wild to advance to the Western Conference Final.
After correctly forecasting a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Kings, the simulation turns its attention to the Minnesota Wild, where Colorado once again follows a script that feels increasingly difficult to dismiss as coincidence.
What unfolded over five games was not just an Avalanche series win, but a gradual tightening of control. Minnesota had answers at times, even a brief surge in Game 3, but Colorado’s depth, pace, and star-driven execution consistently tilted the series back in their direction.
Nathan MacKinnon set the tone early. Valeri Nichushkin punished every seam of space he was given. Ross Colton emerged as a reliable secondary finisher. And Scott Wedgewood provided steady, timely goaltending behind an offense that rarely stopped pushing.
Even when Minnesota responded — most notably through Matt Boldy’s standout performances — Colorado never truly surrendered control of the series’ rhythm.
Game 1: Avalanche 5, Wild 3
Ross Colton scored twice for Colorado, while Valeri Nichushkin, Nazem Kadri, and Martin Necas also found the back of the net. Cale Makar recorded three assists, and Nick Blankenburg added two helpers.
For Minnesota, Matt Boldy scored twice, while Brock Faber finished with two assists.
Valeri Nichushkin was penalized for interference midway through the first period, but Colorado turned the momentum instantly. Martin Necas exploded through the neutral zone on a shorthanded rush, beat every Wild defender, and snapped a wrister over Jesper Wallstedt’s glove for a 1-0 lead.
Colorado doubled the advantage late in the period when Gabe Landeskog won a puck race after a dump-in and fed Nazem Kadri for a booming one-timer from the left circle.
Minnesota answered before intermission as Matt Boldy finished a dazzling breakaway move to cut it to 2-1.
The Wild tied the game at 7:30 of the second when Yakov Trenin buried a loose puck during a chaotic scramble in front of Scott Wedgewood.
Colorado’s depth quickly responded.
Nichushkin set up Ross Colton to restore the lead, then buried one himself after Necas created another rush chance to make it 4-2.
But Minnesota stayed alive when Boldy struck again with 31 seconds left in the second after another defensive breakdown made it 4-3.
The third period stayed tense until Colton iced it with an empty-net goal in the final 30 seconds.
Scott Wedgewood made 26 saves in the win, while Wallstedt stopped 23 shots.
Series: Avalanche lead 1-0
Game 2: Avalanche 7, Wild 3
Brock Nelson led the charge with two goals and an assist as Colorado overwhelmed Minnesota to grab a 2-0 series lead.
Gabe Landeskog, Nazem Kadri, and Ross Colton each had a goal and an assist. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas also scored, while Scott Wedgewood made 19 saves.
For Minnesota, Mats Zuccarello, Ryan Hartman, and Kirill Kaprizov scored. Jesper Wallstedt made 35 saves under heavy pressure.
Colorado struck early just 1:12 in when Nathan MacKinnon capitalized on a turnover and buried the opening goal.
On a 5-on-3 power play, Brock Nelson made it 2-0 only minutes later.
Kaprizov responded on a 2-on-1 chance to cut it to 2-1, but Colorado quickly regained control.
Landeskog restored the cushion after a Wallstedt misplay, and Necas added a rebound goal to make it 4-1.
Minnesota briefly fought back with goals from Zuccarello and Hartman, but Colorado exploded late with Kadri, Colton, and Nelson all finishing to seal a dominant 7-3 win.
Series: Avalanche lead 2-0
Game 3: Wild 3, Avalanche 2
Minnesota finally answered behind a massive night from Matt Boldy.
Boldy scored twice, Jared Spurgeon added a goal, and Jesper Wallstedt made 24 saves in a tight 3-2 win.
Martin Necas and Jack Drury scored for Colorado, while Scott Wedgewood made 19 stops.
Colorado opened the scoring just 30 seconds in when MacKinnon found Necas at the doorstep.
Spurgeon tied it with a point shot through traffic, and Drury restored Colorado’s lead later in the first.
But Boldy struck late in the frame to tie it 2-2, then delivered the game-winner in the third period to cut the series deficit.
Series: Avalanche lead 2-1
Game 4: Avalanche 4, Wild 1
Colorado responded with authority on the road.
Brock Nelson, Nazem Kadri, Logan O’Connor, and Valeri Nichushkin scored, while Scott Wedgewood made 23 saves.
Nick Foligno scored Minnesota’s lone goal, and Jesper Wallstedt stopped 25 shots.
Kadri opened the scoring at 4:22, and O’Connor followed quickly after winning a dump-in battle and finishing through traffic.
Minnesota answered through Marcus and Nick Foligno, but that was it.
Nichushkin restored control in the third with a rebound finish, and Nelson added the final dagger late.
Series: Avalanche lead 3-1
Game 5: Avalanche 3, Wild 2
The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 at Ball Arena to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
Nathan MacKinnon, Ross Colton, and Valeri Nichushkin scored for the Avalanche, while Scott Wedgewood came up with 25 saves.
Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek scored for the Wild, and Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves in defeat.
MacKinnon opened the scoring at 2:49 of the first period on the power play after Brock Nelson’s rebound attempt sat loose in the crease.
Minnesota attempted to respond with sustained pressure, but Colorado’s structure held firm early, forcing the Wild to the perimeter and limiting clean looks.
At 6:58, Valeri Nichushkin doubled the lead in emphatic fashion.
Ross Colton carried the puck through the neutral zone under heavy contact, absorbed a hit along the boards, and still managed to slide a perfectly timed drop pass into space. Nichushkin was left alone in the slot and hammered a one-timer past Wallstedt to make it 2-0.
Colton then extended the lead to 3-0 early in the second period after winning a battle along the boards and driving directly to the net, finishing through traffic.
Minnesota finally broke through in the third when Kaprizov beat Wedgewood with a sharp wrister to make it 3-1.
Moments later, Joel Eriksson Ek pulled the Wild within one after a turnover in Colorado’s zone led to a quick finish.
But Colorado shut the door down the stretch, defending cleanly and managing the final minutes with control.
The Avalanche closed it out 3-2 and eliminated Minnesota in five games.
Series: Avalanche win 4-1
For now, we'll have to wait and see what happens and when this series will actually begin.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Blues signed forward Dylan Holloway to a five-year contract worth $38.75 million, general manager Doug Armstrong announced Friday.
Holloway, who's set to turn 25 in September before next NHL season begins, will count $7.75 million against the salary cap through 2031. Getting him signed was one of Armstrong's final big tasks before turning the job over to GM-in-waiting Alexander Steen.
His new deal was announced Friday in the aftermath of Edmonton getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. The Blues poached Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg from the Oilers with offer sheets two summers ago.
Holloway joins him in signing long term after Broberg got $48 million over six years in January and is now under contract through 2030. Holloway ranked second on the team with 22 goals and was tied for second in points with 51 this past regular season, when St. Louis missed the playoffs.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Evidently, the alarm system at Orlando's Kia Center did not want to hear any talk about the Magic potentially going to a Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons.
The alarms began blaring in the arena during Magic coach Jamahl Mosley's pregame media availability in advance of Game 6 of the series on Friday night, doing so while he was being asked if injured forward Franz Wagner might be able to play in a Game 7.
And as that question was being asked, the horns started.
“That's not a good sign,” Mosley said.
Mosley went on to answer the question, explaining that it all hinges on how Wagner responds to treatment. He did that while a computerized voice gave instructions on what people who were in the building should have been doing at that moment.
The alarms returned again a few seconds later, and Mosley decided that was his cue to end the talk.
For the record, a team official confirmed that the alarms were false. And Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff's pregame media session, which started about 10 minutes after Mosley's ended, went off without any alarms.
The Magic took a 3-2 lead into Game 6 of the series on Friday.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres looks on after lining out during the second inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park on April 27, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres president of baseball operations/general manager A.J. Preller signed shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year/$280 million contract on Dec. 9, 2022. He had a storied career with the Boston Red Sox before becoming a free agent and signing with San Diego. With Boston he won five Silver Slugger awards, was an All-Star four times and won the World Series twice. Padres fans were hoping that the Bogaerts who played for the Friars would be that same guy. Unfortunately, a series of injuries has interrupted all of his previous seasons prior to this one.
2023-2025 with the Padres
In 2023, Bogaerts had a recurrence of a wrist injury that had bothered him in the past and it plagued him for at least half of the season. He also had a calf injury toward the end of the season. He played in 155 games and hit .285 with a .790 OPS. His lowest season numbers in six seasons. His 19 home runs were consistent with his home runs totals his last two seasons in Boston. His best season was 2019 when Bogaerts hit 33 home runs and 117 RBI. He only had 58 RBI in 2023.
In 2024, Bogaerts played in 111 games due to a shoulder injury and hit .264 with a .688 OPS. His home run total dropped from 19 to 11 and RBI from 58 to 44. His arm strength was down from previous seasons, probably secondary to the injury. It should also be noted that Bogaerts played 85 games at second base rather than shortstop. Although his defense was average at best, the biggest issues were offensive.
In 2025, Bogaerts continued to have issues with his shoulder and also sustained hamstring and foot injuries that limited him to 136 games. His average was .263 with a somewhat improved OPS of .719. All still well below what was his normal for the past several years of his time with the Red Sox.
He again had 11 home runs with 53 RBI. His bat speed is up while his arm strength is improved despite still recovering from shoulder issues.The drop in power and production was the subject of many discussions among Padres fans and local media. Bogaerts has a superstar contract but was not delivering anything close to superstar production.
Defensively, Bogaerts has always had above average range but his injuries affected his throwing ability and he frequently bounced throws from the shortstop position. He did go from 15th percentile in arm strength in 2024 to 31st percentile in 2025.
Bogaerts in 2026
In 29 games and 109 at-bats, Bogaerts is hitting .275/.352/.431 with a .783 OPS. He has five homers, leading the team, and 17 RBI (one behind Ramon Laureano). Bogaerts has walked 13 times with 18 strikeouts. His expected offensive numbers (per Baseball Savant) show that he has been somewhat unlucky and should have better stats (.288 average and .458 slug).. He also has the lowest K-rate (13%) in his career. Bogaerts has the best walk rate of his career (10.7%) so far.
Since becoming a Padre there has been an unexpected development in his career, a change in his ability to steal bases.
Prior to 2023, Bogaerts never had more than 15 stolen bases in his time in Boston. Since joining the Friars, Bogaerts has 19/22, 13/16 and 20/22 steals respectively. In 29 games so far in 2026, he has three stolen bags without being caught.
Xander Bogaerts numbers so far this season makes him one of the 4 top offensive players for the Padres. He is the best performing of the regular starters with only Luis Campusano, Miguel Andujar and Ty France having a better batting average. Ramon Laureano comes closest with a .762 OPS and he has one more home run.
If we continue to see this version of Bogaerts for the majority of the season, it will undoubtedly add to the success of an currently underperforming offense that is still finding ways to win.
The ability to stay healthy and stay on the field will play a big role. Manager Craig Stammen has shown a determined intention to get his players regular rest and that could be a major factory in keeping the regulars healthy and on the field.
Xander Bogaerts has been making an impression on both sides of the ball. His desire to show Padres fans what a healthy player could do brings a new appreciation for the 33-year old shortstop.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Griffin Canning (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The first month of the 2026 season is in the book. The main priority for the San Diego Padres is still rectifying their starting rotation. Injuries have made it impossible to figure out the rotation beyond Michael King and Randy Vasquez in the top two spots.
The next order of business is deciding the future of Walker Buehler, German Marquez, and, to a lesser extent, Matt Waldron. None of them has been consistent at all to claim the third starter role and complement King and Vasquez.
Performance does matter.
A Canning and Giolito sighting could be coming to Petco Park
With the order of the rotation still up for grabs, the front office has some sorting out to do. Reinforcements like Griffin Canning and Lucas Giolito are working their way back to the majors.
Canning is close to making his season debut after rehabbing a ruptured left Achilles tendon suffered last June. He has made four starts with the Padres Triple-A affiliate, El Paso Chihuahuas.
Canning has a 1-1 record with a 3.60 ERA. He has struck out 18 batters in 15 innings pitched. Circle the second week of May for him to become a viable starting-pitching option.
Newly signed Lucas Giolito will need approximately 25 days to get his arm and body ready to pitch in the majors. All of Giolito’s training will take place with the Friars Single-A affiliate, Lake Elsinore Storm.
In his first start, he exited the contest after being hit by a comebacker to the mound. Giolito is reported to be fine with a bruised pitching hand and will make his next start. Before Giolito left the game, his velocity was between 90 and 91 mph, which was lower than expected but not alarming. The Friar Faithful can expect him to be available to start by the third week in May.
Canning and Giolito offer plenty of value in a starter role because of their high-end pitching repertoire when healthy. The Friars do not need them to be elite with an under 1.00 WHIP, but each must stay consistent on the mound to keep the Padres close in every game.
Will a starter move to pen?
The decision on who stays or leaves the organization may hinge on which pitcher can work out of the bullpen. The candidate must be able to warm up quickly and pitch successfully in situational baseball.
Their role is to go against only two or three hitters in an opposing lineup, but recording those outs could be the difference in a victory. Buehler, Marquez, and Waldron have all worked out of the bullpen at some point in their major league career, but are primarily known as starting pitchers.
The one negative with this possible move is that none of them throw a high-90s pitching arsenal, which is essential to becoming an effective reliever.
The rotation will remain in order at least through the interim. It gives Marquez and Buehler another chance to state their case to remain on the roster. Padres manager Craig Stammen wants to be put in a tough situation because his starting pitchers are performing well.
Ultimately, performance on the mound will dictate whether the starting rotation needs changes. The Padres need more consistent starting pitching to remain in contention for a postseason berth.
Next month could usher in a different look for the rotation.
Following an ugly 10–17 start to the season for the Boston Red Sox, manager Alex Cora and his staff were dismissed on April 25.
The Red Sox offense has dried up in 2026, ranking 24th in runs per game as of May 1. They also sit 29th in wRC+ and 28th in wOBA.
This is a lineup averaging 0.83 fewer runs per game year-over-year — the worst drop in MLB.
Conspiracy Hour🕵️♂️
There are a few theories as to why the bats have gone cold, and some point to a lost edge tied to the Red Sox's base coaches.
Buster Olney brought this to light earlier this week, suggesting Boston’s dip in run production might be correlated to the recent implementation of coaches’ box rules:
One of the interesting theories about the struggling Red Sox offense in rival front offices is that Boston has been impacted significantly by the enforcement of the coaching boxes. The Red Sox were regarded by some other teams as being extraordinary at ascertaining grips/relaying…
The theory suggests that prior to 2026, Red Sox coaches were relaying signs to hitters, taking advantage of loose enforcement around the coaches’ box. Reading pitcher grips and passing that information along would provide a meaningful edge.
Baseball, more than any sport, rewards those edges — margins are tight, and anything within the rules gets exploited. With MLB now enforcing coach positioning more strictly, that edge may be gone, and the offensive drop-off reflects it.
Yahoo’s Zach Coe also referenced a 2025 incident between the Los Angeles Angels and Red Sox, where tensions flared involving then first-base coach José David Flores, with sources suggesting sign-stealing concerns.
It adds context when you consider why a left-handed pitcher like Tyler Anderson would be that upset with a first-base coach:
Coaches and players chirping before the game. Everything is going great at Fenway. pic.twitter.com/TAMQZUvjYC
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