CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers covers during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Earlier this week, we asked Cleveland Cavaliers fans to grade the James Harden-for-Darius Garland swap after we’ve seen how the Harden-led Cavs looked in the playoffs. Back in February, fans gave the trade an A grade. This time around, they weren’t as generous.
The survey was pretty split as to what grade to give Harden. The consensus was a C. Only 10% gave the grade an A, which is 52% lower than it was in February.
Understandably, opinions on the Harden trade have soured.
The Cavs saw a wide-open Eastern Conference back in the winter and pushed their chips in with a win-now move. That deal allowed the Cavs to advance further in the playoffs than they have at any point with this core. But it didn’t solve the fundamental issues at the top of the roster as seen in their one-sided loss at the hands of the New York Knicks.
This fall, the Cavs will be entering a new season in a much less wide-open conference. The Indiana Pacers should be a factor again with the return of Tyrese Haliburton. The Miami Heat have entered the fray after the addition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. And young teams like the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and Charlotte Hornets should be better next season.
This new reality is reflected in the odds.
According to FanDuel, Cleveland has the sixth-best odds to win the Eastern Conference at +1500. They have the 11th-highest odds to win the NBA Finals at +4000.
We’ll see how the roster looks by the time training camp opens up in a few months. There’s a good chance it looks drastically different. However, at this point, it’s understandable to be more down on this trade. The Cavs sacrificed some of their long-term stability for a win-now move, and are currently not in a fantastic position to win now as presently constructed.
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:W, 8-3 at Indianapolis Indians
2B Marco Luciano 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K RF Yanquiel Fernández 1-5, RBI, 2 K CF Garrett Martin 1-5, K 1B Tyler Hardman 1-3, RBI, 2 BB, SB DH Ernesto Martinez Jr. 2-5, 2B, 4 RBI, K – five-run seventh cinched the game, highlighted by his three-run double 3B Jonathan Ornelas 1-4, K C Payton Henry 2-4, K LF Duke Ellis 2-4, 2 K SB – make that 33 stolen bases already this year SS Owen Cobb 1-4, K, two throwing errors
Elmer Rodríguez 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER), 6 BB, 4 K – whew, 90 pitches and just 46 strikes, Rodríguez’s control has seemed pretty off this year Zach Messinger 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K Yordanny Cruz 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K – good to see back-to-back solid outings from Cruz Bradley Hanner 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K Carson Coleman 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Double-A Somerset Patriots: Postponed at New Hampshire Fisher Cats, makeup scheduled part of doubleheader today
High-A Hudson Valley Renegades:W, 13-3 at Bowling Green Hot Rods
3B Kaeden Kent 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 SB SS Core Jackson 2-5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 K C Eric Genther 2-5, 2B, RBI, 2 K 1B Kyle West 2-5, K LF Wilson Rodriguez 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, 3 K, SF 2B Roderick Arias 4-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, K, CS – sweet, sweet swing on the homer DH Enmanuel Tejeda 1-5, 2B, RBI, 2 K CF Camden Troyer 0-5, 3 K RF Robbie Burnett 2-4
Rory Fox 8 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 7 K, 1 HR (win) – one of the best pro outings from the 2025 sixth-rounder Hansel Rincon 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Wilson Rodriguez RIPS his 8th homer of the year to make it 5-0 'Gades in the third… take a look at these numbers:
CF Brando Mayea 1-4, RBI, 2 K 3B Hans Montero 0-4, RBI, BB, 2 K LF Luis Puello 1-4, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 K SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek 0-3, BB, K DH Engelth Urena 0-3, BB 2B Luis Escudero 0-2, 2 BB, K 1B David McCann 2-4, 2B, K C Ediel Rivera 1-4, 2 SB RF Gabriel Lara 0-3, BB, K
Henry Lalane 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K (win) – the huge left-hander has had a couple lost years, but maybe at last he’s putting it back together. Very good look at him below from Baseball America Jose Martinez 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K Pedro Rodriguez 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (save)
#Yankees lefthander Henry Lalane turned in the best start of his career on Friday. He allowed one hit (an infield dribbler), struck out 12 and walked nobody. Check out every whiff and K-finisher right here. pic.twitter.com/g96hZx0I9p
Florida Complex League Yankees:L, 7-5 vs. FCL Phillies
3B Richard Matic 1-4, BB, CS, fielding error CF Wilberson De Pena 0-5 DH Queni Pineda 1-3, HR, RBI, BB, 2 K 2B Leni Done 1-4, 2 K LF Jose Castro 0-1, BB, K, SB RF Francisco Vilorio 1-4, 2 RBI, K SS Dexters Peralta 2-4, 3B, RBI, K C Justin Capellan 1-3, K 1B Christofer Reyes 0-4, 3 K
Dominican Summer League Yankees:L, 13-10 vs. DSL Rockies
LF Isaias Castillo 3-6, 2B, RBI, K, SB, CS SS Stiven Marinez 1-4, RBI, SB CF Yostin Pena 1-5, RBI, BB, 3 SB, throwing error 2B Juan Torres 2-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI, K C Juan Martinez 3-5, BB, SB DH Cesar Lopez 3-4, 2 RBI, SF 3B Alfred Ciriaco 1-3, RBI, BB RF Eliezer Adames 0-4, BB, K, three fielding errors 1B Jose Peralta 1-3, RBI, 2 BB
Victor De Leon 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2 ER), 4 BB, 2 K (loss) Freddy Lopez 1.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 1 K Brandon Rodriguez 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR Jose Vargas 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 4 K Emanuel Vargas 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Dominican Summer League Bombers:W, 6-1 (7) at DSL Marlins
DH Mani Cedeno 0-4, 2 K SS Germayhoni Beltre 0-2, 2 RBI, BB, SF 2B Carlos Bello 1-4, 2B, K RF David Carrera 1-4, 2B, RBI, K 1B Poly Ojeda 1-3, RBI, BB, SB C Jesus Guerrero 0-2, 2 BB, K CF Alfiery Matos 1-4, RBI LF Sebastian Pinto 1-2, BB, CS 3B Adrian Feliz 1-2, RBI, SB
Jose Sanchez 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K Higor Requena 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K (win)
Jun 13, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Robert Suarez (75) pitches against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Braves bullpen took another hit as right-hander Robert Suarez has been placed on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. The move is retroactive to June 23. In addition, fellow righty Hurston Waldrep was recalled to Atlanta, and Carlos Carrasco has elected free agency.
The #Braves today placed RHP Robert Suarez on the 15-day injured list, backdated to June 23, with right elbow inflammation, and recalled RHP Hurston Waldrep to Atlanta. The club also outrighted RHP Carlos Carrasco to Triple-A Gwinnett, and he elected free agency.
Suarez has been a huge asset to the bullpen this season. Through 31 games, he’s posted a 0.56 ERA and recorded 26 strikeouts.
Waldrep appeared in Friday night’s contest, and though not his best stuff, he was able to work out of a jam. He ended the night with two scoreless innings, recording four walks and three strikeouts.
With Suarez sidelined, the Braves will look to the rest of the bullpen to pick up the slack until one of their most dependable relievers returns.
More Braves News:
The four-game losing streak has been snapped after Friday’s 3-1 defeat of the San Francisco Giants.
Briggs McKenzie and Alex Lodise each had productive days on the farm. More in the minor league recap.
Grant McAuley caught up with prospect Eric Hartman to discuss his season in the minors.
MLB News:
The Boston Red Sox have placed shortstop Marcelo Mayer on the 10-day injured list with a bone stress reaction. Mayer has reportedly been dealing with the issue for two months.
After a 34-47 start, the New York Mets have fired manager Carlos Mendoza. Andy Green will serve as the interim manager for the remainder of the season.
The Hens continue to beat up on the Red Sox, thumping them for their fourth straight and a series vicotry on Friday night. Carl Edwards Jr. handled a bulk role with ease, and the big bats did damage in this one.
Max Anderson sparked a two-out rally in the top of the first with an opposite field double. Eduardo Valencia singled him in, and Gage Workman and Corey Julks followed with a single and a walk, loading the bases for Jace Jung. Jung unloaded them with a grand slam to right center field.
Brenan Hanifee was the opener, and he allowed a run in the first. Edwards then dealt five innings of socreless ball, allowing just two hits and a walk.
Valencia cracked a solo shot in the third for his 13th on the year. In the top of the fifth, Max Clark singled and then stole second base. A wild pitch got him to third, and after Anderson walked, Valencia plated Clark with a sacrifice fly. Workman doubled in Anderson, and it was 8-1 Hens.
Matt Seelinger spun two good innings out of the pen, while Tanner Rainey closed it out.
The Hens tacked on five more runs in the top of the eighth to complete the rout. Two-out walks to Andrew Navigato and then Clark set the stage, and Trei Cruz singled in Navigato. Anderson singled in Clark, and Valencia crushed a three-run shot to left center field to make it 13-1.
The Mud Hens score five times in the 8th on RBI singles from Trei Cruz and Max Anderson, and a 3-run bomb from Eduardo Valencia. pic.twitter.com/6RkSUF8mKI
Coming Up Next: It’s a 4:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday as the Hens push toward a sweep.
Latest Tigers medical update includes Jackson Jobe throwing to hitters on Saturday.
Not included on update: No. 3 prospect Josue Briceño has progressed to facing live pitching in his rehab from right wrist surgery, according to A.J. Hinch. pic.twitter.com/J2C27SulNH
Kenny Serwa was sharp, and Andrew Jenkins landed the big blow in this one as the SeaWolves bullied the Ponies on Friday.
The SeaWolves also stole six bases in this one, three of them by Peyton Graham, who now has a hilarious 42 stolen bases on the year. Right from the jump, Seth Stphenson walked and Graham singled. Graham stole second, and a balk scored Stephenson. A ground out from Thayron Liranzo brought in Graham for a 2-0 lead.
In the second, Max Burt led off with a walk and stole second base. He eventually scored on a ground out to make it 3-0 SeaWolves.
Serwa had it from there. The right-hander walked three over 5.2 innings of work, but Binghamton couldn’t square him up, notching just two hits while striking out four times.
Yoniel Curet and Tanner Kohlhepp took over from Serwa and were solid, with Kohlhepp earning his fourth save. Andrew Jenkins bashed a three-run shot in the eighth off former Tigers’ relief prospect Max Green to end Binghamton’s hopes of a comeback.
Old friend Max Green was one out away from 5 scoreless innings of relief, but Andrew Jenkins smashes a 3-run homer to left to put Erie up 6-0. @ZachSurdenik on the call. pic.twitter.com/IqxdJHwhFE
Cale Wetwiska got a nice rehab outing in on Friday, but with Edian Espinal and Jordan Yost getting a day off, the offense didn’t quite have the juice to overcome a messy fourth inning.
Wetwiska is still building up his innings, but he gave the Flying Tigers 2.1 scoreless frames in this one. He only punched out one, but he looked at full strength and came out firing 97 mph repeatedly in the first inning.
The Flying Tigers opened the scoring when Jude Warwick and Beau Ankeney singled with Jesus Pinto already on first. He scored on Ankeney’s knock for a 1-0 lead.
Unfortunately, Antonio Florida walked three of the first four hitters in the bottom of the fourth. A Jude Warwick throwing error at shortstop prolonged the inning, and the Tortugas put up four runs to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
In the top of the sixth, the Flying Tigers did make a little push. Ankeney singled with one out, and after Carson Rucker struck out, Zach MacDonald walked, and a swinging bunt from Nick Dumesnil was thrown away by the Tortugas catcher, scoring two runs to make it 4-3 Daytona.
That was as close as they’d get, as Pedro Garcia allowed a solo shot in the eighth.
Ankeney: 2-4, R, RBI, K
Dumesnil: 2-4, RBI, K
Warwick: 2-5, 2 K, SB
Wetwiska: 2.1 IP, 0 R, H, 0 BB, K
Coming Up Next: Daytona leads 3-1 in the series. It’s a 6:35 p.m. ET start on Saturday night.
The Tigers struck first with three runs in the first, as Steven Madero had a sacrifice fly and then Jose Dickson came through with a two-run double. Unfortunately, Paul Wilson leaked two runs in the second inning. Martin Tamara singled in Josue Quinonez in the third to make it a 4-2 Tigers lead, but they couldn’t tack on more runs.
Ryan Hall fired 1.2 innings of scoreless ball as he builds up after spending the first half on the injured list. Frenny Grant allowed three runs in the bottom of the seventh as the Blue Jays walked this one off.
CINCINNATI - 1963: Thomas Hawkins #19 of the Cincinnati Royals poses for a portrait circa 1963 in Cincinnati, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1963 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA hasn’t always been what it is today. In the earliest days, it was kind of cobbled together, and some guys turned down contracts because they had better offers from other employers.
No one made $100,000 a year before Wilt Chamberlain did so in 1965 (Bill Russell immediately asked Boston to pay him $100,001).
Transportation was not what it is today, either. No one flew charter, and the planes in the 1950s and 1960s were not all up to date, and even if they were, they were not what they are today. Nothing was computerized, for instance, and weather reporting was not what we expect today.
Winston-Salem native Tommy Hawkins, who started his career with the Minneapolis Lakers, underscores that with this story of a flight gone wrong. He tells the story calmly, but it’s hard not to think of Buddy Holly’s last trip.
In this case, they were fortunate enough to land in a cornfield rather than crash in one, but modern-day NBA players have no idea what their predecessors went through to build the league into a global powerhouse.
This is a move that was expected well before their season ended, now it's about to become official.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are declining Isaiah Hartenstein's $28.5 million team option for next season and signing him to a new three-year, $75 million contract, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. He adds there is a "mutual option" — maybe both a player and a team option, maybe an agent's phrasing for a partial guarantee — on the final season.
This is a win-win deal. Hartenstein gets more money over the long term and gains security in this new contract. The Thunder get to keep a key center for them — especially when trying to defend Victor Wembanyama — and shave $3.5 million in salary next year (or more, depending upon the structure of the contract), which matters for a team currently over the second apron and trying to trim salary.
Hartenstein averaged 9.2 points and 9.4 rebounds a game last season, despite missing nearly half the year due to injuries. However, his greater impact was on the defensive end, where he served as the more physical big-man defender compared to the more mobile Chet Holmgren. In the Western Conference Finals, Hartenstein became the primary defender on Victor Wembanyama and did a respectable job on a next-to-impossible task.
For the Thunder, Hartenstein taking a little haircut this year helps as the franchise works to get under the second apron (in a year when the max contract extensions for Chet Holmgren and Andrew Wiggins kick in). Already this offseason, the team has traded Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins without taking back any salary, and now Hartenstein has done his part. If the Thunder are trying to shed more salary, that could mean the end of Luguentz Dort ($17.7 million) and/or Kenrich Williams ($7.2 million) era in Oklahoma City.
England veteran says Samoan ‘immature – but a good kid’
Academy player ‘a rabbit in the headlights in London’
Jamie George has criticised his Saracens teammate Totoa Auvaa’s “unacceptable” behaviour during the nightclub incident that led to the cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson being dropped by England but insisted he was “a good kid”.
The England international and former captain described the 21-year-old Samoan back-row as “a rabbit in the headlights in London” and said the academy player “doesn’t know right from wrong”.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 22: New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) talks with New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake (77) during the game between the Detroit Tigers versus the New York Yankees on Monday June 22, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Yankees came into Boston on the heels of a solid series win in Detroit, looking primed to bury their rivals, who entered in last place in the AL East. Instead, things are feeling a little June Swoony, with the Yankees’ offense looking like they miss Aaron Judge over the last week or so. The team’s starting rotation should be able to pick up the offense and keep them in it every night, but Will Warren and Cam Schlittler have faltered the last two nights. Now, it’s up to Gerrit Cole to try to keep this from turning into a three-game losing streak.
On the site today, get caught up on last night’s action with Andrew’s Rivalry Roundup, and check out Sam’s profile of an interesting player, right-hander Eric Reyzelman . Also, John analyzes José Caballero’s sudden struggles on the base paths, while Matt delivers his All-Birthday team for June, and Maximo compares Willson Contreras’ and Ben Rice’s similar journeys from backstops to hard-hitting first basemen.
Today’s Matchup:
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox
Time: 1:10 p.m. EST
TV: ABC/ESPN App
Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Questions/Prompts:
1. What version of Gerrit Cole will we see this afternoon?
2. Were you surprised to see the Mets let go of Carlos Mendoza, or had the writing been on the wall?
The MLB Draft Combine is a time to show off on the biggest stage. It’s the last chance to make an impression on scouts. And for many players, it’s the final chance to make your name known in hopes of hearing it called on draft day.
From June 23-26 at Chase Field in Phoenix, plenty of athletes made the most of that opportunity.
From newly 17-year-old Rocco Maniscalco showcasing elite arm strength to Noah Wilson setting a new Combine record in the 30-yard dash, the next generation of talent did not disappoint at Chase Field.
Among the 140 high school players in attendance, here are six players who stood out with exceptional performances.
Genson Veras | OF | TNXL Academy
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound outfielder put on one of the most impressive power displays of the Combine during Day 2's batting practice. The son of former big league reliever Jose Veras launched three of the day’s 10 furthest home runs, highlighted by a 443-footer. He also produced elite exit velocities, becoming the only player to reach 114 mph on the day while recording three additional batted balls at 113 mph.
Maniscalco came in as the youngest prospect at Combine, but you would never know by the talent he displayed. The shortstop, who turned 17 in May after reclassifying to become draft-eligible, stole the spotlight with a 97 mph throw from shortstop – one of the strongest infield throws of the week. The switch-hitter also showed off offensive tools, barreling 22 balls at 100 mph or harder.
Dominic Santarelli | 1B/OF | St. Joseph Catholic Academy
Santarelli’s power was impossible to miss this week. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound first baseman and outfielder led all participants with a 110.9 average exit velocity – more than 4 mph better than the next closest player. He also reached up to 115.1 mph, the fifth-highest exit velocity of the Combine. His strength allows him to generate effortless power to all fields.
Ethan Wachsmann | RHP | Grandview HS
No pitcher threw harder than Wachsmann this week. The Colorado native touched 100 mph twice, making him the hardest thrower at this year’s Combine. He averaged 98.8 mph on his four-seam fastball, leading the pitching group once again. The Wake Forest commit also recorded the top three fastball spin rates on Day 1, further cementing his status as one of the premier arms in the class.
BRONX, NY - JUNE 17: Trent Grisham #12 of the New York Yankees stands by the batting cage before a game between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 17, 2026 in the Bronx, New York. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New York Post | Greg Joyce: Trent Grisham met the Yankees at Fenway Park Thursday to take the next step in his recovery from a hamstring strain. The center fielder took BP and did some fielding drills, a first step before a (likely brief) rehab stint to slated begin soon. Grisham, who’s been out since June 13, has been progressing at or ahead of schedule. “He’s doing really well,” manager Aaron Boone said. “It’s been encouraging. He’ll probably hit the bases … a couple times this weekend while we’re here. But he’s getting close.” With Aaron Judge also on the IL, the Yankees have been shorthanded in Grisham’s absence, using youngsters Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones in the outfield as well as José Caballero and Max Schuemann, two utilitymen who have mostly played in the infield in the big leagues.
MLB.com | Mike Petriello: Paul Goldschmidt’s resurgence as one of the best hitters in baseball in his age-38 campaign is one of the biggest surprises of the season. Usually, this type of turnaround comes due to some combination of better hard-hit rate, higher bat speed, and fewer strikeouts. Goldschmidt’s got none of these. Instead, it appears he’s eschewed trying to be a successful all-around hitter for a more extreme approach, making both more very weak contact and more very hard contact. This may be a product of hunting heaters — Goldy’s posted an astonishing 12 run value against fastballs. He also has the widest platoon splits in baseball and has been facing the highest percentage of lefties of his entire career as Boone has been able to insert him into favorable matchups.
The veteran’s manager offers a more simplistic explanation. “Look, he’s just a Hall of Fame player,” said Boone. “Unbelievable hitter in his career. He’s in amazing shape. He’s incredibly prepared. And I think he just enjoys the game as much as you possibly can.”
ESPN | Jorge Castillo: For Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice, the Yankees’ two biggest breakout stars this season, this weekend’s series in Boston represents a homecoming. Both grew up in enemy territory not far from Fenway Park, with Schlittler a die-hard Sox fan and Rice a contrarian rooting for the Yankees. And, while the Red Sox spent time scouting Rice, they eschewed Schlittler, making the latter’s transition from Boston faithful to New York ace an easy one. Another key nugget from this profile: Rice wants in on the Home Run Derby, an event to which he should receive an invite given his 22 home runs rank third in the AL.
Former England fast bowler Liam Plunkett traded the cricket field for the baseball diamond as he made his professional debut for a minor league team in the United States.
Plunkett turned out for the Oakland Ballers against the Yuba-Sutter Freebirds in the Pioneer Baseball League on Friday night in the USA's west coast.
The 41-year-old threw five pitches and struck out the Freebirds' Josh Duarte in front of 1,878 fans at the Ballers' Raimondi Park, although he was unable to prevent the home side sliding to an 18-11 defeat.
Plunkett, who was part of the England team that won the 50-over World Cup on home soil in 2019, emigrated to the United States five years ago and plays in Major League Cricket (MLC), the country's T20 franchise tournament.
He said his style from the mound was a "bit unusual" and a "mix between bowling and pitching".
"I've previously done the ceremonial first pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins as part of being an MLC ambassador, but this is obviously a little bit more serious," Plunkett told BBC Sport.
"I think I'm the first English cricketer to ever play a professional game of baseball. It's obviously a few rungs below Major League Baseball but it's still pretty cool to say I have played as a professional in two bat-and-ball sports."
Plunkett signed a contract to join the Ballers under the Pioneer Baseball League's marketing player exception, which allows clubs to bypass their standard roster eligibility limits.
It enables teams to sign one non-prospect player who is often a notable veteran or former Major League Baseball player to their 25-man active roster, though Plunkett's appearance is unlikely to prompt a permanent career change.
He is part of the San Francisco Unicorns squad for MLC but has yet to make an appearance for the franchise in this year's tournament.
Plunkett tried batting during a training session with the Ballers in the build-up to the game before deciding pitching was his stronger suit.
"The swing path when you bat is so different compared to cricket, especially when someone is pitching at 90mph," Plunkett added.
"I'd have loved to hit a monster home run because that would have gone viral!
"But to play my first game and get a strikeout, I couldn't ask for more."
Plunkett played 13 Tests, 89 ODIs and 22 T20s for England, taking 201 wickets across all formats.
The opening round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft is complete, and the Calgary Flames came away with two prospects who fit the identity the organization continues to build under general manager Craig Conroy.
Carels enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season, posting 20 goals and 73 points in 58 games. His offensive explosion was the second-highest single-season point total by a defenceman in Prince George franchise history and solidified his status as a projected top-pairing NHL blueliner.
A smooth skater with elite offensive instincts, Carels excels at moving the puck, driving play in transition and creating scoring opportunities from the back end. His all-around game also earned him a spot on Canada’s World Junior Championship roster last season, where he was one of the youngest defencemen to represent the country, ever.
The Manitoba native also made headlines on draft day for a different reason. Rather than attending the event in Buffalo, Carels remained home helping on his family’s farm in Cypress River, a decision that reflects the grounded, hardworking mentality that appealed to Calgary’s scouting staff.
Carels is committed to the University of North Dakota next season, where he’ll continue his development before making the jump to professional hockey.
The second cousin of former NHL goaltender and executive Ron Hextall, Jack has built his own reputation as a reliable two-way centre who combines size, physicality and offensive potential. His ability to play responsibly on both sides of the puck while competing hard on every shift made him an attractive fit for the Flames.
Hextall is committed to Michigan State University next season, where he will continue to develop his game against top collegiate competition.
Carels brings dynamic offensive ability and top-pairing potential to Calgary’s defensive pipeline, while Hextall gives the organization a promising centre with the size, compete level and two-way game that are difficult to find.
More than anything, both selections reinforce the qualities the Flames continue to value: skill, leadership, character and an unwavering work ethic. If those traits translate as expected, Calgary may look back on the opening night of the 2026 NHL Draft as another important step in building its new core.
SAN DIEGO –– It was a battle of Dodgers pitching phenoms at Petco Park on Friday night.
The former one, in Walker Buehler.
The current one, in Roki Sasaki.
In a 7-1 Padres win, there was no comparing their two performances.
San Diego starter Walker Buehler held the Dodgers to one run in their 7-1 victory on June 26, 2026 in San Diego. AP
While Sasaki took a major step backwards in his up-and-down sophomore season, walking five batters and giving up a three-run homer in a shaky four-plus-inning outing, Buehler tapped back into his dominant form of old for San Diego, cruising through 5 ⅓ innings of one-run ball to hand the Padres the opening game of this pivotal mid-season rivalry series.
That Buehler was ready for the moment was no surprise.
Before the game, manager Dave Roberts was only half-joking when he said the former Dodgers ace would “love nothing more than to shove it up our you-know-what.”
Sasaki’s struggles, however, represented a more foreboding development in a campaign suddenly headed back in the wrong direction.
He lacked command from the start, walking three of his first five hitters while grinding through long, foul-ball-extended at-bats. Then, after getting Ty France to an 0-2 count with two aboard in the second inning, he threw a low slider that France launched to left for a no-doubt three-run blast.
The Dodgers would trail the rest of the way, failing to solve Buehler before squandering a bases-loaded, one-out opportunity after he exited in the top of the sixth. The Padres didn’t even have to go to lockdown closer Mason Miller, either, not after their offense tagged Dodgers reliever Jonathan Hernández with four runs in the eighth to pull away.
For Buehler –– now on his third organization since getting the last out of the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series title –– the outing continued his recent turnaround, giving him a 3.81 ERA this season and a 1.71 mark since the start of June.
For Sasaki –– who has now allowed 13 runs in 14 innings over his last three starts –– the dud continued his recent regression, leaving him on Friday to be outshined by his current club’s former star.
Roki Sasaki allowed three runs in four innings in the Dodgers’ loss to the Padres. AP
What it means
The Dodgers’ division lead isn’t in danger. But, as they begin a seven-games-in-10-days stretch against the second-place Padres, it is worth monitoring.
With what remains the winningest record in the majors at 52-30, the Dodgers are still eight games up in the National League West on the Padres, who are 42-38. But the Padres have now won four games in a row, coming off an impressive sweep of the Braves, and are 11-7 since a woeful 1-10 rut over late May and early June.
Who’s hot
The Dodgers did lead briefly on Friday, courtesy of the hottest recent hitter in the lineup.
In the top of the second, Mookie Betts tagged Buehler with a solo home run on an elevated first-pitch fastball, continuing a torrid two-week stretch in which he has hit .375 with four home runs.
Mookie Betts belts a solo homer in the first inning of the Dodgers’ loss to the Padres. AP
Nevertheless, even Betts eventually went quiet on a lackluster night from the Dodgers’ offense, hitting into two double-plays later in the game –– including one to end a two-on, one-out chance in the eighth.
Who’s not
Three weeks ago, Sasaki seemed to be on the ascent. He pitched seven shutout innings with 10 strikeouts in a June 5 masterpiece against the Angels. He had a 1.49 ERA with 29 strikeouts and only five walks over an extended four-start stretch. And, most importantly, he was finally pairing triple-digit fastball velocities with an expanded arsenal and consistent command.
Alas, he has wasted no time squandering all that momentum.
Though he still averaged nearly 98 mph with his fastball, and topped out at 100 mph yet again, he reverted back to the wild command that dogged him earlier this season, issuing six free bases when accounting for a hit batter in the fourth.
As a result, Sasaki’s season ERA is back up to 4.88, the highest it has been in a month.
And it’s fair to wonder if his uptick in form earlier this year –– which included another seven-inning gem against the Angels –– was more the result of poor opposition and good batted-ball luck than a true turning point in his ongoing development.
Up next
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-5, 2.65 ERA) will take the mound Saturday opposite Padres right-hander Randy Vásquez (6-5, 4.17 ERA).
But general manager Mathieu Darche said they were anything but.
"We didn't have any trades, but I can tell you, we haven't been quiet the last week," Darche told us on Zoom following the first round. "Basically, I've had my phone attached to my ear, and you're kicking tires, teams are calling, you're listening. That's my job to listen to anybody who calls. I've called a bunch of teams.
"Was I in on some of these trades? Yeah, I had a lot of discussions with these teams, some of which could be other players, no trade clauses -- it could be various factors that we just didn't get anything through this time."
Darche, who selected left-shot defenseman Malte Gustafsson at No. 13, told us he tried to move higher up the draft board a few times.
"I did try to move up a few times, depending on who was available, and that didn't go through," Darche said. "And there's a few teams, if my guy's not there, I might move back.
"But it's funny because it's rare that...every year we have our list, and it's rare that usually in the top 10, that all your top 10, or almost all your top 10, are not all our top 10, because we had Malte rated very high, but it was somewhat predictable, not necessarily where they went, but which were the top 15 guys. It was somewhat more predictable than other years, from my experience."
Trying to improve the team is a 24-hour gig.
"Even tonight on the way home, I'm sure I'll be on the phone," Darche said. "Tomorrow, we'll be on the phone all day through the draft, and Sunday again. We don't leave any stone unturned. Sometimes, it doesn't go your way and there are times you might want the player, but do you want the contract that comes with it?
"There's a lot of factors that factor in whether we have a trade or not, but we've been extremely active on the phone, but just nothing has materialized so far."
Here are the winners and losers from the first day of the NHL draft:
WINNERS
New York Rangers
The Rangers traded defenseman K'Andre Miller before last season and forward Artemi Panarin during the season and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. But they added some potential replacements at the draft. Dorofeyev has goal-scoring ability, totaling 72 goals over the last two seasons, and agreed to a seven-year, $77 million extension. Draft pick Alberts Smits is a big defenseman who played for Latvia at the Olympics, world championships and world junior championships.
San Jose Sharks
They kept everyone guessing before the draft and took skilled forward Stenberg with the No. 2 overall pick. Even though they passed on a defenseman, they landed a good one in Keaton Verhoeff with the No. 9 pick. They moved up six spots in a trade to draft Ryan Lin, another solid defenseman, at No. 21.
Caleb Malhotra
He went No. 3 overall and gets a chance to play for his dad, new Vancouver Canucks coach Manny Malhotra.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Buffalo has been a good draft site for the Maple Leafs. Ten years ago, they took Auston Matthews No. 1 overall, and top pick McKenna has an opportunity to put his imprint on the franchise, too.
LOSERS
Vegas Golden Knights
The defending Western Conference champions have success because they trade futures for name players. But because of a salary cup crunch, they traded Dorofeyev, their best homegrown player, for futures. The move at least gave the Golden Knights a rare opportunity to draft in the first round, but they traded down twice before finally selecting Juho Piiparinen with the 29th overall pick.
Chase Reid drops
He had been mentioned as high as No. 2 if the Sharks wanted to draft a defenseman. General manager Mike Grier hinted at the possibility before the draft. But the Sharks took Stenberg and Reid fell to No. 7 with the Seattle Kraken. That's the same Kraken team that has made the playoffs once in its existence and reportedly had its $15 million-a-year contract offer turned down by the Dallas Stars' Jason Robertson.
Columbus Blue Jackets
During the draft, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that the Blue Jackets were listening to offers on Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski. ESPN's Kevin Weekes later reported that Kirill Marchenko, the team's leading goal scorer, might not be willing to re-sign beyond the end of his contract. That's not a good sign for a team that has missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons and whose effort down the stretch was questioned by coach Rick Bowness.
Production drags on
ESPN got rid of last year's worst feature, the virtual room in which prospects talked to their new teams. But having drafted players sitting on a couch during interviews wasn't much better. Even though the trades were exciting, they caused the show to drag. It lasted four hours.
