There is welcome news for the Panthers on two key players while the Bears have reportedly landed a crucial dual coup.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope negotiating buy out from Grizzlies, to sign with 76ers
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope won his first ring next to LeBron James, now he is headed to Philadelphia to try and do it again.
Caldwell-Pope and the Grizzlies are working out a buyout, and once the veteran wing clears waivers, he intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes.
KCP moving on from Memphis is not a surprise. He was brought in while the team still had Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. and was looking to win. With the Grizzlies pivoting to a youth movement — plus they are dealing with a roster crunch — it makes sense to buy out KCP, who is set to make $ 21.6 million this season. (KCP likely gives the Grizzlies a discount of exactly how much he can sign with the 76ers for.)
Caldwell-Pope was a key part of the Lakers' title run in the bubble, and three years later became a starter for the Denver team that won a title behind Nikola Jokic.
However, the past couple of seasons his game has slipped. Last season in Memphis, he averaged just 8.4 points a game and shot 31.6% from 3-point range. He was out from February on after having surgery to adjust a misaligned pinky finger on his right hand.
Philadelphia has a little roster work to do to bring in LeBron and KCP, including clearing a roster spot or two. The 76ers are not far enough under their first-apron hard cap to sign the two veterans, even at the minimum, which means more roster moves are coming. Dalen Terry and his non-guaranteed contract are almost certain to be let go. Jabari Walker also has a non-guaranteed contract, but there are other moves the team could make to bring in the two veterans.
This is another loss for Miami, which had its eyes on KCP as well.
'Maybe he's a racist' – Trump critical of James
United States President Donald Trump said LeBron James might be "a racist" when asked if the basketball star is the "best ever" to play the sport.
James, 41, announced on Friday he is set to continue his glittering career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
When asked about the move in a White House news conference later, Trump explained why he believed Michael Jordan was the better player.
Jordan, 63, won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s and NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) five times.
When asked whether Jordan or James was the "best ever", Trump said: "Michael Jordan is a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy.
"I think LeBron is, maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump. I don't know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way."
James, who has not responded to Trump's comment, has been a regular critic of Trump during his terms as president and endorsed Democrat candidates Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris when they ran against him.
In 2017 he referred to Trump as "a bum" following a row over invitations to the White House for NBA-winning teams.
James has won four NBA titles with the Miami Heat (twice), the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
He has been named the league's MVP four times and is the NBA's all-time leader in points and games played.
James will be looking to secure a fifth title with the 76ers following his announcement on Friday that he is heading to Philadelphia.
They now boast the talents of James and All-Stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.
"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team," James said in a lengthy post on social media.
Dave Roberts gives Shohei Ohtani update: Dodgers aren't rushing star back to mound
Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers remains uncertain for the foreseeable future.
Ohtani participated in a bullpen session on Wednesday, July 22 in Philadelphia and is scheduled for another session on Saturday, July 25 in New York.
The sessions could be viewed as a step forward, but he isn’t expected to pitch next week.
"That's too early,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “I feel very good that it won't be next week.”
The two-way star was pulled from his scheduled start before the MLB All-Star break due to inflammation and irritation in his left knee.
"Every player wants to get back out there and do what they do. But I think he understands it's not about July, it's about October," Roberts said. "So, we've already taken a lot of time to get him back to full health, so we're not going to start earlier than we need to."
Ohtani had initially been scheduled to start on Wednesday but the organization then decided against it, with the expectation that they’ll be cautious with the superstar’s workload in the second half of the season.
Ohtani is not expected to throw 100 pitches whenever he does make his return to the mound.
Roberts had recently informed reporters that Ohtani had lubricant injected into his knee but did not have it drained. The injection was intended to provide the All-Star with relief in his knee.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dave Roberts gives Shohei Ohtani update: Dodgers aren't rushing star back to mound
Cole Sillinger avoids arbitration, agrees to 3-year, $13.8M deal with Blue Jackets
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 12: Cole Sillinger #4 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates with the puck against the Boston Bruins during the second period at Nationwide Arena on April 12, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)
NHLI via Getty Images
The Columbus Blue Jackets avoided arbitration by reaching an agreement to sign forward Cole Sillinger to a three-year, $13.875 million contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced. The signing was first reported by Sportsnet.ca.
The 23-year-old Sillinger opted for arbitration earlier this month, with the agreement reached before his scheduled hearing on Monday. Sillinger, the team’s first-round pick in the 2021 draft, is from Columbus and has five years of NHL experience.
Sillinger was a fixture on the team’s third line in making the switch from center to left wing last season, and finished with a career best-matching 33 points (eight goals, 25 assists). Overall, he has 51 goals and 140 points in 367 career games.
Also on Friday, the Florida Panthers avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing to sign newly acquired goalie Akira Schmid to a two-year, $4 million contract.
Florida acquired the 26-year-old Schmid by trading a 2028 third-round pick to Vegas on June 29 as part of an offseason goalie shakeup.
The team acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom in a trade with New Jersey a day later. The additions were made in anticipation of Florida losing long-time starter Sergei Bobrovsky, who has since signed with Toronto in free agency.
Schmid is from Switzerland and posted career-highs with 29 starts and 16 wins in his fifth NHL season last year.
Brent Headrick delivers ‘electric’ performance to help Yankees escape tight spot
PHILADELPHIA — Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice have been the most valuable Yankees this season.
But Brent Headrick might not be far behind.
Access the Yankees beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.
Try it freeDespite not being quite as sharp as he usually has been this season, the lefty reliever came through in the clutch again Friday night to escape a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning and preserve a 1-0 win over the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
All it took was retiring one of the most fearsome hitters in the game, Kyle Schwarber, on a 3-2 count with two outs and the tying run on third base.
“He’s electric,” said Schlittler, who pitched into the eighth inning. “He’s saved me plenty of times this season. … Doesn’t sometimes get the credit he deserves, but he’s been amazing.”
Headrick, who has not allowed a run in a major league-best 44 of his 52 appearances this season, entered with runners on first and second with one out. He got some help from right fielder Jasson Domínguez and left fielder Cody Bellinger on strong throws home — Domínguez’s on a single that loaded the bases and Bellinger’s on Trea Turner’s line out — forcing the Phillies to hold J.T. Realmuto at third.
Headrick then entered a full count against Schwarber — with some key blocks on balls in the dirt from catcher Ali Sánchez — before throwing a 95 mph fastball at the bottom of the zone that generated a chopper to second base for the third out.
“Just throw my best stuff and trust it,” Headrick said. “That’s what you prep for. You love to be in those situations. Any time my name’s called, I’m going to pitch and give everything I have.”
It made for a tense moment with zero margin for error, but in the process, Headrick lowered his ERA to 1.38, continuing to be a godsend for a bullpen that needed more trustworthy arms.
“I think he’s been on the short list of guys that have been the best in the game, that aren’t the full-time closer or whatever,” Boone said.
Boone, a longtime 76ers fan, was among those excited Friday about LeBron James announcing he was signing in Philadelphia.
“Looks like they got a pretty good starting five in the mix,” Boone said with a big grin. “The East is getting interesting.”
Boone’s 76ers fandom stems from spending part of his childhood growing up here while his dad, Bob, was playing for the Phillies. But he manages in New York and has also gotten to know some of the Knicks’ personnel during his tenure, so naturally he was asked whether he favored the Knicks or 76ers heading into next season.
“The Knicks are the champs,” he said diplomatically. “But you bring Jaylen Brown in and LeBron, it’s two pretty good pieces I’d say.
“I’ll be watching with interest, I’m sure, this winter.”
Carlos Rodón (left elbow inflammation) is set to throw a “two-up” bullpen session Saturday — throwing a handful of pitches, sitting down and then getting back up for the equivalent of another inning — with about 35 pitches in total. If he gets through that session without issue, he should advance to facing hitters by next week.
Yankees Merch Shop
- WinCraft insulated can coolers
- Team Effort driver head cover
- 47 Brand adjustable cap
- Customizable jersey
- Logo fleece blanket
- 14-ounce sculpted relief coffee mug
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.
Boone said he still has “no idea” when Rodón might be ready to return to the rotation, though at this rate he will almost certainly need to go on a rehab assignment.
Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John surgery) is scheduled to face hitters for a second time Sunday, throwing another simulated inning as he works towards a potential return later this season.
Luis Gil (right shoulder inflammation) has advanced to facing hitters at the club’s player development complex, according to a video he posted on social media. … Dax Kilby, the Yankees’ first-round pick last summer, was activated off the injured list Friday for the first time this season at Single-A Tampa. The shortstop prospect, battling a hamstring injury, played in a rehab game in late May but then was out of action again until last week, when he played three rehab games without issue, clearing him to join Tampa’s roster.
Breaking down Knicks, 76ers rosters after LeBron James’ decision
The Post breaks down the top 10 players on the Knicks and the 76ers — set to be two of the Eastern Conference’s contenders next season — after LeBron James’ decision to sign with Philadelphia on Friday:
76ers
Projected starting five (name, age, 2025-26 points per game)
LeBron James, 41, 20.9
One of the greatest players of all time called this his last decision. Will it lead to the final title of his historic career too?
Jaylen Brown, 29, 28.7
The former Celtics star, acquired in a blockbuster trade earlier this month, served as Boston’s primary scorer when Jayson Tatum was out, but now he’ll be more of a secondary option again.
Joel Embiid, 32, 26.9
The oft-injured 7-footer has been limited to just 59 combined regular-season games the last two seasons. If healthy, Embiid, a former MVP, can still dominate, but that’s a major caveat at this point.
Tyrese Maxey, 25, 28.3
He’s still a major piece of the future in Philadelphia, but with the 76ers surrounding him with other stars in the present, Maxey, on a $204 million deal, might not need to average 21.4 attempts per game.
VJ Edgecombe, 20, 16.0
Edgecombe finished third in Rookie of the Year voting last year and will complete the starting lineup of this new-look group. His ability to create off the dribble could help create space for the stars.
Bench
Anfernee Simons, 27, 14.3
Simons, a guard, inked a two-year deal with the 76ers in free agency and will provide depth behind Maxey and Edgecombe.
Dean Wade, 29, 5.8
Philadelphia, at least in term, committed to Wade this offseason, handing the former Cavaliers forward a four-year, $39 million contract.
Labaron Philon, 20, 22.0 (Alabama)
Philon joined the 76ers as their first-round pick in June, and the rookie guard averaged 18.5 points and 5.8 assists during summer league games.
Dominick Barlow, 23, 7.7
Unless something goes awry, the 76ers won’t need Barlow to start 59 games again. He’ll instead provide a spark off the bench.
Ariel Hukporti, 24, 2.2
This spot could’ve gone to Justin Edwards (12 starts last year, 37.2 percent on 3-pointers) or Aden Bona, too. Hukporti, the Knicks’ third center last year, signed a one-year deal and will compete with Bona for the backup job behind Embiid.
Knicks
Projected starting five (name, age, 2025-26 points per game)
Jalen Brunson, 29, 26.0
The Knicks’ quest to repeat will run through their captain, with Brunson helping the Knicks snap their 53-year championship drought and becoming one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Karl-Anthony Towns, 30, 20.1
Towns endured plenty of ebbs and flows during his first season in coach Mike Brown’s system, but he made all of those growing pains an afterthought with his playoff performance.
OG Anunoby, 29, 16.7
Anunoby, who possesses the biggest contract in Knicks history ($212.5 million), produced his forever moment with the tip-in to win Game 4 of the NBA Finals — and has continued to improve his game offensively.
Mikal Bridges, 29, 14.4
Bridges silenced any lingering doubts about whether he was worth five first-round picks during the Knicks’ championship run, but now he’ll be tasked with stretching that consistency across a full season.
Josh Hart, 31, 12.0
Always a double-double threat who’s willing to fill just about any role, Hart, who enters his fourth full year with the Knicks, has become an integral piece of their success.
Bench
Miles McBride, 25, 12.0
He won’t be a bargain for long, but McBride, a strong option off the bench capable of starting when needed, will spend 2026-27 on the final year of his three-year, $13 million deal.
Landry Shamet, 29, 9.3
After fighting through injuries and surviving a nonguaranteed deal, Shamet etched his place in Knicks lore with playoff contributions off the bench — and then was rewarded with a four-year, $24 million deal.
Andre Drummond, 32, 6.4
Drummond became the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson replacement at center behind Towns, leaving the 76ers in free agency for a one-year deal worth $3.9 million.
Jordan Clarkson, 34, 8.6
The former Sixth Man of the Year winner proved he’s still capable of contributing, even if his role — and his stats — looks a little bit different than earlier in his career.
Jose Alvarado, 28, 6.6
A feisty backup point guard capable of providing a jolt off the bench, Alvarado extended his homecoming with a three-year deal last month.
How does LeBron James joining 76ers affect Nets?
LeBron James shocked the basketball world Friday by choosing the Philadelphia 76ers rather than the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers or Minnesota Timberwolves. As late at Thursday night, CBS Sports had put Philly at No. 5 among the five suitors but James saw them as the team best prepared for a championship run with holdovers Joel Emhiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe as well as newcomers Jaylen Brown and Dean Wade.
For the Nets, there doesn’t seem to be any direct effect. They still rebuilding and the decision seems little more than a reshuffling of those above them in now increasingly top heavy East. In addition to James and Brown joining Philly, Giannis Antetokounmpo moved from Milwaukee to Miami and Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers back to the Toronto Raptors. Not to mention, the New York Knicks are the defending NBA champions. ESPN ranks the Nets at 29th in their post-LeBron power ranking, putting only the Bucks behind them.
It does seems likely that the 76ers pick in 2028, protected 1-through-8, will be transferred to Brooklyn, but it’s also likely to be very low. James contract is two years at the vets minimum with the second year, 2027-28, a player option.
Where things might be get interesting is what the spurned suitors do going forward. Do they try to fill in the blanks left open by James and try to acquire another big scorer like Michael Porter Jr., who’s looking for a big extension in Brooklyn. The question is whether Sean Marks and MPJ’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, can reach an agreement and if not, will Bartlelstein push to move Porter Jr. elsewhere.
Brooklyn also has all those draft assets should any of the suitors decide that without James, it’s time to rebuild. But the most likely repercussion revolves around Porter Jr. as Brian Lewis summarized.
Michael Porter Jr. believes in Brooklyn’s future.
The question is whether he’ll be a part of it.
Will the Nets extend him?
Or trade him?
MPJ has fully insinuated himself into the Nets rebuild. Averaging 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists last year, he also established himself as a premier shotmaker. More than that, though, he assumed the role of leader of the team, not just taking the Flatbush 5 under his wing, even hosting them at the Lake of the Ozarks in his native Missouri and at the very least acting like he’s recruiting Denver Nuggets free agent Peyton Watson to Brooklyn. Moreover, he’s said all the right things about the Nets’ future.
“We had five rookies, the youngest team in the NBA. It was a completely different role that I had. But it was something that I cherished,” Porter told ESPN at last weekend’s FanFest in New York. “I think we’re building something special over there.”
Last Wednesday in Las Vegas,Marks was clear in saying that the organization wants Porter around.
“I’m sure we’ll have those discussions. We’ve got time; there’s no immediate hurry right now with Mike. We value him a lot. He had a terrific year last year, arguably his best year as a pro,” Marks said. “It’s been great to see what Mike’s done for us, so I look forward to having those discussions…
“That would certainly be something we’re going to have that optionality,” said Marks. “Any time you’re in a hurry, that’s when people make mistakes. I don’t think we want to do anything hastily or in a rush … We’re just going to have those discussions between the two of us and our representatives and go from there.”
Bartelstein seemed more skeptical.
“Sean and I have talked. Michael loves it in Brooklyn. Jordi [Fernández] has been great for him. I think Jordi has been so innovative in how he’s used Michael. I think it’s a great fit,” Bartelstein said on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“But that’s something that Sean and I have to sit down and talk about. The Nets have to ultimately chart out their course for the way they want to go forward. Obviously, we got to do the same thing for Michael. If we can make it work where there’s a long-term fit, that would be awesome. But that’s something we’re going to be talking about here in the days ahead.”
The 6’10” forward has been eligible since June 19 for a four-year, $234 million extension although most pundits think that a more reasonable deal could be at the same length but about $60 million less for the 28-year-old. Another possibility being bandied about is for the Nets to give Porter an immediate $9 million raise on his $40.8 million expiring salary then extend him at lower numbers, as they did with Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson. A deal like that would make him even more valuable at the trade deadline, as Lewis noted.
Suppose the two sides don’t reach an agreement and he goes on the trade market? What could the Nets get for MPJ? More draft picks? Better ones? And from who? Steve Kerr, Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor wrote Thursday, wasn’t interested in Porter last year and is unlikely to want to change his mind now. The Pistons were also rumored as a suitor last season, but they’re all tied up with Jalen Duren’s free agency.
Also, it should be clear by now that the Nets are unlikely to make any big moves that will deprive them of future assets. They know they aren’t contenders. The plan is not the sixth or seventh seed. Win instead of tank, sure, but the LeBron move just reemphasizes where they sit. So they’d rather save assets, perhaps till the February deadline if not later. The rebuild is long. There’s no urgency.
There are other possibilities as well. The Nets still have around $12 million in cap space which they can use to give MPJ that raise or pay the yet unsigned Moe Wagner or sign him to the room exception. in extending MPJ. He’s eligible for it through next July when his current contract runs out. And there’s always surprises like LeBron James choosing Philly over South Beach.
- Nets still have a Michael Porter Jr. call to make as he reaffirms his belief: ‘Building something special’ ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
- Michael Porter Jr. may want Brooklyn but the post-Lebron market may test the Nets ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
Waratahs spoil Fijian Drua party to claim third straight Super Rugby Women’s title
Fijian Drua 17-34 NSW Waratahs as grand final held in Fiji for first time
Tahs forward Faliki Pohiva named player of match
NSW Waratahs have produced a scintillating performance to complete a hat-trick of Super W rugby titles with a 34-17 win over minor premiers Fijian Drua in Ba, Fiji.
The Tahs also secured a record-extending seventh Super W title, with their tighthead prop Faliki Pohiva named player of the final.
Continue reading...Why Charles Barkley believes LeBron James has chance to surpass Michael Jordan as NBA’s GOAT
Charles Barkley, a legendary 76er, believes LeBron James still has time to supplant Michael Jordan as basketball’s GOAT.
Barkley — who recently repaired his relationship with Jordan — has believed the Bulls icon has been the greatest of all time. But he now believes James has one final opportunity to change that conversation, but it will take a lot.
Barkley told Stephen A. Smith on Friday that if the 76ers win two titles in James’ two years in Philadelphia — that’s if he opts in to the second — after agreeing to a contract Friday, it would solidify his GOAT case.
“If he wins back-to-back championships and walks away this thing at 44, 45. I’ll say something I ain’t never said before. This dude, I think I just saw the greatest basketball player ever,” Barkley told Smith.
Though Barkley did mention that James has provided himself advantages with “stacking the deck” throughout his career when joining talented teams.
“The number one knock on LeBron for older guys like myself has always been, ‘Yo, man, you always stacking your team,'” Barkley said. “He stacked in Miami. He stacked in Cleveland. He stacked in LA. Now he’s stacking it in Philly. So that to me, I’m going to still have the same criticism I’ve always had.”
The comments came just hours after James officially announced he was signing with the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract, calling it the final decision of his Hall of Fame career.
Rather than retire after 23 NBA seasons, the four-time MVP chose one last championship pursuit with a franchise that has not won a title since 1983.
For Barkley, the significance goes beyond simply winning another ring.
James already owns four championships with three different organizations, capturing titles with the Heat, Cavaliers and Lakers, and winning a title with the 76ers would only add to his Hall of Fame resume.
SuperSonics during the NBA Finals on Oct. 23, 1996 at the
United Center in Chicago. NBAE via Getty Images
Philadelphia has assembled one of the NBA’s most talented rosters during a blockbuster offseason.
The franchise first stunned the league by acquiring four-time All-Star Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, pairing one of basketball’s premier two-way wings with former MVP Joel Embiid and All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Guard V.J. Edgecombe also gives Philly another high-upside piece as the organization pushes all-in for a championship, fresh off Rookie of the Year contention.
Utah Jazz Survey Results: What should happen at center?
The Utah Jazz came out of the 2026 NBA Draft on the verge of a breakout season. All that was left for the Jazz was to re-sign Walker Kessler. It felt like it was an inevitability until the news that the Lakers agreed to give the Jazz every asset they had to bring Walker Kessler to LA. That left the Jazz with a question mark at center that they probably didn’t expect.
The question for the Jazz and Jazz fans became: what should they do about the center position? They signed Jusuf Nurkic to a two-year contract and signed Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba, but those don’t feel like long-term solutions. Knowing that they don’t have a long-term solution at center, do you make a trade now, or wait? Here’s what Jazz fans think:
So, according to a slight majority of Jazz fans, the Jazz should keep the center rotation the same. It does make sense. Jusuf Nurkic revitalized his career last season and played at a league-average level (according to Dunks and Threes). That 2-year, $22M contract is very affordable. The other thing to consider with this is that Utah isn’t desperate to make a move. They can wait until the right opportunity, at the right cost, comes up. Maybe that happens this season? Maybe they wait till the draft next year? Either way, they can wait to make a move.
According to FanDuel, they might not think Utah is going to make a move because they have Utah’s over/under of wins at 36.5. What do you think? Does Utah win more than 36.5 wins? Or would they need to upgrade at center to do that?
Cubs Minor League Wrap: Luis Martinez-Gomez shines in Smokies win
Left-hander Drew Pomeranz has elected free agency.
If you want to know why I don’t do Dominican Summer League recaps, among the many reasons is that Cubs Blue lost to Pirates Gold today 21-17. Cubs Blue drew 18 walks and issued 11 of them.
Iowa Cubs
Rained out. Doubleheader on Saturday in Gwinnett.
Knoxville Smokies
The Knoxville Smokies tossed out the Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels), 4-3.
Luis Martinez-Gomez just dominated the Trash Panda. Martinez-Gomez pitched six innings and allowed two runs on two hits. Both runs scored on a home run and one of them was unearned. But Martinez-Gomez struck out a career-high 12 batters and walked no one. His career high for strikeouts before tonight was just seven. He blew past that.
Kenyi Perez relieved Martinez-Gomez to start the seventh and gave up the one-run lead after a double, a bunt and a sacrifice fly. But Perez got the win when the Smokies came back in the eighth. Perez’s final line was one run on one hit over one inning. He did not have a strikeout or a walk.
Tyler Ras retired the side in order in the ninth for the save. He also did not strike anyone out.
Right fielder Carter Trice hit a solo home run in the top of the eighth to give the Smokies the lead for good. It was Trice’s 12th home run this year. Trice also had an RBI double in the top of the first inning. Trice went 2 for 4.
Center fielder Alex Ramírez went 2 for 5 with a double. He scored once.
Here’s Trice’s RBI double and an RBI single for Andy Garriola, who was 1 for 3 with a hit by pitch.
Trice’s home run.
South Bend Cubs
The South Bend Cubs made boots out of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers), 9-8 in 11 innings.
Starter Alfredo Romero went 4.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits. One of the two runs was unearned. Romero struck out five, walked one and hit one batter.
Nate Williams gave up two runs in the top of the 11th, but got the win when South Bend struck back for three runs in the bottom of the inning. Williams gave up two runs on one hit over one inning. One of the runs was unearned, naturally. Williams walked two and struck out one.
Catcher Justin Stransky singled home the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Stransky went 2 for 5 with a walk and two runs scored. He also stole a base.
Earlier in the 11th, left fielder Kade Snell had a key RBI double. He then scored the winning run on Stransky’s hit. Snell went 1 for 5.
First baseman Michael Carico hit a solo home run in the fourth inning. It was his first home run for South Bend and eighth overall. Carico was 1 for 4 with a walk and he scored twice.
Right fielder Josiah Hartshorn went 3 for 5 with a walk and four RBI.
Center fielder Kane Kepley was 1 for 2 with three walks and he reached on catcher’s interference. Kepley also stole a base. He scored two runs.
Carico’s home run.
You need to watch this two-run single by Hartshorn and how Stransky leaps the catcher to avoid the tag.
Terrific defense from shortstop Angel Cepeda.
Snell’s big double.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans split a doubleheader with the Hickory Crawdads (Rangers), winning game one 2-1 in eight innings and losing game two 2-1.
Game one of the doubleheader was scoreless through seven innings. Starter David Avitia pitched four innings, giving up just three hits. He walked two and struck out two.
David Bracho did not allow a hit over the next three innings, but he did walk three batters. Bracho didn’t strike anyone out.
After the Pelicans scored two runs in the top of the eighth, Yoendris Gonzalez gave up one unearned run on two hits in the bottom of the eight for the save. Gonzalez struck out one.
Shortstop Alexis Hernandez singled home the second run in the top of the eighth. He was 1 for 4.
Left fielder Derik Alcantara went 2 for 3.
Braylon Myers started game two and gave up one run on three hits over four innings. Myers struck out six and walked one.
Sam Mettert threw the final two innings, allowed a run on four hits, and got the loss. Mettert struck out two and walked no one.
Center fielder Ethan Conrad went 1 for 3 with an RBI double in the first inning in game two.
Catcher Ivan Cespedes was 2 for 3.
Kyle Tucker praises ‘great people’ with Mets but is plenty happy with Dodgers choice
Kyle Tucker hammered the Mets, then said nice things about them.
The slumping slugger, whom the Mets went after in free agency, homered and had two hits in the Dodgers’ 4-2 win at Citi Field on Friday night.
Access the Mets beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.
Try it free“They’re great people over there. I had [Troy Snitker], their hitting coach, when I was in Houston. A few familiar faces over there,” Tucker said when asked about the Mets’ pursuit in the winter. “I think they have some really good players. Hasn’t necessarily worked out how they had hoped or wanted to have the season go, but it kind of happens sometimes.
“It’s always a tough decision, trying to figure out where to go. I just felt comfortable coming out to LA. Everything’s been great since.”
Tucker wound up signing a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers, $20 million more than the Mets offered.
Early on, he hasn’t been worth the money. He was dropped in the batting order to seventh in the series opener, and has a slash line of .240/.333/.371 with a pedestrian .704 OPS.
He has only eight homers after averaging 26.8 over the previous five seasons.
Posturing or an indication the Mets are planning to keep their catchers?
In his press conference Friday, president of baseball operations David Stearns was asked about Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens being involved in potential trades.
“Without commenting on any specific player or approach to any specific player, catching is really important,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to have two really good ones.”
The Post’s Jon Heyman has reported that the Mets are willing to move the 24-year-old Alvarez for the right price. Alvarez and Torrens are under team control beyond this season.
Ahead of his Hall of Fame induction this weekend, Carlos Beltrán revealed that Mets officials talked to him about managing the team after firing Carlos Mendoza, but he declined the opportunity. Stearns didn’t add much on the talks that two sides had.
MEts merch shop
- 47 Brand logo cap
- 1986 eco tote bag
- Mets fiber beach towel
- 14-ounce sculpted relief mug
- Customizable jersey
- Color block logo backpack
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.
“I love having Carlos as a special assistant, he does a great job,” Stearns said. “I’m really excited for him and his family about what they’re about to experience this weekend. It’s very well-deserved.”
Beltrán has served as a Mets special assistant for the last four seasons.
Former Mets closer Edwin Díaz missed his new team’s return to his old home. He is on a rehabilitation assignment after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his right throwing elbow in April. … Carson Benge became the first Mets rookie outfielder with two assists since Juan Lagares in 2013. … Actress Emma Stone was in the Mets dugout during batting practice to film a scene for her new movie, “The Catch.” It looks like Juan Soto has a cameo in the film.
Philadelphia 76ers schedule: When might LeBron James make Sixers debut?
LeBron James has returned to the Eastern Conference with his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, July 24.
James spent the first 15 years of his career in the Eastern Conference, before spending the last eight years in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While playing in the Eastern Conference, James created several key rivals, including the Boston Celtics.
James could make his debut in a 76ers uniform against the Celtics, with Philadelphia having a pair of preseason games scheduled against Boston.
The 76ers will play a preseason game in Boston against the Celtics on Saturday, Oct. 10. The Celtics will travel to Philadelphia for a game on Friday, Oct. 16.
James' status for the games at this point remains uncertain and it's worth nothing the games against the Celtics are the Sixers' only scheduled preseason contests at present. The Lakers have five preseason games on their docket, for point of comparison, so it's possible more Sixers preseason games could come into focus later this summer.
James did not participate in preseason games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season but did play games in 2024 alongside his son Bronny James.
The NBA's short preseason means there are limited opportunities for new players like James and Jaylen Brown to get familiar with teammates Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in a live game setting. If James does not play in the preseason, he will presumably make his Sixers debut in the regular season opener. An opponent and date for the 76ers’ first game have not been announced.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Philadelphia 76ers schedule: When might LeBron James make Sixers debut?
Sixth inning of horror dooms White Sox
While a regulation MLB game is nine innings, it can take just one inning to change the entire landscape of a game. Unfortunately for the White Sox, they were on the bad end of an inning that was more horrifying than the recent Backrooms movie.
It was an odd game that had the good vibes flowing from the very beginning. The White Sox took advantage of wild Houston starter Spencer Arrighetti from the jump and put up three runs before the Astros could find a trash can to take advantage of. The White Sox would add on two more runs in the fifth thanks to a rally started by “small ball” walks/wild pitches/singles.
It appeared that nothing could stop the White Sox from taking another step closer to the AL Central crown — until the game turned around so quick it may have just gave all 28,657 in attendance whiplash.
Down 5-0, the Houston Astros dropped a snowman on the White Sox in the sixth inning. Of the 11 Astros who strolled to the plate and eventually ended up reaching base, nine were due to either a single, walk, or a hit batter. It wasn’t like Davis Martin and Bryan Hudson were throwing meatballs down the plate that were getting blasted to Hammond, they just couldn’t buy an out. Nevertheless, it was an incredibly surprising development, especially with Martin on the hill. After allowing just three hits over the first five innings, he allowed three hits and hit a batter in the sixth inning alone before he was yanked for Hudson.
While Martin’s meltdown alone was bad enough, it only got worse with Hudson having a complete blow up. Much like Martin, Hudson has been solid most of the year, but had an awful night; the southpaw could only get two outs while giving up four earned runs in the process.
Eventually and improbably, Seranthony Domínguez got the White Sox out of the inning. But much like going out after 2 a.m., when you have three separate pitchers throwing in the same inning, nothing good can result. The Astros onslaught stunned the crowd, and it’s hard to blame the offense for looking shellshocked the rest of the night.
Both fortunately and unfortunately, there wasn’t really much action after that sixth inning. Fortunately, because the South Siders didn’t get embarrassed any worse, but also unfortunately because it was truly that one inning that led to Chicago’s demise. It was a weird change from a team that hasn’t let too many games get away this year.
With a Cleveland Guardians loss, this 9-5 disappointment was more of a “no harm, no foul” situation. Even so, it still sucks to see a perfectly good win, and chance to gain another game atop the AL Central, go to waste due to one inning.
Out of all the sad South Side fans, my heart goes out to our SSS colleague Hannah Filippo, as not only did she have to watch the loss, but she also started Davis Martin in her fantasy league. You’ll get them next time, Hannah!
MVP
Braden Montgomery: 3-for-5, R, RBI, 2 K
Runners-Up
Chase Meidroth: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
Trevor Richards: 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K
Cold Cat
Bryan Hudson: 2/3 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, BB, K, LOSS (3-3)
Runners-Up
Davis Martin: 5 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 K
Drew Romo: 0-for-3, .127 AVG and .515 OPS on the season