We’ve been treated to Chris Sale going up against some of the best pitchers in baseball lately.
August alone saw him battle against Gerrit Cole of the Yankees, Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers.
That run continues Friday night as the Braves ace faces off against Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez in the opener of a four-game series in Philadelphia which is set for a 6:40 p.m. ET start time.
The Braves won five of six games against the Phillies back in April, including the final game before manager Rob Thomson was fired in a moment that turned around Philadelphia’s season.
A similar showing the next two weekends would effectively lock up the NL East, but it won’t come as easy against a opposing team which has won 15 of its last 18 games.
Tune in on BravesVision or the radio, ride the emotional roller coaster and follow along in this game thread as the Braves face rival Philadelphia for the first time in over four months.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
As for Jeanie Buss and her family, they’re set for another date in court as Jeanie attempts to block her five siblings (Jim, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss) from selling the family’s 17.8% share of the Lakers.
If Jeanie Buss’ siblings are able to sell the ownership stake, then she won’t be able to remain the Lakers’ governor.
If Buss is successful with blocking her siblings’ attempted sale, she’ll retain the ownership stake in the Lakers (through the Buss family trust) required for her to remain the franchise’s governor (at least 15%, by league rules).
Bob Iger, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, will be most involved in the Lakers’ operations between him and Josh Kushner. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Disney
But with Kushner being the person expected to have the largest shares of the Lakers, as if Iger doesn’t have the minimum 15% ownership stake required to be an NBA franchise’s governor, Kushner being in the role would be appropriate.
But there’s a conflict: Iger told The Post in the immediate aftermath of the sale that he and Kushner intended to honor the agreement made between Walter and Buss that would have Buss remain the franchise’s governor through at least 2030.
That comment came with a very important caveat.
Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss is attempting to stop her siblings from selling the family’s minority ownership stake in the franchise. Getty Images
“If things change, they’ll change,” Iger told The Post at the time. “But we’re going into this with enormous respect and appreciation for who [Buss] is and what she represents in the organization.”
Change appeared to be on the horizon when the Buss siblings announced their wishes to sell their ownership stake of the Lakers. But that change may not happen if Jeanie Buss gets her wish and has the attempted sale legally blocked.
It’s part of the reason the Lakers’ plans under new ownership aren’t known.
Not just because there isn’t precedent of a Kusher/Iger-led regime for an NBA franchise.
But because what will be the Lakers’ internal hierarchy isn’t clear.
And with the majority ownership sale not official and still under review from the league, and the Buss family’s court date pushed back a month, those answers will likely take a while to gather.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spoke prior to Friday's series opener against the Giants and touched on what he's learned from a few new players and the expectations from others going into next season...
Polanco's defensive future
Stearns signed Jorge Polanco this past offseason to be the team's everyday first baseman, but that hasn't gone according to plan.
Injuries have marred Polanco's first season in Queens. Polanco appeared in just 37 games, slashing .148/.201/.230 with an OPS of .431 to go along with his two home runs and six RBI. A combination of a right wrist contusion and left ankle bursitis took Polanco out for the rest of the season.
After Polanco underwent surgery to address his ankle, Stearns was asked about what he believes the veteran slugger's defensive future looks like.
"It’s a little TBD, unfortunately," Stearns said. "Clearly, it did not work out the way we anticipated this year. If there’s one thing I learned about Jorge, he’s going to work incredibly hard to do everything in his power to be a good player for us next year. I think he will be. We’re not going to know exactly where he is physically until he gets on the field for us."
Of the 36 games he's appeared in this season, he's played first base three times and started just twice at the position.
Young's production 'is real'
With Polanco absent, Jared Young has taken advantage of the playing time.
This season has given the 31-year-old his most playing time in the bigs and he's provided the Mets with ample production. In 91 games, Young has slashed .265/.324/.434 with an OPS of .758, to go with his eight homers and 35 RBI.
Stearns was asked about Young and how he assesses him and the POBO believes what he's seen out of Young.
"This is a good hitter. It’s someone who we thought of as a good hitter going back to last year, we just couldn’t give him the consistent runway at the big league level," Stearns explained. "He’s done it for a prolonged stretch now. We think it’s real. He controls the strike zone well, he gives you consistently good at-bats. He understands game situations. He’s a good player and he’s demonstrated that."
New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) hits a RBI single during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. / Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Mets want more from Semien offensively
Marcus Semien was another high-profile acquisition by Stearns, as the POBO traded for the veteran second baseman, dealing Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers.
And while Stearns has publicly expressed that the move was for defensive purposes, the offensive production from Semien has been stark. The 35-year-old's offense has continued to dip year-over-year, and in 2026, it's arguably at its lowest.
Stearns recognizes it, but believes Semien can still provide offensive production next season and that the veteran infielder offers more to the clubhouse than what we see on the field.
"Marcus remains someone who can be one of those steadying forces on a team. He posts every day, he takes his craft incredibly seriously he works very hard," Stearns said. "He’s still a very good defender. We’ve seen that. The offensive performance in its totality hasn’t been what he wants or what we want. We’ve seen flashes, but the totality, he would want more, we would want more. In terms of who he is as a person, how he’s contributed to the team from a work ethic standpoint, has been outstanding."
Entering Friday, Semien is batting a career-low .218 with career lows in OBP (.283), slugging (.348) and OPS (.631) across 120 games.
Senga's uncertain future in the 'pen
The Mets transitioning Kodai Senga to the bullpen has been successful so far.
Since Aug. 4, when Senga first came out of the bullpen regularly, Senga has pitched to a 1.74 ERA, allowing just two runs across 10.1 innings pitched. He's been 5-for-5 in save opportunities since Devin Williams went down to injury, and has stabilized the bullpen.
However, Williams will be back soon and with two more years left on Williams' deal, where Senga fits next season and beyond is anyone's guess. Stearns is also unsure of Senga's future but credited the right-hander for handling the move like a professional.
"It’s fun to see," Stearns said of Senga coming out of the bullpen. "I think his investment in that role, even though he views himself as a starter. I think he prefers to start, but his investment in that role, the way he’s embraced that role, is a great example for his teammates, for the organization as a whole. And he’s done a great job.
"Where that is moving forward to next year, is still to be determined. It’s great to see and he has shown some really good stuff at times out of the pen."
Relying on Manaea next season
Opposite of Senga, Sean Manaea began the year in the bullpen before working his way back into the rotation.
While 2026 continues to be a rollercoaster for the southpaw, Stearns believes Manaea can attack the offseason and help anchor the rotation next year.
"Clearly didn’t get off to the start he wanted to," Stearns said. "Worked really hard and saw sustained success in the middle and the last couple, especially toward the end in outings; the outings have gotten away from him."
Manaea had a stretch of four straight starts of allowing two or fewer runs (Jul. 9-Aug. 9), before he faltered. Over his last four starts, he's allowed 19 runs across 23.2 innings.
Next season, the Mets will likely go into the year with a rotation that includes Manaea, Nolan McLean and Christian Scott, with youngster Zac Thornton being in the mix. If the Mets hope to compete, they'll need Manaea's veteran presence and effectiveness.
"In general, we need Sean to have a very good offseason, come back and he’s going to be a part of this team next season," Stearns continued. "We’re going to count on him. He’s demonstrated that he can perform at a high level and contribute to the team and that’s what we’ll need him to do."
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry gestures after scoring a three-point shot during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., Friday, April 17, 2026. San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
“Man, I’ve been in the league for a while, and that [trip to Sloevnia] was my first time doing something like that. Going to somebody’s country, and bringing us out there, and spending that much time together. I never did that before,” Looney said of Dončić during a recent interview with ESPN Radio’s “Mason & Ireland” podcast.
Los Angeles Lakers player Kevon Looney leaves the InterContinental Hotel for a team dinner during the Lakers’ team mini camp. Andrej Tarfila/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
“That just shows his character, shows that he really wants to win. He wants the people to know his background and why he is how he is. And I think he did a good job of that,” Looney added.
“He’s a great player and a great leader. He likes to show what he can do on the court, and then we got to see his personality off the court. So it was great. We’re going to follow him and run through a wall for him,” Looney concluded.
Kevon Looney has praised the leadership he’s seen from Luka Doncic so far
“That (the Slovenia trip) was my first time doing something like that. That shows his character and that he really wants to win. We’re going to follow him and run through a wall for him.” pic.twitter.com/I4etQaL5Gs
While the Lakers played a lot of basketball during that Slovenia trip, the focus seemed to be more on building camaraderie off the court.
And based on what Looney said, this appears to be where Dončić made the strongest impression.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts after scoring a basket during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on Monday, March 16, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 31: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres celebrates hitting a single in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 31, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a dismal road trip for the San Diego Padres. The club dropped five of six games and now returns home to Petco Park on the outside of the playoff picture. They aren’t outside it by much (half a game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks), but it hurts. San Diego was viewed as one of the hottest teams in baseball. The Friars have cooled off significantly since then.
Now they’ll turn to the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals at home. The two teams own some of the most potent offenses in all of MLB. San Diego’s pitching staff will need to lock it down if they hope to win either series. Not only that, but the Friars will need to rediscover some slug. They’ve lost it somewhat lately, but could rediscover it against two of the worst bullpens in baseball.
Taking the mound
Max Fried (NYY) v. Walker Buehler (SD)
Fried has spent a major part of his sophomore season in New York on the injured list. The lefty has pitched just 90 innings, though Fried has been remarkably effective during that time. The Yankees’ pitcher owns a 2.80 ERA through 16 starts. His strikeout numbers are down a little, but he’s still pitched quite well when he is on the mound.
The left-hander is coming off of an electric month of August. Fried posted a minuscule 1.33 ERA across four starts in the month. That said, his final start was just 3 2/3 innings after missing some more time on the injured list. The Yanks have planned to use Fried alongside Will Warren in a piggyback system for the series opener.
Despite his subpar stat line, Buehler has been one of the most valuable pitchers in baseball. The veteran right-hander has stabilized San Diego’s rotation alongside Michael King. Buehler had some tough stretches, hence his overblown 4.66 ERA, but he’s been fantastic down the stretch. Across his last seven starts, Buehler owns a 3.19 ERA (36.2 IP).
Apart from Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon, the Bronx Bombers don’t have much experience against the righty. The majority of that trio’s experience against Buehler comes due to their tenures in the NL West (Goldschmidt, Dbacks; Grisham, Padres; McMahon, Rockies). The three have a combined batting average of .235 against Buehler.
Batter up!
Despite their tough stretch, the Friars have hit quite well, scoring four or more runs in four of their last six games. They scored three in the other two games. They’ll need to turn it up against New York if they hope to reverse their recent misfortunes.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Manny Machado, 3B
Ty France, 1B
Jackson Merrill, CF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Dustin Harris, LF
Freddy Fermin, C
Ethan Salas, DH
With Salas making his MLB debut behind the dish on Wednesday in the series finale, it’s uncertain if he’ll play in the home opener. It seems likely that, if he does, it will be as the designated hitter with Fermin behind the plate, though that remains to be seen.
Relief corps
With starter Casey Mize working through just four innings, the bullpen was taxed a bit on Wednesday. Mize departed having surrendered four runs before Wandy Peralta, David Morgan, Kyle Hart and Jhony Brito covered the rest of the game. All but Morgan surrendered a run.
Now, the bullpen is rested and will hopefully be reset after their off day on Thursday. The readily available options for the Padres are Griffin Canning, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez. Those final three represent San Diego’s highest-leverage options.
Jul 31, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan (55) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler (12) to end the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Update: The broadcast says the game is now scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT first pitch.
First things first: there’s rain in Cincinnati, so first pitch will not be at the scheduled 5:10 p.m. start time. It sounds like the rain should move out fairly quickly, though, so hopefully it’ll start by about 6 p.m. We’ll keep you updated.
The Brewers are coming off one of the biggest series of the year, a four-gamer which they split with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Before facing off with Chicago for a final time during this regular season, Milwaukee makes a quick jaunt to Cincinnati for three games with the Reds.
For the Brewers, they’ll turn to Shane Drohan, who last pitched on Saturday when he beat the Rangers with five innings of one-run ball. Drohan made a pair of starts against the Reds in late June and early July. He worked 4 1/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts in the first of those (Milwaukee would win 6-5), and went 5 2/3 innings while allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in the second game, another Milwaukee win at 4-2.
The Reds are a little bit hot, having won two series in a row and four of their last six games against likely NL playoff teams, the Cubs and the Padres. Still, they’re the caboose in the NL Central, 1.5 games behind the Pirates. Cincinnati’s starting pitcher tonight is the righty Rhett Lowder. Just 24 years old, Lowder was a first-round pick in 2023 and debuted at 22 the following season. He had an impressive cup of coffee with a 1.17 ERA in 30 2/3 innings but missed most of the 2025 season (and all of the major league season) with elbow and oblique injuries. This season, he’s been healthy, but has struggled a bit: in 24 games (21 of which were starts), Lowder has a 5.14 ERA and 4.64 FIP in 112 innings.
In roster news, reliever Joel Kuhnel — who was designated for assignment after the 30-day limit on his rehab assignment expired earlier this week — was claimed by the Giants. Kuhnel made 10 appearances for the Brewers this season, in which he allowed nine runs (seven earned) in 9 2/3 innings. Cheers, Joel, it was fun when you could suddenly throw 99 in Las Vegas.
The calls to move Brice Turang down in the lineup have been heard. Turang is playing tonight, but the struggling second baseman will bat sixth, while the Brewers will try a new lefty at the top of the lineup: Sal Frelick. Jake Bauers bats second, while Christian Yelich is fourth, so the Brewers are cramming lefties at the top of the lineup. Jackson Chourio hits third with William Contreras fifth; Garrett Mitchell, Cooper Pratt, and David Hamilton round out the lineup.
As mentioned, first pitch was scheduled for 5:10 p.m. but with rain in Cincinnati, it won’t start then. Right now, they’re saying they’ll meet and talk about it around 4:45, but the rain may be done by 6:00. The game is on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 6: A general view of the Coors Light Silver Bullet Bar on the rooftop before a game between the Colorado Rockies and the Washington Nationals on Opening Day at Coors Field on April 6, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming off a good series in Los Angeles (any winning series there is good), the Cardinals make their only 2026 trip into Denver this weekend for a three-game set. Grandkids will be in tow as I take in these games in person. The Rockies appear to be playing out the string, prepping more for next year than competing this year. But those pesky Cardinals won’t quite go away. If nothing else, this team has shown admiring resilience in the face of adversity. If playing meaningful games in September is instructive, this team should learn a lot about itself. 21 games left. If they can torch the Dodgers the way they did at their place, anything can happen.
The venue
Can’t have a series in Denver without noting the unique park factors that influence the games played. Overall, Coors field adds about 12% more offense than the “average” park. For reference, the next most prolific offensive environment is Fenway Park, which adds 3%. Quite a jump to Coors. An interesting feature of the outfield is that it more the doubles the incidence of … triples, at 207 (100 is average).
Hard hit percentages, xwOBAcon and stuff are just above league average, so it’s not like anyone the ball harder, just that it travels farther (9% more homers) and bounces around a lot larger outfield (all those tripes and 24% more doubles).
The opponent
The Rockies stand at 54-86, second worst record in baseball (1 game better than the hapless Angels), hoping for another high, high draft pick. Not like many of the others have helped much. They need a different strategy. Run prevention is this team’s biggest flaw. Their main focus right now appears to be trying to avoid a fifth straight 100-loss season. In comparison, I feel spoiled being disappointed in a fourth straight non-playoff season.
They are coming off a series win against … the Orioles, who were coming off a good series against…the Cardinals.
Their offense is surprisingly middling given the 12% goose when they get play half their games at Coors. Goodman, Rumfeld and McCarthy are their main offensive threats. Their rotation has been surprisingly stable, but not great as the lowest ERA is 5.38. Lorenzen, Sugano, Freeland and Feltner are their main starters.
The pitching probables
Friday 9.3 – 740pm CDT – Pallante vs. RHP Ryan Feltner (5.84 ERA)
Saturday 9.4 – 710pm CDT – Liberatore vs. RHP Mason Adams (3.00 ERA, a newcomer from the White Sox org)
Sunday 9.5 – 210pm CDT – Leahy (or McGreevy) vs. RHP Tanner Gordon (5.18 ERA)
Alexander Isak’s early quick-fire double gave Andoni Iraola his first win as Liverpool manager
The teams are out! Ipswich in blue, Liverpool in red. A wonderful start-of-the-weekend, possibly-a-few-pints-to-the-good atmosphere under the lights at Portman Road! Not long now. In the meantime, here’s Dave Estherby with some pre-match words of encouragement for Liverpool:“Not really sure what’s going on upstairs at Anfield. Another summer where they’ve spaffed money up the wall for unproven PL players without realising they need a goalkeeper, two full backs, a centre half, two forwards, a winger and a replacement for whatever Mac Allister is supposed to do. AND back up for Ekitike who probably won’t play until the new year at least. Shambles. I feel sorry for Iraola, he couldn’t really turn them down but it might end up a backwards step.”
Pre-match postbag. “Leaving aside Liverpool’s less than imperial start to the season, you have to admit that’s a very tasty teamsheet on offer tonight - the right blend of youth, experience, Hungary’s answer to Bryan Robson and a World Cup winner in the middle of the park, a striker coveted by Man City, a Champions League winner on the bench and in Wirtz our very own Juan Sebastian Veron!” – Peadar de Burca
Jul 31, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan (55) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler (12) to end the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
First things first: there’s rain in Cincinnati, so first pitch will not be at the scheduled 5:10 p.m. start time. It sounds like the rain should move out fairly quickly, though, so hopefully it’ll start by about 6. We’ll keep you updated.
The Brewers are coming off one of the biggest series of the year, a four-gamer which they split with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Before facing off with Chicago for a final time during this regular season, Milwaukee makes a quick jaunt to Cincinnati for three games with the Reds.
For the Brewers, they’ll turn to Shane Drohan, who last pitched on Saturday when he beat the Rangers with five innings of one-run ball. Drohan started against the Reds once this year, on July 1, and went 5 2/3 innings while allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts. Milwaukee won that game 4-2.
The Reds are a little bit hot, having won two series in a row and four of their last six games against likely NL playoff teams, the Cubs and the Padres. Still, they’re the caboose in the NL Central, a game and a half behind the Pirates. Cincinnati’s starting pitcher tonight is the righty Rhett Lowder. Just 24 years old, Lowder was a first-round pick in 2023 and debuted at 22 the following season. He had an impressive cup of coffee with a 1.17 ERA in 30 2/3 innings, but missed most of the 2025 season (and all of the major-league season) with elbow and oblique injuries. This season, he’s been healthy, but has struggled a bit: in 24 games (21 of which were starts), Lowder has a 5.14 ERA and 4.64 FIP in 112 innings.
In roster news, reliever Joel Kuhnel—who was designated for assignment after the 30-day limit on his rehab assignment expired earlier this week—was claimed by the Giants. Kuhnel made 10 appearances for the Brewers this season, in which he allowed nine runs (seven earned) in 9 2/3 innings. Cheers, Joel, it was fun when you could suddenly throw 99 in Las Vegas.
The calls to move Brice Turang down in the lineup have been heard. Turang is playing tonight, but the struggling second baseman will bat sixth, while the Brewers will try a new lefty at the top of the lineup: Sal Frelick. Jake Bauers bats second, while Christian Yelich is fourth, so the Brewers are cramming lefties at the top of the lineup. Jackson Chourio hits third with William Contreras fifth; Garrett Mitchell, Cooper Pratt, and David Hamilton round out the lineup.
As mentioned, first pitch was scheduled for 5:10 p.m. but with rain in Cincinnati, it won’t start then. Right now, they’re saying they’ll meet and talk about it around 4:45, but the rain may be done by 6:00. The game is on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Catcher Adley Rutschman #31 and pitcher Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate a 6-5 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 03, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’re all grown-ups here (speaking personally … sort of?). On that dark day in early August where Adley Rutschman was traded to the Boston Red Sox for four prospects and a backup catcher, I comprehended the cold, rational logic of the deal. Perhaps injuries would keep the O’s 2019 1/1 guy from ever being a true MVP, the way he could have been. Perhaps, at 28, the catcher’s best days were behind him. And Boston really did throw a generous passel of prospects at the Orioles, such that I can believe O’s GM Mike Elias really did mean it when he said he wanted Adley as an Oriole “forever” in July, then changed his mind upon seeing the return.
But it’s been hard for me watching this weekend series, seeing Rutschman in a Red Sox uniform—thriving, no less, as his two home runs Thursday night were the difference makers in the O’s’ 6-5 loss, their third loss in a row at a crucial time when they’re fighting for their season. I can’t help but feel like a dumped ex who sees their old partner happily going around with someone new. (I know he’s batting .170 as a Red Sock, but that doesn’t change Thursday’s result.)
You could feel it last night, building from Adley’s first at-bat, the weird mix of conflicting sentiments. Oriole Park faithful did the right thing, with nearly 20,000 fans in attendance, plenty of them wearing his old No. 35 (he’s wearing 31 in Boston now). When he stepped into the box in the first inning, the Orioles played “Alive” by Kid Cudi, his walk-up song for years, and home plate umpire Paul Clemons let it run. For nearly a minute, Rutschman looked around the park, tipping his helmet appreciatively, a moment that gave an eerie echo of his of MLB debut in May 2022, when he, too, had stood, emotional, at the plate and did a 360-degree turn to take it all in. Three pitches later, the O’s old catcher hit a home run to right—the first of two on the night, his first multi-homer game since he beat the Red Sox with two of his own back in April, albeit now on the other side of it.
“It was special to feel that kind of love,” Rutschman said after the game. “Emotional moment and really special. Just a really, really special moment.”
A sort-of skirmish has since broken out among Orioles fans on the interwebs: should we root for Adley as a Red Sock? On the one hand, it’s not like he requested a trade. But did the front office have to deal him to the Red Sox? A fellow Wild-Card contender? In the AL East? (Yesterday, if I’d been in attendance, I might have cheered the first round-tripper and not the second.) The deal with a rival, and impending prospect of thirteen doses of Dark Adley a season, add a note of bitterness that, to me, wasn’t there when also-face-of-franchise Manny Machado was dealt in 2018 to the LA Dodgers en route to the San Diego Padres, where he’s since had an All-Star-worthy career over eight seasons.
As for the trade itself, was it the right call from a baseball point of view? It’s still hard to say, and if Rutschman proves a terror in the AL East, hitting bombs off Orioles pitchers for seasons to come, it’ll certainly feel like a self-inflicted wound. Was the trade justifiable? Absolutely. It was a generous haul, with a SI Boston writer who seems prone to jumping to conclusions already calling the trade a potential “disaster“ for the Red Sox. Umm, okay. Though, to be sure, the new prospects look pretty good: Anthony Eyanson has a 1.51 season ERA for Double-A Chesapeake, and Enddy Azocar is crushing it in High-A Frederick, with a .353 average in 21 games. (It’s soon to say about 18-year-old OF Harold Rivas, assigned to the FCL Orioles, or Kyson Witherspoon, pitching well before he hit the IL with shoulder impingement.)
But the rational, value-adding, WAR-crunching perspective can’t be all of it. Adley was never just a special talent, the way Jackson Holliday is; he was the face of the franchise. Smart, affable, funny, a guy who gives great copy in interviews. A leader, full stop. Even Thursday, playing spoiler in the building that used to be his, he found a way to be gracious about it, which somehow made the whole night sting more (in my opinion), not less. Adley was supposed to lead the Orioles’ rebuild after forty years in the desert and see it through to completion. Now Baltimore faithful are stuck cheering (genuinely, with lots of meaning well) for a guy currently being paid to hurt them.
In the end, Baltimore experienced two terrific regular seasons with Adley Rutschman behind the plate, winning 101 games and the AL East in 2023 and returning to the postseason in 2024. But those teams failed to produce a single postseason victory. Instead, the team stalled out right when it was supposed to, in Elias’s own words, “lift off.” (I’m sorry for reaching for that phrase again; I know it’s just beating a dead horse at this point.) The starting pitching let us down. Or maybe it was the situational hitting. Or injuries. Or too much platooning, leaving lineups vulnerable with bad, niche hitters parked in key spots when it mattered. Whatever it was, Rutschman was supposed to be here when the Orioles finally finished the job.
The failure to keep Adley Rutschman—or, glaringly, to make a playoff run with him on the roster—says less to me about swinging-and-missing in the 2019 draft, and more about a general failure of the front office’s vision. Was the trade haul generous? Absolutely. Did injuries threaten to sap Rutschman of MVP potential? Sure, although we’ll see what he does in the seasons to come. But despite all that, it feels hard to shake the feeling that the real story here is that the Orioles organization failed Adley, not the reverse.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Brayden Burries #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on July 18, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This week, time ceased to exist—at least how we know it—allusions abounded, and we put on our beer goggles in anticipation of what’s to come. How bright will that future be? Will Kel’el Ware grab his opportunity with both hands? And if Brayden Burries looks in a mirror, does he see Dwyane Wade?
Conceits aside, we really wanted to see just how highly Bucks fans rate Burries. He received ample praise for his Summer League play, leading to him being ranked by ESPN as the player “who will prove to be the biggest draft steal,” but even in that article the write-up angled on his older age, status as a combo-guard, and the Bucks “sorely needing the injection of backcourt talent” rather than actually considering how good he might become. Author Jeremy Woo even felt the need to include the disclaimer that his vote went to Kingston Flemings. This isn’t new, either. Pre-draft, it seemed every scouting report described Burries as a “high floor” player, with the implication being that his ceiling isn’t all that high—at least in comparison to the top end of his draft class.
As it turns out, Bucks fans think he’ll be pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Clearly, that “high floor” descriptor has made its way into our collective consciousness, with only 4% of fans thinking he’d cap out as a reserve player. Beyond that floor, fans see his ceiling as considerably high, with 41% predicting he’ll become an All-Star:
Nicknackpattywhack: I think he definitely can be at least All Star caliber if not more. This team has a lot of players to sift through and I hope they let him get as many minutes as possible to help move his development along.
While many see Burries as a key piece, a significant portion of fans (33%) think this means he’ll be a starter extraordinaire (or even just starter):
naveed2000s: I don’t think he’ll ever quite get to all-star, but that’s inherently a popularity contest, nice flex for hall of fame votes and a nice feather in the cap, but not everything. I foresee Burries as a guy that can come in and contribute right away, play decent to solid defense, be a 15 ppg career guy and take over games at times, basically a number three option on a good team level player.
Mitchell Maurer: Brayden Burries might not be as flashy as other NBA guards but he strikes me as someone who’s going to be steady, consistent, and reliable. Derrick White developed this reputation in San Antonio, though he never took more than a supporting scoring role. Derrick White is a top-10-percentile outcome for Burries, that would be outstanding!
And while some fans rightfully feel I’m overly optimistic, it turns out I’m not the only one who thinks Burries has “it”—22% see him reaching All-NBA status:
R984: I’m all in on the Burries hype train. All NBA. The crazy point guard class kinda buried him and guys with unusual body types are often overlooked, but I think if Burries was 10lbs lighter with 2 inch larger wingspan, in a normal draft, he would’ve been a top 3 pick.
Knuckles: I am going All-NBA. I could jump into why I think his ceiling is sky high (and will at some point) and why we have reason to be excited to see what he even can do this year, and how his physical profile is something to get excited about alone, and so on and so on, but I actually want to take the All-NBA stance because honestly, as a fan, anything else feels a bit disingenuous.
retired janitor: In the 8 past seasons, as you know, the NBA has had 8 different champions. Of those 8 teams, only two had their best player drafted in the top 6 (LeBron, Tatum). That means 75% of those teams were lead by an alpha that the NBA completely underestimated their future potential. I think Burries has that desire to cross the gap and I can’t wait to see the growth.
Starter, All-Star, or All-NBA, one thing we can all agree on is that the Milwaukee Bucks are lucky to have Burries. And with games around the corner—preseason is just a month away!—we don’t have to wait long to see that potential start to play out. While we do, let’s see just how Burries stacks up against his teammates—our annual Ranking the Roster series returns next week!
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Chris Paul spent some of the best years of his career with the Clippers. USA Today Sports
“What’s interesting about that whole situation is, it’s probably one of the most disrespectful things that I’ve endured,” Paul said on the “Build or Break” podcast.
“I’ve been through a lot of wild stuff in my career, and having older kids and a wife who’s very tapped in, and they know the daily goings on as far as that team and that organization. Obviously I was upset, but my family, my people, everybody…”
“I think just because of the investment we made in the team for as long as we have, and to see the way stuff was handled. What it lets you know is that no matter what you do or what you’ve done, nobody cares.”
Chris Paul says the Clippers’ handling of his exit was one of the most disrespectful things he has endured
“What’s interesting about that whole situation is, it’s probably one of the most disrespectful things that I’ve endured”
Chris Paul was cut by the Clippers in December during what was supposed to be his final NBA season. NBAE via Getty Images
He spent parts of six seasons with the Clippers, earning five All-Star selections with the organization. But that wasn’t enough for the Clippers to retain Paul for the entire 2025-26 season.
In December, Paul was notified he was cut in the middle of the night during a road trip in Atlanta. Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, said the team parted ways with Paul because of the dismal 5-16 start and overall underperformance from the team.
Chris Paul discussed the Clippers’ decision to cut him during his retirement season. Getty Images
But there was reportedly friction within the organization regarding Paul’s vocal leadership style and tension with head coach Tyronn Lue. Paul attempted to host events for the team to bond, such as a Halloween party and a suite at the Rams game, but had little turnout.
The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures.
We are continuing to look at potential options for the Sabres, now that veteran Patrick Kane has returned with Chicago. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.
Kekalainen ideally is looking for someone who could make up as much of the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, or someone who can fill the leadership gap and/or add some snarl and sandpaper to the middle-six, either before the start of the season or before the NHL Trade Deadline.
Veteran Mats Zuccarello was surprisingly not brought back by Minnesota last season, after playing seven seasons with the Wild. The 39-year-old has remained remarkably productive when most of his contemporaries are retiring. Playing alongside Kirill Kaprizov, the diminutive winger has averaged 63 points over the last five seasons and last season posted 54 points (15 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games, along with nine points in eight playoff games.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff is familiar with the winger, as he was an assistant in New York from 2017-19 while Zuccarello was with the Rangers. He signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, with a $1 million base salary, $5.5 million in performance bonuses, and a full no-trade clause.
The Kings are considered a club that will challenge for a wild card spot in the Western Conference, but if they struggle, it is possible that GM Ken Holland will shop his rentals (Corey Perry, Joel Armia, Darcy Kuemper, and possibly Drew Doughty) before the trade deadline.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Cubs are 38-31 on the road this season, including 6-5 in first games of road trips. They are only 10-12 on Friday but 6-5 on Friday on the road. They are 37-30 against teams that had a winning record going into games but 15-17 on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
GET ON THE BOARD FIRST: The Cubs are 48-20 when they have scored first, including 23-12 on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
HITS vs. K’s: They won last night despite making only three hits while striking out seven times. They 18-44 with fewer hits than strikeouts, 10-3 with the same number of each and 51-15 with more hits than whiffs. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Shōta Imanaga, Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge combine on a no-hitter against the Pirates at Wrigley Field, the first Cubs no-no at home in 52 years. The Cubs win the game 12-0 as Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong both homer and have three hits. It happened two years ago today, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2024.
Well. Personally, if I were making the decisions for the Cubs, I would not have Shōta Imanaga make this start. He’s been back to bad Shōta lately, with a 7.13 ERA and 1.528 WHIP over his last four starts, with eight (!) home runs in 17.2 innings, yikes. But also 23 strikeouts over that span, so who knows?
Imanaga has not faced the Marlins since 2024 and that team has had a major makeover since. Only one current Marlins player, Otto Lopez, has ever faced him, and Lopez is 0-for-5. Maybe that will be helpful for Shōta. We can hope, anyway.
This is Janson Junk’s sixth MLB season but his first as a fulltime starter and the results have been meh: 20 starts (21 games), 4.11 ERA, 1.301 WHIP. He doesn’t strike out a lot of guys (16 percent K rate) but doesn’t walk many either (6.4 percent walk rate). So Cubs hitters should look to put the ball in play.
His only career appearance against the Cubs was two innings of relief two years ago when he was with the Brewers. Junk was with Milwaukee in 2023 also, so Craig Counsell might have some familiarity with him.
Please visit the Marlins site Fish On First. If you do go there to interact with Marlins fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
