Jun 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) reacts after an RBI single during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Am I the Willson Contreras whisperer? Many are saying it’s true. Due to a bug/feature in the schedule I haven’t have a game recap since mid-May, when the headline was “Where there’s a Willson, there’s a way, son.” Deja vu? Contreras led the way again tonight, in swatting Yankees pitchers:
And coolers of delicious, cold crisp liquids on a balmy Big Apple nite:
Not to be outdone, Andruw Monasterio hit his first donger of the year which helped the Sox pull one out behind Sonny Gray, who worked into the 7th and gave up two solo homers and a double but got the W once Aroldis Chapman closed the door on the two-on, one-out situation into which he was put by Aroldis Chapman. I will admit it was tough to follow the game while watching Thor: Ragnarok but it was made easier by the fact I’ve seen it a million times but I promised my son (almost 9) that we’d watch tonight and I forgot I had traded for the game because of Patriots Day until I was reminded like three hours before. Rules are rules.
But a note about the Yankees from down in enemy territory. It’s sorta obvious the Knicks have subsumed them right now, especially with Aaron Judge’s injury, but they’re the one team that always had the power to do so. As much as Yankees fans are a majority bloc here, there are more Mets fans here than there are of hometown fans in most league cities. But the Knicks are the only game in town (the Nets are a fake idea that helps Barclays Center charge mortgages for 19.2-oz cans of Brooklyn Lager). Is it worth it? I’m not a Celtics crazy by any means, so the answer is a plain yes. This is fun. The Yankees cannot be fun by definition. You might say we won this one before the game even began. Thanks to Willson, we did it afterward too.
The Yankees had chances, but failed to capitalize as they dropped the first game of the series against the Boston Red Sox, 5-3, on Friday night in The Bronx.
New York (37-26) went 1-for-6 with RISP and left seven men on base. Boston (27-35) didn't tally a hit in the last four innings.
Here are the takeaways…
- SpencerJones, called up with Aaron Judge set for a long stint on the IL, singled up the middle in his first trip to the plate before he notched an RBI double, bouncing a 3-0 offering down the first baseline in the fourth for the Yankees' lone hit with a runner in scoring position on the night. The RF, who was 4-for-24 during his first stint in the big leagues, got his first career three-hit game with a two-out single in the sixth.
- Ben Rice put the Yanks up 1-0 in the first, taking a hanging Sonny Gray curveball 377 feet to right. It was Rice's 18th homer and 45th RBI of the year. He added a smashed single to right and a walk, but struck out swinging to end the seventh, chasing ball four against lefty Danny Coulombe. He finished 2-for-3 with a walk.
- Trent Grisham, who grounded out to second his first two times up, got a sweeper in the happy zone and clocked it 424 feet into the second deck in right (108.3 mph off the bat) for a solo shot. Grisham has been swinging a better bat of late; he entered the game 15 for his last 43 (.349) with a .917 OPS. With two on and two out in the bottom of the ninth, he grounded out to first to finish 1-for-5.
- Ryan Weathers got a scare when Red Sox leadoff man Jarren Duran clubbed the game's first pitch to the warning track in left for a long out. After the six-pitch clean first, the left-hander followed with a 10-pitch second, getting around a one-out single.
Weathers was in a spot of bother with one out in the third when Connor Wong flipped a single into left, Duran singled into right on a ball that ticked off Paul Goldschmidt’s glove at first, and he walked Ceddanne Rafaela on four pitches. The righty traded a run for an out on a slow roller to short, but allowed Boston to go ahead on a WillsonContreras check-swing infield hit as the pitcher’s throw to first pulled Goldschmidt off the bag.
After picking up his second strikeout of the night, Andruw Monasterio absolutely smoked a 3-2 Weathers fastball 408 feet into left field for a solo homer in the fourth. And after getting two quick outs in the fifth, a bouncing ball just eluded Jazz Chisholm Jr. in shallow right and Weathers paid the price when Contreras clobbered a changeup at the bottom of the zone 419 feet that just stayed fair around the left-field foul pole to give the visitors a 5-2 edge.
Weathers finished his night with a 1-2-3 sixth, his final line: 6 innings, five runs on seven hits and a walk with four strikeouts on 93 pitches (57 strikes).
- Anthony Volpe, who entered the game with two hits in his last 18 at-bats, took a cutter the other way for a single to put to aboard with one out in the second. He had a bit of bad luck to end the fourth, when his liner up the middle was snared by Monasterio, who doubled Jones off second. Volpe had more bad luck in the sixth, smashing a liner (104.8 mph) to center to end the inning. He finished 1-for-4, with a strikeout looking at three straight fastballs (the last of which went right down the middle) in the ninth.
- The lack of production from the Yanks’ third baseman and catchers was a topic of conversation before the game, and it came to be in the second as Ryan McMahon and Austin Wells failed to come through with runners on first and second, both with lazy flies to left.
McMahon would grab a basehit to right to start the seventh, finishing the day 1-for-3.
Wells, who entered the game hitless in his last 10 at-bats, went 0-for-3 with a strikeout swinging.
- Chisholm, who reached on a fielder’s choice his second time up, stole his 16th base of the season and came around to score two pitches later. He finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout.
- Cody Bellinger went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and a walk.
- Goldschmidt was hitless in four at-bats, including an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play in the third.
- Out of the Yanks’ bullpen: Paul Blackburn got six straight outs, including two strikeouts in the eighth. Camilo Doval made it four consecutive 1-2-3 innings for Yankee pitchers with two strikeouts in the ninth.
- In the bottom of the ninth, Max Schuemann walked on four pitches as a pinch-hitter for Jones to lead off the ninth against Aroldis Chapman,before Amed Rosario (as a pinch hitter for McMahon) walked on four pitches with one out. José Caballero (pinch-hitting for Wells) ended that run when he flied out to right with the tying run on base.
The series continues on Saturday night with a 7:35 p.m. first pitch.
Will Warren (3.22 ERA, 1.197 WHIP in 64.1 innings) climbs the hill for the Yanks against lefty Ranger Suarez (3.38 ERA and 1.159 WHIP in 58.2 innings).
Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet were in attendance for Game 2 on Friday.
The traveling version of the Knicks’ celebrity row returned to Frost Bank Center on Friday.
Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Billy Baldwin, Fat Joe, Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Allan Houston were all in attendance, watching the Knicks take a 2-0 series lead with a wild 105-104 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals in San Antonio.
Stiller, wearing a Knicks shirt and a black jacket, was spotted recording warmups with his phone — videos that the actor, director and producer has become known for during the postseason run — near the baseline, while Chalamet donned customized Chrome Hearts jeans that featured blue and orange.
Timothée Chalamet arrives for Game 2 between the Knicks and Spurs on June 5. Screengrab via X/@nypostsportsBen Stiller attends Game 2 between the Knicks and Spurs on June 5. AP Photo
Chalamet and Stiller, especially, have become staples at Knicks games during recent postseason runs and their current sprint to the NBA Finals — which has been fueled by 12 consecutive wins entering Game 2 in San Antonio.
Former Spurs point guard Chris Paul and big man David Robinson were also in attendance.
The Knicks nearly blew a late lead in the fourth quarter, but held on to take Game 2 in a thriller. Plenty of more A-listers should be on hand when the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for the Knicks’ first NBA Finals home game since 1999.
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Kevin Durant #35 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to win the 2018 NBA Finals. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On June 8, 2018 — almost eight years ago to the day — the buzzer rang at Quicken Loans Arena. By that point, the stars of the game were all on the sidelines, getting ready for what would come next. Nearly three minutes of action had eclipsed since Steve Kerr sent Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, and Andre Iguodala to the bench, replacing them with Nick Young, Pat McCaw, Jordan Bell, Kevon Looney, and Zaza Pachulia. More than four minutes had passed since Ty Lue had pulled LeBron James off the court following his final stint as a Cleveland Cavalier.
The garbage time minute eaters battled it out until the buzzer sounded, concluding a dominant 108-85 win for the Warriors, and an even more dominant sweep in the NBA Finals.
Golden State was on top of the world, having won their third championship in four seasons and, most impressively, their second in a row.
They lost the crown the next year against the Toronto Raptors. A year later, James returned to the finals and this time emerged victorious, now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Giannis Antetokounmpo, years before discontent with the Milwaukee Bucks would brew, hoisted the trophy in 2021, and then the Warriors snuck back in for a surprise revival in 2022. In 2023 it was the Denver Nuggets, and in 2024 the Boston Celtics.
It felt like something changed when the Oklahoma City Thunder won it all in 2025, and then opened this season by winning 24 of their first 25 games. For the first time since those world-beating Golden State teams, the NBA had a the potential for a dynasty. The Thunder were young, elite on both sides of the court, had immeasurable chemistry, were loaded with stars who played their role, and, in perhaps the most apt comparison to the Dubs, had a magical point guard who was winning MVPs and laying a solid argument for the claim of best player on the planet.
After those first 25 games of the 2025-26 season, many started anointing the dynasty in Oklahoma. The conversation shifted away from if the Thunder could repeat, and into whether or not they would break Golden State’s single-season record of 73 wins along the way. It was morbidly humorous that everyone crowning the Thunder before the calendar flipped to 2026 apparently forgot what happened to the Dubs in that famous and infamous season one decade ago.
Ultimately, Oklahoma City suffered a similar fate. Just as the Warriors did in 2016, the Thunder dealt with injuries to a few key players, and lost in a Game 7 to one of the most unique, talented, and athletically alarming players in NBA history.
And so we get a new champion. As I write this, the San Antonio Spurs are in the midst of an attempt to even up the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, who stole Game 1 on Wednesday. We don’t know who will win the series, but we do know that it will give the league remarkable parity: eight different champions over the last eight years, with only three teams (the Warriors, Celtics, and Miami Heat), even making multiple Finals appearances during that time.
That means we’ll have to wait until 2027, at the very earliest, to see the first repeat champion since the Warriors in 2018.
Repeat champions are, it goes without saying, special. And they are a singular entity that go down in basketball lore. The teams who have repeated since 1990 are teams that every basketball fan can identify in seconds: Curry and Durant’s Warriors; the Heatles; Kobe’s last push with Pau; Kobe and Shaq’s threepeat; Jordan’s pair of threepeats; and Hakeem’s pair while MJ was tightening his batting gloves.
It will happen again in the NBA, and maybe even soon. The Thunder with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Spurs with Victor Wembanyama both look prepared to play at the highest level for the better part of the next decade. But then again, they do exactly as they did this year: play each other so well, that each side keeps the other from ever truly dominating. I expect both of those teams to win championships in the next few years, and probably even multiple. But will they achieve NBA history with the hardest thing in sports, a repeat? Will the Knicks, or anyone else?
That will be a storyline heading into next season, and probably into the next season as well. The Warriors may no longer be championship favorites, and their dynasty may be snuggly closed, but for a while longer they get to hold onto a title that certainly means something to those in the league: they’re the last team to repeat as champions.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 14: Chase Dollander #32 of the Colorado Rockies talks with medical staff in the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on May 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Early today, Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer provided an update on player injuries.
Jordan Beck (left hamstring strain) — Progressing; received a PRP injection.
José Quintana (left elbow sprain) — Received a PRP injection and is in a brace for two weeks.
Welinton Herrera (left elbow UCL tear) — Receiving a second opinion.
Brenton Doyle (left oblique contusion) — “Feeling a lot better”; no baseball activity.
Mickey Moniak (right ankle tendinitis) — Progressing with baseball activities and will likely need a rehab assignment before returning to the active roster.
Jimmy Herget (right shoulder impingement) — Throwing live BP tomorrow; Triple-A (Tacoma) next week for two appearances.
Victor Vodnik (right ulnar nerve inflammation) Throwing live BP tomorrow; Triple-A (Tacoma) next week for two appearances.
In addition, the Rockies announced prior to the start of the game that Tanner Gordon had been placed on the 15-day IL with a right hip impingement.
The Colorado Rockies announced today the following transactions:
-Placed RHP Tanner Gordon on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 2 (right hip impingement). -Recalled RHP Zach Agnos from Triple-A Albuquerque.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) June 6, 2026
Former San Jose Sharks goaltender Georgii Romanov has earned himself another NHL contract, as he signed a two-year contract extension with the St. Louis Blues on Friday.
Romanov was originally signed by the Sharks as an undrafted free agent in May of 2023. He spent two seasons with the Sharks organization, although the majority of his time was with their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.
Across two seasons, Romanov took the crease for 50 games with the Barracuda. During that time, he had a record of 20-15-13 while he also recorded a .904 save percentage and a 3.12 goals against average.
Romanov was much less effective at the NHL level as in 10 games for the Sharks, he had a save percentage of .888 and a 3.53 goals against average while going 0-6-0.
Romanov departed the Sharks organization following the 2024-25 season after the team opted not to extend him a qualifying offer to retain his signing rights. As a result, he signed a one-year contract with the Blues that summer.
During the 2025-26 season, Romanov spent his entire campaign with the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. The 26-year-old netminder played 28 regular season games for the Thunderbirds, recording a 9-12-4 record, a 3.29 goals against average, and a .896 save percentage. He turned his game up a notch in the playoffs though, going 7-4-0 with a 1.84 goals against average and a .939 save percentage.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JUNE 05: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers grounds out to Josh Naylor #12 of the Seattle Mariners during the bottom of the fifth inning at Comerica Park on June 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tigers 7, Mariners 3
The effort Ryan puts into his articles: Rob Refsnyder, +0.17 WPA The effort Ryan puts into his WPA tags: Bryan Woo, -0.17 WPA
Jun 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter (30) gets showered with sunflower seeds while celebrating in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Tigers have extended their winning streak to four, and it’s starting to look like it’s not just luck. They beat the Mariners 7-3 on Friday night.
The Tigers were back in Detroit after a very hot and cold road trip. They were still riding the high of their sweep of the Rays at the start of the week, and hoping to bring that good luck home with them. They had Gleyber Torres, who has been excellent since his return, and on the mound, they were leaning on Framber Valdez. The Mariners had Bryan Woo up, who has been great for them in a very uneven season for the M’s.
J.P Crawford got things going for the Mariners in the first with a leadoff single. Julio Rodriguez singled right behind him. Two outs followed, but then Rob Refsnyder singled, bringing Crawford home and putting the Mariners on the board first. Gleyber Torres continued his hot streak, starting the bottom of the inning with a single. Kevin McGonigle then grounded into a force out, eliminating Torres at second. Two more outs followed and the Tigers left a man stranded.
Valdez, after giving up three singles in the first, got into a much better groove in the second, getting the Mariners out in order. In the home half, Riley Greene singled to get things going. Spencer Torkelson hit a force out that initially looked like a single with Greene getting safely to first, but the Mariners challenged and the call was overturned with Greene out. Two more outs followed.
In the top of the third, Crawford was hit by a pitch to get a free bag. While he did stay in the game to run, he would later exit the game between the top and bottom of the inning. He was eliminated in a double play off the bat of Rodriguez and then one more out ended the inning. With one out in the home half, Torres singled again. McGonigle then singled, sending Torres to third. A Dillon Dingler fly ball turned into a force out, getting McGonigle out at second, putting Dingler safely at first, and scoring Torres. Then Kerry Carpenter came in to hit a home run to right. The Tigers found themselves in the lead, 3-1.
Josh Naylor and Rob Refsnyder hit back-to-back singles to start the fourth. Three outs in a row, followed though, as Valdez showed some evident frustration in himself, but pulled it together to get out of the jam. The Tigers went down in order in the bottom of the inning.
With two outs in the fifth Rodriguez walked. He then stole second. Randy Arozarena walked, and then Rodriguez stole third and Arozarena stole second. Despite having two runners in scoring position and rain falling steadily, Valdez got himself out of the inning relatively unscathed and with no runs scored. The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the home half, but the final out of the inning, a McGonigle groundout to first, resulted in McGonigle colliding with first baseman Naylor so hard Kevin’s helmet flew off. He looked okay, but it was still pretty ugly.
After a few uneven innings and an elevated pitch count, Valdez was done for the night with a final line of 5.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K on 102 pitches. He was replaced by Drew Anderson. The Mariners went three-up, three-down with the final out of the inning being on an incredible diving catch from Riley Greene.
Dillon Dingler got the home half going with a leadoff single. A Carpenter pop out and Greene hitting into a double play ended the inning.
With one out in the top of the seventh, Colt Emerson hit a solo home run to bring the Mariners within one. After the second out, Rodriguez doubled, but Seattle didn’t score any additional runs. In the bottom of the inning, Colt Keith got a one-out single. We then got Zach-to-Zack singles from McKinstry and Short. Woo’s game was done at that point, replaced by Eduard Bazardo. Torres doubled to right and Victor Robles misread the play, missing the catch completely, and sending two runs home.
Tyler Holton was the next pitcher out of the Tigers’ pen and he gave up a leadoff double to Naylor. After a Canzone groundout moved Naylor to third, Kerry Carpenter completely lost a routine fly ball, allowing Naylor to score. Cole Young singled, and that was all she wrote for Holton, who was replaced by Kyle Finnegan. The Tigers got to breathe a big sigh of relief as the next two outs followed, but those extra insurance runs were really coming in handy now. Alex Hoppe came in from the Mariners’ pen. With one out, Greene singled. Then Spencer Torkelson hit a home run to left.
Will Vest was in for the Tigers in the top of the ninth. With two outs, Arozarena doubled, followed by a walk to Naylor. Not ideal. Even though the drama got dialled up to eleven, Vest came through and got the final out of the inning to secure the Tigers’ win.
New York, which withstood a late charge from San Antonio, stunned the Spurs on their own home, 105-104, on a free throw by Jalen Brunson with 9.5 seconds left to play to win the game.
Brunson got to the line on a bad pass from Victor Wembanyama in the final seconds of the game, as the Spurs were trying to get up the floor on a defensive rebound. Wembanyama tossed a pass ahead, but Stephon Castle wasn’t looking, so the ball bounced off his back, allowing Brunson to scoop it up. Wembanyama then fouled Brunson, putting him on the line.
Later on, the Spurs had the chance to win the game, but Wembanyama’s would-be game-winning jumpshot rimmed out.
So now, with Madison Square Garden set to host the the next two games, the Knicks are just a pair of wins away from a sweep and from claiming their first NBA championship in 53 years.
New York has won 13 consecutive playoff games, including eight consecutive on the road.
Here are live takeaways from Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs:
Just like he was in Game 1, Karl-Anthony Towns lifted the Knicks on both ends of the floor. And with the Knicks now carrying their 2-0 lead, his dominance over Wembanyama across stretches has New York close to erasing its 53-year title drought.
His offense has been stellar. Towns led the Knicks with 21 points — 17 of which came in the first half — on 8-of-12 shooting, adding 13 rebounds and 4 assists.
Towns stretched the floor, opening up the space for his teammates to attack.
But it’s his defense that is going to get the Knicks their first title in 53 seasons — as long as New York keeps this up.
Towns has been dominant on Wembanyama, using his size and strength to body Wembanyama and make him feel Towns’ presence. In the first half, Wembanyama played timidly, apparently perplexed about how to break through Towns’ physicality. Frankly, it’s determining the outcome of the series.
At the half, Wembanyama had just 7 points on only 4 shot attempts. Wembanyama did drop 22 in the second half, but the early struggles put San Antonio in a hole.
And while Mitchell Robinson also had massive defensive possessions against Wembanyama late in the game, Towns is the reason Wembanyama looked lost early in the game.
KAT IS HOOPIN' IN GAME 2 🔥
17 PTS (6-8 FGM) 7 REB 3 AST 3 3PM
After trailing by as many as 12, the Knicks have a 4-point lead at the break! pic.twitter.com/nJMKAS0nk8
At the half, after the Knicks had made several runs, Wembanyama had taken just four shot attempts. New York, of course, deserves credit for showing bodies any time Wembanyama touched the ball, but his response, mostly, was to drift around the perimeter.
He tried to drive and create opportunities for his teammates, but that led to two turnovers. During one of those, late in the second quarter, Devin Vassell passed him the ball on the right wing. Almost immediately after he saw the Knicks defense approaching, Wembanyama tried to dump the ball back to Vassell, who had started to relocate. The ball skipped out of bounds.
In short: Wembanyama was just out of rhythm in the first half.
It’s often difficult, when opponents are game planning for a single player, for that person to find the balance between taking a steady diet of shots but not forcing them.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson will also need to find ways to manufacture easier offense for Wembanyama, because having him standing around, watching other players operate will make it difficult for the Spurs to win.
Wembanyama did pick it up in the third quarter, taking 8 shot attempts and scoring 12 points in the period, but the slow start put San Antonio in a position where they need to play from behind.
Not only is he one of the toughest defenders in the NBA with his length and shiftiness, but Bridges has been on a generational heater this postseason — at least after he struggled early in the first round.
Bridges entered the fourth quarter 8-of-9 — having made eight consecutive shots — and finished the game with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal. He hit his first 4 3-pointers of the game and hit timely basket after timely basket.
Having another potent scorer on the floor mitigated the tough shooting night from Jalen Brunson, who shot just 7-of-25 from the floor.
The natural response was always going to be for San Antonio to play with a different level of urgency in Game 2. The Spurs, from the very first seconds of the game, played with a level of force and physicality they didn’t have two nights ago.
For one, San Antonio’s speedy and aggressive guards De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle picked up full-court pressure on made baskets. Once the ball crossed half court, the Spurs also stayed in front of New York’s players with lateral quickness.
Then, once the Knicks tried to foray into the paint, Spurs defenders collapsed to show bodies and clog the area.
The Knicks opened the game shooting just 6-of-17 (35.3%) from the field and New York scored just 2 points in the paint in the first 7:44 of the game.
In Game 1, San Antonio backed down from New York’s physical defense and settled for jumpers. In the first quarter of Game 2, the Spurs spammed attacks in the paint to space the floor, setting up sprays to perimeter or high-percentage looks near the rim.
This is San Antonio’s recipe for success. The Spurs led in points in the paint in the first quarter by a 18-8 margin.
The Spurs shot a blistering 65% from the field in the first.
For Game 2, there is a mix of style statements. It's hard to beat the iconic habit that the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco will be wearing to cheer on the Spurs. But we have suits and sweats, a statement jacket and some shorts that are simply happy.
The Knicks are back in the Finals for the first time since 1999. This year's championship is a rematch of that series, which the Spurs won. Sports media didn't embrace fashion like we do now, so fans don't have a record of who won the fashion in that series, but we are here to make sure we have a winner of this one.
Here is the NBA Finals Game 2 Fit Check:
7. Jeremy Sochan - New York Knicks
Starting us off is Jeremy Sochan. He wanted to be free and wore this breezy black V-neck button-up without a shirt. The tan shorts are a little wrinkly, but with the snappy patent dress shoes, we appreciate the effort to be different.
Jeremy Sochan gets an A for effort and daring to be different for his Game 2 fit.
Mikal Bridges kept it clean and we have no notes. He went with an easy chore jacket in a really pretty cornflower blue color. It's from JW Anderson's collab with Guinness. The Knicks guard isn't Irish like the two brands, but with some well-fitting cream cargo pants and white Air Force 1s, he wears it well.
5. Stephon Castle - San Antonio Spurs
If we told you Stephon Castle wore a graphic tee and sweats for Game 2, you would probably ask what's the big deal? The key here is color coordination. The Spurs guard perfectly matched the details of his Harley-Davidson t-shirt to the blue color of his sweatpants and we love it.
Stephon Castle showing how color coordination can really elevate a simple graphic tee and sweats.
After turning heads with the perfect amount of glitz for Game 1, Jordan Clarkson delivered again for Game 2. The Knicks guard wore a custom Who Decides War jacket repping his team with orange and black color blocking and a studded collar. The sleeves of the jacket have the brand's signature stained glass design and the back features a silhouette of the Statue of Liberty. He let the jacket be the statement piece with long leather shorts and black boots.
3. Bismack Biyombo - San Antonio Spurs
Bismack Biyombo has been quietly killing the suit game. He JUST missed out on the Game 1 fit check because you have to draw the line somewhere, right? But this luxe satin forest green suit he wore for Game 2 HAD to be included. It fits well, the brown tie and pocket kerchief ground the look and the single-breasted jacket keeps it cool.
Bismack Biyombo has been dominating the suit game and this luxe green one for Game 2 is beautiful.
Devin Vassell's look was all about the details. The Spurs guard was straight heat in a white suit that was just enough oversized. The burnout texture at the bottom of the jacket and pants also kept this far from boring. The pops of color with the key lime Louis Vuitton duffel, little flower brooch and gemstone rosary necklace make this outfit a must-see.
Devin Vassell’s look for Game 2 of the NBA Finals is all about details. The pops of color are perfect.
Karl-Anthony Towns looked effortless, which is the best way to be. He wore an oversized white button-up with a single chain around the collar. The statement piece was a pair of excellent oversized shorts from Joshua Samuels. The London-based brand specializes in upcycling and plants a tree with every order. The flowers are the perfect proportion on the shorts and just make us happy. What more could you want?
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 03: Blake Butera #10 of the Washington Nationals walks to the mound to make a pitching change during the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park on June 03, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The sweep at the hands of the Marlins was demoralizing, but the Nats need to bounce back. They got a day off to re-set, and now they start the first west coast trip of the series. The Nats will square off against a Diamondbacks team that sneakily is in second place in the NL West.
I have a feeling this lineup from Blake Butera will not be very popular. Curtis Mead, Jacob Young and Keibert Ruiz are all on the bench. That means Jorbit Vivas will be at third, Dylan Crews will be in center and Drew Millas will be behind the plate. Jose Tena will also be hitting third and in the DH spot. Foster Griffin will be on the mound.
The Diamondbacks have an extreme mix of youth and experience. Veterans like Corbin Carroll, Nolan Arenado, Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte are in the lineup. However, there are also rookies like Ryan Waldschmidt and the debuting LuJames Groover in the lineup. We will not see old pal Ildemaro Vargas tonight after he collided with Max Muncy yesterday. Veteran Merrill Kelly will be on the hill for the Snakes.
This is a very important series for the Nats after the Marlins debacle. Will this be a June swoon or was that Marlins series just a blip on the radar. We will find out this weekend. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
People hike through the red rock landscapes of Munds Mountain Wilderness in Sedona, Arizona. This scenic area, known for its dramatic formations and desert views, is part of the Coconino National Forest. (Photo by Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
NATIONALS
DIAMONDBACKS
James Wood – RF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Luis Garcia – 1B
Ryan Waldschmidt – LF
Jose Tena – DH
Corbin Carroll – RF
CJ Abrams – SS
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Daylen Lile – LF
LuJames Groover – 1B
Jorbit Vivas – 3B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Dylan Crews – CF
Tommy Troy – DH
Drew Millas – C
Aramis Garcia – C
Nasim Nunez – 2B
Jorge Barrosa – CF
Foster Griffin – LHP
Merrill Kelly – RHP
Roster moves
The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.
Selected INF LuJames Groover (No. 16) from Triple-A Reno
Optioned to Triple-A Reno: INF Jose Fernandez
Designated for assignment: RHP Taylor Rashi
And right into the starting line-up at first-base tonight goes Groover. He was drafted by the D-backs in the second-round (#48 overall) of the 2023 draft, out of North Carolina State University, and is immediately one of my favorite D-backs because he shares my birthday of April 16 [S’funny, we never had a D-back born that day before this year, but there are two in tonight’s starting line-up, in Groover and Nolan Arenado] He was an Futures All-Star last season, and in 56 games this year for the Triple-A Reno Aces, has a line of .322/.421/.452 for an .893 OPS. Almost as many walks (37) as K’s (43), but only three HR – which in Reno means basically zero power.
It marks the end – for now – of the Fernandez saga. Jose had one of the all-time greatest debuts as a Diamondback, homering twice and driving in four runs on March 31st against Detroit. But it has almost all been downhill since then. Over 54 games since, he has hit .242/.278/.304 for a mere .582 OPS. However, Fernandez is still only 22 years old – almost eighteen months younger than Groover. He’ll go to Triple-A for what’s basically the first time, having played just one game there before being called up the big leagues. I’d not be at all surprised to see him back with the D-backs at some point down the line.
To make room for Groover on the 40-man roster, the team designated Rashi for assignment. To be fair, he turned 30 in January, and it’s not often 29-year-old debutants in MLB stick around. He did win his debut this year, pitching a scoreless 10th inning against Atlanta. But he got roughed up by the Orioles, leading to a quick ticket back down to Reno. His numbers there have actually been very good, with a 1.03 ERA across 26.1 innings, and just one home-run allowed. The K:BB of 26:12 isn’t so impressive though. Perhaps he’ll make it through waivers, and we’ll be able to keep him around the organization.
With the Mets starting a three-game series with the San Diego Padres on Friday night, manager Carlos Mendoza gave updates on some of his injured players.
No Jorge Polanco in San Diego
When New York began this six-game West Coast road trip on Monday, the thought was that Polanco would be ready to re-join the team when it arrived in San Diego to play the Padres. However, that day has arrived and Polanco remains on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse.
"He’s playing right now. He’s DHing in Syracuse," Mendoza said. "We just felt like he needed to get volume there. Last game he only played four-to-five innings of defense. We gotta get him to a point where [he gets] four at-bats as a DH or seven innings of defense, at least. So we won’t see him here in San Diego."
While Polanco still needs more time, Mendoza is encouraged with how he has progressed during his rehab.
"The way he’s taking his swings, the way he’s rotating, he looks more healthy," the skipper said. "When you look at the way he’s rotating and standing on that back leg, which was something that we didn’t see before he went on the IL. When we were playing the Dodgers [in late April] you could see it was affecting him. But right now he looks in a better place with the way he’s taking his swings."
Polanco went 0-for-2 with two walks as Syracuse was no-hit by Brendan Beck (7 IP) and Carson Coleman (2 IP) of the Scranton-Wilkes/Barre RailRiders.
Goal for Francisco Alvarez
Along with Polanco, Alvarez is also in Friday's starting lineup with Triple-A, his third rehab appearance since recovering from a meniscus tear in his right knee on May 13.
Originally scheduled to be out for six-to-eight weeks, Alvarez is blowing past that number and is already in contention to return from the IL when the Mets return home on Tuesday for a six-game homestand.
"Alvy’s catching right now," Mendoza said. "The goal is for him to get I think seven [innings] today. He’s gonna go back-to-back [tomorrow]. So the goal, if everything goes well there, is to have him on the next homestand."
The skipper didn't specify exactly when during New York's homestand, but it stands to reason Alvarez could be back for the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals which would put his recovery timeline at less than a month.
Alvarez went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before getting pulled for Kevin Parada.
Odds and ends
Ronny Mauricio (fractured thumb) has started running, but has yet to begin hitting.
Tyrone Taylor (right hip) started running yesterday.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 4: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Gavin Sheets #30 after hitting a two run home run in the top of the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on June 4, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Padres 6-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New York Mets (27-35) at San Diego Padres (32-29), June 5, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST
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