MLB power rankings: Marlins' epic losing streak revives Sandy Alcantara trade rumors

Has there ever been a more calamitous trade-deadline collapse than the Miami Marlins' pratfall the past two weeks?

The Marlins went from National League East contenders to almost certain trade deadline sellers over the course of a franchise-record 12-game losing streak, taking them from 52-42 and three games out of the division lead to 52-54 and the No. 8 position in the NL wild card chase. Suddenly, the hottest team in baseball - the Marlins were 26-8 from June 1 until July 9, their last win before this cold spell - could be poised to sell one of the most cherished assets on the market.

Yes, former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara, long a subject of trade conjecture until the Marlins' hot streak, is very much back in play. That's what made the Marlins' 12th loss in this skid even stranger: The San Diego Padres rallied for four runs in the eighth inning, setting up Mason Miller for his 27th save. Miller, too, has been targeted as potential trade fodder with the Padres slipping from contention.

But a weekend with the Marlins vaulted them ahead of Miami - not just in the NL standings but USA TODAY Sports' power rankings. Miami has tumbled nine spots to No. 18 - and who knows how far it may fall once the deadline is done.

A look at our updated rankings:

Sandy Alcantara won the NL Cy Young in 2022.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)

  • Once again winning with such numbing regularity they can take their sweet time with Shohei Ohtani, Pitcher.

2. Milwaukee Brewers (-)

  • Nothing wrong with being a five-inning pitcher when you strike out 12 of 16 batters faced, like Jacob Misiorowski.

3. Atlanta Braves (-)

  • Ozzie Albies on pace for 26 homers, most since 2023.

4. Tampa Bay Rays (-)

  • Bryan "The Outmaker" Baker has converted 17 consecutive save chances, allowing just one run.

5. New York Yankees (+1)

  • Not sure trade deadline can change their apparent fate as second place finisher/No. 1 wild card.

6. Chicago Cubs (-1)

  • After seven-run, three-homer debacle, Jameson Taillon's ERA is 5.92 and rotation spot in question.

7. Philadelphia Phillies (-)

  • Very quietly, their run differential is -18.

8. Chicago White Sox (-)

  • What a bobblehead day for Munetaka Murakami as parents throw out first pitch, he hits two homers and drives in six.

9. Arizona Diamondbacks (+4)

  • With four starting pitchers on IL, trade deadline a vexing time for holders of No. 3 wild card.

10. Boston Red Sox (+5)

  • A win-now move from Craig Breslow? Lots of subtext to Curtis Mead acquisition.

11. Pittsburgh Pirates (-1)

  • No need to wait for deadline to upgrade bullpen.

12. Texas Rangers (+2)

  • Still hanging on to first place as Corey Seager heads out on rehab assignment.

13. Washington Nationals (+4)

  • Hours after trading Curtis Mead, All-Stars CJ Abrams, James Wood combine for four home runs.

14. St. Louis Cardinals (-3)

  • Losing home series to Reds continues drift away from contention.

15. Cleveland Guardians (-3)

  • Five straight losses puts them closer to third than first.

16. San Diego Padres (+2)

  • A sweep in Miami means a very happy flight all the way to San Diego.

17. Seattle Mariners (-1)

  • Looked like a team hungry for reinforcements during sluggish series at Texas.

18. Miami Marlins (-9)

  • Averaging just 2.5 runs per game in 12-game losing streak.

19. Baltimore Orioles (-)

  • With catchers Adley Rutschman, Samuel Basallo ailing, replacements Chadwick Tromp, Sam Huff a combined 7 for 50.

20. Minnesota Twins (-)

  • No. 3 overall pick Vahn Lackey will start journey to Target Field at high Class A Cedar Rapids.

21. Detroit Tigers (-)

  • Just soul-crushing to lose series to Royals at this point.

22. Houston Astros (-)

  • Carlos Beltrán and Jeff Kent's inductions give 2004 squad four Hall of Famers.

23. Cincinnati Reds (+1)

  • Left for dead, then win three straight series. Interesting...

24. Toronto Blue Jays (-1)

  • Max Scherzer returns to make first start since June 10.

25. San Francisco Giants (-)

  • Like clockwork, Rafael Devers' OPS now .803.

26. New York Mets (-)

  • Juan Soto, back on IL, won't play in much more than 100 games.

27. Kansas City Royals (+3)

  • Nostalgia week: Salvador Perez passes George Brett for franchise HR record, Carlos Beltrán enters Cooperstown.

28. Athletics (-1)

  • Shea Langeliers' untimely meniscus tear might buy him one more year in Yolo County.

29. Colorado Rockies (-1)

  • Cole Carigg manages the lone hit - a home run - off Jacob Misiorowski.

30. Los Angeles Angels (-1)

  • Trade Jose Soriano? Sadly, it probably makes sense.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: Marlins' epic losing streak revives Sandy Alcantara trade rumors

Yankees news: Down goes Bellinger

New York Post | Greg Joyce: The Yankees, already missing Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, suffered another blow on Sunday, as fellow outfielder Cody Bellinger was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. The former 2019 NL MVP suffered the ailment while running the bases on Saturday night.

Spencer Jones has been called up to replace Bellinger in the lineup. With so many top performers down with injuries, the Yankees now have even more pressure to add an impact bat or two before the August 3 deadline.

Bellinger’s injury doesn’t appear to be overly serious, though. At least he was able to perform some light agility drills on Sunday:

CBS Sports | Mike Axisa: The Yankees need a catcher badly and have been linked to Ryan Jeffers and Tyler Stephenson in the last few days. Shea Langeliers, however, won’t be an option because he suffered a serious knee injury and might be out for the season.

Langeliers was a long shot to be traded, anyway, as he is one of the Athletics’ top players and building blocks. Still, you never know with that organization. He has 23 home runs, a 127 wRC+, and 2.8 fWAR in 2026.

MLB.com | Dan Cichalsky: The National Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed its three newest members: Jeff Kent, Carlos Beltrán, and Andruw Jones, on Sunday. The last two played for the Yankees when they were past their prime, but are still part of franchise history.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home: Alice ‘Betsy’ Richardson, the longtime wife of former Yankee Bobby Richardson, passed away last week. They were married for 70 years. Reading the condolences and testimonies of those who knew her, it’s safe to say she left a huge mark on their lives. Our thoughts are with the Richardson family.

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán got their call to Cooperstown, but who will be joining them next year?

The three players were enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday as part of the Class of 2026. Now, baseball fans can start looking ahead to the 2027 ballot.

Next year’s ballot does not have nearly as much star power as the 2026 class. Still, a handful of players could be on their way to Cooperstown next summer.

Here’s a look at the top names to watch in the 2027 Baseball Hall of Fame voting process.

First-ballot potential

  • Buster Posey
  • Jon Lester

Only a pair of players have even a remote chance at becoming first-ballot Hall of Famers next summer.

Buster Posey, now the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, became a franchise legend behind the plate from 2009 to 2021. The star catcher earned three World Series titles, seven All-Star selections, 2012 NL MVP honors, 2010 NL Rookie of the Year honors, five Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove.

Jon Lester is another three-time World Series winner atop the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot. The southpaw won 200 regular season games and posted a 3.66 career ERA during his 16-year career, which he primarily spent with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. He won a pair of championships in Boston and helped the Cubs end a 108-year World Series drought in 2016.

Returning candidates

  • Chase Utley
  • Andy Pettitte
  • Félix Hernández

Chase Utley is the only returning player who received at least 50% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2026. The former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop jumped up nearly 20% from his second year of eligibility in 2025 (39.8%) to his third in 2026 (59.1%). A similar jump would get him past the required 75% to get into the Hall of Fame.

Andy Pettitte, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, received 48.5% of the vote in 2026 and only has two more years of eligibility remaining.

Félix Hernández is another notable name to watch following a major second-year leap. The Seattle Mariners legend went from 20.6% of the vote on his first ballot in 2025 to 46.1% of the vote in 2026.

Returning longshots

  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Bobby Abreu
  • Jimmy Rollins
  • Cole Hamels
  • Dustin Pedroia
  • Mark Buehrle
  • Omar Vizquel
  • David Wright
  • Francisco Rodríguez
  • Torii Hunter

Alex Rodriguez, who was prominently linked to MLB’s steroid era, is entering his sixth year of eligibility after landing 40.0% of the vote in 2026.

Bobby Abreu (30.8%) is the only other returning player to receive more than 30% of the BBWAA vote in 2026. All other players listed above exceeded the 5% minimum vote in 2026 to stay on the ballot for 2027.

First-year longshots

  • Brett Gardner
  • Ryan Zimmerman
  • Kyle Seager
  • Ervin Santana
  • Asdrúbal Cabrera
  • Todd Frazier
  • Josh Reddick
  • Jake Arrieta
  • Scott Kazmir
  • Jordan Zimmermann

Brett Gardner, Ryan Zimmerman and Jake Arrieta are among the World Series winners who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot next year.

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán got their call to Cooperstown, but who will be joining them next year?

The three players were enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday as part of the Class of 2026. Now, baseball fans can start looking ahead to the 2027 ballot.

Next year’s ballot does not have nearly as much star power as the 2026 class. Still, a handful of players could be on their way to Cooperstown next summer.

Here’s a look at the top names to watch in the 2027 Baseball Hall of Fame voting process.

First-ballot potential

  • Buster Posey
  • Jon Lester

Only a pair of players have even a remote chance at becoming first-ballot Hall of Famers next summer.

Buster Posey, now the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, became a franchise legend behind the plate from 2009 to 2021. The star catcher earned three World Series titles, seven All-Star selections, 2012 NL MVP honors, 2010 NL Rookie of the Year honors, five Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove.

Jon Lester is another three-time World Series winner atop the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot. The southpaw won 200 regular season games and posted a 3.66 career ERA during his 16-year career, which he primarily spent with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. He won a pair of championships in Boston and helped the Cubs end a 108-year World Series drought in 2016.

Returning candidates

  • Chase Utley
  • Andy Pettitte
  • Félix Hernández

Chase Utley is the only returning player who received at least 50% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2026. The former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop jumped up nearly 20% from his second year of eligibility in 2025 (39.8%) to his third in 2026 (59.1%). A similar jump would get him past the required 75% to get into the Hall of Fame.

Andy Pettitte, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, received 48.5% of the vote in 2026 and only has two more years of eligibility remaining.

Félix Hernández is another notable name to watch following a major second-year leap. The Seattle Mariners legend went from 20.6% of the vote on his first ballot in 2025 to 46.1% of the vote in 2026.

Returning longshots

  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Bobby Abreu
  • Jimmy Rollins
  • Cole Hamels
  • Dustin Pedroia
  • Mark Buehrle
  • Omar Vizquel
  • David Wright
  • Francisco Rodríguez
  • Torii Hunter

Alex Rodriguez, who was prominently linked to MLB’s steroid era, is entering his sixth year of eligibility after landing 40.0% of the vote in 2026.

Bobby Abreu (30.8%) is the only other returning player to receive more than 30% of the BBWAA vote in 2026. All other players listed above exceeded the 5% minimum vote in 2026 to stay on the ballot for 2027.

First-year longshots

  • Brett Gardner
  • Ryan Zimmerman
  • Kyle Seager
  • Ervin Santana
  • Asdrúbal Cabrera
  • Todd Frazier
  • Josh Reddick
  • Jake Arrieta
  • Scott Kazmir
  • Jordan Zimmermann

Brett Gardner, Ryan Zimmerman and Jake Arrieta are among the World Series winners who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot next year.

Tadej Pogacar’s ability to win unopposed stands champion out among Tour legends | William Fotheringham

Slovene is youngest of riders to win five Tours de France and few would bet against him claiming sixth victory next year

The 2026 Tour de France served up an epic battle that lasted for day after day between two protagonists of the highest calibre with different skillsets, a tale of epic breakaways, intriguing team tactics and reversals of fortune, building to a spectacular climax on the race’s toughest stage. The contest for the green jersey of points winner between Mads Pedersen and Jasper Philipsen was a classic.

Those hoping for something similar in the race for the yellow jersey of overall winner were disappointed, and rapidly. Any suspense was eliminated with 42km of stage six remaining, high above the ski village of La Mongie, when Tadej Pogacar dislodged Jonas Vingegaard and the other putative race favourites on the Col du Tourmalet. It was a familiar stinging attack, and a familiar outcome, with the Slovene opening a lead that looked insurmountable, as indeed it was.

Continue reading...

Nuggets to match two-year offer sheet to Spencer Jones, Denver now above second apron

The Denver Nuggets made the right basketball decision, but now they face a steep tax bill and second-apron questions.

Denver has decided to match Oklahoma City's two-year, $11.8 million offer sheet to Spencer Jones, keeping him in a Nuggets uniform for next season, a story broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

From a basketball perspective, Denver made the no-brainer move, especially for a team with questions about depth. Jones is a 6'7" wing who is a strong on-ball defender, shot 39.6% from 3-point range, and started 37 games for Denver a season ago. Plus, he dropped 20 points on the Timberwolves in Game 5 of their playoff series, basically winning the Nuggets the game.

However, this was not a simple decision financially — just matching Jones' offer jumped the Nuggets' luxury tax bill from $36 million to $68 million, reports Bobby Marks of ESPN. That tax bill is going to climb to at least $112 million, and that's if Peyton Watson chooses to play for the $6.5 million qualifying offer. If he and the Nuggets agree to a new deal, the tax numbers only skyrocket from there.

Denver is now eight million above the second apron, according to Marks, and again that is without a new deal for Watson. Nuggets ownership and management have some tough calls to make about this roster and the tax.

Former Arizona wing Dalen Terry waived by 76ers

arizona-wildcats-mens-basketball-nba-dalen-terry-philadelphia-76ers-waived-caleb-love-lebron-james-2026-2027
Mar 23, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dalen Terry (14) dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Turns out only one ex-Wildcat will get to be part of LeBron James’ latest NBA chapter.

Former Arizona wing Dalen Terry was waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, two days after news broke the Sixers were signing James to a 2-year, $8 million contract.

The 24-year-old Terry appeared in 21 games for Philadelphia, technically his third team during the 2025-26 season after being traded from the Chicago Bulls to New Orleans in February and then waived by the Pelicans the next day. Philly signed Terry to a 2-way deal on Feb. 10, converting it standard deal on April 10 right before the regular season ended.

Terry averaged 4.1 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 11.7 minutes during 14 regular season games with the Sixers, then in the NBA Playoffs had 13 points in 39 minutes over seven games.

Had Philly held onto him Terry would have been one of two ex-UA players on the Sixers in 2026-27, as they signed Caleb Love to a 2-way deal in early July.

Originally drafted by the Bulls with the 18th overall pick in 2022, Terry played 3-plus seasons in Chicago and started seven games. He spent two years at the UA, starting 14 games as a freshman in Sean Miller’s final season and then all 37 games on Tommy Lloyd’s first Wildcat squad.

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates

Buster Posey and Jon Lester headline Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 candidates originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jeff Kent, Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán got their call to Cooperstown, but who will be joining them next year?

The three players were enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday as part of the Class of 2026. Now, baseball fans can start looking ahead to the 2027 ballot.

Next year’s ballot does not have nearly as much star power as the 2026 class. Still, a handful of players could be on their way to Cooperstown next summer.

Here’s a look at the top names to watch in the 2027 Baseball Hall of Fame voting process.

First-ballot potential

  • Buster Posey
  • Jon Lester

Only a pair of players have even a remote chance at becoming first-ballot Hall of Famers next summer.

Buster Posey, now the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, became a franchise legend behind the plate from 2009 to 2021. The star catcher earned three World Series titles, seven All-Star selections, 2012 NL MVP honors, 2010 NL Rookie of the Year honors, five Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove.

Jon Lester is another three-time World Series winner atop the 2027 Hall of Fame ballot. The southpaw won 200 regular season games and posted a 3.66 career ERA during his 16-year career, which he primarily spent with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. He won a pair of championships in Boston and helped the Cubs end a 108-year World Series drought in 2016.

Returning candidates

  • Chase Utley
  • Andy Pettitte
  • Félix Hernández

Chase Utley is the only returning player who received at least 50% of the vote from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2026. The former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop jumped up nearly 20% from his second year of eligibility in 2025 (39.8%) to his third in 2026 (59.1%). A similar jump would get him past the required 75% to get into the Hall of Fame.

Andy Pettitte, a five-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, received 48.5% of the vote in 2026 and only has two more years of eligibility remaining.

Félix Hernández is another notable name to watch following a major second-year leap. The Seattle Mariners legend went from 20.6% of the vote on his first ballot in 2025 to 46.1% of the vote in 2026.

Returning longshots

  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Bobby Abreu
  • Jimmy Rollins
  • Cole Hamels
  • Dustin Pedroia
  • Mark Buehrle
  • Omar Vizquel
  • David Wright
  • Francisco Rodríguez
  • Torii Hunter

Alex Rodriguez, who was prominently linked to MLB’s steroid era, is entering his sixth year of eligibility after landing 40.0% of the vote in 2026.

Bobby Abreu (30.8%) is the only other returning player to receive more than 30% of the BBWAA vote in 2026. All other players listed above exceeded the 5% minimum vote in 2026 to stay on the ballot for 2027.

First-year longshots

  • Brett Gardner
  • Ryan Zimmerman
  • Kyle Seager
  • Ervin Santana
  • Asdrúbal Cabrera
  • Todd Frazier
  • Josh Reddick
  • Jake Arrieta
  • Scott Kazmir
  • Jordan Zimmermann

Brett Gardner, Ryan Zimmerman and Jake Arrieta are among the World Series winners who will make their first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot next year.

Karl-Anthony Towns contract situation still looms over Knicks’ offseason

Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the Larry O'Brien, NBA Championship Trophy during the Knicks' Ticker Tape Parade on June 18. 2026 in New York City.
Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the Larry O'Brien, NBA Championship Trophy during the Knicks' Ticker Tape Parade on June 18. 2026 in New York City.

The business side threatens to interrupt all the good vibes around the Knicks.

They are able to almost fully run back their championship squad next year, with the only significant loss being Mitchell Robinson going to the Celtics.

But there are certainly questions about the future that will hover over the present.

The modern NBA, with its current CBA, pushes for league parity, making it difficult for champions to keep their cores intact for prolonged periods.

The Knicks have one more year before that might become their reality, but pivotal decisions for their future are already staring them in the face.

Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy during the Knicks’ Ticker Tape Parade on June 18. 2026 in New York City. Bloomberg via Getty Images

Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract situation is the key question this offseason and will likely remain so all year.

He is set to make around $57 million next year.

Then, for the 2027-28 season, he has a $61 million player option.

Towns is already eligible for an extension, with the max deal the Knicks can offer him being four years for $272 million — a staggering average annual value of $68 million.

If they do not reach a deal and Towns decides to decline his player option and test the open market in 2027, the standard veteran max would be a little less, at $266.6 million over four years.

If he plays on that player option, though, and hits free agency in ’28, that number would be higher.

Towns’ value should be well recognized after he helped the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years in Year 1, then helped them win their first championship in 53 years in Year 2.

The past two seasons have helped him shed some of his lingering reputation that dogged him for much of his career, instead turning into widespread praise and proven-wrong apologies from fans and media.

The Knicks transformed their offense in the postseason via a system that was heavily reliant on Towns and his playmaking ability.

He proved that he could unlock another level defensively, too.

His status as an elite big was cemented.

Karl-Anthony Towns holds up the NBA Championship Trophy at Fanatics Fest 2026 at the Jacob Javits Center on July 18, 2026 in New York City. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fan

But that’s the type of salary that usually goes to a team’s best player, not the second best (or at times, maybe even third best).

Towns is currently the highest-paid Knick, but that is because of Jalen Brunson’s well-documented financial sacrifice of leaving roughly $113 million on the table.

Karl-Anthony Towns was instrumental in the Knicks’ 2026 Championship run. Jason Szenes for The New York Post

Towns will turn 31 next season, meaning any extension would carry him into his mid-30s — at a position that usually sees players age less gracefully than smaller players.

Brunson will be extension eligible in the ’28 offseason and has already hinted at his contract desires, telling Vanity Fair that “obviously we’d love for [the Knicks] to do right by me. I think anyone would. I feel like I sacrificed.”

President Leon Rose and his front office have been clever at manipulating the cap and making things work, but it does not seem feasible — with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges already locked into long-term contracts — to have both Brunson and Towns on such massive deals.

Josh Hart’s future is also up in the air — he is due to make just under $21 million next year, then has a roughly $22 million team option for the 2027-28 season.

The Knicks were already pinching pennies to stay under the second apron this offseason — there is no way all five starters can be brought back on new, much more expensive contracts.

Unless Towns believes it’s his turn to sacrifice, as Brunson did, he and the Knicks could reach an agreement on an extension below the max amount. But he might also view this championship as validation of the type of player — and most importantly, winner — he spent his whole career trying to prove he is.

Until there is clarity, it will be the new elephant in the room. 

Isaiah Rider arrested for third time in less than a year over court order

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Isaiah Rider #34 of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a dunk during the 1995 Slam Dunk Contest on February 11, 1995 at the America West Arena, Image 2 shows Isaiah Rider attends the boxing match between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2023

Former NBA veteran and Slam Dunk Contest champion Isaiah Rider is back behind bars. 

Rider was taken into custody by authorities in Arizona after he failed to comply with a court order, TMZ reported on Sunday night. 

He was taken into custody Thursday night and booked into jail the next morning, according to the report. 

Isaiah Rider attends the boxing match between Gervonta Davis and Ryan
Garcia at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2023. Getty Images

He will remain in custody until Tuesday over the misdemeanor that ended in a guilty finding.

Rider’s legal trouble is just the latest in a running list of issues he’s had to contend with since December. 

The ex-NBA player was jailed twice that month related to a protective order his estranged wife Vanessa had filed against him back in July. 

It’s unclear if the latest arrest is also related to the protective order. 

Rider had been arrested back on Dec. 4 in Gilbert, Ariz., for violating a court order and was charged with a count of interfering with judicial proceedings. 

He was arrested again Dec. 15 after he failed to show up for a court date that was set to determine whether a judge would extend Vanessa’s protective order against him. 

Isaiah Rider Timberwolves attempts a dunk during the 1995
Slam Dunk Contest. NBAE via Getty Images

When Vanessa filed for the order of protection last summer, she alleged that Rider had been hostile toward her several times and had allegedly said, “You’re gonna get your ass slapped” to her and the couple’s 15-year-old son. 

“Shut the f–k up before I kick this door down and whoop you,” she also alleged he said at the time. 

The former basketball star denied the allegations and claimed that they were made due to their contentious divorce after he filed in November 2024. 

Rider spent nine seasons playing in the NBA from 1993 to 2002, logging time with the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Hawks, Lakers and Nuggets.

He won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2001, despite not being on the playoff roster that year, and the Slam Dunk Contest in 1994. 

Why The Mammoth Bet On A Rising Defenseman Ready To Make His NHL Return

After years of fighting for a consistent NHL opportunity, Zac Jones finally delivered the type of season that made teams take notice — and earned himself a fresh chance with the Utah Mammoth.

The 25-year-old defenseman turned the 2025-26 season into a statement year, emerging as one of the most productive blue-liners in the American Hockey League and proving that his offensive upside was still very much intact. That performance ultimately led to Utah signing Jones to a two-year, two-way contract worth $875,000 annually at the NHL level.

Jones’ breakout campaign came with the Rochester Americans, where he became a driving force from the back end. In 60 games, he recorded 10 goals and 52 assists for 62 points, earning First Team AHL All-Star honors and representing the North Division at his first AHL All-Star Classic.

What stood out most was Jones’ ability to create offense. He led all AHL players in assists while also pacing the league in power-play assists with 36 and power-play points with 38. Among defensemen, he finished first in scoring and led all blueliners with 168 shots on goal, showcasing his willingness to attack and generate opportunities.

The season represented a major step forward for Jones, who had previously never reached those offensive heights at any level. His 10 goals were the most of his junior, collegiate, or professional career, while his 52 assists more than doubled his previous AHL single-season best of 26, set during the 2021-22 season.

Utah is also adding a player with valuable NHL experience. Jones spent parts of five seasons with the New York Rangers, appearing in 115 games and collecting four goals and 24 assists. He reached a career-high 46 NHL games in 2024-25, finishing seventh among Rangers defensemen in scoring with 11 points.

Before turning pro, Jones built a strong résumé at both the collegiate and international levels. He helped the University of Massachusetts win its first national championship in 2020-21, earning Second Team All-American honors while also being named to the Hockey East and NCAA All-Tournament Teams. He was also recognized as the USHL Rookie of the Year in 2018-19 after leading all league defensemen with 45 assists.

For the Mammoth, the signing represents a low-risk opportunity to add a skilled puck-moving defenseman who has already shown he can dominate at the AHL level. The next challenge for Jones will be turning that success into a permanent NHL role — something he has been chasing since the Rangers selected him 68th overall in 2019.

Image

Utah Jazz sign former UNC small forward

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 10: Harrison Ingram #55 of the San Antonio Spurs goes through drills before the start of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Frost Bank Center on April 10, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Utah Jazz announced they signed former UNC small forward, Harrison Ingram.

According to the Jazz, terms of the deal were not disclosed. From Utah Jazz PR:

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed forward Harrison Ingram. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In their release, the Jazz note that Ingram is 6’5” and played two seasons for the “spent the past two seasons (2024-26) with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in 12 NBA games while also appearing in 88 contests with the Austin Spurs, San Antonio’s G League affiliate.”

Ingram was also a decorated collegiate player with Stanford and UNC. As I mentioned, the terms of this deal were not disclosed, so that means my favorite thing happens … assssummmmptiionnnns.

My guess is this is some sort of contract for training camp and preseason. Just like NFL teams, sometimes you need players to play on your “practice squad.”

But maybe it’s something more? Could this be a reaction to Summer League, and is Ingram a player who might be an upgrade to someone like Cody Williams? Maybe. It was not the most inspiring Las Vegas Summer League for the Jazz, and maybe this is to give someone a look that they like. Either way, it’s good to see the Jazz active. Having won the lottery and drafted a potential superstar in Darryn Peterson, who will join a solid core foundation, means the Jazz should be as active as possible trying to find depth pieces for the future. Perhaps Ingram is one of those.

Andy Green lauds new Hall of Famer Carlos Beltran’s investment in ‘next generation of Mets’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Carlos Beltrán speaking at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Image 2 shows New York Mets interim manager Andy Green walks back to the dugout
Carlos Beltrán investing in the next generation of Mets players has impressed Andy Green.

Carlos Beltrán is excelling in his post-playing career, too.

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

Asked Sunday about the Hall of Famer’s impact on the organization in his role as a special assistant, interim manager Andy Green pointed to Beltrán’s willingness to take on the least glamorous of assignments.

Beltrán was inducted into Cooperstown on Sunday, displaying a Mets cap on his plaque.

“I think the things you have to appreciate about elite performers are the things they do when the spotlight is not on them,” Green said before the Mets beat the Dodgers 8-3 at Citi Field. “It’s when he shows up in Daytona with our A-ball team and shares wisdom with our young hitters.”

Carlos Beltrán is pictured during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony July 26. Charles Wenzelberg

The former outfielder began as a Mets special assistant in 2023 — his return to the game after he stepped aside as the team’s manager (after only 77 days at the helm without managing a game) in the fallout over the Astros’ illegal sign-stealing scheme.

Beltrán is sometimes with the major league team as a sounding board for players, but hasn’t shied away from an equally important part of his job, according to Green.

Andy Green is pictured during the Mets’ July 10 game against the Red Sox. Charles Wenzelberg

“It’s because he wants to invest in the next generation of Mets,” Green said. “It’s one thing when you show up in the big league clubhouse and live the big league life. It’s another when you are willing to go down and talk to our minor league players and invest in them. That is where the respect really grows.”


Green indicated a next step hasn’t been decided upon for Clay Holmes, who threw a side session before the game.

Holmes pitched 2 ¹/₃ innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday in his first minor league rehab start following a fractured right fibula.


Francisco Lindor delivered an RBI single in the first inning.

Over his past 10 games, Lindor owns a .282/.364/.513 slash line with two homers and seven RBIs.


The Mets snapped a six-game losing streak against the Dodgers that dated to June 5 of last year.

Amed Rosario suddenly struggling against lefties at worst possible time for Yankees

Amed Rosario of the New York Yankees grounds out to third base.
Amed Rosario, pictured during a Yankees game July 17, has struggled against left-handed pitching recently.

PHILADELPHIA — The Yankees brought Amed Rosario back to be a lefty killer, and through the first two months of the season, he was.

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 free

In the past two months, though, it’s the lefties that have done the killing against the Yankees utility player.

Still — in part because the Yankees are beat up and are now without three of their better hitters against lefties in Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton — Rosario hit third again Sunday night against Phillies southpaw Cristopher Sánchez in an 11-4 loss in the series finale at Citizens Bank Park.

“If you watch the at-bats, especially against lefties, I know the numbers haven’t been there, but he’s having the right at-bats, he’s just going through it a little bit,” manager Aaron Boone said.

Amed Rosario, pictured during a Yankees game July 17, has struggled against left-handed pitching recently. Getty Images

In 50 plate appearances against lefties through May 26, Rosario was hitting .273 with an .888 OPS.

But in 56 plate appearances against lefties since then, entering Sunday, he was batting just .135 with a .408 OPS.

That included being in a 1-for-17 slump entering Sunday’s game.

Rosario was 1-for-4 in the loss with a pair of strikeouts before being lifted for pinch hitter Ryan McMahon in the ninth.

Rosario has continued to be a staple in the top third of Yankees lineups against most lefties despite the lack of results, though they are not overflowing with options to replace him.

The 30-year-old did still have an average exit velocity of 90.3 mph and an 11.1 percent barrel rate, both of which ranked in the top half of the league and gave the Yankees some hope that he was capable of getting back on track.



“He’s on stuff and is presenting like a guy that’s going to impact against lefties,” Boone said. “He’s just, on a smaller level, hasn’t gotten results. But doesn’t change my confidence that he will moving forward.”


Judge and Stanton are expected to travel to Chicago with the Yankees this week for their series against the White Sox and Cubs.

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.

“We’ll have some of our trainer guys that go on the road, we’ll be able to do that,” Boone said.


Cross Shea Langeliers off the list of potential catchers the Yankees could acquire at the trade deadline.

The Athletics placed the backstop on the injured list Sunday with a torn meniscus, which could cost him the rest of the season.

Langeliers, under contract through 2028, was going to be tough to land, but now his injury has essentially ruled out any trade involving him.


Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John surgery) faced hitters for the second time Sunday at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, continuing his ramp-up toward a rehab assignment. … Max Fried will start Monday’s series opener against the White Sox, giving Gerrit Cole an extra day of rest before starting Tuesday after both had thrown in Wednesday’s doubleheader.

Scott Laughton Kings 2025-26 Season Review

Scott Laughton did not start the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Kings; rather, he was with the Toronto Maple Leafs and played the majority of his games there last season. Then, on March 6th, on trade deadline day, the Kings traded for Laughton in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. Before being traded to the Kings, Laughton had registered 8 goals, 4 assists for 12 points in 43 games. 

Scott Laughton's Kings Season 

After the trade deadline, Scott Laughton, in the regular season, would play in 21 games for the Kings, registering 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points. While the biggest move for the Kings was getting Panarin, Scott Laughton improved the Kings' depth and penalty kill. The Kings organization highly valued Laughton, and one of their primary goals was to ensure he could stay in Los Angeles. Laughton would sign a 3-year, $3.5 million AAV contract with the Kings. 

So while the Kings were able to keep a player they valued, it also helped their center depth, which is one of the weakest points on their entire roster, especially after the retirement of Anze Kopitar. Scott Laughton's defensive ability helps the Kings both at even strength and on the penalty kill, as they trust that he can be a strong defender against some of the best offensive players in the NHL. 

Overall, the Laughton trade was a positive for the Kings, as they did not have to give up much to acquire him, but his extension with Los Angeles allows them to continue focusing on adding more centermen to the roster. While Laughton is likely not going to play top-line minutes, he still shows his leadership and strong play with depth, and if the Kings can add more to the center depth, Laughton's value could get even higher for the Kings if he continues to play his strong game.