Between them, they have a total of six MVPs, but the irony is that through the first two games of the series, the two best players on the floor are not the ones deciding the outcome.
It’s everyone else.
While LeBron James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have been great when on the court, the series has shifted when the two stars head to the bench. AP
When James and SGA share the stage, this series tightens.
The numbers reflect that.
If both players played the entire 48 minutes, the games would be an extremely close back-and-forth heavyweight fight. But the moment either superstar heads to the bench, everything tilts.
And someone should call Harry Styles, because right now, it’s tilting in only one direction.
Let’s start with James, because at 41 years old, what he’s doing in the playoffs is downright absurd.
Every minute he’s on the court, he’s in full control. He dictates the pace, manipulates defenders, and is carrying the Lakers offense deep into the postseason without the NBA’s leading scorer in Luka Doncic.
LeBron James has been sensational when he on the court this series, but the Lakers completely fall apart when he sits on the bench. Getty Images
James has played 77% of the available minutes in this series. That’s not a typical workload for a quadragenarian.
When he’s on the floor, the Lakers are competitive. They’re always within striking distance, especially early in the games where they have led.
But within those two-to-three minute breathers he takes each quarter, that is where the series collapses like a house of cards.
In the 22 total minutes that James has not been on the floor, the Lakers are a -18.
If not for a brief second-quarter pulse on Thursday when Austin Reaves led the Lakers on a little run, they would have lost every single stint that James has been on the bench in the series.
“Being undermanned it’s hard. We’re trying our best with the rotations we got,” Lakers head coach J.J. Redick admitted.
The truth is that when LeBron sits, the Lakers don’t just struggle — they unravel.
James is doing everything he can to will this series in the Lakers favor, but he’s only one man and needs more help from the rest of the squad. NBAE via Getty Images
But the Thunder have the exact opposite problem.
When SGA sits, the Thunder dominate in his absence.
When SGA left the floor with 10:34 remaining in the third quarter of Game 2, the Lakers were up 66-61. That should have been the window the Lakers needed. With the MVP on the bench, that was the moment they could swing the game and even the series.
Instead, it became the breaking point of the series.
OKC ripped off a 32-14 run the rest of the quarter as SGA sat with four fouls.
“In the non-Shai minutes in the second half we got blitzed. 32-to-14. Seven turnovers. They shot 14 free throws during that stretch,” Redick said. “We’ll look at everything and try and see how we can be better in those minutes.”
Better might not cut it because through two games, OKC is an astonishing +26 when SGA is off the floor.
That’s right, the Thunder are absolutely thumping the Lakers when the soon-to-be back-to-back MVP is not in the game.
Gilgeous-Alexander is widely considered the best basketball player in the world and expected to win the 2026 MVP award. NBAE via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the Lakers are hemorrhaging points the second their star heads to the bench for a breather.
You don’t need advanced analytics to understand that math.
This series has exceeded expectations when the two stars are on the floor. But when they’re not on the floor it reveals what we’ve known all along.
This series wasn’t about James vs. SGA. It was about infrastructure. It was about depth. It was about identity.
And right now, OKC has all three. And the Lakers just have a 41-year-old.
Labeled as the “Free Throw Merchant,” Gilgeous-Alexander has made a living at the free throw line throughout the regular season and postseason. AP
There are other issues plaguing the Lakers as well.
They’re getting outshot from three. They’ve coughed up 37 total turnovers. They’re losing the second-chance points battle 38-17, which is basically like handing over extra possessions like party favors.
Those feel more like symptoms though. The real disease is what happens when James and SGA sit.
The series now shifts back to Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles, beginning Saturday night. NBAE via Getty Images
Through two games, the Lakers have slowed down SGA by throwing doubles, blitzes, hedges, and traps at him. But when he’s gone, they go back to man-to-man defense. The focus and aggression disappears. The communication softens. The physicality dissolves.
“We need to up our physicality,” said Lakers’ guard Luke Kennard. “When Shai is off the floor, we really have to sit down and guard.”
Kennard and Reaves must step up offensively in the James-less minutes, as well.
In the SGA-less minutes, the Lakers need to treat the Thunder’s primary ball-handler as if that’s the reigning MVP. Throw two guys at him and force him into mistakes.
Or, go back to playing the connected, physical defense they played against the Rockets when Kevin Durant missed five games.
Because right now this series isn’t being decided by its two superstars.
It’s being decided by everything that happens when they’re not playing.
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The New York Knicks will attempt to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals when they travel to Philadelphia to battle the 76ers on Friday.
The Knicks used a dominating performance in Game 1 and held on in Game 2, as they attempt to get back to the East finals. But New York, like Philadelphia, has its own injury concerns heading into a crucial Game 3.
The 76ers played Game 2 without Joel Embiid, who is dealing with hip and ankle issues, and the Knicks are awaiting the status of starting forward OG Anunoby.
Anunoby was injured in Game 2 with three minutes left in the 4th quarter after grabbing at his leg during a cut to the basket. He was helped off the floor and didn't return. The team said he has a right hamstring strain and is listed as questionable for Game 3 on Friday.
OG Anunoby stats
Anunoby averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 67 games during the regular season. In the playoffs, he has upped his game, averaging 21.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and almost 2 steals per game, while shooting a blistering 61% from the field.
Our MLB picks for Friday are picking on the Astros, as we love the value on both fading Houston and the total in that game, based on prices from Polymarket.
See why our baseball experts are backing both angles of that game — plus an Under in the South Side of Chicago.
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Josh Inglis' expert pick: Astros/Reds Over 9.5
Price: 48¢ (+108) at Polymarket
The wind is blowing out at Great American Ball Park, and this sets up as a battle between two of the worst bullpens in baseball — that are likely to be heavily involved today. The Cincinnati Reds are sending out Nick Lodolo, who is making his first start of the year after throwing just 79 pitches in his last rehab outing (while dealing with a blister). On the other side, for the Houston Astros, starter Mike Burrows has allowed 8+ hits in four of his seven starts, and he's much worse on the road. Late scoring is also a likelihood, with the Reds bullpen carrying a 7.79 ERA over the last 14 days — and also taxed after getting embarrassed in Chicago — and Houston not far behind at 7.44.
Jon Metler's expert pick: Reds moneyline
Price: 57¢ (-133) at Polymarket
Mike Burrows has been struggling to locate his four-seam fastball, which is a dangerous problem heading into a start at Great American Ballpark. In a bigger stadium (like Houston's Daikin Park), those mistakes might turn into harmless fly balls — in Cincinnati, they can quickly become home runs. Burrows has allowed a .341 batting average and a 1.016 OPS against lefty hitters, and four of Cincinnati's first five projected hitters bat from the left side, including switch-hitter Elly De La Cruz, giving the Reds ample opportunity to pressure him early. The market has Cincinnati priced as 57-cent favorite on Polymarket, but I make them closer to 62 cents, which gives me enough value to back the home side.
Joe Osborne's expert pick: Mariners/White Sox Under 8.5
Price: 55¢ (-122) at Polymarket
A pair of emerging starters, backed by bullpens in rock-solid form, sets the stage for a low-scoring game in Chicago. Emerson Hancock gets an extra day of rest after striking out 14 in his last outing, and he’s been excellent on the road with a 2.41 ERA. Sean Burke has been equally as sharp at home, posting a 2.66 ERA and allowing zero earned runs in back-to-back starts. Add two offenses ranked 24th or worse in home/road scoring — plus the wind blowing in — and the Under looks like a great way to kick off the weekend.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees hit the road to take on the Brewers in a three-game series starting Friday...
Carlos Rodon's season debut
It's been a while, but the Yankees are finally ready to welcome Rodon back to the rotation.
The veteran southpaw is set to start Sunday's series finale after offseason elbow surgery had him missing the start of the regular season. How Rodon pitches in the big leagues after so many months away is unknown, but he had his up and downs in the minors during his rehab assignment.
Across three minor starts, one in High-A, Double-A and Triple-A, Rodon allowed seven runs (six earned) across 16.0 innings pitched while striking out 20 batters. His last start was by far Rodon's worst outing, when he allowed five earned across 6.1 innings pitched.
Should we glean anything from those starts? We'll find out on Sunday.
Spencer Jones' MLB debut
The Yankees placedJasson Dominguez on the IL and called up Jones, one of their top offensive prospects, to the club on Friday.
How manager Aaron Boone plans to use Jones is unknown, but the athletic outfielder can play the field very well and run the bases. The everyday outfield of Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge is pretty set, but Jones could slide in as the DH against right-handers this weekend, which the Yankees will see two of -- more on that later.
The potential for Jones to receive at-bats is there and the Yankees could see what they have. In 33 Triple-A games, Jones smashed 11 home runs and drove in 41 runs to go with seven stolen bases while batting .258.
Going up against the Miz
One of those right-handers is Jacob Misiorowski. The flamethrowing starter will start opposite Max Fried in a blockbuster matchup on Friday night.
Spencer Jones runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning during spring training at Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium / Nathan Ray Seebeck - Imagn Images
The 24-year-old has a 2-2 record with a 2.84 ERA across seven starts this season. Of course, it's his strikeout rate that's eye-popping. He has 59 punchouts across 38.0 innings pitched, including at least eight in five of his seven starts, including in three straight.
Misiorowski had to leave his last start (May 1) after 5.1 innings with cramps, so we'll have to see how he bounces back and if the Yankees can hit him.
Will Ben Rice return to the lineup?
Rice has missed four games since exiting Sunday's game after being hit in the hand with a pitch. The Yankees haven't put the slugging first baseman on the IL, so it seems he's close to returning. But will he finally return to the lineup?
Could the Yankees change course and just put Rice on the IL?
The Yankees are 3-1 in the games Rice has missed, and Paul Goldschmidt has filled in admirably, but New York needs Rice, who is arguably the team's most consistent hitter this season, batting .343 with 12 home runs and 27 RBI.
Will Cody Bellinger stay hot?
While the Yankees wait for word on whether Rice can return to the lineup, the others have picked up the slack, including Bellinger. The outfielder enters the weekend series on a nine-game hitting streak. During that streak (since April 28), he's batting .471/.525/.971 with six runs, seven doubles, two triples, two home runs and 14 RBI.
Bellinger has played 25 games in Milwaukee in his career and has hit .320 with five home runs.
Predictions
Who will the MVP of the series be?
Aaron Judge
Judge already has 15 homers and will continue to show off his power.
Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?
Max Fried
Fried has been great and will solidify his place at the top of the early Cy Young race with another strong start.
Which Brewers player will be a thorn in the Yankees' side?
Jackson Chourio
The talented young outfielder has returned after missing the start of the season with a hand fracture. Entering Friday, he's 6-for-9 with three extra-base hits in the two games since coming back.
Playoff James Harden was in full force Thursday night.
Harden is off to an awful start through the first two games of the Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Pistons, with his 3-of-13, four-turnover performance Thursday dooming Cleveland in its 107-97 loss that landed it in a 2-0 series hole against Detroit.
The veteran scored just 10 points Thursday and has 11 turnovers to nine field goals in the series.
Udonis Haslem says that James Harden has been holding the ball too carelessly. Getty Images
Longtime ex-NBA big man Udonis Haslem called out Harden for his showing in this series.
“The Magic gave us the blueprint [the Pistons] are a one-trick pony in the half court,” Haslem said in reference to Detroit having trouble scoring. “How can you give these guys 31 points off turnovers?”
“There is five guys who have been in the NBA that have went to the playoffs 17-plus consecutive times. (John) Stockton, (arl) Malone, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, James Harden. Why the hell are you turning the ball over so much? You have been in the playoffs and know what it’s like to be in the playoffs. Why the hell are you turning the ball over? It’s so self-inflicted wounds. One-handed passes. Things that I would take my son out the game for if I was coaching him for throwing passes like that. Why are you having these kind of passes and plays in the 2nd round of the playoffs? I don’t understand that.”
The “Inside the NBA” crew began discussing Harden having 35 playoff games (now 36 after Game 2) in which he had more turnovers than field goals, which Barkley said “should never” happen.
Green defended Harden, saying he has the ball all the time and his team relies on him too much to facilitate offense for his team.
James Harden is having a tough series. NBAE via Getty Images
ESPN then revealed that Green has the most of those games in NBA playoff history, with 43 games scoring fewer field goals than turnovers committed, tied with Kendrick Perkins with the most ever.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons also had some harsh comments for the Cavaliers.
“This Cleveland thing is going so bad that we’re now going into a scenario where LeBron [James] may need to come in here as a savior this offseason.,” Simmons said. “Detroit is making him look old. He’s lost the ball multiple times on moves he used to make in his sleep for the 16 years of his career.”
The Cavaliers traded for Harden at the NBA trade deadline in an attempt to make a Finals run, but his poor playoff performances continue to haunt him and have Cleveland on the brink of elimination.
It all began when the Warriors took Curry with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. They followed that up with Klay Thompson in 2011, Draymond Green in 2012 and then built a championship dynasty, winning four NBA titles (2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022).
Since their last ring, they've been eliminated in the second round or missed the playoffs altogether. This season, they were eliminated in the final NBA Play-In game against the Phoenix Suns, which determined the No. 8 seed, sparking questions about the future of the Warriors, head coach Steve Kerr and what's next in the Curry era.
They believe that there would have been a different outcome if they didn't battle injuries to Curry all year, or experience Jimmy Butler's season-ending ACL tear. There's no quit in this team. The Warriors brass are confident they will be back next year.
They are looking to bring in another superstar to pair with Curry. Here are some trade targets the Warriors could be looking to acquire:
Golden State Warriors potential trade targets
There are many targets that the Warriors could pursue in the offseason. ESPN's Marc J. Spears said two months ago that Golden State will look to go after a big-time player to team up with Curry. Some options:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Warriors flirted with talks of trading for Antetokounmpo around the trade deadline during the regular season, however discussions stalled out. Could those calls begin to funnel through again, now that both teams have turned their attention to the offseason?
Kawhi Leonard
Leonard's time in Los Angeles could be coming to an end with the Clippers, especially amid the Aspiration fiasco. The Warriors can strike while the iron's hot and make a move to pursue to Leonard. ESPN has already put together a mock trade offer that would send Butler to LA in return for Leonard.
Kevin Durant
Whenever there's a potential rumor that Durant and his current team are disgruntled with one another, everyone wants to send Durant back to the Bay Area. Even though, when he made the move a decade ago, it was frowned upon, seemingly causing a talent imbalance in the league. Reports say that Durant and Rockets coach Ime Udoka are essential pieces to the Rockets future, but a reunion between the Warriors and the two-time Finals MVP would be almost like a storybook ending.
Jamal Murray
Murray to the Warriors would be a major backcourt upgrade. The Denver Nuggets could look to move off of their combo point guard that was selected seventh overall in 2016. Golden State could create a respectable package deal that would give the Nuggets a solid return value, according to Heavy's Sean Deveney.
Aaron Gordon
Gordon, Murray's teammate, is reportedly no longer off the table when it comes to trade discussions and is being shopped. There hasn't been anything linking both parties, but Gordon could give the Warriors, and Curry, a few more years of playoff contention and championship relevance.
LeBron James
The Lakers are not trading LeBron James. (He's set to be a free agent.) However, there's been speculation over James and Curry teaming up for the past few years. Of course, the Warriors made a bid for James via trade with the Lakers, which was shut down. Spears believes a big move is on the horizon for the Warriors, whether it's James, Antetokounmpo or another superstar.
Marc Spears (@MarcJSpears) on Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ young players:
"[Stephen Curry] wants to play this season. He wants to play in the postseason. Does he have championship aspirations? I think he's realistic about that. He mentioned to me that Jimmy Butler is not… pic.twitter.com/PtZ7BPpmYB
The Dallas Mavericks closed the 2025-2026 NBA season with a 26-56 record, good for 12th place in the Western Conference. There was no PlayIn Tournament for Dallas. There was no Playoffs. The season simply ended with game 82 in the middle of April. Being tied for the seventh worst record in the league left much to be desired.
Despite a disappointing ending, the 2025-2026 season may yet come to be remembered as a positive turning point in franchise history. In this series, we’ll take a month-by-month look at some of the comings and goings surrounding the team.
October/November Record: 6-15
The Mavericks got off to an inauspicious start, taking a 125-92 home loss at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on opening night. Any hopes of using a season-opening five-game homestand to get off to a hot start were quickly dashed as the Mavs dropped their first two and only managed a 2-3 record in that span. A four-game losing streak immediately followed.
Cooper Flagg’s first game
Despite a season-opening drubbing, game one featured the debut of Mavs rookie and number one draft pick Cooper Flagg. Flagg’s box score won’t blow you away, as he shot only 4-for-13 and turned the ball over three times. Still, he managed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds and showed flashes of what he would quickly develop into as the season progressed. Early in the third quarter, Flagg hit his first field goal through contact.
On the off-day between losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, then-GM Nico Harrison was relieved of his duties. The Mavericks held a 3-8 record at the time. Harrison’s seeming vendetta against Luka Doncic and obsession with Anthony Davis that resulted in a swap of the two players, ultimately proved to be a nearly unmitigated disaster. A staggering amount of backlash had Harrison on the ropes for months and the poor start to the season finally saw an end to the “Fire Nico” chants, as the fans got what they so desperately wanted. November 11, 2025 marked the end of the Harrison era in Dallas.
Dereck Lively’s seven game season
Lively played in the first three games of the season, giving the fans hope that his almost disastrous injury run of the prior season was behind him. That was not to be the case. Lively missed the next nine games, returned to play four of the following five, the last of which was his final game of the season; a win over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 21. Lively is all but officially in the danger zone of being an injury-prone big man. He sought surgery overseas to hopefully correct things once and for all.
Next time, we’ll take a look at December, one of the better months of the season for Dallas.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 04: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives around Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of a game in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 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 the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Date: May 8th, 2026 Time: 8:30 PM CDT Location: Target Center Television Coverage: ESPN
Wolves-Spurs Game 3 Preview: Bury the Blowout, Protect the Den
The Timberwolves had a chance to put this series in a vice grip.
That’s what Game 2 could have been. Steal another one in San Antonio, fly back to Minneapolis up 2-0, and suddenly the Spurs, young, talented, terrifying, but still young, would be staring at the full weight of playoff reality. The Wolves would have gone from escaping Game 1 to talk of a gentleman’s sweep in the span of 48 hours.
Instead, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs grabbed the script, lit it on fire, and spent the second half treating Minnesota like the Washington Generals.
Game 2 was ugly. Not “missed a few shots” ugly. Not “the other team got hot” ugly. This was 35-points-at-halftime ugly. This was “turn the TV off and go reorganize the garage” ugly. This was one of the poorest postseason performances in Timberwolves history, which is not exactly a franchise category lacking competition.
The Wolves looked nothing like the team that marched into Frost Bank Center in Game 1 and stole home court with grit, defense, and just enough offensive burst to survive. In Game 2, their offense was disjointed. The ball stuck. Easy looks turned into clanks. Layups and threes spun out. The Spurs ran, ran again, and then ran some more, turning every Minnesota miss or mistake into a track meet. The Wolves wanted another rock fight. San Antonio decided to sprint past them while they were looking for rocks.
This was a game of want-to, and the Spurs wanted it more. They were the desperate team. They played like it. Minnesota kept it within reach early, but as the lead grew, the fight slowly drained out of the Wolves. A 24-point halftime deficit ballooned into the 40s, and by the end, the only reasonable response was to take the tape, bury it somewhere in the desert, and hope nobody with a conscience ever digs it up.
But here’s the thing about the playoffs: a 40-point loss counts the same as a four-point loss.
The series is 1-1.
That’s it.
There are no style points. No standings penalty. No automatic carryover because you got embarrassed. The Wolves still did their job in San Antonio. They split the first two games. They stole home court. They put themselves in position to control the series if they can protect Target Center.
We’ve seen how little a dominant playoff victory means in the larger context of a series. The Wolves blew out Oklahoma City by 42 in last year’s Western Conference Finals and still lost that series 4-1. The 2024 Denver series had teams taking turns laying the wood to each other before everything came down to Game 7. In the playoffs, one game can lie to you. One game can make you feel invincible or doomed, and then 48 hours later the entire story changes.
So Game 2 has to go in the rearview mirror. Not ignored, not excused, but filed away properly. It was a bad night with bad energy and bad execution. If you want a silver lining, the Wolves got the Scott Foster game out of the way before he could really ruin something more consequential. Whatever helps you sleep.
Now comes Game 3.
Target Center. Series tied. Home court in Minnesota’s hands. A chance to reestablish the terms of engagement and remind the Spurs that one blowout does not make a series. This is where the Wolves need to respond like the battle-tested team they claim to be.
And with that, here are the keys to Game 3…
1. Defend the Entire Length of the Floor
Minnesota is not winning this series with offense first. Not with Anthony Edwards still compromised. Not with Donte DiVincenzo out. Not against a Spurs team that has Victor Wembanyama turning the paint into a haunted corn maze.
This has to be a defense-first series, but Game 2 showed that “defense” cannot just mean getting set in the half court and trying to grind possessions out. San Antonio punished Minnesota in transition. The Spurs ran off misses, ran off mistakes, and at times even pushed off makes before the Wolves could get organized. Once they got into open space, the Wolves were scrambling, cross-matched, and reacting instead of dictating.
That cannot happen again. The Wolves need to defend from the moment a shot goes up. Floor balance matters. Sprinting back matters. Communication matters. You cannot let a young, athletic team build confidence through easy baskets. If San Antonio is going to score, make them do it against a set defense. Make them face Rudy Gobert at the rim. Make them beat Jaden McDaniels in the half court. Make them execute.
Minnesota held the Spurs to 100 points in Game 1. That needs to be the target. One hundred or less. That is the mission. That is the path.
If the Spurs get loose in transition again, they could run away with the series.
2. Stay Out of Foul Trouble, Especially Jaden
Jaden McDaniels flirting with foul trouble is becoming one of those playoff subplots that makes every Wolves fan start stress-eating. He cannot spend long stretches on the bench. Period.
When Jaden sits, the Wolves lose one of their best perimeter defenders, one of their few players with the length to bother San Antonio’s creators, and one of their most important secondary offensive weapons. We saw it against Denver. We saw it in Games 1 and 2. When he has to play cautiously, the defense loses some teeth.
He has to be aggressive, but he also has to be smart. No cheap reaches 30 feet from the basket. No frustration fouls. No picking up silly whistles just because the game is physical and the officials are calling it tight. The same applies to Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Rudy Gobert, who all have to deal with Wembanyama in different ways. The Wolves have three bigs, but that depth only matters if they are available.
If Minnesota fouls, make it count. Make it physical. Make it strategic.
3. Hit Shots… But Create Better Ones First
The Wolves’ offense was on life support almost immediately in Game 2. The missed threes were bad enough, but it wasn’t just the long ball. They missed bunnies. They missed layups. They missed chances that could have stabilized the game before San Antonio opened the floodgates.
Against Wembanyama, offense is already hard enough. You cannot make it harder by wasting the looks you actually earn. The Wolves need to generate cleaner possessions. That means ball movement and getting San Antonio’s defense rotating. That means using screens and seals to pull Wemby out of the play when possible. That means attacking with purpose rather than driving into traffic and hoping something good happens.
And yes, when the open threes come, they have to fall.
This is still a make-or-miss league, and Minnesota cannot survive another night where the ball refuses to cooperate. They need mid-30s from deep. They need confident shooting. They need Conley, Naz, McDaniels, Randle, Shannon, whoever gets the look, to step into shots like they belong there.
And free throws? Make them. Please. For everyone’s blood pressure.
4. Bring the Physicality Back
The Wolves made Wembanyama uncomfortable in Game 1. They did not do that nearly enough in Game 2.
Wemby is going to adjust. He is too smart, too talented, too absurdly gifted not to. He is going to find better spots. He is going to be more aggressive. So Minnesota has to make sure every touch comes with contact, every cut comes with resistance, every rebound comes with a body.
The Wolves’ trio of big men need to lay the wood to Wembanyama. The guards and wings need to crack down, box out, and help clean the glass. The Spurs cannot be allowed to pile up second-chance points, especially in a series where every possession feels like pulling teeth offensively.
And it extends beyond Wembanyama. Stephon Castle needs to feel pressure. San Antonio’s drivers need to be met with bodies. Their cutters cannot glide untouched through the lane. Their young legs need to learn that playoff basketball in Minneapolis is supposed to hurt a little.
You are not going to out-finesse the Spurs. You have to outmuscle them.
5. Find the Hero
With Ant still not fully himself, the Wolves do not have the clean, obvious answer they usually do.
That means someone has to step into the moment.
Maybe it’s Julius Randle bullying his way to 28 and controlling the game as both scorer and facilitator. Maybe it’s Jaden McDaniels turning defense into offense and rediscovering the aggressive scoring rhythm that changed the Denver series. Maybe it’s Terrence Shannon Jr. using his downhill burst to attack before San Antonio’s defense gets set. Maybe it’s Naz catching fire. Maybe it’s Mike Conley giving them another calm, veteran shooting night. Maybe Rudy dominates defensively so thoroughly that his impact becomes the story even without a big scoring line.
Somebody has to rise.
That has been the theme since Edwards got hurt. The Wolves cannot wait around for one savior. They need game-by-game heroes.
In Game 2, nobody grabbed the game.
In Game 3, someone has to.
Bite Back
The Wolves accomplished the basic mission in San Antonio. They split, stole home court, and gave themselves a path.
But Game 2 was a warning.
San Antonio is not some cute young team happy to be here. The Spurs are dangerous, fast, long, and confident. And if Minnesota gives them the opportunity, they will turn this series into something very uncomfortable very quickly.
Game 3 is where the Wolves have to reassert control. Not by talking about experience. Not by pointing to the Denver series. Not by assuming Target Center will save them. The building will be loud, sure. The crowd will be ready, but the players have to bring the force.
They need to defend. They need to run back. They need to hit shots. They need to stay out of foul trouble. They need to get physical. They need to play like the team that has been through postseason wars and knows exactly what this moment requires.
The Wolves cornered the Spurs with Game 1, and then the wounded animal bit back.
Now it is Minnesota’s turn to answer.
This is their hunt. This is their territory. This is where they either restore order or hand a young team even more belief.
Apr 11, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkering (50) throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Orion Kerkering was probably the biggest story from the end of the 2025 season. His gaffe that sealed the Phillies’ elimination at the hands of the Dodgers in the NLDS loomed like a specter over the entire offseason. But as we sit in May 2026, Kerkering has been in the background amid the team’s early struggles and feels as though he’s a forgotten man in the discussion at this point.
An injury in early spring training delayed Kerkering’s season debut until shortly after Opening Day, but he’s been quietly effective in his limited work. He’s appeared in 14 games entering play on Thursday and owns a 2.08 ERA through 13 innings pitched. Kerkering has collected nine strikeouts but also has six walks and surrendered nine hits including a home run. His underlying metrics paint a good picture, as his xERA of 2.01 is currently in the 97th percentile of all pitchers. Meanwhile, his expected batting average of .142 and average exit velocity of 80.5 MPH are among the best in all of baseball.
Despite his strong quality of contact numbers, Kerkering has once again struggled to generate swings and misses. He finished 2025 with a 24.4% strikeout rate that was only slightly above average and felt lacking considering the stuff Kerkering possesses. His whiff rate of 23.3% was well below league average and is down to 19.8% in the early going of 2026. He has however begun to experiment with throwing a splitter, a pitch he never utilized in the past. It’s only been thrown ten times, nine of which were to lefties, but Kerkering’s splitter has already generated six whiffs. The high number of walks in 2026 isn’t new either, as his 10.2% walk rate in 2025 was the highest among qualified relievers in the Phillies bullpen.
So, what do you make of Orion Kerkering’s season so far? Do you feel as though his error to end last season still lingers in his head? Or do you think he’s put it behind him?
SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 18: Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (17) turns toward the dugout after striking out during an MLB Spring Training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 18, 2025 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For these Orioles, after the rotten 2025 they had, one thing was supposed to be true this year: this would be a lineup that could weather bad injury luck. Mike Elias signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal, added competent veteran outfielders in Taylor Ward and Leody Taveras, and supplemented the infield depth.
That plan sounded fine, in theory, but in truth, these signings could never fully compensate for the bottom falling out when it comes to homegrown players. There are a few places you could point to, but no hiding the ugly truth: Colton Cowser and Coby Mayo are, at the moment, the team’s most conspicuous weak points. Mayo holds a .152/.218/.283 line, while Cowser sits at .179/.282/.209. Those are brutal numbers, and for two bat-first players, they demand scrutiny.
As prospects, both Cowser and Mayo crushed minor league pitching, but the transition to MLB has been rough for both. A first-round pick in 2021, Cowser hit .300 (.916 OPS) in three MiLB seasons, then came out guns a-blazing as a rookie, slashing .242/.321/.768 with 24 home runs and 69 RBIs over 153 games in 2024. But in 2025, the Milkman suffered a fractured thumb, broke some ribs in a wall collision, and sustained a concussion that limited him to 92 games. His numbers have gotten worse since. Mayo, meanwhile, signed well above slot for $1.75 million after scouts saw elite raw power in his 6’4” frame. Mayo tore through the minors, a career .905 MiLB hitter, but his early MLB exposure has not been encouraging—he’s batted .193 in 134 games while playing a ham-handed third base, the position he came up playing.
Both Cowser and Mayo hit Triple-A pitching for the same fundamental reason: they have plus raw power and can punish mistakes. Triple-A pitchers make mistakes frequently—they leave fastballs over the plate, hang breaking balls, and miss spots on offspeed pitches. A hitter with Cowser’s bat speed or Mayo’s raw power can feast in that environment even with significant swing-and-miss in their profiles, because the mistakes are frequent enough to keep the barrel busy.
But at the major league level, the margin for error disappears. Cowser handles fastballs well, but he’s posted a whiff rate north of 40% against breaking balls in each of the past three seasons. Predictably, opposing pitchers have fed him a steadily mounting diet of breaking and offspeed pitches, down and away. For Mayo, the challenge is slightly different: scouts have long noted that his plus-plus raw power requires a swing that is sufficiently short and smooth to make contact. Perhaps for that reason, he’s selling out on fastballs right now, to the detriment of his ability to hit offspeed pitches.
Are things as bad for both hitters as the data seems? Peripheral data complicates the story for one hitter, not the other. Cowser’s expected numbers are barely better than his actual, with a wOBA of .213 but an xwOBA of .249, and batting average of .189 versus an expected average of .204. His batting average on balls in play (BABip, a test of luck) is .279, meaning that his hitting about as well as he should. Meanwhile, Mayo has a .244 wOBA against an xwOBA of .277, and an actual batting average of .164 versus an expected average of .221, a 57-point gap that is one of the largest on the entire roster. His BABip, .186, is terrible. That is the kind of statistical disparity that suggests bad luck on balls in play, which for him is good news.
One more comparative angle to note is the teamwide one. The Orioles, as a unit, are the sixth-most strikeout-prone unit in baseball: in the AL, only Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles whiff more than them. This is problematic, to say the least. So there could be an approach problem not the fault of either hitter. Cowser and Mayo strike out closer to as many times as Gunnar Henderson (all between 30-31%), with Blaze Alexander and Samuel Basallo (25.9%) close behind. On the other hand, when it comes to isolated power, Basallo, Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Pete Alonso all exceed .200, an excellent mark. Meanwhile, Mayo sits at .130 (below average) and Cowser’s .030 mark is what Fangraphs calls “Awful.” A 30% strikeout rate with little power is not doing much in the lineup, to state the obvious.
So should these two youngsters get ticketed for the Norfolk shuttle? I’m not sure, frankly. For Mayo, the case for patience is twofold: one, the demonstrated gap between his actual and expected results, and two, the absence of realistic options at third base, with Jordan Westburg still working back from a partial UCL tear in his right elbow with no timetable, and Blaze Alexander confirming that he’s utility piece, not an everyday answer. Jeremiah Jackson has hit well this season, but he’s primarily a middle infielder.
For Cowser, the case is getting tougher, but he is a high-ceiling prospect deserving of some margin. At the same time, his hitting data here suggests he’s not underperforming; he’s just not hitting. A team trying to salvage its season can’t exactly give him infinite rope. Dylan Beavers is not exactly knocking on the door, but while Leody Taveras has essentially been a backup since 2024, he’s producing positive value right now, and may be worth riding as a CF option for as long as the team can.
In the end, it seems that optioning Cowser and Mayo wouldn’t solve anything, because there aren’t great replacements for them at any level in this organization. What this roster really needs is for Henderson and Alonso to heat up, for the balls Mayo is hitting to start falling in, and for Cowser to spend lots of time in the cage on his timing. Probably, at the present time, the team will give it another few weeks. If Mayo is still in the .160s and Cowser is still whiffing at breaking balls with no power in sight, then the conversation changes. Right now, sending Mayo and Cowser down just means Blaze Alexander starts at third base and Leody Taveras starts in center. That could be an upgrade in the short-term, but does little to answer this team’s larger questions.
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 06: Andy Pages #44 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning during the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michaela Schumacher/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
I definitely have much more negative feelings reserved for the feelings. I don’t really even have strong feelings, including negative feelings, for the Dodgers — but I know a lot of others do. So, let’s hear it.
CHICAGO - 1986: Bill Dawley of the Chicago White Sox pitches during an MLB game at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois during the 1986 season . (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bill Dawley would appear in 275 games as a reliever during his major league career. He’d make his debut with the Astros on April 15th and set ablaze the first half of the 1983 season, winning 5 contests while posting a 1.88 ERA. That start would culminate with an All-Star Selection at Old Comiskey Park in the Mid-Summer Classic in Chicago.
Here’s the 12th installment of our continuing legends series.
Q: Did you have any idea you were going to be dealt during spring training in 1983?
A: I had obviously been with the Reds for years and I thought that year I would make the club, but I didn’t make the starting five.
On one of the very last days of spring training, they demoted me, but back then you had 72 hours to report to the minor leagues. I was disappointed, but then I received a phone call from Chief Bender who was the man responsible for building the foundation for the Big Red Machine. He told me he about a trade to the Astros, so I get optioned to Tucson, AZ and now I’m in their system but not with the main club.
As fate would have it, the Astros started the year 0-9 and they brought me up.
Q: And then upon being brought up, you catch fire immediately and start paying dividends. What do you remember most from your first game?
A: I’m brought up and we’re playing the Expos. The first batter I faced, I actually hit in the ribs, that was Chris Spiers.
So, he’s on first and then Terry Francona comes up next and bunts into a double play with a hard ground ball to Phil Garner. I get the next guy out, we score a run the next inning, and all of sudden, I have my first win.
The team is 1-9 and I’m 1-0! (laughs) It happens again a few nights later, I get another win after the team loses a few, and I’m 2-0, but the team is 2-11. They quickly gave me the nickname “The Vulture”.
Q: All told the first half is so impressive, that you are named to the All-Star Team. What was that experience like?
A: I was sitting in a hotel in Atlanta, and back then the managers and coaches picked the pitching staff so Whitey Herzog calls and says “Congrats! You’re an all-star.”
It all happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to think about it. Ironically, I had grown up a huge Red Sox fan, and the first guy I faced that night was Jim Rice.
Q: You get Rice, you face George Brett, Lance Parrish, and Manny Trillo. You got all of those guys out. What was that experience like?
A: I was pumped. I was on cloud nine. I struck out Parrish, I got Brett to foul out to third base. After Brett, Dave Winfield came up and I made him look silly on two sliders to start things, and thought I could get a fastball by him, but he hit it into right field and then I got Trillo. I still remember what I threw those guys and it sometimes feels like yesterday.
Q: Toughest hitter you ever faced?
A: Andre Dawson. When he was with the Expos, I think I got him out every single time. When he was traded to the Cubs, he just owned me. He hit three home runs against me, a fastball, a slider, and a change up. He was my toughest out by far.
Q: Pitching in the Dome. What comes to mind?
A: I loved it. You know my first 10 or 11 innings; I hadn’t given up a run. So, one night, the count is 2 balls and no strikes on Dale Murphy, and I just thought because the dome was so massive that I’d throw him a fastball on the outer half, because no one in the Dome hits a homerun to center field.
Well, I was wrong (laughs). Dale hits it over the fence and that was the first run I ever gave up. It was a great place to pitch, and I actually liked the AstroTurf because you rarely got any bad bounces along the way.
Columbus Clippers Travis Bazzana (12) throws the ball to first base during home opener at Huntington Park on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cooper Ingle returned from injury recently and he hasn’t missed a beat. The top catching prospect blasted off on Thursday, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run and a walk. He’s now batting a ridiculous .432 with a 1.445 OPS on the season.
Additionally, Angel Genao has been off to a slow start in Columbus, but he connected for his first Triple-A home run and stole a base, which was great to see.
Been a bit of a tough start for Angel Genao at Columbus so far, but he picks on a hanging breaking ball 105 MPH for his first Triple-A homer.pic.twitter.com/cuCkBm8YAR
— Justin L. (jlbaseball on bluesky) (@JL_Baseball) May 7, 2026
Kahlil Watson went 1-for-4 with a walk and two steals and Juan Brito doubled and stole a base.
Former innings eater Pedro Avila had one of his best outings of the season as a starting pitcher, allowing two runs on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts in 5.0 innings.
Will Dion followed with a scoreless inning and Trenton Denholm closed out the victory with 3.0 scoreless innings of long relief.
Akron’s late rally fell short as the RubberDucks lost their fourth straight game Thursday.
Ralphy Velazquez led the way on offense, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a walk.
Alex Mooney had the only other multi-hit game, going 2-for-4, while Connor Barstad homered and Nick Mitchell went 1-for-3 with two walks and a stolen base.
Starting pitcher Matt Wilkinson was solid, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits with six strikeouts and two walks in 4.2 innings. Jack Jasiak was outstanding in long relief, tossing 2.1 scoreless frames with three strikeouts, although he allowed an inherited runner to score.
Unfortunately, Jay Driver gave up two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, which stunted Akron’s comeback attempt.
Bennett Thompson went 2-for-5 while Garrett Howe went 2-for-3 with a walk. Dean Curley went 1-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base, Nolan Schubart went 1-for-2 with three walks, Tommy Hawke went 1-for-3 with two walks and Aaron Walton went 2-for-4 with a walk.
The craziest moment, however, didn’t involve any of those players. Trailing 13-12 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Lake County called on Jeffrey Mercedes to pinch hit and despite having a .146 batting average on the season, he blasted a walk-off three-run bomb.
I’m only going to mention starting pitcher Braylon Doughty, because he was fine, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits with three walks and four strikeouts in two innings.
Game two wasn’t much to write home about. Luke Hill pretty much accounted for all of the offense, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and a walk.
Dean Curley also went 1-for-3 with a walk and Mercedes went 1-for-2 with a hit by pitch.
Starting pitcher Rafe Schlesinger was tagged for four runs on five hits with eight strikeouts and three walks in 4.1 innings.
The first seven players in Hill City’s lineup all had a hit, but no one had a multi-hit game. Yelferth Castillo and Cannon Peebles both doubled while Robert Arias and Jose Pirela both went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base.
Starting pitcher Joey Oakie was fine, albeit a bit wild, allowing one run on two hits with three walks and four strikeouts in 2.2 innings.
Zane Petty was excellent in long relief, allowing one more run on three hits with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings. The game stayed tied until the ninth inning, when Aaron Savary allowed two runs.
Not only did the Bruins not get the Maple Leafs’ first-round pick to complete the Brandon Carlo trade from 2025, Toronto actually won the lottery and will pick No. 1 overall. The Leafs now have the opportunity to draft top prospect Gavin McKenna, who could be an elite forward for a long time.
The Bruins will eventually get a first-round pick from the Maple Leafs as part of the Carlo trade, but it won’t be until 2027 or 2028.
The B’s do have their own first-round pick, though. The draft order after the lottery is not yet final, but Boston’s first-rounder should be in the low-20s.
What positions do the Bruins need to upgrade with their 2026 first-round selection? The blue line is one specific area that must be bolstered in the very near future.
If you were to make a list of the Bruins’ top 10 prospects, it would be hard to put any defenseman on there. Maybe Frederic Brunet would be No. 9 or No. 10, but you could easily put a forward or two ahead of him. Simply put, there are no top-tier defenseman prospects in Boston’s system right now.
The Bruins have made three first-round picks and three second-round picks over the last five drafts, and only one of those selections was a defenseman — Liam Pettersson from Sweden in Round 2 last year. The Bruins prioritized upgrading at center the last couple years, which was absolutely the right move given their lack of high-end talent at that position following Patrice Bergeron’s retirement in 2023.
Now it’s time to switch it up a bit, if possible. The 2026 draft class is loaded with exciting defenseman prospects, but most of them are going to be off the board in the first 15 or so picks. That’s one reason why it was pretty disappointing for the Bruins to not land the Maple Leafs’ 2026 first-rounder.
If there aren’t any defenseman worth taking in the early 20s when the Bruins are on the clock in Round 1, then they should just take the best player available. The Bruins’ propsect pool has improved a lot in just the last year, but it’s not in a place where the team should be drafting for need if there are much better players available at other positions.
Which players should the Bruins target with their first-round pick? Here’s a roundup of mock drafts after this week’s Draft Lottery.
“Hextall isn’t a sexy, flashy, offensive first-rounder, but he’s well-liked and well-respected around the USHL and NHL, and widely viewed as a first-rounder for a lot of the same reasons Command is: a heavy stick, pro habits and details, position, etc. He’s got some big backers, and I could see the Bruins being interested in him as a potential future middle-six center behind James Hagens. I think he goes in the 20s or early 30s somewhere.”
“Preston would be a great pick here. Preston’s strong showing at the U-18s helped Preston boost his stock in a big way. He finished with six points in five games while being one of the team’s top all-around offensive threats. He was a puck-possession machine, and he consistently got the puck into high-danger areas.
“Preston is an undeniably talented player who could become a top-six threat down the line. Preston has a remarkable shot and often wastes no time firing in the back of the net from the slot. His shot looks NHL-ready right now.”
“Hurlbert’s vision and offensive instincts are unquestionably high-end; he finished the WHL regular season with 97 points in 68 games and added 3 more points in 4 playoff games. Play away from the puck was a concern, but the back half of the season looked much better.
“The main concern for Hurlbert is whether his offensive game can translate to higher levels of play. Improving physicality and poise under pressure would go a long way toward reassuring us of that. The NCAA environment could be a good place to push those elements of his game this fall.”
We're back for another edition of the MLB lineup report. Over a month into the season, several teams have settled into remarkable consistency, while others keep mixing and matching with no regard for platoons. Catching these shifts early is what gives you a leg up on league mates.
⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more
Arizona Diamondbacks
Very consistent lineups of late, with Adrian Del Castillo batting fourth against righties at DH and Ildemaro Vargas behind him at first base. Carlos Santana and Tyler Locklear are both on rehab assignments, so it’s worth monitoring how the playing time shakes out at these two positions going forward.
Athletics
Carlos Cortes hits fifth vs. right-handers but sits in favor of Colby Thomas against southpaws. Zack Gelof plays against some righties but not all, and takes over center field for Lawrence Butler against lefties.
Atlanta Braves
Ronald Acuña Jr. (hamstring) is on the IL. In the four games since, Drake Baldwin was pushed up to leadoff against righties and Mauricio Dubón got the role against a lefty. Dubón could shift from primarily shortstop to mostly outfield once Ha-Seong Kim (finger) returns from his rehab assignment.
Baltimore Orioles
Adley Rutschman primarily hits third when he plays and Samuel Basallo fifth. Dylan Beavers moves up to the three-hole when Rutschman sits. He sits against lefties. Colton Cowser and Tyler O’Neill have very sporadic playing time.
Boston Red Sox
Jarren Duran will be in the outfield every day with Roman Anthony (wrist) on the IL, and Masataka Yoshida has taken over at DH. Wilyer Abreu is hitting third with Anthony sidelined. Marcelo Mayer platoons with Isiah Kiner-Falefa but did start against his first left-hander of the year on Monday.
Chicago Cubs
Moisés Ballesteros is officially the two-hole hitter against righties, but he has only started once at catcher. Michael Busch is not in a platoon. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit cleanup against righties to open the year but now typically hits eighth or ninth.
Chicago White Sox
Sam Antonacci has displaced Andrew Benintendi as the leadoff hitter vs. RHP. Chase Meidroth still has the role against southpaws. Luisangel Acuña is bleeding center field playing time to Tristan Peters. Randal Grichuk was brought in to bat against lefties. Jarred Kelenic is starting against righties with Austin Hays and Everson Pereira both sidelined.
Cincinnati Reds
JJ Bleday is now batting second against right-handers with Matt McLain dropping to the bottom of the order. TJ Friedl and Dane Myers are platooning in CF and at leadoff. Sal Stewart has five starts at second base and three at the hot corner.
Cleveland Guardians
Chase DeLauter has held the two-hole spot against righties. Travis Bazzana has started against one of two lefties since debuting. He’s batting 5-7. Daniel Schneemann is playing second, third, short, and center while hitting all over the lineup. Kyle Manzardo bats cleanup against most righties but will occasionally sit versus them as well.
Edouard Julien has held the leadoff role against righties while Jordan Beck gets that lineup slot against lefties. TJ Rumfield has hit 3-6 in all of his starts this year. Ezequiel Tovar began the year as the cleanup hitter but has hit eighth in nine straight starts.
Detroit Tigers
Gleyber Torres (oblique) goes on the IL as Zach McKinstry returns. Colt Keith and Kerry Carpenter are platooning with Hao-Yu Lee and Jahmai Jones.
Houston Astros
Carlos Correa (ankle) is out for the year, which solves the Astros’ playing time dilemma that dominated offseason discussion. The leadoff role is seemingly also up for grabs once Jeremy Peña (hamstring) returns. Yordan Alvarez hasn’t missed a game this year.
Kansas City Royals
Tons of consistency as usual. The only real takeaway is that Jac Caglianone remains in a very strict platoon with Starling Marte.
Los Angeles Angels
Zach Neto and Jo Adell have started every game. Nolan Schanuel has started against nine of the past 10 lefties the Halos have faced. Josh Lowe is in a platoon with Bryce Teodosio. Yoán Moncada and Oswald Peraza are sharing third base while Vaughn Grissom and Adam Frazier split 2B.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani hasn’t hit in three of his past four starts on the mound. Max Muncy has been in the lineup against five of eight southpaws in 2026. Hyeseong Kim has only started at SS since Mookie Betts went on the IL. Same for Alex Freeland at 2B.
Miami Marlins
Jakob Marsee had hit leadoff in all of his starts up until Tuesday, when he was dropped to fifth. Xavier Edwards is atop the order now against righties. Kyle Stowers, Otto Lopez, and Liam Hicks also occupy a top part of the order. Joe Mack has hit seventh or eighth in his three starts since being recalled from Triple-A.
Milwaukee Brewers
Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn returned to the lineup this week. We’ll see how that affects Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, and Sal Frelick against lefties. Mitchell still hit leadoff against the first right-hander after Chourio and Vaughn returned. Brice Turang, noted power hitter, slid to the three-hole.
Minnesota Twins
Royce Lewis has only started two of the past five games, bleeding starts at the hot corner to Tristan Gray. Luke Keaschall remains an everyday player but is hitting 6/7 after opening the year in the three-hole. Matt Wallner isn’t even starting against every righty.
New York Mets
Juan Soto was moved to leadoff on Monday. MJ Melendez bats third against righties. Carson Benge and Brett Baty mostly sit vs. southpaws.
New York Yankees
Anthony Volpe will remain at Triple-A for now, extending José Caballero’s fantasy shelf life indefinitely. Jasson Domínguez had been a regular since being recalled from Triple-A, but Spencer Jones will now get his chance after The Martian went on the IL yesterday. Ryan McMahon is platooning with Amed Rosario.
Philadelphia Phillies
Bryson Stott is platooning with Edmundo Sosa. It’s essentially business as usual, though.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Konnor Griffin has hit sixth in two of the past three games, the highest he’s been since debuting. Oneil Cruz, Brandon Lowe, and Ryan O’Hearn all get a lot of starts against lefties.
San Diego Padres
Fernando Tatis Jr. is up to eight starts at second base. Jackson Merrill has taken the leadoff role from Ramon Laureano. Ty France is on the short side of a first base platoon with Gavin Sheets.
San Francisco Giants
Bryce Eldridge has been the DH against three consecutive right-handers since being recalled from Triple-A. There’s now one extra body, so we’ll see who the odd man out becomes or if Tony Vitello rotates days off. Luis Arráez’s minor thumb issue has solved the problem in the meantime. Casey Schmitt has been the club’s best hitter this season with a surging barrel%, so sitting him isn’t easy. Willy Adames was dropped as low as seventh this week.
Seattle Mariners
A consistent 1-5 has developed of Crawford, Raleigh, J-Rod, Naylor, and Arozarena. Luke Raley and Dominic Canzone are strict platoon bats, while Rob Refsnyder, Connor Joe, and Mitch Garver mix in time against lefties. Cole Young has still played every game.
St. Louis Cardinals
So much consistency 1-9. Ivan Herrera has started every game and hit second.
Tampa Bay Rays
Jonathan Aranda keeps starting vs. lefties, and Chandler Simpson is in the lineup against most of them too (while leading off vs. all righties). Jake Fraley, Cedric Mullins, and Richie Palacios are all strong-side platoon bats.
Texas Rangers
Joc Pederson started in the outfield on Thursday for the first time since 2023. Alejandro Osuna is playing left field against right-handers while Wyatt Langford (forearm) remains out. Josh Jung has hit 2-4 in 10 straight. Evan Carter has started against three consecutive lefties after beginning the season 0-for-5 in starts vs. them. Ezequiel Duran has been in the two-hole in their past two games.
Toronto Blue Jays
Kazuma Okamoto has hit 2-4 in 10 straight contests after spending much of April in the middle/lower part of the order. Andrés Giménez has started against two of the past six lefties, often with Ernie Clement shifting to shortstop and Lenyn Sosa playing second base. Yohendrick Pinango has taken over Nathan Lukes’ role atop the lineup against right-handers. He’s platooning with Davis Schneider. Note that Addison Barger (ankles) could return Friday, which might mean optioning Pinango.
Washington Nationals
CJ Abrams is the cleanup hitter and entered Thursday tied for the MLB lead in RBI. Daylen Lile is playing regularly against southpaws. Nasim Nuñez continues to operate as the primary second baseman and is tied for the MLB lead in steals.
