Automated ball-strike system or ABS is being used for review as Arkansas Razorbacks take on Tennessee Volunteers during the SEC baseball tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Ala. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Arkansas Razorbacks defeated Tennessee Volunteers 8-4. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
Entering the 2026 season, the introduction of the automated balls and strikes challenge system was a major topic. Throughout the early part of the season, we were heavily focused on who was winning or losing challenges, and what the best strategies for hitters and for pitcher and catchers were to get the most calls in their favor without squandering challenges in low leverage spots. As the season went on, the whole process became more natural and integrated into the approach on both sides of the ball. In low leverage situations, you absolutely better be correct. In higher leverage situations, it’s more reasonable to take a shot at a pitch the hitter or catcher feels is really a borderline call. And so, the game of baseball changes and keeps moving.
Having watched the evolution of the technology unfold in Low-A and Triple-A, there was less of an adjustment period for fans who do follow the minor leagues. Indeed, the real annoyance for prospect writers now is the dark mode at High-A and Double-A, where there is no public Statcast data, and players who broke into full season ball using the system are then left up to the widely varying skills of minor league umpires through two levels, before getting back to ABS ball in Triple-A. Evaluating hitters in particular through those changing rule sets is a bit trickier.
Overall, the league did a really good job developing and implementing the ABS system. It’s quick enough not to impede the flow of the game much, and the two challenge allotment keeps it from being used excessively. We could argue about whether there should be one challenge allowed or three, or whether teams should automatically get an additional challenge in the eighth and ninth innings to help insure that in the highest leverage situations and most pressure packed moments, that the game isn’t decided by the umpires, but overall I’d call it a pretty solid success.
As a somewhat older fan now, do I love every aspect of it? Not really. Catchers used to be able to expand the zone with their target, and if the pitcher hit the glove without much movement required, you could expand the edges of the strike zone, which rewarded pitchers with good command. On the other side of it, if that catcher set up inside and you missed your target by two feet, it was never a strike even if it techically caught the by the book strike zone. Those differences have really taken some getting used to over the past few years as the system was tested in the minors.
And of course, this impacts how the game is played and how it will be taught and played moving forward. The strict zone now enforced really puts even more emphasis on raw stuff, because you have to be able to draw whiffs and weak contact in the zone. The emphasis on velocity, spin, and nasty offspeed stuff over precision command is only going to continue to grow, and the soft tossing command artists of the past have very little space in the game at this point. Such is the way of things as ambiguity becomes a problem to be solved rather than just a fact of life.
The benefits are there as well though. Watching a game end on a really bad ball or strike call was one of the more infuriating things in sports. Perhaps that sort of thing does build character, but it always felt brutal to be on the wrong end of one of those calls. Taking more of the umpire’s discretion out of the game was necessary, and it doesn’t help that the explosion of legal sports gambling has only added suspicion about games or individual pitches or plays in the major sports being rigged somehow. This short-circuited a lot of those concerns in baseball, at least in terms of the umpires.
What do you think? After a year of the ABS, do you like it or not? What would you change if you were running the Show?
The Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday announced a new wave of roster moves as training camp comes closer and closer to ending. These 4 players were sent to the Rockford IceHogs on loan:
Jiri Felcman
Martin Misiak
Marek Vanacker
Dylan Anhorn
These are four players who are all signed to deals that allow them to be at camp without PTOs. Dylan Anhorn is a little bit older at 27, but the other three are young guys who have potential futures in the NHL.
In the case of Martin Misiak, he continues to get better with every passing year. He was one of Chicago's most impressive players at the Prospect Showcase and is looking to have a big year in Rockford.
As for Vanacker, he will go down to the IceHogs and could be called up as early as this year. As a former first-round pick in 2024, many believe he can be a difference-maker once he reaches the NHL.
Brett Seney, who was at camp on a PTO, was released from that and assigned to Rockford. His NHL tenure has come and gone, but he is one of the better leaders across the entire AHL. Seney will play a role in helping the young IceHogs progress in their pro careers.
Chicago's roster now sits at 32 players. 20 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 3 goalies make up camp going into Thursday's sessions.
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The “forever and ever” caption suggests that the proposal took place Sept. 3 — an off day for the Yankees between series in California against the Angels and Padres.
Several significant others of Yankees teammates were quick to toast the couple in the comments section.
“My heart!!!!! Let’s get these two married!!! ” wrote Ava O’Connor, who is dating outfielder Spencer Jones.
The couple got engaged on Sept. 3. Austin Wells / Instagram
“The best off day in the history of off days,” wrote Carlos Rodon’s wife, Ashley.
“SCREAMING CRYING,” wrote Ben Rice’s girlfriend, Sara Falkson.
It is unclear when the couple first started dating. They announced that Nielson was expecting a child last November in one of the first public signs of a relationship.
Before the big day, Wells has an important postseason in front of him.
The engagement took place in California. Austin Wells / Instagram
The 27-year-old catcher has somewhat rebounded from a miserable start to the season, pushing his average up to .185 after dipping down to .150 in July.
Wells, who is respected by the Yankees for his skills behind the plate, will likely be a mainstay in the lineup during the postseason.
That will begin next week when the Yankees in all likelihood will take on the Red Sox in a best-of-three wild card series in The Bronx.
Wells did have perhaps his biggest moment in pinstripes when the rivals met last season in the same round, driving home the game-winning run with an eighth-inning single in Game 2.
Austin Wells hits an RBI double during the second inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., on Aug. 23, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post
The Yankees evened the series that night and went on to win Game 3 the following evening.
Now, Wells and the Yankees will look for an even deeper postseason run with Nielson no doubt cheering him on from the stands.
A’s catcher Brian Serven left Wednesday’s game after fouling a pitch straight into his face and underwent a CT scan, according to manager Mark Kotsay.
It’s possible he could miss the team’s final four games.
“We’re not sure,” Kotsay said about Serven’s availability, per USA Today. “Right now, he’s getting a CT scan and they’re taking a look at the swelling area on the face. Scary moment for sure.
“Fortunately, looking at the video replay, the ball hit the bat, it also bounced off the earpiece. So we’re hoping that with the combination of that, in that direct impact area underneath the eye … There was a good amount of swelling.”
Brian Serven had to leave the game mid at-bat after a foul ball struck him in the face pic.twitter.com/cLSruT4QX3
In the sixth inning of the A’s 7-3 home win over the Angels, Serven squared up to bunt a 94-mph changeup from righty Jose Fermin.
The ball ran in on Serven and went straight off the bat and into his face, dropping him to the ground immediately while he touched the left side of his face.
Kotsay and a trainer immediately attended to him.
Athletics catcher Brian Serven (10) gets hit by a pitch during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“Oh, no,” one A’s broadcaster said after watching the scary scene. “Goodness.”
Serven remained on the ground for a lengthy period before returning to his feet, and Jonah Heim replaced him mid at-bat and flied out to center for the first out of the inning with the A’s leading 5-3.
Kotsay reportedly said the team will know more Thursday morning about his status, with the team beginning a season-ending four-game home set against the Astros later that night.
Athletics’ Brian Serven, middle, walks off the field after being hit by the pitch during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in West Sacramento, Calif. AP Photo/Scott Marshall
Serven, 31, is in his fourth season in the majors and first with the A’s.
He’s slashed .179/.220/.385 across 28 games.
The former 2016 first-round pick of the Rockies has appeared in 129 career games and has tallied 11 homers and 34 RBIs while posting a .554 OPS.
He previously spent time with the Rockies from 2022-23 and the Blue Jays in 2024.
October isn't about six months of numbers. It's about who is hot right now, for three days or seven, and that can be anyone from a slumping star, a middle reliever nobody outside the clubhouse has heard of and a player coming back from an injury – (Aaron Judge, anybody?).
Here's the X-factors for each playoff contender, the ones who could swing a series.
Freddy Peralta was a disaster for six weeks after Tampa Bay acquired him from the New York Mets on Aug. 3, a 7.17 ERA over his first four starts with the Rays. Over his last five starts, he's allowed just three earned runs in 28 ⅔ innings (0.94 ERA). He's not entirely fixed, though. His outing on Sept. 13 was a near no-hitter against the Houston Astros, but it still took 86 pitches to get through five innings because he walked three. If the newer version of Peralta shows up in October, the Rays have three dependable arms when including Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez. If the wild version shows up, the Rays might be walked out of the playoffs. If the version from August shows up, they are in trouble.
The Yankees postseason hangs on the health of Aaron Judge. Just back after missing three months with a broken rib, Judge seemed to be getting back into form when he left the series finale against the Twins on Sept. 16 with a right calf strain. Manager Aaron Boone said the team is planning for Judge "not being a part" of the Yankees' wild-card series, but Judge insists he shouldn't be ruled out. New York has to hope it's just part of the ramp-up process, because without Judge in the lineup, the Yankees' October could be very short.
Garrett Crochet hasn't pitched in a competitive game since April 25. The Red Sox ace has missed almost the entire season, first with the shoulder inflammation, then a lat strain. He's been ramping up over the past two weeks, throwing his sweeper off a mound for the first time on Sept. 11, and Boston is skipping a minor league rehab assignment entirely, aiming instead to get him into live batting practice in the season's final week. The plan, if he's ready, isn't to start him. It's to use him in short relief, like he did as a rookie with the White Sox. The Red Sox rallied to get into contention without him. If he can be effective with essentially no tune-up, that's a heck of a playoff weapon.
Colson Montgomery is a 24-year-old having a 30-homer season, and striking out at a rate that's putting him in the company of the biggest whiff totals in White Sox history. He is also going through a brutal cold stretch at the wrong time: 4 for his last 49 with 29 strikeouts during that span. Getting hit by a pitch on Sept. 16 didn't help, though X-rays came back clean. After leading the AL Central from July 4 until Sept. 16, the White Sox are still on the Cleveland Guardians' tails. In a race that tight, Montgomery is either a middle-of-the order threat, or an easy out and nobody will know which until it happens.
Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland traded for Jo Adell on Aug. 3, needing a jolt of power while Jose Ramirez was still finding his timing back from hamate surgery. The Guardians got a hitter who's two different players depending on who's on the mound. Against left-handers this year, he has hit .321 with a .593 slugging percentage. Facing righties, he's hit .209 and been close to unplayable. Since the trade he's hit three home runs of at least 450 feet. How much of a factor he is for the Guardians depends on how many left-handers that they face and if manager Stephen Vogt is willing to sit him against the rest.
Houston Astros
Hunter Brown was a Cy Young contender for Houston in 2025 with a 2.43 ERA that put him in the conversation for the American League's best pitcher. A shoulder strain cost him from April to mid-June, and the version that came back still throws just as hard, but he's lost the command that made him elite. His walk rate has nearly doubled since returning, and his ERA over that stretch has run closer to 4.75 than the number that made him a star a year ago. Houston doesn't have much rotation depth to lean on if he's off. Cristian Javier has an ERA over 5, and the Astros have already turned to a bullpen game just to get through a rotation turn. Tied with Texas heading into the final week of the season, the Astros need Brown to find himself or it will be a short October.
If the Rangers get in, they'll go as far as Jacob deGrom lets them, and lately that has meant something different every turn through the rotation. DeGrom left an August start against the Angels after two innings with triceps fatigue. Three weeks later, he struck out 12 over six shutout innings against Seattle – then left that game early, too, this time with groin tightness. He came back on schedule and pitched through it against Boston with eight strikeouts over five innings. His ERA sits at 3.86 for the season. At 38, deGrom's stuff still looks like peak deGrom, but whether his body holds up long enough to carry the Rangers in October is the question.
Ronald Acuna Jr. has played 100 games in a season only five times in his career, and this (barely) is one of those years. A hamstring strain cost him from June 9 to late July, and for a former MVP, his season line is pretty modest. He's hitting .259 with 20 home runs for the season, buoyed by an 18-game stretch where he hit .366 with 10 extra-base hits. Then he fouled a ball off his leg on Sept. 22, leaving the game with a left shin contusion. If Acuna can get back and pick up where he left off, that's the X-factor the Braves need.
The Phillies rotation looked settled heading into September. Then Jesus Luzardo went on the injured list with left shoulder soreness, and Cristopher Sanchez, who has a 2.93 ERA for season, has put up a 4.48 ERA since July 1. That leaves Zack Wheeler as the only starter the Phillies don't have to worry about – even if he is coming off thoracic outlet surgery last year. Aaron Nola has a 3.03 ERA since the All-Star break, a real turnaround from a rocky start, and Andrew Painter has been nearly as good since midseason. How many of those arms steps up in October is going to be the difference between the Phillies celebrating or going home early.
Trevor Megill opened the season so poorly that he briefly lost the closer's job. He posted a 14.40 ERA in April that included a blown save against Toronto. He turned it around with an 0.86 ERA over a 20-outing stretch that carried into July, but lately it looks like the heavy workload could be catching up (5.40 ERA in September). Milwaukee has the best record in baseball and a first-round bye, which will bring some much-needed rest for its closer. Which version of Megill shows up in October will determine how far the Brewers go.
The Cubs' ninth inning is still up for grabs. Jacob Webb had it and put up a 24-appearance scoreless streak until he blew consecutive saves and has allowed 11 earned runs in his past nine innings. Daniel Palencia wants it back. He has a 100 mph fastball and 22 saves from a year ago, but he looked rusty coming off elbow inflammation in August, before stringing together enough clean outings that manager Craig Counsell called it the best stretch yet. Whoever is closing in October will hold the Cubs' fate in his hands.
Shohei Ohtani hadn't played in nearly two weeks, before returning Sept. 23. His two-way comeback ended for good in late August with biceps soreness that has since spread into his knee and neck. He says he feels good, but the Dodgers have already said he probably won't be at full strength in October. His season line, a .900 OPS with 30 home runs, still reads like an MVP, but since Aug. 8 he was hitting .198. Whether he can play at his elite level might be the single biggest X-factor heading into October.
San Diego Padres
The Padres rotation lost four projected starters to injury this year: Joe Musgrove, Lucas Giolito, Yu Darvish and Bryan Hoeing all done for the season. Michael King has emerged as the ace, and Walker Buehler has a 3.15 ERA over his past nine starts. Behind them it's a question mark. Nick Pivetta just came back from injury, and deadline pickups Robbie Ray and Casey Mize have settled in and a shaky start. Which of these arms the Padres can trust heading into October will make the difference.
For most of the Mets, taking on the Rangers in Texas this week just marks the second to last series of the season.
For two of them, though, it serves as a homecoming.
It’s an actual homecoming for Brett Baty, who was raised just hours away from Globe Life Field.
For Marcus Semien, the circumstances are a bit different.
Semien, of course, spent the last four years manning second base for the Rangers before being shipped to the Mets this offseason in the Brandon Nimmo deal.
While it’s two different situations, both had a very similar feeling after hitting big homers late to help the Mets pull ahead of the Rangers and play spoiler once again on Wednesday night.
“It was cool to go out there and greet the people who came to support me,” said Baty, who crushed a dagger pinch-hit grand slam. “You only get to play in Texas so many times in a year playing in New York, so it was really cool."
“Go-ahead homer in the eighth is obviously a good feeling,” Semien added. “Coming back here after four good years -- I really enjoyed playing here, it’s a place I love to play, so it felt really good doing that in that last at-bat.”
The 36-year-old Semien is now up to 15 homers and a .625 OPS in what he perfectly summed up as a “roller coaster” first season rocking the orange and blue.
He knows it’s much too late to salvage it, but is simply looking to finish the year strong.
That’s exactly what the red-hot Baty has been able to do over the past 50-plus games.
After an up-and-down start of his own, the lefty-hitting slugger has settled into a groove at the plate, hitting .282 with 21 extra base-hits and a .850 OPS since the end of June.
“He’s a weapon for us,” Semien said.
“This is who he is,” manager Andy Green added. “Our goal will be to get to that earlier in the season, but he’s having confident at-bats, has a ton of power, and is using the whole field -- he’s just had good at-bat after good at-bat.”
Mavericks’ big man Dereck Lively II has not been cleared for training camp as he continues to recover from right foot surgery, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. His status for the season’s start is still under review as he continues his rehabilitation.
The reporting emphasizes that the Mavericks are not discouraged by his progress. It is important to note that Lively wore a boot throughout the season and hadn’t progressed to running as of June 26. Dallas has erred on the side of caution with Lively’s recovery under the front office’s new structure.
Dallas starts its training camp on Saturday. The Mavericks preseason commences on Oct. 9 in Macao, China.
Lively, who has appeared in 98 of 246 eligible games since being drafted in 2023, was a key piece in Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals in 2024. After making an early impact for the Mavericks in his rookie season as the 12th overall pick in the draft, he suffered multiple foot injuries and setbacks that have kept him off the floor since Nov. 2025.
The beginning of Lively’s injury woes started with an ankle stress fracture in January 2025 that was previously misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain. Mismanagement of his injury eventually required surgery to remove bone spurs in his foot in July 2025, and he returned to action for just seven games last season. He continued to deal with foot soreness and swelling through those seven games before being shut down for the season in December.
The defensive-minded center is heading into a contract year, where the Mavericks will have to decide where Lively fits within their future around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and company. The 7’1” big man’s size and versatility as a defender allow him an opportunity to be in Dallas’ long-term plans, health permitting. His finishing abilities and promise shown as a passer can allow him to carve a significant role in building a contender around Flagg. Lively averaged 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in his 98 career games.
The additions of Lively, Kyrie Irving, and other Mavericks offseason acquisitions gives the team a new look moving forward around their budding star in Flagg.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: V. J. Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This feeling surrounding this upcoming Sixers’ season is one of great anticipation. Sure, most of that has to do with the monumental additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, but I’d argue that no small part of that excitement should be for the second season of VJ Edgecombe.
Here in Philadelphia, expectations are always set high, even for the youngest of players… but frankly, expectations for the 21-year-old guard should be sky high. The 2025 No. 3 overall pick showed numerous glimpses of absolute star quality in his rookie season, from high flying dunks to impressive athletics to brilliantly clutch buckets in the biggest moments — and everything in between. He averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game across 75 appearances (all starts), playing a whopping 2623.3 minutes in the regular season, the 11th most in the entire association. He finished third behind Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year.
Edgecombe has displayed skill, game intelligence and athleticism notably beyond his years. To put it simply, he was able to do things on an NBA floor that very few 20-year-olds are able to accomplish, even against some of the league’s biggest stars and teams.
I see no reason why the same shouldn’t be true again this season — if anything, it should be even more true.
There has been a strange speculation that, somehow, playing alongside one of the greatest basketball players of all time in LeBron James and with another top league star in Jaylen Brown will stunt Edgecombe’s development. I, personally, vehemently disagree, so much so that I’ve already written all about that here, with some of the points of that article being reflected here as well. My bottom line of that piece was that, in reality, Edgecombe’s opportunity for development in year two only looks more promising now than it did a few months ago.
With the new-look Sixers lineup, Edgecombe should have plenty of room to do what he does best as an off-ball scorer, cutting through opposing defenses and finding the open space for catch-and-shoot buckets. It would be fair to anticipate a lot of open spaces for him to roam, too, when you consider that any of the other four members of the starting five could garner a double-team at any time. It would be great to see Edgecombe use that opportunity to solidify his catch-and-shoot numbers as well as his spot-up shooting, things that he was good at in year one but could be a little erratic with in terms of consistent accuracy. If you can rely on his jumper on a consistent basis, you have one hell of an off-ball weapon in him.
I also personally cannot wait to see the development of the LeBron to Edgecombe alley-oop, I must say.
Overall, I just don’t buy this idea that he won’t get any usage with this new lineup. If anything, maybe the new lineup means getting the kid a break here and there and not needing him 36 minutes per night for the entirety of the season, allowing him to be an even better version of himself when he is on the floor. It’s also worth noting that the initial five is not the only lineup Edgecombe will find himself in. I would imagine that Nick Nurse will often look to his young star to lead the second unit as the older guys are rotated out for rest. It’s in those times that Edgecombe will find plenty of opportunity to work on things like his ball handling and passing skills, and the other skills he might not be relied upon for with the starting unit.
And the best case scenario (and expected outcome at this point) is that all of this culminates in a season resulting in Edgecombe getting more, deeper experience in the NBA postseason. The playoffs were an up-and-down experience for VJ in his rookie year — as they were for the Sixers overall last season — but he managed to still show his capabilities on the biggest stages. His best effort was a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double in a first round, Game 2 win over the Boston Celtics, numbers that hadn’t been notched by a rookie since Tim Duncan in 1998 and becoming the youngest player to do so in league postseason history. Not bad for his first go.
So, all in all, it seems like a level-headed expectation for Edgecombe is to take a leap in his play in his sophomore season, even considering the high bar he set in year one. He has one hell of a supporting cast around him to help him develop and grow, and all the fundamental tools already at his disposal to make it happen.
Now we just have to wait and see what the kid does next.
Boosted by retaining Henry Pollock, champions are eager to keep improving but a revitalised Saracens and Exeter should push them all the way
It used to be simple. Win the Prem once and people would assume it was just the beginning. At various times no one could dethrone Bath, Leicester or Saracens, serial winners by fair means or foul. And now? It is so long since any club defended their English domestic title that “doubling up” feels almost as quaint as reading a physical newspaper or chatting up a complete stranger in the pub.
Which explains why Northampton’s Phil Dowson, whose side are chasing a third title in four years, is keen to draw a distinct line under what happened last season. Yes, the Saints were unplayably good on occasions and deservedly claimed the trophy in June. But that was then. The last team to win two in a row were Saracens in 2019, shortly before the salary cap small print intervened.
MILWAUKEE - OCTOBER 17: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 17, 2009 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This is a lie.
I don’t intend it to be, but it is—or at least it will be. How can one stay true under the test of time? After all, memory is as fickle as a five-year-old’s latest “favourite.” But I will try my best. That I can promise.
First, close your eyes. Inhale. Attune yourself with your NBA past. Smell your old SLAM Magazine collection if you have to; breathe in the bibliosmia. Or perhaps it’s an old jersey, hidden away in the attic or garage or deep within your closet.
Now visualise. Are the corners or numbers tattered? The colours faded? More importantly, what name(s) are printed for you to rediscover?
Sink. Into yesteryear.
The Premise
Earlier this offseason, when the Bucks announced they’d added T.J. Ford to Taylor Jenkins’ coaching staff, I did just that. Sank. And the idea has since meandered in my consciousness. You might have picked up on it, seeping out in the form of a Bobby Simmons trip down memory lane. But that didn’t quite cure the itch. This will. Hopefully.
So, I’ve decided to throw it into the ether, a permanent lie (two, actually) for all to see: my favourite role-playing Bucks starting five—and, by extension, my favourite role-playing non-Bucks starting five. And I want you to reciprocate.
The Rules
Every good list needs some parameters. This is no exception. So, here are mine:
Role players only; award winners need not apply. No All-Stars, no All-Defensive Teams honours, no MIPs. Nothin’ (well, maybe All-Rookie honours). Yes, this rules out a lot of players, including some arguably worthy of the “role-playing” label. Still, the rule stands. In my case, it means guys I love—Brook Lopez (All-Star, All-Defensive), Malcolm Brogdon (ROY, 6MOY), Boris Diaw (MIP), and Lamar Odom (6MOY)—are ineligible. Stiff.
Role players move teams often. So, for a player to count as a favourite Buck, they have to have been a favourite while they were on the Bucks. If they weren’t, save them for the non-Bucks team. Of course, only you know the truth (honesty system applies).
Positions count, team construction doesn’t. Players must be selected at positions they actually played—there’s no sneaking Joel “The Thrilla” Przybilla in at the point. But the team makeup itself doesn’t matter. So, no need to worry about spacing or defence or complementary skillsets in this one.
The Lie
Here then, in all of its absolute glory, is the lie: my starting five of favourite role-playing Bucks. Ask me tomorrow and the names might be different (shoutout to Michael Beasley, Jared Dudley, Kendall Marshall…).
Centre: Zaza Pachulia
Milwaukee, WI – FEBRUARY 20: Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the game on February 20, 2015 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A physical centre, Zaza Pachulia represents so much of what made those early-to-mid-2010s Bucks fun (yes, he was in MKE for a year earlier in his career too). He was tough, a leader, put the team first, and did the dirty work. And while he struggled to finish, recording a true shooting percentage of just 50% in his second stint in Milwaukee, he made others around him better with crafty passing (16.2% assist percentage), sturdy screens, and heady play. Pachulia was the adult in the room for those Bucks squads, leaving an impression on more than just his teammates.
Power Forward: Mirza Teletovic
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 23: Mirza Teletovic #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three point shot during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on October 23, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ersan Ilyasova got serious consideration for this spot and, in all honesty, it was probably the Bucks community’s collective adoration of him that cost him. If that’s a charge on my behalf, so be it. Mirza Teletovic played two seasons for the Bucks following a breakout season off the bench for the Phoenix Suns in 2015-16 (12.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.1 APG; 181 made three-pointers). While he never lived up to those standards for the Bucks—an outcome we’re all too familiar with—I still felt it was a swish every time it left his fingers. He did have that 7/9 three-point barrage against the Sacramento Kings—and always had a spot on my 2k teams—but was unfortunately waived after being sidelined for months with pulmonary emboli (blood clots) in both lungs. Still, when he was hot, he was nuclear.
Small Forward: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
ATLANTA – APRIL 20: Joe Johnson #2 of the Atlanta Hawks has the ball stripped by Luc Richard Mbah a Moute #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks at Philips Arena on April 20, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who doesn’t love The Prince? A lockdown forward, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute played five seasons with the Bucks, consistently drawing the other team’s toughest assignment—and making life miserable for them. In the post or on the perimeter, I just loved how Mbah a Moute cling-wrapped his opponents (as the image above attests), suffocating them with his length and intensity. If only he had a trey ball…
Shooting Guard: Wes Matthews
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 26: Wesley Matthews #23 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the game /smh/ during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2023 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
Speaking of trey balls… The Bucks got Wes Matthews, the Marquette alumnus, on the downside of his career (his age 33, 35, and 37 seasons, to be specific), but he was still a willing archer, even if the arrows struck flesh less often than they used to. And on a team with All-Defensive personnel everywhere—Brook Lopez, Giannis, Eric Bledsoe, Jrue Holiday—Matthews often found a way to look the best. Grit, size, quick feet. Matthews had ‘em all. And he’d get in your chest, too. Unfortunately, his timing wasn’t great—he left the Bucks to join the Los Angeles Lakers following their 2020 championship only to return to the Bucks after their 2021 chip. He’s a champion in my eyes regardless.
Point Guard: T.J. Ford
PORTLAND, OR – DECEMBER 16: T.J. Ford #11 of the Bucks passes the ball around Dale Davis #34 of the Blazers to his teammate Daniel Santiago #15 of the Bucks during the Milwaukee Bucks v Portland Trail Blazers game December 16, 2003 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. 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 Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I remember first finding out about T.J. Ford in a dog-eared copy of Lindy’s Pro Basketball that I would’ve re-read a million times. A rookie-to-be, he was described as a “waterbug” and it was fitting. Ford was small, lightning fast, and agile, darting from one part of the court to another in the blink of an eye. And he wasn’t afraid to mix it up with the trees, attacking the paint for layups or handoffs for easy baskets. Ford was small in stature, but not in heart—as his return following a severe spinal cord injury attested. How good it is that he’s back with Milwaukee!
There you have it, a permanent list of my favourite Bucks role players. Stay tuned for Part II, where I double down with my favourite non-Bucks role-playing starting five.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics hits a two-run RBI double against the Los Angeles Angels in the bottom of the six inning at Sutter Health Park on September 23, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to Thursday A’s fans!
The team wrapped up its series with the Los Angeles Angels last night, finishing their rivals off with a convincing 7-3 win. That gave the club 63 wins on the year and we’ll avoid the worst-case scenario of a 100-loss season. We’re three games up on the Angels with four to go for last in the AL so one more win or loss from them and we’ll guarantee not-worst in the league. Good news, I guess?
Now the team is down to its final series of the season, a four-game set against the Houston Astros. The A’s division rival comes into this contest in a tie for first place in the AL West, with the loser almost certainly watching October baseball from home on the couch. Their in-state rivals the Texas Rangers are right there with them at 78-80 so this race is going to come right down to the wire. Houston needs every game in this series so the pressure is on them.
The A’s however are playing carefree baseball right now and are on a little two-game win streak coming into tonight’s series opener. The A’s can put their spoiler hats on and give the Astros a headache over the final weekend. If the A’s are able to take at least two games against the Astros, then that means that we could have been the ones to help send a team with a losing record to the playoffs. That’s a nice way to wrap up the season if you ask me.
We don’t know who any of the starters will be for the A’s yet so stay tuned there. The Astros have the likely AL MVP in Yordan Alvarez in their lineup so hopefully the A’s can stay away from him in the bandbox of Sutter Health Park this weekend. What would you like to see in the final series of 2026 before the long winter begins?
First pitch is at 6:40. Enjoy the final series of the year, folks! And have a great day A’s fans.
A’s catcher Brian Serven got hit hard last night so the team may need an extra catcher for the Houston series. Hopefully he’s alright, tough injury right before the end of the year:
A's catcher Brian Serven exited on his own power after getting hit in the face with a pitch while trying to bunt pic.twitter.com/6S7AmQ7gye
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14: Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles bats during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Monday, September 14, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Phebe Grosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning everyone!
The Mariners won a thrilling 6-5 extra-innings contest against the rival Astros last night. The team’s final series of the season begins tonight against the Angels with first pitch set for 6:40pm PT.
In Mariners news…
Cal Raleigh brought our favorite broadcaster a retirement gift.
Jackson Holliday, who has been hurt for much of the year, is getting wrist surgery in the next week.
Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who just returned from the injured list with a quad strain, is headed to the IL once more with a hamstring injury.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 29: Gerrit Cole #45 and Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees talk before the second game of a doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 29, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Over the past two seasons, Carlos Rodón has been one of the best pitchers in baseball. After winning 18 games and finishing sixth in Cy Young voting in an All-Star 2025, he’s been even better when healthy this year, posting a 2.67 ERA that would be fourth-best in the AL if he had enough innings to qualify. Since returning from the IL in mid-August, it’s 1.89. Come October, most teams would be thrilled to hand him the ball in Game 1 of any series. The Yankees are expected to bounce him to the bullpen for the Wild Card round. So deep is their rotation, fronted by Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, and Gerrit Cole, that Rodón is expendable.
When Aaron Judge went down last week with a calf injury, it was a gut punch. After holding the line without him for most of the year, the excitement of the Yankees captain returning for the stretch run was immediately punctured. Aaron Boone relayed that Judge is expected to miss the Wild Card round. While Judge himself pushed back on that assessment Wednesday, given the timing of his injury and narrow margin for recovery, it’s fair to question when he’ll be able to contribute. Judge is one of the premier difference-makers in the sport — by whatever metric you use, he’s been one of the two best players in the league for the past decade. When a team loses a player of that caliber, it’s easy to lose hope. But not only is this Yankees team still competitive, it should still be considered the favorites in the AL.
The rotation is the primary reason why. Schlittler has the Cy Young wrapped up and is squarely in the MVP conversation, leading the league in ERA while punching out 234 (and counting). He’s the kind of dominant hurler that can take over a playoff series—as he did last October—giving even a dormant offense a massive leg up. Fried, who won 19 games last year and finished fourth in Cy Young voting, has a 2.80 ERA through 20 starts and remains the game’s most consistent run preventer. And, despite concerns during a slump in early September, Cole has mostly looked like the same pitcher he was before missing a year and a half to Tommy John surgery. The Yankees’ bullpen, led by quietly elite closer David Bednar and boosted by reclamation projects Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn, has the second-lowest ERA in the game. On the strength of those two units, the team has allowed the fewest runs in baseball. If good pitching beats good hitting, the Yankees are already well on their way.
But let’s not bury the Yankees offense yet, either. To be certain, it’s been an uneven year. In addition to spending nearly the whole season without Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has underperformed, Ryan McMahon has been an offensive black hole (even after last night, his season wRC+ is just 76), Yankees catchers have hit below the Mendoza line, and Anthony Volpe played his way out of the starting shortstop job. Still, among AL playoff teams, only the White Sox have scored more runs. Ben Rice is tied for the AL lead in homers with 41 and has been one of the best hitters in baseball, Luis García Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt form a strong platoon at first, and Cody Bellinger has been his usual All-Star caliber bat. Murderers’ Row, this lineup is not. But they stack up perfectly fine against the rest the AL has to offer, even without their best hitter.
Central to the Yankees’ chances is the state of their competition. The AL was taken to the woodshed this year by the NL, who dominated interleague play and stacked up four teams with a run differential above 100 to the AL’s one. That one is the Yankees, who came out 48 runs ahead of the Rays despite losing out on the AL East title. Eighty-five wins or so should carry the day in the AL Central while the AL West leader will likely land right around .500. The Rays’ extreme overperformance of their Pythagorean win total this year surely speaks to their ability to play together as a team and manager Kevin Cash’s knack for playing matchups. However, it also leaves open the question of how their style of play will transfer to October baseball, where they’ve really succeded with Cash just once (in the COVID-affected 2020).
The Yankees will face the Red Sox in the Wild Card round, a team that’s arguably also without its best playoff weapon, starter Garrett Crochet. At best, he’ll be in the bullpen, likely rusty. As Jon Morosi notes below, the Yankees’ pitching staff has held Boston at bay throughout their matchups this season.
Yankees fans are justified in worrying about Aaron Judge's injury. But remember:
NYY is 7-6 vs. BOS, and Judge played in 3 of those games.
The Red Sox have averaged only 3 runs per game vs. the Yankees.
The Yankees have given up the fewest runs in @MLB.@MLBNetwork
There’s also precedent for teams making deep playoff runs while their superstar watched from the bench. Ronald Acuña Jr. missed the entire 2021 postseason as his Braves (buoyed by six shutout innings from Fried in the decisive Game 6) took the title. The 1972 A’s lost Reggie Jackson to a torn hamstring in the ALCS while winning their first pennant in 41 years but still bested the Big Red Machine in the Fall Classic. The Yankees have also found ways to win in October without much from Judge. While his presence surely impacted how opposing pitchers tackled the Yankees’ lineup, Judge batted .161 through the first two rounds of the 2024 playoffs as the Yankees nonetheless won the pennant. And while they had a red-hot Giancarlo Stanton and another all-world hitter, Juan Soto, to pick up the slack that year, the Yankees also had a significantly weaker pitching staff.
A lot can happen quickly in the postseason, and a resurgent and hungry Red Sox squad is certainly a threat, particularly in a best-two-out-of-three series. The Rays loom as well, with the regular-season standings telling a compelling story about their winning formula, and whatever teams rise from the ashes of the Central and West cannot be dismissed. Teams like the 2006 Cardinals and 2023 Rangers prove that anything can happen if you just get into the dance. But the Yankees have a formula of their own that’s even more compelling, even without their captain. In a lackluster AL, the Yankees still have the strongest pitching staff and most talented roster overall. Let the games begin.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 22: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Texas Rangers stands on the mound during the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Globe Life Field on September 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning! As Matt lays out today, there is a very slight possibility that the Red Sox fall to the third Wild Card slot, thus avoiding the first round Yankees matchup that has seemed all but inevitable for weeks now. Instead of Yankee Stadium, the Sox would head out west to face either the Rangers or the Astros, one of whom will win the division, quite possibly with a losing record. Moreover, falling to the third seed would likely mean facing either the White Sox or the Guardians in the divisional round, as opposed to getting the fifth seed and facing the Rays. There really is no question: the sixth seed presents the easier path to the World Series.
But you know what? I want the Yankees. I always want the Yankees. Baseball is better when the Red Sox and Yankees are playing each other. And that applies not just to TV executives, but to the fans of the respective teams. It’s fun! It’s been over 20 years since I’ve seen the Yankees on the schedule and felt any sort of trepidation. Now, I see them on the schedule and I get pumped for what I hope will be yet another memorable chapter of the rivalry. And, frankly, while being bounced from the playoffs by the Yankees would certainly sting, I’m not sure it would feel any better to get bounced by the first under-.500 playoff team in history, either.
So who do you want: the Yankees, or whatever crap team comes out of the west?
Use this space to talk about playoff matchups and whatever else you want and, as always, be good to one another.
Sep 23, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers (9), third baseman David Hamilton (6), shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) and second baseman Brice Turang (2) celebrate win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There are just four games left in the regular season, and the Brewers have a first-round bye locked up. While the pitching situation is more chaotic right now, the position player situation is much more straight-forward. Let’s take a look at how they compare to last year’s postseason players.
For this post, the assumption is that the 14 current position players will also be the 14 position players on the postseason roster. It’s strongly likely that 13 of the 14 players will be on the roster. Bo Naylor is one player that the Brewers could pivot on. They have barely used him since the start of September, with just a couple rare starts and late game substitutions so far.
The Brewers could pivot and grab someone else from the minors, but the only three position players on the 40-man roster currently are Akil Baddoo, Tyler Black, and Brandon Lockridge. There is also an open 40-man spot, if they choose to use it. However, this is discussing the 14th position player on the roster, so whoever they choose to go with likely won’t have much of an impact.
(Statistics are from FanGraphs are are through Tuesday’s games.)
Last season, Contreras spent most of the year dealing with a broken left middle finger. It affected his numbers at the plate, but despite that, he still put together a strong season. This season, even though he’s healthy, the overall numbers are not much different. He has seen a rise in his batting average and slugging percentage, though his on-base percentage is lower. His WAR is a little lower, but overall, the numbers are about the same. The one big addition to this season has been the ABS challenge system, which has been a point of difficulty for Contreras all year. We can’t say how he would have handled it last season, so that won’t be a factor here. Overall, Contreras is a very similar player to last year, so there’s no real advantage to either version here.
When looking at the overall numbers, this looks like an easy comparison. Bauers this season has been much better than he was last year. However, it’s important to remember that Bauers’ rise began late last season. He played so well in September (21 G, .360/.458/.560, 188 wRC+) that he took full control of the first base job, and basically forced Rhys Hoskins off the roster once he returned from injury. This year, he’s just continued that play and set himself up for a big contract this offseason. It’s still an advantage for Bauers this year, but it’s closer than the numbers would suggest.
The rise of Turang continues in 2026. While the offensive numbers are very similar, it’s his defense that is the big change. Last year, he was closer to neutral on defense. This year, he’s made a resurgence, and his defense has caught up to where it should be. He’s jumped from 7 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved) in 2025 to 22 DRS in 2026, and his Fielding Run Value is up from 0 FRV to 13 FRV. This postseason, they will still have the same strong player on offense in Turang but will also get the better defense from past seasons.
Ortiz has helped stabilize the third base position, which was in disarray at the start of the season. Luis Rengifo barely provided any positive value before he was released. David Hamilton was OK at the position, but he was just holding it down. Meanwhile, Ortiz has really stepped it up in the last couple months. Since the All-Star break, he’s batting .327/.377/.544 with a 151 wRC+. That’s in addition to 7 DRS in just 372 innings at third base. The overall numbers would suggest that these two are near even over the course of the season. However, with Ortiz’s late-season resurgence and defensive prowess, I’d give a slight edge to him here.
While Ortiz has seen a boost at third base this year, it’s hard to think about his performance last season. He provided overall positive value, but his bat in the lineup was a regular problem. This year, Pratt has matched Ortiz’s production in less than half the games. It’s an impressive rookie season from Pratt, and he’s going to provide a boost at shortstop over what the Brewers had last season.
Realistically, you couldn’t go wrong with either choice here. Chourio last year was a great player. This year, he’s turned into a star. He’s boosted his numbers on both offense and defense. If he hadn’t missed a month of the season due to injury, his stats would be even better. Not only that, but he is healthy heading into this postseason, compared to last season when he was dealing with a hamstring injury. I’m looking forward to seeing what this year’s Chourio can do in the postseason.
Entering this season, I didn’t have much faith in Mitchell. It wasn’t the talent, it was the injury history. Losing so many games to injury had soured his outlook. However, he’s proven me wrong this season, along with many other people. Mitchell has remained healthy and has shown what he’s capable of. Not only are his numbers on offense significantly better, but he’s matched what Perkins was able to do last season. It’s a much more complete package overall, and it’s a huge step up from where they were last postseason.
This one is a bit hard to pinpoint who is the primary starter right now, as both Lara and Frelick have been splitting time in right field. For now, I’ll go with Lara, who appears to be getting a bigger share of the starts there lately. Either way, the result is the same on this one. While Lara has shown a lot of promise so far, the overall numbers don’t back it up yet. Meanwhile, Frelick was an incredibly solid right fielder last season. Lara has the ability to eventually be better than Frelick, but for now, Frelick last season was the better right fielder.
There’s not much to say for Yelich, other than it’s been a disappointing season for him. Across the board, his numbers have been down this season. He’s barely been above replacement level, and he’s been trending the wrong way. Since the All-Star break, he’s batting .225/.295/.369 with an 83 wRC+. According to FanGraphs, he’s been worth 0.0 fWAR, which is right at replacement level (though he did hit a home run on Wednesday night). It’s still not a question of if he’ll be on the postseason roster — he definitely will be on it. However, the Brewers may have to think carefully about how they want to use the DH spot this postseason.
2026: David Hamilton (117 G, .241/.308/.329, 80 wRC+, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 30 SB, 0.2 fWAR, 1.7 bWAR)
Both players have been the infield utility player throughout the season. They bounced between second base, third base, and shortstop all year. Hamilton has been used more regularly this season. He was a regular starter earlier in the year, but is now behind Turang, Pratt, and Ortiz on the depth chart. He still can be a great bench player this postseason, particularly as a late game pinch-runner. He can also move runners up effectively and provides decent defense. He shouldn’t be the primary player at any position, but as a backup and overall utility guy, he has a lot of value. Monasterio had a better profile on offense, though Hamilton offers a lot of flexibility as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner, or late inning defensive replacement. That’s good for the roster in the postseason.
Advantage: Even
Backup First Baseman
2025: Andrew Vaughn (64 G with Brewers, .308/.375/.493, 142 wRC+, 9 HR, 46 RBI, 1.9 fWAR, 1.3 bWAR)
It doesn’t feel fair to call Vaughn the backup first baseman here. He’s been getting a good amount of play time throughout the season. However, compared to Bauers, he is the clear backup. That’s still a good player to have as a backup, though. While the power numbers have been down this year, his on-base percentage is up. He’s been just as valuable this season, though part of that could be due to being more selective with his starts. He will be valuable on the postseason roster, and if he could get some extra starts while Bauers covers DH or right field, that will help the team. Overall, it’s about even with what he provided last postseason.
Advantage: Even
Backup Catcher
2025: Danny Jansen (25 G with Brewers, .254/.346/.433, 120 wRC+, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 0.4 fWAR, 0.7 bWAR)
2026: Gary Sánchez (84 G, .209/.352/.419, 117 wRC+, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 0.8 fWAR, 0.5 bWAR) & Bo Naylor
Last postseason, Jansen had next to no impact on the postseason roster. Contreras started every game and Jansen did not get a postseason at-bat. That will likely be a different story this postseason, especially if the Brewers carry three catchers as they are right now. Having two backup catchers gives the Brewers flexibility to use Contreras at DH or pinch-run for a catcher late. They could also choose to use Sánchez in either of those roles. Naylor will just be an emergency catcher and will see very little play time. It’s still a better situation than they had at catcher last postseason.
While it looks like Collins has the big advantage here, he was not much of a factor in the postseason. His numbers in September dropped to .191/.345/.319 with a 97 wRC+. He only received 10 plate appearances over six games between the NLDS and NLCS, and was relegated to a bench role. Lockridge was in a similar role, only playing in four games and getting two plate appearances. That still is better than Frelick’s numbers to finish up this season. The backup outfielder should hopefully have a smaller role in the postseason, but last year’s duo has the advantage.
