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Report: Falcons expect Kirk Cousins to report to minicamp Tuesday

Kirk Cousins has not been with the Falcons for most of their voluntary offseason work, but the quarterback is expected to take a different approach for the start of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

Dianna Russini of TheAthletic.com reports that the team expects Cousins to report for the three-day minicamp. Cousins is under contract, so he would be subject to fines if he misses the minicamp without being excused by the team.

Cousins signed a four-year deal with Atlanta last March, but the Falcons later used a first-round pick on Michael Penix and Penix replaced Cousins as the team's starter during the 2024 season. Cousins is guaranteed $27.5 million in salary this season and the Falcons have said that they are comfortable keeping him on the roster as a backup to Penix.

Cousins has been less enthusiastic about the prospect of staying with the team, but no trade has materialized and moving him may take an injury somewhere else at some point in the summer or fall.

Cousins

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MLB Power Rankings: Tigers remain on top, Pete Alonso powers Mets

Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, Pete Alonso climbs the Mets’ all-time leaderboard, the Phillies’ slide continues, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Christian Encarnacion-Strand are red-hot since coming off the IL, the Rays and Blue Jays are rolling, hope is fading for the Braves, and much more.

Let’s get started!

(Please note these power rankings are a combination of current performance and long-term projected outlook)

MLB: Spring Training-Chicago White Sox at San Diego Padres
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Nick Kurtz is back, Kyle Teel is here
Eric Samulski breaks down some of the top waiver wire adds for the upcoming week of fantasy baseball.

Note: Rankings are from the morning of Monday, June 9.

1) Detroit Tigers

Last week: 1

Everything is coming up Tigers right now. Nothing signifies this more than this catch by Zach McKinstry, which left him in a state of disbelief.

2) New York Mets ⬆️

Last week: 3

Fresh off a sweep of the lowly Rockies, the Mets have won 12 out of their last 15 games. Pete Alonso has drive in 18 runs in eight games this month and crushed two homers on Sunday to pass David Wright for second on the Mets’ all-time home run list. He’s just nine away from catching Darryl Strawberry (252) for the No. 1 spot.

3) Chicago Cubs ⬇️

Last week: 2

In a possible World Series preview, the Cubs dropped two out of three to the Tigers over the weekend. It was their first series loss in a month.

4) New York Yankees ⬆️

Last week: 6

With his new “70 percent” mindset, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is hitting .381 (8-for-21) with two homers since coming off the injured list. Maybe just stay away from the in-game interviews.

5) Los Angeles Dodgers ⬇️

Last week: 4

It’s pretty much history watch every time Clayton Kershaw gets on the mound. The southpaw played the role of stopper on Sunday five innings of one-run ball against the Cardinals and is now just 17 strikeouts away from joining the 3,000 K club.

6) San Diego Padres ⬆️

Last week: 7

All eyes are on the Padres and Dodgers to start the week, as the divisional foes will meet for the first time this season. The Padres are just one game behind the Dodgers for first place in the NL West. This week’s three-game set will take place in San Diego and they’ll meet again next week in Los Angeles for a four-game series.

7) San Francisco Giants ⬆️

Last week: 8

The Giants will carry a five-game winning streak into the week; all of the victories came by the margin of just one run. They have a chance to stay hot as they square off against the Rockies in Coors Field for three games.

8) Philadelphia Phillies ⬇️

Last week: 5

A stunning fall for the Phillies, who have lost nine out of their last 10 games. Bryce Harper hit the injured list on Saturday as he deals with a recurrence of a right wrist injury from last year. Not great.

9) Houston Astros ⬆️

Last week: 11

Jeremy Pena is quietly enjoying the best season of his career. Even with an 0-fer on Sunday to snap his 12-game hitting streak, he’s batting .361 with a .975 OPS over his last 30 games. The Astros have gone 19-11 in that time to climb into first place in the AL West.

10) St. Louis Cardinals ⬇️

Last week: 9

After a bit of a stumble, the Cardinals took two out of three from the Dodgers over the weekend. Sonny Gray got the win on Friday and now owns a 13 1/3-inning scoreless streak.

11) Tampa Bay Rays ⬆️

Last week: 18

What a turnaround by the Rays, who are 14-4 over their last 18 games. With the exception of Saturday’s slugfest against the Marlins, they haven’t allowed more than four runs since May 18.

12) Toronto Blue Jays ⬆️

Last week: 15

The Rays aren’t the only red-hot team in the AL East, as the Blue Jays have won nine out of their last 11 games. Only the Dodgers, Mets, and the aforementioned Rays have scored more runs over the past two weeks.

13) Minnesota Twins ⬆️

Last week: 14

Big blow to the Twins over the past week, as right-hander Pablo Lopez suffered a Grade 2 teres major muscle strain and is expected to miss 8-to-12 weeks.

14) Milwaukee Brewers ⬇️

Last week: 13

The wait continues for Brandon Woodruff, who was hit in the elbow by a 108.2 mph comebacker last Tuesday in what was supposed to be his final minor league rehab start. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative, but he’ll need some downtime before starting a new rehab assignment.

15) Cleveland Guardians ⬇️

Last week: 12

The key question for the Guardians is if they can get any semblance of consistent offense from someone outside of José Ramírez and Steven Kwan. Ramírez is currently riding a career-best 34-game on-base streak.

16) Seattle Mariners ⬇️

Last week: 10

George Kirby did what aces are supposed to do, stopping a five-game losing streak on Sunday while notching a career-high 14 strikeouts against the Angels.

17) Kansas City Royals ⬇️

Last week: 16

Any time you can get in the same sentence with Bo Jackson is usually a good thing.

18) Cincinnati Reds ⬆️

Last week: 22

Christian Encarnacion-Strand has provided quite the jolt since coming off the injured list, as he homered in all three games during the Reds’ weekend sweep over the Diamondbacks.

19) Boston Red Sox ⬆️

Last week: 20

Hey Red Sox? It’s time.

20) Texas Rangers ⬆️

Last week: 21

The Rangers’ offense has been a massive disappointment this season, but Marcus Semien is finally waking up. The 34-year-old is hitting .517 (15-for-29) with three homers, three doubles and nine RBI over his last nine games.

21) Arizona Diamondbacks ⬇️

Last week: 19

With Corbin Burnes needing Tommy John surgery, it’s increasingly clear that this isn’t going to be the Diamondbacks’ year. It will be interesting to see which players end up going on the trade block in the coming weeks. Zac Gallen? Merrill Kelly? Eugenio Suarez?

22) Los Angeles Angels ⬆️

Last week: 24

As someone who is constantly fielding snack requests from my two young children, it’s nice to know that it never truly ends. Kudos to Eric Young Sr. as Father’s Day approaches this Sunday.

23) Washington Nationals

Last week: 23

As James Wood develops into a star, we’re also seeing MacKenzie Gore become one of the game’s best left-handed starters. Also acquired in the Juan Soto blockbuster with the Padres, Gore holds a 2.87 ERA through 13 starts and currently leads the NL with 108 strikeouts.

24) Atlanta Braves ⬇️

Last week: 17

As the kids say, the Braves are crashing out. A seven-game losing streak, including a sweep at the hands of the Giants over the weekend. Spencer Strider is showing diminished stuff with a 5.85 ERA in four starts since coming off the IL last month.

25) Baltimore Orioles ⬆️

Last week: 27

Some recent momentum for the Orioles, who won six straight before dropping two out of three to the lowly Athletics over the weekend.

26) Pittsburgh Pirates ⬆️

Last week: 28

Paul Skenes has one win in his last seven starts despite posting a 1.12 ERA (six ER with a 51/12 K/BB ratio in 48 1/3 innings) during that time.

27) Athletics ⬇️

Last week: 25

The A’s aren’t winning many games these days, but Jacob Wilson can’t be stopped. He’s hitting .461 over his last 19 games and has amassed at least two hits in five straight games.

Also, I’d be remiss to leave out the best catch of the past week.

28) Miami Marlins ⬇️

Last week: 26

The Marlins have lost six out of seven (including a humiliating sweep by the Rockies), but the good news is that stud right-hander Eury Perez is set to make his return from Tommy John surgery on Monday.

29) White Sox

Last week: 29

A former top prospect for the Dodgers, Miguel Vargas is beginning to realize his potential. After getting off to a slow start, he’s hitting .289 with nine home runs and a .900 OPS over his last 41 games.

30) Colorado Rockies

Last week: 30

A rollercoaster week for the Rockies, who managed to pull off a three-game sweep of the Marlins on the road before being swept by the Mets at Coors Field over the weekend.

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Hodge Announces Signing of Morris Ugusuk

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 9, 2025) – West Virginia University men’s basketball coach Ross Hodge has announced the signing of Morris Ugusuk to a grant-in-aid for the 2025-26 season.Ugusuk, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound junior guard from Helsinki, Finland, comes to West Virginia from South Carolina, where he played the last two seasons.

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All NHL 25 HUT Fantasy Hockey Updates Through June. 9

Back again with a Stanley Cup Finals NHL 25 Hockey Ultimate Team Fantasy Card update. 

There have only been eight card updates since our last article. 

Sebastian Aho is up to 98 overall, and that is where he will finish after the Carolina Hurricanes were eliminated by the Florida Panthers. His card is one of the best in the game and plays like a 99. 

 Anton Lundell is up to 98 overall while Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and Brad Marchand are 96 overall. Viktor Arvidsson is 95 overall.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Sam Reinhart received new Fantasy Cards prior to Game 1 and are both 95.

Marchand (x2) and Kane scored since the last update and will be 98 and 97 overall resptively after tomorrow's content additions. 

The Hockey News' Stanley Cup Final simulation predicted the Florida Panthers to win in five games here.

For more NHL 25 news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed.         

Photo Credit: © Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

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Mets add reliever Justin Garza to active roster

The Mets have added right-handed reliever Justin Garza to the active roster.

In a corresponding move, left-handed reliever Brandon Waddell was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

Garza, 31, was acquired from the Giants over the weekend in exchange for cash considerations.

He has a 5.74 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 47 innings over 38 appearances (with all but one coming in relief) in parts of two big league seasons with the Guardians (2021) and Red Sox (2023).

In 17.2 innings this season for the Giants' Triple-A affiliate, Garza had a 6.11 ERA and 1.47 WHIP.

Garza has a 4.59 ERA in 474.0 innings spanning nine minor league seasons.

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Alex Tuch Mentioned In Sabres Trade Chatter Coming Out Of Combine

The Buffalo Sabres played host to the NHL Scouting Combine last week, and with the ninth pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the club focused on a number of prospects who could be a target in Los Angeles later this month, but GM Kevyn Adams is also devoting a great deal of energy on free agent possibilities and a rather brisk trade market.   

The names that have been the most frequently mentioned since the end of the season have been restricted free agent winger JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram, but another player who could be on the move may be veteran forward Alex Tuch. According to James Mirtle of the Athletic, who is coming off a career-high 36-goal campaign last season, could be dealt with a year left on his contract if he and the Sabres cannot come to an agreement on an extension.   

Other Sabres Stories

Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday?

Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram

Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change

The 29-year-old was acquired in November 2021 as part of the Jack Eichel deal with the Vegas Golden Knights and has 106 goals for the Sabres in 281 regular season games. At the end of the season, the Syracuse, NY native indicated that he wanted to be part of the group that wants to get Buffalo into the postseason for the first time since 2011.

Tuch is in a strong negotiating position with the Sabres, as he and Tage Thompson represent the most consistent scorers on Buffalo’s forward complement. It is likely with the salary cap going up and coming off a seven-year deal making a rather economical $4.75 million salary that the winger is looking for a substantial pay increase, but the Sabres may be holding the threat of a trade (Tuch has a five-team modified no-trade clause) over his head to get an extension with a lower AAV or less term.    

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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Report: Mitch Marner Was In Three-Team Trade Talks With Leafs, Hurricanes And Golden Knights Ahead Of Deadline

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner appears likely to hit the open market on July 1, but there was a chance earlier this season that he could've been a Vegas Golden Knight.

In the aftermath of the NHL's trade deadline, reports surfaced that Marner, who possessed a no-movement clause in his contract, declined to waive it to go to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Mikko Rantanen. Carolina, ultimately, sent Rantanen to the Dallas Stars. 

Following Toronto's elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs, another report emerged from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, saying the Maple Leafs were in trade talks with the Golden Knights and wanted defenseman Shea Theodore in return.

This reported discussion, however, reportedly occurred in the summer.

"I heard [Vegas] told people, 'You wanna watch Shea Theodore? You can buy a ticket to watch him play for us,'" Friedman said on 32 Thoughts earlier this month. "And they followed through on their word."

'He's Got A Say In The Process': Where Do Things Stand Between Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and Mitch Marner?'He's Got A Say In The Process': Where Do Things Stand Between Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and Mitch Marner?Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs still remains up in the air.

We're 22 days into Toronto's offseason and another report of a trade including Marner, which ensued before the deadline, has surfaced, via The Athletic's James Mirtle, who wrote, "according to league sources, there were also discussions around a Marner-to-Vegas transaction before the trade deadline this year, a move that would have involved the Hurricanes in a three-way deal.

"Theoretically, the Leafs would have received Mikko Rantanen while the Golden Knights got Marner and sent something to Carolina."

Mirtle added that while it's unknown how far trade discussions went, the deal didn't fall apart from the Maple Leafs' side.

"It’s unclear just how far those talks went, or if Marner was asked to waive his no-movement clause to go to Vegas, but it sounds like what killed the deal was Vegas and Carolina failing to find the right assets to include to get it done — not anything on the Toronto side."

Report: Max Pacioretty 'Leaning Toward' Return To Maple Leafs After Toronto Expressed Interest In Keeping HimReport: Max Pacioretty 'Leaning Toward' Return To Maple Leafs After Toronto Expressed Interest In Keeping HimNearly three weeks after Max Pacioretty contemplated his NHL future in front of the cameras at Ford Performance Centre in Toronto, a reunion could be possible.

Drafted by the Maple Leafs in the first round (4th overall) in 2015, Marner sits fifth all-time on the franchise's points list (741 points in 657 games), fourth in assists (520), and fifth in the team's all-time playoff points (63 points in 70 postseason games).

Marner is coming off his first-ever 100-point season, scoring 27 goals and 75 assists in 81 games. The 28-year-old never gave a definite answer when asked several times this year whether he'd like to be a Maple Leaf beyond this season.

"Always loved my time here," Marner said during locker cleanout day, in what could be the final team he speaks to the media as a Maple Leaf. "Like I said to you guys the other night, I've been so grateful. I haven't processed anything yet. It's still so fresh."

Should The Maple Leafs Pursue Brad Marchand In Free Agency? How Much Is Too Much To Pay?Should The Maple Leafs Pursue Brad Marchand In Free Agency? How Much Is Too Much To Pay?Brad Marchand is once again proving why he's one of the NHL's ultimate premier playoff performers. As an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the question must be asked: Should the Maple Leafs aggressively pursue the veteran player who consistently performs well against them?

Despite inching closer to the top of Toronto's record books, it appears likely that Marner will be a free agent on July 1, with most NHL clubs preparing to bid for the free agent forward. While returning to the Maple Leafs is still possible, it feels unlikely at this point in time.

If this is the end of his tenure in Toronto, the forward finished the 2025 playoffs with 13 points — two goals and 11 assists — in 13 games, against the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers.

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

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Darius Garland to miss 4-5 months after toe surgery

After appearing in a career-high 75 regular-season games, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland is not guaranteed to be available for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Monday afternoon, the Cavaliers announced that the team's starting point guard will be out for 4-5 months after undergoing surgery on his left great toe. While the expectation is that Garland will be good to go by the start of training camp, that does not precisely align with the timeline provided by the team.

Having averaged at least 20.6 points per game in three of the last four seasons, Garland earned his second All-Star Game appearance and helped lead the Cavaliers to 64 wins and the top seed in the Eastern Conference. In addition to the 20.6 points, he averaged 2.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.8 three-pointers in 30.7 minutes.

In his first season playing for Kenny Atkinson, Garland's efficiency improved. At the same time, his playing time decreased slightly, with the first-year head coach being willing to go deep into his bench throughout the regular season. Garland shot 47.2 percent from the field, 40.1 percent from three and 87.8 percent from the foul line while averaging 2.5 turnovers per game, his lowest average since his rookie season (2019-20).

Unfortunately for Garland and the Cavaliers, a left great toe injury initially suffered in late March flared up during the postseason. It sidelined him for four games, including the first two games of the team's second-round series against the Pacers. Cleveland would lose both of those games, falling into a hole that proved too deep to crawl out of. And in the aftermath of the second-round elimination, Garland and center Jarrett Allen have been mentioned in some trade rumors.

On a potential connection with Orlando, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on June 8 that there have been no “substantive conversations” between the two franchises regarding a deal involving Garland. One would assume that uncertainty regarding Garland's health would take any potential deals off the table if Cleveland were interested in breaking up its "core four."

Also, Garland's surgery may impact the front office's approach to Ty Jerome, who will be an unrestricted free agent next month. Coming off the best season of his NBA career, Jerome may be in line for a significant payday. However, his importance to the Cavaliers cannot be understated, especially if Garland is not guaranteed to be healthy when training camp begins.

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Rugby’s breakaway R360 league labelled ‘delusional’ by leading TV sport executive

  • R360 targeting ‘best of the best’ 300 male players

  • Premiership does not see franchise league as threat

A leading executive at TNT Sports has dismissed the proposed R360 breakaway league as “delusional” while Premiership executives have played down the rebels’ threat, insisting rugby “doesn’t need pop-ups”.

Confirming that R360 has not approached TNT Sports about its plans for a globetrotting league that targets the world’s best players on lucrative contracts, Andrew Georgiou – president and managing director of WBD Sports Europe – joined Premiership Rugby in questioning the commercial and economic viability of the breakaway league.

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Could the Red Wings Trade Lucas Raymond for the No. 1 Pick?

With a strong free agency market for wingers, a potential deal involving Lucas Raymond may be on the table.

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In the calm before the chaos of NHL Draft season, few teams are sitting at a more pivotal crossroads than the Detroit Red Wings. After missing the playoffs again in 2024–25, despite almost making it the season prior and showing flashes of promising young core, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if general manager Steve Yzerman might finally push the franchise into bold new territory. 

While no current reports suggest it, there’s one scenario lurking in the shadows that could turn the league on its head: what if Detroit traded Lucas Raymond for the first overall pick?

Raymond, drafted fourth overall in 2020, has been a foundational piece for the Red Wings since his NHL debut. The Swedish winger has blossomed into a legitimate top-line NHL winger after leading the Red Wings with 31 goals and 41 assists, totaling 72 points, and was rewarded with a lucrative eight-year, $64.6 million extension in September 2024.

More Red Wings: Former Red Wings Defender Finds New Team

In 316 NHL games so far, he’s notched 97 goals and 152 assists, showcasing his consistent production and growth. With his contract locked in, trading Raymond wouldn’t be just a cap dump, it would be a massive, strategic shakeup of Detroit’s roster heading into the off-season. 

The Islanders currently hold the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and are reportedly open to offers. Detroit might have a unique opportunity to trade up and select consensus top pick defenceman Matthew Schaefer, which would add much needed depth to their blueline. 

Analysts from The New York Post to international scouting services have called him the only “Tier 1 projected All-Star” in this year’s class. Known for his poise, skating, and leadership, Schaefer is already being described as a future NHL captain and star. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

For the Red Wings, it would be a highly unlikely move but you never know as even Wayne Gretzky was once traded. The move would be resetting the core of the team by adding a player at a slightly younger age and at desperate position of need. 

Outside of Moritz Seider, Detroit’s defensive group has lacked reliability and top-pairing talent, finishing bottom 12 in goals against average last season.  Seider, who regularly logs around 24 minutes per game and drives possession with an elite two-way game, has carried the burden largely alone. 

Team insiders and beat writers have repeatedly listed defensive help as Detroit’s most pressing offseason priority but there may not be many high-quality targets available. However, the winger position that has plenty of depth in the market and could produce a solid replacement for Raymond if not an improvement. 

Trading Raymond would obviously leave a massive hole up front but the Red Wings could quickly pivot to fill it with the likes of Toronto's Mitch Marner, whose future in Toronto is increasingly in doubt. 

More Red Wings: Every Former Red Wings Player In The Cup Final

Reports suggest that the Maple Leafs may not be able to come to terms with Marner, as he's now considering options outside of Canada but still close to his hometown of Toronto. Detroit is one of the best options with a tantalizing young, skilled roster, that could present an appealing opportunity.

If Marner doesn’t land in Detroit, there are many other high-end wingers who could slot into Raymond’s former spot. Names like Brock Boeser, Sam Bennett, Nikolaj Ehlers, and even Brad Marchand have all surfaced as potential fits in this free agent class, depending on Detroit’s direction and timeline. 

Boeser provides a similar goal-scoring punch, Bennett adds grit and playoff experience, Ehlers brings speed and transition play, and Marchand offers leadership and a wealth of experience few have.

A trade of this magnitude hasn't been reported by almost any media outlets yet as it's very unlikely but if the Red Wings want to make a transformative move, packaging a proven scorer like Raymond to land the No. 1 pick and a franchise-altering defenseman in Schaefer could redefine their future. 

With cap space to replace Raymond’s production immediately, and with the blue line in need of reinforcements, the logic is there but the boldness of Yzerman is the question.

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites. 

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Atlanta’s season is starting to slip away after another 7-game losing streak

One seven-game losing streak was manageable for Atlanta — a possible fluke at the start of the season.

But now the Braves have dropped seven in a row again, and it’s time to wonder if this simply will be a lost season for one of the game’s star-studded teams.

A 4-3 defeat at San Francisco dropped Atlanta to 10 games under .500 and 9 1/2 games behind the National League’s final playoff spot. The Braves haven’t missed the postseason since 2017 — and it’s too early to count them out this year — but they can’t afford to have much more go wrong.

Atlanta started the season 0-7, then spent about six weeks clawing its way back to .500. All that work has already been undone after the Braves dropped another seven straight. The last five of those defeats were by one run, including a ghastly collapse at home against Arizona in which the Diamondbacks scored seven runs in the ninth to win 11-10.

After that, Atlanta called up reliever Craig Kimbrel from the minors — the franchise saves leader returned to the Braves for the first time since they traded him before the 2015 season. He pitched once, then was designated for assignment.

Atlanta overcame injuries to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider to make the playoffs a year ago. Those two are back now, but while Acuña is hitting well, Strider has lost all five of his starts on the mound. The Braves are also one of only three teams in baseball with more blown saves (12) than saves (10).

There are some reasons for Atlanta to keep hope alive. A big problem so far has been the team’s 9-19 record in one-run games, which suggests the Braves don’t need to improve much to turn things around. They actually have a positive run differential on the season. But the NL East may already be out of reach, with Atlanta trailing the first-place New York Mets by 14 games.

Right now the Braves are in fourth, as close to last-place Miami as they are to third-place Washington.

Trivia time

Pete Alonso of the Mets needs 10 more homers to surpass Darryl Strawberry for the franchise’s career lead. Only three active players currently hold the home run record for a major league franchise. Name the players, and the teams they hold the career lead in homers for.

Line of the week

Seattle’s George Kirby struck out 14 and allowed just two hits in seven innings in a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. That snapped a five-game skid for the Mariners, who could use a more effective Kirby.

The right-hander is 1-3 with a 6.53 ERA in four starts after missing the start of the season because of shoulder issues. Perhaps this performance was a sign that he’s righting the ship.

Comeback of the week

This is obviously the Diamondbacks, who according to Baseball Savant faced a win probability of 0.1% after their leadoff hitter in the ninth struck out. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a solo homer, Alek Thomas added a two-run shot and Ketel Marte produced an RBI single before the second out of the inning. Then Ildemaro Vargas hit an RBI single, and Eugenio Suárez’s two-run double put Arizona ahead.

Five other teams have come back to win after trailing by six this year, but none of those six-run deficits were later than the seventh inning.

Trivia answer

Mike Trout holds the Angels’ record with 388 home runs. Giancarlo Stanton, now with the Yankees, is the Marlins’ leader with 267. Manny Machado has the Padres’ record of 177.

(Evan Longoria holds the Rays’ record with 261, but he hasn’t played in the majors since 2023 and signed a one-day contract to retire with Tampa Bay.)

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Dolphins' Jaylen Wright in better shape after fading down the stretch last year

Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright got off to a strong start in his rookie season last year, but down the stretch he virtually disappeared, with just nine carries for six yards over the final five games of 2024. In 2025 he's looking to be a productive part of the offense from the first game of the year to the last.

With that in mind, Wright says he's been dedicated this offseason to getting himself in shape to play well all year long.

"Just working hard in off-season, working on my body," Wright said. "I probably added about, probably six pounds. I lost a lot of body fat. I gained a lot of muscle. That's why it might look like I'm a little bigger, but yeah, just off-season, working hard, focusing on my body, getting prepared for the season, so.

Wright said he has told this year's rookies that they have to be prepared for an NFL season.

"It's a long season," he said. "Speaking for what I experienced, it's a long season so take care of your body, because you never know when the opportunity is going to come."

Wright indicated that he didn't get a full explanation from the coaching staff about why he started to get phased out of the offense down the stretch, but he's committed to being available to the Dolphins this year.

"I'm not going to say I got it," Wright said. "Things happen, control what I can control. I'm not going to speak too far on that stuff. That's last year, so that's in the past. So control what I can control and just be ready for that opportunity."