Posts

Posted on

Orioles minor league recap 5/16: Holliday, Kjerstad continue rehab for Norfolk

Sep 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (7) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Triple-A: Charlotte (White Sox) 4, Norfolk Tides 1

One might like to see better from a Tides lineup that has rehabbing big leaguers Jackson Holliday and Heston Kjerstad than to get just four hits in the game. One does not always get what one wants. Holliday and Kjerstad, batting at the top of the lineup, had a hit apiece. Holliday also drew two walks, two of ten that were picked up by Tides batters in this game. Lots of traffic! They just couldn’t capitalize, going 0-9 with RISP as they left 11 men on base.

Norfolk’s starter, Levi Wells, a guy who if you squint counts as a pitching prospect, allowed all four runs on seven hits over a four inning game. That included two solo home runs. He’s up to a 4.50 ERA for the season. This was a tough one for Tides pitcher/catcher combos, as the Knights stole five bases in the game.

If all of the above puts you in the mood to hear about the ongoing Triple-A success of a random reliever in whom Orioles fans had no emotional investment before this season, 28-year-old lefty Andrew Magno threw two scoreless innings, dropping his season ERA to 0.49 over 18.1 innings. My sources say that’s pretty good. To be clear, my sources are me looking at a lot of minor league box scores, many of which are bad games for the Orioles affiliate.

Box score.

Double-A: Akron (Guardians) 5, Chesapeake Baysox 1

My guy Aron Estrada had three hits and stole a base and that’s about the only good thing to say about this one. And that’s only so good, because after this game he has a .672 OPS. OK, I’ll try to find a little more: outfielder Thomas Sosa hit a home run, his third of the season, one of two hits. Other than that, a lot of zeroes, and not the good kind. Ethan Anderson took an 0-4. Lately-sorta-interesting infielder Anderson De Los Santos was 0-4. The team combined for seven hits and three players accounted for all of those hits. It is a tough way to win.

Box score.

High-A: Frederick Keys 4, Hudson Valley (Yankees) 3

Vance Honeycutt strikeout watch: Three strikeouts in an 0-4 game. We should perhaps also do a Wehiwa Aloy strikeout watch: He struck out two times, though at least he added a double for his trouble. Big first baseman Victor Figueroa remains over a 1.000 OPS after a 1-4 game here.

The performer of the game for the Keys was outfielder Braylin Tavera, still young enough that some modest success at this level is interesting. Tavera hit his third homer of the season, one of two hits on the game. He also stole a base, his 12th in 15 tries. There was a throwing error mixed in there too.

Keys starting pitcher Carson Dorsey labored through five innings, allowing six hits and three walks, which ended up translating into three runs. Two relievers behind him combined for four scoreless innings – last year’s 17th round pick Braeden Sloan struck out four guys in his two innings, picking up a save and lowering his ERA to 0.60 in ten games. He’s 22, so he’ll have to prove it at higher levels to be interesting, but it’s something.

Box score.

Low-A: Fayetteville (Astros) 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 3

Maybe the perfect example of a Shorebirds box score, not that this says good things about the recent fortunes of the lowest-level Orioles affiliate. The starting pitcher was not good. Two other pitchers weren’t good either. The team combined for just four hits, and nearly had more errors (three) than those four hits. Yeah, they lost. I don’t like to pile on when non-prospects don’t do anything to look like prospects. Look at the box score below if you really need to know.

If you have been paying attention to this roster, you might be interested in infielder DJ Layton or outfielder Stiven Martinez (the DH in this game). Layton went 1-5 with three strikeouts. Martinez took an 0-4 with three strikeouts. There just couldn’t be anything too fun here.

Box score.

Saturday’s Scheduled Games

  • Norfolk: at Charlotte, 6:05. Starter: Nestor German
  • Chesapeake: at Akron, 6:05. Starter: Christian Herberholz
  • Frederick: at Hudson Valley, 5:05. Starter: Joseph Dzierwa
  • Delmarva: vs. Fayetteville, 7:05. Starter: Brayan Orrantia

Dzierwa’s last start was cut short when a bad bounce popped up and hit him in the face as he was backing up a base on a play. Let’s not have any more of that! The guy has struck out 44 batters in 35.2 innings. I am going to see Frederick in a couple of weekends; I wonder if Dzierwa will even still be on this roster by then.

Posted on

The Red Sox pitching is good enough to win. The offense isn’t.

So what are the 2026 Boston Red Sox made of?

That’s what I keep asking myself, because the box scores and the standings tell two completely different stories right now and I can’t reconcile them. The Red Sox are 18-26, dead last in the AL East, nine games behind Tampa Bay with May not even over. By every measure that matters in the standings, this team is a disappointment.

But watch the actual games and something doesn’t add up.

Even with Garrett Crochet on the IL, the rest of the rotation has been effective. The bullpen has been one of the quiet success stories of the first two months. The defense is better. Chad Tracy hasn’t lost the clubhouse.

And yet the Red Sox are 18-26 because the offense has been absolutely allergic to doing anything—aka scoring runs—when it matters.

The Workhorses

This pitching staff is getting buried under all this offensive misery, and it shouldn’t be.

Garrett Crochet is still a pig. He’s doing side sessions and working his way back from left shoulder inflammation, and the rotation does in fact miss him. But even without the ace, these starters have held this team together in games all season, and this week gave you two of the starkest examples of what that actually looks like.

On Wednesday, Sonny Gray came back from his own IL stint for a right hamstring strain and was dominant. Six innings, one run, two hits, six strikeouts against a Phillies lineup that had been on a tear—especially Kyle Schwarber, who’s been eating every pitcher alive in baseball, basically. Gray is 4-1 on the year and has been every bit the steady workhorse the Red Sox needed him to be. Ceddanne Rafaela’s pinch-hit two-run shot over the Monster bailed the offense out in the win, but Gray handed them a game they had no business losing.

View Link

Thursday was the one that stings. Ranger Suárez, who left after eight seasons in Philadelphia to sign a five-year, $130 million deal with Boston in January, took the mound against his former team and was something else. He retired the first 11 batters he faced. Held the Phillies scoreless through 5.1 innings. Didn’t allow a hit until the fifth. He left with the game tied at zero and the bullpen held Philadelphia through the seventh. Then Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer off Tyler Samaniego in the eighth and the Red Sox lost 3-1 after scoring exactly one run in the ninth. Suárez was as good as you can be in a start. He got nothing for it.

That’s the whole season in two games.

Connelly Early has quietly been one of the better stories on this staff too, his smooth delivery and pitch mix confusing lineups without needing to throw 97. Peyton Tolle is the dude who absolutely shoves at 97 and beyond with just create-a-player nasty stuff. 

The bullpen might actually be the best unit on this roster. Garrett Whitlock has finally found his footing after years of bouncing between starter, closer, and long relief — a defined set-up role has let him flourish in a way he never quite could before. Aroldis Chapman, at 38, is still throwing absolute heat and is perfect in nine save chances. The Cuban Missile hasn’t slowed down. Justin Slaten is back with more life on his pitches than before he left. Tyler Samaniego, despite Thursday, has been one of the more underrated arms on this staff all year.

When this pitching staff takes the mound, the Red Sox have a real chance to win. That’s been true all year. The problem is entirely what happens when the offense comes up.

The Numbers Don’t Lie, They Just Sting

Seven.

That’s how many times the Red Sox have lost this season while allowing three runs or fewer. Seven games where the pitching held a quality opponent to a manageable score, kept Boston close late, and got nothing in return.

Now expand that window: any low-scoring loss where both teams finished with four runs or fewer, games entirely decided by a handful of plate appearances, and the list grows to nine.

Nine games. Flip those close losses into close wins, not some fantasy offseason move but just winning the games a competent offense makes winnable, and the Red Sox aren’t 18-26. They’re 27-17. Tied with the Yankees for second in the AL East. Right in the conversation with Tampa Bay instead of watching them from nine back.

This feels like the insanity of last year, of losing so many one-run games that could have made that team feel much more like a juggernaut. 

Nine games! From an offense that ranks 21st in batting average (.235), 23rd in on-base percentage (.314), and 29th in slugging (.353). Through 19 home games at Fenway, the Red Sox have scored just 56 runs — the lowest 19-game stretch at Fenway since the Green Monster was built in 1934. Their record at home is frankly embarrassing, but that’s another story. 

Missed Opportunities

The team is hitting .236 with runners in scoring position. That’s bad enough. But the individual numbers are where it gets ugly, and it’s both the frequency and the flavor of the failures that make this so hard to watch.

Jarren Duran is hitting .189 with men on base. Caleb Durbin, playing almost every day at third, is at .169. Trevor Story, supposed to be the middle-of-the-order veteran presence, is hitting .198 with RISP and drawing boos at Fenway after back-to-back strikeouts have become something of a calling card. His .520 OPS in those situations tells you everything about where he is right now. I’m sure he feels in a weird place hearing all the information from the front office on whether he’s in or out of this squad, but the amount of drama this team has is—yet again—another story. 

Two guys who’ve held up are Willson Contreras at .253 and Ceddanne Rafaela at .276. Contreras is also the team leader in home runs (8) and RBI (23): the guy brought in as a complementary hopeful power bat has become the one to actually count on to drive in a run. Rafaela’s numbers are decent, but he’s a nine-hole hitter, not meant for the middle of the order.

View Link

The multitude of ways this Red Sox team continues to fail at scoring runs matters as much as the frequency. A leadoff double dies on three weak grounders. An obvious fastball count turns into a called strike three because the hitter was sitting breaking ball. A swing with a man on third and one out that looks more like someone trying to end a month-long drought single-handedly than just put the ball somewhere useful. Getting greedy trying to swipe a bat and either getting picked off or caught stealing. Multiple games this season where Boston stranded nine, ten, eleven runners while the pitching kept things close enough that any one of them scoring changed the outcome.

Fenway wakes up for half an inning and goes quiet before anyone can actually get excited.

What We’re Missing

Roman Anthony is hurt, and that matters. He was the one hitter in this lineup with the plate discipline and natural power to change games, the kind of presence who makes the whole order harder to pitch around. When he comes back healthy, hopefully he regains his form from 2025, because this team is a different animal when he’s in it. His eye and walk rate was still solid, it’s clear he had something physical coming into the season and that should hopefully be abated. 

View Link

In the meantime, Wilyer Abreu is the most dangerous bat this lineup has. He leads the team in hits, he has real pop, and he’s the one guy opposing pitchers actually have to think twice about. Marcelo Mayer keeps flashing enough to make you think the breakthrough is one hot week away. Jarren Duran, when he locks in and goes back to attacking instead of guessing, can still change games — but he’s hitting .162 overall right now and the new load approach continues to be a work in progress.

The defense is genuinely better. Ceddanne Rafaela continues to be a platinum glove in center. His range alone saves runs that never show up anywhere. That part of the team, at least, is doing its job.

Direction

Truly bad teams announce themselves early. You stop expecting much, adjust, and start looking at draft positioning and talking about next year.

This team keeps refusing to do that. It keeps flashing enough competence to make the offensive failures feel personal. You go into every series thinking this is the week something clicks, and then watch the offense score one run in nine innings behind a guy who retired 11 straight Phillies.

Tampa Bay is 29-14 and running away with this division. The pesky Rays are back. Great. That’s the reality. But the other reality, the one that makes watching this team feel like a specific, targeted kind of torture, is that those nine games are sitting right there. Nine games not lost because the Red Sox got outclassed. Nine games lost because the offense couldn’t do the one thing the pitching kept begging it to do.

Chad Tracy has been a steady presence since taking over and the clubhouse clearly hasn’t fallen apart. But steady presence doesn’t score runs. At some point this offense has to look at those nine games and decide it wants them back.

Gray eats innings coming off the IL and doesn’t skip a beat. Suárez shuts down his former team for five innings and gets nothing for it. Chapman throws 99 at 38 years old. Whitlock finally has the role he was built for. Slaten comes in throwing harder than before. And Crochet is doing side sessions, working his way back, probably thinking about all the run support he’s not missing.

The pig will be back. The rest of the staff is holding the building up in the meantime. Someone else needs to show up to the trough.

Posted on

‘I had to make a statement’: Wembanyama’s Spurs knock Timberwolves out of NBA playoffs

Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle led the way as the Spurs advanced to their first Western Conference finals since 2017.Photograph: Abbie Parr/AP

The San Antonio Spurs were well on their way to the Western Conference finals in the fourth quarter when Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards went down to their bench to briefly offer his congratulations. The young Spurs left no doubt they’re already a serious NBA title contender.

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs romped past the Timberwolves 139-109 on Friday night in Minneapolis to finish in the second-round series in six games and reach the conference finals for the first time since 2017. Stephon Castle had 32 points and 11 rebounds in another dominant performance from the backcourt.

The Spurs will face defending champion Oklahoma City in Game 1 on Monday night. The Thunder swept their first two series.

Highlights from Spurs-Timberwolves Game 6

Wembanyama was well guarded by the Wolves in Game 6. He had 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes. But he still served as a constant defensive deterrent in the paint – handling Minnesota’s physical play days after his stunning ejection in Game 4 for elbowing Naz Reid in the face – and he dutifully joined the Spurs in transition whenever they had the opportunity to run.

“I had to make a statement coming back,” Wembanyama told Amazon Prime’s postgame broadcast. “I knew there was going to be a certain narrative, but I felt like if I gave in to the physicality and the dirtiness, that would have helped them, and I knew I couldn’t go over the edge again, so I had to beat them by playing basketball.”

The size, smarts and shooting touch of the Spurs guards were too much for the Wolves, who predictably had their hands full with the 7ft 4in Wembanyama.

De’Aaron Fox added 21 points and nine assists and rookie Dylan Harper had 15 points off the bench for the Spurs, who set their franchise postseason record for three-pointers made by going 18 for 38.

“I just tip my hat to them,” Edwards said. “They were just the better team.”

The Spurs outscored the Wolves by a whopping 97 points in the series and never once trailed by double digits. The Spurs breezed by the Portland Trail Blazers in five games in the first round.

“Of course we’re confident, but we need to keep the right confidence level,” Wembanyama said. “Right now, I’m not even thinking about it. I’m just thinking about recovering.”

Edwards had 24 points on 9-for-26 shooting for the Wolves, who got another spark from reserves Terrence Shannon (21 points) and Naz Reid (18 points) but were again flustered by the Spurs and their relentless switch-heavy defense.

“Defensively, man, he’s incredible,” Edwards said of Wembanyama. “He changes every shot at the rim, he goes to the rim every time after every block, whether it’s goaltending or not, he’s going to go up and challenge it. It’s tough.”

This no-show in the elimination game might’ve felt familiar to Wolves fans, who have otherwise enjoyed an unprecedented run of success in the playoffs over the last three years.

Minnesota trailed by 33 points at half-time in a 30-point loss at Oklahoma City in the Game 5 ouster in the Western Conference finals last year and were down by 29 points at the break to Dallas in losing the Western Conference finals in 2024 in a 21-point loss in Game 5.

Cleveland Cavaliers 94-115 Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons dominated the second half, beating the Cavaliers 115-94 in Cleveland to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference second-round series. The decisive game is Sunday in Detroit.

Jalen Duren had 15 points and 11 rebounds while Daniss Jenkins also scored 15 for the Pistons, who have won four games this postseason when facing elimination. They were down 3-1 to Orlando before winning the last three to advance out of the first round.

James Harden scored 23 points for Cleveland, who suffered their first home loss of the postseason. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley scored 18 apiece.

Posted on

Blue Jays vs Tigers Prediction, Odds & Home Run Pick for Today's MLB Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is in a slump at the plate, but a matchup against Casey Mize may be just what he needs to buck the trend. 

Read on to see why with my Blue Jays vs. Tigers predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 16. 

Blue Jays vs Tigers predictions

Blue Jays vs Tigers best bet: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 singles (-130)

Despite being mired in a lengthy skid at the plate, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. still ranks in the 96th percentile in xBA, and should see some positive regression soon once he finally gets going. 

Today could be that day, especially with Casey Mize on the mound for the Detroit Tigers.

Guerrero Jr. is 3-for-3 against Mize in his career, with two of the three hits being singles. 

I’m betting his singles market specifically because that’s the sweet spot for value, as 80% of his hits this year have been one-baggers. 

Covers COVERS INTEL: Guerrero Jr. owns a .345 career average against the Detroit Tigers.

Blue Jays vs Tigers same-game parlay (SGP)

Yohendrick Pinango continues to rack up the hits game by game. He owns a .350 batting average, while recording a hit in 10 of his 14 career outings. 

Ernie Clement is a contact hitter who’s gone Under his strikeout number in 68% of his outings this season, ranking in the 99th percentile in K-rate. 

Blue Jays vs Tigers SGP

  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Over 0.5 singles
  • Yohendrick Pinango Over 0.5 hits
  • Ernie Clement Under 0.5 strikeouts
img loading="lazy" width="100%" height="null" src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/jaysmlcbp.jpg" alt="Canada’s best price for Jays"
Get the best Jays ML odds at BET99 — every game.

Blue Jays vs Tigers home run pick: Kazuma Okamoto (+300)

I’m making this a half-unit wager. 

Mize has kept the ball in the yard this season, and hasn’t given up a home run in four starts. However, if there’s one player who could take him deep today, I’m banking on it being Kazuma Okamoto.

The Jays slugger owns a .391 AVG and a .610 SLG against the four-seam fastball, which is Mize’s most used pitch against right-handed batters.

Okamoto has a team-high 10 home runs this year, while ranking in the 95th percentile in hard hit rate.

2026 Transparency record
  • Best bets: 18-25, -3.60 units
  • SGPs: 8-35, -1.20 units
  • HR picks: 8-35, +5.65 units

Blue Jays vs Tigers odds

  • Moneyline: Toronto +110 | Detroit -130
  • Run line: Toronto +1.5 | Detroit -1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5

Blue Jays vs Tigers trend

The Blue Jays have hit the team total Under in 15 of their last 20 away games (+9.35 Units / 39% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Tigers.

How to watch Blue Jays vs Tigers and game info

LocationComerica Park, Detroit, MI
DateSaturday, May 16, 2026
First pitch1:10 p.m. ET
TVDSN, SN
Blue Jays starting pitcherMason Fluharty
(2-0, 5.40 ERA)
Tigers starting pitcherCasey Mize
(2-2, 2.90 ERA)

Blue Jays vs Tigers latest injuries

Blue Jays vs Tigers weather

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Box Grades: Triumphant Spurs advance in another blowout win over Wolves

May 15, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) celebrates making a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

In this magical postseason run, the Spurs capped off a gritty second round with a victory that was extremely impressive. Of course, the only reward San Antonio has earned through this achievement is the opportunity to face one of the most statistically dominant teams in NBA history (albeit one they’ve enjoyed much success against), but there will be plenty of time to discuss that matchup in the days ahead. In the meantime, let’s dive in to this game’s WILD box score:

Note: Now that we’ve moved into the postseason, the reference period used for grading changes from the set of regular season games since 2012-2013 to the set of postseason games since 2012-2013. Unless otherwise noted below, this set DOES include play-in games. As of the end of May 15, 2026, this group include 1,189 games.

Factors that decided the game

  • Unbelievably, Minnesota enjoyed a MASSIVE advantage in the turnover battle, with San Antonio having 11 more that the Timberwolves.
  • However, the Spurs’ domination of the glass was nearly unprecedented, as the Silver and Black recorded 31 more rebounds than Minnesota.
  • In fairness, that huge TRB differential was almost entirely generated by defensive rebounds, and those were available to the Spurs in abundance because the Timberwolves had a dreadful shooting night.
  • Despite taking 18 fewer shots, the Spurs made nine more due to a FG% margin of +17.95 percentage points.
  • San Antonio also made six more threes, largely due to a +12.07 percentage-point edge in 3P%.
  • On top of everything else, the Spurs enjoyed advantages in volume (+6 FTA) and efficiency (+4.23 percentage points) from the charity stripe. Consequently, San Antonio widened their lead by +6 through free throws.

Rare Box Score Stats

  • This box score is BONKERS. One way to tells is that the winner’s (i.e., the Spurs’) grades were average to exceptional in 14 of 17 box score stats, with 12 of those 14 being well above average and four being truly excellent. At the same time, San Antonio was dreadful in the remaining three areas.
  • Let’s start with the things that are UNIQUE to this contest in the 1,189 postseason games played since 2012-2013:
    • Timberwolves: No one else has lost by 30+ points while having no more than five turnovers.
    • Timberwolves: No other team has lost by 30+ points with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 5:1 or better. Previously a team with a ratio that good had never lost by more than 15.
    • Spurs: No other team has won by 30+ while having a turnover differential of +11 or more. Prior to this game, the highest margin of victory for a winner with a turnover differential at least this bad was 23 points.
    • Spurs: No other winner has logged a DRB margin of +28 or more.
    • Spurs: No other winner has had a TRB margin better than +25 while earning an ORB margin of +3 or worse.
    • Spurs: No other team has won by 30+ points with a FGA differential of -18 or worse.
    • Spurs: No other team has earned a FGM margin of +9 or better while having a FGA differential of – 18 or worse.
  • Ok, let’s turn our attention to the stuff is that – while still extremely rare – is not completely unique in the last 14 postseasons. The odds of everything listed below happening have been no better than 1-in-99 games during the reference period:
    • There has been only one other case in which a winner has recorded a TRB margin of +31 or better. That occasion was a 102-79 Washington Wizards victory over Indiana on May 13, 2014.
    • This is just the fifth time that a winner has had 34+ assists and lost the assist-to-turnover ratio battle.
    • Only six other winners have recorded a block differential of +11 or better. Hilariously, Game 1 of this series (in which Wemby alone had 12 blocks) is NOT one of these six cases (the Spurs’ block margin in that game was a paltry +9).
    • This is just the 11th time that a winner has recorded FG%, 3P%, and FT% values as good or better than 55.68%, 47.37%, and 85.19%, respectively.
    • This game marked the 12th case in which winner has a turnover differential of +11 or worse.

What are Team Graded Box Scores?

Very briefly, these box scores grade winner-loser differentials for basic box score statistics, with the grade being based on the winning team’s differential relative to other NBA winners during a defined reference period. Think of it like a report card for understanding how a given winner performed relative to other winners. The reference period used runs from the start of the 2012-2013 season to the latest date of play, including only games in the same season category (i.e., regular season and playoff games are not compared to each other).

Data Source: The underlying data used to create these box scores was collected from Basketball Reference. In all cases, the data are collected the morning after the game is played. Although rare, postgame statistical revisions after data collection do occur and may affect the results after the fact.

Posted on

The Yankees Reliever Confidence Index: May Edition

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 21: Brent Headrick #47 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Yankees’ bullpen has dealt with underperformance, bad luck, and a lack of clearly defined roles through mid-May. And yet, the unit ranks fifth in baseball in ERA. Aided by a starting rotation which has shouldered a lion’s share of the workload and overperformances by two little-heralded lefties, New York’s relievers have somehow managed to keep pace.

As I do each month in a given season, I’m going to take a look at the Yankees’ relievers to identify how manager Aaron Boone is deploying each and offer a verdict as to how much trust we can place in them moving forward.

Statistics below are as of the morning of May 15th.

The Closer

David Bednar

Season stats: 18 IP, 3.50 ERA, 22 SO, 2.38 FIP, 10 Saves (in 11 opportunities)

Bednar has not been a shutdown closer. That fact has not prevented him from getting the job done. Of the eight games in which he’s allowed at least one run, only one has resulted in a blown save. He’s avoided the big inning, permitting only one home run, and hasn’t walked a batter since April 17, limiting traffic as he’s worked around some base hits.

View Link

Confidence level: High

Bednar’s peripherals may be the strongest of his career. 40 percent of the time opponents swing at one of his pitches, it’s outside the strike zone, helping along an elite 57.7 percent ground-ball rate. His expected ERA of 2.39 is more in line with his career benchmarks and suggests the veteran closer is right where he needs to be.

The Middle Relievers

Camilo Doval

Season stats: 15.2 IP, 5.74 ERA, 17 SO, 4.00 FIP

The Yankees do not have a set-up man. That’s because Doval, who was handed the job out of camp, has struggled mightily, creating a vacuum which has yet to be filled. Despite allowing 10 runs in 15.2 innings, Doval remains in the mix for late-inning opportunities. He’s looked better, though by no means dominant, in May, pitching to a 3.38 ERA in six outings.

Confidence level: Low

Part of the reason the former Giants’ closer is still involved in high-leverage spots may be his pedigree, but part of it is his underlying numbers. Doval has a sparkling expected ERA of 2.86, driven by a miniscule 4.5 percent walk rate and an ability to keep the ball on the ground. That gives some cause for hope that he can turn things around, but the right-hander is yet to build confidence that he will do so.

Fernando Cruz 

Season stats: 16.2 IP, 2.70 ERA, 24 SO, 4.13 FIP

With Cruz, the formula is simple: here’s my splitter, good luck hitting it. After opponents batted .178 against the pitch last year, it was fair to wonder if the league would adjust. Through this point in the season, they’re hitting .139 against it. Sure, batters are raking against Cruz’s four-seamer and he’s walking more than a batter every other outing. But, as long as that splitter continues to dominate, his formula for success is clear.

View Link

Confidence level: High

Cruz is red hot, having allowed only one earned run in his past nine appearances. Boone has continued to use him in key spots, often in the middle innings of close games when the outcome is still very much in the air.

Brent Headrick

Season stats: 21.2 IP, 2.08 ERA, 23 SO, 3.29 FIP

After getting his ERA as low as 1.37 after a victory on May 7, Headrick has allowed runs in his last two outings.

View Link

It could be the beginning of a regression anticipated by just about any predictive metric, though the 28-year-old has done plenty to earn the trust Boone has placed in him. One thing to keep an eye on is some gaudy splits. Bizarrely, the southpaw has dominated righties (.538 OPS) but struggled against lefties (.914) He’s also pitched much better at home (.368 OPS) than on the road (.931).

Confidence level: Medium-High

Underlying metrics and unsustainably extreme splits, as well as an unremarkable track record before this season, suggest that Headrick’s early run of success may not last. Time will tell, but for now, he’s well established as a high-leverage option, and for good reason.

Tim Hill

Season stats: 18 IP, 1.00 ERA, 7 SO, 3.38 FIP

In last month’s column, I lamented how difficult it is to find new angles to discuss “old reliable” himself. Since then? Hill has tossed seven scoreless innings. The man walks no one and gets opponents to put 73.2 percent of batted balls on the ground, far and away tops in baseball. 20 appearances into the season, he’s still just allowed one home run.

Confidence level: High

FIP and expected ERA anticipate some regression from Hill. I can guarantee you that the 36-year-old does not care. Clearly, neither does Boone, who’s quickly elevated the southpaw from lefty specialist to pseudo set-up man.

The Long Relievers

Paul Blackburn

Season stats: 17.2 IP, 4.08 ERA, 11 SO, 4.29 FIP

The Yankees re-signed Blackburn, who’d started 86 big-league games in his career, this offseason to serve as a long reliever. So far, he’s fit the role like a glove. When Boone wanted an opener for a Brendan Beck spot start? Blackburn took the bump in the first. When Max Fried exited with an injury after three innings? Blackburn stepped in. He’s been eminently solid, pitching to a 105 ERA+ and eating innings at a pro level.

View Link

Confidence level: Medium

Assuming he continues to be used in low leverage spots, Blackburn provides a solid floor. There’s nothing under the hood to suggest he’s on the path to more prominent usage.

The Mop-Up Men

Ryan Yarbrough

Season stats: 15.2 IP, 3.45 ERA, 14 SO, 3.49 FIP

Yarbrough has largely been used in blowouts, mopping up in games that are already out of hand. Still, his ERA+ of 124 is exemplary. The lefty’s peripherals, including a 2.22 xERA and 18.2 percent hard-hit rate, suggest those outcomes may not be a fluke, though the sample size remains small.

Confidence index: Low

Despite better outcomes than Blackburn, Yarborough is clearly below his right-handed counterpart in Boone’s pecking order. The lack of confidence here is not his fault; it’s simply impossible to put trust in a pitcher who’s only pitched twice in the last three weeks. Given this lack of usage, it’s unclear if the southpaw will continue to maintain his spot in the bullpen long-term.

Jake Bird

Season stats: 13.1 IP, 4.73 ERA, 14 SO, 3.11 FIP

May has been kind to Jake Bird. After entering the month with a 7.00 ERA, he’s turned in six scoreless appearances.

View Link

The right-hander hasn’t looked particularly dynamic, striking out four against three walks, but beggars can’t be choosers. On the season as a whole, opponents are hitting .200 against his sinker after batting .345 against the pitch last year. Given it’s his primary fastball, that difference could end up having a major impact.

Confidence level: Low

Considering the open-ended nature of the Yankees’ bullpen picture, if Bird continues to perform well, he could start to see himself inserted in more high-leverage spots. The Yankees clearly think highly of his stuff; expect them to continue looking for opportunities to get him involved.

Posted on

Darryl and Darryn Peterson first brothers to enter NFL, NBA in same year

When the Rams announced their list of undrafted free agents they agreed to terms with, one name should stick out to fans who also follow the NBA.

Darryl Peterson III.

Peterson is the older brother of standout NBA prospect Darryn Peterson, widely considered one of the top two players — alongside BYU’s AJ Dybantsa — available for the 2026 NBA draft.

According to NBA reporter Krysten Peek, the Darryl and Darryn Peterson will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
According to NBA reporter Krysten Peek, the Darryl and Darryn Peterson will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.
Getty Images

After an up-and-down season where Darryn’s character and work ethic were questioned due to random events while at Kansas, Darryn silenced many doubters with a stunning performance at the NBA draft combine this past week.

It was there where he spoke at length with Krysten Peek about his brother Darryl.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but my brother played football at Wisconsin. He’s a really good football player and he just got signed with the LA Rams. We grew up working and having the same dream, different sport and it’s just super cool to see him achieve his and me, hopefully next month, achieve mine. Shout out to our parents. We both worked super hard and they sacrificed so much for us to both chase our dreams. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.”

According to Peek, the duo will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.

While Darryn’s NBA future most likely comes down to Washington or Utah, Darryl will be in Los Angeles trying to make the Rams’ team.

Darryl played in all 12 games for Wisconsin as a senior, registering a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was named honorable mention All-Big-10 as the Badgers finished 4-8 overall and 2-7 in conference play.

Posted on

Schwarber hits majors-leading 19th and 20th HRs, Phillies beat Pirates 11-9 in 10 innings

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Red-hot slugger Kyle Schwarber homered twice to boost his majors-leading total to 20 and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-9 in 10 innings Friday night.

Philadelphia trailed by six early. Schwarber led the comeback, smashing a pair of two-run homers. The designated hitter went deep off Braxton Ashcraft in the fifth and again off Mason Montgomery in the seventh.

Schwarber has nine home runs in the past eight games, the second time in his career he's achieved that feat. He also did it in 2021 while playing for Washington. Albert Belle is the only other player in MLB history to hit nine homers in an eight-game stretch twice.

The Pirates were so wary of Schwarber while holding onto a three-run lead in the ninth that closer Gregory Soto walked him on four pitches with the bases loaded. Bryce Harper followed with a two-run single off the top of the wall in right center to pull Philadelphia even.

The Phillies pounced on Pirates reliever Dennis Santana (2-3) in the 10th. Brandon Marsh led off with an RBI single and Rafael Marchán followed with a two-run single. Jose Alvarado (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth. Orion Kerkering worked the 10th for his first save as Philadelphia won for the fifth time in six games to improve to 13-4 since Don Mattingly replaced Rob Thomson as manager last month.

Brandon Lowe homered twice for the Pirates. Marcell Ozuna added a 438-shot to the Pirates' bullpen that reliever Yohan Ramirez caught with a traffic cone.

The traffic cones have become a fixture in both the Pittsburgh dugout and the stands at PNC Park this season in Pittsburgh after outfielder Jake Mangum brought one into the clubhouse in Cincinnati in early April, which coincided with an offensive explosion in a victory over the Reds.

Up next

The series continues Saturday. NL Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sánchez (4-2, 2.11 ERA) was set to start for the Phillies against Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler (1-4, 4.62).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB

Posted on

Mets pitcher Clay Holmes sidelined indefinitely with broken leg after getting hit by line drive

NEW YORK — Clay Holmes has a broken right leg after getting hit on the mound by a 111 mph line drive Friday night, another devastating setback for the New York Mets in their miserable season so far.

“It’s a huge blow. He’s been one of our most consistent guys that we have in our rotation,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.

Perhaps the Mets' best pitcher this year, Holmes got nailed just above the right foot on a leadoff single in the fourth inning by New York Yankees rookie Spencer Jones during the Subway Series opener at Citi Field.

Holmes chased after the ball as it caromed past the first-base line into foul territory. Mendoza and an athletic trainer came out of the dugout to check on the right-hander, who threw two warmup pitches and remained in the game.

His next six pitches were balls, but Holmes then got consecutive strikeouts and retired Aaron Judge on a flyball with the bases loaded to finish a scoreless inning.

Holmes was lifted following a one-out walk in the fifth. He threw 95 pitches, including 26 while facing seven batters after getting hit by Jones' line drive.

“He said he was fine. That’s the crazy part. We went out, checked him out, threw a couple pitches, was able to finish the inning," Mendoza said. “Comes back in and he didn’t even give me a chance. He said, ‘I’m good to go back out,’ and he goes back out there. Sent him for X-rays and this is what we’re dealing with now.”

Mendoza said those X-rays showed a fractured right fibula that will sideline Holmes “for a long time.”

“That’s the hard part to understand. He was fine, we checked him, finished the inning, he goes back out because he feels good. And then the last pitch, something didn’t look right. He came out, I’m talking to him in the dugout, he’s like, yeah, something didn’t feel right,” Mendoza said.

A former Yankees reliever, Holmes has been a dependable member of the rotation since converting to a starting role after signing a $38 million, three-year contract with the Mets as a free agent before the 2025 season. He entered Friday third in the National League with a 1.86 ERA.

“We all know how tough he is. He’s not going to come out that easy,” Mets slugger Juan Soto said. “But whenever I saw him coming out of the game in the next inning is when I was thinking something is wrong.”

Holmes (4-4) was charged with four runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings in a 5-2 loss, raising his ERA to 2.39. He struck out eight and walked two.

Holmes had lasted at least five innings and permitted no more than two runs in each of his first eight starts this season. His contract includes a $12 million player option for 2027.

“It’s tough to hear,” said Jones, who called Holmes a friend and noted they work out together during the offseason in Nashville, Tennessee. “I hit the ball and then I saw it come back towards me. It sounded loud.

“He’s a tough guy. Workhorse. Competitor. Says a lot about who he is to go back out there again the next inning with a broken leg. It’s incredible.”

After opening the season with baseball's biggest payroll, the Mets dropped to 18-26. Four projected regulars are already on the injured list — shortstop Francisco Lindor, catcher Francisco Alvarez, first baseman Jorge Polanco and center fielder Luis Robert Jr. — along with ineffective starting pitcher Kodai Senga and backups Ronny Mauricio and Jared Young.

“It’s tough, man. Clay is a guy who shows up every day and is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen in my career,” said Soto, who was also teammates with Holmes on the Yankees. “It’s part of the game. We’re going to support him, we’re going to be right there for him in any way that he needs us. But it just sucks.”

Posted on

Braves News: Mike Yastrzemski walks it off, Ronald Acuña Jr. takes BP, and more

May 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski (18) wears a bubble gum container after hitting a walk off double to drive in the winning run against the Boston Red Sox during the tenth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves began the series with the Boston Red Sox on a high note after getting a win in walk-off fashion. Mike Yastrzemski was the hero and delivered a walk-off in the 10th to give the Braves the 3-2 edge. 

Prior to the 10th inning, the Atlanta offense was relatively quiet. The lineup collected seven hits but only plated a run in the first and fourth innings.

Yastrzemski and the Braves look to ride this momentum and go for another series win tonight at 7:15 ET.

More Braves News:

Ronald Acuña Jr. took BP ahead of Friday’s contest, but he is still not ready to play in the outfield. 

Luis Arestigueta recorded six strikeouts during his outing on Thursday. More in the minor league recap.

MLB News:

New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes has a fractured fibula and will be out “for a long time.” He suffered the injury during Friday’s matchup with the New York Yankees.

The San Diego Padres placed right-hander Matt Waldron on the 15-day injured list with an injury to his right brachialis muscle. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed lefty Blake Snell on the 15-day injured list due to loose bodies in his throwing elbow. The move is retroactive to May 12. 

The Colorado Rockies placed right-hander Chase Dollander on the 15-day injured list with an elbow sprain. 

The New York Yankees placed Max Fried on the injured list due to a bone bruise in his left elbow. Though there is not a clear timetable for his return, he will be on the IL for more than a minimum stint. 

From The Feed:

When Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from the injured list, should Drake Baldwin continue to hit leadoff? Cast your vote here.

Posted on

Blake Snell has loose bodies in elbow, expected to miss a while

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 9, 2026: Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell sits in the dugout after giving up four runs to the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Dodger Stadium on May 9, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Dodgers starting rotation was the most stable part of their team through the first quarter of the season, but the last week and a half has put a dent in the depth and figures to create some tests over at least the next few weeks. Blake Snell was placed on the injured list on Friday with loose bodies in his left elbow, which means he’ll be on the shelf for quite a while.

“We feel confident he’ll be back with us this year,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters before Friday’s game in Anaheim, from which Snell was scratched from his scheduled start.

That’s not what you want to hear about any player or pitcher, but it’s where the Dodgers are at. Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz had arthroscopic surgery on April 22 to remove loose bodies from his elbow and is expected to miss three months. Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal had surgery to remove loose bodies as well on May 6, and his return timetable is measured in months, not weeks.

The outcome for Snell is still to be determined, but surgery is the most likely per Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times. That decision will come in the next week, per Jack Harris of the California Post, who noted such a procedure would sideline Snell until July or August.

Tyler Glasnow is also on the injured list with back spasms. He’s technically eligible to return next Friday, but Roberts said earlier this week that Glasnow won’t be ready by then, and is only just now throwing off flat ground.

So for now, the Dodgers rotation is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, and Roki Sasaki. Yamamoto and Sasaki always get at least five days of rest between starts and Ohtani usually gets at least six, with just one start this year on five days rest. That figures to continue, per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic:

“I think we’re prepared to do whatever we can,” Roberts said. “But I will say the most important thing is to keep the guys on their schedules, not try to push too much because of circumstances with the rotation, because then you start to compromise their health.”

To date, no Dodgers pitcher this season has started on four days rest, and only 12 of 45 starts have been with five days rest.

After Ohtani’s seven shutout innings on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants, Roberts said part of the reason he kept Ohtani in was due to getting extra rest before his next time out, which suggested some sort of shuffling before the series against the San Diego Padres. It’s unclear whether Snell’s injury changed those plans.

Perhaps a bullpen game was inevitable either in this series or the next, but with Snell scratched on Friday the Dodgers pivoted to using eight pitchers for a combined shutout of the Angels. There are five games left during this current stretch of 13 game days in a row. If the Dodgers stay in order, they can start Wrobleski, Sasaki, Yamamoto, Ohtani, and Sheehan over the next five games, with all of them going on five days rest.

If the Dodgers stay in that order in the rotation, they won’t need a sixth starter (or someone pitching on four days rest) until May 27, at home against the Colorado Rockies. If Glasnow isn’t an option by then, River Ryan will at least still be on the radar. Ryan returned for Triple-A Oklahoma City with four innings and four strikeouts on Friday in Albuquerque, after missing over a month with a hamstring strain, and has time to start at least once more in Triple-A to build up before a potential call-up, though the Dodgers don’t plan to rush him back.

“You’ve just got to be sure that he gets out of this one okay and it’s got to be a uniform decision that we all feel good about,” Roberts told reporters in Anaheim earlier on Friday. “Him pitching for us is a possibility, but it’s a slim possibility. The most important thing is his progression. If everyone isn’t on board with that and speeding it up, it’s moot, it’s just not going to happen. But if the training staff feels that it’s okay and you’re not compromising him and the progression, then it’s a conversation.”

Or more bullpen games could be in the future Left-hander Charlie Barnes was called up from Oklahoma City on Friday with Snell going on the injured list, and pitched the ninth inning on Friday’s shutout. Barnes is a starter by trade and four of his seven appearances for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs this season were starts, all of them lasting five innings, the last on May 6. The Dodgers claimed Barnes off waivers on May 9, and he was originally slated to start for Oklahoma City on Saturday before the call up.

Posted on

5 Pending UFA’s The Canucks Should Re-Sign During The 2026 Off-Season

The Vancouver Canucks cannot afford to lose their identity again.

For years, the organization has cycled through players, coaches, systems, and philosophies, trying to figure out what kind of team it actually wants to be. But over the final stretch of this season, Vancouver finally started showing signs of becoming something different — harder-working, more connected, more physical, and far more difficult to play against.

Honestly, the Canucks should look back at those earlier Travis Green-era teams. While they still lost games, they competed every night. The group worked hard, was difficult to play against, and gave fans something to cheer about as young players like Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and Brock Boeser were developing in front of their very eyes. 

That needs to become the standard again. The real challenge for Vancouver is not simply finding talent; it is building an identity strong enough that future players naturally fall into it. That is why the organization should consider re-signing these five unrestricted free agents ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Teddy Blueger

This should be the easiest decision on the list.

Blueger missed a large portion of the season with an injury, but when he came back, he immediately showed what type of leader he truly is. Even while hurt, he still brought accountability, professionalism, and leadership to the group.

Blueger comes from the Pittsburgh Penguins' model. He has seen how Sidney Crosby trains, how Stanley Cup teams operate, and what championship habits actually look like behind the scenes. He also won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in a depth role, which matters because he understands exactly what contending teams need from bottom-six players.

That’s where Blueger’s value goes beyond the scoresheet.

The Canucks also made a statement at the trade deadline by refusing to move him unless they got proper value. That matters because it tells the league Vancouver values leadership players properly and will not simply give them away for nothing.

Curtis Douglas

Plain and simple, re-sign Douglas.

The forward has already helped create a new locker-room culture and identity in a very short amount of time. From celebrating goals and defending teammates to partaking in locker-room traditions where players have to high-five him despite him being the tallest guy in the room, Douglas has become a major personality within the group.

Those things matter more than people realize, especially if the Canucks want to maintain the identity they claimed they started building over the final five weeks of the season.

At 6’9”, Douglas gives Vancouver functional toughness. Adam Foote even described him as someone who can “drag our guys into the pile.”

There is also still untapped potential in his game. If Douglas continues developing, imagine trying to move a 6’9” forward planted at the top of the crease, creating screens and chaos around the net. That type of presence is difficult to defend. While the NHL has moved away from traditional enforcers, players like Douglas still matter because they provide functional toughness. 

Apr 7, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Ben Hutton (17) checks Vancouver Canucks forward Curtis Douglas (42) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Apr 7, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Ben Hutton (17) checks Vancouver Canucks forward Curtis Douglas (42) in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Derek Forbort

Forbort has had unbelievably bad injury luck recently, but the Canucks should still consider bringing him back in a mentorship role.

He still brings value because he understands how to defend properly, kill penalties, block shots, support younger defencemen, and stand up for teammates.

Forbort also understands how to jump into the play and pick his spots offensively. You can already picture younger defencemen like Tom Willander and Zeev Buium learning when to activate offensively and when to stay back simply by watching a veteran like Forbort manage the game.

Especially with Vancouver losing a veteran presence like Tyler Myers, there is now an even bigger need for mentorship and stability on the back end, and Forbort fits that role perfectly.

Guillaume Brisebois

Brisebois is the definition of loyalty.

And honestly, players like this are usually forgotten until injuries hit.

The Canucks drafted him 66th overall in 2015 as part of the Eddie Läck trade, and he has spent his entire professional career with the organization ever since. Alongside Brock Boeser and Thatcher Demko, he is one of the organization's longest-serving players.

Despite never being guaranteed a full-time NHL role, Brisebois has continued signing contracts to stay in Vancouver and help wherever needed.

Every successful organization has players like Brisebois. He understands the system, stays ready, and can step into difficult situations without needing everything re-explained.

Joseph LaBate

LaBate’s journey coming full-circle with the Canucks, makes him an easy player to respect.

Originally drafted by Vancouver in 2011, he left the organization for years before returning to help provide depth and leadership. That willingness to come back says a lot about his professionalism and character.

LaBate still brings value because he can help stabilize the Abbotsford Canucks, mentor younger players, play physical hockey, finish checks, and step into NHL games when injuries happen.

The Canucks have spent years cycling through depth players who never truly fit the team's identity. Re-signing players like LaBate is less about finding stars and more about building low-cost culture pieces that understand the organization and embrace their role.

Vancouver does not need to become a contender overnight. But they do need to become a team opponents hate playing against again.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

Räty & Karlsson Score First Career Points At The Worlds: Canucks At The 2026 World Championship

The 'Klim Reaper' Is Here: Abbotsford Canucks Winger Danila Klimovich's Journey From Belarus To BC

5 Former Canucks Taking Part In The 2026 IIHF World Championship

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Hockey News
The Hockey News
Posted on

2026 NBA Draft scouting report: Ebuka Okorie

Mar 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) reacts after scoring against the NC State Wolfpack during the first half at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 11: NBA draft prospect, Ebuka Okorie poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Editor’s note: this is the first piece from new staff writer Jeremy Riggs. He’ll be contributing to our NBA draft coverage and beyond. Please give him a warm welcome as we’re excited for him to join our team at Peachtree Hoops.

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches and the Hawks look to inject youth and creativity into a backcourt that is still adjusting after the Trae Young era, Ebuka Okorie has been rising up draft boards.

The Stanford freshman did not just announce himself this season. He announced himself with authority, leading the ACC in scoring while turning heads as one of the most productive one and done guards in recent memory. At six foot two and 185 pounds, the 19-year-old from Nashua, New Hampshire (via Brewster Academy) is not the tallest or most explosive athlete on the board. Yet his feel for the game, craftiness as a scorer, and ability to create offense in tight spaces make him a prospect worth serious consideration in the late first round. Here is our full breakdown on Okorie, pulled from film study, the recent combine workouts, and conversations around the league.

Background and College Production

Okorie arrived at Stanford as a three-star recruit who flew somewhat under the national radar. That changed fast. In 31 games as a true freshman, he averaged 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 46.5 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from three, and an impressive 83.2 percent from the free throw line. He led the ACC in scoring, set Stanford freshman records for points in a season (719), and dropped eight 30-point games, including a 40-point explosion against Georgia Tech. Those numbers placed him among an elite group of freshmen since 2000 who hit the 20, 3.5, 3.5 threshold.

What stands out beyond the box score is how he carried a heavy load. Okorie operated with a usage rate above 31 percent while posting one of the lowest turnover rates among high usage freshmen in the modern era. He was the engine for a Stanford team that leaned on him night after night.

Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) with the ball in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Physical Profile and Athleticism Measurements

His combine measurements: 6 feet, 1.25 inches barefoot height, 185 pounds, 6 feet, 7.75 inch-wingspan.

Okorie is not a freak athlete in the traditional sense. There is no elite vertical pop or above the rim explosiveness. Yet he is a jitterbug with elite change of pace and burst in short spaces. His wingspan gives him functional length for a guard his size, helping him navigate screens and finish through contact. He is listed at 185 pounds but plays stronger than that thanks to a compact, sturdy frame that holds up in traffic.

CHICAGO, IL – MAY 11: Ebuka Okorie participates in the pro lane drill during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Offensive Game: The Real Strength

This is where Okorie shines. He is a shifty, creative ball handler who manipulates defenses with ball fakes, hesitation moves, and misdirection. Watch him in the pick and roll or isolation. He reads angles, uses his body to shield defenders, and finds seams others miss. His driving ability is elite for the class. He attacks with purpose, changes speeds, and finishes with soft touch on floaters, reverse layups, and off-balance runners.

He drew fouls at a high rate and converted at the rim with craft rather than raw power. The pull up game is smooth, especially from the elbows and mid range. He is comfortable stepping into threes off the dribble, and while his 35.4 percent mark from deep was not lights out, it improved dramatically late in the season (46.9 percent in his final 12 games). He is a true point guard at heart, comfortable distributing and running sets, but he can also play off the ball as a secondary creator.

LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 02: Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal takes a jump shot during the 2026 College Basketball Crown – Quarterfinal game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Resort on April 02, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Playmaking and Vision: Real potential

Okorie is not a flashy passer, but he is a smart one. He makes the simple read ahead of the defense and flashes real vision in live dribble situations. His assist numbers (3.6 per game) do not scream floor general, but the tape shows a player who keeps the offense flowing and rarely forces the issue. Low turnover rate for his usage is a big plus.

LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 02: Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal dribbles up court during the 2026 College Basketball Crown – Quarterfinal game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Resort on April 02, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Defense: Functional but With Limits

On ball, Okorie is pesky. Quick hands, active feet, and that wingspan help him poke away steals (1.6 per game) and stay in front of most guards. He is disruptive in passing lanes and brings energy. Off ball, he is engaged and rotates well for his size.

The concern? He can get overpowered by bigger, stronger guards and some tape suggests that he lacks elite lateral quickness against elite athletes. Versatility on the defensive end will be an area to watch in the NBA.

CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 10: Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) during the ACC Men's basketball tournament between the Stanford Cardinal and the Pitt Panthers on March 10, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Areas for Improvement

A quick list:

  • Three point consistency and shot selection: He can hunt tough pull ups early in the shot clock. Refining his decision making will boost efficiency. 
  • Defensive physicality: Adding strength and learning to navigate bigger matchups without fouling. 
  • Lead guard polish: More consistent command of tempo when the game slows down.

None of these feel like deal breakers for a 19 year old who just dominated the ACC as a freshman.

NBA Projection and Fit with Atlanta

There are likely some wary fans when it comes to Okorie due to him not getting as much buzz as some of the prospects. But there seems to be a clear floor and ceiling for a guy who possesses the kind of skill and film that he has.

Ceiling? A starting caliber lead guard on a good team. Floor? A high level bench spark who can create his own shot and defend.

For the Hawks specifically, he offers intriguing fit as the team builds its backcourt long term with young pieces like Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander Walker and not to mention a mentor in CJ McCollum if he is back with the team next season. With the No. 8 pick from the Pelicans already secured and the No. 23 pick via Cleveland in hand, Okorie could be a strong option if Atlanta goes another direction with the higher selection or decides to double down on guards. He can provide rest for the current starters, play alongside them in certain lineups, or grow into a secondary creator who adds scoring punch off the bench.

His ability to score in bunches and draw fouls gives Atlanta another weapon in half court sets, and his youth aligns perfectly with the timeline of injecting fresh talent into a roster that has shown real promise since the midseason reset.

Bottom line: Ebuka Okorie is the kind of player who can surprise people who only look at the measurables. He plays bigger than his size, processes the game at a high level, and scores with real creativity.

If he lands in Atlanta, do not be shocked if he is contributing meaningful minutes sooner than expected. We will be watching closely on draft night.

Posted on

Season in Review: Mark Williams was as advertised

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we revisit every player who suited up during the 2025–26 campaign through the lens of expectation, reality, and what it ultimately meant.

Player Snapshot

  • Position: C
  • Age: 24
  • 2026-27 Contract Status: RFA ($9.6 million qualifying offer)
  • SunsRank (Preseason): 5
  • SunsRank (Postseason): 6

*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.

Season in One Sentence

While Mark Williams provides the rim deterrence and verticality this roster craves, his inability to stay on the floor makes him a luxury that a shifting contender has to think twice about overpaying for.

By the Numbers

GPMINPPGRPGAPGBLKFG%3PT%FT%OFFRTGDEFRTG+/- (TOTAL)
6023.611.78.01.00.964.4%1.000%77.1%111.3113.3-42

The Expectation

Many folks knew what to expect in Mark Williams. A lob threat who could rebound and alter shots defensively. He has an insane wingspan and standing reach, and provides size that this Suns team hadn’t had a ton of in recent years.

The hope was straightforward: Mark Williams would serve as the definitive interior anchor for the future. A physical, high-motor bridge center who could lock down the paint while rookie Khaman Maluach learned the ropes. Phoenix needed a consistent, 60-70 game defensive presence capable of solving the team’s interior rebounding woes and anchoring the backline.

Phoenix handpicked Williams as a trade target moments before drafting Khaman Maluach. The vision was clear. Add more youth, size, and athleticism, and figure the rest out later.

PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 9: Khaman Maluach #10 and Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns high five before the game against the New York Knicks on January 9, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Reality

When he was active, the physical impact was obvious. Williams is an elite lob threat with a massive wingspan and a legitimate motor. He gave the Suns true verticality, averaging 11.7 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting an incredibly efficient 64.4% from the field.

The problem is, we spent the second half of the year holding our breath every time he contested a shot. The same foot and back issues that disrupted his early career caught up with him during the stretch run. Playing in 60 games was technically a personal career high, but the injuries piled up exactly when the stakes were raised. He missed the entire postseason, including the Play-In games. Watching the Suns get physically overwhelmed inside by longer, twitchier teams made his absence in street clothes feel like a recurring structural flaw.

Do we really want to do that to ourselves again?

What It Means

This comes down to resource allocation in a tightening financial landscape. Williams enters restricted free agency with a $9.6 million qualifying offer, giving Phoenix matching rights. If an outside suitor offers a deal in the $16 million to $20 million annual range, matching that sheet means anchoring significant cap space to a big man with major medical red flags. A sign-and-trade makes sense for anything above $18 million per season.

If the Suns move on from Williams, it likely means the following factors were considered:

  1. Khaman Maluach may need to be ahead of schedule. At just 20 years old next season, Maluach flashed immense defensive upside in his limited minutes, proving he possesses the raw length and perimeter-switching fluidity that this frontcourt needs. He’s still very raw and may need another year of seasoning, but if thrown into the fire, I think he could survive.
  2. Oso Ighodaro’s reliability. Ighodaro played all 82 games, offering an athletic, playmaking counterweight that keeps the offensive flow from stagnating.
  3. The cost of replacement-level talent. Functional backup bigs are consistently the easiest assets to secure via low-cost free agency or the draft. Tying up premium money in a non-shooting center who carries availability risks is how a roster stays inflexible and lacking in lateral quickness.

If he returns next season, it’s pretty clear that the Suns need to hold him off from playing in ALL back-to-backs. Not just occasionally. All of them. It’s easy to get lost in the emotion of a season where things seem to be going well.

Defining Moment

January 27th vs. Brooklyn: Williams absolutely dominated the interior, bruising his way to an ultra-efficient 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block on 13 of 16 shooting from the field in a gritty, physical 106-102 win. The 81% clip for a season-high 27 points was a glimpse at just how dominant he could be when involved in the flow of the offense.

It was a showcase of exactly how imposing he can be when his body cooperates.

Grade: B

It’s difficult to go any higher or lower than a solid B. He did his job and made strides with his durability by appearing in 60 games. That should not be glossed over, even if the timing of his injuries could not be worse. By all accounts, he had himself a strong season.

If Phoenix can land him on a team-friendly deal or one that is heavily incentivized with games played or team options in the back-end of the deal, then I’m all for bringing him back. If he prices himself out by commanding a good chunk of the salary cap, then that’s another story.

If a team like Brooklyn or Toronto wants to step up and offer a massive multi-year bag, the Suns should look to leverage their matching rights into a sign-and-trade rather than locking themselves in long-term. With Maluach and Ighodaro on cheap rookie deals, executing a pivot now maximizes Williams’ trade value before his health history complicates the books.

Posted on

Who do Giants fans think was the Player of the Week?

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 10: Jesus Rodriguez #79 of the San Francisco Giants hits a walk off single during the 12th inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park on May 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, baseball fans!

Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball comes to a close this weekend, which means it’s time to pick our Player of the Week!

Or, I guess in this week’s case, our Players of the Week. Because I’m giving the honors to two people this week, with a caveat that I didn’t pick any players last weekend or the weekend before. So I’m kind of making picks for the entirety of May so far.

And my picks are a pair of rookies who had pretty great accomplishments.

First up, we have Jesús Rodríguez who made a statement in the Giants’ 10-5 loss to the San Diego Padres on May 5th. Not only did he get his first major league hit earlier in the game, but he also got his first major league home run a few innings later! On top of that, he knocked in the winning run last Sunday for a Mothers Day walk-off win.

That leads me to our second pick for this week, Bryce Eldridge! Eldridge also got his first major league home run in the Giants’ 13-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates last Saturday. Sure, it was a massive loss. But Eldridge gave us something to cheer for, at least. We love to see rookies doing well.

Who is your pick for Player of the Week?

What time do the Giants play today?

The Giants continue this three-game series against the Athletics tonight at 6:40 p.m. PT in Sacramento.