BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 7: Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 7, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
You love Pete Nance. I love Pete Nance. The Milwaukee Bucks love Pete Nance. Yet, here we are. Life support.
Nance’s story is one of perseverance and it doesn’t take much digging to work out why. From the beginning, his NBA career has been in and out of the ER. Heck, his personal transaction list even looks like an ECG:
January 18, 2023: Signed a 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
September 13, 2023: Signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
October 21, 2023: Waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
February 19, 2024: Signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
October 19, 2024: Waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
December 3, 2024: Signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
January 7, 2025: Waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.
January 14, 2025: Signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
February 6, 2025: Waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Signed, waived. Signed, waved. Up, down. Up, down. Then, just when you think he’s stable:
February 27, 2025: Signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
March 23, 2026: Converted from a two-way contract to a regular contract by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Full-blown arrhythmia:
July 3, 2026: Waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.
July 8, 2026: Signed a multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Oh, and that contract is non-guaranteed—and therefore the easiest way for the Bucks to start to solve their roster crunch. Talk about a heart attack.
Naturally, then, Nance’s value is hard to pin down. How can he be trusted in the playoffs if he can’t be trusted with a guaranteed contract? And if that makes your blood boil—or increases your blood pressure—you wouldn’t be alone. After all, on court, Nance is a stud; every coach’s dream player.
Offensively, Nance is the ultimate glue guy. Need the right extra pass? He’ll make it. Need movement off ball to free up space? Or a screen to right a broken possession? Nance has you covered. And from a process point of you, he’s elite; you’d be hard pressed to find a clip of him making the wrong decision.
He has some game too. Beyond the little things, Nance is a marksman from deep, boasting a career 42% mark from three and an elite overall true shooting percentage (career 61.8%; 63.9% last year), making him both a valuable spacer and pick and pop threat. In turn, he’s a fine cutter, timing his off ball movement well, and a savvy passer who seldom turns it over (11.6% turnover rate). But he almost never gets to the line—just 11 times last year and 15 total in 68 career games—and can too easily become Hollow Man. But, hey, that’ll happen when you’re limited to a lowly 13.5% usage percentage.
On the defensive end, Nance is, you guessed it, solid. He won’t wow you with on-ball thievery or come-out-of-nowhere blocks, but he’ll hustle and play the angles and fight hard. Having said this, his board work leaves a lot to be desired. Last year, his total rebound percentage (9.6%) was closer to his point guards than his bigs: Cole Anthony was at 9.3%, Kevin Porter Jr. 8.9%, and Ryan Rollins 8.0%, while Jericho Sims was at 15.9% and Myles Turner 11.2%. Part of this is size, part of it is athleticism. Both of these contribute to Nance’s pedestrian block (1.9%) and steal (0.9%) rates, too, and also limit his defensive versatility—he’s not someone who can guard up or down all that effectively. But, again, he’s steady, thanks in large part to his nous.
So, while Nance may be destined for an NBA career in and out of proverbial health care, it’s fitting. Primum non nocere.
PHOENIX − When they retire Sandy Alcantara’s jersey with the Miami Marlins, when they build a statue of him outside loanDepot Park, when fans tell their kids and grandkids about his legacy, they’ll talk about the night of Sept. 16, 2026
This was the night Alcantara, the Marlins’ 2022 Cy Young winner, one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history, who has thrown more innings than any pitcher in baseball this year, made the ultimate sacrifice for his team.
The last time Alcantara made a relief appearance
Alcantara, just two days after throwing 101 pitches as a starter, not only made his first relief appearance in nine seasons Wednesday, but produced the first save of his illustrious career Wednesday, preserving the Marlins’ 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Marlins’ season still is on life support, sitting 7 ½ games out of a wild-card berth with just nine games remaining, but thanks to Alcantara, they’re still alive.
“It’s a testament to him wanting to win,’’ Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said, “and keep us in this thing until there’s no pulse.’’
The Marlins players, clinging to a one-run lead in the ninth, actually couldn’t believe what they were seeing when Alcantara emerged from the bullpen. He hadn’t pitched in relief since his 2017 rookie season while he was with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was traded that winter to Miami with Zac Gallen and two other prospects for All-Star outfielder Marcell Ozuna.
Why Alcantara's save was a monumental moment
And never once did he pitch in relief with the Marlins, making 201 career starts and pitching 1,272 innings.
In fact, no pitcher in baseball history had ever recorded a save while leading the league in innings since Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser in May, 1987, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The only other pitchers to achieve the feat were Hall of Famer Phil Niekro in 1978 and Andy Messersmith in 1975.
Yet, he was, 48 hours after starting Monday, willing his body, his arm and his mind to secure the Marlins’ victory.
“When you’re a franchise player, and someone who’d been the face of your franchise for this many years and is willing to do that,’’ McCullough said, “it’s great for the rest of our group to see that. He’s creating his own legacy.
“He’s going to have his own wing one day at loanDepot, and rightfully so, for what he’s done.’’
How the Marlins players reacted to Alcantara's save
The moment the final out was made, the Marlins acted almost as if they just clinched a playoff berth, with McCullough saying he hadn’t felt such an adrenaline rush since his first day on the job.
The Marlins made sure they were going to savor this moment for posterity, with Alcantara climbing into a laundry cart after the game and getting sprayed with adult beverages before boarding their flight to San Diego.
“I think that was the best thing in the world for this team to watch him go out there and get the first save of his career,’’ Marlins starter Ryan Gusto said. “I can’t even explain how fired up we were. I mean, to be watching him in that situation on one day rest is insane. I mean, we were loving every single second of it. …
“The dude is an inspiration. He’s a leader in the clubhouse. Everybody loves him.’’
How this moment ranks in Marlins history
The Marlins certainly have had fabulous moments with two World Series championships, but this was a moment that will live in Marlins’ fame, with one of the biggest stars in their franchise history showing the ultimate sacrifice for his team.
“I think you saw the excitement from the group because of what he’s meant to this franchise,’’ McCullough said, “but also certainly to go out there at a moment like that. …
“Everyone in our organization and everyone in this clubhouse has an appreciation for Sandy and what he’s done, and this is just another way, with his unselfishness, and his desire to win, and win in Miami.’’
Will Alcantara spend the rest of his career with the Marlins?
Alcantara, who had been on the trade block in past winters, but not this last trade deadline, made it perfectly clear after the game that he wants to spend the rest of his career in Miami. This is the final year of his five-year, $56 million contract extension. The Marlins have a $21 million club option in 2027 on Alcantara that they plan to exercise, but if it’s up to Alcantara, he’d love to work out another extension and never leave.
“This is an organization that gave me an opportunity since 2017,’’ Alcantara said, “to establish myself as a starting pitcher. So, I trust and I believe everything this team has been doing. I want to be here for a long time. I just want to win for this team.’’
Certainly, the Marlins are slowly moving towards respectability, after losing 100 games just two years ago. And if they’re going to get back to the postseason, they’ll have to jump on Alcantara’s shoulders. He is 13-10 with a 3.84 ERA this season, pitching an MLB-leading 206 innings, and yes, with a save, too.
How did Alcantara do in his previous start?
Alcantara, who pitched five innings Monday, knew that the Marlins’ bullpen was fatigued after an 11-inning victory Tuesday. He told Marlins pitching coach Daniel Moskos when he arrived Wednesday afternoon that he would be available out of the bullpen if needed, the second time in two weeks that he volunteered. In the sixth inning, with the Marlins leading 4-2, he came into the clubhouse, put on his full uniform, changed into his spikes, and went to the bullpen.
He came into the game in the ninth with the Marlins clinging to a 4-3 lead against a team that leads the major leagues in comebacks and is still in the wild-card hunt. He gave up a towering fly ball to Pavin Smith that left fielder Heriberto Hernandez caught against the fence, and then a 396-foot blast by Tim Tawa that traveled to the warning track. He walked Laars Nootbaar, bringing up dangerous Ketel Marte, with speedy Jordan Lawlar inserted as a pinch runner. Marte fouled off the first pitch. Alcantara threw a 100-mph fastball that missed on the second pitch. Lawlar tried to steal second. Catcher Joe Mack threw a perfect strike to shortstop Otto Lopez, who applied the tag, and after the replay review was confirmed, the game was over.
And the celebration was underway.
There was no need for his teammates to even convince him to get into the laundry cart for the joy ride.
“It was a great experience,’’ Alcantara said. “I just get naked, get in the cart, and it was a good experience. We had fun together.’’
Said Gusto: “I mean, it was insane. There was much more celebration for his first career save than really any other win we’ve had this season.’’
When is Alcantara scheduled to pitch next?
Alcantara, who’s still scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Padres, says he’d be glad to keep volunteering for spot relief roles. The only difference is that he’d love his next future ones to be in the postseason, still admiring watching Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitch in relief in Game 7 of the World Series after starting Game 6. And it was in this same building at Chase Field 25 years ago that Hall of Famer Randy Johnson also achieved the feat, winning Game 6 against the New York Yankees, and then coming into relief and winning Game 7 for the D-backs first World Series title.
“This is my first one,’’ Alcantara said, “so hopefully they keep giving me the opportunity. If we make the playoffs, I would do it.
“I’m here to win.’’
The man certainly proved that, in front of the entire organization, that will be talked about for generations.
“I think he’ll always remember this night,’’ Gusto said. “It was pretty special. I know I definitely will.’’
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox high-fives Adley Rutschman #31 after defeating the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, September 6, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Red Sox are basically locked into the fifth seed in the American League and, at this point, I can’t help but build out postseason rosters to fall asleep at night. Today, I wanted to look at the bullpen, where there are still quite a few decisions to be made. News comes in fast and furious on many of the names in question, which I’ve included below.
Assuming health, Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray, Payton Tolle, and Jake Bennett will be the four starting pitchers needed in the postseason. While teams often go with a 12-man pitching staff (and just three starters) for the initial three-game series, I’d hope that the team has loftier goals than that this year, so we are trying to find 13 arms (nine relievers) for the numerous five- and seven-game series that follow.
A Capital-C Closer who has plenty of experience pitching in Yankee Stadium. Chapman is quickly becoming one of the great Red Sox relievers of all time, whose 2027 option has vested, meaning he’ll return to Boston at a very reasonable $13M. I enjoyed @RedSoxPayroll holding everybody accountable on Twitter about that fact.
This is the fourth time this season in national baseball writer has indicated Aroldis Chapman will be a free agent after 2026.
His vested option at 40 innings has already hit, he just needs to pass a physical after the season and he's under contract with Boston for 2027.
Only five pitchers in MLB (min: 40 IP) have a better K-BB% than Whitlock’s 27.4%. Those pitchers are Mason Miller, Jacob Misiorowski, Jhoan Duran, Josh Hader, and Mason Montgomery. Four of those guys are elite closers, and one is cruising to a Cy Young Award. Whitlock would have no issue taking over the closer role in 2027, however unlikely that may be.
Speaking of K-BB, Miller was 16.2% with San Francisco and is 27.4% with Boston (identical to Whitlock’s). Lefties are hitting .173 and slugging .247 against Miller in 2026. By the way, Marcelo Mayer has not yet made an appearance for the Giants as he continues to rehab his injuries.
Guerrero was unable to stay in the league beyond 2019 due to a 13.6 career BB%, but has remarkably cut that to 4.4% this season. It’s easy to forget that Guerrero didn’t even make his Red Sox debut until May 22nd of this season. Quickly entering the high-leverage picture, Guerrero has thrown ten games this season on no rest and entered with runners on base eleven times. His current IL stint was likely more about giving him some rest and getting him ready for October than a true shoulder injury.
Between the acquisition of Miller via trade and the emergence of the 35-year-old Guerrero, having four power arms like this at the back of the bullpen is essential for October success, with two throwing from the left side and two from the right side.
Crochet threw a 30-pitch bullpen session across two simulated innings at Fenway Park on Tuesday. Chad Tracy said, “Everything went well. That was the most volume he’s had, so we’ll see over the next couple of days how he feels and go from there.”
The Woo Sox season ends this Sunday, so it feels unlikely that he’ll go on a minor league rehab assignment. Personally, I’d feel better about things if Crochet made one relief appearance against the Cubs in the final weekend of the season. Sure, he’s “done crazy things before” and “isn’t Joe Schmoe” but I’d rather avoid a return in the seventh inning on the road at Yankee Stadium in a playoff game, if at all possible.
Justin Slaten
I had every intention of putting Slaten into this tier before the news in the past couple of days. Slaten has a “degenerative” arm issue in the flexor (forearm), which can’t be good news in the short or long term.
Tier 3: Something to Prove
With six relievers in the top two tiers, the Red Sox would have needed to choose three arms from the remaining tiers to make up a 13-man pitching staff. Without Slaten, they’ll need to choose four, most likely from this group of six.
Bello, Gamboa, Olds, and Moran all pitched on Tuesday night while trailing, which gives you a bit of an idea of what their “B” bullpen is right now. There will most likely be four pitchers from this group, and it will unquestionably be a difficult choice. The final 11 games will be a continued tryout for all of these pitchers.
Bello’s overall numbers are shaky, but in 63 ⅔ innings as a reliever, he has a 1.98 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 15.1% K-BB. An absolutely remarkable juxtaposition.
After three poor outings in August, I had Moran on the outside looking in. He was likely overworked and has rebounded in September with five consecutive scoreless outings, totaling 5 ⅔ innings.
Weissert’s overall numbers are decent, but it’s the meltdowns that stick out, and he has ten of them. Other than Slaten (out of the year), no other reliever on the roster has more than six meltdowns.
Gamboa has been a pleasant surprise. He has started two games as the Opener, ahead of Bello. In recent weeks, he’s moved up the chain in leverage, partially due to injuries in the ‘pen, and partially due to success. Gamboa has given up just one run in 11 outings since returning to the team on 8/12 (16 innings). With Chapman, Miller, and Crochet as likely “locks”, it may come down to Moran vs. Gamboa as the final lefty.
Olds had a lot of trouble throwing strikes at every level of the minor leagues, usually sitting between six to seven walks per nine innings. He got to the Big Leagues and has slashed that to 3.3 walks per nine. The strikeouts have always been there, thanks to a unique arm angle and a 113 Stuff+ rating.
Houck was shaky at the start of his rehab but has locked in since. He threw three innings on Friday, allowing one run, and then struck out the side in an inning of work on Tuesday night.
Hello, Tanner Houck.
He strikes out the side in the 7th. Worked around a 1-out walk. 4 Whffs. Leaned on Splitter. Averaged 92.2 on the Sinker. 94 on 4SFB.
It was planned to be a shorter outing, with one in the 40-50 pitch range coming later in the week. pic.twitter.com/w5CDfZLfoo
Like Crochet, it would be great to see Houck throw at Fenway during the final week of the season to shake off the cobwebs.
If I had to guess which four arms the Red Sox choose, I’ll say: Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, Jovani Moran, and Alec Gamboa. You can make the case for, and against, any of them.
Johan Oviedo: One appearance, out with an elbow injury since March 30th
Kutter Crawford: Last pitched Sept. 28, 2024
Oviedo and Crawford are on the 60-day IL, and the remaining three are the only other pitchers on the 40-man roster. Tommy Cassell reported yesterday that Oviedo and Crawford could pitch in Worcester this week, before the Triple-A season ends. It’s hard to imagine either of them leapfrogging the arms in the tier above.
I’ve made the case for Samaniego in enough Minor Lines articles this year that I won’t do that again here, but I’m surprised we haven’t seen him up since June 2nd.
Raymond Burgos had my two favorite non-Tolle pitching moments this season. He threw three innings in relief on TWO consecutive days in early August when the bullpen needed a reset. Then, in his next appearance a week later in Pittsburgh, he pitched two innings in relief, sat through a 2-hour and 34-minute rain delay, and then threw two more innings to finish the game. Not all heroes wear capes.
I wish Patrick Sandoval nothing but the best with a different franchise in 2027.
Centre is back in the Prem with Sale after three years in Paris where he says he learned a lot more than the language and is ready to play for England again
Joe Marchant admits he has been a disappointment. Significant developments over the summer gave rise to lofty expectations among his new Sale Sharks teammates but the 30-year-old centre knows he has not lived up to them. “When we’re playing here, people expect me to be good,” he says. “Why would it make me good in any way? I’m not the best.”
Marchant is, of course, referring to his football skills rather than the rugby ones and the added expectation to perform in a pre-training kick-about after former Newcastle and England captain Alan Shearer became his father-in-law over the summer. In every other department, Marchant has done nothing but impress in his new surroundings.
On Thursday, training camp officially begins for the Philadelphia Flyers, and for some, the next two weeks will be an important inflection point in their careers.
Opening night is less than two weeks from now, with the Flyers starting their season against the archrival Pittsburgh Penguins in a playoff rematch on Sept. 30.
By then, the Flyers will have played four preseason games and cut their roster in half, going from 46 players to the allotted 23 they'll begin the season with.
This is all to say that anyone fighting for a roster spot, or anyone fighting to prove themselves to head coach Rick Tocchet and the coaching staff, isn't going to have a whole lot of time to make it happen. Every practice session and preseason game will be of great importance.
But, not everyone has to prove their skills on the ice. For some, it's about everything else.
Matvei Michkov
At the age of 21, Matvei Michkov already has 114 points in 161 games and quickly established as one of the Flyers' premier forwards, despite the fact that he averaged just 14:50 of ice time last season and 15:45 in his NHL career to date.
As we all know by now, the Russian phenom joined up with the Flyers last training camp at a weight much higher than he should've been (205, according to his own words), but Michkov now claims to be 176 pounds and at 10% body fat, acknowledging that he can already feel the difference.
This will go a long way towards getting back in the good graces of Tocchet and the Flyers. If Michkov is truly rejuvenated and in the best shape of his NHL career, Year 3 should be the best one yet, considering he now has two full seasons of experience to draw on.
Of course, Michkov will need to show his progress on the ice and in the weight room throughout training camp if he is to assume a top-six role under Tocchet.
If that test is passed, it will be a massive relief for all parties involved.
David Jiricek
The Flyers have high hopes David Jiricek, the sixth overall pick in the 2022 draft, will take a step forward and prove that he is ready for the NHL limelight.
The 22-year-old is no longer waivers-exempt and will have to be exposed to the other 31 NHL teams if the Flyers deem he has to spend more time in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
On the other hand, is spot on the roster is the most obvious for the taking, with Noah Juulsen now out of the picture and leaving a third-pair vacancy behind Jamie Drysdale and Rasmus Ristolainen.
There are a few boxes Jiricek will need to check, primarily in regards to decision-making and defending, but the puck skills and shooting ability are there. Even if Jiricek begins as a power play specialist, it's a starting point that opens the door for him to grow into an expanded role from there.
Jiricek is on his third NHL organization since being drafted, and it's likely now or never to establish himself as an every-day NHL player. With the Flyers, he has the best possible opportunity to make it happen.
Jett Luchanko
Jett Luchanko has already played eight NHL games for the Flyers. (Photo: Eric Canha, Imagn Images)
To preface, Jett Luchanko probably won't and shouldn't be expected to stick on the NHL roster out of the gate as he did the previous two seasons; it's not the best thing for his development.
That said, though, Luchanko is probably as healthy as he's been in a long time after undergoing a procedure to correct a nagging injury, which has considerably improved his already good skating - his No. 1 trait as a player.
The 20-year-old former 13th overall pick needs only to make the decision a hard one for the Flyers and show that he will be gunning to make this roster in the near future.
In my first edition of the Flyers' depth chart, I noted that I expect the Flyers to bring Luchanko up first if any of their centers go down with an injury, especially if the injury is significant. That allows for more reps for one of their most talented forward prospects.
With a strong training camp performance, Luchanko can re-establish himself as a premier prospect in the system and set himself up for a strong first professional season.
At full strength and with a shortened training camp, Luchanko should show the Flyers his best hockey yet.
Drake Batherson is staying in Ottawa for the long haul.
The Hockey News' Steve Warne and co-host Gregg Kennedy break down Batherson’s eight-year, $82-million contract extension, including the timing, trade protection and why his commitment matters after a turbulent summer for the Senators.
Also discussed:
Batherson’s new deal: Is $10.25 million per season a fair price, and could the contract eventually become a bargain?
The NHL’s salary explosion: How offer sheets, a rising cap and massive young-player contracts could affect Thomas Chabot, Artem Zub and other Senators.
An unusually short training camp: With few roster openings and limited preseason action, do Ottawa’s bubble players have any real opportunity?
The end of fitness testing: Why the NHL’s new training-camp rules have left some coaches concerned.
Ottawa’s prospects shine: Jaxon Cover’s seven-point weekend headlines an impressive showing that also included Kasper Halttunen, Christian Kyrou and others.
Goaltending questions: Cam Talbot lands in Columbus, while Ottawa must decide whether to begin the season with Linus Ullmark, Samuel Ersson and Leevi Meriläinen.
That's all in this episode of Sens Nation, the official Senators podcast of The Hockey News.
The Detroit Tigers’ six-game winning streak came to an unceremonious end on Wednesday afternoon with a 5-1 loss to Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays. For the third straight time, Keider Montero only lasted four innings, but truly it was the lack of offense and some poor defense that led to the defeat.
The Motor City Kitties now move on to Chicago, where they will take on the White Sox in a four-game series this weekend starting on Thursday. Left-hander Framber Valdez will get the start in the opener looking to continue his streak of 13 innings without allowing an earned run this month.
The 32-year-old faced the ChiSox once before this season back on May 30, when he surrendered four runs on six hits (one home run) and two walks while striking out four and uncorking a wild pitch over 6 2/3 innings to earn his second loss of the season.
For Chicago, right-hander Erick Fedde will face the Tigers for the third time in his 15th start this season. Over the 33-year-old’s 8 2/3 innings of work against the Olde English D so far, he has four runs on eight hits (one home run) and four walks while striking out seven, earning a loss in the process.
Here is how the two hurlers match up for the series opener at Rate Field starting on Thursday night.
Detroit Tigers (72-78) vs. Chicago White Sox (77-75)
Time (ET): 7:40 p.m. Place: Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois SB Nation Site:South Side Sox Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 153: LHP Framber Valdez (10-10, 4.01 ERA) vs. RHP Erick Fedde (8-9, 3.97 ERA)
Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders:L, 6-9 vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp — at two games behind league-leading Indianapolis with four to play and Rochester also ahead, the RailRiders’ season is almost officially over (doesn’t help that they lost Oswaldo Cabrera to DFA limbo; alas)
CF Jarred Kelenic 1-4, HR, BB, 2 RBI, 2 K — game-tying two-run blast in the fifth; Jacksonville quickly untied it and didn’t look back RF Jasson Domínguez 3-3, HR, BB, 2 RBI, HBP, throwing error — a perfect effort from Jasson at the plate (including a 430-foot tank), but no cigar DH J.C. Escarra 2-5, K 2B Marco Luciano 2-4, 2 RBI, K, SF SS Max Schuemann 0-3, BB, K, GIDP, HBP — back-breaking double play ball in the ninth when he batted as the tying run with none out 3B Tyler Hardman 1-5, K, GIDP — flew out to end it 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. 0-4, 2 K LF Kenedy Corona 2-3, 2B, BB C Abrahan Gutierrez 1-4, GIDP, catcher interference error
Brendan Beck 4.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R (4 ER), 1 BB, 5 K — has really had a nice year at Triple-A but not a good day yesterday Danny Watson 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K Carlos Lagrange 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K — pretty good return from the IL, clipped below! topped 100 mph four times and also tried his slider, sweeper, changeup, and sinker in 19-pitch outing; probably too late to be trusted in the Yankees bullpen but you never know Eli Morgan 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 3 K (loss) — ack Justin Topa 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R (3 ER), 0 BB, 0 K — ack x2 Eric Reyzelman 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Low-A Tampa Tarpons: L, 0-1 vs. Jupiter Hammerheads — Tampa loses a heartbreaker in the do-or-die Game 3 of the Florida State League Championship Series; weather played in a role, and there was even a delay between innings with the game scoreless in the ninth … it was the third rain delay of the night
SS Dax Kilby 1-4, K — his year’s not over! check him out in the Arizona Fall League soon CF Yostin Pena 0-3, K, 2 SB, HBP RF Wilberson De Pena 1-3, BB, K — single in the sixth was only Tampa’s third hit (and final of the season) 3B Anthony Potestio 0-4, 4 K — tough way to end the season 1B Tyce Armstrong 0-3, 2 K, HBP C Luis Puello 1-4, 2 K, passed ball LF Diego Castellanos 0-4, 2 K DH Luke Pettitte 0-2, BB, K — was Tampa’s last batter of the season as Hammerheads struck out side in the ninth, pre-rain delay 2B Luis Escudero 0-3, 2 K
J.T. Etheridge 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K, WP — nails tough while keeping it scoreless; he’ll join Kilby in the AFL Jose Ledesma 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, HBP Rafael Arias 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R (1 ER), 3 BB (1 IBB), 1 K — went from hopping around the mound with one foot to walking off in just a couple minute when Jake McCutcheon ending it on a double to left-center
Jonathan Santucci of the Binghamton Rumble Ponies delivers a pitch during a Minor League Baseball game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, United States, on June 12, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Syracuse is continuing to keep their season alive as we come to the final few games of the season, with the season ending on September 20th. The win keeps them 1.5 games back of first place Rochester, who won their game as well.
Jefferson Rojas was far and away the star of the show. He homered for the second time in two games at the Triple-A level, providing serious firepower for the stretch run (and also, undoubtedly, putting himself on the 2027 map like Carson Benge and AJ Ewing before him). Rojas’s home run put them up 4-1 in the second, and they looked well on their way to a win. Jonathan Santucci, however, could not keep the lead safe, surrendering four runs (three earned), leaving the game tied at four in the sixth. Ryan Clifford, who struggled this year, had a feel good moment, homering to make it 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth. The Mets pen would hold that skinny lead, keeping their season alive.
CF D’Andre Smith: 0-3, BB, 3 K
3B Jefferson Rojas: 3-3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
SS Ronny Mauricio: 1-4, R, 2B, RBI, 2 K
2B Vidal Bruján: 0-3, BB, K
1B Eric Wagaman: 1-4, RBI, K
DH Billy Amick: 0-4, 3 K
LF Ryan Clifford: 1-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 K
RF Jose Ramos: 1-3, R, 2 K, SB
C Hayden Senger: 1-3, 3B
LHP Jonathan Santucci: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
RHP Kevin Herget: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, W (1-0), BS (1)
LHP Cionel Pérez: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, H (1)
RHP Chayce McDermott: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, S (1)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after his 45th home run of the season during the Philadelphia Phillies versus Washington Nationals Major League Baseball (MLB) game on September 15, 2026 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It was good to see the Phillies patient approach at the plate from August return, if only for a night. The team drew a season high 13 walks against the Nationals bullpen game. Unfortunately, you still have to drive those baserunners in somehow, as despite the platoon of baserunners, the Phillies only managed to score three runs thanks to a lackluster performance with runners in scoring position. They accomplished the first part of consistent offense in getting runners on base. They’re still working on the second part.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles gestures to the crowd following his ninth inning solo home run marking his 300th career home run during the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hello, friends.
What a weird series we just witnessed. I’m not sure that I’ve ever witnessed other team fans cheering so much for an Oriole and probably I never will again. The circumstances surrounding Pete Alonso and the Mets, and the fact that he came over to the Orioles afterwards, are not repeated just every year and the O’s aren’t likely to sign most of the players who are so beloved. I can’t imagine a fanbase-wide kind of warmth for a former Oriole. I don’t cheer in any way for a player on another team who used to play here when they are playing the Orioles. I don’t even clap for the “welcome back” video package.
Alonso homered again last night and the Mets fans were happy about it. I guess it helps that this season is a lost cause for them, so it’s not like it hampered their chances in any way. The Orioles finished off a sweep by taking a 7-1 victory on Wednesday. That’s the other weird thing. Or maybe it’s not so weird. Right after everybody gives up on the O’s, they go ahead and look like a competent baseball team for a few days, or maybe even several days.
It’s probably too late for it to matter, unless they just pretty much run the table, but as long as that possibility is alive, we might as well cling to it. Those slim hopes got a small boost yesterday, as on top of the Orioles winning their own game, Cleveland and Chicago flipped in the AL Central. That’s significant for the O’s because the Orioles have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the White Sox, which they do not against the Guardians. So, if the O’s do somehow run down the current wild card 3 team, they would have the edge in a tie.
There are also the Rangers and Blue Jays still to pass. That’s another reason why it’s so unlikely and why the Orioles probably have to run the table. Maybe they could spare a loss. Their last three series are Brewers, Jays, and Yankees. It’s a tough road. The Rangers are the only one of these teams to play today.
There were two bits of Orioles news yesterday. The team placed infielder Jackson Holliday on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation. Since there’s not much season left, that means he’s probably done for the year, a disappointing end to a disappointing season. Posting a .921 OPS in July got people’s hopes up, but Holliday has sagged since, dropping a .495 OPS in August and .520 in September, tanking his season numbers.
Not much to do except hope this was connected to the wrist issue. That’s not a crazy thing to think, since players poorly play through injuries that should have them on the IL with some frequency. But it’s not guaranteed. The Orioles are really going to have to think hard about what Holliday will have to offer next year, and if that’s a roster space they need to improve. If he was a 2 WAR player, there’s something there, but this year he had a 0.2 bWAR.
Also announced yesterday was a diagnosis for injured pitcher Kyle Bradish. It’s a sports hernia for Bradish. Manager Craig Albernaz said they are exploring the next steps. Bradish’s season wrapped with a 4.12 ERA, or an exactly league average 100 ERA+. You may have had higher hopes. I certainly did. Hopefully next year is better for him as well, with Tommy John surgery farther in the rear view mirror.
Concerns for and about Samuel Basallo (Steve on Baseball) Steve Melewski takes a look at Basallo, another Oriole who’s mightily slumping late in the season.
Today in 1970, the Orioles clinched the American League East title. The O’s actually lost their game on this day, a 2-0 setback to Washington, but since the Yankees were beaten by the Red Sox, the Orioles clinched. They went on, as you know, to win the World Series.
In 1999, the Orioles team plane took off without Cal Ripken Jr. This incident was cited when GM Frank Wren was fired shortly after the season. In the O’s game that night, during the course of an 8-3 Orioles victory over the Twins, Jesse Orosco set a major league record with his 1,072nd appearance as a pitcher. Orosco finished with 1,252 games, still the recordholder. The active leader, Kenley Jansen, is in 19th place on the career list with 980 appearances.
There are a pair of former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 2025 reliever Kade Strowd, and 1979-81 infielder Wayne Krenchicki.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: Wild West outlaw Billy the Kid (1859), Marriott founder J. Willard Marriott (1900), author Ken Kesey (1935), baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda (1937), Hall of Fame basketball coach Phil Jackson (1945), Indian prime minister Narendra Modi (1950), Super Mario voice actor Charles Martinet (1955), and actress Danielle Brooks (1990).
On this day in history…
In 1630, the city of Boston was founded in what was then the Massachusetts Bay colony.
In 1787, the Constitution was signed at the end of a nearly four month long Constitutional Convention.
In 1862, the Union Army of the Potomac and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia clashed in the Battle of Antietam, with the Union driving off the invading army. The battle saw over 22,000 casualties, of which more than 3,500 were killed. This remains the single bloodiest day in the history of the United States military.
In 1908, nearly five years after its first flight, the Wright Flyer, being flown by Orville Wright, crashed. A passenger, Lt. Thomas Selfridge, was killed during the crash, making him the first ever fatality from an airplane.
In 1944, the Allied powers launched Operation Market Garden, a combined air-and-land invasion of the Netherlands meant to secure an invasion route into Germany. The 60-mile advance liberated much of the Netherlands from Nazi occupation; however, the main objective of securing a bridge over the Rhine was not accomplished with great losses suffered by the British paratroopers who were tasked with capturing and holding the bridge as relief never arrived.
In 1983, Vanessa Williams was named Miss America, the first Black winner of the pageant.
**
And that’s the way it is in Birdland on September 17. Have a safe Thursday.
Half the Wizards roster will be under 23. That’s why they might be really good. | Getty Images
The Wizards will be better in 2026-27 than they’ve been the previous three seasons. Low bar, I know. But at least they were trying to be bad unlike a previous season almost 20 years ago where the basketball operations group were tasked by ownership with competing for a championship and assembled a roster that was so bad the only sane move was to trade away all the veterans. They finished the season 19-63.
That’s the reason I’m a Bullets fan…
sigh
The official over/under betting line is 33.5 wins, which seems perfectly calibrated for wagering because who the heck really knows what this team will do. Under is plausible — a couple injuries to key guys (hi there Anthony Davis and Trae Young) a few youngsters who don’t progress as hoped, and voila we’re watching 28 minutes a night of Anthony Gill for the final 17 games of the season.
Could Alex Sarr make the leap to All-Star status in his third season? His second season suggests it’s a distinct possibility.<br> | Getty Images
The over is also seriously plausible because the team is so young. My research into “typical” NBA career patterns (which is similar to research by others) shows that players make their biggest improvements at ages 20-24 — biggest jumps coming at ages 21, 22, and 23 (in order).
Here are Wizards players in that age group expected to be on the roster this season:
AJ Dybantsa | 20
Will Riley | 20
Tre Johnson | 20
Alex Sarr | 21
Bub Carrington | 21
Bilal Coulilbaly | 22
Tristan Vukcevic | 23
Kyshawn George | 23
That’s half the roster. Some are more likely to leap than others, and some won’t. One or two might jump big. One or two might regress hard. I put “typical” in quotes above because career trajectories are averages based on a large sample of players. When it comes to individuals, there’s variation — lots of it. So these average effects are best guesses based on historical patterns. Players can (and will) defy the averages for the good and bad.
For example, a couple seasons ago, Sarr posted a 77 PPA as a 19-year-old rookie. (For the uninitiated, PPA is my all-around production metric, which accounts for things like pace, role, and defense. In PPA, 100 is average, higher is better, and replacement level is 45.) The forecast using my career trajectory calculator guesstimated his year two PPA at 85 — a modest improvement.
Sarr’s PPA last season: 132. A big jump a year or two ahead of “schedule.” That jump bumped his guesstimated peak from multi-time All-Star and borderline All-NBA type to someone who could be a genuine MVP candidate for a few seasons. Heady stuff.
If he makes the “regularly scheduled” age 20 to age 21 improvement, he’ll be an All-Star knocking on All-NBA status this season. If he jumps like that, going over 33.5 wins would be child’s play.
Coulibaly is an interesting case. He posted a near-replacement level 49 PPA as a 19-year-old rookie. The career trajectory calculator suggested he’d improve modestly the following season (54 PPA) — with gains continuing to an average season at age 22 (this season) and a career peak as a solid NBA starter.
Except, Coulibaly’s production climbed to a 75 PPA in year two, which boosted his “forecast” to a likely All-Star and maybe All-NBA type in his peak years. Last season, his PPA was 101 and The Calculator’s updated guesstimate keeps the All-Star and drops the All-NBA from his future.
George entered the NBA a couple years older — he was 21 as a rookie, posting a 53 PPA. With the biggest jump year already in the rearview mirror, The Calculator suggested he’d spend his career as a useful but a bit below average reserve. He improved more than is “typical” — leaping to an 87 PPA, which boosts the guesstimated forecast to that of a solid starter at his best. He could be average next season.
With Tre Johnson, I’ve written in the past about worries I have about deficiencies in his game. Guess what: that’s all normal for a teenager in the NBA. He posted a 61 PPA as a 19-year-old rookie, which suggests someone who could peak at a borderline All-Star level. If he’s “typical,” next season will see modest improvement (think a PPA in the high 60s or 70s), he’ll reach average the season after, and then…who knows.
A guesstimate like that suggests he won’t drive much winning next season. But a bigger leap (similar to those for Sarr and Coulibaly) is possible.
Johnson’s year two could be more like Carrington’s who posted a respectable 59 PPA at age 19 and then improved less than is “typical” — reaching a 61 PPA last season. A more “typical” progression from this point would still suggest Carrington as an above-average starter in the best years of his career.
This is the same basic trajectory guesstimated for Riley, who produced a 57 PPA as a 19-year-old rookie. If he follows the average improvement track, he’ll be in a mid-60s PPA range next season and progress to a solid starter in a few years.
The last three — Johnson, Carrington and Riley probably won’t drive winning next season, though they could be low-end contributors. Investing in them might pay off in a few years…right around the time Young is entering the age-related decline portion of his career.
So far, there’s one major youngster I haven’t talked about: AJ Dybantsa. It’s difficult to predict how good anyone so young will be as a rookie, though Dybantsa was a special prospect — a deserving number one overall pick.
My best guess is he won’t be terrible (like say Devin Booker, who put up a 45 PPA at age 19) and maybe won’t be great (like his teammate, Davis, who posted a 178 PPA at 19). But it’s reasonable to think he could be around average by the end of the year. And it’s not unreasonable to think he could be better than average — perhaps rating around 120 or higher, which is right around where LeBron James was as a rookie.
What the Wizards can reasonably expect next season would be All-Star level play from Davis, above-average starter production from Young, strong backup big man play from DeAndre Ayton, and then…wildcard stuff from the kids.
Sarr will probably be good and perhaps entering the All-Star conversation. Coulibaly could be an above-average starter. Mix in average-to-average plus production from Dybantsa and George, and some decent contributor minutes from some mix of Carrington, Johnson, Riley, and veteran Khris Middleton, and it’s not unrealistic to think the Wizards could be a better than .500 team, even in a competitive East.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: An overall view of the arena Jumbotron before the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Per a Spurs press release:
“Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) today announced that Dr. Charles Harris Jr. has joined the organization as vice president of technology. In this role, Harris will lead SS&E’s enterprise technology strategy and operations across its teams, venues and business functions, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, venue technology, ticketing systems and fan-facing digital experiences. He will also provide strategic oversight for the technology components of SS&E’s new downtown arena project.”
The mission in hiring Harris is specifically to help modernize Spurs Sports & Entertainment’s technology ecosystem and support the systems that power games, concerts and other live events across the organization’s franchises and facilities.
RC Buford stated,
“Charles has spent his career overseeing the technology and systems that help organizations operate, grow and adapt, and we’re excited to welcome him to SS&E. His expertise will help us continue creating seamless and engaging experiences for fans across our teams and venues.”
Harris joins the Spurs family after serving as vice president of technology for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He holds a Ph.D. in Modeling and Simulation from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science in Technology from Purdue University.
Harris commented,
“The best technology creates possibilities for people. That’s why I am excited to join SS&E and become part of the San Antonio community. I look forward to shaping what comes next together, using technology and innovation to create meaningful experiences for our fans and community.”
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The offseason is about stories. There is no NBA basketball to analyze, so all the enjoyment of the sport comes from conversing about hypotheticals. Football is back, which means Cowboys-fueled disappointment has activated my basketball brain. It is time to turn away from an embarrassing Cowboys loss on Sunday Night Football and turn towards a compelling Mavericks season ahead. Here are five storylines to follow this season in Dallas:
Cooper Flagg’s sophomore leap
Arguably the most important offseason for any young superstar is the one between his rookie and second year. LeBron James was a prodigy, but he became LeBron James in year two. His scoring jumped from 20.7 points per game to 27.2 and didn’t dip below 24 until last year, his 23rd season. It was a similar story for our own Luka Doncic, who was exciting and fun in his first go-around, but became Luka Doncic with a similar scoring jump in year two and never looked back.
This is what Cooper Flagg will aim to do. There is a lot of leeway for rookies because of their inherent team situations and the learning curve the NBA demands, but year two is much less forgiving. For a lot of the game’s best, what we think of them today is what we thought of them in their second season, with fine tweaks around the edges. Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last year. He was the Rookie of the Year. There is pressure on him to build on that. It will be both exciting and nerve-wracking to watch as he attempts to become the next guy to establish himself as one of the game’s best.
Kyrie Irving, Maverick for life?
When Kyrie Irving was traded to Dallas in 2023, I do not think any of us expected him to both stick around this long and be as universally loved by the fanbase. He was a character shrouded in uncertainty and had a closet full of skeletons when the Mavericks got him. In fact, that’s partially why the Mavericks were able to get him for the price they did. Now, three-and-a-half years later, Irving is a beloved member of the team and one who has stated he loves being here. He made sense on the team he was traded to, but now that the circumstances have changed, his future here is unclear.
The NBA 2K answer would be to trade him for picks or young players to help with the rebuild. But NBA 2K does not factor in human emotion and real-life variables. Maybe Irving wants to compete for a championship somewhere else, but maybe he just wants to play out his career here. Maybe he gets the option to choose, but it’s possible the decision will be made for him under this new regime. As February approaches, I am sure we will have a clearer picture of where Irving will be in March. Wherever that is, Irving has made his mark on Mavericks history.
Masai Ujiri must reconcile this roster
Speaking of the new regime, the sunshine and rainbows that came with simply not having Nico Harrison in charge are starting to fade. We have a month or so until the Mavericks actually play basketball, and the team has four guards signed to standard contracts. One is Irving, coming off of an ACL injury; one is Max Christie, who barely counts as a guard; and the other two are rookie Sergio de Larrea and newly acquired Marcus Sasser. Telling Irving to carry the load as point guard after he just missed 19 months would be irresponsible, which would leave Sasser and de Larrea to handle it, who have a combined 17 games started in their careers.
I am sure the Mavericks will likely go with a “point guard by committee” approach instead, with Flagg taking some of the duties and letting some other big guys dribble it up as well. But having 11 forwards/centers to just four guards on the team to start the year is already putting their competitive viability behind the eight ball. All summer there has been an assurance of “don’t worry, the offseason isn’t over; there are surely more moves coming”. Well, no moves have come yet. Ujiri, you’re up. Time to show us you’re not just Nico Harrison with better PR.
The Mavericks may be competitive this season
I know I just got done grilling Dallas for their lack of a sensible roster, but it may not really matter in a lot of regular-season games. They have a ton of talent, and while it may not fit together super well, a lot of nights their talent will just beat the other team who isn’t trying that hard. If Flagg makes a leap and Irving looks good, the Mavericks may be a solid team. They aren’t winning a playoff series or anything like that, to be clear. But I do not think a play-in berth is out of the question, despite their low win total of just 33.5 on FanDuel. Don’t be surprised if Dallas challenges a .500 record.
Dereck Lively has to be healthy
It is time we talk candidly about Lively’s health. Of the 246 possible games he could have played in his career, he has dressed for just 98. That is less than 40 percent. He played just seven last season and 36 the year before. When he has played, he has shown signs of being really good. He was invaluable, as a rookie no less, to an NBA Finals team. But the injury history cannot be ignored. Lively is a seven-footer with multiple leg and foot problems, the most recent of which has sidelined him since November 21st of last year. And no one has ever said that your legs get healthier as you get older. Dallas picked up his team option for this season but has not extended him. If he cannot prove that he can stay on the court at just 22 years old, the Mavericks will have to get real about whether or not Lively should be in their plans going forward.
The Montreal Canadiens' training camp opened on Wednesday, but there were no on-ice sessions scheduled, unlike previous years, and thanks to the new CBA, players didn’t have to face grueling physical tests. On Wednesday, all they had to do was undergo medical tests. While they were doing that, coach Martin St-Louis was back in the conference room fielding questions from the media.
The bench boss made it clear he’s happy the camp is streamlined and won’t last as long as it did before; St-Louis wants to hit the ground running. From the start, we’ll see the 57 players invited to camp split into three teams: A, B, and C.
On Thursday, Team A will hit the ice first at 10:30 AM and will feature the players who will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on Saturday night. Team B, who’ll practice at 11:50 AM, will feature the players who will take on the Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening. As for Team C, it will take to the ice at 1:00 PM,
While the coach was very forthcoming last season in telling the media that Kirby Dach would be starting camp as the second-line center, he made no such declaration this time around. St-Louis played it safe, saying his team has some good depth and some options. He didn’t go as far as naming those options, but one can imagine they include Oliver Kapanen, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook. Despite how last season's playoffs ended, it would be surprising if they considered Jake Evans. What is the pilot looking for in a second-line center? That he was willing to share:
You have to be pretty good on draws. Guys who play center usually need a good computer and to complement other players; there’s not just one thing. Suzuki is our first center; there’s no debate on that, but looking at the other spots in the lineup, I don’t see it as: this is the first line, this is the second line, this is the third line. I don’t see it that way. I think we have a lot of depth, and of course some lines have more opportunities to provide offence, while others are relied on more to contribute defensively, but that doesn’t mean they don’t play offensively and our top guys don’t play defensively. So, you ask me what I want from a center who perhaps plays with more offensive players: I want him to have a balanced game, to be able to do pretty much everything on the ice.
- St-Louis on what he needs from a second-line center
Given how short the camp is, the first player that the Habs try in that position may very well be the one St-Louis sees as the frontrunner right now. We’ll see when the three groups hit the ice on Thursday.
Unsurprisingly, St-Louis was also asked about the possibility of playing Arber Xhekaj as a forward, and you could tell that’s not his first choice. He said he wouldn't be afraid to do it, especially if Xhekaj wasn’t going to play as a defenseman on a given night and the Habs had injuries up front, but he added that he’s first and foremost a defenseman and could still improve in that role.
As things stand, the Habs are set to practice at the CN Sports complex in Brossard on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Monday, Team A will be practising in Trois-Rivières, while Teams B and C will be in Brossard. The players will have a day off on Tuesday, then return to practice in Brossard on Wednesday the 23rd, Thursday the 24th, Friday the 25th, and Saturday the 26th.
