Jorge Polanco was in the starting lineup for the Syracuse Mets on Thursday night as he continues his rehab and went yard for the first time.
With the Mets down 1-0 in the first, Polanco launched a 91 mph fastball from Devin Sweet of the Worcester Red Sox, up in the zone over the right-center field wall. The homer went 342 feet and had an exit velocity of 103 mph as Polanco tied the game.
The Mets' 1B/DH went 1-for-2 with a walk on Thursday. The towering blast was his first hit since he started his rehab with Syracuse back on June 2 (six games).
Before he landed on the IL, Polanco played 14 games with the Mets, going 10-for-56 (.179) with a home run and two RBI. However, his first season in Flushing has been marred by injuries. He was first set back by an Achilles strain, which took away his ability to play first base, and the veteran had to play through the pain. But once he suffered a right wrist strain, Polanco was sent to the IL.
Last week, Polanco said he was feeling "stronger" as he continued his rehab and is able to tolerate the pain he continues to feel in his Achilles.
On the mound for Syracuse on Thursday was Jonah Tong.
The young right-hander wasn't his sharpest as Worcester put up a run in each of the first three innings. The last two runs came off solo shots.
Overall, Tong pitched five innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters. This season has been a struggle for Tong. Although Thursday's performance lowered his ERA to 5.90, he's still having trouble putting up zeroes. Thursday marked the fourth time in Tong's last five games that he allowed at least three runs.
Elsewhere on the diamond
-Luis Robert Jr. continued his rehab, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts while playing center field for all nine innings. Thursday was Robert's second rehab start and is now a combined 1-for-6 with a walk and a double.
-MJ Melendez, who was optioned when Tyrone Taylor returned from the IL, went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and two strikeouts.
-Ryan Clifford, who will represent the Mets in the All-Star Futures Game in Philadelphia, went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. He's now hitting .190 with 14 home runs this season.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 1: Samad Taylor #0 of the San Diego Padres celebrates hitting a triple during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 1, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
San Diego Padres (43-42) at Los Angeles Dodgers (56-31), July 2, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 30: Julio Rodríguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners runs toward home plate to score during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on June 30, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mariners go for a sweep against the Angels to kickoff a holiday weekend at home.
It’s been exactly one month since the Mariners won three straight games. They beat the Mets 8-3 on June 2 in what would be the final win of an eight-game streak. Since then, the Mariners have gone 11-14, never winning or losing more than two in a row. With commanding wins Monday and Tuesday — before a rare, mid-series off day Wednesday due to the World Cup in Seattle — the Mariners now have a chance to make it three straight with a sweep of the Angels.
On the mound Thursday will be Bryce Miller. Now free of the piggyback, he struck out 11 over 5 2/3 in his last outing, although a pair of homers (and lack of run support) sunk his day. Miller has a 3.07 FIP and 30.1% K-BB rate, which is second best in the majors to Jacob Misiorowski.
The Mariners will face Walbert Ureña for the first time in his rookie season. Just 22, Ureña has slick stuff, with a fantastic sinker-slider combination that helps him stay on the ground. He does struggle with walks and has difficulty going deep into games, so ideally the Mariners lineup will exhibit some patience. This could be a tough one otherwise.
That said, the Mariners will send their best possible lineup at the moment. Both Luke Raley and Dominic Canzone are playing tonight, with Raley in right field and Canzone at DH. The only batter they’re missing at this point is Brendan Donovan, who’s working his way back from the injured list.
News
Brendan Donovan was out Thursday afternoon doing base running drills. He’s expected to begin a rehab assignment next week when the Mariners go on their final road trip before the All-Star Break.
Luke Raley is in the lineup Thursday. He’ll be wearing a special compression sleeve on his sore elbow.
The Mariners announced the next piggyback will be Saturday, featuring Logan Gilbert and Emerson Hancock.
Had a team ever needed an off day more than the Yankees?
If nothing else, just to ensure that they could not inflict more damage on themselves while trying yet again to end a losing streak that now stands at seven games?
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Sometimes when a team is in the depths of despair, it wants to get back on the field as soon as possible to try to climb out of it. The Yankees keep attempting that and it has only gotten worse, so Thursday they had what Aaron Boone described as “a day to refresh the body and mind.”
There may be no better slump buster than the Twins arriving in town Friday, though if the Yankees losing streak somehow reaches eight against their perennial punching bags, the panic may reach an all-time high.
“Ten more [games] before the [All-Star] break,” Cody Bellinger said. “Hopefully we get rolling.”
Before then, here are the five biggest areas of concern from an absolutely brutal week in Yankee land:
Lineup lacks punch
There is plenty of blame to go around for the terrible week, but first and foremost, the Aaron Judge-less offense has been the most responsible. During the seven-game skid, they have combined to hit just .137 (31-for-226) with a paltry .191 on-base percentage and .230 slugging percentage.
Their .421 OPS is the worst in any single seven-game stretch in franchise history.
Yes, losing Judge to the injured list hurts, but this is more than that — this is almost every hitter on the roster slumping at the same time.
“I feel like right now, collectively guys are just trying to do too much, trying to be the one guy that will hit the grand slam with nobody on,” Judge said. “It’s like, ‘Hey, just take your approach, take your at-bat.’ ”
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) reacts after being caught stealing during the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Yankees have been even worse against starting pitchers in particular. They have faced some tough arms, but those starters have combined to give up just five runs (four earned) and 22 base runners (14 hits, seven walks, one hit batter) with 54 strikeouts in 46 innings. The Yankees have hit a putrid .093 with a .311 OPS against them.
Stars shooting blanks
Ben Rice and Cody Bellinger will likely be named All-Stars with Judge on Saturday, but they certainly haven’t played like it over the past week. With Judge on the IL for the foreseeable future, the Yankees need Rice and Bellinger to hit like they are capable of — which they did earlier in June when Judge first went down, only to go ice-cold at the same time.
Rice is 2-for-25 during the losing streak while Bellinger is 1-for-23 with two walks.
Yankees first baseman Ben Rice reacts after he strikes out looking. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“Missing my pitches and then swinging at some pitcher’s pitches,” Bellinger said. “I got to be better. I just got to continue working and continue to trust myself and trust my plan.”
Poor defense
Among the more stupefying stats of the skid: The Yankees have scored as many runs as they have given up unearned runs: 17.
Officially, they have committed 10 errors — two by Austin Wells (catcher interference each time), two by José Caballero (one at second base, one at third) and one each by Bellinger, Amed Rosario, Oswaldo Cabrera, Ali Sánchez, Yerry De los Santos and Cam Schlittler — along with a handful of additional defensive miscues, all for a unit that had taken decent care of the ball before this stretch.
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Part of the problem is the absence of Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon — both are expected to be activated off the IL on Friday — which has forced some guys to play at positions they are less comfortable with.
“We haven’t done a good job of that this week,” Boone said. “Even with some of the guys out, we should still be better at that.”
Cracks in the rotation?
The last time the Yankees finished an inning with a lead came in the fourth inning last Thursday in Boston. Since then, along with not scoring enough, they have been falling behind early and having to play uphill.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) takes out New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) against the Tigers. Robert Sabo for NY Post
This does not yet rise to the level of concern as the rest of this list, but the rotation has had some clunkers over the past week, including Schlittler, who may start the All-Star Game for the AL. The stud right-hander needs to make sure it was just a blip and not a sign of anything else to come as his innings mount. Same goes for Gerrit Cole, who enters Friday’s start having pitched to a 6.12 ERA in June.
Rays rising back up
The seven-game losing streak has coincided with a seven-game Rays winning streak that they brought into Thursday night, turning a three-game Yankees lead into a 3.5-game deficit atop the AL East.
The teams have a four-game showdown next week at Tropicana Field, where the Yankees will need to play better to make up some ground.
The backdrop throughout the morning before Tanner Glass’ first news conference as director of player development was fitting. A final day of the Rangers development camp had recently wrapped. Their prospects — from the top ones who will push for NHL spots this season to others who may be a couple of years away — had just filtered off the ice. Head coach Mike Sullivan had been in attendance for the Thursday session at the Tarrytown practice facility, too.
Glass, a Ranger from 2014-17 who skated in 527 NHL games, has been tasked with shaping the potential of those prospects and feeding them to Sullivan, ensuring that they turn into sustainable pieces at the next level, and preventing them from becoming the next flameouts and what-ifs.
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The stakes are high as the Rangers retool, with an influx of prospects in exchange for veterans dealt away, but Glass isn’t fazed.
“I don’t think pressure’s the right word,” said Glass, who had been an assistant director for the last seven years. “At least, that’s not how I look at it. It’s exciting for us. When we get guys that are talented, it’s exciting.”
When Jed Ortmeyer left his director of player development role, president and general manager Chris Drury opted for an in-house promotion. Glass suddenly became a critical piece of their quest to become a contender again. He inherited the Rangers’ recent Achilles heel, with a need for at least some of these prospects to fit into their long-term plan.
Left wing Tanner Glass was a Rangers player from 2014-17. Anthony J. Causi
The Rangers’ spotty development history looms as Glass’ tenure begins. Brennan Othmann was dumped to the Flames in March.
Brett Berard was flipped for defensive prospect William Trudeau.
Kaapo Kakko and Vitali Kravtsov both underwhelmed before getting traded in past seasons. Alexis Lafrenière hasn’t yet turned glimpses of high-end potential into consistency.
The Blueshirts have encountered success stories with Gabe Perreault and Noah Laba, but for the most part, they’ve stumbled.
Near the end of his playing career, when Glass ended up in the AHL, he thought he made an impact on the younger players. It became something he wanted to do after his playing days ended and prompted his shift toward player development. Initially, that was in an assistant director role with the Rangers before stepping into the main role in May.
Drew Fortescue (45) and Alberts Smits (63) look on during the Rangers’ 2026 Development Camp on June 29, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, N.Y. Robert Sabo for NY Post
So there Glass was Thursday, fielding questions about the collection of defensive talent on display at the prospect camp. There he was, getting asked about top forward prospect Cole Beaudoin — just acquired Wednesday in the Vincent Trocheck deal — and how it sounds like the Rangers “are getting a great player.” There he was, raving about No. 5 overall pick in last month’s draft Alberts Smits’ details that are “probably beyond his years.”
There’s Liam Greentree, the centerpiece of the return package in the Artemi Panarin trade back in February. There’s Jacob Battaglia, the prospect who arrived in March. There are defensemen E.J. Emery, Drew Fortescue and Smits, too. These are the names with whom Glass and his staff will become synonymous, the ones who could alter the Rangers’ development trajectory.
Liam Greentree (85) works out during the Rangers’ development Camp on June 29, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Ask Glass about something connected to prospects reaching the NHL or draft decisions, though, and he’ll deflect.
That’s not his job, he said as part of his answer on multiple occasions. He’s responsible for getting the most out of every prospect. Across the four-day development camp this week, that meant a focus on skills and operating in contested situations.
“The game’s getting faster all the time,” Glass said, “so there’s not a lot of space out there, so we’re trying to help the guys navigate those tight spaces and create chances and make plays in traffic. So that’s kind of the, I think from a skill perspective, something we tried to instill this week.”
This was the foundation: layers of individual attention and position-specific work, with the dividends following in future seasons when those prospects — after development camps and junior seasons and the first tastes of professional life — step into significant NHL roles.
That’s what the Rangers have been missing. And that’s what Glass will need to fix.
“It’s a great honor to be doing this,” Glass said, “and I feel very fortunate and excited about going forward.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have not had an ideal offseason thus far — at least publicly. To summarize, the Cavaliers have lost both Keon Ellis and Dean Wade. While Ellis was expected to depart, Wade was someone who, as July 1 approached, seemed more and more likely to be out of Cleveland’s price range. With both of those “wings” off Cleveland’s roster, there is a king-sized hole in their wake.
For now, it appears that Koby Altman is getting creative to find ways to add wings with upside to the roster. As first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Cleveland has interest in bringing in free agent Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, who Kuminga last played for.
In order for this potential acquisition to take place, the Cavs would need to be under the first apron for a sign-and-trade to be legal. And while they are under the first apron right now, they still haven’t signed James Harden yet.
The Cavaliers find themselves $27.7 million under the first apron. However, Harden is expected to take much of that salary, therefore the Cavs would need to move the likes of Denis Schroeder and or Max Strus to make this work, as they would need to be under the first apron after the sign-and-trade is executed.
Kuminga is an interesting dart throw for a team like Cleveland. Presumably, Kenny Atkinson’s stint with Golden State is driving this reunion, so maybe there is more ceiling than floor potential.
An athletic wing is clearly a need on this Cleveland roster, where there is a dearth of options between 6’5” and 6’8”. Kuminga is an athletic slasher who hasn’t really hit his stride as a former lottery pick in 2021.
It feels like Cleveland should view Kuminga as their LeBron James backup option if the King decides to go elsewhere. I don’t think Kuminga really changes anyone’s expectations on the Cavaliers and might not replace the value that Dean Wade brought to the wing.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on .463/.333/.724 shooting splits.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 12: John Collins #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers brings the ball up court during the second half of an NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome on April 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. 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 Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Now that the door has closed on a Tobias Harris return as he has chosen to move on to San Antonio, John Collins appears to be the new starting PF in Detroit. Collins signed a 3-yr/$51 million deal and brings a different skillset than Tobias. However, John’s skillset is a much better fit around Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and (hopefully) Jalen Duren.
Shooting
Collins’ three-point percentage has increased the past three seasons, starting at 37.1% in 2023-2024 and eclipsing 40% this past year. Last season he averaged 13.6 PTS, 5.3 REB, and 1.0 AST and he’s a career 37% three-point shooter.
Collins does majority of his three-point shooting from the corners where last season he shot 45% from the left corner and 41% from the right corner. Tobias shot 43% and 35%, respectively. Playing off of Cade Cunningham, John will have plenty of open looks to knock down.
Harris’ offensive game is different due to his post creation and ability to get his own shot. That’s not Collins’ game, but Collins doesn’t focus on the midrange. I’m in favor of losing Harris’ midrange shots for more opportunities at the rim or behind the arc.
Harris FGA
Harris FG%
Collins FGA
Collins FG%
At the rim
144
59.0%
240
75.4%
Midrange
292
48.6%
196
46.4%
Three
224
36.6%
218
40.8%
While Harris took ~100 more midrange attempts, Collins took ~100 more rim attempts. I’d like to see Collins three-point attempts rise as he has never shot more than four per game, but given his efficiency from beyond the arc, it’s time to increase the volume as this team will benefit from it.
Finishing
Using the table above, Collins is an elite finisher. Harris’ inability to get to the rim with his athletic ability was the reason 44.3% of his attempts were midrange shots. Majority of Collins attempts come at the rim and he finished 8.4% higher than the NBA average of 67.0%. Not only is John a step above Tobias around the basket, but a step above most of the league.
This is the first time in a while that the Pistons have a real stretch four that can also play some small-ball five. I’m very intrigued with the idea of a lineup where Ausar can play next to a big man that can pull the defending center away from the paint. If you need Collins to be a five in short spurts, he can do it.
This is in no way an article shaming Tobias, but highlighting how I believe John Collins is a better fit for this current roster. In fact, go check out Sean Corp’s farewell to Tobias for some great thoughts on Tobi’s second visit in Detroit.
This roster plays fast and they should. Trajan Langdon has given Cade Cunningham a third lob threat in the starting lineup, so good luck stopping this team in transition. They’re all great rim finishers and elite athletes who best play with pace and space. Collins is best used in an offense that focuses on getting inside or finding an open three and he excels at both. I’m hoping he can maintain his efficiency while increasing his three-point volume, but I have no doubt he’ll surpass Harris’ 13.5 PPG over the last two seasons.
I’m still waiting on that big offseason domino to fall, Trajan. (please get TMIII)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In all likelihood, the LeBron James Decision 4.0 will drag on for a while. That’s great for me, as someone who benefits from a lengthy news cycle with one of the most popular players in NBA history. It’s a little less fun for impatient fans who want to know whether the league’s all-time leading scorer will be joining the Golden State Warriors.
I don’t know, and you don’t know, and LeBron himself doesn’t know. And that means one thing: the Warriors don’t know. According to a recent report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Dubs have reason to believe that they are one of the teams that James has a strong interest in joining … just not the team at the top of the list.
“The Warriors, meanwhile, have been given indications from James that they remain on his short list,” Slater wrote, “but team sources have expressed a recent belief that they aren’t necessarily at the top of that short list, as James continues to survey the landscape.”
It’s unclear who is at the top of James’ list of potential teams, but we know that the Philadelphia 76ers, after making a shocking trade for Jaylen Brown, have strong interest in bringing James on board. Not surprisingly, he has also been linked to reunions with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, while other top teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets have made pushes for his services as well.
With the Dubs on the short list, there’s only one thing to do: send in Steph Curry and Draymond Green for a recruitment meeting. Maybe in the Hamptons?
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange #84, pitching in the 2nd inning.
The Yankees’ hopes of calling up Carlos Lagrange as a bullpen weapon in the second half have hit a potential snag.
The top prospect landed on the seven-day injured list Thursday at Triple-A with a shoulder injury, a source told The Post. Lagrange is scheduled for an MRI to determine what he is dealing with and how long he may be out.
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The flame-throwing right-hander was in the midst of a transition from starter to reliever, which the Yankees put into motion at the beginning of June to see if he could impact the big league bullpen later in the season.
Lagrange last pitched Sunday, throwing on two days’ rest, when he gave up five runs on four hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. He threw 20 pitches in the outing and averaged 98.8 mph on his fastball, topping out at 100.9 mph.
It was his seventh relief appearance and second time throwing on two days’ rest, as the Yankees had carefully scaled down his workload over the course of the month.
The 23-year-old had made a strong impression on teammates and coaches this spring in his first big league camp, consistently hitting triple digits with his fastball.
Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange pitching during spring training. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
They are not saviors, but Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon’s expected return to the Yankees on Friday should at least offer some version of a life raft for a team that has spent the past week sinking.
Grisham and McMahon are set to be activated off the injured list ahead of a series against the Twins at Yankee Stadium, getting back two players that should help steady things at least defensively.
“Hopefully they’re a part of the equation [of getting back on track], absolutely,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Add some length to things. I think when you get guys back in the mix, then all of a sudden guys start slotting in a little bit more where they should be and you get more threats at different spots. So hopefully that’s something that’ll be a good thing for us.”
Grisham played in a rehab game Wednesday night, while McMahon, after dealing with food poisoning Wednesday, did not play in one Thursday, as the club had initially planned.
Grisham, who landed on the IL on June 13 with a right hamstring strain, should solidify center field again, allowing Cody Bellinger to remain in left field where he is best defensively and José Caballero to get the bulk of his playing time in the infield.
Before getting hurt, Grisham was one of the Yankees’ hottest hitters, batting .290 with an .847 OPS over his last 36 games. He should reclaim his leadoff spot against right-handed starters, with a ripple effect down the lineup.
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McMahon, meanwhile, will shore up third base after he missed the last 10 days on the IL recovering from a peritonsillar abscess — with the Yankees cycling through Caballero, Amed Rosario and Oswaldo Cabrera there in his absence. Despite some rough stretches offensively, the lefty hitter had been respectable of late, batting .258 with a .790 OPS over his last 24 games.
Cabrera, who was called up from Triple-A when McMahon landed on the IL, is likely to head back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while the Yankees will have to open another roster spot for Grisham. It’s possible that could be Spencer Jones, since his playing time would likely be limited with Grisham back, though he has been one of the few Yankees who have actually been hitting of late.
The Yankees entered Wednesday with two sacrifice bunts on the season, then doubled their total with sacrifice bunts from Cabrera and Caballero. Both got runners to third (in the eighth and 10th innings, respectively) with one out, but the Yankees could not ultimately score them either time.
Punishments are coming for Willson Contreras and Cade Cavalli.
Both the Red Sox slugger and Nationals pitcher will face seven-game suspensions for their actions during the benches-clearing incident during Washington’s 10-2 win over Boston earlier this week, the MLB announced Thursday.
Additionally, both players will receive an undisclosed fine as part of their discipline.
Boston Red Sox’s Willson Contreras (40) is held back as tempers flare during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
In the bottom of the fourth inning during Tuesday’s game, Cavalli struck out Contreras on a 3-2 sweeper for what looked to be a routine strikeout.
But it escalated into much more as Cavalli shouted, “Sit down, boy!” to the Red Sox first baseman, prompting Contreras to retaliate and say, “Are you talking to me?”
Contreras eventually moved toward Cavalli, leading to both benches exiting the dugout.
Contreras tried to throw his helmet at Cavalli in the mix of players pushing and shoving each other around. Numerous teammates pulled Contreras back before the fight eventually settled down.
Washington Nationals’ Cade Cavalli, front right, is held back as tempers flare during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
While Cavalli wasn’t ejected, Contreras, along with Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton, Washington right-hander Miles Mikolas and Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, were tossed.
Mikolas was suspended five games and Eaton was suspended for three.
On Wednesday, Cavalli apologized for using the word “boy,” which has a racially charged history in the United States.
“I’m extremely torn up about the way that things were perceived,” Cavalli told reporters Wednesday. “Obviously, there was no ill intention behind that. My teammates know me, my family knows me, this organization knows me. I couldn’t sleep because of it.”
Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox is held back after an altercation against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Fenway Park on June 30, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. Getty Images
Contreras also chimed in on the incident.
“He struck me out on a good pitch, I was walking back to the dugout, and then he did what he did,” Contreras told reporters after the game. “He was like, instigating and I snapped.”
After being thrown Monday and Tuesday, Contreras became the first Red Sox player in history to be ejected in two straight games, according to The Associated Press.
Yankees prospect Carlos Lagrange was placed on the seven-day IL by Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday night.
While the cause of the injury was not released, a source told The Athletic's Chris Kirschner that Lagrange is dealing with a shoulder injury and an MRI has been scheduled.
Lagrange, 23, was in the midst of a potential roster-breaking season. After being the talk of spring training, the flamethrower has impressed in Triple-A. While his ERA (4.55) is a tad high, the strikeouts are eye-opening. He's punched out 83 batters in just 63.1 innings pitched this season after striking out 168 batters between Double-A and Triple-A a year ago.
The Yankees' plan for Lagrange is to convert him into a reliever to bolster a bullpen that needs it as the calendar inches closer to the postseason.
After making 11 starts to begin the minor league season, Lagrange made seven relief appearances. His last appearance -- June 28 -- saw Lagrange allow five runs on four hits and two walks across 0.2 innings.
Lagrange was recently announced to participate in this year's Futures Game in Philadelphia over the All-Star break to play alongside Scranton teammate George Lombard Jr.
Jun 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) celebrates his solo home run against the New York Yankees with on deck hitter Colt Keith (33) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (38-49) vs. Texas Rangers (44-43)
Time/Place: 8:05 p.m., Globe Life Field SB Nation Site:Lone Star Ball Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Framber Valdez (4-5, 4.05 ERA) vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (8-7, 3.95 ERA)
In June, Gabriel Moreno had outstanding batting. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brewers care about when to challenge ball/strike calls.
In spring training, they tested a system that involved green index cards that were posted in the dugout in the best situations to challenge. Apparently, MLB told them to stop posting cards.
An unique suspension.
Brewers relief pitcher Abner Uribe was suspended for one game (served on 24 June) for making a WWE gesture called a crotch chop after striking out a batter. Perhaps, he was (and always will be) the only player in the Majors to make that gesture. Will that gesture get him mentioned at the baseball Hall of Fame?
Home runs are close to the same.
This season, the Brewers and the Diamondbacks ranked in the bottom four teams for home runs (70 and 71 homers in games through 24 June).
This balance in homers contrasted sharply with total runs. The Brewers ranked in the top three teams in total runs (407), while the Diamondbacks are average. In past seasons, the Diamondbacks have ranked high in total runs scored. Perhaps they will break-out in this series. Instead of homers, small-ball will likely decide the winner of the series. The Diamondbacks will be challenged, but could play better than expected.
The Brewers are less fearsome, but the series will be challenging for Diamondbacks.
“To close things out with my three-axis framework, I think that the Brewers sacrificed some Championship Probability Distribution in 2026 in an attempt to push it higher in future years. Their full organization looks better than it did to me last year, even if the major league team isn’t quite as fearsome. I also like how they left spots for breakouts in the infield, outfield, and on the mound because of the way they moved on from good-but-not great players.” — Ben Clemens, March 2026
On the other hand, the context makes a big difference. Despite the Brewers being less fearsome, this series will be a challenge for the Diamondbacks. Two aspects of the context follow.
Last season, the Brewers made it to the NL Championship series, and lost to the Dodgers.
This season, the Brewers lead the NL Central Division, with 95.3% odds of making the playoffs.
Let’s compare the teams.
Offense. This season through 30 June, the Brewers averaged more runs scored per game (5.18 vs 4.27 runs per game).
Runners Left On Base. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks left fewer runners on base per game (6.61 vs 7.45).
Defense. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks had much better defense (28 vs 2 OAA, 28 vs 19 DRS)
Bullpens. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks and Brewers each had 74 shutdown performances by the bullpen.
Starting Pitcher Matchups. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks had the most quality starts (33 vs 27).
Brewers Players to Watch.
From 1-24 June, the league average OPS was .746. In that same stretch, the Brewers had five players with an OPS over .900. Their batting is worth watching. The players were:
Andrew Vaughn, 1.019 OPS
Chourio Jackson, 1.017 OPS
Jake Bauers, .996 OPS
Blake Perkins, .945 OPS
Gary Sanchez, .931 OPS
Diamondbacks Player to Watch.
Gabriel Moreno. From 1-24 June, he leads the Diamondbacks with an .931 OPS. After missing most of April due to injury, he is back. His batting was outstanding, especially from mid-May onward!
Pitching Matchups.
Friday, 6:45 PM MST.
Jose Cabrera vs Kyle Harrison. The statistic of interest is walks plus hits per inning (WHIP). Looking at Diamondbacks starting pitchers, Cabrera’s 1.20 WHIP has the third best (only Rodriguez’s 1.176 and Soroka’s 1.085 were better). And Cabrera’s WHIP seems sustainable because it was 1.19 in Reno. On the other hand, this season Harrison’s 1.039 is his career best. But will he regress?
Perhaps the deciding factor will be ERA. In June, Jose Cabrera started 2 games and had the better ERA (3.60 ERA vs 4.62 ERA).
This matchup is very slight advantage Diamondbacks.
Saturday, 6:40 PM MST.
Merrill Kelly vs Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff was on the injured list from 1 May to 22 June due to a shoulder injury. In June Woodruff (2 games) had the better ERA (0.00 ERA vs 7.31 ERA).
Despite being ceredited with a loss in all 5 starts in June, Kelly had more quality starts than Woodruff (2 QS vs 1 QS). In June, Merrill Kelly allowed 8 home runs. If those had not happened, his June ERA would have been a respectable 4.45.
This matchup is advantage Brewers.
Sunday, 1:10 PM MST.
Eduardo Rodriguez vs Brandon Sproat. In June, Rodriguez had the better ERA (2.02 ERA vs 3.46 ERA), and Rodriguez had more quality starts (4 QS vs 2 QS).
Jaylen Brown isn’t a Celtic anymore, but he’s still leaving his mark on the team’s fandom.
Hours after Brown was traded to the 76ers on Wednesday, the longtime Celtics guard comforted a young fan who was devastated about the trade news.
Brown replied to the video of a 6-year-old boy named Gio crying and processing the news that his favorite player wouldn’t be bleeding green and white any longer.
“I love you so much. You mean a lot to me, and you are my favorite player in the whole NBA,” Gio said through tears.
Gio also held up a letter he asked to be mailed that said, “I love you, JB. Come back one day.”
The 6-year-old’s meltdown was an unfamiliar sight for his mother, too.
Gio holds up a sign, urging Jaylen Brown to return to the Celtics one day.
@gio_thetiger on IG
“I think my 6-year-old just experienced his first heartbreak. His favorite player Jaylen Brown got traded. I am in tears watching him cry like this,” the post’s caption reads.
Gio has met Brown twice at school before, and his mother thinks of the former Celtic as a role model.
“He’s [Brown] always there for the kids. He’s always willing to meet the parents, he’s so humble,” Gio’s mother, Gigi Jean, told reporters.
“I don’t think we’ll get another player that is so into the community, that is humble, that’s educated,” she added. “Hopefully they make up for it. My baby’s sad.”
After a decade in Boston, the Celtics traded Brown to the 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
Former Celtic Jaylen Brown plays against the 76ers in the 2026 Playoffs. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
It makes sense why Gio was so upset. Brown just checked about nearly every box during his 10 years with the Celtics.
Brown averaged 20 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and didn’t average fewer than 20 points after 2018-19 while making five All-Star teams and winning the 2024 NBA Finals MVP.
George, who the Celtics acquired for Brown, is likely a future Hall of Famer but is toward the tail end of his career.
But if George adequately fills Brown’s void, maybe Gio will become a George superfan too.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Chase Center on April 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are bringing back a lot of the band for the 2026-27 season, but there’s one fan favorite who won’t be returning: scrappy guard Pat Spencer. According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Spencer agreed to a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
Spencer, who was a lacrosse superstar in college, spent his first three years playing for the Warriors, with his role increasing each season. He played in just six games as a rookie, then in 39 during the 2024-25 season, but while averaging just 6.4 minutes. But during this past season, Spencer appeared in 66 games and started 14, while averaging 18.6 minutes, 7.2 points, and 3.5 assists, while earning high praise from the fans and coaching staff.
It’s a little surprising to see Spencer sign a two-way deal this early in the offseason, as it seemed like there was a possibility that someone would give him a standard contract. But apparently his agents felt that wasn’t a possibility, and jumped on a chance to sign a two-way deal with a preferred team. With Phoenix having recently traded Grayson Allen, there will likely be backcourt minutes available for Spencer, who will have a chance to earn a standard contract as the season goes on, as he did late in each of the past two seasons.
Spencer, whose brother Cam plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, ends his Warriors career having appeared in 111 regular season games and eight playoff games. Since this is his fourth season in the NBA, it’s his last year having two-way contract eligibility.
