PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 23: Kyle Leahy #62 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 23, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals wrap up their Colorado vacation against the Rockies Sunday afternoon at Coors Field. Kyle Leahy will pitch at least the first couple of innings for the Cardinals while the Rockies give the ball to RHP Tanner Gordon. First pitch set for 2:10pm central time and the game broadcast will be available via Cardinals.tv.
It won't be long before the NHL's deadline for teams to sign players to eight-year extensions arrives - September 15, to be exact.
For the Detroit Red Wings, that date comes just two days before the start of Training Camp.
As it happens, they have a pair of players whom fans would welcome the news of signing eight-year extensions: Alex DeBrincat and yet-to-be-signed RFA defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
An eight-year pact for either player would make sense for Detroit. DeBrincat is a proven goal-scoring threat on a team that has been starved for offense. This past season, he became Detroit's first 40-goal scorer since Marian Hossa in 2008-09, and at just 28 years old, he still has several more seasons of prime hockey in him.
Meanwhile, Edvinsson has developed into Detroit's second most important blue liner behind Moritz Seider.
DeBrincat became eligible for an extension on July 1, while Edvinsson remains a restricted free agent.
The only problem is that the Red Wings still don't have a general manager.
Steve Yzerman vacated the role in a stunning move in mid-July, and aside from a few brief statements announcing the leadership transition, the organization has provided no further official updates regarding its search, a potential timeline, or, more specifically, the candidates who have been interviewed.
Furthermore, the Red Wings are now less than two weeks away from the start of Training Camp (Sept. 17). Last month, Edvinsson's agent Peter Werner indicated via the Swedish publication Expressen that they're in a holding pattern until Detroit's management situation is resolved.
Meanwhile, signing DeBrincat to an extension likely won't require much prodding from Detroit's next general manager. DeBrincat, a Farmington Hills native, was the one who wanted to be traded to his hometown Red Wings.
The organization will be banking on the lure of helping his hometown team return to Stanley Cup contention, while continuing to raise his young family in Metro Detroit, to play a major role in a potential extension.
Currently, the Red Wings have approximately $19.57 million in available salary cap space. With the cap rising, the funds shouldn't be hard to by.
That being said, the first order of business for Yzerman's successor will likely be addressing the unresolved situation involving Dylan Larkin, who requested a trade shortly after last season ended and has reportedly not budged on that request despite Yzerman's departure.
Detroit is facing far more questions than answers right now with Training Camp right around the corner, and it's not an ideal position to be in - especially for a club that now owns the NHL's longest active postseason drought.
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Gatti’s stoppage-time header rescues Juve against Milan
Goalkeeper Koeman Jr scores two penalties in Eredivisie
Lamine Yamal struck twice for Barcelona as they demolished Valencia 5-0 on Sunday to maintain their 100% start in La Liga.
The reigning champions moved three points clear at the top of La Liga after Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid lost 1-0 at Real Betis on Friday. Fermín López, Raphinha and Pedri were also on target for Hansi Flick’s swaggering visitors on a hot afternoon on Spain’s east coast.
The Boston Red Sox are losing All-Star outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela to the injured list, but have the luxury of making sure he's 100% for the greater stakes to come.
Rafaela was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday, Sept. 6, due to a quadriceps strain. Along with fellow outfielder Wilyer Abreu, Rafaela has been the club's most valuable position player this season, posting 5.5 WAR, 16 homers, 17 steals, a .760 OPS and elite defense in center field.
Outfielder Nate Eaton was summoned from Class AAA Worcester (Mass.) to replace Rafaela.
The move comes with Boston (78-65) virtually locked into the No. 2 wild card slot, with a six-game lead over No. 3 Toronto. The Red Sox's playoff odds are 99.5%, according to FanGraphs. The club can backdate Rafaela's IL stint by five days and not risk aggravating the quad injury.
"You do the math and see he’ll need the next series to get back on his feet. So go grab another player for the next five days or so," says interim manager Chad Tracy. "It gets Nate here, gives us another player, maybe allows us to be more aggressive with pinch hits.
"I like the outfielder. With Rafa not here, you have a very good defender in Nate Eaton going out there on defense. And he can run. It allows to be more aggressive in spots, even with a lead, if we want to."
One player remaining in Worcester, likely for the remainder of the season: Kristian Campbell. Signed to an eight-year, $60 million contract just days after his major league debut in March 2025, Campbell bottomed out, first with the Red Sox (a .176 average with one homer in his last 104 plate appearances) and then at Worcester, where he batting just .211 with two homers and a .282 slugging percentage through July 1.
But Campbell has reverted to his original mechanics after the Red Sox made significant changes in his set-up the previous two seasons and has posted a .921 OPS in his past 49 games.
"I’m paying attention," says Tracy, who noted there likely wasn't a logical role for Campbell right now if the club were inclined to promote him. "Based on the beginning of the season, the first half, you break down post-All-Star break and what he’s done, it’s encouraging. It’s encouraging and now he’s carried it for a month in a row.
"He's back to a more traditional set-up with his hands. A lot of stuff driving him back to where he was a couple years ago, and his set-ups and comfort and letting him turn it loose. Right now it seems to be working, which is great."
DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 31: Tanner Gordon #29 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Coors Field on August 31, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Gavin Liddell/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a couple of crazy games — one loss and one win — the Rockies will look to take their final game against the St. Louis Cardinals in this afternoon’s rubber match. If they win, they will tie the season series 3-3.
The Rockies have played 19 rubber matches so far this season and are 6-13, the second-worst rubber match winning percentage (.316) behind the Boston Red Sox (5-14, .263). Seven of their rubber match losses have come by two or fewer runs, and they are 3-5 in home rubber matches (3-8 on the road). Wednesday’s rubber match against the Orioles marked the first time the Rockies have won three-straight rubber matches since winning five-straight May 7-June 25, 2023.
Tanner Gordon (1-4, 5.18 ERA) will take the mound for the Rockies. Gordon was on a roll in his last outing before being stymied by a one-hour and 38-minute rain delay. Gordon managed to toss five innings before the delay, only allowing three hits and one run with one walk and three strikeouts. But he only threw 60 pitches, so hopefully that means he’ll be fresh this afternoon. He has faced the Cardinals twice (one start) and is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in 9.1 innings.
Gordon will face Colorado Mesa product, and Boulder native, Kyle Leahy (10-4, 3.13 ERA). Leahy is in his fourth MLB season, but first where all of his appearances have been starts. He made 98 appearances from 2023-2025, but only one start — the Cardinals’ final game against the Chicago Cubs last September where he pitched three perfect innings with a strikeout. In his last outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Leahy pitched three innings and allowed one run (a solo homer) on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts. He has faced the Rockies six times in his career, and started against them this year on August 7th in St. Louis. He is 2-0 against them with a 4.05 ERA in 13.1 innings.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees pitches during the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 02, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s Sunday once more, and you know what that means — it’s time for our weekly social media roundup! The Yankees have spent the last seven days in the West Coast, hanging in Anaheim as Arte Moreno sold the Los Angeles Angels, then heading on down to San Diego after an offday to take on a bunch of old friends, the Padres. With so much in store, we’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
Down Goes Boston
Last Sunday afternoon, the Yankees gave the Red Sox a 16-1 bearsown, winning the season rubber match to give them the tiebreaker in case both squads finish the season with identical records (as we saw last year, when the Yankees lost the tiebreaker to Toronto, that can be significant come playoff time). Key to that win was Heliot Ramos, whose big three-run home run marked his first significant Yankees moment. Not surprisingly, he took to Instagram to celebrate after the game.
Late in the game, Boston announcer Will Flemming earned the ire of Yankees fans everywhere, criticizing Jazz Chisholm Jr. with language that has historically been used to criticize Hispanic and Black players, then wishing that the Red Sox drilled Austin Wells and started a fight with Chisholm. Naturally Yankees players and fans took to social media to criticize him — including on his own ““apology.”
For this week’s QOTD, we get to see just how good (or bad) the Yankees are at writing in cursive — I can confirm that it’s more rarely taught to students these days, so if you think these may be hard to read at times … yeah, I’m not surprised.
Mar 27, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of the field prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Game three of the series with the Royals. This is game 144. It would be nice to stay above .500.
Let’s get a sweep.
Sean Keys gets into the lineup and Josh Smith plays.
Joe Morgan, who spent 18 years in the Boston Red Sox organization as a manager, coach and scout and guided them to the 1988 American League East championship, died Saturday, Sept. 5, the club announced Sunday.
He was 95.
Morgan, a Walpole, Massachusetts native who played at Boston College, managed the Red Sox from 1988-1991, taking over for the fired John McNamara at midseason. The Red Sox were 43-42 at the All-Star break and nine games out of first place when Morgan took over.
He guided them to a 46-31 record and an improbable East title behind pitchers Roger Clemens and Bruce Hurst, who each won 18 games; Clemens led the majors with 291 strikeouts. The Red Sox were swept 4-0 in the AL Championship Series by the Oakland Athletics.
"Joe Morgan holds a special place in Red Sox history," said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry in a statement released by the team. "When he took over in 1988, he changed the course of a season and created one of the most memorable chapters in the history of this club. The two division titles that followed only strengthened a bond with Red Sox fans that endured for the rest of his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him."
Added chairman Tom Werner: "'Morgan Magic’ is forever part of Red Sox lore. Joe took over in 1988 and gave New England a summer it would never forget. How fitting that, in his final season watching the Red Sox, he saw another team respond to adversity with a remarkable run of its own."
Morgan won 83, 88 and 84 games in his three full seasons managing the club, guiding them to the East title in 1990 before another postseason elimination by Oakland. He was fired shortly after the 1991 season and replaced by Butch Hobson.
Morgan, an infielder, played in 88 major league games with the Milwaukee Braves (1959), Kansas City Athletics (1959), Philadelphia Phillies (1960), Cleveland Indians (1960-61), and St. Louis Cardinals (1964) and began his minor league maangerial career in 1966. He is a member of the Red Sox hall of fame.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 05: John Rave #16 of the Kansas City Royals hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Royals have struggled in the month of September and to open this homestand, sitting at 1-4. For the second straight series they will look to avoid being swept. The Royals are 63-80 on the season.
Today, it was announced that Jac Caglianone, who left the game last night, has a grade 1 flexor strain.
Jac Caglianone has a Grade 1 flexor strain, manager Matt Quatraro said. He’ll get a few days off and then progress back to baseball activity. With the low grade, the #Royals don’t expect an IL stint as of now.
The Blue Jays are streaking currently, winning 8 of their last 10 after it looked like they were dead in the water, after the Royals dominated them in Canada. Them and the Guardians are tied for the last wild card spot right now, both sitting at 72-71, but the Blue Jays own the tiebreaker. Also, after last night’s win, they are above .500 for the first time in a very long time.
Spencer Arrighetti starts for them today. Here is the Jays lineup against Dobnak.
Vincent Janssen scores Timbers’ first MLS hat-trick
Embolo scores, Messi assists in charged match
Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in MLS history to record a five-match goal contribution streak on Saturday.
At 16 years and 342 days old, Sullivan scored in his third consecutive MLS match on Saturday when he tallied in the 75th minute of the Union’s 2-0 victory over CF Montreal. He has three goals and three assists during his past five league matches.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 01: Brandon Nimmo #24 of the Texas Rangers reacts to a double against the Athletics during the first inning at Globe Life Field on September 01, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots a free throw during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After the big-time star player, what matters most in the modern NBA? Billy Crystal might say that “is a question for the ages,” yet the picture gets clearer when reviewing some of the proven teams or the ones that have ascended at rapid speed.
The San Antonio Spurs’ build fits the latter category because of their talent, plus they’ve had someone committed to doing the hardest jobs: Stephon Castle. Anyone who watched him at UConn in 2023-24 probably knew he was bound to have a great pro career because of his skills and the special something beating in his chest. And they are correct so far.
Castle wasn’t setting the league on fire out of the gate, being an ineffective 3-point shooter and being unsure of when to assert himself offensively at times. Yet his value illuminated like the lights coming out of Marsellus Wallace’s briefcase in Pulp Fiction 10 games into his career when he dropped 10 points in the fourth quarter of a one-point loss at home against the Utah Jazz.
That was his first time scoring in double figures late and it felt like a glimpse of the future. Then within a handful weeks, it felt like he should have been starting despite being green, but the Spurs don’t usually hand things over quickly. On some nights, it may have been difficult to see his full value when he scored in single digits or missed easy ones at the rim, but this is why one must be entrenched in their basketball philosophy.
He came into the league with grown-man strength, so it was easy to tell, even then, that offensive shortcomings would be corrected with added reps and improved mechanics. On top of that, he had Chris Paul’s approval and the future Hall-of-Famer had said they share the same competitive nature. Notably, Castle inherited some of Paul’s best qualities the next year, showing them early as the team waited for De’Aaron Fox to rehab from his hamstring injury.
Part of the reason I thought so highly of Castle as a rookie was that he found a way to make the rest of the Spurs’ season fun by taking on a bigger role after Victor Wembanyama went down with a blood clot. Thank goodness Castle did because there’s only so many years fans can take of not being competitive. His late-season push secured his Rookie of the Year award, too.
At that time, one of the signs that he was improving quickly was that his usage was higher and so was his effective field goal percentage (slightly) than when Wemby was playing. Additionally, lots of unfinished business was left on the table in 2024-25 as they had both assisted each other 60 times. When fans look back on it, they saw the rise of Area 51, which hit the ground running the next season as both players increased their pass frequency to each other. Each of them started scoring more easily with help.
Castle, particularly, as a rookie was not very efficient when scoring on passes from Wemby because he would rush some shots, boldly try to maneuver through traffic and he hadn’t gotten completely comfortable against faster coverages. None of that is abnormal for a youngster.
Still, I didn’t think he’d be that good the next year and that’s part of what made the 2025-26 season so special. His points-per-game average increased by two, his EFG percentage went up by 4.5 points, and he recorded 80 percent extra assists. One of the ways he was able to raise his deep-shooting percentage was by taking more shots off the catch but it still needs more work.
In the playoffs, he was seen guarding up against Julius Randle in round two as well as being on the perimeter. His versatility makes him a mobile sentry.
The average committed NBA fan is generally sharp. Outside of San Antonio, it’s hard to say how he is viewed by them, but I took the liberty of ranking him. The process included reviewing the rosters of every team and writing down the names of the players I would take before him. Consider how every championship team needs someone like him to defend the other team’s best perimeter player and that there aren’t 20 ballers in the NBA who will do that and score 15 points nightly. Castle is one of those guys, and there were only 25 names before his on the list (see at the bottom).
It matters little that 39 players scored more per game (minimum of 65 games) in 2025-26 and that he’s still a below-average 3-point shooter (33.2). Winning requires having an all-round game and that’s what the Spurs are molding.
My basketball philosophy states that defense and rebounding are the most important ingredients to winning a championship, and that’s why I’d pick Jrue Holiday before Damian Lillard. That’s also the same reason why Castle, who is sort of like an upgraded version of Holiday, is more of a winning player than a lot of popular guys. Keep in mind that he was four points shy of being on second team All-Defense in 2025-26.
Despite his game’s imperfections, he’s not far off from being an All-NBA-level player. When coach Mitch Johnson praised him as a rookie, saying he “embraced everything we’ve thrown at him,” it reminded me of the times fight promoters, proclaimed their prospect would be champion, and I believed them.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Peter Lambert #38 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Daikin Park on August 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TODAY’S GAME: The first-place Houston Astros (73-70) will host the Arizona Diamondbacks (75-68) for the rubber game of their three-game series today at Daikin Park.
RHP Peter Lambert (8-7, 3.66 ERA) will close out the homestand for the Astros today as he starts opposite All-Star LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (14-5, 2.59 ERA) and the Snakes.
SLOW AND STEADY RECOVERY: Since starting the season with a 20-31 record after 51 games, the Astros are 53-39 (.576) in their last 92 games (since May 22). That is the second-best record in the AL in that span, behind only the Red Sox (55-38).
IN THE WEST: The Astros currently hold a 3.0- game lead in the AL West over the second-place Rangers, which ties as their largest division lead of the season. The Astros have stretched this lead lately thanks to an 8-4 record in their last 12 games.
STARTING BLOCKS: Astros starters have a 1.74 ERA (6ER/31IP) with 31 strikeouts, a .171 opponent average (19×111) and a 1.13 WHIP in the six games of this homestand. Stretching back over the Astros last 12 games, in which they’ve gone 8-4, Astros starters own a 2.78 ERA (18ER/58.1IP).
MEASURING UP: The Astros are within a streak of playing four straight teams with winning records (CWS, ARI, PHI, TB). The Astros are 29-19 (.604) vs. teams currently at .500 or above. Clubs that the Astros have winning records against include BOS (5-1), CHC (3-0), CWS (5-2), CLE (4-2), and TB (2-1).
VS. THE D-BACKS: The Astros have won nine of their last 11 games against the Diamondbacks, a streak that dates back to Sept. 29, 2023. This run includes a three-game sweep of the D-backs in Arizona last season from July 21-23, 2025.
TODAY’S BROADCASTS: Today’s game will be televised by Space City Home Network with Kevin Eschenfelder, Geoff Blum and Julia Morales on the call. The English radio broadcast will be on SportsTalk 790 AM with Robert Ford and Josh Reddick behind the mic. As always, the Astros Spanish radio broadcast features Francisco Romero and Alex Treviño on TUDN 102.9 FM.
ROAD WARRIORS: After today’s game, the Astros will embark on a six-game road trip that will take them to Philadelphia (3g) and Tampa Bay (3g). The Astros are 36-33 on the road, compared to their 37-37 record at home. Since going 1-9 on the first road trip of the 2026 season, they have gone 35-24 (.593) on the road since April 14, which ranks third in the Majors in that span. More recently, they are 19-12 (.613) on their last five road trips.
ASTROS ROSTER MOVE: The Astros have recalled RHP Miguel Ullola from Triple a Sugar Land. He takes the roster spot of RHP Kai-Wei Teng, who was optioned to Triple A after last night’s game.
TWO-OUT MAGIC: The Astros lead the American League in two-out runs (293) on the season, topping the second-place Rays (255) by close to 40 runs. 3B Isaac Paredes has led this effort, as he leads the AL in two-out RBI with 39, trailing only 1B Rafael Devers (40 RBI) in the Majors.
ISAAC’S FABLES: 3B Isaac Paredes has posted a 13-game on-base streak, in which he owns a .404 OBP, which ties as his second-longest on-base streak of the year. He also has hit safely in six consecutive games, batting .318 (7×22) with six RBI and a .945 OPS in that span.
THE HIT MAN: 2B Jose Altuve has 2,496 career hits, needing just four hits to reach 2,500 for his career. Among active players, Altuve ranks second in hits, trailing only 1B Freddie Freeman (2,586).
THREE-BAGGERS: RF Cam Smith tripled again last night, giving him three triples in his last 11 games and six triples on the season, which ranks tied for first in the AL. These are the most triples in a single season by an Astro since OF Kyle Tucker recorded six triples in 2020.
1K BEHIND THE DISH:C Christian Vázquez played in his 1,000th career game as a catcher last night, becoming just the third active catcher to reach 1,000 career games behind the dish. He joined C Salvador Perez (1,427) and C J.T. Realmuto (1,384) in that exclusive group.
THE LAMBO: RHP Peter Lambert has been the most consistent starter for the Astros this season, as he leads the club in wins (8), starts (24), innings pitched (132.2) and strikeouts (131). He’s allowed two-or-fewer earned runs in 18 of his 24 starts on the year and has done so in 10 of his last 11 starts.
STREAKING: LHP Josh Hader has worked 21 consecutive scoreless appearances, spanning 22.0 innings (since July 21). This is the longest streak by an Astros hurler this season and the second-longest active streak in the Majors. Opponents are just 5×71 (.070) vs. Hader during the streak.
THE CLOSER: LHP Josh Hader recorded his 250th career save on Friday night, becoming the 41st player in modern MLB history to reach 250 career saves. Hader has 23 of those saves this season, in 23 save chances, giving him the most save chances in the Majors this season without a blown save.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1979 –RHP J.R. Richard tosses a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits in a 2-0 Astros win over the Padres in the Astrodome. This marked Richard’s ninth consecutive complete game, a club record that will never be topped.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, September 6, 1:10 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Sep 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Detroit Tigers (65-77) vs. Cleveland Guardians (72-71)
Time/Place: 1:40 p.m., Progressive Field SB Nation Site:Covering the Corner Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: RHP Jackson Jobe (1-2, 4.63 ERA) vs. RHP Gavin Williams (13-7, 3.81 ERA)
