Will the Detroit Tigers ever win again? This is a question many fans were asking themselves on Friday night as they watched the offense finally score more than three runs for the first time in seven games, only to see another game lost by Jack Flaherty and the defense. The result was a 7-4 defeat to open the three-game series against the Orioles at Camden Yards.
Over the last nine games before this one, that four-run effort would have won five, tied two and lost two. This team is beyond out of sync at this point and collapsing into pure chaos.
Perhaps left-hander Framber Valdez can turn the tide for the Motor City Kitties. He will be taking the mound on Saturday afternoon looking to improve on his previous outing — a five-inning, four-run effort that saw him surrender five hits and four walks while striking out three Cleveland Guardians for his third loss of the season.
The last time the 32-year-old saw the Orioles was last year with the Houston Astros on Aug. 18, when he threw 6 2/3 frames of four-run (three earned) ball on nine hits (one home run) and a walk while striking out six to take the loss.
Up against Valdez will be right-hander Brandon Young, who has been exceptionally mediocre in his second major league season. The 27-year-old has one quality start to his credit, but that was his lone six-plus innings effort. He only made it through 3 1/3 frames last time out against the Washington Nationals and has allowed at least two runs in five of his six appearances.
Young has faced the Tigers once before in his second major league game last year on April 26. He allowed three runs on four hits and five walks while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings for his first big league loss.
Take a look at how the two match up below.
Detroit Tigers (20-32) vs. Baltimore Orioles (22-29)
Time (ET): 4:05 p.m. Place: Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland SB Nation Site:Camden Chat Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 53: LHP Framber Valdez (2-3, 4.58 ERA) vs. RHP Brandon Young (3-1, 4.25 ERA)
Angels shortstop Zach Neto reacts after flying out during the ninth inning of a loss to the A's on Thursday. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Losses by 6-0. 15-2. 10-1. How do you want to spin the Angels now, GM Perry Minasian? Are things still grand in Arteville?
Humiliations galore!
Jim Fredrick Manhattan Beach
Really? The Angels cannot hit, cannot pitch and certainly cannot field. Their hitting coach, pitching coach and manager Kurt Suzuki‘s terrible management are much higher on the list of what’s wrong with this miserable team this year. So sad.
Michael Reuben Anaheim Hills
The recent emergence of shirt-waving fans at Angel Stadium urging ownership to “sell the team” is an opportunity for reflection. With the long ago departure of the controversial former Clippers owner Donald Sterling, is Arte Moreno now truly the worst owner in sports? Sterling was truly detestable in his time, but at least he fielded a highly competitive and exciting Lob City squad led by legendary coach Doc Rivers. For the 2026 Angels, the dog days have already begun — before Memorial Day weekend.
Rob Fleishman Placentia
Going into Memorial Day weekend, the Dodgers are in first place and the Angels are in last place. Plus the Angels’ shirtless fans in the stands are screaming at owner Arte Moreno to “Sell The Team!” The more things change, the more they stay the same. Ho hum.
Both L.A. Times articles filled me with joy and prompted this letter.
Aaron Rai and Kaden Tennyson are champions of the highest order.
The essence of sports is good sportsmanship, which stems from good character and a respect for the game. What stood out to me while reading both articles is that both sportsmen are righteous, grateful people who honor their parents in meaningful ways. Aaron pays respect to his father by protecting his golf clubs with covers. No doubt his appreciation goes far beyond how he keeps his clubs. Kaden puts his service to his mother above all else in his life. He’s mindful of her delicate condition (a notion with which I am keenly familiar). Kaden’s care for his mother is paramount.
Just reading the many well-wishes heaped upon Aaron from his fellow pros affirms he is a well-loved, well-respected man. Kaden makes his mother proud; her heart surely swells with immeasurable joy from the comfort he gives her day in and day out.
Thank you, Kaden and Aaron, and congratulations for being such accomplished athletes and even more so, for being great human beings.
David Griffin Westwood
Nobody knew?
So my Dodgers are paying injured Edwin Díaz $69 million over three seasons and he’s involved with cockfighting. While he’s out perhaps the club should re-sign Trevor Bauer.
Better vetting please.
Fred Wallin Westlake Village
Wrong kind of homers
Re: “Sour Grapes from the Big Apple.” While there, regrettably, will never be another sportscaster with Vin Scully’s intellectual elan and gift for turning the pedestrian into something remarkable, he seldom if ever rooted for the home team, choosing instead to root for the game itself. The same cannot be said for Joe Davis and his cohorts, who make their favoritism no secret and who have never met a silence they didn’t feel compelled to fill.
Bill Waxman Simi Valley
Sports nirvana
If you’re a true sports fan, this time of year is seventh heaven. You have playoff basketball and hockey, which are both great, especially this year. And you have the Dodgers. We have about one more month of this nirvana and then the summer lull will set in until football. So to all of us hardcore sports fans, let’s sit back and enjoy!!
Doug Vikser Manhattan Beach
The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used.
Apr 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A view of the helmet of Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) displaying the City Connect logo before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
There is almost no chance that today or Sunday’s games get played, right? The forecast for these games is beyond poor, so methinks this gets made up as a doubleheader on some random August day.
Mar 7, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) warms-up before the start of the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Daniel Duarte, fresh off his major league cameo, gave up two runs on two hits and two walks in one inning pitched against the former Mets’ affiliate. Jared Young went 2-4 with a double on his way (hopefully) back to Queens.
Wyatt Young had the distinction of driving in a run and giving up two as he pitched the eighth inning for the Rumble Ponies in a trouncing by the Flying Squirrels. Nick Lorusso picked up a pair of hits, including a home run, in the team’s only real offensive performance of the game.
Joe Jacques is on rehab assignment in Brooklyn and scattered three hits and two strikeouts over an inning of work. Otherwise, Brooklyn had a very weird offensive night, where they managed to have three players drive in four collective runs without a hit.
Kodai Senga made a rehab start for St. Lucie and went three and a third innings, allowing four hits on a two runs, along with a walk and two strikeouts. It’s a start. Branny De Oleo, Chase Meggers, and Jamari Baylor all hit dingers in the dub.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 10: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees leads off first base as Jonathan Aranda #8 of Tampa Bay Rays stands in position in the first inning during the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday, April 10, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary Holt/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Few saw this coming from the Tampa Bay Rays. They haven’t just given the Yankees a run for the money, but they sit atop the AL East standings, as well as the overall American League standings, as these two clubs square off for a weekend matchup in late May. Though both teams have gotten off to both starts, they’ve taken very different routes to get there. You’ll find elite talent on both sides, with the likes of Junior Caminero and Aaron Judge, but what we’re interested in is what makes each club stand out above the rest.
We begin on the offensive side of the ball, where the Yankees are fourth, and the Rays are eighth in runs scored. Both teams hover around the best offenses in the American League, but they go about it in opposite directions. While the Yankees heavily rely on power, leading baseball with 73 home runs, the Rays’ 41 have them ranked 27th out of 30 MLB teams.
Some version of a dropoff in power from last season was always expected from Tampa, making the move back from George Steinbrenner Field to the Trop. In Caminero, the Rays have a star bat whose 13 home runs put him close to the best in the American League, but what generates this staggering difference between the Rays and Yankees is in how they complement their stars offense.
While Tampa has to look for bats with alternative skill sets to surround the likes of Caminero and Yandy Diaz, such as Chandler Simpson and Richie Palacios, the Yankees can afford to stack on power. It’s actually scary to think that their offensive numbers are what they are, despite Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham vastly underwhelming and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined. On the flip side, even with so many fewer home runs, the Rays don’t sit far apart from the Yankees on the run-scoring table with the third-highest average and OBP in baseball—New York is at 22nd and 8th, respectively. Just because power is king doesn’t mean you can’t thrive by putting the ball in play, particularly if you get on base enough.
Moving over to the pitching side of things, the Yankees and Rays sit fourth and fifth, respectively, in ERA+, although there happens to be a rather sizeable gap between them, the Yankees at 128 and the Rays at 117. Much as it is the case offensively, the Rays manage to make it a closer battle than it should be for the staff with the third-fewest strikeouts, while the Yankees are number three in the American League with 449 K’s. The same goes for home run prevention, where, in particular, the Yankees’ rotation has thrived, number one in the sport. Tampa’s bullpen has had difficulties keeping the ball in the yard, and outside of the two-headed monster of Griffin Jax and Bryan Baker, their unit has lacked the depth to truly dominate opposing batters.
Virtually operating with a four-man rotation up to this point, the Rays lack the depth to sustain potential injuries, something the Yankees have done incredibly well up to this point. And that’s not to mention Nick Martínez’s likely unsustainable production with a 1.51 ERA in nine starts.
The number one lesson to take away from all of this is that the general assumption that the Yankees remain favorites to win the AL East isn’t without merit. They have a far sturdier foundation in the key aspects of a big league club: ability to hit for power, strikeout prowess—it all favors the Yankees. Their depth has been tested so far and survived, while the Rays could be headed for a bout of regression at some point. That being said, we know not to fully underestimate the Rays by now. The games they’ve won can’t be taken away, and they’ve built a lead in the AL East. Even if the Yankees have a better roster on paper, they have plenty of work to do if they want to reclaim the top spot in the division.
Mar 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats center Malachi Moreno (24) passes the ball during the first half against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Good morning, BBN!
Things are about to pick back up in terms of recruiting for college basketball as the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline is quickly approaching. For Kentucky Wildcats fans, the most important decision comes from center Malachi Moreno.
Things seem to be trending in the right direction for the Georgetown native to return to Lexington, but a first-round guarantee could still be on the table, meaning what once seemed like a lock is now still up in the air.
With plenty of speculation swirling, one prediction might help ease the minds of the BBN. That comes from the voice of the Wildcats in Tom Leach.
Leach joined BBN Tonight this week and had this to say when asked about making a prediction on the future of Moreno;
“I’m still where I have always been. I always thought he would be back at Kentucky next season. I think that makes the most sense, and I continue to feel that way. So hope I’m right,” Leach said of Moreno.
The Tigers moved reliever Zack Lee up from West Michigan with Brenan Hanifee headed to Baltimore to fill in for an injured Burch Smith, and it did not go well.
Troy Watson got the start, and despite minimal whiffs, navigated five scoreless frames. The Hens gave him a quick lead when Ben Malgeri was hit to start the bottom of the first. Max Clark pulled a hard ground ball down the first base line for an RBI triple, and it was 1-0 Hens.
Max Clark tucks an RBI triple inside the line and the Mud Hens take a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/I3uHtwwENA
Both teams were otherwise quiet until the sixth. Max Burt and Malgeri singled, and after Clark struck out, a balk advanced both runners. Max Anderson struck out as well, but Antwone Kelly walked Eduardo Valencia to load the bases. Isaac Mattson took over and Jace Jung pulled a two-run double to right field for a 3-0 lead.
Unfortunately, the first four batter reached against Lee, the last of which was a single that plated two runs with the help of a Jung error at second base on the relay. Lee walked the next hitter before getting a pop-out, and Tyler Mattison took over. Mattison didn’t do a whole lot better, allowing two more runs before getting out of the inning and it was 5-3 Indy. Mattison gave up two more in the eighth and that was that.
Malgeri: 2-3, 2 R, K
Clark: 1-4, RBI, 3B, K
Watson: 5.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, BB, 2 K
Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday with the series tied up.
Erie SeaWolves at Altoona Curve (postponed)
They’ll play two on Saturday in Altoona with the Curve up 2-1 in the series.
South Bend Cubs 5, West Michigan Whitecaps 4 (box)
Andrew Sears made another rehab outing in this one, looking reasonably close to full strength, but as it’s gone for the past five weeks, the Whitecaps bullpen is terrible and did terribly.
Sears worked three innings of one-run ball, allowing two hits and a walk. He struck out three, and his velocity looked just about back to normal. He should be back with Erie the next time out. Carlos Marcano took over and allowed a run in the fifth.
The Whitecaps scored first when singles from Luke Shliger and Garrett Pennington set up a sacrifice fly from Clayton Campbell in the bottom of the first. It was 2-1 Cubs after the top of the fifth, but the Whitecaps fought back in the bottom half.
Junior Tilien got them started with a leadoff single, and Juan Hernandez doubled him to third. A Shliger automatic doubled plated both runs to take a 3-2 lead. Three walks pushed across another run to make it 4-2.
Ryan Harvey allowed three runs in the seventh, with the help of a Hernandez throwing error, to blow it.
Shliger: 2-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, K
Hernandez: 2-4, R, 2B, K, CS
Sears: 3.0 IP, ER, 2 H, BB, 3 K
Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start for the 14-29 Whitecaps.
The Tigers are still being quite careful with Kelvis Salcedo as he builds up to full strength, but considering the plague of injuries it’s hard to argue with. The right-hander fired three scoreless frames, and the Flying Tigers rallied in the bottom of the ninth to walk off the Marauders on Friday.
Salcedo struck out three in those three innings, allowing just two hits and no walks. He averaged a bit over 95 mph with his fastballs and the cutter was sharp. Jatnk Diaz succeeded him, allowing a run in the fifth.
The Flying Tigers tied it up in the seventh. Zach MacDonald was plunked to lead off the inning and stole his 11th base on the year. Edian Espinal singled to right, but Javier Osorio grounded to third where the Marauders got MacDonald as the lead runner. Fortunately, Anibal Salas lined an RBI single to center field and just off the Marauders’ outfielder’s glove. Osorio was cut down trying to go first to third, but it was a 1-1 game.
Pedro Garcia allowed a solo shot in the eighth as the Marauders took a 2-1 lead.
However, in the top of the ninth, Yendy Gomez worked out of a jam to hold the game at one run. In the bottom of the ninth, MacDonald reached on an error with one out. Espinal drilled a double to center field to score MacDonald and tie the game. Osorio reached on an infield single that was deflected by reliever Draven Zeigler. Osorio took second base, but it was unnecessary as Jack Goodman lifted a fly ball to right field, and Espinal tagged and scored the game winner.
Edian Espinal drives a double to deep center and Zach MacDonald scores to tie the game for Lakeland in the 9th. pic.twitter.com/8H5vUIqxQ4
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
The 2026 NBA Draft is starting to come into focus.
The draft lottery and scouting combine are over and workouts at team facilities around the country are underway before the Washington Wizards officially go on the clock with the No. 1 pick. The top-four prospects have seemingly been decided but there's no defining consensus yet on what order they might be selected. The real intrigue starts after that, with a bevy of talented guards and a few intriguing wings and bigs for NBA teams to sort through.
Prospects like Michigan's Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., Baylor's Cameron Carr and Santa Clara's Allen Graves were among the players to see their stock rise in the eyes of AI after a fresh batch of intel in recent weeks. Alabama's Labaron Philon and Duke's Isaiah Evans, meanwhile, dropped a few spots in this AI mock draft, while several others fell out of the first round entirely based off Microsoft Copilot's analysis.
Here's a breakdown of Microsoft Copilot AI's latest 2026 NBA mock draft coming out of the NBA draft lottery and scouting combine, including the chatbot's reasoning for making each first-round pick:
2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks first round after scouting combine
USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players who could be eligible this year. The chatbot was asked to base its selections on current mock drafts from reputable websites since the conclusion of the NBA Draft Scouting Combine, as well as the latest intel on team needs, prospect analysis and potential draft withdrawals.
Note:AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot needed additional prompts after several picks were inaccurately assigned to teams.The average mock draft pick referenced for each player was compiled by USA TODAY Sports using 10 of the latest mock drafts from national websites around the country, including USA TODAY.
AI analysis: "Washington continues a full rebuild and prioritizes primary offensive upside. Dybantsa profiles as a high-usage, shot-creating wing — exactly the type of player the roster currently lacks."
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Average mock draft pick: 2
AI analysis: "Utah’s roster features size and frontcourt depth but needs a perimeter creator who can generate offense at multiple levels. Peterson’s ability to score both on and off the ball complements an already established interior foundation."
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke
Average mock draft pick: 3
AI analysis: "Memphis benefits from adding a halfcourt offensive stabilizer ... Boozer’s post scoring and passing provide structure in playoff settings, reducing reliance on guard-driven creation."
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Average mock draft pick: 4
AI analysis: "Chicago has lacked frontcourt athleticism and defensive versatility. Wilson fills that gap as a modern, switchable forward."
AI analysis: "Wagler provides a developmental piece who can grow into a larger offensive role without requiring immediate high usage."
6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Average mock draft pick: 6
AI analysis: "Brooklyn’s roster lacks a central offensive organizer. Acuff addresses that need as a primary ball-handler, capable of structuring possessions and initiating offense consistently."
7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings, Houston
Average mock draft pick: 8
AI analysis: "Flemings adds another downhill guard, ensuring continuity in tempo and playmaking alongside the existing backcourt."
8. Atlanta Hawks: Aday Mara, Michigan
Average mock draft pick: 10
AI analysis: "Mara supplies rim protection and interior size, helping offset long-standing defensive limitations in guard-heavy lineups."
AI analysis: "Another playmaker who can initiate offense, Brown provides secondary creation, improving lineup flexibility."
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, Tennessee
Average mock draft pick: 11
AI analysis: "Milwaukee targets youth and positional versatility. Ament projects as a two-way forward capable of defending multiple positions while developing complementary scoring skills alongside established stars."
11. Golden State Warriors: Brayden Burries, Arizona
Average mock draft pick: 9
AI analysis: "Golden State continues to prioritize skill and shooting within a motion system. Burries offers shot creation that translates within a read-and-react framework."
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Average mock draft pick: 16
AI analysis: "Oklahoma City reinforces its philosophy of collecting long, versatile wings. Lopez fits seamlessly into a system built on interchangeability and decision-making."
13. Miami Heat: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Average mock draft pick: 12
AI analysis: "Miami adds a high-motor, physical forward whose defensive effort and versatility align with the team’s established identity and development approach."
14. Charlotte Hornets: Cameron Carr, Baylor
Average mock draft pick: 15
AI analysis: "Charlotte builds around LaMelo Ball by adding an athletic wing finisher capable of thriving in transition and benefiting from high-level playmaking."
15. Chicago Bulls: Hannes Steinbach, Washington
Average mock draft pick: 15
AI analysis: "After adding a mobile forward earlier, Chicago balances the frontcourt with a traditional interior presence capable of rebounding, screening, and anchoring inside."
AI analysis: "Memphis continues to emphasize physicality. Johnson provides rebounding and interior toughness, reinforcing a defense-first supporting structure."
17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Labaron Philon, Alabama
Average mock draft pick: 14
AI analysis: "Oklahoma City adds another decision-maker in the backcourt, maintaining depth and flexibility within its multi-handler system."
18. Charlotte Hornets: Chris Cenac, Jr., Houston
Average mock draft pick: 22
AI analysis: "Charlotte complements its earlier selection with a developmental rim protector, addressing defensive gaps in the frontcourt."
19. Toronto Raptors: Koa Peat, Arizona
Average mock draft pick: 25
AI analysis: "He allows their best player (Scottie Barnes) to stay on the perimeter more and improves both physicality and lineup flexibility."
20. San Antonio Spurs: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
Average mock draft pick: 18
AI analysis: "San Antonio focuses on building a functional frontcourt around Victor Wembanyama. Quaintance offers defense and rebounding, allowing Wembanyama to operate more freely."
Average mock draft pick: 25 (appeared in 9/10 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Detroit addresses spacing concerns by adding a perimeter shooter, improving offensive balance around its primary initiator."
22. Philadelphia 76ers: Dailyn Swain, Texas
Average mock draft pick: 22
AI analysis: "Philadelphia reinforces wing depth with a two-way contributor, capable of defending multiple positions while contributing offensively."
23. Atlanta Hawks: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
Average mock draft pick: 20
AI analysis: "What the Hawks don't have is a guard who stretches defenses consistently. Stirtz fills that exact gap."
24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Average mock draft pick: 25
AI analysis: "A high-impact, low-maintenance forward whose analytical profile signals winning basketball ... an archetype NBA front offices increasingly prioritize in the late first round even without star-level usage."
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
Average mock draft pick: 22
AI analysis: "The Lakers add backcourt depth with a guard capable of handling and perimeter shooting, supporting a roster built around high-usage stars."
26. Denver Nuggets: Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Average mock draft pick: 26
AI analysis: "Veesaar is one of the few late-first true floor-spacing bigs (about 43% from 3) who can play within structure ... Perfect (Nikola) Jokic backup/partner archetype — keeps spacing intact when Denver staggers lineups."
27. Boston Celtics: Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor
Average mock draft pick: 30 (only appeared in 6/10 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Boston leans into its identity: long, switchable, physical wings. ... Developmental 3-and-D piece who fits Boston’s playoff style immediately."
AI analysis: "Minnesota can afford an upside swing on a scoring guard riser coming out of the combine process ... (for) bench scoring and secondary creator next to (Anthony) Edwards."
29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Alex Karaban, UConn
Average mock draft pick: 34 (appeared in 5/10 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Cleveland needs size, shooting and decision-making on the wing. ... Plug-and-play forward who complements Harden/Mitchell without needing usage."
30. Dallas Mavericks: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
Average mock draft pick: 29 (appeared in 5/10 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Dallas adds a young shot-creator to develop behind its stars. ... Secondary ball-handler and scoring guard to ease offensive burden long-term."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: (L-R) Ben Rice #22, Trent Grisham #12, Cody Bellinger #35, Anthony Volpe #11, Aaron Judge #99 and Ryan McMahon #19 of the New York Yankees look on during the final out of the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on May 21, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Toronto Blue Jays won 2-0. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There were positives to come out of the first game between the Yankees and Rays, but they were overshadowed by another bullpen meltdown. This time, it was the ever-reliable Tim Hill suddenly combusting, the Yankees wasting a gem from Gerrit Cole in his first outing in a year and a half. It’s great to see Cole back, and he should give the Yankees a dominant rotation that gives them a great chance to win every night. Yet winning every night has not been something they’ve been doing lately.
It’ll be a lighter day on the site, with Kevin handling the Rivalry Roundup this morning, and Jonathan writing a profile of Buck Showalter, an important figure in Yankees history, and just MLB history at large. Also, Maximo contrasts the ways the Yankees and Rays have gotten to the top of the AL this year, and Matt delivers the All-May Yankee Birthday team.
Today’s Matchup
New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Time: 1:35 p.m. EST
Video: YES Network, Rays.TV
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Questions/Prompts:
1. Let’s focus on the positives: did Gerrit Cole’s debut meaningfully impact your expectations for him?
2. How much do you expect to actually see Anthony Volpe at second base?
BRONX, NY - MAY 19: New York Yankees Shortstop Anthony Volpe (11) throws out Toronto Blue Jays Catcher Tyler Heineman (55) (not pictured) after fielding a ground ball during the third inning of a Major League Baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees on May 19, 2026, at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: With José Caballero returning to action after a brief stint on the injured list with a fractured finger, the Yankees opted to keep Anthony Volpe around as insurance. Not just that, but manager Aaron Boone announced that he will start taking drills at second base to increase his versatility.
Boone said that the decision on who will be the starting shortstop will be made “‘every night,” but Caballero was his choice on Friday’s opener vs. the Rays. For now, Volpe will try to learn second base, but there are no plans for him to play the hot corner.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Aaron Judge entered Friday’s game against the Rays with just one hit, a single, in his last five games and 21 plate appearances. He knows he is not exactly going through his best stretch of the season and is aware of the need for improvement. He blamed pitch selection for his mini slump: “I’m not doing enough at the plate,” Judge said. “That’s what we’re doing right there. … I wouldn’t say we’re not seeing the ball well. I think it’s about making sure we’re swinging at the right pitches.”
CBS Sports | Mike Axisa: Gerrit Cole made his long-awaited season debut on Friday, and he was huge for the Yankees with six scoreless frames. The strikeouts aren’t all the way back, as he fanned just two, but he surrendered just two hits and three walks in the highly-efficient masterpiece. If it wasn’t his first start of the year at the MLB level (and the first since 2024), he could have gone even further, as he needed just 72 pitches to dominate the Rays. New York’s rotation is really unfair for the rest of the league now that the veteran ace is back to full health. The offense needs to show up, though.
In another must-read article, Cole opened up to longtime reporter Stephanie Apstein of SI.com about his rehab process, his fears, and the long road back to these six scoreless frames and what’s to come.
Bryan Hoch on X: The Yankees have been without designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton since April 25th, when he went down with a calf strain. Per Hoch, the star slugger will be examined “this coming week” to see if he can resume running. He has been hitting, but won’t be able to return if he can’t run. Boone suggested there’s a chance Stanton skips a rehab assignment when cleared.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been here before. They were down 0-2 against the Detroit Pistons after two uninspiring performances on the road. Then, they rallied back to take the series after playing up to their skill level for four of the final five games.
Cleveland will need to do that again if they want to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals. However, coming back against the New York Knicks will be a much more difficult task.
The Cavs had a golden opportunity to take control of the series in Game 1, but couldn’t close out a 22-point advantage and lost in overtime. Game 2 didn’t feature the same kind of collapse, but once again a rough six-minute stretch is what cost them. New York scored 18 unanswered points in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.
Poor outside shooting has done the Cavs in throughout the series. They’ve connected on just 29.4% (25-85) of their triples this series, despite getting clean looks. If they’re going to fight their way back, this will need to change.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
Oklahoma City spent 82 games preparing for the uncomfortable and unexpected. Like the start of Game 3.
Uncomfortable like a physical Spurs defense forcing stops and steals, which became transition opportunities the other way. Unexpected, like the best stretch of ball movement the Spurs have had in the series. Then there was the expected, like a hyped Victor Wembanyama putting on a show.
In the blink of an eye, it was 15-0 San Antonio and the crowd was roaring.
Oklahoma City had prepared to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, to not lose its poise in the face of the unexpected. But more than that, the Thunder had prepared to use and trust their depth.
That preparation paid off, and on a Friday night in San Antonio showed the stark differences in the benches of these two teams — and why that depth has OKC up 2-1 in the Western Conference Finals.
In the wake of the early Spurs onslaught, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault turned to a lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and four bench players — a pairing he rarely used during the season but one he trusted in a key moment in the playoffs.
"We're actually not a team that wants to find rotational stability in the regular season. We're trying to create variability, because that gives us some learnings and creates options for us," Daigneault said late in the regular season about his use of unconventional lineups. "It also puts guys in situations where they have to adapt to who they're on the floor with, which we think is good for their development as players and for the playoffs."
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson doesn't have the luxury of that depth, which has become an increasing issue in this series — especially when he has to rest Wembanyama.
Those two things came together on Friday night in San Antonio — Daigneault leaned into an unconventional lineups at the same time Wemby sat for his usual first rest of the game. The result was a 13-2 Thunder run, and it was suddenly the Spurs' fast lead and momentum had disappeared.
Daigneault trusted mid-season acquisition — Philadelphia fans would say "gift" — Jared McCain in those moments, and he went off for 24 points. “We talk about it a lot, in practice and throughout the whole playoffs: Be ready and stay ready,” McCain said, via the Associated Press. “Coaches have done a great job of that. ... We all are hoopers and we all know what to do out there, especially this team. It’s a very mature team."
The Depth Difference
The depth difference between these two teams was not new to Game 3 — Oklahoma City's bench had outscored the San Antonio bench by 66 through the first two games.
That was nothing compared to Game 3 — Oklahoma City got 76 points from its bench, 53 more than the Spurs. Jaylin Williams hit five 3-pointers on the way to a career playoff high of 18 points. Alex Caruso had 15 points with four 3-pointers, plus his usual disruptive defensive plays.
On the flip side, this stat: San Antonio is +21 in 125 minutes with Wembanyama on the court, and -38 in the 29 minutes he is off the court.
But it's not just Wemby that Johnson has had to lean so hard into, he is playing all his starters heavy minutes because he doesn't fully trust his bench. Gilgeous-Alexander has played the most minutes in this series (126), but the next four players on the list are all Spurs starters (Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie and Wembanyama), and Harper would have been on that list if Fox had not returned for Game 3 and played 31 minutes.
The Thunder's disruptive defense has thrown San Antonio's offense off its axis — Wembanyama is making plays, but after that the offense has been disconnected. While Johnson is searching for answers, he simply has fewer pieces on the chessboard. Experience matters in these moments, and the Spurs are gaining that experience the hard way over the last two games.
The Thunder have been gaining experience for these unexpected moments all season long. That's why they lead the series 2-1.
It took a miracle to get this game started. After lengthy delays due to impending weather (or so we were told), the Big Ten set a hard time of 10:20 pm for the UCLA-Purdue game to finish in order for the field to be ready to go by the conference’s deadline to start a game of 11pm. With a tie game in the 9th and the time ticking down, the crowd boo-ed every play or lack thereof that took extra time. Luckily UCLA hit a walk off single at 10:19:47 pm. The Nebraska-Michigan game was go for launch!
First team All Big Ten Pitcher Carson Jasa climbed the bump for the Huskers. He hit the leadoff hitter, but then made quick work of Michigan’s two best hitters Colby Turner, and Brayden Jeffries on his way to retire the side with a zero.
Nebraska was ready to play despite the 11pm start and it was noticeable. Michigan, being pretty much out of starting pitching sent out Erik Puodziunas, a freshman reliever that had gone more than 3 innings only twice on the year. The Huskers jumped on him quick.
Center fielder Mac Moyer led off and recorded an out, but on a ball he hit 101 mph to center. DH Jeter Worthley hit a line drive right off the leg of Puodziunas. It oddly went 20 feet up in the air but bounced to the ground before Puodziunas could locate it for a base hit. Dylan Carey ripped a single right past the diving third baseman to put 2 on for first baseman Case Sanderson. Sanderson sent a missile down to the right field corner, scoring both runners as he cruised into third for a stand up triple. 2-0 Big Red.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
The teams traded zeros until the top of the 4th. Michigans Turner and Jeffries each singled to start the inning. After bunting them over, a swinging bunt went right to Sanderson who stepped on first base as the first Michigan runner crossed the plate. An RBI double tied the game at 2-2.
If there is one thing this Husker team always does, is answer a rally. A red hot Sanderson smoked a double off the wall of the deepest part of the park. Drew Grego followed it up with a single. Seeing the game was in the balance, Michigan went to the pen and got their ace, Kurt Barr.
Barr had pitched only 2 days ago, but after a lights out first inning, he completely lost the bottom of the zone. They pulled him after 40 pitches, making him available to go tonight. Back to back strikeouts made it look like Barr was in complete control with his slider. Jett Buck spit on it multiple times, and drew a walk to load the bases for Rhett Stokes. Stokes watched a fastball down the middle, then 3 straight sliders out of the zone. He ripped a 3-1 fastball into left field and scored 2 on a 2 RBI single. Huskers regain the lead 4-2.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
Barr and Jasa went to work, each allowing only 1 baserunner over the next 2 innings. To start the 7th, Jasa snapped off a slider to strike out a Michigan batter, but the ball skipped away from catcher Trey Fikes. The throw did not make it in time. Jasa then hung his second breaking ball over the plate and Michigan first baseman Matthew Ossenfort deposited it into the bleachers in right-center. Tie ball game again, 4-4.
Ty Horn was called in to replace Jasa, and in and just like he was towards the end of the season, Horn was lights out coming in, getting three out of four batters out, with the one walking on a terrible call. His first walk since April 10th.
The Huskers got right back to work. Stokes singled to left, followed by a Moyer strikeout. Jeter Worthley then poked a hit and run just out of the reach of the short stop up the middle, as Stokes took third. Dylan Carey, the top RBI man in the conference couldn’t lay off multiple sliders, striking out, and bringing up the scorching hot Sanderson.
Well, if you are scorching hot, obviously you get a hit! Sanderson dropped a ball into the gap in right center, scoring Stokes. The outfielder bobbled the ball multiple times, allowing Worthley who was motoring to third to get the waved home and he slid in easily to put NU back up 6 to 4. Sanderson got credit for 1 RBI, Worthley was unearned.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
In the top of the 8th, Michigan put the pressure on Horn, with runners on first and second with only 1 out. Horn battled back and struck out the final two batters and let out a scream to the heavens as he flexed, striding off the mound into the third base dugout.
With the score still 6-4 in the 9th, Nebraska called on its closer, J’Shawn Unger. Unger induced a weak groundout to third, and Overbeek threw a strike to first for out number 1. After getting to a full count, Michigna hit a sinking liner to the left center gap, only All-Big Ten Defensive Team outfielder Mac Moyer flew in and grabbed the ball just inches from the ground, to the delight of the crowd! Another fly ball to Moyer at 1:51 am and Nebraska won its 13th straight game in this ballpark.
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) May 23, 2026
Sanderson was the hero of the night, with 3 hits, falling a home run short of the cycle and 3 RBIs. Jeter Worthley added 3 hits of his own, scoring twice. Rhett Stokes had 2 hits, and the other 2 RBIs.
Nebraska will play the winner of Oregon-Washington on Saturday. Those teams play at 10am CDT, and will take on Nebraska at 6pm or thereabouts.
As Forest Gump famously said, “Well, Im pretty tired. I think I’ll go home now.” See you back here tomorrow!
