Twins pitching keeps Tigers bats quiet to even the series

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 08: Kody Clemens #2 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates his two run home run in the sixth inning with teammates while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 08, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The pitching and defense were pretty good all around in this one, and neither offense got much going. The Tigers briefly held the lead after a Kevin McGonigle blast, but the difference was a two-run shot from Kody Clemens in the sixth off of Drew Anderson that gave them a one-run lead which held up. Both teams’ bullpens were sharp, and the Twins evened the series with a 3-2 victory.

Drew Anderson’s shaky command dug him into a hole pretty quickly in this one. Luke Keaschall popped out to start the game, but Anderson hung a curveball a bit and Brooks Lee doubled into the right field corner. Anderson wasn’t missing by a lot, but he was trying to nibble and walked Kody Clemens and Ryan Jeffers. Josh Bell lifted a sacrifice fly to Brett Callahan in left, and Lee scored as Hao-Yu Lee, probably rightly, cut off a strong throw home. Callahan is the best throwing outfielder in the Tigers organization and has racked up a lot of assists during his time in the minors, but Lee runs reasonably well. Royce Lewis fouled a 1-1 fastball off into the visiting dughout and Colt Keith, in pursuit, smashed himself into the railing as the ball fell just beyond his outstretched glove. Fortunately, a good changeup whiffed Lewis to strand two. A long first inning for Anderson, but minimal damage at least.

Dean Kremer took the mound looking to improve over his last start, where the Tigers got to him for four earned runs in five innings on September 2 at Target Field. Kevin McGonigle wouldn’t make it easy for him. After missing his pitch, a 2-2 sinker that was up in the zone and fouled off, the Tigers rookie fought through a 10-pitch at-bat and single to center field to start the bottom half of the first. A little liner off the end of the bat went for a Gleyber Torres single to left, and the Tigers were in business. Colt Keith worked a 2-0 count after Jeffers mistakenly challenged a ball, but then lined out to first and McGonigle was too far off of second base, locked up, and thrown out for a double play. Not great. A wild pitch got Torres to second, but Riley Greene struck out.

1-0 Twins after one inning.

Anderson got Trevor Larnach on a ground out to Torres to start the second, and then punched out Kaelen Culpepper with a good changeup. Walker Jenkins grounded out to Keith at first for a much snappier second for Anderson.

Eduardo Valencia started the bottom half with a single up the left center field gap. A splitter whiffed Callahan, and Max Clark got a fastball up in the zone 2-1 and popped out in foul territory. A cutter tied Hao-Yu Lee up and he popped out as well.

Keaschall doubled to left to start the third. Brooks Lee flew out to Callahan, and it was routine, giving him time to set up. Keaschall foolishly challenged that arm and was thrown out by 10 feet on a perfect strike from the rookie. Kody Clemens bounced out, and that inning went from trouble to helping Anderson get his pitch count in a little better shape at 50 through three frames.

McKinstry grounded out, and McGonigle popped out again, to open the bottom of the third. Gleyber Torres worked a walk, but Keith tapped one back to Kremer to send us to the fourth. Still 1-0 Twins.

Jeffers singled up the middle to open the fourth, but Bell grounded to Keith, who fired to McGonigle and back to Keith for a 3-6-3 double play. Lewis flew out to McKinstry in right on Anderson’s 60th pitch. A squibber to Lee from Riley Greene opened the bottom half, and Valencia and Callahan both lifted deep fly balls but still routine outs. On to the fifth.

Anderson needed just seven pitches to handle the frame. Larnach and Jenkins grounded out, while Culpepper struck out swinging between them.

After Clark flew out and Lee struck out, McKinstry ripped a single to right field. Kevin McGonigle dug in, got an 0-1 fastball over the middle, and smoked it to left field and into the home bullpen for an opposite field two-run homer, his 16th of the year. 2-1 Tigers.

Keaschall started the sixth taking an Anderson fastball off the knob of the bat. He tried to argue for a hit by pitch but home plate umpire Vic Carapazza wasn’t buying it. In a 1-2 count, Anderson got the called strike three on a fastball away, but it was challenged and overturned to a ball. Another heater in the same spot but a little closer to the edge did the job…but Keaschall correctly challenged that one as well, and a changeup walked him. A good slider whiffed Brooks Lee for the first out as Anderson worked to hold Keaschall at first as well. Unfortunately, a 2-2 fastball was up and in the zone and Kody Clemens pulled it just over the fence in right for a two-run homer. 3-2 Twins.

It’s really tough to know what to do with Anderson. He’s fine as a backend starter but his command is just shaky enough to allow too many meatballs that get crushed. At the same time, his relief work shows that tendency even more decisively. And yet he has a sub-4.00 ERA and has been reasonably solid as a starting pitcher, with a 2.29 ERA in that role, though still with a 4.20 FIP. He’s certainly among the Tigers 10 best arms, and maybe middle and long relief is the way to go. The Tigers have a $10M club option on him for 2027

Beau Brieske entered the game and promptly gave up a drive from Jeffers. Callahan cruised back to the wall and while it probably wasn’t quite going to clear the fence, he caught it with his glove on the yellow line at the top of the fence for the second out. A 3-2 fastball to Josh Bell was ripped hard to right field, but McKinstry cruised over and hauled it in on the run.

Lefty AJ Minter took over from Kremer in the bottom of the sixth. AJ Hinch responded by pinch-hitting Spencer Torkelson for Keith, playing first base. He took a fastball on the outer edge in a 2-2 count and Jeffers burned the Twins last challenge. It was still a ball, but Minter dotted a cutter at the top of the zone to strike him out anyway. Greene lifted a shallow fly out to center and Valencia flew out to left.

Brieske spun a 1-2-3 top of the seventh, and Ben Malgeri faced Minter, pinch-hitting for Callahan, in the bottom half of the seventh. Malgeri drew a walk, stole second, and took third as the throw bounced into center field. The Twins pulled in their infield and Max Clark bounced out to Culpepper at shortstop too quickly for Malgeri to try and score. Hao-Yu Lee struck out, and it was up to McKinstry, who flew out to left. Those three at-bats with a man on third were pretty much the death knell in this one.

Still 3-2 Twins, and on to the eighth.

Lefty Brant Hurter took the mound for his first inning of work in the majors since his lower back strain in May. He locked up Jenkins with a set of really nasty looking sweepers from that wide angle and low release point. Keaschall flew out to Clark, and Malgeri made a great diving catch in foul territory in left to retire Brooks Lee. The defense was not the Tigers’ issue in this one.

Jeff Hoffman took over for the Twins in the bottom half, and McGonigle started the inning by flying out to right field just short of the wall for the first out. Torres tapped a 3-2 slider away back to Hoffman for the second out, and so it was up to Torkelson, now without the platoon advantage. He fouled off a first pitch meatball of a slider right down the pipe thigh high, and eventually struck out swinging on one down and away.

So, now it was the Tigers needing a walkoff victory, but first they’d have to hold the Twins in place in the ninth.

Hurter got Clemens to start the inning, and then gave way to the next man up. Yilber Diaz got the assignment with most of the usual high leverage suspects unavailable in this one. He fired 99 mph heaters to get ahead of Jeffers 0-2, but Valencia called for a slider and Diaz left it up. Jeffers doubled to left. Bell hammered a ball to center field, but Clark made a nice play on it and Jeffers had to tag and hold at second. Lewis grounded out to McGonigle, and it was last call. Solid inning for Diaz, who just needs to locate his fastball-slider combination, which is electic. Of course, that’s easier said than done, but Diaz’s life story already reads like a book, and he’s overcome a lot more than control issues, so here’s hoping. The Tigers could really, really use an arm like that in the late innings.

Yoendrys Gomez looked to close it out for the Twins. He tied up Greene with a perfect sweeper to strike him out. Valencia lined out to Ryan Kreidler at second base. Keaschall made a nice sprawling play on a sinking drive from Malgeri in right field, and that was that.

They’ll decide the series at 1:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday. RHP Keider Montero will take on RHP Zebby Matthews in that one.

How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 27: A general view of Oracle Park during the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants at on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants continue this three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals tonight.

Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Landen Roupp, who enters tonight’s game with a 4.17 ERA, 3.70 FIP, with 137 strikeouts to 68 walks in 144.2 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last Wednesday, in which he allowed one run on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks in five innings.

He’ll be facing off against Cardinals left-hander Quinn Mathews, who enters tonight’s game with a 4.38 ERA, 3.26 FIP, with 24 strikeouts to 12 walks in 24.2 innings pitched. His last start was in the Cardinals’ 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers last Thursday, in which he allowed one run on four hits with four strikeouts and four walks in five innings.

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Game #146

Who: San Francisco Giants (60-85) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (72-73)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 6:45 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Washington Nationals vs San Diego Padres Game Thread

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Jacob Young #30 of the Washington Nationals catches a ball during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For most of the season, the Nats have been road warriors. However, that has not been the case at all since the end of July. They have struggled mightily away from home and this west coast trip has been no different. There have been a lot of close games, but they have been unable to get the job done.

The Nats are making a couple changes to their lineup. Yohandy Morales will be in the lineup and playing first base. That pushes Abimelec Ortiz to DH. Dylan Crews moves from left to center with Daylen Lile shifting to left field. Jorbit Vivas and Harry Ford are also back in the lineup. Riley Cornelio will start a bullpen game.

San Diego is actually only making one change to their lineup. Veteran Freddy Fermin will replace youngster Ethan Salas behind the plate. Other than that it is the same crew. Tatis, Machado, Merrill and France are the main guys in this offense. Casey Mize has not had the best start to life in San Diego but he will look to change that tonight.

Game Info:

Stadium: Petco Park

Time: 9:40 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nats are playing out the string here, but finding some life at the end of the season would be nice. Hopefully that can start tonight. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.

The Athletic Ranks Just One Flames Player Among NHL's Best

The Athletic is one of several major NHL publications that remain unconvinced by the Calgary Flames' rebuild. Whether ranking the club near the bottom of its power rankings or limiting the club's representation in league-wide evaluations, the publication has shown little confidence in the organization's current roster.

A few days ago, The Athletic released one of its most anticipated features of the year: its annual NHL player tiers. Unsurprisingly, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid once again topped the rankings.

This year's list is divided into five categories: MVP, Franchise, All-Star, Star, and Support. The MVP tier features the league's elite players, while the Franchise tier includes 23 skaters who can serve as the cornerstone of any organization. The All-Star and Star tiers make up the bulk of the rankings, recognizing established impact players from around the NHL.

For the Flames, however, their inclusion on the list was brief. Goaltender Dustin Wolf was Calgary's only representative, earning a spot in the Support tier.

One Bad Season Tanked Wolf's Reputation

In the comments under Wolf's ranking, they praise the 25-year-old for his breakout performance in 2024-25, but discuss how his sophomore slump tarnished his budding reputation. One NHL executive quoted by The Athletic believes that the young netminder, entering his third season, may never recapture his rookie form. As insulting as that is, many forget that Wolf is a two-time AHL Goalie of the Year and a former league MVP. 

In the NHL, he's backstopping the NHL's lowest-scoring team, so even if he gives up one or two goals, too many of those games still end in losses because the Flames struggle to score.

Since most of the team's core is Wolf's age or younger, growing pains are bound to come for an organization preparing to move into a new arena. The hope is that, with a modernized facility and all the amenities the Saddledome has lacked over the years, Calgary could recruit more elite talent. Until then, the Flames have committed fully to their rebuild, relying on prospects rather than outside additions. The reinforcements are not coming from other teams; they are coming from within the system.

Wolf's placement in the Support tier is surprising. He's not a supporting player; he's the team MVP. Yes, he's not at the same level as Andrei Vasilevskiy or Igor Shesterkin, both Vezina Trophy winners. Still, those clubs wouldn't be as successful with a mediocre goalie between the pipes. Can anyone imagine how bad the Flames would have been last season without their No. 1 goalie posting a 23-29-3 record? Yikes. 

Overall, most NHL fans who don't stay up late to watch Calgary games rarely see how impactful Wolf is in every game he plays. Casual fans may look at the rankings and conclude the Flames are simply rebuilding. However, the Calgary faithful will see these rankings and wonder why Wolf couldn't move up a tier, and ask why players like Matt Coronato and Zayne Parekh were left off entirely.

Calgary's rebuild won't be measured until the latter part of the decade, when the organization expects to be back in the playoff picture. Until then, rankings like these are likely to become the norm.

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Yankees' Aaron Judge held hitless in three AB's in highly-anticipated return from IL

It took three months, but the Yankees finally have their captain back. 

Aaron Judge has been progressing nicely over the past few weeks in his recovery from a fractured rib injury, and he finally received the okay to return on Tuesday night. 

“It’s a long time coming,” Aaron Boone said. “He’s been chomping at the bit.”

Judge isn’t facing any restrictions in his return, so he jumped right back out there for the Yanks, batting third and playing his usual right field in the opener against the Rockies. 

The slugger took three at-bats and played six innings in the field, which is part of the team’s plan as they look to play it smart with his build-up after opting to skip a minor league rehab assignment. 

He missed a pair of middle-middle sliders before swinging through a fastball up in the zone, as Gabriel Hughes struck him out in his first plate appearance back.

Judge then got ahead 2-1 before flying out to center his second time around. 

He worked a full count against left-hander Mark Manfredi in the sixth, but was called out looking at a fastball on the corner of the zone to end his night. 

"I thought he looked really good," Boone said. "First AB was getting himself in good positions, just missed a couple of sliders before they beat him with the fastball. I thought he looked like Judgey. 

"Obviously there will be some time getting the timing and rhythm and everything, but I thought he was on everything for the most part -- overall I thought it was a pretty good night for him."

Judge wasn't pleased with Boone for taking him out after six innings, so the skipper is confident he'll be ready to go for the middle game of the three-game set Wednesday night in the Bronx. 

He does anticipate getting him a full off day at some point during the series, though. 

"The competitor in him wants to be out there," Boone said. "He's done a lot of work and I know he feels in his mind he's very much ready to play and go the distance, but it's my job to be smart, especially these first several games."

Game #146: A’s vs Blue Jays Game Thread

Sep 3, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Jack Perkins (50) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Last night, the Athletics played spoiler by kicking off their homestand with a 6-5 walk-off win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Tonight, the A’s will look to continue their strong finish to the season and secure a second consecutive series victory.

Right-hander Jack Perkins will make the start for the A’s. The 26-year-old enters his 34th appearance, 14th start of the season and first career start against the Blue Jays with a 3-10 record, a 6.50 ERA, a 1.54 WHIP and 116 strikeouts over 98 1/3 innings.

Perkins’ strikeout numbers showcase the stellar arsenal he brings to the mound. However, his ongoing command issues have prevented him from taking the next step and establishing himself as a core member of the A’s pitching staff.

In his last outing against the Seattle Mariners, Perkins was bailed out by the A’s bullpen. The right-hander allowed three runs on four hits in just three innings, striking out seven batters while walking five. Following that game, the Athletics optioned Perkins to Triple-A. He was recalled the next day as the corresponding move after fellow right-hander J.T. Ginn landed on the injured list with an elbow impingement.

Perkins has the ability to be a successful starting pitcher in this league, yet he has not reached his fully evolved form. If he keeps struggling, it would behoove the team to return him to a late-inning or long relief role. Will Perkins deliver a quality start, or will the team once again have to turn to its bullpen earlier than expected?

Here’s how the Athletics will line up for this matchup:

Center fielder Henry Bolte will look to follow his electric performance yesterday with another strong showing this evening. Third baseman Zack Gelof did not start the season in the majors, yet he is three home runs and six stolen bases away from a 20-20 season. The Blue Jays must be mindful of the two speedsters, who ran wild on the basepaths in the series opener.

After a hot streak, right fielder Lawrence Butler has cooled down. The Athletics could use a resurgence from him and slumping catcher Jonah Heim. The team also welcomes back designated hitter Tommy White, who sat out the last five games because of back tightness.

The A’s offense will face Blue Jays right-hander José Soriano. Toronto was active on both sides of this season’s trade deadline, and Soriano was one of its key acquisitions. The Blue Jays traded one of their top prospects to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for the hard-throwing right-hander.

Through 22 starts with the Angels, Soriano went 9-6 with a 3.29 ERA. In his first six starts with his new team, the 27-year-old went 2-1 with a 4.36 ERA.

The Green and Gold have faced Soriano plenty of times over the past few years. The right-hander enters this outing 1-3 with a 7.52 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 10 career appearances against the Athletics. This will be his third start against the A’s this season, but his first as a member of the Blue Jays. He received no-decisions in both of his first two starts. Will that happen again today, or will Soriano finally factor into the decision?

And Toronto’s starting nine:

No George Springer in the Blue Jays lineup today. Left fielder Josh Smith and designated hitter Jesús Sánchez make their first starts of the series for the visitors. Perkins will have to be careful when facing the always-dangerous Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as well as Andrés Giménez, who hit the game-tying home run last night.

Time to make it two straight wins and send Toronto tumbling in the wild-card race. Let’s go, A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, KVMX 92.1/105.5, A’s Cast




Washington Nationals at San Diego Padres

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres steals second base during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park on September 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Washington Nationals (67-79) at San Diego Padres (76-68), September 8, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan



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Game 145 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 29: Cal Quantrill #44 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field on August 29, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Texas Rangers @ Seattle Mariners

Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 8:40 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

T-Mobile Park

RHP Cal Quantrill vs. RHP Bryce Miller

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSMARINERS
Joc Pederson – DHRandy Arozarena – LF
Corey Seager – SSDominic Canzone – RF
Ezequiel Duran – 3BJulio Rodriguez – CF
Brandon Nimmo – RFCal Raleigh – C
Wyatt Langford – LFJ.P. Crawford – SS
Evan Carter – CFJosh Naylor – 1B
Jake Burger – 1BCole Young – 2B
Nicky Lopez – 2BLazaro Montes – DH
Danny Jansen – CBrock Rodden – 3B
Cal Quantrill – RHPBryce Miller – RHP

Go Rangers!

Dodgers on Deck: Wednesday, September 9 vs. Reds

Los Angeles, - September 05: Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares to throw weighted, javelin-like training tools prior to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 5, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

The Dodgers close out their nine-game homestand on Wednesday night, with one more game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts Wednesday, and like Tuesday starter Tarik Skubal is set up to face the Reds twice in a row, as these two teams meet up again next week for four games at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

The volume at Dodger Stadium is always high, but the series finale will be even Lowder, as right-hander Rhett Lowder starts for Cincinnati.

Wednesday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Reds
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Shohei Ohtani out of lineup as Dodgers ease him back into play

Los Angeles, CA - September 07, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) prepares to bat during the third inning of an MLB game against the Cincinnati Reds at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES — After only one game back, Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is out of the lineup on Tuesday, the fifth time in six days he isn’t starting.

“He came out of yesterday well, but talking with the training staff, it’s more the thought of let’s build him up slowly,” manager Dave Roberts said prior to Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. “He’ll be available in a big spot tonight. He’ll be in there tomorrow.”

Ohtani flew out to deep left field in his first at-bat back on Monday, after missing four games. He then struck out twice and walked. The flyout came on a 98.6-mph fastball from Chase Burns in the first inning.

“He got to 99 at the top of the zone yesterday, flew out to left field. A week ago, he wasn’t close to catching up to that,” Roberts said. “It’s not just about tonight, obviously he’s not in the lineup. It’s about what we can do to get him optimum as we get into the postseason. I think a day here and there is not the worst thing, to make sure his body overall feels as good or close to 100 percent as possible.”

Freddie Freeman gets the start at designated hitter, with Kiké Hernández starting at first base against Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo. It’s just the fourth career start at DH for Freeman, along with once in 2015 and twice in 2020 while with the Atlanta Braves.

Freeman is the 11th Dodger to start at DH this season, joining Ohtani (129 starts), Teoscar Hernández (three), Dalton Rushing (three), Will Smith (two), Alex Call (two), Santiago Espinal, Miguel Rojas, Andy Pages, Ryan Ward, and Max Muncy.

That’s three players shy of the club record set in 2022, when a whopping 14 different players started at DH — Justin Turner (61 starts), Muncy (25), Smith (24), Edwin Ríos (19), Jake Lamb (12), Chris Taylor (five), Miguel Vargas (four), Joey Gallo (three), Trayce Thompson (three), Eddy Alvarez (two), James Outman, Zach McKinstry, Gavin Lux, and Hanser Alberto.

St. Louis Cardinals vs San Francisco Giants Game Discussion Tuesday

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 17: Quinn Mathews #60 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during game one of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 17, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals return to Oracle Park Tuesday night for game 2 against the San Francisco Giants. Quinn Mathews gets the start for the Cardinals while Landen Roupp gets the ball for the Giants. First pitch is scheduled for 8:45pm central time and the game broadcast will be available via Cardinals.tv.

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Know Your Enemy: Up-And-Coming Canadiens Could Be Sabres' Toughest Atlantic Division Rival

David Kirouac., Imagn Images
David Kirouac., Imagn Images

The Buffalo Sabres’ 2025-26 season was largely a major success, as the Sabres finished first in the Atlantic Division, then beat the Boston Bruins in their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series. However, the Sabres lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round. Still, Buffalo ended their decade-and-a-half playoff drought, and that was a huge relief for long-suffering Sabres fans. 

Meanwhile, for the second straight year here at TheHockeyNews.com, we're analyzing the Sabres’ Eastern Conference opponents in an online series titled “Know Your Enemy”. And in this particular file in the series, we’re breaking down that Canadiens team. 

The Habs didn’t make many moves this summer, but they’ve been expertly-constructed by GM Kent Hughes, and if the Sabres are to improve in 2026-27, they’ll need to go through the Canadiens.

BUFFALO SABRES VS. MONTREAL CANADIENS

NEW CANADIENS PLAYERS: Brett Berard (LW), Sasha Pastujov (LW)

2025-26 SERIES: Sabres 2-2-0, Canadiens 2-2-0

2026-27 GAMES AGAINST EACH OTHER: October 13, at Montreal; October 17 at Montreal; December 18 at Buffalo; January 18 at Buffalo

CAN THE SABRES BEAT THIS TEAM? The Sabres will take on the Canadiens in Montreal in Buffalo’s seventh game of the regular-season – and in a quirk of the schedule, the Sabres will play the Habs four days later, again in Montreal. That should get the two teams plenty-accustomed to one another, and from that point, Buffalo will host the Canadiens twice in a one-month period that ends in mid-January.

The Sabres and Canadiens split their series last season, with both teams winning twice in regulation. And if we’re being honest, we can see that same type of result taking place in 2026-27. Montreal hasn’t made any material changes to their roster, but Hughes has done a masterful job of putting the Habs together, and the Sabres will have to be at their best to even have a chance of beating the Canadiens this coming year.

The Canadiens sent Buffalo home for the summer this past spring, and to avoid that fate in ‘26-27, the Sabres will need to be better than Montreal in the goaltending department, and there’s obviously no guarantee that will take place. But Buffalo has lost key pieces Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram, and unless the Sabres get internal improvement from their young players, beating the Habs will require a huge step forward for Buffalo.

Can the Sabres turn the tables on Montreal this year? Yes, there’s definitely a chance they can do so. However, if the Canadiens wind up dumping Buffalo for the second straight season, you have to think Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen will be much more active on the trade and free-agency fronts next summer.

There’s lots to like about both Buffalo and the Habs, but one of those teams will be seriously disappointed by an early exit in the 2027 playoffs.

And unless the Sabres can avoid doing so, getting eliminated by Montreal for the second straight season will almost assuredly lead to Buffalo’s roster being thoroughly overhauled for the 2027-28 campaign.

Game Thread: Pirates (71-73) at White Sox (75-68)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 11: Sean Burke #59 of the Chicago White Sox reacts during the seventh inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Rate Field on August 11, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)
Sean Burke posted 5 2/3 shutout innings in his last start, and holds a 3.20 ERA on the season. | (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)

After a much-needed series win at home against the Minnesota Twins, the White Sox face the Pittsburgh Pirates for the only time this season, a three-game set before the Good Guys head down to St. Louis over the weekend. The White Sox flexed Sunday into a bullpen game, because of course, and shifted righthander Sean Burke’s start back a day, making his 29th appearance of the season tonight — his 25th start.

Despite walking four batters in his previous start on September 1, Burke only allowed one hit in his 5 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out six in the process. In his career-high 154 2/3 frames this season, the righty ace has held steady at a 3.20 ERA and 1.144 WHIP, and has struck out 167 batters so far, at a 26.2% strikeout rate. With the South Siders’ starting rotation fluctuating through the year, Burke has been a constant in his outings, with six runs being the most surrendered in a start this year, at home against Seattle in May.

Thankfully the White Sox offense heated up quite a bit in their last game, demolishing the Twins, 10-1, with 12 hits, seven of which were mashed for extra bases (five doubles, two home runs). Tonight’s lineup is identical to the Sunday Night Baseball game, rolling with the lefty-heavy batting order against Pirates righthander Bubba Chandler. In his last game, Sam Antonacci plated three doubles against the Twins, certainly earning his spot in the leadoff position. I’ve been a fan of Miguel Vargas shifting into the 2-hole, considering he is the best and most consistent hitter on the team.

Over the last 15 days, three Sox players rank in the Top 20 in baseball in on-base percentage: Tristan Peters (eighth), Antonacci (19) and Miguel Vargas (20). Peters has been on fire, and the rookie also is tied for seventh for slugging percentage (.744) over the same time frame, and is batting seventh tonight. If you were to ask me (you weren’t), I’d be shifting Peters up in the lineup, as he has solidified himself as one of the best hitters on the team and one of the stronger players in all of baseball. But it does say a lot that there’s not many ways you can go wrong with this lineup, especially when they are on their A-game.

Chicago White Sox Lineup

For the Pirates, Chandler has been fairly solid, posting a 4.30 ERA in 27 outings this season with a 1.368 WHIP. Chandler’s 4.12 expected ERA (xERA) is slightly lower, along with a 4.16 FIP, indicating that he might have had some bad luck here and there. But he still has accumulated 1.9 WAR. One of the righty’s strengths is that he tends to miss barrels, holding a 5.6% barrel rate, ranking in the 82 percentile in MLB. Chandler’s fastball is his go-to, which makes sense as he throws straight heat, averaging 98.3 mph, using about 48% of the time, and closer to 50% when facing left-handed hitters. Chandler’s off-speed pitches tend to be his most effective, however, as his changeup, sinker, and sweeper all have amassed a .200 or worse opponent batting average.

Because this is the first time these two teams will match up, and most batters haven’t seen these pitchers before, the White Sox will definitely have to be prepared for some strong bats in the Pittsburgh lineup. Brandon Lowe is batting second behind rookie Konnor Griffin, who ranks 24th in the National League with an .803 OPS, though he is just one of five hitters with an .800 or near-.800 OPS, as Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Rafael Flores Jr. are all right there with him. As a team, the Pirates rank seventh in baseball with a .731 team OPS and fifth in batting average. Ideally, Burke is able to keep their power under control and miss those Pittsburgh bats.

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup

Be sure to tune in to the action tonight, either on TV at CHSN, or on the radio at ESPN Chicago AM 1000. There should be some beautiful weather on the South Side, with temperatures hanging in the low-80s to upper-70s and partly cloudy skies. Time to snag a W and start up a new win streak.

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Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Xander Bogaerts, Will Warren and Michael Conforto

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS

Xander Bogaerts (SS Padres): Rostered in 29 percent of Yahoo leagues

It's mostly about matchups with 2 1/2 weeks left to go in the 2026 season, and Bogaerts and the Padres have a great one with four games in Coors Field against the Rockies to begin next week. That'll be followed by three home games against the Marlins, which isn't quite so great, especially with Eury Pérez and Sandy Alcantara both slated to start, but at least it's still a seven-game week.

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Assuming that Ty France is gone in most competitive leagues at this point, Bogaerts is probably the most available Padres hitter worth targeting. It's been a dreary year for the 33-year-old shortstop, whose .219 average, .319 OBP and .320 slugging percentage are all far and away career lows. The funny thing, though, is that none of the decline shows up in his exit velocity numbers. His average bat speed is actually slightly up from the last two years, and his 41 percent hard-hit rate is his high mark since 2021. His career hard-hit rate is 37 percent. He's also matched his career high from last year with his 20 steals.

For what it's worth, Bogaerts did do well in his previous series at Coors this year, going 5-for-11 with a homer. He's hit .361 with six homers in 21 career games there. In spite of his struggles this year, he hardly ever sits. It probably won't be worth holding on to him for the final week of the season when the Padres play the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, but he's a nice choice next week.

Will Warren (SP Yankees): Rostered in 45 percent of Yahoo leagues

The Yankees have kept threatening to drop Warren from the rotation, but every time it has seemed like it's going to happen, someone goes down. Most recently, it was Ryan Weathers who had to be placed on the injured list with a flexor strain. Warren, who opened the year 7-1 with a 3.22 ERA before struggling in June and July, put together a statement start against the Red Sox after Weathers went down, only to find himself piggybacking Max Fried last time out and getting lifted after 2 1/3 scoreless innings. That, at least, was mostly a reaction to the Yankees having two off days in quick succession. Warren will find himself back in the rotation to face the Rockies on Wednesday and will probably get another start next Monday against the Twins.

Warren's turnaround outing came on Aug. 30, when he pitched seven innings of one-run ball to help the Yankees clinch the season series and claim the tiebreaker against Boston. It helped a bunch that he had his best fastball since mid-April. Even though he was pitching on four days' rest, he averaged 94.4 mph for seven innings, a 1.2-mph gain from his previous three starts. Other than his lone one-inning relief appearance in July, it's the hardest he had thrown in 4 1/2 months. Warren threw even harder while getting seven outs Friday against the Padres, averaging 95.1 mph. He's not going to maintain that in a full start, but it bodes well for him chances of putting together an outing similar to the one he had against Boston.

Unfortunately, Warren is probably going to be good for just the two starts. Unless another starter gets hurt, Warren is headed to the bullpen for the postseason, and the Yankees will probably want to spend the final week getting him ready for a relief role. He's well worth using until it happens, though.

Michael Conforto (OF Cubs): Rostered in one percent of Yahoo leagues

If anyone had been willing to bet on Conforto as a platoon regular last winter after his down season with the Dodgers, they probably would have been rewarded with 25 homers and 80 RBI. The Cubs, though, never planned on carving out that kind of role for him after signing him to a minor league deal in late February. It's been up to Conforto to force the issue, and he has been seeing more time at DH while going 11-for-26 with four homers and a 4/4 K/BB in his last 12 appearances. It makes him look like a decent option ahead of the Pirates series starting Friday.

Conforto only plays against righties, of course, but it looks like the Cubs will face seven in nine games in home series against the Pirates and Braves and then a road trip to Cincinnati. Barring a rotation shakeup, they'll miss Chris Sale in the Atlanta series. Getting six or seven starts would be sufficient to make Conforto useful if he keeps swinging the bat like this. Since Aug. 21, only the amazing Mickey Gasper has more plate appearances with a higher xwOBA than Conforto's .486 mark.

Waiver Wire Quick Hits

- The Brewers' Cooper Pratt (seven percent rostered) did a fair amount of sitting initially after coming off the injured list last month, but he's now started five straight games and eight of nine and is hitting .353 with a homer, 11 RBI and three steals since Aug. 25. He's a nice pickup for those looking for steals, especially with a series against the Pirates coming up and Pittsburgh often playing Rafael Flores Jr. behind the plate.

- Emmet Sheehan fanned 10 in his return to the Dodgers rotation on Monday and is due to start again Sunday against the Marlins. Like Warren, he might wind up finishing the season in a relief role, but he's a fine choice this weekend.

September 8 game discussion: Diamondbacks vs. Royals

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 07: Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) is congratulated by teammates after scoring during a MLB game on September 07, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

One of the first games at Kauffman Stadium I attended was when the Arizona Diamondbacks were in town. At the time, we had just moved to Kansas City from the Cleveland area, and as someone who perused the Sunday morning league leaders in the newspaper and watched SportsCenter, one of my favorite players was Randy Johnson. The Big Unit was starting that particular game, and he wrecked the feckless Royals, but it was fun to me.

Tonight, there is no Randy Johnson. Birds everywhere rejoice. But there is one Corbin Burnes and, when healthy, he’s really good. It’ll be a difficult showdown against a Diamondbacks team clinging to one of the Wild Card spots and fighting for their playoff lives.

Diamondbacks 9/8 lineup

Royals 9/8 lineup