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Yes, Devin Vassell is a top-100 NBA player

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts after making a basket at the buzzer to end the second quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

This week, ESPN released its list of the top 100 NBA players. The San Antonio Spurs had three players in the top 50: Dylan Harper (50), De’Aaron Fox (43), and Stephon Castle (38). It’s safe to assume that Victor Wembanyama will be in the top 1o, revealed later this week.

One player was notably missing from the rankings: Devin Vassell. Despite starting on an NBA Finals team, averaging 13.9 points while shooting 38.4% from three in the regular season, and making huge strides on the defensive end in the playoffs, Vassell was left completely off the list. Even Carter Bryant got a mention as a player who will probably be on the list next year.

Now ESPN is just one of many sites ranking NBA players, and is one of the only ones not to include Vassell (The Ringer has him at 65). Maybe this is an editorial oversight? If not, it’s one of the biggest snubs of this year.

Notable players who made the list over Vassell include: Lu Dort, rookie Caleb Wilson, Peyton Watson, Donovan Clingan, Coby White, and Fred VanVleet (who didn’t play a game last season). Dort is a particular head-scratcher, as he couldn’t stay on the court in the playoffs as his jump shot abandoned him and his defense failed to make a game-changing impact. Dort averaged 8.3 points while shooting 34.4% from three last season.

To validate upset Spurs fans about the snub on ESPN’s list: yes, Devin Vassell is undoubtedly a top-100 NBA player. He’s probably somewhere in the 70s to 80s. His combination of shooting, size, shot creation, and budding defense makes him one of the league’s more exciting glue guys.

Next year is a big season for Vassell, though. The Spurs will have a lot of attention on them after their Finals run last season. With players like Harper, Tobias Harris, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson all fighting for minutes, this will be one of the most competitive seasons San Antonio has experienced in quite some time, both externally and internally.

Vassell will be crucial to San Antonio making it back to the Finals in 2027. He’s one of the few players on the Spurs roster who can both shoot from deep and reliably put the ball on the deck and create his own shot. He’s the team’s best pull-up jump shooter. If he can maintain the level of defensive intensity he showed in the playoffs, this team could soar to new heights in the regular season.

One thing that could drive him to get there is the feeling of being underestimated. The Spurs need an edge this season after coming up short last year. Vassell playing with a chip on his shoulder is only going to make the team better. In the end, being left off the ESPN top 100 could be a good thing.

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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says $500 million deal on his mind 'every at-bat I fail'

BALTIMORE — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. isn’t afraid to admit it: His 14-year, $500 million contract absolutely weighed on him during this, his most unproductive season of his decorated career.

Guerrero signed that megadeal in March 2025 and then drove the Toronto Blue Jays all the way to Game 7 of the World Series with a fantastic postseason. Yet he followed that with the worst season of his career, most notably failing to hit a home run in his own ballpark until the 75th home game of the season.

After the Blue Jays were officially eliminated from 2026 contention with a 4-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, Sept. 23, Guerrero came clean: Every weak grounder, every strikeout, every Blue Jays loss weighed significantly on him.

As did the notion of living up to his contract.

“I’ve got to be honest with you: Of course. Every at-bat that I fail, I think about my contract,” Guerrero said via club interpreter Hector Lebron between games of a split doubleheader at Camden Yards. “I know all the people who go to (Rogers Centre), they pay to see me being successful, to do something good every at-bat.

“Every time, I think about my contract, mentally. So, it is what it is.”

Here’s what it is: Guerrero’s batted .263 with nine home runs and a .695 OPS this season. He’s established full-season career lows in virtually every major category, most notably slugging percentage – .360 with just 34 extra-base hits, his slugging down more than 100 points from last year’s .467 and .495 career mark entering this season.

To say nothing of October 2025: Guerrero had one of the greatest postseason runs in recent history, batting .397 with a .494 OBP, 1.289 OPS, eight homers and 29 hits in 18 games.

But that run came at a cost. Guerrero says he took six weeks off after the World Series to let his body recover, which certainly cut into his typical offseason training regimen. While the 6-foot, 245-pound first baseman remains in good shape and didn’t go on the 10-day injured list this season, hamstring and lower back maladies and a stint on the concussion IL stymied him.

Guerrero insisted injuries were not to blame for his poor production, though he was quick to credit Toronto’s staff for getting him game-ready.

“When it’s a bad year, it’s a bad year,” he says. “I didn’t have any major injuries. Some things that happened through the year, I gotta say, our medical staff and trainers did a great job. They worked very hard with me.

“Maybe I wasn’t 100% physically, but it is what it is. I tried my best every day to go out there as ready as I could. It’s over right now.”

Blue Jays fans have been forgiving of their six-time All-Star through his home run drought and other struggles, but some took exception to a recent Spanish-language interview he conducted with journalist Veronica Batista.

He intimated that he was being paid his $500 million deal “for what he’d already done,” comments that were perhaps lost in translation to indicate his deal was a reward, not a pact to live up to.

Guerrero aimed to clarify that Wednesday.

“I said, obviously, I felt really bad about the year I had. Couldn’t help get my team to the postseason,” he says. “And I said I feel every player gets paid for what they’ve done. Now, with that said, I signed my contract at the beginning of last year. And I did put a good year, and then the playoffs to help the team get into the World Series.

“To the fans, I have never stopped working very hard. I’m going to go into the offseason again to prepare myself to do the best I can. Physically, mentally, everything I have.”

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the struggles of his 77-81 club were collective and has the staff preparing for a significant self-examination, one year after they won 94 games, the AL East and the AL pennant.

Guerrero, he said, did not accept failure.

“For Vlad in particular, he’s got all the potential in the world. We know that,” says Schneider of Guerrero, who has played in 141 games this season. “We’ve seen him be one of, if not the best player in the game. Years like this can happen. Myself, my staff and Vlad – he’s not chalking this up to oh, this is one of those years.

“He worked tirelessly to try and get out of that funk he was in. He tried different ways to prepare and he posted every day. It’s hard to pinpoint it.”

For Guerrero, 2026 is certainly one to grow on. And he can only hope that the $500 million deal that began this season creates a bar to reach, not an anvil that weighs him down.

“I have to learn a lot from this year. It’s a process,” he says. “Especially when you go to the World Series, like last year, that was my goal again this year. You put that pressure on yourself a little bit, trying to take your team back to the World Series. It didn’t happen.

“I wasn’t expecting the year that I had. But I’m going to be working on that.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says $500 million deal on his mind 'every at-bat I fail'

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Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game discussion: Merrill Kelly vs. Mason Adams

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 16: Starting pitcher Mason Adams #38 of the Colorado Rockies throws against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Coors Field on September 16, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Colorado Rockies reached 100 losses for the fourth straight season with last night’s defeat at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The loss felt fitting for the unfortunate milestone, as the Rockies managed only three hits (compared to Arizona’s 13) and struggled to get much going on either side of the ball.

They’ll look to rebound tonight in the penultimate home game of the year.

Promising rookie Mason Adams gets his sixth start, bringing in an 0-1 record, a 5.09 ERA, and 23 strikeouts to 12 walks. His last three starts have been a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of traffic on the basepaths, as Adams gave up eight, two, and then eight hits in those respective starts. He’s also surrendered at least one home run in each of his six starts. Adams’ last outing was the worst of his young career, with six runs allowed on eight hits with only one strikeout to three walks in a 9-3 loss to the San Diego Padres.

The Diamondbacks try to slither up the Wild Card standings, currently sitting four games behind the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Padres. The Phillies found a win last night, while the Cubs and Padres both lost, knotting all three clubs at 87-70.

Arizona will roll out Merrill Kelly, currently 9-14 through 28 starts and a 5.00 ERA. This will be Kelly’s third time facing Colorado in 2026, picking up a win in a 9-1 victory back in May and a loss in a 6-4 game in August. Kelly is on the same rollercoaster as Adams, giving up seven, two, and seven hits in his last three games. The back end of the season has been difficult for Kelly, who took losses in five of his last seven starts.

Tuesday night’s matchup was lopsided. With both of tonight’s starters reeling over the last month, the game presents an opportunity for both offenses to get lots of baserunners on and make it more of a battle. We’ll see if the Rockies’ bats can cash in.

First Pitch: 6:40pm MT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Diamondbacks SB Nation:AZ Snake Pit

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Clippers interim boss thanks Kawhi Leonard, addresses leadership

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer sits on the sideline before an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Image 3 shows LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue reacts on the baseline during the third quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Wednesday, January 7, 2026

In his first public comments since taking over the franchise, Clippers interim CEO/governor John Gibson thanked Kawhi Leonard after the franchise sent the star forward back to Toronto via trade. 

As part of a nearly five-minute long video the Clippers released, Gibson addressed multiple topics about the franchise, including briefly touching on the trade involving Leonard, the Clippers’ new leadership structure and moving forward. 

After 2 ½ months of waiting, the Clippers officially traded Leonard to the Raptors on Sept. 14, nearly two weeks after the NBA punished the Clippers for circumventing the league’s salary cap by “initiating off-court income opportunities” for Leonard with four different companies that also did business with the team. 

The Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard back to the Raptors last week. Getty Images

The Clippers received Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round draft picks (2031 and 2033), one first-round draft pick swap (2027) and two second-round picks in the transaction. 

The trade brought an end to what was a disappointing era for the Clippers.

Leonard led the franchise to just two playoff series victories during his seven seasons with the franchise. 

The lone time the Clippers won multiple playoff series in the same postseason came in 2021, when the franchise advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history after Leonard tore the ACL in his right knee midway through the second round series against the Jazz.

“We thank Kawhi for his contributions on the court and wish him well,” Gibson said. “At the same time, we are excited to welcome Brandon Ingram along with offseason additions Gradey Dick, Rui Hachimura, and Max Strus. They join a talented core that includes Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Brook Lopez, Kobe Sanders, Isaiah Jackson and Keaton Wagler, whom we were thrilled to select in this year’s draft.”

Gibson also announced the official organizational changes after the league’s punishments left the Clippers with multiple holes. 

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was one of several key people with the franchise to face sanctions because of the Kawhi Leonard scandal. AP Photo/Ryan Sun

General manager Trent Redden will serve as the interim president of basketball operations, while assistant general manager Mark Hughes has been appointed as the interim general manager. 

In addition to a $30 million fine to the franchise, the team being stripped of five first-round draft picks (2029-33) and Clippers owner/CEO Steve Ballmer being suspended for a year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker (one year) and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank (six months) were also suspended for their roles in the scandal involving Leonard.

Gibson reiterated that the Clippers have “complete confidence” coach Ty Lue’s leadership as it navigates its post-sanctions future.

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Clippers interim CEO/governor John Gibson reiterated the franchise’s confidence in head coach Tyronn Lue. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“Ty has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity, unite teams, and inspire players to perform at their best,” Gibson said. “His leadership will be instrumental as we move forward.”

Gibson, a Los Angeles-based lawyer, was named the franchise’s interim governor and CEO on Monday in light of Ballmer’s suspension. 

He’s a longtime Clippers season-ticket holder and was a “nationally recognized trial lawyer and litigation partner”, the Clippers stated, at DLA Piper in Los Angeles.

“For more than 20 years, I have proudly been a member of Clipper Nation,” Gibson said. “I have witnessed the growth of this franchise, the passion of our fans, and the resilience of the people who wear this logo every day. I appreciate how far we have come. I respect the work that built this organization and I’m excited about the future we will create together. As Steve said, the challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. And our resolve will be measured not by what we say, but what we do. 

“You’ll see that resolve in action in three key areas. First, we will build bridges. We will engage openly with our players, staff, fans, sponsors, business partners, the NBA, fellow governors, the players association, and our communities. We want to hear your concerns. We want your ideas. We want your perspective. We will listen with humility. We will act with purpose. Second, we will build on our culture of compliance. Excellence requires accountability. We will continue working closely with the NBA to ensure strong compliance systems,effective oversight and the highest professional standards throughout our organization. Our goal is straightforward: Compete with integrity. Operate with professionalism. Earn and maintain the confidence of our fans, players, partners, and the league. Trust is not given. Trust is earned. We are committed to earning your trust every single day. Third, we will build on our team and our organization. We are conducting a thoughtful and comprehensive review of both basketball and business operations to ensure every decision supports a winning culture.”

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Alonso hits 41st homer as Orioles beat Blue Jays 4-2 to eliminate Toronto from the playoff race

BALTIMORE — Peete Alonso hit his 41st home run of the season, Chris Bassitt took a shutout into the sixth inning and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday, eliminating the defending American League champions from the postseason race.

The Orioles and Blue Jays both entered this twin bill one loss from elimination. The best the Blue Jays (77-81) can do now is finish .500 — a season after they pushed the Los Angeles Dodgers to extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series.

Max Scherzer (3-9) allowed four runs and four hits in five innings in the 500th appearance — and 491st start — of his career. He struck out seven and walked three. The 42-year-old right-hander said he hopes he can come back on short rest to pitch again Sunday in the season finale — and he’ll likely have something to say in the next couple days about his future.

The 37-year-old Bassitt (9-5) allowed two runs and seven hits in five-plus innings. He was pulled with two on in the sixth and both runners scored on second baseman Jeremiah Jackson’s throwing error.

Andrew Kittredge pitched the ninth for his 11th save.

Scherzer struck out three in the first, but Jackson hit an RBI single in the second for the Orioles. With men on first and third and two out, Jackson took off for second, then stopped and got in a rundown. Colton Cowser was slow leaving third, but the Blue Jays kept going after Jackson, allowing Cowser to score.

Alonso’s two-run shot in the fifth pulled him even for the AL lead in homers with Houston’s Yordan Alvarez and Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero. Alonso is eight RBIs ahead of Alvarez for the league lead and could spoil the Houston slugger’s pursuit of a Triple Crown.

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Blue Jays put Dylan Cease on the IL shortly after being eliminated from the playoff race

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays put right-hander Dylan Cease on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation, ending his 2026 season.

The move came between games of Wednesday’s doubleheader at Baltimore, after the Blue Jays dropped the opener and were eliminated from postseason contention. Cease went 11-6 with a 2.40 ERA this season, his first with Toronto.

Cease signed a $210 million, seven-year contract to join Toronto after he spent his first seven seasons with the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres. He made 29 starts this year. The last one was Friday, when he walked six batters and was replaced in the third inning.

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Ceddanne/Superman return in Guardians vs Red Sox

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 31: Ceddanne Rafaela #3 of the Boston Red Sox makes a diving catch during the sixth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners August 31, 2026 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Red Sox and Guardians may not have as flashy of a pitching showdown as Payton Tolle vs. Payton Messick on Tuesday night, but Sonny Gray, who leads the team – nay, the American League – in wins, with 17, and strikeout threat Foster Griffin face off. As the Red Sox bought at the deadline, so did the Guardians, and a benefactor of that is Foster Griffin. The 31-year-old lefty is having the best season of his career and has become a viable starter as the Guardians look to punch their ticket to the October dance tonight; they have two paths and both require a win at Fenway.

For the Red Sox, who have a minted interim (insert strike through here) manager and a CBO enjoying a new option, there’s significantly less stress, but the “vibes” need to continue into the weekend even with the impending storm already rescheduling Sunday’s game against the Cubs to Friday afternoon. But for now, it’s only Wednesday, so enjoy!

It’s time for Red Sox baseball!

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Yankees' Aaron Judge intends to be available in Wild Card series

Yankees star Aaron Judge is doing everything he can to play this postseason, and intends to be available when New York starts its Wild Card series next Tuesday. 

Speaking with ESPN's Jorge Castillo on Wednesday, the two-time reigning AL MVP made those intentions clear.

"That's what the plan is," Judge said. "Try to get my body ready so I'm ready to go."

The Yankees placed Judge on the IL with a right calf strain this past Saturday, which put an end to his regular season. However, the possibility of the Yankee captain returning has been one of the biggest storylines as the MLB playoffs begin.

Yankees skipper Aaron Boone, while not ruling Judge out completely, said he wasn't expecting the slugger to be an option in the Wild Card round. 

"We're planning on him not being a part of that," Boone said at the time.

Prior to Wednesday's game with the Rays, Boone said that the process for Judge has started and is ongoing.

Judge told ESPN that he's had plenty of talks with Yankees decision-makers about his condition, and that he's unsure if he'll make the Wild Card roster.

While Judge's career numbers would make him a much-needed boost to the Yankees offense, the slugger struggled when he returned from a fractured rib injury he suffered in May.
He went 4-for-23 with 13 strikeouts, one walk and one home run upon his return. 

There's also the funky roster. If Judge is unable to play the outfield, the DH spot is already taken up by Ben Rice. If Rice plays first base, that means Luis Garcia Jr. will have to sit. 

Judge's health and roster construction are factors that Boone and the organization must weigh before they take the field next Tuesday. But as Judge enters another postseason in pinstripes, he's trying to get on the field as quickly as possible.

"We've got games to win," Judge said. "I'm getting paid to play games for the New York Yankees, so I'll get back as soon as I can."

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George Gillett Jr., a former majority owner of the Montreal Canadiens, dies at 87

MONTREAL (AP) — George Gillett Jr., who was a former majority owner of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and part owner of soccer's Liverpool FC, has died. He was 87.

The Canadiens confirmed Gillett’s death in a release Wednesday. No cause of death was given.

Gillett bought the Bell Centre, then the Molson Centre, and a majority stake in the Canadiens for $275 million on Jan. 31, 2001, with the help of $140 million in loans from two banks and the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, the province’s pension fund manager.

Gillett owned the Canadiens, one of the Original Six franchises making up the NHL, until agreeing to sell the team and arena to the Molson family on June 20, 2009. The sale was approved by the NHL’s board of governors in December of that year.

“George Gillett’s passion for the Montreal Canadiens and commitment to the city of Montreal were demonstrated throughout his tenure as owner of the storied franchise from 2001 to 2009," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "He guided the Canadiens through a significant chapter in their history that included preparations for their Centennial Celebration, which honored the franchise’s rich legacy and seminal place in our game.

“George was a friend whose company I always enjoyed, whose counsel was wise, and whose energy was contagious. His contributions to the hockey world left an enduring mark, and his legacy will continue to be felt throughout the game for years to come."

Canadiens owner, president and chief executive officer Geoff Molson echoed Bettman's remarks in a statement.

“George immersed himself in the Montreal community and was appreciated by everyone in the organization. We sincerely appreciate his contributions to the Montreal Canadiens during his time as owner.”

Gillett, along with fellow American Tom Hicks, owned English soccer giant Liverpool from 2007 to 2010.

Born on Oct. 22, 1938, in Racine, Wisconsin, Gillett rose to prominence as the founder of Brook Creek Management Corp., a portfolio management firm. An avid skier, he once owned the Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts in Colorado.

In 1966, he bought a 20% stake in the Miami Dolphins and became the then-AFL team’s business manager. Two years later, he sold his share and with two partners bought the Harlem Globetrotters, reviving that team with a marketing push. They sold the Globetrotters in 1975.

He also had got into NASCAR in 2007 after buying controlling interest in a team from Ray Evernham. Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM) two years later merged with Petty Enterprises to become Richard Petty Motorsports. He sold his share after the 2010 season.

Gillett is survived by his wife of 59 years, three sons, eight grandchildren and a step-granddaughter.

___

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

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Game 158 Game Day Thread – New York Mets @ Texas Rangers

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 09: Cody Bradford #61 of the Texas Rangers delivers during the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 09, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Kevin Ng/Getty Images) | Getty Images

New York Mets @ Texas Rangers

Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 7:05 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

The Shed

RHP Nolan McLean vs. LHP Cody Bradford

Today’s Lineups

METSRANGERS
Francisco Lindor – SSWyatt Langford – LF
Juan Soto – DHCorey Seager – SS
Bo Bichette – 3BJosh Jung – DH
Mark Vientos – 1BBrandon Nimmo – RF
Carson Benge – RFEzequiel Duran – 3B
Marcus Semien – 2BJake Burger – 1B
Francisco Alvarez – CNicky Lopez – 2B
A.J. Ewing – CFDanny Jansen – C
Nick Morabito – LFEvan Carter – CF
Nolan McLean – RHPCody Bradford – LHP

Go Rangers!

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves – Andrew Abbott vs. Chris Sale

MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 11: Andrew Abbott #41 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Friday, September 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kylie Bridenhagen/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds are back in action on Wednesday night in Altanta as a pair of southpaws will start at Truist Park. The Braves will roll out ace Chris Sale while Cincinnati turns to former All Star Andrew Abbott, with first pitch set for 7:15 PM ET.

Here’s how both clubs will line up to start:

Today’s Lineups

REDSBRAVES
Juan Brito – RFDrake Baldwin – C
Elly De La Cruz – SSMauricio Dubon – LF
Sal Stewart – 1BMatt Olson – 1B
Dane Myers – CFOzzie Albies – 2B
Eugenio Suarez – DHMichael Harris – CF
Matt McLain – 2BAustin Riley – 3B
Oswaldo Cabrera – LFSean Murphy – DH
Will Banfield – CBrewer Hicklen – RF
Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3BHa-Seong Kim – SS
Andrew Abbott – LHPChris Sale – LHP
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Mets at Rangers: Lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 9/23/26

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets at bat during a game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on September 22, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mets lineup

  1. Francisco Lindor – SS
  2. Juan Soto – DH
  3. Bo Bichette – 3B
  4. Mark Vientos – 1B
  5. Carson Benge – RF
  6. Marcus Semien – 2B
  7. Francisco Alvarez – C
  8. A.J. Ewing – CF
  9. Nick Morabito – LF

Nolan McLean – RHP

Rangers lineup

  1. Wyatt Langford – LF
  2. Corey Seager – SS
  3. Josh Jung – DH
  4. Brandon Nimmo – RF
  5. Ezequiel Duran – 3B
  6. Jake Burger – 1B
  7. Nicky Lopez – 2B
  8. Danny Jansen – C
  9. Evan Carter – CF

Cody Bradford – LHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 8:05pm EDT
TV: SNY
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

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Game Thread: White Sox (81-76) at Royals (67-90)

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 29: Erick Fedde #47 of the Chicago White Sox delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on August 29, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The White Sox defeated the Twins 3-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Erick Fedde has been the Sox’s steadiest arm lately. Tonight, they’ll need him to carry the load after Bryan Hudson’s opening stint. | (David Berding/Getty Images)

The White Sox scored 14 runs Tuesday night, so hopefully there’s still a little gas left in the tank. A little less drama on the pitching side would be nice, too. Trevor Richards and Luis Castillo combined to give up seven runs over two innings in the 14-11 victory. Yikes.

That win, paired with a Texas Rangers loss, put the Sox one step from October. If Chicago wins tonight and Texas loses again, the South Siders will clinch a playoff berth. Cleveland’s win over Boston kept the Sox one game back in the AL Central, so there’s still plenty at stake beyond punching their ticket.

Bryan Hudson will open for Chicago before handing the ball to Erick Fedde for the bulk of the innings. This will be the southpaw’s ninth appearance as an opener, a role he’s handled well all season. In 9 2/3 innings, Hudson has a 2.79 ERA and 0.72 WHIP while holding opponents to a .188 average.

Fedde has been the Sox’s most dependable arm over his past seven outings, going 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. He allowed one run on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts his last time out, though he fell one out short of completing five innings.

The Sox could use some length from the veteran tonight. Skipper Will Venable had to turn to the arm barn after just four innings from Anthony Kay on Tuesday, and the Royals made sure nobody got too comfortable with Chicago’s early lead. Fedde has completed five innings in three of his last four appearances. If he can cover five or six after Hudson’s opening stint, the rest of the bullpen gets a much more manageable assignment.

Fedde’s breaking pitches rank in the 97th percentile in run value, with his sweeper in the 99th. His changeup sits in the second percentile, while his chase and whiff rates have been low. Getting ahead and leaning on that sweeper would help keep Kansas City from stringing together another long inning.

Seth Lugo starts for the Royals. The righthander is 7-9 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, but things have been even rougher over his past seven starts: a 7.60 ERA and 1.81 WHIP. Houston got to him for four runs on eight hits over five innings in his last outing. That’s good news for the Pale Hose.

Lugo’s Savant numbers offer the Sox an opening. He ranks in the 11th percentile in expected ERA and the ninth in expected slugging percentage, while his four-seamer and sweeper have both struggled by run value. Chicago put up 14 runs Tuesday. Asking for a few more against Lugo doesn’t feel greedy, does it?

On the offensive side Randal Grichuk, Miguel Vargas and Brenton Doyle have each hit better than .330 over the past seven days, although Vargas is the only one of the three in tonight’s starting lineup. Kyle Teel, Andrew Benintendi and Colson Montgomery have all hit below .200 in that span. They’ll have a chance to turn things around against a pitcher who has had trouble limiting hard contact.

White Sox Lineup

The Royals don’t walk much or hit for a great deal of power, and their -105 run differential reflects a difficult season. Tuesday was a reminder that they can still score in bunches when the pitching gives them the chance. A clean opening from Hudson and a lengthy outing from Fedde would go a long way toward making this one less stressful.

Royals Lineup

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CDT at Kauffman Stadium. The game will air on CHSN, with radio coverage on ESPN 1000.

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Yankees front office makes an appearance on ‘Survivor’

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 21, 2026: A closeup view of the New York Yankees logo on a New Era hat prior to a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

If you decide to wander your eyes during a potential lull in Wednesday night’s matchup against the Rays, or if you want to kill some time waiting for the Yankees to appear in the upcoming Wild Card Series, you might find a fun surprise if you change the channel to CBS.

Yankees Assistant Director of Baseball Operations Mike Pinsky will be making an appearance as a contestant on the 51st season premiere of Survivor. For those who are unaware, the show features contestants from around the US who compete in survival challenges and mastermind social strategy to outwit, outlast, and outplay fellow competitors for 26 days until one person is left standing on a remote island with few supplies.

Pinsky will be representing the Yankees front office on the show, and he might even show off his skills to survive the first night of tribal council, where someone is at risk of getting voted off the island.

The new season airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, with approximately 13 episodes in a season. If you’re interested, tune in to see how far he can go!

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5 things to get excited about Warriors ahead of 2026-27 NBA season

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Stephen Curry in his Golden State Warriors jersey, Image 2 shows Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers

The Warriors are no longer considered legitimate championship contenders, but they’re still one of the NBA’s most fun teams. 

There are great storylines. There’s intrigue. There’s history. There’s suspense. 

They won four championships in eight years, becoming the league’s modern-day dynasty. Steph Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr are still together. 

Last season, Kerr referred to the Warriors as a “fading dynasty.” Can they resuscitate the team before the 38-year-old Curry retires? Will they make a big move ahead of February’s trade deadline? 

Regardless of what happens, the Warriors are still one of the NBA’s most interesting teams. Here are five things to get excited about ahead of next season:

Stephen Curry plays against the Brooklyn Nets on April 23. AP

1. Steph Curry is still the most jaw-dropping player in the league

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is like a metronome because of his stunning consistency, regularly producing 30-point performances while locking down defenders. 

The runner-up for the league’s most prestigious individual award, Victor Wembanyama, is rightfully called an alien because of how agilely he moves around the court with his 7-foot-4 frame, blocking shots, sinking jumpers and making his defenders look like junior high players. 

But there’s something different about Steph. 

When he gets going, there’s nothing like it. He goes unconscious. He makes shots from stunning distances with multiple hands in his face while falling down. The rim becomes ocean-sized. He transforms into a wizard. 

Even though he’s turning 39 in March and dealt with a balky knee that sidelined him for 27 straight games last season, Steph is still Steph. 

Last season he was the oldest point guard in NBA history to be named an All-Star starter. He averaged 26.6 points on 46.8% shooting from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc, 3.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists. 

And on any given night, he was capable of the scoring explosions that make the NBA so fun to watch, including finishing with 35 points (27 in the second half) against the Clippers in their play-in game in April. 

2. Draymond Green remains one of the league’s top defenders 

Draymond’s magic lies in his ability to guard positions 1 through 5 on the court as well as excite his team. 

He pours himself so deeply into what he does that it inspires everyone around him. He’s vocal. He’s intense. He’s long been the team’s spark plug. 

Look no further than what he did against the Clippers in that play-in game. With the Warriors’ season on the line, he held Kawhi Leonard to two points in the fourth quarter. 

Said Leonard: “It was hard to even get shots up.”

Green went all in on trying to recruit LeBron James to the Warriors this summer, including declining his $27.7 million player option to free up money before James eventually chose the 76ers. 

Green still has it. And he still deeply cares about winning. 

3. Jimmy Butler is coming back

The Warriors were dealt a debilitating blow last season when Butler suffered a torn right ACL on Jan. 19. 

That knocked them out of contention, dashing any hopes of competing in the very-crowded Western Conference. 

Butler will miss the start of the season, but he’s expected to make his return around January or February. 

Last season, the Warriors were inconsistent when Curry, Butler and Green shared the court. But back in 2025, after trading for Butler in February, they finished the season by going 23-7. 

If they can tap back into that magic, they could be exciting.  

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr in the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

4. Steve Kerr is still at the helm

Kerr contemplated retiring as Warriors coach last season. 

But he still felt the pull to be on the sideline alongside Curry and Green, and signed a two-year contract extension in May. 

Kerr, who has been at the Warriors’ helm for 12 years, is the conductor of one of the greatest teams the league has seen, and there’s something that feels right about him being alongside Curry and Green as they face their basketball mortality. 

Kerr did a lot of soul searching before deciding to return. He acknowledged that the team and the coaching staff have a lot of areas in which they need to improve. 

And he’s ready to help the team try to fight its way back to relevance.

5. Yaxel Lendeborg is intriguing 

The Warriors selected Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick in June’s NBA draft, their highest pick in the last five years. 

Part of the reason they chose the 23-year-old is because he’s ready to contribute immediately. 

Lendeborg, who was the Big Ten Player of the Year and led Michigan to the 2026 men’s national championship, also delivered during the summer league in Las Vegas, leading the Warriors to a championship while being named tournament MVP. 

The rookie, who’s considered a jack of all trades and is skilled at scoring and defense, could make an impact in the rotation. 

If all goes well, he could infuse the team with some young blood while helping plug the roster’s holes. In other words, he could make things much easier for Curry, Green and Butler.