“It came out of nowhere,” Roberts said. “Could have probably pushed him to play, but he was going to play one of the next two regardless.”
Smith missed time in late April with lower back problems and played only one of the Dodgers’ three games in Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago, but Roberts said he didn’t think Smith was any more worn down than he was in previous seasons.
Will Smith was scratched on Saturday with a stiff neck, but manager Dave Roberts said he expected him to be back in the lineup the next day for the finale of the Dodgers’ three-game series against the Angels. Getty Images
A three-time All-Star, Smith is batting .249 this season.
Smith was replaced on Saturday by Dalton Rushing, whom Roberts described as being much better prepared to deal with a last-minute start than he was last year.
“It’s not even close,” Roberts said. “Dalton’s in the pitchers’ meetings. He and Will have a really good relationship, which I love.
“I’ll tell you, man, Dalton, when he’s catching, I feel very good that he’s in lockstep with the starting pitcher.”
Smith was replaced on Saturday by Dalton Rushing, whom Roberts described as being much better prepared to deal with a last-minute start than he was last year. Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
In other injury news, third baseman Max Muncy returned to the lineup after sitting out a game to recover from a violent collision at first base with Ildelmo Vargas.
Also, Tyler Glasnow was moved to the 60-day injured list to create a place on the 40-man roster for triple-A right-hander Nick Frasso. Glasnow was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 8 with lower back spasms. He currently isn’t throwing.
Carson Benge – RF Bo Bichette – SS Juan Soto – LF Jared Young – 1B Marcus Semien – 2B A.J. Ewing – CF Mark Vientos – DH Brett Baty – 3B Luis Torrens – C
SP: Nolan McLean – RHP
Padres lineup
Fernando Tatis – RF Jackson Merrill – CF Ty France – 1B Manny Machado – 3B Gavin Sheets – LF Xander Bogaerts – SS Miguel Andujar – DH Sung-Mun Song – 2B Freddy Fermin – C
SP: Griffin Canning – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 10:10 PM ET TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 05: Sung-Mun Song #24 of the San Diego Padres throws to first base after forcing out A.J. Ewing #9 of the New York Mets at second base to complete a double play during the fourth inning at Petco Park on June 05, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New York Mets (28-35) at San Diego Padres (32-30), June 6, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST
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Shea Theodore scored at 5:38 of the second overtime, avoiding what could have been a potentially devastating loss for the Golden Knights after they blew a four-goal lead, and Vegas beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 on Saturday night for a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final.
Theodore’s goal, which went off goalie Brandon Bussi’s skate, came long after teammate Mitch Marner had the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history.
The teams take two days off before meeting in Game 4 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Teams that take a 2-1 series lead in the final went on to win the Cup 46 of 57 times, or 80.7%.
Carolina had been 6-0 in overtime this postseason. The Hurricanes were trying to become the first team to win after trailing by at least four goals in the third period, but now clubs in that situation are 0-109.
“We just left our foot off the gas,” Theodore said on the ABC broadcast. “I think we have to be sharper in the third, but I liked the resiliency out of our group. I liked the way we started that second overtime, and I felt like we were more on our toes.”
This was the 10th time the first three games of a Cup Final were decided by a point. The last time occurred in 2016 series between Pittsburgh and San Jose.
The Golden Knights seemed to have the game in hand after scoring four times in the second, including a natural hat trick by Marner.
But Jordan Martinook, Taylor Hall and Jordan Staal scored goals for the Hurricanes to turn what appeared to be a party atmosphere into a white-knuckler for the Golden Knights. Their goals, occurring 39 seconds apart, are the fastest in a Cup Final game.
Andrei Svechnikov jammed in a puck on a six-on-four power play with 1:42 left to force overtime.
Marner’s scoring outburst came over a 6:10 stretch of the second period, and he had four points in the period. He had the secondary assist on Tomas Hertl’s goal midway through the period.
The last time a player had four points in a period of the Cup final occurred in 1919 when Frank Foyston of the Seattle Metropolitans pulled off that feat.
Marner nearly added to the total in the third period, but failed to capitalize on a breakaway and a penalty shot. Those missed chances came back to bite the Golden Knights.
The Hurricanes made the comeback after changing goalies to open the third, going with Bussi, who stood tall in making 18 saves. Frederik Andersen had given up those four goals on 16 shots.
Carolina also rallied without forward and former Golden Knight William Carrier, who had an upper-body injury in the second period.
Vegas’ Carter Hart stopped 29 shots.
Vegas twice thought it took the lead early in the second period, but the Hurricanes successfully challenged both goals to keep the game scoreless.
Mark Stone’s goal from the slot 36 seconds into the period was overturned when Brett Howden was determined to be offside after a video review. Another review wiped off Jack Eichel’s rebound goal four minutes in when Rasmus Andersson was called for goalie interference.
It’s not the first time this series went against the Golden Knights.
An unsuccessful video challenge by Vegas coach John Tortorella in Game 2 on Thursday night led to a power-play goal by Jordan Staal, whose goal helped the Hurricanes rally to win 4-3 in overtime.
The Golden Knights received a major boost when defenseman Brayden McNabb took the ice. He took a puck in the face in the first period Thursday night at Carolina and didn’t return to the game. McNabb, who had on a cage to protect his face, is Vegas’ best defensive defenseman. He was on the first defensive pair with Theodore.
“I wish I could say it’s shocking, but it’s not,” Golden Knights captain Mark Stone said on the ABC broadcast. “Just the way he comes to the rink every day, it’s like nothing happened. He’s one of a kind. They don’t make them like that anymore, that’s for sure.”
This series has been, if anything, unpredictable.
Each team blew two-goal leads in the first two games, with the Golden Knights rallying in the opener and Hurricanes responding with a Game 2 victory in overtime.
Shea Theodore scored at 5:38 of the second overtime, avoiding what could have been a potentially devastating loss for the Golden Knights after they blew a four-goal lead, and Vegas beat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 on Saturday night for a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final.
Theodore’s goal, which went off goalie Brandon Bussi’s skate, came long after teammate Mitch Marner had the fastest hat trick in Stanley Cup Final history.
The teams take two days off before meeting in Game 4 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Teams that take a 2-1 series lead in the final went on to win the Cup 46 of 57 times, or 80.7%.
Carolina had been 6-0 in overtime this postseason. The Hurricanes were trying to become the first team to win after trailing by at least four goals in the third period, but now clubs in that situation are 0-109.
“We just left our foot off the gas,” Theodore said on the ABC broadcast. “I think we have to be sharper in the third, but I liked the resiliency out of our group. I liked the way we started that second overtime, and I felt like we were more on our toes.”
This was the 10th time the first three games of a Cup Final were decided by a point. The last time occurred in 2016 series between Pittsburgh and San Jose.
The Golden Knights seemed to have the game in hand after scoring four times in the second, including a natural hat trick by Marner.
But Jordan Martinook, Taylor Hall and Jordan Staal scored goals for the Hurricanes to turn what appeared to be a party atmosphere into a white-knuckler for the Golden Knights. Their goals, occurring 39 seconds apart, are the fastest in a Cup Final game.
Andrei Svechnikov jammed in a puck on a six-on-four power play with 1:42 left to force overtime.
Marner’s scoring outburst came over a 6:10 stretch of the second period, and he had four points in the period. He had the secondary assist on Tomas Hertl’s goal midway through the period.
The last time a player had four points in a period of the Cup final occurred in 1919 when Frank Foyston of the Seattle Metropolitans pulled off that feat.
Marner nearly added to the total in the third period, but failed to capitalize on a breakaway and a penalty shot. Those missed chances came back to bite the Golden Knights.
The Hurricanes made the comeback after changing goalies to open the third, going with Bussi, who stood tall in making 18 saves. Frederik Andersen had given up those four goals on 16 shots.
Carolina also rallied without forward and former Golden Knight William Carrier, who had an upper-body injury in the second period.
Vegas’ Carter Hart stopped 29 shots.
Vegas twice thought it took the lead early in the second period, but the Hurricanes successfully challenged both goals to keep the game scoreless.
Mark Stone’s goal from the slot 36 seconds into the period was overturned when Brett Howden was determined to be offside after a video review. Another review wiped off Jack Eichel’s rebound goal four minutes in when Rasmus Andersson was called for goalie interference.
It’s not the first time this series went against the Golden Knights.
An unsuccessful video challenge by Vegas coach John Tortorella in Game 2 on Thursday night led to a power-play goal by Jordan Staal, whose goal helped the Hurricanes rally to win 4-3 in overtime.
The Golden Knights received a major boost when defenseman Brayden McNabb took the ice. He took a puck in the face in the first period Thursday night at Carolina and didn’t return to the game. McNabb, who had on a cage to protect his face, is Vegas’ best defensive defenseman. He was on the first defensive pair with Theodore.
“I wish I could say it’s shocking, but it’s not,” Golden Knights captain Mark Stone said on the ABC broadcast. “Just the way he comes to the rink every day, it’s like nothing happened. He’s one of a kind. They don’t make them like that anymore, that’s for sure.”
This series has been, if anything, unpredictable.
Each team blew two-goal leads in the first two games, with the Golden Knights rallying in the opener and Hurricanes responding with a Game 2 victory in overtime.
The starter will make his next rehab start likely on Tuesday with Double-A Binghamton, Mendoza said.
This would be Senga's fourth minor league rehab outing since he began ramping up in the minors in late May. The outings haven't been going so well, in two starts with Triple-A Syracuse, the right-hander allowed six runs (five earned) on 10 hits and four walks with 10 strikeouts in 8.2 innings.
The skipper classified the reports on Senga as being “on and off.”
“I watched the last couple of outings, some inconsistency with strike throwing,” Mendoza said. “Physically, he feels fine, which is good, but obviously, we need to see some results here now.”
Mendoza said the issue that has been keeping Senga from finding consistent good form has been throwing strikes.
“He’s gotta be able to compete in the strike zone,” he said. “I’ve been saying it with a lot of our guys. I think it’s just him attacking and dominating Triple-A lineups.”
Mendoza noted that Senga’s velocity was “a little down” In his last outing with Syracuse, but “for the most part, it has been mid-90s.”
“The first two outings of the year were pretty nasty," Mendoza said of Senga’s first starts with the Mets. "The velo was up, he was competing in the strike zone. But then he kinda got away from it. It is kinda what we’re looking at. Hopefully, we get that version back.”
In 2024, Vientos looked to have put it all together at the plate, smacking 27 home runs with 71 RBI in 111 games with a .837 OPS (134 OPS+). Over the 175 games since, Vientos has posted 24 home runs and 87 RBI with a .680 OPS (90 OPS+), which includes the first 54 games of this season that have seen him post a .218 average with a .630 OPS (77 OPS+).
"He's got to compete for at-bats,” Mendoza said when asked to assess Vientos’ role moving forward.
The 26-year-old has seen his playing time decrease recently, and he entered Saturday's game 6-for-42 (.143) in his last 13 games with 12 strikeouts and no walks.
“We've got a healthy competition here,” he said. “Jared Young is playing well, [MJ] Melendez, [too]. We're going to need him. Obviously, it's been hard for him the past few weeks, but this is a guy that can carry a team.
“We’re gonna need him, he’s got another opportunity [Saturday], and we’ll continue to assess day by day.”
“Impressive,” Mendoza said of the rookie’s play over his first 60 games since his big league debut on Opening Day.
“The biggest thing for me,” the manager continued, “he’s not gonna show you emotions. This is a guy that is just new to the league and you can’t really tell if he’s 0-for-12 or if he’s seven for his last 10 at-bats.
“His ability to play defense, his ability to run the bases, continues to put together really good at-bats, left-on-left. He’s been impressive and it’s just good to see.”
One thing that has helped Benge is knowing he will be in the lineup each day which is something that can be a boost for players making the transition to the big league level, but it doesn’t come without costs, too.
“That always helps. Knowing that you’re gonna be in the lineup,” Mendoza said, adding that Benge has “a good group of veterans there that are continuing to help him get through some of the struggles at the beginning.”
“It’s a grind. It’s every day. In the minor leagues, you get that one day off every five, six days,” the manager continued. “That doesn’t happen here at this level. But he’s super consistent with his personality, with the way he goes about his business. It’s just good to see it.”
Jun 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Maybelle Blair speaks with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (80) after throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers finish off their shortest homestand of the year with their third and final game of the weekend against the Angels at Dodger Stadium.
Emmet Sheehan closes out his two-start week by starting in the series finale, after lasting at least six innings in three of his last four starts. José Soriano starts for the Angels, bringing a 2.72 ERA and 4.09 xERA into the series finale. Soriano also leads the majors with 38 walks in his 76 innings, including six free passes in a blowout loss to the Dodgers on May 16 in Anaheim.
Something to watch will be whether catcher Will Smith will be back in the lineup after getting scratched on Saturday with a stiff neck.
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks are warning fans to bring as little as possible to Game 3 of the NBA Finals and encouraging them to arrive at least two hours before tipoff as part of enhanced security measures with President Donald Trump attending the game.
The Knicks said Saturday that a strict no-bag policy will be in place and that there would be “TSA-style screening procedures” for fans when they enter Madison Square Garden.
Trump is a longtime Knicks fan who confirmed Friday that he would attend the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999. He has already attended a number of major sporting events in his second term, including the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 01: The game crew clears out the New York Yankees dugout after the game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels has been postponed at Yankee Stadium on June 01, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A seemingly minor delay turned into a postponement on Saturday night, as the Yankees and Red Sox won’t be taking the field. They have instead rescheduled this game for August 29th—another Saturday—in which these two clubs will play a doubleheader with the first game taking place at 1:05 p.m. According to a press release from the Yankees, everyone who bought a ticket for tonight’s game will be entitled to watch the first one of that doubleheader in late August, the makeup game so to speak.
With Sunday’s game moving forward in the same time slot at 1:35 p.m., instead of pushing everyone back a day, the Yankees will not interrupt Cam Schllitler’s schedule and have him take the mound. Will Warren, who was set to pitch tonight, will move back to the series opener against the Guardians on the road on Monday, facing standout Cleveland starter Gavin Williams. It’s worth noting that pitching on the road has been a rather productive activity for Warren, who has a 2.25 ERA in five starts on the road this season.
There’s no word yet on whether the Yankees will stick with Ali Sánchez at catcher for his team debut with Austin Wells hitting the IL, or if the gone-but-quickly-returned J.C. Escarra will go behind the plate instead. The Red Sox will seemingly stick with their Saturday starter, lefty Ranger Suárez, on Sunday, so the righty Sánchez would seem to be the logical choice.
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 31: Jacob Misiorowski #32 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Sunday, May 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After last night’s crazy game, the Brewers are back in action for the second game of their series against the Rockies. Jacob Misiorowski is on the mound for his first start in Colorado.
Prior to today’s game, the Brewers made a roster move to bolster their hurting bullpen. After leaving the game early yesterday, Brian Fitzpatrick was placed on the 15-day IL with a left elbow injury. According to Pat Murphy, Fitzpatrick’s MRI showed a UCL strain. He will seek a second opinion before deciding between rehab and surgery. To fill his spot on the active roster, Drew Rom’s contract was selected from Triple-A Nashville. The Brewers had an open 40-man roster spot following Jake Woodford’s DFA.
The Brewers also made one additional move today. They acquired RHP Joel Kuhnel from the Athletics in exchange for cash. Kuhnel was designated for assignment earlier this week following a loss to the Cubs where he allowed four runs in 2/3 of an inning. Overall this season, Kuhnel has a 4.21 ERA and 3.97 FIP with a 4.9 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9. This is Kuhnel’s second time with the Brewers. He signed as a free agent in June 2024 and was on the active roster twice, but did not appear in a game.
Misiorowski will make his first spot in the high elevation of Colorado this afternoon. He is coming off of an amazing month of May where he allowed just one run over six starts. He held batters to a .109/.154/.116 batting line and struck out 57 while walking just six. For the Rockies, Zach Agnos will make the start. He’s had a rough season, posting a 7.78 ERA and 5.08 FIP over 37 innings. This is just his second start of the season, though he has served as long relief out of the bullpen. In his one other start, he pitched five innings and threw 71 pitches. His ERA is elevated after two relief appearances where he allowed seven runs in each. This is his first career appearance against the Brewers.
The Brewers could use a long start from Misiorowski today. Trevor Megill, Aaron Ashby, and Craig Yoho all pitched yesterday. Yoho is likely not available at all after pitching two innings, while Megill and Ashby could be available. Chad Patrick threw 49 pitches on Wednesday, but with Shane Drohan pitching tomorrow, manager Pat Murphy will likely want to keep him to pitch multiple innings tomorrow. Abner Uribe and Rom are the two rested arms, assuming Grant Anderson is still day-to-day.
The lineup is mostly the same from yesterday. Andrew Vaughn and Joey Ortiz get starts, while Garrett Mitchell and Luis Rengifo get the day off. The top five remain unchanged despite the top four having rough days yesterday.
First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. It will be on Brewers.TV and is free if you’re in the Brewers broadcast area. It will also be on the Brewers Radio Network.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 06: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks to the dugout after the first inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — It’s been one month since Tyler Glasnow’s last start, and now it will be at least one month until he pitches again for the Dodgers. The right-hander was moved to the 60-day injured list on Saturday, as his back issues have proved to be a larger setback than originally thought.
“He’s not playing catch. It’s the back spasms, and obviously with the back he’s been limited,” Roberts said Saturday. “He wants to get cranking again, but the doctors aren’t allowing for it and the body’s not allowing for it right now.”
Procedurally, the earliest Glasnow could be activated is July 6, but there are several steps needed to even get to that point.
Glasnow to the 60-day injured list made room for right-hander Nick Frasso to be added to the 40-man roster. Frasso was on a minor league deal and exercised an upward mobility clause in his contract, per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic and Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, meaning had the Dodgers not added him to the roster Frasso could have become a free agent.
Frasso, 27, has a 4.85 in 11 relief appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City, with 24 strikeouts (a 38.7-percent strikeout rate) and 10 walks in 13 innings.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 06: Dylan Crews #3 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with third base coach Victor Estevez #7 after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Chase Field on June 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Nationals won 6-1. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another day, another convincing win for the Nationals in the desert. After the 14-1 demolition job last night, the Nats were firing on all cylinders again today, winning 6-1. This win gives them yet another road series win and improves their overall road record to 21-12.
Today’s game started almost exactly the same way as last night’s contest. In both cases, the Nats were up 2-0 after two hitters. Last night it was Luis Garcia Jr. doing the damage, today Curtis Mead was the man to give the Nats an early lead via the two run homer. Mead has been a breakout sensation for this team, and his OPS sits at .845 after today.
Curtis Mead continues his breakout 2026 season in Washington with another HR, his 9th of the year.
His Hard-Hit% is up 10%, he’s chasing less, and his Barrel% is 10.3%, more than double what it was last season.
— Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) June 6, 2026
Unlike last night, the runs did not keep on coming after that. Eduardo Rodriguez locked in and began to cruise after the homer. However, Zack Littell was deconstructing the D-Backs lineup and putting up zeroes of his own. After a brutal April, Littell has turned his season around in a big way. He has a 2.27 ERA in his last 7 outings. Littell has managed to avoid getting killed by the long ball. When he is not allowing homers, Littell does a good job commanding his deep arsenal.
Today the splitter was on point for the big right hander. He got three whiffs on five swings against the pitch. Littell made Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll look silly at times with that offering. Over his last few starts, Littell has been getting more swing and miss. He will never be a massive strikeout artist, but it is nice to see the punchout become a bigger part of his game.
After Littell grinded through the fifth, Blake Butera decided to pull his righty after just 64 pitches. It felt like the D-Backs hitters were starting to get a beat on Littell, so the decision made some sense. However, it was a quick hook that would certainly be discussed if the Nats did not hold onto this game.
As you know, the Nats did wind up holding on to this one and added some big insurance runs. Dylan Crews was a huge part of that. To start the 7th, the former LSU star ambushed a first-pitch fastball that was at the top of the zone. He absolutely demolished that ball to left field.
This was easily Crews’ best swing since he has come back to the big leagues. Rodriguez was throwing him high fastballs all game, and in his third at bat Crews made him pay. Before the homer, Crews was really struggling to adjust to big league pitching. He was 1 for his last 19, looking overmatched at times. Crews got another hit after the homer, so hopefully that swing unlocked something for him.
Getting Crews going would only help bolster this offense. At this point, my expectations for Crews are not particularly high. Getting him to even be a league average hitter would be a strong achievement. However, we know he can make things happen in the field and on the bases. We just need some productivity from the bat. Being able to consistently tap into his power is a good place to start.
After getting two runs in the 7th, the Nats put up two more in the 9th to make it a comfortable 6-1 win. These Nats have truly been road warriors this season. They have won 8 of the 11 series they have played away from home. The boys also find themselves back above .500, bouncing back nicely from the Marlins debacle.
Another series win for the Nationals.
⚾️ They’ve won 8 out of 11 series on the road this season.
⚾️ Another series win against a potential playoff team.
⚾️ Zack Littell has a 2.2 ERA over his last 7 starts.
The Nats have had trouble finishing off sweeps this year. They only have had one sweep all season, and getting another would be a major statement. With Cade Cavalli on the mound, things line up nicely for them. The Nats will be facing old pal Michael Soroka, who is actually having a nice year in the desert.
This team has shown resiliency all year long, and did a nice job putting that Marlins series behind them. The offense is back on track, and the Nats have stacked together two of the most complete performances of the season. Let’s keep the good times rolling with a sweep!
SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 29: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers plays defense during the game against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs on December 29, 2025 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have many high-value assets they could move for a talent upgrade. One of those is Evan Mobley, who theoretically could be used for a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, given that the Milwaukee Bucksreportedly value him. However, as of now, the Cavs have little interest in moving Mobley.
This backs up previous reporting. Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor mentioned last week that the Cavs’ braintrust views Mobley as a “future star” and as a safety net for a potential rebuild once this era comes to a close.
Additionally, Cavs President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, said in his end-of-season press conference that Mobley was part of the team’s “future.”
At this point, it’s worth taking these reports and Altman’s public statements as true. That said, Mobley’s value seems to be quite high at this point. There aren’t many players in the league who can theoretically guard Victor Wembanyama as well as Mobley can. In a league run by Wemby, having a counter is extremely important — especially for a team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are already rumored to be interested in Mobley. Things could change quickly if the Cavs receive an offer they can’t refuse.
It’ll be an interesting summer for the Cavs. They will want to find ways to make their roster more well-rounded, while also cutting costs so that they can get under the second apron. We’ll see if Altman and the rest of the front office can find a way of doing so.
The White Sox scored four runs in the first inning, thanks to a combination of the inability of Phils starter Andrew Painter to figure out where the ball was going and a wee tad of good fortune. Well, more than a wee tad.
Painter led off the game by hitting Sam Antonacci — Antonacci’s MLB-leading 14th time to get on base the hard way — then walked Miguel Vargas. First bit of luck was Andrew Benintendi’s 73 mph bloop RBI single, followed by a walk to Colson Montgomery to load the bases. Chase Meidroth then squibbed a 50 mph dribbler too slow to get the runner going home, and Jacob Gonzalez followed with a somewhat mightier 62 mph bouncer that was also too slow to make a play at the plate. Just so it wouldn’t all be ridiculous good fortune, Tristan Peters got the first legitimate RBI of the inning with a double slashed down the right field line to make it 4-0.
The White Sox went the opposite end of the hitting spectrum in the third, when Montgomery led off with his 16th homer of the season. It was just 97.2 mph, so not an absolute blast, but two batters later Gonzalez made his first career round-tripper a memorable one — well, even more memorable than any first career shot would be:
Gonzalez’ 107.5 mph, 428 footer made the score 6-zip in the third, and the Sox offense decided to call it a day.
The big lead was handy, because sorta-starter Sean Burke, who followed an excellent 1 1/3 innings by opener Brandon Eisert, ran into long ball problems of his own. First Alex Bohm led off fourth with a homer to make it 6-1, then Brandon Marsh made it 6-2 with his own shot to the seats in the sixth. Burke then issued a couple of walks and an RBI single to Adolis García, and it was 6-3 and time for Burke to hit the showers.
Never fear, Sean Newcomb got out of the jam and then pitched two more scoreless innings, and Grant Taylor struck out the side in the ninth. If the key to beating the Phillies is keeping Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in check, Sox pitching was perfect — the two combined to go 0-for-8 with five strikeouts (Schwarber did manage a walk). In fact, Schwarbers’ only non-K was a foul pop that Drew Romo made a nifty play on:
Some other highlights:
Meidroth singled twice to stretch his on-base streak to 18 games
Old pal Tanner Banks kept the Phillies in the game with 2 1/3 innings of one-hit, no-walk, no-run ball
Home plate ump Jim Wolf had a very generous strike zone. Unless the TV pitch box was way off, the Philly batters mysteriously didn’t challenge some crucial strike calls, from two on Schwarber to open the game (he may have thought was too early in the game to give it a try), to one for a K on Bryson Stott to end the more crucial eighth. The Sox seemed to pass up a couple of chances as well, so maybe it was a TV box problem.
The rubber match will be at 12:35 p.m. Central tomorrow, with David Sandlin making his third start for the Sox and veteran Aaron Nola making another try at getting back to the performances of his glory days for the Phillies.
One postseason appearance changed everything, and now the Utah Mammoth face the kind of offseason that could determine whether they're simply an exciting young team—or the NHL's next legitimate powerhouse.
A Playoff Breakthrough Changes The Conversation
Expectations surrounding Utah entering the 2025-26 season were modest at best.
The foundation was certainly intriguing. Clayton Keller remained the offensive catalyst, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther continued developing into stars, Nick Schmaltz provided veteran production, and Mikhail Sergachev anchored the blue line. But with the Central Division loaded from top to bottom and several young players still finding their footing, most believed another year of growth would be necessary before playoff hockey became realistic.
Instead, the Mammoth accelerated the timeline.
General manager Bill Armstrong aggressively strengthened the roster, acquiring J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres and adding veteran defenseman Mackenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames without sacrificing a first-round pick in either deal. Those moves transformed Utah into one of the league's biggest surprises, finishing 43-33-6 and punching a ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The opportunity was there for an even deeper run.
After grabbing a 2-1 series lead over the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah looked poised for an upset before consecutive overtime defeats completely shifted the momentum. The Mammoth ultimately exited in six games, but the series proved something important: this team is much closer than many expected.
Now comes the difficult part—deciding whether it's time to push all of the chips to the middle.
The Next Wave Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected
Few organizations possess the type of high-end prospect depth Utah currently enjoys.
Tij Iginla appears ready to make the jump after dominating the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets. The sixth overall selection from the 2024 NHL Draft exploded for 41 goals and 90 points in just 48 games while finishing with an eye-popping plus-47 rating. His offensive instincts are obvious, but his commitment away from the puck may be what earns him NHL minutes immediately.
Caleb Desnoyers isn't far behind.
The fourth overall pick in 2025 produced 22 goals and 78 points across 45 games, showcasing the creativity and hockey IQ that made him one of the premier prospects in his draft class. At 173 pounds, additional strength would certainly benefit him, but his talent is difficult to ignore.
Utah suddenly finds itself with an enviable problem.
If one—or both—young centers prove capable of sticking in training camp, the organization could dramatically reshape its lineup while injecting another wave of speed and skill into an already dangerous forward group.
Tough Contract Decisions Will Shape Utah's Future
Cap space provides flexibility, but difficult choices still await.
With roughly $14.2 million available, Armstrong must determine which pending unrestricted free agents remain part of the organization's long-term vision.
Kailer Yamamoto made a compelling late-season case. After settling into a top-six role, he recorded nine points over his final 13 games, including the playoffs, bringing energy and secondary scoring exactly when Utah needed it most. A projected contract near $1.8 million makes a reunion financially appealing, assuming the organization believes his late surge is sustainable.
Kevin Stenlund offers value in different ways.
His offensive totals won't dominate headlines, but a 54.2 percent faceoff success rate and league-leading shorthanded ice time made him one of Utah's most trusted defensive forwards. With projections placing his next contract around $1.4 million, retaining him would preserve an important piece of the penalty kill.
Alex Kerfoot presents a more complicated decision.
Limited to just 34 games because of injuries, the versatile forward produced only 13 points and is expected to command more than $3.3 million annually. His ability to play multiple positions remains valuable, but with organizational depth growing down the middle, Utah must determine whether that price fits its long-term blueprint.
Is Barrett Hayton Part Of The Long-Term Plan?
Perhaps no player presents a more fascinating offseason decision than Barrett Hayton.
When healthy, the center consistently impacts games with relentless forechecking, responsible defensive play, and dependable two-way effort. The problem has been availability. Since 2021-22, his career has alternated between mostly healthy campaigns and seasons interrupted by lengthy absences.
Now arbitration eligible, Hayton is projected by AFP Analytics to earn north of $5.3 million annually on his next contract.
That's where the conversation becomes interesting.
With Iginla and Desnoyers pushing toward NHL jobs and Utah already possessing significant depth down the middle, Hayton could emerge as one of the organization's most valuable trade assets. His age, defensive reliability, and untapped offensive upside would undoubtedly attract interest across the league.
Whether Armstrong chooses continuity or leverages that value to strengthen the wings could become one of the defining decisions of Utah's offseason.
After exceeding expectations and announcing themselves as a legitimate playoff team, the Mammoth are no longer chasing relevance—they're trying to build a roster capable of contending for the Stanley Cup every single year.
