New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) takes a three-point shot past Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28).
Landry Shamet finds himself in a place that most wouldn’t have expected to start the season.
Healthy again after missing a few games with a knee issue, he is pretty much a lock to be in the Knicks playoff rotation.
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) takes a 3-point shot past Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28). Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“I don’t take these moments for granted, man,” Shamet said after practice Sunday. “This thing’s delicate, I know that. It’s a special team, special market, special opportunity and just to wear the jersey even. I’m grateful and happy to be a part of this group and have Mike’s [Brown] trust and my teammates’ trust. I trust in them as well. Super grateful for it.”
He hardly had a role under Tom Thibodeau last year.
And before the year, having signed just a nonguaranteed, veteran minimum contract, he was one of the last players to make Brown’s roster — and likely only did so due to Malcolm Brogdon’s sudden retirement.
Then after 15 promising games to start the year, he dislocated his shoulder — the same one he dislocated last year. The Knicks, given Shamet’s deal wasn’t guaranteed, could have cut him and looked to get help elsewhere.
But they afforded Shamet time to rehab. And it’s paid tremendous dividends. He has emerged as a key shooter off the bench, averaging 9.6 points per game — which would be a career high for a full season — and shooting 39.4 percent from 3-point range. He has also been one of the team’s best point-of-attack defenders.
DeJon Jarreau and Landry Shamet are fighting for a loose ball during a basketball game. Getty Images
There is certainly a case to be made that the Knicks have gotten more out of Shamet than any player on a minimum deal in the league.
One area in which he’s contributed, though, has gone under the radar — his ability to be a backup point guard. Brown has praised Shamet’s ability to handle that role, despite him being much more of a shooting guard most of his NBA career. Though neither are naturals at the position, Brown feels comfortable with both Shamet and Miles McBride there.
And now with both healthy, that doesn’t leave much room for Jose Alvarado in the rotation.
“He’s a good enough ball handler, he has a good enough feel/IQ to initiate the offense,” Brown said of Shamet on Sunday. “And then conceptually, because of his feel and the other guys’ feel, we’re able to generate some things offensively. We’re not relying on him to be a traditional point guard. He and Deuce [McBride] are more than capable of doing the things that we’re asking in terms of initiating the offense. And then at the end of the day, can they play pick-and-roll, can they play the [dribble handoff] game, get downhill and spray the ball or throw the lob to a guy like Mitch [Robinson]? I think he can.”
Shamet fills multiple vital roles for the Knicks. There was a time it didn’t seem like he’d even have any.
In the final three games against the San Francisco Giants, the Mets allowed five total runs en route to three wins to culminate a 4-3 road trip. Even in their losses, New York allowed three runs or fewer in two of them and for the most part has gotten superior starting pitching two times through the rotation.
On Sunday, it was Kodai Senga's turn to deliver a quality outing and the right-hander handed in five scoreless innings before getting tagged for two runs in the sixth where only one ball was hit particularly hard.
Senga finished his outing by going 5.2 innings and allowing two earned runs on five hits, two walks and striking out seven on 88 pitches (55 strikes). Early on, he even struck out five in a row and looked great for a second straight start, this one on four days rest.
"It wasn’t perfect today, but good enough to make the game winnable," Senga said after the game through an interpreter.
It's the same kind of mentality that Senga used to have with himself when he was going good, often being hyper critical of things that he could improve on and fix for the next one.
Still, manager Carlos Mendoza was much more effusive of the right-hander's performance, saying "he pretty much dominated that lineup… Overall I think he was outstanding."
Senga is the latest of Mets starters to pitch well, following Clay Holmes' seven scoreless innings on Saturday and Nolan McLean's five hitless innings on Friday. As a unit, New York's starting rotation has a 3.13 ERA, eighth in MLB and third in the NL.
What's also encouraging? The Mets rank third in total innings pitched by their starters at 54.2 -- a year after their staff was routinely unable to go deep into games. As the season progresses and the temperature gets warmer and pitchers become more stretched out, hopefully that number continues to go up as well.
"I think it’s a really strong group," Senga said of the starting rotation. "As long as we stay healthy, stay out on the mound, we can be a stabilizing force for the team. That goes for everybody and myself. I don’t want to be the one lagging behind, I want to be up there with them."
Of course, after his incredible first half last season, Senga returned from a hamstring injury and had a dreadful end to the year. It became such a problem that New York sent him down to the minors to try and restore his stuff and his confidence.
The team even entertained trading the 33-year-old during the offseason but decided to keep the right-hander who then rewarded the Mets with a strong showing in spring training that has continued into the regular season.
It's obviously still very early into the season, but the signs are good for Senga and if he's able to keep it up he can certainly be a part of a Mets staff that has all the makings of a top rotation in baseball and be that stabilizing force that he was talking about.
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, left, kicks a pass by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, center, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 5, 2026,...
SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry was triumphant in his long-awaited return to the court and, against all odds, nearly were the Warriors.
There was a renewed energy inside Chase Center on Sunday night, a buzz that had mostly been absent since Curry went out more than two months ago, that reached an apex in the final minute of 117-116 loss to Kevin Durant and the Rockets.
The defeat could have dealt a cold dose of reality on Curry’s big day, but instead it only emphasized what hadn’t been possible in the Warriors’ 27 games without him since Jan. 30.
Golden State trailed by as many as 15 points in the second half and was still behind by double digits with as little as 4:51 remaining. Curry scored eight of his team-best 29 points from then on.
Curry converted a driving layup to cut the Rockets’ lead to a 112-111 with 87 seconds to play, then one-upped himself by pulling up from 32 feet and draining an answer to Houston’s 3-point play on the other end. With 11 seconds left, Curry had the ball in his hands, down one.
He crossed over and pulled up from the top of the key. It wasn’t to be.
The return of Curry wasn’t enough to overcome the Warriors’ defensive deficiencies. APCurry scored 29 points in 26 minutes. AP
But the performance was an encouraging sign for the Warriors’ prospects, given that Curry’s scoring total in 26 minutes off the bench trailed only Durant’s 31 that required 37 minutes.
The supporting cast that had gone 9-18 without Curry over the past two months didn’t do enough to pull out their first game with their north star back on the floor.
Kristaps Porzingis fouled out with more than 10 minutes left in the game, Brandin Podziemski scored only three of his 18 points in the second half, and the Warriors’ next-leading scorer, Gui Santos, was completely shut out after putting up 15 in the first half.
What it means
Curry looked like himself and finished the game in good health. For a Warriors team locked into the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, that’s all that really mattered.
Turning point
It was a two-point game at halftime, but Durant completed a four-point play on the Rockets’ first possession of the third quarter, and the Warriors spent the rest of the second half trying to get it back to that margin.
The foul on Durant came courtesy of Kristaps Porzingis, who went on to pick up three more within the first four minutes of the second half and fouled out for good with 10:13 to play.
Not only did Porzingis’ foul trouble keep the Warriors’ second-best player off the floor for most of the second half, it robbed coach Steve Kerr of valuable time to assess his pairing with Curry.
The duo’s limited action Sunday was their first time ever sharing the court, including in practice.
Porzingis’ foul trouble robbed Coach Steve Kerr of valuable time to assess his pairing with Curry. AP
MVP: Kevin Durant
Durant finished with eight rebounds and eight assists to go with a game-high 31 points. He drained his third 3-pointer of the night immediately after De’Anthony Melton sank a 3 that cut the Rockets’ lead to 109-107.
Golden State hosts the Lakers on Thursday. Curry will reportedly be limited to around 25 minutes. AP
Stat of the game: 55/44.8/84.2
The return of Curry wasn’t enough to overcome the Warriors’ defensive deficiencies.
Golden State provided little resistance to the Rockets, who were only prevented from a vaunted 50/40/90 shooting split by missing one too many of their 19 free-throw attempts.
Up next
With four games left on the Warriors’ schedule, all that’s left to be determined is how much Curry will play leading into their No. 9/10 play-in matchup. Golden State hosts the Kings on Tuesday before LeBron James and the Lakers pay a visit Thursday for its final home contest of the regular season.
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Pearl River native Drew Fortescue and his homecoming for his debut provided one of the more feel-good moments of this lost 2025-26 season.
In the grand scheme of this evaluation period for the organization, however, the prospects who have been longing for their moment are making up for lost time with the Blueshirts. Each day is an opportunity for Matthew Robertson, Jaroslav Chmelar, Adam Sykora and Dylan Garand to finally work on carving their path at the NHL level — and they have each treated it as such.
After years stewing in the American Hockey League, the four have made notable impressions.
Sykora may be the most recent recall from the organization’s AHL affiliate, but the 21-year-old has arguably made the most lasting impression in the shortest amount of time. The 63rd overall pick in 2022 was in the midst of his third full season in Hartford when the Rangers called.
Adam Sykora #38 of the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in New York, NY. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
He has everyone rooting for him. No one’s demeanor has been more infectious.
His best buddy and Hartford roommate, Chmelar, has been in Hartford since making the jump from Providence College in 2023-24. Since the 144th overall pick in 2021 earned brief recalls in November and December, the 22-year-old has adjusted to the speed of the NHL and been much more effective in his fourth-line role.
It’s allowed Chmelar to position himself in the dangerous areas of the ice more, which has led to more offense. He earned the secondary assist on Sykora’s second-period score Sunday.
Between his 6-foot-4, 226-pound frame and his commitment to finishing checks, Chmelar hasn’t looked out of place on the ice.
Robertson has been with the Rangers since opening night, but he didn’t become a serviceable every-night defenseman until mid-November. The 2019 49th overall pick spent the previous four full seasons in Hartford without a call-up until the second-to-last game last season.
Rangers defenseman Matthew Robertson #29 scores the game winning goal during the overtime. The New York Rangers defeat Boston Bruins 4-3. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Now, Robertson has appeared in 59 of the last 60 games. He’s even gotten top four minutes at times, logging the fifth-most ice time among all Rangers defensemen so far this season.
There’s no question Garand earned at least one more game after his first two NHL performances. He is 1-0-1 with a .954 save percentage and a 1.44 goals-against average.
The early numbers are encouraging, but head coach Mike Sullivan said he felt completely comfortable with Garand between the pipes just based on what he was seeing from the rookie netminder.
Selected 103rd overall in 2020, Garand made his Wolf Pack debut in 2020-21 and was in the midst of his fourth full AHL season at the time of his recall last month. The Rangers have continuously maintained third-string goalies over the years — such as Louis Domingue and Keith Kinkaid — that have filled in whenever Igor Shesterkin and/or whichever backup was injured.
Even this season, the Rangers signed Spencer Martin out of the Kontinental Hockey League in November. He appeared in six games for the Rangers this season amid injuries to Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick.
But it was finally time for Garand, who expressed just how much he’s been clamoring for the opportunity after his first win on March 27.
Dylan Garand #33 of the New York Rangers defends the net during the second period when the New York Rangers played the Winnipeg Jets. Robert Sabo for NY Post
While Noah Laba could be considered among the long-awaited prospects, the 111th pick in the 2022 draft essentially jumped from college to the NHL. He played 11 games for the Wolf Pack at the end of the 2024-25 campaign before making the Rangers lineup straight out of training camp.
In Sunday’s win, Laba was a goal shy of a Gordie Howe hat trick after notching an assist on Sykora’s goal and dropping the gloves with Washington’s Hendrix Lapierre.
Laba hasn’t spent extended time in the minor leagues like Robertson, Chmelar, Sykora and Garand have.
Those four have made the extended wait worthwhile.
Here's our rest-of-season Top 300. Expect this space to be updated every Monday. Players are ranked for 5x5 mixed leagues using a one-catcher format. I include the mixed-league disclaimer because I do reward upside, particularly past the top 200 or so.
⚾️ Baseball is back on NBC: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason and much more.
2026 Fantasy Baseball Top 300 overall ranks
**Updated Sept. 21**
Sept. 21
Top 300
Team
Pos
Pos Rk
Sept. 14
1
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Cubs
OF
1
1
2
Yordan Alvarez
Astros
OF
2
2
3
Bobby Witt Jr.
Royals
SS
1
3
4
Ronald Acuna Jr.
Braves
OF
3
4
5
Junior Caminero
Rays
3B
1
6
6
Juan Soto
Mets
OF
4
8
7
Elly De La Cruz
Reds
SS
2
14
8
Pete Alonso
Orioles
1B
1
12
9
Fernando Tatis Jr.
Padres
2B
1
5
10
Kyle Schwarber
Phillies
1B
2
15
11
Logan Gilbert
Mariners
SP
1
66
12
Bryce Harper
Phillies
1B
3
17
13
James Wood
Nationals
OF
5
7
14
Jackson Chourio
Brewers
OF
6
13
15
Corbin Carroll
Diamondbacks
OF
7
25
16
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Dodgers
SP
2
16
17
Matt Olson
Braves
1B
4
22
18
Tarik Skubal
Dodgers
SP
3
11
19
Jacob Misiorowski
Brewers
SP
4
10
20
Miguel Vargas
White Sox
3B
2
52
21
Mason Miller
Padres
RP
1
24
22
CJ Abrams
Nationals
SS
3
20
23
Michael Harris II
Braves
OF
8
27
24
Josh Hader
Astros
RP
2
28
25
Kyle Tucker
Dodgers
OF
9
21
26
Ketel Marte
Diamondbacks
2B
2
33
27
Oneil Cruz
Pirates
OF
10
31
28
Ben Rice
Yankees
C
1
32
29
Francisco Lindor
Mets
SS
4
37
30
Zack Wheeler
Phillies
SP
5
46
31
Cristopher Sanchez
Phillies
SP
6
19
32
Parker Messick
Guardians
SP
7
69
33
Jose Ramirez
Guardians
3B
3
54
34
Chris Sale
Braves
SP
8
29
35
Corey Seager
Rangers
SS
5
35
36
Mookie Betts
Dodgers
SS
6
44
37
Sal Stewart
Reds
2B
3
26
38
Cade Smith
Guardians
RP
3
47
39
Bryan Woo
Mariners
SP
9
75
40
Brice Turang
Brewers
2B
4
30
41
Jeremy Pena
Astros
SS
7
59
42
Gunnar Henderson
Orioles
SS
8
36
43
Jhoan Duran
Phillies
RP
4
45
44
Zach Neto
Angels
SS
9
39
45
Julio Rodriguez
Mariners
OF
11
18
46
Trea Turner
Phillies
SS
10
48
47
Riley Greene
Tigers
OF
12
53
48
Seiya Suzuki
Cubs
OF
13
51
49
Randy Arozarena
Mariners
OF
14
49
50
Jordan Walker
Cardinals
OF
15
42
51
Alec Burleson
Cardinals
1B
5
55
52
Cody Bellinger
Yankees
OF
16
50
53
David Bednar
Yankees
RP
5
63
54
Jackson Merrill
Padres
OF
17
41
55
Henry Bolte
Athletics
OF
18
86
56
Roman Anthony
Red Sox
OF
19
60
57
Manny Machado
Padres
3B
4
38
58
Louis Varland
Blue Jays
RP
6
64
59
Wyatt Langford
Rangers
OF
20
78
60
Jacob deGrom
Rangers
SP
10
56
61
Mike Trout
Angels
OF
21
61
62
Bo Bichette
Mets
SS
11
77
63
Kevin McGonigle
Tigers
SS
12
72
64
Drake Baldwin
Braves
C
2
74
65
Freddie Freeman
Dodgers
1B
6
76
66
Reid Detmers
Angels
SP
11
85
67
Raisel Iglesias
Braves
RP
7
87
68
Teoscar Hernandez
Dodgers
OF
22
67
69
Isaac Paredes
Astros
3B
5
108
70
Geraldo Perdomo
Diamondbacks
SS
13
98
71
Cam Schlittler
Yankees
SP
12
34
72
Yandy Diaz
Rays
1B
7
70
73
Luke Keaschall
Twins
2B
5
95
74
Brandon Nimmo
Rangers
OF
23
94
75
Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers
DH
1
NR
76
Taj Bradley
Twins
SP
13
216
77
Gabriel Moreno
Diamondbacks
C
3
138
78
Gerrit Cole
Yankees
SP
14
79
79
Bryan Reynolds
Pirates
OF
24
89
80
Daylen Lile
Nationals
OF
25
99
81
Wilyer Abreu
Red Sox
OF
26
96
82
Lawrence Butler
Athletics
OF
27
186
83
Mason Montgomery
Pirates
RP
8
109
84
Sonny Gray
Red Sox
SP
15
101
85
Hunter Goodman
Rockies
C
4
80
86
Kevin Gausman
Cubs
SP
16
203
87
Nolan McLean
Mets
SP
17
91
88
Cal Raleigh
Mariners
C
5
97
89
Otto Lopez
Marlins
SS
14
107
90
Carlos Rodon
Yankees
SP
18
136
91
Ivan Herrera
Cardinals
C
6
92
92
Andy Pages
Dodgers
OF
28
NR
93
Josh Naylor
Mariners
1B
8
84
94
Trevor Megill
Brewers
RP
9
81
95
Jose Altuve
Astros
2B
6
121
96
Shea Langeliers
Athletics
C
7
160
97
Bryan Baker
Rays
RP
10
113
98
Konnor Griffin
Pirates
SS
15
115
99
Logan Henderson
Brewers
SP
19
73
100
Brandon Lowe
Pirates
2B
7
162
101
Paul Skenes
Pirates
SP
20
106
102
Kenley Jansen
Tigers
RP
11
142
103
Munetaka Murakami
White Sox
3B
6
129
104
Jo Adell
Guardians
OF
29
123
105
Luis Garcia Jr.
Yankees
2B
8
118
106
Ranger Suarez
Red Sox
SP
21
120
107
Michael Busch
Cubs
1B
9
110
108
Max Muncy
Dodgers
3B
7
102
109
Kyle Stowers
Marlins
1B
10
112
110
William Contreras
Brewers
C
8
100
111
Tommy Edman
Dodgers
2B
9
82
112
Carson Benge
Mets
OF
30
126
113
Jacob Latz
Rangers
RP
12
116
114
Dominic Canzone
Mariners
OF
31
104
115
Coby Mayo
Orioles
3B
8
199
116
Austin Riley
Braves
3B
9
103
117
Max Fried
Yankees
SP
22
65
118
Christian Walker
Astros
1B
11
148
119
Jonathan Aranda
Rays
1B
12
135
120
Max Clark
Tigers
OF
32
124
121
Jake Bauers
Brewers
1B
13
114
122
Tyler Glasnow
Dodgers
SP
23
128
123
Luis Arraez
Phillies
2B
10
133
124
Chandler Simpson
Rays
OF
33
150
125
Alec Bohm
Phillies
3B
10
137
126
Nick Martinez
Rays
SP
24
177
127
Shane Baz
Orioles
SP
25
168
128
Trevor Story
Red Sox
SS
16
143
129
Nico Hoerner
Cubs
SS
17
111
130
Payton Tolle
Red Sox
SP
26
149
131
Freddy Peralta
Rays
SP
27
125
132
Gavin Williams
Guardians
SP
28
62
133
Ty France
Padres
1B
14
172
134
Jose Soriano
Blue Jays
SP
29
119
135
Kazuma Okamoto
Blue Jays
3B
11
139
136
Shota Imanaga
Cubs
SP
30
194
137
Jake McCarthy
Rockies
OF
34
146
138
Drew Rasmussen
Rays
SP
31
83
139
Bryson Stott
Phillies
2B
11
147
140
Dylan Crews
Nationals
OF
35
134
141
Sandy Alcantara
Marlins
SP
32
105
142
Josh Jung
Rangers
3B
12
192
143
Chase DeLauter
Guardians
OF
36
132
144
Cade Cavalli
Nationals
SP
33
161
145
Spencer Jones
Yankees
OF
37
151
146
Tyler Mahle
Braves
SP
34
190
147
George Springer
Blue Jays
OF
38
155
148
JJ Wetherholt
Cardinals
SS
18
NR
149
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Blue Jays
1B
15
58
150
Zack Gelof
Athletics
2B
12
198
151
Ozzie Albies
Braves
2B
13
156
152
Noah Cameron
Royals
SP
35
163
153
Kade Anderson
Mariners
SP
36
145
154
Emilio Pagan
Reds
RP
13
166
155
Steven Kwan
Guardians
OF
39
141
156
Zebby Matthews
Twins
SP
37
258
157
Daulton Varsho
Astros
OF
40
158
158
Ethan Pecko
Astros
SP
38
254
159
Brett Bateman
Blue Jays
OF
41
157
160
Aroldis Chapman
Red Sox
RP
14
57
161
Brandon Marsh
Phillies
OF
42
169
162
Caleb Durbin
Red Sox
3B
13
164
163
Michael Wacha
Royals
SP
39
170
164
Framber Valdez
Tigers
SP
40
122
165
Will Smith
Dodgers
C
9
175
166
Seranthony Dominguez
Mariners
RP
15
NR
167
Connor Prielipp
Twins
SP
41
NR
168
Nolan Arenado
Diamondbacks
3B
14
233
169
Michael King
Padres
SP
42
204
170
Jeff McNeil
Athletics
2B
14
243
171
Jac Caglianone
Royals
OF
43
188
172
Jackson Jobe
Tigers
SP
43
213
173
Vinnie Pasquantino
Royals
1B
16
130
174
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Yankees
2B
15
NR
175
Jared Jones
Pirates
SP
44
200
176
Colson Montgomery
White Sox
SS
19
167
177
Sean Burke
White Sox
SP
45
275
178
Andre Pallante
Cardinals
SP
46
247
179
Clay Holmes
Cubs
SP
47
182
180
Christian Encarnacion-Strand
Orioles
3B
15
212
181
Garrett Mitchell
Brewers
OF
44
144
182
Jakob Marsee
Marlins
OF
45
220
183
Jarren Duran
Red Sox
OF
46
90
184
George Kirby
Mariners
SP
48
174
185
Joe Ryan
Twins
SP
49
179
186
Riley O’Brien
Cardinals
RP
16
193
187
Travis Bazzana
Guardians
2B
16
180
188
Ian Happ
Cubs
OF
47
178
189
Christian Yelich
Brewers
OF
48
127
190
Davis Martin
White Sox
SP
50
262
191
Grant Taylor
White Sox
RP
17
235
192
Dansby Swanson
Cubs
SS
20
NR
193
Blake Snell
Dodgers
SP
51
23
194
Angel Martinez
Guardians
2B
17
NR
195
Daniel Lynch IV
Royals
SP
52
NR
196
Lars Nootbaar
Diamondbacks
OF
49
205
197
Chase Meidroth
White Sox
SS
21
279
198
Cole Carrigg
Rockies
SS
22
176
199
Spencer Torkelson
Tigers
1B
17
267
200
Jonah Cox
Giants
2B
18
NR
201
Joey Cantillo
Guardians
SP
53
226
202
Heriberto Hernandez
Marlins
OF
50
208
203
Jonah Tong
Mets
SP
54
183
204
Cam Smith
Astros
OF
51
202
205
Ryan O’Hearn
Pirates
1B
18
217
206
Ezequiel Duran
Rangers
SS
23
197
207
TJ Rumfield
Rockies
1B
19
171
208
Robert Gasser
Brewers
SP
55
NR
209
A.J. Ewing
Mets
OF
52
173
210
Josh Bell
Twins
1B
20
214
211
Hunter Brown
Astros
SP
56
68
212
Josue De Paula
Dodgers
OF
53
165
213
Jake Burger
Rangers
1B
21
221
214
Hao-Yu Lee
Tigers
2B
19
260
215
Max Scherzer
Blue Jays
SP
57
291
216
Chris Bassitt
Orioles
SP
58
230
217
Walker Jenkins
Twins
OF
54
248
218
Aaron Nola
Phillies
SP
59
256
219
Willson Contreras
Red Sox
1B
22
88
220
Anthony Kay
White Sox
SP
60
NR
221
Sean Manaea
Mets
SP
61
272
222
Janson Junk
Marlins
SP
62
NR
223
Cristian Javier
Astros
SP
63
NR
224
Tanner Scott
Dodgers
RP
18
191
225
Kody Clemens
Twins
2B
20
210
226
Pedro Ramirez
Cubs
2B
21
292
227
Cooper Pratt
Brewers
SS
24
238
228
Christian Scott
Mets
SP
64
234
229
Carter Jensen
Royals
C
10
242
230
Matthew Boyd
Cubs
SP
65
215
231
Jesus Sanchez
Diamondbacks
OF
55
NR
232
Lazaro Montes
Mariners
OF
56
196
233
Adley Rutschman
Red Sox
C
11
218
234
Keider Montero
Tigers
SP
66
NR
235
JR Ritchie
Braves
SP
67
NR
236
Griffin Conine
Marlins
OF
57
239
237
Trevor Rogers
Orioles
SP
68
244
238
George Lombard Jr.
Yankees
SS
25
297
239
Xander Bogaerts
Padres
SS
26
159
240
Jung Hoo Lee
Giants
OF
58
225
241
JJ Bleday
Reds
OF
59
224
242
Walbert Urena
Angels
SP
69
282
243
Andrew Painter
Phillies
SP
70
232
244
Yainer Diaz
Astros
C
12
NR
245
Blade Tidwell
Giants
SP
71
NR
246
Zac Thornton
Mets
SP
72
NR
247
Eury Perez
Marlins
SP
73
131
248
Brayan Bello
Red Sox
SP
74
NR
249
Maikel Garcia
Royals
3B
16
246
250
Ben Joyce
Angels
RP
19
253
251
Drew Anderson
Tigers
SP
75
NR
252
Andrew Vaughn
Brewers
3B
17
294
253
Dustin May
Brewers
SP
76
187
254
Kodai Senga
Mets
RP
20
189
255
Grayson Rodriguez
Angels
SP
77
NR
256
Donovan Walton
Athletics
SS
27
NR
257
Spencer Miles
Blue Jays
RP
21
NR
258
Dustin Harris
Padres
OF
60
241
259
Rafael Flores Jr.
Pirates
C
13
NR
260
Matthew Liberatore
Cardinals
SP
78
NR
261
Nick Gonzales
Pirates
2B
22
265
262
Eugenio Suarez
Reds
3B
18
201
263
Javier Sanoja
Marlins
SS
28
285
264
Joey Ortiz
Brewers
SS
29
NR
265
Nathan Eovaldi
Rangers
SP
79
NR
266
Matt McLain
Reds
SS
30
287
267
Juan Morillo
Diamondbacks
RP
22
NR
268
Brooks Lee
Twins
SS
31
274
269
Mauricio Dubon
Braves
SS
32
NR
270
Tim Tawa
Diamondbacks
2B
23
281
271
Heliot Ramos
Yankees
OF
61
NR
272
Andres Gimenez
Blue Jays
SS
33
236
273
Tanner Bibee
Guardians
SP
80
152
274
Bryce Miller
Mariners
SP
81
NR
275
Cody Bradford
Rangers
SP
82
266
276
Hector Rodriguez
Reds
OF
62
207
277
Mickey Gasper
Red Sox
C
14
273
278
Will Warren
Yankees
SP
83
206
279
Leo Bernal
Cardinals
C
15
283
280
Calvin Faucher
Marlins
RP
23
NR
281
Wade Meckler
Angels
OF
63
271
282
Emmet Sheehan
Dodgers
SP
84
223
283
Grant Holmes
Braves
SP
85
NR
284
Quinn Mathews
Cardinals
SP
86
181
285
Pavin Smith
Diamondbacks
1B
23
NR
286
Xavier Edwards
Marlins
SS
34
153
287
Emmanuel Rodriguez
Twins
OF
64
296
288
Brandon Pfaadt
Diamondbacks
SP
87
NR
289
Connor Norby
Rockies
2B
24
NR
290
Colt Keith
Tigers
2B
25
237
291
Alejandro Kirk
Blue Jays
C
16
290
292
Nick Pivetta
Padres
SP
88
261
293
Salvador Perez
Royals
C
17
245
294
Nathan Church
Cardinals
OF
65
NR
295
Sam Antonacci
White Sox
2B
26
154
296
Chad Patrick
Brewers
RP
24
NR
297
Marcus Semien
Mets
2B
27
NR
298
Moises Ballesteros
Angels
C
18
NR
299
Michael Massey
Royals
2B
28
NR
300
Dean Kremer
Twins
SP
89
278
September 21 Notes
Falling off: Aaron Judge (ninth), Dylan Cease (40th), Alex Bregman (43rd), Andrés Muñoz (71st), Jesús Luzardo (93rd), Troy Melton (117th), Bryce Eldridge (140th) and 36 other players.
- It's a fool's errand, but here's one last update for the final week of the season. I tried emphasizing two-start starters unless they're particularly dangerous, but I also tried to take into account that some of the guys currently in line to start twice are going to end up being scratched or making only brief appearances next weekend.
- With no updates yet on Alex Bregman (face) and Andrés Muñoz (knee), I've dropped both from the rankings. Pedro Ramírez, who was set to fall off the list with Dansby Swanson back, reclaimed a spot in Bregman's place. Seranthony Domínguez seems like the likeliest choice for saves in Seattle in Muñoz's place, so he comes in at No. 166.
- Thank you so much to everyone who has followed along all season. Anyone interested in the full spreadsheet of where players have ranked start to finish, reach out to my gmail at matthewpouliot. I'll be back in mid-October with the first (or second) go at a 2027 Top 300.
September 14 Notes
Falling off: Shohei Ohtani DH (eighth), Rafael Devers (41st), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (58th), Bryce Miller (177th), Gleyber Torres (183rd), Hayden Wesneski (206th), Royce Lewis (214th), Kyle Bradish (222nd), Michael McGreevy (243rd), Brandon Pfaadt (246th), Braxton Ashcraft (250th) and 21 other players
- I don't have much of a notes section for you right now, since it's after 3 am and I'd like to get some sleep. Still, the rankings are updated for the final 14 days of the season. A lot of the pitcher movement this week is elevating guys with three starts remaining and dropping those with only two. I also gave Rockies hitters a nice boost, as they play 10 of their remaining 13 games at home. Padres hitters also got a little lift from that, as they'll be starting a four-game series in Coors Field on Monday.
September 7 Notes
Falling off: Kyle Harrison (101st), Shane McClanahan (125th), Luis Robert Jr. (163rd), Trent Graham (180th), Joe Musgrove (192nd), Byron Buxton (202nd), Cam Smith (219th), Brendan Donovan (227th), JJ Wetherholt (236th), Eric Lauer (243rd), Jesús Sánchez (247th), Xavier Edwards (254th), Sean Manaea (261st), Samuel Basallo (262nd), Nathan Eovaldi (265th), Connor Norby (268th), Chase Burns (273rd), Shohei Ohtani SP (280th), Tommy White (282nd), Daniel Palencia (285th), Colton Cowser (286th), Taylor Ward (289th), Ezequiel Tovar (290th), Alek Thomas (292nd), Willi Castro (294th), Elvis Alvarado (295th), Brandyn Garcia (299th)
- With three weeks to go, nearly every injured player is off the rankings at this point, with the exception of a few guys hopefully returning before the end of this week. Also, I'm paying a lot more attention to matchups, particularly this week's. So, some starters with multiple starts this week who wouldn't normally be in the top 300 make the cut. Also, Athletics hitters have moved up, since they'll be at home for six games this week. Rockies hitters have dropped off as that team goes back on the road after a week of home games.
- Rafael Devers gets an overdue late bump. There really was good reason for concern early on with his strikeout rate up and his bat speed down, but he bounced back nicely in both categories. Amazing is the consistency in his wOBAs since 2021: .373, .373, .359, .364, .365 and .365. His xwOBAs, on the other hand, still show a little decline: .391, .365, .380, .366, .367, .340. Still, it's been a really impressive season, and getting to 100 runs scored (maybe) and 100 RBI (almost certainly) on the moribund Giants offense is one heck of an accomplishment.
- The Orioles getting swept by Red Sox over the weekend, dropping their postseason odds at Fangraphs to just three percent, would seem to greatly increase the chances that Kyle Bradish gets shut down with a week or two to go. He's up to 152 innings in his first full year back from Tommy John, and he's not exactly doing his best work at the moment.
- Kyle Harrison might have lost his rotation spot with his performance Sunday against the Reds, though I thought about keeping him on the list anyway, since he could be well set up for wins in middle relief if moved to the pen. In the end, he didn't quite make the cut. It will be really interesting to see how the Brewers play things the rest of the way. I imagine both Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson will make a couple of shorter starts in an attempt to save bullets for October.
- It'll be nice to see Corbin Burnes back on a major league mound Tuesday, but given that he threw just two innings in his lone rehab start after Tommy John, so I couldn't see including him here just yet. San Diego's Nick Pivetta, on the other hand, at least made it up to 4 1/3 innings in his last rehab start as he returns from an elbow injury. That gets him a spot on the bottom of the list, even if he's a long shot to get a win Monday in his return.
Luka Doncic is headed to Europe for specialized treatment on his Grade 2 hamstring strain in hopes of a more rapid return to the court, reports Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin of ESPN. This came in consultation with the Lakers' team doctors, according to the report.
Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain against the Thunder on Thursday night, and the Lakers announced he will be out for the remainder of the regular season.
However, it's the playoffs that are the looming concern. The average time missed for a Grade 2 hamstring strain is more than a month, according to Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes (who maintains a database tracking NBA injuries). The playoffs start in less than two weeks, on April 18. If Doncic were out for a month, he would likely miss the Lakers' entire first-round series. Hence the effort to find a treatment that can help him return sooner.
The Lakers' Austin Reaves is also out for 4-6 weeks with an oblique strain and will miss the first round of the playoffs.
Without their two leading scorers and shot creators, Los Angeles would be heavy underdogs in any likely first-round matchup. The Lakers currently are tied with the Nuggets for the 3/4 seed in the West and could slide as low as the No. 5 seed. That would leave them with a first-round series against a quality opponent, such as Houston or Minnesota.
Without Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers lost to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday despite 30 points and 15 assists from LeBron James, who now becomes the focal point of the offense. The Lakers had no answer for rookie Cooper Flagg, who scored 45 against Los Angeles. Doncic being out for the remainder of the season also leaves him one game short of the league's 65-game threshold to be eligible for postseason awards — and he would be a lock top-five finisher in MVP voting and be First Team All-NBA. Doncic's agent, Bill Duffy, has said he would file an "extraordinary circumstances challenge." Written into the CBA, the exception states that if "it was impractical for the player to play in one or more of the [missed] games" and the player would have reached 65 games if he had played in those games, an independent arbiter (selected by the league and player's union) can grant him an exception. Doncic missed two games in December for the birth of his child.
The Nets have a staggering seven rookies — a record five of them first-round picks — and must develop every one they can to spur their rebuild.
For injured Danny Wolf, the work doesn’t end just because he’s been shut down for the season. If anything it gets more intense.
“Obviously losing sucks, and every time you ask anyone, they’re going to give you the same answer that losing is no fun.” Wolf said. “Everyone in the locker room from top to bottom thinks we could’ve had a much better season. But within that, you have to find things you can learn from, that you can gain from.”
After suffering a season-ending left ankle sprain March 22, Wolf will end his debut campaign averaging 8.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.
And from the moment the tanking Nets started leaning into their rookies on Feb. 5, the big man bumped those figures up to 10.8 points, 5.6 boards and 2.7 assists.
Danny Wolf the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 22, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NBAE via Getty Images
Wolf fell to 27th in the draft due to questions about his defense and shooting. He played defense at an NBA level, but his shooting is still very much in question, at a streaky 32.2 percent from deep.
What’s beyond question is that Wolf must learn to finish better at the rim.
“Defensively, there were definitely a lot of people questioning who I’d be able to guard. I took that as a chip on my shoulder to more than prove, but be a good defender,” said Wolf.
“The shooting and the offense, it was nowhere near what I know I’m capable of doing and that upsets me. I was able to shoot well at times, and there’d be times where I felt I couldn’t make a shot. That’s a rookie season; there’s going to be ups and downs.”
Nowhere near enough ups at the rim, figuratively and literally.
While Wolf is sizable at 6-foot-11, 255 pounds, his lack of vertical explosion has limited him. His 24-inch standing vertical was tied for third worst at the NBA Draft Combine, and has led to poor finishing against more athletic foes.
“Everyone’s bigger, faster, stronger, more athletic [at this level],” said Wolf. “What is it that you need to do to be able to match that, but also be better than that?”
Nets forward Danny Wolf (2) grabs his ankle in pain during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Where Wolf has to be better is at the rim, where he shot just 54 percent. That’s just 12th percentile among forwards, per Cleaning The Glass. It’s an Achilles’ heel he needs to fix, offseason work that’s already begun.
“Obviously the numbers speak for themselves; I was nowhere near where I wanted to be or could have been. And finishing, I did an OK job at times getting in my spots,” Wolf said. “A lot of it is getting stronger. And the positive outlook of an injury [is] I’ve been able to really hone in on the weight room more than I would’ve been able to if I was playing.
“I have a good four or five months of weight room ahead of me and just being able to fill out my frame better. That’ll really help me, just getting stronger; and with that, more explosive. And I know my rim finishing next year, I’ll be able to look back on this year and see that it was something that really, really helped me.”
While Wolf is focused on his body, coach Jordi Fernández is counting on growth through reps and technique.
“It’s a combination of a lot of things,” said Fernández. “One is experience, right? The reps, the game slowing down. A lot of times you just rush. We tell guys, ‘Hey, just play off two feet and don’t leave your feet.’
“But he’s done a great job and he’s been able to implement a lot of stuff, power through, because you have better balance, finding a body first. This all comes with a lot of work, watching film and through the summer and then the real reps. So the process [has] already started. He’s already gotten better. We’re not concerned about his finishing. We know it has to get better, but we also know it will get better.”
With the St. Louis Blues still working to earn a wild card position in this year’s playoffs, and the Avalanche on the cusp of a Central Division title, there was plenty to play for, and Ball Arena was the scene on Easter Sunday evening.
Colorado comes in on the second of a back-to-back, having beaten the Dallas Stars 2-0 in regulation yesterday, and the Blues just secured two points over the Anaheim Ducks and are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games.
Valeri Nichushkin was listed as OUT with an upper-body injury ahead of puck drop, so the Avs would go without their best d-man and a very valuable forward.
Valeri Nichushkin (upper body) will not play tonight.
This game started strong with both clubs making their intentions clear with a focused defensive effort. It appeared the Avalanche would take the 1-0 lead if not for a coach’s challenge that deemed the play offside.
Shortly after Colorado’s goal was called back, the top line was unable to retrieve and break out of their own, resulting in a net front scramble that eventually ended with Robert Thomas’ one-timer over the shoulder of MacKenzie Blackwood.
The Blue note would establish an early 1-0 lead.
The team in dark blue and burgundy wouldn’t let the lead last long as Parker Kelly notched his 20th of the season and tied things at 1-1.
As mentioned in previous recaps featuring a Kelly goal, Guerilla Sports’ Meghan Angley vowed to adopt a whale if Parker Kelly scored 20 goals. Well, here we are. I wonder what its name will be!
Waffles coming soon to Avs nation in honor of Parker Kelly hitting 20 goals… I haven't abandoned opening things up to name a whale, but I told @jessemontano_ we needed to have whale right now. pic.twitter.com/V3HVvLBlnd
Nathan MacKinnon would earn a late power play in the first, but with too little time remaining in the frame to create. Breaking the 1-1 tie would have to wait until period number two.
The tie breaker wouldn’t come on the opening power play for the Avalanche; in fact, they didn’t have a single shot on net.
Instead, it was Brent Burns who sent a shot from the blue line toward a screening Landeskog. Hofer couldn’t fight through the Swedish distraction and was beaten on the far side by Burns’ shot from distance.
Colorado’s newly minted lead would last all of 29 seconds with Robert Thomas scoring his second of the evening on a perfectly executed two-on-one. Things were tied at 2-2.
Both Hofer and Blackwood would make some timely saves in the middle portion of the second period to keep things tied.
The same would be true for most of the third until Robert Thomas put away the game-winner and hat-trick clinching goal with 2:30 seconds left.
The Avalanche would not overcome the deficit, and winning the division will have to wait.
Blues win 3-2.
Takeaways
Parker Kelly scoring 20 goals is an incredible feat, and he should be proud. Kelly is signed through the 2030-31 season, and if he can consistently be a 20-goal scorer, his $1.7M AAV contract will look like money in the bank.
St. Louis lurking in the wild card conversation is a bit of a suprise but they have been one of the hottest hockey teams in the league since the Olympic break.
I’d presume most Avalanche fans would be okay with Jordan Binnington on St. Louis not making a playoff appearance in 2025-26.
We saw a classy and special honoring of Brent Burns’ 1,000 consecutive games played, and Colorado’s iron man was clearly appreciative but appeared a bit shy in the moment. He’s never come across as a ‘me’ guy, so that makes sense.
Upcoming
A home-and-home will travel to St. Louis for a Tuesday night game between these two clubs yet again.
Let us know what you thought of this contest in the comments!
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 27, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena...
DALLAS — Lakers star Luka Doncic will seek special medical treatment in Europe for his left hamstring strain with the hopes he’ll be able to return to the court quicker, his agency shared on Sunday night.
Doncic suffered the hamstring injury during the third quarter of the loss, with an MRI on Friday revealing a Grade 2 strain, which typically comes with a recovery timeline of 3-6 weeks.
InStreetClothes, which is an NBA injury database run by certified athletic trainer Jeff Stotts, stated that the average time lost for the type of injury Doncic suffered is about 35 days.
The Lakers didn’t provide a timeline for Doncic’s expected return to the court.
Three weeks from when Doncic suffered the hamstring injury was April 23, which would be around Games 3 or 4 of the Lakers’ first-round playoff matchup.
Doncic had an MRI on Friday revealing a Grade 2 strain. NBAE via Getty Images
A timeline closer to 35 days, let alone six weeks, would likely take Doncic out of the Lakers’ entire first-round playoff series, even if it lasted seven games.
“I just know that he’s gonna do everything he can to try to be back,” coach JJ Redick said. “I talked to him Friday, I talked to him again [on Saturday], I talked to him again [Sunday] morning. He’s going to go through all the necessary things to be back at some point, and it’s our job again to extend the season so both those guys can get back.”
Redick said internal medical data didn’t show any signs of overuse for Doncic or Reaves, who’s sidelined with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, before their injuries.
Both grabbed at their respective injured areas during the first quarter of Thursday’s game but played through the third quarter before Doncic left the matchup with his hamstring injury and Reaves was subbed out.
“As a coach, you go on the information you have,” Redick said.
“[Reaves] was medically cleared. When Austin came back, I asked directly, I thought he was hurt. [I was told], ‘No, he’s medically cleared.’ The group wanted to go for it in the second half. Talked about it at halftime. And I think for both those guys, the nature of playing heavy minutes, that’s certainly a part of any equation when you’re trying to manage workloads.
“We also rely on the tracking data, and we’re looking at that after every game. And there have been a few times this year where it’s gone away from the standard deviation of whatever their baseline is, and we make the proper adjustments. There was nothing leading into that game that would suggest either those guys were ‘running hot’ as we call it.”
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The New York Rangers scored a season-high eight goals in their 8-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday night.
The overwhelming victory was headlined by Will Cuylle recording his first career NHL hat trick, as he reached the 20-goal benchmark for the second consecutive season.
Cuylle went through a difficult offensive stretch for practically the entire month of March, going on a 13-game scoreless drought before finally finding the back of the net on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens.
The 24-year-old has voiced disappointment in his own play this season, and Mike Sullivan referred to Cuylle’s play as a “mixed bag,” indicating that there have been inconsistencies in Cuylle’s game.
In his first two NHL seasons, Cuylle mostly played a bottom-six role, but throughout the 2025-26 campaign, he’s been elevated into a more prominent top-six position, with his minutes increasing from 15:05 to 16:57.
Over the Rangers’ most recent stretch of games, Sullivan believes Cuylle is beginning to find his game again and play to his strengths, which is allowing him to create more offense.
“I think it was trending in the right way,” Sullivan said of Cuylle’s game. “He went through a stretch there where he hadn't scored in like 12 games, but we felt like he was getting a lot closer, just getting inside more, going to the net, getting more looks. We think that's when he's at his best. He's a great athlete, he's big, he's strong, he's fast. I think he's hard to handle.”
On Sunday night, Cuylle had his blueprint all over the game. He generated a team-high six shots on net and was also active on the physical front, specifically when he laid a big-time hit on Ryan Leonard, followed up by a fight against Jakob Chychrun.
Cuylle recorded his first hat trick just one day after Gabe Perreault accomplished the same feat in the Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
“I'm happy for him because I know how hard he's working, so to get rewarded with a hat trick tonight is great,” Sullivan said of Cuylle notching his first NHL hat trick. “It'll be a good boost of confidence for him and hopefully he can build on moving forward.”
Sunday night certainly marked the high point of Will Cuylle’s season.
In a year filled with ups and downs, Cuylle expressed his excitement to be able to have this special moment in front of the home fans at Madison Square Garden.
“It's cool. First hat trick in the NHL, it's kind of a dream come true,” Cuylle said. “It's great to have it in a game like today, where we had a full 60-minute effort from everyone, everyone contributing. I'm just happy with the result.”
To close out the season, the Rangers have been playing a much more consistent brand of hockey, contrary to much of this tumultuous year.
New York has won five of its last six games, with the past two coming against two teams pushing for a playoff spot.
What is going into this sudden resurgence from the Rangers?
“I think our guys have something to play for, and that’s how they’re approaching it. We’re playing some pretty good teams that have a lot at stake,” Sullivan said. “I think we beat some pretty good teams lately. I think that’s just a testament to how hard our players are competing out there.
“I think we’re trying to build a team game and we’re trying to stack some wins on top of each other where we can continue to define, refine what Rangers hockey looks like...I think they're embracing these challenges. I just think it speaks volumes for the character of the guys we have that they continue to compete as hard as they do and we're continuing to try to build that team game.”
It’s promising to see the Rangers string these wins while many of the team’s young players have come in and contributed, including Gabe Perreault, Drew Fortescue, Noah Laba, Jaroslav Chmelař, and Adam Sýkora.
The games at this point are meaningless in terms of standing implications, but regardless of how it impacts their lottery odds, the Blueshirts are looking to build momentum to carry into the summer and ultimately into next season.
“There's no easy games, but obviously teams that have that sense of desperation and really something to play for, I think, shows that we haven't really gave up on the year and packed it in,” Adam Fox said.
“Like we said, we're still trying to build on something and gain momentum and establish something here that we can take positively into the summer and build on that. It's great to see. I think the group's done a great job since the break of just being focused, trying to come out and compete and just play hard and try and build on that.”
Jazz Chisholm Jr. was back in the lineup Sunday after his mental gaffe at second base in Saturday’s win, when he turned a routine grounder into a single in the top of the ninth.
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Otto Lopez reached on the play and scored before David Bednar and the Yankees held on for the victory.
Boone said Sunday he spoke with Chisholm following Saturday’s game “a little bit.”
“He laid back on the ball,” Boone said. “Fundamentally, he was fine with it. He’s just got to be a little more aware of the guy getting down the line. It’s a play we’ve got to make.”
Chisholm — also slumping at the plate — came through with a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth in Sunday’s 7-6 loss to Miami.
He acknowledged his mistake from Saturday, with the caveat that plays like that are going to happen.
“We all know how I play baseball,’’ Chisholm said. “The guy caught me with my head down and [made] a good play. I do it to other teams all the time. Someone caught me. It’s no big deal.”
Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) hits a two-run RBI double during the 9th inning of the Yankees and Miami Marlins game at Yankee Stadium. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
He also was in a 4-for-31 rut before his double.
Chisholm isn’t the only infielder struggling, as José Caballero made another error at shortstop and has been invisible on offense.
“He’s swinging through some pitches,’’ Boone said, adding of his recent throwing issues: “He’s so good at getting rid of it… We trust him.”
Carlos Rodón reported some soreness Sunday after throwing a side session Saturday.
Boone called Rodón’s discomfort “to be expected” as the left-hander rehabs from offseason elbow surgery.
His comeback has been delayed a bit by right hamstring tightness he experienced last week, but it didn’t stop Rodón from throwing.
Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón #55, throwing in the outfield before the game. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Boone said he’s expected to throw another side session “early in the week.”
Gerrit Cole, coming back from last spring’s Tommy John surgery, is scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday.
The Yankees missed on a pair of automated ball-strike system challenges again Sunday, leaving them with none during their ninth-inning rally.
Boone said he doesn’t want them to lose their aggressiveness, even as it’s cost them in recent games.
“We’re gonna trust our knowledge of it,’’ Boone said. “There are gonna be games you don’t have them at the end.” … The Yankees recorded 30 walks in their series against the Marlins, their most in a three-game series in franchise history.
After a promising start to the season, Camilo Doval has pitched poorly in his past two appearances, retiring just three batters and allowing five hits, four earned runs and a walk.
Boone noted Doval has faced some “really tough left-handed hitters” and not executed well or been able to put batters away.
That’s resulted in lefties reaching base in five of 10 plate appearances against Doval, who is expected to serve in a setup role to David Bednar.
As for the closer, Boone said he’s not comfortable working Bednar as much as he has in his past two appearances, when Bednar threw 40 and 33 pitches.
LeBron James lets son Bronny hear it after on-court error
There’s nothing quite as embarrassing as getting yelled at by your parents in public.
Try being Bronny James on Sunday night in Dallas.
Late in the third quarter of the Lakers’ loss to the Mavericks, Bronny went to send a high chest pass to his teammate, and dad, LeBron James but had the attempt knocked out of bounds by a Dallas defender.
LeBron immediately signaled to his son that he should have given him a bounce pass, and then gave him a stern look that only a dad would give to his kid.
“Kind of looks at his son and says, ‘give me a bounce pass,’ Mike Tirico said on the NBC broadcast. “I love that look because that look was not just LeBron the veteran. That was also LeBron the dad.”
LeBron James gestures with his arms crossed while talking to his son, Bronny James Jr. during the Lakers game of the Mavericks on Sunday. NBC
Bronny is in his second season and played nine minutes off the bench for the Lakers in the 134-128 loss to the Mavericks in the Lone Star State.
Bronny finished the game with five points on 2-of-3 shooting and was 1-for-2 from 3-point range, and also registered an assist.
LeBron ended the night with a team-high 30 points on 12-for-22 shooting.
Bronny James attempts to throw a pass to his father, LeBron James, during the Lakers’ game against the Mavericks on Sunday. NBC
The Lakers have been reeling from injuries lately with the loss of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart.
Dončić will be out indefinitely with a left hamstring strain and then on Saturday, the Lakers announced that Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury and would be out the rest of the season.
“It was a shot to the heart and the chest and the mainframe with Luka,” LeBron told reporters after the game regarding the injury news about Dončić and Reaves. “I woke up from my nap and saw that [Reaves] news and was like, ‘s–t’”
The injuries will allow Bronny to get some extended playing time and make a case for a bigger role on the Lakers.
In a playoff stretch where a lot of other teams - particularly the ones chasing playoff spots - are doing a whole lot of losing, the Pittsburgh Penguins just keep on winning hockey games.
And they're not just winning them - they're winning them comfortably.
On Sunday, the Penguins beat the Florida Panthers by a score of 5-2, sweeping the weekend series between the two teams and earning their fourth win in five games. With five goals on Sunday, the Penguins have now scored 280 times this season, which is second in the NHL only to the Colorado Avalanche's 285.
The scoring depth on this team is something that continues to win them hockey games, and it's some of the best depth the Penguins have had in recent memory.
"100 percent," said Bryan Rust, who registered his 500th NHL point when he assisted on a Sidney Crosby goal in the first period. "On any given night, there's guys who are scoring goals, guys who are stepping up and bringing the offense. It's not just one line or the top-six, you see all four lines doing it, and a lot of the defensemen doing it, too.
"I think it's been a group effort this year, and I think with how good the league is and how tight everything is, that depth's going to give you a few extra wins, a few extra points that - sometimes, if you don't have that - kind of get lost."
The Penguins got the first goal in this one when Connor Dewar pressured Florida goaltender Daniil Tarasov and forced him to commit a turnover. The puck ended up right on the stick of Elmer Soderblom on the left wall, and he buried for his sixth of the season and sixth point in his last six games to put the Penguins up, 1-0.
The Panthers responded a little more than five minutes later when Cole Schwindt shot a puck square into the mask of Penguins' goaltender Arturs Silovs - starting in his second straight game due to a Stuart Skinner upper-body injury - and it trickled through his five-hold to tie the game. But then, just 35 seconds later, Crosby took a feed from Egor Chinakhov down the left wing, and he put away a shot from the left circle to restore the Penguins' lead.
And they were able to add on. The Penguins got a late power play opportunity at the end of the first period, and after a beautiful passing play, Rickard Rakell - parked in the slot - one-timed a perfect pass by Crosby to give the Penguins a 3-1 lead.
WELCOME TO RAK CITY.
Rickard Rakell is riding an eight-game point streak (9G-3A) with goals in five straight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Mn803paAd9
There was a bit of pushback by Florida for parts of the second period, but Silovs stood strong - and Rakell struck again. With less than two minutes remaining in the middle frame, Rakell pounced on a chip pass from Evgeni Malkin, who was parked behind the net, and chopped it past Tarasov to put Pittsburgh up, 4-1.
Rust tacked on another goal less than four minutes into the third period after Crosby fed him for a breakaway opportunity, squeaking it underneath Tarasov for his 28th of the season. Carter Verhaeghe added a goal for Florida with less than six minutes left in regulation, but the Penguins were able to cruise to a relatively comfortable 5-2 victory - one night after beating Florida, 9-4.
When you think of "unbreakable" NHL records, there are very, very few. One thought to be unbreakable was broken last season when Alex Ovechkin broke Gretzky's goal record. Gretzky's points record probably is untouchable, especially with the amount of talent on both sides of the puck in the league right now.
Crosby's point-per-game seasons record is near-untouchable. Yes, Connor McDavid is going to be an all-time great player and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
King of Consistency 👑
With his 70th point, Sidney Crosby, who can play in a maximum of 70 games this season, has clinched his NHL-record 21st-consecutive point-per-game season. pic.twitter.com/S12jxQOFQ0
But you just do not see this. Of all the greats in NHL history, Crosby is the only one ever to have been point-per-game for more than two decades. And, heck, he can build on his own record even more, depending on how long he plays.
And Penguins' head coach Dan Muse reminded everyone not to take anything for granted with Crosby.
"I really hope nobody's taking it for granted. I really do," Muse said. "The fans, media, everybody in the community, to be able to see this firsthand - like, it's amazing. Twenty-one seasons, a point-per-game, NHL record. And that's a big one."
Folks, we're witnessing all-time greatness. I'd take Muse's advice.
- Skinner's injury - although nothing is confirmed about the nature of it other than it being designated as "upper-body" - appeared to have occurred during Saturday's game against the Panthers when he was struck with a puck on the bench.
Although it was unfortunate for Skinner, the timing of everything did lend to an unexpected call-up. With the start time for the game designated for 3:00 p.m. ET - and Skinner being designated as unavailable the same morning - the Penguins wouldn't have been able to bring one of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's goaltenders because there was no way for them to get to Pittsburgh in time.
And Gauthier quite literally missed the call at first.
"I had just walked into church with a bunch of my teammates for Easter service," Gauthier said. "I went to put my phone on 'do not disturb', and I had four missed calls from 'Spez'... so, I figured it was probably something pretty important."
Even though Gauthier - who went undrafted and has a .932 save percentage for Wheeling this season - didn't have a chance to appear in the game, he did dress as the backup - and getting the call to the NHL is something he will always cherish and that he wants the chance to do again.
"It's just - it's surreal," Gauthier said. "You know, especially with the pedigree of guys that are in this room. I think I speak for every Canadian kid that grew up watching Sid play... you know, he's a hero to all of us."
He added: "It's something that I'm really going to cherish for a long time, and I might take that jersey home and make sure I put it up in a frame, for sure."
- With Skinner's injury, Muse decided to run back Silovs, who struggled Saturday despite the win.
Well, he bounced back in a big way and was very solid for the Penguins Sunday.
He stopped 29 of 31 Florida shots on goal and was especially good in the second period, when Florida had a few waves of chances. There are times when Silovs looks like the goaltender that led the Abbotsford Canucks to a Calder Cup last season, and this was one of those starts.
Sergei Murashov was in the building, but not in time for puck drop, which is why Gauthier got the call. I imagine Silovs is well aware that he is under a microscope on the stretch run to the playoffs, and he struggled before this.
We'll see where Skinner is at this week. But, if Murashov being in Pittsburgh is any indication, it appears they might be preparing to be without Skinner for at least a few games. If that's the case, Silovs needs to perform like he did Sunday the rest of the way. Otherwise, someone else might be in the mix for a playoff job.
- There's not much more to say about Rakell at this point. He has 10 goals in his last eight games. He has an NHL-high five-game goal-scoring streak. He scored seven goals just last week.
What a tear he is on. He is now up to 24 goals, and he missed 21 games this season. If he continues the recent pace he has been on for the four games remaining this season, he could flirt with 30 goals.Just incredible stuff from him.
- The Penguins now have 96 points, which puts them six points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers, who leapfrogged the New York Islanders for third in the Metropolitan Division. So, you do the math.
If the Penguins win one more game this season, they clinch a playoff berth.
They have the New Jersey Devils on Thursday before playing the Washington Capitals in a home-and-home back-to-back over the weekend and, finally, the St. Louis Blues on Apr. 14. None of these teams currently sit in a playoff spot. And, should others behind them continue to lose, they may not even need to win another game.
Things are looking good, Penguins' fans. Just enjoy the ride.
Oh, and there's a very good chance that there could be a Penguins-Flyers first round this year.
SAN FRANCISCO — Jared Young didn’t know for sure he would be in the Mets starting lineup Sunday, but took the approach that it was best to think in those terms.
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He knew that Brett Baty’s left thumb was barking following a dive into second base a day earlier. Baty was scheduled to start the series finale against the Giants, but Young was Plan B.
“It was kind of like, ‘Let’s come in today and prep like I’m going to play,’” Young said. “It’s always easier to wind down than it is to ramp up.”
It was Plan B the Mets exercised, going to Young for the start in left field as Baty took a day to rest his thumb.
Young’s 3-for-3 performance offensively and strong defense were a significant component in the team’s 5-2 victory at Oracle Park that gave the Mets a winning series and road trip.
Young’s running catch on Patrick Bailey’s line drive in the third stood out, along with his play off the carom on Jerar Encarnacion’s shot that hit the left field fence in the fifth. Young threw out Encarnacion attempting to stretch a single into a double.
The three-hit performance was the first of Young’s career, as was the outfield assist. Most of Young’s major league playing time has come as a first baseman.
Jared Young of the New York Mets catches a fly ball hit by Rafael Devers #16 of the San Francisco Giants in the bottom of the third inning at Oracle Park on April 04, 2026 in San Francisco, California. Getty Images
“Not only the at-bats for Jared, but his ability to play the outfield the way he’s doing it, he just adds more to it,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “It’s not only a pinch hitter or a guy that can play first, now you feel good with him playing the outfield as well.”
Mendoza’s original lineup before Baty was scratched had Carson Benge in left field and Baty in right. The manager said the decision to move Benge from right was based on Benge’s overall familiarity playing the various outfield positions compared to Baty, who is a converted infielder.
Baty is expected to be available for starting duty Tuesday.
Mendoza indicated nothing had changed with Juan Soto, who will be reevaluated before the Mets begin their next homestand Tuesday. The All-Star outfielder is dealing with what he’s termed a “minor” right calf strain and the Mets face a decision on placing him on the injured list.
The Mets had a third straight game with at least 12 hits. The franchise record is five straight such games, established in 1976 and tied in 1990.
Luis Robert Jr. stole two bases, giving him multiple steals in a game for the first time since May 4 of last season with the White Sox.
Luis Torrens is in his ninth season in the league and his third with the Mets. During that time he has not been known for his offense and has played the role of backup catcher for most of his career.
Yet, on Sunday against the San Francisco Giants, with New York down 2-1 in the eighth inning but threatening, Torrens was called upon as a pinch-hitter against a left-hander.
The move was a bit surprising. Not only was Torrens replacing Jared Young who was already 3-for-3 on the day, albeit against right-hander Logan Webb, but with a thin bench the Mets could ill afford to lose their backup catcher should the game go to extra innings or anything unforeseen happening.
But according to manager Carlos Mendoza who spoke after the game, that was the exact moment the Mets were hoping to use Torrens.
“I gotta give credit to [bench coach] Kai Correa there,” Mendoza said. “...He brought it up to me way before the game started – like in a big spot, Luis Torrens against one of those lefties… Sure enough, the situation presented itself and we [used] him and he was ready to go from the very beginning and he executed it.”
Facing LHP Erik Miller with one out and runners at second and third, Torrens fell behind in the count but fouled off some pitches and was able to work the count full. On 3-2, Torrens got a changeup off the plate that would’ve been ball four, but the catcher swung at it and poked it down the right-field line for a two-run double that put New York ahead, 3-2.
The Mets scored twice more in the inning and went on to win 5-2 thanks to the four-run eighth inning, but the big hit came from Torrens who had been ready for that scenario since before the game even started.
“For me, to put the ball in play there I was prepared even before the game,” Torrens said through an interpreter. “Mendy told me there might be a situation where I come in, but for me it’s about being focused and trying to execute in a situation like that.”
Torrens continued: “I really appreciate to be told that earlier on in the game or even before the game just because I’m able to prepare myself the way that I know that I can prepare myself and with whatever situation arises in the game, I’ll be prepared and do my job.”
So, why specifically Torrens, a career .228 hitter, in that moment?
“He slows the game down, he’s got the ability to use the whole field, he’s not afraid to go the other way, he’s not afraid to work counts,” Mendoza said. “He gets to two strikes and you feel good that he’s going to put the ball in play, he’s gonna take what the pitcher is giving him.
“This is a guy that’s been in baseball for quite a bit now, a lot of winter ball. So I was happy for Luis in that situation.”
A nine-year veteran (as a catcher no less), Torrens has used all of that experience to his advantage. It’s why the Mets have loved having him around for the past three years. In fact, even though he isn’t known for his bat, the 29-year-old is now batting .352 in 54 at-bats as a pinch-hitter, one of the most difficult jobs to do in baseball.
On top of that, Torrens is and continues to be elite at stopping the running game, even throwing out a runner trying to steal second base in the bottom of the ninth inning.
It’s plays like that, his hit in the eighth and the communication between him and the coaches before the game that had Mendoza commending “the small details” New York made on Sunday that resulted in an impressive win and taking three out of four in San Francisco.
“That speaks to how we prepare as a team,” Torrens said. “I think every single one of us before the game, during the game are all preparing ourselves to do the best that we possibly can and I think that speaks volumes to the group that we have here.”
After a rough stretch offensively to start the season, the Mets have completely turned it around, scoring 24 runs over their last three games. Almost all of that has been without Juan Soto, too.
“It’s special,” Mendoza said. “We’ve got good players, up and down. Dealing with a few guys there with injuries and you still feel really good with not only the guys that are in the lineup or who are getting the opportunity to play more, but [with] what’s on the bench as well and we saw it today.
“There’s a lot of versatility. There’s a lot of things that we could do because of the flexibility. It goes to show you that it’s a deep roster and it’s fun.”
New York will look to keep the good times rolling back at Citi Field starting on Tuesday when it hosts the Arizona Diamondbacks for a three-game set.
