The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have signed goaltender Aleksei Kolosov to a one-year, $850,000 contract extension.
Kolosov appeared in four games this season with the Flyers, where he had a 0-2-0 record, an .830 save percentage, and a 4.00 goals-against average.
The 24-year-old goaltender also played in 38 games this season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he posted a 15-21-2 record, a 2.98 goals-against average, and an .895 save percentage.
Kolosov was selected by the Flyers with the 78th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In 21 career NHL games over two seasons with the Flyers, he has recorded a 5-11-1 record, an .863 save percentage, and a 3.64 goals-against average.
Kolosov will now be looking to compete for a spot on the Flyers' NHL roster next season after earning this new contract.
The 2026 MLB Rivalry Weekend is here, and I’ve got a trio of NRFI/YRFI bets to kick-start the action.
My top MLB picks begin with an American League showdown between the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers on Apple TV and wrap up with a Windy City clash between the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox.
So, with the wind forecasted to be blowing in at Comerica Park, Yesavage is positioned to blank the bottom half of the first inning.
Turning to Tigers righty Ty Madden, he’ll be making his first start of the season and has held the 21 right-handed hitters he’s faced this season to a .095 on-base percentage and .076 wOBA.
Not only do the Blue Jays have a righty-heavy top of the lineup, but they’re also tied for the seventh-highest percentage of games not scoring in the first inning (74.42%).
Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Apple TV
Brewers at Twins: NFRI (-120)
The Milwaukee Brewers are turning to Chad Patrick to start Friday, and he’s pitched a scoreless opening frame in four of five starts while holding opposing hitters to a .599 OPS.
Minnesota Twins righty Joe Ryan has also tossed three consecutive scoreless opening innings to improve to 7-2 this season while holding opposing bats to a similar .587 OPS.
Additionally, Milwaukee and Minnesota rank 21st and 20th, respectively, in the percentage of games in which they’ve scored a run in the first inning.
So, with the Cubs also tied for the third-lowest percentage of games scoring in the first, I expect Chicago White Sox righty Sean Burke to blank the opening frame for a sixth consecutive game.
After all, Burke has only allowed four first-inning baserunners since his season debut.
Time: 7:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, MARQ
Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record
NRFI/YRFI picks: 6-8, -2.87 units
What is a NRFI bet?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Charles Barkley said American society is still unfriendly toward gay people in the aftermath of the death of Jason Collins, the ex-Net who made history in 2013 by becoming the first active Big Four (MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA) athlete to announce he was gay.
Barkley believes there are more male athletes who are gay but unwilling to do so due to a “homophobic” mentality permeating society.
“If another guy did it, it would still be a big deal because we live in a homophobic society,” Barkley said Tuesday on ESPN after Collins died at the age of 47 after battling Stage 4 glioblastoma. “And that’s unfortunate. Anybody who think we ain’t got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they’re just stupid.
Inside The NBA: While discussing Jason Collins' passing, Charles Barkley: "We live in a homophobic society … anybody who think we ain't got a bunch of gay players in all sports, they're just stupid."
“There is such animosity toward the gay community and that’s what really unfortunate. But anybody that think him coming — I know a couple of other soccer players that came out — if you think there are not more gay players in the NFL, Major League Baseball and the NBA, you’re just stupid.”
Barkley, 63, and his “Inside the NBA” co-hosts touched on Collins’ legacy Tuesday night in a poignant segment after Collins died from brain cancer.
A little more than 13 years ago, Collins — then a free agent — made history when he wrote in the May 6, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated: “I’m a 34-year-old NBA center. I’m black. And I’m gay.”
He suited up for one final season the following year with the Nets to cap his 13-year career in which he appeared in 735 games and averaged 3.6 points.
“You say 13 years ago, ‘Well, what’s the big deal somebody said that they’re open gay, what’s the big deal?'” Barkley’s co-host, Kenny Smith, said. “Well, 13 years ago it was a big deal. The reason why it doesn’t feel as big now, at times, is because of people like him. Kudos to him.”
Jason Collins at the NYC Pride March in 2017.. NBAE via Getty Images
Ernie Johnson, who runs point for the show, later complimented Collins.
“A guy who really through his words and through his actions has told us all, You don’t have to live in the shadows,” Johnson said. “He said, ‘Your life is so much better when you just show up as your true self.'”
Barkley has voiced support for members of the LGBTQ+ community over the years, including a notable exchange at a bar three years ago.
He reportedly pushed back against those protesting against Budweiser for using Dylan Mulvaney — a transgender woman — while at a Lake Tahoe bar.
“If you’re gay, God bless you. If you’re trans, God bless you. And if you have a problem with them, f–k you,” Barkley told the patrons, according to People.
He also said: “I’m gonna buy some drinks for y’all and I’m gonna buy Bud Light. Let me tell you something: All you rednecks or assholes who don’t want to drink Bud Light, f–k y’all. Hey, y’all can’t cancel me.”
It’s time for the Freeway Series as the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a battle with the Los Angeles Angels tonight.
The Angels are reeling, dropping five of their last six games, while the Dodgers have won two straight to snap a cold stretch of their own.
I’m backing Blake Snell and the Boys in Blue with my Dodgers vs. Angels predictions and MLB picks for Friday, May 15.
Who will win Dodgers vs Angels today: Dodgers -1.5 (-134)
Blake Snell is a dominant force when healthy, so don’t fret over his 2026 debut in which he was quite unfortunate (.545 BABIP, 37.5% left-on-base percentage).
The two-time Cy Young winner’s stuff looked elite, as his 119 Stuff+ would rank second among starters. Expect him to overpower an ice-cold Los Angeles Angels lineup that has a 78 wRC+ in May.
Jack Kochanowicz’s 4.99 xERA calls for immediate regression to his 3.97 ERA, and his 3.5% K-BB% simply won’t cut it against a strong lineup.
This is a high number in a game where two teams are trending toward the Under.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have cashed the Under in 10 of their last 15 games on the road, and send out Snell, who has held an ERA of 2.35 or lower in two of the last three seasons.
Meanwhile, the Angels have played to the Under in 11 of their last 14 games. The offense has gone dry, plating two runs or fewer in five of their last six contests.
Their bullpen ranks 12th in SIERA in May after a rough start to the year, while the Dodgers have a 2.45 FIP in relief.
JD Yonke's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 12-13, -4.84 units
Over/Under bets: 18-8, +9.64 units
Dodgers vs Angels odds
Moneyline: Dodgers -230 | Angels +190
Run line: Dodgers -1.5 | Angels +1.5
Over/Under: Over 9 | Under 9
Dodgers vs Angels trend
The Angels are 0-5 in Jack Kochanowicz’s last five starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Angels.
How to watch Dodgers vs Angels and game info
Location
Angels Stadium, Anaheim, CA
Date
Friday, May 15, 2026
First pitch
9:38 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Dodgers starting pitcher
Blake Snell (0-1, 12.00 ERA)
Angels starting pitcher
Jack Kochanowicz (2-2, 3.97 ERA)
Dodgers vs Angels latest injuries
Dodgers vs Angels weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Monday afternoon, Baseball America published their Mock Draft 3.0, featuring the latest intel and scouting reports for each team. The Tigers, who will pick 22nd this year, were linked to high school outfielder Trevor Condon in the first round. Condon hails from the state of Georgia and is a well known player in this high school class among draft analysts.
With three drafts under their belt, Scott Harris and his scouting team have developed something of a reputation for falling in love with athletic, up the middle defenders with strong contact skills, and high school pitchers with promising traits and plenty of projection. The selection of Condon would fit right into that mold. A center fielder with plus speed and a portfolio of well-balanced skills, he’s a name that I’ve had speculatively circled for about a month now.
Condon is on the small side — he measures at just 5-foot-9, 175 pounds and doesn’t have a ton of present power as a result — and evaluators note that he has something of an unorthodox swing. Despite that, Baseball America calls him “one of the most popular” players in the second tier of high school draft prospects thanks to a strong spring showing and good track record. It’s difficult to read too much into high school stats, but he’s been racking up extra base hits like it’s going out of style. More importantly, he makes consistent left-handed contact and shoots the ball to all fields, tempting scouts to dream of a future leadoff type hitter.
Contributing to the rise in his draft stock is the physicality he’s begun to demonstrate over the past six months. According to a December article from Prep Baseball Report, his arm strength is already above average, as he’s been clocked at 95 mph from the outfield. He’s also upped his max recorded exit velocity from sub-100 mph to 106.2. That’s pretty good from a teenager who wasn’t viewed as much a future power hitter until recently.
The Tigers evidently have quite a bit of faith in their ability to help underpowered players get the best of their physicality and tap into unforeseen power projections. They gambled big on Jordan Yost last year and have already been rewarded this year with tangible power gains. They picked up local product Zach MacDonald in the 15th round, and while he has significant flaws, we have seen him quickly blossom into a slugging center fielder. And lest we forget, none of the public-facing prospect outlets saw Kevin McGonigle as a power hitter on draft day 2023, but he graduated with plus grades on his power to go with his elite hit tool.
The Baseball America blurb concluded by saying that their sources have linked Detroit to an abundance of high school hitters. This shouldn’t come as a surprise based on their preferences over the last few years, and, if true, could help us get a read on who they may be interested in taking with their first pick. There aren’t a ton of high school hitters in the range where Detroit’s pick lays, so we can zoom in on Condon as a probable option.
Other potential selections include a pair of shortstops in Tyler Spangler, a big bodied player with a decent bat, and Aiden Ruiz, whose slick fielding is offset by questions about his offense. Two-way player Jared Gridlinger is ranked more lowly by MLB Pipeline, but is reported to be popular among MLB teams for his excellent traits and projectable pitch mix. Outfielder Blake Bowen seems less likely, as he doesn’t fit the sweet-swinging mold that the Tigers seem to prefer, but he has every physical tool in spades and will almost certainly entice some team to draft him highly if he can be bought out of his commitment to Oregon State.
The Cubs might have looked worse in this series than they have in any series since the one at Cleveland in early April. There were series losses to the Pirates (cumulative score 12-10 Pirates advantage), the Dodgers (22-10) and Rangers (10-7) in the interim. So maybe that Dodgers one was worse than the Cleveland series (10-7 Guardians). So if we say the two series where they have looked worst were the Dodgers (back-to-back championships) and the Braves (best record in baseball so far this year), those two series don’t look particularly embarrassing.
You certainly hate to lose four in a row. I don’t really follow other teams, so I can’t say how representative historical Cub results are, but I’m guessing somewhat typical. As we saw yesterday, every Cub team going back to at least 2003 had at least one losing streak of four or more games. Excepting those 2003 Cubs, every other team had at least a five-game losing streak. These things can and do happen. The losses to the Rangers feel pretty lousy, though one of them was a superstar effort out of Jacob deGrom who has done that throughout his career when healthy.
I’m not losing any sleep at all over this stretch. I don’t think it’s likely to even be a footnote in my memory of this season. Instead, I’m dreaming on the two Ben Brown starts that have bookended the four losses. His first two starts of the year have come on the road. He’s thrown eight innings, allowed two hits, one walk and no runs. He has a 1.60 ERA on the season. IF he can build on this, that potentially fills an enormous hole on this team. Moving him to the rotation has weakened a bullpen that was the already the weakness of this team. But, at the end of the day, I’m going to prioritize better starting over better relief every single time.
The Cub bats were still pretty well stifled in this game. But six hits and three walks were just enough for them to put two runs on the board and combined with a strong outing from the pitching staff, that was enough to salvage a win heading back to Chicago. Coupling a “road” series on the South Side with two home series and a day off means the team will now get 10 nights in their own beds. The early Fangraphs projections favor the Cubs in seven of these nine games. I like to think the team can grab six over this stretch. If they can grab two from each series, they would be 34-19 heading to Pittsburgh for the holiday. I’ll take it.
Three Positives:
Ian Happ had a homer, single, walk and scored both runs.
Ben Brown threw four scoreless on one hit and one walk. He struck out seven.
Daniel Palencia had maybe his best outing of the year, despite allowing a single. He struck out two in picking up his second save.
Hat tip to Phil Maton who bounced back with an inning that matched Palencia’s and Hoby Milner who faced seven, retiring six.
Game 44, May 14: Cubs 2, Braves 0 (28-16)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
Superhero: Ben Brown (.215). 4 IP, 15 BF, H, BB, 0 ER, 7 K
Hero: Ian Happ (.215). 2-3, HR, BB, RBI, 2 R
Sidekick: Hoby Milner (.155). 2 IP, 7 BF, H, K (W 1-0)
THREE GOATS:
Billy Goat: Nico Hoerner (-.104). 1-4
Goat: Dansby Swanson (-.097). 0-4
Kid: Matt Shaw (-.094). 0-4, RBI, SB
WPA Play of the Game: Seiya Suzuki batted with a runner on first and no outs, the game scoreless in the sixth inning. He hit a ground ball and Ha-Seong Kim had a throwing error allowing Happ to end up on third. (.132)
Braves Play of the Game: With runners on first and third and one out in the fourth, Chris Sale struck out Seiya Suzuki. (.065)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 43 Winner: Shōta Imanaga received 149 of 151 votes.
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Michael Busch/Shōta Imanaga +13
Michael Conforto +12
Ian Happ +7
Ben Brown +6
Caleb Thielbar -6
Phil Maton -7
Dansby Swanson/Matt Shaw -11
Seiya Suzuki -17
Current Win Pace: 103.1 wins
Up Next: On to Chicago to face the White Sox on the South Side. The White Sox also won Thursday, moving to 22-21. This is the latest the White Sox have been over .500 in a while now. They’ve won five straight to get here. They are 12-9 at home. They would have the second Wild Card spot if the season ended right now. They are one game ahead of the Mariners and Rangers for that last spot. Only one team in the whole AL is more than five games back of that spot and that is the Angels at only 5.5 back.
Edward Cabrera (3-1, 3.88, 46.1 IP) makes his ninth start as a Cub. He’ll be looking to bounce back from his worst start of the year, allowing five earned runs in five innings of work. He’s been better at home and during the day so far this year, so that’s something to keep an eye on. The White Sox offense has been pesky, sitting ninth in OPS.
26-year-old Sean Burke (2-3, 3.68, 44 IP) makes his ninth appearance and seventh start of the year. Last time out, he was a loser after allowing six runs on six hits and two walks in 4.1 innings against the Mariners in Chicago. Burke was the 94th overall pick, the third round pick of the White Sox in the 2021 draft. Burke also has pitched better on the road and during the day. So neither of these pitchers is throwing in their sweet spot.
I like Cabrera to bounce back and the Cubs to win their second straight.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 09, 2025: Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cincinnati Reds looks on during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 09, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Cleveland Guardians had a day off at home yesterday and now they will play a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds, led by Tito Francona and former Guardian Will Benson. Because we all know he is going to make our lives miserable soon.
The Reds beat the Nationals 15-1 yesterday. Hopefully, that was them getting all of their run-scoring out of the way before this weekend.
Jeff M. and I talked about the Guardians on the Disgusting Baseball Podcast last night. Check it out here.
Rumors swirl that Peyton Pallette’s partner is about to have a baby any second, so I wonder if Franco Aleman gets the paternity leave recall tonight.
Connor Brogdon made it through waivers and is in Columbus again.
AROUND MLB:
The White Sox beat the Royals, the Tigers got swept by the Mets, and the Twins destroyed the Marlins.
Columbus Clippers Travis Bazzana (12) throws the ball to first base during home opener at Huntington Park on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Columbus Clippers game against St. Paul was postponed.
Nick Mitchell was an on-base machine, going 1-for-2 with three walks and two stolen bases, yet he somehow didn’t score any of Akron’s three runs.
Ralphy Velazquez went 1-for-3 with a walk and Guy Lipscomb went 1-for-3 with a walk. Alex Mooney and Conor Barstad both doubled.
Starting pitcher Justin Campbell still has the baby gloves on, but he didn’t allow a hit or a run in his 2.2 innings of work while striking out three and walking three.
— CLE Boxscore Beat (@CLEBoxscoreBeat) May 15, 2026
Carter Rustad followed with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief and Magnus Ellerts and Jack Jasiak both allowed a run in their inning-plus of work each. Jack Carey picked up the easiest win of his life, striking out the only batter he faced.
Aaron Walton stayed consistent, going 1-for-3 with a walk while Ryan Cesarini and Luke Hill both walked twice, with Cesarini also stealing a base.
Esteban Gonzalez accounted for almost all of Lake County’s offense, blasting a two-run home run while Jeffrey Mercedes went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base.
Starting pitcher Braylon Doughty pitched well, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks in 4.2 innings. Cam Walty came in and got tattooed for five runs in his 2.1 innings pitched to take the loss.
Cannon Peebles had a strong game, going 2-for-4 with a home run and Dauri Fernandez followed suit, going 1-for-3 with a home run and a walk.
Robert Arias continued to do Robert Arias things, going 2-for-4 with a double while catcher Victor Izturis went 1-for-2 with a walk.
Starting pitcher Joey Oakie had a rough day at the office, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits with five strikeouts and three walks in 3.1 innings pitched to take the loss. His ERA on the season has risen to 5.09.
The ACL Guardians used their patience, scoring five runs despite just three hits because they walked a whopping 13 times.
Catcher Gustavo Baptista had the best game, going perfect at the plate, 1-for-1 with a triple, a hit by pitch, two walks and a stolen base.
Ricardo Romero also continued his hot stretch, going 1-for-2 with a walk, a hit by pitch and two stolen bases.
A rehabbing Welbyn Francisca walked twice while Randy Martinez walked twice and stole three bases and Carlos Garces went 1-for-2 with two walks.
Starting pitcher Edelvis Perez was sensational, tossing 4.0 shutout innings with seven strikeouts, one hit allowed and one walk. The bullpen allowed one run the rest of the way to preserve the victory.
The superlatives used to describe Jaromir Jagr's unfathomable pro hockey career will run out one day – but not soon.
How do you put into context Jagr's incredible body of work? The man has appeared in at least four professional games every season since 1988; he was a Stanley Cup teammate of a guy (Gordie Roberts) who was once teammates with Gordie Howe.
And atop the list of incredible facts and stats, there's this: Per SB Nation, this year's Western Conference Final between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights guarantees that a former Jagr teammate will appear in a Stanley Cup final for a 46th consecutive season.
Don't believe us? Here's the proof:
Jaromir Jagr Stanley Cup finals teammate streak (1980-2026)
Year
Teammate
Team
Played With Jagr
1980
Bryan Trottier
New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins (1993-94)
1981
Bryan Trottier
New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins (1993-94)
1982
Bryan Trottier
New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins (1993-94)
1983
Bryan Trottier
New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins (1993-94)
1984
Mark Messier
Edmonton Oilers
New York Rangers (2002-04)
1985
Mark Messier
Edmonton Oilers
New York Rangers (2002-04)
1986
Joe Mullen
Calgary Flames
Pittsburgh Penguins (1991-92, 1995-96)
1987
Mark Messier
Edmonton Oilers
New York Rangers (2002-04)
1988
Mark Messier
Edmonton Oilers
New York Rangers (2002-04)
1989
Jiri Hrdina
Calgary Flames
Pittsburgh Penguins (1991-92, 1995-96)
1990
Mark Messier
Edmonton Oilers
New York Rangers (2002-04)
1991
Jaromir Jagr
Pittsburgh Penguins
--
1992
Jaromir Jagr
Pittsburgh Penguins
--
1993
J.J. Daigneault
Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins (1995-96)
1994
Mark Messier
New York Rangers
New York Rangers (2002-04)
1995
Tom Chorske
New Jersey Devils
Pittsburgh Penguins (1999-00)
1996
Scott Young
Colorado Avalanche
Pittsburgh Penguins (1990-91)
1997
Doug Brown
Detroit Red Wings
Pittsburgh Penguins (1993-94)
1998
Doug Brown
Detroit Red Wings
Pittsburgh Penguins (1993-94)
1999
Benoit Hogue
Dallas Stars
Washington Capitals (2001-02)
2000
Scott Gomez
New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils (2014-15)
2001
Chris Drury
Colorado Avalanche
New York Rangers (2007-08)
2002
Brendan Shanahan
Detroit Red Wings
New York Rangers (2006-08)
2003
Jay Pandolfo
New Jersey Devils
Boston Bruins (2012-13)
2004
Pavel Kubina
Tampa Bay Lightning
Philadelphia Flyers (2012-13)
2006
Mark Recchi
Carolina Hurricanes
Pittsburgh Penguins (1990-92)
2007
Shawn Thornton
Anaheim Ducks
Florida Panthers (2014-15)
2008
Andreas Lilja
Detroit Red Wings
Philadelphia Flyers (2011-12)
2009
Petr Sykora
Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers (2011-12)
2010
Kris Versteeg
Chicago Blackhawks
Florida Panthers (2014-15)
2011
Mark Recchi
Boston Bruins
Pittsburgh Penguins (1990-92)
2012
Willie Mitchell
Los Angeles Kings
Florida Panthers (2014-16)
2013
Dan Carcillo
Chicago Blackhawks
Philadelphia Flyers (2011-12)
2014
Willie Mitchell
Los Angeles Kings
Florida Panthers (2014-16)
2015
Kris Versteeg
Chicago Blackhawks
Florida Panthers (2014-15)
2016
Matt Cullen
Pittsburgh Penguins
New York Rangers (2006-07)
2017
Matt Cullen
Pittsburgh Penguins
New York Rangers (2006-07)
2018
Alex Chiasson
Washington Capitals
Calgary Flames (2017-18)
2019
Brayden Schenn
St. Louis Blues
Philadelphia Flyers (2011-12)
2020
Braydon Coburn
Tampa Bay Lightning
Philadelphia Flyers (2011-12)
2021
Jon Merrill
Montreal Canadiens
New Jersey Devils (2013-15)
2022
Ondrej Palat
Tampa Bay Lightning
Czech Republic (2014 Olympics)
2023
Aleksander Barkov
Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers (2014-17)
2024
Aleksander Barkov/Aaron Ekblad
Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers (2014-17)
2025
Aleksander Barkov
Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers (2014-17)
2026
Rasmus Andersson or Brett Kulak
Andersson: Vegas Golden Knights Kulak: Colorado Avalanche
Calgary Flames (2017-18)
Need a few other crazy Jagr facts? We have your fix:
Jagr is the second-highest scorer in NHL history – and that doesn't include the 463 professional points he has amassed outside the NHL.
Jagr's 1990 draft class is one of the most impressive in history, with 15 of the 21 first-round picks spending at least 12 seasons in the NHL.
Jagr's first NHL goal came October 7, 1990 – four days before the start of Season 2 of "The Simpsons"
Martin Brodeur was the last active player from Jagr's 1990 draft class aside from Jagr; Brodeur retired in 2015.
In three short seasons, Victor Wembanyama has the San Antonio Spurs knocking on the door of the Western Conference finals and making a case for the best player in the NBA.
Wembanyama leads San Antonio against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, and our Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions combine player props to identify the best bet for the 7-foot Frenchman.
Here are my NBA picks and Wembanyama predictions for Game 6 on May 15.
Victor Wembanyama prop pick
Victor Wembanyama best bet: Under 3.5 blocks (+105 at bet365)
Minnesota has the lowest effective field goal rate among all teams in Round 2 (47.1 EFG%) and has been plagued by poor starts, either mindlessly attacking the paint with Victor Wembanyama patrolling the paint or settling for tough outside shots.
To combat those slow starts, T-Wolves head coach Chris Finch told reporters that his offense needs to be patient and take its time, moving the ball to improve its chances in Game 6.
To find that space, Minnesota could go with a smaller rotation to stretch the Spurs’ interior defense.
We saw a bit of this in Game 5. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert received his fewest minutes of the postseason, as Finch utilized stretch forwards Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Jalen McDaniels at the No. 5 spot in order to draw Wembamyama away from the rim.
Wemby finished with only three blocks across 33 minutes in Game 5, and a more calculated attack from Minnesota – one that draws the 7-footer to the outside – would keep his shot swatting to a minimum.
Projections for Wembanyama range from 2.5 to 3.5 blocks in Game 6, with most models below 3 rejections.
The Spurs just have too much depth for the T-Wolves to keep track of. On top of Wembanyama’s output, San Antonio is getting excellent scoring from all five starters and deep down the bench.
While Wemby won’t send four or more shots back, he’s not shy about letting it fly from deep. He’s knocked down two or more triples in three of his last four games with that lone down spot in Game 4, when he was ejected after 12 minutes.
Projections call for two triples tonight.
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The Chicago White Sox are playing their best ball heading into a series with their crosstown rivals, winning five in a row by an aggregate score of 26-14.
My Cubs vs. White Sox predictions expect the home team to give the Cubs all they can handle in Game 1.
Let's take a closer look at my MLB picks for Friday, May 15.
Who will win Cubs vs White Sox today: White Sox +1.5 (-135)
All arrows are pointing upwards for the Chicago White Sox, who have won five consecutive games and posted strong indicators in May.
The White Sox rank fourth in wOBA, second in ISO, and second in hard hit rate against right-handed pitching this month – ahead of their North Side counterparts in each category.
Pitching has also been a strength. Sean Burke will be backed by a bullpen that owns a clean 1.00 WHIP and sits seventh in xFIP in May.
With everything coming together, it's easy to see how the ChiSox have covered +1.5 in 14 of 16. Expect that trend to continue.
Cubs vs White Sox Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-115)
Burke has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his past six starts. He's walking few batters and limiting hard contact, which is a good recipe for success.
With a strong, in-form bullpen backing him up, the White Sox should limit a Chicago Cubs offense that has scored five runs over the past five games.
Edward Cabrera is sporting a 33.1 FB% this season. His ability to keep the ball on the ground equips him to slow down a White Sox team that sits fifth in homers and is more reliant on the longball than stringing together hits.
Todd Cordell's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 17-7, +7.28 units
Over/Under bets: 10-13-1, -4.11 units
Cubs vs White Sox odds
Moneyline: Cubs -145 | White Sox +125
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+115) | White Sox +1.5 (-135)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)
Cubs vs White Sox trend
The Cubs have hit the Under in six straight games. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. White Sox.
How to watch Cubs vs White Sox and game info
Location
Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Friday, May 15, 2026
First pitch
7:40 p.m. ET
TV
Marquee, CHSN
Cubs starting pitcher
Edward Cabrera (3-1, 3.89 ERA)
White Sox starting pitcher
Sean Burke (2-3, 3.68 ERA)
Cubs vs White Sox latest injuries
Cubs vs White Sox weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
May 14, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) runs out the bases after hitting a two run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images
If you’re visiting Over the Monster this morning, it’s because you care about the Boston Red Sox. Every day, most of us read, write, and talk about a baseball team that is, at the very least, background noise for our summers. Whether at the game, on the television, or on the radio, the Red Sox are the soundtrack to my life. Shoutout, Kid Cudi.
I went to Fenway Park last night (not a humble brag), and I had serious concerns upon leaving. Not just about the team, but about what it sounded like in the stadium. We all know that opposing fans have been slowly increasing their presence at Fenway in recent years, but it’s not even summer vacation season yet and it’s getting ugly.
When Kyle Schwarber hit his nightly home run, it genuinely sounded like a home game for the Phillies. I had a perfect view from behind the Phillies’ on-deck circle, seats that were certainly not the ones that I paid for, as it was plenty easy to move up thanks to the weather and the product on the field these days. As an Always Sunny episode unfolded around me, there was very little that Red Sox fans in attendance could yell back. I wasn’t even mad about the home run, as Schwarber is my favorite non-Red Sox player, and he should still be playing in Boston in my opinion. Dave Dombrowski should also still be the GM of this team. And there should be star power still residing on the Boston bench, as it did on the other side of the infield this week.
Unfortunately, we’re stuck with this team. As someone with very few hobbies, I want to be at the ballfield all summer. It’s just a matter of whether it’s this ballfield. Even when the team is ordinary, Fenway is usually a sellout during the summer months, but this year just feels different. People are pissed.
So, do you want to go to Fenway Park this summer? Will you go less often than you usually do? Talk about this or whatever else you want in thus space and, as always, be good to each other.
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 31: José Suarez #54 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the in the second inning during the game against the Athletics at Truist Park on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another week in the books! Welcome to Friday A’s fans.
Yesterday morning the A’s announced the addition of some outside bullpen help, acquiring left-hander Jose Suarez from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations:
The Athletics have acquired left-handed pitcher José Suarez from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations and designated outfielder Junior Perez for assignment.
In order to make room on the 40-man roster for Suarez, the team designated outfielder Junior Perez for assignment, meaning any of the other 29 teams in the league can claim him. The A’s will be immediately adding Suarez to the bullpen today so there will be another corresponding roster move to make immediate room on the 26-man roster.
Suarez should be a name plenty familiar to A’s fans after he spent 2019-2024 seasons down south with the division-rival Angels. The left-hander then spent a year on the other side of the country with the Braves and began this season with them before finding his way to Seattle. Split between the Braves and Mariners this year the 28-year-old has pitched in just nine games, allowing 13 runs in 18 1/3 innings of work which comes out to a 6.38 ERA. Not a great season to date.
That said, the former starting pitcher has been better in the ‘pen as a left-handed relief option and the numbers back that up. He’s got strikeout potential but also has major control issues. As of now the only lefty in Mark Kotsay’s bullpen is Hogan Harris so the need to add another lefty was clear. With Suarez getting DFA’d the A’s are taking a chance that the team can fix him and get him back to the point he was just a few years ago, when he looked like a budding backend starter for the Angels.
To bring in Suarez, the A’s needed roster space so they made the decision to designate outfield prospect Junior Perez for assignment. Widely considered a top-20 prospect in the Athletics’ organization, Perez was added to the 40-man roster this offseason to prevent him getting selected in the Rule 5 Draft. The logic was sound as he was coming off a fantastic .231/.348/.478 slash line with 26 homers and 27 steals split between Double and Triple-A. Add in the fact that many believed he was nearly as good a defender in center field as Denzel Clarke, it was clear the A’s front office liked what they were seeing from the then-23-year-old.
Things unfortunately have not gone nearly as smoothly for Perez here in 2026 as he’s limped to a .210/.273/.384 line while striking out more and walking less. He’s looked outmatched at the minor leagues’ highest level so far this season and even though he ranked as the team’s 20th-best prospect, the decision has been made to remove him off the 40-man roster and risk him getting claimed. The team will surely be hoping he slips through and remains in Las Vegas but his awesome year last season could entice another club to bring Perez aboard. Stay tuned to see how his situation unfolds.
Turning to the big league squad, we got the San Francisco Giants coming to town this weekend for a three-game set. The former Bay Area rivals have gotten off to a horrendous start this year as they sit fourth in the NL West with a 18-25 record, tied for fourth-worst in the entire sport. Almost nothing has gone right for new manager Tony Vitello in his first year as a manager in the professional ranks and many Giants fans are already beginning to wonder if he was the right pick to lead a veteran-laded squad.
Speaking of the Giants’ vets, they’ve been absolutely hamstrung by horrid seasons to date from the likes of Willy Adames, Rafael Devers and former A’s All-Star Matt Chapman. None of them have been living up to the massive contracts they are tied to and that’s been a huge reason why the Giants rank last or near last in most offensive categories. They’re last in runs scored, with the team ahead of them having scored a full 15 runs more than SF. They’ve gotten above-average production out of fourth-year infielder Casey Schmitt, and left fielder Heliot Ramos and longtime veteran Luis Arraez have provided production, but they’re big bats have slumped and are a big reason why the Giants are on track to be sellers this summer.
The pitching schedule for this weekend looks like mostly veteran-on-veteran matchups, and the A’s might be getting lucky avoiding seeing any of the Giants’ top starters in Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. Tonight’s series opener will pit Aaron Civale against Tyler Mahle. While both signed one-year deals this offseason, Civale has been far and away better as the 31-year-old Mahle has struggled in his first season in SF. Civale has been on an absolute roll as well while Mahle has surrendered nine runs in his last three starts (though one of those was a scoreless appearance).
Saturday will be the only day we see a young arm take the mound as the Giants will hope rookie right-hander Trevor McDonald can go toe-to-toe with Luis Severino. McDonald, considered a top-15 prospect in the Giants’ farm system, has gotten off to a quick start to his season as he’s made two solid starts for SF since being recalled a couple weeks ago. Not much of a track record for him to show off but the Giants are getting desperate for pitching help and he’s provided some so far. Severino, the grizzled veteran on the other hand, has had an up-and-down season so far but is on the up and up right now. Sevy has made four consecutive solid starts, allowing just five runs over his past four starts spanning 24 innings of work. With a 4.07 ERA he’ll have an excellent chance to get that number under 4 facing a struggling Giants offense.
And Sunday we wrap the series and home stand with Jeffrey Springs going up against Adrian Houser. Like Mahle, Houser was an offseason addition meant to stabilize the SF rotation while providing some possible upside. Things have gone south for him however as he got hit hard in April. Things have begun to turn around for Houser as the calendar has shifted to May though. Springs meanwhile has been the team’s best pitcher overall this year but is coming off a starting appearance that saw him allow four runs in the first inning. He grinded though and provided five full innings without allowing another run so the hope is that he can just pick up where he left off and keep up his great season against the Giants on Sunday afternoon in Sacramento.
That’s all we got this morning. First pitch tonight is at 6:40 everyone so set your alarms. And have a great weekend everyone.
Tough break for one of the A’s top pitching prospects. On the bright side doesn’t sound too serious:
As it turns out, Lin wasn't scratched due to an impending promotion. It turns out he's likely dealing with a quad issue… https://t.co/27UfO25O5A
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) May 14, 2026
Any guesses how far Kurtz can take this streak? Is McGuire in trouble?
A’s longest single-season on-base streaks, last 40 years:
1996 Mark McGwire: 48 games 1998 Jason Giambi: 39 1997 Jason Giambi: 39 2026 Nick Kurtz: 37 *active 2006 Nick Swisher: 36 1998 Ben Grieve: 33 https://t.co/2yq0MjSD3o
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) May 14, 2026
ICYMI:
RHP Brooks Kriske/SS Jacob Wilson to A’s IL RHP Mason Barnett/OF Henry Bolte/IF Michael Stefanic to A’s 3B B.Harris to LV RHP Eduarniel Nunez DFA’d A.Wynns released IF J.Kuroda-Grauer/IF C.Halter/OF J.Dickey to LV IF E.Angeles/IF B.Boser/C-IF D.Diaz to MIDhttps://t.co/joKXkyUAPy
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) May 13, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 06: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with James Wood #29 in the dugout after hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa McDaniel/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
A matchup that was once known as the MASN Cup takes on a new identity this summer. The Nationals are now one of the many teams that works directly with MLB to broadcast their games locally. Meanwhile, the Orioles are back out on their own channel for the first since 2004, when they were still on Comcast SportsNet. Everything old is new again.
As for the on-field play, these two teams are in frustratingly similar places. The Nationals are 21-23, nine games back of first place in the NL East and 4.5 games back of the final wild card spot in the NL. The Orioles are 20-24, nine games back of first place in the AL East but only 1.5 games back of the final wild card spot in the AL.
Washington has one of the most productive lineups in baseball. The 236 runs they have scored is just one fewer than the league-leading Atlanta Braves. Other stats where they rank within the top five in MLB: doubles, slugging percentage, and stolen bases.
CJ Abrams and James Wood lead the attack. Abrams’ 158 wRC+ is the best on the team, as is his .292 batting average, .390 on-base, and .532 slug. Wood is the masher of the group. He has hit 12 home runs on the year and scored 36 runs, both team highs. The Rockville native is a “three true outcomes” type, as he has a 17.0% walk rate and a 31.9% strikeout rate.
Joey Wiemer (154 wRC+), Curtis Mead (126 wRC+), José Tena (122 wRC+), Daylen Lile (113 wRC+), and Luis García Jr (108 wRC+) have all done well at the plate too. Nasim Nuńez isn’t much of a threat in the box (62 wRC+), but be careful if he gets on base. His 18 steals are tied for the most in Major League Baseball, and he has only been caught twice.
Run prevention is where Washington has struggled. No one has allowed more than the 256 runs that they have, and only the Astros (5.59) have a worse ERA than the D.C.’s 5.01. The bullpen has been a bit better than the rotation. Their ERA is just 4.81, and it has come across 204 innings, the biggest workload of any bullpen in the league.
Six different Nationals pitchers have recorded saves on the year, but the team doesn’t really have a lockdown arm. Gus Varland leads the squad with four saves. He also has a 4.50 ERA and only strikes out 9.56 per nine innings. Outside of that, it’s an anonymous crew that is still figuring out roles. Old friend Cionel Pérez has tossed 16 innings for them this season, but he elected free agency earlier this month and is now in the Mets organization.
The Washington IL is full of pitchers. Noteable inclusions are Josiah Gray (right flexor strain) and Trevor Williams (right elbow sprain). Neither one will play this weekend.
It feels fair to say that Baz has had one genuinely good start in an Orioles uniform. That came against the Astros in late April. Over his two starts since, the power righty has allowed 10 earned runs over 10.1 total innings. Walks have been an issue for him. If he can avoid the free passes, things should work out alright. That’s easier said than done, of course.
Littell was brought in to be a dependable veteran arm in a Washington rotation that needed the structure. Instead, he has struggled mightily. He is walking (3.22 BB/9) and striking out (4.21 K/9) batters at nearly an identical rate. His 8.26 FIP is even worse than his 6.94 ERA.
Game 2: Saturday, May 16th, 4:05 p.m., MASN, FS1
RHP Chris Bassitt (3-2, 5.21 ERA) vs. RHP Cade Cavalli (1-2, 4.02 ERA)
Two of the last three starts that Bassitt has made have gone well! He gave up just one run in six innings against the Athletics earlier in the week, and allowed one run over 6.2 frames against the Astros at the end of April. In between the two was a poor outing in Miami. But overall, it is improvement! The Orioles do not need perfection from Bassit. They need innings and solid quality. More recently, he has provided exactly that.
Cavalli has been a bright spot in the Nationals rotation, though he has waned recently. The 27-year-old is a hard thrower, but it’s his off-speed stuff that gets the best marks. Even still, it’s a fastball-heavy arsenal that should give the Orioles a chance to score some runs.
Game 3: Sunday, May 17th, 1:35 p.m., MASN
RHP Brandon Young (3-1, 4.15 ERA) vs. RHP Miles Mikolas (1-3, 7.00 ERA)
It’s tough to complain about what Young has come in and provided this Orioles rotation. He’s had one bad start in five attempts, and even in that one he was able to provide a little bit of length (four innings) despite an early meltdown. The Texas native has done nothing to change the perspective that he is simply a placeholder until Dean Kremer is back, but it feels like he has edged ahead of several others in the organizational depth chart when it comes to being the go-to spot starter when needed.
Mikolas allowed 11 earned runs in his second start of the year and has been fighting that in his ERA ever since. Overall, the veteran has been OK, I guess. The team doesn’t ask him for much, usually three to five innings without allowing the game to slip away. Usually he is able to accomplish that. You can expect a lot of ground balls. Mikolas is among the league leaders in that department (54.4% ground ball rate).
How many games do you think the Orioles will win in this series? Let us know in the comments.
Mar 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Jose Suarez (54) throws against the Athletics in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Despite a lofty 36.1% strikeout rate, Luke Raley’s hot season with the stick continues. Do you believe in his performance so far, or do you expect him to come crashing back to earth?
In Mariners news…
In case you missed it, Cal Raliegh was placed on the injured list for the first time in his career with an oblique issue.
The Seattle Mariners have partnered with Live Nation to build a new concert venue near T-Mobile Park. The venue will take over the site of the old Pyramid Brewery and is expected to open in 2029.
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