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Mets stymied by old friend Adrian Houser before rallying for walk-off win over White Sox

Adrian Houser struggled mightily during his brief time with the Mets.

The right-hander ended up being designated for assignment after pitching to a 5.84 ERA across 23 appearances (seven starts) while being bounced back and forth between the bullpen and starting rotation.

Houser then found himself stuck working his way back to the majors, until last week.

After landing with the Chicago White Sox on a one-year big-league deal, he immediately jumped into their starting rotation and provided a much-needed veteran arm for the young and struggling club.

And, of course, his turn came around for the series opener Monday afternoon.

Taking the Citi Field mound for the first time since being released by the club he delivered a terrific outing -- limiting his former teammates to just three hits and a walk while striking out six over six-plus scoreless innings.

“He was nasty today man,” Tyrone Taylor said. “His sinker was working really well, his changeup off of it was good and he was mixing in his slider good too -- I talked to him after, that was gross.”

“He was really good,” Carlos Mendoza added. "The way the ball was coming out it was 95, 96. The movement, I thought the changeup was good and he kept attacking. He didn’t shy away from contact -- we had a few at-bats where guys were up there swinging at the first pitch and he kept them in the ground.”

Houser is now just the sixth player in franchise history to throw six-plus scoreless innings in each of his first two starts with the White Sox.

Luckily for the Mets, they were able to overcome the revenge game and rallied for two runs off of the sluggish Chicago bullpen -- walking things off on Francisco Lindor’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth.

“Houser was really good for them, it was just a great team win,” Lindor said.

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Francisco Lindor, Mets continue to deliver late-game magic: 'No matter what inning it is, we trust our guys'

The Mets keep getting the job done late in games. 

New York was stymied by old friend Adrian Houser over the first seven innings on Monday afternoon, but it was finally able to string together some knocks after getting into the shaky White Sox bullpen.

Francisco Alvarez has been struggling against fastballs of late, but he squared up a 2-2 offering low in the zone from left-hander Cam Booser to get things started leading off the eighth with a single.

Luisangel Acuña then came off the bench, and his speed made an immediate difference as he went first to third on a Brandon Nimmo single to right and then scored the tying run on a Juan Soto flyout to shallow left.

“Alvarez’s ability to work an at-bat was a good sign,” Carlos Mendoza said. “That’s where it starts -- getting on time allows you to make good swing decisions. It was good to see him getting us going there in the eighth.”

“Acuña there is a real weapon for us,” the skipper added. “Even though he’s not getting everyday playing time, you feel like at some point he’s going come in and he’s going to help you do something to win a baseball game.”

An inning later, the Mets were able to pull out that victory. 

After Edwin Diaz worked around a two out walk in the top of the ninth, Tyrone Taylor continued his stretch of strong play on both sides of the ball by driving a 2-2 sweeper into the left-center gap for a leadoff double.

Jeff McNeil was then intentionally walked and a Luis Torrens single loaded the bases for Francisco Lindor, who jumped on a first pitch sweeper and crushed it to deep right for a game-winning sacrifice fly. 

“I was just looking for something in the area I wanted, and it showed up,” Lindor said after picking up his third walk-off RBI of the season. 

“The moment is never too big for him,” Mendoza added. “He’s aggressive with pitches to hit and he’s got conviction when he’s making those decisions -- that’s what great players do over and over and over, and he keeps doing it for us.”

The Mets have now delivered five walk-off wins on the season.

They've also shown that fight that was on display so often during their NLCS run last year, coming from behind in 13 of their 33 victories on the year thus far.

“No matter what inning it is, we trust our guys,” Taylor said.

“It puts a smile on our faces,” Lindor added. “There’s different ways of winning games and today was one of them. Going first to third, sac flies, good defense, the bullpen coming in and doing the jo -- whenever it seems like things aren’t clicking, things are clicking. It’s a good thing.”

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‘How much more can he take?’ Nick Kyrgios’s latest injury casts doubt on tennis future

  • Kyrgios feeling ‘pretty down’ after pulling out of French Open

  • ‘You’ve just got to feel for him,’ says fellow Australian Jordan Thompson

Nick Kyrgios has been left crestfallen after a fresh knee injury forced him to abandon his planned return to action at the French Open, leaving more question marks over the luckless former Wimbledon finalist’s future in the sport.

Jordan Thompson, who had been set to play alongside his Australian compatriot in his first French Open for eight years, revealed the extent of his friend’s misery with Kyrgios telling him he did not know how much more he could take after his latest setback.

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NHL Draft Watch: Ottawa Senators Hope To Deal Themselves Another Winner At 21

So far, here in the roaring 20s, the Ottawa Senators' first-round picks at the NHL Draft have been all or nothing. They’ve either landed in the top 10 or haven’t had a first-round pick at all.

In 2020, the Senators had three first-rounders, including two in the top five, where they landed franchise pillars, Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson. The following year, they picked 10th overall and selected Tyler Boucher, who had 10 points in 47 AHL games this season.

Sens Headlines:

Carter Yakemchuk Ranked 26th Overall In Magazine's New NHL Prospect Rankings
Ottawa Senators Make More Front Office Changes
Ottawa Senators Prospect Parts Ways With Organization And Signs Back Home In Sweden

Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more. 

In 2022 and 2023, Ottawa didn’t have a first-rounder, having traded those picks in separate deals to acquire Alex DeBrincat and Jakob Chychrun. Then in 2024, they returned to the top 10, drafting defenseman Carter Yakemchuk at 7th overall.

This year, it’s a happy medium, with the Senators holding the 21st pick. It won’t be the first time Ottawa has picked at No. 21. This will actually be the fourth time, and in each previous instance, the Senators ended up with an NHL player. 

Anton Volchenkov – 2000

We’re nearing the 25th anniversary of the Senators drafting Russian defenseman Anton Volchenkov at No. 21 in 2000. Known for his fearless shot-blocking and physical play, Volchenkov debuted with Ottawa two years later and spent seven seasons with the team in its glory years.

In 2010, he signed a six-year, $25 million deal with the New Jersey Devils. But with a lot of wear and tear on his body, the Devils bought him out four years in. He wrapped up his NHL career with the Nashville Predators in 2014–15.

Stefan Noesen – 2011

Just like in 2020, the Senators had three first-round picks in 2011. They took Mika Zibanejad at No. 6, Matt Puempel at No. 24, and in between, they selected Plymouth Whalers forward Stefan Noesen at No. 21. Two years later, Noesen was part of a trade package sent to Anaheim—along with Jakob Silfverberg and a first-round pick—for Bobby Ryan.

Noesen developed slowly, not becoming a full-time NHL player until 2017–18 with the New Jersey Devils, where he scored 27 points in 72 games. After bouncing around as a depth player for a few more years after that, he found his stride with the Carolina Hurricanes for two years, and just had a career-best season back with New Jersey at age 32, scoring 22 goals and 41 points in 78 games.

Colin White – 2015

Three picks after selecting Thomas Chabot, the Senators drafted center Colin White at No. 21. The two quickly became close—roommates and friends—with identical birthdays (January 30, 1997). Seen as part of Ottawa’s core, both signed long-term contracts in the offseason in 2019.

While Chabot’s deal is too pricey at $8 million, White’s six-year, $28.5 million deal became a much bigger issue. Just three years into the deal, the Senators bought him out. Under the terms of the buyout, Ottawa will be paying him $875,000 annually for each of the next three seasons. In the meantime, he's a half-decent AHL scorer who wasn't able to crack the lineup of the San Jose Sharks, the NHL's worst team. White will be a UFA on July 1st.

Sharks To Sign Former First-Round Pick To NHL DealSharks To Sign Former First-Round Pick To NHL DealThe San Jose Sharks are in the process of converting forward Colin White's contract to an NHL deal.

The general managers of the past – the Twenty One Pilots – were Marshall Johnston (Volchenkov) and Bryan Murray (Noesen and White). This year, it's Steve Staios.

Staios and the Senators still have work to do on the roster, both among their top-six forwards and on the blue line. Since so many teams tend to prioritize forwards early in the draft, and considering that Volchenkov remains their best historical pick at No. 21, perhaps it’s a sign that it might be a good point in the draft to look to the blue line again.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News/Ottawa

Bookmark The Hockey News Ottawa and never miss the latest Senators news, interviews, columns, features and more. 

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Mets rally late, beat White Sox 2-1 on Francisco Lindor's walk-off sacrifice fly

The Mets walked off the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Monday afternoon at Citi Field.

Here are the takeaways...

- Adrian Houser struggled during his brief time with the Mets, and he was DFA'd after just 69.1 innings. As expected, though, the righty was spectacular while making his first outing back at Citi Field with the White Sox. He held New York to just two baserunners while striking out six the first two times through the order.

- Fortunately for the Mets, Clay Holmes did a good job of matching Houser early on. The right-hander found himself in immediate danger as the White Sox pushed a man into scoring position with a leadoff walk and a groundout in the first, but a diving stop from Pete Alonso helped end the threat.

Holmes then went on a stretch where he retired the next six batters in order, before Chicago struck in the fourth. After Mike Tauchman walked and Miguel Vargas doubled to leadoff the inning, the White Sox scratched across the games opening run on a sacrifice fly.

After a scoreless fifth, he returned for the sixth but couldn't finish the inning after the White Sox loaded the bases with two outs. José Butto entered and closed out the frame unscathed -- solidifying his final line with just the one run allowed on four hits and three walks.

Holmes was squeezed by home plate umpire John Libka, but he still finished just one out shy of putting together his fifth quality start in his last seven outings.

- Butto came back out for the seventh, but he was pulled after allowing a one out walk. After the runner advanced into scoring position on a stolen base, Huascar Brazoban was helped out by another diving play from Alonso to strand him there.

- With 88 pitches, Houser returned for the bottom of the seventh and allowed Juan Soto and Alonso to reach on a walk and bloop single before being lifted -- a two out walk to Tyrone Taylor loaded the bases, but Jeff McNeil struck out looking to end the inning.

- The Mets were finally able to strike in the eighth against lefty Cam Booser. Singles from Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Alvarez put runners on the corners with one out for Soto -- who lifted a two strike sacrifice fly to shallow left, evening the game at one.

Brett Baty had a chance to put them in front with the bases loaded and two outs, but he flew out to right.

- After Edwin Diaz put together an easy top of the ninth, the Mets quickly loaded the bases with a Tyrone Taylor double and two walks -- Francisco Lindor then lifted a sacrifice fly to deep right field, giving the Mets their fifth walk-off win of the season.

Game MVP: Francisco Lindor

The star shortstop just missed crushing a walk-off grand slam but settled for the sac fly.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets and White Sox return to action on Tuesday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

RHP Tylor Megill (3-4, 3.56 ERA) goes for New York and will be opposed by RHP Shane Smith (1-3, 2.36 ERA).

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Edmonton Oilers Survive Without Mattias Ekholm, But He Could Be The Final Puzzle Piece

The Edmonton Oilers have been thriving in the current Stanley Cup playoffs, taking a 2-1 series lead in their Western Conference final series against the Dallas Stars. But for as good as the Oilers have looked, they could be even better if veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm returns to the lineup this week.

It’s still undecided if Ekholm will play in Tuesday’s Game 4 against the Stars, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters on Monday, but he remains day-to-day, meaning he could play on Thursday as well.

Edmonton has been without Ekholm’s services since the second week of April, nursing an injury that has hampered him for months. But in Ekholm’s absence, the Oilers have managed not only to survive but to put themselves in a position to add more or less a trade deadline-type asset who adds the type of physical, high-panic-threshold presence any true Cup contender needs at this time of year.

The way things are shaking out, Ekholm could be the final puzzle piece that puts the Oilers over the top and into the winner’s circle over either the Florida Panthers or Carolina Hurricanes in the Cup final. 

When this writer made his Western final prediction, we noted there was very little separating the Stars and Oilers. Through three games, that’s the way the series has played out, with Edmonton winning Games 2 and 3 to steal home-ice advantage from Dallas. We believed another returning veteran defenseman – Stars star Miro Heiskanen – would be one of the difference-makers in Dallas’ favor, but the Oilers have been able to pile up goals on Dallas netminder Jake Oettinger despite Heiskanen being in the lineup.

Mattias Ekholm (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Ekholm’s experience and veteran know-how are highly valuable, and his ability to eat up major minutes – he averaged 22:12 of ice time this regular season, and he’s averaged 23:42 in 112 career playoff games – will have a terrific ripple effect on what the Oilers can do the rest of the way.

If Ekholm does get back in the lineup this week, life will get considerably more difficult for Stars players who enter Edmonton’s defensive zone. Ekholm’s 6-foot-5 frame and willingness to play a robust physical game will benefit the Oilers. 

The 35-year-old Swede is about to enter the final year of his contract, meaning there’s going to be some urgency to his game. Elite NHL teams want to have players who seize the moment, and after so much time on the sidelines, Ekholm should come into this series knowing how precious these opportunities really are. So, imagining he’s going to ratchet up his game isn’t at all a stretch.

The Stars are a very good bounce-back squad, so the Oilers are far from out of the woods in this Western final showdown. But the emotional and structural boost they could get from a returning Ekholm can’t be overstated. 

Ekholm is a calming influence and an experienced contributor who isn’t going to mess around once he does get into game action. Edmonton will need all hands on deck if they’re to win this year’s Cup, but so long as Ekholm does what he normally does when he’s healthy, the Oilers are in a good spot.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Chris Taylor is staying in SoCal. Angels sign former Dodgers utilityman

Chris Taylor takes batting practice before making his Angels debut against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium.
Chris Taylor takes batting practice before making his Angels debut against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium on May 26. (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)

Former Dodgers utilityman Chris Taylor signed a one-year, major league minimum contract with the Angels on Monday.

Taylor will start in center field against the New York Yankees on Monday and bat eighth.

Angels prospect Kyren Paris, who was struggling at the plate in recent weeks — hitting just .190 — was optioned to triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Taylor on the roster.

“He’s been through the wars,” Angels manager Ron Washington said of Taylor, adding that the Angels plan to use him in the outfield and the infield. “He's a good piece for those young guys to talk to about how to handle a grind. He’s been in a grind over there with L.A., every day, winning, and we want that.”

Chris Taylor, left, is greeted by an Angels coach before batting practice at Angel Stadium on May 26.
Chris Taylor, left, is greeted by an Angels coach before batting practice at Angel Stadium on May 26. (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)

Released by the Dodgers in the final year of his four-year, $60-million contract last week, Taylor was hitting .200 with seven hits in 35 at-bats before entering free agency. Washington is hopeful Taylor's reputation for being a quiet clubhouse leader will help revive an Angels team two games under .500.

“I'm excited to stay home — I get to live at home,” Taylor said. "The Angels have been playing really good baseball, so I'm excited to join the team and hopefully get on the field. That was one thing with the Dodgers this year, just my role, I wasn't getting on the field that much. So I'm really just looking forward to, like, getting consistent at-bats and playing time."

A career .250 hitter and a one-time All-Star, the 34-year-old Taylor has experience playing in the infield and all three outfield positions, adding versatility and depth to an Angels team waiting for outfielder Mike Trout’s return from the injured list (knee). Taylor said general manager Perry Minasian and Washington told him he’d be playing three to four times a week. Taylor believes he’ll be slotted into the lineup at center field Tuesday as well.

“First and foremost, I want to perform on the field,” said Taylor, who attributed his multi-season batting slump to swing mechanics. “I want to help this team win ballgames. I feel like I have a lot to prove to myself. I haven't performed to how I feel I'm capable of playing the last couple seasons, and I kind of want to turn that around.”

Angels closer Kenley Jansen, who played alongside Taylor on the Dodgers from 2016 to 2021, learned of Taylor’s signing while on his way to Angel Stadium.

“It’s nice to have him back,” said Jansen, who said he spoke to Minasian about Taylor on Sunday. “I think once he gets more playing time here, I think, you know, it's going to be great for the organization and help us win ball games.”

Read more:Angels upbeat about their future despite dropping back-to-back games

When asked about Taylor’s release Wednesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said his former longest-tenured position player was looking for an opportunity to play more often rather than accepting a demotion to triple A.

“He wanted an opportunity, if it wasn't going to be here to play more, to play somewhere else,” Roberts said. “So that's kind of the thought behind how it played out, and I respect him for betting on himself and hopefully get an opportunity to play more somewhere else."

Taylor should get those opportunities with the Angels. As he put it, playing at Angel Stadium is a fresh start, an opportunity to regain his previous form in the batter’s box.

"It was emotional,” Taylor said of his Dodgers departure. “I've been on the Dodgers for nine years, but I do believe it was time for me. It was my time to kind of start fresh, hopefully turn the page, start a new chapter. I'm excited to do that here.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Three Potential Paths Forward For Former Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan

Brendan Shanahan’s days with the Toronto Maple Leafs ended last week. 

Now, Shanahan has to plot out his next career move. But when you think about Shanahan’s trajectory from NHL star to NHL executive to Maple Leafs president, it’s clear his work ethic has never left him.

So, what’s next for Shanahan after Maple Leafs Sports Entertainment decided not to renew his contract? Let’s examine three potential paths ahead for him.

1. Take A Break

After Shanahan’s Hockey Hall of Fame playing career ended in October 2009, he went to work on his off-ice career, joining the NHL about a month later as the league’s vice-president of hockey and business development. A year-and-a-half later, he moved on to become the league’s senior vice-president, working on supplemental discipline for NHLers and becoming the face of the player safety department.

Less than three years after that, Shanahan took on the job of running the Leafs, which he did for the next 11 years. All of which is to say Shanahan could be looking at a prolonged vacation for the first time in his adult life. Maybe that’s what’s best for him to recharge his batteries and wait for the ideal work situation to present itself before he chooses to get back on the horse and ride in a new role.

Shanahan doesn’t need to shoehorn himself into any one situation, which is why nothing came of the New York Islanders’ rumored interest in him. Ultimately, who wouldn’t want to spend more time with their family? Shanahan now has that option for himself for the foreseeable future.

Brendan Shanahan (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

2. Get Back In The Hunt With A New Team

Some have speculated that Shanahan will want to get back to work as quickly as possible, and who knows – taking on the job of a retooling team like the Nashville Predators or Buffalo Sabres might be a good fit for him. But we see Shanahan as waiting for a different team that could be seeking a new executive to oversee things. One team in particular could offer him the chance to reunite with an old friend and former teammate.

We’re talking, of course, about the Detroit Red Wings, which haven’t made the Stanley Cup playoffs in nine seasons. 

If there’s one thing Shanahan has shown he can do in Toronto, it’s getting a team back into the post-season with a strong core. Under Shanahan, the Maple Leafs drafted and developed Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander, and they signed John Tavares in 2018. The team also had six seasons of at least 100 points, including in 2017-18, its first 100-point campaign since 2003-04. The Red Wings, meanwhile, haven’t reached 100 points since 2014-15.

If he did join the Red Wings, Shanahan would likely be working once again with current Wings GM Steve Yzerman.

Hiring Shanahan to oversee things in the Motor City would work for Detroit’s ownership, which benefited from Shanahan’s expertise as a player. Perhaps there’s a setup where Yzerman could be bumped higher in the Red Wings’ management echelon – the way fellow legend Joe Sakic was elevated with the Colorado Avalanche – and Shanahan and Yzerman could wind up collaborating on key roster decisions for the Wings.

The Red Wings aren’t at the bare-bones stage of their development, so Shanahan may see Detroit as the team that will offer him the best option to step back into the fray and push a team into the post-season sooner rather than later. That may heighten the Red Wings’ Atlantic Division rivalry with the Maple Leafs. Thus, the Wings make a lot of sense for Shanahan as his next management destination.

Brendan Shanahan, The Leafs' President, Lacked Brendan Shanahan, The PlayerBrendan Shanahan, The Leafs' President, Lacked Brendan Shanahan, The PlayerWhen Brendan Shanahan was hired as the Toronto Maple Leafs president in 2014, and for the first couple of years after that, there was more optimism around this organization than there had been in decades. And for good reason.

3. Go Back To Work For The NHL

Shanahan has had a terrific relationship with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for decades now.

Having the opportunity to work once again at the NHL’s head office in New York City would also work for Shanahan as a longtime resident of Manhattan and someone who understands what it is to be part of the sports scene in the New York City area.

To be sure, working for another team is probably what best suits Shanahan’s competitive desire. But unless there’s an ideal situation with a team that checks all the boxes for him, going back to the league as a higher-up right away wouldn’t be seen as a step down for him. To the contrary – Shanahan’s notable impact with the “Shanahan Summit” demonstrated he can do something meaningful for the game he loves. 

If that means not running a team until such time as a perfect situation for him arises with a different franchise, Shanahan would be welcomed with open arms by Bettman & Co. If he wants to get back to work right away, the league has demonstrated it will find a role that he’s happy with. And after one or two years working for the league once again, the hockey landscape could look much different for Shanahan – and it could offer him a perfect fit eventually.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Former Senators Defenceman Officially Signs On To Play In Switzerland

When the Ottawa Senators acquired defenceman Erik Brännström as part of the 2019 Mark Stone trade, GM Pierre Dorion famously declared it to be his proudest day as GM. Unfortunately for Sens fans, Dorion was way off base about the player, which is something we've known for a long time.

Six years after the Senators so proudly acquired him, it's now official. Brännström is no longer in the NHL. 

Sens Headlines:
Will The Ottawa Senators Sign Shane Pinto To An Extension This Summer?
Senators Prospect Parts Ways With Organization And Signs Back Home In Sweden
Summer Breakups: Senators GM Steve Staios Prepares For Another Rebalancing Act

As HockeyNews.se reported back in April, the 25-year-old Swedish defenceman is headed to play pro hockey in Switzerland next season. Brännström has signed a three-year deal with Lausanne HC in the Swiss-A League.

In 2020-21, during the NHL's COVID-shortened 56-game season, Lausanne got a sneak preview of what Brannstrom might look like in the league. He suited up for 10 games with league rival Langnau HC, posting 8 points in the process. Lausanne has finished runner-up in the Swiss-A league in each of the past two seasons.

Before the trade to Ottawa, Brännström was seen as a blue-chip NHL prospect. Two years earlier, he was a first-round pick, chosen 17th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights. He captained Team Sweden at the 2018 World Junior Hockey Championships. 

Brannstrom played over 70 games for the Senators in each of the last two seasons, but the past year probably soured him on the league.

Last summer, at 24 years old and a restricted free agent, the Senators chose not to extend him a qualifying offer. Unlike his predecessor, who traded for Brannstrom, new GM Steve Staios felt no obligation to the undersized defenceman, nor did any other NHL team.

Brännström signed as a free-agent with the Colorado Avalanche last summer but was traded to the Vancouver Canucks before the season began. After playing 28 games in Vancouver, he was dealt to the New York Rangers as part of the J.T. Miller trade in late January and then traded again to the Buffalo Sabres just prior to the trade deadline. After leaving Vancouver, where he had some very good moments, he didn't play another NHL game.

Brännström's NHL career ends, at least for now, with 77 points and 162 penalty minutes in 294 NHL regular-season games. 

Steve Warne (@SteveWarneMedia)
The Hockey News-Ottawa

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Erik Brännström Signs Multi-Year Deal In Switzerland

Swedish defenseman Erik Brännström, 25, has signed a three-year contract with Lausanne HC, the National League club announced on Monday.

“We are very pleased to welcome Erik Brännström, a player we have been following for some time,” said Lausanne sports director John Fust. “His anticipation, mobility, and ability to contribute offensively make him a modern and complete defender. Our analysis confirms that his experience and versatility will be major assets for our squad.”

Brännström, who had played in North America from 2018 until now, had been rumored to be heading to Switzerland for some time.

Originally from Eksjö, Sweden, Brännström played junior hockey and turned pro with HV71 in nearby Jönköping.

Brännström was a first-round pick, 17th overall, by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and was moved to the Ottawa Senators in a 2019 multi-player deal that saw Vegas acquire Mark Stone.

From 2019 to 2024, Brännström’s career was fairly stable – mostly playing in the NHL for Ottawa with occasional assignments to the Belleville Senators, the team’s nearby AHL farm team.

However, this past season was quite chaotic for the diminutive, puck-moving defenseman. He signed as a free-agent with the Colorado Avalanche in the summer but was traded to the Vancouver Canucks before the season began. After playing 28 games in Vancouver, he was dealt to the New York Rangers as part of the J.T. Miller trade in late January and then traded again to the Buffalo Sabres just prior to the trade deadline. He did not play an NHL game for either of the latter two teams.

Overall, Brännström has 77 points and 162 penalty minutes in 294 NHL regular-season games.

Brännström joins a Lausanne team that has been one of Switzerland’s best the past few years and wants to win a title this year under reigning coach of the year Geoff Ward. Last season the team finished first in the regular season and has lost in the finals each of the past two seasons to the ZSC Lions.

In addition to Brännström, Lausanne has under contract for 2025-26 goaltenders Connor Hughes and Antoine Keller, as well as American Austin Czarnik, German Dominik Kahun, and Finns Janne Kuokkanen, and Antti Suomela, Lauri Pajuniemi and Sami Niku.

Photo © Robert Edwards-Imagn Images: Erik Brännström playing for the Vancouver Canucks in 2024-25.

Connor Hughes Returns To Switzerland, Signs Long-Term DealConnor Hughes Returns To Switzerland, Signs Long-Term Deal Canadian-Swiss goaltender Connor Hughes, 28, has signed a five-year contract with Lausanne HC, the National League club announced on Tuesday.
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Is Tarik Skubal on his way toward surpassing Justin Verlander's legend in Detroit?

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Detroit's Tarik Skubal is making a compelling case to stake his claim among modern Tigers legends —potentially even challenging Justin Verlander’s status in Detroit. In this episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," Yahoo Sports' Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman go in depth on Skubal’s masterpiece Sunday against Cleveland and what it means for his place in Tigers history.

Here’s how they frame the comparison:

Skubal’s most recent complete-game shutout (13 strikeouts, 94 pitches, 102.6 mph on his final pitch) was described as “one of the best games we’ve ever seen pitched.” The combination of dominance, efficiency and drama left a huge impression — not just on the hosts, but on the home crowd as well, who gave Skubal a hero’s ovation.

Mintz makes the point that Skubal has a certain charisma and openness to being “about the Detroit of it,” performing for the fans in a way Verlander didn’t always express. Skubal’s emotional reaction — wiping away tears after the standing ovation — shows just how much this team and city means to him.

Skubal’s journey (a ninth-round draft pick in 2018 rather than a top draft prospect) adds a special “underdog” flavor to his legend that sets him apart, even from Verlander, who was a No. 2 overall pick and highly touted from Day 1.

DETROIT, MI - MAY 25: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after throwing the final strikeout in his first career complete game to win the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, May 25, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Tarik Skubal reacts after throwing the final strikeout in his first career complete game on Sunday. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Rob Tringali via Getty Images

Shusterman and Mintz suggest there’s a unique energy around Skubal, a connection to the fans, an on-the-mound swagger, and the sense that Detroit can “dream on him” the way they did with Verlander in his prime.

“Skubal seems to love this and plays to the crowd … in a way that I don’t feel like Verlander ever was," Mintz said. "There’s just something about the way that Skubal goes about pitching that just connects there.”

Skubal had an outrageous strikeout-to-walk ratio (82 Ks, 3 BBs). While Verlander obviously has longevity and milestones (MVP, Cy Young, World Series, etc.), Skubal’s current run is the kind of sustained dominance that could build toward that kind of legendary status.

While Verlander’s legacy as a Tigers legend is carved in stone — thanks to years of elite pitching, a no-hitter and a Cy Young — Skubal is absolutely putting himself in the conversation. If he continues this trajectory, stays healthy, and leads the Tigers back to sustained relevance, there’s every chance we’ll be talking about the “Skubal era” in Detroit for years to come.

He’s not there yet — but he’s laying down the path, and fans (and the Baseball Bar-B-Cast crew) are here for it.

For more of the latest baseball news and debates, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Athletics, Rays have struggled in minor league ballparks that are their temporary homes

The Athletics — formerly of Oakland but not yet of Las Vegas — have one of the worst home records in baseball.

Maybe it figures.

The A’s are one of two big league teams playing in minor league ballparks this season, along with the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay was forced out of Tropicana Field after damage caused by Hurricane Milton, so the Rays are playing home games at the Yankees’ spring training base in Tampa. The A’s left Oakland and are spending at least three seasons at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento before moving to a planned ballpark in Las Vegas.

So far, these temporary venues don’t seem to be helping in the win column. Tampa Bay has played far more games at home than on the road, but the Rays are 16-18 at home and 10-8 away. For the A’s, the difference is even more jarring. They are 14-12 on the road but just 9-19 at home.

These are the only two teams in the major leagues that have a winning record on the road and a losing record at home.

After improving from 50-112 in 2023 to 69-93 last year, the A’s were actually above .500 less than two weeks ago. Then they dropped 11 in a row, the last six of which were at home, before finally beating Philadelphia 5-4 on Sunday.

The Athletics have a winning percentage of .538 on the road and .321 at home. That difference of .217 is on pace to set a modern record. The previous mark was “achieved” in the strike-shortened season of 1994 by the Chicago Cubs, who were 29-25 (.537) on the road and just 20-39 (.339) at home.

The record for a full season was set back in 1908, when Pittsburgh was 56-21 (.727) on the road and 42-35 (.545) at home.

Ironically, if you take out the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the Athletics already hold the modern record for the biggest home-road winning percentage difference in the other direction. In 1945, the Philadelphia A’s went 39-35 (.527) at home but just 13-63 (.171) on the road for a split of .356.

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Brewers demote Logan Henderson despite success as team anticipates return of other pitchers

MILWAUKEE — Despite being one of the best pitchers in the Milwaukee Brewers’ injury-plagued rotation this season, Logan Henderson is headed for the minors.

The Brewers optioned Henderson to Triple-A Nashville while reinstating DL Hall from the 60-day injured list. The move came Monday prior to Milwaukee’s game against the Boston Red Sox in the afternoon.

Henderson has compiled a 3-0 record and a 1.71 ERA over his first four career starts this season. He became the first pitcher in franchise history to win his first three major league games and the first in the majors’ modern era to start his career with a win in three consecutive appearances while striking out seven or more batters in each game.

Henderson leads the Brewers starting staff in ERA and in strikeouts per nine innings (12.4).

Manager Pat Murphy said “the kid has been so good,” but with the Brewers expecting the return of two other key rotation members, the timing is right to send him down.

“Quite frankly, for some of these young guys, get a blow. Get a rest,” Murphy said. “They’re just not machines.”

Along with Hall, the Brewers expect the return of José Quintana, who has been out with a left shoulder impingement, and Brandon Woodruff, a former top-of-the rotation starter and two-time All-Star who hasn’t pitched in the majors since September 2023 after undergoing major shoulder surgery.

Woodruff appeared set to rejoin the rotation earlier this month but his rehab was temporarily stalled by right ankle tendinitis.

“We’re going to need starters,” Murphy said. “We have to keep guys on schedule. We’ve got Woody coming back. We’ve got Quintana coming back. We need pitching. We have to preserve as many of these guys as we can. To preserve them, the best thing is to keep these guys built up. If they are not going to be in the major league rotation, then make sure they go down and get their pitches in.”

Henderson made an immediate splash after being called up in April. In his major league debut against the Athletics on April 20, he gave up three hits and one run over six innings while walking one and striking out nine.

He pitched five innings on Sunday against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, giving up five hits and one run while walking two and striking out six. In doing so, Henderson became only the second pitcher since 1901 to strike out at least six and allow two or fewer runs in each of his first four career starts in the majors.

“He wasn’t quite as sharp yesterday, but he’s been so good,” Murphy said. “He’s handled it so well. The conversation about going down. He totally understands how this works. (Henderson said) just know I’m going to go down there and work my tail off. The kid’s a delight to have around.”

Murphy deemed Henderson’s unexpected demotion as “solid thinking” and said the 23-year-old righty likely will be on an innings limit this season.

“There’s concern,” Murphy said. “He’s had injury history.”

Hall, who is cleared from injury, had been sidelined since spring training with a left lat strain.

“With the past two years having the injury bug, I’m itching every day to get back on the field,” Hall said.